Vatican City, Jul 16, 2007 / 09:42 am (CNA).- "The spokesman for the Vatican, Fr. Fredrico Lombardi, announced yesterday that Pope Benedict XVI will make his first trip to the United States. Speaking on Italian state television, Fr. Lombardi said that the Pope plans to accept the invitation of UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon to attend the General Assembly session in New York in September of 2008.
Other upcoming papal trips were also announced by the Vatican’s spokesman.
This September 7th-9th the Holy Father will travel to Vienna, Austria to deliver an “internationally important” speech to the diplomats accredited to the various international organizations headquartered in the Austrian capital..." Read the entire story here.
Monday, July 16, 2007
Sunday, July 15, 2007
"Mom's Corner" radio segment tomorrow!
Hello Moms and Grandmoms and Caregivers!
Is there an issue you would like me to address in my segment tomorrow morning with Teresa Tomeo regarding "Slipping into Summer Mode: Let's Not Forget About the Prayer!"?
Now is your chance to send me a comment today or tonight and/or to call in to the show. You may listen in or call in to the show, "Catholic Connection" on Ave Maria Radio Live. The show will air at 9:10 AM Eastern time on Monday morning.
Fr. James's Sunday Homily
From Fr. James:
HOW WE ARE TO LOVE
My grandmother spent her last years in a nursing home because she was unable to care for herself. Alzheimer’s completely sapped her joyful vitality and totally changed her personality.
Every time I went home to visit my parents, we would always spend time with my grandmother. The visits were always very sad. After my mother briefly reminded her as to whom we were, my grandmother would be delighted by our visits. The sadness was caused by what the illness had done to my grandmother.
The nurses at the nursing home were extraordinary women. In their own simple way, they would take care of every tiny detail of the patients. There were many other patients that were in worse shape than my grandmother. I often wondered how the nurses could be so cheerful and so loving in such a difficult environment.
One day, during one of our family visits, the nurse that always took care of my grandmother, told me that she could not wait to retire so that she could come back every day to the nursing home and spend her entire day with the patients at no charge to the home. She was so excited about the possibility of generously giving of herself without any restrictions.
This Sunday’s liturgy provides us with another wonderful opportunity to deepen our love for God and our neighbor.
In my opinion, the parable of the Good Samaritan and the parable of the Prodigal Son, are Jesus’ greatest teachings, and clearly they are among the most beautiful passages of Sacred Scripture.
During the past few weeks, the Catholic liturgy has been presenting to us teachings on the essence of Christianity. Without a doubt, the parable of the Good Samaritan is a vital gospel narrative for our reflection. This Sunday’s parable teaches us how we are to love. The parable leaves no room for doubt. Anyone who is in need must be taken care of with profound magnanimity.
The magnanimous care that the Samaritan gives to the misfortunate man provides a model of how we are to care for all those who are in need. Christianity and egotism are diametrically opposed to each other.
Every one of the Samaritan’s actions is an act of profound magnanimity. The Samaritan is moved with compassion as he comes upon the man who has fallen into the hands of robbers. This movement of the heart is characteristic of the love that Jesus has for all humanity (see Luke 7: 11 – 17; 15: 20). It is precisely this movement of the heart that causes the Good Samaritan to do such loving acts of service and kindness. This movement of the heart causes him to come out of himself and give himself entirely to the needs of the man that he finds on the side of the road.
“But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was; and when he saw him, he had compassion, and went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; then he set him on his own beast and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the inn-keeper, saying, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back’” (Luke 10: 33-35).
The acts of the Good Samaritan go beyond generosity. His magnanimity shows that there are no limits to his kindness and service.
The parable of the Good Samaritan demands that we live our lives in the same way. We cannot ignore the needs of anyone. Only those who are magnanimous servants of their neighbor are truly happy people.
HOW WE ARE TO LOVE
My grandmother spent her last years in a nursing home because she was unable to care for herself. Alzheimer’s completely sapped her joyful vitality and totally changed her personality.
Every time I went home to visit my parents, we would always spend time with my grandmother. The visits were always very sad. After my mother briefly reminded her as to whom we were, my grandmother would be delighted by our visits. The sadness was caused by what the illness had done to my grandmother.
The nurses at the nursing home were extraordinary women. In their own simple way, they would take care of every tiny detail of the patients. There were many other patients that were in worse shape than my grandmother. I often wondered how the nurses could be so cheerful and so loving in such a difficult environment.
One day, during one of our family visits, the nurse that always took care of my grandmother, told me that she could not wait to retire so that she could come back every day to the nursing home and spend her entire day with the patients at no charge to the home. She was so excited about the possibility of generously giving of herself without any restrictions.
This Sunday’s liturgy provides us with another wonderful opportunity to deepen our love for God and our neighbor.
In my opinion, the parable of the Good Samaritan and the parable of the Prodigal Son, are Jesus’ greatest teachings, and clearly they are among the most beautiful passages of Sacred Scripture.
During the past few weeks, the Catholic liturgy has been presenting to us teachings on the essence of Christianity. Without a doubt, the parable of the Good Samaritan is a vital gospel narrative for our reflection. This Sunday’s parable teaches us how we are to love. The parable leaves no room for doubt. Anyone who is in need must be taken care of with profound magnanimity.
The magnanimous care that the Samaritan gives to the misfortunate man provides a model of how we are to care for all those who are in need. Christianity and egotism are diametrically opposed to each other.
Every one of the Samaritan’s actions is an act of profound magnanimity. The Samaritan is moved with compassion as he comes upon the man who has fallen into the hands of robbers. This movement of the heart is characteristic of the love that Jesus has for all humanity (see Luke 7: 11 – 17; 15: 20). It is precisely this movement of the heart that causes the Good Samaritan to do such loving acts of service and kindness. This movement of the heart causes him to come out of himself and give himself entirely to the needs of the man that he finds on the side of the road.
“But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was; and when he saw him, he had compassion, and went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; then he set him on his own beast and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the inn-keeper, saying, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back’” (Luke 10: 33-35).
The acts of the Good Samaritan go beyond generosity. His magnanimity shows that there are no limits to his kindness and service.
The parable of the Good Samaritan demands that we live our lives in the same way. We cannot ignore the needs of anyone. Only those who are magnanimous servants of their neighbor are truly happy people.
Friday, July 13, 2007
Prayers again for my children
About a week ago I asked for payers for my children who were flying to "the other side of the world." I am asking again for prayers for their safe return. They will be flying home tomorrow (Saturday) morning at 8:00 AM EASTERN time.
Thank you so very much.
God bless!
Thank you so very much.
God bless!
Contracepting our environment? Oh my!
BOULDER, Colo. (National Catholic Register) – When EPA-funded scientists at the University of Colorado studied fish in a pristine mountain stream known as Boulder Creek two years ago, they were shocked. Randomly netting 123 trout and other fish downstream from the city’s sewer plant, they found that 101 were female, 12 were male and 10 were strange “intersex” fish with male and female features.
It’s “the first thing that I’ve seen as a scientist that really scared me,” said then 59-year-old University of Colorado biologist John Woodling, speaking to the Denver Post in 2005.
They studied the fish and decided the main culprits were estrogens and other steroid hormones from birth-control pills and patches, excreted in urine into the city’s sewage system and then into the creek...Read entire story here.
It’s “the first thing that I’ve seen as a scientist that really scared me,” said then 59-year-old University of Colorado biologist John Woodling, speaking to the Denver Post in 2005.
They studied the fish and decided the main culprits were estrogens and other steroid hormones from birth-control pills and patches, excreted in urine into the city’s sewage system and then into the creek...Read entire story here.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Vatican announced Pope Benedict's appointment of Archbishop of Baltimore
Baltimore, Jul 12, 2007 / 09:23 am (CNA).- This morning, the Vatican announced Pope Benedict XVI’s appointment of Archbishop Edwin F. O’Brien as the Archbishop of Baltimore and the acceptance of Cardinal William Keeler’s resignation.
Archbishop O’Brien was previously the head of the Archdiocese for the Military Services which has 1.5 million Catholics, two auxiliary bishops and 300 priests in uniform.
At a press conference in Baltimore this morning, he was asked what he saw as the reason for his selection as the new head of the Archdiocese. He responded, “I’ll give you the Pope’s number (laughter)… They talk about seminary experience? I don’t know.”
Prior to his ordination as bishop, Archbishop O’Brien served as Rector at two seminaries, St. Joseph’s Seminary, Dunwoodie, NY and the Pontifical North American College in Rome.
On a more serious note, Archbishop O’Brien noted that he looks forward to working with the two seminaries in the archdiocese and that he sees Pastor Dabo Vobis, a post-synodal exhortation from the late Pope John Paul II on priests, as his model.
Asked about the benefits of coming to the Archdiocese of Baltimore, O’Brien responded...Read entire article here.
Archbishop O’Brien was previously the head of the Archdiocese for the Military Services which has 1.5 million Catholics, two auxiliary bishops and 300 priests in uniform.
At a press conference in Baltimore this morning, he was asked what he saw as the reason for his selection as the new head of the Archdiocese. He responded, “I’ll give you the Pope’s number (laughter)… They talk about seminary experience? I don’t know.”
Prior to his ordination as bishop, Archbishop O’Brien served as Rector at two seminaries, St. Joseph’s Seminary, Dunwoodie, NY and the Pontifical North American College in Rome.
On a more serious note, Archbishop O’Brien noted that he looks forward to working with the two seminaries in the archdiocese and that he sees Pastor Dabo Vobis, a post-synodal exhortation from the late Pope John Paul II on priests, as his model.
Asked about the benefits of coming to the Archdiocese of Baltimore, O’Brien responded...Read entire article here.
Prayers, please
Please say a prayer for my friend who was suddenly stricken with a serious heart problem. She is in need of surgery but may not be strong enough for the surgery at this time. Meanwhile her heart is in bad shape.
Thank you very much and God bless!
Thank you very much and God bless!
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Saint Benedict
Please visit Jen at Daughter of the King to read her reflections about Saint Benedict whose feast day is today including a bit about the Saint Benedict medal.
Incidentally, I wear the Saint Benedict medal.
From Catholic Culture: "St. Benedict was born at Nursia in Umbria in about 480 and was sent to Rome to be educated, but soon left the world to live a solitary life at Subiaco. After living in a cave in the mountains for two years as a hermit, he had acquired such a reputation that disciples came in numbers to join him and important Roman families entrusted him with the education of their children. He organized a form of monastic life in twelve small monasteries. Under his guidance, as abbot, the monks vowed to seek God and devoted themselves to work and prayer. A few years later St. Benedict left the district of Subiaco to found the great abbey of Monte Cassino on the heights of Campania. There he wrote his Rule in which are wonderfully combined the Roman genius and the monastic wisdom of the Christian East. St. Benedict died in 547.
Before the reform of the General Roman Calendar St. Benedict's feast was celebrated on March 21. Today was the feast of St. Pius I who was pope from 140 to 155. He was possibly the brother of Hermas, the author of the book known as the Shepherd of Hermas, one of the earliest books extant on penance. During his pontificate Pius experienced the difficulties caused by the heretic Marcion who came to Rome and broke away from the Church; he is also the contemporary of the Roman apologist St. Justin. He was buried at the Vatican."
Holy See says protect the dignity and rights of legal and illegal immigrants
Brussels, Jul 11, 2007 / 10:15 am (CNA).- Speaking at the Global Forum on Migration in Brussels, Belgium, Archbishop Agostino Marchetto, secretary of the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant Peoples said that the human dignity and freedoms of immigrants must be respected.
The Global Forum is an initiative that is being sponsored by the United Nations to build a more cohesive and uniform approach to policies on migration and development among its member nations.
Addressing those gathered in English, the archbishop recalled how "migrants contribute to their host country's well-being, and also because of this their human dignity must be respected and their freedoms guaranteed: the right to a dignified life, to fair treatment at work, to have access to education, health and other social benefits, to grow in competence and develop humanly, to freely manifest their culture and practice their religion.
At the same time, the archbishop was sure not to neglect..." Read entire story here.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Catholic Carnival!
What?? You haven't seen the Catholic Carnival this week? I happen to be hosting it this week and it is up and ready over at my other blog, Embracing Motherhood. Go take a look and be prepared to spend some time reading a lot of wonderful submissions.
Monday, July 9, 2007
Where has the time gone?
See this handsome young man? This National Honor Society High School graduate? This son of mine, Joseph, was just "yesterday" in Mother Teresa's arms and now he just received his diploma at his high school graduation ceremony.
Where has the time gone?
Pope Benedict going away to pray and recharge
Rome, Jul 9, 2007 / 10:40 am (CNA).- Just before departing for his own vacation in the Alps of northern Italy, Pope Benedict said that he hopes that everyone can have some vacation, to recharge their spiritual and physical energies and to come into a healthy contact with nature.
At 10.30 a.m. today, the Holy Father departed from Rome's Ciampino airport on an hour-long flight to the airport of Treviso-Istrana. From there he traveled by helicopter to Lorenzago, the mountain getaway where he will devote himself to “more time for prayer and reflection.”
The Pope will be staying in the same villa that John Paul II used several times for his vacations.
Benedict XVI will spend 18 days in the northern Italian alpine resort. After his vacation, he will go to his summer residence of Castelgandolfo where he will remain until the end of September.
At 10.30 a.m. today, the Holy Father departed from Rome's Ciampino airport on an hour-long flight to the airport of Treviso-Istrana. From there he traveled by helicopter to Lorenzago, the mountain getaway where he will devote himself to “more time for prayer and reflection.”
The Pope will be staying in the same villa that John Paul II used several times for his vacations.
Benedict XVI will spend 18 days in the northern Italian alpine resort. After his vacation, he will go to his summer residence of Castelgandolfo where he will remain until the end of September.
Sunday, July 8, 2007
Fr. James's Sunday Homily
Considerations For The 4th Of July
Emma Lazarus (1849-1887) was one of the first successful Jewish American authors, and was celebrated in her time as an important American poet. She is best known for her immortal words that are engraved on the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty. Her poem, “The Great Colossus”, continue to inspire Americans on how we think about freedom.
Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
"Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she
With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"
Our country is a good country. Despite our problems and challenges, our shores have provided freedom and opportunity for millions of peoples. In his First Inaugural Address (January 20, 1981), President Ronald Reagan said: “If we look to the answer as to why, for so many years, we achieved so much, prospered as no other people on Earth, it was because here, in this land, we unleashed the energy and individual genius of man to a greater extent than has ever been done before. Freedom and the dignity of the individual have been more available and assured here than in any other place on Earth”.
However, we all know too well, that our nation is presently challenged by many difficulties.
Read entire homily here.
Emma Lazarus (1849-1887) was one of the first successful Jewish American authors, and was celebrated in her time as an important American poet. She is best known for her immortal words that are engraved on the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty. Her poem, “The Great Colossus”, continue to inspire Americans on how we think about freedom.
Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
"Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she
With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"
Our country is a good country. Despite our problems and challenges, our shores have provided freedom and opportunity for millions of peoples. In his First Inaugural Address (January 20, 1981), President Ronald Reagan said: “If we look to the answer as to why, for so many years, we achieved so much, prospered as no other people on Earth, it was because here, in this land, we unleashed the energy and individual genius of man to a greater extent than has ever been done before. Freedom and the dignity of the individual have been more available and assured here than in any other place on Earth”.
However, we all know too well, that our nation is presently challenged by many difficulties.
Read entire homily here.
Please Pray for Gabriel
Little Gabriel is only 3 years old and was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), cancer of the blood. He is currently undergoing chemotherapy treatments. He is the son of Tom Sullivan, the Information Technology Director at EWTN. Would you please pray for Gabriel? Also, the folks over at EWTN are taking up a collection to help pay for his meications and hospitalizations. If you can contribute something (anything) please check out Gabriel's website. Please check it out anyway to read about Gabriel.
Prayer for Gabriel
Heavenly Father, I call on you right now in a special way. It is through Your power that Gabriel was created. Every breath he takes, every morning he wakes, and every moment of every hour, he lives under Your power.
Father, I ask you now to touch Gabriel with that same power. For if You created him from nothing, You can certainly recreate him. Fill him with the healing power of Your Spirit. Cast out anything that should not be in him. Mend what is broken. Root out any unproductive cells. Open any blocked arteries or veins and rebuild any damaged area. Remove all inflammation and cleanse any infection.
Let the warmth of Your healing love pass through Gabriel’s body to make new any unhealthy areas so that his body will function the way you created it to function.
And Father, restore Gabriel to full health in mind and body so that he may serve You the rest of his life. I ask this through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
(Prayer was composed by Fr. Larry J. Hess. Prayer cards for you or your loved ones can be obtained at, Fr. Larry Hess, 436 South 2nd St., Bangor, PA 18013 or by calling 610-588-5445.)
Prayer for Gabriel
Heavenly Father, I call on you right now in a special way. It is through Your power that Gabriel was created. Every breath he takes, every morning he wakes, and every moment of every hour, he lives under Your power.
Father, I ask you now to touch Gabriel with that same power. For if You created him from nothing, You can certainly recreate him. Fill him with the healing power of Your Spirit. Cast out anything that should not be in him. Mend what is broken. Root out any unproductive cells. Open any blocked arteries or veins and rebuild any damaged area. Remove all inflammation and cleanse any infection.
Let the warmth of Your healing love pass through Gabriel’s body to make new any unhealthy areas so that his body will function the way you created it to function.
And Father, restore Gabriel to full health in mind and body so that he may serve You the rest of his life. I ask this through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
(Prayer was composed by Fr. Larry J. Hess. Prayer cards for you or your loved ones can be obtained at, Fr. Larry Hess, 436 South 2nd St., Bangor, PA 18013 or by calling 610-588-5445.)
Saturday, July 7, 2007
Today marks the day...
Vatican City, Jul 7, 2007 / 04:59 am (CNA).- Today marks the historic issuance of Pope Benedict’s apostolic letter on the use of the Roman Missal of 1962. The much talked about letter begins with the Pope giving a history of the use of the Roman Missal, and then provides, among other things, an explanation of the purpose of this Motu Proprio.
Before launching into the history of the pre-Vatican II Missal, the Pope makes the distinction that while some believe that it was done away with by the liturgical reforms of Vatican II, this was never the case.
“I would like to draw attention to the fact that this Missal was never juridically abrogated and, consequently, in principle, was always permitted.”
In order for his new letter to be understood correctly, Benedict XVI gives his readers some historical context.
Read entire article here.
Before launching into the history of the pre-Vatican II Missal, the Pope makes the distinction that while some believe that it was done away with by the liturgical reforms of Vatican II, this was never the case.
“I would like to draw attention to the fact that this Missal was never juridically abrogated and, consequently, in principle, was always permitted.”
In order for his new letter to be understood correctly, Benedict XVI gives his readers some historical context.
Read entire article here.
Fast to stop abortion...
Julie at Happy Catholic had this to say on Friday...
"First Friday Snuck Up on Me ...
... to the point where I was just getting ready to fix my breakfast when I suddenly remembered. I thought, "Why did I have to remember now? Why not after I ate?" (Yes, that is how lowdown I am about fasting...)
Well, duh. My Guardian Angel is there to take care of those very omissions. Thanks G!
Here's why the First Friday fast ...
... We are three bloggers who also live in the Dallas area. We are deeply committed to ending abortion in this country. To that end, we have committed ourselves to the following: On each First Friday for the next eleven months, we will fast and pray before the Blessed Sacrament for an end to abortion. This will culminate at the annual Dallas March for Life in January of 2008, where we will join our bishop and the faithful of this city in marching to the courthouse where Roe was originally argued.
We ask anyone reading these words to join us. Fast and pray with us each First Friday, no matter how far removed you are from Dallas. Spend some time in Eucharistic adoration, and implore Christ to end this curse. We especially ask other Dallas area bloggers and residents to join us, at least in spirit. If you would rather not fast, then pray for those of us that do. ..."
"First Friday Snuck Up on Me ...
... to the point where I was just getting ready to fix my breakfast when I suddenly remembered. I thought, "Why did I have to remember now? Why not after I ate?" (Yes, that is how lowdown I am about fasting...)
Well, duh. My Guardian Angel is there to take care of those very omissions. Thanks G!
Here's why the First Friday fast ...
... We are three bloggers who also live in the Dallas area. We are deeply committed to ending abortion in this country. To that end, we have committed ourselves to the following: On each First Friday for the next eleven months, we will fast and pray before the Blessed Sacrament for an end to abortion. This will culminate at the annual Dallas March for Life in January of 2008, where we will join our bishop and the faithful of this city in marching to the courthouse where Roe was originally argued.
We ask anyone reading these words to join us. Fast and pray with us each First Friday, no matter how far removed you are from Dallas. Spend some time in Eucharistic adoration, and implore Christ to end this curse. We especially ask other Dallas area bloggers and residents to join us, at least in spirit. If you would rather not fast, then pray for those of us that do. ..."
Please pray for my children...
Please pray for two of my children who are flying today to the "other side of the world!" It will be the first time that we are so far apart. If you have a minute, would you please say a prayer for their safety? Thank you so much!
God bless!
God bless!
Friday, July 6, 2007
Our Lord's promises to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque
Today is the first Friday of the month.
Our Lord appeared to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque with twelve promises for those devoted to His Most Sacred Heart.
Promises for those devoted to the Sacred Heart:
1. "I will give them all the graces necessary in their state of life."
2. "I will establish peace in their homes."
3. "I will comfort them in their afflictions."
4. "I will be their secure refuge during life, and above all in death."
5. "I will bestow a large blessing upon all their undertakings."
6. "Sinners shall find in My Heart the source and the infinite ocean of mercy."
7. "Tepid souls shall grow fervent."
8. "Fervent souls shall quickly mount to high perfection."
9. "I will bless every place where a picture of My Heart shall be set up and honored."
10. "I will give to priests the gift of touching the most hardened hearts."
11. "Those who shall promote this devotion shall have their names written in My Heart, never to be blotted out."
12. "I promise thee in the excessive mercy of My Heart that My all-powerful love will grant to all those who communicate on the First Friday in nine consecutive months, the grace of final penitence; they shall not die in My disgrace nor without receiving the Sacraments; My Divine heart shall be their safe refuge in this last moment."
Our Lord appeared to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque with twelve promises for those devoted to His Most Sacred Heart.
Promises for those devoted to the Sacred Heart:
1. "I will give them all the graces necessary in their state of life."
2. "I will establish peace in their homes."
3. "I will comfort them in their afflictions."
4. "I will be their secure refuge during life, and above all in death."
5. "I will bestow a large blessing upon all their undertakings."
6. "Sinners shall find in My Heart the source and the infinite ocean of mercy."
7. "Tepid souls shall grow fervent."
8. "Fervent souls shall quickly mount to high perfection."
9. "I will bless every place where a picture of My Heart shall be set up and honored."
10. "I will give to priests the gift of touching the most hardened hearts."
11. "Those who shall promote this devotion shall have their names written in My Heart, never to be blotted out."
12. "I promise thee in the excessive mercy of My Heart that My all-powerful love will grant to all those who communicate on the First Friday in nine consecutive months, the grace of final penitence; they shall not die in My disgrace nor without receiving the Sacraments; My Divine heart shall be their safe refuge in this last moment."
Thursday, July 5, 2007
Jesus is involved in a controversy again
New Orleans, Jul 5, 2007 / 10:19 am (CNA).- The American Civil Liberties Union filed a lawsuit against the city of Slidell, Louisiana on Tuesday for displaying a painting of Jesus in its courthouse lobby.
The ACLU sued after the Slidell City Court refused to voluntarily remove the picture and a message below it that reads: "To Know Peace, Obey These Laws." The ACLU says the portrait — an image of Jesus presenting the New Testament — is a religious icon of the Eastern Orthodox branch of Christianity, reported The Associated Press. It claims the portrait violates the constitutional separation of church and state.
The suit was filed on behalf of an unidentified person who complained to the ACLU about the picture. The defendants in the suit are the city of Slidell, City Judge James Lamz and St. Tammany Parish, which partially funds the court, said the ACLU.
Read entire story here.
The ACLU sued after the Slidell City Court refused to voluntarily remove the picture and a message below it that reads: "To Know Peace, Obey These Laws." The ACLU says the portrait — an image of Jesus presenting the New Testament — is a religious icon of the Eastern Orthodox branch of Christianity, reported The Associated Press. It claims the portrait violates the constitutional separation of church and state.
The suit was filed on behalf of an unidentified person who complained to the ACLU about the picture. The defendants in the suit are the city of Slidell, City Judge James Lamz and St. Tammany Parish, which partially funds the court, said the ACLU.
Read entire story here.
Yucky Stuff!
Go on over to my blog Embracing Motherhood if you'd like to read about some dangers of germs lurking in the grocery store and your home. Yucky stuff, but important.
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
Pope Benedict speaks about St. Basil
Vatican City, Jul 4, 2007 / 09:13 am (CNA).- In today’s catechesis on the early Church fathers, Pope Benedict focused on St. Basil. Referring to the Byzantine Divine Liturgy, the Holy Father called Basil a "light of the Church." The audience, attended by 12,000 people, began in St. Peter’s Basilica and then was continued in the Paul VI Hall.
St. Basil, the Pope explained, was born in the 4th century. "Dissatisfied with his worldly successes and ... attracted by Christ, ... he dedicated himself to a monastic life in prayer ... and in the practice of charity." The Church in both East and West, he added, "looks to him admiringly for the sanctity of his life, the excellence of his doctrine and the harmonic blend of his intellectual and practical gifts."
Read entire story here.
St. Basil, the Pope explained, was born in the 4th century. "Dissatisfied with his worldly successes and ... attracted by Christ, ... he dedicated himself to a monastic life in prayer ... and in the practice of charity." The Church in both East and West, he added, "looks to him admiringly for the sanctity of his life, the excellence of his doctrine and the harmonic blend of his intellectual and practical gifts."
Read entire story here.
Farmers, be careful!
I found this sad article today about a family that died from methane gas from cow manure on their farm. I post it here to warn farming families of the danger. I don't want to spoil your Fourth of July, but feel it's important to know.
"BRIDGEWATER, Va. (July 4) - Exposure to methane gas led to the deaths of four family members and a farmhand, but whether they suffocated from the fumes or drowned in 18 inches of liquefied cow manure may never be known, authorities said..."
The article is here
"BRIDGEWATER, Va. (July 4) - Exposure to methane gas led to the deaths of four family members and a farmhand, but whether they suffocated from the fumes or drowned in 18 inches of liquefied cow manure may never be known, authorities said..."
The article is here
Happy Fourth!
Here is an article from the National Catholic Register about the Fourth of July and America in which our own Fr. James Farfaglia (my friend whose Sunday homilies I feature here at Daily Donna-Marie) is quoted. Read and enjoy the holiday...stay safe!
"Patriotic feelings run high on the Fourth of July. So does the urge to thank God for our country — in song.
As well we should. Three perennial favorites, in particular, are as at home closing the liturgy as they are leading the parade. “America the Beautiful” and “America” (also known as “My Country, ’Tis of Thee”) are included in the St. Michael Hymnal. Along with “God Bless America,” they are often used as the recessional hymn on or near patriotic holidays.
Hearing the opening lyrics of “America the Beautiful” puts a lump in many an American throat. The only thing that should top the patriotic feeling is the refrain that changes its patriotic prayer slightly with each repetition: America! America! God shed His grace on thee / And crowned thy good with brotherhood, from sea to shining sea … God mend thine ev’ry flaw; Confirm thy soul in self control, thy liberty in law!"
Read entire article here.
"Patriotic feelings run high on the Fourth of July. So does the urge to thank God for our country — in song.
As well we should. Three perennial favorites, in particular, are as at home closing the liturgy as they are leading the parade. “America the Beautiful” and “America” (also known as “My Country, ’Tis of Thee”) are included in the St. Michael Hymnal. Along with “God Bless America,” they are often used as the recessional hymn on or near patriotic holidays.
Hearing the opening lyrics of “America the Beautiful” puts a lump in many an American throat. The only thing that should top the patriotic feeling is the refrain that changes its patriotic prayer slightly with each repetition: America! America! God shed His grace on thee / And crowned thy good with brotherhood, from sea to shining sea … God mend thine ev’ry flaw; Confirm thy soul in self control, thy liberty in law!"
Read entire article here.
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Greeting the Fourth of July
Catholic Culture offers this article:
Greeting the Fourth
by Dr. Jeff Mirus
July 3, 2007
Committed Catholics in America sometimes fret over the celebration of Independence Day. The culture wars keep us focused on so much that is seriously wrong in our country. This can lead to depression and bitterness when it comes to our preeminent national holiday. But what other perspective is possible?
A Vale of Tears
The answer to this question lies in a proper understanding of this world, which prior generations were astute enough to call a vale of tears. I suppose it is only human to wish we could be dealing with problems other than those we’ve been given, but it is nonetheless a character flaw, and the first point to remember is that there are always grave problems with the world.
Pick any century, from the first to the twenty-first, and you’ll find wars, oppression, natural disasters, poverty, famine, apostasy, corruption of various kinds in the Church, Read entire article here.
Girl hurt on amusement park ride
Isn't it a shame that this girl was hurt on what is thought of as an innocent amusement park ride? A spinning teacup ride which is a common one ridden by children. Read this article below. And just be careful with your kids this summer!
DANIA BEACH, Fla. (July 2) - A 13-year-old girl was hospitalized after hitting her head while on a spinning teacup ride at an amusement park.
CNN
A 13-year-old girl hit her head Thursday while riding the Magic Teacup at Boomers amusement park near Fort Lauderdale, Fla. As of Monday, she was in intensive care.
Natashia West was injured Thursday on the Magic Teacup ride at Boomers, just south of Fort Lauderdale. She remained sedated in intensive care Monday with head injuries.
"All I want is for her to be the same little girl she was," said Donnie Jackson, her father.
The ride carries passengers inside round cups. At the center of each cup is a wheel riders can turn to control how fast it spins. It was not clear how Natashia hit her head or what part of the ride she hit it on.
Read entire article here.
DANIA BEACH, Fla. (July 2) - A 13-year-old girl was hospitalized after hitting her head while on a spinning teacup ride at an amusement park.
CNN
A 13-year-old girl hit her head Thursday while riding the Magic Teacup at Boomers amusement park near Fort Lauderdale, Fla. As of Monday, she was in intensive care.
Natashia West was injured Thursday on the Magic Teacup ride at Boomers, just south of Fort Lauderdale. She remained sedated in intensive care Monday with head injuries.
"All I want is for her to be the same little girl she was," said Donnie Jackson, her father.
The ride carries passengers inside round cups. At the center of each cup is a wheel riders can turn to control how fast it spins. It was not clear how Natashia hit her head or what part of the ride she hit it on.
Read entire article here.
Pope Benedict due to make another apostolic trip
Vatican City, Jul 3, 2007 / 08:59 am (CNA).- Benedict XVI is due to make an apostolic trip to Austria from September 7 to 9, for the 850th anniversary of the foundation of the Shrine of Mariazell.
The Marian shrine is located in the foothills of the Austrian Alps and is the most popular pilgrimage site in central Europe. The shrine can be reached by foot or by bus. The popularity of the shrine is demonstrated by the fact that there are trails that lead to the shrine from every region of the country, thus making a pilgrimage from any country surrounding Austria possible. Along the pilgrimage routes, various roadside shrines have been established for pilgrims to pray at.
Read entire article here.
The Marian shrine is located in the foothills of the Austrian Alps and is the most popular pilgrimage site in central Europe. The shrine can be reached by foot or by bus. The popularity of the shrine is demonstrated by the fact that there are trails that lead to the shrine from every region of the country, thus making a pilgrimage from any country surrounding Austria possible. Along the pilgrimage routes, various roadside shrines have been established for pilgrims to pray at.
Read entire article here.
Sunday, July 1, 2007
Calling all skywatchers...
Watch Venus and its fainter partner Saturn as they exit the twilight stage in July.
Venus and Saturn begin July as a dramatic close pair in the west at dusk, but then Saturn pulls away as both planets sink lower week by week. Meanwhile Jupiter dominates the south at dusk. Mars shines in the early morning hours. And in the second half of July, Mercury becomes fairly easy to see at dawn.
Read article here.
Venus and Saturn begin July as a dramatic close pair in the west at dusk, but then Saturn pulls away as both planets sink lower week by week. Meanwhile Jupiter dominates the south at dusk. Mars shines in the early morning hours. And in the second half of July, Mercury becomes fairly easy to see at dawn.
Read article here.
Fr. James's Sunday Homily
MAKING A CRUCIAL DECISION
Mike Christian came from a small town near Selma, Alabama. He enlisted in the Navy at seventeen. During the Vietnam War he was captured by the North Vietnamese in 1967. In the same group of captives was Senator John McCain.
McCain gave an account of Christian's determination. Determined to keep the spirits high among the other prisoners as they were being cruelly tortured, Christian was able to gather small items of clothing from some packages the few delivered to the prisoners from the U.S. With the bamboo needle he had acquired and little strips of cloth ripped from the clothing, he painstakingly assembled an American flag and concealed it inside his shirt.
Every afternoon as the American POW’s shared a small bowl of soup, they would hang Mike’s shirt on the wall of the prison cell and recite together the Pledge of Allegiance. But, one day as the Communist soldiers searched the cell they discovered the shirt with the flag sewn inside and removed it. Senator McCain relates that their captors returned that evening and beat Mike Christian, a Naval flight officer, severely for over two hours.
Shortly after the beating, Mike Christian, with his eyes closed shut from the beating, sat in the corner of his cell, sewing another American flag inside another shirt.
This brave soldier made a crucial decision: faced with the possibility of more beatings and even death itself, he was determined to make another American flag in order to motivate his fellow POW’s and keep them from becoming discouraged.
In this Sunday’s Gospel narrative, Jesus asks three people to make a crucial decision: follow me and leave everything behind. Each of the three made an excuse and was unwilling to make a crucial decision.
Following Jesus must be unconditional. There can be no excuses, and we cannot be lukewarm about our decision.
Christianity is essentially different from all other religions because the Christian does not merely follow a series of rules and regulations. Christianity is not about what, but about whom. Christianity is about relationship and of course, the greatest relationship of all. Christianity is about a relationship with the best friend anyone could ever have, Our Lord Jesus Christ.
Catholic theologian Romano Guardini once wrote: “For Christ there is no norm. Once we meet Him the only way He can be met, in faith; once we renounce all personal judgment, letting Scripture speak with the full weight if its authority, every line of the New Testament suddenly comes alive. The Son of God and man escapes all categories – also those of the genius or religious founder. He steps out of eternity, the unknown, an immeasurable Being revealed to us bit by bit through the word of His messengers or through some personal trait. He Himself surpasses all description, though so many have attempted to tell us of Him – the synoptics, Saints Paul, John and James and Jude – all speak stammeringly. And if the portrait they trace are not identical, then only because Jesus Christ can never be intellectually unified. Faith alone senses the incomprehensible oneness of His many-faceted reality with its beatific promise of eternity” (The Lord, p. 629).
Married couples, boyfriends and girlfriends, and even dear friends understand what relationship is all about. True friendship is the love that transforms, bringing about a new way of being and responding. True friendship is not based upon an arrangement of rules. Friendship goes much deeper than this. Friendship is a relationship.
Through the Sacrament of Baptism, we are incorporated into Christ. This life of sanctifying grace launches us into an awesome bond with Our Lord. Let us consider two fundamental dimensions of our relationship with Jesus.
First, our relationship with Jesus is personal. He is real because he is alive. He is a living person who sees you, hears you, speaks with you, and walks with you. He is there to bless you and to strengthen you. He is with you to sustain you and to dry your tears. Jesus is always there because He truly rose on Easter Sunday morning. “He has risen as he said, alleluia."
Secondly, our relationship with Jesus is real. Love is not based upon empty words and wishful thinking; love is translated into action. This is why St Paul tells us to live by the Spirit. “If you are guided by the Spirit you will be in no danger of yielding to self-indulgence, since self-indulgence is the opposite of the Spirit, the Spirit is totally against such a thing, and it is precisely because the two are so opposed that you do not always carry out your good intentions” (Galatians 5: 16-17).
When Jesus speaks to us in the Gospels about humility, service, patience, chastity, honesty, apostolic zeal and the other entire gospel virtues, He calls us to put these virtues into practice. We show Jesus our true love by doing gospel deeds. Our relationship is so personal, that we become another Jesus. We talk like Him, we think like Him, we feel like Him and we act like Him. Authentic relationship automatically brings us to imitation. When we live authentic Christianity, we experience true freedom. “When Christ freed us, he meant us to remain free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to the yoke of slavery” (Galatians 5: 1).
Any true friendship can only be nourished through a close relationship. When we spend a lot of time away from a friend, the friendship begins to die. The adage: "Out of sight, out of mind", is very true. In order to love, we need to spend time with the Beloved. Contemplative prayer, the assiduous meditation of the Scriptures, daily reception of the Eucharist, and frequent Confession are the preferred moments of intimacy with the Lord Jesus who is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Discipleship is a crucial decision because when we follow Jesus, our entire life changes. We are no longer the same.
Recently someone told me about a beautiful experience that he had with the Lord. This man had a friend who became his best friend. His best friend was a devout Catholic, hard working, loyal, and lot of fun to be with. One day, this man’s friend died unexpectedly.
Upon learning of his best friend's death, John fell to his knees and cried out to the Lord: “Why? Why did you take away my best friend?” John was inconsolable for many days, until finally, in a moment of prayer, he heard a soft voice while he was in deep prayer that said: “I am your best friend”.
Mike Christian came from a small town near Selma, Alabama. He enlisted in the Navy at seventeen. During the Vietnam War he was captured by the North Vietnamese in 1967. In the same group of captives was Senator John McCain.
McCain gave an account of Christian's determination. Determined to keep the spirits high among the other prisoners as they were being cruelly tortured, Christian was able to gather small items of clothing from some packages the few delivered to the prisoners from the U.S. With the bamboo needle he had acquired and little strips of cloth ripped from the clothing, he painstakingly assembled an American flag and concealed it inside his shirt.
Every afternoon as the American POW’s shared a small bowl of soup, they would hang Mike’s shirt on the wall of the prison cell and recite together the Pledge of Allegiance. But, one day as the Communist soldiers searched the cell they discovered the shirt with the flag sewn inside and removed it. Senator McCain relates that their captors returned that evening and beat Mike Christian, a Naval flight officer, severely for over two hours.
Shortly after the beating, Mike Christian, with his eyes closed shut from the beating, sat in the corner of his cell, sewing another American flag inside another shirt.
This brave soldier made a crucial decision: faced with the possibility of more beatings and even death itself, he was determined to make another American flag in order to motivate his fellow POW’s and keep them from becoming discouraged.
In this Sunday’s Gospel narrative, Jesus asks three people to make a crucial decision: follow me and leave everything behind. Each of the three made an excuse and was unwilling to make a crucial decision.
Following Jesus must be unconditional. There can be no excuses, and we cannot be lukewarm about our decision.
Christianity is essentially different from all other religions because the Christian does not merely follow a series of rules and regulations. Christianity is not about what, but about whom. Christianity is about relationship and of course, the greatest relationship of all. Christianity is about a relationship with the best friend anyone could ever have, Our Lord Jesus Christ.
Catholic theologian Romano Guardini once wrote: “For Christ there is no norm. Once we meet Him the only way He can be met, in faith; once we renounce all personal judgment, letting Scripture speak with the full weight if its authority, every line of the New Testament suddenly comes alive. The Son of God and man escapes all categories – also those of the genius or religious founder. He steps out of eternity, the unknown, an immeasurable Being revealed to us bit by bit through the word of His messengers or through some personal trait. He Himself surpasses all description, though so many have attempted to tell us of Him – the synoptics, Saints Paul, John and James and Jude – all speak stammeringly. And if the portrait they trace are not identical, then only because Jesus Christ can never be intellectually unified. Faith alone senses the incomprehensible oneness of His many-faceted reality with its beatific promise of eternity” (The Lord, p. 629).
Married couples, boyfriends and girlfriends, and even dear friends understand what relationship is all about. True friendship is the love that transforms, bringing about a new way of being and responding. True friendship is not based upon an arrangement of rules. Friendship goes much deeper than this. Friendship is a relationship.
Through the Sacrament of Baptism, we are incorporated into Christ. This life of sanctifying grace launches us into an awesome bond with Our Lord. Let us consider two fundamental dimensions of our relationship with Jesus.
First, our relationship with Jesus is personal. He is real because he is alive. He is a living person who sees you, hears you, speaks with you, and walks with you. He is there to bless you and to strengthen you. He is with you to sustain you and to dry your tears. Jesus is always there because He truly rose on Easter Sunday morning. “He has risen as he said, alleluia."
Secondly, our relationship with Jesus is real. Love is not based upon empty words and wishful thinking; love is translated into action. This is why St Paul tells us to live by the Spirit. “If you are guided by the Spirit you will be in no danger of yielding to self-indulgence, since self-indulgence is the opposite of the Spirit, the Spirit is totally against such a thing, and it is precisely because the two are so opposed that you do not always carry out your good intentions” (Galatians 5: 16-17).
When Jesus speaks to us in the Gospels about humility, service, patience, chastity, honesty, apostolic zeal and the other entire gospel virtues, He calls us to put these virtues into practice. We show Jesus our true love by doing gospel deeds. Our relationship is so personal, that we become another Jesus. We talk like Him, we think like Him, we feel like Him and we act like Him. Authentic relationship automatically brings us to imitation. When we live authentic Christianity, we experience true freedom. “When Christ freed us, he meant us to remain free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to the yoke of slavery” (Galatians 5: 1).
Any true friendship can only be nourished through a close relationship. When we spend a lot of time away from a friend, the friendship begins to die. The adage: "Out of sight, out of mind", is very true. In order to love, we need to spend time with the Beloved. Contemplative prayer, the assiduous meditation of the Scriptures, daily reception of the Eucharist, and frequent Confession are the preferred moments of intimacy with the Lord Jesus who is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Discipleship is a crucial decision because when we follow Jesus, our entire life changes. We are no longer the same.
Recently someone told me about a beautiful experience that he had with the Lord. This man had a friend who became his best friend. His best friend was a devout Catholic, hard working, loyal, and lot of fun to be with. One day, this man’s friend died unexpectedly.
Upon learning of his best friend's death, John fell to his knees and cried out to the Lord: “Why? Why did you take away my best friend?” John was inconsolable for many days, until finally, in a moment of prayer, he heard a soft voice while he was in deep prayer that said: “I am your best friend”.
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