Pope cancels seminary visit due to minor fever :: Catholic News Agency (CNA): Pope Francis cancelled his Feb. 28 visit to the seminary of the Diocese of Rome, because he felt unwell and had a slight fever.
“Pope Francis will not make it to his encounter with seminarians due to his having a slight fever,” Fr. Federico Lombardi, director of the Holy See press office, told CNA.
Fr. Lombardi said the Pope's doctor, Roberto Polisca, recommended that Pope Francis rest, saying, “I think he is doing fine.”
Friday, February 28, 2014
It’s old news that Facebook now offers 54 new gender options for users to describe themselves...
Fifty Shades of GenderSOLENNI: We all need to engage in society and in civil discourse. Advocates of gender theories have been very active in engaging the culture (though not always civilly). For those �who see things differently, speak up. If you don’t speak up, you allow others to speak for you regardless of whether you agree with their thoughts.
Here’s an example of one man who engaged society with careful thinking, particularly in this Christmas Address from 2012, which may very well be one of the most significant public addresses he ever gave.
Here’s an example of one man who engaged society with careful thinking, particularly in this Christmas Address from 2012, which may very well be one of the most significant public addresses he ever gave.
If you can’t trust journalists to get their facts right, then why trust them at all?
Wait a minute: First EVER married Maronite Catholic priest?MATTINGLY: Several years ago, while working on my contribution to the book “Blind Spot: When Journalists Don’t Get Religion,” I called up one of the patriarchs of the religion beat, Richard Ostling, to discuss the craft that he practiced so well for many years at Time and then with the Associated Press. These days, of course, his “Religion Q&A” pieces are featured once a week here at GetReligion.
We started off by discussing the most basic subject — sins of commission.
We started off by discussing the most basic subject — sins of commission.
Pope Francis: "Christ married the Church. This is the great mystery of the masterpiece of Creation"
Pope Francis: accompany, don't condemn, those who have experience failure in marriage: Pope Francis celebrated Mass in the chapel of the Casa Santa Marta residence in the Vatican this morning. In remarks following the readings of the day, the Holy Father focused on the beauty of marriage and warned that the Church must accompany – not condemn – those who experience failure in married life. He explained that Christ is the Bridegroom of the Church, and therefore you cannot understand one without the Other.
The Holy Father also warned against giving in to the temptation to entertain “special pleading” in questions regarding marriage. The Pharisees, he noted, present Jesus with the problem of divorce. Their method, the Pope said, is always the same: “casuistry,” — “is this licit or not?”
The Holy Father also warned against giving in to the temptation to entertain “special pleading” in questions regarding marriage. The Pharisees, he noted, present Jesus with the problem of divorce. Their method, the Pope said, is always the same: “casuistry,” — “is this licit or not?”
Critics say Arizona bill veto swarmed by misleading rhetoric
Critics say Ariz. bill veto swarmed by misleading rhetoric :: Catholic News Agency (CNA): The Arizona Catholic Conference has lamented the veto of Arizona religious freedom bill S.B. 1062, noting the “extremely intense, if not misleading rhetoric” surrounding the bill.
“Religious liberty is an important concept upon which our country was founded,” the conference said Feb. 27. “Unfortunately, however, threats to religious liberty have become very real in courts across the country and are seemingly on the rise all around the world.”
The conference said it is “strongly in support of religious liberty” and “most grateful” to those willing to defend it.
“Religious liberty is an important concept upon which our country was founded,” the conference said Feb. 27. “Unfortunately, however, threats to religious liberty have become very real in courts across the country and are seemingly on the rise all around the world.”
The conference said it is “strongly in support of religious liberty” and “most grateful” to those willing to defend it.
10 things you need to know today: February 28, 2014
10 things you need to know today: February 28, 2014 - The Week: Gunmen seize airports in Ukraine's Crimea, the FDA upgrades nutrition labels, and more...
At the Ukrainian consulate in New York, someone has planted an outdoor shrine to those who have died...
‘Gravitating to This Ground’: The Euromaidan in Turtle Bay | National Review OnlineFRANKOVICH: Lately the scene has been quiet, as far as I can tell. Whenever I’ve passed it in recent days, a couple of New York City cops have been stationed nearby, just in case. On Friday, while I was taking pictures, the woman in this photo approached the melange of candles, flowers, messages (some in English, some in Ukrainian), and head shots of martyrs to the cause. She stopped in front of them, crossed herself (Orthodox style, I imagine, not Catholic, though the act takes only a second and I didn’t think to look for that detail until she’d completed it), bowed her head, and remained there in that posture for a minute or two before reentering and blending into the pedestrian traffic.
Thursday, February 27, 2014
What the Pope said (and didn't say) about skipping Mass
Tim Drake | Catholic PulseDRAKE: Almost since the very beginning of his pontificate, Pope Francis — in his words and in his gestures — often has been misinterpreted by the media. Frequently, his statements have been truncated to sound bites and recast out of context; at other times his simple and humble personal style has been propped up as a sign he is distancing himself from his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, a humble pope in his own right who has often been portrayed as pompously embracing the princely regalia of his office. Whether these interpretations — coming from secular and sometimes even religious journalists — are driven by ignorance or personal agenda, their net effect is to create a broad public perception at odds with the authentic Pope Francis.
Imperiled Muslims given refuge at Catholic church in Central African Republic
x: The Christian militiamen know hundreds of Muslims are hiding here on the grounds of the Catholic church and now they’re giving them a final ultimatum: Leave Central African Republic within a week or face death at the hands of machete-wielding youths. On Monday, some of the 30 Cameroonian peacekeepers fired into the air to disperse angry militia fighters congregated outside the concrete walls of the church compound. The gunfire sent traumatized children running for cover and set off a chorus of wails throughout the courtyard.
The power of Gates compels you? One thing that Microsoft can't do...
Through a Glass Brightly: The Power of Gates Compels You?: One Thing That Microsoft Can't DoWALES: Technology is a good, but it isn't the Good. It isn't an end in itself. Also, it doesn't do great things for us; people do great things for us with it. It's a tool, and our use of it makes us either better or worse—brings us closer to God and others or pushes us farther away. We have to struggle to keep this perspective when computers and phones and cameras are just so awesome right now. Everything that Steve Gleason says in the Microsoft ad (with the help of a computer) ought to be attributed to God, of course: "Technology has the power to unite us." ... "It inspires us."... "It gives hope to the hopeless." Without God granting us the gifts of His image and likeness, we would have never discovered all of the glorious truths of our universe through the power of our reasoning and intelligence. The ad features the lame walking, the blind seeing, the deaf hearing—so many of the miracles performed by Jesus in the Gospels. It's clear that the capacities of human imagination and ingenuity are amazing and even mindblowingly so. It's easy to think there's nothing we can't do, nothing we can't control, nothing we can't master.
From 'Cafeteria Catholicism' to the Heavenly Banquet
Fr. Robert Barron's Word On Fire - From 'Cafeteria Catholicism' to the BanquetVOGT: The phrase “cafeteria Catholic” refers to a baptized Catholic who doesn’t embrace everything the Church teaches—someone who picks and chooses, a la carte (hence “cafeteria”), from among the Church’s moral rules, rubrics, and spiritual norms.
Many “cafeteria Catholics” are the product of bad catechesis. They disobey certain Church teachings because they’re simply not aware of them. Others reject difficult rules because they’ve never heard them presented in a coherent, persuasive way, seeing them more as restrictive than keys to flourishing.
But this doesn’t describe Rea Nola Martin. If we’re to believe her account in the Huffington Post, she’s well aware of what the Church teaches and why. She has “studied the mystics and read the Summa by Thomas Aquinas just for fun." She has "read the entire Bible more than once and the Gnostic gospels too.”
Many “cafeteria Catholics” are the product of bad catechesis. They disobey certain Church teachings because they’re simply not aware of them. Others reject difficult rules because they’ve never heard them presented in a coherent, persuasive way, seeing them more as restrictive than keys to flourishing.
But this doesn’t describe Rea Nola Martin. If we’re to believe her account in the Huffington Post, she’s well aware of what the Church teaches and why. She has “studied the mystics and read the Summa by Thomas Aquinas just for fun." She has "read the entire Bible more than once and the Gnostic gospels too.”
Eric Holder hospitalized: “Lord, the one you love is sick”
Holder Hospitalized: “Lord, the one you Love is Sick…”SCALIA: Attorney General Eric Holder has been hospitalized with symptoms of what could be a heart attack, or a panic attack.
Stress is a killer and the whole nation is under stress right now, and that’s a thought I may consider and flesh out later, but for now, let’s whisper up a prayer for his good.
I know, it’s not always easy to pray for someone toward whom you may not have warm feelings, but we are called to it, and a good way to enter into any prayer with humility is through scripture.
Stress is a killer and the whole nation is under stress right now, and that’s a thought I may consider and flesh out later, but for now, let’s whisper up a prayer for his good.
I know, it’s not always easy to pray for someone toward whom you may not have warm feelings, but we are called to it, and a good way to enter into any prayer with humility is through scripture.
The blueprint for happiness
Blueprint For Happiness | Prayer and PerspectiveHINKEL: I am now in the second year of a two-year walk through the Catechism sponsored by the Archdiocese of Kansas City, Kansas during the Year of Faith. This spring we are focusing on Section Three of the Catechism. The response has been amazing, as we have taken hundreds of Catholics on a journey of faith through the doctrinal patrimony of the Church. I have received the most enthusiastic feedback from this current section of the Catechism, perhaps because it is the most controversial: the Moral section.
No stroke of a pen will change the question underlying the problem of divorce and remarriage
No stroke of a pen will change the question underlying the problem of divorce and remarriage | In the Light of the LawEDPETERS: Bottom line, two people are either married or they aren’t. If someone has ideas toward improving how the Church determines who is married and who is not, I’m all ears. But if anyone thinks that what the Church really needs is a palatable way to avoid treating married people as married—and brother, a whole lot of folks are pushing that line these days—they need to think again. Seriously.
There's a lot of complexity to be had in a see-through fish...
Amazing Pictures of See-Through Fish – News Watch: Most of what we know about the insides of fish is usually broiled or fried on our plates.
But�Adam Summers has given us a new perspective on the internal structures of the aquatic animals, thanks to his series of artistic photographs currently on exhibit at the Seattle Aquarium.
But�Adam Summers has given us a new perspective on the internal structures of the aquatic animals, thanks to his series of artistic photographs currently on exhibit at the Seattle Aquarium.
The subtleties of Satan
The Subtleties of SatanLONGENECKER: Are demons and angels real?
There are an increasing numbers of new stories about exorcism and the reality of the demonic. I wrote recently on how the demonic may be manifested in many ways other than the obviously shocking stuff of the exorcism movies. The Devil in Ordinary told the story of a guy I met who was outwardly normal, but there was another quality to him which lurked beneath the surface which seemed diabolical.
There are an increasing numbers of new stories about exorcism and the reality of the demonic. I wrote recently on how the demonic may be manifested in many ways other than the obviously shocking stuff of the exorcism movies. The Devil in Ordinary told the story of a guy I met who was outwardly normal, but there was another quality to him which lurked beneath the surface which seemed diabolical.
Kansas man charged with murder for lacing girlfriend’s pancake with abortion drug
Kansas man charged with murder for lacing girlfriend’s pancake with abortion drug | LifeSiteNews.com: The Kansas Attorney General’s office has charged Scott Robert Bollig, 30, of first degree murder and three other counts after he laced his pregnant girlfriend’s pancake with a crushed abortion drug.
The drug caused the death of Naomi Abbott’s 8-10-week old pre-born baby.
Bollig was arrested last Thursday by WaKenney Police and was initially held in Ellis County Jail. Trego County Sheriff’s Deputies transferred Bollig to Trego County where he has posted a $500,000 bond and was apparently released last evening.
The drug caused the death of Naomi Abbott’s 8-10-week old pre-born baby.
Bollig was arrested last Thursday by WaKenney Police and was initially held in Ellis County Jail. Trego County Sheriff’s Deputies transferred Bollig to Trego County where he has posted a $500,000 bond and was apparently released last evening.
"We need men who can fascinate the world with the beauty of love": Pope gives marching orders to the Congregation for Bishops
Pope defines the mission for the congregation for bishops: This morning, in the Sala Bologna of the Vatican Apostolic Palace, Pope Francis presided over a meeting of the Congregation for Bishops, whose prefect is Cardinal Marc Ouellet, P.S.S., and gave an address to those present regarding the mission of this congregation and the criteria that should determine the selection of a bishop, as well as the characteristics he should embody and his task in relation to the faithful entrusted to him. The Holy Father concluded by urging greater attention in scouring the fields in search of suitable pastors for this ministry, with the certainty that Christ never abandons His Church.
The FDA is thinking about allowing genetically modified children
FDA Considers Allowing Genetically Engineered Children | Catholic LaneZIMMERMAN: This week the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) met to discuss allowing the creation of human beings with three genetic parents to proceed to clinical trials. That is, whether to allow human “three-parent embryos” to be implanted and possibly grow to term.
There are currently two different techniques for manufacturing three-parent embryos, the purpose of which is to combat mitochondrial disease. The first, being developed at Britain’s Newcastle University, is known as pronuclear transfer (PNT) and swaps DNA between two fertilized human eggs, intentionally destroying multiple embryos in the process.
There are currently two different techniques for manufacturing three-parent embryos, the purpose of which is to combat mitochondrial disease. The first, being developed at Britain’s Newcastle University, is known as pronuclear transfer (PNT) and swaps DNA between two fertilized human eggs, intentionally destroying multiple embryos in the process.
How can you find your way to an awareness of the transcendent God?
Divine Transcendence | Dominicana Blog: Have you ever noticed the way some companies try to sell their products by raising them to the level of a symbol for something beyond their intrinsic value? I recently saw a commercial for an electronic gadget in which the device was never referred to—not even once—during the entire commercial. Instead, through impressive images of nature, human culture and play and the gravitas of the narrator’s voice the viewer was reminded that he or she was a “member of the human race,” that we live for things like art, beauty, passion, and love. And then we hear the nineteenth century American poet Walt Whitman asking about the meaning of life and man’s place in it, concluding that your life—even life itself—is a wonder, a kind of play to which each one may contribute a verse.
A review of "PBS Frontline: Secrets of the Vatican"
Review of “PBS Frontline: Secrets of the Vatican” | Quartermaster of the Barque: The iron cauldron of anti-Catholic bias continues to simmer. Between the creepy music, half-truths, outright falsehoods, lack of balance in the narrative, and strategic editing, it was difficult to tell whether I was watching a documentary or The Da Vinci Code.
Summary: Both truth and untruth form a tremendously nauseating 90 minutes of public television. I should have turned it off as soon as I saw the “Viewer Discretion Advised” thing. You can consider my conscience shocked, yet I remain firmly ensconced below deck aboard the Barque. The true parts were nauseating because they’re true: countless children and young people were sexually abused, primarily by priests. Many in the hierarchy compounded the evil by trying to cover it up, which had the effect of multiplying the numbers of victims and amplifying the gravity of the scandal and damage to the Church. May all the victims, including those who shared their story on this program, be brought peace and healing, and protection from further exploitation.
Summary: Both truth and untruth form a tremendously nauseating 90 minutes of public television. I should have turned it off as soon as I saw the “Viewer Discretion Advised” thing. You can consider my conscience shocked, yet I remain firmly ensconced below deck aboard the Barque. The true parts were nauseating because they’re true: countless children and young people were sexually abused, primarily by priests. Many in the hierarchy compounded the evil by trying to cover it up, which had the effect of multiplying the numbers of victims and amplifying the gravity of the scandal and damage to the Church. May all the victims, including those who shared their story on this program, be brought peace and healing, and protection from further exploitation.
Trust in God the Father alone: The Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time
The Sacred Page: Trust in God the Father alone: The Eighth Sunday in Ordinary TimeBARBER: This is a rich passage and much could be said about it. Let me simply focus on a few key ideas.
First, St. Paul says that his readers should regard him not as "celebrities" but as "slaves". The language here of "servants" might allude to the "Suffering Servant" of Isaiah. Elsewhere Paul will describe how he shares in Christ's sufferings (see above). I think an allusion, therefore, is likely.
Also, St. Paul cares not how he is judged by men. This, of course, coheres with the teaching of Jesus in the Gospel of Luke: "Woe to you, when all men speak well of you, for so their fathers did to the false prophets".
First, St. Paul says that his readers should regard him not as "celebrities" but as "slaves". The language here of "servants" might allude to the "Suffering Servant" of Isaiah. Elsewhere Paul will describe how he shares in Christ's sufferings (see above). I think an allusion, therefore, is likely.
Also, St. Paul cares not how he is judged by men. This, of course, coheres with the teaching of Jesus in the Gospel of Luke: "Woe to you, when all men speak well of you, for so their fathers did to the false prophets".
Animal rights are trampling over the religious rights of Denmark's small Jewish community...
Animal Rights Trump Religious Rights | CENTER FOR LAW AND RELIGION FORUM: Something is rotten in the state of Denmark.
The World Jewish Congress reported late last week that the Danish Minister of Food and Agriculture, a 38 year old Social Democrat named Dan Jorgensen, had signed a regulation effectively banning the Jewish ritual slaughter of animals for food. Jorgensen explained the ban on Danish television by saying “animal rights come before religion” – or, according to another translation, “animal rights precede religious rights.”
The World Jewish Congress reported late last week that the Danish Minister of Food and Agriculture, a 38 year old Social Democrat named Dan Jorgensen, had signed a regulation effectively banning the Jewish ritual slaughter of animals for food. Jorgensen explained the ban on Danish television by saying “animal rights come before religion” – or, according to another translation, “animal rights precede religious rights.”
Pope to Focolarini: "Conversion happens when a person realizes that reciprocal love between Christians is possible"
VATICAN Pope to Focolari: A great need for the witness of a lifestyle which displays the novelty gifted us by Jesus - Asia News: " Today's society has a great need for the witness of an lifestyle which displays the novelty of that commandment to love one another, given to us by Christ: brothers who love each other despite the differences in character, provenance or age. .. This witness gives rise to the desire to be involved in the great parable of communion that is the Church". These were the words of Pope Francis today as he met with the bishops friends of the Focolare Movement, meeting this week in Castel Gandolfo for their 37th international meeting on the theme: "Reciprocity of love between the disciples of Christ."
How does God treat men who destroy His temple? Let's look at history...
How Does God Treat Men Who Destroy His Temple? | Truth & Charity The Intersection of Faith & LifeMURPHY: The first Temple, built by King Solomon, was sacked by Shishak, king of Egypt, during the reign of Rehoboam (who was a lousy king). Shishak “took everything, including the treasures of the house of the LORD and the treasures of the house of the king, even the gold shields Solomon had made.” According to Wikipedia, Shishak’s exact historical identity is unknown, but he is very likely Sheshonk I, about whose death there seems to be no information. However, it may be worth noting that history doesn’t remember much about him (even enough to identify him with certainty) and his tomb is lost to this day. Considering that the memory of the dead was of great importance in ancient Egypt, this could be considered a sort of destruction. That having been said, Shishak didn’t really destroy the Temple, but only sacked it.
Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Justin de Fratus talks about the Catholic MLB community
Discovering Brotherly Love in Baseball | Daily News | NCRegister.com: Well over a month before their first preseason game on Feb. 26, most of the Philadelphia Phillies were in Clearwater, Fla., preparing for the upcoming season. The team seemed to know collectively, without being told in a meeting, that important preparation needed to be done to make this season different from the last, when they had a record of 73 wins and 89 losses, finishing fourth in the National League Eastern Division.
Solidarity with the persecuted Church is an obligation of Christian faith
Rediscovering the Martyrology - Denver Catholic RegisterWEIGEL: The Catholic Church began compiling “martyrologies”—lists of saints, typically martyrs—during the first centuries after Constantine. In the pre-Vatican II breviary, a reading from the Roman Martyrology, or what we might call the Catholic Book of Witnesses, was an integral part of the Office of Prime, the “hour” recited after sunrise. The day’s date was given, followed by a reading of the names of the saints commemorated that day, with information about each saint’s origin and place of death—and, if the saint were a martyr, the name of the persecutor, a description of tortures endured, and the method of execution. It was a bracing way to begin the working day and a reminder of Tertullian’s maxim that the blood of martyrs is the seed of the Church.
Not having God is the worst poverty imaginable
Not having God is the worst poverty - Denver Catholic RegisterAQUILA: Ash Wednesday is one week away, and this Lent Pope Francis is urging us to help free our brothers and sisters from an enemy that is even worse than poverty—destitution.
“Destitution,” he says in his Message for Lent, “is not the same as poverty: destitution is poverty without faith, without support, without hope.”
I have learned much about poverty from Blessed Mother Teresa. There is one story that comes to mind when I think of the difference between poverty and destitution. Father Leo Maasburg recalls the encounter in his book “Mother Teresa of Calcutta: A Personal Portrait.”
“Destitution,” he says in his Message for Lent, “is not the same as poverty: destitution is poverty without faith, without support, without hope.”
I have learned much about poverty from Blessed Mother Teresa. There is one story that comes to mind when I think of the difference between poverty and destitution. Father Leo Maasburg recalls the encounter in his book “Mother Teresa of Calcutta: A Personal Portrait.”
The Church in Latin America is dying for lack of beauty
Why the Church Is Dying in Latin America: Among the many materialist fallacies of our time, there is one that manages to be at the same time popular and elitist: the degrading idea that the poor have no use for things like beauty. You never see it so boldly stated, but you find it in an attitude that treats the poor as so many stomachs to be filled, as underutilized resources to be harnessed or tangles of social pathologies to be straightened out. It’s a view incapable of seeing the needy as real people—people like you—people who fall in love, who choose daily between good and evil, who make mistakes, and fix them, and feel shame or pride or boredom, who cry when they hear a song and look up with fear and wonder at the lightning.
101 Catholic priests you should follow on Google+
101 Catholic Priests You Should Follow on Google > Top 20 Catholic Dating Sites 2014: Free Trials & Coupons: If you are a tech savvy Catholic, you may want to connect with a priest who is more high tech and understands the effectiveness of social media. The priests below are into blogging, podcasting, and using many other branches of online media to preach and connect with their congregations. These priests are accessible to anyone with an Internet connection and represent the best of the Catholic priests on Google today.
Priests who preach and teach things that are contrary to the Gospels are the most pitiable of creatures
Does the Laity Have the Right to Expect Authenticity from Our Priests?HAMILTON: I’m evidently somewhat different from the average pew-sitting Catholic.
I don’t want my pastor to confirm me in my sins.
I want my pastor to tell me the truth about my spiritual condition and to lead me in the Way that leads to eternal life. I don’t go to church to validate myself, my sins or my choices in life. I go to church to grow closer to the Lord and to learn how to follow Jesus.
When I ask a Catholic priest for instruction on moral issues, I am not asking him for his personal prejudices or his individual neurosis. I want him to give me the straight truth about what the Church teaches so that I will be better able to evaluate what I should do and how I should live.
In short, I rely on the priests I go to for help to be authentic in their Catholicity and to tell me the truth.
I don’t want my pastor to confirm me in my sins.
I want my pastor to tell me the truth about my spiritual condition and to lead me in the Way that leads to eternal life. I don’t go to church to validate myself, my sins or my choices in life. I go to church to grow closer to the Lord and to learn how to follow Jesus.
When I ask a Catholic priest for instruction on moral issues, I am not asking him for his personal prejudices or his individual neurosis. I want him to give me the straight truth about what the Church teaches so that I will be better able to evaluate what I should do and how I should live.
In short, I rely on the priests I go to for help to be authentic in their Catholicity and to tell me the truth.
Why are millennials less religious? It's not just because of gay marriage
Why are millennials less religious? It's not just because of gay marriage - The Week: I
t's no secret that young Americans aren't as religious as their elders. A survey released Wednesday by the Public Religion Research Institute suggests that part of that rift may be attributed to a perceived anti-gay bias in organized religion.
Among those who have abandoned their childhood religion and are now religiously unaffiliated, one-quarter say anti-gay teachings factored into their decision to go faithless. Among millennials in the religious-turned-areligious camp, almost one-third said the same.
t's no secret that young Americans aren't as religious as their elders. A survey released Wednesday by the Public Religion Research Institute suggests that part of that rift may be attributed to a perceived anti-gay bias in organized religion.
Among those who have abandoned their childhood religion and are now religiously unaffiliated, one-quarter say anti-gay teachings factored into their decision to go faithless. Among millennials in the religious-turned-areligious camp, almost one-third said the same.
10 things you need to know today: February 27, 2014
10 things you need to know today: February 27, 2014 - The Week: Brewer vetoes Arizona's anti-gay bill, Russia holds military exercises near Ukraine, and more...
Responding to the "go to" skeptic on the Star of Bethlehem
Responding to the “Go To” Skeptic on the Star of Bethlehem |Blogs | NCRegister.comAKIN: In his book, Aaron Adair rightly argues against a number of interpretations of what the Star was, and this is to be expected.
The Star can’t have been all of the different things that have been proposed, and some of the proposals are easier to rule out than others.
Sometimes part of his argument is based on the erroneous (but popular) idea that Jesus was born sometime before 4 B.C.
I’ve argued why that was not the case before, on grounds completely unrelated to the Star (see here, here, and here).
Because he uses the more popular dating, Adair too quickly discounts some possible understandings of the Star, but even in these cases, he has an argument to fall back on.
The Star can’t have been all of the different things that have been proposed, and some of the proposals are easier to rule out than others.
Sometimes part of his argument is based on the erroneous (but popular) idea that Jesus was born sometime before 4 B.C.
I’ve argued why that was not the case before, on grounds completely unrelated to the Star (see here, here, and here).
Because he uses the more popular dating, Adair too quickly discounts some possible understandings of the Star, but even in these cases, he has an argument to fall back on.
African bishops warn: "If you try something with divorce and remarriage, it's going to hurt us on polygamy"
African voices in Catholic divorce debate boost conservative side - World - The Boston GlobeALLEN: In the mounting Catholic debate over whether a ban on divorced and remarried believers receiving communion and the other sacraments should be relaxed, bishops from Africa are invoking an argument against change that wouldn’t occur naturally to most Westerners: polygamy.
According to several cardinals who spoke to the Globe in Rome, African prelates told their brother cardinals last week that they’ve been trying to break the hold of polygamy in their cultures by insisting that the church regards marriage as a bond between one man and one woman for life. Anything that appears to blur that message, they said, won’t help that effort.
According to several cardinals who spoke to the Globe in Rome, African prelates told their brother cardinals last week that they’ve been trying to break the hold of polygamy in their cultures by insisting that the church regards marriage as a bond between one man and one woman for life. Anything that appears to blur that message, they said, won’t help that effort.
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Benedict XVI writes letter reaffirming validity of his resignation
Benedict XVI affirms validity of his resignation :: Catholic News Agency (CNA): Today the Italian newspaper La Stampa has published excerpts of a letter from Benedict XVI, who wrote to affirm the existence of only one Pope, Francis.
“There is absolutely no doubt regarding the validity of my resignation from the Petrine ministry,” wrote Benedict XVI in a letter published on Feb. 26.
“There is absolutely no doubt regarding the validity of my resignation from the Petrine ministry,” wrote Benedict XVI in a letter published on Feb. 26.
NASA releases enlightening images of a very dark place, as seen from the International Space Station
The Koreas at Night : Image of the Day: Flying over East Asia, astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS) took this night image of the Korean Peninsula. Unlike daylight images, city lights at night illustrate dramatically the relative economic importance of cities, as gauged by relative size. In this north-looking view, it is immediately obvious that greater Seoul is a major city and that the port of Gunsan is minor by comparison. There are 25.6 million people in the Seoul metropolitan area—more than half of South Korea’s citizens—while Gunsan’s population is 280,000.
Pope's Wednesday audience: "In the anointing of the sick, the Lord Jesus comes close to those who suffer"
Anointing of the Sick assures nearness of Christ, says Pope :: Catholic News Agency (CNA): In his Wednesday general audience Pope Francis gave a brief catechesis on the sacrament of the anointing of the sick, noting that its purpose is to bring Christ close to the recipient.
“Every time we celebrate this sacrament, the Lord Jesus, in the person of the priest, comes close to those who suffer and are gravely ill or elderly,” explained the Pope on Feb. 26.
“The special grace of this sacrament” should not cause us to fall into an “obsessive search for a miracle” or “the presumption that it can always obtain healing,” cautioned the Pontiff. Rather, “it is the certainty of the closeness of Jesus to the sick, the elderly.”
“Every time we celebrate this sacrament, the Lord Jesus, in the person of the priest, comes close to those who suffer and are gravely ill or elderly,” explained the Pope on Feb. 26.
“The special grace of this sacrament” should not cause us to fall into an “obsessive search for a miracle” or “the presumption that it can always obtain healing,” cautioned the Pontiff. Rather, “it is the certainty of the closeness of Jesus to the sick, the elderly.”
10 things you need to know today: February 26, 2014...
10 things you need to know today: February 26, 2014 - The Week: Obama tells the Pentagon to plan for total withdrawal from Afghanistan, child-obesity rates plummet, and more...
The upcoming synod on the family is being shaped by the same phenomenon that influenced Vatican II...
The Two Synods, Real and of the MediaMAGISTER: In the first consistory of his pontificate, Pope Francis has not been tender with the caste of the cardinals.
At the opening of the assembly, he charged them with "rivalry, envy, factions." And in the closing homily, with "intrigues, gossip, cliques, favoritism, preferential treatment."
And yet it is to this hardly esteemed college of cardinals that Francis has entrusted the first important high-level discussion on the topic of the upcoming synod of bishops, the family, at a time like the present - the pope said - in which it "is despised, is mistreated."
The synod on the family was the focal point of the meetings held at the Vatican in recent days. The whole college of cardinals dedicated two days to it, February 20 and 21. And for two more days, the 24th and 25th, it was the project of the council of the general secretariat of the synod, which is a bit like the elective aristocracy of the worldwide Catholic hierarchy.
At the opening of the assembly, he charged them with "rivalry, envy, factions." And in the closing homily, with "intrigues, gossip, cliques, favoritism, preferential treatment."
And yet it is to this hardly esteemed college of cardinals that Francis has entrusted the first important high-level discussion on the topic of the upcoming synod of bishops, the family, at a time like the present - the pope said - in which it "is despised, is mistreated."
The synod on the family was the focal point of the meetings held at the Vatican in recent days. The whole college of cardinals dedicated two days to it, February 20 and 21. And for two more days, the 24th and 25th, it was the project of the council of the general secretariat of the synod, which is a bit like the elective aristocracy of the worldwide Catholic hierarchy.
Will this world be for you a tomb, or a womb?
xPOPE: One of the criticisms of modern liturgy, and especially modern Church music is that we sing so highly of ourselves. We are the “aware, gathered community” that, according to one song, has been “gathered in, and sung throughout all of history!” Another song seems to suggest that we have the power to “sing a new church into being.” Apparently the one Christ founded needs replacing?
A popular song back in my college years was “We are the light of the world!” And while it is true that Jesus called us this, the context is clear that he meant it more as a challenge to us than mere praise of us. Given the mess that this world is in, not to mention the darkness, it does seem awfully bold to praise ourselves as being the light of the world.
A popular song back in my college years was “We are the light of the world!” And while it is true that Jesus called us this, the context is clear that he meant it more as a challenge to us than mere praise of us. Given the mess that this world is in, not to mention the darkness, it does seem awfully bold to praise ourselves as being the light of the world.
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Canada's Archbishop Predergast restricts eulogies at funerals...
Archbp. Predergast restricts eulogies at funerals. | Fr. Z's BlogZUHLSDORF: Do you remember that a couple years about Bp. Robert C. Morlino banned eulogies in the Diocese of Madison? �HERE Some people nearly lost their minds. �Morlino was only being a “good son of the Church”, as Pope Francis describes himself, and therefore faithful to the Church’s laws and liturgical rubrics.
Sometimes, in this antinomian age of ours, it shocks people to realize that bishops and priests are not free to disobey the Church’s laws.
Sometimes, in this antinomian age of ours, it shocks people to realize that bishops and priests are not free to disobey the Church’s laws.
Truth is Our Story: A must-see video filmed on location at Ave Maria University
New Advent: Truth is Our Story: You have to believe Truth is real to go looking for it, and the search itself transforms.
Vatican City consumes more wine per capita than any other country
Vatican City consumes more wine per capita than any other country | Religion News Service: Tiny Vatican City consumes more wine per capita than any other country in the world, according to information from the California-based Wine Institute.
According to the Wine Institute’s latest statistics, the Vatican consumed 74 liters of wine per person, around double the per-capita consumption of Italy as a whole. A standard bottle of wine is about .75 liters.
And while some of that consumption is clearly related to ceremonial Communion wine, Italian press reports say it’s more likely because Vatican residents are older (the lack of children are figured into the statistics), are overwhelmingly male, are highly educated and tend to eat communally — all factors that tend to lead toward higher wine consumption.
According to the Wine Institute’s latest statistics, the Vatican consumed 74 liters of wine per person, around double the per-capita consumption of Italy as a whole. A standard bottle of wine is about .75 liters.
And while some of that consumption is clearly related to ceremonial Communion wine, Italian press reports say it’s more likely because Vatican residents are older (the lack of children are figured into the statistics), are overwhelmingly male, are highly educated and tend to eat communally — all factors that tend to lead toward higher wine consumption.
Here are the 50 U.S. states ranked by how happy their residents supposedly are. How does your state stack up?
Happiest States: Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index Ranks U.S. States | TIME.com: For the sixth year in a row, Gallup and Healthways have released their well-being index, which quantifies just how happy each state is based on a series of criteria including “physical and emotional health, healthy behaviors, work environment, social and community factors, financial security, and access to necessities such as food, shelter and healthcare to create a composite well-being rank for each state.”
What's the secret to Sriracha sauce's greatness? Let's let the scientists at the American Chemical Society explain...
New Advent: What's the secret to Sriracha sauce's greatness? Let's let the scientists at the American Chemical Society explain...: Forget ketchup and mustard -- Sriracha might be the world's new favorite condiment. Beloved by millions for its unique spicy, garlicky, slightly sweet flavor, the chemistry of "rooster sauce" is the focus of this latest video.
God never has a bad day. God never suffers. A slightly fancier way to say this is that God is “impassible”...
Divine Impassibility | Dominicana Blog: The act of suffering can be very meaningful to us, because great love can be shown in willing to suffer for someone or something. Yet even then, suffering is not intrinsic to love. Love has its own reality that does not depend on suffering for its existence. Suffering, in itself, is an evil, a lack of a good. God is love, and there is no lack of good in him, either of moral good or of any other kind.
This impassibility of God is the unshakeable ground of our great hope for true and lasting happiness. When we speak of heaven, we speak of union with God and sharing in his happiness. Because of this, we can be sure that for those who belong to God, suffering will never have the last word. No matter how deep our sorrows run, from this vale of tears we can look with confident hope to the new life where God “will wipe every tear from [our] eyes, and there shall be no more death or mourning, wailing or pain” (Rev 21:4). God, whose life is perfect blessedness that no suffering can invade, is able to make good on this promise, and desires to do so with the dynamic energy of his unfathomable love.
This impassibility of God is the unshakeable ground of our great hope for true and lasting happiness. When we speak of heaven, we speak of union with God and sharing in his happiness. Because of this, we can be sure that for those who belong to God, suffering will never have the last word. No matter how deep our sorrows run, from this vale of tears we can look with confident hope to the new life where God “will wipe every tear from [our] eyes, and there shall be no more death or mourning, wailing or pain” (Rev 21:4). God, whose life is perfect blessedness that no suffering can invade, is able to make good on this promise, and desires to do so with the dynamic energy of his unfathomable love.
Pope Francis at morning Mass: "War is a scandal to be mourned every day"
Pope Francis: Christians should weep at tragedy of war: We see war in the newspapers every day, Pope Francis said, and we’re used to reading about it: the number of its victims is just part of our daily accounts. We hold events to commemorate the centenary of the Great War and everyone is scandalised by the many millions of dead. But today it’s the same, Pope Francis exclaimed: instead of one great war, there are small wars everywhere. When we were children in Sunday School and we were told the story of Cain and Abel, we couldn’t accept that someone would kill their own brother. And yet today millions kill their own brothers and we’re used to it: there are entire peoples divided, killing each other over a piece of land, a racial hatred, an ambition.
Stop injecting pressure politics into theology. Real people are being hurt by such conduct...
The human price of theological chatter | In the Light of the LawEDPETERS: I’m just old enough to remember when Catholic theological rumination, especially moral speculation, was restricted to scholarly journals and professional conferences. The understanding in those days was that, whatever merits the latest theological or moral theories might enjoy, it was inappropriate for experts to parade such novelties before rank-and-file faithful lest they jump to premature or erroneous conclusions thereon.
In our day, however, the internet, to a degree that dwarfs the impact of the printing press in its day, has destroyed the old physical and technological restraints on the dissemination of doctrinal or disciplinary speculation. As a result laymen (in the sense of that word implying non-experts) are at the mercy of any Catholic intellectual—and for that matter of any Catholic prelate—who thinks that swaying public opinion in this direction or that is a good way to prove the soundness of this idea or that.
In our day, however, the internet, to a degree that dwarfs the impact of the printing press in its day, has destroyed the old physical and technological restraints on the dissemination of doctrinal or disciplinary speculation. As a result laymen (in the sense of that word implying non-experts) are at the mercy of any Catholic intellectual—and for that matter of any Catholic prelate—who thinks that swaying public opinion in this direction or that is a good way to prove the soundness of this idea or that.
Pope Francis issues letter to families ahead of extraordinary synod
Pope Francis issues letter to families ahead of extraordinary synod | CatholicHerald.co.uk: Pope Francis has issued a letter to families today in which he calls on Catholics to pray for October’s Extraordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops. The synod is being convened to discuss the theme of “pastoral challenges to the family in the context of evangelisation”.
In the letter the Pontiff wrote that the extraordinary synod is an “important meeting (that) will involve all the People of God – bishops, priests, consecrated men and women, and lay faithful of the particular Churches of the entire world – all of whom are actively participating in preparations for the meeting through practical suggestions and the crucial support of prayer.”
In the letter the Pontiff wrote that the extraordinary synod is an “important meeting (that) will involve all the People of God – bishops, priests, consecrated men and women, and lay faithful of the particular Churches of the entire world – all of whom are actively participating in preparations for the meeting through practical suggestions and the crucial support of prayer.”
Pope Francis is not going to contradict Jesus on the matter of divorce...
The dangerous pressure for change in Church teaching on divorce and remarriage - Catholic CultureLAWLER: As the October meeting of the Synod of Bishops draws near, we’ll hear more and more about one question: Whether Catholics who are divorced and remarried should be allowed to receive the Eucharist. Clearly this is the question on the minds of reporters, the question being posed by liberal bishops, the question that agitates Catholics especially in the German-speaking countries.
But this is not the question being asked by Pope Francis, or the question that was asked by Pope Benedict before him. Both Pontiffs spoke about the need to provide pastoral care for Catholics in these irregular unions. They both mentioned the possibility that some marriages should be annulled, and the process of annulment might be changed. But they did not talk about changing the perennial teaching of the Church.
But this is not the question being asked by Pope Francis, or the question that was asked by Pope Benedict before him. Both Pontiffs spoke about the need to provide pastoral care for Catholics in these irregular unions. They both mentioned the possibility that some marriages should be annulled, and the process of annulment might be changed. But they did not talk about changing the perennial teaching of the Church.
10 things you need to know today: February 25, 2014
10 things you need to know today: February 25, 2014 - The Week: Congress' longest serving member ever announces his retirement, Venezuela's uprising heats up, and more...
God is pure simplicity. And when God enters our lives, He brings that simplicity with him...
Divine Simplicity | Dominicana Blog: Here’s a challenge: can you name even one time you’ve finished a job, turned to a friend, and said, “well, at least that was complicated”?
I didn’t think so.
Few things are as universally negative as complexity. Unfortunately for us, few things are as universally true as life’s complexity. Why is it so hard to pay the bills? To raise the kids? To be a good husband or a good wife? Why are friendships as easy to break as they are tough to build? Why (to use the words of Saint Paul) is it so hard to do what my will intends?
I didn’t think so.
Few things are as universally negative as complexity. Unfortunately for us, few things are as universally true as life’s complexity. Why is it so hard to pay the bills? To raise the kids? To be a good husband or a good wife? Why are friendships as easy to break as they are tough to build? Why (to use the words of Saint Paul) is it so hard to do what my will intends?
The problem of a stubborn and unrepentant heart
The Problem of A Stubborn and Unrepentant Heart � Archdiocese of WashingtonPOPE: The past fifty years have featured an explosion of promiscuity. I do not argue that there was no sexual sin prior to 1960, but it is a far wider problem today both in quantity and degree. And the results of promiscuity are demonstrable and terrible: STDs, AIDS, teenage pregnancy, abortion, a devastation of marriage and family. Divorce rates have soared. Co-habitation and other alternative arrangements have proliferated.
What Howard Jones, the Dalai Lama, and Pope Francis have to teach us about love...
The Dalai Lama Goes to Washington | National Review OnlineLOPEZ: Outside some urban churches, a man or woman — quite often multiple men and women — will reliably ask anyone entering or exiting for money, particularly right before and after Mass.
You might even be asked while praying inside.
On this particular day, I had seen two men, one with a cup, as I was leaving Mass. I smiled, and the man with the cup asked if I had a dollar. I did, and I gave it to him along with a little coin bearing a message from St. Rose of Lima, to nourish the interior. I smiled at the second man, but he seemed to be otherwise occupied, and so I kept walking. A few strides away, I realized he was addressing me, and what he was asking belatedly clicked. It seemed awkward to turn around at that point. But it would have been authentic to turn around. It would have been the loving thing to do. To stay and talk. To be present. To be Christian, for Heaven’s sake.
You might even be asked while praying inside.
On this particular day, I had seen two men, one with a cup, as I was leaving Mass. I smiled, and the man with the cup asked if I had a dollar. I did, and I gave it to him along with a little coin bearing a message from St. Rose of Lima, to nourish the interior. I smiled at the second man, but he seemed to be otherwise occupied, and so I kept walking. A few strides away, I realized he was addressing me, and what he was asking belatedly clicked. It seemed awkward to turn around at that point. But it would have been authentic to turn around. It would have been the loving thing to do. To stay and talk. To be present. To be Christian, for Heaven’s sake.
Look at this dramatic photo from Ukraine. Do you think it deserves the bland cutline that it got?
Dear journalists: When in Ukraine, try talking to UkrainiansMATTINGLY: Hearing the confessions of soldiers shortly before they go into combat is one of the most important and symbolic duties performed by priests who serve as military chaplains representing Christianity’s ancient churches.
After all, the soldiers are going into harm’s way and there is no way to know if they will return. In a way, the priest knows that he could be hearing the penitent’s final confession — turning this encounter into a kind of Last Rites for a person who is not sick unto death, but may be moments from death.
After all, the soldiers are going into harm’s way and there is no way to know if they will return. In a way, the priest knows that he could be hearing the penitent’s final confession — turning this encounter into a kind of Last Rites for a person who is not sick unto death, but may be moments from death.
Monday, February 24, 2014
Would Bill Murray have had the film career he enjoyed without Harold Ramis?
Harold Ramis and the Touch of the MenschSCALIA: Peter Venkman and Ray Stantz might have been the glamor boys of the Ghostbusters, but Egon Spengler was always my favorite. I loved Harold Ramis’ dry, geeky delivery, and admired the genius evident in so many of his films. So sorry to read that Ramis has died at age 69, after a long illness.
There was a sweetness to Ramis’ stuff; his work was smart, insightful and if it could bite, there was an under-note of kindness to it. I’ve often wondered if Bill Murray could have had the successful film career he did if not for Ramis, and the way that sweetness balanced Murray’s innate pungency, to bring out his humanity.
There was a sweetness to Ramis’ stuff; his work was smart, insightful and if it could bite, there was an under-note of kindness to it. I’ve often wondered if Bill Murray could have had the successful film career he did if not for Ramis, and the way that sweetness balanced Murray’s innate pungency, to bring out his humanity.
10 cool underground hotels around the world...
10 Cool Underground Hotels | Mental Floss: My husband and I were watching some apocalyptic group building an underground shelter on TV, and I remarked that living underground is quite cozy and pleasant -as long as you have ready access to the outside (of course, being trapped is a nightmare). My father was a geologist, and I grew up in cave country, so I find that being underground is like having Mother Earth wrap her arms around you. There are plenty of places where you can stay temporarily to find out if you feel the same way.
Holy Father establishes new 'Secretariat for the Economy' at the Vatican, names Cardinal Pell as first prefect
COMUNICATO DELLA SALA STAMPA DELLA SANTA SEDE: NUOVA STRUTTURA DI COORDINAMENTO DEGLI AFFARI ECONOMICI E AMMINISTRATIVI DELLA SANTA SEDE E DELLO STATO DELLA CITTA’ DEL VATICANO: The Holy Father today announced a new coordination structure for economic and administrative affairs of the Holy See and the Vatican State.
Today's announcement comes after the recommendations of the rigorous review conducted by the Pontifical Commission for Reference on the Organization of the Economic- Administrative Structure of the Holy See (COSEA) were considered and endorsed by both the Council of 8 Cardinals established to advise the Holy Father on governance and the Committee of 15 Cardinals which oversees the financial affairs of the Holy See.
COSEA recommended changes to simplify and consolidate existing management structures and improve coordination and oversight across the Holy See and Vatican City State. COSEA also recommended more formal commitment to adopting accounting standards and generally accepted financial management and reporting practices as well as enhanced internal controls, transparency and governance.
Today's announcement comes after the recommendations of the rigorous review conducted by the Pontifical Commission for Reference on the Organization of the Economic- Administrative Structure of the Holy See (COSEA) were considered and endorsed by both the Council of 8 Cardinals established to advise the Holy Father on governance and the Committee of 15 Cardinals which oversees the financial affairs of the Holy See.
COSEA recommended changes to simplify and consolidate existing management structures and improve coordination and oversight across the Holy See and Vatican City State. COSEA also recommended more formal commitment to adopting accounting standards and generally accepted financial management and reporting practices as well as enhanced internal controls, transparency and governance.
Pope Francis on the path of reforms
MondayVatican – Vatican � Pope Francis on the path of reforms | MondayVaticanGAGLIARDUCCI: The signal was a letter signed by Secretary of State Pietro Parolin and delivered to every head of dicastery of the Roman Curia. The economic outlook for the Holy See in 2014– the Secretary of State wrote – requires �immediate measures to limit spending� on personnel. Which means: a hiring freeze, no overtime or work on Sundays; no replacement of staff going into retirement, except for the “generous” coverage employees already in a dicastery’s roster may be able to provide; and facilitating – in case of a pressing need – internal transfers. With the obvious exceptions.
Why did so many Catholics seek to revolutionize the Church in the sixties and seventies?
Why did so many seek to revolutionize the Church in the 60s and 70s? � Archdiocese of WashingtonPOPE: In my college years I worked with a company that built and serviced pipe organs around the Washington DC area. During those years I probably entered some 300 different churches both Catholic and Protestant.
Of course, as a Catholic, I particularly loved going to the Catholic churches. I especially loved visiting the older city parishes that were built back before the revolution. I had grown up in the suburbs where almost every church was built after 1955, when church building took a decided turn for the worse: Ugly bland, beige buildings with carpeted floors and potted plants. A plain wooden table and two candlesticks for the altar, almost no statues not even a crucifix, but that strange 70s invention known as the resurrected Christ” was on the walls floating in midair with his hand extended. Maybe there was a cross behind him, maybe but he certainly wasn’t nailed to the cross.� “We are resurrection people” was inevitable response to those of us who wondered what ever happened to the very Catholic crucifix.
Of course, as a Catholic, I particularly loved going to the Catholic churches. I especially loved visiting the older city parishes that were built back before the revolution. I had grown up in the suburbs where almost every church was built after 1955, when church building took a decided turn for the worse: Ugly bland, beige buildings with carpeted floors and potted plants. A plain wooden table and two candlesticks for the altar, almost no statues not even a crucifix, but that strange 70s invention known as the resurrected Christ” was on the walls floating in midair with his hand extended. Maybe there was a cross behind him, maybe but he certainly wasn’t nailed to the cross.� “We are resurrection people” was inevitable response to those of us who wondered what ever happened to the very Catholic crucifix.
Taking your kids to a Miley Cyrus concert is not a waste of money. It's a down payment on the sale of their souls...
Patti Maguire Armstrong: Message to Parents Who Took Kids to Miley’s ConcertARMSTRONG: In spite of what one mother said after the concert in Anaheim, CA last week, Miley’s pornographic persona is not “empowering” for your daughter.� When a reporter for the nightly news interviewed parents coming out of the concert, one mother stated, “Miley is her own person, and that’s empowering for my 13-year-old daughter to see.” ��How is grinding on an oversized hotdog and simulating sex on a dancer dressed as President Bill Clinton, in any way empowering for a 13-year-old girl? �Empower yourself and get a grip on reality!�
Was the Star of Bethlehem a myth? A UFO? Or something else? 8 things to know and share...
Was the Star of Bethlehem a myth? A UFO? Or something else? 8 things to know and share |Blogs | NCRegister.comAKIN: The Star of Bethlehem is endlessly fascinating. All kinds of theories about what it was have been proposed.
Based on the way Matthew describes it, some have thought it was a supernatural manifestation that led the magi around.
Some have even suggested it was a flying saucer.
Some have said it was a myth and never really existed.
All of these views are based on the idea that the star didn’t move the way a normal star would.
Is this correct?
Here are 8 things to know and share...
Based on the way Matthew describes it, some have thought it was a supernatural manifestation that led the magi around.
Some have even suggested it was a flying saucer.
Some have said it was a myth and never really existed.
All of these views are based on the idea that the star didn’t move the way a normal star would.
Is this correct?
Here are 8 things to know and share...
There's a weirdness in God's mercy...
Private Revelation:� There's a Weirdness in God's Mercy |Blogs | NCRegister.comSHEA: Diana Duyser’s story highlights exactly the sort of conversion that makes Catholics cringe and critics of the Catholic faith whoop with glee. But I simply note that Christian history—Protestant as well as Catholic—is full of people who have found the motivation to follow Jesus in very strange and very commonplace things. A modern skeptic might see in Augustine’s “pick it up, read it” voice a very simple “natural explanation” (“It was just a kid playing a game next door!”) that overlooks the fact that for Augustine the incident was a divine invitation, even if it did have a completely “natural explanation.” That’s because Augustine, while a supernaturalist, did not separate nature and supernature into separate, watertight compartments. He took it for granted that things with natural explanations could still be signs from the God who is in control of nature. In other words, he believed in providence.
Burying the dead and clothing the stick figures
Burying the Dead and Clothing the Stick Figures |Blogs | NCRegister.comMATTARCHBOLD: My 11 year old had to do a project on the corporal works of mercy. Her class had been studying them for a while. I've tested her so many times on clothing the naked, visiting the sick, visiting the imprisoned, and burying the dead that I can't wait to get to the next chapter.
But first she had a project to do. She had to use a big piece of paper and draw and color a picture of herself doing one of the corporal works of mercy. So she sat down for hours at the kitchen table while I did homework with the other kids. I normally do projects with them but with all the snow days we were a little backed up on homework, tests, and projects so I had to focus on the little ones.
But first she had a project to do. She had to use a big piece of paper and draw and color a picture of herself doing one of the corporal works of mercy. So she sat down for hours at the kitchen table while I did homework with the other kids. I normally do projects with them but with all the snow days we were a little backed up on homework, tests, and projects so I had to focus on the little ones.
10 things you need to know today: February 24, 2014
10 things you need to know today: February 24, 2014 - The Week: Ukrainian lawmaker assumes presidential duties, Netflix pays Comcast for smoother streaming, and more...
Sunday, February 23, 2014
Dave Barry's manliness manifesto, with a list of basic skills that every man should have...
Dave Barry's Manliness Manifesto - WSJ.com: We live in ridiculously convenient times. Think about it: Whenever you need any kind of information, about anything, day or night, no matter where you are, you can just tap your finger on your smartphone and within seconds an answer will appear, as if by magic, on the screen.
10 things you need to know today: February 23, 2014
10 things you need to know today: February 23, 2014 - The Week: A Mexican drug lord is in custody, Sweden and Canada duke it out for Olympic hockey gold, and more...
I am convinced that living out the romance of religion is the key to the New Evangelization
xLONGENECKER: The week before Christmas in 1944 my grandfather was tromping through the snow to market with his two young sons. As they crossed the river bridge, the driver of a loaded coal truck turned his van onto the icy road surface of the bridge and lost control. My grandfather looked up in horror as the truck slid across the bridge towards his boys. He instantly jumped forward and pushed them clear, but the truck crushed him against the guard rail.
Well-meaning passersby folded his broken body into the back seat of a car and rushed him to the hospital, but, as they did, his splintered ribs punctured his vital organs. The doctors could do nothing. After a few days of terrible suffering with my grandmother at his bedside, my grandpa opened his eyes. He smiled, and they prayed together. Then he looked up to the corner of the room, smiled and said, "Don’t you see them? Don’t you see them? They’re so beautiful!" Then he was gone.
Well-meaning passersby folded his broken body into the back seat of a car and rushed him to the hospital, but, as they did, his splintered ribs punctured his vital organs. The doctors could do nothing. After a few days of terrible suffering with my grandmother at his bedside, my grandpa opened his eyes. He smiled, and they prayed together. Then he looked up to the corner of the room, smiled and said, "Don’t you see them? Don’t you see them? They’re so beautiful!" Then he was gone.
The cycle of violence and retribution ends with me: A homily for the 7th Sunday of the Year...
The Cycle of Violence and Retribution Ends with Me: A Homily for the 7th Sunday of the Year � Archdiocese of WashingtonPOPE: In today’s Gospel the Lord is teaching us, by his grace, to break the cycle of retribution and hatred. When someone harms me I may well experience anger. And in my anger I may well seek to get back at the offender. If I do that, then Satan has two victories and brought the anger and retribution to a new level. And most likely the one who originally harmed me will take exception to my retribution and inflict more harm on me. And so the cycle continues and escalates. Satan loves this.
Pope celebrates Mass with new cardinals: "Jesus did not come to teach us good manners. He came to save us and show us mercy"
Pope celebrates Mass with new cardinals: Pope Francis presided over Mass in Saint Peter’s Basilica on Sunday, one day after 19 bishops were added to the college of cardinals...
Saturday, February 22, 2014
A look at the Italian family business that has adorned popes and priests since the 18th century
Pope's simple style influencing cardinal fashion: Raniero Mancinelli shows a cardinal's skull cap in his tailor shop in Rome, Thursday Feb. 13, 2014. No glitzy gold, no rich velvet, no regal fur but rather sensible black shoes and a white cassock so flimsy you can see his black trousers through it. Pope Francis has pared down the papal wardrobe to fit his call for simplicity and humility among his clergy. The pope's personal style _ which earned him Esquire magazine's "Best Dressed Man of 2013" award _ and his broader message of sobriety will be put to the test Saturday when he inducts 19 prelates into the College of Cardinals, placing the three-cornered red silk biretta on the heads of the new "princes of the church."
9 questions about Ukraine you were too embarrassed to ask
9 questions about Ukraine you were too embarrassed to ask: Ukrainians have been protesting since Nov. 21, when President Viktor Yanukovych rejected a deal for closer integration with the European Union, instead drawing the country closer to Russia. They are still in the streets in huge numbers and have seized regional government buildings in several parts of the country. In Kiev, the capital, clashes between protesters and security forces have become violent, killing several people. On Tuesday, the prime minister resigned. No one is quite sure what will happen next.
I fear that many people are reading the Pope’s comments on casuistry in quite a different sense than they were intended...
Pope Francis on casuistry and faith | In the Light of the LawEDPETERS: Francis is critical of Christians who ask only “if it is licit to do this and if the Church could do that,” and suggests that such phrasing implies either “that they do not have faith, or that it is too weak”. But I don’t think that the pope means thereby to criticize, say, Pope John Paul II, who wrote “the Church has no authority whatsoever to confer priestly ordination on women”—even though that is patently a statement about what the Church can and cannot do. Francis knows, of course, that John Paul II did not “only” speak about what the Church could or couldn’t do, and has himself reiterated John Paul II’s conclusions against such ordination. So Francis can’t be condemning en masse questions about moral theology or ecclesiology.
"The Church needs peacemakers": In the presence of Benedict XVI, Francis' Scarlet Bowl call...
Whispers in the Loggia: "The Church Needs Peacemakers": In B16's Presence, Francis' Scarlet Bowl CallPALMO: If nothing else, just let this be a reminder of how news happens on this beat, and never more than in this pontificate. For those in need of the context, meanwhile, the moment would've marked (and did) the first fully public appearance of the Pope and his predecessor together since B16's epochal resignation a year ago this week. Even beyond our time, meanwhile, it made for an act never before witnessed in the two millenia history of the papacy, and one that wasn't expected to be seen until Pope Francis' joint canonizations of Blesseds John XXIII and John Paul II on April 27th.
Because the world needs more Catholic priests and fewer investment bankers...
The Woes of Wall Street: Why Young Bankers Are So Miserable - Kevin Roose - The Atlantic: Over a few beers after work one spring evening, two junior Goldman Sachs employees started contemplating the best ways to kill themselves.
“If the goal is, like, how do I inflict maximum psychological damage, then I think just going up to your desk and blowing your brains out in the middle of the day would be the best,” said Jeremy Miller-Reed, 23.
“Nah,” said Samson White, 22. “You know what would happen? All the other analysts would get an e-mail from the associates saying, ‘Can you guys clean this up?’ And then everyone would go back to work.”
“If the goal is, like, how do I inflict maximum psychological damage, then I think just going up to your desk and blowing your brains out in the middle of the day would be the best,” said Jeremy Miller-Reed, 23.
“Nah,” said Samson White, 22. “You know what would happen? All the other analysts would get an e-mail from the associates saying, ‘Can you guys clean this up?’ And then everyone would go back to work.”
Anglican Archbishop of Canterbury invites Catholic, Lutheran to move into Lambeth Palace
Anglican Archbishop Invites Catholic, Lutheran to Move Into Lambeth PalaceSCHIFFER: Last month, the Anglican Archbishop invited members of the group to move into Lambeth Palace, his official London residence on the south side of the Thames. �In a ceremony on February 20, he formally welcomed four members of the community: �a married Anglican couple, Ione and Alan Morley-Fletcher; a German Lutheran training for ministry, Oliver Matri; and a Polish Catholic consecrated sister, Sister Ula Michlowicz.
Vatican starts hiring freeze, forbids overtime in effort to cut costs
CNS STORY: Vatican starts hiring freeze, forbids overtime in effort to cut costsGLATZ: The Vatican announced an immediate end to new hires, wage-increases and overtime in an effort to cut costs and offset budget shortfalls.
Pope Francis, with input from the Vatican's central accounting office, also determined that volunteers could be used to help provide the labor needed to make up for the hiring freeze and eventual attrition.
Cardinal-designate Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, sent a letter, dated Feb. 13, to the heads of all Vatican offices, institutions and agencies.
He said the budget forecast for 2014 "necessitated the immediate adoption of some measures needed to contain" personnel costs. In its last published report, the Vatican said it had a slight budget surplus of $2.7 million in 2012 after experiencing one of its largest budget deficits of the past decade in 2011.
Pope Francis, with input from the Vatican's central accounting office, also determined that volunteers could be used to help provide the labor needed to make up for the hiring freeze and eventual attrition.
Cardinal-designate Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, sent a letter, dated Feb. 13, to the heads of all Vatican offices, institutions and agencies.
He said the budget forecast for 2014 "necessitated the immediate adoption of some measures needed to contain" personnel costs. In its last published report, the Vatican said it had a slight budget surplus of $2.7 million in 2012 after experiencing one of its largest budget deficits of the past decade in 2011.
Tony Palmer is the new face of Anglicanism
Tony Palmer – the New Face of AnglicanismLONGENECKER: Yesterday, in the midst of a busy day as a parish priest I hammered out a post about Tony Palmer–Pope Francis’ friend who presented the Pope’s message to American Pentecostals. I pointed out the problems with Palmer’s credentials and message, and also pointed toward some potential ways forward.
I hope the post did not come across as totally negative. While I wanted to make a critique of Tony’s message, I also want to make clear my underlying interest and excitement at this very interesting and historic development. To understand exactly why this is so historic one needs to understand what is happening in the Anglican world.
I hope the post did not come across as totally negative. While I wanted to make a critique of Tony’s message, I also want to make clear my underlying interest and excitement at this very interesting and historic development. To understand exactly why this is so historic one needs to understand what is happening in the Anglican world.
Oxford University was over 300 years old when the Aztec Empire was founded (and other surprising facts from history's timeline)
Unlikely simultaneous historical events: A poster on Reddit asks: What are two events that took place in the same time in history but don't seem like they would have? A few of my favorite answers...
This stunning infographic shows where our 25 active space missions are
This stunning infographic shows where our 25 active space missions are - The Week: From twin satellites photographing the sun in 360 degrees to rovers on Mars to a '70s-era probe passing out of the heliosphere and into interstellar space, mankind has more than two dozen currently active spacecraft outside simple Earth orbit. We created this infographic to showcase where all Earth's interplanetary explorers are today, and what they're up to.
10 things you need to know today: February 22, 2014
10 things you need to know today: February 22, 2014 - The Week: Ukraine's president flees, Canada knocks off the U.S. men's hockey team, and more...
Of your guardian angel and the hidden mercies of God, as seen in a commercial
Of Our Guardian Angel and the Hidden Mercies of God, as seen in a Commercial � Archdiocese of WashingtonPOPE: Most of us struggle with the fact that God allows bad things to happen to us. Why does he not intervene more often to protect us from attacks of various sorts, events that cause sadness, setbacks or suffering?
While mysterious, the clearest answer is that God allows suffering in order that some greater blessing occur. To some degree I have found this so since some of my greatest blessings required that some door slam shut, or that some suffering be endured. And so, if my college sweetheart had not dumped me, I would not likely be priest today, which is a very great blessing. Had I gotten some of my preferred assignments in my early years as a priest, I would not have been enriched by the assignments I did have. They have helped draw me out and grow me� far more than the cozy and familiar places I desired. Had I not entered into the crucible of depression and anxiety in my 30s I would not have learned to trust God as much as I do; and I would not have learned important lessons about life and myself.
While mysterious, the clearest answer is that God allows suffering in order that some greater blessing occur. To some degree I have found this so since some of my greatest blessings required that some door slam shut, or that some suffering be endured. And so, if my college sweetheart had not dumped me, I would not likely be priest today, which is a very great blessing. Had I gotten some of my preferred assignments in my early years as a priest, I would not have been enriched by the assignments I did have. They have helped draw me out and grow me� far more than the cozy and familiar places I desired. Had I not entered into the crucible of depression and anxiety in my 30s I would not have learned to trust God as much as I do; and I would not have learned important lessons about life and myself.
Pope Francis creates 19 new cardinals in St. Peter's Basilica; Benedict XVI makes first public appearance since resignation
'The Church needs your courage,' Pope tells new Cardinals :: Catholic News Agency (CNA): During this morning’s consistory at which Pope Francis created 19 new Cardinals, he urged the prelates gathered in St. Peter’s Basilica to serve the Church fearlessly.
“The Church needs your courage, to proclaim the Gospel at all times, both in season and out of season, and to bear witness to the truth,” emphasized the Pope on Feb. 22.
St. Peter’s Basilica was filled with nearly 200 members of the college of Cardinals and those who had gathered to witness the event. Francis’ predecessor Benedict XVI joined the other Bishops, wearing his customary white garments rather than the red vestments of a Cardinal.
“The Church needs your courage, to proclaim the Gospel at all times, both in season and out of season, and to bear witness to the truth,” emphasized the Pope on Feb. 22.
St. Peter’s Basilica was filled with nearly 200 members of the college of Cardinals and those who had gathered to witness the event. Francis’ predecessor Benedict XVI joined the other Bishops, wearing his customary white garments rather than the red vestments of a Cardinal.
Friday, February 21, 2014
This is the generation that's going to end the scourge of abortion
New Advent: This is the generation that's going to end the scourge of abortionSTEFANICK: Abortion is bad for women, bad for society, and ends a human life. When you think about it, if abortion isn't wrong, what is? Thankfully, the writing is on the wall. This is the generation that's going to end the practice of abortion in the West.
The sad story of a priest, a partial-penitent and the press
The sad story of a priest, a partial-penitent and the pressMATTINGLY: At this point, it is no longer unusual to read a news story about an issue linked to homosexuality that yanks the pope’s famous “Who am I to judge?” quote out of context. Alas, this is now business as usual in the mainstream press. Click here for a refresher course — video and transcript — about what Pope Francis actually said.
So let’s move on.
Gentle readers, what is the key word that is missing from this opening passage from a recent Washington Post story? This ran under the headline, “Gay patient says Catholic chaplain refused him last rites.”
So let’s move on.
Gentle readers, what is the key word that is missing from this opening passage from a recent Washington Post story? This ran under the headline, “Gay patient says Catholic chaplain refused him last rites.”
When we gather for prayer, it's as if the angels stopped the world, and we find ourselves together in God’s presence...
I Gaze on You in the Sanctuary // Blog // Holy Cross Vocations United States Province: 6:40 AM, and my hand slams down on the alarm.� I pull myself from bed, struggling to remember where I am.� On a good day I get all the way to the shower before realizing that where I am is not in bed.� The next twenty minutes is a confusing jumble of grabbing the wrong shampoo and attempting to find matching socks.� I collapse into my chair in the chapel at 7:03, before fumbling through my breviary to make sure I’ve got the pages right.� When the clock strikes five-past we all rise, and a lone voice breaks the silence, “O Lord, open our lips.”� I form the first words of my day, joining the song with 30 others as we chant, “and we shall proclaim Your praise!”� My day has begun as it does every morning: in prayerful song, focused on the praise of God.� For guys like me in the house, this is the first coherent thought of the day.� This peaceful moment, robed in song, will set the pace for the hours to come.�
Pope Francis recorded an iPhone video for Tony Palmer. But who is Tony Palmer?
Pope Francis Reaches Out to Pentecostals…LONGENECKER: Yesterday the Catholic blogosphere lit up with Pope Francis’ heartwarming video message to a gathering of Pentecostals in Texas. The whole video lasts about 45 minutes, and it is worth watching the whole thing because, while Pope Francis’ message is heartwarming and truly moving, in the full video you see Kenneth Copeland introduce his protege Bishop Tony Palmer. Tony gives a long, enthusiastic message to the gathered Pentecostals, and I’m sorry to be a party pooper, but Bishop Palmer’s message really needs to be analyzed.
As a former Evangelical and former Anglican priest I guess I am pretty well qualified to sniff out what is really going on here.
As a former Evangelical and former Anglican priest I guess I am pretty well qualified to sniff out what is really going on here.
Arizona passes bill allowing business owners to refuse service based on their religious beliefs
Arizona Passes Bill Allowing Business Owners to Refuse Service Based on Their Religious BeliefsHAMILTON: I haven’t read the bill, and don’t have an opinion about its specific language. I do, however support the concept of conscience rights. I think we’re going to see more of this type of legislation. Based on recent court rulings and the spate of lawsuits filed against mom and pop businesses, a legislative solution is needed.
However, I don’t think such solutions as these will work long-term, or even short-term. The entire issue has become court-based, and the courts seem willing to override the will of the people with very little consideration for the gravity involved in taking that action. The DOMA decision is the Roe of gay marriage, and it will end up having similar results.
However, I don’t think such solutions as these will work long-term, or even short-term. The entire issue has become court-based, and the courts seem willing to override the will of the people with very little consideration for the gravity involved in taking that action. The DOMA decision is the Roe of gay marriage, and it will end up having similar results.
There are things on Jeopardy that I should know, and don’t. Shakespeare questions, for instance, reduce me to silence...
Is Shakespeare in Jeopardy? | Seton MagazineCLARK: As I have written previously, on the nights when I’m able, I like to watch the show Jeopardy and try to amaze my kids with my knowledge. (These are the kinds of things you do when you’re old—you get exhausted by failing to impress the world, so you spend your evenings in front of a television set in the hopes of dazzling your offspring.)
Some nights I do better than others. Bonaventure, my little eight-year-old, blond-haired and blue-eyed boy, watched in amazement the other night as I answered most of the questions, and wondered why I don’t go on the show.
My answer to him was simple: “You caught me on a good night, Bon. But if I go on the show, it might not happen that way.”
Some nights I do better than others. Bonaventure, my little eight-year-old, blond-haired and blue-eyed boy, watched in amazement the other night as I answered most of the questions, and wondered why I don’t go on the show.
My answer to him was simple: “You caught me on a good night, Bon. But if I go on the show, it might not happen that way.”
Google Maps satellite image of Archbishop Myers' retirement home (controversial addition not pictured)...
51 Lower Kingtown Rd - Google Maps: Located in Pittstown, New Jersey.
Throw "casuistry" to the wind: For family talks, Pope Francis wants "theology while kneeling"
Whispers in the Loggia: Throw "Casuistry" To the Wind – For Family Talks, Francis Wants "Theology While Kneeling"PALMO: A couple weeks from now will mark a year since the walls of the Synod Hall shook – at least, figuratively – as Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio delivered his assessment of a "self-referential, sick" church, and many among a stunned pre-Conclave General Congregation echoed the take with an ovation.
If the Argentine hadn't lit the fuse – with time to spare on his allotted five minutes, to boot – chances are he wouldn't have become Pope. And now, in the same place, the narrative arc of a year that rocked the Catholic world has reached its home stretch.
Any final outcomes, however, remain a good while off.
If the Argentine hadn't lit the fuse – with time to spare on his allotted five minutes, to boot – chances are he wouldn't have become Pope. And now, in the same place, the narrative arc of a year that rocked the Catholic world has reached its home stretch.
Any final outcomes, however, remain a good while off.
What's going on in Venezuela (in a nutshell)
New Advent: What's going on in Venezuela (in a nutshell): A YouTube video that has gone viral...
The New York Times: "A Church so poor it has to close schools, yet so rich it can build a palace"
A Church So Poor It Has to Close Schools, Yet So Rich It Can Build a Palace - NYTimes.com: Mater Dei Academy sits shuttered, blue drapes pulled across its windows, atop a hill in this working-class city. From its steps, you can peer across the mist-shrouded expanse of the Meadowlands to the distant spires of Manhattan.
For generations, this blond brick Catholic elementary school tossed a lifeline to the immigrants who, wave upon wave, washed ashore here. The Archdiocese of Newark closed it two years ago. Church officials offered deep regrets; the church’s wallet is thin to the touch these days.
For generations, this blond brick Catholic elementary school tossed a lifeline to the immigrants who, wave upon wave, washed ashore here. The Archdiocese of Newark closed it two years ago. Church officials offered deep regrets; the church’s wallet is thin to the touch these days.
Saint Peter Damian, monitor of the popes
Saint Peter Damian – Monitor of the Popes | TOM PERNA™PERNA: Saint Peter Damian was born in Ravenna, Italy. At a very young age, he lost both his parents. One of his older brothers took him under his care, but in the long run, was treated more like a slave than a family member. Feeling pity for the young man, another brother, the archpriest of Ravenna, took care of him and truly became a father figure. His name was Damian. Saint Peter was so glad that his brother essentially adopted him, and removed him from the household of the other, that he took his surname and became known as Peter Damian.
Some key facts everyone should know about Archbishop Myers' residence in Newark...
Some Key Facts Everyone Should Know About the Archbishop ‘s Residence in NewarkSCHIFFER: An American “Bling Bishop”?
Maybe There’s Another Explanation.
In anticipation of the retirement of Newark’s Archbishop John J. Myers, the Archdiocese of Newark is remodeling a Hunterdon County house which is currently his weekend residence, and which will become his full-time home in retirement. Archbishop Myers is 73 years old and already has in place a coadjutor bishop, Bishop Bernard Hebda; so it’s likely that his resignation will be accepted upon his 75th birthday in 2015.
Maybe There’s Another Explanation.
In anticipation of the retirement of Newark’s Archbishop John J. Myers, the Archdiocese of Newark is remodeling a Hunterdon County house which is currently his weekend residence, and which will become his full-time home in retirement. Archbishop Myers is 73 years old and already has in place a coadjutor bishop, Bishop Bernard Hebda; so it’s likely that his resignation will be accepted upon his 75th birthday in 2015.
150 cardinals gather in extraordinary consistory, send message of solidarity to persecuted Christians
Consistory: Pope, Cardinals express concern for global conflicts: On Friday morning, 150 cardinals participated in the extraordinary consistory on the family, said Fr. Lombardi S.J., director of the Holy See Press Office, during a news briefing.
He also communicated that the cardinals had expressed their warmest wishes to Cardinal Silvano Piovanelli, who celebrated his 90th birthday on Friday. At 7 a.m. they concelebrated Holy Mass with the Pope in the chapel of the Domus Sanctae Marthae.
The participants in the Consistory entrusted to Fr. Lombardi the reading of the following declaration, approved by the Holy Father, which summarises the thoughts of the Pope and the College of Cardinals:
“During the extraordinary Consistory, the Holy Father and the College of Cardinals raised a special prayer to the Lord for the many Christians who, in various parts of the world, are increasingly frequently victims of acts of intolerance or persecution. To those who suffer for the Gospel, the Holy Father and the Cardinals wish to renew their assurance of their constant prayers, urging them to stand firm in their faith and to forgive their persecutors from their hearts, in imitation of Jesus Christ.
He also communicated that the cardinals had expressed their warmest wishes to Cardinal Silvano Piovanelli, who celebrated his 90th birthday on Friday. At 7 a.m. they concelebrated Holy Mass with the Pope in the chapel of the Domus Sanctae Marthae.
The participants in the Consistory entrusted to Fr. Lombardi the reading of the following declaration, approved by the Holy Father, which summarises the thoughts of the Pope and the College of Cardinals:
“During the extraordinary Consistory, the Holy Father and the College of Cardinals raised a special prayer to the Lord for the many Christians who, in various parts of the world, are increasingly frequently victims of acts of intolerance or persecution. To those who suffer for the Gospel, the Holy Father and the Cardinals wish to renew their assurance of their constant prayers, urging them to stand firm in their faith and to forgive their persecutors from their hearts, in imitation of Jesus Christ.
10 things you need to know today: February 21, 2014
10 things you need to know today: February 21, 2014 - The Week: Ukraine's deadly violence escalates, Canada beats the U.S. for women's hockey gold, and more...
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Was a gay patient really "refused Last Rites" by a Catholic priest, or is he simply choosing drama over repentance?
Gay Man Refused Last Rites? |Blogs | NCRegister.comFISHER: The priest is bound by the seal of confession. Plishka went to the Washington Blade.� Tell me how this is a fair and balanced story.
Maybe the priest did the wrong thing. Maybe he should have stayed and talked with Plishka further, to help him understand why someone who refuses to repent his sins cannot receive communion.� Maybe he should have called in another priest.
Or, maybe the guy just made the whole thing up. Maybe he made threats or blasphemous jokes to the priest, and it was only through heroic charity that the priest was able to stay as long as he did.� Most likely of all, Plishka left out extremely important details which would entirely change the character of the story, but which the priest is bound not to disclose.
Or heck, maybe the guy is just old, agitated, and confused and does not understand what happened.� In any of these cases, the story as told stinks, it limps, it gaps and wobbles and it makes no sense. Does this post sound like a lot of speculation to you? �It is. That's the problem: �the original stories do not provide plausible facts. �They are not journalism. �They are propaganda.�
Maybe the priest did the wrong thing. Maybe he should have stayed and talked with Plishka further, to help him understand why someone who refuses to repent his sins cannot receive communion.� Maybe he should have called in another priest.
Or, maybe the guy just made the whole thing up. Maybe he made threats or blasphemous jokes to the priest, and it was only through heroic charity that the priest was able to stay as long as he did.� Most likely of all, Plishka left out extremely important details which would entirely change the character of the story, but which the priest is bound not to disclose.
Or heck, maybe the guy is just old, agitated, and confused and does not understand what happened.� In any of these cases, the story as told stinks, it limps, it gaps and wobbles and it makes no sense. Does this post sound like a lot of speculation to you? �It is. That's the problem: �the original stories do not provide plausible facts. �They are not journalism. �They are propaganda.�
I was impressed by the Pope's message to Kenneth Copeland Ministries, especially when I saw Copeland's response...
Pope Francis to Pentecostal Conference: Tears of Love, Spiritual HugsSCHIFFER: Pope Francis met on January 14, 2014, with Anthony Palmer of Kenneth Copeland Ministries; but at the time, the Vatican released no details regarding the meeting. Today, though, YouTube shows Pope Francis in a newly released video which was captured by Palmer via his iPhone. In the video, which has not been released by the Vatican...
Astounding: Pope Francis records private video for Kenneth Copeland conference...
Aggie Catholics: ASTOUNDING - Pope Francis Records Private Video for Kenneth Copeland? Yes! Wow...LEJEUNE: This is what Christian unity looks like. It doesn't ignore the differences that we have with our non-Catholic brothers and sisters.
It isn't triumphalistic.
It isn't us vs them.
Rather, it is the love of Christ for all people. Jesus prayed for Christian unity and we must all acknowledge that the fact is - division within Christianity is both scandalous and a counter-sign to a God of unity to a world that needs Him.
So, Pope Francis recorded a video for his friend, Tony Palmer (An Anglican Episcopal Communion of the CEEC (Celtic Anglican Tradition) Bishop.) He took the video to show to Kenneth Copeland Ministries and the unthinkable has started to happen - we actually pray for one another and acknowledge one another as true brothers and sisters.
It isn't triumphalistic.
It isn't us vs them.
Rather, it is the love of Christ for all people. Jesus prayed for Christian unity and we must all acknowledge that the fact is - division within Christianity is both scandalous and a counter-sign to a God of unity to a world that needs Him.
So, Pope Francis recorded a video for his friend, Tony Palmer (An Anglican Episcopal Communion of the CEEC (Celtic Anglican Tradition) Bishop.) He took the video to show to Kenneth Copeland Ministries and the unthinkable has started to happen - we actually pray for one another and acknowledge one another as true brothers and sisters.
It's all or nothing. Catholicism or atheism. Everything else is just a compromise...
All or Nothing – And Certainly not Nothing: “I was ready to be an atheist. I was going to be a Catholic or an atheist.” In a recent column, David Brooks cites these words of Catholic singer-songwriter Audrey Assad as illustrative of what religious commitment feels like from the inside.
“A Catholic or an atheist.” Isn’t it curious that Assad should feel herself caught between two possibilities having nothing in common? I struggle to understand her crisis. Assad’s life-experience and intellectual journey were such that, at the moment before her choice, both Catholicism and atheism seemed reasonable. The extremes touched one another. The vast space of compromise between Catholicism and atheism vanished.
“A Catholic or an atheist.” Isn’t it curious that Assad should feel herself caught between two possibilities having nothing in common? I struggle to understand her crisis. Assad’s life-experience and intellectual journey were such that, at the moment before her choice, both Catholicism and atheism seemed reasonable. The extremes touched one another. The vast space of compromise between Catholicism and atheism vanished.
The best way for a Catholic to find trustworthy answers to crucial questions is to get a spiritual director
Help Wanted: Spiritual DirectionMCCLOSKEY: The only question truly worth asking is that of the rich young man of the Gospel: “What must I do to gain eternal life?” This question naturally leads to others, such as “How can I achieve holiness in this life?” or “What is God’s will for me?” God answers these questions for us in many ways.
Simply following the Ten Commandments is a good start, as Jesus himself advised the rich young man. We can also look to God’s Revelation to us through Sacred Scripture and Tradition – the guidance of the Church through its teaching authority and sacraments. We can then consider our present state in life and our past life experiences for good clues as to what God wants for us in any present moment.
Simply following the Ten Commandments is a good start, as Jesus himself advised the rich young man. We can also look to God’s Revelation to us through Sacred Scripture and Tradition – the guidance of the Church through its teaching authority and sacraments. We can then consider our present state in life and our past life experiences for good clues as to what God wants for us in any present moment.
How the accounts of Jesus’ childhood fit together: 6 things to know and share
How the accounts of Jesus’ childhood fit together: 6 things to know and share |Blogs | NCRegister.comAKIN: Why don’t the Gospels all record the same events as each other?
Because there was too much information to fit into a single book about Jesus.
John notes this specifically, and humorously, at the end of his Gospel (John 21:25).
In the ancient world, they didn’t have the printing technology needed to make large books, and so there was pressure to keep each single book short by modern standards.
This meant each Evangelist had to leave many things out.
There was also more than one way to approach telling the story of Jesus, to benefit different audiences, and so each Evangelist takes a somewhat different approach, and that affects his selection of which stories and sayings to include in his Gospel.
Because there was too much information to fit into a single book about Jesus.
John notes this specifically, and humorously, at the end of his Gospel (John 21:25).
In the ancient world, they didn’t have the printing technology needed to make large books, and so there was pressure to keep each single book short by modern standards.
This meant each Evangelist had to leave many things out.
There was also more than one way to approach telling the story of Jesus, to benefit different audiences, and so each Evangelist takes a somewhat different approach, and that affects his selection of which stories and sayings to include in his Gospel.
Very often the only thing that binds people in an unholy alliance is their hatred of the Catholic religion
Catholic Enemies Make Strange BedfellowsLONGENECKER: Should you decided to join the Catholic Church your down to earth friends will suspect you of liking baroque churches and the music of Mozart while your hoity toity friends will patronize you for liking Catholic kitsch like those postcards of Jesus and Mary with googly eyes. Social conservatives will blame you for joining a thinly disguised left wing outfit while social liberals will accuse you of joining hands with the establishment fat cats. High Church Episcopalians will say you are going for dumbed down Kumbayah religion while your granola and bean soup Birkenstock friends accuse you of joining the lace and brocade brigade. Intellectuals will blame you for joining a mind-numbing religion of sheer superstition in which you don’t have to think while the dummies will say you are wasting your time with all that Thomas Aquinas innerleckshul type stuff. Holy Rollers will blame you for being too rational while rationalists will blame you for being superstitious and gullible.
Catholic Charities official: "The greatest charitable act that parents can do is to share their faith with their children"
Charity begins at home - Denver Catholic Register: How can I help?
That is a beautiful question. And those who answer it by serving the hungry and the homeless are performing acts of mercy.
Yet, charity is something each of us can do in every moment of every day. It’s simply saying “hello” and “God bless.” It’s listening to your neighbor. Helping your child. The most important thing may seem like getting your child to soccer practice. It’s really getting them to Mass, to the Eucharist, to confession. It’s sharing the love that you have for Jesus Christ.
That is a beautiful question. And those who answer it by serving the hungry and the homeless are performing acts of mercy.
Yet, charity is something each of us can do in every moment of every day. It’s simply saying “hello” and “God bless.” It’s listening to your neighbor. Helping your child. The most important thing may seem like getting your child to soccer practice. It’s really getting them to Mass, to the Eucharist, to confession. It’s sharing the love that you have for Jesus Christ.
Are Muslims and Catholics natural allies?
Are Muslims Our Natural Allies? | Crisis MagazineKILPATRICK: Catholics have been faring badly in the fight against militant secularism, so it’s understandable that they would be looking for allies to stand alongside them in the culture wars.
Some Catholic intellectuals seem to think that Muslims are our natural allies in this struggle because they supposedly share similar values and because, like Catholics, they are opposed to adultery, pornography, and homosexual behavior.
Catholic philosopher Peter Kreeft, for example, has championed what he calls an “ecumenical jihad” against secularism, while Catholics as diverse as Dinesh D’Souza, E. Michael Jones, and Timothy Cardinal Dolan have emphasized the common moral ground shared by Catholics and Muslims.
The most recent addition to the list is Princeton professor Robert George.� In a piece for First Things entitled “Muslims, Our Natural Allies,” he argues that Muslims are our natural confederates because most of them believe in “modesty, chastity, and piety.”
Some Catholic intellectuals seem to think that Muslims are our natural allies in this struggle because they supposedly share similar values and because, like Catholics, they are opposed to adultery, pornography, and homosexual behavior.
Catholic philosopher Peter Kreeft, for example, has championed what he calls an “ecumenical jihad” against secularism, while Catholics as diverse as Dinesh D’Souza, E. Michael Jones, and Timothy Cardinal Dolan have emphasized the common moral ground shared by Catholics and Muslims.
The most recent addition to the list is Princeton professor Robert George.� In a piece for First Things entitled “Muslims, Our Natural Allies,” he argues that Muslims are our natural confederates because most of them believe in “modesty, chastity, and piety.”
Are the New Atheists headed for a break-up?
Ave Maria Philosophy - Are Daniel Dennett and Sam Harris headed for a break-up?TRABBIC: Just how tight-knit of a group are the “New Atheists”? Richard Dawkins, Christopher Hitchens (RIP), Daniel Dennett, and Sam Harris are the most well-known purveyors of the New Atheism. There are others, of course, who are also thought to belong to the club: Lawrence Krauss, Jerry Coyne, and Victor Stenger, for example. But Dawkins, Hitchens, Dennett, and Harris are usually understood to constitute a special club within the club, if you will. They alone, among other worthies, have been dubbed the “four horsemen of the non-apocalypse.” Yet, there may be signs that two of the remaining three horsemen may be heading for a break-up.
Pope Francis doesn’t always sound like Mr. Nice Guy
Pope Francis doesn’t always sound like Mr. Nice Guy: It’s an interesting question to ask why many media prefer to play up Francis as the Good Cop to Benedict’s Bad Cop, as did Rolling Stone’s adoring cover story. Fair guesses would include his “Who am I to judge” remark about gays, plus his disdain for the elaborate trappings of past popes.
Another likely reason was the disdain for Benedict by many in the media. Both as pope and as former head of doctrine for the Roman Catholic Church, Benedict hung tough on traditional values: marriage, sexuality, birth control, a celibate male priesthood. His successor would have to be better, wouldn’t he?
Even knowing Francis’ occasional harshness, though, one writer did hit back, with an odd blend of self-deprecation and self-congratulation. Andrew Brown of The Guardian specifically likened reporters to dung-loving bluebottle flies — though he also blamed his subjects for serving up the crap.
Another likely reason was the disdain for Benedict by many in the media. Both as pope and as former head of doctrine for the Roman Catholic Church, Benedict hung tough on traditional values: marriage, sexuality, birth control, a celibate male priesthood. His successor would have to be better, wouldn’t he?
Even knowing Francis’ occasional harshness, though, one writer did hit back, with an odd blend of self-deprecation and self-congratulation. Andrew Brown of The Guardian specifically likened reporters to dung-loving bluebottle flies — though he also blamed his subjects for serving up the crap.
Some standards and concerns that Jesus will NOT have on the Day of Judgment
Some Standards and Concerns Jesus will NOT have on the Day of Judgment � Archdiocese of WashingtonPOPE: We human beings tend to assess our relative status and success based on things like money, possessions, popularity, career and power. If I am wealthy, and well-connected, if I have a large house with the great room, the cathedral ceilings, Granite counter tops, and numerous widescreen TVs, (even in strange places like the bathroom), if I have a glamorous career instead of a “demeaning” job, if I have good looks, (Through big hair,cosmetics and even plastic surgery)… All of this from a worldly perspective, means that I am successful, that my life has reached it’s goal, that I have made it to the top.
10 things you need to know today: February 20, 2014
10 things you need to know today: February 20, 2014 - The Week: Ukraine's truce with protesters is short-lived, Facebook buys WhatsApp, and more...
Courage, creativity urged as cardinals begin talks on family issues
John Thavis | Courage, creativity urged as cardinals begin talks on family issuesTHAVIS: Pope Francis this morning opened a two-day discussion of cardinals on the family, saying the church’s pastoral response to modern problems must be marked by intelligence, courage and love.
Here’s the key quote from the pope’s talk to about 150 cardinals gathered at the Vatican:
Our reflections must keep before us the beauty of the family and marriage, the greatness of this human reality which is so simple and yet so rich, consisting of joys and hopes, of struggles and sufferings, as is the whole of life. We will seek to deepen the theology of the family and discern the pastoral practices which our present situation requires.
Here’s the key quote from the pope’s talk to about 150 cardinals gathered at the Vatican:
Our reflections must keep before us the beauty of the family and marriage, the greatness of this human reality which is so simple and yet so rich, consisting of joys and hopes, of struggles and sufferings, as is the whole of life. We will seek to deepen the theology of the family and discern the pastoral practices which our present situation requires.
Here's why everybody should chill out about the ‘Noah’ movie
Everybody chill out about the ‘Noah’ movie |Blogs | NCRegister.comGREYDANUS: So what’s the deal with the Noah movie?
Does it replace the message of the Bible story with a message created by Hollywood?
Is Russell Crowe’s Noah an environmentalist wacko? Is God a monster out to eradicate humanity entirely?
Get a grip, people.
Some background:
Questions about the movie, a passion project of filmmaker Darren Aronofsky, have been swirling since it was first announced years ago. Aronofsky says he’s been obsessed with the Noah story since seventh grade, when he won an award for a poem he wrote about it. Apparently he’s been noodling concepts for a feature film since high school.
Does it replace the message of the Bible story with a message created by Hollywood?
Is Russell Crowe’s Noah an environmentalist wacko? Is God a monster out to eradicate humanity entirely?
Get a grip, people.
Some background:
Questions about the movie, a passion project of filmmaker Darren Aronofsky, have been swirling since it was first announced years ago. Aronofsky says he’s been obsessed with the Noah story since seventh grade, when he won an award for a poem he wrote about it. Apparently he’s been noodling concepts for a feature film since high school.
Pope Francis appoints Springfield priest as new Bishop of Wichita, names auxiliary bishop for Miami
Whispers in the Loggia: Wichita Lands A Lincoln – Springfield VG to Kansas... and For Miami, An Island Aux.PALMO: As Pope Francis' first Consistory revs up, the longest Stateside vacancy has likewise been resolved: at Roman Noon, Papa Bergoglio named Msgr Carl Kemme (left), 53, vicar-general of Springfield in Illinois, as bishop of Wichita.
In the Kansas post leading 125,000 Catholics – home to one of the nation's largest crops of seminarians, a rare tuition-free school system funded through active stewardship and all around, an unusually energized ecclesial hotspot – Kemme succeeds Michael Jackels, who was named archbishop of Dubuque last April in one of Francis' first major US appointments.
In the Kansas post leading 125,000 Catholics – home to one of the nation's largest crops of seminarians, a rare tuition-free school system funded through active stewardship and all around, an unusually energized ecclesial hotspot – Kemme succeeds Michael Jackels, who was named archbishop of Dubuque last April in one of Francis' first major US appointments.
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
How to kickstart your prayer life...
Aggie Catholics: Kick-Starting Your Prayer LifeLEJEUNE: All of us have difficulties with prayer and we have to understand this is normal. Prayer is a relationship and one that takes a lot of work to get even to the point of even being OK.
In many ways prayer is like any other relationship. Many of us start out basing it, in many ways, on good experiences and emotions. This, as in a romantic relationship, is a good thing, because it helps bring two people closer together. But, real love can only be fostered once we stop relying on emotional highs and great experiences. Once the emotions leave, we must decide to love the other person for their own sake, not what they do for us. Real love is choosing what is best for another regardless of the cost to myself.
In many ways prayer is like any other relationship. Many of us start out basing it, in many ways, on good experiences and emotions. This, as in a romantic relationship, is a good thing, because it helps bring two people closer together. But, real love can only be fostered once we stop relying on emotional highs and great experiences. Once the emotions leave, we must decide to love the other person for their own sake, not what they do for us. Real love is choosing what is best for another regardless of the cost to myself.
There's a right way and a wrong way to refute Sola Scriptura. Here's the wrong way...
The Bad Evangelist Club: How NOT to Refute Sola Scriptura | Catholic Lane: Any debate around Sola Scriptura will focus on 2 Timothy 3:14-17, which goes as follows:
But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it, and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings which are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.� All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
When a Protestant reads this passage, he will argue something along the following:� We see here clearly that the Scriptures are inspired by God.� Not just ‘inspired’, but God-breathed.� The very words of Scripture are God speaking to man.� Since we nowhere see oral tradition classified as ‘God speaking to man’ in a manner that is substantively different from what is in the Scriptures, Protestants are justified in believing Sola Scriptura.
But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it, and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings which are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.� All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
When a Protestant reads this passage, he will argue something along the following:� We see here clearly that the Scriptures are inspired by God.� Not just ‘inspired’, but God-breathed.� The very words of Scripture are God speaking to man.� Since we nowhere see oral tradition classified as ‘God speaking to man’ in a manner that is substantively different from what is in the Scriptures, Protestants are justified in believing Sola Scriptura.
What to expect when you're no longer expecting...
What to Expect When You’re No Longer Expecting | Truth & Charity The Intersection of Faith & LifeGREEN: You may feel terribly, terribly alone, even when you are surrounded by friends and family and even knowing that God is with you. �Don’t give in to the loneliness. �That is the surest way to not heal.
It’s hard to write about losing a baby. �It’s hard to talk about it. �But, the way I see it is this: If my writing about it here can help someone else who has suffered through the same situation in silence, then it becomes a little bit easier. �In sharing my sufferings, I feel as if I’m sharing in Christ’s sufferings, and isn’t that what we’re supposed to be doing, as Christians? �Sharing each other’s sufferings and helping each other along the way of holiness?
It’s hard to write about losing a baby. �It’s hard to talk about it. �But, the way I see it is this: If my writing about it here can help someone else who has suffered through the same situation in silence, then it becomes a little bit easier. �In sharing my sufferings, I feel as if I’m sharing in Christ’s sufferings, and isn’t that what we’re supposed to be doing, as Christians? �Sharing each other’s sufferings and helping each other along the way of holiness?
Western civilization is a dead man walking. Here’s why...
Western Civilization is a Dead Man Walking. Here’s Why.HAMILTON: It slipped past quietly, while we were ordering roses for Valentine’s Day and chattering about the latest political gaffe story.
Even those who watch these things were distracted by the stench of death rising from Belgium in the wake of their parliament’s vote to allow doctors to euthanize children and people with dementia.
It got lost, mostly, in the many federal court rulings hacking down votes of the people concerning marriage in the various states. These decisions keep coming with the click-click-click of falling dominoes as unelected judges flatten the will of the people.
We didn’t notice that one of these federal judges reached up and switched off the light.
Even those who watch these things were distracted by the stench of death rising from Belgium in the wake of their parliament’s vote to allow doctors to euthanize children and people with dementia.
It got lost, mostly, in the many federal court rulings hacking down votes of the people concerning marriage in the various states. These decisions keep coming with the click-click-click of falling dominoes as unelected judges flatten the will of the people.
We didn’t notice that one of these federal judges reached up and switched off the light.
Euthanasia law prompts Russian parliamentarians to propose ban on Belgian adoptions
Russian Parliamentarians Propose Ban on Belgian Adoptions | ZENIT - The World Seen From Rome: Russian parliamentarians have asked Russia’s foreign ministry to study the recently passed law allowing child euthanasia in Belgium to decide if its citizens should be legally banned from adopting Russian minors.
A 1990 U.N. Convention is coming back to bite the Catholic Church
Beyond the Papal States - Denver Catholic RegisterWEIGEL: When the Holy See signed the U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1990, a friend knowledgeable in legal matters said, with considerable vehemence, that the Convention was a snare and a delusion that would eventually come back to bite the Vatican.
The bite came earlier this month, in a deeply tendentious report from the Geneva-based U.N. Committee on the Rights of the Child. The Committee, as might have been expected, flogged the Holy See for alleged inadequacies in responding to the abuse crisis. But it did not stop there. The Committee also demanded that the Church “review its position on abortion” and amend Canon Law “with a view to identifying circumstances under which access to abortion services can be permitted.” And that the Church work to “overcome all barriers and taboos surrounding adolescent sexuality” by, among other things, increasing “access to family planning and contraceptives.” And that the Church concede that its teaching on the morality of homosexual acts leads to “social stigmatization and violence.” And that Canon Law be changed so that the definition of “family” is altered “to recognize the diversity of family settings.” And that the Church take seriously the child’s “right” to sass (i.e., “freely express their views” to) parents and other adults.
The bite came earlier this month, in a deeply tendentious report from the Geneva-based U.N. Committee on the Rights of the Child. The Committee, as might have been expected, flogged the Holy See for alleged inadequacies in responding to the abuse crisis. But it did not stop there. The Committee also demanded that the Church “review its position on abortion” and amend Canon Law “with a view to identifying circumstances under which access to abortion services can be permitted.” And that the Church work to “overcome all barriers and taboos surrounding adolescent sexuality” by, among other things, increasing “access to family planning and contraceptives.” And that the Church concede that its teaching on the morality of homosexual acts leads to “social stigmatization and violence.” And that Canon Law be changed so that the definition of “family” is altered “to recognize the diversity of family settings.” And that the Church take seriously the child’s “right” to sass (i.e., “freely express their views” to) parents and other adults.
Orthodox chants: Who is saying what in Kiev right now?
Orthodox chants: Who is saying what in Kiev right now?MATTINGLY: The images continue to pour out of Kiev only now there are flames rising high over the lovely public squares I first visited in 2009, while speaking at a Ukrainian conference on religion and the news. While there, I wrote this column — “Religion ghosts in Ukraine” — about a tense public event involving then President President Viktor Yushchenko.
Here is a rather long passage, linked to ways in which the churches of Ukraine are divided along some of the same lines as the culture itself
Here is a rather long passage, linked to ways in which the churches of Ukraine are divided along some of the same lines as the culture itself
Benedict and Francis are wholly and fully Christ’s, first and foremost, and therefore they are imbued with holy radicalism...
The Tenderness of Francis: No, that’s Benedict! NO WAY!SCALIA: A few weeks ago I found myself in the middle of a dust-up on social media. A supposed “fan” of Pope Benedict made a remark that, in light of what I know of the Pope Emeritus from my reading, made no sense to me. So I asked this rather cranky anonymous entity about it, and there ensued a very strange conversation; the more I quoted Benedict to this person, the angrier he or she became with me.
It was the tenderness of Benedict that seemed to be throwing this person off.
It was the tenderness of Benedict that seemed to be throwing this person off.
Recalling euthanasia's legacy of death...
Recalling Euthanasia’s Legacy of Death | Crisis MagazineRUTLER: On February 13, when the Belgian Chamber of Deputies approved by a vote of 86 to 44 an amendment to its 2002 euthanasia law, extending its provisions to include the killing of children, a man in the gallery cried out, “Murderers!”� Again, no one mentioned the cry, but there was an awkward silence until the man himself was silenced for exhibiting bad taste.� He had dared to remove the linguistic fig leaf from the euphemism “euthanasia.”� A euphemism covers shame, a timid confession by syntax rather than by sacrament, for a euphemism wants approval and not absolution.
Vigilante shopper: Utah mom buys entire stock of obscene t-shirts...
VIGILANTE SHOPPER: Utah Mom Buys Entire Stock of Obscene T-shirtsSCHIFFER: A Utah mom who was upset about a line of indecent t-shirts featured in the window at a local store solved the problem in a unique way: She bought them all.
Judy Cox was shopping with her teenage son at University Mall in the city of Orem, about 40 miles south of Salt Lake City, when they saw a provocative new line of t-shirts in the window at PacSun store. The shirts from the “Visual by Van Styles” line, intended for young men, featured semi-nude women in suggestive poses. At least two of the shirts, Cox reported to Utah news station KUTV 2, were in violation of Orem City’s decency code, since women’s buttocks were clearly visible.
Judy Cox was shopping with her teenage son at University Mall in the city of Orem, about 40 miles south of Salt Lake City, when they saw a provocative new line of t-shirts in the window at PacSun store. The shirts from the “Visual by Van Styles” line, intended for young men, featured semi-nude women in suggestive poses. At least two of the shirts, Cox reported to Utah news station KUTV 2, were in violation of Orem City’s decency code, since women’s buttocks were clearly visible.
Dr. Kevin Hunt, brother of Hollywood actress Bonnie Hunt, brings Christ's healing to Uganda's poor
Dr. Kevin Hunt and Nicole Schreiner Bring Medicine & Compassion to Uganda’s PoorROSSI: Several pregnant women about to give birth lay on a cold cement floor, shivering due to fever and malaria. That sight prompted Chicago doctor Kevin Hunt to add an unexpected new direction to his life.
As I wrote about in a blog post last year, Dr. Hunt traveled to Northern Uganda in 2007 at the request of Father Sam Okori, an African priest working in his parish while in the United States taking pre-med classes. Father Sam’s goal was to become both a priest and a doctor so he could return to his home diocese of Lira and minister to the vast medical and spiritual needs of his people. He asked Dr. Hunt to visit Northern Uganda with him, so the American could see first-hand the challenges of life there.
As I wrote about in a blog post last year, Dr. Hunt traveled to Northern Uganda in 2007 at the request of Father Sam Okori, an African priest working in his parish while in the United States taking pre-med classes. Father Sam’s goal was to become both a priest and a doctor so he could return to his home diocese of Lira and minister to the vast medical and spiritual needs of his people. He asked Dr. Hunt to visit Northern Uganda with him, so the American could see first-hand the challenges of life there.
Two more Roman Curia heads confirmed in their jobs
John Thavis | Two more Roman Curia heads confirmed in their jobsTHAVIS: On Wednesday, we saw another sign that there’s a new “normal” at the Vatican these days.
The Vatican announced that Pope Francis has confirmed two top Roman Curia department heads in their current jobs: Cardinal Leonardo Sandri as prefect of the Congregation for Eastern Churches and Cardinal Kurt Koch as president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity.
The Vatican announced that Pope Francis has confirmed two top Roman Curia department heads in their current jobs: Cardinal Leonardo Sandri as prefect of the Congregation for Eastern Churches and Cardinal Kurt Koch as president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity.
Pope's Wednesday audience: "Be courageous and go to confession. If it has been a long time, don't lose another day"
Pope: Be courageous, go to confession :: Catholic News Agency (CNA): Acknowledging a popular objection to the sacrament, Pope Francis noted, “someone can say, ‘I confess my sins only to God.’ Yes, you can say to God, ‘forgive me,’ and say your sins. But our sins are also against our brothers, against the Church. This is is why it is necessary to ask forgiveness of the Church and of our brothers, in the person of the priest.”
10 things you need to know today: February 19, 2014
10 things you need to know today: February 19, 2014 - The Week: The CBO says a minimum wage hike would have mixed results, Ukraine's uprising has its deadliest day yet, and more...
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Ukraine in flames
Ukraine in Flames | National Review OnlineWEIGEL: Early in the evening of February 18, Bishop Borys Gudziak of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church went to the tent-chapel in Kiev’s Independence Square, where he prayed with other clergymen and then read publicly a statement by his superior, Major-Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk. The statement said that the government of president Viktor Yanukovych bore “total responsibility” for the violence that had broken out across Kiev hours before.
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