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Showing posts from September, 2011

Gotta have faith: Findings show religion still vital to Canadians

You could call it religion's hallelujah. Though certain faiths remain in dire straits, a new report finds rumours of the death of Canadian churches to be greatly exaggerated -- particularly when it comes to Catholic and evangelical denominations, which are actually flourishing in light of recent immigration patterns. "Most observers assumed that religion in Canada would follow the European pattern of secularization, where religion would be practised by fewer and fewer people over time and eventually border on being extinct," says sociologist Reginald Bibby, a leading expert on religious life in Canada. Click on the link to read the rest of the story from the Ottawa Citizen. Gotta have faith: Findings show religion still vital to Canadians

Peter Seewald: The Pope triumphed over the media war in Germany :: Catholic News Agency (CNA)

"In the interview, Seewald, author of “Light of the World,” described the Pope’s visit as “a small miracle” because “shortly before there was a very aggressive, anti-clerical assault by the media.” “All of this brings to mind George Orwell’s ‘1984,’ in which an imaginary enemy, a nightmare, is created in order to scare people.” “And yet,” Seewald noted, “despite all of this incredible effort by the media, an innumerable amount of people stood up and refused to be deceived.” “They said the Germans would turn their backs on him and all kinds of other stupidities. There appears to be nothing more offensive in our times than being Catholic. As the magazine ‘Stern’ said, ‘The brief euphoria at the outset was followed by an irreparable distancing between the majority of Germans and their fellow countryman.’ It’s as if they were saying that everything would be wonderful and orderly in the world if the Vatican just ceased to exist.” However, Seewald continued, “We wer...

"The Smile of God" - Remembering Pope John Paul I

Here's an article from Rocco Palma on the Pope that brought me back to the practice of the faith: John Paul I. I had been a non-practicing Catholic for years. The Church, under the leadership of Pope Paul VI seemed to be an irrelevant institution in my opinion back then. Too concerned with legalisms and irrelevancies to be of any relevance to the modern world. Then came this holy man, Cardinal Luciani who took the name of his two immediate predecessors, John XXIII and Paul VI and melded them together into one: Pope John Paul. In the few short days of his pontificate, he shattered the mold of what a Pope was supposed to be. He brushed aside many of the accouterments of prestige and seemed to be a man who found it more important to explain the truths of the Church in the language of the common man. Let me offer one example... the case of Louise Brown, the worlds first 'test-tube' baby. When she was born, Pope JPI sent roses to her parents to celebrate her arrival. Whe...

9/11, Benedict XVI and Regensburg | First Things

Here is an excellent summary, written by George Weigel on the challenge posed to the Islam by the west in the 21st century. In light of the threatened execution of a Christian convert pastor in Iran, the challenge seems all the more relevant today than when B16 issued it five years ago. 9/11, Benedict XVI and Regensburg | First Things

Baby Joseph dies at 18 months | News | National Post

Rest in Peace Joseph. You journey through life was filled with love. May you now enjoy the gift of living in God's perfect love as you await your family to join you in paradise. Baby Joseph dies at 18 months | News | National Post

The Probability of You Existing at All is Almost NON-Existent. A Brief Reflection on the Contingency of our Being and the Glory of God, Based on a Recent Math Article. | Archdiocese of Washington

I've been using this same argument with every couple that brings a child to the Church for baptism. When we consider that the statistical odds of our coming to exist are far less than winning the Lotto 6/49, the birth of a child suddenly is seen in a different light... a prize of great value! I hope that if parents can keep that thought in their minds as they raise a child that they might understand just what a treasure is entrusted to them to love and care for. The Probability of You Existing at All is Almost NON-Existent. A Brief Reflection on the Contingency of our Being and the Glory of God, Based on a Recent Math Article. | Archdiocese of Washington

‘It’s OK to kill a baby in the womb, when..?’ 180 movie shows pro-abortion to pro-life conversions | LifeSiteNews.com

This movie (180) is 33 minutes long and it is difficult to watch. It's really only peripherally connected to abortion. To me, it seems more a cry to remember our history so that we do not repeat the failures of the last century. If you have the time, it's worth watching. ‘It’s OK to kill a baby in the womb, when..?’ 180 movie shows pro-abortion to pro-life conversions | LifeSiteNews.com

OMG!!! Freddy Mercury lives! ... and he's the lead singer in a Christian rock band!

An Iranian Christian pastor faces the death penalty for what crime? Converting from Islam to Christianity!

If you believe that this is wrong, contact the Iranian embassy where you live and express your outrage. Here is the contact information for the Embassy in Canada: Embassy Address Embassy of I.R. of Iran 245 Metcalfe St. Ottawa, ON K2P 2K2 Consulate Address Embassy of I.R. of Iran ( Consulate Section ) 245 Metcalfe St. Ottawa, ON K2P 2K2 Tell (Embassy) 613-235-4726 Fax (Embassy) 613-232-5712 Tell (Consulate) 613-233-4726 Fax (Consulate) 613-236-4726 Tele Info. 613-230-8831 Email (Embassy) executive@iranembassy.ca Email (Consulate) consulate@iranembassy.ca Website www.iranembassy.ca Press releases - Christian Solidarity Worldwide

Baptized in the Stanley Cup!

LUCKY KID!!! Baptized in the Stanley Cup!

From The Catholic League: SINEAD O’CONNOR—”KILL THE POPE” | Fr. Z's Blog – What Does The Prayer Really Say?

Fascinating! If someone publicly calls for the killing of a civil leader, they can be charged. I wonder if the same is true if someone publicly calls for the death of a religious figure like the Pope? Want to bet the answer is a resounding 'NO!' ??? From The Catholic League: SINEAD O’CONNOR—”KILL THE POPE” | Fr. Z's Blog – What Does The Prayer Really Say?

Pope: “Agnostics are closer to the Kingdom of God than believers whose life of faith is 'routine'”

I have often posed a question to Christian thinkers that follows the Pope's line of argumentation. It goes like this: Imagine on the day of judgment you are made to stand in one line or another:  line #1 is for people who faithfully attended religious services and prayed every day but they lived a sinful life (love of God: yes; love of neighbor: no). Line #2 is for people who did not go to Church or pray but lived exemplary lives (love of God: no; love of neighbor: yes). Which line would you want to stand in? Would either or both merit a place in paradise? Given that we are obliged to fulfill both commitments of love if we wish to obtain paradise, I have always believed that the best option is line #2. It seems that B16 might agree with me! Pope: “Agnostics are closer to the Kingdom of God than believers whose life of faith is 'routine'”

“Hey Darkside, Get Off the Car.” What a State Farm Commericial Has to Say About God and Spirituality | Archdiocese of Washington

I like this column from Msgr. Charles Pope of the Washington DC Diocese. I've often remarked that God continues to speak to us in many ways, continually calling us to live better lives and remind us of his gifts to us. The fact that Msgr. Pope was able to see this ad as such a communication speaks well to his 'spiritual radar'! After all... our faith is the best 'insurance' any of us can have as we face the bumps and scrapes of our daily lives. It's a natural analogy. Well done Msgr. Pope! “Hey Darkside, Get Off the Car.” What a State Farm Commericial Has to Say About God and Spirituality | Archdiocese of Washington

Catholic anti-abortion group in financial trouble - The Washington Post

Fr. Frank Pavone, PPL Executive Director And now the other shoe finally drops in the Fr. Pavone (Priests for Life) story. Perhaps all those who have been condemning the Bishop for forcing him to return to the Diocese might take a moment to reflect upon the fact that all does not appear to be as it has been heretofore presented by Fr. Pavone. Priest for Life is an excellent organization. Let's all pray that this matter is quickly put behind them so that they can go back to promoting the pro-life agenda without these distractions. Catholic anti-abortion group in financial trouble - The Washington Post

Is the Catholic Church gradually moving to rehabilitate Martin Luther? - Vatican Insider

  Fr. Richard Neuhaus (RIP) used the say when asked why he converted from the Lutheran communion to the RC Church that Vatican II finally saw the Catholic Church correct its ways and answer the issues raised by Martin Luther. As he put it, there was no longer any reason to remain separate, so he came home to Rome. Is this the same spirit that seems to be now moving the RC Church towards the 'rehabilitation' of Martin Luther? Is the Catholic Church gradually moving to rehabilitate Martin Luther? - Vatican Insider

Particles recorded moving faster than light: CERN | Reuters

Holy Cow!!! Yowza! This is not supposed to be possible... at least if Einstein was correct in his theory of special relativity! Particles recorded moving faster than light: CERN | Reuters

Pope acknowledges abuse scandal as German trip begins - CTV News

Note in this article that the first of the 'big demonstrations' that are predicted by the media to dog the Pontiff throughout this visit numbered about 20 people. Now, let's see if the predicted 10,000 come out to demonstrate when he addressed the German parliament. The 'massive' demonstration of similar size was predicted to confront him when he visited Britain produced a few hundred protesters. I wonder if the German opponents to the Church will be any more successful in organizing and turning out protesters than were the Brits. ** (addendum) Well, we are beginning to get our answers. Here's a quote taken from a news report of the first 'mass demonstration': "It was estimated that only "several thousand" protesters ended up showing up at the capital's Potsdamer Platz, far fewer than organizers had predicted. There were no reports of any incidents." Pope acknowledges abuse scandal as German trip begins - CTV News

Visiting Berlin, Pope Benedict Faces a Combative Homeland - NYTimes.com

They (the media) keep repeating that B16 is going to face demonstrations and conflicts each time he leaves for a foreign country... and each time he has triumphed.  I was a doubter until I witnessed his winning over the crowds in Britain. I'm a doubter any longer. This visit will most likely simply become the latest in a series of diplomatic and pastoral successes he's racked up over the past five years.  The trick then becomes, how can the Church in Germany take advantage of positive impact of a papal visit? That will be the hard part. Visiting Berlin, Pope Benedict Faces a Combative Homeland - NYTimes.com

An incredible video stitched together to provide a circular tour of the planet... beautiful!

Pat Robertson: Alzheimer's Justifies Divorce --- Maybe it's Pat who needs a mental acuity test!!

How can a man claiming to be a religious leader come out and sanction such a patently sinful act as abandoning one's spouse in a moment of their greatest need to pursue an adulterous relationship with another? I well appreciate the desire to be pastoral and compassionate. They are positive and necessary attributes for any clergymen. But truth must also be served in cases such as this. To divorce a spouse under such conditions constitutes a base violation of a sacred and solemn promise. It is an offense against man and God. A new low for a leader of the 'Moral Majority' of the 1980's. It is truly sad. Pat Robertson: Alzheimer's Justifies Divorce

Proof positive not that every event requires a public prayer!

The Holy Post has published an article in which a theologian (correctly) states that not every public event need be accompanied by a public prayer. This YouTube video is an excellent example of why Dr. Stackhouse is correct!  Enjoy!

Catholic Mass undergoing first changes in 40 years | Cincinnati.com | cincinnati.com

This change in the English translation of the Mass simply brings it closer to the official Latin. Anyone who has celebrated the Eucharist in French would recognize this as the new English version harmonizes with what francophones have been saying since the vernacular was permitted for the celebration of the mass.  Still, 'change' is not something that comes easily to Catholics and there had better be some catechesis within parishes to explain why these changes are being implemented, lest folks think that this is an attempt to re-introduce the old Latin mass.  Catholic Mass undergoing first changes in 40 years | Cincinnati.com | cincinnati.com

Freeing Father Pavone! « Coming Home

"This shrill “Free Father Pavone” rhetoric is entirely over the top. He’s not an Orca. He’s a priest in good standing, still celebrating the sacraments in his diocese. It is a dim view of the diocesan priesthood that views it as some sort of prison. Really!!!" Read the rest of the article by clicking on the link below. Freeing Father Pavone! « Coming Home

Your morning smile!

Here's a little 'tidbit' that I found on a friend's facebook page: WHAT????  God's sense of humor... While creating wives, God promised men that good and obedient wives would be found in all corners of the world. And then He made the earth round

What does the BBB say about Priests for Life? | The Deacon's Bench

Priests for Life (USA) is one of the major pro-life charities in the USA. It's National Director, Fr. Frank Pavone has been called to return to the Diocese in which he is incardinated at least until all of the issues about the management of this important charity are investigated. Fr. Pavone's response has been interesting to say the least. While respecting his vow of obedience to his Bishop he has returned to his Diocese. At the same time he is publicly challenging his Bishop's decision. The fact that P/L staff and volunteers are going to be picketing churches in Amarillo doesn't stand him in good stead either. It seems as if Fr. Pavone believes that he is essential to this pro-life ministry. He is mistaken. I'm reminded of a lesson I learned when I was a University student (many, many years ago). I was president of the University Student Union and was considering a run at re-election (something that had never been done before). A good friend came into my of...

In this week of 9/11, it's a good time to watch this video again. It certainly helps to express the task that we peacemakers have ahead of us

Victims' groups file charges against Vatican for 'crimes against humanity'

... and the lawyers get richer, and richer, and.... The article makes clear that the Court will not take up the case (Holy See not a member; failure to meet rule of evidence, etc.) and yet the case is prepared and submitted. No hope for a judgment... no hope for compensation for the victims... no hope for closure for the victims... ... and the lawyers get richer, and richer, and... Catholic Culture : Latest Headlines : Victims' groups file charges against Vatican for 'crimes against humanity'

Rick Perry sure knows how to market himself: 50% Marlboro Man and 50% effective leader. It's a potent package.

It is sometimes difficult for Canadians to understand how some of America's politicians get elected. Their portrayal in the mass media seems to paint them as too extreme to be considered electable. And yet they continue to have success. I previously posted a slick ad from Ron Paul. This is a compilation of Rick Perry ads from the start of his career as a politician. Say what you want about American pols... they are good at selling themselves in the public market. (NOTE: I'm posting Republican ads because they're the only ones around these days. Democrats are just as slick. I'm not that interested in ads from 3rd parties so I don't post many here.)

The decline of civilization, in one simple chart | VirtuousPla.net

An interesting use of the internet to try to 'scientifically' or at least statistically to chart societal trends as relates to morality. I do not know if it actually proves what it claims or if the initial premise that such a connection is in any way a causal relationship... but it does provoke thought. Check it out for yourself and let me know what you think. The decline of civilization, in one simple chart | VirtuousPla.net

" Eucharistic spirituality is a real antidote to individualism and egoism.....A person who can kneel before the Eucharist and receive Christ in Communion must be attentive to the needs of his neighbour" says Pope

E F pastor emeritus: " Eucharistic spirituality is a real antidote to individualism and egoism.....A person who can kneel before the Eucharist and receive Christ in Communion must be attentive to the needs of his neighbour" says Pope

The assisted suicide dilemma - The Globe and Mail

This is an interview with chair of the Royal Society’s committee on end-of-life decision-making in Canada. Please note that the first issue addressed in the interview deals with the costs involved of caring for the elderly under our Canadian health care system. I offer it as evidence to those who have over the years accused me of exaggeration when I said that dollars would eventually settle the euthanasia debate. When the chair of such an important committee does not respond with an affirmation of the value of human life but offers a litany of economic reasons why the aging baby-boomers are going to stress the health system to the breaking point, we boomers have good reason to be concerned. It will be very difficult to resist the imposition of euthanasia as a mandatory health care option once we start down this road. The fact that every major lobby group representing the handicapped community oppose its introduction because they see it as a legitimate threat to them. They claim th...

Benedict XVI on 9/11: no circumstances can ever justify acts of terrorism

" I join you in commending the thousands of victims to the infinite mercy of Almighty God and in asking our heavenly Father to continue to console those who mourn the loss of loved ones. The tragedy of that day is compounded by the perpetrators’ claim to be acting in God’s name. Once again, it must be unequivocally stated that no circumstances can ever justify acts of terrorism. Every human life is precious in God’s sight and no effort should be spared in the attempt to promote throughout the world a genuine respect for the inalienable rights and dignity of individuals and peoples everywhere." From letter of Pope Benedict XVI to +Timothy Donlan of NY Benedict XVI on 9/11: no circumstances can ever justify acts of terrorism

Can Quebec’s Church-based curse words survive in a secular age? | News | National Post

A most curious question. Can Quebec’s Church-based curse words survive in a secular age? | News | National Post

Richard John Neuhaus and the Priestly Vocation | First Things

One of my favorite authors writes about one of my favorite friends. Nice piece! Richard John Neuhaus and the Priestly Vocation | First Things

2005 WikiLeaks cable: Ratzinger ‘lacks enough support’ to become Pope

Probably an assessment written by the same folks who assured the world that Sadaam had weapons of mass destruction ready to launch at the west! Catholic Culture : Latest Headlines : 2005 WikiLeaks cable: Ratzinger ‘lacks enough support’ to become Pope

Scoops in all of those whispers » GetReligion

I admire Rocco’s record, especially given that he literally is a young lad who lives in his parents basement. (True… google it!) But I cannot help feeling that I am witnessing the birth of a Catholic ‘Drudge Report’. I cannot see, given how such an internet entity has led to the coarsening of American political culture, that such a development would necessarily be a good thing for the Church. Perhaps one could even compare what he is doing with the actions of Matthew Bradley and Wikileaks… exposing decisions and debate that takes place in secret behind walls of structure and power. Given that he has taken upon his own shoulders what to publish and what to withhold, he is exerting influence in corridors heretofore thought to be inviolate. Still, it is amazing how much influence he has garnered in a few years within the Church given that he lives in Philadelphia, PA, some 7000+ km. away from the beat he’s covering. This new information age is certainly transforming the world ...

Stay neutral on Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Vatican told CBCP, says WikiLeaks | Inquirer News

Here is one of those 'dog bites man' stories that's masquerading as a 'man bites dog' sensation to the detriment of the Catholic Church.  Which do you think would be more headline worthy? The Vatican tells Bishops of a particular country not to take sides in a political dispute or that they would so command a conference of Bishops? Secularists demand that the Church not have a voice in secular affairs, yet the secular press somehow twists it into a sin when the Church does exactly as they demand. How does that old line go? 'Just because you're crazy doesn't mean they aren't out to get you!' When the Vatican stands condemned both when it acts (depicted as Church 'interference' or meddling where she doesn't belong) or refrains from acting (as in this WikiLeaks story) it's hard not to believe that she is battling heavy winds in navigating a safe course through today's media environment.   It's a marvel that she's d...

Far from being opposed to science, Catholicism is its best advocate and defence - We should rejoice in men like Mgr Georges Lemaître, who are heroes of science and witnesses to the Church's devotion to reason and logic

A Reluctant Sinner: Far from being opposed to science, Catholicism is its best advocate and defence - We should rejoice in men like Mgr Georges Lemaître, who are heroes of science and witnesses to the Church's devotion to reason and logic

When the Polish Dominicans Left Morningside Heights | First Things

I've had the opportunity to stay with these Dominicans when I would go to Manhattan. I always used to stay with Fr. R.J. Neuhaus (RIP) but after his death, these generous brothers offered me a place to stay whenever I came to town. They have accomplished amazing things, both within their Parish and on the campus of Columbia University. Although I will retain my connections to these good men (isn't the internet wonderful?), I grieve for the community they leave behind. They will be very hard to replace! When the Polish Dominicans Left Morningside Heights | First Things