In the News...*
Scandals & Agendas
Be warned, those with an agenda are finding recent abuse scandals a fresh new opportunity to push for married priests and as well a chance to advance feminist ideals. Faithful Catholics should be prepared to counter their arguments. The following resources may be of assistance... (Click link to view)
* Top Reasons Why Women Can't Be Priests
[3/11]
How about another apology?
A deacon in Gloucestershire has apologized for the wording of his comments that "marriage is between Adam and Eve - not Adam and Steve" after homosexuals & their sympathizers complained. Comment: How about an apology for apologizing for speaking the truth?
[3/11]
Immoral vending machines
The newspaper of the Italian Bishops' Conference has condemned the plan to install vending machines which sell c*ndoms at a high school in Rome. The school will promote fornication by installing six such machines on campus.
"Do you not know that the unjust will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators nor idolaters nor adulterers nor boy prostitutes nor practicing homosexuals nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor robbers will inherit the kingdom of God." (1 Cor. 6:9-10) [Note: This, of course, refers to sin that remains unrepented]
[3/11]
Quotable Quote from Archbishop Chaput
The following 'quotable quote' is from a recent pro-life address of Archbishop Chaput...
"If you and I as citizens don’t do the shaping [of the laws in this country], then somebody else will," he said. "That’s the nature of a democracy."
[3/10]
Recent News Highlights
Some recent news highlights...
* Pope Benedict reminds that caring for the poor is the work of individuals motivated by charity and cannot be replaced by the State.
* The Pope's brother has admitted that he slapped boys in the face when he was choirmaster, even though he says it made him feel uncomfortable ("At the start, I also slapped people in the face but I always had a bad conscience about it"). He said that although he physically punished them (administered "clips round the ear" which was "a standard response at the time to failure or misbehaviour"), he felt it never rose to the extent of abuse. He also says he was "happy when in 1980 corporal punishment was banned by law". Although he indicated that he had no knowledge regarding cases of s*xual abuse, he admitted the following regarding allegations of physical abuse: "Pupils told me on concert trips about what went on. But it didn't dawn on me from their stories that I should do something. I was not aware of the extent of these brutal methods" and said "If I had known about the excess of force he was using, I would have said something". He also asked the victims for forgiveness.
* Ridiculous: Female activists in the Philippines recently delivered baskets of c*ndoms to the bishops, "humbly" asking them to "bless the c*ndoms as a conciliatory gesture to unite for reproductive health and women's rights" [Note: For information on the immorality of contraceptives, click here]
* Crazy: The sister who provides free needles to drug abusers (and calls it "common sense") has been awarded by Archbishop Timothy Dolan of New York and Bishop Howard Hubbard for her decades of "service" to Catholic Charities. The free needle program, which is at least partially funded by Catholics' donations, has been criticized for providing formal cooperation in evil. "It is never allowed, even for a good intention to do a thing that is bad in itself." (Baltimore Catechism)
* Still more ridiculousness: In all 50 states, 'same-sex couples' can apparently claim "married" status on U.S. Census forms
* Cardinal Levada has affirmed that "union with the Catholic Church is the goal of ecumenism". Pope Benedict also recently affirmed that conversion is the ultimate goal of ecumenism
* Some good news: Catholics in the Netherlands have launched a petition protesting the decision allow open homosexuals to receive Holy Communion. The decision - which violates Canon 915 and fails to protect the Sacred Host - came after homosexual activists engaged in protests. 1983 Code of Canon Law, Can. 915: "Those who have been excommunicated or interdicted after the imposition or declaration of the penalty and others obstinately persevering in manifest grave sin are not to be admitted to holy communion."
* Almost funny: A Vatican Radio editor who has written a book on President Obama and faith has recently made reference to "the merit of Obama in having brought faith back to the center of the agenda of the Democratic Party". Comment: Faith is "back at the center of the agenda"? Must have missed that memo!
* A member of the Pontifical Academy for Life who signed the recent letter concerning the abortion controversy involving the Academy's President has asked a Vatican spokesman it issue a clarification asserting that the letter was not an official request for their leader's resignation, but was rather a "clarification of important facts and to correct the false impression of unity conveyed to the press on Feb. 12 by our President"
* Archbishop Chaput has offered further justification for the decision to prevent a student being raised by lesbians to reenroll in a Catholic school. He noted that "If parents don’t respect the beliefs of the Church, or live in a manner that openly rejects those beliefs, then partnering with those parents becomes very difficult, if not impossible" and affirmed that "The main purpose of Catholic schools is religious; in other words, to form students in Catholic faith, Catholic morality and Catholic social values." He also reminded that "Our schools...exist primarily to serve Catholic families with an education shaped by Catholic faith and moral formation" and said that "If Catholics take their faith seriously, they naturally follow the teachings of the Church in matters of faith and morals; otherwise they take themselves outside the believing community"
[3/9]
Vatican Laments Violence in Nigeria
Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi lamented the "horrible acts of violence" committed by Muslims against non-Muslims in Nigeria on Sunday morning. Machete-wielding gangs in the area reportedly killed at least 500 people, mostly women, children, and older men. The Archbishop of the Nigerian capital Abuja claimed the violence was not due to religious reasons. Close to 100 people have been arrested.
[3/8]
Catholic education begins at home
A preschooler in Denver being 'raised' by two lesbians will not be allowed to re-enroll in a Catholic school next year since, as the Archdiocese notes, those "living in open discord with Catholic teaching in areas of faith and morals unfortunately choose by their actions to disqualify their children from enrollment." Unfortunately, some misguided Catholics have criticized and even protested the decision. Some are reportedly considering pulling their own children out of the school and various teachers are supposedly "disgusted" by the decision.
Hopefully knowledgeably Catholics will be prepared to answer the various illogical, misleading, etc. statements of those who unjustly criticize the diocese's actions (e.g. "they won't have anyone if they only accept children with perfect parents", "we're all created equal", "what would Jesus do?", etc.). Some points for Catholics to keep in mind...
* Defending sin is itself sinful, as is an inappropriate silence (click here for ways of being an accessory to another's sin)
* If the school freely allowed two openly homosexual 'parents' to roam the school grounds they would be fostering scandal and confusing the children they are supposed to educate
* There's obviously a big difference between the occasional moral failings of other parents, which are often private, vs. a public, unrepented in-your-face 24/7/365 homosexual 'two mommy' environment that goes against nature itself as well as being contrary to God's moral laws (remember also that S*domy is one of only four sins that "cry out to heaven for vengeance"). To freely allow such a situation unchallenged on Catholic school grounds would undermine the Church's teachings
* The Catholic school has a DUTY to protect the integrity of its teachings - not just by words, but also by appropriate actions
* Despite one-liners to the contrary, Jesus actually DID exclude some people (click here)
* While it is true that Jesus reached out to sinners, he DID expect them to stop sinning upon becoming his followers
* Homosexual acts are grave sins which exclude people from heaven if they are not repented of (for more details, click here for story 'The End of Freedom in America?')
* While Jesus certainly welcomed children, he had harsh words involving a millstone for those who caused little ones who believe in him to sin
* It is unfair to accuse the Church of punishing the child for the sins of its 'parents'. The Church has an obligation to protect the other children from scandal and to safeguard its own teachings - the Church cannot appear to condone sinful behaviors, nor can it be held responsible for creating the unholy situation involving the two adults. The 'caregivers' (both persons can't possibly be the child's parents) of the child are the party unconcerned about providing the child with a solid Catholic education or they wouldn't force a child to live in such an immoral environment in the first place
* What is the point of a Catholic education at school if one's home life is entirely contradictory to the Catholic faith? It is the 'parents' who are preventing the child from getting a solid Catholic education, not the Church. If they don't believe in the teachings of the Church, why do they make a farce of seeking a Catholic education for the child?
* The situation may cause a heavy burden to be placed on the teachers, the child, and other pupils since they would rightly condemn the gravely sinful arrangement of the innocent child's 'parents' and possibly create even more conflicts in the innocent child's home
* If the Church provides a solid moral foundation for the youngsters, it must necessarily put a child cared for by lesbians in continual conflict with its 'parents' who are living in manifest grave sin. As the Archdiocese states, "To allow children in these circumstances to continue in our school would be a cause of confusion for the student in that what they are being taught in school conflicts with what they experience in the home."
* Other students may not wish to befriend this child since good Catholic parents would rightly want their own children to avoid having much association with an immoral 'two mommy family'
* Preventing the child from reenrolling provides a first-hand lesson to all students and parents about the importance of living out the Church's teachings
* The 'parents' broke the rules by their dishonest enrollment of the child. As the Archdiocese indicates, "Our admission policy states clearly, 'No person shall be admitted as a student in any Catholic school unless that person and his/her parent(s) subscribe to the school’s philosophy and agree to abide by the educational policies and regulations of the school and Archdiocese.'"
* It is the 'parents'' actions, not the Church's that are preventing the child from receiving a Catholic education, as the diocese notes: "Parents living in open discord with Catholic teaching in areas of faith and morals unfortunately choose by their actions to disqualify their children from enrollment." If the 'parents' wanted to, they could immediately stop those actions. The Church, on the other hand, has no control over this matter.
It seems that Catholics in Denver should be thankful that a Catholic school is actually acting . . . well, Catholic. The school's "expect[ing] all families who enroll students to live in accord with Catholic teaching" doesn't seem like too much for a Catholic school to ask, now does it? If children's home life is in direct conflict with Catholic teachings, what is the point of a Catholic education at all? The home itself will undermine the education.
"We should tolerate association with sinners only for the purpose of recalling them to repentance, by every means short of committing sin ourselves. But when every form of solicitude has been applied in their regard, we should avoid those who persist in their evil ways." (St. Basil the Great, Doctor of the Church)
[3/8]
Anti-Catholicism in Tennessee
A Baptist leader in Tennessee who originally defended passing out a vile anti-Catholic tract now says he regrets the action. The highly offensive Chick Publications’ leaflet, illustrated in comic book format, criticizes the Catholic Church, the Holy Eucharist, and the Pope. A local priest called the publication "hate material" and is worried that it might "incite violence" in his small town. The Baptist leader said he has removed the leaflet and will no longer distribute it, although he says he will continue to hand out other "less offensive" tracts.
[3/8]
Who should pay for abuse settlements?
Various Catholics outraged by the Irish abuse scandal are up in arms over the request that they help contribute to settlements. Certainly it doesn't seem fair that an innocent Catholic should have to pay for the misdeeds of members of the Church's hierarchy. However, the fact is that the money will have to come from somewhere. Given the vow of poverty taken by many of the individuals involved, it's unlikely that those who committed abuse personally have piles of money lying around to compensate their victims.
While we might hope dioceses have stacks of cash to pay victims, the truth is that much of their assets may be illiquid and those assets they do have may be insufficient to cover the huge damages, not to mention the heavy legal costs. Besides, whatever assets they do have were likely already funded by previous donations from the laity. Furthermore, if the diocesan assets are sold, worthy programs might suffer. So if the laity are unwilling to provide funds for settlements, it seems very likely that worthy programs will be cut or that parishes may be at risk. Even if one's own parish isn't lost, precious other churches and assets of the Church which have been handed down to us from our ancestors may not survive. And once these are lost, we will probably never recover them.
Sometimes it seems that a parish or Catholic school is lost every week... complete with painful consequences for those involved. Chances are those affected by the closures would be willing to donate at least some amount to get their beloved parish or school back. But at that point, it's probably too late. While we may not wish to donate hard earned money for abuse settlements, we could ultimately suffer similar consequences if we categorically refuse to help out. Perhaps if we were left in charge we could find a way to pay off settlements with the least amount of damage (e.g. by selling non-sacred assets which are most removed from parishioners and cutting only unworthy programs), but the reality is that the laity probably won't have much of a say in the final decision regarding the disposal of assets. So, holding one's nose and coughing up some cash might seem like a reasonable "insurance policy" for our beloved parishes If nothing else, it is a work of charity to assist those who have suffered from abuse. There's no guarantee, of course, that such donations will save any given parish, but will a faithful Catholic ever regret that he at least tried to save God's house? An can we not expect that God will reward us for our efforts even if we are not successful?
That's not to say it will be pleasant. Perhaps, therefore, it may be more meritorious.
[3/8]
Desecration goes unpunished in Malaysia [Updated]
The Muslims who desecrated the Holy Eucharist in Malaysia will not be prosecuted, according to the attorney general. They had faced a prison term of up to five years for their actions, but the attorney general claimed that "they did not intend to offend anyone" by the desecration. At least one report noted that "The government stance in this case is likely to draw comparisons with its strong defense of Islam, the faith of the majority of Malaysia's 28 million people."
UPDATE: Malaysia's Al Islam magazine has issued an apology for "unintentionally hurt[ing] feelings" over the desecration of the Holy Eucharist by its journalists and said that it is "not the intention of Al Islam to insult the Christian religion nor to desecrate their house of worship".
[3/5, updated 3/6]
One of the ND88 dies of cancer
With the legal matter still unresolved, one of those arrested for peacefully protesting on the Notre Dame campus last year has died of cancer. Special council for the pro-lifers noted that the ND 88 have had their lives "turned upside down simply for bearing witness to the truth at a Catholic university that all human life is sacred. For almost a year, these men and women have been forced to live lives with this heavy and undue burden hanging over them."
Please pray for the ND88.
[3/5]
National 'Catholic' Educational Association's keynote speaker
The keynote speaker for the National Catholic Educational Association's April convention is a proponent of the grave evils of abortion, embryonic stem-cell research, and homosexual 'marriage', according to reports. The organization, which claims to be "the largest private professional education organization in the world" lists the following mission statement on their site...
"Rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) is a professional membership organization that provides leadership, direction and service to fulfill the evangelizing, catechizing and teaching mission of the Church."
Yea, sure.
[3/5]
"Let 'em have their day"
Some of Cardinal Levada's remarks at the recent consecration of the newly constructed FSSP chapel have drawn criticism from tradition-minded Catholics who question why the Cardinal couldn't just "let 'em have their day". For example, the Cardinal made reference to the (delusive?) claim that "that the two forms of the usage of the Roman Rite, the Extraordinary and the Ordinary Forms, can be mutually enriching to each other" and claimed - contrary to a recent document - that (gulp) "the new prefaces can and should be introduced into the old Missal".
At the consecration of the chapel - a chapel which is designed specifically for the traditional rite - he also...
* referred to a "beautiful preface" in the Missal of Paul VI for the anniversary of a dedication of a church which he claimed "can help to enrich our understanding of the celebration today"
* spoke of the supposed "continuity that we can see" between the TLM and the NO
* made a comparison (i.e. "It is also the same principle that is operative...") between orders celebrating the TLM and soon-to-be former Anglicans who will preserve "some of the richness of their liturgical and spiritual patrimony" (a "patrimony" tied to an act of disobedience against Christ's Church and for which their orders ultimately lost their validity) after converting to the Catholic Church
* unequivocally asserted that Vatican II is the "work of the Holy Spirit"
* referred to "generous steps" in the Motu Proprio (something demanded even by justice itself is now thought to be "generous"?)
Cardinal Levada has been criticized in the past for not permitting even one public celebration of the TLM under "indult" in his former Archdiocese.
Related: The Traditional Latin ('Tridentine') Mass vs. the New (Novus Ordo) Mass | Vatican II and its Fruits
[3/5]
A Time to Lament
The following is a brief overview of some recent scandals in the Church. Definitely not fun reading.
* Reports are circulating about a homosexual "prostitution ring" involving an usher at the Vatican ("a member of an elite group called 'Gentlemen of His Holiness'") as well as a Vatican chorister. At least one seminarian is reportedly also involved.
* A Mexican woman who has come forward regarding her alleged affair with the disgraced founder of the Legionaries of Christ and allegations that she bore two of his children said in a recent interview that she was not aware that he was a priest. The Legionaries' founder allegedly used a different name and "lived a parallel life". Her children were also interviewed and they made abuse accusations against him.
* The abuse scandal in Germany continues to widen. It now includes the choir where Pope Benedict's brother worked for 30 years. The Pope's brother said he did not know about any abuse at the choir.
* Many Irish Catholics are in an uproar over being asked to contribute for abuse victims' compensation. The scandals have also provided those who hate the Church many opportunities to spew insults, and at least one notorious anti-Catholic has predicted the Church's "downfall"
Related: Scandal in the Church (apologetics)
[3/5]
Traditional Anglicans Accept Pope's Offer, Will Convert
Members of the "Traditional Anglican Communion" (TAC) in the U.S. will convert to the Catholic Church, according to their press release which states that "the decision was made formally to request the implementation of the provisions of the Apostolic Constitution Anglicanorum cœtibus in the United States of America by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith."
Related: Vatican issues Apostolic Constitution (11/09) | Mark This Day On Your Calendar (1/10) | Necessity of Being Catholic For Salvation
[3/3]
Suggestions vs. Rules
Those hoping for a white horse over various liturgical practices (e.g. abuses), may be saddened by recent comments of the Pope's "chief liturgist" which indicate that the Holy Father will offer "suggestions" rather than formal papal directives. It was suggested that "the culture of the church should be shaped before implementing legislation", but one might rightly ask: Can't you shape the Church's culture faster with legislation? A good father should set down appropriate rules to provide a proper framework, should he not? Once a child goes outside those bounds, there should be correction not mere "suggestion". Otherwise, who is really in charge?
In fact, recent Church history shows that certain papal directives (e.g. Summorum Pontificum) are already met with resistance. How much more so if the Pope puts forth mere "suggestions"? Did St. Peter or St. Paul offer mere "suggestions", especially in the face of a crisis? No, they offered clear directives, as any good leader should. Otherwise, what is the point of having leadership at all if everyone is ultimately free to do as they wish?
Besides, the corrections themselves are a "no-brainer" - they better serve God and are good for the well-being of the laity. So what if they ruffle the feathers of some liberal bishops or misguided laity? Those who don't like the (long overdue) corrections may be the very same people who caused much of the situation the first place due to their disobedience. Why must the rest of the Church continue suffering due to lack of appropriate formal directives on these matters?
Unfortunately, the papal liturgist also spoke of supposed "mutual enrichment" of the so-called "two forms of the Roman rite" and claimed that both forms now "look upon one another with great serenity." Not sure where he got that idea, but in any event, please don't "enrich" the TLM by the NO! It seems providential that the TLM was protected from such "enrichment" for the last four decades and certainly doesn't need such "enrichment" now, especially by a rite which has resulted in about 70% of Catholics no longer believing in the Real Presence - a main tenet of the Catholic faith, and one with serious consequences...
"For anyone who eats and drinks
without discerning the body, eats and drinks judgment on himself." (St.
Paul, 1 Cor. 11:29)
Related:
The Traditional Latin ('Tridentine') Mass vs. the New (Novus Ordo) Mass[3/3]
The March 14th Collection: Where Will Your Money Go?
Catholics in the U.S. will be asked to donate to a "Give Hope to Jesus in Disguise" collection on March 14. Be advised that, according to a CNA report, funds from the collection will be going to the following six programs...
* Catholic Relief Services (CRS)
* CLINIC (Catholic Legal Immigration Service, Inc.)
* The Holy Father's Relief Fund
* The USCCB Department of Justice, Peace and Human Development (JPHD)
* The USCCB Department of Migration and Refugee Services (MRS)
* The USCCB Secretariat of Cultural Diversity in the Church
[3/2]
50 years late, but still good to hear
In a recent speech ("given at the scene of the crime"), Archbishop Charles Chaput criticized former President John F. Kennedy's 1960 campaign speech that "left a lasting mark on American politics" in which the politician spoke of a clear wall of separation between his duties as a Catholic and his public duties. The archbishop said Kennedy's speech was "sincere, compelling, articulate – and wrong." He also noted that Kennedy's remarks "began the project of walling religion away from the process of governance in a new and aggressive way" and said that "Today, half a century later, we’re paying for the damage."
"Further, it is unlawful to follow one line of conduct in private life and another in public, respecting privately the authority of the Church, but publicly rejecting it; for this would amount to joining together good and evil, and to putting man in conflict with himself; whereas he ought always to be consistent, and never in the least point nor in any condition of life to swerve from Christian virtue." (Pope Leo XIII, "Immortale Dei", 1885)
[3/2]
Rumors of Red
In a "coordinated leak", three reputable journalists have predicted that Pope Benedict will name new cardinals towards the end of November 2010 (around the time of the feast of Christ the King in the Novus Ordo calendar). It is speculated that there will be 19 nominees in order to reach the maximum number of 120 cardinal-electors, taking into account those who will become ineligible to vote by mid-November. Also, given the ages of various cardinals over the next roughly two years, the Whispers in the Loggia blog speculates that "just over half the voters in a hypothetical 2012 or later conclave [could be Pope Benedict's] picks." Thankfully, the list of likely nominees includes the "sure" elevation of Archbishop Raymond Burke.
[3/2]
If only informed, courageous Catholic journalists would call certain people on the misleading one-liners they throw around! A perfect opportunity presents itself in the Netherlands with the uproar that has ensued over a priest's (proper) decision to deny Holy Communion to an open, practicing homosexual. [1983 Code of Canon Law: Can. 915 "Those who have been excommunicated or interdicted after the imposition or declaration of the penalty and others obstinately persevering in manifest grave sin are not to be admitted to holy communion."] Those who protest the decision may be found flaunting signs containing the deceptive slogan "Jesus excludes no one", yet no article was found that calls protestors on their error. Actually Scripture is quite clear that Jesus does exclude certain persons - notably unrepentant sinners. Furthermore, our Lord personally drove people out of the temple with a whip (Jn. 2:15), called various people hypocrites, devils, serpents, and vipers and told his followers that "If any one comes to me without hating his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple" (see Lk. 14:26). He also says that "whoever does not believe will be condemned" (Mk. 16:16) and explicitly tells his disciples to reject certain persons. Some examples include...
"And as for those who do not welcome you, when you leave that town, shake the dust from your feet in testimony against them." (Our Lord Jesus Christ, Lk. 9:5)
"After a first and second warning, break off contact with a heretic, realizing that such a person is perverted and sinful and stands self-condemned." (Ti. 3:10-11)
"We instruct you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to shun any brother who conducts himself in a disorderly way and not according to the tradition they received from us." (2 Thes. 3:6)
Scripture also tells us that some people will be eternally excluded from His presence. For example...
"Be sure of this, that no immoral or impure or greedy person, that is, an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God." (Eph. 5:5)
"But as for cowards, the unfaithful, the depraved, murderers, the unchaste, sorcerers, idol-worshipers, and deceivers of every sort, their lot is in the burning pool of fire and sulfur, which is the second death." (Rv. 21:8)
"The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will collect out of his kingdom all who cause others to sin and all evildoers. They will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth." (Our Lord Jesus Christ, Mt. 13:41-42)
"Do you not know that the unjust will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators nor idolaters nor adulterers nor boy prostitutes nor practicing homosexuals nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor robbers will inherit the kingdom of God." (1 Cor. 6:9-10)
"Now the works of the flesh are obvious: immorality, impurity, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, rivalry, jealousy, outbursts of fury, acts of selfishness, dissensions, factions, occasions of envy, drinking bouts, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God." (Gal. 5:19-21)
"For it is surely just on God's part to repay with afflictions those who are afflicting you, and to grant rest along with us to you who are undergoing afflictions, at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with his mighty angels, in blazing fire, inflicting punishment on those who do not acknowledge God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. These will pay the penalty of eternal ruin, separated from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his power" (2 Thes. 1:6-9)
And, in fact, Scripture indicates that only a few will be saved (or "not excluded")...
"Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and those who enter through it are many. How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life. And those who find it are few." (Our Lord Jesus Christ, Mt. 7:13-15)
The Church's earliest leaders - men who knew Christ personally (including St. Paul who spoke to Christ after His Resurrection) - were not afraid to say things like "Whoever sins belongs to the devil" (St. John, 1 Jn. 3:8) and "Would that those who are upsetting you might also castrate themselves!" (St. Paul, Gal. 5:12) They referred to certain people as "perverse and wicked" (St. Paul, 2 Thes. 3:2) and as Satan's ministers (cf. 2 Cor. 11:13-15) - they certainly were not mere pacifists who would allow sinners to purposely desecrate Christ's true Flesh & Blood in order to be "inclusive". "Do not give what is holy to dogs..." (Mt. 7:6)
It is true that Jesus does not exclude people from is His mercy & forgiveness - but to be salvific, there is the necessary condition of repentance. To throw around misleading phrases such as "Jesus excludes no one" in order to promote desecration of the Holy Eucharist is loathsome. Unfortunately, however, such one-liners - often left uncontested by courageous people with facts - tend to appeal to onlookers who either don't know better or who are engaged in wishful thinking.
The bottom line is that if Jesus didn't condemn people based on their actions (or lack of), but had rather come with the simple message that "I'm okay, you're okay", He wouldn't have made such fierce enemies and wouldn't have been crucified. The same goes for the other apostles who where likewise martyred.
"For there is nothing which We believe to be more needful than that truth should find defenders more powerful and more numerous than the enemies it has to face; nor is there anything which is better calculated to impress the masses with respect for truth than to see it boldly proclaimed by learned and distinguished men." (Pope Leo XIII, "Providentissimus Deus", 1893)
[3/2]
Pope Benedict calls on Iraqi government to stop the killings
Pope Benedict XVI has called on the Iraqi government to put a stop to the recent "killing spree" in the Muslim-majority city of Mosul which has claimed the lives of at least eight people. Pope Benedict expressed "deep sadness" over the religiously motivated killings of non-Muslims.
Commentary: Can't help but notice that this report comes about 10 days after Cardinal Tauran said that "We must not fear Islam"
[3/1]
Do you know what 2/27 was?
In case you missed it, this past Saturday, February 27, was Cardinal Mahony's 74th birthday. The event has provided fresh impetus for those counting the days to the date when the controversial "progressive" (notoriously liberal) Cardinal will retire. Cardinal Mahony has been at the helm of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles - the nation's largest diocese - for nearly 25 years. To the delight of many, he has now officially entered his last year before the mandatory retirement age of 75. A prayer seeking divine assistance in the selection of his successor was recently issued by the archdiocese.
[3/1]
A Dangerous Road
USCCB President Cardinal Francis E. George recently addressed an "historic gathering" at BYU on the need to "stand together" in the defense of religious freedom. While it is certainly praiseworthy to defend innocent human life and marriage between a man and a woman, one might be forgiven for finding some of his remarks rather troubling. For example, if "true religious freedom" means the right to "influence the public square", how can one ignore the fact that his comments - taken to their logical end - advocate that non-Catholic religions influence laws regarding any number of sinful, immoral actions for which their adherents feel are "rights"? Particularly with regard to Mormons, does he not realize that 'full religious freedom' for them would include polygamy? It is certain that Mormons would practice polygamy today had it not been for laws curbing their "religious freedom". Such restrictions are actually a good thing, are they not? Presumably even the Cardinal would not push for their 'religious freedom' in this matter.
And when the Cardinal says that "government should never stand between its citizens and almighty God", he seems to gloss over the fact that just about every false religion probably believes they are following God's will - even if they are manifestly acting in opposition to it. Clearly, to put a justifiable obstacle between a person and his false conception of God can be the right thing to do - e.g. outlawing polygamy (even if someone thinks God desires it); stopping someone from murdering (even if they think God 'wants' them to kill); etc.
Furthermore, blanket calls for 'religious freedom' with reference to a country's laws seem to ignore the fact that laws based on falsities are not just. Rather, to be just, laws must be based on actual truth. To encourage false religions to exert influence on laws can be a dangerous road to travel. It is only when society's laws are founded upon the teachings of the one religion founded by Jesus Christ - Catholicism - will there be true religious freedom. To argue otherwise is shortsighted.
"Truth has its rights - or, rather, it is truth alone that has the right to claim liberty." (Gueranger)
"[I]t is contrary to reason that error and truth should have equal rights." (Pope Leo XIII, "Libertas Praestantissimum", 1888 A.D.)
"[F]reedom negates and destroys itself, and becomes a factor leading to the destruction of others, when it no longer recognizes and respects its essential link with the truth." (Pope John Paul II)
"[W]hen freedom is detached from objective truth it becomes impossible to establish personal rights on a firm rational basis; and the ground is laid for society to be at the mercy of the unrestrained will of individuals or the oppressive totalitarianism of public authority." (Pope John Paul II)
Relat
ed: Truth / Error (Reflections)[2/26]
Cardinal says beatification process for Pope John Paul II is "practically finished"
According to a CNA report, the beatification process for Pope John Paul II is "practically finished". The report quotes the late pope's long-time personal secretary, Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz, who spoke at a conference in Colombia. The Polish Cardinal dismissed critics of the speedy beatification process claiming that "one cannot say it has been done poorly." The rapid pace of the process has drawn criticism from some lay Catholics and reportedly concerned at least one Cardinal.
Related: Pope John Paul II "can't do anything"? (1/10) | When a Pope Should Be & Should Not Be Called Great (User-Submitted Article)
[2/24]
Ignorant Australian judge condemns priestly celibacy
A non-Catholic judge in Australia has been sharply rebuked by Catholics after he called for the Catholic Church to end the "cruel, cruel" practice of priestly celibacy. The ignorant judge implied that celibacy may be a factor in clerical abuse and claimed it must be "agonizing" for priests to be celibate. Even an opponent of priestly celibacy admitted that there have been "so many studies that show it's not the vow of celibacy that prompts a man to abuse a child."
"Holy virginity and that perfect chastity which is consecrated to the service of God is without doubt among the most precious treasures which the Founder of the Church has left in heritage to the society which He established." (Pope Pius XII, "Sacra Virginitas", 1954 A.D.)
"Now, however, We want you to rally to combat the abominable conspiracy against clerical celibacy. This conspiracy spreads daily and is promoted by profligate philosophers, some even from the clerical order. They have forgotten their person and office, and have been carried away by the enticements of pleasure. They have even dared to make repeated public demands to the princes for the abolition of that most holy discipline. But it is disgusting to dwell on these evil attempts at length. Rather, We ask that you strive with all your might to justify and to defend the law of clerical celibacy as prescribed by the sacred canons, against which the arrows of the lascivious are directed from every side." (Pope Gregory XVI, "Mirari Vos", 1832 A.D.)
Related: Why Priestly Celibacy? [Note: This article includes refutation of the argument that celibacy has led to the abuse scandals]
[2/24]
Highlights From 2010 Pontifical Yearbook
The following are some highlights from the 2010 edition of the "Annuario Pontificio" (Pontifical Yearbook)...
* Eight new episcopal sees and one territorial prelature were erected in 2009
* There were 169 new bishops appointed in 2009
* "The number of Catholics in the world increased from around 1,147 million in 2007 to 1,166 million in 2007, an increase of nineteen million faithful which corresponds to a growth of 1.7 percent"
* The number of priests increased over the last nine years from 405,178 in 2000 to 409,166 in 2008
* The number of female religious dropped (markedly) from 801,185 in 2000 to 739,067 in 2008
* Globally there was slight growth in the number of candidates to the priesthood (from 115,919 in 2007 to 117,024 in 2008). There was a decline of 4.3 percent in Europe, "while the situation in America remained unchanged"
Source: Vatican Information Service
[2/22]
Good news: Book signing cancelled
After much criticism, the director of the Catholic Information Center in downtown Washington has cancelled a planned book signing featuring Cokie Roberts. The director, an Opus Dei priest, claimed they were "unaware" that the "notorious dissenter" held views contrary to Church teachings ("We were unaware that some of the positions held by Ms. Cokie Roberts are inimical to the Catholic Faith and the support of our Holy Father that we hold very dear at the Catholic Information Center"). He also claimed to be "grateful" to those who expressed concern over the planned event and offered apologies "to all who may have been troubled by the scheduling of this event and the confusion it may have occasioned."
[2/19]
More good news: Anglican 'bishop' converts
A retired Anglican 'bishop'*, Paul Richardson, has been received into the Catholic Church. The new convert said it was "like coming home".
[* Reminder: Anglican 'clergy' are not true priests - their orders have been ruled invalid by the Church: "Wherefore, strictly adhering, in this matter, to the decrees of the pontiffs, our predecessors, and confirming them most fully, and, as it were, renewing them by our authority, of our own initiative and certain knowledge, we pronounce and declare that ordinations carried out according to the Anglican rite have been, and are, absolutely null and utterly void." (Pope Leo XIII, "Apostolicae Curae", 1896 A.D., emphasis added)]
[2/19]
Study says children adopted by homosexuals may suffer "diverse trauma"
CNA is reporting on a new study which reveals that children adopted by homosexuals may suffer from "diverse trauma and behavioral disorders that can even lead to suicidal tendencies or attempts." The findings, presented at a symposium in Mexico, also suggest that those adopted by homosexuals "show a greater level of stress than that which is already generated by their status as orphans or children abandoned by their biological parents." The president of the Mexican group that organized the symposium said, "according to international experience, based on various studies and research, the conclusion is that in matters of adoption, the rights of the children, not those of the parents, are what should prevail."
"You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; such a thing is an abomination." (Lev. 18:22)
[2/19]
Not again!
To the bewilderment of many Catholics, Pope Benedict is scheduled to visit a Lutheran 'church' on March 14 where he will give a homily along with a Lutheran 'pastor'. Commentary: Permit one to simply close with a wise mother's (surprised) reaction to this planned event: "Why is he doing that?"
"After a first and second warning, break off contact with a heretic, realizing that such a person is perverted and sinful and stands self-condemned." (St. Paul, Ti. 3:10-11)
"The toleration of heretics is more injurious than the devastation of the provinces by the barbarians." (Pope St. Gelasius I, 5th century A.D.)
"No one shall pray in common with heretics and schismatics." (Council of Laodicea, 365 A.D.)
Also See: Heresy (Reflections) | Necessity of Being Catholic For Salvation | Ecumenism Q & A | Guest Article (Figuratively Speaking): "There once was a vacuum cleaner salesman..."
[2/19]
Facts & Figures
Some recent statistics that may be of interest...
* Number of episcopally approved (every Sunday) TLM's according to various blogs: U.S.-289; France-156; Italy-73; Germany-49; U.K.-37; Brazil-42; Switzerland-21; Canada-23; Australia-17; Poland-15.
* Double good news: A Protestant group has released new figures indicating that Catholic Church membership is up while membership in Protestant sects has declined. They claim the Catholic Church has enjoyed a 1.49% growth rate in the past year and stands at 68.1 million members.
Related: Traditional Latin Mass Info. | Necessity of Being Catholic For Salvation
[2/19]
Update on Apostolic Visitation of U.S. Female Religious
A liberal Catholic newspaper has published an interview with Mother Mary Clare Millea who is overseeing the Apostolic Visitation of U.S. female religious. Some highlights appear below...
* "Phase three" (on-site visits) will begin one week after Easter and will continue through the fall of 2010. Most of those chosen for visits ("probably, roughly a hundred") should receive a letter at least a couple months before the visitation. Mother Millea indicated that both 'progressive' and traditional communities will be visited.
* "Phase four", the last phase, is the preparation of detailed reports on all "units" ("meaning congregations as well as their individual provinces") of female religious in the U.S. as well as a final report at the end. It appears that this phase will be completed sometime after June 2011. The reports will be sent to the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life.
* Asked about non-compliance with the questionnaire, Mother Millea indicated that they now have "a response from virtually every congregation in the country", but also said that "Were all of those one hundred percent compliant in answering every question? No. But we have excellent data on most congregations."
* Mother Millea responded to the possibility that some of the sisters would "go non-canonical" (apparently workshops have been offered for those who are considering cutting ties with the Church) saying, "...for a group of persons who are involved in a certain institution to say it's no longer officially aligned with the Catholic church, that's certainly a possibility." She also said, "We'll have to wait and see what choices people make, but I know it's being talked about and models are being proposed"
* Asked if there was a "good news story to tell" at the end of the day, she indicated that there was, but not without "enormous problems". She also said, "We would certainly be idealistic to think that we're going to return to the numbers that we had, but religious life as such, from what I see, is going to continue."
News of the visitation was generally welcomed by traditional communities but not by 'progressive' communities. It is well known that many "modern" sisters have been rebellious & unorthodox for years, calling into question - or openly protesting - various teachings of the Church, as well as practicing & promoting witchcraft and harmful New Age practices.
Related: Cardinal Rodé speaks to Vatican Radio about reasons for Apostolic Visitation (11/09) | More from those docile religious sisters (8/09) | Catholic Humor? (8/09) | LCWR annual meeting is true to form (8/09) | Rebellious women religious (7/09)
[2/18]
Catholic scholars want brakes put on sainthood cause
Reuters is reporting that "top Catholic scholars" have written a private letter to Pope Benedict requesting that he "slow down" the canonization process for Pope Pius XII. The letter is apparently signed by 18 "greatly troubled" scholars who fear for Catholic-Jewish relations if the late Pope is canonized.
[2/17]
Anglican Conversions Update
A couple updates regarding Anglican conversions...
* An Anglican 'bishop' (1) finds some Catholic prelates "unsympathetic" regarding the Pope's efforts to bring Anglicans into the Catholic Church, according to his "leaked" letters. Shamefully, the letters reveal that some Catholic prelates apparently think heretical Anglicans "are best off doing what they are presently doing." The Catholic prelates are also reportedly resisting the Pope's provisions to bring Anglicans into the Church. (Note: Click here for information on the necessity of being Catholic for salvation)
* A group of Anglicans in Australia ("Forward in Faith Australia") has voted to enter the Catholic Church under the special provisions recently issued by Pope Benedict XVI.
[(1) Reminder: Anglican 'clergy' are not true priests - their orders have been ruled invalid by the Church: "Wherefore, strictly adhering, in this matter, to the decrees of the pontiffs, our predecessors, and confirming them most fully, and, as it were, renewing them by our authority, of our own initiative and certain knowledge, we pronounce and declare that ordinations carried out according to the Anglican rite have been, and are, absolutely null and utterly void." (Pope Leo XIII, "Apostolicae Curae", 1896 A.D., emphasis added)]
[2/17]
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Pope appoints two auxiliary bishops for Diocese of Dallas [3/11]
Pope's letter on Irish abuse scandal may be made public next week [3/11]
So much for Canon 915: Archbishops Dolan & Listecki "do not favor" denying Holy Communion to 'Catholic' politicians who support abortion, homosexual 'marriage' [Refresher: 1983 Code of Canon Law, Can. 915: "Those who have been excommunicated or interdicted after the imposition or declaration of the penalty and others obstinately persevering in manifest grave sin are not to be admitted to Holy Communion."] [3/10]
Dutch Bishops call former government minister to head commission investigating abuse allegations [3/10]
Vatican statement concerning abuse of minors in central Europe [3/9]
Feedback from Dominican Sisters' appearance on Oprah has been "overwhelmingly positive" [3/9]
Una Voce Orange County's annual Lenten pilgrimage to be held March 14 [3/8]
Vatican (finally!) sets up commission to investigate alleged apparitions at Medjugorje [Related Resource: Marian Apparitions at Medjugorje: True or False?] [3/6]
Sad: Irish bishop finds traditional gesture of kissing Pope's ring "rather embarrassing" [3/6]
Supposedly Catholic King of Spain signs law 'legalizing' abortion [3/6]
Historic Sacred Heart Church in downtown Atlanta named basilica [3/5]
Watch out: IL considering 'presumed consent' over organ donation [Note: Click here for free flier & wallet card: 'Organ Donation: Act of Charity or License to Kill?] [3/5]
Series of Lenten meditations to begin Friday at the Vatican [3/4]
NJ church janitor pleads not guilty in fatal stabbing of priest [3/4]
Vatican Television Center to broadcast in high definition starting in October [3/3]
Images from consecration of new FSSP chapel [Note: On this site, it is necessary to scroll down to view the images] [3/3]
Pope to visit Spain, consecrate Barcelona cathedral in November [3/3]
Catholic group asks U.S. bishops to hold annual pro-life collection [3/2]
Catholic commentator calls 'global warming' the "hoax of the century" [3/2]
French bishops condemn pseudo phone 'confessions'; Pay-per-minute 'confessions' confuse the faithful and are not sacramental [Reminder: To be valid, the sacrament of Penance must be conducted in person & requires a validly ordained priest who has proper jurisdiction. For more information, click here] [3/2]
Pope Benedict's prayer intentions for March [3/1]
Cardinal Levada to preach at consecration of new FSSP chapel in Nebraska [3/1]
Vatican retreat concluded on Saturday [2/27]
Archbishop Dolan says no honors for pro-abort 'Catholic' politicians [2/26]
Pontifical Council for Culture creating foundation to reach out to atheists and agnostics [2/26]
U.S. Bishops' advisory committee to visit Haiti [2/26]
Austrian diocese refuses to pay "hush money" to alleged abuse victim [2/26]
Nebraska lawmakers considering banning abortions when unborn babies can feel pain [2/26]
Rumors: Motu Proprio clarification imminent? Papal "surprise" for Holy Week? [2/26]
Wisconsin diocese to withhold funds from CCHD [2/26]
Parish in France desecrated; Pastor sees signs that crime was the work of professionals [2/26]
USCCB creates advisory group to assist in "long term development needs of the Church in Haiti" [2/25]
President of Pontifical Academy for Life refuses to resign [2/25]
Special 80 hour showing of St. Anthony's relics attracts 200,000 people [2/24]
Catholic Medical Association issues open letter over healthcare reform [2/24]
Pope appoints new bishops for Ogdensburg & Scranton [2/23]
Jubilee for one thousand year anniversary of Eucharistic miracle in Spain [2/23]
Catholic relief agencies have received over $200M for Haitian earthquake relief efforts [2/23]
Catholic opposition sparks change in textbook [2/23]
Statistics released for Catholic Church in Malta [2/23]
2010 Pontifical Yearbook presented to Pope Benedict XVI [2/22]
Author highlights problems with "shamefully unreliable" diocesan newspapers [2/22]
Holy See says number of Catholics rose to 17.4% of global population from 2007 to 2008 [2/20]
Tradition-minded monastery elevated to abbey [2/19]
USCCB under fire again: Another CCHD consultant tied to pro-abortion group, homosexual activism [2/19]
Vatican "dismayed" over "widespread negative Irish media reaction" [2/18]
Vatican retreat to begin on February 21 [2/18]
Catholic League responds to news analyst who ridiculed Biden for wearing ashes on air [Reminder: A pro-abortion 'Catholic' politician should be denied Holy Communion, not ashes] [2/18]
Excommunicated, schismatic founder of Life Teen youth ministry has been laicized [2/17]
Five members of the Pontifical Academy for Life call for removal of the Academy's president [2/17]
Irish bishops to make public act of repentance during Lent over abuse scandal [2/17]
Bishop Vasa ends diocesan sponsorship of hospital which violates Catholic teachings [2/16]
Vatican communiqué regarding Papal meeting with Irish bishops [2/16]
Archbishop Listecki tells abuse victims to report abuse directly to civil authorities [2/16]
24 hour confession to be held in 51 parishes in NY from March 5-6 [2/16]
Excerpts from Pope's message for 47th World Day of Prayer for Vocations [2/16]
Irish bishops begin two day meeting with Pope over clerical abuse [2/15]
Bolivian archbishop tells faithful to avoid excessive carnival celebrations [2/15]
Cardinal Sodano to preside over special Mass for Haitian earthquake victims at Santa Maria Maggiore [2/15]
Ecclesia Dei answers questions about Summorum Pontificum: Priest may schedule TLM on his own accord, TLM may replace regularly scheduled NO, calendar and readings can't be substituted, and (gulp!) lay readers may be allowed to read vernacular translation [Note: On this site, it is necessary to scroll down to view the article] [2/15]
"The principle of graduality" [2/13]
'Global warming' hits Rome? News headline: "Rare snowfall in Rome as cold snap grips Italy" [2/12]
February 11th was 84th anniversary of signing of Lateran Treaty [2/12]
Pope Benedict asks Blessed Virgin's help for sick people, newlyweds [2/11]
Pope Benedict publishes program for his April pilgrimage to Malta [2/10]
Canadian court finds man who beat an elderly nun to death 'not guilty' by reason of insanity [2/8]
Good news for Alaskans: New weekly TLM [2/6]
Archdiocese of Turin closes cathedral for three months to prepare for public viewing of Shroud [2/5]
'Life in Haiti on day 23' [2/5]
Researchers discover that some diagnosed as 'vegetative' are "able to answer questions internally" [2/4]
Vatican officials deny claims regarding false documents that led to editor's resignation [2/4]
Vermont diocese to sell diocesan headquarters to pay for abuse settlements [2/3]
Death toll for religious in Haiti up to 47; Total casualties up to 170,000 [2/3]
New, more accurate Mass translations "should be" ready for use in U.S. by Lent 2011 [2/3]
"Enormous decline" in number of religious brothers in last few decades [2/2]
Earthquake in Haiti caused deaths in 30 religious communities [2/2]
Vietnamese priest calls for an "end of the besiegement" [2/2]
Pope Benedict's prayer intentions for February [2/1]
Holy Father calls for "great sense of responsibility" over job losses [2/1]
Vatican decides to keep nails on Michelangelo's last painting - the Crucifixion of St Peter [2/1]
Teenager arrested in slaying of elderly woman after Mass in Ohio [1/30]
Nigerian priest charged with embezzling nearly $200K from Wisconsin parishes [1/30]
Salesians face "slight decline" in membership [1/28]
Timeline shows teen pregnancy rates fall with abstinence education, rise with s*x ed [1/28]
Hundreds of NJ parishioners sue bishop for return of $1.4M in donations after parish merger [1/28]
Pro-life group issues report on President Obama's nominations & appointments; Group's founder says "President Obama has nominated and appointed the most radical group of ideologues ever assembled by an American President" [Warning: Article contains disturbing, graphic references] [1/27]
Vatican experts speculate that a consistory is likely to take place "soon" [1/26]
Holy See to use postage stamp as fundraiser for Haitian earthquake survivors [1/26]
Leaked document on papal primacy is a draft that has "no authority or official status" [1/26]
Elderly woman shot in parking lot after Mass in Ohio [1/26]
Diocese of Fairbanks emerges from bankruptcy; Bishop to meet with, apologize to abuse victims [1/26]
IL priest arrested for shoplifting [1/26]
Baseball MVP retires to become priest; Grant Desme to join St. Michael’s Abbey in California [1/23]
Pro-lifers urged to keep up their efforts at pro-life rally which was attended by 23 bishops [1/23]
Holy See's budget forecasts "slight improvement" for 2010 [1/22]
Possible good news: Blogger claims announcement of Cardinal Mahony's successor is imminent [1/22]
Pope Benedict recalls his seminary days, ordination [1/21]
More anti-Catholic violence in Vietnam [1/21]
Pro-life activities of Catholic colleges planned for this week [1/21]
Pope Benedict summons Irish bishops to Vatican this February to address abuse scandal [1/20]
'Prominent rabbi' calls Israel's behavior towards the Holy See "outrageous" [1/19]
Aid is failing to reach many earthquake victims in Haiti [1/19]
Pope Benedict prays for victims of earthquake in Haiti, entrusts Haitians to the Blessed Virgin Mary [1/18]
Smithsonian debuts exhibit on nuns [1/18]
Misguided Catholics at it again: Laity boycott Mass over firing of 'transgendered' employee [1/18]
Band of Muslim youths attack Catholics on way to Mass in Nigeria [1/18]
Vatican investigating possible miracle of Pope Pius XII [1/18]
Principal slashed by knife-wielding teenager at Catholic school in California [1/16]
Vatican website offers online bible in Chinese [1/16]
»
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Guest Article:
25 reasons to reject airport full body scans
By "Former Flier"
It's sickening that many television personalities have been so willing to violate the privacy of honest Americans over fear due to the recent foiled terror attempt. On the matter of full body scans, they are wrong, not to mention terribly shortsighted. They have one - and ONLY one - supposed argument in favor of full body scans; that is, such scans MAY make airline travel safer. But will it? Certainly there is no guarantee that this will occur. Rather, it is their "hope" or "belief" that this will result. But it is wrong - immoral even - to subject innocent people to this degrading procedure.
The following are my 25 reasons to reject these full-body scans...
1. These scans are a total violation of privacy! (Have you seen the full body scan images on TV? You can see everything, and I mean EVERYTHING!)
2. This procedure is immodest and will further a sense of immodesty as people become accustomed to allowing strangers to examine images of their body.
3. It is wrong to allow strangers who are not doctors to examine images of your private parts and the private parts of your family members. You wouldn't dream of allowing this to occur in any other setting.
4. The people who will be viewing every single nook and cranny of your body are government employees. Think of that, government agents viewing full body images of you. Did such privacy violations even occur in Communist Russia on such a wide scale?
5. Most likely you won't be allowed to know, see, or give your consent to the individual chosen by the government to analyze your body scan from head to toe. You will not be given their resume or information on their criminal record (if any) or about their mental health or any past transgressions involving others' scans. For all you know, the person who views images of your entire body and the entire bodies of your loved ones will be a pervert. The person viewing the images will be able to focus on any part of your body they want, free from any objection of yours and with your knowledge & consent. (If you go through the scanners, you are consenting to this.)
6. I wouldn’t allow my 13 year-old daughter's body to be viewed in the nude by a stranger - would you allow your daughter's to be? So why would you allow a revealing full body scan of your teenage daughter to be viewed by a stranger at the airport?
7. When this becomes widespread, EVERYONE who flies will be subject to this invasion of privacy - be they minor, grandparent, man, woman, priest, nun, or bishop. This is plain wrong.
8. When viewers of the full body images can't make out certain details on their screen, people will be subject to even more evasive, exploratory searches. Watch out if you have a safety pin, underwire, fancy zipper, unique button, or unusual growth!
9. Americans are supposed to be constitutionally protected from unreasonable searches. If revealing full body scans of INNOCENT people who simply want to visit relatives doesn't count as an unreasonable search, what does?
10. It is impossible for full body scans to be a foolproof security measure. Obviously they are only as good as the equipment and the (probably overworked) government employee viewing them. Eventually something will get through. People aren't perfect.
11. Full body images will eventually be stored. How would you like yours or your loved one's to turn up on the Internet? It WILL happen sometime, somewhere, to someone, especially to celebrities or "controversial" persons (e.g. pro-life activists). Do you bring forth the argument that they aren't saving the images? Maybe they aren’t now, but after the first security breach, people will call for storing body scan images to see "what went wrong".
12. There can be no guarantee that these full body scans are safe. We often discover long after the fact that procedures that were supposed to be "safe" were more dangerous than first thought. Just recently, ubiquitous CT scans were shown to be much more dangerous than previously believed. Ironically, although CT scans may be used to detect cancer, they have been found to cause cancer in some patients. In contrast to CT scans done with "meticulous care" in medical facilities, full body scans in airports will be conducted by non-medical personnel on people in a rush. Even though a different technology is used in airport scans vs. CT scans, rushed patrons combined with non-medical government personnel in a public setting is not an especially good combination for personal safety. Plus, who will control any settings on the machines? Who will make sure all emissions are always within proper limits? How often will the equipment be tested for dangerous leaks? And what about the effect of these scans on pregnant women and their babies? What about the cumulative effects of exposure to this equipment on frequent fliers or airport personnel who will be standing next to the machines for hours at a time, day in and day out? The extent of the effects may be unknown for decades.
13. Some persons involved in the scanning process may use the opportunity to harass people (e.g. subject them to more searches, spend more time on "beautiful" bodies, force persons to engage in immodest postures, etc.). Once people are in the scanner, airline ticket in tow, with a booked hotel, car rental, and waiting relatives, most will probably just consent to whatever they are told to do. They may not have the will to complain or they may be embarrassed to do so. Even if they did, it will be one person's word against another's.
14. On one hand, certain body images may tempt some scan viewers to lust (Jesus says a person who looks at another person with lust has committed adultery with the person in their heart). On the other hand, body images of some persons will probably become the "butt of screeners' jokes" (pun intended). The job of airport scanner has got to get boring after a while and an unusual body shape here and there may provide the employees with some "comic relief"
15. This practice will further a loss of respect for the dignity of the human body, especially for operators who will view nude images all day
16. Since these revealing scans put bodies on display for strangers, they may be a violation of one's right over a spouse's body. In fact, strangers viewing full body scans that expose every crevice of someone's body may view more of that person's body than their own spouse does!
17. Conducting full body scans won't solve the terrorist threat. Terrorists will just get more creative - and we will keep trying to play catch up - spending endless sums of money and giving up more of our freedoms. Eventually they may require people to remove false teeth to look for contraband or force us to strip nude, all for the "privilege" of flying. If you think terrorists will just give up because we implement full body scans, you're sadly mistaken.
18. Full body scans are just one more example of the government punishing many good people for the crimes of a few bad people. The good people will be hurt by lost freedom & violations of privacy. The terrorists will be undeterred in their plans, and they will probably be happy to see the disruption & harm they have caused the good people.
19. What effect do you think the revealing full-body scans will have on rape survivors or others who have been violated? Wouldn't it be reasonable for them to feel as though they've been violated again?
20. If we allow full body scans at airports, we'll soon be forced to undergo them in other public places - schools, office buildings, sporting events, and the like. In many places, the scans will not be optional because people will not be allowed to avoid them. In time, police may start carrying portable versions of the scanners when the technology becomes available. Allowing this practice at airports is likely to unleash a slew of new privacy violations against innocent Americans.
21. Full body scanning at airports may give passengers a false sense of security. Recent events prove that it is dangerous to be complacent with regard to airport security.
22. Full body scans are unnecessary and may be overcome. We already have (non invasive) metal detectors in place for metal objects. At this point, the most feared items may be powder or liquid. While full body scans thoroughly expose the naked body to the gaze of the scan viewer, it is questionable whether the machines will be able to clearly indicate the presence of small amounts of powder or liquid, especially when you factor in a creative terrorist. For example, how can the scanning equipment differentiate stuffing in a jacket from stuffing plus powder? Talk about looking for a needle in a haystack! And certainly even the zealous airport workers may hesitate to make passengers cut open their jackets so they can inspect the stuffing inside them.
23. Full body scans focus on the external part of the body. They would not show items taken orally or other items hidden internally (e.g. in feces). As drug enforcement agents might tell you, criminal persons don't refrain from using such unsavory tactics if they work.
24. Full body scans are incapable of solving the problem. Even if a terrorist is prevented from hiding items on their person by a full body scan, they can still keep items in their bags (who would question a prescription medicine bottle which appeared to contain real pills or a sealed shampoo bottle which seemed to actually contain shampoo?). The scans also won't prevent terrorists from recruiting insider employees who can help them evade the procedure.
25. This practice will harm the airline industry. Some people (myself included) will stop flying altogether. Costs will go up to pay for the new equipment and the additional personnel required to operate it. Airport delays will increase.
This is not a case of sacrificing "a bit of privacy for the good of the many". This practice will bring harm to many - in fact, all of us! Even if we don't fly, we should be concerned for our bothers and sisters who do and who will either, unfortunately, agree to the procedure or be involuntary pressured into it. And, as time goes by, this precedent will spill into other areas and we will ALL suffer invasions of our privacy because "new threats" have been found.
Let's not allow this to happen. Those who support this practice have only one argument in their favor - that the scans MAY make airline travel safer. But this is not the case. It will NOT be a security panacea. Rather, it is a harmful and dangerous road that we should not go down. God Himself made Adam & Eve garments after the fall. Let's not allow the government to force us to "shed" ours.
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Does the New Replica Disprove the Authenticity of the Shroud of Turin?
By: Ed Kelley
I love it when you can smell the bias right up front: "Shroud of Turin Once Again Proven a Fake". What can you expect from CNN and from a San Francisco "alternative" daily column by Tommi Avicolli-Mecca, author of something called "Smash the Church, Smash the State: The Early Years of Gay Liberation"? Hardly unbiased sources, are they?
As I look at the pictures, and read the articles one thing is for certain - they have made a cloth that looks like the face on the Shroud, but so far, that is it. The Shroud has undergone decades of research - it is the most studied relic in history - and yet there are still many characteristics that scientists cannot explain or reproduce. Several attempts to make a "copy" of the Shroud have scientifically turned out to be ridiculously simple by comparison to the actual Shroud. Some attempts to reproduce the Shroud have contained a few of the characteristics of the Shroud. Others have contained different characteristics of the Shroud. But none have even scratched the surface of the hundreds of known, unique and scientifically proven qualities that the Shroud holds. Most of these authentic characteristics would not be identifiable except for the many, very sophisticated modern tests that it has undergone. No attempted reproduction of the Shroud has passed more than a few of these scrupulous exams.
Only time will tell as to how accurate a copy this will turn out to be. I have rarely heard of any reproduction attempt that has continued to be studied after it has been initially revealed and held up as a "true copy" of the Shroud. Most likely, like all the other "explanations", it will turn out to be hollow 'gotcha' attempt, a "Hah!, look what we have done! We have created a copy that 'proves' the Shroud is a fake." Then, after the 15 minutes of fame has worn off, this fake will be tossed into the scrap-heap of other so-called proofs that go no further in their scientific study than the highly flawed radio carbon dating which "proved" the Shroud was a medieval fake based on a sample cut from an area still disputed as not being part of the original Shroud fabric.
The true Shroud is a photographic negative and the pictures shown in recent articles appear to show an image similar to the Shroud. Let's assume that the pictures in the articles exhibit the same photographic negative characteristic as that of the Shroud. That makes it similar to the Shroud in one instance. The scientific community and their biased media accomplices should be asking if it also projects 3D characteristics under the VP-8 Image Analyzer. The Shroud does. Only one other "copy" has shown some 3D characteristics, albeit very distorted and disfigured. The Shroud's 3D image is surprisingly detailed and clear.
They used pigmented paint, heating and washed the cloth afterwards to leave a stain on the cloth fibers. They suggest that the Shroud was similarly painted and that the pigment simply wore off over the centuries. Not true. The Shroud cloth's fibrils, the fine strands of material that form the woven-together threads of the cloth, are not stained. The fibrils that make the image have decomposed at a more accelerated rate that the rest of the cloth fibers, making the sepia colored image that can only be seen at distance. There is no seepage of materials or stains. The image does not go beyond the uppermost strands of the threads. How can these scientists conclude that this was made by "paint" when there is no stain, just discolored fibrils? Are the threads of the cloth they made stained through the threads with the pigment they used? I'll bet they are. An important note that frustrates scientists skeptical of the true Shroud - the only test that they have come up with that simulates rapid decomposition of the fibrils similar to Shroud - is enormous bursts of radiation, causing the exposed (upper fibrils on each thread) to decompose at a more rapid rate. (Can you say "Resurrection"?)
Other materials such as pollens that are only found in specific geographic regions that put the cloth in specific geographic areas are also on the Shroud. They did not "wear off over time" so why would we assume that pigment would be completely gone?
Why are there descriptions and drawings that show specific details on the true Shroud that predate any modern dating methods?
Is their image still visible when backlit or does it disappear like the image on the Shroud, indicating that there is no actual material comprising the image such as paint or stain?
Recently, scientists who work with and test the actual Shroud found that image information is on the topmost fibers of the other side of the cloth. But there is no image the fibers in the center of the threads. Can these scientists explain this? Get back to me when you have finished putting an image on the other side of your shroud and clean up the likely stained interiors of all the threads on your image. Make sure they line up exactly. Don't worry, I'll wait.
Why did they put blood on after they made the image? Tests show that there is no image under the blood stains on the Shroud, indicating that the cloth was touching the body before the image on it was created. Please remake your image and put on real human blood before heating and washing the cloth.
One could go on endlessly about how remedial an attempt this is at actual scientific study. File this under "One more critical self-proclaimed scientist attempts to make a Shroud copy and ends up looking the fool". We may never know for sure exactly how the image was made on the Shroud of Turin. But one thing is certain - few other relics are as truly miraculous as the Shroud. And, if it is a fake, and all of these critics have "proven" that it is, why are they still trying so hard?
Guest Commentary
The Shroud Debate
By: Deanne Costello
Summary: "The Shroud has been a topic of heated debate. This is where our faith is tested. Only God could have created this wonderful Shroud. I believe it to be very real! I enjoyed Mr. Kelley's article and agree with him. The Shroud was protected for centuries for a reason. Some things are meant to be left unknown, and only God knows why. Jesus was definitely covered with the shroud. Just my opinion. Thank you."
Commentary: "Science has come a very long way, but I don't need science to tell me if the Shroud is real. In my studies, no one can reproduce this great Shroud.
One book gave the blood type on the Shroud, after careful study. Think about it, do we need absolute proof that it is real? My faith tells me no. Science can do just so much. If God wants us to verify this God-given artifact, He will let us know.
When I first knew about the Shroud, there was a heated debate with my co workers, as to if it is real. Most were not sure, others said it is not real, but in the end, the most of us think it is a miracle of God, and I will believe it until I die.
Maybe the truth will never be known, but in my heart, I think there is a cover up, maybe to protect it from being stolen or other reasons.
Let science keep trying, they will never reproduce another Shroud. There is only one Shroud like The Shroud of Turin."
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What Not To Pray For
Some Prayers Are An Abomination
By: Toby F.T.
Unfortunate numbers of Catholics today appear poorly educated in the true Catholic faith. I admit that certain activities & comments of some Catholics leave me quite exasperated. When it comes to prayer or invoking the saints, I wish Catholics would keep in mind that not all prayer is good. Surprised?
Did you know the Bible says some prayers are an abomination? Look it up. Proverbs 28:9 says "When one turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination."
The Bible also says some prayers are not heard, that to some He will turn His face against them:
Sirach 34:25-26: If a man again touches a corpse after he has bathed, what did he gain by the purification? So with a man who fasts for his sins, but then goes and commits them again: Who will hear his prayer, and what has he gained by his mortification?
Jn. 9:31: We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if one is devout and does his will, he listens to him.
Prov. 15:29: The LORD is far from the wicked, but the prayer of the just he hears.
1 Pt. 3:12: For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears turned to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against evildoers.
Jer. 11:10-11: They have returned to the crimes of their forefathers who refused to obey my words. They also have followed and served strange gods; the covenant which I had made with their fathers, the house of Israel and the house of Judah have broken. Therefore, thus says the LORD: See, I bring upon them misfortune which they cannot escape. Though they cry out to me, I will not listen to them.
Zech. 7:11-14: But they refused to listen; they stubbornly turned their backs and stopped their ears so as not to hear. And they made their hearts diamondhard so as not to hear the teaching and the message that the LORD of hosts had sent by his spirit through the former prophets. Then the LORD of hosts in his great anger said that, as they had not listened when he called, so he would not listen when they called, but would scatter them with a whirlwind among all the nations that they did not know. Thus the land was left desolate after them with no one traveling to and fro; they made the pleasant land into a desert.
Obviously then not all prayer is heard. A sure rule of thumb is to never pray for assistance with any action contrary to God's laws. All of the following would be examples of things NOT to pray for...
* for help with divorce (if lawfully married) & 'remarriage'
* that IVF will be successful
* that birth-control will not fail
* for a successful abortion
You cannot seriously expect that God will be happy to help you do something that will offend Him, can you? Isn't asking the all-holy God to assist in sin demonic? Do you imagine you please Him by such a request rather thank invoke His wrath?
Likewise, don't expect that a patron saint will help you sin. A patron who would assist in sin would be no saint! Listen to what a true saint, St. Alphonsus Liguori, has to say about the topic of prayer by obstinate sinners...
"There are some unhappy persons who love the chains with which the devil keeps them bound like slaves. The prayers of such men are not heard by God; because they are rash, presumptuous, and abominable. For what greater presumption can there be than for a man to ask favors of a prince whom he not only has often offended, but whom he intends to offend still more? And this is the meaning of the Holy Spirit, when he says that the prayer of him who turns away his ears so as not to hear what God commands is detestable and odious to God: 'He who turneth away his ears from learning the law, his prayer shall be an abomination.' To these people God says, it is of no use your praying to Me, for I will turn My eyes from you, and will not hear you: 'When you stretch forth your hands, I will turn away My eyes from you; and when you multiply prayer, I will not hear.'"
God does hear the prayer of sinners (we are all sinners), but don't ask Him to be a partner in your sin. Rather, ask to be delivered from your sins. If you mean it, He will definitely hear you.
May God hear your prayers.
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Reflection of Pope Pius XI
"We remember saying that these manifold evils in the world were due to the fact that the majority of men had thrust Jesus Christ and His holy law out of their lives; that these had no place either in private affairs or in politics: and We said further, that as long as individuals and states refused to submit to the rule of Our Savior, there would be no really hopeful prospect of a lasting peace among nations."
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Reflection of Dom Gueranger
"May Faith, without which love and charity cannot exist, be maintained in all its purity; may the serpent of heresy be crushed, and its poisoned cup find neither teachers to offer it not disciples to drink it. May the attachment to the doctrines of the Church be firm and courageous; may no human schemes or theories, or cowardly toleration of error, enervate the principles of truth and morals; may the children of light boldly disown fellowship with the children of darkness."
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Reflection of Pope Pius XI
"When once men recognize, both in private and in public life, that Christ is King, society will at last receive the great blessings of real liberty, well-ordered discipline, peace and harmony."
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"Food For Thought"
"For if any of those who are present should think to tempt God's grace, he deceives himself, and knows not its power. Keep thy soul free from hypocrisy, O man, because of Him who searcheth hearts and reins. For as those who are going to make a levy for war examine the ages and the bodies of those who are taking service, so also the Lord in enlisting souls examines their purpose: and if any has a secret hypocrisy, He rejects the man as unfit for His true service; but if He finds one worthy, to him He readily gives His grace. He gives not holy things to the dogs; but where He discerns the good conscience, there He gives the Seal of salvation, that wondrous Seal, which devils tremble at, and Angels recognize; that the one may be driven to flight, and the others may watch around it as kindred to themselves. Those therefore who receive this spiritual and saving Seal, have need also of the disposition akin to it. For as a writing-reed or a dart has need of one to use it, so grace also has need of believing minds." (St. Cyril of Jerusalem)
"Food For Thought" From St. Ambrose
"[N]o one can repent to good purpose unless he hopes for mercy." (St. Ambrose)
"[T]he Spirit of God is more inclined to mercy than to severity" (St. Ambrose)
"How unfit were it, since with men credit is given for endurance in a struggle, that one should assert that it had no value with God! For often in this world's athletic contests the public crown together with the victors even the vanquished whose conduct has been approved, especially if perchance they have seen that they lost the victory by some trick or fraud." (St. Ambrose)
"Is it not evident that the Lord Jesus is angry with us when we sin in order that He may convert us through fear of His indignation? His indignation, then, is not the carrying out of vengeance, but rather the working out of forgiveness, for these are His words: 'If thou shalt turn and lament, thou shall be saved.' He waits for our lamentations here, that is, in time, that He may spare us those which shall be eternal. He waits for our tears, that He may pour forth His goodness. So in the Gospel, having pity on the tears of the widow, He raised her son. He waits for our conversion, that He may Himself restore us to grace, which would have continued with us had no fall overtaken us. But He is angry because we have by our sins incurred guilt, in order that we may be humbled; we are humbled, in order that we may be found worthy rather of pity than of punishment." (St. Ambrose)
Guest Article
There once was a vacuum cleaner salesman...
There once was a good vacuum cleaner salesman. He worked for the top company. He had an excellent product. A product so good in fact you "couldn't live without it", if you only knew! The product took a reasonable amount of work, but the results were wonderful beyond any possible expectation. The product was priced fairly and was unquestionably within the reach of every potential customer. The good salesman had been commissioned by the good & honest manufacturer in an exclusive arrangement to promote the good vacuum to all persons. The manufacturer was upright & caring and always looked out for the good salesman and for his customers. The manufacturer trained the good salesman with meticulous care and left him with all instructions and helps necessary for his customers to use the product properly. The salesman was repeatedly warned about his "competitors", who were "wolves."
For many years the good salesman presented his product just as the manufacturer had guided him. He did so well, in fact, that a very large percentage of the entire earth's population used his product. Taking to heart the manufacturer's instructions, he promoted his product and expended every effort to warn customers and potential customers everywhere about the imposters who lurked around every corner who might try to sell them a dangerous vacuum that could have tragic consequences.
There once was a bad vacuum cleaner salesman. He joined up with a dishonest manufacturer who made illegal, dangerous contraptions that resembled vacuums. The bad product may have been somewhat easier to use than the good salesman's product, but it was almost impossible to escape the serious consequences that were likely to result from its use. In fact, those who used his product risked having their house entirely destroyed by fire. The bad salesman didn't tell anyone about this (he may not have even known himself). Nevertheless, he continued selling the product to misguided and unsuspecting people. He would even promise potential buyers things "too good to be true" (which of course weren't true at all). At one point the bad salesman started wearing a uniform and driving a vehicle that closely resembled the good salesman's uniform and vehicle so that many people could not tell the difference between the good and the bad salesman. In fact, to hear the bad salesman explain things, he worked for the good manufacturer (even though he could produce no contract or proof that he worked for the good manufacturer and it was known that the good manufacturer had an exclusive contract with the good salesman).
The rivalry between the good and the bad salesman continued for many years. The good salesman often pointed out the danger inherent in the bad salesman's product while the bad salesman spoke errors and lies about the good salesman and his product. Despite the persecution, the good salesman worked tirelessly to protect his customers and others by explaining the superiority of his product as well as the dangers of his competitor's product. Due to his efforts, his customers could easily identify and explain the difference between the two products, as well as describe the risk of using the bad salesman's product. They knew to stay away from the competitor's dangerous product and they also realized the benefit of trying to help others avoid the bad salesman's dangerous goods.
Then suddenly things changed. The good salesman stopped warning people about the bad vacuums. He also stopped warning people to avoid the bad salesman. He stopped calling the bad salesman a "wolf" and began to call the bad salesman his brother. He cultivated a friendship with the bad salesman even as the bad salesman continued selling the dangerous, illegal vacuums to unsuspecting customers - and his own customers as well. In a surprising turn, the good salesman could be found referring to the bad salesman - in public - by the title the bad salesman chose for himself - a title which gave the impression that the bad salesman worked for the good manufacturer (even though he didn’t).
In an effort to foster friendship, the good salesman decided to put some stickers on his vehicle to cover up parts of his vehicle that the bad salesman found offensive. The changes made the good salesman's vehicle more closely resemble the bad salesman's vehicle. He was delighted.
However he was still not satisfied. Eventually, the good salesman was found to occasionally praise the bad salesman. He sometimes even managed to find some good words for the bad salesman's dangerous, illegal goods. Occasionally the good salesman would share company property with the bad salesman, even though people may have found this action confusing (at best).
As time marched on, the good salesman became loathe to talk about deficiencies in the bad vacuums and he came to find the idea of criticizing the bad salesman "outdated" or even offensive. From now on he would only speak positively about the bad salesman and his product.
All along, he knew - or should have known - that the bad salesman continued selling dangerous, illegal contraptions to people who would ultimately suffer the consequences. Not only that, but the bad salesman presented these dangerous, illegal contraptions to people as if they were equivalent to the good vacuums that the good salesman sold. He also knew that the bad salesman held himself out as a representative of the good manufacturer - for which the good salesman knew he didn't work for. And, of course, every sale of a bad vacuum meant one less sale of the good vacuum (especially since the good salesman now preferred to remain silent about the superiority of his product and the serious dangers of the competing product).
The good salesman apparently began overlooking the fact that houses were burning - or would burn. He instead focused on unity between the users of the bad vacuums and the good vacuums, leading some to wonder if they still had to worry about using the bad vacuums at all. The good salesman certainly didn't want to criticize the bad vacuum and at times acted as if he saw "very little difference" between the two products. He no longer seemed overly concerned if people chose the bad vacuums - as if these people might somehow escape the imminent consequences he had so consistently warned of in the past. No, he would no longer sound the alarm that houses would be destroyed by fire as a result of using the dangerous product. He didn't want to offend the bad salesman or the bad salesman's customers by sounding a warning.
As time went by, sales of the good vacuum went down. Houses burned. Many who used the good vacuum modified it in dangerous ways to better suit their liking - ways that more closely resembled the bad vacuum. Houses burned. Numerous people could no longer tell the difference between the good and the bad product. Houses burned. Sales of the bad vacuum remained strong. Houses burned. Some preferred the bad vacuum because it seemed easier and because no one had told them of the danger. Houses burned. A relatively small group of people tried to warn of the danger, but they were usually written off. Houses burned.
Were the homeowners well served?
Is the good manufacturer happy?
By the way, the good manufacturer built each home that burned and lovingly regarded each one. Still think the good manufacturer is happy?
Houses continue burning.
Can you say 'false ecumenism'?
[Related: Ecumenism Q & A]
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"Food For Thought"
"But what is it, dearly beloved, to have peace towards God, except to wish what He bids, and not to wish what He forbids? For if human friendships seek out equality of soul and similarity of desires, and difference of habits can never attain to full harmony, how will he be partaker of divine peace, who is pleased with what displeases God and desires to get delight from what he knows to be offensive to God? That is not the spirit of the sons of God; such wisdom is not acceptable to the noble family of the adopted. That chosen and royal race must live up to the dignity of its regeneration, must love what the Father loves, and in nought disagree with its Maker, lest the LORD should again say: "I have begotten and raised up sons, but they have scorned Me: the ox knoweth his owner and the ass his master's crib: but Israel hath not known Me and My people hath not acknowledged Me."
"Food For Thought"
"By the consideration of time--for seeing that time seizes upon all things human, we also in turn ought to snatch from it something which may profit us to eternal life, especially since a certain awful expectation of the approach of the divine judgment importunately demands increased earnestness in religion, while the subtle craftiness of new heretics calls for no ordinary care and attention." (St. Vincent of Lerins)
"Food For Thought"
"Observing the institutions of the Apostles' tradition, dearly beloved, we exhort you, as watchful shepherds, to celebrate with the devotion of religious practice that day which they purged from wicked superstitions and consecrated to deeds of mercy, thus showing that the authority of the Fathers still lives among us, and that we obediently abide by their teaching. Inasmuch as the sacred usefulness of such a practice affects not only time past but also our own age, so that what aided them in the destruction of vanities, might contribute with us to the increase of virtues. And what so suitable to faith, what so much in harmony with godliness as to assist the poverty of the needy, to undertake the care of the weak, to succor the needs of the brethren, and to remember one's own condition in the toils of others. In which work He only who knows what He has given to each, discerns aright how much a man can and how much he cannot do. For not only are spiritual riches and heavenly gifts received from God, but earthly and material possessions also proceed from His bounty, that He may be justified in requiring an account of those things which He has not so much put in our possession as committed to our stewardship. God's gifts, therefore, we must use properly and wisely, lest the material for good work should become an occasion of sin. For wealth, after its kind and regarded as a means, is good and is of the greatest advantage to human society, when it is in the hands of the benevolent and open-handed, and when the luxurious man does not squander nor the miser hoard it; for whether ill-stored or unwisely spent it is equally lost." (Pope St. Leo the Great)
Prayer of St. Thomas Aquinas
Ineffable Creator, Who out of the treasures of Thy wisdom hast appointed three hierarchies of Angels and set them in admirable order high above the heavens and hast disposed the divers portions of the universe in such marvelous array, Thou Who art called the True Source of Light and super-eminent Principle of Wisdom, be pleased to cast a beam of Thy radiance upon the darkness of my mind and dispel from me the double darkness of sin and ignorance in which I have been born. Thou Who makest eloquent the tongues of little children, fashion my words and pour upon my lips the grace of Thy benediction. Grant me penetration to understand, capacity to retain, method and facility in study, subtlety in interpretation and abundant grace of expression. Order the beginning, direct the progress and perfect the achievement of my work, Thou who art true God and Man and livest and reignest for ever and ever. Amen.
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Reflection of Pope Pius XII
"We do not hesitate to affirm again publicly that We put great confidence in the Holy Rosary for the healing of evils which afflict our times. Not with force, not with arms, not with human power, but with Divine help obtained through the means of this prayer, strong like David with his sling, the Church undaunted shall be able to confront the infernal enemy"
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