From Sentencing is today for Bishop O'Brien in hit-run case:
"Bishop Thomas J. O'Brien learns today whether he will spend time in jail for leaving the scene of a fatal car-pedestrian accident. He was convicted Feb. 17 in the hit-and-run death of Jim L. Reed. He faces up to 45 months in prison and a $150,000 fine.
Prosecutors have asked Judge Stephen A. Gerst of Maricopa County Superior Court to sentence O'Brien to at least six months in county jail, four years of probation and 500 hours of community service. The bishop's attorneys countered by crediting O'Brien with a 'mountain of good works' in years as a priest and bishop. They asked for probation.
If O'Brien is sent to jail, Gerst has discretion to decide whether the bishop is taken away in handcuffs or allowed to return home for a time to prepare for incarceration. Regardless of the punishment, O'Brien will lose his driving privileges."
Friday, March 26, 2004
Thursday, March 25, 2004
The Passion of the Christ Leading Some Back to Church
Something that I've been saying in this blog since its inception is that the renewal of the Catholic Church will not come about from some the institution of any program but from a renewed exposition of Jesus as he is presented in the Gospels.
From USATODAY.com - Renewed passion for faith:
"Though many moviegoers say they were profoundly moved by the graphic scenes of Jesus' torture and crucifixion, for Mohan it was the seemingly small moments in the movie — seeing Jesus with his mother, seeing him forgive Mary Magdalene, the brief resurrection scene at the end — that added up to a big change.
When she emerged from the theater, something in her was shifting.
She realized that her anger over the sexual abuse scandal was directed at 'a small group of men, the bishops and some of the priests — and not really the whole Catholic Church. Because that's really the people.'
She also realized she was holding onto hurts that didn't seem to matter in the bigger picture. The discomfort she felt with relatives after her mother's death was keeping her away from the only place where she truly felt spiritually comfortable.
'I realized that worshiping God is the important thing. I opened myself up to God again.'
Mohan also says she is changed in other ways.
'I find myself being nicer to people. Just smiling more. Not yelling at people in the car. Letting people just go ahead and turn in front of me.'"
From USATODAY.com - Renewed passion for faith:
"Though many moviegoers say they were profoundly moved by the graphic scenes of Jesus' torture and crucifixion, for Mohan it was the seemingly small moments in the movie — seeing Jesus with his mother, seeing him forgive Mary Magdalene, the brief resurrection scene at the end — that added up to a big change.
When she emerged from the theater, something in her was shifting.
She realized that her anger over the sexual abuse scandal was directed at 'a small group of men, the bishops and some of the priests — and not really the whole Catholic Church. Because that's really the people.'
She also realized she was holding onto hurts that didn't seem to matter in the bigger picture. The discomfort she felt with relatives after her mother's death was keeping her away from the only place where she truly felt spiritually comfortable.
'I realized that worshiping God is the important thing. I opened myself up to God again.'
Mohan also says she is changed in other ways.
'I find myself being nicer to people. Just smiling more. Not yelling at people in the car. Letting people just go ahead and turn in front of me.'"
From Saint Augustine...
"Love of self until God is forgotten or love of God until self is forgotten."
From today's Lenten meditation. You can access the full meditation by clicking on the gate to the right.
From today's Lenten meditation. You can access the full meditation by clicking on the gate to the right.
Father Groeschel on Suffering
I spoke with a member of Father's community yesterday and he told me that Father is in non stop pain--saying at one point that it continues to be a miracle that the pain isn't killing him. With this as a backdrop these words of Father Groeschel's today mean all the more:
"If you went to Catholic school in the old days, one of the most powerful spiritual messages that the sisters gave us was to unite our own pains and troubles with the Church. The famous phrase 'offer it up' was an important part of the spirituality of devout Catholics and the students who it was hoped would become devout Catholics.
The idea was never quite clear; in fact it was mysterious how our sufferings and pains would have anything to do with the sufferings of Christ for the salvation of the world. But none the less, like many mysteries, we believed it. As we grew older, the great text in Colossians 1:24 began to mean more to us: 'I am now rejoicing in my suffering for your sake and in my flesh I am completing what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is the Church'. Therefore those of us who still believe that you can 'offer it up' have a great motive to try to put up with our sufferings. It would be wonderful if we could always do this bravely and with a smile, but that may not be realistic or necessary. The mere fact that we try, that we don't give up, that we go on in the darkness is sufficient indication that we are trying to please God, and surely He must see it this way. "
"If you went to Catholic school in the old days, one of the most powerful spiritual messages that the sisters gave us was to unite our own pains and troubles with the Church. The famous phrase 'offer it up' was an important part of the spirituality of devout Catholics and the students who it was hoped would become devout Catholics.
The idea was never quite clear; in fact it was mysterious how our sufferings and pains would have anything to do with the sufferings of Christ for the salvation of the world. But none the less, like many mysteries, we believed it. As we grew older, the great text in Colossians 1:24 began to mean more to us: 'I am now rejoicing in my suffering for your sake and in my flesh I am completing what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is the Church'. Therefore those of us who still believe that you can 'offer it up' have a great motive to try to put up with our sufferings. It would be wonderful if we could always do this bravely and with a smile, but that may not be realistic or necessary. The mere fact that we try, that we don't give up, that we go on in the darkness is sufficient indication that we are trying to please God, and surely He must see it this way. "
Patronal Feast of this Blog
Saint Leo the Great on the incarnation.
From Universalis: Office of Readings:
"Thus the Son of God enters this lowly world. He comes down from the throne of heaven, yet does not separate himself from the Father’s glory. He is born in a new condition, by a new birth.
He was born in a new condition, for, invisible in his own nature, he became visible in ours. Beyond our grasp, he chose to come within our grasp. Existing before time began, he began to exist at a moment in time. Lord of the universe, he hid his infinite glory and took the nature of a servant. Incapable of suffering as God, he did not refuse to be a man, capable of suffering. Immortal, he chose to be subject to the laws of death.
He who is true God is also true man. There is no falsehood in this unity as long as the lowliness of man and the pre-eminence of God coexist in mutual relationship.
As God does not change by his condescension, so man is not swallowed up by being exalted. Each nature exercises its own activity, in communion with the other. The Word does what is proper to the Word, the flesh fulfils what is proper to the flesh.
One nature is resplendent with miracles, the other falls victim to injuries. As the Word does not lose equality with the Father’s glory, so the flesh does not leave behind the nature of our race.
One and the same person - this must be said over and over again - is truly the Son of God and truly the son of man. He is God in virtue of the fact that in the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He is man in virtue of the fact that the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us."
From Universalis: Office of Readings:
"Thus the Son of God enters this lowly world. He comes down from the throne of heaven, yet does not separate himself from the Father’s glory. He is born in a new condition, by a new birth.
He was born in a new condition, for, invisible in his own nature, he became visible in ours. Beyond our grasp, he chose to come within our grasp. Existing before time began, he began to exist at a moment in time. Lord of the universe, he hid his infinite glory and took the nature of a servant. Incapable of suffering as God, he did not refuse to be a man, capable of suffering. Immortal, he chose to be subject to the laws of death.
He who is true God is also true man. There is no falsehood in this unity as long as the lowliness of man and the pre-eminence of God coexist in mutual relationship.
As God does not change by his condescension, so man is not swallowed up by being exalted. Each nature exercises its own activity, in communion with the other. The Word does what is proper to the Word, the flesh fulfils what is proper to the flesh.
One nature is resplendent with miracles, the other falls victim to injuries. As the Word does not lose equality with the Father’s glory, so the flesh does not leave behind the nature of our race.
One and the same person - this must be said over and over again - is truly the Son of God and truly the son of man. He is God in virtue of the fact that in the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He is man in virtue of the fact that the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us."
Priest and Seminarian Arrested for Murder
Of another priest...in Brazil.
From Spirit Daily - Daily spiritual news from around the world:
"A Brazil priest and a seminarian were arrested in the city Goiania on Tuesday and charged with poisoning another priest who threatened to reveal their homosexual relationship and financial misdeeds. Father Moacir Bernardino da Silva, 60, and seminarian Dairan Pinto de Freitas, 23, were charged with murdering Father Adriano Moreira Curado, who was 28 when he was killed in 2002.
Police said that had evidence that Father Curado threatened to expose the relationship between da Silva and de Freitas and da Silva's mismanagement of the parish at which they were stationed together and that the two men planned to kill Curado. A police official said the police found pornographic magazines and videos where da Silva appeared in the company of young men, including de Freitas, on a beach. Police said they also had taped telephone conversations showing the church phone had been used to set up dates between the priest and homosexual men."
From Spirit Daily - Daily spiritual news from around the world:
"A Brazil priest and a seminarian were arrested in the city Goiania on Tuesday and charged with poisoning another priest who threatened to reveal their homosexual relationship and financial misdeeds. Father Moacir Bernardino da Silva, 60, and seminarian Dairan Pinto de Freitas, 23, were charged with murdering Father Adriano Moreira Curado, who was 28 when he was killed in 2002.
Police said that had evidence that Father Curado threatened to expose the relationship between da Silva and de Freitas and da Silva's mismanagement of the parish at which they were stationed together and that the two men planned to kill Curado. A police official said the police found pornographic magazines and videos where da Silva appeared in the company of young men, including de Freitas, on a beach. Police said they also had taped telephone conversations showing the church phone had been used to set up dates between the priest and homosexual men."
Wednesday, March 24, 2004
Pope Recalls Worldwide Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary
Twenty years ago...when the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe were still communist.
From the VIS:
John Paul II recalled three moments in his pontificate when he entrusted the Church, the world and mankind to Mary: December 8, 1978 when he entrusted the Church and world to her; June 4, 1979, renewing this vow at the shrine of the Black Madonna in Poland and again in 1984. “I remember especially March 25, 1984, the Holy Year. Twenty years have gone by since that day when in spiritual union with all the bishops of the world I entrusted all of mankind to the Immaculate Heart of Mary in response to Our Lady’s plea in Fatima.”
After emphasizing that “in those moments humanity was living difficult times of great apprehension and uncertainty,” he added. “Twenty years later, the world is still marred by hatred, violence, terrorism and war. Among the many victims that make the news every day, there are so many innocent people who are killed while they carry out their work. Today, which is dedicated to commemoration and prayer for the ‘martyr missionaries’, we must also commemorate the priests, consecrated persons and lay faithful who died in mission territory in 2003. So much blood continues to be shed in many regions around the world. It is still urgent that men open their hearts to a courageous effort of reciprocal understanding. The wait for justice and peace becomes longer and longer in every part of the world. How can we respond to this thirst for hope and love if not with Christ through Mary?”
The Pope concluded by repeating his petition to Our Lady in 1984: “Mother of Christ, may the infinite saving power of the Redemption, power of divine love, reveal itself once again in the history of the world! May it stop evil! May it transform our consciences! May the light of hope in your Immaculate heart be revealed to us all!”
From the VIS:
John Paul II recalled three moments in his pontificate when he entrusted the Church, the world and mankind to Mary: December 8, 1978 when he entrusted the Church and world to her; June 4, 1979, renewing this vow at the shrine of the Black Madonna in Poland and again in 1984. “I remember especially March 25, 1984, the Holy Year. Twenty years have gone by since that day when in spiritual union with all the bishops of the world I entrusted all of mankind to the Immaculate Heart of Mary in response to Our Lady’s plea in Fatima.”
After emphasizing that “in those moments humanity was living difficult times of great apprehension and uncertainty,” he added. “Twenty years later, the world is still marred by hatred, violence, terrorism and war. Among the many victims that make the news every day, there are so many innocent people who are killed while they carry out their work. Today, which is dedicated to commemoration and prayer for the ‘martyr missionaries’, we must also commemorate the priests, consecrated persons and lay faithful who died in mission territory in 2003. So much blood continues to be shed in many regions around the world. It is still urgent that men open their hearts to a courageous effort of reciprocal understanding. The wait for justice and peace becomes longer and longer in every part of the world. How can we respond to this thirst for hope and love if not with Christ through Mary?”
The Pope concluded by repeating his petition to Our Lady in 1984: “Mother of Christ, may the infinite saving power of the Redemption, power of divine love, reveal itself once again in the history of the world! May it stop evil! May it transform our consciences! May the light of hope in your Immaculate heart be revealed to us all!”
Tuesday, March 23, 2004
New Bishops for Camden and Helena
Surprised that a co-adjutor would be appointed to another diocese.
From VIS, The Holy Father has:
- Appointed Bishop Joseph Anthony Galante, coadjutor of Dallas, U.S.A., as bishop of Camden (area 6,967, population 1,337, 476, Catholics 450,271, priests 353, permanent deacons 115, religious 406 ), U.S.A.
- Appointed Bishop George Thomas, auxiliary of the archdiocese of Seattle, U.S.A., as bishop of Helena (area 134,426, population 509,439, Catholics 67,693, priests 82, permanent 34, religious 49), U.S.A.
From VIS, The Holy Father has:
- Appointed Bishop Joseph Anthony Galante, coadjutor of Dallas, U.S.A., as bishop of Camden (area 6,967, population 1,337, 476, Catholics 450,271, priests 353, permanent deacons 115, religious 406 ), U.S.A.
- Appointed Bishop George Thomas, auxiliary of the archdiocese of Seattle, U.S.A., as bishop of Helena (area 134,426, population 509,439, Catholics 67,693, priests 82, permanent 34, religious 49), U.S.A.
Fr. Aidan Nichols
I attended a lecture last evening by Fr. Aidan Nichols at the Josephinum in Columbus. Here are a few caveats:
Father wondered aloud if we might be close to a time when techology reaches its limits. When there is no further advances and what would the void of the "new" create within modern humanity?
He spoke on evangelization and highlighted three areas:
Intellectual life....showing how the faith is reasonable, he bemoaned the decline in Catholic education as truly "Catholic" and unique, pointed out that some institutions of higher learning should just be shut down because they had become so secular that they were no longer of any real service to the world as a Christian institution.
Mystical life...focusing on the Mass as the chief way that we encounter the Divine while here on earth, he spoke of the need for the liturgy to communicate the transcendant. Again he bemoaned that the celebration of the liturgy had been negatively influenced by those who secularize it both in the way they preach and preside.
Institution...focusing on two different areas the way the Church as an institution lives within itself and looks outside of itself. Within he talked about the hierarchal nature and how each has element in the Church has its unique function. He bemoaned the dirth of priests and religous, but quiped there is no shortage of vocations to the episcopacy something that got a good laugh from the seminarians present.
A book that I worked with Fr. Aidan on...very good...
Father wondered aloud if we might be close to a time when techology reaches its limits. When there is no further advances and what would the void of the "new" create within modern humanity?
He spoke on evangelization and highlighted three areas:
Intellectual life....showing how the faith is reasonable, he bemoaned the decline in Catholic education as truly "Catholic" and unique, pointed out that some institutions of higher learning should just be shut down because they had become so secular that they were no longer of any real service to the world as a Christian institution.
Mystical life...focusing on the Mass as the chief way that we encounter the Divine while here on earth, he spoke of the need for the liturgy to communicate the transcendant. Again he bemoaned that the celebration of the liturgy had been negatively influenced by those who secularize it both in the way they preach and preside.
Institution...focusing on two different areas the way the Church as an institution lives within itself and looks outside of itself. Within he talked about the hierarchal nature and how each has element in the Church has its unique function. He bemoaned the dirth of priests and religous, but quiped there is no shortage of vocations to the episcopacy something that got a good laugh from the seminarians present.
A book that I worked with Fr. Aidan on...very good...
Monday, March 22, 2004
Expect a Bloody Week in Israel
From My Way News:
"Sheik Ahmed Yassin, the founder and leader of the Hamas militant group that targeted Israelis in suicide bombings, was killed by missiles fired from Israeli helicopters as he left a mosque at daybreak Monday, witnesses said.
Hamas confirmed the death in an announcement broadcast over mosque loudspeakers and vowed revenge against Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon.
Witnesses said Israeli helicopters fired three missiles at the wheelchair-bound Yassin and two bodyguards as they left the mosque, killing them instantly.
A total of four people were killed and 12 were wounded in the attack, witnesses said."
"Sheik Ahmed Yassin, the founder and leader of the Hamas militant group that targeted Israelis in suicide bombings, was killed by missiles fired from Israeli helicopters as he left a mosque at daybreak Monday, witnesses said.
Hamas confirmed the death in an announcement broadcast over mosque loudspeakers and vowed revenge against Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon.
Witnesses said Israeli helicopters fired three missiles at the wheelchair-bound Yassin and two bodyguards as they left the mosque, killing them instantly.
A total of four people were killed and 12 were wounded in the attack, witnesses said."
Sunday, March 21, 2004
Please Pray for Johnnette Benkovic's Family
Johnnette Benkovic's son Simon was tragically killed inan accident, he was twenty-five and had only recently finished a tour in the U.S. Army and in Iraq. I've been praying for his safety for some time and was relieved when about six months ago Johnnette called to say that he had arrived back to the States okay, now this.
There is nothing more tragic than the loss of a child and in the presence of such grief I am struck dumb. Please pray for the entire Benkovic family and if you can have a mass said for Simon, I know this would mean a lot to them.
There is nothing more tragic than the loss of a child and in the presence of such grief I am struck dumb. Please pray for the entire Benkovic family and if you can have a mass said for Simon, I know this would mean a lot to them.
Pope Declares Feeding Tube Removal Immoral
One wonders if this will have any effect on those who hide behind moral language...
From Yahoo! News - Pope Declares Feeding Tube Removal Immoral:
"The pope said even the medical terminology used to describe people in so-called 'persistent vegetative states' was degrading to them. He said no matter how sick a person was, 'he is and will always be a man, never becoming a 'vegetable' or 'animal.''
In a vegetative state, patients are awake but not aware of themselves or their environment. The condition is different from a coma, in which the patient is neither awake nor aware. Both, however, are states in which the patient is devoid of consciousness.
If the vegetative state continues for a month, the patient is said to be in a persistent vegetative state; after a year without improvement, the patient is said to be in a permanent vegetative state.
Providing food and water to such patients should be considered natural, ordinary and proportional care --not artificial medical intervention, the pope told members of the conference, which was organized by the World Federation of Catholic Medical Associations and the Pontifical Academy for Life, a Vatican advisory body.
'As such, it is morally obligatory,' to continue such care, he said. "
From Yahoo! News - Pope Declares Feeding Tube Removal Immoral:
"The pope said even the medical terminology used to describe people in so-called 'persistent vegetative states' was degrading to them. He said no matter how sick a person was, 'he is and will always be a man, never becoming a 'vegetable' or 'animal.''
In a vegetative state, patients are awake but not aware of themselves or their environment. The condition is different from a coma, in which the patient is neither awake nor aware. Both, however, are states in which the patient is devoid of consciousness.
If the vegetative state continues for a month, the patient is said to be in a persistent vegetative state; after a year without improvement, the patient is said to be in a permanent vegetative state.
Providing food and water to such patients should be considered natural, ordinary and proportional care --not artificial medical intervention, the pope told members of the conference, which was organized by the World Federation of Catholic Medical Associations and the Pontifical Academy for Life, a Vatican advisory body.
'As such, it is morally obligatory,' to continue such care, he said. "
Saturday, March 20, 2004
Relics of the Cross to Tour US
From WorldNetDaily: Relics of crucifixion coming to U.S. cities:
"Venerated relics of Christ's Passion, from pieces of the cross, to replicas of the nails believed to have been used 2000 years ago to crucify Jesus-- will be put on rare public display next month during Easter.
The relics will be shown at the Cathedral in St. Louis on Palm Sunday, April 4, and at the John Paul II Cultural Center in Washington, D.C., from April 4-18.
'As the recent success of films on the final days of Christ's life show, people of faith still feel a deep connection to his death after 2000 years, and we hope that allowing people to see these relics will make that connection even stronger,' said Andrew Walther, vice president of the Apostolate for Holy Relics, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit that is organizing the events.
Last year, over 140,000 people reportedly attended nationwide displays, organized by AHR, of a 16th century relic of St. Juan Diego. "
"Venerated relics of Christ's Passion, from pieces of the cross, to replicas of the nails believed to have been used 2000 years ago to crucify Jesus-- will be put on rare public display next month during Easter.
The relics will be shown at the Cathedral in St. Louis on Palm Sunday, April 4, and at the John Paul II Cultural Center in Washington, D.C., from April 4-18.
'As the recent success of films on the final days of Christ's life show, people of faith still feel a deep connection to his death after 2000 years, and we hope that allowing people to see these relics will make that connection even stronger,' said Andrew Walther, vice president of the Apostolate for Holy Relics, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit that is organizing the events.
Last year, over 140,000 people reportedly attended nationwide displays, organized by AHR, of a 16th century relic of St. Juan Diego. "
Friday, March 19, 2004
Wonder if the Evangelicals will Flock to This One?
Since it isn't in their Bibles?
From New York Daily News - Daily Dish & Gossip - Chanukah - by Mel:
"He has portrayed the Crucifixion - now Mel Gibson has his sights set on the tale that led to Chanukah.
'The Passion of the Christ' director told WABC's Sean Hannity yesterday that he's planning a movie based on a Jewish rebellion nearly 200 years before the birth of Christ.
'The story that's always fired my imagination ... is the Book of Maccabees,' Gibson said in the radio interview.
'It's about Antiochus, the king who set up his religion in the Temple, and forced them all to deny the true God and worship at his feet and worship false gods.
'The Maccabees family stood up, and they made war, they stuck by their guns, and they came out winning,' he continued. 'It's like a Western.'"
From New York Daily News - Daily Dish & Gossip - Chanukah - by Mel:
"He has portrayed the Crucifixion - now Mel Gibson has his sights set on the tale that led to Chanukah.
'The Passion of the Christ' director told WABC's Sean Hannity yesterday that he's planning a movie based on a Jewish rebellion nearly 200 years before the birth of Christ.
'The story that's always fired my imagination ... is the Book of Maccabees,' Gibson said in the radio interview.
'It's about Antiochus, the king who set up his religion in the Temple, and forced them all to deny the true God and worship at his feet and worship false gods.
'The Maccabees family stood up, and they made war, they stuck by their guns, and they came out winning,' he continued. 'It's like a Western.'"
Solemnity of Joseph, Foster Father of Jesus
From a Sermon by Saint Bernadine of Sienna found in today'sOffice of Readings:
"Obviously, Christ does not now deny to Joseph that intimacy, reverence and very high honour which he gave him on earth, as a son to his father. Rather we must say that in heaven Christ completes and perfects all that he gave at Nazareth.
Now we can see how the last summoning words of the Lord appropriately apply to Saint Joseph: “Enter into the joy of your Lord”. In fact, although the joy of eternal happiness enters into the soul of a man, the Lord preferred to say to Joseph: “Enter into joy”. His intention was that the words should have a hidden spiritual meaning for us. They convey not only that this holy man possesses an inward joy, but also that it surrounds him and engulfs him like an infinite abyss.
Remember us, Saint Joseph, and plead for us to your foster-child. Ask your most holy bride, the Virgin Mary, to look kindly upon us, since she is the mother of him who with the Father and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns eternally. Amen."
"Obviously, Christ does not now deny to Joseph that intimacy, reverence and very high honour which he gave him on earth, as a son to his father. Rather we must say that in heaven Christ completes and perfects all that he gave at Nazareth.
Now we can see how the last summoning words of the Lord appropriately apply to Saint Joseph: “Enter into the joy of your Lord”. In fact, although the joy of eternal happiness enters into the soul of a man, the Lord preferred to say to Joseph: “Enter into joy”. His intention was that the words should have a hidden spiritual meaning for us. They convey not only that this holy man possesses an inward joy, but also that it surrounds him and engulfs him like an infinite abyss.
Remember us, Saint Joseph, and plead for us to your foster-child. Ask your most holy bride, the Virgin Mary, to look kindly upon us, since she is the mother of him who with the Father and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns eternally. Amen."
Religious Warned Against Internet Sex Addiction
From Religious warned against Internet sex addiction:
"Fr Joseph Crea, who teaches at the Pontifical Athenaeum Salesian in Rome, described the problem as 'affective dependence'. His analysis is published in the latest issue of the Italian bimonthly publication Consecrated Life.
He says that the 'lure of the Net', when it occurs, 'becomes more urgent than that of the community' and 'the reinforcement of social support that a person succeeds in getting on the Internet overcomes the need of relationships'.
He said religious are most vulnerable when their interpersonal relationships are conflictual, or when there is not an inadequate climate of friendship in their own religious community.
Fr Crea said the religious drawn to the chat rooms experience 'deeper contact' through 'virtual sexuality' made by exchange of images or of 'confessions and imaginations', and arrive at 'real illegitimate and pathological behaviours.'
He suggested the best response is not a surface 'eradication of the evil'. Instead he advocates sounding an 'alarm bell of something that is not acceptable in the person's way of living, his affective and community life'. "
"Fr Joseph Crea, who teaches at the Pontifical Athenaeum Salesian in Rome, described the problem as 'affective dependence'. His analysis is published in the latest issue of the Italian bimonthly publication Consecrated Life.
He says that the 'lure of the Net', when it occurs, 'becomes more urgent than that of the community' and 'the reinforcement of social support that a person succeeds in getting on the Internet overcomes the need of relationships'.
He said religious are most vulnerable when their interpersonal relationships are conflictual, or when there is not an inadequate climate of friendship in their own religious community.
Fr Crea said the religious drawn to the chat rooms experience 'deeper contact' through 'virtual sexuality' made by exchange of images or of 'confessions and imaginations', and arrive at 'real illegitimate and pathological behaviours.'
He suggested the best response is not a surface 'eradication of the evil'. Instead he advocates sounding an 'alarm bell of something that is not acceptable in the person's way of living, his affective and community life'. "
Thursday, March 18, 2004
Fr. Benedict--By Medical Miracle I'm Still Alive
From Letter 3/17/04:
"If you have followed my preaching and writing over the years, you know that the most significant part of my application of the Gospels to everyday life has been the acceptance of God's Will and Divine Providence. I've tried personally to live this out, but I had no idea that in my later years I would be confronted with so great a challenge as now faces me.
Apparently, by a medical miracle, I am still alive - having really been considered dead. One can't miss the conclusion that when this happens, God still wants us here. Consider how many times in the course of life we are in danger of death and not even aware of it!
I don't know what God has in store for me, nor do you know what He has in store for you; yet a conviction that must guide us both is 'Your will be done'. This conviction should be the ultimate intention of all of our prayers - along with finding our peace in the acceptance of that will. Certainly to pray like this is a gift of the Holy Spirit. "
"If you have followed my preaching and writing over the years, you know that the most significant part of my application of the Gospels to everyday life has been the acceptance of God's Will and Divine Providence. I've tried personally to live this out, but I had no idea that in my later years I would be confronted with so great a challenge as now faces me.
Apparently, by a medical miracle, I am still alive - having really been considered dead. One can't miss the conclusion that when this happens, God still wants us here. Consider how many times in the course of life we are in danger of death and not even aware of it!
I don't know what God has in store for me, nor do you know what He has in store for you; yet a conviction that must guide us both is 'Your will be done'. This conviction should be the ultimate intention of all of our prayers - along with finding our peace in the acceptance of that will. Certainly to pray like this is a gift of the Holy Spirit. "
Therese Movie Needs Your Help
From CNS STORY: THERESE-MOVIE Mar-17-2004 (690 words) xxxn:
"Absent the star power of Mel Gibson, who directed, produced and co-wrote 'The Passion of the Christ,' other privately funded Christian films are struggling to get into theaters. One such movie is 'Therese,' the story of St. Therese of Lisieux, also known as the Little Flower, who lived a short life in a French Carmelite monastery doing little things with great love.
'Therese' had been scheduled for release last autumn, but it's been postponed until October to drum up public and monetary support.
''Therese' is a different kind of film, filled with the innocence of simplicity and reveals the incredibly rich interior life of the human soul,' said director Leonardo Defilippis, whose nonprofit firm, St. Luke's Production Co., produced the film.
Although the 19th-century period production garnered a standing ovation from Catholic dignitaries associated with mission work at a private Vatican screening last May, it has not yet created a stir among the public.
'There have been difficulties,' said Defilippis. He estimates the company still needs $2 million to open in select theaters. 'This movie is a total work of charity. It has been done the 'Little Way' with all these little people scattered all over the world, trusting in this project.'
'Therese' is relying heavily on publicity from a Web site called www.theresemovie.com and efforts from grass-roots religious volunteers to push the film into theaters."
"Absent the star power of Mel Gibson, who directed, produced and co-wrote 'The Passion of the Christ,' other privately funded Christian films are struggling to get into theaters. One such movie is 'Therese,' the story of St. Therese of Lisieux, also known as the Little Flower, who lived a short life in a French Carmelite monastery doing little things with great love.
'Therese' had been scheduled for release last autumn, but it's been postponed until October to drum up public and monetary support.
''Therese' is a different kind of film, filled with the innocence of simplicity and reveals the incredibly rich interior life of the human soul,' said director Leonardo Defilippis, whose nonprofit firm, St. Luke's Production Co., produced the film.
Although the 19th-century period production garnered a standing ovation from Catholic dignitaries associated with mission work at a private Vatican screening last May, it has not yet created a stir among the public.
'There have been difficulties,' said Defilippis. He estimates the company still needs $2 million to open in select theaters. 'This movie is a total work of charity. It has been done the 'Little Way' with all these little people scattered all over the world, trusting in this project.'
'Therese' is relying heavily on publicity from a Web site called www.theresemovie.com and efforts from grass-roots religious volunteers to push the film into theaters."
Wednesday, March 17, 2004
Great New Books!
Former NFL coach and player Danny Abramowicz gives men a way to build their Catholic muscle in a Spiritual Workout of a Former Saint. Plenty here for both men and women, filled with interesting anectodes about the faith and football!
Do you think a woman ordained in the Episcopal or Lutheran Church could ever leave that and become a Catholic, giving up their career in the process? Read the incredible modern tales of conversion of truly remarkable women in The Catholic Mystique: Fourteen Women Find Fulfillment in the Catholic Church!
Being sexually abused by a priest was just another nail in the cross for little Virginia Cyr. If you look for a diary to lift your spirits this Lent, read this amazing story of a soul who suffered and died with incredible faith! Virginia Cyr, God's Little Hobo
Looking for the perfect Catholic quote? Look no further, Leo Knowles gives thousands of Catholic quotes from everyone from the Apostles to Pope John Paul II in Catholic Book of Quotations.
Teaching youth to pray? Father Stan Fortuna has a prayer for every occaision, going on a date, remaining chaste, keeping God at the center of school, work and play in U Got 2 Pray!
Do you think a woman ordained in the Episcopal or Lutheran Church could ever leave that and become a Catholic, giving up their career in the process? Read the incredible modern tales of conversion of truly remarkable women in The Catholic Mystique: Fourteen Women Find Fulfillment in the Catholic Church!
Being sexually abused by a priest was just another nail in the cross for little Virginia Cyr. If you look for a diary to lift your spirits this Lent, read this amazing story of a soul who suffered and died with incredible faith! Virginia Cyr, God's Little Hobo
Looking for the perfect Catholic quote? Look no further, Leo Knowles gives thousands of Catholic quotes from everyone from the Apostles to Pope John Paul II in Catholic Book of Quotations.
Teaching youth to pray? Father Stan Fortuna has a prayer for every occaision, going on a date, remaining chaste, keeping God at the center of school, work and play in U Got 2 Pray!
Happy Saint Patrick's Day!
You may notice it is a lot longer than the popular version.
From the CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: St. Patrick's Breastplate:
"I bind to myself today
The strong virtue of the Invocation of the Trinity:
I believe the Trinity in the Unity
The Creator of the Universe.
I bind to myself today
The virtue of the Incarnation of Christ with His Baptism,
The virtue of His crucifixion with His burial,
The virtue of His Resurrection with His Ascension,
The virtue of His coming on the Judgement Day.
I bind to myself today
The virtue of the love of seraphim,
In the obedience of angels,
In the hope of resurrection unto reward,
In prayers of Patriarchs,
In predictions of Prophets,
In preaching of Apostles,
In faith of Confessors,
In purity of holy Virgins,
In deeds of righteous men.
I bind to myself today
The power of Heaven,
The light of the sun,
The brightness of the moon,
The splendour of fire,
The flashing of lightning,
The swiftness of wind,
The depth of sea,
The stability of earth,
The compactness of rocks.
I bind to myself today
God's Power to guide me,
God's Might to uphold me,
God's Wisdom to teach me,
God's Eye to watch over me,
God's Ear to hear me,
God's Word to give me speech,
God's Hand to guide me,
God's Way to lie before me,
God's Shield to shelter me,
God's Host to secure me,
Against the snares of demons,
Against the seductions of vices,
Against the lusts of nature,
Against everyone who meditates injury to me,
Whether far or near,
Whether few or with many.
I invoke today all these virtues
Against every hostile merciless power
Which may assail my body and my soul,
Against the incantations of false prophets,
Against the black laws of heat"
From the CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: St. Patrick's Breastplate:
"I bind to myself today
The strong virtue of the Invocation of the Trinity:
I believe the Trinity in the Unity
The Creator of the Universe.
I bind to myself today
The virtue of the Incarnation of Christ with His Baptism,
The virtue of His crucifixion with His burial,
The virtue of His Resurrection with His Ascension,
The virtue of His coming on the Judgement Day.
I bind to myself today
The virtue of the love of seraphim,
In the obedience of angels,
In the hope of resurrection unto reward,
In prayers of Patriarchs,
In predictions of Prophets,
In preaching of Apostles,
In faith of Confessors,
In purity of holy Virgins,
In deeds of righteous men.
I bind to myself today
The power of Heaven,
The light of the sun,
The brightness of the moon,
The splendour of fire,
The flashing of lightning,
The swiftness of wind,
The depth of sea,
The stability of earth,
The compactness of rocks.
I bind to myself today
God's Power to guide me,
God's Might to uphold me,
God's Wisdom to teach me,
God's Eye to watch over me,
God's Ear to hear me,
God's Word to give me speech,
God's Hand to guide me,
God's Way to lie before me,
God's Shield to shelter me,
God's Host to secure me,
Against the snares of demons,
Against the seductions of vices,
Against the lusts of nature,
Against everyone who meditates injury to me,
Whether far or near,
Whether few or with many.
I invoke today all these virtues
Against every hostile merciless power
Which may assail my body and my soul,
Against the incantations of false prophets,
Against the black laws of heat"
2004 New York City Saint Patrick's Day Parade NYC -- NYC Grand Marshal Edward J. Malloy
In response to Amy's query about the Parade...2004 New York City Saint Patrick's Day Parade NYC -- NYC Grand Marshal Edward J. Malloy
Amy's Book Gives My Book a Big Boost
The How-To Book of the Mass: Everything You Need to Know but No One Ever Taught Youjumped some 14,000 places yesterday to rank in the 2,000's, this at the same time that Amy's new de-Coding Da Vinci: The Facts Behind the Fiction of the Da Vinci Code went from 2,000,000 to 3,000!
From Father Benedict
From Letter 3/16/04:
"And finally there is the presence of God. In the several weeks of strong pain medication, it is hard to focus your mind; but you become aware that faith is not a human accomplishment, but rather a response to a gift. Through all the haze I recall a presence, sometimes like a person standing in the wind and rain saying: 'Do not be afraid, I will be with you'."
"And finally there is the presence of God. In the several weeks of strong pain medication, it is hard to focus your mind; but you become aware that faith is not a human accomplishment, but rather a response to a gift. Through all the haze I recall a presence, sometimes like a person standing in the wind and rain saying: 'Do not be afraid, I will be with you'."
Tuesday, March 16, 2004
Man Tries to Crucify Himself
He had not seen The Passion, and realized after nailing one hand to the cross that he could nail the other hand to the cross...
From Man treated after attempting to nail himself to cross:
"Lt. Pierre Boucher said the man took two pieces of wood, nailed them together in the form of a cross and placed them on the floor. He attached a suicide sign to the wood and then proceeded to nail one of his hands to the makeshift cross using a 14-penny nail and a hammer.
'When he realized that he was unable to nail his other hand to the board, he called 911,' Boucher said.
It was unclear whether the man was seeking assistance for his injury or help in nailing down his other hand.
Hartland Fire Department members responded, said Boucher, and cut off the wood while it was still attached to the man's hand. The wood and the victim were taken to Sebasticook Valley Hospital, where the nail was removed."
From Man treated after attempting to nail himself to cross:
"Lt. Pierre Boucher said the man took two pieces of wood, nailed them together in the form of a cross and placed them on the floor. He attached a suicide sign to the wood and then proceeded to nail one of his hands to the makeshift cross using a 14-penny nail and a hammer.
'When he realized that he was unable to nail his other hand to the board, he called 911,' Boucher said.
It was unclear whether the man was seeking assistance for his injury or help in nailing down his other hand.
Hartland Fire Department members responded, said Boucher, and cut off the wood while it was still attached to the man's hand. The wood and the victim were taken to Sebasticook Valley Hospital, where the nail was removed."
Recommendations
Here is a book that slipped under my radar. Done by Peter Kreeft but for IVP publishers, although a glance at the TOC shows it to be a very Catholic book.
Speaking of Cuture Wars...David Lang gives you some great reasons why Marriage can only be between a man and a woman in Why Matter Matters:
And Amy gives you the real truth behind the fiction of The Da Vinci Code:
De-Coding Da Vinci
Speaking of Cuture Wars...David Lang gives you some great reasons why Marriage can only be between a man and a woman in Why Matter Matters:
And Amy gives you the real truth behind the fiction of The Da Vinci Code:
Jesuit Liturgist Removed from Ministry
I met him once and immediately didn't like him. He was cocky, the kind of person who if you didn't agree with him on one point--would laugh at you like there was something wrong with you. Now it turns out that he was a troubled individual...
From toledoblade.com:
"An award-winning expert on the liturgy - the public worship of the church - Father Gallen served as editor of Hosanna Magazine, wrote numerous books and articles on liturgy and worship, and in the 1970s was director of the pastoral liturgy center at the University of Notre Dame. He has continued to write about liturgy, publishing articles as recently as June, 2003, in the national Catholic magazine The Tidings.
Father Gallen arrived in Sylvania in March, 1980, to lead a week-long parish retreat at St. Joseph's - where then-Auxiliary Bishop James R. Hoffman was pastor - and stayed at the church rectory.
'He was a very charismatic, very friendly man, and would call me into his room to talk to me and stuff,' Kevin told The Blade. 'That's when the ...'
Kevin's voice faded, finding the allegations difficult to discuss even after 24 years. Married for 12 years and the father of one daughter, Kevin has been undergoing counseling both individually and with his spouse, for more than a decade.
'First it started out with a hug, and then, you know, he'd be rubbing his leg up against [me]. Then he was kissing me,' Kevin said.
'And it was all very, very, very confusing to me. I was completely taken up by his speech, by his talking, the respect that he had from the other priests and the bishop, and what do I do with that? In my mind, I was very, very confused.'
Shortly after Father Gallen returned to his home in Phoenix, Ariz., he called Kevin's parents in Sylvania and asked if their son could help him move to California.
'He didn't even talk to me, he got permission from my parents to help him move from Phoenix to Sacramento,' Kevin said.
He said he was afraid to go but also was afraid to tell his parents "
From toledoblade.com:
"An award-winning expert on the liturgy - the public worship of the church - Father Gallen served as editor of Hosanna Magazine, wrote numerous books and articles on liturgy and worship, and in the 1970s was director of the pastoral liturgy center at the University of Notre Dame. He has continued to write about liturgy, publishing articles as recently as June, 2003, in the national Catholic magazine The Tidings.
Father Gallen arrived in Sylvania in March, 1980, to lead a week-long parish retreat at St. Joseph's - where then-Auxiliary Bishop James R. Hoffman was pastor - and stayed at the church rectory.
'He was a very charismatic, very friendly man, and would call me into his room to talk to me and stuff,' Kevin told The Blade. 'That's when the ...'
Kevin's voice faded, finding the allegations difficult to discuss even after 24 years. Married for 12 years and the father of one daughter, Kevin has been undergoing counseling both individually and with his spouse, for more than a decade.
'First it started out with a hug, and then, you know, he'd be rubbing his leg up against [me]. Then he was kissing me,' Kevin said.
'And it was all very, very, very confusing to me. I was completely taken up by his speech, by his talking, the respect that he had from the other priests and the bishop, and what do I do with that? In my mind, I was very, very confused.'
Shortly after Father Gallen returned to his home in Phoenix, Ariz., he called Kevin's parents in Sylvania and asked if their son could help him move to California.
'He didn't even talk to me, he got permission from my parents to help him move from Phoenix to Sacramento,' Kevin said.
He said he was afraid to go but also was afraid to tell his parents "
Monday, March 15, 2004
Hospital Notes from Father Benedict
Did he have a near death experience?
From Letter 3/14/03:
"People have asked me if I had one of those life-after-death experiences. I can honestly say no; but medically there is no doubt that I had walked in the shadow of death. It makes life very precious - all sorts of things start to fall into a profound perspective: pro-life, euthanasia, even the general question of how we treat those who are needy or incapacitated. "
From Letter 3/14/03:
"People have asked me if I had one of those life-after-death experiences. I can honestly say no; but medically there is no doubt that I had walked in the shadow of death. It makes life very precious - all sorts of things start to fall into a profound perspective: pro-life, euthanasia, even the general question of how we treat those who are needy or incapacitated. "
Episcopalians Exclude Bishop
We live in tumultuous times. There is breakdown in churches, society and one wonders what the future holds?
From Episcopalians exclude bishop:
"But one person was missing from the festive, Episcopal gathering in Fairlawn Sunday afternoon - the bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Ohio.
Six area congregations unhappy with Bishop J. Clark Grew II's support of the election and consecration of an openly gay bishop in New Hampshire broke church protocol and brought in retired bishops from outside the diocese to conduct the confirmation service.
They secretly planned the service and held it in an Orthodox church so that Grew could not stop it and they later could not be accused of holding an improper service in an Episcopal Church.
'We don't know what repercussions there will be, but we certainly expect some,' said Cynthia Brust, a spokeswoman for the conservative American Anglican Council that helped arrange the service at Presentation of Our Lord Orthodox Church. She said about 800 people attended. "
From Episcopalians exclude bishop:
"But one person was missing from the festive, Episcopal gathering in Fairlawn Sunday afternoon - the bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Ohio.
Six area congregations unhappy with Bishop J. Clark Grew II's support of the election and consecration of an openly gay bishop in New Hampshire broke church protocol and brought in retired bishops from outside the diocese to conduct the confirmation service.
They secretly planned the service and held it in an Orthodox church so that Grew could not stop it and they later could not be accused of holding an improper service in an Episcopal Church.
'We don't know what repercussions there will be, but we certainly expect some,' said Cynthia Brust, a spokeswoman for the conservative American Anglican Council that helped arrange the service at Presentation of Our Lord Orthodox Church. She said about 800 people attended. "
Sunday, March 14, 2004
Daily Lenten Meditations by Michael Dubruiel
I continue to post these at a separate site, that you can reach by clicking on the "gate"in the right column. The Sunday posts are based on the readings for Cycle A because in parishes with the Rites for Christian Initiation these readings are used every year.
For excellent Lenten reading, see Michael Dubruiel's book The Power of the Cross, available for FREE .pdf download here. Also available at the site are podcasts Michael Dubruiel made about the book.
For excellent Lenten reading, see Michael Dubruiel's book The Power of the Cross, available for FREE .pdf download here. Also available at the site are podcasts Michael Dubruiel made about the book.
Pope's Reign the Third Longest in the Church's History
If you take Peter out of the mix, his reign is the second longest!
And while many were prepared for his death last Fall, in recent days the pope's health is continues to improve to the point that he may start walking again.
And while many were prepared for his death last Fall, in recent days the pope's health is continues to improve to the point that he may start walking again.
Twenty-five Percent of Boston Catholic Churches to Close
Hearing the percentage puts the depth of the crisis that exists in the Church in context. Its not just about the clergy crisis, it is about the faith of people who have lost any real moorings about why they should go to church on Sundays. This is the fault of religious education that has not taught fundamentals, it is the fault of pastors who do not preach Christ but in an attempt to entertain and not challenge leave people looking for something more entertaining and more challenging and ultimately it is the fault of the hierarchy who in the Catholic Church are the leaders and sadly in many cases have refused to lead but have been led by forces that often are against them.
Saturday, March 13, 2004
Same Sex Marriages
I had kind of forgotten that a few years ago when I acquired a fascinating work by author David Lang that one of the items that he addressed in the book was same-sex marriages. The book is entitled "Why Matter Matters" and is about the "matter" of the sacraments...why wheat bread and grape wine should be used for the Eucharist, why olive oil should be used in annointings, why a male is the appropriate "matter" for the priesthood and why a male and a female are the right matter for marriage. If you are looking for something on this subject, I highly recommend David's book that includes a preface by Peter Kreeft.
Friday, March 12, 2004
Father Benedict Reflects on His Accident
From Letter 3/11/04:
"Today is an anniversary for me - the second month after my accident. It also is an important day because I began to be able to speak. This makes life easier and in many ways, more enriching. Speech permits us to not be locked up in our little room of self.
We just had Mass offered by Father Luke, a young friar of our community. We welcomed someone from down the hall, Professor Alice von Hildebrand, a distinguished Catholic writer and the wife of the late Dietrich von Hildebrand. Alice and I have been close friends for many years and you may have seen our series on suffering on EWTN. She reminded me of a very important line which I had forgotten. It was a statement by Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen: 'Nothing is worse than wasted suffering'. Of course one is tempted to ask, 'Why did this accident occur?' While I am being tempted to ask this, I am looking at a picture of Saint Padre Pio who said 'Don't ask why, ask what - what am I supposed to do?' That's rather obvious except one must admit a deficiency of virtues and throw oneself before Christ crucified and the Holy Spirit.
We all suffer. Some suffer well, some poorly, some bitterly, some in union with Christ, some in union with Our Lady and the Saints, some in union with God as they know Him, some only in union with the other people in the hospital, and some all alone - but we suffer. How much better it is to suffer even poorly and inconsistently in union with Christ. Let's keep praying for each other.
Father Benedict"
"Today is an anniversary for me - the second month after my accident. It also is an important day because I began to be able to speak. This makes life easier and in many ways, more enriching. Speech permits us to not be locked up in our little room of self.
We just had Mass offered by Father Luke, a young friar of our community. We welcomed someone from down the hall, Professor Alice von Hildebrand, a distinguished Catholic writer and the wife of the late Dietrich von Hildebrand. Alice and I have been close friends for many years and you may have seen our series on suffering on EWTN. She reminded me of a very important line which I had forgotten. It was a statement by Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen: 'Nothing is worse than wasted suffering'. Of course one is tempted to ask, 'Why did this accident occur?' While I am being tempted to ask this, I am looking at a picture of Saint Padre Pio who said 'Don't ask why, ask what - what am I supposed to do?' That's rather obvious except one must admit a deficiency of virtues and throw oneself before Christ crucified and the Holy Spirit.
We all suffer. Some suffer well, some poorly, some bitterly, some in union with Christ, some in union with Our Lady and the Saints, some in union with God as they know Him, some only in union with the other people in the hospital, and some all alone - but we suffer. How much better it is to suffer even poorly and inconsistently in union with Christ. Let's keep praying for each other.
Father Benedict"
Thursday, March 11, 2004
Cardinal Law...The Play
Entitled simply "Sin"...
From the NY Times..Priests and Sexual Abuse Ignite a Stage in Chicago:
"A searing new play that opened here last week offers a vivid look at how Cardinal Bernard Law of Boston reacted to the sex abuse scandal in his archdiocese.
Most of the dialogue in this play, 'Sin: A Cardinal Deposed,' is taken from testimony that Cardinal Law gave in pretrial depositions in 2002 and 2003. The rest is from letters and public statements by Roman Catholic priests, doctors, victims of abuse and their parents."
From the NY Times..Priests and Sexual Abuse Ignite a Stage in Chicago:
"A searing new play that opened here last week offers a vivid look at how Cardinal Bernard Law of Boston reacted to the sex abuse scandal in his archdiocese.
Most of the dialogue in this play, 'Sin: A Cardinal Deposed,' is taken from testimony that Cardinal Law gave in pretrial depositions in 2002 and 2003. The rest is from letters and public statements by Roman Catholic priests, doctors, victims of abuse and their parents."
Praised be Jesus Christ! Father Groeschel Speaks
Here is his message...
From Letter 3/10/04:
"'Dear Friends,
This is the first opportunity I have to personally thank the people who have been caring for me since my accident. I was deeply moved by the amount of prayer cards and e-mails from many, many people. I don't know how to repay you for your expressions of support and letters of encouragement.
I am going to be laid-up for a while healing and hopefully getting stronger. I am thankful to God that I did not sustain any serious head injuries or facial disfigurement. God must be telling me to get back to work.
Today I spoke for the first time in 2 months. I am so grateful for the brothers who have attended to my needs, especially Br. Daniel and Br. Peter. They have shown infinite patience to a person in a desperate situation. I can't tell you how happy I am to be so well cared for by the staff of two very fine hospitals. I will be forever grateful to these generous people for the rest of my life. When we say love and faith are dying away in this country, here we see so much dedication and care - the attendants, nurses, specialists, and of course, the doctors.
I want to share with you two principles upon which I have built my life. The first is from Saint Augustine: 'God does not cause evil, but that evil should not become the worst'. Second: 'There are no accidents. Evil things occur because of bad will or stupidity or fatigue, yet whatever the cause God will bring good out of it if we let Him'.
I had seen the movie, 'The Passion' before I had my accident. How many times the haunting scenes (of Christ's agony) brought me consolation and hope when things were very dark.
Each day I will try to write a little something to the many people who have supported me. This can become a wonderful way we can grow and support one another and together grow in faith, hope, and love. God bless and keep you."
Fr. Benedict
From Letter 3/10/04:
"'Dear Friends,
This is the first opportunity I have to personally thank the people who have been caring for me since my accident. I was deeply moved by the amount of prayer cards and e-mails from many, many people. I don't know how to repay you for your expressions of support and letters of encouragement.
I am going to be laid-up for a while healing and hopefully getting stronger. I am thankful to God that I did not sustain any serious head injuries or facial disfigurement. God must be telling me to get back to work.
Today I spoke for the first time in 2 months. I am so grateful for the brothers who have attended to my needs, especially Br. Daniel and Br. Peter. They have shown infinite patience to a person in a desperate situation. I can't tell you how happy I am to be so well cared for by the staff of two very fine hospitals. I will be forever grateful to these generous people for the rest of my life. When we say love and faith are dying away in this country, here we see so much dedication and care - the attendants, nurses, specialists, and of course, the doctors.
I want to share with you two principles upon which I have built my life. The first is from Saint Augustine: 'God does not cause evil, but that evil should not become the worst'. Second: 'There are no accidents. Evil things occur because of bad will or stupidity or fatigue, yet whatever the cause God will bring good out of it if we let Him'.
I had seen the movie, 'The Passion' before I had my accident. How many times the haunting scenes (of Christ's agony) brought me consolation and hope when things were very dark.
Each day I will try to write a little something to the many people who have supported me. This can become a wonderful way we can grow and support one another and together grow in faith, hope, and love. God bless and keep you."
Fr. Benedict
What do you think of this?
You won't see this on Court TV...
I sort of remember the charges brought up by the priest, don't remember exactly what happened after that, but it looks like he might have been involved with someone, forgiven that person of a sin that they committed together and then threw out charges against the bishop and some priests. Being guilty of the first two doesn't necessarily negate the charges he was making....
Wonder if we'll hear anymore about it?
From Priest targeted after testifying in suit - The Washington Times: Metropolitan:
"A Catholic priest who exposed the sexual misdeeds of fellow clergy at three parishes in the Diocese of Arlington is being prosecuted by his own bishop on five ecclesiastical charges.
The Rev. James R. Haley, an Arlington priest, will appear before a church tribunal to answer charges brought against him by the Most Rev. Paul S. Loverde, bishop of Arlington. Presiding as judge will be the Most Rev. Thomas G. Doran, bishop of Rockford, Ill.
The hearing is set for Wednesday at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Wynnewood, Pa.
The charges against Father Haley include sexual misconduct; absolution of an accomplice in sexual sin; and the 'use of instruments of social communication [the media] to injure good morals, to express insults and to excite hatred or contempt against the Church.' "
I sort of remember the charges brought up by the priest, don't remember exactly what happened after that, but it looks like he might have been involved with someone, forgiven that person of a sin that they committed together and then threw out charges against the bishop and some priests. Being guilty of the first two doesn't necessarily negate the charges he was making....
Wonder if we'll hear anymore about it?
From Priest targeted after testifying in suit - The Washington Times: Metropolitan:
"A Catholic priest who exposed the sexual misdeeds of fellow clergy at three parishes in the Diocese of Arlington is being prosecuted by his own bishop on five ecclesiastical charges.
The Rev. James R. Haley, an Arlington priest, will appear before a church tribunal to answer charges brought against him by the Most Rev. Paul S. Loverde, bishop of Arlington. Presiding as judge will be the Most Rev. Thomas G. Doran, bishop of Rockford, Ill.
The hearing is set for Wednesday at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Wynnewood, Pa.
The charges against Father Haley include sexual misconduct; absolution of an accomplice in sexual sin; and the 'use of instruments of social communication [the media] to injure good morals, to express insults and to excite hatred or contempt against the Church.' "
Amy's has the Cover Story on The American Spectator Online Today!
She's off to Indianapolis to give a talk and I'm not sure if she blogged this before she left or not (her site wouldn't come up for me this morning)...but check the story out atThe American Spectator. And pre-order the book and you might even consider ordering a pkg of pamplets to give to all you family and friends.
Wednesday, March 10, 2004
Tuesday, March 9, 2004
New Bishops for Springfield, Worchester, Ogdensburg
...and a Co-Adjutor for Kansas City
From the Vatican Information Service:
- Appointed Bishop Robert Joseph McManus, auxiliary of the diocese of Providence, U.S.A., as bishop of Worcester (area 3,966, population 762,207, Catholics 390,207, priests 373, religious 650), U.S.A. He succeeds Bishop Daniel Patrick Reilly whose resignation from the pastoral care of the same diocese the Holy Father accepted upon having reached the age limit.
- Appointed Msgr. Robert Joseph Cunningham, pastor of St. Louis Parish and diocesan administrator of the diocese of Buffalo, U.S.A. as bishop of Ogdensburg (area 31,161, population 462,000, Catholics 143,700, priests 143, permanent deacons 55, religious 175), U.S.A. The bishop-elect was born in Buffalo in 1943 and was ordained a priest in 1969.
- Appointed Bishop Timothy Anthony McDonnell, auxiliary of the archdiocese of New York, U.S.A., as bishop of Springfield in Massachusetts (area 7,306, population 790,000, Catholics 251,311, religious 195, permanent deacons 58, religious 619), U.S.A.
- Appointed Msgr. Robert W. Finn, of the clergy of the archdiocese of St. Louis, and director of the diocesan magazine “St. Louis Review,” as coadjutor bishop of Kansas City-Saint Joseph (area 39,946, population 1,394,054, Catholics 141,900, priests 204, permanent deacons 53, religious 437), U.S.A. The bishop-elect was born in St. Louis in 1953 and was ordained a priest in 1979.
From the Vatican Information Service:
- Appointed Bishop Robert Joseph McManus, auxiliary of the diocese of Providence, U.S.A., as bishop of Worcester (area 3,966, population 762,207, Catholics 390,207, priests 373, religious 650), U.S.A. He succeeds Bishop Daniel Patrick Reilly whose resignation from the pastoral care of the same diocese the Holy Father accepted upon having reached the age limit.
- Appointed Msgr. Robert Joseph Cunningham, pastor of St. Louis Parish and diocesan administrator of the diocese of Buffalo, U.S.A. as bishop of Ogdensburg (area 31,161, population 462,000, Catholics 143,700, priests 143, permanent deacons 55, religious 175), U.S.A. The bishop-elect was born in Buffalo in 1943 and was ordained a priest in 1969.
- Appointed Bishop Timothy Anthony McDonnell, auxiliary of the archdiocese of New York, U.S.A., as bishop of Springfield in Massachusetts (area 7,306, population 790,000, Catholics 251,311, religious 195, permanent deacons 58, religious 619), U.S.A.
- Appointed Msgr. Robert W. Finn, of the clergy of the archdiocese of St. Louis, and director of the diocesan magazine “St. Louis Review,” as coadjutor bishop of Kansas City-Saint Joseph (area 39,946, population 1,394,054, Catholics 141,900, priests 204, permanent deacons 53, religious 437), U.S.A. The bishop-elect was born in St. Louis in 1953 and was ordained a priest in 1979.
Judas
I know this was done by Paulist films and I only watched about twenty minutes of it--but is this the worst Jesus film ever made?
Jesus: " Here you take the money, I'm no good with it."
Jesus was like a surfer dude, his hair curly and light (all the others were dark haired and very Jewish)--talk about anti-Semitic.
I might also say that Jesus was a little too sweet, not at all the like the Christ Pantocrater that is looking at me right now as I write this...and Judas and Jesus wrestling?
Sadly, I think this is the kind of Jesus a modern Catholic comes up with...this Jesus would have said "ow" and fled Jerusalem when he stubbed his foot on a rock getting of the donkey.
Jesus: " Here you take the money, I'm no good with it."
Jesus was like a surfer dude, his hair curly and light (all the others were dark haired and very Jewish)--talk about anti-Semitic.
I might also say that Jesus was a little too sweet, not at all the like the Christ Pantocrater that is looking at me right now as I write this...and Judas and Jesus wrestling?
Sadly, I think this is the kind of Jesus a modern Catholic comes up with...this Jesus would have said "ow" and fled Jerusalem when he stubbed his foot on a rock getting of the donkey.
It's Not the Economy...
It is scary to think that anyone invovled in the Church these days would even think about using that as an excuse...
This is happening across the country, some dioceses are reporting it others aren't. In some ways this may in the end be another purification process, although one friend I know who has had his job cut is the wrong person for them to let go, while the disenters are being retained.
Tampabay: Donations down, diocese cuts jobs:
After three years of declining contributions, the Catholic Diocese of St. Petersburg is planning to substantially cut administrative jobs in an attempt to preserve programs.
A severance package has been offered to all of the diocese's 120 full- and part-time employees at its pastoral center in St. Petersburg. The diocese has 75 parishes and 380,000 parishioners in Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco, Hernando and Citrus counties.
The administrative employees have until 5 p.m. Wednesday to decide whether to take the offer, which was initially made last month.
Church leaders have no set goal for reducing employees, said the Rev. Alan Weber, vicar general and Bishop Robert N. Lynch's second in command. He said the diocese would rather cut jobs and rework staff responsibilities than cut into support programs.
This is happening across the country, some dioceses are reporting it others aren't. In some ways this may in the end be another purification process, although one friend I know who has had his job cut is the wrong person for them to let go, while the disenters are being retained.
Tampabay: Donations down, diocese cuts jobs:
After three years of declining contributions, the Catholic Diocese of St. Petersburg is planning to substantially cut administrative jobs in an attempt to preserve programs.
A severance package has been offered to all of the diocese's 120 full- and part-time employees at its pastoral center in St. Petersburg. The diocese has 75 parishes and 380,000 parishioners in Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco, Hernando and Citrus counties.
The administrative employees have until 5 p.m. Wednesday to decide whether to take the offer, which was initially made last month.
Church leaders have no set goal for reducing employees, said the Rev. Alan Weber, vicar general and Bishop Robert N. Lynch's second in command. He said the diocese would rather cut jobs and rework staff responsibilities than cut into support programs.
Monday, March 8, 2004
Parish Protests Weakland Confirmation Plans
Interesting. What is most interesting is that Archbishop Weakland would even put himself in this position. What is even sadder is that the associate pastor is making his parishioners to be the bad guys because they are unforgiving! Unforgiving? How about the Archbishop showing a little penitence by staying in a monastery and not performing publicly? Forgiveness is a Christian mandate but so is penitence...If those accused of misusing church funds and carrying on sexually want to stand up in front of the congregation to model their piety let them do it as penitents!
Don't blame the parishioners, Father...have you read the papers lately?
From Post-Crescent - Former archbishop decides to withdraw from service:
"A Brookfield Catholic church has canceled plans to have retired Archbishop Rembert G. Weakland administer the sacrament of confirmation after parishioners objected and threatened to protest.
The Rev. Leonard Van Vlaenderen, an associate pastor at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, said the parishioners were still upset over a $450,000 settlement the Milwaukee Archdiocese paid a man who claimed he was sexually assaulted by Weakland.
Weakland, who had reached the Vatican's mandatory retirement age of 75 when the deal became public in 2002, later admitted an inappropriate but consensual sexual relationship with a man.
In a letter to the parents of about 130 teenagers preparing for confirmation, Van Vlaenderen said he was disappointed by the lack of Christian forgiveness that was shown.
Don't blame the parishioners, Father...have you read the papers lately?
From Post-Crescent - Former archbishop decides to withdraw from service:
"A Brookfield Catholic church has canceled plans to have retired Archbishop Rembert G. Weakland administer the sacrament of confirmation after parishioners objected and threatened to protest.
The Rev. Leonard Van Vlaenderen, an associate pastor at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, said the parishioners were still upset over a $450,000 settlement the Milwaukee Archdiocese paid a man who claimed he was sexually assaulted by Weakland.
Weakland, who had reached the Vatican's mandatory retirement age of 75 when the deal became public in 2002, later admitted an inappropriate but consensual sexual relationship with a man.
In a letter to the parents of about 130 teenagers preparing for confirmation, Van Vlaenderen said he was disappointed by the lack of Christian forgiveness that was shown.
Feast of St. John of God--Paton of Booksellers
Why? Because that is one of the things that he did...from Catholic Online - Saints - St. John of God:
"In Spain he spent his days unloading ship cargoes and his nights visiting churches and reading spiritual books. Reading gave him so much pleasure that he decided that he should share this joy with others. He quit his job and became a book peddler, traveling from town to town selling religious books and holy cards. A vision at age 41 brought him to Granada where he sold books from a little shop. (For this reason he is patron saint of booksellers and printers.) "
In honor of his feast, let me recommend a few books...
If you want to get more out of Mass or you aren't sure what is going on at Mass, let me recommend my bestselling book:
The How-To Book of the Mass: Everything You Need to Know but No One Ever Taught You
Also if you are new to the Rosary or want an aid in helping you meditate on the traditional mysteries and the luminous, again a book that I wrote with Amy:
Praying the Rosary: With the Joyful, Luminous, Sorrowful, & Glorious Mysteries
If you're tired of hearing the "Jesus Seminar" view of the NT then let me recommend this very readable book on Following Jesus by N.T. Wright:
Following Jesus: Biblical Reflections on Discipleship
If you would like to know more about what it means to have a patron saint, read Rick Medina's excellent little book on having Saint Philomena as a patron saint:
I Ask St. Philomena: The Power of Praying with Saints
Confused about who Jesus was? The perfect overview of who Jesus is and how his passion saved us:
Jesus the Christ
Read The Da Vinci Code and confused about the view of Christianity it presented? Amy's new book answers all of your questions:
De-Coding Da Vinci
Throught the intercession of St. John of God, may you be led to purchase the book that'll meet your spiritual needs for this Lenten season!
"In Spain he spent his days unloading ship cargoes and his nights visiting churches and reading spiritual books. Reading gave him so much pleasure that he decided that he should share this joy with others. He quit his job and became a book peddler, traveling from town to town selling religious books and holy cards. A vision at age 41 brought him to Granada where he sold books from a little shop. (For this reason he is patron saint of booksellers and printers.) "
In honor of his feast, let me recommend a few books...
If you want to get more out of Mass or you aren't sure what is going on at Mass, let me recommend my bestselling book:
The How-To Book of the Mass: Everything You Need to Know but No One Ever Taught You
Also if you are new to the Rosary or want an aid in helping you meditate on the traditional mysteries and the luminous, again a book that I wrote with Amy:
Praying the Rosary: With the Joyful, Luminous, Sorrowful, & Glorious Mysteries
If you're tired of hearing the "Jesus Seminar" view of the NT then let me recommend this very readable book on Following Jesus by N.T. Wright:
Following Jesus: Biblical Reflections on Discipleship
If you would like to know more about what it means to have a patron saint, read Rick Medina's excellent little book on having Saint Philomena as a patron saint:
I Ask St. Philomena: The Power of Praying with Saints
Confused about who Jesus was? The perfect overview of who Jesus is and how his passion saved us:
Jesus the Christ
Read The Da Vinci Code and confused about the view of Christianity it presented? Amy's new book answers all of your questions:
De-Coding Da Vinci
Throught the intercession of St. John of God, may you be led to purchase the book that'll meet your spiritual needs for this Lenten season!
It Wasn't the Americans who Kidnapped Aristide...
The locals think it was the "spirits"...
I am reminded of a protestant pastor in Jacksonville who showed me a picture that his son had taken in Haiti (this would have been 20+ years ago) in which there was a beast of some sort amongst the people...he claimed it was a demon--it was strange looking, whatever it was...
From Telegraph | News | Voodoo spirits get credit for Aristide's flight:
President Jean-Bertrand Aristide did not flee Haiti because he lost his nerve. Neither did the United States blackmail him. No, the most satisfying explanation for the country's recent upheavals is that the spirits were offended and taking their revenge.
Voodoo, an exotic synthesis of African, Caribbean and Roman Catholic beliefs, with freemasonry mixed in too, pervades every facet of life in Haiti, so its role in the downfall of Mr Aristide is, for most, beyond dispute.
Just as its flags, murals, shrines, rum, rattles and images of madonnas and saints lurk, invisible from the outside, in slum temples, the religion underlies each momentous event in the nation's history.
The rise and fall of Mr Aristide, its first democratically elected leader and an ordained Catholic priest who adopted as his symbol the cockerel, a voodoo icon, illustrates this. Mr Aristide, whose library contained many books on the national religion, was guilty of the voodoo equivalent of hubris and then struck down by its version of nemesis, several voodo priests said this week.
Comparing himself to the heroes who won Haiti's slaves freedom from the French two centuries ago was a fatal mistake, they said, one that the heroes, by now spirits themselves, punished.
I am reminded of a protestant pastor in Jacksonville who showed me a picture that his son had taken in Haiti (this would have been 20+ years ago) in which there was a beast of some sort amongst the people...he claimed it was a demon--it was strange looking, whatever it was...
From Telegraph | News | Voodoo spirits get credit for Aristide's flight:
President Jean-Bertrand Aristide did not flee Haiti because he lost his nerve. Neither did the United States blackmail him. No, the most satisfying explanation for the country's recent upheavals is that the spirits were offended and taking their revenge.
Voodoo, an exotic synthesis of African, Caribbean and Roman Catholic beliefs, with freemasonry mixed in too, pervades every facet of life in Haiti, so its role in the downfall of Mr Aristide is, for most, beyond dispute.
Just as its flags, murals, shrines, rum, rattles and images of madonnas and saints lurk, invisible from the outside, in slum temples, the religion underlies each momentous event in the nation's history.
The rise and fall of Mr Aristide, its first democratically elected leader and an ordained Catholic priest who adopted as his symbol the cockerel, a voodoo icon, illustrates this. Mr Aristide, whose library contained many books on the national religion, was guilty of the voodoo equivalent of hubris and then struck down by its version of nemesis, several voodo priests said this week.
Comparing himself to the heroes who won Haiti's slaves freedom from the French two centuries ago was a fatal mistake, they said, one that the heroes, by now spirits themselves, punished.
Think The Passion of the Christ was Violent?
On Saturday two Christian men were axed to death in Egypt...
From Yahoo! News - Egypt Deploys 1,000 Police After Christians Killed:
Egyptian authorities deployed some 1,000 police around a southern town on Saturday to forestall any Muslim-Christian clashes after two Christian men were killed in a street brawl, security sources said.
The Christians were axed to death after a donkey being ridden by a Muslim man slipped on the wet roadway outside their house in the town of Salamoun, about 350 km (220 miles) south of Cairo, they said.
The donkey rider was later arrested and questioned. Witnesses in the town said there had been no further violence but the situation was tense.
Salamoun, a Nile valley town of about 40,000 people, is close to 40 percent Coptic Christian but was also a stronghold of militant Islamists who fought the government in the 1990s. "
From Yahoo! News - Egypt Deploys 1,000 Police After Christians Killed:
Egyptian authorities deployed some 1,000 police around a southern town on Saturday to forestall any Muslim-Christian clashes after two Christian men were killed in a street brawl, security sources said.
The Christians were axed to death after a donkey being ridden by a Muslim man slipped on the wet roadway outside their house in the town of Salamoun, about 350 km (220 miles) south of Cairo, they said.
The donkey rider was later arrested and questioned. Witnesses in the town said there had been no further violence but the situation was tense.
Salamoun, a Nile valley town of about 40,000 people, is close to 40 percent Coptic Christian but was also a stronghold of militant Islamists who fought the government in the 1990s. "
The Passion--$212,034,000
They say the second weekend is the real test for whether a movie is good or not. Well, The Passion of the Christ has passed that test...
From Box Office Mojo > Box Office By Movie: "Total as of Mar. 7, 2004: $212,034,000 (Estimate)"
It's been the #1 movie, everyday since its release.
From Box Office Mojo > Box Office By Movie: "Total as of Mar. 7, 2004: $212,034,000 (Estimate)"
It's been the #1 movie, everyday since its release.
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