"Forgetting about God is the most imminent danger of our age."
From :
It is important, in this connection, to interpret the "substantial continuity" correctly. The author expressly warns us against the wrong path up which we might be led by a neo-scholastic sacramental theology which is disconnected from the living form of the Liturgy. On that basis, people might reduce the "substance" to the matter and form of the sacrament, and say: Bread and wine are the matter of the sacrament, the words of institution are its form. Only these two things are really necessary, everything else is changeable. At this point Modernists and Traditionalists are in agreement: As long as the material gifts are there, and the words of institution are spoken, then everything else is freely disposable. Many priests today, unfortunately, act in accordance with this motto; and the theories of many liturgists are unfortunately moving in the same direction. They want to overcome the limits of the rite, as being something fixed and immovable, and construct the products of their fantasy, which are supposedly 'pastoral,' around this remnant, this core which has been spared, and which is thus either relegated to the realm of magic, or loses any meaning whatever. The Liturgical Movement had in fact been attempting to overcome this reductionism, the product of an abstract sacramental theology, and to teach us to understand the Liturgy as a living network of tradition which had taken concrete form, which cannot be torn apart into little pieces, but has to be seen and experienced as a living whole. Anyone like myself, who was moved by this perception in the time of the Liturgical Movement on the eve of the Second Vatican Council, can only stand, deeply sorrowing, before the ruins of the very things they were concerned for.
I should like just briefly to comment on two more perceptions which appear in Dom Alcuin Reid's book. Archaeological enthusiasm and pastoral pragmatism -- which is in any case often a pastoral form of rationalism -- are both equally wrong. These two might be described as unholy twins. The first generation of liturgists were for the most part historians. Thus they were inclined to archaeological enthusiasm: They were trying to unearth the oldest form in its original purity; they regarded the liturgical books in current use, with the rites they offered, as the expression of the rampant proliferation through history of secondary growths which were the product of misunderstandings and of ignorance of the past. People were trying to reconstruct the oldest Roman Liturgy, and to cleanse it of all later additions. A great deal of this was right, and yet liturgical reform is something different from archaeological excavation, and not all the developments of a living thing have to be logical in accordance with a rationalistic or historical standard. This is also the reason why -- as the author quite rightly remarks -- the experts ought not to be allowed to have the last word in liturgical reform. Experts and pastors each have their own part to play (just as, in politics, specialists and decision-makers represent two different planes). The knowledge of the scholars is important, yet it cannot be directly transmuted into the decisions of the pastors, for pastors still have their own responsibilities in listening to the faithful, in accompanying with understanding those who perform the things that help us to celebrate the sacrament with faith today, and the things that do not. It was one of the weaknesses of the first phase of reform after the Council that to a great extent the specialists were listened to almost exclusively. A greater independence on the part of the pastors would have been desirable.
Because it is often all too obvious that historical knowledge cannot be elevated straight into the status of a new liturgical norm, this archaeological enthusiasm was very easily combined with pastoral pragmatism: People first of all decided to eliminate everything that was not recognised as original, and was thus not part of the "substance", and then supplemented the "archaeological remains," if these still seemed insufficient, in accordance with "pastoral insights." But what is "pastoral"? The judgements made about these questions by intellectual professors were often influenced by their rationalist presuppositions, and not infrequently missed the point of what really supports the life of the faithful. Thus it is that nowadays, after the Liturgy was extensively rationalised during the early phase of reform, people are eagerly seeking after forms of solemnity, looking for "mystical" atmosphere and for something of the sacred. Yet because -- necessarily, and more and more clearly -- people's judgements as to what is pastorally effective are widely divergent, the "pastoral" aspect has become the point at which "creativity" breaks in, destroying the unity of the Liturgy and very often confronting us with something deplorably banal. That is not to deny that the eucharistic Liturgy, and likewise the liturgy of the Word, is often celebrated reverently, and "beautifully" in the best sense, on the basis of people's faith. Yet since we are looking for the criteria of reform, we do also have to mention the dangers, which unfortunately in the last few decades have by no means remained just the imaginings of those traditionalists opposed to reform.
I should like to come back to the way that worship was presented, in a liturgical compendium, as a "project for reform," and thus as a workshop in which people are always busy at something. Different again, and yet related to this, is the suggestion by some Catholic liturgists that we should finally adapt the liturgical reform to the "anthropological turn" of modern times, and construct it in an anthropocentric style. If the Liturgy appears first of all as the workshop for our activity, then what is essential is being forgotten: God. For the Liturgy is not about us, but about God. Forgetting about God is the most imminent danger of our age. As against this, the Liturgy should be setting up a sign of God's presence. Yet what is happening, if the habit of forgetting about God makes itself at home in the Liturgy itself, and if in the Liturgy we are only thinking of ourselves? In any and every liturgical reform, and every liturgical celebration, the primacy of God should be kept in view first and foremost.
Wednesday, October 20, 2004
Balestrieri Responds to Vatican's Denial
From De Fide:
To All Concerned,
This opinion is free to be released to all, because it is the truth. I expect the truth to be spoken and taught high and low in all circumstances, even if the consequences are dire in defense of the Faith and Sacraments.
During the last week in August of this year, I went to Rome to consult a dozen experts, both inside and outside the Vatican, with the goal of building support both theoretically and practically for the case filed against Senator John F. Kerry, in as much as he was a baptized Catholic publicly and stridently professing heresy. "
To All Concerned,
This opinion is free to be released to all, because it is the truth. I expect the truth to be spoken and taught high and low in all circumstances, even if the consequences are dire in defense of the Faith and Sacraments.
During the last week in August of this year, I went to Rome to consult a dozen experts, both inside and outside the Vatican, with the goal of building support both theoretically and practically for the case filed against Senator John F. Kerry, in as much as he was a baptized Catholic publicly and stridently professing heresy. "
Tuesday, October 19, 2004
Confusion, as Usual
From Catholic News Service:
An official at the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith said a California canon lawyer seeking a formal decree of heresy against Sen. John F. Kerry of Massachusetts, Democratic presidential nominee, has misrepresented his contact with the Vatican office.
"The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith has had no contact with Mr. (Marc) Balestrieri," said Dominican Father Augustine DiNoia, undersecretary of the congregation.
"His claim that the private letter he received from (Dominican) Father Basil Cole is a Vatican response is completely without merit," Father DiNoia told Catholic News Service Oct. 19, declining to discuss the matter further.
Balestrieri is the head of De Fide, described on its Web site as an organization created "to deal with the burgeoning scandal of Catholic politicians supporting the 'right to choose' murder."
In an Oct. 15 interview on the Eternal Word Television Network and in an Oct. 18 statement posted on his Web site, Balestrieri said he had "received a written response prompted by the Vatican's Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith affirming that Catholic politicians who persist in supporting the right to abortion are 'automatically excommunicated.'"
He said Father Cole "was delegated" by Father DiNoia "to formally respond" to questions Balestrieri had sent the congregation.
Father DiNoia denied that Father Cole, a theologian who resides in Washington, was delegated in any way to address the questions on behalf of the congregation.
Father Cole's letter to Balestrieri, also posted on De Fide's Web site, begins by saying he had been asked by Father DiNoia "to respond unofficially" to Balestrieri's questions.
The priest concluded that "if a Catholic publicly and obstinately supports the civil right to abortion, knowing that the church teaches officially against that legislation, he or she commits that heresy envisioned by Canon 751 of the Code" of Canon Law.
Vatican officials contacted by CNS Oct. 19 said they did not agree with Father Cole's conclusion that Kerry has incurred excommunication.
Monday, October 18, 2004
What Would You Say to Kerry if Given the Chance?
Hopefully you would preach to him not for him.
From St. Mary's stop leaves residents excited, in 'awe' - chillicothegazette.com:
"Father Lawrence Hummer, of St. Mary's Church, criticized church officials who condemn Catholic politicians who speak out for abortion rights, calling on them to use patient persistence and bring them into the fold.
'It is the task of the church to convince and to encourage through all patience, by word and example, those who do not agree, not to ostracize them or treat them like lepers,' Hummer said.
'There are many people who think that the destruction of Iraqi life is as direct an assault on the sacred as is the taking of unborn life. There are many people who regard the death penalty as an admission of the smallness of our nature rather than evidence of our greatness.'
'God bless you. Win, will you?' Hummer told Kerry after mass ended. "
From St. Mary's stop leaves residents excited, in 'awe' - chillicothegazette.com:
"Father Lawrence Hummer, of St. Mary's Church, criticized church officials who condemn Catholic politicians who speak out for abortion rights, calling on them to use patient persistence and bring them into the fold.
'It is the task of the church to convince and to encourage through all patience, by word and example, those who do not agree, not to ostracize them or treat them like lepers,' Hummer said.
'There are many people who think that the destruction of Iraqi life is as direct an assault on the sacred as is the taking of unborn life. There are many people who regard the death penalty as an admission of the smallness of our nature rather than evidence of our greatness.'
'God bless you. Win, will you?' Hummer told Kerry after mass ended. "
Sunday, October 17, 2004
Year of the Eucharist Begins Today!
From AsiaNews.it:
"This afternoon, the Pope will solemnly inaugurate the Year of the Eucharist, a "time of intense encounter with Christ" and "commitment to spreading His message of salvation".
Before the Angelus was recited, John Paul II spoke about the Year of the Eucharist. After the Marian prayer, he expressed his "deepest gratitude to those who wished me well and prayed for me on the anniversary of my election to the See of Saint Peter". He then commended his pontificate once again to Mary and asked for "Her constant help in making his Ministry in the Church rewarding".
The Pope, who was looking well, told the 30,000 people gathered in St Peter's Square that "in the Mexican city of Guadalajara the International Eucharistic Congress was coming to an end. For eight days," he said, "the Eucharist was celebrated and adored as the 'light and life of the new millennium: 'Light' because the presence of Christ 'Light of the world' radiates from the Eucharistic mystery; 'Life' because Jesus 'the Bread of Life' gave himself to us through the Eucharist."
The Pontiff added that "this afternoon I shall preside over a Eucharistic celebration in spiritual communion with the great summons in Guadalajara. This way I shall solemnly open the Year of the Eucharist scheduled to last until October 2005."
"This afternoon, the Pope will solemnly inaugurate the Year of the Eucharist, a "time of intense encounter with Christ" and "commitment to spreading His message of salvation".
Before the Angelus was recited, John Paul II spoke about the Year of the Eucharist. After the Marian prayer, he expressed his "deepest gratitude to those who wished me well and prayed for me on the anniversary of my election to the See of Saint Peter". He then commended his pontificate once again to Mary and asked for "Her constant help in making his Ministry in the Church rewarding".
The Pope, who was looking well, told the 30,000 people gathered in St Peter's Square that "in the Mexican city of Guadalajara the International Eucharistic Congress was coming to an end. For eight days," he said, "the Eucharist was celebrated and adored as the 'light and life of the new millennium: 'Light' because the presence of Christ 'Light of the world' radiates from the Eucharistic mystery; 'Life' because Jesus 'the Bread of Life' gave himself to us through the Eucharist."
The Pontiff added that "this afternoon I shall preside over a Eucharistic celebration in spiritual communion with the great summons in Guadalajara. This way I shall solemnly open the Year of the Eucharist scheduled to last until October 2005."
Happy 26th Anniversary to the Pope!
From Guardian Unlimited | World Latest | Pope Thanks Followers on 26th Anniversary:
"John Paul marked the anniversary of his Oct. 16, 1978, election with morning Mass on Saturday in his private chapel. A day earlier, officials celebrated the occasion publicly with a performance by a Russian military chorus and orchestra.
Thousands of well-wishers showered the pontiff with greetings, many of them thanking him for speaking out against preventive war, his spokesman has said. In the run-up to the U.S.-led Iraq war, John Paul insisted repeatedly that dialogue was required to bring peace. "
"John Paul marked the anniversary of his Oct. 16, 1978, election with morning Mass on Saturday in his private chapel. A day earlier, officials celebrated the occasion publicly with a performance by a Russian military chorus and orchestra.
Thousands of well-wishers showered the pontiff with greetings, many of them thanking him for speaking out against preventive war, his spokesman has said. In the run-up to the U.S.-led Iraq war, John Paul insisted repeatedly that dialogue was required to bring peace. "
Saturday, October 16, 2004
Friday, October 15, 2004
The Catholic Voting Project presents CafeteriaCatholics.com
Interesting site. There is a test that you can take to see who you side with the Bishops, President Bush or Senator Kerry...I was in agreement with the Bishops I'm proud to say which means that I agree with Bush on some issues and Kerry on others. The flash presentation is amusing.
Give it a look...The Catholic Voting Project presents CafeteriaCatholics.com
Give it a look...The Catholic Voting Project presents CafeteriaCatholics.com
Friday Humor
From a Friend who steadily supplies me with these:
A man goes to a party and has too much to drink. His friends plead with him to let them take him home. He says no -- he only lives less than a mile away. About two blocks from party, the police pull him over for weaving and ask him to get out of the car and walk the line. Just as he starts, the police radio blares out a notice of a robbery taking place in a house less than a block away.The police tell the party animal to stay put, they will be right back and they hop a fence and run down the street to the house just a block away.The guy waits and waits and finally decides to drive home.When he gets there, he tells his wife he is going to bed, and to tell anyone who might come looking for him that he has the flu and has been in bed all night.
A few hours later the police knock on the door. They ask if Mr. Joe B. is there and his wife says yes. They ask to see him and she replies that he is in bed with the flu and has been so
all day. The police have his driver's license. They ask to see his car and she asks why.They insist on seeing his car, so she takes them to the garage. She opens the garage door and looks in
. . . There sitting in the garage is the police car, with all its lights still flashing.True story, told by the driver at his first AA meeting in College Station, Texas.
A man goes to a party and has too much to drink. His friends plead with him to let them take him home. He says no -- he only lives less than a mile away. About two blocks from party, the police pull him over for weaving and ask him to get out of the car and walk the line. Just as he starts, the police radio blares out a notice of a robbery taking place in a house less than a block away.The police tell the party animal to stay put, they will be right back and they hop a fence and run down the street to the house just a block away.The guy waits and waits and finally decides to drive home.When he gets there, he tells his wife he is going to bed, and to tell anyone who might come looking for him that he has the flu and has been in bed all night.
A few hours later the police knock on the door. They ask if Mr. Joe B. is there and his wife says yes. They ask to see him and she replies that he is in bed with the flu and has been so
all day. The police have his driver's license. They ask to see his car and she asks why.They insist on seeing his car, so she takes them to the garage. She opens the garage door and looks in
. . . There sitting in the garage is the police car, with all its lights still flashing.True story, told by the driver at his first AA meeting in College Station, Texas.
Thursday, October 14, 2004
A Great Little Book to Catechize Your Child (and yourself) to Be Pro-life
And to foster a belief that God has placed an angel to watch over you.
From Sophia Press, you can read it online at Cover Page of Angel in the Waters
From Sophia Press, you can read it online at Cover Page of Angel in the Waters
New Bishops for Columbus, Grand Island and Harrisburg
From the Vatican Information Service:
- Appointed Bishop Frederick Francis Campell, auxiliary of St. Paul and Minneapolis, U.S.A., as bishop of Columbus (area 29,282, population 2,383,015, Catholics 236,042, priests 245, permanent deacons 76, religious 402), U.S.A. He succeeds Bishop James Anthony Griffin whose resignation from the pastoral care of the diocese of Columbus was accepted in accordance with Canon 401, para. 2 of the Code of Canon Law.
- Appointed Msgr. William J. Dendinger, pastor of St. Stephen the Martyr Parish in Omaha, U.S.A., as bishop of Grand Island (area 103,560, population 295,176, Catholics 54,549, priests 65, religious 98), U.S.A. The bishop-elect was born in Coleridge, U.S.A. in 1939 and was ordained a priest in 1965. He succeeds Bishop Lawrence James McNamara whose resignation from the pastoral care of the same diocese was accepted upon having reached the age limit.
- Appointed Fr. Kevin Carl Rhoades, rector of Mount St. Mary's Seminary in Emmitsburg, Maryland, U.S.A., as bishop of Harrisburg (area 19,839, population 2,027,835, Catholics 247,861, priests 161, permanent deacons 45, religious 500), U.S.A. The bishop-elect was born in Mahanoy City, in the diocese of Allentown, U.S.A. in 1957 and was ordained a priest in 1983.
- Appointed Bishop Frederick Francis Campell, auxiliary of St. Paul and Minneapolis, U.S.A., as bishop of Columbus (area 29,282, population 2,383,015, Catholics 236,042, priests 245, permanent deacons 76, religious 402), U.S.A. He succeeds Bishop James Anthony Griffin whose resignation from the pastoral care of the diocese of Columbus was accepted in accordance with Canon 401, para. 2 of the Code of Canon Law.
- Appointed Msgr. William J. Dendinger, pastor of St. Stephen the Martyr Parish in Omaha, U.S.A., as bishop of Grand Island (area 103,560, population 295,176, Catholics 54,549, priests 65, religious 98), U.S.A. The bishop-elect was born in Coleridge, U.S.A. in 1939 and was ordained a priest in 1965. He succeeds Bishop Lawrence James McNamara whose resignation from the pastoral care of the same diocese was accepted upon having reached the age limit.
- Appointed Fr. Kevin Carl Rhoades, rector of Mount St. Mary's Seminary in Emmitsburg, Maryland, U.S.A., as bishop of Harrisburg (area 19,839, population 2,027,835, Catholics 247,861, priests 161, permanent deacons 45, religious 500), U.S.A. The bishop-elect was born in Mahanoy City, in the diocese of Allentown, U.S.A. in 1957 and was ordained a priest in 1983.
Wednesday, October 13, 2004
Great Quote from Pope's New Apostolic Letter
Probably because it was released in Italian this was missed:
"One who learns to say 'thank you' in the manner of the crucified Christ might
end up a martyr, but never as a persecutor."
Pope John Paul II Mane Nobiscum Domine
Liturgy of the Hours Apostolate
This site is perfect for those who don't know how to pray the Liturgy of the Hours from the book. They have done all the work for you, just open the file for the morning or evening prayer or the Office of Readings and pray...Liturgy of the Hours Apostolate
Looking for a Face Saving Excuse?
I think this story which has nothing to do with football signals the end for Coach Ron Zook's career at Florida...in fact it wouldn't surprise me if something is already in the works.
From UF athletic director calls Zook fracas 'unacceptable': South Florida Sun-Sentinel:
"Florida Athletics Director Jeremy Foley described a Sept. 16 incident involving coach Ron Zook and several fraternity members as 'unacceptable' on Tuesday.
According to a police report, Zook was present at a confrontation between several football players and members of Pi Kappa Phi, who were arguing about a fight that had occurred at 2 a.m. that morning."
From UF athletic director calls Zook fracas 'unacceptable': South Florida Sun-Sentinel:
"Florida Athletics Director Jeremy Foley described a Sept. 16 incident involving coach Ron Zook and several fraternity members as 'unacceptable' on Tuesday.
According to a police report, Zook was present at a confrontation between several football players and members of Pi Kappa Phi, who were arguing about a fight that had occurred at 2 a.m. that morning."
Tuesday, October 12, 2004
Monday, October 11, 2004
Nuns Banned From Wearing Habits
From Telegraph | News | Teaching nuns hit by Muslim headscarf ban:
"Nuns who teach in state schools in the Black Forest region of Germany are to be banned from wearing their habits in the classroom in line with a judgment on Muslim headscarves, a federal court has ruled.
The federal administrative court decreed that it would be unjust if a law passed this year in the southern state of Baden Württemberg prohibiting Muslim women teachers from wearing headscarves did not also apply to Christian symbols.
"There can be no exception. Any form of religiously motivated clothing in certain regions is not in question," said the written ruling from the court in Leipzig, eastern Germany.
Nuns who form an active part of the teaching staff in the predominantly Roman Catholic state will in future have to change from their habits into ordinary clothing before they enter the classroom, according to today's edition of Spiegel magazine, which has published details of the ruling for the first time."
"Nuns who teach in state schools in the Black Forest region of Germany are to be banned from wearing their habits in the classroom in line with a judgment on Muslim headscarves, a federal court has ruled.
The federal administrative court decreed that it would be unjust if a law passed this year in the southern state of Baden Württemberg prohibiting Muslim women teachers from wearing headscarves did not also apply to Christian symbols.
"There can be no exception. Any form of religiously motivated clothing in certain regions is not in question," said the written ruling from the court in Leipzig, eastern Germany.
Nuns who form an active part of the teaching staff in the predominantly Roman Catholic state will in future have to change from their habits into ordinary clothing before they enter the classroom, according to today's edition of Spiegel magazine, which has published details of the ruling for the first time."
A Miracle at Final Mass
One of the Boston churches that is closing experiences a rather dramatic ending to the liturgy. What do you think?
From Boston.com / News / Local / A 'miracle' at final Mass:
After 99 years of feasts, funerals, weddings, and baptisms, parishioners who went to the final Mass at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in East Boston yesterday declared that they had witnessed a miracle.
The church's statue of the Virgin Mary, which stood in front of the altar, tipped over suddenly and thudded to the floor after Mass, seemingly unmolested by human hands, parishioners said.
Trembling and weeping, they called it a sign from God protesting the Boston Archdiocese's decision to close their church, part of the lifeblood of the working-class, Italian-American neighborhood since 1905.
''This is a miracle!" Gerri Costa exclaimed after parishioners righted the 5-foot statue, which was missing a few pieces from its back. ''Miracles do happen, and this is a miracle. Viva La Madonna!"
The conclusion to the East Boston church's final Mass in Italian boiled with pain, anger, and hope, a tumult of emotions engulfing many parishes in the archdiocese as the process of closing 82 parishes continues.
From Boston.com / News / Local / A 'miracle' at final Mass:
After 99 years of feasts, funerals, weddings, and baptisms, parishioners who went to the final Mass at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in East Boston yesterday declared that they had witnessed a miracle.
The church's statue of the Virgin Mary, which stood in front of the altar, tipped over suddenly and thudded to the floor after Mass, seemingly unmolested by human hands, parishioners said.
Trembling and weeping, they called it a sign from God protesting the Boston Archdiocese's decision to close their church, part of the lifeblood of the working-class, Italian-American neighborhood since 1905.
''This is a miracle!" Gerri Costa exclaimed after parishioners righted the 5-foot statue, which was missing a few pieces from its back. ''Miracles do happen, and this is a miracle. Viva La Madonna!"
The conclusion to the East Boston church's final Mass in Italian boiled with pain, anger, and hope, a tumult of emotions engulfing many parishes in the archdiocese as the process of closing 82 parishes continues.
Saturday, October 9, 2004
Amy in the Australian Press
From Maxwell Smart and the Holy Grail - Opinion - www.theage.com.au:
"Meanwhile The Da Vinci Code continues its astounding stranglehold at the top of the bestseller lists. It has even spawned its own industry of meta-commentary, with books such as Simon Cox's Cracking the Da Vinci Code, Darrell Bock's Breaking the Da Vinci Code and Dan Burstein's collection Secrets of the Code.
In addition, various Christian writers have set out to debunk Brown's portrait of the Catholic Church and the organisation Opus Dei, among them Amy Welborn in De-coding Da Vinci and Steve Kellmeyer in Fact and Fiction in the Da Vinci Code."
"Meanwhile The Da Vinci Code continues its astounding stranglehold at the top of the bestseller lists. It has even spawned its own industry of meta-commentary, with books such as Simon Cox's Cracking the Da Vinci Code, Darrell Bock's Breaking the Da Vinci Code and Dan Burstein's collection Secrets of the Code.
In addition, various Christian writers have set out to debunk Brown's portrait of the Catholic Church and the organisation Opus Dei, among them Amy Welborn in De-coding Da Vinci and Steve Kellmeyer in Fact and Fiction in the Da Vinci Code."
Now Its Matthew's Turn to Take Aim at Florida
Another drenching on the way...
From Yahoo! News - Tropical Storm Forms in Gulf of Mexico, Aims at Florida:
"Tropical Storm Matthew formed in the western Gulf of Mexico on Friday and was headed toward Florida, forecasters at the National Hurricane Center said.
But there was some good news for a state hit by four deadly and devastating hurricanes since August: Matthew was not expected to strengthen significantly before crossing ashore over the Florida Panhandle on Monday. "
From Yahoo! News - Tropical Storm Forms in Gulf of Mexico, Aims at Florida:
"Tropical Storm Matthew formed in the western Gulf of Mexico on Friday and was headed toward Florida, forecasters at the National Hurricane Center said.
But there was some good news for a state hit by four deadly and devastating hurricanes since August: Matthew was not expected to strengthen significantly before crossing ashore over the Florida Panhandle on Monday. "
Friday, October 8, 2004
Father Benedict Groeschel Live
Now that Mother Angelica is no longer "live" and on the air, this will make a good addition to the EWTN network, plus Father Benedict is great when presenting the Faith before an audience (even if the audience is calling him in on the phone).
From EWTN Press Release:
"EWTN announces the upcoming launch of the newest addition to its live show lineup, Sunday Night: Live with Father Benedict Groeschel. This exciting new live call-in show is slated to debut only ten months after the accident, which seriously injured the very popular author, speaker, and EWTN series host.
The show will debut on Sunday, October 24th at 7PM Eastern Time and will air weekly in that time slot. Similar in format and tone to the classically popular Mother Angelica Live ?Family Night? program, Live with Father Benedict Groeschel offers the audience a chance to ?chat' with Fr. Benedict on both timely topics and eternal ones. Each week he?ll do a little teaching, a little preaching while at the same time taking phone calls, sharing experiences and addressing the concerns of his audience. As with Mother Angelica, Fr. Benedict brings to his program a unique perspective of what it is like to soldier on in the face of sorrow and suffering.
Doug Keck, EWTN's Senior Vice President of Programming, Production and Home Video, said, ?Everyone here at EWTN is excited about this project since we have wanted to produce a live show with Fr. Groeschel for some time, but his hectic travel schedule previously prohibited it from happening. Now in the aftermath of his accident, Fr. Benedict has turned to the EWTN TV and Radio Networks as the vehicle that will allow him to continue to ?travel? around the world, speaking to more people than ever before!?"
From EWTN Press Release:
"EWTN announces the upcoming launch of the newest addition to its live show lineup, Sunday Night: Live with Father Benedict Groeschel. This exciting new live call-in show is slated to debut only ten months after the accident, which seriously injured the very popular author, speaker, and EWTN series host.
The show will debut on Sunday, October 24th at 7PM Eastern Time and will air weekly in that time slot. Similar in format and tone to the classically popular Mother Angelica Live ?Family Night? program, Live with Father Benedict Groeschel offers the audience a chance to ?chat' with Fr. Benedict on both timely topics and eternal ones. Each week he?ll do a little teaching, a little preaching while at the same time taking phone calls, sharing experiences and addressing the concerns of his audience. As with Mother Angelica, Fr. Benedict brings to his program a unique perspective of what it is like to soldier on in the face of sorrow and suffering.
Doug Keck, EWTN's Senior Vice President of Programming, Production and Home Video, said, ?Everyone here at EWTN is excited about this project since we have wanted to produce a live show with Fr. Groeschel for some time, but his hectic travel schedule previously prohibited it from happening. Now in the aftermath of his accident, Fr. Benedict has turned to the EWTN TV and Radio Networks as the vehicle that will allow him to continue to ?travel? around the world, speaking to more people than ever before!?"
Pope to Release Book on Philosophy Next Year
From Zenit News Agency - The World Seen From Rome:
"John Paul II will release a new book, 'Memory and Identity: Conversation Between Millenniums,' next spring, says a Vatican spokesman.
Joaquin Navarro Valls, director of the Vatican press office, made the announcement Wednesday in Frankfurt, Germany.
The book will be published by the Italian publishing house Rizzoli, the Vatican Information Service confirmed today.
Rizzoli, which published the Pope's 'Opera Omnia Filosofica,' a volume of more than 1,000 pages, as well as other texts on literary criticism written by Karol Wojtyla, owns the world rights to the book. During the Frankfurt International Book Fair, now under way, there will be negotiations for its publication in other languages.
According to Navarro Valls, the book is a work on the philosophy of history in which the Pope considers topics such as modern democracy, liberty and human rights, the diverse concepts of nation, fatherland and the state, the more-than-functional relationship between nation and culture, the rights of man, and the relationship between church and state. "
"John Paul II will release a new book, 'Memory and Identity: Conversation Between Millenniums,' next spring, says a Vatican spokesman.
Joaquin Navarro Valls, director of the Vatican press office, made the announcement Wednesday in Frankfurt, Germany.
The book will be published by the Italian publishing house Rizzoli, the Vatican Information Service confirmed today.
Rizzoli, which published the Pope's 'Opera Omnia Filosofica,' a volume of more than 1,000 pages, as well as other texts on literary criticism written by Karol Wojtyla, owns the world rights to the book. During the Frankfurt International Book Fair, now under way, there will be negotiations for its publication in other languages.
According to Navarro Valls, the book is a work on the philosophy of history in which the Pope considers topics such as modern democracy, liberty and human rights, the diverse concepts of nation, fatherland and the state, the more-than-functional relationship between nation and culture, the rights of man, and the relationship between church and state. "
New Apostolic Letter on the Eucharist Released
From the Vatican Information Service:
Pope John Paul's Apostolic Letter "Mane Nobiscum Domine" ("Stay with us, Lord"), addressed to the bishops, clergy and faithful of the Church on the occasion of the October 2004-October 2005 Year of the Eucharist, was presented today in the Holy See Press Office by Cardinal Francis Arinze. The Letter, in Italian and dated October 7, feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, has an introduction, four chapters and a conclusion.
The prefect of the Congregation of Divine Worship and the Discipline of Sacraments, recalled that the Holy Father announced the celebration of a Year of the Eucharist throughout the Church during Mass at St. John Lateran Basilica on the June 10, 2004 solemnity of Corpus Christi. Calling today's 30-page Letter "beautiful and incisive," the cardinal added that it "will help guide the Church to celebrate this special year with the greatest possible fruits."
Cardinal Arinze pointed out that "the underlying theme of the Apostolic Letter is the story of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus." In fact, the Apostolic Letter starts: "'Stay with us, for it is towards evening'. This was the heartfelt invitation that the two disciples, walking towards Emmaus the very evening of the Resurrection, issued to the Wayfarer who had joined them along the road. Filled with sad thoughts, they could not imagine that that stranger was their very Master, by now risen."
"The Year of the Eucharist," he added, "will see the Church especially committed to living the mystery of the Holy Eucharist. Jesus continues to walk with us and to introduce us to the mysteries of God, opening us up to the deep meaning of Sacred Scriptures. At the summit of this encounter, Jesus breaks for us 'the bread of life'."
"Many times during his pontificate," said the cardinal, "John Paul II has invited the Church to reflect on the Eucharist, ... especially last year in the Encyclical 'Ecclesia de Eucharistia'. ... The Pope mentions two principal events that illuminate and spell out the beginning and the end of the year of the Eucharist: the 48th International Eucharistic Congress that will be held in Guadalajara, Mexico the week of October 10 to 17 and the 11th General Assembly of the Synod of bishops which will take place in the Vatican October 2-29, 2005."
Pope John Paul's Apostolic Letter "Mane Nobiscum Domine" ("Stay with us, Lord"), addressed to the bishops, clergy and faithful of the Church on the occasion of the October 2004-October 2005 Year of the Eucharist, was presented today in the Holy See Press Office by Cardinal Francis Arinze. The Letter, in Italian and dated October 7, feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, has an introduction, four chapters and a conclusion.
The prefect of the Congregation of Divine Worship and the Discipline of Sacraments, recalled that the Holy Father announced the celebration of a Year of the Eucharist throughout the Church during Mass at St. John Lateran Basilica on the June 10, 2004 solemnity of Corpus Christi. Calling today's 30-page Letter "beautiful and incisive," the cardinal added that it "will help guide the Church to celebrate this special year with the greatest possible fruits."
Cardinal Arinze pointed out that "the underlying theme of the Apostolic Letter is the story of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus." In fact, the Apostolic Letter starts: "'Stay with us, for it is towards evening'. This was the heartfelt invitation that the two disciples, walking towards Emmaus the very evening of the Resurrection, issued to the Wayfarer who had joined them along the road. Filled with sad thoughts, they could not imagine that that stranger was their very Master, by now risen."
"The Year of the Eucharist," he added, "will see the Church especially committed to living the mystery of the Holy Eucharist. Jesus continues to walk with us and to introduce us to the mysteries of God, opening us up to the deep meaning of Sacred Scriptures. At the summit of this encounter, Jesus breaks for us 'the bread of life'."
"Many times during his pontificate," said the cardinal, "John Paul II has invited the Church to reflect on the Eucharist, ... especially last year in the Encyclical 'Ecclesia de Eucharistia'. ... The Pope mentions two principal events that illuminate and spell out the beginning and the end of the year of the Eucharist: the 48th International Eucharistic Congress that will be held in Guadalajara, Mexico the week of October 10 to 17 and the 11th General Assembly of the Synod of bishops which will take place in the Vatican October 2-29, 2005."
Thursday, October 7, 2004
Pope Names New Austria Bishop
Its the Opus Dei Bishop who investigated and had seminary closed.
From Boston.com / News / World / Europe / Pope names new Austria bishop0:
"John Paul accepted the resignation of Bishop Kurt Krenn as head of the diocese of St. Poelten and named as his successor Bishop Klaus Kueng, who had been appointed by the Vatican to investigate the scandal.
The scandal rocked Austria's Roman Catholic Church and aggravated an exodus of Catholics from the church.
Krenn, who was in charge of the seminary, resigned last week amid an uproar over his handling of the affair.
Kueng, 64, has been serving as bishop of the diocese of Feldkirch in southwestern Austria. He is a member of the conservative Catholic organization Opus Dei, which is admired by the pontiff.
He was named to investigate the scandal after the discovery of as many as 40,000 lurid images, including child pornography, on computers in the seminary.
Kueng closed down the seminary in August."
From Boston.com / News / World / Europe / Pope names new Austria bishop0:
"John Paul accepted the resignation of Bishop Kurt Krenn as head of the diocese of St. Poelten and named as his successor Bishop Klaus Kueng, who had been appointed by the Vatican to investigate the scandal.
The scandal rocked Austria's Roman Catholic Church and aggravated an exodus of Catholics from the church.
Krenn, who was in charge of the seminary, resigned last week amid an uproar over his handling of the affair.
Kueng, 64, has been serving as bishop of the diocese of Feldkirch in southwestern Austria. He is a member of the conservative Catholic organization Opus Dei, which is admired by the pontiff.
He was named to investigate the scandal after the discovery of as many as 40,000 lurid images, including child pornography, on computers in the seminary.
Kueng closed down the seminary in August."
Tuesday, October 5, 2004
Rodney Dangerfield Dead
From My Way News:
"Rodney Dangerfield, the bug-eyed comic whose self-deprecating one-liners brought him stardom in clubs, television and movies and made his lament 'I don't get no respect' a catchphrase, died Tuesday. He was 82.
Dangerfield, who fell into a coma after undergoing heart surgery, died at 1:20 p.m., said publicist Kevin Sasaki. Dangerfield had a heart valve replaced Aug. 25 at the University of California, Los Angeles, Medical Center.
Sasaki said in a statement that Dangerfield suffered a small stroke after the operation and developed infectious and abdominal complications. But in the past week he had emerged from the coma, the publicist said."
"Rodney Dangerfield, the bug-eyed comic whose self-deprecating one-liners brought him stardom in clubs, television and movies and made his lament 'I don't get no respect' a catchphrase, died Tuesday. He was 82.
Dangerfield, who fell into a coma after undergoing heart surgery, died at 1:20 p.m., said publicist Kevin Sasaki. Dangerfield had a heart valve replaced Aug. 25 at the University of California, Los Angeles, Medical Center.
Sasaki said in a statement that Dangerfield suffered a small stroke after the operation and developed infectious and abdominal complications. But in the past week he had emerged from the coma, the publicist said."
Israelis Force Down Lufthansa Jet
From BBC NEWS | Middle East | Israelis force down Lufthansa jet:
"Israeli jet fighters have forced an incoming Lufthansa airliner to land in Cyprus after a bomb alert that German officials had not considered serious.
'We wanted to fly to Tel Aviv but the Israeli authorities forced us to land in Larnaca,' said a Lufthansa official.
The flight from Frankfurt landed safely and security staff are searching it.
Three passenger jets - two from Greece to New York and one British Airways flight from Berlin - have been diverted after bomb hoaxes in the last 10 days. "
"Israeli jet fighters have forced an incoming Lufthansa airliner to land in Cyprus after a bomb alert that German officials had not considered serious.
'We wanted to fly to Tel Aviv but the Israeli authorities forced us to land in Larnaca,' said a Lufthansa official.
The flight from Frankfurt landed safely and security staff are searching it.
Three passenger jets - two from Greece to New York and one British Airways flight from Berlin - have been diverted after bomb hoaxes in the last 10 days. "
New Apostolic Letter on the Eucharist
To be released this Friday...
From the Vatican Information Serice:
On Friday, October 8, at 11:30 a.m. in the Holy See Press Office, Cardinal Francis Arinze, prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, will preside at a press conference for the presentation of the "Apostolic Letter of the Holy Father for the Year of the Eucharist."
Joining Cardinal Arinze will be Archbishops Domenico Sorrentino, secretary of the congregation and Piero Marini, master of the Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff, and Msgr. Mauro Parmeggiani, prelate secretary of the vicariate of Rome.
From the Vatican Information Serice:
On Friday, October 8, at 11:30 a.m. in the Holy See Press Office, Cardinal Francis Arinze, prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, will preside at a press conference for the presentation of the "Apostolic Letter of the Holy Father for the Year of the Eucharist."
Joining Cardinal Arinze will be Archbishops Domenico Sorrentino, secretary of the congregation and Piero Marini, master of the Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff, and Msgr. Mauro Parmeggiani, prelate secretary of the vicariate of Rome.
Thursday, September 30, 2004
Krenn Resigns
From Bishop quits amid scandal:
"A Catholic bishop blamed in a seminary porn scandal that has rocked Austria's church has resigned, Austrian media reported Wednesday.
Bishop Kurt Krenn, who had overall responsibility for the St. Poelten seminary, where authorities found up to 40,000 lurid images on computers -- including child pornography -- sent a letter to Pope John Paul II saying he was stepping down.
The pope appointed another Austrian cleric, Bishop Klaus Kueng, to investigate. Police have been conducting a separate criminal investigation."
"A Catholic bishop blamed in a seminary porn scandal that has rocked Austria's church has resigned, Austrian media reported Wednesday.
Bishop Kurt Krenn, who had overall responsibility for the St. Poelten seminary, where authorities found up to 40,000 lurid images on computers -- including child pornography -- sent a letter to Pope John Paul II saying he was stepping down.
The pope appointed another Austrian cleric, Bishop Klaus Kueng, to investigate. Police have been conducting a separate criminal investigation."
Tuesday, September 28, 2004
Life Matters!
From Life Matters!:
"Anyone familiar with America's long and shameful history of indifference and hostility to persons with disabilities will not be greatly surprised by the death sentence imposed on Terri Schindler Schiavo by the Florida Supreme Court.
Anyone with an ounce of decency, however, should be outraged. And anyone who cares in the least about his life or the lives of those he loves should be alarmed.
While those seeking to murder Terri have denied her the opportunity that she deserves for rehabilitation and while they have distorted Terri's condition in their Goebbels-style campaign to dehumanize her, this battle has never been about the medical facts.
Nor should it be! The life of a person living in coma deserves no less protection than the healthiest TAB (temporarily able-bodied person). In fact, it requires and deserves greater protection, and any civilization that has transcended the jungles of social Darwinism would provide it.
If the life of every innocent person does not enjoy the full protection of our laws and courts then no man's life is safe from the tyranny of unjust courts like those that have repeatedly provided legal cover for Terri's impending murder as they have once again done today."
"Anyone familiar with America's long and shameful history of indifference and hostility to persons with disabilities will not be greatly surprised by the death sentence imposed on Terri Schindler Schiavo by the Florida Supreme Court.
Anyone with an ounce of decency, however, should be outraged. And anyone who cares in the least about his life or the lives of those he loves should be alarmed.
While those seeking to murder Terri have denied her the opportunity that she deserves for rehabilitation and while they have distorted Terri's condition in their Goebbels-style campaign to dehumanize her, this battle has never been about the medical facts.
Nor should it be! The life of a person living in coma deserves no less protection than the healthiest TAB (temporarily able-bodied person). In fact, it requires and deserves greater protection, and any civilization that has transcended the jungles of social Darwinism would provide it.
If the life of every innocent person does not enjoy the full protection of our laws and courts then no man's life is safe from the tyranny of unjust courts like those that have repeatedly provided legal cover for Terri's impending murder as they have once again done today."
The Annual Pickle Festival in My Hometown
From The Keene Sentinel Local News for Keene, NH and the Monadnock Region of NH:
"The parade began around 11 a.m., led by "Mr. Pickle" himself in a army green jeep. He was decked out in his familiar green tuxedo suit, green hat, and even a green handkerchief to wipe his brow under the hot afternoon sun.
Henry A.L. Parkhurst of Winchester has been "Mr. Pickle" from the beginning and has watched the changes over the last seven years.
"There is much more community spirit (this year) and pulling together," he said."
"The parade began around 11 a.m., led by "Mr. Pickle" himself in a army green jeep. He was decked out in his familiar green tuxedo suit, green hat, and even a green handkerchief to wipe his brow under the hot afternoon sun.
Henry A.L. Parkhurst of Winchester has been "Mr. Pickle" from the beginning and has watched the changes over the last seven years.
"There is much more community spirit (this year) and pulling together," he said."
Monday, September 27, 2004
Sunday, September 26, 2004
Majority of Priests Like Their Vocation
From Charlotte Observer | 09/25/2004 | Survey: 92% of priests like job:
"Two and a half years after the clergy sex abuse scandal erupted, Roman Catholic priests continue to be satisfied with their ministries. But some still worry about declining morale in the priesthood, according to a new survey by the director of a treatment center for troubled clergy.
The survey of 834 priests in 11 dioceses was conducted by the Rev. Stephen Rossetti, president of the St. Luke Institute in Silver Spring, Md. Rossetti also serves as a consultant to a bishops' committee on sexual abuse.
Rossetti said 92 percent of priests were happy as priests, only 6 percent were considering leaving the priesthood and 83 percent said they would make the same choices if they had to do it all over again.
Those findings were roughly in line with a 2001 survey by the National Federation of Priests' Councils and a 2002 study by the Los Angeles Times. Rossetti's survey was conducted between September 2003 and last March.
While 83 percent of priests reported personal satisfaction, only 40 percent agreed with the statement that 'morale in the priesthood is good.' Three-quarters of priests reported a good relationship with their bishops, but only 26 percent thought priests accused of abuse were treated fairly."
"Two and a half years after the clergy sex abuse scandal erupted, Roman Catholic priests continue to be satisfied with their ministries. But some still worry about declining morale in the priesthood, according to a new survey by the director of a treatment center for troubled clergy.
The survey of 834 priests in 11 dioceses was conducted by the Rev. Stephen Rossetti, president of the St. Luke Institute in Silver Spring, Md. Rossetti also serves as a consultant to a bishops' committee on sexual abuse.
Rossetti said 92 percent of priests were happy as priests, only 6 percent were considering leaving the priesthood and 83 percent said they would make the same choices if they had to do it all over again.
Those findings were roughly in line with a 2001 survey by the National Federation of Priests' Councils and a 2002 study by the Los Angeles Times. Rossetti's survey was conducted between September 2003 and last March.
While 83 percent of priests reported personal satisfaction, only 40 percent agreed with the statement that 'morale in the priesthood is good.' Three-quarters of priests reported a good relationship with their bishops, but only 26 percent thought priests accused of abuse were treated fairly."
Saturday, September 25, 2004
Hurricane Jeanne Heading Toward Florida, Could Be Category 4
The NOAA issues discussions that are posted on their site and various newspapers that give the technical oppinion on Hurricanes and tropical storms. Forecaster Beven expects the storm to strengthen, and possibly become a Category 4 storm by the time the eye of the storm reaches the Florida coast.
From Sun-Sentinel: South Florida weather:
"Guidance now suggests that upper-level winds will remain favorable for Jeanne to strengthen until landfall. Therefore...the main restraining factors for development are the current large eye...and the abundant dry air surrounding the hurricane. SHIPS and the GFDL both take Jeanne to 100 kt by landfall. Given the current trends...the intensity forecast will go a little higher and call for 105 kt. It would not be a surprise to see Jeanne get stronger than that...and reaching category four status is not out of the question. Jeanne should steadily weaken after landfall...becoming a depression over the southeastern United States and eventually becoming extratropical over the northwestern Atlantic. "
From Sun-Sentinel: South Florida weather:
"Guidance now suggests that upper-level winds will remain favorable for Jeanne to strengthen until landfall. Therefore...the main restraining factors for development are the current large eye...and the abundant dry air surrounding the hurricane. SHIPS and the GFDL both take Jeanne to 100 kt by landfall. Given the current trends...the intensity forecast will go a little higher and call for 105 kt. It would not be a surprise to see Jeanne get stronger than that...and reaching category four status is not out of the question. Jeanne should steadily weaken after landfall...becoming a depression over the southeastern United States and eventually becoming extratropical over the northwestern Atlantic. "
Five Columnist Forced Crisis Publisher to Resign
From Publisher of Catholic magazine forced to resign - The Washington Times: Nation/Politics - September 22, 2004:
Deal Hudson, publisher of Crisis magazine and, until recently, a top Bush political adviser on outreach to Roman Catholics, will resign from the magazine at the end of the year after five of his most influential columnists pressured the board to get rid of him.
The columnists, who include some of the nation's best-known Catholic scholars, told the board in a letter that they would leave the magazine unless the board ejected Mr. Hudson, 54.
According to two scholars familiar with the letter, the columnists were angry about an Aug. 19 National Catholic Reporter (NCR) expose on Mr. Hudson's sexual liaison with an 18-year-old student in 1994, an action that cost him his tenured professorship at Fordham University and a $30,000 settlement.
And who were the five? According to the Washington Times they were:
"The five columnists include the two founding editors of the magazine: Michael Novak of the American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research and University of Notre Dame philosophy professor Ralph McInerny.
The other columnists were Claremont University political science professor Michael Uhlmann; Faith & Reason Institute President Robert Royal; and Russell Hittinger, professor of Catholic studies at the University of Tulsa. "
Deal Hudson, publisher of Crisis magazine and, until recently, a top Bush political adviser on outreach to Roman Catholics, will resign from the magazine at the end of the year after five of his most influential columnists pressured the board to get rid of him.
The columnists, who include some of the nation's best-known Catholic scholars, told the board in a letter that they would leave the magazine unless the board ejected Mr. Hudson, 54.
According to two scholars familiar with the letter, the columnists were angry about an Aug. 19 National Catholic Reporter (NCR) expose on Mr. Hudson's sexual liaison with an 18-year-old student in 1994, an action that cost him his tenured professorship at Fordham University and a $30,000 settlement.
And who were the five? According to the Washington Times they were:
"The five columnists include the two founding editors of the magazine: Michael Novak of the American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research and University of Notre Dame philosophy professor Ralph McInerny.
The other columnists were Claremont University political science professor Michael Uhlmann; Faith & Reason Institute President Robert Royal; and Russell Hittinger, professor of Catholic studies at the University of Tulsa. "
Terri Schiavo's Parents Respond
From Terri's Fight:
The ruling by the Florida Supreme Court today was not unexpected; nevertheless the family is disappointed at the outcome. We would like everyone to understand the reason the Florida legislature and Governor Bush interceded in Terri’s case was to protect Terri from a serious miscarriage of justice. The Governor specifically wanted answers to the following questions, all of which are extremely troubling: (1) Why Terri’s purported desire to die was hidden from the jury in the 1992 medical malpractice case, during which Michael Schiavo testified that Terri would need compensation to live out her life; (2) What did Michael Schiavo mean when he purportedly said at Palm Gardens Nursing Home such things as “When is she going to die?” “Has she died yet?” “When is that bitch going to die?” “Can’t you do anything to accelerate her death?” (3) What Michael Schiavo knows about the multiple traumatic injuries of relatively recent origin that were found to be present in a bone scan conducted on Terri by Dr. Campbell Walker in March of 1991? (4) Why were nurses’ notes which documented Terri’s rehabilitation potential deleted from her chart at Palm Gardens? (5) Why were observations of the nursing assistants regarding Terri’s level of function and responsiveness deleted from her chart? and (6) What would Terri’s desires be regarding who should make end-of-life decisions for her if she knew that Michael Schiavo was living with another woman who has borne two children by him?
The ruling by the Florida Supreme Court today was not unexpected; nevertheless the family is disappointed at the outcome. We would like everyone to understand the reason the Florida legislature and Governor Bush interceded in Terri’s case was to protect Terri from a serious miscarriage of justice. The Governor specifically wanted answers to the following questions, all of which are extremely troubling: (1) Why Terri’s purported desire to die was hidden from the jury in the 1992 medical malpractice case, during which Michael Schiavo testified that Terri would need compensation to live out her life; (2) What did Michael Schiavo mean when he purportedly said at Palm Gardens Nursing Home such things as “When is she going to die?” “Has she died yet?” “When is that bitch going to die?” “Can’t you do anything to accelerate her death?” (3) What Michael Schiavo knows about the multiple traumatic injuries of relatively recent origin that were found to be present in a bone scan conducted on Terri by Dr. Campbell Walker in March of 1991? (4) Why were nurses’ notes which documented Terri’s rehabilitation potential deleted from her chart at Palm Gardens? (5) Why were observations of the nursing assistants regarding Terri’s level of function and responsiveness deleted from her chart? and (6) What would Terri’s desires be regarding who should make end-of-life decisions for her if she knew that Michael Schiavo was living with another woman who has borne two children by him?
Thursday, September 23, 2004
Pope Cancels Appearance
From Pope cancels appearance:
"Pope John Paul II has cancelled plans to preside over a Holy Mass scheduled for next week in St Peter's Basilica, the Vatican announced on Thursday.
In a statement, the Vatican press office said Tuesday's remembrance Mass in honour of two of his predecessors, Paul VI and John Paul I, would be officiated by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, one of the pope's closest aides.
No reason for the change of plan was given by the Vatican, which had published the pope's schedule leading up to Christmas just a few days ago.
Concern among Vatican experts is constantly high over the health of Pope John Paul, who is 84 and has been suffering rom Parkinson's disease and other age-related ailments for some time. "
"Pope John Paul II has cancelled plans to preside over a Holy Mass scheduled for next week in St Peter's Basilica, the Vatican announced on Thursday.
In a statement, the Vatican press office said Tuesday's remembrance Mass in honour of two of his predecessors, Paul VI and John Paul I, would be officiated by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, one of the pope's closest aides.
No reason for the change of plan was given by the Vatican, which had published the pope's schedule leading up to Christmas just a few days ago.
Concern among Vatican experts is constantly high over the health of Pope John Paul, who is 84 and has been suffering rom Parkinson's disease and other age-related ailments for some time. "
'Code of silence' Among Priests Shields Abusers
Sad...
From 'Code of silence' among priests shields abusers:
"When the Rev. Lawrence Minder told his congregation last month that he had been abused by a priest 30 years ago, the Bothell priest became one of a handful of Roman Catholic priests nationwide to break an unspoken vow: Thou Shalt Not Accuse Fellow Clergy.
Though parishioners at St. Brendan Catholic Church were startled to hear that their pastor had been abused by a fellow priest, many experts believe Minder is one of hundreds of Catholic clergy who were sexually abused by priests when they were children.
Afraid of the personal and professional consequences of reporting their abuse, many keep their allegations to themselves -- even though the men who abused them are often still practicing priests dealing with children on a daily basis.
'There's this code of silence -- you don't criticize another priest. You don't tarnish the image of the church,' said the Rev. Gary Hayes, a priest in Kentucky who says he was abused by a priest when he was 15.
Hayes, 52, was one of the first priests to go public with allegations that he'd been abused by a priest. He said he has met or heard of about 50 priests who say they have been abused by priests, and he suspects there may be 'hundreds' more.
Priests who point fingers at other clergy 'don't make any friends in the church, I'll tell you that much,' said the Rev. John Bambrick, a New Jersey priest who said he was also abused by a priest when he was 15.
'I know guys who came forward, and it was disastrous. Priests shun you. It gets to be very, very messy -- I think a lot of guys don't want to get caught up in that mess.'
Bambrick said he knows of about 20 priests who have been abused by priests. He and Hayes have started a support group for priests abused by priests called Jordan's Crossing. "
From 'Code of silence' among priests shields abusers:
"When the Rev. Lawrence Minder told his congregation last month that he had been abused by a priest 30 years ago, the Bothell priest became one of a handful of Roman Catholic priests nationwide to break an unspoken vow: Thou Shalt Not Accuse Fellow Clergy.
Though parishioners at St. Brendan Catholic Church were startled to hear that their pastor had been abused by a fellow priest, many experts believe Minder is one of hundreds of Catholic clergy who were sexually abused by priests when they were children.
Afraid of the personal and professional consequences of reporting their abuse, many keep their allegations to themselves -- even though the men who abused them are often still practicing priests dealing with children on a daily basis.
'There's this code of silence -- you don't criticize another priest. You don't tarnish the image of the church,' said the Rev. Gary Hayes, a priest in Kentucky who says he was abused by a priest when he was 15.
Hayes, 52, was one of the first priests to go public with allegations that he'd been abused by a priest. He said he has met or heard of about 50 priests who say they have been abused by priests, and he suspects there may be 'hundreds' more.
Priests who point fingers at other clergy 'don't make any friends in the church, I'll tell you that much,' said the Rev. John Bambrick, a New Jersey priest who said he was also abused by a priest when he was 15.
'I know guys who came forward, and it was disastrous. Priests shun you. It gets to be very, very messy -- I think a lot of guys don't want to get caught up in that mess.'
Bambrick said he knows of about 20 priests who have been abused by priests. He and Hayes have started a support group for priests abused by priests called Jordan's Crossing. "
Hurricane Jeanne Headed for Same Spot as Frances
Moving slowly, could intensify. Check out the tracking map at Sun-Sentinel: South Florida weather
Wednesday, September 22, 2004
Bishop Wenski Pleads for Help for the Haitians
Devastated by the Tropical Storm...
From CNS STORY: Death toll mounts after Tropical Storm Jeanne causes floods in Haiti:
"In the immediate aftermath of Tropical Storm Jeanne, a Haitian church official called Coadjutor Bishop Thomas G. Wenski of Orlando, Fla., with the plea, 'We need help fast.'
More than 600 people were killed in the beleaguered nation's latest disaster, with rescue workers predicting a much higher death toll in mudslides resulting from the storm.
Bishop Wenski said he spoke with a church official from Gonaives, Haiti, a northern city where more than 500 people died. About half of Gonaives remained submerged Sept. 21.
'He said, 'We need food, we need clothing, we need medicine, mattresses.' But most of all, they need funds,'' the bishop told Catholic News Service in a telephone interview.
The bishop called on Catholics to donate to Catholic Relief Services, which has a substantial presence in Haiti, or to find parishes in their dioceses that have twinning programs with parishes in Haiti.
'Those two structures will provide means for providing assistance to Haitians in their moment of need,' Bishop Wenski said.
The bishop said there were unconfirmed reports that an elderly Oblate priest was killed in the flooding."
From CNS STORY: Death toll mounts after Tropical Storm Jeanne causes floods in Haiti:
"In the immediate aftermath of Tropical Storm Jeanne, a Haitian church official called Coadjutor Bishop Thomas G. Wenski of Orlando, Fla., with the plea, 'We need help fast.'
More than 600 people were killed in the beleaguered nation's latest disaster, with rescue workers predicting a much higher death toll in mudslides resulting from the storm.
Bishop Wenski said he spoke with a church official from Gonaives, Haiti, a northern city where more than 500 people died. About half of Gonaives remained submerged Sept. 21.
'He said, 'We need food, we need clothing, we need medicine, mattresses.' But most of all, they need funds,'' the bishop told Catholic News Service in a telephone interview.
The bishop called on Catholics to donate to Catholic Relief Services, which has a substantial presence in Haiti, or to find parishes in their dioceses that have twinning programs with parishes in Haiti.
'Those two structures will provide means for providing assistance to Haitians in their moment of need,' Bishop Wenski said.
The bishop said there were unconfirmed reports that an elderly Oblate priest was killed in the flooding."
The Pope Presides from the Cross
From Zenit News Agency - The World Seen From Rome:
"Though physically ailing, John Paul II might well be experiencing the greatest days of his pontificate, says a bishop who recently visited him.
In a statement in the wake of the New Zealand prelates' five-yearly visit to Rome, Bishop Patrick Dunn of Auckland said of the Pope: 'Although his eyes are bright and piercing, he is indubitably frail, and has not walked in public for over a year. His condition makes it an effort for him to talk, and at times even to swallow.'
'It seems that Pope John Paul II now presides over the universal Church from his place upon Christ's cross,' said Bishop Dunn, who traveled with seven other prelates to Rome.
'We bishops in Rome had the sense that this outstanding Pope, now so manifestly crippled and paralyzed by illness, is perhaps at this time living out the greatest days of his extraordinary pontificate,' the Auckland prelate added.
London-born Bishop Dunn, 54, recalled that the Pope asked the prelates to continue to proclaim 'the splendor of Christ's truth.'
'We bishops found the Pope's message immensely encouraging and helpful,' he said. Bishop Dunn appealed to New Zealand's Catholics to 'keep him in your prayers.'"
"Though physically ailing, John Paul II might well be experiencing the greatest days of his pontificate, says a bishop who recently visited him.
In a statement in the wake of the New Zealand prelates' five-yearly visit to Rome, Bishop Patrick Dunn of Auckland said of the Pope: 'Although his eyes are bright and piercing, he is indubitably frail, and has not walked in public for over a year. His condition makes it an effort for him to talk, and at times even to swallow.'
'It seems that Pope John Paul II now presides over the universal Church from his place upon Christ's cross,' said Bishop Dunn, who traveled with seven other prelates to Rome.
'We bishops in Rome had the sense that this outstanding Pope, now so manifestly crippled and paralyzed by illness, is perhaps at this time living out the greatest days of his extraordinary pontificate,' the Auckland prelate added.
London-born Bishop Dunn, 54, recalled that the Pope asked the prelates to continue to proclaim 'the splendor of Christ's truth.'
'We bishops found the Pope's message immensely encouraging and helpful,' he said. Bishop Dunn appealed to New Zealand's Catholics to 'keep him in your prayers.'"
Deal Hudson Resigns as Publisher of Crisis
From Deal's E-Newsletter:
On Friday, I told the board of CRISIS Magazine that I'd like to step down as publisher. They agreed and on January 1 of next year, I'll become the Director of the newly established Morley Institute.
The Institute will have two major functions: 1) To provide continued funding for CRISIS magazine and, 2) To support several new projects that I've wanted to pursue for some time. (The first of which will be a book on how Catholics can get involved in politics... something about which I have firsthand knowledge.)
I'm very excited about this. But it does mean I'll no longer be
publisher.
On Friday, I told the board of CRISIS Magazine that I'd like to step down as publisher. They agreed and on January 1 of next year, I'll become the Director of the newly established Morley Institute.
The Institute will have two major functions: 1) To provide continued funding for CRISIS magazine and, 2) To support several new projects that I've wanted to pursue for some time. (The first of which will be a book on how Catholics can get involved in politics... something about which I have firsthand knowledge.)
I'm very excited about this. But it does mean I'll no longer be
publisher.
Tuesday, September 21, 2004
Sacriligeous but...
The Sacred Heart of Clinton
From WorldNetDaily: 'Saint Bill Clinton' ignites religious rage:
"While Americans have a wide range of views regarding former President Bill Clinton, a Kentucky artist's depiction of the former commander in chief as God himself or a Catholic-style saint is raising those opinions to passionate levels across the nation.
The portrait, titled 'Saint Clinton,' is the creation of Scott Ritcher, a 34-year-old graphic designer who is now marketing T-shirts, posters, magnets, coffee cups, coasters and even lunchboxes with the picture reminiscent of the 'Sacred Heart of Jesus' images. "
From WorldNetDaily: 'Saint Bill Clinton' ignites religious rage:
"While Americans have a wide range of views regarding former President Bill Clinton, a Kentucky artist's depiction of the former commander in chief as God himself or a Catholic-style saint is raising those opinions to passionate levels across the nation.
The portrait, titled 'Saint Clinton,' is the creation of Scott Ritcher, a 34-year-old graphic designer who is now marketing T-shirts, posters, magnets, coffee cups, coasters and even lunchboxes with the picture reminiscent of the 'Sacred Heart of Jesus' images. "
End of the World for Skeeter Davis
Forgot to post this yesterday, she died on Sunday.
From Entertainment News Article Reuters.com:
"Country music singer Skeeter Davis, a veteran of Nashville's Grand Ole Opry, died on Sunday, according to a family friend.
Davis, 73, had battled breast cancer since 1988. She died at St. Thomas Hospital, said friend Linda Palmer.
In a 43-year career, she performed around the world, including at New York's Carnegie Hall and London's Royal Albert Hall. She earned five Grammy nominations, including one for the song 'Set Him Free' in 1959, the year she joined the Opry.
Other hits were 'I Forgot More Than You'll Ever Know,' 'The End of the World,' and 'Gonna Get Along Without You Now.' "
And a few other tidbits about where she got her unique name...
From the Cincinnati Enquirer:
Davis died at a Nashville hospice, said Grand Ole Opry publicist Jessie Schmidt. Davis had been diagnosed with breast cancer in 1988 and had a recurrence in 1996.
Davis was nicknamed Skeeter by her grandfather who said she was so active she buzzed around like a mosquito. During her career, she toured with Elvis Presley and the Rolling Stones.
From Entertainment News Article Reuters.com:
"Country music singer Skeeter Davis, a veteran of Nashville's Grand Ole Opry, died on Sunday, according to a family friend.
Davis, 73, had battled breast cancer since 1988. She died at St. Thomas Hospital, said friend Linda Palmer.
In a 43-year career, she performed around the world, including at New York's Carnegie Hall and London's Royal Albert Hall. She earned five Grammy nominations, including one for the song 'Set Him Free' in 1959, the year she joined the Opry.
Other hits were 'I Forgot More Than You'll Ever Know,' 'The End of the World,' and 'Gonna Get Along Without You Now.' "
And a few other tidbits about where she got her unique name...
From the Cincinnati Enquirer:
Davis died at a Nashville hospice, said Grand Ole Opry publicist Jessie Schmidt. Davis had been diagnosed with breast cancer in 1988 and had a recurrence in 1996.
Davis was nicknamed Skeeter by her grandfather who said she was so active she buzzed around like a mosquito. During her career, she toured with Elvis Presley and the Rolling Stones.
Monday, September 20, 2004
Anne Catherine Emmerich Will Be Beatified on October 3rd.
From the Vatican Information Service:
Sunday,3 October : 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time. At 10 a.m. in St. Peter's Square, beatification of the Servants of God Pierre Vigne, Joseph-Marie Cassant, Anna Katharina Emmerick, Maria Ludovica De Angelis and Charles of Austria.
Sunday,3 October : 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time. At 10 a.m. in St. Peter's Square, beatification of the Servants of God Pierre Vigne, Joseph-Marie Cassant, Anna Katharina Emmerick, Maria Ludovica De Angelis and Charles of Austria.
CBS to Say They Were Deceived
What will Rather say after all of his confident on the air statements that they were authentic?
From The New York Times > Washington > Campaign 2004 > The News Media: CBS News Concludes It Was Misled on National Guard Memos, Network Officials Say:
"The officials, who asked not to be identified, said CBS News would most likely make an announcement as early as today that it had been deceived about the documents' origins. CBS News has already begun intensive reporting on where they came from, and people at the network said it was now possible that officials would open an internal inquiry into how it moved forward with the report. Officials say they are now beginning to believe the report was too flawed to have gone on the air.
But they cautioned that CBS News could still pull back from an announcement. Officials met last night with Dan Rather, the anchor who presented the report, to go over the information it had collected about the documents one last time before making a final decision. Mr. Rather was not available for comment late last night."
From The New York Times > Washington > Campaign 2004 > The News Media: CBS News Concludes It Was Misled on National Guard Memos, Network Officials Say:
"The officials, who asked not to be identified, said CBS News would most likely make an announcement as early as today that it had been deceived about the documents' origins. CBS News has already begun intensive reporting on where they came from, and people at the network said it was now possible that officials would open an internal inquiry into how it moved forward with the report. Officials say they are now beginning to believe the report was too flawed to have gone on the air.
But they cautioned that CBS News could still pull back from an announcement. Officials met last night with Dan Rather, the anchor who presented the report, to go over the information it had collected about the documents one last time before making a final decision. Mr. Rather was not available for comment late last night."
SEC Official Admits Officials Made Serious Mistakes that Changed the Outcome of the UF-UT Game
From Florida Today
The Southeastern Conference's supervisor of officials admitted Sunday night that the crew working Tennessee's 30-28 win over Florida one night earlier "goofed," making two serious mistakes that may have affected the outcome.
"They did, unfortunately," Bobby Gaston told FLORIDA TODAY. "I can say there was a timing error made at the end of the game and there will be accountability, but we do not make public what we do. That's handled in-house between the University of Florida and the (SEC) commissioner."
The whole crew, which is one of the league's most highly rated and has worked the league championship game together, will be punished, Gaston said.
The errors occurred after Florida wide receiver Dallas Baker and Tennessee cornerback Jonathan Wade clashed after a third down run for no gain by Gator tailback DeShawn Wynn with 55 seconds left. An official standing near the play penalized Florida 15 yards and stopped the game clock - even though Wade also hit Baker in the helmet with his hand, causing the receiver to retaliate.
Gaston said both players should have been penalized. That would have meant offsetting penalties and the ball would have stayed at the 38 instead of being moved back to the 23, where UF had to punt on fourth down.
Officials also stopped the game clock until the action resumed. Stopping the clock before Eric Wilbur's 41-yard punt enabled Tennessee to take over with 43 seconds left and run five plays before James Wilhoit kicked a game-winning 50-yard field goal with six seconds left.
Gaston said the clock should have started the second the ball was placed on the ground - and it should have been placed at the 38, not the 23.
"Had it been an incomplete pass play, then you start the clock on the snap," Gaston said of the rule. "But you had the running play where, in the absence of the penalty, the clock would have continued to run. (So) the clock should have continued to run."
Gaston was on the sidelines and realized immediately what had happened. He left with the officiating crew after the game and told them they'd made a mistake.
The Southeastern Conference's supervisor of officials admitted Sunday night that the crew working Tennessee's 30-28 win over Florida one night earlier "goofed," making two serious mistakes that may have affected the outcome.
"They did, unfortunately," Bobby Gaston told FLORIDA TODAY. "I can say there was a timing error made at the end of the game and there will be accountability, but we do not make public what we do. That's handled in-house between the University of Florida and the (SEC) commissioner."
The whole crew, which is one of the league's most highly rated and has worked the league championship game together, will be punished, Gaston said.
The errors occurred after Florida wide receiver Dallas Baker and Tennessee cornerback Jonathan Wade clashed after a third down run for no gain by Gator tailback DeShawn Wynn with 55 seconds left. An official standing near the play penalized Florida 15 yards and stopped the game clock - even though Wade also hit Baker in the helmet with his hand, causing the receiver to retaliate.
Gaston said both players should have been penalized. That would have meant offsetting penalties and the ball would have stayed at the 38 instead of being moved back to the 23, where UF had to punt on fourth down.
Officials also stopped the game clock until the action resumed. Stopping the clock before Eric Wilbur's 41-yard punt enabled Tennessee to take over with 43 seconds left and run five plays before James Wilhoit kicked a game-winning 50-yard field goal with six seconds left.
Gaston said the clock should have started the second the ball was placed on the ground - and it should have been placed at the 38, not the 23.
"Had it been an incomplete pass play, then you start the clock on the snap," Gaston said of the rule. "But you had the running play where, in the absence of the penalty, the clock would have continued to run. (So) the clock should have continued to run."
Gaston was on the sidelines and realized immediately what had happened. He left with the officiating crew after the game and told them they'd made a mistake.
Sunday, September 19, 2004
Zookball Continues
Last year it was a whooping the Gators were giving Miami only to become another loss in the end, last night it was down to seconds and all about running out the clock.
From Martin Fennelly's column Feast-And-Famine Gators Tease, But Still Frustrating - from Tampa Bay Online:
"Another season of ZookBall truly began Saturday night. It promised so much. Mostly it promised madness. And for the second time in three Ron Zook seasons, with no guarantee of a fourth, go-figure Florida did not disappoint against Tennessee.
The Gators actually made us wonder if they could be for real. Chris Leak's first half did that to us. His third touchdown pass, an 81-yard to Chad Jackson in the fourth quarter, did it to us. Dreams were everywhere.
They folded up. Even a missed extra point by Volunteers kicker James Wilhoit that left Florida ahead 28-27 wasn't enough. The Gators refused to let Wilhoit be the goat. With seconds left, he kicked a 50-yard field goal to win it, 30-28.
We've been here before. Been fooled by Florida talent before. We've come to look for disaster more than success. We'll trust these Gators, Leak or no Leak, about the time Phil Fulmer starts appearing at Alabama booster clubs. "
From Martin Fennelly's column Feast-And-Famine Gators Tease, But Still Frustrating - from Tampa Bay Online:
"Another season of ZookBall truly began Saturday night. It promised so much. Mostly it promised madness. And for the second time in three Ron Zook seasons, with no guarantee of a fourth, go-figure Florida did not disappoint against Tennessee.
The Gators actually made us wonder if they could be for real. Chris Leak's first half did that to us. His third touchdown pass, an 81-yard to Chad Jackson in the fourth quarter, did it to us. Dreams were everywhere.
They folded up. Even a missed extra point by Volunteers kicker James Wilhoit that left Florida ahead 28-27 wasn't enough. The Gators refused to let Wilhoit be the goat. With seconds left, he kicked a 50-yard field goal to win it, 30-28.
We've been here before. Been fooled by Florida talent before. We've come to look for disaster more than success. We'll trust these Gators, Leak or no Leak, about the time Phil Fulmer starts appearing at Alabama booster clubs. "
Saturday, September 18, 2004
The Continuing Scandal--Lifestyles of the Rich and Pious
"Foxes have their lairs, birds have their nests, but the Son of Man doesn't have a place he can call his home." Jesus Christ...
His represenatives today...fromORANGE COUNTY WEEKLY OC Weekly: Cover: Lifestyles of the Rich and Pious:
"Would you like to work for a company that, when facing millions of dollars in lawsuits, buys you a multimillion-dollar house? How about an employer who adds a second story to your already-massive abode even while the government forces it to pay $5.2 million to settle a lawsuit?
Think it can only happen at Halliburton? Well, think again: you can enjoy all of this if you're a priest for the Catholic Diocese of Orange!
Yes, when Bishop Tod D. Brown became the spiritual head of Orange County's 1.2 million Catholics in 1998, he abandoned the Church's millennia-old practice of housing priests in humble rectories on parish grounds and began shacking up clergy in fancy digs few of the faithful could afford: quaint Balboa Island bungalows, beachside manses and other high-class abodes featuring three-car garages, walk-in closets and in-ground spas. In a confidential Sept. 3 memo written by Father Michael Heher to diocesan priests, Heher defended this practice by citing Brown's policy of allowing priests 'to live off-site, affording them more privacy and a place away from their work environment.' And just last month, Brown admitted to purchasing a gated-community lot on which he plans to have built a multimillion-dollar mansion for himself near the proposed site of the $100 million Christ Our Savior Cathedral in Santa Ana (see accompanying story 'Rooms at the Inn')."
Check out the story for pictures of some of the "rectories" in the diocese.
His represenatives today...fromORANGE COUNTY WEEKLY OC Weekly: Cover: Lifestyles of the Rich and Pious:
"Would you like to work for a company that, when facing millions of dollars in lawsuits, buys you a multimillion-dollar house? How about an employer who adds a second story to your already-massive abode even while the government forces it to pay $5.2 million to settle a lawsuit?
Think it can only happen at Halliburton? Well, think again: you can enjoy all of this if you're a priest for the Catholic Diocese of Orange!
Yes, when Bishop Tod D. Brown became the spiritual head of Orange County's 1.2 million Catholics in 1998, he abandoned the Church's millennia-old practice of housing priests in humble rectories on parish grounds and began shacking up clergy in fancy digs few of the faithful could afford: quaint Balboa Island bungalows, beachside manses and other high-class abodes featuring three-car garages, walk-in closets and in-ground spas. In a confidential Sept. 3 memo written by Father Michael Heher to diocesan priests, Heher defended this practice by citing Brown's policy of allowing priests 'to live off-site, affording them more privacy and a place away from their work environment.' And just last month, Brown admitted to purchasing a gated-community lot on which he plans to have built a multimillion-dollar mansion for himself near the proposed site of the $100 million Christ Our Savior Cathedral in Santa Ana (see accompanying story 'Rooms at the Inn')."
Check out the story for pictures of some of the "rectories" in the diocese.
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