What a public relations nightmare...seems dealing with this silently would have made more sense.
From East Valley Tribune | Daily Arizona news for Chandler, Gilbert, Tempe, Mesa, Scottsdale:
"A marriage ceremony over the holidays, performed outside of the Catholic Church and without a priest, violated church law and has led to the firing of the diocese's Child and Youth Protection Advocate --the person responsible for ensuring sexual misconduct by church personnel doesn't occur again in the diocese.
Jenny O'Connor, 47, said she was dismissed Saturday after acknowledging to the Rev. Fred Adamson, a vicargeneral, that she and her boyfriend married without the sanctity of a Catholic wedding because he is dying from cancer and they did not believe there was time to plan for and hold a church wedding.
'They asked me to come in and just asked me why I got married, and I told them,' O'Connor said Tuesday from her Tempe home. 'They said it was outside the boundaries of being a good Catholic, and I explained all the reasons why.'
'They didn't seem to think that any of that is important, and that was it,' O'Connor said. She said she was first asked to resign, but when she declined, she was terminated. "
Wednesday, January 12, 2005
Tuesday, January 11, 2005
A Book Review of The Power of the Cross
For a copy of the book click on the cover image posted in the right hand column.
Thanks to Monsignor Vincent Haut, Pastor of Resurection Parish in Jacksonville, FL:
Thanks to Monsignor Vincent Haut, Pastor of Resurection Parish in Jacksonville, FL:
I knew Michael Dubruiel when he and I were much younger. In those days he was determined to do his best to preach the Gospel. He was a fiery preacher and relentless searcher for authentic faith. Reading his book is like hearing him speak again. He speaks with a desire for Christ and a passion for the Gospel that has become more refined and more insistent over the years.
This will be a good Lenten book for many people because it is divided into 42 short chapters, each of which provides a scriptural passage, some incisvive reflection, and a set of steps to take one day at a time. Whether you use it as a Lenten devotional or simply as a book of reflections, you will sense some of the author's fire and rediscover the hope that comes from the Cross.
I like this sort of book because it fits my life. Breaking things into short manageable segments is the best way to move through a book about Christ's passion. We discover what Christ means for us by following the recurring pattern set up for us in Michael Dubruiel's new book.
One Year Ago Today
From Father Benedict:
On January 11, I have an anniversary. It’s one that I never particularly wanted to have, or look forward to, but nonetheless it’s coming around. As I was thinking of this anniversary, I decided not to make it the anniversary of the day I almost died, but rather the anniversary of the day I came back from the dead.
I’m very grateful to God to be back and to be able to work and especially to have the use of my brain and mind. Just why I have this is quite mysterious and can be attributed only to God. Your brain cannot last for more than three or four minutes without oxygen; then it begins to deteriorate. Apparently I went twenty-seven minutes without oxygen or any vital signs, including blood pressure. No one can explain it, or at least nobody can explain it in medical terms.
I had several close calls in the first week, one just as close as the night of the accident, but the Lord obviously wanted me remain here and get some things done. How do you feel about life when you’re in such a situation? It’s very simple: You’re not looking for or desiring anything special, you just want to get your work done peacefully and as best you can and get going on the next step of the spiritual journey, which for most of us is that mysterious reality called Purgatory. Having trusted God all these years and looking forward over the edge of death, I have to say that Purgatory doesn’t scare me at all. It can’t be any worse than being on a respirator for nine weeks, at least I don’t think it can be.
I’ve learned over the past year to be very grateful to God that I have life and that I know how to use it well from the holy Gospel. I’m grateful to the Church for all the friends and brothers and sisters that it gives me. I’m grateful to my family and my immediate friends for all the support they gave me. I’m very grateful to my community of brothers and sisters who stood by me in this terrible time. I’m grateful for so many people, friends and relatives. I’m grateful to you who have cared about me, prayed for me, and watched this little website to see how we’re all doing.
Let’s celebrate together. Let’s say a prayer.
On January 11, I have an anniversary. It’s one that I never particularly wanted to have, or look forward to, but nonetheless it’s coming around. As I was thinking of this anniversary, I decided not to make it the anniversary of the day I almost died, but rather the anniversary of the day I came back from the dead.
I’m very grateful to God to be back and to be able to work and especially to have the use of my brain and mind. Just why I have this is quite mysterious and can be attributed only to God. Your brain cannot last for more than three or four minutes without oxygen; then it begins to deteriorate. Apparently I went twenty-seven minutes without oxygen or any vital signs, including blood pressure. No one can explain it, or at least nobody can explain it in medical terms.
I had several close calls in the first week, one just as close as the night of the accident, but the Lord obviously wanted me remain here and get some things done. How do you feel about life when you’re in such a situation? It’s very simple: You’re not looking for or desiring anything special, you just want to get your work done peacefully and as best you can and get going on the next step of the spiritual journey, which for most of us is that mysterious reality called Purgatory. Having trusted God all these years and looking forward over the edge of death, I have to say that Purgatory doesn’t scare me at all. It can’t be any worse than being on a respirator for nine weeks, at least I don’t think it can be.
I’ve learned over the past year to be very grateful to God that I have life and that I know how to use it well from the holy Gospel. I’m grateful to the Church for all the friends and brothers and sisters that it gives me. I’m grateful to my family and my immediate friends for all the support they gave me. I’m very grateful to my community of brothers and sisters who stood by me in this terrible time. I’m grateful for so many people, friends and relatives. I’m grateful to you who have cared about me, prayed for me, and watched this little website to see how we’re all doing.
Let’s celebrate together. Let’s say a prayer.
Monday, January 10, 2005
Biggest Non-story of the Day
I listen to sports radio normally on my way to work. This morning all the talk was about Randy Moss and his "mooning" of the Green Bay crowd, comparing it to Janet Jackson's stunt at the Super Bowl last year. What all of these people have failed to mention is that he didn't actually moon anyone. He pretended. Until I read the piece below I thought I had missed what I actually saw when the event happened on live TV.
From 24-Hour Sports News - Vikings upset Packers, move on to Philly - sacbee.com:
"Meanwhile Moss - whose reputation is still smarting for skulking off the field with 2 seconds left in a loss in Washington last week - pretended to pull down his pants and moon the crowd after scoring.
'Just having a little fun with the boys a little bit,' he told FOX. 'I hope I don't get in trouble by it, but if I do I'll take the heat.'
The Packers were feeling good after winning nine of their last 11 and drawing the Vikings, who had lost 20 of their last 22 games outside of domes.
You never would have guessed."
From 24-Hour Sports News - Vikings upset Packers, move on to Philly - sacbee.com:
"Meanwhile Moss - whose reputation is still smarting for skulking off the field with 2 seconds left in a loss in Washington last week - pretended to pull down his pants and moon the crowd after scoring.
'Just having a little fun with the boys a little bit,' he told FOX. 'I hope I don't get in trouble by it, but if I do I'll take the heat.'
The Packers were feeling good after winning nine of their last 11 and drawing the Vikings, who had lost 20 of their last 22 games outside of domes.
You never would have guessed."
Sunday, January 9, 2005
Where is God?
I have been preparing for a series of talks that I am to give to a group of Christian ministers of various denominations later this month on the subject of "finding God where you are". When I agreed to the task I felt that I it would be a simple matter, then the magnitude of this Asian dissaster and the incessant chanting of the crowd "Where is God?" has made it clear that my task will be more difficult...or will it?
It struck me this morning that if I believed in the God of the philosophers as Abraham Joshua Heschel used to term the god that most people argue with than this would indeed be the case. But the God of the Scriptures, "the God of Old" as one modern Jewish author has termed God is not a distant God and as a Christian that is the God that I worship this Sunday.
Start with the cross. Then think God and you'll see that all your distant god arguments start to dwindle. The Nancy Grifth song "From a Distance"..."God is watching us from a distance" while beautiful is actually heretical. Try this is on for size...
Philip says to Jesus: "Show us the Father."
Jesus tells Philip:"He who sees me (Jesus) has seen the Father."
Elie Wiesel told a story that I quote in my Praying in the Presence of Our Lord with Fulton Sheen book about a young boy being hung on the gallows between two older men in the concentration camp. The old men shout political slogans as they quickly die. The young innocent lingers on and says nothing. The inmates of the camp are forced to watch the whole ordeal as they march back and forth in front of the gallows. Someone in the crowd cries out, "Where is God now?" Wiesel tells of watching the young childs eyes as he slowly dies. "Where is God now?" the person screams again. Wiesel says something that Christians immediately recognize differently than the meaning that Wiesel has in saying them: "There he is hanging on that gallows." I think that for Wiesel that in the death of this child any hope that God existed was extinguished. But for the Christian there is an immediate recognition of the child as a Christ figure who like the early followers of Jesus the Son of God all met cruel deaths that were similar to the death of their Lord. In the young man God was being hung.
Chistianity in its good moments does not keep God at a distance. It recognizes God has come to dwell with us. It also remembers that the Lord said that the Kingdom suffers violence so it is not surprised when the innocent suffer--in fact I think it might be fair to say that we should be more surprised when we don't suffer.
In the end Jesus told his disciples that there would be two groups of people that all of humanity would be divided into the sheep and the goats. The difference between the two groups would be that one recognized God in the face of the hungry, thirsty, stranger, the naked, the imprisoned, the infirmed while the other group did not. The surprise of the other group is marked no doubt by their search for God in the distance, "When did we see you Lord?"
It is good that in response to this disaster that so many are responding with heartfelt generousity to help those who have suffered. In doing so we are helping God who is not off in the distance plotting the next disaster but clings to the wood of the cross as the storm seeks to destroy him yet again.
It struck me this morning that if I believed in the God of the philosophers as Abraham Joshua Heschel used to term the god that most people argue with than this would indeed be the case. But the God of the Scriptures, "the God of Old" as one modern Jewish author has termed God is not a distant God and as a Christian that is the God that I worship this Sunday.
Start with the cross. Then think God and you'll see that all your distant god arguments start to dwindle. The Nancy Grifth song "From a Distance"..."God is watching us from a distance" while beautiful is actually heretical. Try this is on for size...
Philip says to Jesus: "Show us the Father."
Jesus tells Philip:"He who sees me (Jesus) has seen the Father."
Elie Wiesel told a story that I quote in my Praying in the Presence of Our Lord with Fulton Sheen book about a young boy being hung on the gallows between two older men in the concentration camp. The old men shout political slogans as they quickly die. The young innocent lingers on and says nothing. The inmates of the camp are forced to watch the whole ordeal as they march back and forth in front of the gallows. Someone in the crowd cries out, "Where is God now?" Wiesel tells of watching the young childs eyes as he slowly dies. "Where is God now?" the person screams again. Wiesel says something that Christians immediately recognize differently than the meaning that Wiesel has in saying them: "There he is hanging on that gallows." I think that for Wiesel that in the death of this child any hope that God existed was extinguished. But for the Christian there is an immediate recognition of the child as a Christ figure who like the early followers of Jesus the Son of God all met cruel deaths that were similar to the death of their Lord. In the young man God was being hung.
Chistianity in its good moments does not keep God at a distance. It recognizes God has come to dwell with us. It also remembers that the Lord said that the Kingdom suffers violence so it is not surprised when the innocent suffer--in fact I think it might be fair to say that we should be more surprised when we don't suffer.
In the end Jesus told his disciples that there would be two groups of people that all of humanity would be divided into the sheep and the goats. The difference between the two groups would be that one recognized God in the face of the hungry, thirsty, stranger, the naked, the imprisoned, the infirmed while the other group did not. The surprise of the other group is marked no doubt by their search for God in the distance, "When did we see you Lord?"
It is good that in response to this disaster that so many are responding with heartfelt generousity to help those who have suffered. In doing so we are helping God who is not off in the distance plotting the next disaster but clings to the wood of the cross as the storm seeks to destroy him yet again.
Saturday, January 8, 2005
Vatican Lists 15 Missionaries Who Suffered Violent Deaths in 2004
From Zenit.org:
This was the list of slain missionaries:
-- Brother Ignacio García Alonso, headmaster of the College of the Brothers of Christian Schools, in Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, was killed with a machete in his office Feb. 6.
The 63-year-old Spanish religious had spent more than 40 years as a missionary in Morocco, Niger and Burkina Faso.
-- Father César Darío Peña Garcia, 43, a parish priest at Raudal in Valdivia, Colombia, was kidnapped March 16 by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). On July 30 the diocesan vicar of Santa Rosa de Osos affirmed that the local Church was certain that the priest had been killed while in captivity.
-- Comboni Father Luciano Fulvi, 76, was found dead with a stab wound March 31 in his room at the Catholic Mission of Layibi, in the outskirts of Gulu, Uganda.
The Italian missionary had been in Uganda from 1956 to 1964 and then since 1990. He was mainly involved in education and more recently in vocation work.
-- Javed Anjum, a 19-year-old Catholic Pakistani student from Quetta, died May 2 in a hospital from 26 stab wounds inflicted by a Muslim teacher and group of students from the Jamia Hassan bin Almurtaza School of Islam near Islamabad. They had tried to force him to convert to Islam.
On April 17 the students abducted Javed and tortured him for five days. They then took him to the police station and reported that he had been caught stealing. The police took Anjum to the hospital where he died of his wounds 10 days later.
-- Samuel Masih, a Catholic Pakistani youth arrested and accused of blasphemy against the prophet Mohammed in August 2003, died in hospital on May 28. He had been treated for months for injuries suffered in prison at the hands of Islamic fundamentalist prison guards.
The youth was charged with blasphemy after the owner of bookshop told the police that he saw him depositing garbage near the walls of a mosque in Lahore.
-- Father Ramon Navarrete Islas, a 56-year-old Mexican priest, was found dead in the house next to the parish church where he was serving at Ciudad Juarez.
His body was found July 6 with numerous stab wounds in the chest. Police said the murderer or murderers were robbers.
-- Servite Father Faustino Gazziero, 69, was stabbed to death July 24 at the end of evening Mass in the cathedral of Santiago, Chile.
The Italian-born priest was attacked and stabbed by a young man as the priest was returning to the sacristy. Father Gazziero went on mission to Chile in 1960. He held various duties and for some years had been president of the Santa Teresa Foundation which ran several schools in Chile.
-- Father Eusebio Manuel Sazo Urbina, 45, parish priest at the Divine Savior of the World Church in the suburbs of Guatemala City, was killed July 31.
The Guatemalan priest had been en route to the home of a sick person he was attacked by a gunman who apparently tried to steal his mobile telephone. The priest died of his wounds at a hospital.
-- Nasir Masih, Pakistani Catholic aged 26, was abducted from his home Aug. 16 in the district of Baldia Siekhupoura, 45 kilometers (28 miles) from Lahore, by a group of fundamentalist Muslims who accused him of stealing.
A few hours later the police informed the family that Masih was under arrest. Three days later the police said he had died in prison. His body showed numerous wounds and bruises.
-- Father Job Chittilappilly, 71, was found dead with numerous stab wounds Aug. 28 in his home next to the parish church of Our Lady of Grace in the village of Thuruthiparambu, Kerala, India.
The Indian priest was attacked and murdered while reciting the rosary before Mass. The Syro-Malabar rite priest had received threats and warnings to stop "proselytizing."
-- Father Gerard Fitzsimons, 63, was found dead Oct. 2 at his home next to the Church of St. Mary and St. Joseph in Colesberg, South Africa. The British priest had been on mission in South Africa for seven years and was involved in assisting the poor and people with HIV/AIDS.
-- Father Macrino Nájera Cisneros, a 42-year-old parish priest at Jilotlan, Mexico, was slain Oct. 18 during a reception following a first-Communion Mass.
He was defending a 15-year-old girl from a molester who insisted on dancing with her. The molester left the reception and returned with a gun. He shot the priest and two other people dead and wounded another girl.
-- Father Gerard Nzeyimana, 65, episcopal vicar of the Diocese of Bururi, in Burundi, was killed Oct. 19 while traveling with other people in a car from Bururi to Bujumbura.
A group of gunmen stopped the car and told the occupants to hand over money and valuables. After carefully examining the priest's identity papers they killed him in cold blood with a few shots in the head, leaving the other passengers beaten and bleeding on the roadside.
Father Nzeyimana was known for promoting peace and denouncing violence against civilians.
-- Father John Hannon, 65, a Missionary of the Society of African Missions, was found dead Nov. 25 at St. Barnaba Parish at Matasia, in the Diocese of Ngong, near Nairobi, Kenya.
According to the police a gang of men entered the parish complex around midnight after tying up the watchman. The intruders probably aimed to steal and ended up attacking and murdering the Irish-born priest, police said.
-- Father Kazimir Viseticki, 66, was killed during the night of Nov. 17. His body was found the next day bound and covered in blood in the house next to the parish where he was parish priest, St. Roko in Bosanska Gradiska, northern Bosnia Herzegovina, close to the Croatian border.
The priest was probably killed by thieves who struck him with an iron rod when they were discovered.
-- Father Javier Francisco Montoya, 45, from the Diocese of Istmina-Tado, was taken hostage by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) on Dec. 8 while on his way to the town of Novita. In the region at the time there was fighting between guerrillas and paramilitary troops.
The Colombian priest was involved in pastoral work with rural and indigenous peoples in the region of Choco. On Dec. 24 the bishop of the diocese was told the priest had been executed and buried.
-- Sister Christiane Philippon, 58, regional superior of the Congregation of Notre Dame des Apôtres, was killed early Dec. 26 in Chad, on the road from Ba Hilli to N'Djamena.
Sister Christiane was traveling with three other women religious to the capital to attend in a meeting of her congregation. The car was assaulted by bandits who opened fire and shot Sister Christiane dead and wounded the other three religious.
French-born Sister Christiane had been in Chad for 20 years and for the last five had been involved in family pastoral work in the Diocese of Sahr. A year ago she was elected president of the diocesan association of women religious.
This was the list of slain missionaries:
-- Brother Ignacio García Alonso, headmaster of the College of the Brothers of Christian Schools, in Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, was killed with a machete in his office Feb. 6.
The 63-year-old Spanish religious had spent more than 40 years as a missionary in Morocco, Niger and Burkina Faso.
-- Father César Darío Peña Garcia, 43, a parish priest at Raudal in Valdivia, Colombia, was kidnapped March 16 by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). On July 30 the diocesan vicar of Santa Rosa de Osos affirmed that the local Church was certain that the priest had been killed while in captivity.
-- Comboni Father Luciano Fulvi, 76, was found dead with a stab wound March 31 in his room at the Catholic Mission of Layibi, in the outskirts of Gulu, Uganda.
The Italian missionary had been in Uganda from 1956 to 1964 and then since 1990. He was mainly involved in education and more recently in vocation work.
-- Javed Anjum, a 19-year-old Catholic Pakistani student from Quetta, died May 2 in a hospital from 26 stab wounds inflicted by a Muslim teacher and group of students from the Jamia Hassan bin Almurtaza School of Islam near Islamabad. They had tried to force him to convert to Islam.
On April 17 the students abducted Javed and tortured him for five days. They then took him to the police station and reported that he had been caught stealing. The police took Anjum to the hospital where he died of his wounds 10 days later.
-- Samuel Masih, a Catholic Pakistani youth arrested and accused of blasphemy against the prophet Mohammed in August 2003, died in hospital on May 28. He had been treated for months for injuries suffered in prison at the hands of Islamic fundamentalist prison guards.
The youth was charged with blasphemy after the owner of bookshop told the police that he saw him depositing garbage near the walls of a mosque in Lahore.
-- Father Ramon Navarrete Islas, a 56-year-old Mexican priest, was found dead in the house next to the parish church where he was serving at Ciudad Juarez.
His body was found July 6 with numerous stab wounds in the chest. Police said the murderer or murderers were robbers.
-- Servite Father Faustino Gazziero, 69, was stabbed to death July 24 at the end of evening Mass in the cathedral of Santiago, Chile.
The Italian-born priest was attacked and stabbed by a young man as the priest was returning to the sacristy. Father Gazziero went on mission to Chile in 1960. He held various duties and for some years had been president of the Santa Teresa Foundation which ran several schools in Chile.
-- Father Eusebio Manuel Sazo Urbina, 45, parish priest at the Divine Savior of the World Church in the suburbs of Guatemala City, was killed July 31.
The Guatemalan priest had been en route to the home of a sick person he was attacked by a gunman who apparently tried to steal his mobile telephone. The priest died of his wounds at a hospital.
-- Nasir Masih, Pakistani Catholic aged 26, was abducted from his home Aug. 16 in the district of Baldia Siekhupoura, 45 kilometers (28 miles) from Lahore, by a group of fundamentalist Muslims who accused him of stealing.
A few hours later the police informed the family that Masih was under arrest. Three days later the police said he had died in prison. His body showed numerous wounds and bruises.
-- Father Job Chittilappilly, 71, was found dead with numerous stab wounds Aug. 28 in his home next to the parish church of Our Lady of Grace in the village of Thuruthiparambu, Kerala, India.
The Indian priest was attacked and murdered while reciting the rosary before Mass. The Syro-Malabar rite priest had received threats and warnings to stop "proselytizing."
-- Father Gerard Fitzsimons, 63, was found dead Oct. 2 at his home next to the Church of St. Mary and St. Joseph in Colesberg, South Africa. The British priest had been on mission in South Africa for seven years and was involved in assisting the poor and people with HIV/AIDS.
-- Father Macrino Nájera Cisneros, a 42-year-old parish priest at Jilotlan, Mexico, was slain Oct. 18 during a reception following a first-Communion Mass.
He was defending a 15-year-old girl from a molester who insisted on dancing with her. The molester left the reception and returned with a gun. He shot the priest and two other people dead and wounded another girl.
-- Father Gerard Nzeyimana, 65, episcopal vicar of the Diocese of Bururi, in Burundi, was killed Oct. 19 while traveling with other people in a car from Bururi to Bujumbura.
A group of gunmen stopped the car and told the occupants to hand over money and valuables. After carefully examining the priest's identity papers they killed him in cold blood with a few shots in the head, leaving the other passengers beaten and bleeding on the roadside.
Father Nzeyimana was known for promoting peace and denouncing violence against civilians.
-- Father John Hannon, 65, a Missionary of the Society of African Missions, was found dead Nov. 25 at St. Barnaba Parish at Matasia, in the Diocese of Ngong, near Nairobi, Kenya.
According to the police a gang of men entered the parish complex around midnight after tying up the watchman. The intruders probably aimed to steal and ended up attacking and murdering the Irish-born priest, police said.
-- Father Kazimir Viseticki, 66, was killed during the night of Nov. 17. His body was found the next day bound and covered in blood in the house next to the parish where he was parish priest, St. Roko in Bosanska Gradiska, northern Bosnia Herzegovina, close to the Croatian border.
The priest was probably killed by thieves who struck him with an iron rod when they were discovered.
-- Father Javier Francisco Montoya, 45, from the Diocese of Istmina-Tado, was taken hostage by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) on Dec. 8 while on his way to the town of Novita. In the region at the time there was fighting between guerrillas and paramilitary troops.
The Colombian priest was involved in pastoral work with rural and indigenous peoples in the region of Choco. On Dec. 24 the bishop of the diocese was told the priest had been executed and buried.
-- Sister Christiane Philippon, 58, regional superior of the Congregation of Notre Dame des Apôtres, was killed early Dec. 26 in Chad, on the road from Ba Hilli to N'Djamena.
Sister Christiane was traveling with three other women religious to the capital to attend in a meeting of her congregation. The car was assaulted by bandits who opened fire and shot Sister Christiane dead and wounded the other three religious.
French-born Sister Christiane had been in Chad for 20 years and for the last five had been involved in family pastoral work in the Diocese of Sahr. A year ago she was elected president of the diocesan association of women religious.
Friday, January 7, 2005
Thursday, January 6, 2005
The top 10 films of 2004
From CNS STORY: The top 10 films of 2004 -- and the picks for families too according to the Bishops Conference:
For Families
- "The Aviator"
- "Danny Deckchair"
- "Finding Neverland"
- "Hero"
- "Hotel Rwanda"
- "The Passion of the Christ"
- "Ray"
- "Shall We Dance?"
- "Spanglish"
- "Woman Thou Art Loosed"
For Families
- "Ella Enchanted"
- "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban"
- "I Am David"
- "The Incredible,"
- "Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events"
- "Miracle"
- "The Polar Express"
- "Shrek 2"
- "The SpongeBob Square Pants Movie"
- "Two Brothers"
Wednesday, January 5, 2005
Catholic Mom Book Spotlight --The Power of the Cross
From Catholic Mom Book Spotlight The Power of the Cross by Michael Dubruiel:
"With the liturgical season of Lent quickly approaching, I am convinced that The Power of the Cross is one of the best resources I've seen lately for enhancing our commitment to spirituality. Whether you choose to implement this book as a 'kick start' to your New Year's devotional rituals, or as a supplement to your Lenten devotional aids, please join me in reading The Power of the Cross - a special thanks to Michael Dubruiel and Our Sunday Visitor for this great resource. "
"With the liturgical season of Lent quickly approaching, I am convinced that The Power of the Cross is one of the best resources I've seen lately for enhancing our commitment to spirituality. Whether you choose to implement this book as a 'kick start' to your New Year's devotional rituals, or as a supplement to your Lenten devotional aids, please join me in reading The Power of the Cross - a special thanks to Michael Dubruiel and Our Sunday Visitor for this great resource. "
Lawyer Finds Terri Schiavo Alert
From WorldNetDaily: Surprised lawyer finds Terri Schiavo alert:
"Despite the widely believed claims of her husband, Terri Schiavo is purposefully interactive, curious and expressive with her parents, according to a surprised lawyer who visited for the first time the brain-damaged Florida woman embroiled in a euthanasia dispute. "
"Despite the widely believed claims of her husband, Terri Schiavo is purposefully interactive, curious and expressive with her parents, according to a surprised lawyer who visited for the first time the brain-damaged Florida woman embroiled in a euthanasia dispute. "
Tuesday, January 4, 2005
Abu Musab al-Zarqawi Arrested in Iraq
From Abu Musab al-Zarqawi reportedly arrested in Iraq:
"Abu Mus'ab al-Zarqawi, whom the US occupation authorities declared to be the 'target number one' in Iraq, has been arrested in the city of Baakuba, the Emirate newspaper al-Bayane reported on Tuesday referring to Kurdish sources.
Al-Zarqawi, leader of the terrorist group Al-Tawhid Wa'al-Jihad, was recently appointed the director of the Al-Qaeda organisation in Iraq.
The newspaper's correspondent in Baghdad points out that a report on the seizure of the terrorist, on whom the US put a bounty of US$10 million, was also reported by Iraqi Kurdistan radio, which at one time had been the first to announce the arrest of Saddam Hussein. "
"Abu Mus'ab al-Zarqawi, whom the US occupation authorities declared to be the 'target number one' in Iraq, has been arrested in the city of Baakuba, the Emirate newspaper al-Bayane reported on Tuesday referring to Kurdish sources.
Al-Zarqawi, leader of the terrorist group Al-Tawhid Wa'al-Jihad, was recently appointed the director of the Al-Qaeda organisation in Iraq.
The newspaper's correspondent in Baghdad points out that a report on the seizure of the terrorist, on whom the US put a bounty of US$10 million, was also reported by Iraqi Kurdistan radio, which at one time had been the first to announce the arrest of Saddam Hussein. "
How Many American Lives Were Saved by this Warning?
From US warns of attacks in Indonesia:
"US warns of attacks in Indonesia
21:58 AEDT Sat Dec 18 2004
AP - The US State Department warned that terrorists were planning more attacks against Western targets in Indonesia over Christmas and New Year, and reiterated advice to its citizens not to travel to the country.
The US State Department's move follows similar warnings by Australia and other foreign governments earlier this week that militants belonging to the al-Qaeda-linked Jemaah Islamiah terror group were plotting more bombings.
'The department reminds Americans that the terrorist threat in Indonesia continues and may increase over the December-January holiday period,' according to a statement on its website.
'Reports indicate that terrorists are planning attacks against a wide variety of targets.'"
"US warns of attacks in Indonesia
21:58 AEDT Sat Dec 18 2004
AP - The US State Department warned that terrorists were planning more attacks against Western targets in Indonesia over Christmas and New Year, and reiterated advice to its citizens not to travel to the country.
The US State Department's move follows similar warnings by Australia and other foreign governments earlier this week that militants belonging to the al-Qaeda-linked Jemaah Islamiah terror group were plotting more bombings.
'The department reminds Americans that the terrorist threat in Indonesia continues and may increase over the December-January holiday period,' according to a statement on its website.
'Reports indicate that terrorists are planning attacks against a wide variety of targets.'"
Monday, January 3, 2005
Rabbi: G-d is Angry
Chief Rabbi Shlomo Amar
From Arutz Sheva - Israel National News:
"The earthshaking disaster in southeast Asia shows that 'G-d is angry' and that 'we must pray more and ask for mercy,' Rabbi Amar told the Ynet website. 'The nations of the world are obligated to observe the seven Noahide laws, such as prohibitions against murder and illicit relations... The deaths are very painful.'
No one should mourn for those who are missing until the rescue missions stop trying to find victims, the rabbi added. Israeli rescue teams are planning to remain in the region for at least another few days for this purpose."
From Arutz Sheva - Israel National News:
"The earthshaking disaster in southeast Asia shows that 'G-d is angry' and that 'we must pray more and ask for mercy,' Rabbi Amar told the Ynet website. 'The nations of the world are obligated to observe the seven Noahide laws, such as prohibitions against murder and illicit relations... The deaths are very painful.'
No one should mourn for those who are missing until the rescue missions stop trying to find victims, the rabbi added. Israeli rescue teams are planning to remain in the region for at least another few days for this purpose."
Father Benedict Begins to Gain Movement in Right Arm
Asks for your continued prayers on his behalf:
Father Benedict's Letter:
"Most of you knew that my shoulder was frozen solid with calcium deposits, which came as a result of the breakage of bones. It seemed that the only way to improve this situation was surgery that was dangerous because of the possibility of a blood clot and stroke. I opted not to take that possibility. Just the other day my shoulder began to move, not a great deal, but very obviously.
This means that the calcium adhesions have broken loose in the socket and will probably break loose some more. I'm so grateful for your prayers added to those that you sent as I initially recovered. It will be very helpful to have some more use of my right arm.
I've been praying to Our Lady of Lourdes through the intercession of St. Bernadette very particularly for recovery and it seems like the Lord is hearing those prayers. Thank you for all your prayers and kindliness to me during this difficult year."
Father Benedict's Letter:
"Most of you knew that my shoulder was frozen solid with calcium deposits, which came as a result of the breakage of bones. It seemed that the only way to improve this situation was surgery that was dangerous because of the possibility of a blood clot and stroke. I opted not to take that possibility. Just the other day my shoulder began to move, not a great deal, but very obviously.
This means that the calcium adhesions have broken loose in the socket and will probably break loose some more. I'm so grateful for your prayers added to those that you sent as I initially recovered. It will be very helpful to have some more use of my right arm.
I've been praying to Our Lady of Lourdes through the intercession of St. Bernadette very particularly for recovery and it seems like the Lord is hearing those prayers. Thank you for all your prayers and kindliness to me during this difficult year."
Gypsies' Knowledge of the Sea Saves Them
From Yahoo! News - Elders' Sea Knowledge Spares Some Thais:
"By the time killer waves crashed over southern Thailand last Sunday the entire 181 population of their fishing village had fled to a temple in the mountains of South Surin Island, English language Thai daily The Nation reported.
'The elders told us that if the water recedes fast it will reappear in the same quantity in which it disappeared,' 65-year-old village chief Sarmao Kathalay told the paper.
So while in some places along the southern coast, Thais headed to the beach when the sea drained out of beaches 'the first sign of the impending tsunami ' to pick up fish left flapping on the sand, the gypsies headed for the hills. "
"By the time killer waves crashed over southern Thailand last Sunday the entire 181 population of their fishing village had fled to a temple in the mountains of South Surin Island, English language Thai daily The Nation reported.
'The elders told us that if the water recedes fast it will reappear in the same quantity in which it disappeared,' 65-year-old village chief Sarmao Kathalay told the paper.
So while in some places along the southern coast, Thais headed to the beach when the sea drained out of beaches 'the first sign of the impending tsunami ' to pick up fish left flapping on the sand, the gypsies headed for the hills. "
The Water Seemed to Stall Momentarily
Missionary saves his orphanage...with prayer
From With little warning, director saves 28 orphans from tsunami - 12/29/04:
"The orphans' ordeal did not end when their boat pulled away from the shore.
Not only was water cascading over the lagoon side of the peninsula, but it also was pouring in directly from the mouth of the estuary about two miles away. Sanders feared the converging currents would swamp the small craft. At that point, Sanders said, he recalled a line from the Book of Isaiah: 'When the enemy comes in like a flood, the spirit of the Lord shall raise up a standard against it.'
He raised his hand in the direction of the flood and shouted, 'I command you in the name of Jesus -- stop!' The water then seemed to 'stall, momentarily,' he said. 'I thought at the time I was imagining things.' With the water pouring into the mouth of the lagoon, he then began to worry that waves would overtake them from behind, swamping the small boat. Reasoning that it was better to hit the waves head on, he said, he ordered the driver to reverse direction and head back toward the open ocean.
But that maneuver carried its own risks. As it made for the mouth of the lagoon, the boat was broadsided and nearly capsized by the torrent pouring over the peninsula. 'The children were very frightened,' Kohila Sanders, 30, recalled. 'We were praying, 'God help us, God help us.''
As the waters began to roll back out to sea, the turbulence subsided. It was then, Sanders and his wife recalled, that they became aware of the people crying for help as they bobbed in the water nearby. They were villagers who had been swept off the peninsula. The passengers rescued one young man, who was 'howling for his missing wife and daughters,' Kohila Sanders said. But they had to leave the rest behind. There wasn't any room.
'People were crying, 'Help us, help us"
From With little warning, director saves 28 orphans from tsunami - 12/29/04:
"The orphans' ordeal did not end when their boat pulled away from the shore.
Not only was water cascading over the lagoon side of the peninsula, but it also was pouring in directly from the mouth of the estuary about two miles away. Sanders feared the converging currents would swamp the small craft. At that point, Sanders said, he recalled a line from the Book of Isaiah: 'When the enemy comes in like a flood, the spirit of the Lord shall raise up a standard against it.'
He raised his hand in the direction of the flood and shouted, 'I command you in the name of Jesus -- stop!' The water then seemed to 'stall, momentarily,' he said. 'I thought at the time I was imagining things.' With the water pouring into the mouth of the lagoon, he then began to worry that waves would overtake them from behind, swamping the small boat. Reasoning that it was better to hit the waves head on, he said, he ordered the driver to reverse direction and head back toward the open ocean.
But that maneuver carried its own risks. As it made for the mouth of the lagoon, the boat was broadsided and nearly capsized by the torrent pouring over the peninsula. 'The children were very frightened,' Kohila Sanders, 30, recalled. 'We were praying, 'God help us, God help us.''
As the waters began to roll back out to sea, the turbulence subsided. It was then, Sanders and his wife recalled, that they became aware of the people crying for help as they bobbed in the water nearby. They were villagers who had been swept off the peninsula. The passengers rescued one young man, who was 'howling for his missing wife and daughters,' Kohila Sanders said. But they had to leave the rest behind. There wasn't any room.
'People were crying, 'Help us, help us"
Vatican Reopens Case Against Maciel?
That's what the Hartford Courant is reporting: Connecticut News - State, National and World News from Today's Hartford Courant - FROM TODAY'S COURANT:
"The Vatican has reopened an investigation into charges first reported nearly eight years ago that a powerful Mexican priest close to the pope sexually abused seminarians.
The allegations focus on the actions of the Rev. Marcial Maciel Degollado, now 84 and based in Rome. He leads a religious order known as the Legionaries of Christ, which claims 600 priests in 18 countries. Its U.S. headquarters is in Orange and it has a seminary in Cheshire.
The allegations surfaced in a Courant report in February 1997. Nine former members of the Legion said Maciel first abused them years ago when they were young boys or teenagers, ages 10 to 16, in seminaries in Spain and Italy."
"The Vatican has reopened an investigation into charges first reported nearly eight years ago that a powerful Mexican priest close to the pope sexually abused seminarians.
The allegations focus on the actions of the Rev. Marcial Maciel Degollado, now 84 and based in Rome. He leads a religious order known as the Legionaries of Christ, which claims 600 priests in 18 countries. Its U.S. headquarters is in Orange and it has a seminary in Cheshire.
The allegations surfaced in a Courant report in February 1997. Nine former members of the Legion said Maciel first abused them years ago when they were young boys or teenagers, ages 10 to 16, in seminaries in Spain and Italy."
Bishop Sees God's Message in Tsunami
The message for all of us is "you know neither the day nor the hour."
From Bishop sees god's message in tsunami :- - India News - Webindia123.com:
"Was the killer tsunami a message from god? A reflection on the way man lives?
Yes, says Bishop Alex Dias of the Stella Morris Cathedral Church, the main Catholic church here.
'I believe that the tsunami is a warning. A warning from god to reflect deeply on the way we lead our lives,' said Dais, as he stood among the ragtag tarpaulin tents in the 900-strong relief camp the church is running for tsunami survivors.
More than 800 people are now confirmed dead in the Indian archipelago of the Andaman and Nicobar, which has 572 islands, islets and rocks, and more than 5,000 still missing, a week after giant tidal waves hit the islands. "
From Bishop sees god's message in tsunami :- - India News - Webindia123.com:
"Was the killer tsunami a message from god? A reflection on the way man lives?
Yes, says Bishop Alex Dias of the Stella Morris Cathedral Church, the main Catholic church here.
'I believe that the tsunami is a warning. A warning from god to reflect deeply on the way we lead our lives,' said Dais, as he stood among the ragtag tarpaulin tents in the 900-strong relief camp the church is running for tsunami survivors.
More than 800 people are now confirmed dead in the Indian archipelago of the Andaman and Nicobar, which has 572 islands, islets and rocks, and more than 5,000 still missing, a week after giant tidal waves hit the islands. "
Sunday, January 2, 2005
My View: Don't Punish the Kids for the Sins of the Parents
FromGay Couple's Sons Anger Catholic Parents - EarthLink - U.S. News:
"Some parents and parishioners have accused the Roman Catholic diocese in Orange County of violating church doctrine by allowing a gay couple to enroll their children in a church school.
The group demanded that St. John the Baptist School in Costa Mesa accept only families that pledge to abide by Catholic teachings, the Los Angeles Times reported in Sunday's editions. Church doctrine opposes gay relationships and adoption by same-sex couples.
'The teachings of the church seem to have been abandoned,' John R. Nixon told the Times. 'We send our children to a Catholic school because we expect and demand that the teachings of our church will be adhered to.'
School officials rejected the demand, and issued a new policy stating that a family's background 'does not constitute an absolute obstacle to enrollment in the school.'"
"Some parents and parishioners have accused the Roman Catholic diocese in Orange County of violating church doctrine by allowing a gay couple to enroll their children in a church school.
The group demanded that St. John the Baptist School in Costa Mesa accept only families that pledge to abide by Catholic teachings, the Los Angeles Times reported in Sunday's editions. Church doctrine opposes gay relationships and adoption by same-sex couples.
'The teachings of the church seem to have been abandoned,' John R. Nixon told the Times. 'We send our children to a Catholic school because we expect and demand that the teachings of our church will be adhered to.'
School officials rejected the demand, and issued a new policy stating that a family's background 'does not constitute an absolute obstacle to enrollment in the school.'"
Difficult Questions Regarding Evil
From Difficult Questions Regarding the Terror Attacks:
"One of the most vexing problems in theology is the problem of evil. If God is good why does He permit great evils, such as the terrorist attacks of 11 September? Could He not, with a mere thought, stop all evil in its tracks, protecting lives and souls from destruction, physical or moral? Is not His goodness diminished when innocent people suffer at the hands of evil men? "
"One of the most vexing problems in theology is the problem of evil. If God is good why does He permit great evils, such as the terrorist attacks of 11 September? Could He not, with a mere thought, stop all evil in its tracks, protecting lives and souls from destruction, physical or moral? Is not His goodness diminished when innocent people suffer at the hands of evil men? "
Saturday, January 1, 2005
Happy New Year!
May the cross be our reference point as we begin this new year. In this vale of tears may its shadow give us hope! May the joy that is the blessing of Christ dwell in each of your hearts.
Pope's New Year Address
From Asia News in Italy:
“We begin the year celebrating Mary, Mother of God, Theotokos. The Holy Virgin offered the world the Messiah who is God’s blessing to every man and woman and the entire world.
The greetings that are exchanged today are based on this blessing, greetings of well-wishing because in Christ God fills us with all sorts of good things, greetings of peace “For he is our peace (Eph 2:14).
It is in this liturgical context that today we celebrate World Peace Day whose theme is the apostle Paul’s entreaty: “Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good” (Rom 12:21).
“Evil [. . .] is the result of human freedom” and is defeated when freedom, prompted by grace, firmly turns towards the Good, i.e. God.
May Mary, Queen of Peace, help us all build the fundamental good that is human co-existence. Only thus can the world progress along the paths of justice and fraternal solidarity.
After the prayer, the Pope said:
“Once again I feel close to the communities stricken by the tragic calamity of the last few days.
“In pledging my prayers for the victims and their families I salute the many acts of compassion and empathy taken around the world.
“It is this sense of compassion for fellow humans as well as God’s help that give hope for better days in the coming year.
“We begin the year celebrating Mary, Mother of God, Theotokos. The Holy Virgin offered the world the Messiah who is God’s blessing to every man and woman and the entire world.
The greetings that are exchanged today are based on this blessing, greetings of well-wishing because in Christ God fills us with all sorts of good things, greetings of peace “For he is our peace (Eph 2:14).
It is in this liturgical context that today we celebrate World Peace Day whose theme is the apostle Paul’s entreaty: “Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good” (Rom 12:21).
“Evil [. . .] is the result of human freedom” and is defeated when freedom, prompted by grace, firmly turns towards the Good, i.e. God.
May Mary, Queen of Peace, help us all build the fundamental good that is human co-existence. Only thus can the world progress along the paths of justice and fraternal solidarity.
After the prayer, the Pope said:
“Once again I feel close to the communities stricken by the tragic calamity of the last few days.
“In pledging my prayers for the victims and their families I salute the many acts of compassion and empathy taken around the world.
“It is this sense of compassion for fellow humans as well as God’s help that give hope for better days in the coming year.
Friday, December 31, 2004
Justin DuVall Elected Archabbot at Saint Meinrad
From Saint Meinrad :: News:
"The Right Reverend Justin DuVall, OSB, was elected archabbot of Saint Meinrad Archabbey in St. Meinrad, IN, by the Benedictine monks of the community on Friday, December 31, 2004. He becomes the ninth abbot and sixth archabbot in the community's 150-year history, succeeding Archabbot Lambert Reilly, OSB, who announced in the spring that he would resign the position on December 15.
Archabbot Justin, 53, is a native of Toledo, Ohio. He came to Saint Meinrad as a college seminary student in 1969. He earned a bachelor of arts degree in French in 1973 and a Master of Divinity degree in 1978."
"The Right Reverend Justin DuVall, OSB, was elected archabbot of Saint Meinrad Archabbey in St. Meinrad, IN, by the Benedictine monks of the community on Friday, December 31, 2004. He becomes the ninth abbot and sixth archabbot in the community's 150-year history, succeeding Archabbot Lambert Reilly, OSB, who announced in the spring that he would resign the position on December 15.
Archabbot Justin, 53, is a native of Toledo, Ohio. He came to Saint Meinrad as a college seminary student in 1969. He earned a bachelor of arts degree in French in 1973 and a Master of Divinity degree in 1978."
End the Year on a Good Note
Buy a book by Michael Dubruiel!
The Gospel of Luke begins and ends with a "vision of angels." First there is the appearance of the Archangel Gabriel to Zechariah and Mary. When Mary later visits Zechariah and Elizabeth she proclaims that God "has shown the might of his arm dispersed the arrogant of mind and heart. He has thrown down the rulers from their thrones but lifted up the lowly. The hungry he has filled with good things; the rich he has sent away empty,"(Luke 1:51-53) Zechariah at the birth of John prophesies "by which the daybreak from on high will visit us to shine on those who sit in darkness and death's shadow, to guide our feet into the path of peace" (Luke 1:78,79).
There is a common theme hinted at in both of these canticles, the lowly understand a message that those in power totally miss, hunger is filled, and those who sit in darkness are given light. These precede another vision of angels; in Luke 2: 8 immediately following the birth of Jesus we read about shepherds keeping "night watch" over their flocks, the shepherds are literally a people "sitting in darkness" who have an experience of light: "the glory of the lord shone around them.".
What is the message given to the shepherds? " "Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people; for to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a babe wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger" (Luke 2: 10-12).
We may be overly familiar with this Christmas story to notice what it might be telling us. What exactly is a sign? It is not an end in and of itself but rather points to a greater reality. What is the sign the shepherds are told they will witness? They are told that they will find an "infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger." A manger is a feeding box for animals. We are told that it is a "sign", what they witness points to something beyond the experience of the birth of Christ to something else.
When the angels leave, the shepherds say, "Let us go, then, to Bethlehem to see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us." The key phrase here is "Bethlehem" which literally means "house of bread". "Let us go to the House of Bread to see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us."
All of this is how the Gospel of Luke begins, but how does it end? Here the Risen Christ has joined two disciples on the road to Emmaus. They do not recognize him and here they tell him about a "vision of angels" that the women who came to the tomb have reported to them. In response to this He opens the Scriptures to them. They invite Him to stay with them. He takes bread, says the blessing, breaks it, gives it to them, then physically vanishes from their site. Luke tells us quite blatantly, for the really dense reader, that they recognized Him in the "breaking of the bread".
Where are we to find Jesus this day? In the bread that is broken in the Eucharist! So at Mass we sing the Gloria, the message of the angels. It is both a reminder and an invitation for us to encounter the Lord here.
I have good news for you! This Christ Mass you too can get up and see what the Lord has made known to us--He is waiting for you.
I recommend also two books that I've written as the perfect Christ Mass gift to give, to remind and to inspire what we wish everyone to have a Merry one.
My How-To Book of the Mass for those who want to understand the Mass better and How to Get the Most Out of the Eucharist for those who understand but our bothered by the way they actually experience the Mass in their parish. Both will help you and your loved ones trek that trial of the shepherds this Christ-Mass.
There is a common theme hinted at in both of these canticles, the lowly understand a message that those in power totally miss, hunger is filled, and those who sit in darkness are given light. These precede another vision of angels; in Luke 2: 8 immediately following the birth of Jesus we read about shepherds keeping "night watch" over their flocks, the shepherds are literally a people "sitting in darkness" who have an experience of light: "the glory of the lord shone around them.".
What is the message given to the shepherds? " "Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people; for to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a babe wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger" (Luke 2: 10-12).
We may be overly familiar with this Christmas story to notice what it might be telling us. What exactly is a sign? It is not an end in and of itself but rather points to a greater reality. What is the sign the shepherds are told they will witness? They are told that they will find an "infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger." A manger is a feeding box for animals. We are told that it is a "sign", what they witness points to something beyond the experience of the birth of Christ to something else.
When the angels leave, the shepherds say, "Let us go, then, to Bethlehem to see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us." The key phrase here is "Bethlehem" which literally means "house of bread". "Let us go to the House of Bread to see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us."
All of this is how the Gospel of Luke begins, but how does it end? Here the Risen Christ has joined two disciples on the road to Emmaus. They do not recognize him and here they tell him about a "vision of angels" that the women who came to the tomb have reported to them. In response to this He opens the Scriptures to them. They invite Him to stay with them. He takes bread, says the blessing, breaks it, gives it to them, then physically vanishes from their site. Luke tells us quite blatantly, for the really dense reader, that they recognized Him in the "breaking of the bread".
Where are we to find Jesus this day? In the bread that is broken in the Eucharist! So at Mass we sing the Gloria, the message of the angels. It is both a reminder and an invitation for us to encounter the Lord here.
I have good news for you! This Christ Mass you too can get up and see what the Lord has made known to us--He is waiting for you.
I recommend also two books that I've written as the perfect Christ Mass gift to give, to remind and to inspire what we wish everyone to have a Merry one.
My How-To Book of the Mass for those who want to understand the Mass better and How to Get the Most Out of the Eucharist for those who understand but our bothered by the way they actually experience the Mass in their parish. Both will help you and your loved ones trek that trial of the shepherds this Christ-Mass.
Thursday, December 30, 2004
Freddy Jesus Named Bishop of Los Teques
From the Vatican:
The Holy Father appointed Bishop Freddy Jesus Fuenmayor Suarez of Cabimas, Venezuela, as bishop of Los Teques (area 2,295, population 1,261,000, Catholics 1,061,000, priests 61, permanent deacons 15, religious 245), Venezuela. He succeeds Bishop Ramon Ovidio Perez Morales whose resignation from the pastoral care of the same diocese was accepted in accordance with Canon 401, para. 2 of the Code of Canon Law.
The Holy Father appointed Bishop Freddy Jesus Fuenmayor Suarez of Cabimas, Venezuela, as bishop of Los Teques (area 2,295, population 1,261,000, Catholics 1,061,000, priests 61, permanent deacons 15, religious 245), Venezuela. He succeeds Bishop Ramon Ovidio Perez Morales whose resignation from the pastoral care of the same diocese was accepted in accordance with Canon 401, para. 2 of the Code of Canon Law.
Controversial Theologian Dies
From Catholic World News : Controversial theologian Jacques Dupuis dies at 81:
"Father Jacques Dupuis, the controversial Jesuit theologian whose work drew a rebuke from the Vatican in 2001, has died at the age of 81.
Father Dupuis had been editor of the theological journal Gregorianum , and a consultor to the Pontifical Council for Interfaith Dialogue. He had lived in India and taught in Delhi from 1958 through 1984, and his theological work, with its emphasis on the shared insights of major world religions, has been heavily influential in the discussion of 'inculturation' in Asia. The Belgian theologian died in a hospital in Rome on December 28, reportedly of a cerebral hemorrhage. In February 2001, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith issued a formal note cautioning against the arguments found in one of Dupuis's works, Toward a Christian Theology of Religious Pluralism , which had been published in 1997. In a 4-page document, the Vatican pointed to serious 'ambiguities' and 'difficulties' in the theologian's thought, particularly his failure to affirm the unique and necessary role of Jesus Christ and his Church in the work of salvation. "
"Father Jacques Dupuis, the controversial Jesuit theologian whose work drew a rebuke from the Vatican in 2001, has died at the age of 81.
Father Dupuis had been editor of the theological journal Gregorianum , and a consultor to the Pontifical Council for Interfaith Dialogue. He had lived in India and taught in Delhi from 1958 through 1984, and his theological work, with its emphasis on the shared insights of major world religions, has been heavily influential in the discussion of 'inculturation' in Asia. The Belgian theologian died in a hospital in Rome on December 28, reportedly of a cerebral hemorrhage. In February 2001, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith issued a formal note cautioning against the arguments found in one of Dupuis's works, Toward a Christian Theology of Religious Pluralism , which had been published in 1997. In a 4-page document, the Vatican pointed to serious 'ambiguities' and 'difficulties' in the theologian's thought, particularly his failure to affirm the unique and necessary role of Jesus Christ and his Church in the work of salvation. "
Wednesday, December 29, 2004
Monks to Elect New Abbot on New Year's Eve
From Jubilee Criterion Page:
"On Dec. 31, the Benedictine monks of Saint Meinrad Archabbey will elect a new archabbot, only the ninth monk to hold the office in the 150-year history of the monastery.
Benedictine Archabbot Lambert Reilly, elected by the community nearly 10 years ago, announced his resignation on April 30. The resignation took effect on Dec. 15.
Abbots of the Benedictine monasteries in the Swiss-American Congregation, of which Saint Meinrad Archabbey is a member, do not have set terms but may serve in that office until death or they choose to resign."
"On Dec. 31, the Benedictine monks of Saint Meinrad Archabbey will elect a new archabbot, only the ninth monk to hold the office in the 150-year history of the monastery.
Benedictine Archabbot Lambert Reilly, elected by the community nearly 10 years ago, announced his resignation on April 30. The resignation took effect on Dec. 15.
Abbots of the Benedictine monasteries in the Swiss-American Congregation, of which Saint Meinrad Archabbey is a member, do not have set terms but may serve in that office until death or they choose to resign."
Disaster mystery: No dead animals
I have a theory about this when it comes to humans. I think we share this same instinct but it is dulled because of all that we distract ourselves with in life. I base this theory on numerous experiences I've had in life where I felt I was being warned right before something happened. Often because I was in a hurry or felt something else was more important I've ignored these "feelings" and ended up suffering the consequences. The importance of the spiritual life (and I realize that much of what is touted as 'spiritual' is anything but) is that it helps us as Jesus said to "watch".
FromWorldNetDaily: Disaster mystery: No dead animals:
"According to reports out of Colombo, Sri Lankan wildlife officials are said to be stunned.
'The strange thing is we haven't recorded any dead animals,' H.D. Ratnayake, deputy director of the national Wildlife Department, told Reuters. 'No elephants are dead, not even a dead hare or rabbit.'
'I think animals can sense disaster,' he added. 'They have a sixth sense. They know when things are happening.' "
FromWorldNetDaily: Disaster mystery: No dead animals:
"According to reports out of Colombo, Sri Lankan wildlife officials are said to be stunned.
'The strange thing is we haven't recorded any dead animals,' H.D. Ratnayake, deputy director of the national Wildlife Department, told Reuters. 'No elephants are dead, not even a dead hare or rabbit.'
'I think animals can sense disaster,' he added. 'They have a sixth sense. They know when things are happening.' "
Song that Played as We Drove to Ft. Wayne Yesterday
From Artist Biography - Red Foley:
"A great friend of Hank Williams Sr., he was ironically headlining a touring Opry show that included the young Hank Williams, Jr., when, after playing the matinee and evening shows, Foley suffered a heart attack and died in his sleep at Fort Wayne, Indiana, USA on 19 September 1968. This prompted Hank Jr., seemingly the last person to speak to him, to write and record, as Luke The Drifter, Jr., the tribute narration I Was With Red Foley (The Night He Passed Away), which charted for him in November 1968. In the song, Hank Jr. relates, that after reminiscing about the problems faced by a country singer, such as himself and Hank Sr., Red's final words were 'I'm awful tired now, Hank, I've got to go to bed'. "
"A great friend of Hank Williams Sr., he was ironically headlining a touring Opry show that included the young Hank Williams, Jr., when, after playing the matinee and evening shows, Foley suffered a heart attack and died in his sleep at Fort Wayne, Indiana, USA on 19 September 1968. This prompted Hank Jr., seemingly the last person to speak to him, to write and record, as Luke The Drifter, Jr., the tribute narration I Was With Red Foley (The Night He Passed Away), which charted for him in November 1968. In the song, Hank Jr. relates, that after reminiscing about the problems faced by a country singer, such as himself and Hank Sr., Red's final words were 'I'm awful tired now, Hank, I've got to go to bed'. "
Tuesday, December 28, 2004
Feast of the Holy Innocents
Today Michael Jacob will be baptized into our Catholic faith by a Bishop friend of mine who is visiting his mother in Ohio. We will journey there this morning to meet them...a sort of taking the child out of Indiana to Ohio...Israel to Egypt motif.
Joseph ever the wordsmith has asked "Was I bap ba tized too?"
"Yes" we tell him, "that is why you have to go to Church every Sunday. Now your brother will have to go too." This seems to satisfy him.
Joseph was bap ba tized in a monastery in Southern Indiana.
Joseph ever the wordsmith has asked "Was I bap ba tized too?"
"Yes" we tell him, "that is why you have to go to Church every Sunday. Now your brother will have to go too." This seems to satisfy him.
Joseph was bap ba tized in a monastery in Southern Indiana.
Merry Christmas to All
During this octave of Christmas when there is some down time I hope that you find time to reflect on the meaning of God becoming one of us and coming into this world. If you attended Mass on Sunday (Feast of the Holy Family) you were confronted with what that coming of God into our world means: the Kingdom suffers violence and the violent are taking it by force.
On the same day a tragedy of mamoth proportions took place in the Pacific, thousands of human lives ended on that day, a modern slaughter of innocents at the hands not of a Herod but of nature itself. It should give us all pause to reflect on what is the meaning of life and what are we doing with whatever time we have on this planet?
For Joseph it was responding to the message of an angel in a dream. What might God be speaking to us in the subbtle messages that we barely notice?
On the same day a tragedy of mamoth proportions took place in the Pacific, thousands of human lives ended on that day, a modern slaughter of innocents at the hands not of a Herod but of nature itself. It should give us all pause to reflect on what is the meaning of life and what are we doing with whatever time we have on this planet?
For Joseph it was responding to the message of an angel in a dream. What might God be speaking to us in the subbtle messages that we barely notice?
Apologies
Sorry that I haven't been posting much in the last week. I've barely been online between running around doing erands and shoveling snow. Also sorry that I dropped the ball on the Advent meditations--a work in process, I'll try to pick that up again next year.
Tuesday, December 21, 2004
Fort Wayne Ranked Least Intelligent City in USA
News that hits close to home...
The list is in the current issue of Men's Health Magazine. I haven't seen anything about it in the local press yet (although someone will tell me if I'm wrong). I intend to email both papers a tip on the story.
From9news.com | News:
"Denver is one of six cities to get an A + on the 'intelligence' survey. Minneapolis, Boston, St. Paul, Seattle and San Francisco were the others.
Just a little farther south, Colorado Springs, came in ninth out of 101 cities and earned an A-. Aurora tied with Grand Rapids, MI. Both cities earned a C + and came in 45th.
Los Angeles and Kansas City also earned an A- and tied for 12th. New York City tied with Spokane, Washington and came in 32nd with a B-.
The six least intelligent cities, according to the survey, are El Paso, TX, Newark, NJ, Las Vegas, NV, Laredo, TX, Corpus Christi, TX and Fort Wayne, IN. These cities each earned an F."
The list is in the current issue of Men's Health Magazine. I haven't seen anything about it in the local press yet (although someone will tell me if I'm wrong). I intend to email both papers a tip on the story.
From9news.com | News:
"Denver is one of six cities to get an A + on the 'intelligence' survey. Minneapolis, Boston, St. Paul, Seattle and San Francisco were the others.
Just a little farther south, Colorado Springs, came in ninth out of 101 cities and earned an A-. Aurora tied with Grand Rapids, MI. Both cities earned a C + and came in 45th.
Los Angeles and Kansas City also earned an A- and tied for 12th. New York City tied with Spokane, Washington and came in 32nd with a B-.
The six least intelligent cities, according to the survey, are El Paso, TX, Newark, NJ, Las Vegas, NV, Laredo, TX, Corpus Christi, TX and Fort Wayne, IN. These cities each earned an F."
More about Foucauld
From Zenit News Agency - The World Seen From Rome:
"The Vatican officially attributed a miracle to the intercession of Charles de Foucauld, French explorer and evangelizer in the Sahara, clearing the way for his beatification.
The Congregation for Sainthood Causes promulgated a decree today, in the presence of John Paul II, in relation with the miraculous cure of a cancer sufferer in 1984.
Born in Strasbourg, France, in 1858, de Foucauld was orphaned at 6. After a brief military career, in 1883 he undertook an expedition in the Moroccan desert which won him the gold medal of the French Geographic Society. "
"The Vatican officially attributed a miracle to the intercession of Charles de Foucauld, French explorer and evangelizer in the Sahara, clearing the way for his beatification.
The Congregation for Sainthood Causes promulgated a decree today, in the presence of John Paul II, in relation with the miraculous cure of a cancer sufferer in 1984.
Born in Strasbourg, France, in 1858, de Foucauld was orphaned at 6. After a brief military career, in 1883 he undertook an expedition in the Moroccan desert which won him the gold medal of the French Geographic Society. "
Monday, December 20, 2004
Pope to Declare Charles de Foucauld a Blessed
I think it is a sign of how saintly someone is that when many of you hear this you'll think "I thought he already was a saint."
Friday, December 17, 2004
Recommendations
A book refuting that Christianity was the invention or copycat of the pagan mystery religions...a must for every college student:
And:
A scriptural support for the Catholic Church's teaching on sex:
And:
A scriptural support for the Catholic Church's teaching on sex:
Thursday, December 16, 2004
New Auxiliary for Pittsburgh
From the Vatican Information Service:
Fr. Paul J. Bradley, vicar general and moderator of the Curia of Pittsburgh, U.S.A., as auxiliary bishop of the same diocese (area 10,594, population 1,967,494, Catholics 812,078, priests 576, permanent deacons 50, religious 1,616), U.S.A. The bishop-elect was born in 1945 in McKeesport, U.S.A. and was ordained a priest in 1971.
Fr. Paul J. Bradley, vicar general and moderator of the Curia of Pittsburgh, U.S.A., as auxiliary bishop of the same diocese (area 10,594, population 1,967,494, Catholics 812,078, priests 576, permanent deacons 50, religious 1,616), U.S.A. The bishop-elect was born in 1945 in McKeesport, U.S.A. and was ordained a priest in 1971.
Tuesday, December 14, 2004
Now, Gay Divorce
Why do we have to read about what is going on in Massachusetts in a Scottish online paper?
From Scotsman.com News - International - Seven-month itch leads to first gay divorces:
"LESS than seven months after same-sex couples began tying the knot in Massachusetts, the state is seeing its first gay divorces.
Newlyweds seeking to renounce the vows they so recently took have been trickling into probate courts across the state, filling out obsolete forms that still read 'husband' and 'wife'.
Josh Friedes, a spokesman for the Massachusetts Freedom To Marry Coalition, said the rapid divorces are no cause for concern.
'It would be wonderful if every marriage lasted until a couple lived to a ripe old age, but unfortunately we know from our heterosexual peers that all too often there are irreconcilable differences, and divorce is often the most humane option,' Friedes said. 'Anyone who argues that gay and lesbian couples divorcing is grounds for opposing gay marriage is being incredibly hypocritical.' "
From Scotsman.com News - International - Seven-month itch leads to first gay divorces:
"LESS than seven months after same-sex couples began tying the knot in Massachusetts, the state is seeing its first gay divorces.
Newlyweds seeking to renounce the vows they so recently took have been trickling into probate courts across the state, filling out obsolete forms that still read 'husband' and 'wife'.
Josh Friedes, a spokesman for the Massachusetts Freedom To Marry Coalition, said the rapid divorces are no cause for concern.
'It would be wonderful if every marriage lasted until a couple lived to a ripe old age, but unfortunately we know from our heterosexual peers that all too often there are irreconcilable differences, and divorce is often the most humane option,' Friedes said. 'Anyone who argues that gay and lesbian couples divorcing is grounds for opposing gay marriage is being incredibly hypocritical.' "
Church Archtecture Site Called "Judgemental"
Critical letter by priest posted on the site...Church architecture - Architettura della chiesa
Vatican Will Release Document on Homesexuals and the Priesthood in 2005
From CNS STORY: Vatican firms up plans for U.S. seminary visitation in 2005:
"Sometime before the process begins next fall, the Vatican expects to publish a long-awaited and potentially controversial document on whether candidates with homosexual inclinations should be admitted to the priesthood.
The document on homosexuality has been in the works for more than five years. An early draft of the document took the position that homosexuals should not be admitted to the priesthood; in its current form, the document takes a more nuanced approach to the whole issue, sources said."
"Sometime before the process begins next fall, the Vatican expects to publish a long-awaited and potentially controversial document on whether candidates with homosexual inclinations should be admitted to the priesthood.
The document on homosexuality has been in the works for more than five years. An early draft of the document took the position that homosexuals should not be admitted to the priesthood; in its current form, the document takes a more nuanced approach to the whole issue, sources said."
Monday, December 13, 2004
Statue Vandalized at Knoxville Church
From WBIR-TV, Knoxville, TN:
"The statue of the Virgin Mary with a baby Jesus in her arms stood in front of the Knoxville Diocese since September of 2003.
It was installed to celebrate a church anniversary. Now, the statue is tarnished with an upside red cross.
'We were suprised this morning by a disturbing act of vandalism and we really don't know why something like this would have happened,' says Father Vann Johnston of the Diocese.
Parts of the Jesus were destroyed and thrown in through the front door. The violence quickly became the topic of the Sunday sermon.
'To wake up and find an image of Jesus broken, it's a reminder I think our world is still broken and needs a lot of healing,' says Johnston.
The vandals hit on a very holy day for catholics, it's the third Sunday of Advent."
"The statue of the Virgin Mary with a baby Jesus in her arms stood in front of the Knoxville Diocese since September of 2003.
It was installed to celebrate a church anniversary. Now, the statue is tarnished with an upside red cross.
'We were suprised this morning by a disturbing act of vandalism and we really don't know why something like this would have happened,' says Father Vann Johnston of the Diocese.
Parts of the Jesus were destroyed and thrown in through the front door. The violence quickly became the topic of the Sunday sermon.
'To wake up and find an image of Jesus broken, it's a reminder I think our world is still broken and needs a lot of healing,' says Johnston.
The vandals hit on a very holy day for catholics, it's the third Sunday of Advent."
Sunday, December 12, 2004
Mass Marks 25th Anniversary of Archbishop Sheen's Death
I received a personal invitation to attend this and was saddened that I was unable to...I wish I had known that it was going to be televised live on EWTN. I have a humble site devoted to Archbishop Sheen that you can access from my links page on my homepage. I also will send free holy cards with prayers for his intercession and canonization to anyone who sends a self-addressed envelope to me.
From CNS STORY: New York Mass marks 25th anniversary of Archbishop Sheen's death:
"Family, friends and admirers of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen gathered at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York Dec. 9 for a Mass marking the 25th anniversary of his death.
In the homily Msgr. John E. Kozar, who as national director of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith holds a post the archbishop once did, said those participating in the Mass had come together to 'celebrate his legacy' and 'pray for the cause of his canonization.'
The Mass was sponsored by the Propagation of the Faith office and the Sheen Foundation, and carried live on Mother Angelica's Eternal Word Television Network.
Archbishop Sheen died in New York, and although a sainthood cause is normally initiated where the individual dies, the Archdiocese of New York deferred to the Diocese of Peoria, Ill., because the archbishop was born and ordained there. The cause was opened in 2002."
From CNS STORY: New York Mass marks 25th anniversary of Archbishop Sheen's death:
"Family, friends and admirers of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen gathered at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York Dec. 9 for a Mass marking the 25th anniversary of his death.
In the homily Msgr. John E. Kozar, who as national director of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith holds a post the archbishop once did, said those participating in the Mass had come together to 'celebrate his legacy' and 'pray for the cause of his canonization.'
The Mass was sponsored by the Propagation of the Faith office and the Sheen Foundation, and carried live on Mother Angelica's Eternal Word Television Network.
Archbishop Sheen died in New York, and although a sainthood cause is normally initiated where the individual dies, the Archdiocese of New York deferred to the Diocese of Peoria, Ill., because the archbishop was born and ordained there. The cause was opened in 2002."
Saturday, December 11, 2004
Friday, December 10, 2004
Recognise Faults, Rise Again, Pope tells U.S. Church
From Reuters AlertNet - Recognise faults, rise again, Pope tells U.S. Church:
"'Can we not see in the pain and scandal of recent years both a sign of the times and a providential call to conversion and deeper fidelity to the demands of the Gospel?,' the Pope asked.
'In the life of each believer and the life of the whole Church, a sincere examination of conscience and the recognition of failure is always accompanied by renewed confidence in the healing power of God's grace and a summons to press on to what lies ahead,' he said."
"'Can we not see in the pain and scandal of recent years both a sign of the times and a providential call to conversion and deeper fidelity to the demands of the Gospel?,' the Pope asked.
'In the life of each believer and the life of the whole Church, a sincere examination of conscience and the recognition of failure is always accompanied by renewed confidence in the healing power of God's grace and a summons to press on to what lies ahead,' he said."
Thursday, December 9, 2004
New Bishops for Atlanta and Wheeling
From the Vatican Information Service:
- Appointed Bishop Wilton Daniel Gregory of Belleville, U.S.A., as metropolitan archbishop of Atlanta (area 55,521, population 5,752,854, Catholics 367,472, priests 237, permanent deacons 50, religious 179), U.S.A. The archbishop-elect was born in Chicago, U.S.A., in 1947 and was ordained a priest in 1973. He succeeds Archbishop John Francis Donoghue whose resignation the Holy Father accepted upon having reached the age limit.
- Appointed Msgr. Michael J. Bransfield, rector of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington D.C., as bishop of Wheeling-Charleston (area 62,866, population 1,801,916, Catholics 83,325, priests 170, permanent deacons 32, religious 334), U.S.A. The bishop-elect was born in 1943 in Philadelphia, U.S.A. and was ordained a priest in 1971. He succeeds Bishop Bernard William Schmidt whose resignation the Holy Father accepted upon having reached the age limit.
- Appointed Bishop Wilton Daniel Gregory of Belleville, U.S.A., as metropolitan archbishop of Atlanta (area 55,521, population 5,752,854, Catholics 367,472, priests 237, permanent deacons 50, religious 179), U.S.A. The archbishop-elect was born in Chicago, U.S.A., in 1947 and was ordained a priest in 1973. He succeeds Archbishop John Francis Donoghue whose resignation the Holy Father accepted upon having reached the age limit.
- Appointed Msgr. Michael J. Bransfield, rector of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington D.C., as bishop of Wheeling-Charleston (area 62,866, population 1,801,916, Catholics 83,325, priests 170, permanent deacons 32, religious 334), U.S.A. The bishop-elect was born in 1943 in Philadelphia, U.S.A. and was ordained a priest in 1971. He succeeds Bishop Bernard William Schmidt whose resignation the Holy Father accepted upon having reached the age limit.
Wednesday, December 8, 2004
Mockery of Feast Ad Withdrawn
From News:
"A Christmas campaign for an 'immaculate contraception' morning-after birth control pill has been scrapped by a drug company in Britain after causing offence on religious grounds.
The poster, which appeared on London Underground trains, asked: 'Immaculate contraception? If only.'
'It might be Christmas time,' it read, 'but condoms still split and pills still get forgotten. So if your contraception lets you down, ask your pharmacist for Levonelle One Step.' "
"A Christmas campaign for an 'immaculate contraception' morning-after birth control pill has been scrapped by a drug company in Britain after causing offence on religious grounds.
The poster, which appeared on London Underground trains, asked: 'Immaculate contraception? If only.'
'It might be Christmas time,' it read, 'but condoms still split and pills still get forgotten. So if your contraception lets you down, ask your pharmacist for Levonelle One Step.' "
Tuesday, December 7, 2004
Faith and Communion
This is an example of why the pope is saying that we need to keep faith and praxis together. This piece attacking Bishop Robert Baker's position is an example of the confusion that exists out there. What does it mean to go to communion?
When you get down to it the common view doesn't even fit the "club" mentality for you would presume if you are a member of a club that you agree with the club's membership requirements. What I think is at issue for most Catholics who fantasize that communion is being used as a weapon by some bishops is their notion that "communion" has nothing to do with Communion--that we are free to remain individuals with our own opinions about everything and then just present ourselves at the take-out rail for Jesus--without any conversion on our part!
I write in my Advent Meditations today about searching out for the lost who Jesus says will perish if they are not brought back into the fold. In some cases we haven't done enough to seek out the lost, in other cases we haven't done enough to make some people aware that they are lost.
From The State | 12/07/2004 | Politics and communion
My friend Yvonne walked out of a Catholic church in Charleston and slammed the very heavy door behind her recently. The priest just had told the congregation that worshipers voting for candidates who support abortion rights should not receive communion, although he didn’t propose a Profession of Vote.
Charleston is my hometown, and I usually attend Mass there six or so times a year with my sister and her family. I was in Charleston the week after Yvonne’s exodus, and we commiserated about the latest twist in the Catholic church’s bumpy political ride.
It was my first trip back home since the bishop of Charleston, Robert Baker, announced that politicians who support abortion rights could not receive communion in South Carolina.
When you get down to it the common view doesn't even fit the "club" mentality for you would presume if you are a member of a club that you agree with the club's membership requirements. What I think is at issue for most Catholics who fantasize that communion is being used as a weapon by some bishops is their notion that "communion" has nothing to do with Communion--that we are free to remain individuals with our own opinions about everything and then just present ourselves at the take-out rail for Jesus--without any conversion on our part!
I write in my Advent Meditations today about searching out for the lost who Jesus says will perish if they are not brought back into the fold. In some cases we haven't done enough to seek out the lost, in other cases we haven't done enough to make some people aware that they are lost.
From The State | 12/07/2004 | Politics and communion
My friend Yvonne walked out of a Catholic church in Charleston and slammed the very heavy door behind her recently. The priest just had told the congregation that worshipers voting for candidates who support abortion rights should not receive communion, although he didn’t propose a Profession of Vote.
Charleston is my hometown, and I usually attend Mass there six or so times a year with my sister and her family. I was in Charleston the week after Yvonne’s exodus, and we commiserated about the latest twist in the Catholic church’s bumpy political ride.
It was my first trip back home since the bishop of Charleston, Robert Baker, announced that politicians who support abortion rights could not receive communion in South Carolina.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)