Fr. James's Sunday Homily: The First Sunday of Advent

Advent and our preparation for Christmas
The first Sunday of Advent marks the beginning of a new liturgical year. It is interesting to note how the liturgical year ends with the theme of the Second Coming, while at the same time, the new liturgical year also focuses on the same theme.

Since we are about to celebrate Christmas, we would suppose that the new liturgical year would begin chronologically with a reflection on the Incarnation. However, that is not the case. The reason why the liturgical year ends and begins with the same theme is clear: if we have already embraced Jesus in his first coming, we will have no fear of his second coming.

What is a personal relationship with Jesus?

We need to understand that Jesus is really alive. He is both divine and human. He is really with us. Because he is truly a living person, he can be our best friend. This why Christianity is about a whom rather than a what.

It is also interesting to note that the new liturgical year begins with a penitential season; i.e. the season of Advent. The priest and deacon now use purple colored vestments. As the world around us prepares for Christmas with an ever increasing emphasis on material things, the Church directs our gaze toward the spiritual. The liturgical calendar begins differently from the secular calendar precisely because the Church, while in the world, is not of the world. Advent is a penitential season because Christmas is about our personal relationship with Jesus Christ, not about external celebrations. "God is faithful, and by him you were called to fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. (1 Corinthians 1: 9) The external celebrations should be seen as a visible manifestation of our joy of being disciples of Jesus Christ.

However, during the later part of November... (Continued here)

The "Crew" on Thanksgiving...

YES, I was in my glory having all of my "kids" around me! We have a few other pics too. I had to choose one that didn't have "bunny ears" over my head and that everyone basically had their eyes open and were facing the camera!

A side note to Joseph: there were other pics with a better smile from you, however the "bunny ears" over my head, (which I can't even imagine how that happened) prevented me from using at least that photo.

My review of Prince Caspian at Catholic Exchange today...

Based on one of C. S. Lewis’s classic and religiously symbolic novels in his Chronicles of Narnia series, the film, The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian, hit movie theatres in May of this year. Produced by Walt Disney Studios and Walden Media, directed by Andrew Adamson, and written by Christopher Markus, Stephen McFeely and Andrew Adamson, it will soon debut on DVD and Blu-ray Hi-Def, as well as a special two-disc Collector’s Edition. Interviews and deleted scene extras are featured. Included is a special Disney File, a digital copy of the movie that can be viewed on a variety of portable devices. A release date of December 2, 2008 is anticipated for the United States and Canada.

The Chronicles of Narnia novels are considered classic children’s literature and also C. S. Lewis’s best known work. Lewis uses traditional Christian themes and symbolism to enhance the messages of his stories with the help of some ideas from Greek and Roman mythology, as well as traditional British and Irish fairy tales.

As we sit down with our popcorn and prepare to become engrossed in another of C. S. Lewis’s brilliant creative visions and anticipate being drawn into this timeless fantasy coming to life, we... (Continued here at Catholic Exchange)

With Advent around the corner..."Blessed are they who hope in the Lord,"

Go on over to my blog, "Embracing Motherhood" to read my article on hope which appeared yesterday in Barry Michael's "Festival on Hope." Just click here for Embracing Motherhood.

Happy Thanksgiving and COOL contest to recieve my books!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Enjoy the day. Try not to strive for perfection, rather, BE with your loved ones and try not to DO so much! It's difficult, I know. However, you'll regret late in the day that you didn't stop to enjoy a game with the kids or a walk with the family because you were too busy trying to make everything PERFECT! There's no such thing as perfection on Thanksgiving day! It will all come out wonderful...take a breath...say a prayer and BE TOGETHER!!

Oh, and by the way, go on over to Barry Michael's special Festival of Hope when you have a moment to read my piece on HOPE and where he is giving out copies of my two new books, Grace Cafe and The Domestic Church. If you leave a comment, you'll be put in his drawing!

Check out Barry's Festival of Hope and introduction of my piece by clicking here

And the article I wrote on HOPE by clicking here.

This is from Barry's blog about his cool contest and giving away my books TODAY...

"Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle’s two newest books are Grace Cafe: Serving Up Recipes for Faithful Mothering and The Domestic Church: Room by Room. And they’re both going to one fortunate visitor this Thanksgiving Day. But feel free not to enter to win them, because we’d love to keep them in this house. I’m kidding, come get them, you’ll be glad you did. (Or one visitor will, anyway.)

To enter, leave a comment in this comment box of this post, naming one thing for which you are thankful today (of course!). As usual, you’ll have to include your e-mail address so that I can contact you if you win, but it will not be viewable publicly. The winner will not be chosen randomly this time; rather, my kids will pick the response they like best."

So, go over to Barry's blog (link above) and leave a thankful comment!




God bless your day!

Hugs,

Donna-Marie

My recent interview on the Catholic Spotlight

When you have time to sit with a cup of tea, coffee, or hot chocolate, pull up your chair or rocker and click here to hear my recent interview with Chris Cash on the Catholic Spotlight talking about my two new books, Grace Cafe: Serving Up Recipes for Faithful Mothering and The Domestic Church: Room By Room

Fr. James's Sunday Homily

The Feast of Christ the King


God wants you to be happy and overflowing with joy. He wants you to fulfill your destiny and purpose in life by reaching eternal life in heaven. He is so interested in you that he sent his only begotten Son to save you from sin. Remember, God’s love for you is unconditional. Think about this for a moment: God’s love for you is unconditional. In reality, Christianity is a love story: God loves you unconditionally and he calls you to love him unconditionally.

Up until the time of the first Christmas when Jesus was born in Bethlehem, the road to salvation was rather confusing, but now, with the coming of Jesus, the way that leads to eternal life is clear. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.

In this Sunday’s gospel passage Jesus tells us exactly what we need to do to enter into the glory of heaven: feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, welcome the stranger, clothe the naked, care for the sick, and visit those who are in prison. Christianity is very practical and it is to be lived within the ordinary circumstances of every day life.

Too many times we might fall into the trap that Christianity is lived out only in the special moments, like when you see someone in need on the side of the street, or when there are natural disasters. But, we can only respond to those special moments if we are living the gospel each and every day, and in a very practical and concrete manner.

We are called to love. This is the meaning of our lives. Every act of service, every act of kindness, every act of self giving must be seen as an act of love.

And who do we love? “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me” (Matthew 25: 40).

Before his conversion, Francis of Assisi was riding his horse through the countryside. Suddenly he came upon a leper. Despite the ugliness of the terrible disease, Francis was so moved with pity, that he jumped off of his horse and flung his arms around the unfortunate man. As Francis looked at the leper, the man’s face changed and it appeared as the face of Jesus.

Is Christianity really possible? Yes, of course it is. We need to show the world that love is possible and that we believe in love.

I think one of the greatest acts of charity that you can do when you get up in the morning, or when you go to work, or to school, or to church, or even when you do your shopping, is to do something so simple: just smile and say hello to people. Show everyone that you are a living member of the kingdom. Yes, you are a member of a beautiful kingdom, a kingdom that God has prepared for you “from the foundation of the world” (Matthew 25: 34).

The kingdom that we belong to is “a kingdom of truth and life, a kingdom of holiness and grace, a kingdom of justice, love, and peace” (Preface). Show everyone that you are happy to be a follower of Jesus Christ. Let everyone know that you are excited about the Kingdom of Christ.

Selfishness can be our biggest obstacle from truly experiencing the exuberant joy of Christianity. We need to forget ourselves completely. The Second Vatican Council said, “It follows, then, that if human beings are the only creatures on earth that God has wanted for their own sake, they can fully discover their true selves only in sincere self-giving (Gaudium et Spes, 24).

John Paul II echoed these words when he said, “Man cannot live without love. He remains a being that is incomprehensible for himself, his life is senseless, if love is not revealed to him, if he does not encounter love, if he does not experience it and make it his own, if he does not participate intimately in it” (Redemptor Hominis, 10.1)

This Sunday’s gospel narrative also teaches us that sins are not only the bad things that we do, but that sin also consists of those things that we should have done. This type of sin is called sin of omission.

Then he will say to those at his left hand, “Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me” (Matthew 25: 41-43).

Selfishness, when it is deeply rooted in our souls, prevents us from loving the way we should. It keeps us from being aware of the needs of others.

Blessed Mother Theresa certainly showed the modern world how to love. She once said, “What I can do, you cannot. What you can do, I cannot. But together we can do something beautiful for God. Yes, you must live life beautifully and not allow the spirit of the world that makes gods out of power, riches, and pleasure make you to forget that you have been created for greater things – to love and to be loved”.

Praise God, a Life Saved!

Washington DC, Nov 20, 2008 / 03:39 am (CNA).- Following international attention which included the protests of U.S. Congressmen, China has released a detained ethnic minority Uyghur woman who was scheduled to undergo a coerced abortion.

Arzigul Tursun, who lives in China’s northwestern Xinjiang region, is about 26 weeks pregnant with her third child. Chinese authorities tried to pressure her to have an abortion, but she refused and fled her home. According to a backgrounder from the office of Rep. Joe Pitts, authorities interrogated and threatened her relatives.

After fleeing from population control authorities, Arzigul was taken into custody on November 11. A relative was reportedly forced to sign a document authorizing the abortion, which was originally scheduled for November 13.

She then fled Gulja's municipal Water Gate Hospital, after which authorities found her at a friend’s house, Radio Free Asia reports.

Tursun’s father Hasan Tursunjan told Radio Free Asia that between 20 and 30 police cars came to the family home to search for his daughter and take her to the hospital to undergo an abortion.

“It was a big operation—and they treated us very rudely,” he said. “They confiscated all our cell phones, but I hid one. One of them was pushing my forehead and saying, ‘You have connections with the separatists in America—see if they can come and rescue your daughter or not.’”

“I was very upset at what he did to me and said, ‘I believe they will rescue us, if not today then tomorrow, and if not tomorrow then the day after tomorrow—they will eventually rescue us,’” Tursunjan said.

“My youngest son was upset and rushed to us and shouted… ‘Don't touch my father!’ The [official] immediately called a few police over and they arrested him. They took him away with a car.”

He and some family members left for a relative’s house in the city, but police afterwards took him to a neighborhood where his daughter was found at a friend’s house.

“I saw many police cars,” Tursunjan reported to Radio Free Asia. “Many people from the neighborhood were watching. My daughter was leaning against the wall of one the buildings and crying. I was very sad…I rushed... (Continued here)

Vatican Cardinal comments on Obama's stem cell research...

Rome, Nov 12, 2008 / 07:16 am (CNA).- Cardinal Javier Lozano Barragan, the President of the Pontifical Council of Health Care, has responded to reports that President-elect Obama’s future administration will reverse a federal ban on human embryonic stem cell research funding. Saying that the stem cells produced by the destruction of embryos “serve no purpose,” he argued that embryonic stem cell research has not resulted in any significant cures so far and was “good for nothing.”

In comments made to reporters at the presentation of a conference on protecting children from diseases, Cardinal Lozano Barragan added that research on adult stem cells and umbilical cords has been shown to have “positive value,” though he recognized they too were not a “panacea.”

Professor Alberto Ugazio, Coordinator of the Department of Pediatrics in the Child Jesus Hospital of Rome, supported the cardinal’s remarks, saying according to SIR:

“In the medical field, we are always amazed at the excessive fuss ‘the media’ are making over fetal stem cells whose ineffectiveness is proved.”
(Continued here at the Catholic News Agency)

I'll be on "Kresta in the Afternoon" tomorrow

I will be chatting with Al Kresta on his show "Kresta in the Afternoon" on Ave Maria radio tomorrow (Thursday) afternoon at 3:20 until 4:00 PM Eastern Standard Time. I hope you will join us LIVE tomorrow. I had the distinct pleasure of being a guest on Al's show earlier this year when I was signing my new saints' book, Catholic Saints Prayer Book at the Religious Booksellers Trade Exhibit (RBTE) near Chicago, IL. It was great to be with Al then and I am looking forward to conversing with him again tomorrow.

To tune in from your computer, just click here on the Ave Maria website and then click the "listen live" button at the top of the screen.

Talk to you then!

hugs,

Donna-Marie

PS Here's a bit about Al Kresta:

"Al Kresta is a broadcaster, journalist and author who is, first of all, a missionary. He draws upon his unique faith background to create what is, arguably, the most fascinating — and most spiritually constructive — talk show on radio today.

A 1976 honors graduate of Michigan State University, Al has also done graduate work in theology at both Catholic and Protestant seminaries. He became well known in the Detroit area for his program, “Talk from the Heart,” one of the top-rated Christian talk shows during the 1980s and 90s. When he began the program, Al was a Protestant pastor. The questions forced upon him as pastor, however, led him to return to the Catholic Church. His profound personal conversion to Christ and return to the Catholic Church is told in the best-selling anthology Surprised By Truth."

To learn more go to Ave Maria here and see more of his amazing Bio

Obama's tranistion team prepares first actions...

Washington DC, Nov 11, 2008 / 05:02 am (CNA).- President-elect Barack Obama’s transition team is preparing the first actions of his presidency, planning to lift embryonic stem cell research funding restrictions and rules which prevent international organizations that receive U.S. aid from counseling women about the availability of abortion.

The latter rules, known as the “Mexico City Policy,” were developed under the Reagan administration, revoked by the Clinton administration, and restored by President George W. Bush’s administration.

Cecile Richards, president of Planned Parenthood Federation of America said her organization had been communicating with Obama’s transition staff almost daily. “We expect to see a real change,” the Washington Post reports.

John Podesta, Obama’s transition team co-chair, spoke about these changes on Fox News Sunday with Chris Wallace.

“I would say that as a candidate, Senator Obama said that he wanted all the Bush executive orders reviewed, and decide which ones should be kept, and which ones should be repealed, and which ones should be amended,” Podesta said.

Podesta characterized Bush’s stem cell research policy as “probably not in the interest of our country,” also naming oil and gas drilling policy and health care.

“There's a lot that the president can do using his executive authority without waiting for congressional action,” Podesta continued, “and I think we'll see the president do that to try to restore the — a sense that the country is working on behalf of the common good, that we're going to try to restore wages, give people the right kind of ways that they can build on their own lives, and when they work hard that they'll be rewarded for it.”

Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney, Director of the Christian Defense Coalition, responded to the reversal of the “life affirming executive orders” with a “profound sense of disappointment.” (Continued here)

If you didn't catch it yesterday...you can listen here

Here's a link to listen to Teresa Tomeo and me on our "Mom's Corner" segment yesterday. We chatted about various Catholic and current topics including a prayer table I suggested to draw your family together in prayer in your domestic churches.

Teresa and I also chatted a bit about my new books too.

Just click here to listen.
Enjoy the show!

Donna-Marie

PS I will be posting my long segment with Dina Marie Hale from Oregon a bit later this week after I receive the CD or mp3 of the show.

The USCCB's meeting...

Baltimore, Nov 9, 2008 / 11:08 pm (CNA).- Since the election of Barack Obama as the next President of the United States, several Catholic commentators have speculated on how the original agenda of the annual Fall General Assembly of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) will change.

According to bishops involved in the organization of the three-day meeting, which starts this Monday, the agenda, including a public discussion of abortion and politics, is fully on track.

Speculation that the agenda might change came late last week when several prominent Catholic commentators argued that the bishops had "lost authority" by speaking out strongly against Catholics voting for pro-abortion politicians, like Sen. Barack Obama and other mostly Democratic candidates, who were elected to office last Tuesday.

On Friday, Religion News Service reported that the USCCB “has scuttled plans to discuss abortion and politics next week in Baltimore,” citing the bishops' spokeswoman, Sister Mary Ann Walsh. RNS also quoted Sister Walsh saying that the agenda had yet to be finalized.

Moreover, according to the National Catholic Reporter's John Allen Jr., “some analysts, especially those of a more liberal bent, are spinning the election of Barak Obama as a ‘repudiation’ of what they see as an overly strident and partisan tone from the bishops, especially on abortion. A few ardently pro-life Catholics, meanwhile, actually believe that what they call ‘silence and treachery’ from the bishops on abortion helped pave the way for Obama’s success.”

On Friday, Peter Steinfels argued in his regular New York Times column that "anyone constructing a list of the big losers on Tuesday would probably include the nation’s Roman Catholic bishops."

Steinfels served as editor of “Commonweal” magazine before landing a job at The New York Times in 1988 and still frequently contributes to the magazine that he and his wife, former editor Margaret O'Brien Steinfels, have helped shape since 1964.

During the election season, Commonweal's blog openly wooed Catholics to vote for Obama and harshly criticized bishops who took a strong stand on life and family issues.

Steinfels supported his assertion that the bishops were “defeated” on the grounds that nominal Catholics voted 52 percent to 45 percent for Obama.

“Will that fact be candidly addressed when the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops meets next week in Baltimore?,” he asked, suggesting that the bishops should “change strategy.”

A similar suggestion was made by Fr. Thomas Reese S.J. of Georgetown University in an article published by the Dallas Morning News on Sunday... (Continued here at the Catholic News Agency)

Free Books and Inspiring Fun Monday Morning!

I think you'd better get a steaming cup of coffee or tea ready and give yourself a treat to listen in to some good Catholic stuff to get your Monday morning going!

Tune in on Monday morning TWICE! I will be interviewed by the inspiring Dina Marie at 8:00 Central time and for me it's 11:00 Eastern time.

I will also be doing my "Mom's Corner" radio segment with Teresa Tomeo on her show on "Catholic Connection" Ave Maria Radio at 9:15 AM Eastern time. It should be informational, inspiring, and lots of fun! It always is! Teresa and I are really like Lucy and Ethel and recount the story every once in a while about our trip to the Vatican congress earlier this year and all of the bloopers and blunders we experienced together - all good stuff! It was at that point that we nicknamed ourselves Lucy and Ethel. She's Lucy and I am Ethel.

As a matter of fact, one time Teresa surprised me when I was about to come on her show with the theme song to the "I Love Lucy" show. She's a riot! You can hear the segment by checking the archives I have posted on my blogs and website.

I hope that you will tune in to both shows! Did I mention that we are giving away books?? I will be giving away a lot of my saints' books, Catholic Saints Prayer Book on Dina Marie's show since November is a great month for the saints. We may be giving out some of my other titles as well. You'll have to tune in to find out. I hope you may be one of the fortunate callers who wins! :)

Who knows, I may give out some more books on Teresa's show, our "Mom's Corner" too! Tune in to find out!

So here are the details for the shows:

November 10, 2008, 8:00 AM (Pacific Time)
Catholic Radio
click here at “KBVM Live” (88.3 FM)
with Dina Marie Hale
http://www.kbvm.fm/
Portland, Oregon


Also November 10, 2008 9:15 AM Eastern time
"Mom's Corner" on "Catholic Connection"
with Teresa Tomeo
click here at avemariaradio.net


You can tune in LIVE to each of these shows by clicking on the links and then hit the "listen live" button on the websites.

Talk to you soon!

God bless!

Donna-Marie

Vatican has high hopes that Obama will have respect for human life

Vatican City, Nov 5, 2008 / 11:45 am (CNA).- Speaking to Vatican Radio on Wednesday, the Director of the Press Office of the Holy See, Fr. Federico Lombardi, announced that Pope Benedict XVI has sent his greetings to President-elect Barack Obama, the content of which will not be made public "because of its personal nature."

“The duty that the President of the United States has is a task of the highest responsibility not only for his country but for the whole world, given the importance that the U.S. has in every field of the world scene," Fr. Lombardi said in Spanish.

“For this reason, we all hope the new President Obama will be able to respond to the expectations and hopes placed in him, by effectively serving what is right and just, finding adequate ways to promote world peace, favoring the growth and dignity of the human person, in full respect of the essential human and spiritual values,” the Vatican spokesman remarked.

“Believers pray that God may enlighten and assist him in this greatest responsibility," Lombardi concluded.

Jane Roe's video - please watch now!

From the Catholic news Agency:

CNA STAFF, Nov 4, 2008 / 11:26 am (CNA).- Norma McCorvey, the anonymous plaintiff in the Roe v. Wade case that legalized abortion 35 years ago, has released a video encouraging Americans to cast their ballot for a candidate who will appoint pro-life Supreme Court justices.

In the video, produced by Just ONE Judge, McCorvey emphasizes the importance of today’s election as the next president’s Supreme Court nominations will likely have far-reaching effects on life issues. “This is the first time I’ve felt really had a voice in what was going on in terms of really reversing the decision of the Supreme Court,” said McCorvey. “I’m proud to be pro-life now rather than pro-abortion.”

According to a press release from Just ONE Judge, McCorvey began speaking out against abortion nearly ten years ago after a conversion to Christianity.

Just ONE Judge, a non-partisan, non-denominational group, is working to educate voters and is asking them to support candidates who support the nomination of Supreme Court Justices who are pro-life. In McCorvey’s video, the group emphasizes the importance of each individual’s vote for life and encourages voters to sign an online petition which will be presented to the new U.S. president and Senate to demonstrate that citizens are passionate about life issues.

“I’m working as a catalyst to assist other pro-life individuals and organizations in their particular areas of expertise. Just ONE Judge is so important because it emphasizes how one person can make a difference. I know how important one person is and I want to do what I can to get 2 million individuals to sign the pledge,” said McCorvey.

The National Grassroots Director of Just ONE Judge, Joe Condit, also noted that today’s election is not just about politics, “but something far more important. It’s about preserving Life, from natural conception to natural death. And it is about redeeming America as a nation committed to life and liberty and justice for all.”

Get ready for the Festival of Hope

Be looking for the Festival of Hope and Barry Michael's launch of his new book...

Your Guide to Spe Salvi: Saved in Hope

By Barry Michaels

"If you are considering a journey through Pope Benedict XVI’s second encyclical, Spe Salvi, you will find no better companion than Barry Michaels. Spe Salvi is a challenging but nonetheless truly rewarding endeavor for any reader. Michaels’ convenient guide breaks down each of the encyclical’s complex topics, providing essential background information and clear explanations. An essential reading companion that makes the profound thought of Benedict XVI simple and accessible for readers everywhere." (from Pauline website)

Go to Barry's website for information on the Festival of Hope here.

check this out...

Check out this short video.


The Hour of Decision from Mark Mallett on Vimeo.

Please pass this on to help others in voting their decision.

Brief Catechism for Catholic Voters...

Brief Catechism for Catholic Voters

Fr. Stephen F. Torraco, PhD


1. Isn’t conscience the same as my own opinions and feelings? And doesn’t everyone have the right to his or her own conscience?


Conscience is NOT the same as your opinions or feelings. Conscience cannot be identical with your feelings because conscience is the activity of your intellect in judging the rightness or wrongness of your actions or omissions, past, present, or future, while your feelings come from another part of your soul and should be governed by your intellect and will. Conscience is not identical with your opinions because your intellect bases its judgment upon the natural moral law, which is inherent in your human nature and is identical with the Ten Commandments. Unlike the civil laws made by legislators, or the opinions that you hold, the natural moral law is not anything that you invent, but rather discover within yourself and is the governing norm of your conscience. In short, Conscience is the voice of truth within you, and your opinions need to be in harmony with that truth. As a Catholic, you have the benefit... (Continued here)

Vote as if lives depended on it..because they do!

Please take a moment to read this and then go to the link below to read the remainder. Pass it on to your friends and family.

"On Tuesday, we will participate in a historic election.
The stakes are high, and the campaign hard-fought. Already, in states like North Carolina and Florida, early
voting has drawn record-smashing crowds. The nation’s voters are engaged in this election to a degree rare in
American history, and pro-life voters must play their part. It is of paramount importance that values voters go to
the voting booth on November 4th, and that they bring their pro-life convictions with them.
There are stark differences between the two candidates on the life issues. John McCain has a perfect pro-life
voting record in his years in the Senate, and has chosen a committed social conservative as his running mate.
Barack Obama, for his part, has a record of consistently voting against the unborn. His radical stance in favor
of abortion is illustrated by his insistence, at a Planned Parenthood function, that on the "fundamental issue" of
choice, he 'will not yield and Planned Parenthood will not yield.'" Continued here to read more on each candidate.

A Festival of HOPE!

Wow, Catholic author, Barry Michaels is giving us what we need right about now and "just what the doctor ordered." What am I talking about? Well, I'll let you listen to Barry himself in just a moment describe this awesome festival that will run all through the month of November to celebrate HOPE and the release of his new book, Your Guide to Spe Salvi: Saved in Hope. Barry has a whole line up of Catholic authors (myself included!) who will be bringing you messages of hope throughout the month of November.

From Barry:

"The Festival of Hope will be a month-long blog event that will be dedicated to and celebrate the theme of Christian hope.

There are several important aspects to this event:

– I’ll be reflecting on hope and offering some interesting resources for further reflection, understanding, and prayer.

– (More exiting to me) I’ll be hosting a series of guest bloggers, talented Christian (both Catholic and non-Catholic) authors and artists, all offering some rich and helpful reflections on the theme of hope.

– Finally (and also exciting to a book-nut like me), you’ll also have the chance to win some very worthwhile prizes while you’re here! I’m reluctant to proceed with this one, because there’s a great collection of books and other items sitting in a box in my office, ready to be given away to you and other visitors, and the more I look at them, the more I want to keep them for myself. They’re excellent! (Don’t worry, I promised the authors I’d give them away to you.)

Our Guest Bloggers

Let me tell you about those guest bloggers, because you’re going to be interested. As of today, our Festival of Hope guest-blogger line-up (authors who have agreed to serve as a guest blogger for a day) includes:

– Mike Aquilina, vice-president of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology and author of a list of extraordinary books, including Signs and Mysteries: Revealing Ancient Christian Symbols, The Fathers of the Church, and The Resilient Church

– Tim Drake, one of the premier Catholic journalists in the United States, longtime reporter for the National Catholic Register, and author of the new book Behind Bella, as well as Young and Catholic: The Face of Tomorrow’s Church

– Pete Vere, a canon lawyer and the co-author of several popular books for Catholic readers, including Surprised by Canon Law: 150 Questions Laypeople Ask about Canon Law, Surprised by Canon Law 2, Pied Piper of Atheism: Philip Pullman and Children’s Fantasy, and More Catholic than the Pope: An Inside Look at Extreme Traditionalism

– Sr. Kathryn James Hermes, FSP, the author of Making Peace with Yourself: 15 Steps to Spiritual Healing, The Surviving Depression Journal: A Companion through the Tough Times, and Prayers for Surviving Depression, and a member of the Congregation of the Daughters of St. Paul

– Nancy Carpentier Brown, author of The Mysteries of Harry Potter and The Father Brown Reader and Catholic education expert

– Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle, a participant in the Pontifical Council for the Laity’s recent international congress on the dignity of women, and author of The Domestic Church: Room by Room and The Heart of Motherhood

– Dr. Heath White, assistant professor of philosophy at the University of North Carolina Wilmington and author of Postmodernism 101: A First Course for Curious Christians

– Mary DeTurris Poust, author of The Complete Idiot’s Guide to the Catholic Catechism and Parenting a Grieving Child: Helping Children Find Faith, Hope, and Healing after the Loss of a Loved One

– Regina Doman, Catholic artist and author of Angel in the Waters (a personal favorite children’s book of mine) and The Shadow of the Bear

– Karina Fabian, science fiction author of Infinite Space, Infinite God and Firestorm of Dragons, and president of the Catholic Writers Guild

– Lawrence Klimecki, Catholic artist and illustrator of S Is for Saints

– Ellen Gable Hrkach, author of the novel Emily’s Hope, a columnist on the new website for Catholic catechists, AmazingCatechists.com, and a frequent contributor to Family Foundations magazine

You will be hearing from all of them on the topic of Christian hope on this blog during the Festival of Hope! Is that cool, or what? (That’s where the list is at now; I hope and expect that it will expand a bit before November 1 rolls around. I’ll keep you posted.)

Books and More for You

Not only will you get the insightful contributions from that gang of contributors; you’ll also have an opportunity to win something from a long list of prizes I’ll be giving away that mostly includes a bunch of excellent books, plus a few other great things thrown in for fun. (Many of these books have been donated by the authors themselves, some have been donated by my publisher Pauline Books and Media, and a few are on me.)" (Continued here on Barry Michael's blog)

Be sure to visit Barry's blog by clicking on the link above to see what else Barry has to say about this event and the month of November. There's much more. I have only teased your appetite for books and inspiration!

God bless!

Donna-Marie

A Call to Action Starting Today!

"What issue outweighs more than 40 million unborn children killed by abortion and the many millions of women deeply wounded by the loss and regret abortion creates?"~ Most Rev. Charles Chaput, Archbishop of Denver

A Call for a Rosary Novena

Fr. John Corapi has asked us all to partake in a rosary novena which begins today, October 27th and ends nine days later on Election Day, November 4th.

Here are Fr. Corapi's words:
"No other issue, not all other issues taken together, can constitute a proportionate reason for voting for candidates that intend to preserve and defend this holocaust of innocent human life that is abortion. I strongly urge every one of you to make a Novena and pray the Rosary to Our Lady of Victory between October 27th and Election Day, November 4th. Pray that God's will be done and the most innocent and utterly vulnerable of our brothers and sisters will be protected from this barbaric and grossly sinful blight on society that is abortion. No woman, and no man, has the right to choose to murder an innocent human being.
God Bless You"
Fr. John Corapi
For Election Novena click here.

Take a look at the story of the battle of Lapanto below and see how the power of the Rosary crusade changed the outcome of the battle.

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Battle of Lepanto On October 7, 1571, a great victory over the mighty Turkish fleet was won by Catholic naval forces primarily from Spain, Venice, and Genoa under the command of Don Juan of Austria. It was the last battle at sea between "oared" ships, which featured the most powerful navy in the world, a Moslem force with between 12,000 to 15,000 Christian slaves as rowers. The patchwork team of Catholic ships was powered by the Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Knowing that the Christian forces were at a distinct material disadvantage, the holy pontiff, St. Pope Pius V called for all of Europe to pray the Rosary for victory. We know today that the victory was decisive, prevented the Islamic invasion of Europe, and evidenced the Hand of God working throughOur Lady. At the hour of victory, St. Pope Pius V, who was hundreds of miles away at the Vatican, is said to have gotten up from a meeting, went over to a window, and exclaimed with supernatural radiance: "The Christian fleet is victorious!" and shed tears of thanksgiving to God.

What you may not know is that one of three admirals commanding the Catholic forces at Lepanto was Andrea Doria. He carried a small copy of Mexico's Our Lady of Guadalupe into battle. This image is now enshrined in the Church of San Stefano in Aveto, Italy. Not many know that at the Monastery of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Spain, one can view a huge warship lantern that was captured from the Moslems in the Battle of Lepanto. In Rome, look up to the ceiling of S. Maria in Aracoeli and behold decorations in gold taken from the Turkish galleys. In the Doges' Palace in Venice, Italy, one can witness a giant Islamic flag that is now a trophy from a vanquished Turkish ship from the Victory. At Saint Mary Major Basilica in Rome, close to the tomb of the great St. Pope Pius V, one was once able to view yet another Islamic flag from the Battle, until 1965, when it was returned to Istanbul in an intended friendly token of concord. The Rosary At Lepanto, the Victory over the Moslems was won by the faithful praying the Rosary. Even though they had superior numbers, the Turks really were overmatched. Blessed Padre Pio, the Spiritual Father of the Blue Army, said: "The Rosary is the weapon," and how right he was!

The Battle of Lepanto was at first celebrated liturgically as "Our Lady of Victory." Later, the feast of October 7th was renamed "Our Lady of the Rosary" and extended throughout the Universal Church by Pope Clement XI in 1716 (who canonized Pope Pius V in 1712).

And with that we are back to Fatima, Portugal where Our Lady, when asked her name, said: "I am the Lady of the Rosary." At Fatima, Our Lady taught us to pray the Rosary every day. Heaven presented its peace plan at Fatima and truly gave us hope for the world. Conversions were promised at Fatima: the conversion of sinners; the conversion of Russia; and what also appears to be the conversion of Islam. Our Lady of the Rosary, pray for us!
Taken from:
Soul Magazine
© 2001 The Blue Army of Our Lady of Fatima, U.S.A., Inc.
September - October 2001, page 6

George Weigel and Obama

Washington DC, Oct 24, 2008 / 07:09 am (CNA).- The discussion over Catholic support for Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama continued this past week as professors Nick Cafardi, Cathy Kaveny, and Doug Kmiec—all Obama backers—debated the topic with political commentator George Weigel in the pages of Newsweek. Obama’s Catholic supporters argued that Obama would serve the pro-life cause in other aspects, while Weigel charged that such arguments ignore or minimize Obama’s vigorous support for abortion rights.

The pro-Obama professors made their case in an October 17 essay on Newsweek Online. They argued that an Obama presidency would reduce the abortion rate and they advocated an “interconnected” approach to promote a “culture of life” through policies favoring a family wage, universal health care, and better parenting and education for youth.

“This greater appreciation for the totality of Catholic teaching is at the very heart of the Obama campaign,” they asserted. “It is scarcely a McCain footnote.”

The professors said Weigel’s recent criticism of their positions is “unassailable” in a perfect world, but they charged that the legal path to preventing abortion “has not worked to date, and it may never work.”

They claimed in their Newsweek essay that Obama recognizes abortion as “a tragic moral choice” but would implement other policies to help women in “adverse economic and social circumstances.”

“Is Obama the perfect pro-life candidate? No.” they conceded, but... (Continued here)

Embryos are destroyed or frozen in the process

Madrid, Oct 21, 2008 / 10:53 am (CNA).- The recent birth of Javier Mariscal, the first “medicinal baby” to be born in Spain since a new law on assisted reproduction was passed by the Socialist government in June of 2006, has led the Bishops’ Conference of Spain to issue a statement warning that the healing of the infirm should not come at the cost of the lives of other human begins.

The statement published last weekend, the bishops noted that on October 12, the first baby conceived for the purpose of healing another person was born in Sevilla. The baby’s brother suffers from a hereditary disease which forces him to undergo constant blood transfusions.

The bishops explained that with the technique that was used, “the embryos obtained through in vitro fertilization are examined to select those that are not carriers of the gene that causes the hereditary disease. From the selected group, an embryo that has the closest genetic profile to the ill sibling is implanted in the uterus. The rest are either destroyed or frozen.”

The bishops pointed out that the Spanish media “has emphasized the good news of the birth of the child and the possibility of curing the illness of his brother.” “Put like this, the news ought to be a source of joy for all. However, the dramatic fact that the sick embryos, and eventually the healthy ones that were not genetically compatible were destroyed has been silenced.”

“The Church wants to lend her voice to the voiceless and to those who have been deprived of the fundamental right to life. These statements are not a judgment upon the conscience or the intentions of anyone. They are meant to draw attention to the objective ethical principles that protect the dignity of all human beings,” the statement indicated.

Teresa Tomeo's series about NOISE on EWTN

Teresa Tomeo recently asked, "Have you ever wondered why the secular press tilts so heavily to the left of center? Are you concerned about the continued attacks on the Catholic Church? Would you like to know just how much impact the culture is having on children, families, and the country? With the help of moral theologians, law enforcement experts, media specialists, and pro-life leaders, I will attempt to answer these questions. And if you're looking for some practical ways to make a difference in the media in your home as well as ways to engage the culture, you may also be interested in watching this special series. You'll also learn just how much wisdom and common sense advise the Church has when it comes to how to using the media wisely.


Join me and my guests including Fr. Frank Pavone of Priests for Life, Doug Keck of EWTN TV, Moral Theologian Dr. Janet Smith, and others as we try to help you make some sense out of all of the "Noise" in our lives. That's Monday through Friday at 6:30pm ET, October 20th through the 24th on EWTN Global Catholic TV. For more information go to www.ewtn.com or www.teresatomeo,com and please pray that this series helps encourage more Catholics to take a stand for decency on the air waves."


Program Dates & Times

Find your local EWTN station to see "NOISE"!

Episodes 1- 5 air Oct 20 - Oct 24
ET: 3:00 AM & 6:30 PM
PT: 12 AM & 3:30 PM

My interview on EWTN's Bookmark segment is now available on audio here

If you didn't get a chance to watch the recent EWTN's Bookmark segment in which Doug Keck interviewed me about four of my books: Prayerfully Expecting, The Heart of Motherhood, Catholic Prayer Book for Mothers and Catholic Saints Prayer Book, you can listen by clicking here. Just scrolll down to audio # 212.

Sunday Homily...

"In this Sunday’s gospel passage, we see that Jesus is caught in a real predicament. The dilemma is compounded by the fact that two bitterly opposing sects, the Pharisees and the Herodians, have joined forces to attack Jesus.

Had Jesus said that paying the tax was unlawful, the Pharisees and the Herodians would promptly have reported the matter to the Roman officials and his arrest would have quickly followed. Had he answered that it was lawful to pay the tax, he would have damaged his reputation before the Jewish people who resented paying tax to an invading government.

“Then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God” (Matthew 22: 21). With this distinctive answer Jesus establishes a teaching which goes beyond the needs and circumstances of his own times and serves as a guiding principle for all generations.

All of the baptized enjoy a dual citizenship. We are citizens of the country of our birth or political allegiance, and we are citizens of the kingdom of heaven. Ideally, these two citizenships should not clash, but sometimes they do. Jesus calls us to be good citizens of both kingdoms, but many times conflicts do arise which cause the citizens of the heavenly kingdom to take a stand in defense of the truth... (Continued here at Fr. James's blog).

Fr. James's Daily Homily on the Election

Check out the latest here from Fr. James's Daily Homily. Just click here.

My interview on EWTN's Bookmark this week

In case you didn't get a chance to catch this morning's episode of EWTN's Bookmark in which I was interviewed, you can see it at another time this week. These are the show times listed on the EWTN's Bookmark website: "Sun 9:30 am ET • Mon 5:00 am ET • Wed 5:30 pm ET • Sat 9:00 pm ET." For more information click here at the EWTN's Bookmark website.

God bless your day!

Donna-Marie

Fr. James's Sunday Homily

Aside from the abortion issue, the issue of homosexual marriages is also in the forefront of the culture wars during this presidential election. Let us take a clear look at the issue according to the mind of the Catholic Church.


The Conference of American Bishops has already given a clear and comprehensive teaching on the issue of same-sex marriages (http://www.usccb.org/laity/manandwoman.shtml). Here is a brief summary.


Marriage, as instituted by God, is a faithful, exclusive, lifelong union of a man and a woman joined in an intimate community of life and love. Man and woman are equal. However, as created, they are different from but made for each other. This complementarity, including sexual difference, draws them together in a mutually loving union that should be always open to the procreation of children.

Marriage is both a natural institution and a... (Continued here)