No scheduled news updates beginning 12/23/10

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Catholic News Headlines / Links [12-22-10]

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Note: The following are from the MyCatholicSource.com News & Opinion Page at
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Diocese of Green Bay responds to obstruction of justice claims; Diocese plans to "vigorously defend itself" and "demonstrate its innocence" [12/22]

Victims' group wants federal investigation of diocese for allegedly destroying 'potential evidence'; Former Green Bay bishop says he never ordered anyone to destroy documents or other evidence [12/22]

Pope Benedict speaks of the 'joyful expectation' of Advent, instructs: "Let us purify our minds and our lives from everything that contrasts with this coming" [12/22]

Irish Church braces for another report on abuse, this time in Cloyne diocese [12/22]

Archbishop Jose Antonio Eguren reminds that the birth of Christ - not gifts - is the true meaning of Christmas [12/22]

Catholic League 'names names' of persons who held erroneous theories concerning abusive priests [12/22]

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Catholic News Headlines / Links [12-21-10]

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Bishop of Phoenix strips 'Catholic' designation from hospital that performed an abortion; Besides the recent abortion, prelate discovered that "many other violations of the ERDs have been taking place at CHW facilities in Arizona" for decades [Refresher: Catholic teachings against abortion] [12/21]

CDF issues note regarding "erroneous interpretations" regarding the Pope's remarks on c*nd*ms; Note says Pope Benedict's comments have been "repeatedly manipulated for ends and interests which are entirely foreign to the meaning of his words" and that they "do not signify a change in Catholic moral teaching or in the pastoral practice of the Church" [Refresher: Catholic teachings against contraception] [12/21]

Scandalous: Report shows 'Catholic' Healthcare West has history of supporting abortion, contraception & sterilization [Refreshers: Catholic teachings against abortion | Catholic teachings against contraception | Catholic teachings against sterilization] [12/21]

Winning bidder of nuns' inherited rare baseball card fails to pay, but Catholic doctor steps in to buy the card [12/21]

Good news: Pontifical Solemn High ('Tridentine') Mass to be celebrated at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on April 9, 2011 [Related: TLM (Topic Page)] [12/21]

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Some News Highlights

A few recent news highlights...

* Vandals have defaced a statue of Jesus at a La Marque (TX) parish. Police are seeking suspects

* Thousands of Catholics in Germany have left the Catholic Church this past year. A German bishop surmised that the exodus may be attributed to abuse scandals and noted that "every single departure is one too many". According to one report, there was a 20% increase in the number of Catholics joining (heretical) Protestant sects. [Refreshers: Necessity of being Catholic for salvation | Those Outside the Catholic Church (Reflections)]

* Pope Benedict recently gave support for the authenticity of the Shroud of Turin in his message for the upcoming World Day of the Sick. The Holy Father stated (emphasis added)...

"I still have in my heart the moment when, during the course of the pastoral visit to Turin, I was able to pause in reflection and prayer before the sacred Shroud, before that suffering countenance, that invites us to meditate on him who took upon himself man's suffering of every age and place, even our sufferings, our difficulties, our sins. How many faithful over the course of history have passed before that sepulchral winding sheet, which covered the body of a crucified man, which in everything corresponds to what the Gospels transmit about the passion and death of Jesus! Contemplating him is an invitation to reflect on what St. Peter writes: 'By his wounds we have been healed' (1 Peter 2:24)"

[12/20]

Reflection of Pope Benedict on the Priesthood

The following reflection on the priesthood is taken from Pope Benedict's recent Christmas greetings given at the Apostolic Palace... [Note: We have changed spelling of two words below]

"[In the wake of the 'Year for Priests'] Among us as priests and among the laity, also and especially the young, a renewed awareness arose of the great gift of the priesthood of the Catholic Church, which was entrusted to us by the Lord. One again we came to understand how beautiful it is that human beings [priests] are authorized to pronounce the name of God and, with complete authority, the word of forgiveness, and thus that they are able to change the world, to change life. How beautiful it is that human beings [priests] are authorized to pronounce the words of consecration."

Related: Sacrament of Penance (Topic Page) | Priests / Holy Orders (Topic Page) | Holy Eucharist (Topic Page)

[12/20]

Catholic News Headlines / Links [12-20-10]

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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).

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Seizure of Vatican Bank funds upheld in money laundering probe; Intended beneficiaries "still unclear" [12/20]

A "difficult Advent season": 'Radical Muslims' trying to rid Middle East entirely of Christians, says priest [12/20]

Encouraging: After five years of celebrating Mass ad orientem, Benedictine prior says he "never want[s] to have to return to the versus populum position"; Priest also lists 'ten advantages' of celebrating ad orientem [Refresher: Why Doesn't the Priest Face the People in the 'Tridentine' Mass? (Q & A)]] [12/20]

Very sad, yet not at all surprising: New study shows primetime TV 'sexualizes underage girls' [Refresher: Catholic teachings on fornication] [12/20]

Msgr. Nicola Bux, Consultant to the Office of Liturgical celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff and member of two congregations, says refusal of the TLM could be considered 'a rupture of communion with the Pope' [Related: TLM (Topic Page)] [12/20]

Marine veteran says repeal of 'don't ask, don't tell' will turn the military into a tool to impose a 'radical social agenda' on the U.S. [Refresher: Catholic teachings on homosexuality (Topic Page)] [12/20]

Pope Benedict entrusts all the Church's pastors to St. Joseph; Holy Father calls the faithful to venerate the glorious protector of Jesus & the Blessed Virgin Mary [Related: St. Joseph (Topic Page)] [12/20]

Pope Benedict's Christmas greetings highlight abuse scandals, present turmoil, papal trips; Holy Father notes that Christians are now "the most oppressed and tormented minority" [12/20]

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Catholic News Headlines / Links [12-18-10]

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Note: The following are from the MyCatholicSource.com News & Opinion Page at
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Message for 'World Day of for the Sick' is released [12/18]

Papal 'thank you' for Vatican Christmas tree [12/18]

Pope Benedict spends over an hour Saturday 'exploring the newly refurbished Vatican Library' [12/18]

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A Few Updates

Some updates...

* Good news: Anglicans entering the Catholic Church under the provisions of Anglicanorum Coetibus will reportedly celebrate Mass ad orientem [For a refresher related to this topic, see: Why Doesn't the Priest Face the People in the 'Tridentine' Mass? (Q & A)]

* The Phoenix bishop who threatened to revoke the Catholic status of a hospital that performed an abortion has extended the deadline until December 21 due to "ongoing communication and attempts to rectify the situation" [Refresher: Catholic teachings against abortion]

* NY's Archbishop Dolan has come to the defense the Catholic League's president. He asserted that the organization's leader "hardly needs me to defend him" and said that he's "glad to express [his] encouragement for the work he does", adding that "Some may take occasional issue with his style. Fair enough, and he’s open to such criticism. Some might even discuss whether the image is offensive. However, no one should doubt the high value and necessity of his efforts, or dismiss him in crude terms." "Keep at it...We need you!", he exclaimed. The prelate also said he "[looks] forward to the day when the work done by the Catholic League is no longer necessary", but notes that "as recent events have proven once again, that day still seems far in the future."

[12/17]

Confused Calendars?

Some recent 'calendar confusion' items...

* Ridiculous: Secular media reports indicate that shoppers are 'stunned' to find Easter candy on store shelves in December. The items are being sold as 'stocking stuffers'

* 'Midnight at 10'? Pope Benedict will once again celebrate 'Midnight' Mass at 10 p.m. The Holy Father celebrated 'Midnight' Mass at this time last year in a 'surprising scheduling change' called 'a first'. Midnight is traditionally believed to be the actual time of Christ's birth.

* Is it April 1st? A headline appearing on the Vatican Radio website reads: "Celebrating the spirit of the Reformation" [Comment: Think about that for a moment... If only it really was an April Fool's Day joke - although some martyrs might not think it so funny!] [Refresher: Heresy (Reflections)]

[12/17]

Catholic News Headlines / Links [12-17-10]

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Note: The following are from the MyCatholicSource.com News & Opinion Page at
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Archdiocese of Boston to freeze employees' pensions [12/17]

'Christmas is in the air in St Peter's Square' [12/17]

Iraqi Christians - who "live in fear" - will face 'sharply limited' Mass schedules for Christmas due to threat of terrorism [12/17]

Vatican observer predicts 'major leadership change' for Legionaries in next few months [12/17]

Sad: Irish report reveals that Vatican wanted notorious abuser-priest to serve 10 years in a monastery rather than dismiss him from the priesthood [12/17]

Venezuelan archbishop describes information in WikiLeaks cable as "a science-fiction movie script that has absolutely no basis" [12/17]

After years of trouble, Japan's bishops want Neocatechumenal Way to cease activities for five years [12/17]

Pray for China: Vatican communiqué concerning Chinese assembly condemns "grave violation" of human rights and laments that an illegitimate bishop has been appointed president of the CPA; Recent actions, which displayed a "repressive attitude with regard to the exercise of religious liberty", have "unilaterally damaged the dialogue and the climate of trust that had been established" between the Holy See & China [12/17]

Pro-lifers decry European Court ruling against Ireland's abortion ban; Observer says case was "instigated by the international abortion lobby, which has the ultimate aim of forcing governments across the globe to recognize access to abortion as a legal right" [Refresher: Catholic teachings against abortion] [12/17]

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More Recent News Highlights

Some more recent news highlights...

* The recently retired bishop of Dodge City said being a bishop has always "felt like a burden" to him. He also said he has done "all I know how to do, all my strength permitted me to do, all my weakness allowed me to do" and asserted that "The good people of this Diocese deserve better from their bishop than what I was giving them"

* Northwest Catholic High School in West Hartford (CT) was evacuated Wednesday over a possible bomb threat. The investigation reportedly did not uncover any dangerous materials at the school

* Sad: The Phoenix hospital in danger of losing its status as a Catholic facility over an abortion has defended the killing of the unborn child [Refresher: Catholic teachings against abortion]

* Some good news: The Diocese of Honolulu is reportedly giving 'increased recognition' to the TLM. The bishop recently appointed a chaplain to the Latin Mass Community in Maui and will elevate a chaplain to become pastor of a parish in Honolulu which celebrates the TLM [Related: Traditional Latin Mass (Topic Page)]

* Pakistani bishops are calling for the prosecution of the imam who offered a reward for the killing of the Catholic mother already sentenced to death for 'blaspheming Mohammed'. Reportedly, some 'prominent Muslims' also signed the letter

* Vatican circus: As reported by various secular outlets, four shirtless men in tight pants recently performed in front of Pope Benedict. Scandalously, the muscular acrobats removed their shirts in front of the Holy Father - leaving only their snug pants and wrist cuffs - and proceeded to perform a routine that risked enticing both females and homosexual men to lust. In addition to the Pope, onlookers included clergy and nuns [sadly - at least from what one video showed - the nuns (in full habits) were smiling and taking pictures rather than averting their gaze from the topless male performers]. Unfortunately, Pope Benedict himself clapped and stood up for the performers (half-seriously dubbed 'Vatican Chippendales') [Commentary: How terribly sad (not to mention scandalous) that attending an audience with the Pope may be an occasion for sin! As Bl. Jacinta warns, "The sins which hurl most souls into hell, are the sins of the flesh." Christ Himself says, "But I say to you, everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart." (Mt. 5:28) The Vatican's own Pontifical Council for the Family reminds that "The practice of decency and modesty in speech, action and dress is very important for creating an atmosphere suitable for the growth of chastity." Is it too much to ask that the Vatican heed its own advice?]

* The Holy Father's message for the upcoming 'World Day of Peace' asserts that religious freedom is "one of the ways to safeguard peace", yet it "does not imply that all religions are equal. Nor is it a reason for religious relativism or indifferentism" [Refreshers: Necessity of being Catholic for salvation | Traditional teachings on religious liberty]

[12/16]

Catholic News Headlines / Links [12-16-10]

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Note: The following are from the MyCatholicSource.com News & Opinion Page at
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Pope Benedict names new archbishop of Oklahoma City [12/16]

Catholic League erects life-size nativity scene in NY's Central Park [12/16]

Catholic response to anti-Catholic propaganda questioning whether Christ's birth really occurred on December 25 [12/16]

Will 'cult of (disgraced Legionaries founder) Fr. Maciel' be allowed to flourish underground? [12/16]

Knights of Columbus 'vigorously' denying allegations of abuse cover-up [12/16]

Redemptorists in Vietnam suffer 'new wave' of harassment [12/16]

Bishop of Charleston encourages visiting the forgotten in prison, reminding faithful of this work of mercy; Prelate notes that "While they have committed crimes for which they are rendering an account, they are still human persons in need of salvation and basic human contact" [12/16]

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Catholic News Headlines / Links [12-15-10]

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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).

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Phoenix bishop threatens to revoke Catholic status of St. Joseph’s Hospital; Prelate 'deeply troubled' that Catholic Healthcare West operates hospitals that authorize immoral acts [12/15]

Holy Cross Congregation to merge two U.S. provinces [12/15]

Pope Benedict names new bishop of Dodge City, erects new Brazilian diocese [12/15]

WikiLeaks disclosures speak of 'known Al-Qaida antipathy to the Pope'; Cable says "Al-Qaida has publicly identified the Pope and the Catholic Church as an enemy" & reveals that the head of the Vatican Gendarme Corps sought security training from the FBI [12/15]

Archbishop Fabriciano Sigampa tells parishioners that they shouldn't confuse the birth of Christ with Santa Claus, a 'commercialized symbol of Christmas' [12/15]

Polish priest killed in Ecuador; Attacker struck victim with large crucifix [12/15]

Some good news: Archbishop of Guadalajara, Mexico erects personal quasi-parish entrusted to the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter [12/15]

Not encouraging: Head of 'new evangelization' dicastery to hold meeting after Christmas to "clarify the concept of the 'new evangelization'"; Pontifical Council was formally established more than two months ago [12/15]

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Catholic News Headlines / Links [12-14-10]

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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).

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WikiLeaks disclosures 'giving insight into the Vatican's influential role on the world stage and the United States' efforts to cooperate with the Holy See in advancing common interests' [12/14]

Abuse lawsuit brought against Knights of Columbus [12/14]

Pope Benedict to make four foreign trips in 2011 [12/14]

Scandalized Legionaries to stop calling founder 'our father' [12/14]

Pope Benedict's initiatives for 12/26, 1/5 [12/14]

Pro-life groups applaud federal judge's ruling against ObamaCare [12/14]

Iraqis erecting concrete walls around churches to protect Mass-goers from attacks [12/14]

WikiLeaks document 'seriously inaccurate' in account of murder of Iraqi bishop, says Archbishop Louis Sako [12/14]

Recently consecrated Basilica of the Holy Family featured on papal Christmas cards [12/14]

Jesuit seminarian killed in Congo on 12/5; Killing is fourth in four years for the region [12/14]

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More News Highlights

Some more recent news highlights...

* Vatican spokesman Fr. Lombardi is reportedly 'downplaying' WikiLeaks disclosures, claiming that "There’s nothing new, nothing that wasn’t abundantly well known" in the disclosures

* Various reports indicate that the Vatican Bank is under 'new scrutiny' in the money-laundering case which led to the seizure of millions of dollars a few months ago. Reportedly, court documents indicate that the bank "deliberately flouted anti-laundering laws 'with the aim of hiding the ownership, destination and origin of the capital'" and "reveal investigators' suspicions that clergy may have acted as fronts for corrupt businessmen and Mafia"

* Cardinal Burke recently lamented that many American Catholic colleges are 'Catholic in name only'. In an address earlier this month, the prelate noted that "A Catholic college or university at which Jesus Christ alive in His Church is not taught, encountered in the Sacred Liturgy and its extension through prayer and devotion, and followed in a life of virtue is not worthy of the name"

* Archbishop Diarmuid Martin of Ireland has apologized for the abuse scandals and subsequent cover-up. He noted that "Many of those who came forward did not want to damage the Church they loved; they simply wanted abuse to be stopped effectively and definitively" and noted that "Their love of the Church was betrayed by leadership in the Church"

* Scandalous: TFP volunteers examined websites of nearly 250 Catholic universities & colleges in America and discovered that "101 (41%) of Catholic universities and colleges currently list pro-homosexual student clubs on their web sites. Among Jesuit-run universities, however, the number increases to 100%" They note that "Many of these clubs sponsor events that promote the homosexual movement’s most radical agenda, the redefinition of marriage and the social acceptance of unnatural vice, which is contrary to Catholic moral teaching". TFPStudentAction.org has launched a petition in protest [Related: Catholic teachings on homosexuality (Topic Page)]

* Here we go again: A dissenting priest in Wisconsin has questioned Church teachings concerning the all-male priesthood. His (inaccurate) comments appear in a newspaper column [Related: Top Reasons Why Women Can't Be Priests]

[12/13]

Catholic News Headlines / Links [12-13-10]

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Legionaries of Christ orders worldwide removal of disgraced founder's image; Celebrating founder's birthday, sale of his writings also prohibited [12/13]

WikiLeaks cables show Vatican 'horrified' over abuse scandal in Ireland; Disclosures portray Fr. Lombardi as 'overworked' and with little influence & Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone as a 'yes man' [12/13]

Vatican spokesman praises report documenting anti-Christian discrimination in Europe [12/13]

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Catholic News Headlines / Links [12-11-10]

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Vatican "offended" that Ireland failed to respect the Holy See's sovereignty, Britain feared anti-Catholic violence over Pope's outreach to Anglicans entering the Catholic Church, according to WikiLeaks disclosures; Vatican response: "Naturally these reports reflect the perceptions and opinions of the people who wrote them and cannot be considered as expressions of the Holy See itself, nor as exact quotations of the words of its officials" [12/11]

First International Conference on Eucharistic Adoration - to be held in Rome from June 20-23, 2011 - seeks to spread perpetual adoration worldwide; Speakers include Cardinals Burke & Ranjith [12/11]

Cardinal Antonio Cañizares says "the gravest threat of the most disastrous consequences for our time" is "the lack of faith in God [&] the loss of the sense of God that lacerates our world" [12/11]

Recent developments in China 'do not offer much cause for optimism' says Fr. Cervellera; Priest says Chinese officials are 'sending a clear message' that the communist party is in charge of the Chinese Church [12/11]

New lighting in Milan cathedral illuminates stained-glass windows from within [12/11]

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Some News Highlights

A few recent news highlights...

* Close to 2,000 persons in the Netherlands have made abuse complaints against the Church. "Most" of the allegations trace back decades and involve the Catholic school system. Reportedly, the complaints include accusations against two former bishops

* A nun who served as vice president of finance for Iona College (NY) was recently arrested and charged with embezzling $850,000 from the school over a 10 year period. If convicted, she reportedly may face nearly four years in prison

* Vandals have chopped down a tree in Britain that is said to trace back to the staff of Joseph of Arimathea some 2,000 years ago (the 'Holy Thorn Tree' of Glastonbury). The tree - which blossomed twice a year, at Christmas & Easter - previously suffered harm but locals apparently managed to re-grow it from salvaged cuttings obtained from the original tree. Some claim the recent vandalism was a 'deliberately anti-Christian act', others speculate it may be part of a 'vendetta' against the landowner

* Thousands of misguided 'Catholics' in Minnesota have returned marriage-defending DVDs in protest. Sadly, the woefully misled 'Catholics' considered the archdiocesan efforts at defending true marriage to be in conflict with "core Christian values of love, compassion, tolerance, and respect" and think that the rejection of unnatural, sinful homosexual 'marriage' is an "attack on human dignity" [Commentary: Bet it's been a long time since they've heard sermons on these topics...

"If your brother sins, rebuke him" (Jesus Christ, Lk. 17:3)

"Likewise, Sodom, Gomorrah, and the surrounding towns, which, in the same manner as they, indulged in sexual promiscuity and practiced unnatural vice, serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire." (St. Jude 1:7)

"Do you not know that the unjust will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators nor idolaters nor adulterers nor boy prostitutes nor practicing homosexuals nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor robbers will inherit the kingdom of God." (St. Paul, 1 Cor. 6:9-10)

"Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil, who change darkness into light, and light into darkness, who change bitter into sweet, and sweet into bitter!" (Isa. 5:20)

"Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and those who enter through it are many. How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life. And those who find it are few." (Jesus Christ, Mt. 7:13-15)

For more, try: "10 Commandments" According to the Ignorant & Misguided: PC & False Christianity: A Scriptural Response (user-submitted article)]

[12/10]

Catholic News Headlines / Links [12-10-10]

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Miracles, martyrdom, heroic virtues: Pope Benedict authorizes promulgation of decrees of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints [12/10]

Scandalous: 'Catholic' senators 'three times more likely to cast pro-abortion votes than pro-life votes' [Refresher: Catholic teachings on abortion] [12/10]

Scandalized Legionaries begin revision of their constitutions; Process expected to take 'several years' [12/10]

Delaware jury awards additional $30 million in abuse case, bringing total to $60 million [12/10]

"Completely inexplicable" Cloth of Manoppello bearing the Holy Face "has the exact same dimensions as the face imprinted on the Shroud of Turin" [12/10]

Records reveal that St. Louis archdiocese asked openly homosexual judge to recuse himself from case involving rebellious parish [Refresher: Catholic teachings on homosexuality (Topic Page)] [12/10]

Vatican announces plan to give 'hi-tech makeover' to more than 7 million photos in Vatican archives; Project may cost $3-$4 million and take 'at least' five years [12/10]

-30-

Some Quotes

Some quotes regarding recent news items...

* A recently leaked cable from the U.S. Embassy to the Vatican concerning 'climate change' states that: "Conversi's offer to support the U.S., even if discreetly, is significant because the Vatican is often reluctant to appear to compromise its independence and moral authority by associating itself with particular lobbying efforts." [Related: 'Global Warming' / 'Climate Change' (Incl. 'Is global warming real?' & 'Scientific heavyweight' resigns over concerns related to "global warming scam") {Topic Page}]

* Pope Benedict on the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception: "[T]he most beautiful gift, and most pleasing to [the Blessed Virgin], that we offer is our prayer, the one we bear in our hearts and which we entrust to her intercession" [Related: Blessed Virgin Mary (Topic Page)]

* Some 19th century instructions attributed to the Blessed Virgin Mary (Our Lady of Good Help at Champion) from the recently approved apparition in Wisconsin: "I am the Queen of Heaven who prays for the conversion of sinners, and I wish you to do the same"; "Make a general confession and offer Communion for the conversion of sinners. If they do not convert and do penance, my Son will be obliged to punish them"; "Teach them [the children] their catechism, how to sign themselves with the sign of the cross, and how to approach the sacraments" [Related: Marian Apparitions]

* Damian Thompson, Editor of Telegraph Blogs, on the policy of the Bishops of England and Wales regarding the TLM: "(a) Do as little as possible to make it available and (b) announce that not many people are going to it." Regarding the apparently misrepresented statistics concerning TLM attendance, he asks "how many other dioceses’ liturgical mafia are under-representing the number of Catholics attending EF Masses?" and says that "The only explanation I can come up with is that the great composer popped along to a Reading TLM one Sunday but, such were the clouds of incense, could make out only half the worshippers." [Related: Traditional Latin Mass (Topic Page)]

* Troubling plans for Christmas from the dissenting (homosexual activist) group 'Catholics For Equality' [commentary in brackets]: "One of the most interesting aspects of this campaign is our understanding that we don’t need the consent of our hierarchy to effectively mobilize [!] our fellow pro-equality [read: pro-sin] parishioners inside our churches. This Christmas [!] we will be rolling out the [so-called] Catholics for Equality line of smartphone apps, which will allow supporters to connect with each other while they’re sitting in the pews [that is, during Mass!] or attending an after-church social. The apps will also allow them to report hostile [!] activity [a sermon, perhaps, that condemns a sin which 'cries out to heaven'?] in their parish or make a special contribution to the campaign as the Holy Spirit [not!] moves them." [Refresher: "Do you not know that the unjust will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators nor idolaters nor adulterers nor boy prostitutes nor practicing homosexuals nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor robbers will inherit the kingdom of God." (St. Paul, 1 Cor. 6:9-10)] [Related: Catholic teachings on homosexuality (Topic Page)]

[12/9]

Catholic News Headlines / Links [12-9-10]

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Catholic Church in U.S. to celebrate National Vocation Awareness Week from January 9-15, 2011 [12/9]

Talks resume between Holy See and PLO; Talks seek "comprehensive international agreement regulating and promoting the presence and activities of the Catholic Church in the Palestinian Territories" [12/9]

Elected leader of Chinese bishops not recognized by Rome [12/9]

New Missionary Museum of Propaganda Fide in Roman palazzo is presented [12/9]

Press release by dissenting homosexualist group 'Catholics for Equality' is a "nice piece of fiction", says archdiocesan spokesperson; Spokesperson affirms that the group "[is] not a Catholic organization. It was formed in opposition to Catholic teaching" [Refresher: Catholic teachings on homosexuality (Topic Page)] [12/9]

TIA article reprint concerning Luther’s 'satanic pride'; Deceived & haughty heresiarch once asserted that "Whoever does not believe as I do is destined to hell. My doctrine and God’s doctrine are the same. My judgment is God’s judgment" [Refresher: Heresy (Reflections)] [12/9]

Late-term abortionist meets with 'stanch' resistance by Catholics in Maryland, Iowa; Bishop urges faithful to contact government officials in order to protect the unborn [12/9]

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Catholic News Headlines / Links [12-8-10]

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Bishop of Green Bay (WI) gives approval to 19th century Marian apparition, shrine; Apparition is first in the U.S. to receive approval of diocesan bishop [12/8]

Pope Benedict leads crowning of Mary, the Immaculate Conception, in Piazza di Spagna [12/8]

President Obama misstates national motto as 'E Pluribus Unum' instead of 'In God We Trust'; Bipartisan group sends letter asking for correction [12/8]

City of Boca Raton displays menorah in public buildings, but refuses to display nativity [12/8]

Threats to life 'slowly being transformed into a political emergency' according to Archbishop Zygmunt Zimowski; Prelate notes "dramatic implications" of lack of respect for human life [Refreshers: Catholic teachings on abortion, euthanasia, artificial reproduction/IVF] [12/8]

Catholic actor criticized for his 'politically correct' Aslan comments; Comments called a "shameful distortion" [12/8]

-30-

Islamic Persecution In Pakistan

In what seems like a chapter from the 'Politically Incorrect Guide to Islam', an attorney for the American Center for Law & Justice recently interviewed for a Catholic Radio & Television Network (CRTN) program highlighted discrimination Pakistani Christians face in the Islamic country. The attorney reaffirmed that...

* Anti-blasphemy laws mean that "Basically if you say anything derogatory about Islam you can be prosecuted"

* The Pakistan Penal Code imposes the death penalty for cases where "Anyone who, by words either spoken or written or by visible representation defiles" Mohammed's name. The penal code also prohibits "saying derogatory words about religious personalities"

* Anyone can file a blasphemy complaint against another person, and the law is frequently used "for personal gain" - e.g. to settle disputes among individuals

*"A lot" of Pakistanis have been persecuted because of their Christian religion

* A Muslim may be punished by a simple fine, but in the event of a complaint of blasphemy against a Christian, "your whole life may be ruined. Your property could be vandalized. You could go to jail for life."

* Christians in Pakistan are treated as "de facto second-class citizens"

* "Most" of the cases brought under anti-blasphemy laws in Pakistan involve "false allegations"

* Even though there are no anti-conversion laws in Pakistan, "the society in general would not tolerate a [Muslim] person getting converted [to Christianity]"

* Police may act as 'judge and jury' against Christians, even applying punishment (e.g. torture) to accused Christians

* Muslims may take laws into their own hands, resulting in vandalism of Christians' property - and even death

The attorney called for "a lot" of prayers.

[Note: Link for the 'Politically Incorrect Guide to Islam' (click here) goes to a third party site under our referral / incentive programs. Shop at other sites to support this site!]

[12/7]

Catholic News Headlines / Links [12-7-10]

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More trouble in China: Chinese bishops forced to attend CPA meeting; Some bishops have gone into hiding [12/7]

Vatican's 5-ton Christmas tree to be 'officially lit' on 12/17 [12/7]

Work underway on Vatican's life-size Nativity scenes [12/7]

After Ecclesia Dei intervention, TLM will return to Croatia [12/7]

-30-

Some News Highlights

A few recent news highlights...

* Bishop John Steinbock of Fresno died Sunday at age 73. He suffered for four months with lung cancer prior to his death

* St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral was formally inaugurated as a basilica this weekend. The gothic style basilica was built in the early 1800's and was designated a NYC landmark decades ago

* The head of the U.S. bishops' conference has added his signature to an open letter defending marriage as "the permanent and faithful union of one man and one woman" that is "fundamental to the well-being of all of society". The 'shared commitment' letter was also signed by leaders of various 'religious communities' (Protestants, Jews, etc.). Archbishop Dolan affirmed that marriage protects the common good and noted that "People of any faith or no faith at all can recognize that when the law defines marriage as between one man and one woman, it legally binds a mother and a father to each other and their children, reinforcing the foundational cell of human society." [Related: Catholic teachings on marriage (Topic Page)]

[12/6]

Catholic News Headlines / Links [12-6-10]

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Fatwa issued against Pakistani Catholic cabinet minister [12/6]

Bishop Alexander Sample of Marquette to offer TLM 'approximately' once per month [12/6]

Vatican 'setting an example' with solar panel installation [12/6]

-30-

Catholic News Headlines / Links [12-3-10] (late edition)

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U.S. embassy to the Holy See condemns WikiLeaks disclosures "in the strongest terms" [12/3]

German cardinal asks abuse victims for forgiveness; Attorney claims archdiocesan documents concerning abuse were destroyed, manipulated [12/3]

Pope Benedict blesses Our Lady of Loreto statue for Rome's Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport [12/3]

Interview with Secretary of the Pontifical Commission Ecclesia Dei [12/3]

-30-

News Highlights

Some recent news highlights...

* St. Patrick's Old Cathedral in NY will be formally designated a basilica on Sunday

* The recently released article concerning Pope Benedict's positive influence on the Church's penal law is expected to be published on Saturday in an Italian magazine

* The Bishops Conference in England and Wales has been charged with maneuvering to "ignore, block, and ultimately frustrate Summorum Pontificum" and has reportedly "spent a great deal of effort behind the scenes gathering data to support the idea that there is no demand" in England and Wales for the TLM [Related: Summorum Pontificum Info (Latin Mass Updates | The Traditional Latin ('Tridentine') Mass vs. the Novus Ordo (New) Mass]

* Where do they find these men? A Houston-area priest has been charged with public lewdness after he reportedly exposed himself at an adult book store

* Watch where your donations go: Catholic AIDS workers in South Africa are reportedly using Pope Benedict's recent comments to "justify" the distribution of c*nd*ms, even though the Pope did not say use of c*nd*ms can be justified [Related: Catholic teachings against contraception | Pope Benedict's Remarks On C*nd*ms: Facts, Falsities & Fallout]

[12/3]

Catholic News Headlines / Links [12-3-10]

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Cardinal Giordano dies at age 80 [12/3]

Obama speechwriter makes anti-Catholic joke [12/3]

CNA analysis of WikiLeaks' disclosures says more than 50 cables originating from the U.S. embassy to the Holy See concern intelligence issues, and another five involve national security issues [12/3]

Bishop Padovese's killer ruled insane by Turkish court, despite evidence he 'was guided by Islamic nationalist ideology' and despite his being found sane by several psychiatrists prior to the killing [12/3]

Pro-abortion advocates vandalize home of 'pro-life hero' [12/3]

Cardinal's speech at Spanish university canceled after government said it 'could not guarantee his security' [12/3]

CNS says Vatican 'seems to be downplaying perceived crisis' over WikiLeaks disclosures [12/3]

-30-

A Few Updates

Some updates...

* The new archbishop of Seattle, Archbishop Sartain, was installed Wednesday. Some protesters gathered outside the cathedral during his installation, upset over the prelate's previous decision to ordain a man who would later be accused of abuse

* Kenya's bishops have issued a statement regarding the media's misrepresentation of Pope Benedict's remarks on c*nd*ms. The statement begins with a reaffirmation that "the position of the Catholic Church as regards the use of [c*nd*ms], both as a means of contraception and as a means of addressing the grave issue of HIV/AIDS infection has not changed and remains as always unacceptable"

* Proposed revisions to the Church's penal provisions have been ongoing for two years and will reportedly be sent to members of the Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts 'in the coming weeks'

[12/2]

Catholic News Headlines / Links [12-2-10]

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'Catholic' governor of IL who supported same sex 'civil unions' bill is criticized by his bishop; Bishop Paprocki says the 'faith that animated him to support the bill' is 'certainly not the Catholic faith' [12/2]

Newly disclosed letter shows Cardinal Ratzinger - the future Pope Benedict XVI - sought a "more rapid and simplified penal process" against abusive priests back in 1988 [12/2]

Pope Benedict to visit Monaco in 2012 [12/2]

Pontifical Council for Culture pulls out of modern art exhibit [12/2]

New rector of La Sapienza University invites Pope Benedict for a visit; Says Holy Father would be "welcomed with open arms" and calls previous protest of the Pope "an outrageous error" and "an unforgivable act of folly" [12/2]

Historic relics stolen from Indian shrine [12/2]

Jury in Delaware awards 'largest single verdict' - $30 million - to alleged abuse victim; Parish liable for $3 million [12/2]

-30-

More News Highlights

Some more recent news highlights...

* Pope Benedict met with some 26 victims of the Baghdad cathedral attack who are being treated in Italy along with their relatives in a private audience

* Police are investigating a recent 'series of burglaries' in the Bronx, which have included Catholic schools & churches

* Una Voce recently published its report on the third anniversary of Summorum Pontificum. The report is dated 9/14/10 [Note: See highlights below]

* Under pressure, the Smithsonian pulled a vile video that outraged many Catholics (details of the disgusting video not repeated here). The Smithsonian receives funds from the federal government [That is, your taxpayer dollars]

* Cardinal Bertone recently charged that "Christians are the most persecuted and discriminated against religious group" in the world and he called on the international community to "combat intolerance and discrimination against Christians with the same determination that it battles hatred for members of other religious communities"

* More 'ecumenical craziness': Cardinal Bertone has reportedly given the schismatic Orthodox a relic of the Apostle St. Andrew [Related: Ecumenism (Q & A) | There once was a vacuum cleaner salesman...]

* Anglican update: The ordinariate in Australia reportedly 'may be' established by Easter or Pentecost in 2011. Also, a group of Anglicans in Canada have voted overwhelmingly (90%) to enter the Catholic Church under the provisions of Anglicanorum Coetibus

[12/1]

Una Voce Report on the Third Anniversary of Summorum Pontificum

Foederatio Internationalis Una Voce recently published its report on the third anniversary of Summorum Pontificum. The following are some excerpts from this report, which is dated 9/14/10... [Note: Formatting appearing in the original has been omitted below. Also, paragraphs may be combined/separated below, references may be omitted, and some spelling/punctuation changes have been made]

* "Now that the veil has been lifted and the traditional Mass declared always valid, people of all nations and of all tongues are returning to, or discovering, the great and historic liturgy that spread the faith around the globe."

* "And yet a great source of sanctification - the traditional Latin Mass - is being denied to those priests who wish to obtain the graces which flow from this form of Mass. Many bishops are not only refusing to allow their priests to celebrate this Mass but some are actually punishing their priests for daring even to think about saying it. The individual reports from our members...include a number of examples where this has happened. If the bishops are an alter Christus to their priests then they should follow the example of our Blessed Lord in his relationship with His apostles and disciples."

* "In a Church that places great emphasis on justice and peace, and in pursuit of these admirable causes supports all manner of diverse projects around the world, it is remarkable how so many of the bishops do not place the same emphasis on justice and peace among their own flocks whenever mention is made of the traditional Latin Mass; or Extraordinary Form, as Pope Benedict refers to it."

* "While there are many instances of bishops being obedient to Pope Benedict XVI and faithful to the motu proprio, there is also overwhelming evidence that a great many bishops seem determined that it shall be stifled at birth because it does not suit them. Although the Holy Father gave permission to each priest of the Latin rite to use the [traditional Missal], there are many bishops who are denying the authority of the Supreme Legislator and are placing their own negative and restrictive interpretations on the motu proprio. It gives us no satisfaction to state this because the laity are required to give obedience to their diocesan bishops as successors of the apostles. But we expect that our bishops give obedience to their legitimate authority, the Vicar of Rome. If our bishops are seen to be disobedient to Peter then they cannot be surprised if their flocks lose respect for their authority. Holy Mother Church is now in a state of chaos and anarchy because the management of the Church is rent with individual bishops, and bishops' conferences, thinking, and acting, as if they are the Pope with ultimate authority."

* "There has been some improvement [since 9/14/09] in a few countries but this, in the main, is due entirely to dedicated and active laity, who are prepared to overcome the antipathy and even hostility of many of the bishops. In a number of countries it is clear that many bishops are opposed to the resurgence of the extraordinary form and seem determined to thwart the will of the Holy Father and the desires of their flocks by direct refusal of requests, by simply ignoring requests and petitions, and by making their disapproval known to their clergy who reluctantly have to obey."

* "It is not too strong a comment to say that many bishops have turned their faces against the Vicar of Christ and have refused to open their hearts to their faithful. They continue to deny their flocks the form of Mass that spread the Catholic faith to every country of the world; the form of Mass that was the spiritual nourishment of countless saints and martyrs, the consolation of untold millions of the faithful down through the centuries, and a form of Mass that, in reality, is revitalizing seminaries and communities where it has been reintroduced."

* "In the USA the following members of the hierarchy have been very helpful. Francis Cardinal George, Archbishop John Myers, Archbishop Raymond Burke, Archbishop Timothy Dolan, Archbishop Alexander Brunett, Bishop Kevin Rhoades, Bishop James Timlin, Bishop David Foley, Bishop John D'Arcy, Bishop David Zubik, Bishop David Ricken, Bishop Jerome Listecki, Bishop Bernard Harrington, Bishop Thomas Doran, Bishop Robert Finn, Bishop Fabian Bruskewitz, Bishop Edward Slattery, Bishop John Wester, Bishop Gerald Kicanas, Bishop Allen Vigneron, Bishop Salvatore Cordileone, Bishop Clarence Silva, Bishop David Fellhauer, Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop James Johnston, Aux. Bishop John Dougherty, Aux. Bishop Joseph Perry, Aux. Bishop Robert Hermann"

* "His Holiness appealed to his dear brother bishops to generously open their hearts but the reality is that many have refused to do so and have used many means to obstruct the reasonable and legitimate requests from their flocks for the traditional Mass. There has been a collective abuse of power to maintain the status quo and deny any possibility of the restoration of the traditional liturgy. Evidence has been provided...of episcopal refusal of a great many legitimate requests, of ignoring legitimate requests, of creating impossible conditions for willing celebrants to comply with. Instructions have been issued that make their displeasure of the traditional Mass perfectly clear to their priests, thus creating an atmosphere of fear that parish priests are unwilling to act against. In many dioceses there is no visible evidence of a bishop’s antipathy to the motu proprio but the diocesan priests have been made aware of the possibility of action being taken against them should they celebrate [the TLM]. The bishops refuse obedience to their legitimate authority, the Holy Father, but ruthlessly demand obedience from their priests and their flocks. "

* "One particular bishop imposed an 'examination' of those priests who wanted to say the traditional Mass in Latin in order for them to be 'approved', but there was no similar examination for foreign priests entering his diocese to celebrate the new Mass in the vernacular. No such 'approval' is required for them."

* "In one European country the bishop stopped a priest celebrating the traditional Mass until the diocesan board had discussed the case. After many months the bishop declared that any Mass with the public attending was not a 'private' Mass (i.e. without faithful) and threatened to punish the priest if he continued to be 'disobedient'. In some countries priests who have celebrated the traditional Mass have been 'relocated' from their parishes to remote areas and others have been removed entirely and deprived of all pastoral offices - and income."

* "Many bishops are adopting a strategy of refusing to acknowledge or reply to requests for the traditional Mass and are saying that in their diocese the 'problem' of Summorum Pontificum does not exist."

* "News and Extraordinary Form Mass listings are rarely carried in diocesan publications or on diocesan websites. There have been instances of diocesan publications refusing to cover Extraordinary Form affairs, e.g. the reference to 'Summorum Pontificum' in the entry supplied by one member for the 2009 edition of the diocesan directory was deleted by the directory's editor, and the diocesan newspaper declined to print an article which explained the provisions of 'Summorum Pontificum'."

* "There are many instances of priests all around the world responding generously to requests from their parishioners. Many often do so despite hostility from their fellow priests and also, it must be said, from ill-informed lay people who think these priests are acting against the Second Vatican Council. Although it is mainly younger priests who are responding to the motu proprio, there are many instances of retired priests who are very happy to return to the Mass of their younger days and help the faithful."

* "It is, in the main, younger priests who are willing to celebrate the traditional liturgy and some are acting courageously in the face of opposition from their older confreres."

* "Most Extraordinary Form apostolates are showing strong signs of steady growth."

* "[T]here is widespread ignorance as to the actual contents of the Holy Father's motu proprio and accompanying letter, and even of the existence of these documents."

* "Many requests have been made...and many reasons for refusal have been received in return. Bishops have said that a particular group is not large enough, or not sufficiently motivated for a wholly Latin liturgy, or that the suggested priest does not know Latin sufficiently well, or that other motu proprio places exist in the diocese."

* "What is beyond dispute is the phenomenal growth of internet websites and webblogs since the promulgation of Summorum Pontificum, despite the negative and stifling approach of many bishops around the world. The growth is exponential."

* "Many people drive for hours to attend a usus antiquior Mass which is a testament to the devotion it engenders. Many new attenders express surprise that it is not more extensively promoted by the authorities."

* "Federation members report that many priests have requested books, videos, and any resources to learn how to celebrate the traditional Mass. And many ask for anonymity for fear of reprisals from their respective bishops. This is a common theme because the Federation knows of many priests and religious who would like to learn or celebrate the traditional liturgy but have found difficulty with their bishops or superiors who have prevented them. This climate of rejection and persecution of the Extraordinary form, is preventing many priests, and their congregations, from benefiting from the spiritual graces that flow from the Mass in the Extraordinary Form."

* "Unfortunately, many [priests] prefer to celebrate only in private, especially those who are young because they want to avoid problems with their parish priest and do not wish to publicize the fact that they can say the traditional Mass. This atmosphere is reported by many of our members and is quite common."

* "Since the promulgation of Summorum Pontificum the International Federation Una Voce has received many enquiries from around the world from lay people, and clergy, and religious. Although many bishops seem to have a policy of silence about the motu proprio, the news is spreading world-wide, particularly via the internet, and the most noticeable phenomenon is that the great majority of enquiries are coming from young people. Many enquirers have received no response or encouragement from their own clergy and bishops and are turning to the Una Voce Federation for advice on how to obtain the traditional Mass in their area, and also for guidance on how to start Una Voce groups."

Related:

* Three Year Anniversary of the Effective Date of Summorum Pontificum (9/10)

* Three Year Anniversary of Summorum Pontificum (7/10)

* Una Voce's Report on the Motu Proprio (11/09)

* The Traditional Latin ('Tridentine') Mass vs. the Novus Ordo (New) Mass

* Summorum Pontificum Info (Latin Mass Updates:  7/07 & Later)

* Latin Mass Facts

* Why the Latin Mass?

* Traditional Latin Mass (Topic Page)

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