Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Is America Christian or Jacobin?
America: Christian or Jacobin? | Crisis MagazineZMIRAK: This is a rare book—erudite and readable, analytical but urgent, a work of political science which the author admits he wrote as “a patriot.” While few political theorists outside of certain radical circles are likely to admit that they are not patriotic, one encounters fewer still who write from an explicit desire to preserve and to protect their country. Not just its political institutions, or the ideology which undergirds them, but the concrete, shared reality that is America—so much of which, Huntington convincingly demonstrates, is the result not of inexorable historical processes, or the unfolding of mankind’s deepest yearnings and some obscure divine decree, but happy historical accidents. Serendipity.
This celebrity loves abortion so much she gets her own column...
This Celebrity Loves Abortion So Much She Gets Her Own ColumnWALKER: There are things you don’t know about me, readers. Mysterious, interesting things. Like, for example, the fact that I am not only a very important and highly sought-after writer — like Norman Mailer, only slightly prettier — but I have also been an actor and comedian for many years. And I have worked in live music for three years. (In case you’re wondering if I am surrounded by pro-abortion heathens, the answer is: yes!)
David was a great king, but he had a critical flaw. What does this mean for you today?
David, A Great King, Yet With a Critical Flaw. What is the Lesson for us Today? | Archdiocese of WashingtonPOPE: Of all the great Patriarchs of the Old Testament, David is among the greatest. Warrior and King, composer and conqueror, unifier and organizer, a man after God’s own heart. He united not only the 12, often fractured Tribes of Israel, but, as a kind if priest-king, stitched together the religious faith of Israel with its governance. King among them, he also collected and disseminated the great prayer-book of Israel, the Book of Psalms, composing many of them himself. So great was David, that among the most well known titles of Jesus would be, “Son of David.”
The soul is meant to be a kind of Heaven, a place where God's will is done and His Kingdom comes...
Beginning to Pray: Heaven in Faith Series - Going Deeper into our HeartsLILLES: Towards the beginning of the Confessions of St. Augustine, he asks the Lord to enter his heart. This house he explains is too small and too cluttered to be a dwelling place for God, but when the Lord enters in, He has the power to expand this sacred chamber of our being and to purify it. He makes it into heaven -- that spiritual place where He reigns over all.
Saints of the Child Jesus
Saints of the Child JesusESOLEN: Everywhere outside of Christianity, wrote Hans Urs von Balthasar, the child is automatically the first to be sacrificed. Only for Christians is the adult the imperfect child. Everywhere else the child is the imperfect adult, and falls subject to our lust for domination.
It is easy to see why. Men who do not know the true God, or who turn away from Him, do not therefore cease to worship. For God Himself, as Augustine says, gives us the delight in praising Him: He has made us for Himself, and our hearts are restless until they rest in Him.
It is easy to see why. Men who do not know the true God, or who turn away from Him, do not therefore cease to worship. For God Himself, as Augustine says, gives us the delight in praising Him: He has made us for Himself, and our hearts are restless until they rest in Him.
Anthony Cardinal Bevilacqua, retired Archbishop of Philadelphia, dead at 88
Bevilacqua, Ex-Head of Philly Archdiocese, Dead - ABC News: Retired Cardinal Anthony Bevilacqua, who led the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Philadelphia for more than 15 years, died Tuesday night at his suburban residence, a spokeswoman said. He was 88.
Bevilacqua died in his sleep at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary in Wynnewood, archdiocese spokeswoman Donna Farrell said. He had been battling dementia and an undisclosed form of cancer.
Bevilacqua died in his sleep at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary in Wynnewood, archdiocese spokeswoman Donna Farrell said. He had been battling dementia and an undisclosed form of cancer.
New Komen pro-life vice president credited for Planned Parenthood cuts
New Komen Pro-Life VP Credited for Planned Parenthood Cuts | LifeNews.comERTELT: The decision by the Komen for the Cure breast cancer group to stop funding the Planned Parenthood abortion business is making huge waves today and a little known decision to hire a pro-life vice president may be responsible for it.
In 2010 Georgia Republican Secretary of State Karen Handel decided to run for governor to replace outgoing pro-life Governor Sonny Perdue, who was term limited, on a platform of defunding Planned Parenthood.
In 2010 Georgia Republican Secretary of State Karen Handel decided to run for governor to replace outgoing pro-life Governor Sonny Perdue, who was term limited, on a platform of defunding Planned Parenthood.
The Pope warned us this would happen...
The Pope Told You So | Crisis MagazineRUTLER: Our many fellow Catholics now enchained for the Faith of our Fathers in such places as China, Syria, and Egypt are, as Father Faber’s hymn says, “in heart and conscience free.” But what happens when a government tries to chain the conscience itself?
A few weeks ago, in a remarkably unanimous decision, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected the attempt of the present Administration in Hosanna-Tabor Evangelical Lutheran Church and School v. EEOC to restrict religious freedom by interfering with the hiring of ministerial personnel. Chief Justice Roberts wrote that the Administration’s argument that the First Amendment does not guarantee the right of religious organization to choose its leaders, was an “extreme” infringement of the free exercise clause.
A few weeks ago, in a remarkably unanimous decision, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected the attempt of the present Administration in Hosanna-Tabor Evangelical Lutheran Church and School v. EEOC to restrict religious freedom by interfering with the hiring of ministerial personnel. Chief Justice Roberts wrote that the Administration’s argument that the First Amendment does not guarantee the right of religious organization to choose its leaders, was an “extreme” infringement of the free exercise clause.
I shouldn’t have waited for the bishops...
I shouldn’t have waited for the bishops | Accepting AbundanceTRASANCOS: It’s great that some bishops have started speaking out though others always have been. But just as soon as I thought about what the bishops are doing, I checked myself because I realize that I have been part of the problem all along. I shouldn’t have waited for the bishops to speak out against the citizenry being forced to fund these immoral things in our society.
Contraception has pervaded our culture for a long time and I’ve done little about it. Sure I’ve argued against it, and written about it. I’ve rejected it in my own life. I’ve taught my children why it’s harmful. But – I’ve also accepted that as long as a doctor doesn’t push it on me, it’s none of my business whether he or she dispenses it to other women. That has been my mentality. I realize now with a shudder, that’s not acceptable because that is fundamentally what moral relativism is.
Contraception has pervaded our culture for a long time and I’ve done little about it. Sure I’ve argued against it, and written about it. I’ve rejected it in my own life. I’ve taught my children why it’s harmful. But – I’ve also accepted that as long as a doctor doesn’t push it on me, it’s none of my business whether he or she dispenses it to other women. That has been my mentality. I realize now with a shudder, that’s not acceptable because that is fundamentally what moral relativism is.
A petition for all freedom-loving people to sign...
A Petition For All Freedom Loving People to Sign | Catholic LaneWEATHERS: Certainly by now you’ve heard that the present Administration, through the Health and Human Services Department, is mandating that all employer healthcare insurance plans provide coverage for procedures which violate the beliefs of the Catholic Church, and Catholic institutions. Basically, the new rules require the Church, and the institutions operating faithfully under the aegis of the Church, to provide “preventative services for women” to their employees. We’re talking about contraception, and even sterilization. We’re talking the “morning after” pill, and other services “free” for the patient. No co-payments required.
An Open Letter to President Barack Obama Concerning Recent Tyranny (With Pictures!)
An Open Letter to President Barack Obama Concerning Recent Tyranny (With Pictures!) | Bad CatholicBARNES: There are those of us — yes, even a few of your happy-happy youth voters — who are curious as to whether the Constitution continues to mean anything at all. I distinctly recall holding it as a weapon against injustice, but I am now taught to regard it with a vague sort of embarrassment, as a pubescent boy might regard his grandmother on Facebook, who comments on his attempts to attract a girl with things like “just remember chastity!”
These kids are worth every tear...
CF FamilyHOWELL: I recently heard of Rick Santorum's comments regarding his daughter Bella that "She is worth every tear." And I was also recently introduced to Virginia Ironside's interview last year.
I had my teenagers read both. They were moved by the one and shocked by the other, but I wanted them to see the ugliness of The Other Side. One boy even asked how God could love someone like that.
I had my teenagers read both. They were moved by the one and shocked by the other, but I wanted them to see the ugliness of The Other Side. One boy even asked how God could love someone like that.
Tarot cards replace Rosary beads as Philadelphia's Cabrini College hosts on-campus "Psychic Night"
“Psychic Night” at Catholic College!!! � Campus Notes: Students’ fortunes were told by professional tarot card readers at “Psychic Night” on Thursday Jan. 19, said the student newspaper. This is the second annual “Psychic Night” at Cabrini hosted by the Campus Activities Programming Board which brought the tarot card readers to campus.
CAP hired Tarot Card reader Marilyn Sukonick-Zeff for this event. The Cardinal Newman Society spoke with Sukonick-Zeff who confirmed the event although she insisted she’s not a psychic but a Tarot card reader.
CAP hired Tarot Card reader Marilyn Sukonick-Zeff for this event. The Cardinal Newman Society spoke with Sukonick-Zeff who confirmed the event although she insisted she’s not a psychic but a Tarot card reader.
Archbishop Timothy Dolan’s Holy Land tour stops at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre...
Archbishop Dolan’s Holy Land tour stops at crucifixion site� - NY Daily News: Archbishop Timothy Dolan’s swing through Israel took him Monday to one of the most sacred sites in Christianity, the place where Jesus was crucified and buried.
New York’s Catholic leader, a cardinal-designate, bowed his head in prayer and held rosary beads at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.
Dolan and his entourage also worshiped at Gethsemane Garden Center, where Jesus prayed the night before he was nailed to the cross.
New York’s Catholic leader, a cardinal-designate, bowed his head in prayer and held rosary beads at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.
Dolan and his entourage also worshiped at Gethsemane Garden Center, where Jesus prayed the night before he was nailed to the cross.
What do you think, readers? Which Disney villain is the most evil?
Which Disney Villain is the Most Evil? | Blogs | NCRegister.comGREYDANUS: If I try to come up with the single sickest, most twisted character, I think I might circle back to your original suggestion: Mother Gothel from Tangled, who’s so sociopathically narcissistic that she wraps a young girl’s heart around her little finger in order to keep herself perpetually young and beautiful. That may not be the greatest crime in the Disney canon, or the most dangerous, but I think it may be the most disgusting.
"I don't care if your kid is an honor student. I care if he's nice to the fat kid."
Lox Populi: Being Smart Is Not A VirtueBORGES: My favorite radio guru (yes, I'm this juvenile) and Jewish thinker Dennis Prager gives an enlightened diatribe against "My Child Is An Honor Student..." bumper stickers. Of all things! Being raised in the feelings-laden 1980s, I was at first puzzled why something so fluffy and happy woud grate on his nerves. Then I listened and found his logic worthwhile.
Abortion supporters "reeling" after Komen cuts ties to Planned Parenthood
News from The Associated Press: The nation's leading breast-cancer charity, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, is halting its partnerships with Planned Parenthood affiliates - creating a bitter rift, linked to the abortion debate, between two iconic organizations that have assisted millions of women.
Marco Rubio introduces bill to protect Church organizations against Obama's mandate
x: Sen. Marco Rubio introduced the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 2012 today, marking the GOP’s first legislative response to the Obama administration’s regulation requiring coverage of contraception and sterilization for all private employer health plans.
The bill is designed to repeal the narrow religious exemption included in the federal rule. Approved on Jan. 20, it has since been denounced by Cardinal-designate Timothy Dolan of New York, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, and more than 100 bishops throughout the nation.
The bill is designed to repeal the narrow religious exemption included in the federal rule. Approved on Jan. 20, it has since been denounced by Cardinal-designate Timothy Dolan of New York, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, and more than 100 bishops throughout the nation.
6 of the oldest living trees in the world (and you won't believe how ancient some of them are)...
6 of the Oldest Trees in the World - Mental Floss: Roughly 3,500 years ago—right about the time the Ancient Phoenicians were hitting their stride—a tiny cypress tree, no bigger than a fist, sprouted in the swamplands of Central Florida. 3,500 years later, on January 17 this year, that very same cypress burned to the ground.
Does Sonnet 20 prove that William Shakespeare was gay? No, it does not...
Ink Desk | St. Austin ReviewPEARCE: The problem with "gay history" is that it is an invention of the last fifty years. It never existed prior to its invention. This is not to say that homosexual practice did not exist, of course, though it would not and could not even be called "homosexual" in Shakespeare's time because that word is itself an invention of the late nineteenth century, when it was employed to signify something pathological. The word "gay", of course, is even newer, deriving from mid-twentieth century homosexual underworld slang.
Obamacare's great gift to the Catholic Church: Clarification
Obamacare’s Great Gift: Clarification by Elizabeth Scalia | First ThingsSCALIA: Recently we have learned that under Obamacare, employer insurance plans must provide free non-medical contraception, abortifacients, and sterilization for their employees.
Free is as affordable as it gets; for an accountability-spurning culture, it’s just the right price, indeed. Let us pay nothing in order to beget nothing and, says this government, let us force those interfering “churchy” institutions—who keep insisting that there is something worth contemplating beyond ourselves—to pick up the tab, for good measure.
Free is as affordable as it gets; for an accountability-spurning culture, it’s just the right price, indeed. Let us pay nothing in order to beget nothing and, says this government, let us force those interfering “churchy” institutions—who keep insisting that there is something worth contemplating beyond ourselves—to pick up the tab, for good measure.
Simply astonishing: In his own lifetime, St. John Bosco inspired more than 6,000 vocations to the priesthood...
Catholic schools and vocations to the priesthood - The example of Don Bosco | The New Theological MovementERLENBUSH: Don Bosco was filled with a great charity for the poor boys of Turin and other cities, and so he dedicated his life to the education and care of street children, delinquents and other poor youths. His devotion to St. Francis de Sales (which led him to dedicate his society to this great Doctor of the Church) directed him to employ gentler teaching methods based on love and kindness rather than punishment.
Los Angeles Times: Contraceptive mandate could face tough sledding in Supreme Court
Contraceptive mandate could face tough sledding in Supreme Court - latimes.com: The Supreme Court and the Obama administration, already headed for a face-off in March over the constitutionality of the healthcare law, appear to be on another collision course over whether church-run schools, universities, hospitals and charities must provide free contraceptives to their students and employees.
Envy is THE Diabolical Sin
Envy is THE Diabolical Sin | Archdiocese of WashingtonPOPE: A short while back we read from First Samuel at daily Mass and encountered an envious Saul. Upon David’s return from slaying Goliath the women sang a song praising him. Saul should rejoice with all Israel but he is resentful and envies David as he hears the song: Saul was very angry and resentful of the song, for he thought: “They give David ten thousands, but only thousands to me. All that remains for him is the kingship.” And from that day on, Saul looked upon David with a glarring eye. Saul discussed his intention of killing David with his son Jonathan and with all his servants. (1 Sam 18:6-9). His reaction is way over the top but this is what envy does.
What's Your Apology Policy?
What s Your Apology Policy? | Blogs | NCRegister.comFISHER: To those of you who never offend anyone: read no more. This is not the post for you.
For those, however, who go through life like some kind of possessed windmill that’s come unmoored from its foundations and goes blundering across the landscape, whacking and smacking and swinging indiscriminately, leaving wreckage and pain in its path: Hello. My name is Simcha Fisher, and I’m a windmill.
Which is to say, it’s a rare day when I don’t offend someone. Writing publicly is still new to me, and I’m trying to figure out my responsibility when someone’s offended.
For those, however, who go through life like some kind of possessed windmill that’s come unmoored from its foundations and goes blundering across the landscape, whacking and smacking and swinging indiscriminately, leaving wreckage and pain in its path: Hello. My name is Simcha Fisher, and I’m a windmill.
Which is to say, it’s a rare day when I don’t offend someone. Writing publicly is still new to me, and I’m trying to figure out my responsibility when someone’s offended.
Vatican claims no tie to latest financial scandal in Italy
Vatican claims no tie to latest financial scandal | National Catholic ReporterALLEN: Distancing itself from yet another financial scandal, the Vatican this morning insisted that an Italian cleric who allegedly invested some $2 million in a ponzi scheme run by an Italian financier known as the “Madoff of Parioli” is not, in fact, a Vatican official, and thus the Vatican has nothing to do with the story.
Italy’s leading daily newspaper, Corriere della Sera, carried a story in its Jan. 31 edition, under the headline “From the Congregation for the Causes of Saints: 1.6 million for the Madoff of Parioli.” In essence, the story implied that the Vatican's department for saints was involved because an Italian cleric who got caught up in the swindle, Dominican Fr. Francesco Maria Ricci, is responsible for various sainthood causes for the Dominicans and therefore interacts with the Vatican.
Italy’s leading daily newspaper, Corriere della Sera, carried a story in its Jan. 31 edition, under the headline “From the Congregation for the Causes of Saints: 1.6 million for the Madoff of Parioli.” In essence, the story implied that the Vatican's department for saints was involved because an Italian cleric who got caught up in the swindle, Dominican Fr. Francesco Maria Ricci, is responsible for various sainthood causes for the Dominicans and therefore interacts with the Vatican.
Pope Benedict handpicks new patriarch of Venice: Francesco Moraglia, "a committed Ratzingerian in both theology and liturgy"...
Vatican Diary / For Venice the pope did it all himselfMAGISTER: The appointment of Bishop Francesco Moraglia as the new patriarch of Venice is among the most personal that Benedict XVI has made during his pontificate.
It does not appear that the provision was discussed at any of the meetings that are held every Thursday in the Vatican congregation for bishops headed by Canadian cardinal Marc Ouellet – a meeting in which the cardinals and bishops who are members of the congregation participate – as happened with the selection of Angelo Scola for Milan.
It does not appear that the provision was discussed at any of the meetings that are held every Thursday in the Vatican congregation for bishops headed by Canadian cardinal Marc Ouellet – a meeting in which the cardinals and bishops who are members of the congregation participate – as happened with the selection of Angelo Scola for Milan.
Obama awakens a sleeping giant: 115 bishops speak out against HHS mandate
Updated: *101* Bishops Speak Out Against Obama/HHS Mandate | CatholicVote.orgTHOMASPETERS: In the past I’ve compiled a list of all the bishops speaking out on a particular controversial issue (for instance, over Notre Dame’s invitation to President Obama) — here are the bishops who have spoken out against the Obama/HHS mandate.
Monday, January 30, 2012
The Times, the White House, and “Catholic colleges”
The Times, the White House & “Catholic colleges” � GetReligionMATTINGLY: As faithful readers of this weblog will know, your GetReligionistas are convinced that it is stunningly simplistic for journalists to talk about the “Catholic vote,” as if there was one mass of Catholics who agree on how they should apply centuries of Catholic doctrine to their actions in voting booths.
About a decade ago, an elderly priest here in Washington, D.C., told me that he is convinced that — at the very least — there are four competing camps of “Catholic voters” here in postmodern America. As a reminder, here is the typology as I have shared it in the past:
About a decade ago, an elderly priest here in Washington, D.C., told me that he is convinced that — at the very least — there are four competing camps of “Catholic voters” here in postmodern America. As a reminder, here is the typology as I have shared it in the past:
The Problem of Love and Frozen Banana Stands
Ink Desk | St. Austin ReviewOBRIEN: The problem is love.
What is the solution to the problem of love? Scripture shows us some solutions as offered by man since the fall.
Onan's solution is the favorite of the modern day. Onan was called to raise up progeny for his dead brother (see Genesis 38). This call to give of oneself for the good of another, this call to will a gift of self, this offering of self-sacrifice, is love. But Onan, like your contraceptive using Catholic neighbor, like the fornicating teens you see bleary-eyed at noon on Sundays at the breakfast cafe, like the Yuppies downtown who want Cappuccinos more than kids, spilled his seed.
What is the solution to the problem of love? Scripture shows us some solutions as offered by man since the fall.
Onan's solution is the favorite of the modern day. Onan was called to raise up progeny for his dead brother (see Genesis 38). This call to give of oneself for the good of another, this call to will a gift of self, this offering of self-sacrifice, is love. But Onan, like your contraceptive using Catholic neighbor, like the fornicating teens you see bleary-eyed at noon on Sundays at the breakfast cafe, like the Yuppies downtown who want Cappuccinos more than kids, spilled his seed.
Breweries, bookstores, frat houses: 11 ways old churches are reused...
11 New Uses for Old Churches - Mental Floss: With so many churches around the world, it stands to reason that some will end up unused from time to time.
Purgatory is real. Please don't let presumption blind you to the need to pray for dead people...
Turning on a Dime: From Chick Flicks to Purgatory � The AnchoressSCHIFFER: My mother died last year; and over a period of days, I talked with many people—many of whom assured me that she was most certainly already in heaven. They said it in different ways: “She suffered her Purgatory here on earth, during her time in the nursing home.” “She’s finally at rest.” “God has taken her to be with Him.” “She’s happy with your dad now, at last.”
To which I say (excuse my bluntness), “How the hell would you know that?”
To which I say (excuse my bluntness), “How the hell would you know that?”
Ten must-see web resources for Catholics
Ten must-see web resources for CatholicsSHEA: When I was coming into the Church (back in 1987, when Pangaea was breaking up) one of the big challenges for somebody who wanted to know what the Church taught was simply finding material that made the faith intelligible to people who did not speak Catholicese.
Sure there were things like conciliar documents and papal decrees, or histories, and books of theology layered in dust if you wanted to make the haj to some local Catholic school library and wander the stacks. But mostly what we got out here in the wilds of the Archdiocese of Seattle was what we were told by whichever warm body had gotten sucked into teaching RCIA that year.
Sure there were things like conciliar documents and papal decrees, or histories, and books of theology layered in dust if you wanted to make the haj to some local Catholic school library and wander the stacks. But mostly what we got out here in the wilds of the Archdiocese of Seattle was what we were told by whichever warm body had gotten sucked into teaching RCIA that year.
Liberal totalitarians see the Catholic Church as their greatest opponent. And they're absolutely right...
Fr. Barron comments on the HHS Contraception Mandate - YouTubeBARRON: In my years of commenting on things religious, I've become accustomed to some radical opinions being expressed. There's something about religion that brings out the extreme in both its advocates and opponents. So usually when I read some kind of wild-eyed thing in the newspaper or on the Internet it rolls off my back, but occasionally I'll read something that takes me aback.
The Real Campaign
St. Paul Center For Biblical TheologyHAHN: The year has hardly begun, and in the United States we’re already well into our race to November’s presidential elections. The campaign follows us wherever we go. The media micro-analyze every candidate’s every word and gesture. And then the news stories make their way into our conversations at work and at home.
Irish government investigates Catholic bishop for "incitement to hatred" in homily. You'll be surprised to hear what his offending statements were...
Bishop accused of incitement to hatred in homily - National News - Independent.ie: A homily delivered at Knock shrine by the Bishop of Raphoe, Philip Boyce, is being investigated by the Director of Public Prosecutions following a formal complaint by a leading humanist who claims the sermon was an incitement to hatred.
The gardai have confirmed to former Fine Gael election candidate John Colgan that they have prepared and forwarded a file to the DPP after he made allegations that the address by Dr Boyce was in breach of the Prohibition of Incitement to Hatred Act, 1989.
The gardai have confirmed to former Fine Gael election candidate John Colgan that they have prepared and forwarded a file to the DPP after he made allegations that the address by Dr Boyce was in breach of the Prohibition of Incitement to Hatred Act, 1989.
Archdiocese of New York bookkeeper arrested for embezzling $1 million from Church...
New York Archdiocese Bookkeeper Accused of Stealing $1 Million - NYTimes.com: The Manhattan district attorney’s office on Monday arrested a Bronx woman who is accused of stealing more than $1 million from the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York when she worked in the archdiocese’s finance office, law enforcement officials and church leaders said.
Shut up about my priest. His burden is my burden, if I'm doing anything right...
Lox Populi: Shut Up About My PriestBORGES: I'm a sucker for gurus. A bit of a teacher's pet as a student, I still go into new social settings with an autopilot for pleasing authority. Not proud, just sharing information.
So what to do with the authority figure of the Roman Catholic priest, for a girl like me? My introduction to these holy men couldn't have come in a better form: the gregarious canon lawyer who walked Anthony and me through marriage preparation classes. I still admire that he kept a straight face as he came back with the results of our exhaustive questionnaire at one of our first meetings. "You seem extremely well-suited for one another," he began. "Only three major discrepancies are showing up when I compare both sets of answers: money, sex and children." Yes, great news. Because those things are mere periphery in adult life, right? Alas. We somehow aced a section of the silly quiz called "lifestyle expectations", and the rest is history of some sort.
So what to do with the authority figure of the Roman Catholic priest, for a girl like me? My introduction to these holy men couldn't have come in a better form: the gregarious canon lawyer who walked Anthony and me through marriage preparation classes. I still admire that he kept a straight face as he came back with the results of our exhaustive questionnaire at one of our first meetings. "You seem extremely well-suited for one another," he began. "Only three major discrepancies are showing up when I compare both sets of answers: money, sex and children." Yes, great news. Because those things are mere periphery in adult life, right? Alas. We somehow aced a section of the silly quiz called "lifestyle expectations", and the rest is history of some sort.
There are more than two dozen Ferris Bueller references hidden in this upcoming Super Bowl commercial. Some are VERY subtle. How many can you find?
Official 2012 Honda CR-V Game Day Commercial - "Matthew's Day Off" Extended Version - YouTube: To celebrate the launch of the all-new 2012 CR-V, Honda brought Ferris Bueller's Day Off back in a big game commercial. We cast Matthew Broderick as himself, skipping out on a day of acting work and living it up in his all-new CR-V. Relive movie history with Honda's fresh twist and wonderful homage to this '80s classic.
Pray, Prepare, Practice: How I Put Together My Homilies
Pray, Prepare, Practice: How I Put Together My HomiliesKANDRA: The question caught me a little off-guard, and I hadn't really thought about it until a lector brought it up in the sacristy one Sunday after Mass. "I'm curious," she asked me, as she slipped her missal back onto the shelf, "how long does it take you to write your homilies?"
I was hanging up my alb and I had to stop and think about it.
"I don't know," I said. "I guess it varies. Probably four or five hours a week is average. Sometimes more, sometimes less."
I was hanging up my alb and I had to stop and think about it.
"I don't know," I said. "I guess it varies. Probably four or five hours a week is average. Sometimes more, sometimes less."
It is good to pray that Nazis will stop being Nazis, but it is also right and just to pray for good aim...
Sometimes Prayer Is Not Enough | Blogs | NCRegister.comPATARCHBOLD: We are in a war. It is not a war of our choosing, but a war upon us none the less. And if we choose to act as if we are not at war, we will lose. We can pray for the end to war, but if we choose not to fight, we will lose. Prayer cannot help those who refuse to engage in the battle.
The word war seems like the exclusive domain of hyperbole, nobody really does war anymore after all. But whether we like to admit or or not, we are at war. War has been declared on us, open war. The only question is whether we have the will to fight.
The word war seems like the exclusive domain of hyperbole, nobody really does war anymore after all. But whether we like to admit or or not, we are at war. War has been declared on us, open war. The only question is whether we have the will to fight.
Who added chapters and verses to the Bible? And what was Mass like before Trent? And why are there so few ordinary, married saints?
Chapters & Verses? Mass Before Trent? Ordinary Marriages & Sainthood? | Blogs | NCRegister.comAKIN: We all know about citing the Bible with chapter & verse—but where did the chapter and verse divisions come from in the first place and why are they there? Who added them, and when?
We all know about the ordinary form of Mass that arose after Vatican II and the extraordinary form that arose after the Council of Trent—but what was the Mass like before Trent? Why did they feel it needed to be changed? And why can’t we celebrate the Mass in its pre-Trent form today?
We all know about the ordinary form of Mass that arose after Vatican II and the extraordinary form that arose after the Council of Trent—but what was the Mass like before Trent? Why did they feel it needed to be changed? And why can’t we celebrate the Mass in its pre-Trent form today?
I have same-sex attraction. I can't help it. But I choose not to be "gay" anymore, because I am Catholic, and I want to serve God...
“Getting It Straight” on Same-Gender Attraction…And Rick Santorum � catholicboyrichardEVANS: I have not hidden the fact that, as a person with SSA (same-sex attractions) I support Senator Rick Santorum and his stance regarding the traditional family and the societal need to support it. I am sure my “conservatism” mystifies many. So be it. Perhaps, however on this my milestone 100th post, I can some how, some way, make it more clear once for all. First please watch this short video clip where Piers Morgan of CNN (and other more dubious fame) attempts to rip Rick to shreds. Then please read my brief comments on the topic and watch the other video from FOX News, also interviewing the distinguished Senator on the same topic. Santorum answers nearly identically, but the tone of the interviews, as set by the ones conducting it, are clearly very opposite.
Pope's Sunday Angelus: Christ displayed His vast power by washing the feet of His disciples...
Pope: Christ displayed his power in humble deeds :: Catholic News Agency (CNA): The power of Jesus Christ is manifested in humble service and love, Pope Benedict XVI said in his Sunday Angelus address Jan. 29.
“For man, authority often means possession, power, control success,” the Pope said to thousands of pilgrims gathered in St. Peters Square.
“For God, however, authority means service, humility, love,” he continued, “it means entering into the logic of Jesus who stoops to wash the disciples’ feet, who seeks the true good of man, who heals wounds, who is capable of a love so great as to give up his life, because he is Love.”
“For man, authority often means possession, power, control success,” the Pope said to thousands of pilgrims gathered in St. Peters Square.
“For God, however, authority means service, humility, love,” he continued, “it means entering into the logic of Jesus who stoops to wash the disciples’ feet, who seeks the true good of man, who heals wounds, who is capable of a love so great as to give up his life, because he is Love.”
The Prickly Question of a Just Wage
The Prickly Question of a Just Wage | Regnum NovumGUTIERREZ: At a recent conference on the social doctrine I found myself in a room full of some very bright people who said they did couldn’t figure out what the Church meant by a “just wage,” or a “family wage.” At the time I wasn’t sure what the problem was, and I’m not so sure now either. The social encyclicals do, after all, talk about this with some specificity.
Who are the Catholic Tim Tebows?
American Catholic Hall of Fame: Sports Figures | The Gregorian Blog | The Gregorian Institute at Benedictine CollegeHOOPES: In honor of the upcoming Super Bowl — whose Vince Lombardi Trophy is named after a devout Catholic — and the 2012 Olympics, the Gregorian Institute at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas, gathered votes for the Greatest Catholic Sports Figure in American History.
Catholic leaders who are themselves public figures are the voters for the American Catholic Hall of Fame.
Catholic leaders who are themselves public figures are the voters for the American Catholic Hall of Fame.
Did St. Paul say, "All have sinned except for Jesus and Mary"?
Did St Paul Say: All Have Sinned...Except for Jesus and Mary? ~ Canterbury Tales by Dr. Taylor MarshallMARSHALL: Let's begin by looking at the context. In the first half of his epistle to the Romans, Saint Paul is constructing an argument that Jews are not de facto saved by being Jewish. By the time Paul gets to chapter three of Romans, he has established that both Jews and Gentiles need Christ for salvation. Paul's arguments are always leading toward Christ. Paul's intent is to establish the universal need for Christ. Jews sin. Gentiles sin. Both groups need the Messiah in order to be saved.
Former CFO of Archdiocese of Philadelphia accused of embezzling $1 million to feed casino habit...
Worker accused of stealing $1 million from archdiocese over six years - Philly.com: As an employee of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, Anita Guzzardi, was considered a trusted servant of the church. Once, she headed an office that tried to restore the faith of strayed Catholics.
In her time off, she liked to play the slots at the Borgata casino in Atlantic City and to take vacations, using her American Express card.
And for years, Guzzardi paid those credit card bills by checks from the archdiocese - nearly $1 million in all, according to sources familiar with a continuing investigation by the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office.
In her time off, she liked to play the slots at the Borgata casino in Atlantic City and to take vacations, using her American Express card.
And for years, Guzzardi paid those credit card bills by checks from the archdiocese - nearly $1 million in all, according to sources familiar with a continuing investigation by the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office.
The Story of a Misunderstood Maritial Vow. A Necessary Rebuttal to a Washington Post Story
The Story of a Misunderstood Maritial Vow. A Necessary Rebuttal to a Washington Post Story | Archdiocese of WashingtonPOPE: Playing on the heart-strings does not always (or even usually) produce a good or proper melody. Such is the case of a recently published Washington Post Article entitled: A Family Learns the True Meaning of the Vow: ‘In Sickness and in Health.’ Actually, they do not. In fact they demonstrate the exact antithesis of what that vow means.
Video: Pope Benedict releases doves only to have them re-enter his window
Benedict XVI releases doves only to have them re-enter his window: The pope released doves to ask for peace. One remained on his window sill and the other flew a few yards and then came back into his office.
“They want to be in the pope's house!” exclaimed Benedict XVI.
This charming scene occurred during the Angelus prayer, that was attended by families and youth of Catholic Action, who participated in the 'Caravan of Peace '.
“They want to be in the pope's house!” exclaimed Benedict XVI.
This charming scene occurred during the Angelus prayer, that was attended by families and youth of Catholic Action, who participated in the 'Caravan of Peace '.
Euthanasia should be banned across Europe, rules Council in decision with "huge implications"
Euthanasia should be banned across Europe, rules Council�|�CatholicHerald.co.uk: The Council of Europe has ruled that euthanasia and assisted suicide should be banned in every country across the Continent.
In a declaration that will have huge implications on human rights laws in its 47 member countries the Strasbourg-based organisation announced that such practices “must always be prohibited”.
In a declaration that will have huge implications on human rights laws in its 47 member countries the Strasbourg-based organisation announced that such practices “must always be prohibited”.
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Why you should wear the Miraculous Medal
Why You Should Wear the Miraculous Medal ~ Canterbury Tales by Dr. Taylor MarshallMARSHALL: When I was still Protestant, I remember reading St Ephrem the Syrian. I was amazed by how often he spoke of the Mother of Christ and how much he praised her in his poetic hymnody. Ephrem was a Syrian Christian living from AD 306 – 373. He is early and he undoubtedly teaches that Mary was without stain, unlike other humans. He is probably the earliest and most explicit Patristic witness to the dogma of the Immaculate Conception.
My uncle wins an Academy Award – and dies...
My Uncle Wins an Oscar - and Dies | Kevin Lowry: A Grateful ConvertLOWRY: As a kid, I was always impressed with my uncle, aunt, and cousins David and Julia. They were all extremely gracious – and bright. The entire family had an entrepreneurial streak. Back in the 80’s, my dad and Uncle John were partners in a couple tech firms, one an early incubator for my dad’s search technology.
In later years, Uncle John returned to his roots and spent many years building Lowry Digital, a firm that specialized in digital film restoration. His work in this area helped him to become acquainted with some of the greats in the industry, such as George Lucas, pictured above with Uncle John. My uncle’s projects included many of Hollywood’s best-known films and series: Star Wars, Citizen Kane, Mary Poppins, Indiana Jones, Singin’ in the Rain, various Disney classics, the list is incredible.
In later years, Uncle John returned to his roots and spent many years building Lowry Digital, a firm that specialized in digital film restoration. His work in this area helped him to become acquainted with some of the greats in the industry, such as George Lucas, pictured above with Uncle John. My uncle’s projects included many of Hollywood’s best-known films and series: Star Wars, Citizen Kane, Mary Poppins, Indiana Jones, Singin’ in the Rain, various Disney classics, the list is incredible.
A better way of reading the Summa Theologica of St. Thomas Aquinas
A better way of reading the Summa Theologica of St. Thomas Aquinas | The New Theological MovementERLENBUSH: The Summa Theologica of St. Thomas Aquinas is, without question, the greatest work of theology ever written. And yet, because of the length of the treatise – some six hundred fifteen question of up to six or even eight articles, in three (or four) volumes – even the most avid fans of the Angel of the Schools find it difficult to read the whole Summa.
In this post, we intend to give an indication of not only how to read any particular portion of the Summa, but also of how to succeed in reading the whole work.
In this post, we intend to give an indication of not only how to read any particular portion of the Summa, but also of how to succeed in reading the whole work.
I hope my fellow bishops and I can take this new HHS mandate all the way to the Supreme Court...
US Department of Health & Human Services on Wrong Side of ConstitutionETIENNE: On August 1, 2011, the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued an “internal final rule” to require virtually all private health plans to include coverage for all FDA-approved prescription contraceptives, and female sterilization procedures. Among these prescription contraceptives are drugs which are known to induce abortion. All health plans will be required to include these services without co-pays or other cost sharing – even if the insurer, the employer or the woman herself objects to such coverage. Since August, numerous protests to this rule have been formally filed with HHS, seeking a broader definition of the religious exemption, in keeping with the long-standing practice of law and understanding of religious freedom. Most of these protests did not lead to a change in the rule. On January 20, 2012, HHS decided not to make any significant change in its rule.
Drifting Nantucket ghost boat comes ashore in Spain after three-year, 3,500-mile journey...
Drifting Nantucket ghost boat comes ashore in Spain after three-year, 3,500-mile journey - Metro Desk - Local news updates from The Boston Globe: For more than three years she wandered the sea, devoid of a captain or crew. But last week, she was found off the coast of Spain, about 3,500 nautical miles from her home in Nantucket.
The Queen Bee, a 26-foot pleasure boat, was left to drift after stormy conditions threw her passengers overboard off the coast of Nantucket on Aug. 25, 2008. The ghost boat was found 20 miles off the northern coast of Spain on Jan. 17, the US Coast Guard said today.
The Queen Bee, a 26-foot pleasure boat, was left to drift after stormy conditions threw her passengers overboard off the coast of Nantucket on Aug. 25, 2008. The ghost boat was found 20 miles off the northern coast of Spain on Jan. 17, the US Coast Guard said today.
Don't became Muslim, Liam Neeson!
Coffee and Canticles - The Divine Office in Your Life: Don't Do It, Liam Neeson!: It's in the news today that actor Liam Neeson is considering a conversion to Islam.
The only thing close to a reason for Neeson's interest in Islam is stated in this quotation: "The Call to Prayer happens five times a day and for the first week it drives you crazy, and then it just gets into your spirit and it's the most beautiful, beautiful thing."
The only thing close to a reason for Neeson's interest in Islam is stated in this quotation: "The Call to Prayer happens five times a day and for the first week it drives you crazy, and then it just gets into your spirit and it's the most beautiful, beautiful thing."
At some point in life every Catholic wakes up at 3:00am...
Aggie Catholics: Catholic Motivational Poster - 3:00 AM: Something I came up with last night, when some storms woke me up.
Vegetarian shop owners and the Catholic bishops' beef with Obama...
Te Deum laudamus!: Vegetarian shop owners; and, the Catholic bishops beef with ObamaKORZENIEWSKI: I don't think any other issue in recent years has galvanized the U.S. Bishops than the reality of this particular threat. Where we often see one set of bishops speaking more forcefully about pro-life issues and others about social justice issues, the HHS mandate has brought bishops from one end of that spectrum to the other out in full force. Reading through the names and statements below, you will see what I mean.
One of the greatest disciples of the 20th century was neither a priest nor a religious. She was a humble layperson who owned 44 peacocks. Her name was
Fr. Robert Barron's Word On Fire - Books: The Vocation of Flannery O'ConnorFERENCE: One of the greatest disciples of the twentieth century was neither a priest, nor a religious, nor a married person. She was a celibate, single woman who spent the last 13 years of her life battling lupus while writing some of the best fiction the world has ever known—all while living on a 455-acre dairy farm in Milledgeville, Ga. with her mother, her books, and forty-four peacocks. Her name was Flannery O’Connor.
I have good news and bad news about the future of the Church...
Culture and Evangelization: Catholic World ReportSHAW: Like Pope John Paul before him, Pope Benedict XVI has made “new evangelization” a high priority of his pontificate. Last year he created an office in the Roman Curia to promote the effort; next year “The New Evangelization for the Transmissin of the Christian Faith” will be the theme of a general assembly of the world Synod of Bishops. Recently, too, he proclaimed a Year of Faith, beginning during the Synod assembly and extending to November of 2013.
I'm not young enough to know everything...
On the Wisdom of Holding Mystery in Silence – A brief meditation on quote from Oscar Wilde | Archdiocese of WashingtonPOPE: I remember that, as a young priest in my late twenties that I was extremely confident of what I knew. Frankly I was fed up by the older generation, especially of priests, who sounded a vague and uncertain note in the pulpit. And who will follow an uncertain trumpet? I was also convinced that the generation of adults prior to mine was a generation lost to moral relativism, skepticism, and antinomianism (a theological and philosophical notion that is skeptical of law based on a flawed notion of grace).
St. Thomas Aquinas on Islam
Aquinas on IslamHANLEY: It is no secret that secularists generally react to Christianity with hostility, but to Islam with obsequiousness – or silence in the face of belligerence and even of atrocities such as the Ft. Hood massacre. The most elementary explanation for this curious phenomenon, aside from cowardice, might simply come from that old adage: the enemy of my enemy is my friend. But is there more to it?
Military archbishop: U.S. invasion damaged Christianity in Iraq
Google Reader (861)KERR: U.S. Military Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio says the collapse of Iraq’s Christian population is among the legacies of America's invasion in 2003.
“Yes, you can say in a certain sense that the invasion of Iraq did provoke this tremendous diminution of the Christian population in that country. And what the future holds, that still remains to be seen,” the archbishop for the armed forces told CNA during his visit to Rome on Jan. 16.
“Yes, you can say in a certain sense that the invasion of Iraq did provoke this tremendous diminution of the Christian population in that country. And what the future holds, that still remains to be seen,” the archbishop for the armed forces told CNA during his visit to Rome on Jan. 16.
Friday, January 27, 2012
Obama says "to Hell with you". We respond "to Heaven with us"...
Catholic Response: To Heaven with Us!: The real trouble with the contraception mandate is not that Obama has essentially declared war on the Church. After all, the Church has won every war ever declared upon it, if victory in war really is determined by outliving your opponent. We’ve done it before and we’ll do it again.
The trouble is that most American Catholics no longer fit into their old armor. We’ve gotten saggy around the midsection and we can’t even swing a blade any longer. In fact, you could even say that Puss in Boots from Shrek 4 is a perfect model of the typical American Catholic when it comes to defending the faith.
The trouble is that most American Catholics no longer fit into their old armor. We’ve gotten saggy around the midsection and we can’t even swing a blade any longer. In fact, you could even say that Puss in Boots from Shrek 4 is a perfect model of the typical American Catholic when it comes to defending the faith.
The Vision of a Pro-Life Generation
The Vision of a Pro-Life Generation - Interview - National Review OnlineLOPEZ: Kristan Hawkins is the dynamic, under-30 mom of two at the helm of Students for Life of America (SFLA), which gathered over 2,000 high-school and college students last weekend for their annual meeting in the Washington, D.C., area, coinciding with the 39th anniversary of the Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion in America. Hawkins talks about the students, the children, and envisioning a world without abortion in an interview with National Review Online’s Kathryn Jean Lopez.
Another legal victory for religious liberty: U.S. Sixth Circuit rules in favor of Michigan student expelled for religious views...
Sixth Circuit: Counseling Student Cannot Be Expelled for Religious Views | Becket Fund: Today, the Sixth Circuit issued a major victory for the constitutional rights of individuals with religious beliefs. The court held that Eastern Michigan University may have violated the Constitution by expelling a counseling student based on her religious beliefs about homosexual conduct.
“No individual should be forced out of their profession solely because of her religious beliefs,” said Eric Rassbach, National Litigation Director at the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty. “Counselors refer clients elsewhere all the time for personal, financial, or ethical reasons, and referrals for religious reasons should be treated no differently,” he added.
“No individual should be forced out of their profession solely because of her religious beliefs,” said Eric Rassbach, National Litigation Director at the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty. “Counselors refer clients elsewhere all the time for personal, financial, or ethical reasons, and referrals for religious reasons should be treated no differently,” he added.
Former Manchester United soccer player to become a Catholic priest...
Former Man United footballer to become a priest�|�CatholicHerald.co.uk: A former Manchester United footballer is training to become a priest. Phil Mulryne, who was once a teammate of Ryan Giggs and David Beckham, has enrolled at the Pontifical Irish College in Rome.
The former Northern Ireland international midfielder was invited into the priesthood by Bishop Noel Treanor of Down and Connor after leaving the sport and becoming involved in charitable activities.
The former Northern Ireland international midfielder was invited into the priesthood by Bishop Noel Treanor of Down and Connor after leaving the sport and becoming involved in charitable activities.
The hidden cause of population loss in America's cities: abortion
Baltimore population: Abortion rates contribute to Baltimore's population decline - baltimoresun.com: Population increase is a natural sign of political health. By that measure, Baltimore has been sick a long time. Six straight decades of depopulation have reduced the city by a third. Seeking not only to halt this bad case of "the dreaded shrinks" but reverse it, the mayor has set the modest goal of increasing the city's population by 22,000 people in 10 years.
Now Obama has proved it: he really is an enemy of the Catholic Church. But how will that affect the 54 percent of Catholics who voted for him last time?
Now Obama has proved it: he really is an enemy of the Catholic Church. But how will that affect the 54 per cent of Catholics who voted for him last time?�|�CatholicHerald.co.ukODDIE: About a year ago, I wrote a blog entitled “Why Barack Obama has to be seen as an enemy of the Catholic Church”. This was picked up by quite a few American Catholic blogs, for example this one, which reproduced the piece in full; and it attracted much favourable attention: but some of the reactions, also from American Catholics – who presumably were from that shameful 54 per cent of Catholics who voted for Obama – were not favourable.
An astonishing speech from the U.K. Prime Minister: "We are a Christian country, and we should not be afraid to say so"...
"We are a Christian country. And we should not be afraid to say so." | Blogs | NCRegister.comAKIN: The Vatican newspaper, L’Osservatore Romano, recently printed a speech by U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron commemorating the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible.
I was a little disappointed that, in its brief introduction to the speech, it didn’t mention the Catholic alternative to the King James—the Douay-Rheims Version, which actually was finished in 1609, two years before the King James was finished in 1611—but I was fascinated to read the speech.
I was a little disappointed that, in its brief introduction to the speech, it didn’t mention the Catholic alternative to the King James—the Douay-Rheims Version, which actually was finished in 1609, two years before the King James was finished in 1611—but I was fascinated to read the speech.
Two Cheers for Pro-Life Europe
Two Cheers for Pro-Life EuropeRUSE: Most Americans, particularly political conservatives, would be shocked to learn that pagan Europe is often better than Christian America on the life issues. We typically think Europe is exponentially further out on the pelvic left. On some issues – like homosexual marriage – they are. But on the life issues, not so much.
Two European countries, Malta and Ireland, outlaw abortion outright. In countries where abortion is legal, they have gestational limits on abortion that would give Leroy Carhart an aneurism. European gestational limits would put Carhart’s partial-birth abortion practice into immediate receivership. And good riddance.
Two European countries, Malta and Ireland, outlaw abortion outright. In countries where abortion is legal, they have gestational limits on abortion that would give Leroy Carhart an aneurism. European gestational limits would put Carhart’s partial-birth abortion practice into immediate receivership. And good riddance.
Holy See considers legal action against TV station...
Holy See Considers Legal Action Against TV Station | Daily News | NCRegister.comPENTIN: The Vatican has threatened legal action against an Italian television station for using “questionable journalistic methods” in a program that alleged a former senior Vatican official had been transferred against his will after complaining about internal corruption.
The program, called The Untouchables and broadcast on the channel La 7 on Wednesday night, showed several letters that Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigan�then-deputy governor of Vatican City and now apostolic nuncio to the United States, sent to superiors, including Pope Benedict XVI, last year.
The program, called The Untouchables and broadcast on the channel La 7 on Wednesday night, showed several letters that Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigan�then-deputy governor of Vatican City and now apostolic nuncio to the United States, sent to superiors, including Pope Benedict XVI, last year.
You've got it bad and that ain't good. But don't worry, the Doctor is in...
You’ve Got it Bad and that Ain’t Good – But the Doctor is In | Archdiocese of WashingtonPOPE: Alright, I got some news for you. It’s difficult news, but I’m sure you can take it! Here it is: your condition is grave, so is mine. We’ve got some serious stuff wrong with us! You might say we’ve got a few issues!
Yes, I’ve got your spiritual “medical chart” and mine open too, and I’m looking at the test results and the numbers don’t look good. We’ve tested positive for a number of things
Yes, I’ve got your spiritual “medical chart” and mine open too, and I’m looking at the test results and the numbers don’t look good. We’ve tested positive for a number of things
10 reasons why there are no women in Hell
Ten Reasons There Are No Women in Hell | Blogs | NCRegister.comFISHER: Every month or so, I check my blog stats, and discover that someone who ... well, someone who is not like me finds my blog by searching for some variation on the phrase, “women who have gone to hell for wearing trousers.”
Now, I’ve seen Pulp Fiction, too. I know what the Lord says about those who attempt to poison and destroy my brothers. FURrrrrious anger! Ka-blammo! That was awesome.
I mean, it was a terrible, immoral film which I regret watching seven times to figure out if it was actually about anything. (Conclusion: No. But The Big Lebowski definitely was.)
Now, I’ve seen Pulp Fiction, too. I know what the Lord says about those who attempt to poison and destroy my brothers. FURrrrrious anger! Ka-blammo! That was awesome.
I mean, it was a terrible, immoral film which I regret watching seven times to figure out if it was actually about anything. (Conclusion: No. But The Big Lebowski definitely was.)
On Gotham's Feast, Scarlet Timbits
Whispers in the Loggia: On Gotham's Feast, Scarlet TimbitsPALMO: It might be another 23 days 'til the Scarlet Bowl -- that is, B16's induction of 22 new members into his "Senate" -- but given today's onomastico of the archbishop of New York, it seems fitting to mark St Timothy's Day by debuting the elevated arms of the soon-to-be Cardinal Dolan.
On his impending reception of the red hat, the Tenth Archbishop of the place the Vatican views as the "Capital of the World" will become the eighth occupant of St Patrick's Cathedral to join the Sacred College in the footsteps of John McCloskey -- the first cardinal created across the Atlantic -- who received his biretta in Fifth Avenue's Downtown predecessor in 1875.
On his impending reception of the red hat, the Tenth Archbishop of the place the Vatican views as the "Capital of the World" will become the eighth occupant of St Patrick's Cathedral to join the Sacred College in the footsteps of John McCloskey -- the first cardinal created across the Atlantic -- who received his biretta in Fifth Avenue's Downtown predecessor in 1875.
The current U.S. nuncio cannot stand having been driven out of Rome. He has many supporters in the curia, and the Pope is getting caught in the fray
Vatican Diary / Vigan�the untouchableMAGISTER: Viganò's letter to Benedict XVI was the showpiece of this episode of "The untouchables." It was exhibited together with a sheaf of other letters also written by Viganò to the pope and to secretary of state Tarcisio Bertone. It is logical to presume that the copies of these letters came to the producer of the broadcast, Gianluigi Nuzzi,, directly or indirectly, from the sender rather than from the recipients. The statement from Fr. Lombardi expresses "disappointment over the release of confidential documents," but does not accuse anyone.
Thoughts on America's new whistle-blowing nuncio
Thoughts on America's new whistle-blowing nuncio | National Catholic ReporterALLEN: We already knew that Italian Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, named by Pope Benedict XVI in October as his new nuncio, or ambassador, to the United States, seriously rocked the boat in his brief but tumultuous run as the No. 2 official in the government of the Vatican city-state from 2009 to 2011.
What we didn't know until this week, however, was just how vigorously Viganò had campaigned to be allowed to finish the financial house-cleaning he started. As it turns out, the pope's new man in Washington is something of a whistle-blower.
What we didn't know until this week, however, was just how vigorously Viganò had campaigned to be allowed to finish the financial house-cleaning he started. As it turns out, the pope's new man in Washington is something of a whistle-blower.
How to Beat the Devil
How to Beat the Devil | Sunday Guides | NCRegister.com: Think of the threat of the devil the way you think of taking a walk by the street. It is true that there are many cars driving by and that these could do great damage to you if you stepped in front of one. But it would be absurd to live in fear of roads. A few commonsense precautions will prevent you from getting hit. It’s the same with demonic activity. There is no need to live in fear of demons — but one ought to be aware of them and avoid them.
First, understand him. The truth is: The devil does not really care about human beings much at all. He is consumed by hatred of God, not us. But he is in a predicament because he has no power against God. So, instead, he takes delight in doing two things to us: marring the image of God he sees in us, and turning us against God — because he knows this makes God sad.
First, understand him. The truth is: The devil does not really care about human beings much at all. He is consumed by hatred of God, not us. But he is in a predicament because he has no power against God. So, instead, he takes delight in doing two things to us: marring the image of God he sees in us, and turning us against God — because he knows this makes God sad.
Yosemite Valley: "These are but the outer fringe of His works; how faint the whisper we hear of Him"...
Yosemite HD on Vimeo: This video is a collaboration between Sheldon Neill and Colin Delehanty. All timelapses were shot on the Canon 5D Mark II with a variety of Canon L and Zeiss CP.2 Lenses.
Jesus and His Church Are One
Jesus and His Church Are One - Catholic New YorkDOLAN: It’s one of my favorite works of art: The Conversion of Saul by Caravaggio. There it is, meekly on display in the corner of the Church of Santa Maria del Popolo in Rome. Saul, the raging persecutor of the followers of Jesus, literally “knocked off his high horse” by the radiance of Jesus, the “light of the world,” transformed into a passionate apostle of Christ and His new Church, whom we now venerate as St. Paul.
And what question does Jesus bellow out to the shocked Saul?
“Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”
Parse that very carefully. Saul, of course, has been harassing the Church, killing the followers of Jesus.
And what question does Jesus bellow out to the shocked Saul?
“Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”
Parse that very carefully. Saul, of course, has been harassing the Church, killing the followers of Jesus.
Contraception mandate prompts Peoria bishop to reinstate traditional St. Michael prayer
Contraception mandate prompts Peoria bishop to instate St. Michael Prayer :: EWTN News: Bishop Daniel Jenky of Peoria, Ill. has asked parishes, schools, hospitals and religious houses to insert the Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel into the intercessions at Sunday Mass to pray for Catholics’ freedom.
The move comes in response to a new federal requirement that will force many Catholic organizations to provide insurance coverage for sterilizations and contraceptives.
The move comes in response to a new federal requirement that will force many Catholic organizations to provide insurance coverage for sterilizations and contraceptives.
Pro-life girls are prettier
Pro-Life Is Prettier: Beauty in the Pro-Life MovementFERNANDEZ: Do I believe pro-life people are prettier than the pro-abortion crowd? Absolutely, I do.
They are prettier on the inside, which in turn radiates to the exterior. All one had to do to see my point was spend ten minutes observing the participants at this week's 39th Annual March for Life held in Washington D.C.
The pro-life marchers were seeping joy from every pore and exuding an unmistakable wholesomeness. That's because being pro-life is a wholesome and good thing. There is nothing good and wholesome about being pro-abortion. Abortion is ugly and so are its supporters.
They are prettier on the inside, which in turn radiates to the exterior. All one had to do to see my point was spend ten minutes observing the participants at this week's 39th Annual March for Life held in Washington D.C.
The pro-life marchers were seeping joy from every pore and exuding an unmistakable wholesomeness. That's because being pro-life is a wholesome and good thing. There is nothing good and wholesome about being pro-abortion. Abortion is ugly and so are its supporters.
Pittsburgh bishop: Obama telling Catholics "to hell with you"; urges Church to resist contraception mandate...
Jesus and His Church Are One - Catholic New York: The new federal contraception mandate is “like a slap in the face” that says “To Hell with you!” to Catholics and religious freedom, Bishop David A. Zubik of Pittsburgh said.
“This is government by fiat that attacks the rights of everyone – not only Catholics; not only people of all religion. At no other time in memory or history has there been such a governmental intrusion on freedom not only with regard to religion, but even across-the-board with all citizens,” Bishop Zubik wrote in the Jan. 27 edition of the Pittsburgh Catholic.
“This is government by fiat that attacks the rights of everyone – not only Catholics; not only people of all religion. At no other time in memory or history has there been such a governmental intrusion on freedom not only with regard to religion, but even across-the-board with all citizens,” Bishop Zubik wrote in the Jan. 27 edition of the Pittsburgh Catholic.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Here's why Archbishop Dolan feels personally betrayed by Obama...
Religion News Service | Ethics | Faith | Top Catholic bishop feels betrayed by ObamaGIBSON: In the wake of President Obama's controversial decision to mandate that religious groups pay for contraceptives for their employees, much of the coverage focused on how the president had disappointed progressive allies by giving religious groups an extra year to comply.
But the decision also had New York Archbishop Timothy Dolan...
But the decision also had New York Archbishop Timothy Dolan...
Analysis: Obama’s State of the Union Address written at 8th grade level; Pope’s homilies at 11th grade
Analysis: Obama’s SOTU written at 8th grade level, pope’s homilies at 11th grade � The Deacon's BenchKANDRA: The other day, Elizabeth Scalia asked “Is great oratory over and done?” She made a compelling case that, yes, the era of truly eloquent speechifying is a thing of the past. She also quoted an off-the-cuff speech that remains, for me, one of the greats of the last century: Bobby Kennedy’s poignantly poetic remarks following the death of Martin Luther King, Jr.
As if to confirm her conclusion, along comes criticism for Tuesday’s State of the Union speech...
As if to confirm her conclusion, along comes criticism for Tuesday’s State of the Union speech...
A scolding on the tarmac for a man who forgot that Confession is the only "authentic" revolution...
Catholic Phoenix: The photograph depicts the famous Managua airport encounter between Fr. Ernesto Cardenal and John Paul the Great, upon the arrival of the Pope for his 1983 pastoral visit to Nicaragua, then under the revolutionary Marxist dictatorship of Daniel Ortega and the Sandinistas. Cardenal, ordained a priest in the 1960s, was already well-known throughout Latin America as a poet, wandering liberation theologian, and leader of an “artists’ commune” when the Sandinistas overthrew the ugly Somoza regime in 1979; he accepted the government’s offer to become Minister of Culture, a post he held until the late 1980s.
Will Israel really attack Iran? And if they do, how will that affect you?
Will Israel Attack Iran? - NYTimes.com: As the Sabbath evening approached on Jan. 13, Ehud Barak paced the wide living-room floor of his home high above a street in north Tel Aviv, its walls lined with thousands of books on subjects ranging from philosophy and poetry to military strategy. Barak, the Israeli defense minister, is the most decorated soldier in the country’s history and one of its most experienced and controversial politicians. He has served as chief of the general staff for the Israel Defense Forces, interior minister, foreign minister and prime minister. He now faces, along with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and 12 other members of Israel’s inner security cabinet, the most important decision of his life — whether to launch a pre-emptive attack against Iran. We met in the late afternoon, and our conversation — the first of several over the next week — lasted for two and a half hours, long past nightfall. “This is not about some abstract concept,” Barak said as he gazed out at the lights of Tel Aviv, “but a genuine concern. The Iranians are, after all, a nation whose leaders have set themselves a strategic goal of wiping Israel off the map.”
10 tips to help you become a successful Catholic blogger...
Shameless Popery: Ten Tips for Successful Catholic BloggingHESCHMEYER: A couple of readers have asked for tips in starting out in Catholic blogging. I don't have any great secrets, and can think of plenty of people more qualified than myself to answer, but here are the things that I wish I had known (or thought of) back when I was first beginning. I'll mention up front that I haven't always done everything on this list -- some of these are areas where I'm aware I need to improve.
You know that things are getting pretty bad when Fr. Z endorses an idea from the National Catholic Reporter...
Fr. Z endorses idea from NcFishwrap. Sky to Fall. Lord to Return. Film at 11. | Fr. Z's Blog – What Does The Prayer Really Say?ZUHLSDORF: Was that booming CRACK I just heard the opening of the Fifth Seal?
You know that things are getting pretty serious when Fr. Z endorses an idea from the National catholic Fishwrap.
But it was a good idea, and around here we play fair. We do our fair share!
Michael Sean Winters has gotten it right, so far, about...
You know that things are getting pretty serious when Fr. Z endorses an idea from the National catholic Fishwrap.
But it was a good idea, and around here we play fair. We do our fair share!
Michael Sean Winters has gotten it right, so far, about...
Minnesota governor rejects plan for Vikings stadium near basilica
Minnesota governor rejects plan for stadium near basilica :: Catholic News Agency (CNA): Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton does not want the Vikings' new football stadium to be built near the Basilica of Saint Mary, where it was seen as a potentially serious threat to parish life.
“We are grateful that Governor Dayton considered our concerns and valued the work we do in making a decision to remove the Linden Avenue and Farmers Market sites from the list of potential sites for the Vikings Stadium,” officials at the basilica said in an online statement.
“We are grateful that Governor Dayton considered our concerns and valued the work we do in making a decision to remove the Linden Avenue and Farmers Market sites from the list of potential sites for the Vikings Stadium,” officials at the basilica said in an online statement.
When I entered the Swiss Guards, I was twenty years old and in peak physical condition. But Pope John Paul II could still run rings around us...
The Importance of VocationWIDMER: That running began before 6:00 every morning when he would rise, pray, dress for the day, then head to his private chapel for more time in prayer. At 7:00 a.m., small groups of visiting dignitaries, Catholic pilgrims, or Vatican staff would join him for Mass. After Mass, guests joined him for breakfast. An hour or two of office work followed. Before greeting official visitors at 11:00, he would meet briefly with linguists to review the finer points of whatever language he would be using to speak to the visiting crowds or dignitaries. Then the audiences began.
Fr. Marcelo Rossi is filling stadiums and changing the face of Catholicism in Brazil...
Brazil. The Pentecost of Father MarceloMAGISTER: Brazil, which will be the theater of the next World Youth Day, is the country with the largest number of Catholics in the world, ahead of Mexico, the Philippines, the United States, and Italy.
But while until 1980 nine out of ten Brazilians were Catholic, today the members of the Church of Rome have dropped to two thirds of the population.
Most of the others have gone over to Protestantism. To a Protestantism almost entirely of a Charismatic, Pentecostal type.
But while until 1980 nine out of ten Brazilians were Catholic, today the members of the Church of Rome have dropped to two thirds of the population.
Most of the others have gone over to Protestantism. To a Protestantism almost entirely of a Charismatic, Pentecostal type.
Talk to Your Mother! Babies, young women, and young husbands with a 19-year-long porn addiction: this means you...
Talk to Your Mother! | Blogs | NCRegister.comFISHER: Popular science has a lot to say about mothers and children lately. (Or maybe it’s just like when you buy a new car, and suddenly you see that model everywhere—maybe it’s just me!) There was this lovely little piece about what happens when a mother and her infant smile at each other.
Quo vadis?
Patrick Madrid : Patrick MadridMADRID: The American actor James Farentino died yesterday at the age of 73. He is perhaps best known for his deft portrayal of Saint Peter the Apostle in the landmark ini-series-movie “Jesus of Nazareth.” Personally, having re-watched that excellent, moving, and instructive film countless times since its release in 1978, I’ve always felt that he so thoroughly “became” Saint Peter in this role that, to this day, when I think of the Apostle himself, Farentino’s face and shaggy, craggy features are what I see in my mind’s eye. (British actor Robert Powell, similarly nailed the role of Jesus uncannily well.) Farentino’s portrayal (watch a video clip here) will forever remain the image of Saint Peter that inhabits my imagination — at least until I am able to meet the Galilean Fisherman himself, face to face.
35,000 Christians flee homes in northern Nigeria after new wave of Muslim attacks on churches...
Panicked Catholics flee violence in northern Nigeria :: Catholic News Agency (CNA): As many as 35,000 people have fled their homes in northern Nigeria after continuing attacks from the Islamic extremist group Boko Haram. Their numbers include a large number of Catholics who report that churches have been destroyed.
“There is panic. Many just leave everything behind, and run for safety, because they do not know when violence might flare up again,” a source told Aid to the Church in Need on Jan. 24.
“There is panic. Many just leave everything behind, and run for safety, because they do not know when violence might flare up again,” a source told Aid to the Church in Need on Jan. 24.
Italian TV show "Gli Intoccabili" focuses on controversy surrounding Vatican finances and Archbishop Viganò's whistleblowing letter...
Vatican official warns pope of corruption - Yahoo! News: An Italian news program has obtained letters from a top Vatican official to the pope in which he begs not to be transferred after exposing corruption in the awarding of Vatican contracts that cost the Holy See millions of euros (dollars).
Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò was removed in October as the No. 2 administrator of the Vatican city-state and was named the pope's ambassador to Washington. While the job is highly prestigious, the posting took Vigano far from headquarters and out of the running for the Vatican's top administrative job, which carries with it the rank of cardinal.
Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò was removed in October as the No. 2 administrator of the Vatican city-state and was named the pope's ambassador to Washington. While the job is highly prestigious, the posting took Vigano far from headquarters and out of the running for the Vatican's top administrative job, which carries with it the rank of cardinal.
Vatican responds to "Gli Intoccabili" show; professes "disappointment at the revelation of reserved documents" and threatens legal action...
Vatican denies corruption charges attributed to U.S. nuncio | National Catholic ReporterALLEN: The Vatican this morning dismissed as “biased and banal” a broadcast on Italian television yesterday evening suggesting that a senior church official, who is today the pope’s ambassador in the United States, issued a blunt warning to Benedict XVI in March 2011 about financial corruption in the Vatican.
A Vatican spokesperson also appeared to threaten legal action against the broadcast, which named a handful of senior officials and financial advisors in the Vatican as involved in alleged mismanagement and lack of adequate financial controls.
A Vatican spokesperson also appeared to threaten legal action against the broadcast, which named a handful of senior officials and financial advisors in the Vatican as involved in alleged mismanagement and lack of adequate financial controls.
Video segments from Wednesday night's broadcast of "Gli Intoccabili" available here (in Italian)...
GLI INTOCCABILI - 25/01/2012 : LA LETTERA DI MONS. VIGANO’ AL PAPA - LA7.it: Esclusiva Gli Intoccabili: la lettera di Mons. Vigano’ al Papa del 27/03/11
Catholic courses, presented with pizzazz, and delivered to your mailbox...
Catholic Wisdom Presented With Flair | Education | NCRegister.comWEATHERBE: With considerable pizzazz, a package of popular, faithful education programming in video and audio form has burst onto the Catholic market.
Once you get past the package’s generic title, “Catholic Courses,” you would be pressed not to be at least intrigued, if not hooked, by such teasers as “What we have here are the most notorious men and women who ever became saints” for the course “Saints With a Past.” It continues, “These are the depravity all-stars.”
Or how about a course called “Seven Myths About the Catholic Church and Science”? When you buy it, you will “Get the Real Story About Galileo, Evolution, the Big Bang Theory, Aliens and More!”
Once you get past the package’s generic title, “Catholic Courses,” you would be pressed not to be at least intrigued, if not hooked, by such teasers as “What we have here are the most notorious men and women who ever became saints” for the course “Saints With a Past.” It continues, “These are the depravity all-stars.”
Or how about a course called “Seven Myths About the Catholic Church and Science”? When you buy it, you will “Get the Real Story About Galileo, Evolution, the Big Bang Theory, Aliens and More!”
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Consider this when you read the Apostolic Fathers: The grandchildren of President John Tyler (who was born in 1790) are still alive...
Former President John Tyler’s (1790-1862) grandchildren still alive | The Sideshow - Yahoo! News: Former President John Tyler, born 221 years ago, still has two living grandchildren. The one-term president isn't a well-known historical figure; he's probably best remembered for helping to push through the annexation of Texas in 1845, shortly before leaving office.
So, how is it possible that a former president who died 150 years ago would still have direct descendents alive today? As it turns out, the Tyler men were known for fathering children late in life.
So, how is it possible that a former president who died 150 years ago would still have direct descendents alive today? As it turns out, the Tyler men were known for fathering children late in life.
To love God is a gift that is received, not achieved
To Love God is a Gift that is Received, not Acheived | Archdiocese of WashingtonPOPE: More often than not, the average Catholic thinks of the Commandments and the Christian moral life, as well as the spiritual life as a task, or list of tasks they must accomplish out of their own flesh power, or else they will face some negative consequence. Hence the moral life is seen by many as a drudgery and is carried out with little enthusiasm. Hence many will hear that they must be less angry, more generous, less vengeful, more chaste etc., and they think rules, and rules though necessary are uninspiring.
Was Paul knocked off his high horse on the way to Damascus?
Was Paul knocked off his high horse on the way to Damascus? ~ Canterbury Tales by Dr. Taylor MarshallMARSHALL: Many people believe that Paul was knocked off his horse on the road to Damascus. Caravaggio’s famous painting titled “Conversion on the Way to Damascus” (depicted above) has seared into our imaginations the image that Paul fell in amazement from his horse when Christ appeared to him in the midst of a blinding light. However, if you go back and read the biblical account of the miracle, nowhere does it describe Saul falling off his horse. In fact, we can be certain that Rabbi Saul was not on his horse at midday when Christ appeared to him (Acts 26:13).
The bell is tolling for religious liberty in America...
BISHOP CONLEY: The Bell is TollingCONLEY: The announcement was a death knell for religious liberty in the United States. Many recall that in August, HHS announced the obligation of contraceptive coverage in private insurance plans, and a narrow religious exemption which will cover, in fact, only some churches – and almost no other religious entities.
Many recall the outrage of religious leaders over this plan. Many recall that the Catholic Church, among others, pleaded with the federal government to reconsider. The pleas fell on deaf ears.
Many recall the outrage of religious leaders over this plan. Many recall that the Catholic Church, among others, pleaded with the federal government to reconsider. The pleas fell on deaf ears.
Pope Benedict, President Obama and religious freedom
Religion: Pope Benedict, President Obama and religious freedom | The RepublicMATTINGLY: Pope Benedict XVI cut to the chase when meeting with the visiting bishops from Washington, D.C., Baltimore and the U.S. armed services.
The pope mentioned "religious freedom" in the third sentence of his Jan. 19 remarks at the Vatican and he never let up -- returning to this hot topic again and again.
The bottom line, he said, is that America's once-strong political consensus has "eroded significantly in the face of powerful new cultural currents which are not only directly opposed to core moral teachings of the Judeo-Christian tradition, but increasingly hostile to Christianity as such."
The pope mentioned "religious freedom" in the third sentence of his Jan. 19 remarks at the Vatican and he never let up -- returning to this hot topic again and again.
The bottom line, he said, is that America's once-strong political consensus has "eroded significantly in the face of powerful new cultural currents which are not only directly opposed to core moral teachings of the Judeo-Christian tradition, but increasingly hostile to Christianity as such."
"In the spirit of diversity, I find them offensive": Alaska Airlines caves in to pressure, ends thirty-year-old custom of meal tray Scripture quotes
Overhead Bin - OMG! Alaska Airlines discontinues controversial prayer cards: In a memo sent to its frequent fliers Wednesday, Alaska Airlines announced that the prayer cards it has been providing to passengers on meal trays for the past 30 years will be discontinued as of Feb. 1.
“A former marketing executive borrowed the idea from another airline and introduced the cards to our passengers in the late 1970s to differentiate our service,” the memo written by the company's chairman and president explained.
“A former marketing executive borrowed the idea from another airline and introduced the cards to our passengers in the late 1970s to differentiate our service,” the memo written by the company's chairman and president explained.
Georgetown professor quits, blasts university's lack of Catholic identity
Georgetown Prof. Quits, Blasts University’s Lack of Catholic Identity � Campus Notes: Citing a lack of Catholic identity, a professor is resigning from Georgetown University and heading to the University of Notre Dame, according to an open letter he wrote and published at Front Porch Republic.
Patrick Deneen, Associate Professor of Government at Georgetown University, had some stinging criticism of the Jesuit university, saying that Georgetown “increasingly and inevitably remakes itself in the image of its secular peers, ones that have no internal standard of what a university is for other than the aspiration of prestige for the sake of prestige, its ranking rather than its commitment to Truth.”
Patrick Deneen, Associate Professor of Government at Georgetown University, had some stinging criticism of the Jesuit university, saying that Georgetown “increasingly and inevitably remakes itself in the image of its secular peers, ones that have no internal standard of what a university is for other than the aspiration of prestige for the sake of prestige, its ranking rather than its commitment to Truth.”
Do you have the Stay-at-Home-Mom Blues? Take heart...
Stay-at-Home-Mom Blues : The Integrated Catholic Life: I see you, out there, sitting at your table, your desk, or your kitchen island, and I notice you are a little discouraged. You switched on the computer a few minutes ago to check your mail and a couple websites, the most exciting contact you’ll have with the outside world today, in between your hourly dates with your almost-potty-trained toddler in the bathroom and picking up Cheerios off the floor of the kitchen for the umpteenth time. You are disheartened, tired. Maybe you passed a mirror earlier today and thought to yourself, Where is that super-trim figure I had in college? Didn’t my step used to have a little more bounce? Why am I doing this?
U.S. House passes bill to allow religious symbols on war memorials
House passes bill to allow religious symbols on war memorials - latimes.com: The House on Tuesday approved a measure that seeks to permit religious symbols on federal war memorials, a response to a court ruling that declared a cross atop a San Diego memorial violated the Constitution.
The War Memorial Protection Act passed on a voice vote in the Republican-controlled House but faces uncertainty in the Senate.
The War Memorial Protection Act passed on a voice vote in the Republican-controlled House but faces uncertainty in the Senate.
6 things you should know about the "Miracle of the Holy Fire"
6 Things to Know About the “Miracle of the Holy Fire” | St. Peter's List: The Greek Orthodox Patriarch enters the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem on Holy Saturday - according to the Orthodox calendar. He proceeds into the Tomb of Christ and begins to pray. A fire is then miraculously enkindled by the Holy Spirit – supposedly the power of the resurrection – and is shared rapidly throughout the Church and all those who are waiting outside. To be clear, it is said that Pope Gregory the IX declared “Holy Fire” a fraud in AD 1238, but a primary source is needed to confirm this papal statement. Today, the miracle is not recognized by the Catholic Church, but is considered a pious tradition of certain Orthodox Churches.
The "Big Five" Catholic music books you should know about
The Big Five Catholic Music Books The Chant Caf�TUCKER: I’ve been receiving an unusual number of emails recently that are asking fundamental (or rudimentary) questions.This is probably a good sign because it indicates an ever widening number of people who are interested in reforming Catholic music in a more liturgical direction. One yesterday asked for a basic tutorial in the main books of chant music for the Catholic liturgy. This seems like a reasonable request.
St. Paul's conversion, and yours
Conversion: Saint Paul's and Ours - Vultus ChristiKIRBY: Why does Saint Paul hold, even after two thousand years, such sway over hearts and minds in every culture and nation? Why does Saint Paul continue to speak compellingly to every man and every woman? Why was Saint Augustine's life turned around so dramatically and so gloriously when he seized upon a book and, opening it, read from Saint Paul's Epistle to the Romans? Why is the Rule of Saint Benedict shot through with the Pauline passion for the love of Christ? Why, even in the conflicts that set believer against believer, did Saint Paul remain, on both sides of the conflict, the measure of what it means to belong to Christ?
A Time for Catholic Action and Catholic Voices
A Time for Catholic Action and Catholic Voices | First ThingsGOMEZ: Last Thursday in Rome, Pope Benedict XVI delivered a remarkable address to a group of visiting American bishops. He praised America’s founders for their commitment to religious liberty and their belief that Judeo-Christian moral teachings are essential to shaping citizens and democratic institutions. The Holy Father warned that our heritage of religious freedom faces “grave threats” from the “radical secularism” of political and cultural opinion leaders who are “increasingly hostile to Christianity.”
Best. 2012. March for Life. Video. Ever. Let's make it go viral...
Best. 2012. March for Life. Video. Ever. | Why I Am Catholic: Courtesy of the “the Kid,” Marc Barnes. Let’s make it go viral, ya’ll. Only 6 views so far?
A pro-life commercial that says it all
Aggie Catholics: A Pro-Life Commercial That Says It All: Destroying the euphemisms of the Culture of Death.
An unborn child has been killed, probably, while you were reading this...
The Madness of Abortion | CatholicVote.orgBOTTUM: There are two abortions every minute in the United States. Maybe slightly more, maybe slightly less: The gathering of medical statistics has been corrupted by the politics of abortion, in the same way that everything abortion touches gets clouded by falsity. But call it two abortions a minute. Two abortions a minute. Two abortions a minute...
Actress Cynthia Nixon says she's a Lesbian now, but that she wasn't "born this way". This admission has infuriated gay activists...
Creative Minority Report: Cynthia Nixon Wasn't "Born This Way."MATTARCHBOLD: Cynthia Nixon of Sex and the City fame (or infamy?) is now dating a girl. She used to be straight and even had kids (by an actual man) but now she's hitting for the other team.
That's all well and good and pretty typical for Hollywood. But it seems Ms. (Mz.?) Nixon went and said something that Hollywood ain't liking. And she must be silenced. Now!
That's all well and good and pretty typical for Hollywood. But it seems Ms. (Mz.?) Nixon went and said something that Hollywood ain't liking. And she must be silenced. Now!
Put not your trust in princes: Why Republicans will never outlaw abortion...
Put Not Your Trust in PrincesRICHERT: Thirty-nine years after the January 22, 1973, U.S. Supreme Court decision in Roe v. Wade, it is all too easy to convince ourselves that the fight against abortion has been lost. The majority of Americans alive today do not remember a time in which the killing of the unborn, at almost any stage of pregnancy and for almost any reason, was not legal. Every year, for 39 years, approximately 1.3 million children have been sucked or cut or flushed from their mothers' wombs, while the number of families who are forced to remain childless continues to rise, because of a shortage of babies available for adoption.
Religious freedom is the cornerstone of American government
Religious Freedom: The Cornerstone of American Government � The Gospel in the Digital AgeDOLAN: Scarcely two weeks ago, in its Hosanna-Tabor decision upholding the right of churches to make ministerial hiring decisions, the Supreme Court unanimously and enthusiastically reaffirmed these longstanding and foundational principles of religious freedom. The court made clear that they include the right of religious institutions to control their internal affairs.
Fans Remake Star Wars, 15 Seconds at a Time
Fans Remake Star Wars, 15 Seconds at a Time | NewsFeed | TIME.com: If there is one group on the Internet with boundless energy and endless enthusiasm for creative endeavors, it is Star Wars fans. So two years ago, when Casey Pugh asked fans of the George Lucas franchise to help remake Star Wars: A New Hope in 15-second intervals, the response was overwhelming. Mini-films began pouring in from all over the world. Now, Pugh has spliced together the pint-sized, crowdsourced, fan-generated scenes into Star Wars Uncut: The Director’s Cut, which has just been released.
Has it been years since your last confession? Don't worry. Just go. Tell the priest it's been a long time and let him help you with the rest...
QUAERITUR: Going to confession after many years | Fr. Z's Blog – What Does The Prayer Really Say?ZUHLSDORF: It is good to follow a regular format for confession. You might prepare for your confession with a good Examination of Conscience. You can find some good things here. Fr. Finigan made a useful confession pamphlet.
You should, indeed, try to confess all your mortal sins in kind and number whenever you go to confession. However, since it has been a very long time for you, and we humans just can’t remember everything, do you best, perhaps giving an indication of frequency over some period of time (month, year) while confessing those low points you do remember clearly. Just do your best. If you do your best, ALL your sins will be forgiven, whether you could remember them all or not. Then, in the future, you can be more precise when going to confession regularly.
You should, indeed, try to confess all your mortal sins in kind and number whenever you go to confession. However, since it has been a very long time for you, and we humans just can’t remember everything, do you best, perhaps giving an indication of frequency over some period of time (month, year) while confessing those low points you do remember clearly. Just do your best. If you do your best, ALL your sins will be forgiven, whether you could remember them all or not. Then, in the future, you can be more precise when going to confession regularly.
When Barack Obama became president, liberal Catholics had special reason to cheer. Now, many of them are furious...
McGurn: Obama Offends the Catholic Left - WSJ.com: When Barack Obama secured his party's nomination for president in 2008, one group of Democrats had special reason to cheer.
These were Democrats who were reliably liberal on policy but horrified by the party's sometimes knee-jerk animosity to faith. The low point may have been the 1992 Democratic convention. There the liberal but pro-life governor of Pennsylvania, Bob Casey Sr., was humiliated when he was denied a speaking slot while a pro-choice Republican activist from his home state was allowed.
These were Democrats who were reliably liberal on policy but horrified by the party's sometimes knee-jerk animosity to faith. The low point may have been the 1992 Democratic convention. There the liberal but pro-life governor of Pennsylvania, Bob Casey Sr., was humiliated when he was denied a speaking slot while a pro-choice Republican activist from his home state was allowed.
Why Franciscan Brother Daniel Horan doesn't like the March for Life...
Brother Dan Doesn’t Like the March for Life | The American CatholicMCCLAREY: Most Catholic pro-lifers know the truth, and lament it, that if all Catholics in this country fought against abortion, the days of legalized abortion in these United States could be measured in months. Alas, that is not the case. Half the Catholics in this country routinely give their votes to the political party that is pledged to keep abortion legal, and many of these same Catholics routinely work against the pro-life movement. Curious how that segment of Catholics was observing the March for Life, I wandered over to the National Catholic Reporter and read a post, read it here, which gave paeans of praise to a post, go here to read it and the comments, by a Franciscan Brother, Daniel P. Horan, at his website, Dating God, explaining why he does not support the March for Life. It so perfectly embodies the mindset among Catholics that has enabled abortion to remain legal for the past four decades that I decided it was worthy of a fisk.
The midnight phoenix rises: Biggest solar storm in years creates spectacular aurora
The midnight phoenix rises: Biggest solar storms for seven years create spectacular northern lights | Mail Online: The Northern Lights have lit up the skies above Scotland, Canada and Norway after the biggest solar storm in more than six years bombarded Earth with radiation.
The Canadian Space Agency posted a geomagnetic storm warning on Tuesday after residents were also treated to a spectacular show in the night sky.
Ken Kennedy, director of the Aurora section of the British Astronomical Association, said that the lights, also known as the aurora borealis, may be visible for a few more days.
The Canadian Space Agency posted a geomagnetic storm warning on Tuesday after residents were also treated to a spectacular show in the night sky.
Ken Kennedy, director of the Aurora section of the British Astronomical Association, said that the lights, also known as the aurora borealis, may be visible for a few more days.
The Catholic Church is indefectible and infallible (as seen on TV)...
On the Indefectibility and Infallibility of the Church – As Seen on T.V. | Archdiocese of WashingtonPOPE: When the Church formally teaches on matters of faith and morals, the promise of Christ and the guidance of the Holy Spirit save us from doubt and error.
Now some object to claim. But reason with me for a minute. Jesus promised that the gates of Hell could not prevail against the Church. But if the Church could formally teach error about faith and morals, if the Church could mislead people about what was necessary for their eternal salvation, then it would be a fact that the gates of Hell HAD prevailed. But since Jesus promised it could never happen, then, by God’s grace, the Church is protected from formally teaching falsely on matters of faith and morals.
Now some object to claim. But reason with me for a minute. Jesus promised that the gates of Hell could not prevail against the Church. But if the Church could formally teach error about faith and morals, if the Church could mislead people about what was necessary for their eternal salvation, then it would be a fact that the gates of Hell HAD prevailed. But since Jesus promised it could never happen, then, by God’s grace, the Church is protected from formally teaching falsely on matters of faith and morals.
Why you shouldn't worry about paying for your kids' college educations...
NEW ADVENT: HomeFULWILER: “Oh my, you certainly have your hands full!” said the lady in line behind me at the grocery store. She asked the kids’ ages, and when I reported that they were 7, 5, 4, 2 and seven months, she shook her head with a sympathetic smile and said, “I bet the thought of paying for college keeps you up at night!” I almost agreed as a knee-jerk reaction. I’m a fan of lying awake at night and worrying about things that I can’t control as much as the next gal, so you’d think that college tuition would at least occasionally make an appearance on the rotation. But it really doesn’t. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever once felt worried about the financial aspect of my kids’ future studies.
Pope Benedict XVI dedicates Wednesday Audience to 'priestly prayer' of Jesus at Last Supper
Benedict XVI dedicates General Audience to prayer of Jesus at Last Supper: During the general audience, following his series of reflections on prayer, the Pope reflected on the prayer of Jesus before the Passion.
In it he says “Jesus, priest and victim, prays that the Father will glorify him in this, the hour of his sacrifice of reconciliation” for the sins of all men.
In it he says “Jesus, priest and victim, prays that the Father will glorify him in this, the hour of his sacrifice of reconciliation” for the sins of all men.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Feeding children to demons inevitably leads to a terrible hardening of sensibilities...
GEORGE WEIGEL: Child sacrifice in 21st-century AmericaWEIGEL: Thirty-nine years after Roe v. Wade created an unrestricted abortion license in the United States, and during the week when hundreds of thousands of Americans pray and march for life, all Americans ought to ponder these words—and the kind of country to which Roe v. Wade led.
It was supposed to be a country in which women were liberated; it became a country in which women were ever more the victims of predatory and sexually irresponsible men, left alone with their “rights” to find a technological “fix” to the dilemma of unwanted pregnancy.
It was supposed to be a country in which women were liberated; it became a country in which women were ever more the victims of predatory and sexually irresponsible men, left alone with their “rights” to find a technological “fix” to the dilemma of unwanted pregnancy.
Pro-lifers: Did you know that Planned Parenthood goons started the modern anti-immigration movement?
Pro-Lifers: Did You Know that Planned Parenthood Goons Started the “Anti-Illegal Immigration” Movement? | Cafe Con Leche RepublicansKIRCHOFF: Today, thousands of Americans of all political persuasions mourn the ongoing tragedy of legalized baby-killing in this country. On this day in 1973, SCOTUS handed the American people the pile of legal gibberish known as Roe v. Wade, which legalized abortion procedures during all moments of a pregnancy – even up until the very moment of birth itself. Over 50 million Americans have been killed by abortion in the 39 years that have passed since this tragic decision. That is 50 million too many.
The Sun aims a storm right at Earth. Expect aurorae tonight!
The Sun aims a storm right at Earth: expect aurorae tonight! | Bad Astronomy | Discover Magazine: Around 04:00 UTC on Monday morning, January 23, 2012, the Sun let loose a pretty big flare and coronal mass ejection. Although there have been bigger events in recent months, this one happened to line up in such a way that the blast of subatomic particles unleashed headed straight for Earth. It’s causing what may be the biggest space weather event in the past several years for Earth: people at high latitudes can expect lots of bright and beautiful aurorae.
There's much more to this little house than meets the eye. See for yourself...
Scouting An Abandoned Cold War Missile Base Hidden In The Adirondacks � Scouting NY: Though you may have read about this property before, most articles have simply reprinted the same stock real estate photos over and over. As always, all pictures are my own work, and I don’t think you’ll find a tour like this anywhere else.
The dumbest phrase in the English language is...
The Dumbest Phrase In The English Language Is | Blogs | NCRegister.comPATARCHBOLD: As I grew up I learned the difference between good and evil, right and wrong. As a young man, the world was very black and white. Young men can think like that. I remember discussing politics and religion with my Father when I was a young firebrand. While my Father and I shared most beliefs, he seemed less willing than I to call all those who held opinions and acted in opposition to the truth names, names like ‘evil.’ I did. My Father didn’t. He would often say cryptic things like “There but for the mercy of God.” “But Dad, the things they do and say are evil. I would never do that.” He would look at me and repeat, “But for the mercy of God.”
Keepers of the Lost Ark
Keepers of the Lost Ark | Crisis MagazineSPENCER: There are many worthy pilgrimage sites all over the world, but none can boast of anything approaching the Church of Ethiopia’s singular claim to fame: the Ark of the Covenant. Ethiopian Christians maintain that the Ark, the portable shrine holding the stone tablets of the original Ten Commandments that were written atop Mount Sinai by the Finger of God, and bearing (according to numerous Old Testament accounts) the Presence and Power of God, was brought to Ethiopia in 950 B.C. Menelik, son of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba, is said to have taken it there, and it is now housed in a modest chapel next door to the Church of St. Mary of Zion in Axum, a city in northern Ethiopia.
To the Father With Only One Child
To the Father With Only One Child | CatholicVote.orgHOOPES: I know what is on your heart. You are the fresh, young, uncertain new patriarch in the “married NFP Catholic” circle at your parish. That’s the circle where the families have three to four times as many children as their peers, and half as many wage-earners.
Realize, of course, that not everyone is blessed with an enormous family. Pope Benedict XVI’s parents weren’t. Fulton Sheen’s parents weren’t. The great saints of our age, Blessed Mother Teresa and Blessed John Paul II, came from small families. Jesus too.
But right now you expect you will have a large family, and you see your future all around you.
Realize, of course, that not everyone is blessed with an enormous family. Pope Benedict XVI’s parents weren’t. Fulton Sheen’s parents weren’t. The great saints of our age, Blessed Mother Teresa and Blessed John Paul II, came from small families. Jesus too.
But right now you expect you will have a large family, and you see your future all around you.
How St. Francis de Sales can teach you to trust in the Lord like never before...
Trust in the Lord: The Feast of St. Francis de Sales | Regnum NovumGUTIERREZ: The temptation to despair and presume the end of all that is right and good in our nation is an ease trap to fall into. It is a common tool of the enemy to make us fearful and to behave rashly. It can, indeed, send us running into the metaphorical arms of ideologues in the other extreme. Remember to trust in the Lord, and not in the policy wonks convinced of this or that system. There are no systems. There is only the love of the Master for all of us.
Nigerian drama highlights global anti-Christian violence
Nigerian drama highlights global anti-Christian violence | National Catholic ReporterALLEN: As Christians in Nigeria face new threats from the militant Islamic Boko Haram movement, following Christmas Day church bombings with a death toll that the country’s Catholic bishops say now stands at 200, two new reports suggest the Nigerian drama is part of a global pattern of anti-Christian violence.
Fides, the Vatican’s missionary news agency, released on Dec. 31 its annual list of Catholic pastoral workers killed during the past year. The report found that 26 priests, religious and laity lost their lives in 2011, in locales stretching from South Sudan and the Philippines to Colombia and India.
Fides, the Vatican’s missionary news agency, released on Dec. 31 its annual list of Catholic pastoral workers killed during the past year. The report found that 26 priests, religious and laity lost their lives in 2011, in locales stretching from South Sudan and the Philippines to Colombia and India.
Cold, wet, and determined: Photos from Monday's March for Life in Washington...
St. Blogustine: 2012 March For Life in Washington DC....Cold and Wet, But Determined!: In spite of the rain, in spite of the cold, the turnout for the 39th Annual March For Life looked as strong as last year. People came from all over the country to celebrate life and to protest once again the unfortunate decision by the Supreme Court in the case of Roe Vs. Wade, legalizing abortion-on-demand.
I expected a lower turnout this year because of the rain, and also because most major cities are doing their own marching or walking (out west). The fact that the crowd is every bit as large as before in DC tells me the pro-life movement is GROWING.
I expected a lower turnout this year because of the rain, and also because most major cities are doing their own marching or walking (out west). The fact that the crowd is every bit as large as before in DC tells me the pro-life movement is GROWING.
Bene, bene, bene
Bene, bene, bene | Blogs | NCRegister.comFISHER: Occasionally, you’ll hear about a child named “Princess” or “Precious” or even “Perfect.” Makes you cringe, but anyone with a beloved new baby will understand the impulse, if not the offense against taste and common sense: you want to make an official record of the fact that you love your child. You want to imprint the little one, from the very first moments of life, with the knowledge that he is welcome and cherished, that the world is better because he is here.
Is Great Oratory Over and Done?
Is Great Oratory Over and Done? by Elizabeth Scalia | First ThingsSCALIA: The passing of his federal holiday gave me an opportunity to ponder what my friend Lisa Mladinich calls the “holy courage” of Martin Luther King, Jr, who found strength in knowing that his cause was a just one, despite threats, despite difficulties. Watching the old videos, I found myself as moved as ever by his stunning oratory. King was capable of using imagery; he understood the power of cadence; how to energize an idea with the forward-thrust of repetition. He knew how to prompt the memory retention of a listener with alliteration: “. . .they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”
Pope Benedict releases message for 46th World Communications Day: "The key to communication is silence"...
Whispers in the Loggia: "An Integral Element" -- For Communications Day, B16 Leads With "Silence"PALMO: Keeping with the Vatican's longtime custom on today's feast of the patron of writers and journalists, St Francis de Sales, this Roman Noon brings the release of Pope Benedict's message for the church's 46th World Communications Day, this year's B16-picked focus on the need for silence in effective communications work alongside that of words.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Dogged Faith and Fermented Honey
Dogged Faith and Fermented Honey | Crisis MagazineZMIRAK: If you live in a major city which happens to be blessed by immigrants from Ethiopia, you may already have been exposed to a little of that country’s fascinating culture and cuisine. One of the African nations with the oldest continuous literate culture, it is also one of the two countries that first embraced Christianity; Ethiopia competes with Armenia for the title of oldest and the longest-persecuted Christian church. Like Armenia, Ethiopia was largely converted to Christianity in the fourth century, and spent most of its history surrounded by hostile, non-Christian neighbors.
How Should We See Unbelievers?
How Should We See Unbelievers? | Archdiocese of WashingtonPOPE: There is a remarkable reading that comes up every year in the Breviary attributed to Saint Macarius, a bishop of the early Church. I marvel at its vivid and pictorial quality. And yet at the same time, I find questions that arise in my mind as to the general application of the text. For the text states, in effect, that if the soul does not have Christ living within, it falls into utter disrepair and a contemptible state.
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