What’s Behind Cardinal Sarah’s Ad Orientem Call? |Blogs | NCRegister.comCARSTENS: Cardinal Robert Sarah, Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, gave a recent interview to the French Catholic magazine Famille Chretienne. For many commentators and readers, the subject of the interview was his encouragement (again) for priest and people to face east, toward the orient—ad orientem in Latin—at certain parts of the Mass.
Whatever opinion you may have on the direction of liturgical prayer, this repeated call from Pope Francis’ Prefect is undeniably attention grabbing. But there’s a more central message to the interview that risks being overshadowed in light of the ad orientem discussion: our cooperation in the work of God.
Tuesday, May 31, 2016
This Friday, June 3, is a special day of prayer for our priests
This Friday, June 3, is a Special Day of Prayer For Our Priests |Blogs | NCRegister.comSPENCER: This past weekend nine men were ordained to the priesthood for my home Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis. On the Sunday feast of Corpus Christi my family and I assisted at the first Mass, a Mass of Thanksgiving, of a new priest who had grown up in our parish. It was a beautiful Mass, and the sanctuary was full of men who had received the Sacrament of Holy Orders: deacons, priests, and even two bishops.
Motherhood is the ultimate makeover
Hey Moms: Do You Need a Makeover? – ZENIT – EnglishNAAB: What mom doesn’t need an occasional chance to escape home life and indulge in a little pampering? We all do. But mom philosopher Carrie Gress says that while those little getaways are fine, the real (and best) makeover is actually already — and perpetually — underway. Gress says in her latest book that motherhood itself is the ultimate makeover.
5 Christian responses to willfully ignorant or arrogant atheists
5 Christian Responses to Willfully Ignorant or Arrogant Atheists - Top Stories - Aleteia.org – Worldwide Catholic Network Sharing Faith Resources for those seeking Truth – Aleteia.orgNOBLE: I recently posted a video on my Facebook page of some delightful deep-sea creatures, which included a bizarre, glowing jellyfish. I lightheartedly expressed wonder that people can look at these strange creatures and not believe in a Creative God. Apparently, since the video was “trending,” my post was seen by far more people than usual and a large number of nonbelievers proceeded to inform me that evolution is real and that my comment displayed an astonishing degree of ignorance about science.
Of gorillas, control, and swiping left
Of gorillas, control, and swiping left – Aleteia.org – Worldwide Catholic Network Sharing Faith Resources for those seeking Truth – Aleteia.orgFISHER: At the Cincinnati Zoo, a four-year-old boy snatched his hand away from his mother, spurted through the crowd, defeated four separate barriers, and then, horribly, plunged into a pit with a giant gorilla, a silverback. The gorilla picked the kid up and started to drag him away. The zoo knew that a tranquilizer would take too long to stop the 400-pound creature, and experts agree he was very likely to kill the child — so they shot the gorilla dead. The boy was rescued. You know, or can guess, what the internet, foolish, bloodthirsty, and foul, had to say. There are already too many boys, anyway, and not enough gorillas. Darwin wins. Now let’s shoot the parents. And so on.
A 10-point primer on faith and science
A 10-Point Primer on Faith and Science |Blogs | NCRegister.comTRASANCOS: On one hand, there are marvelous discourses in institutions of higher learning about the ways theology illuminates scientific ideas and, likewise, how science deepens faith. Theologians, philosophers, and scientists come together and talk, even if everyone does not agree. On the other hand, the public presentation of faith and science, mostly on the internet, is a tale of incessant conflict. Anyone can pose as an expert on religion or science, despite being nonreligious and never having done any serious work as a scientist.
A pastor reflects on Cardinal Sarah’s call to face East together
A Pastor Reflects on Cardinal Sarah’s Call to Face East Together |Blogs | NCRegister.comPOPE: Count me among those who are delighted to hear Cardinal Sarah, Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship, say, “It is essential that the priest and faithful look together towards the east.” He refers here in particular to the Eucharistic Prayer, not to the Liturgy of the Word, which is rightly directed toward the people.
But the Eucharistic Prayer is directed to God the Father. The Priest, acting in persona Christi, proclaims to the Father the great and perfect worship and thanksgiving of Christ the head, who speaks and prays for all the members of his body, the Church. Even the words of consecration, “Take this all of you and eat of it…” is directed to the Father, rooting the current liturgy in the once for all perfect Sacrifice of Christ on the Altar of the Cross. Priests should not try and “reenact” the Last Supper by staring intently at the people as he says, “Take this all of you and eat of it.” No, even these words are directed to the Father.
But the Eucharistic Prayer is directed to God the Father. The Priest, acting in persona Christi, proclaims to the Father the great and perfect worship and thanksgiving of Christ the head, who speaks and prays for all the members of his body, the Church. Even the words of consecration, “Take this all of you and eat of it…” is directed to the Father, rooting the current liturgy in the once for all perfect Sacrifice of Christ on the Altar of the Cross. Priests should not try and “reenact” the Last Supper by staring intently at the people as he says, “Take this all of you and eat of it.” No, even these words are directed to the Father.
The great warrior-king who saved Europe from Islam
The Warrior-King Who Saved Europe From Islam |Blogs | NCRegister.comGRESS: Poland’s kings are a fascinating bunch, ranging from great scoundrels like Boleslaw the Bold, who hacked up St. Stanislaw, to larger than life characters like King Kazimierz, who raised 14th century Poland to greatness. Even St. Jadwiga, who founded the Jagiellonian University, was technically “king” because 14th century Polish law did not allow for a queen.
Why spend money on a pipe organ in a poor parish?
Why Spend Money on a Pipe Organ in a Poor Parish?LONGENECKER: It’s true. The little parish of which I am pastor is not only the smallest Catholic parish in Greenville, it is also the poorest.
We’re located by a run down interchange on I-85. The demographics indicate the most socio economically disadvantaged population in our prosperous city. In addition to the residential low income and high housing density we also have a �problem with transient poverty. It is not only tractor trailers, businessmen and families on vacation who travel up and down our nation’s interstate. The interstates are arteries for humans too…homeless people who are shifted from one city to the next by the authorities.
We’re located by a run down interchange on I-85. The demographics indicate the most socio economically disadvantaged population in our prosperous city. In addition to the residential low income and high housing density we also have a �problem with transient poverty. It is not only tractor trailers, businessmen and families on vacation who travel up and down our nation’s interstate. The interstates are arteries for humans too…homeless people who are shifted from one city to the next by the authorities.
Would St. Thomas More have voted for Donald Trump?
Donald Trump vs. Hillary Clinton: Voting Your Conscience | National ReviewLU: The basic facts are these. St. Thomas More, born in London in 1478, was a devout Catholic, and also one of the most incisive legal minds of his day. Upon entering the service of King Henry VIII, he made clear that he believed the king’s marriage to Catherine of Aragon to be valid and thus not annullable. Initially, Henry claimed to respect More’s views, but over time his resolve to re-marry hardened. Knowing that the pope would not sanction his second marriage, the king named himself the head of the Church in England, and demanded an oath to that effect from public officials and their families. More refused to take the oath, but attempted to preserve his life by retiring and maintaining his silence. It didn’t work. He was beheaded in 1535.
The Belgian city that built an underground beer pipeline
The Belgian City That Built an Underground Beer Pipeline: The cramped streets of classic European cities are great for old-world charm. They're not great for traffic, especially when you're driving a beer delivery truck through those ancient passageways. That's why Bruges, Belgium came up with a better solution: the beer pipeline.
De Halve Maan Brewery, a centuries-old beer-maker, is the sole brewery remaining within the city center of Bruges. The tight space there, however, means that while the beer is brewed downtown, it's bottled elsewhere, two miles away. Rather thank driving trucks back and forth through some of the most congested streets in Europe, the brewery will soon move its delectable brew via the pipeline at a speed of more than 1,000 gallons per hour.
De Halve Maan Brewery, a centuries-old beer-maker, is the sole brewery remaining within the city center of Bruges. The tight space there, however, means that while the beer is brewed downtown, it's bottled elsewhere, two miles away. Rather thank driving trucks back and forth through some of the most congested streets in Europe, the brewery will soon move its delectable brew via the pipeline at a speed of more than 1,000 gallons per hour.
Ranking the best that McDonald's has to offer around the world
Ranking the best that McDonald's has to offer around the world | The Daily Dot: Travel—especially abroad—can change your outlook and stretch your palette to the brink. For the chronically nomadic, it's the shitty comforts of home that help keep them upright. Last year (and part of this year), I spent months loitering in foreign countries. My nostalgic guilty pleasure of choice just so happened to be McDonald's.
Along with an incredibly diligent friend hell-bent on trying whatever the fast food chain had to offer in every country he set foot in, I began racking up online check-ins, shitty Instagram posts, and calories as I strove to eat my way around the world. Though McDonald's in the United States is typically reserved for when I'm under the influence or under the weather, I voraciously chowed down anywhere I saw a crappy translation of their "I'm lovin' it" slogan.
Along with an incredibly diligent friend hell-bent on trying whatever the fast food chain had to offer in every country he set foot in, I began racking up online check-ins, shitty Instagram posts, and calories as I strove to eat my way around the world. Though McDonald's in the United States is typically reserved for when I'm under the influence or under the weather, I voraciously chowed down anywhere I saw a crappy translation of their "I'm lovin' it" slogan.
Check out the new lava flows from Kilauea and Piton de la Fournaise
Check Out the New Lava Flows From Kilauea and Piton de la Fournaise | WIRED: After some intense inflation across Kilauea’s summit and a dramatic rise in the summit lava lake, new lava flows have started issuing from the Puʻu ʻŌʻō vent on the East Rift Zone. This demonstrates some of the interconnectedness of the Kilauea magmatic system, where changes in the volcano at the summit can manifest over 18 kilometers down the slopes with with new lava flows at Puʻu ʻŌʻō. The lava flows coincided with a period of strong inflation at the summit and then deflation at Puʻu ʻŌʻō.
24 tips on how to write good
The Impractical Catholic: Taking Exception to an Experienced Writer’s Rules: The road to bad writing is paved with Experienced Writers’ rules. Developing a literary style is a long process with no real proven method to it; it takes guesswork, constructive criticism, and a bit of an ear for poetry. Suggestions from established writers are generally helpful. However, every now and again, an Experienced Writer will try to impose on others a set of rules that are almost guaranteed to generate bland, undistinguished prose.
The Odd Couple: Che Guevara and the Blessed Virgin Mary
The Odd Couple: Che Guevara & the Virgin Mary ~ The MotherlandsRENNER: While traveling through Nicaragua, I kept seeing framed pictures of Che Guevara and the Virgin Mary hanging next to each other. Above the bookshelf in the check-in/check-out/lounge area/living room of the hostel, there they were: the famous Argentinian guerrilla leader beside the Mother of God. One looking beyond the backpackers with dark, stormy eyes, the other veiled, her eyes lowered in an attitude of pray—the most unlikely combination ever.
At first glance, Che epitomizes rebellion, while Mary is the image of obedience. He appeals to youth, with his passion, his ideals, and his band of guerrilla warriors. But it is Mary's obedience that is truly in rebellion—against the world and the Devil. She is the true insurgent, not Che Guevara.
At first glance, Che epitomizes rebellion, while Mary is the image of obedience. He appeals to youth, with his passion, his ideals, and his band of guerrilla warriors. But it is Mary's obedience that is truly in rebellion—against the world and the Devil. She is the true insurgent, not Che Guevara.
Christian woman’s attackers will face justice, Egyptian president vows
CatholicHerald.co.uk � Christian woman’s attackers will face justice, Egyptian president vows: Egypt’s president vowed on Monday to bring to justice members of a Muslim mob who stripped an elderly Christian woman naked and paraded her on the streets of a southern village.
The May 20 attack in the village of Karma in Minya province followed a rumour that the woman’s son had an affair with a Muslim woman. The armed Muslim mob that assaulted the 70-year-old woman also looted and torched seven Christian houses.
President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi said such attacks divide Egyptians. “We are all one and the law must take its course,” he said in comments broadcast live on local TV.
The May 20 attack in the village of Karma in Minya province followed a rumour that the woman’s son had an affair with a Muslim woman. The armed Muslim mob that assaulted the 70-year-old woman also looted and torched seven Christian houses.
President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi said such attacks divide Egyptians. “We are all one and the law must take its course,” he said in comments broadcast live on local TV.
Making America great again will depend more on families and communities than on politicians
Politics Not the Road to SalvationLOPEZ: A Muslim college president on a panel with Christian leaders recently described some of the things we’re debating right now as appearing insane to his people. Polling continuously reports that most of America is opposed to abortion — we just want to make sure that women in difficult situations have options and support. If we start looking around and asking people what they want and need, we may just find America has great servant leaders still. The hard part is for the rest of us to support them — and certainly not make it harder for them to serve, in ways the Little Sisters of the Poor, among others, know too well. That is where we will find our renewal.
Monday, May 30, 2016
Scientists have come to a shocking realization about the universe...
(1) The Fine Tuning of the Universe - Reasonable Faith: Scientists have come to the shocking realization that the fundamental constants and quantities of the universe have been carefully dialed to an astonishingly precise value. If any one of these numbers were altered by even a hair's breadth, no physical, interactive life of any kind could exist anywhere.
Harambe the Gorilla and the mob of disordered compassionistas
Harambe and the Mob of Disordered Compassionistas | Acts of the Apostasy: The huge story this holiday weekend was about the Cincinnati Zoo gorilla that had been shot by zoo officials on Saturday, to protect a four-year old boy who had made his way into the enclosure. Harambe, a 17-year old male gorilla, had gone to the boy who had fallen in the enclosure’s moat, and can be seen in the video dragging him through the water by the arm to a corner of the enclosure. The gorilla had become agitated, and zoo officials made the tough decision to use lethal force rather than a tranquilizer, in an effort to rescue the boy.
On the need to receive the Eucharist worthily
On the Need to Receive the Eucharist Worthily - Community in Mission : Community in MissionPOPE: In light of Sunday’s Feast of Corpus Christi, I would like to recall the need for the reverent and worthy reception of Holy Communion and to develop an explanation for the Church’s practice of what some call “closed Communion.” Not everyone who uses this terminology means it pejoratively, although some do. But to some extent it is fair to say that we do have “closed Communion.” For the Catholic Church, Holy Communion is not a “come one, come all” event. It is reserved for those who, by grace, preserve union with the Church through adherence to all that the Catholic Church believes, teaches, and proclaims to be revealed by God. Our response of “Amen” at Holy Communion signifies our communion with these realities and our faith in the true presence of Christ in the Eucharist.
14 inspiring photos of Mass celebrated in war zones
14 Inspiring Photos of Mass Celebrated in War Zones | ChurchPOP: Nothing is more important than the Mass, and the Church is bound to keep on celebrating it in and out of season. And that includes war.
Here are some photos of priests celebrating Mass in war zones, or at least out on the field for members of a military.
Here are some photos of priests celebrating Mass in war zones, or at least out on the field for members of a military.
The strange and mysterious history of “The Passion of Joan of Arc”
Out of the Ashes: The Passion of Joan of Arc | Catholic World Report - Global Church news and viewsTURLEY: Joan of Arc was burned at the stake in 1431. She was canonized in 1920. Eight years later, and almost 600 years after her death, she was immortalized on screen in Carl Dreyer’s The Passion of Joan of Arc. Soon after its completion, however, the original film “disappeared” on account of fire. Painstakingly, the director recreated it again from outtakes, but shortly afterwards, that negative too was obliterated in yet another fire. Only a few years after its release, it seemed as if the film was lost forever, and just at a time when the now-Saint Joan was being re-introduced to the world. That was not the end of the matter, though. The flickering images were to return mysteriously from the flames, like the saint herself, and in circumstances no one could have imagined.
Liberal columnist Nicholas Kristof says liberals are “cocky”, “illiberal”, “hypocritical”, “closed-minded”
The Liberal Blind Spot - The New York Times: Obviously, the challenges faced by conservatives are not the same as those faced by blacks, reflecting centuries of discrimination that continues today. I’ve often written about unconscious bias and about how many “whites just don’t get it.” But liberals claim to be champions of inclusiveness — so why, in the academic turf that we control, aren’t we ourselves more inclusive? If we are alert to bias in other domains, why don’t we tackle our own liberal blind spot?
Frankly, the torrent of scorn for conservative closed-mindedness confirmed my view that we on the left can be pretty closed-minded ourselves.
Frankly, the torrent of scorn for conservative closed-mindedness confirmed my view that we on the left can be pretty closed-minded ourselves.
Memorial Day is a “National All Souls’ Day”
Memorial Day Is a ‘National All Souls’ Day’ | Daily News | NCRegister.comPRONECHEN: Memorial Day 2016 falls on May 30, the day it was celebrated for decades after it began as Decoration Day to honor the war dead after the Civil War.
Some veterans and Catholic military chaplains described what the solemn day means to them.
“I would liken it to a national All Souls’ Day, as far as a Catholic chaplain goes,” observed Father Carl Subler. A chaplain on active duty with the U.S. Army, he has served in Iraq, Afghanistan and various bases around the United States, most recently at Fort Drum, N.Y. A priest of the Diocese of Columbus, Ohio, he has been a chaplain since 2007.
We commemorate all the faithful departed on All Souls’ Day, while on Memorial Day, “I pray specifically for those who have died in our nation’s wars, whether you agree with them or not,” explained Father Subler. “I pray for their souls and the special sacrifice they made for our nation.”
Some veterans and Catholic military chaplains described what the solemn day means to them.
“I would liken it to a national All Souls’ Day, as far as a Catholic chaplain goes,” observed Father Carl Subler. A chaplain on active duty with the U.S. Army, he has served in Iraq, Afghanistan and various bases around the United States, most recently at Fort Drum, N.Y. A priest of the Diocese of Columbus, Ohio, he has been a chaplain since 2007.
We commemorate all the faithful departed on All Souls’ Day, while on Memorial Day, “I pray specifically for those who have died in our nation’s wars, whether you agree with them or not,” explained Father Subler. “I pray for their souls and the special sacrifice they made for our nation.”
George Clooney among celebrities honored by Pope Francis
George Clooney among celebrities honored by Pope Francis :: Catholic News Agency (CNA): On Sunday, Pope Francis praised Hollywood actors George Clooney, Salma Hayek, and Richard Gere at a conference promoting a Vatican education initiative that helps poor communities.
Speaking in the Paul VI's Synod Hall, the Pope reminded the celebrities of their responsibility to “help the world recover the language of gestures.”
During the gathering, the actors received the “Olive Medal” of peace, which were presented by the Scholas Occurentes initiative, who organized the Vatican conference.
Speaking in the Paul VI's Synod Hall, the Pope reminded the celebrities of their responsibility to “help the world recover the language of gestures.”
During the gathering, the actors received the “Olive Medal” of peace, which were presented by the Scholas Occurentes initiative, who organized the Vatican conference.
Memorial Day 2016: "To These, O Lord..."
Whispers in the Loggia: "To These, O Lord....": More than any other, this solemn morning on which the US commemorates its fallen in our service is arguably the most fitting moment of all to recall the Prayer for the Nation written and first delivered in 1791 by the founding shepherd of these States, John Carroll of Baltimore...
Complete English text: Archbishop Georg Gänswein’s “Expanded Petrine Office” speech
Complete English Text: Archbishop Georg G�nswein’s ‘Expanded Petrine Office’ Speech - Pope - Aleteia.org – Worldwide Catholic Network Sharing Faith Resources for those seeking Truth – Aleteia.org: Archbishop Georg Gänswein recently raised eyebrows by stating that Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation had expanded the nature of the Petrine ministry and revolutionized the papacy.
According to an article last week in the National Catholic Register, the Prefect of the Pontifical Household, who is also Benedict’s personal secretary, told a conference at the Pontifical Gregorian University on May 20 that there are not two popes, but “de facto an expanded ministry — with an active member and a contemplative member.”
According to an article last week in the National Catholic Register, the Prefect of the Pontifical Household, who is also Benedict’s personal secretary, told a conference at the Pontifical Gregorian University on May 20 that there are not two popes, but “de facto an expanded ministry — with an active member and a contemplative member.”
4 American Catholic priests who truly memorialize honor and heroism
4 American Catholic Priests Who Truly Memorialize Honor and Heroism – EpicPew: On Memorial Day we remember those who have given their lives in service to our country, for us and for our freedom. Highlighting a few priests who also served our country, two of these also gave their lives in service of the sacraments and the lives of the men on the battlefield to whom they ministered.
Sunday, May 29, 2016
Earth and Mars are about to get very cozy
Earth and Mars Are About to Get Very Cozy | TIME: An alignment will bring the planets closer—and make Mars brighter—than they've been in years...
Are “little sins” no big deal?
Are “Little Sins” No Big Deal? |Blogs | NCRegister.comNOBLE: Venerable Fulton Sheen once said that hearing the confessions of nuns is “like being stoned with popcorn.” I like Fulton Sheen but this quote annoys me. When I came back to the Church after almost a dozen years away, I had some pretty hefty grievous-sin-filled confession. But I have to be honest, I feel that my confessions now, although filled (hopefully) with venial sins, are, in a sense, much more serious than when I was more or less unaware of what I was doing to my soul.
Corpus Christi: Jesus Wants to Feed You!
Jesus Wants to Feed You! Corpus Christi - Community in Mission : Community in MissionPOPE: On the Feast of Corpus Christi, we do well to mediate on the desire of the Lord to feed His people and the shocking indifference many have to this fact. This indifference is not just on the part of those who do not come to Mass; it is also found among those in the pews, many of whom don’t seem to care that so many people no longer attend. We should recognize the passionate concern the Lord has to feed all His people—yes even your wayward spouse or child.
Saint Joseph in the month of Mary
Saint Joseph in the Month of Mary - The Catholic ThingMCCLOSKEY: The Holy Father recently gave us a beautiful look at the joy of married and family life, rightly understood and well-lived. Despite the unique circumstances of the Holy Family, we see in the marital vocation of both Mary and Joseph the crucial importance of marriage and of the distinctive roles of women as mothers and men as fathers.
In the sanctuary of the Holy Family, Mary as we know, nurtured and gave birth to the world’s Savior. But his earthly father, Joseph, also fulfilled fatherly duties. He was the overseer at the Lord’s birth and, as head of the family according to Jewish tradition, was responsible for naming him.
St. John Paul II devoted the Apostolic Exhortation Redemptoris Custos (Guardian of the Redeemer) to the meaning and importance of St. Joseph’s role in our Redemption and as a present-day role model. He notes, “Joseph is visited by the messenger as ‘Mary’s spouse,’ as the one who in due time must give this name to the Son to be born of the Virgin of Nazareth who is married to him. It is to Joseph, then, that the messenger turns, entrusting to him the responsibilities of an earthly father with regard to Mary’s Son.”
In the sanctuary of the Holy Family, Mary as we know, nurtured and gave birth to the world’s Savior. But his earthly father, Joseph, also fulfilled fatherly duties. He was the overseer at the Lord’s birth and, as head of the family according to Jewish tradition, was responsible for naming him.
St. John Paul II devoted the Apostolic Exhortation Redemptoris Custos (Guardian of the Redeemer) to the meaning and importance of St. Joseph’s role in our Redemption and as a present-day role model. He notes, “Joseph is visited by the messenger as ‘Mary’s spouse,’ as the one who in due time must give this name to the Son to be born of the Virgin of Nazareth who is married to him. It is to Joseph, then, that the messenger turns, entrusting to him the responsibilities of an earthly father with regard to Mary’s Son.”
Michigan Abortionist failed to disclose criminal convictions, now faces sanctions
Michigan Abortionist Failed to Disclose Criminal Convictions, Now Faces Sanctions – Seasons of GraceSCHIFFER: So you wouldn’t expect a guy who makes his living by killing helpless pre-born children to be a good guy, would you?
Dr. Thomas Gordon, medical director at the Heritage Clinic in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is a case in point: Besides working as an abortionist, Gordon has had a number of run-ins with the law including four criminal convictions.
And now the State of Michigan may impose sanctions against the abortionist for failing to report those convictions, as required by law. Grand Rapids news station WZZM reports
Dr. Thomas Gordon, medical director at the Heritage Clinic in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is a case in point: Besides working as an abortionist, Gordon has had a number of run-ins with the law including four criminal convictions.
And now the State of Michigan may impose sanctions against the abortionist for failing to report those convictions, as required by law. Grand Rapids news station WZZM reports
7 quotes from Pope St. John Paul II on the Solemnity of Corpus Christi
7 Quotes from Pope St. John Paul II on the Solemnity of Corpus Christi | TOM PERNAPERNA: The teaching of the True Presence is a fundamental teaching of the Catholic Church. This day is a day where being Catholic is just awesome! It’s like Catholic Candy Land! If these three solemnities were horses in a horserace, I would use them in a Trifecta bet, because these three solemnities are like the Supernatural Trifecta.
If you haven’t figured it out yet or you are a new follower to my blog, I am a John Paul II junkie. His writings have influenced my life and my work in extraordinary ways. Let us now read seven great quotes from the Polish Pope and Saint from his Corpus Christi homilies
If you haven’t figured it out yet or you are a new follower to my blog, I am a John Paul II junkie. His writings have influenced my life and my work in extraordinary ways. Let us now read seven great quotes from the Polish Pope and Saint from his Corpus Christi homilies
If you died tomorrow, where would you go?
If you died tomorrow, where would you go? | Mountain CatholicSEWELL: Life is a funny thing.
That we can inhale and exhale, consume food and drink, create things with our hands, think things with our brains, witness beauty with our eyes, take in the scents of our surroundings, or choose to walk left or walk right is a funny reality, is indeed very strange.
Of course, it’s entirely normal as we experience it. But at the same time, all of those things which are so easily taken for granted are really quite peculiar. Our lives are constantly in motion. From the moment of our conception, at least some part of our being remains constantly–voluntarily or involuntarily–moving.
That we can inhale and exhale, consume food and drink, create things with our hands, think things with our brains, witness beauty with our eyes, take in the scents of our surroundings, or choose to walk left or walk right is a funny reality, is indeed very strange.
Of course, it’s entirely normal as we experience it. But at the same time, all of those things which are so easily taken for granted are really quite peculiar. Our lives are constantly in motion. From the moment of our conception, at least some part of our being remains constantly–voluntarily or involuntarily–moving.
Want to be a good servant? Be generous, Pope Francis tells deacons
Want to be a good servant? Be generous, Pope Francis tells deacons :: Catholic News Agency (CNA): On Sunday Pope Francis celebrated a special jubilee for deacons, telling them that a good servant is one who forgets themselves, letting go of their own plans and humbly placing their lives at the disposal of those to whom they are called to minister.
One of the first steps in becoming “a good and faithful” servant is that “we are asked to be available. A servant daily learns detachment from doing everything his own way and living his life as he would,” the Pope said May 29.
“One who serves cannot hoard his free time; he has to give up the idea of being the master of his day,” he said, adding that one who serves “is not a slave to his own agenda,” but rather, is “ever ready to deal with the unexpected, ever available to his brothers and sisters and ever open to God’s constant surprises.”
One of the first steps in becoming “a good and faithful” servant is that “we are asked to be available. A servant daily learns detachment from doing everything his own way and living his life as he would,” the Pope said May 29.
“One who serves cannot hoard his free time; he has to give up the idea of being the master of his day,” he said, adding that one who serves “is not a slave to his own agenda,” but rather, is “ever ready to deal with the unexpected, ever available to his brothers and sisters and ever open to God’s constant surprises.”
Remember this heroic priest on Memorial Day
Remember This Hero Priest on Memorial Day |Blogs | NCRegister.comMATTARCHBOLD: On June 20 of 2009, Lt. Col. Father Timothy Vakoc passed away. Five years before on Mary 29th, 2004, Father Vakoc was terribly injured when he was ordered to return to Mosul as some troops had been injured and required his presence.
But on his way, a bomb tore into his Humvee and he suffered a traumatic brain injury and lost his left eye. When he arrived at the base, there was massive pressure on his brain due to swelling. They had no choice but to induce a coma for any chance of survival. According to reports, just before he went under he told another chaplain to "Take care of my men."
But on his way, a bomb tore into his Humvee and he suffered a traumatic brain injury and lost his left eye. When he arrived at the base, there was massive pressure on his brain due to swelling. They had no choice but to induce a coma for any chance of survival. According to reports, just before he went under he told another chaplain to "Take care of my men."
Saturday, May 28, 2016
7 mysteries of the faith unlocked by the Holy Eucharist
7 Mysteries of the Faith Unlocked by the Eucharist | ChurchPOPHESCHMEYER: In theological circles, a lot is said about “covenantal theology,” and Christianity is often referred to as “the New Covenant.” Given this, it’s striking that Christ specifically mentions the New Covenant exactly once in the New Testament, and it’s at the Last Supper.
As He is consecrating the wine into His Blood, He says, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me” (1 Corinthians 11:25; Matthew 26:28; Mark 14:24; Luke 22:20).
So Christ is telling us, if you want to understand the New Covenant, you need to look to the Eucharist. If you’ve got a covenantal theology that isn’t centered around the Eucharist, you’re not getting the full picture.
As He is consecrating the wine into His Blood, He says, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me” (1 Corinthians 11:25; Matthew 26:28; Mark 14:24; Luke 22:20).
So Christ is telling us, if you want to understand the New Covenant, you need to look to the Eucharist. If you’ve got a covenantal theology that isn’t centered around the Eucharist, you’re not getting the full picture.
5 extraordinary Eucharistic miracles that left physical evidence (with pictures)
5 Extraordinary Eucharistic Miracles that Left Physical Evidence (With Pictures!) | ChurchPOPMILLEGAN: Catholics believe that Jesus Christ is really, truly, and substantially present in the Eucharist. There are many stories of miracles throughout Church history that seem to confirm this important teaching.
It’s important to note that no Catholic is required to believe any of these stories. Even if they have been investigated and approved by the Church, the Church does not give any absolute guarantee to their authenticity. Nor does the Catholic dogma of transubstantiation depend on the authenticity of these stories (it is based on Scripture and Tradition).
It’s important to note that no Catholic is required to believe any of these stories. Even if they have been investigated and approved by the Church, the Church does not give any absolute guarantee to their authenticity. Nor does the Catholic dogma of transubstantiation depend on the authenticity of these stories (it is based on Scripture and Tradition).
5 secrets for summertime survival
5 Secrets for Summertime Survival |Blogs | NCRegister.comHELDT: Middle-school finals have been taken, elementary field day has been completed, an assortment of report cards has come home, and over-stuffed backpacks filled with cookie crumbs and broken pencils have been abandoned in our ever-cluttered mudroom.
Summer is, officially, now in full-swing.
Back in our homeschooling days, the annual season of bee-stings and sunburns was not such a big change from the norm. We were always home, all of us, every single day. But now that seven of my dear children attend traditional schools—where they are occupied and supervised by paid superhuman professionals for most of their waking hours—summer for our family of ten necessitates some level of, ahem, transition.
Summer is, officially, now in full-swing.
Back in our homeschooling days, the annual season of bee-stings and sunburns was not such a big change from the norm. We were always home, all of us, every single day. But now that seven of my dear children attend traditional schools—where they are occupied and supervised by paid superhuman professionals for most of their waking hours—summer for our family of ten necessitates some level of, ahem, transition.
Deacons arrive in Rome to celebrate Jubilee for Deacons with Pope Francis
Deacons arrive in Rome to celebrate Jubilee for Deacons with Pope Francis - Vatican Radio: Deacons and their families from around the world are convening in Rome this weekend to participate in a Jubilee for Deacons as part of the year-long celebrations for the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy.
The Diaconate is a ministry rooted in mercy, founded originally so that the Church has specialists to engage in certain works while priests can focus on celebrating the sacraments.
The Diaconate is a ministry rooted in mercy, founded originally so that the Church has specialists to engage in certain works while priests can focus on celebrating the sacraments.
The fascinating story behind Wisconsin's St. Joan of Arc Chapel from France
The Amazing Story Behind Wisconsin's St. Joan of Arc Chapel from France | ChurchPOPMILLEGAN: On Marquette University’s campus in Wisconsin, you’ll find a fairly ordinary looking chapel dedicated to St. Joan of Arc.
But looks can be deceiving. This chapel actually has three amazing things about it:
First, it contains a stone on which St. Joan of Arc may have personally prayed. That makes the stone a third class relic.
Second, it was originally built in France in the 15th century and moved to Wisconsin at a later date.
And third, since Mass is still offered there several times a week, it is the oldest structure in the western hemisphere still used for its original purpose.
But looks can be deceiving. This chapel actually has three amazing things about it:
First, it contains a stone on which St. Joan of Arc may have personally prayed. That makes the stone a third class relic.
Second, it was originally built in France in the 15th century and moved to Wisconsin at a later date.
And third, since Mass is still offered there several times a week, it is the oldest structure in the western hemisphere still used for its original purpose.
Friday, May 27, 2016
It's official: Diocese approves apparitions of Our Lady in San Nicolás, Argentina
It's Official: Major Apparitions of Mary Are Approved |Blogs | NCRegister.comPRONECHEN: Holy Trinity Sunday, May 22, was a banner blue-letter day — blue for our Blessed Mother — as Bishop Hector Cardelli of San Nicolas, Argentina, officially declared that the apparitions of Our Lady of the Rosary in his diocese are of “supernatural character” and worthy of belief.
The apparitions took place in this city over 100 miles from Buenos Aires from Oct. 13, 1983 to Feb. 11, 1990. Our Blessed Mother appeared to a housewife named Gladys Herminia Quiroga de Motta nearly daily, giving 1804 messages. Gladys also received 68 visits and messages from Jesus.
Notice Oct. 13 was the anniversary of the last vision at Fatima and Feb. 11 is the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes — a powerful providential sign.
Bishop Cardelli thoroughly studied everything according to Vatican guidelines during the last 12 years. At the time of the apparitions, his predecessor Bishop Domingo Salvador Castagna often presided over the processions and celebrated Mass for tens of thousands who gathered every 25th of every month to commemorate the Blessed Mother’s first appearance to Gladys on Sept. 25, 1983.
The apparitions took place in this city over 100 miles from Buenos Aires from Oct. 13, 1983 to Feb. 11, 1990. Our Blessed Mother appeared to a housewife named Gladys Herminia Quiroga de Motta nearly daily, giving 1804 messages. Gladys also received 68 visits and messages from Jesus.
Notice Oct. 13 was the anniversary of the last vision at Fatima and Feb. 11 is the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes — a powerful providential sign.
Bishop Cardelli thoroughly studied everything according to Vatican guidelines during the last 12 years. At the time of the apparitions, his predecessor Bishop Domingo Salvador Castagna often presided over the processions and celebrated Mass for tens of thousands who gathered every 25th of every month to commemorate the Blessed Mother’s first appearance to Gladys on Sept. 25, 1983.
‘The Exorcist’ director William Friedkin says witnessing actual exorcism was life-changing event
‘Exorcist’ Director Says Witnessing Actual Exorcism Was Life-Changing |Blogs | NCRegister.comARMSTRONG: Exorcisms are not something the Catholic Church flaunts yet the world seems to understand, and certainly Hollywood does, that if the devil shows up, your next best move is to call a priest. �Even Protestant Pastors will often call a priest. For instance, in April 2012, Fr. Michael Maginot of St. Stephen Martyr Church in Merrillville, Ind. was asked by a Methodist minister to help save a family from demons.� �
Father Vincent Lampert, designated exorcist for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis told me in a previous interview for the Register, that half of the people who come to him for help are not even Catholic. �During his three months of training in Rome in 2006, Father Lampert assisted in more than 40 exorcisms with longtime Italian exorcist Father Carmine De Filippis. He worked alongside Father Gary Thomas, whose experiences became the basis of the book The Rite: The Making of a Modern Exorcist and inspired the fictionalized movie.
Father Vincent Lampert, designated exorcist for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis told me in a previous interview for the Register, that half of the people who come to him for help are not even Catholic. �During his three months of training in Rome in 2006, Father Lampert assisted in more than 40 exorcisms with longtime Italian exorcist Father Carmine De Filippis. He worked alongside Father Gary Thomas, whose experiences became the basis of the book The Rite: The Making of a Modern Exorcist and inspired the fictionalized movie.
‘Me Before You’ reveals that many are secretly biased against disabled people
‘Me Before You’ Reveals a Selfish Bias Against Disabled People |Blogs | NCRegister.comFRECH: The highly anticipated movie version of the bestselling book Me Before You opens nationwide next weekend. Excited fans already have their tissues ready for this tearjerker about the love story between newly “wheelchair bound” Will Traynor and his caregiver Louisa “Lou” Clark.
What is being hailed as the romantic tale of a disabled man and his nurse is, in fact, a much darker tale of the suicidal ideation of a clinically depressed man and the people who try to convince him not to take his own life. Spoiler alert: they fail and he dies. I’m sorry if that sounds harsh and, as I’ve been told, too simplistic for a “much richer and deeper story about tragedy and the realities of life.”
What is being hailed as the romantic tale of a disabled man and his nurse is, in fact, a much darker tale of the suicidal ideation of a clinically depressed man and the people who try to convince him not to take his own life. Spoiler alert: they fail and he dies. I’m sorry if that sounds harsh and, as I’ve been told, too simplistic for a “much richer and deeper story about tragedy and the realities of life.”
“Me Before You” is about the suicide of a disabled character, and the slow suicide of the West
Me Before You and the Slow Suicide of the West | Reflections of a ParalyticZIMMERMAN: Sometimes movie spoilers are a welcome thing.
Several months ago I saw a trailer for the movie Me Before You and got a little excited. A modern romance featuring a disabled main character. It looked so positive and promising.
I should have known better.
Apparently Me Before You, which hits theaters next weekend, was a novel first and many disability rights activists are speaking out about its less-than-romantic ending. Some even protested at the movie’s UK premier.
“I had heard this was a good book and read it. I was horrified,” a friend of mine told me.
So, consider this your warning.
Several months ago I saw a trailer for the movie Me Before You and got a little excited. A modern romance featuring a disabled main character. It looked so positive and promising.
I should have known better.
Apparently Me Before You, which hits theaters next weekend, was a novel first and many disability rights activists are speaking out about its less-than-romantic ending. Some even protested at the movie’s UK premier.
“I had heard this was a good book and read it. I was horrified,” a friend of mine told me.
So, consider this your warning.
The hidden science of elevators
The Hidden Science of Elevators: You walk to the elevator bay, hit the "up" button, and stand around for what feels like forever before hearing that reassuring "ding." It's enough to make you scream, especially as you look up at the cars' current locations and wonder why one can't just come for you.
When you're gritting your teeth in that hotel lobby, it's easy to overlook the fact that we've given our elevators a doozy of a computational challenge. A lot happens when you push that button: The elevator system must decide which car to send for you, and when. It must decide whether to go up from the fifth floor to collect those people on the 7th before coming down to the lobby to answer your call. It must consider who's been waiting longer, and which of the many paths is the most efficient and least painful for everybody. Elevator traffic is an elaborate, delicate dance, and once you see the steps, you can't help but tip your hat to the engineers who choreograph it all.
When you're gritting your teeth in that hotel lobby, it's easy to overlook the fact that we've given our elevators a doozy of a computational challenge. A lot happens when you push that button: The elevator system must decide which car to send for you, and when. It must decide whether to go up from the fifth floor to collect those people on the 7th before coming down to the lobby to answer your call. It must consider who's been waiting longer, and which of the many paths is the most efficient and least painful for everybody. Elevator traffic is an elaborate, delicate dance, and once you see the steps, you can't help but tip your hat to the engineers who choreograph it all.
96-year-old Dr. Heimlich saves choking woman with maneuver he invented
Dr Heimlich saves choking woman with manoeuvre he invented - BBC News: The 96-year-old inventor of the Heimlich manoeuvre has used the technique himself to save a choking woman at his retirement home.
It is thought to be only the second time Dr Henry Heimlich has used it in an emergency.
He dislodged a piece of hamburger from the 87-year-old woman's airway, staff at Deupree House in Cincinnati said.
Dr Heimlich said it made him appreciate how wonderful it had been "to be able to save all those lives".
It is thought to be only the second time Dr Henry Heimlich has used it in an emergency.
He dislodged a piece of hamburger from the 87-year-old woman's airway, staff at Deupree House in Cincinnati said.
Dr Heimlich said it made him appreciate how wonderful it had been "to be able to save all those lives".
Getting to know Servant of God Fr. Bill Atkinson
Getting to Know a Servant of God | catholicsaintsguyONEEL: This past Friday, I covered a story for CatholicPhilly.com about an assembly held for the students at Monsignor Bonner-Archbishop Prendergast Catholic High School in Upper Darby, PA. The purpose was to help students better know former Bonner Prendie student and teacher, the newly minted Servant of God Fr. Bill Atkinson, OSA, who was an amazing, incredible man.
As usual, the comments the speakers made were all fantastic, but too voluminous to include anything but a sample of them in my piece.
As usual, the comments the speakers made were all fantastic, but too voluminous to include anything but a sample of them in my piece.
Transubstantiation for the rest of us
Transubstantiation for the Rest of UsSENZ: This week we will celebrate the great Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, colloquially known as the feast of Corpus Christi (“the body of Christ”). On this day we give special thanks for the great gift we celebrate every Mass: the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist, one of the most central mysteries of our faith. Of course, the presence of Christ in the Eucharist is also one of the most mysterious mysteries of our faith. Our eyes tell us it is bread and wine before us, but our faith tells us it is the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ. The Church’s Tradition has handed down to us a word to describe this reality: transubstantiation, which says that the accidents of bread and wine remain while the substance becomes that of Christ Himself. For many, though, this term is no help: the technical philosophical explanations are just as head-scratch-inducing as the claim itself. Yet once some of the finer points are made clearer, this explanation can be quite helpful.
Why don't people like mercy?
Why Don’t People Like Mercy? - Year of Mercy - Aleteia.org – Worldwide Catholic Network Sharing Faith Resources for those seeking Truth – Aleteia.orgMILLS: H.L. Mencken famously defined Puritanism as “the haunting fear that someone, somewhere, may be happy.” There’s a style of Catholicism that seems haunted by the fear that someone, somewhere, might presume upon Grace. Some Catholics have a problem with mercy. It comes out in the way they react to the preaching of God’s great love and kindness, and often in the way they react to Pope Francis when he stresses it. They don’t react with “This is amazing,” but with earnest warnings not to take mercy too far. Sometimes the cautionary word must be said, but it shouldn’t be a Catholic’s first response to the proclamation of mercy.
Don't fight a two-front war with sin
Don’t Fight a Two-Front War with Sin - Those Catholic Men Inc.: Let’s admit something: neither you nor I are as holy as we should be.� Our sins, sinful tendencies, and imperfections abound and attack us from all sides.� At the beginning of our conversion or return to the faith, it was easy to harness our great enthusiasm and zeal to fight off temptation from all sides and to feel like we were winning the spiritual fight with the ease of a guy pulling off the one-man band.� However, initial zeal soon wears off and, one by one, we make little compromises with sin; and soon we’re left feeling defeated and overwhelmed by the truth of what we are (or aren’t).
“What can I do?” Be a Narnian. That’s what you can do...
'What Can I Do?' Be A Narnian. That’s What You Can Do.CLARK: As Americans, we tend to politicize everything. We say things like: “If only we had a better senator,” or “If only we had a better law.”
But neither our root problems nor our root solutions are broadly political; they are personal. Charity—love—is the root solution.
The world needs more good works from you and from me.
And while the world needs magnificent acts of charity, there is something that it needs more: tiny acts of charity.
My friend St. Therese taught me that when I finally decided to listen to her.
We need to listen to her advice to do little things with love. Maybe St. Therese was telling us to beware of the Great Big Thing.
But neither our root problems nor our root solutions are broadly political; they are personal. Charity—love—is the root solution.
The world needs more good works from you and from me.
And while the world needs magnificent acts of charity, there is something that it needs more: tiny acts of charity.
My friend St. Therese taught me that when I finally decided to listen to her.
We need to listen to her advice to do little things with love. Maybe St. Therese was telling us to beware of the Great Big Thing.
Facebook can turn us into blind Pharisees
Facebook Makes Us Blind Pharisees - Those Catholic Men Inc.CRAIG: At creation God looked at man and said he was good. And He is not done seeing us. His beholding holds us in being. Were it possible for Him to look away from us we would not become nothing, but return to nothing. We came outward, out of nothingness, thanks to the emanating goodness of God. We were created with an orientation away from nothingness to God who is something, true and full existence. “I am” is His Name.
Sin makes us look inward and toward ourselves. Since in this rebellious posture we turn away from God, we turn back to nothingness. That is why anyone who has been mired in sin can speak so well of darkness and emptiness – it’s a sort of return to the nothing before creation, “an empty waste, [where] darkness hung over the deep” (Genesis 1:2, Knox).
Sin makes us look inward and toward ourselves. Since in this rebellious posture we turn away from God, we turn back to nothingness. That is why anyone who has been mired in sin can speak so well of darkness and emptiness – it’s a sort of return to the nothing before creation, “an empty waste, [where] darkness hung over the deep” (Genesis 1:2, Knox).
Be grateful for life's simple joys: The inspiring story behind the “Chewbacca Mask Lady”
The Inspiring Story Behind the “Chewbacca Mask Lady” - Top Stories - Aleteia.org – Worldwide Catholic Network Sharing Faith Resources for those seeking Truth – Aleteia.orgKOSLOSKI: Who knew that a video of a woman hysterically laughing while wearing a Star Wars Chewbacca Mask would attract nearly 150 million views in one week? Candace Payne, the Texas mother behind the mask, certainly did not. Nor did she expect to be invited to appear on Good Morning America and The Late Late Show with James Corden; to be given a basket of gifts from the Kohl’s store where she purchased the mask, or to be invited to California for an exclusive tour of Lucasfilm, where the Star Wars films are produced.
Who gave the year's best commencement address? Justice Antonin Scalia...
Who Gave the Year’s Best Commencement Address?… Justice Antonin ScaliaWORNER: “Thirty-six is a lot of graduations.”
That’s how he began.
It was June of 2015 that the bear of man, Justice Antonin Scalia, leaned his heavy palms on the sides of the podium, peered out at the graduating class and began to speak. Now, to be clear, this wasn’t a commencement address offered at Harvard or Yale, Georgetown or the University of Chicago. No. This was Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart, an all-girl Catholic High School in Bethesda, Maryland. Young, eager Catholic women in a stuffy gymnasium eager at the prospects of college and life thereafter. And numbered among Stone Ridge’s seventy-nine graduates was the Justice’s granddaughter, Megan. Between Justice Scalia’s nine children and twenty-seven grandchildren (and counting), “thirty-six is a lot of graduations.”
That’s how he began.
It was June of 2015 that the bear of man, Justice Antonin Scalia, leaned his heavy palms on the sides of the podium, peered out at the graduating class and began to speak. Now, to be clear, this wasn’t a commencement address offered at Harvard or Yale, Georgetown or the University of Chicago. No. This was Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart, an all-girl Catholic High School in Bethesda, Maryland. Young, eager Catholic women in a stuffy gymnasium eager at the prospects of college and life thereafter. And numbered among Stone Ridge’s seventy-nine graduates was the Justice’s granddaughter, Megan. Between Justice Scalia’s nine children and twenty-seven grandchildren (and counting), “thirty-six is a lot of graduations.”
Concerns over religious freedom help sink LGBT bills
Concerns over religious freedom help sink LGBT bills :: Catholic News Agency (CNA): Religious liberty was among the primary concerns that ultimately defeated controversial legislation aimed at enforcing a 2014 LGBT executive order twice this week.
If passed, the amendments could infringe upon religious liberty of federal contractors, critics say. Since the executive order does not have explicit protections for religious contractors, Catholic institutions could risk losing their contracts if they object to offering spousal benefits for same-sex partners or permitting individuals to use the bathroom that does not align with their biological sex.
If passed, the amendments could infringe upon religious liberty of federal contractors, critics say. Since the executive order does not have explicit protections for religious contractors, Catholic institutions could risk losing their contracts if they object to offering spousal benefits for same-sex partners or permitting individuals to use the bathroom that does not align with their biological sex.
Thursday, May 26, 2016
The Virgin Mary was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory
Mary: Assumed into Heaven |Blogs | NCRegister.comSHEA: Mary's destiny is the sign of our destiny. As she is the icon of the Church, so she is the Model Disciple who shows not only how to follow Christ, but the reward awaiting those who do. The Triune God wills to grant us, as he has already granted her, the ecstatic crowned glory of complete union—body, soul, and spirit—with himself in eternity. The Church, in pointing to Mary, is simply underscoring that fact. She is the great sign of Hope for all believers in Christ.
“Outcasts”: New film on Franciscan Friars of the Renewal looks breathtaking
"Outcasts": New Film on Franciscan Friars of the Renewal Looks Breathtaking | ChurchPOP: This just might be one of the most inspiring things you’ve seen in a while.
The small film studio Grassroots Films has just released a trailer for a new documentary on the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal – and it’s absolutely amazing.
While showing images of Franciscan Friars and various other people in hard life situations, you hear the famous “Great Dictator’s Speech” from Charlie Chapman’s film The Great Dictator. Even if that doesn’t sound too incredible, just watch!
You can learn more about Grassroots Films and the film on their website.
The small film studio Grassroots Films has just released a trailer for a new documentary on the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal – and it’s absolutely amazing.
While showing images of Franciscan Friars and various other people in hard life situations, you hear the famous “Great Dictator’s Speech” from Charlie Chapman’s film The Great Dictator. Even if that doesn’t sound too incredible, just watch!
You can learn more about Grassroots Films and the film on their website.
Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen was right: The Hiroshima bombing destroyed moral boundaries...
Obama at Hiroshima (longer version) | arcoftheuniverse.infoPHILPOTT: While the arguments against the bomb can be rendered through reason, it is worth noting that those reasoning from the heart of the same tradition as Archbishop Sheen – the Catholic tradition – have reached the same conclusion that he did. Courageously, theologian John Ford, S.J. wrote an article in 1944 – during the throes of the war – explaining why obliteration bombing could never pass moral muster. Oxford philosopher Elizabeth Anscombe, a Catholic and one of the greatest philosophical minds of the twentieth century, refused to attend the ceremony when Oxford awarded President Truman an honorary degree, explaining her decision in a pointed essay. The great document of the Second Vatican Council, Gaudium et Spes, the “magna carta” of modern Catholic social and political thought, condemned the bombing of cities outright, indenting the text, “[a]ny act of war aimed indiscriminately at the destruction of entire cities of extensive areas along with their population is a crime against God and man himself. It merits unequivocal and unhesitating condemnation.” Pope John Paul II, in his encyclical of 1993, Veritatis Splendor, rejected the proportionalist method of moral reasoning that would replace moral absolutes with a weighing of goods – the kind of reasoning that is required to justify the bombings. John Paul II spoke about Hiroshima directly when he said to the Japanese ambassador to the Holy See in 1999, ““The cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki are a message to all our contemporaries, inviting all the earth’s peoples to learn the lessons of history and to work for peace with ever greater determination. Indeed, they remind our contemporaries of all the crimes committed during the Second World War against civilian populations, crimes and acts of true genocide.”
Four devastating tornadoes hit Moore, Oklahoma, in 16 years. Was it geography or just bad luck?
Tornado Town, USA | FiveThirtyEight: On the evening of May 3, 1999, a massive tornado tore through the Oklahoma City area. Known today as the Bridge Creek-Moore Tornado, it’s infamous for its size (a mile wide) and strength (wind speeds reached 300 miles per hour, on par with a Tokyo bullet train). It moved, as tornadoes so often do, from the southwest to the northeast, touching down in the rural plains before churning its way through the suburb of Moore and up to Midwest City, just east of downtown — which was where it pulverized my dad’s truck.
Pray the Rosary. The Blessed Mother has asked this...
Going to Mary to Save the World - Top Stories - Aleteia.org – Worldwide Catholic Network Sharing Faith Resources for those seeking Truth – Aleteia.orgLOPEZ: What if praying the rosary could bring down Boko Haram? What if it could bring peace the world? What if it could bring Christians closer to Jesus? Would you pray it every day? And would you really truly focus? Before May ends, considering how to make the rosary a priority anew would be a good thing to do. Pray the Rosary. The Blessed Mother has asked this. It’s a surefire way to get thinking about the Savior who is our only and eternal hope. But we are busy and don’t always. Fr. Edward Looney, ordained a priest in the Diocese of Green Bay a year ago this June 6, wants to do something about this, with a renewed focus on and during the prayer. And so he’s put together a new little devotional, A Rosary Litany: Renewing a Pious Tradition. - See more at: http://aleteia.org/2016/05/26/going-to-mary-to-save-the-world/#sthash.kqIxzLm4.dpuf
10 more great movies about Catholic priests
10 More Great Movies About Priests |Blogs | NCRegister.comDICAMILLO: Seven years ago Tom Hoopes, writing in these pages, had his own original great list of “Ten Great Movies About Priests”. Since that time at least three new movies (see below) have come out, but there were seven other that would have made my own personal list of favorites. Note that Hoopes omitted foreign films, documentaries, and those “about” popes (all of which I’ve included here). Without further delay
“Amoris Laetitia” and Vatican II’s project of inculturation
"Amoris Laetitia" and Vatican II’s Project of Inculturation | Catholic World Report - Global Church news and viewsSTAUDT: Pope St. John XXIII opened the Second Vatican Council amid great optimism. Pope John called for aggiornamento and an opening of the windows of the Church, but we know that the 1960s were not a time of fresh air. In fact, I would argue it was the breaking forth into daily life of a long trajectory of radical individualism. The Council sought a renewed encounter with the modern world after 450 years of conflict, but wading into the muddied waters of modern culture came with a cost.
The Catholic background of England's June 23 referendum on the European Union
CatholicHerald.co.uk � Why bishops love the EU: On June 23, Catholics in England and Wales will be confronted by the same question as everyone else: “Should the United Kingdom remain a member of the European Union or leave the European Union?”
We are given only two possible answers – “Remain” or “Leave”. The Church is not officially taking sides and therefore we are free to choose.
But that word “officially” is crucial. Both Cardinal Vincent Nichols and Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor have endorsed a vote to Remain. These are their personal convictions, they have stressed.
We are given only two possible answers – “Remain” or “Leave”. The Church is not officially taking sides and therefore we are free to choose.
But that word “officially” is crucial. Both Cardinal Vincent Nichols and Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor have endorsed a vote to Remain. These are their personal convictions, they have stressed.
How Saint Philip Neri anticipated Pope Francis by 500 years
How Saint Philip Neri Anticipated Pope Francis by 500 Years - Top Stories - Aleteia.org – Worldwide Catholic Network Sharing Faith Resources for those seeking Truth – Aleteia.orgSCALIA: For most Catholics, the narrative about Saint Philip Neri is a bit vague; he seems less well-known than the other vibrant reformer saints of the sixteenth century. “Philip Neri?” People will say, “Oh, yeah, he was the cheerful saint, loved to laugh,” and usually that’s all they know.
It’s true that Philip was cheerful. Saint Teresa of Avila —born, like Philip, in 1515 — would have loved him because he was certainly not one of those “sad-faced saints” she dreaded. Rather, Philip Neri was that rare creature, “a man in full,” with all the paradoxes contained therein. He was a scholar; he was a prankster. He was a serious confessor but not “tightly wound.” He once walked into a party held in his honor with half of his beard shaved off, because he didn’t want to feted as someone special. He didn’t fall into the trap of believing his own hype. Read his maxims and sayings, (or watch this splendid film about him) and you understand that Philip Neri was a serious Christian, a serious reformer, a serious (Avila-level) mystic.
It’s true that Philip was cheerful. Saint Teresa of Avila —born, like Philip, in 1515 — would have loved him because he was certainly not one of those “sad-faced saints” she dreaded. Rather, Philip Neri was that rare creature, “a man in full,” with all the paradoxes contained therein. He was a scholar; he was a prankster. He was a serious confessor but not “tightly wound.” He once walked into a party held in his honor with half of his beard shaved off, because he didn’t want to feted as someone special. He didn’t fall into the trap of believing his own hype. Read his maxims and sayings, (or watch this splendid film about him) and you understand that Philip Neri was a serious Christian, a serious reformer, a serious (Avila-level) mystic.
Italian cardinal who was John XXIII’s private secretary dies aged 100
CatholicHerald.co.uk � Italian cardinal who was John XXIII’s private secretary dies aged 100: Cardinal Loris Capovilla, who served as private secretary to Blessed Pope John XXIII, has died at the age of 100.
The cardinal, born in Pontelongo, Padua, was the oldest member of the College of Cardinals, elevated to the cardinalate by Pope Francis in 2014.
He served as private secretary to Cardinal Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli, later Pope John XXIII, from 1953 to the pope’s death in 1963. He then served as an expert at the Second Vatican Council before becoming Archbishop of Chieti-Vasto and later papal delegate of Loreto.
The cardinal, born in Pontelongo, Padua, was the oldest member of the College of Cardinals, elevated to the cardinalate by Pope Francis in 2014.
He served as private secretary to Cardinal Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli, later Pope John XXIII, from 1953 to the pope’s death in 1963. He then served as an expert at the Second Vatican Council before becoming Archbishop of Chieti-Vasto and later papal delegate of Loreto.
There's a demon that specializes in attacking the family, says exorcist
Exorcist: There’s a Demon That Specializes in Attacking the Family | Daily News | NCRegister.com: There’s a demon that specializes in attacking the family, said exorcist César Truqui, a priest who participated in a course on exorcism held in Rome last year.
Father Truqui warned that everything that is harming the family, including divorce, pleases the devil.
Speaking to the Italian weekly Tempi in 2015, the priest said that there is “a demon who specializes in the attack on the family, also cited in the story of Tobias, called ‘Asmodeus.’”
In the Old Testament book, the demon is known to have killed seven of Sarah’s husbands and was chained in the desert by St. Raphael. The demon “is present” in many exorcisms, Father Truqui said.
Father Truqui warned that everything that is harming the family, including divorce, pleases the devil.
Speaking to the Italian weekly Tempi in 2015, the priest said that there is “a demon who specializes in the attack on the family, also cited in the story of Tobias, called ‘Asmodeus.’”
In the Old Testament book, the demon is known to have killed seven of Sarah’s husbands and was chained in the desert by St. Raphael. The demon “is present” in many exorcisms, Father Truqui said.
Vatican liturgy chief urges priests to celebrate Mass “ad orientem”
CatholicHerald.co.uk � Vatican liturgy chief urges priests to celebrate Mass facing east: The Vatican’s liturgy chief has called on priests to celebrate Mass facing east.
In an interview with the French Catholic magazine Famille Chrétienne, Cardinal Robert Sarah said that the Second Vatican Council did not require priests to celebrate Mass facing the people.
This way of celebrating Mass, he said, was “a possibility, but not an obligation”.
Readers and listeners should face each other during the Liturgy of the Word, he said.
“But as soon as we reach the moment when one addresses God – from the Offertory onwards – it is essential that the priest and faithful look together towards the east. This corresponds exactly to what the Council Fathers wanted.”
In an interview with the French Catholic magazine Famille Chrétienne, Cardinal Robert Sarah said that the Second Vatican Council did not require priests to celebrate Mass facing the people.
This way of celebrating Mass, he said, was “a possibility, but not an obligation”.
Readers and listeners should face each other during the Liturgy of the Word, he said.
“But as soon as we reach the moment when one addresses God – from the Offertory onwards – it is essential that the priest and faithful look together towards the east. This corresponds exactly to what the Council Fathers wanted.”
Remembering Corpus Christi and the burial of my mother
Remembering Corpus Christi� - Crisis MagazineTURLEY: She was to die.
The doctors had not said as much, but once the word cancer was uttered I knew it was only a matter of time. My mother took the news as she had taken all else in life: with an act of faith.
She had been diagnosed just prior to Ash Wednesday; she was to die on Pentecost Sunday. It was to be a Lent like no other. From early on she became increasingly dependent on others. Once she asked to be taken to the local church so she could do what she did every Lent: the Stations of the Cross. I still remember that visit. We started the devotion as we had done many times before, but soon my attention shifted from the Stations on the church pillars to the woman moving between them. But unlike previous occasions, each genuflection, each prayer uttered that day carried a singular meaning.
The doctors had not said as much, but once the word cancer was uttered I knew it was only a matter of time. My mother took the news as she had taken all else in life: with an act of faith.
She had been diagnosed just prior to Ash Wednesday; she was to die on Pentecost Sunday. It was to be a Lent like no other. From early on she became increasingly dependent on others. Once she asked to be taken to the local church so she could do what she did every Lent: the Stations of the Cross. I still remember that visit. We started the devotion as we had done many times before, but soon my attention shifted from the Stations on the church pillars to the woman moving between them. But unlike previous occasions, each genuflection, each prayer uttered that day carried a singular meaning.
How God messed up my happy atheist life
Nicole Cliffe: How God Messed Up My Happy Atheist Life | Christianity Today: I became a Christian on July 7, 2015, after a very pleasant adult life of firm atheism. I’ve found myself telling “the story” when people ask me about it—slightly tweaked for my audience, of course. When talking to non-theists, I do a lot of shrugging and “Crazy, right? Nothing has changed, though!” When talking to other Christians, it’s more, “Obviously it’s been very beautiful, and I am utterly changed by it.” But the story has gotten a little away from me in the telling.
Meet Witold Pilecki, the heroic Polish spy who volunteered to go to Auschwitz
Witold Pilecki, the Heroic Polish Spy Who Volunteered to Go to Auschwitz |Blogs | NCRegister.comGRESS: A recent headline read, “The Holocaust: Many Villains, Few Heroes.” There is, however, one Holocaust hero few people know about: Witold Pilecki. Pilecki not only volunteered to go to Auschwitz, but he lived to tell the world about it.
Auschwitz is not far from Krakow, only thirty-five miles west of the city. Although Auschwitz-Birkenau and Oskar Schindler of Schindler’s List are featured in City of Saints, Weigel and I did not discuss the man that many consider to be one of the greatest wartime heroes.
Witold Pilecki (1901-1948) knew something terribly wrong was happening at Auschwitz, but there was no way to confirm it short of eyewitnesses. He volunteered to get arrested and report back all he found. But nothing could prepare him for the reality he was to encounter.
Auschwitz is not far from Krakow, only thirty-five miles west of the city. Although Auschwitz-Birkenau and Oskar Schindler of Schindler’s List are featured in City of Saints, Weigel and I did not discuss the man that many consider to be one of the greatest wartime heroes.
Witold Pilecki (1901-1948) knew something terribly wrong was happening at Auschwitz, but there was no way to confirm it short of eyewitnesses. He volunteered to get arrested and report back all he found. But nothing could prepare him for the reality he was to encounter.
Wednesday, May 25, 2016
Until last week, this man had no idea his mind is “blind”
BBC - Future - This man had no idea his mind is ‘blind’ until last week: Close your eyes and visualise the face of the person you love the most. The colour of their eyes, the texture of their hair, the detail of their skin. Can you imagine it? Philip can’t.
Although Philip, a 42-year old photographer from Toronto, is happily married, he can’t conjure up his wife’s face because he has no images of any kind in his mind’s eye. When he thinks about a face, it comes to him as an idea, as an intellectual concept, rather than a mental picture.
Although Philip, a 42-year old photographer from Toronto, is happily married, he can’t conjure up his wife’s face because he has no images of any kind in his mind’s eye. When he thinks about a face, it comes to him as an idea, as an intellectual concept, rather than a mental picture.
That crazy time a hijacker demanded that John Paul II release the Third Secret of Fatima
That Crazy Time a Hijacker Demanded JP2 Release the 3rd Secret of Fatima | ChurchPOPMILLEGAN: First, a bit of background on the Third Secret of Fatima: Lucia Santos was one of three children who were visited by the Blessed Virgin Mary in Fatima, Portugal in 1917. In a 1941 memoir, she revealed that Mary had given them three secrets. Though she published the first two secrets, she chose not to disclose the third secret. Instead, she wrote it down and gave it to her local bishop. She asked him to deliver it to the pope and ensure that the secret was revealed publicly by 1960.
The secret was delivered to Rome in 1957, but in 1960 the Vatican decided to not release it, saying it was “most probable the Secret would remain, forever, under absolute seal.”
The secret was delivered to Rome in 1957, but in 1960 the Vatican decided to not release it, saying it was “most probable the Secret would remain, forever, under absolute seal.”
Watch the Pope let a group of kids ride with him around St. Peter's Square
Watch: Pope Let a Group of Kids Ride with Him Around St. Peter's Square! | ChurchPOPMILLEGAN: This looks like fun! And what a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
Pope Francis recently allowed a group of young kids ride with him in the popemobile around St. Peter’s Square.
Catholic theology professor and author Edward Sri posted the video below on his Facebook page of the event with the caption, “My son Karl rode in the pope-mobile with Pope Francis today! All throughout St Peter’s square!”
Pope Francis recently allowed a group of young kids ride with him in the popemobile around St. Peter’s Square.
Catholic theology professor and author Edward Sri posted the video below on his Facebook page of the event with the caption, “My son Karl rode in the pope-mobile with Pope Francis today! All throughout St Peter’s square!”
Evidence of envy? A reflection on the elimination of valedictorians...
Evidence of Envy? A Reflection on the Elimination of Valedictorians - Community in Mission : Community in MissionPOPE: Excellence is a beautiful thing, something to esteem and hold up before all. I would argue that it is yet another sign of the decline of our culture that we can’t seem to “tolerate” the celebration of excellence and achievement. Why is this? One reason is the tyranny of relativism. Another is obsessive, excessive concern for the feelings of others. But a more fundamental answer lies in the cardinal or deadly sin of envy.
What is envy? Most people today use the word as a synonym for jealousy. But traditionally, jealousy is not the same as envy.
What is envy? Most people today use the word as a synonym for jealousy. But traditionally, jealousy is not the same as envy.
4 shocking things I discovered this week
4 Shocking Things I Discovered This Week |Blogs | NCRegister.comMCAFEE: Just last week my family moved to Japan. Pratty far from our cozy suburbia in Nebraska. We’re not even on mainland Japan; we’re living on an island over 250 miles south of the mainland called Okinawa. Perhaps you’ve heard of it.
While I have been in transition I have discovered a few things that have seriously shocked me. We cannot believe in pure evil, but these things come drastically close to convincing me. Here they are...
While I have been in transition I have discovered a few things that have seriously shocked me. We cannot believe in pure evil, but these things come drastically close to convincing me. Here they are...
The four hooks on which Pope Francis hangs his thought
The Four Hooks On Which Bergoglio Hangs His ThoughtMAGISTER: What is the guiding criterion of Pope Francis, of his fluid but definitional magisterium, intentionally open to the most contrasting interpretations?
It is he himself who recalls what it is, at the beginning of “Amoris Laetitia":
“Since ‘time is greater than space,’ I would make it clear that not all discussions of doctrinal, moral or pastoral issues need to be settled by interventions of the magisterium.”
Further on in the same exhortation Francis translates this criterion:
“It is more important to start processes than to dominate spaces.”
“Time is greater than space” is effectively the first of the four guiding criteria that Francis lists and illustrates in the agenda-setting document of his pontificate, the exhortation “Evangelii Gaudium.” The other three are: unity prevails over conflict, realities are more important than ideas, the whole is greater than the part.
It is a whole lifetime that Jorge Mario Bergoglio has been inspired by these four criteria, and mainly by the first. The Argentine Jesuit Diego Fares, in commenting on “Amoris Laetitia” in the latest issue of “La Civiltà Cattolica,” extensively cites notes from a conversation with the provincial of the Society of Jesus in Argentina at the time, dated 1978, all “on the domain of room for action and on the sense of time.”
It is he himself who recalls what it is, at the beginning of “Amoris Laetitia":
“Since ‘time is greater than space,’ I would make it clear that not all discussions of doctrinal, moral or pastoral issues need to be settled by interventions of the magisterium.”
Further on in the same exhortation Francis translates this criterion:
“It is more important to start processes than to dominate spaces.”
“Time is greater than space” is effectively the first of the four guiding criteria that Francis lists and illustrates in the agenda-setting document of his pontificate, the exhortation “Evangelii Gaudium.” The other three are: unity prevails over conflict, realities are more important than ideas, the whole is greater than the part.
It is a whole lifetime that Jorge Mario Bergoglio has been inspired by these four criteria, and mainly by the first. The Argentine Jesuit Diego Fares, in commenting on “Amoris Laetitia” in the latest issue of “La Civiltà Cattolica,” extensively cites notes from a conversation with the provincial of the Society of Jesus in Argentina at the time, dated 1978, all “on the domain of room for action and on the sense of time.”
Jesus is not your best buddy
Jesus is Not Your Best Buddy |Blogs | NCRegister.comLONGENECKER: I remember singing that sweet old gospel song, What a Friend We Have in Jesus, and I’m not denying that Jesus is our friend and brother, but there is something a bit disconcerting about being too comfortable with Jesus. He might be the good shepherd and gentle Jesus, meek and mild, but he’s the shepherd is also the judge and while he’s mild, there is also something wild about him. Aslan is not a tame lion and Christ the Tiger is not a cuddly kitten. I’m not sure where in the New Testament it indicates that Jesus is our best buddy. When I read the gospels he certainly went to parties, was sociable and was very popular, but he is always treated either with extreme respect or with disdain and fear. Even with his apostles there is a distance. He loves people, but he doesn’t come across to me as full of bonhomie, high fives and hearty slaps on the back. There is always something of the desert about him.
The supernatural messages from the newly approved apparitions of Our Lady in San Nicolás
The Supernatural Messages from Our Lady of the Newly Approved Vision of San Nicol�s | ChurchPOP: The apparitions of Mary of the Rosary of San Nicolás were recently approved as having a “supernatural character” and being worthy of belief by Bishop Héctor Sabatino Cardelli of San Nicolás de los Arroyos in Argentina.
Mary appeared to the uneducated housewife Gladys Quiroga de Motta over the course of 6 1/2 years, giving her around 800 messages.
Mary appeared to the uneducated housewife Gladys Quiroga de Motta over the course of 6 1/2 years, giving her around 800 messages.
Prisoner in the death house: Father Emil Kapaun
Prisoner in the Death House: Father Emil KapaunTURLEY: It was Thanksgiving, so he knew where to find them. The postman made for the local Catholic Church. Fearing the worst, he handed the telegram to the parish priest. After Mass concluded, its contents were read out privately to those to whom it was addressed:
The Secretary of State of the Army has asked me to express his deep regret that your son Captain Emil J. Kapaun has been missing in action in Korea since Nov. 2nd ’50…
The parents of the man now missing listened in stunned disbelief. Thereafter, there was only silence in the room.
The Secretary of State of the Army has asked me to express his deep regret that your son Captain Emil J. Kapaun has been missing in action in Korea since Nov. 2nd ’50…
The parents of the man now missing listened in stunned disbelief. Thereafter, there was only silence in the room.
Dawn Eden Goldstein debates a women's ordination advocate in the New York Times
If Catholic Women Could Be Deacons - Room for Debate - NYTimes.com: Catholic deacons, priests and bishops are all clerics; each receives in ordination the sacrament of Holy Orders. Those advocating for women deacons claim that, in the first centuries of the church, women deacons received the sacrament of Holy Orders just as male ones did. But did they really?
“Deaconesses” did exist, but, as Pope Francis observed in the meeting with mother superiors where he agreed to have a commission study the question of women deacons, their main duty involved nude baptism (which was then the norm): They spared priests the awkward task of anointing women prior to immersion. For that work, as well as charitable outreach to women, they were “ordained” — but, unlike male deacons, they neither preached nor assisted at the altar. Granted, one fourth century text, written in Greek, loosely calls them kleros, or clergy. But it also distinguishes them from their male counterparts: “The deaconess does not bless, and she does not fulfill any of the things that priests and deacons do.”
“Deaconesses” did exist, but, as Pope Francis observed in the meeting with mother superiors where he agreed to have a commission study the question of women deacons, their main duty involved nude baptism (which was then the norm): They spared priests the awkward task of anointing women prior to immersion. For that work, as well as charitable outreach to women, they were “ordained” — but, unlike male deacons, they neither preached nor assisted at the altar. Granted, one fourth century text, written in Greek, loosely calls them kleros, or clergy. But it also distinguishes them from their male counterparts: “The deaconess does not bless, and she does not fulfill any of the things that priests and deacons do.”
Someone reduced “Star Wars: Episode IV” to a single amazing graphic...
Star Wars Episode IV in one picture: A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away...
Pope's Wednesday Audience: “Pray always, without growing tired”
Pray without ceasing – not just when you want to, Pope says :: Catholic News Agency (CNA): For Pope Francis, prayer is neither a “magic wand” used to get what we want nor something casual we do only when we feel like it, but is rather the strength that sustains our faith in difficult moments.
“Jesus says that we need ‘to pray always, without growing tired,’” the Pope said May 25. What that means is that “it’s not just praying sometimes, when I feel like it. No.”
“Everyone experiences moments of fatigue and discouragement, especially when it seems like our prayer seems ineffective,” he said, but assured that “God answers his children promptly, even if it means he does it in times and ways other than what we would like.”
“Jesus says that we need ‘to pray always, without growing tired,’” the Pope said May 25. What that means is that “it’s not just praying sometimes, when I feel like it. No.”
“Everyone experiences moments of fatigue and discouragement, especially when it seems like our prayer seems ineffective,” he said, but assured that “God answers his children promptly, even if it means he does it in times and ways other than what we would like.”
9 deacons who were also saints
9 Deacons Who Were Also Saints |Blogs | NCRegister.comDICAMILLO: A dozen years ago I read and edited a manuscript by Deacon Owen F. Cummings, D.D., entitled Deacons and the Church. It contained a short (very short!) chapter on “Deacons for Deacons”. However, I thought there was (or could be) more to this and asked him to tease this out, which became a small book called Saintly Deacons.
The book may be small and their number may not be too large, but the deacons who have become saints or led especially saintly lives have had an immeasurable impact on the Church
The book may be small and their number may not be too large, but the deacons who have become saints or led especially saintly lives have had an immeasurable impact on the Church
A eulogy for a tree
A Eulogy For a Tree |Blogs | NCRegister.comSPENCER: It began in the morning. I was instructing my daughter in adding multiples of ten to two digit numbers. The younger children were running in and out of our kitchen nook where we were working. The nook gives a full view of our backyard and the neighbors’ trees towering above their privacy fence. And then I saw the cherry picker going towards the 50-year-old maple tree in our next door neighbor’s backyard. They had trimmed it back severely last autumn. It was a beautiful old maple tree, providing cool shade and beautiful yellow leaves in the fall. The tree trimmer began to take all of the budding branches off one of the big branches. I could not stand the tension. I closed the blinds, and made another cup of coffee. There was no way that I could teach my daughter and watch the destruction of the tree.
Is there anything good about Centering Prayer?
Spiritualdirection.com | Catholic Spiritual Direction | Is there Anything Good about Centering Prayer? SpiritualDirection.com / Catholic Spiritual DirectionDANBURKE: You might be surprised that my answer is, “yes,” there are things that are taught by the Centering Prayer movement that are good. As you suggest, it is beneficial for us to use our bodies to help us in prayer. We are not Gnostics after all. We believe that creation is good and that our bodies can be used for good. If it were not so, our liturgy would simply have us remain blithely stationary. Instead, in keeping with the appropriate expressions of prayer in the mass, we respond with all that we are. We kneel with our hearts and we kneel with our bodies. So, the admonition to breathe slowly, to sit in a particular posture, is good, particularly for those who are just beginning their prayer life and need extra help to minimize distractions.
First Communion for Iraqi refugees represents hope for a persecuted people
First Communion for Iraqi Refugees Represents Hope for a Persecuted People | Daily News | NCRegister.com: Outside the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Annunciation in Beirut, Lebanon, the children could hardly contain their excitement.
All the suffering of their lives in forced exile seemed to vanish as they anticipated the holy sacrament for which they had so diligently prepared. Two girls joined hands and gleefully spun each other around.
Dressed in white robes adorned with wooden rosaries on the eve of Pentecost, the 30 Iraqi refugee children quickly composed themselves when Syriac�Catholic Patriarch Ignace Joseph III Younan arrived from the nearby patriarchate. They assembled reverently for the processional, folding their hands in prayer.�
All the suffering of their lives in forced exile seemed to vanish as they anticipated the holy sacrament for which they had so diligently prepared. Two girls joined hands and gleefully spun each other around.
Dressed in white robes adorned with wooden rosaries on the eve of Pentecost, the 30 Iraqi refugee children quickly composed themselves when Syriac�Catholic Patriarch Ignace Joseph III Younan arrived from the nearby patriarchate. They assembled reverently for the processional, folding their hands in prayer.�
Protestors decry caste prejudice within India’s Catholic Church
Protestors decry caste prejudice within India’s Catholic Church – CRUX: Some 1,500 Christians recently rallied in the southeastern Indian city of Kadapa after the kidnapping and beating of a Catholic bishop by three of his own priests, in an incident protesters see as reflective of caste prejudice within India’s Catholic Church.
In late April, Bishop Prasad Gallela of Cuddapah, located in the state of Andhra Pradesh, was abducted and beaten. Police later charged 14 people in the assault, including three of Gallela’s own priests, who were reportedly upset over personnel appointments they had sought that the bishop denied.
In the course of the kidnapping, Gallela was shoved down on the floor of a car, kicked and beaten brutally with insults hurled at him. The kidnappers videotaped the entire ordeal.
In late April, Bishop Prasad Gallela of Cuddapah, located in the state of Andhra Pradesh, was abducted and beaten. Police later charged 14 people in the assault, including three of Gallela’s own priests, who were reportedly upset over personnel appointments they had sought that the bishop denied.
In the course of the kidnapping, Gallela was shoved down on the floor of a car, kicked and beaten brutally with insults hurled at him. The kidnappers videotaped the entire ordeal.
Tuesday, May 24, 2016
Can you solve the psychedelic illusion that's driving the internet crazy?
Can you solve the psychedelic illusion driving the internet crazy?: Prepare to have your mind blown.
The brain may have an inconceivable number of cells [around 100 billion] and is the most complex biological structure on Earth but the organ appears to have a little trouble when it comes to optical illusions.
The brain may have an inconceivable number of cells [around 100 billion] and is the most complex biological structure on Earth but the organ appears to have a little trouble when it comes to optical illusions.
And out you go! Why fainting is so common in church...
And Out You Go! Why Fainting Is So Common in Church - Community in Mission : Community in MissionPOPE: In my over 26 years as a priest (even longer serving in some capacity at the Holy Liturgy) I have witnessed more than a few people faint. Some just slump over; others go out with a real bang. Weddings are a big source of fainting spells, but just about any long Mass produces its share of “lights out” experiences. Some years ago, when I was serving as First Assistant Deacon for a Pontifical Solemn High Mass in the Basilica, we predicted prior to the Mass that at least one person would pass out. It’s usually one of the torch bearers because they have to kneel on the marble for so long. Sure enough, right at Communion time, one of them went down, torch and all. It seems that such a Mass wouldn’t be complete if at least one person didn’t pass out!
Intolerance and evangelization
Intolerance and Evangelization | George Weigel | First ThingsWEIGEL: Cardinal Robert Sarah is one of the adornments of the Catholic Church, although it’s very unlikely that this man of faith, humor, intelligence, and profound humility would appreciate my putting it that way. His 2015 book, God or Nothing, is selling all over the world, currently available in twelve languages with more to come. The book tells his story, that of a contemporary confessor of the faith who accepted episcopal ordination knowing that he might well be killed for his witness to Christ by the madcap Marxist dictator who then ran his West African country, Guinea. But the point of God or Nothing is not to advertise the virtues of Robert Sarah: The book is an invitation to faith, addressed to everyone, but with special urgency to those parts of the world dying from a suffocating indifference to the things of the spirit.
Why “Last Days in the Desert” is so boring
Why “Last Days in the Desert” is so Boring | Word On FireBARRON: With his latest film, ‘Last Days in the Desert,’ Rodrigo Garcia has accomplished something truly remarkable. He has taken a portion of the life of the single most compelling person who has ever lived and turned it into a colossally boring movie. As I watched ‘Last Days in the Desert’, I was reminded of many films that I saw in Paris as a doctoral student: lots of uninterrupted shots of natural scenes, many views of people walking around and saying nothing, endless close-ups of serious faces looking blankly into the middle distance. At times I thought that all of this meditative build-up would result in a spectacular payoff, but no—just more walking around and looking.
Cardinal Müller expects SSPX to recognize disputed Vatican II declarations
Cardinal M�ller Expects SSPX to Recognize Disputed Council Declarations |Blogs | NCRegister.comPENTIN: Cardinal Gerhard Müller has said he expects the Society of St. Pius X, which has always opposed the Second Vatican Council's declarations on religious freedom and ecumenism, to “unreservedly recognize” freedom of religion as a human right, and an obligation to ecumenism. In an interview in the June edition of the German publication Herder Korrespondenz, the prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith said that if one “wants to be fully Catholic, one must recognize the Pope and the Second Vatican Council.”
Cardinal Müller said he expects a recognition of all the Council declarations that deal with these issues, according to the interview, reported on the Austrian Catholic website, Kathpress, May 24.
His comments come after reports that the Society of St. Pius X, which continues to oppose key teachings of the Second Vatican Council regarding ecumenism, freedom of religion and aspects of liturgical reform, may be close to being recognized by the Holy See.
Cardinal Müller said he expects a recognition of all the Council declarations that deal with these issues, according to the interview, reported on the Austrian Catholic website, Kathpress, May 24.
His comments come after reports that the Society of St. Pius X, which continues to oppose key teachings of the Second Vatican Council regarding ecumenism, freedom of religion and aspects of liturgical reform, may be close to being recognized by the Holy See.
Beware the fake Microsoft Tech Support scam
Beware the Fake Microsoft Tech Support Scam |Blogs | NCRegister.comFENELON: I had to wait until I cooled down enough to write civilly about this.
I was scammed.
I consider myself a fairly intelligent person (yes, I know, some would beg to differ), and I’m aware that scammers are everywhere and will try anything to cheat you.
But, I got scammed anyway.
I’m writing about it, not for vindication, but so that you don’t get sucked into the same or similar scam. I wouldn’t want this to happen to anybody – not even the guy down the block who consistently lets his huge dog do its job on my front lawn without ever cleaning it up.
Nope. Nobody.
I’d been having a severe problem with spam mail at my business email address. That’s not an exaggeration. I was getting upwards of 150 spam mails per day and that was with the spam filters turned way up. It was so bad, I’d have to log into my account several times a day just to delete all the spam and search out the “real” messages.
I was scammed.
I consider myself a fairly intelligent person (yes, I know, some would beg to differ), and I’m aware that scammers are everywhere and will try anything to cheat you.
But, I got scammed anyway.
I’m writing about it, not for vindication, but so that you don’t get sucked into the same or similar scam. I wouldn’t want this to happen to anybody – not even the guy down the block who consistently lets his huge dog do its job on my front lawn without ever cleaning it up.
Nope. Nobody.
I’d been having a severe problem with spam mail at my business email address. That’s not an exaggeration. I was getting upwards of 150 spam mails per day and that was with the spam filters turned way up. It was so bad, I’d have to log into my account several times a day just to delete all the spam and search out the “real” messages.
3 lies you might believe about the Catholic Church
3 Lies You Might Believe About the Catholic Church - Spotlight - Aleteia.org – Worldwide Catholic Network Sharing Faith Resources for those seeking Truth – Aleteia.orgNOBLE: I am convinced that there is something truly diabolical about the rage that Mother Teresa engenders in her critics. Recently I wrote an article defending Mother Teresa against the lies that have been spread about her and, inevitably, the comment section quickly filled with nasty and vicious attacks against Mother Teresa. I stopped looking at it after a few regrettable visits.
There are strikingly few criticisms of Mother Teresa that are not rife with vitriol and unadulterated wrath. There are more objective and emotionless articles among those criticizing the Church’s handling of the sex abuse crisis, (something much more deserving of rage), than of those that criticize Mother Teresa. It’s downright disturbing.
There are strikingly few criticisms of Mother Teresa that are not rife with vitriol and unadulterated wrath. There are more objective and emotionless articles among those criticizing the Church’s handling of the sex abuse crisis, (something much more deserving of rage), than of those that criticize Mother Teresa. It’s downright disturbing.
The problem with pristine primitivism
The Problem with Pristine PrimitivismLONGENECKER: What on earth is “Primitivism”?
It’s a reformist idea in religion that buys into the idea that the early church is the pure church and that we have to get rid of all the clutter and corruption that has accumulated in the church over the centuries.
I’ve written a long article about the problem within Protestantism here, but the same problem exists within Catholicism.
Wherever and whenever it occurs, the premise of primitivism is that the contemporary church is corrupt, heretical, hypocritical and doomed. Only by a return to the pure and pristine past can the faith survive and thrive.
It’s a reformist idea in religion that buys into the idea that the early church is the pure church and that we have to get rid of all the clutter and corruption that has accumulated in the church over the centuries.
I’ve written a long article about the problem within Protestantism here, but the same problem exists within Catholicism.
Wherever and whenever it occurs, the premise of primitivism is that the contemporary church is corrupt, heretical, hypocritical and doomed. Only by a return to the pure and pristine past can the faith survive and thrive.
Dominicans ordain largest number of friars in 45 years
Dominicans Ordain Largest Number of Friars in 45 Years | Daily News | NCRegister.com: “Our Lord commanded us to pray to the Lord of the harvest to send laborers into the harvest, and we have done so — and these are his answer to our prayer,” Archbishop Augustine Di Noia said Saturday, as he prepared to serve as ordaining prelate for the largest class of Dominican friars ordained for the eastern Province of St. Joseph in 45 years.
This year marks the 800th jubilee for the Order of Preachers, and Archbishop Di Noia, ordained a Dominican priest in 1970, emphasized that this class was “blessed to be the 800th-anniversary ordination class” of the province. The 11 new priests, mostly men in their 20s, were ordained at a May 21 Mass that filled to capacity the Upper Church of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, which is across the street from the Dominican House of Studies and seats 6,000 people.
This year marks the 800th jubilee for the Order of Preachers, and Archbishop Di Noia, ordained a Dominican priest in 1970, emphasized that this class was “blessed to be the 800th-anniversary ordination class” of the province. The 11 new priests, mostly men in their 20s, were ordained at a May 21 Mass that filled to capacity the Upper Church of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, which is across the street from the Dominican House of Studies and seats 6,000 people.
Holy Spirit Missionary Sister dies after being shot in South Sudan
Holy Spirit Missionary Sister Dies After Being Shot in South Sudan | Daily News | NCRegister.com: A Slovak nun and medical doctor died Friday from gunshot wounds she suffered in an attack in Yei, South Sudan, last week.
Sister Veronika Terézia Racková was shot and wounded by three soldiers on May 16, and she died from her injuries on May 20, said Martin Kramara, spokesman of the Slovak Bishops’ Conference (KBS), according to Slovak news sources.
The sister had been driving a patient to a nearby hospital when she was attacked, shot in the stomach and suffered multiple other injuries, including fractures to her pelvis, according to several reports. She underwent surgery at a local hospital before being flown to Nairobi, Kenya, for further treatment.
Sister Veronika Terézia Racková was shot and wounded by three soldiers on May 16, and she died from her injuries on May 20, said Martin Kramara, spokesman of the Slovak Bishops’ Conference (KBS), according to Slovak news sources.
The sister had been driving a patient to a nearby hospital when she was attacked, shot in the stomach and suffered multiple other injuries, including fractures to her pelvis, according to several reports. She underwent surgery at a local hospital before being flown to Nairobi, Kenya, for further treatment.
Benedict XVI could appear in public in June for 65th anniversary of priestly ordination
Benedict XVI Could Appear in Public in June for 65th Anniversary of Priestly Ordination | Daily News | NCRegister.com: Pope Benedict XVI could appear in public once again on June 29, the 65th anniversary of his priestly ordination.
Speaking after the May 20 presentation of a book dedicated to Benedict XVI’s pontificate, Archbishop Georg Ganswein, prefect of the pontifical household and private secretary to the retired pope, said that “there will be another occasion to see the pope emeritus in public.”
“Benedict XVI will celebrate the 65th anniversary of [his ordination] June 29, and we will see what we will be able to manage. … This may present an opportunity to show that Benedict XVI is well.”
Speaking after the May 20 presentation of a book dedicated to Benedict XVI’s pontificate, Archbishop Georg Ganswein, prefect of the pontifical household and private secretary to the retired pope, said that “there will be another occasion to see the pope emeritus in public.”
“Benedict XVI will celebrate the 65th anniversary of [his ordination] June 29, and we will see what we will be able to manage. … This may present an opportunity to show that Benedict XVI is well.”
Art of Manliness: How to light a charcoal grill
How to Light a Charcoal Grill | The Art of Manliness: Nothing says manly Americana like standing in front of charcoal grill that’s spewing flames like the upturned end of a rocket ship. But creating a massive fire doesn’t always equate to properly prepping a charcoal grill. At the end of the day, you’ll earn more admirers by serving up great tasting brats and burgers than by offering a low-budget pyrotechnics show. Learn to light your charcoal grill using one of these two methods and you’re sure to get the praise you deserve.
50 Bible passages in which Christ reveals that He is God
How to Easily Win 50 Dollars |Blogs | NCRegister.comSTAGNARO: There are few more tiresome and enervating conversations than those initiated by the unapologetically unknowing who insist Jesus Christ, the Son of God, Savior of Mankind, the Way, Truth and Light, never admitted to being God in the Bible. Instead, they insist Christ's Disciples "fabricated" His Divinity. Despite proof to the contrary, they've not only convinced themselves they're right but that they also have the unalienable "right-to-be-right" and that any "impudent backtalk" from Christians must be the result of our evil irrationalism.
To help kids thrive, coach their parents
To Help Kids Thrive, Coach Their Parents - The New York Times: In 1986, in a few of the poorest neighborhoods in Kingston, Jamaica, a team of researchers from the University of the West Indies embarked on an experiment that has done a great deal, over time, to change our thinking about how to help children succeed, especially those living in poverty. Its message: Help children by supporting and coaching their parents.
The researchers divided the families of 129 infants and toddlers into groups. The first group received hourlong home visits once a week from a trained researcher who encouraged the parents to spend more time playing actively with their children: reading picture books, singing songs, playing peekaboo. A second group of children received a kilogram of a milk-based nutritional supplement each week. A control group received nothing. The interventions themselves ended after two years, but the researchers have followed the children ever since.
The researchers divided the families of 129 infants and toddlers into groups. The first group received hourlong home visits once a week from a trained researcher who encouraged the parents to spend more time playing actively with their children: reading picture books, singing songs, playing peekaboo. A second group of children received a kilogram of a milk-based nutritional supplement each week. A control group received nothing. The interventions themselves ended after two years, but the researchers have followed the children ever since.
Vatican confirms World Meeting of Families to take place in Dublin in August 2018
CatholicHerald.co.uk � Vatican confirms World Meeting of Families to take place in Dublin in August 2018: The 2018 World Meeting of Families in Ireland is part of a broad programme of renewal of the Church’s pastoral care for all families, said Archbishop Diarmuid Martin of Dublin.
“In Pope Francis’s mind, the IX World Meeting of Families in Dublin is not an isolated event. It belongs within a process of discernment and encouragement, of accompaniment and animation of families,” he said during a news conference at the Vatican on Tuesday.
“It belongs within a program of renewal of the Church’s pastoral concern and pastoral care for the family and for families,” he said.
“In Pope Francis’s mind, the IX World Meeting of Families in Dublin is not an isolated event. It belongs within a process of discernment and encouragement, of accompaniment and animation of families,” he said during a news conference at the Vatican on Tuesday.
“It belongs within a program of renewal of the Church’s pastoral concern and pastoral care for the family and for families,” he said.
Stop treating Confirmation as the sacrament of departure from the Church
Stop celebrating the sacrament of departure | USCatholic.org: There’s an old joke about two pastors discussing the problem of bats in the attic of their respective churches. “I’ve tried everything,” Father Brown complains to Father Smith. “Exterminators, electric wires, traps, poison—everything—but I just can’t seem to get rid of them.” Father Smith smiles and says, “Don’t worry. I have found the perfect solution. I had the bishop come to confirm the bats . . . and they never returned!”
Unfortunately this joke is as sad as it is funny: It accurately reflects the experience of so many pastoral ministers in the United States. Confirmation—when celebrated during the teenage years as a rite of Christian “maturity”—often marks the moment when adolescents set aside their faith practices, sometimes for the rest of their lives.
Unfortunately this joke is as sad as it is funny: It accurately reflects the experience of so many pastoral ministers in the United States. Confirmation—when celebrated during the teenage years as a rite of Christian “maturity”—often marks the moment when adolescents set aside their faith practices, sometimes for the rest of their lives.
Monday, May 23, 2016
Four hundred miles with Tesla’s autopilot forced me to trust the machine
Four hundred miles with Tesla’s autopilot forced me to trust the machine | Ars Technica: A few weeks ago, I finally tried Tesla Motors' "autopilot" feature. A Tesla rep and I tooled around Houston's I-45 in a Model X crossover SUV for 15 minutes, just long enough to test the vehicle's adaptive cruise/automatic lane-keeping wizardry. Once I toggled on the autopilot, the rep relaxed by checking e-mail on her phone. This sent a clear message: keep an eye on the dumb journalist when he's driving the $140,000 SUV, but once the machine takes over, everything’s fine.
What to do when people tell your kids that porn is just fine
When People Tell Your Kids that Porn is Just Fine – Riparians at the Gate Jennifer FitzFITZ: I have a daughter who adores rabbits, and therefore she knows what porn is. “No, dear, you can’t have that particular bunny sticker,” I had to explain several years ago, when she was searching Amazon for, well, bunny stickers.
Why not? She wanted to know, of course.
“Because that’s the logo for a company that sells pictures of naked ladies.”
No need to discuss sex, or what makes porn distinctive. She can intuitively know, by the simple fact that she shuts the door before changing clothes or going to the bathroom, that selling pictures of naked people is wrong-headed.
Why not? She wanted to know, of course.
“Because that’s the logo for a company that sells pictures of naked ladies.”
No need to discuss sex, or what makes porn distinctive. She can intuitively know, by the simple fact that she shuts the door before changing clothes or going to the bathroom, that selling pictures of naked people is wrong-headed.
Encountering mercy in Aspen, Colorado
Some takeaways from “Encountering Mercy” in Aspen | Mountain CatholicSEWELL: In the heart of downtown Aspen sits St. Mary’s Catholic Church, its white steeple towering over most buildings in Aspen, keeping watch on the quaint mountain town. Both priest and flock at St. Mary’s are extraordinarily vibrant, simultaneously solid and joyful, and eager to share the love of Jesus Christ with the people of Aspen. It’s as if Christ himself was repeating, as He placed such a parish amidst Aspen’s aggressively secular culture, “Behold, I make all things new.”
Aspen Catholic is the initiative that blossomed from a cultivated passion for evangelization at St. Mary’s. Led by her pastor, Fr. John Hilton (known by many as The Pedaling Priest), and Judy Dunn, Director of Aspen Catholic, last weekend saw over 60 individuals gather to greet the Lord, meet each other, and “Encounter Mercy.”
Aspen Catholic is the initiative that blossomed from a cultivated passion for evangelization at St. Mary’s. Led by her pastor, Fr. John Hilton (known by many as The Pedaling Priest), and Judy Dunn, Director of Aspen Catholic, last weekend saw over 60 individuals gather to greet the Lord, meet each other, and “Encounter Mercy.”
Children of heroin crisis find refuge in grandparents' arms
Children of Heroin Crisis Find Refuge in Grandparents’ Arms - The New York Times: Cindi and Todd Colburn have had guardianship of their granddaughter, Maleigha, since Maleigha was a year old because their daughter could not stay away from heroin.
Maleigha is now 5.
In February, on the advice of a counselor, the Colburns cautiously allowed their daughter, who is 25, to take Maleigha back on a trial basis, with the hope that the two could live together permanently.
Maleigha is now 5.
In February, on the advice of a counselor, the Colburns cautiously allowed their daughter, who is 25, to take Maleigha back on a trial basis, with the hope that the two could live together permanently.
Photo: Our Lord sought out and consoled the U.S. Marines at the Battle of Iwo Jima
Verum in Veritate: Memorial Day: Iwo Jima Marines and Sailors find SanctitySUGLIA: I am not often drawn to an image as I once was while studying in the Seminary for the priesthood. It was a simple picture of a Catholic U.S. Navy Chaplain’s Field Mass with servicemen during combat operations at the Battle of Iwo Jima . The men are marines and sailors in the midst of the sad reality of combat .
It hung along the wall in one of the hallways at the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception. I remember that when I saw it I was immediately drawn into the scene.
In the picture there is a priest standing on a heavily sloped hill wearing simple vestments draped over his military fatigues. He is seen administering the Eucharist to a marine who was kneeling on a rocky and combat torn hill. Behind the priest was a hasty altar and canopy. Around this battle sanctuary were a dozen or so marines and sailors. They appear captivated by the simple reception of Holy Communion seen at the center of the frame. Apparently they had little regard for the enemy that lay hidden somewhere nearby. The photograph is equally strange, mysterious and mystical.
It hung along the wall in one of the hallways at the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception. I remember that when I saw it I was immediately drawn into the scene.
In the picture there is a priest standing on a heavily sloped hill wearing simple vestments draped over his military fatigues. He is seen administering the Eucharist to a marine who was kneeling on a rocky and combat torn hill. Behind the priest was a hasty altar and canopy. Around this battle sanctuary were a dozen or so marines and sailors. They appear captivated by the simple reception of Holy Communion seen at the center of the frame. Apparently they had little regard for the enemy that lay hidden somewhere nearby. The photograph is equally strange, mysterious and mystical.
Record 499 Syrian refugees admitted to U.S. so far in May includes no Christians
Record 499 Syrian Refugees Admitted to US So Far in May Includes No Christians: The Obama administration has admitted 499 Syrian refugees so far this month, with no Christians among them.
Of the 499 admitted in May, 495 are Sunni Muslims and the remaining four are described simply as “Moslem” in State Department Refugee Processing Center data.
Since FY2016 began on October 1, a total of 2,235 Syrian refugees have been resettled in the United States. Of them, 10 (0.44 percent) are Christians: three Catholics, two Orthodox, one Greek Orthodox and four refugees identified simply as “Christian.”
Of the 499 admitted in May, 495 are Sunni Muslims and the remaining four are described simply as “Moslem” in State Department Refugee Processing Center data.
Since FY2016 began on October 1, a total of 2,235 Syrian refugees have been resettled in the United States. Of them, 10 (0.44 percent) are Christians: three Catholics, two Orthodox, one Greek Orthodox and four refugees identified simply as “Christian.”
Words have turned the world upside down
Words have turned the world upside down ~ The MotherlandsRENNER: In an interview last week, actor Dax Shephard told Jimmy Kimmel that he “had a vasectomy and Kristen was not thrilled that I did it so quickly.” He and his wife already have two children—Lincoln (age 3) and Delta (17 months). She might have wanted more, but after a “pregnancy scare,” Dax told her: “We already have no life! This is going to be not worth living.” That was on a Tuesday, and the following Thursday morning he had a vasectomy.
Joy Behar, discussing the news on The View, asked: “Shouldn't he have had a little more of a conversation with the woman?” But when the discussion turned from a man’s obligations to so-called “women's rights,” Ms. Behar’s views were anything but egalitarian. “In terms of an abortion,” she opined, “it certainly is a woman's decision to make. . . . It’s my body I do what I want.”
Joy Behar, discussing the news on The View, asked: “Shouldn't he have had a little more of a conversation with the woman?” But when the discussion turned from a man’s obligations to so-called “women's rights,” Ms. Behar’s views were anything but egalitarian. “In terms of an abortion,” she opined, “it certainly is a woman's decision to make. . . . It’s my body I do what I want.”
Deaconesses were never ordained clergy, and their role “for the service of women” lives on...
Why the Church Needs a Commission on Deaconesses - Crisis Magazine: The openness of Pope Francis to create a committee on deaconesses has been met with another uproar from traditionalists in the Church, many with the eye-rolling Reagan-esque response: “There he goes again.” Meanwhile the theological dissidents in the Church see the commission as another opportunity for women’s ordination. Both the traditionalists and the dissidents seem to agree on one point: Pope Francis is open to women’s ordination.
But is this really the case? Pope Francis continually reminds his questioners when these issues come up that the Marian church precedes the Apostolic (or as Fulton Sheen said, “Our Blessed Lord Himself gave ten times as much of His life to [Mary] as He gave to His Apostles”). Francis knows a commission on deaconesses will not reveal a plot to suppress female leadership, for there was no such plot. On the contrary, a study of the deaconess tradition would reveal the important role that the deaconess played in the development of all-female institutions of women in service as women to the Church. The story of the deaconess explains how she—along with widows and virgins—became a living embodiment of the feminine genius in the Church precisely by maintaining gender distinctions rather than eliminating them.
But is this really the case? Pope Francis continually reminds his questioners when these issues come up that the Marian church precedes the Apostolic (or as Fulton Sheen said, “Our Blessed Lord Himself gave ten times as much of His life to [Mary] as He gave to His Apostles”). Francis knows a commission on deaconesses will not reveal a plot to suppress female leadership, for there was no such plot. On the contrary, a study of the deaconess tradition would reveal the important role that the deaconess played in the development of all-female institutions of women in service as women to the Church. The story of the deaconess explains how she—along with widows and virgins—became a living embodiment of the feminine genius in the Church precisely by maintaining gender distinctions rather than eliminating them.
Americans are divided in everything, because we're divided over this one thing...
Where we really lost ourselves (a response to the 'Lost America' article) — Finding Christ[in]a StoryKLEEHAMMER: Yes. The outrageous under God statement.
It would seem Reyes was not the first to think something was amiss in the wording of the Pledge of Allegiance. The under God part was not even in the original versions of the Pledge. It wasn't officially added until 1954. The idea was strongly propelled by the Knights of Columbus, and has been linked to President Lincoln's Gettysburg Address where he said, "the nation shall, under God, have a new birth of freedom".
So why was it added in 1954? Was it because we realized then that it is way too easy to fall apart without something (Someone) bigger than ourselves to unite us?
It would seem Reyes was not the first to think something was amiss in the wording of the Pledge of Allegiance. The under God part was not even in the original versions of the Pledge. It wasn't officially added until 1954. The idea was strongly propelled by the Knights of Columbus, and has been linked to President Lincoln's Gettysburg Address where he said, "the nation shall, under God, have a new birth of freedom".
So why was it added in 1954? Was it because we realized then that it is way too easy to fall apart without something (Someone) bigger than ourselves to unite us?
Watch what happens when a bowling ball and a feather are dropped in a vacuum
What happens when a bowling ball and a feather are dropped in vacuum: In a real life setting, when a bowling ball and a feather are dropped from a certain height, the bowling ball hits the ground first. General knowledge of Physics however, says that they are supposed to drop at the same time. This is because the force of gravity does not depend on the mass of the object it is acting on.
The election isn’t everything, and realizing that may help even our politics
Faith, Family, & PoliticsLOPEZ: ‘I’m a relativist” are words I never expected to hear Father Paul Scalia say. A Catholic priest and a son of the late Supreme Court justice Antonin Scalia, he is not exactly an anything-goes kind of man. Speaking at a Catholic Vote summit on the upcoming election, he used those words to make sure everyone was listening. Politics isn’t everything — that was the point he wanted the crowd gathered in Washington, D.C., to hear. He invited us to consider politics in relation to the importance of faith and family. Growing up and now serving in the D.C. area, he said, he’s seen too many people who, in the busyness of the business of politics, have lost track of that fundamental point — neglecting faith and family, without which we can lose our minds and souls — and our republic.
What would rainbows look like if Earth had two suns like Tatooine?
Tatooine Rainbow: A planet with double suns would have double rainbows.
Or rather, quadruple rainbows. Our rainbows here on Earth are already double rainbows—there's a second, fainter bow above the main one. You can't always see this second rainbow, since the clouds need to be just right, so people get excited when they see one.
Or rather, quadruple rainbows. Our rainbows here on Earth are already double rainbows—there's a second, fainter bow above the main one. You can't always see this second rainbow, since the clouds need to be just right, so people get excited when they see one.
‘Lord of the Rings’ star Elijah Wood: Child actors “preyed upon” by Hollywood “vipers”
Elijah Wood: 'Hollywood in the grip of child abuse scandal similar to Jimmy Savile': Hollywood is in the grip a child sexual abuse scandal similar to that of Jimmy Savile in Britain, Lord of the Rings star Elijah Wood has claimed.
The 35-year-old former child actor said paedophiles had been protected by powerful figures in the movie business and that abuse was probably still taking place.
In an interview with the Sunday Times, Wood said he had been protected from abuse as he was growing up, but that other child actors had been regularly “preyed upon” at parties by industry figures.
The 35-year-old former child actor said paedophiles had been protected by powerful figures in the movie business and that abuse was probably still taking place.
In an interview with the Sunday Times, Wood said he had been protected from abuse as he was growing up, but that other child actors had been regularly “preyed upon” at parties by industry figures.
Bishop recognizes Our Lady of the Rosary apparitions in Argentina as “worthy of belief”
Patti Maguire Armstrong: Our Lady of the Rosary Apparitions in Argentina Approved: On Sunday, May 22, 2016, the local bishop of San Nicolas, Argentina, Most. Reverend Hector Cardelli, announced that the apparitions of Our Lady of the Rosary are “supernatural in character” and “worthy of belief.”
A devout Catholic housewife with no formal education, claimed the Blessed Mother had visited her daily for 6 years and that she also received 68 messages from Jesus Christ. There were numerous documented miraculous healings and beginning in November 1984, she received the stigmata during Advent and Lent.
A devout Catholic housewife with no formal education, claimed the Blessed Mother had visited her daily for 6 years and that she also received 68 messages from Jesus Christ. There were numerous documented miraculous healings and beginning in November 1984, she received the stigmata during Advent and Lent.
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