Cardinal Burke: Authentic Catholic universities help resist ‘secular dictatorship'

The authentically Catholic university helps students resist “secularist dictatorship” by keeping Jesus Christ at the center of its mission and by exposing the moral bankruptcy of contemporary culture, Cardinal Raymond Burke said Dec. 4...

In a lengthy discussion of the nature of Catholic higher education, he said that a Catholic university faithful to its identity will help students give an account of their faith and help them resist “the secularist dictatorship which would exclude all religious discourse from the professions and from public life in general.”...

Cardinal Burke lamented the fall of many American Catholic colleges and universities that have become “Catholic in name only.”...

On the issues of creating curricula and hiring professors, Cardinal Burke advised “special care,” noting the poor religious formation of many young Catholics.

“Given the religious illiteracy which marks our time and in fidelity to the seriousness with which university studies should be undertaken, there is really no place for engaging in speculative theology and certainly no time to waste on superficial and tendentious theological writings of the time,” the cardinal contended...

Much more here from Catholic News Agency (CNA).

Rather timely considering the plans SLU has for a speaker

Scientists to Congress: Pass the stem cell law...while you still can

"Scientists"??? Hardly. Rather, they are special interest prostitutes, acting under the guise of ‘science,’ demanding millions in grants, in order to use murdered babies for "research."

In a letter sent Friday to the leadership of the House of Representatives and the Senate, the deans of American medical schools, chief executives of U.S. hospitals and heads of organizations with names like the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the American Society of Human Genetics said that federal funding for human embryonic stem cell research “is essential” if scientists are to succeed in turning the cells into usable treatments...

The sought for "cures" & "treatments" would be worth billions. If embryonic stem cells are as promising as these death peddlers suggest, then there wouldn't need to be ANY federal funding for this gruesome research. Where are the private investors for this scheme?

What these “scientists” desire is that the 'Culture of Death' be funded from the public treasury and accepted by the citizenry.

Archbishop Nienstedt Refuses Communion to Dissidents

At today's Noon Mass, a statement was read over the intercom prior to ommunion by the Archdiocese's Communication's Director one Dennis McGrath. This Sunday was Vocation Sunday and the Archdiocese has more students studying for the priesthood than it's had for thirty years, but Archbishop was not present.

The statement was to the effect that only baptised Catholics who are disposed to receive Communion and in agreement with the entirety Church's teaching may receive Communion, and specifically, that Rainbow Sashers may not receive Holy Communion, but they were invited to remove their sashes.

The approach he's taken to this situation matches the description of him given by the Star and Tribune as "cool and collected."...

More here

And another report here

CCHD - Same as it ever was?

USCCB “Review and Renewal of the Catholic Campaign for Human Development” betrays utter lack of reform

I've downloaded and read the CCHD “Review and Renewal of the Catholic Campaign for Human Development as Accepted and Affirmed by the USCCB Administrative Committee,” – promulgated on September 15, 2010 – and can only cry in absolute frustration, that nothing has changed. The new, improved CCHD is still all about funding Alinskyian organizing (organizing based on the organizational theories of the late, great Saul Alinsky)….which is still all about progressive politics…which is still all about killing babies...

Continued here at Orate Fratres

I, personally, would have a difficult time EVER contributing to this cause (agenda) of the USCCB until such time as it is thoroughly cleansed of those responsible for its rot and decay.

Catholic Voters Get Guidance from Rome [Archbishop Burke]

Cardinal-designate Raymond Burke in exclusive new interview, "There is a discrimination which is perfectly good and just"

As Americans approach the eve of election week, U.S. Cardinal-designate Raymond Burke is reminding Catholics in an exclusive 25-minute video interview that they are bound in conscience to vote for political candidates who oppose aborting babies, embryonic stem cell experiments, euthanasia and so-called homosexual "marriage."

"Millions of Catholics have no idea it's a sin to vote for candidates who favor these grave evils, which attack the very foundations of society," said Thomas McKenna, President of Catholic Action for Faith and Family. "This matter-of-fact, pointed interview granted to me by Archbishop Raymond Burke in Rome last week makes it very clear what the responsibility of every American Catholic will be next Tuesday...

More here

See the Archbishop Burke videos here

Military archbishop describes dangers of altering 'don't ask, don't tell'

After a series of legal reversals this week, the permanent status of the military's “Don't Ask, Don't Tell” policy on homosexuality remains unresolved. On Oct. 22, Military Archbishop Timothy Broglio explained to CNA why he believes the government must maintain the policy....

Archbishop Broglio explained to CNA what he sees as the basic flaw in Judge Phillips' ruling...The archbishop explained that while individuals may have a legal right to declare their sexual preferences, they have no comparable “right” to serve in the military at the same time.

Rather, he said, the military reserves to itself the right to deny individuals that privilege-- just as soldiers may forfeit the privilege of military service in many other ways, through their speech and behavior...

More here

Archbishop Burke's Epic Speech

The recent speech given by Archbishop Raymond Burke continues to send shockwaves through the Catholic world. More than a few bishops must be feeling very uncomfortable.

NY Catholic Bishops: Right to Life Outweighs other Concerns in Voting

New York’s Catholic Bishops are telling the state’s Catholics this year that the right to life must be their first concern when they step into the voting booth in November, not party loyalty or other issues where good people may differ in opinion or judgment.

The pastoral letter “Our Cherished Right, Our Solemn Duty,” signed by New York Archbishop Timothy Dolan and seven other New York state bishops, says Catholics must be “cautious” when they cast votes this election, so as “not to be guided solely by party loyalty or by self interest...”

More here

Vatican Archbishop Burke: Public Repentance is Required for Pro-Abort Politicians

October 12, 2010 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Speaking at the Human Life International World Prayer Congress Saturday, Archbishop Raymond Burke received sustained applause when he noted that Catholic politicians who support abortion are required to repent publicly.

Speaking to pro-life leaders from 45 nations, the Prefect of the Apostolic Signatura (the highest Vatican court) also noted that those who recognize the scandal caused by such public, dissident Catholics assist the Church in repairing a serious breach, but are nevertheless often ridiculed for it...

Archbishop Burke stressed that “both bishops and the faithful” must be obedient to the Magisterium...“If the shepherd is not obedient the flock easily gives way to confusion and error.”

Burke, who is also a member of the Congregation for Bishops added: “A most tragic example of the lack of obedience of faith, also on the part of certain Bishops, was the response of many to the Encyclical Letter Humanae vitae of Pope Paul VI, published on July 25, 1968. The confusion which resulted has led many Catholics into habits of sin in what pertains to the procreation and education of human life.”...

The Vatican prelate [also stated]:

Lying or failing to tell the truth, however, is never a sign of charity. A unity which is not founded on the truth of the moral law is not the unity of the Church. The Church’s unity is founded on speaking the truth with love.

The person who experiences scandal at public actions of Catholics, which are gravely contrary to the moral law, not only does not destroy unity but invites the Church to repair what is clearly a serious breach in Her life.

Were he not to experience scandal at the public support of attacks on human life and the family, his conscience would be uninformed or dulled about the most sacred realities.

More here.

(Read the complete talk here) [PDF}.

[Hat tip to Penny for the link!]

Court rules in favor of SD firefighters' forced participation in ‘gay pride’ parade

“Substantial evidence”
Appeals court rules in favor of San Diego firefighters forced to participate in ‘gay pride’ parade

In an unusually speedy ruling, a state appeals court has unanimously upheld sexual harassment damages awarded by a jury to four San Diego firefighters forced to participate in the city’s 2007 ‘gay pride’ parade....

More here

Dr Edward Peters: Dissection of baloney journalism

Dr Peters writes:

Care to see just how many errors one AFP article on “women priests” can contain? Check it out my Dissection of baloney journalism, here.

It’s got me seeing red!

Obamacare firesale: Three Catholic Hospitals for sale in Pennsylvania

It looks like it’s not just insurers that suddenly want to get out of the health care business. Three Catholic hospitals in Pennsylvania are now on the market, and the hospital management is telling the local media that Obamacare is a major reason why the facilities are being unloaded:

Continued here

"You think health care is expensive now? Wait until it's free." PJ O'Rourke

Gay Marriage and the End of Christian Civilization

From Fr Thomas J. Euteneuer of HLI:

Back in the 90s when Fr. Paul Marx, founder of HLI, was asked his opinion about the efforts to legalize "same-sex unions" he commented in his usual forthright fashion, "When they do that," he said, "it's the end." He meant "the end" of the Christian civilization whose values used to form the basis of American common life. Fr. Marx, in a prophetic sense, saw rightly that a society cannot survive the perverse manipulation of the very structure of reality that God Himself has revealed to us, one very fundamental element of which is the institution of marriage. When we allow that to be changed-"It's the end."

In 2009, 52% of the voting population in California endorsed Proposition 8 which ratified the constitutional protection of marriage as between a man and a woman. One might argue that even 52% was shockingly low on something so important, but the people won that battle despite the veritable war of the homosexual militants to sink that Proposition. In fact, Christian decency won and the structure of reality stayed intact, at least in this aspect of law in California, until this week when a single judge just nullified 7 million votes and the will of the people and lifted the "ban" on gay marriage. There was rejoicing in Sodom on the Bay, but how sad for our nation and even for our poor, misguided world that will weaken in its opposition to the homosexual lifestyle as a result of this decision.

So why, you ask, is gay marriage wrong? Let me count the ways.

Continued here

A Reminder: Liberalism is a Sin

Another reminder which is necessary to be more fully understood, especially in these time in which we live [from Our Lady's Warriors]:

In 1886 there appeared in Spain a little work under the title El Liberalismo es Pecado, "Liberalism Is a Sin," by Don Felix Sarda y Salvany, a priest of Barcelona and editor of a journal called La Revista Popular. The book excited considerable commotion. It was vigorously assailed by the Liberals. A Spanish Bishop of a Liberal turn instigated an answer to Dr. Sarda's work by way of another Spanish priest. Both books were sent to Rome, praying the Sacred Congregation of the Index to put Dr. Sarda's work under the ban. The following letter, under date of January 10, 1887, from the Sacred Congregation itself, explains the result of its consideration of the two volumes:

TO THE MOST REV. JACOBO CATALA ET ALBOSO, Bishop of Barcelona

Most Excellent Sir:

The Sacred Congregation of the Index has received the denunciation of the little work bearing the title El Liberalismo es Pecado by Don Felix Sarda y Salvany, a priest of your diocese; the denunciation was accompanied at the same time by another little work, entitled El Proceso del Integrismo, that is, "A refutation of the errors contained in the little work El Liberalismo es Pecado." The author of the second work is D. de Pazos, a canon of the diocese of Vich.

Whereupon, the Sacred Congregation has carefully examined both works and decided as follows:

In the first, not only is nothing found contrary to sound doctrine, but its author, D. Felix Sarda, merits great praise for his exposition and defense of the sound doctrine therein set forth with solidity, order and lucidity, and without personal offense to anyone.

The same judgment, however, cannot be passed on the other work, that by D. de Pazos, for in matter it needs corrections. Moreover, his injurious manner of speaking cannot be approved, for he inveighs rather against the person of D. Sarda than against the latter's supposed errors.

Therefore, the Sacred Congregation has commanded D. de Pazos, admonished by his own Bishop, to withdraw his book, as far as he can, from circulation, and in the future, if any discussion of the subject should arise, to abstain from all expressions personally injurious, according to the precept of true Christian charity; and this all the more since Our Holy Father, Leo XIII, whereas he urgently recommends castigation of error, neither desires nor approves expressions personally injurious, especially when directed against those who are eminent for their doctrine and their piety.

In communicating to you this order of the Sacred Congregation of the Index, that you may be able to make it known to the illustrious priest of your diocese, D. Sarda, for his peace of mind, I pray God to grant you all happiness and prosperity, and subscribe myself with great respect,

Your most obedient servant,

FR. JEROME SECHERI, O.P.
Secretary of the Sacred Congregation Of the Index.

___________________________________
"Liberalism is the dogmatic affirmation of the absolute independence of the individual and of the social reason. Catholicity is the dogma of the absolute subjection of the individual and of the social order to the revealed law of God. One doctrine is the exact antithesis of the other. They are opposites in direct conflict." (Ch. 6).
___________________________________
"Protestantism is now a dead dog; Liberalism a living lion going about seeking whom be may devour. Its dreadful doctrine is permeating society to the core; it has become the modern political creed and threatens us with a second revolution, to turn the world over once again to paganism." (Page 74).

Read all about it here & bookmark it! What was written over a hundred years ago is just as applicable today!

Battling for America’s Soul: How Homosexual "Marriage" Threatens Our Nation and Faith

Time to revisit this article by The American TFP:

Battling for America’s Soul

How Homosexual “Marriage” Threatens Our Nation and Faith — the TFP Urges Lawful and Conscientious Resistance

Within the perspective of the nation’s Cultural War, Americans felt the full force of two actions favoring the homosexual movement in May 2008. Same-sex “marriage” is now being imposed upon the nation by government fiat.

On May 15, 2008, California’s Supreme Court declared the unconstitutionality of Proposition 22—ignoring the voices of 61% of California voters who approved the measure in 2000—and all other California statutes restricting marriage to the union of one man and one woman and imposed homosexual “marriage” on the Golden State.

Concomitantly, New York Governor David Patterson unilaterally ordered all government agencies to revamp their rules, procedures, and regulations so as to show legal recognition to same-sex “marriages” contracted outside the state.
* * *

A. The Acceptance of Same-Sex “Marriage” Is Incompatible with Christianity...

B. The Catholic Church’s Perennial and Immutable Moral Doctrine Condemns Homosexual Practice...

C. Same-Sex “Marriage” Harms the Common Good...

D. TFP Calls for Lawful, Conscientious Resistance to Same-Sex “Marriage” and the Homosexual Movement...

E. We Are Opposing the Homosexual “Moral Revolution”...

Complete article can be read here.

Cardinal Pell Says Green Party Like Watermelons: Green Outside, Red Inside

SYDNEY, August 11, 2010 (LifeSiteNews.com) - A row has erupted after Cardinal George Pell of the Archdiocese of Sydney, Australia criticized the Green Party, which supports abortion, euthanasia, and same-sex "marriage," as "sweet camouflaged poison" that represents an "anti-Christian" point of view. The archdiocese stood strongly by the comments after Green leader Robert Brown implied that Pell lied about the party's position, and claimed to be more in touch with Catholic and Christian sentiment than the Cardinal...

Continued here

"Green outside, red inside" - like the current White Hut occupant/usurper - no experience (green) and red (communist) inside...

When will this witch be excommunicated?

Pelosi Statement on Marriage Equality Ruling

Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement on the ruling announced today by U.S. District Court Judge Walker in the case of Perry v. Schwarzenegger:

“I am extremely encouraged by the ruling today, which found that Proposition 8 violated both the due process and equal protection clauses of the U.S. Constitution. Proposition 8 has taken away individual rights and freedoms, and is a stain upon the California Constitution.

“We must continue to fight against discriminatory marriage amendments and work toward the day when all American families are treated equally."

Does her bishop, like Chairman MaObama, lacking the 'cajones' to do his duty?

Keyes files complaint against Kagan for 'conspiracy to defraud Supreme Court'

Recently, we received the following message from Alan Keyes' national pro-life organization — Declaration Alliance — appealing for support of a criminal complaint filed by DA and Larry Klayman of Freedom Watch alleging that Elena Kagan defrauded the Supreme Court by altering a scientific report on partial-birth abortion when she was an attorney for President Bill Clinton.

The complaint, which Declaration Alliance and Freedom Watch filed July 28 before the Supreme Court, demonstrates from court records that Kagan altered a scientific analysis — inserting her own words — and passed off the analysis before the Supreme Court as official scientific opinion, fraudulently influencing the court to overturn Nebraska's partial-birth abortion ban in 2000.

The complaint seeks to have Kagan disbarred from practicing before the Supreme Court, as well as investigated for obstruction of justice.

Please read the appeal from Alan Keyes below and give this praiseworthy legal action your support.

Stephen Stone
President, RenewAmerica

More here

Obama praises Catholic Health Association for role in passage of health(Death) care legislation saying...

“I especially want to thank Sr. Carol Keehan”

Rejoicing, the dissenters and heretics continue to subvert the truth with more spin and lies:

On Monday, the Catholic Health Association (CHA) and its president, Sister Carol Keehan, opened the second day of the association’s annual summit with a video featuring praise from Pres__ent Barack Obama and Sen. Bob Casey Jr. for the organization's support of the healthcare bill signed into law by the pres__ent on March 23...

The video tries to provide, in less than 10 minutes, doctrinal and historic justification to CHA's controversial support of the healthcare bill, despite the opposition of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB)...

The video does not feature any U.S. Catholic bishop or USCCB spokesperson, although the opening Mass for the CHA assembly was presided over by Bishop Robert Lynch of St. Petersburg, Florida....

Lest we forget, it was Bishop Lynch who failed to do his duty to help Terri Schiavo...

More here

June 27 Credo Forum-Mr William A. Donohue

Credo of the Catholic Laity is proud to present as our Sunday June 27 Forum Speaker, William A Donohue ,the foremost lay defender of Catholic rights in the United States.

His topic will be: Current Threats to the Religious Freedom of Catholics.

Bill is President and CEO of the Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights, the nation's largest civil rights organization. He is the publisher of the Catholic League Journal, Catalyst. Bill is also an adjunct scholar at the Heritage Foundation and serves on the board of directors of the National Association of Scholars and the New York state chapter of NAS.

He serves on the board of advisors of the Washington Legal Foundation, the Educational. Freedom Foundation, The Association of Catholic Social Scientists, Catholics United for the Faith, and many more. His memberships include: The Ancient Order of Hibernians, and Catholic War Veterans. He is an Honorary member of The Catholic Social Workers National Association, serves on the Manhattan Committee on Foreign Relations Advisory Board, and on the Editorial Advisory Board of The Family in America: A Journal of Public Policy.

Bill is the author of four books and many articles. His first book, The Politics of the American Civil Liberties Union, was published in 1985. His second book, The New Freedom: Individualism and Collectivism in Social Lives of Americans, was written while Bill was a Bradley Resident Scholar at the Heritage Foundation; it appeared in 1990. The third book, Twilight of Liberty: The legacy of the ACLU, was published in 1994. His most recent book, Secular Sabotage: How Liberals are Destroying Religion and Culture in America, was published in 1999 and is available at bookstores and from Amazon.

Bill started his career as a teacher in the 1970's, working at St Lucy's in Spanish Harlem. In 1977 he took a position as a college professor, teaching at La Roche College in Pittsburg. In 1980 he was awarded his Ph.D. in sociology from New York University.

I am sure most of you are familiar with Bill Donohue. He has received many awards from the Catholic Community and appeared on thousands of television and radio shows, speaking on civil Liberties and social issues and defending the Catholic Church from its many detractors.

See the flyer here for full details on this event. Get your checks in early because we expect a sellout crowd.