A Catholic Mom in Hawaii

Reminder: Tomorrow is the Last Day to Enter: Book Give-Away

2012-01-30T08:43:00.000-10:00

Anthony Destefano's new book is being given away. Tomorrow is the last day to enter. Details here.

The Preciousness of Virginity

2012-01-28T09:27:00.000-10:00

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We've reached a point in moral degradation where the only counter-cultural rebellion is to practice moral virtue. Nowhere is this more true than in sexual relationships. Women these days are, to many men (little boys really), nothing more than a board with a hole in it....or is that "broad." The term "hook-up" says it all where, on the morning after, one may not even remember the name or sex (in modern parlance "gender") or number of last night's "partners..."
Sadly, virginity has become a virtue of ridicule.

Read the rest here

St. Thomas Aquinas

2012-01-28T09:05:00.001-10:00

"The Temptation of St. Thomas Aquinas" by Diego Velasquez

Picture source

"If we always remembered that God is present and that He sees all, we would never or almost never commit a sin." - St. Thomas Aquinas

Prayer

Angelic Doctor, Saint Thomas, prince of theologians and model of philosophers,
bright ornament of the Christian world,
light of the Church and patron of all Catholic schools,
who didst learn wisdom without guile and dost communicate it
without envy,
pray for us to the Son of God who is Wisdom itself,
that,
by, the coming of the Spirit of Wisdom upon us,
we may clearly understand that which thou didst teach, and,
by imitating thee,, may bring to
completion that which thou didst do;
that we may be made partakers both of thy doctrine and
thy holiness, whereby thou didst shine on earth even as the sun;
and finally, that we may enjoy with thee in heaven
for evermore the most delectable fruits of the same,
praising together with thee divine Wisdom through endless ages. Amen.

The Prayer Book

7 Things You Can Do to Fight the Contraception Mandate

2012-01-26T14:46:00.002-10:00

You can read the excellent suggestions here.

H/T to Catholic Fire

Catholic Answers: Scott Hahn - What is the New Evangelization

2012-01-26T14:26:00.002-10:00

March For Life 2012 - Highlights from EWTN's exclusive coverage

2012-01-26T13:09:00.001-10:00

New Book by Anthony DeStefano - “I Just Can’t Take It Anymore!”

2012-01-26T11:39:00.001-10:00

Anthony DeStafano

Picture source

One of my new favorite Catholic writers has a new book! I Just Can't Take it Anymore! is a delightful little book filled with amusing pictures. Yet, this powerful little book has a deeper message about how to handle the difficult times in our lives.

The press release for this book can be found here. Also, be sure to click here to read a sample page.

I really enjoyed reading the book. It also came at a good time because I needed to take a deep breath and remember what is really important. If you want to find the answer you may be looking for, you need to read the little book for yourself.

Which brings me to a little surprise...

Anthony DeStefano graciously offered one book to give away to one of my friends/readers of this blog.

So all you have to do is either leave a comment here letting me know you would like to entry the drawing for this book give-a-way or email me with the same message. My email can be found at the side bar.

The deadline for entering is January 31st.

I hope you win :-)

ACN News - Many Feeling Violence in Nigeria

2012-01-25T12:07:00.000-10:00

Many fleeing violence in Nigeria

Up to 35,000 people have fled from the north of Nigeria following ongoing attacks by Muslim extremists.

Last Friday, January 20^th, the extremist Islamist group Boko Haram carried out attacks in Kano city, Borno State, killing at least 160 people.

According to reports received by Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) on Tuesday, January 24^th, from Church sources in the country, up to 35,000 people left their homes following the violence.

ACN was told, “People just run away to where they think they’ll be safe, especially to Jos and further south.”

One source added, “There is panic. Many just leave everything behind, and run for safety, because they do not know when violence might flare up again.”

There was a large number of Catholics among those fleeing who reported that churches were destroyed in Maidiguri, Borno State and Bauchi, Bauchi State on Sunday, January 22^nd.

ACN was told, “It is the stated goal of Boko Haram to make the whole of the north free of Christians.”

At the beginning of January, group spokesman Abul Qaqa gave Christians living in the north a three-day ultimatum to leave.

Boko Haram, which means “western education is sinful” in Nigeria’s Hausa language, has killed at least 935 people since it launched an uprising in 2009, according to Human Rights Watch.

This includes more than 250 at the beginning of 2012.

According to the report, 550 people were killed in 115 separate attacks by Boko Haram last year, mostly in Borno State.

Editor’s Notes:

Directly under the Holy Father, Aid to the Church in Need supports the faithful wherever they are persecuted, oppressed or in pastoral need. ACN is a Catholic charity - helping to bring Christ to the world through prayer, information and action.

Founded in 1947 by Father Werenfried van Straaten, whom Pope John Paul II named “An Outstanding Apostle of Charity,” the organization is now at work in over 145 countries throughout the world.

The charity undertakes thousands of projects every year including providing transport for clergy and lay Church workers, construction of church buildings, funding for priests and nuns and help to train seminarians. Since the initiative’s launch in 1979, 43 million Aid to the Church in Need Child’s Bibles have been distributed worldwide.

For more information contact Michael Varenne at michael@churchinneed.org or call 718-609-0939 or fax718-609-0938. Aid to the Church in Need, 725 Leonard Street, PO Box 220384, Brooklyn, NY 11222-0384. www.churchinneed.org

St. Francis de Sales

2012-01-24T15:00:00.001-10:00

Picture source.

Happy feast day to one of my favorite saints. God only knows how much I have come to rely on his exemplary spiritual direction via his books.

Hawaii March for Life 2012

2012-01-23T09:28:00.000-10:00

These photos were taken by my son at the annual Hawaii March and Rally for Life. It was held at the state capitol yesterday, the actual anniversary of the dreadful Roe v. Wade decision. My family and I have been attending this annual pro-life event fo rover 15 years. At first there was a small crowd that would make it out to witness for life. It is amazing how much the march has grown over the years! The young people are the ones who making making a big impact in witnessing for life. Pray for them. Pray for conversion of those who are opposed to the culture of life.

Thousands upon thousands are marching right now at nationals capitol. Please pray for them!

Our new dog is pro-life

Madonna and Child with Three Angels

2012-01-21T12:28:00.002-10:00

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St. Agnes

2012-01-21T12:19:00.000-10:00

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O invincible Martyr, Saint Agnes most renowned, by thy confidence in God's help,

when, being condemned by the impious Roman prefect to see the lily of thy purity

stained and trampled in the mire, thou didst not despair, still trusting firmly in the God who giveth His angels charge over them that trust in Him: we beseech thee by thine intercession to obtain for us from Almighty God the forgiveness of all our sins and the sure confidence that He will bestow upon us life everlasting and the means necessary to merit it.

The Prayer Book

ACN News - Two priests kidnapped in Sudan

2012-01-18T09:32:00.000-10:00

Fears are growing for the safety of two priests from Sudan who have been abducted.

Fr. Joseph Makwey, in his 40s, and Fr. Sylvester Mogga, in his mid-30s, were seized on Sunday, January 15^th, by men who smashed through the gates of their parish compound and broke down the presbytery door.

According to neighbors, the attackers arrived at St. Josephine Bakhita’s Catholic Church in a huge truck filled with people.

Besides abducting the priests, they looted the property, taking electrical goods and other valuables, including laptops and other computer equipment.

Reporting the incident in Rabak town, south of Khartoum, Auxiliary Bishop Daniel Adwok Kur of Khartoum told Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) that the two men’s whereabouts remained unknown.

Speaking by telephone en route to the scene to assess the situation, Bishop Adwok said, “We are worried about the two priests.”

“One of them, Fr. Sylvester, although quite young is sick and is in need of medical help.”

The bishop said the police had been notified but investigations were at an early stage.

He added that it was as yet impossible to “speculate” on the identity of the kidnappers and their motives.

But, reporting an upsurge in kidnappings in the region, Bishop Adwok said he feared the men may be conscripted to fight amid reports of worsening internal conflicts involving Sudan and South Sudan.

He said, “It is not as if the law cannot be maintained, it seems that this abduction was something deliberate.”

“The kidnappers would have known that these men were priests.”

The bishop, who lives in Kosti, a town close to Rabak on the other side of the White Nile, said that across Sudan militants were intimidating people originally from what is now South Sudan, pressuring them to leave.

Bishop Adwok said, “The abduction of young men has frightened practically everybody here.”

He criticized the Government of Sudan for appearing to brush off the kidnappings and saying that the abductors are “foreigners” who cannot be controlled.

The bishop added, “Innocent people are not there to be brutalized and the authorities must be called to account for what is going on.”

“It is not only in Kosti that this is happening. It is also taking place in Khartoum.”

With picture of Auxiliary Bishop Daniel Adwok Kur of Khartoum

Editor’s Notes:

Founded in 1947 by Father Werenfried van Straaten, whom Pope John Paul II named “An Outstanding Apostle of Charity,” the organization is now at work in over 145 countries throughout the world.

Be Part of EWTN's March for Life Coverage

2012-01-18T09:28:00.000-10:00

EWTN is adding something new and exciting to its 2012 March for Life coverage: social media! We will be reading comments from our Facebook and Twitter sites on the air. I wanted to reach out especially to those bloggers who regularly put up with my emails and post info about our programs. This is a chance for me to thank you for your coverage by mentioning you on the air.

Please began your post (at www.facebook.com/ewtnonline) or tweet (at www.twitter.com/ewtn, hashtag #ewtn) with the letters MFL. Most people will assume that means March for Life (which it does), but I’ll also know, quickly, that you’re one of our valued bloggers and will give your post priority for on-air reading! Literally millions of people watch the March for Life; it’s one of our highest rated shows all year. You can also send pictures to marchforlife@ewtn.com and put the letters MFL in the subject line for priority viewing. We’re especially interested in photos of any pro-life banners you plan to carry or are carrying during the March.

Thank you for all you do for us!

Michelle Johnson

Michelle Johnson

Director of Communications

EWTN Global Catholic Network

5817 Old Leeds Road

Irondale, AL 35210

Sunday Night Prime - A Called to a Deeper Love

2012-01-17T11:49:00.002-10:00

Reverence for All that is Holy

2012-01-16T12:40:00.001-10:00

St. Stephen's Church's Chapel, Paterson NJ

Photo by Esther

Most examinations of conscience emphasize reverence to God. For example:

Second Commandment

You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.

Have I...

Used the name of God in cursing or blasphemy?
...Spoken about the Faith, the Church, the saints, or sacred things with irreverence, hatred or defiance?...

Source.

Basic preparation for confession, right?

Good Catholics try to avoid offending God, His Holy Mother, His saints and all that is holy. We try to show the utmost respect and reverence at all times. That is how most of us were brought up. We learned to show respect and reverence regarding all things holy, as little kids.

When we speak about Jesus, or His blessed Mother, it should only be with reverence. It is bad enough when the secular world thinks nothing of continuously taking the Lord's name in vain. But it is more shocking when Catholics do so in the various social networks. Just to give you an example, once someone actually brought up the subject of Our Blessed Mother's bathroom habits!

It is best we to keep what is holy, holy

What is the purpose of writing something titillating with respect to God, or any sacred or holy person? This type of writing will not help evangelize. In fact, it will probably hurt any efforts to evangelize. People are hungry for the sacred. Anything else, they can find in the secular media.

Think about that.

The World Over - Steve Mosher of Population Research Institute

2012-01-13T14:28:00.000-10:00

Patrick J. Buchanan, syndicated columnist, former presidential candidate, and author of Suicide of a Superpower, on presidential politics in the U.S. and the Catholic vote.

Steven Mosher, president of the Population Research Institute, on China's record on religious freedom, its one child policy and the recent, disturbing news about its military build up.

PASTORAL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE YEAR OF FAITH

2012-01-13T14:13:00.000-10:00

Picture source
The following is from VIS News

VATICAN CITY, 7 JAN 2012 (VIS) - Made public today was a Note from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith containing pastoral recommendations for the Year of Faith. Summarised extracts of the English-language version are given below.

"With the Apostolic Letter of 11 October 2011, 'Porta fidei', Pope Benedict XVI declared a Year of Faith. This Year will begin on 11 October 2012, … and will conclude on 24 November 2013, the Solemnity of our Lord Jesus Christ, Universal King".

"The beginning of the Year of Faith coincides with the anniversaries of two great events which have marked the life of the Church in our days: the fiftieth anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council, … and the twentieth of the promulgation of the Catechism of the Catholic Church".

Recommendations for the Universal Church

- The main ecclesial event will be the thirteenth General Assembly of the Ordinary Synod of Bishops, on "The New Evangelisation for the Transmission of the Christian Faith" to be held in October. It is during the Synod that the Year of Faith will begin.

- Encouraging pilgrimages of the faithful to the See of Peter and to the Holy Land.

- Inviting the faithful to recognise the special role of Mary in the mystery of salvation, to love her and follow her as a model of faith and virtue.

- Holding symposia, conferences and large gatherings to encourage encounters with authentic witness to the faith and to promote understanding of the contents of Catholic doctrine, especially the teachings of Vatican Council II.

- Deepening knowledge of the primary documents of Vatican Council II and of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. This is especially true for candidates for priesthood, novices in Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, as well as for those in a period of discernment for joining an Ecclesial Association or Movement.

- More attentive reception of the homilies, catechesis, addresses and other speeches and documents of the Holy Father.

- Planning ecumenical initiatives aimed at the restoration of unity among all Christians. In particular, there will be a solemn ecumenical celebration in which all of the baptised will reaffirm their faith in Christ.

- A Secretariat to coordinate all of the different initiatives of the Year of Faith will be established within the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelisation. The Secretariat will also open a dedicated website.

- At the conclusion of the Year, on the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Universal King, there will be a Eucharist celebrated by the Holy Father, in which a solemn renewal of the profession of faith will take place.

Recommendations for episcopal conferences

- Dedicating a day of study to the topic of faith, its personal witness and its transmission to new generations.

- Promoting the republication in paperback and economical editions of the documents of Vatican Council II, the Catechism of the Catholic Church and its Compendium, and their wider distribution using modern technologies.

- Translating the documents of Vatican Council II and the Catechism of the Catholic Church into languages which lack a translation. Also, encouraging initiatives of charitable support to enable translations into the local languages of mission countries, where the local Churches cannot afford the expense.

- Promoting television and radio transmissions, films and publications focusing on the faith and on Vatican Council II. This should be done using the new styles of communication, especially on the popular level.

- Disseminating knowledge of local saints and blesseds, the authentic witnesses of the faith.

- Maximising the catechetical potential of local artistic patrimony, possibly with ecumenical cooperation.

- Educators in centres of theological studies, seminaries and Catholic universities should be encouraged to demonstrate the relevance within their various disciplines of the contents of the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

- Preparing pamphlets and leaflets of an apologetic nature, with the help of theologians and authors, to help the faithful respond to the questions which arise in difficult contexts, including the challenge of sects and problems related to secularism.

- Examining local catechisms and various catechetical supplements in use in the particular Churches to ensure their complete conformity with the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and preparing new ones in case of need.

- Ensuring that the contents of the Catechism of the Catholic Church are present in the "Ratio" of formation for future priests, and in the curriculum of their theological studies.

Recommendations at the diocesan level

- It is hoped that each particular Church will celebrate the opening and the solemn conclusion of the Year of Faith.

- Organising a study day in each diocese on the Catechism of the Catholic Church, particularly for priests, consecrated persons and catechists.

- Each bishop could devote a pastoral letter to the topic of faith, keeping in mind the specific pastoral circumstances of his faithful, reminding them of the importance of Vatican Council II and of the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

- Organising catechetical events, especially for young people and those seeking the meaning of life, helping them to discover the beauty of ecclesial faith.

- Reviewing the reception of Vatican Council II and the Catechism of the Catholic Church in the life and mission of dioceses, particularly in the realm of catechesis.

- Focusing the continuing education of the clergy on the documents of Vatican Council II and on the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

- Organising penitential celebrations in which all can ask for God's forgiveness, especially for sins against faith.

- Renewing creative dialogue between faith and reason in the academic and artistic communities, through symposia, meetings and days of study, especially at Catholic universities.

- Promoting encounters with non-believers who sincerely search for the ultimate meaning and definitive truth of their lives and of the world, taking as an example the dialogues of the Courtyard of the Gentiles, sponsored by the Pontifical Council for Culture.

- Paying greater attention to Catholic schools, which are a perfect place to offer students a living witness to the Lord and to nurture their faith, using such instruments as the Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church and "Youcat".

Recommendations for parishes, communities, associations and movements

- All of the faithful are invited to read closely and meditate upon Pope Benedict XVI's Apostolic Letter, "Porta fidei".

- Intensifying the celebration of the faith in the liturgy, especially in the Eucharist, in which the faith of the Church is proclaimed, celebrated and strengthened. All of the faithful are invited to participate in the Eucharist actively, fruitfully and with awareness.

- Priests should devote greater attention to the study of the documents of Vatican Council II and the Catechism of the Catholic Church, apply this to their pastoral care and offer cycles of homilies on the faith or on certain specific aspects.

- Catechists should hold more firmly to the doctrinal richness of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and guide groups of faithful towards a deeper common understanding thereof.

- Parishes can help to distribute the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and other resources appropriate for families - the primary setting for the transmission of the faith - for example, during the blessing of homes, the Baptism of adults, Confirmation and Marriage.

- Promoting missions and other popular programmes in parishes and in the workplace, to help the faithful rediscover the gift of baptismal faith and the task of giving witness.

- Members of Institutes of Consecrated Life and of Societies of Apostolic Life are asked to work towards the new evangelisation, each according to their proper charism.

- Contemplative communities should pray specifically for the renewal of the faith among the People of God, and for a new impulse for its transmission to the young.

- Associations and Ecclesial Movements are invited to promote specific initiatives, through the contribution of their proper charism.

- All of the faithful should try to communicate their own experience of faith and charity to their brothers and sisters of other religions, believers and non-believers. In this way, it is hoped that the entire Christian people will begin a kind of mission towards those with whom they live and work.

The Note concludes by stating that "the recommendations provided here have the goal of inviting all of the members of the Church to work so that this Year may be a special time in which we, as Christians, may share that which is most dear to us: Christ Jesus, the Redeemer of mankind".
CDF/ VIS 20120107 (1430)

ACN News - Pakistan – Church buildings and homes bulldozed

2012-01-12T09:56:00.000-10:00

The Punjab government in Pakistan stands accused of “brutal injustice” for sending bulldozers into a Church-owned site and demolishing a church, a school for poor girls, and homes for poor, elderly and homeless people.

Poverty-stricken families living on the two-acre site in Lahore were woken at 6.30 am and were asked to evacuate their homes.

All the buildings on the site were destroyed, including a small church and at least seven houses which still had the occupants’ belongings inside.

With nowhere to go, a number of families and people working in the school camped out overnight on the demolished site, in Allama Iqbal Road, in Lahore’s Garhi Shahu district, and the following morning, January 11^th, a protest march was held.

Stating that the Church had proof of ownership of the site dating back to 1887, Catholic Bishop Sebastian Shaw of Lahore condemned the state government of Punjab, accusing it of “carrying out a criminal act of land-grabbing”.

Speaking from Lahore in an interview with Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), he said he had summoned priests of the diocese to a crisis meeting to prepare to go to the High Court to reclaim the site.

Condemning the demolition job, Bishop Shaw said, “What the state government of Punjab has done is a very, very brutal act of injustice.”

“How can they do such a thing, just to come in, wreck a charitable institution and ruin the lives of people living there? They do not listen to anybody.”

He added, “This is a criminal act of land-grabbing by the government functionaries.”

Warning of further government action to seize Church-owned property, he said,

“Everybody is worried now that the state government and especially the ruling party in the Punjab Province [the Muslim League ‘N’] have their eye on our buildings and land.”

One of those who lost their homes was Zoniba Richard, aged 62. She said her belongings were destroyed, that she was homeless and without family to go to.

Mrs. Richard said she slept out in the cold on the first night after the demolition.

Asked about her plans for the future, she said, “I don’t know. I can only trust in God.”

She was interviewed on the site by Joris van Voorst tot Voorst, National Director of Aid to the Church in Need (Netherlands).

He happened to be in Lahore at the time on a fact-finding exercise and was on the scene within hours of the incident alongside Dr. Pieter Omtzigt, also from the Netherlands.

Dr. Omtzigt said, “The rights of minorities are being trampled upon.”

Dr. Alexander John Malik, Anglican Bishop of Lahore, also condemned the demolition and demanded that the Punjab government rebuild what had been destroyed.

He said that a Blasphemy Law case should be registered for the desecration of the Bibles, crosses and the church without prior ecclesiastical permission.

In a message from the Anglican Church of Pakistan, the bishop stated that the demolition “manifests unaccounted power and explains grave injustice and cruelty towards non-Muslims/religious minorities in Pakistan.”

Saying that the Church had not received prior warning of the demolition plans, Fr. Emmanuel Yousaf Mani, National Director of the Catholic Church’s National Commission for Justice and Peace (NCJP), spoke to ACN from the site.

He said, “People are very sad. They are very angry. They are still sitting in the place that they call home.”

The priest added, “We have the papers to show who the rightful owners of the site are.”

“The government must have done something which was not correct to change the facts of the case.”

Fr. Yousaf said that the site is still registered in the name of the Lahore Charitable Association, a trust made up of clergy and lay people from different Christian denominations with the Catholic Bishop of Lahore presiding as chairman.

He said that controversy over the ownership had arisen a few years ago when the main building on the site was used as a refuge for destitute women run by religious Sisters.

One of the women given refuge converted to Islam and began harassing the Sisters and querying the rightful ownership of two rooms which she had occupied.

The state authorities were notified and their subsequent discussions with the Church broke down.

According to local newspaper reports, local government officials claim the site was declared state land by the authorities in 2007.

Since then, he said, the government had notified the owners of the center several times.

It is understood that the site is very valuable and that the state government is anxious to profit from it.

Critics have pointed to a dramatic change in policy towards minority groups since the death of Salman Taseer, Governor of the Punjab, who was assassinated on January 4^th, 2011, for his outspoken criticism of oppression of minority groups.

With pictures of local men with Dr. Pieter Omtzigt standing in ruins of homes and a picture of Bishop Sebastian Shaw of Lahore (© ACN)

Editor’s Notes:

Founded in 1947 by Father Werenfried van Straaten, whom Pope John Paul II named “An Outstanding Apostle of Charity,” the organization is now at work in over 145 countries throughout the world.

On Mother's Prayers and Tears Getting Their Children to Heaven

2012-01-12T09:37:00.000-10:00

Original drawing from the Honolulu Academy of Art

The following excerpt from The End of the Present World and the Mysteries of the Future Life will not only give much hope to parents whose children have fallen away from their faith, but will also greatly comfort their mothers.

"...Then the child will read all the treasures of grace, solicitude, and tenderness enclosed in the heart of his mother. He will know that, next to God, it was the tears, prayers, and sighs of that mother which brought about his salvation. 'O mother,' he will exclaim, 'I used to love you because you gave me an earthly life, and provided for my food and my childhood needs; now I love you a thousand times more tenderly, because of the eternal life I have received, and without which the first would have been a fatal gift, a source of calamities and torture for me.

O new and happy Monicas, how great your triumphs and joys will be, when you see yourselves surrounded by a whole circle of children whose glory you have secured after having brought them into existence! Then, Christian fathers, your sacrifices, courage, and heroic constancy in strengthening your sons by profitable examples, and in rearing them by noble, laborious training, will no longer be unknown...

Saint Faustina's Prayer to be Completely Transformed into God's Mercy

2012-01-12T09:08:00.001-10:00

The following is an excerpt from Themes of Divine Mercy: Way of Life, found in the Divine Mercy app for iPod Touch, iPhone and iPad.

It is a very beautiful prayer that Saint Faustina wrote in her diary. We pray to see God's mercy in every aspect of our lives, through our human bodies and thereby transforming ourselves into His mercy.

I want to be completely transformed into Your mercy and to be Your living reflection, O Lord. May the greatest of all divine attributes, that of Your unfathomable mercy, pass through my heart and soul to my neighbor.

- Help me, O Lord, that my eyes may be merciful, so that I may never suspect or judge from appearences, but look for what is beautiful in my neighbors' souls and come to their rescue.

Help me, that my ears may be merciful, so that I may give heed to my neighbors' needs and not be indifferent to their pains and moanings.

Help me, O Lord, that my tongue may be merciful, so that I should never speak negatively of my neighbor, but have a word of comfort and forgiveness for all.

Help me, O Lord, that my hands may be merciful and filled with good deeds, so that I may do only good to my neighbors and take upon myself the more difficult and toilsome tasks.

Help me, that my feet may be merciful, so that I may hurry to assist my neighbor, overcoming my own fatigue and weariness. My true rest is in the service of my neighbor.

Help me, O Lord, that my heart may be merciful so that I myself may feel all the sufferings of my neighbor. I will refuse my heart to no one. I will be sincere even with those who, I know, will abuse my kindness. And I will lock myself up in the most merciful Heart of Jesus. I will bear my own suffering in silence. May Your mercy, O Lord, rest upon me (...).

O my Jesus, transform me into Yourself , for you can do all things. (163)

Text source.

Father Robert Barron - Persecuted Church and her Heroes

2012-01-11T12:56:00.002-10:00

ACN News - Bishop warns of spreading unrest in South Sudan

2012-01-11T12:55:00.000-10:00

A local bishop has warned of spreading unrest in South Sudan in a meeting with international Catholic pastoral charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN).

Daniel Adwok Kur, the Auxiliary Bishop of Khartoum, told ACN that the government of South Sudan must “deal with the causes of the conflict and sit together with those involved in order to find a solution.”

It must “fully investigate” the situation, he demanded, adding that in some localities the situation is “very tense.”

According to the Bishop, particularly problematic are the tribal feuds concerning disputes about cattle, land and property.

The Catholic Church can contribute to creating a climate in which those involved in the conflicts could “sit together and negotiate” and in which “real justice can be ensured.”

In recent days, many people have been killed in tribal conflicts in South Sudan, especially women and children.

Many thousands have fled to escape the unrest.

In January 2011, the population of South Sudan voted for the region’s autonomy in a referendum.

Since July 9, 2011, South and North Sudan have been independent states.

With picture of Auxiliary Bishop Daniel Adwok of Khartoum (Photo: ACN)

Editor’s Notes:

Founded in 1947 by Father Werenfried van Straaten, whom Pope John Paul II named “An Outstanding Apostle of Charity,” the organization is now at work in over 145 countries throughout the world.

Announcing 2nd Annual “Ask Them What They Mean by ‘Choice’” Blog Day, January 22

2012-01-11T12:44:00.002-10:00

From Jill Stanek:

"...The idea is simple. On January 22, any time you read pro-aborts spouting obscure “choice” rhetoric on a blog, website, Facebook, or Twitter, call them out on it. Ask them to explain what the “choice” euphemism means. Tweeters plan to use their #Tweet4Choice hashtag.
If you are a blogger, plan on posting about “choice” on January 22. Email me the name and url of your blog, and I will post you as a participant...."

Books for the New Year to Give Me a Spiritual Lift

2012-01-11T11:10:00.000-10:00

Photo by Esther

The start of the new year made me review my spiritual life like I am sure many of you were called to do. One place I needed to concentrate on was reading books that would enrich my spiritual life. In the past, I would choose one book and read it prior to daily Mass. But at home, I would read a good mystery novel. I would only give up secular books during Lent. But while I sat there in church, adoring our Lord, I felt Him calling me to read more good books. A big boost to this resolution came from one of my good friends, blogger Mary of
The Beautiful Gate. She,a very generous soul, send me a collection of books, many of which I had been wanting to read. Some of those books along with others I have in my collection are really helping me to find out exactly where I should focus my attention.

Main priorities: - Asking God to help me love Him more.
- Keeping interior peace
- Being more silent and careful with words

The books I am currently reading or have read so far are:

1. The End of the Present world and the Mysteries of the Future Life by Father Charles Arminjon and translated by Susan Conroy. I am actually finishing reading this book which I began I few months ago.

The following is an excerpt from the book on how it will be in heaven for husbands and wives:

Without doubt, in heaven the spouses who have come from earth will themselves be like angels, and will no longer aspire to the delights of the senses. However, they will taste the ever-pure pleasures of the spirit, and, as they were one in flesh during their earthly exile, so in glory they will form one single heart and soul, in the delights of another union that will have no end.

In heave, we shall see and recognize one another, and in heaven, we shall love one another..."

2. Progress in Divine Union by Father Raoul Plus, SJ - Recently finished reading.

The following is an excerpt about the silence of the Blessed Mother.

"The great model of interior silence is the Blessed Virgin. She lived on supernatural realities alone; other things did not count. She kept the divine in her heart; the human remained ath the door and could gain no entrance..."

-or advice to busy people on improving their spiritual life-

"Let us be active, yes, if possible, very active, but calmly, under the eye of God, only for His glory and with sufficient good sense to forbid ourselves whatever might impede our life or union, our prayers, and our spirit of prayer which alone can fructify our activity and zeal."

3. Keep it Simple: The busy Catholic's guide to growing closer to God by Emmanuel de Gibergues (Currently reading).

The following are the 4 Principal Signs of the Virtue of Simplicity

-1. Indifference to our own success. (We need to see the purity of our intentions)
-2. Joy in the success of other s or in their spiritual progress (we should rejoice because God has been glorified).
-3. Attachment to the Will of God (Be prepared to sacrifice my personal tastes, to give myself up to whatever obedience exacts from me.)
-4. To desire nor covet the praise and approbation of men for the good that I do and to retain my calm and interior peace if I receive only reproaches and blame.

4. The Soul of a Lion: Dietrich von Hildebrand by Alice von Hildebrand

This book is an in depth biography by someone who knew him intimately, his wife who is amazing in her own right. She shares with the reader the amazing life of this Catholic convert philosopher who was considered a big enemy of the Nazis. He was the only son in a loving family of talented people. His entire family were much involved and surrounded themselves with good art and music. They were friends were famous composers like Wagner and Strauss. I am just up to the part when Dietrich is a young man but already he is a very moral young man.

One description of his personality really made an impression on me. He was even-tempered. Nothing upset his cool. It is a good quality to imitate.

Well, there are my book selections so far. I also need to finish the Secret Diary of Elizabeth Leseuer. I took a break from it because I lent it to my friend. I find her diary to be filled with virtues that would benefit all of us in our quest to being closer to God.

Interview with a Saint - Father John A. Hardon, S.J.

2012-01-09T14:39:00.001-10:00

The following interview with Rev. John A. Hardon, S.J., by Anita Crane, appeared in the Dec. 1997 edition of Crisis Magazine. Father Hardon died on Dec. 30, 2000, and the cause for his canonization has already been introduced.

You can read the entire interview at Crisis Magazine's site

Mahalo to Venny V. for sharing.

New - Pope Benedict's Daily Inspirations

2012-01-06T16:49:00.000-10:00

A new widget from St. Luke's Productions.

I have also placde this on Spiritual Moms Apostolate blog, World Apostolate of Fatima - Honolulu Division blog and The Catholic Homeschooling Directory Blog.

Mahalo St. Luke's Production!

Congratulations to Archbishop Timothy Dolan - Elevated to Cardinal

2012-01-06T13:07:00.000-10:00

By now you have heard or read the wonderful news! Pope Benedict names 22 new cardinals, including New York’s Timothy Dolan>.

I wanted to share an interesting post about Archbishop Dolan so this is a perfect time to do so.

Picture source

Young John, who blogs at Writings of a Boy Discerning God's Call wrote Archbishop Dolan an interesting a couple of months ago. He recently received a response from the very busy archbishop. If you click the above link you can read about it and even read the scanned letter.

I'd also ask that you keep Archbishop Dolan in your prayers as well as young men like John, who continue to discern the priesthood.

"The Truth about Falsely Accused Priests"

2012-01-06T09:18:00.000-10:00

The accused are often presumed guilty until proven innocent, while the media distorts the narrative of child abuse in the US.

The Catholic World Report article can be read HERE

Prayer by Saint John Neumann

2012-01-05T18:35:00.000-10:00

O my Jesus,
I rejoice that I can again show my love for you.
Come, O my Lord, come and inflame my heart with love for you.
You raised Lazarus from the dead.
As I rise, let your mercy awaken me from the darkness of sin, from the bonds that hold me fast.
You can heal all wounds of my soul.
For this, O Jesus, accept my thanks.
From this day I will begin a new life.
With the help of your grace I will be patient, diligent, and devout.
Show me the occasions in which I may practice my good resolutions.
Grant, O Jesus, my request to love and praise you with my whole heart, with my whole soule, and with all my strength.
Mother of Jesus, pray to your Son for me.
Jesus, be with me; stay with me this day...

O Jesus, my divine and most amiable teacher, teach me humility and resignation to your most holy will.
This I ask with confidence.
You granted me temporal favors when I called on you; you will not now reject my prayer for spiritual favors.
True, the favor I know beg is infinitely superior to any temporal one and I am altogether unworthy to receive it, yet it was your will that I should be humble, truly humble, with sincere, heartfelt humility.
Grant me this favor, that I may be more conformable to you.
Grant it , my beloved Savior, my most amiable. Teacher.

Source Magnficat

JOIN EWTN IN THE FIGHT FOR THE UNBORN

2012-01-05T12:43:00.001-10:00

With the 39^th anniversary of Roe vs. Wade quickly approaching, the March for Life & Walk for Life West Coast are an important public witness in the fight to protect the unborn. Although many of us are not able to attend in person, you can still play a vital role by raising awareness in your community about these pro-life events.

EWTN will offer viewers the most complete coverage available on any network of both San Francisco's Walk for Life (Saturday, Jan. 21) and Washington, D.C.'s March for Life (Monday, Jan. 23). Coverage will include live Masses, walking processions, rallies, interviews, panel discussions, and speeches from pro-lifers around the country. Be sure to visitwww.ewtn.com for further details.

Thank you for your kind cooperation and, if I can ever be of assistance to you or your parish with regards to EWTN, please feel free to contact me. I hope that this New Year will bring you and your family an abundance of blessings.

Please insert the following announcement in your parish bulletin for the weekends of January 14-15 and January 21-22

EWTN To Air Exclusive Coverage of 2012's Historic "Walk for Life/March for Life" The Eternal Word Television Network is proud to bring you the most complete coverage available on any network of both San Francisco's Walk for Life (Saturday, Jan. 21) and Washington, D.C.'s March for Life (Monday, Jan. 23). Coverage will include live Masses, walking processions, rallies, interviews, panel discussions, and speeches from pro-lifers around the country. Visitwww.ewtn.com for more information or to watch coverage live online.

Reminder - Epiphany Blessing

2012-01-05T12:30:00.000-10:00

Picture source

Just a reminder to have your blessed chalk ready.

0 C + M + B 12
May Christ bless this House…
All who dwell and pray in it…
And All Whom they Welcome in His Name
....................

BLESSING OF A HOME AT EPIPHANY

Let us pray, In the name of + The Father, and The Son, and The Holy Spirit. Amen.

V. On entering the house, the Magi found the Child Jesus with Mary his mother.
R. They did Him homage and presented to Jesus symbolic gifts: gold to the great King, incense to the true God, and myrrh as a foreshadowing of his suffering and death.

Let us pray, God, our Father, by the guidance of a star, You revealed Your only Son as the Savior of all nations. Grant that we who already know You by faith, may be brought to the contemplation of Your glory in our heavenly home. We ask this through Christ your Son, Our Lord. Amen.

All may recite the Canticle of the Blessed Virgin Mary (The MAGNIFICAT) by which Mary praised God at the time of her Visitation to the house of Elizabeth found in St. Luke's Gospel Chapter 1, verses 46-55.

V. Be enlightened, O Jerusalem, and shine forth …for Your light has come!
R. And upon you is risen the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ, born of the Virgin Mary.
V. All nations shall walk in Your light and kings in the splendor of Your birth.
R. And upon You is risen the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ, born of the Virgin Mary.
Now, a Reading of the Gospel for the Solemnity of the Epiphany of Our Lord
from St. Matthew's Gospel, Chapter 2, verses 1 to 12.
V. Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world, has appeared and been revealed to the nations.
R. The prophets foretold His coming, and the angels and shepherds adored Him.
V. The Magi rejoiced to find Him and they lay their treasures before Him.
R. All you nations and peoples, …come and adore Him!

All recite The OUR FATHER as all the rooms of the house are sprinkled with holy water …and also if possible with blessed salt.

Let us pray, Blessed are you, Lord, God of all creation. Through Your goodness we have received all benefits. Come, visit and bless + this house so that it may be a shelter of health, chastity, self-conquest, humility, goodness, mildness, obedience to the Commandments, - and thanksgiving to God, + The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit.

May the love and blessings of God, + The Father, and The Son, and The Holy Spirit, descend upon this house, all those who reside within it, and upon all those whom they welcome in the Sacred Name of our Savior, Jesus Christ, and may God's grace and peace remain with all of them forever. Amen.

NOTE: The initials of the names ascribed by tradition to the Magi (Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar), and the numerals of the current year are to be written with the blessed chalk above all the entry doors of the house in the following manner:
20 C + M + B 12

(Some interpret the letters to stand for Christus Mansioni Benedicat! May Christ bless this house!

Source

ACN News - Archbishop speaks out in Nigeria

2012-01-04T15:23:00.002-10:00

One of Nigeria’s leading bishops has condemned the media for portraying recent violence in the country as a civil war between Muslims and Christians.

Archbishop John Olurunfemi Onaiyekan of Abuja criticized news reports that describe Nigeria as descending into ongoing religious violence.

His interview with Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) followed five separate bomb attacks across Nigeria on Christmas Day which killed at least 40 people and clashes between the Nigerian military and Boko Haram, an extremist Islamist group which claimed responsibility for the explosions.

More than 50 people were also killed when a group of people from Ezza ethnic group attacked members of neighboring Ezilo group over a land dispute in the country’s south-eastern Ebonyi state over the New Year, which some reports have described as a religious conflict.

Archbishop Onaiyekan went on to reject calls to divide the West African country into two independent religious states, describing the idea as senseless and set to plunge the country into deeper crisis.

He said, “It is, in any case, crazy to speak of an Islamic north and a Christian south.”

“Many families even consist of half Muslims and half Christians. Nigeria cannot be divided according to religion.”

“Christians and Muslims go to school, to the market and to work together, and they serve together in the army. The places where they live now are where they grew up.”

“One cannot suddenly resettle all the Muslims in the north and all the Christians in the south and divide up the country.”

Archbishop Onaiyekan described Boko Haram as “terrorists who cause problems for anyone in Nigeria who stands in their way.”

“They claim to act in the name of Islam, but the killing of innocents is contradictory to Islam.”

He told ACN that eight imams from mosques in Abuja visited the Archbishop following the attacks to express their condolences. He said he had also received many letters of sympathy from Muslims.

With the media carrying reports of Nigerian Christians arming themselves following the attacks, he called on all believers to refrain from violence.

Archbishop Onaiyekan said, “Jesus Christ would not want us to retaliate.”

He said that it was equally wrong of the media to present Christians as either helpless or as “being prepared to defend themselves with armed force,” as some reports have suggested.

The archbishop concluded by asking Christians throughout the world to pray for peace in Nigeria.

With picture of Archbishop John Onaiyekan of Abuja, Nigeria (© ACN)

Editor’s Notes:

Founded in 1947 by Father Werenfried van Straaten, whom Pope John Paul II named “An Outstanding Apostle of Charity,” the organization is now at work in over 145 countries throughout the world.

The Most Holy Name of Jesus

2012-01-03T19:00:00.000-10:00

The name Jesus was given to the Holy Child at God's command (Luke 1:31). The Holy Name is all-powerful because of the Person who bears it; we honor it because of the command of Christ, that we should pray in His Name and because it reminds us of all the blessings we receive through our Holy Redeemer. Hence St. Paul was able to write to the Philippians: '...at the name of Jesus every knew should bend of those in heaven, on earth, and under the earth' (Phil. 2:10). By means of this devotion we also make amends for improper use of the Holy Name.

Blessed be the most holy Name of Jesus without end!

O Jesus, my Savior and Redeemer, Son of the living God, behold, we kneel before thee and offer Thee our reparation; we would make amends for all the blasphemies uttered against Thy holy name, for all the injuries done to Thee in the Blessed Sacrament, for all the irreverence shown toward Thine immaculate Virgin Mother, for all the calumnies and slanders spoken against Thy spouse, the holy Catholic and Roman Church. O Jesus, who has said: 'If you ask the Father anything in My name, He will give it to you,' we pray and beseech Thee for all our brethren who re in danger of sin; shield them from every temptation to fall away from the true faith; save those who are even now standing on the brink of the abyss; to all of them give light and knowledge of the truth, courage and strength for the conflict with evil, perseverance in faith and active charity! For this do we pray, most merciful Jesus, in Thy name, unto God the Father, with whom Thou livest and reignest in the unity of the Holy Ghost world without end. Amen.

- The Prayer Book

New Year for the New Evangelization

2012-01-03T15:51:00.002-10:00

Practical tips to help you evangelize in 2012.

Read more: here.

Ave Maria - Perry Como

2012-01-01T00:09:00.000-10:00

Thank you Brother John for sharing.

Solemnity - Mary, Mother of God

2011-12-31T18:56:00.000-10:00

Happy New Year. Hope you all have a very blessed and healthy New Year!!

December 31st Plenary Indulgence - Praying the Te Deum

2011-12-31T14:25:00.000-10:00

"God the Father" by Cima de Conegliano

Picture source

From the Saint Louis Catholic's blog:

"...there is an opportunity for a plenary indulgence for those who partake in the traditional end-of-year public recitation of the Te Deum on December 31. The Canons at St. Francis de Sales will pray the Te Deum at 5 pm. It is a very convenient opportunity to gain the indulgence, which may come in quite handy the way people drive on New Year's Eve. The usual conditions apply-- confession, communion, prayers for the intentions of the Holy Father, complete detachment from sin..."

O God, we praise Thee, and acknowledge Thee to be the supreme Lord.
Everlasting Father, all the earth worships Thee.
All the Angels, the heavens and all angelic powers,
All the Cherubim and Seraphim, continuously cry to Thee:
Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of Hosts!
Heaven and earth are full of the Majesty of Thy glory.
The glorious choir of the Apostles,
The wonderful company of Prophets,
The white-robed army of Martyrs, praise Thee.
Holy Church throughout the world acknowledges Thee:
The Father of infinite Majesty;
Thy adorable, true and only Son;
Also the Holy Spirit, the Comforter.
O Christ, Thou art the King of glory!
Thou art the everlasting Son of the Father.
When Thou tookest it upon Thyself to deliver man,
Thou didst not disdain the Virgin's womb.
Having overcome the sting of death, Thou opened the Kingdom of Heaven to all
believers.
Thou sitest at the right hand of God in the glory of the Father.
We believe that Thou willst come to be our Judge.
We, therefore, beg Thee to help Thy servants whom Thou hast redeemed with Thy
Precious Blood.
Let them be numbered with Thy Saints in everlasting glory.

V. Save Thy people, O Lord, and bless Thy inheritance!
R. Govern them, and raise them up forever.

V. Every day we thank Thee.
R. And we praise Thy Name forever, yes, forever and ever.

V. O Lord, deign to keep us from sin this day.
R. Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us.

V. Let Thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us, for we have hoped in Thee.
R. O Lord, in Thee I have put my trust; let me never be put to shame.

Te Deum laudamus: te Dominum confitemur.
Te aeternum Patrem omnis terra veneratur.
Tibi omnes Angeli; tibi caeli et universae Potestates;
Tibi Cherubim et Seraphim incessabili voce proclamant:
Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus, Dominus Deus Sabaoth.
Pleni sunt caeli et terra maiestatis gloriae tuae.
Te gloriosus Apostolorum chorus,
Te Prophetarum laudabilis numerus,
Te Martyrum candidatus laudat exercitus.
Te per orbem terrarum sancta confitetur Ecclesia,
Patrem immensae maiestatis:
Venerandum tuum verum et unicum Filium;
Sanctum quoque Paraclitum Spiritum.
Tu Rex gloriae, Christe.
Tu Patris sempiternus es Filius.
Tu ad liberandum suscepturus hominem, non horruisti Virginis uterum.
Tu, devicto mortis aculeo, aperuisti credentibus regna caelorum.
Tu ad dexteram Dei sedes, in gloria Patris.
Iudex crederis esse venturus.
Te ergo quaesumus, tuis famulis subveni: quos pretioso sanguine redemisti.
Aeterna fac cum sanctis tuis in gloria numerari.

V. Salvum fac populum tuum, Domine, et benedic hereditati tuae.
R. Et rege eos, et extolle illos usque in aeternum.

V. Per singulos dies benedicimus te.
R. Et laudamus nomen tuum in saeculum, et in saeculum saeculi.

V. Dignare, Domine, die isto sine peccato nos custodire.
R. Miserere nostri, Domine, miserere nostri.

V. Fiat misericordia tua, Domine, super nos, quemadmodum speravimus in te.
R. In te, Domine, speravi: non confundar in aeternum.

">EWTRN

Feast of the Holy Family

2011-12-30T12:17:00.000-10:00

Sts. Peter and Paul Church, Honolulu

"At the very outset of Christ's work on earth, God showed the world a family in which, as Pope Leo XIII teaches, 'all men might behold a perfect model of domestic life, and of all virtue and holiness.' The harmony, unity, and holiness which characterized this holy Family make it the model for all Christian families."

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph most kind,
Bless us now and in death's agony.

Prayer for the Protection of the Holy Family

Grant unto us, Lord Jesus, ever to follow the example of Thy holy Family, that in the hour of our death Thy glorious Virgin Mother together with blessed Joseph may come to meet us and we may be worthily received by Thee into everlasting dwellings: who livest and reignest world without end. - Roman Missal

Consecration to the Holy Family

O Jesus, our most loving Redeemer, who having come to enlighten the world with Thy teaching and example, didst will to pass the greater part of Thy life in humility and subjection to Mary and Joseph in the poor home of Nazareth, thus sanctifying the Family that was to be an example for all Christian families, graciously receive our family as it dedicates and consecrates itself to Thee this day. Do Thou defend us, guard us, and establish amongst us Thy holy fear, true peace, and concord in Christian love; in order that, by conforming ourselves to the divine pattern of Thy family, we may be able, all of us, without exception, to attain to eternal happiness.

Mary,d ear Mother of Jesus and Mother of us, by thy kindly intercession make this our humble offering acceptable in the sight of Jesus, and obtain for us His graces and blessings.

O Saint Joseph, most holy guardian of Jesus and Mary, assist us by they prayers in all our spiritual and temporal necessities; that so we may be enable to praise our divine Savior Jesus, together with Mary and thee, for all eternity.

In Honor of the Holy Family

O God, heavenly Father, it was part of Thine eternal decree that Thine only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ, the Savior of the human race, should form a holy family with Mary, His blessed mother, and His foster father, Saint Joesph. In Nazareth home life was sanctified, and a perfect example was given to ever Christian family. Grant, we beseech Thee, that we may fully comprehend and faithfully imitate the virtues of the Holy Family so that we may be united with them one day in their heavenly glory. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Prayer Book

Tomorrow Dec. 30 - Memorial Mass - Servant of God, Fr. Hardon S.J.

2011-12-29T11:04:00.000-10:00

Shared by Mary Jane for those of you in the Dallas- Fort Worth area

Discalced Carmelite Nuns of Dallas, Texas

Invite you to a Special Memorial Mass

Eleventh Anniversary of His Death

Friday, December 30, 2011

7:00 PM / Rosary at 6:30 PM

Servant of God, Father John Hardon, SJ

Father Hardon was a Spiritual Director

to Bl. Mother Teresa of Calcutta

Monastery of The Infant Jesus of Prague and St. Joseph

600 Flowers Avenue Dallas, TX 75211

Convenient from I-30 & Loop 12

From downtown: I-30 going WEST, exit LOOP 12 SOUTH.

Take the 2nd exit, which is JEFFERSON EAST.

Go through the stop light & about 7-8 blocks.

Make a right on Flowers and enter through Monastery gate

For more information: 214-702-8051

To learn more about his life,

print the prayer for his beatification:

http://www.hardonsj.org/

Urgent Prayer Request for Father Rookey

2011-12-28T19:26:00.003-10:00

Photo of Father Rookey - One year ago

Last night Mary Jane send an email requesting prayers for a "special" priest. Tonight she followed up with:

Father Peter Mary Rookey, O.S. M is the special Priest (age 95) I asked you to pray for last night. He is in the hospital doing well. Please continue with your Rosaries, Chaplets for him.

Please keep Father Rookey in your prayers. He is a very special priest and a very dear priest.

Thank you and God bless,

Mother Angelica - A Little Child Shall Lead Them

2011-12-28T15:10:00.000-10:00

News Regarding Bl. Mother Marianne Cope - Saints and Siblings

2011-12-28T14:49:00.000-10:00

Someone one Twitter tweeted this fascinating story. Enjoy!

Saints and Siblings

Monsignor Paul J.E. Burkard, the man behind the cause for Father Nelson Baker's canonization, knows exactly where to search for good advice on navigating the Vatican's oftentimes perplexing saint-making process.

He simply picks up the telephone and calls his sister in Syracuse, who already has helped guide the candidacy of Blessed Marianne Cope, a nun who ministered to lepers for more than 30 years, to the brink of canonization.

"We talk about it frequently," Burkard said .

For the 3rd Day of Christmas -The World Over Christmas Special

2011-12-27T08:57:00.002-10:00

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-24T15:10:00.002-10:00

Picture source

I just wanted to wish you all a very blessed Christmas. May we welcome the Baby Jesus with much joy in our hearts.

With much aloha,
Esther

ACN News - Pakistan – Christmas in prison

2011-12-23T13:46:00.000-10:00

Life in a Pakistani prison is truly a punishment, especially for Christians. But local Church leaders strive to minister to prisoners, especially at a time like Christmas.

Conditions in the prisons are terrible. Torture is the order of the day. There is only one washing facility for a hundred prisoners, and the cells are tiny and overfilled. Some prisoners die from heat-stroke or from heart failure.

In 2010 alone, 72 people in Pakistan died in prison.

For Christians, it is even worse. They are already disadvantaged and oppressed in their “normal life,” but their situation in prison is even more precarious.

But in the prison of Faisalabad, Christians are still able to celebrate Christmas.

Dominican Father Iftikhar Moon and his brothers visit the prisoners. A room is dressed with Christmas decorations. Colorful glittering garlands and stars made of glossy paper give the grey walls a breath of Yuletide atmosphere.

Holy Mass is celebrated, and, last year, Bishop Joseph Coutts visited to spend Christmas with the Christian prisoners.

The prisoners sing Christmas carols. One of them gives the readings. Afterwards, presents are distributed: food, blankets, medicines and other gifts.

The warders also receive small gifts of biscuits or lemonade. Some of them join in the Christmas festivities, even though they are Muslims.

Father Iftikhar says, “Some policemen are good people who help us. But others are greedy and demand money.”

Most Christians are very poor and their families cannot afford to bribe the warders. So the Christian prisoners almost never receive visitors, in contrast to their Muslim fellow-inmates.

Many would have been released long ago if they had been able to afford to pay their fines. Sometimes the Dominicans are able to help them.

The prisons of Faisalabad, Pakistan’s third-largest city, contain 5,000 people. 85 to 100 of them are Christians. The majority of these were arrested for drug-related crimes or illegal trading in alcohol.

In Pakistan, only non-Muslims are allowed to buy alcohol, and even they require a permit. Some non-Muslims, including Christians, therefore purchase alcohol and sell it to Muslims on the black market for high prices.

Generally the police are also involved, and they are a permanent factor in this business. But at any moment they can decide to arrest those trafficking in the black market.

Father Iftikhar, whose work is supported by international Catholic pastoral charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), regularly visits prisoners, and not only Christians or those arrested for minor crimes. He cares equally for those who are facing the death penalty.

Five or seven condemned prisoners share one tiny cell, he reports. When he visits them, the warders lock the door behind him. Then the religious father listens to their problems.

“Some of them regret their deeds. I have encountered men who killed their wives. They have wept and repented before God for their deeds.”

“Once, an old man was sitting in the condemned cell. He was a contract killer. He could no longer recall how many people he had murdered. He, too, wept. He regretted his deeds deeply,” recounts Father Iftikhar.

But there are also those who do not tell the truth and do not wish to admit their crimes.

“For example, there were three friends who worked together on a building site. They kidnapped a child and demanded a ransom from the family by telephone. They received the money, but murdered the young boy anyway.”

“When they are together they say they did it, but each of them individually puts the blame on the other two. In general, many of the people here tell lies. Almost all of them insist they are innocent in the hope of gaining favors.”

And the Dominican father is also concerned about another matter: “There are real criminal gangs in the prisons. They fight among themselves, and they often have mobile phones and carry on with their ‘job’ from their prison cell.”

“They arrange to have people murdered on the outside, and get money smuggled into the jail.”

In Islamic culture, forgiveness is understood in a quite different way to its meaning in Christianity. It is about revenge, an eye for an eye.

The practice of so-called “blood money” is also common. When the victim’s family agrees, the murderer pays money and escapes the death penalty.

Sometimes a young girl from the perpetrator’s family is given in marriage to an old man from the family of the victim.

“But some perpetrators prefer to be hanged rather than accept such a sacrifice,” Father Iftikhar notes.

The Dominicans not only help the prisoners but also their family members, above all when the prisoner was the family’s sole breadwinner. His arrest brings great hardship to his wife and children.

Here, the Dominican fathers try to ease the worst of the hardship, and they also seek to encourage the victim’s family to reconcile with the perpetrator and forgive him.

Meanwhile, the situation has become more difficult for the prison pastors. During an attempted jailbreak there was a fight between prisoners and police, and since then everything has been controlled very strictly.

Now, Father Iftikhar is only permitted to enter the prison on public holidays.

He has already complained to the prison director. “This is my job,” he told him.

At least at Christmas, Father Iftikhar and his brothers will be able to return to the prison.

They will give comfort to the prisoners and allow them, for two hours, to forget their suffering. For two hours, the prisoners will be able to feel like real people.

And the message of the Holy Mass will be for them, too: “Behold, I bring you good news of a great joy; for to you is born this day a Savior.”

With images of pastoral ministry for prisoners in the Central Jail, Faisalabad.

Editor’s Notes:

Founded in 1947 by Father Werenfried van Straaten, whom Pope John Paul II named “An Outstanding Apostle of Charity,” the organization is now at work in over 145 countries throughout the world.

ACN News - Christmas in Iraq – Faith and fear

2011-12-23T08:55:00.000-10:00

Iraq’s Christians will spend Christmas in “great fear,” according one of the country’s leading bishops.

Archbishop Louis Sako, the Chaldean Catholic Archbishop of Kirkuk, northern Iraq, told Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) that Christians are afraid of fresh attacks.

He said that traditional vigil services such as Midnight Mass will not be possible because of the high security risk. Instead, all services over the festive period will be conducted in the daytime and Christians will not display Christmas decorations outside their homes.

Speaking to the Catholic news agency Asianews he said, “Midnight Christmas Mass has been cancelled in Baghdad, Mosul and Kirkuk as a consequence of the never-ending assassinations of Christians and the attack against Our Lady of Perpetual Help Cathedral on October 31, which killed 57 people.”

According to the Archbishop, the security situation in the country has become more unstable following the withdrawal of US troops earlier this month.

But Archbishop Sako said that the situation has been dramatically affected by the struggle for political power between Sunni and Shiite Muslims.

The Archbishop’s words follow a number of incidents in the northern province of Kurdistan, which was previously regarded as a safe haven by many Christians who fled there from the south.

In Kurdistan’s capital, Erbil, 29-year-old Christian, Sermat Patros, was kidnapped the on afternoon of December 12^th.

The week before, at least 30 shops owned by Christians were burned down in Zakho in the Kurdish province of Dohuk near the Turkish border between the 2^nd and 5^th December.

Most of the shops targeted sold alcohol, and it is reported that the attacks by youths followed a condemnation of liquor stores at Friday prayers.

In another incident, a Christian husband and wife, Adnan Elia Jakmakji and Raghad al Tawil, were shot dead in their car on the 13^th of December in the northern city of Mosul in northern Iraq.

According to reports they were deliberately targeted and murdered.

Aid to the Church in Need is calling on Christians throughout the world to pray for Iraqi Christians throughout the Christmas season as a sign of solidarity.

With image of Archbishop Louis Sako

Editor’s Notes:

Founded in 1947 by Father Werenfried van Straaten, whom Pope John Paul II named “An Outstanding Apostle of Charity,” the organization is now at work in over 145 countries throughout the world.

O! Emmanuel

2011-12-23T06:23:00.000-10:00

O Emmanuel,
our King and our Lawgiver,
You are the Desired of the antions
and the Savior of all people.

- Come to save us, O Lord our God!

*New Saint Joseph People's Prayer Book

Pope's Christmas address to the Roman Curia

2011-12-22T16:48:00.001-10:00

The following is from Dr. Robert Moynihan, editor of Inside the Vatican Magazine

"The Holy Feast of Christmas is almost upon us"—Pope Benedict XVI this morning in Rome
December 22, 2011 Message to the Roman Curia

This morning in Rome, Pope Benedict XVI delivered his annual Christmas address to the members of Roman Curia, his closest collaborators. Each year, he takes this occasion to reflect on the chief events of the past year.

The most important line in the address (reprinted below) is this: "The essence of the crisis of the Church in Europe – as I argued in Freiburg – is the crisis of faith." (The Pope spoke in Freiburg during his visit to Germany in September.)

The Pope says this crisis is evident: "Not only faithful believers but also outside observers are noticing with concern that regular churchgoers are growing older all the time and that their number is constantly diminishing; that recruitment of priests is stagnating; that scepticism and unbelief are growing. What, then, are we to do?"

The Pope's central message, his prescription, for Europe and the world, is to return to the faith.
Benedict uses the term "faith fatigue" to refer to the present crisis of the faith. He says: "If faith does not take on new life, deep conviction and real strength from the encounter with Jesus Christ, then all other reforms will remain ineffective."

He then notes that on his trip to Africa in November, and also at World Youth Day in Madrid in August, there was considerable evidence of vibrant faith, of "joyful passion for faith."

Concerning Africa: "None of the faith fatigue that is so prevalent here, none of the oft-encountered sense of having had enough of Christianity, was detectable there. Amid all the problems, sufferings and trials that Africa clearly experiences, one could still sense the people’s joy in being Christian, buoyed up by inner happiness at knowing Christ and belonging to his Church."

Concerning World Youth Day: the young people attending were filled with a genuine love of doing good, a genuine love of Christ, and this gave him great hope, he said.

"They were not looking round for themselves"

"And here something fundamental became clear to me," Benedict continued. "These young people (thousands of youth volunteers in Madrid) had given a part of their lives in faith, not because it was asked of them, not in order to attain Heaven, nor in order to escape the danger of Hell. They did not do it in order to find fulfilment. They were not looking round for themselves.
"There came into my mind the image of Lot’s wife, who by looking round was turned into a pillar of salt. How often the life of Christians is determined by the fact that first and foremost they look out for themselves, they do good, so to speak, for themselves. And how great is the temptation of all people to be concerned primarily for themselves; to look round for themselves and in the process to become inwardly empty, to become 'pillars of salt.'

"Simply becaue it is a wonderful thing to do"

"But here it was not a matter of seeking fulfilment or wanting to live one’s life for oneself," Benedict continued. "These young people did good, even at a cost, even if it demanded sacrifice, simply because it is a wonderful thing to do good, to be there for others. All it needs is the courage to make the leap."

The "leap" is sparked by an encounter with Christ, Benedict said. In essence, he is saying that meeting Christ, learning about Christ, spending time alone in prayer with Christ, sets hearts on fire.

"Prior to all of this (the work the young people committed themselves to carry out) is the encounter with Jesus Christ, inflaming us with love for God and for others, and freeing us from seeking our own ego. In the words of a prayer attributed to Saint Francis Xavier: 'I do good, not that I may come to Heaven thereby and not because otherwise you could cast me into Hell. I do it because of you, my King and my Lord.'"

"Adoration of primarily an act of faith"

The Pope then reflected on two particular moments from the summer: the time of eucharistic adoration and the reception by thousands of the sacrament of confession during the week-long World Youth Day gathering in Spain.

His remarks included a strikingly concise summary of the entire meaning of "theology," that is, the science of God, or the knowledge of God.

God, he said, is in his essential nature a being to be adored, to be worshiped.

"Adoration is primarily an act of faith – the act of faith as such," the Pope said. "God is not just some possible or impossible hypothesis concerning the origin of all things. He is present. And if he is present, then I bow down before him. Then my intellect and will and heart open up towards him and from him."

And Benedict went on, referring to confession, in a reflection on sin, repentance, and forgiveness. Notably, the Pope uses the word "my" when he says "my soul is tarnished" by the pull toward sin present in all men, known as original sin. Benedict is emphasizing his own participation in the human contion, in fallen human nature.

"Openness to love is present in man, implanted in him by the Creator, together with the capacity to respond to God in faith," Benedict said. "But also present, in consequence of man’s sinful history (Church teaching speaks of original sin) is the tendency that is opposed to love – the tendency towards selfishness, towards becoming closed in on oneself, in fact towards evil. Again and again my soul is tarnished by this downward gravitational pull that is present within me. Therefore we need the humility that constantly asks God for forgiveness, that seeks purification and awakens in us the counterforce, the positive force of the Creator, to draw us upwards."

Toward the end of his address, the Pope spoke about the widespread joyfulness that he observed at World Youth Day, and reflected on the deep source of this joy. That source, he told the Curia, was faith: faith in God's existence, faith in God's love for us. And he cites the great German theologian, Joseph Pieper, whose works Benedict has recommended on numerous occasions.

"Certainly, there are many factors at work here," the Pope said. "But in my view, the crucial one is this certainty, based on faith: I am wanted; I have a task; I am accepted, I am loved. Joseph Pieper, in his book on love, has shown that man can only accept himself if he is accepted by another. He needs the other’s presence, saying to him, with more than words: 'It is good that you exist.' Only from the You can the I come into itself. Only if it is accepted, can it accept itself.

"Those who are unloved cannot even love themselves," Benedict continued. "This sense of being accepted comes in the first instance from other human beings."
And then Benedict added a passage which shows his particular depth, something characteristic of his thought: he compared the partial and changeable love of human beings with the total and unchangeable love of God.

"But all human acceptance is fragile," he said. "Ultimately we need a sense of being accepted unconditionally. Only if God accepts me, and I become convinced of this, do I know definitively: it is good that I exist. It is good to be a human being.

"If ever man’s sense of being accepted and loved by God is lost, then there is no longer any answer to the question whether to be a human being is good at all," the Pope said. "Doubt concerning human existence becomes more and more insurmountable. Where doubt over God becomes prevalent, then doubt over humanity follows inevitably.

"We see how widely this doubt is spreading"

"We see today how widely this doubt is spreading," the Pope continued. "We see it in the joylessness, in the inner sadness, that can be read on so many human faces today. Only faith gives me the conviction: it is good that I exist. It is good to be a human being, even in hard times. Faith makes one happy from deep within."

The last line bears repeating: "Faith makes one happy from deep within."

And so, in essence, the Pope's address to the Curia is a call for the renewal of faith, particularly in the West, where it has seemingly grown cold, or "fatigued," so that, through this renewal, human life can be more authentic, more joyful, more filled with love, more filled with meaning, not meaningless, not empty, not sad.

The Pope then quickly ended his talk. His last words were: "I wish all of you the joy that God wanted to bestow upon us through the incarnation of his Son. A blessed Christmas to you all!"
===========================
Full text of the Popes' address today
The Pope’s Address to the Roman Curia
By POPE BENEDICT XVI
Thursday, 22 December 2011

Dear Cardinals, Brother Bishops and Priests, dear Brothers and Sisters,
The occasion that brings us together today is always particularly moving. The holy feast of Christmas is almost upon us and it prompts the great family of the Roman Curia to come together for a gracious exchange of greetings, as we wish one another a joyful and spiritually fruitful celebration of this feast of the God who became flesh and established his dwelling in our midst (cf. Jn 1:14).

For me, this is an occasion not only to offer you my personal good wishes, but also to express my gratitude and that of the Church to each one of you for your generous service; I ask you to convey this to all the co-workers of our extended family.

I offer particular thanks to the Dean of the College, Cardinal Angelo Sodano, who has given voice to the sentiments of all present and of all who work in the various offices of the Curia and the Governorate, including those whose apostolate is carried out in the Pontifical Representations throughout the world. All of us are committed to spreading throughout the world the resounding message that the angels proclaimed that night in Bethlehem, “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to people of good will” (Lk 2:14), so as to bring joy and hope to our world.

As this year draws to a close, Europe is undergoing an economic and financial crisis, which is ultimately based on the ethical crisis looming over the Old Continent. Even if such values as solidarity, commitment to one’s neighbour and responsibility towards the poor and suffering are largely uncontroversial, still the motivation is often lacking for individuals and large sectors of society to practise renunciation and make sacrifices. Perception and will do not necessarily go hand in hand. In defending personal interests, the will obscures perception, and perception thus weakened is unable to stiffen the will. In this sense, some quite fundamental questions emerge from this crisis: where is the light that is capable of illuminating our perception not merely with general ideas, but with concrete imperatives? Where is the force that draws the will upwards? These are questions that must be answered by our proclamation of the Gospel, by the new evangelization, so that message may become event, so that proclamation may lead to life.

The key theme of this year, and of the years ahead, is this: how do we proclaim the Gospel today? How can faith as a living force become a reality today? The ecclesial events of the outgoing year were all ultimately related to this theme. There were the journeys to Croatia, to the World Youth Day in Spain, to my home country of Germany, and finally to Africa – Benin – for the consignment of the Post-Synodal document on justice, peace and reconciliation, which should now lead to concrete results in the various local churches. Equally memorable were the journeys to Venice, to San Marino, to the Eucharistic Congress in Ancona, and to Calabria. And finally there was the important day of encounter in Assisi for religions and for people who in whatever way are searching for truth and peace, representing a new step forward in the pilgrimage towards truth and peace. The establishment of the Pontifical Council for the New Evangelization is at the same time a pointer towards next year’s Synod on the same theme. The Year of Faith, commemorating the beginning of the Council fifty years ago, also belongs in this context. Each of these events had its own particular characteristics. In Germany, where the Reformation began, the ecumenical question, with all its trials and hopes, naturally assumed particular importance. Intimately linked to this, at the focal point of the debate, the question that arises repeatedly is this: what is reform of the Church? How does it take place? What are its paths and its goals? Not only faithful believers but also outside observers are noticing with concern that regular churchgoers are growing older all the time and that their number is constantly diminishing; that recruitment of priests is stagnating; that scepticism and unbelief are growing. What, then, are we to do? There are endless debates over what must be done in order to reverse the trend. There is no doubt that a variety of things need to be done. But action alone fails to resolve the matter. The essence of the crisis of the Church in Europe – as I argued in Freiburg – is the crisis of faith. If we find no answer to this, if faith does not take on new life, deep conviction and real strength from the encounter with Jesus Christ, then all other reforms will remain ineffective.

On this point, the encounter with Africa’s joyful passion for faith brought great encouragement. None of the faith fatigue that is so prevalent here, none of the oft-encountered sense of having had enough of Christianity was detectable there. Amid all the problems, sufferings and trials that Africa clearly experiences, one could still sense the people’s joy in being Christian, buoyed up by inner happiness at knowing Christ and belonging to his Church. From this joy comes also the strength to serve Christ in hard-pressed situations of human suffering, the strength to put oneself at his disposal, without looking round for one’s own advantage. Encountering this faith that is so ready to sacrifice and so full of happiness is a powerful remedy against fatigue with Christianity such as we are experiencing in Europe today.

A further remedy against faith fatigue was the wonderful experience of World Youth Day in Madrid. This was new evangelization put into practice. Again and again at World Youth Days, a new, more youthful form of Christianity can be seen, something I would describe under five headings.

Firstly, there is a new experience of catholicity, of the Church’s universality. This is what struck the young people and all the participants quite directly: we come from every continent, but although we have never met one another, we know one another. We speak different languages, we have different ways of life and different cultural backgrounds, yet we are immediately united as one great family. Outward separation and difference is relativized. We are all moved by the one Lord Jesus Christ, in whom true humanity and at the same time the face of God himself is revealed to us. We pray in the same way. The same inner encounter with Jesus Christ has stamped us deep within with the same structure of intellect, will and heart. And finally, our common liturgy speaks to our hearts and unites us in a vast family. In this setting, to say that all humanity are brothers and sisters is not merely an idea: it becomes a real shared experience, generating joy. And so we have also understood quite concretely: despite all trials and times of darkness, it is a wonderful thing to belong to the worldwide Church that the Lord has given to us.

From this derives a new way of living our humanity, our Christianity. For me, one of the most important experiences of those days was the meeting with the World Youth Day volunteers: about 20,000 young people, all of whom devoted weeks or months of their lives to working on the technical, organizational and material preparations for World Youth Day, and who thus made it possible for the whole event to run smoothly. Those who give their time always give a part of their lives. At the end of the day, these young people were visibly and tangibly filled with a great sense of happiness: their time had meaning; in giving of their time and labour, they had found time, they had found life. And here something fundamental became clear to me: these young people had given a part of their lives in faith, not because it was asked of them, not in order to attain Heaven, nor in order to escape the danger of Hell. They did not do it in order to find fulfilment. They were not looking round for themselves. There came into my mind the image of Lot’s wife, who by looking round was turned into a pillar of salt. How often the life of Christians is determined by the fact that first and foremost they look out for themselves, they do good, so to speak, for themselves. And how great is the temptation of all people to be concerned primarily for themselves; to look round for themselves and in the process to become inwardly empty, to become “pillars of salt”. But here it was not a matter of seeking fulfilment or wanting to live one’s life for oneself. These young people did good, even at a cost, even if it demanded sacrifice, simply because it is a wonderful thing to do good, to be there for others. All it needs is the courage to make the leap. Prior to all of this is the encounter with Jesus Christ, inflaming us with love for God and for others, and freeing us from seeking our own ego. In the words of a prayer attributed to Saint Francis Xavier: I do good, not that I may come to Heaven thereby and not because otherwise you could cast me into Hell. I do it because of you, my King and my Lord. I came across this same attitude in Africa too, for example among the Sisters of Mother Teresa, who devote themselves to abandoned, sick, poor and suffering children, without asking anything for themselves, thus becoming inwardly rich and free. This is the genuinely Christian attitude. Equally unforgettable for me was the encounter with handicapped young people in the Saint Joseph Centre in Madrid, where I encountered the same readiness to put oneself at the disposal of others – a readiness that is ultimately derived from encounter with Christ, who gave himself for us.

A third element, that has an increasingly natural and central place in World Youth Days and in the spirituality that arises from them, is adoration. I still look back to that unforgettable moment during my visit to the United Kingdom, when tens of thousands of predominantly young people in Hyde Park responded in eloquent silence to the Lord’s sacramental presence, in adoration. The same thing happened again on a smaller scale in Zagreb and then again in Madrid, after the thunderstorm which almost ruined the whole night vigil through the failure of the microphones. God is indeed ever-present. But again, the physical presence of the risen Christ is something different, something new. The risen Lord enters into our midst. And then we can do no other than say, with Saint Thomas: my Lord and my God! Adoration is primarily an act of faith – the act of faith as such. God is not just some possible or impossible hypothesis concerning the origin of all things. He is present. And if he is present, then I bow down before him. Then my intellect and will and heart open up towards him and from him. In the risen Christ, the incarnate God is present, who suffered for us because he loves us. We enter this certainty of God’s tangible love for us with love in our own hearts. This is adoration, and this then determines my life. Only thus can I celebrate the Eucharist correctly and receive the body of the Lord rightly.

A further important element of the World Youth Days is the sacrament of Confession, which is increasingly coming to be seen as an integral part of the experience. Here we recognize that we need forgiveness over and over again, and that forgiveness brings responsibility. Openness to love is present in man, implanted in him by the Creator, together with the capacity to respond to God in faith. But also present, in consequence of man’s sinful history (Church teaching speaks of original sin) is the tendency that is opposed to love – the tendency towards selfishness, towards becoming closed in on oneself, in fact towards evil. Again and again my soul is tarnished by this downward gravitational pull that is present within me. Therefore we need the humility that constantly asks God for forgiveness, that seeks purification and awakens in us the counterforce, the positive force of the Creator, to draw us upwards.

Finally, I would like to speak of one last feature, not to be overlooked, of the spirituality of World Youth Days, namely joy. Where does it come from? How is it to be explained? Certainly, there are many factors at work here. But in my view, the crucial one is this certainty, based on faith: I am wanted; I have a task; I am accepted, I am loved. Joseph Pieper, in his book on love, has shown that man can only accept himself if he is accepted by another. He needs the other’s presence, saying to him, with more than words: it is good that you exist. Only from the You can the I come into itself. Only if it is accepted, can it accept itself. Those who are unloved cannot even love themselves. This sense of being accepted comes in the first instance from other human beings. But all human acceptance is fragile. Ultimately we need a sense of being accepted unconditionally. Only if God accepts me, and I become convinced of this, do I know definitively: it is good that I exist. It is good to be a human being. If ever man’s sense of being accepted and loved by God is lost, then there is no longer any answer to the question whether to be a human being is good at all. Doubt concerning human existence becomes more and more insurmountable. Where doubt over God becomes prevalent, then doubt over humanity follows inevitably. We see today how widely this doubt is spreading. We see it in the joylessness, in the inner sadness, that can be read on so many human faces today. Only faith gives me the conviction: it is good that I exist. It is good to be a human being, even in hard times. Faith makes one happy from deep within. That is one of the wonderful experiences of World Youth Days.
It would take too long now to go into detail concerning the encounter in Assisi, as the significance of the event would warrant. Let us simply thank God, that as representatives of the world’s religions and as representatives of thinking in search of truth, we were able to meet that day in a climate of friendship and mutual respect, in love for the truth and in shared responsibility for peace. So let us hope that, from this encounter, a new willingness to serve peace, reconciliation and justice has emerged.

As I conclude, I would like to thank all of you from my heart for shouldering the common mission that the Lord has given us as witnesses to his truth, and I wish all of you the joy that God wanted to bestow upon us through the incarnation of his Son. A blessed Christmas to you all!

O! King of the Gentiles

2011-12-22T06:21:00.000-10:00

O King of the Gentiles
and the longed-for Ruler of the nations, You are the cornerstone who make all one.

-Come and save those whom You have created.

*New Saint Joseph's People's Prayer Book

Mother Angelica's Classics - Christmas

2011-12-21T15:32:00.002-10:00

ACN News - Support for Jamaica’s unborn

2011-12-21T15:24:00.000-10:00

A center caring for expectant mothers and their unborn babies is the latest development in a pro-life campaign responding to pressure from international agencies to liberalize Jamaica’s abortion laws.

Help from a number of sources, including a grant from Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) of $40,000, enabled the Missionaries of the Poor to build the Holy Innocents Women in Crisis Center, which is expected to open in January 2012.

The center in Kingston, Jamaica, will be able to accommodate 20 mothers and their babies, as well as having facilities to provide day care for up to 200.

Fr. Richard Ho Lung, founder of the Missionaries of the Poor, said, “It turned out to be a very beautiful building, with the facilities to counsel women, to the house the women if it is necessary, whether temporarily or longer, and to take care of their babies and offer them services right through their pregnancy.”

Fr. Ho Lung described how the Missionaries of the Poor’s plans to care for the unborn, which the center is key to, developed in response to a determined push by international agencies to pressure Jamaica’s government into changing the country’s abortion laws.

Fr. Ho Lung discovered humanitarian aid to Jamaica was being tied to preconditions that the government would liberalize abortion. Under current laws, termination can only occur where there is fetal abnormality, a threat to the health of the mother, or if pregnancy is the result of rape or incest.

The founder of the Missionaries of the Poor said, “I called it ‘blood money,’ because international aid was now being tied up with international family planning agencies who espoused abortion.”

“The European Union and US AID must not have conditions tied to aid for building schools, or fixing roads, or helping hospitals, and so forth, and I called it internal interference in the running of our country’s life and politics.”

Fr. Ho Lung described how the Missionaries of the Poor organized doctors, nurses, teachers, students, and Christians across the ecumenical spectrum to oppose any liberalization of abortion.

The government shelved plans after a poll showed 65 percent of Jamaicans opposed any change in the law.

However, after the campaigning was over, Fr. Ho Lung felt that they needed to offer mothers an alternative to abortion.

Fr. Ho Lung said, “It seemed to me it is not enough just to say it’s wrong but that there had to be a positive, practical response.”

He described how a small community of Sisters had come into existence nine months ago as a result of the Missionaries of the Poor’s pro-life work.

The Sisters have taken a lead role in caring for babies and their mothers.

While the Holy Innocents Center is not yet fully operational, a clinic is already being run from the building and the Sisters attend to 80 to 100 expectant mothers every week.

Fr. Ho Lung said, “We have six Sisters now, and we have many who are requesting to join us, which was a surprise in Jamaica, which is not very Catholic.”

The Missionaries decided to limit the new community to a few Sisters until its first members are well formed in spiritual life and they “really understand their commitment to the homeless and destitute as well as women and babies who are in great need.”

Fr. Ho Lung said, “I think it’s God’s way of acting. I never thought of forming a community of Sisters; we have 600 brothers right now.”

The founder of the Missionaries of the Poor emphasized that the care given by the Sisters is free as will be all the facilities at the new center.

Fr. Ho Lung went on to thank ACN for its support.

He said, “Whether it’s medical services or something else all things are done free.”

“People see this as a miracle of Faith that so much gets done just by simply trusting in the Lord and trusting in Christ working in the lives of generous people.”

“And that’s where I think Aid to the Church in Need really is a most helpful agency. They have been one of our most important charitable agencies helping the Missionaries of the Poor.”

With image of Fr. Richard Ho Lung, founder of the Missionaries of the Poor

Editor’s Notes:

Founded in 1947 by Father Werenfried van Straaten, whom Pope John Paul II named “An Outstanding Apostle of Charity,” the organization is now at work in over 145 countries throughout the world.

O! Radient Dawn

2011-12-21T06:19:00.000-10:00

O Radiant Dawn,
You are the Brightness of eternal light
and the Sun of justice.

-Come to enlighten those who sit in darkness
and in the shadow of death.

*New Saint Joseph People's Prayer Book

Saint Josemaria Escrivá and the Baby Jesus

2011-12-20T11:56:00.000-10:00

St Josemaria with a figure of the Christ Child in his arms talking to people in Opus Dei in Rome, Christmas 1972
Father Josemaría's Baby Jesus

Catholics Come Home Major Evangelization Campaign - Fox News Story

2011-12-20T11:26:00.000-10:00

Click here to watch

Tune-in!
Below is a small sample of upcoming Catholics Come Home® commercial air times. The national campaign will air 450 spots total, appearing on various stations, dates and times:

NBC Evening News - Wed 12/20, approx 6:44pm EST
FOX News - Wed 12/20, approx 8:36pm EST
NBC Early Morning Today - Thurs 12/21, approx 7:26am EST
TNT - Friday 12/23: approx 3:43pm EST, 7:28pm EST, 8:27pm EST
Hallmark Movie Channel - Friday 12/23 EST, approx 7:39pm EST

EWTN: Two Weeks of Posts Merry Christmas!

2011-12-20T11:21:00.000-10:00

What Do Tolstoy, Dickens, James Cagney, Christopher Plummer, and Stockard Channing Have in Common?
All Are Part of EWTN's Christmas Programming

Irondale, AL – From “The Passion of the Christ” Producer Stephen McEveety comes “The Star of Bethlehem,” a one-hour documentary that proves the existence of the star that guided the Wise Men to the Baby Jesus. Airs 9:30 p.m. ET, Thursday, Dec. 22; 5 p.m. ET, Monday, Dec. 26; and 2 p.m. ET, Thursday, Dec. 29 on EWTN. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

Some movies are like candy; here today, gone today! Others stand the test of time. “A Link in the Chain” is one of the latter. James Cagney stars in the role of a retiring college professor who, wondering whether or not he's made a difference in the lives of his students, begins to reflect on his relationship with them. Airs 11 a.m. ET, Thursday, Dec. 22; and 3 a.m. ET and 6:30 p.m. ET, Wednesday, Dec. 28 on EWTN. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” with Ebenezer Scrooge may be one of the best-known of this beloved author’s works, but Dickens has not been called the greatest novelist of the Victorian era for nothing! Don’t miss “The Chimes,” another of his works, this week on EWTN! Watch as chiming church bells magically transport a poor and discouraged 19th Century porter to the future where his hope is renewed. Airs 4:30 p.m. ET, Friday, Dec. 23, and 4 p.m. ET, Friday, Dec. 30 on EWTN. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

What will the chorus at Catholic University of America sing during this year’s Christmas Concert? Find out when “Catholic University of America's Christmas Concert (2011)” comes to EWTN. Airs 2 p.m. ET, Tuesday, Dec. 27, and 4 p.m. ET, Saturday, Dec. 31. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

Tajci was the Madonna of Croatia, but the Lord had others plans for her. Watch “Tajci: A Christmas Broadcast Special” on EWTN to see and hear her now! Airs 11 a.m. ET, Sunday, Dec. 25, and 9 p.m. ET, Monday, Dec. 26 – exclusively on EWTN. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

The great Russian Author Leo Tolstoy is known for novels like “War and Peace;” he couldn’t possibly have written a children’s tale, could he? Tune in as EWTN airs “Martin The Cobbler.” Based on Tolstoy’s children's classic, this story follows a lonelyshoemaker who rediscovers his faith in God. Narrated by Tolstoy's daughter Alexandra. Airs 9:30 a.m. ET, Saturday, Dec. 24 on EWTN. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

Christopher Plummer (“Sound of Music”) narrates “The First Christmas,” the timeless Nativity story for the enjoyment of your whole family! With a musical background of familiar carols, this engaging special will be a favorite in your home. Airs 4:35 p.m. ET, Thursday, Dec. 22, and 4:35 p.m. ET, Monday, Dec. 26 on EWTN. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

“Gift of Peace” is a Christmas treat that covers the first six chapters of the Gospel of Luke. Watch Acclaimed Actor Leonardo Defilippis capture Jesus Christ’s infancy and early ministry, as he transforms himself into suspicious Zechariah, the trusting and humble young Mary, the cynical Pharisees, the delightful Peter, and Jesus the Beloved Savior. Airs 10 p.m. ET, Friday, Dec. 23; and 2 p.m. ET, Saturday, Dec. 24 on EWTN. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

Celebrate Mass on Christmas Eve with Pope Benedict XVI. Airs live from St. Peter’s Basilica at 4 p.m. ET, Saturday, Dec. 24, with encores at 8 a.m. ET and 6 p.m. ET, Sunday, Dec. 25 on EWTN. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

Enjoy musical compositions for the Birth of Our Lord by the famed choir from the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. Airs live 10 p.m. ET, Saturday, Dec. 24 on EWTN. Find EWN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

See the Solemn Mass of Christmas Eve celebrated live from the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. Airs 10:30 p.m. ET, Saturday, Dec. 24 on EWTN. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

Join EWTN’s own Friars as they celebrate the Solemn Christmas Mass from EWTN’s Chapel in Irondale, Alabama. Airs live at 1 a.m. ET, Sunday, Dec.. 25, with an encore at 12 a.m. ET, Monday, Dec. 26 – exclusively on EWTN. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

Live from St. Peter’s Square in Rome, join the Holy Father for his always inspiring Christmas Day message to the world, better known as “Urbi Et Orbi: Message and Blessing.” Airs 6 a.m. ET and 10 p.m. ET, Sunday, Dec. 25; 9 a.m. ET, Wednesday, Dec. 28, and 11 p.m. ET, Saturday, Dec. 31 on EWTN. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

Watch the Solemn Mass of Christmas Day live from the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. Airs 12 p.m. ET, Sunday, Dec. 25 on EWTN. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

Forget Times Square! Tune in to EWTN on New Year’s Eve to watch the Holy Father as he presides at the first Vespers of Thanksgiving in St. Peter’s Basilica and then visits the crèche in St. Peter's Square. Airs 11 a.m. ET, and 5 p.m. ET, Saturday, Dec. 31 on EWTN. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

Stockard Channing narrates a charming fable based on Tolstoy’s classic tale about a lost young man with an amazing secret! Don’t miss “Michael the Visitor.” Airs 4 p.m. ET, Tuesday, Dec. 27 on EWTN. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

You and your children will love “Hermie and Friends: A Fruitcake Christmas!” In this charming tale, Hermie and his bug friends have a Christmas mystery on their hands when Granny Pillar's long-anticipated fruitcake disappears. An adventure ensues that leads everyone to make a decision between selfishness and sharing. Airs 4 p.m. ET, Thursday, Dec. 22, and 4 p.m. ET, Monday, Dec. 26 – exclusively on EWTN. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

Help your child understand the true meaning of Christmas! Watch “We Celebrate Christmas: The Birth of Jesus.” In this special, Lammy, the loveable puppet, guides children through the Nativity story, with lots of singing, dancing, and good old fashioned fun. Airs 5:30 p.m. ET, Thursday, Dec. 22, and 4:30 p.m. ET, Wednesday, Dec. 28 – exclusively on EWTN. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

If you love the music of international recording star known as “Dana,” you will love “Dana: Our Family Christmas.” Airs 6 p.m. ET, Thursday, Dec. 22 and 11 p.m. ET, Monday, Dec. 26 – exclusively on EWTN. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

Hear the San Juan Children’s Choir as they sing “Siempre Navidad.” Airs 1 p.m. ET, Saturday, Dec. 24 – exclusively on EWTN. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

Looking for a Christmas miracle? Watch “A Time To Remember,” the story of a young boy who develops his gift of song, withthe help of a beloved priest. It's a journey that requires faith, perseverance, and, yes, a Christmas miracle! Airs 8 p.m. ET, Saturday, Dec. 24, and 1 p.m. ET, Monday, Dec. 26 on EWTN. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

Looking for the perfect children’s book? Consider “Friendship with Jesus,” the breathtaking result of Author Amy Welborn and Artist Ann Engelhart’s collaboration on a children’s picture book. The author and the artist talk to Host Doug Keck about their book, which illustrates the joys of friendship with Jesus, on this week’s “Bookmark.” Airs 5:30 p.m ET, Wednesday, Dec. 21 – exclusively on EWTN. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

Have you hit a roadblock in your relationship with the Lord? Prayer, which once filled you with insight and consolation, now feels like you are talking into a void. St. John of the Cross offers you his wise counsel as a roadmapthrough rough terrain. Order “Strength in Darkness” from EWTN Religious Catalogue at http://bit.ly/vzH1KL.

Catholic History of Christmas in Hawaii

2011-12-20T09:57:00.002-10:00

Archival photo of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace

Picture source: Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace, Honolulu

Local author Bob Sigall wrote a very interesting column last Friday about how Christmas was first celebrated in the Islands. Actually, the Puritans did not celebrate Christmas. It was in fact the sailors who in 1786 celebrated in a festive way, the birth of Christ.

Picture source

...Capt. George Dixon had a pig roasted. The crew made pies, and grog was mixed with coconut milk. The crew toasted friends and family at home in England, and the miles between the two island kingdoms were bridged for a moment. It was Hawaii's first Christmas dinner...

...Catholics first came to Hawaii in 1826 and did celebrate Christmas. Their spirit slowly infected the missionary wives, who, by 1837, began to join the festivities. They made quiet shopping trips to town where local shopkeepers had begun stocking their shelves with Christmas toys. They talked about what they should cook and whom they should invite to the coming holiday dinner...

On Christmas Eve the Catholic Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace was illuminated with wreaths of light. Inside, the altars were beautifully decorated, and more than a thousand candles were lit. The tree at the Fort Street Church carried more than 200 small lights, and its branches were burdened with gifts for more than 70 students, with no two gifts alike. Midnight Christmas services concluded, then the gun batteries at Punchbowl Crater were fired.

The king and the bishop began their slow procession to the palace. Behind them walked a choir, and 20 torch-bearers lit the way for the members of the congregation.

Throughout the streets of Honolulu the procession marched in slow cadence, singing Christmas carols. Christmas had come to Hawaii.
...

Source: Honolulu Advertiser - First Christmas in Hawaii was Celebrated by Sailors

O! Key of David

2011-12-20T06:17:00.000-10:00

O Key of David,
and Royal Power of Israel,
You open what no one can shut,
and You shut what no one can open.

-Come and deliver Your people
imprisoned by darkness and the shadow of death.

*New Saint Joseph People's Prayer Book

ACN News - Pakistan – More false accusations against Christians

2011-12-19T13:05:00.000-10:00

The Archdiocese of Lahore has denied reports that a 24-year-old Catholic burned pages of the Qur’an.

Allegations that Khuram Masih destroyed part of the Muslim holy book are baseless and many media reports of the case are inaccurate, a spokesman for the archdiocese told Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN).

The spokesman said Mr. Masih was arrested on December 6, having been falsely accused by his Hindu girlfriend, who he had been living with “out of wedlock,” as his parents strongly objected to the wedding.

According to the archdiocese, the family of the Muslim owner of the house in which the couple was living put pressure on the young woman, blackmailing her after she would not convert to Islam by threatening her with stoning for “living in sin.”

Told she would be killed if she did not co-operate, Mr. Masih’s Hindu girlfriend was forced to call the police and accuse him of burning pagers from the Qur’an to cook tea over the fire.

When the police failed to find Mr. Masih at home, they arrested his nephew.

Khuram Masih then went to the police station in order to find out what was going on, but by that time a mob had gathered in front of the station wanting to set fire to the building and kill him.

At present, the young man is in jail awaiting his trial.

While other versions of Khuram Masih’s arrest have been published by numerous media outlets, in which he is accused of burning the pages when disposing of rubbish from a building job, the diocese’s spokesman dismissed these as inaccurate.

A Pakistani Muslim attorney who defends victims against accusations of blasphemy, but whose name cannot because of fears of attack, told ACN earlier this month that 95 percent of all blasphemy allegations are false, and made with the intention of harming or taking revenge on someone.

Under Pakistan’s blasphemy law, which was introduced in 1986, insulting the Qur’an can be punished by life imprisonment, and insulting the Prophet Mohammed is punishable by death.

According to the Catholic Church’s Commission for Justice and Peace of the Catholic Church in Pakistan, which documents these cases, 38 persons, including 14 Christians, were accused of blasphemy last year.

ACN supports the work of the Commission, which among other things finances legal representation for indigent defendants.

Editor’s Notes:

Founded in 1947 by Father Werenfried van Straaten, whom Pope John Paul II named “An Outstanding Apostle of Charity,” the organization is now at work in over 145 countries throughout the world.

Christmas Childhood Memories via Cartoons

2011-12-19T11:48:00.001-10:00

From the very touching and funny Mr. Magoo's A Christmas Carol.

Bob Cratchit Family Dinner song

All Alone in the World...One of the saddest song in cartoon land.

The Grinch's Song

Click here to watch. Note: There is a direction to click to see a cute video. I wouldn't do that ... just in case.

A Charlie Brown Christmas - Dance Scene

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer - Island of Misfit Toys

Santa Claus is Coming to Town - The Burger Meister Meister Burger

The Little Drummer Boy - Very sad and very touching part of any Christmas cartoon as well as the other sad song.

What are some of your favorites?

O! Root of Jesse

2011-12-19T06:15:00.000-10:00

O! Root of Jesse,
raised up as a sign of all peoples,
in Your presence kings become mute
and the nations worship before You.

- Come to deliver us and do not delay.

*New Saint Joseph People's Prayer Book

O! Sacred Lord

2011-12-18T06:13:00.002-10:00

O sacred Lord,
and Leader of ancient Israel,
You communicated with Moses at the burning bush
and gave Him the law on Mount Sinai.

- Come to set us free by Your mighty arm.

*New Saint Joseph People's Prayer Book

Actor Joe Pesci is a "True Goodfella" to the Salesian Sisters of North Haledon, New Jersey

2011-12-17T10:35:00.000-10:00

Picture source

My mom read me the following article and I thought it was worth sharing.

A True "Goodfella"

O! Wisdom

2011-12-17T10:13:00.000-10:00

O Wisdom,
holy Word of God,
you rule all creation with power and true concern.
- Come to teach us the way of salvation.

* New Saint Joseph People's Prayer Book

EWTN Launches Catholic Television Programming In Ukraine

2011-12-16T17:43:00.000-10:00

An Historic First in Ukraine’s History

Irondale, AL – EWTN Global Catholic Network was launched Dec. 8 in Kyiv, the capital and largest city in Ukraine. At the invitation of Archbishop Mieczyslaw Mokrzycki, head of the Roman Catholic Bishops’ Conference, and through the cooperation and support of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI), who operate the Catholic Media Centre (CMC) in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Kyiv-Zhytomyr, EWTN was able to launch on Volia, the largest cable television operator in the country.

The Network’s Catholic television programming immediately began streaming 24-hours-a-day on Channel 137. EWTN’s programs are initially being broadcast in English, but the Oblates are already translating a growing number of these programs into Ukrainian.

With great joy, Kyiv Archbishop Petro Malchuk visited the CMC, where EWTN’s studios are located, for the Dec. 8 launch. After celebrating the Solemn Mass of the Immaculate Conception, he blessed the workers, the studio and its equipment, and placed the entire facility under the protection of Mary Immaculate, whose feast day it was.

In his remarks, the Archbishop noted that the area had just been blessed with its first snowfall. He said that this snowfall, which will irrigate the ground, was symbolic of EWTN coming to Ukraine and bringing God’s grace to the hearts of those who will view it. Archbishop Malchuk then pressed the button which launched EWTN’s programming.

“Today, for the first time in the history of Ukraine, we have launched Catholic television” said CMC Director Fr. Pavlo Vyshkovskyy, OMI. “As of today, we are able to broadcast only in Kyiv, but we pray to God that it will be possible to watch EWTN TV in other cities of Ukraine as well. We need the prayers and support of many people for that.”

EWTN Global Catholic Network, in its 30^th year, is available in over 160 million television households in more than 140 countries and territories. With its direct broadcast satellite television and radio services, AM & FM radio networks, worldwide short-wave radio station, Internet website www.ewtn.com, electronic and print news services, and publishing arm, EWTN is the largest religious media network in the world.

Blessed Marianne Cope from state of New York is one step away from being declared a Saint

2011-12-15T13:21:00.002-10:00

Prayer Request for the Repose of the Soul of Eddie's Dad

2011-12-15T11:38:00.002-10:00

by William-Adolphe Bouguereau

Picture source

The first tweet I read early this morning was a shocking one. My husband's colleague had died Tuesday evening. Tragically, he died in the same building where his three year old little boy accidentally fell seven years ago. Ed not surprisingly, never got over the death of his only child. What parent could! Who can understand the pain, sorrow, guilt, loss he and his wife must have felt at the sudden death of their baby? Who can judge his actions? May God have mercy on him.

Although, I never met him personally, I feel the loss because my husband feels the loss. I still have the set of earrings he gave my husband to give me as a welcome to Hawaii gift over 18 years ago. He was also from my home state of New Jersey.

Article

Eternal rest grant unto Ed O Lord and may Your perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace.

ACN News - Afghanistan – Making Christ known in the war zone

2011-12-13T17:43:00.000-10:00

Young soldiers serving in Afghanistan are finding out more about their Catholic faith thanks to international charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), which is committed to spreading the Gospel.

In response to a request from British Army chaplain Fr. David Smith, ACN provided books about the Catholic faith and prayer cards to help with the pastoral care of 400 service personnel.

Fr. Smith, who serves in Helmand Province with the Second Battalion of the Mercian Regiment, described how he arrived in Afghanistan and found that many in the armed forces wanted to know more about their faith.

When he contacted ACN, the charity responded by sending prayer cards and copies of YouCat, the Catholic Church’s new youth catechism, which the organization helped to produce.

These resources have meant the chaplain can hold catechism classes every Friday night, followed by the Rosary and Benediction.

In a message to ACN, Fr. Smith, who is the only Catholic chaplain at the UK’s main operating base in Afghanistan’s Helmand Province, Camp Bastion, said, “There’s a real hunger to know more about the Catholic religion.”

Pointing out that most UK soldiers complete their military service and return to civilian life before the age of 25, he said, “Many of these young people have been short-changed by the Catholic education system and have left Catholic school not even knowing what the Blessed Sacrament is.”

“It’s no wonder so many of them lapse from the practice of their faith. So I decided to try and do something about it.”

Fr. Smith described how all three armed forces, the Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force, have Catholic chaplains working alongside service personnel.

He said, “The Sacraments are celebrated, catechesis is given and help and support is offered to our young people doing a very demanding job in the service of their country. No more so than in Afghanistan at the moment.”

The chaplain celebrates Mass every day and three times on a Sunday.

In addition to looking after the Catholic soldiers, Fr. Smith provides pastoral care for the large number of foreign civilian contractors who are working alongside the military.

Fr. Smith expressed his gratitude to the Catholic charity for its help with his pastoral work.

He said, “Thank you ACN for your support for our young soldiers who are serving their country under such difficult circumstances.”

Fr. Smith asked ACN’s friends and benefactors to pray for military chaplains and service personnel.

With image of Fr. David Smith and soldiers with ACN catechetical resources.

Editor’s Notes:

Founded in 1947 by Father Werenfried van Straaten, whom Pope John Paul II named “An Outstanding Apostle of Charity,” the organization is now at work in over 145 countries throughout the world.

ACN News - Pakistan – 95 percent of blasphemy charges are false

2011-12-13T17:19:00.000-10:00

Ninety-five percent of prosecutions in Pakistan for insulting the Prophet Mohammed or the Qur’an are false, according to a high-profile Muslim lawyer in the country.

According to the legal expert, who cannot be named for security reasons, in most cases the law is abused by people bent on carrying out a personal vendetta.

In a statement given to Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), the Catholic charity for persecuted and other suffering Christians, the lawyer claimed that almost all prosecutions are against poor people who have “no status in society” and cannot defend themselves.

The lawyer said he and his family had received threats from people violently opposed to his work representing Christians, Muslims and others accused of blasphemy.

But he said he was undeterred adding that he sees it as “his duty to protect poor and innocent people from injustice” and takes no fees in such cases.

He stated that for him it fulfills his “promise to help defenseless people.”

The lawyer’s statement comes at a time of heightened concern about Pakistan’s infamous Blasphemy Laws.

The Blasphemy Laws were introduced in the 1980s and controversy centers around Articles 295B, which sentences people guilty of desecrating the Qur’an to life imprisonment, and 295C, which imposes the death penalty on those who insult the Prophet Mohammed.

An international campaign is ongoing in the case of mother-of-five Asia Bibi who is on death row after being found guilty of blasphemy last year and in March Federal Minister for Minorities Shahbaz Bhatti was killed after publicly criticizing Pakistan’s Blasphemy Laws.

In his ACN statement, the lawyer highlighted abuses against the law both in court proceedings and police investigations, claiming that massive workload meant that cases were not investigated properly.

According to Pakistan law, evidence must be gathered within 14 days. The accused is arrested and incarcerated if the evidence suggests he is guilty.

Evidence gathering often takes 14 months during which time the accused is in jail.

The legal expert claimed people were often too afraid to appear in court to defend someone accused of blasphemy.

According to the lawyer, the defendant often faces court proceedings alone, whereas the prosecution receives huge support.

The lawyer stated, “The accused enters the courtroom alone and in handcuffs while the accuser appears along with 40 or 60 bearded men to support him.”

According to the Catholic Church’s Commission for Justice and Peace in Pakistan, 38 people were accused of blasphemy last year, of whom 14 were Christians.

With picture of poor people in Pakistan.

Editor’s Notes:

Founded in 1947 by Father Werenfried van Straaten, whom Pope John Paul II named “An Outstanding Apostle of Charity,” the organization is now at work in over 145 countries throughout the world.

Our Lady of Guadalupe - Video

2011-12-12T09:33:00.001-10:00

Thanks Father Vince!

THE IMAGE OF OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE

2011-12-12T09:22:00.000-10:00

Picture source
Reprinted with permission.

Icon of the Church in the Americas

by Brother John M. Samaha, S.M.

With her head tilted to the right, her hazel eyes are cast downward in an expression of gentleness and concern. The mantle covering her head and shoulders is turquoise, studded with gold stars and bordered in gold. Her hair is jet black and her complexion is olive. She stands alone, her hands clasped in prayer, an angel at her feet.

We have all seen her image. She is Our Lady of Guadalupe, a life-sized portrayal of the Virgin Mary as she appeared in 1531 on the cactus-cloth tilma, or cape, of St. Juan Diego, an Aztec peasant and devout convert. This happened merely a dozen years after Hernan Cortes had conquered the land that is now Mexico for the monarchy of Spain. Almost five centuries later the colors of that portrait have remained as vibrant as if painted this year. The coarse, woven, cactus cloth shows no signs of fading or deterioration, although that type of material seldom lasts 20 years.

Today the image is preserved behind an impenetrable glass screen in the basilica at Mexico City. Pilgrims can view it from a distance of 25 feet. Each year more than 10 million persons venerate the mysterious image of the Virgin of Guadalupe, making this shrine the most popular in the Catholic world after St. Peter’s Basilica at Vatican City. The Mexican faithful refer to her lovingly as La Morenita.

In 1979 when Pope John Paul II visited the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, he acknowledged the enduring appeal of this unique portrait, addressing the Virgin directly: “When the first missionaries who reached America . . . taught the rudiments of the Christian faith, they also taught love for you, the Mother of Jesus and of all people. And ever since the time that the Indian Juan Diego spoke of the sweet Lady of Tepeyac, you, Mother of Guadalupe, have entered decisively into the Christian life of the people of Mexico.”

Accounts abound of the miraculous events attributed to the Virgin of Guadalupe. In the early 17th century when floods almost destroyed Mexico City, her image escaped unharmed. In 1921 during the Mexican Revolution, a bomb was planted in flowers placed before the altar behind which the image hung. When the bomb exploded, no one was hurt, but the altar was badly damaged. Yet not even the glass covering the picture was broken.

This venerable icon has come to be regarded widely as the national symbol of Mexico. Her image is found everywhere, even in unlikely places.

Forty years after La Morenita appeared to St. Juan Diego, she may have been responsible for a significant turning point in the history of Western civilization. Throughout Europe copies of the holy image had been circulated. One of the first copies was given to Admiral Giovanni Andrea Doria, grandnephew of the renowned Admiral Andrea Doria. The young admiral took the picture aboard his flagship when he assumed command of a flotilla of ships sailing from Genoa to the Gulf of Lepanto.

Some 300 Turkish Muslim ships stood in battle array blocking entrance to the Gulf. A Christian massed navy of almost the same number of ships attempted to meet the Turks head on, but were outmaneuvered by the Turkish force.

Doria’s squadron was cut off from the rest of the Christian fleet. At this crucial hour Doria went to his cabin and knelt in prayer before the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe. He implored her to save his men and his ships. Miraculously by nightfall the tide of battle turned. One Turkish squadron was captured, and others were thrown into panic and disarray. Much of the Turkish fleet was destroyed. That day 15,000 Christians enslaved in the Turks’ galleys were freed. The Christian victory in the Battle of Lepanto was the last great naval battle fought under oars.

To this day Our Lady of Guadalupe continues to work wonders large and small, noticed and unnoticed.

Why hasn’t the holy image deteriorated after almost five centuries? Why do the colors remain bright? Why hasn’t the crude fabric shown signs of disintegration? The search for answers to these questions, regularly pursued by experts, persists from generation to generation. What they have learned is fascinating. However, the scientific investigations defy natural explanations.

Although the picture has been touched up from time to time, there is proof that the original image is made in a manner no artist has been able to imitate or to explain. Of particular interest is the fact that the eyes of the Virgin are done in a way never seen before in any painting.

Yet the greater, ongoing miracle is how the lives of millions are touched by Our Mother of Guadalupe.

Sunday Night Live Father Groeschel's Guest Paterson Bishop Serratelli

2011-12-10T14:40:00.002-10:00

ACN-USA News: Zimbabwe - Acts of violence in advance of elections

2011-12-10T14:22:00.000-10:00

ACN-USA News

12/9/2011

Zimbabwe – Acts of violence in advance of elections

In advance of the elections in Zimbabwe planned for 2012 there have been repeated acts of violence against critics and opponents of the Mugabe regime.

This was reported to the international Catholic pastoral charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) by observers from Church circles.

Priests who are active in the Church Commission for Justice and Peace have been harassed.

All those who express their political opinions are arrested, or, if they are foreigners, expelled from the country.

According to the sources, young people are deliberately trained to use violence.

Gangs of thugs are sent into residential districts to check whether the inhabitants have membership cards of the ruling ZANU (Zimbabwe African National Union) party.

Anybody who does not possess one is beaten up and his house is set on fire. Those who are formally members of the party are forced to attend its political rallies or they, too, are beaten up.

It is reported that the government also uses training camps in a further attempt to destroy the moral values of the youth.

There, “masses of condoms and beer are handed out.” Then it is possible to “do whatever they want with the young people, and teach them violence, theft and other crimes.”

Policemen try to get the girls drunk, and they then become infected with AIDS and are made pregnant, without knowing who the child’s father is.

The Church is trying to provide targeted pastoral care to protect young people from suffering moral damage.

Although the situation in Zimbabwe has largely disappeared from the international media, there is still “no democracy.”

It is to be hoped that the coming elections will run better than in the past. In the previous elections, “fraud was committed wherever it was possible.”

However, “the possibility cannot be excluded that there might be a revolution if next year’s elections are not free and fair.”

Many members of the population are “prepared to do the same as has already been done in North Africa.”

Nevertheless, many people are afraid to vote because of the fear of violence.

Editor’s Notes:

Founded in 1947 by Father Werenfried van Straaten, whom Pope John Paul II named “An Outstanding Apostle of Charity,” the organization is now at work in over 145 countries throughout the world.

MARY’S INFLUENCE ON CONVERTS

2011-12-10T12:34:00.001-10:00

Picture source
Used with permission.

by Brother John M. Samaha, S.M.

Among the religious and cultural factors that influence converts to enter into full communion with the Church, the Blessed Virgin Mary holds particular prominence. Yet she is not the possession of the Catholic Church solely, for many Protestant churches are rediscovering the presence and role of Mary in life’s pilgrimage of faith.

Before embracing Catholicism, Blessed John Henry Newman, probably the most famous convert in the last two centuries, formulated an explanation of the development of doctrines in the Catholic Church, especially the Marian doctrines. He explained that the saving truths of revelation were not given by God in timeless and static expression, but as dynamic and life-giving truths which continue to unfold and develop. In An Essay on the Development of Christian Doctrine Newman wrote: “Growth is the only evidence of life.” Ideas live in our minds and continually enlarge into fuller development. “In a higher world it is otherwise, but here below to live is to change, and to be perfect is to have changed often.”
To believe in the ongoing prayer and care of Mary for the faithful is to find the Virgin Mother’s assistance in times of transitions, of new beginnings, of wandering and searching. Sacred Scripture shows us that Mary is the Virgin of beginnings and transitions (Annunciation, Cana, Pentecost), and the Virgin of spiritual searching (Presentation, Finding in the Temple, Cana, Calvary). It is quite natural then to experience her motherly presence in the struggles which accompany conversion, according to Father René Laurentin in A Year of Grace with Mary.

Conversions to Catholicism develop from a complex of various factors. They result from conviction and personal experience. But also at play are conditions and developments in the Church and society that often help or hinder conversions. An instance of that scenario is nineteenth century England in which that period’s theological ferment and liberalism and the decision of the British government to suppress a number of Anglican bishoprics gave rise to the Oxford Movement, which questioned the Anglican Church’s legitimacy. The consequence was a number of conversions by prominent intellectuals from 1840-1920, the most noteworthy being John Henry Newman. These converts were usually imbued with an understanding of the Virgin Mary and their devotion to her often preceded their entry into the Catholic Church.

John Henry Newman (1801-1890)

Following his conversion in 1845, Blessed John Henry Newman journeyed to Rome. Upon his return as a Catholic priest he wrote that he “went round by Loreto.” As a pilgrim to the Holy House he wanted “to get the Blessed Virgin’s blessing.” Then he commented about Mary’s presence in his life. “I have ever been in her shadow, if I may say it. My college was St. Mary’s, and my church; and when I went to Littlemore, there, by my own previous disposition, our Blessed Lady was waiting for me. Nor did she do nothing for me in that low habitation, of which I always think with pleasure.”

As an Anglican, Newman thought that the Catholic Church’s Marian doctrine and devotion were exaggerated. But in his study of the development of doctrine, he discovered that it was consistent with the early church. “I was convinced by the Fathers,” he explained. The early Father and ancient Christian writers viewed Mary as the New Eve. Newman came to understand Mary in patristic terms. He understood the Immaculate Conception was based on Mary’s holiness, a concept present in the Fathers, and the Assumption was rooted in her dignity as Mother of God, another concept from the early Christian writers.

Although Newman had reservations about some teachings of the Catholic Church while an Anglican, he nevertheless was devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary. In his Apologia pro Vita Sua he proclaimed, “In spite of my ingrained fears of Rome, and the decision of my reason and conscience against her usages, in spite of my affection for Oxford and Oriel, yet I had a secret longing love of Rome, the Mother of Christianity, and I had a true devotion to the Blessed Virgin, in whose college I lived, whose altar I served, and whose Immaculate Purity I had in one of my earliest printed sermons made much of.”

Newman’s reluctance concerning the Virgin Mary, his “great crux” regarding Catholicism, were the “expressions of popular feelings toward the Blessed Virgin” and the intemperate statements of some Catholic authors concerning Mary. Later, when responding to Dr. Pusey’s Eirenicon, which contained numerous examples of exaggerated practices and devotions to Mary, Newman made a clear distinction between the Church’s doctrines and officially sanctioned prayers and practices, and the many expressions of popular devotions, sometimes questionable in taste and in theology. “Belief is separate from devotion; belief is the same everywhere, whereas expressions of devotion differ from place to place.” Newman also noted that cultural differences become manifest in expressions of devotion, indicating that there exists a legitimate “English style” in the expression of devotion. These distinctions between officially approved doctrine and devotion, and the many practices of popular devotion, which frequently reflect a cultural bias, have helped many along the journey of conversion.

Such was the experience of this famous convert and devotee of the Mother of the Redeemer.

Ronald A. Knox (1888-1957)

Another noteworthy English convert swayed by Mary’s influence is Ronald Arbuthnot Knox, a brilliant scholar and classicist. This Anglican clergyman embraced the Catholic Church in 1917, and was ordained a priest in 1919. Widely hailed as “Rome’s biggest catch after Newman,” his book,
A Spiritual Aeneid, ranks with Newman’s Apologia as a classic and impressive conversion story.

His interest in Mary stems from his fascination with English heritage and his attraction to Anglo-Catholicism. Among his earliest remembrances of the Blessed Virgin were his image on his school’s coat of arms and the prayers used in the chapel services.

“Thus although I did not ask for her prayers, I had a strong
sense of the patronage of the Mother of God. Her name was
part of our title; her lilies figure on our coat of arms; the blue of her robe you could easily see on the blazers of the Eight and the caps of the Eleven. And perhaps, after all, in the wide sympathies of her compassionate heart there is a special place for her children at Eton. I only know that it was the easiest thing in the world, on any of her feasts, to arrange for the singing at college prayers of that rather sentimental Ancient and Modern hymn which begins. ‘Shall we not love thee, Mother dear.’”

Although his father opposed his enthusiasm for Anglo-Catholicism, young Knox spent one college vacation with a group of Anglican Benedictines who “went over to Rome en masse.” It was his fond hope as an Anglican that one day England would reclaim its Marian heritage: “England will once again become the dowry of Mary, and the Church of England will once again be builded on the rock she was hewn from, and find a place, although it be a place of penitence and tears, in the eternal purposes of God.” In a sermon he delivered in 1913 he alluded to Mary’s interest in what was once her country:

“Mary…has not forgotten her children just because they have run away from their school master, and unlearnt their lessons, and are trying to find their way home again, humbled and terrified in the darkness.” When ordained a deacon in the Anglican Church he wrote: “I took a private vow, which I always kept, never to preach without making some reference to our Lady Mary, by way of satisfaction for the neglect of other preachers.”

The Anglican Church’s silence concerning Mary troubled Knox. Even before his conversion he wrote:

“I cannot resist making an appeal to all those who are attached to ‘old-fashioned views’ of the person of our Saviour, to reflect whether such views are afforded a proper devotional safeguard, so long as praises of, or prayers to, the Mother of God are either energetically repudiated or thrust away into a corner. Ever since the Nestorian controversy, the divine mystery of the Theotokos has been regarded with special honor, in protest against incomplete theories of the Incarnation.”

Once he left the Anglican Church and his post at Shrewsbury, he was aware of “the loneliness of a soul forced by conscientious motives to detach itself from loved surroundings and familiar friends and launch out into the deep.” At that time he recalled a line from Virgil’s Aeneid, “land showed no longer; all about was sky and sea.” He took the Latin words for sea and sky, maria and caelum, to represent Mary and heaven. And he thought, “Perhaps I was not so lonely after all.”

G. K. Chesterton (1874-1937)

One more renowned English convert of Marian significance is Gilbert Keith Chesterton. A distinguished essayist, poet, novelist and outstanding apologist, Chesterton was raised in a family that did not share the typical Protestant antipathy toward the Virgin Mary. “Our Lady was respected, though of course not invoked.”

When a youngster he turned into a poem for Mary the blasphemous lines of Algernon Swinburne’s poem to the pagan queen of death.

“But I turn to her still, having seen she shall surely abide in the end.

Goddess and maiden and queen, be near me now and befriend.”

A poem of his youth, The Nativity of Botticelli, attests, to his understanding or Mary’s role in the Incarnation.

In a letter to Chesterton written in 1907, Hilaire Belloc suggested that he search for a “first certitude” on which everything else depends. Belloc told Chesterton they agreed on two points: the Incarnation and Mary. Belloc explained:

“…in looking up to our dear Lady, the blessed Mother of God, I recommend to you that you suggest to her a comprehension for yourself, of what indeed is the permanent home of the soul. If it is here, you will see it; if it is there, you will see it. She never fails us. She has never failed in my demand. If you say ‘I want this’ as in your case to know one way or the other, she will give it you, as she will give health or necessary money or success in pure love. She is our Blessed Mother.”

His early writings, such as Orthodoxy (1908) and Ballad of the White Horse (1911), led others to anticipate his entry into the Catholic Church in 1922. This final step was the result of a promise made at a Marian shrine in Italy.

Chesterton wrote in 1934 that Mary represented the “collective unity of Catholic life” about which Protestants had such strange notions.
“Now I can scarcely remember a time when the image of Our Lady did not stand up in my mind quite definitely at the mention of the thought of all these things. I was quite distant from these things; and then doubtful about these things; and then disputing with the world for them, and with myself against them. For that is the condition before conversion. But when the figure was distant, or was dark and mysterious, or was scandal to my contemporaries, or was a challenge to myself, I never doubted that this figure was the figure of my faith; that she embodied, as a complete human being still only human, all that this Thing has to say to humanity. The instant I remembered the Catholic Church, I remembered her; when I tried to forget the Catholic Church, I tried to forget her.”

When writing about Chaucer he commented that devotion to Mary, “far from being a temporary malady from which one needed to be cured,” was “generally chronic and (in some cases I have known) quite incurable.”

Chesterton’s Marian writings are found mainly in his poetry where he refers to the “seed of dogma and from that seed alone all that flowers of art and poetry and devotion spring.”

One of GKC’s poems in The Queen of Seven Swords expressed his notion of the “wholeness” which underlies all expressions of devotion.
“In all thy thousand images we salute thee,
Claim and acclaim on all thy thousand thrones
Hewn out of multi-colored rocks and risen
Stained with the stored-up sunsets in all tones –
If in all tone and shades this shade I feel,
Come from the black cathedrals of Castille
Claiming these flat black stones of Catalonia,
To thy most merciful face of night I kneel.”

This is the legacy of several prominent British converts to the ongoing Marian movement. From here we look at the witness of two American converts of our times.

Dorothy Day (1897-1980)

Although baptized an Episcopalian, Dorothy Day might be characterized as an evangelical Protestant because of her involvement in the “social gospel” movement. She was a talented journalist who espoused radical causes, wrote for socialist newspapers, and staunch in her support of labor unions and pacificism.

Her earliest contacts with Mary came from a rosary and a small statue. While anticipating the birth of her daughter through a common law marriage, Dorothy Day began taking instructions so that her daughter could be baptized in the Catholic Church. “I began to think, to weigh things,” she explained, “and it was at this moment that I began consciously to pray more.” She developed the habits of praying often, of carrying a rosary, and addressing the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary which had been given her.

Deeply concerned about her daughter, Dorothy wrote that she “turned her over to the Blessed Mother.”

“What kind of a mother am I going to be? I keep thinking to myself what kind of a Catholic home is she going to have with only me? I’m a failure as a homemaker, I’m untidy, inconsistent, undisciplined, temperamental, and I have to pray every day for final perseverance. It is only in these last few years that it has occurred to me why my daughter never called me ‘mother.’ The Blessed Virgin Mary is mother of my child. No harm can ever come to her with such a mother.”

With Peter Maurin, Dorothy Day founded the Catholic Worker Movement, which strove to establish solidarity with the working classes through a generous and convincing witness of hospitality for the homeless and of the works of mercy. She promoted the traditional devotions in all her communities. She prayed the rosary “on the picket lines, in prisons, in sickness and in health.” For her the rosary was not only a devotion to Mary but also a way of indentifying with the poor who had lost hope. “Who could have given me Our Lord but the Virgin Mary? It was easy to pray to her, repetitious though it may seem. Praying the rosary as I did so often, I felt that I was praying with the people of God, who held on to the physical act of the rosary as to a lifeline.”

The life and spirit of St. Therese of Lisieux, the Little flower, fascinated Dorothy Day, “perhaps because she was so much like the rest of us in her ordinariness.” In fact she authored a small book about St. Therese to offer hope to those who felt their lives were meaningless. She regarded Therese as Therese regarded Mary, for Therese abhorred writings and sermons that described “Mary’s life as totally different from ours.” Dorothy believed that Therese ‘”speaks to our condition.” Her approach, like that of St. Therese and the Blessed Virgin Mary, was to ask prayerfully at the beginning of each day, “What would you have me do?”

For Dorothy Day, Mary and Joseph shared in the plight and insecurity of the poor. During the Great Depression she wrote, “What security did the Blessed Virgin herself have as she fled in the night with the Baby in her arms to go into a strange country? She probably wondered whether St. Joseph would be able to obtain work in a foreign land, how they would get along, and anticipated the loneliness of being without friends, her cousin, St. Elizabeth, her kinfolk.” At another time she recalled, “St. Bonaventure says Our Lady worked in Egypt to earn the family’s daily bread because St. Joseph could not earn enough. It was all part of the humiliation of poverty for St. Joseph.” She realized that the Holy Family definitely shared the lot of the poor.

Thomas Merton (1915-1968)

The conversion of Thomas Merton led to a prolific writing apostolate and was widely followed and celebrated. His parents were artists with little religious interest. Educated in France and England, his interest in religious questions grew out of his study of literature and philosophy. In 1938 he entered the Catholic Church, and later became a Trappist monk at the Gethsemane Abbey in Kentucky. His talented pen produced voluminous writings in a personal style on topics pertaining to monastic spirituality, mysticism, racial justice, and peace.

Merton’s references to the Virgin Mary are personal and deep, a response to a mystical attraction. The Seven Storey Mountain is the autobiographical account of his early life and conversion. One passage concerns his departure from England to a new life in New York City. He describes his experience of Mary’s guidance at this turning point in his life in these striking words.

“Lady, when on that night I left the Island that was once your England, your love went with me, although I could not know it…. I was not sure where I was going, and I could not see what I would do when I got to New York. But you saw further and clearer than I, and you opened the seas before my ship, whose track led me across the waters to a place I had never dreamed of, and which even then you were preparing for me to be my rescue and my shelter and my home. And when I thought there was no God and no love and no mercy, you were leading me all the while in the midst of His love and His mercy, and taking me, without my knowing anything about it, to the house that would find me in
the secret of His face. Glorious Mother of God, shall I ever again distrust you?”

At crucial points in his life he actively sought the presence of Mary and her direction. When discerning his vocation to the priesthood he embarked on a pilgrimage to the shrine of Our Lady of Charity of Cobre in Cuba.
“There you are, Caridad del Cobre. It is you that I have come to see; you will ask Christ to make me his priest, and I will give you my heart, Lady; and if you will obtain for me this priesthood, I will remember you at my first Mass in such a way that the Mass will be for you and offered through you in gratitude to the Holy Trinity, Who has used your love to win me this grace.”
Bewildered in the struggle to decide about becoming a Trappist, he turned naturally to the Mother of Jesus as any child would turn to his mother. “I give this whole Advent, every minute, to the Blessed Virgin, begging her to help me and bring me to her house at Gethsemane to be her loving child and servant, a child of God in silence and labor and sacrifice and obscurity.” After ordination to the diaconate he wrote, “Our Lady has taken possession of my heart. Maybe, after all, she is the big grace of the diaconate.”

For Thomas Merton, Mary is always persuading from within. “Mary does not rule us from without, but from within. She does not change us by changing the world around us, but she changes the world around us by first changing our own inner lives.” Thus was Merton’s journey of faith with Mary.

This attached article about Mary and converts was originally published in Ephemerides Mariologicae, a polyglot Mariological journal, July-December 2011.

Expert on Bl. Mother Marianne Cope Dies

2011-12-09T12:13:00.000-10:00

I was saddened to learn of the passing of Sister Mary Laurence Hanley. Just the other day on one of the blog posts, I recommended her book on Bl. Mother Marianne Cope, A Song of Pilgrimage and Exile.

Hawaii Catholic Herald's Sister Mary Laurence Hanley dies.

I had the privilege of having an email communication with Sister a few years back. If I remember correctly, she contacted me about a blog post she disagreed with. I dared to mention that Brother Joseph Dutton may one day follow in the saintly footsteps of Saint Damien and Bl. Mother Marianne Cope. This was certainly something Sister really disagreed about. She was very pleasant and friendly in all her emails back and forth. But she maintained her position that Brother Dutton not be a candidate for sainthood. She had her reasons. She was often told me to do my own research with all the archival materials at my disposal in Hawaii. She indicated that I would then draw the same conclusion.

Unfortunately, I never got around to doing that research and little by little we stopped emailing.

Even though we, the Church Militant, may be sad that she did not live to see her hero canonized. I doubt very much Sister is disappointed. After all, she will probably be there to congratulate Mother Marianne Cope in person!

Saint Juan Diego - Icon of Mary's Evangelizing Mission

2011-12-09T08:38:00.000-10:00

Picture source

Model for the Laity

by Brother John M. Samaha, S.M.

The Church celebrates the feast of Saint Juan Diego on December 9. The canonization of Saint Juan Diego by Pope John Paul II in 2002 elicited worldwide enthusiasm for the recognition of another Christlike lay person. This latest saint of Mexico was the Virgin Mother Mary's chosen messenger of evangelization in the nascent Church of the l6th century New World. He is an illustrious example of a Christian in action.

The contemporary significance of the canonization and the occurrence at Guadalupe is multifaceted. But the implication for the new evangelization in our day is overwhelming. The honor bestowed on Saint Juan Diego extends the clarion call addressed to all Christians to respond actively to their baptismal vocation and consecration to collaborate with Mary in bringing Christ to all peoples. Echoed again is the slogan of Blessed William Joseph Chaminade, Founder of the Marianist Family, "We are all missionaries of Mary."

The occasion has renewed and increased the momentum of the movement to designate Juan Diego as the patron saint of the laity and lay apostles.

God's plan for salvation needs the cooperation of us all. In the Guadalupe event, God chose to give the miraculous image of Mary, his Mother and ours, to a humble, lonely widower. The engaging, simple story of Our Lady giving her picture to Juan Diego touches hearts and disposes them for the grace of baptism. This is a special chapter in the evangelization of the world.

Today we find stirrings of new interest in the unchurched, the alienated, and the disenchanted. Faster travel and easier global communication portend a new fullness of time in spreading the gospel. Since the beginning, God has depended on his creatures to fulfill his plan. Today there is a desire for unity among Christians. The work of the Holy Spirit is uniting them in prayer, love, and works of charity.

In the past century Pope Pius XI and Pope Pius XII began to re-emphasize the importance of the role of the laity. Long before Pope John XXIII convened the Second Vatican Council to renew all in Christ, the lay apostolate was a point of emphasis and concern.

One of the sixteen documents of Vatican II is the Decree on the Laity (Apostolicam Actuositatem, 1965), and the role of the laity is treated in several of the other documents. Some years later Pope Paul VI sounded a prophetic call to evangelization with the apostolic exhortation On Evangelization in the Modern World (Evangelii Nuntiandi, 1975). Our present pontiff, John Paul II, has preached a new evangelization and, following a Synod of Bishops, issued an apostolic exhortation on Lay Members of Christ's Faithful People (Christifideles Laici, 1989). Pope Benedict XVI has renewed this call to action, and the Synod of bishops in 2012 will ponder this new evangelization.

The Handmaid of the Lord, the Spouse of the Holy Spirit, who first brought forth the Savior for us, plays her part in bringing his Good News to all. The nineteenth-century apostle of Mary, Blessed William Joseph Chaminade, is among the strongest voices still reminding us of our baptismal obligation to participate in the apostolic mission of Mary to complete the Whole Christ. Like Juan Diego, all the faithful are called to spread the fragrance of the roses of Tepeyac wherever we are, whatever we do.

"Thy kingdom come," the daily petition of the Our Father, has always needed for its fulfillment the work and collaboration of the laity. To all Christians is given the commission to make Christ and his teaching known, loved, and lived. "The Spirit breathes where he wills" (Jn 3:8), and the people of God have always had the charisms to help spread God's kingdom on earth.

Our times need strong and dedicated Christian lay persons more than ever before. All fields of human progress are directed by the laity. Competence in the social, commercial, and political spheres is in the hands of the laity. Only they can bring the spirit of the gospel into these arenas. In the words of Paul VI, lay persons are "the bridge to the modern world."

Recognizing the ancient truth and the new need, Vatican II issued an official decree on the apostolate of the laity. For the first time in the history of the Church a conciliar document expounded the concept that the lay person is indispensable to the mission of the Church, that to be a real Christian is to be an apostle.

The Vatican II Decree on the Laity advances, as the perfect example of the spiritual and apostolic life, the Virgin Mary, Queen of Apostles. "While leading on earth a life common to all, one filled with family concerns and labors, she was always intimately united with her Son and cooperated in the work of the Savior in a manner altogether special. Now that she has been taken up into heaven, with her maternal charity she cares for the brothers and sisters of her Son" (n. 4).

Consequently, it is appropriate that the model for the laity and the patron of the lay apostolate be one who will lead others to Mary, who in turn will lead them to Christ. She is the perfect example of life on earth united to Christ and joined to his work.

To choose Juan Diego would stress the motherly concern of Mary, and highlight a special chapter in the loving care of the Queen of Apostles for her children. Juan Diego's life story exemplifies the meaning of the lay apostolate. He leads with singular and irresistible charm to our spiritual mother.

Juan Diego's story continues today as something living and enduring. It lives in the long lines of pilgrims, the most numerous of any shrine. It lives in the faith of a whole nation, and is celebrated in the entire western hemisphere. It captivates the hearts of all. It endures in the continuing portrait not painted by human hands, but as Pius XII explained, "by brushes not of this world."

Vatican II taught that "union with those whom the Holy Spirit has assigned to God's Church is an essential element of the Christian apostolate." Juan Diego received the charism. He was called by Mary. She sent him to the bishop: "Go to the Bishop of Mexico and tell him that I sent you." The Spirit breathed on Juan, but judgment and command were reserved to the bishop, as it still is today.

The Holy Spirit usually breathes in less dramatic ways. But, the experience of Juan Diego shows that the inspirational grace for a great work may first come to a lay person, and that the chosen person then cooperates with the competent authorities.

Juan Diego's humble compliance with an unwelcome and embarrassing mission paved the way for an abundant bestowal of God's blessings. In addition, the event clearly indicates that a layman pushed his point with a hierarch. The bishop needed convincing, and Mary told Juan to go back and try again.

Mary clearly indicated to Juan Diego that he was necessary for the execution of heaven's plan. When he protested his inability and urged the Virgin Mary to send a person better known and respected, her answer was: "Listen, least of my sons. You must try to understand that I have many messengers and servants whom I could charge with the delivery of my message and cause to do my will. But, it is altogether necessary that you, yourself should undertake this entreaty and that through your own mediation and assistance, my purpose should be accomplished."

The importance of the most humble person carrying out the divine plan can hardly be more sharply exemplified. Mary did not go directly to Bishop-elect Juan Zumarraga and inspire him. Nor did she choose the messenger most suited according to the judgment of human standards. Mary chose one particular, unknown, middle-aged widower who would have preferred to be left alone. She told him that he was to be the instrument of Divine Providence for these poor people. This unlikely layman was the key to "unlocking graces destined for a nation", and later for many nations.
Juan Diego was wholehearted and without guile. He was a living example of sincerity arid simplicity. When children and adults hear about him they are fascinated, and love to hear the story retold. His conversations with Mary have a rare quality of tenderness, immediacy, genuineness, and uniqueness. Translated into any language they possess a special appeal. In the Aztec Indian idiom, Mary called Juan her xocoyte, her favorite son, the least of her sons. He addressed her as xocoyata, his littlest daughter, his lady, and his child. Hearing this conversation one cannot help loving both Juan and his Lady.

Peoples of the emerging nations are able to identify very easily with Juan Diego. He was humble and poor, not enmeshed in political or cultural history. With improved and increased communication, we can expect the Church will proclaim its primary message more widely and wisely. And lay persons will be the primary field workers. Juan Diego, who has universal appeal, would be an inspiration for them and an example for those with whom they work. His life story is a perfect example of how God's plans often require lay apostles, and how far-reaching the results can be. Our Blessed Mother promised, "I will make you worthy of the trouble you have taken."

Juan Diego remained faithful until death. The results of his work remain with us. He was childlike and humble in his relationship with the natural world and the supernatural order. While very ordinary and natural, he felt at home with the Virgin Mother Mary. His simple and human qualities touch us all. Saint Juan Diego is genuinely worthy to be patron of lay apostles, for he was the only person on earth to whom the greatest laywoman of all time gave her own picture.

A movement was launched more than a decade ago under the auspices of the Archdiocese of Mexico City to nominate Juan Diego as patron of lay apostles. His canonization lends new impetus to the momentum already in progress.

The actual result of Our Lady of Guadalupe's message, in which Saint Juan Diego played the key role, brought belief in Jesus Christ and the grace of baptism to countless native Indians of Aztec heritage. In the seven years following Mary's appearance at Tepeyac (1532-1538), eight million Indians were baptized into Christ.

During that period Saint Juan Diego lived near the marvelous picture, quietly caring for it as Saint Joseph cared for Mary herself. He is a major part of the story of the magnificent lady, her representative, a living proof that heaven had smiled on the poor and the lowly. As with Saint Joseph, we do not know all the details. But we do know the quality of this layman's charity was magnetic. "By this will all know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another" (Jn 13:35). He was, according to his Aztec name, Mary's "singing eagle," telling her story over and over to his fellow countrymen.

The sterling example of Saint Juan Diego inspires us to activate the continuing action of baptismal grace to be the "salt of the earth," "the light on the lampstand," the "leaven in the mass," and to “proclaim the Good News by word and deed."

Used with permission.

UNDERSTANDING MARY’S IMMACULATE CONCEPTION

2011-12-08T16:19:00.000-10:00

Picture source

Explained by Blessed John Duns Scotus

by Brother John M. Samaha, S.M.

In the early months of the liturgical year we honor two special vocations in God’s plan of salvation -- the immaculately conceived Virgin Mary and one of her special proteges, Bernadette Soubirous.

The solemnity of Mary’s Immaculate Conception is celebrated on December 8, and honors the conception of Mary in the womb of her mother, St. Anne, without original sin. February 11 is the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, the date of the first appearance of Our Lady to Bernadette. April 16 is the feast day of St. Bernadette.

In 2008 we celebrated the 150th anniversary of the Blessed Virgin’s apparitions at Lourdes, where she identified herself to St. Bernadette as the Immaculate Conception. In 2004 we observed the 150th anniversary of Blessed Pope Pius IX’s solemn definition of this dogma on December 8, 1854. Blessed Pius IX explained that Mary was preserved from original sin by a “singular grace and privilege” given her by God “in view of the merits of Jesus Christ, “Redeemer of the human race. Mary, like every other human being, needed the redemptive benefits of Christ. But in anticipation of what God did for all through Christ, she alone was preserved from original sin “from the first moment of her conception.” As one writer asserted, hers was a “redemption by exemption.” By her Immaculate Conception she was conceived in the fullness of grace, in the state of closest possible union with God in view of her future role as the Mother of the Redeemer.

The feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary was celebrated already in the seventh century in Palestine as the Conception by St. Anne of the Theotokos (Mother of God) on December 9. The doctrine is understood differently by some Eastern Christian Churches because of a variance in their theological understanding of original sin. The observance spread west from Constantinople. Still called the Conception of St. Anne and observed on December 8, it was prominent in Naples in the ninth century; in English monasteries in the eleventh century, when it was called the feast of the conception of Our Lady; and in France in the twelfth century.

When the feast was introduced in France, St. Bernard of Clairvaux opposed it, igniting a controversy that endured for three centuries. Most Scholastic theologians, including St. Anselm of Canterbury, St. Albert the Great, St. Thomas Aquinas, and St. Bonaventure opposed the doctrine on the grounds that it detracted from the universality of the redemption by Christ. But it was defended and explained with theological clarity in the thirteenth century by Blessed John Duns Scotus, a Franciscan. In 1263 the Franciscans adopted the feast.

The opponents of this feast and doctrine had argued that Mary had to be touched by original sin for at least an instant, even though she was sanctified in her mother’s womb. John Duns Scotus resolved these objections by explaining that Christ can save and redeem in two ways: he can rescue from sin those already fallen; or he can preserve one from being touched by sin even for an instant. Mary was granted “redemption by exemption.”

The Council of Basel in 1439 affirmed this belief. Ten years later the Sorbonne in Paris required all its degree candidates to pledge an oath to defend the Immaculate Conception of Mary. Pope Sixtus IV in 1476 approved the feast with its proper Mass and Office, and in 1708 Pope Clement IX extended the feast to the universal Church and made it a holyday of obligation.

Later the Council of Trent (1545-1563) explicitly declared that Mary was exempt from the taint of original sin. From then on the belief was embraced generally and defended by all schools of theology. Many Catholic thinkers and founders of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries promoted and expounded Mary’s Immaculate Conception with special interest and verve, and this doctrine became an important part of many Marian spiritualities. One such exponent was Blessed William Joseph Chaminade (1761-1850), founder of the Marianist Family.

At the First Council of Baltimore in 1846 the Catholic bishops of the United States of America chose Mary under the title of her Immaculate Conception as the patron saint of the nation. This deepened interest in the vast new country.

The apparition of Mary Immaculate to St. Catherine Laboure in 1830 at Paris had also advanced this devotion. At that time Mary asked the young nun to produce the Miraculous Medal, which honored the Immaculate Conception. And the solemn definition in 1854 was the culmination of this development. Like an additional seal of approval on the definition four years later Mary appeared to the uneducated and sickly youngster, St. Bernadette Soubirous, at Lourdes. When Bernadette asked the Virgin Mary on March 25, 1858, to identify herself, Mary replied, “I am the Immaculate Conception.”

In 1863 a new Mass and Office were composed for the feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary. This feast is also celebrated as the
Conception of Mary by the Church of England. Among the Eastern Christian Churches the feast of the Conception by St. Anne of the Most Holy Theotokos continues to be observed on December 9. The date set for the feast is nine months before the Birth of Mary on September 8.

To celebrate the centenary of the definition of Mary’s Immaculate Conception, Pope Pius XII, a devout apostle of Mary, declared 1954 a Marian Year -- the first.
Now, more than150 years later, we were privileged to mark the sesquicentennial of that solemn definition and its recognition by Mary Immaculate at Lourdes.

“O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to you.”

Used with permission.

Feast of the Immaculate Conception

2011-12-08T09:16:00.000-10:00

The beautiful painting above is from Terry's blog Idle Speculations. Please take a moment to read what he has to say about this beautiful work of art depicting our Blessed Mother's Immaculate Conception.

St. Bonaventure's Marian Te Deum

We praise you, O Mother of God, we proclaim you Virgin and Mother!
The entire world venerates you as Spouse of the Eternal Father!
And to you all Angels, Archangels, Cherubims and Seraphim's sing unceasingly:

Holy, Holy, Holy is the Mother of God, Mary every Virgin!
Heaven and earth are filled with the majesty of your Son!
You are honored as Queen by the whole heavenly court!
You are invoked and praised as Mother of God by the entire world and by the holy Church.
You are the gate of Heaven, the ladder to the kingdom of Heaven and blessed glory!
You are Souse and Mother of the eternal King, the temple and sanctuary of the Holy Spirit; the altar of the Blessed Trinity.
You are the Mediatrix between Jesus Christ and men, the Advocate of the poor!
You are, after Jesus, our only hope, Mistress of the world, Queen of Heaven!
We bow to yo and salute you each day, O Mother of love!
Sweet and good Mary, in you we place all our hope, defend us for all eternity!
Amen.

Mary was in the mind of God from all eternity: "I was set up from eternity, and of old before the earth was made." (Prov. 8:23).

"I will put enmities between thee and the woman, and thy seed and her seed: she shall crush thy head, and thou shalt lie in wait for her heel" (Gen. 3:15).

"Behold a Virgin shall conceive, and bear a Son, and His name shall be called Emmanuel" (Isa. 7:14).

"And there shall come forth a rod out of the root of Jesse, and a flower shall rise up out of his root" (Isa. 11:1).

"I was exalted like a cedar in Lebanon, and as a cypress tree on Mount Sion. I was exalted like a palm tree in Cades, and as a rose plant in Jericho. As a fair olive tree in the plains, and as a plane tree by the water in the streets, was I exalted. I gave a sweet small like cinnamon, and aromatical balm: I yielded a sweet odour like the best myrrh" (Ecchlus. 24:17:20).

"Behold my beloved speaketh to me: Arise, make haste, my love, my dove, my beautiful one, and come. For winter is now past, the rain is over and gone. The flowers have appeared in our land, the time of the pruning is come: the voice of the turtle is heart in our land." (Cant. 2:10-12).

"In dangers, in sorrows and in doubts, think of Mary, invoke Mary; may her name never cease to be on our lips, may she never depart from our hearts." - St. Bernard

"Blessed ins the man th at heareth me, and that watcheth daily at my gates, and waiteth at the posts of my doors. He that shall find me, shall find life, and shall have salvation from the Lord" (Prov. 8:34-35).

The Immaculate Virgin was chose from all eternity; from the very beginning the Most High saw her and prepared her fro Himself alone. She was prefigured by the Patriarchs, and announced by the Prophets. - St. Bernard

"O Blessed Virgin, Mother of God, from the depths of my heart I praise and extol you as the purest, the fairest, the holiest creature of all God's handiwork. - St. Alphonsus di Liguori

Quotation source: Mary: Hope of the World by Rev. James Alberione, S.T.D., St. Paul Editions.
Last Reminder: Hour of Grace from noon to 1:00 PM today.

World Over - 12-01-2011 - Dion DiMucci, Martin Sheen and Emilio Estevez with Raymond Arroyo

2011-12-07T14:46:00.000-10:00

Like a Shepherd

2011-12-07T14:33:00.002-10:00

Soon and Very Soon...A Second Saint for Hawaii

2011-12-07T12:24:00.000-10:00

Statue of Bl. Mother Marianne Cope in Kakaako

By now you must have read the news: Vatican brings Hawaii closer to gaining 2nd saint

A nun who dedicated her life to caring for exiled leprosy patients is a step closer to sainthood after the Vatican's Congregation for the Causes of Saints recommended her canonization on Tuesday.

I think Hawaii will be the only state in the union with two saints!

Bl. Mother Marianne Cope's Relic - Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace, Honolulu

This is wonderful news and I am sure everyone in Hawaii is excited about Bl. Mother Marianne Cope finally that much closer to being canonized. I must admit it is only recently that I have grown to appreciate the work she did for the Hansen's Disease patients in Kalaupapa. Before that, it bothered me that Saint Damien, then Father Damien, had so much opposition to his tireless work with those patients. It also bothered me that it took so long before Mother Marianne Cope and her sisters finally went to help Father Damien. I realize now how unselfishly she gave of herself. And, of course, I have a devotion to her too.

"We thank God that the Vatican Congregation for the Causes of the Saints has approved a petition to ask Pope Benedict XVI to officially declare Blessed Marianne Cope, OSF, a saint of the Church. We are particularly joyful in Hawaii, because of Blessed Marianne's worked here, but her example of selfless love can soon be an inspiration to all the world. She was a woman who brought hope and joy to people who had good reason to lose hope and to lament their condition in life. At this time when so many people are losing hope because of our economy and the increased unrest throughout the world, Blessed Marianne inspires us to work simply for the good of others and to allow God to work miracles through the simple things we do. We look forward to honoring this holy woman in our celebrations, and most of all by our faith in the God who begins and sustains every good work among us."

- Statement by Bishop Larry Silva, Diocese of Honolulu.

Background of Barbara Cope (Bl. Mother Marianne Cope)

January 23, 1838 - Born to Peter and Barbara Koob (Cope) in the German Grand Ducy of Hesse-Darmstadt

In 1840, Koob family settled in Utica, New York

In August, 1862, entered the Sisters of the Third Oder of St. Francis, in Syracuse, N ew York
In 1877, elected Second Provencal Mother of the Syracuse Franciscans

Source: Mother Marianne of Molokai

Source

"Reverend Sister Maryanne, Matron of the Bishop Home":

To see the infinite pity of this place,
The mangled limb, the devastated face,
The innocent sufferers smiling at the rod,
A fool were tempted to deny his God.

He sees, and shrinks; but if he look again,
Lo, beauty springing from the breast of pain! -
He marks the sisters on the painful shores,
And even a fool is silent and adores.

- Robert Louis Stevenson, Kalawao, May 22, 1889

Recommended reading and source of the above is A Song of Pilgrimage and Exile: The Life and Spirit of Mother Marianne of Molokai by Sister Mary Laurence Hanley, O.S.F. and O.A. Bushnell.

"Where's the Line to See Jesus?"

2011-12-06T17:22:00.001-10:00

Thanks Bob!

EWTN’s Christmas Specials: From ‘Star of Bethlehem’ To ‘Martin The Cobbler’

2011-12-06T16:43:00.000-10:00

Irondale, AL – It’s Christmas and EWTN Global Catholic Network is brimming with Christmas movies, specials, children’s programs, musical extravaganzas and more. Below is just a sampling of the many programs that will be aired on EWTN over Advent and Christmas 2011 on EWTN.

For a full listing of U.S. specials, please check our television schedule at http://www.ewtn.com/tv/NA_2011_Dec_Advance.asp. For international listings, please click here: http://www.ewtn.com/tv/schedule_index.asp. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

Children’s Programs

Martin The Cobbler: Based on the classic children’s tale by the great Russian author Leo Tolstoy, this story follows a lonely shoemaker who rediscovers his faith in God; narrated by Tolstoy’s daughter Alexandra Tolstoy. Airs 4 p.m. ET, Tuesday, Dec. 20 and 9:30 a.m. ET, Saturday, Dec. 24.

We Are Catholic: Christmas Special: When the owner of the factory surprises everyone by shipping the largest Christmas tree in a helicopter, the Mayor is informed that Manuel and Phillip are lost in the forest. In a generous way, the helicopter is used to rescue the children. Airs 4:30 p.m. ET, Tuesday, Dec.20, 10 a.m. ET, Saturday, Dec. 24, and 4 p.m. ET, Thursday, Dec. 29.

Michael The Visitor:Narrated by Stockard Channing, this charming fable is an adaptation of Tolstoy’s classic tale about a lost young man with an amazing secret. Airs 5 p.m. ET, Wednesday, Dec. 21 and 4 p.m. ET, Tuesday, Dec. 27.

Hermie and Friends: A Fruitcake Christmas: Hermie and his bug friends have a Christmas mystery on their hands when Granny Pillar’s long-anticipated fruitcake disappears. An adventure ensues that leads everyone to make a decision between selfishness and sharing. Airs 4 p.m. ET, Thursday, Dec. 22, and 4 p.m. ET, Monday, Dec. 26.

The First Christmas:The timeless Nativity story, narrated by Christopher Plummer(“Sound of Music”), was produced for the enjoyment of the whole family. With a musical background of familiar carols, this engaging special will be a favorite in your home. Airs 4:35 p.m. ET, Thursday, Dec. 22, and 4:35 p.m. ET, Monday, Dec. 26.

We Celebrate Christmas: The Birth of Jesus:Lammy, the loveable puppet, guides children through the nativity story, and helps them to understand the true meaning of Christmas, with lots of singing, dancing, and good old fashioned fun. Airs 5:30 p.m. ET, Thursday, Dec. 22, and 4:30 p.m. ET, Wednesday, Dec. 28.

Specials

Gift of Peace: The First Six Chapters of the Gospel of Luke: Leonardo Defilippis captures Jesus Christ's infancy and early ministry, and transforms himself into the aged and suspicious Zechariah, the trusting and humble young Mary, the cynical Pharisees, the delightful Peter, and Jesus the Beloved Savior. Airs 2 a.m. ET, Sunday, Dec. 18; 10 p.m. ET, Friday, Dec. 23; and 2 p.m. ET, Saturday, Dec. 24.

Path of the Messiah, Part 1: An EWTN original documentary follows Raymond Arroyo and Jeff Cavins as they travel to the Holy Land to retrace the footsteps of Our Lord. Part One begins this dramatic and beautiful journey into Christ's homeland, fittingly accompanied by Jeff and Raymond's reflections on the Messiah's mission and ministry. Airs 5:30 a.m. ET, Monday, Dec. 19; 2 a.m. ET, Wednesday, Dec. 21; and 4:30 a.m. ET, Monday, Dec. 16.

Footprints of God: Jesus: The Word Became Flesh: Steve Ray continues his journey through Salvation History taking viewers to key sites from the life of Jesus, in this exciting travelogue, Bible study, and history lesson rolled into one. Airs 10 p.m. ET, Tuesday, Dec. 20.

The Star of Bethlehem: A look at the Biblical and historical evidence revealing the incredible significance of the Star of Bethlehem. Airs 9:30 a.m. ET, Thursday, Dec. 22; 5 p.m. ET, Monday, Dec. 26, and 2 p.m. ET, Thursday, Dec. 29.

Timeless Dramas

A Time To Remember: This Christmas favorite tells the story of a young boy who develops his gift of song, with the help of a beloved priest. It’s a journey that requires faith, perseverance, and a Christmas miracle. Airs 1 p.m. ET, Wednesday, Dec. 21; 8 p.m. ET, Saturday, Dec. 24, and 1 p.m. ET, Monday, Dec. 26.

A Link in the Chain: James Cagney stars in the role of a retiring college professor who, wondering whether or not he’s made a difference in the lives of his students, begins to reflect on his relationship with them. Airs 11 a.m. ET, Thursday, Dec. 22; and 3 a.m. ET and 6:30 p.m. ET, Wednesday, Dec. 28.

The Chimes: Written by Charles Dickens and narrated by Derek Jacobi, this is the story of a poor and discouraged 19th Century porter. Chiming church bells magically transport him to the future where his hope is renewed. Airs 4:30 p.m. ET, Friday, Dec. 23, and 4 p.m. ET, Friday, Dec. 30.

Music

San Juan Children’s Choir Presents: Siempre Navidad: Airs at 4 p.m. ET, Wednesday, Dec. 21, and 1 p.m. ET, Saturday, Dec. 24.

Catholic University of America’s Christmas Concert (2011): Airs 8 p.m. ET, Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2 p.m. ET, Tuesday, Dec. 27, and 4 p.m. ET, Saturday, Dec. 31.

Dana: Our Family Christmas: Airs 6 p.m. ET, Thursday, Dec. 22, and 11 p.m. ET, Monday, Dec. 26.

Tajci: A Christmas Broadcast Special: Airs 11 a.m. ET, Sunday, Dec. 25, and 9 p.m. ET, Monday, Dec. 26.

EWTN Global Catholic Network, in its 30th year, is available in over 160 million television households in more than 140 countries and territories. With its direct broadcast satellite television and radio services, AM & FM radio networks, worldwide short-wave radio station, Internet website www.ewtn.com, electronic and print news services, and publishing arm, EWTN is the largest religious media network in the world.

Aid to the Church in Need becomes a Pontifical Foundation

2011-12-06T16:40:00.000-10:00

The international Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) has been elevated by Pope Benedict XVI to the status of a Pontifical Foundation. The official seat of the foundation is the Vatican. This canonical act was enacted by a Chirograph, an official document in Latin personally signed by the Pope.

The Pope assigned the Prefect of the Congregation for the Clergy, Cardinal Mauro Piacenza as the President of the Foundation. He in turn has nominated Baron Johannes Heereman von Zuydtwyck as Executive President, with immediate effect as of December 1^st, 2011. The international headquarters of ACN will remain in Königstein, near Frankfurt am Main, Germany. For the 30 years preceding his present appointment, Baron Heereman was Secretary-General, and later Executive President of the Knights of Malta in Germany. Concurrent to this nomination, Father Martin Barta was appointed the Ecclesiastical Assistant of ACN. Father Barta is a member of the Clerical Association “Work of Jesus High Priest.”

The initial impulse for the founding of ACN came from Pope Pius XII. Inspired by the Pope's plea just after the Second World War to reach out to the 14 million post-war refugees in Germany, the Norbertine priest Werenfried van Straaten launched an appeal for reconciliation through charitable deeds. As among other things he collected bacon, he soon became known as the "Bacon Priest."

Today ACN is a worldwide community of over 600,000 friends and benefactors which support approximately 5,000 aid projects every year in over 140 different countries. In 2010 the total amount of donations came to over $115 million. The ACN benefactors are taken care of through 17 national offices in Europe, North and South America and Australia.

In the Chirograph signed by the Holy Father, he emphasizes the decades-long services of ACN to the Church. Now a Pontifical Foundation, ACN will continue as before, in a spirit of active charity to help wherever the Church faces hardship or persecution. As a pastoral charity, acting in the name of the Church, it is committed to strengthening and deepening Catholic faith and moral life.

Editor’s Notes:

Founded in 1947 by Father Werenfried van Straaten, whom Pope John Paul II named “An Outstanding Apostle of Charity,” the organization is now at work in over 145 countries throughout the world.

St. Nicholas - Bishop of Myra

2011-12-06T10:29:00.000-10:00

Picture source

Prayer to St. Nicholas

Wonder-working follower of Christ,
from your early years you practiced fasting
and were outstanding in generosity.
You quickly distributed to the poor
what you had inherited from your parents.
Traveling to Palestine, you became a bishop
and dared to preach the Gospel
for which you were thrown into prison.
As "Santa Claus" you are still loved today.
Teach us to be generous like you!

- New Saint Joseph People's Prayer Book

A Catholic Mom in Hawaii

Reminder: Tomorrow is the Last Day to Enter: Book Give-Away

The Preciousness of Virginity

St. Thomas Aquinas

7 Things You Can Do to Fight the Contraception Mandate

Catholic Answers: Scott Hahn - What is the New Evangelization

March For Life 2012 - Highlights from EWTN's exclusive coverage

New Book by Anthony DeStefano - “I Just Can’t Take It Anymore!”

ACN News - Many Feeling Violence in Nigeria

Many fleeing violence in Nigeria

St. Francis de Sales

Hawaii March for Life 2012

Madonna and Child with Three Angels

St. Agnes

ACN News - Two priests kidnapped in Sudan

Be Part of EWTN's March for Life Coverage

Sunday Night Prime - A Called to a Deeper Love

Reverence for All that is Holy

The World Over - Steve Mosher of Population Research Institute

PASTORAL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE YEAR OF FAITH

ACN News - Pakistan – Church buildings and homes bulldozed

On Mother's Prayers and Tears Getting Their Children to Heaven

Saint Faustina's Prayer to be Completely Transformed into God's Mercy

Father Robert Barron - Persecuted Church and her Heroes

ACN News - Bishop warns of spreading unrest in South Sudan

Announcing 2nd Annual “Ask Them What They Mean by ‘Choice’” Blog Day, January 22

Books for the New Year to Give Me a Spiritual Lift

Interview with a Saint - Father John A. Hardon, S.J.

New - Pope Benedict's Daily Inspirations

Congratulations to Archbishop Timothy Dolan - Elevated to Cardinal

"The Truth about Falsely Accused Priests"

Prayer by Saint John Neumann

JOIN EWTN IN THE FIGHT FOR THE UNBORN

Reminder - Epiphany Blessing

ACN News - Archbishop speaks out in Nigeria

The Most Holy Name of Jesus

New Year for the New Evangelization

Ave Maria - Perry Como

Solemnity - Mary, Mother of God

December 31st Plenary Indulgence - Praying the Te Deum

Feast of the Holy Family

Tomorrow Dec. 30 - Memorial Mass - Servant of God, Fr. Hardon S.J.

Urgent Prayer Request for Father Rookey

Mother Angelica - A Little Child Shall Lead Them

News Regarding Bl. Mother Marianne Cope - Saints and Siblings

For the 3rd Day of Christmas -The World Over Christmas Special

Merry Christmas!

ACN News - Pakistan – Christmas in prison

ACN News - Christmas in Iraq – Faith and fear

O! Emmanuel

Pope's Christmas address to the Roman Curia

O! King of the Gentiles

Mother Angelica's Classics - Christmas

ACN News - Support for Jamaica’s unborn

O! Radient Dawn

Saint Josemaria Escrivá and the Baby Jesus

Catholics Come Home Major Evangelization Campaign - Fox News Story

EWTN: Two Weeks of Posts Merry Christmas!

What Do Tolstoy, Dickens, James Cagney, Christopher Plummer, and Stockard Channing Have in Common? All Are Part of EWTN's Christmas Programming

Catholic History of Christmas in Hawaii

O! Key of David

ACN News - Pakistan – More false accusations against Christians

Christmas Childhood Memories via Cartoons

O! Root of Jesse

O! Sacred Lord

Actor Joe Pesci is a "True Goodfella" to the Salesian Sisters of North Haledon, New Jersey

O! Wisdom

EWTN Launches Catholic Television Programming In Ukraine

An Historic First in Ukraine’s History

Blessed Marianne Cope from state of New York is one step away from being declared a Saint

Prayer Request for the Repose of the Soul of Eddie's Dad

ACN News - Afghanistan – Making Christ known in the war zone

ACN News - Pakistan – 95 percent of blasphemy charges are false

Our Lady of Guadalupe - Video

THE IMAGE OF OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE

Sunday Night Live Father Groeschel's Guest Paterson Bishop Serratelli

ACN-USA News: Zimbabwe - Acts of violence in advance of elections

Zimbabwe – Acts of violence in advance of elections

MARY’S INFLUENCE ON CONVERTS

Expert on Bl. Mother Marianne Cope Dies

What Do Tolstoy, Dickens, James Cagney, Christopher Plummer, and Stockard Channing Have in Common?
All Are Part of EWTN's Christmas Programming