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Fr. Thomas Euteneuer and Our Possible Future

2010-02-25T21:28:00.000-05:00

The following is the complete text of LifeSiteNews.com’s interview with Fr. Thomas Euteneuer, president of Human Life International:

LSN: We see the crisis of abortion sometimes in isolation. We look at individual problems like the health care bill in the US, or the threat to national sovereignty presented by the Lisbon Treaty, or we look at a particular political party or candidate and we focus our attention on those things, but we need also to look at the larger picture. What does the abortion crisis, and the moral crisis, presage in the larger realm?

TE: A moral degradation precedes social and political degradation. And we see a take-over of the financial system. We see a dismantling of the free market as we know it, which is a hallmark of western democracy. We see a socialization of huge industries, such as the health care industry, even the insurance industry is part of this process of socialization. I say it is not remarkable that it is happening now.

You mention that it has already happened in Europe and we’re now catching up. Of course, because Europe legalized abortion, Europe had their moral degradation prior to us. And now they’re seeing a rapid systematic dismantling of their economies.

LSN: Can a line between legalized abortion and the financial crisis be drawn clearly?

TE: The line to me is the spiritual and moral dimension of it. The spiritual and moral affect everything that we do. But usually because there is a greater accountability in the financial and economic realm of things, it takes longer for that to degrade. When people start losing money, they begin to wake up. And God allows that because when people do not recognize the demands of morality and the demands of God, the only thing they’re willing to listen to oftentimes is their pocket book. There’s a great possibility in all these structural changes that are happening now that people could turn around and become moral again, because of the financial crisis. Also, any type of disaster turns people back to God, as we saw after 9-11. We didn’t sustain that because we got back on our feet economically.

LSN: Do you anticipate a social crisis similar to that of Britain in the US?

TE: The social crisis happens when we elect people to rule over us who are immoral. That is not an isolated incident anymore. We have immoral activists at every branch of government and everywhere we turn around the pagans are in charge of our institutions. So people who don’t have a moral bearing to elect other moral people, elect immoral politicians and people to serve over them, eventually end up reaping the fruit of those immoral decisions. So immoral lifestyles produce immoral leaders.

LSN: This should come as a surprise to no one, though.

TE: It’s not. It’s happened in every society that has reached its pinnacle of civilization and then collapsed. Look at Carthage, the Phoenician empire was much more powerful than Rome for a period of time. But Carthage had a religion that offered human sacrifice of babies. Eventually it degraded from within and collapsed on itself.

LSN: What do you anticipate then, with our global culture?

TE: We’ve got a serious crisis on the horizon. I’m not a prophet of doom but I don’t see this going any other way but a serious political crisis that’s going to affect the globe.

LSN: You don’t think there is going to be a backlash? A natural return to moral sanity? In Britain, even if most people don’t understand why the situation is so bad, they are clearly fed up with Blairism and are going to kick the Labour Party out. Do you think that people will say “enough” before a global social disaster?

TE: The only way we can avert a global collapse is by a moral conversion. Once again, we have to reverse the process. Just to rearrange the deck chairs on the Titanic, is not a way to stop the collapse, the sinking of the Titanic. We have to turn back to God. And if people get fed up and just elect another political party that is just as bad as the previous political party, it does nothing to stem the global crisis that’s going to come upon us. What we need is a conversion of heart.

LSN: How is this going to come about, barring a massive disaster?

TE: It’s going to be the natural result of suffering. People turn back to God when they suffer. People can turn back to God because they listen to reason. Or because they hear good preaching or because they have good moral leadership. It could also happen that way, where if the Church were living up to its vocation – and I mean mainly Church leadership – then the people have a fighting chance of turning this back.

A good example of where it’s not happening was this summer. Many of us were happy that people were attending the townhall meetings and tea parties and yelling and screaming, but it was all about the economics. Where were these people when they were killing babies? Where are these people since they are continuing to kill babies. Where is this kind of anger generated by that?

Biblically, we see Nineveh, as a sign that this kind of thing can happen. They responded to God’s grace.

LSN: So where’s our Jonah?

TE: (Pope) Benedict, and John Paul before him, they are true prophets. We have witnesses such as Terri Schiavo who was a victim. They are victim witnesses. We have the witnesses of holiness in the lives of sanctity that we see proposed to us by the Church throughout the ages, but in the modern age we are not lacking at all.

LSN: But we’ve had martyrs, modern martyrs, so where’s the miracle? Where’s the big conversion?

TE: I think because the seriousness of the shedding of innocent blood through the 20th century into the 21st century, the spiritual deficit is too great. The scales are tipped too low, and I really believe that we’re going to need a great martyrdom in order to return the balance. Abraham Lincoln, believe it or not, said that the cost of slavery was all the blood shed in the Civil War. And I believe ... how will we pay back the cost of abortion? Our trillion-dollar debt in the United States isn’t anything in comparison to the actual debt that we owe to reality and to God and to the human race even for the killing of innocents.

50 million is what is killed every year around the world. It’s a global genocide and it’s totally unrepented.

And with contraception and abortion, we’re basically committing mass suicide on a global scale.

LSN: Lots of people have been sounding the trumpet of warning for a long time...

TE: It’s human nature. Human nature doesn’t listen. My mother always says those who do not listen must feel. You get the message when you feel it hurting you and striking you back. I believe that is very much the way human nature operates. It’s the law of nature that we are slothful until we’re woken up. The Gospels have so many messages saying not only ‘stay awake’ but ‘wake up!’ and see what is happening around you and if you don’t then death happens.

LSN: Death happens?

TE: The principle is that what happens under the surface eventually comes out into the open. So the killing of babies eventually leads to the euthanizing of elderly and sick people. That’s the law. It happens infallibly. It’s part of the moral law of nature, the moral dimension of nature, that if you don’t see something that is so necessary to see on a personal scale, eventually it becomes social, so that you can’t miss it.

The sad part is that we might as individuals and even as a majority of society we might see it, we might get the message. But we’ve elected these clowns who don’t get the message.

LSN: Why do we who see the problem and keep electing the same ‘clowns’ then?

TE: They see it but they don’t really see it. Because seeing it has implications for action. And if they’re not willing to act according to what they see, then they’re not part of the solution.

But it’s probably more a question of people not having good leadership. People become paralyzed very easily when they feel isolated. You’re only one vote, you’re just one person, what can you do? But if you had leadership that is saying ‘follow me, we’ll all do this together’ then we would have much more impact on society.

LSN: Where is the leadership? Here we are, there’s the dome of St. Peter’s right out that window...

TE: We have individual leaders that are stellar. Such as here, in Archbishop (Raymond) Burke. I think the man is just a modern saint. And his leadership does not go unnoticed. However as just one individual bishop there’s only so much he can do. We don’t have conferences of bishops that are giving us leadership as a body of bishops. When will that come? It will probably only come when [the secular governments] start forcing the bishops to pay for abortions. Those who do not listen must feel.

LSN: People are saying that there has been a surprisingly strong reaction from the US bishops to abortion funding in the American health care bill. Where’s that coming from?

TE: I think there are more bishops who are seeing it for what it is. There are more bishops who have less of the liberal agenda and are just more Catholic. When their number increases then we have more leadership in the body of bishops.

LSN: Has there been a backlash by the Catholic bishops against the attempts to force Catholic health care services to provide contraception and abortion in places like Massachusetts?

TE: In some ways the bishops’ hands are tied because they don’t have control over the Catholic health care any more. In most cases the bishops are not the owners of these institutions. They can only exercise moral leadership and not legal control over an entity. That being said, they can exercise a great deal of influence over these institutions as well and when they’re willing to do it, they have incredible influence.

Pro-abortion forces in the US government are becoming more aggressive against [the bishops]. That’s where I think the bishops as a body will stand up and make stronger statements as time goes on because more is going to be threatened. Not just the tax-exempt status but Catholic institutions, Catholic identity and they will have to defend that or they will not be Catholic.

That’s why I think that something like abortion, because it’s proposed and spread as a personal choice, is much more difficult to deal with than communism because communism is imposed from the outside. This health care situation, the socializing of medicine and the attack on our fundamental values, could be the wake-up call that we need. Because it is an external imposition on us that runs contrary to our values, militates against our values. And in order to defend those basic identity issues the bishops have to do something.

LSN: I’ll give you the case of the government of Britain forcing the closure or secularization of Catholic adoption agencies. When the British Labour government, in the person of Tony Blair, refused to give a religious exemption to the Sexual Orientation Regulations, the bishops shrugged and secularized their adoption agencies. So they’ve lost the Catholic service of adoption in Britain.

TE: And they may lose more. As the attacks against our values and institutions get more militant, they’re going to have to make those very hard decisions. Our point is that they’ve had the question of the salvation of souls as a perennial question for them and in a lot of those cases they haven’t done anything. Souls are being lost. Now they’re talking about the loss of health care institutions, which is nothing in value to compare with the loss of a soul. So maybe this is the way that the Catholic leadership will wake up and realize that there is so much that potentially can be lost here and get them back on their mission putting the salvation of souls as their primary concern.

I’ve always said, and I’ll continue to say it, for a bishop to be a real bishop, he has to be willing to go to war. That is a war not only with the secular culture but often times the most difficult part of that is the war with his own people. To make them truly Catholic and to witness to them.

LSN: Have there been concrete gains from the faithfulness of the people in the movement to restore sanity?

TE: We need to watch the things that don’t get a lot of press, and that is the movements, such as the pro-life movement. It’s important to keep an eye on the people who are doing good things and the way they are doing them. I think the unsung heroes of the pro-life movement are the crisis pregnancy centres. This very humble, down-to-earth grassroots movement that gets no press at all but they’re saving babies and saving souls every single day out there. 40 Days for Life, positive things like that, the March for Life, we have plenty of things to keep us enthusiastic in this war.

Every war is discouraging because you lose some battles. And sometimes you lose a lot of battles before you actually win one and then turn the tide. So I think we need encouraging things, to find and promote them to show people that all is not lost.

LSN: Are there signs that the tide is turning?

TE: No. I don’t think the tide is turning. I don’t think we’ve reached that point yet. I think the crisis we were talking about earlier will be the way in which the tide turns. Again, I’m not predicting anything, I just have this intuition that the way things are going, they’re getting worse, they’re declining, they’re dismantling, and that can only mean some form of major destruction down the road. The ones who are now presently on the side of the angels are the ones who are going to get through that. And to bring others along with them back to God.

We can talk about the wonderful people who are already doing that, the saints who are out there on the streets, living their faith and making great sacrifices and those stories need to be told.

And we have to keep in mind that Obama doesn’t define life. I’m an exorcist, and I tell all the people who I work with that the demons do not define your life. They are painful and terrible, however long it may take to remove them and get you back to health, you have to keep this message in mind. That you are not defined by evil. You are defined by God, by Jesus Christ. And the return that some of these people have to make after living terrible lives, and paying the price for that, is part of the reason why God allows evil in the world. It serves a purpose in the overall work of the Kingdom. He allows evil in order to bring something good out of it. In fact something even better than it would have been had evil not been present.

LSN: So this unimaginably huge evil, 50 million people being killed a year...

TE: ...will produce an unimaginably marvelous good, if we are men and women of faith and we look for it.

A Call to Something Greater

2010-01-24T21:58:00.002-05:00

Well, here's a story you don't see every day.

Grant Desme, a 23-year-old minor league outfielder in Oakland's system, is retiring from baseball to follow a calling into the Catholic priesthood.

The story was first reported by Fox Sports' Jon Paul Morosi — perhaps appropriately with that first name of his — and this isn't a case of a struggling player going through an early-life crisis. Desme was ranked the A's eighth-best prospect by Baseball America after hitting .288 with 31 home runs and 89 RBIs in A ball in 2009 and he was just named MVP of the Arizona Fall League.

Desme might have even been a late-season callup to the big league club in 2010. Our Y! Sports 2010 fantasy guide has him ranked the 40th-best minor-league prospect for near-term fantasy purpose. However, ESPN's Rob Neyer disagrees, saying that he didn't see Des me as a future star by the Bay.

Susan Slusser has more on Desme's decision to leave playing against the Padres and Cardinals so he can start praying with other padres and cardinals at a Catholic seminary in Orange County. He said the news came as bit of a shock to Billy Beane, but that the Oakland GM and entire A's system have been supportive of his decision.

Said Desme on a Friday afternoon conference call:

"I'm doing well in baseball. But I had to get down to the bottom of things, to what was good in my life, what I wanted to do with my life. Baseball is a good thing, but that felt selfish of me when I felt that God was calling me more. It took awhile to trust that and open up to it and aim full steam toward him ... I love the game, but I'm going to aspire to higher things."

Desme spoke with Baseball America last year about baseball being only "a game" and we wish him success on his spiritual path. In a selfish age when churches struggle to recruit young male Americans, his sacrifice of possible riches is a very admirable thing.

Confessions

2009-08-28T10:00:00.002-04:00

On this his Feast Day, some of my favorite Confessions from Augustine:

What return shall I make to the Lord for my ability to recall these things with no fear in my soul? I will love you, Lord, and thank you, and praise your name, because you have forgiven me such great sins and such wicked deeds. I acknowledge that it was by your grace and mercy that you melted away my sins like ice. I ask, too, that by your grace I was preserved from whatever sins I did not commit, for there was no knowing what I might have done, since I loved evil even if it served no purpose. I avow that you have forgiven me all, both the sins which I committed of my own accord and those which by your guidance I was spared from committing.

A statement is not necessarily true because it is wrapped in fine language or false because it is awkwardly expressed...An assertion is not necessarily true because it is badly expressed or false because it is finely spoken. I had learnt that wisdom and folly are like different kinds of food. Some are wholesome and others are not, but both can be served equally well on the finest china dish or the meanest earthenware. In just the same way, wisdom and folly can be clothed alike in plain words or the finest flowers of speech.

Men love the truth when it bathes them in its light: they hate it when it proves them wrong. Because they hate to be deceived themselves, but are glad if they can deceive others, they love the truth when it is revealed to them but hate it when it reveals that they are wrong.

...evil is nothing but the removal of good until finally no good remains.

The man who serves you best is the one who is less intent on hearing from you what he wills to hear than on shaping his will according to what he hears from you.

Give me the grace to do as you command, and command me to do what you will!

Children and the Mass

2009-08-05T10:24:00.001-04:00

Once you have children, you're able to relate to this entire piece:

(http://www.catholic.net/index.php?option=dedestaca&id=3540)

How many times has the following happened to you?

Your baby or toddler is crying inconsolably at Mass. You look around and you think the entire congregation is giving you a stern stare. The message written on the people´s faces seems to say, "How dare you bring in a distraction to the serious work of the liturgy!" The celebrant gives no hint of hearing anything, but somehow you just know that his entire attention is on the screams. Convinced that the whole world is looking at your child, you plan a way to furtively sneak to the back of the church.

In searching for a way to deal with this problem, my wife, April, and I have discovered two extremely helpful tools. The first is Scripture, which has molded our attitudes toward bringing children to Mass. The second is the discovery of some "child psychology," which helps us to cope with "Mass hysteria."

The Rights of Baptism.

As we struggled with the challenges of bringing our children to Mass, we found two Scripture passages that helped us to see things from a new perspective. The first is the account of how Jesus loved the children:

[T]hey were bringing children to Him, that He might touch them; and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it He was indignant, and said to them, "Let the children come to me, do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it." And He took them in His arms and blessed them, laying His hands upon them (Mk. 10:13-16).

This scene from the life of Jesus demonstrates that He embraces little people as much as big people. From Jesus´ point of view, children are not a distraction to His "real" ministry to adults. He becomes upset when adults keep children away from Him because He wants to bless them too.

The Church frequently refers to this passage when it meditates upon the meaning of infant Baptism, which welcomes children into the family of God. Children are part of the Church today. By baptizing our children we are giving them the right to worship God with us. These children are full-fledged, card-carrying citizens of God´s Kingdom. Therefore, parents are obliged to nourish their children by bringing them to Christ at Mass.

Those Guilty Feelings.

Even though we came to understand that Jesus calls our toddlers to worship every Sunday with us, we still felt guilty about the occasional commotion at church. Before our children were born, we felt free to leave home early and spend some time before Mass in preparation and prayer. Now, just getting there is a major undertaking. Once we get to church our attention is divided between the Mass and our children. We go potty during the readings, intervene in squabbles during the Creed, and chase kids down the pew during the consecration.

We questioned whether we were spiritually benefitting from the Mass because our attention was elsewhere. But God revealed another portrait of Jesus that allayed our concerns: the story of the feeding of the five thousand:

Then [Jesus] ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass; and taking the five loaves and the two fish He looked up to heaven, and blessed, and broke and gave the loaves to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of the broken pieces left over. And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children (Matthew 14:19-21).

We had read this passage many times, but it was not until we had children that we noticed the phrase "besides women and children." All of a sudden this scene took on a fresh meaning. There were families present! Have you ever been in a stadium filled with thousands of families? There is always commotion somewhere. The movement of people standing up and sitting down is punctuated with all sorts of noises. Yet "all ate and were satisfied," not just the 5,000 men. Jesus made sure there was more than enough for those who today would be sitting in the crying room or on "potty duty."

God blessed us with children and He will never ask us to leave our blessing(s) at the door when we enter the church. We are to come to Him as parents. He understands the responsibilities of being a parent and He will not penalize us for carrying out those obligations.

Practical Considerations.

With these Scripture passages in mind we started to rethink our attitudes about bringing our children to Mass. It became obvious that the children´s rightful place is at Mass with us. True, there are still times when they are disruptive and must be removed for the sake of others who want to pray. But in most cases it is easier to manage children if we acknowledge several facts of life and use them to our advantage.

Children will attract attention, even when they are being good.

People will always notice them because, quite simply, all children are adorable and they do cute things. The expectation that they will attract attention should not be a reason for not bringing them to church.

Embarrassing moments often are funny in retrospect and make wonderful memories. Our daughter is a special girl for our deacon because she was the first baby he baptized. Once, she suddenly darted out into the aisle during Mass and flashed her belly button at him. He noticed it and tried very hard to keep from bursting out laughing. It was only by looking away from her he was able to contain himself.

Children do not see the world from an adult perspective.

It is easy to forget that children are short and often the only thing they see is the back of the person sitting in front of them. We sit in front so that the children can get a good view of the action at the altar. It is amazing how much easier it becomes for them to stay in one place for an hour when they can watch what happens in front of them.

Children also differ from adults in how they interpret what they see and hear. This was brought home one day when our three-year-old daughter pointed at the crucifix and exclaimed: "Daddy, Jesus is wearing a bathing suit!" Children, however, can appreciate the words and actions of the liturgy if it is explained to them at their level.

It helps to tie in everyday home life with what happens at Mass. Children may not understand the readings but they know about bedtime stories and about Bible stories. They may not understand the theology of the Eucharist as a sacrificial meal but they do know what food is. They can relate to setting the table, washing hands, bringing the food, saying a blessing, eating, and clearing the table. Other things they are familiar with are lighting candles, singing songs, and making the Sign of the Cross.

Children are naturally curious.

Children absorb all the wonderful sights and sounds that surround them. Walking through a church can offer innumerable teachable moments. Every object in a church has a reason for being there. Occasionally come to church early and make a game of finding and naming various sacred objects. Look for the baptismal font, the sanctuary light, the dove above the altar, and the crucifix. See what new items you can find. Tell stories about the people, places, or events depicted in the statues, stained glass windows, and paintings. Obtain permission to visit the sanctuary, vesting room, or choir loft.

Once going to church becomes an enjoyable learning experience, it becomes more interesting for the children. Their awareness of their surroundings is expanded and they have a greater variety of things to hold their attention during the liturgy.

Children learn from their parents.

Parents are the primary role models. If you are enthusiastic about going to Mass, the children will quickly absorb the enthusiasm. It is important to keep in mind that by going to church you are not simply going to a large building with pews. You are showing an intense and personal relationship with your Creator that your children will want to imitate. The reason you go to church should not be "for the children´s sake," but to meet Jesus. Therefore, it is the parents´ responsibility to first meet Christ in the Mass before they can model this relationship for their children. This relationship with God is simply the most important gift parents can offer their children.

It is imperative to make Sundays special. Dress up a little and make it a point to have the family spend time together. In our house, we create a sense of anticipation by reminding our children during the week that it will soon be Sunday. We also relate the Mass to things happening during the week. For example, during the mealtime blessing we remind them that we also talk to God at church.

When we were new parents, there were times we dreaded going to Mass as a family. Now we see these moments as times of grace for all of us. This is the time when we nurture the habits our children will bring into their adult lives. Someday, in the not-too-distant future, they will make their baptismal vows on their own. Not long after that, they may have their own families.

By coming together for Mass as a family today, we are discovering what it means to be followers of Christ in the family of God.

Emil Berendt lives in North Plainfield, New Jersey.

This article is reprinted with permission from the March 1998 issue of Lay Witness, the publication of Catholics United for the Faith (CUF).

Reasons Behind The Shift To Pro-Life

2009-06-01T22:46:00.000-04:00

For The Bulletin

The major media seemed a bit mystified at the results of a recent Gallup Poll, showing a significant shift to the pro-life point of view.

The national telephone survey of 1,015 adults, age 18 or older, conducted from May 7-10, indicated that 51 percent of Americans now call themselves “pro-life” on abortion, as opposed to the 42 percent who self-identify as “pro-choice.” This marks the first time the pro-life side held the majority since Gallup started posing the question back in 1995.

Given the fact that America just elected a “pro-choice” president, the results might seem surprising, even shocking. However, upon further analysis, there are substantive reasons why the populace is moving to the pro-life end of the spectrum of public opinion:

The campaign against the Freedom of Choice Act — The nation’s Catholic bishops, along with a number of pro-life organizations, including the Pennsylvania Pro-Life Federation, have been waging a very public campaign to stop the Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA), a proposal which would mean virtually no limits on abortion. In fact, FOCA, which President Obama supports, would mean the end of parental consent, conscience clauses, 24-hour waiting periods for abortion, along with the return of the heinous practice of partial-birth abortion. The presumed sponsor of the legislation, New York Congressman Jerrold Nadler, has indicated that the bill will be introduced soon. However, the delay in its introduction may be indicative of the pressure brought to bear by anti-FOCA campaigns.

Overreaching by the Obama Administration — A Gallup poll conducted earlier this year found that 58 percent of Americans opposed President Barack Obama’s decision to scrap the Mexico City Policy, meaning that most Americans object to their tax money being used for organizations that promote and perform abortions overseas. In fact, when Gallup asked Americans to evaluate seven major policy initiatives undertaken by the White House, the discarding of the Mexico City Policy elicited the most opposition.

Ultrasound puts a face on the abortion debate — With the advent of real-time ultrasound, there can be little debate that at the heart of every pregnancy is an actual baby, not a blob of tissue as advocates of legal abortion have claimed in the past. It’s a little hard to argue “choice” when you see a human being staring back at you.

The testimonies of women and men who have been hurt by abortion — Each abortion leads to two victims — the baby who dies and the mother who’s wounded. Women who regret their abortions are speaking out, talking about the pain, both emotional and physical, that resulted from their abortions. They trace drug addiction, alcohol abuse, eating disorders and sleep disorders to the abortions of their past. Men, too, are grieving and opening up about the devastation abortion has caused in their lives. There is nothing quite so powerful as the complaint of a dissatisfied customer, and the abortion industry has a number of former clients expressing buyer’s remorse.

For years, pro-abortion activists have been talking about a so-called “pro-choice majority.” The Gallup Poll shows that that pool of abortion supporters is now shrinking. With other polls showing that young people tend to be more pro-life than the youth of previous generations, it’s clear that we’re entering a new era in American society, where Americans freely recognize not only the sanctity of life in the womb, but our sacred obligation to protect women from the harm of abortion.

Maria Vitale is the education director of the Pennsylvania Pro-Life Federation, based in Harrisburg. She can be reached at vitale@paprolife.org

From Death Into Life

2009-04-12T15:00:00.001-04:00

As I attended the funeral of a very close cousin of mine who unexpectedly died from complications stemming from leukemia, I thought how Providential it was to occur during Holy Week.

How lovely it is that our God has given us the opposite road of Our Divine Saviour. Jesus was welcomed with palms into Jerusalem and THEN endured his Sorrowful Passion. We sometimes have to endure our own "passions" here on earth before WE are welcomed into the heavenly Jerusalem.

I think of my cousin in his final days, beaten and mocked with health problems, struggling to carry his cross to his own Golgotha - only to see it through on his own Palm Sunday welcoming into eternal life. I pray for his soul that by God's grace and mercy he can forgive him his transgressions and allow him to partake in the Eternal Mass.

Life is precious and so fragile. Endure your passions and know they only exist because God so wills it to purify you like gold.
Our Palm Sunday awaits, but not before our Passion.

"Jesus without the cross is a man without a mission and the cross without Jesus is a burden without a reliever."
- Archbishop Fulton Sheen

HE IS RISEN.

HE IS RISEN INDEED!

40 Days to a New You

2009-02-24T09:00:00.000-05:00

Found a great site a year or so ago for a Daily Lenten Guide to grow in holiness. Join me these next 40 days and may God bless you...

http://uscatholic.claretians.org/site/News2?abbr=usc_&page=NewsArticle&id=6153

LIVE!

2009-01-23T16:06:00.003-05:00

And now the Vatican has its own YouTube channel, recently launched. See link on sidebar or click here.

Imagine the Potential

2009-01-20T10:39:00.001-05:00

Here's a great video I wish the MSM would run, but I think we know that would never happen...

Bishops Address Opportunities, Challenges for New President, Congress

2009-01-17T19:26:00.001-05:00

January 13, 2009

The Honorable Barack Obama
President-elect
Presidential Transition Team
Washington, D.C. 20270

Dear Mr. President-elect,

As our nation begins a new year, a new Administration and a new Congress, I write to outline principles and priorities that guide the public policy efforts of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). As President of the Bishops' Conference, I assure you of our prayers, hopes and commitment to make this period of national change a time to advance the common good and defend the life and dignity of all, especially the vulnerable and poor. We continue to seek ways to work constructively with the new Administration and Congress and others of good will to pursue policies which respect the dignity of all human life and bring greater justice to our nation and peace to our world.

As Bishops, we approach public policy as pastors and teachers. Our moral principles have always guided our everyday experience in caring for the hungry and homeless, offering health care and housing, educating children and reaching out to those in need. We lead the largest community of faith in the United States, one that serves every part of our nation and is present in almost every place on earth. From our experience and our tradition, we offer a distinctive, constructive and principled contribution to the national dialogue on how to act together on issues of economic turmoil and suffering, war and violence, moral decency and human dignity.

Our nation now faces economic challenges with potentially tragic human consequences and serious moral dimensions. We will work with the new Administration and Congress to support strong, prudent and effective measures to address the terrible impacts and injustices of the economic crisis. In particular, we will advocate a clear priority for poor families and vulnerable workers in the development and implementation of economic recovery measures, including new investments while strengthening the national safety net. We also support greater accountability and oversight to address irresponsible abuses of the system that contributed to the financial crisis.

The Catholic Bishops of the United States have worked for decades to assure health care for all, insisting that access to decent health care is a basic human right and a requirement of human dignity. We urge comprehensive action to ensure truly universal health care coverage which protects all human life including pre-natal life, and provides access for all, with a special concern for the poor.Â Any such legislation ought to respect freedom to choose by offering a variety of options and ensuring respect for the moral and religious convictions of patients and providers. Such an approach should seek to restrain costs while sharing them equitably.

On international affairs, we will work with our leaders to seek a responsible transition in an Iraq free of religious persecution. We especially urge early, focused and persistent leadership to bring an end to violent conflict and a just peace in the Holy Land. We will continue to support essential U.S. investments to overcome poverty, hunger and disease through increased and reformed foreign assistance. Continued U.S. leadership in the fight against HIV-AIDS and other diseases in ways that are both effectively and morally appropriate have our enthusiastic backing. Recognizing the complexity of climate change, we wish to be a voice for the poor and vulnerable in our country and around the world who will be the most adversely affected by any dramatic threats to the environment.

We will work with the new Administration and Congress to fix a broken immigration system which harms both our nation and immigrants. Comprehensive reform is needed to deal with the economic and human realities of millions of immigrants in our midst. It must be based on respect for and implementation of the law. Equally it must defend the rights and dignity of all peoples, recognizing that human dignity comes from God and does not depend on where people were born or how they came to our nation. Truly comprehensive immigration reform will include a path to earned citizenship with attention to the fact that international trade and development policies influence economic opportunities in the countries from which immigrants come.

We stand firm in our support for marriage which is a faithful, exclusive, lifelong union of a man and a woman and must remain such in law. In a manner unlike any other relationship, marriage makes a unique and irreplaceable contribution to the common good of society, especially through the procreation and education of children. No other kinds of personal relationships can be justly made equivalent to the commitment of a man and a woman in marriage.

With regard to the education of children, we will continue to support initiatives which provide resources for all parents, especially those of modest means, to choose education which best address the needs of their children.

We welcome continuing commitments to empower faith-based groups as effective partners in overcoming poverty and other threats to human dignity. We will work with the Administration and Congress to strengthen these partnerships in ways that do not encourage government to abandon its responsibilities, and do not require religious groups to abandon their identity and mission.

Most fundamentally, we will work to protect the lives of the most vulnerable and voiceless members of the human family, especially unborn children and those who are disabled or terminally ill. We will consistently defend the fundamental right to life from conception to natural death. Opposed to abortion as the direct killing of innocent human life, we will encourage one and all to seek common ground that will reduce the number of abortions in morally sound ways that affirm the dignity of pregnant women and their unborn children. We will oppose legislative and other measures to expand abortion. We will work to retain essential, widely supported policies which show respect for unborn life, protect the conscience rights of health care providers and other Americans, and prevent government funding and promotion of abortion. The Hyde amendment and other provisions which for many years have prevented federal funding of abortion have a proven record of reducing abortions. Efforts to force Americans to fund abortions with their tax dollars would pose a serious moral challenge and jeopardize the passage of essential health care reform.

This outline of USCCB policies and priorities is not complete. There are many other areas of concern and advocacy for the Church and the USCCB especially: religious freedom and other civil and human rights, news media and communications, and issues of war and peace. For a more detailed description of our concerns please see Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship (USCCB 2008), pages 19-30.

Nonetheless, we offer this outline as an agenda for dialogue and action. We hope to offer a constructive and principled contribution to national discussion over the values and policies that will shape our nation's future. We seek to work together with our nation's leaders to advance the common good of our society, while disagreeing respectfully and civilly where necessary for preserving that same common good.

In closing, I renew our expression of hope and our offer of cooperation as you begin this new period of service to our nation in these challenging times. We promise our prayers for you, that the days ahead will be a time of renewal and progress for our nation and that we can work together to defend human life and dignity and build a nation of greater justice and a world at peace.

Sincerely yours,

Francis Cardinal George, OMI
Archbishop of Chicago
President

Armed vs. the un-Armed

2009-01-15T14:29:00.004-05:00

As I prepare to walk with thousands of my brothers and sisters next week in Washington D.C., I am reminded of Christ's passion: the unstained handed over to the stained.

I've been reading and meditating on Saint Thomas More's The Sadness of Christ, written as a commentary on the Passion while More was awaiting his own execution by the stain of King Henry VIII. More commentary than exegesis, More presents profound insight into that cataclysmic event that re-opened the doors to heaven for all of us lowly beings.

More offers the following comments on the "darkness" that handed Jesus over to the guards by all who were threatened by him:

This is the mad and ungovernable power which brings you armed to take an unarmed man, which brings the fierce against the gentle, criminals against an innocent man, a traitor against his lord, puny mortals against God.

The irony of all innocent blood participating and united in Christ's passion. The unborn, the sick, the dying- all of the unarmed. The abortionist (and the legislators and commonfolk that support him) murdering the child by unspeakable means and weaponry. He who is to defend and heal the sick as doctor, is now the aggressor. Under the natural law, written by God, this criminal who sins against the natural law.

The safest and most intimate place for any human being, has become a battleground.

The Battle Continues

2009-01-06T15:46:00.001-05:00

The number of abortions performed in Pennsylvania in 2007 dropped slightly from the previous year's totals, according to figures just released by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. The total in 2007 was 36,663, down 0.2 percent from the number that occurred in 2006. African-American women underwent about 39 percent of the abortions, while Hispanic women accounted for about six percent of the total. The single largest age group was the 20 to 24-year-old category, accounting for about 34 percent of all abortions. The vast majority of abortions occurred in seven counties--Allegheny, Bucks, Chester, Dauphin, Delaware, Lehigh, and Philadelphia. About 45 percent of abortions were performed on women who had already had at least one abortion--in some cases, more than four. You can find the abortion statistics at http://www.paprolife.org/2007%20PA%20AB%20Stats.pdf

Merry Christmas To All

2008-12-25T12:23:00.003-05:00

He who transcends time...

...has entered time.

Thank you, God.

Happy "Birth"day to Our Saviour.

When the Law's Not the Limit

2008-12-22T12:30:00.002-05:00

The mainstream media are trying to cast pro-lifers as the big losers in the 2008 election.
Granted, the most pro-abortion Presidential candidate in history won the White House. Planned Parenthood, the nation's largest abortion operation, boosted its support in Congress. And pro-life ballot issues in three different states went down to defeat.

In fact, you can even find reference in cyberspace to the pro-life movement being dead.

Some media "experts" are suggesting that the pro-life movement has to give up the goal of making abortion illegal. Outlawing abortion "can't be done" is the media rallying cry.

But the fact that abortions are legal in the U.S. is not inconsequential. In his book, "Friendship: The Art of Happiness," Dr. John Cuddeback writes, "One of the most serious ways in which the flaws of a civil society are manifested is in its laws." He adds that, "Since it speaks of the judgment of the community regarding right and wrong in action, it has a formative effect on the judgment of citizens regarding right and wrong."

Cuddeback points out that philosophers have long spoken of the teaching value of the law. In a society with a bad law, youth, in particular, can become corrupted.

Abortion-on-demand teaches young people that they should strive for convenience at all costs. It instills the frightening idea that killing is an acceptable solution to both personal and social problems. It teaches them that a child's value is less than dirt and that women are to be used, discarded, and their offspring are to be eliminated. It shatters the heart, darkens the soul, and coarsens society.

As the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops states in its brochure, "A People of Life," "The Supreme Court decisions legalizing abortion--Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton--must be reversed."

No matter how long it takes.

But, I hope, sooner than we could ever expect.

By Maria Vitale, Education Director PA Pro-Life Federation

vitale@paprolife.org

Warning From the Past

2008-11-05T09:02:00.002-05:00

A friend of mine sent me this article....

WHAT is this strange spell which seems to have bewitched America? What is this enchantment which has befallen the mainstream media? What is this strong infatuation which has inebriated a large portion of the electorate? Yet, for many others, there are enormous and very loud alarm bells ringing this eve over the next likely President of the United States: Barack Obama. I am a Canadian, and so I am usually reluctant to express my thoughts on another country’s politics. However, I feel more and more that what is happening is setting the stage, in part, for many things I have written about of the trials which are coming upon the Church and the world.

A STRANGE SPELL

As always with the internet, there are the wild and extreme opinions, the conspiracy theorists, the bizarre extrapolators. CONTINUE READING...

Election Day 2008

2008-11-03T20:40:00.003-05:00

Tomorrow is Election Day.

Most think it's a "defining day" in our country's history, because the economy's at stake. I think it's a defining day in our history, because at stake are the lives of those without a voice: the unborn, the elderly, and the sick.

No matter the outcome tomorrow, all will not be tip-top. Suffering is temporary. Heaven is eternal...

Our Lady of Victory...

...PRAY FOR US!

Miracles can happen...

Truth, Freedom, and Abortion

2008-10-30T15:59:00.005-04:00

Another great piece, this being from Archbishop Gomez of San Antonio:

Abortion is not a “Catholic” issue. It is a matter of fundamental human rights. In fact, I believe it is the foundational issue of our time. Because it is so important, the Church has spoken clearly about it and believes it is an essential aspect of the Catholic faith.

One of the misleading arguments is that the question of when life begins is “a matter of faith.” I think that modern biology clearly shows us that human life begins at conception. Embryologists can show us that within just a few weeks the embryo has developed recognizable features, including his or her face, arms, and legs.

CONTINUE READING...

In the Holiness of Truth...

2008-10-27T22:49:00.004-04:00

Great piece by New York's Cardinal Egan...

Just Look
The picture on this page is an untouched photograph of a being that has been within its mother for 20 weeks. Please do me the favor of looking at it carefully.

Have you any doubt that it is a human being?

CONTINUE READING...

Crusade Propaganda

2008-10-21T13:57:00.006-04:00

I've always figured/known there's been a lot of propaganda concerning the Crusades, but what couldn't be answered is why if they were so "bad," we have many Saints coming from that era?

Before I open up my first book on the subject, I was treated to a 2001 article by a friend of a friend. Thank you, Professor Madden for setting us straight - us being those that listen:

Since September 11 the crusades are news. When President Bush used the term "crusade" as it is commonly used, to denote a grand enterprise with a moral dimension, the media pelted him for insensitivity to Muslims. (Nevermind that the media used the term in precisely the same way before the "gaff.") Attempting to capitalize on this indignation, the leader of the Taliban, Mullah Omar, crowed "President Bush has told the truth that this is a crusade against Islam." Yet clearly the crusades were much on the minds of our enemies long before Bush brought them to their attention. In a 1998 manifesto, cosigned by the leaders of Islamist groups in Egypt, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, Osama bin Laden declared war against the "Jews and the Crusaders." If you didn't guess, the Americans are the crusaders here. On the day the U.S. strikes on Afghanistan began, in a live-from-a-cave address, bin Laden declared Bush to be "the leader of the infidels" in a worldwide war against Islam. He previously warned that "crusader" Bush would lead the infidel forces into Afghanistan "under the banner of the cross."

CONTINUE READING...

"Today, Children of All Races Are Denied Recognition as 'Persons'"

2008-09-24T15:18:00.004-04:00

I get disgusted hearing politicians say they cannot bring their religious convictions into the political arena. Having said that, I guess people like Joe Biden cannot pass laws against slavery, theft, murder, et. al. because the Catholic Church is against ALL of those issues...

Dear Senator Biden:
I write to you today as a fellow Catholic layman, on a subject that has become a major topic of concern in this year's presidential campaign.

The bishops who have taken public issue with your remarks on the Church's historical position on abortion are far from alone. Senator Obama stressed your Catholic identity repeatedly when he introduced you as his running mate, and so your statements carry considerable weight, whether they are correct or not. You now have a unique responsibility when you make public statements about Catholic teaching.

On NBC's Meet the Press, you appealed to the 13th Century writings of St. Thomas Aquinas to cast doubt on the consistent teaching of the Catholic Church on abortion.
There are several problems with this.

First, Aquinas obviously had only a medieval understanding of biology, and thus could only speculate about how an unborn child develops in the womb. I doubt that there is any other area of public policy where you would appeal to a 13th Century knowledge of biology as the basis for modern law.

Second, Aquinas' theological view is in any case entirely consistent with the long history of Catholic Church teaching in this area, holding that abortion is a grave sin to be avoided at any time during pregnancy.

This teaching dates all the way back to the Didache, written in the second century. It is found in the writings of Tertullian, Jerome, Augustine and Aquinas, and was reaffirmed by the Second Vatican Council, which described abortion as "an unspeakable crime" and held that the right to life must be protected from the "moment of conception." This consistent teaching was restated most recently last month in the response of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops to remarks by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

Statements that suggest that our Church has anything less than a consistent teaching on abortion are not merely incorrect; they may lead Catholic women facing crisis pregnancies to misunderstand the moral gravity of an abortion decision.

Neither should a discussion about a medieval understanding of the first few days or weeks of life be allowed to draw attention away from the remaining portion of an unborn child's life. In those months, even ancient and medieval doctors agreed that a child is developing in the womb.
And as you are well aware, Roe v. Wade allows for abortion at any point during a pregnancy. While you voted for the ban on partial birth abortions, your unconditional support for Roe is a de facto endorsement of permitting all other late term abortions, and thus calls into question your appeal to Aquinas.

I recognize that you struggle with your conscience on the issue, and have said that you accept the Church's teaching that life begins at conception - as a matter of faith. But modern medical science leaves no doubt about the fact that each person's life begins at conception. It is not a matter of personal religious belief, but of science.

Finally, your unwillingness to bring your Catholic moral views into the public policy arena on this issue alone is troubling.

There were several remarkable ironies in your first appearance as Senator Obama's running mate on the steps of the old state capitol in Springfield, Illinois.

His selection as the first black American to be the nominee of a major party for president of the United States owes an incalculable debt to two movements that were led by people whose religious convictions motivated them to confront the moral evils of their day - the abolitionist movement of the 19th Century, and the civil rights movement of the 20th Century.

Your rally in Springfield took place just a mile or so from the tomb of Abraham Lincoln, who in April 1859 wrote these words in a letter to Henry Pierce:

"This is a world of compensations; and he who would be no slave, must consent to
have no slave. Those who deny freedom to others, deserve it not for themselves;
and, under a just God, cannot long retain it."

Lincoln fought slavery in the name of "a just God" without embarrassment or apology. He confronted an America in which black Americans were not considered "persons" under the law, and were thus not entitled to fundamental Constitutional rights. Today, children of all races who are fully viable and only minutes from being born are also denied recognition as "persons" because of the Roe v. Wade regime that you so strongly support. Lincoln's reasoning regarding slavery applies with equal force to children who are minutes, hours or days away from birth.

The American founders began our great national quest for liberty by declaring that we are all "created equal." It took nearly a century to transform that bold statement into the letter of the law, and another century still to make it a reality. The founders believed that we are "endowed by [our] Creator with certain unalienable rights," and that first among these is "life."

You have a choice: you can listen to your conscience and work to secure the rights of the unborn to share in the fruits of our hard-won liberty, or you can choose to turn your back on them.

On behalf of the 1.28 million members of the Knights of Columbus and their families in the United States, I appeal to you, as a Catholic who acknowledges that life begins at conception, to resolve to protect this unalienable right. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss these issues personally with you in greater detail during the weeks between now and November 4.

Respectfully,

Carl A. Anderson

Supreme Knight - Knights of Columbus

"Vote for Real Hope..."

2008-09-21T10:16:00.000-04:00

“Destruction of the embryo in the mother’s womb is a violation of the right to live which God has bestowed on this nascent life. To raise the question whether we are here concerned already with a human being or not is merely to confuse the issue. The simple fact is that God certainly intended to create a human being and that this nascent human being has been deliberately deprived of his life. And that is nothing but murder.”

–Dietrich Bonhoeffer

As we head toward November, Catholics might profit from recalling a few simple facts.

First, surrounding a bad social policy or party platform plank—for example, permissive abortion—with religious people doesn’t redeem the bad policy or plank. It merely compromises the religious people who try to excuse it. One of the more miraculous, or suspicious, side-effects of the 2004 election was the number of candidates in both political parties who suddenly began talking about their religious faith. There’s no doubt that many public officials, regardless of party, do take their religious beliefs very seriously and do try to live by them. That’s a good thing. So maybe this latest trend implies a new Great Awakening. Or maybe, as one of my skeptical friends says, “it’s just another charm offensive to get the shamans off their backs.” Time will tell. Words are important. Actions are more important. The religious choreography of a campaign doesn’t matter. The content of its ideas does. The religious vocabulary of a candidate doesn’t matter. The content of his record, plans, and promises does.

Second, there’s no way for Catholics to finesse their way around the abortion issue, and if we’re serious about being “Catholic,” we need to stop trying. No such thing as a “right” to kill an unborn child exists. And wriggling past that simple truth by redefining the unborn child as an unperson, a pre-human lump of cells, is the worst sort of Orwellian hypocrisy—especially for Christians. Abortion always involves the deliberate killing of an innocent human life, and it is always, inexcusably, grievously wrong. This fact in no way releases us from the duty to provide ample and compassionate support for unwed or abandoned mothers, women facing unwanted pregnancies, and women struggling with the aftermath of an abortion. But the inadequacy of that support demands that we work to improve it. It does not justify killing the child.

Obviously, we have other important issues facing us this fall: the economy, the war in Iraq, immigration justice. But we can’t build a healthy society while ignoring the routine and very profitable legalized homicide that goes on every day against America’s unborn children. The right to life is foundational. Every other right depends on it. Efforts to reduce abortions, or to create alternatives to abortion, or to foster an environment where more women will choose to keep their unborn child, can have great merit—but not if they serve to cover over or distract from the brutality and fundamental injustice of abortion itself. We should remember that one of the crucial things that set early Christians apart from the pagan culture around them was their rejection of abortion and infanticide. Yet for thirty-five years I’ve watched prominent “pro-choice” Catholics justify themselves with the kind of moral and verbal gymnastics that should qualify as an Olympic event. All they’ve really done is capitulate to Roe v. Wade.

Third and finally, national campaigns—of every political party—always run on the language of hope, change, and the American Dream. This makes sense. Our leaders should inspire us; they should stir our hearts and call us to live the ideals that make America great. But sometimes the answer to the realities we face is not “yes, we can,” but “no, we can’t.” No, we can’t spend money like hedonists and outrun our debts forever. No, we can’t ignore the poor of the Third World and expect to be loved abroad. No, we can’t allow the killing of roughly one million unborn children a year and then posture ourselves as a moral society. No, we can’t make wicked things right by spinning them in a clever way.

Robert D. Kaplan once wrote that “Americans can afford optimism partly because their institutions, including the Constitution, were conceived by men who thought tragically.” The American Founders, most of them Christians, had a hard and unsentimental understanding of the limits of human reason and virtue. The last thing we need in 2008 is the kind of bogus hope rooted in mystical good feeling.

The real world involves hard conflicts and intractable issues that can’t be talked away or smothered under evasive language. Plenty of very good Catholics inhabit both major political parties. It’s our job as Catholic citizens to press our parties and our political leaders to respect the sanctity of human life—all of it, from conception to grave—whether our leaders and party elites like us or not.

Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap.

ELECTION 2008

2008-09-14T20:00:00.003-04:00

If you want to vote for the best Presidential Candidate possible, why not do it? That's what our Bishops want from you. Afterall, aren't we looking for a candidate with similar principles as Our Lord?

This is what I intend to do, with the help of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship and Priests For Life's "Five Non-Negotiables," and I plan to help you do the same. The purpose of the USCCBs Voter's Guide is to outline what we should be looking for in a candidate based upon the teachings of Jesus Christ.

For instance, the Bishops have 8 major issues that are of the greatest importance (the greatest of "intrinsic" evils). They are:

Abortion
Embryonic Stem-Cell Destruction
Euthanasia
Genocide
Human Cloning
Racism
Targeting of Non-Combatants
Torture

Priests for Life have Five "Non-Negotiables":

Abortion
Embryonic Stem-Cell Destruction
Euthanasia
Human Cloning
Same-Sex Marriage

With this information, I've created a scoring system to rate the candidates on these 9 issues. Let me point out that the Bishops list 20+ additional less-major issues, but I think if we find a candidate solid on these 9 issues, their conscience is probably sound enough to make decent decisions for our country on foreign policy, immigration, health care, etc.

In determining scoring, I had to weight the issues where the direct targeting of the innocent and defenseless were the greatest. That results in the following:

20 Points
Abortion
Embryonic Stem-Cell Destruction
Euthanasia
Genocide

15 Points
Targeting of Non-Combatants (Weighted slightly less than the above 4, mainly because a nuclear weapon targets the "enemy," even though the imminent death of the innocent cannot be avoided)

10 Points
Human Cloning
Racism
Same-Sex Marriage
Torture

If you decide to not even consider voting for a pro-abortion candidate, I cannot fault you and no one should consider you a "single issue voter." If there was a pro-slavery candidate, I think we could all agree that declining to vote for him/her based on that "single issue" is completely acceptable and warranted. I must warn you though: Of the 6 Presidential Candidates, only 1 of them can be considered pro-life. The other 5 either have questionable past voting records or pro-abortion platforms.

And here are the 6 Presidential Candidates for the November 4th Election:

Chuck Baldwin

Bob Barr

John McCain

Cynthia McKinney

Ralph Nader

Barrack Obama

If your mind is already made up, at least continue reading to see the outcome...and keep in mind this is an unbiased study.

"Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost."

John Quincy Adams

ABORTION (20)
20 - Baldwin
0 - Barr
10 - McCain
-20 - McKinney
-20 - Nader
-20 - Obama

EMBRYONIC STEM-CELL DESTRUCTION (20)
20 - Baldwin
20 - Barr
-20 - McCain
-20 - McKinney
-20 - Nader
-20 - Obama

EUTHANASIA (20)
20 - Baldwin
20 - Barr
20 - McCain
-20 - McKinney
20 - Nader
-20 - Obama

GENOCIDE (20)
20 - All Candidates

TARGETING OF NON-COMBATANTS (15)
10 - Baldwin
0 - Barr
-15 - McCain
15 - McKinney
15 - Nader
15 - Obama

TORTURE (10)
10 - Baldwin
10 - Barr
10 - McCain
10 - McKinney
10 - Nader
10 - Obama

RACISM (10)
10 - All Candidates

HUMAN CLONING (10)
10 - Baldwin
10 - Barr
10 - McCain
-10 - McKinney
5 - Nader
-10 - Obama

SAME-SEX MARRIAGE (10)
10 - Baldwin
5 - Barr
10 - McCain
-10 - McKinney
-10 - Nader
-10 - Obama

RESULTS:
130 - Chuck Baldwin
95 - Bob Barr
55 - John McCain
30 - Ralph Nader
-25 - Cynthia McKinney
-25 - Barrack Obama

That is pretty clear that per the Bishops, the best candidate for us Catholics to vote for would be Chuck Baldwin. Even if you factored in the minor issues - which Joe Healy did (Thanks, Joe!) - Chuck Baldwin would still be the clear-cut "winner."
So now what are you going to do?

For some perspective, I'm going to unveil the results of some of the pre-Primary candidates and a couple Veeps:

135 - Ron Paul (R)

130 - Chuck Baldwin (Constitution)

115 - Sarah Palin (R)
115 - Alan Keyes (R)

105 - Mike Huckabee (R)

95 - Bob Barr (Libertarian)

55 - John McCain (R)

30 - Ralph Nader (I)

25 - Fred Thompson (R)

15 - Joe Biden (D)

5 - Mitt Romney (R)

-25 - Hillary Clinton (D)
-25 - Cynthia McKinney (Green)
-25 - Barrack Obama (D)

-55 - Rudy Giuliani (R)

HAPPY VOTING!

Remembering

2008-09-11T09:11:00.000-04:00

On the Anniversary of the attacks of 9/11 - remembring the Holy Father's 2008 visit to the World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan and his prayer for the victims:

"O God of love, compassion, and healing,

look on us, people of many different faiths and traditions,

who gather today at this site,

the scene of incredible violence and pain.

"We ask you in your goodness

to give eternal light and peace

to all who died here -

the heroic first-responders:

our fire fighters, police officers,

emergency service workers, and Port Authority personnel,

along with all the innocent men and women

who were victims of this tragedy

simply because their work or service

brought them here on 11 September 2001.

"We ask you, in your compassion

to bring healing to those

who, because of their presence here that day,

suffer from injuries and illness.

Heal, too, the pain of still-grieving families

and all who lost loved ones in this tragedy.

Give them strength to continue their lives with courage and hope.

"We are mindful as well

of those who suffered death, injury, and loss

on the same day at the Pentagon and in Shanksville , Pennsylvania.

Our hearts are one with theirs

as our prayer embraces their pain and suffering.

"God of peace, bring your peace to our violent world:

peace in the hearts of all men and women

and peace among the nations of the earth.

Turn to your way of love

those whose hearts and minds

are consumed with hatred.

"God of understanding,

overwhelmed by the magnitude of this tragedy,

we seek your light and guidance

as we confront such terrible events.

Grant that those whose lives were spared

may live so that the lives lost here

may not have been lost in vain.

Comfort and console us,

strengthen us in hope,

and give us the wisdom and courage

to work tirelessly for a world

where true peace and love reign

among nations and in the hearts of all".

FEAR

2008-09-04T13:00:00.000-04:00

A long time ago when asking a protestant about the differences with Catholicism, I was told they disagree with the Church's teaching to "fear" God. I wonder how many times "fear of God" appears in the Bible. Anyone want to count?

Below is commentary from the Holy Father from June of this year:

At midday today, Benedict XVI appeared at the window of his study to pray the Angelus with pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square.

"In today's Gospel", he said, "we find two invitations from Jesus: on the one hand, 'to have no fear' of men, and on the other 'to fear' God. Thus we are stimulated to reflect on the difference that exists between human fears and fear of God. Fear is a natural aspect of life. From childhood we experience forms of fear that then reveal themselves as imaginary and disappear; later other fears emerge which have specific roots in reality, these must be faced and overcome with human commitment and trust in God.

"But", the Pope added, "there exists - and above all today - a deeper form of fear, an existential fear, which sometimes spills over into anguish. It is born of a sense of emptiness, associated with a certain culture that is permeated with widespread theoretical and practical nihilism. Faced with the broad ... panorama of human fears, the Word of God is clear: those who 'fear' God 'are not afraid'. Fear of God, which Scripture defines as 'the beginning of true hope', means to have faith in Him, and sacred respect for His authority over life and over the world".

"Those who fear God are serene even amidst the storms because God, as Jesus revealed to us, is a Father full of mercy and goodness. Those who love Him are not afraid. ... Believers, then, are afraid of nothing, because they know they are in the hands of God, they know that evil and the irrational will not have the last word, but that the one Lord of the world and of life is Christ, the Word of God incarnate".

Equal Fruits

2008-09-04T11:31:00.002-04:00

Nice op-ed piece by our friend George today in the Philadelphia Daily News:

Letters: The real story on abstinence

THE Daily News made heavy and false accusations in its Aug. 22 editorial, "The Ethical Fraud of Abstinence-Only Education."

Generation Life believes that young people deserve to hear the truth about the beauty of their sexuality and only teaches about saving all sexual acts until marriage. We do not demonize gays, and we can and do teach our message without religious proselytizing.

Continue reading...

Jesus of Nazareth

2008-08-30T09:00:00.000-04:00

Thoroughly enjoyed the Holy Father's book: Jesus of Nazareth. I highly recommend it if you're interested in the Jesus of the Gospels.

Some of the more profound quotes I found from his exegesis:

1 At the heart of all temptations...is the act of pushing God aside because we perceive him as secondary, if not actually superfluous and annoying, in comparison with all the apparently far more urgent matters that fill our lives. Constructing a world by our own lights, without reference to God, building on our own foundation; refusing to acknowledge the reality of anything beyond the political and material, while setting God aside as an illusion-that is the temptation that threatens us in many varied forms.

2 ...one can still ask why God did not make a world in which his presence is more evident-why Christ did not leave the world with another sign of his presence so radiant that no one could resist it. This is the mystery of God and man, which we find so inscrutable. We live in this world, where God is not manifest as tangible things are, but can be sought and found only when the heart sets out on the "exodus" from "Egypt." It is in this world that we are obliged to resist the delusions of false prophesies and to recognize that we do not live by bread alone, but first and foremost by obedience to God's word. Only when this obedience is put into practice does the attitude develop that is also capable of providing bread for all.

3 Only when power submits to the measure and the judgment of heaven-of God, in other words-can it become power for good. And only when power stands under God's blessing can it be trusted.

4 The saints are oases around which life sprouts up and something of the lost paradise returns. And ultimately, Christ himself is always the well-spring who pours himself forth in such abundance.

Pelosi now a Church Historian!

2008-08-28T20:13:00.004-04:00

How preposterous this woman is. I'd rather just post the article then comment...

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's kiss of betrayal...

Veritatis Splendor

2008-08-07T09:59:00.005-04:00

Wow. Our friend, Mike McMonagle (founder of Generation Life - view site and blog on right >), was arrested in Tiananmen Square with 2 others (Rev. Patrick Mahoney & Brandi Swindell) for conducting a prayer vigil in defense of those who have no rights....when will we see there is a HUGE problem in China?

Praise God for Freedom of Religion in this country.

LINK from the UK (updated)

BEIJING, Aug. 6 /Christian Newswire/ -- Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney, Director of the Christian Defense Coalition in Washington, D.C., states, "Today we stand as a bold and prophetic witness against the tyranny and brutality by the Chinese government against their own people. As the Summer Olympics are being celebrated, millions of Christians and those with other faith traditions are routinely oppressed, tortured and jailed by Chinese officials. It is a privilege and honor to be able to stand with those who are persecuted.

"China also promotes the barbaric practice of forced abortion and sterilization, while those who speak out against human rights abuses by the Chinese government are crushed and trampled. And, the peaceful citizens of Tibet have been brutalized by Chinese leaders.

"Today we follow the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 25 and stand in solidarity with our oppressed Chinese brothers and sisters. Our public witness is a visible reminder that 100,000 military troops and abusive security measures cannot silence the voice of freedom, justice and the power of the Gospel of Christ. The truth will always be heard and we hope that President Bush will boldly speak out against these human rights abuses on his official visit to China during the Olympics."

Brandi Swindell, National Director and co-founder of Generation Life based in Boise, Idaho, comments, "I gladly risk my freedoms to speak out for those who have none. It is an honor to stand in solidarity with our Chinese brothers and sisters who risk their lives every day for expressing the simple act of worshipping their God. Today millions of Christians, Tibetan Monks and Falun Gong practitioners sit in prison and face unspeakable brutality because of their religious beliefs.

"As a young woman, I passionately speak out against the pain and suffering that Chinese women must face daily through the practice of forced abortion and human trafficking. They routinely deal with the tragic and painful loss of children through forced abortion and young girls face the horror of being sold into sex slavery through human trafficking. My hope is through my witness today I may be a voice for them.

"We pray that God will bring an end to these human rights abuses by the Chinese government and one day the world will see justice, liberty and freedom for the beautiful people of this wonderful country."

Michael McMonagle, a national Catholic pro-life activist and founder of Generation Life in Philadelphia, adds, "We are willing to risk some minor hardship to provide this public witness for Jesus Christ and against the worst human rights abuses in the history of the world. Our prayer is our witness will stir Christians across the world to take a public stand for Jesus Christ and His Gospel of Life.

"I brought a banner with me that reads, 'Jesus Christ is King.' This banner summarized Cardinal Ignatius Kung's heroic statement in 1955 before thousands of people in a stadium in Shanghai, when he cried out, 'Long live Christ the King! Long live the Pope!' He spent 30 years in prison for this powerful public witness for Christ.

"Today, we join with the witness of Cardinal Kung as we stand for life, human rights and justice."

Whores of Babylon some call us...

2008-08-05T22:52:00.004-04:00

July 25, 2008 - Philadelphia

"When I was a young Protestant, I thought to myself, 'either the Catholic Church is right or they're wrong. If Christ is really in the Eucharist as they claim, I owe it to myself to find out, especially since if they are right, I'm missing out on a whole lot of benefits of receiving Christ into my body. And if I find they're wrong, well then they're the biggest idolaters known to man.'"

Peter Kreeft
Professor of Philosophy - Boston College

"I'm Lovin' It???"

2008-08-01T19:00:00.000-04:00

McDonald’s says they "stand by and support our people to live and work in a society free of discrimination and harassment," here is what they won’t tell you. McDonald’s helped sponsor the San Francisco Gay Pride Parade. Want to see what McDonald’s considers worthy of support? Click here. (Warning: These photos are extremely offensive and graphic.)

AFA asked McDonald’s to remain neutral in the culture war. The company refused, stating they will continue to support the gay agenda including same-sex marriage. AFA has called for a boycott of McDonald’s restaurants.

McDonald’s spokesman Bill Whitman told the Washington Post that those (even Christians) who oppose homosexual marriage are motivated by hate, saying that "... hatred has no place in our culture."

This boycott is not about hiring homosexuals or how homosexual employees are treated. It is about McDonald’s choosing to put the full resources of their corporation behind promoting the homosexual agenda.

To help promote the gay agenda, McDonald’s paid $20,000 to become an official "organizational ally and corporate partner" of the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce and secure a seat on the group’s board of directors. The NGLCC lobbies against laws protecting marriage as between a man and a woman.

Sincerely,

Donald E. Wildmon

Founder and Chairman American Family Association

Blooming China

2008-07-31T13:30:00.002-04:00

We're hearing a lot of talk about the Church in China recently. It's important to keep them in prayer as they try and surface. Efforts are in place, but our prayers are key.

Recently, a friend of mine from China went home with her fiance and came back with a wonderful observation that has given me so much hope for our Chinese brethren and I'd like to share:

We also had the privilege of attending Masses as often as we were able to during the trip. It was eye-opening for us to experience the "patriotic" Catholic Church in China. Our experience there was quite different from what we learned about the patriotic church prior to the trip. We were deeply touched by the total devotions to our Lord from the Catholics in China, and utterly amazed at the level of freedom people have to practice Catholicism! From what we could tell, the liturgy was almost identical to ours here in the US.

Daily Masses were well attended. On weekends, churches were packed with hundreds of believers! Their publications freely publish news in the Catholic world, from (the) Pope's schedules to local Catholic events such as retreats (and) Summer camps for students.
We once had a chance to ask a priest as to what the differences were between the patriotic church and the underground church. He sincerely told us that he believes the patriotic church is in the mid-ground, somewhere between the underground (underground church) and the above ground (patriotic church). More research is yet to be done, but we feel that the spiritual soil is much richer there than we initially perceived, and the harvest shall be abundant!

How amazing! The seed was sown long ago. Cannot wait for the harvest. How great it will be for all of us to worship Our Lord, girded in freedom.

May the Spirit be with all of our brothers and sisters in China.

Peace to the Underground!

Tu es Petrus

2008-07-18T11:49:00.004-04:00

Well, Papa is in Australia for World Youth Day. Some of my dear friends are there. I spent some time in Sydney and what a backdrop for WYD. It really is an amazing place - almost segregated from the rest of the world, time, and space.

I enjoyed these remarks from yesterday:

In his address, the Pope thanked the Aboriginal elders who had welcomed him, asking them to transmit his "heartfelt greetings to your peoples". He went on: "I am deeply moved to stand on your land, knowing the suffering and injustices it has borne, but aware too of the healing and hope that are now at work, rightly bringing pride to all Australian citizens".

"Standing before me I see a vibrant image of the Universal Church . The variety of nations and cultures from which you hail shows that indeed Christ's Good News is for everyone; it has reached the ends of the earth. Yet I know too that a good number of you are still seeking a spiritual homeland. Some of you, most welcome among us, are not Catholic or Christian. Others of you perhaps hover at the edge of parish and Church life. To you I wish to offer encouragement: step forward into Christ's loving embrace; recognise the Church as your home. No one need remain on the outside, for from the day of Pentecost the Church has been one and universal".

Benedict XVI praised "the majestic splendour of Australia 's natural beauty" which evokes "a profound sense of awe. It is as though one catches glimpses of the Genesis creation story: light and darkness, the sun and the moon, the waters, the earth, and living creatures; all of which are 'good' in God's eyes".

Yet "there are also scars which mark the surface of our earth, erosion, deforestation, the squandering of the world's mineral and ocean resources in order to fuel an insatiable consumption. .... And we discover that not only the natural but also the social environment - the habitat we fashion for ourselves - has its scars; wounds indicating that something is amiss; ... a poison which threatens to corrode what is good, reshape who we are, and distort the purpose for which we have been created. Examples abound, as you yourselves know. Among the more prevalent are alcohol and drug abuse, and the exaltation of violence and sexual degradation, often presented through television and the internet as entertainment.

"I ask myself", the Pope added, "could anyone standing face to face with people who actually do suffer violence and sexual exploitation 'explain' that these tragedies, portrayed in virtual form, are considered merely 'entertainment'? There is also something sinister which stems from the fact that freedom and tolerance are so often separated from truth. This is fuelled by the notion, widely held today, that there are no absolute truths to guide our lives. Relativism, by indiscriminately giving value to practically everything, has made 'experience' all-important".

"Life is not governed by chance; it is not random. Your very existence has been willed by God, blessed and given a purpose! Life is not just a succession of events or experiences. ... It is a search for the true, the good and the beautiful. It is to this end that we make our choices; it is for this that we exercise our freedom; it is in this - in truth, in goodness, and in beauty - that we find happiness and joy. Do not be fooled by those who see you as just another consumer in a market of undifferentiated possibilities, where choice itself becomes the good, novelty usurps beauty, and subjective experience displaces truth.

"Christ offers more! Indeed He offers everything! Only He Who is the Truth can be the Way and hence also the Life". But "the task of witness is not easy. There are many today who claim that God should be left on the sidelines, and that religion and faith, while fine for individuals, should either be excluded from the public forum altogether or included only in the pursuit of limited pragmatic goals. This secularist vision seeks to explain human life and shape society with little or no reference to the Creator. It presents itself as neutral, impartial and inclusive of everyone. But in reality, like every ideology, secularism imposes a world-view. If God is irrelevant to public life, then society will be shaped in a godless image, and debate and policy concerning the public good will be driven more by consequences than by principles grounded in truth".

"Experience shows", said Pope Benedict, "that turning our back on the Creator's plan provokes a disorder which has inevitable repercussions on the rest of the created order. When God is eclipsed, our ability to recognise the natural order, purpose, and the 'good' begins to wane".

The Holy Father invited young people to be "alert to the signs of turning our back on the moral structure with which God has endowed humanity" and to "recognise that the innate dignity of every individual rests on his or her deepest identity - as image of the Creator - and therefore that human rights are universal, based on the natural law, and not something dependent upon negotiation or patronage, let alone compromise. And so we are led to reflect on what place the poor and the elderly, immigrants and the voiceless, have in our societies. How can it be that domestic violence torments so many mothers and children? How can it be that the most wondrous and sacred human space - the womb - has become a place of unutterable violence?"

"God's creation is one and it is good", Pope Benedict concluded. "The concerns for non-violence, sustainable development, justice and peace, and care for our environment are of vital importance for humanity. They cannot, however, be understood apart from a profound reflection upon the innate dignity of every human life from conception to natural death: a dignity conferred by God Himself and thus inviolable.

"Our world has grown weary of greed, exploitation and division, of the tedium of false idols and piecemeal responses, and the pain of false promises. Our hearts and minds are yearning for a vision of life where love endures, where gifts are shared, where unity is built, where freedom finds meaning in truth, and where identity is found in respectful communion. This is the work of the Holy Spirit! This is the hope held out by the Gospel of Jesus Christ".

Birth "Control?"

2008-07-15T22:42:00.003-04:00

Anyone else getting sick of contraception commercials???
I bet we see 2 for every half hour tv show we watch.

Now women get to only have one menstrual cycle per year.
Give me a break. Like that's good for the body?!?!?

What's next?

"If you're tired of having cycles and all those womanly things....our new 'pill' removes your entire insides - ovaries and all!"

Honestly, it's a bit ridiculous...

A Case For Chastity

2008-07-14T17:00:00.003-04:00

Ok, so through the years I've always heard people refer to engaging in pre-marital sex as, "test-driving the car before buying it."
It always infuriated me, wondering if their "other" knew they were being looked at as a "machine" and not as another human being to be loved. Yes, even in my pagan days it annoyed me.

Anyway, after some time of hearing this over and over, I thought of a great rebuttal to this crude comment:

"Yes, but if you can test drive a car whenever you like, why would you ever buy it?"

"And if you don't own a car, how quick are you to toss it aside when something breaks or malfunctions and get a new "car?"
If you own a car, your more likely to cherish it, take care of it, and do whatever is in your means to make sure it runs."

Response for Life

2008-07-10T22:04:00.003-04:00

Today in a local Catholic newspaper, the following Letter to the Editor was printed. My response to the letter follows. Hopefully the paper prints it:

To the Editor:
I read with great interest Patricia Zapor's June 13 Catholic News Service article "Professor Refused Communion over Obama Support" in a local newspaper.

Although [my wife and I] consider ourselves conservative, we have a strong feeling this year to vote for Sen. Barack Obama, chiefly for reasons of "change" and for reasons against Sen. John McCain's stance on the Iraqi war resulting in continual killings and devastation.

While we do understand Sen. Obama's stance on abortion, which is unfortunate, we understand Sen. McCain's stance on the Iraqi war that results in continual "murder" of our own soldiers and innocent lives.

If Pepperdine law professor Douglas Kmiec, an active pro-life advocate, and endorser of Sen. Obama, was refused Communion on the basis of his support of a candidate, what, indeed, is the Catholic Church's teaching on supporting either candidate?

Stanley M. Kochanek
Berlin, NJ

In response to Stanley Kochanek’s Letter to the Editor

With the horror of war, we must realize that the objective is not to murder the “innocent”, whereas in abortion it is the reason for it.

War is an atrocity, there’s no question about it. Abortion is double the atrocity, which is why it is the primary concern in the USCCB Voter’s Guide. If you review these several items of importance from the Bishops, you’ll see that Senator Obama is by far the worst candidate for the Presidency. By contrast, that doesn’t mean Senator McCain is the best. Thankfully, we have more than two choices.

No Catholic should be voting for Senator Obama who, in addition to supporting partial-birth abortion, believes an aborted child who is removed from its mother’s womb with vital signs can still be killed by an abortionist.

It’s reported that on average nearly 50 troops and civilians have lost their lives each day in Iraq.
Conversely, 126,000 innocent children are aborted worldwide every single day.

I agree with Mr. Kochanek.

Come November, a “change” in the “continual murder of…innocent lives” is a moral imperative.

At The Heart of Feminism

2008-07-10T10:31:00.001-04:00

Dale O'Leary - who I am really beginning to enjoy - tackles feminism in this transcript from 1994. True feminism is to be applauded, but false feminism is something to be weary of and Mr. O'Leary discusses:

Before we begin to talk about feminism we need to lay a foundation of repentance. I have given many talks on the subject and no matter how careful I am, I find that when I am finished one or two women in the audience will be terribly offended by my talk. The interesting thing is that they are usually offended by something I didn't say I tried to explain the points that disturbed people more carefully, but frankly to no avail.

Since you may face the same problem, let me explain what I think happens. There has been injustice toward women by men. This should be no surprise to us. The book of Genesis tells us that the first fruits of original sin were the disruption in the relationship between men and women.

Continue reading...

Boticelli's Pieta

2008-07-08T20:21:00.004-04:00

I could stare at this for hours...

Deceit is his game...

2008-07-03T15:23:00.003-04:00

Back in my pro-choice days, I read that in certain ancient societies it was common for parents to abandon unwanted newborns, leaving them to die of exposure. I found these stories to be as perplexing as they were horrifying. How could this happen? I could never understand how entire cultures could buy into something so obviously terrible, how something that modern society understands to be an unthinkable evil could be widely accepted among large groups of people.

Because of my deep distress at hearing of such crimes against humanity, I found it irritating when pro-lifers would refer to abortion as “killing babies.” Obviously, nobody was in favor of killing babies, continue reading...

- Thanks, RM for the link.

Gentle is Jesus

2008-07-02T11:54:00.003-04:00

"Gentle is Jesus in his looks, and in his words and actions." The face of our loving Saviour is so serene and gentle that it charmed the eyes and hearts of those who beheld it. The shepherds who came to the stable to see him were so spellbound by the serenity and beauty of his face that they tarried for many days gazing in rapture upon him. The three Kings, proud though they were, had no sooner seen the tender features of this lovely child than, forgetting their high dignity, they fell down on their knees beside his crib. Time and again they said to one another,"Friend, how good it is to be here! There are no enjoyments in our palaces comparable to those we are experiencing in this stable looking at this dear Infant-God."

When Jesus was still very young, children and people in trouble came from the country around to see him and find comfort and joy. They would say to each other, "Let us go and see young Jesus, the lovely child of Mary." St John Chrysostom says, "The beauty and majesty of his face were at once so sweet and so worthy of respect that those who knew him could not prevent themselves from loving him, and distant kings, hearing of his beauty, desired to have a painting of him. It is even said that our Lord by special favour sent his portrait to King Abogare. Some writers tell us that the Roman soldiers and the Jews covered his face in order to strike and buffet him freely because there was in his eyes and face such a kindly and ravishing radiance as would disarm the most cruel of men.

- St. Louis de Montfort

Kneel Before your God

2008-07-01T11:32:00.002-04:00

If we TRULY believe the Eucharist is the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of our Savior, than there is only one logical way to receive Him into our mouths....kneeling with NO handling.
Call me Traditional. Call me Antiquated. I'll take it as a compliment.

Benedict is the MAN!
Unfortunately, we got away from the tradition of receiving while kneeling.

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Receiving the Eucharist on the tongue while kneeling before the pope will become the norm at papal liturgies, said the Vatican's liturgist.

While current norms allow the faithful to receive the Eucharist in the hand while standing, Pope Benedict XVI has indicated a preference for the more traditional practice, said Msgr. Guido Marini, master of papal liturgical ceremonies.

Kneeling and receiving Communion on the tongue highlights "the truth of the real presence (of Christ) in the Eucharist, helps the devotion of the faithful and introduces the sense of mystery more easily," he said in a June 26 interview with the Vatican newspaper, L'Osservatore Romano. Continue reading...

Thank you, Pfizer

2008-06-30T23:40:00.003-04:00

Heard about this statement from Pfizer after watching The World Over.

Released June 13, 2008, the USCCB clarified the Church teaching on stem cell research.

(Also, a nice Q&A from the Bishops.)

Reflection on Matthew 8:5-11

2008-06-21T14:13:00.002-04:00

Jesus expresses amazement at the faith of the centurion - a faith that came from his understanding of the relationship between authority and obedience. His soldiers obeyed him because he was obedient to Caesar and therefore he had the entire weight of the Roman Empire behind his commands. The centurion saw that Jesus had supernatural authority. It came from his obedience to God the Father. For the centurion, the link between obedience and authority was obvious.

We live in confusing times when many are losing their faith. They listen to the world and ask, "Why doesn't the Church change this or that teaching?" Some seem to think that the Church's teachings should be decided by a poll. But the Church is the Body of Christ and it is under authority. It must be obedient to God. It can't make up new teachings or change old ones. If it did, it would lose its authority and become one opinion among many.

Before we receive communion we remember the words of the centurion: "Lord, I am not worthy." We can receive this marvelous gift because the priest has the authority to change ordinary bread into the Blessed Sacrament. He has the authority because the Church has the authority to ordain priests. This authority comes from obedience.

Dale O'Leary

"The One Up Above"

2008-05-29T15:50:00.006-04:00

What does that mean when we refer to the "one up above?" Conventional wisdom would say the person is talking about their God. Well, how can we know this God is up above and not below, behind, or in front? Why do we say this? I say it. When thanking God, I look up. When in doubt, I look up. I don't look down. I don't turn around and talk to the back of my chair - that's for certain. Rightfully, I could look at anything and thank God - for God is through, with, and in everything we see (all that is good and has come to be).

So, how did this come about?

I wondered about this during Adoration this afternoon. People say God is above them and the evil one below them. Is this absolutely true? I assume we say this because we look at the hierarchy of creation and so we think of the King of Creation as being above us. Are peasants ever above the King? Certainly not. So with God above us, satan must be beneath us, right? I beg to differ.

Satan can never be beneath us unless we make a concerted effort to keep him there. Walk around the city, notice him among our brothers and sisters - in false prophets, "adult" book stores, "planned" parenthoods, etc. Is he ever below us? Never. He is among us and in fact sometimes (and maybe a lot of times, and sadly) above us, replacing our Creator. When we put ourselves, money, fame, debauchery before God, satan takes His place above us - where he wants to reign forever.

So my brothers and sisters, be mindful of He who should be above you and he who should be beneath you. Our God only wants happiness for us. He has sent many a prophet to speak to us about getting closer to him and letting us know how much he loves us. The Bible is a Book of Love - intimate love. This God who created everything - even us - asks for our love so we can join him in paradise for eternity. We're far from him, but He gave us the Way back. There is absolute Truth and it came in the form of a man. God so loved the world...

He gives us the path and sheds his grace upon us to get closer to him to enthrone him on our heart's mantle. In our Exodus from Egypt, he gave us manna for the journey. Our new Exodus is from eternal damnation and our new manna is his only Son in the Most Holy Eucharist. We eat this new Bread and we're filled with so much grace. Why does God continually give us his love? How do we deserve any of it?

That is true love.

He wants us to return home. We're not destined for earthly residence, but the Heavenly Jerusalem. We know no better, but our Father continues to give us grace so we make it home. We are all Prodigal Sons, but we won't find true happiness and our heart's delight until we allow His love to penetrate our darkened souls.

We must never lose sight of the fact that we are either Saints or outcasts, that we must love for Heaven or for Hell; there is no middle path in this.

- St. John Vianney

Thirty Three

2008-05-01T09:40:00.001-04:00

"The meaning of Christ's Ascension expresses our belief that in Christ the humanity that we all share has entered into the inner life of God in a new and hitherto unheard of way. It means that man has found an everlasting place in God." The Ascension is not "the temporary absence of Christ from the world", but "we go to heaven to the extent that we go to Jesus Christ and enter into him. Jesus himself is what we call 'heaven.'"

Pope Benedict XVI

Not only have I entered such an important age of my life today, but I got to share my day with a couple of great events in the Church. May 1st is the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker. St. Joseph has been my model for some time now and means even more now that I have my own infant Jesus to care for. What a model Joseph has set before us men: the Protector of the Holy Family; of the Mother of God; of the Word Incarnate.
Today's Feast Day reflects on Joseph the Worker. Instituted as a combatant to the traditional May Day events around the globe sponsored by the Communists, we remember Joseph as the humble Carpenter, who as a righteous Jewish man (Mark 1:19), undoubtedly taught the Scriptures to the Christ Child.

But today St. Joseph the Worker took a backseat to an even greater event in the Church: the Ascension.
Today we are reminded, as the Holy Father mentions, that he has not abandoned us; no, he has taken us to the Father in heaven for all eternity. What a glorious event.

There is hope!

"Men of Galilee, why are you standing there looking at the sky? This Jesus who has been taken up from you into heaven will return in the same way as you have seen him going into heaven." (Acts 1:11)

Benedict Backtracking: Part Two

2008-04-29T10:03:00.000-04:00

In case you didn't hear or read Pope Benedict XVI's Homily at Yankee Stadium, I posted it below. He got two huge cheers that interrupted him, but both coming at valid times:

My dear young friends, like the seven men, “filled with the Spirit and wisdom” whom the Apostles charged with care for the young Church, may you step forward and take up the responsibility which your faith in Christ sets before you! May you find the courage to proclaim Christ, “the same, yesterday, and today and for ever” and the unchanging truths which have their foundation in him (cf. Gaudium et Spes, 10; Heb 13:8). These are the truths that set us free! They are the truths which alone can guarantee respect for the inalienable dignity and rights of each man, woman and child in our world – including the most defenseless of all human beings, the unborn child in the mother’s womb.

Young men and women of America, I urge you: open your hearts to the Lord’s call to follow him in the priesthood and the religious life. Can there be any greater mark of love than this: to follow in the footsteps of Christ, who was willing to lay down his life for his friends (cf. Jn 15:13)?

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

In the Gospel we have just heard, Jesus tells his Apostles to put their faith in him, for he is “the way, and the truth and the life” (Jn 14:6). Christ is the way that leads to the Father, the truth which gives meaning to human existence, and the source of that life which is eternal joy with all the saints in his heavenly Kingdom. Let us take the Lord at his word! Let us renew our faith in him and put all our hope in his promises!

With this encouragement to persevere in the faith of Peter (cf. Lk 22:32; Mt 16:17), I greet all of you with great affection. I thank Cardinal Egan for his cordial words of welcome in your name. At this Mass, the Church in the United States celebrates the two hundredth anniversary of the creation of the Sees of New York, Boston, Philadelphia and Louisville from the mother See of Baltimore. The presence around this altar of the Successor of Peter, his brother bishops and priests, and deacons, men and women religious, and lay faithful from throughout the fifty states of the Union, eloquently manifests our communion in the Catholic faith which comes to us from the Apostles...CONTINUE HOMILY

Amen Soul Sista!!!

2008-04-25T15:31:00.002-04:00

Well, someone check my pulse.
What have you found? Am I dead?
No?
Check it again.
And?
Still says I'm alive?

Wow.

Well, I thought I'd pass from this earth before a media source such as the Philadelphia Daily News printed something I'd actually read, but it's happened:

Christine Flowers' piece on Bill Maher today.

"Just the facts, ma'am."

Embryonic Ensoulment

2008-04-25T09:34:00.007-04:00

DO EMBRYOS HAVE SOULS?
- Rev. Tad Pacholczyk, Ph.D.

People are sometimes surprised to hear that the wrongness of destroying a human embryo does not ultimately depend on when that embryo might become a person, or when he or she might receive a soul from God. They often suppose that the Catholic Church teaches that destroying human embryos is unacceptable because such embryos are persons (or are "ensouled"). While it is true that the Church teaches that the intentional and direct destruction of human embryos is always immoral, it would be incorrect to conclude that the Church teaches that zygotes(a single-cell embryo) or other early-stage embryos are persons, or that they already have immortal, rational souls. The magisterium of the Church has never definitively stated when the ensoulment of the human embryo takes place. It remains an open question. The Declaration on Procured Abortion from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith in 1974 phrases the matter with considerable precision:

This declaration expressly leaves aside the question of the moment when the spiritual soul is infused. There is not a unanimous tradition on this point and authors are as yet in disagreement. For some it dates from the first instant; for others it could not at least precede nidation [implantation in the uterus]. It is not within the competence of science to decide between these views, because the existence of an immortal soul is not a question in its field. It is a philosophical problem from which our moral affirmation remains independent...CONTINUE ARTICLE.

Benedict Backtracking

2008-04-22T14:23:00.015-04:00

Well, it's not getting too much attention, so I figured I'd post the Holy Father's message to the United Nations. It was pretty amazing and I just pray that others around the globe listened.

Building on what Archbishop Migliore continues to present to the UN, Pope Benedict XVI spoke of human rights and noted how unfortunate it is that people of faith have to hide their religious beliefs in order to make a public statement as a citizen.

"Through the United Nations, States have established universal objectives which, even if they do not coincide with the total common good of the human family, undoubtedly represent a fundamental part of that good. The founding principles of the Organisation - the desire for peace, the quest for justice, respect for the dignity of the person, humanitarian co-operation and assistance - express the just aspirations of the human spirit, and constitute the ideals which should underpin international relations. ... The United Nations embodies the aspiration for a 'greater degree of international ordering', inspired and governed by the principle of subsidiarity, and therefore capable of responding to the demands of the human family through binding international rules and through structures capable of harmonising the day-to-day unfolding of the lives of peoples. This is all the more necessary at a time when we experience the obvious paradox of a multilateral consensus that continues to be in crisis because it is still subordinated to the decisions of a few, whereas the world's problems call for interventions in the form of collective action by the international community...CONTINUE ADDRESS.

There is Hope!

2008-04-21T09:39:00.009-04:00

Hope came to America this past week.
The Successor of Peter brought the Gospel of Life along with him on his Apostolic Visit to the United States. Hope is real. Hope is attainable. Hope has a name.

Jesus Christ was in the public eye and how often does that happen? At the White House. At the United Nations. At "Ground Zero." And at two baseball stadiums.
How many of our brothers and sisters realize that there is an end to the despair? That there is hope?

You may have read a lot of the headlines about "Pope Benedict XVI." Well, take the name away and replace it with who TRULY was at all of these places, because Jesus Christ took center stage in America since Tuesday. I have never seen the amount of coverage Our Lord has gotten and all with the absence of separation of Church and State remarks. Like St. Paul before us, Jesus Christ was proclaimed to the Gentiles.

"It is God who saves us; he saves the world and all of history. ... I am coming, sent by Jesus Christ, to bring you his word of life."

And I got this message in persona.

The entrance of the "Pope Mobile!"

His blessing on us all.

Take Action!!!

2008-04-17T11:28:00.002-04:00

Two very interesting topics came to my attention the past 24 hours; both of which need our attention AND action.

One deals with Defamation and the other with Embryonic Testing.

The first piece that flooded my inbox was some recent comments made by Bill Maher (big surprise) directed at the Pope. He has a history of anti-religion and anit-Catholicism comments...to name a few.
HERE is a link to his recent comments and HERE is a list of past comments (scroll down), and HERE is what you can do about it (site goes live at 2pm EST today).

The other piece of mail I got pertained to halting U.S. Scientists (and Legislators) from following the UK in allowing human-animal hybrids. Scary stuff. Is nothing sacred?
Go HERE to do something about it.

Pax,
PETRVS

He's here!!!

2008-04-16T09:16:00.008-04:00

So Benedict's arrival at Andrews AFB yesterday was a little anti-climatic. The two cameras on the base were focused on "Shepherd One's" doors for 10 minutes and then they decided to pan. Well, during that panning one could hear the crowd screaming. Yep, they missed it. Nonetheless, it was pretty powerful even on television. The crowd wound up singing Happy Birthday to him. This is what we should've seen...

Today's EWTN schedule has him meeting W at the White House and then onto talking with the U.S. Bishops.

"Being Christian is not the result of an ethical choice or a lofty idea, but the encounter with an event, a person, which gives life a new horizon and a decisive direction."

- Deus Caritas Est

"What did Jesus actually bring, if not world peace, universal prosperity, and a better world? What has he brought? The answer is very simple: God. He has brought God. He has brought God who formerly unveiled his countenance gradually, first to Abraham, then to Moses and the Prophets, and then in the Wisdom Literature - the God who revealed his face only in Israel, even though he was also honored among the pagans in various shadowy guises. It is this God, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the true God, whom he has brought to the nations of the earth. He has brought God, and we know his face, now we can call upon him. Now we know the path that we human beings have to take in this world. Jesus has brought God and with God the truth about our origin and destiny: faith hope and love."

- Jesus of Nazareth

He's coming...

2008-04-15T10:49:00.006-04:00

At 4:00p.m. EST today, the Holy Father will be touching down in the United States. Bells will be sounding all over the Fruited Plain and I cannot begin to describe the excitement building inside of me. I'll be checking out EWTN's coverage via streaming video. I believe they're running coverage during his entire visit. Sunday cannot come soon enough. Bus leaves at 7am for Yankee Stadium. WOO HOO!

Saw a great interview last night on The World Over with Raymond Arroyo. W is rolling out the red carpet for His Holiness, who Bush refered to as His Holy Father instead of either His Holiness or Holy Father (typical W combining words and phrases). Arroyo did a heck of a job with Bush. Asked him point blank why the red carpet treatment, why is he attending the Olympics, etc. Great interview. Last night at 11 was the final re-airing of it, but you can view it here.

He also had Laura Ingraham on the show - a recent convert. She's pretty funny.

A PETRVS prediction: Bush converts.

You heard it here first.

Open Letter to the NY Times

2008-03-30T18:04:00.001-04:00

Thanks to a good friend, I got introduced to a writer ahead of his times and have only begun to scratch the surface of his writings. So far, the piece below is my favorite.

Walker Percy wrote a letter to the NY Times on the 15th Anniversary of Roe v. Wade, which for unanswered reasons, was never published. Surprise, surprise.

Enjoy...

The Editor
The New York Times
229 West 43rd Street
New York, N.Y. 100036
Dear Sir:
The fifteenth anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision of the Supreme Court seems as good an occasion as any to call attention to an aspect of the abortion issue which is generally overlooked.
The battle lines between the "pro-life" and the "pro-choice" advocates are so fixed, the arguments so well known, indeed so often repeated, that it hardly seems worth the time to enter the controversy on the present terms. Thus, while it may indeed be argued that in terms of Judeo-Christian values individual human life is sacred and may not be destroyed, and while it is also true that modern medical evidence shows ever more clearly that there is no qualitative difference between an unborn human infant and a born human infant, the argument is persuasive only to those who accept such values and such evidence. Absent these latter, one can at least understand the familiar arguments for a "woman's rights over her own body," including "the products of conception."
The issue, then, seems presently frozen between the "religious" and the "secular" positions, with the latter apparently prevailing in the opinion polls and the media.
Rather than enter the fray with one or another argument, which, whether true or not, seems to be unavailing, I should like to call attention to certain social and historical consequences which may be less well known--call the attention, that is, of certain well-known and honorable institutions such as The New York Times, the United States Supreme Court, the American Civil Liberties Union, the National Organization of Women, and suchlike who, while distinguished in their defense of human rights, may not accept the premise of the sacred provenance of human life.
In a word, certain consequences, perhaps unforeseen, follow upon the acceptance of the principle of the destruction of human life for what may appear to be the most admirable social reasons.
One does not have to look back very far in history for an example of such consequences. Take democratic Germany in the 1920s. Perhaps the most influential book published in German in the first quarter of this century was entitled The Justification of the Destruction of Life Devoid of Value. Its co-authors were the distinguished jurist Karl Binding and the prominent psychiatrist Alfred Hoche. Neither Binding nor Hoche had ever heard of Hitler or the Nazis. Nor, in all likelihood, did Hitler ever read the book. He didn't have to.
The point is that the ideas expressed in the book and the policies advocated were the product not of Nazi ideology but rather of the best minds of the pre-Nazi Weimar Republic--physicians, social scientists, jurists and the like, who with the best secular intentions wished to improve the lot, socially and genetically, of the German people--by getting rid of the unfit and the unwanted.
It is hardly necessary to say what use the Nazis made of these ideas.
I would not wish to be understood as implying that the respected American institutions I have named are similar to corresponding pre-Nazi institutions.
But I do suggest that once the line is crossed, once the principle gains acceptance--juridically, medically, socially--innocent human life can be destroyed for whatever reason, for the most admirable socioeconomic, medical, or social reasons--then it does not take a prophet to predict what will happen next, or if not next, then sooner or later. At any rate, a warning is in order. Depending on the disposition of the majority and the opinion polls--now in favor of allowing women to get rid of unborn and unwanted babies--it is not difficult to imagine an electorate or a court ten years, fifty years from now, who would favor getting rid of useless old people, retarded children, anti-social blacks, illegal Hispanics, gypsies, Jews...
Why not?--if that is what is wanted by the majority, the polled opinion, the polity of the time.
Sincerely Yours,
Walker Percy
[Postscript: This letter did not appear in the Times. Nor was it acknowledged. On February 15, Dr. Percy wrote again.]
I am sorry that you have evidently not seen fit to publish my letter of January 22 in your Letters-to-Editor section. I should have thought that you would want to publish it, since it addresses what is a very controversial issue these days--even though the letter may run counter to your editorial policy. You are not known for suppressing dissent. In the unlikely circumstance that you somehow did not receive the letter, I would be glad to furnish you with a copy. The purpose of this letter is to establish for the record that you did in fact receive the first letter. For, if I do not receive an answer to this letter, it is fair to assume that you did.
[Dr. Percy received no reply.]

Rest in Peace, Dr. Percy.

"Whom are you looking for?"

2008-03-23T00:01:00.001-04:00

Jesus Christ is risen today, Alleluia!
our triumphant holy day, Alleluia!
who did once upon the cross, Alleluia!
suffer to redeem our loss. Alleluia!

Hymns of praise then let us sing, Alleluia!
unto Christ, our heavenly King, Alleluia!
who endured the cross and grave, Alleluia!
sinners to redeem and save. Alleluia!

But the pains which he endured, Alleluia!
our salvation have procured, Alleluia!
now above the sky he's King, Alleluia!
where the angels ever sing. Alleluia!

GREAT Friday

2008-03-21T09:11:00.006-04:00

What a paradox this day in history is: a gruesome death, yet a defeat that leads to everlasting life. A sure stumbling block for some to comprehend.

The Passion gets glossed over too much, because we're quick to look to the Resurrection or we hang crosses in our homes without the Corpus. We don't want to see our Savior depicted in this manner, because it's easier to ignore the reality of the event. When we do this, we fail to acknowledge the Cross and how Christ Crucified suffered for our fallen humanity.

"Keep your eyes on the crucifix, for Jesus without the cross is a man without a mission, and the cross without Jesus is a burden without a reliever."
Archbishop Fulton Sheen

"Sumite: hoc est corpus meum"

2008-03-20T15:00:00.008-04:00

A happy Holy Thursday to everyone to begin their Easter Triduum. A reminder to all that the last will be first and that we're here to serve.

May the Lord bless you and keep you; may His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; may He look upon you kindly and give you His peace.

"The First Dream"

2008-03-12T23:21:00.010-04:00

My attraction to Don Bosco really started after I talked to a Priest friend about some vivid dreams I was having nearly five years ago. Don Bosco's "First Dream" was when he was 9, so I guess at age 27, my "prophetic" dreams were a little late.

Let's first look at what the Catechism has to say about dreams...

CCC 67 reads:
Throughout the ages, there have been so-called "private" revelations, some of which have been recognized by the authority of the Church. They do not belong, however, to the deposit of faith. It is not their role to improve or complete Christ's definitive Revelation, but to help live more fully by it in a certain period of history. Guided by the magisterium of the Church, the sensus fidelium knows how to discern and welcome in these revelations whatever constitutes an authentic call of Christ or his saints to the Church.

Christian faith cannot accept "revelations" that claim to surpass or correct the Revelation of which Christ is the fulfillment, as is the case in certain non-Christian religions and also in certain recent sects which base themselves on such "revelations."

So now that my post has been prefaced, I can save myself from being lumped in with cults since nothing revealed to me was in contradiction to the Word...

I remember it being such a peaceful sleep. I didn't feel as if I was dreaming and I didn't feel awake. It was definitely another dimension if you will. I found myself in a mist of gray. I couldn't even see myself or where I was at, as if in a cloud on a rainy day. No sound.

After a bit, I noticed I was in a small rowboat in the middle of an open body of water. I could only see about 15 feet in front of me and beyond that, more gray. No sound, but the ringing you hear when there is perfect silence.

It felt like hours on the rowboat when the clouds began to disperse. From the clouds came a figure and finally: color. The absolute whitest horse began approaching with the most stunning mane of white hair. On the horse was a great man of stature, bigger than anything I had ever seen. He had a long white robe, long flowing gray hair, and a long beard. As they got closer, I remember feeling elated, as if everything was going to get better.

The man and horse kept their distance and at once the horse leaned back on its hind legs and unleashed the loudest sound - so loud I couldn't hear. I only felt the power of the horse's "growl". While on its hind legs, as commanded, the man reached up into the sky with what I now saw was a scepter. Still no color. He touched the sky and from where he touched, the most radiant sun appeared. Blinding. I couldn't see.

The sound and light faded and when I raised my eyes, they now approached even closer, standing above me. The man took the scepter and rested it on my shoulder and at once, I began to see color.

A grin of assurance from the man and they departed.

The clouds began to disappear, the sun was brightly shining, and the water was blue. I was no longer in the rowboat, but now hovering above the water. I now saw other boats in the water, which I approached. The boats had people in them. The boats, the people - all gray with gloom in their faces. I then touched them with my hand and color and joy entered the boat as if I brought life to them. The most vivid memory I had was that of a boat containing a man and a woman. When I touched them, a child appeared in their arms and they were filled with so much love and affection.

My alarm goes off.

Alright, at this point I am MORE than freaked out. I think I stared at my alarm clock for about 5 minutes, wondering what was going on. I took me forever to get ready for work that morning and even walking to work, I remained in a daze. As expected, I began retracing my night. I didn't go out. I had no alcohol. Believe it or not, I had not read - or seen - The Lord of the Rings at this point in my life. I didn't even read Revelation before I went to sleep. So what was it?

Are you ready for the conclusion?

It was some months later when my girlfriend at the time introduced me to her good friend and her husband. We attended a class reunion together and that night it was revealed to me that they had been trying for some time to conceive. The next day we all attended Mass together and I noticed how closely they held each other and how their pain was evident. After Mass we were parting ways (her husband was heading off on a hunting trip) and I had this uncontrollable urge to place my hand on this girl's lower abdomen.
Well, I didn't. What struck me first was the thought of touching a woman I barely knew in such a manner and what would've struck me next would've been her husband's fist!

A month later I found out they conceived and since they were practicing NFP, they knew when it happened...

...the day the husband left on the hunting trip.

Pope Obama I

2008-03-05T12:16:00.005-05:00

Oh, Barack, but you ARE less Christian for thinking abortion and same-sex marriage is ok.

This kind of stuff boggles my mind. Anything OPPOSED to life is anti-Christian. End of discussion.
The absolute nerve of Senator Obama to "interpret" the Sermon on the Mount for allowing same-sex unions. Ahhhhh!!!!!!!!

How we can allow someone to murder a human being is so foreign to me. The "unfit" being destroyed has been carried out by so many dictatorial monsters in the past. I don't know how so many people in our society are blind to this Nazi-like treatment.
We're talking about a HUMAN BEING here. People like to argue that at such an early age, it really isn't a human life - that is, until it's "born" from its mother's womb.
Well what in the world is it? A toaster oven?

NO.

It's a HUMAN LIFE; not a choice. Calling a child a choice really disarms the facts.

I hate politics, but when the state of our country hangs in the balance of a couple of "Christians" (Obama & Clinton) who think the Bible - and Christ - approve same sex marriage and abortion, I absolutely have to point out heresy.

Let us pray for Obama, Hillary, and all those deceived by the lies of the Evil One.

Here's a great blog about politics and religion in general.

Body and Blood

2008-03-03T17:01:00.005-05:00

I previously examined the effects of "consuming" something. In coming to that conclusion, I reflected upon what occurs when we consume Christ in the Most Blessed Sacrament.

As human beings, we could say that we're 50% from our father and 50% from our mother - give or take some percent based on physical traits, etc.
We could also say the same for Christ, even though he was 100% human and 100% divine.

We know his biological mother was Mary and his biological father was the Holy Spirit.
Since the Spirit was not "flesh" - the flesh of the Holy Trinity being Christ - could we then say that Christ, for all intents and purposes, is biologically Mary; that his DNA, blood type, etc., is solely derived from his mother?

In these assumptions, when we receive the Body of Christ, are we not also receiving the Mother of God, Mary Most Holy?
If at some time we didn't exist, but needed our mother and father to become "one" so that we could come into existence, then we can establish that we in fact inherit the genetic make-up of our parents.

And is it not so with our Redeemer?
As if it's not enough to receive all the graces we do when receiving the Eucharist, we also receive Mary. The Son of God and the Mother of God literally dwell within us. How beautiful and most assuring that not only do we literally become the Son and Mother of Man, but as they are in the Father, we also become what we were destined for: divinity.

And so my inaudible prayer during the Consecration has been:

Flesh and Blood of Mary
Spirit of God
Come to me
Remain in me
Transform me.

PA for Marriage Event

2008-02-29T00:35:00.001-05:00

Last night I had the honor to attend a fund raiser for Pennsylvania for Marriage - a non-profit organization committed to passing PA Senate Bill 1250 (SB 1250) in order to preserve marriage as an institution for men and women.
Let's all pray for this to pass, as many states are allowing civil unions, equaling homosexual union to that of a marriage between one man and one woman.

There were a lot of "movers and shakers" there, including Senator Rick Santorum, Maggie Gallagher, and PA Senator Mike Brubaker (sponsor for SB 1250).
(Keep Rick and family in prayers, as his wife is expecting Baby #8...)

It was nice to talk to some of these people. Santorum is very nice - very passionate about life persevering - but my observation was this: everyone there liked to talk.

One man stood out. He made sure he talked to every single person - and he listened. He really listened.

Not sure why anyone would be surprised to know it was Justin Cardinal Rigali.

I love the man. Always have. He is a very holy man and is at the forefront of defending life in this country. Truly one of my role models.
And there he was, as usual (this being the 4th time I've spoken to the man) asking about my wife and daughter, making sure he knew our names, as if to catalog it to pray for us.

And so it was on the drive home where I felt God speaking to me, yet again. A time when my prayer life is suffering from launching a new career. Through it, He is still reaching out to me. No reservations. All He asks is to be open to His grace.

I really felt He placed "poverty" and "humility" on my heart.
Cardinal Rigali bled these traits last night. He listened, while everyone else talked.
So it is by the Lord's calling that I - and all of us - need to listen more. To humble ourselves before everyone we meet. To become the "smallest" person in the room.

We must decrease. He must increase.

And again, my heart is filled with so much love and adoration for our Triune Godhead.

Blessings to you on all.

BLOGOUT 002

2008-02-15T15:01:00.005-05:00

Many blessings to some dear friends who got married in India on February 01, 2008. Keep checking EWTN, they'll probably have their own show in a year or two.

PETRA SUPER PETRAM

What do...

2008-02-11T10:47:00.000-05:00

...I have in common with Pope Benedict XVI???

We'll both be in Yankee Stadium on Sunday, April, 20th for Mass!

It's official: I got a ticket to go! Ahhhhh!!!!!

The Archdiocese got over 12,000 requests for 3,000 tickets. Pretty slim chance, but someone wanted me to go! Link

My wife saw him in Cologne for World Youth Day, so now it's my time. This is awesome.

Happy Feast Day of Our Lady of Lourdes everyone!

MAHATMA

2008-02-05T16:36:00.001-05:00

It took many years, but I finally got to watch Gandhi. I thought it was a really good movie and Ben Kingsley was just amazing in it.

Two lines really stuck out in my mind, both of which may never have been said:

1. When Gandhi and fellow Charlie Andrews - a Protestant minister - were traveling across India, Andrews joined other Indians atop the train car they were in, because it was too crowded below.
As Andrews was about to take in the wonderful views of Indian countryside, an Indian engaged him in conversation:

"Are you a Christian?"
Andrews replied, "Yes, yes I am."

"I know a Christian woman."

Andrews shakes his head in acknowledgment.

"She drinks blood.

"Blood of Christ. Every Sunday."

Hilarious! Gotta love those "carnivorous" Catholics...

2. While touring the conditions of his home country and seeing how destitute some Indians were, he was imprisoned for "disturbing the peace." Andrews visited him and seeing him in only a loincloth, asked him if they (the guards) had taken his clothes.

Gandhi, referring to his countrymen, replied, "If I want to be one with them, I have to live like them."

Reminded me of that other person who clothed himself as his brothers and sisters...

For to everyone who has, more will be given...

2008-02-01T15:28:00.000-05:00

Ahh, Matthew 25:29.
This didn't have extraordinary meaning in my life until two separate instances made me dwell on it.

I recall talking to two friends - ironically both live or have lived in Germany - and telling them how 2007 was such an amazing year for me and how I didn't expect 2008 to be quite the same. It was then I was thumped with some Scripture. My buddy "Donderbolt" said to me, "Nah, for those who have, more will be given." He said it with such certainty, that I began to start believing whole-heartedly in this.
Well, 2008 has afforded me a wonderful opportunity: I have since started two companies, both of which allow me to work from home...and less.

I am so convinced that if we put God and family first, we cannot ever outdo Him in generosity. How do I know this?
I have struggled ever since getting married with the idea that man leaves his home for approximately 10 hours to go "to work." If we count 8 hours for sleep, that leaves 6 hours to take the trash out, clean the house, get groceries, and oh yeah.....spend time with the family.

I decided to revolt.

I sold my share of my company off in December and decided my focus would be the home. I resolved to work from home and let the Lord find me a new career.
Well, I am now working from home. My wife's now a homemaker and our daughter will see her parents.
Praise God!

...More has been given...

Are you ready to revolt?

(Disclaimer: The above was greatly discerned through much prayer and penance.)

Fishers of Men

2007-12-17T12:13:00.000-05:00

Nice document released Friday by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith on evangelization (via VIS)...

DOCTRINAL NOTE ON SOME ASPECTS OF EVANGELIZATION

A "Doctrinal Note on some aspects of evangelization" prepared by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith was made public today. Accompanying the publication is an English-language summary outlining the main points of the new document. Extracts from the summary are given below:

"The Doctrinal Note is devoted principally to an exposition of the Catholic Church's understanding of the Christian mission of evangelization, which is to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ," the summary begins.

"Today there is 'a growing confusion' about the Church's missionary mandate. Some think 'that any attempt to convince others on religious matters is a limitation of their freedom,' suggesting that it is enough to invite people 'to act according to their consciences,' or to 'become more human or more faithful to their own religion,' or 'to build communities which strive for justice, freedom, peace and solidarity,' without aiming at their conversion to Christ and to the Catholic faith.

"Others have argued that conversion to Christ should not be promoted because it is possible for people to be saved without explicit faith in Christ or formal incorporation in the Church."

Considering certain "anthropological implications" the document observes that "while some forms of agnosticism and relativism deny the human capacity for truth, in fact human freedom cannot be separated from its reference to truth."

"This search for truth cannot be accomplished entirely on one's own, but inevitably involves help from others and trust in knowledge that one receives from others. Thus, teaching and entering into dialogue to lead someone in freedom to know and to love Christ is not inappropriate encroachment on human freedom, 'but rather a legitimate endeavor and a service capable of making human relationships more fruitful'."

"Through evangelization, cultures are positively affected by the truth of the Gospel. Likewise, through evangelization, members of the Catholic Church open themselves to receiving the gifts of other traditions and cultures."

"Any approach to dialogue such as coercion or improper enticement that fails to respect the dignity and religious freedom of the partners in that dialogue has no place in Christian evangelization."

Going on to examine "some ecclesiological implications," the summary affirms that "for Christian evangelization, 'the incorporation of new members into the Church is not the expansion of a power-group, but rather entrance into the network of friendship with Christ which connects heaven and earth, different continents and ages'."

"The Doctrinal Note cites the Vatican Council II's 'Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World' (Gaudium et Spes) to say that respect for religious freedom and its promotion 'must not in any way make us indifferent towards truth and goodness. Indeed, love impels the followers of Christ to proclaim to all the truth which saves'."

Finally, on the subject of "ecumenical implications," the document "points out the important role of ecumenism in the Church's mission of evangelization. Christian divisions can seriously compromise the credibility of the Church's evangelizing mission."

"When Catholic evangelization takes place in a country where other Christians live, Catholics must take care to carry out their mission with 'both true respect for the tradition and spiritual riches of such countries as well as a sincere spirit of cooperation.' Evangelization proceeds by dialogue, not proselytism."

Gianna Marie

2007-12-09T15:22:00.000-05:00

Our daughter arrived Wednesday, December 5th, and it's been one of the greatest times of my life already.

These words from Song of Songs (4:7) speak so tenderly of my feelings towards my little girl:

You are all-beautiful my beloved,
and there is no blemish in you.

Merry Tossmas!!!

2007-12-09T14:44:00.000-05:00

This is pretty hilarious and if you're sick of all of the "Happy Holidays" in lieu of "Merry Christmas," you'll enjoy it too.

MERRY TOSSMAS

Thanks, AMC!

Keeping the Hall Well Swept

2007-12-03T18:07:00.000-05:00

…your soul is like a great hall, unfurnished or insufficiently furnished.

That it will never be fit for the reception of our sovereign Lord unless He Himself furnishes it and arranges in it the precious furniture suitable for such a guest.

That the only way in which He will do this and enrich your soul with His gifts will be during the silence and peace of prayer.

Your duty is, therefore, to keep the hall well swept and clean with the help of grace, and then, give place to Him who will make it His own business to supply the beautiful furniture with which it is to be enriched, and who wishes to arrange it according to his own taste.

Do not go and upset yourself for nothing is a matter in which you would spoil everything by interference. Let him do as he likes; consider yourself as a picture which a great master is proposing to paint; but take courage, for I foresee that it will take some time to grind and powder the colors, and then to lay them on, combine them and shade them. All you have to do is to keep the canvas ready, well-cleaned, and fastened on its two motionless pivots, the one being self-humiliation pushed to the point of self-annihilation, the other a complete self-abandonment pushed to the point of losing your will altogether in the will of God.

Father Jean-Pierre de Caussade, S.J.

Bueller?

2007-11-29T22:00:00.000-05:00

Ben Stein's documentary on scientists being ostracized for their belief in Intelligent Design looks like it might be pretty good.

Thanks to RM for the heads up.

Check out the TRAILER.

one Naton under God

2007-11-22T22:53:00.000-05:00

Many people - including myself - didn't know the true reasons our country began celebrating Thanksgiving. I found out today (thanks Fr. James!) and am still astounded:

Following the Revolutionary War, the Continental Congress issued a proclamation on October 11, 1782:

By the United States in Congress assembled.

PROCLAMATION.

IT being the indispensable duty of all Nations, not only to offer up their supplications to ALMIGHTY GOD, the giver of all good, for his gracious assistance in a time of distress, but also in a solemn and public manner to give him praise for his goodness in general, and especially for great and signal interpositions of his providence in their behalf: Therefore the United States in Congress assembled, taking into their consideration the many instances of divine goodness to these States, in the course of the important conflict in which they have been so long engaged; the present happy and promising state of public affairs; and the events of the war, in the course of the year now drawing to a close; particularly the harmony of the public Councils, which is so necessary to the success of the public cause; the perfect union and good understanding which has hitherto subsisted between them and their Allies, notwithstanding the artful and unwearied attempts of the common enemy to divide them; the success of the arms of the United States, and those of their Allies, and the acknowledgment of their independence by another European power, whose friendship and commerce must be of great and lasting advantage to these States:----- Do hereby recommend to the inhabitants of these States in general, to observe, and request the several States to interpose their authority in appointing and commanding the observation of THURSDAY the twenty-eight day of NOVEMBER next, as a day of solemn THANKSGIVING to GOD for all his mercies: and they do further recommend to all ranks, to testify to their gratitude to GOD for his goodness, by a cheerful obedience of his laws, and by promoting, each in his station, and by his influence, the practice of true and undefiled religion, which is the great foundation of public prosperity and national happiness.

Done in Congress, at Philadelphia, the eleventh day of October, in the year of our LORD one thousand seven hundred and eighty-two, and of our Sovereignty and Independence, the seventh.

JOHN HANSON, President.

Charles Thomson, Secretary.

Thanks be to God

2007-11-21T13:33:00.000-05:00

I want to wish all of you a most blessed Thanksgiving. With our first child due only 9 days from today, this will be a very special Thanksgiving for us.

In the spirit of the holiday, may you all first give thanks to God for his many blessings upon you and your family; and especially for your life.

Don't forget your special intentions before digging into that sacrificial bird tomorrow! Maybe "saying grace" can become commonplace in your families before all meals. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden!

Pax et Bonum!

Election Day 2007

2007-11-02T21:57:00.001-04:00

The Pro Life Union of Southeastern PA now has their voter's guide up on their site. Make sure you take it with you to the polls!

It shows the following:

Judges on the Pa. Supreme Court & the Pa. Superior Court make decisions that have significant impact on the sanctity of human life & marriage. Two of the seven seats on the Pa. Supreme Court and three of the 15 seats on the Pa. Superior Court judges face a yes or no vote on retention for another ten year term.

PA Supreme Court (vote for two)

Maureen Lally-Green -prolife

Mike Krancer -prolife

Debra Todd- pro-abortion

Seamus McCaffrey - pro-abortion

PA. Superior Court (vote for three)

Cheryl Lynn Allen -prolife

Bruce Bratton-prolife

Jacqueline Shogun-prolife

Christine Donnohue-pro-abortion

Ron Foling -pro-abortion

John Younge-pro-abortion

Retention Votes(vote yes or no)

Pa. Supreme Court ~ Thomas G. Saylor voted to overturn existing state law & created a 'legal right' for homosexual couples to adopt children

Pa. Superior Court

Joan Orie Melvin -pro-life

John L. Musmanno -prolife

Correale Stevens -prolife

Commonwealth Court

Bernard L. McGinley -prolife

Bonnie L. Leadbetter/proabortion Doris Smith-Ribner/proabortion

Philadelphia

Al Taubenberger-prolife

Michael Nutter - pro-abortion

Delaware County - The following candidates have pro-life positions

City Council: Tom McGarrigle, Christine Fizzano Cannon

District Attorney: Michael Green

Common Pleas Court: Mary Alice Brenan, Greg Mallon

Common Pleas Court Retention: Ann Osborne, George Pagano, James Proud

Haverford Township Commissioner

Jim McGarrity, Jeff Heilmann, Cathy Kovach, Bill Wechsler

Bucks County

County Commissioner (vote for two)

Jim Cawley -prolife, Jay Russell - prolife, Charles Martin -unknown

Daine Marseglia: pro-abortion, Steve Santarsiero: pro-abortion

Common Pleas Court: Diane Gibbons - prolife

Common Pleas Court Retention (vote yes or no)

David Heckler: pro-abortion

Warminster Township Supervisor: Donna Marie Davis: pro-life

Montgomery County

County Commissioner (vote for two)

Bruce Castor -prolife, Jim Matthews -prolife

Ruth Damsker: pro-abortion, Joseph Hoeffel: pro-abortion

The following other countywide candidates have a pro-life position or record.

District Attorney - Risa Vetri Ferman

Clerk of Courts - Marcy Toepel

Recorder of Deeds - Nancy Becker

Sheriff - John Durante

Treasurer - Garrett Page

Retention Votes for Montgomery County Common Pleas Court

Thomas M. Del Ricci: prolife, Stanley R. Ott: prolife

Calvin S. Drayer - In July 2002, he issued a decision that allowed Steven Brighams abortion chamber to continue to commit abortions even though the Upper Merion Township Zoning Board had operated in violation of existing law. This chamber later closed.

Post-Bella

2007-10-29T10:15:00.000-04:00

I got a chance to check out the movie Saturday night with my wife. Whether it was good or bad, I wanted to make sure I supported the film. I now offer my review on the flick...

MPAA Rating
PG-13

Rating System
1 - 5 Rocks, 5 Rocks being the best.

Pace (3 Rocks)
There was a point in the movie where I glanced at my watch. Nearly 45 minutes of the movie had gone by and I was waiting for it to speed up. It did (thankfully). After that 45 minutes, Bella really began to take form.

Character Development & Acting (3 Rocks)
I thought Jose's (Eduardo Verastegui) character was a little ho-hum, although he was likable in the movie. I did not care for Nina's (Tammy Blanchard) character, or her acting, at all.
Bella did a great job of introducing Jose's family, which showed why Jose was the man he was. The character development of his family was flawless. Jose's parents really stole the screen.

Family Friendly (5 Rocks)
Definitely. Some heavy life situations, but a great opportunity to introduce them to children: life, death, and the repercussions of both.

Should you see it? (Don't bother, Rent it, Go see, Must see)
GO SEE - Definitely worth your time. Did not live up to the expectations, but worth 100 minutes of your life. It's nice to see a wholesome movie in the theaters for a change. Hopefully Hollywood catches on and begins bringing us more.

Next movie up for review? Into Great Silence.

St. Paul of SEPTA

2007-10-24T09:18:00.000-04:00

Now that we've moved out of center city and I take the train to work every day, I've found a new, more discrete way to evangelize.

I'd prefer Lauds and Vespers, but my schedule doesn't permit me to recite them, so Magnificat (the Hours for People-on-the-Go) suits my life pretty well for Morning and Evening Prayer on the train.

My bookmarks, other than the ribbons from my leather cover (thank you RM), are prayer cards of Christ and the Blessed Mother, so when I read they are plain as day so anyone to my left or right can see them (I've noticed on trains that everyone - myself included - will always look at what a person is reading), in hopes of starting dialogue.

The SEPTA ticket-collectors, usually the most unloving of all the passengers, get a special treat.

When they come around to check tickets and passes, I put my pass right next to the prayer card of Christ (or Mary as I did today), so when they look at my pass it is IMPOSSIBLE for them not come face to face with the Savior or the Mother of God.

And that's how it's done.

Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!
Matthew 3:2

FORTY

2007-10-22T12:32:00.000-04:00

October 22, 2007: 40 days left until my first child is due! It is hard to believe time has moved so quickly. I am so thankful to Our Creator, who has granted my wife and me the ability to produce human life. Thank you, Father.

In recognizing the meaningful number of days ahead of us, my wife and I declare more prayer and fasting for our baby's coming. I am like Easter-excited!

Lots of prayers for this child. And soon, he/she comes...

I waited patiently for the Lord
He inclined and heard my cry.
He brought me right out of the pit,
out of my miry clay.
I will sing a new song,
How long to sing this song?
He set my feet upon a rock,
and made my footsteps heard.
Many will see,
Many will see and fear.
I will sing, sing a new song.
How long to sing this song?

Pre-Bella

2007-10-19T08:52:00.000-04:00

Well, the opening weekend of Bella is just one week away. I have a lot of close friends that attended private screenings, I've read a ton of reviews and it sure seems that it will fall in line with The Passion, as a movie that will/has change(d) lives.

It's playing in KOP and if it does well, Center City theaters will pick it up, so I urge all of you to check it out or even buy tickets - knowing you won't be able to make it - to get this movie greater attention so LIFE can be brought to all.

Bella won the People's Choice Award at the Toronto Film Festival.

True love goes beyond romance.

Keepin' the Pace

2007-09-27T09:09:00.000-04:00

Everyone who acknowledges me before others I will acknowledge before my heavenly Father. (Matthew 10:32)

It's always interesting to me that secular society can call people of God "bigots" for not agreeing with conduct in opposition to the Gospel, such as homosexuality. My wife said it best when talking about such issues: People want to justify their actions, however wrong, by getting as much public support so that they can feel better about their choices and suppress the voices telling them it's immoral.

This all was prompted from a news article I read last night. It isn't often that I'll read or listen to secular media, but I discovered a man who acknowledged God before the entire nation and did so with courage. Thank you, General Peter Pace.

From the Associated Press:

Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, caused a stir at a Senate hearing Wednesday when he repeated his view that gay sex is immoral and should not be condoned by the military.

Pace, who retires next week, said he was seeking to clarify similar remarks he made in spring, which he said were misreported.

"Are there wonderful Americans who happen to be homosexual serving in the military? Yes," he told the Senate Appropriations Committee during a hearing focused on the Pentagon's 2008 war spending request.

"We need to be very precise then, about what I said wearing my stars and being very conscious of it," he added. "And that is, very simply, that we should respect those who want to serve the nation but not through the law of the land, condone activity that, in my upbringing, is counter to God's law."

Anti-war protesters sitting behind Pace jeered the four-star general's remarks with some shouting, "Bigot!" That led Committee Chairman Sen. Robert Byrd, D-W.Va., to abruptly adjourn the hearing and seal off the doors.

The hearing resumed about five minutes later in which Pace said he would be supportive of efforts to revisit the Pentagon's policy so long as it didn't violate his belief that sex should be restricted to a married heterosexual couple.

"I would be very willing and able and supportive" to changes to the policy "to continue to allow the homosexual community to contribute to the nation without condoning what I believe to be activity — whether it to be heterosexual or homosexual — that in my upbringing is not right," Pace said.

Pace's lengthy answer on gays was prodded by Sen. Tom Harkin, who said he found Pace's previous remarks as "very hurtful" and "very demoralizing" to homosexuals serving in the military.

In March, the Chicago Tribune reported that Pace said in a wide-ranging interview: "I do not believe the United States is well served by a policy that says it is OK to be immoral in any way."

Harkin, D-Iowa, said he wanted to give Pace a chance to amend his remarks in light of his retirement.

"It's a matter of leadership, and we have to be careful what we say," Harkin said.

Pace noted that the U.S. Military Code of Justice prohibits homosexual activity as well as adultery. Harkin said, "Well, then, maybe we should change that."

General Pace, may God bless you.

Jobu

2007-09-25T10:16:00.000-04:00

The 2008 Election Coverage is getting into full swing and tons of polls show likely candidates. The Democrats are not giving us any pro-lifers and except for Giuliani and Romney, the Republicans are giving us plenty (as usual).

I want to mention one in particular: Hillary Clinton.

It was always rumored that Hillary was quietly running the country, and her household, during Bill Clinton's two terms in the White House. A friend sent me two interesting articles that should concern all of us:

Religious Devotion to Abortion

Hillary the Abortion Decision-Maker

A bit scary to say the least.

All Saints, pray for us!

Catholics for Abortion?

2007-09-25T09:29:00.000-04:00

Yeah, that's right. These lost sheep of our flock clearly voting against the Gospel. We need to pray for them. I have seen these bumper stickers, but the shirts might be even better...

The "Mexico City Policy" was instituted by Ronald Reagan ("Life" Guard) in 1984 I believe. It stated that US funding for international "non-governmental" organizations could not spend these funds on advocating, promoting, or performing abortion (Yeah, Reagan!), but the fine line stipulates it can if it's for rape, incest, or life-threatening situations (Ugh, Reagan.).

The problem with the fine line of this policy is that some of the countries receiving funding have laws in clear contradiction to this policy, i.e. abortion is illegal or against the country's religious tradition.

Of course, Bill Clinton rescinded this policy.

Of course, of course, when W took office, he issued an executive order to reinstate the policy. Yeah, W!

Senator Barbara Boxer (no surprise) moved to rescind this policy this month and it passed 53-41. The difference? Our "Gang of 16" Catholic brothers and sisters supporting Barbara Boxer's move:

Bob Casey, Jr. (D-PA)
Patrick Leahy (D-VT)
Ted Kennedy (D-MA)
John Kerry (D-MA)
Barbara Mikulski (D-MD)
Susan Collins (R-ME)
Bob Menendez (D-NJ)
Mary Landrieu (D-LA)
Ken Salazar (D-CO)
Tom Harkin (D-IA)
Dick Durbin (D-IL)
Maria Cantwell (D-WA)
Patty Murray (D-WA)
Jack Reed (D-RI)
Chris Dodd (D-CT)
Claire McCaskill (D-MO)

Praise be to God that W said he would veto it. Except for the war, are we positive he isn't Catholic?

Rev. Thomas Euteneur, Head of Human Life International, had this to say:
"At a time when these same politicians bewail America's standing in the world they vote to export death to nations that don't want it, in violation of those nations' religious traditions. They are the new 'ugly Americans' practicing imperialism at its worst."

Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta

2007-09-19T20:01:00.000-04:00

I saw Mother's Joy Before Her Death

The excitement bordering on hoopla generated by the publication of Mother Teresa: Come Be My Light (Doubleday, 2007) causes me to want to let people know that there was clearly another side.

I knew Mother Teresa for more than 30 years — half my life — and always found her to be a deeply prayerful, gentle and extremely compassionate person. She also had a wisdom that was not of this world, and it was obvious to me that she was inwardly directed in the work she did.

The darkness she experienced is part of the mystery of God’s dealing with human beings, but my opinion is that that darkness made her one of the strongest people I ever knew.

The general secretary of the United Nations referred to her as the most powerful woman in the world.

What makes a person powerful? The ability to struggle long and hard through difficulties.

There is another side. A few weeks before her death, Mother Teresa was in New York. The sisters very kindly invited me to offer Mass for her the day before she left for Calcutta. It was obvious that she was dying. She attended the Mass lying on a cot, unable to stand.

After Mass, I met a person I had never known. She was bubbly, exuberant, joyous, and telling Father Andrew Apostoli and me of the wonderful growth of the Missionaries of Charity. She was not bragging, but triumphantly rejoicing in the Lord. It was most remarkable, and we talked to her for quite some time.

As we were leaving, I commented to Father Andrew that we would never see her again, that she was obviously beginning to go through the gates of eternity. This is not an unknown phenomenon in the lives of certain mystic saints. They begin to enter eternal life while they are still in this world.

I want many people to know of this triumphant exultation of Mother Teresa in the last days of her life. Why did God permit her to experience his absence while she was profoundly motivated by his presence? Why did he permit her to be in darkness while she gave so much light to others? These are questions that we should perhaps not ask.

How do we know how God deals with his most chosen souls?

But it is perfectly obvious to me that Mother Teresa was not only a saint but a prophetess. She was given to us like the prophetesses of the Old Testament to remind us of the absolute transcendence of God, whom we must follow obediently wherever He leads us.

Father Benedict J. Groeschel, Franciscan Friar of Renewal.

Conception to Natural End

2007-09-14T09:56:00.000-04:00

Earlier today, the Holy Father approved replies from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith to questions raised by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops on artificial hydration and nutrition to a person in a vegetative state. The questions were:

1. Is the administration of food and water (whether by natural or artificial means) to a patient in a 'vegetative state' morally obligatory except when they cannot be assimilated by the patient's body or cannot be administered to the patient without causing significant physical discomfort?

Response: Yes. The administration of food and water even by artificial means is, in principle, an ordinary and proportionate means of preserving life. It is therefore obligatory to the extent to which, and for as long as, it is shown to accomplish its proper finality, which is the hydration and nourishment of the patient. In this way suffering and death by starvation and dehydration are prevented.

2. When nutrition and hydration are being supplied by artificial means to a patient in a 'permanent vegetative state,' may they be discontinued when competent physicians judge with moral certainty that the patient will never recover consciousness?

Response: No. A patient in a 'permanent vegetative state' is a person with fundamental human dignity and must, therefore, receive ordinary and proportionate care which includes, in principle, the administration of water and food even by artificial means."

"When stating that the administration of food and water is morally obligatory 'in principle,' the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith does not exclude the possibility that, in very remote places or in situations of extreme poverty, the artificial provision of food and water may be physically impossible, and then 'ad impossibilia nemo tenetur.' However, the obligation to offer the minimal treatments that are available remains in place, as well as that of obtaining, if possible, the means necessary for an adequate support of life. Nor is the possibility excluded that, due to emerging complications, a patient may be unable to assimilate food and liquids, so that their provision becomes altogether useless. Finally, the possibility is not absolutely excluded that, in some rare cases, artificial nourishment and hydration may be excessively burdensome for the patient or may cause significant physical discomfort, for example resulting from complications in the use of the means employed.

"These exceptional cases, however, take nothing away from the general ethical criterion, according to which the provision of water and food, even by artificial means, always represents a 'natural means' for preserving life, and is not a 'therapeutic treatment.' Its use should therefore be considered 'ordinary and proportionate,' even when the 'vegetative state' is prolonged."

AMEN!

9/11 - A Bible lesson.

2007-09-11T12:01:00.000-04:00

I cannot believe it has been 6 years since that horrible morning that found me heading to a meeting in Lower Manhattan on an otherwise, normal September 11th. That was definitely one of the most horrible days I've ever experienced and today I find myself reflecting on the events.

What I find most interesting is the dynamic of fundamentalism - notably Islamic - and the path God Incarnate took when conquering sin and death.

Deus Caritas Est.

"God is love" and we know this because how often the Creator of the Universe humbled Himself as equal to man, His creation. Unlike Adam who sought equality with God, [Christ]:

Who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped.

Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; and found human in appearance,

he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross. (Philippians 2:6-8)

God sent His only son into the world to be born of a virgin. He didn't order it, he awaited Mary's reply (His gift of free will). Her "yes" has changed the world. Her "yes" brought Christ the King.

Christ the King, not born into royal garments within a castle, but in swaddling clothes in a manger.

Christ the King, who modeled his "righteous" earthen father and became a carpenter.

Christ the King, who was mocked.

Christ the King, who was scourged.

Christ the King, who was crowned with thorns.

Christ the King, who embraced the Cross that he would later be nailed to.

Christ the King, who at anytime could have shown his awesome wonder on Calvary and come down from the Cross. (Mark 15:32)

Christ the King, who prayed, "Father, into your hands I commend my spirit." (Psalm 31:5, Luke 23:46)

This King, who created the world and who created man, died for the sins of many.

For you.

For me.

The Creator of the Universe could have destroyed evil with the sword, but He chose to show us that only by humility can you defeat the Evil One.

So as I think of those planes diving into the World Trade Center, an image that none of us can soon forget, do remember my brothers and sisters that we are called to conquer by love.

"All who take the sword will perish by the sword." (Matthew 26:52)

We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You.

Because by Your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.

Christ Jesus: Hero

2007-09-09T16:58:00.000-04:00

A great meditation by Rev. Gerard Manley Hopkins, S.J. (1844-1889)...

[Christ] is the true-love and the bridegroom of men's souls; the virgins follow him whithersoever he goes; the martyrs follow him through a sea of blood, through great tribulation; all his servants take up their cross and follow him. And those even that do not follow him, yet they look wistfully after him, own him a hero, and wish they dared answer to his call. Children as soon as they can understand ought to be told about him, that they may make him the hero of their young hearts.

From all that might be said of Christ's character I single out one point and beg you to notice that. He loved to praise, he loved to reward. He knew what was in man, he best knew men's faults and yet he was the warmest in their praise. When he worked a miracle he would grace it with "Thy faith hath saved thee," that it might almost seem the receiver's work, not his. He said of Nathaniel that he was an Israelite without guile; he that searches hearts said this, and yet what praise that was to give! He called the two sons of Zebedee Sons of Thunder, kind and stately and honorable name! We read of nothing thunderlike that they did except, what was sinful, to wish fire down from heaven on some sinners but they deserved the name or he would not have given it, and he has given it them for all time. Of John the Baptist he said that his greater was not born of women. He said to Peter, "Thou art Rock," and rewarded a moment's acknowledgement of him with the lasting headship of his Church. He defended Magdalen and took means that the story of her generosity should be told for ever. And though he bids us say we are unprofitable servants, yet he himself will say to each of us "Good and faithful servant, well done."

And this man whose picture I have tried to draw for you, brethren, is your God. He was your maker in time past; hereafter he will be your judge. Make him your hero now.

Amen.

The VIS is back!

2007-09-05T17:18:00.000-04:00

Now that the Vatican Information Service has resumed daily reports from the Vatican, I feel a bit closer to the Holy See. Pope Benedict XVI was in Montorso, Italy, on Sunday presiding at a Eucharistic concelebration in front of 500,000 young people. During his Homily, he touched on the importance of us Christians being counter-cultural, as Christ was:

The Holy Father launched a message to the young people "who wish to follow Christ and to be part of His Church. ... Do not follow the path of pride but that of humility. Swim against the tide. Do not listen to biased and persuasive voices advocating lifestyles based on arrogance and violence, on self-importance and success at all costs, on appearance and possession to the detriment of being."

"Be vigilant and critical" towards the messages that reach you via the communications media, warned the Holy Father. "Do not be afraid to give preference to the 'alternative' paths indicated by real love: a life of sobriety and solidarity; pure and sincere emotional relationships; honest commitment in study and work; profound concern for the common good. Do not be afraid to seem different or to be criticized for ... being out of fashion. Your peers, ... and especially those who seem furthest from the mentality and values of the Gospel, have a profound need to see someone who dares to live in accordance with the fullness of humanity as manifested by Jesus Christ."

It's easy to swim with the tide, but salvation comes with a price.

Sober up!

"Proclaim the Gospel at all times and when necessary, use words."

(St. Augustine of Hippo)

A Mother's tears

2007-08-28T09:37:00.000-04:00

What a marvelous couple of days the Church has given us. On Monday, She gave us the memorial of St. Monica and today we were given the memorial of her son, St. Augustine, Doctor of the Church.

You have to wonder if Monica, in her years and years of praying for Augustine's conversion, ever pondered Psalm 56 (especially verse 9), You have kept a record of my tears; are they not written in your book?

She couldn't rest until her son was "home."
It reminds me of my own Mother's tears, praying to God that I'd be open to His grace in "coming home." And it happened.
Ironically enough, my Mother called me the other night to tell me that she was going through some old notes and found her recollection of a phone call I made to her on August 30, 2005, when I said "it was time."

So I thank my Mother now for all of her prayers while I was away at college and I thank all mothers for the prayers of God's lost sheep. May their tears be turned into dancing.

Saints Monica and Augustine.....

....Pray for us!

The Negro Project

2007-08-24T14:44:00.000-04:00

If we're too understand abortion in America today, we need to go back to the birth of Planned Parenthood and it's founder, Margaret Sanger. I encourage you to read more on the subject here.

*Margaret was one of eleven children born in Corning, New York, in 1879.

*In 1902, she married William Sanger and had 3 children.

*In 1912, she separated from her husband and a year later began publishing monthly newsletters advocating contraception under slogans such as "No Gods and No Masters." To avoid public persecution, she fled to Europe (having multiple affairs in the process) and a month after she returned to the United States in 1915, her youngest child died at the age of 5.

*The next couple of years saw Sanger embrace the ideas of eugenicist Thomas Robert Malthus, a 19th century political economy professor who believed:

All children born, beyond what would be required to keep up the population to a desired level, must necessarily perish, unless room is made for them by the deaths of grown persons. We should facilitate, instead of foolishly and vainly endeavoring to impede, the operations of nature in producing this mortality.

*In 1917, she founded The Birth Control Review which regularly published articles by eugenicists, who called for racial supremacy and purity of the Aryan race. The eugenicists believed a better world was obtainable by the "fit" to reproduce and the "unfit" to restrict their reproduction: the inferior races would be contained by birth control and abortion.

Does this not sound like Nazi Germany?

Well, Nazi Germany did adopt this philosophy (after she shared her ideas with them in the 1930s) in search for a master race and we sadly know how they went about "containing inferior races."

* In 1921, built on the ideology of the eugenics movement, Sanger co-founded the American Birth Control League (ABCL) with Lothrop Stoddar and C.C. Little and in 1923 established the Clinical Research Bureau (the United States' first legal birth control clinic), which received "anonymous" grants from the Rockefeller family who supported her efforts in population control.

* In 1929, Sanger's ABCL founded an "experimental clinic" in black Harlem "for the benefit of the colored people" (her own words): an ideal place to begin her irrational movement. To gift wrap the idea of eugenics, she convinced black community leaders, as well as a respected black newspaper (The Amsterdam News), Harlem's largest black church (Abyssinian Baptist Church), and W.E.B. DuBois, that:

birth control was merely a solution to better health and better family planning and that it was necessary to regulate births in proportion to income;
spacing births would help mothers recover physically and fathers financially;
physically strong and mentally sound babies would result;
and incidences of communicable diseases would decrease.

Keep in mind that at this time in the late 1920s, the black population in Harlem made up about 12% of NYCs population, 18% of its unemployment, and 10% of the city's infant mortality rate (200% greater than whites!). It truly was an ideal place for her.

To further gain respect and acceptance, she appointed blacks in visible positions (staff physician and social worker) of the clinic and created an advisory board where she invited prestigious black civic leaders “so that our work in birth control will be a constructive force in the community." She knew that her "idea" would need acceptance and got it when the Urban League took control of the clinic.

*In January of 1939, Sanger's vision saw her Clinical Research Bureau and American Birth Control League merge to form the Birth Control Federation of America (BCFA) and appointed Dr. Clarence J. Gamble (Procter and Gamble) as its regional director of the South. In November of that year, Gamble wrote a memorandum entitled, "Suggestions for the Negro Project," in which he suggested blacks be placed in positions where it would appear they were in charge. Sanger echoed Gamble's sentiments in a reply letter to him when she said:

I note that you doubt it worthwhile to employ a full-time Negro physician. It seems to me from my experience ... that, while the colored Negroes have great respect for white doctors, they can get closer to their own members and more or less lay their cards on the table, which means their ignorance, superstitions and doubts. They do not do this with white people and if we can train the Negro doctor at the clinic, he can go among them with enthusiasm and ... knowledge, which ... will have far-reaching results among the colored people.

Preying on the religious blacks was imperative and to do this, she encouraged black church ministers to propagate birth control to the laity:

"The most successful educational approach to the Negro is through a religious appeal. We do not want word to go out that we want to exterminate the Negro population and the Minister is the man who can straighten out the idea if it ever occurs to any of their rebellious members."

*In 1940, the BCFA was to display its exhibit at the American Negro Exposition (ANE) in Chicago, a fair which documented the progress of blacks since the Emancipation Proclamation, but they were cancelled for "last minute changes in floor space." This did not please Sanger and she objected by saying the cancellation was a result of a “concerted action on the part of representatives of the Roman Catholic Church.”
With Sanger urging the need for protest of the ANE and investigation of the cancellation, Attorney Wendall E. Green, sponsor of the ANE, after investigation into the matter by the ANE commission stated:

“That in the promotion, conduct and accomplishment of the objectives (of the Exposition) there must be an abiding spirit to create goodwill toward all people" and since funding for the ANE "came from citizens of all races and creeds, any exhibit in conflict with the known convictions of any religious group contravenes the spirit of the resolution."

Maybe her paranoia of the Catholic Church (having never changed It's position) wasn't crazy after all.

The Negro Project, with Sanger at the reigns, continued its work in the south until the most influential of all Black America were convinced that their "demonstration programs" were for "life-saving benefits." Sanger's clinics were strategically placed in heavily populated black areas and all because she offered them the only solution to their problems (previously mentioned). She later changed the name from the Birth Control League to Planned Parenthood to further cloak her message as "friendly."

And so it continues.

In 1973, the United States Supreme Court legalized abortion and here are some alarming statistics:

Worldwide abortions per year (approx. 46,000,000)
Worldwide abortions per day ( approx. 126,000)
U.S. abortions per year (1,370,00 million in 1996)
U.S. abortions per day ( approx. 3,700)

U.S. abortions by whites per year (approx. 822,000 or 0.7% of white female population)
U.S. abortions by blacks per year (approx. 401,350 or 2.3% of black female population)

My dear brothers and sisters, abortion isn't just a religious fight. It's a fight for ALL mankind. We need to make a difference.

An Intimate Encounter with God

2007-08-22T09:12:00.001-04:00

To say I've been slacking is an understatement.
To the Pentecostals in Ohio and the "good Deacon" from South Philly, who so graciously bring this to my attention often, I do apologize. It has been too long, my dear brothers in Christ.

In response, I offer a quick reflection.
This morning as I walked to work, I noticed a woman carrying a tote bag with print on it. The print read: "I had an 'Intimate Encounter' with God in 2007" - I assume it referred to a conference or seminar she attended this year. Immediately I felt a closeness to these words as I too had an intimate encounter with God, only it was this morning at Mass (Liturgy of the Word/Liturgy of the Eucharist).

I thought about the word intimate. Intimate can be defined as, "having, or being likely to cause, a very close friendship or personal or sexual relationship."

Well, we can have an intimate (personal) relationship/encounter with God in many ways: We can pray to Him, sit in silence and let Him speak to us, or we can meditate on His Word.
For the purpose of this entry, I will examine how we can have a intimate (sexual) relationship/encounter as well. (Yes I know...just bear with me.)

We first learn of a sexual relationship/encounter in the Book of Genesis, Chapter 1, Verse 28, when God says: "Be fertile and multiply" and in Genesis 2:24: "That is why a man leaves his father and mother and clings to his wife, and the two of them become one body."
As St. Paul later tells us in his Letter to the Ephesians 5:29-32, he refers to that "one body" or "one flesh" as the union of Christ to the Church. That one flesh (intimate relationship/encounter) must be a physical union, either between husband and wife or between Christ and His Church (one of the great mysteries).

What happens when we consume food and digest it (a physical action)? Well, it biologically becomes part of us, hence the phrase "You are what you eat." I physically become what I eat, whether it's proteins, fats, or complex sugars.

So, in defining and examining the word intimate, I too had an intimate (in the fullest sense of the word!) encounter with the Living God this morning at Mass when I consumed His Son's flesh and blood.

May the peace of Christ dwell in you richly.

Where are we headed?

2007-08-02T09:17:00.000-04:00

I finally got to read the talk given at St. Charles Seminary by the archbishop of Denver, Charles J. Chaput, OFM Cap., in which he covered philosophical ideas of the past (and present) and the effects of silence and "liberal thinking" in our modern world.

I've always been confused when people proclaim themselves as "liberal" (at least my friends that do so). They seem to be the ones who think doing what you want is true freedom. How can you truly be free, when you're a slave to your desires and whims? That REALLY isn't being liberal and in our context, a slave to sin (satan) isn't really being free at all. Freedom is what Christ won for us on Calvary. We just have to say yes to Jesus and take on his yoke, which is "easy." We're not learning from history if we continue to listen to that whisper in the garden: "...you will be like gods..."

So, here it is in its entirety. A little lengthy, but WELL worth it...

Religion and the Common Good

This just in....

2007-07-31T09:09:00.000-04:00

Dr. Janet Smith, who I previously mentioned, will be in Philadelphia this weekend!

Details:

St. Gabriel's Catholic Church

2917 Dickinson Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146

7:00 PM - Holy Hour

8:00 PM - Lecture by Dr. Janet Smith (Professor of Sacred Heart Seminary) on "The Sexual Mess We're In and How We Got There"

9:30 PM - Questions and Answers

Pax et Bonum!

(No emergency room visits this weekend.)

3 in a row?

2007-07-27T12:31:00.000-04:00

Well, Wednesday my wife and I were at morning Mass and she nearly fainted from the heat and for a pregnant woman, I've learned that it's best to always be super cautious. So, we went to the emergency room and after running a bunch of pre-cautionary tests everything was fine and her and the baby are doing well.

Last night we were again at the emergency room, but this time it was for me. I went and sliced my finger on a soup can. I got 5 stitches and all is well.

Can today make it 3 days in a row? I hope not...

So, while sitting in the emergency room, I thought about how frequently we forget those people in our prayers that are not related to us or even part of our lives. I looked at all of the people in there, none who I knew, and just began to pray for them, their families, and the hospital employees who were attending to all of the traumas. How important it was to pray for them that our Lord send them enough grace to accept their suffering and to unite that suffering to Our Lord's Passion. How important it is to have people praying for us and for us to be praying for other people, even those we don't know and come in contact with.

And this all reminds me of our dear friend, Fr. Marc, who once told me that when our minds wonder and someone pops into our head, to just pray for them, and how it's a good practice to always stay in communion with "the Body."

So for all of those souls experiencing pain and suffering each and every day in our hospitals around the globe, Father please watch over them and their families. Amen.

...from Lorenzago di Cadore

2007-07-26T14:27:00.000-04:00

I was catching up on yesterday's news from the VIS (Vatican Information Service) and came across part of a speech the Holy Father gave to some clergy during his holiday in Lorenzago di Cadore. He encouraged priests to live "with their feet on the ground and their eyes on heaven." He also went onto say that "the essence of Christianity cannot be considered just as a collection of dogmas" and that the best way to announce God's message is to "live a life of love."

Thank you Your Holiness, for that speaks to us non-clergy as well. We can tell the spirit of St. Francis is with you on your vacation...

Life...

2007-07-26T12:59:00.000-04:00

"I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. Choose life, then."

I am reminded of Deuteronomy 30:19 every time I think of the abortion debate. I had planned to touch on some other topics today, but after reading a friend's blog entry and news out of South Korea that a life really isn't a life until labour occurs, it had me thinking differently.

I feel so strongly that abortion has become more about people being uninformed and uneducated than anything else and consequently starts with our youth. If the pro-abortionists won't allow the pro-lifers to use the Word of God to debate, then we must use facts and begin to educate our children (and our baby-boomer parents). My dear friend Judi, and the rest of Generation Life, have done such wonderful work educating the youth on chastity and abortion in the past couple of years and I encourage you to familiarize yourself with them and their mission.

I also cannot leave out professor Janet E. Smith, PhD, who was so instrumental in my education of the subject. Dr. Smith examines, not only abortion, but the role of artificial methods of birth control and its role in the moral downfall of our capitalistic country. (I think you can actually get her talks on cd for less than $5.00.)

So, since this will become a series to present the massive amount of facts accumulated, I’ll start this first entry with a prophetic piece from Servant of God Pope Paul VI’s encyclical Humanae Vitae, which was released 39 years ago (this past Wednesday) on July 25, 1968:

Responsible men can become more deeply convinced of the truth of the doctrine laid down by the Church on this issue if they reflect on the consequences of methods and plans for artificial birth control. Let them first consider how easily this course of action could open wide the way for marital infidelity and a general lowering of moral standards. Not much experience is needed to be fully aware of human weakness and to understand that human beings—and especially the young, who are so exposed to temptation—need incentives to keep the moral law, and it is an evil thing to make it easy for them to break that law. Another effect that gives cause for alarm is that a man who grows accustomed to the use of contraceptive methods may forget the reverence due to a woman, and, disregarding her physical and emotional equilibrium, reduce her to being a mere instrument for the satisfaction of his own desires, no longer considering her as his partner whom he should surround with care and affection.

Wow. Maybe that explains the rise in marital infidelity and divorce, pornography, pre-marital sex, degradation of women, and abortion...

Next entry, I'll discuss the "Negro Project."

Our Lady of Guadalupe...

...pray for us.

BLOGOUT 001

2007-07-23T23:26:00.000-04:00

Thanks be to Mike Lehr (for many things). My dear brother since Architecture School. We became roommates at a very crucial time for each of us and both had something the other needed. Mike's love of God (and example) couldn't have come at a better time for me. A time when college life had me questioning my faith in God. Not sure where I'd be without the guy. A true ambassador to Christ.

Thank you, Mike.

ALPHA

2007-07-23T22:36:00.000-04:00

In Nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti. Amen .

I've had a lot of things on my mind lately and am thankful for the time - and space - to express all that the Spirit of God has given me. I therefore invoke the Holy Spirit to guide me on this adventure...

PETRA SUPER PETRAM

Fr. Thomas Euteneuer and Our Possible Future

A Call to Something Greater

Confessions

Children and the Mass

Reasons Behind The Shift To Pro-Life

From Death Into Life

40 Days to a New You

LIVE!

Imagine the Potential

Bishops Address Opportunities, Challenges for New President, Congress

Armed vs. the un-Armed

The Battle Continues

Merry Christmas To All

When the Law's Not the Limit

Warning From the Past

Election Day 2008

Truth, Freedom, and Abortion

In the Holiness of Truth...

Crusade Propaganda

"Today, Children of All Races Are Denied Recognition as 'Persons'"

"Vote for Real Hope..."

*ELECTION 2008*

Remembering

FEAR

Equal Fruits

Jesus of Nazareth

Pelosi now a Church Historian!

Veritatis Splendor

Whores of Babylon some call us...

"I'm Lovin' It???"

Blooming China

Tu es Petrus

Birth "Control?"

A Case For Chastity

Response for Life

At The Heart of Feminism

Boticelli's Pieta

Deceit is his game...

Gentle is Jesus

Kneel Before your God

Thank you, Pfizer

Reflection on Matthew 8:5-11

"The One Up Above"

Thirty Three

Benedict Backtracking: Part Two

Amen Soul Sista!!!

Embryonic Ensoulment

Benedict Backtracking

There is Hope!

Take Action!!!

He's here!!!

He's coming...

Open Letter to the NY Times

"Whom are you looking for?"

GREAT Friday

"Sumite: hoc est corpus meum"

"The First Dream"

Pope Obama I

Body and Blood

PA for Marriage Event

BLOGOUT 002

What do...

MAHATMA

For to everyone who has, more will be given...

Fishers of Men

Gianna Marie

Merry Tossmas!!!

Keeping the Hall Well Swept

Bueller?

one Naton under God

PROCLAMATION.

Thanks be to God

Election Day 2007

Post-Bella

St. Paul of SEPTA

FORTY

Pre-Bella

Keepin' the Pace

Jobu

ELECTION 2008