Morning Catholic must-reads: 07/01/10

Pope Benedict XVI insisted that “the universe is not the result of chance, as some would want to make us believe” in his homily at the Epiphany Mass in St Peter’s yesterday (full text, photo gallery, video).

Egyptian Muslims are expected to show solidarity with the Copts by joining them in their churches as they celebrate Christmas today.

Fears are growing for the life of Asia Bibi, the Christian woman sentenced to death for blasphemy in Pakistan.

The Jesuit Refugee Service urges Catholics to pray for the southern Sudanese as they prepare to vote on independence from the north.

Attorney Jeffrey Anderson has claimed that Milwaukee archdiocese filed for bankruptcy protection in order to avoid being forced to reveal abusers’ names.

John Allen argues that Archbishop João Bráz de Aviz, the surprise new head of the Vatican congregation for religious, comes without an agenda.

Michael Kelly highlights five Irish Church stories that are likely to dominate 2011.

Mark Shea is dismayed by reports that the Vatican is cooperating with a Discovery Channel documentary on exorcism.

And Scott P Richert seeks your nominations for the 2011 About.com Catholicism Readers’ Choice Awards.