Wednesday, April 30, 2014
5 important points regarding a married priesthood in the West...
Five points regarding a married Roman priesthood | In the Light of the LawEDPETERS: Not since the 16th century—and probably not since the 4th—has the question of married priests in the Roman Church been so widely considered. Hardy a day goes by without another voice questioning or another story challenging clerical celibacy. At least some of the controversy over celibacy is the result of, I have argued, recent Roman decisions (as opposed to Roman rhetoric) facilitating the ordination of tens of thousands of married men (including thousands to priesthood). But, whatever is driving the discussion, the Church must, sooner than later, decide which of two paths she will take regarding celibacy. Her decision now will probably settle the matter for many centuries, perhaps even till Jesus comes again.
The future of Protestantism
The future of Protestantism | Brianna HeldtHELDT: Last night my husband and I got the kids tucked into bed delightfully early, and kicked back to watch some really smart guys argue about the future of Protestantism. We may or may not have also enjoyed a drink (that’s us saying cheers and clinking bottles–thank you Brandon and Alex for leaving the extras behind on Sunday!), and some jelly beans and Cadbury Eggs. Because we are just that fancy. And it goes to show that sometimes it’s better to watch at home, because I don’t think you’re allowed to have drinks at BIOLA...
Pope Francis creates special commission of cardinals to address renegade Catholic university in Peru
Pope creates cardinal commission to address Peruvian university :: Catholic News Agency (CNA): The Apostolic Nunciature in Peru announced that Pope Francis has created a Commission of Cardinals to find a solution to the case of the former Pontifical Catholic University of Peru.
“In the absence of the Apostolic Nuncio, it is my duty to inform you that the Holy Father has established a Commission of Cardinals whose mission will be to find a definitive consensual solution – within the framework of the Apostolic Constitution Ex Corde Ecclesiae – to the question of the former Pontifical Catholic University of Peru,” the administrator of the nunciature, Father Jose Antonio Teixeira Alves, wrote to Cardinal Juan Luis Cipriani of Lima.
“In the absence of the Apostolic Nuncio, it is my duty to inform you that the Holy Father has established a Commission of Cardinals whose mission will be to find a definitive consensual solution – within the framework of the Apostolic Constitution Ex Corde Ecclesiae – to the question of the former Pontifical Catholic University of Peru,” the administrator of the nunciature, Father Jose Antonio Teixeira Alves, wrote to Cardinal Juan Luis Cipriani of Lima.
18 unforgettable restaurants with unique surroundings
18 Unforgettable Restaurants with Unique Surroundings �TwistedSifter: From high in the sky to under the sea, these 18 restaurants with unique surroundings are a feast for the eyes. Whether you’re stepping into the past or gazing as far as the eye can see, these restaurants are sure to provide a memorable dining experience for your next meal.
Does FIAT really stand for "Fix It Again Tony"? The real meanings of 32 famous car names...
New Advent: Does FIAT really stand for "Fix It Again Tony"? The real meanings of 32 famous car names...: From Mental Floss' weekly show where knowledge junkies get their fix of trivia-tastic information. This week, John Green looks at the origins of many popular brand and model car names...
It is a matter of historical record that executions are quite often botched...
A Brief History of Botched Executions in America: The turn to drugs hoped to make things less obviously gruesome. It has never, not completely, worked out that way. Raymond Landry, executed in 1988, also spent more than 40 minutes on the gurney groaning before he died; the catheter had popped out. John Wayne Gacy, the serial killer, saw his execution halted when the drugs unexpectedly solidified in the tubes delivering them.
Convulsions, moaning, coughing, gasping: these are words commonly used to describe the last moments of these killers. It's a hard business to kill healthy human beings, in the end, no matter how well you scrub the room, and how expertly the catheter is inserted. And there is an important symbolism in the way that when these things go wrong, as they did with Lockett, the authorities close the blinds and try to hide the actual suffering from view.
Convulsions, moaning, coughing, gasping: these are words commonly used to describe the last moments of these killers. It's a hard business to kill healthy human beings, in the end, no matter how well you scrub the room, and how expertly the catheter is inserted. And there is an important symbolism in the way that when these things go wrong, as they did with Lockett, the authorities close the blinds and try to hide the actual suffering from view.
On the power of personal witness in priestly ministry
On the Power of Personal Witness in Priestly Ministry � Archdiocese of WashingtonPOPE: I was at a meeting of the Seminary Council today for one of our diocesan seminaries. It is the Redemptoris Mater Seminary that is currently training almost thirty of our Washington men for priestly Ministry. Four men are currently stepping forward for Holy Orders this Spring and they each spoke to the Council, seeking our prayers and recommendation to the Cardinal.
Jennifer Fulwiler's new memoir is even better than I expected...
Something Other Than God: Jennifer Fulwiler's New Memoir |Blogs | NCRegister.comFISHER: Converts like to talk about their past lives, before they found God. A good many professional converts make a tidy sum out of shocking people with their former depravity, and then dazzling them with their current sanctity. It's almost as if they want to drive home the point: I used to be subhuman, before I found God. But look at me now! �I'm human! I'm a real boy.
If you have ever read Jennifer Fulwiler's blog or heard her speak, it will not surprise you that this is not the story she tells in her debut book, Something Other Than God: How I Passionately Sought Happiness and Accidentally Found It (Ignatius).� Instead, one of the threads that winds through this spiritual memoir is the idea that we are all real -- atheist or Catholic. We all have stories.�
If you have ever read Jennifer Fulwiler's blog or heard her speak, it will not surprise you that this is not the story she tells in her debut book, Something Other Than God: How I Passionately Sought Happiness and Accidentally Found It (Ignatius).� Instead, one of the threads that winds through this spiritual memoir is the idea that we are all real -- atheist or Catholic. We all have stories.�
Stephen Colbert completes the Catholic takeover of late-night comedy
A Catholic takeover of late-night comedy: Comedian Stephen Colbert at times jokingly refers to himself as America’s most famous Catholic. But as he prepares to make the transition from cable TV star to host of CBS’s “The Late Show” next year, he will find himself competing with a full slate of faithful funnymen on the late-night talk show scene.
CBS announced in early April that Colbert, who has anchored Comedy Central’s cable news spoof “The Colbert Report” since 2005, will be the successor to “Late Show” host David Letterman upon his retirement at an undisclosed date, likely in early 2015. The news followed the debut of another Catholic, Jimmy Fallon, as the host of NBC’s “The Tonight Show” in February. Fallon, who replaced the retiring Jay Leno, is a product of Catholic education who was raised in a devout Irish Catholic family.
CBS announced in early April that Colbert, who has anchored Comedy Central’s cable news spoof “The Colbert Report” since 2005, will be the successor to “Late Show” host David Letterman upon his retirement at an undisclosed date, likely in early 2015. The news followed the debut of another Catholic, Jimmy Fallon, as the host of NBC’s “The Tonight Show” in February. Fallon, who replaced the retiring Jay Leno, is a product of Catholic education who was raised in a devout Irish Catholic family.
Novenas are specific and persistent expressions of trust in God, not magic formulas...
The Power of NovenasFENELON: For many, a novena is thought of as something magical that people do when they want something from God. Many pray novenas when they are in need, but they don’t always get what they want — at least, they don’t always get it in the manner in which they wanted it.
“Novenas aren’t for controlling God, but for opening ourselves to God in order to increase our faith and grow in love of God and neighbor,” said Redemptorist Father Jim White.
“Novenas are about inner healing, obtaining special graces, transformation and growing in virtue and holiness.”
“Novenas aren’t for controlling God, but for opening ourselves to God in order to increase our faith and grow in love of God and neighbor,” said Redemptorist Father Jim White.
“Novenas are about inner healing, obtaining special graces, transformation and growing in virtue and holiness.”
What every Catholic needs to know about vasectomies...
Vasectomy and the Catholic Church: Search Engine Q&A | Quartermaster of the Barque: The Church is clear: faithful Catholics are bound to follow Church teaching. The intended outcome of vasectomies and tubal ligations is to render a person permanently infertile. It is an objective sin, and likely an actual mortal sin for anyone with a well-formed conscience. In the context of marriage, where sex between husband and wife is promoted as a positive good, vasectomy constitutes the removal of the life-giving capacity of sexual expression, which is an essential element of God’s plan for marriage, and sex.
After botched execution, Archbishop Coakley of Oklahoma City laments culture of death
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Archdiocese of Oklahoma City: On April 29, in McAlester, Okla., the planned execution of convicted killer Clayton Lockett utilizing a new three-drug lethal injection protocol failed, leaving Lockett evincing unexpected signs of pain and leading Oklahoma prison officials to halt the proceedings. Lockett later died of a heart attack.
Today, the Most Rev. Paul S. Coakley, Archbishop of Oklahoma City, said the unprecedented execution underscores the brutality of the death penalty and urged Oklahomans to weigh carefully the demands of justice and mercy.
Today, the Most Rev. Paul S. Coakley, Archbishop of Oklahoma City, said the unprecedented execution underscores the brutality of the death penalty and urged Oklahomans to weigh carefully the demands of justice and mercy.
The Los Angeles Times offers readers a simple, one-sided take on the Vatican
LATimes offers readers a simple, one-sided take on VaticanMATTINGLY: Who is hidden behind the words “hardly anyone”? Any names?
How about that loaded term “liberal reformers”? Any names in particular, other than “The Vatican Diaries” author John Thavis, whose words dominate the crucial framework passages of the story? Yes, the editor of the progressive Catholic newspaper The Tablet shows up, but what about the voices of a few traditional Catholic scribes or shepherds?
So, to sum up, read the whole piece and (Catholic readers please chime in) list the on-the-record voices. Who, in the list, represents an orthodox Catholic perspective? Who represents the orthodox side of the debate, in a church that — the story admits this — stands on centuries of Catholic doctrine and tradition?
How about that loaded term “liberal reformers”? Any names in particular, other than “The Vatican Diaries” author John Thavis, whose words dominate the crucial framework passages of the story? Yes, the editor of the progressive Catholic newspaper The Tablet shows up, but what about the voices of a few traditional Catholic scribes or shepherds?
So, to sum up, read the whole piece and (Catholic readers please chime in) list the on-the-record voices. Who, in the list, represents an orthodox Catholic perspective? Who represents the orthodox side of the debate, in a church that — the story admits this — stands on centuries of Catholic doctrine and tradition?
Two siblings learn about the baby. One is a story of joy, one of loss...
Two Siblings Learn About the Baby: One Is a Story of Joy, One of LossSCHIFFER: This morning, I happened to read two very different stories about siblings who had just learned of a brother or sister.
The first article is the story of Claire Culwell, a survivor of abortion. �Claire’s mother became pregnant at the age of 13 and decided to have an abortion; but she didn’t know that she was pregnant with twins. �One child, a boy, was aborted at twenty weeks; but the abortionist failed to abort a twin girl still in the womb. �When the error was realized, it was too late to have an abortion; and Claire’s mother went on to give birth to her and gave her up for adoption.
The first article is the story of Claire Culwell, a survivor of abortion. �Claire’s mother became pregnant at the age of 13 and decided to have an abortion; but she didn’t know that she was pregnant with twins. �One child, a boy, was aborted at twenty weeks; but the abortionist failed to abort a twin girl still in the womb. �When the error was realized, it was too late to have an abortion; and Claire’s mother went on to give birth to her and gave her up for adoption.
The new saint, John Paul II, paved the path for the beatification of Blessed John Henry Newman
The New Saint, John Paul II, paved the path for the beatification of Blessed John Henry NewmanVELEZ: Every century has a few great men or women who shine as light for their contemporaries: an Augustine in the 4th century, a Charlemagne in the 9th century, a Catherine of Siena in the 14th century. In the 20th century John Paul II stands out as one of these along with Blessed Teresa of Calcutta and St. JosemarÃa Escrivá to name a few. Men do not become saints; God makes saints with men’s cooperation. And the saints teach us how to use our intellect and freedom to love God and to love men for his sake.
New clues reveal Harvard professor's "Gospel of Jesus' Wife" to be a fake
New clues cast doubt on 'Gospel of Jesus' Wife' – CNN Belief Blog - CNN.com Blogs: It seemed real; it seemed fake; it seemed real again; now we’re back to fake.
"It” is the controversial little scrap of papyrus, written in Coptic, that seems to have Jesus referring to “my wife,” in contrast to the traditional stance that affirms Jesus’ perpetual bachelorhood.
The quick backstory: In 2012, a Harvard professor, Karen King, brought this papyrus to the attention of scholars and the public.
Both the material and the script looked authentically ancient at first glance, and though the notion of Jesus having a wife was remarkable, these “lost” Christian writings, such as the Gnostic Gospels, are full of unorthodoxies.
"It” is the controversial little scrap of papyrus, written in Coptic, that seems to have Jesus referring to “my wife,” in contrast to the traditional stance that affirms Jesus’ perpetual bachelorhood.
The quick backstory: In 2012, a Harvard professor, Karen King, brought this papyrus to the attention of scholars and the public.
Both the material and the script looked authentically ancient at first glance, and though the notion of Jesus having a wife was remarkable, these “lost” Christian writings, such as the Gnostic Gospels, are full of unorthodoxies.
Islamists crucify two men in Syria (warning: graphic photos)
Islamic Extremists Now Crucifying People in Syria—and Tweeting Out the Pictures - The Daily Beast: Public crucifixions are mostly ceremonial these days, staged rituals that some Christian communities enact as part of their Easter observance. But the real thing may be returning to Syria. Two men were reportedly crucified in Raqqa on Tuesday, their bloody corpses displayed in the center of a town controlled by the most severe of Syria’s Islamist factions.
"Totus Tuus": The key to understanding St. John Paul the Great
Tim Drake | Catholic PulseDRAKE: Karol Wojtyla’s entrustment to Mary occurred at a young age. Born May 18, 1920, the young Karol lost his mother Emilia just prior to his ninth birthday. The day after her funeral, Karol’s father, took him and his older brother to an outdoor shrine, telling them that the Blessed Virgin Mary would look after them until they could be reunited with their mother in Heaven.
In the intervening years, the young Karol took his first pilgrimage to Czestochowa, home of the Pauline Monastery of Jasna Góra and the painting of the Black Madonna, Our Lady of Czestochowa and a popular Polish shrine to the Virgin Mary.
In the intervening years, the young Karol took his first pilgrimage to Czestochowa, home of the Pauline Monastery of Jasna Góra and the painting of the Black Madonna, Our Lady of Czestochowa and a popular Polish shrine to the Virgin Mary.
False teachers are like brute beasts
False Teachers Are Like Brute BeastsLONGENECKER: When considering the depravity of our times it is easy to imagine that things are worse now than they’ve ever been. What is most shocking in our time is not only the corruption, greed, sexual immorality and depravity, but that so much of it has been accepted by the leaders of Christian churches.
They actually endorse greed, divorce, sexual immorality, abuse of the poor, perversity, disobedience to parents, rebellion and all sorts of unimaginable depravity. They do so, all in the name of so-called Christian love and acceptance. Furthermore, they twist the scriptures, seduce the young, parade their immorality and lead souls to destruction while pretending to be good, nice, respectable Christian people. They are the epitome of false teachers: vain, arrogant and self righteously distorting the glorious gospel of Christ.
They actually endorse greed, divorce, sexual immorality, abuse of the poor, perversity, disobedience to parents, rebellion and all sorts of unimaginable depravity. They do so, all in the name of so-called Christian love and acceptance. Furthermore, they twist the scriptures, seduce the young, parade their immorality and lead souls to destruction while pretending to be good, nice, respectable Christian people. They are the epitome of false teachers: vain, arrogant and self righteously distorting the glorious gospel of Christ.
Jesus’ charter and mandate for the Church
Jesus’ Charter and Mandate for the Church � Archdiocese of WashingtonPOPE: The proclamation of the Church, is that we speak to you of what we know, that is, what we have experienced. And to emphasize, Jesus adds that the proclamation of the Church is not simply what we know, but what we have “seen.” And here too,� a tangible experience is referred to. This is not simply the recitation of ancient formulas, but of ancient truths,� presently experienced;� seen. In other words, the Church can raise her hand and swear to the truth of all the Jesus has said and done, because she knows it, that is she experiences it; and has seen it, that is to say, has witnessed it occurring in her very sight.
How Jennifer Fulwiler found her way from atheism to the "long lost home" of Catholicism
From Atheism to Catholicism: An Interview with Jennifer Fulwiler (Video) | Strange NotionsVOGT: In Augustine's Confessions, the first Western autobiography ever written, we discover the probing journey of a brilliant man, traveling through a maze of philosophies before emerging into the light of Christianity. The destination brought him to tears for though he sensed Christianity to be true, it was the last place he expected to turn.
Years later, when Oxford professor C.S. Lewis embarked on his own pursuit of truth, he too ended up at Christianity, converting with great hesitancy: "I gave in, and admitted that God was God ... perhaps that night the most dejected and reluctant convert in all England."
And then there was Jennifer Fulwiler. When Jennifer stood in a Catholic Church on Easter 2007, preparing to become Catholic, there was hardly a more unlikely convert. Born and raised in a skeptical home, which valued Carl Sagan more than Jesus, Jennifer developed an ardent atheism. She rejected God and joyously mocked religion.
Years later, when Oxford professor C.S. Lewis embarked on his own pursuit of truth, he too ended up at Christianity, converting with great hesitancy: "I gave in, and admitted that God was God ... perhaps that night the most dejected and reluctant convert in all England."
And then there was Jennifer Fulwiler. When Jennifer stood in a Catholic Church on Easter 2007, preparing to become Catholic, there was hardly a more unlikely convert. Born and raised in a skeptical home, which valued Carl Sagan more than Jesus, Jennifer developed an ardent atheism. She rejected God and joyously mocked religion.
Pope's Wednesday Audience: "Through the Gift of Understanding the Holy Spirit dispels the darkness of our minds"
Pope at General Audience: The gift of understanding: Under clear blue skies Wednesday, tens of thousands attended Pope Francis general audience, the first since the great canonization of the two Pope Saints on Sunday, the second in his series on the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
After touring at length through the throngs in his open top jeep, the Holy Father took to the raised dias before St Peter’s basilica for his catechesis, this week focusing on the second of these gifts: Understanding.
After touring at length through the throngs in his open top jeep, the Holy Father took to the raised dias before St Peter’s basilica for his catechesis, this week focusing on the second of these gifts: Understanding.
10 things you need to know today: April 30, 2014
10 things you need to know today: April 30, 2014 - The Week: The NBA bans Clippers owner Donald Sterling for life, Oklahoma inmate dies in botched execution, and more...
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
It's hard to grasp just how profoundly shattering the first Easter was for those who witnessed it...
The difference Easter made - Denver Catholic RegisterWEIGEL: One of the striking things about the Easter and post-Easter narratives in the New Testament is that they are largely about incomprehension: which is to say that, in the canonical Gospels, the early Church admitted that it took some time for the first Christian believers to understand what had happened in the Resurrection, and how what had happened changed everything. In Roman Pilgrimage: The Station Churches (Basic Books), I draw on insights from Anglican biblical scholar N.T. Wright and Pope Benedict XVI to explore the first Christians’ unfolding comprehension of Easter and how it exploded their ideas of history and their place in history.
You live in an age of miracles
You live in an age of miracles - Denver Catholic RegisterAQUILA: Two nights before the canonization, I was having dinner, and a priest approached me with a huge smile on his face and a look of pure joy in his eyes. He had noticed I was a bishop and wanted to tell me how happy he was that he was going to be able to concelebrate Mass with Pope Francis at the canonization. He was actually ordained in 1957 by Pope John XXIII when he was the Archbishop of Venice. He showed me a black and white photo of his ordination and could not have been more overjoyed at the wonder of being able to celebrate the canonization.
I'm a Lutheran pastor who is utterly captivated by the papacy. Like it or not, Protestants need the pope...
Protestants Need the Pope | THE JAGGED WORD: You may not want to admit that Protestantism needs the papacy, but it does...
Which movies are safe for your kids to watch? Common Sense Media can tell you...
Common Sense Media Warns Parents (And Kids) of Adult Content in Movies: The site includes Independent reviewers and experts talking about the content of each movie, highlighting things like abusive language, violence, nudity or other materials meant for adults. There's also a rating based on parameters like positive messages, positive role models, violence, sex, consumerism, drinking, drugs and smoking. Putting together all of these and other aspects of the movie, different ages are given a rating for the movie: red is inappropriate, amber is a parent's call, and green is appropriate.
Cardinal Bertone defends himself against accusations of luxury
Cardinal Bertone defends himself against accusations of luxury :: Catholic News Agency (CNA): In an open letter, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone has addressed accusations that he had angered Pope Francis with his “luxurious” new residence, saying he and the Pope are on good terms.
“I am personally grateful to Pope Francis for having called me April 23 to express his solidarity and his disappointment for the media attacks about the apartment, of which he had been informed as soon as the article was published,” the emeritus Secretary of State wrote in an open letter published in the magazines of the archdioceses of Vercelli and Genoa, both of which he led for a time.
“I am personally grateful to Pope Francis for having called me April 23 to express his solidarity and his disappointment for the media attacks about the apartment, of which he had been informed as soon as the article was published,” the emeritus Secretary of State wrote in an open letter published in the magazines of the archdioceses of Vercelli and Genoa, both of which he led for a time.
Supported by a mountain of evidence, the Big Bang theory manifests the power of a loving God...
Reclaiming the Big Bang as the story of creation | Star Tribune: Teaching many Catholic students over the last decade, I’ve been struck by how often my students have said: “I don’t believe in the Big Bang. I believe in God.” � They had absorbed the lessons of both TV science shows and too many religion classes that keep God and his creation in separate compartments. � The reboot of the “Cosmos” television show has replaced the pomposity of Carl Sagan with the affability of Neil deGrasse Tyson. But it still consists of the stunning video backdrop of God’s grand universe described by a smug materialist scientist who shrugs his shoulders at causes and purposes. In the name of science he misdirects our attention to the shrunken reality dealt with in the approved experiments of the official science bureaus. � But about 14 billion years ago there was a great event. In a few seconds, amid an inconceivable release of energy at the highest temperature in the history of nature, all the protons, neutrons and electrons that make up the physical universe appeared from a point density which had contained them all.
China accused of anti-Christian campaign as Sanjiang church demolition begins
China denies declaring war on Christians after mega-church is razed - Telegraph: Communist Party officials have rejected claims they have launched an orchestrated campaign to slow the spread of Christianity in China, after demolition teams razed a church in a city known as the "Jerusalem of the East".
The Sanjiang church in Wenzhou, a wealthy coastal city in Zhejiang province with one of China's largest Christian populations, was reduced to rubble on Monday night after excavators spent the day tearing parts of the building down.
Congregants accused the provincial government, which is controlled by Xia Baolong, an ally of Xi Jinping, the Chinese president, of promoting an orchestrated anti-church campaign in order to slow Christianity's rapid growth.
The Sanjiang church in Wenzhou, a wealthy coastal city in Zhejiang province with one of China's largest Christian populations, was reduced to rubble on Monday night after excavators spent the day tearing parts of the building down.
Congregants accused the provincial government, which is controlled by Xia Baolong, an ally of Xi Jinping, the Chinese president, of promoting an orchestrated anti-church campaign in order to slow Christianity's rapid growth.
My message from Heaven to stay awake and pray the Rosary
Patti Maguire Armstrong: My Message from Heaven to Stay Awake and Pray the RosaryARMSTRONG: When I was around ten years old, my parents decided to pray a family rosary one evening. It was the first time ever. �
We knelt together in the living room and began. But before finishing the first decade, things began to break down.� I don’t recall the specifics but making faces and giggling were involved.� My mother declared it a failure, and we never prayed one again during my childhood, although years later my parents became very devoted to it.
�Many years later, when I was the mother with three young boys and expecting a fourth, I read a book about Marian apparitions and realized that the Blessed Mother has asked us to pray the rosary daily.
We knelt together in the living room and began. But before finishing the first decade, things began to break down.� I don’t recall the specifics but making faces and giggling were involved.� My mother declared it a failure, and we never prayed one again during my childhood, although years later my parents became very devoted to it.
�Many years later, when I was the mother with three young boys and expecting a fourth, I read a book about Marian apparitions and realized that the Blessed Mother has asked us to pray the rosary daily.
Here's the inside scoop on St. John Paul II's love of gelato and the quaint little shop where he got it...
Saint John Paul II's Favorite "Guilty Pleasure" - Aleteia: We made our way down a cobbled side street in central Rome. Arriving at our a quaint old building, we met with Nazzareno Giolitti, who was about to reveal Saint John Paul II's favorite guilty pleasure. ��
The spirited fellow welcomed us “Italian style” with a hearty handshake, a kiss on each cheek and a twinkle in his eye.�
“It began like this,” he recounted, “A man who is now no longer with us, who kept a bar near the Vatican pharmacy, one day came face to face with Pope Wojtyla, who had gone out to take a coffee.” Indeed it is legend here in Rome that John Paul II often took little trips out of the Vatican incognito: a little walk here, a coffee there.
The spirited fellow welcomed us “Italian style” with a hearty handshake, a kiss on each cheek and a twinkle in his eye.�
“It began like this,” he recounted, “A man who is now no longer with us, who kept a bar near the Vatican pharmacy, one day came face to face with Pope Wojtyla, who had gone out to take a coffee.” Indeed it is legend here in Rome that John Paul II often took little trips out of the Vatican incognito: a little walk here, a coffee there.
Saint Catherine of Siena – Mystic of the Incarnate Word...
Saint Catherine of Siena – Mystic of the Incarnate Word | TOM PERNA™PERNA: In 1347, on the Feast of the Annunciation, Saint Catherine was born in Siena, Italy. Along with her twin sister who died at birth, they were the youngest of twenty-five children born to Giacomo Benincasa, and his wife, Lapa. Catherine was described as a very holy young girl who was always happy. At the age of six years old, she had a profound mystical experience. It was through this experience that she would consecrate herself as a virgin to God and which also defined her vocation.
Can we afford married priests?
We Can’t Afford Married Priests?LONGENECKER: The question of whether a married man with a family can have the time to be a priest and whether the Catholic Church can afford it is altered tremendously when you remember that a Catholic priest who is a young fertile man with a young fertile wife will be obliged to be an example to his flock and live according to the teachings of the church. That means no artificial contraception. That will probably mean not just a professional wife with the standard suburban 2.5 children, but a happy brood of young Catholics.
Now that changes the picture no? Is the parish willing to support that kind of Catholic priest? Are they ready to build bigger rectories, pay for orthodontics, Catholic school and college? The big brood reduces father’s availability and the possibility that mother will go out to work to bring added income.
Now that changes the picture no? Is the parish willing to support that kind of Catholic priest? Are they ready to build bigger rectories, pay for orthodontics, Catholic school and college? The big brood reduces father’s availability and the possibility that mother will go out to work to bring added income.
Last week, two friendly Jehovah’s Witnesses showed up at the door of my rectory...
One Bible, Many Interpretations | Parishable ItemsFELTES: In my personal experience, advocates of Mormon polytheism, Oneness Pentecostal modalism, or Jehovah’s Witnesses Arianism-esque theology have all been sincere, friendly, rational, and not unintelligent people. They were all well-versed in the Bible, regarded it as God’s infallible Word, and used it to support their beliefs. They all proudly claimed the name of “Christian.” However, the undeniable fact that their theologies contradict each other proves that these admirable personal traits are not enough to guarantee a true understanding of the Christian Faith. The problem is that there seems to be more than one possible internally-coherent interpretation of the Bible. Just as texts out of context can suggest several defensible, though incorrect, meanings; interpreting biblical texts outside the context of Christ’s one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church leads to many errors.
How are Sarah Palin's comments about baptism offensive? Let me count the ways...
Gobsmacked by Sarah PalinHAMILTON: Aside from the issue of using torture against our enemies, baptism is a sacrament. It is the sacrament of initiation into life as a Christian. It washes away our sins. We were directly commanded by Our Lord “to go to all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.”
What was former Governor Palin thinking, to use this wonderful sacrament of forgiveness, healing and salvation as a one-off in a speech dedicated to hate, violence and the torture of human beings?
What was former Governor Palin thinking, to use this wonderful sacrament of forgiveness, healing and salvation as a one-off in a speech dedicated to hate, violence and the torture of human beings?
Without virtue, sex at once seems trivial (like scratching an itch) and momentous (like worshiping a god)
Where Is the Virtue? | Crisis MagazineESOLEN: A sentinel watches upon the battlements. The air is raw and cold, and it seems to have penetrated to his knees and ankles and the shoulder upon which he rests his rifle. But he paces his rounds, hour after long hour. He peers into the little glooming light showing in the east. He turns again and faces the west, where the clouds are just beginning to reflect the slightest tinge of purple. He listens. All the sounds of the darkness are familiar to him, and bespeak the order of the early dawn. A thrush trills from the copse beside the river. The swallows have left their roosts and are beginning to twitter as they fly. A cock from a nearby farm crows. Yet if he hears a single sound made by man—a footstep, the roll of a wheel—he turns, his eyes narrow, he shifts his hands along the rifle, and he listens. He is a good sentinel.
Sarah Palin’s shocking remark warrants reparation, not applause
Sarah Palin’s remark warrants reparation, not applause | In the Light of the LawEDPETERS: Whether one is a left-wing looney who becomes unhinged upon simply seeing this woman who loves her family and her country or is a right-wing yahoo who looks on her as some sort of high priestess of traditional values, Sarah Palin’s statement that, if she were in charge, “waterboarding is how we’d baptize terrorists” should shock the conscience...
10 things you need to know today: April 29, 2014
10 things you need to know today: April 29, 2014 - The Week: The U.S. hits Putin allies with sanctions, sponsors flee the Clippers over racist comments, and more...
Monday, April 28, 2014
I want to start with a simple statement of fact. All Christian life is a paradox. What I mean is this...
Without gloss: Francis of Assisi and Western Catholicism - Catholic PhillyCHAPUT: Holy means “other than.” It means different from the world; set apart from the profane; sacred.� The saints are ordinary men and women — persons with every kind of talent, weakness and personality — who took a different path, one step at a time, away from the routine habits of the world.� They fell in love with God.� They followed him.� They conformed their lives to him in simple ways that became extraordinary ways.� And now their example and their intercession give us hope that we can do the same.
Arbor Day seems like a good excuse to talk about Terrence Malick's "The Tree of Life"
Through a Glass Brightly: Arbor Day as an Excuse to Write About "The Tree of Life"WALES: If you've been following my blog for a while, you'll notice that I like to write about things when they are relevant to the culture and/or the calendar. It's a way of living liturgically that I've long enjoyed. I've wanted to write about my favorite movie of all time, The Tree of Life, since it first graced me with its existence three years ago. My mom joked that I should write about it on Arbor Day, so here we are.
I saw the trailer for Terrence Malick's masterpiece in the early spring of 2011. It had been one year since I had left my exciting job at a high-profile university in order to stay home full time with my firstborn son.
I saw the trailer for Terrence Malick's masterpiece in the early spring of 2011. It had been one year since I had left my exciting job at a high-profile university in order to stay home full time with my firstborn son.
Council of Cardinals meets this week for fourth time to discuss reform of Roman Curia
Council of Cardinals meeting this week for fourth time :: Catholic News Agency (CNA)GAGLIARDUCCI: The latest meeting of the group of eight cardinals advising Pope Francis on the reform of the Roman Curia began Monday, and will continue for the following two days.
The meeting, held April 28-30, follows previous meetings held in February, December, and October.
The Council of Cardinals was instituted by Pope Francis shortly after his election, to aid him in governing the Church and to revise “Pastor Bonus”, the apostolic constitution governing Rome’s curia.
The meeting, held April 28-30, follows previous meetings held in February, December, and October.
The Council of Cardinals was instituted by Pope Francis shortly after his election, to aid him in governing the Church and to revise “Pastor Bonus”, the apostolic constitution governing Rome’s curia.
So what was that remarkable "day of the four popes" all about anyway? Don't ask these journalists...
Only one vision of the complex lives of two Vatican II saintsMATTINGLY: So, St. John Paul II — many are already replacing that numeral with “the Great” — was not working for peace all of those years in the pressure cooker that was Eastern Europe, before and after the Nazis and Communists? He was not seeking justice when he talked about the Culture of Death and defined that in terms of Catholic doctrines protecting the sacred nature of the lives of the weak, the poor, the defenseless, the unborn and the elderly?
Pseudepigrapha is a really cool word...
Pseudepigrapha |Blogs | NCRegister.comSHEA: One of the marks of a lot of early fake Christian (and Jewish) literature as that they are pseudepigrapha: they almost always claim to be by some important Heavy Hitter in the early Christian community: Mary Magdalene, Philip, James, Peter, Thomas.
The reasons for this are not far to seek, though we moderns (who habitually believe that anybody making religious claims is a fraud and a liar) tend to batten on one reason: namely, when you are trying to get your lie across, it helps to attribute your lie to Trusted Authority Figure.
That is, to be sure, a real motivator. And so the gnostics constantly invent gospels to communicate their version of what Talking Head Jesus says on behalf of the particular gnostic sect's teaching--and then attribute it to Thomas, Philip, Judas, or Whoever. Even more amazing is that moderns--subjecting the canonical gospels to a searching and ridiculously skeptical scrutiny that no other ancient document comes close to receiving--then turn to the obvious fabrications of the gnostics with the credulity of a five year old and declare them real sources of information about the Historical Jesus that, as the saying goes "challenge the claims of the Official Church".
The reasons for this are not far to seek, though we moderns (who habitually believe that anybody making religious claims is a fraud and a liar) tend to batten on one reason: namely, when you are trying to get your lie across, it helps to attribute your lie to Trusted Authority Figure.
That is, to be sure, a real motivator. And so the gnostics constantly invent gospels to communicate their version of what Talking Head Jesus says on behalf of the particular gnostic sect's teaching--and then attribute it to Thomas, Philip, Judas, or Whoever. Even more amazing is that moderns--subjecting the canonical gospels to a searching and ridiculously skeptical scrutiny that no other ancient document comes close to receiving--then turn to the obvious fabrications of the gnostics with the credulity of a five year old and declare them real sources of information about the Historical Jesus that, as the saying goes "challenge the claims of the Official Church".
Is the papacy according to the media overshadowing the real papacy?
MondayVatican – Vatican � Pope Francis: Is the papacy according to the media overshadowing the real papacy? | MondayVaticanGAGLIARDUCCI: In his last meeting with Roman clergy, Benedict XVI spoke about a �Second Vatican Council of the media and a real Second Vatican Council,� complaining that the media wanted to set the agenda of the Conciliar fathers. Nowadays something similar is happening again, with respect to Pope Francis’ papacy. One could speak about a papacy according to the media and a real papacy. On one side, there is Pope Francis, who has carried on the mission of the Church, even having as a secret and trusted advisor Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. On the other hand, there stands Pope Francis’ pontificate as the media has portrayed it. A media exploiting every information gap to construct an image of the pontificate which goes far beyond anything that Francis has said or done. The media’s agenda for the Church is mostly focused on two topics: the issue of divorced and remarried, and the Curia reform.
10 things you need to know today: April 28, 2014
10 things you need to know today: April 28, 2014 - The Week: Obama announces more sanctions on Russia, tornadoes kill 17 in Arkansas and Oklahoma, and more...
What do the Ms on M&Ms stand for, and how do they get them on there?
What Do the Ms on M&M's Stand For, and How Do They Get Them on There? | Mental Floss: In the early 1900s, Forrest Mars, Sr., the son of Chicago candy maker and Snickers bar creator Franklin Clarence Mars, worked his way through Europe learning the ins and outs of the candy business. He worked for Nestle. He worked for Tobler. He started his own little factory in England. He sold some of his father’s brands. Most importantly, he found inspiration. According to confectionery lore, Mars was in Spain during the Spanish Civil War and noticed treats frequently placed in soldiers’ rations.
Heaven is for real. But does the popular movie get it right?
Heaven is for Real. But some say the popular movie by this title seems little-related to the real Heaven, the real Jesus, or the real Scriptures � Archdiocese of WashingtonPOPE: A recent popular movie entitled Heaven is for Real is probably well-intentioned, but according to some it taps into many modern errors related to death, judgment, Heaven, and Hell. We have discussed in the past on this blog some of the many modern errors related to these issues.
Chief among these modern errors is the notion of “universalism,” which accords the vast majority, if not practically everyone, the reward of Heaven. But of course this notion runs directly contrary to Scripture, which says that many will be lost. And while we cannot assign percentages or make judgments in individual cases, nevertheless we ought not entertain the fanciful notion that “many” being lost actually means “just a few,” let alone “hardly anyone at all.”
Chief among these modern errors is the notion of “universalism,” which accords the vast majority, if not practically everyone, the reward of Heaven. But of course this notion runs directly contrary to Scripture, which says that many will be lost. And while we cannot assign percentages or make judgments in individual cases, nevertheless we ought not entertain the fanciful notion that “many” being lost actually means “just a few,” let alone “hardly anyone at all.”
Is God dead? Have we killed Him?
Is God Dead? Have We Killed Him? | Crisis MagazineSTAUDT: Nietzsche isn’t exactly the kind of guy you expect to show up in a papal encyclical. All the more so does it seem odd to refer to him as a prophet. Nonetheless, recent popes have referred to him somewhat often, using him as a referent for our current social and philosophical situation. In one of his few audiences, John Paul I referred to Nietzsche’s lack of sympathy for the Christian ideal...
Masses of thanksgiving offered for Sts. John XXIII and John Paul II
Masses of thanksgiving for Saints John XXIII and John Paul II: Two Masses of thanksgiving took place on Monday morning for the two new saints who were canonised by Pope Francis in St Peter’s Square on Sunday.
In the same square in front of St Peter’s Basilica, thousands of mainly Polish pilgrims gathered for Mass celebrated by the Archpriest of the Basilica, Cardinal Angelo Comastri, to give thanks for the life and lengthy pontificate of Pope John Paul II.
In his homily Cardinal Comastri said the new saint John Paul II had the courage to proclaim openly his faith in Christ at a moment in history when people were living as if God did not exist. Noting that as his body became weaker, his witness became stronger, Cardinal Comastri described the faith of Karol Wojtyla as “authentic and free from fear or compromise”. In particular he noted the former pope’s courageous defense of the family and the dignity of human life, but also his opposition to the two Gulf wars and his tireless struggle for peace among peoples and nation. Finally the Cardinal spoke of the Polish pope’s special attention to young people and his total dedication to Mary, into whose loving hands he entrusted his whole life.
In the same square in front of St Peter’s Basilica, thousands of mainly Polish pilgrims gathered for Mass celebrated by the Archpriest of the Basilica, Cardinal Angelo Comastri, to give thanks for the life and lengthy pontificate of Pope John Paul II.
In his homily Cardinal Comastri said the new saint John Paul II had the courage to proclaim openly his faith in Christ at a moment in history when people were living as if God did not exist. Noting that as his body became weaker, his witness became stronger, Cardinal Comastri described the faith of Karol Wojtyla as “authentic and free from fear or compromise”. In particular he noted the former pope’s courageous defense of the family and the dignity of human life, but also his opposition to the two Gulf wars and his tireless struggle for peace among peoples and nation. Finally the Cardinal spoke of the Polish pope’s special attention to young people and his total dedication to Mary, into whose loving hands he entrusted his whole life.
Sts. John XXIII and John Paul II looked upon the wounds of Christ and bore witness to his mercy...
Whispers in the Loggia: The Legacy of Saints John and John Paul: "A Church of Mercy, Which Always Hopes, Forgives and Loves"COATOFARMS: At the heart of this Sunday, which concludes the Octave of Easter and which John Paul II wished to dedicate to Divine Mercy, are the glorious wounds of the risen Jesus.
He had already shown those wounds when he first appeared to the Apostles on the very evening of that day following the Sabbath, the day of the resurrection. But, as we heard, Thomas was not there that evening, and when the others told him that they had seen the Lord, he replied that unless he himself saw and touched those wounds, he would not believe.
He had already shown those wounds when he first appeared to the Apostles on the very evening of that day following the Sabbath, the day of the resurrection. But, as we heard, Thomas was not there that evening, and when the others told him that they had seen the Lord, he replied that unless he himself saw and touched those wounds, he would not believe.
VIDEO: Mass for the Canonization of Sts. John XXIII and John Paul II (declaration at 47:20 mark)
Canonization of John XXIII and John Paul II - YouTube: On the Second Easter Sunday, Pope Francis presides over the Holy Mass for the Canonization of the Blessed John XXIII and John Paul II, St. Peter's Square.
Sunday, April 27, 2014
10 things you need to know today: April 27, 2014
10 things you need to know today: April 27, 2014 - The Week: Pope Francis presides over a historic dual canonization, South Korea's Prime Minister resigns, and more...
For young Catholics around the world, St. John Paul II stood out like a light in the darkness...
New Advent: For young Catholics, St. John Paul II stood out like a light in the darkness...STEFANICK: When Pope John Paul II was coming to Denver in 1993, reporters were predicting an absolute failure. They thought he might be able to get 20,000 people to show up. But 750,000 Catholic young people came to Cherry Creek State Park to celebrate their faith with the Holy Father. I was one of them. Apparently none of us had gotten the memo that the Church was irrelevant and out of touch with the needs of young people.
"I learned how to serve by serving a saint": Former Swiss Guard Mario Enzler recalls his years with St. John Paul II...
NH man guarded Pope who became a saint today | New Hampshire Religion: Hundreds of thousands of people will descend on Vatican City today to witness the canonization of two former Popes, John Paul II and John XXIII.
Mario Enzler won't know what it feels like to be among them, but as a former member of the Vatican's Swiss Guard, he knows what it feels like to have protected a soon-to-be saint.
"To me, there is sadness to not physically be there, but huge happiness because these two men, I knew that they were saints," Enzler said Saturday from his office at New England Classical Academy in Claremont, where he is headmaster.
Mario Enzler won't know what it feels like to be among them, but as a former member of the Vatican's Swiss Guard, he knows what it feels like to have protected a soon-to-be saint.
"To me, there is sadness to not physically be there, but huge happiness because these two men, I knew that they were saints," Enzler said Saturday from his office at New England Classical Academy in Claremont, where he is headmaster.
Time Magazine: Why science does not disprove the existence of God
Why Science Does Not Disprove God | TIME.com: A number of recent books and articles will have you believe that—somehow—science has now disproved the existence of God. We know so much about how the Universe works, their authors claim, that God is simply unnecessary: we can explain all the workings of the Universe without the need for a “creator.”
A few images from the "Day of Four Popes"
A few images from the Canonization | Fr. Z's Blog: The Prefect for the Congregation for the Causes of Saints asks the Pope three times in urgent terms to inscribe the names of blesseds in the “album” of the saints.
Church organists see influence fading in secularized Great Britain; many are relocating to America
Once Top Musicians, Organists See Loss of Relevance - NYTimes.com: Next door to the Royal Albert Hall here is an impressive building that is still sometimes referred to as the Royal College of Organists — as indeed it was in the days when organists had weight to throw around and needed premises that told you so. Founded in 1864, the college was grand, its membership as powerful as that of any London club, and its examinations recognized throughout the world.
The college, struggling for income, moved out long ago to cheaper digs. And now the body is what its president, Catherine Ennis, euphemistically calls “virtual”: another word for homeless, and a sad condition to be in on its 150th anniversary.
The college, struggling for income, moved out long ago to cheaper digs. And now the body is what its president, Catherine Ennis, euphemistically calls “virtual”: another word for homeless, and a sad condition to be in on its 150th anniversary.
At the canonization: 1 pope, 1 pope emeritus, 20 kings and queens and heads of state, and 500,000 pilgrims...
Vis: Vatican Information Service: Half a million people attended the ceremony held this morning in St. Peter's Square for the canonisation of the “two Pope saints”: John XXIII and John Paul II. Since it was opened to the public at 5 a.m., the square and its environs were filled with faithful from all over the world; Polish pilgrims, however, constituted one of the largest groups. The event was also attended by delegations from over a hundred countries, more than twenty Heads of State and many figures from the world of politics and culture, including the King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia of Spain, King Albert II and Queen Paola of Belgium, Prince Hans-Adam II of Liechtenstein, Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg, the ex-president of the Republic of Poland Lech Walesa, the president of the Argentine parliament Julian Dominguez and the presidents of the European Union, Herman Van Rompuy, and the European Commission, Jose Manuel Barroso. The celebration was also attended by Floribeth Mora Diaz and Sister Adele Labianca, the carer of Caterina Capitani – the two women who experienced the miracles attributed to John Paul II.
This canonization ceremony used a revised rite that was very similar to the one used prior to Pius XII...
RORATE C�LI: A reminder about today's canonization ceremony: These two formulae, or any formula more or less explicitly saying the same things, were present neither in the post-1969 rite of canonization, nor (to our knowledge) in the rites of canonization prior to the main liturgical reforms of the 1960's. Anyone can see the significance of these little formulae to the continuing question of the infallibility of canonizations -- the act of canonization is now explicitly included in the immunity of the Supreme Magisterium from error.�
Some will protest that these words do not amount to an Apostolic Constitution, or a dogmatic tome, or an infallible decree spoken by the mouth of the Holy Father himself. Fair enough; but they are part of the liturgy of canonization, these words "put into context", so to speak, the formula of canonization that the Pope is about to pronounce. One can even say that these remind him of the extent of his authority just before he exercises it. These two formulae therefore cannot be lightly dismissed, and any future critique of the canonizations of John XXIII and John Paul II will have to take these into account.�
Some will protest that these words do not amount to an Apostolic Constitution, or a dogmatic tome, or an infallible decree spoken by the mouth of the Holy Father himself. Fair enough; but they are part of the liturgy of canonization, these words "put into context", so to speak, the formula of canonization that the Pope is about to pronounce. One can even say that these remind him of the extent of his authority just before he exercises it. These two formulae therefore cannot be lightly dismissed, and any future critique of the canonizations of John XXIII and John Paul II will have to take these into account.�
Two popes, two saints, two more reasons to be happy...
John Thavis | Love and mercy: the unity theme of the two-pope canonizationTHAVIS: I’ve maintained that the double canonization is a unifying move by Pope Francis, an attempt to build a bridge between constituencies in the church who identify with the “liberal” John XXIII or the more “conservative” John Paul II.
I still believe that’s true. But among those in today’s crowd, and probably throughout the global Catholic population, that kind of analysis was not all that relevant.
I still believe that’s true. But among those in today’s crowd, and probably throughout the global Catholic population, that kind of analysis was not all that relevant.
"We declare and define John XXIII and John Paul II to be Saints, decreeing that they are to be venerated...”
Popes John Paul II, John XXIII officially declared saints :: Catholic News Agency (CNA): In a packed St. Peter's Square at the Vatican on Divine Mercy Sunday, Pope Francis officially declared former pontiffs John Paul II and John XXIII as Saints.
Watch canonization ceremony live on Vatican YouTube Channel
Canonization of John XXIII and John Paul II - YouTube: On the Second Easter Sunday, Pope Francis presides over the Holy Mass for the Canonization of the Blessed John XXIII and John Paul II, St. Peter's Square.
John XXIII, John Paul II and their love affair with Rome
John XXIII, John Paul II and Their Love Affair With Rome | Daily News | NCRegister.comGAGLIARDUCCI: The churches of Rome are staying open all night Saturday to welcome pilgrims on the eve of the canonizations of Popes John XXIII and John Paul II. The Vicariate of Rome prepared liturgical services in 11 churches and in several languages, ranging from Italian to Arabic and including Spanish, English, French, Portuguese and Polish.
The liturgical office of the Vicariate of Rome prepared three liturgical events of prayer: the Office of the Readings of the Second Sunday of Easter; the Lucernario (skylight), a traditional rite that is celebrated Saturday evening after the sunset, waiting for the light of Sunday to come; and a Eucharistic celebration followed by a time of Eucharistic adoration.
The liturgical office of the Vicariate of Rome prepared three liturgical events of prayer: the Office of the Readings of the Second Sunday of Easter; the Lucernario (skylight), a traditional rite that is celebrated Saturday evening after the sunset, waiting for the light of Sunday to come; and a Eucharistic celebration followed by a time of Eucharistic adoration.
Watch canonization ceremony live on EWTN
EWTN Multimedia - Live: Thanks to the ongoing support of viewers like you, EWTN is able to work day and night to bring you the best in quality Catholic programming whether it's on EWTN television, EWTN Radio, or streaming on our ever-expanding, interactive website, EWTN.com.
John XXIII's 'Journal of a Soul' was written over the course of 67 years...
NCRegister | ‘Journal of a Soul’ Reflects John XXIII’s Generous ServiceLILLES: John was elected in 1958, at the threshold of 77 years of age. Journal of a Soul gives us a glimpse into John XXIII’s firsthand knowledge and intense introspection regarding being a Catholic in the face of human suffering and growth of atheism in post-war Europe. His involvement early on in his priesthood with the Society for the Propagation of the Faith inspired in him missionary zeal and a dynamic vision. His diplomatic assignments placed him at the forefront of ecumenical efforts with the Eastern Churches. He was also aware that the whole Church was in need of renewed vitality if she was to be faithful to her mission. In an understated way, he marched toward the announcement of the Second Vatican Council, even as he made his way in service of the Church with "no preconceived plans."
Watch canonization ceremony live on Salt + Light TV
LIVE Television Feed | Salt Light Television: On April 27, 2014 Salt + Light Television will broadcast, live from Rome, the Ceremony of Canonization for Pope John XXIII and Pope John Paul II. This historic event can be watched at the following times...
Saturday, April 26, 2014
30 surprising facts about Pope John Paul II
The Sacred Page: Surprising Facts about John Paul IIBARBER: This Sunday is going to be a Pope-A-Poluza.
Pope Francis will canonize two popes--John Paul II and John XXIII. There are also reports that Benedict XVI will be concelebrating the mass with Pope Francis.
That means we will have two living popes concelebrating a Mass (one, obviously, a "Pope Emeritus" because there can be only one functioning Roman Pontiff) at which two other popes will be made saints.
Suffice it to say, this is a historic weekend!
Pope Francis will canonize two popes--John Paul II and John XXIII. There are also reports that Benedict XVI will be concelebrating the mass with Pope Francis.
That means we will have two living popes concelebrating a Mass (one, obviously, a "Pope Emeritus" because there can be only one functioning Roman Pontiff) at which two other popes will be made saints.
Suffice it to say, this is a historic weekend!
I had the privilege of working for Blessed John Paul II for nine years...
Clearing the Waters | Web Exclusives | Daily Writings From Our Top Writers | First ThingsCONLEY: As a young priest, I worked in the Vatican’s Congregation for Bishops, and my boss, or perhaps my boss’s boss, was Pope John Paul II.
I won’t forget those years. John Paul II possessed an undeniable gravitas: His sanctity, and generosity, and joy absolutely filled a room. He was funny, and humble, and open. He was among the Church’s greatest theologians and philosophers, and at the same time, he was a pastor of souls: a lover of conversation, and folk culture, and pious worship.
During my time in Rome, the Church was still unpacking the meaning of the Second Vatican Council. After a council, theologians and bishops seek to implement new approaches and ideas, while retaining the continuity of our history and tradition. It’s a tenuous balance. Of course, some approaches are very good, and others are unreasonable, unsound, or unpractical.
I won’t forget those years. John Paul II possessed an undeniable gravitas: His sanctity, and generosity, and joy absolutely filled a room. He was funny, and humble, and open. He was among the Church’s greatest theologians and philosophers, and at the same time, he was a pastor of souls: a lover of conversation, and folk culture, and pious worship.
During my time in Rome, the Church was still unpacking the meaning of the Second Vatican Council. After a council, theologians and bishops seek to implement new approaches and ideas, while retaining the continuity of our history and tradition. It’s a tenuous balance. Of course, some approaches are very good, and others are unreasonable, unsound, or unpractical.
Seek the Lord where He may be found...
Seek the Lord Where He May Be Found – A Homily for the Second Sunday of Easter � Archdiocese of WashingtonPOPE: In today’s Gospel, we see that the Risen Lord appeared to the apostles, who were gathered together in one place. The fact that they were gathered in one place is not without significance, for it is there that the Lord appears to them. One of them, as we shall see, was not in the gathering, and thus missed the blessing of seeing and experiencing the risen Lord. It might be said that Thomas, the absent disciple, “blocked” his blessing.
“Low” Sunday, “Mercy” Sunday, “Quasimodo” Sunday, Sunday “in albis”
WDTPRS “Low” Sunday, “Mercy” Sunday, “Quasimodo” Sunday, Sunday “in albis” | Fr. Z's BlogZUHLSDORF: This Sunday has many nicknames.� In the post-Conciliar calendar it is the “Second Sunday of Easter (or of Divine Mercy)”.� It is also called “Thomas Sunday” (because of the Gospel reading about the doubting Apostle), and “Quasimodo Sunday” (from the first word of the Introit), and “Low Sunday”.
This is also the conclusion of the Octave of Easter, during which we halted our liturgical clocks and contemplated the mysteries we celebrated from different points of view.
This is also the conclusion of the Octave of Easter, during which we halted our liturgical clocks and contemplated the mysteries we celebrated from different points of view.
What's with our cold-calling pope? I don't care...
What’s With Our Cold-Calling Pope? I Don’t Care.HAMILTON: I’m sort of loggy and hung over from long days at work this week.
Maybe that’s why.
Maybe that’s not why.
Maybe it’s because of something else.
All I know is that I don’t care if Pope Francis called a woman in Argentina and told her she could take communion. If he did, ok. If he didn’t, that’s ok, too.
Whatever he said or didn’t say, it was a personal conversation between priest and person, not The Pope, speaking from the Chair of Peter and defining the faith for the entire Church.
I am all worn out from the legislative wars of this week. I am also at a loss about how to keep my mother on an even keel while I’m at work and away from her for so many hours. She is, in this in particular, like a small child. She gets separation anxiety when I’m out of sight for too long and nothing can fix it but time with me.
Maybe that’s why.
Maybe that’s not why.
Maybe it’s because of something else.
All I know is that I don’t care if Pope Francis called a woman in Argentina and told her she could take communion. If he did, ok. If he didn’t, that’s ok, too.
Whatever he said or didn’t say, it was a personal conversation between priest and person, not The Pope, speaking from the Chair of Peter and defining the faith for the entire Church.
I am all worn out from the legislative wars of this week. I am also at a loss about how to keep my mother on an even keel while I’m at work and away from her for so many hours. She is, in this in particular, like a small child. She gets separation anxiety when I’m out of sight for too long and nothing can fix it but time with me.
Churches named for Blessed John Paul II get a new name this weekend
Churches Named for Blessed John Paul II Get a New Name This Weekend!SCHIFFER: In Hamtramck, Michigan, a Polish immigrant enclave in the center of Detroit, the parish of Blessed John Paul II was created in 2012 by the clustering of three churches: �Detroit’s Transfiguration-Our Lady Help of Christians and St. Louis the King, and Hamtramck’s St. Ladislaus.
In the Diocese of �Buffalo, parishioners at Blessed John Paul II Church worship in a modern building, with five wooden reliefs commemorating Pope John Paul II’s life on the wall behind the simple wooden altar.
Both parishes get a name change on Sunday, when Pope John Paul II is canonized.
In the Diocese of �Buffalo, parishioners at Blessed John Paul II Church worship in a modern building, with five wooden reliefs commemorating Pope John Paul II’s life on the wall behind the simple wooden altar.
Both parishes get a name change on Sunday, when Pope John Paul II is canonized.
Two Saints, One Church...
Whispers in the Loggia: Two Saints. One Church. One Call.PALMO: In the life of a church whose memory extends across two millennia and now comprises 1.2 billion souls, it's not often that one encounters the unprecedented.
As history goes, then, we've been spoiled – repeatedly – these last 14 months. And still, yet again, here we are: as never before, tonight brings the eve of the canonization of two Popes.
As history goes, then, we've been spoiled – repeatedly – these last 14 months. And still, yet again, here we are: as never before, tonight brings the eve of the canonization of two Popes.
Pope Francis emphasizes "indissolubility of Christian matrimony" in address to bishops
Pope emphasizes 'indissolubility of Christian matrimony' :: Catholic News Agency (CNA): Pope Francis on April 25 stressed the need for bishops and priests to give a “consistent witness” to Christian moral teaching, including the lifelong nature of Christian marriage, and to teach these truths “with great compassion.”
“The holiness and indissolubility of Christian matrimony, often disintegrating under tremendous pressure from the secular world, must be deepened by clear doctrine and supported by the witness of committed married couples,” Pope Francis said.
“The holiness and indissolubility of Christian matrimony, often disintegrating under tremendous pressure from the secular world, must be deepened by clear doctrine and supported by the witness of committed married couples,” Pope Francis said.
Benedict XVI to concelebrate at canonization mass
Benedict XVI to concelebrate at canonization mass :: Catholic News Agency (CNA): The Holy See’s press office has announced that retired pontiff Benedict XVI will be a concelebrant at Sunday’s mass and canonizations of John Paul II and John XXIII.
“Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI has accepted the invitation of Pope Francis to attend the canonization. He will concelebrate the mass, but not at the altar,” announced Vatican spokesman Fr. Federico Lombardi at a press conference on April 26.
The head of the Holy See’s press office went on to explain that due to his advanced age, the retired pontiff will be seated with the other cardinals under a special tent in case of inclement weather, rather than directly at the altar with Pope Francis.
“Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI has accepted the invitation of Pope Francis to attend the canonization. He will concelebrate the mass, but not at the altar,” announced Vatican spokesman Fr. Federico Lombardi at a press conference on April 26.
The head of the Holy See’s press office went on to explain that due to his advanced age, the retired pontiff will be seated with the other cardinals under a special tent in case of inclement weather, rather than directly at the altar with Pope Francis.
Friday, April 25, 2014
3 things Catholics need to confidently reclaim and own again
3 Things Catholics Need to Confidently Reclaim and Own Again - AleteiaMILLEGAN: I’m thinking of a person who describes himself as a Christian, gets his beliefs from the Bible, and has a passion for sharing Jesus with others. What kind of person comes to mind?
I bet the first thought most people have is an evangelical Protestant.
But not a Catholic.
And that’s a problem.
One of my more recent articles was an open letter to evangelicals. This one’s for Catholics.
How did we get here? Catholics are members of the Church that compiled the Scriptures, the Church of the great missionary saints and martyrs, the Church established by Christ himself - how did it come about that other people are more known for being evangelizing, Bible-believing Christians?
I bet the first thought most people have is an evangelical Protestant.
But not a Catholic.
And that’s a problem.
One of my more recent articles was an open letter to evangelicals. This one’s for Catholics.
How did we get here? Catholics are members of the Church that compiled the Scriptures, the Church of the great missionary saints and martyrs, the Church established by Christ himself - how did it come about that other people are more known for being evangelizing, Bible-believing Christians?
John Paul II was the perfect person to start a new wave of authentic feminism
JP2 on the New Feminism: Be Not Afraid. | CatholicVote.orgSOLENNI: This picture was taken early in the morning on November 9, 2001, the day after I received The Pontifical Academies Award for my dissertation on women, gender, and the Church. In many ways, this picture was years in the making. Most of my family and several of my friends came with me to Rome for the award. Unfortunately, they were not presented to the Holy Father when I received my award. Later that day, due to the persistence of one of my friends, I waited on hold with the Vatican operator...
Our Sunday Visitor looks at 9 major approved Marian apparitions
Our Lady, our guide: Nearly 2,000 years ago, the author of the Letter to the Hebrews wrote that “In times past, God spoke in partial and various ways to our ancestors through the prophets; in these last days, he spoke to us through a son” (Heb 1:1-2). God did not abandon the world after creating it; instead, he revealed himself to our first parents, made a covenant with Noah, chose Abraham to be the father of a multitude of nations and formed his people of Israel.
The success of the Knights of Columbus is built on Fr. McGivney’s charity
Knights’ success built on founder’s desire for charitySHAW: In many ways, Father Michael J. McGivney was just one more of that band of hardworking Irish-American priests who spent themselves building up the Church in America in the latter years of the 19th century. But in one truly extraordinary respect, he was unique: Before he was 30, Michael McGivney had founded what was to become the largest Catholic men’s organization in the world: the Knights of Columbus.
The clearly articulated teaching of Christ Jesus is now in the clutches of the Prince of the Air
Phone Fallout: Prince of the Air vs Jesus’ Teaching UPDATEDSCALIA: Among Francis’ numerous strengths is his clear reliance upon the Holy Spirit and the will of God; he demonstrates this whenever he wanders into crowds, or allows his car to be surrounded by people; he clearly believes that, from one minute to the next, whether he lives or dies is wholly in God’s hands, and so he doesn’t worry about it. That sort of faith is admirable and instructive to all of us, even if it gives his security detail fits.
When bringing that same trust into his cold calls, though, Francis doesn’t have the benefit of any pre-or-post security folk who can provide at least a modicum of crowd control. He talks to someone, that person (or someone nearby) throws it into Facebook and suddenly the “telephone” game begins and everything is unloosed — it is released unto the air, as it were — and that is one of the favorite battlegrounds of the devil, the “the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience”.
When bringing that same trust into his cold calls, though, Francis doesn’t have the benefit of any pre-or-post security folk who can provide at least a modicum of crowd control. He talks to someone, that person (or someone nearby) throws it into Facebook and suddenly the “telephone” game begins and everything is unloosed — it is released unto the air, as it were — and that is one of the favorite battlegrounds of the devil, the “the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience”.
"We are outraged": Oregon county puts stop to incinerating aborted babies for electricity
Oregon county puts stop to incinerating aborted babies for electricity: ‘we are outraged’ | LifeSiteNews.com: The Marion County Board of Commissioners announced late Wednesday that they are putting a stop to a waste-to-energy facility’s program that was incinerating aborted babies to produce electricity.
13 unusual details about the Resurrection that incline me to believe it
Man In the Woods: God in the Odd: 13 Unusual Details About the Resurrection That Incline Me To Believe ItCHAPMAN: If the Devil is in the details, then it may well be said that God is in the odd. What makes me inclined to believe the story of the resurrection is not merely the fact that the story happens to be a resolution of all the hopes and dreams of a dying humanity (though that would seem to be reason enough), but rather in the story's unpredictability. Interestingly, when I grade tests as a teacher, the easiest way to detect a cheater is not by comparing correct answers, but rather by comparing the wrong ones. After all, people that are making things up tend merely to mimic what has already been written.
A curious question about an emergency baptism
A Curious Question About an Emergency Baptism |Blogs | NCRegister.comSHEA: Don't know what the author would say about sugar water, but my guess is that somewhere or other (God knoweth where) some sacramental theologian has taken up some analogous question. If any of my readers knows, feel free to share.
For my part, I can’t help but think that the Church’s doctrine of ecclesia supplet (“The Church supplies”) matters here. My reader did the best he could in a sincere attempt to do the will of God. It seems to me that, in a Tradition where the unbaptized Good Thief can find salvation this, as well as something of the idea of the Baptism of Desire is at play here. But that’s just my guess. Whatever else is the case, it was nobly done and I trust that God heard your prayer and will answer it in whatever good fashion is best for the poor soul you were trying to help.
For my part, I can’t help but think that the Church’s doctrine of ecclesia supplet (“The Church supplies”) matters here. My reader did the best he could in a sincere attempt to do the will of God. It seems to me that, in a Tradition where the unbaptized Good Thief can find salvation this, as well as something of the idea of the Baptism of Desire is at play here. But that’s just my guess. Whatever else is the case, it was nobly done and I trust that God heard your prayer and will answer it in whatever good fashion is best for the poor soul you were trying to help.
A man is known by the books he reads, so here's a closer look at the Pope's favorite novel...
New Oxford Review: For all the attention paid to the Pope’s America interview, few people seem to have paid much attention to what Francis told his Jesuit interviewer about his favorite books. But if Emerson is right that “a man is known by the books he reads” (as well as by “the company he keeps”), then those still looking for clues about just who this Pope really is — and why he does and says the things he does and says — might want to read the novel that Francis himself says “gave me so much” and would seem to be his personal favorite.
In the interview, Pope Francis spoke of his love for a “diverse array of authors,” naming Dostoyevsky and Holderlin as among his favorites. But it seems clear that the one who holds a special place in his affections is the Italian Alessandro Manzoni, author of The Betrothed. It’s a book Francis says he has read three times, and it’s on his table to be read again. Francis associates The Betrothed with his beloved grandmother, a woman whom he describes as “a saint,” and who would quote it from memory (and which he himself proceeds to quote to the interviewer). Shouldn’t such a book reveal something about the mind and heart of this man, perhaps even shed some light on what he sees as the trajectory of his own Petrine ministry?
In the interview, Pope Francis spoke of his love for a “diverse array of authors,” naming Dostoyevsky and Holderlin as among his favorites. But it seems clear that the one who holds a special place in his affections is the Italian Alessandro Manzoni, author of The Betrothed. It’s a book Francis says he has read three times, and it’s on his table to be read again. Francis associates The Betrothed with his beloved grandmother, a woman whom he describes as “a saint,” and who would quote it from memory (and which he himself proceeds to quote to the interviewer). Shouldn’t such a book reveal something about the mind and heart of this man, perhaps even shed some light on what he sees as the trajectory of his own Petrine ministry?
It will take decades for the world to learn the full lessons of John Paul II's social magisterium
NCRegister | Freedom Lived Nobly: The Social Magisterium of John Paul IIWEIGEL: John Paul II is widely recognized as being the most politically consequential pope in centuries. He played a pivotal role in the Revolution of 1989 and the collapse of European communism. He helped bend the curve of history in Latin America away from military authoritarianism and toward democracy and the rule of law. He was instrumental in gathering a worldwide coalition of conscience that prevented the Clinton administration from achieving its goal of having abortion on demand declared a fundamental human right.
What the miracle at the Beautiful Gate reveals about your own spiritual journey
At the Gate Called “Beautiful.” What the Miracle by Peter and John Teaches us about our Spiritual Journey � Archdiocese of WashingtonPOPE: At the daily Masses of the Easter Octave, we have been reading about, among other things, the story of a paralyzed man whom Peter and John encounter just outside the Temple at the Gate called “Beautiful.” This paralyzed man’s story is our story and as we read it we learn something of our own spiritual journey to the Lord and to heaven, symbolized here by the Temple. Let’s look at this moving story, as it is not merely the recounting of an event taking place 2000 years ago; rather it is our story.
24 historic black and white photos, colorized by digital artists
24 Historic Black and White Photos Colorized �TwistedSifter: When we see old photos in black and white, we sometimes forget that life back then was experienced in the same vibrant colours that surround us today. This gallery of talented artists helps us remember just that.
4 Marine Corps combat leadership lessons every man should learn
4 Marine Corps Combat Leadership Lessons Every Man Should Learn | The Art of Manliness: I did two deployments to Afghanistan as a US Marine Corps logistics officer, and led hundreds of Marines, Sailors, Soldiers, and Airmen (and dogs) on dangerous resupply convoys, facing insurgent IEDs and ambushes. This isn’t something that anybody knows how to do instinctively. Leadership, whether in the most intense combat situations or everyday business here in the States, is a learned skill. In fact, I titled my book The Lieutenant Don’t Know, making light of everything that I had to be educated about.
Archaeologists find 2,000-year old chisel used to build Jerusalem's Western Wall
Archaeologists find 2,000-year old chisel used to build the Western Wall - Archaeology Israel News | Haaretz: Archaeologists have found a stonemason's chisel that they believe may have been used by the builders of the Western Wall in Jerusalem.
Actually Eli Shukron, an archaeologist working for the Israel Antiquities Authority, found the chisel last summer while digging at the lower base of the Western Wall, south of the Western Wall courtyard. However, the IAA has preferred to remain silent on the discovery, based on the need to study the tool and other evidence further before issuing any statements, it explained.
Actually Eli Shukron, an archaeologist working for the Israel Antiquities Authority, found the chisel last summer while digging at the lower base of the Western Wall, south of the Western Wall courtyard. However, the IAA has preferred to remain silent on the discovery, based on the need to study the tool and other evidence further before issuing any statements, it explained.
What really happened at Charlotte Catholic High School
What Really Happened at Charlotte Catholic HS | Crisis MagazineRUSE: The angry parents yelled and screamed and demanded for what was supposed to be an hour and a half but stretched into two and a half hours. Their cries were like cries of pain from deep within their souls. They were smart not to challenge Church teaching. Very few are willing to come right out and say they disagree with Church teaching, to announce they contracept, or believe in a woman’s right to abort, or that men who have sex with men can marry each other.
What I’m trying to say is: My book comes out on Tuesday!
What I’m trying to say is: MY BOOK COMES OUT ON TUESDAY!!!! | Conversion DiaryFULWILER: What you will read on Tuesday is not my first book, but my third or fourth. There were three full versions that were either scrapped or completely revised before even the rough draft of this final manuscript was completed.
What I didn’t understand when I began this process is that writing is like any other art form: Just as a painter couldn’t expect to capture the essence of a winter sunrise the first time he slapped paint on a canvas, an author can’t expect the first draft of a book to fully capture the real story.
What I didn’t understand when I began this process is that writing is like any other art form: Just as a painter couldn’t expect to capture the essence of a winter sunrise the first time he slapped paint on a canvas, an author can’t expect the first draft of a book to fully capture the real story.
Jon Krakauer: Sherpas, death, and anger on Mount Everest
Sherpas, Death, and Anger on Everest : The New Yorker: For many years, the most lucrative commercial guiding operation on Mt. Everest has been a company called Himalayan Experience, or Himex, which is owned by a New Zealand mountaineer named Russell Brice. In the spring of 2012, more than a month into the climbing season, he became increasingly worried about a bulge of glacial ice three hundred yards wide that was frozen tenuously to Everest’s West Shoulder, hanging like a massive sword of Damocles directly over the main route up the Nepal side of the mountain. Brice’s clients (“members,” in the parlance of Himalayan mountaineering), Western guides, and Sherpas repeatedly had to climb beneath the threatening ice bulge as they moved up and down the mountain to acclimatize and establish a series of higher camps necessary for their summit assault.
From "Star Wars" to "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly", 10 abandoned film and TV sets that still stand...
Abandoned Film and TV Sets – Flavorwire: Nobody ever said growing up is easy, but anyone who came of age in the ‘90s with the occasional eye on Nickelodeon got a gulp-inducing whiff of their own mortality recently, when pictures and video surfaced of the show’s long-forgotten Arizona ranch set. It’s still there, sort of, its abandoned buildings and trashed-out interiors a freestanding reminder that, yes, a television show was here once. But Hey Dude isn’t the only bit of pop culture that left its skeleton in place once shooting wrapped.
10 things you need to know today: April 25, 2014
10 things you need to know today: April 25, 2014 - The Week: Kerry warns Russia over Ukraine, conservatives condemn Nevada rancher, and more...
Pope Francis thanks Poland, Bergamo for gifts of John Paul II, John XXIII
Pope thanks Poland, Bergamo for gift of two great saints :: Catholic News Agency (CNA): In messages to both residents of Poland and Bergamo, Pope Francis conveyed his gratitude for Bl. John Paul II and John XXIII, saying that their holiness continues to inspire the Church today.
“I thank the Polish people and the Church in Poland for the gift of John Paul II,” the Pope said in a video clip addressed to the Church in Poland, adding that “all of us have been enriched by this gift.”
Aired Thursday evening, the pontiff's message was shown on Polish Televesion and Radio, and was sent alongside a letter.
“I thank the Polish people and the Church in Poland for the gift of John Paul II,” the Pope said in a video clip addressed to the Church in Poland, adding that “all of us have been enriched by this gift.”
Aired Thursday evening, the pontiff's message was shown on Polish Televesion and Radio, and was sent alongside a letter.
Thursday, April 24, 2014
The silencing of Christians is only going to get stronger
Why Silencing Christians will Continue | Crisis MagazineSCHALL: The older notion of “free speech” as a search for the truth through reasonable argument is being replaced. We no longer want to hear speech if it “offends” someone’s feelings or self-defined identity. We would rather “just get along” than to have to decide about the truth of any issue or confront the consequences of its violation.
We thus have become infinitely “tolerant” of anything but truth itself. Speech is not directed to truth or falsity of an issue but to the “sensitivity” and “compassion” of those who hear it. “Objective” standards are subject to the listener’s “right” to hear only what he wants to hear. Thus, whatever is “permitted” in positive or civil law becomes a “right” for those who follow it. Furthermore, we cannot criticize the law as if there were some “standard” by which to judge its worth. There are no standards as there is no nature on which to base them. “Hate speech” laws become effective tools to suppress any objective judgment about the rightness or wrongness of what is legislated or practiced.
We thus have become infinitely “tolerant” of anything but truth itself. Speech is not directed to truth or falsity of an issue but to the “sensitivity” and “compassion” of those who hear it. “Objective” standards are subject to the listener’s “right” to hear only what he wants to hear. Thus, whatever is “permitted” in positive or civil law becomes a “right” for those who follow it. Furthermore, we cannot criticize the law as if there were some “standard” by which to judge its worth. There are no standards as there is no nature on which to base them. “Hate speech” laws become effective tools to suppress any objective judgment about the rightness or wrongness of what is legislated or practiced.
This was an interesting no-comment comment from the Holy See Press Office...
An interesting no-comment comment from the HSPO | In the Light of the LawEDPETERS: The most important sentence in the communique, and a welcome one, first for what it says—though that should have been obvious—and for its not repeating what was said earlier in regard to Francis’ homilies and feverinos, namely that they supposedly form no part of the papal magisterium. Of course such statements, being liturgical, public, and on points of faith and morals, were part of the papal magisterium. Not a very big part, I grant, but still, a part. Popes cannot switch-off being popes in the middle of Mass, and the HSPO was, I think, wrong to imply otherwise. Anyway, that mistake is not repeated here.
Holy See comments on Pope's phone call, says "media amplification" is causing "misunderstanding and confusion"
Doubts increase over Pope's alleged phone call on divorce :: Catholic News Agency (CNA): Media frenzy over an alleged phone call Pope Francis made to a divorced and remarried woman allowing her to receive Communion has seen a rise in conflicting details – and has been lamented by the Vatican as causing “confusion.”
Spokesman Father Federico Lombardi said today that the Holy See will not officially comment on the alleged phone call Pope Francis made to an Argentinean woman this week, as the pontiff's “personal pastoral” relationships “do not in any way form part of the Pope's public activities.”
“That which has been communicated in relation to this matter,” he stressed in an April 24 statement, “and the consequent media amplification, cannot be confirmed as reliable, and is a source of misunderstanding and confusion.”
Spokesman Father Federico Lombardi said today that the Holy See will not officially comment on the alleged phone call Pope Francis made to an Argentinean woman this week, as the pontiff's “personal pastoral” relationships “do not in any way form part of the Pope's public activities.”
“That which has been communicated in relation to this matter,” he stressed in an April 24 statement, “and the consequent media amplification, cannot be confirmed as reliable, and is a source of misunderstanding and confusion.”
10 things you need to know today: April 24, 2014
10 things you need to know today: April 24, 2014 - The Week: Rival Palestinian factions join forces, the FCC abandons net neutrality, and more...
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
Why don't parents name their little girls 'Mary' anymore?
Why Don’t Modern Parents Name Their Little Girls ‘Mary’?SCHIFFER: My mother had always intended to call me “Kathy”, but wanted to also honor Mary, the Mother of God, giving me the full name “Kathleen Mary.” �The sisters who provided nursing care at St. Mary’s Hospital were scandalized by that. �“No!” they told her, “You can’t put the name of Mary second after any other name!” �So it was that I was given the name “Mary Kathleen” on my birth certificate, but called by my middle name “Kathy.” �So began a lifetime of explaining myself and my legal name to doctors’ offices, school guidance counselors, banks and prospective employers.
Prepare to have your mind blown by a balloon and a minivan
Prepare to Have Your Mind Blown by a Balloon and a Minivan: If you don't already know why a helium balloon tethered to the floor of a minivan has the power to make your jaw drop, you're going to want to see this. Seriously – set aside five minutes of your time, have a seat and watch. You won't regret it.
In this, the latest installment of the outstanding YouTube science series Smarter Every Day, our host Destin explores the baffling behavior of a helium balloon in an accelerating vehicle. What's so baffling about it?
In this, the latest installment of the outstanding YouTube science series Smarter Every Day, our host Destin explores the baffling behavior of a helium balloon in an accelerating vehicle. What's so baffling about it?
Alabama Supreme Court: Unborn child has ‘inalienable’ right to life ‘at all stages of development’
Unborn child has ‘inalienable’ right to life ‘at all stages of development’: Alabama Supreme Court | LifeSiteNews.com: Children in the womb should have the same legal standing as other children, the Supreme Court of Alabama ruled Friday.
The decision upheld the prior conviction of Sarah Janie Hicks for “the chemical endangerment of her child,” when she exposed her unborn baby to cocaine. The boy, referred to as “JD,” was born testing positive for cocaine.�
The decision upheld the prior conviction of Sarah Janie Hicks for “the chemical endangerment of her child,” when she exposed her unborn baby to cocaine. The boy, referred to as “JD,” was born testing positive for cocaine.�
Benedict XVI: "I knew during his life that John Paul II was a saint"
Benedict XVI: I knew during his life that John Paul II was a saint :: Catholic News Agency (CNA): n a rare interview, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI recalled his close friendship with Blessed John Paul II, saying that the pontiff’s sanctity and deep spirituality were apparent during his life.
“In the years in which I collaborated with him, it was ever clearer to me that John Paul II was a saint,” said Benedict XVI during an interview with Polish journalist Wlodzimierz Redzioch, which was published April 20 in the Spanish newspaper “La Razon.”
“Naturally, his intense relationship with God, being immersed in communion with the Lord, needs to be taken into account above all,” the former Pope said of his predecessor.
“In the years in which I collaborated with him, it was ever clearer to me that John Paul II was a saint,” said Benedict XVI during an interview with Polish journalist Wlodzimierz Redzioch, which was published April 20 in the Spanish newspaper “La Razon.”
“Naturally, his intense relationship with God, being immersed in communion with the Lord, needs to be taken into account above all,” the former Pope said of his predecessor.
Cutting through the confusion in the Telegraph story about Pope Francis and divorce/remarriage...
Confusion in Telegraph story about Francis and divorce/remarriage | Fr. Z's BlogZUHLSDORF: Here is the big problem at the core of this article. It is true that a "divorcee" can receive Communion. In the last quote, that is the main element to attend to. The problem enters when you add "remarried" to "divorcee". Get it? So what's going on? If the Pope called, and I am not ready to buy that without a moment of doubt, and if the Pope tried to explain her situation, did she actually understand anything he said after saying that divorce, in itself, isn't the main problem? I can very imagine her tuning out everything after that. Then she recounts it in a scrambled way to her "husband" who may or may not get it. He puts it on Facebook...
God save the rest (including a lot of oddballs): In defense of Newman Centers
God Save the Rest (Including a lot of Oddballs): In Defense of Newman Centers | CatholicVote.orgBESEAU: As a Catholic, Blessed John Henry Newman had two direct experiences with higher education. The first, the creation of a Catholic University in Ireland, is well known.� The second was his attempt to establish an oratory and a Catholic hall at Oxford University.� With a Catholic hall, the laity would have access to the best education available in England combined with a place for fellowship and Catholic formation.
The bells draw me back...
Guest Post from Sarah Reinhard: The Bells Draw Me Back | Friends of Little Portion HermitageREINHARD: Bells calling you to prayer sure seemed like a good idea. So good, in fact, that I’ve had my phone set to remind me for a couple of years.
It’s a ringtone I’ve learned to explain in different ways.
“Oh, it must be time to think about dinner!”
“Ah, yes, this is what we work-at-home moms do, lest we lose track of time!”
“Mind if I pause for a minute? I just need to say thanks to God.”
Truth be told, I don’t use that last one much. In part, because I’m a wimp. And in part because I’ve learned to just silence the alarm without explanation.
So does my prayer count, even if it’s a two-second “Hey God, gotta go!”?
It’s a ringtone I’ve learned to explain in different ways.
“Oh, it must be time to think about dinner!”
“Ah, yes, this is what we work-at-home moms do, lest we lose track of time!”
“Mind if I pause for a minute? I just need to say thanks to God.”
Truth be told, I don’t use that last one much. In part, because I’m a wimp. And in part because I’ve learned to just silence the alarm without explanation.
So does my prayer count, even if it’s a two-second “Hey God, gotta go!”?
Have you always wanted to be in your own adventure? Well be happy, because you're in one...
The Mysterious Drama of Reality - AleteiaLU: Have you ever wanted to be a character in your favorite television show? Of course you have. Me too. Television is the warm blanket that we pull over ourselves when we need a little break from the harshness of the world. It’s like reality with bumper lanes.
Television characters come in for a fair amount of grief in the form of car bombs, kidnappings, cancer scares or brushes with zombies. But however much you adore your televised heroes, it’s unlikely that their tribulations will interfere with your popcorn-munching. Dramatic tension feels “safe” to us in the context of a televised serial, because we already know that beloved characters have “plot shields” protecting them from the worst. The writers of the show know that they can’t kill the central characters, or they themselves will be out of work. Occasionally more peripheral characters do come to grief, but unless it’s a season finale, there’s generally not much cause for concern.
Television characters come in for a fair amount of grief in the form of car bombs, kidnappings, cancer scares or brushes with zombies. But however much you adore your televised heroes, it’s unlikely that their tribulations will interfere with your popcorn-munching. Dramatic tension feels “safe” to us in the context of a televised serial, because we already know that beloved characters have “plot shields” protecting them from the worst. The writers of the show know that they can’t kill the central characters, or they themselves will be out of work. Occasionally more peripheral characters do come to grief, but unless it’s a season finale, there’s generally not much cause for concern.
The latest salvo in the push for legalizing euthanasia is to kill kids...
So … I Starved My Granddaughter to Death and Now I’m Campaigning to Let Other People Kill Their Kids FasterHAMILTON: What was once supposed to be all about putting down people who were suffering horribly and in the last stages of terminal illness and who requested their own death has now become killing people who can’t consent and are nowhere near dying.
It has evidently occurred to a few people in America that we’ve got an euthanasia gap. Belgium has jumped ahead of us and allows their docs to kill children and people with dementia. But never fear: the euthanasia movement has found someone who is willing to tell us all about the tragic experience of euthanizing his toddler granddaughter by slow starvation and how we need to do something to kill these kids faster.
It has evidently occurred to a few people in America that we’ve got an euthanasia gap. Belgium has jumped ahead of us and allows their docs to kill children and people with dementia. But never fear: the euthanasia movement has found someone who is willing to tell us all about the tragic experience of euthanizing his toddler granddaughter by slow starvation and how we need to do something to kill these kids faster.
The Atlantic slips — somehow — inside the mind of Benedict XVI...
The Atlantic slips — somehow — inside mind of Benedict XVIMATTINGLY: During the annual pre-Easter season of snarky or mildly negative religion stories, I think that I received more personal emails about the Pope Benedict XVI vs. Pope Francis story in The Atlantic than any other item (even more than the Mrs. Jesus media blitz, if you can believe that).
Quite a few readers wanted to critique some of the alleged facts in the story or note some of its inconsistencies. For example, at one point Benedict is portrayed as an all-dominating doctrinal bully. Flip a few pages and readers are then told that he was a totally hands-off leader who, when it came to governing the church, “didn’t interfere even when he was pope!” Yes, the exclamation mark is in the text.
Quite a few readers wanted to critique some of the alleged facts in the story or note some of its inconsistencies. For example, at one point Benedict is portrayed as an all-dominating doctrinal bully. Flip a few pages and readers are then told that he was a totally hands-off leader who, when it came to governing the church, “didn’t interfere even when he was pope!” Yes, the exclamation mark is in the text.
Detroit-Area priest indicted on theft charges; could face up to 20 years in prison
Prayer Need: Detroit-Area Priest Indicted on Theft ChargesSCHIFFER: A five-count indictment was issued today by U.S. Attorney Barbara McQuade’s office in the theft investigation of Rev. Edward Belczak, former pastor of St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Troy, Michigan.
Father Belczak and his parish administrator, Janice Verschuren, have been accused of stealing nearly $700,000 from parish funds, then using the money to purchase a luxury condominium in Palm Beach, Florida, and other items. �If found guilty of the charges, which include mail fraud, wire fraud and conspiracy, the two could be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison.
Father Belczak and his parish administrator, Janice Verschuren, have been accused of stealing nearly $700,000 from parish funds, then using the money to purchase a luxury condominium in Palm Beach, Florida, and other items. �If found guilty of the charges, which include mail fraud, wire fraud and conspiracy, the two could be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison.
5 things you didn't know about Easter
5 Things You Didn't Know About Easter - Taylor MarshallMARSHALL: Despite what the “experts” in Time, Newsweek, and the History Channel say, Easter was not a pagan holiday baptized by the Catholic Church. Also, according to Saint Thomas Aquinas, the priest in the old Latin Mass turns around and faces the people in the pews five times. Why five times? Because Christ appears resurrected exactly five times in the Gospels...
You're so touchy, you probably think this post is about you...
I'm Not Offended |Blogs | NCRegister.comMATTARCHBOLD: Who'd have thought that that a little thing like the internet could transform the greatest country in the history of the world into an army of 24-7 perpetual rage monkeys? Well, it has. Everyone's offended. All the time.
The level of discourse in this country has devolved into a combox discussion.
Maybe the reason people like being offended is because they think it gives them carte blanche to say ridiculous things like "carte blanche" or just to act like complete morons and blame you for it. It doesn't matter if you give offense, they're taking it. No givebacks.
The level of discourse in this country has devolved into a combox discussion.
Maybe the reason people like being offended is because they think it gives them carte blanche to say ridiculous things like "carte blanche" or just to act like complete morons and blame you for it. It doesn't matter if you give offense, they're taking it. No givebacks.
Go back in time with an amazing new feature in Google Street View
Official Google Blog: Go back in time with Street View: If you’ve ever dreamt of being a time traveler like Doc Brown, now’s your chance. Starting today, you can travel to the past to see how a place has changed over the years by exploring Street View imagery in Google Maps for desktop. We've gathered historical imagery from past Street View collections dating back to 2007 to create this digital time capsule of the world.
We all want to protect babies, but this new law in Tennessee is the exact wrong way to go about it...
This Law Is Not Pro-Life |Blogs | NCRegister.comFISHER: Tennessee is waiting to see if its governor will sign a law which would hold pregnant women criminally accountable for drug use. If a baby is harmed by his mother's drug use, then under this law, the mother may be charged with criminal assault, with a penalty of up to 15 years in prison.
Pro-lifers. Does this sound like Tennessee is getting tough to save babies' lives? �Then think about what will actually happen if a law like this gets passed. �Yes, we hate the idea that women are harming their unborn babies. Yes, we hate the idea that women are harming themselves with (already illegal, already prosecutable!) drug activity. We want to use any means necessary to protect innocent people.
Pro-lifers. Does this sound like Tennessee is getting tough to save babies' lives? �Then think about what will actually happen if a law like this gets passed. �Yes, we hate the idea that women are harming their unborn babies. Yes, we hate the idea that women are harming themselves with (already illegal, already prosecutable!) drug activity. We want to use any means necessary to protect innocent people.
It is fitting to canonize John XXIII and John Paul II as the twin bookends of the Second Vatican Council
John XXIII and John Paul II: Canonizing the bookends - Denver Catholic RegisterWEIGEL: Pope Francis’s bold decisions to canonize Blessed John XXIII without the normal post-beatification miracle, and to link Good Pope John’s canonization ceremony to that of Blessed John Paul II, just may help re-orient Catholic thinking about modern Catholic history. For what Francis is suggesting, I think, is that John XXIII and John Paul II are the twin bookends of the Second Vatican Council—and thus should be canonized together.
On Jan. 25, 1959, less than three months after his election, John XXIII surprised the Catholic world by announcing that he would summon the 21st ecumenical council in history. According to some Catholic thinkers, Vatican I’s teaching that the Bishop of Rome enjoyed a charism of infallibility under carefully defined circumstances had made future general councils unnecessary. General or ecumenical councils had previously been summoned to thrash out disputed questions of doctrine; the pope could now take care of that on his own; so, no more councils.
On Jan. 25, 1959, less than three months after his election, John XXIII surprised the Catholic world by announcing that he would summon the 21st ecumenical council in history. According to some Catholic thinkers, Vatican I’s teaching that the Bishop of Rome enjoyed a charism of infallibility under carefully defined circumstances had made future general councils unnecessary. General or ecumenical councils had previously been summoned to thrash out disputed questions of doctrine; the pope could now take care of that on his own; so, no more councils.
Pope's Wednesday Audience: "Why do you still seek the living among the dead?"
Pope audience: Why do you seek the living among the dead: Pilgrims thronged St. Peter’s Square, the long boulevard of Via della Conciliazione, spilling all the way down to the banks of the Tiber this Wednesday for Pope Francis' weekly general audience, the first of the Easter season.
The crowd was such, that the Holy Father’s open topped jeep took even longer than usual to tour through the square, filled with flags and banners from the parishes of the world. Many of them bore images of two of his predecessors, Blessed John Paul II and Blessed John XXIII, who this weekend – Divine Mercy Sunday - Pope Francis will raise to the altars of the saints.
The crowd was such, that the Holy Father’s open topped jeep took even longer than usual to tour through the square, filled with flags and banners from the parishes of the world. Many of them bore images of two of his predecessors, Blessed John Paul II and Blessed John XXIII, who this weekend – Divine Mercy Sunday - Pope Francis will raise to the altars of the saints.
Live Science investigation raises new doubts about origins of "Gospel of Jesus' Wife" papyrus
'Gospel of Jesus's Wife': Doubts Raised About Ancient Text | LiveScience: The authenticity of the "Gospel of Jesus's Wife" has been debated since the papyrus was revealed in 2012. Now, new information uncovered by Live Science raises doubts about the origins of the scrap of papyrus.
The gospel, written in the ancient Egyptian language Coptic, has made headlines ever since Harvard University professor Karen King announced its discovery. The business-card-size fragment contains the translated line "Jesus said to them, 'My wife …'" and also refers to a "Mary," possibly Mary Magdalene. If authentic, the papyrus suggests that some people believed in ancient times that Jesus and Mary Magdalene were married.
The gospel, written in the ancient Egyptian language Coptic, has made headlines ever since Harvard University professor Karen King announced its discovery. The business-card-size fragment contains the translated line "Jesus said to them, 'My wife …'" and also refers to a "Mary," possibly Mary Magdalene. If authentic, the papyrus suggests that some people believed in ancient times that Jesus and Mary Magdalene were married.
The Catholic Church can’t win a popularity contest. She never will...
Catholicism: Scandalous in Every Age | Crisis MagazineESOLEN: A few weeks ago, a Catholic priest caused quite a stir in one of our local diocesan high schools. He spoke the truth about sex. Pause here to sigh, and to wish that our heresies were more interesting.
Some of the parents and students objected. They did not say, “The priest presented the truth in a way that made it less likely that the audience would accept it. We are worried that the Church’s teachings did not appear in the best light. We need to do some considerable work right now, lest the students go on to reject what they do not understand.” No one said anything of the sort. It was clear that they objected to what the priest had said, rather than how he said it. Not one of the parents crying out for the principal’s head troubled to suggest any way in which the Church’s teachings might be presented with more effective power. They objected not to the strategy, but to the battle. They do not want the Church to win. They want the Church to surrender.
Some of the parents and students objected. They did not say, “The priest presented the truth in a way that made it less likely that the audience would accept it. We are worried that the Church’s teachings did not appear in the best light. We need to do some considerable work right now, lest the students go on to reject what they do not understand.” No one said anything of the sort. It was clear that they objected to what the priest had said, rather than how he said it. Not one of the parents crying out for the principal’s head troubled to suggest any way in which the Church’s teachings might be presented with more effective power. They objected not to the strategy, but to the battle. They do not want the Church to win. They want the Church to surrender.
Did Pope Francis tell a divorced and civilly remarried woman she could receive Holy Communion?
Did Pope Francis tell a divorced and civilly remarried woman she could receive Holy Communion? |Blogs | NCRegister.comAKIN: According to the press accounts, an Argentine woman named Jaqui Lisbona wrote Pope Francis expressing her concern about not being able to receive Communion due to being civilly remarried following a divorce.
Her current marriage has lasted 19 years and resulted in two children.
Pope Francis then called her, told her that the subject was under study at the Vatican, and that it was okay for her to receive Communion.
Her husband, Julio Sabetta, then went on Facebook and announced the news that they’d had a phone call from the pope.
He did not mention the matters of divorce, remarriage, or Communion his post, he merely expressed how moving the experience of talking with the pope was, and in which he thanked God for the blessing.
The subjects of divorce, remarriage, and Communion apparently arose when local press contacted Mr. Sabetta and asked what the topic of conversation was.
Her current marriage has lasted 19 years and resulted in two children.
Pope Francis then called her, told her that the subject was under study at the Vatican, and that it was okay for her to receive Communion.
Her husband, Julio Sabetta, then went on Facebook and announced the news that they’d had a phone call from the pope.
He did not mention the matters of divorce, remarriage, or Communion his post, he merely expressed how moving the experience of talking with the pope was, and in which he thanked God for the blessing.
The subjects of divorce, remarriage, and Communion apparently arose when local press contacted Mr. Sabetta and asked what the topic of conversation was.
10 things you need to know today: April 23, 2014
10 things you need to know today: April 23, 2014 - The Week: The Supreme Court chips away at affirmative action, Obama meets with Asia allies, and more...
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
20 awesome things people saw at the 1964 World's Fair
20 Awesome Things People Saw at the 1964 World’s Fair | Mental Floss: It was 50 years ago today that the 1964–'65 World’s Fair opened in New York City, bringing a plethora of innovative exhibits to Flushing Meadows–Corona Park in Queens. But by the time it closed in October 1965, it was considered a massive money pit, losing millions of dollars for New York City. Still, there were plenty of modern marvels for people to see during its two six-month runs. Read on for a glimpse at 20 of the coolest exhibits and rides that were on display.
This tiny creek in Wyoming connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans
The tiny Wyoming creek that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans | 22 Words: While it’s not quite the Northwest Passage early explorers were looking for, the United States actually does have a continuous line of water dividing the country…
This is the key to increasing vocations
The key to increasing vocations | Fr. Z's BlogZUHLSDORF: It seems to me that if we want to see an increase in vocations to the priesthood and religious life, we have to start praying more specifically about what we really want and about what we are willing to give.
For example, can we please stop lumping all vocations together? �Marriage is sliding down the hill towards the edge of the cliff, but lets not lump prayers for more and healthy true marriages together with vocations to the priesthood. �Pray for good marriages. �Prayer for priests. �Pray for religious. � Avoid generic “vocation” prayers.
For example, can we please stop lumping all vocations together? �Marriage is sliding down the hill towards the edge of the cliff, but lets not lump prayers for more and healthy true marriages together with vocations to the priesthood. �Pray for good marriages. �Prayer for priests. �Pray for religious. � Avoid generic “vocation” prayers.
10 things you need to know today: April 22, 2014
10 things you need to know today: April 22, 2014 - The Week: The U.S. considers leaving fewer troops in Afghanistan, an American man wins the Boston Marathon, and more...
Coptic priest named personal secretary to Pope Francis
Pope Francis Names Coptic Priest Second Personal Secretary | Daily News | NCRegister.comGAGLIARDUCCI: Msgr. Yoannis Lahzi Gaid, a priest of the Coptic Patriarchate of Alexandria, has been made second personal secretary to Pope Francis.
The position is among the Pope’s closest collaborators, and this marks the first time that an Eastern Catholic priest has been appointed to the position.
The vacancy filled by Msgr. Lahzi Gaid March 17 was created when Msgr. Alfred Xuereb was transferred from his position as Pope Francis’ personal secretary to being prelate secretary general of the Secretariat for the Economy.
The position is among the Pope’s closest collaborators, and this marks the first time that an Eastern Catholic priest has been appointed to the position.
The vacancy filled by Msgr. Lahzi Gaid March 17 was created when Msgr. Alfred Xuereb was transferred from his position as Pope Francis’ personal secretary to being prelate secretary general of the Secretariat for the Economy.
Catholic conversions are down nationwide, but Washington saw a record high number this year. Here's why...
Some Keys to Evangelization as Seen in a Record Number of Converts this Year in The Archdiocese of Washington � Archdiocese of WashingtonPOPE: There was an informative and helpful article in the Washington Post this Easter Sunday that demonstrates certain keys to success in evangelization. The focus of the article is the happy fact that the Archdiocese of Washington welcomed a record number of converts this year at the Easter Vigil. But the article also documents important factors that helped that number. Let’s review excerpts of the article and consider some important keys for evangelization. My remarks are in red text.
Canadian Catholic teachers' union to march in gay pride parade; parents fight back
Catholic teachers union blasted for WorldPride Parade plans | Ontario | News | Toronto Sun: The union representing the province’s Catholic school teachers should not have an official presence at the WorldPride 2014 Parade, a parent’s group says.
Teresa Pierre, president of Parents As First Educators (PAFE), said a petition has been launched in response to a Catholic Register report that the church leadership is opposed to plans by the Ontario English Catholic Teachers Association (OECTA) to send a delegation to the event, which will be held in Toronto on June 29.
Teresa Pierre, president of Parents As First Educators (PAFE), said a petition has been launched in response to a Catholic Register report that the church leadership is opposed to plans by the Ontario English Catholic Teachers Association (OECTA) to send a delegation to the event, which will be held in Toronto on June 29.
This is how the Vatican Library plans to digitize its archives
How The Vatican Plans To Digitize Its Library | Popular Photography: The Vatican Library is one of the greatest historical archives on the planet, a centuries old institution with a millennia of documents tucked away. But the extreme fragility of many of these original items means that very few people ever get to see them. But that's all set to change with a new initiative to digitize the library, and allow anyone to peruse it.
The Vatican has partnered with Japanese firm NTT Data for a pilot program to scan some 3,000 of 82,000 documents in the library. Some 50 professionals over the next four years will digitize this first section of the archive using five scanners. According to the Wall Street Journal, NTT Data has been working on a special scanner specifically for this project. They feature a protective screen to limit exposure to light, and will be used in blacked out rooms to limit possibly damaging external light. All operators will be forbidden from wearing jewelry and will wear gloves to provide the utmost protection for the precious documents.
The Vatican has partnered with Japanese firm NTT Data for a pilot program to scan some 3,000 of 82,000 documents in the library. Some 50 professionals over the next four years will digitize this first section of the archive using five scanners. According to the Wall Street Journal, NTT Data has been working on a special scanner specifically for this project. They feature a protective screen to limit exposure to light, and will be used in blacked out rooms to limit possibly damaging external light. All operators will be forbidden from wearing jewelry and will wear gloves to provide the utmost protection for the precious documents.
Monday, April 21, 2014
Did the Blessed Virgin Mary appear in Kibeho to warn of Rwanda’s genocide?
Did the Virgin Mary Warn Rwanda’s Holiest Town of the Genocide? - The Daily Beast: Before Kibeho, a village spiraling up one of the area’s many hills, became a notorious killing ground during the Rwandan genocide, it was the country’s most celebrated holy spot. For nine years in the 1980s, it gained worldwide fame after a streak of schoolgirls claimed the Virgin Mary appeared to them with messages, including one that foreshadowed the country’s devastating genocide.
These stunning travel photos remind us that we're all just amateurs with iPhones
These stunning travel photos remind us that we're all just amateurs with iPhones - The Week: These days, it's easy to delude ourselves into thinking we're pretty spectacular photographers. With iPhones at the ready and a favorite Instagram filter in mind, our totally unique vision ("Ooh, a sunset!") is realized and instantly posted online for all of our friends to admire.
Which is why it's refreshing for publications like National Geographic — whose glossy pages have long been filled with such prominent photographers as Steve McCurry and David Guttenfelder — to distinguish the talented from the rest of us.
Which is why it's refreshing for publications like National Geographic — whose glossy pages have long been filled with such prominent photographers as Steve McCurry and David Guttenfelder — to distinguish the talented from the rest of us.
One man's amazing journey toward the Catholic faith
One Man’s Amazing Journey Toward the Catholic FaithSCHIFFER: Richard Cole was not much of a believer: �By his own admission, he didn’t pray, he didn’t worship. �He was in recovery following years of alcohol abuse. �Raised Methodist, he had fled the church of his youth to dabble in Zen, t’ai chi, New Age, witchcraft.
But then for his 49th birthday, his wife gave him the gift of silence: �a three-day stay at a Benedictine monastery, where he could read, study, write and simply “de-stress.”
Why Richard’s wife thought that would be a suitable gift for a nonbeliever, I don’t know.
But then for his 49th birthday, his wife gave him the gift of silence: �a three-day stay at a Benedictine monastery, where he could read, study, write and simply “de-stress.”
Why Richard’s wife thought that would be a suitable gift for a nonbeliever, I don’t know.
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