LOURDES, France — Archbishop John Vlazny came here last week with 88 Oregon pilgrims to mark the sesquicentennial jubilee of Mary’s apparition.

Rouen was the first stop on the pilgrimage itinerary. The riverfront city is where St. Joan of Arc was martyred for her faith. She led the French army in key victories over the English during the 15th Century to restore the French monarchy.

At Portland’s St. Thomas More School, learning does happen in time-tested ways — experienced teachers transmit ideas. But just as often, students at this intimate academy high in the city’s West Hills are guided to explore where their passions and talents lead.

The man who leads religious services in Oregon’s prison system was honored this week for his ecumenical reach.

Walsh Construction, which weathered months of protest for planning to build a large abortion business in Portland’s African American neighborhood, is now off the job.
Some opponents have sent notes of thanks to Walsh for distancing itself from the Planned Parenthood headquarters project in Northeast Portland. But it appears that the move did not come from the firm itself.

Joe Weston, a 1950s All Saints and Central Catholic High School graduate and owner of $500 million in real estate, has been honored as First Citizen by the Portland Metropolitan Association of Realtors.

His fans cite him as a simple-liver and a generous soul.

A group of five Portland priests is calling on Catholic groups to boycott the downtown Hilton Hotel.

The priests, all members of the workers’ rights group Jobs with Justice, sent a letter to parishes and church organizations this spring charging that management of the hotel is “resisting union initiatives very important to the workers.”

MOUNT ANGEL — Sister Alicia Kleiman promised obedience, stability and fidelity to the monastic life Sunday.

ST. BENEDICT — Services were held this week for Brother Benedict Eberle, a Benedictine monk of Mount Angel Abbey who died Saturday, April 26 at age 92.

Peggy Noonan, an author who penned speeches for Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush, will address the 2008 University of Portland commencement exercises, set for 2 p.m. Sunday, May 4 at university’s sports dome.

The annual memorial Mass for deceased bishops, priests and deacons will held on Thursday, May 22 at noon. Archbishop John Vlazny will celebrate the Mass at St. Patrick Church, 1623 NW 19th Ave., in Portland. The date of the Mass is scheduled on the anniversary of the death of Archbishop Cornelius Power.