From News4Jax:
A pastor at the First United Methodist Church in Lutz, Fla., is recovering Monday after being attacked and pulled under the water by a 6-foot alligator.
Rick Cabot was going for a morning swim in a nearby lake as part of his triathalon training when he said he felt a gator bite him and then pull him under.
Cabot said he punched the alligator on the nose until he was released.
"I don't know if it was trying to kill me -- it could have done a better job," Cabot said. "I was underwater this whole time, but I don't remember ever feeling panicked or short of breath or anything. I do remember thinking, 'I cannot believe a gator has my leg,' and I think that's when I punched it in the nose."
Sunday, May 23, 2004
Saturday, May 22, 2004
Liturgy Abuse of Pouring Out Consecrated Wine
It is interesting that this story is emphasized and from my experience at a number of churches still being ignored.
From CNS STORY: LITURGY-WINE May-19-2004 (1,100 words) With photo. xxxn:
"Following up on its recent instruction on the Eucharist, the Vatican has ordered a change in U.S. liturgical norms.
It has ordered that any wine to be used for distributing Communion under both kinds be poured into the individual chalices during the preparation of the gifts, before it is consecrated.
It reversed a widespread custom, codified in U.S. norms approved in 2002, that called for distribution of the consecrated wine into the chalices at the time of the breaking of the bread, just before Communion.
Msgr. James P. Moroney, executive director of the U.S. bishops' Secretariat for Liturgy, said the revised norms are effective immediately, but it is up to each bishop to determine how to implement any liturgical change in his diocese."
From CNS STORY: LITURGY-WINE May-19-2004 (1,100 words) With photo. xxxn:
"Following up on its recent instruction on the Eucharist, the Vatican has ordered a change in U.S. liturgical norms.
It has ordered that any wine to be used for distributing Communion under both kinds be poured into the individual chalices during the preparation of the gifts, before it is consecrated.
It reversed a widespread custom, codified in U.S. norms approved in 2002, that called for distribution of the consecrated wine into the chalices at the time of the breaking of the bread, just before Communion.
Msgr. James P. Moroney, executive director of the U.S. bishops' Secretariat for Liturgy, said the revised norms are effective immediately, but it is up to each bishop to determine how to implement any liturgical change in his diocese."
Friday, May 21, 2004
New Auxiliary Bishops for Newark
From the Vatican Information Service:
Appointed Msgrs. Thomas A. Donato, spiritual director of the Major Seminary of the Immaculate Conception in South Orange, U.S.A., and John W. Flesey, director of permanent formation for the clergy of the archdiocese of Newark, U.S.A., as auxiliary bishops of the same archdiocese (area 1,328, population 2,809,267, Catholics 1,319,558, priests 929, permanent deacons 198, religious 1,667), U.S.A. Bishop-elect Donato was born in 1940 in Jersey City, U.S.A., and was ordained a priest in 1965. Bishop-elect Flesey was born in 1942 Jersey City and was ordained in 1969. They succeed Bishops Charles J. McDonnell and David Arias, O.A.R. whose resignations from the office of auxiliary were accepted upon having reached the age limit.
Appointed Msgrs. Thomas A. Donato, spiritual director of the Major Seminary of the Immaculate Conception in South Orange, U.S.A., and John W. Flesey, director of permanent formation for the clergy of the archdiocese of Newark, U.S.A., as auxiliary bishops of the same archdiocese (area 1,328, population 2,809,267, Catholics 1,319,558, priests 929, permanent deacons 198, religious 1,667), U.S.A. Bishop-elect Donato was born in 1940 in Jersey City, U.S.A., and was ordained a priest in 1965. Bishop-elect Flesey was born in 1942 Jersey City and was ordained in 1969. They succeed Bishops Charles J. McDonnell and David Arias, O.A.R. whose resignations from the office of auxiliary were accepted upon having reached the age limit.
Must Be Something in the Water Here
Up at 3:58 as though an alarm had gone off...
Just to clarify, I've been at the Archabbey of Saint Meinrad the past few days. Unlike the Trappist, they do not begin Lauds and Vigils until 5:30 A.M., so there is no reason to get up at 4:00 A.M. when you are here and I haven't wanted to get up at 4:00 A.M.--just have both days and have stayed up until 10:30 P.M. after a fairly strenuous days of hiking around the property with a photographer who is shooting pieces that will be used in upcoming projects.
I love lauds and vigils, but would love it even more if I could keep myself asleep until about fifteen minutes before it started.
Just to clarify, I've been at the Archabbey of Saint Meinrad the past few days. Unlike the Trappist, they do not begin Lauds and Vigils until 5:30 A.M., so there is no reason to get up at 4:00 A.M. when you are here and I haven't wanted to get up at 4:00 A.M.--just have both days and have stayed up until 10:30 P.M. after a fairly strenuous days of hiking around the property with a photographer who is shooting pieces that will be used in upcoming projects.
I love lauds and vigils, but would love it even more if I could keep myself asleep until about fifteen minutes before it started.
Thursday, May 20, 2004
Porter Marries Former Nun in Prison
I like how SpiritDaily refers to these type of stories as "Our Strange Times"...
From Duluth News Tribune:
Former priest James Porter, a convicted pedophile who once lived in Minnesota and is now awaiting trial on the state's bid to keep him locked up indefinitely as a sexually dangerous person, got married in prison this week.
Porter married Anne Milner, a former nun he met more than 40 years ago while he was a young seminarian. The two met again three years ago after Milner wrote him a letter in prison.
Porter, 69, was convicted in 1993 of sexually abusing 28 children. Although he completed his prison sentence in January, Porter has remained in custody while state prosecutors seek to have him committed.
From Duluth News Tribune:
Former priest James Porter, a convicted pedophile who once lived in Minnesota and is now awaiting trial on the state's bid to keep him locked up indefinitely as a sexually dangerous person, got married in prison this week.
Porter married Anne Milner, a former nun he met more than 40 years ago while he was a young seminarian. The two met again three years ago after Milner wrote him a letter in prison.
Porter, 69, was convicted in 1993 of sexually abusing 28 children. Although he completed his prison sentence in January, Porter has remained in custody while state prosecutors seek to have him committed.
Hint: There is Nothing to Be Anti-Catholic About, if Being Catholic Doesn't Mean Anything Concrete...
Who Are the Leaders of the Catholic Church in the US?
From MSNBC:
Forty-eight Roman Catholic members of Congress have warned in a letter to Cardinal Theodore E. McCarrick of Washington that U.S. bishops will revive anti-Catholic bigotry and severely harm the church if they deny Communion to politicians who support abortion rights.
The letter's signers, all Democrats, include at least three House members with strong antiabortion voting records.
"For many years Catholics were denied public office by voters who feared that they would take direction from the Pope," they wrote. ". . . While that type of paranoid anti-Catholicism seems to be a thing of the past, attempts by Church leaders today to influence votes by the threat of withholding a sacrament will revive latent anti-Catholic prejudice, which so many of us have worked so hard to overcome."
From MSNBC:
Forty-eight Roman Catholic members of Congress have warned in a letter to Cardinal Theodore E. McCarrick of Washington that U.S. bishops will revive anti-Catholic bigotry and severely harm the church if they deny Communion to politicians who support abortion rights.
The letter's signers, all Democrats, include at least three House members with strong antiabortion voting records.
"For many years Catholics were denied public office by voters who feared that they would take direction from the Pope," they wrote. ". . . While that type of paranoid anti-Catholicism seems to be a thing of the past, attempts by Church leaders today to influence votes by the threat of withholding a sacrament will revive latent anti-Catholic prejudice, which so many of us have worked so hard to overcome."
Up With the Monks
Woke up this morning at 4:00 A.M. and prayed with the monks from 5:30-8...something very right about getting in a block of prayer before a bit of work is done...sets the right tone for the day.
Wednesday, May 19, 2004
American Cardinal Stafford Accuses President of Moral Failure
From Politics News Article | Reuters.com:
"A senior American cardinal in the Vatican has accused the U.S. administration of 'moral failure' and deception in Iraq and warned the war had severely compromised future relations with the Arab world.
In an interview due to be published in the June edition of 'Inside the Vatican' magazine, Cardinal James Francis Stafford also said the abuse of Iraqi prisoners was the work of 'barbarians.' An advance copy was made available to Reuters.
Stafford, the former archbishop of Denver who has been working in the Vatican since 1996, said the reasons for starting the war in Iraq were a 'moral failure' because there had been no conclusive proof of weapons of mass destruction.
'Why did the president, the vice-president and the secretary of defense say there was an immediate danger to the peace of American society by the proximate use of weapons that would come from Iraq, either directly or through al Qaeda?' he said. "
"A senior American cardinal in the Vatican has accused the U.S. administration of 'moral failure' and deception in Iraq and warned the war had severely compromised future relations with the Arab world.
In an interview due to be published in the June edition of 'Inside the Vatican' magazine, Cardinal James Francis Stafford also said the abuse of Iraqi prisoners was the work of 'barbarians.' An advance copy was made available to Reuters.
Stafford, the former archbishop of Denver who has been working in the Vatican since 1996, said the reasons for starting the war in Iraq were a 'moral failure' because there had been no conclusive proof of weapons of mass destruction.
'Why did the president, the vice-president and the secretary of defense say there was an immediate danger to the peace of American society by the proximate use of weapons that would come from Iraq, either directly or through al Qaeda?' he said. "
Tuesday, May 18, 2004
Great News--One of My Classmates Made a Bishop!
Congratulations Martin!
In the very small environment that is a Catholic seminary Martin was one of the twenty-two students who I was in class with for three years of my life. Much liked by everyone, appointments like this always amaze me!
From the Vatican Information Service:
Appointed Fr. Martin David Holley, of the clergy of the diocese of Pensacola-Tallahasee, U.S.A and pastor of Little Flower Parish, as auxiliary bishop of the archdiocese of Washington (area 5,447, population 2,571,395, Catholics 581,900, priests 1,060, permanent deacons 61, religious 1,608), U.S.A. The bishop-elect was born in 1954 in Pensacola, U.S.A. and was ordained a priest in 1987.
In the very small environment that is a Catholic seminary Martin was one of the twenty-two students who I was in class with for three years of my life. Much liked by everyone, appointments like this always amaze me!
From the Vatican Information Service:
Appointed Fr. Martin David Holley, of the clergy of the diocese of Pensacola-Tallahasee, U.S.A and pastor of Little Flower Parish, as auxiliary bishop of the archdiocese of Washington (area 5,447, population 2,571,395, Catholics 581,900, priests 1,060, permanent deacons 61, religious 1,608), U.S.A. The bishop-elect was born in 1954 in Pensacola, U.S.A. and was ordained a priest in 1987.
Monday, May 17, 2004
Pope Wonders if He Hasn't Been Hard Enough
The title of this book which recounts his years as a bishop in Poland, is from the Gospels when Jesus comes back to his sleeping disciples and says, "Get up, let us go, see my betrayal is at hand." I always find it interesting when someone uses scripture for a title to see it in the context and wonder what does it mean for that person.
From New York Post Online Edition: news:
"In a new autobiography, Pope John Paul II wonders if he has been strict enough in his leadership.
In excerpts printed by Il Giornale newspaper yesterday, ahead of the book's publication tomorrow, the pope says church leaders must admonish people as well as lead them in faith. 'I think that in this aspect, maybe I have done too little. There is always this problem of how to balance authority and service. Perhaps I need to criticize myself for not having tried hard enough to lead,' the pope writes in the book, titled 'Get Up! Let Us Go!' "
From New York Post Online Edition: news:
"In a new autobiography, Pope John Paul II wonders if he has been strict enough in his leadership.
In excerpts printed by Il Giornale newspaper yesterday, ahead of the book's publication tomorrow, the pope says church leaders must admonish people as well as lead them in faith. 'I think that in this aspect, maybe I have done too little. There is always this problem of how to balance authority and service. Perhaps I need to criticize myself for not having tried hard enough to lead,' the pope writes in the book, titled 'Get Up! Let Us Go!' "
Bishop of Grand Rapids, Dies at Age 59
From the story it sounds like he may have been dead for some time before they discovered him. Hard to believe you could be a bishop and be alone for that long.
From Kevin Britt, Bishop of Grand Rapids, dies at age 59:
"The state of Michigan lost its second Catholic bishop in less than two months when the Rev. Kevin Britt of the Diocese of Grand Rapids died unexpectedly at age 59.
Co-workers found Britt at his home Sunday morning after they became worried when he did not return several phone calls. He apparently died sometime during the weekend, said Ned McGrath, a spokesman for the Archdiocese of Detroit.
McGrath said Britt had canceled all his appointments last week because he hadn't been feeling well.
No foul play is suspected, McGrath said. An autopsy is planned. "
From Kevin Britt, Bishop of Grand Rapids, dies at age 59:
"The state of Michigan lost its second Catholic bishop in less than two months when the Rev. Kevin Britt of the Diocese of Grand Rapids died unexpectedly at age 59.
Co-workers found Britt at his home Sunday morning after they became worried when he did not return several phone calls. He apparently died sometime during the weekend, said Ned McGrath, a spokesman for the Archdiocese of Detroit.
McGrath said Britt had canceled all his appointments last week because he hadn't been feeling well.
No foul play is suspected, McGrath said. An autopsy is planned. "
Amy in the Manchester Union Leader
From The Union Leader and New Hampshire Sunday News - 17-May-04 - Best-selling author under fire from religious historians:
"Another Catholic writer has pointed out even the title of the book gets it wrong. Amy Welborn, author of De-coding Da Vinci, has said calling the painter "Da Vinci" -- a reference to his hometown -- is like calling Jesus "of Nazareth." "
"Another Catholic writer has pointed out even the title of the book gets it wrong. Amy Welborn, author of De-coding Da Vinci, has said calling the painter "Da Vinci" -- a reference to his hometown -- is like calling Jesus "of Nazareth." "
Sunday, May 16, 2004
Archbishop Burke's Side of the Story
Thanks to Paul for this! Here is a snipet, but go to the link for the full story...
From St. Louis Review Online:
"In order that you have a correct perception of the situation, I offer a reflection on the situation itself, in the context of the Church's understanding of the relationship of a parish to the diocese or archdiocese, and to the universal Church. The reflection both seeks to heal any scandal in the matter and provides us all a good occasion to reflect on the gift of our life in the Church at the parish, diocesan and universal levels.
Closing of Parishes and Parish Funds
To be clear, from the start, it is no part of my thinking or of the thinking of anyone who advises me that St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish should be closed. On the contrary, I have stated repeatedly, both in writing and orally, that I take great pride in St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish as a personal parish for Polish-speaking Catholics and Catholics of Polish heritage in the Archdiocese of St. Louis. I have thanked publicly those who have sacrificed so much to keep St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish active and strong. And I have confirmed publicly my intention to help the parish in every way possible, pledging that it will enjoy my fullest support. For example, even though the archdiocese anticipates having fewer priests to assign in the coming years, I have promised to St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish the service of both a priest of the archdiocese and a native Polish priest. "
From St. Louis Review Online:
"In order that you have a correct perception of the situation, I offer a reflection on the situation itself, in the context of the Church's understanding of the relationship of a parish to the diocese or archdiocese, and to the universal Church. The reflection both seeks to heal any scandal in the matter and provides us all a good occasion to reflect on the gift of our life in the Church at the parish, diocesan and universal levels.
Closing of Parishes and Parish Funds
To be clear, from the start, it is no part of my thinking or of the thinking of anyone who advises me that St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish should be closed. On the contrary, I have stated repeatedly, both in writing and orally, that I take great pride in St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish as a personal parish for Polish-speaking Catholics and Catholics of Polish heritage in the Archdiocese of St. Louis. I have thanked publicly those who have sacrificed so much to keep St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish active and strong. And I have confirmed publicly my intention to help the parish in every way possible, pledging that it will enjoy my fullest support. For example, even though the archdiocese anticipates having fewer priests to assign in the coming years, I have promised to St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish the service of both a priest of the archdiocese and a native Polish priest. "
Pope Set to Celebrate 84th Birthday
On Tuesday of this week...
From http://www.theage.com.au:
"Pope John Paul II prepares to celebrate his 84th birthday on Tuesday, buoyed by plans for fresh trips abroad despite poor health which has led to fears his trademark foreign travel was over.
The pontiff will symbolically blow out the candles on a birthday cake prepared for him by his cook, Sister Germana, and millions of copies of a book of his memoirs will be published in several languages to mark the occasion.
But his entourage said that the best present for the ailing pope would be his trip on June 5 and 6 to the Swiss capital Bern, where he is due to meet with thousands of young Roman Catholics."
From http://www.theage.com.au:
"Pope John Paul II prepares to celebrate his 84th birthday on Tuesday, buoyed by plans for fresh trips abroad despite poor health which has led to fears his trademark foreign travel was over.
The pontiff will symbolically blow out the candles on a birthday cake prepared for him by his cook, Sister Germana, and millions of copies of a book of his memoirs will be published in several languages to mark the occasion.
But his entourage said that the best present for the ailing pope would be his trip on June 5 and 6 to the Swiss capital Bern, where he is due to meet with thousands of young Roman Catholics."
Saturday, May 15, 2004
Confusion!
This is the second time that Our Sunday Visitor has been mentioned in the New York Times in the past few weeks...Russ Shaw makes a good point here, well worth calling out and wondering why aren't the majority of bishops passionate about the faith?
From The New York Times > National > Bishop Would Deny Rite for Defiant Catholic Voters:
"In the absence of a unified national position, individual bishops are producing widely diverging directives, causing widespread confusion, said Russell Shaw, Washington correspondent for the Catholic publication Our Sunday Visitor and a former spokesman for the bishops.
'There's probably a rather small number of bishops who are strongly in favor of denying communion,' Mr. Shaw said. 'Probably a somewhat larger but not overwhelming number rather strongly oppose doing that. And the third and far away largest group are those who just wish the whole issue would go away.'
The letter from Bishop Sheridan will undoubtedly intensify the debate, partly because it sounds in places like a political endorsement, Catholic observers said. "
From The New York Times > National > Bishop Would Deny Rite for Defiant Catholic Voters:
"In the absence of a unified national position, individual bishops are producing widely diverging directives, causing widespread confusion, said Russell Shaw, Washington correspondent for the Catholic publication Our Sunday Visitor and a former spokesman for the bishops.
'There's probably a rather small number of bishops who are strongly in favor of denying communion,' Mr. Shaw said. 'Probably a somewhat larger but not overwhelming number rather strongly oppose doing that. And the third and far away largest group are those who just wish the whole issue would go away.'
The letter from Bishop Sheridan will undoubtedly intensify the debate, partly because it sounds in places like a political endorsement, Catholic observers said. "
St. Louis Polish Parish Fights Archdiocese Over Control
A number of stories like this are springing up lately. Whether it is laity fighting to save their parish from being closed or priests joining forces against the bishop to triumph some cause at odds with Catholic teaching. These may be isolated incidents or signs of that the bishops are losing control of the faithful in this country...
From Parish votes to protect itself:
"A Polish parish at odds with the St. Louis Archdiocese has voted overwhelmingly to release its assets to a Roman Catholic charity -- not the archdiocese -- if the parish ever dissolves.
St. Stanislaus Kosta parish challenged Archbishop Raymond Burke's demand that it relinquish control of $9 million in assets and leadership by a lay board, calling that an unlawful takeover.
Various administrative changes amount to insurance protection in a feud with little hope for compromise, parishioner Roger Krasnicki said.
The historic parish has contacted religious orders requesting staff if Archbishop Raymond Burke withdraws its archdiocesan priest. A delegation will seek support at the Vatican."
From Parish votes to protect itself:
"A Polish parish at odds with the St. Louis Archdiocese has voted overwhelmingly to release its assets to a Roman Catholic charity -- not the archdiocese -- if the parish ever dissolves.
St. Stanislaus Kosta parish challenged Archbishop Raymond Burke's demand that it relinquish control of $9 million in assets and leadership by a lay board, calling that an unlawful takeover.
Various administrative changes amount to insurance protection in a feud with little hope for compromise, parishioner Roger Krasnicki said.
The historic parish has contacted religious orders requesting staff if Archbishop Raymond Burke withdraws its archdiocesan priest. A delegation will seek support at the Vatican."
A New Exit Stradegy in Iraq?
Could get us out quick, there would be civil war there almost immediately afterward.
The Seattle Times: Nation & World: Powell: If asked, U.S. will leave Iraq:
"Secretary of State Colin Powell emphatically said yesterday that if the incoming Iraqi interim government ordered the departure of foreign troops after June 30, they would pack up without protest, but emphasized he doubted such a request would be made.
Powell said the United States believes a U.N. resolution passed last year and Iraqi administrative law provide necessary authority for coalition forces -- currently numbering about 170,000 -- to remain even beyond the scheduled June 30 handover of limited sovereignty to an interim Iraqi government. "
The Seattle Times: Nation & World: Powell: If asked, U.S. will leave Iraq:
"Secretary of State Colin Powell emphatically said yesterday that if the incoming Iraqi interim government ordered the departure of foreign troops after June 30, they would pack up without protest, but emphasized he doubted such a request would be made.
Powell said the United States believes a U.N. resolution passed last year and Iraqi administrative law provide necessary authority for coalition forces -- currently numbering about 170,000 -- to remain even beyond the scheduled June 30 handover of limited sovereignty to an interim Iraqi government. "
Friday, May 14, 2004
A Hard Look at the Way the Media is Portraying Kolbe Bryant
Go to the page, scroll down at the lady holding the sign, "From Court 2 Court , Kolbe Rocks!" What is wrongwith these people?
From ESPN.com: Page 2 - It's absurd, it's a shame, it's Kobe:
"You would think his name is Kobe Tillman or Pat Bryant. You would think Kobe Bryant is an American hero, shuttling back and forth between Baghdad and Los Angeles."
From ESPN.com: Page 2 - It's absurd, it's a shame, it's Kobe:
"You would think his name is Kobe Tillman or Pat Bryant. You would think Kobe Bryant is an American hero, shuttling back and forth between Baghdad and Los Angeles."
The Old West? Priest Shoots and Kills Mayor
I had a priest friend who used to carry around a gun and joke time to time that we'd been preaching the Gospel long enough, it was time to start enforcing it. Perhaps this sad fellow was one of his disciples.
From New Zealand Herald - Latest News:
"A Catholic priest shot to death the mayor of a town in western Mexico early on Wednesday after the pair got drunk and began punching each other during a religious festival, state officials said.
After exchanging blows, the priest whipped out a 9mm pistol and fired four bullets into Lorenzo Ruiz, mayor of Chalpatlahuac, an indigenous town nestled in mountains 220km west of the Guerrero state capital of Chilpancingo, authorities said.
'It seems they were arguing, these two men. They were at a get-together, they had words and the priest shot the mayor. They were apparently both in a state of drunkenness,' said Guerrero state spokesman Jesus Nava.
Local newspapers said the priest, whom they identified as Lorenzo Cuellar, was arrested after he also shot the mayor's son, injuring him. "
From New Zealand Herald - Latest News:
"A Catholic priest shot to death the mayor of a town in western Mexico early on Wednesday after the pair got drunk and began punching each other during a religious festival, state officials said.
After exchanging blows, the priest whipped out a 9mm pistol and fired four bullets into Lorenzo Ruiz, mayor of Chalpatlahuac, an indigenous town nestled in mountains 220km west of the Guerrero state capital of Chilpancingo, authorities said.
'It seems they were arguing, these two men. They were at a get-together, they had words and the priest shot the mayor. They were apparently both in a state of drunkenness,' said Guerrero state spokesman Jesus Nava.
Local newspapers said the priest, whom they identified as Lorenzo Cuellar, was arrested after he also shot the mayor's son, injuring him. "
Thursday, May 13, 2004
Archbishop Rebukes Inquiry Pannel
From DenverPost.com - LOCAL NEWS:
"Denver Roman Catholic Archbishop Charles Chaput has rebuked a board of prominent Catholic lay people investigating the clergy abuse scandal, suggesting the group has overstepped its bounds and issued 'implicit threats.'
In a private letter made public Tuesday by the newspaper National Catholic Reporter, Chaput and his assistant, Bishop Jose Gomez, castigated Anne Burke, interim chairwoman of the National Review Board for the Protection of Young People.
Chaput and Gomez addressed Burke's claim that bishops held back information and manipulated the board for public relations reasons."
"Denver Roman Catholic Archbishop Charles Chaput has rebuked a board of prominent Catholic lay people investigating the clergy abuse scandal, suggesting the group has overstepped its bounds and issued 'implicit threats.'
In a private letter made public Tuesday by the newspaper National Catholic Reporter, Chaput and his assistant, Bishop Jose Gomez, castigated Anne Burke, interim chairwoman of the National Review Board for the Protection of Young People.
Chaput and Gomez addressed Burke's claim that bishops held back information and manipulated the board for public relations reasons."
Our Lady of Fatima and The Third Secret of Fatima
A lot has happened in the world since the "third" secret of Fatima was released several years ago. On this feast of Our Lady of Fatima there is much to reflect upon in its apocalyptic wording. Let me offer several points to reflect upon...
9/11..."passed through a big city half in ruins"
the Pope... "half trembling with halting step, afflicted with pain and sorrow"
Given below is the complete translation of the original Portuguese text of the third part of the secret of Fatima, revealed to the three shepherd children at Cova da Iria-Fatima on July 13, 1917, and committed to paper by Sr. Lucia on January 3, 1944:
"I write in obedience to you, my God, who command me to do so through his Excellency the Bishop of Leiria and through your Most Holy Mother and mine.
"After the two parts which I have already explained, at the left of Our Lady and a little above, we saw an Angel with a flaming sword in his left hand; flashing, it gave out flames that looked as though they would set the world on fire; but they died out in contact with the splendor that Our Lady radiated towards him from her right hand: pointing to the earth with his right hand, the Angel cried out in a loud voice: 'Penance, Penance, Penance!'. And we saw in an immense light that is God: 'something similar to how people appear in a mirror when they pass in front of it' a Bishop dressed in White 'we had the impression that it was the Holy Father'. Other Bishops, Priests, men and women Religious going up a steep mountain, at the top of which there was a big Cross of rough-hewn trunks as of a cork-tree with the bark; before reaching there the Holy Father passed through a big city half in ruins and half trembling with halting step, afflicted with pain and sorrow, he prayed for the souls of the corpses he met on his way; having reached the top of the mountain, on his knees at the foot of the big Cross he was killed by a group of soldiers who fired bullets and arrows at him, and in the same way there died one after another the other Bishops, Priests, men and women Religious, and various lay people of different ranks and positions. Beneath the two arms of the Cross there were two Angels each with a crystal aspersorium in his hand, in which they gathered up the blood of the Martyrs and with it sprinkled the souls that were making their way to God."
9/11..."passed through a big city half in ruins"
the Pope... "half trembling with halting step, afflicted with pain and sorrow"
Given below is the complete translation of the original Portuguese text of the third part of the secret of Fatima, revealed to the three shepherd children at Cova da Iria-Fatima on July 13, 1917, and committed to paper by Sr. Lucia on January 3, 1944:
"I write in obedience to you, my God, who command me to do so through his Excellency the Bishop of Leiria and through your Most Holy Mother and mine.
"After the two parts which I have already explained, at the left of Our Lady and a little above, we saw an Angel with a flaming sword in his left hand; flashing, it gave out flames that looked as though they would set the world on fire; but they died out in contact with the splendor that Our Lady radiated towards him from her right hand: pointing to the earth with his right hand, the Angel cried out in a loud voice: 'Penance, Penance, Penance!'. And we saw in an immense light that is God: 'something similar to how people appear in a mirror when they pass in front of it' a Bishop dressed in White 'we had the impression that it was the Holy Father'. Other Bishops, Priests, men and women Religious going up a steep mountain, at the top of which there was a big Cross of rough-hewn trunks as of a cork-tree with the bark; before reaching there the Holy Father passed through a big city half in ruins and half trembling with halting step, afflicted with pain and sorrow, he prayed for the souls of the corpses he met on his way; having reached the top of the mountain, on his knees at the foot of the big Cross he was killed by a group of soldiers who fired bullets and arrows at him, and in the same way there died one after another the other Bishops, Priests, men and women Religious, and various lay people of different ranks and positions. Beneath the two arms of the Cross there were two Angels each with a crystal aspersorium in his hand, in which they gathered up the blood of the Martyrs and with it sprinkled the souls that were making their way to God."
Bleeding Crucifix in Small Eskimo Village
From iobserve:
"Reports that a crucifix started bleeding from classic stigmata points has drawn visitors to a remote Alaskan village church.
Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Marshall, an Eskimo village of about 360 people, has been abuzz since the Easter Vigil, when a group of parishioners say the church's main crucifix began to bleed from the feet, hands and side.
Anna Polty, 73, claims she saw something happening to the crucifix during the April 10 Easter Vigil. And after the vigil, when the parishioners were downstairs having a snack, Polty's friend, Sophie Shorty, whispered in her ear that the crucifix was starting to bleed. Both women went back upstairs to see.
'Where they nailed his hands, and on his feet and on that cut on his side it was starting to bleed,' Polty told The Catholic Anchor, Anchorage archdiocesan newspaper. 'His knee was starting to bleed too, and his elbow too. Started sliding down, all that blood.' "
"Reports that a crucifix started bleeding from classic stigmata points has drawn visitors to a remote Alaskan village church.
Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Marshall, an Eskimo village of about 360 people, has been abuzz since the Easter Vigil, when a group of parishioners say the church's main crucifix began to bleed from the feet, hands and side.
Anna Polty, 73, claims she saw something happening to the crucifix during the April 10 Easter Vigil. And after the vigil, when the parishioners were downstairs having a snack, Polty's friend, Sophie Shorty, whispered in her ear that the crucifix was starting to bleed. Both women went back upstairs to see.
'Where they nailed his hands, and on his feet and on that cut on his side it was starting to bleed,' Polty told The Catholic Anchor, Anchorage archdiocesan newspaper. 'His knee was starting to bleed too, and his elbow too. Started sliding down, all that blood.' "
Bleeding Crucifix in Small Eskimo Village
From iobserve:
"Reports that a crucifix started bleeding from classic stigmata points has drawn visitors to a remote Alaskan village church.
Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Marshall, an Eskimo village of about 360 people, has been abuzz since the Easter Vigil, when a group of parishioners say the church's main crucifix began to bleed from the feet, hands and side.
Anna Polty, 73, claims she saw something happening to the crucifix during the April 10 Easter Vigil. And after the vigil, when the parishioners were downstairs having a snack, Polty's friend, Sophie Shorty, whispered in her ear that the crucifix was starting to bleed. Both women went back upstairs to see.
'Where they nailed his hands, and on his feet and on that cut on his side it was starting to bleed,' Polty told The Catholic Anchor, Anchorage archdiocesan newspaper. 'His knee was starting to bleed too, and his elbow too. Started sliding down, all that blood.' "
"Reports that a crucifix started bleeding from classic stigmata points has drawn visitors to a remote Alaskan village church.
Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Marshall, an Eskimo village of about 360 people, has been abuzz since the Easter Vigil, when a group of parishioners say the church's main crucifix began to bleed from the feet, hands and side.
Anna Polty, 73, claims she saw something happening to the crucifix during the April 10 Easter Vigil. And after the vigil, when the parishioners were downstairs having a snack, Polty's friend, Sophie Shorty, whispered in her ear that the crucifix was starting to bleed. Both women went back upstairs to see.
'Where they nailed his hands, and on his feet and on that cut on his side it was starting to bleed,' Polty told The Catholic Anchor, Anchorage archdiocesan newspaper. 'His knee was starting to bleed too, and his elbow too. Started sliding down, all that blood.' "
Bleeding Crucifix in Small Eskimo Village
From iobserve:
"Reports that a crucifix started bleeding from classic stigmata points has drawn visitors to a remote Alaskan village church.
Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Marshall, an Eskimo village of about 360 people, has been abuzz since the Easter Vigil, when a group of parishioners say the church's main crucifix began to bleed from the feet, hands and side.
Anna Polty, 73, claims she saw something happening to the crucifix during the April 10 Easter Vigil. And after the vigil, when the parishioners were downstairs having a snack, Polty's friend, Sophie Shorty, whispered in her ear that the crucifix was starting to bleed. Both women went back upstairs to see.
'Where they nailed his hands, and on his feet and on that cut on his side it was starting to bleed,' Polty told The Catholic Anchor, Anchorage archdiocesan newspaper. 'His knee was starting to bleed too, and his elbow too. Started sliding down, all that blood.' "
"Reports that a crucifix started bleeding from classic stigmata points has drawn visitors to a remote Alaskan village church.
Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Marshall, an Eskimo village of about 360 people, has been abuzz since the Easter Vigil, when a group of parishioners say the church's main crucifix began to bleed from the feet, hands and side.
Anna Polty, 73, claims she saw something happening to the crucifix during the April 10 Easter Vigil. And after the vigil, when the parishioners were downstairs having a snack, Polty's friend, Sophie Shorty, whispered in her ear that the crucifix was starting to bleed. Both women went back upstairs to see.
'Where they nailed his hands, and on his feet and on that cut on his side it was starting to bleed,' Polty told The Catholic Anchor, Anchorage archdiocesan newspaper. 'His knee was starting to bleed too, and his elbow too. Started sliding down, all that blood.' "
Bleeding Crucifix in Small Eskimo Village
From iobserve:
"Reports that a crucifix started bleeding from classic stigmata points has drawn visitors to a remote Alaskan village church.
Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Marshall, an Eskimo village of about 360 people, has been abuzz since the Easter Vigil, when a group of parishioners say the church's main crucifix began to bleed from the feet, hands and side.
Anna Polty, 73, claims she saw something happening to the crucifix during the April 10 Easter Vigil. And after the vigil, when the parishioners were downstairs having a snack, Polty's friend, Sophie Shorty, whispered in her ear that the crucifix was starting to bleed. Both women went back upstairs to see.
'Where they nailed his hands, and on his feet and on that cut on his side it was starting to bleed,' Polty told The Catholic Anchor, Anchorage archdiocesan newspaper. 'His knee was starting to bleed too, and his elbow too. Started sliding down, all that blood.' "
"Reports that a crucifix started bleeding from classic stigmata points has drawn visitors to a remote Alaskan village church.
Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Marshall, an Eskimo village of about 360 people, has been abuzz since the Easter Vigil, when a group of parishioners say the church's main crucifix began to bleed from the feet, hands and side.
Anna Polty, 73, claims she saw something happening to the crucifix during the April 10 Easter Vigil. And after the vigil, when the parishioners were downstairs having a snack, Polty's friend, Sophie Shorty, whispered in her ear that the crucifix was starting to bleed. Both women went back upstairs to see.
'Where they nailed his hands, and on his feet and on that cut on his side it was starting to bleed,' Polty told The Catholic Anchor, Anchorage archdiocesan newspaper. 'His knee was starting to bleed too, and his elbow too. Started sliding down, all that blood.' "
Bleeding Crucifix in Small Eskimo Village
From iobserve:
"Reports that a crucifix started bleeding from classic stigmata points has drawn visitors to a remote Alaskan village church.
Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Marshall, an Eskimo village of about 360 people, has been abuzz since the Easter Vigil, when a group of parishioners say the church's main crucifix began to bleed from the feet, hands and side.
Anna Polty, 73, claims she saw something happening to the crucifix during the April 10 Easter Vigil. And after the vigil, when the parishioners were downstairs having a snack, Polty's friend, Sophie Shorty, whispered in her ear that the crucifix was starting to bleed. Both women went back upstairs to see.
'Where they nailed his hands, and on his feet and on that cut on his side it was starting to bleed,' Polty told The Catholic Anchor, Anchorage archdiocesan newspaper. 'His knee was starting to bleed too, and his elbow too. Started sliding down, all that blood.' "
"Reports that a crucifix started bleeding from classic stigmata points has drawn visitors to a remote Alaskan village church.
Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Marshall, an Eskimo village of about 360 people, has been abuzz since the Easter Vigil, when a group of parishioners say the church's main crucifix began to bleed from the feet, hands and side.
Anna Polty, 73, claims she saw something happening to the crucifix during the April 10 Easter Vigil. And after the vigil, when the parishioners were downstairs having a snack, Polty's friend, Sophie Shorty, whispered in her ear that the crucifix was starting to bleed. Both women went back upstairs to see.
'Where they nailed his hands, and on his feet and on that cut on his side it was starting to bleed,' Polty told The Catholic Anchor, Anchorage archdiocesan newspaper. 'His knee was starting to bleed too, and his elbow too. Started sliding down, all that blood.' "
Bleeding Crucifix in Small Eskimo Village
From iobserve:
"Reports that a crucifix started bleeding from classic stigmata points has drawn visitors to a remote Alaskan village church.
Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Marshall, an Eskimo village of about 360 people, has been abuzz since the Easter Vigil, when a group of parishioners say the church's main crucifix began to bleed from the feet, hands and side.
Anna Polty, 73, claims she saw something happening to the crucifix during the April 10 Easter Vigil. And after the vigil, when the parishioners were downstairs having a snack, Polty's friend, Sophie Shorty, whispered in her ear that the crucifix was starting to bleed. Both women went back upstairs to see.
'Where they nailed his hands, and on his feet and on that cut on his side it was starting to bleed,' Polty told The Catholic Anchor, Anchorage archdiocesan newspaper. 'His knee was starting to bleed too, and his elbow too. Started sliding down, all that blood.' "
"Reports that a crucifix started bleeding from classic stigmata points has drawn visitors to a remote Alaskan village church.
Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Marshall, an Eskimo village of about 360 people, has been abuzz since the Easter Vigil, when a group of parishioners say the church's main crucifix began to bleed from the feet, hands and side.
Anna Polty, 73, claims she saw something happening to the crucifix during the April 10 Easter Vigil. And after the vigil, when the parishioners were downstairs having a snack, Polty's friend, Sophie Shorty, whispered in her ear that the crucifix was starting to bleed. Both women went back upstairs to see.
'Where they nailed his hands, and on his feet and on that cut on his side it was starting to bleed,' Polty told The Catholic Anchor, Anchorage archdiocesan newspaper. 'His knee was starting to bleed too, and his elbow too. Started sliding down, all that blood.' "
Wednesday, May 12, 2004
Weeping Cardboard Christ draws Texas pilgrims
Pray for their child...offer a prayer up right now as you read this...
From HoustonChronicle.com - Weeping cardboard Christ draws Texas pilgrims:
"Religious pilgrims have come to this Coastal Bend town by the hundreds to glimpse an image of Jesus they say began weeping inside a wood-framed house following a grandmother's prayers for a baby in a Houston hospital .
The pilgrims were told that the tears were in response to prayers from a young grandmother for her critically disfigured grandson.
The Catholic Church has not yet investigated the claims. "
From HoustonChronicle.com - Weeping cardboard Christ draws Texas pilgrims:
"Religious pilgrims have come to this Coastal Bend town by the hundreds to glimpse an image of Jesus they say began weeping inside a wood-framed house following a grandmother's prayers for a baby in a Houston hospital .
The pilgrims were told that the tears were in response to prayers from a young grandmother for her critically disfigured grandson.
The Catholic Church has not yet investigated the claims. "
Strange Coincidence?
From yesterday's Office of Readings:
"Also I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their testimony to Jesus and for the word of God, and who had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands." (Revelation 20:4)
This reading occurs every year, but I doubt that the "I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded" was ever more graphic than it was for me as I read those words last night. It makes one think of the death of St. John the Baptist and St. Paul.
There is great sadness in such horrible acts but with our faith in Christ there is great hope of victory that is not of this world.
"Also I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their testimony to Jesus and for the word of God, and who had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands." (Revelation 20:4)
This reading occurs every year, but I doubt that the "I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded" was ever more graphic than it was for me as I read those words last night. It makes one think of the death of St. John the Baptist and St. Paul.
There is great sadness in such horrible acts but with our faith in Christ there is great hope of victory that is not of this world.
Tuesday, May 11, 2004
The Not So Hidden Lives of Nuns
Unfortunately, if this is the radical testimony of religious life it might be better unexposed..
From Catholic Citizens:
"There's no escaping left wing nuns these days. On May 7, WGN Chicago, radio host Milt Rosenberg hosted a discussion with Sr. Carolyn Farrell, B.V.M., head of the Gannon Center for Women at Loyola University Chicago, Sr. Joan McGlinchey of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart, Vicar for Religious in the Archdiocese of Chicago, and Cheryl Reed, author of the new book 'Unveiled: The Hidden Lives of Nuns.'
Traditional Catholic listeners had ample opportunity to be appalled at what was said on the show. WGN listener and Chicagoan Terry Hodges observed that 'the two nuns who appeared were quite representative of those American nuns whom they themselves called 'progressive.' The two hour discussion revealed them quite tolerant of legalized abortion since they understand women to be free 'moral agents,' open to legalizing homosexual unions, women's ordination, yada, yada, yada. Needless to say, neither wears a religious habit. On several occasions during the broadcast, they could be heard snickering under their breath when the host asked them where they stood on several traditional Church teachings and discipline.'
During the program, guest and author Cheryl Reed revealed she was raised Catholic but converted to the Russian Orthodox sect. When Rosenberg asked why she left the Catholic Church, she said primarily because of Church teaching on papal infallibility and birth control issues. Mr. Hodges observed that 'after (Ms. Reed) praised a local Sister of Mercy, described in her book as a student of Buddhism and collector of Buddha statues, I enjoyed the squirming when the (Jewish) host asked if the Sacred Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith would be as approving of her hobby.' "
From Catholic Citizens:
"There's no escaping left wing nuns these days. On May 7, WGN Chicago, radio host Milt Rosenberg hosted a discussion with Sr. Carolyn Farrell, B.V.M., head of the Gannon Center for Women at Loyola University Chicago, Sr. Joan McGlinchey of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart, Vicar for Religious in the Archdiocese of Chicago, and Cheryl Reed, author of the new book 'Unveiled: The Hidden Lives of Nuns.'
Traditional Catholic listeners had ample opportunity to be appalled at what was said on the show. WGN listener and Chicagoan Terry Hodges observed that 'the two nuns who appeared were quite representative of those American nuns whom they themselves called 'progressive.' The two hour discussion revealed them quite tolerant of legalized abortion since they understand women to be free 'moral agents,' open to legalizing homosexual unions, women's ordination, yada, yada, yada. Needless to say, neither wears a religious habit. On several occasions during the broadcast, they could be heard snickering under their breath when the host asked them where they stood on several traditional Church teachings and discipline.'
During the program, guest and author Cheryl Reed revealed she was raised Catholic but converted to the Russian Orthodox sect. When Rosenberg asked why she left the Catholic Church, she said primarily because of Church teaching on papal infallibility and birth control issues. Mr. Hodges observed that 'after (Ms. Reed) praised a local Sister of Mercy, described in her book as a student of Buddhism and collector of Buddha statues, I enjoyed the squirming when the (Jewish) host asked if the Sacred Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith would be as approving of her hobby.' "
2005 Synod Will Focus on Eucharist
Could of used whatever they'll come up with next year, this year.
From CNS STORY: SYNOD-EUCHARIST May-10-2004 :
"The recent debate over liturgical abuses and reception of Communion by dissenting Catholics is about to be taken to a global level as the church prepares for the 2005 Synod of Bishops.
The synod's topic is the Eucharist. In recent days, bishops around the world have received a Vatican-prepared thematic outline that focuses in large part on the rules that govern celebration of the Eucharist -- including who should and who should not receive Communion.
The 75-page outline, called the 'lineamenta,' has not been released publicly by the Vatican. Catholic News Service obtained a copy of the document in early May.
The outline emphasizes the sacramental and liturgical norms against shared Communion with most non-Catholics. It repeatedly makes the point that the church does not have the power to give Communion to Catholics living in grave sin, to those 'teaching error' or to 'persons living an immoral life.'
Although the Eucharist is a sacrament of unity, it presupposes 'unity in the faith' for those who would share in its reception, the document said. In that sense, people should not receive Communion in a 'casual, routine manner,' it said."
From CNS STORY: SYNOD-EUCHARIST May-10-2004 :
"The recent debate over liturgical abuses and reception of Communion by dissenting Catholics is about to be taken to a global level as the church prepares for the 2005 Synod of Bishops.
The synod's topic is the Eucharist. In recent days, bishops around the world have received a Vatican-prepared thematic outline that focuses in large part on the rules that govern celebration of the Eucharist -- including who should and who should not receive Communion.
The 75-page outline, called the 'lineamenta,' has not been released publicly by the Vatican. Catholic News Service obtained a copy of the document in early May.
The outline emphasizes the sacramental and liturgical norms against shared Communion with most non-Catholics. It repeatedly makes the point that the church does not have the power to give Communion to Catholics living in grave sin, to those 'teaching error' or to 'persons living an immoral life.'
Although the Eucharist is a sacrament of unity, it presupposes 'unity in the faith' for those who would share in its reception, the document said. In that sense, people should not receive Communion in a 'casual, routine manner,' it said."
The Message of the Gospel?
I watched "The Word in the World" with Father Michael Manning yesterday as he interviewed a missionary. I came rather late in the discussion and I have no idea if the missionary was a priest or a lay religious--he wore no habit or clerical atire and he was never identified by any title by Father Manning. But what struck me was the missionary's total reduction of the Gospel to a political platform for the restructuring of society. Asked point blank what the message of Jesus was the missionary said, "Jesus preached that we need to believe in ourselves and believe in each other."
I'm sorry but this is not the message of the Gospel. Jesus told people to believe in God and in Him. He told them they needed to die to themselves in order to live in Him. If God is taken out of the equation we do not have love for our neighbors but a political ideology that is exactly the type of messiah that Jesus clearly taught he was not.
It might help if everyone opened the Gospels and got reacquainted with Jesus as he is there without reducing his message because someone tells us that isn't what Jesus really meant.
I'm sorry but this is not the message of the Gospel. Jesus told people to believe in God and in Him. He told them they needed to die to themselves in order to live in Him. If God is taken out of the equation we do not have love for our neighbors but a political ideology that is exactly the type of messiah that Jesus clearly taught he was not.
It might help if everyone opened the Gospels and got reacquainted with Jesus as he is there without reducing his message because someone tells us that isn't what Jesus really meant.
Repentant Teen Confesses to Smashing Image of Mary
In Clearwater, FL...
From Tampabay: Teen held in Virgin Mary smashing:
"Angry, bored and unable to sleep, Kyle Maskell grabbed his Marksman slingshot and headed out of his foster home to destroy something that might bring him a degree of infamy that rivaled his rage, police said.
He soon looked up into the image of the Virgin Mary, the iridescent figure that had formed on the side of a glass building on U.S. 19 eight years earlier, drawing throngs of believers to Clearwater.
Maskell reached into the pouch of his slingshot and launched three or four ball bearings, striking the image's top three panes, police said. People who showed up hours later found the virgin beheaded.
That's the story Clearwater police say Maskell, an 18-year-old Clearwater High School sophomore, told them Monday morning before they arrested him on a charge of felony criminal mischief. He was being held at the Pinellas County Jail Monday night in lieu of $10,000 bail.
Police said the teen cried for three hours while recounting his deed. The guilt had eaten at him for more than two months."
From Tampabay: Teen held in Virgin Mary smashing:
"Angry, bored and unable to sleep, Kyle Maskell grabbed his Marksman slingshot and headed out of his foster home to destroy something that might bring him a degree of infamy that rivaled his rage, police said.
He soon looked up into the image of the Virgin Mary, the iridescent figure that had formed on the side of a glass building on U.S. 19 eight years earlier, drawing throngs of believers to Clearwater.
Maskell reached into the pouch of his slingshot and launched three or four ball bearings, striking the image's top three panes, police said. People who showed up hours later found the virgin beheaded.
That's the story Clearwater police say Maskell, an 18-year-old Clearwater High School sophomore, told them Monday morning before they arrested him on a charge of felony criminal mischief. He was being held at the Pinellas County Jail Monday night in lieu of $10,000 bail.
Police said the teen cried for three hours while recounting his deed. The guilt had eaten at him for more than two months."
Monday, May 10, 2004
Martyrdom by Bad Music
One wonders who does like this music?
From Sacred Miscellany:
"Can bad hymns kill? Or can they incite near homicidal rage? This morning it was a near thing for me. Because I have a job as a church choir director/organist at an Episcopal church, I go to the 7 a.m. Mass. Once upon a time, there was no music at the early Masses. However, nowadays any parish with a full-time music director requires music even then. And it can be torture.
I entered the church to the sound of the organ being played in a style usually confined to baseball games and horse shows. It was Marty Haugen's 'Canticle of the Sun.' And no, I don't want to 'play in the forest,' thank you. Then we had Christopher Walker's 'Laudate Dominum.' During Communion, we honored 'Jesus our brother' with Bernadette Farrell's 'Bread of Life.'
This morning was the closest I've ever come to just shouting, 'Oh, be quiet!' Yes, I know that aesthetics don't have anything to do with the validity of the Mass, that Jesus doesn't mind bad music, etc., etc. And no, there isn't a tasteful Eastern Rite parish or a traditional Mass that's less than an hour and a half away.
I go. I grind my teeth. I thank God for the gift of Himself. And I heave a huge sigh of relief, like Pollyanna, that's it's seven days till the next Sunday. Any suggestions on how to avert enraged outbursts or apoplexy will be gratefully received."
From Sacred Miscellany:
"Can bad hymns kill? Or can they incite near homicidal rage? This morning it was a near thing for me. Because I have a job as a church choir director/organist at an Episcopal church, I go to the 7 a.m. Mass. Once upon a time, there was no music at the early Masses. However, nowadays any parish with a full-time music director requires music even then. And it can be torture.
I entered the church to the sound of the organ being played in a style usually confined to baseball games and horse shows. It was Marty Haugen's 'Canticle of the Sun.' And no, I don't want to 'play in the forest,' thank you. Then we had Christopher Walker's 'Laudate Dominum.' During Communion, we honored 'Jesus our brother' with Bernadette Farrell's 'Bread of Life.'
This morning was the closest I've ever come to just shouting, 'Oh, be quiet!' Yes, I know that aesthetics don't have anything to do with the validity of the Mass, that Jesus doesn't mind bad music, etc., etc. And no, there isn't a tasteful Eastern Rite parish or a traditional Mass that's less than an hour and a half away.
I go. I grind my teeth. I thank God for the gift of Himself. And I heave a huge sigh of relief, like Pollyanna, that's it's seven days till the next Sunday. Any suggestions on how to avert enraged outbursts or apoplexy will be gratefully received."
Bush to Meet with Pope John Paul II
From CNS STORY: Bush to make election-year visit to pope in June; top issue is Iraq:
"Pope John Paul II will meet with President George W. Bush in early June, and the top item on the agenda will be Iraq, sources in Rome said.
The meeting June 4 was arranged after days of quiet talks involving Vatican officials and U.S. diplomats. The White House and the Vatican were expected to officially announce the encounter in mid-May.
U.S. Ambassador to the Vatican Jim Nicholson told Catholic News Service May 9 that Bush had altered his schedule in order to make sure he didn't miss the pope, who is scheduled to travel to Switzerland June 5-6. "
"Pope John Paul II will meet with President George W. Bush in early June, and the top item on the agenda will be Iraq, sources in Rome said.
The meeting June 4 was arranged after days of quiet talks involving Vatican officials and U.S. diplomats. The White House and the Vatican were expected to officially announce the encounter in mid-May.
U.S. Ambassador to the Vatican Jim Nicholson told Catholic News Service May 9 that Bush had altered his schedule in order to make sure he didn't miss the pope, who is scheduled to travel to Switzerland June 5-6. "
Two Gay Men Denied Communion
From "IN-FORUM":
"A gay couple in northern Minnesota is angry and upset over being told they no longer should take communion or sing in the choir at their church because of their lifestyle.
Dale Sand and Tom Pepera, who have been together for five years, say their priest has asked them to restrict their participation in church activities after a letter Sand wrote was printed in the Grand Forks Herald on Easter Sunday.
In the letter, Sand responded to previous letters warning against gay marriage and homosexuality in general. He wrote that being gay wasn't a choice and said God had made him that way.
In response, the Rev. Larry Wieseler, who serves at St. Mary's parishes in Baudette, Williams and Falun, telephoned Sand and told him he and Pepera should no longer come up to receive Eucharist during Mass nor serve communion to others or sing in the choir. That led the couple to quit the church in Baudette."
"A gay couple in northern Minnesota is angry and upset over being told they no longer should take communion or sing in the choir at their church because of their lifestyle.
Dale Sand and Tom Pepera, who have been together for five years, say their priest has asked them to restrict their participation in church activities after a letter Sand wrote was printed in the Grand Forks Herald on Easter Sunday.
In the letter, Sand responded to previous letters warning against gay marriage and homosexuality in general. He wrote that being gay wasn't a choice and said God had made him that way.
In response, the Rev. Larry Wieseler, who serves at St. Mary's parishes in Baudette, Williams and Falun, telephoned Sand and told him he and Pepera should no longer come up to receive Eucharist during Mass nor serve communion to others or sing in the choir. That led the couple to quit the church in Baudette."
Sunday, May 9, 2004
Happy Mother's Day!
It wasn't started by Hallmark, you know...
From Mothers Day History :
"The earliest tributes to Mother's Day date back to the annual spring festival the Greeks dedicated to Rhea, the mother of many deities, and to the offerings ancient Romans made to their Great Mother of Gods, Cybele.
Christians celebrated a Mother's Day of sorts during a festival on the fourth Sunday in Lent in honor of Mary, mother of Christ. In England the holiday was expanded to include all mothers. It was then called Mothering Sunday.
In the United States it started with one woman named Anna Jarvis. Jarvis was an Appalachian homemaker and she organized a day to raise awareness of poor health conditions of her community. She thought the day would be best advocated by mothers and called the day 'Mother's Work Day'.
When Anna Jarvis died in 1905 her daughter, also named Anna, began a campaign to memorialize the life work of her mother. Anna remembered that her mother said there were many days dedicated to men but not for mothers. Anna then began to lobby the politicians of the time to support a day dedicated to mothers. Anna Jarvis talked to many politicians including Presidents Taft and Roosevelt hoping they would support her campaign.
Jarvis organized a church service to celebrate her mother in 1908 and Anna handed out white carnations to those in attendance because the white carnation was her mother's favorite flower. Anna Jarvis' hard work began to pay off five years after that service in 1913. The House of Representatives adopted a resolution calling for officials of the federal government to wear white carnations on the day many began calling Mother's Day, the second Sunday in May.
Finally on May 8, 1914 President Woodrow Wilson signed a Joint Resolution designating the second Sunday in May as Mother's Day.
From Mothers Day History :
"The earliest tributes to Mother's Day date back to the annual spring festival the Greeks dedicated to Rhea, the mother of many deities, and to the offerings ancient Romans made to their Great Mother of Gods, Cybele.
Christians celebrated a Mother's Day of sorts during a festival on the fourth Sunday in Lent in honor of Mary, mother of Christ. In England the holiday was expanded to include all mothers. It was then called Mothering Sunday.
In the United States it started with one woman named Anna Jarvis. Jarvis was an Appalachian homemaker and she organized a day to raise awareness of poor health conditions of her community. She thought the day would be best advocated by mothers and called the day 'Mother's Work Day'.
When Anna Jarvis died in 1905 her daughter, also named Anna, began a campaign to memorialize the life work of her mother. Anna remembered that her mother said there were many days dedicated to men but not for mothers. Anna then began to lobby the politicians of the time to support a day dedicated to mothers. Anna Jarvis talked to many politicians including Presidents Taft and Roosevelt hoping they would support her campaign.
Jarvis organized a church service to celebrate her mother in 1908 and Anna handed out white carnations to those in attendance because the white carnation was her mother's favorite flower. Anna Jarvis' hard work began to pay off five years after that service in 1913. The House of Representatives adopted a resolution calling for officials of the federal government to wear white carnations on the day many began calling Mother's Day, the second Sunday in May.
Finally on May 8, 1914 President Woodrow Wilson signed a Joint Resolution designating the second Sunday in May as Mother's Day.
Bishop Aquila Speaks Out
"In the light of the last few days and all of the media coverage regarding John Kerry's unambiguous support of abortion rights, his personal opposition to abortion, and his insistence on the separation of his Catholic faith from his professional life, I, as a successor of the apostles, cannot remain silent. I, as an apostle, must speak with the apostles and obey God rather than man and present to you the teaching of the Church on the proper relationship between our faith and professional life."
Addressing all Catholics and especially "'pro-choice' Catholics," and "'Catholics for a free choice,'" the bishop said, "Jesus Christ has warned clearly within the Gospel that hell is a reality and that we are free to choose it.
Catholics who separate their faith life from their professional and social activities are putting the salvation of their souls in jeopardy. They risk the
possibility of hell"
"The grave error that has come about, the grave error that the Father of Lies
has planted in the hearts of many is the lie of thinking that we can have one
foot with God and one foot with the world. . . . We must always put the law
of God above the law of man, especially as it concerns the dignity of the human
person and the life of the unborn," said the Bishop. On the point of reception of Communion, Bishop Aquila said: "In regard to the question of sanctions for Catholics who are 'pro-choice', who say that they are personally opposed to abortion but whose words and actions speak otherwise in their support of abortion rights, I would share with them the words from St. Justin Martyr in today's Office of Readings. This was in 165 A.D. They shared the same problems we do today. 'No one may share the Eucharist with us unless he believes that what we teach is true, unless he is washed in the regenerating waters of baptism for the remission of his sins, and unless he lives in accordance with the principles given us by Christ.'"
Addressing all Catholics and especially "'pro-choice' Catholics," and "'Catholics for a free choice,'" the bishop said, "Jesus Christ has warned clearly within the Gospel that hell is a reality and that we are free to choose it.
Catholics who separate their faith life from their professional and social activities are putting the salvation of their souls in jeopardy. They risk the
possibility of hell"
"The grave error that has come about, the grave error that the Father of Lies
has planted in the hearts of many is the lie of thinking that we can have one
foot with God and one foot with the world. . . . We must always put the law
of God above the law of man, especially as it concerns the dignity of the human
person and the life of the unborn," said the Bishop. On the point of reception of Communion, Bishop Aquila said: "In regard to the question of sanctions for Catholics who are 'pro-choice', who say that they are personally opposed to abortion but whose words and actions speak otherwise in their support of abortion rights, I would share with them the words from St. Justin Martyr in today's Office of Readings. This was in 165 A.D. They shared the same problems we do today. 'No one may share the Eucharist with us unless he believes that what we teach is true, unless he is washed in the regenerating waters of baptism for the remission of his sins, and unless he lives in accordance with the principles given us by Christ.'"
Saturday, May 8, 2004
Schiavo May Pull Feeding Tube
Now that the Pope has spoken out about the immorality of doing this I would think that the Florida bishops would speak out, very loudly, against this being allowed.
From Schiavo May Not Wait For Final Say - from TBO.com:
"Michael Schiavo will not necessarily wait for the state Supreme Court to rule in the battle over his wife's fate before again trying to remove her feeding tube, his attorney said Friday.
Schiavo could ask a court to lift an automatic stay in the case that prevents him from removing the feeding tube so his wife can die, attorney George Felos said. "
From Schiavo May Not Wait For Final Say - from TBO.com:
"Michael Schiavo will not necessarily wait for the state Supreme Court to rule in the battle over his wife's fate before again trying to remove her feeding tube, his attorney said Friday.
Schiavo could ask a court to lift an automatic stay in the case that prevents him from removing the feeding tube so his wife can die, attorney George Felos said. "
Friday, May 7, 2004
8 Priests Ignore Phoenix Bishop Olmstead
I went to school with a number of guys who were studying to be priests for Phoenix in the 1980's.
One of them was a young man who was very homosexual and to the best of my knowledge was never ordained--in fact he left suddenly along with his "lover" amid rumors that both had been married by a former classmate who at the time was a priest in Phoenix. This created quite a buzz at the time.
What is interesting and related to the current issue is that this young man's father was also studying to be a priest at the time at another seminary, one for older vocations. He was ordained and is one of the priests who is ignoring Bishop Olmstead's decree. (As I recall in his case his wife had died).
It will be interesting to see how all of this resolves itself, I think this is the first shots of a war that is about to break out into the open.
From 8 Priests Ignore Phoenix Bishop Olmstead:
"A week after they were ordered by the bishop to remove their names from a pro-gay statement, only one of nine Catholic priests who signed the document has complied.
The Rev. Chris Carpenter, pastor of Christ the King Parish in Mesa, said Tuesday in an e-mail to the media that he would remove his name from the Phoenix Declaration 'in fidelity to my promise of obedience and respect for the bishop of Phoenix and in the interest of parish and diocesan unity.'
He said he would continue to offer pastoral care to gay people and to stand with them 'when they are uncharitably or unjustly treated.'
The e-mail followed the publication in the diocesan newspaper and on its Web site of the first of three columns by Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted about homosexuality. Last week, Olmsted sent a confidential letter to the priests demanding they remove their names from the document, prepared by a coalition of Catholic and Protestant clergy called No Longer Silent. Olmsted said the columns are an attempt to respond to the declaration."
One of them was a young man who was very homosexual and to the best of my knowledge was never ordained--in fact he left suddenly along with his "lover" amid rumors that both had been married by a former classmate who at the time was a priest in Phoenix. This created quite a buzz at the time.
What is interesting and related to the current issue is that this young man's father was also studying to be a priest at the time at another seminary, one for older vocations. He was ordained and is one of the priests who is ignoring Bishop Olmstead's decree. (As I recall in his case his wife had died).
It will be interesting to see how all of this resolves itself, I think this is the first shots of a war that is about to break out into the open.
From 8 Priests Ignore Phoenix Bishop Olmstead:
"A week after they were ordered by the bishop to remove their names from a pro-gay statement, only one of nine Catholic priests who signed the document has complied.
The Rev. Chris Carpenter, pastor of Christ the King Parish in Mesa, said Tuesday in an e-mail to the media that he would remove his name from the Phoenix Declaration 'in fidelity to my promise of obedience and respect for the bishop of Phoenix and in the interest of parish and diocesan unity.'
He said he would continue to offer pastoral care to gay people and to stand with them 'when they are uncharitably or unjustly treated.'
The e-mail followed the publication in the diocesan newspaper and on its Web site of the first of three columns by Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted about homosexuality. Last week, Olmsted sent a confidential letter to the priests demanding they remove their names from the document, prepared by a coalition of Catholic and Protestant clergy called No Longer Silent. Olmsted said the columns are an attempt to respond to the declaration."
New Auxilary Bishops for the Military
From the Vatican Information Service:
The Holy Father appointed Msgrs. Richard Brendan Higgins, chaplain of the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, U.S.A, and Joseph Walter Eastbrook, chaplain of the Navy in Pearl Harbor, U.S.A., as auxiliary bishops of the Military Ordinate of the United States. Bishop-elect Higgins was born in 1944 in Longford, Ireland and was ordained a priest in 1968. Bishop-elect Eastbrook was born in 1944 in Kingston, U.S.A. and was ordained a priest in 1969.
The Holy Father appointed Msgrs. Richard Brendan Higgins, chaplain of the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, U.S.A, and Joseph Walter Eastbrook, chaplain of the Navy in Pearl Harbor, U.S.A., as auxiliary bishops of the Military Ordinate of the United States. Bishop-elect Higgins was born in 1944 in Longford, Ireland and was ordained a priest in 1968. Bishop-elect Eastbrook was born in 1944 in Kingston, U.S.A. and was ordained a priest in 1969.
D.C. Cardinal's Comment Spurs Ad Campaign
From D.C. cardinal's comment spurs ad campaign - (United Press International):
"The American Life League launched an ad campaign Thursday aimed at Catholic leaders who will not bar pro-abortion rights politicians from taking communion.
The group says its first ad is a response to Washington Theodore Cardinal McCarrick's recent statement that he was not yet 'comfortable' denying the right to participate in the Holy Sacraments to pro-abortion rights political leaders like Sen. John F. Kerry, D-Mass.
'Pope John Paul II has made clear that 'in cases of outward conduct which is seriously, clearly and steadfastly contrary to the moral norm,' Catholics should not receive Holy Communion,' League President Judie Brown said. 'It is not a question of the cardinal feeling 'comfortable.' It is a question of doing what is right.'
A spokesman for the league said the full-page ads would appear in the Washington, D.C.-area and in in several national publications."
"The American Life League launched an ad campaign Thursday aimed at Catholic leaders who will not bar pro-abortion rights politicians from taking communion.
The group says its first ad is a response to Washington Theodore Cardinal McCarrick's recent statement that he was not yet 'comfortable' denying the right to participate in the Holy Sacraments to pro-abortion rights political leaders like Sen. John F. Kerry, D-Mass.
'Pope John Paul II has made clear that 'in cases of outward conduct which is seriously, clearly and steadfastly contrary to the moral norm,' Catholics should not receive Holy Communion,' League President Judie Brown said. 'It is not a question of the cardinal feeling 'comfortable.' It is a question of doing what is right.'
A spokesman for the league said the full-page ads would appear in the Washington, D.C.-area and in in several national publications."
Thursday, May 6, 2004
Bush Pauses to Comfort Teen who Lost Mother on 9/11
"'This girl lost her mom in the World Trade Center on 9-11.'
Bush stopped and turned back.
'He changed from being the leader of the free world to being a father, a husband and a man,' Faulkner said. 'He looked right at her and said, 'How are you doing?' He reached out with his hand and pulled her into his chest.'
Faulkner snapped one frame with his camera.
'I could hear her say, 'I'm OK,' ' he said. 'That's more emotion than she has shown in 21/2 years. Then he said, 'I can see you have a father who loves you very much.' '
'And I said, 'I do, Mr. President, but I miss her mother every day.' It was a special moment.' "
Now What? Gaypriests.org?
A new web site, I couldn't find anyone claiming responsibility for it though...Main Page
Bishop Cheating on Probation?
The strange tales of Bishop O'Brien continue...
From East Valley Tribune Online:
"The judge who sentenced Bishop Thomas J. O’Brien to 1,000 hours of community service told the probation department Tuesday not to investigate an allegation that the former Catholic leader is cheating on his hours.
A relative of a worker at Huger Mercy Living Center, 2345 W. Orangewood Ave. in Phoenix, phoned the allegation into the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, saying O’Brien is logging six hours when he shows up there for only an hour. County Attorney Richard Romley announced the allegation Tuesday and complained about the lack of oversight of O’Brien’s probation.
But no formal complaint has been submitted to the probation department, and any investigation now would be premature because O’Brien’s logs are due quarterly, said J.W. Brown, a Maricopa County Superior Court spokeswoman.
'There’s nothing to investigate,' Brown said.
Logs that O’Brien has submitted so far show the most he has ever claimed at Huger Mercy Living Center was three hours, said Mike Goss, spokesman for the county Adult Probation Department.
Romley said he will pass on the allegations to probation. "
From East Valley Tribune Online:
"The judge who sentenced Bishop Thomas J. O’Brien to 1,000 hours of community service told the probation department Tuesday not to investigate an allegation that the former Catholic leader is cheating on his hours.
A relative of a worker at Huger Mercy Living Center, 2345 W. Orangewood Ave. in Phoenix, phoned the allegation into the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, saying O’Brien is logging six hours when he shows up there for only an hour. County Attorney Richard Romley announced the allegation Tuesday and complained about the lack of oversight of O’Brien’s probation.
But no formal complaint has been submitted to the probation department, and any investigation now would be premature because O’Brien’s logs are due quarterly, said J.W. Brown, a Maricopa County Superior Court spokeswoman.
'There’s nothing to investigate,' Brown said.
Logs that O’Brien has submitted so far show the most he has ever claimed at Huger Mercy Living Center was three hours, said Mike Goss, spokesman for the county Adult Probation Department.
Romley said he will pass on the allegations to probation. "
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