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Showing posts from June, 2011

GG: Royal visit will be 'historic event' - CTV News

Royals depart England for Canada Welcome to Canada 'Will & Kate'. It's nice to be able to get a visit from our future King and Queen. They are following in Queen Elizabeth's steps who also made Canada her first official visit after marrying Prince Philip. God save the Queen... and future King as well! GG: Royal visit will be 'historic event' - CTV News
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Free Florida's 'food terrorists' | Amy Goodman | Comment is free | guardian.co.uk

GOOD GRIEF!!! They are arresting people in Orlando (the city where a mouse is King!) for distributing food to homeless people. REALLY! I'm not making this up. Click on the link below to read the article. Free Florida's 'food terrorists' | Amy Goodman | Comment is free | guardian.co.uk
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Poland to vote on historic bill banning all abortions after massive grassroots campaign | LifeSiteNews.com

EXCLUSIVE: Poland to vote on historic bill banning all abortions after massive grassroots campaign | LifeSiteNews.com
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WYD Countdown: 48 Days to Go | Daily News | NCRegister.com

One of the greatest initiatives of Pope John Paul II was the establishment of World Youth Days. These are annual events where Catholic youth are invited to gather in one place to celebrate their faith and learn how to become faithful Catholics throughout their adult life. This year the event is being held in Madrid, Spain. Our little Diocese of Pembroke has sent a delegation of enthusiastic youths to these events throughout the years, with fantastic reports being shared in the parishes upon their return. We look forward to hearing from these young Catholics when they return from Spain. Pope B16 greet youth at 2008 World Youth Days WYD Countdown: 48 Days to Go | Daily News | NCRegister.com
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Insight Scoop | The Ignatius Press Blog: Is this the most ridiculous, arrogant Huff-and-Puff Post piece ever penned?

Carl Olson takes apart a Huffington Post opinion article which erroneously contends that Christianity is incompatible with science. Insight Scoop | The Ignatius Press Blog: Is this the most ridiculous, arrogant Huff-and-Puff Post piece ever penned?
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Movement to ban circumcision reignites debate - CTV News

When I was lucky enough to visit the Holy Land 10+ years ago, most of the Jewish men I met would wince when they heard my name. That's when I discovered that 'Moyle' (my family name) is pronounced the same as 'Mohel', the title of the Jewish Rabbi who performed ritual circumcisions. Ouch!  Nevertheless, this is an issue of religious and parental rights. Circumcisions are performed for both health and religious reasons and should not be banned by the state. All of this makes me wonder: why is it OK to pierce the bodies of small children with earrings and various studs but it is not OK to for parents to decide to have their sons circumcised? Makes no sense to me! Movement to ban circumcision reignites debate - CTV News
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Sin effects more than just the sinner

Here is an exchange of letters between one of the rioters in Vancouver (after the Canucks lost to the Bruins) and an Emergency Room nurse. I post it as an example of the truth that sins do not only effect the sinner but many others as well. It is a lesson worth reflecting upon. A Letter of Apology to Vancouver and Family and Friends Hey Everyone ! The status is : I Turned myself in to the VPD today at 12pm I am now being charged on 4 counts. I am Truly Sorry for what i have done !!! I have no excuse for my actions during the Riot. To my Friends, Family, Coworkers, and of course all of Vancouver and BC i am SORRY for what i have done. I would like to say on my behalf that I LOVE VANCOUVER ! I’ve been Born n Raised here all my life !! and that This Town means everything to me !!! again i understand that my actions caused did not show any of that ! But i hope you one day see that i do care about this town and my friends n family and this is NOT like me !! I am ashamed at what i have
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Senators score NHL draft coup - The Globe and Mail

Hope springs eternal for this die-hard Ottawa Senators fan! (God knows we need the help!) Senators score NHL draft coup - The Globe and Mail
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'I Perform This Way'... Weird Al Yankovic take on Lady Gaga's latest hit

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I Was Born This Way... the Christian version (H/T to Friar Rick's Blog)

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The Report on U.S. Catholic Priests’ Sex Abuse: What the Critics Got Wrong

The lead researcher of last month’s Causes and Context report on the child sexual abuse scandals that have shaken the Catholic Church speaks out on the controversy surrounding the study, and explains why it lays out a road map for the future.  Sound bites should not be confused with facts.  By the time we officially released our report (which can be found here ) on The Causes and Context of Sexual Abuse of Minors by Catholic Priests in the United States, 1950 – 2010 on May 18, 2011, the media had already seized on incomplete leaks of the report to give it a spin that had only a tangential relationship to what we wrote. It’s time to put the record straight---and to chart a way forward so that the pattern of abuses we studied is never repeated. Click on the link to read the entire story: Inside Criminal Justice
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Promotional video for upcoming Eucharistic Congress in St. Louis

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Single-Sex Dorms Spark Legal Controversy in D.C. - Law Blog - WSJ

The Catholic University of America wants to re-instate single sex residences. While I question how effective this would be in reducing people having sex, it is fascinating to see people threatening to sue over the issue. Precisely what part of 'Catholic' are they having trouble understanding? Single-Sex Dorms Spark Legal Controversy in D.C. - Law Blog - WSJ
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Abp. Fulton Sheen on four false assumptions often made in comparing religions

Insight Scoop | The Ignatius Press Blog: Abp. Fulton Sheen on four false assumptions often made in comparing religions
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The Brain on Trial - Magazine - The Atlantic

Thanks to David Driver for posting this article on his Facebook page. As he asks... do Christians understand what 'free will' actually is? The Brain on Trial - Magazine - The Atlantic
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Renewing the Mission of Catholic Charities | Daily News | NCRegister.com

Archbishop Chaput (Denver) Here is the text of a message from Archbishop  Chaput (Denver). As always he provides a great deal of chew over. Renewing the Mission of Catholic Charities | Daily News | NCRegister.com
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Maureen Dowd’s Catholic Problem - George Weigel - National Review Online

'In the blue corner, hailing for the  New York Times.... Maureen Dowd And... in the brown corner, hailing for Baltimore, Maryland ... George Weigel Maureen Dowd’s Catholic Problem - George Weigel - National Review Online
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Unnatural Selection: The War Against Girls - WSJ.com

Many feminists demand the unfettered right to having the state pay for their abortion if they so choose yet seem to ignore the nasty reality that it is the female gender rights that are suffering as a result of abortions worldwide. I appreciate the lessons taught to me by my feminist friends that men and women do not necessarily comprehend the world in the same way, but it baffles my sense of logic to understand how the establishment of males of the species in an even more dominant position in terms of numbers than they have now is in the benefit of woman's rights in the long term. The demographic costs would seem to threaten the equality gains that woman's rights advocates have won in the past 100 years within the west, especially in light of the rising tide of Islamic immigrants throughout Europe, North America and Africa. Book Review: Unnatural Selection - WSJ.com
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Following the Black Sheep Dog down the rabbit hole — UPDATED | The Deacon's Bench

Further revelations in the Fr. Corapi melt-down. It appears that the facts may not be entirely supportive of his statement... at least if one can believe that behavior is indicative of motive.  Here is a second article from his religious superior calling him back to his community, making clear that he was in no way forced into leaving the priesthood. Prayer is MOST DEFINITELY required for everyone wounded in this entire situation. Following the Black Sheep Dog down the rabbit hole — UPDATED | The Deacon's Bench
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A One State Solution for Peace in the Middle East | The American Catholic

An illustrative and thorough disassembling of the specious argument that the US invaded Iraq for motives other than those stated in the Act of Congress authorizing it. It is very much worth the few minutes to give it a read if you are at all interested in understanding the realities of the Middle East... and why the West MUST stand up in Israel's defense if her existence be threatened. The alternative would be far worse for us. A One State Solution for Peace in the Middle East | The American Catholic
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Is Eucharistic adoration bad for the Church?

Is Eucharistic adoration bad for the Church??? NO it is not! How can this man call himself a Catholic theologian and hold that it is???  Christopher's Apologies: Is Eucharistic adoration bad for the Church?
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Scientists trace neural links between guilt, co-operation - CTV News

Interesting.... So we seem to be 'hardwired' to act in certain moral ways. For me this is just another bit of proof that God created us to be a social people - concerned about the welfare of others. The fact that some of us are able to overcome this biological programming so that we become self-centered and selfish is evidence that our nature can indeed be corrupted. Put in religious terms, we are 'wired' to love God and each other. Sin corrupts this programming by turning us in upon ourselves. I appreciate that there are other ways to interpret these results. No doubt others will see these results as disproving the existence of God. It's simply a case of understanding which set of preconceived notions we bring to the analysis. Scientists trace neural links between guilt, co-operation - CTV News
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Russian rights activist Yelena Bonner dead at 88 - CTV News

Yelena Bonner was the 1980's version of Ghandi. Together with her husband Andrei Sakharov, they offered a peaceful and powerful countersign to the oppression inflicted upon the Russian people by the Communist government of the day. I don't know if she was a 'believer' or not, but I trust that she is now receiving her eternal reward for all the good she did in this life. We should all hope to give as powerful a witness to the rights of the individual as she and her husband offered in the face of great retribution. Her courage should inspire us all. Russian rights activist Yelena Bonner dead at 88 - CTV News
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About Fr. John Corapi with observations about our times | Fr. Z's Blog – What Does The Prayer Really Say?

Fr. John Corapi Fr. John Z. offers what I think is the best reaction to the announcement by Fr. Corapi that he is leaving the priesthood. He writes as someone who doesn't personally know Fr. Corapi but understands the pressure and temptations that afflict priests all the time. Together with Deacon Greg's column (which proceeds this article) one can get a sense as to the range of reactions to the decision of Fr. Corapi to leave the priesthood in the wake of the allegations leveled against him by one of his employees. If I can draw one other inference or lesson from this, it would be that once again we see the corrupting influence of wealth. Fr. Corapi was awarded millions of dollars in a civil action he launched against a doctor in the USA. This must have given him a certain independence that seems to have fueled his inflated sense of self-worth, leading him for example to now call his followers 'fans' who will 'follow him' into his new venture as a 'B
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Exposing the Anti-religious agenda - a neat Youtube apologetic

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The Failure of Liberal Catholicism: Catholic World Report

For decades conservatives have been marginalized in groups like the Catholic Theological Society of America (CTSA), which do not even pretend to be hospitable to “all points of view.” People have been denied tenure, lost their jobs, were never hired in the first place, or were otherwise penalized for upholding Church teaching, not only in academia but even in official Church agencies. Click link below to read entire article. The Failure of Liberal Catholicism: Catholic World Report
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Understanding Sex Through the Mystery of the Trinity

Understanding Sex Through the Mystery of the Trinity One of my friends has been trying to explain the Theology of the Body to one of his friends, and asked for a good way to explain what Catholics mean when we say that sex should be "unitive and procreative." What we mean is that: Unitive : Sex should draw the husband and wife together into a more perfect union with each other; that through it, "the two become one flesh" ( Genesis 2:24 ), in a way fully knowable only to God. Procreative : Sex should call forth new life, or at least be open to it. Authentic love isn't jealous, it's creative. To understand sex, I think you need to understand the Trinity. In the Trinity, God the Father loves God the Son, the Son is Beloved, and the manifestation of that Love is the Holy Spirit. Fr. Barron does a good job explaining that here . It's precisely because of that Love that God made the Universe and everything and everyone in it. So the Trin
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Top 10 Modern Myths About the Catholic Church

"When I decided to write this list, I thought about how it has changed, even in the past ten years. If I were to write this list 10 years ago, it would probably include these items: Catholics worship Mary. Catholics believe non-Catholics are going to hell. Catholics believe the Pope cannot sin. Purgatory no longer is a Catholic doctrine. Catholics were told not to read the Bible. etc. But, none of those appear on this list for today. This is because the modern person's knowledge about Christianity in general, and Catholicism in particular, is worse than it was 10 years ago. This means modern people are more secular in their thinking and thus the myths have evolved. Without further commentary I give you: Top 10 Modern Myths About the Catholic Church Click on link below to read the entire article Aggie Catholics: Top 10 Modern Myths About the Catholic Church
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"We just love each other" - The Daily Observer - Ontario, CA

Clifford and Theresa McConnell In the midst of all the bad news about the state of marriage in our country, here's a little tidbit from the local Pembroke paper about the secret to success for a couple celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary! "We just love each other" - The Daily Observer - Ontario, CA
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'Iran says it will send monkey into space ... JPost - Middle East

Finally, a job for Ahmadinejad! 'Iran says it will send monkey into space ... JPost - Middle East
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Bruins beat Canucks 4-0 to win Stanley Cup - CTV News

Tim Thomas - 2011 Conn Smythe Trophy winner Sob! No Stanley Cup for Canada this year as Vancouver failed to win against the Bruins in the 7th game of the Finals. The only consolation for Canadians is the fact that at least the Cup is returning to a city that experiences winter! It seemed weird to have the Cup won by teams like Tampa, South Carolina or Anaheim - cities that think winter is marked not with snow but with the arrival of Canadian 'Snowbirds'. Bruins beat Canucks 4-0 to win Stanley Cup - CTV News
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Conan O’Brien’s commencement speech – - Macleans OnCampus

Boy, I wish Conan could have given the commencement speech at any of my graduation ceremonies! It would have made the graduation experience a great deal more fun than what I remember. Conan O’Brien’s commencement speech – - Macleans OnCampus
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Senators have themselves a winner in Paul MacLean - The Globe and Mail

Like every other Canadian, I'll be attentively watching tonight's hockey game, sending every good thought I can in helping to cheer Vancouver in bringing the Stanley Cup where it belongs, north of the 49th parallel. My beloved Ottawa Senators are expected to make news themselves tomorrow when they announce Paul MacLean as their new head coach. The Globe and Mail believes that he's a 'winning' choice. I hope they are right. Tonight, we're all Canucks. Next season though, all bets are off!
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"Male Nuns Defy Catholic Church by being 'Nun-fied'!"

Just when you think you've seen it all... along comes a real life reprise of the Eric Idle and Robbie Coltrane movie, 'Nuns on the Run'. What will they think of next? Insight Scoop | The Ignatius Press Blog: "Male Nuns Defy Catholic Church by being 'Nun-fied'!"
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One Love... H/T to David Driver for this great Youtube video!

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A little biblical humour!

A little biblical humour! **Q. What kind of man was Boaz before he married Ruth? A. Ruth-less. Q. What do they call pastors in Germany ? A. German Shepherds. Q. Who was the greatest financier in the Bible? A. Noah He was floating his stock while  everyone else was in liquidation. Q. Who was the greatest female financier in the Bible? A. Pharaoh's daughter.  She went down to the bank of the Nile and drew out a little prophet. Q. What kind of motor vehicles are in the Bible? A. Jehovah drove Adam and Eve out of the Garden in a Fury. David's Triumph was heard throughout the land.  Also, probably a Honda, because the apostles were all in one Accord. Q.. Who was the greatest comedian in the Bible? A. Samson. He brought the house down. Q. What excuse did Adam give to his children as to why he no longer lived in Eden ? A. Your mother ate us out of house and home. Q. Which servant of God was the most flagrant lawbreaker in the Bible? A. Moses.  He broke al
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Fr. Ron Rolheiser on the role of the Holy Spirit honored this weekend with the Feast of Pentecost

Fr. Ron Rolheiser H/T to Fr. Michael Smith (Paroisse Ste-Thérèse, Temiscaming, Qc) for this article. He's right when he told me that Fr. Ron 'hit this one out of the park'! Ron Rolheiser - Speaker, Columnist and Author
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Weiner, Vitter and Others' 'Unforgivable' Behavior - NYTimes.com

'Weiner-gate' ? Really? That's what's dominated the news these past few days? Evidently not much happened in the world in my days of isolation far away from all the news and social media (a.k.a. ... paradise) if a congressman 'sexting' and sending close-ups of his loaded briefs is a lead story, at least according to Jon Stewart of the 'Daily Show'. (What a 'joy' it was that the first thing I saw on TV after four days of isolation, prayer and rest was the introduction of his 'C#ck Wheel'. Five minutes of incessant penis humor to satirize this current American fixation was all I could take before turning off the TV and diving into another book!)  The end of the world is surely not too far off if the dominant culture and government in the world can be preoccupied with such puerile 'news'. It seems that whenever a politician moves 'below the belt line' they captures the American public's attention (or at least their med
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On the Slow, Steady and Subtle Erosion of Religious Liberty | Archdiocese of Washington

Some years ago I read a humorous but poignant story about public prayer at a school graduation. It took place during the time when tide had just begun to turn against religious displays etc. in the public square, somewhere in the late 1980s. Up until that time prayer by a local minister, priest or rabbi was part of graduation, almost without exception. We certainly had it at my public high school graduation in 1979. But by the early 1980s the ACLU and other organizations began to insist that prayer of any sort at a public gathering was wrong and violated the (so-called) “separation of Church and State,” (a phrase that does NOT occur in the US Constitution).  And here is where the story picks up: The class valedictorian of a local Virginia high school (I forget which) was a committed Christian, and also something of a class clown. He was told that, under no circumstances was he to invite his classmates to pray or to mention God in a prayerful way and that, if he did,
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Once-accused priest now leads diocese inquiries into sex abuse - KansasCity.com

Seriously folks... why is it so hard for the 'higher-ups' in the Church to understand the basics of this issue? We need to be purer than 'Caesar's wife', whiter than a fresh snowfall, as transparent as glass all held together with the love of the heart of Christ himself. Perhaps some don't like being held to such difficult and lofty standards, but that's too bad. Bishops have brought this upon themselves. The faithful understand that there will be predators in every profession and vocation. As much as they would hope to find very few if any among men professing to be 'holy' priests, people understand if some of them are found even there. But the cover-ups and lies that followed in the wake of these offenses has profoundly wounded the faith and confidence of believers in such a way that the Church is no longer given the benefit of the doubt as regards her 'good intentions'. The RC Church is now subject to the Reagan Protocol: 'trust, b
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Gone Fishin'

G'Day Folks, I'll be away from the blog for a few days as I'm taking the other clergy from town on our annual fishing trip. This will be our 2nd trip into northwestern Quebec to Dumoine Lake Cottages . We spend our days fishing, praying, debating...  and eating. It's great fun!  We will return to our respective churches on Friday June 10th. I'll be back blogging upon my return. (Dumoine Lake is without a doubt the best walleye fishery for hundreds of miles around. The outfitter there possess 'exclusive rights' to all fishing and hunting and has developed a phenomenal fishery! )
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Inseparable twin friars die hours apart, age 92

Brs. Julian and Adrian Riester Something similar happened in my father's family when two spinster aunts who lived every day of their lives in each others company died within hours of each other on the first night they were apart. My family has always seen their lives and deaths as truly blessed. I trust it is the same for the family of these two friars. BBC News - Inseparable twin friars die hours apart, age 92
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