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Hello, I'm Gina Christian, and you're listening to our OSV Newscast for Friday, August 21st, 2026. Let's catch you up on the Catholic news of the day. Here we go. Archbishop Bernard Hebda of St. Paul and Minneapolis presided August 19th at Mass ahead of a panel discussion with members of Minneapolis Annunciation Catholic School Community who recounted their experiences following a fatal shooting during an all-school mass on August 27th of last year. Two students were killed during the attack, 10-year-old Harper Moisky and eight-year-old Fletcher Merkel. In his homily at Our Lady of Grace Parish in the Minneapolis suburb of Hedina, Archbishop Hebda encouraged everyone to trust that God is treating us as that good shepherd, who makes sure that there is nothing we would want for in those green pastures to which he leads us. The four panelists, three parents and a student, shared their experiences of the shooting attack. Annunciation kindergarten teacher Laura Iden said, People ask me all the time how we are doing, how are the kids? How are the teachers? The reality is that I can only answer that question for myself, since this journey toward healing is incredibly personal. No one's story from that day is the same, and no journey is either. What I can see for myself is that my Annunciation community, my children and my students, keep me going. They need me, and I need them. The evening concluded with Archbishop Hebda and Our Lady of Grace's pastor, Father Kevin Finnegan, holding candles and leading a procession from the gathering hall to the church for time in silent prayer. All mosaics created by disgraced former Jesuit artist Father Marco Rupnik on the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary at the Marian Shrine in Lourdes will be covered ahead of Pope Leo XIV's September visit, and they'll remain hidden indefinitely. Bishop Jean-Marc Mika of Taube and Lourdes announced the move ahead of the Pope's September 25th through 28th journey to France, emphasizing that the Marian sanctuary must always welcome and prioritize abuse victims. The 71-year-old Father Rupnik denies wrongdoing as he faces an ongoing Vatican canonical trial over allegations of abusing more than two dozen women over several decades. Bishop Mikhail told OSV News that personal meetings with survivors, who described suffering abuse during the very creation of the mosaics, solidified his decision. While the entrance mosaics were concealed in March of last year, workers will now cover the entire facade before an expanded commission of artists and theologians reviews the facade's long-term future. Bishop Mika said that his role was to ensure that the Basilica welcomes everyone, especially victims of sexual abuse. The mosaics were commissioned in 2008 to mark the 150th anniversary of Mary's apparitions to Saint Bernadette Souberu. Pope Leo cautioned against a subtle form of digital domination, where algorithms dictate public discourse without accountability, and workers are reduced to data points. He also warned of technological colonialism, leaving developing nations increasingly dependent on wealthier powers. The Pope stressed that sound legislation must defend personal privacy, prevent worker exploitation, and protect the family from digital disruption and economic instability. The Pope told lawmakers that true progress requires technological innovation guided by conscience, wisdom, and charity. While the Holy See welcomed the pact, it warned that implementation is faltering. The 14-point agreement, brokered by the U.S. on June 26, outlines a phased roadmap to end hostilities in southern Lebanon by disarming the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group and ensuring the withdrawal of Israeli forces. Violence has persisted since fighting erupted in March. Lebanese health officials report over 4,300 dead and 12,300 wounded. Aoun thanked the Pope for his diplomatic efforts, urging the Vatican to help halt Israeli strikes and secure a full withdrawal. He also stressed that these steps must coincide with extending the Lebanese state's authority over its entire territory and confining the decision of war and peace solely to its hands as the only path to achieving security and stability along the borders. And finally, Catholic education is an act of hope that demands a holistic commitment from parents, clergy, and teachers to form children in the truth of Christ's love. That's according to Bishop Earl Fernandez of Columbus, Ohio. The bishop shared his thoughts in an 11-page pastoral letter released on August 18th. The document was accompanied by a strategic vision for Catholic education in the Diocese of Columbus, written by Superintendent Adam Dufault. Bishop Fernandez also included a copy of the Front Royal Statement, which outlines seven principles of Catholic elementary and secondary education that were agreed upon during a May conference at Christendom College. The bishop was one of the forty-five initial signatories of the text. Bishop Fernandez's pastoral letter and its supporting documents come as the Columbus Diocese has seen significant growth in its Catholic population, which Bishop Fernandez said has swelled to nearly half a million Catholics, with seminary enrollment more than doubling and wait lists at most parish schools. The bishop emphasized the need for Catholic educators and parents, who remain the primary faith educators of children, to live out their witness to Christ in order to communicate the reality of God to the next generation. He also highlighted specific strategies for renewing Catholic education, among them the incorporation of interiority, unity, love, and joy, four pillars identified by Pope Leo XIV in his address at the 2025 Jubilee of the World of Education. And that's your OSV Newscast for today. I'm Gina Christian. Check out the show notes for a link to our website where you can find the stories in this episode. As always, please do make sure to subscribe to this podcast, tell a friend, follow us on social media, and bookmark osvnews.com. Shout out to our listeners around the world. It's always good to see you checking in. Drop us a line, let us know what you think. Thanks so much for listening, and God bless.

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