Stem Cell Treatment Allows Paralysed Korean Woman to Walk Again
And Non-Embryonic Stem Cells were used

KWANGJU, South Korea, November 30, 2004 (LifeSiteNews.com) - A 37-year-old South Korean woman, paralysed 20 years ago as a result of a spinal injury, is walking again. Hers is the first recorded recovery of a spinal injury from the use of stem cells - her doctors used umbilical cord-blood stem cells.

Last week LifeSiteNews.com had a similar report:
Non Embryonic Stem Cell Treatment Allows Paralysed Brazilian To Walk, Talk Again

This encouraging story is here.

- posted by LRS @ 10:30 PM   

 
Planned Parenthood has "Holiday Cards" again this year
This is the "Holiday" card being promoted:


This one is more appropriate for Planned Parenthood:

- posted by LRS @ 9:53 PM   

 
Protest 'Jesus Has Two Mommies'
This just in:

Tradition Family Property

– November 30, 2004–

Please protest today!

A film version of the play “Jesus Has Two Mommies” is being shown in Portland, Oregon on December 1.

Please take a moment to send a quick e-protest to those who are taking Christmas and turning it into a protrayal which we consider ever so blasphemous. Click here to protest!

If you can attend the protest in Portland, call 717-451-0135 for details.

Before the 2004 elections fade into history, we would like to mention a factor that was all too quckly forgotten: honor. Click here to read our tribute to the spirited defense of honor by America’s Vietnam vets.

Dear Friend,

Whenever someone asks me how the homosexual agenda affects me personally, I like to point to things like the play “Jesus Has Two Mommies.” As you can tell by the title, it is a lesbian “retelling” of the Christmas story. I am personally offended. God is offended. I cannot stand by without registering my protest.

And this is only one of many such portrayals. I consider this an attack on my Catholic faith. I find it hard to believe that there are those who would like me to accept things like this as “normal.” That’s why I am asking you to protest, by clicking here.

Last year we protested this play in Sommerville, Massachusetts and the promoters cancelled one performance. This year, the Sommerville Theatre is not showing it at all. However, a theater in Portland is showing a filmed version of the play on December 1. I am asking you to to please send you e-protest today.

If you live in the Portland area, please consider attending our December 1 protest at the Holywood Theatre at 6:30 p.m. For more details, call Edward at (717) 451- 0135. Come console the hearts of Jesus, Mary and St. Joseph in a peaceful Act of Reparation and candlelight vigil.

Before the 2004 elections fade into history, I would like to mention a factor that was all too quickly forgotten: honor. The very concept of honor has suffered so much over the years. It was refreshing to see honor highlighted by the Vietnam veterans who refused to back down when their honor was once again sullied. Click here to read “Forgotten Honor.”

That’s all for now. Until next time, I remain

Sincerely Yours in Jesus and Mary,

John Horvat
Webmaster
http://www.tfp.org

- posted by LRS @ 5:33 PM   

 
Woman Wins Legal Battle To See Her Court File...

Woman Wins 5-Year Legal Battle To See Her Court File Involving Her Abortion Request When She Was a Minor

ANN ARBOR, MI – When 15 years old and suffering from a mental illness that required her to take prescribed medication, FG found she was pregnant. Instead of telling either one of her parents, she went to a Washtenaw County Probate Court Judge for a judicial bypass to get an abortion without informing or getting her parents’ permission.

In February 2000, a few years after her abortion, FG, through the Thomas More Law Center, a national public interest law firm, requested to see her court file. She wanted to learn whether the probate court had been informed about her mental condition, to learn whether she actually agreed to the judicial bypass and to the abortion, and to see whether any of her rights had been violated. Because of her medical condition, FG had only a vague memory of what had taken place during the probate court proceeding. Nevertheless, a Washtenaw County Probate Judge denied her request.

After a series of appeals lasting 5 years, the Michigan Court of Appeals ruled last week that FG had a right to see her file. In a November 23, 2004 opinion written by Judge Thomas Fitzgerald, and joined by Judge Joel Hoekstra, the Michigan Court of Appeals reversed the lower court’s decision. Judge Jessica Cooper dissented.

Edward L. White III, the Law Center attorney handling the case, commented, “Not only were we able to obtain the proper relief for our client, but we have established legal principles that will guide courts when ruling on requests by women who want access to their own court files that deal with the judicial bypass proceedings.”

Richard Thompson, Chief Counsel of the Law Center commented, “Most parents don’t realize that a court in a secret hearing can authorize an abortion for a minor without the knowledge, input, or consent of her parents. Until the ruling in this case, court bypass proceedings were even kept secret from the girl who went through the proceedings.”

- posted by LRS @ 12:10 PM   

 
Theory Claims to Discover Morally Acceptable Cloning
From a Culture & Cosmos email:

Controversial Theory Claims to Discover Morally Acceptable Cloning

A member of the President's Council on Bioethics believes he may have found a way to obtain stem cells with the same potential as embryonic stem cells without creating or destroying a human embryo.

Dr. William Hurlbut is a medical doctor and a consulting professor in human biology at Stanford University. An opponent of embryonic destructive stem cell research, Hurlbut has been busy visiting prominent Catholic clerics and other ethicists to see if the technology he proposes is morally acceptable.

According to a recent Boston Globe story that gave extensive coverage to Hurlbut's ideas, the new technique would mirror similar methods of cloning. DNA from a human egg is removed and replaced with adult DNA. But unlike traditional cloning, in Hurlbut's method the gene responsible for creating the placenta is turned off. Hurlbut contends that this prevents an embryo from ever being created. But like traditional cloning, the egg still generates inner cell mass, or the "blank" cells, that some scientist believe have the greatest research potential. The Globe reports that parts of the technique are currently being performed on mice.

Hurlbut will present his findings at the next meeting of the President's Bioethics Council later this week. The Council was established by President George Bush in 2001 in the wake of his decision to deny federal funds for stem cell research that requires the destruction of human embryos; members "advise the President on bioethical issues that may emerge as a consequence of advances in biomedical science and technology."

Leading up to the presentation Hurlbut has been selling the idea to clerics like San Francsico Archbishop William Levada; Princeton professor and Catholic intellectual Robert George; and Nigel Cameron, an Evangelical who lectures and writes on bioethics. It has been reported that all three are receptive to the proposal. In October he presented the idea at a colloquium on the stem cell debate sponsored by Catholic University of America's Columbus School of Law. Hurlbut told colloquium participants that Archbishop Levada believes the new technology had great potential to be acceptable and the Globe story reports that the archbishop wrote a letter to the president offering support for Hurlbut's proposal.

There is a fundamental question that must be answered before Hurlbut's proposal can be approved. Does the technique he proposes prevent a human embryo from ever being created or does it actually produce a deformed embryo? The question will require more study by serious students of the ethical concerns that arise from cutting edge scientific discoveries. But what Hurlbut's proposal does show is that scientific advances may themselves offer solutions to pressing moral quandaries.

Copyright, 2004 --- Culture of Life Foundation. Permission granted for unlimited use. Credit required.

Culture of Life Foundation
1413 K Street, NW, Suite 1000
Washington DC 20005
Phone: (202) 289-2500
Fax: (202) 289-2502
E-mail: clf@culture-of-life.org
Website: http://www.culture-of-life.org
- posted by LRS @ 7:18 AM   

 
More troubles for the new USCCB president...
Insurers Sue Spokane Diocese to Avoid Victims' Claims

Less than two weeks before the Catholic Diocese of Spokane is due to file for bankruptcy protection, its insurance carriers are suing to avoid paying victims' sexual-abuse claims.

The American Casualty Co., the diocese's liability insurer, contends it should not have to pay claims brought by victims of the Rev. Patrick O'Donnell because the diocese was aware of the abuse and therefore victims' injuries were not accidental.

"The diocese was aware, at the highest levels, of O'Donnell's propensities, pedophilia, actual misconduct and inability to control his behavior," the lawsuit states.

Article here.
- posted by LRS @ 6:57 AM   

 
"American Vocations", a comedy proposed by The Curt Jester
The sad part is that in some places, these proposed comedic acts have actually occurred (and probably still do)...

Surely, it's time, though, for another National Lampoon series to debut.

Link here.


- posted by LRS @ 6:49 AM   

 
Legionaries of Christ Celebrate Founder's Birthday

This morning the Holy Father received 4,000 priests and seminarians of the Legionaries of Christ and members of the movement "Regnum Christi" on the 60th anniversary of the priestly ordination of their founder and superior general, Fr. Marcial Maciel Degollado.

The Holy Father said that this "happy circumstance" of their founder's anniversary "invites us to recall the gifts that he has received from the Lord in these 60 years of priestly ministry and at the same time it is an occasion to highlight the commitments that you have taken on as Legionaries of Christ at the service of the Gospel."

Link
- posted by LRS @ 6:40 AM   

 
Gospel for Nov 30, Feast: St. Andrew, Apostle
From: Matthew 4:18-22

The First Disciples Called
--------------------------
[18] As He (Jesus) walked by the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. [19] And He said to them, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." [20] Immediately they left their nets and followed Him. [21] And going on from there He saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and He called them. [22] Immediately, they left the boat and their father, and followed Him.
***********
Commentary:

18-22. These four disciples had already met our Lord (John 1:35-42), and their brief meeting with Him seems to have had a powerful effect on their souls. In this way Christ prepared their vocation, a fully effective vocation which moved them to leave everything behind so as to follow Him and be His disciples. Standing out above their human defects (which the Gospels never conceal), we can see the exemplary generosity and promptness of the Apostles in answering God's call.

The thoughtful reader cannot fail to be struck by the delightful simplicity with which the evangelists describe the calling of these men in the midst of their daily work.

"God draws us from the shadows of our ignorance, our groping through history, and, no matter what our occupation in the world, He calls us in a loud voice, as He once called Peter and Andrew" ([St] J. Escriva, "Christ Is Passing By," 45).

"This divine and human dialogue completely changed the lives of John and Andrew, and Peter and James and so many others. It prepared their hearts to listen to the authoritative teaching which Jesus gave them beside the Sea of Galilee" ("ibid"., 108).

We should notice the words of Sacred Scripture used to describe the alacrity with which the Apostles follow our Lord. Peter and Andrew "immediately" left their nets and followed Him. Similarly, James and John "immediately" left the boats and their father and followed Him. God passes by and calls us. If we do not answer Him "immediately", He may continue on His way and we could lose sight of Him. When God passes by, He may do so rapidly; it would be sad if we were to fall behind because we wanted to follow Him while still carrying many things that are only a dead weight and a nuisance.
*************
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland.

Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.
- posted by LRS @ 12:40 AM   

 
Reading for Nov 30, Feast: St. Andrew, Apostle
From: Romans 10:9-18

Israel's Infidelity (Continuation)
----------------------------------
[9] If you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. [10] For man believes with his heart and so is justified, and he confesses with his lips and so is saved. [11] The scripture says, "No one who believes in him will be put to shame." [12] For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and bestows his riches upon all who call upon him. [13] For, "every one who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved." [14] But how are men to call upon him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without a preacher? [15] And how can men preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach good news!" [16] But they have not all heeded the gospel; for Isaiah says, "Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?" [17] So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes by the preaching of Christ. [18] But I ask; have they not heard? Indeed they have; for "Their voice has gone out to all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world."
**********
Commentary:

9. At least from the third century B.C. we have documentary evidence that, out of respect, the Jews did not utter the name "Yahweh" but generally referred to God instead as "Lord". The first Christians, by giving Christ the title of "Lord", were making a profession of faith in the divinity of Jesus.

10. To make the act of faith, human free will must necessarily be involved as St Thomas explains when commenting on this passage: "He very rightly says that man believes with his heart. Because everything else to do with external worship of God, man can do it against his will, but he cannot believe if he does not want to believe. So, the mind of a believer is not obliged to adhere to the truth by rational necessity, as is the case with human knowledge: it is moved by the will" ("Commentary on Rom, ad loc.")

However, in order to live by faith, in addition to internal assent external profession of faith is required; man is made up of body and soul and therefore he tends by nature to express his inner convictions externally; when the honor of God or the good of one's neighbor requires it, one even has an obligation to profess one's faith externally. For example, in the case of persecution we are obliged to profess our faith, even at the risk of life, if, on being interrogated about our beliefs, our silence would lead people to suppose that we did not believe or that we did not hold our faith to be the true faith and our bad example would cause others to fall away from the faith. However, external profession is an obligation not only in extreme situations of that kind. In all situations--be they ordinary or exceptional--God will always help us to confess our faith boldly (cf. Mt 10:32-33; Lk 12:8).

14-21. To sum up what the Apostle is saying: the Jews have no excuse for not invoking Christ as Lord, for if they do not believe in him it is due to their rebelliousness, for the Good News has indeed been preached to them.

14-17. The Church's work of evangelization is aimed at eliciting faith, moving people to conversion and reception of its sacraments, in fulfillment of the Lord's commandment, "Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to the whole of creation. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned" (Mk 16:15-16). The Acts of the Apostles give us a great deal of information about this first period of evangelization which was marked by many miracles worked by the Apostles through the power Jesus gave them.

On the very day of Pentecost we can already see how vibrant was St Peter's preaching and the miracles which accompanied it: "The men and women who have come to the city from all parts of the world listen with amazement [...]. These wonders, which take place before their very eyes, lead them to listen to the preaching of the Apostles. The Holy Spirit himself, who is acting through our Lord's disciples, moves the hearts of their listeners and leads them to the faith" ([St] J. Escriva, "Christ Is Passing By", 127). It is God himself who works these miracles through the Apostles; it is he who, through the preaching of Peter and the Eleven, is revealing the mysteries; and, finally, it is he who is moving the hearts of the people. This triple divine action leads to the hearers' act of faith. "Two things are required for faith", says St Thomas. "First, the things which are of faith have to be proposed [...]; second, the assent of the believer to the things which are proposed to him" ("Summa Theologiae", II-II, q. 6, a. 1, c).

He goes on to say later that, as regards the first of these two things, faith comes from God, who reveals truths either directly, as in the case of the Apostles and the Prophets, or else indirectly through preachers of the faith sent by Him (cf. Rom 10:15). Speaking of the second, he says that in the individual's assent to the truths of faith factors come into play which are external to the person--for example, miracles, and preaching which expounds the truth of faith. But none of these factors is sufficient: even though they witness the same miracle or hear the same preaching, some believe and others do not. There must therefore be something which moves the person interiorly; although the person's free will must play a part, it cannot account for the act of faith, because that act is a supernatural one; therefore, it must be that God moves the will interiorly, by means of grace (cf. "Summa Theologiae, ibid.").

Following Jesus' example, "every catechist must constantly endeavor to transmit by his teaching and behavior the teaching and life of Jesus [...]. Every catechist should be able to apply to himself the mysterious words of Jesus: 'My teaching is not mine, but his who sent me' (Jn 7:16)" (John Paul II, "Catechesi Tradendae", 6).

Good example is not enough: apostolic action, through the spoken word, is called for. We have a mission to speak in God's name: his disciples "should everywhere on earth bear witness and give an answer to everyone who asks a reason for the hope of an eternal life which is theirs" (Vatican II, "Lumen Gentium", 10).

This was what the first Christians did. "Whenever we read the Acts of the Apostles, we are moved by the audacity, the confidence in their mission and the sacrificing joy of the disciples of Christ. They do not ask for multitudes. Even though the multitudes come, they address themselves to each particular soul, to each person, one by one. Philip, to the Ethiopian (cf. Acts 8:24-40); Peter, to the centurion Cornelius (cf. Acts 10:1-48); Paul, to Sergius Paulus (cf. Acts 13:6-12)" ([St] J. Escriva, "Homily" entitled "Loyalty to the Church").

Those who accept the Gospel message feel drawn towards it when those who proclaim it also bear witness to it. "It is therefore primarily by her conduct and by her life that the Church will evangelize the world [...]. This law once laid down by the Apostle Paul maintains its full force today. Preaching, the verbal proclamation of a message, is indeed always indispensable [...]. The word remains ever relevant, especially when it is the bearer of the power of God (cf. 1 Cor 2:1-5)" (Paul VI, "Evangelii Nuntiandi", 41-42).

- posted by LRS @ 12:30 AM   

 
You might want to look at this...Clinic Quotes
I received an email from a woman who has a web site that contains all the research that she has done on abortion.

It has a list of quotes and first hand accounts of abortion and the abortion business by current and former clinic workers and abortionists. It has information on poor sanitary conditions in clinics, deceptive abortion 'counseling' and the abortion procedure and its aftermath.

The site is here.
- posted by LRS @ 11:40 PM   

 
Why do they stay "Catholic"?

There will be no stopping the conservative Catholics now that they've tasted victory. Every pro-choice Catholic polictian will be attacked soon and after that will be all ordinary pro-choice people...There will be a war between the Catholics eventually, just wait. I repeat my call from 3 weeks ago--we need a schism in the RCC--a new branch of progressive Catholicism that will be separate from the rest--the laity are ready, but we need priests or bishop to lead us. (Source)

This was in response to the story about State Rep. Barbara L'Italien, D-Andover, who was told by the Fr. William Cleary that she could no longer lead the children's choir and sing as cantor because of her public support for abortion rights. (Story here)

It finally disintegrated into a gripe session about Franciscan University of Steubenville and its students (where one of my sons attends college).

That is the crux of the current division of the Catholic (and acutually all denominations of all faiths). What is "Catholic"?...Through channels I was able to obtain a youth conference CD from a Franciscan University of Stubenville outreach...you are not apparently "Catholic" if you do not follow 100% everything the church and the leaders say. This is no suprise to us because we (including John Kerry, that MA state senator, etc...) have heard this rethoric all year. Good Catholics follow the rules 100% and do not question. Otherwise you are very heraterical...So, in response to your question (which you answered anyways), no unless they are ORTHODOX, they are not truly part of the church. (Source)

The poster then suggests everyone read an interview of the late Bishop Raymond Lucker posted on the "womenpriests" web site...

But it continues...

I've been to plenty of events at good ole FU. My priest is very conservative and very Republican and even he thinks they are way out of line. I had looked into going there to get my Master's in Youth Ministry, and he told me that there were hundreds of better Catholic institutions where I could do that. And it is fact that they have been issued warnings from the Vatican. I was told that by people in Steubenville who would know. (Source)

Oh really??? Hundreds of BETTER "Catholic" institutions? We are lucky if there are a dozen truly Catholic institutions of higher learning in the US.

We had one of those "Steubenville wonders" come through our parish, he got tossed outta town in a hurry...(Source)

I'm really surprised that the open, embracing, inclusive, and diverstity loving couldn;t seem to accept an orthodox and faithful Catholic???

it amazes me how many christians tell others they are damned. the mercy of Jesus is so great that even as he was dying in pain he promised salvation to the thief, he did so to the samaritan woman, forgave the sins of the paralyzed man--without the man even asking for forgiveness--that guy just wanted to walk. Jesus is full of mercy for us, that is the good news! (Source)

Well there are a number of things here...From what I could see, no one ever said that anyone was damned. Secondly, he promised only one of the thieves paradise - the one who had repented. He forgave only those who repented and were moved to a conversion of heart. And of course, Jesus is infinite mercy - as long as we cooperate with the graces he gives us. Adhering to heretical positions or refusing obedience to the Church (and Christ) because of pride excludes us from His mercy.

I just have one more thing to say: if this is the future of Catholicism, God help us all. Doesn't anyone find it very interesting that while Christianity is all the rage across the U.S., Catholic churches struggle to keep their doors open? Don't get me wrong, I like my faith, but I think that the church really needs to face the fact that the world is changing all around it, and it is going to get left behind. (Source)

Ah yes, the Church should go skipping merrily along with the world hand in hand as it goes scampering off the edge of a cliff...just so it doesn't get left behind....

As I completed this the "Group" decided to become "private" so its messages cannot be seen by outsiders...This after one newly banned member defended Franciscan University and its many faithful students (he also has a son there).

But before it did so (go private), anoth poster responded to today's article about Archbishop Burke:

...let's get the people of the Archdiocese of St. Louis to pressure Archbishop Burke to resign his post. (Source)

Like that's likely...As I said, keep praying for our bishops, especially Archbishop Burke.
- posted by LRS @ 10:18 PM   

 
Archbishop Burke Pledges to Continue Fight over Pro-Abortion "Catholic" Politicians

Archbishop [Raymond] Burke of St. Louis, the leader among the US bishops in the drive to refuse Holy Communion to public dissenters from essential teachings of the Catholic religion, said this week that the battle in the US Catholic Church is not over. During the run-up to the election, Burke was the most prominent among a minority of bishops who said they would be willing to uphold Church Law that requires that, 'manifest grave sinners,' be refused communion until they recant.

"Let's just be honest, the application of the church's discipline in this regard is weak," he said.

So weak, in fact as to be "practically non-existent"...

The article listed Archbishop Burke's first name as "James" which was changed above. I'm not certain if this was a typo at Catholic News Service of Lifesite...

Back to the article - it seems Cardinal McCarrick and the "Task Force" has all but abandoned its "mission". This appears to be the case if one reads his "report" which was NOT discussed at the recent Bishops' meeting in Washington. We can, nonetheless, rest assured that the "task force" will "continue consultation on the complex theological and canonical aspects of these matters within our Conference and with the Holy See" and "develop resources and tools to help the bishops follow through on the commitments [they] made".

However, it is necessary to continue to pray for Archbishop Burke and the few other bishops who are following the disciplinary laws and directives of the Holy See. We can be certain that they will continue to be attacked and ridiculed for their fidelity and obedience.

LifeSite article here.
- posted by LRS @ 9:48 PM   

 
The Advent Workshop from Catholic Culture
This is well worth reviewing. It includes:

What Is Advent?
O Antiphons
Jesse Tree
Prayers and Hymns
Activities and Customs

The link is here.

- posted by LRS @ 7:36 AM   

 
National Day of Prayer for Vocations proposed by Pope John Paul II

As they end their "ad limina" visit, bishops from the ecclesiastical provinces of Dubuque, Kansas City in Kansas, Omaha and St. Louis, were received by the Pope this morning who continued his reflections on the exercise of episcopal governance, especially "the relationship which unites you to your closest co-workers in the apostolate, your brother priests."

"An essential concern of responsible governance must also be to provide for the future," affirmed the Holy Father. "No one can deny that the decline in priestly vocations represents a stark challenge for the Church in the United States, and one that cannot be ignored or put off. The response to this challenge must be insistent prayer according to the Lord's command. ... I would propose for your consideration that the Catholic community in your country annually set aside a national day of prayer for priestly vocations."

I would also suggest that the lay faihtful find a chapter of a local Serra group and sign up with the '31 Club' to pray and offer attendance at Mass one day a month for vocations. When enough people sign up for this, every day of the month at a local parish has the particular prayers and intentions to pray for vocations at Holy Mass.

Th Vatican article is here.
- posted by LRS @ 7:21 AM   

 
Society of St. John Suppressed in Scranton, PA

Scranton, Nov. 29 (CWNews.com) - Bishop Joseph Martino of Scranton, Pennsylvania, has suppressed the Society of St. John, citing grave financial problems and reports of sexual impropriety.

Link here.
- posted by LRS @ 7:15 AM   

 
Editorial on Fr. Thomas Doyle and the Church

Tom Doyle once dwelled in the church's inner circle, but was booted out when he uncovered a horrible secret. Today, that secret has come back to haunt the church.

Kevin Horrigan writes another article for the Post Dispatch on the Church...here.
- posted by LRS @ 6:06 AM   

 
Gsopel for Monday, 1st Week of Advent
Gospel From: Matthew 8:5-11

The Centurion's Faith
---------------------
[5] As He (Jesus) entered Capernaum, a centurion came forward to Him, beseeching Him [6] and saying, "Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, in terrible distress." [7] And He said to him, "I will come and heal him." [8] But the centurion answered Him, "Lord, I am not worthy to have You come under my roof; but only say the word, and my servant will be healed. [9] For I am a man under authority, with soldiers under me; and I say to one, `Go,' and he goes, and to another, `Come,' and he comes, and to my slave, `Do this,' and he does it." [10] When Jesus heard him, He marvelled, and said to those who followed Him, "Truly, I say to you, not even in Israel have I found such faith. [11] I tell you, many will come from east and west and sit at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the Kingdom of Heaven."
**************
Commentary:

5-11. "Centurion": an officer of the Roman army in control of one hundred men. This man's faith is still an example to us. At the solemn moment when a Christian is about to receive Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, the Church's liturgy places on his lips and in his heart these words of the centurion, to enliven his faith: Lord, I am not worthy...".

The Jews of this time regarded any Jew who entered a Gentile's house as contracting legal impurity (cf. John 19:28; Acts 11:2-3). This centurion has the deference not to place Jesus in an embarrassing position in the eyes of His fellow Israelites. He shows that he is convinced that Jesus has the power over disease and illness; he suggests that if Jesus just says the word, He will do what is needed without having actually to visit the house; he is reasoning, in a simple, logical way, on the basis of his own professional experience. Jesus avails of this meeting with a Gentile believer to make a solemn prophecy to the effect that His Gospel is addressed to the world at large; all men, of every nation and race, of every age and condition, are called to follow Christ.
***********
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland.

Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.
- posted by LRS @ 6:02 AM   

 
Sunday, 1st Week of Advent
Gospel From: Matthew 24:37-44

The Time of the Second Coming of Christ and of the Last Judgment (Continuation)

Jesus said to his disciples,) [37] "As were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of man. [38] For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, [39] and they did not know until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of man. [40] Then two men will be in the field; one is taken and one is left. [41] Two women will be grinding at the mill; one is taken and one is left.

Vigilance. The Faithful Servant
-------------------------------
[42] "Watch therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lo rd is coming. [43] But know this, that if the householder had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have watched and would not have let his house be broken into. [44] Therefore you also must be ready; for the Son of man is coming at an hour you do not expect.
**************
Commentary:

37-39. In a few strokes our Lord sketches man's perennial insensitivity and carelessness towards the things of God. Man thinks it is more important to eat and drink, to find a husband or wife; but if that is his attitude he is forgetting about the most important thing--eternal life. Our Lord also foretells that the end of the world will be like the great flood; the Son of man's second coming will happen unexpectedly, taking people by surprise, whether they are doing good or evil.

40. It is in the context of the ordinary affairs of life--farmwork, housework, etc-- that God calls man, and man responds: that is where his eternal happiness or eternal punishment is decided. To be saved, one does not need to meet any special conditions, or to be in a special position in life: one simply has to be faithful to the Lord in the middle of ordinary everyday affairs.

42. Jesus himself draws from this revelation about the future the practical moral that a Christian needs to be on the watch, living each day as if it were his last.

The important thing is not to be speculating about when these events will happen and what form they will take, but to live in such a way that they find us in the state of grace.
***********
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland.

Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.
- posted by LRS @ 6:57 AM   

 
Gospel, Saturday, 34th Week in Ordinary Time
Gospel From: Luke 21:34-36

The Need for Vigilance
(Jesus said to His disciples), [34] "But take heed to yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a snare; [35] for it will come upon all who dwell upon the face of the whole earth. [36] But watch at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man."
**********
Commentary:

34-36. At the end of His discourse Jesus emphasizes that every Christian needs to be vigilant: we do not know the day nor the hour in which He will ask us to render an account of our lives. Therefore, we must at all times be trying to do God's will, so that death, whenever it comes, will find us ready. For those who act in this way, sudden death never takes them by surprise. As St. Paul recommends: "You are not in darkness, brethren, for that day to surprise you like a thief" (1 Thessalonians 5:4). Vigilance consists in making a constant effort not to be attached to the things of this world (the concupiscence of the flesh, the concupiscence of the eyes and pride of life: cf. John 2:16) and in being assiduous in prayer, which keeps us close to God. If we live in this way, the day we die will be a day of joy and not of terror, for with God's help our vigilance will mean that our souls are ready to receive the visit of our Lord; they are in the state of grace: in meeting Christ we will not be meeting a judge who will find us guilty; instead He will embrace us and lead us into the house of His Father to remain there forever. "Does your soul not burn with the desire to make your Father-God happy when He has to judge you?" ([St] J. Escriva, "The Way", 746).
***************
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland.

Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.
- posted by LRS @ 12:13 AM   

 
Reading, Saturday, 34th Week and Final Week in Ordinary Time
Reading From: Revelation 22:1-7

A New World Comes into Being. The New Jerusalem

[1] Then he showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb [2] through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of lifer with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month; and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. [3] There shall no more be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and his servants shall worship him; [4] they shall see his face, and his name shall be on their foreheads. [5] And night shall be no more; they need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and t hey shall reign for ever and ever.

The Visions Come to an End
--------------------------
[6] And he said to me, "These words are trustworthy and true. And the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, has sent his angel to show his servants what must soon take place. [7] And behold, I am coming soon."
***************
Commentary:
1-5. Because the water of life is a symbol of the Holy Spirit (cf. 21:6), some Fathers and modern commentators have, justifiably, read a trinitarian meaning into this passage--interpreting the river which flows from the throne of God and of the Lamb representing the Holy Spirit who proceeds from the Father and the Son.

The trees whose leaves never fade (cf. Ps 1:3), with their fruit and medicinal foliage, symbolize the joy of eternal life (cf. Ezek 47:1-12; Ps 46:5).

The passage also takes up the prophecy in Zech ariah 14:11 that nothing will be accursed--a reference to the terrible practice of anathema (Hebrew "herem") which marked the Israelite conquest of Canaan: to avoid being tainted by idolatrous pagans, the Israelites laid cities and fields waste, putting them to torch and killing inhabitants and livestock. Peace and security will now reign supreme. And the dream of every man will come true--to see God (something impossible to attain on
earth). Now all the blessed will see God (cf. 1 Cor 13:12); and because they see him they shall be like him (cf. 1 Jn 3:2). The name of God on their foreheads shows that they belong to God (cf. Rev 13:16-17).

6-9. The author concludes his account of his visions by reaffirming that everything he has written is true (vv. 5-9) and by issuing a solemn warning: it will all come to pass and people will either be blessed or rejected (vv. I0-I5).

The truth of what the book says is grounded on God, who is truth itself. This is St John's usual way of referring to the authority and reliability of his teaching (cf. Rev 1:1, 9; Jn 19:35; 1 Jn 1:1 ff). He is acutely conscious of having written in the same manner as the prophets spoke--inspired by "the God of the spirits of the prophets". That is why he presents his book as "prophecy".

He also insists on the fact that the Lord's coming is imminent: he says this no less than three times in this chapter (vv. 7, 12 and 20): this is designed to make it quite clear that the Lord will come, and to create a climate of vigilance and hope (cf. note on Rev 1:1, on the imminence of the second coming).

Because this is a genuine book of prophecy those who read it and tell others its message are described as "blessed". This is the attitude which Jesus required people to have towards the word of God and towards his own words: when a woman proclaims his Mother "blessed", our Lord re plies, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it" (Lk 11:28), and he promises that a person who listens to his word and keeps it is like someone who builds on solid foundations (cf. Mt 7:24). St James gives a similar warning: "be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves" (Jas 1:22).
*******************
- posted by LRS @ 12:09 AM   

 
Pope focuses on St. Louis schools and vocations

Pope John Paul II recalled fond memories of his 1999 visit to St. Louis during a meeting in Rome this week with Archbishop Raymond Burke, mentioning the youth rally at the Kiel Center and Mass at what was then the Trans World Dome.

"He wanted to know about the challenge of our pastoral planning in the two deaneries. He was very interested in that,"...."And he asked about Cardinal Rigali," Burke added, laughing. Rigali, the former archbishop of St. Louis, now heads the church in Philadelphia.
...
[Archbishop] Burke is fluent in Italian and looks forward to spending time in Rome when he can. His favorite restaurant, Las Campanas, is an out-of-the-way spot where a waiter, Pietro, "has been there as long as I can remember," said Burke. The archbishop has strong feelings for several of Rome's churches, especially St. Mary Major and St. Paul Outside the Walls, two of the most important basilicas in the Catholic world.

All in all, this is a decent article from the Post.
- posted by LRS @ 10:50 PM   

 
Archbishop Burke and others meet with Holy Father

Before the private meeting, Archbishop Burke introduced to the pope Msgr. William Lyons, Father Thomas Molini, Father Kristian Teater and seminarian John O’Brien. All four are from the St. Louis Archdiocese and are either working or studying in Rome.

O’Brien, a member of St. Joseph Parish in Josephville who has been studying in Rome the past year, called Pope John Paul "a central model" in his pursuing the call to religious life

I recall meeting John after Mass one Sunday at St. Joseph's...At the time, there were three young men from the small parish in the seminary.

Pope John Paul, always interested in the cultivation of religious vocations, asked twice how those efforts were proceeding in the archdiocese to encourage men to consider the priesthood, Archbishop Burke said. The archdiocese has eight first-year seminarians this year, the archbishop said he told the pontiff.

"He then asked, ‘How about vocations to the sisterhood?’" Archbishop Burke said, adding that he reported that some orders of women religious have seen increases in vocations.

Remember to pray for our priests and religious, especially those who are discerning their vocation.

Article here.
- posted by LRS @ 10:20 PM   

 
Archbishop issues letter on Mass, influenza season

In a letter to archdiocesan priests, Archbishop Raymond Burke issued a precautionary warning about the flu season and spreading germs during Mass.

In a Nov. 13 memorandum, the archbishop wrote that Catholics should remain attentive to two specific parts of the Mass — the sign of peace, which is normally given by a handshake; and sharing the chalice at the distribution of the Precious Blood.

Full story here.
- posted by LRS @ 10:16 PM   

 
Spain: The Zapatero "Revolución" Cracks the Whip over the Bishops
by Sandro Magister

The secularist offensive advances against a Church divided between hard-liners and negotiators. Cardinal Ruoco Varela and Bishop Sebastián are proposing a middle way. In the Vatican, they're trembling...

The reason is that Spain is considered a test of the highest order for the secularist offensive against Catholicism, and in particular against the institution of the family, which for the Church is one of the pillars of civilization.

Article here.
- posted by LRS @ 10:05 PM   

 
Gospel for Friday, 34th Week and Final Week in Ordinary Time
Gospel From: Luke 21:29-33

Discourse on the Destruction of Jerusalem nd the End of the World (Continuation)
[29] And He (Jesus) told them a parable: "Look at the fig tree, and all he trees; [30] as soon as they come out in leaf, you see for ourselves and know that the summer is already near. [31] So also, hen you see these things taking place, you know that the Kingdom of od is near. [32] Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass way till all has taken place. [33] Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away."
*************
Commentary:

31. The Kingdom of God, announced by John the Baptist (cf. Matthew 3:2) and described by our Lord in so many parables (cf. Matthew 13; Luke 13:18-20), is already present among the Apostles (Luke 17:20-21), but it is not yet fully manifest. Jesus here describes what it will be like when the Kingdom comes in all its fullness, and He invites us to pray for this very event in the Our Father: "Thy Kingdom come." "The Kingdom of God, which had its beginnings here on earth in the Church of Christ, is not of this world, whose form is passing, and its authentic development cannot be measured by the progress of civilization, of science and of technology. The true growth of the Kingdom of God consists in an ever deepening knowledge of the unfathomable riches of Christ, in an ever stronger hope in eternal blessings, in an ever more fervent response to the love of God, and in an ever more generous acceptance of grace and holiness by men" ("Creed of the People of God", 27). At the end of the world everything will be subjected to Christ and God will reign for ever more (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:24, 28).

32. Everything referring to the destruction of Jerusalem was fulfilled some forty years after our Lord's death--which meant that Jesus' contemporaries would be able to verify the truth of this prophecy. But the destruction of Jerusalem is a symbol of the end of the world; therefore, it can be said that the generation to which our Lord refers did see the end of the world, in a symbolic way. This verse can also
be taken to refer to the generation of believers, that is, not just the particular generation of those Jesus was addressing (cf. note on Matthew 24:32-35).

[The note on Matthew 24:32-35 states:
32-35. Seeing in the destruction of Jerusalem a symbol of the end of the world, St. John Chrysostom applies to it this parable of the fig tree: "Here He also foretells a spiritual spring and a calm which, after the storm of the present life, the righteous will experience; whereas for sinners there will be a winter after the spring they have had [...]. But this was not the only reason why He put before them the parable of the fig tree, to tell them of the interval before His coming; He wanted to show them that His word would assuredly come true. As sure as the coming of spring is the coming of the Son of Man" ("Hom. on St. Matthew", 77).

"This generation": this verse is a clear example of what we say in the note on Matthew 24:1 about the destruction of Jerusalem being itself a symbol. "This generation" refers firstly to the people alive at the time of the destruction of Jerusalem. But, since that event is symbolic of the end of the world, we can say with St. John Chrysostom that "the Lord was speaking not only of the generation then living, but also of the generation of the believers; for He knows that a generation is distinguished not only by time but also by its mode of religious worship and practice: this is what the Psalmist means when he says that `such is the generation of those who seek Him' (Psalm 24:6)" ("Hom. on St. Matthew", 77).]
****************
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland.

Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.
- posted by LRS @ 7:59 PM   

 
The Thanksgiving Proclamation

[New York, 3 October 1789]

By the President of the United States of America. a Proclamation.

Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor--and whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me "to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness."

Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be--That we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks--for his kind care and protection of the People of this Country previous to their becoming a Nation--for the signal and manifold mercies, and the favorable interpositions of his Providence which we experienced in the tranquillity, union, and plenty, which we have since enjoyed--for the peaceable and rational manner, in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national One now lately instituted--for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed; and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and in general for all the great and various favors which he hath been pleased to confer upon us.

and also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions--to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually--to render our national government a blessing to all the people, by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed--to protect and guide all Sovereigns and Nations (especially such as have shewn kindness onto us) and to bless them with good government, peace, and concord--To promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the encrease of science among them and us--and generally to grant unto all Mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best.

Given under my hand at the City of New-York the third day of October in the year of our Lord 1789.

G. Washington

Happy Thanksgiving to All...

Source.
- posted by LRS @ 1:51 AM   

 
Gospel, Thursday, 34th Week in Ordinary Time
Gospel, From: Luke 21:20-28

Discourse on the Destruction of Jerusalem
and the End of the World (Continuation)
(Jesus said to his disciples), [20] "But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation has come near. [21] Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, and let those who are inside the city depart, and let not those who are out in the country enter it; [22] for these are days of vengeance, to fulfill all that is written. [23] Alas for those who are with child and for those who give suck in those days! For great distress shall be upon the earth and wrath upon this people; [24] they shall be upon the earth and wrath upon this people; [24] they will fall by the edge of the sword, and be led captive among all nations; and Jerusalem will be trodden down by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.

[25] "And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and upon the earth distress of nations in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves, [26] men fainting with fear and foreboding of what is coming on the world; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. [27] And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. [28] Now when these things begin to take place, look up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.
*******
Commentary:
20-24. Jesus gives quite a detailed prophecy of the destruction of the Holy City. When the Christians living there saw the armies getting closer, they remembered this prophecy and fled to Transjordan (cf. Eusebius, "Ecclesiastical History," III, 5) . Christ had advised them to flee as soon as possible because this is the time when God would punish Jerusalem for its sins, as the Old Testament predicted (Is 5:5-6).

Catholic tradition sees Israel as symbolizing the Church. In fact, in the Book of Revelation the Church triumphant is called the heavenly Jerusalem (cf. Rev 21:2). Therefore, by applying this passage to the Church, the sufferings the Holy City experiences can symbolize the contradictions the pilgrim Church will experience due to the sins of men, for "she herself takes her place among the creatures which groan and travail yet and await the revelation of the children of God" (Vatican II, "Lumen Gentium", 48).

24. "The times of the Gentiles" means the period in which the Gentiles, who do not belong to the Jewish people, will become menbers of the new people of God, the Church, until the Jews themselves are converted at the end of the world (cf. Rom 11:11-32).

25-26. Jesus refers to the dramatic changes in natural elements when the world is coming to an end. "The powers of the heavens will be shaken"; that is to say, the whole universe will tremble at the Lord's coming in power and glory.

27-28. Applying to himself the prophecy of Daniel (7:13-14), our Lord speaks of his coming in glory at the end of time. Mankind will see the power and glory of the Son of man, coming to judge the living and the dead. Christ will deliver this judgment in his human capacity. Sacred Scripture describes the solemnity of this event, when the sentence passed on each person in the particular judgment will be confirmed, and God's justice and mercy to men throughout history will shine out for all to see. "It was necessary not only that rewards should await the just and punishments the wicked, in the life to come, but that they should be awarded by a public and general judgment. Thus they will become better known and will be rendered more conspicuous to all, and a tribute of praise will be offered by all to the justice and providence of God" ("St Pius V Catechism", I, 8, 4).

This coming of the Lord is, then, a day of terror for evildoers and of joy for those who have remained faithful. The disciples should hold their heads high because their redemption is at hand. It is the day they will receive their reward. The victory won by Christ on the cross--victory over sin, over the devil and over death--will now be seen clearly, with all its implications. Therefore St Paul recommends that we be "awaiting our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ" (Tit 2:13).

"He [Christ] ascended into heaven whence he will come again to judge the living and the dead, each according to his merits. Those who have responded to the love and compassion of God will go into eternal life. Those who have refused them to the end will be consigned to the fire that is never extinguished" (Paul VI, "Creed of the People of God", 12).
**********
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland.

Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.
- posted by LRS @ 12:30 AM   

 
Changing the world begins with our ‘yes’ to God
Advent a time to renew our Catholic faith

The First Sunday of Advent opens the new Church year. It’s a chance to begin again; a time to examine our hearts in the light of the Gospel, repent of our sins and look for the coming of our Savior.
...
As I said again and again over the last year, our Catholic faith, if it’s genuine, must have consequences – first in our private lives, but also in our public witness. If we really believe in the coming of a Messiah, our lives will reflect that in the way we treat our families, our friends and business colleagues, the poor, the homeless and the suffering.

Real faith will drive us to live our lives in a spirit of humility, hope and courage, as Mary did. It will also guide us to press our elected leaders – of both political parties – for laws and social policies that respect the dignity of the human person, from conception to natural death.

An excellent Article by Archbishop Chaput.

Link here.
- posted by LRS @ 8:02 PM   

 
Food pantry might close doors with parish closing

The neighborhood surrounding Resurrection of Our Lord parish looks to be solidly middle class, but there is a serious need in the community, a need that some fear will be left out of the archdiocesan consolidation plan.

In his response to the archdiocese, Wyrsch [the pastor] tried to stress the significance of the parish as an example of modern architecture and would like to see it become a neighborhood center that people still could depend on.

"Someone suggested we open a pantry independent from the church's. That's well and fine, but where are we going to get the money?" [Jane] Fuerst said. "Most of our volunteers are in their late 70s, early 80s. When we get to the point where we can't do it anymore I don't know what's going to happen. But we're tough old birds. We'll hang in there. Right now we're just putting it in God's hands. I'm sure He will take care of it one way or another."

So, keeping the parish accomplishes what, if there are no longer any volunteers for the food pantry? But this indicates a deeper problem it seems...for the parish must be a viable source of sacramental graces which was not discussed at all and if it does not accomplish this primary function, it fails.

And of course, we know that God will provide whether under the auspices of the parish or some other entity.

Article.
- posted by LRS @ 6:29 AM   

 
More troubles in St. Paul...

An informal exorcism performed at the Cathedral of St. Paul this month was more profane than sacred and was directed toward gay Catholics, police and church authorities said Tuesday.

They said the ritualistic sprinkling of blessed oil and salt around the church and in donation boxes amounted to costly vandalism and possibly even a hate crime.

A hate crime???? Lord of mercy, have pity on us!

The Rev. Michael Skluzacek, rector of the cathedral, said he immediately understood the symbolism when he was told that someone had sprinkled the oil and salt around the church.

"It's a sign of exorcism," he said. "It's a sign of casting out the power of evil."
"Regardless of why they did it, it was a very disruptive act," Skluzacek said.

But the tacit approval of the homosexual lifestyle by allowing those engaged in it to receive Holy Communion apparently is not disruptive? Why, in some places, it's not even sinful...! The detestable failure of ecclesiastical leadership to properly address this issue might be seen by some as a 'hate' crime...

[Police spokeman, Paul] Schnell said police have no leads, but several religious people familiar with the case said it is probably the work of fringe Catholics who advocate using sacramentals, or holy objects, to cleanse places where gays take communion.

Take note: If any Catholics use holy objects or other sacramentals, you might be considered 'fringe'....

Source.
- posted by LRS @ 6:12 AM   

 
Australian bishop rebukes priests for invalid baptisms
I forgot this yesterday...

It's deplorable that there are some priests who would deny the Sacraments to little children by intentionally altering the either the matter or the form of the Sacraments. Changing the words at Baptism, as these priests have done, renders the Sacrament invalid and constitutes an objective mortal sin for the priest and anyone else who participates in the ritual, with knowledge that the Baptism will be invalid.

One wonders where they received their 'theological' education. It would appear that either the professors or the institution were negligent by allowing either heretical works and ideas to be studied or by allowing priests like this to actually graduate. This is a severe injustice to those affected by these priests and their ineptitude and arrogance. What a travesty! And, as the story will indicate, many parents "think" that the Baptism rite was done properly and have no intentions of having their children received the true Sacrament rather than the simulated version...How sad...

Article here.
- posted by LRS @ 6:08 AM   

 
Abp. O'Malley Appoints VOTF Leader to Oversee Property Sales
I could barely believe what I read...

The appointment was the first time the archdiocese has placed in a key position a member of the reform group that was organized in the aftermath of the clergy sexual abuse scandal.

Unbelievable...Enough information exists about VOTF to know that Catholics should steer clear of the group.

Article.
- posted by LRS @ 5:42 AM   

 
Gospel, Nov 24, Memorial: St. Andrew Dung-Lac, Priest & Martyr, and His Companions, Martyrs
Gospel, From: Luke 21:12-19

Discourse on the Destruction of Jerusalem
and the End of the World (Continuation)
(Jesus said to His disciples), [12] "But before all this they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for My name's sake. [13] This will be a time for you to bear testimony. [14] Settle it therefore in your minds, not to meditate beforehand how to answer; [15] for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict. [16] You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and kinsmen and friends, and some of you they will put to death; [17] you will be hated by all for My name's sake. [18] But not a hair of your head will perish. [19] By your endurance you will gain your lives."
************
Commentary:
19. Jesus foretells all kinds of persecution. Persecution itself is something inevitable: "all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted" (2 Timothy 3:12). His disciples will have need to remember the Lord's warning at the Last Supper: "A servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you" (John 15:20). However, these persecutions are part of God's providence: they happen because He lets them happen, which He does in order to draw greater good out of them. Persecution provides Christians with an opportunity to bear witness to Christ; without it the blood of martyrs would not adorn the Church. Moreover, our Lord promises to give special help to those who suffer persecution, and He tells them not to be afraid: He will give them of His own wisdom to enable them to defend themselves; He will not permit a hair of their heads to perish, that is, even apparent misfortune and loss will be for them a beginning of Heaven.

From Jesus' words we can also deduce the obligation of every Christian to be ready to lose life rather than offend God. Only those will attain salvation who persevere until the end in faithfulness to the Lord. The three Synoptic Gospels locate His exhortation to perseverance in this discourse (cf. Matthew 24:13; Mark 13:13) and St. Matthew gives it elsewhere (Matthew 10:22) as does St. Peter (1 Peter 5:9)--all of which underlines the importance for every Christian of this warning from our Lord.
********
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland.

Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.
- posted by LRS @ 12:08 AM   

 
Reading, Nov 24, Memorial: St. Andrew Dung-Lac, Priest & Martyr, and His Companions, Martyrs
Reading, From: Revelation 15:1-4

The Hymn of the Saved
[1] Then I saw another portent in heaven, great and wonderful, seven angels with seven plagues, which are the last, for with them the wrath of God is ended.

[2] And I saw what appeared to be a sea of glass mingled with fire, and those who had conquered the beast and its image and the number of its name, standing beside the sea of glass with harps of God in their hands. [3] And they sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, "Great and wonderful are thy deeds, O Lord God the Almighty! Just and true are thy ways, O King of the ages! [4] Who shall not fear and glorify thy name, O Lord? For thou alone art holy. All nations shall come and worship thee, for thy judgments have been revealed."
**************
Commentary:
1. The third portent (cf. the first two in 12:1, 3) is of special significance--it is "great and wonderful"--for it heralds the final outcome of the contention between the beasts and the followers of the Lamb, between the powers of evil and the Church of Jesus Christ. That this is the denouement is shown by the use of the figure seven for a third time, after the seven seals (5:1) and the seven trumpets (cf. Rev 8:2). This is the last word: "the wrath of God is ended."

As in the case of the two earlier groups of seven, the author first announces the sevenfold nature of the sign. It consists of seven plagues--which immediately recall the punishments God inflicted on Pharaoh in Egypt prior to the Exodus. Then follows a very liturgical type of scene (15:2-8) which as it were encourages and calls for the divine judgments which follow (cf. 16:1-17).

The last of these plagues acts as an introduction to the account of the last battles and total victory of the Church (cf. chaps. 17-22).

2-4. The image of the sea of glass mixed with fire is somewhat reminiscent of the passage of the Red Sea during the Exodus. On that occasion, according to the Book of Wisdom (cf. Wis 19:6-22), natural elements were changed to enable the Israelites to walk on water: the water became as hard as glass for the Israelites whereas for the Egyptians it was unable to protect them from the fire sent to punish them. The sea of glass may also be evocative of the molten sea (used for the cleansing of those going to take part in temple rites) which was positioned in front of the Holy of Holies (cf. note on Rev 4:6-7). In any event, the author depicts the saved as giving thanks and praising God while entoning a hymn which fuses the salvation of the Israelites with the Redemption wrought by Christ. The latter is the full realization of the former, and God's plan is seen to embrace all men and all nations (cf. v. 4; Eph 3:4-7). For this reason some early Christian writers (Primasius, for example) interpret the sea of glass as a symbol of Baptism (prefigured in the Red Sea) which makes Christians pure and transparent. The reference to fire signifies the gift of the Holy Spirit (cf. "Commentariorum Super Apoc.", 15, 2).

Every saving action of God has ultimately a supernatural purpose, even though it may include noble human aims, for when "God rescues his people from hard economic, political and cultural slavery, he does so in order to make them, through the Covenant on Sinai, 'a kingdom of priests and a holy nation' (Ex 19:6). God wishes to be adored by people who are free. All the subsequent liberations of the people of Israel help to lead them to this full liberty that they can only find in communion with their God" (SCDF, "Libertatis Conscientia", 44).
************
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland.

Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.
- posted by LRS @ 12:04 AM   

 
Dedicated Scientist or Sexual Deviant?...
...Dr. Benjamin Wiker on the real Alfred Kinsey

Dr. Wiker is co-author, with Dr. Donald De Marco, of Architects of the Culture of Death (Ignatius Press, 2004) and a Lecturer in Science and Theology at Franciscan University. He is also the author of Moral Darwinism (InterVarsity).

Fourteen profiles of the Architects of the CUlture of Death can be read here.

The IgnatiusInsight article with Dr. Wiker regarding Kinsey and the new movie can be read here.

- posted by LRS @ 12:57 PM   

 
"CATHOLIC" HOSPITAL AND ABORTION...?

Providence is providing referrals to Planned Parenthood, NARAL, and the National Abortion Federation.

Source: Heart, Mind & Strength Blog
- posted by LRS @ 12:20 PM   

 
U.S. Congress Acts to Save the Mt. Soledad Cross...
...Atheist Blames ‘Jihad Jesus Republicans’
From the Thomas More Law Center:

RANCHO SANTA FE, CA — In a surprising turn of events, the United States Congress has joined the fight to keep the 43-foot tall cross atop Mount Soledad in San Diego, California, by designating the land on which it stands and the granite memorial walls surrounding it, a national veterans memorial. The congressional action came as a result of efforts by the Thomas More Law Center.

San Diego area Congressmen, Reps. Duncan Hunter, R –El Cajon, and Randy “Duke” Cunningham, R-Escondido, inserted the memorial designation as part of a spending bill awaiting approval by President Bush.

Phillip Paulson, the atheist who mounted a successful 15- year legal battle to remove the cross with support from the ACLU, told the San Diego Union-Tribune, “Jihad Jesus Republicans need to understand that the separation of church and state has kept this country from getting into religious wars." “ If God was powerful, there would not be a need for the government to go in and force a religious agenda on nonbelieving citizens,” he continued.

The ACLU of San Diego also criticized the legislation calling it “political gamesmanship”.

San Diego attorney Charles LiMandri, Director of the Law Center’s western regional office who has led the effort to save the Mt. Soledad cross called the congressional action “an act of God”. LiMandri said Congress was not unconstitutionally endorsing religion because it intended to honor veterans in the same manner as the crosses at Arlington National Cemetery.

Richard Thompson, President and Chief Counsel of the Law Center responding to Paulson’s comments, “Those who want the Mt. Soledad cross removed erroneously base their case on the metaphor ‘separation of church and state,’ a phrase nowhere in the Constitution. This cross and memorial, soon to be officially designated a national veterans memorial is constitutionally permissible. It’s time to stop government by the ACLU and for the ACLU.”

Thompson acknowledged the battle is far from over and hopes the City of San Diego and the Veterans Memorial Association will now get behind efforts to keep the cross on top of Mount Soledad, where it has stood for fifty years. “We fully expect further legal challenges to tear down the cross, but we are not giving up either.”

President Bush is expected to sign the bill within the next few weeks.

According to the congressional designation, once the City of San Diego donates the land to the United States, the Secretary of the Interior shall administer the Memorial as a unit of the National Park System, giving the Mt. Soledad Memorial Association the right of continued maintenance of the cross and surrounding granite memorial walls and plaques.

- posted by LRS @ 12:10 PM   

 
Another Kinsey Fraud...
Protest Hollywood’s Promotion of Moral Degradation

In its hard-hitting book, Defending a Higher Law, the American TFP exposed the fraudulence of Alfred Kinsey’s “ten percent myth,” which stated that a full 10% of the male population is more or less exclusively homosexual.(1) Once again a great fraud surrounding Alfred Kinsey is being promoted, this time on the silver screen with the movie “Kinsey,” written and directed by the openly homosexual Bill Condon.

The movie’s goal is to paint a sympathetic picture of the life and work of zoologist Alfred C. Kinsey. However, a closer look shows that neither his life nor his work merits sympathy.

Ironically, the same newspapers who raged against pedophilia in the clergy abuse scandals, look with understanding and sympathy toward a scandalously immoral man whose “experiments” capitalized on such abuse and reached horrendous conclusions about child sexuality.

...the R-rated movie “Kinsey” is but another step in a process of moral degradation that rages in America. It is a socio-political statement defending the morally-bankrupt sexual revolution. It can be inserted in the struggle against abortion, contraception and the homosexual movement which are all battles in this broader ideological cultural war.

Now is the time to give your opinion. Voice your outrage at “Kinsey.”

The book, Defending a Higher Law (Why We Must Resist Same-Sex "Marriage"and the Homosexual Movement), is an excellent resource and highly recommended.

Article source.
- posted by LRS @ 7:32 AM   

 
Significance of the Sign of the Cross

The simple gesture that Catholics make thousands of times in their lives has a deeper meaning most of them don't realize.

Q: When did the sign of the cross originate?

Q: How did it become such an important liturgical and devotional practice?

Q: Beyond the words themselves, what does the sign mean? Why is it a mark of discipleship?

Q: Why do Catholics use the sign of the cross with holy water upon entering and exiting a church?

The answers to these and other questions about the Sign of the Cross can be found at Zenit here.
- posted by LRS @ 6:31 AM   

 
Bishop Gaydos Responds to Post Dispatch

Will public debriding bring private healing of the wounds at St. Thomas Aquinas?
By JOHN R. GAYDOS

A full picture of life at the seminary would include good as well as bad.

It was another painful moment as the Post-Dispatch published a series on St. Thomas Aquinas Seminary and the sexual abuse scandal. It contained a lot of previously published facts with a few new details, but maybe it was necessary. You might be familiar with the term debriding - when the doctor takes a scalpel and cuts away all the dead tissue from a wound in order to prevent infection and promote growth. Perhaps, as a wounded church, this is our debriding. Perhaps we have to go through this agony in order to heal.

My quarrel is not with their words, but the way in which they were used to paint a picture of St. Thomas Aquinas as some private reserve of priests who preyed upon young men. In 40 years, more than 1,000 young men received a superb education at St. Thomas Aquinas. Some of the best pastors in our diocese today were once on the faculty there. There were no interviews with others who attended St. Thomas Aquinas or with priests who graduated and went on to a life of caring ministry or with anyone who might have had a rewarding experience there.

This is, no doubt, because the Post does not wish to present the truth as it is, but its own lurid stories in an attempt to attract readers. When one subscribes to the belief that truth is relative, truth becomes a victim, an aspect of life which hinders one's agenda.

The articles ignored the fact that the majority of our abuse allegations were reported after repeated invitations in our diocesan newspaper and in parish bulletins and that the diocese has cooperated with prosecutors.

The Post selects only those facts which support its agenda, its story angle...Anything to the contrary must, to its way of thinking, must be dismissed as irrelevant.

Bishop Gaydos' article is worth the read and can be found here. However, the Post Disgrace, so as not to be outdone or to have the last word, includes the following at the end of the article:

The Most Rev. John R. Gaydos is the bishop of the Diocese of Jefferson City. He declined to be interviewed by the Post-Dispatch for the series of articles on St. Thomas Aquinas Seminary.

Who, in his right mind, would want to be interviewed by a newspaper which seems to have such a difficult time presenting the whole truth?
- posted by LRS @ 6:11 AM   

 
UN, EU, World Court, Supreme Court:Subsidiarity, Anyone?

A recent Catholic World News story [and others] outlined the efforts of the United Nations Human Rights Committee to dictate liberalized abortion in Poland. The UNHRC reviewed Poland’s compliance with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and concluded that “the State Party should liberalize its legislation and practice on abortion.” Needless to say, pro-abortion legislators in Poland are delighted.
...
The solution to all this is the Catholic Church’s first social teaching: the principle of subsidiarity. This principle states simply that each task in any commonwealth should be handled at the lowest level possible and that, conversely, there must be a compelling reason to remove authority in any matter from a more local to a less local jurisdiction.

An excellent article.
- posted by LRS @ 5:49 AM   

 
Gospel for Tuesday, 34th and Final Week in Ordinary Time
Gospel From: Luke 21:5-11

Discourse on the Destruction of Jerusalem and the End of the World
[5] And as some spoke of the temple, how it was adorned with noble stones and offerings, He (Jesus) said, [6] "As for these things which you see, the days will come when there shall not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down." [7] And they asked Him, "Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign when this is about to take place?" [8] And He said, "Take heed that you are not led astray; for many will come in My name, saying, 'I am He!' and, 'The time is at hand!' Do not go after them. [9] And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified; for this must first take place, but the end will not be at once."

[10] Then He said to them, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; [11] there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences; and there will be terrors and great signs from heaven."
************
Commentary:

5-36. The disciples are in awe of the magnificence of the temple, and Jesus uses the occasion to give a long discourse, known as the "eschatological discourse" because it has to do with the last days of the world. The account given here is very similar to those in the other Synoptic Gospels (cf. Mt 24:1-51; Mk 13:1-37). The discourse deals with three inter-connected subjects--the destruction of Jerusalem (which took place some forty years later), the end of the world, andthe second coming of Christ in glory and majesty. Jesus, who also predicts here the persecution of the Church will experience, exhorts His disciples to be patient, to pray and be watchful.

Our Lord speaks here in the style and language of prophecy, using images taken from the Old Testament; also, in this discourse prophecies which are going to be fulfilled very soon are mixed in with others which have to do with the end of the world. It is not our Lord's intention to satisfy people's curiosity about future events, but to protect them from being discouraged and scandalized about what is going to happen in the days immediately ahead. This explains why He exhorts them: "Take heed that you are not led astray" (v. 8); "do not be tempted" (v. 9); "watch at all times" (v. 34).

8. On hearing that Jerusalem is going to be destroyed, the disciples ask what sign will be given as a warning of these events (vv. 5-7). Jesus answers by telling them "not to be led astray," that is to say, not to expect any warning; not to be misled by false prophets; to stay faithful to Him. These false prophets will come along claiming to be the Messiah ("I am He!"). Our Lord's reply in fact refers to two events which in the Jewish mind were interrelated--the destruction of the Holy City and the end of the world. This is why He goes on to speak of both events and implies that there will be a long gap between the two; the destruction of the temple and of Jerusalem are a kind of sign or symbol of the catastrophes which will mark the end of the world.

9-11. Our Lord does not want His disciples to confuse just any catastrophe--famine, earthquake, war--or even persecution with the signals of the end of the world. He exhorts them quite clearly: "Do not be tempted," because although all these has to happen, "the end will not be at once;" in spite of the difficulties of all kinds the Gospel will spread to the ends of the earth. Difficulties should not paralyze the preaching of the faith.
***************
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland.

Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.
- posted by LRS @ 5:14 AM   

 
Reading for Tuesday, 34th and Final Week in Ordinary Time
Reading From: Revelation 14:14-19

The Harvest and the Vintage
[14] Then I looked, and lo, a white cloud, and seated on the cloud one like a son of man, with a golden crown on his head, and a sharp sickle in his hand. [15] And another angel came out of the temple, calling with a loud voice to him who sat upon the cloud, "Put in your sickle, and reap, for the hour to reap has come, for the harvest of the earth is fully ripe." [16] So he who sat upon the cloud swung his sickle on the earth, and the earth was reaped.

[17] And another angel came out of the temple in heaven, and he too had a sharp sickle. [18] Then another angel came out from the altar, the angel who has power over fire, and he called with a loud voice to him who had the sharp sickle, "Put in your sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth, for its grapes are ripe." [19] So the angel swung his sickle on the earth and gathered the vintage of the earth, and threw it into the great wine press of the wrath of God.
***************
Commentary:

14-20. This preliminary description of the Last Judgment is given in two scenes--the harvest (cf. 14:14-16) and the vintage (cf. 14:17-20) --no doubt following the prophecy of Joel about how God will judge nations hostile to Israel: "Let the nations bestir themselves, and come up to the valley of Jehoshaphat; for there I shall sit to judge all the nations round about. Put in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe. Go in, tread, for the wine press is full" (Joel 3:12-13).

In the first scene Christ himself appears, described as "son of man" (cf. Dan 7:13); it is he who will deliver the judgment (symbolized by the harvest), as in the parable of the wheat and the weeds (cf. Mt 13: 24-30). In the second it is an angel sent by God who gathers the grapes and puts them in the press to be trodden on either by God (in keeping with the prophecy of Isaiah 63:3, which says, "I have trodden the wine press alone") or by Christ (as we are told later in Revelation 19:15). In either case we are being told that Jesus Christ, true God and true man, has been empowered to perform the General Judgment which, according to Jewish tradition, will take place at the gates of Jerusalem (cf., e.g. Zech 14:4) and which involves a huge bloodbath (cf. Rev 14:20).

In both scenes, an angel has the prominent role of giving the order (cf. vv. 15, 18). The fact that he comes out from the temple and the altar shows that the outcome is linked to the prayers of the saints and martyrs, which stir Christ to take action (cf. Rev 8:3-4). So it is that the moment Christ is made present on the altar through the consecration of the bread and wine the Church calls for him to come again--calls for his second coming, the Parousia, which will make his victory complete: "When we eat this bread and drink this cup, we proclaim your death, Lord Jesus, until you come in glory" ("Roman Missal", eucharistic acclamation).
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- posted by LRS @ 5:11 AM   

 
A Commentary on the Bishops' November Meeting
By Mary Ann Kreitzer
www.lesfemmes-thetruth.org

The U. S. bishops' November meeting ended Thursday, November 18. In line with the unbroken tradition of the Vice President rising to the post, Bishop William Skylstad of Spokane, Washington was elected to succeed Wilton Gregory as head of the USCCB.

An unprecedented election did take place, however, when Bishop Donald Trautman of Erie, PA was nominated from the floor and won chairmanship of the Liturgy Committee, a post he also held from 1992-95. The return of Trautman, a champion of inclusive language and liturgical "reform" in the spirit of Vatican II, sends a bad signal to those hoping to see reverence restored to the liturgy.

The bishops' embarrassing opening Mass will likely be repeated often in the future. Participants watched it degenerate to a silly spectacle with "Gimme that Old Time Religion" and some shepherds clapping and swaying to the closing hymn before processing down the aisle. Do our bishops have any dignity left?

But there are signs that things are changing. The wall of the united brotherhood has cracked. The laity rejoiced when several bold bishops stepped away from the herd and publicly declared they would deny the Eucharist to pro-abortion politicians. It is a beginning...This year there were smiling faces among some of the bishops as we called out, "Thank you, Archbishop Chaput, we're praying for your election. Thank you, Bishop Sheridan for your courageous words. Thank you Archbishop Burke, you give us hope. Thank you...Thank you..." It was only a handful, but there were only a handful of faithful at the foot of the Cross.

I had the opportunity to speak briefly to Archbishop Burke in the lobby of the Hyatt Regency on the opening day of the meeting. I told him how grateful the laity are for his boldness in defending the Eucharist. I said I was personally touched by his public statement that he regretted not taking stronger action sooner. His humble reply was that he continues to regret it. Opening my hand, I showed him the rosary blessed by the pope that Bishop Thomas Welsh gave me many years ago when I was a young mother. "We pray for you daily, Your Excellency."

Let us, indeed, pray for the true shepherds, few though they seem to be. Fasting, daily Mass, frequent confession, Eucharistic holy hours, the rosary, novenas, and a determination to fight for the faith will ultimately bring about the victory - restoration of the Church in the United States.

May Jesus Christ be praised.

All emphasis added...Complete Article here.
- posted by LRS @ 10:30 PM   

 
Mad scientists at work...

In Minnesota, pigs are being born with human blood in their veins.

In Nevada, there are sheep whose livers and hearts are largely human.

In California, mice peer from their cages with human brain cells firing inside their skulls.

"This is an area where we really need to come to a reasonable consensus," said James Battey, chairman of the National Institutes of Health's Stem Cell Task Force. "We need to establish some kind of guidelines as to what the scientific community ought to do and ought not to do."

Consensus? Guidelines on what we ought to do and ought not to do? These experiments are hideous examples of science gone awry...Frankenstein seems a benevolent man compared to people who are doing these things (and worse).

The risk [of "humanized" animals], they say, is that some human cells will find their way to the developing testes or ovaries, where they might grow into human sperm and eggs. If two such chimeras — say, mice — were to mate, a human embryo might form, trapped in a mouse.

Not everyone agrees that this would be a terrible result.

I certainly do not consider myself anti-science - as a matter of fact, I love science, but this is sick and demented.

Article.
- posted by LRS @ 9:44 PM   

 
Previous question seems to be answered....
New NARAL President Another Pro-Abort "Catholic"

The NARAL press release announcing Keenan's appointment as president depicts her as a hero and lauds the "strength of her personal leadership when she stood up to a public effort to excommunicate her from the Catholic Church."

That is not, however, how the diocesan Chancellor remembers it. LifeSiteNews.com spoke with Fr. John Robertson, Chancellor of Keenan's home diocese of Helena, Montana.

"Our bishop had a discussion with her with regard to taking a more pro-life stance," said Robertson. Fr. Robertson denied that there had been any question of excommunication...Fr. Robertson said, "I understood that (Keenan) had withdrawn herself from the practice of the Catholic Faith."

As more and more professed "Catholics" assume roles and positions which are clearly at odds with the Church, it seems most disgraceful for ecclesiastical authorities to refrain from doing anything to stop the spreading scandal.

If she has formally defected from the faith, let it be proclaimed as such. This would certainly put to rest any lingering questions as to her claim of Catholicity.

Lifesite article.

- posted by LRS @ 9:28 PM   

 
20 are arrested in protest at military training school

COLUMBUS, Ga. - At least 20 people were arrested Sunday while protesting at a U.S.-run military school for Latin Americans, some graduates of which later committed civil rights abuses including murder, according to the protesters.

"We gather to revive the memory of those who have died at the hands of this combat school," said the Rev. Roy Bourgeois, a Catholic priest of the Maryknoll order. "How do you teach democracy behind the barrel of a gun? If they are so concerned about teaching democracy, then why not close this school and send these students to some of our fine universities."

I wonder about which fine universities he refers...? As there are so few truly Catholic ones, perhaps he is referring to secular institutions.

Some people seem to forget that, at times, democracy must be secured nad even taught with a gun...particular when faced with those who will do everything possible to thwart any attempts at establishing a representative form of government.

This 'school', of course, does train soldiers, police, and government officials. But I'm not certain that makes the school responsible for the actions of its 'graduates'.

Bourgeois is head of SOA Watch, which monitors the institution formerly known as The School of the Americas. The group has staged annual protests there since 1990.

Oscar-winning actress Susan Sarandon addressed the group Saturday, and Martin Sheen, who plays the president in NBC's "West Wing" TV series, delivered a fiery speech Sunday.

It must have been truly memorable...

Source
- posted by LRS @ 8:50 PM   

 
Is New President of NARAL still "Catholic"?

Nancy Keenan, the new president of NARAL Pro-Choice America, is taking the lead of an organization facing the most critical, pivotal time in its history.

In 1989, when she was a Montana legislator, Keenan and a colleague were publicly rebuked by a Montana bishop for speaking at an abortion rights rally, she said. The ordeal became news, she said, with talk of her being excommunicated from the Roman Catholic Church. "It was a very personal experience for me having been born and raised Catholic," she said. "It was very, very big."

She said the experience reaffirmed her passion and commitment to NARAL's cause.

Another Judas....they seem to be all around. Who is her Bishop - or was she, in fact, excommunicated years ago?

Article
- posted by LRS @ 7:13 AM   

 
Whoever destroys family life...

"Whoever destroys this fundamental fabric of human coexistence, by not respecting its identity and by upsetting its tasks, causes a profound wound in society and provokes harm that is often irreparable," the Pope said Saturda

To Destroy the Family Is to Destroy Society, Warns Pope
- posted by LRS @ 7:04 AM   

 
St. Stanislaus Update-Nov 22

Meeting may be last try at accord

The two sides in a dispute between a historic Polish parish and the St. Louis Archdiocese probably will come to the table this week in a last effort to resolve their differences.

Parishioners of St. Stanislaus Kostka Church have tried to keep control of their financial assets in the hands of a lay board, but Archbishop Raymond Burke has said the structure violates canon law. A group of parishioners appealed to the Vatican's Congregation for the Clergy to intervene on their behalf, but a ruling issued last week rejected the appeal.
...
"It isn't over yet, but the end is very near, and the outcome is up to you," said Roger Krasnicki.

I saw Krasnicki and some other man on Channel 4 Saturday evening discussing the situation with Jamie Allmon. Unfortunately, Allmon did not question Krasnicki's assertion that Abp. Burke did the same thing in La Crosse. The facts refute Krasnicki's implication that Abp. Burke wants to close Polish parishes. The board members of St. Stanislaus need to face reality - they are either going to be Catholic or they are not...

Article.
- posted by LRS @ 6:21 AM   

 
Gospel, Nov 22, Memorial: St. Cecilia, Virgin & Martyr
Gospel From: Luke 21:1-4

The Widow's Mite
[1] He (Jesus) looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury; [2] and He saw a poor widow put in two copper coins. [3] And He said, "Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them; [4] for they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all the living she had."
**************
Commentary:

1-4. Our Lord, surrounded by His disciples, watches people putting offerings into the treasury. This was a place in the women's courtyard, where there were various collection boxes for the offerings of the faithful. Just then, something happens whose significance Jesus wants His disciples to notice: a poor widow puts in two small coins, of very little value. He describes this as the greatest offering of all, praising the generosity of giving alms for this purpose, particularly that of those people who give part of what they need. Our Lord is moved by this tiny offering because in her case it implies a big sacrifice. "The Lord does not look", St. John Chrysostom comments, "at the amount offered but at the affection with which it is offered" ("Hom. on Heb", 1). Generosity is of the essence of almsgiving. This woman teaches us that we can move God's heart if we give Him all we can, which will always amount to very little even if we give our very lives. "How little a life is to offer to God!" ([St] J. Escriva, "The Way", 42).
************
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland.

Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.
- posted by LRS @ 12:33 AM   

 
Reading for Nov 22, Memorial: St. Cecilia, Virgin & Martyr
Reading From: Revelation 14:1-3, 4b-5

The Lamb and His Companions
---------------------------
[1] Then I looked, and lo, on Mount Zion stood the Lamb, and with him a hundred and forty-four thousand who had his name and his Father's name written on their foreheads. [2] And I heard a voice from heaven like the sound of many waters and like the sound of loud thunder; the voice I heard was like the sound of harpers playing on their harps, [3] and they sing a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and before the elders. No one could learn that song except the hundred and forty-four thousand who had been redeemed from the earth. [4] It is these who follow the Lamb wherever he goes; these have been redeemed from mankind as first fruits for God and the Lamb, [5] and in their mouth no lie was found, for they are spotless.
**************
Commentary:
14:1-16:21 The book now turns to the Lamb and to divine judgment (anticipating the victory of the Lamb). It stays with this theme up to chapter 17 at which point the powers of evil appear again (in various symbolic forms) and are subjected to the judgment of God. First we are shown the Lamb and his entourage (cf. 14:l-5); immediately after this the Last Judgment is proclaimed and a preliminary description given (14:6-20); the glory of the Lamb is again extolled (cf. 15: 1-4) and the unleashing of the wrath of God is further described in terms of the pouring out of the seven bowls (cf. 15:5-16:21).

In opposition to the powers of evil and the active hostility to God and the Church caused by the machinations of Satan stand the risen Christ and his followers, who sing in praise of his glory and triumph. These followers are those who have attained redemption; the salvation will reach its climax when the Kingdom of God is fully established (the marriage of the Lamb, and the heavenly Jerusalem: chaps. 21-22). In the meantime, although the Church has to do battle with the forces of evil, it can contemplate Christ "as an innocent lamb (who) merited life for us by his blood which he freely shed. In him God reconciled us to himself and to one another, freeing us from the bondage of the devil and of sin, so that each one of us could say with the Apostle: the Son of God 'loved me and gave himself for me' (Gal 2:20)" (Vatican II, "Gaudium Et Spes", 22).

1-3. It is highly significant that the Lamb stands on Mount Zion, in Jerusalem, which was where God dwelt among men according to the Old Testament (cf. Ps 74:1; 132:14; etc.) and where, according to certain Jewish traditions, the Messiah would appear, to join all his followers. The assembly, then, is an idealization of the Church, protected by Christ and gathered about him. It includes all those who belong to Christ and to the Father and who therefore bear his mark, which shows them to be children of God. They are so many that it is impossible tocount them, but their number is complete: they are given a symbolic number which is 12 (the tribes of Israel) by 12 (the Apostles) by 1000 (a number indicating a huge scale): cf. Rev 7:3ff.

The one hundred and forty-four thousand are not yet in heaven (for the loud noise comes from heaven); they are on earth, but they have been rescued from the power of the beast (cf. 13:13-14). The verse from heaven symbolizes the strength and power of God; and the heavenly voice speaks with the gentleness of liturgical music. It is a new song, for it now sings of the salvation wrought by Christ (cf. 15:34) in the same style as the Old Testament chants the praises of God (cf., e.g., Ps 33:3; 40:2; 96:1). Only those who belong to Christ can join in this song and be associated with the heavenly liturgy: "It is especially in the sacred liturgy that our union with the heavenly Church is best realized; in the liturgy, through the sacramental signs, the power of the Holy Spirit acts on us, and with community rejoicing we celebrate together the praise of the divine majesty; when all those of every tribe and tongue and people and nation (cf. Rev 5:9) who have been redeemed by the blood of Christ and gathered together into one Church glorify, in one common song of praise,the one and triune God" ("Lumen Gentium", 50).

4-5. The text refers to those who are properly disposed to take part in the marriage supper of the Lamb (cf. 19:9; 21:2) because they have not been stained by idolatry but have kept themselves undefiled for him. St Paul compares every Christian to a chaste virgin (cf. 2 Cor 11:2) and describes the Church as the spouse of Christ (cf. Eph 5:21-32). The author of the Apocalypse is referring to all the members of the Church insofar as they are holy, that is, called to holiness; but the symbolism he uses also draws attention to the fact that virginity and celibacy for the sake of the Kingdom of heaven is a special _expression and clear sign of the Church as Bride of Christ. Referring to the chastity practiced by religious, the Second Vatican Council teaches that in this way they "recall that wonderful marriage made by God, which will be fully manifested in the future age, and in which the Church has Christ for her only spouse" ("Perfectae Caritatis", 12).

The one hundred and forty-four thousand are also those who have identified themselves fully with Christ, dead and risen, by denying themselves and devoting all their energies to apostolate (cf. Mt 10: 38). They also stand for those whom Christ, by the shedding of his blood, has made his own and his Father's property (like Israel, the first fruits of Yahweh: cf. Jer 2:3), that is, those who constitute a holy people like that remnant of Israel described in Zephaniah 3:13: "they shall do no wrong and utter no lies, nor shall there be found in their mouth a deceitful tongue." The prophet's words refer to people who have not invoked false gods, but the Apocalypse applies them to those who are fully committed to Christ.
**********************
- posted by LRS @ 12:24 AM   

 
Archbishop Burke joins other bishops from region in visit to Vatican

At 9 a.m. Monday, St. Louis Archbishop Raymond Burke and about 15 other U.S. Catholic bishops will gather at the tomb of St. Peter in the Vatican. A Mass there will mark the beginning of a weeklong pilgrimage to Rome for what is called an "ad limina" visit.
...
Besides their meetings with the pope, the bishops use this time to conduct business with the many departments of the Vatican. Burke for instance, will meet this week with members of the Vatican's office on consecrated life (he's the U.S. bishops' liaison with the U.S. association of consecrated virgins), and with Cardinal Francis Arinze, a close adviser to the pope who will visit St. Louis in April for the archdiocese's Gateway Liturgical Conference.

Please remember to keep all of the Bishops in your prayers as they make this visit.

Article.
- posted by LRS @ 9:36 AM   

 
Another view of St. Thomas Aquinas Seminary

While our empathy will not take away the hurt, the public needs to know that goodness did exist at our seminary.

The character and achievements of its alumni are second to none. Whether as elected officials in their communities or as military personnel serving this country in the struggle against terrorism, St. Thomas Aquinas alumni are providing positive influences.

This is from a Letter to the Editor of the Post Dispatch from Stephen J. Stark, President, St. Thomas Seminary Alumni Association Inc.

See this Letter and others here.
- posted by LRS @ 9:32 AM   

 
Planned Parenthood says new offices in St Peters won't offer abortions

The president of Planned Parenthood for the St. Louis Region said Friday that the organization's relocated office in St. Peters will not offer abortions, adding that efforts to block the move to a larger office are "unconscionable."

As if the brutal and horrific dismemberment and murder of unborn babies is not "unconscionable"?

"We have no intention ... of providing abortion services at the site," said Planned Parenthood President Paula Gianino, noting her group's lease prohibits such procedures.

No intention of providing abortion services? I guess that is until "market forces" prevail and they have no other choice?

Mayor Shawn Brown drew applause from the same people [prolife attendees] when he said at the meeting he would see what could be done to prevent the office from opening. At least two aldermen said Planned Parenthood is unwelcome.

Let us pray that local officials of St. Peters keeps Planned Parenthood out...
Article here.

And another article, "Planned Parenthood sparks protest" is here.

- posted by LRS @ 9:19 AM   

 
Solemnity: Our Lord Jesus Christ the King
Gospel From: Luke 23:35-43

The Crucified Christ is Mocked
------------------------------
[35] And the people stood by, watching; but the rulers scoffed at Him (Jesus), saying, "He saved others; let Him save Himself, if He is the Christ of God, His Chosen One!" [36] The soldiers also mocked Him, coming up and offering Him vinegar, [37] and saying, "If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself!" [38] There was also an inscription over Him, "This is the King of the Jews."

The Good Thief
--------------
[39] One of the criminals who were hanged railed at Him, saying, "Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!" [40] But the other rebuked him, saying, "Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? [41] And we indeed justly: fo r we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong." [42] And he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come in Your kingly power." [43] And He said to him, "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise."
*******************
Commentary:

35. The Roman governor's soldiers join the Jewish people and their leaders in mocking Jesus; thus, everyone--Jews and Gentiles--contributed to making Christ's passion even more bitter. But we should not forget that we too make a mockery of our Lord every time we fall into sin or fail to respond sufficiently to grace. This is why St. Paul says that those who sin "crucify the Son of God on their own account and hold Him up to contempt" (Hebrews 6:6).

39-43. The episode of the two thieves invites us to admire the designs of divine providence, of grace and human freedom.&nbs p; Both thieves are in the same position--in the presence of the Eternal High Priest as He offers Himself in sacrifice for them for all mankind. One of them hardens his heart, despairs and blasphemes, while the other repents, prays with confidence to Christ and is promised immediate salvation. "The Lord," St. Ambrose comments, "always grants more than one asks: the thief only asked Him to remember Him, but the Lord says to him, `Truly, I say to you, today, you will be with Me in Paradise.' Life consists in dwelling with Jesus Christ, and where Jesus Christ is there is His Kingdom" ("Expositio Evangelii Sec. Lucam, in loc.). "It is one thing for man to judge someone he does not know; another, for God, who can see into a person's conscience. Among men, confession is followed by punishment; whereas confession to God is followed by salvation" (St. John Chrysostom, "De Cruce Et Latrone").

While we make our way through life, we all sin, but we can all repent also. God is always waiting for us with His arms wide open, ready to forgive us. Therefore, no one should despair: everyone should try to have a strong hope in God's mercy. But no one may presume that he will be saved, for none of us can be absolutely certain of our final perseverance (cf. Council of Trent, "De Justificatione", Canon 16).
This relative uncertainty is a spur God gives us to be ever vigilant; this vigilance in turns helps us progress in the work of our sanctification as Christians.

42. "Many times have I repeated that verse of the eucharistic hymn: "Peto quod petivit latro poenitens," and it always fills me with emotion: to ask like the penitent did! He recognized that he himself deserved that awful punishment.... And with a word he stole Christ's heart and `opened up for himself' the gates of Heaven" ([St] J. Escriva, "The Way of the Cross", XII, 4).

43. In responding to the good thief, Jesus reveals that He is God, for He has power over man's eternal destiny; and He also shows that He is infinitely merciful and does not reject the soul who sincerely repents. Similarly by these words Jesus reveals to us a basic truth of faith: "We believe in eternal life. We believe that the souls of all who die in the grace of Christ--whether they must still make expiation in the fire of Purgatory, or whether from the moment they leave their bodies they are received by Jesus Christ into Paradise like the good thief--go to form the People of God which succeeds death, death which will be totally destroyed on the day of the Resurrection when these souls are reunited with their bodies" (Pope Paul VI, "Creed of the People of God", 28).
***************
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland.

Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.
- posted by LRS @ 12:12 AM   

 
Cardinal Ratzinger Says It's Time to Fight for Christian Freedom

VATICAN CITY, November 19, 2004 (LifeSiteNews.com) - In an interview published today in the Italian newspaper "La Reppublica" and re-distributed world-wide via the Vatican Information Service, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith issues a serious warning to Christians to defend against, "an aggressive secular ideology."

This is another article regarding Cardinal Ratzinger's interview.

The Vaticn Information Service Link. titled "GOD IS ON THE SIDELINES IN MODERN SOCIETY" is here.
- posted by LRS @ 10:25 PM   

 
Cardinal Ratzinger on Laicism and Sexual Ethics

Q: Where is God in modern society?
Cardinal Ratzinger: He has been put on the sidelines...

Zenit Article.

- posted by LRS @ 10:19 PM   

 
Text of the Vatican decree regarding St. Stanislaus Parish
This is the text of the Decree from the Congregation for the Clergy on Protest No. 20041975, filed by the board of directors of St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish in North St. Louis:

Whereas, the Saint Stanislaus Kostka Parish (the “parish”) was founded in 1880 in the Archdiocese of St. Louis by the Most Reverend Peter R. Kenrick, the Ordinary of the Archdiocese, and organized as a civil corporation in 1891 bearing the name “Polish Roman Catholic St. Stanislaus Parish” (the “civil corporation”);

Whereas, the board of directors of the civil corporation was intended to function as an advisory board to the pastor in accordance with the norms of the law of the Roman Catholic Church in force at the time of the formation of the civil corporation;

Whereas, in light of the Response from the Pontifical Commission for the Authentic Interpretation of Legislative Texts, dated 29 April 1987, which received Papal approval on 20 June 1987, promulgated on 12 December 1988 (cf. AAS 80 [1988] 1818), in which the following question was posed and answered:

Editor’s note: the next two paragraphs in the decree are in Latin, translated as follows:

D. Whether a group of faithful, lacking juridical personality and even recognition envisaged in canon 299, No. 3, can legitimately make hierarchical recourse against a [decree] of its own diocesan bishop?

R. Negative as a group, affirmative as individual members of the faithful acting either singly or together, provided that they really have a grievance. However, in estimating the grievance, the judge must be allowed suitable discretion.

Editor’s note: the decree from this point resumes in English:

Whereas, the board of directors of a civil corporation lacks the aforementioned “juridic personality” to proceed in hierarchical recourse;

Whereas, the current board of directors of the civil corporation, in cooperation with the members of the corporation, have amended the By-Laws of the civil corporation in such a way as to deny the authority of the parochus (editor’s note: Latin for pastor) and the canonically provided oversight of the Archdiocese of St. Louis;

Whereas, the current board of directors and members of the civil corporation have amended the corporate documents of the civil corporation so that the parish is not in conformity with the canon law of the Roman Catholic Church, namely cann. 209, 519, 532, 536, 537, 1257, and 1276;

Whereas, on 19 March 2004, the Most Reverend Raymond L. Burke, the Ordinary of the Archdiocese of St. Louis, wrote to all of the faithful of the parish insisting that the parish structure comply with the norm of Church law, or it would be declared to be no longer a Roman Catholic Parish;

Whereas, the current board of directors and members of the civil corporation, through their duly appointed representative Roger C. Krasnicki, have made recourse to the Congregation for the Clergy against the dispositions of the Most Reverend Ordinary as set forth in the letter of 19 March 2004;

and Whereas, considering that the current board of directors lacks the juridic personality to proceed in this hierarchical recourse, this Congregation accepts the petition for recourse as being made by Roger C. Krasnicki in his individual capacity.

Now, therefore, the Congregation for the Clergy hereby decrees that the petition for recourse against the Most Rev. Ordinary’s dispositions of 19 March 2004 is rejected both de decernendo and de procedendo and judged to have no basis in law or in fact.

(Signed Dario Cardinal Castrillon)

Given at the Seat of the Congregation for the Clergy, 11 November, 2004.

Source.
- posted by LRS @ 7:27 AM   

 
Kenrick-Glennon Seminary Christmas Novena
The seminarians of Kenrick-Glennon Seminary are inviting the public to join them for the 2004 Seminary Christmas Novena at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 29, through Tuesday, Dec. 7, at the seminary, 5200 Glennon Drive in Shrewsbury. The celebration features the seminary chorus. Call (314) 792-6100 for more information.

- posted by LRS @ 7:26 AM   

 
St. Louis Latin Mass beauty
A letter to the editor from the St Louis Review:

Editor:

My family recently returned from a trip to Kansas City, Missouri where I was fortunate enough to attend the Latin High Mass by the Community of St. Philippine Duchesne. At 37 years old, I have never experienced this unbelievably sacred and transcendent rite.

I have known for years that the various (and there certainly are a variety) Novus Ordo liturgies presented by the many parishes I have been a part of lacked the focus and commitment to the sacrificial nature of the Mass, but never knew what I was missing.

I would urge the archdiocese to support any effort to make the Latin Mass widely available to the faithful here in St. Louis. I would also urge anyone who knows that liturgies need to be refocused to support the Latin Mass.

Matthew Grahek
Washington

Source.


- posted by LRS @ 7:19 AM   

 
Abp. Burke, Bp. Hermann to meet Pope next week
Bishops from Missouri, Iowa, Kansas, and Nebraska will be making their ad limina visit next week.

Keep them in your prayers that they may have successful meetings.

Source.
- posted by LRS @ 7:16 AM   

 
Baby Murderers to set up shop in St. Peters?
I have received two reports, the first was yesterday about a meeting at city hall which was to have been held last night. I assume the purpose was for Planned Paternthood to make a case to council members to allow them to set up shop in, of all places - St. Peters, MO.

I was unable to attend the meeting last night due to having a previous commitment.

A second email that I received this morning informed me that a priest who was attendance indicated that, indeed, the wholesale slaughter of unborn babies was likely to begin in the near future. Hopefully, more information will be available regarding what transpired at the meeting at city hall.
- posted by LRS @ 7:03 AM   

 
And speaking of Soulforce....
The group has issued a report on their 'nonviolent' protests at the recent USCCB meeting in Washington DC.

Of course, they were greeted by Bishop Gumbleton in their efforts to reject the irreversible and immutable teaching of the Church that homosexuality is intrinsically disorded and evil.

We sang songs of hope and joy, of freedom and faith. Bishop Gumbleton came out to greet us, as usual.

Although change seems excruciatingly slow in the Catholic Church, as well many of the Protestant denominations, we remain determined and dedicated to changing the hearts and minds of religious leaders, the root of discrimination and prejudice against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people. As change was brought about in the view of the rainbow cross as an affirmation of faith, we remain hopeful that is only the beginning of many more transformations to come.

I would think and hope that someone has told them that the Church's acceptance of homosexuality as a good and noble lifestyle will never happen - no matter how many protests they have.

Source.
- posted by LRS @ 6:49 AM   

 
People of Faith for Homosexual Rights?
How is it possible for one to be a person of faith yet openly embrace that which is disordered?

Last Tuesday evening while we were blessed to hear Archbishop Burke discuss the subject of Catholic Morality and the Common Good, a protest by "Holy Families" (of St Cronan's Parish) and Catholic Action Network (in conjunction with Soulforce) was occurring on the steps of the Cathedral.

"People of Faith for Gay Rights" Vigil
Over 100 participants joined the Catholic Action Network on the steps of the Cathedral to call for an end to the anti-gay rhetoric and practices of the Catholic hierarchy in St. Louis and nationally.

Let's be truthful, here. These people are calling for the end to the natual law and Catholic moral teaching against homosexuality and sodomy. It is a call to do away with sin, a call, in essence, to rebuke God.

Protest pictures are proudly displayed here.
- posted by LRS @ 6:27 AM   

 
Catholic bishops approve national adult catechism

One of the most contentious issues surrounding the English version of the Catechism of the Catholic Church was that Rome insisted on using exclusively male terms for references to all humanity. Many bishops, including Wuerl, thought that would alienate younger women. The United States Catechism for Adults uses gender-inclusive language for human beings while retaining male pronouns for God.

The bishops voted 218-10 for the text at the end of their meeting in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday. Before it can be published, it must receive approval in Rome, which Wuerl hopes will take no more than a year. The earliest likely publication date would be spring 2006.

I'm eager to see what the Holy See thinks.

Source.
- posted by LRS @ 5:22 AM   

 
The 2005 Gateway Liturgical Conference
This year's conference will be on Thursday and Friday, April 7 & 8, 2005. Francis Cardinal Arinze, of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments is scheduled as a speaker.

Mark the date on your calendar...Details to follow as they become available.

- posted by LRS @ 2:48 AM   

 
Gospel for Friday, 33rd Week in Ordinary Time
Gospel From: Luke 19:45-48

Jesus in the Temple
-------------------
[45] And He (Jesus) entered the temple and began to drive out those who sold, [46] saying to them, "It is written, `My house shall be a house of prayer'; but you have made it a den of robbers."

[47] And He was teaching daily in the temple. The chief priests and the scribes and the principal men of the people sought to destroy Him; [48] but they did not find anything they could do, for all the people hung upon His words.
******************
Commentary:
45-48. Jesus' indignation shows His zeal for the glory of His Father, to be recognized at this time in the temple itself. He inveighs against the traders for engaging in business which has nothing to do with divine worship (cf. Matthew 21:12; Mark 11-15). Even the priests allowed some of these abuses to go on--perhaps because they benefited from them in the form of taxes. The traders did perform services necessary for divine worship but this was vitiated by their excessive desire for gain, turning the temple into a marketplace.

"My house shall be a house of prayer": Jesus uses these words from Isaiah (56:7; cf. Jeremiah 7:11) to underline the purpose of the temple. Jesus' behavior shows the respect the Temple of Jerusalem deserved; how much more reverence should be shown our churches, where Jesus Himself is really present in the Blessed Sacrament. (cf. notes on Matthew 21:12-13; and Mark 11:15-18).

[The notes on Matthew 21:12-13 states:
12-13. Although God is present everywhere and cannot be confined within the walls of temples built by man (Acts 17:24-25), God instructed Moses to build a tabernacle where He would dwell among the Israelites (Exodus 25:40). Once the Jewish people were established in Palestine, King Solomon, also in obedience to a divine instruction, built the temple of Jerusalem (1 Kings 6-8), where people went to render public worship to God (Deuteronomy 12).

Exodus (23:15) commanded the Israelites not to enter the temple empty-handed, but to bring some victim to be sacrificed. To make this easier for people who had to travel a certain distance, a veritable market developed in the temple courtyards with animals being bought and sold for sacrificial purposes. Originally this may have made sense, but seemingly as time went on commercial gain became the dominant purpose of this buying and selling of victims; probably the priests themselves and temple servants benefited from this trade or even operated it. The net result was that the temple looked more like a livestock mart than a place for meeting God.

Moved by zeal for His Father's house (John 2:17), Jesus cannot tolerate this deplorable abuse and in holy anger He ejects everyone--to show people the respect and reverence due to the temple as a holy place. We should show much greater respect in the Christian temple--the Christian churches--where the eucharistic sacrifice is celebrated and where Jesus Christ, God and Man, is really and truly present, reserved in the tabernacle. For a Christian, proper dress, liturgical gestures and postures, genuflections and reverence to the tabernacle, etc. are expressions of the respect due to the Lord in His temple.

[The notes on Mark 11:15-18 states:
15-18. Our Lord does not abide lack of faith or piety in things to do with the worship of God. If He acts so vigorously to defend the temple of the Old Law, it indicates how we should truly conduct ourselves in the Christian temple, where He is really and truly present in the Blessed Eucharist. "Piety has its own good manners. Learn them. It's a shame to see those `pious' people who don't know how to attend Mass--even though they go daily,--nor how to bless themselves (they throw their hands about in the weirdest fashion), nor how to bend the knee before the Tabernacle (their ridiculous genuflections seem a mockery), nor how to bow their heads reverently before a picture of our Lady" ([St] J. Escriva, "The Way", 541).]
*******
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland.

Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.
- posted by LRS @ 12:24 AM   

 
Reading for Thursday, 33rd Week in Ordinary Time
Reading From: Revelation 10:8-11

The Author Is Given the Little Scroll to Eat
--------------------------------------------
[8] Then the voice which I heard from heaven spoke to me again, saying, "Go, take the scroll which is open in the hand of the angel who is standing on the sea and on the land." [9] So I went to the angel and told him to give me the little scroll; and he said to me, "Take it and eat; it will be bitter to your stomach, but sweet as honey in your mouth." [10] And I took the little scroll from the hand of the angel and ate it; it was sweet as honey in my mouth, but when I had eaten it my stomach was made bitter. [11] And I was told, "You must again prophesy about many peoples and nations and tongues and kings."
******************
Commentary:
8-11. Cf. note on 10:2. The book described by Ezekiel 2:8-3:3 was sweet as honey when eaten; but when Ezekiel began to prophesy, his heart was filled with bitterness (cf. Ezek 3:14). The same symbolism of the two kinds of taste is used here--no doubt to indicate that the prophecy contains grace and blessing, and also judgment and condemnation. The sweetness can also be interpreted as reflecting the triumph of the Church, and the bitterness its affliction.

Although nothing is said about what is written on scroll John is given to eat, it is reasonable to suppose that it has to do with the passage about the two witnesses which now follows, before the blowing of the seventh trumpet; this would make it a prophetic oracle, brought in here as a preview of the final eschatological battles, to show that evil apparently triumphs on earth.

[The note on 10:2 states:
2. The open scroll carried by the angel is different from the sealed scroll in the vision recounted in Revelation 5:2. It is more like the scroll described by the prophet Ezekiel (cf. Ezek 2:9-3:1) which was also meant to be eaten by the seer. The fact that it is open indicates that its content is not secret. The eating of the scroll symbolizes that what the prophet has to say after he eats it is really the word of God. It also indicates that God speaks through the medium of a written text. So, this imagery helps to strengthen people's faith in the divine inspiration of sacred writings, that is, the Bible, and to recognize them for they are--holy books because they are the very word of God which reaches the Church in written form via inspired authors: by reading these books publicly the Church is in fact proclaiming their divine inspiration.

We are not told what this little scroll contains; so, the only reason the writer brings in this symbol is to make it clear that he is a prophet. He wants people to be in no doubt about the fact that his prophecies apply to all creation--both heaven and earth (v. 6).]
****************
- posted by LRS @ 12:21 AM   

 
Who could have imagined this?
Western Media Misinforming About Iraq, Says Kirkuk Prelate

The Chaldean archbishop of Kirkuk criticized Western media "misinformation" about his country and insisted that Iraqis are looking forward to elections "because they will be useful for national unity."

"It is not all death and destruction," explained Archbishop Louis Sako in an interview Tuesday published by AsiaNews. "Much is positive in Iraq today," he said.

Good news just doesn't go over very well...And in many cases, neither does the "Good News"!

Keep the people of Iraq in your prayers as well as all of those in the military and other services who are helping Iraq to achieve its desire of self governance.

Article.
- posted by LRS @ 11:14 PM   

 
Coming Soon to a Western Country Near You
Dutch Cardinal: Moral Breakdown Has Left Holland Open to Islamic Takeover

The abandonment of Christian morality, the Divine law and natural law always leaves a wasteland of a country ready to be occupied by anyone willing to take it over and develop another culture...

The rise of Islam, Cardinal Simonis said, is related to "the spectacle of extreme moral decadence and spiritual decline that we offer" to young people.

"Nowadays political leaders ask whether the Muslims will accept our values," the Dutch cardinal observed. "I ask, 'What values are those? Gay marriage? Euthanasia?'"

We mustn't forget abortion and contraception! These too result in a rapid decline of a culture, namely, people, future citizens, children of God!

Commenting on the Dutch tradition of tolerance, Cardinal Simonis observed that the notion of "tolerance" as it is understood there today is a recent development. "For three centuries, Catholics were barred from public office.," he noted. The current penchant for "tolerance," he said, "came later, after a common loss of faith-- roughly 40 years ago."

40 years ago...? Wasn't that about the time of Vatican II, and rebellion, disobedience, the sexual revolution, the Great Society, contraception, 'free' sex, the death of SIN, and on and on??? Oh, and tolerance!

LifeSiteNews Article.
- posted by LRS @ 10:54 PM   

 
US Court Rules Catholic School Within Rights in Firing Pro-Abortion Teacher
School officials say that the woman was fire because she publicly opposed Church teaching...she had earlier signed her name to a newspaper advertisement supporting abortion rights.

She may not be able to teach, but she can probably receive Holy Communion without any penalty.

Anyway, she claims she was illegally fired, in part, because she is a WOMAN...I can understand that. Maybe the school officials were unaware that she is a WOMAN and only became aware of later - perhaps AFTER she signed her name to the Pro-Death ad? She claims that the MEN who do not follow Church doctrine are not penalized like she was...Well, that must be because they are MEN...The article doesn't tell us how many of them signed the same ad, however...It was probably none...But IF they had, they would not have been fired, being MEN...Is it all clear?

Praise God that there was a judge who understands the First Amendment:

Ruling that courts may not hinder the right of religious institutions to teach their own values, U.S. District Judge Kent A. Jordan dismissed Michele Curay-Cramer's case in a 20-page decision released Tuesday.

The DelawareOnline article states that she is now teaching out of state...Maybe at a Catholic school near you?

Lifesite Article here.
- posted by LRS @ 10:51 PM   

 
Petition Launched to Save Mt. Soledad Cross

RANCHO SANTA FE, CA — In an effort to save the famous 43-foot concrete cross, which has stood atop Mount Soledad in San Diego, CA for the past fifty years, the Thomas More Law Center and other concerned groups and citizens have launched a national petition drive urging federal officials to declare the Mount Soledad Veterans War Memorial a national memorial.

The historic site includes the 43- foot cross and memorial walls containing plaques honoring the service of thousands of American veterans from all wars. The cross has been the subject of a 15- year federal lawsuit brought by an avowed atheist that resulted in a federal court order requiring the Mt. Soledad Cross to be removed. Law Center attorneys believe a successful petition effort to have Mt. Soledad designated a National Memorial would allow the Cross to remain.

Richard Thompson, President and Chief Counsel of the Law Center commented, “We are deeply disappointed that after 15 years of fighting to keep the cross, the Mt. Soledad Memorial association joined forces with the atheist to remove it. However, by declaring the Mt. Soledad memorial and cross a national memorial, this entire controversy can be put to rest, and I ask that the Association join us in this endeavor. ”

The petition will be presented to a host of government officials whose responsibilities include the designation of historic sites as national memorials. The petition reads in part,

“Whereas, the Mount Soledad Cross and the Mount Soledad Veterans War Memorial represents our collective admiration and respect for veterans from all wars who have honorably served our nation in the Armed Forces…Whereas, a federal lawsuit by an avowed atheist has resulted in a court order requiring the Mt. Soledad Cross to be removed, and designation of the site as a National Memorial would allow the Cross to remain; We therefore, urge you to take the necessary steps to designate the Mt. Soledad Cross and the Mt. Soledad Veterans War Memorial a National Memorial.”

The petition also quotes from a May 22, 2001 letter from President George W. Bush describing the Soledad site as a “place to reflect on our past, be inspired by true American patriots, and offer war veterans our heartfelt gratitude for the freedom we all enjoy today.”

Please view and sign the petition today!

This came in today from the Thomas More Law Center.
- posted by LRS @ 12:18 PM   

 
St. Louis Review: Vatican rules on St. Stanislaus case
The St. Louis Review had a 'Breaking News' Item the other day on this case.
The Link is here.

Updated to fix broken Link....
- posted by LRS @ 6:46 AM   

 
My question was answered in Zenit's Liturgy Section
Of course, I had written the pastor before concerning this, but the practice continued...

Code: ZE04111622
Date: 2004-11-16

Picture of Martin Luther King Jr. in a Church

ROME, NOV. 16, 2004 (Zenit.org).- Answered by Father Edward McNamara, professor of liturgy at the Regina Apostolorum Pontifical University.

Q: Is it permitted to place a picture of Martin Luther King Jr. in the church proper during the time when the U.S. celebrates the holiday in his honor? Many times the picture is decorated and may even have one or more candles lit around it. This seems to violate Canon 1187 which states that only those saints and blessed[s] which the Church has approved are to be venerated. This seems to be more common here in the U.S. I have even encountered this during exposition of the Blessed Sacrament when his picture was placed in the sanctuary near the altar with lit candles. -- L.S., O'Fallon, Missouri

A: As you note, Canon 1187 is clear that "It is permitted to reverence through public veneration only those servants of God whom the authority of the Church has recorded in the list of the saints or the blessed."

The reasons for this can be deduced from the canon that precedes it.

Canon 1186 states: "To foster the sanctification of the people of God, the Church commends to the special and filial reverence of the Christian faithful the Blessed Mary ever Virgin, Mother of God, whom Christ established as the mother of all people, and promotes the true and authentic veneration of the other saints whose example instructs the Christian faithful and whose intercession sustains them."

Therefore the reason for public veneration of Mary and the saints is twofold: example and intercession.

When the Church reverences a person through public worship she thereby makes a statement that she holds, not only that the person is an example to others but also that that person is certainly in heaven and the faithful may pray so that the saint or blessed intercedes before God on their behalf.

In order to be assured that the said person can be thus reverenced, the Church carries out a stringent process that usually lasts several years.

Except in the case of martyrdom, which usually requires proof that the person's death was primarily related to his or her Christian faith, it is first necessary to determine that the person in question can be presented as an example in all aspects of life. He or she has had to have lived the theological virtues of faith, hope and charity as well as the cardinal virtues of prudence, justice, fortitude and temperance to a heroic degree.

If heroic virtues cannot be proved, then the cause does not proceed, and only after these have been declared do Church authorities commence the examination of any supposed miracles.

The miracle is used as a proof that the person can effectively intercede before God and obtain special graces. This is usually the final step before beatification.

In order to proceed to canonization or sainthood, proof of another miracle is required of all those declared blessed, including martyrs.

These conditions are so stringent that jumping the gun by publicly reverencing a person in anticipation of official approval can stop a beatification process in its tracks.

While many may be convinced that a particular non-Catholic is enjoying the beatific vision, the Church as such takes no official stand regarding his or her heavenly state. Nor does it initiate a canonization process for those who adhered to other creeds -- not even in the case of those commonly esteemed to be martyrs of the faith as, for example, the Anglican companions of Uganda's St. Charles Lwanga certainly were.

Thus no liturgical veneration may be attributed to non-Catholics and so their images should not be located in churches in any way that would cause confusion by implying that Catholics are solemnly affirming their blessed state or, what is more important, praying for their intercession.

This does not mean that exemplary figures of non-Catholics may not be admired by Catholics, or that their good deeds may not be extolled and recommended for imitation.

Given the details you describe as to how the image of Dr. King is decorated, it would appear that a real danger of confusion does exist. A more theologically appropriate means of honoring his memory should be found on a par with that offered to other similar historical figures graced by public holidays such as Lincoln and Washington.

There may be some rare occasions when a deceased person's image may be temporarily placed in a Church.

Although it does not appear to be a widespread custom, on some occasions, especially if the cause of death was especially tragic, photos of a deceased person are placed near a casket or in some visible area if no mortal remains are present.

In such a case the reason is not veneration or reverence but a means of asking others to join in prayers for the soul of the deceased.

Source.
- posted by LRS @ 6:37 AM   

 
St. Stanislaus looks at options
I heard on the radio this morning that board directors of St. Stanislaus met last night to discuss various options now that the Holy See has denied their request.

The report stated that three options were discussed: 1. doing what Archbishop Burke has stipulated, 2. Changing the church into a museum, or 3. breaking away from the Church and becoming independent.

For anyone to even consider option 3 as a legitimate alternative only shows the depths of the confusion of some people.

But that's not all:

"We're going to give that [one last meeting] a shot and see what happens," said Roger Krasnicki, a retired attorney and longtime St. Stanislaus parishioner. "We want to show good faith and that we really want to come to an agreement with them, notwithstanding their past intransigence."

WHAT!? What is this 'past intransigence' business??? The Archdiocese has been intransigent? This is completely understandable considering how 'flexible' and accomodating the board had been for the past decades, right? Someone call timeout for a reality check!

Krasnicki has said options for the parish, aside from giving in to Burke's demands, may include breaking from the Roman Catholic church and having an independent Catholic group minister to the parish.

One option is the Polish National Catholic Church, which formed in 1878 in Pennsylvania over a local bishop's desire to wrest property from Polish immigrants. The congregation got its own priest to minister to them. As a result, they were excommunicated.

Anyone who considers this as an option demonstrates that he is no longer capable of lucid, rational thought and should be considered an enemy of the faithful of the parish. Those who would consider schism as viable are not worthy to be in any leadership position.

It looks more and more like the issue is really over money...And this raises several other questions.

Article here.
- posted by LRS @ 6:11 AM   

 
Looking forward to Cardinal McCarrick's Retirement...
Here is the Task Force's report on Catholic Politicians. He withdrew the discussion of the report from the agenda and anyone can see why - it is meaningless drivel, nothing at all new...But then could anyone have realistically expected anything else from him?

As an aside, at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception which is in his diocese, the Communion song, for those that missed it was "Gimme that old time religion."

I wish now I would have taped it..
- posted by LRS @ 6:00 AM   

 
Gospel for Thursday, 33rd Week in Ordinary Time
Gospel From: Luke 19:41-44

Jesus Weeps Over Jerusalem
--------------------------
[41] And when He (Jesus) drew near and saw the city He wept over it, [42] saying, "Would that even today you knew the things that make for peace! But now they are hid from your eyes. [43] For the days shall come upon you, when your enemies will cast a bank about you and surround you, and hem you in on every side, [44] and dash you to the ground, you and your children within you, and they will not leave one stone upon another in you; because you did not know the time of your visitation."
**********
Commentary:

41-44. When the procession reaches a place where there is a good view of the city, they are disconcerted by Jesus' unexpected weeping. Our Lord explains why He is weeping, by prophesying the destruction of the city which He loved so much: not one stone will remain on another, and its inhabitants will be massacred--a prophecy which was fulfilled in the year 70, when Titus razed the city and the temple was destroyed. These historical events will be a punishment for Jerusalem failing to recognize the time of its visitation, that is, for closing its gates to the salvific coming of the Redeemer. Jesus loved the Jews with a very special love: they were the first to whom the Gospel was preached (cf. Matthew 10:5-6); to them He directed His ministry (cf. Matthew 15:24); He showed His word and by His miracles that He was the Son of God and the Messiah foretold in the Scriptures. But the Jews for the most part failed to appreciate the grace the Lord was offering them; their leaders led them to the extreme of calling for Jesus to be crucified.

Jesus visits every one of us; He comes as our Savior; He teaches us through the preaching of the Church; He gives us forgiveness and grace through the sacraments. We should not reject our Lord, we should not remain indifferent to His visit.
*******************
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland.

Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.
- posted by LRS @ 1:15 AM   

 
Reading for Thursday, 33rd Week in Ordinary Time
Reading From: Revelation 5:1-10

The Sealed Scroll and the Lamb
------------------------------
[1] And I saw in the right hand of him who was seated on the throne a scroll written within and on the back, sealed with seven seals; [2] and I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, "Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?" [3] And no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look into it, [4] and I wept much that no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to look into it. [5] Then one of the elders said to me, "Weep not; lo, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals."

[6] And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders, I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth; [7] and he went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who was seated on the throne. [8] And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and with golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints; [9] and they sang a new song, saying, "Worthy are thou to take the scroll and to open itsseals, for thou wast slain and by thy blood didst ransom men for God from every tribe and tongue and people and nation, [10] and hast made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on earth."
***********************************************************************
Commentary:
1-5. The sealed scroll contains God's mysterious plans for the salvation of mankind; no one on earth can disclose them (v. 3). Only the risen Christ can take the scroll and make its contents known (vv. 6-7). On this account he is praised by the four living creatures, by the elders (vv. 8-10), by a whole host of angels (vv. 11-12) and by all creation (vv. 13-14).

The image of a scroll (or book) containing God's hidden plans for mankind was used before, particularly by the prophet Daniel (cf. Dan 12:4-9; also Is 29:11), who refers to a prophecy remaining sealed until the end of time. St John uses this image to make the point that the End Time, the Last Days, have already begun with Christ, so now he can reveal God's plans. The fact that there are seven seals stresses the hidden nature of the scroll's contents; and its being written on both sides shows its richness.

The author of the Book of Revelation, and everyone in fact, really does need to know what is written on the scroll; for, if he knows God's plans he will be able to discover the meaning of life and cease to be anxious about events past, present and future. Yet no one is able to open the scroll: that is why the author weeps so bitterly.

The scroll is sealed: the Revelation of the salvation of mankind and the consolation of the Church is being delayed. Soon, however, the seer ceases to weep, for he learns that Christ (here called "the Lion of the tribe of Judah" and "the Root" or descendant of David: cf. Gen 49:9; Is 11:1, 10) has conquered and therefore is able, to break the seven seals.

The Church contemplates Christ's victory when it "believes that Christ, who died and was raised for the sake of all, can show man the way and strengthen him through the Spirit in order to be worthy of his destiny [...]. The Church likewise believes that the key, the center and the purpose of the whole of man's history is to be found in its Lord and Master" (Vatican II, "Gaudium Et Spes", 10).

"In fact," the Council adds, "it is only in the mystery of the Word made flesh that the mystery of man truly becomes clear. For Adam, the first man, was a type of him who was to come (cf. Rom 5:14). Christ the Lord, Christ the new Adam, in the very revelation of the mystery of the Father and of his love, fully reveals man to himself and brings to light his most high calling" (ibid., 22).

6-7. Christ is able to open the scroll on account of his death and resurrection--an event symbolized by the Lamb standing upright and victorious and at the same time looking as though it had been immolated. In the Fourth Gospel, John the Baptist calls Christ "the Lamb of God" (Jn 1:29, 36); in the Apocalypse this _expression is the one most often used to refer to him: he is the Lamb raised to the very height of God's throne and has dominion over the entire cosmos (cf. 5:8, 12-13; 6:1, 16; 7:9-10; 13:8; 15:3; etc.). This Christological title, which is a feature of St John's writings, has great theological depth; the Church reverses it, using it frequently in the liturgy-- particularly in the Mass, after the kiss of peace when the Lamb of God is invoked three times; also, just before Holy Communion is distributed the host is shown to the faithful as him who takes away the sin of the world and those who are called to his marriage supper are described as "happy" (cf. Rev 19:9).

The image of the Lamb reminds us of the passover lamb, whose blood was smeared on the door frames of houses as a sign to the avenging angel not to inflict on Israelites the divine punishment being dealt out to the Egyptians (cf. Ex 12:7, 13). St Paul refers to the Lamb in one of his letters: "Christ, our paschal lamb, has been sacrificed" (1 Cor 5: 7). At a high point in Old Testament prophecy Isaiah portrays the Messiah as the suffering Servant of Yahweh, "a lamb that is led to the slaughter" (Is 53:7). St Peter, on the basis of that text, states that our Lord "bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness" (1 Pet 2:24).

The Lamb is a sacrifice for sin, but the Apocalypse also focuses attention on the victorious power of the risen Lamb by showing him standing on the throne, in the center of the vision; the horns symbolize his power and the eyes his knowledge, both of which he has to the fullest degree as indicated by the number seven. The seven spirits of Christ also indicate the fullness of the Spirit with which Christ is endowed and which he passes on to his Church (cf. notes on Rev 1:4 and 4:5). This completes the description of the risen Christ, who through his victory reveals the mystery of God.

8-10. The greatness of Christ the Lamb is duly acknowledged and proclaimed through the worship rendered him, firstly, from the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders, then from all the angels and finally from the whole of creation (vv. 11-13). St John selects these three points to highlight on the praise rendered by the heavenly Church, with which the pilgrim Church on earth joins through its own prayer (symbolized by the image of the golden bowls). Later on (15: 7ff), seven bowls appear again, this time filled with God's wrath, which is caused by the complaint of the righteous who are being cruelly tormented by the agents of evil.

All this shows the value of the prayers of those who stay loyal to God: "the prayer of a righteous man has great power in its effects" (Jas 5:16), for "the prayer of the humble pierces the clouds, and he will not be consoled until it reaches the Lord" (Sir 35:17).

The "new song" proclaims that Christ alone decides the destinies of the world and of mankind; this is a consequence of himself being offered in sacrifice as the atoning victim "par excellence". By shedding his blood Christ has won for himself an immense people, from every nation under heaven; in them, a holy people, his chosen ones that people which was originally assembled in the Sinai desert (cf. Ex 19:6; 1 Pet 2:9f) has come to full maturity. When it says that they have been ransomed from every tribe and nation, it is pointing out that God's salvific plans extend to the whole human race: he "desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth" (1 Tim 2:4). This does not exempt us from making an effort to merit salvation, for, as St Augustine teaches, "God who created you without your cooperation will not save you without your cooperation" ("Sermon" 169, 11). Here is how another early writer puts it: "we know that God will give to each individual the opportunity to be saved--to some in one way, to others in another. But whether we respond eagerly or listlessly depends on ourselves" (Cassian, "Collationes", 3, 12).

"Didst ransom men for God": in many important Greek manuscripts this reads, "you ransomed us for God", and some even change the reading of the following verse: "you made us a kingdom...and we will reign". The earlier Latin translation, the Vulgate, chose that reading, which emphasizes that those who are entoning the chant are men, that is, members of the Church triumphant in heaven. The new official Latin version, the New Vulgate, follows what it considers to be the most reliable Greek text. But the meaning does not really change.
********************
- posted by LRS @ 1:10 AM   

 
Law Center President To Debate Tonight on the O'Reilly Factor on the FOX News Channel
Just in...

Richard Thompson, President and Chief Counsel of Thomas More Law Center, will appear tonight on The O'Reilly Factor on the FOX News Channel.

Thompson will debate Rev. Barry Lynn of Americans United for the Separation of Church and State, on whether American cities and schools are unfairly discriminating against Christians.

Thompson is expected to discuss several Law Center cases including the defense of the Ten Commandments in Utah, Nativity displays in New York, and the cross on Los Angeles County seal.

Tune in tonight at 8 or 11 PM (Eastern) to the FOX News Channel.

The "Reverend" Barry Lynn is due for a 'clock cleaning'...
- posted by LRS @ 1:47 PM   

 
And one more from "Town Talk"...

Election about God, gays and guns

God didn't help Bush get re-elected because God is against war and the death penalty. The Pope is the real leader of the Catholic Church. Arch Bishop Burke is not the leader of the Catholic Church. Real moral values are not going to war and killing our young soldiers or innocent people. Real moral values are taking care of our own people who are hungry and out of jobs, not spending 200 billion dollars in Iraq. This war was Bush's choosing not a necessity. This election was about God, gays and guns not the important issues like jobs, social security, healthcare and the deficit. We got the shaft.

"God is against war and the death penalty." How can this statement be reconciled with Sacred Scripture? Simply put, it cannot be. Certainly, God is against unjust wars and the unjust application of the death penalty, but the statement made above is patently false and demonstrates an ignorance of God and God's Revelation.

"Archbishop Burke is not the leader of the Catholic Church." Contrary to this opinion, he is a legitimate successor of the Apostles, and as such, he is the leader of the Church in the Archdiocese of St. Louis and is in union with the Holy Father.

"Real moral values are not going to war and killing our young soldiers or innocent people." Sometimes, war is inevitable, and may even be the only morally obligatory thing to do. The intentional killing of innocent human beings is ALWAYS wrong and immoral - this includes unborn children. It appears that someone has not read the Catechism to obtain a basic understanding of what is moral and what is not.

"Real moral values are taking care of our own people who are hungry and out of jobs." And as Christians, we should be doing all we can to help those people. However, it not the responsibility of government to provide jobs to those who do not have them. Its policies should enable business to grow in such a manner as to permit job creation. Government should refrain from creating policies which stifle and choke businesses which result in job loss.

"This election was about God, gays and guns..." Pure speculation, unsupported by any factual data.

"We got the shaft." God does, indeed, work in mysterious way, does He not?

Source.
- posted by LRS @ 6:59 AM   

 
Results of Public Education or Genetic Manipulation
Some more Town Talk excerpts for the Post

Tax the clergy

READING YOUR COLUMN in the paper I think its high time that the government starts charging the churches and especially the Catholic Church for taxes. I think the church itself should be tax free, but I think all the properties and all the things that they own, their home and everything, should be taxed like any other person that lives in this world. And it seems like these preachers and priests all have something to say on how we vote, how we live and what we eat. I think it's high time that they live like we do. If they want us to live like they do then they should pay taxes like we do.

Unless something has changed, they do pay taxes...

Catholic slant

AS A LIFE-LONG citizen and Catholic, I can't thank Archbishop Burke, the other archbishops and the clergy of other states for their campaigning to help the Republican party. Due to their direct efforts, the citizens of the United States will be subject to four more years of more intrinsic evils than can be listed in the time allowed. By the way, members of the clergy did you notice that California under the leadership of a Republican governor voted Nov. 2 to fund stem-cell research?

As a life-long Catholic, it appears you have failed...buy a catechism and read it. Re-read Archbishop Burke's Pastoral Letter. Get prepared for the test which will result in where you spend eternity. You won't want to flunk that one like you have failed so far...

Beer and wenches

THIS IS FOR the drunken Catholic caller that quoted Benjamin Franklin as for as beer goes. Well, Benjamin Franklin also said that when a man is choosing a mistress he should chose an older woman because they are so grateful. So I think we should all go out and get ourselves good and liquored up, go pick up some old gal and head for the nearest Catholic church picnic.

Do this guy know how to party or what?
Source.
- posted by LRS @ 6:58 AM   

 
Bishops reject Bible tutorial
The headline really doesn't tell the whole story. The bishops actually rejected a proposal to produce another document to 'enlighten' Catholics on how to study the Bible. One bishop who favored the motion to remand it back to committee, actually stated that Catholics could study the Catechism to learn how to read the Bible. Now there's a novel idea...However, it doesn't pay the same to bureaucrats at the USCCB.

After watching the discussion, I was pleased that the conference voted to remand the proposed document back to committee. For one of the very few times in my life, I agreed with Cincinnati Archbishop Daniel E. Pilarczyk.

Monday, the bishops approved a resolution which would develop a means to assign priorities to projects and, hopefully, to reduce the number of largely unread documents coming out of the USCCB. This was the point of Archbishop Pilarczyk's motion - to abide by the previous day's vote.

A USCCB administrative committee approved $150,000 for a study on how Catholics use the Bible, using funds from the sale of the New American Bible.

Source.




- posted by LRS @ 6:35 AM   

 
Nov 17 Gospel, Memorial: St. Elizabeth of Hungary, Religious
Gospel From: Luke 19:11-28

Parable of the Pounds
---------------------
[11] As they heard these things, He (Jesus) proceeded to tell a parable, because He was near to Jerusalem, and because they supposed that the Kingdom of God was to appear immediately.
[12] He said therefore, "A nobleman went into a far country to receive kingly power and then return.
[13] Calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten pounds, and said to them, `Trade with these till I come.'
[14] But his citizens hated him and sent an embassy after him saying, `We do not want this man to reign over us.'
[15] When he returned, having received the kingly power, he commanded these servants, to whom he had given the money, to be called to him, that he might know what they had gained by trading.
[16] The first came before him, saying, `Lord, your pound has made ten pounds more.'
[17] And he said to him, `Well done, good servant! Because you have been faithful in a very little, you shall have authority over ten cities.'
[18] And the second came, saying, `Lord, your pound has made five pounds.'
[19] And he said to him, `And you are to be over five cities.'
[20] Then another came, saying, `Lord, here is your pound, which I kept laid away in a napkin;
[21] for I was afraid of you, because you are a severe man; you take up what you did not lay down, and reap what you did not sow.'
[22] He said to him, `I will condemn you out of your own mouth, you wicked servant! You knew that I was a severe man, taking up what I did not lay down and reaping what I did not sow?
[23] Why then did you not put my money into the bank, and at my coming I should have collected it with interest?'
[24] And he said to those who stood by, `Take the pound from him, and give it to him who has the ten pounds.'
[25] (And they said to him, `Lord, he has ten pounds!')
[26] `I tell you, that to every one who has will more be given; but from him who has not, even what he has will be taken away.
[27] But as for these enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, bring them here and slay them before me.'"

The Messiah Enters the Holy City
--------------------------------
[28] And when He had said this, He went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem.
***********
Commentary:
11. The disciples had a wrong concept of the Kingdom of Heaven: they thought it was about to happen and they saw it in earthly terms: they envisaged Jesus conquering the Roman tyrant and immediately establishing the Kingdom in the holy city of Jerusalem, and that when that happened they would hold privileged positions in the Kingdom. There is always a danger of Christians failing to grasp the transcendent, supernatural character of the Kingdom of God in this world, that is, the Church, which "has but one sole purpose--that the Kingdom of God may come and the salvation of the human race may be accomplished." (Vatican II, "Gaudium Et Spes", 45).

Through this parable our Lord teaches us that, although His reign has begun, it will only be fully manifested later on. In the time left to us we should use all the resources and graces God gives us, in order to merit the reward.

13. The "mina", here translated as "pound", was worth about 35 grammes of gold. This parable is very like the parable of the talents reported in St. Matthew (cf. 25:14-30).

14. The last part of this verse, although it has a very specific context, reflects the attitude of many people who do not want to bear the sweet yoke of our Lord and who reject Him as king. "There are millions of people in the world who reject Jesus Christ in this way; or rather they reject His shadow, for they do not know Christ. They have not seen the beauty of His face; they do not realize how wonderful His teaching is. This sad state of affairs makes me want to atone to our Lord. When I hear that endless clamor--expressed more in ignoble actions than in words--I feel the need to cry out, `He must reign!' (1 Corinthians 15:25)" ([St] J. Escriva, "Christ Is Passing By", 179).

17. God counts on our fidelity in little things, and the greater our effort in this regard the greater the reward we will receive: "Because you have been `in pauca fidelis', faithful in small things, come and join in your Master's happiness. The words are Christ's. `In pauca fidelis!... Now will you neglect little things, if Heaven itself is promised to those who mind them?" ([St] J. Escriva, "The Way", 819).

24-26. God expects us to strive to put to good use the gifts we have received--and He lavishly rewards those who respond to His grace. The king in the parable is shown to be very generous towards his servants--and generous in rewarding those who managed to increase the money they were given. But he is very severe towards the lazy servant who was also the recipient of a gift from his Lord, who did not let it erode but guarded it carefully--and for this his king criticizes him: he failed to fulfill the just command the king gave him when he gave him the money: "Trade till I come." If we appreciate the treasures the Lord has given us--life, the gift of faith, grace--we will make a special effort to make them bear fruit--by fulfilling our duties, working hard and doing apostolate. "Don't let your life be barren. Be useful. Make yourself felt. Shine forth with the torch of your faith and your love. With your apostolic life, wipe out the trail of filth and slime left by the corrupt sowers of hatred. And set aflame all the ways of the earth with the fire of Christ that you bear in your heart" ([St] J. Escriva, "The Way", 1).

28. Normally in the Gospels when there is mention of going to the Holy City it is in terms of "going up" to Jerusalem (cf. Matthew 20:18; John 7:8), probably because geographically the city is located on Mount Zion. Besides, since the temple was the religious and political center, going up to Jerusalem had also a sacred meaning of ascending to the holy place, where sacrifices were offered to God.

Particularly in the Gospel of St. Luke, our Lord's whole life is seen in terms of a continuous ascent towards Jerusalem, where His self-surrender reaches its high point in the redemptive sacrifice of the Cross. Here Jesus is on the point of entering the city, conscious of the fact that His passion and death are imminent.
**************************
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland.

Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.
- posted by LRS @ 12:15 AM   

 
Nov 17 Reading, Memorial: St. Elizabeth of Hungary, Religious
Reading From: Revelation 4:1-11

God in Majesty
--------------
[1] After this I looked, and lo, in heaven an open door! And the first voice, which I had heard speaking to me like a trumpet, said, "Come up hither, and I will show you what must take place after this."
[2] At once I was in the Spirit, and lo, a throne stood in heaven, with one seated on the throne!
[3] And he who sat there appeared like jasper and carnelian, and round the throne was a rainbow that looked like an emerald.
[4] Round the throne were twenty-four thrones, and seated on the thrones were twenty-four elders, clad in white garments, with golden crowns upon their heads.
[5] From the throne issue flashes of lighting, and voices and peals of thunders and before the throne burn seven torches of fire, which are the seven spirits of God; [6] and before the throne there is as it were a sea of glass, like crystal.

And round the throne, on each side of the throne, are four living creatures, full of eyes in front and behind: [7] the first living creature like a lion, the second living creature like an ox, the third living creature with the face of a man, and the fourth living creature like a flying eagle. [8] And the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes all round and within, and day and night they never cease to sing, "Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!"

[9] And whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to him who is seated on the throne, who lives for ever and ever, [10] the twenty-four elders fall down before him who is seated on the throne and worship him who lives for ever and ever; they cast their crowns before the throne, singing, [11] "Worthy art thou, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for thou didst create all things, and by thy will they existed and were created."
************
Commentary:
1. The second part of the Apocalypse begins at this point and extends to the start of the Epilogue. The author describes visions concerning the future of mankind, particularly the ultimate outcome of history when our Lord Jesus Christ will obtain the final victory, at his second coming. It begins with a formal introduction (chaps. 4-5); this is followed by a first section as it were (6:11-11:14) covering the visions of the seven seals and the first six trumpets, which describes the event prior to the final battle. The war begins with the sound of the seventh trumpet and it goes on (this is the second section 11:15-22:5) until the beast is completely routed and the Kingdom of God is definitively established in the heavenly Jerusalem.

This introductory vision (chaps 4-5) begins with God in heaven in all his glory being worshipped and celebrated by all creation (chap. 4). He alone controls the destiny of the world and the Church.

Only Jesus knows God's salvific plans, and he, through his death and resurrection, reveals them to us. All this is expressed in chapter 4 by the image of the Lamb who is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.

1-3. The risen and glorified Christ, who spoke to St John previously (cf. 1:10-13), now invites him, in a new vision, to go up into heaven to be told God's plan for the world. "I looked," "I was in the Spirit," "I went up to heaven" all describe the same phenomenon--God revealing something to the writer. Because the things he is being told are things man could not possibly discover for himself, the writer speaks about going up to heaven: this enables him to contemplate heavenly things, that is, God. Going up to heaven is the same as being in ecstacy, "being in the Spirit", being taken over by the Holy Spirit so as to be able to understand what God wants to reveal to him (cf. note on 1:10).

He is going to be shown "what must take place after this"; it is something which has already begun to happen in the writer's own time but it will not reach its climax until the end of the world. The revelation he is given shows him the ultimate meaning of contemporary events, the outcome of which is guaranteed by the authority of the revealer, Jesus Christ.

The description given here of heaven stresses the majesty and power of God. Heaven is depicted with a throne at its center, an image taken from Isaiah (cf. Is 6:1) and Ezekiel (cf. Ezek 1:26-28; 10:1). God's appearance is described in terms of the vivid coloring of precious stones; this avoids the danger of defining God in human terms (an inversion of values). The rainbow round the throne further emphasizes the sublimity of God and is also a reminder (cf. Gen 9:12-17) of God's merciful promise never to destroy mankind.

4. God's sovereignty over the world--as symbolized by the throne--is shared in by others whom the vision also portrays as seated on thrones. They are symbolically described as twenty-four elders who act as a kind of heavenly council or senate. These elders appear frequently in the course of the book, always positioned beside God, rendering him tribute of glory and worship (cf. 4:10; 5:9; 19:4), offering him the prayers of the faithful (cf. 5:8) or explaining events to the seer (cf. 5:5; 7:13). It is not clear whether they stand for angels or saints; the Fathers and recent commentators offer both interpretations.

The symbolic number (twenty-four) and the way they are described suggest that they stand for saints in the glory of heaven. They are twenty-four --twelve plus twelve, that is, the number of the tribes of Israel plus that of the Apostles. Our Lord in fact promised the latter that they would sit on thrones (cf. Mt 19:28). The twenty-four elders, then, would represent the heavenly Church, which includes the old and the new Israel and which, in heaven, renders God the tribute of perfect praise and intercedes for the Church on earth. The number twenty-four has also been seen as reflecting the twenty-four priestly classes of Judaism, thereby emphasizing the liturgical dimension of heaven (cf. 1 Chron 24: 7-18; 25:1, 9-13). Whichever is the case, the white garments indicate that they have achieved everlasting salvation (cf. 3:5); and the golden crowns stand for the reward they have earned (cf. 2:10), or theprominence among Christians, who have been promised that, if they come
out victorious, they will sit on Christ's throne (cf. 3:21).

Through these visions laden with symbolism the Apocalypse shows the solidarity that exists between the Church triumphant and the Church militant--specifically, the connection between the praise that is rendered God in heaven and that which we offer him on earth, in the liturgy. The Second Vatican Council refers to this: "In the earthly liturgy we take part in the foretaste of that heavenly liturgy which is celebrated in the Holy City of Jerusalem toward which we journey as pilgrims, where Christ is sitting at the right hand of God [...]. With all the warriors of the heavenly army we sing a hymn of glory to the Lord; venerating the memory of the saints, we hope for some part and fellowship with them; we eagerly await the Savior, our Lord Jesus Christ, until he our life shall appear and we too will appear with him in glory" ("Sancrosanctum Concilium", 8).

5. This vision is similar to the Old Testament theophanies, especially that of Sinai. There too the Lord's presence was revealed with thunder and lightning (cf. Ex 19:16). Storms are frequently used to symbolize the salvific power and majesty of God at the moment of revelation (cf. Ps 18:14; 50:3; etc.). Further on, the author will again describe, in more detail, the signs accompanying God's self-revealing; this gives the book a sense of on-going revelation with an increasing tempo (cf. Rev 8:5; 11:19; 16:18; etc.). It is generally accepted Church tradition to interpret fire as a manifestation of the Spirit of God. On the seven spirits, see the note on 1:4.

6-7. To describe the majesty of God, St John uses symbols which are sometimes quite difficult to interpret. This is the case with the sea as transparent as glass, and the four living creatures round the throne and on each side of it. The scene may be a kind of heavenly replica of the arrangements in Solomon's temple where there stood in front of the Holy of Holies a huge water container called the "molten sea" supported by figures of oxen, twelve in number (cf. 1 Kings 7:23-26; 2 Chron 4: 2-5). This similarity between heaven and the temple would be a way of expressing the connection between liturgy on earth and worship of God in heaven.

The crystal sea may also be an allusion to God's absolute dominion over all forms of authority on earth. In biblical tradition the sea is often used as a symbol for the powers of darkness (cf. Rev 13:1; 21:1). To God, however, the sea is crystal-clear, that is, he is its master; cf. the way the spirit of God moved over the surface of the waters in Genesis 1:2.

Elsewhere in the Apocalypse (15:2) it speaks of the sea of glass supporting the blessed while they praise God: just as the Israelites passed through the Red Sea, so those who have conquered the beast will cross this solid sea to make their way to God.

The author of the Book of Revelation avails of images used by the prophets to describe the glory of Yahweh. The four living creatures are very like those in the prophet Ezekiel's vision of the chariot of the Lord drawn by four angels representing intelligence, nobility, strength and agility (cf. Ezek 1:10; 10:12; Is 6:2).

Christian tradition going back as far as St Irenaeus has interpreted these four creatures as standing for the four evangelists because they "carry" Jesus Christ to men. The one with the face of a man is St Matthew, who starts his book with the human genealogy of Christ; the lion stands for St Mark: his Gospel begins with the voice crying in the wilderness (which is where the lion's roar can be heard); the ox is a reference to the sacrifices in the temple of Jerusalem, which is where St Luke begins his account of Christ's life, and the eagle represents St John, who soars to the heights to contemplate the divinity of the Word.

8-11. The chant of the four living creatures is virtually the same as that which the prophet Isaiah heard the six-winged seraphim sing in his vision of God in the temple of Jerusalem (cf. Is 6: 1-3). St John changes the ending by bringing in the new name of God which is an elaboration of the name "Yahweh" (cf. note on Rev 1:4). The four creatures (who, because there are four of them stand for government of the entire universe) take the lead in worshipping and praising God; but they are joined by all the people of God, as represented by the twenty-four elders, that is, the Church victorious in heaven. They throw down their crowns to show that they realize their victory is due to God, and that all power belongs to him. Essentially what they are praising here is God as creator. By reporting this vision the author of the Apocalypse is inviting the pilgrim Church on earth to associate with the worship and praise offered God the creator in heaven.

The Church uses these words of praise in its eucharistic liturgy: at the end of the Preface, it chants the angelic Sanctus in preparation for the Canon. This angelic chant, performed as it is in heaven and on earth, reminds us of the sublimity of the Mass, where the worship of God crosses the frontiers of time and space and has a positive influence on the entire world, for, "through the communion of the saints, all Christians receive grace from every Mass that is celebrated, regardless of whether there is an attendance of thousands or whether it is only a boy with his mind on other things who is there to serve. In either case, heaven and earth join with the angels of the Lord to sing: "Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus ..." ([St] J. Escriva, "Christ Is Passing By", 88). The saintly Cure of Ars refers to this intercommunion of praise and thanksgiving, of grace and forgiveness: "The Holy Mass is a source of joy to all the heavenly court; it alleviates the poor souls in purgatory; it draws down to earth all kinds of blessings; and it gives more glory to God than all the sufferings of all the martyrs taken together, than all the penances of all the hermits, than all the tears shed for them [the holy souls] since time began and all that will be shed from now till the end of time" ("Selected Sermons", second Sunday after Pentecost).
********************

- posted by LRS @ 12:08 AM   

 
Waiting for the calls for the lions...???

Catholic League president William Donohue called attention today to the anti-Christian explosion under way at the Village Voice:

Sharon Lerner...makes it clear that it is the Christians she fears.

Michael Feingold says: "Christianity as currently preached and practiced in Middle America is virtually Satan, by the standards of anyone who strives to follow the teachings of Jesus.”

Sydney H. Schanberg states: “there’s a feel of holy-war fever in America.”

Source.
- posted by LRS @ 7:34 PM   

 
Kudos to Fr. William Cleary of Andover, Mass.

Pro-Abortion Legislator Outraged over Priest's Direction to Quit Church Choir

ANDOVER, Massachusetts, November 16, 2004 (LifeSiteNews.com) -St. Augustine's Catholic church in Andover has a choir and state Rep. Barbara L'Italien likes to sing. The pro-abortion politician is a cantor and head of the parish youth choir and has refused to quit when asked by Fr. William Cleary, the new priest. She says she will only leave the volunteer post if she receives the request in writing.

Email your support of Fr. Cleary for his courageous stance to:
Fr. Cleary's e-mail: StAugCC@comcast.net

Source.



- posted by LRS @ 7:30 PM   

 
Jan 14-16, Marian Conference of St Louis
Mark your calendars for this very special event...Friday, Saturday and Sunday, January 14-16, 2005, at the Adam's Mark Hotel in downtown St. Louis.

WELCOME TO THE 6TH ANNUAL ST. LOUIS MARIAN CONFERENCE

Marian Conference of St. Louis 2005 to be held January 14, 15, 16, 2005
at the Adam's Mark Hotel in downtown St. Louis, Missouri

Raymond L. Burke, Archbishop of St. Louis, will open the Conference on Friday, January 14th at 4:30 p.m.

Confirmed speakers are:
Father Charles Becker,
Patty Schneier,
Father Mitch Pacwa, S.J.,
Father Eugene Morris,
Msgr. John J. Hickel,
Rosalind Moss,
Colleen & John Willard,
Raymond Arroyo,
Father Bill Casey,
Michael Cumbie,
and Wayne Weible.

Mark Forrest, International Irish Tenor, in Concert Friday.

Cost for the 3-day event is only $35 ($40 after 12/28); ($40 at the door);
($40 for Saturday only); (group of 8 or more $25 prior to 12/28); Young Adults $15; Children (5-11) $5. Registration for Priests, Deacons, Vowed Religious is no
charge.

Gift registrations are available.

The Conference will be held at the Adam's Mark Hotel in downtown St. Louis which
is located 20 minutes from Lambert International Airport. When making your reservations at the Adam's Mark, please ask for the discounted rates for the Conference of $67 + tax (single or double occupancy) $77 + tax (triple or quad).
Please make hotel reservations early: 1-800-444-ADAM.

Jean Ann and Joe Hand will provide the music ministry for the entire weekend.

TO REGISTER FOR THE CONFERENCE: Please provide name, address, city, state, zip code, phone number, e-mail address by calling or faxing the Marian Centre of St. Louis, 8015 Monroe Street, St. Louis, MO. 63114
Phone (314) 423-1075 - fax (314) 423-9973. E-mail : efinneran@aol.com

VISA, MC, DISCOVER charges are acceptable which would require the usual:
Account Number___________________________Exp. Date____/____
Name on Card ____________________________

- posted by LRS @ 5:26 PM   

 
How is it possible? Where is Cardinal Arinze when we need him?
Bishop Trautman has been selected as the head of the Bishops Committee on the Liturgy.

I wish I knew the vote count...my guess is that it may be similar to the number who selected Bp. Skylstad as President...

The BCL slides further and further into decay...I can't wait to see the reruns tonight!

Some details:

In the 1990s, Bishop Trautman led opposition to the Holy See's intervention in translation both of Scripture (Lectionary) and other liturgical translations (International Commission on English in the Liturgy's "Sacramentary" revision).

"When we encounter those who advocate a 'reform of the reform', we must say, 'Do not quench the Spirit'. The Holy Spirit was present at Vatican II and gave us new liturgical direction. When we encounter people who harken back to rigidity in rubrics, we must say. 'Do not quench the Spirit'. When inculturation is denied and one liturgical form is forced on all, we must say, 'Do not quench the Spirit'. When the Scripture translations in our Lectionary are flawed and not proclaimable, we must say, 'Give us the richness of God's Word: Do not quench the Spirit'. The Holy Spirit prompted the renewal and reform of the liturgy. Now, more than ever, we must say, 'Do not quench the Spirit'".

"When such Roman liturgical drafts call us to return to a liturgical mentality prior to Vatican II, we need to say to one another: Keep up your courage. When liturgical expertise is not respected, we must say to one another: Keep up your courage. When fundamental principles of liturgical renewal are reversed, we must remind one another: Keep up your courage. When liturgical offices are closed and liturgical budgets are slashed, we must say to one another: Keep up your courage. When we see liturgical renewal still wanting in many parishes and when we feel the pain of the clerical sex abuse scandal and its impact on worshipping assemblies and presiders, let us give hope to one another".

Source here (Adoremus) and here.
- posted by LRS @ 12:21 PM   

 
Please, Show Your Support for Archbishop Burke
It seems that Archbishop Burke has been inundated recently with letters and petitions from a number of people from St. Agatha's parish concerning its possible closing and the transfer of the Tridentine Mass to St. Francis de Sales. For the record, I too, would prefer to see St. Agatha's stay open, however, when the Archbishop renders his decision, we should abide by it. It is certainly not beyond the realm of possibilities that St. Agatha may remain open. Besides sending charitable letters, one should also pray fervently.

A couple of things come to mind:
First, if anyone is complaining about what the Archbishop is doing, it would seem unlikely that he (the one complaining) possesses the vision of Archbishop Burke in this matter. As a strong promoter and defender of the Tridentine Mass, it seems that those who are accustomed to the Latin Mass should be grateful that the Archbishop is taking steps to ensure that it will be available to all who desire it, even if it may not be in the same church building.

Secondly, with Fr. Rodis getting up in years, Archbishop Burke should be supported in his efforts to be proactive in establishing priests in the diocese who will be able to fulfill the desires of the faithful with regard to the Latin Mass. Unless, there is some miraculous intervention, I don't believe Fr. Rodis is going to live forever, and he currently has some medical problems. If something were to happen to Fr. Rodis, God forbid, what would these people then do? Petition the Archbishop, perhaps?

I wish to pass on a suggestion which was made to me the other evening. This suggestion applies to all, whether or not they attend the Latin Mass, since Archbishop Burke's vision certainly goes beyond this. Please write a letter of support , a letter of encouragement, or a letter of thanks to Archbishop Burke and do it today.

As a strong defender of the faith and a faithful shepherd of the Church, he is attacked from all sides daily. Please take this moment to write a note or letter to Archbishop Burke. It could be a simple as telling him that he is in your daily prayers, or an encouragement to keep up the good work he is doing.

Let's try to mitigate any negative correspondence he has received recently for whatever reason by showing our support for him and his efforts to lead us toward Christ and the Kingdom of Heaven. Assure him of your prayers for his intentions and for him personally.

Also if time permits, write letters of support and encouragement to those deacons, priests, or others whom you know to be defenders of the faith and devoted to Our Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Father.

His mailing address is:
Most Reverend Raymond L. Burke
Archdiocese of St. Louis
4445 Lindell Boulevard
St. Louis, MO 63108

If you wish to fax your note or letter, the number is: 314-633-2302.

One last request, lest we forget - let us avail ourselves of these means of prayer for Archbishop Burke, our priests and religious, for the Holy Father, and for the Church:
Attend Daily Mass, if at all possible
Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration
The Holy Rosary
The Chaplet of Divine Mercy
The Litanies
The Liturgy of the Hours

- posted by LRS @ 7:00 AM   

 
Great News! McChesney out!

The former FBI agent who established the child protection office created by U.S. Roman Catholic bishops said Monday she will step down in February after more than two years on the job.

Kathleen McChesney said she has fulfilled her commitment to set up the Office for Child and Youth Protection and is ready to leave.

Adios, Kathleen!

Article.

As an aside, I got the impression last night watching the Bishops' meeting that the Pro-Abortion Pamela Hayes is no longer on the National Review Board...I may have to watch it again to be certain, but that's what Bishop Gregory seemed to say, I think.
- posted by LRS @ 6:28 AM   

 
Homosexuals upset with National Catechism draft

A draft already is circulating among Catholics. Two people from metro Detroit who traveled to Washington this week to protest against the bishops' antigay activism already have criticized the catechism.


"It's just more of the same stuff they've been saying all along," Paul Mattson, a social worker from Detroit, said of the text condemning gay relationships. "The biggest reason I'm not Catholic anymore is that I'm gay and there's an obvious conflict here."

Does he really think that God would approve his actions? But of course, those opposed to the truth and the good maintain that the Church should disregard the divine and natural laws to accomodate anyone with sinful inclinations. Pray for them.

Link.


- posted by LRS @ 6:21 AM   

 
Post Dispatch Continues Series on St. Thomas Aquinas Seminary
As scandal breaks, the search for truth begins
- posted by LRS @ 6:12 AM   

 
Will the Post Dispatch do a followup report as suggested here?

Why does the Post-Dispatch continue to bash the Catholic church and dredge up old news for its front page? Due to your comprehensive reporting, the readers should be more than fully informed about the Catholic church priest sex abuse problem.

Facts that may not be reported are:

On Feb. 27, The John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York issued a comprehensive accounting of abuse in the Catholic church. The report found that 4,392 priests allegedly abused minors between 1950 and 2002. That amounts to 4 percent of priests who served during that time period.

A report commissioned by the U.S. Department of Education in compliance with the No Child Left Behind Law found that between 6 percent and 10 percent of public school children across the country have been sexually abused or harassed by school employees and teachers. The report, issued this March, is very disturbing and more worthy than the back-page attention it received.

Can one hope that a follow-up article will focus on sexual abuse in other religions and in our public school system? The tragedy of sexual abuse is not just a Catholic problem that will go away once the guilty priests are punished.

Christine Mejia
Rock Hill

I suspect that this Letter to the Editor will be the extent of the Post's reporting because, it seems, facts tend to get in the way when it comes to reports on the Catholic Church.

Source.
- posted by LRS @ 6:08 AM   

 
Vatican backs Archbishop Burke on St. Stanislaus

A ruling from Rome has dealt a blow to parishioners at St. Stanislaus Kostka church in a dispute with the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of St. Louis over control of the church, its property and its purse strings.

The Congregation for the Clergy, the Vatican office that handles parish matters, rejected a petition from parishioners seeking to retain control of the St. Louis church.

"It's devastating for us," said Roger Krasnicki, a spokesman for St. Stanislaus. "We had hoped there would be a more conciliatory approach to this."

Krasnicki called the decree "hogwash" but said there was little recourse left within canon law and said a suit under civil law was not an option. Nonetheless, the battle is not over, he said.

"We're not ready to cave in to the archdiocese on this," he said. "We have to sit down and decide what our options are."

They appealed to the Vatican but the Vatican's ruling is "hogwash"...One wonders why the appeal was submitted if a negative ruling was to be rejected. It's time for those who claim to be Catholic and represent St. Stanislaus demonstrate humility and repentance for the situation they have caused and practice obedience to the Church and hierarchy of which they claim to belong. Their childish antics have gone on far too long.

Article.
- posted by LRS @ 6:01 AM   

 
Maintaining the Status Quo at the USCCB
Apparently not eager to break with 'tradition' in electing a new conference president, 52% of the bishops chose Bishop William S. Skylstad of Spokane, WA, over others in the first round of voting. It took three votes to choose the VP.

The sad part of this is that Archbishop Chaput garnered a mere 6 votes in the first round of balloting for the president's position.

Clerics decide upon Gregory's successor
- posted by LRS @ 5:40 AM   

 
Dec 5 - An Open House at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary
On December 5, 2004, from 2:00pm -5:00pm, Meet the priests of tomorrow today!

Tours will be given during this time.

o Refreshments will be served
o Explore the Seminary grounds
o Meet your future priests
o Find out more about Seminary Life
o Take a guided tour with your family

Please join the seminarians later in the evening for the Christmas Novena at 7:30pm.

www.kenrickparish.com

For more information, call 314-792-6100.
- posted by LRS @ 2:09 AM   

 
Deeper and deeper into the abyss...
The phrase "Man and Woman" doesn't really mean male and female in the Nazareth of Jesus' life anymore...

The Nazareth District Court ruled 2-1 yesterday that Israel is required to recognize inheritance rights between homosexual couples....the judges said the phrase "man and woman" does not mean "not a man and a man" or "not a woman and a woman," but rather "a couple who is not married."

Words no longer mean anything - the destruction of culture goes hand-in-hand with the destruction of language. Reality is whatever one wishes it to be...The truth is a lie, lies are the truth...Light is darkness, virtue is vice, good is evil, and so on and on and on...to utter and complete destruction. The learned and 'enlightened' judges have become complete fools, deceived by their own confused minds.

Source.






- posted by LRS @ 1:49 AM   

 
Pressure Against Specter Continues to Build: Opponents Not Letting Up

Pressure to keep Senator Arlen Specter out of the Chairmanship of the Senate Judicial Committee is beginning to have an effect.

Last week, Specter, after making weak assurances of impartiality, was embarrassed again when newspaper interviews and a fundraising letter he had written in 1995 showed him to be an active promoter of abortion and the anti-Christian movement in the US government.

Chris Slattery, a pro-life leader from New York who is helping to organize the protest said, "The lives of many millions of unborn children are in the hands of future Supreme Court justices. Sen. Specter 'Borked' Judge Robert Bork and now all judicial conservatives are in his sights. He must not become chairman or our children are in peril."

To Contact Senator Frist:
Office of Senator Bill Frist
461 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
202-224-3344
202-228-1264 (fax)

LifeSite article here.
- posted by LRS @ 1:46 AM   

 
Gospel for Tuesday, 33rd Week in Ordinary Time
Gospel From: Luke 19:1-10
The Conversion of Zacchaeus
---------------------------
[1] He (Jesus) entered Jericho and was passing through. [2] And there was a rich man named Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector, and rich. [3] And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not, on account of the crowd, because he was small of stature. [4] So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him, for He was to pass that way. [5] And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and said to him, "Zacchaeus, make haste and come down; for I must stay at your house today." [6] So he made haste and came down, and received Him joyfully. [7] And when they saw it they all murmured, "He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner." [8] And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, "Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have defrauded any one of anything, I restore it fourfold." [9] And Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. [10] For the Son of Man came to seek and save the lost."
************
Commentary:
1-10. Jesus Christ is the Savior of mankind; He has healed many sick people, has raised the dead to life and, particularly, has brought forgiveness of sin and the gift of grace to those who approach Him in faith. As in the case of the sinful woman (cf. Luke 7:36-50), here He brings salvation to Zacchaeus, for the mission of the Son of Man is to save that which was lost.

Zacchaeus was a tax collector and, as such, was hated by the people, because the tax collectors were collaborators of the Roman authorities and were often guilty of abuses. The Gospel implies that this man also had things to seek forgiveness for (cf. verses 7-10). Certainly he was very keen to see Jesus (no doubt moved by grace) and he did everything he could to do so. Jesus rewards his efforts by staying as a guest in his house. Moved by our Lord's presence Zacchaeus begins to lead a new life.

The crowd begin to grumble against Jesus for showing affection to a man they consider to be an evildoer. Our Lord makes no excuses for his behavior: He explains that this is exactly why He has come--to seek out sinners. He is putting into practice the parable of the lost sheep (cf. Luke 15:4-7), which was already prophesied in Ezekiel: "I will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed, and I will bind up the crippled, and I will strengthen the weak" (34:16).

4. Zacchaeus wants to see Jesus, and to do so he has to go out and mix with the crowd. Like the blind man of Jericho he has to shed any kind of human respect. In our own search for God we should not let false shame or fear of ridicule prevent us from using the resources available to us to meet our Lord. "Convince yourself that there is no such thing as ridicule for whoever is doing what is best" ([Blessed] J. Escriva, "The Way", 392).

5-6. This is a very good example of the way God acts to save men. Jesus calls Zacchaeus personally, using his name, suggesting he invite Him home. The Gospel states that Zacchaeus does so promptly and joyfully. This is how we should respond when God calls us by means of grace.

8. Responding immediately to grace, Zacchaeus makes it known that he will restore fourfold anything he obtained unjustly--thereby going beyond what is laid down in the Law of Moses (cf. Exodus 21:37f). And in generous compensation he gives half his wealth to the poor. "Let the rich learn", St. Ambrose comments, "that evil does not consist in having wealth, but in not putting it to good use; for just as riches are an obstacle to evil people, they are also a means of virtue for good people" ("Expositio Evangelii Sec. Lucam, in loc."). Cf. note on Luke 16:9-11).

10. Jesus' ardent desire to seek out a sinner to save him fills us with hope of attaining eternal salvation. "He chooses a chief tax collector: who can despair when such a man obtains grace?" (St. Ambrose, "Expositio Evangelii Sec. Lucam, in loc.").
*********
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland.

Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.
- posted by LRS @ 12:41 AM   

 
Reading for Tuesday, 33rd Week in Ordinary Time
Reading From: Revelation 3:1-6, 14-22
Letter to the Church of Sardis
------------------------------
[1] "And to the angel of the church in Sardis write: 'The words of him who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. "'I know your works; you have the name of being alive, and you are dead. [2] Awake, and strengthen what remains and is on the point of death, for I have not found your works perfect in the sight of my God. [3] Remember then what you received and heard; keep that, and repent. If you will not awake, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come upon you. [4] Yet you have still a few names in Sardis, people who have not soiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white, for they are worthy. [5] He who conquers shall be clad thus in white garments, and I will not blot his name out of the book of life; I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels. [6] He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.'

Letter to the Church of Laodicea
--------------------------------
[14] "And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: 'The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God's creation. [15] "'I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were cold or hot! [16] So, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew you out of my mouth. [17] For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing; not knowing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. [18] Therefore I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, that you may be rich, and white garments to clothe you and to keep the shame of your nakedness from being seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, that you may see. [19] Those whom I love, I reprove and chasten; so be zealous and repent. [20] Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if any one hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. [21] He who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I myself conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. [22] He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.'"
*********************
Commentary:
1. Sardis, about 50 kilometers (30 miles) south-east of Thyatira, was an important hub in the highway system; it was also famous for its acropolis, which was located in an unassailable position. Herodotus describes its inhabitants as immoral, licentious people (cf. "History", 1, 55). The Christians of the city were probably somewhat infected by the general atmosphere.

Christ is now depicted as possessing the fullness of the Spirit, with the power to effect radical change by sanctifying the churches from within (cf. note on 1:4). He is also portrayed as the sovereign Lord of the universal Church (cf. note on 2:1), ever ready to imbue it with new life.

The church of Sardis is accused of seeming to be alive but in fact being dead: in other words, although its external practice of religion makes it look Christian, most of its members (not all: cf. v. 4) are estranged from Christ, devoid of interior life, in a sinful condition. Anyone who lives like that is dead. Our Lord himself described the situation of the prodigal son as being a kind of death: "my son was dead, and is alive again", the father exclaims in the parable (Lk 15: 24); and St Paul invites Christians to offer themselves to God "as men who have been brought from death to life" (Rom 6:13). Now, in this passage of Revelation, we are told that the cause of this spiritual, but real, death is the fact that the works of this church are imperfect in the sight of God (v. 2); they were works which led to spiritual death, that is, what we would term mortal sins. "With the whole tradition of the Church", John Paul II says, "we call 'mortal sin' the act by which man freely and consciously rejects God, his law, the covenant of love that God offers, preferring to turn in on himself or to some created and finite reality, something contrary to the divine will ("conversio ad creaturam") [...]. Man perceives that this disobedience to God destroys the bond that unites him with his life-principle: it is a mortal sin, that is, an act which gravely offends God and ends in turning against man himself with a dark and powerful force of destruction" ("Reconciliatio Et Paenitentia", 17).

2-3. Vigilance is always necessary, particularly in certain situations like that of Sardis where there was a number of people who had not fallen victim to sin. In this kind of peril, Christians need to be alerted and confirmed in the faith. They need to remember what they learned at the beginning, when they were instructed in the faith, and try to bring their lives into line with that teaching. And so they are not simply exhorted to conversion but told how to go about it--by comparing their lives with the Word of God and making the necessary changes: "no one is safe if he ceases to strive against himself. Nobody can save himself by his own efforts. Everyone in the Church needs specific means to strengthen himself--humility, which disposes us to accept help and advice; mortifications, which temper the heart and allow Christ to reign in it; the study of abiding, sound doctrine, which leads us to conserve and spread our faith" ([St] J. Escriva, "Christ Is Passing By", 81).

"I will come like a thief": an image also found elsewhere in the New Testament (cf. Mt 24:42-51, Mk 13:36; Lk 12:39ff; 1 Thess 5:2; 2 Pet 3: 10). This does not mean that our Lord is lying in wait, ready to pounce on man when he is unawares, like a hunter waiting for his prey. It is simply a warning to us to live in the grace of God and be ready to render our account to him. If we do that we will not run the risk of being found empty-handed at the moment of death. "That day will come for us. It will be our last day, but we are not afraid of it. Trusting firmly in God's grace, we are ready from this very moment to be generous and courageous, and take loving care of little things: we are ready to go and meet our Lord, with our lamps burning brightly. For the feast of feasts awaits us in heaven" ([St] J. Escriva, "Friends of God", 40).

4-5. Despite the corrupt environment in which they were living, there were some Christians who had not been contaminated by the immoral cults and lifestyles of the pagans: their loyalty is symbolized by white garments. In the course of narrating his visions St John mentions white garments a number of times (cf. 7:9, 13; 15:6; 19:14); this color symbolizes purity and also the joy of victory.

The symbol of the "book of life", which occurs often in the Apocalypse (cf. 13:8; 17:8; 20:12, 15; 21:27; etc.), is taken from the Old Testament, where those who belong to the people of Israel are described as enrolled in the "book of the living", which is also referred to as the book of the Lord (cf. Ps 69:28; Ex 32:32ff). Those whose names are in the book will share in the promises of salvation (cf. Is 4:3), whereas those who are unfaithful to the Law will be excluded from the people of God and their names blotted out of the "book of the living". Other New Testament texts use the same image (cf., e.g., Lk 10:20; Phil 4:3).

The names of the victors will stay in the "book of life" which lists those who have proved loyal to Christ, as well as those who belonged to the people of Israel.

Finally, on Judgment Day, those Christians who have kept the faith, will be spoken for by Christ (cf. Mt 10:32; Lk 12:8).

14. Laodicea was a city on the border of Phrygia, about 75 kilometers (45 miles) south-west of Philadelphia. It is also mentioned by St Paul when he suggests to the Colossians that they exchange his letter to them for the one he sent the Laodiceans (cf. Col 4:16).

Jesus Christ is given the title of "the Amen"; a similar description is applied to Christ in 2 Corinthians 1:20. Both texts are instances of a divine name being applied to Christ, thereby asserting his divinity. "Amen", so be it, is an assertion of truth and veracity and connects with the title of "the true one" in the previous letter. It highlights the fact that our Lord is strong, dependable and unchangeable; the words that follow, "faithful and true witness", spell out the full meaning of the "Amen" title (cf. 1:5).

The most satisfactory interpretation of the phrase "the beginning of God's creation" is in terms of Jesus Christ's role in creation: for "all things were made through him" (Jn 1:3) and therefore he, along with the Father and the Holy Spirit, is the Creator of heaven and earth.

15-16. The prosperity Laodicea enjoyed may have contributed to the laxity and lukewarmness the church is accused of here (Israel tended to take the same direction when living was easy: the people would become forgetful of Yahweh and adopt an easy-going lifestyle: cf., e.g., Deut 31:20; 32:15; Hos 13:6; Jer 5:7).

The presence of hot springs close to the city explains the language used in this passage, which amounts to a severe indictment of lukewarmness. It shows God's repugnance for mediocrity and bourgeois living. As observed by Cassian, one of the founders of Western monasticism, lukewarmness is something that needs to be nipped in the bud: "No one should attribute his going astray to any sudden collapse, but rather [...] to his having moved away from virtue little by little, through prolonged mental laziness. That is the way bad habits gain round without one's even noticing it, and eventually lead to a sudden collapse. 'Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall' (Prov 16:18). The same thing happens with a house: it collapses one fine day due to some ancient defect in its foundation or long neglect by the occupiers" ("Collationes", VI, 17).

Spiritual lukewarmness and mediocrity are very closely related: neither is the route Christian life should take. As Monsignor Escriva puts it, "'In medio virtus'.... Virtue is to be found in the middle, so the saying goes, warning us against extremism. But do not make the mistake of turning that advice into a euphemism to disguise your own comfort, calculation, lukewarmness, easygoingness, lack of idealism and mediocrity.

"Meditate on these words of Sacred Scripture: 'Would that you were cold or hot. So, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew you out of my mouth"' ("Furrow", 541).

17-19. The Christians of Laodicea did not realize how precarious their spiritual situation was. The city's flourishing trade and industry, and the fact that the church was not being persecuted in any way, made them feel prosperous and content: they were proud as well as lukewarm. They had fallen victim to that self-conceit the wealthy are always inclined to feel and which moved our Lord to say that rich people enter heaven only with difficulty (cf. Mt 19:23); he often pointed to the dangers of becoming attached to material things (cf. Lk 1:53; 6:24; 12:21; 16:19-31; 18:23-25). The Laodiceans had become proud in their prosperity and did not see the need for divine grace (which is worth more than all the wealth in the world). As St Paul says in one of his letters: "Whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as refuse, in order that I may gain Christ" (Phil 3:7-8).

There was an important textile industry in Laodicea which specialized in the manufacture of black woolen cloth. Instead of wearing that material, the Laodiceans must dress in garments which only our Lord can provide and which are the mark of the elect (cf., e.g., Mt 17:2 and par; Rev 3:4-5; 7:9). The city was also famous for its oculists, like Zeuxis and Philetos, who had developed a very effective ointment for the eyes. Jesus offers an even better ointment--one which will show them the dangerous state they are in. This dire warning comes from God's love, not his anger: it is his affection that leads him to reprove and correct his people: 'the Lord reproves whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights" (Prov 3:12). After quoting these same words the Epistle to the Hebrews adds: "It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons" (12:7-8).

"Be zealous": stop being lukewarm and enter the fervor of charity, have an ardent zeal for the glory of God.

20-21. Christ knocking on the door is one of the most touching images in the Bible. It is reminiscent of the Song of Songs, where the bridegroom says, "Open to me, my sister, my dove, my perfect one; for my head is wet with dew, my locks with the drops of the might" (Song 5: 2). It is a way of describing God's love for us, inviting us to greater intimacy with him, as happens in a thousand ways in the course of our life. We should be listening for his knock, ready to open the door to Christ. A writer from the Golden Age of Spanish literature evokes this scene in poetry: "How many times the angel spoke to me:/'Look out of your window now,/you'll see how lovingly he calls and calls.'/ Yet, sovereign beauty, how often/I replied, 'We'll open for you tomorrow',/ to reply the same when the morrow came" (Lope de Vega, "Rimas Sacras", Sonnet 18).

Our Lord awaits our response to his call, and when we make the effort to revive our interior life we experience the indescribable joy of intimacy with him. "At first it will be a bit difficult. You must make an effort to seek out the Lord, to thank him for his fatherly and practical concern for us. Although it is not really a matter of feeling, little by little the love of God makes itself felt like a rustle in the soul. It is Christ who pursues us lovingly: 'Behold, I stand at the door and knock' (Rev 3:20). How is your life of prayer going? At times during the day don't you feel the impulse to have a longer talk with him? Don't you then whisper to him that you will tell him about it later, in a heart-to-heart conversation [...]. Prayer then becomes continuous, like the beating of our heart, like our pulse. Without this presence of God, there is no contemplative life; and without contemplative life, our working for Christ is worth very little, for vain is the builder's toil if the house is not of the Lord's building (cf. Ps 126:1)" ([St] J. Escriva, "Christ Is Passing By", 8).

Jesus promises that those who conquer will sit beside him on his throne. He gave a similar promise to St Peter about how the Apostles would sit on twelve thrones to Judge the twelve tribes of Israel (cf. Mt 19:28; 20:20ff). The "throne" is a reference to the sovereign authority Christ has received from the Father. Therefore, the promise of a seat beside him is a way of saying that those who stay faithful will share in Christ's victory and kingship (cf. 1 Cor 6:2-3).
*************

- posted by LRS @ 12:32 AM   

 
Bishop Gregory: Catholic Church leaders need to be more unified

In his final address as president, Gregory said there were times during the nearly three-year-long crisis when bishops clearly supported each other as they faced unprecedented criticism from the laity and general public. However, there were also moments when the Catholic prelates were divided.

"A strengthened sense of collegiality among ourselves can only redound to the common good of the church in the United States which we tend and love," he said as he opened the fall meeting of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. "It will also serve as a very important witness to our beloved nation of how religious and civil discourse can and must take place."

The fractures are evident. Unity and uniformity are issues which clearly cause confusion among the faithful.

Article.
- posted by LRS @ 10:38 AM   

 
Bishop Skylstad of Spokane elected President of USCCB...
with 52% of the vote. Cardinal George was elected Vice President of the conference.


- posted by LRS @ 10:12 AM   

 
Bishops at conference may take up issue of marriage

Has urged clarification on Communion
Some are pushing for major pastoral letter

At their annual general meeting that begins today in Washington, 290 U.S. Catholic bishops will consider whether to spend two years researching and writing a major pastoral letter on marriage.

The issue is one of several the bishops will take up this week and is a timely one given the visibility of the topic during the Nov. 2 election. Voters in all 11 states in which marriage was on the ballot voted to amend their state constitutions to ban same-sex marriage.

The subject [of Holy Communion for Pro-Abortion politicians] is important to St. Louis Archbishop Raymond Burke, who is one of a handful of American bishops who have been vocal about their belief that Catholic politicians who support abortion rights should not receive Holy Communion. In a June meeting, McCarrick's task force gave an interim report on their findings, and the body of bishops offered a public statement saying each bishop should decide his own diocese's policy on the matter.

Link.
- posted by LRS @ 7:00 AM   

 
EWTN's Coverage of the USCCB Meeting
All times EST

USCCB FALL SESSIONS, WASHINGTON D.C. (LIVE)
Gavel to gavel coverage of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Fall Sessions.

Monday November 15, 2004 9:00 AM
Monday November 15, 2004 2:00 PM
Tuesday November 16, 2004 9:00 AM
Tuesday November 16, 2004 2:00 PM
Wednesday November 17, 2004 9:00 AM
Wednesday November 17, 2004 2:00 PM
Thursday November 18, 2004 9:00 AM
Thursday November 18, 2004 2:00 PM

I did not see any 'encore' re-airings of the meetings as they have had in the past. Hopefully, this was an oversight and it will be aired again in the evening.


- posted by LRS @ 6:27 AM   

 
Gospel for Monday, 33rd Week in Ordinary Time
Gospel: Luke 18:35-43

The Cure of the Blind Man of Jericho
------------------------------------
[35] As He (Jesus) drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging; [36] and hearing a multitude going by, he inquired what this meant. [37] They told him, "Jesus of Nazareth is passing by." [38] And he cried, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" [39] And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent; but he cried out all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" [40] And Jesus stopped, and commanded him to be brought to Him; and when he came near, He asked him, [41] "What do you want Me to do for you?" He said, "Lord, let me receive my sight." [42] And Jesus said to him, "Receive your sight; your faith has made you well." [43] And immediately he received his sight and followed Him, glorifying God; and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.
***********
Commentary:
35-43. The blind man of Jericho is quick to use the opportunity presented by Christ's presence. We should not neglect the Lord's graces, for we do not know whether He will offer us them again. St. Augustine described very succinctly the urgency with which we should respond to God's gift, to His passing us on the road: "`Timeo Jesum praetereuntem et non redeuntem': I fear Jesus may pass by and not come back." For, at least on some occasion, in some way, Jesus passes close to everyone.

The blind man of Jericho acclaims Jesus as the Messiah--he gives Him the messianic title of Son of David--and asks Him to meet his need, to make him see. His is an active faith; he shouts out, he persists, despite the people getting in his way. And he manages to get Jesus to hear him and call him. God wanted this episode to be recorded in the Gospel, to teach us how we should believe and how we should pray--with conviction, with urgency, with constancy, in spite of the obstacles, with simplicity, until we manage to get Jesus to listen to us.

"Lord, let me receive my sight": this simple ejaculatory prayer should be often on our lips, flowing from the depths of our heart. It is a very good prayer to use in moments of doubt and vacillation, when we cannot understand the reason behind God's plans, when the horizon of our commitment becomes clouded. It is even a good prayer for people who are sincerely trying to find God but who do not yet have the great gift of faith.
***********
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland.

Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.
- posted by LRS @ 6:12 AM   

 
Silenced priest warns of homosexual crisis

...attempts by the Rev. James Haley, 48, to persuade his bishop of the problem have backfired. After hearing from the priest about numerous instances of homosexual activity among diocesan clergy, Arlington Bishop Paul Loverde ordered the priest silenced Oct. 23, 2001. This "precept of silence" — usually only employed during church trial proceedings — is rarely used to silence a whistleblower.

The Catholic priesthood is demoralized, he says, by groups of homosexual clerics who control who gets admitted to seminary, which men get nominated for bishop and which priests get the plum parishes.

Based on his 17 years in the priesthood, he estimates that 60 percent of the Diocese of Arlington's 127 diocesan priests are homosexuals, which is high compared with national estimates of 30 percent to 50 percent from other authorities on the priesthood.

"I am astounded the bishops will protect these guys, promote them, even make them bishops," he says. "This is a huge moral issue, and if the bishops aren't clear on this, the pope needs to rule on it.

"People will say there's nothing wrong with homosexual priests as long as they are celibate. Well, that is a totally naive statement and totally wrong."

Father Haley is "a good man and a good priest," Father Gould said. "I am very concerned for him. It is still my hope to have him back in the priesthood, and he is always welcome with me." (Rev. James R. Gould, is the former vocations director for the diocese and a frequent guest on EWTN's coverage of the USCCB meetings.)

The failure to purge the priesthood of homosexuality has yet to be addressed - But fear not, for we can wait for the National Review Board to "study" the abuse crisis to determine a "cause" and report back in a year or so. The advice of Bishop Bruskewitz was ignored years ago when he suggested that a look at dissent and homosexuality was needed to fully understand the matter.

God, have mercy on us and spare us from those who have infiltrated the Church in order to destroy her!

Complete article is here.
- posted by LRS @ 6:07 AM   

 
Coming to terms, confronting the church

For nearly 50 years, St. Thomas Aquinas Seminary in Hannibal, Mo., served as the first stop on the path to the priesthood for many young Catholics. But for much of that history, at least three priests on the faculty sexually abused their high school-age students.

The scandal first broke two years ago and brought down a popular church leader, Bishop Anthony J. O'Connell. Now, several former seminarians are speaking out - some for the first time - providing more detail about the evil that befell them and the lengths to which the Jefferson City Diocese has gone to keep it secret.

Their accounts show that the abuse was more widespread than has been reported, that at least one other faculty member never publicly identified also abused students and that the abuse occurred more recently than the diocese has publicly disclosed.
What the victims want, they say, is the truth to be told.

Will those responsible EVER be stripped of their faculties? These reports are so horrendous - and those who were accomplices by remaining silent have much culpability in the who sordid affair.

Article here.
- posted by LRS @ 5:59 AM   

 
Secrets, sins and silence
The Post Dispatch is running a series on St. Thomas Aquinas Seminary in Hannibal, Mo.,where homosexuality was practiced and promoted.

Article.
- posted by LRS @ 5:37 AM   

 
Monday, 33rd Week in Ordinary Time (Reading)
Reading: Revelation: 1:1-4; 2:1-5

Prologue
--------
[1] The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants what must soon take place; and he made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, [2] who bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw. [3] Blessed is he who reads aloud the words of the prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written therein; for the time is near.

Address and Greeting
--------------------
[4] John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne.

Letter to the Church of Ephesus
-------------------------------
[1] "To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: 'The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands.

[2] "'I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear evil men but have tested those who call themselves apostles but are not, and found them to be false; [3] I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name's sake, and you have not grown weary. [4] But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. [5] Remember then from what you have fallen, repent and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.
***********
Commentary:
1-20. After a brief prologue (vv. 1-3) and a letter-style greeting (vv. 4-8), St John describes a vision which acts as an introduction to the entire book; in it the risen Christ is depicted with features identifying his divinity and his position as Lord and Savior of the churches.

In the course of the book Jesus Christ will also appear as God's envoy, sent to teach Christians of the time, and subsequent generations (chaps. 2-3), and to console them in the midst of persecution by proclaiming God's design for the future of the world and of the Church (chaps. 4-22).

1-3. Despite its brevity this prologue conveys the scope of the book, its authority and the effect it hopes to have on its readers.

The "content" of the letter is a revelation made by Jesus Christ about contemporary and future events (cf. 1:19; 4:1). Its author, John, gives it its "authority": Christ's revelation has been communicated to him in a supernatural manner, and he bears faithful witness to everything revealed to him. The book's "purpose" is to have the reader prepare for his or her definitive encounter with Christ by obeying what is written in the book: blessed are those who read it and take it to heart and do what it says.

God made known his salvific purpose through everything Jesus did and said. However, after his resurrection Christ continues to speak to his Church by means of revelations such as that contained in this book and those made to St Paul (cf. Gal 1:15-16; etc.). These bring the Christian revelation to completion and apply the saving action of Jesus to concrete situations in the life of the Church. When revelations reach us through an inspired writer they have universal validity, that is, they are "public" revelation and are part and parcel of the message of salvation entrusted by Christ to his Apostles to proclaim to all nations (cf. Mt 28:18-20 and par.; Jn 17:18; 20:21). Public divine Revelation ceased with the death of the last Apostle (cf. Vatican II, "Dei Verbum", 4).

1. "The revelation of Jesus Christ": The word in Greek is "apocalypses", hence the name often given to this book of Sacred Scripture. Revelation always implies the unveiling of something previously hidden--in this case, future events. The future is known to God the Father (the Greek text uses the definite article, "the God", which is how the New Testament usually refers to God the Father); and Jesus Christ, being the Son, shares in this knowledge which is being communicated to the author of the book. It speaks of "the revelation of Jesus Christ" not only because it has come to John from Christ but also because our Lord is the main subject, the beginning and end, of this revelation: he occupies the central position in all these great visions in which the veils concealing the future are torn to allow Light (Jesus Christ himself: cf. Rev 21:23; 22:5) to dispel the darkness.

"Soon": as regards how imminent or not all those events are, one needs to remember that the notion of time in Sacred Scripture, particularly in the Apocalypse, is not quite the same as ours: it is more qualitative than quantitative. Here indeed "with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day" (2 Pet 3:8). So, when Scripture says that something is about to happen it is not necessarily referring to a date in the near future: it is simply saying that it will happen and even in some sense is happening already. Finally, one needs to bear in mind that if events are proclaimed as being imminent, this would have a desired effect of fortifying those who are experiencing persecution and would give them hope and consolation.

3. The Book of Revelation is a pressing call to commitment in fidelity to everything our Lord has chosen to reveal to us in the New Testament, in this instance from the pen of St John.

The book seems to be designed for liturgical assemblies, where someone reads it aloud and the others listen. This is the preferential place for Sacred Scripture, as Vatican II indicates: "The Church has always venerated the divine Scriptures as she venerated the Body of the Lord, in so far as she never ceases, particularly in the sacred liturgy, to partake of the bread of life and to offer it to the faithful from the one table of the Word of God and the Body of Christ" ("Dei Verbum",21).

"Sacred Scripture is of the greatest importance in the celebration of the liturgy. For it is from it that lessons are read and explained in the homily, and psalms are sung. It is from the scriptures that the prayers, collects, and hymns draw their inspiration and their force, and that actions and signs derive their meaning" (Vatican II, "Sacrosanctum Concilium", 24).

The situation when St John was writing called for just the sort of exhortations and warnings this text contains. Its words call for a prompt, committed response which leaves no room for any kind of doubt or hesitation. They are also a dire warning to those who try to hinder the progress of the Kingdom of God, a Kingdom which must inexorably come about and which in some way is already with us.

4-8. Following the prologue (vv. 1-3), a short reflection (vv. 4-8) introduces the series of seven letters which form the first part of the book (1:4 - 3:22). This introduction begins with a salutation to the seven churches of Asia Minor, located in the west of the region known at the time as 'proconsular Asia', the capital of which was Ephesus.

The salutation is in the usual New Testament style: it sends good wishes of grace and peace on behalf of God and Jesus Christ (vv. 4-5, cf. 1 Thess 1:1; 2 Thess 1:2; etc.); it depicts our Lord and his work of salvation (vv. 5-8) and projects that work onto the panorama of world history.

4. Even though there were other churches in Asia Minor, John addresses only seven, a number which stands for "totality", as an early ecclesiastical writer, Primasius, explains. "He writes to the seven churches, that is, to the one and only Church symbolized by these seven" ("Commentariorum Super Apoc.", 1, 1).

Grace and peace are the outstanding gifts of the messianic era (cf. Rom 1:7). This form of salutation embodies the normal forms of greeting used by Greeks ("jaire", grace) and Jews ("shalom", peace); but here the words mean the grace, forgiveness and peace extended to men by the redemptive action of Jesus Christ. Thus, St John is wishing these gifts on behalf of God, the seven spirits and Jesus Christ.

The description of God as he "who is and who was and who is to come" is an elaboration of the name of "Yahweh" ("I AM WHO I AM") which was revealed to Moses (cf. Ex 3:14), and underlines the fact that God is the Lord of history, of the past, the present and the future, and that he is at all times acting to effect salvation.

The "seven spirits" stand for God's power and omniscience and intervention in the events of history. In Zechariah 4:10 divine power is symbolized by the seven "eyes of the Lord, which range the whole earth". Further on in the Apocalypse (5:6), St John tells us that the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth are the seven eyes of the Lamb, that is, Christ. This symbolism (also found in the Old Testament: cf. Is 11:2ff) is used to show that God the Father acts through his Spirit and that this Spirit has been communicated to Christ and by him to mankind. So, when St John wishes grace and peace from the seven spirits of God it is the same as saying "from the Holy Spirit", who is sent to the Church after the death and resurrection of Christ. Patristic tradition was in fact interpreted the seven spirits as meaning the septiform Spirit with his seven gifts as described in Isaiah 11:1-2 in St Jerome's translation, the Vulgate.

2:1-3:22. These chapters, which form the first part of the book, contain seven letters to the churches already mentioned (cf. 1:11), each represented by an angel to whom the letter is addressed. In these letters Christ (who is referred to in various ways) and the Holy Spirit speak: hence the warning at the end of each, "he who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." The first part of that formula is reminiscent of things our Lord said in the Gospels (cf., e.g., Mt 11:15; 13:9, 43; Mk 9:23), while the second part underlines the influence of the Holy Spirit on the churches: one needs to belong to the Church, to "feel with" the Church, if one is to understand what the Spirit says and what is being committed to writing in this book. The book, therefore, must be taken as the true word of God. All Sacred Scripture needs to be approached in this way: "Since all that the inspired authors, or sacred writers, affirm should be regarded as affirmed by the Holy Spirit, we must acknowledge that the books of Scripture, firmly, faithfully and without error, teach that truth which God, for the sake of our salvation, wished to see confided to the sacred Scriptures. Thus 'all scripture is inspired by God, and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work' (2 Tim 3:16-17)" (Vatican II, "Dei Verbum", 11).

Although the letters are different from one another, they all have the same basic structure: there is reference to the past, which is contrasted with the present; various warnings are given and promises made; then there is an exhortation to repentance and conversion, a reminder that the end, and Christ's definitive victory, will soon come.

1. Ephesus, with its great harbor and commercial importance, was the leading city of Asia Minor at the time. It was also the center of the cult of the goddess Artemis or Diana (cf. Acts 19:23ff).

St Paul spent three years preaching in Ephesus and had considerable success there: St Luke tells us that "the word of the Lord grew (there) and prevailed mightily" (Acts 19:20). In ancient times it was the most important Christian city in the whole region, especially after the fall of Jerusalem in the year 70. St John spent the last years of his life in Ephesus, where his burial place is still venerated.

In these letters in the Book of Revelation, Christ is depicted with attributes connected in some way with the circumstances of each church at the time. In the case of Ephesus the symbols described in the vision in 1:12, 16 appear again. The seven stars in his right hand signify his dominion over the whole Church, for he is the one who has power to instruct the angels who rule the various communities. His walking among the lampstands shows his loving care and vigilance for the churches (the lampstand symbolizing their prayer and liturgical life). Because the Church in Ephesus was the foremost of the seven, Christ is depicted to it as Lord of all the churches.

2-3. In these verses the church of Ephesus is praised for its endurance and for the resistance it has shown to false apostles. These two attributes--endurance or constancy, and holy intransigence--are basic virtues every Christian should have. Endurance means doggedly pursuing good and holding one's ground against evil influences; this virtue makes Christians "perfect and complete, lacking in nothing" (Jas 1:4). Indeed, St Paul asserts, "we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope" (Rom 5:3-4). In the Epistle to the Hebrews we read, "For you have need of endurance, so that you may do the will of God and receive what is promised" (10:36). Endurance, patience, is also the first mark of charity identified by St Paul (cf. 1 Cor 13:4) and one of the features of the true apostle (cf. 2 Cor 6:4; 12:12). Our Lord has told us that by endurance we will gain our lives, will save our souls (cf. Lk 21:19). As St Cyprian puts it, patience "is what gives our faith its firmest basis; it enables our hope to grow to the greatest heights; it guides our actions so as to enable us to stay on Christ's path and make progress with his help; it makes us persevere as children of God" ("De Bono Patientiae", 20).

Another virtue of the church of Ephesus (mentioned again in v. 6) is firm rejection of false apostles. We know from other New Testament writings especially those of St Paul (cf. 2 Cor 3:1; Gal 1:7; Col 2:8; etc.) and St John (cf. 1 Jn 2:19; etc.) that some people were falsifying the Christian message by distorting its meaning and yet seeming to be very devout and concerned about the poor. Reference is made here to the Nicolaitans, a heretical sect difficult to identify. However, the main thing to notice is the resolute way the Christians of Ephesus rejected that error. If one fails to act in this energetic way, one falls into a false kind of tolerance, "a sure sign of not possessing the truth. When a man gives way in matters of ideals, of honor or of faith, that man is a man without ideals, without honor and without faith" ([St] J. Escriva, "The Way", 394).

4. "He does not say that he was without charity, but only that it was not such as in the beginning; that is, that it was not now prompt, fervent, growing in love, or fruitful: as we are wont to say of him who from being bright, cheerful and blithe, becomes sad, heavy and sullen, that he is not now the same man he was" (St Francis de Sales, "Treatise on the Love of God", 4, 2). This is why our Lord complains that their early love has grown cold.

To avoid this danger, to which all of us are prone, we need to be watchful and correct ourselves every day and return again and again to God our Father. Love of God, charity, should never be allowed to die down; it should always be kept ardent; it should always be growing.

5. This is a call to repentance, to a change of heart which involves three stages. The first is recognizing that one is at fault--having the humility to admit one is a poor sinner: "To acknowledge one's sin, indeed--penetrating still more deeply into the consideration of one's own personhood--to recognize oneself as being a sinner, capable of sin and inclined to commit sin, is the essential first step in returning to God" (John Paul II, "Reconciliatio Et Paenitentia", 13). Then comes "love-sorrow" or contrition, which leads us to mend our ways. This is followed by acts of penance which enable us to draw closer to God and live in intimacy with him.

Evangelization is always calling us to repent. "To evoke conversion and penance in man's heart and to offer him the gift of reconciliation is the specific mission of the Church as she continues the redemptive work of her divine Founder" ("ibid.", 23). The church of Ephesus is given a warning that if it does not change its course it will lose its leading position and possibly disappear altogether.
******************************************

- posted by LRS @ 5:11 AM   

 
33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
Second Reading: 2 Thessalonians 3:7-12

Avoiding Idleness. Earning One's Living
----------------------------------------
[7] For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us; we were not idle when we were with you, [8] we did not eat any one's bread without paying, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that might not burden any of you. [9] It was not because we have not that right, but to give you in our conduct an example to imitate. [10] For even when we were with you, we gave you this command: If any one will not work, let him not eat. [11] For we hear that some of you are living in idleness, mere busy bodies, not doing any work. [12] Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work in quietness and to earn their own living.*********

Commentary:
7-12. Some of the Thessalonians, wrongly thinking that the Parousia was about to happen, had given up working and were living in idleness, minding everyone's business but their own. So the Apostle reminds them all that when he was among them he worked to keep himself and was aburden on no one.

The Second Vatican Council underlines the value of work when it exhorts "Christians, as citizens of both cities, to perform their duties faithfully in the spirit of the Gospel." Far from neglecting earthly responsibilities, they should, as the Council goes on, realize that by their faith they "are bound all the more to fulfill these responsibilities according to the vocation of each one (cf. 2 Thess 3:6-13; Eph 4:28)" ("Gaudium Et Spes", 43).

"For the love of God, for the love of souls, and to live up to our Christian vocation, we must give good example. So as not to give scandal, or to provoke even the faintest suspicion that the children of God are soft and useless, so as not to disedify..., you must strive to show an example of balanced justice, to behave properly as responsible people. The farmer who ploughs his field while constantly raising his heart to God, just as much as the carpenter, the blacksmith, the office worker, the academic--all Christians in fact--have to be an example for their colleagues at work, and to be humble about it. Therefore, everyone, in his job, in whatever place he has in society, must feel obliged to make his work God's work, sowing everywhere the peace and joy of the Lord" ([St] J. Escriva, "Friends of God", 70).

****************************************
Gospel: Luke 21:5-11

Discourse on the Destruction of Jerusalem
and the End of the World
------------------------------------------
[5] And as some spoke of the temple, how it was adorned with noble stones and offerings, He (Jesus) said, [6] "As for these things which you see, the days will come when there shall not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down." [7] And they asked Him, "Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign when this is about to take place?" [8] And He said, "Take heed that you are not led astray; for many will come in My name, saying, 'I am He!' and, 'The time is at hand!' Do not go after them. [9] And when you hear ofwars and tumults, do not be terrified; for this must first take place, but the end will not be at once."

[10] Then He said to them, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; [11] there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences; and there will be terrors and great signs from heaven."
***************

Commentary:
5-36. The disciples are in awe of the magnificence of the temple, and Jesus uses the occasion to give a long discourse, known as the "eschatological discourse" because it has to do with the last days of the world. The account given here is very similar to those in the other Synoptic Gospels (cf. Mt 24:1-51; Mk 13:1-37). The discourse deals with three inter-connected subjects--the destruction of Jerusalem which took place some forty years later), the end of the world, and the second coming of Christ in glory and majesty. Jesus, who also predicts here the persecution of the Church will experience, exhorts His disciples to be patient, to pray and be watchful.

Our Lord speaks here in the style and language of prophecy, using images taken from the Old Testament; also, in this discourse prophecies which are going to be fulfilled very soon are mixed in with others which have to do with the end of the world. It is not our Lord's intention to satisfy people's curiosity about future events, but to protect them from being discouraged and scandalized about what is going to happen in the days immediately ahead. This explains why He exhorts them: "Take heed that you are not led astray" (v. 8); "do not be tempted" (v. 9); "watch at all times" (v. 34).

8. On hearing that Jerusalem is going to be destroyed, the disciples ask what sign will be given as a warning of these events (vv. 5-7). Jesus answers by telling them "not to be led astray," that is to say, not to expect any warning; not to be misled by false prophets; to stay faithful to Him. These false prophets will come along claiming to be the Messiah ("I am He!"). Our Lord's reply in fact refers to two events which in the Jewish mind were interrelated--the destruction of the Holy City and the end of the world. This is why He goes on to speak of both events and implies that there will be a long gap between the two; the destruction of the temple and of Jerusalem are a kind of sign or symbol of the catastrophes which will mark the end of the world.

9-11. Our Lord does not want His disciples to confuse just any catastrophe--famine, earthquake, war--or even persecution with the signals of the end of the world. He exhorts them quite clearly: "Do not be tempted," because although all these has to happen, "the end will not be at once;" in spite of the difficulties of all kinds the Gospel will spread to the ends of the earth. Difficulties should not paralyze the preaching of the faith.
********************

Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland.

Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.

- posted by LRS @ 12:48 AM   

 
"Not all Americans are Stupid" Quiz
I saw this link on an anti-hierarchy "Catholic" site and thought it might be interesting to check it out.

There are 20 questions....the "Profile" I received the first time after the test stated:

You have an impressive understanding of the world for an American. It is likely that you feel intellectually isolated in your home country, and often have to hide your opinions from others. Deep down, you realise that your country is the single biggest threat to world peace in modern times, but you have not yet summoned up the courage to emigrate.

The second time:

If you are American, the only way you got this score is by doing the quiz 50 times, and memorizing the correct answers. You need to approach the world in a less aggressively competitive way and learn to live with your inadequacies, rather than seeking to feel through bigotry and false national pride.

The third time:

You know very little about the world, and less still about history. No wonder you are in no position to form intelligent opinions of your own about current affairs. You are an insular xenophobe who regurgitates bigotry and false pride. It is thanks to people like you that Americans are reviled and ridiculed throughout the world.

When I took the Quiz as a non-American, the first profile I received was:

Well done. You have a fairly good understanding of the world and its history.

And this was after deliberately giving several false answers...Go figure.

Here is the link.


- posted by LRS @ 10:21 PM   

 
Archbishop Chaput in running to lead bishops

Denver Archbishop Charles Chaput was one of the few bishops in 2004 to publicly hold Catholic politicians and voters accountable for abandoning church doctrines in the voting booth. In a land bruised red and blue, that earned him a checkered reputation as both courageous and reactionary.

Now, can he be presidential?

Tom Reese, editor of America magazine, says the presidency traditionally passes to the current vice president (in this case, William Skylstad, of Spokane, Wash.) so the vice presidency is the race to watch. Factoring in seniority and tradition, other nominees are more likely to win. But given his outspokenness, if Chaput is elected, it would indicate approval for his unambiguous direction.

Bishop Skylstad comes with too much baggage considering the impending bankruptcy, among other things...

Article here.
- posted by LRS @ 10:12 PM   

 
Sad News from the USCCB Pro-Life office, Thomas Doerflinger Killed In IRAQ

November 12, 2004

Dear Diocesan Pro-Life Directors and Directors of State Catholic Conferences,

I am very sorry to have to tell you that yesterday Richard Doerflinger, Deputy Director of the Pro-Life Secretariat, and his wife Lee Ann, learned that their young son Thomas had been killed in Iraq. Thomas was serving in the Army and had been sent to Iraq about two weeks ago. According to news reports, he was killed by small arms fire during combat in Mosul.

Today, Msgr. William Fay, General Secretary of the bishops' conference, will offer Mass for Thomas and all of the Doerflinger family. I know Richard and Lee Ann would be most grateful for your prayerful support.

If you wish to send the Doerflingers messages of condolence, you can contact them at their home: 13122 Collingwood Terrace, Silver Spring, MD 20904.

May the soul of Thomas Doerflinger and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen

Gail Quinn
Executive Director
USCCB Pro-Life Secretariat

- posted by LRS @ 6:36 PM   

 
Nove 13, Memorial: St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, Virgin
Reading: 3 John 5-8
Praise for Gaius
----------------
[3] For I great rejoiced when some of the brethren arrived and testified to the truth of your life, as indeed you do follow the truth. [4] No greater joy can I have than this, to hear that my children follow the truth.

[5] Beloved, it is a loyal thing you do when you render any service to the brethren, especially to strangers, [6] who have testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their journey as befits God's service. [7] For they have set out for his sake and have accepted nothing from the heathen. [8] So we ought to support such men, that we may be fellow workers in the truth.
************
Commentary:
With great simplicity St John says why his paternal heart feels so happy--because Gaius, as his charity shows (vv. 5-8), is such a good-living man (vv. 3-4).

He uses a typically Semitic turn of phrase to describe Gaius' upright life: 'you follow the truth." In the Old Testament the Patriarchs are praised for "walking with God" (cf., e.g. Gen 5:22, 24; 6:9). This image of the wayfarer took on great importance after the Exodus: the people of Israel by divine will made their way as pilgrims to the Promised Land and in the course of that journey the great event of the Covenant took place (cf. Ex 19:24). "Walking with God" means the same as "fulfilling what the Covenant requires", that is, the commandments (cf. 2 Jn 4). With the coming of Christ, who said of himself, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life" (Jn 14:6), it has become quite clear that walking in the truth means being totally attached to the person of Christ: "live in him" (Col 2:6), "walk in the light" (1 Jn 1:7), "follow the truth" (2 Jn 4), all mean the same sort of thing--living in communion with Christ, being a genuine Christian in everything one thinks and does.

Gaius' charity expressed itself in welcoming and helping the preachers sent by John (in the early times of the Church itinerant missionaries helped to keep alive the faith and promote solidarity among the scattered churches). They had set out "for his sake", that is, Christ's (v. 7; cf. Acts 5:41; Phil 2:9-10; Jas 2:7). By helping (even materially), Christians become "fellow workers in the truth" (v. 8) and merit the reward promised by our Lord: "He who receives you receives me, and he who receives me receives him who sent me"(Mt 10: 40).

"Fellow workers in the truth": the Second Vatican Council applies these words to lay people when explaining how their apostolate and the ministry proper to pastors complement each other. And it goes on: "Lay people have countless opportunities for exercising the apostolate of evangelization and sanctification. The very witness of a Christian life, and good works done in a supernatural spirit, are effective in drawing men to the faith and to God; and that is what the Lord has said: 'Let your light shine so brightly before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.' (Mt 5:16).

"This witness of life, however, is not the sole element in the apostolate; the true apostle is on the lookout for opportunities to announce Christ by word, either to unbelievers to draw them towards the faith, or to the faithful to instruct them, strengthen them and incite them to a more fervent life" ("Apostolicam Actuositatem", 6).
******************************

Gospel: Luke 18:1-8

Persevering Prayer. Parable of the Unjust Judge
------------------------------------------------
[1] And He (Jesus) told them a parable, to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. [2] He said, "In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor regarded man; [3] and there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him saying, `Vindicate me against my adversary.' [4] For a while he refused; but afterward he said to himself, `Though I neither fear God nor regard man, [5] yet because this widow bothers me, I will vindicate her, or she will wear me out by her continual coming.' [6] And the Lord said, "hear what the unrighteous judge says. [7] And will not God vindicate His elect, who cry to Him day and night? Will He delay long over them? [8] I tell you, He will vindicate them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?"
*********************
Commentary:
1-8. The parable of the unjust judge is a very eloquent lesson about the effectiveness of persevering, confident prayer. It also forms a conclusion to Jesus' teaching about watchfulness, contained in the previous verses (17:23-26). Comparing God with a person like this makes the point even clearer: if even an unjust judge ends up giving justice to the man who keeps on pleading his case, how much more will God, who is infinitely just, and who is our Father, listen to the persevering prayer of His children. God, in other words, gives justice to His elect if they persist in seeking His help.

1. "They ought always to pray and not lose heart." Why must we pray?
"1. WE MUST PRAY FIRST AND FOREMOST BECAUSE WE ARE BELIEVERS.

"Prayer is in fact the recognition of our limitation and our dependence: we come from God, we belong to God and we return to God! We cannot, therefore, but abandon ourselves to Him, our Creator and Lord, with full and complete confidence [...].

"Prayer, therefore, is first of all an act of intelligence, a feeling of humility and gratitude, an attitude of trust and abandonment to Him who gave us life out of love.

"Prayer is a mysterious but real dialogue with God, a dialogue of confidence and love.

"2. WE, HOWEVER, ARE CHRISTIANS, AND THEREFORE WE MUST PRAY AS CHRISTIANS.

"For the Christian, in fact, prayer acquires a particular characteristic, which completely changes its innermost nature and innermost value. The Christian is a disciple of Jesus; he is one who really believes that Jesus is the Word Incarnate, the Son of God who came among us on this earth.

"As a man, the life of Jesus was a continual prayer, a continual act of worship and love of the Father and since the maximum expression of prayer is sacrifice, the summit of Jesus' prayer is the Sacrifice of the Cross, anticipated by the Eucharist at the Last Supper and handed down by means of the Holy Mass throughout the centuries.

"Therefore, the Christian knows that his prayer is that of Jesus; every prayer of his starts from Jesus; it is He who prays in us, with us, for us. All those who believe in God, pray; but the Christian prays in Jesus Christ: Christ is our prayer!

"3. FINALLY, WE MUST ALSO PRAY BECAUSE WE ARE FRAIL AND GUILTY.

"It must be humbly and realistically recognized that we are poor creatures, confused in ideas, tempted by evil, frail and weak, in continual need of inner strength and consolation. Prayer gives the strength for great ideas, to maintain faith, charity, purity and generosity. Prayer gives the courage to emerge from indifference and guilt, if unfortunately one has yielded to temptation and weakness. Prayer gives light to see and consider the events of one's own life and of history in the salvific perspective of God and eternity. Therefore, do not stop praying! Let not a day pass without your having prayed a little! Prayer is a duty, but it is also a great joy, because it is a dialogue with God through Jesus Christ!

Every Sunday, Holy Mass: if it is possible for you, sometimes during the week. Every day, morning and evening prayers, and at the most suitable moments!" (John Paul II, "Audience with Young People", 14 March 1979).

8. Jesus combines His teaching about perseverance in prayer with a serious warning about the need to remain firm in the faith: faith and prayer go hand in hand. St. Augustine comments, "In order to pray, let us believe; and for our faith not to weaken, let us pray. Faith causes prayer to grow, and when prayer grows our faith is strengthened" ("Sermon", 115).

Our Lord has promised His Church that it will remain true to its mission until the end of time (cf. Matthew 28:20); the Church, therefore, cannot go off the path of the true faith. But not everyone will remain faithful: some will turn their backs on the faith of their own accord. This is the mystery which St. Paul describes as "the rebellion" (2 Thessalonians 2:3) and which Jesus Christ announces on other occasions (cf. Matthew 24:12-13). In this way our Lord warns us, to help us stay watchful and persevere in the faith and in prayer even though people around us fall away.
*********************
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland.

Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.
- posted by LRS @ 2:39 AM   

 
Church Accuses Veterans Group of Deception and Betrayal
This email just in from the Thomas More Law Center:

Church Accuses Veterans Group of Deception and Betrayal Over Mt. Soledad Cross – Law Center Vows to Keep Fighting

RANCHO SANTA FE, CA — In a bombshell revelation, the pastor of Mount Soledad Presbyterian Church has accused the Mount Soledad Memorial Association of deception and betrayal in the campaign to save the Mt Soledad Cross, and rescinded the offer to explore the possibility of placing the cross on church property.

In a letter to the Memorial Association’s president Bill Kellogg dated November 8th, Pastor Mark Slomka wrote, “We never anticipated that the Memorial Association would surrender the cross by actively campaigning against the only ballot measure that might protect it. We are disappointed that the Memorial Association, whose responsibility it was to guard the cross, chose to ally themselves with those (ACLU and plaintiff) whose intent has always been to remove the cross so that together they might defeat Proposition K.”

The Mount Soledad Memorial Association’s active campaign against Proposition K was responsible for a great deal of voter confusion. The failed ballot measure would have authorized the City of San Diego to sell the land surrounding the historic 43-foot tall Mt. Soledad cross, allowing the cross and memorial to remain while bringing to an end to the fifteen year court battle waged by atheist Phillip Paulsen to have the cross removed.

Instead, the Mt. Soledad Memorial Association urged voters to vote against Proposition K, concealing the private agreement they had struck with atheist Phillip Paulsen to have the cross moved in return for a dismissal of the lawsuit against them and allowing them to keep the property. However, prior to the November 2nd vote, Federal District Judge Gordon Thompson ruled that the Memorial Association was not the rightful owner of the property, and returned the property to the City of San Diego. Without authorization from the voters to sell the land, the City of San Diego will now be forced to act on a court order to take down the 50-year old landmark.

Richard Thompson, President and Chief Counsel of the Thomas More Law Center, which fought to preserve the cross on Mount Soledad, commented, “ We will continue to explore all options to preserve the cross on top of Mount Soledad where it has stood for fifty years.” One option involves the designation of Mt. Soledad as a national historical park/landmark. Charles LiMandri, the West Coast Regional Director of the Law Center has asked Reps. Randy Cunningham, Duncan Hunter and Darrell Issa to look into the issue, and the Law Center is urging citizens to contact their legislators to have the cross protected.

LiMandri commented Thursday, “We continue to receive calls from citizens outraged by the orchestrated deception to remove the cross. Aside from the fraud perpetrated on voters, the veterans and donors to the Mt. Soledad Association have been utterly ignored. These people were promised that the cross would stay, and yet their own leadership has abandoned them. Time is short, but we will do everything we can to protect this historic landmark.”

The cross was erected in 1954 and today honors veterans of World War I and II and the Korean War. The San Diego landmark was challenged in 1989 by atheist Phillip Paulsen prompting a federal judge to declare the cross unconstitutional. In response, the City chose to place the property up for public sale, a decision approved by 76 percent of the voters in 1992. The sale of the property however was ruled unconstitutional after atheist Paulson objected because he believed the sale indirectly aided preserving the cross.

The City of San Diego attempted a second time to sell the property in 1998, this time to the Mt. Soledad Memorial Association. This second sale was also successfully challenged, however not before the Memorial Association made significant improvements to the land including the addition of over 3000 donated plaques honoring military veterans.

Earlier this year, believing they were the rightful owners of the property, the Association privately agreed to move the cross in exchange for an end to the lawsuit and a waiver of attorney fees for which the Association may become liable.

Paulsen’s attorney now will likely demand hundreds of thousands of dollars from the City of San Diego for his work to remove the cross.

- posted by LRS @ 12:07 PM   

 
St. Joan of Arc Parish Defies Vatican on Homosexual Activism

Minneapolis, Nov. 12 (CWNews.com) - A Minneapolis parish is continuing to provide a forum for homosexual activists despite orders from the Vatican, the Wanderer newspaper is reporting.

St. Joan of Arc parish is offering a series of lectures by homosexual and lesbian couples, under the auspices of a group known as the Catholic Pastoral Committee on Sexual Minorities (CPCSM). The group is advertising a November 13 event that will feature "a Catholic gay male couple and a Catholic lesbian couple discussing their respective relationships and their sense of connection to the Church."

Who listens to the Holy See anymore? Certainly not those at St. Joan of Arc parish...Perhaps as many faithful Catholics as possible should attend this event, so that they may protect and defend the teachings of Christ and His Church.

Article here.
- posted by LRS @ 7:35 AM   

 
Vocation discernment: The Little Sisters of the Poor
Vocation discernment

The Little Sisters of the Poor will host a vocation discernment retreat the weekend of Jan. 7-9, 2005, at St. Joseph’s Home for the Elderly, 80 W. Northwest Highway in Palatine, Ill. All single Catholic women ages 18 to 35 are welcome. Call Sister Maria at (847) 358-5700 or e-mail vocationinfo@netscape.net.

- posted by LRS @ 7:21 AM   

 
Letter: Let’s hear it

Editor:

Concerning your editorial in the Oct. 15 issue of the Review, I fully agree that better knowledge of our faith is needed for many Catholics to join in the pro-life effort. One has only to read or hear in the news media the constant criticisms against the Church being expressed by self-described Catholics for "trying to tell them how to vote" in the election to come to that conclusion. Another example that proves the total ignorance of the faith on the part of many Catholics is something that I constantly hear about giving the same weight to the issue of abortion as to the death penalty or the war in Iraq.

The editorial states that priests can use their homilies as opportunities to instruct the flock, and I definitely agree. Unfortunately, I feel that the large majority of them are not doing that at all. I normally attend Sunday Mass at my parish church but for the last two years, on most Saturdays, I have also attended Mass at many churches throughout the archdiocese. In all this time I may have heard a priest mention abortion, contraception or homosexuality at best two or three times, and, if so, in a very general or superficial way.

I sense that most priests I have seen, for whatever reasons(s), are not comfortable speaking about sin. Most of them appear to be so concerned with being politically correct that they never even talk about how we should behave and dress in church, for instance. Is it any wonder the poor state of knowledge of many Catholics as to what the Church teaches?

Cesar Arriola
St. Louis

All emphasis above is mine...We do need more of the priests teaching us about the reality of sin and its effects and what we can do to transform our culture into a culture of life.

Source.
- posted by LRS @ 7:15 AM   

 
SNAP Opposes New Job For Cardinal George

Francis Cardinal George has been nominated for a high-ranking position with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, but he's facing opposition from a sexual abuse support group.

A SNAP member read from the group's letter outside the Archdiocese headquarters Thursday: "For the sake of healing, justice and prevention, we urge you to put your personal ambitions aside and concentrate, instead, on healing."

And for the first time in its history, SNAP is endorsing a bishop, who happens to live in South Dakota. The organization knows little about Bishop Blase Cupich (pictured, left), but it believes the other candidates have been repeatedly insensitive to to victims.

Full Article here.
- posted by LRS @ 7:12 AM   

 
Archbishop Burke on "The Church and rural life"

On Nov. 6 I had the pleasure of speaking to the 81st annual meeting of the National Catholic Rural Life Conference, which was held in St. Louis. It was an occasion of special joy for me because I had served on the board of directors of the National Catholic Rural Life Conference from 1996 to 2002. Also, coming from a rural background, I have always had a strong interest in the work of the conference on behalf of farmers who serve us all.

Article here.
- posted by LRS @ 7:11 AM   

 
Pro-lifers optimistic, realistic about elections

For members of the pro-life movement, the road to changing a culture of death into a culture of life might have gotten a little less bumpy in recent weeks.

St. Louis Review article.
- posted by LRS @ 7:08 AM   

 
Boston Archdiocese bows to 'sixties' style pressure
The 'sit-ins' and 'camp-outs' at the churches slated for closure have resulted in Archbishop O'Malley offering a temporary reprieve today to the parishes slated to close in coming weeks.

This acquiescence only serves to strengthen the resolve of those engaged in the disobedience and, further, it emboldens others to use similar tactics.

The whole affair is shameful.

- posted by LRS @ 6:36 AM   

 
Post Dispatch: Bishop Gregory's term is ending
Overall, this seems to be a fairly decent article.

"The poor man went through an ordeal. The mistakes of a lot of people were on his plate," said the Rev. Richard John Neuhaus, editor of First Things, a conservative Catholic magazine. "Regardless of what we thought of the decisions he made, we all have to recognize that he labored heroically under very difficult circumstances."
...
Gregory said that ... he differs from some of his brother bishops.
"I do not feel that a cleric who has a credible incident of child abuse in his past can be returned to public ministry. I do not believe it. I didn't believe it when I arrived in the diocese, and I have less reason to believe it today," he said.
...
Gregory's appointment of former Oklahoma Gov. Frank Keating to the chairmanship of the church's national review board was another move some see as divisive.

Personally, I believe the appointment of people of the anti-life persuasion were more divisive and raised serious questions regarding character and prudence.

The article is here. I think it made for interesting reading. Any thoughts?
- posted by LRS @ 6:19 AM   

 
Gay [Homosexual] Activists Gather for St. Louis Meeting

ST. LOUIS (AP) - Organizers of the first national gay and lesbian conference since last week's presidential election say resounding voter passage of gay marriage bans in 11 states has been hard to bear, leaving members devastated and fearful.

Matt Foreman of New York, executive director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, likened the blow to a death, with soul searching in order.

"Our movement needs to regroup and buckle down," said Sue Hyde of Cambridge, Mass., director of the "Creating Change" conference that runs Thursday through Sunday

Those who refuse to accept the natural and the Divine law are doomed. One cannot reject the good by embracing evil and expect that there will be no consequences, for there will be, either in this life or the next.

So many people need to convert their hearts to the Lord. They will continue to wander aimlessly in the dark until they turn to Him. Pray for them while opposing their agendas.

Source.
- posted by LRS @ 6:18 AM   

 
McBrien Speaks, But Who Listens
Fr. Richard McBrien's article, "Who rules the Vatican?", was in today's issue of The Tidings, the Los Angeles archdiocesan weekly. "Why?", a normal, rational person should ask, but that's another issue entirely. He starts:

There is a fine line between naVveté and piety. Many Catholics assume that popes --- this pope or any other before him --- are somehow immune from the normal limitations of life, apart from death itself, of course.

Imagine that, are people REALLY under the impression that the Holy Father was immune from bodily degeneration? Wait a second, we are supposed to experience an 'enlightening' period from McBrien. Naivete?

Later, we are told who actually is in charge...Thank you, Fr. McBrien.

Here is the article.
- posted by LRS @ 5:53 AM   

 
Gay-Friendly U.S. Bishops Outed by Homosexual Activist 'Catholic' Group
This is a followup to a previous posting about the Rainbow Sash Movement.

Four of the most controversial left-leaning US Catholic Bishops have been praised by a homosexual activist group. Archbishop Harry Flynn (Minneapolis/St Paul, MN), Cardinal Roger Mahony (Los Angeles, CA), Bishop Mathew Clark (Rochester, NY) and Bishop Thomas J. Gumbleton (Detroit) were named in a press release by the Rainbow Sash Movement (RSM).

RSM is a group of homosexual activists which stages publicity stunts daring Catholic clergy to deny members communion.

Of course, for many this is common knowledge. How long must we wait for unity or uniformity among the bishops? How long must we wait for ALL of the bishops to speak with the one mind and one voice of the Church?

Article.
- posted by LRS @ 12:59 AM   

 
Nov 12, Memorial: St. Josaphat, Bishop & Martyr
Reading: 2 John 4-9
The Law of Love
---------------
[4] I rejoiced greatly to find some of your children following the truth, just as we have been commanded by the Father. [5] And now I beg you, lady, not as though I were writing you a new commandment, but the one we have had from the beginning, that we love one another. [6] And this is love, that we follow his commandments; this is the commandment, as you have heard from the beginning, that you follow love.

Precautions Against Heretics
----------------------------
[7] For many deceivers have gone out into the world, men who will not acknowledge the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh; such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist. [8] Look to yourselves, that you may not lose what you have worked for, but may win a full reward. [9] Any one who goes ahead and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God; he who abides in the doctrine has both the Father and the Son.
******************
Commentary:
4-6. Among all similarities of language and content between the Second and Third Letters, this passage is a particularly significant one.

The Apostle's joy (v. 4) is based on the fact that the Christians have learned that walking in the truth entails keeping the commandment of brotherly love, which they have had from the beginning. The verses sum up one of the main themes of the First Letter, where St John expounds these teachings at greater length (cf. 1 Jn 2:7-11; 3:11-24; 4:7-21 and notes on same).

"That you follow love": the Greek is ambiguous and literally says "that you follow it"; "it" could refer to the commandment (that is how the New Vulgate reads it) or to love. The sense is not very different, if one remembers that in St John's teaching the commandments reduce to love of God and love of neighbor: "Listen carefully to a brief precept", St Augustine exhorts, "love and do what you like" ("In Epist. Ioann Ad Parthos", 7, 8).

St John also emphasizes that this is a commandment they have had "from the beginning" (vv. 5 and 6); that is, Tradition is so definite on this point that anyone who teaches otherwise is a liar and a deceiver. This helps to explain the connection between these verses and the ones which follow. In fact the false teachers were causing harm in two ways--by corrupting the faith and by destroying unity and mutual love.

7-ll. These warnings are a summary of things said in the First Letter (cf. 2:18-29; 4:1-6; 5:1-5; and notes on same). St John shows how to recognize these heretics--by the fact that they do not acknowledge the divinity of Jesus Christ incarnate (cf. 1 Jn 4:2-3 and note); and he warns that anyone who turns his back on sound teaching is abandoning the Father and the Son (cf. 1 Jn 2:22-25 and notes). The passage ends with instructions on precautions to take in dealings with those people (vv. 10-11).

On the "antichrist" (v. 7), see the note on 1 Jn 2:18.

8. "That you may not lose what you have worked for": many important codexes read "what we have worked for", referring to the efforts of the Apostles. Both readings have equal support in the Greek codexes; both make sense and show that in order to persevere in the faith (and obtain the reward for doing so) care and effort are needed, on the part of both pastors and other faithful.

St Cyril of Jerusalem exhorted: "Keep careful watch, to ensure that the enemy does not make off with any who are off guard or remiss; and that no heretic may pervert part of what you have been given. Accepting the faith is like putting into the bank the money we have given you; Godwill ask you for an account of this deposit" "Catechesis V, Defide Et Symbolo").
*****************************

Gospel: Luke 17:26-37
The Day of the Son of Man (Continuation)
----------------------------------------
(Jesus said to His disciples,) [26] "As it was in the days of Noah, so will it be in the days of the Son of Man. [27] They ate, they drank, they married, they were given in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. [28] Likewise as it was in the days of Lot--they ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built, [29] but on the day when Lot went out from Sodom fire and brimstone rained from Heaven and destroyed them all--[30] so will it be on the day when the Son of Man is revealed. [31] On that day, let him who is on the housetop, with his goods in the house, not come down to take them away; and likewise let him who is in the field not turn back. [32] Remember Lot's wife. [33] Whoever seeks to gain his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will preserve it. [34] I tell you, in that night there will be two men in one bed; one will be taken and the other left. [35] There will be two women grinding together; one will be taken and the other left." [37] And they said to Him, "Where Lord?" He said to them, "Where the body is, there the eagles will be gathered together."
******************
Commentary:
23-36. These words of our Lord are a prophecy about the last coming of the Son of Man. We should remember that prophecy often involves events on different levels, many symbols, a terminology of its own; the "chiaroscuro" which they create gives us insight into future events, but the concrete details only become clear when the events actually occur. Our Lord's last coming will be something sudden and unexpected; it will catch many people unprepared. Jesus illustrates this by giving examples from sacred history: as in the time of Noah (cf. Genesis 6:9-19:7) and that of Lot (cf. Genesis 18:16-19:27) divine judgment will be visited on men without warning.

However, it is useful to recall here that everyone will find himself before the divine Judge immediately when he dies, at the Particular Judgment. Thus Jesus' teaching has also a present urgency about it: HERE AND NOW a disciple should scrutinize his own conduct, for the Lord can call him when he least expects.

33. "Will preserve it": what the Greek word literally means is "will engender (his life)", that is to say, "will give true life to the soul". Thus our Lord seems to mean the following: he who wants to save his life at all costs, making it his basic value, will lose eternal life; whereas he who is ready to lose his earthly life--that is, to resist even to death the enemies of God and of his soul--will obtain eternal happiness through this struggle. In content this passage is almost identical with Luke 9:24.

36. In the Vulgate this verse reads: "Una assumetur, et altera relinquetur. Duo in agro; unus assumetur, et alter relinquetur" ("One will be taken and the other left. Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left"). These words seem to be an addition to Luke, taken from Matthew 24:40; they do not appear in the better Greek manuscripts, which is why the New Vulgate omits them.

37. "Where the body is, there the eagles will gather": the Greek text uses a word which could mean either eagle or vulture. In any event the proverb indicates the speed with which birds of prey swoop down on their victims--apparently referring to the sudden, unexpected way the Second Coming or Last Judgment will happen. Sacred Scripture also deals with this subject in other passages: "But as to the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves know well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night" (1 Thessalonians 5:1-2). Once more Jesus is exhorting us to be watchful: we should never neglect the most important thing in life--eternal salvation. "All that, which worries you for the moment, is of relative importance. What is of absolute importance is that you be happy, that you be saved" ([St] J. Escriva, "The Way", 297). So curious are the Pharisees and the disciples about the time and place of the Last Coming that they are distracted from Jesus' main point; the same thing happens to us: for example, we can spend a lot of time pondering the circumstances of the deaths of people we know, and fail to grasp the warning these deaths contain--that this life is going to end one way or another and that after it we too will meet God.
**************
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland.

Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.


- posted by LRS @ 12:43 AM   

 
Christ’s sacrifice at Calvary, sacrifice of the Mass are one
An article by Most Rev. José H. Gomez S.T.D., Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Denver.

It’s important to keep in mind that the sacrifice of Christ on the cross and the sacrifice of the Eucharist are one single sacrifice. In the words of St. John Chrysostom: “We always offer the same Lamb, not one today and another tomorrow, but always the same one. For this reason, the sacrifice is always only one. ... Even now we offer that victim who was once offered and who will never be consumed.”

It is praiseworthy to remind ourselves of this and to help others to more properly understand it, particularly during this Year of the Eucharist.

Article here.
- posted by LRS @ 12:10 PM   

 
United Nations Tells Morocco to Decriminalize Abortion
The international organization which claims to support 'human' rights continues to advance the agenda of sacrificing innocent children.

Source.
- posted by LRS @ 6:51 AM   

 
Bishop Wuerl: The Year of the Eucharist

A time, Pope John Paul II says, for 'starting afresh from Christ'

In this article by Bishop Donald Wuerl:
Spiritual Nourishment
A Time for Outreach
Nourishing Eucharistic Devotion
Goals for the Coming Year

Source...
- posted by LRS @ 6:44 AM   

 
Study: Catholics angry over handling of scandals

The research was conducted by Catholic University of America and Purdue University. It found nearly four of five people in the pews said they were ashamed and embarrassed for their church, and nearly three-quarters said the failure of bishops to stop the abuse is a bigger problem than the abuse itself.

Anger in the pews toward church leaders so far is having little effect on Catholics' commitment to their church, however. Respondents reported only a slight decline in attendance and giving as a result of the scandal; more than four in five report that being Catholic remains very important to them personally

This study, from a cursory review of the articles, appears to be a justification and endorsement of groups such as, Voice of the Faithful. Having not see the actual questions or the details of the study, it would seem prudent to reserve judgement for the time being.

Article.

Another article here.
- posted by LRS @ 6:22 AM   

 
Rainbow Sash Issues Press Release
Of course, they are planning to show up for the Bishops' meeting next week, and to present themselves for Holy Communion.

The Rainbow Sash Movement (RSM) a national organization of gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender (glbt) Catholics and their supporters will be present at the Plenary Liturgy of the National Council of Catholic Bishops (NCCB). This Liturgy will be held at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC on Monday, November 15, 2004@ 7PM. RSM says discrimination is alive and well in the Catholic Church.

Discrimination is not always bad, many times it is a necessary good. We discriminate every day - we must in order to make proper judgements. Those who openly and proudly profess to be engaging in mortally sinful behavior are causing scandal and the confrontations they advocate with bishops are scandalous as well.

Article here.
- posted by LRS @ 6:09 AM   

 
Diocese of Spokane to file for bankruptcy

Claiming poverty in the face of a mountain of lawsuits from people who say they were sexually abused by priests, the Spokane Diocese announced plans yesterday to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection before the end of the month.

Full article here.
- posted by LRS @ 6:06 AM   

 
Nov 11, Memorial: St. Martin of Tours, Bishop
From: Luke 17:20-25

The Coming of the Kingdom of God
--------------------------------
[20] Being asked by the Pharisees when the Kingdom of God was coming, He (Jesus) answered them, "The Kingdom of God is not coming with signs to be observed; [21] nor will they say, `Lo, here it is!' or `There!' for behold, the Kingdom of God is in the midst of you."

The Day of the Son of Man
-------------------------
[22] And He said to His disciples, "The days are coming when you will desire to see one of the days of the Son of Man, and you will not see it. [23] And they will say to you, `Lo, there!' or `Lo, here!' Do not go, do not follow them. [24] For as the lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one side to the other, so will the Son of Man be in His day. [25] But first He must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation."
************
Commentary:
20-21. Like many Jews of their time, the Pharisees imagined the establishment of the Kingdom of God in terms of external, political authority; whereas Jesus teaches that it is something eminently spiritual, supernatural, which has been happening since Jesus' coming, although its climax will be after His Second Coming or Parousia at the end of the world; its effect is to be seen, above all, in men's hearts, although it is also something visible and external, just as the Church has a visible dimension.

The presence of the Kingdom of God in each soul is something one perceives through the affections and inspirations communicated by the Holy Spirit. St. Therese of Lisieux says this about her own experience: "The Doctor of doctors teaches us without the sound of words. I have never heard Him speak, and yet I know He is within my soul. Every moment He is guiding and inspiring me, and, just at the moment I need them, `lights' till then unseen are granted me. Most often it is not at prayer that they come but while I go about my daily duties" ("The Story of a Soul", Chapter 8).

22. After the Apostles receive the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost they will devote their whole lives to preaching boldly the message of Jesus Christ, and winning all people over to the Lord. This will lead them to experience many severe contradictions; they will suffer so much that they will yearn to see even "one of the days of the Son of Man", that is, one of the days of the victory of Jesus Christ. But this day will not arrive until the Lord's Second Coming.

23-36. These words of our Lord are a prophecy about the last coming of the Son of Man. We should remember that prophecy often involves events on different levels, many symbols, a terminology of its own; the "chiaroscuro" which they create gives us insight into future events, but the concrete details only become clear when the events actually occur. Our Lord's last coming will be something sudden and unexpected; it will catch many people unprepared. Jesus illustrates this by giving examples from sacred history: as in the time of Noah (cf. Genesis 6:9-19:7) and that of Lot (cf. Genesis 18:16-19:27) divine judgment will be visited on men without warning.

However, it is useful to recall here that everyone will find himself before the divine Judge immediately when he dies, at the Particular Judgment. Thus Jesus' teaching has also a present urgency about it: HERE AND NOW a disciple should scrutinize his own conduct, for the Lord can call him when he least expects.
***********
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland.

Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.
- posted by LRS @ 12:47 AM   

 
Nov 10, Memorial: St. Leo the Great, Pope & Doctor of the Church
From: Luke 17:11-19

The Ten Lepers
--------------
[11] On the way to Jerusalem He (Jesus) was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. [12] And as He entered the village, He was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance [13] and lifted up their voices and said, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us." [14] When He saw them He said to them, "Go and show yourselves to the priests." And as they went they were cleansed. [15] Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; [16] and he fell on his face at Jesus' feet, giving Him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. [17] Then said Jesus, "Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? [18] Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?" [19] And He said to him, "Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well."
**********
Commentary:
11-19. The setting of this episode explains how a Samaritan could be in the company of Jews. There was no love lost between Jews and Samaritans (cf. John 4:9), but shared pain, in the case of these lepers, overcame racial antipathy.

The Law of Moses laid down, to prevent the spread of the disease, that lepers should live away from other people and should let it be known that they were suffering from this disease (cf. Leviticus 13:45-46). This explains why they did not come right up to Jesus and His group, but instead begged His help by shouting from a distance. Before curing them our Lord orders them to go to the priests to have their cure certified (cf. Leviticus 14:2ff), and to perform the rites laid down. The lepers' obedience is a sign of faith in Jesus' words. And, in fact, soon after setting out they are cleansed.

However, only one of them, the Samaritan, who returns praising God and showing his gratitude for the miracle, is given a much greater gift than the cure of leprosy. Jesus says as much: "Your faith has made you well" (verse 19) and praises the man's gratefulness. The Gospel records this event to teach us the value of gratefulness: "Get used to lifting your heart to God, in acts of thanksgiving, many times a day. Because He gives you this and that. Because you have been despised.
Because you haven't what you need or because you have.

"Because He made His Mother so beautiful, His Mother who is also your Mother. Because He created the sun and the moon and this animal and that plant. Because He made that man eloquent and you He left tongue-tied....

"Thank Him for everything, because everything is good" ([St] J. Escriva, "The Way", 268).
**********
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland.

Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.
- posted by LRS @ 12:25 PM   

 
Fort Myers, FL, Sued For Restricting Pro-Life Speech of Christian Sidewalk Counselors
From the Thomas More Law Center:

ANN ARBOR, MI —The Thomas More Law Center has filed a federal lawsuit against the City of Fort Myers, Florida, and several of its officials for policies and practices curtailing the free speech rights of pro-life sidewalk counselors to pray and handout pro-life informational literature.

The Law Center filed suit on behalf of Judith Minahan, Edward and Marilyn Melone, and John Vetter, all of whom are Christians motivated by their faith to expose the evils of abortion. They seek to pray on the public sidewalk outside a Fort Myers abortion clinic and counsel expectant mothers in a non-confrontational manner to find alternatives to abortion.

The City of Fort Myers and its officials, however, require pro-life advocates to obtain a permit before more than two of them may engage in such activity. They are also prohibited from approaching people and distributing informational literature. As a result, if three pro-life advocates pray on the public sidewalk without a permit and hand out literature, they are subject to arrest.

According to Edward L. White III, the Law Center attorney handling the case, “Our clients simply want to peacefully pray and present a pro-life message on a public sidewalk without fear of arrest. We are seeking relief from the federal court to allow them and other pro-life advocates to do so freely without being subject to further violations of their constitutional rights.”

The Law Center has requested the federal court grant immediate relief to its clients so that they may engage in peaceful First Amendment activities on the public sidewalks of Fort Myers without being subjected to unconstitutional restrictions and threats of arrest.

- posted by LRS @ 12:15 PM   

 
Cardinal Bertone criticizes honorary degree for Hans Küng

Genoa, Nov. 10 (CWNews.com) - Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone of Genoa, Italy, has criticized a state university for awarding an honorary degree to dissident theologian Hans Küng.

Writing in the Genoa archdiocesan newspaper, the cardinal said that Küng's view of the faith transforms Christianity into "an incoherent pluralism, a mixture of elements stripped of any orientation toward the spiritual center which alone can guarantee true Catholicism: a conscious union with the universal magisterium of the Church."

Hans Küng continues to deny the teachings of the Church. The penalty for his actions: he can no longer be considered a Catholic theologian. However, he stills considers himself to be one as do many other professed Catholics.

CWNews story.
- posted by LRS @ 12:07 PM   

 
Arafat death announcement imminent
I received this "Special Advisory from Catholic World News" this morning.

Ramallah, Nov. 10 (AsiaNews) - Palestinian leaders plan to announce the death of Yasser Arafat today, the AsiaNews service is reporting.

Palestinian officials said that Arafat's death would be announced by leaders of the Fatah movement and the Palestine Liberation Organization-- both of which Arafat headed-- after meetings on Wednesday in Ramallah.

The condition of the 75-year-old Palestinian leader has been the subject of conflicting reports, amid rumors that Palestinian officials have been at odds with Arafat's wife, Suha Arafat. A delegation of top Palestinian officials returned home yesterday after visiting Arafat in a Paris hospital, where he was reportedly in a coma.

Islamic clerics were visiting Arafat's hospital room early on Wednesday, amid fresh rumors that Suha Arafat was preparing to disconnect life-support systems.

The timing of a death announcement could be critical because of the Muslim requirements for a speedy burial. Arafat had indicated that he wished to be buried in Jerusalem-- a prospect that the Israeli government rejects.

The death of a major world terrorist is near. May God have mercy on him and all those who wish to follow his evil ways.

Source.

More info here.
- posted by LRS @ 7:02 AM   

 
Homosexual 'rights' activists meet in St. Louis

About 2,500 people are expected to attend the national gay rights movement's 17th annual Creating Change conference, a skill-building and development-training session being held in St. Louis this week.

The conference, sponsored by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, will feature more than 150 workshops, plenaries and caucuses to help develop leadership skills.

"It's intended for people who are everyday activists, who really want to do something but don't know exactly what to do, or maybe they've been doing small things but want to step it up," said Scott Emanuel, a co-chairman for the conference's host committee. "But it's also for really seasoned leaders who need a little more help."

Attempts to destroy the country and civilization by promoting and endorsing destructive and deviant behaviors must be opposed.

Moral conscience requires that, in every occasion, Christians give witness to the whole moral truth, which is contradicted both by approval of homosexual acts and unjust discrimination against homosexual persons. Therefore, discreet and prudent actions can be effective; these might involve: unmasking the way in which such tolerance might be exploited or used in the service of ideology; stating clearly the immoral nature of these unions; reminding the government of the need to contain the phenomenon within certain limits so as to safeguard public morality and, above all, to avoid exposing young people to erroneous ideas about sexuality and marriage that would deprive them of their necessary defences and contribute to the spread of the phenomenon. Those who would move from tolerance to the legitimization of specific rights for cohabiting homosexual persons need to be reminded that the approval or legalization of evil is something far different from the toleration of evil. (from: CONSIDERATIONS REGARDING PROPOSALS TO GIVE LEGAL RECOGNITION TO UNIONS BETWEEN HOMOSEXUAL PERSONS, CDF,June 2003)

God, have mercy on us and spare us. Enlighten these people.

Article.
- posted by LRS @ 7:02 AM   

 
An example of pride, arrogance, and mental superiority

Letter to the editor (of the Post Dispatch)
updated: 11/09/2004 04:16 PM

So much for how country originally was set up

Looks like Bush was able to get his base out, which according to the "Harris Poll," consists of the uneducated and uneducated Evangelical's. He learned that this lower mentality group could be manipulated while campaigning, during his father's race, and as long as you feed them stupid facts, about being more moralistic, than you opponent, and scare the stuff out of them over terror threats, they're going to vote Republican. According to the same poll, their reason for voting for Bush was, "morals," and "terrorism."

The Harris Poll also showed that Kerry's base was more educated and less likely to belong to an organized religion.

I'm starting to feel really uneducated now. Must be that religion stuff that causes the 'dumbing down' of the masses?

Link.
- posted by LRS @ 6:58 AM   

 
In Tucson, Parishes advised to help fund sex abuse settlements

Catholic parishes in southern Arizona have been advised by bankruptcy attorneys to put money now into a settlement fund, whether or not their clergy have been accused of sexual abuse.

Contributing to the fund will protect them from future claims, under bankruptcy reorganization plans being developed, according to Susan Boswell, the Tucson diocese's chief bankruptcy attorney.

What a nightmare this has become....

Article.
- posted by LRS @ 6:51 AM   

 
This situation needs to be addressed...
Abuse Board Member Is Abortion Activist

Attorney Pamela Hayes is one of twelve members who were appointed to the National Review board formed by the bishops in 2002. It oversees compliance with sexual abuse and child protection policies.

“I’ve contributed to a lot of pro-choice candidates, and so what? So what?” Hayes told the Register. “What are they going to do about it? If they don’t like it, then don’t put me on the board. If they’ve got a problem with that, you tell them they’ve got a problem.”

Hayes characterized support for abortion as the key political issue for her. “If they’re pro-choice and they’re Democrat, they’re my kind of candidate,” said Hayes, who grew up Catholic, attended Catholic schools in Manhattan and belongs to Manhattan’s St. Aloysius Parish.

Bill Ryan, deputy director of communications for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, said neither he nor other officials at the conference would comment about the pro-abortion views expressed by Hayes.

“It would be inappropriate to comment on the views of an individual board member,” Ryan told the Register.

What weakness! What a cesspool this is...

Article here.
- posted by LRS @ 6:43 AM   

 
More "Town Talk" from the Post

Catholic Church should stay out of politics

On Oct. 31 at Holy Rosary Church, while I was at Mass, there were people outside putting signs on all the cars telling us whom to vote for. They were all Republican. Also, it was telling us how to vote on the amendments. If the Catholic Church is going to get into politics, they should lose their tax-exempt status.

Putting signs on the cars? OK...They were all Republicans? Sure they were...they were part of that vast right wing conspiracy...I'll bet there were black helicopters flying overhead, too....

This one is much better:

All Commandments apply to everyone

I agree with Archbishop Burke. He is a leader. Be a Catholic or follow another religion. The Ten Commandments are the Ten Commandments. You don't decide if you will follow Commandments one, three, five, seven and nine.

Most are irreligious, but are content to scandalize others...they would not be happy if they did not have an outlet, such as a church, to spew their venom.

Source.

And here is another that I missed:

Bully for you, [A]rchbishop

I AM A 52-year-old woman and I am not a Catholic and I want to say that I highly respect Archbishop Burke for giving a voice to the unborn child. Everyone says a woman should have a choice. She has a choice not to do the act that leads to getting pregnant. Don't let the system silence you, Archbishop Burke

Pretty sound advice, both for the Archbishop, and for those who choose to dismember and murder their own children. Authentic freedom should lead one to do the good, rather than evil.
Source.
- posted by LRS @ 6:14 AM   

 
Letters to the editor: Keep St. Aloysius Gonzaga open
A well reasoned letter favoring a closer look to keep this church open.

The parishioners of St. Aloysius Gonzaga respectfully request that Archbishop Burke consider viable options to keep their parish alive.

The task force recommendations, however well meaning, appear to be guided by a calculator, but not necessarily by the Holy Spirit.
...
The City is renovating and building homes. The Church is returning to its traditional teachings. Catholic radio is reaching more and more Christians. Generations of Catholics and potential priests have strayed from the Church, but there are real signs of a renewed interest. Now is the time to stand firm and NOT to give up hope.

Complete letter here.
- posted by LRS @ 5:53 AM   

 
Homosexual group conducts vigils outside offices of bishops

ATLANTA — Small groups of gay Christians held vigils Tuesday outside the offices of Catholic bishops they say have ignored pleas to talk about the church’s anti-gay stance.

Holding posters with Bible verses calling for tolerance, the protesters went to diocese offices in 11 cities where bishops or archbishops refused to meet with members of Soulforce, a Christian group that advocates for recognition of gay rights.

Public advocacy of homosexuality is a scandal.

‘‘We’re being treated like witches and infidels by the church,’’ said Cara Speltz, a Catholic protester in San Francisco who said she’s been refused Communion twice for wearing a rainbow cross.

‘‘Our goal is to touch them in their hearts,’’ Speltz said. ‘‘We are the choir directors. We are the liturgists. We are the ones keeping this church going in some cases.’’

They're keeping the Church going? How nice of them...Personally, though, I believe the Church would be much better off without wayward liturgists who corrupt the rituals and directives of the Liturgy and choir directors who are afraid of or loathe sacred music.

Article here.
- posted by LRS @ 5:29 AM   

 
It's Official...The Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest, will be here Jan 3
Tonight at the Catholic Central Bureau and Credo Dinner, Archbishop Burke confirmed that the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest will be established in the Archdiocese of St. Louis to continue the Tridentine Latin Mass at St. Agatha Church in South St. Louis. Fr James Rodis is also retiring on that same date.

St. Agatha Church appears to be a temporary stop for the Institute of Christ the King while preparations are made to transfer the Latin Mass and the priests of the Institute to St. Francis de Sales.

This is tremendous news that should put to rest all speculation. Msgr. Michael Schmitz, Superior of the U.S., was introduced by Archbishop Burke, and spoke a few words to the crowd of nearly 300 people who were gathered to hear the Archbishop speak on the topic “Catholic Moral Teaching and the Common Good”.

Msgr. Schmitz confirmed something which many of us in St. Louis already knew - he stated that of the many good bishops he has met around the world, the faithful of the Archdiocese of St. Louis have been blessed to have one of the best bishops, if not THE best bishop anywhere. Many of us could not agree more.

With Msgr. Schmitz was another priest from the Institute, Fr. Leinhardt. My spelling may be off, and if so, I will correct it later. I'm not certain but perhaps Fr. Leinhardt will be one of the the priests assigned here. I'm certain that more information will be forthcoming now that the announcement is official.

More later on Archbishop Burke's talk.


- posted by LRS @ 1:10 AM   

 
U.N. Demands Poland Overturn Anti-Abortion Laws
The U.N. continues to coerce sovereign nations, by whatever means are available, to support capital punishment for the innocent and helpless.

A LifeSite article covering this is here.

A U.N. Press Release on this subject is here.
- posted by LRS @ 12:08 AM   

 
Kerry supporters seek therapy in South Florida

More than a dozen traumatized John Kerry supporters have sought and received therapy from a licensed Florida psychologist since their candidate lost to President Bush, the Boca Raton News learned Monday.

Boca Raton trauma specialist Douglas Schooler said he has treated 15 clients and friends with “intense hypnotherapy” since the Democratic nominee conceded last Wednesday.

“We’re calling it ‘post-election selection trauma’ and we’re working to develop a counseling program for it,” said Rob Gordon, the Boca-based executive director of the American Health Association. “It’s like post-traumatic stress syndrome, but it’s a short-term shock rather than a childhood trauma.”

Asked to describe symptoms of the post-election trauma, Schooler said, “They include feelings of extreme anger, despair, hopelessness, powerlessness, a failure to function behaviorally, a sense of disillusionment, of not wanting to vote anymore – that sort of thing. We’re talking about a deep, unhealthy personal suffering that can best be remedied by intensive short-term therapy.”

What an acronym...PEST (Post Election Selection Trauma)...

The best remedy? How about prayer, especially before the Blessed Sacrament?

Article
- posted by LRS @ 6:55 AM   

 
Bishops to Vote on Adult Catechism...

WASHINGTON (November 8, 2004) — The U.S. bishops are slated to vote on an adult catechism during their annual Washington meeting, November 15-18, at the Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill.

The publication, which will be known as the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults, will be the nation’s first national catechism intended for adults and has been in preparation since June 2000.

More Details.
- posted by LRS @ 6:51 AM   

 
Planned Parenthood Upset Over Insurance Options

Starting today, 27 counties in Illinois are allowing federal workers to select a Catholic-based insurance plan that does not cover abortion, contraceptives or fertility treatment. Run by the Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis, OSF HealthPlans is being touted as an example of the faith-based initiatives favored by President Bush.

Gloria Feldt, president of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, said the plan was an “inappropriate” use of federal funds, one that “is blatantly designed to foster one religion’s point of view.”

There is only one CHOICE...And the anti-life elitists, being of superior mental prowess, will make that CHOICE for everyone...

Catholic League News Release here.
- posted by LRS @ 6:49 AM   

 
Impact of Archbishop Burke's Letter?

At the same time, Mr. Bush was adding about 4 percent to his margin among white Protestants and picking up even bigger increases among Catholic and Jewish voters. (For those wondering about the impact of Archbishop Raymond L. Burke's pronouncements on the election, Mr. Bush's share of the Catholic vote actually declined in Missouri, according to the polls.) (my emphasis)

According to the polls....the gospel of the press....Somehow, I doubt the observation deserves to be taken seriously - actually, the Archbishop's letter and discussions were tremendous helps in this age of confusion and may have actually helped deprive Kerry and others of precious votes. I'm certain we can find statistics to support any position we wish.

This should be a reason for the Post and others to praise Archbishop Burke, when previously they were lamenting the fact that he was instructing the faithful on properly forming one's conscience and the moral good.

The above was the only reference in the Post article, DECISION 2004: Beyond simplicity.
- posted by LRS @ 6:07 AM   

 
Bishop Gregory Reflects on Sex Abuse Crisis
Not much substance to the article, IMO.
- posted by LRS @ 5:44 AM   

 
Nov 9, Feast: Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome
From: John 2:13-22

The Cleansing of the Temple
---------------------------
[13] The Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. [14] In the temple he found those who were selling oxen and sheep and pigeons, and the money-changers at their business. [15] And making a whip of cords, he drove them all, with the sheep and oxen, out of the temple; and he poured out the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables. [16] And he told those who sold the pigeons, "Take these things away; you shall not make my Father's house a house of trade." [17] His disciples remembered that it was written, "Zeal for thy house will consume me." [18] The Jews then said to him, "What signs have you to show us for doing this?" [19] Jesus answered them, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." [20] The Jews then said, "It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will you raise it up in three days?" [21] But he spoke of the temple of his body. [22] When therefore he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this; and they believed the scripture and the word which Jesus had spoken.
**************
Commentary:
13. "The Passover of the Jews": this is the most important religious feast for the people of the Old Testament, the prefiguring of the Christian Easter (cf. note on Mt 26:2). The Jewish Passover was celebrated on the fourteenth day of the month of Nisan and was followed by the festival week of the Azymes (unleavened bread). According to the Law of Moses, on those days every male Israelite had to "appear before the Lord God" (Ex 34:23; Deut 16:16)--hence the pious custom of making a pilgrimage to the temple of Jerusalem for these days, hence the crowd and all the vendors to supply the needs of the pilgrims; this trading gave rise to abuses.

"Jesus went up to Jerusalem": by doing this Jesus publicly shows that he observes the Law of God. But, as we shall soon see, he goes to the temple as the only-begotten Son who must ensure that all due decorum is observed in the House of the Father: "And from thenceforth Jesus, the Anointed of God, always begins by reforming abuses and purifying from sin; both when he visits his Church, and when he visits the Christian soul" (Origen, "Hom. on St John", 1).

14-15. Every Israelite had to offer as a passover sacrifice an ox or a sheep, if he was wealthy; or two turtle-doves or two pigeons if he was not (Lev 5:7). In addition he had to pay a half shekel every year, if he was twenty or over. The half shekel, which was the equivalent of a day's pay of a worker, was a special coin also called temple money (cf. Ex 30:13); other coins in circulation (denarii, drachmas, etc.) were considered impure because they bore the image of pagan rulers. During the Passover, because of the extra crowd, the outer courtyard of the temple, the court of the Gentiles, was full of traders, money-changers etc., and inevitably this meant noise, shouting, bellowing, manure etc. Prophets had already fulminated against these abuses, which grew up with the tacit permission of the temple authorities, who made money by permitting trading. Cf. notes on Mt 21:12-13 and Mk 11:15-18.

16-17. "Zeal for thy house will consume me"--a quotation from Psalm 69:10. Jesus has just made a most significant assertion: "You shall not make my Father's house a house of trade." By calling God his Father and acting so energetically, he is proclaiming he is the Messiah, the Son of God. Jesus' zeal for his Father's glory did not escape the attention of his disciples who realized that what he did fulfilled the words of Psalm 69.

18-22. The temple of Jerusalem, which had replaced the previous sanctuary which the Israelites carried around in the wilderness, was the place selected by God during the Old Covenant to express his presence to the people in a special way. But this was only an imperfect anticipation or prefiguring of the full _expression of his presence among men--the Word of God became man. Jesus, in whom "the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily" (Col 2:9), is the full presence of God here on earth and, therefore, the true temple of God. Jesus identifies the temple of Jerusalem with his own body, and by so doing refers to one of the most profound truths about himself--the Incarnation. After the ascension of the Lord into heaven this real and very special presence of God among men is continued in the sacrament of the Blessed Eucharist.

Christ's words and actions as he expels the traders from the temple clearly show that he is the Messiah foretold by the prophets. That is why some Jews approach him and ask him to give a sign of his power (cf. Mt 16:1; Mk 8:11; Lk 11:29). Jesus' reply (v. 20), whose meaning remains obscure until his resurrection, the Jewish authorities try to turn into an attack on the temple--which merits the death penalty (Mt 26:61; Mk 14:58; cf. Jer 26:4ff); later they will taunt him with it when he is suffering on the cross (Mt 27:40; A 15:29) and later still in their case against St Stephen before the Sanhedrin they will claim to have heard him repeat it (Acts 6:14).

There was nothing derogatory in what Jesus said, contrary to what false witnesses made out. The miracle he offers them, which he calls "the Sign of Jonah" (cf. Mt 16:4), will be his own resurrection on the third day. Jesus is using a metaphor, as if to say: Do you see this temple? Well, imagine if it were destroyed, would it not be a great miracle to rebuild it in three days? That is what I will do for you as a sign. For you will destroy my body, which is the true temple, and I will rise again on the third day.

No one understood what he was saying. Jews and disciples alike thought he was speaking about rebuilding the temple which Herod the Great had begun to construct in 19-20 B.C. Later on the disciples grasped what he really meant.
******************
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland.

Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.
- posted by LRS @ 12:05 AM   

 
Unconfirmed...Kerry may "Unconcede"

BREAKING---KERRY TO UNCONCEDE IF THERE IS EVIDENCE OF FRAUD BREAKING---KERRY TO UNCONCEDE IF THERE IS EVIDENCE OF FRAUD
FORWARD TO EVERYONE YOU KNOW, EMAIL FROM DC LAWYER CYNTHIA BUTLER

Of course, this is coming from the meltdown list, so it's difficult to determine what is fact and what is fiction.

HOWEVER, there is a MAJOR effort underway to reverse the Ohio Electoral Votes by claiming extensive voting fraud in the election in Ohio. These people are committed to seeing Kerry get elected...Take a little trip over there and see for yourself....but since it will be a wild ride, BUCKLE UP for safety!

Source.
- posted by LRS @ 10:28 PM   

 
It's a zoo, an insane asylum!
The "Catholics" for ABB (Anybody But Bush, previously known as Kerry) are imploding".

One professed Catholic makes a fervent request:

I need concrete vatican proof that voting for Kerry is not a mortal sin, to get this guy who keeps emailing me off my back. He's an Ave Maria lawyer, and told me today that I need to go to confession for voting for Kerry!

He will only understand Vatican documentation, catechism, etc. Somebody whose better at this, please direct me to the proper "proof."

To which another list member writes:

If I were you, I'd tell that guy if he didn't get off my back I was going to need to go to confession for more than voting for Kerry, I was going to have to go for kicking his sorry ass.

I know that some find this stuff hard to believe and up to now I have not posted any links to this nuttiness. I really am not making this stuff up - I couldn't even if I tried (even if I might be somewhat demented), so here is the link:

- posted by LRS @ 10:15 PM   

 
An Update on Fr. Perricone...?
This has yet to be confirmed, but perhaps someone closer to NJ can validate it.

Fr. Paul Wickens' St. Anthony's Chapel has been regularized and Fr. Perricone has been named its pastor.

Fr. John Perricone, Pastor of OL Mt. Carmel (Orange, NJ), announced at all of the Masses today that his duties are being "expanded" to act as pastor of St. Anthony's Chapel, W. Orange, NJ during "its time of transition."

St. Anthony's was founded by the late Fr. Paul Wickens and was an independent chapel since its founding.

This announcement appears to indicate that Abp. Myers has indeed been gracious to traditionalists. The Mass at Holy Rosary, Jersey City, NJ continues, although that parish is on a list of parishes to be closed. The exact canonical status of St. Anthony's has yet to be announced. Fr. Perricone will be introduced to his new flock next Sunday.

Source.
- posted by LRS @ 10:08 PM   

 
Another excellent article by Archbishop Chaput
Crisis magazine has an excellect article by Abp. Chaput titled "The King’s Good Servant: Some Thoughts at a Crossroad".

A couple of short excerpts:

First, democracy depends on good people working vigorously for their convictions in the political arena. Abortion is the worst kind of intimate violence. Being quiet about it in our politics out of a misguided sense of good manners is the worst kind of callousness and citizenship.

Second, if we choose to allow deliberate attacks against the innocent, we can’t wash our hands of the consequences of that violence. No violence is ever private. That includes abortion. If we choose to allow it, we choose to own it.

Third, the “seamless garment” doesn’t mean and never meant that all social issues are equal. Some issues have priority and some don’t. Abortion is separated from other important social issues like just wages and affordable housing by a difference in kind, not a difference in degree. Every abortion deliberately kills an unborn human life—every time. No matter what kind of mental gymnastics we use, elective killing has no excuse. We only implicate ourselves by trying to invent one. (emphasis added)

If I could post on the Catholics for Kerry list, I'd send them this article...but, regretably, they would probably ban him also...

Link here.
- posted by LRS @ 9:55 PM   

 
Bulletin Article on Moral Issues...
A blurb from a local parish bulletin following the election...

KLEBA’S KORNER
THE PASTOR’S PEACE

ELECTION DECIDED ON MORAL ISSUES
That is the comment made in the media on the
day after the election. It is sad to think that
few if any of these “moral” issues are
important enough to be found in the Bible.
The biblical concerns about the “least of our
brothers and sisters” (Matt 25) never seems to
get any attention. In essence Jesus was saying,
“no one gets into heaven without a letter of
reference from the poor.” How about making
poverty the “nonnegotiable” moral issue for
religious people before the next election?

Let's see if I have this right....it's OK to permit the murder of the poorly defended, innocent unborn children - AS LONG AS I "get a letter of reference from the poor" since the moral issue of abortion is NOT in the bible?

Are we to believe that ALL revelation is contained solely in Sacred Scripture? Is this Catholic parish truly Catholic? Do we ignore the catechesis recently given us by our Archbishop who handed on to us what he himself has received?

This is not to say that we must abandon efforts to help those in need who are alive, but first and foremost, we must do all we can to save those helpless children who are being offered as human sacrifices to the newest of the gods, the god of SELF.

This does in way preclude carrying out our corporal and spiritual works of mercy. As our Lord told us, we will always have the poor to which we must attend.

Somehow, I feel more secure knowing that the Holy Father and the Magisterium has been given the power to authentically interpret God's revelation.

Bulletin here.

- posted by LRS @ 1:40 PM   

 
Chaldean Catholic Church Bombing in Baghdad
This was from a special email advisory from Catholic World News.
- posted by LRS @ 12:37 PM   

 
Trying Democracy in Baghdad, with the Vatican's Blessing

The pope receives Iraqi premier Allawi, and the Chaldean Catholic patriarch meets the Shiite ayatollah, al-Sistani. The Church is encouraging the Islamic journey to democracy. An essay by Vittorio E. Parsi.

Link.
- posted by LRS @ 7:39 AM   

 
An interesting article about a nearby Pipe-Organ company
Link.
- posted by LRS @ 7:18 AM   

 
Thoughts on Parish Closings
I grow more concerned as each day passes anticipating the coming days when a final decision is made and certain parishes and schools are closed. There is a justifiable reason to be concerned concerning the protests and "sit-ins" in the Boston Archdiocese.

Anyone in the St. Louis Archdiocese who has been following the Boston situation for the past few months cannot help but feel a sense of trepidation as the days pass and we wait for the final decisions to be made. Will groups here begin resorting to childish tactics as have occurred in Boston, drawing attention to themselves and causing ridicule and scandal in the Church and in the public arena?

Many of us can certainly understand the sense of loss when a lifelong parish church is closed. In many cases, it is a matter of losing a significant part of one's life - especially if one has been active in the parish for many years.

The pain is certainly understandable. When I was a small boy, my family would travel several hours to my grandparents for the holidays. First we would go to my mother's parents house for a day or so as they were closet, and later we would go on to my father's parents farm. Many of my father's brothers and sisters would visit during this special time as well and, at times, it would be quite crowded as grandparents had eight children and they, in turn, had brought forth many, many grandchildren.

This was one of the best highlights of our Christmas vacation, at least to me - many more cousins, horses to ride, helping with chores around the farm, watching Grandpa milk the cows, trying to help feed the cows, gathering eggs for Grandma, playing in the barn among the hay bales building secret passages and 'forts', going to Midnight Mass some 15-20 miles away, and coming back to Grandma and Grandpa's house to play games (quietly) or just enjoy being with so many members of the family.

My grandparents were deeply religious Catholics, or so it seemed to me. Crucifixes and pictures of Jesus and the Blessed Virgin Mary were hanging in every room of the house. I would always try to ride to Mass with Grandma & Grandpa, if I could. We always said grace before meals. We always went to Mass on Sundays and Holy Days. I could sense the strong love of God and family and of devotion to our Catholic faith. This has always stayed with me and I am extremely thankful that our Lord blessed me and others with this extraordinary experience.

But time came and went. We grew older or died in the process. At some point Grandma and Grandpa grew too old to work the farm and, eventually, the farm had to be sold. No one from the family took it over. That wonderful place of our childhood pleasures and love of God and family was to be razed...I had found out after the fact. This place, which was one of the best places to be on this earth, was now closed to me and the family...Never would we return to that time or place.

This was the Providence of God - and, while it is difficult to accept, we must go on. We must be obedient to our parents who helped to guide us on our earthly pilgrimage. We must be obedient to our Bishops, even if they must make prudential decisions which we may not like regarding closing of some parishes. When the final decision is made, we should accept the fact that sometimes it hurts to see something we cherish pass away. If our appeals or arguments are not persuasive enough to change the mind of the bishop, we should humbly submit to his authority in the matter and exercise humility and obedience. If we see all of this, in a spirit of detachment, we will be better equipped to accept this as the Divine Providence of God.

I understand that story is not particularly analogous to the parish closings situation. It is merely an observation that during our life some changes occur which we would rather reject if we could. The answers to these problems lie, not in sit-ins and protests and childish antics, but in prayer and sacrifice. Perhaps we need to learn to sacrifice more. Fr. Hardon reminds us that sacrifice is the voluntary surrender of something precious to God. Looking at these things with a spirit of accepting God's will and sacrificing our wants for the sake of the Church, regardless of the pain involved, might be the best approach we can take.
- posted by LRS @ 7:09 AM   

 
Parish Closings Update

Catholic parishes fight draft closure list

Parishioners and neighborhood leaders are making last-ditch appeals to save some of the Catholic churches that would be closed under a sweeping plan of mergers in north St. Louis County and south St. Louis.

If approved by Archbishop Raymond Burke, the plan would close 30 parishes, although the churches at four of them would be preserved for such functions as Spanish or Latin Masses. It would be the largest wave of parish closings in the history of the Archdiocese of St. Louis.

The plan would spare St. Francis de Sales, known as the Cathedral of the South Side because of its 300-foot steeple, by making it regional home to Latin Masses. The Masses now are celebrated at St. Agatha, which is marked for closing. Anheuser-Busch Cos. Inc., next door to St. Agatha, said in a statement Friday that it never had expressed an interest in buying the parish property and "would be sad to see it close."

Over the weekend, members circulated a petition to try to save St. Agatha.

Full Post-Dispatch article here.
- posted by LRS @ 6:37 AM   

 
Pope Remembers Eucharistic Miracle of Lanciano

In a letter addressed to Archbishop Carlo Ghidelli of Lanciano-Ortona, the Pope said: "I very much desire that, during the Year of the Eucharist, every diocesan community renew publicly its act of faith in Jesus present in the sacrament of the altar and inspire all its life and pastoral action in the Eucharistic spirituality that emerges so clearly in the evangelical accounts." (my emphasis)

"For us, Christians, the Eucharist is everything. It is the center of our faith and the source of all our spiritual life," the Pope explained in his letter, emphasizing that this applies "in a particular way" to the community of Lanciano.

The Year of the Eucharist is a special catechetical moment in the life of the Church. We should pray that all Catholics gain a deeper understanding of what we believe about the Holy Eucharist and that we can share this great reality with others.

Article.


- posted by LRS @ 6:35 AM   

 
Rainbow Sashers Receive Homy Communion at Minneapolis Cathedral

The Cathedral of St. Paul Sunday became a pulpit for both a Catholic gay rights group that showed up and received Communion wearing rainbow sashes and a rival group that prayed the rosary on the church steps to express disapproval.

Archbishop Harry J. Flynn has said he won't deny Communion to sash wearers even though Catholic leaders in other cities including Chicago have refused the gay activists communion. Roman Catholic Church doctrine condemns homosexual practices.

"The Holy Communion ought not to be used as a form of protest or a litmus test," said archdiocese spokesman Dennis McGrath. "It's up to people's individual consciences. They are supposed to be in a state of grace."

Is it no wonder Catholics are confused when bishops and priests ignore public support for the homosexual lifestyle and determine that there is no scandal or sacrilege occurring?

Pray for the apostates and those who continue to call evil good and good evil...

Article.
- posted by LRS @ 6:15 AM   

 
Monday, 32nd Week in Ordinary Time
From: Luke 17:1-6

On Leading Others Astray, Fraternal Correction
----------------------------------------------
[1] And He (Jesus) said to His disciples, "Temptations to sin are sure to come; but woe to him by whom they come! [2] It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were cast into the sea, than that he should cause one of these little ones to sin. [3] Take heed yourselves; if your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him; [4] and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, and says, `I repent,' you must forgive him."

The Power of Faith
------------------
[5] The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith! [6] And the Lord said, "If you had faith as a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this sycamine tree, `Be rooted up, and be planted in the sea', and it would obey you."
**************
Commentary:
1-3. Our Lord condemns scandal, that is, "any saying, action or omission which constitute for another an occasion of sin" ("St. Pius X Catechism", 417). Jesus is teaching two things here: the first is that scandal will "in fact" happen; the second, that it is a grave sin, as shown by the punishment it earns.

The reason why it is so serious a sin is that it "tends to destroy God's greatest work, that of Redemption, through souls being lost; it kills one's neighbor's soul by taking away the life of grace, which is more precious than the life of the body, and it is the cause of a multitude of sins. This is why God threatens with the most severe punishment those who cause others to stumble" ("ibid"., 418). See [the notes on] Matthew 18:6-7; 18-8; 18:10.

"Take heed to yourselves": a serious warning, meaning that we should not be a cause of scandal to others nor should we be influenced by the bad example others give us.

People who enjoy authority of any kind (parents, teachers, politicians, writers, artists, etc.) can more easily be a cause of scandal. We need to be on the alert in this respect in view of our Lord's warning, "Take heed to yourselves."

2. Millstones were circular in shape with a large hole in the center. Our Lord's description, therefore, was very graphic: it meant that the person's head just fitted through the hole and then he could not get the stone off.

3-4. In order to be a Christian one must always, genuinely, forgive others. Also, one has to correct an erring brother to help him change his behavior. But fraternal correction should always be done in a very refined way, full of charity; otherwise we would humiliate the person who has committed the fault, whereas we should not humiliate him but help him to be better.

Forgiving offenses--which is something we should always do--should not be confused with giving up rights which have been justly violated. One can claim rights without any kind of hatred being implied; and sometimes charity and justice require us to exercise our rights. "Let's not confuse the rights of the office you hold with your rights as a person. The former can never be waived" ([St] . Escriva, "The Way", 407).

Sincere forgiveness leads us to forget the particular offense and to extend the hand of friendship, which in turn helps the offender to repent.

The Christian vocation is a calling to holiness, but one of its essential requirements is that we show apostolic concern for the spiritual welfare of others: Christianity cannot be practiced in an isolated, selfish way. Thus, "if any one among you wanders from the truth and some one brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins" (James 5:20).

5. "Increase our faith!": a good ejaculatory prayer for every Christian. "Omnia possibilia sunt credenti". Everything is possible for anyone who has faith.' The words are Christ's. How is it that you don't say to Him with the Apostles: `"adauge nobis fidem"! increase my faith!'?" ("The Way", 588).
***************
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland.

Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.
- posted by LRS @ 12:32 AM   

 
Decoding Canon Law for Lay Catholics

OTTAWA, NOV. 7, 2004 (Zenit.org).- Due to the recent controversy of pro-abortion Catholic politicians receiving Communion, a lay canon lawyer has seen the faithful awaken to the importance of canon law.

Pete Vere, who co-authored "Surprised by Canon Law: 150 Questions Catholics Ask About Canon Law" (Servant Books) with fellow canonist Michael Trueman, is pursuing a doctorate in canon law at Saint Paul University and has worked with the tribunal ministry for the last three years.

He shared with ZENIT how canon law plays a role in Catholics' everyday lives.

Source.
- posted by LRS @ 9:13 PM   

 
Sunday, 32nd Week in Ordinary Time
From: Luke 20:27-38

The Resurrection of the Dead
----------------------------
[27] There came to Him (Jesus) some Sadducees, those who say that there is no resurrection, [28] and they asked Him a question saying, "Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man's brother dies, having a wife but no children, the man must take the wife and raise up children for his brother. [29] Now there were seven brothers; the first took a wife, and died without children; [30] and the second [31] and the third took her, and likewise all seven left no children and died. [32] Afterward the woman also died. [33] In the resurrection, therefore, whose wife will the woman be? For the seven had her as wife."

[34] And Jesus said to them, "The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage; [35] but those who are accounted worthy to attain to that age and to the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage, [36] for they cannot die any more, because they are equal to angels and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection. [37] But that the dead are raised, even Moses showed, in the passage about the bush, where he calls the Lord the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob. [38] Now He is not God of the dead, but of the living; for all live to Him."
********************
Commentary:
27-40. The Sadducees did not believe in the resurrection of the body or the immortality of the soul. They came along to ask Jesus a question which is apparently unanswerable. According to the Levirate law (cf. Deuteronomy 25:5ff), if a man died without issue, his brother was duty bound to marry his widow to provide his brother with descendants. The consequences of this law would seem to give rise to a ridiculous situation at the resurrection of the dead.

Our Lord replies by reaffirming that there will be a resurrection; and by explaining the properties of those who have risen again, the Sadducees' argument simply evaporates. In this world people marry in order to continue the species: that is the primary aim of marriage. After the resurrection there will be no more marriage because people will not die anymore.

Quoting Sacred Scripture (Exodus 3:2, 6) our Lord shows the grave mistake the Sadducees make, and He argues: God is not the God of the dead but of the living, that is to say, there exists a permanent relationship between God and Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, who have been dead for years. Therefore, although these just men have died as far as their bodies are concerned, they are alive, truly alive, in God--their souls are immortal--and they are awaiting the resurrection of their bodies.

See also the notes on Matthew 22:23-33 and Mark 12:18-27.

[The note on Matthew 22:23-33 states:
23-33. The Sadducees argue against belief in the resurrection of the dead on the basis of the Levirate law, a Jewish law which laid down that when a married man died without issue, one of his brothers, according to a fixed order, should marry his widow and the first son of that union be given the dead man's name. By outlining an extreme cases the Sadducees make the law and belief in resurrection look ridiculous. In His reply, Jesus shows up the frivolity of their objections and asserts the truth of the resurrection of the dead.]

[The note on Mark 12:18-27 states:
18-27. Before answering the difficulty proposed by the Sadducees, Jesus wants to identify the source of the problem--man's tendency to confine the greatness of God inside a human framework through excessive reliance on reason, not giving due weight to divine Revelation and the power of God. A person can have difficulty with the truths of faith; this is not surprising, for these truths are above human reason. But it is ridiculous to try to find contradictions in the revealed word of God; this only leads away from any solution of difficulty and may make it impossible to find one's way back to God. We need to approach Sacred Scripture, and, in general, the things of God, with the humility which faith demands. In the passage about the burning bush, which Jesus quotes to the Sadducees, God says this to Moses: "Put off your shoes from your feet, for the place on which you stand is holy ground" (Exodus 3:5).]
****************
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland.

Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.
- posted by LRS @ 6:32 AM   

 
Boston Prelates… Deny Kerry Got An Annulment

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The former archbishop of Boston, Bernard Cardinal Law, and his successor, Archbishop Sean O’Malley, have stated that Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry never received an annulment from the Archdiocese of Boston.

If the facts in this article by Bob Dornan are true, then Kerry's reception of Holy Communion represents not only a serious sacrilege but also a grave public scandal (as if it did not already do so).

In fidelity to the words of Jesus Christ(5), the Church affirms that a new union cannot be recognised as valid if the preceding marriage was valid. If the divorced are remarried civilly, they find themselves in a situation that objectively contravenes God's law. Consequently, they cannot receive Holy Communion as long as this situation persists(6). [Concerning the Reception of Holy Communion by Divorced and Remarried Members of the Faithful]

Wanderer Article here.
- posted by LRS @ 7:06 PM   

 
Some Catholic Teachers Need to Go

Thousands of letters to Burke back [whining] teachers

A group of Catholic elementary school teachers, who for years have been seeking the right to unionize, on Friday delivered thousands of letters supporting their cause to the office of Archbishop Raymond Burke.

Teachers also wrote letters, which were sent to Rome rather than to Burke, to protect their identity.

Protect their identity? As if copies of the letters will not be given to Archbishop Burke...And these people teach our children?

Mary Chubb, president of the local Association of Catholic Elementary Educators, acknowledges that [the suit, canonical recourse against Archbishop Burke] is a long shot. "We're well aware we're submitting it to the club, the boys' club."

"We're not going away," said Stephanie Funaiole, a union organizer. Burke "needs to understand that."

Missouri is a right to work state. Employees who cause problems are usually terminated.

I guess they want the right to strike and well as engage in collective bargaining...they can do this in the public school system. Can they not get a job there?

Perhaps more parents should homeschool so that these people would have to find employment elsewhere.

One wonders why they don't get a job in the public school system if they're so concerned with unionizing - it certainly does not sound like they have a deep commitment to Catholic Education.

I would not want troublemakers teaching my children. What a poor example is being set for them.

The bottom line is that Archbishop Burke has already responded to this request/demand/threat as did Cardinal Rigali. It well past time to swallow one's pride, and get with the program, or to get our of the way and go elsewhere.

Post Dispatch Article.
- posted by LRS @ 6:38 PM   

 
Arlen Specter 'Borked' Himself from Senate Judiciary Committee

Republican pro-abortion Senator Arlen Specter, who won his fifth consecutive seat in the Senate for Pennsylvania in Tuesday's US presidential election, warned US President George W. Bush Wednesday that Bush's so-called narrow win was in no way an unambiguous mandate from the American people.

Bishop Rene Henry Gracida of Corpus Christi, Texas, in an e-mail appeal to conservative Americans said, "Specter voted against the confirmation of Judge Bork and the impeachment of President Clinton. He is supported by NARAL. He must not become the next Chairman."

Following on the massive outcry against his warning against pro-life nominees, Sen. Specter realized that he had tipped his hand too early and is now trying to backpeddle. His anti-life biases are now on the table, however, and he is doomed to reap the consequences of his loose-lipped comments.

Send a message to Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist
telephone: (202-224-3344)
Email: Bill_Frist@Frist.Senate.gov
Mail: 461 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
FAX (202-228-1264)

LifeSite Article.

Check out more info here at the National Right to Life Committee

To sign an online petition to the Republican members of the Judiciary Committee, go here.

- posted by LRS @ 6:19 PM   

 
Saturday, 31st Week in Ordinary Time
From: Luke 16:9-15

The Unjust Steward (Continuation)
---------------------------------
(Jesus said to His disciples,) [9] "And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous mammon, so that when it fails they may receive you into the eternal habitations.

[10] "He who is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much; and he who is dishonest in a very little is dishonest also in much. [11] If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will entrust to you the true riches? [12] And if you had not been faithful in that which is another's, who will give you that which is your own? [13] No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon."

[14] The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all this, and they scoffed at Him. [15] But He said to them, "You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts; for what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God."
******************
Commentary:
9-11. "Unrighteous mammon" means temporal good which have been obtained in some unjust, unrighteous way. However, God is very merciful: even this unjust wealth can enable a person to practice virtue by making restitution, by paying for the damage done and then by striving to help his neighbor by giving alms, by creating work opportunities, etc. This was the case with Zacchaeus, the chief tax collector, who undertook to restore fourfold anything he had unjustly taken, and also to give half his wealth to the poor. On hearing that, our Lord specifically declared that salvation had that day come to that house (cf. Luke19:1-10).

Our Lord speaks out about faithfulness in very little things, referring to riches--which really are insignificant compared with spiritual wealth. If a person is faithful and generous and is detached in the use he makes of these temporal riches, he will, at the end of his life, receive the rewards of eternal life, which is the greatest treasure of all, and a permanent one. Besides, by its very nature human life is a fabric of little things: anyone who fails to give them their importance will never be able to achieve great things. "Everything in which we poor men have a part--even holiness--is a fabric of small trifles which, depending upon one's intention, can form a magnificent tapestry of heroism or of degradation, of virtues or of sins.

"The epic legends always relate extraordinary adventures, but never fail to mix them with homely details about the hero. May you always attach great importance to the little things. This is the way!" ([St] J. Escriva, "The Way", 826).

The parable of the unjust steward is a symbol of man's life. Everything we have is a gift from God, and we are His stewards or managers, who sooner or later will have to render an account to Him.

12. "That which is another's" refers to temporal things, which are essentially impermanent. "That which is your own" refers to goods of the spirit, values which endure, which are things we really do possess because they will go with us into eternal life. In other words: how can we be given Heaven if we have proved unfaithful, irresponsible, during our life on earth?

13-14. In the culture of that time "service" involved such commitment to one's master that a servant could not take on any other work or serve any other master.

Our service to God, our sanctification, requires us to direct all our actions towards Him. A Christian does not divide up his time, allocating some of it to God and some of it to worldly affairs: everything he does should become a type of service to God and neighbor--by doing things with upright motivation, and being just and charitable.

The Pharisees jeered at what Jesus was saying, in order to justify their own attachment to material things; sometimes people make fun of total commitment to God and detachment from material things because they themselves are not ready to practice virtue; they cannot even imagine other people really having this generosity: they think they must have ulterior motives. See also the note on Matthew 6:24.

[The note on Matthew 6:24 states:
24. Man's ultimate goal is God; to attain this goal he should commit himself entirely. But in fact some people do not have God as their ultimate goal, and instead choose wealth of some kind--in which case wealth becomes their god. Man cannot have two absolute and contrary goals.]

15. "Abomination": the original Greek work means worship of idols, and, by derivation, the horror this provoked in a true worshipper of God. So the _expression conveys God's disgust with the attitude of the Pharisees who, by wanting to be exalted, are putting themselves, like idols, in the place of God.
******************
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland.

Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.
- posted by LRS @ 11:21 AM   

 
Catholic Post-Traumatic Election Syndrome, Part Deux
**** Updated ****

This is a followup to this previous post from "Catholics" distressed that so many 'ignorant, white trash, fundamentalist zealots' and Catholics voted for Bush rather than the saintly AND "Catholic" John Kerry...

Sounds like a GREAT bumpersticker to me! HOW CAN 59 MILLION AMERICANS BE SOOOOOO STUPID?

Stop thinking about suicide or moving abroad. Want to feel better? Figure out what you can do to help rescue the country.

Kerry in 2008 !!

Kerry should have received 100% of the Catholic vote. It's pathetic [that he only got a bit over 50%].

To roughly paraphrase Joan Chittiser, I do not belie that God controls us like puppets. Bad thigns happen to good people, and Bush is an example of this. War crimes are not catholic, although historically they have occurred as a result of Church misguidance.

You know what? I talk to God as much as the next person and God told me He had nothing to do with bush being in office and furthermore, He didn't vote for him.

To his credit, though, our pastor didn't allow any "outside literature" (read: Catholic Answers), and did not preach the abortion-trumps-all gospel.

I tell them [college students] that their minds should be wide open at this point -- take in everything, sift it through ethical and moral filters, and take what is right for you. It seems to me that folks who are 18-22 risk their mental development
without this necessary "liberalism."

We MUST make the catholic bishops accountable for what they forced on their parishioners. If they want life we'll give them LIFE. Let's bring this to a head because it's make or break time. John Kerry is probably the most noble leader of our generation.

I am all for an uprising against the bishops, but what could that,in reality, accomplish?

I received a Voters Guide from Catholic Answers and I immediately threw it in
the trash. I received numerous letters from Priests For Life and other organizations.

When they [the Bishops] started preaching that it was a moral sin to vote for Kerry and that we could be ex-communicated and refused communion it was more than I could bear.

What the Catholic bishops did to their parishioners was spiritual rape. They used the full force of their moral voice to put fascists in control of America. We need to do 3 things I can think of right away. I repeat: What the bishops did was spiritual rape. What the bishops did was heresy. What the bishops did was evil. WE MUST BEAR WITNESS.

KEEP our copies of everything these fascist bishops distributed in their fight to get Bush elected. Write down our memories of the things they said, and what right wing priests have said.

Write the Vatican and protest what is essentially a heresy being foisted on the faithful; the lie, the outright lie, that only a few, politically selected issues matter and that all the rest of the gospels and CAtholic teaching are non sequitur in public debate.

These bishops are going to get a ton of faith-based money as a pay-off for selling out the gospel and violating their parishioners. We must begin--IMMEDIATELY--keeping track of this.

...it's been very difficult to convince people that I can be a good Catholic, very pro-life, and a Democrat voting for Kerry all at the same time. I've basically stopped going to the pro-life meetings because I'm sick of the club leadership attacking liberals and never questioning conservative leadership.

I have always been against scandal in the church, but they [the Bishops] have brought scandal into the church when they allowed the smoke in [the "non-negotiable" issues, those intrinsically evil acts such as abortion, homosexuality, etc]. As Catholics we need to clean the house of our Lord.

*** Updated one last time ***

What if we all voluntarily STOPPED TAKING COMMUNION? I read that this happened in the 50's, because people were so concerned about their own unworthiness, that the bishops finally had to practically order them to take the host again....Then again, I'm not entirely comfortable with stooping to their level and politicizing the host. But yes, we MUST HOLD THE BISHOPS ACCOUNTABLE!!!!!! Any ideas? WHERE ARE OUR LEADERS?The kingdom of God needs a church....

Let's not forget that one should NOT receive our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament if one is not properly disposed or in a state of mortal sin. An examination of conscience should be done daily. Those who intentionally promote or otherwise support the killing of innocent unborn children or provide support to further the homosexual agenda are objectively committing grave (mortal) sin and are admonished to refrain from committing sacrilege by receiving Holy Communion. One last note on this above coment: I find it very disturbing that people refer to the Body and Blood of our Lord as the 'host' in lower case or communion in lower case and without the modifying adjective "Holy". Likewise, the constant use of the common noun "church" in place of the proper noun "Church" demonstrates a lack of respect for the Church which Christ established.

Here is the guy who stole Ohio: Secretary of State J. Kenneth Blackwell oversees the elections process and appoints the members of boards of elections in each of Ohio's 88 counties. Mr. Blackwell is a member of the national advisory boards of Youth for Christ…and was formerly a domestic policy analyst at the Heritage Foundation in Washington, D.C…

And as such, he single handedly "stole" the election from Kerry? Why? Because he is a Christian and worked for the Heritage Foundation...Pure calumny, slander...show us the proof! I can't respond to any of these people because I was booted from their less than 'inclusive' list, for daring to affirm that directly willed abortion is an intrinsic evil, regardless of circumstances...

But so help me God, if in the near future I hear anyone who voted for Bush say something like, why is he doing that or he's an idiot, or something like
that, I will explode.

Ka-Boom!!! (Sorry, I couldn't resist the temptation!)

As Catholics, perhaps at this time we can attempt to perform more spiritual (and corporal) works of mercy and explain and defend the faith in a manner which might be understood by those who are, at least receptive to the teachings of the Church.
- posted by LRS @ 12:38 PM   

 
Specter must not become chairman of the judiciary committee
Yesterday, I emailed Senator Bill Frist and faxed a followup letter to him, urging him to appoint someone other than pro-abort Arlen Specter as Chairman of the Judiciary Committee. I also faxed copies of the letter to my Senators, Kit Bond and Jim Talent.

Send a message to Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist by telephone (202-22-3344), email (Bill_Frist@Frist.Senate.gov), mail (461 Dirksen Senate Office Building / Wahington, DC 20510) or FAX (202-228-1264) along the following lines:

Senator Arlen Specter must not be appointed Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. You have the power to waive the Senate seniority rule and to appoint someone else. Do not let the election victory of President Bush be endangered by the appointment of Senator Specter who has already warned the President not to appoint conservative judges.

Thanks to Dom Bettinelli who has posted a message from Bishop Gracida concerning this here.
- posted by LRS @ 12:03 PM   

 
A Catechesis on Purgatory and Prayers for the Dead

The month of November is set aside in the Church as a special time of prayer for the dead, beginning with the celebration of All Souls Day on Nov. 2. During November, we should develop a habit daily prayer for the dead, if we are not already doing so. Prayer for the dead is a spiritual work of mercy (Catechism of the Catholic Church, No. 1032).

In other words, it is an essential part of our witness to God’s love and mercy. Prayer for the dead both honors the memory of the dead and expresses our continuing love of them by assisting them to be freed of any temporal punishment due to sin and to reach their lasting home with God.

Archbishop Burke's Article here.
- posted by LRS @ 7:18 AM   

 
Davenport Bishop, prosecutor sign abuse investigation agreement

The day after Bishop William E. Franklin of Davenport reached a $9 million settlement with clergy sex abuse victims, he and Scott County Attorney William Davis announced an agreement on future criminal investigations of clergy sexual abuse.

Source.
- posted by LRS @ 7:15 AM   

 
Interfaith group to protest Atlanta Catholic Archbishop

Soulforce urges bishops to see ‘sanctity’ of gay members

A national gay-supportive religious organization wants Roman Catholic bishops to withdraw attacks on gay citizens and instead recognize the “sanctity” of their lives.

The terminology is all wrong...I believe that the word 'sanctity' is used incorrectly. Homosexual behaviour, as does all sin, diminishes sanctity. These people have 'dignity' because they are human beings - but sanctity? Probably not.

By the way, next Tuesday evening, our local group of 'sanctified' homosexual activists will be drawing attention to themselves in front of the Cathedral here-but Archbishop Burke won't be there to witness it. I hope some gets some pictures.

Article here.
- posted by LRS @ 6:59 AM   

 
Rainbow Sash Movement prepares for USCCB meeting

As you are aware the Rainbow Sash Movement will be sending a delegation to the Plenary Liturgy of the National Council of Catholic Bishops on November 15, 2004 @ 7PM in the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception.

Source.
- posted by LRS @ 6:51 AM   

 
Council of Churches: God Has No Place in U.S. Politics
It is no wonder why the Catholic Church is not a member of this organization.

GENEVA - God has no place in politics and should not have been used by churches in the United States to influence the presidential election, a council representing 342 Christian groups around the world said.

The World Council of Churches (WCC) told U.S. member churches in a letter that they should not ask whose side God was on in an election but only offer "a moral and spiritual compass for their community, their nation and the world."

I wonder what kind of moral and spiritual compass (absent God) they are talking about?

Source
- posted by LRS @ 12:22 PM   

 
The Need to Catechize Catholics
This post from a Kerry Catholic demostrates a profound need to catechize the faithful - those who are professedly Catholic, but seem to be confused about the Church's teachings.

Now, here's a study in contrasts, New Mexico, in which the Catholic vote was 32% of the vote, higher than the national average, gave Kerry 61% of the vote to Bush's 38%. Kerry got about 45% of weekly attendees. Obviously, it was more of a Latino and Native vote.
************

In PA, Catholics were 35% of the electorate, and Kerry won in 51% to 49%, in an electorate with only 3% Latinos. So those were mostly White Catholics. Even more interesting is that Kerry gets 45% of weekly church attendess and 38% of more than once a week church attendees. Looking for silver linings, those are interesting numbers.
************

But then, here's a good one: Maryland is a Blue state and Catholics are 24% of the electorate. Well, Bush trounces Kerry in the Catholic vote, 57%-41%, that is a stunning number. No easy explanation for that.
************

As for Minnesota, Kerry won the Catholic vote and got 41% of weekly Church attendees. Bush won the Catholic vote in Missouri by one point, which is interesting since St Louis was ground zero for Archbishop Burke's interventions. Kerry won IA Catholics 53-46, that's awesome! (I'm grasping for silver linings here!)He also got 45% of the Catholic weekly attendees.
***********

The Catholic vote overall was 27% which is far higher than the percentage in the general population. I think one reason is that all the political talk keyed Catholics into the process and led to a higher Catholic turnout. We can say defintely that the Catholic swing vote is not dead by a long shot. 2004 shows that the Catholic vote is still crucial and can be decisive. Although, at this point, it is still not clear how to manipulate it. The Catholic vote was a factor in OH, it is not clear why and why not PA or MO, or WI or MN, which were all battleground, hotly contested states with Catholic emphasis.
***********

I happen to think that wherever there was focus by Kerry and Kerry Catholics, we muted the Catholic right and Kerry did well among White Catholics. But where we did not turn up the heat, we lost. Like I said earlier, I don't think we targetted OH in a Catholic sense and that was costly.

Not only are there divisions in this country, ideologically and morally, but also in the Church, particularly in the U.S. We must do all we can to teach and counsel those Catholics. It is especially disturbing to see that so many professed Catholics are confused about good and evil, right and wrong.

As the commentary for today's Gospel states:

"They should be mindful that by their daily conduct and solicitude they display the reality of a truly priestly and pastoral ministry both to believers and unbelievers alike, to Catholics and non-Catholics; that they are bound to bear witness before all men of the truth and of the life, and as good shepherds seek after those too who, whilst having been baptized in the Catholic Church, have given up the practice of the Sacraments, or even fallen away from the faith" ("Lumen Gentium", 28). However, every member of the faithful should show this same kind of concern--expressed in a fraternal way--towards his brothers and sisters, towards everyone on the road to sanctification and salvation.

There is much work to do and it can be accomplished if we allow ourselves to be used as the instruments of the Holy Spirit, in true humility and charity, to present the truths of Christ and His Church to others who are in such a desperate need.
- posted by LRS @ 7:07 AM   

 
Cardinal Rigali's Post-Election Statement

I commend President Bush for his emphasis on the sacredness of human life demonstrated during his first term and I urge him to continue in his second term to stress the need to protect the most vulnerable among us and all human life.

I ask the President to remain steadfast in the defense of traditional family values and in recognition that marriage exists only between one man and one woman. It is my hope for the future that the government of the United States will protect the unborn, ensure compassion for the poor and needy, seek justice for the oppressed and work unremittingly for world peace.

Complete Letter is here.
- posted by LRS @ 6:18 AM   

 
Nov 4, Memorial: St. Charles Borromeo, Bishop
From: Luke 15:1-10

Parable's of God's Mercy
------------------------
[1] Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear Him (Jesus). [2] And the Pharisees and the scribes murmured, saying, "This man receives sinners and eats with them."

The Lost Sheep
--------------
[3] So He told them this parable: [4] "What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost, until he finds it? [5] And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. [6] And when he comes home he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, `Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost.' [7] Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in Heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.

The Lost Coin
-------------
[8] "Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she lost one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and seek diligently until she finds it? [9] And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, `Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin which I has lost.' [10] Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.
**************
Commentary:

1-32. Jesus' actions manifest God's mercy: He receives sinners in order to convert them. The scribes and Pharisees, who despised sinners, just cannot understand why Jesus acts like this; they grumble about Him; and Jesus uses the opportunity to tell these Mercy parables. "The Gospel writer who particularly treats of these themes in Christ's teaching is Luke, whose Gospel has earned the title of `the Gospel of mercy'" (John Paul II, "Dives In Misericordia", 3).

In this chapter St. Luke reports three of these parables in which Jesus describes the infinite, fatherly mercy of God and His joy at the conversion of the sinner.

The Gospel teaches that no one is excluded from forgiveness and that sinners can become beloved children of God if they repent and are converted. So much does God desire the conversion of sinners that each of these parables ends with a refrain, as it were, telling of the great joy in Heaven over sinner who repents.

1-2. This is not the first time that publicans and sinners approach Jesus (cf. Matthew 9:10). They are attracted by the directness of the Lord's preaching and by His call to self-giving and love. The Pharisees in general were jealous of His influence over the people (cf. Matthew 26:2-5; John 11:47) a jealousy which can also beset Christians; a severity of outlook which does not accept that, no matter how great his sins may have been, a sinner can change and become a saint; a blindness which prevents a person from recognizing and rejoicing over the good done by others. Our Lord criticized this attitude when He replied to His disciples' complaints about others casting out devils in His name: "Do not forbid him; for no one who does a mighty work in My name will be able soon after to speak evil of Me" (Mark 9:39). And St. Paul rejoiced that others proclaimed Christ and even overlooked the fact they did so out of self-interest, provided Christ was preached (cf. Philippians 1:17-18).

5-6. Christian tradition, on the basis of this and other Gospel passages (cf. John 10:11), applies this parable to Christ, the Good Shepherd, who misses and then seeks out the lost sheep: the Word, by becoming man, seeks out mankind, which has strayed through sinning. Here is St. Gregory the Great's commentary: "He put the sheep on His shoulders because, on taking on human nature, He burdened Himself with our sins" ("In Evangelia Homiliae", II, 14).

The Second Vatican Council applies these verses of St. Luke to the way priests should approach their pastoral work: "They should be mindful that by their daily conduct and solicitude they display the reality of a truly priestly and pastoral ministry both to believers and unbelievers alike, to Catholics and non-Catholics; that they are bound to bear witness before all men of the truth and of the life, and as good shepherds seek after those too who, whilst having been baptized in the Catholic Church, have given up the practice of the Sacraments, or even fallen away from the faith" ("Lumen Gentium", 28). However, every member of the faithful should show this same kind of concern--expressed in a fraternal way--towards his brothers and sisters, towards everyone on the road to sanctification and salvation.

7. This does not mean that our Lord does not value the perseverance of the just: He is simply emphasizing the joy of God and the saints over the conversion of a sinner. This is clearly a call to repentance, to never doubt God's readiness to forgive. "Another fall, and what a fall!... Must you give up hope? No. Humble yourself and, through Mary, your Mother, have recourse to the merciful Love of Jesus. A "miserere", and lift up your heart! And now begin again" ([St] J. Escriva, "The Way", 711).

8. This silver coin was a "drachma", of about the same value as a denarius, that is, approximately a day's wage for an agricultural worker (cf. Matthew 20:2).
*************
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland.

Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.
- posted by LRS @ 6:11 AM   

 
Catholic Post-Traumatic Election Syndrome
Here are some recent quotes from a number of people after the election from an email list of Catholics who supported the candidacy of John Kerry:

How can so many people in our nation be so underdeveloped, at such a low level of consciousness...

Most of the rest of the world was holding their collective noses and waiting for us to do the right thing and toss the selected imposter from the White House and rejoin the civilized world. Instead white trash...Christian fundamentalist zealots...managed to get Bush back into the White House...

America is polluted with puritans and idiots...

It appears the Catholics in Pennsylvania rallied for Kerry..thank you!

...there is only one God. But Bush's God is not my God. I'm in a crisis right now.

I'm listening to CNN describe the top issues that voters voted on. Morality and terrorism. Bush is immoral and he is a terrorist as far as I am concerned.

I'm stunned at the number of Catholics Bush has taken...he's got the majority of Catholics voting for him--when he's running against a Catholic! I am really saddened and sickened by this.

...if the Catholic vote had not been split, if Rome had not issued clearly pointed guidelines for reception at Mass for politicians, if someone hadn't suggested excommunication of Kerry... could Kerry have won?

I am very upset right now with many in the Church. I am upset with my diocese and with my parish. I haven't figured out what I'm going to do on Sunday. Why? John Kerry is a good Catholic.

How did Kerry lose Ohio?: white evangelicals voted in record numbers. That's the state of America. And white evangelicals do not like Catholics.

I believe wholeheartedly that the Catholics could have won this for Kerry (a fellow Catholic!) if we had stuck together like the evangelists did.

And now [that] Bush and the Republican party have succeeded in dividing Catholics, with the help of our Church leaders, and I can't tell you how sad and sick that makes me.

I hope I'm wrong, but I'm convinced that our church leaders have just used all their clout to push this country into fascism.

WE NEED TO BEAR WITNESS to the evil [teaching the faith] our religious leaders have done.

Bush won the Catholic vote in Missouri by one point, which is interesting since St Louis was ground zero for Archbishop Burke's interventions.

Part of me believes that the Bishops have created another 1968 Humanae Vitae moment. They definitely crossed the line and it is clear that Catholics responded positively to Kerry when presented with an articulation of the Kerry Catholic view...

The nation has definitely caught a conservative wave and it is not a good thing.

...the religious right and the Catholic bishops may have handed the election to Bush...

We could have framed that issue [gay marriage] much better, defining it as a civil rights issue rather than infringing on sanctity issues and religious views.

I just heard Nancy Pelosi say it on NPR - GOP does not spell God.

All the radio programs are right wing haters, everything that comes out of their mouth is evil, yet they force their so called righteousness down everybody's throat, in their opinion they are the only ones that are American and righteous...how sickening.

I was upset by the fact that the parish I attend, and traditionally preaches a broad range of moral issues, chose to play anti-abortion hymns the Sunday before the election.

...bishop notes on abortion were read but no concern or action discussed on priests child abuse cases. I continue to vent but believe that the Catholic Church is trending into dangerous, hypocritical territory.

What in the world are anti-abortion hymns. abortion is not even in the Bible. thank goodness I have not been exposed to that, but I have not felt comfortable going to church in a few months.

I'm a Catholic, I'm against gay-marriage and abortion, I felt that George Bush represented me the best so I voted for him.

Too bad you don't care about the poor, the uninsured, the soldiers dying in an unjust war and all the others who are best represented by Kerry and his policies. You voted for Bush? You should be ashamed. Stay off our board.

Just imagine what it would have been like with the Pope and a Catholic president of the most powerful country in the world working together to promote the common good for the entire world. I, for one, am proud that I am not a "good" Catholic like the rest of you Pharisees.

Did you see this idiot's profile? http://profiles.yahoo.com/cnn_liberal_trash
(James Carville is a democrat on Crossfire on CNN, btw.) He obviously has nothing better to do than to come to our group to stir up trouble. If any more of his messages get through, it would probably be best to ignore him.

What do you think those bishops and priests would do if you went to them, petitioned them, whatever it takes, and demanded that they in turn demand that Bush push through a constitutional amendment to ban abortion, without regard to rape, incest or life of the mother, and that they do so with the same fervor that they went after voters of their parish.

i tend to hear the most virilent anti abortion anti liberal stuff at our rich parishes...

We, as part of a Catholic as well as secular Progressives must learn what the right wingers have used very well in terms of answering the call of "values"...

So far: George Bush has been "elected" twice and we've yet to see a legitimate election.

I am very depressed over this election...I thought there would be an epiphany...

I am angry at the Church but would never allow anyone else to make me change religion. I fear dark days ahead.

********** Updated with more
I thought is was so cute that my 6 year old son was so excited about the whole election ;he would ask me every couple minutes "Is John Kerry winning?" The next day my son woke up and asks me the same question. After telling him the sad news, he lowered his head and looked down with a somber look. That indeed was when I realized my hope for this country had just been shattered. The disilusionment on his face was heartbreaking. I wept.

The leaders of our Church are going to destroy this Church (while the born again Christians unite and become stronger) and I am once again struggling in my heart and praying over my feelings about itall. Right now I'm feeling like I never want to go back.

Prayer is the only solace right now. God is in charge, but she certainly has a lot of explaining to do. (My Emphasis)

John Kerry fought the good fight with truth and dignity. Our country will never know what they have lost. George W. Bush is a divider not uniter.

I really pity all the born-agains and other Christians who really had good intentions but are either a) misled b)brainwashed (bushwhacked) or c) just plain stupid. Seriously, did you see the one about how higher-IQ people tended to be
for Kerry and dumber people for bush?

- posted by LRS @ 2:30 AM   

 
Exit poll: Moral issues, religion key Bush win in Missouri

Bush, a Methodist, was favored by about six in 10 Protestants. Among white evangelical and born-again Christians, who made up about one-third of voters, Bush carried about three-quarters of the vote.

Meanwhile, Catholics were nearly evenly split between Bush and Kerry, who is Catholic.

In an Oct. 1 pastoral letter published in the archdiocesan newspaper, St. Louis Archbishop Raymond Burke wrote that no Catholic should vote for a candidate who supports "intrinsically evil" acts that include abortion, embryonic stem-cell research and gay marriage. Bush opposes all of those, while Kerry is an abortion rights supporter, favors stem-cell research and said decisions on gay marriage should be left to the states.

There are some people who still believe in God...

Prayers of thanksgiving to our Lord are now in order. We have been blessed in many, many ways with His Divine Mercy.

Article.
- posted by LRS @ 6:26 AM   

 
A Message of Gratitude

In races across the country and at diverse levels of government, voters once again demonstrated the strength of the pro-life movement in America on Election Day 2004.

Despite being outspent (as usual) by powerful pro-abortion political groups, the pro-life movement once again demonstrated that it has something the pro-abortion movement has never had: the support of the people!

Priests for Life wants to thank the many groups and individuals who gave so much time, effort, and sacrifice to elect pro-life candidates.

Now it becomes our task to work with these newly-elected leaders to bring about continued advances in the protection of the unborn. The legislative tasks ahead are painstaking and slow, and require immense patience. We are committed to working with each of you, so that with the same dedication and persistence we have all shown during the elections, we may translate electoral victories into legislative victories!

-- Fr. Frank Pavone

Source.
- posted by LRS @ 6:15 AM   

 
Voters in 11 States Reject Gay Marriage

Gay rights activists received a rebuke from the deep South to North Dakota as voters in 11 states approved constitutional amendments to ban same-sex marriage in a clean sweep for proponents of traditional one-man, one-woman unions.

The vote Tuesday in North Dakota was 3-1 in favor - the same margin as in Georgia and Kentucky as the proposal passed in all 11 states where it was on the ballot. The margin was 6-1 in Mississippi, while the amendment was also approved in Arkansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Montana, Ohio, Oklahoma and Utah.

Source.
- posted by LRS @ 6:10 AM   

 
Three Arizona Priests Evading Prosecutors

MESA - Accused priests are pleading guilty to sex charges and the Catholic Diocese of Phoenix says protecting children is a "top priority," but there's still unfinished business for prosecutors.

Three of the eight priests indicted on sex charges have eluded prosecution by fleeing to Ireland and Italy. The third has not been located but authorities believe he is in Mexico.

Article.
- posted by LRS @ 6:04 AM   

 
Wednesday, 31st Week in Ordinary Time
From: Luke 14:25-33

Conditions For Following Jesus
------------------------------
[25] Now great multitudes accompanied Him (Jesus); and He turned and said to them, [26] "If any one comes to Me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple. [27] Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after Me, cannot be My disciple. [28] For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? [29] Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, [30] saying, `This man began to build, and was not able to finish.' [31] Or what king, going to encounter another king in a war, will not sit down first and take counsel whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? [32] And if not, while the other is yet a great way off, he sends an embassy and asks terms of peace. [33] So therefore, whoever of you does not renounce all that he has cannot be My disciple."
***************
Commentary:

26. These words of our Lord should not disconcert us. Love for God and for Jesus should have pride of place in our lives and we should keep away from anything which obstructs this love: "In this world let us love everyone," St. Gregory the Great comments, "even though he be our enemy; but let us hate him who opposes us on our way to God, though he be our relative [...]. We should then, love, our neighbor; we should have charity towards all--towards relative and towards strangers--but without separating ourselves from the love of God out of love for them" ("In Evangelia Homiliae", 37, 3). In the last analysis, it is a matter of keeping the proper hierarchy of charity: God must take priority over everything.

This verse must be understood, therefore, in the context of all of our Lord's teachings (cf. Luke 6:27-35). These are "hard words. True, `hate' does not exactly express what Jesus meant. Yet He did put it very strongly, because He doesn't just mean `love less,' as some people interpret it in an attempt to tone down the sentence. The force behind these vigorous words does not lie in their implying a negative or pitiless attitude, for the Jesus who is speaking here is none other than that Jesus who commands us to love others as we love ourselves and who gives up His life for mankind. These words indicate simply that we cannot be half-hearted when it comes to loving God. Christ's words could be translated as `love more, love better', in the sense that a selfish or partial love is not enough: we have to love others with the love of God" ([St] J. Escriva, "Christ Is Passing By", 97). See the notes on Matthew 10:34-37; Luke 2:49.

As the Second Vatican Council explains, Christians "strive to please God rather than men, always ready to abandon everything for Christ" (Vatican II, "Apostolicam Actuositatem, 4).

27. Christ "by suffering for us not only gave us an example so that we might follow in His footsteps, but He also opened up a way. If we follow that way, life and death becomes holy and acquire a new meaning" (Vatican II, "Gaudium Et Spes", 22).

The way the Christian follows is that of imitating Christ. We can follow Him only if we help Him bear His cross. We all have experience of suffering, and suffering leads to unhappiness unless it is accepted with a Christian outlook. The Cross is not a tragedy: it is God's way of teaching us that through sin we can be sanctified, becoming one with Christ and winning Heaven as a reward. This is why it is so Christian to love pain: "Let us bless pain. Love pain. Sanctify pain....Glorify pain!" ([St] J. Escriva, "The Way", 208).

28-35. Our Lord uses different examples to show that if mere human prudence means that a person should try to work out in advance the risks he may run, with all the more reason should a Christian embrace the cross voluntarily and generously, because there is no other way he can follow Jesus Christ. "`Quia hic homo coepit aedificare et non potuit consummare! He started to build and was unable to finish!' A sad commentary which, if you don't want, need be made about you: for you possess everything necessary to crown the edifice of your sanctification--the grace of God and your own will." ([St] J. Escriva, "The Way", 324).

33. Earlier our Lord spoke about "hating" one's parents and one's very life; now He equally vigorously requires us to be completely detached from possessions. This verse is a direct application of the two foregoing parables: just as a king is imprudent if he goes to war with an inadequate army, so anyone is foolish who thinks he can follow our Lord without renouncing all his possessions. This renunciation should really bite: our heart has to be unencumbered by anything material if we are able to follow in our Lord's footsteps. The reason is, as He tells us later on, that it is impossible to "serve God and Mammon" (Luke 16:13). Not infrequently our Lord asks a person to practice total, voluntary poverty; and He asks everyone to practice genuine detachment and generosity in the use of material things. If a Christian has to be ready to give up even life itself, with all the more reason should he renounce possessions: If you are a man of God, you will seek to despise riches as intensely as men of the world seek to possess them" ([St] J. Escriva, "The Way", 633). See the note on Luke 12:33-34.

Besides, for a soul to become filled with God it must first be emptied of everything that could be an obstacle to God's indwelling: "The doctrine that the Son of God came to teach was contempt for all things in order to receive as a reward the Spirit of God in himself. For, as long as the soul does not reject all things, it has no capacity to receive the Spirit of God in pure transformation" (St. John of the Cross, "Ascent of Mount Carmel", Book 1, Chapter 5, 2).
****************
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland.

Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.
- posted by LRS @ 1:58 AM   

 
Massachusetts Bishops: Right to life is paramount issue
Nothing like waiting until the last day.

Boston, Nov. 02 (CWNews.com) - The Catholic bishops of Massachusetts-- the home state of Democratic presidential hopeful John Kerry-- have issued a public statement saying that the right to life should be the central issue in voters' decisions.

CWN Link.
- posted by LRS @ 7:09 AM   

 
What is the origin of All Saints and All Souls Day?...
Are they linked with paganism and Halloween?

Fr. William Saunders provides an excellent historical background on All Saints Day & All Souls Day here.
- posted by LRS @ 6:28 AM   

 
Priests in Phoenix want "open discussion" of mandatory celibacy

Surveys conducted by the organizations FutureChurch and Call to Action represent 53 of the nation's 195 dioceses. The groups say the surveys are their response to a shortage of priests that has developed since about 1965.

Ah yes, FutureChurch and Call to Action - two of the finest, orthodox groups known to man (cough..gag!) It's amazing that reporters are so eager to obtain their information from dissenting groups like these.

Allowing priests to get married would enable the church to tap into a ready-made pool of an estimated 25,000 priests who left the ministry to get married...

Sure, let's bring back those who rejected their vows, who violated Church law by attempting to marry. Great...

FutureChurch points to other denominations for proof that allowing a married clergy results in a larger number of ministers. But Schenk [Sister Christine Schenk, executive director of FutureChurch] acknowledged that 84-year-old Pope John Paul II has stood firm on the celibacy requirement, and no change will happen as long as he is pope.

Proof, eh? I think someone is confusing facts with fiction.

Link.
- posted by LRS @ 6:02 AM   

 
Tucson bishop on short list for key U.S. Catholic post

Tucson Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas is among 10 nominees from around the country being considered for the top post at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

I don't think he's got a chance...it's time for a courageous man, such as Archbishop Chaput.

Link.
- posted by LRS @ 5:56 AM   

 
Playing Politics with God...Kerry’s insulting campaign.

Senator Kerry has in fact damaged the Church in serious ways. The Catholic Church has worked hard to avoid partisanship, and yet, every step of the way, Kerry has baited and tempted the faithful by making outrageous statements about who Catholics are and what they believe. He has also undercut the work of Pope John Paul II, who has worked doggedly to foster an appreciation for how faith and reason are inextricably intertwined. The senator's recent condescending rhetoric about respectfully disagreeing with the bishops on opposition to abortion laws — as if to say that he is one of those thinking Catholics — plays right into the age-old prejudices about Catholics that Pope John Paul II has worked hard to eliminate through his elegant connecting of faith with reason.

Source.
- posted by LRS @ 5:51 AM   

 
Wisconsin Archbishop cites 'culture of life'

Archbishop Timothy Dolan urged members of his congregation to “not check our moral principles at the door” when they vote on Tuesday.

The “paramount civil rights issue of our time” is the protection of life “from conception to natural death,” Dolan told the congregation of about 300.

Article here.
- posted by LRS @ 5:44 AM   

 
Cathedral Rector endorses Kerry

WHEELING - After St. Joseph Cathedral Rector the Rev. Larry Dorsch publicly endorsed Democratic presidential hopeful John Kerry on Saturday, a group of local Catholics peacefully demonstrated Monday outside the cathedral in Wheeling to express their pro-life views.

[Dorsch said,] "People have differing opinions on the political process that will best lead to making abortions more and more rare. I believe we have to deal with the social and economic situations that make abortion more of an option for people. Women have fallen more and more into poverty in the last several decades."

Why is a priest of the Catholic Church?
Article here.
- posted by LRS @ 5:35 AM   

 
Fear, Political Correctness, Vacillation?
I had forgotten to post this last week...I saved it as a draft, thinking I may have been too harsh. But considering the article and the example these teachers are setting for the children, I see no point in holding back.

Catholic schools take a pass on mock voting

On Tuesday, tens of thousands of area schoolchildren are expected to vote in simulated elections at their schools, but not many Catholic schools will be taking part.

We are not trying to discourage kids from learning about the voting process," said Terry Edelmann, spokeswoman for the office.

But the fact remains that the kids are discouraged from learning about the voting process. What an outrageous example to give to kids. We will deny you an excellent real-world learning process because we are (choose one: afraid, weak, pro-choice, not Catholic,

Rather, she said, the archdiocese wants to avoid the appearance of impropriety if a school vote were to come out solidly in favor of one candidate, perhaps appearing to be an endorsement. She said mock elections would be fine if they were for fictitious candidates.

First, who at the archdiocese is speaking?

Secondly, when the ballots are tabulated at the end of the day, what difference does it make if one candidate wins solidly? Are some of those charged with teaching the faith afraid of the outcome?

What other pearls of wisdom does she offer?

She said leaders of Catholic schools thought it would be better to avoid such situations, especially with the archdiocese having tax-exempt status as a nonprofit group.

"Any nonprofit has to be careful," she said.

Which "leaders"?

These excuses are really too much! These are signs of fear and weakness - and a failure to educate....OK, kiddies! It's now time for your lesson in how to be 'Politically Correct'!

Source.
- posted by LRS @ 1:14 AM   

 
Canadian Pro-Life Leaders Urge Prayers for American Election - Bush Victory

TORONTO, November 1, 2004 (LifeSiteNews.com) - Pro-Life leaders in Canada have called on Canadians to pray that pro-lifers are elected in the upcoming US elections.

Many thanks to our Pro-Life friends in Canada! If it is God's will, the fruit of these prayers will be victory over the anti-life positions held by John Kerry and other Pro-Death politicians.

Article.
- posted by LRS @ 12:24 AM   

 
A Special 'Inside the Vatican' Dossier On The Issues Facing Voters In 2004 And Beyond
Introductory Note: This Inside the Vatican dossier is an effort to assess the issues in the 2004 US election, and how Catholics are viewing those issues. It is an effort to inform consciences on these issues, and thus we believe the dossier will continue to be of value even after the elections.
- posted by LRS @ 12:19 AM   

 
Judge rules in favor of Terri's family

Parents given chance to exhaust avenues to save brain-disabled daughter

This appears to be great news for Terri Schiavo. May our Lord continue to bless her and her parents and all those so deeply involved in saving her life from those who wish to kill her.

Article.
- posted by LRS @ 12:06 AM   

 
Fr Frank Pavone: Most Priests are Voting for Bush

"The President understands Christian moral values far better than John Kerry does. In fact, the President, though not Catholic, also understands Catholicism better. It is a religion that does not allow us to privatize human rights to the realm of personal belief. That is why Kerry is wrong when he refuses to protect the most vulnerable among us -- children still in the womb -- from the violence of abortion," Fr. Pavone explained.

It's really something when non-Catholic Christians are more faithful to Christ, the Gospel, and the Catholic Church than those profess and flaunt their "Catholicism".

Article here.
- posted by LRS @ 12:02 AM   

 
Nov 2, Commemoration: All the Faithful Departed (All Souls)
From: John 11:17-27

The Raising of Lazarus (Continuation)
-------------------------------------
[17] Now when Jesus came, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. [18] Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles off, [19] and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them concerning their brother. [20] When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met Him, while Mary sat in the house. [21] Martha said to Jesus, "Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. [22] And even now I know that whatever You ask from God, God will give You." [23] Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again." [24] Martha said to Him, "I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day." [25] Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life, he who believes in Me, though he die, yet shall he live, [26] and whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?" [27] She said to Him, "Yes, Lord; I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, He who is coming into the world."
**************
Commentary:
1-45. This chapter deals with one of Jesus' most outstanding miracles. The Fourth Gospel, by including it, demonstrates Jesus' power over death, which the Synoptic Gospels showed by reporting the raising of the daughter of Jairus (Matthew 9:25 and paragraph) and of the son of the widow of Nain (Luke 7:12).

The Evangelist first sets the scene (verses 1-16); then he gives Jesus' conversation with Lazarus' sisters (verses 17-37); finally, he reports the raising of Lazarus four days after his death (verses 38-45). Bethany was only about three kilometers (two miles) from Jerusalem (verse 18). On the days prior to His passion, Jesus often visited this family, to which He was very attached. St. John records Jesus' affection (verses 3, 5, 36) by describing His emotion and sorrow at the death of His friend.

By raising Lazarus our Lord shows His divine power over death and thereby gives proof of His divinity, in order to confirm His disciples' faith and reveal Himself as the Resurrection and the Life. Most Jews, but not the Sadducees, believed in the resurrection of the body. Martha believed in it (cf. verse 24).

Apart from being a real, historical event, Lazarus' return to life is a sign of our future resurrection: we too will return to life. Christ, by His glorious resurrection through He is the "first-born from the dead" (1 Corinthians 15:20; Colossians 1:18; Revelation 1:5), is also the cause and model of our resurrection. In this His resurrection is different from that of Lazarus, for "Christ being raised from the dead will never die again" (Romans 6:9), whereas Lazarus returned to earthly life, later to die again.

18. Fifteen stadia, in Greek measurement: three kilometers (two miles).

21-22. According to St. Augustine, Martha's request is a good example of confident prayer, a prayer of abandonment into the hands of God, who knows better than we what we need. Therefore, "she did not say, But now I ask You to raise my brother to life again. [...] All she said was, I know that You can do it; if you will, do it; it is for you to judge whether to do it, not for me to presume" ("In Ioann. Evang.", 49, 13). The same can be said of Mary's words, which St. John repeats at verse 32.

24-26. Here we have one of those concise definitions Christ gives of Himself, and which St. John faithfully passes on to us (cf. John 10:9; 14:6; 15:1): Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life. He is the Resurrection because by His victory over death He is the cause of the resurrection of all men. The miracle He works in raising Lazarus is a sign of Christ's power to give life to people. And so, by faith in Jesus Christ, who arose first from among the dead, the Christian is sure that he too will rise one day, like Christ (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:23; Colossians 1;18). Therefore, for the believer death is not the end; it is simply the step to eternal life, a change of dwelling-place, as one of the Roman Missal's Prefaces of Christian Death puts it: "Lord, for your faithful people life is changed, not ended. When the body of our earthly dwelling lies in death, we gain an everlasting dwelling place in Heaven".

By saying that He is Life, Jesus is referring not only to that life which begins beyond the grave, but also to the supernatural life which grace brings to the soul of man when he is still a wayfarer on this earth.

"This life, which the Father has promised and offered to each man in Jesus Christ, His eternal and only Son, who 'when the time had fully come' (Galatians 4:4), became incarnate and was born of the Virgin Mary, is the final fulfillment of man's vocation. It is in a way the fulfillment of the 'destiny' that God has prepared for him from eternity. This 'divine destiny' is advancing, in spite of all the enigmas, the unsolved riddles, the twists and turns of 'human destiny' in the world of time. Indeed, while all this, in spite of all the riches of life in time, necessarily and inevitably leads to the frontiers of death and the goal of the destruction of the human body, beyond that goal we see Christ. 'I am the resurrection and the life, He who believes in Me...shall never die.' In Jesus Christ, who was crucified and laid in the tomb and then rose again, 'our hope of resurrection dawned...the bright promise of immortality' ("Roman Missal", Preface of Christian Death, I), on the way to which man, through the death of the body, shares with the whole of visible creation the necessity to which matter is subject" ([Pope] John Paul II, "Redemptor Hominis", 18).
**************
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland.

Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.
- posted by LRS @ 12:01 AM   

 
Abortion Supporters on the Bishops' National Review Board
This is utterly repugnant. However, we should not be too surprised. It appears the USCCB has a recurring problem choosing faithful Catholics to fill positions. Will the USCCB do anything about it?

Is there not a SERIOUS problem with this? A person appointed to a board which is to supposed to protect children, all the while supporting the murder of children. Anyone on the board who rejects fundamentals of the Faith and of natural and moral law should be 'terminated' from the board immediately! Are those at the USCCB so blinded by darkness that they cannot see the dichotomy and scandal this presents?

See Dominico Bettinelli's post here.

- posted by LRS @ 12:16 PM   

 
Prayer For Help Against Spiritual Enemies
This coming election could well be a turning point in our history. We have witnessed a rejection of God, the natural law, and moral values over many years, but this year, we have seen a division growing ever wider - between those who value the good and those who wish to replace the good with evil.

We have witnessed the same division within the Church - or at least the attempt to divide the Mysical Body of Christ. There are many who are in the Church for no other reason than to poison her or to reshape her to their own liking. Many others are confused because of decades of lack of teaching by her bishops and priests. Many also pray that the Church may be purged of the festering abscesses which continue to affect the weak in faith or the ignorant 'believers'.

We know that 'the liar and father of lies, the murderer from the beginning' has tempted many in the Church and that many have fallen for his lies and promises. Please consider the following prayer to my patron Saint, the Saint I chose at Confirmation, to help us beseech the Holy Spirit to bring people back to the fold of Christ, in our efforts to instruct those who are in error, in our efforts to offer reparations for the many sins and sacrileges occurring every day.

We are approaching the end of the political campaigns, and our future and the future of our children and the world is at stake. Will there be more innocent children brutally torn apart and murdered or will the nation comes to its senses and return to its Christian roots and uphold what is right and just? Everyone, especially today and tomorrow, should be asking Almighty God to have mercy on us and to grant us His blessings by providing us leaders who will abide by His Word.

Glorious Saint Michael, Prince of the heavenly hosts, who stands always ready to give assistance to the people of God; who fought with the dragon, the old serpent, and cast him out of heaven, and now valiantly defends the Church of God that the gates of hell may never prevail against her, I earnestly entreat you to assist me also, in the painful and dangerous conflict which I sustain against the same formidable foe.

Be with me, O mighty Prince! that I may courageously fight and vanquish that proud spirit, whom you, by the Divine Power, gloriously overthrew, and whom our powerful King, Jesus Christ, has, in our nature, completely overcome; so having triumphed over the enemy of my salvation, I may with you and the holy angels, praise the clemency of God who, having refused mercy to the rebellious angels after their fall, has granted repentance and forgiveness to fallen man. Amen.

Prayer from EWTN.
- posted by LRS @ 7:30 AM   

 
Some attempts to sabotage Catholic voters

...attempts by Church leaders are made every day to sabotage these teachings [the teachings of the Church]. Let us look at a number of recent damages:

Barbara Kralis posts a litany of examples of bishops, priests, Catholic oOrganizations, and professed "Catholics" which have been documented and discussed in recent weeks.
- posted by LRS @ 7:16 AM   

 
Worshippers get an earful of politics
Excerpts from today's Post Dispatch...

In Florida, the Rev. Frank Pavone, an activist Roman Catholic abortion opponent, told a packed St. James Cathedral in Orlando to "carry out your Christian responsibility in this election."

Pastor Rod Parsley, of the evangelical World Harvest Church in Columbus, Ohio, told 2,500 worshippers, "We are just not ready to have our values trampled underfoot by the God-deniers."

In Michigan, Catholics for the Common Good asked priests in the Detroit area Sunday to tell parishioners to consider a wider range of moral issues than abortion alone. "What we're saying to them is that there has been significant limiting of the Catholic Church teaching in documents that have been widely distributed by quote-unquote Catholic groups," said Charles Rooney, a member of the organization.

Article.
- posted by LRS @ 6:30 AM   

 
Another Sacrilegious Communion

Before hitting the campaign trail, Bush and Kerry separately attended Catholic services. Kerry attended Mass and received communion at the Church of the Holy Angels in Dayton. When the priest welcomed him, the church erupted in applause.

It must have been the "Catholics for Kerry" Mass....

But after Kerry passed in the aisle on the way to his seat, a woman grabbed her husband and stalked out of the church. "I won't spend a moment with that man," she muttered.

I applaud this woman and her husband! I'm afraid I would have to do the same thing. I don't believe I would have the patience or strength to witness John Kerry receiving Holy Communion while he holds positions contrary to the teaching of the Church.

Article.
- posted by LRS @ 6:20 AM   

 
Bishop Skylstad: Spokane Diocese May Face Bankruptcy

If attorneys for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Spokane do not reach a settlement with dozens of alleged victims of clergy sex abuse, the diocese may be forced to declare bankruptcy, the bishop said.

Bishop William Skylstad issued the warning in a letter sent to parishioners in preparation for settlement talks this week with 28 alleged victims of a former priest who has admitted sexually abusing boys.

Source
- posted by LRS @ 6:11 AM   

 
Cardinal Rigali on voting and issues

Some issues, however, because they lie at the foundation of society and address fundamental aspects of what it means to be human, must be considered first and foremost.

Statement
- posted by LRS @ 6:06 AM   

 
November 1, Solemnity, All Saints
From: Matthew 5:1-12a
The Beatitudes
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[1] Seeing the crowds, He (Jesus) went up on the mountain, and when He sat down His disciples came to Him. [2] And He opened His mouth and taught them, saying: [3] "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. [4] Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. [5] Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. [6] Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. [7] Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. [8] Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God. [9] Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God. [10] Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. [11] Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on My account. [12] Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in Heaven."
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Commentary:
1. The Discourse, or Sermon, on the Mount takes up three full chapters of St. Matthew's Gospel--Chapters 5-7. It is the first of the five great discourses of Jesus which appear in this Gospel and it contains a considerable amount of our Lord's teaching.

It is difficult to reduce this discourse to one single theme, but the various teachings it contains could be said to deal with these five points: 1) the attitude a person must have for entering the Kingdom of Heaven (the Beatitudes, the salt of the earth, the light of the world, Jesus and His teaching, the fullness of the Law); 2) uprightness of intention in religious practice (here the "Our Father" would be included); 3) trust in God's fatherly providence; 4) how God's children should behave towards one another (not judging one's neighbor, respect for holy things, the effectiveness of prayer, and the golden rule of charity); 5) the conditions for entering the Kingdom (the narrow gate, false prophets and building on rock).

"He taught them": this refers both to the disciples and to the multitude, as can be seen at the end of the Sermon (Matthew 7:28).

2. The Beatitudes (5:3-12) form, as it were, the gateway to the Sermon on the Mount. In order to understand the Beatitudes properly, we should bear in mind that they do not promise salvation only to the particular kinds of people listed here: they cover everyone whose religious dispositions and moral conduct meet the demands which Jesus lays down. In other words, the poor in spirit, the meek, those who mourn, those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers and those who suffer persecution in their search for holiness--these are not different people or kinds of people but different demands made on everyone who wants to be a disciple of Christ.

Similarly, salvation is not being promised to different groups in society but to everyone, no matter what his or her position in life, who strives to follow the spirit and to meet the demands contained in the Beatitudes.

All the Beatitudes have an eschatological meaning, that is, they promise us definitive salvation not in this world, but in the next. But the spirit of the Beatitudes does give us, in this life, peace in the midst of tribulation. The Beatitudes imply a completely new approach, quite at odds with the usual way man evaluates things: they rule out any kind of pharisaical religiosity, which regards earthly happiness as a blessing from God and a reward for good behavior, and unhappiness and misfortune as a form of punishment. In all ages the Beatitudes put spiritual goods on a much higher plane than material possessions. The healthy and the sick, the powerful and the weak, the rich and the poor--all are called, independently of their circumstances, to the deep happiness that is experienced by those who live up to the Beatitudes which Jesus teaches.

The Beatitudes do not, of course, contain the entire teaching of the Gospel, but they do contain, in embryo, the whole program of Christian perfection.

3. This text outlines the connection between poverty and the soul. This religious concept of poverty was deeply rooted in the Old Testament (cf., e.g., Zephaniah 2:3ff). It was more to do with a religious attitude of neediness and of humility towards God than with material poverty: that person is poor who has recourse to God without relying on his own merits and who trusts in God's mercy to be saved. This religious attitude of poverty is closely related to what is called "spiritual childhood". A Christian sees himself as a little child in the presence of God, a child who owns nothing: everything he has comes from God and belongs to God. Certainly, spiritual poverty, that is, Christian poverty, means one must be detached from material things and practice austerity in using them. God asks certain people--religious--to be legally detached from ownership and thereby bear witness to others of the transitoriness of earthly things.

4. "Those who mourn": here our Lord is saying that those are blessed who suffer from any kind of affliction--particularly those who are genuinely sorry for they sins, or are pained by the offenses which others offer God, and who bear their suffering with love and in a spirit of atonement.

"You are crying? Don't be ashamed of it. Yes, cry: men also cry like you, when they are alone and before God. Each night, says King David, I soak my bed with tears. With those tears, those burning manly tears, you can purify your past and supernaturalize your present life" ([St] J. Escriva, "The Way", 216).

The Spirit of God will console with peace and joy, even in this life, those who weep for their sins, and later will give them a share in the fullness of happiness and glory in Heaven: these are the blessed.

5. "The meek": those who patiently suffer unjust persecution; those who remain serene, humble and steadfast in adversity, and do not give way to resentment or discouragement. The virtue of meekness is very necessary in the Christian life. Usually irritableness, which is very common, stems from a lack of humility and interior peace.

"The earth": this is usually understood as meaning our Heavenly Fatherland.

6. The notion of righteousness (or justice) in Holy Scripture is an essentially religious one (cf. notes on Matthew 1:19 and 3:15; Romans 1:17; 1:18-32; 3:21-22 and 24). A righteous person is one who sincerely strives to do the Will of God, which is discovered in the commandments, in one's duties of state in life (social, professional and family responsibilities) and through one's life of prayer. Thus, righteousness, in the language of the Bible, is the same as what nowadays is usually called "holiness" (1 John 2:29; 3:7-10; Revelation 22:11; Genesis 15:6; Deuteronomy 9:4).

As St. Jerome comments ("Comm. on Matthew", 5, 6), in the fourth Beatitude our Lord is asking us not simply to have a vague desire for righteousness: we should hunger and thirst for it, that is, we should love and strive earnestly to seek what makes a man righteous in God's eyes. A person who genuinely wants to attain Christian holiness should love the means which the Church, the universal vehicle of salvation, offers all men and teaches them to use--frequent use of the Sacraments, an intimate relationship with God in prayer, a valiant effort to meet one's social, professional and family responsibilities.

7. Mercy is not a just a matter of giving alms to the poor but also of being understanding towards other people's defects, overlooking them, helping them cope with them and loving them despite whatever defects they may have. Being merciful also means rejoicing and suffering with other people.

8. Christ teaches us that the source of the quality of human acts lies in the heart, that is, in a man's soul, in the depths of his spirit. "When we speak of a person's heart, we refer not just to his sentiments, but to the whole person in his loving dealings with others. In order to help us understand divine things, Scripture uses the _expression `heart' in its full human meaning, as the summary and source, _expression and ultimate basis, of one's thoughts, words and actions. A man is worth what his heart is worth" ([St] J. Escriva, "Christ Is Passing By", 164).

Cleanness of heart is a gift of God, which expresses itself in a capacity to love, in having an upright and pure attitude to everything noble. As St. Paul says, "whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things" (Philippians 4:8). Helped by God's grace, a Christian should constantly strive to cleanse his heart and acquire this purity, whose reward is the vision of God.

9. The translation "peacemakers" well convey the active meaning of the original text--those who foster peace, in themselves and in others and, as a basis for that, try to be reconciled and to reconcile others with God. Being at peace with God is the cause and effect of every kind of peace. Any peace on earth not based on this divine peace would be vain and misleading.

"They shall be called sons of God": this is an Hebraicism often found in Sacred Scripture; it is the same as saying "they will be sons of God". St. John's first letter (3:1) provides a correct exegesis of this Beatitude: "See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are".

10. What this Beatitude means, then, is: blessed are those who are persecuted because they are holy, or because they are striving to be holy, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.

Thus, blessed is he who suffers persecution for being true to Jesus Christ and who does so not only patiently but joyfully. Circumstances arise in a Christian's life that call for heroism--where no compromise is admissible: either one stays true to Jesus Christ whatever the cost in terms of reputation, life or possessions, or one denies Him. St. Bernard ("Sermon on the Feast of All Saints") says that the eighth Beatitude is as it were the prerogative of Christian martyrs. Every Christian who is faithful to Jesus' teaching is in fact a "martyr" (a witness) who reflects or acts according with this Beatitude, even if he does not undergo physical death.

11-12. The Beatitudes are the conditions Jesus lays down for entering the Kingdom of Heaven. This verse, in a way summing up the preceding ones, is an invitation to everyone to put this teaching into practice. The Christian life, then, is no easy matter, but it is worthwhile, given the reward that Jesus promises.
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Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland.

Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.
- posted by LRS @ 5:34 AM