Dutch Cardinal Expects Worldwide Collapse Of The Church
Utrecht Cardinal Willem Eijk, Netherlands, speaks about the collapse of the Dutch Church in an interview book by Andrea Galli (Sandro Magister, September 21). The Netherlands were one of the most Catholic countries worldwide providing for 12% of the Catholic missionaries. Now, out of a population of 17 million only 150,000 attend Sunday Mass, most of them immigrants. According to Eijk already in the 1940s, Dutch Catholics were tied to the Church more for social reasons, such as being a member in a Catholic association, than by the Faith. He observes that Vatican II wanted the Church to open up to society, which it did, while society did not opened up to the Church. Instead, the Church was expelled from public life. After this, “the Church fell into one of the deepest faith crises in its history.” Eijk suggest that the Church needs to put its own house in order before it will be able to evangelise the world. He doesn’t expect a schism, “I rather think that what has already happened with us in Holland will happen in many parts of the world.” Picture: Willem Eijk, © wikicommons, CC BY-SA, #newsJyvkowlmho
Source: Dutch Cardinal Expects Worldwide Collapse Of The Church
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This Day in History
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The Altmark Incident (1940)February 16, 2026
While passing through neutral Norwegian waters during WWII, the German supply vessel Altmark was boarded by Norwegian inspectors. They were told the craft was merely a commercial ship, but it was in fact being used to transport 299 British prisoners of war. The captives tried to make their presence known by banging on the hull, but winches were run to drown them out. The Royal Navy, however, pursued the ship and mounted a rescue. What now-famous phrase alerted the men to their liberation?
While passing through neutral Norwegian waters during WWII, the German supply vessel Altmark was boarded by Norwegian inspectors. They were told the craft was merely a commercial ship, but it was in fact being used to transport 299 British prisoners of war. The captives tried to make their presence known by banging on the hull, but winches were run to drown them out. The Royal Navy, however, pursued the ship and mounted a rescue. What now-famous phrase alerted the men to their liberation?Today’s Birthday
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Vera Menchik (1906)February 16, 2026
A Russian-born British international chess master, Menchik won seven consecutive Women's World Chess Championships, beginning with the first one ever held and ending in 1939, when World War II halted the tournament. She and her family were killed in an air raid on London in 1944. When Menchik entered a men's tournament in 1929, Viennese master Albert Becker ridiculed her by saying that anyone who lost to her should become a part of the "Vera Menchik Club." Who was the first of its many members?
A Russian-born British international chess master, Menchik won seven consecutive Women's World Chess Championships, beginning with the first one ever held and ending in 1939, when World War II halted the tournament. She and her family were killed in an air raid on London in 1944. When Menchik entered a men's tournament in 1929, Viennese master Albert Becker ridiculed her by saying that anyone who lost to her should become a part of the "Vera Menchik Club." Who was the first of its many members?Today’s Holiday
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Lithuania Independence DayFebruary 16, 2026
This is a national holiday in Lithuania marking the declaration of independence from Austrian, Prussian, and Russian occupation on February 16, 1918. Today, the anniversary is celebrated with festivals and fireworks, particularly in the capital city of Vilnius.
This is a national holiday in Article of the Day
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Charles Pierre BaudelaireFebruary 16, 2026
Baudelaire was a 19th-century French poet and critic. The only volume of his poems published in his lifetime, Les Fleurs du mal, translated as The Flowers of Evil, was initially condemned as obscene. Later accepted as a masterpiece, the book is recognized for the brilliant phrasing, rhythm, and expressiveness of its lyrics. Baudelaire also translated many of Poe's works, bringing them to the attention of the French public. What literary movement is he credited with helping develop?
Baudelaire was a 19th-century French poet and critic. The only volume of his poems published in his lifetime, Les Fleurs du mal, translated as The Flowers of Evil, was initially condemned as obscene. Later accepted as a masterpiece, the book is recognized for the brilliant phrasing, rhythm, and expressiveness of its lyrics. Baudelaire also translated many of Poe's works, bringing them to the attention of the French public. What literary movement is he credited with helping develop?