Thursday, April 30, 2009

Bishop Martino May Bar Casey

“If necessary, future determinations will be made regarding whether Sen. Casey is worthy to receive Holy Communion,” a Diocese of Scranton statement on Casey’s vote said. “However, at this point Bishop Martino believes it is incumbent upon Sen. Casey to reflect on his actions and ask himself if he should receive the sacrament.”

The bishop said he plans to continue to monitor Casey’s positions and votes on “life issues.” He also believes he has “a pastoral responsibility to instruct the senator about these serious moral issues” because Casey is a member of the diocese.


If I showed up at Temple and got in line behind a candidate for Bar Mitzva, I'd hope the Rabbi would be courteous enough to tap me on the shoulder & say "Honey, go home. You don't qualify. Aside from being a non-believer, you're the wrong sex."

The wind is changing in the Church. I believe we'll start to see some excommunications for the first time in a long time.

Push the panic button. Somebody has the flu in Spain.


I don't get it.

Obama today announced he was going to continue to permit the sick Mexicans from streaming over the border so we all better wash our hands after shaking somebody's hand and cover our mouths when we cough.

Is it me, or is the big tent starting to feel like just before Jim Jones passed out the Kookaid.

According to the CDC, 36 thousand flu deaths are reported annually.

Three thousand a month and nobody has batted an eye.

Ok, a hundred died. In Mexico where there is poverty, disease and crappy health care.

A hundred isn't three thousand.


As happy as I am that Janet Napolitano that germs has bumped prolifers off her list of public enemy number one, the panic seems a bit contrived. It's not helping that Sebelius is running around readying injections.

We're going to let these bunch of nuts inject us. Sure. Sure, we'll line right up.

I'm predicting they'll find the cure is a lobotomy.

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Catholic Democrats go after Maryanne Glendon

Father Z has the story.

#

Catholic Democrats is another initiative started by Eric McFadden of Catholics for Kerry/Hillary’s outreach director and various other apostasies. McFadden and Whelan were partners in the venture until just shy of McFadden’s arrest for being, among other things, the largest pimp (including minors) in Ohio.

When McFadden departed for the big house, a local Boston character named “Steve Krueger” joined Whelan’s initiative. Krueger, was executive director of…drumroll…...Voice of the Faithful.

It’s two people with venom for the teachings of the Church who have been attacking anyone willing to stand up for the Church’s tenets, sticking to their pipe dream that some day, we’ll be intimidated by them.

Even the USCCB is losing their palate for their drivel and tactics.
Comment by Carol McKinley — 29 April 2009 @ 7:44 pm


Whatever you do, go over to Inside Catholic and read John Zmirak's Anybody Need a Used Laetare Medal?



It's absolutely priceless.

Also, You'll love the very funny want-ad for a recipient of a certain Laetare medal on Craig's List.


Wouldn't you love to be a fly on the wall in Jenkin's office?

Monday, April 27, 2009

Glendon Gives Notre Dame's Insufferable Hogwash of Balanced Opinions a Kick in the Tires

Jenkins has a blowout.



With Glendon passes on Laetare, 8.2 million being held hostage, Bishop D'Arcy publicly telling Jenkins to recant his errors, Jenkins today responded by saying OK, we'll find someone else.

Good luck with that.

The short list of suspects is being tossed around in think tanks. Kmiec, Biden, Pelosi, Sebelius, Kennedy.

Laetare is Notre Dame's award for outstanding service to the Roman Catholic Church. The index of contributions to the Catholic Church in that list would seem a bit far fetched. Pelosi and Biden have already had flares shot across their bows that they're not in good standing with the Catholic Church. You've got Bishop D'Arcy saying Jenkins is violating the Church's teachings by inviting and giving Obama an honor.

Nobody loyal to the teachings of the Church is going to cross the picket line.

With the electric atmosphere, what famous repudiator of Catholic teaching will be willing to back into the corner with Jenkins?

Kmiec is on my short list of possible suspects.

I wonder though, if even Kmiec is willing to go that far.

In spite of all the denials, my Vatican contacts have told me that Mr. Kmiec's was nominated for the position of Ambassador to the Holy See and was rebuffed, and in no uncertain terms, by the Vatican. At this point, he is a tarbaby even to Obama.

Do you think with 8.2 million already being held hostage in donations Jenkins is willing to pour fuel on the fire by replacing Glendon with Kmiec, Pelosi or Sebelius?

Do you think Kmiec is foolish enough to burn every bridge?

All very interesting!

Obama released a statement in response:

“President Obama is disappointed by former Ambassador Mary Glendon’s decision,but he looks forward to delivering an inclusive and respectful speech at the Notre Dame graduation, a school with a rich history of fostering the exchange of ideas," Jen Psaki, White House Deputy Press Secretary, said.



It turns out with Notre Dame's rich history of fostering ideas, nobody graduating knows which ideas are actually Catholic. Including Jenkins himself.

Saturday, April 25, 2009

+IHS


FROM THE PASTOR
by Fr. George W. Rutler
April 26, 2009


Saint John was the only Apostle to remain with the Blessed Mother at the Crucifixion, and seared into his mind was the name of Jesus at the top of the cross. The Apostle was always reluctant to mention his own name. In his humility all that mattered was that he was loved by the Lord. When we receive our names in baptism, they radiate the Holy Name, for every Christian is a spark of the Saviour. We should say the Holy Name with reverence, and make reparation when we hear thoughtless people use it as a curse. They do not know its power, but Satan does, and that is why he wants us to twist it if he cannot blot it out.

In the fifteenth century St. Bernardine of Siena went from town to town preaching, holding a banner emblazoned with the letters IHS, which are the first Greek letters of “Jesus.” It was most effective in getting people’s attention and Bernardine now is the patron saint of advertisers. In response to humbugs who accused the saint of making the acronym a kind of magical device, Pope Martin V told him to put a small cross over the letters, to make clear that this was the name of the Crucified One.

Young John survived all the Apostles and, grown old and still remembering how the Master had called them “teknia”—“little children”—the night before the Crucifixion, he used the same word: “Little children, I write to you because your sins are forgiven for his name’s sake” (1 John 2:12). After Pentecost, with John standing next to him, Peter healed a crippled man by invoking the name of Jesus, which was better than “silver and gold” of which he had none. John and Peter were put on trial for this and Peter boldly declared, “There is no other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

In the spiritual combat of our generation, Satan would tempt timorous Christians to esteem other names as greater than Jesus. Recently a Catholic university covered the letters IHS at the request of politicians, so that the Holy Name would not be seen by the cameras at a public event. When the powers that be were finished, and the letters uncovered again, so also was the weakness of the university exposed. “But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in Heaven” (Matt. 10:33). St. Peter had no money, but he had the name of Jesus. Any institution ashamed of that name, will find that its golden endowment is tarnished and its silver adds up to just thirty pieces.

Ashamed of Jesus! That dear Friend
On whom my hopes of Heaven depend!
No; when I blush, be this my shame
That I no more revere His Name.


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California Miss USA Contestant Knew the Cost

Yet here was a young woman who knew exactly what she believed and why, and was not about to forfeit those values to win the favor of someone in a position to make her dream come true.

Like the proverbial tree planted by the water, Prejean was not about to be moved.

“I knew at that moment I was not going to win,” she said. “It’s not about being politically correct for me; it’s about being Biblically correct.”

Soon that openly gay judge, Perez Hilton, was vilifying her on his Web site, proving once again that this crowd that once pleaded for tolerance has become the most ruthlessly intolerant crowd of all.

Of course not a peep was heard from the ACLU regarding Prejean’s right to embrace and espouse the tenets of her faith.

I never heard of Perez Hilton before. The question isn't why the ignorant bigot was appointed as a judge, the bigger question is, why did the pageant put the question into the process if not to use it as a deliberate opportunity to be bigoted and intolerant?

A beauty contest flushes out faces, bodies, talent, poise, class and intellect.

Obama holds the conviction that marriage is one man/one woman. Why does he get a free pass from being victimized by the cartoon characters?

Fascinating!

Markoff tied to RI attack



According to the Boston Herald, Markoff told his brother (pictured leaving the jail) to expect more allegations and evidence and to "forget about me and move to California".

I'm amazed the employees at the jail tipped off the Boston Herald to the private conversation that happened between Markoff and his family.

Fingerprints and text messages connect him to the RI attack.

Comments sections are frightening. Vultures waiting around for fodder.

Friday, April 24, 2009

Bishop Darcy Tells Jenkins to Withdraw His Erroneous Talking Points

I missed this. Bishop John Darcy has told Jenkins he's full of it and has asked him to withdraw his erroneous statements in the local newspapers.


Fr. Z has the story (and inserted his comments in the letter)

Recently, Father John Jenkins, CSC, [Pres. of Notre Dame... Shame] in a letter of response to Bishop Olmsted of the Diocese of Phoenix, who had written him, critical of the decision to invite President Obama to speak and receive an honorary degree of law at Notre Dame, indicated that it was his conviction that the statement “Catholics in Political Life” (USCCB) did not apply in this matter. Father Jenkins kindly sent me a copy of his letter, and also at a later meeting, asked for a response.

In an April 15th letter to Father Jenkins, I responded to his letter.

Now the points made in his letter have been sent by Father Jenkins to the members of the Notre Dame Board of Trustees and have been publicized nationally, as well as locally in the South Bend Tribune. Since the matter is now public, [here it comes] it is my duty as the bishop of this diocese to respond and correct. [correct] I take up this responsibility with some sadness, but also with the conviction that if I did not do so, I would be remiss in my pastoral responsibility.

Rather than share my full letter, which I have shared with some in church leadership, I prefer to present some of the key points.

1. The meaning of the sentence in the USCCB document relative to Catholic institutions is clear. It places the responsibility on those institutions, and indeed, on the Catholic community itself.

“The Catholic community and Catholic institutions should not honor those who act in defiance of our fundamental moral principles. They should not be given awards, honors or platforms which would suggest support for their actions.” — “Catholics in Political Life,” USCCB.

2. When there is a doubt concerning the meaning of a document of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, where does one find the authentic interpretation? A fundamental, canonical and theological principal states that it is found in the local bishop, who is the teacher and lawgiver in his diocese. — Canon 330, 375 §§ 1 & 2; 380; 381 § 1; 391 § 1; 392, & 394 §1.

3. I informed Father Jenkins that if there was any genuine questions or doubt about the meaning of the relevant sentence in the conference’s document, [Does anyone out there imagine that there wasn’t discussion amongst the leadership at Notre Shame. Didn’t Fr. Jenkins say they had consulted?] any competent canonist with knowledge of the tradition and love for Christ’s church had the responsibility to inform Father Jenkins of the fundamental principle that the diocesan bishop alone bears the responsibility to provide an authoritative interpretation. [Let us not forget that the University is within the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend.]

4. I reminded Father Jenkins that he indicated that he consulted presidents of other Catholic universities, and at least indirectly, consulted other bishops, since he asked those presidents to share with him those judgments of their own bishops. However, he chose not to consult his own bishop [ouch] who, as I made clear, is the teacher and lawgiver in his own diocese. I reminded Father Jenkins that I was not informed of the invitation until after it was accepted by the president. I mentioned again that it is at the heart of the diocesan bishop’s pastoral responsibility to teach as revealed in sacred Scripture and the tradition. (“Lumen Gentium,” 20; and “Christus Dominus,” 2.) I reminded him that it is also central to the university’s relationship to the church. [And here is the 900 lbs gorilla in Fr. Jenkins waiting room…] (“Ex corde ecclesiae,” 27 & 28; Gen. Norm., Art. 5, §§ 1-3.)

5. Another key point. In his letter to Bishop Olmsted and in the widespread publicity, which has taken place as the points in the letter have been made public, Father Jenkins declared the invitation to President Obama does not “suggest support” for his actions, because he has expressed and continues to express disagreement with him on issues surrounding protection of life. I wrote that the outpouring of hundreds of thousands who are shocked by the invitation clearly demonstrates, that this invitation has, in fact, scandalized many Catholics and other people of goodwill. In my office alone, there have been over 3,300 messages of shock, dismay and outrage, and they are still coming in. It seems that the action in itself speaks so loudly that people have not been able to hear the words of Father Jenkins, and indeed, the action has suggested approval to many.

In the publicity surrounding the points Father Jenkins has made, he also says he is “following the document of the bishops” by “laying a basis for engagement with the president on this issue.” I indicated that I, like many others, will await to see what the follow up is on this issue between Notre Dame and President Obama. [In the meantime, keep breathing regularly.]

6. As I have said in a recent interview and which I have said to Father Jenkins, it would be one thing to bring the president here for a discussion on healthcare or immigration, [even about abortion, I think… if it were an occasion for debate and engagement] and no person of goodwill could rightly oppose this. We have here, however, the granting of an honorary degree of law to someone whose activities both as president and previously, have been altogether supportive of laws against the dignity of the human person yet to be born.

In my letter, I have also asked Father Jenkins to correct, and if possible, withdraw the erroneous talking points, which appeared in the South Bend Tribune and in other media outlets across the country. The statements which Father Jenkins has made are simply wrong and give a flawed justification for his actions.

[NB:] I consider it now settled — that the USCCB document, “Catholics in Public Life,” does indeed apply in this matter.

The failure to consult the local bishop who, whatever his unworthiness, is the teacher and lawgiver in the diocese, is a serious mistake. Proper consultation could have prevented an action, which has caused such painful division between Notre Dame and many bishops — and a large number of the faithful.

That division must be addressed through prayer and [yes] action, and I pledge to work with Father Jenkins and all at Notre Dame to heal the terrible breach, which has taken place between Notre Dame and the church. It cannot be allowed to continue. [If that is the case, then there will have to be consequences of Fr. Jenkins does not take the steps indicated by Bp. D’Arcy. Could Fr. Jenkins alleged trip to Washingtion DC allegedly to the White House have anything to do with this?]

I ask all to pray that this healing will take place in a way that is substantial and true, and not illusory. Notre Dame and Father Jenkins must do their part if this healing is to take place. I will do my part.

Sincerely yours in our Lord,
Most Reverend
John M. D’Arcy



These are the days.

Kudos to Bishop Darcy.

The breach has come to a full head but it has been long brewing.

It's only now, where there is full blown oppression, when the terrorists alerts on prolifers are coming from the government, when television and news is phony and feigned for Marxists, when a Catholic can't enter a beauty contest without a circus of cartoon characters setting traps, when authentic catechesis has been obliterated, the Mass hijacked, homilies misleading a generation, the economy destroyed by giving mortgages to people without jobs and money and made further catastrophic by wiping out their debts.

The rift has evolved over the past ten years.

Now,we have Bishops and Cardinals hoping the crater and joining us.

If you read this fabulous post about Bishop Dolan's first Sunday Mass, you'll know where we're heading.


We are on fire.

These are the Days

These are days youll remember.
Never before and never since, I promise,
will the whole world be warm as this.
And as you feel it,
Youll know its true, that you are blessed and lucky.

Its true, that you are touched by something that will grow and bloom in you.

These are days youll remember.
When may is rushing over you with desire
to be part of the miracles you see in every hour.
Youll know its true that you are blessed and lucky.

Its true that you are touched by something that will grow and bloom in you.

These are days.

These are the days you might fill with laughter until you break.
These days you might feel a shaft of light, Light make its way across your face.
And when you do then youll know how it was meant to be.
See the signs and know their meaning.
Its true, youll know how it was meant to be.
Hear the signs and know theyre speaking to you, to you.

Thursday, April 23, 2009

More on Markoff

Panties, guns, creepy mementos

Yet a female high school classmate recalls a cruel, hateful bully with a need to degrade “people he thought were beneath him,” such as prostitutes.

There's some kind of a class war underpinning in picking on the 22 year-old woman Markoff was engaged to. When you can't find something to malign in a 22-year-old busting her tail in medical school, pink kitchen appliances can feed the envy of "The View" and "Oprah" crowd.

She's still hoping her nightmare is all a big mistake.

LITTLE SILVER, N.J. - The stunned dad of Philip Markoff’s fiancee said this afternoon his distraught daughter is still praying the Craigslist killing nightmare will prove to be just a bad dream.

“She’s still confident in Phil. Other than that we’re saying a lot of prayers,” said Jim McAllister, father of 25-year-old Megan McAllister.

But the news is just not getting better:

Duct tape, a gun hidden inside his copy of “Gray’s Anatomy,” ammo and restraints were discovered - along with women’s panties - in Markoff’s Quincy apartment after his arrest, authorities say. Police have hinted that other “items of all kinds of ilk” were also discovered.

The gun found at the house linked to the murder and fingerprints on the duct tape and plastic restraints were a match to Markoff.

He tried to kill himself this afternoon and is on a suicide watch.

Sad and shattering.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Not looking good for the BU Med student

The plastic handcuffs, guns, ammunition, his IP address and cell phone records incriminating him.

Good-looking young man, promising career, good family -- a gambling addiction stole his sanity - how devastating for all of them. A beautiful fiance with an upcoming fairy-tale wedding is on the first leg of the journey of the gripping grief of death and dying, denial.

“Unfortunately, the Boston Police try to make money out of these things and release things without my knowledge or consent,”



After the shock wears off, if she has honest, reliable, sane family and friends to help her transition, she'll start to recall the red flags she drowned out.

**UPDATE: Colleagues describe a man plagued by mood swings, depression and other behaviors that indicated he was disturbed:

Montgomery said she is "not even remotely surprised" that authorities have charged Markoff with the murder of Julissa Brisman, who advertised on the "erotic services" section on Craigslist. "He just wasn't right in the head, and I knew it, and probably other people did, too," said Montgomery, 26, who spent hours with him each day in the lab.

"My friends from the lab group have confirmed that 'you weren't the only one feeling that way,' " she said. "I got the impression he was really disturbed."

Monday, April 20, 2009

Enjoy every miserable moment

Mother Angelica on living for today

EWTN posted this great youtube on Facebook of Mother Angelica on living in the present moment and loving in every moment. Even every miserable moment. (Especially every miserable moment?)

and this one, when a caller ran into some poor priest who gave a bum scoop:

You can't be too holy.


You can see the smile being gradually wiped off her face as the caller continues her story and eventually, the classical Mother Angelica look. "I wouldn't that that advice too seriously."

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Divine Mercy Sunday

Plenary Indulgence.

On one occasion, I heard these words: My daughter, tell the whole world about My Inconceivable mercy. I desire that the Feast of Mercy be a refuge and shelter for all souls, and especially for poor sinners. On that day the very depths of My tender mercy are open. I pour out a whole ocean of graces upon those souls who approach the fount of My mercy. The soul that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion shall obtain complete forgiveness of sins and punishment.* [our emphasis] On that day all the divine floodgates through which grace flow are opened. Let no soul fear to draw near to Me, even though its sins be as scarlet. My mercy is so great that no mind, be it of man or of angel, will be able to fathom it throughout all eternity. Everything that exists has come forth from the very depths of My most tender mercy. Every soul in its relation to Me will I contemplate My love and mercy throughout eternity. The Feast of Mercy emerged from My very depths of tenderness. It is My desire that it be solemnly celebrated on the first Sunday after Easter. Mankind will not have peace until it turns to the Fount of My Mercy. (Diary 699)

Yes, the first Sunday after Easter is the Feast of Mercy, but there must also be deeds of mercy, which are to arise out of love for Me. You are to show mercy to our neighbors always and everywhere. You must not shrink from this or try to absolve yourself from it. (Diary 742)

I want to grant complete pardon to the souls that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion on the Feast of My mercy. (Diary 1109)

As you can see the Lord's desire for the Feast includes the solemn, public veneration of the Image of Divine Mercy by the Church, as well as personal acts of veneration and mercy. The great promise for the individual soul is that a devotional act of sacramental penance and Communion will obtain for that soul the plenitude of the divine mercy on the Feast.

*The Cardinal of Krakow, Cardinal Macharski, whose diocese is the center of the spread of the devotion and the sponsor of the Cause of Sr. Faustina, has written that we should use Lent as preparation for the Feast and confess even before Holy Week! So, it is clear that the confessional requirement does not have to be met on the Feast itself. That would be an impossible burden for the clergy if it did. The Communion requirement is easily met that day, however, since it is a day of obligation, being Sunday. We would only need confession again, if received earlier in Lenten or Easter Season, if we were in the state of mortal sin on the Feast.

Napolitano "apology"

As Catholics are bitterly clinging to Divine Mercy Sunday today, and our war Veterans who selflessly protecting our freedom from real terrorists are bitterly clinging to their guns, Janet Napolitano is saying the terrorist alert is all a big misunderstanding.

The Washington Post is saying the following is an "apology to veterans":


In the report, dated April 7 but begun last year, the Department of Homeland Security's intelligence section stated, "The return of military veterans facing significant challenges reintegrating into their communities could lead to the potential emergence of terrorist groups or lone wolf extremists capable of carrying out violent attacks."

A footnote that defined rightwing extremist groups as primarily hate-oriented or anti-government also stated, "It may include groups and individuals that are dedicated to a single issue, such as opposition to abortion or immigration."

Acknowledging criticism by veterans' groups, Napolitano said yesterday on CNN, "I apologize for that offense. It was certainly not intended."

She told Fox News, "If there's one part of that report I would rewrite, in the word-smithing, Washington-ese that goes on after the fact, it would be that footnote."

Sorry, that's just not good enough.

First of all, I don't see the right kind of "apology".

This "apology" says "We're sorry people are offended by our report that indicates that Homeland Security is busily contacting local Democrats in every state to create a list of activists protecting the civil rights of the unborn,the sovereignty of our borders, the constitutional right to bear arms and returning men and women who have served their country in the armed forces. It wasn't our intention to offend and we wish we word-smithed it more carefully"

Napolitano has turned Homeland Security into a third reich on the hunt for people bitterly clinging to guns and religion. Meanwhile, North Korea has thrown out the UN weapons inspectors, retooling their long-range nuclear weapons of mass destruction and Obama is bowing and kissing the ring of the Saudi King.

Apology accepted but you haven't kid the kidders. Obama has a thought police force accumulating names. Napolitano is in charge of getting the names.

Saturday, April 18, 2009

Napolitano woudl have couched the wording of the Amber Altert on Prolifers

Nowhere near good enough.

Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano has backed down from the security document her department issued for the Obama administration linking pro-life advocates to terrorists. The document has caused a national outcry for saying those who oppose abortion are likely to be part of a group of people who engage in "rightwing extremism."

Napolitano defended the report Thursday, but said that a section claiming hate-motivated groups and movements " may include groups and individuals that are dedicated to a single issue, such as opposition to abortion" should not have been included.

"If there's one part of that report I would rewrite, in the word-smithing, Washington-ese that goes on after the fact, it would be that footnote," Napolitano said Thursday on Fox News.

Sorry, I'm not mollified.

Any way you slice the wording, the terrorist alert was specific enough to make clear our liberties are in danger. Obama gave the go-ahead for Napolitano to grant license for police and sheriffs to treat prolifers as they would violent terrorists.

She's on the run but we still need to go after this full steam ahead.

Meanwhile, the Thomas More Law center, a pro-life legal group, informed LifeNews.com on Thursday that it has filed a federal lawsuit against Napolitano. The lawsuit says the Obama administration's document "violates the civil liberties of combat veterans as well as American citizens by targeting them for disfavored treatment on account of their political beliefs."

The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan on behalf of pro-life nationally syndicated conservative radio talk show host Michael Savage, pro-life advocate Gregg Cunningham and others.

The Law Center claims that Napolitano’s Department (DHS) has violated the First and Fifth Amendment Constitutional rights of these three plaintiffs by attempting to chill their free speech, expressive association, and equal protection rights.

The lawsuit further claims that the Department of Homeland Security encourages law enforcement officers throughout the nation to target and report citizens to federal officials as suspicious rightwing extremists and potential terrorists because of their political beliefs.

Richard Thompson, president and chief counsel of the Thomas More Center, told LifeNews.com, “The Obama Administration has declared war on American patriots and our Constitution. The Report even admits that the Department has no specific information on any plans of violence by so-called ‘rightwing extremists.’"

"Rather, what they do have is the expression of political opinions by certain individuals and organizations that oppose the Obama administration’s policies, and this expression is protected speech under the First Amendment," he continued.

“Janet Napolitano is lying to the American people when she says the Report is not based on ideology or political beliefs. In fact, her report would have the admiration of any current or past dictator in the way it targets political opponents," Thompson added.



Can we all joint and make it a class action? A couple of million of us perhaps?

Friday, April 17, 2009

Catholic Consumers and the Economy

Nice story on Catholic Exchange extolling the rewards of doing without in this economy.

Anyhow, when my husband’s van up and died last summer, I was easily able to step back into the “one-car, two-driver” mode. However, just about everyone we know was flummoxed by this decision of ours to ride out (pun intended) the economic uncertainties by juggling schedules and sharing a car.

But, for me, taking my husband to work a few times a week has provided newfound treasures. We’re older now and so our conversations have changed during this “alone” time. Although, admittedly, we still recap how much sleep we each received during the previous night, it is no longer the fault of babies who needed feeding as much as it is tending to our own nightly needs combined with the worry and wonder of kids in college and concerns about the world they are inheriting. I have to chuckle when I think that I used to imagine the post-baby years would certainly be long nights of rejuvenating sleep!

Nonetheless, the morning rides when we share a car are much easier now. There are no babies or toddlers to bundle up — although I miss those little boys. My husband I just each grab a cup of coffee and off we go.

This isn’t to say that it’s been a piece of cake. I’ve had to do some serious adjusting. It has been imperative that I become more organized and I have also had to learn to deal with a cabin-fever on many occasions during our extremely long and cold Midwest winter. Then there are the times like when I missed a night out with a friend because our one family car had to be available to take our youngest son to and from work. But priorities are often about sacrifice. Overall, however, we’re doing quite well with this arrangement.

We were a one care family for a very long time. I can second that in the hectic pace of a full-time jobs, school, teenagers with part-time jobs, extracurricular activities - the precious time spend shuffling to and fro was a precious gift. My son bought a car a few weeks ago and......I think he misses me! Last night, he arrived home at 9pm after a day of school and work and said "How are you, I don't think I've seen you for two days, we don't get that time together...(which I customarily used to have a mommy-to-son chats about general observations and life experiences and, more personal things when appropriate!). We agonized about the expense for a couple of years and actually put it off until it got to the point where it impeding earning wages or asking favors for rides that exceeded charity. I feel the need to put more effort into creating alone time with each child to make up for it.

We're all much more frugal these days about how we spend money. As the prices rise, Ithink more and more people are getting tight-fisted about things that used to be absolute staples. The prices of groceries are going insane. For instance - I used to stock up on Bear Naked cereal when it was on sale for $3.50 (regular price was $4.99). When it got to $7.50 within the course of a few months, I cut it off my list (though I did recently find a deal at BJ's on a humungous package).

Grocery shopping online to me saved me hundreds of dollars a month. At one point about three years ago, live shopping, I was spending $250 a week for a family of four. I've cut it down to $125. My oldest moved out and I occasionally will spend a little more when I make the BJ's run, I find I'm able to shop specials (which I never do with spontanous shopping) and the feature that clearly states your bill as you put things in your cart is a reality check. And, we're eating much healthier.

Everyone is cutting costs. I don't think this has yet to ripple in the economy (And, the "bailouts" have yet to be invoiced to us.) Seems we've reached beyond the ability to think how frugality is adding complexity nationally.

Thursday, April 16, 2009

The Joy of the Lord

Archbishop Dolan's Phenomenal Installation Homily in it's entirety.

-- The risen Christ is alive here in the Church in and through her priests. My brother priests: you are the apple of my eye! You mean everything to me. Without you, I can do nothing. In you I still see St. Isaac Joques, Venerable Felix Varela, Issac Hecker, Fighting Father Duffy, Fulton J. Sheen, Richard John Neuhaus, Avery Dulles; in you I see men who continue the power of the resurrection at the altar, in the confessional, in the classroom, with the sick, searching, and the poor. I have long admired you from afar, but today for the first time I can say, "my brother priests" of the Archdiocese of New York-my admiration, deep appreciation, and unflagging love to you;

--The Risen Christ is alive in her consecrated religious, women and men, in whom Elizabeth Ann Seton, Francis Xavier Cabrini, and Michael Judge find most worthy heirs, as you continue to give the Word flesh in your simplicity of life, charity, and obedience.

--The awesome yet gentle might of the Christ's Resurrection continues in the Church of New York in her faithful people, women and men who love their Church in spite of her wounds, who savor their baptismal call, rely upon the grace and mercy of prayer and the sacraments, live as committed husbands and wives, mothers and fathers, and generous single people, and who bring the person, teachings, and invitation of their Lord to family, community, parish, and the public square, continuing the legacy of such lay leaders as Pierre Toussaint, Dorothy Day, and Governor Al Smith.

--Christ is one with His Church in this archdiocese as we obey his final mandate to teach, as we praise God for the prize of our celebrated Catholic schools, to whose flourishing I pledge my best efforts and support, and our promising programs of evangelization and catechetics.

--The Resurrection of Jesus goes on in our apostolate for the struggling, searching, and marginalized, as thousands of those closest to Christ's Sacred Heart-the hungry, homeless, sick, troubled, and immigrants--find solace and help in our Catholic charities and healthcare. Conscious are we of former Mayor Ed Koch's observation that the Catholic Church is the glue that keeps this city together . . . and, and . . . the Resurrection goes on, as His Church continues to embrace and protect the dignity of every human person, the sanctity of human life, from the tiny baby in the womb to the last moment of natural passing into eternal life. As the Servant of God Terrence Cardinal Cooke wrote, "Human life is no less sacred or worthy of respect because it is tiny, pre-born, poor, sick, fragile, or handicapped." Yes, the Church is a loving mother who has a zest for life and serves life everywhere, but she can become a protective "mamma bear" when the life of her innocent, helpless cubs is threatened. Everyone in this mega-community is a somebody with an extraordinary destiny. Everyone is a somebody in whom God has invested an infinite love. That is why the Church reaches out to the unborn, the suffering, the poor, our elders, the physically and emotionally challenged, those caught in the web of addictions.

--The risen Jesus remains alive in this archdiocese as the Church partners with respected neighbors and friends of other Christian families, our Jewish older brothers and sisters in the faith, who today conclude Passover and have our best wishes, and with our Islamic and Eastern religious communities, as the Church relishes the unique ecumenical and inter-religious concord of this greater New York community; and as the archdiocese collaborates with our political, civic, cultural, and business leaders, so very welcome here today, in all noble prospects advancing human welfare and dignity. Seven-and-a-half years ago, on September 11, 2001, New Yorkers gave a lesson of extraordinarily generous courage to the world. Selfless police officers, fire fighters, and emergency medical personnel, saved lives, and many gave theirs. Their sacrifice was an ecumenical, interreligious civic testimony to the worth of every human person. You did us all proud, and now how proud I am now to partner with all of you in that same spirit;

--and, maybe most of all, Christ remains present in His Church as people whisper prayers, worship at Sunday Mass, struggle with sin and pursue virtue, hunger for God's Word and Sacrament, and realize that, as much as we love New York, we have here no lasting home, for our true citizenship is in heaven.

And just what, I ask you, does the Church have to give? Does she have power and clout, property and prestige? Forget it! Those days are gone, if they ever did exist at all.

The Church instead borrows the vocabulary Jesus Himself used in those days after He rose, as we speak of "a peace He gives us,"

of "feeding my sheep,"

of "teaching the nations."

The Church really has no treasure but her faith in the Lord, which is not bad at all, as we shrug and say with Peter and John in the Acts of the Apostles, "Silver and gold we have not, but, what we do have, we give: ...

Jesus Christ...!

Now, let me bring this home by suggesting that we all take a little stroll down...the road to Emmaus.

See, I mentioned to you that the Church continues not just the rising but also the dying of Jesus Christ. We've just been through a litany of ways that the rising of Jesus radiates in the Church in this historic archdiocese. But we'd be naive if we overlooked the dying, wouldn't we?

For indeed not only the Resurrection but the cross, the dying, of Christ goes on:

--As we are tempted to fatigue in our works of service and charity;

--As we continue realistically to nurse the deep wounds inflicted by the horrible scandal, sin, and crime of sexual abuse of minors, never hesitant to beg forgiveness from God and from victim survivors and their families, committed to continue the reform, renewal, and outreach Pope Benedict encouraged us to last year, when, among many other places, he urged us in this very cathedral, "to respond with Christian hope to the continuing challenges [of] this painful situation..."

-- The cross is there as more and more of our people are burdened under financial woe and uncertainty;

--As strains on the family take their toll, or as the Church is ridiculed for her teaching on the sanctity of marriage;

--As we struggle to keep our parishes and schools strong, and recognize that we need a new harvest of vocations to the priesthood, diaconate, religious life, and faithful, life-long, life-giving marriage;

Shortages and cutbacks, people mad at the Church or even leaving her, and our seeming inability to get the Gospel message credibly out there . . .

. . . are we not at times perhaps like those two dejected disciples on the road to Emmaus? They were so absorbed in their own woes, so forlorn in their mistaken conclusion that the one in whom they had placed their trust was dead, so shocked by the shame, scandal, and scorn of last Friday . . . that they failed to recognize Jesus as He walked right alongside of them!

I say to you, my sister and brother disciples now on the road to Emmaus, let's not turn inward to ourselves, our worries, our burdens, our fears; but turn rather to Him, the way, the truth, and the life, the one who told us over and over, "Be not afraid!", who assured us that He "would be with us all days, even to the end of the world," and who promised us that "not even the gates of hell would prevail," the one who John Paul the Great called, "the answer to the question posed by every human life," and recognize Him again in His word, in the "breaking of the bread," in His Church.

Let Him "turn us around" as He did those two disciples, turned them around because, simply put, they were going the wrong way, and sent them running back to Jerusalem, where Peter was, where the apostles were, where the Church was.

For three weeks in July, 1992, I was on pilgrimage in Israel. I had a wonderful Franciscan guide who made sure I saw all the sacred places in the Holy Land. The day before I departed, he asked, "Is there anything left you want to see?"

"Yes," I replied, "I would like to walk the road to Emmaus."

"That we cannot do," he told me, "You see, no one really knows where that village of Emmaus actually was, so there is no more road to Emmaus."

Sensing my disappointment, he remarked, "Maybe that's part of God's providence, because we can now make every journey we undertake a walk down the Road to Emmaus."

My new friends of this great archdiocese, would you join your new pastor on an "adventure in fidelity," as we turn the Staten Island Expressway, Fifth Avenue, Madison Avenue, Broadway, the FDR, the Major Deegan, and the New York State Thruway into the Road to Emmaus, as we witness a real "miracle on 34th street" and turn that into the road to Emmaus?

For, dare to believe, that:

From Staten Island to Sullivan County

From the Bowery, to the Bronx, to Newburgh,

From White Plains to Poughkeepsie...

He is walking right alongside us.

"For why do we look for the living among the dead?"

"For He is risen as He said, alleluia, alleluia!"

"Give thanks to the Lord for He is good, for His mercy endures forever."

Jesuits at Georgetown Buckle to White House Communists

Georgetown University says it covered over the monogram “IHS”--symbolizing the name of Jesus Christ—because it was inscribed on a pediment on the stage where President Obama spoke at the university on Tuesday and the White House had asked Georgetown to cover up all signs and symbols there.

As of Wednesday afternoon, the “IHS” monogram that had previously adorned the stage at Georgetown’s Gaston Hall was still covered up--when the pediment where it had appeared was photographed by CNSNews.com.

Here's the kicker: After fulfilling the Obama request to remove Christ,

“There is a parable at the end of the Sermon on the Mount that tells a story of two men…‘the rain descended and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house…it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock,’” Obama said.

“We cannot rebuild this economy on the same pile of sand,” he added. “We must build our house upon a rock.”

Though art Obama and upon this rock we will build the economy.

Strange, strange dude.

Shame on the wimpy Jesuits.

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

There's a Lot More Oversights Where This One Came From

Sebeluis-Tiller Connection is Sick

The Associated Press reports that in documents it recently reviewed, President Obama’s choice to head the department of health and human services, Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius, received three times as much money from late-term abortionist Dr. George Tiller than she previously acknowledged.

Catholic League president Bill Donohue weighed in on this issue today:

“The name Dr. George Tiller is synonymous with death. By his own admission, he has performed over 60,000 abortions. His specialty is killing babies in utero who are nearly born, or are already partially born. He is a master at that. This is the same guy who lavished Kathleen Sebelius with cash when she ran for office in Kansas: he knew what he was buying—a public official he knew wouldn’t betray him. Now we know how really generous he was.

“Sebelius testified that she received $12,450 from Tiller between 1994-2001. Here is what AP is reporting today: ‘What Sebelius left out: Campaign finance documents show that Tiller also contributed $10,000 to Sebelius’ Bluestem Fund PAC in September 2000, and his clinic, Women’s Health Care Services, contributed $8,000 to the PAC in December 2001 and another $5,000 in March 2002.’

“The real problem is not Sebelius’ habitual underreporting (she also had to pay more than $7,000 in back taxes): the real problem is the source of her PAC money. Tiller has to kill kids—he admits to killing 100 per week—in order to get the dough he needs to grease Sebelius. No wonder the last three archbishops of Kansas have publicly criticized her.

“If I were to inadvertently shake Tiller’s hand, I would immediately repair to the bathroom for a cleansing. I can’t imagine what kind of person would take tens of thousands of dollars from him, year after year, as well as throw parties for him in the Governor’s Mansion. Gives me the creeps just thinking about it.”

Susan A. Fani
Director of Communications
Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights
catalyst@catholicleague.org

Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, the pro-abortion nominee to lead the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), failed to report $23,000 in donations from notorious abortionist George Tiller.

An HHS spokesman told The Associated Press it was an "oversight."


Sunday, April 12, 2009

Fr. Landry: The Passion Continues

Excellent piece from Fr. Landry

“Father, forgive them for they know not what they do!” Even though most were technically aware of every action they were undertaking, all were blind, Jesus reminded his Father, to the significance of what they were carrying out.

Such betrayals of Jesus have not ceased. Many continue to sell out Jesus for a payday. Others, including those closest to him, prefer sleep or comfort to prayer. Others stay mute or run away when he or his bride is attacked. And mobs — including those who are accustomed to shout “Hosanna!” when it’s easy, as many did on Palm Sunday and many still do at Mass — turn on him and elect Barabbas in disguise as many in authority wash their hands out of fear or self-interest.

As Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen wrote in his powerful meditation for the first station of the Way of the Cross, “Pilate asked the mob to choose between the two: ‘Whom do you want me to release to you, Barabbas or Jesus?’ How would I have answered that question had I been in the courtyard that Good Friday morning? I cannot escape answering by saying that the question belongs only to the past, for it is as actual now as ever. My conscience is the tribunal of Pilate. … As often as I choose to speak the uncharitable word, do the dishonest action, or consent to the evil thought, I say in so many words, ‘Release unto me Barabbas.’ And to choose Barabbas means to crucify Christ.”


I believe Fr. Landry is referring to women who will be scandalized by Fr. Jenkin's actions - but to be clear theologically about the application of Christ's intercession (Father, forgive them..), it doesn't apply to priests, Bishops and people who knew or should have known. Pilate, Annas, Ciaphas, Herod turned Christ over and gave orders. Christ's intercession was on behalf of the people carring out the orders in the culture and frenzy and under the dictatorship. Just a few short moments before being nailed to the Cross and crying out to His Father to forgive those carrying out the orders, Christ said--"You would have no authority over Me, unless it had been given you from above; for this reason he who delivered Me to you has the greater sin." (John 19:11)

Christ's intercession, Father forgive them for they know not what they do, this applies to the children at the University and all watching who will be scandalized. It doesn't apply to Fr. Jenkins or any other priest or leader who hands Christ over to be crucified.

Happy, Blessed and Glorious Easter Season



2000 years and Margery Egan is here to remind you, no matter how many times you knock them down, the disciples of Christ just wont go away.



Actually Madge, as time and history prove over and over - through lions and executions and persecutions and heresies - about two miles northeast as the crow flies, on Morrissey Boulevard, it's the enemies of Christiandom that don't survive.

Check out the Catechism on what you're seeing and don't be so glum.


Tie yourself to the Ark.

Resurrection. Rising.

Rising He restores our life. Over and over again in history.

No matter the intensity of the darkness, it will not and cannot overcome Christ. Evil is having it's hour but the day of the Lord will come. Give witness to the truth. His light shines on in the darkness. Our hope is in the Lord who made heaven and earth. Make that hope present. Fr. Corapi


Hope your day was a glorious one, filled with love, prayer, joy and lots of chocolate.

Today is the third day of the Divine Mercy Novena.

Third Day "Today bring to Me all Devout and Faithful Souls,and immerse them in the ocean of My mercy. These souls brought me consolation on the Way of the Cross. They were a drop of consolation in the midst of an ocean of bitterness."

Most Merciful Jesus, from the treasury of Your mercy, You impart Your graces in great abundance to each and all. Receive us into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart and never let us escape from It. We beg this grace of You by that most wondrous love for the heavenly Father with which Your Heart burns so fiercely.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon faithful souls, as upon the inheritance of Your Son. For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, grant them Your blessing and surround them with Your constant protection. Thus may they never fail in love or lose the treasure of the holy faith, but rather, with all the hosts of Angels and Saints, may they glorify Your boundless mercy for endless ages. Amen.

Saturday, April 11, 2009

Day 2 Divine Mercy Novena

Second Day
"Today bring to Me the Souls of Priests and Religious,

and immerse them in My unfathomable mercy. It was they who gave me strength to endure My bitter Passion. Through them as through channels My mercy flows out upon mankind."

Most Merciful Jesus, from whom comes all that is good, increase Your grace in men and women consecrated to Your service,* that they may perform worthy works of mercy; and that all who see them may glorify the Father of Mercy who is in heaven.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the company of chosen ones in Your vineyard -- upon the souls of priests and religious; and endow them with the strength of Your blessing. For the love of the Heart of Your Son in which they are enfolded, impart to them Your power and light, that they may be able to guide others in the way of salvation and with one voice sing praise to Your boundless mercy for ages without end. Amen.

* In the original text, Saint Faustina uses the pronoun "us" since she was offering this prayer as a consecrated religious sister. The wording adapted here is intended to make the prayer suitable for universal use.

News on Holy Saturday



Interesting report: Vatican blocked the appointment of Caroline Kennedy as Vatican Ambassador.


I hope the poor woman finds herself a solid priest who can guide her through the spiritual gauntlet. Pride has a way of grabbing onto events like this in our lives and carrying us away. Please pray for her and for some priest to pick up a phone and help her to the understanding of the Cross. Each of us has arrived there in a different way but we all know the struggles of the will. I saw a great bumper sticker while driving the other day - "Don't believe everything you think".

Obama has sent three candidates for Ambassador to the Vatican and they apparently have all been kiboshed.

“The Holy See has always set a very simple standard: the person should not be in opposition to fundamental teachings of the Church that belong to our common shared humanity. He or she may not believe in Catholic dogma if he or she is not a Catholic, but we could not accept someone who is in favor of abortion, or (human) cloning or same-sex unions equated to marriage,” the official said.

“That is a fairly simple principle that governments like, say, Spain and Cuba, or Mr. Clinton’s administration, have been able to understand without a problem.”

The official said that the debate around the chances of Prof. Kmiec to become Vatican Ambassador “is closed.” “He nailed the last nail in the coffin with his latest “disappointing position on embryonic stem cell research."





As C.J. rightly said, it's a calculated insult to the Holy See to suggest Catholics that reject the teachings of the Church to be the U.S. liaison to the Vatican.


In more news, Catholic Democrats are becoming Disenchanted with Obama: The wallets he's stuffing are not panning out to be theirs and Doug Kmiec and Nicholas Carfardi are not satisfactorily selling them Obama's radical abortion policies . Even Catholics who are early on their journey to the Cross are getting a whiff of sulfur.

While Obama and his wizards are pretending they wanted open communication from religious leaders on whether or not to rescind the conscience rights of practicing Catholics and prolifers, the reality is, it is smoke and mirrors.


The White House, however, has strongly hinted to abortion-rights advocates that the comment period was merely a formality and that Obama is expected to rescind the rule as early as next week.


It is the beginning of the end for religious freedom. The beginning of all out warfare against Christendom in the United States. All "faith-based" of course.

The Pope yesterday prayed for those boarded on the ark of the godless and drifting towards their destination.

Speaking at the seventh Station of the Cross, where Jesus is made an "object of fun", he said: "We are shocked to see to what levels of brutality human beings can sink. Jesus is humiliated in new ways even today. When things that are most holy and profound in the faith are being trivialised, the sense of the sacred is allowed to erode.

"Everything in public life risks being desacralised: persons, places, pledges, prayers, practices, words, sacred writings, religious formulae, symbols, ceremonies.

"Our life together is being increasingly secularised. Religious life grows diffident. Thus we see the most momentous matters placed among trifles, and trivialities glorified.

"Values and norms that held societies together and drew people to higher ideals are laughed at and thrown overboard. Jesus continues to be ridiculed!"

The Pope, who turns 82 later this month, prayed that Christians would respond to the problem by growing in faith.

"May we never question or mock serious things in life like a cynic," he prayed.

"Allow us not to drift into the desert of godlessness. Enable us to perceive you in the gentle breeze, see you in street corners, love you in the unborn child."


I went to a local parish for yesterday's Good Friday's services. I'll spare the most egregious scandal and cut to the homily. Drivel, drivel, drivel. Insufferable drivel.

Today, we kiss the wood of the Cross, there's no Corpse, this isn't a funeral for Jesus, the Cross is love, will you embrace the love, the love is loving, I love love, you love love, Jesus loves love, Jesus loved God so much he took the Cross, He loves you, love is about your relationship with God, if you take the love people will laugh at you, that is the cross - and on and on it went for what seemed to be an eternity.

Painful encounters with scandalizing foolishness in the Archdiocese of Boston. The cross is trying to stay in our seats without screaming "COME ON, TELL THEM BROTHER!, Tell them the Cross is Thy will not my will, denying temptations, loving God enough to put the kibosh on our own selfishness and desires, faithfulness to the point of execution, we kill our own spirit, we refuse to compromise and collaborate in evil, even if they want to kill us. The cross is sacrificial obedience to the point of death. That is the love of God symbolized by the cross"

Friday, April 10, 2009

Obama's Bow to Baal


It wasn't a bow, says the White House, the king is a midget and he was bending over to find his hands.

Be sure to run the video posted on the link.

Jesus Remember Me When You Come Into Your Kingdom

The Klu Klux Klan Administration Pulling Together Task Force to Reduce Bigotry

I'm fascinated when people get desperate enough to reduce themselves to the level of absurd in an effort to be significant.

What kind of fool would waste their time and credibility on the dog and pony show that Obama is trying to come with a plan to reduce abortions and he needs you to come up with the logistics?

How silly. How utterly silly, as he's speeding recklessly to increase funding and availability of abortions and every other assault upon life.

Notre Dame's Jenkins Cracked the Code on Catholics in Political Life

The Pope says:

"Catholic institutions should not honor those who act in defiance of our fundamental moral principles. They should not be given awards, honors or platforms which would suggest support for their actions."

How does Jenkins reason that he can award Obama with an honorary law degree?

Jenkins says:

Because the title of the document is "Catholics in Political Life", we understood this to refer to honoring Catholics whose actions are not in accord with our moral principles. This interpretation was supported by canon lawyers we consulted, who advised us that, by definition, only Catholics who implicitly recognize the authority of Church teaching can act in "defiance" of it. Moreover, fellow university presidents have told me that their bishops have told them that in fact it is only Catholic politicians who are referred to in this document.

In addition, regardless of how one interprets the first sentence, the second is also important. It reads: "They should not be given awards, honors or platforms which would suggest support for their actions. [My italics]" In every statement I have made about the invitation of President Obama and in every statement I will make, I express our disagreement with him on issues surrounding the protection of life, such as abortion and embryonic stem cell research. If we repeatedly and clearly state that we do not support the President on these issues, we cannot be understood to "suggest support".


Jenkin's has cracked the code.


The document meant to convey that Catholic institutions can give honors to tyrants and politicians who promote mass murder, rape, stealing and other debauchery so long as they're not Catholics.

Hey, we have differences about the ovens at Auschwitz, but please accept Notre Dame's honorary Law Degree, Mr. Hitler.

If you don't wear your hood and sheets, Mr. Duke, Fr. Jenkins has an honorary degree you're eligible for.


What a clown

Divine Mercy Novena begins toda

Novena


The Divine Mercy Novena


Background

St. Faustina

The Image

Feast of Mercy

Indulgence

The Chaplet


The Novena

The Hour

Second Coming


Audio/Video

Home


Jesus asked that the Feast of the Divine Mercy be preceded by a Novena to the Divine Mercy which would begin on Good Friday. He gave St. Faustina an intention to pray for on each day of the Novena, saving for the last day the most difficult intention of all, the lukewarm and indifferent of whom He said:

"These souls cause Me more suffering than any others; it was from such souls that My soul felt the most revulsion in the Garden of Olives. It was on their account that I said: 'My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass Me by.' The last hope of salvation for them is to flee to My Mercy."

In her diary, St. Faustina wrote that Jesus told her:

"On each day of the novena you will bring to My heart a different group of souls and you will immerse them in this ocean of My mercy ... On each day you will beg My Father, on the strength of My passion, for the graces for these souls."

The different souls prayed for on each day of the novena are:

DAY 1 (Good Friday) - All mankind, especially sinners

DAY 2 (Holy Saturday) - The souls of priests and religious

DAY 3 (Easter Sunday) - All devout and faithful souls

DAY 4 (Easter Monday) - Those who do not believe in Jesus and those who do not yet know Him

DAY 5 (Easter Tuesday) - The souls of separated brethren

DAY 6 (Easter Wednesday) - The meek and humble souls and the souls of children

DAY 7 (Easter Thursday) - The souls who especially venerate and glorify Jesus' mercy

DAY 8 (Easter Friday) - The souls who are detained in purgatory;

DAY 9 (Easter Saturday) - The souls who have become lukewarm.

The Chaplet of Divine Mercy may also be offered each day for the day's intention, but is not strictly necessary to the Novena.


First Day
"Today bring to Me all mankind, especially all sinners,

and immerse them in the ocean of My mercy. In this way you will console Me in the bitter grief into which the loss of souls plunges Me."

Most Merciful Jesus, whose very nature it is to have compassion on us and to forgive us, do not look upon our sins but upon our trust which we place in Your infinite goodness. Receive us all into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart, and never let us escape from It. We beg this of You by Your love which unites You to the Father and the Holy Spirit.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon all mankind and especially upon poor sinners, all enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. For the sake of His sorrowful Passion show us Your mercy, that we may praise the omnipotence of Your mercy for ever and ever. Amen.


Thursday, April 9, 2009

If Socialism must begin somewhere, let it begin at the Boston Globe

Details on "concessions"

The New York Times Co., which has threatened to shutter The Boston Globe, is seeking deep concessions from the Globe's largest union that could include pay cuts of up to 20 percent, the elimination of seniority rules and lifetime job guarantees, and millions of dollars in cuts in company contributions to retirement and healthcare plans.

Welcome to socialism. It isn't about the people after all. It's a tyranny and guess who gets screwed.

Enjoy!

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

New York Times Union Busting, Giving Top Execs Millions

While there's only so much schadenfreude one should be allowed during Lent, today's NYT union busting story at the Boston Globe is just too delicious to pass up.

Top executives at the New York Times [NYT] Co. and The Boston Globe were awarded stock options potentially worth millions just weeks before they told the Globe’s unions to cut $20 million or face closure, according to regulatory filings.
The Boston Globe's anti-Catholic biases have finally hit pay dirt. You won't see any tears in the Catholic community when it goes under.

More details of the internal chaos here.

Meanwhile, tensions continue to build between union members and leaders of the Globe’s largest union, the Boston Newspaper Guild, which has taken a hardline stance against the Times.

Several union members said fliers are circulating in the Morrissey Boulevard building demanding that union leaders “open up the books.”

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Deepak Chopkra

I don't know very much about the Deepak Chopkra new age drivel but I had no idea he was such a loon.

The future appears to be global, and if we want to thrive there, the concept of “pure evil” has to be discarded. As fuel for hostility, nothing is more combustible. After 9/11, angry mobs massing in Baghdad against the U.S. weren’t just seen as unemployed young Arab males — they became symbols of unrepentant hatred, while jihadists became evil monsters with no regard for innocent lives. The more evil we projected onto “them,” the aliens threatening our safety, the less human they became. If the future becomes global, however, projections of pure evil have no breathing room anymore. Everyone is becoming our neighbor, and with the dissolving of borders, everyone must be seen as human, however angry and extreme their actions...

More importantly, a positive kind of spirituality has arisen that doesn’t need Satan. He is necessary in the battle for souls that pits good against evil in the scheme of Christianity. Without the threat of damnation, the incentive for salvation is severely weakened.

In the aftermath of Satan, the expansion of well-being promises to replace the eternal battle between good and evil, which only served to make evil more powerful than it has any right to be.


Isn't Oprah all over Chopkra?

I'm amazed Oprah subscribes to this nutty philosophy.

Soul Wow

Very creative marketing from the Brooklyn Diocese.

“Feeling lost? Confused? Have something to get off your chest?” he asks. “Sure, there are thousands of products to clean your house, clothes, teeth, hair, and anything and everything else. But there’s only one way to clean yourself from the inside out.”

The hyperbolic video, which went up on YouTube last week, goes on to urge parishioners to take part in the Holy Sacrament of Confession at any church in Brooklyn, Queens or Long Island from 3 to 9 p.m. Monday.

“We have hundreds of priests waiting to take your confessions and give you that almost-baptized feeling,” the priest intones. “Nothing soothes the soul like a true confession – you’re following me, camera guy? — and you’ll be wondering how you went so long without it. So as Easter fast approaches, it’s time to come clean and share in this holy sacrament.”
've learned... . That the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.



I've learned.... That when you're in love, it shows.



I've learned.... That just one person saying to me, 'You've made my day!' makes my day.



I've learned.... That having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most peaceful feelings in the world.



I've learned.... That being kind is more important than being right. (So long as we're not talking about defending the faith)



I've learned.... That you should never say no to a gift from a child.



I've learned.... That I can always pray for someone when I don't have the strength to help him in some other way.



I've learned..... That no matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with.



I've learned.... That sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand.



I've learned.... That simple walks with my father around the block on summer nights when I was a child did wonders for me as an adult.



I've learned...... That life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.



I've learned.... That we should be glad God doesn't give us everything we ask for.



I've learned...... That money doesn't buy class.



I've learned... That it's those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.



I've learned... That under everyone's hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.



I've learned..... That to ignore the facts does not change the facts.



I 've learned.... That when you plan to get even with someone, you are only letting that person continue to hurt you.



I've learned.... That love, not time, heals all wounds.



I've learned..... That the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people smarter than I am.



I've learned... That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.



I've learned.... That no one is perfect until you fall in love with them.



I've learned... That life is tough, but I'm tougher.



I've learned.... That opportunities are never lost, someone will take the ones you miss.



I've learned.... That when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.



I've learned.... That I wish I could have told my Mom that I love her one more time before she passed away.



I've learned...... That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.



I've learned..... That when your newly born grandchild holds your little finger in his little fist, that you're hooked for life.



I've learned..... That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it.



I've learned.... That the less time I have to work with, the more things I get done.

Is Richard McBrien Now Admitting he's a Non-Believer?

The column opens with a reference to Archbishop Timothy Dolan’s visit to St. Joseph’s Seminary in Yonkers, N.Y., as a dramatic expression of his commitment to increasing the number of vocations to the priesthood.


The Journal writer acknowledges what is evident to anyone who takes a look, namely, that "Vocations are way down.” But then he adds: "To make matters worse, influential dissenters within the church are heavily invested in the archbishop’s failure.”

Who are these Catholic Rush Limbaughs? The writer provides no names. President Richard Nixon used to refer to the "some who say” crowd, but without ever identifying any of them. They served instead as rhetorical foils whose only function was to sharpen the point that the President wanted to make.

I, for one, do not know of a single "dissenter” (again, unnamed and undefined) who is "heavily invested in the [next] archbishop’s failure.” And I, for one, hope just the opposite happens, namely, that Archbishop Dolan has an extraordinarily successful tenure as the pastoral leader of the most prominent archdiocese in all of the United States.

Archbishop Edwin O'Brien on Legion Visitation

AB O'Brien gave John Allen (at the theological morass/more ass at NCR) an interview on the subject matter of the Legion visitation.

What are the issues that the visitation should consider?

In the first place, they have to look at Maciel himself. What are the facts, who knew them, when did they know them, and why did it take so long for them to become public? They should look at the financial dimension. They also need to examine who the victims are, and what's being done to meet the needs of those victims.

Then, they need to look at the structure that Maciel created. There was a good deal of secrecy in his own life, and there's secrecy in the structures he created. It would be helpful to know why there is such secrecy.

You've been very public in your criticisms of the order. Why have you chosen to speak out?

I saw a lot of the Legion when I was in Rome, and I heard a lot about them back here in the States. When I came to Baltimore, I learned that [Cardinal William Keeler]had been dealing with them on a local basis for three or four years, asking for greater transparency, and basically got nowhere. Our priests were frustrated. When I told them that I would demand accountability and share the results with the priests' council, it got a very positive reception.

When word got out of what I was doing, I was surprised by the response. I've received some harshly negative reactions, but I've also had letters from all over the country saying 'Thank you, here's my story.' I got one just last week, from somebody who had been in the organization for seven years and left last week, saying how guilty they felt and that they're having nightmares. It seems to have such a hold on people, and we need to find out why. I don't know of any other organization that has created this atmosphere of suspicion. For their good, and for the good of the church, the full picture should be laid out.

All true. However, at this stage of the game, I don't see a penny's worth of difference between the Legion and the US Episcopal Conference.

Cardinal O'Malley is able to tell a bold-faced lie about hiring people to kill people, discredit truth and everyone and their Bishop, clams up.

A contract requires abortion referrals. Everyone at the Catholic Hospital is going to be required to describe abortion, be supportive, instructive and hand out phone numbers and the Commonwealth and Caritas has promised to monitor conversations to ensure compliance with the abortion referrals. Nobody in the Catholic Conference is Bishops, the Nuncio and the Vatican will stop the man or speak out in public about the corruption.

How could anybody have any kind of trust that raping children is something that would be treated differently than killing them? Unfortunately, the cult mentality is alive and well in the Catholic Church and it is hardly limited to the Legion..

Obedience is the last refuge for the wicked

If the shoe fits, wear it.

He Who Loves His Life, Loses It

Without the twists and turns of the Concord Pastor Comments, Pope Benedict explains the citation from Scripture.

...Universality is always an overcoming of ourselves, a renunciation of something that is ours. Universality and the cross go together. Only in this way can peace be created.

The saying about the dead grain of wheat is part of Jesus' answer to the Greeks, it is his answer. Then, however, he formulates once again the fundamental law of human existence: "He who loves his life will lose it and he who hates his life in this world will save it for eternal life" (John 12:25). He who wants to have his life for himself, live only for himself, squeeze out everything for himself and exploit all the possibilities -- he is the one who lose his life. It becomes boring and empty. Only in abandoning ourselves, only in the disinterested gift of the "I" in favor of the "Thou," only in the "Yes" to the greater life, precisely the life of God, our life too becomes full and more spacious. Thus, this fundamental principle that the Lord establishes is, in the final analysis, simply identical with the principle of love. Love, in fact, means leaving yourself behind, giving yourself, not wanting to hold on to yourself, but becoming free from yourself: not getting preoccupied with yourself -- what will become of me -- but looking ahead, toward the other - toward God and the people whom he sends to me. It is this principle of love that defines man's journey, it is once again identical with the mystery of the cross, with the mystery of death and resurrection that we encounter in Christ.

Dear friends, perhaps it is relatively easy to accept this grand fundamental vision of life. In concrete reality, however, it is not just a simple matter of recognizing a principle, but of living its truth, the truth of the cross and the resurrection. And for this, once again, just one big decision is not enough. It is surely important at some point to dare to make a fundamental decision, to dare the great "Yes" that the Lord asks of us at a certain moment in our life. But the great "Yes" of the decisive moment in our life -- the "Yes" to the truth that the Lord places before us -- must then be daily re-conquered in the everyday situations in which, again and again, we must abandon our "I," make ourselves available, when, at bottom, we just want to hang on to that "I." Sacrifice, renunciation, also belongs to an upright life. He who permits himself a life without this ever renewed gift of self, deceives people. There is no successful life without sacrifice. If I cast a retrospective glance on my own life, I must say that precisely those moments in which I said "Yes" to renunciation were the great and important moments of my life.

The Synoptic Gospels put this request in this way: "Not my will but your will be done!" (Luke 22:42). In the end, God's glory, his lordship, his will is always more important and more true than my thoughts and my will. And this is what is essential in our prayer and in our life: understanding this right order of reality, accepting it interiorly; trusting in God and believing that he is doing the right thing; understanding that his will is the truth and is love; understanding that my life will be a good life if I can learn how to conform to this order. The life, death and resurrection of Jesus are the guarantee that we can truly entrust ourselves to God. It is in this way that his kingdom is realized.

Dear friends, at the end of this liturgy, the young people from Australia will give the World Youth Day Cross to the young people of Spain. The Cross is on its way from one side of the world to the other, from sea to sea. And we accompany it. Let us go forth with it along this road and, in this way, find our road. When we touch the cross, indeed, when we carry it, we touch the mystery of God, the mystery of Jesus Christ. The mystery that God so loved the world -- us -- that he gave his only-begotten Son for us (cf. John 3:16). We touch the marvelous mystery of God's love, the only truth that is really redemptive. But we also touch the fundamental law, the constitutive norm of our life, that is, that without the "Yes" of the cross, without walking in communion with Christ day after day, life can never be a success.

The more that, for the love of the great truth and the great love -- for love of the truth and love of God -- we can make some sacrifice, the greater and richer our life will become. He who wants to keep his life for himself will lose it. He who gives his life away -- daily in small gestures, that are part of the great decision -- will find it. This is the exigent truth, a truth that is also deeply beautiful and liberating, in which we want to enter, step by step, on the cross' journey over the continents. May the Lord bless this journey. Amen.