My Catholic Source.com Blog: September 2009

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Reminder: Service Interruptions on 10/1, 10/5-10/10

There will be an interruption in many of our services on the following dates due to vacations:

* 10/1/09
* 10/5/09 - 10/10/09

Services affected may include: live chat, post & ad processing, subscription processing, blog updates, lending library, and various e-mail responses. News updates will also be affected.

Although you may notice delays in the above services, access to the MyCatholicSource.com website itself should not be affected.

We apologize for any inconvenience.

Catholic News Headlines / Links [9-30-09]

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Vatican launches counterattack regarding abuse scandal

In response to recent criticism over its handling of the priestly abuse scandals, the Vatican has issued a "defiant and provocative statement". The statement was read by the Vatican's permanent observer to the UN, Archbishop Silvano Tomasi. Some relevant points appear below.

* The statement indicates that problems in other 'churches' are "as big, if not bigger", noting the worse situation of Protestant 'churches'

* The vast majority of abuse cases have been homosexual in nature

* Research shows that the percentage of clergy involved is about 1.5%-5%

* Abuse of this nature is "far more likely" to be committed by family members, babysitters, friends, relatives or neighbors than by Catholic clergy

* Abuse is more common by school employees than by Catholic clergy

* The Church is "very conscious of the seriousness of the problem" and notes that abusers must be punished, potentially including removal from the clerical state

The statement concludes: "As the Catholic Church has been busy cleaning its own house, it would be good if other institutions and authorities, where the major part of abuses are reported, could do the same and inform the media about it."

Good advice, but not surprisingly, the Vatican's finger-pointing isn't sitting well with those outside the Church, some of whom are reportedly "dismayed". Also, the individual who accused the Vatican of covering up child abuse as well as violating several articles under the Convention on the Rights of the Child, said that the response did not contradict any of the accusations he made.

Although the points in the Vatican statement are truths which often go unreported, many Catholics are nevertheless likely to be displeased with the "we're not as bad as you" response. Rather, persons instinctively know that one single case of abuse - EVER - is one too many, just as a single cover-up of a single instance of abuse - EVER - is one too many. Although one Catholic newspaper assures us that these comments "do not represent, in any way, an effort by the Church to shirk its responsibility", it may be difficult for some persons to view the statement in this light. For many, it's way past time that guilty parties accept responsibility for their actions - without finger-pointing and without excuses. We'd be expected to do no less ourselves in Confession.

[9/29]

Catholic News Headlines / Links [9-29-09]

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Note: The following are from the MyCatholicSource.com News & Opinion Page at
http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cmno/news_and_opinion.htm (or archived at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cmno/news_and_opinion_archive.htm ). Not all links may be included. Dates in brackets may refer to dates the links were added to the MCS news page. Items herein contain text only. To view news briefs, actual news links (or to view full news stories), click above link for MCS News & Opinion Page (or archive).

*** ADVISORY: NEWS ITEMS MAY CONTAIN UNDESIRABLE TERMS & COVER SENSITIVE SUBJECTS ***
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Pope returns to papal residence at Castel Gandolfo after trip to Czech Republic [9/29]

Relic of the Holy Cross stolen from Benedictine Monastery [9/29]

Judge in ND 88 case married to "outspoken" pro-abort ND professor who donated a "significant sum" to Obama's presidential campaign and who criticized Pope Paul VI's Humanae Vitae; Attorney for pro-lifers has requested that the judge be removed from the case [9/29]

Bishop of Mostar-Duvno tells Medjugorje pilgrims "let us not act as if these 'apparitions' were recognized and worthy of faith"; Reminds that the Church has never recognized the alleged apparitions as authentic; Bishop also requested removal of all references to a "shrine" or "sanctuary", banned prayers allegedly dictated by or suggested by Mary, and instructed that the pastor stop commenting on alleged messages [Related Resource: Marian Apparitions at Medjugorje: True or False?] [9/29]

A worthy investment: Bishops asked to offset costs of study of female religious [9/29]

Dissenter to present series of talks at annual plenary assembly of Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops [9/29]

Filmmakers working on "movie thriller" covering Hitler's failed plot to kidnap Pope Pius XII; Filming occurred onsite while Pope Benedict was away at Castelgandolfo [9/29]

Self-proclaimed "champion" of homosexuals includes s*domite couples raising children in his list of "American families" for National Family Day [9/29]

Euthanasia in the State of Washington: "Enter the twilight zone that is Washington State" [9/29]

Archdiocese of Madrid issues statement reminding that laicized married priests cannot exercise priestly ministry after abandoning their priestly commitments [9/29]

Recent convert Gingrich working JPII documentary [9/29]

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Monday, September 28, 2009

Question from the Pope

Faithful Catholics may find Pope Benedict's recent remarks regarding holiness deserving of special contemplation...

"We ask ourselves: In our day, is holiness still relevant? Or is it now considered unattractive and unimportant? Do we not place more value today on worldly success and glory? Yet how long does earthly success last, and what value does it have?"

[Related Resources: Increase Holiness Section | Increase Holiness Reflections]

[9/28]

"Thanks to you all I have this beautiful son"

Thanks to the recent efforts of pro-lifers, the lives of dozens of unborn children have been spared. According to reports, recent pro-life efforts have also caused at least two employees at abortion clinics to quit their jobs. Deo Gratias!

Note: Headline is quote of mother who changed her mind about an abortion due to previous efforts of pro-lifers. (Source: LifeNews.com)

[9/28]

Poisonous messages: Look in the mirror

Cardinal Sean O’Malley of Boston recently gave good advice to Catholics to "protect our children from the poisonous message of hedonism, individualism and materialism on MTV and so many other places." It's a shame that many Catholics may find it hard to take his message seriously in light of the fact that the same Cardinal didn't seem bothered by the arguably "poisonous message" sent by him over his recent participation in (and unqualified defense of) the scandalous Kennedy funeral.

Does the Cardinal believe that children should be protected from "the poisonous message of hedonism, individualism and materialism on MTV and so many other places" but that these same children need no protection from the message sent by him earlier that it is acceptable for an ardent promoter of abortion & homosexual 'marriage' - a man for which HLI said "Every indication of Senator Kennedy's career, every public appearance, every sound bite showed an acerbic, divisive and partisan political hack for whom party politics were much more infallible than Church doctrines" - to be nearly 'canonized' by prelates?

One might reasonably expect a "poisonous message" from MTV - but such a message should never be expected from a leader of the Catholic Church. And is not the danger potentially far greater when poison is given by someone you should be able to trust?

Does the Cardinal fail to see how hedonistic, individualistic, and materialistic the evil of abortion is? Yet he finds no difficulty granting a public funeral - "gushing with praise" - to a man who had passionately fought for this evil for decades and never publicly repented?

One may fear that the advice to "protect our children from the poisonous message of hedonism, individualism and materialism on MTV and so many other places", should be countered with a suggestion to the speaker to look in the mirror.

[9/28]

Catholic News Headlines / Links [9-28-09]

Saturday, September 26, 2009

Price of Speaking Truthfully: Over $10,000

The Polish Conference of Bishops has issued a statement in the wake of a court ruling requiring a Catholic newspaper in Poland to issue an apology & pay a woman seeking an abortion over $10,000 after it "demonized" her over her desire to kill her unborn child. They consider the verdict "an attempt against freedom of speech and the right of the Church to moral judgement of human behavior" and stated that "Proclaiming the Gospel of life is in the mind of the Church one of its basic duties. To deny the Church this right, and what's worse to impose legal punishment for reminding the truth about the fact that nobody has authority over the life of another person, is an unacceptable limitation of the Church's mission."

Prelates critical of the verdict include...

* Archbishop Zimon who stated that "[he doesn't] understand the court's statement that abortion can be called 'killing' in the general sense, but not when referring to a particular person."

* Cardinal Dziwisz who said that "I dare say that this verdict brings back the spirit of the past, when true words had to be paid for with guilty court verdicts"

* Bishop Dydycz who stated that "the court convicted a Catholic newspaper for telling the truth about responsibility for abortion, which is killing."

A growing number of laypersons in Poland have joined the criticism, some even adding their signatures to a letter that "theoretically" means that they could also be sued.

[story here]

[9/26]

Catholic News Headlines / Links [9-26-09]

Friday, September 25, 2009

Catholic News Headlines / Links [9-25-09]

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Quotable quote

The following is in response to the radical pro-abort 'Catholic' Sebelius' recent attempt to excuse her anti-life position under the guise of separation of church & state... [Note: See earlier link entitled "Pro-abort Sebelius refuses to say whether she obeys her Archbishop's request not to receive Holy Communion; Ties her support for murdering of unborn babies on her 'firm belief' in the 'separation of church and state'"]

"It's really hard not to feel ill when one reads such a response from Sebelius who is so unabashedly and vociferously dead-set against the teaching of our Church... She seems to think that this public-private dichotomy of her person is a virtue. In medical terms it's called schizophrenia." (Fr. Euteneuer, HLI President)

[story here]

[9/24]

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Catholic News Headlines / Links [9-24-09] (early edition)

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Note: The following are from the MyCatholicSource.com News & Opinion Page at
http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cmno/news_and_opinion.htm (or archived at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cmno/news_and_opinion_archive.htm ). Not all links may be included. Dates in brackets may refer to dates the links were added to the MCS news page. Items herein contain text only. To view news briefs, actual news links (or to view full news stories), click above link for MCS News & Opinion Page (or archive).

*** ADVISORY: NEWS ITEMS MAY CONTAIN UNDESIRABLE TERMS & COVER SENSITIVE SUBJECTS ***
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Pope asks for prayers for success of Czech pilgrimage [9/24]

Pope to visit Great Britain next year [9/24]

Perhaps they can't handle the truth: YouTube once again pulls pro-life video from its website; Censored video showed Catholic funerals for abortion victims [9/24]

Vatican grants temporary reprieve to three Cleveland parishes scheduled for closure [9/24]

Law professor warns that healthcare bill "could threaten the existence of Catholic hospitals, which would in turn render America vulnerable to a widescale dehumanization of healthcare" [9/24]

According to the FSSP, "Pope Benedict XVI wishes that the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter be entrusted, beyond the celebration of Holy Mass in the Extraordinary Form, at as many places as possible, with the cura animarum, i.e. the full pastoral care"; Says "the Holy Father was very interested in whether the Fraternity was able to exercise its apostolate without obstacles, as intended" [9/24]

Archbishop responds to Sebelius' comments: She "misrepresents the issue" & is not a victim of "of merely upholding the law"; Says it was "very painful" for him to instruct her not to receive Holy Communion, but notes his "serious obligation to uphold the integrity of the Eucharist and to protect other Catholics from being misled by the former Governor's support for legalized abortion" [9/24]

Catholic magazine in Poland ordered to issue apology, pay fine of about $11K to woman "vilified" for wanting an abortion; Magazine editor compares abortion to Auschwitz: "They had become accustomed to the murders being carried out behind the fence of the camp. And what is the case today? Different, but just as terrible"; Magazine to appeal ruling citing freedom of speech [9/24]

Former Chicago priest found to be "too dangerous" to parole [9/24]

Notre Dame law professor emeritus critical of ND's recent actions [9/24]

-30-

"We never know that our donations are going to be safe to give"

Catholics are outraged to learn the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD), an arm of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has once again been caught funding organizations which go against Catholic teachings. Earlier, it was revealed that the CCHD had given millions of dollars to the controversial ACORN organization. But just recently, a study has uncovered that the CCHD has been funding organizations that...

* Urge opposition to a measure requiring parental notification for minors before an abortion

* Advocate opposition to bills which protect marriage as being between a man & woman

* Promote abortion, the use of c*ntraception, and the 'morning after' pill

* Work to defund abstinence programs

* Seek to 'legalize' prostitution

In other words, thousands of dollars of YOUR hard-earned donations entrusted to the USCCB campaign have been used to promote sin & undermine the Catholic faith.

The CCHD claims they have now taken corrective action. However, skepticism is hard to contain since in the wake of the ACORN scandal, Catholics were assured that (1) "CCHD's current criteria and guidelines prohibit partisan activity and funding of any group that engages in activities contrary to Catholic moral teaching, whether or not those activities are funded by CCHD" and that (2) "These criteria are actively enforced". As the founder of the group conducting the study said, "We never know that our donations are going to be safe to give to the CCHD." Reportedly, although the CCHD has funded these organizations which go against the faith, it "very explicitly does not fund Catholic institutions and apostolates that work with the poor."

[story here] [9/23]

Catholic News Headlines / Links [9-23-09]

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Note: The following are from the MyCatholicSource.com News & Opinion Page at
http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cmno/news_and_opinion.htm (or archived at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cmno/news_and_opinion_archive.htm ). Not all links may be included. Dates in brackets may refer to dates the links were added to the MCS news page. Items herein contain text only. To view news briefs, actual news links (or to view full news stories), click above link for MCS News & Opinion Page (or archive).

*** ADVISORY: NEWS ITEMS MAY CONTAIN UNDESIRABLE TERMS & COVER SENSITIVE SUBJECTS ***
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Vatican names new bank chairman [9/23]

USCCB's Catholic Campaign for Human Development claims it has now taken "decisive action" in response to report showing they have been funding groups which support abortion, c*ntraception, homosexual 'marriage', and legalized pr*stitution; Formerly the CCHD funded ACORN [9/23]

In wake of allegations by a Swedish television station, Vatican spokesman denies that Pope Benedict had knowledge of Williamson's views; Says it is "absolutely baseless to say or even insinuate that the Pope had been informed earlier of the positions of Williamson" [9/23]

Woman who stabbed priest found not guilty by reason of insanity; Woman says she is "horribly ashamed" of herself [9/23]

Cardinal Mahoney's response to interviewer on whether healthcare bill funds abortion: "This is way beyond my field. My field is immigration. I really haven’t kept up on that, and I spend all my time on this other. You have to get somebody who spends time on that." [9/23]

Bishop of Wisconsin defends tradition-minded priests in diocese who have stopped practice of "altar girls" & lay ministers of Communion and who have increased availability of Confession & Latin Masses [9/23]

Study says welfare has been fastest growing part of federal government spending; Claims amount spent on welfare next year will be more than what Bush spent on entire Iraq war; Obama's spending proposals said to "call for the largest increases in welfare benefits in U.S. history"; Researcher says that "One in seven in total federal and state dollars now goes to welfare" [9/23]

-30-

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Catholic News Headlines / Links [9-22-09]

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Note: The following are from the MyCatholicSource.com News & Opinion Page at
http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cmno/news_and_opinion.htm (or archived at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cmno/news_and_opinion_archive.htm ). Not all links may be included. Dates in brackets may refer to dates the links were added to the MCS news page. Items herein contain text only. To view news briefs, actual news links (or to view full news stories), click above link for MCS News & Opinion Page (or archive).

*** ADVISORY: NEWS ITEMS MAY CONTAIN UNDESIRABLE TERMS & COVER SENSITIVE SUBJECTS ***
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Catholic Medical Association warns about pending healthcare bills: "They empower a small group of unelected government bureaucrats and committees to determine the composition and cost of health insurance policies, the reimbursement of providers, the approval of treatments, etc. We think this government-controlled approach is flawed in principle and ineffective, if not dangerous, in practice." [9/22]

Vatican euro coins "draw ire of the European Union" [9/22]

Elderly pro-life man knocked to the ground & attacked by two women while holding anti-abortion signs [9/22]

Pope tells new bishops that "The time that priests and bishops consecrate to God in prayer is always time well spent" [9/22]

Pro-lifers "shocked" & "perplexed" that pro-life bishop was forbidden from attending pro-life rally by the Cardinal Archbishop of Vienna; Bishop stayed away 'in the name of obedience' to the Cardinal [9/22]

Democrat who took a pro-life position is 'fired' from committee chairmanship in Wisconsin [9/22]

Head of Church's "Supreme Court" receives seven minute standing ovation after speech; Regarding politicians who support homosexual 'marriage' and abortion, the Archbishop said "It is not possible to be a practicing Catholic and to conduct oneself in this manner" and says that repentance "must also be public"; Says that funeral rites should not be given to pro-abortion Catholic politicians [9/22]

That's a miracle? NJ diocese investigates "possible miracle" that an unborn child diagnosed with a genetic abnormality was born with the defect "not present to the degree that had been expected" after a "family in the area" prayed to the late founder of the Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm; If accepted as a miracle by the Vatican, it could ultimately lead to her canonization [9/22]

How is this not this the worst form of anti-Semitism and a betrayal of your mission? Italian Bishops’ Conference says "it is not its intention to actively pursue the conversion of Jews" [Refresher: Who Jesus Is & Why You Should Believe] [9/22]

More scandal in Miami: Former str*pper seeks child support from priest she says fathered her child; Diocese previously paid a settlement to the same woman whom the priest had lived with for years [9/22]

Vatican under fire at UN Human Rights Council for "both covering up child abuse and allowing it to continue" [9/22]

-30-

Monday, September 21, 2009

Miraculous liquefaction of St. Januarius' blood

Once again, St. Januarius' blood has miraculously liquefied on his feast day. The following is from a Catholic Encyclopedia article...

"It is especially this miracle of the liquefaction which has given celebrity to the name of Januarius, and to this we turn our attention. Let it at once be said that the supposition of any trick or deliberate imposture is out of the question, as candid opponents are now willing to admit. For more than four hundred years this liquefaction has taken place at frequent intervals. If it were a trick it would be necessary to admit that all the archbishops of Naples, and that countless ecclesiastics eminent for their learning and often for their great sanctity, were accomplices in the fraud, as also a number of secular officials; for the relic is so guarded that its exposition requires the concurrence of both civil and ecclesiastical authority. Further, in all these four hundred years, no one of the many who, upon the supposition of such a trick, must necessarily have been in the secret, has made any revelation or disclosed how the apparent miracle is worked. Strong indirect testimony to this truth is borne by the fact that even at the present time the rationalistic opponents of a supernatural explanation are entirely disagreed as to how the phenomenon is to be accounted for."

...

"The officiant usually holds the reliquary by its extremities, without touching the glass, and from time to time turns it upside down to note whether any movement is perceptible in the dark mass enclosed in the phial. After an interval of varying duration, usually not less than two minutes or more than an hour, the mass is gradually seen to detach itself from the sides of the phial, to become liquid and of a more or less ruby tint, and in some instances to froth and bubble up, increasing in volume. The officiant then announces, "Il miracolo é fatto", a Te Deum is sung, and the reliquary containing the liquefied blood is brought to the altar rail that the faithful may venerate it by kissing the containing vessel. Rarely has the liquefaction failed to take place in the expositions of May or September, but in that of 16 December the mass remains solid more frequently than not."

The article also notes that: (1) A 1902 examination "yielded the distinctive lines of the spectrum of blood", confirming that the phial does, in fact, contain blood; and (2) a "series of experiments" using "a very accurate balance" found that "the weight was not constant any more than the volume", noting that "This very large difference renders it impossible to believe that such a substantial variation in weight can be merely due to an error of observation. We are forced to accept the fact that, contrary to all known laws a change goes on in the contents of this hermetically sealed vessel which makes them heavier and lighter in a ratio roughly, but not exactly, proportional to their apparent bulk."

[Note: Catholic Encyclopedia article may be found here]

[9/21]

Catholic News Headlines / Links [9-21-09]

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Catholic News Headlines / Links [9-19-09]

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Note: The following are from the MyCatholicSource.com News & Opinion Page at
http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cmno/news_and_opinion.htm (or archived at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cmno/news_and_opinion_archive.htm ). Not all links may be included. Dates in brackets may refer to dates the links were added to the MCS news page. Items herein contain text only. To view news briefs, actual news links (or to view full news stories), click above link for MCS News & Opinion Page (or archive).

*** ADVISORY: NEWS ITEMS MAY CONTAIN UNDESIRABLE TERMS & COVER SENSITIVE SUBJECTS ***
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Catholic university receives "one of the largest research contracts in its history" for project to convert liquid nuclear waste to glass [9/19]

Cardinal who recently made waves by saying SSPX would not be "let off easy" and would have to accept "religious freedom as a basic human right" discourages pro-lifers from attending demonstration at an abortion clinic [9/19]

Former vicar of clergy for Archdiocese of Los Angeles testifies under oath that he was ordered by Cardinal not to contact police or notify parishes regarding abuse allegations [9/19]

Bishops’ Conference of Costa Rica "completely rejects" bill that would remove both the clause which establishes the Catholic faith as the nation's religion & references to God in legal oaths; Opposition rooted "in the defense of principles and values that support authentic democracy and not in the search for supposed privileges, because a democracy without values…easily becomes a dictatorship and ends up betraying the people" [9/19]

Pope to summon special synod of bishops in October 2010 to discuss the Middle East [9/19]

Director of Holy See Press Office calls for Catholic media professionals to use the media "in the service of the Gospel of Jesus Christ"; Says that "Always speaking the truth is the fundamental premise for confronting even the most difficult situations" [9/19]

Catholic manners: Guidance on how to make a proper introduction [9/19]

How sad: Vandals deface Jackson parish, smash Virgin Mary statue [9/19]

Canadian bishops to discuss how to respond to criticism on Catholic websites in wake of controversy between independent Canadian pro-life site and diocesan-backed Canadian television network [9/19]

Vatican website offers virtual pilgrimage to the tomb of St. Peter [9/19]

-30-

Friday, September 18, 2009

More government intrusions

Sometimes it seems that every week brings news of further government intrusion into our lives. A couple recent items include the following...

* Your next garage sale could cost you up to $15 million in government fines [story here]

* State supreme court unanimously rules that police can break into a suspect's car and secretly install a tracking device [story here]

What government encroachments can we look forward to next week?

[9/18]

Media's at it again: 'Devout' Catholics

Here we go again with the media and their idea of "devout" Catholics. This time, we read of a "devout" 'divorced & remarried' Catholic, a "devoted follower of astrology," who wrote a regular horoscope column (which her own daughter said - not disapprovingly - was "like her third child"). Will someone kindly explain to the media what it really means to be a devout Catholic? And please be sure your explanation includes holding all Church doctrine & following all Church rules.

"All forms of divination are to be rejected: recourse to Satan or demons, conjuring up the dead or other practices falsely supposed to 'unveil' the future. Consulting horoscopes, astrology, palm reading, interpretation of omens and lots, the phenomena of clairvoyance, and recourse to mediums all conceal a desire for power over time, history, and, in the last analysis, other human beings, as well as a wish to conciliate hidden powers. They contradict the honor, respect, and loving fear that we owe to God alone. (Catechism of the Catholic Church)

"Now, against the sacrilegious and impious darings of reason, we assert both that God knows all things before they come to pass, and that we do by our free will whatsoever we know and feel to be done by us only because we will it. But that all things come to pass by fate, we do not say; nay we affirm that nothing comes to pass by fate; for we demonstrate that the name of fate, as it is wont to be used by those who speak of fate, meaning thereby the position of the stars at the time of each one's conception or birth, is an unmeaning word, for astrology itself is a delusion." (St. Augustine, Doctor of the Church)

[9/18]

Catholic News Headlines / Links [9-18-09]

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Can you say...gullible?

A couple recent news items have set off a "gullibility alert." Wonder how many will be taken in?

» Apparently Catholics are now supposed to believe that Fr. Jenkins of Notre Dame is a pro-life champion. On one hand, he has announced a new task force to "support the sanctity of life" and he plans to attend a march for life next January, on the other hand he invites the "most pro-abortion president in history" to his Catholic campus & awards him with an honorary law degree while peaceful pro-lifers on his campus - including an elderly priest - are carted off to jail. These pro-lifers now face fines and additional jail time since Fr. Jenkins has essentially ignored requests to drop charges or seek leniency. Now there's a great pro-lifer, huh?

» Catholics in Samoa are holding vigils at a building where a "mysterious" image has supposedly appeared. Some believe the image "represents" the Blessed Virgin Mary holding Rosary beads. News reports say the "image" is caused by "weathering" outside the building and by "patches of damp in the tropical climate." One believer said that "it's quite a lot of excitement for us to have something like this", while a spokesman for the Archbishop says of the image, "This is something people should look deeply into." Some observers say the image looks like a "Coca-Cola bottle" while others claim it looks "more like Christ." And where do you think the image appears? One guess... On a building owned by a Protestant (heretical!) 'church'. Yes, that's just got to be the Blessed Virgin. No wait, maybe it's Coke.

[9/17]

Land of the Free

Young girls need not apply for entrance into the U.S. unless they are willing to risk their health. That's the message being sent by the case of a 17 year old British immigrant who refused to take the controversial HPV vaccine, Gardasil, which has been linked to nearly 50 deaths and more than 1,000 "serious" or "life threatening" adverse effects. The girl involved in this case has pledged to remain a virgin until marriage and doesn't want to take the potentially dangerous drug. For the sake of accuracy, might the Statue of Liberty be redone so that she holds a syringe in her "welcoming" hand?

[9/17]

If only Catholics were Catholic

Some recent news items once again confirm that the enemies are within. For example...

* A group of Catholics in Maine are now organizing to undermine diocesan efforts in that area to overturn gay 'marriage' laws

* Former Senator Santorum recently said that during the Senate debates regarding banning partial birth abortion, "almost a third of the votes against the bill were Catholics"

* One blog has noted that state of Maryland "ranks among the nation’s leader in abortions" even though Catholicism is the largest "denomination" in that state

Can you imagine the better world we would live in if all Catholics were really Catholic?

[9/17]

Catholic News Headlines / Links [9-17-09]

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Good government rescues

Faced with numerous church closings, some Catholics are hoping to find an ally in government. One recent case involves an Ohio parish which may receive protection via proposed legislation that would prevent the diocese from demolishing the church or gutting its interior. In another recent case, parishioners in Texas have received some help from the court in their ongoing legal battle against the archdiocese. Such developments are welcome news for Catholics upset at the thought that their beloved parishes may be demolished or turned into entertainer's homes (as in Texas), opera houses (as in New York), or something even more unsavory. Maybe this is one type of 'government rescue' the majority of Catholics can agree upon.

[9/16]

Catholic News Headlines / Links [9-16-09]

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Catholic News Headlines / Links [9-15-09]

Monday, September 14, 2009

The Vatican & the SSPX

With 9/14/09 marking the two year anniversary of Summorum Pontificum officially "freeing" the TLM, it seems a fitting time to review some recent news in connection with the SSPX. Recent news items include:

* Reports indicate that a SSPX priest was once again permitted to celebrate the TLM at St. Peter's a short time ago

* Reports indicate that a commission has been named for discussions between the Vatican and the SSPX

* Doctrinal discussions (or "negotiations") between the Vatican and the SSPX may start "in the next few days"

* One Cardinal (whose diocese seems plagued with liturgical abuse - described by at least one person as being "out of control") has been making waves by his recent claims concerning the SSPX that... [Note: Commentary may appear in italics]

* "It's not the case that Rome will let the Lefebvrists off easy for everything"

(Note: The SSPX has indicated that it will not compromise. For example, one SSPX leader has previously said "We will not make any compromise on the Council. I have no intention of making a compromise. The truth does not tolerate compromise. We do not want a compromise, we want clarity regarding the Council.”)

* The SSPX will have to accept "religious freedom as a basic human right"

[Note: While the Church has always recognized (private) religious freedom of the individual, the Church has traditionally condemned the idea that heretics should be able to publicly spread the poison of heresy, excepting cases where this evil had to be tolerated (click here for more on the Church's traditional teachings on religious liberty)]

* Some matters are to be considered "not negotiable" - As worded by one Jewish organization: "Respect for Judaism and other religions is mandatory for [the SSPX's] readmission into the mainstream Catholic fold"

[Note: If respect for Judaism and other (false) religions is mandatory to be a member of the Catholic fold, where does that leave the popes, saints, apostles, etc. who apparently didn't realize they should have such "respect" for religions that offend God? - For example St. John said not to even greet heretics or one would share in their evil works (see 2 Jn. 1:6-11) and Saint Paul said, "After a first and second warning, break off contact with a heretic, realizing that such a person is perverted and sinful and stands self-condemned." (Ti. 3:10-11)]

It is unclear how the Cardinal's implication that there was a "mandatory new position" could be reconcilable with previous Church pronouncements which have consistently forbid novel teachings. For example...

"If anyone says that it is possible that at some time, given the advancement of knowledge, a sense may be assigned to the dogmas propounded by the Church which is different from that which the Church has understood and understands: let him be anathema." (First Vatican Council)

"Those, therefore, who dare to think or to teach otherwise or to spurn according to wretched heretics the ecclesiastical traditions and to invent anything novel, or to reject anything from these things which have been consecrated by the Church: either the Gospel or the figure of the Cross, or the (representational) picture, or the sacred relics of the martyr; or to invent perversely and cunningly for the overthrow of any one of the legitimate traditions of the Catholic Church; or even, as it were, to use the sacred vessels or the venerable monasteries as common things; if indeed they are bishops or clerics, we order (them) to be deposed; monks, however, or laymen, to be excommunicated." (Second Council of Nicaea, 787 A.D.)

Furthermore, it is unclear how the Cardinal expects "full acceptance" of novel teachings of the Second Vatican Council as if they were infallible dogmatic pronouncements considering that Vatican II was merely a pastoral council which pronounced no infallible doctrines whatsoever. As the Pope who closed the Second Vatican Council said: "Given the Council's pastoral character, it avoided pronouncing in any extraordinary manner, dogmas endowed with the note of infallibility." (Pope Paul VI, General Audience, Jan. 12, 1966) As Cardinal Ratzinger, council father and the future Pope Benedict XVI has said, "There are many accounts of it which give the impression that, from Vatican II onward, everything has been changed, and that what preceded it has no value or, at best, has value only in the light of Vatican II. The Second Vatican Council has not been treated as a part of the entire living Tradition of the Church, but as an end of Tradition, a new start from zero. The truth is that this particular Council defined no dogma at all, and deliberately chose to remain on a modest level, as a pastoral council; and yet many treat it as though it had made itself into a sort of super-dogma which takes away the importance of all the rest."

Let's hope the discussions will prove fruitful for the Church and that they will provide some much needed clarification for all Catholics.

[Please Note: We do not encourage Catholics to attend unapproved Masses.]

[9/14]

Catholic News Headlines / Links [9-14-09]

Saturday, September 12, 2009

You made the choice

In the wake of the killing of a pro-lifer, abortion advocates who like to style themselves "pro-choice" have thrown around the term "anti-choice activist" to describe the slain abortion opponent. There was also mention that there was "some displeasure with how open he was" since he "tended to carry big signs with very graphic pictures of fetuses."

Isn't it amazing how the abortion proponents will refuse to inform women of the serious medical risks of abortion, they may fiercely attempt to deny the obvious fact that abortion kills a human being, and they may even try to block a pregnant woman from having the right to see an ultrasound of her womb, but they claim they are for choice? Why is it they so virulently hate it when women see pictures depicting the end result of the "choice" they want them to make (i.e. a picture of an aborted baby)? Aren't they the true "anti-choice" advocates? An honest choice is made when all facts are considered, yet they want to hide facts from a woman faced with this "choice" so that she might "choose" an abortion.

Isn't it about time that pro-abortionists are called what they truly are - "anti-choice advocates" (or "pro-deathers") - since they are the ones who are preventing women from making a true choice - they really only want her to kill her baby. They have no other "choice" in mind.

Furthermore, it should be remembered by both sides that by the time a woman is pregnant, she already made a choice given the fact that - excepting modern technological monstrosities and the rare exception of rape - the only way to become pregnant is by making a choice - the choice to engage in an act whose very purpose is to cause pregnancy. This is where the true choice is made. If a woman makes this choice, consequences may follow. This is how the body is designed. Biology 101 you might say. The same pro-deathers might think it was wrong to enjoy the pleasure of food and then vomit it up to avoid the consequences, yet they will "fight to the death" for a woman to enjoy the pleasure of the marital act and then kill a child to avoid the natural consequences. Let them remember where the true choice is made. By the time a woman is pregnant, it was already made.

[9/12]

Catholic News Headlines / Links [9-12-09]

Friday, September 11, 2009

Catholic News Headlines / Links [9-11-09]

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Note: The following are from the MyCatholicSource.com News & Opinion Page at
http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cmno/news_and_opinion.htm (or archived at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cmno/news_and_opinion_archive.htm ). Not all links may be included. Dates in brackets may refer to dates the links were added to the MCS news page. Items herein contain text only. To view news briefs, actual news links (or to view full news stories), click above link for MCS News & Opinion Page (or archive).

*** ADVISORY: NEWS ITEMS MAY CONTAIN UNDESIRABLE TERMS & COVER SENSITIVE SUBJECTS ***
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Experts monitoring al-Qaeda say threat remains "real and dynamic" eight years after 9-11-01; Defense Intelligence Agency director says methods used by terrorists today enable "a span of terrorist violence across the world that is unprecedented in its unity of vision"; Says "Hundreds of attacks every year are committed by militants sanctioned by or under the name of al-Qaeda" [9/11]

Pro-life activist gunned down in Michigan while carrying pro-life sign; Gunman believed to be connected with another shooting; All three persons may have known each other, but motive remains unclear; Fr. Pavone says he's "waiting to hear the abortion advocates condemn this killing" [9/11]

Academy Award-winning composer on modern Church music: "Today the Church has made a big mistake, turning the clock back 500 years with guitars and popular songs"; Famed film composer says "I don't like it at all. Gregorian chant is a vital and important tradition of the Church and to waste this by having kids mix religious words with profane, Western songs is hugely grave, hugely grave." [9/11]

Vatican installs solar collectors on three rooftops [9/11]

More environmental anti-people rhetoric: London School of Economics and Political Science says population control by abortion, sterilization & c*ntraceptives "should be seen as one of the primary methods of emissions reduction" [9/11]

Canadian bishop issues letter to parishioners condemning tribunal over homosexual altar server's discrimination claim [9/11]

Religious orders associated with dissenting LCWR have fewer new members than their traditional counterpart; Sister says that young people are "more attracted to a traditional style of religious life...They are much more likely to say fidelity to the Church is important to them. And they really are looking for communities where members wear habits" [9/11]

Man who survived being trapped in elevator dies after altar falls on him in Viennese parish; Unclear why the man touched the pillar holding the stone altar [9/11]

-30-

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Prove it

Despite evidence to the contrary, various government officials are trying to convince Americans that healthcare reform legislation will not use taxpayer funds for abortion. But stating it doesn't make it so. Numerous groups on both sides admit that taxpayer funds will ultimately be used for abortion under pending legislation. Whether those who argue otherwise are simply ignorant or are intentionally misrepresenting the truth, they ignore one inconvenient fact: Both the House and the Senate have rejected amendments to prohibit taxpayer funding for abortion. Given this fact, how do they expect us to believe their claims? Simply because they say so? It's time to prove it with action.

[9/10]

Catholic News Headlines / Links [9-10-09]

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Catholic News Headlines / Links [9-9-09]

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Hold the applause

According to a NLM article, the Italian press is reporting that Pope Benedict has told the local bishops he "desires a greater composure in the liturgies, in which, he finds, applause and acclamations are out of place." Of course the Pope's position against applause at Mass is nothing new [he has previously stated that "Wherever applause breaks out in the liturgy because of some human achievement, it is a sure sign that the essence of liturgy has totally disappeared and been replaced by a kind of religious entertainment"], Catholics may nevertheless be encouraged by learning that the Supreme Pontiff has reaffirmed his position to the bishops.

[Related Resource: Flier: Applause in Church?]

[9/8]

Catholic News Headlines / Links [9-8-09]

Monday, September 7, 2009

Catholic News Headlines / Links [9-7-09]

Saturday, September 5, 2009

Your chance to help pro-lifers

It is being reported that Notre Dame's president is refusing to drop charges or ask for leniency in the case of pro-life protesters who were arrested earlier this year over their peaceful efforts on the Catholic campus. These protesters may now face a fine of $5,000 and up to 1 year in jail. Why not help your fellow pro-lifers by calling the university on their behalf and voicing your opposition to this injustice?

Phone: (574) 631-3903

[9/5]

Catholic News Headlines / Links [9-5-09]

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Note: The following are from the MyCatholicSource.com News & Opinion Page at
http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cmno/news_and_opinion.htm (or archived at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cmno/news_and_opinion_archive.htm ). Not all links may be included. Dates in brackets may refer to dates the links were added to the MCS news page. Items herein contain text only. To view news briefs, actual news links (or to view full news stories), click above link for MCS News & Opinion Page (or archive).

*** ADVISORY: NEWS ITEMS MAY CONTAIN UNDESIRABLE TERMS & COVER SENSITIVE SUBJECTS ***
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

ND pro-life protestors may face $5,000 fine plus sentence of one year in jail for defense of life on Catholic campus; Catholic university president has refused to drop charges or seek leniency [9/5]

Thanks to work of association founded by an Italian priest, "a hundred online pedophile communities will be disconnected and prosecuted by U.S. and Italian authorities"; Materials uncovered show abuse of newborns and children; Priest says "It is impossible to describe the horrors we have seen, uncovered and denounced in six months" [9/5]

HLI president on Scranton bishop controversy: "The battle for orthodoxy is literally ferocious in today's Church, and it will be the dividing point between the sheep and the goats" [9/5]

If only our bishops would follow suit: Polish bishops warn Catholic politicians that they face excommunication for taking a public stand against the Church's moral teachings [9/5]

Department of Education's controversial "help the President" classroom materials might be illegal; Group says federal law prohibits DOE from exercising "any direction, supervision, or control over the curriculum, program of instruction, administration, or personnel of any educational institution, school, or school system" [9/5]

No joke: Wisconsin bishop thinks Kennedy funeral was celebrated "in a subdued fashion" [9/5]

Priest president of Canadian TV network blasts critics of Kennedy's public funeral: "Leading up to the Kennedy funeral last weekend, and in its aftermath, many so-called lovers of life and activists in the pro-life movement, as well as well-known colleagues in Catholic television broadcasting and media in North America, have revealed themselves to be not agents of life, but of division, destruction, hatred, vitriol, judgment and violence" [9/5]

Phoenix parish sues for right to ring church bells; Bishop previously sentenced to jail, probation for violating noise ordinance by ringing church bells [9/5]

-30-

Friday, September 4, 2009

Catholic News Headlines / Links [9-4-09]

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Disgusting Ice Cream

Ice cream maker Ben & Jerry's has officially lent its support to homosexual 'marriages' which have been 'legalized' in Vermont by renaming a popular ice cream in that state from "Chubby Hubby" to "Hubby Hubby." The s*domite-friendly ice cream packaging contains a rainbow and an image of two "grooms." The company has issued a press release which states that they have partnered with a homosexual advocacy group "to raise awareness of the importance of marriage equality and to encourage other states to follow the blazing trails of Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa, and Maine." Parents be warned, not even ice cream is safe anymore.

[9/3]

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Monday, September 28, 2009

Saturday, September 26, 2009

Friday, September 25, 2009

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Monday, September 21, 2009

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Friday, September 18, 2009

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Monday, September 14, 2009

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Friday, September 11, 2009

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

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Thursday, September 3, 2009

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