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Articles by Tom Hoffarth
House speaker defends role of religion in public life at National Catholic Prayer Breakfast
U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., speaks during the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast in Washington March 19, 2026. (OSV News photo/Leslie E. Kossoff) House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., defended the role of religion in public life during comments March 19 at the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast in Washington.
In new pastoral message, El Paso bishop calls for end to mass deportations
Bishop Mark J. Seitz of El Paso, Texas, speaks during a Nov. 11, 2025, session of the fall general assembly of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in Baltimore. (OSV News photo/Bob Roller) Bishop Mark J. Seitz of El Paso, Texas, called for an end to mass deportation and redoubled efforts to show solidarity with those affected by that policy in a new pastoral message released March 15.
10 books by Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen to add to your reading list
Venerable Fulton J. Sheen, pictured in an undated photo, is remembered as one of the most influential and innovative evangelists in American history. Once dubbed "God's microphone," Archbishop Sheen announced God's truth in a nonconfrontational, yet no less life-giving, manner to untold millions through radio, print and television. (OSV News file photo) Venerable Fulton J.
Dodgers to reach 4-million fan milestone for the first time in team history
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China recognizes papal appointment of auxiliary bishop in Fuzhou
Chinese officials recognized Pope Leo XIV's appointment of an auxiliary bishop in the province of Fujian, China, the Vatican announced June 11. It was the pope's first appointment of a bishop in China since his election May 8. In accordance with the Vatican-Chinese provisional agreement regarding the appointment of bishops, Pope Leo had named Bishop Joseph Lin Yuntuan, 73, to be auxiliary bishop of Fuzhou June 5.
Protect Medicaid and SNAP
As the Senate began its consideration of a sweeping package for President Donald Trump's agenda, the U.S. bishops and other Catholic leaders urged lawmakers not to cut programs such as Medicaid or SNAP. In May, House Republicans passed what Trump calls his "one big, beautiful bill" -- and as such, later named the One Big Beautiful Bill Act -- which would enact key provisions of his legislative agenda on tax and immigration policy, and Trump has called for the Senate to follow suit by July 4.
Call out to Jesus for healing; he will hear you, pope says
When anyone cries out to God for healing or help, God always listens, Pope Leo XIV said. "There is no cry that God does not hear, even when we are not aware we are addressing him," the pope told thousands of people gathered under a hot sun in St. Peter's Square June 11. At his weekly general audience, the pope spoke about the Gospel story of the healing of Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46-52) as he continued a series of talks about how the life and ministry of Jesus is a source of hope.
'Perfect Eloquence' enshrines Vin Scully in baseball canon
It’s no accident that the greatest practitioner of one of America's most treasured secular liturgies was a faithful Catholic. For 57 years, from the major league baseball season of 1950 to that of 2016, Vin Scully (1927-2022) broadcast Dodgers baseball games.
Three more pro-life activists sentenced under FACE Act
Three more pro-life activists have been sentenced for violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act through their involvement in a 2021 blockade of a Tennessee abortion clinic. James Zastrow, Eva Zastrow, and Paul Place were sentenced to 90 days in home detention and three years of probation for a “rescue” attempt in which they blockaded the Carafem Health Center Clinic in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, according to reporting by ABC News.
Art center founded by Father Rupnik pushes back on removal of artwork
The artistic community founded by Father Marko Rupnik, the Slovenian priest accused of sexually, psychologically and spiritually abusing multiple women, dismissed calls from survivors to remove the artist's work, saying such decisions are a symptom of "cancel culture." In a statement published July 24, Maria Campatelli, director of the Centro Aletti, said that while the center has remained silent as it awaits the Dicastery for the Doctrine of Faith's investigation into the accusations, it...
Senate passes major online child safety legislation, but future in House uncertain
The U.S. Senate passed two major online child safety reforms July 30, but the bills face an uncertain future in the House. The bills -- the Children and Teens' Online Privacy Protection Act and the Kids Online Safety Act, sometimes called COPPA 2.0 and KOSA -- were approved by the upper chamber in a bipartisan 91-3 vote.
Santa Barbara Foresters to Host Vin Scully Day Book Event Ahead of Saturday's Game
The Santa Barbara Foresters, the 10-time National Baseball Congress World Series champions, will honor the legacy of Los Angeles Dodgers Hall of Fame broadcaster Vin Scully with a special panel conversation, audience Q&A and book signing prior to the team’s Saturday, July 13 contest at Santa Barbara High School’s Eddie Matthews Field at 4:30 p.m. against the OC Riptide.
Pope, Council of Cardinals continue discussion of women in the church
Pope Francis and his international Council of Cardinals continued their discussions about the role of women in the church, listening to women experts and discussing the possibilities according to canon law. This is the fourth time the pope and his nine-member Council of Cardinals have invited women to make presentations at their meetings. Women experts, including an Anglican bishop, attended the December, February and April meetings.
LA Catholic university studies how women are being left behind in the economy
A year after Ann McElaney-Johnson was appointed president of Mount St. Mary's University in Los Angeles in 2011, she oversaw the start of an academic research study called "The Report on the Status of Women and Girls in California." The findings were announced. The response was a bit muted. "We weren't known for this work, we put it out there, invited legislators and others in the community, and we didn't really have a big turnout from the public sphere," McElaney-Johnson recalls now.
In LA, Catholic-run 'Feed My Poor' food truck serves meals, hope
A line of mostly Latino men and women stood some-30 deep on the sidewalk along a very busy stretch of Wilshire Boulevard when a bright yellow food truck pulled up next to the iconic MacArthur Park, just west of the downtown Los Angeles skyscrapers. The bold blue letters on all sides of the truck were well known: Feed My Poor. So was the fact it parked at this spot every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at noontime. This park has been in the news for its contribution to LA's fentanyl epidemic.
Trump's language of evil
Does anyone really want to watch the news these days? Gaza. Israel. Russia. Ukraine. Migrants. Mass shootings. Executions. Tragedy after disaster after meltdown after debacle. And then there's Mr. Trump. The ex-president's bombastic rhetoric does little to calm any news consumer's nerves. Nor does it enhance the world's view of the politics of the United States or its moral character. Yet Trump's braggadocio is only part of what he has brought to our politics.
Despite reforms, victims say church's in-house processes to handle sex abuse cases retraumatizes
Five years ago this week, Pope Francis convened an unprecedented summit of bishops from around the world to impress on them that clergy sexual abuse was a global problem and that they needed to do something about it. Over four days, these bishops heard harrowing tales of trauma from victims, learned how to investigate and sanction pedophile priests, and were warned that they too would face punishment if they continued to cover for abusers.
Closure of sister-run La Reina Catholic school near LA sparks organized pushback
A Jan. 24 announcement that the Sisters of Notre Dame plan to close a high-performing all-girls Catholic school in Thousand Oaks, California, by the end of June after nearly 60 years of operation has generated an impassioned pushback by students, parents and alumnae. Amid the swift scrambling, there is also plenty of soul searching.
Parishes turn former convents into affordable housing for teachers
Claire McManmon did not become a Catholic school educator for a massive paycheck, but she also hoped she wouldn't have to scramble to cover rent. So when the 28-year-old's sister and brother-in-law encouraged her to move from the Midwest to San Jose, California, she was hesitant. The average monthly cost of a one-bedroom apartment in the notoriously pricey Silicon Valley is more than $2,400. "That would be hard to budget for any teacher, much less a Catholic school teacher," McManmon told NCR.
El Salvador's Bukele wins second term, as Catholic religious express fear for democracy
Sandra Patricia Lazo feared the return of violence in an El Salvador without Nayib Bukele. That's why, on Feb. 4, she voted for him for president for a second time — even though her country's constitution prohibits consecutive presidential reelection.
Disaster relief organization leader leans on Catholic faith
In a Las Vegas hotel meeting room on a Saturday morning in December, 50-some volunteers of ShelterBox USA sat with equal doses of inspiration and humility. The ambassadors, as they are called, focused on Kerri Murray, the nonprofit organization's president for the last eight years, as she moved through a PowerPoint presentation of graphics, photos and charts that explained the accomplishments of the nonprofit disaster relief organization over the last year.
Five events in 2024 to help us be better Catholics
As we flip the calendar to 2024, I must admit the thought of the coming 12 months fill me with a certain amount of dread. Entering into another election year, with all of the related political drama, can feel anxiety-inducing, to say the least. Thankfully, as people of faith, we know that our hope is found not in political parties or their candidates but in Jesus Christ and his church.
Homelessness crisis shows our country needs a new national story
Before serving several hundred unhoused persons on Skid Row, volunteers at the Los Angeles Catholic Worker Hippie Kitchen invoke the prophetic prayer of St. Vincent de Paul over beans and bread about the day's work ahead: "It is only for your love that the poor will forgive you the bread that you give them." The first time I heard the words of St. Vincent, I was offended. Why should I be forgiven for serving the poor? But over the years, the wisdom of the prayer has become clearer.
Bring Mary's gratitude and hope into the new year, pope says
On New Year's Eve, believers and non-believers alike give thanks for all they have received in the last 12 months and express their hopes for the coming year, but Christians are called to cultivate their gratitude and hope following the example of Mary, Pope Francis said. "Faith enables us to live this hour in a way different than that of a worldly mindset," the pope said during an evening prayer service in St. Peter's Basilica Dec. 31.
Holy Family Service Center reaches out to homeless of the Hollywood Split
A triad of freeways intermingle a few blocks away from the St. Charles Borromeo Holy Family Service Center in North Hollywood. This is where the main artery of the U.S. 101 cuts east-west across the San Fernando Valley and can be confusing to commuters when it frays into the 134 Ventura Freeway and 170 Hollywood Freeway. Southern California traffic reporters refer to this navigational pivot point as the Hollywood Split.
Pope Francis, 'Laudate Deum,' Catholic sisters: EarthBeat's top stories of 2023
It has been another busy year for faith and climate journalism, with Pope Francis himself gracing the headlines of six of EarthBeat's 10 most-read news stories. That's largely due to the announcement and release of his new apostolic exhortation on the climate crisis, Laudate Deum, which appears in four of EarthBeat's 10 most popular news stories and one of the five most read columns and essays. Francis announced on Aug.
Pope Francis, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy speak by phone
Pope Francis and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy shake hands after their meeting at the Vatican May 13, 2023. (CNS photo/Vatican Media) Vatican City — December 29, 2023 For at least the fourth time since Russia began its large-scale attack on Ukraine in February 2022, Pope Francis and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke by telephone Dec. 28.
Pope Francis meets with US Cardinal Burke, about a month after stopping his Vatican salary
Pope Francis and U.S. Cardinal Raymond L. Burke shake hands as they meet in the library of the Apostolic Palace at the Vatican Dec. 29, 2023. (CNS photo/Vatican Media) Vatican City — December 29, 2023 U.S. Cardinal Raymond L. Burke, a former top Vatican official, met privately with Pope Francis Dec. 29, about a month after reports that Francis wanted to stop giving him a monthly salary and would ask him to pay the market rate for his Vatican apartment.
A look back at the life of the church in 2023
Pope Francis and leaders of the assembly of the Synod of Bishops applaud at the conclusion of the gathering's last working session of the synod on synodality Oct. 28 in the Paul VI Hall at the Vatican. (CNS/Vatican Media) It is a mark of our globalized, connected world that when you look back at almost any of the past 200 years in the life of the church, the sayings and doings of the bishop of Rome are always among the most noteworthy things that happened.
A view from the pew
by Tom Hoffarth Father Tom Kelly bounds down from the altar at Manhattan Beach’s American Martyrs Catholic Church on a Sunday morning, passing by the traditional elevated ambo where most preaching during a Mass occurs. He reaches the first bench pew. He puts his right hand on the wooden end piece, hoists himself up onto the padded bench seat, faces the congregation. His eyes dance and he breaks into a giant, sly grin. Parishioners return the smile.
Programs to address chronic homelessness need more funding, support, say advocates
Editor's note: This is the second in a two-part series on chronic homelessness and permanent supportive housing. The first part looks at the history and success of the housing model and is available here. For years, Eve was a self-employed seamstress in Oregon, creating costumes for dancers, weightlifters and figure skaters and for the occasional Nativity reenactment. She rented a small house and made ends meet.
Amid record chronic homelessness, advocates and experts say there is a solution
Editor's note: This is the first in a two-part series about chronic homelessness and permanent supportive housing. The second part will be published Dec. 12. A refrigerator adorned with photographs and topped with a box of Honey Bunches of Oats. White doilies and a bouquet of artificial flowers arranged on a coffee table. A damp towel draped over the bathroom door.
‘One miracle after another’ with House of Yahweh’s Sister Michele
by Tom Hoffarth Sister Michele Marie Morris remembers so many twists and turns along the House of Yahweh’s journey for the House of Yahweh non-profit organization, for all it has taken her and her staff through the South Bay over the last 40 years. Sister Michele Marie Morris officially retired from the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet five years ago. But at 90, she continues with the work she began 40 years ago when she founded the House of Yahweh.
Sister T’s journey of faith
by Tom Hoffarth Sister Terrence Landini spent five decades ministering to the sick at what is now Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center in Torrance. She was a supervising nurse, director of human resources, and hospital board member. She also served as Superior of the Little Company of Mary Convent. Today, at 89, Sister Terrence’s role as caregiver is transitioning to care receiver. But that has not changed how she sees her role as a patient advocate.
Interfaith Thanksgiving event prays for peace in time of war
by Tom Hoffarth Special prayer intentions for those affected by the Israel-Hamas war on the Gaza Strip will weigh heavily on the South Bay Interfaith Service of Thanksgiving’s annual event scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 21 at American Martyrs Catholic Church in Manhattan Beach. Organizers of the multi-religious service acknowledged there were tense conversations about how to show a unified front in light of issues in the Middle East. Rev.
Perfect Eloquence: An Appreciation of Vin Scully
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Sports Bucket List: How two friends turned a barstool conversation into an epic globetrotting quest
by Tom Hoffarth David Carter and George Ross angled into a couple of corner bar stools at HT Grill in Redondo Beach on a recent Saturday morning. They were about to head out and volunteer with a group from the Hollywood Riviera Sportsman’s Club, pulling tap pours in the beer garden at the Riviera Village Summer Festival. But before that, they had to work through some more serious matters. “Are we supposed to wear white?” Ross asked.
LA Catholic Worker reflects on 50 years of journalism and resistance
Help us reach our goal of $200,000! We have raised $146,335 from 962 supporters. We are 73.1% of the way to our goal! Jeff Dietrich has persisted on a soulful journey of more than 50 years of discerning journalism, social justice hospitality and sage civil disobedience at the Los Angeles Catholic Worker. That adds up to hundreds of thousands of adjectives/expletives, comforting scores of those afflicted, and a somewhat biblical count of 40 times being sent to prison.
Thousands gather at funeral Mass for LA's Bishop O'Connell, recalled as 'soul friend' to all
Cunnane thanked O'Connell's family members present, several who came from Ireland, "for giving us the blessing of him for all these years and all this wonderful ministry here in Los Angeles." Gomez read a message from Pope Francis that concluded: "To those gathered for the Mass of Christian Burial and to all who mourn Bishop O'Connell's loss in the sure hope of the Resurrection, the Holy Father cordially imparts his blessing as a pledge of peace and consolation in the Lord.
Thousands gather at funeral Mass for LA’s Bishop O’Connell, recalled as '’soul friend’ to all
LOS ANGELES (OSV NEWS) – Los Angeles Auxiliary Bishop David G. O’Connell was remembered as a man “gripped by grace” and “at ease with movers and shakers and also with the moved and shaken” as nearly 5,000 attended a funeral Mass at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels March 3. The Mass was the conclusion of a three-day tribute to Bishop O’Connell, starting with a March 1 memorial Mass at St. John Vianney Church in Hacienda Heights.
‘Peacemaker’ bishop killed in L.A.
LOS ANGELES — A 65-year-old Hispanic man was taken into custody the morning of Feb. 20 by Los Angeles County Sheriff ’s deputies as the prime suspect in the murder of Auxiliary Bishop David O’Connell of Los Angeles.
Speakers bring LA Congress attendees to their feet; crowd mourns Bishop O'Connell
The 55-minute high-octane revival led to one of the longest and loudest ovations inside the arena in recent memory. Espaillat then asked the attendees to stand, close their eyes, open their hands and pray for healing. Afterward, Archbishop Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the U.S., said Espaillat's keynote talk "was not just a show, it was something much deeper." "His style appeals to a lot of people, younger people," said Pierre as he greeted people leaving the convention center area.
As LA Catholics mourn Bishop O'Connell, they look to carry on his legacy
The corporal and spiritual works of mercy that Auxiliary Bishop David O'Connell immersed himself in during 45 years in the Los Angeles Archdiocese became a connective tissue with many of his parishioners, friends and colleagues.
Emotional LA sheriff details arrest of suspect in death of Bishop O’Connell; motive remains unclear
LOS ANGELES – A 65-year-old Hispanic man was taken into custody the morning of Feb. 20 by Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies as the prime suspect in the murder of Auxiliary Bishop David G. O’Connell of Los Angeles. LA County Sheriff Robert G.
Memorial liturgy, prayer service honor victims of two mass shootings in California
MONTEREY PARK, Calif. (OSV News) — The memories of Valentino Marcos Alvero brought a wide, warm smile to the face of Father Joseph Magdaong. “A very happy person, always with jokes to share, just a fun guy to be with and have a meal with,” said Father Magdaong, standing on the steps outside St. Stephen Martyr Church in Monterey Park and speaking about Alvero, a fellow Filipino American and a parishioner.
Memorial liturgy, prayer service honor victims of two mass shootings in California
The shooting suspect, later identified as Huu Can Tran, 72, walked from the Star Ballroom to another nearby dance studio, but someone there disarmed him and he fled. He later took his own life in his van as police closed in. Nearly two weeks later police had yet to identify his motive.
Remembering Vin Scully's On What Would Have Been His 95th Birthday
Tom Hoffarth is a past IBWAA honorary chairman and an original member. He has covered sports in Southern California for more than 40 years. You can find his work at Farther Off The Wall and The Drill LA. This story appeared in today’s edition of the IBWAA newsletter, Here’s the Pitch. Lifetime members of the Vin Scully Marching and Chowder Society might appreciate this: The Dodgers’ late broadcasting icon would have celebrated his 95th birthday today.
Yesterday’s news: Blood Bowl ’82 … a Hall of Fame kind of day
Tom Hoffarth / FartherOffTheWall.com Forty years ago, this happened. A contest of attempted athleticism followed this photo op. And then, probably, a trip to Tommy’s hours later in the rain for some comfort food.
The writing on (and off) the wall: What kind of foundation is L.A.’s Crypto.com Arena when you see what’s going on in Miami?
Tom Hoffarth / FartherOffTheWall.com How much are you invested yet – financially, emotionally, intellectually or otherwise — in Crypto.com? See as how it’s just fresh in our minds that the cuddling super-sized arena in downtown L.A. just abandoned a loyal partner to have its naming rights changed, it might be penny-wise to see how miscalculations are heating up on the front burner in Miami these last few weeks. The FTX Arena, home of the NBA’s Miami Heat, needs a quick fix.
Yesterday’s news: Egging on ‘Chicken Man’ in Philly
Tom Hoffarth / FartherOffTheWall.com There was a nervous vibe coming from the back of the local Costco on Sunday afternoon. At least a couple dozen oversized shopping carts converged as if a magnetic force drew them to the empty stainless steel shelving display. The heat lamps had nothing to heat and there was a chill in the air. All the $4.99 rotisserie chickens were gone. When and where might the new brood arrive? And what is the correct adjective for a group of these domesticated junglefowl? Flock?
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