As I recall he is in a marriage not recognized by the church also.
From Governor won't take Eucharist in public:
"Gov. James E. McGreevey, continuing to clash with Roman Catholic Church leaders over his support for abortion rights, said yesterday he would comply with the wishes of Newark Archbishop John J. Myers and not seek Communion at public Masses.
Myers yesterday issued a five-page pastoral statement that said it was 'objectively dishonest' for Catholics who support abortion rights to seek Communion. While not naming McGreevey, Myers wrote, 'On this grave issue, public officials cannot hold themselves excused from their duties, especially if they claim to be Catholic.' "
Thursday, May 6, 2004
Wednesday, May 5, 2004
The Pew Lady on What Kind of Church Does Jesus Want...
Go to for the full entertaining piece, but here is a snipet:
"As should be painfully clear by now, the entire fiasco was, as is so often the case, all about me.
Not, in my opinion, unlike the upcoming Boston College Conference.
If you go to the conference web-site, you will find that there is no mention of the Name of Jesus. What does that tell you? Is there no room for Jesus in the "Church That Women Want?"
The first workshop is entitled: "Women Leaders Creating Church."
I'm not kidding!
Never mind that Jesus Christ created His Church a couple of thousand years ago. These dames -- excuse me, "leaders"-- apparently believe they can do a better job.
These "ladies" --like that insufferably arrogant would-be cheerleader --seem to believe, God help them, that the Church is all about them.
Among the distinguished panelists is Sister Jeannine Gramick, Ph.D., National Coalition of American Nuns, Executive Committee; Consultant, Lesbian and Gay Ministry.
Good grief."
"As should be painfully clear by now, the entire fiasco was, as is so often the case, all about me.
Not, in my opinion, unlike the upcoming Boston College Conference.
If you go to the conference web-site, you will find that there is no mention of the Name of Jesus. What does that tell you? Is there no room for Jesus in the "Church That Women Want?"
The first workshop is entitled: "Women Leaders Creating Church."
I'm not kidding!
Never mind that Jesus Christ created His Church a couple of thousand years ago. These dames -- excuse me, "leaders"-- apparently believe they can do a better job.
These "ladies" --like that insufferably arrogant would-be cheerleader --seem to believe, God help them, that the Church is all about them.
Among the distinguished panelists is Sister Jeannine Gramick, Ph.D., National Coalition of American Nuns, Executive Committee; Consultant, Lesbian and Gay Ministry.
Good grief."
Militant Catholics
The audience thought it was part of the "act"...
From News:
"Theatregoers at one of Madrid's most venerable arts centres became unwitting witnesses to religious violence last weekend when irate zealots broke up a performance of the play In God we xxxx.
Shouting 'Viva Cristo Rey,' two men launched themselves from the audience at the Circulo de Bellas Artes and beat up the actor and playwright of Me cago en Dios, directed by Pedro Forero, which for the past week had been making headlines in Spain for its blasphemous title and anti-clerical content.
'They beat us, they destroyed the music equipment, and they tried to set fire to the set, which is made of loo paper,' said the playwright, Inigo Ramirez de Haro. 'The audience thought it was part of the play so no one helped us for ages.'
Ramirez de Haro and the actor Fernando Incera were treated for sprains and bruises. Police arrested the two young men, one of whom is said to serve with the armed forces. Their shouts translated as 'Long live Christ the King', but are also a rallying call to the conservative Catholic Cristo Rey movement."
From News:
"Theatregoers at one of Madrid's most venerable arts centres became unwitting witnesses to religious violence last weekend when irate zealots broke up a performance of the play In God we xxxx.
Shouting 'Viva Cristo Rey,' two men launched themselves from the audience at the Circulo de Bellas Artes and beat up the actor and playwright of Me cago en Dios, directed by Pedro Forero, which for the past week had been making headlines in Spain for its blasphemous title and anti-clerical content.
'They beat us, they destroyed the music equipment, and they tried to set fire to the set, which is made of loo paper,' said the playwright, Inigo Ramirez de Haro. 'The audience thought it was part of the play so no one helped us for ages.'
Ramirez de Haro and the actor Fernando Incera were treated for sprains and bruises. Police arrested the two young men, one of whom is said to serve with the armed forces. Their shouts translated as 'Long live Christ the King', but are also a rallying call to the conservative Catholic Cristo Rey movement."
Tuesday, May 4, 2004
Great Group in Kalamazoo Last Night
Just want to thank everyone who showed up for my talk last night in Kalamazoo. Great questions, giving me great hope that all is not lost. There are some really fine people out there who are very interested in following Christ as Cathoics!
Culture of Death on Catholic Campuses
From Cardinal Newman Society:
"Cardinal Newman Society has issued a shocking new report on scandals at U.S. Catholic colleges and universities that is certain to reignite concerns about the colleges' religious character.
The 56-page report, "The Culture of Death on Catholic Campuses: A Five-Year Review," documents inroads made by advocates of abortion, contraception, premarital sexual activity and physician-assisted suicide onto Catholic college campuses since 1999. It is the most extensive evidence of problems in Catholic higher education ever compiled in a single source--and yet it only scratches the surface, relying primarily on media reports and college websites.
"'Pro-choice' is no choice for a Catholic institution, which by its Catholic mission must be courageously pro-life," said Erin Butcher, lead researcher and co-author of the report. "Cardinal Newman Society has responded to scandal after scandal on Catholic campuses, but many Catholics still fail to appreciate the scope of the problem."
The report identifies the problems and suggests solutions to ensure that Catholic colleges uphold their Catholic, pro-life mission. "
"Cardinal Newman Society has issued a shocking new report on scandals at U.S. Catholic colleges and universities that is certain to reignite concerns about the colleges' religious character.
The 56-page report, "The Culture of Death on Catholic Campuses: A Five-Year Review," documents inroads made by advocates of abortion, contraception, premarital sexual activity and physician-assisted suicide onto Catholic college campuses since 1999. It is the most extensive evidence of problems in Catholic higher education ever compiled in a single source--and yet it only scratches the surface, relying primarily on media reports and college websites.
"'Pro-choice' is no choice for a Catholic institution, which by its Catholic mission must be courageously pro-life," said Erin Butcher, lead researcher and co-author of the report. "Cardinal Newman Society has responded to scandal after scandal on Catholic campuses, but many Catholics still fail to appreciate the scope of the problem."
The report identifies the problems and suggests solutions to ensure that Catholic colleges uphold their Catholic, pro-life mission. "
Monday, May 3, 2004
America's Christians launch assault on The Da Vinci Code
From theTelegraph | News | America's Christians launch assault on The Da Vinci Code:
"Amy Welborn, the author of De-Coding Da Vinci, believes that the novel is wilfully deceptive. 'Dan Brown presents many assertions about history, religion and art,' said Ms Welborn. 'He presents them as truth, not as part of his fictional world.'
Mr Brown is refusing to give interviews as he works on another book. On his website, he says: 'Each reader must make the choice whether to agree or disagree with the characters' viewpoints. My hope was that the ideas in the novel would serve as a springboard for people to discuss the important topics of faith, religion, and history.'"
"Amy Welborn, the author of De-Coding Da Vinci, believes that the novel is wilfully deceptive. 'Dan Brown presents many assertions about history, religion and art,' said Ms Welborn. 'He presents them as truth, not as part of his fictional world.'
Mr Brown is refusing to give interviews as he works on another book. On his website, he says: 'Each reader must make the choice whether to agree or disagree with the characters' viewpoints. My hope was that the ideas in the novel would serve as a springboard for people to discuss the important topics of faith, religion, and history.'"
Speaking Tonight
Bishop Donovan Lecture Series, Office of ECI, Diocese of Kalamazoo
From Bishop Donovan Lecture Series, Office of ECI, Diocese of Kalamazoo:
Monday, May 3, 2004
“Setting Your Heart on Fire at Every Celebration of the Eucharist”
Michael Dubruiel
Author of The How-To Book of the Mass, Praying the Holy Rosary with the Joyful, Luminous, Sorrowful and Glorious Mysteries, Praying in the Presence of Our Lord with Fulton J. Sheen, and (Mention Your Request Here) The Church's Most Powerful Novenas
All lectures held in the Chapel at
Msgr. John R. Hackett Catholic Central High School
1000 West Kilgore Road
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
Lecture: 7:00 to 8:00 PM
Refreshments: 8:00 to 8:15 PM
Q & A Session: 8:15 to 9:00 PM
A free-will offering will be taken each month to help offset the costs of the series.
EVERYONE IS INVITED!
From Bishop Donovan Lecture Series, Office of ECI, Diocese of Kalamazoo:
Monday, May 3, 2004
“Setting Your Heart on Fire at Every Celebration of the Eucharist”
Michael Dubruiel
Author of The How-To Book of the Mass, Praying the Holy Rosary with the Joyful, Luminous, Sorrowful and Glorious Mysteries, Praying in the Presence of Our Lord with Fulton J. Sheen, and (Mention Your Request Here) The Church's Most Powerful Novenas
All lectures held in the Chapel at
Msgr. John R. Hackett Catholic Central High School
1000 West Kilgore Road
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
Lecture: 7:00 to 8:00 PM
Refreshments: 8:00 to 8:15 PM
Q & A Session: 8:15 to 9:00 PM
A free-will offering will be taken each month to help offset the costs of the series.
EVERYONE IS INVITED!
St. Meinrad Archabbot Will Resign Post
A good friend, writer of a book on Latin Sayings that you can find linked in the right column. I'm visiting with him later this month...hopefully they'll elect someone like him.
From St. Meinrad archabbot will resign post:
"Archabbot Lambert Reilly, the spiritual leader and chief administrator of St. Meinrad Archabbey announced Thursday he will step down from his post Dec. 15.
Reilly, 71, first came to St. Meinrad, south of Jasper in Spencer County, as a seminarian student and has served as its leader since 1995.
'He is just a great, great leader,' said Christopher Marten, national chairman of St. Meinrad's $40 million fund-raising drive. The archabbey already has raised $30 million toward its goal, and Marten didn't think the change would affect its success.
The Benedictine monks at St. Meinrad will select Reilly's successor. Reilly is expected to remain there as a monk."
From St. Meinrad archabbot will resign post:
"Archabbot Lambert Reilly, the spiritual leader and chief administrator of St. Meinrad Archabbey announced Thursday he will step down from his post Dec. 15.
Reilly, 71, first came to St. Meinrad, south of Jasper in Spencer County, as a seminarian student and has served as its leader since 1995.
'He is just a great, great leader,' said Christopher Marten, national chairman of St. Meinrad's $40 million fund-raising drive. The archabbey already has raised $30 million toward its goal, and Marten didn't think the change would affect its success.
The Benedictine monks at St. Meinrad will select Reilly's successor. Reilly is expected to remain there as a monk."
Sunday, May 2, 2004
Canibal Abortionist
You'll wait long and hard to hear this reported on any news network...even from the so-called fair and balanced news network.
From Wichita Eagle | Top of the news:
"State Attorney General Phill Kline presented materials to legislators Thursday alleging that a Kansas City, Kan., abortion provider operated a dangerously substandard medical facility and even ate fetal tissue.
The allegations about the facilities came during a presentation to the House Committee on Federal and State Affairs.
'It's a place where no woman, no person, should have to undergo a surgical procedure,' Kline said.
The allegation that the physician ate fetal tissue was included in written materials that Kline presented to the committee. The report came from a Kansas City police officer; the name of the witness he interviewed was blacked out in documents provided to legislators.
The report, prepared for Kline after officers conducted an investigation of an unrelated theft complaint at the clinic, said officers observed 'filthy' conditions in some parts of the facility and blood stains on the floor."
From Wichita Eagle | Top of the news:
"State Attorney General Phill Kline presented materials to legislators Thursday alleging that a Kansas City, Kan., abortion provider operated a dangerously substandard medical facility and even ate fetal tissue.
The allegations about the facilities came during a presentation to the House Committee on Federal and State Affairs.
'It's a place where no woman, no person, should have to undergo a surgical procedure,' Kline said.
The allegation that the physician ate fetal tissue was included in written materials that Kline presented to the committee. The report came from a Kansas City police officer; the name of the witness he interviewed was blacked out in documents provided to legislators.
The report, prepared for Kline after officers conducted an investigation of an unrelated theft complaint at the clinic, said officers observed 'filthy' conditions in some parts of the facility and blood stains on the floor."
De-Coding DaVinci a Bestseller!
Barnes & Noble Sales Rank: 37
Amazon Sales Rank: 99
#6 on Amazon Religion Bestseller's list
Get your copy here:
Amazon Sales Rank: 99
#6 on Amazon Religion Bestseller's list
Get your copy here:
Good Quote on Unity
From Mother Raphaela's book Growing in Christ:
"But as long as we insist on calling the parish we attend 'Our Church,' it will remain just that. We will be divided. Only God’s Church, the Church of Christ, is One."
"But as long as we insist on calling the parish we attend 'Our Church,' it will remain just that. We will be divided. Only God’s Church, the Church of Christ, is One."
Dr. Rick Fitzgibbons Suggests Programs for Priests
Interesting interview on Zenit. He has interesting views on the whole area of homosexuality, and his claim of diocese hiriing mental health professionals who don't agree with Church teaching is right on the mark.
From Zenit News Agency - The World Seen From Rome:
"Two different recent studies have found that the answers to a small number of questions about childhood and adolescent experiences, which relate to the development of a positive masculine identity, included within a larger questionnaire, allowed the clinical interviewer to conclude, with 90% accuracy, whether the subject has homosexual attractions.
When the evaluation reveals probable same-sex attractions, the candidate is not automatically excluded from consideration. If he is willing to do the hard work required to come to overcome his emotional pain of male insecurity, sadness and anger, his same-sex attractions could be resolved.
After he no longer identifies himself as a homosexual, he could reapply. The Church should not take the moral risk of allowing someone who identifies himself as a homosexual to enter the seminary.
Also, it is essential that mental health professionals involved in any way with the evaluation of candidates for seminary or with treating seminarians or priests, as well as the faculty at the seminaries, support the teaching of the Church on sexuality, particularly on homosexuality.
In our experience, there are some dioceses and religious communities that rely upon the work of mental health professionals who actively disagree with the Church's sexual morality. Given the specialized nature of evaluating candidates for seminaries we recommend that the psychologists and psychiatrists who engage in this important work be required to participate in ongoing educational programs given by those loyal to the Church's teaching on sexual morality."
From Zenit News Agency - The World Seen From Rome:
"Two different recent studies have found that the answers to a small number of questions about childhood and adolescent experiences, which relate to the development of a positive masculine identity, included within a larger questionnaire, allowed the clinical interviewer to conclude, with 90% accuracy, whether the subject has homosexual attractions.
When the evaluation reveals probable same-sex attractions, the candidate is not automatically excluded from consideration. If he is willing to do the hard work required to come to overcome his emotional pain of male insecurity, sadness and anger, his same-sex attractions could be resolved.
After he no longer identifies himself as a homosexual, he could reapply. The Church should not take the moral risk of allowing someone who identifies himself as a homosexual to enter the seminary.
Also, it is essential that mental health professionals involved in any way with the evaluation of candidates for seminary or with treating seminarians or priests, as well as the faculty at the seminaries, support the teaching of the Church on sexuality, particularly on homosexuality.
In our experience, there are some dioceses and religious communities that rely upon the work of mental health professionals who actively disagree with the Church's sexual morality. Given the specialized nature of evaluating candidates for seminaries we recommend that the psychologists and psychiatrists who engage in this important work be required to participate in ongoing educational programs given by those loyal to the Church's teaching on sexual morality."
Saturday, May 1, 2004
Galante Says No Communion for N.J. Governor
He's in a marriage that the church does not recognize among other contradictions of the faith...
From N.J. Bishop: No Communion for Governor | theledger.com:
"The Most Rev. Joseph Galante said Thursday that he was taking the stance primarily because the Democratic governor remarried without receiving a church annulment.
Galante also cited McGreevey's support of abortion rights, stem cell research and other positions that contradict church views.
Galante, who was installed Friday during a Mass at St. Agnes Church in Blackwood, said he felt duty-bound to take a hard-line stance on the issue. He said the public becomes confused about church teachings when bishops fail to challenge Catholic politicians on their voting records."
From N.J. Bishop: No Communion for Governor | theledger.com:
"The Most Rev. Joseph Galante said Thursday that he was taking the stance primarily because the Democratic governor remarried without receiving a church annulment.
Galante also cited McGreevey's support of abortion rights, stem cell research and other positions that contradict church views.
Galante, who was installed Friday during a Mass at St. Agnes Church in Blackwood, said he felt duty-bound to take a hard-line stance on the issue. He said the public becomes confused about church teachings when bishops fail to challenge Catholic politicians on their voting records."
Not Salem, but London, Ontario
I've posted a teaser but go to The Globe and read the whole story.
From The Globe and Mail:
"The scene was something from a bygone age. The accused, a soft-spoken, unmarried woman of 34, wore a long, blue dress from neck to ankle. She sat in the 'prisoner's box,' an elevated pew in the centre of the splendid 19th-century courtroom. The room was filled with people in Amish dress -- men with broad-brimmed hats, women in homemade cotton, little boys with hair cut in the shape of inverted bowls. Except for the closed-circuit camera, it could have been the century before last. Or maybe Salem. "
From The Globe and Mail:
"The scene was something from a bygone age. The accused, a soft-spoken, unmarried woman of 34, wore a long, blue dress from neck to ankle. She sat in the 'prisoner's box,' an elevated pew in the centre of the splendid 19th-century courtroom. The room was filled with people in Amish dress -- men with broad-brimmed hats, women in homemade cotton, little boys with hair cut in the shape of inverted bowls. Except for the closed-circuit camera, it could have been the century before last. Or maybe Salem. "
Notre Dame Names New President
Will assume position June of 2005.
From Yahoo! News - Notre Dame names new president:
"Quickly and without much fanfare, a 50-year-old priest emerged from the administrative ranks Friday to be named the next president of one of the nation's most prestigious universities.
University of Notre Dame trustees named the Rev. John I. Jenkins -- a philosopher, top administrator and former trustee -- as the third president of the national Catholic institution in the past half-century. "
From Yahoo! News - Notre Dame names new president:
"Quickly and without much fanfare, a 50-year-old priest emerged from the administrative ranks Friday to be named the next president of one of the nation's most prestigious universities.
University of Notre Dame trustees named the Rev. John I. Jenkins -- a philosopher, top administrator and former trustee -- as the third president of the national Catholic institution in the past half-century. "
Friday, April 30, 2004
Archbishop O'Malley Offers Apology to Women
From Boston Archbishop O'Malley Offers Apology to Women for Feminism Comments, Foot-Washing Rite - from TBO.com:
"O'Malley, in a letter published in Friday's edition of The Pilot, the archdiocesan newspaper, praised what he termed 'Christian feminism,' and affirmed his support for the contributions of women in the church.
He also pledged to seek guidance on whether he should wash women's feet when he visits the Vatican in August.
'I am sorry if this controversy has been upsetting to our Catholic women, and I hope that these reflections will help you to understand that I more than value the gifts and contributions that women make to our church and to my own faith life,' he wrote.
The controversy erupted on April 6 when during a homily, O'Malley said of the Baby Boom generation, 'they are heirs to Woodstock, the drug culture, the sexual revolution, feminism, the breakdown of authority, and divorce.'
Two days later, O'Malley washed the feet of 12 men on Holy Thursday, breaking with the tradition of his predecessor, Cardinal Bernard F. Law, who washed the feet of men and women. "
"O'Malley, in a letter published in Friday's edition of The Pilot, the archdiocesan newspaper, praised what he termed 'Christian feminism,' and affirmed his support for the contributions of women in the church.
He also pledged to seek guidance on whether he should wash women's feet when he visits the Vatican in August.
'I am sorry if this controversy has been upsetting to our Catholic women, and I hope that these reflections will help you to understand that I more than value the gifts and contributions that women make to our church and to my own faith life,' he wrote.
The controversy erupted on April 6 when during a homily, O'Malley said of the Baby Boom generation, 'they are heirs to Woodstock, the drug culture, the sexual revolution, feminism, the breakdown of authority, and divorce.'
Two days later, O'Malley washed the feet of 12 men on Holy Thursday, breaking with the tradition of his predecessor, Cardinal Bernard F. Law, who washed the feet of men and women. "
Thursday, April 29, 2004
Cal Thomas on Kerry's Catholic Problem
From Kerry's Catholic problem - The Washington Times: Commentary - April 28, 2004:
"Is the state the issue, or the church? If a Catholic politician, or one of any other faith, sees an injustice and acquires the power to right it, should he then be excused for behaving like Judas and selling his soul for political coinage? Doesn't such a 'faith' lead one to conclude that person might be agnostic, and religion, for him, is merely a tool for hoodwinking the unsophisticated?
Put it another way: Suppose a hospital board decides the hospital should perform abortions. The pro-life administrator and several nurses protest to no avail. Doesn't their belief in the sanctity of life take precedence over their jobs? Would not God, or conscience, require them to resign instead of denying God or conscience and participating in an act they regard as immoral for the sake of a paycheck?
When Mr. Kerry and other Catholic politicians say they accept church teaching but selectively deny it when it comes to abortion, they place the state above the church and man above God. They mortgage their consciences to convenience and principle to pragmatism. Should such a person lead this nation?
"Is the state the issue, or the church? If a Catholic politician, or one of any other faith, sees an injustice and acquires the power to right it, should he then be excused for behaving like Judas and selling his soul for political coinage? Doesn't such a 'faith' lead one to conclude that person might be agnostic, and religion, for him, is merely a tool for hoodwinking the unsophisticated?
Put it another way: Suppose a hospital board decides the hospital should perform abortions. The pro-life administrator and several nurses protest to no avail. Doesn't their belief in the sanctity of life take precedence over their jobs? Would not God, or conscience, require them to resign instead of denying God or conscience and participating in an act they regard as immoral for the sake of a paycheck?
When Mr. Kerry and other Catholic politicians say they accept church teaching but selectively deny it when it comes to abortion, they place the state above the church and man above God. They mortgage their consciences to convenience and principle to pragmatism. Should such a person lead this nation?
Speaker Uninvited for Abortion Comments
A Fort Wayne Story in the Baltimore Sun...
From baltimoresun.com - Speaker Uninvited for Abortion Comments:
"The University of St. Francis has told former ABC News medical correspondent Dr. Nancy Snyderman that it no longer wants her as commencement speaker because of comments she made about abortion seven years ago.
In a letter faxed Tuesday to Snyderman, the Roman Catholic university's president cited comments Snyderman made on ABC's 'Good Morning America' in 1997 as its reason for rescinding her invitation to speak Saturday to the graduating class."
From baltimoresun.com - Speaker Uninvited for Abortion Comments:
"The University of St. Francis has told former ABC News medical correspondent Dr. Nancy Snyderman that it no longer wants her as commencement speaker because of comments she made about abortion seven years ago.
In a letter faxed Tuesday to Snyderman, the Roman Catholic university's president cited comments Snyderman made on ABC's 'Good Morning America' in 1997 as its reason for rescinding her invitation to speak Saturday to the graduating class."
Wednesday, April 28, 2004
50,000 Expected To Greet Medjugordje Visionary in Alabama
From nbc13.com - News - More Than 50,000 Expected At Lunetti Visit:
" A woman who claims to see apparitions of the Virgin Mary and who has attracted thousands of people to a field in Shelby County, is coming back to Alabama.
In previous visits, an estimated 50,000 people turned out to pray with Marija Lunetti off County Road 43. With the Bruno's golf event going on just a few miles away this weekend, many businesses on Highway 280 are anticipating doing banner business.
Lunetti is returning to Caritas of Birmingham for her first public visit there in three years.
'There is an excitement, a joy, an anticipation we didn't feel in '99, so it could be very big,' said Ruth McDonald, of Caritas.
Lunetti claims to be one of six people who started seeing apparitions of the Virgin Mary in Medjugorje, Yugoslavia, more than 20 years ago. She came to Birmingham to donate a kidney to her brother in 1988 and had a vision here. Since then, she's visited every few years, with the largest crowd gathering in 1999.
With six months advance notice of this upcoming visit, Caritas officials have sent out 80,000 packets of information. They believe crowds could top 50,000 this week.
'Right now, we average three to five people on our phones at all times,' McDonald said."
" A woman who claims to see apparitions of the Virgin Mary and who has attracted thousands of people to a field in Shelby County, is coming back to Alabama.
In previous visits, an estimated 50,000 people turned out to pray with Marija Lunetti off County Road 43. With the Bruno's golf event going on just a few miles away this weekend, many businesses on Highway 280 are anticipating doing banner business.
Lunetti is returning to Caritas of Birmingham for her first public visit there in three years.
'There is an excitement, a joy, an anticipation we didn't feel in '99, so it could be very big,' said Ruth McDonald, of Caritas.
Lunetti claims to be one of six people who started seeing apparitions of the Virgin Mary in Medjugorje, Yugoslavia, more than 20 years ago. She came to Birmingham to donate a kidney to her brother in 1988 and had a vision here. Since then, she's visited every few years, with the largest crowd gathering in 1999.
With six months advance notice of this upcoming visit, Caritas officials have sent out 80,000 packets of information. They believe crowds could top 50,000 this week.
'Right now, we average three to five people on our phones at all times,' McDonald said."
Tuesday, April 27, 2004
Amy in The Tennessean
See More books on market set out to debunk 'Da Vinci Code' - Saturday, 04/24/04:
"A Vanderbilt University graduate, Amy Wellborn, has also written De-Coding Da Vinci: The Facts Behind the Fiction of the Da Vinci Code."
"A Vanderbilt University graduate, Amy Wellborn, has also written De-Coding Da Vinci: The Facts Behind the Fiction of the Da Vinci Code."
Dan Brown, Theologian
Amy on Belief.net...Dan Brown, Theologian -- Beliefnet.com: "Dan Brown, Theologian
People who take The Da Vinci Code's claims seriously need to crack open a Good Book. "
People who take The Da Vinci Code's claims seriously need to crack open a Good Book. "
Satanic Worship Involved in Murder of Nun by Priest
The article below specifies "bizarre rituals", CBS news did a story on this last night and reported that it was a "satanic ritual".
FromOhio News Network:
"Authorities say they decided to re-examine the case after a woman accused Roman Catholic priests of sexually abusing her during bizarre rituals.
The 66-year-old Robinson wore a brown jail jumpsuit and stood silently during the hearing, his arms at his sides and hands folded.
A preliminary hearing is set for next Monday. "
FromOhio News Network:
"Authorities say they decided to re-examine the case after a woman accused Roman Catholic priests of sexually abusing her during bizarre rituals.
The 66-year-old Robinson wore a brown jail jumpsuit and stood silently during the hearing, his arms at his sides and hands folded.
A preliminary hearing is set for next Monday. "
Monday, April 26, 2004
Cardinal Speaking for the Pope
I'm in Ohio and they are running Kerry ads almost non-stop.
From Cardinal's Communion ban backed:
"Cardinal Francis Arinze, a top Vatican official who said Friday that Roman Catholic lawmakers who support abortion rights should not receive Holy Communion, was speaking for the pope, local Catholic leaders said yesterday.
'He is the highest-ranking person in the whole chain under the pope with regard to the sacraments,' said the Rev. Joseph Koterski, head of the philosophy department at Fordham University.
Pope John Paul II said virtually the same thing in an encyclical fairly recently, he added.
'You can be confident that he is speaking also for the pope' and about Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., said Jack Healey of Bronxville, the retired director of the Archbishop Hughes Institute for Religion and Culture at Fordham.
'This has been bothering the bishops and it has obviously been bothering the Vatican that Catholic politicians are responding to the 'American situation' and not trying to impose Catholic understanding of abortion and human life. I think it will be a storm in the church,' he said. 'Short-lived.'' "
From Cardinal's Communion ban backed:
"Cardinal Francis Arinze, a top Vatican official who said Friday that Roman Catholic lawmakers who support abortion rights should not receive Holy Communion, was speaking for the pope, local Catholic leaders said yesterday.
'He is the highest-ranking person in the whole chain under the pope with regard to the sacraments,' said the Rev. Joseph Koterski, head of the philosophy department at Fordham University.
Pope John Paul II said virtually the same thing in an encyclical fairly recently, he added.
'You can be confident that he is speaking also for the pope' and about Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., said Jack Healey of Bronxville, the retired director of the Archbishop Hughes Institute for Religion and Culture at Fordham.
'This has been bothering the bishops and it has obviously been bothering the Vatican that Catholic politicians are responding to the 'American situation' and not trying to impose Catholic understanding of abortion and human life. I think it will be a storm in the church,' he said. 'Short-lived.'' "
Sunday, April 25, 2004
Liturgical Abuses
Our parish, not liberal by any means, continued to use a flagon today, as well as a pottery chalice, glass chalices and glass ciboria all of which are prohibited. We'll see how long this continues... The document advises the laity to inform their bishop and then the Vatican if abuses are not stopped--so you and I have a role here.
From CNS STORY: LITURGY-GRAVE Apr-23-2004 (1,580 words) With photos. xxxn:
"-- 'The pouring of the blood of Christ after the consecration from one vessel to another is completely to be avoided, lest anything should happen that would be to the detriment of so great a mystery. Never to be used for containing the blood of the Lord are flagons, bowls or other vessels.' This instruction prohibits the widespread U.S. practice of placing one or more pitchers of wine on the altar before the consecration when Communion is to be distributed under both kinds, and then pouring that wine into chalices before Communion. A related instruction says there is no problem with placing multiple chalices filled with wine on the altar before the consecration, but for the sake of 'sign value' the main chalice should be larger than the others."
From CNS STORY: LITURGY-GRAVE Apr-23-2004 (1,580 words) With photos. xxxn:
"-- 'The pouring of the blood of Christ after the consecration from one vessel to another is completely to be avoided, lest anything should happen that would be to the detriment of so great a mystery. Never to be used for containing the blood of the Lord are flagons, bowls or other vessels.' This instruction prohibits the widespread U.S. practice of placing one or more pitchers of wine on the altar before the consecration when Communion is to be distributed under both kinds, and then pouring that wine into chalices before Communion. A related instruction says there is no problem with placing multiple chalices filled with wine on the altar before the consecration, but for the sake of 'sign value' the main chalice should be larger than the others."
Moment of Decision
The case of Catholic politician John Kerry and his active stance for abortion is thrusting the issue of what exactly does it mean to be a Catholic into the public sphere. This issue is akin to a mafia boss being denied communion because of the noteriety of the persons criminal life. Whether the bishops will speak in a unified voice or will offer a variety of options leading congregants to believe that it doesn't really matter is going to say a lot about the future of the Catholic Church as a "light" for all to see or a "light" hidden under a basket. A bishop said to me recently that he feared that the bishops as a whole had become rather hoarse when it came to speaking out on what is right and wrong...fearing being labeled hypocrites over the abuse problems. So be it, fearing how they would appear before people is what created that horrible crisis and fearing how they will appear before others now will decide whether they are ready to be martyred for the faith or co-opted by those who use it for the faith to acheive their own ends in this life.
Saturday, April 24, 2004
De-Coding Da Vinci: The Facts Behind the Fiction of The Da Vinci Code
Update at 6:00 p.m. now its #60!!!
#90, a top 100 seller!
Barnes?&?Noble.com - De-Coding Da Vinci: The Facts Behind the Fiction of The Da Vinci Code: "Product Details:
ISBN: 1592761011
Format: Paperback
Pub. Date: April 2004Publisher: Our Sunday Visitor, Publishing Division
Barnes & Noble Sales Rank: 90"
#90, a top 100 seller!
Barnes?&?Noble.com - De-Coding Da Vinci: The Facts Behind the Fiction of The Da Vinci Code: "Product Details:
ISBN: 1592761011
Format: Paperback
Pub. Date: April 2004Publisher: Our Sunday Visitor, Publishing Division
Barnes & Noble Sales Rank: 90"
Kerry & Kennedy Shrug Off Vatican
From New York Daily News - News & Views - Kerry snub for Vatican on choice:
"Kerry and fellow Massachusetts Democratic Sen. Edward Kennedy both signaled they won't change how they worship as Catholics.
'This is an opinion by one member in the Vatican circle ... but he's not speaking for the Pope. That's a major difference,' Kennedy said.
Priests at the Paulist Center on Boston's Beacon Hill, where Kerry often worships, have said they won't deny the senator Communion, but didn't immediately comment on the statement from Rome.
The pro-life Bush camp accused Kerry of being out of touch with mainstream America on issues like partial-birth abortion. But one pro-choice GOP source noted the late John Cardinal O'Connor took on former GOP Rep. Susan Molinari in the 1990s over her pro-choice stance, but later backed off. "
"Kerry and fellow Massachusetts Democratic Sen. Edward Kennedy both signaled they won't change how they worship as Catholics.
'This is an opinion by one member in the Vatican circle ... but he's not speaking for the Pope. That's a major difference,' Kennedy said.
Priests at the Paulist Center on Boston's Beacon Hill, where Kerry often worships, have said they won't deny the senator Communion, but didn't immediately comment on the statement from Rome.
The pro-life Bush camp accused Kerry of being out of touch with mainstream America on issues like partial-birth abortion. But one pro-choice GOP source noted the late John Cardinal O'Connor took on former GOP Rep. Susan Molinari in the 1990s over her pro-choice stance, but later backed off. "
Kerry & Kennedy Shrug Off Vatican
From New York Daily News - News & Views - Kerry snub for Vatican on choice:
"Kerry and fellow Massachusetts Democratic Sen. Edward Kennedy both signaled they won't change how they worship as Catholics.
'This is an opinion by one member in the Vatican circle ... but he's not speaking for the Pope. That's a major difference,' Kennedy said.
Priests at the Paulist Center on Boston's Beacon Hill, where Kerry often worships, have said they won't deny the senator Communion, but didn't immediately comment on the statement from Rome.
The pro-life Bush camp accused Kerry of being out of touch with mainstream America on issues like partial-birth abortion. But one pro-choice GOP source noted the late John Cardinal O'Connor took on former GOP Rep. Susan Molinari in the 1990s over her pro-choice stance, but later backed off. "
"Kerry and fellow Massachusetts Democratic Sen. Edward Kennedy both signaled they won't change how they worship as Catholics.
'This is an opinion by one member in the Vatican circle ... but he's not speaking for the Pope. That's a major difference,' Kennedy said.
Priests at the Paulist Center on Boston's Beacon Hill, where Kerry often worships, have said they won't deny the senator Communion, but didn't immediately comment on the statement from Rome.
The pro-life Bush camp accused Kerry of being out of touch with mainstream America on issues like partial-birth abortion. But one pro-choice GOP source noted the late John Cardinal O'Connor took on former GOP Rep. Susan Molinari in the 1990s over her pro-choice stance, but later backed off. "
Friday, April 23, 2004
NFL Player Killed in Action in Afghanistan
From NFL.com - NFL News:
"Former Arizona Cardinals safety Pat Tillman, who gave up an NFL contract to join the Army Rangers, reportedly has been killed in Afghanistan.
In the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in 2001, Tillman turned down a three-year contract with the Cardinals to enlist in the Army.
Tillman was a member of the 75th Ranger Regiment, and the Army refers to them as an 'elite combat unit.' Candidates must pass a stringent orientation course, where they are challenged physically and mentally, before they can even be selected. The Rangers are an infantry force trained to fight against any threat. Their creed: 'Rangers lead the way!' "
"Former Arizona Cardinals safety Pat Tillman, who gave up an NFL contract to join the Army Rangers, reportedly has been killed in Afghanistan.
In the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in 2001, Tillman turned down a three-year contract with the Cardinals to enlist in the Army.
Tillman was a member of the 75th Ranger Regiment, and the Army refers to them as an 'elite combat unit.' Candidates must pass a stringent orientation course, where they are challenged physically and mentally, before they can even be selected. The Rangers are an infantry force trained to fight against any threat. Their creed: 'Rangers lead the way!' "
Key Phrase in the Document of Abuses
Para 59 affirms: "The reprobated practice by which Priests, Deacons or the faithful here and there alter or vary at will the texts of the Sacred Liturgy that they are charged to pronounce, must cease. For in doing thus, they render the celebration of the Sacred Liturgy unstable, and not infrequently distort the authentic meaning of the Liturgy."
New Vatican Document on Abuses of the Eucharist Released
From Instruction Redemptionis Sacramentum:
"[169.] Whenever an abuse is committed in the celebration of the sacred Liturgy, it is to be seen as a real falsification of Catholic Liturgy. St Thomas wrote, "the vice of falsehood is perpetrated by anyone who offers worship to God on behalf of the Church in a manner contrary to that which is established by the Church with divine authority, and to which the Church is accustomed".[278]
[170.] In order that a remedy may be applied to such abuses, "there is a pressing need for the biblical and liturgical formation of the people of God, both pastors and faithful",[279] so that the Church's faith and discipline concerning the sacred Liturgy may be accurately presented and understood. Where abuses persist, however, proceedings should be undertaken for safeguarding the spiritual patrimony and rights of the Church in accordance with the law, employing all legitimate means.
[171.] Among the various abuses there are some which are objectively graviora delicta or otherwise constitute grave matters, as well as others which are nonetheless to be carefully avoided and corrected. Bearing in mind everything that is treated especially in Chapter I of this Instruction, attention should be paid to what follows."
Grave Abuses:
a) taking away or retaining the consecrated species for sacrilegious ends, or the throwing them away;[281]
b) the attempted celebration of the liturgical action of the Eucharistic Sacrifice or the simulation of the same;[282]
c) the forbidden concelebration of the Eucharistic Sacrifice with ministers of Ecclesial Communities that do not have the apostolic succession nor acknowledge the sacramental dignity of priestly Ordination;[283]
d) the consecration for sacrilegious ends of one matter without the other in the celebration of the Eucharist or even of both outside the celebration of the Eucharist.[284]
"[169.] Whenever an abuse is committed in the celebration of the sacred Liturgy, it is to be seen as a real falsification of Catholic Liturgy. St Thomas wrote, "the vice of falsehood is perpetrated by anyone who offers worship to God on behalf of the Church in a manner contrary to that which is established by the Church with divine authority, and to which the Church is accustomed".[278]
[170.] In order that a remedy may be applied to such abuses, "there is a pressing need for the biblical and liturgical formation of the people of God, both pastors and faithful",[279] so that the Church's faith and discipline concerning the sacred Liturgy may be accurately presented and understood. Where abuses persist, however, proceedings should be undertaken for safeguarding the spiritual patrimony and rights of the Church in accordance with the law, employing all legitimate means.
[171.] Among the various abuses there are some which are objectively graviora delicta or otherwise constitute grave matters, as well as others which are nonetheless to be carefully avoided and corrected. Bearing in mind everything that is treated especially in Chapter I of this Instruction, attention should be paid to what follows."
Grave Abuses:
a) taking away or retaining the consecrated species for sacrilegious ends, or the throwing them away;[281]
b) the attempted celebration of the liturgical action of the Eucharistic Sacrifice or the simulation of the same;[282]
c) the forbidden concelebration of the Eucharistic Sacrifice with ministers of Ecclesial Communities that do not have the apostolic succession nor acknowledge the sacramental dignity of priestly Ordination;[283]
d) the consecration for sacrilegious ends of one matter without the other in the celebration of the Eucharist or even of both outside the celebration of the Eucharist.[284]
Thursday, April 22, 2004
The Passion and Its Enemies
Here is a snipet, but the whole column is a must read...
From The Passion and Its Enemies:
"What is the attachment of columnists in 2004 to a high priest of the first century A.D.? Why the Caiaphas Defense Fund? Is it not possible to accept that after Jesus berated the scribes and Pharisees in front of the people they might want to kill him? Is it not possible that the high priest would plot the death of so charismatic and threatening a figure?
What these writers are saying is that it is fine to say Pilate ordered the crucifixion, and the Romans did it, but anti-Semitic to say Caiaphas was the prime mover in the Passover plot. Yet, for Caiaphas to be innocent, the Gospels must be myths or lies. My film is anti-Semitic only if the Gospels are anti-Semitic, says Gibson.
Exactly the point, says Stanley Kauffmann of the New Republic: “‘The Passion’ is anti-Semitic, because the Gospels themselves are anti-Semitic—in the sense of fixing Jewish responsibility for the Crucifixion.” Abe Foxman agrees: “the Gospels, if taken literally, can be very damaging.” But what if the Gospels “taken literally” are true?
To Boston University’s Paula Fredriksen, an apostate Catholic and convert to Judaism, “anti-Semitism has been integral to Christianity.” In the Toronto Globe & Mail, Donald Akinson writes, “To film a literal version of the Gospel of John is like filming a faithful version of The Protocols of the Elders of Zion.”
With folks who believe this, dialogue seems pointless. For they are saying that Christianity is anti-Semitic at its root and either we rewrite the Gospels to eradicate any “perfidy” by the Jewish authorities who delivered Christ to Pilate, or we are colluding in anti-Semitism and responsible for its consequences. If being faithful to the Christian imperative to tell the Gospel truth about the suffering, death, and resurrection of Christ is, to non-Christians and post-C"
From The Passion and Its Enemies:
"What is the attachment of columnists in 2004 to a high priest of the first century A.D.? Why the Caiaphas Defense Fund? Is it not possible to accept that after Jesus berated the scribes and Pharisees in front of the people they might want to kill him? Is it not possible that the high priest would plot the death of so charismatic and threatening a figure?
What these writers are saying is that it is fine to say Pilate ordered the crucifixion, and the Romans did it, but anti-Semitic to say Caiaphas was the prime mover in the Passover plot. Yet, for Caiaphas to be innocent, the Gospels must be myths or lies. My film is anti-Semitic only if the Gospels are anti-Semitic, says Gibson.
Exactly the point, says Stanley Kauffmann of the New Republic: “‘The Passion’ is anti-Semitic, because the Gospels themselves are anti-Semitic—in the sense of fixing Jewish responsibility for the Crucifixion.” Abe Foxman agrees: “the Gospels, if taken literally, can be very damaging.” But what if the Gospels “taken literally” are true?
To Boston University’s Paula Fredriksen, an apostate Catholic and convert to Judaism, “anti-Semitism has been integral to Christianity.” In the Toronto Globe & Mail, Donald Akinson writes, “To film a literal version of the Gospel of John is like filming a faithful version of The Protocols of the Elders of Zion.”
With folks who believe this, dialogue seems pointless. For they are saying that Christianity is anti-Semitic at its root and either we rewrite the Gospels to eradicate any “perfidy” by the Jewish authorities who delivered Christ to Pilate, or we are colluding in anti-Semitism and responsible for its consequences. If being faithful to the Christian imperative to tell the Gospel truth about the suffering, death, and resurrection of Christ is, to non-Christians and post-C"
What's Your Addiction?
Remember there are no chemical solutions to spiritual problems.
From CNN.com - Study:Chocolate, BBQ addiction may be real - Apr 21, 2004:
"People who say they are addicted to chocolate or pizza may not be exaggerating, U.S.-based scientists said Tuesday.
A brain scan study of normal, hungry people showed their brains lit up when they saw and smelled their favorite foods in much the same way as the brains of cocaine addicts when they think about their next snort.
'Food presentation significantly increased metabolism in the whole brain (by 24 percent) and these changes were largest in superior temporal, anterior insula, and orbitofrontal cortices,' they wrote.
These areas are associated with addiction.
An estimated 30 percent of Americans are obese, meaning they have a body mass index of more than 30. This ratio of height to weight usually works out to being about 30 pounds overweight for a woman and 35 to 40 pounds overweight for a man."
From CNN.com - Study:Chocolate, BBQ addiction may be real - Apr 21, 2004:
"People who say they are addicted to chocolate or pizza may not be exaggerating, U.S.-based scientists said Tuesday.
A brain scan study of normal, hungry people showed their brains lit up when they saw and smelled their favorite foods in much the same way as the brains of cocaine addicts when they think about their next snort.
'Food presentation significantly increased metabolism in the whole brain (by 24 percent) and these changes were largest in superior temporal, anterior insula, and orbitofrontal cortices,' they wrote.
These areas are associated with addiction.
An estimated 30 percent of Americans are obese, meaning they have a body mass index of more than 30. This ratio of height to weight usually works out to being about 30 pounds overweight for a woman and 35 to 40 pounds overweight for a man."
Wednesday, April 21, 2004
Friars Petition Mel Gibson to Make Francis Film
If he did it, something tells me it wouldn't be anything like "Brother Sun, Sister Moon"...
Father Groeschel's community...
From BBC NEWS | Entertainment | Franciscan friars petition Gibson:
"The Franciscan Friars of the Renewal have posted a letter to Gibson on their website, along with an online petition.
It praises the director for his 'work of sacred art' and asks him 'to produce a sequel about a man many acclaim to be the Church's greatest saint'.
St Francis is the patron saint of animals and the environment.
In the letter to Gibson, the friars say they believe the film, if made, 'would show the world what happens when a person totally and unequivocally responds to the Passion of the Christ.'
It goes on to suggest Gibson could call the film Man of the Passion. "
Father Groeschel's community...
From BBC NEWS | Entertainment | Franciscan friars petition Gibson:
"The Franciscan Friars of the Renewal have posted a letter to Gibson on their website, along with an online petition.
It praises the director for his 'work of sacred art' and asks him 'to produce a sequel about a man many acclaim to be the Church's greatest saint'.
St Francis is the patron saint of animals and the environment.
In the letter to Gibson, the friars say they believe the film, if made, 'would show the world what happens when a person totally and unequivocally responds to the Passion of the Christ.'
It goes on to suggest Gibson could call the film Man of the Passion. "
Tuesday, April 20, 2004
Great Review of New Book
God's Little Hobo touches the soul, April 15, 2004
Reviewer: Theresa Campbell from Leesburg, FL United States
She had every reason to be bitter towards life and angry at God. Yet, Virginia Cyr never was. She embraced the Lord through hundreds of letters to her "mother" -- Blessed Mother Mary, while plaqued with unbearable pain and confined to a wheelchair. As much as she wanted to be a nun, it wasn't meant to be. Instead, she took the vows privately, vowing to serve those who invite her into their homes. I was among the fortunate ones to have known Virginia. Even though I was just a child, she touched me deeply with her laughter and infectious smile. I adored being around her, and to this day, I marvel how as a 5-year-old she would giggle and wiggle out of her wheechair to obliged to my requests for wheelchair rides. I truly believe she is continuing her mission to serve those who invite her into their lives. Whether you knew Virginia or not, once reading God's Little Hobo, you're bound to come away admiring Virginia's incredible faith and marvel over the depth and beauty of her writings. Her words are her voice. This is a book one can read over and over again and you'll find another passage that touches the heart. It's a book that can change your life. Many of Virginia's friends now believe they were in the presence of a saint, and after reading this book, I feel the same. Maybe you will, too.
Virginia Cyr, God's Little Hobo
Reviewer: Theresa Campbell from Leesburg, FL United States
She had every reason to be bitter towards life and angry at God. Yet, Virginia Cyr never was. She embraced the Lord through hundreds of letters to her "mother" -- Blessed Mother Mary, while plaqued with unbearable pain and confined to a wheelchair. As much as she wanted to be a nun, it wasn't meant to be. Instead, she took the vows privately, vowing to serve those who invite her into their homes. I was among the fortunate ones to have known Virginia. Even though I was just a child, she touched me deeply with her laughter and infectious smile. I adored being around her, and to this day, I marvel how as a 5-year-old she would giggle and wiggle out of her wheechair to obliged to my requests for wheelchair rides. I truly believe she is continuing her mission to serve those who invite her into their lives. Whether you knew Virginia or not, once reading God's Little Hobo, you're bound to come away admiring Virginia's incredible faith and marvel over the depth and beauty of her writings. Her words are her voice. This is a book one can read over and over again and you'll find another passage that touches the heart. It's a book that can change your life. Many of Virginia's friends now believe they were in the presence of a saint, and after reading this book, I feel the same. Maybe you will, too.
Virginia Cyr, God's Little Hobo
Power of Prayer and Jack McKeon
The weird thing about this piece is I dreamed about it last night--interviewing Jack McKeon, talked about doing a collection of such interviews with a co-worker this morning and then I pick up the USA Today and here is a piece on Jack McKeon...talk about vision.
From USATODAY.com - McKeon's divine outlook pays off:
"McKeon firmly believes he was put in this job 'to help these young guys, physically, mentally and spiritually to reach their potential.'
Pausing a moment, he adds, 'And I really believe they brought me back to be a messenger for senior citizens. I can't tell you the number of letters and calls and the people who've come up to me saying I gave them hope that they can contribute to society at an advanced age.'
McKeon goes to Mass every morning and, yes, he sometimes asks for help for his Marlins.
'I'll pray, 'Whatever's in your plan is OK with me, but if you can find a way ... see if this guy won't boot a ball for us once in awhile. We'll accept any help we can get, but if it's not to be, we'll understand,' ' he says with a laugh. 'Seriously, I have a strong belief in the power of prayer. That's the only reason I'm here today. Before I got this job, I said to the Good Lord, I'd like to have one more chance. I prayed for that for about a year, and out of the blue comes Jeffrey Loria, and here I am.' "
From USATODAY.com - McKeon's divine outlook pays off:
"McKeon firmly believes he was put in this job 'to help these young guys, physically, mentally and spiritually to reach their potential.'
Pausing a moment, he adds, 'And I really believe they brought me back to be a messenger for senior citizens. I can't tell you the number of letters and calls and the people who've come up to me saying I gave them hope that they can contribute to society at an advanced age.'
McKeon goes to Mass every morning and, yes, he sometimes asks for help for his Marlins.
'I'll pray, 'Whatever's in your plan is OK with me, but if you can find a way ... see if this guy won't boot a ball for us once in awhile. We'll accept any help we can get, but if it's not to be, we'll understand,' ' he says with a laugh. 'Seriously, I have a strong belief in the power of prayer. That's the only reason I'm here today. Before I got this job, I said to the Good Lord, I'd like to have one more chance. I prayed for that for about a year, and out of the blue comes Jeffrey Loria, and here I am.' "
Why These Men are Heretics
I've made this argument before on this blog..the way the church should be dealing with these men is treating them as heretics, i.e. because they are teaching heresy. This lastest account is a perfect example.
From ABC 7 News - Priest Sentenced on Molestation Charge:
"A priest accused of molesting a teenage boy has pleaded no contest in the case, but argues that he committed the acts in question for spiritual reasons and not sexual gratification, his lawyer said Sunday.
Anthony Jablonowski, 69, was sentenced Thursday to between 15 months and seven years in prison for one count of taking indecent, immodest or immoral liberties with a minor, his attorney Dallas Laird said. The amount of time he serves will depend on his behavior in prison.
The victim, now in his late 30s, stepped forward recently with allegations that Jablonowski had molested him at least once in the early 1980s at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Guernsey, about 100 miles north of Cheyenne. He was 17 at the time.
During an investigation, authorities learned that Jablonowski regularly took men to the church basement, asking them to strip naked before they were gagged, blindfolded and hung upside down from the ceiling, Platte County prosecutor Eric Alden told The Denver Post in Sunday's editions.
According to Alden, the men's genitals were manipulated to induce pain while they prayed. He could not be reached for comment Sunday. "
From ABC 7 News - Priest Sentenced on Molestation Charge:
"A priest accused of molesting a teenage boy has pleaded no contest in the case, but argues that he committed the acts in question for spiritual reasons and not sexual gratification, his lawyer said Sunday.
Anthony Jablonowski, 69, was sentenced Thursday to between 15 months and seven years in prison for one count of taking indecent, immodest or immoral liberties with a minor, his attorney Dallas Laird said. The amount of time he serves will depend on his behavior in prison.
The victim, now in his late 30s, stepped forward recently with allegations that Jablonowski had molested him at least once in the early 1980s at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Guernsey, about 100 miles north of Cheyenne. He was 17 at the time.
During an investigation, authorities learned that Jablonowski regularly took men to the church basement, asking them to strip naked before they were gagged, blindfolded and hung upside down from the ceiling, Platte County prosecutor Eric Alden told The Denver Post in Sunday's editions.
According to Alden, the men's genitals were manipulated to induce pain while they prayed. He could not be reached for comment Sunday. "
Monday, April 19, 2004
New Search Engine
Searches web sites, books and keeps a history of your search for you to reference later. Uses Amazon...
A9.com > Search Technologies
A9.com > Search Technologies
Where a fallen bishop goes to heal
From Where a fallen bishop goes to heal:
"The entrance to Mepkin Abbey is a long, private driveway lined with ancient live-oak trees, scenically draped in Spanish moss. Go straight, and you reach a beautiful, terraced garden sewn with azaleas and camellias, overlooking a calm, lonely stretch of the Cooper River.
Turn before that, and you will reach the riverside monastery itself, where 27 Trappist monks live, following a regimen that has its roots in the 11th century. They pray communally seven times a day, and if you arrive at the right time, you will hear the church bells toll. The monks will be found in their white, hooded robes, manning their prayer stalls, singing and chanting the Psalms.
These days, you also will see a guest, not robed but in civilian dress, sitting among them. He is Bishop Anthony J. O'Connell, who resigned as head of the Palm Beach Diocese 25 months ago after confessing to sexual improprieties. He has lived here ever since in the seclusion of this Catholic monastery."
"The entrance to Mepkin Abbey is a long, private driveway lined with ancient live-oak trees, scenically draped in Spanish moss. Go straight, and you reach a beautiful, terraced garden sewn with azaleas and camellias, overlooking a calm, lonely stretch of the Cooper River.
Turn before that, and you will reach the riverside monastery itself, where 27 Trappist monks live, following a regimen that has its roots in the 11th century. They pray communally seven times a day, and if you arrive at the right time, you will hear the church bells toll. The monks will be found in their white, hooded robes, manning their prayer stalls, singing and chanting the Psalms.
These days, you also will see a guest, not robed but in civilian dress, sitting among them. He is Bishop Anthony J. O'Connell, who resigned as head of the Palm Beach Diocese 25 months ago after confessing to sexual improprieties. He has lived here ever since in the seclusion of this Catholic monastery."
Heroic Virtue of New Yorker Recognized
From Vatican Information Service:
Servant of God Mary Anne Barbara Cope, known as "Mother Marianne of Molokai," German, religious of the Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis of Syracuse, New York (1838-1918).
Servant of God Mary Anne Barbara Cope, known as "Mother Marianne of Molokai," German, religious of the Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis of Syracuse, New York (1838-1918).
Eucharist Instruction to be Released on Friday
From the Vatican Information Service:
On Friday, April 23 at 11:30 in the Holy See Press Office there will be the presentation of the Instruction of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of Sacraments "'Redemptionis Sacramentum', on several things that must be observed and avoided regarding the Most Holy Eucharist."
Presenting the document will be Cardinal Francis Arinze, and Archbishop Domenico Sorrentino, respectively prefect and secretary of the congregation, and Archbishop Angelo Amato, secretary of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. Also present will be Cardinal Julian Herranz, president of the Pontifical Council for Legislative texts.
On Friday, April 23 at 11:30 in the Holy See Press Office there will be the presentation of the Instruction of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of Sacraments "'Redemptionis Sacramentum', on several things that must be observed and avoided regarding the Most Holy Eucharist."
Presenting the document will be Cardinal Francis Arinze, and Archbishop Domenico Sorrentino, respectively prefect and secretary of the congregation, and Archbishop Angelo Amato, secretary of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. Also present will be Cardinal Julian Herranz, president of the Pontifical Council for Legislative texts.
Sunday, April 18, 2004
Feast of Divine Mercy
From the Diary of St. Faustina:
"Yes, the first Sunday after Easter is the Feast of Mercy, but there must also be deeds of mercy, which are to arise out of love for Me. You are to show mercy to our neighbors always and everywhere. You must not shrink from this or try to absolve yourself from it. (Diary 742)"
"Yes, the first Sunday after Easter is the Feast of Mercy, but there must also be deeds of mercy, which are to arise out of love for Me. You are to show mercy to our neighbors always and everywhere. You must not shrink from this or try to absolve yourself from it. (Diary 742)"
Catholic Kerry Watch
The great thing about blogs is that one will arise to meet every need.
Catholic Kerry Watch:
"Chronicling Democratic presidential frontrunner John Kerry's desparate attempts to maintain his status as 'a Catholic in good standing' while publicly flouting the moral teachings of the Catholic Church. "
Catholic Kerry Watch:
"Chronicling Democratic presidential frontrunner John Kerry's desparate attempts to maintain his status as 'a Catholic in good standing' while publicly flouting the moral teachings of the Catholic Church. "
Saturday, April 17, 2004
Vatican Envoy's Assessment of Iraq
From EWTN News Story:
"'The Americans are no longer in command of the situation, and I don't know whether they will be successful in regaining control.' That is the assessment of Archbishop Fernando Filoni, the papal nuncio in Iraq.
Speaking to the Italian daily Il Giornale, Archbishop Filoni offered a critical appraisal of American policy in Iraq, one year after the beginning of war there. He also condemned the Iraqis who have taken Western hostages, saying that they have 'lost all sense of proportion' in their approach.
'In Washington, they still don't understand that they will never be loved, and that the people of Iraq will not tolerate the occupation,' the papal nuncio said. He recommended that American leaders should 'have the courage to transfer power immediately.' The people of Iraq 'need a leader who can speak their language,' the Italian prelate continued. He observed that the top American official in Iraq, Paul Bremer, does not understand the situation as native Iraqis see it. 'If the governor would leave his bunker, and walk around through the city, he would realize that things are not going well,' the archbishop said. "
"'The Americans are no longer in command of the situation, and I don't know whether they will be successful in regaining control.' That is the assessment of Archbishop Fernando Filoni, the papal nuncio in Iraq.
Speaking to the Italian daily Il Giornale, Archbishop Filoni offered a critical appraisal of American policy in Iraq, one year after the beginning of war there. He also condemned the Iraqis who have taken Western hostages, saying that they have 'lost all sense of proportion' in their approach.
'In Washington, they still don't understand that they will never be loved, and that the people of Iraq will not tolerate the occupation,' the papal nuncio said. He recommended that American leaders should 'have the courage to transfer power immediately.' The people of Iraq 'need a leader who can speak their language,' the Italian prelate continued. He observed that the top American official in Iraq, Paul Bremer, does not understand the situation as native Iraqis see it. 'If the governor would leave his bunker, and walk around through the city, he would realize that things are not going well,' the archbishop said. "
An Invitation from Father Benedict Groeschel...
When we run into difficult situation, we often find that family and friends come to our assistance, and that can be a most consoling thing. The brothers and sisters of our community, together with my own family and friends, have made this difficult experience much more bearable. I will always be grateful to them. There are, however, the times when you are alone. As I look around the nursing home where I am recovering at the moment, I see so many elderly people and even those in their late sixties and early seventies with illnesses, who appear to be terribly alone. It seems tragic. Wouldn't it be wonderful in our society if it became a custom among Christians to visit one sick person, one lonely person, in a nursing home or hospital every week? It would turn Sunday morning after Mass into a time of great blessedness. In my present situation I am aware that there are so many good people who for one reason or another have no one to support them. Jesus says in St. Matthew's Gospel: "I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me." It's a good resolution to make.
Friday, April 16, 2004
Review of Virginia Cyr: God's Little Hobo
Great review...this is a book that everyone should read!
From Villages Daily Sun:
"She had every reason to be bitter toward life and angry with God.
Many people probably would have been.
But not Virginia Cyr.
Abandoned at age 4 after her mother discovered Virginia was afflicted with cerebral palsy, the wheelchair-bound youngster was placed in one foster home after another, followed by an orphanage and later, a nursing home.
Yet, Virginia was full of love, joy and deep faith despite her many moments of unbearable pain, fatigue and muscle spasms. In her quietest of times, she pored out her heart in daily "letters to Mary," the mother of Jesus. "...
To order your copy...
Virginia Cyr, God's Little Hobo
From Villages Daily Sun:
"She had every reason to be bitter toward life and angry with God.
Many people probably would have been.
But not Virginia Cyr.
Abandoned at age 4 after her mother discovered Virginia was afflicted with cerebral palsy, the wheelchair-bound youngster was placed in one foster home after another, followed by an orphanage and later, a nursing home.
Yet, Virginia was full of love, joy and deep faith despite her many moments of unbearable pain, fatigue and muscle spasms. In her quietest of times, she pored out her heart in daily "letters to Mary," the mother of Jesus. "...
To order your copy...
Virginia Cyr, God's Little Hobo
Catholic Music Director Accused of Murdering "Ex-Lover"
You have to read through a significant part of the story before you are told that the lover was another man...I wonder if part of the defense will be having to sing "I will raise him up..." over and over and believing that he could do it?
From Music director expected to post bail:
"Bond was set Wednesday at $100,000 for a former employee at St. Peter Catholic Church accused of slaying his ex-lover in New York, authorities said.
Michael Pavone, 58, of West Chicago, has pleaded innocent to murder and other offenses for allegedly stabbing and beating his former roommate nearly five years ago and then dumping the body in a Buffalo, N.Y., nature preserve.
Pavone, the former music director at the Geneva parish, was arrested Monday in New York, about one week after authorities said new evidence surfaced linking him to the crime."
From Music director expected to post bail:
"Bond was set Wednesday at $100,000 for a former employee at St. Peter Catholic Church accused of slaying his ex-lover in New York, authorities said.
Michael Pavone, 58, of West Chicago, has pleaded innocent to murder and other offenses for allegedly stabbing and beating his former roommate nearly five years ago and then dumping the body in a Buffalo, N.Y., nature preserve.
Pavone, the former music director at the Geneva parish, was arrested Monday in New York, about one week after authorities said new evidence surfaced linking him to the crime."
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