Daily Links, Feb. 6: Madonna, fired priests, and Catholic college

Did you watch the Super Bowl last night? Though many had mixed reactions to the announcement of Madonna as the halftime performer, today A Nun's Life [1] gives Madonna two thumbs up.

An Illinois priest has been fired [2] for altering the words to the new missal. On our blog, Scott Alessi asks what sort of precedent [3] this might set for priests who like to ad lib during Mass.

Though Catholics have had an established presence in Arizona since 1539 (and a Jesuit mission since 1692), the state plans to open its first Catholic college [4] in downtown Mesa in 2013, though details are still in the works.

Many people have been throwing around the words "war on religion" lately, especially in reference to the HHS mandate [5]. Ever wonder the first time this sentiment was expressed in our nation's history? Sojourners tells us [6] it was way back in 1787, by an anti-federalist name Luther Martin.

And, be sure to check out our special section [7] on African American history month!