How Catholics Showed Up During AIDS Crisis
Journalist Michael J. O'Loughlin is gay and Catholic, and his latest book explores the intersection of those two worlds. “Hidden Mercy: AIDS, Catholics, and the Untold Stories of Compassion in the Face of Fear” profiles church members who were behind scenes caring for people with HIV and AIDS, even as the institutional church denounced these individuals. Some of these nuns and priests were the only ones caring for patients who were abandoned by family and friends. City Cast Chicago’s Simone Alicea talks to O’Loughlin about how his personal faith journey brought him to this story.
Guest: Michael O’Loughlin — National Correspondent, America Magazine
O’Loughlin is speaking about the book on Dec. 10 at the Catholic Theological Union. You can attend virtually or in person.
Illinois’ weed tax windfall tops $560 million. Here’s where the money goes and more stories in our newsletter.
Some good news: Wrigleyville Wonderland!
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