Shameless Popery: St. Jude and the “Brothers” of JesusHESCHMEYER: In the New Testament, certain men are described as the “brothers” of Jesus, including “James and Joses and Judas and Simon” (Mark 6:3; and see Matthew 13:55). The Catholic position is that these men are simply male relatives: in the same way that Abraham calls Lot his “brother” (Genesis 13:8), even though he's actually his nephew (Gen. 12:5).
But the typical Protestant position is that these other men were literally Jesus' brothers, meaning that the Virgin Mary didn't remain a Virgin (despite prophesies like Ezekiel 44:2). I've handled this before more thoroughly, showing that two of Jesus' “brothers,” James and Joses, are the sons of another woman, Mary of Clopas (Mark 15:40; John 19:25), and thus, are obviously not His literal brothers.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Bishop’s decree: Stop holding hands during the Our Father
Bishop’s decree: stop holding hands � The Deacon's BenchKANDRA: Hot on the heels of the new Roman Missal translation, the Bishop of Covington, Roger J. Foys, has issued a decree clarifying the proper gestures and postures for Mass, according to rubrics laid out in the General Instruction of the Roman Missal.
Remember St. Paul’s Roman Citizenship?
Remember St. Paul’s Roman Citizenship? | Why I Am CatholicWEATHERS: And how by virtue of that, he had certain rights and privileges thereunto pertaining? You know, before he was martyred anyway? This gave him time to write a few letters while in prison and such. Uncle Sam seemingly wants to streamline the process for us nowadays.
You know, skip all that pesky due process stuff, the right to counsel and all the rest of those Constitutionally guaranteed “rights,” and just get straight to the jail time.
You know, skip all that pesky due process stuff, the right to counsel and all the rest of those Constitutionally guaranteed “rights,” and just get straight to the jail time.
If a Catholic priest receives 'Communion' at an Episcopal church, should you report him to his bishop?
QUAERITUR: Report a priest for receiving Episcopalian “communion”? | Fr. Z's Blog – What Does The Prayer Really Say?ZUHLSDORF: Priests and lay people may attend funerals of non Catholics. We can pray with non-Catholics to a certain extent, but not with the intention of praying as if we were also non-Catholics. We cannot do anything or pray anything which is contrary to the Catholic Faith. We can pray for a return of unity with non-Catholic Christians, but that cannot include receiving their “communion”.
Under limited circumstances and in emergencies it is permissible to receive the Eucharist of true Churches with valid Orders. The Episcopalian Church is not one of those Churches. Catholics may not receive their “communion”. Some will argue that some Episcopalians may have valid orders. I respond: It is all too iffy: we can’t do it.
Under limited circumstances and in emergencies it is permissible to receive the Eucharist of true Churches with valid Orders. The Episcopalian Church is not one of those Churches. Catholics may not receive their “communion”. Some will argue that some Episcopalians may have valid orders. I respond: It is all too iffy: we can’t do it.
On the Feast of St. Andrew, a few morsels for your eyes and ears
Feast of Saint Andrew Audio & Reading � The AnchoressSCALIA: I’m an awful photographer but took this in Rome last May — happily, mass began in one of the side chapels just a few seconds after I snapped this! Sant’Andrea della Valle is much simpler than many other churches but very beautiful, and I lingered, here.
It’s recently cleaned-up exterior is very pretty, too — much more so than the image at the link would suggest.
It’s recently cleaned-up exterior is very pretty, too — much more so than the image at the link would suggest.
There's no excuse for clerical child abuse, but we need to recognize that the sexual abuse of minors is more common in secular society
There’s no excuse for clerical child abuse: but it needs to be recognised that the sexual abuse of minors is more common in secular society�|�CatholicHerald.co.ukODDIE: The danger is that if we Catholics accept without contradiction the unjustifiable scapegoating of the Church which has been going on for far too long, we give society at large a ready excuse for not confronting what needs urgently to be confronted: which is that this is a simply massive problem, which society at large has not even begun to address. And that is appallingly unjust to the overwhelming majority of abused children, most of whom have never even met a priest.
Why Notre Dame's Fr. Jenkins was chosen for the Presidential Debate Commission
Why Father Jenkins Was Chosen for Presidential Debate Commission | Daily News | NCRegister.comHAYS: When Father John Jenkins was elected to the board of directors of the Commission on Presidential Debates, the University of Notre Dame president owed the honor to a speech he had delivered.
Entitled “Passionate Convictions and Respectful Conversations: Faith in a Pluralistic Society,” Father Jenkins’ remarks in April at Emory University attracted the notice of Mike McCurry, the former Clinton White House press secretary who serves as Democratic co-chairman of the Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD). (His Republican counterpart is Frank Fahrenkopf, former head of the Republican National Committee.)
Entitled “Passionate Convictions and Respectful Conversations: Faith in a Pluralistic Society,” Father Jenkins’ remarks in April at Emory University attracted the notice of Mike McCurry, the former Clinton White House press secretary who serves as Democratic co-chairman of the Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD). (His Republican counterpart is Frank Fahrenkopf, former head of the Republican National Committee.)
Wednesday Audience: Pope begins new catechesis on prayer, calls for an end to the death penalty
Pope begins new catechesis on prayer, calls for an end to the death penalty during audience: The pope began a new series of catechesis that focus on prayer, specifically on the way Jesus prayed. During Wednesday's general audience, the pope said prayer was a source of strength for Jesus. He also mentioned that prayer is first taught at home, in the family.
Who was the first disciple of Jesus?
Who was the first disciple of Jesus? | The New Theological MovementERLENBUSH: The Church begins her liturgical year with the disciple called first by the Lord. For, while it is true that the Blessed Virgin, St. John the Baptist, St. Elizabeth, and St. Joseph (in that order) all believed in the Messiah before him, St. Andrew is the Protokletos, the first-called.
St. Andrew was the first disciple of Christ Jesus in his public ministry – and in this sense, it is fiting that his feast be celebrated at the first of the Church’s year.
However, there is a difficulty: St. John tells us that Andrew was called in the place where John was baptizing, but St. Matthew specifies that Andrew and Peter were called together while cleaning their nets on the sea of Galilee. How are these two accounts to be reconciled?
St. Andrew was the first disciple of Christ Jesus in his public ministry – and in this sense, it is fiting that his feast be celebrated at the first of the Church’s year.
However, there is a difficulty: St. John tells us that Andrew was called in the place where John was baptizing, but St. Matthew specifies that Andrew and Peter were called together while cleaning their nets on the sea of Galilee. How are these two accounts to be reconciled?
Tim Tebow's unconventional life is a threat to a secular nation -- and a challenge to Christian men...
Tebow's Eye black: Tebow's Unconventional Life: The Broncos' turn around after starting Tim Tebow against Miami, followed by improbable after improbable win, has stirred more Tebow debate than anything we've seen since Tim Tebow emerged onto the national scene in the ESPN documentary "The Chosen One." Before Tebow there have been numerous outspoken Christian sports figures but none have caused the intense interest, following, hatred, and speculation that Tebow has. But why? Is Tebow so fascinating an individual? Or is it because he is so unconventional a figure in American culture today?
8 Super-Simple Ways to Celebrate Advent
8 Super-Simple Ways to Celebrate Advent | Blogs | NCRegister.comFULWILER: Before I was Catholic I’d never even heard of Advent, so, needless to say, I had no idea how to incorporate this liturgical season into our family’s lives after our conversion. The first year I attempted it, I tried to do a wreath and a Jesse Tree and a daily prayer chain and a big St. Nicholas feast and the thing where the kids write down good deeds on slips of paper and put them in baby Jesus’ crib so it’ll be all soft when he arrives. Not surprisingly, I’d bitten off way more than I could chew, and by Christmas had abandoned pretty much all of the endeavors.
SSPX's Fellay: “We cannot accept the Preamble as it is”
Fellay: “We cannot accept the Preamble as it is” - Vatican InsiderTORNIELLI: It is obvious that the interview did not provide the final response. The Superior of the Society of Saint Pius X is well aware of the internal oppositions with regard to the agreement with Rome, particularly among Lefebvrian leaders. In the written text that will be sent to the Vatican authorities, it appears he will be asking for substantial changes to the Doctrinal Preamble: the fact that the current text “was not met with approval” within the Society, clearly shows that it was not just the commas or the nuances that cause disagreement, but essential aspects of the document. The game is therefore not over yet, and the ball is now in the Vatican’s court as the Lefebvrians await a response to their reply.
Why are "social justice Catholics" so timid about the assault on religious freedom?
Catholics and Freedom - George Weigel - National Review OnlineWEIGEL: Fifty-one years ago, John Courtney Murray, whose scholarly work on the history and political theory of religious liberty shaped the Second Vatican Council’s 1965 Declaration on Religious Freedom, published We Hold These Truths: Catholic Reflections on the American Proposition — one of the best books ever written on what makes America America. In addition to limning the foundational truths that constituted the “proposition” on which the United States stood or fell, Murray (who borrowed the notion of an “American proposition” from Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address) also asked a searching question: Who holds these founding and constituting truths in modern America? Who will carry them into the future and work them into the texture of our institutions of self-governance?
Is Ireland just the first Vatican embassy to go?
Is Ireland just the first Vatican embassy to go? | National Catholic ReporterALLEN: Last year, veteran Italian journalist Massimo Franco published a book about what he sees as the Vatican’s declining international relevance. Its opening chapter was titled “The Last Ambassador,” and featured a diplomat from a major Western nation who compared his situation, representing his government to the Vatican today, to that of the final ambassadors to the soon-to-disappear Republic of Venice in 1797.
Franco quoted another diplomat at a Vatican reception looking around at his colleagues and openly wondering, “How many of us will still be here in 10 years?”
Franco quoted another diplomat at a Vatican reception looking around at his colleagues and openly wondering, “How many of us will still be here in 10 years?”
Kidnapper sues former hostages for "breaking oral contract" by refusing to hide him from cops
Aurora murder suspect files lawsuit against Kansas hostages who got away - The Denver Post: A deal's a deal, claims an Aurora murder suspect who wants his former hostages to pay up in court for breaking a pledge made at knife- point to hide him out.
Instead, newlyweds Jared and Lindsay Rowley bolted as soon as then-23-year-old Jesse Dennis Dimmick dozed off after snacks, pillows and a movie in their rural Dover, Kan., home in September 2009.
Dimmick had eluded police for two days after the body of 25-year-old Michael Curtis was discovered inside an East Colfax Avenue motel in Aurora.
Instead, newlyweds Jared and Lindsay Rowley bolted as soon as then-23-year-old Jesse Dennis Dimmick dozed off after snacks, pillows and a movie in their rural Dover, Kan., home in September 2009.
Dimmick had eluded police for two days after the body of 25-year-old Michael Curtis was discovered inside an East Colfax Avenue motel in Aurora.
Atlantis rises: US seminaries are changing
Atlantis rises: US seminaries are changing | Fr. Z's Blog – What Does The Prayer Really Say?ZUHLSDORF: It isn’t rocket science.
The theological and moral bizzaro-world into which US seminaries sank Atlantis-like over the decades of the 60s to the 80s is over. They didn’t sink in a day, and they won’t be raised in a day either.
But they are rising.
The reason has been, in part, bishops who made changes, and in larger part students who would no long put up with the weirdness. Men wanted Catholic formation and virile liturgy and they didn’t want to be… how to say it… hit on. Seminarians themselves began to revolt against the faculty and tell their bishops what was going on and changes were implemented. Once the shift in the episcopate Pope John Paul II worked patiently to achieve began to re-leaven the country, reform started gain momentum.
The theological and moral bizzaro-world into which US seminaries sank Atlantis-like over the decades of the 60s to the 80s is over. They didn’t sink in a day, and they won’t be raised in a day either.
But they are rising.
The reason has been, in part, bishops who made changes, and in larger part students who would no long put up with the weirdness. Men wanted Catholic formation and virile liturgy and they didn’t want to be… how to say it… hit on. Seminarians themselves began to revolt against the faculty and tell their bishops what was going on and changes were implemented. Once the shift in the episcopate Pope John Paul II worked patiently to achieve began to re-leaven the country, reform started gain momentum.
If You’re Unclear How Grave The Threat to Religious Liberty Is, Read This
If You’re Unclear How Grave The Threat to Religious Liberty Is, Read This � Campus Notes: If you are still not clear as to how dangerous the threat against religious liberty is in this country, you must read Kathryn Lopez’s interview with Mark L. Rienzi, an assistant professor at the Catholic University of America’s Columbus School of Law, who is part of the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty team representing Belmont Abbey College in its suit against the Obama administration.
Catholic publishing world shrinks and consolidates even further
Catholic Publishing World Shrinks Further | Blogs | NCRegister.comDRAKE: Come 2012, Catholic readers will have fewer print publications to choose from. Economic changes that have rocked the publishing world in general continue to whittle away at the Catholic publishing universe, resulting in additional shrinkage and consolidation.
As of January 2012, Ignatius Press will no longer be publishing Catholic World Report or Homiletic & Pastoral Review in print. Similar to the changes made to Crisis magazine, both publications will continue to be available online only.
As of January 2012, Ignatius Press will no longer be publishing Catholic World Report or Homiletic & Pastoral Review in print. Similar to the changes made to Crisis magazine, both publications will continue to be available online only.
Brian Williams stays cool as NBC fire alarm rings throughout ‘Nightly News’
Brian Williams stays cool as NBC fire alarm rings throughout ‘Nightly News’ | Poynter.: In more than three decades of hanging around TV stations and studios, I have never seen anything like what happened on NBC Nightly News Tuesday night.
Brian Williams was just introducing the lead story of the newscast about the American Airlines bankruptcy filing when a fire alarm sounded in the NBC studio, followed by a voice announcement.
Brian Williams was just introducing the lead story of the newscast about the American Airlines bankruptcy filing when a fire alarm sounded in the NBC studio, followed by a voice announcement.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
SSPX rejects Vatican's offer of reconciliation
Pius X Society says Vatican's current offer not acceptable :: Catholic News Agency (CNA): The Superior General of the Society of St. Pius X says he will inform the Vatican “in the next few days” that they cannot give the doctrinal reassurances required of them to advance reconciliation with the Catholic Church.
“It is true that this Doctrinal Preamble cannot receive our endorsement,” said Bishop Bernard Fellay on the society’s website, Nov. 28.
“It is true that this Doctrinal Preamble cannot receive our endorsement,” said Bishop Bernard Fellay on the society’s website, Nov. 28.
Pentecostalists at Babel
Pentecostalists at Babel | Crisis MagazineZMIRAK: The theology of the Holy Spirit is far less fully developed than that of the Father or Christ, for an obvious reason: the whole of the Old Testament spoke directly of God the Father, with subtle intimations of both the Son and the Spirit; the New Testament shows us Jesus in the flesh, and offers attractive promises of the Paraclete, whom we meet only indirectly, in the form of His interactions with Jesus and the Apostles. This comparative silence and shadow are at once a powerful stimulus to mysticism and prayer—and a grave temptation for those who crave something “more” out of Revelation than God saw fit to tell us. But tempting as it is to start by skewering heresies, in this case it’s better to focus on what we do know about the Holy Spirit from scripture and Church tradition. Why not go in chronological order?
Books for Christmas
Books for Christmas | Crisis MagazineWEIGEL: If memory serves, this past year saw electronic books top printed books in the sales figures at Amazon.com. Be that as it may, books—real books—still make wonderful Christmas gifts. Here are some recently published (and read) titles I can recommend with enthusiasm.
A friend of the world is an enemy to God
Pentecostalists at Babel | Crisis MagazinePOPE: As we wrap up November and the traditional meditation we make on the four last things (death, judgement, heaven and hell), A classic meditation of St. Cyprian comes to mind. It is a meditation on a fundamental human struggle to be free of undue attachment to this world and to truly have God, and the things waiting for us in heaven, as our highest priority.
The Ku Klux Klan and American Anti-Catholicism
The Ku Klux Klan and American Anti-CatholicismMARLIN: Two interesting books were just published this fall about Ku Klux Klan activities in the early twentieth century:One Hundred Percent American: The Rebirth and Decline of the Ku Klux Klan in the 1920s by Thomas R. Pegram and Gospel According to the Klan: The KKK’s Appeal to Protestant America, 1915-1930 by Kelly J. Baker. Both describe how more than three decades after the end of Reconstruction the Klan underwent a major revival.
Mercy and Advent
Beginning to Pray: Mercy and AdventLILLES: These days of Advent are about preparing a welcome for the Light of Christ who comes to us anew in ever more wonderful ways because of God's great love for us. When He first came it was the poor, the lowly, the foreigner, and the outcasts of society who welcomed Him. He in fact became all these things. But what of the mighty, the proud and the rich? To welcome Him is to say yes to love, especially love in difficult circumstances, when it really counts. Mercy is love in the face of suffering and during Advent we prepare for Christmas through the mercy we show to one another.
Video: Swiss man straps wings to back, flies in formation with fighter jets over the Alps
Amazing Video: 'Jet Man' stunts alongside fighter jets over Alps - YouTube: Amazing pictures from Switzerland show where "jetman" Yves Rossy gave this incredible flying display, using a tailor-made jet pack. The aviation enthusiast leapt from a helicopter and performed a series of aerial acrobatics above the Alps. He then joined two jet planes in a synchronized flight. To synchronise their flight paths the jets reduced their speed to 220 kilometres per hour (137 miles per hour), which put their engines at a point close to stalling. Rossy's previous aerial feats include flying the English Channel and looping the loop around a hot-air balloon.
Bishop Etienne of Cheyenne: “Secularism is the moral grizzly bear of our day"
Bp. Etienne: “Secularism is the moral grizzly bear of our day!” | Fr. Z's Blog – What Does The Prayer Really Say?ZUHLSDORF: The Bishop of Cheyenne, Wyoming (covering the whole state), His Excellency Most Reverend Paul Etienne, has a blog. I have posted about his hunting with the Mystic Monk Coffee Carmelites in northern Wyoming. Also in the Diocese of Cheyenne is Wyoming Catholic College. I like bishops who blog intelligently. I like bishops who have guns, too. Put the two together and… well… I’m writing about Bp. Etienne, aren’t I?
Audio Entertainment for the Prevention of Intra-Familial Automotive Mayhem
Audio Entertainment for the Prevention of Intra-Familial Automotive Mayhem | Blogs | NCRegister.comFISHER: It’s the most wonderful time of the year, in theory. This holds true when you’re having a happy holiday at home, and it’s also lovely to see friends and family who live far away. But you have to get from one location to the other, the wonderfulness can decrease pretty rapidly, mile by mile, rest stop by rest stop, shriek by shriek.
On our rare road trips, we search around for some audio entertainment that the whole family can enjoy—a tall order for kids aged 13, 12, 10, 9, 7, 5, 4 and 2, not to mention parents who still have some standards. We got through our last long trip with The Hobbit audio book adapted by Bob Lewis (available on cassette). It was pretty good, but the long, noisy passages with lots and lots of Gollum and Smaug took their toll on everyone.
On our rare road trips, we search around for some audio entertainment that the whole family can enjoy—a tall order for kids aged 13, 12, 10, 9, 7, 5, 4 and 2, not to mention parents who still have some standards. We got through our last long trip with The Hobbit audio book adapted by Bob Lewis (available on cassette). It was pretty good, but the long, noisy passages with lots and lots of Gollum and Smaug took their toll on everyone.
Can Priests Go Hunting? The Council of Trent provides an answer...
Can Priests Go Hunting? The Council of Trent provides an answer... ~ Canterbury Tales by Taylor MarshallMARSHALL: It's hunting season, and with all the clamor about "guns and Christian men" in the previous post about "manly Christmas gifts," I did a quick search and found an interesting article about "hunting" in the Catholic Encyclopedia over at NewAdvent.org.
There has never been a prohibition against hunting for laymen. However, there is quite a controversial history concerning clerical hunting. The Council of Trent, for example, made the formal distinction between clamorous (clamorosa) hunting and quiet (quieta) hunting. (Session XXIV, 12). "Clamorous hunting" is forbidden to priests. However, "quiet hunting" is allowed.
There has never been a prohibition against hunting for laymen. However, there is quite a controversial history concerning clerical hunting. The Council of Trent, for example, made the formal distinction between clamorous (clamorosa) hunting and quiet (quieta) hunting. (Session XXIV, 12). "Clamorous hunting" is forbidden to priests. However, "quiet hunting" is allowed.
How to Understand Catholic Social Teaching: Solidarity and Subsidiarity
Shameless Popery: How to Understand Catholic Social Teaching: Solidarity and SubsidiarityHESCHMEYER: One risk we can fall into is what Charles Dickens called “telescopic charity” (I’m indebted to Fr. Paul Scalia for this term). It's the idea that we're going to meddle in the affairs of complete strangers, while refusing to love our family or those people we see every day. He mentioned seeing it a lot among high-schoolers: they want to stop all the injustice in the world on a grand scale, but refuse to stop perpetrating injustices. That's a cop out, and not the appropriate Christian solution. It's even more of a cop out when we think that we can accomplish this charity simply by writing a check, or worse, by having the government write a check for us.
Missionary of Charity arrested in Sri Lanka, accused of using Mother Teresa's home for unwed mothers as front for child-trafficking operation
SRI LANKA Colombo: sister of Mother Teresa arrested for “selling” children - Asia News: Sister Mary Eliza, from the Missionaries of Charity, has been in prison since Fraiday night accused of selling children. Since the congregation was founded, she is the first nun of Mother Teresa to be arrested. An anonymous tipoff informed police, which then burst into the Prem Nivesa of Moratuwa, a hostel for young unwed mothers run by the Sisters of Mother Teresa and arrested the nun. The hostel is now impounded. Sister Eliza, superior of Prem Nivesa, is now in jail at the Women’s Prison of Welikada, and has not been able to see a lawyer yet. Today, a judge is set to charge her formally with illegal trafficking in children.
Salesians outraged at conviction of Mexican priest for "crimes he did not commit"
Salesians outraged at conviction of Mexican priest :: Catholic News Agency (CNA): Leaders of the Salesian Congregation in Rome condemned the sentencing of a Mexican Salesian priest to 33 years in prison for allegedly raping and killing a 16 year-old girl.
Salesian leaders say Father Jose Carlos Contreras Rodriguez was accused of “crimes he did not commit” after he was sentenced by Judge Juana Maria Castillo in San Luis Potosi on Nov. 22.
Salesian leaders say Father Jose Carlos Contreras Rodriguez was accused of “crimes he did not commit” after he was sentenced by Judge Juana Maria Castillo in San Luis Potosi on Nov. 22.
Crystal Cathedral win was miraculous, legal firm says
Crystal Cathedral win was miraculous, legal firm says :: Catholic News Agency (CNA)MEDLIN: The Diocese of Orange beat all odds in their winning bid for the Crystal Cathedral because their final offer was less than their competitor, says the Busch Firm, which represented the diocese in court.
“A true miracle!” said founder Tim Busch in reaction to the news.
The firm was shocked that the Crystal Cathedral Ministries board chose the diocese's $57.5 million offer for the bankrupt cathedral after Chapman University upped its bid to $59 million on Nov. 17.
“A true miracle!” said founder Tim Busch in reaction to the news.
The firm was shocked that the Crystal Cathedral Ministries board chose the diocese's $57.5 million offer for the bankrupt cathedral after Chapman University upped its bid to $59 million on Nov. 17.
Universalism, True and False
Universalism, True and FalseSCHALL: The Roman Empire, in its philosophic roots, incorporated everyone under one law, with one brotherhood and one language. Similarly, the natural law is said to be universal. It binds all men. It makes no distinctions between borders and human divisions. The command to the Apostles to “go forth and teach all nations,” likewise, was a trans-frontier admonition. No culture was completer by its own definition. Though they need not be, these traditions can be read as a rejection of localism, particularism, and federalism.
This unlikely video can teach us Christians something about getting out of our comfort zones
Patrick Madrid : Patrick MadridMADRID: “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground without your Father’s will. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. So every one who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven; but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 10:28-33).
Good Grief: Ireland Welcomes the "Roman Missile"... But Does the "Cabal"?
Whispers in the Loggia: Good Grief: Ireland Welcomes the "Roman Missile"... But Does the "Cabal"?PALMO: A report received here earlier today tips Charlie Brown's ordination to the episcopacy to take place on Epiphany Day, 6 January, in Rome.
Yet what's more, to emphasize beyond a doubt who is sending him, as the archbishop-elect's principal consecrator remains officially to be determined, word is that -- for just the fourth time in his nearly six-year reign -- the Pope is seriously considering reserving his cherished aide's commission to himself.
In an unusually quick transition, B16's hand-picked "Director" of his Irish experiment is expected to take up residence on Navan Road days later.
Yet what's more, to emphasize beyond a doubt who is sending him, as the archbishop-elect's principal consecrator remains officially to be determined, word is that -- for just the fourth time in his nearly six-year reign -- the Pope is seriously considering reserving his cherished aide's commission to himself.
In an unusually quick transition, B16's hand-picked "Director" of his Irish experiment is expected to take up residence on Navan Road days later.
“Well Actually, He’s Not Talking to You.” Answering One Critique of the New Translation
“Well Actually, He’s Not Talking to You.” Answering One Critique of the New Translation | Archdiocese of WashingtonPOPE: I, like you, have read with interest the reactions of many to the new translation, after its first week of use. Most of the remarks I have read are quite positive. A smaller, though not insignificant number, are negative, some strikingly so. No need to summarize all the remarks here. I am personally a big fan of the new translation and have carefully and joyfully prepared my congregation for it. Our first Sunday went off without a hitch.
Rick Santorum may be in the back of the pack, but the culture of life benefits from his presence in the campaign
Rick Santorum Gives Us a Boost - Kathryn Jean Lopez - National Review OnlineLOPEZ: "Culture is downstream from politics,” is how Pennsylvania senator Rick Santorum put it moments before he bared his soul.
Baring their souls is exactly what the moderator, pollster Frank Luntz, asked the candidates to do, and for his confession, Santorum talked about fatherhood.
Coming from someone in a field that doesn’t exactly encourage the best of parenting skills and presence, what he said was worth hearing for reasons both personal and political.
Baring their souls is exactly what the moderator, pollster Frank Luntz, asked the candidates to do, and for his confession, Santorum talked about fatherhood.
Coming from someone in a field that doesn’t exactly encourage the best of parenting skills and presence, what he said was worth hearing for reasons both personal and political.
Building a Culture of Vocations: An Interview with Archbishop Timothy Dolan
Building a Culture of Vocations: Catholics hear all the time about a “crisis in vocations.” This is usually discussed concerning vocations to the priesthood. But the challenge of discerning a vocation is not limited to the priesthood.
Everyone is called to discern what God wants them to do with their lives — be it a young man considering the priesthood, young men and women entering the religious life, a man feeling called to the permanent diaconate, a couple deciding on marriage, or someone recognizing a dedicated single life. Today, however, there are many challenges to hearing God’s call, and the task of the Church is to assist men and women to discern the path that will lead them to true happiness and eternal life.
Everyone is called to discern what God wants them to do with their lives — be it a young man considering the priesthood, young men and women entering the religious life, a man feeling called to the permanent diaconate, a couple deciding on marriage, or someone recognizing a dedicated single life. Today, however, there are many challenges to hearing God’s call, and the task of the Church is to assist men and women to discern the path that will lead them to true happiness and eternal life.
Surprising Revival for Men in Religious Life
Surprising Revival for Men in Religious Life | Daily News | NCRegister.com: Father Fabian Rosetti had a dream. The Cuba-born Carmelite wanted to build a hermitage on land that would provide monks with the necessary isolation they needed.
He found a suitable tract in central Texas, but the man who owned it made it clear that he was not willing to help.
“He was very blunt,” Father Rosetti recalled of the encounter he had with the landowner in 1991. “He said to me, ‘I don’t like you, and these are my reasons why: One, you’re Catholic. Two, you’re a priest. And three, you’re Hispanic.’ He had no plans whatsoever of helping me.”
He found a suitable tract in central Texas, but the man who owned it made it clear that he was not willing to help.
“He was very blunt,” Father Rosetti recalled of the encounter he had with the landowner in 1991. “He said to me, ‘I don’t like you, and these are my reasons why: One, you’re Catholic. Two, you’re a priest. And three, you’re Hispanic.’ He had no plans whatsoever of helping me.”
International pressure mounts on Syria as UN investigation reveals regime tortured, killed 256 children
Syrian forces tortured, killed 256 children: UN - The Times of India: A UN investigation has concluded that Syrian forces committed crimes against humanity by killing and torturing hundreds of children, including a 2-year-old girl reportedly shot to death so she wouldn't grow up to be a demonstrator.
The results of the inquiry, released on Monday, added to mounting international pressure on President Bashar Assad, a day after the Arab League approved sweeping sanctions to push his embattled regime to end the violence. Syria's foreign minister called the Arab move "a declaration of economic war" and warned of retaliation.
The results of the inquiry, released on Monday, added to mounting international pressure on President Bashar Assad, a day after the Arab League approved sweeping sanctions to push his embattled regime to end the violence. Syria's foreign minister called the Arab move "a declaration of economic war" and warned of retaliation.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Can you guess what's in your home that costs $65,000 per gallon?
Patrick Madrid : Patrick MadridMADRID: I bet you can’t. But it’s in your home right now; in fact, a batch of it is very probably located less than 3 feet from where you are seated right now. It’s vastly more expensive than gold. And guess what else: you go to a store and pay for it routinely. Can you guess what it is?
P.S. For more examples of shockingly high mark ups you pay on a 9 other common items, be sure to press the “next” link just below this part of the article.
P.S. For more examples of shockingly high mark ups you pay on a 9 other common items, be sure to press the “next” link just below this part of the article.
Pope John Paul II's Bible, walking stick untouched in devastating St. Malo fire. "I don't know how that's possible," says lead fire investigator
DCR November 23, 2011: Late pontiff's Bible, walking stick untouched in devastating St. Malo fire: As firefighters and Boulder County officials walked through the rubble of St. Malo Retreat Center in Allenspark after containing a raging fire that nearly engulfed the north wing of the conference center Monday, Nov. 14, they became awestruck.
Laying among the charred pieces of the building on the third floor sat the Bible Pope John Paul II used during his visit to the Catholic retreat, conference and spiritual center, said Marci Linton, the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office emergency services coordinator and lead fire investigator.
She quickly told everyone to take photographs.
“I don’t know how that’s possible,” Linton said. “I don’t know how we found the Bible on the third floor and it was untouched. Everything around it was burned. There were some miraculous things that happened up there.”
Laying among the charred pieces of the building on the third floor sat the Bible Pope John Paul II used during his visit to the Catholic retreat, conference and spiritual center, said Marci Linton, the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office emergency services coordinator and lead fire investigator.
She quickly told everyone to take photographs.
“I don’t know how that’s possible,” Linton said. “I don’t know how we found the Bible on the third floor and it was untouched. Everything around it was burned. There were some miraculous things that happened up there.”
A smile that melts misconceptions: How Taya, a 14-month-old girl with Down Syndrome, has become the darling of the modeling world
Taya Kennedy: How Down�s Syndrome baby became the darling of the modelling world | Mail Online: The camera just loves little Taya Kennedy. Wide-eyed, cheeky, engaged; she brims with the confidence of a natural performer. It is little wonder that she has taken the child-modelling world by storm.
The fact that 14-month-old Taya also has Down’s Syndrome is quite incidental. She was selected, not to fulfil a quota, tick a box or adhere to the dictums of some politically-correct code of positive discrimination. Taya was picked because, quite simply, she is a star.
‘Taya is an incredibly photogenic, warm and smiley child, and that shines through in her photographs,’ says Alysia Lewis, owner of Urban Angels, the prestigious UK model agency that has signed her up.
The fact that 14-month-old Taya also has Down’s Syndrome is quite incidental. She was selected, not to fulfil a quota, tick a box or adhere to the dictums of some politically-correct code of positive discrimination. Taya was picked because, quite simply, she is a star.
‘Taya is an incredibly photogenic, warm and smiley child, and that shines through in her photographs,’ says Alysia Lewis, owner of Urban Angels, the prestigious UK model agency that has signed her up.
E-mail of the day
E-mail of the day � The Deacon's BenchKANDRA: Sent to me on FB, from a former boss at CBS News (now retired) who also happens to be Protestant:
"Hi.
For what it’s worth, three guys in the locker room at the gym this morning were talking about the new translation.
They seemed to like it.
It was better than hearing their usual talk about politics."
And so it goes.
"Hi.
For what it’s worth, three guys in the locker room at the gym this morning were talking about the new translation.
They seemed to like it.
It was better than hearing their usual talk about politics."
And so it goes.
Liberalism finally reaches its logical end: Pope sued in Germany for not buckling seat belt
Pope sued for not wearing seat belt - The Local: Johannes Christian Sundermann, a lawyer from Unna in North Rhine Westphalia, filed a legal complaint against the German-born pope formerly known as Joseph Ratzinger for not wearing his seat belt on several occasions “for more than one hour at a time,” according to a report in the Westf�lischen Rundschau newspaper.
The pope allegedly broke the law during his visit to Freiburg at the end of September as part of his tour of Germany.
Sundermann represents a Dortmund man. As evidence the two are offering YouTube videos and are also calling the Archbishop of Freiburg, the chairman of Germany’s Bishops Conference and Winfried Kretschmann, the Green Party politician who heads the state government in Baden-W�rttemberg.
The pope allegedly broke the law during his visit to Freiburg at the end of September as part of his tour of Germany.
Sundermann represents a Dortmund man. As evidence the two are offering YouTube videos and are also calling the Archbishop of Freiburg, the chairman of Germany’s Bishops Conference and Winfried Kretschmann, the Green Party politician who heads the state government in Baden-W�rttemberg.
It’s Getting Late Very Early Out There: On the Great Drama of Light at Advent and Christmas
It’s Getting Late Very Early Out There: On the Great Drama of Light at Advent and Christmas | Archdiocese of WashingtonPOPE: Outside, there is a great drama of light and darkness is unfolding before us. The light is giving way to darkness.
Here in the Northern Hemisphere the days are getting very short just now. And they’re going to get even shorter. In Washington DC, where I live, it is dark by 5pm. On cloudy days it is almost dark by 4pm. My brothers both live further north, one in St. Paul the other in Seattle. It’s dark even earlier there.
An old expression (probably by Yogi Berra) goes, “It’s getting late very early out there.”
Here in the Northern Hemisphere the days are getting very short just now. And they’re going to get even shorter. In Washington DC, where I live, it is dark by 5pm. On cloudy days it is almost dark by 4pm. My brothers both live further north, one in St. Paul the other in Seattle. It’s dark even earlier there.
An old expression (probably by Yogi Berra) goes, “It’s getting late very early out there.”
New rule: Benedict signs, Bertone stamps
Vatican Diary / Benedict signs, Bertone stampsMAGISTER: In a memo sent to the cardinals and archbishops who head the congregations, the tribunals, the pontifical councils and the offices that make up the Roman curia, the secretariat of state has reiterated the "practice in effect" that governs the publication of pontifical texts.
This memo, issued on November 4 but not made public until now, was covered by www.chiesa in an article on November 10.
This memo, issued on November 4 but not made public until now, was covered by www.chiesa in an article on November 10.
For old Mass books, tradition decrees burial or burning
For old Mass books, tradition decrees burial or 'cremation' :: Catholic News Agency (CNA): After the switch to a new Mass translation, old liturgical books should be respectfully buried, either intact or after being burned, according to the U.S. bishops.
“Whether or not the Sacramentary has been blessed by an official rite, it is appropriate to treat it with care,” the bishops' Secretariat for Divine Worship said in a recent response to several queries from U.S. Catholics. “Its disposal should be handled with respect.”
“Whether or not the Sacramentary has been blessed by an official rite, it is appropriate to treat it with care,” the bishops' Secretariat for Divine Worship said in a recent response to several queries from U.S. Catholics. “Its disposal should be handled with respect.”
How long can U.S. wait to adopt realistic, morally sound Middle East policy?
OSV Daily Take Blog: Shaw: How long can U.S. wait to adopt realistic, morally sound Middle-East policy?SHAW: As active U.S. military involvement in Iraq draws to a close, what does the moral scorecard on this adventure look like from an American point of view? Granted that a comprehensive weighing of results will only be possible some years from now, at the moment the picture is something like this.
In a perverse way, American policy in Iraq has been a model of consistency from start to finish. The original decision to invade back in 2003, based as it was on faulty intelligence and mistaken expectations about Iraqi receptivity to democracy, can now be seen to have been grossly in error. As for the here and now, it’s less obviously, but very likely, a parallel error for America to pull out prematurely, as in fact we now seem to be doing.
In a perverse way, American policy in Iraq has been a model of consistency from start to finish. The original decision to invade back in 2003, based as it was on faulty intelligence and mistaken expectations about Iraqi receptivity to democracy, can now be seen to have been grossly in error. As for the here and now, it’s less obviously, but very likely, a parallel error for America to pull out prematurely, as in fact we now seem to be doing.
What if the priest messes up the words of consecration?
What if the priest messes up the words of consecration? | The New Theological MovementERLENBUSH: This past Sunday, in the English speaking world, the new translation of the Mass was implemented. While there were certainly many of little mistakes – most notably, the struggle to say “And with your spirit” – we all can recognize that these are of no great consequence. Surely, we want to celebrate the Mass correctly, but a mistake is only a mistake, right?
However, there is one area where we recognize that a mistake could have serious consequences: What happens if the priest does not say the words of consecration correctly? What if he confuses one or two words, especially if he accidently says some portion of the old translation?
However, there is one area where we recognize that a mistake could have serious consequences: What happens if the priest does not say the words of consecration correctly? What if he confuses one or two words, especially if he accidently says some portion of the old translation?
What I Learned from Making Sunday a Day of Rest
What I Learned from Making Sunday a Day of Rest | Blogs | NCRegister.comFULWILER: When I first converted to Christianity, one of practices that was most foreign to me was the idea of Sunday being a day of rest. I already tried to do about ten days’ worth of work in the seven days of any given week, so the idea of subtracting one seemed impossible.
Then one day a wise spiritual advisor pointed out something that got my attention. One way to get an idea of how much God expects us to accomplish in a week, she suggested, is to look at the traditional Christian cycle of work and rest: No work on Sundays, and minimal work after Vespers at sundown.
Then one day a wise spiritual advisor pointed out something that got my attention. One way to get an idea of how much God expects us to accomplish in a week, she suggested, is to look at the traditional Christian cycle of work and rest: No work on Sundays, and minimal work after Vespers at sundown.
Deer season a half-century ago. My, how times have changed...
Deer Season a Half Century Ago | Catholic LaneKENGOR: My mother’s family lived in Emporium, Pennsylvania, as did dozens of their relatives. Emporium is a tiny town nestled in the mountains near the north/central part of the state. Back in the 1940s, when my mother was born, my grandmother had worked as a Rosie Riveter at the Sylvania plant. Some reading this article will remember owning a huge, heavy Sylvania TV—back when you got only three channels.
Sylvania employed half the town. Farming was another means of employment, which my grandfather and his parents and nine siblings had done down the road in Rich Valley.
Sylvania employed half the town. Farming was another means of employment, which my grandfather and his parents and nine siblings had done down the road in Rich Valley.
Calling it like he sees it: Peter Kreeft says pro-choice Catholic Kennedy advisers "wicked, dishonest people" who caused more damage than sex abusers
Kreeft: Pro-Abort Catholics More Damaging than Sex Abuse Scandal � Campus Notes: Boston College Professor and author Peter Kreeft told a group of 500 at the Bishop O’Connor Center in Madison that pro-abortion Catholics have done more damage to the Church than the sex abuse scandal, according to the Wisconsin State Journal.
Kreeft’s speech was focused on whether Catholics could be liberals and quickly turned to the issue of abortion where he said, “A Catholic cannot be today what is called a liberal about abortion. That’s obvious. That’s a ‘duh.’”
Kreeft’s speech was focused on whether Catholics could be liberals and quickly turned to the issue of abortion where he said, “A Catholic cannot be today what is called a liberal about abortion. That’s obvious. That’s a ‘duh.’”
How to talk to Mormons about St. Athanasius and the Great Apostasy
A Question About a Saying by Athanasius | Blogs | NCRegister.comSHEA: My recommendation for chatting with Mormons: Don’t waste time talking about the staggeringly huge doctrinal difference between Catholic faith and the King James Version fan fiction known as the Book of Mormon. Instead, ask for the exact date of the Great Apostasy. Because Mormonism has no other raison d’etre in the universe than as a remedy for that alleged Great Apostasy. If there was no Great Apostasy (which, you know, there wasn’t) there is absolutely no point to Mormonism. It becomes a cure for a non-existent disease peddled by a 19th Century snake oil salesman who sold his wares to people who knew nothing about the history of the Church.
10 things every Catholic should do before kicking the bucket
Ten things to do before you kick the bucketSHEA: Bucket lists (i.e., lists of stuff you should oughtta wanna do before you kick the bucket) are hot these days. So, canny fellow that I am, I thought I would put together a bucket list of 10 things a Catholic should oughtta wanna do before he or she takes the dirt nap, lies down in the back of that long black Cadillac and otherwise stops squeezing the plasma pump behind the sternum.
3 things I've learned about God's cultivation of our souls
Pruning the Heart � nunspeakDOTY: A visitor to our convent stopped to admire our roses that line the path up to the front door. “What beautiful roses!” he said, “How do you keep them so lovely?”
Well, we don’t have time to give them extraordinary care. We water them on a timer and prune them. They seem to do the rest.
As we begin a new liturgical year, and the time of waiting for the Lord in Advent, the theme of pruning has been on my mind. Not of roses, however, but of the heart.
Well, we don’t have time to give them extraordinary care. We water them on a timer and prune them. They seem to do the rest.
As we begin a new liturgical year, and the time of waiting for the Lord in Advent, the theme of pruning has been on my mind. Not of roses, however, but of the heart.
“Did God Die For You?” (St. Paul and Unconditional Election)
Shameless Popery: “Did God Die For You?” (St. Paul and Unconditional Election)HESCHMEYER: That's the title of a tract I was handed on the street earlier this month. It's in the form of a series of questions and answers. One of the questions is, “How do I know if God has chosen me to be saved?” The answer begins: "You may be one of God's chosen (elect) people or you may not -- only God knows those He intends to save; therefore we have to leave the question of 'election' completely to the sovereign will of God."
And since Calvinists claim that, “Jesus died only for the elect,” the answer to the tract's title question seems to be, “We don't know.” Christ may have died for you, He may not have -- there's no way to know for sure, and nothing you can do about it, anyways. That's the Good News?
And since Calvinists claim that, “Jesus died only for the elect,” the answer to the tract's title question seems to be, “We don't know.” Christ may have died for you, He may not have -- there's no way to know for sure, and nothing you can do about it, anyways. That's the Good News?
Two million Russians venerate Marian relic believed to boost fertility
Two million Russians venerate Marian relic believed to boost fertility�|�CatholicHerald.co.ukPHILLIPS: I was chatting to a friend the other day (as one does). She has two sons and remarked that she always wanted more but knew it would be irresponsible “because of over-population”. I gave her a short, kindly lecture on the increasing “under-population” of the developed world and she listened open-mouthed. She simply had never heard the other side of the argument; the over-population brigade had got to her first and she had unthinkingly absorbed their pessimistic propaganda.
As Climate Change Conference convenes in South Africa, Pope Benedict exhorts Catholics to become "guardians of life and creation"
Pope Benedict: Educating the guardians of Creation: On Monday as representatives from over 190 countries, industrialized, developing and poor gathered in Durban, South Africa, to tackle the thorny issue of climate change, here in the Vatican Honduran Cardinal Oscar Rodriguez Maradiaga led a large group of Italian teenagers to meet Pope Benedict XVI, who asked them to be the “true guardians of life and creation”.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Giving of himself: the remarkable gift of Fr. Val
Giving of himself: the remarkable gift of Fr. Val � The Deacon's BenchKANDRA: By the time parishioners, parents, students and staff at Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception got Father Val’s e-mail that Tuesday morning, Nov. 8, he was already in surgery.
“Peace in the Lord!” read the e-mail from Rev. Valentine Handwerker, a 63-year-old Catholic priest who lives his life as if every day should end with an exclamation point.
“I want to go over something with you. Often times I speak about stewardship. As you know, stewardship first and foremost is gratitude to God for the gifts and blessings entrusted to us. Out of that gratitude to God, then, we are called as stewards to use these gifts and blessings not only for ourselves but also for the good of others.”
“Peace in the Lord!” read the e-mail from Rev. Valentine Handwerker, a 63-year-old Catholic priest who lives his life as if every day should end with an exclamation point.
“I want to go over something with you. Often times I speak about stewardship. As you know, stewardship first and foremost is gratitude to God for the gifts and blessings entrusted to us. Out of that gratitude to God, then, we are called as stewards to use these gifts and blessings not only for ourselves but also for the good of others.”
Long lay the world
Accepting Abundance: Long Lay the WorldTRASANCOS: Even though it was a lake, I was in the smoothest water imaginable swimming out to the middle, a little scared to be alone, but loving the feel of the water. I flipped over on my back, the water rushing up around my ears in overwhelming silence, and I looked straight up at the stars, so perfect I could get lost in them and almost believe it actually was Heaven.
Then a hungry baby woke me, and just like that I was in our home holding him, thankful everyone else was still fast asleep, the night indeed quite silent, a rarity in a home with six kids. Night feedings can be thoughtful moments, and I thought of something I read about Descartes and skepticism earlier in the day, probably the reason for my dream. Can we ever be sure that what our senses tell us is real?
Then a hungry baby woke me, and just like that I was in our home holding him, thankful everyone else was still fast asleep, the night indeed quite silent, a rarity in a home with six kids. Night feedings can be thoughtful moments, and I thought of something I read about Descartes and skepticism earlier in the day, probably the reason for my dream. Can we ever be sure that what our senses tell us is real?
Making room in a wounded heart for the infant Christ
Making room in a wounded heart for the infant Christ :: Catholic News Agency (CNA)EDEN: As we enter the Advent season, when the Church invites us to prepare for the coming of the Christ Child, there are some who, even as they long to welcome Jesus, fear that He may not welcome them. They are those who go through life burdened with a sense of being stained—not by things they did, but by things that were done to them.
Their numbers are large enough to include someone on every pew, in every parish—an estimated 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men. They are adult victims of childhood sexual abuse, and, for most of them, their abuser was a relative or family friend—someone they risk seeing again if they choose to come home for the holidays.
Their numbers are large enough to include someone on every pew, in every parish—an estimated 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men. They are adult victims of childhood sexual abuse, and, for most of them, their abuser was a relative or family friend—someone they risk seeing again if they choose to come home for the holidays.
The brief span of this present life is hurtling towards eternity...
Beginning to Pray: Prayerful Vigilance and AdventLILLES: The coming of the Lord is often imagined as an impending catastrophe in the distant future against which one must gamble, but this is a dangerous fantasy. For those who long for the mercy of the Lord, for those oppressed, for those persecuted, for those rejected, for those despised, for those abandoned, for those who hunger, for those who thirst, for the poor, for the meek and lowly; for all such as these the Day of the Lord will not be a catastrophe but if they cleave to Him in faith, this day will be a eucatastrophe -- a sudden happy ending; unimaginable, unexpected, uncalculable; a victory, a triumph in which every tear is wiped dry and every sorrow consoled, in which at last the personal story entrusted to each of them will be enveloped in joy.
The Four Liturgists of the Apocalypse
The Four Liturgists of the Apocalypse | Blogs | NCRegister.comAKIN: I arrived at Mass a few minutes early and took my seat in the pew. The particular parish I was attending had not done a lot of prep work for the new translation.
In fact, I saw that the Roman Missal they had was still in its shiny, new shrinkwrap.
And behold, there were seven seals upon its shrinkwrap.
I heard the cantor proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the Missal and break its seals?”
And no one in the parish was able to open the Missal or to look into it, and I wept much that no one was able to open the Missal, for I was really looking forward to the new translation.
In fact, I saw that the Roman Missal they had was still in its shiny, new shrinkwrap.
And behold, there were seven seals upon its shrinkwrap.
I heard the cantor proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the Missal and break its seals?”
And no one in the parish was able to open the Missal or to look into it, and I wept much that no one was able to open the Missal, for I was really looking forward to the new translation.
Introducing the New Missal: Why We Worship With Liturgy
Introducing the New Missal: Why We Worship With Liturgy | Daily News | NCRegister.comLONGENECKER: When I first told the parishioners at Our Lady of the Rosary Church in Greenville, S. C., that a new translation of the Mass was coming, I had to convince them that it really was the Pope’s idea and not mine.
We began preparations for the introduction of the new translation of the Mass in July with four pastor’s letters in the parish bulletin. These letters outlined why the new Mass translation was necessary and explained the theory behind it.
We began preparations for the introduction of the new translation of the Mass in July with four pastor’s letters in the parish bulletin. These letters outlined why the new Mass translation was necessary and explained the theory behind it.
2011's Top 10 Manly Gifts for your Husband, Father, Son, or Grandfather
2011's Top 10 Manly Gifts for your Husband, Father, Son, or Grandfather... ~ Canterbury Tales by Taylor MarshallMARSHALL: If you want your man to feel like a total stud, get him this gift. It's old school shaving just like your grandfather used to do. Real Badger hair brush. Soap bowl. Cool stainless thing to hang your razor up to dry. I have one of these and I love it.
By the way, the badger hair brush will smell like a wet animal the first several times he uses it. It's okay, the smell goes away after a few uses. It's all part of the manly appeal. He feels cool, you get to pet his clean, smooth face. Everybody wins.
By the way, the badger hair brush will smell like a wet animal the first several times he uses it. It's okay, the smell goes away after a few uses. It's all part of the manly appeal. He feels cool, you get to pet his clean, smooth face. Everybody wins.
National Catholic Reporter says Christ's own words make them "feel like losers"...
Shameless Popery: Jesus Makes the National Catholic Reporter Feel Like Losers?HESCHMEYER: The new translation (for which I thank God) wasn't about hurting the feelings of anyone at the Reporter, but about greater faithfulness to the Latin Rite, and greater faithfulness to the words of Jesus Christ. As the Reporter admits in their editorial, “The English translation that we have used since 1973 was a rush job done in the first burst of enthusiasm after the Second Vatican Council.” It was sloppy in many places, and was never intended to last even as long as it did. Today marks the fulfillment of what was intended from the beginning: the implementation of a faithful translation of the Latin Mass, so that we can pray the same prayers of the universal Church, but each in our own tongue. It's the spirit of Pentecost, not Babel.
Air Force Academy adapts to pagans, druids, witches and Wiccans
Air Force Academy adapts to pagans, druids, witches and Wiccans - latimes.com: In the still of a cold November evening, a small gathering of pagans, led by two witches, begins preparations for the coming winter solstice. But these are not just any pagans, and this is not just any setting. They are future officers of the United States Air Force practicing their faith in the basement of the Air Force Academy's cadet chapel.
Their ranks are slim. According to the academy's enrollment records, only three of 4,300 cadets identified themselves as pagans, followers of an ancient religion that generally does not worship a single god and considers all things in nature interconnected.
Their ranks are slim. According to the academy's enrollment records, only three of 4,300 cadets identified themselves as pagans, followers of an ancient religion that generally does not worship a single god and considers all things in nature interconnected.
Caught between the two comings of Christ, we receive light from His Incarnation and Parousia alike
AdventBRAMWELL: St. Athanasius says of the first coming of Christ to the human race that, “by such grace perceiving the Image, that is, the Word of the Father, they may be able through Him to get an idea of the Father, and knowing their Maker, live the happy and truly blessed life.” Christ, then, brings us a new state of life.
How does this idea translate into daily existence? In Christ’s own words: “Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.” (Matthew 25:34-36)
How does this idea translate into daily existence? In Christ’s own words: “Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.” (Matthew 25:34-36)
Time Flies
Time Flies (First Sunday of Advent) | Archdiocese of WashingtonHURD: While standing in a supermarket checkout line, I noticed a little sign warning that tobacco products would not be sold to anyone not born before today’s day in 1990. My first kneejerk thought was: “People born in 1990 are still in preschool!” But then I did some quick math in my head and realized that, no, people born in 1990 are now young adults. I was reminded quite forcefully of the old saying “Tempis fugit!” – Time flies.
It's popular to assume that most people are going to heaven. But the Lord Jesus warns us that some (or many, or most) are heading for hell...
Crying Out For the Savior – A Meditation on the Readings for the First Sunday of Advent | Archdiocese of WashingtonPOPE: Though many today like to brush aside the teachings on judgment, or teachings that some are lost, to those who do, and to all, Jesus says, Watch! In other words, watch out, be serious, sober and prepared for death and judgment. Realize that your choices are leading somewhere.
Some have tried to tame and domesticate Jesus, but it is not the fake Jesus they have reinvented that they will meet, it is the real Jesus, the Jesus who warns repeatedly of the reality of judgment and the strong possibility of Hell. At the beginning of Advent we do well to heed Jesus’ admonition and realize our need to be saved.
And that leads to the first reading from Isaiah which rather thoroughly sets forth our need for a savior. Isaiah distinguishes five ailments which beset us, and from which we need rescue. We are: drifting, demanding, depraved, disaffected and depressed. But in the end Isaiah reminds us of our dignity. Lets look at each in turn.
Some have tried to tame and domesticate Jesus, but it is not the fake Jesus they have reinvented that they will meet, it is the real Jesus, the Jesus who warns repeatedly of the reality of judgment and the strong possibility of Hell. At the beginning of Advent we do well to heed Jesus’ admonition and realize our need to be saved.
And that leads to the first reading from Isaiah which rather thoroughly sets forth our need for a savior. Isaiah distinguishes five ailments which beset us, and from which we need rescue. We are: drifting, demanding, depraved, disaffected and depressed. But in the end Isaiah reminds us of our dignity. Lets look at each in turn.
Pope's Sunday Angelus: "Be watchful! Be alert! Each of us will be called to account for how he has lived"
Asia News: Advent, which begins today, is a "wonderful time which awakens in our hearts the expectation of the return of Christ and the memory of His first coming, when He strips Himself of His divine glory to take on our mortal flesh". It is even more important in a "post-modern world .... Where God seems absent" and in which "... we sometimes think that God has withdrawn and has, so to speak, abandoned us."
This is how Benedict XVI explained the meaning of Advent before praying the Angelus with the faithful in St. Peter's Square. A time that marks the beginning of the new liturgical year, "a new journey of faith, to live together in Christian communities, but also, as always, to live within the history of the world, so it can be opened to the mystery of God, the salvation that comes from his love. "
This is how Benedict XVI explained the meaning of Advent before praying the Angelus with the faithful in St. Peter's Square. A time that marks the beginning of the new liturgical year, "a new journey of faith, to live together in Christian communities, but also, as always, to live within the history of the world, so it can be opened to the mystery of God, the salvation that comes from his love. "
The new Mass translation? Manhattan's Corpus Christi Church has been using something like it for 40 years...
As Catholics Prepare for New Mass Translation, Corpus Christi Parish Carves Own Path - NYTimes.com: The midmorning Mass held at Corpus Christi Church in Morningside Heights last Sunday was either a week ahead or nearly 40 years behind the mainstream of American Roman Catholicism, depending on how one looked at it.
"And with your spirit": A new liturgical year brings a new translation
Whispers in the Loggia: So, How'd It Go?: Now, to capture the experiences and stories of this global rollout as best possible, we're going to do something these pages haven't seen in a very long time.
Long story short, to mark this once-in-a-generation event, the comment box is open, and -- lay or ordained, minister or pewsitter -- hopefully you'll take a few minutes to share with the rest of us how everything went at your place, and what the first use of the new texts was like for you.
Long story short, to mark this once-in-a-generation event, the comment box is open, and -- lay or ordained, minister or pewsitter -- hopefully you'll take a few minutes to share with the rest of us how everything went at your place, and what the first use of the new texts was like for you.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Meet Julia Greeley: Ex-slave, Catholic convert, servant of the poor, adorer of the Holy Eucharist, apostle of the Sacred Heart...
Saintly Denverite Julia Greeley featured in manuscript :: Catholic News Agency (CNA): While deftly flipping through the 120-page manuscript he authored, Father Blaine Burkey, O.F.M. Cap., pointed to the 20th-century photos and explained the virtues and life stories of the widely-considered saintly woman Julia Greeley.
By all appearances she was an ordinary woman who did extraordinary things during her life as an ex-slave and Catholic convert who roamed the streets of Denver, Colo.
“She earned her living by scrubbing floors,” Father Burkey, 75, said about Greeley, an African American. “She turned around what little she had left over to help people.”
What she couldn’t pay for, the Capuchin priest added, she “went around and begged for help for other people.”
By all appearances she was an ordinary woman who did extraordinary things during her life as an ex-slave and Catholic convert who roamed the streets of Denver, Colo.
“She earned her living by scrubbing floors,” Father Burkey, 75, said about Greeley, an African American. “She turned around what little she had left over to help people.”
What she couldn’t pay for, the Capuchin priest added, she “went around and begged for help for other people.”
"Semper Paratus!": The Readings for the First Sunday of Advent
The Sacred Page: "Semper Paratus!": The Readings for the First Sunday of AdventBERGSMA: The last month of the liturgical year was spent reflecting on the Last Things, culminating in the Feast of Christ the King last week, when we pondered the Final Judgment, the separation of the “sheep” and the “goats.”
There is actually a fairly smooth transition from the end of the liturgical year to its beginning, because the first week of Advent is spent meditating not on the First Coming of Christ, but on his Second. By next week, the perspective will shift, and the liturgy will anticipate the coming celebration of the incarnation.
There is actually a fairly smooth transition from the end of the liturgical year to its beginning, because the first week of Advent is spent meditating not on the First Coming of Christ, but on his Second. By next week, the perspective will shift, and the liturgy will anticipate the coming celebration of the incarnation.
It's Catholicism or nobody: Healing the scandal of denominationalism
Shameless Popery: Healing the Scandal of DenominationalismHESCHMEYER: One of the points that Christians often make in Christian-Jewish dialogues is that if Christ isn't the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophesies, no one is. The Tanakh contains a long list of Messianic prophesies that created a specific timeline. For example, Daniel 2 is pretty clear that the Advent of the Messiah will occur three regime changes after the fall of the Babylonian Empire: that is, during the time of the Roman Empire. Jesus Christ fits the timeline: no other contender does. So it's Jesus or nobody.
We have a similar situation here. If Jesus called for total adherence to the Truth and a Oneness of the Church, Protestantism can't be correct. At its heart, it preaches that the Reformation was necessary: that Oneness of the Church had to be broken out of adherence to the Truth. That's the inherent catch-22 of Protesantism in a nutshell. It's Catholicism or nobody.
We have a similar situation here. If Jesus called for total adherence to the Truth and a Oneness of the Church, Protestantism can't be correct. At its heart, it preaches that the Reformation was necessary: that Oneness of the Church had to be broken out of adherence to the Truth. That's the inherent catch-22 of Protesantism in a nutshell. It's Catholicism or nobody.
Look at this restoration (scroll down for the amazing before-and-after photos)
The History Blog � Blog Archive � Look at this restoration: The Dulwich Picture Gallery in London unveiled the results of a two-year restoration of Saint Cecilia, a Baroque masterpiece currently attributed to the school of Annibale Caracci. The 17th century painting was in such awful condition that it had been off public display and in storage since the late 19th century. In 2009, sufficient funds were raised to begin a full restoration and it’s taken this long to painstakingly repair tears, reframe and clean the work.
And thus at long last, the sons pay for the sins of the father, for the person who is most responsible for its deplorable condition was Sir Francis Bourgeois, the founder of the Dulwich Picture Gallery. He and his partner No�l Desenfans ran an immensely successful and high-end art dealing business. In 1790 they were commissioned by Stanislaus August, King of Poland (and former lover of Catherine the Great’s), to create a royal collection of important art that would rival those held by the other crowned heads of Europe. Desenfans and Bourgeois worked for five years to put together a world-class art collection from scratch for Poland’s new national gallery.
And thus at long last, the sons pay for the sins of the father, for the person who is most responsible for its deplorable condition was Sir Francis Bourgeois, the founder of the Dulwich Picture Gallery. He and his partner No�l Desenfans ran an immensely successful and high-end art dealing business. In 1790 they were commissioned by Stanislaus August, King of Poland (and former lover of Catherine the Great’s), to create a royal collection of important art that would rival those held by the other crowned heads of Europe. Desenfans and Bourgeois worked for five years to put together a world-class art collection from scratch for Poland’s new national gallery.
At last, after all these years, the advent of the new translation. Poll question: What are your initial reactions?
After all these years… the advent of the NEW TRANSLATION. Your thoughts. WDTPRS POLL | Fr. Z's Blog – What Does The Prayer Really Say?ZUHLSDORF: We have waited a long time for this.
The clock has inexorably ticked away. The date for the implementation of the whole of the new, corrected translation – Order and Proper – has finally arrived for the UK and for the USA. In some places it waits a while longer, but most of the English speaking world will use it as of this evening, the vigil Mass for the 1st Sunday of Advent.
I invite your thoughts and initial reactions.
It is okay to have an “initial” reaction even if you have been hearing or using the new, corrected version since September. I think we are still in our “initial” reception phase.
The clock has inexorably ticked away. The date for the implementation of the whole of the new, corrected translation – Order and Proper – has finally arrived for the UK and for the USA. In some places it waits a while longer, but most of the English speaking world will use it as of this evening, the vigil Mass for the 1st Sunday of Advent.
I invite your thoughts and initial reactions.
It is okay to have an “initial” reaction even if you have been hearing or using the new, corrected version since September. I think we are still in our “initial” reception phase.
Tick, tick, tick … Mass confusion update
Tick, tick, tick … Mass confusion update � GetReligionMATTINGLY: We are almost there — only hours away from the end of American Catholicism as we know it.
The new English translation of the Catholic Mass is a big deal and I get that. I recognize that the coverage we have been seeing in the mainstream press reflects the Catholic liturgical culture wars and I get that, too.
Nevertheless, the journalist in me wants to know what is going on in the following lede in The Los Angeles Times.
The new English translation of the Catholic Mass is a big deal and I get that. I recognize that the coverage we have been seeing in the mainstream press reflects the Catholic liturgical culture wars and I get that, too.
Nevertheless, the journalist in me wants to know what is going on in the following lede in The Los Angeles Times.
Filling the hungry with good things and sending the rich away empty? That's not Marxism. That's Marianism...
Scripture says | Blogs | NCRegister.comSHEA: We Americans have outgrown all that barbaric Bronze Age stuff about a God who defends the alien, the orphan and the widow, as well as all that stuff about judging impartially and not taking bribes. In our repaganizing civilization with its scorn of the poor and our tender devotion to Mammon we are only too ready to cut slack to the the extremely rich and powerful with tender tears of pity, while bringing down the full weight of punishment (and then some) on the weak and poor. Indeed, a good working definition of American justice in the present hour is that things which are sins when ordinary people do them are not sins when rich and powerful ones do them.
Papal envoy: Many of the Legion of Christ's 1000-plus rules soon to be abolished
Pope envoy: Rules for Legion-linked group invalid - Yahoo! News: The pope's envoy running the disgraced Legion of Christ religious order says the 1,000-plus rules governing the cult-like life of some of its members are invalid and will be whittled down to a core set of norms.
The rules that the Legion's consecrated women and men live under cover everything from how to eat a piece of bread (tear off bite-size pieces, don't bite into it) to what they can watch on television to how they interact with outsiders and family members.
Pope Benedict XVI took over the Legion last year after the order admitted its Mexican founder sexually abused seminarians and fathered three children. A Vatican investigation determined he was a fraud and discovered serious spiritual and psychological abuses within the Legion and its consecrated branch — abuses the pope's delegate says he's now trying to fix.
The rules that the Legion's consecrated women and men live under cover everything from how to eat a piece of bread (tear off bite-size pieces, don't bite into it) to what they can watch on television to how they interact with outsiders and family members.
Pope Benedict XVI took over the Legion last year after the order admitted its Mexican founder sexually abused seminarians and fathered three children. A Vatican investigation determined he was a fraud and discovered serious spiritual and psychological abuses within the Legion and its consecrated branch — abuses the pope's delegate says he's now trying to fix.
French court acquits 2 Opus Dei followers accused of forcing disciple to work
French court acquits 2 Opus Dei followers accused of forcing disciple to work | StarTribune.com: A French court on Thursday acquitted two Opus Dei followers and an association closely linked to the conservative Catholic group of charges they forced a disciple to work.
The trial was based on a complaint by Catherine Tissier, who claims she worked for more than a decade for little or no pay as a "numerary assistant" at a hotel school linked to Opus Dei.
Tissier's lawyer said she would appeal.
A spokeswoman for Opus Dei, Beatrice de La Coste, welcomed the decision, saying it "reaffirms the complete exoneration of Opus Dei."
The trial was based on a complaint by Catherine Tissier, who claims she worked for more than a decade for little or no pay as a "numerary assistant" at a hotel school linked to Opus Dei.
Tissier's lawyer said she would appeal.
A spokeswoman for Opus Dei, Beatrice de La Coste, welcomed the decision, saying it "reaffirms the complete exoneration of Opus Dei."
Franciscan friar puts Detroit soup kitchen on wheels
Business | Detroit's Brother Al Mascia puts soup kitchen on wheels | The Detroit News: After losing the brick-and-mortar headquarters for his Detroit-based charitable operations earlier this month, the brown-robed Franciscan friar has kept serving the homeless, the elderly and others in Detroit.
Mascia anticipated the closing of the building more than a year ago and raised $4,000 to buy two specially designed tricycles with vendor carts in front and storage trailers in the back so he wouldn't miss a beat in serving his clientele.
"St. Francis went beyond the walls of the medieval city to serve the exiled," said Mascia, referring to St. Francis of Assisi, the founder of the Catholic religious order to which Mascia belongs. "Now, I have no walls between me and the people I serve."
Mascia anticipated the closing of the building more than a year ago and raised $4,000 to buy two specially designed tricycles with vendor carts in front and storage trailers in the back so he wouldn't miss a beat in serving his clientele.
"St. Francis went beyond the walls of the medieval city to serve the exiled," said Mascia, referring to St. Francis of Assisi, the founder of the Catholic religious order to which Mascia belongs. "Now, I have no walls between me and the people I serve."
Vatican to have 'Green' Nativity scene with emphasis on life of the Virgin Mary
Vatican to have 'Green' Nativity scene with emphasis on life of the Virgin Mary: Giuseppe Facchini and Barbara Bellano are responsible for the department of projects for the Governorate of the Vatican. This means they're responsible for designing and constructing one of the biggest and most visited nativity scenes in the world, in the Vatican's St. Peter's Square.
The unveiling ceremony is held every December 24. Construction has been underway for a few weeks but it's a project that originally started nearly 10 months ago.
This year's nativity scene is different because it marks the 30th anniversary of the first time Christmas was represented in the Vatican. Because of this, a special emphasis was placed on the creators for this year's scene.
The unveiling ceremony is held every December 24. Construction has been underway for a few weeks but it's a project that originally started nearly 10 months ago.
This year's nativity scene is different because it marks the 30th anniversary of the first time Christmas was represented in the Vatican. Because of this, a special emphasis was placed on the creators for this year's scene.
Riots, Coups, and Abdications
Riots, Coups and AbdicationsRUTLER: As in the month of June 1943 the Nazi racial policies would become more diabolic, climaxing with the installation of a third crematory in Birkenau by the end of the month, there was some irony in the contagion of race riots among some engaged in the war effort against the Axis: the so-called “Zoot Suit Riots” in Los Angeles, so named for the flamboyant clothing worn by youths enamored of “swing” music culture, especially Mexican immigrants. Riots began on June 3 when some 60 enlisted men from the Los Angeles Naval Reserve Armory began to beat up anyone fitting the racial profile. When Eleanor Roosevelt ventured a commentary on the Los Angeles chaos, the Los Angeles Times accused her of meddling and imputed Communist sympathies to her On June 16, two died in race riots in Beaumont, Texas, and another riot there followed on the 19th leaving, a total of 21 dead and more than 200 wounded and more than one hundred homes of black families looted. Shipbuilding for the Navy was impeded for months. In Detroit on June 20, the same day that the Germans rounded up Jews in Amsterdam for extermination, 35 Americans were killed, 25 of them black, and 433 were wounded. It was a setback for the industry, and Japanese propaganda shipped over flyers telling black citizens to turn against their government which was engaged in a “war between two races.”
The Church in America is strong, but the need for a new evangelization is urgent
Whispers in the Loggia: "The Demand of a New Evangelization": From B16's Desk, Bench Talk 1BENEDICT: In these days, the Church in the United States is implementing the revised translation of the Roman Missal. I am grateful for your efforts to ensure that this new translation will inspire an ongoing catechesis which emphasizes the true nature of the liturgy and, above all, the unique value of Christ’s saving sacrifice for the redemption of the world. A weakened sense of the meaning and importance of Christian worship can only lead to a weakened sense of the specific and essential vocation of the laity to imbue the temporal order with the spirit of the Gospel. America has a proud tradition of respect for the sabbath; this legacy needs to be consolidated as a summons to the service of God’s Kingdom and the renewal of the social fabric in accordance with its unchanging truth.
A daughter keeps her word, as her husband takes it one step further
Google Reader (1000 ): Hollywood used to write love stories like this, but a cynical world stopped believing them.
It was around 2 a.m. on June 9, 1944, when 15-year-old Mary Michler and her friends, who had taken the wrong bus on their way home from the movies, walked into Pops, a Kansas City hamburger joint at 44th and Prospect.
Charles Cahill, was celebrating his high school graduation that night, fell in love. At first glance. For both of them.
“I knew the girl she was with, so I had her introduce me,” Charles said. “I told my best friend the next morning that I met the girl I was going to marry.”
It was around 2 a.m. on June 9, 1944, when 15-year-old Mary Michler and her friends, who had taken the wrong bus on their way home from the movies, walked into Pops, a Kansas City hamburger joint at 44th and Prospect.
Charles Cahill, was celebrating his high school graduation that night, fell in love. At first glance. For both of them.
“I knew the girl she was with, so I had her introduce me,” Charles said. “I told my best friend the next morning that I met the girl I was going to marry.”
Why didn't Jesus tell us the day and the hour of his return?
Why didn't Jesus tell us the day and the hour of his return? | The New Theological MovementERLENBUSH: If Jesus did not reveal to us the time of his return, though he could have, then we know that it was to our benefit that he kept this mystery hidden. Whatsoever Jesus does, he does out of love for us and for our salvation. Hence, we must realize that it is conducive to our salvation that we know not the time of judgment.
Still, we must admit that, at first glance, one could think that it would be better to know – after all, then one could be sure to be prepared. How shall we respond to this?
Still, we must admit that, at first glance, one could think that it would be better to know – after all, then one could be sure to be prepared. How shall we respond to this?
Secrets of the Habit
Secrets of the Habit | Archdiocese of WashingtonPOPE: The video at the bottom of this post is a fascinating little exploration of the traditional habit of Religious Sisters. The video does not make it clear as to what Order the Habit belonged. There are many things I learned about a habit I never knew. Things like hidden “saddle bag” pockets, opening crucifixes, symbolism in the pleats, and the purpose of the outer veil. I hope you’ll take time an view a fascinating video.
Turning the Page
Whispers in the Loggia: Turning the PagePALMO: And so, folks, after ten years... Lord knows how many wars... and more hyperventilating among the liturgical crowd than over the preceding two millennia of Christianity combined (and that's saying something), the day has arrived: come dusk, the full implementation of the Third Edition of the Roman Missal in English will be completed across the Anglophone world (except Hong Kong, where a year's delay has been taken).
Happy Nunciature, Charlie Brown! Pope Formally Taps CDF Aide as Irish Legate
Whispers in the Loggia: Happy Nunciature, Charlie Brown -- Pope Formally Taps CDF Aide as Irish LegatePALMO: And so it is: as first relayed on these pages Thanksgiving Eve, at Roman Noon on what would've been Charles M. Schultz's 89th birthday, in a convention-shattering move on multiple fronts, the Pope has named Msgr Charles Brown, 52 -- priest of New York and longtime cherished aide of B16's at the CDF -- as apostolic nuncio to Ireland.
Elevated to the rank of archbishop with the appointment, Charlie Brown's been given the titular see of Aquileia.
A product of Notre Dame, Oxford and Sant'Anselmo, now armed with a blank check for reshaping the troubled, roiled Irish church to B16's specifications, the "urbane," widely well-regarded Gothamite is expected to take up his duties as papal legate to the Republic -- and, in keeping with long-standing custom, dean of its diplomatic corps -- in January.
Elevated to the rank of archbishop with the appointment, Charlie Brown's been given the titular see of Aquileia.
A product of Notre Dame, Oxford and Sant'Anselmo, now armed with a blank check for reshaping the troubled, roiled Irish church to B16's specifications, the "urbane," widely well-regarded Gothamite is expected to take up his duties as papal legate to the Republic -- and, in keeping with long-standing custom, dean of its diplomatic corps -- in January.
Friday, November 25, 2011
Revealing the Lie of the “Quick Fix.” Another in the Series of “Truth in Advertising”
Revealing the Lie of the “Quick Fix.” Another in the Series of “Truth in Advertising” | Archdiocese of WashingtonPOPE: One of the cultural challenges we face in both living and proclaiming the faith is that the true faith doesn’t often fit our frantic pace and instant expectations. Consider that may today, including we who believe, demand the “Quick Fix.”� What ever the situation, be it sickness, a needed repair of something we own, the delivery of something we have purchased, a resolution of family troubles, or even deeper issues such as inner peace, we want a quick fix.
Human nature always asks the question about God, Pope says
Human nature always asks the question about God, Pope says : News Headlines - Catholic Culture: Speaking on November 25 to the members of the Pontifical Council for the Laity, Pope Benedict XVI said that the Church must meet the challenge of proclaiming God’s existence to an increasingly skeptical world.
The question of God is always relevant and always pressing, the Pope insisted. Even when societies become averse to any discussion of faith, human nature ensures that people will ask the ultimate questions.
The question of God is always relevant and always pressing, the Pope insisted. Even when societies become averse to any discussion of faith, human nature ensures that people will ask the ultimate questions.
Thursday, November 24, 2011
A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving....
Whispers in the Loggia: A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving....PALMO: Hinted at above after chatter ticked up yesterday, a report in this morning's Irish Times corroborates the talk that, in a convention-shattering move, the Pope is to name Msgr Charles Brown (right) -- a priest of New York and long-trusted aide of B16's at the CDF -- as apostolic nuncio to Ireland.
Of course, the appointment to the Dublin posting has been closely monitored both on Irish soil and beyond given a historic degree of tensions both between church and state, and between the country's bishops and the Holy See in the fallout of multiple civil inquests on a cataclysmic history of sex-abuse and cover-up that have battered the once vaunted Isle church. While the conclusions of three of the investigations have been made public, the release of a fourth is pending.
Of course, the appointment to the Dublin posting has been closely monitored both on Irish soil and beyond given a historic degree of tensions both between church and state, and between the country's bishops and the Holy See in the fallout of multiple civil inquests on a cataclysmic history of sex-abuse and cover-up that have battered the once vaunted Isle church. While the conclusions of three of the investigations have been made public, the release of a fourth is pending.
Thanksgiving and Desire
Thanksgiving and Desire | Blogs | NCRegister.comFISHER: Even thoroughly secular people seem to bump up against this flesh-vs.-spirit dilemma around Thanksgiving time, and everywhere you see that familiar half-guilty scramble to put aside all the material trappings of the holiday and remember, for a moment, something larger, less fleshly, more spiritual.� So we pay lip service to gratitude for a minute, and then put our lips to their other main work:� eating pie.
CNN’s bumbling attack on a priest who has opted for male-only altar servers
CNN’s bumbling attack on a priest who has opted for male-only altar servers | Fr. Z's Blog – What Does The Prayer Really Say?ZUHLSDORF: I have noted an interesting trend.� When a parish priest opts for male only service at the altar (i.e., no altar girls) he is attacked in the press.� I don’t mean the local shopper insert, either.� The priest is now attacked by the main stream media.
This week’s example is that of Fr. Michael Taylor of Corpus Christi Church in South Riding, VA.� He is being attacked on the site of CNN.
Obviously what is happening here is that, as the kulturkampf heats up, the MSM is abetting a liberal campaign of bullying and intimidation against exponents of a clear and faithful Catholic identity.
This week’s example is that of Fr. Michael Taylor of Corpus Christi Church in South Riding, VA.� He is being attacked on the site of CNN.
Obviously what is happening here is that, as the kulturkampf heats up, the MSM is abetting a liberal campaign of bullying and intimidation against exponents of a clear and faithful Catholic identity.
Downsizing won't save the Irish hierarchy
On The News : Downsizing won't save the Irish hierarchy - Catholic CultureLAWLER: According to the Irish Catholic, the Vatican is considering a radical reform of the Irish hierarchy, perhaps calling for the elimination of half of the country’s 26 dioceses. George Weigel applauds the idea.�I don't understand.
The need for some sort of reform in the Irish Church is quite clear. Mass attendance is down, Catholic influence is down, the faith is sinking into desuetude. In what was quite recently a very Catholic country, hostility toward the faith is becoming the norm. As I told an audience in Dublin last year, in watching the collapse of Irish Catholicism from a distance, I have often thought that I was watching a speeded-up replay of the disaster that unfolded in my native Boston: a sad story that I recounted in The Faithful Departed.
The need for some sort of reform in the Irish Church is quite clear. Mass attendance is down, Catholic influence is down, the faith is sinking into desuetude. In what was quite recently a very Catholic country, hostility toward the faith is becoming the norm. As I told an audience in Dublin last year, in watching the collapse of Irish Catholicism from a distance, I have often thought that I was watching a speeded-up replay of the disaster that unfolded in my native Boston: a sad story that I recounted in The Faithful Departed.
To Give Thanks Is Itself A Grace – A Thought on Thanksgiving
To Give Thanks Is Itself A Grace – A Thought on Thanksgiving | Archdiocese of WashingtonPOPE: One of the dangers in presenting New Testament moral teaching is that the preacher or teacher risks reducing the Gospel to a moralism. In other words the moral truth that is proclaimed is reduced merely to another rule that I am supposed to keep out of my own flesh power. This is an incorrect notion since, for a Christian, the moral life is not achieved, it is received. The moral life is not an imposition, it is a gift from God.
Irish Times: Pope Benedict preparing to announce selection of American priest as nuncio to Ireland
Vatican appoints 'doctrine of faith' priest as papal nuncio to Ireland - The Irish Times - Thu, Nov 24, 2011: A US PRIEST who has worked at the Vatican’s Congregation For the Doctrine of the Faith since 1994 is to be the new papal nuncio to Ireland, The Irish Times�has learned.
The Vatican nominated New Yorker Msgr Charles J Brown for the role.
The nomination was approved by the Government, as per the usual diplomatic procedure, at a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday.
Although the Holy See’s senior spokesman, Fr Federico Lombardi, had no comment to make last night, Vatican insiders confirmed the appointment.
The Vatican nominated New Yorker Msgr Charles J Brown for the role.
The nomination was approved by the Government, as per the usual diplomatic procedure, at a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday.
Although the Holy See’s senior spokesman, Fr Federico Lombardi, had no comment to make last night, Vatican insiders confirmed the appointment.
Should Catholics Wear Neck Braces to Mass this Sunday?
Should Catholics Wear Neck Braces to Mass this Sunday? | Blogs | NCRegister.comDRAKE: If you believe mainstream media reports, when this Sunday comes around there’s going to be mass confusion in the pews as the “millstone” of the Church’s new translation of the Roman Missal causes liturgical “whiplash.”
Various reported stories on the introduction of the new translation the first Sunday of Advent demonstrate how one story gets told and then repeated over and over and over again by the supposedly independent, objective, and unbiased media. Let’s take a look.
Various reported stories on the introduction of the new translation the first Sunday of Advent demonstrate how one story gets told and then repeated over and over and over again by the supposedly independent, objective, and unbiased media. Let’s take a look.
Why we should give thanks for the British Empire
The American Spectator : Why We Should Give Thanks for the British EmpireCROCKER: As we Americans celebrate on this day of gluttony, football, and prayer (not necessarily in that order), we might offer up thanks for the institution that gave us our glorious traditions of liberty and prosperity. That institution would be the British Empire, which not only put us here, but gave us Christianity, limited government, and a system of rights founded in British common law. Somehow many of us tend to overlook that -- something to do with 1776, most likely, and the idea that we rebelled against the tyranny of effete, toffee-nosed British snobs.
The 32 Rules of Thanksgiving Touch Football
Jason Gay: The 32 Rules of Thanksgiving Touch Football - WSJ.com: Thanksgiving is Thursday and there's no avoiding it—make the drive, eat the turkey, pass the cranberry goo, and try not to say something you regret. If you can survive until dessert without crying at the table or sticking a fork in someone's arm, you're home free—just inhale the pecan pie, hit the couch, and pass out watching the NFL.
The Theology of Thanksgiving
The Theology of Thanksgiving | Crisis MagazineLONGENECKER: People are sometimes confused by my accent. “Are you English?” they ask. Not with a name like mine! No indeed. I am a Yank through and through. I was brought up in Pennsylvania and went to college in South Carolina, but the English accent thing is because I overdosed on C.S. Lewis and T.S. Eliot and on a youthful dream, a touch of luck, a dash of chutzpah and a large dose of divine Providence I went to study at Oxford and live in England. For twenty five years I lived in that beautiful, damp land. For twenty five years I did not celebrate the American feast of Thanksgiving.
Why FDR Rescheduled Thanksgiving Day
Happy Franksgiving: Why FDR Rescheduled Turkey Day - Mental Floss: On Thanksgiving Day 1924, when Santa Claus showed up in Herald Square at the end of the first Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, an unwritten agreement was struck between retailers and consumers: Christmas would not come to the stores before Santa did. For years after that first parade, stores waited until the day after Thanksgiving, which was then the last Thursday of the month, to bring out their Christmas decorations, launch their Christmas ad campaigns and remind everyone incessantly that they had so much shopping do to before the big day.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Why the New Missal Will Be Good for the Mass
Why the New Missal Will Be Good for the Mass | Daily News | NCRegister.comBARRON: In just a few days, Catholics in this country will notice a rather significant change when they come to Mass. Commencing the First Sunday of Advent, the Church will be using a new translation of the Roman Missal. I would like to emphasize, at the outset, that this in no way represents a return to “the old Mass,” for the Latin texts that provide the basis for the new translation were all approved after Vatican II. So why the change?
Thanksgiving in the Eucharist: Reflections on the Gospel of John 6
Thanksgiving in the Eucharist: Reflections on the Gospel of John 6 � Catholic Sistas: The word Eucharist literally means “thanksgiving” and since tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day in the United States I couldn’t help but use this time to write reflect the Eucharist! There are several places in the Bible to turn to for proper catechesis on the the Blessed Sacrament, and for today I will be sharing my thoughts on and love for the Gospel of John, chapter six. This chapter of John is simply amazing. It is a treasure trove of support for the Real Presence in the Eucharist, and I certainly haven’t uncovered it all so I look forward to learning more!
Pope to visit inmates in Roman prison on December 18
Pope to visit inmates in Roman prison: Benedict XVI will visit a prison in Rome to speak with inmates. In fact, he's planning on having a question/answer portion with the prisoners.
On December 18th, for about an hour and a half the pope will visit the 'Rebibbia' prison. Before leaving, Benedict XVI will help plant a tree to mark the visit.
Back in 2007, the pope visited a juvenile prison in Rome.
In 1983, John Paul II also visited the Rebibbia prison to meet with Ali Agca, the man who shot him on May 13, 1981 in St. Peter's Square.
On December 18th, for about an hour and a half the pope will visit the 'Rebibbia' prison. Before leaving, Benedict XVI will help plant a tree to mark the visit.
Back in 2007, the pope visited a juvenile prison in Rome.
In 1983, John Paul II also visited the Rebibbia prison to meet with Ali Agca, the man who shot him on May 13, 1981 in St. Peter's Square.
Thank you, God, for all I never had
Thank you, God, for all I never had - The Arlington Catholic HeraldCURTIS: This year I’m not thanking God for all my blessings. But please don’t get me wrong. It’s not that I’m ungrateful. It’s just that after years of thanks for all I have, I’ve decided it’s time to be grateful for all I never had.
I’m grateful for the full refrigerator we never had in my childhood, grateful for the meals we missed the last few days before my mother’s paycheck. I’m grateful my tummy growled like an edgy animal. I hope I never forget it. Though it makes it hard today to listen to my well-fed children complain they’re starving an hour after a meal, it makes it extraordinarily easy to give some down-and-outer behind a cardboard sign enough to buy a meal — no strings or expectations attached.
I’m grateful for the full refrigerator we never had in my childhood, grateful for the meals we missed the last few days before my mother’s paycheck. I’m grateful my tummy growled like an edgy animal. I hope I never forget it. Though it makes it hard today to listen to my well-fed children complain they’re starving an hour after a meal, it makes it extraordinarily easy to give some down-and-outer behind a cardboard sign enough to buy a meal — no strings or expectations attached.
How My Family Met Blessed Miguel Pro
How My Family Met Blessed Miguel ProRUTHERFORD: Mexico, 1927. My wife's grandmother, Maria Victoria Souza, and her family were gathered in their home praying for her brother, Joaquin. He was in bed and unconscious. The details are sketchy so we don't know what exactly was wrong with him but we do know that he was near death and had entered his condition so unexpectedly that he hadn't received last rites.
There's something in the Crystal Cathedral that even the fiercest traditionalist can love: The sixth-largest pipe organ on the planet
Whispers in the Loggia: On Cecilia's Day, A Sneak Peek....PALMO: Armed with some 16,000 pipes, the five-manual, 270 rank instrument is a combination of the organ from the departing community's prior sanctuary with a 100-rank 1962 piece originally built for New York's Lincoln Center. While the result is already advertised as the world's "most widely heard organ" thanks to its presence on Rev. Robert Schuller's "Hour of Power" telecasts, it'll now become, by far, the largest organ in a Stateside Catholic worship-space -- surpassing the 154-ranker at Newark's Cathedral-Basilica of the Sacred Heart -- and the second-biggest of the Popish fleet after that of Germany's St Stephen's Cathedral in Passau.
Cardinal Gantin on the altars? No, in the dust...
Vatican Diary / Gantin on the altars. No, in the dustMAGISTER: "A great friend" and "a great representative of Catholic Africa, and of African civilization at its most humane": this is how Benedict XVI defined the deceased cardinal Bernardin Gantin during his recent voyage to Benin, formerly Dahomey.
With the journalists on board the papal plane, the pontiff recalled that he had met Gantin in Munich in 1977: "this young African bishop, so full of faith, joy and courage."
From that year on, he added, "we worked together a great deal, especially when he was prefect of the congregation for bishops and then in the sacred college."
With the journalists on board the papal plane, the pontiff recalled that he had met Gantin in Munich in 1977: "this young African bishop, so full of faith, joy and courage."
From that year on, he added, "we worked together a great deal, especially when he was prefect of the congregation for bishops and then in the sacred college."
Lost in Translation
Lost in TranslationESOLEN: Now that we finally have the Novus Ordo translated into English, it’s time to look at the other mistranslations that plague us Anglophones in the Church. I’d like to begin with the lectionary.
Apologists for the cardboard-twinkie texts we gnash down every week argue for something called “dynamic equivalence,” by which is meant the translation of the general idea of an original text into something that conveys that idea in the receiving language. But the premises here are corrupt at the roots.
Apologists for the cardboard-twinkie texts we gnash down every week argue for something called “dynamic equivalence,” by which is meant the translation of the general idea of an original text into something that conveys that idea in the receiving language. But the premises here are corrupt at the roots.
Thanksgiving as a Remedy for the Soul (AND How to Add 1000 Calories to Your Thanksgiving Turkey)
PostPOPE: The Archdiocese of San Francisco won a three-year legal fight Nov. 18, after a Superior Court judge moved to throw out charges against the archdiocese for a multimillion-dollar “delinquent” tax bill.
“The Archdiocese of San Francisco is delighted that the Superior Court has vindicated the position the archdiocese has taken all along,” George Wesolek, director of communications, said in a Nov. 18 statement.
Judge Richard A. Kramer issued a 43-page “Tentative Statement of Decision” in favor of the archdiocese after a grueling legal battle with San Francisco assessor-recorder Phil Ting.
“The Archdiocese of San Francisco is delighted that the Superior Court has vindicated the position the archdiocese has taken all along,” George Wesolek, director of communications, said in a Nov. 18 statement.
Judge Richard A. Kramer issued a 43-page “Tentative Statement of Decision” in favor of the archdiocese after a grueling legal battle with San Francisco assessor-recorder Phil Ting.
Fr. John Riccardo's Amazing Sermon on Knowing Jesus
Shameless Popery: Fr. John Riccardo's Amazing Sermon on Knowing JesusHESCHMEYER: Fr. John Riccardo, a priest from Plymouth, Michigan, was invited to speak at Kensington Community Church, a local Non-denominational church. He gives an awesome 30 minute sermon on the importance of knowing Jesus, rather than just knowing about Jesus. We need to hear this, whether we're Catholic or Protestant.
The new Mass translation? The Marines already had something like it in World War II
The New Mass Translation? The Marines In WWII Had That. | Why I Am CatholicWEATHERS: Well, it’s pretty close, from what I can tell. And it makes a handy little pocket guide for the changes coming upon us when the New Translation kicks in this first Sunday of Advent. I didn’t have to invent the Flux Capacitor to find out about it either.
Caveat emptor: the language is more along the lines of what is found in the Douay Rhiems translation of the Bible. There are Thee’s, Thy’s, and Thou’s, rather than the more modern version that is on the handy cards you’ll probably be consulting in your parish pews.
Caveat emptor: the language is more along the lines of what is found in the Douay Rhiems translation of the Bible. There are Thee’s, Thy’s, and Thou’s, rather than the more modern version that is on the handy cards you’ll probably be consulting in your parish pews.
Why Steve Jobs was no saint
Why Steve Jobs was no saintSAMMONS: If the secular world had a way to canonize someone, then surely the recent death of Apple founder Steve Jobs would have caused a hasty completion of that process. Jobs was one of the most revered businessmen of our time, and the ubiquity of Apple’s “i”-products — the iPod, the iPhone and the iPad — made him a cultural phenomenon, too. After his death, there was such an outpouring of grief and adulation from all corners of the world that one could not help but recall the worldwide reaction to Pope John Paul II’s death six years ago.
A short look at the long history of the Muppets
A Short Look At The Muppet's Long History: I don't know about you guys, but I have loved The Muppets since I was in diapers and I can’t wait to see the new Muppet movie that’s coming out today. But as long as we’re celebrating The Muppets’ return to the big screen, we may as well celebrate their original rise to the small screen. So for all the fans out there, here’s a little history and general trivia info on the greatest puppet team ever created.
Archdiocese of San Francisco wins tax case after three-year court battle
Catholic San Francisco: The Archdiocese of San Francisco won a three-year legal fight Nov. 18, after a Superior Court judge moved to throw out charges against the archdiocese for a multimillion-dollar “delinquent” tax bill.
“The Archdiocese of San Francisco is delighted that the Superior Court has vindicated the position the archdiocese has taken all along,” George Wesolek, director of communications, said in a Nov. 18 statement.
Judge Richard A. Kramer issued a 43-page “Tentative Statement of Decision” in favor of the archdiocese after a grueling legal battle with San Francisco assessor-recorder Phil Ting.
“The Archdiocese of San Francisco is delighted that the Superior Court has vindicated the position the archdiocese has taken all along,” George Wesolek, director of communications, said in a Nov. 18 statement.
Judge Richard A. Kramer issued a 43-page “Tentative Statement of Decision” in favor of the archdiocese after a grueling legal battle with San Francisco assessor-recorder Phil Ting.
We are born to smile: New ultrasound evidence shows that laughing and smiling begin in the womb
Born To Smile: New Evidence That Laughing And Smiling Begin In The Womb - Worldcrunch - All News is Global: In humans, the first facial movements appear in the 10th week after birth and become more and more complex with time. The researchers used an ultrasound camera to film two babies in their respective mother's uterus. An analysis of the babies' facial movements using American psychologist Paul Ekman's “Facial Action Encoding System” allowed them to characterize the expressions linked to laughing and crying. In the 34th week of pregnancy, more than one month before birth, these two expressions were clearly recognizable.
Famous British TV chef Delia Smith wants to do for Catholicism what she has done for cooking
Delia Smith wants to do for Catholicism what she has done for cooking - Telegraph: The television cook attends Mass every day and has written cookery books with religious themes including A Feast for Lent and A Feast for Advent as well as a book on prayer called Journey into God.
Once named one of the UK’s top ten most influential Catholics, she has now hinted that she might turn her handing to promoting the religion in some way.
Once named one of the UK’s top ten most influential Catholics, she has now hinted that she might turn her handing to promoting the religion in some way.
201 couples gather for mass wedding at Catholic parish in Indonesia
Catholic couples in mass wedding - ucanews.com: More than 200 poor couples tied the knot today at a free mass wedding organized by the Catholic Church in East Nusa Tenggara province.
The newlyweds exchanged vows in what is to be a twice-yearly event at a chapel in St Joseph the Worker Parish in Kupang archdiocese aimed at helping poor Catholic couples start married life without having the burden of paying for an expensive wedding.
The sheer number of couples who turned up today shows how much this service is being appreciated, said Father Kristoforus Bob Muda, the parish’s assistant priest.
The newlyweds exchanged vows in what is to be a twice-yearly event at a chapel in St Joseph the Worker Parish in Kupang archdiocese aimed at helping poor Catholic couples start married life without having the burden of paying for an expensive wedding.
The sheer number of couples who turned up today shows how much this service is being appreciated, said Father Kristoforus Bob Muda, the parish’s assistant priest.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
The bishops have built a "leaner, meaner" USCCB, and they're using it to focus attention on religious liberty threats
Bishops' conference focuses on religious liberty threatsSHAW: When the American bishops five years ago reorganized their national conference and substantially trimmed its budget, program and staff, the move was generally viewed as an effort to cut back on an organization that had become too expensive and unwieldy.
In Ireland, the Church needs thorough reform and the people need to be evangelized again. Here's how we should go about it...
GEORGE WEIGEL: Downsizing-to-grow in IrelandWEIGEL: Catholicism is in crisis all over Old Europe. Nowhere is that crisis more pronounced than in Ireland, where clerical corruption and disastrous episcopal leadership have collided with rank political expediency and a rabidly anticlerical media to produce a perfect storm of ecclesiastical meltdown. The country whose constitution begins “In the name of the Most Holy Trinity…” is now thoroughly post-Christian. And while there has been no one cause of that radical secularization, the Church in Ireland had best look to itself, its sins, its errors and its unbecoming alliance with political power as it considers how to begin anew.
German bishops promise to sell shares in porn publisher "without delay"
German bishops to quickly sell shares in porn publisher :: Catholic News Agency (CNA): The Catholic Church in Germany says it will act “without delay” to sell its stake in a publishing company that offers pornography among its products.
“We cannot earn money during the week with what we preach against on Sundays,” Cardinal Joachim Meisner told Germany’s Welt am Sonntag newspaper Nov. 22.
“We cannot earn money during the week with what we preach against on Sundays,” Cardinal Joachim Meisner told Germany’s Welt am Sonntag newspaper Nov. 22.
Pelosi Bashes Catholics: "They Have This Conscience Thing"
Pelosi Bashes Catholics: "They Have This Conscience Thing" | LifeNews.comERTELT: Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is at it again, bashing Catholics for their pro-life position when she has promoted abortion in defiance of Catholic Church teaching at every turn.
This time, Pelosi is upset that the nation’s Catholic bishops are protesting a potential Obama administration decision forcing insurance companies to cover birth control, contraception and drugs that could cause abortions. They say certain religious groups may not be exempt from providing the insurance, which would violate their moral and religious views.
This time, Pelosi is upset that the nation’s Catholic bishops are protesting a potential Obama administration decision forcing insurance companies to cover birth control, contraception and drugs that could cause abortions. They say certain religious groups may not be exempt from providing the insurance, which would violate their moral and religious views.
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