My Catholic Source.com Blog

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Ecumeniacs will tell you it's a victory, but would St. Paul?

Apparently, a Catholic radio station and an Islamic radio station in Guinea Bissau have agreed to air each other's programs. While is certainly great that Catholic truth will presented to those who listen to the Islamic radio station, how can it be good that Muslims will be allowed to speak to Catholics about the Islamic faith on a Catholic radio station?

St. Paul tells us...

"Do not be yoked with those who are different, with unbelievers. For what partnership do righteousness and lawlessness have? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness? What accord has Christ with Beliar? Or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever? What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said: 'I will live with them and move among them, and I will be their God and they shall be my people. Therefore, come forth from them and be separate,' says the Lord, 'and touch nothing unclean; then I will receive you and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.'" (St. Paul, 2 Cor. 6:14-18)

St. John says...

"If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him in your house or even greet him; for whoever greets him shares in his evil works." (St. John, 2 Jn. 1:10-11)

A hearer of St. John the Apostle said those who "corrupt by evil teaching the faith of God" and those who listen to such a person will be damned...

"Do not err, my brethren: the corrupters of families will not inherit the kingdom of God. And if they who do these things according to the flesh suffer death, how much more if a man corrupt by evil teaching the faith of God, for the sake of which Jesus Christ was crucified? A man become so foul will depart into unquenchable fire; and so also will anyone who listens to him." (St. Ignatius of Antioch, a hearer of St. John the Apostle, c. 110 A.D.)

As St. Ephraem the Syrian, Doctor of the Church has said...

"Fly from them and from their doctrines; do not go near them, for you know that whoever is found in a place where outrage has been offered to the king has to come into court to be questioned according to law. Even if he can prove he was not guilty he will be condemned for want of zeal. Do not sit with heretics nor associate with apostates."

If it was truly necessary to "learn each other’s faiths very well" in order to live together, why doesn't Scripture teach this? Why doesn't Apostolic example or the Early Church Fathers confirm this? Doesn't Scripture rather point to converting the one in error to the Truth? Do we really think Jesus would have allowed Muslims (had they existed at the time) to preach to His flock? Didn't He rather instruct His apostles as follows...

"Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. (Mt. 28:19-20)

[8/19]

Catholic News Headlines / Links [8-19-09]

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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_2009.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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Bishop of Sioux City on healthcare legislation: "No health care reform is better than the wrong sort of health care reform"; Says the Church "will not accept any legislation that mandates coverage, public or private, for abortion, euthanasia, or embryonic stem-cell research"; Says "We refuse to be made complicit in these evils, which frankly contradict what 'health care' should mean"; Advises citizens to make their voices heard [8/19]

After spending millions in legal fees for hundreds of clerical abuse lawsuits, Fairbanks diocese makes national appeal for donations [8/19]

PP president writes editorial against U.S. bishops [8/19]

"Must read" for traditional Catholics: "Bombshell interview" with Maestro Perpetuo of Sistine Chapel [8/19]

Will America be next? "Gender Reassignment Board" in Australia legally recognizes two women as men; Court says "There is no reason to exclude the psyche as one of the relevant factors in determining sex and gender" [8/19]

Pope appears "smiling and relaxed" at weekly general audience; Says St. John Eudes' particular contribution "was the foundation of a religious congregation dedicated to the task of giving solid formation to the diocesan priesthood" [8/19]

Study says homosexuals seek mental health or substance abuse treatment at a rate two times higher than heterosexuals and die, on average, in their early 50's (or 40's if they die of AIDS); Homosexual journalist on their destructive behavior: "If there's a new drug, gay men will find it and take it" [8/19]

Uruguayan archbishop speaks out against homosexual adoption: Says children "cannot be used as instruments by certain groups or persons for demanding rights"; Says "To accept the adoption of children by homosexual couples is to go against human nature itself, and consequently, it is to go against the fundamental rights of the human being as a person" [8/19]

Archbishop Chaput on our duties towards creation: "we have a responsibility toward the created world because we have a higher dignity given to us by the Creator Himself. Human beings bear the unique mark of being created in the image and likeness of God, and we are God’s cooperators in preserving His creation" [8/19]

Ridiculous: Film director critical of selection of Pope Benedict, calls it an "image error"; He thinks Pope should be "theatrical" and "flashy" [8/19]

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Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Quotable quote

The following is from an article concerning the LCWR, a supposedly Catholic group notable for liberalism, dissent, radical feminism, anti-clericalism, paganism, New Age practices, witchcraft, and for talk of being "post-Christian" & "moving beyond the Church, even beyond Jesus":

"[T]here is a long and venerable tradition of dissent from Catholic teachings. There is even a word for dissenters: 'Protestants.'"

[story here]

[8/18]

LCWR investigation already a success?

Since CNS coverage has provided the following quotation from the outgoing LCWR president...

"Simply put, we are no longer as we once were. We can't be"

...might we conclude that the Vatican investigation is already a success?

[8/18]

Catholic News Headlines / Links [8-18-09]

Monday, August 17, 2009

Liturgical sanity

Catholics upset over liturgical abuse may appreciate some liturgical sanity from Cardinal Arinze, the former prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments. In his homily, addressed to bishops in Asia, he said that "The fashion in some parts of the world of not installing kneelers in churches should not be copied by the Church in Asia." [more on kneeling]

He also...

* warned against "false conceptions of inculturation"

* encouraged reverence

* called for priests to wear proper vestments

* instructed that improper vessels not be used for the Holy Eucharist

* reminded that readings at Mass are to be taken only from Holy Scripture

He also said that bishops should follow the Church's norms so that "the local Church will be spared questionable or downright mistaken innovations and idiosyncrasies of some enthusiastic cleric whose fertile imaginations invents something on Saturday night and whose uninformed zeal forces this innovation on the innocent congregation on Sunday morning."

[story here]

[8/17]

More from those docile religious sisters

Not content to let the Vatican conduct its investigation on its own terms, those ever-docile LCWR sisters are requesting that the Vatican "alter some of the methods being employed" in the Apostolic Visitation. They are "expressing concern" over "a lack of full disclosure about the motivation and funding sources for the studies." The group (notable for liberalism, dissent, radical feminism, anti-clericalism, paganism, New Age practices, witchcraft, and for talk of being "post-Christian" & "moving beyond the Church, even beyond Jesus") also "object[s] to the fact that their orders will not be permitted to see the investigative reports about them that are being submitted directly to the Vatican." At their meeting - which featured a pro-abort keynote speaker - they also presented their "highest honor" to a sister who has apparently advocated women's "ordination".

[Refresher: Top Reasons Why Women Can't Be Priests]

[8/17]

Catholic News Headlines / Links [8-17-09]

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Author questions JPII approach to the death penalty

Acknowledging Cardinal Ratzinger's (the future Pope Benedict XVI's) statement that "There may be a legitimate diversity of opinion even among Catholics about waging war and applying the death penalty, but not however with regard to abortion and euthanasia" one author recently questioned Pope John Paul II's novel approach to the death penalty as expressed in his quotation of the late Pontiff:

"The death penalty is cruel and unnecessary and this is true even for someone who has done something very wrong"

Obviously, traditional Church teachings never expressed this view, nor is such an approach supported by Scripture or the Early Church Fathers.

Frankly, this opinion (not dogma) seems to put supposed "mercy" ahead of justice. We know that Almighty God Himself - for which "mercy and anger alike are with him" (Sirach 5:7) - both gave the fifth commandment "You shall not kill" (Ex. 20:13) and commanded the death penalty be executed in the case of certain crimes. Surely, there is a difference between the unlawful killing of an innocent person and lawfully killing a guilty person.

Of course the death penalty is not a desirable thing, but it should not be entirely ruled out either. Today's often-held view that the death penalty is "cruel" seems to overlook the fact that death penalty may (1) satisfy the demands of justice, (2) deter future crime, (3) give the guilty party an opportunity to repent (unlike his victims, if he is a murderer), (4) give the guilty party the opportunity to make due satisfaction to God for his crime, and (5) on a purely material level, spare hard-working people the heavy financial burden of constant surveillance and care for murderers & other serious criminals (some of whom would admit they'd continue to commit crimes if given the opportunity). And, of course, the death penalty protects society from the danger that a criminal may escape confinement and repeat his crime. It also makes it more concrete that serious consequences will result for serious crimes - a good lesson in light of the fact that there are serious eternal consequences for serious unrepented sin. In sum, the death penalty may help both society and the criminal.

And, although it's certainly not a direct comparison, it is true that since the Fall every single person alive is naturally subject to the penalty of death due to the crime of sin - our "human dignity" was not enough for God to spare us from this punishment. We also see in the New Testament that a "divinely conducted death penalty" against the faithful occurred two times directly in front of St. Peter (Acts 5:1-11) - there was no talk of such a penalty being "cruel" or about the guilty persons' "human dignity". The New Testament also says "But if thou do that which is evil, fear: for he beareth not the sword in vain. For he is God's minister: an avenger to execute wrath upon him that doth evil." (St. Paul, Rom. 13:4) Again, no talk of our "human dignity" sparing us from the lawful use of the sword.

And finally, how can it be said that the death penalty - conducted by proper authorities, most likely with meticulous care to avoid horrendous suffering & possibly executed only after numerous appeals, even with benefit of the last sacraments, if desired - inflicted on a guilty party is "cruel"? One wonders if holders of such opinions might also consider hell "cruel". Or would they agree with the Just Judge that an eternal punishment of torment was actually merited by those who died guilty of (and unrepentant for) a serious crime. Let us hope they wouldn’t question the infinitely wise, loving & merciful God - who created hell.

[8/15]

What are your children doing online?

If you are a parent that lets your child use the Internet (gulp!), you should be advised that a recent study of Internet searches has determined that the terms "s*x" and "p*rn*" are 2 of the top ten searches conducted by children. The search term "s*x" ranked as the #4 most-searched word, while "p*rn*" ranked as the #6 most-searched word.

"Can. 1136 Parents have the most grave obligation and the primary right to do all in their power to ensure their children's physical, social, cultural, moral and religious upbringing." (1983 Code of Canon Law)

"Children have not been given to parents as a present, which they may dispose of as they please, but as a trust, for which, if lost through their negligence, they must render an account to God." (St. Alphonsus Liguori, Doctor of the Church)

"If you do not bring up your children well, what do you do? It is the only thing you have to do; it is this that God requires of you, for this that he established Christian marriage; and it is on this that you will be judged." (St. Claude de la Colombiere)

"Parents on their part should remember that it is their duty to see that entertainments and publications which might endanger faith and morals do not enter their houses and that their children are not exposed to them elsewhere." (Second Vatican Council)

[8/15]

Catholic Humor?

If only this was written to be humorous!

The USCCB news service - previously charged with "failure to consistently apply reliably Catholic editorial standards" - in its coverage of the annual LCWR meeting quoted their controversial keynote speaker as follows:

"The official number of women religious in this country might have fallen, but I feel it is safe to say that the number of religious women who are acting out of their faith to serve society is higher than ever before"

Given the facts, it seems impossible to wrap one's mind around that. It seems she's saying that the much larger number of orthodox sisters from previous generations weren't "acting out of their faith to serve society" as well as the much smaller of group of modern dissenting, witchcraft-promoting sisters of today.

But now for the "funny" part (if only it was a joke!). The same speaker says the sisters she spoke with at the conference "did not really understand why the Vatican had requested the apostolic visitation." She said: "Puzzlement is the word" and follows with "Here they are, all day, every day, trying to serve the people of God, and suddenly they feel like they're under investigation."

Gee, can't imagine why the Vatican would investigate a group claiming to be Catholic while promoting liberalism, dissent, radical feminism, anti-clericalism, paganism, New Age practices, witchcraft, and which has discussed "moving beyond the Church, even beyond Jesus."

If it wasn't so sad, it would be funny.

[8/15]

Be more careful who you hire

With a reputation for faithfulness, how is it that a Catholic college winds up hiring employees that...?

(1) Dissent from Church teachings on contraception (which is a grave sin)

(2) Want the Catholic college to pay for them to be able to engage in the gravely sinful act of contraception

(3) Complain to the EEOC when their immoral demands are not met

(4) Take their immoral demands public to the newspaper and Internet

What are employees like these doing at a Catholic college which has a reputation for faithfulness? And, what message are they sending to the students there?

Catholic News Headlines / Links [8-15-09]

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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_2009.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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Faithful Catholic college would rather close down than comply with EEOC's ruling that they must provide contraceptive coverage to their employees [8/15]

Harry Potter film star goes on a "tirade" against those who oppose homosexuality: "I just loathe homophobia. It's just disgusting and animal and stupid and it's just thick people who can't get their heads around it and are just scared"; Star says "gay 's*x education" in schools is "f***ing vital!" [8/15]

Accident which killed one and injured five occurred after Mexican bishop fainted while driving; Bishop who suffers from diabetes apologized for the accident and is "very saddened" by it [8/15]

Madonna concert on Feast of the Assumption angers faithful Catholics; Polish official says the entertainer "specializes in offending religious feelings" and says she may be suspected of being a "crypto-Satanist" [8/15]

USCCB news service previously charged with "failure to consistently apply reliably Catholic editorial standards" covers LCWR event "entirely positively"; Article repeatedly quotes controversial keynote speaker without mentioning issues regarding her orthodoxy or her previous criticisms of the Pope, bishops, or Church teachings; USCCB coverage entirely omits mention of problems with the organization (e.g. dissent, witchcraft, paganism, etc.) but quotes the keynote speaker who says the sisters are "puzzled" by the Vatican investigation of the organization [8/15]

Religion columnist questions journalists' use of term 'wafer' to describe the Holy Eucharist [8/15]

President of Catholic college regarding EEOC ruling that contraceptive coverage must be provided to employees: "...what they are basically saying is, if you're Catholic, or if you are of any faith, it doesn't mean anything. You're going to do what the government tells you to do" [8/15]

Archdiocese won't bail out priest arrested for soliciting s*x with a minor [8/15]

"Not-too-serious study" says people most prone to the seven deadly sins may be found in the South [8/15]

Vatican newspaper praises agreement between U.S. government & Swiss banking leaders which grants the U.S. access to identity information on U.S. citizens that was previously kept secret; Information may be used by U.S. government in prosecution of tax evasion [8/15]

Spain's Minister of Justice says doctors are not allowed to conscientiously object to performing abortion; President of Collegial Medical Organization, says "The right doctors have in Spain to conscientious objection is going to be respected, whether they like it or not"; Pro-lifer says that no government "can force a doctor to end a human life and harm the health of his patients. No matter what [the Minister of Justice] says" [8/15]

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Friday, August 14, 2009

Call them on it

Next time you encounter an abortion advocate speaking about 'legalized' abortion being "necessary" to protect women from "unsafe illegal abortion", why not call them on it? As pro-life sites have been reporting, there is a growing body of evidence which shows that increased access to abortion means more, not fewer maternal deaths. For example, a recent pro-life article reports that: (emphasis may be added)

* The nation "with the lowest African maternal mortality rate" is Mauritius and their laws "are among the continent's most protective of the unborn"

* Ethiopia has recently "decriminalized" abortion and now its maternal death rate is 48 times higher than Mauritius'

* Chile - whose constitution protects the unborn - boasts the lowest maternal mortality rate in South America

* The highest maternal mortality rate in South America, 30 times higher than Chile's, has allowed abortion "without almost any restriction" since 1995

* Nicaraguan government statistics show declining maternal deaths since it enacted laws to protect the unborn

* Nepal allows abortion without restriction and has "the region's highest rate of maternal mortality" while the lowest in the region is Sri Lanka, which has "among the most restrictive abortion laws in the world"

Finally, the article points out that Ireland, in which abortion is illegal and the unborn are protected in the constitution, has the lowest maternal death rate in the world.

So the next time you hear abortion advocates arguing for "legalized" abortion to protect women from "unsafe illegal abortions", why not call them on it?

And of course it's obvious that abortion could never be "safe" for any woman or child, regardless of any law. In the act of abortion, a child is killed (most likely without the opportunity of baptism) and its mother commits a grave sin in violation of the Fifth Commandment by ordering & participating in the killing of her innocent unborn child - as well as excommunicating herself from the Church. Should she have the misfortune to die as a result of this heinous act and without any opportunity to repent, it is clear that she risks grave eternal consequences. Violating a commandment, killing your unborn child and (if Catholic) excommunicating yourself from the Church just before you meet the Just Judge is definitely not a good thing.

[story here] [8/14]

Catholic News Headlines / Links [8-14-09]

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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_2009.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 newspaper says U.S. & British governments failed to act swiftly to assist Jews during WWII; Claims government knew about extermination plans well in advance of acting and may have "ignored or minimized" reports of extermination plans; In the meantime, Pope Pius XII was already taking steps to save Jews [8/14]

Mexican bishop loses control of SUV, killing one and injuring five; Public official says bishop was driving at a high rate of speed when he lost control [8/14]

Pathetic: Archdiocese that feared it could be bankrupted by lawsuits faces new abuse suit by former student at school for the deaf; Lawsuit claims archdiocese knew about previous abuse but allowed the priest and another alleged perpetrator "unsupervised and unrestricted access to vulnerable students in spite of it"; Previous archbishop was aware of the problem but "officials felt [the priest who is believed to have abused around 200 boys] was too important to the school to lose" [8/14]

Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis warns that dissenting group CCCR is not part of the Church; Reminds Catholics to shun contrary doctrines [8/14]

More name-calling: Obama calls opponents of amnesty for illegals "demagogues" [8/14]

Growing body of evidence shows that more abortion means more, not fewer maternal deaths [8/14]

Filipino bishop speaks out against offensive music; Says songs will affect one's "thinking and [one's] concept of morality" and may encourage fornication [8/14]

More statute vandalism: Vandals damage San Antonio statue second time this year [8/14]

JPII's possible knowledge of Legionaries of Christ founder's impropriety, along with the Church's deterioration under his papacy, as well as his failure to compel the resignation of certain bishops, leads columnist to call for JPII not to be canonized; Says this matter concerns not only Catholics, but "all traditionalist conservatives" [8/14]

Court dismisses "trumped-up" criminal charges against pro-lifer and rules that she was wrongly arrested; Police officer's testimony and security video show that pro-lifer didn't violate ordinance [8/14]

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Thursday, August 13, 2009

Catholic News Headlines / Links [8-13-09]

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

More woes for Legionaries of Christ

Already troubled due to their disgraced founder, the Legionaries of Christ may face additional challenges as reports surface that their founder fathered several children who are now claiming rights to Legionaries' assets. One early report says three Mexican-born children "will try to force the Legionaries of Christ to acknowledge their existence as well as their rights as heirs to the assets of the founder of the religious order." An Apostolic Visitation of the Legionaries began in July.

[8/12]

LCWR annual meeting is true to form

Obviously not swayed by the Vatican investigation, the LCWR (Leadership Conference of Women Religious) is featuring a radical pro-abort keynote speaker at its annual assembly in New Orleans. This supposedly 'Catholic' speaker who supports late-term abortion is also notable for her comments criticizing the Church for its teachings against contraception & homosexuality and for saying that Pope Benedict is "really lacking in the theological virtue of charity."

LCWR is "the nation's largest umbrella group for Roman Catholic sisters" whose members are said to represent "about 95 percent of 67,000 sisters in the U.S." The group is notable for liberalism, dissent, radical feminism, anti-clericalism, paganism, New Age practices, witchcraft, and for talk of being "post-Christian" & "moving beyond the Church, even beyond Jesus". They also push "eco-feminism". It is not surprising that of all the pressing concerns in the Church and in the world today, their annual meeting included a prayer service at a park which was "focused on the preservation and renewal of coastal wetlands."

The meeting is also expected to provide them an opportunity to discuss their response to the Vatican investigations. As one participant has said, "This will be an opportunity to be who we are and to speak our truth, not to back away from that, and to understand what our common response will be."

Interesting choice of words - "our truth". Truth - real truth - is universal. As Chesterton once said, "Most mistaken people mean well, and all mistaken people mean something. There is something to be said for every error, but, whatever may be said for it, the most important thing to be said about it is that it is erroneous."

[8/12]

Catholic News Headlines / Links [8-12-09] (afternoon edition)

Catholic News Headlines / Links [8-12-09] (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_2009.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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Pro-lifers mourn the passing of member of America's "most powerful Catholic family", Eunice Kennedy Shriver; The late sister to the former U.S. President aided the disabled & promoted respect for human life; Regarding abortion, she once asked how someone could equate the life of an unborn infant with the "social well-being" of its mother, father, or family [8/12]

Stolen Virgin Mary statue found desecrated: Vandals burned statue, removed hands [8/12]

So much for parental rights: Swedish government seeks to ban homeschooling for religious or philosophical seasons [8/12]

Study shows br*ast-feeding brings important health benefits to mothers, including a potentially dramatic decrease in cancer risk [8/12]

Thief who stole from seven Catholic churches sentenced to jail, restitution; Con man who sometimes impersonated a priest used the funds to buy cocaine [8/12]

Catholic doctor to receive Presidential Medal of Freedom; Physician has been honored several times previously for his generous service to the poor [8/12]

Pro-lifer to fight for First Amendment rights after being arrested on "baseless charges" [8/12]

President of Pontifical Council comes to defense of traditional family in wake of ruling by Italy's highest court which finds "no substantial legal difference" between a family founded on marriage and a family founded on fornication; Cardinal reminds of research showing damage resulting from 'single-parent' families and cohabitation [8/12]

CL says Obama and his pro-abort staff - "the most radical pro-abortion administration in American history" - are "apparently willing to sink health care reform before ever excluding abortion from the final bill"; Says "every time an amendment has been introduced to formally exclude abortion, it has been defeated" [8/12]

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Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Expect even more deafening silence

Yet again we may expect deafening silence from certain parties with an agenda. This time, the general public may be unlikely to hear about the results of a new six-year study on sexual "reorientation" therapy. The study concludes that "there is evidence that homosexual tendencies can be controlled and redirected toward normal sexual attraction." These results contradict the position of the American Psychological Association that homosexuality is not changeable. The researchers state: "In conclusion, the findings of this study would appear to contradict the commonly expressed view of the mental health establishment that sexual orientation is not changeable and that the attempt to change is highly likely to produce harm for those who make such an attempt."

This is not the first evidence which shows that same-sex attraction disorder is treatable, but the "agenda-driven ideologies" of various groups may be "governed by political interests rather than by scientific data." In other words, they would rather let a person suffer with this condition (including increased potential for depression and drug & alcohol abuse) than violate p.c. standards by telling them that help may be available. Is this not cruel?

[8/11]

Catholic News Headlines / Links [8-11-09]

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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_2009.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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Please Note: We anticipate limited news updates today, 8/11/09. We apologize for any inconvenience.

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"Landmark" U.S. vocations study finds traditional Catholic communities "have better success attracting younger members"; Study also shows increased diversity in "ethnicity, age, and life experiences" but an aging population overall [8/11]

So much for religious liberty: EEOC is attempting to force a small Catholic college to provide contraception coverage to its employees even though it violates Church teachings [8/11]

"Most comprehensive study of homeschool academic achievement ever completed" shows homeschooled students score an average of 37 percentile points higher than students educated by the government; Even students whose parents lacked college degrees scored in the 83rd percentile - "well above the national average"; Government spends 20 times the amount per student that homeschooling parents spend and achieves worse results than homeschoolers [8/11]

Secular media reports on renewed interest in perpetual adoration in Massachusetts [8/11]

Vietnamese Catholics hold massive protests to demand release of detained Catholics; Hundreds of thousands of courageous Catholics participate even though government crackdown may be "imminent" [8/11]

Priest in Colombia says that 30% of priests in the Cali archdiocese are homosexual; Says he provided a report on the problem but nothing was done to correct it [8/11]

So much for the First Amendment: Pelosi & House Majority Leader characterize healthcare opponents' behavior as "simply un-American"; In the past, Pelosi claimed to be "energized" by hecklers (those who shared her positions), calling their actions "democracy in action" [8/11]

Pope Benedict "unites himself spiritually" with Kennedy family as sister of former U.S. President lies critically ill in hospital [8/11]

-30-

Monday, August 10, 2009

U.S. Catholic Demographics

A recent Gallup poll shows 24.3% of U.S. adults identifying themselves as Catholic for the period 1-6/09, with the highest percentage of Catholics in the following states:

Rhode Island (52.5%)

Massachusetts (46.1%)

Connecticut (42.7%)

New Jersey (42.6%)

New York (38.4%)

The poll finds the following states have the lowest percentage of Catholics:

Mississippi (6.0%)

Alabama (6.7%)

Tennessee (7.7%)

Arkansas (7.8%)

South Carolina (8.8%)

[8/10]

Expect deafening silence

The silence is likely to be deafening from those who rage an ongoing assault on celibacy both from within and outside the Church concerning a recent abuse scandal. This time, the priest in question was a former Episcopal 'priest' who received a special exception to be ordained as a married Catholic priest. He has now been removed from his parish in Arkansas after an allegation of a homosexual assault against a man in his early 20s. Clearly, the priest's being married did not prevent the scandal... But don't expect to hear about that from liberals who use the clerical abuse scandals as an excuse to end priestly celibacy.

[8/10]

Rebel priest stirs it up again

Once again, a certain priest who has faced excommunication for participating in a women's (so-called) "ordination" ceremony has created controversy with his statement that "The exclusion of women [from the priesthood] is a grave injustice and a sin." One wonders if this rebel priest would tell St. Paul he committed a sin because the Saint wrote...

"As in all the churches of the holy ones, women should keep silent in the churches, for they are not allowed to speak, but should be subordinate, as even the law says. But if they want to learn anything, they should ask their husbands at home. For it is improper for a woman to speak in the church. Did the word of God go forth from you? Or has it come to you alone? If anyone thinks that he is a prophet or a spiritual person, he should recognize that what I am writing to you is a commandment of the Lord." (St. Paul, 1 Cor. 14:33-37, emphasis added)

This priest apparently is not swayed from his mistaken position - even though the Church's teaching concerning an all-male priesthood is marked with characteristics of infallibility - because he thinks it is "outdated" or "wrong". How is it that a man who thinks either (1) Church teachings should be changed to suit the times or (2) Church teachings marked with characteristics of infallibility can be wrong could have been ordained in the first place? Where is the concern over his poor priestly formation in this controversy?

[8/10]

Archbishop of Westminster thinks Pope Benedict has "inexorably distanced himself" from the Church?

The Archbishop of Westminster has recently issued a "warning message" to traditional Catholics not to denigrate the Novus Ordo and says that those who think the Novus Ordo is "in some way deficient" are "inexorably distancing themselves from the Church".

Apparently Catholics are supposed to keep their mouths shut and heads in the sand about serious problems such as the lack of reverence, reduced belief in the Real Presence, etc. which may be attributable to the Novus Ordo as well as the fact that abuse is rampant in many parishes and that Protestants who are traditionally fierce enemies of the Mass accept the Novus Ordo (even without changing their theology). We are also apparently supposed to ignore the many bad fruits associated with the 1960's rite as well as the fact that it was created with the assistance of Protestants (heretics) and that its chief architect is a suspected Freemason who said that "The liturgical reform is a major conquest of the Catholic Church" (Archbishop Bugnini)

The Westminster Archbishop failed to address his "warning" statement's necessary conclusion that Pope Benedict XVI, Cardinals Ottaviani & Bacci, and Archbishop Dwyer, etc. must have also "inexorably distanced themselves from the Church" due to their public statements which indicate that the Novus Ordo is "in some way deficient". For example:

"...in the place of liturgy as the fruit of development came fabricated liturgy. We abandoned the organic, living process of growth and development over the centuries, and replaced it - as in a manufacturing process - with a fabrication, a banal, on-the-spot product." (Cardinal Ratzinger, the future Pope Benedict XVI)

"We have limited ourselves above to a short study of the Novus Ordo where it deviates most seriously from the theology of the Catholic Mass. Our observations touch upon deviations which are typical. To prepare a complete study of all the pitfalls, dangers and psychologically and spiritually destructive elements the new rite contains, whether in texts, rubrics or instructions, would be a vast undertaking." (Cardinals Ottaviani & Bacci)

"What was intended by Vatican Council II as a means of making the liturgy more easily understood by the average Christian, has turned out to be something more like an *rgy of stripping it of all sense of reverence, bringing it down to the level of commonness where the very people for whom the changes were made now only yawn out of sheer boredom with the banality of the result." (Archbishop Dwyer)

How is it that Pope Benedict XVI, Cardinals Ottaviani & Bacci, and Archbishop Dwyer could have "inexorably distanced themselves from the Church" by speaking the truth? How is that even possible?

Interestingly, the same Archbishop failed to issue a "warning message" to the pro-homosexual "Catholic" organization in his diocese which recently praised s*domite adoption. Guess they were somehow able to avoid "inexorably distancing themselves from the Church" even though they are fostering sin & denigrating Holy Matrimony by placing marriage on the same level unnatural, sinful s*domite unions. He also reportedly supports government s*x education programs called "diabolical".

Apparently homosexual adoptions are okay, "diabolical" sex education for youths is okay, but speaking the truth against the committee-created 1960's rite is bad enough to distance once from the Church inexorably - apparently even including the Pope. Yea, right.

[8/10]

Catholic News Headlines / Links [8-10-09]

Saturday, August 8, 2009

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

Friday, August 7, 2009

Catholic News Headlines / Links [8-7-09]

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Holy Antidepressants

Apparently, the Benedictine motto of "ora et labora" (pray and work) can be a very effective "natural antidepressant" that is both free of side effects and good for the soul. This is of great importance because as one Catholic publication has recently reported, as many as 10% of Americans were taking antidepressants in 2005. ⁽¹⁾

Given the state of the world, wouldn't it seem reasonable to hypothesize that many of today's problems could be due to sin rather than to actual mental disorders? Do people seriously expect to live in a world rife with divorce, abortion, fornication, adultery, contraception, immorality, greed, pride... and not be "depressed" by the very real consequences that they will naturally suffer (e.g. broken homes, serious medical consequences due to contraception & abortion, illegitimate offspring being deprived of both parents, lack of trust, venereal diseases, devaluing of life, etc.)? As Scripture says "...you can be sure that you will not escape the consequences of your sin" and "Do not plot to repeat a sin; not even for one will you go unpunished" (Sirach 7:8).

Typically, it seems many modern people would rather try "popping a pill" than working through their problems. But how can that ever be effective? Will an antidepressant reconcile you with God, mend a broken home, bring back an aborted baby, repair a broken marriage vow, restore one's virginity? At best, can't one simply expect the drug to temporarily mask certain symptoms?

However, in the physical realm, we know that pain can be helpful - it tells us something is wrong. Sometimes it can even be harmful to mask pain. Mental "pain" should also tell us something is amiss. Chances are, mental "pain" isn't the problem - perhaps what's causing the pain is the real problem. And that's what needs to be fixed, not masked. For real and lasting "healing", doesn't it make more sense to target the underlying problems - the root causes - rather than reach for mind-altering drugs? If people don't do this, won't they continue to be plagued their problems, at least subtly?

For those seeking "holy antidepressants" rather than mind-altering drugs, it seems that the following - in addition to ora et labora - would be a good first step:

* STOP sinning

* Repent of your sins

* Get to confession asap

* Learn the Catholic faith better

* Stop fighting true Catholic teachings because you "don't like" them (e.g. her teachings against c*ntraception, her teachings regarding the all male priesthood/roles for women, etc.)

In addition to being "no-cost, accessible always & to everyone, and entirely devoid of harmful physical side effects", these "holy, natural antidepressants" may provide a long-tasting remedy that helps persons enjoy a blessed eternity. And for those persons whose malady is caused by sin who reject the above, it seems good to reflect on the fact that the torments of hell will be eternal and that antidepressants will be unavailable.

⁽¹⁾The article reports that half of those taking antidepressants took them to remedy causes other than depression

Reminder: We are not qualified to give or intending to give any medical advice. For medical advice, consult a good physician.

[8/6]

Catholic News Headlines / Links [8-6-09]

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Wisdom in the midst of wolves

With "cameras on every corner", powerful Internet surveillance activities, a push for socialized medicine, federal takeovers of private businesses, and national officials who have spoken of forced sterilizations & denying seniors medical care, American citizens may find little surprise in some of the latest "discoveries" regarding our government. Nevertheless, it behooves us - especially now - to be alert to certain activities of our increasingly overreaching government. To that end, it is suggested that every American become aware of some of the latest "shockers" such as:

On the White House website, persons are told to report e-mails & websites concerning government health care proposals to the government ("Since we can’t keep track of all of them here at the White House, we’re asking for your help. If you get an email or see something on the web about health insurance reform that seems fishy, send it to flag@whitehouse.gov"). This would seemingly include e-mails from your parents, siblings, children, friends, etc. that express certain objections to plans for socialized medicine

And:

Computers which access the government's "cash for clunkers" website become "federal government property", which allows the government to "intercept, monitor, record, copy, audit, inspect, and disclose" all files on the system

As the "Orwellian nightmare" appears to unfold around us, it seems a good time to remind of Our Lord's words in Mt. 10:16: "Behold I send you as sheep in the midst of wolves. Be ye therefore wise as serpents and simple as doves."

[8/5]

Catholic News Headlines / Links [8-5-09]

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Catholic News Headlines / Links [8-4-09]

Monday, August 3, 2009

French diocese to aid heresy?

The French diocese of Périgueux-Sarlat is reportedly lending some of its parishes to Anglican 'clergy' (heretics with absolutely no authority or power playing dress-up) to "minister" to some of their "faithful". Although it's certainly not the first time we've heard of such scandalous actions, should it ever fail to shock faithful Catholics when authorities of the Catholic Church aid & abet heresy?

Have officials in the French diocese forgotten that...?

* Anglican 'orders' are invalid - therefore the Anglican "church" does NOT have a valid Eucharist. Should they worship their bread wafer, they would be committing idolatry. Will they allow this in a Catholic parish?

* Anglicans are (objectively speaking) heretics who reject the papacy & other infallible doctrines of the Church - As Holy Scripture says:

"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." (St. Paul, Ti. 3:10-11)

"If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him in your house or even greet him; for whoever greets him shares in his evil works." (St. John, 2 Jn. 1:10-11)

"Whoever rejects you rejects me. And whoever rejects me rejects the one who sent me." (Our Lord Jesus Christ, regarding those He sent, Lk. 10:16)

* Anglicans parade their false clergy around as if they had legitimate authority and power - and their false clergy even includes open homosexuals and women despite the fact that Holy Scripture calls homosexual acts an abomination (Lev. 18:22) & St. Paul forbids women from speaking in Church as "a commandment of the Lord" (1 Cor. 14:32-37)

This French diocese is scandalously promoting religious indifferentism, enabling heresy, neglecting their duty to warn Anglicans of their grave situation, and allowing God's holy temple to be profaned. In earlier ages excommunications may have been issued for such activities, but now one may fear that if complaints were made, the diocese would cite a certain directory published in 1993. However, even that ("utterly shocking!") ecumenical document refers to the necessity of taking "special measures to overcome the dangers of indifferentism".

Given the bad example from their leaders, it's no wonder why large sectors of the population in France seem to have long ago forgotten what it means to be Catholic - most of today's French 'Catholics' fail to attend Mass & the majority of them reject the Church's teaching on various sins (earlier story here). If only the faithful ancestors of today's French Catholics could return to protest the profanation of God's holy temples - both the physical churches & the living temples (the souls of so many lost French 'Catholics'), maybe the Church's "eldest daughter" would get back on track.

St. Louis IX, King of France, pray for us!

[8/3]

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Monday, August 17, 2009

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Friday, August 14, 2009

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Monday, August 10, 2009

Saturday, August 8, 2009

Friday, August 7, 2009

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Monday, August 3, 2009

Saturday, August 1, 2009

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