The Catholic Report - May 14, 2008

May 14, 2008

The Faithful In China Doing Their Best To Help Those Afflicted By Killer Earthquake Against the backdrop of this horriffic incident, the faithful in China are doing their best to aid and comfort those injured and those who have died. It is in times of crisis that those outside the Faith catch a glimpse of what we are all about and hopefully, they like and appreciate what they see. Prayers for all involved.

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Minneapolis Star Tribune Profiles Archbishop Nienstedt Archbishop Nienstedt has taken over from Archbishop Flynn and the mainstream media is beginning to do profiles on Archbishop Nienstedt. A doff of the cap to Kathryn Jean Lopez at the Nationa Review Online for this one. There are the typical words like "extreme conservative" but the article is better than most mainstream media articles on the subject.

Click Here For Comments About Star Tribune's Profile On Archbishop Nienstedt

Deal Hudson Asks How Senator Obama's Catholic Supporters Will Answer The Infanticide Question Indeed should Senator Obama get the Democratic nomination (and it seems nearly a foregone conclusion) his Catholic supporters will have to answer questions not only relating to his pro-abortion position but his little known (until now) support for a bill that has been dubbed the infanticide bill.

Click Here For Comments On Deal Hudson's Assessment

Pastor John Hagee Issues A Formal Apology To Catholics, Says He Looks Forward To Working Together For The Greater Good, Catholic League Accepts Apology & Says Disagreement Now Over With Pastor Hagee Talk about the tide turning. This is no ordianry apology but something that just might be turned into a productive working relationship. When you are strong in your beliefs, you do have your admirers. It seems Pastor Hagee is an admirer of the Church. My sense is the same can't be said of his views of those in other churches whose beliefs are wishy washy.

Click Here For Comments About Pastor John Hagee

Ahead Of The Lambeth Conference, Cardinal Kaspar States Anglicans Must Tell The World What They Believe A fair question from Cardinal Kaspar. Liturgically minded believers who are in ecumecial discussions with each other need to know what the other believes. In the case of the Anglican Church that is an ever changing question as more and more leave the Anglican Church. Meanwhile, is it any wonder that traditional Anglicans in Africa are in open rebellion of their church's liberal leadership?

Click Here For Comments About Cardinal Kaspar's Statement On The Lambeth Conference

Film Reviewer Says Those Watching The Debut Of Sex & The City Were "Devotional" In Their Mood & Manner (When You Take Faith Out Of Society, Those In Society Will Still Worship Something) A fascinating review of not so much the film but those attending the film. You might have seen this in yesterday's Drudge Report. The male film reviewer seems at a loss to explain the whole event. Sadly, the young (and not so young) women who treat this as a religious event have been sold a bill of goods and don't even realize it. Somehow they think sex before marriage can make their lives complete. Yet in the cities and places where this mindset prevails, there are loads of psychiatrists and therapists and with the sum total of them all, there still isn't enough of them to ease the burden of this angst ridden promiscuous group.

Click Here For Comments About Sex & The City Film Attendees Mood Bordering On Devotional

The Tide Is Turning Toward Catholicism. Here Are Some Facts About The Book & Some Testimonials From Catholic Clergy, Catholic University Founders, Writers, Famous Coaches, Actors Etc. A little over one year ago, a simple article that took 45 minutes to write debuted. After being picked up by countless blogs and websites, it has become a book. This book was written in a few months but only after spending literally day and night writing it. I felt telling the good news in the book was something I had to do. It is now available through Catholic Word by calling 1 800 932 3826 or cathsales@tds.net. You may also purchase it online via pay pal. See link on the upper right hand side of this page. It should also be available in most Catholic bookstores. For more info on what's in the book read the link above. I think you will find it helpful!

May 13, 2008

Pope Benedict Meets With Pro-Life Italian Leaders. The Holy Father Says Abortion Has Solved Nothing But Instead Has Brought Pain & Misery How many good people have fallen for the lie of abortion, especially the young and impressionable. How many young women have been strong armed to get an abortion by a family member who really should know better. The abortion has only brought pain, shame and misery to their lives let alone the child. If only more people would listen to the words of wisdom coming from the Holy Father. Let's pray that they do.

Click Here For CommentsAbout Pope Benedict Meets With Italian Pro-Life Leaders

Pope Benedict Asks For Mary's Intercession, Pleads That Lebanon Not Explode In Violence As She Has Done Before The sinister forces of Hezbollah (who is really controlled by Iran) are at work trying to cause more mayhem in Lebanon. For Lebanese Christians (both Catholic & Orthodox) Mary is a powerful source of inspiration, on this anninversary of the apparitions at Fatima we need to pray that once again God will answer her intercessions on behalf of us for a peaceful Lebanon and Middle East.

Click Here For Comments About Pope Benedict's Prayer For Lebanon

Boston Globe Article On The Increasing Number Of Catholic Universities & Colleges Seeking Catholic Commencement Speakers Who Actually Believe In The Church's Teachings Interesting story from the mainstream media on the effect Catholic colleges and universities are having (much of it having to do with Cardinal Newman Society) on those Catholic commencement speakers who don't adhere to the Church's teachings, especially as it relates to abortion.

Click Here For Comments About Boston Globe's Article On Catholic Commencement Speakers & The Abortion Issue

Evangelical Leader Says The Abandonment Of Sola Scriptura Is The Cause For More & More Protestants Coming Home To Rome

Mark Shea Weighs In On The Above Link As Well As Other Evangelical Leaders Pondering Why Catholicism Is Appealing & What Protestants Can Do About It Two fascinating links, the first being the usual fare coming from those who think if everyone just read their Bibles correctly they would go to his particular Johnny come lately Church. Perhaps no one ever told him that it was the Catholic Church that gave him his very Bible. The second link is Mark Shea's astute analysis of the first link as well as the myriad of other folks who think they have the answer to unite Christianity without coming home to Rome.

Click Here For Comments About Evangelical Leader Laments Sola Scriptura's Decline Results In Many Coming Home To Rome As Well Mark Shea's Astute Analysis

Background On The Apparitions At Fatima From EWTN How merciful of God to have given us Fatima. The love of the Blessed Mother shows no bounds as she attempted to warn us of many things (WWI, WWII, Communism, Atheism, Hell etc) beginning on that day in 1917. Who would have known then that the culmination of those events would continue through 1981, when on that same May day (May 13,) Pope John Paul II was protected from the rage of Mehmet Ali Agca by the hand of the Blessed Mother. If only more Christians were aware of her love and guidance. I pray that on this day many may begin to understand how deep that love is.

Click Here For Comments About Fatima

My Review Of Jonah Goldberg's Book; Liberal Fascism In this link you will find my review of Jonah Goldberg's book, Liberal Fascism. Here's an excerpt for you.

Goldberg takes us through a perilous journey that looks all too real. The teachings of the Church belittled priests and bishops mocked, the faithful laity ridiculed. It sounds a lot like a few cosmopolitan cities in 2008. However, Goldberg demonstrates this was well under way in some European cities in 1938. Like 1938 it seems that in 2008 the world looks on and pretends that attacks on the faithful and those nations who would do us harm are simply misunderstood. Goldberg shows us that in 1938 the purveyors of hate and terror were not misunderstood, but rather underestimated. Suddenly 2008 and 1938 don’t seem so far apart.

Click Here For Comments About My Review Of Jonah Goldberg's Liberal Fascism

May 12, 2008

Pope Benedict Reflects On Pentecost & The Birth Of The Church. The Holy Father Reflects On The Many Languages Heard As One That Day Along With The Role Of Peter & Mary

Father Z Reports On Roman Custom Involving Pentecost & The Pantheon I just find days like Pentecost fascinating in the life of the Church. Basically, we see a reversal of the Tower of Babel. The Holy Spirit (as Christ promised) is there to help the Church grow from a small band of followers. Who is the physical leader of that Church? The leader is undoubtedly Peter. He addresses the belivers and in a sense is recognized for who he is and who Christ said he was, not only by followers of "the Way," but also by the Jewish authorities as well. In the second link from Father Z's site, we see an ancient Roman custom which involves Pentecost & rose petals. I saw a somewhat different custom in German some 25 years ago. The small town, where my mother is from, would decorate the Church steps in a beuatiful array of rose petals which the local women of the town would take several days to complete in order for it to be ready on Pentecost. These types of traditions can go back centuries which says something about the importance of the Church in their lives and the interest in the Holy Spirit.

Click Here For Comments About Pope Benedict's Pentecost Homily & Father Z's observations

Archbishop Naumann Of Kansas City, Kansas (Citing The Influence Of Pope Benedict's Trip) Informs Governor Sibelius That She Is Not To Receive The Eucharist Until She Turns Away From Her Pro-Abortion Stance

Archbishop Flynn Ends Lay Preaching. Many Speculate Move Comes As The New Coadjustor Archbishop Nienstedt About To Take Over In Minneapolis-St. Paul

Bishop Murphy Ends Communion "Word Services" Outside Of The Mass My friends if ever we are seeing that the tide is turning it is now. We have three stories which are quite different but in sense are the same. The leader of a diocese telling is flock that something is wrong and needs to be corrected. Three different geographical locations and yet three similar stoires. It does seem the Holy Father's trip may have been the impetus for these decisions. I hope and pray more bishops follow. The story surrounding Governor Sibelius is quite fascinating because it basically states that it was the visit of the Holy Father which set the wheels in motion for this decision. Brave and courageous bishops like Archbishop Burke are now being joined in their quest to let the flock know of the serious nature of the Church's teachings.

Click Here For Comments About The Three Stories Above Which Appear To Show That The Tide Is Turning

Islamic Scholar & Former Jordanian Government Official Says Islam Will Conquer Rome & Retake Spain (Andulusia) Quite revealing that in addition to be being an Islamic scholar, this was a government official, not of some radical state like Iran or Saudi Arabia, but one ofthe most moderate majority Muslim governments in the world, Jordan.

Click Here For Comments About Another Islamic Scholar Says Rome Will Be Conquered

Pope Benedict's Time Of Reflection Is Not A Disappearing Act Related To Bad Health But A Time For Introspection (Why Do Some Critics Applaud Jesus For Occassionally Being Alone But Not The Holy Father?) We all need our alone time, especially if we have a great deal of responsibility, let alone the burden of being the successor to Saint Peter. Why is it that some folks applaud a 30 year old Jesus for needing to be alone at times but fault an 81 year old man for doing the same thing?

Click Here For Comments About Pope Benedict's Quiet Time

Vatican Adds Latin To Their Website Language Choices It does seem that the Holy See does want everyone to know about the importance of this ancient language of the Church. We all know about the Motu Proprio and the increased interest in Latin, so this should come as no surprise. The Latin language service will not be as extensive as that of the other language services. However, it will be there to provide helpful information for those who read Latin.

Click Here For Comments About Latin On Vatican Website

I Have Wanted To Personally Thank The Legendary (And Now Hall Of Fame Basketball Coach & Announcer) Dick Vitale For Giving Me A Blurb For My Book Which Appears Alongside The Rest Of The Endorsements. Although, We Have Communicated Via Phone, I Finally Got A Chance To Meet This Active & Practicing Catholic. In My Book, Mr Vitale Describes His Deep Faith, Which Was Passed Down By His Parents. He Wanted To Know How The Book Was Doing. He Also Wanted Me To Convey To All Of You, Who Are Doing Good Work For The Church, His Profound Admiration. "Dave, Give Them All My Best. God Bless Those In The Church Who Are Doing Good Things," Said Dick Vitale.

Click Here For Comments About Dick Vitale Gives His Best To Those Helping Turn The Tide

May 11, 2008 Pentecost

Pope Benedict Reaffirms The Message Of Humanae Vitae (40th Anniversary,) Says Our Society Cannot Turn Away From Human Life

Sex Can Become Like A Drug, Says Pope Benedict (Mainstream Media Link Concerning The Story Above) Very interesting reflections from the Holy Father. Both stories take a little different angle but get at the heart of the matter. The heart of the matter being the truth. We can wish our problems away and use sex as crutch for those problems or we can get to the heart of the matter. Sex is a very powerful act to be used in accordance with God's laws and not the latest whims of society.

Click Here For Comments About Pope Benedict's Words On Contraception & Our Oversexed Society

Deacon Keith Fournier (In A Past Article On Pentecost) Reflects On The Significance Of This Day, Past Present & Future

Dave Armstrong Reflects On Peter's Role (Primacy) During Pentecost Among Other Major Early Church Events Two very interesting links. The first link was written some years ago by Deacon Keith Fournier with respect to Pentecost and the relevance of this holy day in the modern world. The second link is from Catholic Apologist Dave Armstrong who reflects mainly on Peter's Primacy but with some pertinent information with regard to Pentecost.

Click Here For Comments About Deacon Ketih Fournier's Article & Dave Armstrong's Article

On Mother's Day, Leading Italian Catholic Writers Says Catholics Need To Reconnect "With Mary Our Mother." Writer Says Too Many Catholics Shy Away From Topic Around Protestant Friends On this Mother's Day have we thought at all about Mary, the Mother of God? Perhaps the readers of this site have but I would hesitate to say that too many Catholic folks have not. As a matter of fact at family events today where members are present, who are not Catholic, my guess would be that if the topic of faith is brought up, the Blessed Mother will be avoided by many Catholics, at all costs, for fear of brining up something "uncomfortable" to those of other faiths. I hope I am very wrong about this but have seen it happen too often to believe otherwise. I am sure I am one of many who feels I owe a great debt of gratitude to my mother (on my levels, including that of faith) that I will never be able to repay. Let us pray that on this Feast of Pentecost that the Holy Spirit would touch all mothers and give them courage in their Faith, a courage that would be handed down to their children.

Click Here For Comments About Italian Catholic Writer's Thoughts On Mary

Liberal Catholic Call To Action (YouTube) Puppet Liturgy?

Diogenes Of Catholic World News Posts Pictures Of Aging Catholic Dissidents At Call To Action Convention. Call To Action Takes Down Pictures You want some evidence that the tide is turning? These pictures which have been taken down by Call to Action show some real aging dissidents. However, the youtube video hasn't been taken down and you can see there with your own two eyes, the bizarre event they call a "liturgy" and the age of those attending. These folks certainly need our prayers. There is hardly a young person to be found, unlike the picture below or this link to the Sisters of Mary of the Eucharist, whose prioress Mother Assumpta, is pleading for donations because they can't keep up with the growth.

Click Here For Comments About Call To Action Does It Again

After Watching That Dreadful YouTube Video Of The Call To Action "Liturgy," Don't These Pictures Just Give You Hope That The Tide Is Turning? These Seminarians Are From Australia, Tanzania & India. It Is Relective Of What We Are Seeing All Around The World

Special Note: A Big Thank You Goes Out To Mark Butler For Taking Over The Helm Of The Catholic Report. I Had Been Traveling For The Last Few Days & As Usual, Mark Did A Stellar Job.

May 10, 2008

Knights Of Columbus Poll Shows Attitudes Are Changing The Holy Father's recent visit to the United States touched many lives. What were the affects of this pastoral visit beyond those personally present in New York and Washington? A new poll shows that attitudes about the Catholic Church have moved in a positive direction since Benedict's time in our nation.

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Obama's Catholic Advisors Respond To Catholic League A Who's Who of liberal Catholics serve as Senator Obama's Catholic National Advisory Council. It is interesting that while the advisors identify abortion as a "profound moral issue", they do not comment on stem cell research or school vouchers, both of which were mentioned in the league's original press release.

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Latin Is Alive And Well On Vatican Web Site The Vatican recently added a Latin language section of its web site. Most people do not know that Latin continues to be used even today within the Church. It will be interesting to see if any conspiracy theories develop as a result of this public display of affection for Latin.

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Vatican Official Asks For Good Will When Interpreting Motu Proprio Cardinal Dario Castrillon-Hoyos is encouraging diocesan bishops to have a spirit of good will when it comes to requests for the Latin Mass. He is concerned that some interpretations are causing greater difficulties than the text of the motu proprio intended.

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This Pentecost, The Church Will Be Praying For Unity The Holy Father has been enjoying an ecumenical visit from the Armenian Church's Patriarch. He has stated that the "Church will be praying for unity, knowing that God can work miracles", this Pentecost. Are we about to see a miracle in this case? The Armenian Church, separated from Rome since 451, continues to move closer to unity with us.

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Jesuit Theologian Calls On Muslims To Defend Religious Freedom While Muslims are free to practice their faith in traditionally Catholic countries, the opposite is rarely true. If there is to truly be a conversation between the faiths, there must be a consistency in regard to recognizing the freedom to worship without fear.

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May 9, 2008

Spending Abuse By Catholic School Officials Identified There are advantages and disadvantages to having Catholic schools receive public funds. One of the disadvantages is that where there is money, there is the temptation to abuse it. These Catholic school officials treated themselves to many things, including vacations.

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England On The Verge Of Becoming A "God-Free" Zone Warns Cardinal The secularization in the west continues to silence those who have faith. It is sad that the very civilization founded on the Christian faith continues to run away from it. Care for creation, human rights, and all of those values that are being celebrated in the west have their origins in Christianity.

Click Here For Comments About England On The Verge Of Becoming A "God-Free" Zone Warns Cardinal

China Hopes Concert Will Improve Relations The recent performance of a Chinese orchestra in the Vatican continues to get noticed by the media. The Chinese say that they are ready to talk to the Vatican. Is this geniune or is this just the latest front in China's battle for better pre-olympic press? Only time will tell if they are ready to truly listen to what the Holy Father has to say.

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BYU Weighs In On Vatican Statement On Baptismal Records The folks at BYU news are saying that the Vatican statement "smells like fear." They say that if the Mormons are wrong, as the Vatican states, then why not just not worry about baptism by proxy? They also get very defensive when the free will of the deceased in mentioned. (To the point where a slam about indulgences is made.)

Click Here For Comments About BYU Weighs In On Vatican Statement On Baptismal Records

Gene Robinson To Have "Civil Union" Before Conference Apparently God wants Gene Robinson to do whatever he can to stay in the limelight. He is going to have a "civil union" just before the upcoming Episcopal Conference. The timing also seems to coincide quite nicely with the publication of his book (and recent promotional tour.) Despite it all, the Episcopal leader says that he is just following God's will.

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New Mortuary Technique Lacks Respect For The Body This story is not for the faint of heart. A new development in mortuary science will allow bodies to be "melted" with lye and poured down the drain. Many Catholics are unaware of the reasons and theology behind our funeral rites and rituals. As cheaper, and less respectful techniques are developed, catechesis is sorely needed.

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May 8, 2008

October Beatification For JPII? A Polish newspaper is predicting that Pope John Paul II will be beatified in October to coincide with the 30th anniversary of his election to the papacy. There have been similar predictions, obviously false, in the past, so this could be another incorrect report. Could it happen sooner, rather than later? There is no comment from the Vatican thus far, so stay tuned.

Click Here For Comments About October Beatification For JPII?

Pope To Make Abuse Apology In Sydney Pope Benedict is expected to express his deep regret over the child sex abuse scandal in Australia. The Holy Father made similar statements during his apostolic visit to the United States. Some say that by confronting this issue directly, Pope Benedict gave many victims the pastoral support they needed, while also taking the wind out of the sails of those liberal groups that sought to exploit the scandal for their own agenda.

Click Here For Comments About Pope To Make Abuse Apology In Sydney

World Youth Day Goes Digital A text message from the Holy Father? A digital prayer wall? It looks like the next World Youth Day will reach out to the "OnDemand" generation in new ways. I remember the internet stations at World Youth Day 2005 in Cologne. As videos are being loaded onto YouTube, maybe the world will finally get a chance to see the Holy Father interact with the youth of the world through their eyes.

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Catholic League Urges Obama To Purge Bigots From Circle One of the side affects of the Jeremiah Wright controversy is that Wright's comments have galvanized radical seclurists in the Democratic Party. The Catholic League is encouraging Obama to distance himself from the many voices trying to silence all religion. (Makes you wonder what his "Catholic Advisory Board" is saying about all of this.)

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SLC Bishop Comments On Recent Instruction On Sharing Baptism Records With Mormons Bishop Wester is probably the only bishop in the United States living where this is considered a controversy. He hit the nail on the head when he said that Mormons are in fact, a different religion. Thus far, the LDS are keeping their silence.

Click Here For Comments About SLC Bishop Comments On Recent Instruction On Sharing Baptism Records With Mormons

Pope Encourages Hope For Christian Unity The concept of Christian unity can be overwhelming for many Catholics. There are some Catholics who seem to want to surrender their Catholic identity. There are Protestants on both ends of the spectrum (and everywhere in between) and it seems like such a thing as unity is impossible. Pope Benedict (perhaps it's time to call him the "Apostle of Hope"?) reminds us that our faith gives us the courage to have hope, even for Christian unity.

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May 7, 2008

Pope Benedict Sends His Condolences To The Victims Of The Cyclone In Myanmar (Burma) A truly devestating event. The Holy Father sends his prayers to the suffering people of Burma who have suffered much in the past. Maybe, just maybe, this tragedy might rid the Burmese of the suffering they have felt at the hands of the truly repressive and murderous regime who rules them. You might recall the military junta, who rules Burma, were overheard some time ago laughing at Christians who protested against them saying, "what can these docile Christians do to us?" Perhaps they will remember their words as many Christian organizations and individuals try to save the country in spite of their rulers.

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Priest Wants Plan Developed For Keeping Young People In The Church   In the 1970s and 1980s, many young people left the Catholic Church for the growing non-denominational or mega church movement. That has now changed as young Catholics who are religious are very fervent in their beliefs, often far more so than their baby boomer parents. However, the cool trend now is to be either "spiritual" (meaning that one can just read feel good books and God will understand.) The other trend is to be agnostic or atheistic. This is all the rage among some celebrities and their followers. It would appear the best defense would be to have those young people who are fervent in their faith assist those who are not. Keep in mind the biggest defenders of Church teaching, as well as most prolific pro-life voting group, are those young people under 30.

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Pope Benedict Thanks The Swiss Guard For Their Service The history of the Swiss Guard is just fascinating. Yet, it is not some relic of the past, young men in Switzerland still answer the call to protect the Holy Father. I recently saw a show on EWTN in which these young men and their families were profiled. Competition is fierce and their life and that of their family is not easy. One wife spoke of the hardship, and yet the honor she feels in her heart. She said this overtakes any feelings of despair. These young men said they wouldn't hesitate, if necessary, to give their lives for the faith. It was a truly inspiring show.

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Some Yale Students, & Their Supporters At Other Colleges, Don't Understand Why Anyone Would Be Against The Abortion As Art Experiment (Where A Graduate Student Induced Several Abortions As An Experiment) This is like the Parable of the Talents in reverse. Those who were blessed with high IQ's throw it and human life away for the cause of selfishness and meglomania. God help us all when those at America's premier institutions of higher learning sound like sidekicks of Dr Mengele.

Click Here For Comments About Some Yale Students &Their Supporters Don't See Anything Wrong With "Abortion Art" But Are Upset At Us Pro-Lifers

One Quarter Of All Graduating Polish High School Students Will Make A Marian Pilgrimage Before They Graduate What a welcome contrast to the story above this link. These students are putting their faith in God, His Son and His Mother. They seem to realize the sanctity of life and the purpose of it, while on the other hand in the link above the supposedly creme of the crop don't even get the most basic concept of their education, life itself.

Click Here For Comments About Graduating Polish High School Students

Report On Those Being Ordained In The US, Many Have A Devotion To The Blessed Mother. In Addition, There Is A High Percentage Of Asian Students, Foreign Born & Those Who Attended Catholic Schools Interesting statistics which confirm that seminarians are becoming more orthodox in their beliefs. Also, interesting to note, that many were born in another country. Indeed it does seem Asia & Africa continue to show promise not only to their respective countries but to many other countries as well.

Click Here For Comments About Report On Those Being Ordained In The US

May 6, 2008

Catholic Newspaper Wins First Round Of Battle To Refer To God As "Allah" When Muslims describe their faith, they often begin by explaining that Allah is the Arabic word for the same God that is known to Christians and Jews. In Malaysia, a Catholic newspaper is fighting to be able to use the word to reach readers. Is this the first shot in the larger battle of religious freedom there?

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Pope Benedict Discusses Christian-Islam Relations, Visit to US, With Anglican Head As predicted, the Archbishop of Canterbury's visit with the Holy Father was very brief. In addition to discussing Islam, the Holy Father discussed his visit to the United States. It almost makes one wonder how Archbishop Williams would be received in the USA by a heavily divided Episcopal Church.

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Canadian Fast-Food Chain Pulls Ads Mocking The Hail Mary Just what were the marketing folks at Mary Brown thinking? Did they really think that "Hail Mary" went along with a Roman-themed "Hail Caesar"? Why risk offending so many just to promote a chicken burger?

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Church In Oz Takes On Hell's Kitchen The Bishops of Australia would like Gordan Ramsay's shows moved back to a later time slot due to his foul language. Television here in the United States is not much better, with young children often exposed to programs that push the envelope earlier and earlier every day.

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Cardinal Rosales Tells Parishes Not To Allow Cross-Dressers In Parade  The Archbishop of Manila has told parishes not to allow homosexual cross-dressers to portray female saints in the observances for the Feast of the Holy Cross. There is a difference between a religious procession and a secular parade. The Cardinal has an obligation to defend the faith against such mockery.

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Italian Woman Dies In Order To Save Her Baby's Life With St. Gianna Beretta Molla as her role model, an Italian mother, Paola Breda, delayed her own life-saving cancer treatment in order to save the life of her son. This is a wonderful reminder of the gift of life and the reverence and respect that this gift demands. Please pray for Paola and her family, especially on this upcoming Mother's Day.

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May 5, 2008

Local Bishop Recognizes Notre-Dame-du-Laus Some news outlets are claiming that this shrine will attract more pilgrims than Lourdes. I think that this is unlikely given Lourdes' prominence and rich history. This will no doubt catch the attention of those (Catholics and non-Catholics) that do not understand the nature of such shrines or the Church's teachings on the Blessed Virgin Mary.

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Writer Criticizes Vatican Decision To Limit LDS Access To Baptismal Records David Bresnahan doesn't see the harm in letting Mormons baptize deceased Catholics, since genealogists (Catholic and otherwise) will reap the benefits of the LDS' research. Funny that he sees the Church's desire to protect the integrity of the deceased as a bigger threat to peace than the offensive practice of baptism by proxy.

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Calgary Woman Becoming Priest Here we go again. The liberals in the Catholic Womenpriests movement are out pretending to ordain once more. "Rev. Kilbourn Smith" even shares her theology of vocation and the priesthood with us. Any female readers of the Catholic Report agree with her statement that the Church is promoting "gender apartheid"?

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Chinese Orchestra To Perform For Pope In Vatican The Chinese government continues to attempt to improve its reputation in time for the Olympics. While such cultural exchanges can lead to progress, it will be interesting to see if the government will allow the Holy See to share some of its own culture with the people of China.

Click Here For Comments About Chinese Orchestra To Perform For Pope In Vatican

Pope Benedict To Meet With Anglican Leader This will be the Holy Father's second meeting with Archbishop Rowan Williams. While it is interesting that this meeting comes after Williams comments about sharia law, it is very unlikely that this meeting will amount to anything more than a brief visit.

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Archdiocese of St. Paul-Minneapolis Cancels Lecture By Pro-Abortion Speaker Good news from Minnesota as a pro-abortion professor's lecture at a local parish was cancelled due to his support of abortion. The parish has pushed against the archdiocese before and was certainly attempting to do so in the speaker selection. Certainly there are speakers who can address the issue of torture who do not condone the abuse of the unborn.

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May 4, 2008

Is Liberal Catholicism Dead? This is an interesting article from Time. The success of Pope Benedict's visit to the United States did put another nail in the coffin of many angry liberal groups out there. What the author didn't realize is that the tide has been turning for quite some time now. As for the many young Catholics the author refers to at the end of the article, it's time to start believing the hype!

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Catholic Identity... Triumphant Reemergence! McNichol's article does a nice job discussing the trend that many Catholics are "awakening from the slumber of modernism." While it is exciting to see many of the visible symbols of our Catholicity making their way back into our parishes, he rightly points out that an interior renewing to our vocation of holiness is greatly needed!

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Vatican Unworried By Pope's Exclusion From Time Top-100 List One Vatican official stated that Time's criteria for their top-100 list had "nothing to do with the evaluation of the Pope's religious and moral authority." It is still curious that the magazine would select two religious leaders with significantly less influence than the Holy Father.

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Vatican Letter Directs Bishops To Keep Parish Records From Mormons Mormons believe that shortly after the time of the apostles, the true Church disappeared and believers (Catholics) fell into apostacy and the true Church reappeared when Joseph Smith founded Mormonism. (Of course for this to be true, Jesus would had to be lying about the gates of hell triumphing against the Church.) In order to give those poor Catholics (both those born before and after Smith) a chance to get into heaven, the LDS will baptize the deceased by proxy. Thankfully, the Vatican is making it much more difficut for the LDS to violate their ancestors memories.

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Turk Who Shot Pope John Paul II Seeks Polish Citizenship While it seems unlikely that Mehmet Ali Agca will receive Polish citizenship, it is interesting that John Paul II's forgiveness continues to have an influence on the man who tried to take his life.

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May 3, 2008

Pope Benedict Not On The List Of Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential. The Dalai Lama Is #1, Vladimir Putin #2, Even Bruce Springsteen & Miley Cyrus Made The List, But Not The Man Who Has Been The Vatican's Most Influential Cardinal For Over 20 Years And Pontiff For Three Years I couldn't believe it when I saw the Holy Father was left off the list. I was trying to find a good link when Simple Sinner of Per Christum sent me this one. Then Cardinal Ratzinger, now Pope Benedict XVI has been influencing the world for over 20 years. His recent visit to the US was wildly popular but not popular enough for Time. I am sure they will claim their criteria wouldn't permit the Holy Father to be considered, which some like Father Lombardi are using to take the edge of the story. However, with the Dalai Lami being #1, the editors have some explaining to do for the omission is simply embarrassing.

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At Per Christum, David Bennett Reflects On The Ascension The Ascension is one of those Holy Days that somehow gets overlooked. Yet, if we ponder this miraculous event, we surely cannot forget the impact it made on the Early Church. Can you imagine the early Christians passing this event down orally and then telling the faithful that as Jesus departed toward the heavens he foretold the coming of the Holy Spirit, which would occur in a matter of days? David Bennett reflects on all of this and I think you find his words revealing.

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Hugh McNichol Of Pew Sitter As Some Advice For Catholic Politicians Who Don't Follow The Church's Teachings Here is a story courtesy of Two Cents Worth. There is no ball and chain keeping those who dislike the Church in the Church. They are free to go and some do leave for others churches which they think will leave them more comfortable. Well comfortable is not what Christ promised. Incidentally, isn't it odd that when folks leave the Church, they often go to another church which they soon leave, which eventually leads to many who left the Church attending no church whatsoever.

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Blessed Damien Of Molokai Moves Closer To Canonization It is amazing the work Blessed Damien did during his years in Hawaii. Leprosy is something almost forgotten in the modern world, but it still was quite prominent in the 1800s and early 1900s. I still enjoy hearing the story of a wealthy US land baron visiting the future Blessed Damien in Hawaii and upon seeing the hard work Damien did , the land baron said, "I wouldn't do your job for a million dollars," to which Damien replied, "neither would I."

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Pope Benedict Accepts Resignation Of Bishop Pelotte Of Gallup, New Mexico. Bishop Pelotte Had Been On Medical Leave We need to keep Bishop Pelotte in our prayers as he continues to recuperate. Hopefully, retirement will give him time to heal. Perhaps doctors will have a better grip on what happened to him and how he can be helped.

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My Latest Column For The Catholic Times Entitled; Reflections On The Visit Of Pope Benedict To The US You have seen my article for Zenit (which also got posted on EWTN) as well as my own reflections for the Catholic Report. Well here is my column for the Catholic Times. I hope you enjoy it too. It is always a pleasure to report on good news.

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May 2, 2008

Archbishop Chaput; The Role Of A Priest In Public Affairs Another thought provoking article from Archbishop Chaput. He delves into the slippery slope of a priest testing the political realm. In our modern secular view of the world, the faithful are told we are to be totally removed from the political process. We know Christ said otherwise. There is a difference in religion being involved in a societal discussion and a particular church or religion ruling a society (as the Anglican Church once did an Islam still does in many parts of the world.)

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Satellite To Bring Pope Benedict's Homily To Closing Mass For Quebec's Eucharistic Congress Gathering I know some of our readers in Quebec wish the Holy Father would be there in person. However, he will address the august group from the Vatican via a live homily. It is events like this than demonstrate what we believe as Catholics. It is my hope and prayer that this event is reported on by the local Catholic and mainstream media.

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At The Curt Jester Blog, Jeff Miller Discusses Yesterday's Confusion Over Some Who Celebrated Ascension Thursday & Those Who Will Celebrate It This Sunday Well this is bound to get a discussion going, and Jeff Miller wastes no time in doing so. As you know, some dioceses (in the US & Canada) celebrated Ascension Thursday on Thursday while most dioceses (in the US & Canada) will celebrate it this Sunday, unlike much of the world who actually celebrated Ascension Thursday on Thursday. This is getting confusing.

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Autumn Kelly Renounces Her Catholic Faith So Her Future Husband (The Queen's Eldest Grandson) Can Be In Line For Succession To The British Throne  News like this makes me react with a mixture of sadness and anger. Selling your faith for a mess of pottage. As Mark Shea aptly notes Esau made a similar mistake centuries ago, and apparently it hasn't stopped others from selling out as well.

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Alaska's Governor Sarah Palin & Her Husband Welcome New Baby (With Down Syndrome) Into The Family

Jim Caviezel & His Wife Adopt Two Children With Disabilities From China Two brave familes taking on a challenge that many in the modern world would not. For some time the pro-life Governor Palin has been a rising star because of her political success in Alaska, It didn't hurt that she was a former star athlete and a former beauty queen to boot. Her husband is a commercial fisherman who personifies the image of a rugged Alaskan. Some were even mentioning Governor Palin as a running mate for Senator McCain. All of that changed when she and her husband announced she was pregnant and later it was announced their child had Down Syndrome. Sadly, 80% of the unborn diagnosed with Down Syndrome are aborted. The Governor and her husband are an example for all to follow. Jim Caviezel and his wife have adopted two special needs children from China. The famous Passion of the Christ actor said he and his wife felt called to take this step. Two great examples for the world to follow.

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May 1, 2008

In His General Audience Pope Benedict Reflects On His US Visit Pope Benedict spent almost the entire time of his General Audience reflecting on his US visit. There is a lot of detail he gave to the visit and his reflections sound as if his spirits were buoyed by his days in the USA. I pray that he has similar positive memories on all of his future trips, whichever land he visits.

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Plans Under Way For A London Memorial For Catholic Shrines Destroyed By King Henry VIII, Thomas Cromwell et al I shudder to think of all the holiness and beauty that was destroyed by those purveyors of hate (King Henry VIII, Thomas Cromwell et al.) Is it any wonder that in Dante's inferno folks like this were not on the periphery but right smack dab in the middle of the raging inferno. I certainly hope they repented of their actions. In light of such destruction, I am glad that a memorial is being made for all that was lost.

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Episcopal Bishop Gene Robinson To Appear At RBTE Book Show Which Is Not, As Some Have Reported, A "Catholic Book Show." (The Catholic Marketing Network Book Show Was Formed Because Of Appearances By Folks Like Bishop Robinson) There is much confusion over this story. First of all the RBTE book show is a liturgical run bookshow where Catholic, Episcopal and Lutheran booksellers are present. The openly gay Episcopal Bishop Gene Robinson will be one of the speakers. It is precisely because of instances like a speaker the caliber of Bishop Robinson that the Catholic Marketing Network was founded. Please click here for more info. In addition, I thought I would once again post the link of my interview, done last year with Alan Napleton, the President of the Catholic Marketing Network.

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Bill Bennett On The Diocese Of Wichita & Their Tuition Free Catholic Schools This story has always amazed me. A far sighted priest and bishop implemented this plan years ago. I would be willing to bet, the citizens of Wichita feel a bond to their schools since they are all such an integral part of it's success. I could go on and on but let me just summarize my thoughts by saying when there is strong Catholic identity, Catholic schools flourish. People need to feel connected, whether it is public or private schools. How many rural and inner city public schools have no connection to their greater community, when at one time they did. Whether it be a neighborhood or small town, at one time those residents knew the teachers and administrators of that school because by and large they came from the area. When the school is a nameless, faceless entity those around it feel no connection.

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Mark Shea; A Tale Of Two Covenants Part I

Mark Shea; A Tale Of Two Covenants Part II True to form, Mark always finds a way to make the complex seem understandable. In this two part article Mark breaks down the whole covenent idea and helps us see the obvious.

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John Michael Talbot Reports Several Of Their Community Buildings (Brothers & Sisters Of Charity) Burned To The Ground Last Night Please keep these men and women in your prayers. In addition to the famous musician John Michael Talbot, I believe this community is also home to Brother Bob Fishman, the who you might have seen on EWTN. A convert from Judaism, Brother Bob often speaks about Catholicism as a continuation of the Old Testament. He gives an excellent explanation of the Eucharist, one of the best I have heard and seen. This community didn't have many material possessions to begin with and now they have little or none left. They do such good work. Let us pray that there will be a spiritual and material outpouring to assist them in their hour of need. A doff of the cap to Amy Welborn for this link

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