Saturday, November 08, 2008
Friday, November 07, 2008
Thursdays of Adoration and Reparation for Priests
I wish I had seen this yesterday or earlier.
Fr. Mark's Reminder - Thursdays of Adoration and Reparation for Priests
First Friday - Shouldn't the USA be Consecrated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus?
Please pray that the Bishops will consecrate the United States of America to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, in order to obtain special protection of Christ. Remember, He told Saint Margaret Mary
"This Heart shall reign in spite of its enemies, in spite of Satan and of those whom he inspires to oppose it."
Please Help Yourself - God is Pro-Life
After all, He is the creator of life and only He decides when our life should end.
Fine Art Friday - Diego Velásquez
Diego Rodríguez de Silva y Velázquez (June 6, 1599 – August 6, 1660) was a Spanish painter who was the leading artist in the court of King Philip IV. He was an individualistic artist of the contemporary baroque period, important as a portrait artist. In addition to numerous renditions of scenes of historical and cultural significance, he painted scores of portraits of the Spanish royal family, other notable European figures, and commoners, culminating in the production of his masterpiece Las Meninas (1656).Source Wikipedia
Thursday, November 06, 2008
From New York's Finest to God's Finest
At the age of 25, Nicolas Fernandez had all of the qualities needed to be a great policeman and his future in the force looked promising. However, during his daily work he discovered he needed different weapons to help the “troubled souls” he encountered, so he decided to become a priest...
Young New Yorker Leaves Police Force to Become a Priest
Chinese Bishop Peixian Dies at 84, Known to Be of "Official" Church and Loyal to Rome
Bishop Jin Peixian of Liaoning, 84, died Tuesday after a battle with cancer. He was a prelate of the official Chinese Catholic Church, but his episcopal ordination was approved by the Pope.read rest here
Petition to Protect the Life of the Unborn
The following is from Team Sarah's Catholics for Sarah
A message from Kathielee to all members of Catholics for Sarah on Team Sarah!
A message from Kathielee to all members of Catholics for Sarah on Team Sarah!
Dear Catholic Christian Friends,
The Catholic Family and Human Rights Institute has started a petition to protect the life of the unborn. Please consider taking the time to sign it. This petition will be submitted to the UN in December. Pro-abortion groups will also be submitting a petition at UN headquarters on December 10th.
Please go to this website to sign the petition: HERE
True Obedience
True obedience is a genuine act of love.
Obedience makes us practice the other virtues.
It likens us to martyrs,
for it is a much greater martyrdom
to persevere in obedience
all through life
than to die in a moment
by a stroke of the sword.
- Sue Cifelli of Half the Kingdom
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Pro-Life Rosary Reflection - Caution GRAPHIC Photo
The Third Sorrowful Mystery - Jesus is crowned with thorns and ridiculed
Jesus accepted the external sign of a crown of thorns in order to show us that not only by sins of the flesh is God offended, but also by sins of the intellect.
In our own day, what thorn could be more painful than the obstinacy of some Catholics who promote the crime of abortion in defiance of the law of God and the constant teaching of the Church? They refuse to render consent to God's revealed truth. In their blindness, they dare to "play God".
God is Pro-life. Advocacy of abortion cannot be reconciled with faith. Abortion can only be the result of an atheistic mentality.
Let us pray through the merits of Jesus Christ who, "Though He was in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped at: (Phil. 2:6), that those who support abortion may be granted a conversion of mind and heart. May all believers be united in promoting the right o life of all human beings.
- Pro-Rosary reflections, Daughters of St. Paul.
A Prayer Before the Blessed Sacrament for the Increase of Priestly and Religious Vocations
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Eternal Father,
Son of the Virgin Mary,
we thank you for offering your life in sacrifice on
the Cross, and for renewing this sacrifice
in every Mass celebrated throughout the world.
In the Power of the Holy Spirit
we adore you and proclaim
your living presence in the Eucharist.
We desire to imitate the love you show us
in your death and resurrection,
by loving and serving one another.
We ask you to call many young people to religious
life, and to provide the holy and generous priests
that are so needed in you Church today.
Lord Jesus, hear our prayer. Amen.
Archbishop Justin Rigali - St. Louis
From Women for Faith and Family
Shared by Sue
Daily Prayers for Priests
O almighty eternal God, look upon the face of Thy Christ, and for love of Him who is the eternal High-priest, have pity on Thy priests. Remember, O most compassionate God, that they are but weak und frail human beings. Stir up in them the grace of their vocation which is in them by the imposition of the Bishop's hands. Keep them close to Thee, lest the enemy prevail against them, so that they may never do anything in the slightest degree unworthy of their sublime vocation.
O Jesus, I pray Thee for Thy faithful and fervent priests; for Thy unfaithful and tepid priests; for Thy priests laboring at home or abroad in distant misssion fields; for Thy tempted priests; for Thy lonely and desolate priests; for Thy young priests; for Thy aged priests; for Thy sick priests; for Thy dying priests; for the souls of Thy priests in purgatory.
But above all I commend to Thee the priests dearest to me: the priest who baptized me; the priests who absolved me from my sins; the priests at whose Masses I assisted and who gave me Thy Body and Blood in Holy Communion; the priests who taught and instructed me or helped me and encouraged me; all the priests to whom I am indebted in any other way, particularly... O Jesus, keep them all close to Thy heart, and bless them abundantly in time and in eternity. Amen.
Mary, Queen of the Clergy, pray for us; obtain for us many and holy priests. (300 days. ind.)
Cum approbatione ecclesiastica
Claretian Center, Claretian Missionary Fathers, 3523 West 12th Street, Los Angeles, California 90019
Daily Prayers for Priests
Shared by Sue
Mother Angelica's Reflection on Life
"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you." (Jer. 1:5) Our minds cannot comprehend how special each soul is to God. We do not understand the dignity that is ours when His Goodness chose each one of us to live, to think, to know, to see, to love.
Mother Angelica's He Chose Me to BeThanks to Sue
Offering of a Holy Hour for Priests
O my God, poor, weak and miserable as I am, I have come to spend this hour alone with YOU, in reparation for the priests who have forgotten that they are Your chosen souls. Especially, dear God, do I offer this holy hour for the priest who at this moment needs it most. In praying for consecrated souls, help me to remember my own utter weakness, misery and nothingness. Were it not for your grace, I would be far worse than those for whom I pray.From Holy Prayers and Devotions via
O my God, help those priests who are faithful to remain faithful; to those who are falling, stretch forth Your Divine Hand that they may grasp it as their support. And for those poor unfortunate souls who have fallen, lift them up in the great ocean of Your Mercy, that being engulfed therein, they may receive the grace to return to Your Great Loving Heart. Amen.
Nihil obstat: M. J. Grupa, censor librorum, Feb. 23, 1951 - Detroit
Imprimatur: + Edward Cardinal Mooney, Feb. 23, 1951 - Detroit
The Franciscan Marytown Press, Kenosha, Wisconsin
Post Election: Colorado Personhood Initiative Heralds Future of Pro-Life Movement
Washington, D.C. (5 November 2008) – The following is a statement from Judie Brown, president of American Life League.
In a night overshadowed by pro-abortion victories, one bright light shone for the pro-life movement, and it came from Colorado.
The vote on Amendment 48, the "personhood initiative," marked the first round of the civil rights movement's final battle. Colorado voters were asked to define all human beings, from the moment of fertilization, as "persons."
Amendment 48 made history as the first ballot initiative of its kind. It attempted to answer the question, when is a human being a person deserving of human rights?
The personhood movement defied the odds to blossom in hostile territory – traditionally liberal Colorado. A small group of inspired and passionate people, led by 21-year-old law student Kristi Burton, dedicated themselves to the glorious principles our nation was founded upon and spearheaded a movement that mobilized half a million people.
The word "personhood" made national news and headlines around the country. The abortion debate began anew: "We want to grant rights to all human beings – including those most vulnerable – preborn children." The personhood fire began in Colorado and has now ignited personhood campaigns in 16 states.
God often picks the least likely to move mountains, and so it seems with the personhood movement. Kristi Burton is a brave and courageous young woman who has already inspired an entire pro-life movement with her tireless fight in Colorado.
Amendment 48 gained 27 percent of the vote in one of the most pro-abortion states in the Union. Amendment 48 introduced the idea of personhood for the preborn to the nation. Planned Parenthood found it necessary to earmark an immense sum – $3 million – to defeat Amendment 48. Why? Because Planned Parenthood knows that personhood will be its death knell and the death knell of the entire American pro-abortion movement.
We are inspired by Kristi Burton's efforts in Colorado and plan to champion personhood movements at both the state and federal levels. Indeed, for the babies, personhood is the only defense against the dual threats posed by the Freedom of Choice Act, which President-elect Barack Obama has pledged to sign into law, and the Prevention First Act, which he cosponsored.
These acts would eliminate the possibility of any incremental restrictions on abortion and leave us only one viable option to end the assault on human life: a personhood amendment to the United States Constitution.
American Life League was co-founded in 1979 by Judie Brown. It is the largest grassroots Catholic pro-life organization in the United States and is committed to the protection of all innocent human beings from the moment of creation to natural death. For more information or press inquiries, please contact Katie Walker at 540.659.4942.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
American Life League
Colorado for Equal Rights
Christian News Wire: Colorado Personhood Movement Expands to the National Scene (5 November 2008)
New Site - Corpus Christi Society
"Do you realize that Jesus is there in the tabernacle expressly for you, for you alone? He burns with desire to come into your heart".-St. Therese orginally of Lisieux, now of Heaven
Corpus Christi Society
The following is an email I received from PEACE. They are an affiliation of the above site.
WELCOME TO PEACE!
We are striving to work with everyone in every way, for the Glory of The Eucharistic King!
YES, Fall is upon some of us. We are still experiencing 90 degree days here in the Arizona desert. Much to be thankful for!
I hope that you all have visited our web site: Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration Coordinators Exchange
If you have not done so, please send me an e-mail with your Parish and contact information and what your needs are.
There are great resources that are available to your Parish and we would appreciate your input. Our hope is that we can all work together to bring Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration to every Parish across the country.
PEACE has added a Forum to the web site.
It has been brought to our attention to offer you an opportunity to communicate with other PEACE members. In order to participate, you must register.
If you have any difficulty registering please e-mail me or call me.
Some additional suggestions:
Has your Parish thought of having a Ministry Fair? Having a Eucharistic Adoration Booth at these fairs encourage families to sign-up even for a short time. We all know the Holy Spirit can and does move hearts.
Please begin now to spread the word on how Substitutes can be of help. This would be a good subject to address at your next Committee meeting. Always encourage adorers to find a replacement when needed. Many PEA Coordinators have found that a nice card posted by the sing-in book is a useful reminder regarding substitutes.
Does your Parish have a Mom's Group? Perhaps they would be interested in providing a children adoration hour at a specific time. Encourage one of your adorers to help if needed. The more people involved, the more interest is generated in the Chapel and its Ministry.
Our hope and prayer is that we can help others to provide an atmosphere where people can fall in Love with our beloved Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and come to the belief of His Real Presence in the Eucharist and spread this great news.
After Mass He does not leave us. He stays present in the Most Blessed Sacrament.
Adoration is a sign of devotion to and worship of Jesus Christ.
Please send your news and needs from your PEA Parish to:
lwinn@perpetualeucharisticadoration.com
The website:
PEACE
May The Eucharistic King bless you and your family,
Loretta
Day-After Reflection
This morning while meditating on the Glorious Mysteries of the Holy Rosary, it dawned on me that we should not be discouraged because this world isn't our real home. It is Heaven that is our real home. This is just a way station until God calls us home.
God confirmed that thought by the reflection in today's Mass readings in the Magnificat magazine.
Earth is slipping away and heaven is drawing near....St. Theophane Venard.
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
U.S. Bishops List - Standing Up For Life - UPDATED
Updated 11/4/08 Thanks to Fredi for the list of Illinois Bishops.
Update: Every time I add a new Bishop, the list will be updated.
This list was updated October 30th using Inside Catholic's most recent List
It was becoming difficult to keep tract of all the bishops' prolife stance. So yesterday I got the idea of putting together a list of Bishops who have spoken out during this election season or when pro abortion Catholic politicians obstinately publicly announced their own ideas on abortion. Of course, it will be difficult to cover each diocese in each state. However, I try to have at least one diocese representing each individual state.
Interestingly, today there was an article by LifeSiteNews - 50 Bishops Say Abortion Most Important Issue in U.S. Election.
The following is the list of the U.S. Bishops who have either spoken out during this election, have corrected pro-abortion politicians or whose diocese are involved in prolife work such as 40 Days for Life.
Alabama:
- Diocese of Birmingham Bishop Robert J. Baker
Alaska:
Arizona:
- Diocese of Phoenix Bishop Thomas J. Olmstead
Arkansas:
- Diocese of Little Rock Bishop Anthony B. Taylor
California:
- Archdiocese of San Francisco Archbishop George H. Niederauer
Colorado:
- Diocese of Colorado Springs Bishop Michael J. Sheridan
- Archdiocese of Denver Archbishop Charles Chaput
- Archdiocese of Denver Auxiliary Bishop James Conley
Connecticut:
- Archdiocese of Hartford Archbishop Henry J. Mansell
Delaware:
- Diocese of Wilmington Bishop W. Francis Malooly
Florida:
- Archdiocese of Miami John C. Favalora - Archdiocese of Miami"> Auxiliary Bishop Felipe J. Estevez
- Archdiocese of Miami Auxiliary Bishop John G. Noonan
- Diocese of Orlando Bishop Bishop Thomas Wenski
- Diocese of Palm Beach Bishop Gerald M. Barbarito
- Diocese of Pensacola - Tallahassee Bishop John H. Ricard, SSJ
- Diocese of St. Augustine Bishop Victor Galeone
- Diocese of St. Petersburg Bishop Robert N. Lynch
- Diocese of Venice Frank J. Dewane
Georgia:
- Archdiocese of Atlanta Archbishop Gregory D. Wilton
Hawaii:
- Bishop Clarence (Larry) Silva
Idaho:
Illinois:
- Diocese of Belleville Most Reverend Edward K. Braxton
- Archdiocese of Chicago Archbishop Francis George
- Archdiocese of Chicago Auxiliary Bishop Most Reverend Gustavo Garcia-Siller
- Archidocese of Chicago Auxiliary Bishop Most Reverend Francis J. Kane
- Archdiocese of Chicago Auxiliary Bishop Most Reverend John R. Manz
- Archdiocese of Chicago Auxiliary Bishop Most Reverend Thomas J. Paprocki
- Archdiocese of Chicago Most Reverend Joseph N. Perry
- Archdiocese of Chicago Most Reverend George J. Rassas
- Diocese of Joliet Bishop J. Peter Sartain
- Diocese of Peoria Most Reverend Daniel R. Jenky, C.S.C.
- Diocese of Rockford Bishop Thomas G. Doran
- Diocese of Springfield Bishop George J. Lucas
- St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy in Chicago Most Reverend Richard S. Seminack
- St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Chicago Most Reverend Mar Jacob Angadiath
Indiana:
- Archdioese of Indianapolis Archbishop Daniel M. Buechlein
Iowa:
- Diocese of Lafayette in Indiana Bishop William L. Higi
- Diocese of Sioux City Bishop R. Walker Nickless
Kansas:
- Diocese of Dodge City Bishop Ronald M. Gilmore
- Diocese of Kansas City Bishop Joseph F. Naumann
- Diocese of Salina Bishop Paul S. Coakley
- Diocese of Wichita Bishop Michael O. Jackels
Kentucky:
Louisiana:
- Diocese of Lake Charles Glen John Provost, D.D.
- Archdiocese of New Orleans Archbishop Alfred C. Hughes
Maine:
Maryland:
- Archdiocese of Baltimore Archbishop Edwin Frederick O'Brien
Massachusetts:
- Archdiocese of Boston Sean Cardinal O'Malley
- Diocese of Springfield Bishop Timothy A. McDonnell
- Diocese of Worchester Bishop Robert J. McManus
Michigan:
- Archdiocese of Detroit Adam Cardinal Maida
- Diocese of Lansing Bishop Earl Boyea
- Diocese of Marquette Bishop Alexander K. Sample
- Diocese of Saginaw Bishop Robert J. Carlson
Minnesota:
- Archdiocese of St. Paul/Minneapolis Archbishop John C. Nienstedt
Mississippi:
Missouri:
- Diocese of Kansas City/St. Joseph Bishop Robert W. Finn
- Diocese of Springfield - Cape Girardeau Bishop James V. Johnston
- Diocese of St. Louis Archdiocese Adminstrator Bishop Robert J. Hermann
Montana:
Nebraska:
- Diocese of Lincoln Bishop W. Fabian Bruskewitz
- Archdiocese of Omaha Archbishop Elden F. Curtiss
Nevada:
New Hampshire:
New Jersey:
- Diocese of Camden Bishop Joseph Galante
- Archdiocese of Newark Archbishop John J. Myers
- Diocese of Paterson Bishop Arthur J. Serratelli
- Diocese of Trenton Bishop John M. Smith
New Mexico:
- Archdiocese of Santa Fe Archbishop Michael J. Sheehan
New York:
- Diocese of Albany Bishop Howard J. Hubbard
- Diocese of Brooklyn Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio
- Archdiocese of New York - Edward Cardinal Egan
- State of New York Catholic Bishops
- Diocese of Rockville Center Bishop William Murphy
- Joint Statement by 22 New York Bishops
North Carolina:
- Diocese of Charlotte Bishop Peter J. Jugis JCD
- Diocese of Raleigh Bishop Michael F. Burbidge
North Dakota:
- Diocese of Fargo Bishop Samuel Aquila
Ohio:
- Archdiocese of Cincinnati while Diocese of Duluth Bishop Dennis M. Schnurr
- Diocese of Cleveland Bishop Richard G. Lennon
- Diocese of Toledo Bishop Leonard P. Blair
Oklahoma:
- Archdiocese of Oklahoma City Archbishop Eusubius J. Beltran
- Diocese of Tulsa Bishop Edward J. Slattery
Oregon:
- Diocese of Baker Bishop Robert Vasa
- Ardiocese of Portland Archbishop John Vlazny
Pennsylvania:
- Diocese of Greensburg Bishop Lawrence E. Brandt
- Diocese of Harrisburg Bishop Kevin C. Rhodes
- Diocese of Pittsburgh Bishop David A. Zubik
- Archdiocese of Philadelphia Justin Cardinal Rigali
- Diocese of Scranton Bishop Joseph F. Martino
- Joint Statement by 16 Bishops
Rhode Island:
-Diocese of Providence Bishop Thomas J. Tobin
South Carolina:
South Dakota:
- Diocese of Rapid City Bishop Blase J. Cupich
- Diocese of Sioux Falls Bishop Paul J. Swain
Tennessee:
Texas:
- Diocese of Amarillo Bishop Patrick J. Zurek and retired bishop John Yanta
- Diocse of Austin Bishop Gregory Aymond
- Diocese of Corpus Christi Bishop Rene H. Gracida
- Diocese of Dallas/Fort Worth Bishop Kevin Farrell and Bishop Kevin Vann
- Archdiocese of Galveston - Houston Daniel Cardinal DiNardo
- Archdiocese of San Antonio Archbishop Jose H. Gomez, S.T.D., and Bishop Oscar Cantú, D.D.
Utah:
Vermont:
Virginia:
- Diocese of Arlington Bishop Paul S. Loverde
- Diocese of Richmond Bishop Francis X. DiLorenzo
Washington:
- Archdiocese of Seattle Archbishop Alex J. Brunett
West Virginia:
Wisconsin:
- Diocese of Green Bay Bishop David Ricken
- Diocese of LaCrosse Bishop Jerome E. Listecki
- Diocese of Madison Bishop Robert C. Morlino
- Diocese of Milwaukee Bishop Timothy M. Dolan
Wyoming:
District of Columbia:
- Archdiocese of Washington, D.C. Auxiliary Bishop Martin D. Holley
- Archbishop Donald W. Wuerl
- Prefect of the Apostolic Signatura Archbishop Raymond Burke
Petition of Prayers to the Aborted Children for this Election
H/T to Maureen Wittmann
A friend sent this to me and I thought I'd pass it on. I wouldn't have thought of this myself -- it's a wonderful idea.
I shared the following inspiration with someone today and she told me that it was a great idea and that we should try to spread it quickly. So here it is - we should petition all the aborted babies in Heaven to intercede for us in this election.
There are millions of them, and so precious to God, can you imagine the power?????
In addition to prayer and fasting, the intercession of these little ones can be a powerful secret weapon that the other side could certainly never use.
"Victory in war does not depend upon the size of the army, but on strength that comes from Heaven." (1Maccabees 3:19)
If you think this is a good idea, please pass it along to as many people as you can.
Fr. Drabik
Monday, November 03, 2008
What Catholics Can Do Before the Elections
Invoke the help of the Holy Souls in purgatory, who we remember during the month of November. In return for their help, consider having Masses said for them. A 30 day Gregorian Mass is would be very beneficial to these souls.
Remember, they can no longer help themselves but they can help us.
Also, pray to the Guardian Angel of the United States of America.
Thanks to my sister Rosa for these suggestions.
Remember to Vote for Life!
Feast of San Martin de Porres
O humble Saint Martin de Porres,
you are the patron of social justice.
You spent your whole life in Peru
as a laborer and dedicated yourself
to unyielding acts of contrition.
Our Lord blessed you
with spiritual wisdom
and a generous heart
that you freely shared
with your fellow neighbor
and all the animals of the earth.
You doctored the sick,
fed the hungry, and gave
safe refuge to the oppressed.
Guide me to use my gifts
to help others who need
someone to stand up for them.
Amen.
- From a Holy Card.
Reflection: The thought that struck me this morning as I gazed at our statue of San Martin de Porres, is that I will ask for his intercession for the elections tomorrow, on this the eve of election day. May this humble saint who suffered at times because of the color of his skin, protect the millions of children, especially those who are Black or Hispanic, from the dangers of abortion.
Sunday, November 02, 2008
A Pro-Life Rosary Reflection
I have been praying a pro-life Rosary daily and will continue to do so until the elections are over. The following is the powerful reflection for the Second Glorious Mystery - The Ascension. It was written by a Daughter of St. Paul.
"After Christ's Ascension into heaven, angels reminded the amazed Apostles: "This Jesus...will return" (Acts 1:11).
In the Creed, we profess our faith thus: He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead."
Everyone will have already undergone his or her personal judgment; his or her eternal salvation or damnation will have been already determined. The universal judgment will be the manifestation of God's eternal justice. Then, Christ our Lord and King will invite all the just, 'Come. You have my Father's blessing! and to those on his left, 'Out of my sight, you condemned...' (Mt. 25:34-41).
On that last day, the day of the general judgment, how many millions of murdered, unborn children will rise to testify against their own parents?
Let us ask God to instill a holy fear of dine justice in the hearts of those who favor, promote, seek or perform abortions. May they recognize God as the sole Lord of life and death, repent for the wrong they have done, and make reparation for the sins they have encouraged or committed."