Welcome Back to Northern Indiana!
After an eight day hiatus of 55-71 degree days in California and Kentucky (it was in the 60's there), I awoke to a car covered in snow, snow falling heavily, sixteen degrees, and the sight of two fat racoons waddling down the sidewalk unconcerned.
Thursday, March 6, 2003
Pope John Paul II's Ash Wednesday Message
Here is the Pope's comments on Lent overall:
From Scoop: Reflection on Meaning of Prayer and Fasting - Pope:
I also wished to propose again the urgent invitation to conversion, penance and solidarity in the Message for Lent, made known a few days ago, whose theme is the beautiful phrase of the Acts of the Apostles: "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (see 20:35).
In fact, only by converting to this logic can a social order be constructed characterized not by a precarious balance of conflicting interests, but by a just and common search for the common good. Christians, as leaven, are called to live and spread a style of generosity in every realm of life, thus promoting the authentic moral and civil development of society. In this connection, I have written: "To deprive oneself not only of the superfluous, but even of something more to distribute it to those in need, contributes to that denial of self without which there is no authentic practice of Christian life" (No. 4: [daily] L'Osservatore Romano, Feb. 7, 2003, p. 5).
Here is the Pope's comments on Lent overall:
From Scoop: Reflection on Meaning of Prayer and Fasting - Pope:
I also wished to propose again the urgent invitation to conversion, penance and solidarity in the Message for Lent, made known a few days ago, whose theme is the beautiful phrase of the Acts of the Apostles: "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (see 20:35).
In fact, only by converting to this logic can a social order be constructed characterized not by a precarious balance of conflicting interests, but by a just and common search for the common good. Christians, as leaven, are called to live and spread a style of generosity in every realm of life, thus promoting the authentic moral and civil development of society. In this connection, I have written: "To deprive oneself not only of the superfluous, but even of something more to distribute it to those in need, contributes to that denial of self without which there is no authentic practice of Christian life" (No. 4: [daily] L'Osservatore Romano, Feb. 7, 2003, p. 5).
Tuesday, March 4, 2003
Monday, March 3, 2003
Vatican Publishes Pope John Paul II's Lenten Message Online
Read the entire text at the Vatican website. Here is a snipet:
«It is more blessed to give than to receive». When believers respond to the inner impulse to give themselves to others without expecting anything in return, they experience a profound interior satisfaction.
"It is more blessed to give than to receive," is a passage from the Acts of the Apostles that I believe is actually a quote from Jesus that St. Paul mentions there. The Pope is taking this verse as the suggested theme for our observance of Lent this year.
Read the entire text at the Vatican website. Here is a snipet:
«It is more blessed to give than to receive». When believers respond to the inner impulse to give themselves to others without expecting anything in return, they experience a profound interior satisfaction.
"It is more blessed to give than to receive," is a passage from the Acts of the Apostles that I believe is actually a quote from Jesus that St. Paul mentions there. The Pope is taking this verse as the suggested theme for our observance of Lent this year.
Sunday, March 2, 2003
An Arm and a Leg for Gas?
Gas prices out here hover right around 1.97 for unleaded...about the same price as a bottle of water here.
Check out the Nancy Nall's page for a funny take on gas prices.
Gas prices out here hover right around 1.97 for unleaded...about the same price as a bottle of water here.
Check out the Nancy Nall's page for a funny take on gas prices.
Father Groeschel
There is a story about Father Groeschel in a certian metro paper today that I will not link. In many ways the story which ignores much of what Father Groeschel says about the clergy scandal and intimates that his reason for his slant on the crisis is because of his own role in working with such priests.
--One priest featured in the story, I know as an a very holy priest who had been living at the retreat house that Father Groeschel runs for "troubled priests" as well as for priests seeking spiritual renewal. This priest whose story I knew has been living a life of complete penitence since his crime. In many ways he has been imprisoned in the retreat house. How anyone can find anything wrong with that is beyond my grasp.
--A reference is made that Father Groeschel lives in a mansion. In fact Father Groeschel lives in the half of the garage of what once was a large house that is now coverted into a retreat house. I've been there, stayed there and in no way is it palatial or to be confused as a "mansion." It is usually overfilled with retreatants and others who are there for a lengthy period.
--Father does attack the media. And he does. After reading the Dallas piece I would tend to agree with him. What is the purpose of this piece? To question why a priest who has been removed from ministry is living in a retreat house for other priests like himself? Would they rather that he be living in an apartment complex unsupervised? Much is made of Father Groeschel's failures in using pschology to remedy priest who had abused. Guess what he acknowledges this in the book, apologizes for the stupidity of the field of psychology and its past mistakes. He never claims that he was any different than others in the field. So where is the story here?
--Father includes prayers in the book for victims, bishop and perpetrators. He apologizes profusely for those who have been hurt by the church. What he does in Scandal to Hope is calls for reform. How could anyone find fault with that?
There is a story about Father Groeschel in a certian metro paper today that I will not link. In many ways the story which ignores much of what Father Groeschel says about the clergy scandal and intimates that his reason for his slant on the crisis is because of his own role in working with such priests.
--One priest featured in the story, I know as an a very holy priest who had been living at the retreat house that Father Groeschel runs for "troubled priests" as well as for priests seeking spiritual renewal. This priest whose story I knew has been living a life of complete penitence since his crime. In many ways he has been imprisoned in the retreat house. How anyone can find anything wrong with that is beyond my grasp.
--A reference is made that Father Groeschel lives in a mansion. In fact Father Groeschel lives in the half of the garage of what once was a large house that is now coverted into a retreat house. I've been there, stayed there and in no way is it palatial or to be confused as a "mansion." It is usually overfilled with retreatants and others who are there for a lengthy period.
--Father does attack the media. And he does. After reading the Dallas piece I would tend to agree with him. What is the purpose of this piece? To question why a priest who has been removed from ministry is living in a retreat house for other priests like himself? Would they rather that he be living in an apartment complex unsupervised? Much is made of Father Groeschel's failures in using pschology to remedy priest who had abused. Guess what he acknowledges this in the book, apologizes for the stupidity of the field of psychology and its past mistakes. He never claims that he was any different than others in the field. So where is the story here?
--Father includes prayers in the book for victims, bishop and perpetrators. He apologizes profusely for those who have been hurt by the church. What he does in Scandal to Hope is calls for reform. How could anyone find fault with that?
MTV Story on Cash Video
From MTV.Com:
The rest of the video is a haunting portrait of a clearly fragile Cash juxtaposed with archival glimpses of a hale and hearty hell-raiser hopping trains, visiting his abandoned childhood home and taking walks with his family. The intercut footage came from several boxes pulled from Cash's private collection and lent to Romanek, who spent weeks combing through hundreds of hours of tape. "I've gotten letter after letter from people saying that the video made them weep and they can't stop watching it," Romanek said. As further proof of its success, the perennially cool but commercially hard-to-pigeonhole Cash is suddenly in rotation on MTV2 and VH1 and the song has crept onto the playlist of Los Angeles alternative rock tastemaker station KROQ-FM.
"I'm most proud of the fact that it's causing this visceral, emotional reaction," Romanek said. "That's the whole reason to make any sort of film. You don't often have the opportunity to do that with a music video because that's not usually what you're being asked to accomplish."
From MTV.Com:
The rest of the video is a haunting portrait of a clearly fragile Cash juxtaposed with archival glimpses of a hale and hearty hell-raiser hopping trains, visiting his abandoned childhood home and taking walks with his family. The intercut footage came from several boxes pulled from Cash's private collection and lent to Romanek, who spent weeks combing through hundreds of hours of tape. "I've gotten letter after letter from people saying that the video made them weep and they can't stop watching it," Romanek said. As further proof of its success, the perennially cool but commercially hard-to-pigeonhole Cash is suddenly in rotation on MTV2 and VH1 and the song has crept onto the playlist of Los Angeles alternative rock tastemaker station KROQ-FM.
"I'm most proud of the fact that it's causing this visceral, emotional reaction," Romanek said. "That's the whole reason to make any sort of film. You don't often have the opportunity to do that with a music video because that's not usually what you're being asked to accomplish."
Saturday, March 1, 2003
Pope Sending Envoy to United States
American Catholics have a problem thinking of themselves as the recipient of a papal envoy to urge us to avoid war. The Catholic bloggers on the internet show the angst that Americans feel in the struggle of loyalty to our Country and loyalty to Christ.
As someone who served three years in the United States Army I have often been amazed at how people who have never served in the military nor have children in the military are cavalier in their support of us going to war in any circumstance. Some of those who are pro-war might consider their own willingness to join the battle or have their loved ones risk their life to defend the cause.
We have a congressman who was raised a Menonite, was totally anti-war during the Vietnam era, was a conscientious objector when he was drafted and now regularly speaks out in favor of war. What gives?
I can totally understand those who live in New York and Washington wanting to lash out in anger against someone for the pain that they have personally experienced. But the doesn't the Gospel of Jesus Christ call us to something more than our natural urges? And for those who cannot stand the hypocrisy of politicians who claim to be Catholic but support abortion--are they any different if they call themselves followers of Christ and support the killing of innocents for any reason? I know there are those who equate Saddam Hussein with Hitler and say the Iraqi people are his puppets. Then by all means take him out in the same way that moralists argue that Hitler should have been taken out before his violence and insanity spread--but don't attack the puppets.
From the left coast.
American Catholics have a problem thinking of themselves as the recipient of a papal envoy to urge us to avoid war. The Catholic bloggers on the internet show the angst that Americans feel in the struggle of loyalty to our Country and loyalty to Christ.
As someone who served three years in the United States Army I have often been amazed at how people who have never served in the military nor have children in the military are cavalier in their support of us going to war in any circumstance. Some of those who are pro-war might consider their own willingness to join the battle or have their loved ones risk their life to defend the cause.
We have a congressman who was raised a Menonite, was totally anti-war during the Vietnam era, was a conscientious objector when he was drafted and now regularly speaks out in favor of war. What gives?
I can totally understand those who live in New York and Washington wanting to lash out in anger against someone for the pain that they have personally experienced. But the doesn't the Gospel of Jesus Christ call us to something more than our natural urges? And for those who cannot stand the hypocrisy of politicians who claim to be Catholic but support abortion--are they any different if they call themselves followers of Christ and support the killing of innocents for any reason? I know there are those who equate Saddam Hussein with Hitler and say the Iraqi people are his puppets. Then by all means take him out in the same way that moralists argue that Hitler should have been taken out before his violence and insanity spread--but don't attack the puppets.
From the left coast.
Iraq Says it Destroyed Four Missiles
U.N. says it destroyed one...out of hundreds that exist.
Why doesn't the U.N. insist that U.N. troops come in and destroy the missiles? In my estimation this is what the United States and Britian should be proposing to the U.N.
First, it would accomplish what we say we want if the U.N. passed the resolution and Iraq allowed the troops in.
Secondly, if Iraq refused it would show that they really are not cooperating and perhaps the world community would come together to oppose Saddam and put more pressure on him to abdicate his position.
Update
Now the U.N. confirms that they have been destroyed.
U.N. says it destroyed one...out of hundreds that exist.
Why doesn't the U.N. insist that U.N. troops come in and destroy the missiles? In my estimation this is what the United States and Britian should be proposing to the U.N.
First, it would accomplish what we say we want if the U.N. passed the resolution and Iraq allowed the troops in.
Secondly, if Iraq refused it would show that they really are not cooperating and perhaps the world community would come together to oppose Saddam and put more pressure on him to abdicate his position.
Update
Now the U.N. confirms that they have been destroyed.
Friday, February 28, 2003
Mystery Plane Over Indiana
From the Hoosier Times:
It is a plain, white, small plane, a single-engine prop, that has been appearing over Bloomington around midnight, circling the city a few times at relatively low altitude and then flying off. It repeats the route in the early morning and around noon.
Officials are being very close-mouthed about what is going on, despite increasing concern from city residents, several of whom have called The Herald-Times about the mysterious plane and its repeated flights.
From the Hoosier Times:
It is a plain, white, small plane, a single-engine prop, that has been appearing over Bloomington around midnight, circling the city a few times at relatively low altitude and then flying off. It repeats the route in the early morning and around noon.
Officials are being very close-mouthed about what is going on, despite increasing concern from city residents, several of whom have called The Herald-Times about the mysterious plane and its repeated flights.
Thursday, February 27, 2003
Here is a First...
and I Might Add One for the Catholic League to Look Into
This morning when I awoke at 2:30 A.M. local time (5:30 my time and close to my usual wake up time) I turned on the television. The local station was running an ad asking, "Have you been sexually abused by a Roman Catholic priest?" It went on to say that a current law passed by the state senate made it possible to sue even if the abuse happened a long time ago. It then gave the law office to contact.
They don't run these types of ads in Indiana.
Why not ask have you ever been sexually abused by anyone? For instance a lawyer, a teacher, a scout master, a rabbi, a Protestant minister, a Iman, a priestess, etc.?
and I Might Add One for the Catholic League to Look Into
This morning when I awoke at 2:30 A.M. local time (5:30 my time and close to my usual wake up time) I turned on the television. The local station was running an ad asking, "Have you been sexually abused by a Roman Catholic priest?" It went on to say that a current law passed by the state senate made it possible to sue even if the abuse happened a long time ago. It then gave the law office to contact.
They don't run these types of ads in Indiana.
Why not ask have you ever been sexually abused by anyone? For instance a lawyer, a teacher, a scout master, a rabbi, a Protestant minister, a Iman, a priestess, etc.?
U.S. Lowers Alert Level
When I was in the military some twenty plus years ago for a year I was stationed in Turkey. It was a difficult time and terrorism was a real threat. Twice in the year terrorist his members stationed with me--killing five of the one hundred of us stationed there.
Every Friday our commander would give us a report, as I remember it from the CIA. What I also remember is that the threat was always perceived to be higher around Moslem Holy Days like Ramadan and the Hadj. What I also remember is that nothing ever happened around these holy days. But in the minds of the government spies, who I now perceive to think of religion in negative terms, holy days were prime time for the possibility of fanatical acts.
It is wrong I think to think of terrorists as devout Moslems or devout anything else. The hijackers who flew planes into the World Trade Centers and Pentagon seem rather secular on the face of it--soldiers fighting for a cause not a religion. Yet we insist on labeling them by their religion.
Most of us cringe when the tables are turned. Some nut kills a doctor and then is identified as a conservative Christian. Suddenly the press paints innocent people praying the rosary or handing out prolife materials--genuine Christians who love life as terrorist. We know that is a lie!
Christian's don't kill--nuts do! Christians don't kill their unborn, their elderly, their undesirable nor their enemies. If they follow the teaching of Jesus they love their enemies, forgive their abusers, and worship God alone not their position in society.
Following Christ is difficult. It requires death but not of someone else but of our own ego. "We are fools for Christ's sake," St. Paul preached. Are we?
When I was in the military some twenty plus years ago for a year I was stationed in Turkey. It was a difficult time and terrorism was a real threat. Twice in the year terrorist his members stationed with me--killing five of the one hundred of us stationed there.
Every Friday our commander would give us a report, as I remember it from the CIA. What I also remember is that the threat was always perceived to be higher around Moslem Holy Days like Ramadan and the Hadj. What I also remember is that nothing ever happened around these holy days. But in the minds of the government spies, who I now perceive to think of religion in negative terms, holy days were prime time for the possibility of fanatical acts.
It is wrong I think to think of terrorists as devout Moslems or devout anything else. The hijackers who flew planes into the World Trade Centers and Pentagon seem rather secular on the face of it--soldiers fighting for a cause not a religion. Yet we insist on labeling them by their religion.
Most of us cringe when the tables are turned. Some nut kills a doctor and then is identified as a conservative Christian. Suddenly the press paints innocent people praying the rosary or handing out prolife materials--genuine Christians who love life as terrorist. We know that is a lie!
Christian's don't kill--nuts do! Christians don't kill their unborn, their elderly, their undesirable nor their enemies. If they follow the teaching of Jesus they love their enemies, forgive their abusers, and worship God alone not their position in society.
Following Christ is difficult. It requires death but not of someone else but of our own ego. "We are fools for Christ's sake," St. Paul preached. Are we?
RENEW 2002
Here is the link to the RENEW materials that I have seen. They are just being released by to the public.
Here is the link to the RENEW materials that I have seen. They are just being released by to the public.
E-Mail Floating Around NASA Office Predicted Disaster
A few days before but in the end nothing became of it. The Smoking Gun as usual somehow has obtained it for you to view.
A few days before but in the end nothing became of it. The Smoking Gun as usual somehow has obtained it for you to view.
Wednesday, February 26, 2003
Pope Says Purify Mass of Ill Suited Music
From Zenit.org:
Hence, it is necessary, to constantly discover and live the beauty of prayer and of the liturgy. One must pray to God not only with theologically precise formulas, but also in a beautiful and dignified way.
In this connection, the Christian community must make an examination of conscience so that the beauty of music and song will return increasingly to the liturgy. It is necessary to purify worship of deformations, of careless forms of expression, of ill-prepared music and texts, which are not very suited to the grandeur of the act being celebrated.
From Zenit.org:
Hence, it is necessary, to constantly discover and live the beauty of prayer and of the liturgy. One must pray to God not only with theologically precise formulas, but also in a beautiful and dignified way.
In this connection, the Christian community must make an examination of conscience so that the beauty of music and song will return increasingly to the liturgy. It is necessary to purify worship of deformations, of careless forms of expression, of ill-prepared music and texts, which are not very suited to the grandeur of the act being celebrated.
Not RENEW 2000 but the New RENEW
The materials that I reviewed were post RENEW 2000, newer but very orthodox. It is this new version I'm sure that Archbisop Dolan will be using. They carry the Imprimature of Archbishop Meyer and anyone who knows him knows that it has to be orthodox to carry his imprimatur.
The materials that I reviewed were post RENEW 2000, newer but very orthodox. It is this new version I'm sure that Archbisop Dolan will be using. They carry the Imprimature of Archbishop Meyer and anyone who knows him knows that it has to be orthodox to carry his imprimatur.
Amy has a Super Entry Today on War and Peace
Be warned it is almost as long as Tolstoy's opus. I know she's been stewing about this for the past few weeks.
Be warned it is almost as long as Tolstoy's opus. I know she's been stewing about this for the past few weeks.
Tuesday, February 25, 2003
Even Conservative Evangelicals are Joining the Call to Fast for Peace
From Fast and Pray for Saddam Hussein -- Beliefnet.com:
But Christians should never talk about war with bravado—only with reluctance, weeping, and with prayer and fasting.
We know from 2 Chronicles that King Jehoshaphat of Judah was a great warrior with a large, seasoned army. But when Jehoshaphat was confronted with an invasion, instead of riding out to meet the invaders, he led the people in prayer. "We do not know what to do," he prayed, "but our eyes are on you." And God’s deliverance came in a thoroughly unexpected way. Jehoshaphat’s army didn’t fire a shot.
From Fast and Pray for Saddam Hussein -- Beliefnet.com:
But Christians should never talk about war with bravado—only with reluctance, weeping, and with prayer and fasting.
We know from 2 Chronicles that King Jehoshaphat of Judah was a great warrior with a large, seasoned army. But when Jehoshaphat was confronted with an invasion, instead of riding out to meet the invaders, he led the people in prayer. "We do not know what to do," he prayed, "but our eyes are on you." And God’s deliverance came in a thoroughly unexpected way. Jehoshaphat’s army didn’t fire a shot.
Catholic Just War
The facts and myths about a war with Iraq. Includes a Catholic petition to either support or express reservations about a possible war.
Personally, I'm for peace. I believe that with prayer and faith Saddam Hussein can be overthrown without a bullet ever being fired. I am one of those traditional Catholics who prayed the rosary for years for the conversion of Russia. I would say that Russia was a bigger threat to the world in those years that Iraq is today. I firmly believe that it was prayer that knocked down the Berlin wall and crumbled the Eastern Bloc aliance to the Soviet Union.
We have to launch a spiritual war on Iraq. Pick up a rosary, fast for peace, get on your knees and pray to God! Believe that with God all things are possible.
Too many of us show that in reality we are nothing but materialist when we conceive of how all situations can be handled. I stand firmly with the Pope on this issue!
The facts and myths about a war with Iraq. Includes a Catholic petition to either support or express reservations about a possible war.
Personally, I'm for peace. I believe that with prayer and faith Saddam Hussein can be overthrown without a bullet ever being fired. I am one of those traditional Catholics who prayed the rosary for years for the conversion of Russia. I would say that Russia was a bigger threat to the world in those years that Iraq is today. I firmly believe that it was prayer that knocked down the Berlin wall and crumbled the Eastern Bloc aliance to the Soviet Union.
We have to launch a spiritual war on Iraq. Pick up a rosary, fast for peace, get on your knees and pray to God! Believe that with God all things are possible.
Too many of us show that in reality we are nothing but materialist when we conceive of how all situations can be handled. I stand firmly with the Pope on this issue!
It Does Snow in the Holy Land
There are those who think that Jesus could never have experienced a white birthday. Well of course they are wrong. For those who don't know Bethlehem is a few miles from Jerusalem.
From Article Static:
Heavy snow in Jerusalem brought the capital to a halt Tuesday, with schools shut in the city and the surrounding area after some 20 cm fell overnight.
The Jerusalem-Tel Aviv highway was closed in both directions from the Beit Shemesh interchange up to the capital, but has now reopened for 4x4 vehicles only.
There are those who think that Jesus could never have experienced a white birthday. Well of course they are wrong. For those who don't know Bethlehem is a few miles from Jerusalem.
From Article Static:
Heavy snow in Jerusalem brought the capital to a halt Tuesday, with schools shut in the city and the surrounding area after some 20 cm fell overnight.
The Jerusalem-Tel Aviv highway was closed in both directions from the Beit Shemesh interchange up to the capital, but has now reopened for 4x4 vehicles only.
Muslim Med Students Refuse to Perform Abortions
There was a day when Catholics of all professions believed enough in the tenets of their faith to make a difference in what they would and would not do.
From News, 17 February 2003:
It is reported that British medical schools have started to restrict the number of Muslim students because they refuse to learn about abortion. The proportion of medical students from ethnic minorities in Britain has risen from 10 percent to 33 percent over the last 20 years, and the Council of Heads of Medical Schools has expressed concern that tutors are now unable to teach the full syllabus on account of the refusal of Muslim students to participate in certain courses which run counter to their faith.
There was a day when Catholics of all professions believed enough in the tenets of their faith to make a difference in what they would and would not do.
From News, 17 February 2003:
It is reported that British medical schools have started to restrict the number of Muslim students because they refuse to learn about abortion. The proportion of medical students from ethnic minorities in Britain has risen from 10 percent to 33 percent over the last 20 years, and the Council of Heads of Medical Schools has expressed concern that tutors are now unable to teach the full syllabus on account of the refusal of Muslim students to participate in certain courses which run counter to their faith.
Monday, February 24, 2003
Pope Says Internet Great Means for Evangelization
From Zenit News:
The growth of the Internet in recent years provides an unprecedented opportunity for expanding the Church's missionary outreach, since it has become a primary source of information and communication for so many of our contemporaries, especially the young," the Pope said Friday.
"It is my hope that the new pontifical mission societies' Web site will awaken in the Catholics of the United States a deeper appreciation of the Church's universal missionary mandate, and a greater awareness of the rich variety of cultures and peoples in which the Gospel of Jesus Christ continues to take root in our time," he continued.
"I trust," he added, "that the new site will draw many people to a deeper faith in Christ, lead to an increase of missionary vocations, and call forth a greater commitment to the proclamation of the Gospel 'ad gentes' and the new evangelization of traditionally Christian countries."
From Zenit News:
The growth of the Internet in recent years provides an unprecedented opportunity for expanding the Church's missionary outreach, since it has become a primary source of information and communication for so many of our contemporaries, especially the young," the Pope said Friday.
"It is my hope that the new pontifical mission societies' Web site will awaken in the Catholics of the United States a deeper appreciation of the Church's universal missionary mandate, and a greater awareness of the rich variety of cultures and peoples in which the Gospel of Jesus Christ continues to take root in our time," he continued.
"I trust," he added, "that the new site will draw many people to a deeper faith in Christ, lead to an increase of missionary vocations, and call forth a greater commitment to the proclamation of the Gospel 'ad gentes' and the new evangelization of traditionally Christian countries."
Pope Calls on Catholics to Dedicate Ash Wednesday Fast to Peace
From Yahoo! News - Pope Calls for Fast Against War in Iraq:
"We Christians in particular are called upon to be sentinels of peace," John Paul said, calling on Catholics to dedicate their fasting on Ash Wednesday, March 5, for the cause of peace.
On that day, the pope said, faithful will pray for "the conversion of hearts and the long-range vision of just decisions to resolve disputes with adequate and peaceful means."
He said that the fast, which Catholics traditionally conduct at the start of Lent to prepare themselves for Easter, is an "expression of penitence for the hate and violence which pollute human relations."
From Yahoo! News - Pope Calls for Fast Against War in Iraq:
"We Christians in particular are called upon to be sentinels of peace," John Paul said, calling on Catholics to dedicate their fasting on Ash Wednesday, March 5, for the cause of peace.
On that day, the pope said, faithful will pray for "the conversion of hearts and the long-range vision of just decisions to resolve disputes with adequate and peaceful means."
He said that the fast, which Catholics traditionally conduct at the start of Lent to prepare themselves for Easter, is an "expression of penitence for the hate and violence which pollute human relations."
Sunday, February 23, 2003
The Genius of Archbishop Dolan
Some conservative blogs and news sites are negatively reporting something that is coming out of Milwaukee. The fact that Archbishop Dolan is mandating that the Archdiocese enter anew the process of RENEW. Here is are the Archbishop's comments from The Milwaukee Catholic Herald:
As you have probably heard, this Lent, many of our parishes, at my request, will offer the Renew program (with the others opting to do it next fall). We are all familiar with Renew, as the entire archdiocese benefited from it over 15 years ago. It is a six-week endeavor where groups meet throughout parishes for prayer, reflection on Sacred Scripture, study, mutual reflection, and discussion. It has a proven track record, with thousands of people hailing it as a very effective means of sound evangelization, catechesis, and interior conversion.
The original Renew program was widely criticized by conservatives to be doctrinally flawed and a breeding ground for diseminating dissident views throughout the Church in the United States. But folks, this is not your mother's RENEW program.
Renew comes from the Newark Archdiocese and the current Renew materials carry the Imprimatur of Archbishop Meyers. I can assure you that the doctrinal irregularities that were the original are no longer there.
The genius of using the program is that people are already familiar with it. But now they can be reevangelized in the truth in the very same process that once introduced them to error.
Conservatives need to support great bishops like Archbishop Dolan and pray for them rather than criticizing every move before they have the facts!
Some conservative blogs and news sites are negatively reporting something that is coming out of Milwaukee. The fact that Archbishop Dolan is mandating that the Archdiocese enter anew the process of RENEW. Here is are the Archbishop's comments from The Milwaukee Catholic Herald:
As you have probably heard, this Lent, many of our parishes, at my request, will offer the Renew program (with the others opting to do it next fall). We are all familiar with Renew, as the entire archdiocese benefited from it over 15 years ago. It is a six-week endeavor where groups meet throughout parishes for prayer, reflection on Sacred Scripture, study, mutual reflection, and discussion. It has a proven track record, with thousands of people hailing it as a very effective means of sound evangelization, catechesis, and interior conversion.
The original Renew program was widely criticized by conservatives to be doctrinally flawed and a breeding ground for diseminating dissident views throughout the Church in the United States. But folks, this is not your mother's RENEW program.
Renew comes from the Newark Archdiocese and the current Renew materials carry the Imprimatur of Archbishop Meyers. I can assure you that the doctrinal irregularities that were the original are no longer there.
The genius of using the program is that people are already familiar with it. But now they can be reevangelized in the truth in the very same process that once introduced them to error.
Conservatives need to support great bishops like Archbishop Dolan and pray for them rather than criticizing every move before they have the facts!
Tyson Fight
Most of you probably didn't see this and don't care but the less than a minute fight last night clearly was fixed. The comments of Tyson after the fight were entertaining. Turns out:
He was fighting with a broken back, that's what he said.
He said that he and his competitor talked and decided they had to "take care of each other."
Most of you probably didn't see this and don't care but the less than a minute fight last night clearly was fixed. The comments of Tyson after the fight were entertaining. Turns out:
He was fighting with a broken back, that's what he said.
He said that he and his competitor talked and decided they had to "take care of each other."
Saturday, February 22, 2003
Today is the Feast of the Chair of St. Peter (Feast of the Papacy)
Pope John Paul Calls for More Contemplative Church
From Zenit:
John Paul II called the Church to be more contemplative, more holy and more missionary, grounding its work on fervent prayer.
In his message for this year's World Mission Sunday, issued today, the Pope emphasized that only in an atmosphere of prayer can the Holy Spirit be received and the faithful become witnesses of Christ.
This year, World Mission Sunday will be observed on Oct. 19. It will coincide with the 25th-anniversary celebrations of the Holy Father's pontificate, the beatification of Mother Teresa, and the closing of the Year of the Rosary.
Pope John Paul Calls for More Contemplative Church
From Zenit:
John Paul II called the Church to be more contemplative, more holy and more missionary, grounding its work on fervent prayer.
In his message for this year's World Mission Sunday, issued today, the Pope emphasized that only in an atmosphere of prayer can the Holy Spirit be received and the faithful become witnesses of Christ.
This year, World Mission Sunday will be observed on Oct. 19. It will coincide with the 25th-anniversary celebrations of the Holy Father's pontificate, the beatification of Mother Teresa, and the closing of the Year of the Rosary.
Tony Blair to Become a Catholic
The story taken from the British press reads like it was written by the Russian identifying Blair as "Premier."
From the Daily Mirror:
TONY Blair is expected to become a Catholic when he steps down as Premier.
Senior figures in the Catholic Church in England, and friends of the Blairs, say he has wanted to convert for some time but will wait until he leaves office. Mr Blair will have a private audience with Pope John Paul today after his war summit in Rome with Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi.
Downing Street said his religious leanings were a "private matter".
But some figures in the Catholic Church privately say Mr Blair must make a choice - remain an Anglican or convert to Catholicism.
One said: "There are a number of us who feel it is time he made up his mind."
Mr Blair's wife Cherie was brought up as a Catholic and will accompany him to the Vatican.
Their four children, all baptised Catholics, are also expected to attend part of the audience.
The story taken from the British press reads like it was written by the Russian identifying Blair as "Premier."
From the Daily Mirror:
TONY Blair is expected to become a Catholic when he steps down as Premier.
Senior figures in the Catholic Church in England, and friends of the Blairs, say he has wanted to convert for some time but will wait until he leaves office. Mr Blair will have a private audience with Pope John Paul today after his war summit in Rome with Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi.
Downing Street said his religious leanings were a "private matter".
But some figures in the Catholic Church privately say Mr Blair must make a choice - remain an Anglican or convert to Catholicism.
One said: "There are a number of us who feel it is time he made up his mind."
Mr Blair's wife Cherie was brought up as a Catholic and will accompany him to the Vatican.
Their four children, all baptised Catholics, are also expected to attend part of the audience.
Friday, February 21, 2003
The How-To Book of the Mass is Catholic Digest's Featured Book for March
There is a great review in the magazine on page 104.
Catholic Digest BookStore
There is a great review in the magazine on page 104.
Catholic Digest BookStore
DANGER--Spending Time on the Internet May be Bad for You!
You can read the following below from Zenit or just get off now and interact with a real person somewhere and quick!
From Zenit.org:
Excessive use of Internet can degenerate into unheard-of pathologies, warn Catholic psychiatrists and psychologists.
Children are the most vulnerable to this new form of illness, said conferees at a recent congress organized by the Italian Association of Catholic Psychiatrists and Psychologists (AIPCC).
Their conclusion summarized the results of research on disturbances derived from the abuse of the Internet in 109 children, ranging in age from 6 to 9.
In general, young adults are the most prone to "tech-abuse," that is, difficulty in relating to real people, according to the study.
Another phenomenon mentioned is "Webcam abuse," the propensity or even obsession to spy on others through Internet sites for this purpose.
"Technoautism," or the inability to express one's emotions without the aid of new technologies, is more frequent among children, the study reveals, reported by the Italian bishops' SIR agency.
"Fifteen to 20% of the children studied surf regularly on Internet, chat and, above all, seek friendships on the Internet," the report continues.
"The fact that technology is understood as a way of interacting with others is very worrying," said Tonino Cantelmi, AIPCC president and coordinator of the research.
Seventy percent of boys spend about two hours daily with Internet video games; 5% spend more than five hours a day.
You can read the following below from Zenit or just get off now and interact with a real person somewhere and quick!
From Zenit.org:
Excessive use of Internet can degenerate into unheard-of pathologies, warn Catholic psychiatrists and psychologists.
Children are the most vulnerable to this new form of illness, said conferees at a recent congress organized by the Italian Association of Catholic Psychiatrists and Psychologists (AIPCC).
Their conclusion summarized the results of research on disturbances derived from the abuse of the Internet in 109 children, ranging in age from 6 to 9.
In general, young adults are the most prone to "tech-abuse," that is, difficulty in relating to real people, according to the study.
Another phenomenon mentioned is "Webcam abuse," the propensity or even obsession to spy on others through Internet sites for this purpose.
"Technoautism," or the inability to express one's emotions without the aid of new technologies, is more frequent among children, the study reveals, reported by the Italian bishops' SIR agency.
"Fifteen to 20% of the children studied surf regularly on Internet, chat and, above all, seek friendships on the Internet," the report continues.
"The fact that technology is understood as a way of interacting with others is very worrying," said Tonino Cantelmi, AIPCC president and coordinator of the research.
Seventy percent of boys spend about two hours daily with Internet video games; 5% spend more than five hours a day.
Sad Story from Ohio
From theAP Wire | 02/21/2003 | Ohio Priest Found Shot to Death in Bed:
A Roman Catholic priest who stabbed and poisoned himself in 1998 - then claimed he'd been attacked by two teenage intruders - was found shot to death in his residence.
Rev. Thomas Spisak, 59, was found in his bed Thursday in the rectory of St. Mary Church in this northeast Ohio community. An autopsy was scheduled Friday.
Lt. Catherine Giovannone said police were waiting for the coroner's report before saying if the death was a suicide. A police statement on the death omitted any mention of a weapon.
From theAP Wire | 02/21/2003 | Ohio Priest Found Shot to Death in Bed:
A Roman Catholic priest who stabbed and poisoned himself in 1998 - then claimed he'd been attacked by two teenage intruders - was found shot to death in his residence.
Rev. Thomas Spisak, 59, was found in his bed Thursday in the rectory of St. Mary Church in this northeast Ohio community. An autopsy was scheduled Friday.
Lt. Catherine Giovannone said police were waiting for the coroner's report before saying if the death was a suicide. A police statement on the death omitted any mention of a weapon.
A Joke to Lighten the Mood
The Loving Husband
Several men are in the locker room of a golf club. A cell phone on a bench rings and a man engages the hands free speaker-function
and begins to talk.
MAN: "Hello"
WOMAN: "Honey, it's me. Are you at the club?"
MAN: "Yes"
WOMAN: "I am at the mall now and found this beautiful leather coat It's only $1,000. Is it OK if I buy it?"
MAN: "Sure, ...go ahead if you like it that much."
WOMAN: "I also stopped by the Mercedes dealership and saw the new 2003 models. I saw one I really liked."
MAN: "How much?"
WOMAN: "$60,000"
MAN: "OK, but for that price I want it with all the options."
WOMAN: "Great! Oh, and one more thing....the house we wanted last year is back on the market. They're asking $950,000."
MAN: "Well, then go ahead and give them an offer, but just offer $900,000."
WOMAN: "OK. I'll see you later! I love you!"
MAN: "Bye, I love you, too."
The man hangs up. The other men in the locker room are looking at him in astonishment.
Then he asks: "Anyone know who this phone belongs to?"
The Loving Husband
Several men are in the locker room of a golf club. A cell phone on a bench rings and a man engages the hands free speaker-function
and begins to talk.
MAN: "Hello"
WOMAN: "Honey, it's me. Are you at the club?"
MAN: "Yes"
WOMAN: "I am at the mall now and found this beautiful leather coat It's only $1,000. Is it OK if I buy it?"
MAN: "Sure, ...go ahead if you like it that much."
WOMAN: "I also stopped by the Mercedes dealership and saw the new 2003 models. I saw one I really liked."
MAN: "How much?"
WOMAN: "$60,000"
MAN: "OK, but for that price I want it with all the options."
WOMAN: "Great! Oh, and one more thing....the house we wanted last year is back on the market. They're asking $950,000."
MAN: "Well, then go ahead and give them an offer, but just offer $900,000."
WOMAN: "OK. I'll see you later! I love you!"
MAN: "Bye, I love you, too."
The man hangs up. The other men in the locker room are looking at him in astonishment.
Then he asks: "Anyone know who this phone belongs to?"
Saint?
Thanks to Martin Farkus for pointing out my negligence in posting the USA Today link for their front page story yesterday on Father Mychal Judge.
Father Mychal Judge is included in a new book entitled "Modern Heroes of the Church" by Leo Knowles. This book includes both canonized saints and people who likely will be at some later date along with some who probably never will be.
I know that conservatives love to judge Judge. Rumors about his activity within the homosexual community swirl around and even hint at his own possible lifestyle.
Guess what folks, if he was a sinner, even a grevious sinner--he was just like you and I. Could any of us ever be declared saints? Of course. How?
Our past is our past but what matters is our present and our future. St. Paul stood by as St. Stephen was stoned to death and for Paul it was all a day of being a good religious--hardly any of us would see killing someone as being good. Neither would St. Paul in the end. He was converted and looked with shame on what he had done in his previous life. St. Augustine's story is well known to most of us and offers all of us hope.
But in Father Judge's case I would point to another historical figure who ultimately gives the worst of us hope to one day be declared a saint--St. Dismas.
We have no evidence that Dismas did anything praiseworthy during his life but at the moment of death he cried out to Jesus in Faith and became the first canonized (declared so by the head of the Church--Christ) saint when Jesus said to him, "This day you will be with me in Paradise!"
Father Judge risked his life to bring the sacraments to those who were in peril. In the end he gave his life in the process. If that isn't saintly, I don't know what is. But I do know that standing in judgment is not saintly. In fact it is a direct violation of Our Lord's command, "Judge not and you will not be judged!"
Judge Father Judge at your own peril.
Here is the link The making of St. Mychal Grass-roots campaign grows to canonize priest killed at WTC:
There was a time when 4-year-old Matthew Brown did not speak well. He wouldn't respond to certain noises. He could hardly look a person in the eye. Specialists said his communication and cognitive skills were delayed.
So Scott Brown prayed that God would loosen his son's tongue. He prayed to family members long dead, to St. Nicholas and St. Joseph. And after Sept. 11, 2001, Brown began to pray to the Rev. Mychal Judge, the 68-year-old New York priest who was the first person listed as a casualty of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center.
''Once I started praying to Mychal Judge, the positive outcome . . . was almost instantaneous,'' says Brown, 41, a Newport, R.I., firefighter, about his son's recovery. ''For someone who was so silent and would never make eye contact with you, he's like a different child. . . . I can't help but to say that it is miraculous.''
Thanks to Martin Farkus for pointing out my negligence in posting the USA Today link for their front page story yesterday on Father Mychal Judge.
Father Mychal Judge is included in a new book entitled "Modern Heroes of the Church" by Leo Knowles. This book includes both canonized saints and people who likely will be at some later date along with some who probably never will be.
I know that conservatives love to judge Judge. Rumors about his activity within the homosexual community swirl around and even hint at his own possible lifestyle.
Guess what folks, if he was a sinner, even a grevious sinner--he was just like you and I. Could any of us ever be declared saints? Of course. How?
Our past is our past but what matters is our present and our future. St. Paul stood by as St. Stephen was stoned to death and for Paul it was all a day of being a good religious--hardly any of us would see killing someone as being good. Neither would St. Paul in the end. He was converted and looked with shame on what he had done in his previous life. St. Augustine's story is well known to most of us and offers all of us hope.
But in Father Judge's case I would point to another historical figure who ultimately gives the worst of us hope to one day be declared a saint--St. Dismas.
We have no evidence that Dismas did anything praiseworthy during his life but at the moment of death he cried out to Jesus in Faith and became the first canonized (declared so by the head of the Church--Christ) saint when Jesus said to him, "This day you will be with me in Paradise!"
Father Judge risked his life to bring the sacraments to those who were in peril. In the end he gave his life in the process. If that isn't saintly, I don't know what is. But I do know that standing in judgment is not saintly. In fact it is a direct violation of Our Lord's command, "Judge not and you will not be judged!"
Judge Father Judge at your own peril.
Here is the link The making of St. Mychal Grass-roots campaign grows to canonize priest killed at WTC:
There was a time when 4-year-old Matthew Brown did not speak well. He wouldn't respond to certain noises. He could hardly look a person in the eye. Specialists said his communication and cognitive skills were delayed.
So Scott Brown prayed that God would loosen his son's tongue. He prayed to family members long dead, to St. Nicholas and St. Joseph. And after Sept. 11, 2001, Brown began to pray to the Rev. Mychal Judge, the 68-year-old New York priest who was the first person listed as a casualty of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center.
''Once I started praying to Mychal Judge, the positive outcome . . . was almost instantaneous,'' says Brown, 41, a Newport, R.I., firefighter, about his son's recovery. ''For someone who was so silent and would never make eye contact with you, he's like a different child. . . . I can't help but to say that it is miraculous.''
Thursday, February 20, 2003
Archbishop Chaput is Doing What All Bishops Should Be Doing!
Educating the faithful of his diocese.
From the Archdiocese of Denver:
The bishops have determined that we should not kneel or genuflect. We receive Communion standing. Before receiving, we bow our head in adoration, and we say "Amen" and receive the body of Christ on the tongue or in the hand.
This will be new for many of the faithful, because the formal act of reverence was not widely promoted in the past. This act helps us avoid nonchalance in receiving holy Communion. It allows us to acknowledge what we are about to do: take under the form of bread and wine the resurrected body and blood of Christ. If we have become distracted during the procession, the gesture helps us to recollect ourselves.
While the act of reverence will be new for some, it may be "different" for others. In the past, we may have made a sign of the cross, a profound bow (one from the waist), genuflected or simply knelt as our act of adoration. The Church now asks us asks to submit our personal preference to her wisdom.
Some of us will need time to remember to do this. Others may not want to change the gesture of reverence they've been using. In all cases, we need to defer to the Church. Just as I ask that kneeling be preserved within the rubrics where indicated (such as during the entire Eucharistic Prayer), I ask that the act of reverence approved by the U.S. bishops — the bowing of the head — be embraced and maintained. This act of reverence, which should also be done before receiving the precious blood, unites us with the whole community of faith.
Educating the faithful of his diocese.
From the Archdiocese of Denver:
The bishops have determined that we should not kneel or genuflect. We receive Communion standing. Before receiving, we bow our head in adoration, and we say "Amen" and receive the body of Christ on the tongue or in the hand.
This will be new for many of the faithful, because the formal act of reverence was not widely promoted in the past. This act helps us avoid nonchalance in receiving holy Communion. It allows us to acknowledge what we are about to do: take under the form of bread and wine the resurrected body and blood of Christ. If we have become distracted during the procession, the gesture helps us to recollect ourselves.
While the act of reverence will be new for some, it may be "different" for others. In the past, we may have made a sign of the cross, a profound bow (one from the waist), genuflected or simply knelt as our act of adoration. The Church now asks us asks to submit our personal preference to her wisdom.
Some of us will need time to remember to do this. Others may not want to change the gesture of reverence they've been using. In all cases, we need to defer to the Church. Just as I ask that kneeling be preserved within the rubrics where indicated (such as during the entire Eucharistic Prayer), I ask that the act of reverence approved by the U.S. bishops — the bowing of the head — be embraced and maintained. This act of reverence, which should also be done before receiving the precious blood, unites us with the whole community of faith.
Wednesday, February 19, 2003
Johnny Cash's New Video--"Hurt"
Check it out at JOHNNY CASH CHART NEWS.
Rolling Stone magazine declares this the "video of the year."
I had seen it from afar while running at the gym but last night saw it for the first time up close. It is an amazing video. You can watch it online by going to the Johnny Cash Chart News site I've posted above.
Images of the young Cash clash with the present day old man, and the way the piano is photographed it evokes the lid of a coffin being shut at the very end. There are also images of The House of Cash Museum a defunct museum of Johnny Cash memorabilia hinting at the forgotten glory of a famed life. Interwoven toward the end are the pain on Cash's face and the crucifixion of Jesus.
This is absolutely the most artistic and evocative piece I have seen in some time!
Check it out at JOHNNY CASH CHART NEWS.
Rolling Stone magazine declares this the "video of the year."
I had seen it from afar while running at the gym but last night saw it for the first time up close. It is an amazing video. You can watch it online by going to the Johnny Cash Chart News site I've posted above.
Images of the young Cash clash with the present day old man, and the way the piano is photographed it evokes the lid of a coffin being shut at the very end. There are also images of The House of Cash Museum a defunct museum of Johnny Cash memorabilia hinting at the forgotten glory of a famed life. Interwoven toward the end are the pain on Cash's face and the crucifixion of Jesus.
This is absolutely the most artistic and evocative piece I have seen in some time!
Just When You Thought You'd Heard the Last of Him
Will Bill Clinton be the next head of the U.N?
From WorldNetDaily: Bill Clinton: Next U.N. chief?
Has former President Bill Clinton hit the campaign trail again?
That's the word according to a Pittsburgh Tribune-Review columnist who reports a "major international move" is afoot to help install the ex-CEO of the most powerful nation as the CEO of the most powerful world body – the United Nations.
Sunday's "Dateline D.C." column, which the paper says is written by a Washington-based British journalist and political observer, named no names but cited reports that Clinton had already lined up support for his candidacy for the secretary-general position from Germany, France, England, Ireland, New Zealand, a handful of African states, Morocco and Egypt. The Tribune-Review also reports Russia has made it known it would not object and added that China is also a big fan of the former president.
Will Bill Clinton be the next head of the U.N?
From WorldNetDaily: Bill Clinton: Next U.N. chief?
Has former President Bill Clinton hit the campaign trail again?
That's the word according to a Pittsburgh Tribune-Review columnist who reports a "major international move" is afoot to help install the ex-CEO of the most powerful nation as the CEO of the most powerful world body – the United Nations.
Sunday's "Dateline D.C." column, which the paper says is written by a Washington-based British journalist and political observer, named no names but cited reports that Clinton had already lined up support for his candidacy for the secretary-general position from Germany, France, England, Ireland, New Zealand, a handful of African states, Morocco and Egypt. The Tribune-Review also reports Russia has made it known it would not object and added that China is also a big fan of the former president.
Please Pray for Al Kresta
I've been a guest on Al's radio show a few times, Amy is a frequent guest. Please pray that the Lord will restore him to health:
Al Kresta, host of the syndicated Catholic radio talk show, “Kresta in the Afternoon,” was listed in critical condition, after emergency surgery to remove the lower portion of his left leg. He had been in intensive care since about 2:00 a.m. Tuesday, suffering severe leg and back pain along with swelling in the limbs and fluctuating blood pressure.
After close observation, doctors became alarmed when blotches appeared on Kresta’s leg, due to sepsis (blood poisoning) from an infection of unknown origin. Exploratory surgery was undertaken at about 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, and it was determined that amputation was necessary to save his life. As of 6:00 a.m. today, Kresta was responding to treatment. He remains in critical condition under heavy sedation.
The three-hour “Kresta in the Afternoon” is produced by the Ann Arbor, Michigan-based Ave Maria Radio and distributed live, Monday through Friday, to Catholic radio stations around the country. Al Kresta is well known in Catholic circles as a speaker and lay evangelist. He is the author of the popular catechetical work, “Why Do Catholics Genuflect?” published last year by Servant Books of Ann Arbor.
In addition to his writing and on-air work, Kresta is CEO of Ave Maria Radio, which operates two Michigan stations — WDEO (990 AM) in Detroit-Ann Arbor, and WMAX (1440 AM) serving the Tri-Cities area (Saginaw, Bay City and Midland) — and maintains a satellite program distribution service for Catholic broadcasters around the country. Before joining Ave Maria in 1996, Kresta hosted a daily talk show on Detroit Christian station, WMUZ.
Kresta and his wife, Sally, have five children and reside in Ann Arbor.
I've been a guest on Al's radio show a few times, Amy is a frequent guest. Please pray that the Lord will restore him to health:
Al Kresta, host of the syndicated Catholic radio talk show, “Kresta in the Afternoon,” was listed in critical condition, after emergency surgery to remove the lower portion of his left leg. He had been in intensive care since about 2:00 a.m. Tuesday, suffering severe leg and back pain along with swelling in the limbs and fluctuating blood pressure.
After close observation, doctors became alarmed when blotches appeared on Kresta’s leg, due to sepsis (blood poisoning) from an infection of unknown origin. Exploratory surgery was undertaken at about 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, and it was determined that amputation was necessary to save his life. As of 6:00 a.m. today, Kresta was responding to treatment. He remains in critical condition under heavy sedation.
The three-hour “Kresta in the Afternoon” is produced by the Ann Arbor, Michigan-based Ave Maria Radio and distributed live, Monday through Friday, to Catholic radio stations around the country. Al Kresta is well known in Catholic circles as a speaker and lay evangelist. He is the author of the popular catechetical work, “Why Do Catholics Genuflect?” published last year by Servant Books of Ann Arbor.
In addition to his writing and on-air work, Kresta is CEO of Ave Maria Radio, which operates two Michigan stations — WDEO (990 AM) in Detroit-Ann Arbor, and WMAX (1440 AM) serving the Tri-Cities area (Saginaw, Bay City and Midland) — and maintains a satellite program distribution service for Catholic broadcasters around the country. Before joining Ave Maria in 1996, Kresta hosted a daily talk show on Detroit Christian station, WMUZ.
Kresta and his wife, Sally, have five children and reside in Ann Arbor.
Iran Invades Iraq
They are not waiting for the UN to resolve the issue.
FT.com Home US:
Iranian-backed Iraqi opposition forces have crossed into northern Iraq from Iran with the aim of securing the frontier in the event of war, according to senior Iranian officials.
The forces, numbering up to 5,000 troops, with some heavy equipment, are nominally under the command of Ayatollah Mohammad Baqir al-Hakim, a prominent Iraqi Shia Muslim opposition leader who has been based in Iran since 1980 and lives in Tehran.
They are not waiting for the UN to resolve the issue.
FT.com Home US:
Iranian-backed Iraqi opposition forces have crossed into northern Iraq from Iran with the aim of securing the frontier in the event of war, according to senior Iranian officials.
The forces, numbering up to 5,000 troops, with some heavy equipment, are nominally under the command of Ayatollah Mohammad Baqir al-Hakim, a prominent Iraqi Shia Muslim opposition leader who has been based in Iran since 1980 and lives in Tehran.
Sad News
From Arutz Sheva - Israel National News:
Joseph´s Tomb in Ruins
(IsraelNN.com) Photos taken by Breslov Hassidim who recently visited Joseph's Tomb in Shechem testify to the total destruction to the holy site that was abandoned by Israel and left to the mercy of PA residents. The tomb has been destroyed and the area has been filled with trash. An obvious effort was made to do whatever possible to defile the holy site.
Members of the Od Yosef Chai Yeshiva, once located inside the Tomb, have turned to IDF authorities calling for renewed Jewish rule over the site and permitting reconstruction of the Tomb and the reopening to visitors and worshipers as per the Oslo Agreement that places total control over Joseph's Tomb in Israeli hands.
From Arutz Sheva - Israel National News:
Joseph´s Tomb in Ruins
(IsraelNN.com) Photos taken by Breslov Hassidim who recently visited Joseph's Tomb in Shechem testify to the total destruction to the holy site that was abandoned by Israel and left to the mercy of PA residents. The tomb has been destroyed and the area has been filled with trash. An obvious effort was made to do whatever possible to defile the holy site.
Members of the Od Yosef Chai Yeshiva, once located inside the Tomb, have turned to IDF authorities calling for renewed Jewish rule over the site and permitting reconstruction of the Tomb and the reopening to visitors and worshipers as per the Oslo Agreement that places total control over Joseph's Tomb in Israeli hands.
Tuesday, February 18, 2003
Novena of Peace by the Irish Jesuits
The Irish Jesuits are planning to do an internet novena for peace beginning on February 23rd. To join them check out Sacred Space - the prayer site run by the Irish Jesuits.
The Irish Jesuits are planning to do an internet novena for peace beginning on February 23rd. To join them check out Sacred Space - the prayer site run by the Irish Jesuits.
Turns Out That Catholic Iraqi Politician is Just Like American Catholic Politicians
They call themselves Catholic but it really doesn't mean anything to them, but their wives are faithful.
From United Press International: Commentary: Saddam's loyal 'Christian':
Well now, is Tariq Aziz actually a Christian? It's a matter of interpretation. According to bishop Ibrahim N. Ibrahim, first ordinary of the Chaldean Catholic Church in the United States, he is a Christian "because he was baptized."
In fact, he was baptized Michael Yohanna some 66 years ago in the village of Telkaz, near the town of Mosul in northern Iraq. So why does he call himself Tariq Aziz? Because he thought this would make him more acceptable in the eyes of the Muslim majority in Iraq, exiled Iraqis told United Press International on Monday.
Is he still a Christian, then?
"Well," said bishop Ibrahim, "his wife is very faithful. She attends mass every day."
What about Tariq Aziz, though? "No," allowed the bishop, "but I did see him at his mother's and his brother's funerals."
They call themselves Catholic but it really doesn't mean anything to them, but their wives are faithful.
From United Press International: Commentary: Saddam's loyal 'Christian':
Well now, is Tariq Aziz actually a Christian? It's a matter of interpretation. According to bishop Ibrahim N. Ibrahim, first ordinary of the Chaldean Catholic Church in the United States, he is a Christian "because he was baptized."
In fact, he was baptized Michael Yohanna some 66 years ago in the village of Telkaz, near the town of Mosul in northern Iraq. So why does he call himself Tariq Aziz? Because he thought this would make him more acceptable in the eyes of the Muslim majority in Iraq, exiled Iraqis told United Press International on Monday.
Is he still a Christian, then?
"Well," said bishop Ibrahim, "his wife is very faithful. She attends mass every day."
What about Tariq Aziz, though? "No," allowed the bishop, "but I did see him at his mother's and his brother's funerals."
Please Remember Nancy Nall's Family in Your Prayers
From nancynall.com:
Charles E. Nall Jr., 1915-2003. My father died after a brief illness Monday afternoon. Given that he feared a long one more than anything, we're grateful things went as swiftly as they did. We will all miss him and remember him and hope that wherever he is, they're doing things his way.
Our condolences to Nancy and her family.
From nancynall.com:
Charles E. Nall Jr., 1915-2003. My father died after a brief illness Monday afternoon. Given that he feared a long one more than anything, we're grateful things went as swiftly as they did. We will all miss him and remember him and hope that wherever he is, they're doing things his way.
Our condolences to Nancy and her family.
Monday, February 17, 2003
Another View of a Peace Rally
Pictures and commentary from a San Francisco peace rally.
Right-Thinking Comments - Live from Baghdad, Part III
Pictures and commentary from a San Francisco peace rally.
Right-Thinking Comments - Live from Baghdad, Part III
Vatican to Issue Ten Commandments for Motorists
From Total Catholic:
The Vatican has been asked to draw up a 'Decalogue for road users' to counter a worsening accident rate throughout Europe. 'The prime commandment, 'Thou shalt not kill', is just as binding when a person sits at the driving wheel,' said an outline document, tabled by Spanish priests at a meeting of the Papal Council for Migrants and Travellers.
'The second is that the road should unite people, rather than bringing loss and death. The third is that the Christian driver should show courtesy, correctness and care which help in unforeseen situations, while the fourth is that mercy and help should always be extended to neighbours who fall victim to accidents,' the document states.
I wonder if there will be a day of rest for the vehicle?
From Total Catholic:
The Vatican has been asked to draw up a 'Decalogue for road users' to counter a worsening accident rate throughout Europe. 'The prime commandment, 'Thou shalt not kill', is just as binding when a person sits at the driving wheel,' said an outline document, tabled by Spanish priests at a meeting of the Papal Council for Migrants and Travellers.
'The second is that the road should unite people, rather than bringing loss and death. The third is that the Christian driver should show courtesy, correctness and care which help in unforeseen situations, while the fourth is that mercy and help should always be extended to neighbours who fall victim to accidents,' the document states.
I wonder if there will be a day of rest for the vehicle?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)