This Catholic Year in Review is not an exhaustive list of every important event to happen in 2022, but these are some of the biggest news stories in the United States and globally to transpire in the Catholic world. The war in Ukraine, the German Synodal Way, the overturning of Roe v. Wade, and much more… 2022 was a busy year.
Just a note: There are many links in this article to other websites and news agencies; Catholic-Link does not necessarily condone, support, or agree with the sentiments and commentaries therein contained.
May God continue to bless us all abundantly in the coming year!
January 2022 Catholic News:
- January 1, 2022 – At Mass for Mary Mother of God, Pope Francis calls for an end to violence against women and speaks of mature faith which is realistic and hope-filled.
- January 13, 2022 – Pope Francis announces that “Pilgrims of Hope” will be the motto for the Holy Year 2025.
- January 21, 2022 – “Activist Group Projects Pro-Abortion Messages on National Shrine During March for Life Prayer Vigil”
- January 21, 2022 – “Signs of Life: March for Life 2022”
- January 23, 2022 – “Pope confers ministries of lector, catechist on lay women and men”
- With Antiquum ministerium in December 2021, Pope Francis instituted the new lay instituted ministry of catechist
- The ministry of lector (and acolyte) were traditionally minor orders, conferred as a step towards priesthood. In the motu proprio Spiritus Domini, Pope Francis amended canon law to allow for women to be formally instituted as lectors and acolytes. It is prudent to note that, on multiple occasions, Pope Francis has upheld the irreformable reality that only baptized men can receive Holy Orders (including the diaconate).
- January 26, 2022 – “Pope sets Jan. 26 as day of prayer for peace in Ukraine”
February 2022 Catholic News
- February 4, 2022 – Dr. Peter Forster, former Anglican bishop of Chester, is confirmed as being received into the Catholic Church, following the reception of another two Anglican bishops in late 2021.
- February 14, 2022 – “Pope Francis issues major overhaul of the C.D.F. [Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith]”
- February 16, 2022 – “Thousands of baptisms invalidated by priest’s use of one wrong word”
- The issue is that the priest was saying “we baptize you” with the false theological understanding of the community baptizing the child. The correct wording is “I baptize you” – ego te baptizo. In this correct understanding, it is Christ our High Priest who baptizes the individual. Any other understanding or wording invalidates the Baptism.
- February 21, 2022 – “FSSP says Pope Francis has issued decree confirming its use of 1962 liturgical books”
- After Traditionis Custodes, there was some ambiguity as to how the new restrictions on the Latin Mass would affect the Ecclesia Dei communities who only use the Usus Antiquor.
- February 23, 2022 – “Pope Francis declares Ash Wednesday a day of fasting and prayer for peace in Ukraine”
- February 24, 2022 – Russia invades Ukraine
- February 25, 2022 – “Pope Francis to Ukrainian Catholic leader: ‘I will do everything I can’ to help end conflict”
- February 25, 2022 – “Vandalism, arson hits Catholic churches, cemeteries, and schools across US”
- February 26, 2022 – “Pope visits Russian Embassy to express concern over war”
March 2022 Catholic News
- March 2, 2022 – “Biden balks at explaining abortion stance to EWTN correspondent”
- March 10, 2022 – “First Mass since Reformation celebrated at Swiss cathedral”
- March 19, 2022 – “Praedicate evangelium: Pope Francis reforms Roman Curia with launch of Vatican constitution”
- March 25, 2022 – Pope Francis makes Act of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary for Russia and Ukraine
- March 29, 2022 – “New document on Catholic Education: identity and challenges”
April 2022 Catholic News
- April 1, 2022 – “Pope Francis apologizes for the Catholic Church’s role in Canada’s residential school system and the abuses perpetrated against the indigenous populations
- April 12, 2022 – “74 bishops sign open letter warning of German Synodal Path’s ‘potential for schism’”
- April 13, 2022 – “With a good heart and dirty mouth, ‘Father Stu’ inspires”
- April 28, 2022 – “Pope wants annual audit of what Church is doing to protect minors”
- April 30, 2022 – “Papal Foundation Approves Record Number of Grants”
May 2022 Catholic News
- May 6, 2022 – “Pro-abortion groups target churches for Mother’s Day protests”
- May 7, 2022 – “Abortion rights extremists threaten Catholic Masses; Virginia AG issues warning”
- May 9, 2022 – “Pope to LGBT Catholics: ‘God is Father who does not disown any of his children‘”
- May 10, 2022 – “Faith, fortitude, martyrdom, miracles: Pope will recognize 10 new saints”
- May 13, 2022 – “New Bishop of Charleston Will Draw on Experiences With Diverse Cultures”
- May 16, 2022 – “Bishops express sorrow, condemn racially motivated shooting in Buffalo”
- May 18, 2022 – “India’s first lay martyr is canonized a saint”
- May 19, 2022 – “Vatican’s major sustainability campaign the main focus of Laudato Si’ Week 2022”
- May 21, 2022 – “An archbishop bars Pelosi from Communion over her support for abortion rights”
- May 24, 2022 – School shooting is perpetrated in Uvalde, Texas
- May 27, 2022 – “Synodality means communion, not populism, pope says”
- May 30, 2022 – “A Church, a Gathering Place for Generations, Becomes a Hub for Uvalde’s Grief”
- May 30, 2022 – “June 2022 Catholic News
- June 6, 2022 – “Nigeria: Pope prays for victims of Catholic church attack in Ondo”
- June 14, 2022 – “USCCB Eucharistic Revival starts on Feast of Corpus Christi”
- June 24, 2022 – Roe v. Wade is overturned
- June 28, 2022 – “Pope Francis calls on Catholics to study Vatican II before Holy Year 2025”
- June 29, 2022 – Pope Francis releases Desiderio Desideravi on the Liturgy
- June 30, 2022 – “‘Stranger Things’ brings Kate Bush’s Catholic hope to a new generation”
- June 30, 2022 – “VIDEO: Watch Violent Vandalism Attack on Catholic Church in Washington State”
July 2022 Catholic News
- July 2, 2022 – “DRC and Catholic Church sign agreements as Cardinal Parolin visits”
- July 8, 2022 – “Archbishop Lori calls Biden’s order on abortion ‘deeply disturbing, tragic’”
- July 21, 2022 – “Holy See: Germany’s synodal path cannot make doctrinal decisions”
- July 22, 2022 – “Pope Francis appoints three women to Dicastery for Bishops”
- July 22, 2022 – “Vatican clarifies its stance on German Synodal Path”
- July 24 – 30, 2022 – Pope Francis travels to Canada to meet with indigenous leaders on an Apostolic Journey
- July 27, 2022 – “Indian archbishop resigns at Vatican request amid liturgical dispute”
August 2022 Catholic News
- August 9, 2022 – “Drive-By Gunshots Target Denver-Area Catholic Church”
- August 12, 2022 – “Pope Francis Modifies Governance of Opus Dei: What Will It Mean?”
- August 27, 2022 – “Who Are the New Cardinals Created by Pope Francis in 2022?”
- August 28, 2022 – “Pope Francis becomes first pope in more than 700 years to open the Holy Door in L’Aquila”
- August 29, 2022 – “Vatican Cardinal decries criticism of German ‘Synodal Way’ as ‘denunciation’”
- August 30, 2022 – “Nancy Pelosi says it’s ‘sinful’ to restrict abortion for women”
- Mrs. Pelosi says this after she has been barred from Communion by her local ordinary.
September 2022 Catholic News
- September 10, 2022 – “German Catholic bishops fail to update teachings on sex after clash with Pope Francis”
- September 13, 2022 – “Arriving in Kazakhstan, pope makes case for peace”
- September 23, 2022 – “President Biden Fundraiser Remarks Muddle Catholic Teaching on Abortion”
- September 26, 2022 – “Cardinal Arinze explains why Belgian bishops can’t bless same-sex couples”
- September 26, 2022 – “Cardinal Zen stands trial in Hong Kong”
- The good Cardinal was arrested for supporting democracy in Hong Kong.
- September 26, 2022 – “Authorities reach agreement to reopen Catholic chapel at Colombian airport”
- September 26, 2022 – “FBI arrest of Pennsylvania pro-life leader called ‘horrendous stunt’”
- September 27, 2022 – “Religion is ‘interruption,’ not continuity, German bishops’ president says”
- September 28, 2022 – “Cupich & Dolan: Transgender patients receive equal care in Catholic hospitals”
- September 28, 2022 – “Hong Kong cardinal’s trial adjourned before defense can call witnesses”
- September 30, 2022 – “Catholics converge on DC for a week of prayer and fasting”
- September 30, 2022 – “Cardinal Eijk: Same-sex blessings undermine Church teaching on marriage, sexual ethics”
October 2022 Catholic News
- October 4, 2022 – “U.S. Bishops’ Pro-Life Chairman Affirms Church Teaching on Dignity of Human Life”
- October 16, 2022 – “Pope Francis Announces Decision to Extend Synod on Synodality to 2024”
- October 18, 2022 – “Pope Francis appoints pro-abortion economist to Pontifical Academy for Life”
- October 23, 2022 – “Archbishop Chaput: ‘Biden is not in communion with the Catholic faith’”
- October 24, 2022 – “Biden ‘gravely wrong’ to push abortion, Catholic bishops say”
- October 25, 2022 – “Is new Pontifical Academy of Life appointee pro-abortion? She won’t say”
- October 27, 2022 – “Cardinal Zen’s trial reopens in Hong Kong days after Vatican-China deal renewal”
- October 27, 2022 – “What does the synod document say about ordination of women, LGBTQ issues, and the liturgy?”
- October 29, 2022 – “Italian cardinal leads Vespers at Pantheon for Traditional Latin Mass pilgrimage”
November 2022 Catholic News
- November 3, 2022 – “Pope Francis becomes first pope to visit Bahrain”
- November 4, 2022 – “Former Governor of Hong Kong Criticizes Vatican-China Agreement”
- November 8, 2022 – “Sunday Mass obligation re-instituted for Catholics in the Archdiocese of Chicago”
- November 17, 2022 – “Popular Protestant YouTube host announces decision to convert to Catholicism”
- November 23, 2022 – “Dominican theologian to German Bishop Bätzing: Support for gay agenda is ‘modernist heresy’”
- November 25, 2022 – “Hong Kong court convicts Cardinal Zen, 5 others over fund to help arrested protestors”
- Phil Lawler (Catholic Culture) provides his commentary on the situation, dated September 21, 2022, related to the seeming lack of support of Cardinal Zen from Pope Francis, which he says amounts to a betrayal.
- To date, the Vatican has not intervened and does not seem likely to do so. They claim that this would endanger the treaty with China and the country’s six million underground Catholics. Elisabeth Braw, senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute gives her commentary.
- November 26, 2022 – “Meet the Catholic bishop who began a pro-life ministry for pregnant women in need”
- November 27, 2022 – “Cardinal Sarah: ‘Religious liberty is under threat in the West, too’”
- November 28, 2022 – “Pope Francis explains to America Magazine why women cannot be ordained priests”
- November 28, 2022 – “Russian troops capture two Ukrainian Greek Catholic priests and accuse them of ‘subversion’”
- November 29, 2022 – “U.S. bishops express outrage at increase in antisemitic attacks”
- November 29, 2022 – “What it is like to be a Catholic priest in Qatar”
December 2022 Catholic News
- December 1, 2022 – “Pope Francis praises ‘fruitful’ theology of Benedict XVI”
- December 1, 2022 – “England and Wales no longer Christian ‘by default,’ census shows”
- December 5, 2022 – “European Parliament displays Nativity scene for first time in its history”
- December 6, 2022 – “Pope Francis decrees better control of Vatican funds and foundations”
- December 8, 2022 – “Meet Cora Evans — Convert From Mormonism, Catholic Mystic, Possible Future Saint”
- December 13, 2022 – “Biden signs same-sex marriage bill into law amid Catholic bishops’ concerns”
- December 13, 2022 – “Synod on Synodality official: Women priests ‘not an open question’ for the Church”
- December 14, 2022 – “European Court of Human Rights condemns Bulgaria for discriminating against Christians”
- December 14, 2022 – “Cardinal Zen appeals conviction in Hong Kong court”
- December 15, 2022 – “Priest decries lack of religious freedom in Cuba”
- December 16, 2022 – “Pope Francis gives Greek Orthodox archbishop fragments of Parthenon sculptures from Vatican Museums”
- December 17, 2022 – “A married couple with seven children to be beatified by the Catholic Church for martyrdom by Nazis”
- December 17, 2022 – “Vatican dismisses Father Frank Pavone from priesthood”
- December 31, 2022 – Pope Benedict XVI Dies
A Prayer For The New Year From The USCCB
On New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day, the household gathers at the table or at the Christmas tree or manger scene. Many people make New Year’s Day a day of prayer for peace.
All make the sign of the cross. The leader begins:
Let us praise the Lord of days and seasons and years, saying:
Glory to God in the highest!
R/. And peace to his people on earth!The leader may use these or similar words to introduce the blessing:
Our lives are made of days and nights, of seasons and years,
for we are part of a universe of suns and moons and planets.
We mark ends and we make beginnings and, in all, we
praise God for the grace and mercy that fill our days.Then the Scripture is read, Book of Genesis 1:14-19:
Listen to the words of the Book of Genesis:
God said: “Let there be lights in the dome of the sky, to separate day from night. Let them mark the fixed times, the days and the years, and serve as luminaries in the dome of the sky, to shed light upon the earth.” And so it happened: God made the two great lights, the greater one to govern the day, and the lesser one to govern the night; and he made the stars. God set them in the dome of the sky, to shed light upon the earth, to govern the day and the night, and to separate the light from the darkness. God saw how good it was. Evening came, and morning followed—the fourth day.
(The family’s Bible may be used for an alternate reading such as Psalm 90:1-4.)
Reader: The Word of the Lord.
R/. Thanks be to God.After a time of silence, members of the household offer prayers of thanksgiving for the past year, and of intercession for the year to come. On January 1, it may be appropriate to conclude these prayers with the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary (in Part VII: Litanies) since this is the solemn feast of Mary, Mother of God. In conclusion, all join hands for the Lord’s Prayer. Then the leader continues:
Let us now pray for God’s blessing in the new year.
After a short silence, parents may place their hands on their children in blessing as the leader says:
Remember us, O God;
from age to age be our comforter.
You have given us the wonder of time,
blessings in days and nights, seasons and years.
Bless your children at the turning of the year
and fill the months ahead with the bright hope
that is ours in the coming of Christ.
You are our God, living and reigning, forever and ever.
R/. Amen.Another prayer for peace may be said:
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.
O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
R/. Amen.—Attributed to St. Francis of Assisi
The leader says:
Let us bless the Lord.
All respond, making the sign of the cross:
Thanks be to God.
The prayer may conclude with the singing of a Christmas carol.
– USCCB
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