Message for the End of Ramadan, 2004

From the Holy See, focuses on children...Message for the end of Ramadan, 2004:



"In their prayers many Christians have been thinking about you and accompanying you during this month of fasting, a month which occupies such an important place in the life of your community. At the earliest age possible you teach your children to observe this month of fasting, thus developing in them a sense of God and a spirit of religious obedience, at the same time helping them to train their will and to acquire self-discipline. In this way the family is, par excellence, the place where your children receive their first religious education."

Papal Reaction to Arafat's Death

From Vatican Information Service:



The following telegram of condolences was sent in Pope John Paul's name to Rawhi Fattuh, president of the Palestinian Legislative Council, by Cardinal Secretary of State Angelo Sodano, upon learning of the death early this morning of Yasser Arafat:



"At this hour of sadness at the passing of President Yasser Arafat, His Holiness Pope John Paul is particularly close to the deceased's family, the Authorities and the Palestinian People. While entrusting his soul into the hands of the Almighty and Merciful God, the Holy Father prays to the Prince of Peace that the star of harmony will soon shine on the Holy Land and that the two Peoples dwelling therein may live reconciled among themselves as two independent and sovereign."

Diocese of Spokane Filing for Bankruptcy

From SR.com: Bankruptcy for diocese:



"A week after failed settlement talks with victims of clergy sex abuse, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Spokane announced Wednesday that it will file for bankruptcy by the end of the month.



The move won't close schools or parishes, but it will stop a civil lawsuit from going to trial on Nov. 29. Filing for Chapter 11 also forces the diocese to surrender its financial records for public scrutiny.



'We are not a wealthy diocese,' Bishop William Skylstad said during a press conference Wednesday. He said filing for bankruptcy accomplishes two goals: 'All claims will be treated equally, fairly, with justice' while allowing the diocese to continue its ministry and mission in Eastern Washington."

U.N. Demands Poland Allow Abortion

Another reason to abolish the United Nations...



From LifeSite Special Report - U.N. Demands Poland Overturn Laws Against Abortion:



"The United Nations Human Rights Committee (UNHRC) concluded a review on Poland's compliance with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), demanding that the mostly-Catholic nation 'liberalize' its abortion laws. The UN committee composed of 18 UN human rights 'experts' from various countries met with Polish officials on October 27 and 28, making its observations and recommendations on November 4.



While, the UN itself and the ICCPR specifically does not officially promote abortion, both the organization and the committee enforcing the ICCPR have often been criticized for meddling in the contentious issue. The November 4 statement of the UNHRC is particularly blunt in demanding Poland legalize abortion. 'The State Party should liberalize its legislation and practice on abortion,' it said."

God's Little Hobo

From a reader:

I am writing in regards to the book "God's Little Hobo" by Virginia Cyr,

edited by Dr. Quentin Colgan and published by Our Sunday Visitor Books.



This book is a compilation of some of the "Letters to Mother" (Blessed

Mother Mary) that Virginia wrote during the last few years of her life has

touched me deeply. Abandoned by her mother at the age of four years, she spent

her life in foster homes and finally an orphanage. In the letters she confides

to our Blessed Mother Mary as a child would confide in her own earthly mother.

She tells Mary about her joys, trials, sufferings. She had such a close

relationship with Mary. Everything she owned and everything she did was always

"ours"....our chair, our room, our mail, our retreat. Virginia longed for her

very own "Nazareth" - a home with family who would be there for her - a place

where she felt wanted and loved. She suffered immense physical pain due to her

cerebral palsy but most people that knew her were unaware of just how much she

really suffered. She hid it so well. Her spirituality reminds me of St. Therese

the Little Flower of Jesus.



My prayer is that some day Virginia Cyr will

be canonized a Saint in our Catholic church. I have told numerous people about

Virginia and some are reading the book now.



This book has left me wanting to know more about Virginia Cyr. Dr. Quentin Colgan has a beautiful web site filled with information about Virginia. It would be wonderful to have more of her "Letters to Mother" published in another book.



I thank Dr. Colgan for introducing me and countless others to Virginia Cyr.



Thank you for publishing this awe inspiring book.

To view Virginia's book click on the link:

Anti-religious Post Election Commentary

Go to their site to read the list...



From CATHOLIC LEAGUE for Religious and Civil Rights:



"Last week Catholic League president William Donohue listed the anti-religious commentary that many cultural elites offered in the aftermath of the election. "

Arctic Melting Fast; May Swamp U.S. Coasts by 2099

Inland Florida land may be ocean front property in your children's lifetime!



From Arctic Melting Fast; May Swamp U.S. Coasts by 2099