Thursday, November 30, 2017
The Christian baker’s unanswered legal argument: Why the strongest objections fail
The Christian Baker’s Unanswered Legal Argument: Why the Strongest Objections Fail | Public DiscourseGIRGIS: Next week, the Supreme Court will hear one of the most important free speech cases in years, a case of special concern to libertarians and conservatives, small business-owners, artisans, and religious believers. Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission involves Jack Phillips, a baker who claims a First Amendment right not to be compelled to design and create custom wedding cakes for same-sex weddings. Many legal commentators think the case is either a very close call or a certain defeat for Phillips.
The New York Times does its ‘religious liberty’ thing, with zero input from voices in the middle
The New York Times does its 'religious liberty' thing, with zero input from voices in middle — GetReligionMATTINGLY: Back in 2004, the public editor of The New York Times wrote a famous column with a very famous headline, which said: "Is The New York Times a Liberal Newspaper?"
GetReligion readers with long memories will recall that Daniel Okrent followed that headline with this lede: "Of course it is."
That column contained lots of memorable quotations and it remains must reading. However, here is one passage that was especially controversial at the time and it remains controversial to this day.
GetReligion readers with long memories will recall that Daniel Okrent followed that headline with this lede: "Of course it is."
That column contained lots of memorable quotations and it remains must reading. However, here is one passage that was especially controversial at the time and it remains controversial to this day.
Christmas falls on a Monday this year—which means you’re obligated to go to Mass twice...
You May Be Wondering… | Parishable Items: Q: This year the 4th Sunday of Advent (December 23rd/24th) comes right before Christmas. Do we have to come to Mass twice? A: Yes. This is on Jesus’ gift list this year.
20 holy hacks to help you get to Heaven
20 Holy Hacks to Help You Get to HeavenARMSTRONG: Saints had a knack for shaking things up as they blazed a heavenly trail, taking others with them. And here we are in our ordinary lives, putting gas in our cars, eating sandwiches and checking email. And praying. Because we do love Jesus, even if ever so imperfectly.
But oh, the ordinariness of it all! How can we raise the bar in our regular old lives to become radical Catholics? I am always on the lookout for holy hacks—creative ways to maximize effort. Spending a week visiting my 92-year-old dad recently inspired me with his example to live heroically in the ordinariness of earth. For instance, despite using a cane, he was still genuflecting before the tabernacle, even though it takes holding onto the pew with his left hand and a cane in the right.
But oh, the ordinariness of it all! How can we raise the bar in our regular old lives to become radical Catholics? I am always on the lookout for holy hacks—creative ways to maximize effort. Spending a week visiting my 92-year-old dad recently inspired me with his example to live heroically in the ordinariness of earth. For instance, despite using a cane, he was still genuflecting before the tabernacle, even though it takes holding onto the pew with his left hand and a cane in the right.
Meteor showers, a supermoon, and the solstice: A guide to the December night sky
Meteor Showers, a Supermoon, and the Solstice: A Guide to the December Night Sky | Mental Floss: This has been a fantastic year for sky watching. Eclipses in particular had their day in the Sun, with celestial objects blotting each other out as if in competition. There was a penumbral lunar eclipse and an annular solar eclipse in February, and then in August, a partial lunar eclipse was followed up by a mind-blowing total solar eclipse. If you missed any or all of those events, don't lose heart: they will happen again and again and again, in your lifetime and beyond. Celestial mechanics guarantee it. The year isn't over yet, though, and December has a few wonderful events up its sleeve. Here are four things you should be on the lookout for in the skies above.
Recent comments of Pope Francis should help to quiet papal critics
Recent Comments of Pope Francis Should Help to Quiet Papal Critics - La StampaFASTIGGI: Some critics of Pope Francis seem to think he cares little about doctrinal clarity, especially with regard to moral theology and conscience. Fr. Thomas Weinandy, OFMCap, for example—in his recently made public July 31, 2017 letter to the Holy Father—suggests that in Amoris laetitia Pope Francis offers guidance that “at times seems intentionally ambiguous.” The “explanatory note” on the fifth dubium of the four Cardinals sent to Pope Francis on September 19, 2016 expresses concern that Amoris laetita, 303 might imply a view of conscience “as a faculty for autonomously deciding about good and evil.”
Canon 844 is not a snag on which Canon 915 might unravel
Canon 844 is not a snag on which Canon 915 might unravel | In the Light of the LawEDPETERS: My friend and colleague Robert Fastiggi writes again at Vatican Insider to defend Amoris laetita against assertions that it contains serious ambiguities. To that debate I have little to add. Along the way, however, Robert makes a claim about canon law: “As is well-known, the separated Eastern Churches allow divorce and remarriage. What would happen if a divorced and remarried Eastern Orthodox man or woman sought to receive Holy Communion in a Catholic Church?” Interesting question. Robert answers it: “According to canon 844 § 3, Holy Communion could be licitly given to them.”
What newly released photos tell us about North Korea's latest missile
What New Photos Say About North Korea's Latest Missile: North Korea released dozens of photos Thursday of the Hwasong-15, a new intercontinental ballistic missile it claims can reach any target in the continental United States. The photo dump, published in the paper and online editions of the ruling party's official daily, is a gold mine for rocket experts trying to parse reality from bluster.
Deepest fish ever discovered found swimming in the Mariana Trench, 26,000 feet below the surface
Deepest Fish Ever Discovered in Mariana Trench: The deepest parts of the ocean are tough places to live. There’s no light, the pressure will crush almost anything, and the temperature is impossibly cold. It’s remarkable that there’s anything alive that far down, yet somehow life finds a way.
Recently, scientists probing the Mariana Trench—the deepest part of the ocean—discovered perhaps the world’s deepest fish swimming in the depths. Researchers from the University of Hawaii, Newcastle University, and the University of Washington discovered the fish swimming at over 26,000 feet below the surface, or over 5 miles down. The new fish has been dubbed the Mariana snailfish, with the scientific name Pseudoliparis swirei.
Recently, scientists probing the Mariana Trench—the deepest part of the ocean—discovered perhaps the world’s deepest fish swimming in the depths. Researchers from the University of Hawaii, Newcastle University, and the University of Washington discovered the fish swimming at over 26,000 feet below the surface, or over 5 miles down. The new fish has been dubbed the Mariana snailfish, with the scientific name Pseudoliparis swirei.
Pope kicks off Bangladesh visit with call to action on Rohingya crisis
Pope kicks off Bangladesh visit with call to action on Rohingya crisis :: Catholic News Agency (CNA): Pope Francis arrived in Bangladesh with words of praise for the humanitarian assistance the nation has given to Rohingya Muslim refugees, and urged greater action on their behalf from the international community.
Speaking to Bangladeshi president Abdul Harmid and the nation's authorities and diplomatic corps, the Pope said that in recent months “the spirit of generosity and solidarity” the country is known for “has been seen most vividly in its humanitarian outreach to a massive influx of refugees from Rakhine State.”
Speaking to Bangladeshi president Abdul Harmid and the nation's authorities and diplomatic corps, the Pope said that in recent months “the spirit of generosity and solidarity” the country is known for “has been seen most vividly in its humanitarian outreach to a massive influx of refugees from Rakhine State.”
‘Perhaps we have arrived at the End Times’: An interview with Cardinal Burke
‘Perhaps we have arrived at the End Times’: an interview with Cardinal Burke | CatholicHerald.co.uk: Cardinal Raymond Burke has been much in the news this past year. In November 2016, he and three other cardinals presented Pope Francis with the famous dubia – five questions regarding Francis’s apostolic exhortation on the family, Amoris Laetitia. Then the American cardinal became embroiled in a power struggle within the Order of Malta, of which he is patron. This was followed by his surprise appointment as a member of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura, the Church’s highest court. He had been prefect of the Apostolic Signatura from 2008 to 2014, when he was removed by Pope Francis. Cardinal Burke has spoken out frequently against what he sees as the growing confusion within the Church about the liturgy, Catholic identity and even the faith itself.
Wednesday, November 29, 2017
What’s changed since Humanae Vitae?
What’s changed since Humanae Vitae? - Denver CatholicWEIGEL: Throughout this academic year, Rome’s Pontifical Gregorian University is hosting a series of lectures, billed as the “first interdisciplinary” study to mark the 50th anniversary of Blessed Paul VI’s encyclical Humanae Vitae. The series promises to examine the “many problems” that have emerged in family life since Pope Paul wrote on the ethics of human love and the morally appropriate methods of family-planning. And that could indeed be useful.
How tights took the devil from terrifying demon to mustachioed prankster
How Tights Took the Devil From Terrifying Demon to Mustachioed Prankster - Racked: How did the devil go from the ugly and terrifying Enemy of Man and God in the Renaissance to a Renaissance tights-wearing chopped ham spokesperson in the 20th century? It all comes down to the telling and retelling of a fable about a real German scholar accused of trying to snatch knowledge that wasn’t his to take.
‘Peter is here’: What every Catholic should know about relics and the human body
‘Peter Is Here’: What Every Catholic Should Know About Relics and the Human BodyPOPE: I recently returned from a pilgrimage to Italy. Almost 90 of us made the journey from my Archdiocese of Washington to visit many of the Catholic sites there. Many graces and beautiful sites unfolded before us. Among the greatest graces we received was being able to pray at the tombs of so many saints: Mark, Peter, Paul, Luke, Mathias, Francis, Anthony, Monica, Josephine Bakhita, Claire and Cecilia. Saying Mass in the Vatican Necropolis under St. Peter’s Basilica, just a few feet away from the body of St. Peter, was a great privilege.
Collection chips away at ‘enormous’ tab for care of elderly religious
Collection chips away at 'enormous' tab for care of elderly religiousALLEN: If you’re a typical American Catholic - which is to say, unless you grew up under a rock, or in a bubble someplace - the odds are pretty high that your life has benefited in important ways from women and men religious.
Maybe a community of nuns taught you in school, or religious priests staffed your local parish. Maybe at important points in your life, either the highs or the lows, you felt the need for guidance or comfort, and a religious man or woman was there. In my case it was the Capuchin Franciscans out on the high plains of Western Kansas, but my personal story is replicated every year, all across the country, through the quiet heroism of hundreds of communities of both women and men, performing every sort of ministry imaginable and more.
Maybe a community of nuns taught you in school, or religious priests staffed your local parish. Maybe at important points in your life, either the highs or the lows, you felt the need for guidance or comfort, and a religious man or woman was there. In my case it was the Capuchin Franciscans out on the high plains of Western Kansas, but my personal story is replicated every year, all across the country, through the quiet heroism of hundreds of communities of both women and men, performing every sort of ministry imaginable and more.
Pope to Myanmar's Church (and beyond): “The way of revenge is not Jesus”
Whispers in the Loggia: Pope To Myanmar's Church (And Beyond): "The Way of Revenge Is Not Jesus'"PALMO: Thanks principally to the 104 overseas tours undertaken by John Paul II, there aren't many places left on earth where a Pope could say Mass for the first time – China and Russia are the big ones, Vietnam isn't far behind, and most of the Middle East is in there, too.... But now, one of the few others remaining can be struck from the list.
Early this morning, Francis celebrated Myanmar's first-ever papal liturgy on a Yangon racetrack, drawing roughly a quarter of the country's 700,000 Catholics.
Early this morning, Francis celebrated Myanmar's first-ever papal liturgy on a Yangon racetrack, drawing roughly a quarter of the country's 700,000 Catholics.
Days ahead of papal visit, Catholic priest goes missing in Bangladesh
Bangladesh Catholic priest goes missing - The Hindu: Disappearance leaves Christians in Rajshahi jittery ahead of Pope’s visit
A Catholic priest has disappeared in Bangladesh, police said on Wednesday, as the country stepped up security ahead of a landmark visit by Pope Francis that follows a rise in Islamist attacks on religious minorities.
Walter William Rosario, a 40-year-old priest and headmaster of a Catholic school, went missing on Monday in a village in northern Bangladesh where suspected Islamist extremists last year hacked a Catholic grocer to death. Gerves Rosario, bishop of the nearby city of Rajshahi, said he believed the priest had been kidnapped and that Catholics in the region were deeply worried.
A Catholic priest has disappeared in Bangladesh, police said on Wednesday, as the country stepped up security ahead of a landmark visit by Pope Francis that follows a rise in Islamist attacks on religious minorities.
Walter William Rosario, a 40-year-old priest and headmaster of a Catholic school, went missing on Monday in a village in northern Bangladesh where suspected Islamist extremists last year hacked a Catholic grocer to death. Gerves Rosario, bishop of the nearby city of Rajshahi, said he believed the priest had been kidnapped and that Catholics in the region were deeply worried.
It took almost 180 years to figure out the incredible way hummingbirds drink
This is How Hummingbirds Drink - The Atlantic: When Margaret Rubega first read about how hummingbirds drink, she thought to herself: That can’t possibly be right.
Hummingbirds drink nectar using tongues that are so long that, when retracted, they coil up inside the birds’ heads, around their skulls and eyes. At its tip, the tongue divides in two and its outer edges curve inward, creating two tubes running side by side. The tubes don’t close up, so the birds can’t suck on them as if they were straws. Instead, scientists believed that the tubes are narrow enough to passively draw liquid into themselves. That process is called capillary action. It’s why water soaks into a paper towel, why tears emerge from your eyes, and ink runs into the nibs of fountain pens.
Hummingbirds drink nectar using tongues that are so long that, when retracted, they coil up inside the birds’ heads, around their skulls and eyes. At its tip, the tongue divides in two and its outer edges curve inward, creating two tubes running side by side. The tubes don’t close up, so the birds can’t suck on them as if they were straws. Instead, scientists believed that the tubes are narrow enough to passively draw liquid into themselves. That process is called capillary action. It’s why water soaks into a paper towel, why tears emerge from your eyes, and ink runs into the nibs of fountain pens.
Pope to Burmese bishops: Healing must be a pastoral priority
Pope to Burmese bishops: Healing must be a pastoral priority :: Catholic News Agency (CNA): In a meeting with the bishops leading Burma's small Catholic community, Pope Francis stressed the need to prioritize healing and pastoral accompaniment as the nation continues to reel from both past and present conflicts.
In a Nov. 29 meeting with Burma's bishops, Pope Francis said the Gospel they preach “is above all a message of healing, reconciliation and peace.” This message, he said, is especially potent in Burma, which is still working “to overcome deeply-rooted divisions and to build national unity.”
In a Nov. 29 meeting with Burma's bishops, Pope Francis said the Gospel they preach “is above all a message of healing, reconciliation and peace.” This message, he said, is especially potent in Burma, which is still working “to overcome deeply-rooted divisions and to build national unity.”
Tuesday, November 28, 2017
Pope Paul VI was prophetic
Paul VI, Prophet | Word On FireBARRON: This coming July, we will mark the 50th anniversary of Pope Paul VI’s deeply controversial encyclical letter Humanae vitae. I won’t bore you with the details of the innumerable battles, disagreements, and ecclesial crises that followed upon this text. Suffice it to say that this short, pithily argued letter became a watershed in the post-conciliar Catholic Church and one of the most significant points of contention between liberals and conservatives. Its fundamental contention is that the moral integrity of the sexual act is a function of the coming together of its “procreative and unitive” dimensions. That is to say, sexual intercourse is ethically upright only in the measure that it is expressive of love between married partners and remains open to the conception of a child. When, through a conscious choice, the partners introduce an artificial block to procreation—when, in a word, they separate the unitive and procreative finalities of the sexual act—they do something which is contrary to God’s will.
Archdiocese of Washington sues over DC metro system's advertising guidelines
Archdiocese of Washington Challenges Metro System's Advertising Guidelines - Archdiocese of Washington: Today (November 28, 2017) the Archdiocese of Washington filed a legal action in federal court challenging the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s (WMATA) advertising guidelines and sought injunctive relief after WMATA rejected the advertisement (above) promoting the archdiocese’s annual “Find the Perfect Gift” initiative.
“The rejected ad conveys a simple message of hope, and an invitation to participate in the Christmas season. Yet citing its guidelines, WMATA’s legal counsel said the ad ‘depicts a religious scene and thus seeks to promote religion,’” said Ed McFadden, Secretary for Communications for the Archdiocese of Washington. “To borrow from a favorite Christmas story, under WMATA’s guidelines, if the ads are about packages, boxes or bags … if Christmas comes from a store … then it seems WMATA approves. But if Christmas means a little bit more, WMATA plays Grinch.”
“The rejected ad conveys a simple message of hope, and an invitation to participate in the Christmas season. Yet citing its guidelines, WMATA’s legal counsel said the ad ‘depicts a religious scene and thus seeks to promote religion,’” said Ed McFadden, Secretary for Communications for the Archdiocese of Washington. “To borrow from a favorite Christmas story, under WMATA’s guidelines, if the ads are about packages, boxes or bags … if Christmas comes from a store … then it seems WMATA approves. But if Christmas means a little bit more, WMATA plays Grinch.”
The only thing that will last is what you do for Our Lord Jesus Christ
Only What You Do for Christ Will Last – A Meditation on the Rise and Fall of Civilizations - Community in Mission : Community in MissionPOPE: In the readings for Tuesday of the 34th Week of the Year, both Daniel and Jesus speak of the destruction that is upon nations and empires of this world. Daniel spoke to the people of his time and indicated that the Jewish people would suffer from four oppressive kingdoms, which though unnamed we now know as Babylon, Persia, Greece, and Rome. Each of these kingdoms would eventually fall. The only sure kingdom is one that Daniel describes:
The strange and gruesome story of the Greenland shark, the longest-living vertebrate on Earth
The Strange and Gruesome Story of the Greenland Shark, the Longest-Living Vertebrate on Earth | The New Yorker: Greenland sharks are among nature’s least elegant inventions. Lumpish, with stunted pectoral fins that they use for ponderously slow swimming in cold and dark Arctic waters, they have blunt snouts and gaping mouths that give them an unfortunate, dull-witted appearance. Many live with worm-like parasites that dangle repulsively from their corneas. They belong, appropriately enough, to the family Squalidae, and appear as willing to gorge on fresh halibut as on rotting polar-bear carcasses. Once widely hunted for their liver oil, today they are considered bycatch. For some fishermen, a biologist recently told me, netting a Greenland shark is about as welcome as stepping in dog poop.
In Myanmar, Francis’ moment of truth
Whispers in the Loggia: Between Diplomacy and "Risk" – In Myanmar, Francis' Moment of TruthPALMO: The tension has been mounting for months.
And on finally taking his own turn to speak earlier today, at least in the eyes of some, the Pope punted.
With Myanmar increasingly in the crosshairs of the international community over the country's perceived aggression toward the persecuted Muslim minority known as the Rohingya, the run-up to this first-ever papal visit there has been dominated by whether or not Francis would seek to confront his hosts by using the group's name for itself, which is "taboo" among the Buddhist majority. Yet in his late-afternoon speech to the leaders of the onetime Burma, the pontiff ostensibly heeded the pressure from his own diplomats and the country's first-ever cardinal, avoiding the thicket head-on while calling nonetheless for "respect for the dignity and rights of each member of society, respect for each ethnic group and its identity, respect for the rule of law, and respect for a democratic order that enables each individual and every group – none excluded – to offer its legitimate contribution to the common good."
And on finally taking his own turn to speak earlier today, at least in the eyes of some, the Pope punted.
With Myanmar increasingly in the crosshairs of the international community over the country's perceived aggression toward the persecuted Muslim minority known as the Rohingya, the run-up to this first-ever papal visit there has been dominated by whether or not Francis would seek to confront his hosts by using the group's name for itself, which is "taboo" among the Buddhist majority. Yet in his late-afternoon speech to the leaders of the onetime Burma, the pontiff ostensibly heeded the pressure from his own diplomats and the country's first-ever cardinal, avoiding the thicket head-on while calling nonetheless for "respect for the dignity and rights of each member of society, respect for each ethnic group and its identity, respect for the rule of law, and respect for a democratic order that enables each individual and every group – none excluded – to offer its legitimate contribution to the common good."
Relics in the altar: Where is that in the Bible?
Relics in the Altar: Where is That in the Bible? | Fr. Dwight LongeneckerLONGENECKER: When they come across a Catholic custom they do not like or do not understand, Protestant Christians are likely to challenge Catholics with “Where is that in the Bible??”
One of the Catholic customs most dislike is the veneration of relics. In every consecrated Catholic altar, for example, there are placed relics of the saints. Our new church of Our Lady of the Rosary has a major reliquary with first class relics of a first century martyr, St Benedict, St Therese, St Maria Goretti and St John Neumann.
So where in the Bible does it speak about the Catholic tradition of placing the relics of saints within the altar?
One of the Catholic customs most dislike is the veneration of relics. In every consecrated Catholic altar, for example, there are placed relics of the saints. Our new church of Our Lady of the Rosary has a major reliquary with first class relics of a first century martyr, St Benedict, St Therese, St Maria Goretti and St John Neumann.
So where in the Bible does it speak about the Catholic tradition of placing the relics of saints within the altar?
Pope's talk with hardline Buddhist monk shades interfaith meeting
Pope's talk with hardline monk shades interfaith meeting - ucanews.com: Pope Francis has held a surprise meeting with controversial Myanmar Buddhist monk Sitagu Sayadaw who recently appeared to condone the slaughter of people practicing other religions.
The brief get together overshadowed a separate 40-minute meeting with leaders from other faiths Nov. 28, the second day of his historic trip to Myanmar. Sitagu Sayadaw had previously met with Pope Francis' predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI. Vatican spokesman Greg Burke said the pope stressed "unity in diversity" in his private meeting with Myanmar's Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, Christian and Jewish leaders which was a late addition to his official schedule.
The brief get together overshadowed a separate 40-minute meeting with leaders from other faiths Nov. 28, the second day of his historic trip to Myanmar. Sitagu Sayadaw had previously met with Pope Francis' predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI. Vatican spokesman Greg Burke said the pope stressed "unity in diversity" in his private meeting with Myanmar's Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, Christian and Jewish leaders which was a late addition to his official schedule.
National Geographic exclusive: Tests reveal age of marble slab on Christ’s “burial bed,” confirm accounts of ancient veneration
Exclusive: Age of Jesus Christ’s Purported Tomb Revealed: Over the centuries, Jerusalem’s Church of the Holy Sepulchre has suffered violent attacks, fires, and earthquakes. It was totally destroyed in 1009 and subsequently rebuilt, leading modern scholars to question whether it could possibly be the site identified as the burial place of Christ by a delegation sent from Rome some 17 centuries ago.
4 reasons why St. Thomas Aquinas condemns incest—and why the reasons matter
Incest – The Surprising Thomistic Objections – Christian Renaissance MovementEAMONNCLARK: A disappointing article appeared recently in the Chicago Sun-Times entitled, “Archbishop not backing gay marriage – yet.” (See Phil Lawler’s commentary here.)
While one might argue there are several problems in the article, I want to focus on His Eminence’s explanation of consanguinity in marriage. I think he is off-base and risks coming across as a consequentialist.
The Angelic Doctor lists four reasons why consanguine marriage is illicit – and guess what? The risk of birth defects is not one of them. To me, it seems unlikely that Thomas was altogether ignorant of the likelihood of sickly kids coming from kissing cousins, but suppose he was… He is still against it, and with today’s rapid advances in genetic manipulation, the “problem” of incestuous birth defects could eventually be overcome. We should see the causal link between incest and sickness as a sign that something is wrong with the act, not as a random feature of an otherwise virtuous behavior. Thomas gives us a more principled account of why consanguinity (and affinity) is such a big deal.
While one might argue there are several problems in the article, I want to focus on His Eminence’s explanation of consanguinity in marriage. I think he is off-base and risks coming across as a consequentialist.
The Angelic Doctor lists four reasons why consanguine marriage is illicit – and guess what? The risk of birth defects is not one of them. To me, it seems unlikely that Thomas was altogether ignorant of the likelihood of sickly kids coming from kissing cousins, but suppose he was… He is still against it, and with today’s rapid advances in genetic manipulation, the “problem” of incestuous birth defects could eventually be overcome. We should see the causal link between incest and sickness as a sign that something is wrong with the act, not as a random feature of an otherwise virtuous behavior. Thomas gives us a more principled account of why consanguinity (and affinity) is such a big deal.
South Korea’s hidden treasure: A vibrant Catholic Church
South Korea’s Hidden Treasure: A Vibrant Catholic ChurchGAETAN: From the celebrities accounted as adherents, to nuns, to the president and his parish, the Catholic Church in Korea is alive and purposeful.
When Korean “K-pop” megastars Rain, 35, and Kim Tae Hee, 37, announced their engagement last year, all details were secret — except plans to marry in the Catholic Church.
Among the couples’ shared gigs was a music video, with some 20 other young Korean celebrities, greeting Pope Francis, who visited Korea on his first Asian trip in August 2014.
Like the majority of new Catholics, Rain was baptized as an adult. In 2016, 74% of all baptisms in Korea were of adults. Ten years ago, that percentage was 84%.
Now, the famous couple are true stars in the eyes of the Church: They had a baby girl four weeks ago — Rain announced the birth with the hashtag #blessed via Instagram — at a time when the Church is keen to encourage bigger families.
When Korean “K-pop” megastars Rain, 35, and Kim Tae Hee, 37, announced their engagement last year, all details were secret — except plans to marry in the Catholic Church.
Among the couples’ shared gigs was a music video, with some 20 other young Korean celebrities, greeting Pope Francis, who visited Korea on his first Asian trip in August 2014.
Like the majority of new Catholics, Rain was baptized as an adult. In 2016, 74% of all baptisms in Korea were of adults. Ten years ago, that percentage was 84%.
Now, the famous couple are true stars in the eyes of the Church: They had a baby girl four weeks ago — Rain announced the birth with the hashtag #blessed via Instagram — at a time when the Church is keen to encourage bigger families.
St. Louis priest gets formal apology from SNAP for “false or inaccurate” accusations of abuse
St. Louis priest gets apology from anti-abuse group; suit against police is dismissed | Law and order | stltoday.com: An advocacy group has apologized for “any false or inaccurate statements” they made against a St. Louis priest, the St. Louis Archdiocese revealed Monday, after a federal judge dismissed the priest’s lawsuit claiming that he was falsely accused of sexual abuse and arrested after a botched police investigation.
The Rev. Xiu Hui “Joseph” Jiang had settled a lawsuit against the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests and the parents of an accuser in St. Louis, court filings in U.S. District Court in St. Louis last month showed.
The Rev. Xiu Hui “Joseph” Jiang had settled a lawsuit against the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests and the parents of an accuser in St. Louis, court filings in U.S. District Court in St. Louis last month showed.
Could Catholic actor Eduardo Verastegui (“Bella”) be the next President of Mexico?
Could Catholic actor Eduardo Verastegui be the next President of Mexico? :: Catholic News Agency (CNA): Several Mexican media outlets reported on Nov. 24 that Eduardo Verastegui, internationally known Catholic actor and producer, could be a serious candidate in the country’s 2018 presidential elections.
“Eduardo Verastegui could be the Social Encounter Party candidate in 2018” an El Universal headline read. On the same day, El Debate led with “Eduardo Verastegui, a candidate for the presidency in 2018?”
“Eduardo Verastegui could be the Social Encounter Party candidate in 2018” an El Universal headline read. On the same day, El Debate led with “Eduardo Verastegui, a candidate for the presidency in 2018?”
Pope in Burma: Peace requires commitment to justice and respect for human rights
Pope in Burma: Peace Requires Commitment to Justice and Respect for Human Rights: In a major speech in Burma, Pope Francis told the nation’s leaders to leave conflict behind and work for peace by promoting justice and respect for the rights of all citizens, regardless of religion or ethnicity.
“The arduous process of peace-building and national reconciliation can only advance through a commitment to justice and respect for human rights,” the Pope told Burmese civil authorities Nov. 28.
Speaking from the capital of Yangon on the first full day of a six-day visit to Burma and Bangladesh, Francis noted how justice is historically understood as “a steadfast will to give each person his due” and is often viewed as “the basis of all true and lasting peace.”
“The arduous process of peace-building and national reconciliation can only advance through a commitment to justice and respect for human rights,” the Pope told Burmese civil authorities Nov. 28.
Speaking from the capital of Yangon on the first full day of a six-day visit to Burma and Bangladesh, Francis noted how justice is historically understood as “a steadfast will to give each person his due” and is often viewed as “the basis of all true and lasting peace.”
Monday, November 27, 2017
This is Jesus, the King of the Universe
This is Jesus, the King of the UniverseRUTLER: A professor told me of two experiences he had when civilization was picking up its pieces after World War II. He was in the crowd when King George VI visited Cambridge University and was greeted with loud cheers. Then, as a U.S. soldier in occupied Japan, he watched as a vast throng became stone silent when the Emperor alighted from the imperial train, all heads bowed and eyes downcast. Hirohito no longer had divine pretensions, but the customary reverence was palpable. The one king embodied the familial aspect of a monarch as father, and the other was a reminder of a ruler transcending the ordinary commerce of life.
St. Teresa of Calcutta and the Miraculous Medal
“Mondays with Mary” – St. Teresa of Calcutta and The Miraculous Medal | TOM PERNAPERNA: Famously known as Mother Teresa, St. Teresa of Calcutta in her many years of worldwide missionary work with the poor was often seen with a Miraculous Medal in her hands. At times, she would pass out handfuls to priests who would meet with her. It didn’t matter who you were – young, old, dying, or healthy, if you came into a contact with Mother Teresa, there is a chance you received a medal.
Cardinal Müller, in new interview, sees deep divisions in Church
Cardinal Mueller, in new interview, sees deep divisions in Church : News Headlines | Catholic Culture: Cardinal Gerhard Müller said that some Catholics, representing the extremes of both the traditionalist and progressive camps, would like to see him as the leader of a movement against Pope Francis. “But I will never do it,” the German cardinal told the Italian daily Corriere della Sera.
In a lengthy interview, the former prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith said that he would always remain loyal to the Pope. However, he said that the Pope should answer his critics—in particular—the cardinals who have asked for clarification of Amoris Laetitia—in order to avoid deepening divisions within the Church.
Cardinal Müller said that he did not think the Church is more seriously divided today than during the pontificate of Benedict XVI. “But I see her weaker,” he said. He explained that the weakness stems from confusion about the faith. For that reason, he said, Church leaders “must listen to those who have serious questions or fair claims.”
In a lengthy interview, the former prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith said that he would always remain loyal to the Pope. However, he said that the Pope should answer his critics—in particular—the cardinals who have asked for clarification of Amoris Laetitia—in order to avoid deepening divisions within the Church.
Cardinal Müller said that he did not think the Church is more seriously divided today than during the pontificate of Benedict XVI. “But I see her weaker,” he said. He explained that the weakness stems from confusion about the faith. For that reason, he said, Church leaders “must listen to those who have serious questions or fair claims.”
Using only a circular loom, this artist makes astonishing Renaissance portraits from a single thread
Renaissance Portraits Made From Single Thread on Circular Loom TwistedSifter: Using a single thread roughly 1-2 km long (0.6 – 1.2 mi), Petros Vrellis continuously wraps the thread in straight, continuous lines, from one peg to its direct opposite peg in a circular, 28″ loom with 200 evenly spaced anchor pegs on its circumference. Thus each artwork is made from 3,000 – 4,000 continuously intersecting straight lines of a single thread.
Photos: National Catholic Register’s 90th Anniversary Edition hand-delivered to Pope Francis
Register’s 90th Anniversary Edition Hand Delivered to Pope FrancisPENTIN: If it wasn't true before, it is now: Pope Francis is officially a Register reader.
On the papal plane to Yangon, I presented the Holy Father with a copy of the Register’s 90th anniversary special edition.
He smiled and looked genuinely interested to receive it, expressed his thanks and then handed the paper to Vatican spokesman Greg Burke for safekeeping.
The move was not without some irony: Burke knows the newspaper well having been its Rome correspondent in the 1980s.
On the papal plane to Yangon, I presented the Holy Father with a copy of the Register’s 90th anniversary special edition.
He smiled and looked genuinely interested to receive it, expressed his thanks and then handed the paper to Vatican spokesman Greg Burke for safekeeping.
The move was not without some irony: Burke knows the newspaper well having been its Rome correspondent in the 1980s.
God’s elect in the Old Testament
God’s Elect in the Old TestamentAKIN: In both Calvinist and Catholic theology, God’s “elect” are often understood to be the people that God has chosen to be saved on the last day.
Recently, we looked at individual places and people God “chose” in the Old Testament.
However, in theology “the elect” are often considered as a group, so what does the Old Testament have to say about groups of people that God chooses?
Recently, we looked at individual places and people God “chose” in the Old Testament.
However, in theology “the elect” are often considered as a group, so what does the Old Testament have to say about groups of people that God chooses?
Pope Francis begins delicate apostolic visit to Burma
Pope Francis Begins Delicate Apostolic Visit to BurmaPENTIN: Pope Francis has landed at Yangon international airport, marking the beginning of a delicate six-day apostolic voyage to Burma and Bangladesh.
It is the first ever papal visit to Burma, also known as Myanmar, a country that has suffered six decades of dictatorship but which is now a fledgling democracy.
On the flight from Rome, the Holy Father shared just a few words with reporters: "Good night and thanks so much for the company," he said. "Thanks for your work that always sows much good. I wish you a good visit. They say it’s too hot. I’m sorry but may it at least be fruitful. Now I bid you farewell."
It is the first ever papal visit to Burma, also known as Myanmar, a country that has suffered six decades of dictatorship but which is now a fledgling democracy.
On the flight from Rome, the Holy Father shared just a few words with reporters: "Good night and thanks so much for the company," he said. "Thanks for your work that always sows much good. I wish you a good visit. They say it’s too hot. I’m sorry but may it at least be fruitful. Now I bid you farewell."
Pope Francis arrives in Myanmar
Pope Francis Arrives in a Myanmar Tarnished by Rohingya Crackdown - The New York Times: Pope Francis landed in Myanmar, and in a diplomatic minefield, on Monday.
In his first visit to the country — and his first to any majority-Buddhist nation — the pope met with Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, the commander in chief of Myanmar’s military, which has driven more than 620,000 Rohingya Muslims out of the country in what the United States has called a campaign of ethnic cleansing.
The pope is scheduled to meet on Tuesday with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate and de facto leader of the government, who has been widely criticized as complicit for her silence in the face of the slaughter.
In his first visit to the country — and his first to any majority-Buddhist nation — the pope met with Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, the commander in chief of Myanmar’s military, which has driven more than 620,000 Rohingya Muslims out of the country in what the United States has called a campaign of ethnic cleansing.
The pope is scheduled to meet on Tuesday with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate and de facto leader of the government, who has been widely criticized as complicit for her silence in the face of the slaughter.
Christians remain in the Middle East, and Christ remains with them
Jesus & Christians Still in Middle East, Despite Violence | National ReviewLOPEZ: It’s that time of year when, in the middle of Santa Claus festivities, unlikely gestures might include a hat tip to a baby born in Bethlehem or to his mother of Nazareth. This year, as Christians enter into the preparatory season of Advent (more than holiday-party time and gift-list making and buying beyond Black Friday), a coalition of Christian aid groups, in conjunction with the U.S. Catholic bishops, are holding a day of prayer and a week of awareness focused on the people who remain today in the region where Jesus Christ lived — people whose future remains uncertain.
Of Casablanca, cinema, and coming of age
Clinging to Onions: Of Casablanca, Cinema, and Coming of AgeBECKER: In college I thought I’d reached the height of cinematic sophistication when I went to see My Dinner with Andre (1981). My brother and I drove over to an art house in Seattle’s bohemian quarter and sat through the bewildering dialogue along with all the other aesthetes. It felt very grown up and intellectual to leave the theater in a quandary: What just happened? What was that all about? It was exciting and new – a hint of soul-searching maturation that went beyond mere textbooks and Bible studies. The film sparked questions that I didn’t know what to do with, and it seemed like a watershed moment – a revelation of sorts, an interior marker. We followed up the revelation with a visit to the art house’s coffee shop. We discussed big thoughts. We sipped our espressos.
3 tiny reasons the Church should help families adopt
National Adoption Month: My Family’s Adoption Story | The StreamFacebookTwitterPrintAddthisFacebookTwitterPrintAddthisFacebookTwitterPrintAddthis: I remember the first time we saw them. Two tiny boys, wrapped in blankets, looking flushed and acting fussy. These were the boys, three month-old twins, who were to become my sons.
A few days later, we met the boys’ birthmother. She was lovely, sweet, and soft-spoken. For a number of reasons, she was unable to care for these tiny boys. So they became Valerie’s and mine.
Nathan and Peter are now freshmen in college. Their list of achievements is impressive. More impressive is their character, their loyalty to their friends, their work ethic, and the fact that they spend time daily in God’s Word. I am proud of my sons.
A few days later, we met the boys’ birthmother. She was lovely, sweet, and soft-spoken. For a number of reasons, she was unable to care for these tiny boys. So they became Valerie’s and mine.
Nathan and Peter are now freshmen in college. Their list of achievements is impressive. More impressive is their character, their loyalty to their friends, their work ethic, and the fact that they spend time daily in God’s Word. I am proud of my sons.
Sunday, November 26, 2017
Why did Pope Francis establish a Third Section of the Secretariat of State?
MondayVatican – Vatican � Why a Third Section of the Secretariat of State? | MondayVaticanGAGLIARDUCCI: The establishment of a Third Section in the Vatican Secretariat of State has shed light on three themes of Pope Francis’s pontificate. The first: the fact that Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State, has gradually achieved an ever more central role. The second: that Pope Francis keeps on making reforms and adjustments “while walking,” leaving until after he has already taken the steps the official act of making the reforms definitive. The third: diplomats are ever more important in this pontificate, and this emphasis also brings about a shift in the Vatican’s approach to doctrinal issues, as diplomats have a more pragmatic and less theological attitude toward them.
The liturgy here on Earth is modeled after the liturgy in Heaven
The Biblical Roots of the Liturgy - Community in Mission : Community in MissionPOPE: The design of our traditional churches; the use of candles, incense, and golden vessels; the postures of standing and kneeling; the altar; the singing of hymns; priests wearing albs and so forth are all depicted in the Scriptures. Some of these details were features of the ancient Jewish Temple, but most are reiterated in the Book of Revelation, which describes the liturgy of Heaven.
The liturgy here on earth is modeled after the liturgy in Heaven; that is why it is so serious to tamper with it. The Book of Revelation describes the heavenly liturgy and focuses on a scroll or book that contains the meaning of life and the answers to all we seek. It also focuses on the Lamb of God, standing but with the marks of slaughter upon it. Does this not sound familiar? It is the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
The liturgy here on earth is modeled after the liturgy in Heaven; that is why it is so serious to tamper with it. The Book of Revelation describes the heavenly liturgy and focuses on a scroll or book that contains the meaning of life and the answers to all we seek. It also focuses on the Lamb of God, standing but with the marks of slaughter upon it. Does this not sound familiar? It is the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
Pope Francis sets off for tricky trip to Burma
Pope in Myanmar: Francis sets off for tricky trip - BBC News: Pope Francis has departed the Vatican for Myanmar on the first papal visit to the country that has this year been widely accused of ethnic cleansing.
Focus will be likely be on whether he uses the term "Rohingya" to describe the country's Muslim minority.
Myanmar officials strongly reject the term, raising concerns it could spark some potential violence if he does.
He is scheduled to meet Myanmar's de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi, and the head of the country's military.
The Pope will then visit Bangladesh, and meet a small group of Rohingya refugees there in a symbolic gesture. The 80-year-old pontiff has become known for his liberal views and willingness to denounce global injustice.
Focus will be likely be on whether he uses the term "Rohingya" to describe the country's Muslim minority.
Myanmar officials strongly reject the term, raising concerns it could spark some potential violence if he does.
He is scheduled to meet Myanmar's de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi, and the head of the country's military.
The Pope will then visit Bangladesh, and meet a small group of Rohingya refugees there in a symbolic gesture. The 80-year-old pontiff has become known for his liberal views and willingness to denounce global injustice.
Beautiful public spaces around the world, according to urban designers
Beautiful public spaces around the world, according to urban designers - Business Insider: Cars clogged the streets of Borehamwood, England, an outlying suburb of London, for decades. But in the mid-1990s, the town added pedestrian-only areas to its center.
The change transformed the town, according to Esther Kurland, the director of Urban Design London, a nonprofit that connects urban designers and planners in the city.
"This was one of the first ‘traffic calming’ shared space schemes in the country," Kurland tells Business Insider. "And I was fascinated in how the behavior of both drivers and pedestrians changed."
The change transformed the town, according to Esther Kurland, the director of Urban Design London, a nonprofit that connects urban designers and planners in the city.
"This was one of the first ‘traffic calming’ shared space schemes in the country," Kurland tells Business Insider. "And I was fascinated in how the behavior of both drivers and pedestrians changed."
Psychology Today: Who’s most distracted by a girl wearing skintight leggings? Science gives a surprising answer...
Who Is Distracted by a Girl Wearing Skintight Leggings? | Psychology Today: Last week, two 5th-grade girls addressed the Atlanta school board, asking that the board change the dress code so that girls might be allowed to wear skintight leggings, which are currently prohibited unless girls are wearing a skirt or shorts over the leggings. The board will announce its decision in January.
So you just bought a $450 million Leonardo da Vinci painting. Now what?
So You Just Bought a $450 Million Leonardo da Vinci Painting. Now What? | artnet News: It’s not hard to imagine a feature film based on the $450 million sale of Leonardo da Vinci‘s Salvator Mundi (c. 1500). In the movie version of the event, as soon as the hammer comes down, the auction house sends out decoy trucks and spreads disinformation on the dark web to thwart potential gangsters waiting to seize the work for their mobbed-up bosses.
How the U.S. military helped invent Cheetos
How the US Military Helped Invent Cheetos | WIRED: Cheese purists the world over exalt their mummified milk. Their silken Goudas and savory Emmentalers. Their fetid fetas and squeaky queso frescos. Their moldy Roqueforts and runny Camemberts. These disks of rotted dairy are the pinnacle of thousands of years of experimentation that began when a herdsman carrying a ruminant’s stomach brimming with milk found that by journey’s end, he had a bag full of curds and whey.
While I was researching some ancient ruins, I found an odd feature that I didn't expect...
Paul Cooper on Twitter: "I fell down a bit of a ruins research rabbithole today, thought I'd share some of my weird journey. It started with this incredible 1858": I fell down a bit of a ruins research rabbithole today, thought I'd share some of my weird journey. It started with this incredible 1858 photo of the Temple of Olympian Zeus in Athens.
This American nun (who studied under C.S. Lewis) was, by all accounts, an extraordinary person
The American Nun Who Studied Under C.S. Lewis - The Imaginative ConservativeBIRZER: She is one of the most unsung heroines of an almost unsung movement, who desperately needs an ode, or sonnet, or even a rock ballad written in her honor. Sister Madeleva Wolff (1887-1964), if remembered at all, is remembered for her presidency of St. Mary’s College, Notre Dame, Indiana, over an astoundingly long tenure, 1934-1961. Born to a Lutheran father and Roman Catholic mother in Wisconsin, Mary Evaline Wolff attended St. Mary’s College as an undergraduate and entered the Sisters of the Congregation of the Holy Cross in 1908, taking the name Madeleva. A renowned medievalist who earned her Ph.D at Berkeley in 1925 and who did her post-doctoral work at Oxford under such luminaries as J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, and Father Martin D’Arcy, Sister Madeleva wrote poetry as beautifully as she handled expertly all the chores of a Wisconsin farmer.
The boy who became a saint through simple kindness and courtesy
John Berchmans: The boy who became a saint through simple kindness and courtesyPETERSON: Here’s a story about a young man who became a saint, though he did not found any religious orders, commit any great acts of heroism, or adhere to a life of extreme poverty. Rather, John Berchmans became a saint by being kind, courteous, and incredibly loyal to the faith.
John was born on March 13, 1599, in a town called Diest, located in the northeast part of Belgium. His father was shoemaker and John was one of five children. John became an altar boy at the age of 7 and his parish priest, Father Emmerick, noticed his genuine piety and even commented to others that the Lord would work wonders in the boy’s soul.
When John was 9, his mom took ill and he spent hours at her side doing his best to comfort and care for her. She passed on when he was about 13 and Father Emmerick allowed John to move in with him and some others boys he had living there.
John was born on March 13, 1599, in a town called Diest, located in the northeast part of Belgium. His father was shoemaker and John was one of five children. John became an altar boy at the age of 7 and his parish priest, Father Emmerick, noticed his genuine piety and even commented to others that the Lord would work wonders in the boy’s soul.
When John was 9, his mom took ill and he spent hours at her side doing his best to comfort and care for her. She passed on when he was about 13 and Father Emmerick allowed John to move in with him and some others boys he had living there.
In Myanmar and Bangladesh, the Pope’s drama comes from the dictionary
In Myanmar and Bangladesh, pope's drama comes from the dictionarySANMARTIN: Thinking about it, there are really only a handful of places in the world a pope can go in which much of the drama, at least heading in, is almost guaranteed to be drawn from the dictionary. The $64,000 question in those locations boils down to, will the pope use a certain word, or won’t he?
When Pope Paul VI traveled to the Middle East in 1964, observers were keen to see if he would use the word “Israel,” in effect recognizing the Jewish state’s existence. (He didn’t.) When Pope Benedict went to Israel a quarter-century later, many Jews were anxious to hear the German pontiff refer to the Holocaust as the “Shoah,” the Hebrew term used since the 1940s. (He did.) When Pope Francis visited Armenia in 2016, people wondered if he would risk calling the slaughter of Armenians during World War I a “genocide” despite predictable Turkish umbrage.
When Pope Paul VI traveled to the Middle East in 1964, observers were keen to see if he would use the word “Israel,” in effect recognizing the Jewish state’s existence. (He didn’t.) When Pope Benedict went to Israel a quarter-century later, many Jews were anxious to hear the German pontiff refer to the Holocaust as the “Shoah,” the Hebrew term used since the 1940s. (He did.) When Pope Francis visited Armenia in 2016, people wondered if he would risk calling the slaughter of Armenians during World War I a “genocide” despite predictable Turkish umbrage.
Something monumental has come to my attention
Something Monumental Has Come To My AttentionSTEELE: It’s disconcerting that headlines of immorality, pettiness, and selfishness bombard our senses. We almost don’t know which way is up. That is the nature of so much of the world. But knowing the Sisters are out there in the hills of Tehachapi doing what they do fills me with peace, gratitude and hope. I’m rebalanced.
Maybe you should reach out to them. Zero downside by the way – infinite upside.
Maybe you should reach out to them. Zero downside by the way – infinite upside.
Tolkien, Lewis, and weapons of mass destruction
Tolkien, Lewis, and Weapons of Mass Destruction - The Imaginative ConservativePEARCE: In “Litany of the Lost,” a poem published at the end of World War II, Siegfried Sassoon lamented the “slavedom of mankind to the machine” and the “terror of atomic doom foreseen.” Writing in the wake of the annihilation of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, as the world lurched drunkenly from World War to Cold War, “leaderless and sceptic-souled” and “chained to the wheel of progress uncontrolled,” Sassoon prayed for humanity’s deliverance from itself. We were “armed with our marvellous monkey innovations,” the poet declaimed plaintively, but were “unregenerate still in head and heart.”
Similar plaintive and dissident voices were raised by other writers in the aftermath of the horror unleashed on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Ronald Knox wrote God and the Atom and Edith Sitwell wrote her “three poems of the Atomic Age” about “the fission of the world into warring particles, destroying and self-destructive.” Sitwell wrote of Man’s “migration…into the desert of the Cold, towards the final disaster, the first symbol of which fell on Hiroshima.” Haunted by the sight of the mushroom cloud, emerging like a colossus of madness over what had once been a city of human beings, a line of Sitwell’s reads like humanity’s own epitaph: “a totem pole of dust arose in memory of Man.”
Similar plaintive and dissident voices were raised by other writers in the aftermath of the horror unleashed on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Ronald Knox wrote God and the Atom and Edith Sitwell wrote her “three poems of the Atomic Age” about “the fission of the world into warring particles, destroying and self-destructive.” Sitwell wrote of Man’s “migration…into the desert of the Cold, towards the final disaster, the first symbol of which fell on Hiroshima.” Haunted by the sight of the mushroom cloud, emerging like a colossus of madness over what had once been a city of human beings, a line of Sitwell’s reads like humanity’s own epitaph: “a totem pole of dust arose in memory of Man.”
Papal portrayals on the silver screen
Papal Portrayals on Screen - The Imaginative ConservativeLONGENECKER: With the HBO series The Young Pope (reviewed by Tyler Blanski) the world has been taken once again into the irresistible intrigues of the papacy and the Vatican. With its venerable and sometimes horrendous history, the Renaissance splendor of the setting, the whiff of scandal, the temptation to power, and the allure of eternity, the papacy is ripe fruit for any filmmaker.
Struck by the underlying drama of the papacy and being somewhat of a movie buff, I began to explore the portrayal of popes on film. Some of the world’s finest actors have donned the white soutane. The wonders of the internet mean you can click on my links to watch some of their performances. One of my favorites is the cameo performance of Catholic convert Alec Guinness playing Pope Innocent III in Franco Zeffirelli’s Brother Sun, Sister Moon. Mr. Guinness brings his best Obi-Wan Kenobi mystique to the role.
Struck by the underlying drama of the papacy and being somewhat of a movie buff, I began to explore the portrayal of popes on film. Some of the world’s finest actors have donned the white soutane. The wonders of the internet mean you can click on my links to watch some of their performances. One of my favorites is the cameo performance of Catholic convert Alec Guinness playing Pope Innocent III in Franco Zeffirelli’s Brother Sun, Sister Moon. Mr. Guinness brings his best Obi-Wan Kenobi mystique to the role.
Potential Italian saint could be key footnote to Francis's legacy
Potential Italian saint could be key footnote to Francis's legacyALLEN: One might think that the sainthood cause of Don Luigi Sturzo, a late 19th and 20th century progressive Italian priest who championed the interests of the poor and, later, the anti-fascist cause during World War II, would be a natural for fast-track treatment in the Pope Francis era.
Sturzo was one of the early heralds of modern Catholic social teaching, the origins of which are conventionally traced to Pope Leo XIII and his 1891 encyclical Rerum Novarum addressing the injustices of the Industrial Revolution. Sturzo famously once said, “I have no flour in my own sack … I owe everything to Rerum Novarum.”
The diocesan phase of Sturzo’s cause was opened in 2002, and formally came to a close on Friday with a ceremony in Rome’s Lateran Palace. Let no one say the inquest wasn’t thorough - it involved 154 witnesses in Italy, France, England and the United States, with their testimony running to fully 50 volumes.
Sturzo was one of the early heralds of modern Catholic social teaching, the origins of which are conventionally traced to Pope Leo XIII and his 1891 encyclical Rerum Novarum addressing the injustices of the Industrial Revolution. Sturzo famously once said, “I have no flour in my own sack … I owe everything to Rerum Novarum.”
The diocesan phase of Sturzo’s cause was opened in 2002, and formally came to a close on Friday with a ceremony in Rome’s Lateran Palace. Let no one say the inquest wasn’t thorough - it involved 154 witnesses in Italy, France, England and the United States, with their testimony running to fully 50 volumes.
Pope’s Sunday Angelus: When you die, your love of neighbor will be judged by Christ the King
Angelus Address: On the Solemnity of Christ King of the Universe – ZENIT – English: Here is a ZENIT translation of the address Pope Francis gave today before and after praying the midday Angelus with those gathered in St. Peter’s Square.
Saturday, November 25, 2017
3 images of Jesus Christ, King of All Creation
Not Your Average King – A Homily for the Feast of Christ the King - Community in Mission : Community in MissionPOPE: The readings for this Feast of Christ the King evoke three images of Christ as King. All of them are to some extent paradoxical because they emphasize things we don’t usually associate with kings. They also tell us that we have already met King Jesus even if we don’t realize it. Let’s look at these three images of our Lord Jesus Christ, King of all Creation
Beg God’s help, beg His mercy, praise Him for His gifts...
WDTPRS – 24th and Last Sunday after Pentecost: Beg His help. Beg His mercy. Praise Him for His gifts. | Fr. Z's BlogZUHLSDORF: This Sunday is the Last Sunday of the liturgical year. We are deep into reflecting on the End Times, which dovetails with Advent.
In the traditional Roman calendar, we use the texts from the 24th Sunday, which is always the Last Sunday of the liturgical year … even when it isn’t.
It is a little odd that the last Sunday of the year doesn’t have a special formulary. This is probably because Advent was once longer than it is now, and this time of the year dovetails with Advent. Thus the Church’s strong reflection on the Second Coming of the Lord all through this period.
We also call today “Stir Up” Sunday, because of the first words of the Collect. This is the day when families in England would stir up the ingredients for the Christmas Pudding, so that it could season a while against the day of its own coming.
In the traditional Roman calendar, we use the texts from the 24th Sunday, which is always the Last Sunday of the liturgical year … even when it isn’t.
It is a little odd that the last Sunday of the year doesn’t have a special formulary. This is probably because Advent was once longer than it is now, and this time of the year dovetails with Advent. Thus the Church’s strong reflection on the Second Coming of the Lord all through this period.
We also call today “Stir Up” Sunday, because of the first words of the Collect. This is the day when families in England would stir up the ingredients for the Christmas Pudding, so that it could season a while against the day of its own coming.
St. Gregory’s University in Oklahoma is shutting down, and other small Catholic colleges may follow...
Closing doors: Small religious colleges struggle for survival: Duncan Tiemeyer chose St. Gregory’s University because he wanted a faith-based education that would teach him more than how to succeed in a career.
The 550-student Catholic liberal arts college in Oklahoma traces its roots to French monks who moved to Indian Territory in 1875, intent on developing the bodies, minds and souls of Native American and settler children.
“Here, we are taught not only to focus on our five-year plan but also our 100-year plan and our 500-year plan,” said Tiemeyer, 22, a senior business and theology major from Houston. “What are we preparing for? Are we living our lives in a way that is getting us to the next life? Are we going to be able to go to heaven?”
The 550-student Catholic liberal arts college in Oklahoma traces its roots to French monks who moved to Indian Territory in 1875, intent on developing the bodies, minds and souls of Native American and settler children.
“Here, we are taught not only to focus on our five-year plan but also our 100-year plan and our 500-year plan,” said Tiemeyer, 22, a senior business and theology major from Houston. “What are we preparing for? Are we living our lives in a way that is getting us to the next life? Are we going to be able to go to heaven?”
Let's face it: Hollywood is rape culture, and always has been
The sexual predators everyone still worshipsWALTHER: Thanks to Harvey Weinstein, we have found ourselves in an oddly reflective cultural moment. But most of us have yet to grasp upon how far-reaching it really is.
What began a few years ago with discussions about rape on college campuses has continued apace with not especially shocking revelations about Roger Ailes and Bill O'Reilly of Fox News, both of whom reportedly spent scores of millions of dollars on hush money for women who had accused them of sexual harassment. The discussion continues following a recent New York Times report about Weinstein's alleged use of his vast fortune to silence women accusing him of sexual assault.
What began a few years ago with discussions about rape on college campuses has continued apace with not especially shocking revelations about Roger Ailes and Bill O'Reilly of Fox News, both of whom reportedly spent scores of millions of dollars on hush money for women who had accused them of sexual harassment. The discussion continues following a recent New York Times report about Weinstein's alleged use of his vast fortune to silence women accusing him of sexual assault.
Saudi Arabia spreads its errors worldwide—but “Lebanon, for now, has truly dodged a bullet”
Saudis Target Lebanon, the Hope of Middle Eastern Christians: Ten years ago, when St. John Paul II arrived in Lebanon he proclaimed the country’s important “historical mission” was to show the world how “different faiths can live together in peace, brotherhood and cooperation.”
The Holy Father declared that “Lebanon is more than a country — it is a message.”
But today, Lebanon is increasingly in the crosshairs of an escalating regional proxy war between Saudi Arabia and Iran. The highest levels of leadership in the Catholic Church are acting to save Lebanon from a war that could not only devastate this historic Christian homeland, but also deal a fatal blow to the survival of Christianity in the Middle East, and plunge the region into a longterm sectarian war.
The Holy Father declared that “Lebanon is more than a country — it is a message.”
But today, Lebanon is increasingly in the crosshairs of an escalating regional proxy war between Saudi Arabia and Iran. The highest levels of leadership in the Catholic Church are acting to save Lebanon from a war that could not only devastate this historic Christian homeland, but also deal a fatal blow to the survival of Christianity in the Middle East, and plunge the region into a longterm sectarian war.
The 6 main causes of car crashes—and how you can avoid them
The six main causes of car crashes.: Car crashes are mysteries. Even though roughly 6 million of them happen each year in the United States alone, we seldom learn much. When we do drive by a crash, we often slow down to have a look. But there’s never much to see. Two crumpled cars. Maybe one upside down. An ambulance closing its doors. I usually feel bad—for those who may have gotten hurt (or worse), of course, but also because my rubbernecking contributes to the logjam of cars behind me.
London exorcist: ‘No one is truly free from demonic influence,’ so here’s what you must do...
London exorcist: “All of society is subject to a demonic deception” – Catholic World ReportTURLEY: Leaving central London on a fast train, within 30 minutes I was at my destination: a town that had seen better days on the fringes of London’s commuter belt. They call such places “post-industrial”; to my eyes this town looked merely depressed. As I walked from the railway station, I wandered past boarded-up shops and along concrete walkways; I saw few smiles on faces. The gathering gloom overhead as the sky turned ever greyer seemed to add to the sense of desolation.
I wondered what the people on the streets as I passed would have thought if they knew that I was on my way to interview an exorcist.
It had been difficult to make contact with the priest in question. I had heard his name in connection with the subject of exorcism; understandably, because of the nature of his work, he was not readily available to speak to a journalist. Finally, though, I spoke to him on the telephone; he does not use email. I was given a time and place to meet. So it was that on a drab Saturday afternoon I found myself walking from the station, and beneath a graffiti-scarred traffic underpass, before emerging at the door of a church.
I wondered what the people on the streets as I passed would have thought if they knew that I was on my way to interview an exorcist.
It had been difficult to make contact with the priest in question. I had heard his name in connection with the subject of exorcism; understandably, because of the nature of his work, he was not readily available to speak to a journalist. Finally, though, I spoke to him on the telephone; he does not use email. I was given a time and place to meet. So it was that on a drab Saturday afternoon I found myself walking from the station, and beneath a graffiti-scarred traffic underpass, before emerging at the door of a church.
Polish parliament approves bill to phase out Sunday shopping by 2020
Poland to phase out Sunday shopping by 2020 | CatholicHerald.co.uk: Polish MPs have approved a bill that will phase out Sunday shopping by 2020.
Initially proposed by trade unions, the idea received the support of the ruling conservative Law and Justice Party, who want to allow workers to spend more time with their families.
The Sejm, the lower house of Poland’s parliament, passed the bill by 254 to 156 to restrict Sunday shopping to the first and last Sunday of the month until the end of 2018, only on the last Sunday in the month in 2019, and to ban it totally starting in 2020. It will still be permitted, however, on the Sundays before major holidays such as Christmas. Some bakeries and online shops will also be exempt.
Initially proposed by trade unions, the idea received the support of the ruling conservative Law and Justice Party, who want to allow workers to spend more time with their families.
The Sejm, the lower house of Poland’s parliament, passed the bill by 254 to 156 to restrict Sunday shopping to the first and last Sunday of the month until the end of 2018, only on the last Sunday in the month in 2019, and to ban it totally starting in 2020. It will still be permitted, however, on the Sundays before major holidays such as Christmas. Some bakeries and online shops will also be exempt.
Pope sends message of condolence following terrorist attacks in Egypt
Pope sends telegramme of condolence following terror attacks in Egypt - Vatican Radio: Pope Francis has sent a telegramme of condolence for Friday's attack on a mosque in Egypt, saying he was "profoundly grieved to learn of the great loss of life caused by the terrorist attacks on Rawda mosque in North Sinai".
At least 235 people were killed as they gathered for Friday prayers at the al-Rawda mosque in the town of Bir al-Abed.
Witnesses said dozens of gunmen arrived in off-road vehicles and bombed the mosque before opening fire on people as they attempted to flee.
At least 235 people were killed as they gathered for Friday prayers at the al-Rawda mosque in the town of Bir al-Abed.
Witnesses said dozens of gunmen arrived in off-road vehicles and bombed the mosque before opening fire on people as they attempted to flee.
FAQ on the Rohingya, from Burma’s Charles Cardinal Bo
‘Rohingya – Frequently asked Questions,’ by Cardinal Charles Bo – ZENIT – English: What does everyone generally ask as they try to understand who are the Rohingya’s? ‘With this in mind, Salesian Cardinal Charles Bo of Yangon (Myanmar), which His Eminence has provided to ZENIT on Oct. 4, 2017, responded to various such questions to help people better understand. In recent messages, Burma’s first cardinal appeals for an end to crimes against the Rohingyas minority.
NASCAR driver requests prayers "for all the poor souls in purgatory" after major win
NASCAR Driver Requests Prayers "For All the Poor Souls in Purgatory" After Major Win | ChurchPOP: This is so cool!
NASCAR driver Johnny Sauter recently won the Jag Metals 350 at Texas Motor Speedway. In a post-race interview, he added a few things you don’t normally hear: “I just thank the Sacred of Jesus and the Blessed Mother. And today is First Friday so we should pray for all the poor souls in purgatory.”
NASCAR driver Johnny Sauter recently won the Jag Metals 350 at Texas Motor Speedway. In a post-race interview, he added a few things you don’t normally hear: “I just thank the Sacred of Jesus and the Blessed Mother. And today is First Friday so we should pray for all the poor souls in purgatory.”
Friday, November 24, 2017
Blasphemous ‘crucified cow’ displayed at center of Catholic church in Belgium
‘Crucified cow’ on display at center of Catholic church, locals outraged | News | LifeSite: Local Catholics in a Belgian town are outraged as a cruciform cow has been erected as art at the center of a consecrated Catholic church. They are urging the local bishop to have it removed and offer public prayers of reparation.
The “art” exhibit by Tom Herck is to be displayed until early December in the small parish church of Saint John the Baptist of Kuttekoven, in the Flemish town of Borgloon.
Last Sunday, a group of several dozen Catholics came to pray and demonstrate in front of the religious building where occasional Masses are still read, asking for the local bishop, Mgsr. Patrick Hoogmartens, to intervene.
The “art” exhibit by Tom Herck is to be displayed until early December in the small parish church of Saint John the Baptist of Kuttekoven, in the Flemish town of Borgloon.
Last Sunday, a group of several dozen Catholics came to pray and demonstrate in front of the religious building where occasional Masses are still read, asking for the local bishop, Mgsr. Patrick Hoogmartens, to intervene.
Black Friday and the threat of materialism
Black Friday and the Threat of MaterialismLONGENECKER: Scenes of hungry angry shoppers fighting over big screen TVs are likely to show up today as Black Friday hits us once again.
Its easy to see the greed and blame our materialistic culture without seeing the deeper threat.
Every argument is a theological argument, and the vulgarity and futility of Black Friday reveals a philosophical-theological crisis at the heart of our culture.
Its easy to see the greed and blame our materialistic culture without seeing the deeper threat.
Every argument is a theological argument, and the vulgarity and futility of Black Friday reveals a philosophical-theological crisis at the heart of our culture.
Italian Church officials threaten former papal altar boys for reporting homosexual predator
Catholic officials warn ex-seminarians over sex claims - ABC News: Catholic officials in Italy have threatened former altar boys of the pope with criminal defamation charges for having publicly accused an older seminarian of sexual misconduct when they lived together at the youth seminary inside the Vatican gardens.
Church lawyers in the diocese of Como have also warned an Italian investigative news program against broadcasting the boys' claims and have purportedly pressed a church official to recant his suggestion of a cover-up.
The response is indicative of how the allegations of gay sex among altar boys inside the Vatican walls have touched a raw nerve in the Vatican and the Italian church. The reaction has been particularly acute within a small Catholic association, the Opera Don Folci, which runs the St. Pius X preseminary in a palazzo just steps away from where Pope Francis lives.
Church lawyers in the diocese of Como have also warned an Italian investigative news program against broadcasting the boys' claims and have purportedly pressed a church official to recant his suggestion of a cover-up.
The response is indicative of how the allegations of gay sex among altar boys inside the Vatican walls have touched a raw nerve in the Vatican and the Italian church. The reaction has been particularly acute within a small Catholic association, the Opera Don Folci, which runs the St. Pius X preseminary in a palazzo just steps away from where Pope Francis lives.
Vatican releases Pope’s message for the 51st World Day of Peace
Message of the Holy Father Francis for the celebration of the 51st World Day of Peace (1 January 2018): Peace to all people and to all nations on earth! Peace, which the angels proclaimed to the shepherds on Christmas night,1 is a profound aspiration for everyone, for each individual and all peoples, and especially for those who most keenly suffer its absence. Among these whom I constantly keep in my thoughts and prayers, I would once again mention the over 250 million migrants worldwide, of whom 22.5 million are refugees. Pope Benedict XVI, my beloved predecessor, spoke of them as “men and women, children, young and elderly people, who are searching for somewhere to live in peace.”2 In order to find that peace, they are willing to risk their lives on a journey that is often long and perilous, to endure hardships and suffering, and to encounter fences and walls built to keep them far from their goal.
Thursday, November 23, 2017
Pope Pius XII’s indult for eating turkey the Friday after Thanksgiving Day
RORATE COELI: The Friday after Thanksgiving Day indult: A friendly and tasty annual reminder that there is a strong argument to be made that there is no required abstinence from meat this Friday for our American readers.
While always a topic of great discussion, it is widely known by those alive in the 1950s, that Venerable Pope Pius XII granted Americans a dispensation from their Friday abstinence, so that they could enjoy turkey the Friday after Thanksgiving.
While always a topic of great discussion, it is widely known by those alive in the 1950s, that Venerable Pope Pius XII granted Americans a dispensation from their Friday abstinence, so that they could enjoy turkey the Friday after Thanksgiving.
Pope Francis to the Franciscans: “Dear brothers, I renew Saint Francis’ request: Be minor...”
Audience with the Members of the Franciscan Families of the First Order and the Third Order Regular: This morning, in the Clementine Hall of the Apostolic Palace, the Holy Father Francis received in audience the members of the Franciscan Families of the First Order and the Third Order Regular. The following is the Pope’s address to those present.
How to thank God as He has instructed
How to Thank God as He Has Instructed - A Meditation on Thanksgiving Day - Community in Mission : Community in MissionPOPE: On this feast of Thanksgiving (here in America) we do well to ponder how we ought to give thanks to God. Indeed, how can one adequately thank God, who is the giver of every good and perfect gift? Is it really enough to simply kneel and say a prayer of thanks? Perhaps we should run to Church and light a candle, or visit some distant shrine. Maybe we should be doing the “Snoopy Dance” as we say over and over, “Thank you, thank you, thank you!”
But none of these acts of thanksgiving would prove adequate. God has been too good, has done too much, and is, after all, God.
Indeed, a great question went up in the Old Testament regarding this very problem of adequately thanking God.
But none of these acts of thanksgiving would prove adequate. God has been too good, has done too much, and is, after all, God.
Indeed, a great question went up in the Old Testament regarding this very problem of adequately thanking God.
Abortions in the U.S. fall to lowest level in four decades, CDC says
Abortions in the United States Hit an All-Time Low, More Babies Saved From Abortion Than Ever | LifeNews.com: The CDC reports 652,639 abortions were performed in the United States in 2014, a 2-percent decrease from 2014. Abortions are down 21 percent across the past decade.
The abortion rate – the number of abortions per 1,000 women of childbearing age – also dropped to 12.1, a 2-percent decrease from the previous year.
The CDC data is incomplete because the government does not require states to report abortion numbers. However, reports from the pro-abortion Guttmacher Institute also indicate abortions are dropping across the U.S.
The abortion rate – the number of abortions per 1,000 women of childbearing age – also dropped to 12.1, a 2-percent decrease from the previous year.
The CDC data is incomplete because the government does not require states to report abortion numbers. However, reports from the pro-abortion Guttmacher Institute also indicate abortions are dropping across the U.S.
Thanksgiving Day 2017: “And now, bless the God of all, who has done wondrous things on Earth”
November 23, 2017 - Thanksgiving Day: And now, bless the God of all,
who has done wondrous things on earth;
Who fosters people's growth from their mother's womb,
and fashions them according to his will!
May he grant you joy of heart
and may peace abide among you;
May his goodness toward us endure in Israel
to deliver us in our days.
who has done wondrous things on earth;
Who fosters people's growth from their mother's womb,
and fashions them according to his will!
May he grant you joy of heart
and may peace abide among you;
May his goodness toward us endure in Israel
to deliver us in our days.
Wednesday, November 22, 2017
Sit back, relax, and listen to ‘Ode to St. Cecilia’
Coming Soon to Your Radio: ‘Ode to St. Cecilia’FEINGOLD: Growing up in a large Catholic family, my siblings and I didn’t watch TV outside of the World Series and presidential debates. We did, however, have an enormous collection of old movies on VHS and a collection of cassette tapes almost as large, and every Sunday night on 88.5 we’d catch Ed Walker’s old-time radio show, “The Big Broadcast.” Every now and then too, spinning the radio dials, we’d catch a bit of Adventures in Odyssey, the long-running children’s series produced by Focus on the Family.
I associated the show, enjoyable as it had been, so strongly with Protestant radio that I was surprised to hear recently that Paul McCusker, who worked on Adventures in Odyssey over the past 30 years, had entered the Catholic Church. Not only that, but McCusker been producing Catholic radio drama for nearly three years at Denver’s Augustine Institute, an organization designed to train Catholics to participate in the New Evangelization.
I associated the show, enjoyable as it had been, so strongly with Protestant radio that I was surprised to hear recently that Paul McCusker, who worked on Adventures in Odyssey over the past 30 years, had entered the Catholic Church. Not only that, but McCusker been producing Catholic radio drama for nearly three years at Denver’s Augustine Institute, an organization designed to train Catholics to participate in the New Evangelization.
On Nov. 22, 1963, Kennedy was assassinated, and C.S. Lewis died
Jack Outside the Box: Remembering C.S.Lewis | Fr. Dwight LongeneckerLONGENECKER: One of things most refreshing about C.S.Lewis was his seeming unconcern about what others thought of him. There’s a whiff of real humility there. He was not worried enough about his career to stop writing religious books or popular science fiction or children’s fairy tales, and he suffered rejection by his peers–not being elected as Professor of Poetry at Oxford despite being the obvious choice.
He thought and lived outside the box. He didn’t give two hoots for the opinions of the liberal Bible scholars, and skewered their stupidity with a single thrust saying that he was not a Bible scholar, but a literary critic and their work as literary critics of the Bible simply didn’t stand up to scrutiny.
He thought and lived outside the box. He didn’t give two hoots for the opinions of the liberal Bible scholars, and skewered their stupidity with a single thrust saying that he was not a Bible scholar, but a literary critic and their work as literary critics of the Bible simply didn’t stand up to scrutiny.
Taking the child out of Advent
Taking the Child Out of AdventTURLEY: Two news items flashed across the screen recently. In their differing ways they reveal something of modern Britain and it is not a pretty sight.
The first was an advertisement for, of all things, a sausage roll. The manufacturers of the rolls produced an ‘Advent Calendar’. In a faux-Nativity scene a sausage roll was substituted for the Baby Jesus lying in the manger surrounded by the Three Kings. Rather than a willful hatred of Christmas and the religion that gave the world that season, the advertisement displays a breathtaking ignorance.
One can imagine bright-eyed, and probably young advertising executives throwing ideas around at the start of this particular campaign. Bored no doubt by the whole concept of Christmas, and by the sausage rolls, they come up with an image that looks harmless and fun. It is, however, lacking in the one thing a food manufacturer especially should always have: taste.
The first was an advertisement for, of all things, a sausage roll. The manufacturers of the rolls produced an ‘Advent Calendar’. In a faux-Nativity scene a sausage roll was substituted for the Baby Jesus lying in the manger surrounded by the Three Kings. Rather than a willful hatred of Christmas and the religion that gave the world that season, the advertisement displays a breathtaking ignorance.
One can imagine bright-eyed, and probably young advertising executives throwing ideas around at the start of this particular campaign. Bored no doubt by the whole concept of Christmas, and by the sausage rolls, they come up with an image that looks harmless and fun. It is, however, lacking in the one thing a food manufacturer especially should always have: taste.
What if all the conspiracy theories are actually true?
What If All The Conspiracy Theories Are True?CLARK: What if Macbeth was not really written by William Shakespeare, and a group of people has been suppressing this truth for hundreds of years? What if the moon landing were a hoax created by network executives to boost television ratings? What if an alien spacecraft really did crash in Roswell, New Mexico in the 1940s and the government has hidden the evidence all these years? For that matter, what if all the conspiracy theories are true?
The word conspiracy could be defined as “a secret agreement between or among multiple parties that exists to conduct unlawful behavior.” Do some conspiracies exist? Of course. Conspiracies have existed at many levels of society over the years. Both Old and New Testaments speak of conspiracies, and several popes have written about conspiracies in official documents. For instance, in 1937’s Divini Redemptoris, Pope Pius XI wrote about a “conspiracy of silence” regarding communism. In 1995’s Evangelium Vitae, Pope Saint John Paul II wrote about a “conspiracy against life.”
The word conspiracy could be defined as “a secret agreement between or among multiple parties that exists to conduct unlawful behavior.” Do some conspiracies exist? Of course. Conspiracies have existed at many levels of society over the years. Both Old and New Testaments speak of conspiracies, and several popes have written about conspiracies in official documents. For instance, in 1937’s Divini Redemptoris, Pope Pius XI wrote about a “conspiracy of silence” regarding communism. In 1995’s Evangelium Vitae, Pope Saint John Paul II wrote about a “conspiracy against life.”
Places and people God chose in the Old Testament
Places and People God Chose in the Old TestamentAKIN: In both Calvinist and Catholic theology, God’s “elect” are often understood to be the people that God has chosen to be saved on the last day.
The basis of this divine choice is much discussed in theology.
However, before considering the way a term is used in theology, it’s important to understand the way it’s meaning has changed over time.
Recently we saw that the term “elect” in older texts—like the early Christian document 1 Clement—is used differently than it in later theology.
What about the way the term is used in the Old Testament?
The basis of this divine choice is much discussed in theology.
However, before considering the way a term is used in theology, it’s important to understand the way it’s meaning has changed over time.
Recently we saw that the term “elect” in older texts—like the early Christian document 1 Clement—is used differently than it in later theology.
What about the way the term is used in the Old Testament?
Atheists sue shelter for using Anglican minister (not a Catholic priest, as the story says) to ‘bless’ animals
Atheists sue shelter for using Catholic priest to ‘bless’ animals | New York Post: Don’t push your dogma on these pets!
A group of atheists is suing a New Jersey animal shelter because it used a Catholic priest to “bless” cats and dogs, a new lawsuit claims.
Last month, the Bergen County Animal Shelter enlisted a rosary-sporting Roman Catholic priest in a ceremony for the furry sinners, according to a federal lawsuit, filed by the American Atheists in Newark on Nov. 13.
The priest — who wore a large cross around his neck and a hooded cassock — performed the ritual in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals, according to the lawsuit.
A group of atheists is suing a New Jersey animal shelter because it used a Catholic priest to “bless” cats and dogs, a new lawsuit claims.
Last month, the Bergen County Animal Shelter enlisted a rosary-sporting Roman Catholic priest in a ceremony for the furry sinners, according to a federal lawsuit, filed by the American Atheists in Newark on Nov. 13.
The priest — who wore a large cross around his neck and a hooded cassock — performed the ritual in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals, according to the lawsuit.
Good news: As rapprochement stalls, China and Vatican turn to ‘diplomacy of art’
China and Vatican turn to 'diplomacy of art' as rapprochement stalls | World news | The Guardian: The Vatican is to send 40 works of art to China in a cultural exchange amid signs that attempts at rapprochement between the two powers are faltering.
The Vatican museums, home to the Sistine chapel and countless other works of importance, and the China Culture Industrial Investment Fund (CCIIF) announced the exchange initiative in Rome this week. Simultaneous exhibitions will open in March in the Forbidden City in Beijing and the Vatican’s Anima Mundi Museum.
The Vatican museums, home to the Sistine chapel and countless other works of importance, and the China Culture Industrial Investment Fund (CCIIF) announced the exchange initiative in Rome this week. Simultaneous exhibitions will open in March in the Forbidden City in Beijing and the Vatican’s Anima Mundi Museum.
Bad news: Communist Party imposes $40,000+ fines for promoting Vatican trips to Chinese tourists
CHINA-VATICAN The Communist Party blocks Chinese tours to Vatican: The Chinese Communist Party has ordered travel agencies not to send tour groups to visit the Vatican and St. Peter's Basilica because "there are no diplomatic relations" between China and the Holy See.
In an article published by Radio Free Asia yesterday several agencies that confirm that they have received directives dated November 16, in which they are ordered to cancel programed visits to the center of Christianity. AsiaNews has received confirmation of this from its correspondents in China who state that the veto on Vatican visits is effective, although everyone doubts it will be observed.
In an article published by Radio Free Asia yesterday several agencies that confirm that they have received directives dated November 16, in which they are ordered to cancel programed visits to the center of Christianity. AsiaNews has received confirmation of this from its correspondents in China who state that the veto on Vatican visits is effective, although everyone doubts it will be observed.
‘Coco’ is visually spectacular and has some charm, but there’s a grave problem hidden within...
SDG Reviews ‘Coco’GREYDANUS: I’m tempted to say I’d like to see the version of Coco Pixar would have made 10 years ago. Not really, I guess, since then we wouldn’t have Ratatouille. Still, I can’t help wondering what the team that made Ratatouille might have done with Coco.
In some ways they’re practically the same movie, and not just because Coco and Ratatouille are the only Pixar films with non-Anglophone cultural settings. Nor because, like too many animated films in the decade since Ratatouille, Coco also centers on a young protagonist with a creative passion his family doesn’t understand and wouldn’t approve of, though of course the family comes around in the end.
In some ways they’re practically the same movie, and not just because Coco and Ratatouille are the only Pixar films with non-Anglophone cultural settings. Nor because, like too many animated films in the decade since Ratatouille, Coco also centers on a young protagonist with a creative passion his family doesn’t understand and wouldn’t approve of, though of course the family comes around in the end.
Pope Francis condemns Western secularism, calls ideological colonization an ‘ugly blasphemy’
Pope Francis: Ideological Colonization is a ‘Blasphemy’: Pope Francis has again spoken out strongly against today’s “ideological colonization” — the West’s imposition of secular, non-Christian values on developing nations — calling it a “particularly ugly blasphemy against God the Creator.”
In his morning homily Tuesday at his Santa Marta residence, the Pope explained that cultural and ideological colonization does not tolerate differences and makes everything the same, resulting in persecution of believers.
The Pope reflected on the first reading of the day, the martyrdom of Eleazar, the Hebrew scribe and an Old Testament doctor of the law, who resisted the imposition of a new pagan culture on the Jewish people, and efforts to “introduce the pagan institutions of other nations.”
Such a “modernizing, a renewal of everything, is a true ideological colonization,” the Pope said, according to which everything was “done in a particular way, and there was no freedom for other things.”
In his morning homily Tuesday at his Santa Marta residence, the Pope explained that cultural and ideological colonization does not tolerate differences and makes everything the same, resulting in persecution of believers.
The Pope reflected on the first reading of the day, the martyrdom of Eleazar, the Hebrew scribe and an Old Testament doctor of the law, who resisted the imposition of a new pagan culture on the Jewish people, and efforts to “introduce the pagan institutions of other nations.”
Such a “modernizing, a renewal of everything, is a true ideological colonization,” the Pope said, according to which everything was “done in a particular way, and there was no freedom for other things.”
United in history and tragedy: JFK and Pope Pius XII
United in History and Tragedy: JFK and Pope Pius XIIKENGOR: President Donald Trump recently authorized a massive declassification of documents relating to the 1963 assassination of America’s first and only Catholic president, John F. Kennedy. The dreadful anniversary of the shooting, Nov. 22, is again upon us. Remembrances this time around are focusing on any potential new revelations.
One item of interest that will not be found in those documents, however, is the intriguing relationship between Kennedy and Pope Pius XII. To be sure, this wasn’t a close association, and Pius died in 1958, not long before Kennedy became president. Nonetheless, the two men knew one another and met one another, and they shared a few words and moments that have managed to almost elude our historical knowledge.
One item of interest that will not be found in those documents, however, is the intriguing relationship between Kennedy and Pope Pius XII. To be sure, this wasn’t a close association, and Pius died in 1958, not long before Kennedy became president. Nonetheless, the two men knew one another and met one another, and they shared a few words and moments that have managed to almost elude our historical knowledge.
If you think about it in the light of grace, a hog killing is a mysterious and wonderful thing
Giving Thanks is Trivialized Without Blood and SacrificeCRAIG: True gratitude acknowledges the “bond” that is created when we are given that for which we are grateful – what we owe thanks for. St. Ambrose said there is “no duty more urgent than that of returning thanks.” Gratitude is, as Aquinas said, a part of justice. “I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought,” said G.K. Chesterton, “and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.” Such sayings should help us to be appalled at the sentimentality of what many call “thanksgiving”, which really means to conjure of warm feelings disconnected from any serious sacrifice, which is a necessary corollary to thankfulness.
Fr. James Martin treats Sacred Scripture like a cheap logic puzzle
Fr. James Martin Treats Sacred Scripture Like a Cheap Logic Puzzle | The StreamZMIRAK: Fr. James Martin, SJ is at it again. Maybe he’s trying to speed ecumenism with Mainline Protestant churches. Because it seems each week he comes out with a statement every bit as crazy as anything you’d hear from the most jaded post-Christian posers. You know, the kind who gather in ersatz vestments to “bless” abortion clinics with songs by Leonard Cohen, who was vocally pro-life. A few months back, the Institute on Religion and Democracy reported on lesbian Methodist bishop Karen Oliveto. She warned us not to make an “idol” out of Jesus. Oh yes, and she called him a racist, albeit a penitent one.
Hindu groups raise conversion controversy ahead of Pope’s Asia visit
Hindu groups raise conversion controversy ahead of pope's Asia visit - ucanews.com: Leaders of right-wing Hindu groups are reigniting the controversial issue of Christian missionaries converting Hindus, ahead of Pope Francis' historic Asian visit that will see him travel to Myanmar instead of India.
They have feigned ignorance about the pontiff being blocked from a planned India visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government.
The "Vishwa Hindu Parishad" (VHP, Council of Hindus) and other right-wing groups such as the Bajrang Dal, a hard-line Hindu group opposed to Christian missionary work, have been demanding a moratorium on the church's conversion activities. They also opposed Pope John Paul II's visit to New Delhi in November 1999.
Pope Francis "will have to clarify how conversion of people from other religions is justified," said Bajrang Dal activist Angad Prasad from Assam state in northeastern India.
They have feigned ignorance about the pontiff being blocked from a planned India visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government.
The "Vishwa Hindu Parishad" (VHP, Council of Hindus) and other right-wing groups such as the Bajrang Dal, a hard-line Hindu group opposed to Christian missionary work, have been demanding a moratorium on the church's conversion activities. They also opposed Pope John Paul II's visit to New Delhi in November 1999.
Pope Francis "will have to clarify how conversion of people from other religions is justified," said Bajrang Dal activist Angad Prasad from Assam state in northeastern India.
Orcas vs. great white sharks: in a battle of the apex predators, who wins?
Orcas vs great white sharks: in a battle of the apex predators who wins? | Science | The Guardian: The great white shark, Carcharodon carcharias, is considered the most voracious apex predator in temperate marine ecosystems worldwide, playing a key role in controlling ecosystem dynamics.
As a result, it is difficult to imagine a great white as prey. And yet, earlier this year the carcasses of five great whites washed ashore along South Africa’s Western Cape province. Ranging in size from 2.7 metres (9ft) to 4.9 metres (16ft), the two females and three males all had one thing in common: holes puncturing the muscle wall between the pectoral fins. Strangest of all, their livers were missing.
As a result, it is difficult to imagine a great white as prey. And yet, earlier this year the carcasses of five great whites washed ashore along South Africa’s Western Cape province. Ranging in size from 2.7 metres (9ft) to 4.9 metres (16ft), the two females and three males all had one thing in common: holes puncturing the muscle wall between the pectoral fins. Strangest of all, their livers were missing.
With teen mental health deteriorating over five years, there's a likely culprit
With teen mental health deteriorating over five years, there's a likely culprit: Around 2012, something started going wrong in the lives of teens.
In just the five years between 2010 and 2015, the number of U.S. teens who felt useless and joyless – classic symptoms of depression – surged 33 percent in large national surveys. Teen suicide attempts increased 23 percent. Even more troubling, the number of 13- to 18-year-olds who committed suicide jumped 31 percent.
In a new paper published in Clinical Psychological Science, my colleagues and I found that the increases in depression, suicide attempts and suicide appeared among teens from every background – more privileged and less privileged, across all races and ethnicities and in every region of the country. All told, our analysis found that the generation of teens I call “iGen” – those born after 1995 – is much more likely to experience mental health issues than their millennial predecessors.
In just the five years between 2010 and 2015, the number of U.S. teens who felt useless and joyless – classic symptoms of depression – surged 33 percent in large national surveys. Teen suicide attempts increased 23 percent. Even more troubling, the number of 13- to 18-year-olds who committed suicide jumped 31 percent.
In a new paper published in Clinical Psychological Science, my colleagues and I found that the increases in depression, suicide attempts and suicide appeared among teens from every background – more privileged and less privileged, across all races and ethnicities and in every region of the country. All told, our analysis found that the generation of teens I call “iGen” – those born after 1995 – is much more likely to experience mental health issues than their millennial predecessors.
9 prominent Christians in science and technology give thanks
Christians in Science and Technology Give Thanks — Purpose Nation: Since we launched the Purpose Nation Podcast in August, thanks to your interest and support, episodes of the Podcast have been played nearly 30,000 times! We are also very thankful for our Podcast guests, including nine of them who sent along their own messages of thanks below (in alphabetical order by last name).� We asked them what they are most thankful for in their careers and personal lives. Thank you again all for your support and enjoy the messages below.
Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving!
Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving!
The lightning-fast guide to figuring out what's wrong with your car
The Lightning-Fast Guide to Figuring Out What's Wrong With Your Car: White exhaust smoke? Coolant is entering the combustion chambers.
How strange, that this avalanche of accusations followed so soon on Hugh Hefner’s death
Hollywood Sexual-Harassment Scandals: Women, ‘Save the Peace of the World’ | National ReviewLOPEZ: It seems undeniable at this point that Hugh Hefner’s death broke open some sort of seal.” My former colleague at National Review magazine, Ian Tuttle, tweeted this the other day, capturing the avalanche of accusations and confessions, since around the death of Playboy’s founder, of men behaving badly in some of the highest echelons of power. A reckoning appears to be occurring in Hollywood, accompanied by a widespread acknowledgment that something has gone very wrong when it comes to men in power and to sex.
Tuesday, November 21, 2017
Why damnation is eternal and other teachings on Hell
Why Damnation Is Eternal and Other Teachings on Hell - Community in Mission : Community in MissionPOPE: The teachings of the Lord on Hell are difficult, especially in today’s climate. The most difficult questions that arise relate to its eternal nature and how to square its existence with a God who is loving and rich in mercy. As a closing reflection on Hell and on the Four Last Things, let us ponder a series of questions.
EWTN launches on-demand access to 12,000 programs
EWTN launches on-demand access to 12,000 programs :: Catholic News Agency (CNA): EWTN Global Catholic Network has introduced a new service allowing free on-demand access to a large library of its video content, with more than 12,000 programs available, and more being added regularly.
“EWTN On Demand has something for everyone,” said EWTN Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Michael P. Warsaw in a statement on Friday. “There’s nothing to fill out, no membership required, and no fees to pay. All you need is an Internet connection and you are good to go,” said EWTN President Doug Keck.
“EWTN On Demand has something for everyone,” said EWTN Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Michael P. Warsaw in a statement on Friday. “There’s nothing to fill out, no membership required, and no fees to pay. All you need is an Internet connection and you are good to go,” said EWTN President Doug Keck.
Why pterosaurs, the winged dragons of the dinosaur age, were such pterrific beasts
Why Pterosaurs Were the Weirdest Wonders on Wings: Most people respond to the word ‘pterosaurs’ with a puzzled expression, until you add, ‘like pterodactyls.’
Are we crossing a bright red line in the Roy Moore case?
Are We Crossing a Bright Red Line in the Roy Moore Case?DESMOND: As powerful men in entertainment, politics and business face credible accusations of sexual harassment and assault, the Democratic Party has finally begun to reassess its response to similarly egregious claims against former U.S. President Bill Clinton.
Yet allegations of sexual misconduct have hit lawmakers from both parties, and that has prompted some Republicans to ask whether the GOP’s own ethical standards are collapsing.
Last week Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-NY, concluded that “Bill Clinton should have resigned the presidency during the Monica Lewinsky scandal,” during a New York Times podcast.
The comments by Gillibrand, the rising party leader who won Hillary Clinton’s seat in the Senate and has made sexual harassment in the workplace a major issue for women, suggested that a long-delayed day of “reckoning” was finally at hand.
Yet allegations of sexual misconduct have hit lawmakers from both parties, and that has prompted some Republicans to ask whether the GOP’s own ethical standards are collapsing.
Last week Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-NY, concluded that “Bill Clinton should have resigned the presidency during the Monica Lewinsky scandal,” during a New York Times podcast.
The comments by Gillibrand, the rising party leader who won Hillary Clinton’s seat in the Senate and has made sexual harassment in the workplace a major issue for women, suggested that a long-delayed day of “reckoning” was finally at hand.
The Roy Moore embarrassment and the Museum of the Bible
Roy Moore Embarrassment & Museum of the Bible | National ReviewWEIGEL: A thought exercise or two:
Imagine that the principal donor funding Washington’s new museum of the Bible was George Soros. Does anyone think that MSM stories on the museum’s opening would highlight Soros’s 1992 shorting of the British pound, a maneuver that netted him a billion dollars?
Imagine, further, that the new museum’s principal academic advisers had included leaders of the deconstructive “Jesus Seminar” such as John Dominic Crossan and Burton Mack. Does anyone suppose that MSM stories about the new museum would be fraught with fears of a Biblical takeover of the nation’s capital, and indeed of the nation’s culture?
Imagine that the principal donor funding Washington’s new museum of the Bible was George Soros. Does anyone think that MSM stories on the museum’s opening would highlight Soros’s 1992 shorting of the British pound, a maneuver that netted him a billion dollars?
Imagine, further, that the new museum’s principal academic advisers had included leaders of the deconstructive “Jesus Seminar” such as John Dominic Crossan and Burton Mack. Does anyone suppose that MSM stories about the new museum would be fraught with fears of a Biblical takeover of the nation’s capital, and indeed of the nation’s culture?
‘Murder on the Orient Express’ and the theology of murder
Murder on the Orient Express and the Theology of Murder - Crisis MagazineFITZPATRICK: Et voilà . The cold corpse lay in Compartment #2 of the Orient Express, stabbed twelve times, no murder weapon, no obvious motive, victim’s pistol ready under the pillow, door locked and chained from within, mysterious clues (or blinds) littered about, a broken watch, a ghostly intruder, a scarlet kimono, a perfect murder and a perfect crime—even given two unforeseen circumstances for the murderer to navigate: first, the sudden stoppage of the train by a snowdrift in the mountains outside Yugoslavia, and second, the presence of the internationally renowned grey-celled Belgian detective, Hercule Poirot. Que l’enquête commence. The murderer lurks in plain sight among the passengers. Everyone is a suspect. No one is safe. All aboard for Murder on the Orient Express, but where to get a ticket? The local library courtesy of Agatha Christie? Or the local cinema courtesy of Kenneth Branagh? The jury is out. In the case of Murder on the Orient Express, everything hangs on the taste for murder, for murder can be too theological a matter for some movies—and it remains the case that some murders belong in books in order to retain theological implication over theatrical ostentation.
The Lord describes Hell with powerful images. But we do well to understand its subtle horrors as well...
Images of Hell - Community in Mission : Community in MissionPOPE: Part of what makes Jesus’ teaching on Hell difficult is the severe imagery He uses. In pointing to Hell, he seems to point to its deepest pits. He warns of eternal fire, undying worms, and wailing and grinding of teeth. Rather than lingering on philosophical descriptions or on the more subtle aspects of suffering, Jesus goes to the deepest aspects of the sufferings of Hell.
The undying fire in Hell is not a mere physical one; it is a fire of rage and disgust that consumes as it causes pain. In contrast, the refining fire of God’s love purifies. The souls of the dammed in Hell are seething inside and enduring the heat of the indignation of others.
The undying fire in Hell is not a mere physical one; it is a fire of rage and disgust that consumes as it causes pain. In contrast, the refining fire of God’s love purifies. The souls of the dammed in Hell are seething inside and enduring the heat of the indignation of others.
Could Zimbabwe be on the brink of a transformative ‘Catholic moment?’
Could Zimbabwe be on brink of a transformative 'Catholic moment'?ALLEN: Looking back over the 20th century, there clearly were certain moments when inspired Catholic leadership, either in Rome or in the trenches, and sometimes both, galvanized the Church in ways that triggered the transformation of entire societies. The role played by key Catholic statesmen in building a new order for Europe after World War II is one example, as is the pivotal contribution of St. Pope John Paul II and the Solidarity movement in Poland to the largely peaceful collapse of the Soviet empire.
Curia reform: Pope Francis reorganizes Vatican Secretariat of State
Curia reform: Pope Francis reorganizes Vatican Secretariat of State :: Catholic News Agency (CNA)GAGLIARDUCCI: Pope Francis has established a third section, or department, of the Secretariat of State of the Holy See, which reportedly began its operations Nov. 9. The new section is named “Section for the Diplomatic Staff,” and is tasked with overseeing the Holy See’s diplomatic corps, stationed around the world. Archbishop Jan Romeo Pawlowski has been appointed to helm the third section. Previously the apostolic nuncio to Gabon, in 2015 Archbishop Pawlowski was appointed head of the
Cardinal di Montezemolo, longtime Vatican diplomat, dies at age 92
Cardinal di Montezemolo, Longtime Vatican Diplomat, Dies at Age 92: Pope Francis sent a telegram Monday for the death of longtime Vatican diplomat Cardinal Andrea Cordero Lanza di Montezemolo, who died in Rome Sunday at the age of 92.
His death, the Pope wrote Nov. 20, “raises in my soul a feeling of sincere admiration for an esteemed man of the Church who lived with fidelity his long and fruitful priesthood and episcopate serving the Gospel and the Holy See.”
Pope Francis offered his prayers for Cardinal Montezemolo’s welcome, through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Paul, “into joy and eternal peace” and for those who mourn the death of this “zealous pastor.”
His death, the Pope wrote Nov. 20, “raises in my soul a feeling of sincere admiration for an esteemed man of the Church who lived with fidelity his long and fruitful priesthood and episcopate serving the Gospel and the Holy See.”
Pope Francis offered his prayers for Cardinal Montezemolo’s welcome, through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Paul, “into joy and eternal peace” and for those who mourn the death of this “zealous pastor.”
Pope appoints new bishops for Nashville and Jefferson City
Whispers in the Loggia: For US Bench, The Pope's "Doorbuster" – Nashville, Jeff City Land Long-Tipped ProspectsPALMO: If anyone ever said the Vatican doesn't do Christmas ahead of December 25th, this Tuesday morning would prove them wrong. In a significant double-shot of appointments following last week's November Meeting, at Roman Noon the Pope named Fr Joseph Mark Spalding, 52 (above) – until now vicar-general of Louisville and pastor of two city parishes – as 12th bishop of Nashville...
Following poster of St. Peter’s attack, ISIS releases new image of ‘beheaded’ Pope Francis
ISIS Group Releases Image of 'Beheaded' Pope Francis: Just a few days after circulating a propaganda poster depicting a jihadist driving toward the Vatican, a pro-ISIS media group today released another poster depicting Pope Francis beheaded.
In the image from the Wafa' Media Foundation, a jihadist stands over the orange-jumpsuited body of a prisoner with his hands behind his back, chest-down on the ground on a dirt street. The terrorist, clad in khaki with a white scarf covering his face, holds a knife in one hand and touches the head that looks like Pope Francis -- propped on the back of the body -- with his other hand.
In the image from the Wafa' Media Foundation, a jihadist stands over the orange-jumpsuited body of a prisoner with his hands behind his back, chest-down on the ground on a dirt street. The terrorist, clad in khaki with a white scarf covering his face, holds a knife in one hand and touches the head that looks like Pope Francis -- propped on the back of the body -- with his other hand.
America has two Catholic tribes. What to do about it? Not much...
America's Two Catholic Churches | Fr. Dwight LongeneckerLONGENECKER: As I travel around the country visiting parishes and speaking at conferences I am constantly amazed at the reality of two separate Catholic churches existing together with practically no conversation between them.
On the one hand we have what might be called the American Liberal Catholic Elite. They occupy most of the academic institutions. They have their own East Coast publishing houses, and universities with prestigious reputations. They write papers and award one another with honorary degrees and talk a lot about helping immigrants. In fact they don’t really talk about much of anything other than that and, of course, being kind to homosexual people and people who are divorced and remarried and so forth.
On the one hand we have what might be called the American Liberal Catholic Elite. They occupy most of the academic institutions. They have their own East Coast publishing houses, and universities with prestigious reputations. They write papers and award one another with honorary degrees and talk a lot about helping immigrants. In fact they don’t really talk about much of anything other than that and, of course, being kind to homosexual people and people who are divorced and remarried and so forth.
Monday, November 20, 2017
DC’s newly-opened Museum of the Bible highlights the Holy Book and time-honored treasures
Museum of the Bible Highlights the Holy Book and Time-Honored TreasuresMCDONALD: Every museum has its controversies, but few topics are more filled with potential pitfalls than the Bible and its history. The Museum of the Bible, which opened to the public Nov. 18, embraces those controversies, creating a multimedia space that explores the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures in all of their many confounding aspects.
Located two blocks behind the popular Smithsonian Air and Space Museum, the Museum of the Bible was driven and largely financed by the Green family, owners of the craft-store chain Hobby Lobby. Not one to shy away from controversy, Hobby Lobby President Steve Green is a devout evangelical Protestant who wrote several books on faith — most recently This Dangerous Book: How the Bible Has Shaped Our World and Why It Still Matters Today, with Jackie Green and Bill High — and challenged the Affordable Care Act’s abortifacient mandate all the way to the Supreme Court.
Located two blocks behind the popular Smithsonian Air and Space Museum, the Museum of the Bible was driven and largely financed by the Green family, owners of the craft-store chain Hobby Lobby. Not one to shy away from controversy, Hobby Lobby President Steve Green is a devout evangelical Protestant who wrote several books on faith — most recently This Dangerous Book: How the Bible Has Shaped Our World and Why It Still Matters Today, with Jackie Green and Bill High — and challenged the Affordable Care Act’s abortifacient mandate all the way to the Supreme Court.
Louis Braille: The blind Catholic musician who invented touch-reading
Louis Braille Biography - AleteiaSEAH: Everyone knows the deaf Catholic classical composer, Beethoven. But did you know that the inventor of braille was also a brilliant musician and devout Catholic?
Louis Braille was born to a leatherer in the small French town of Coupvray. At the age of three, Braille — trying to mimic his father — picking up an awl to bore holes in a scrap of leather. Squinting closely, he pressed the awl down hard and it glanced off the leather, piercing his eye.
Louis Braille was born to a leatherer in the small French town of Coupvray. At the age of three, Braille — trying to mimic his father — picking up an awl to bore holes in a scrap of leather. Squinting closely, he pressed the awl down hard and it glanced off the leather, piercing his eye.
Make room at the table and in your heart for your forgotten friends on Thanksgiving
Blessed Are the Forgotten – WE'RE LATE FOR CHURCHGERD: There are a total of eight beatitudes. I know because I’ve counted them. In case you’d like to confirm that for yourself, knowing my spotty scriptural knowledge as a cradle Catholic, have at it. Check it out for yourself in Matthew’s gospel, chapter 5 to be exact. As perfect as I consider Jesus’ sermon on the mount, if I had my say, I’d suggest that the Almighty add just one more. Yep, I’m about to try and improve perfection by adding to one of Christ’s most powerful and stirring proclamations on the Kingdom of God. That takes guts. I know. But bear with me.
Clear doctrine strengthens the Church
Clear Doctrine Strengthens the ChurchRUTLER: The Baptist church in Sutherland Springs, Texas has been made a shrine, for the massacre there has left it a hallowed place for mourners. A red rose marks where each of the victims died, and then there is one pink rose. That is for the unborn baby that died in the womb. To the frustration of some, Texas is one of 38 states that recognize an infant in utero as a victim when the mother is assaulted. Federal law also accords legal rights to the unborn in cases of federal and military crimes. A pink rose is at least a tacit acknowledgement that a human life existed before birth, and Catholics know that life is life, with no varying shades. This is one example of how truth prevails despite attempts to obscure it.
Hell has to be
Hell Has to Be - Community in Mission : Community in MissionPOPE: Today we come to the final of the Four Last Things: Hell. I have written extensively on this topic over the years, largely in response to the widespread dismissal of the revealed doctrine of Hell. In contradiction to Scripture, many presume that Hell is an unlikely destination for most. Never mind that Jesus taught just the opposite (e.g., Matt 7:13-14). In my own small way, I have tried to keep people more rooted in the sobriety of the Gospel than in the wishful thinking of the modern age. No one warned of Hell more than did Jesus. Arguably, 21 of the 38 parables amount to warnings about Hell and the need to be ready for judgment day.
“I therefore order the following”: Francis bets even more on the nuncios, including the black sheep
"I Therefore Order the Following." Francis Bets Even More on the Nuncios, Including the Black Sheep - Settimo Cielo - Blog - L’EspressoMAGISTER: The resolution with which Pope Francis endows the Vatican secretariat of state with a third section on an equal level with the two already existing is in a letter that he wrote in mid-October to cardinal secretary of state Pietro Parolin.
The following is the executive part of the pope’s letter:
“In the conviction, therefore, of having to assure on my own part a more fraternal attention and a more diligent human, priestly, spiritual, and professional accompaniment for those who serve in what are referred to as ‘diplomatic roles’ of the Holy See - both team leaders and members - and for those who are preparing for this - students of the ecclesiastical pontifical academy - I order the following
The following is the executive part of the pope’s letter:
“In the conviction, therefore, of having to assure on my own part a more fraternal attention and a more diligent human, priestly, spiritual, and professional accompaniment for those who serve in what are referred to as ‘diplomatic roles’ of the Holy See - both team leaders and members - and for those who are preparing for this - students of the ecclesiastical pontifical academy - I order the following
Care for the poor, says Pope Francis, for “they are your passport to paradise”
Care for the poor, says Pope Francis – they are your passport to paradise | CatholicHerald.co.uk: People have a basic choice in the way they live: either striving to build up treasures on earth or giving to others in order to gain heaven, Pope Francis has said.
“What we invest in love remains, the rest vanishes,” the Pope said in his homily on Sunday, the first World Day of the Poor.
Between 6,000 and 7,000 poor people attended the Mass in St Peter’s Basilica, where altar servers included the poor, migrants or homeless.
“What we invest in love remains, the rest vanishes,” the Pope said in his homily on Sunday, the first World Day of the Poor.
Between 6,000 and 7,000 poor people attended the Mass in St Peter’s Basilica, where altar servers included the poor, migrants or homeless.
Saturday, November 18, 2017
Fr. Solanus Casey, ‘a humble and faithful disciple of Christ,’ beatified in Detroit
Solanus Casey, ‘a Humble and Faithful Disciple of Christ,’ Beatified in Detroit: Detroit’s beloved Father Solanus Casey has been beatified, with Pope Francis calling him “a humble and faithful disciple of Christ, tireless in serving the poor.”
“The life of our ‘Blessed’ is an exemplary page of the Gospel, lived with human and Christian intensity. It is a page to read with dedication and emotion ... and to imitate with fervor,” said Cardinal Angelo Amato, prefect of the Congregation of the Causes of Saints, who read the Latin-language letter from Pope Francis officially declaring the priest to be “Blessed.”
“In raising this Capuchin to the altars. Pope Francis points him out to the whole Church as a faithful disciple to Christ, the Good Shepherd,” the cardinal said in his homily. “Today, the Church and society still need the example and the protection of Father Solanus.”
“Brother and sisters, let us repeat together: Blessed Father Solanus, pray for us,” he told a crowd of 60-70,000 gathered for the Nov. 18 beatification Mass at Detroit’s Ford Field stadium.
Beatification is the final step before possible canonization. Blessed Solanus Casey’s feast day will be July 30.
“The life of our ‘Blessed’ is an exemplary page of the Gospel, lived with human and Christian intensity. It is a page to read with dedication and emotion ... and to imitate with fervor,” said Cardinal Angelo Amato, prefect of the Congregation of the Causes of Saints, who read the Latin-language letter from Pope Francis officially declaring the priest to be “Blessed.”
“In raising this Capuchin to the altars. Pope Francis points him out to the whole Church as a faithful disciple to Christ, the Good Shepherd,” the cardinal said in his homily. “Today, the Church and society still need the example and the protection of Father Solanus.”
“Brother and sisters, let us repeat together: Blessed Father Solanus, pray for us,” he told a crowd of 60-70,000 gathered for the Nov. 18 beatification Mass at Detroit’s Ford Field stadium.
Beatification is the final step before possible canonization. Blessed Solanus Casey’s feast day will be July 30.
It’s official: ‘Blessed’ Solanus Casey beatified before crowd of 68,000—feast day is July 30
Blessed Solanus Casey – Rite of Beatification on Vimeo: Mass of Beatification of Venerable Solanus Casey OFM Cap. – Ford Field, Detroit, 18 November 2017
The loudest underwater sound ever recorded has no scientific explanation (UPDATE: It was probably an ice quake, NOAA says)
'The Bloop,' A Short Film About the Loudest Underwater Sound Ever Recorded - The Atlantic: In 1997, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration discovered an unusual, ultra-low-frequency sound emanating from a point off the southern coast of Chile. It was the loudest unidentified underwater sound ever recorded, detected by hydrophones 5,000 miles apart. It lasted for one minute and was never heard again.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom
Growing in the Fear of the Lord – A Homily for the 33rd Sunday of the Year - Community in Mission : Community in MissionPOPE: The past Sundays have featured the November theme of the Last things: Death, Judgment, Heaven and Hell. Today’s Gospel is no exception and we are reminded that we will one day account for our use of the gifts and resources God has given us.
But today’s readings do more than tell us we will account for us, they also set forth a virtue, or counsel that helps us to use God’s gifts well. That virtue is the Fear of the Lord. This virtue is a foundational disposition of the wise, as opposed to foolish.
But today’s readings do more than tell us we will account for us, they also set forth a virtue, or counsel that helps us to use God’s gifts well. That virtue is the Fear of the Lord. This virtue is a foundational disposition of the wise, as opposed to foolish.
Live from Friar Field: A Blessed for Detroit
Whispers in the Loggia: Live From Friar Field: A Blessed for DetroitPALMO: It's like deja vu – this time, just bigger. Much bigger.
Less than two months since the first-ever beatification of a priest on US soil, today in Detroit brings an even more massive moment, as the Church takes over the city's NFL field and a crowd of 75,000 witnesses the rites elevating the beloved local Capuchin Fr Solanus Casey to the step before sainthood.
While early reactions saw the choice of Ford Field for today's Mass as something akin to "crazy," as happened at September's Oklahoma City raising of Blessed Stanley Rother – when 5,000 more pilgrims converged on the convention center than could fit in the 15,000-seat venue – the Motor City crowd actually showed uncanny judgment. Tickets for today's event were gone within hours of their public availability last month, and the last-minute logistical hurdles required the coordination of drop-off and pickup spots across downtown for some 400 buses coming in from across the Midwest. And as weather's always the going concern for November in Michigan, even that ended up cooperating, staying above freezing with a touch of rain.
Less than two months since the first-ever beatification of a priest on US soil, today in Detroit brings an even more massive moment, as the Church takes over the city's NFL field and a crowd of 75,000 witnesses the rites elevating the beloved local Capuchin Fr Solanus Casey to the step before sainthood.
While early reactions saw the choice of Ford Field for today's Mass as something akin to "crazy," as happened at September's Oklahoma City raising of Blessed Stanley Rother – when 5,000 more pilgrims converged on the convention center than could fit in the 15,000-seat venue – the Motor City crowd actually showed uncanny judgment. Tickets for today's event were gone within hours of their public availability last month, and the last-minute logistical hurdles required the coordination of drop-off and pickup spots across downtown for some 400 buses coming in from across the Midwest. And as weather's always the going concern for November in Michigan, even that ended up cooperating, staying above freezing with a touch of rain.
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