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Showing posts from June, 2006

BLESSED JUNÍPERO SERRA

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When Father Junípero Serra founded California's first mission in 1769, he was 56 years old and asthmatic, with a chronic sore on his leg that troubled him for the rest of his life, and he suffered frequently from other illnesses, as well. He stood just 5 feet, 2 inches, and, as a journalist later wrote, "He certainly didn't look like the man who would one day be known as the Apostle of California." Yet he endured the hardships of the frontier and pressed forward with remarkable determination to fulfill his purpose: to convert the Native Americans of California to Christianity. In pursuit of that goal, Father Serra walked thousands of miles between San Diego and Monterey and even Mexico City. He traveled the seas, also; and by the time he died August 28, 1784, in Carmel he had founded nine missions, introduced agriculture and irrigation techniques, and the Spanish language. He had battled governors, bureaucrats and military commanders to secure a system of laws to pro

The First Martyrs of Rome & the Unborn (Updated)

The holy men and women are also called the “Protomartyrs of Rome.” They were accused of burning Rome by Nero, who burned Rome to cover his own crimes. Some martyrs were burned as living torches at evening banquets, some crucified, others were fed to wild animals. These martyrs died before Sts. Peter and Paul, and are called “disciples of the Apostles. . . whom the Holy Roman church sent to their Lord before the Apostles’ death.” As I write about the Christian martyrs, I can't help but reflect on the time I spent with my Community in prayer and thanksgiving for their sacrifice and their great faith while visiting the Coliseum in Italy this past February. I felt such a strong sense of their presence as I envisioned these innocent, defenseless victims being tossed into this huge arena to be devoured by the lions while thousands of pagan spectators entertained themselves, drinking and eating to excess, sitting back, laughing, and cheering. In some ways this scenario is similar what is

Quiz: Where Should You Spend Your Summer?

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You Should Spend Your Summer at the Beach You're a free spirit who is always thinking of new ways to have fun. And you don't just love summer... you live for it. So, you really should blow off your responsibilities and head to the beach! Where Should You Spend Your Summer? See you at the beach , Julie! As a redhead with fair skin I burn easily, too, so I'll take that five star hotel with a comfy chair, an extra-large umbrella, and a large glass of mineral water. I'll save the Beringer's White Zinfandel or the St. James Country White Wine for the evening.

The Holy Father's New Ride

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Pope Benedict XVI received a brand new XC90 from Volvo, custom-tailored for his papal use. The Holy Father was presented with the keys for his brand-new SUV at a ceremony today at the Vatican. The V8 ride is dark blue with a light interior and Volvo officials say the car, like every Volvo XC90, is designed for safety with features like ROPS (RollOver Protection System). It looks great - sleek, regal, and comfortable! The Vicar of Christ deserves the best and I'm happy for him. Photo Source: Reuters

GREAT NEWS: OPERATION RESCUE BUYS, CLOSES ABORTION MILL

Building will serve as OR Headquarters and Memorial to Pre-born Wichita, KS - Jun 29, 2006 Operation Rescue announces that it has purchased the building that housed Central Women’s Services, an abortion mill located at located at 3013 E. Central in Wichita, Kansas. The sale of the building forced the mill to close. ( Click here for full story .) The facility will be renovated and serve as Operation Rescue’s corporate headquarters, and will feature a memorial to the pre-born victims of abortion. “This building is a testament to the redemptive power of Jesus Christ. If Jesus can redeem a building, He can redeem lives and heal hurting hearts,” said Operation Rescue President Troy Newman. “It is also an encouragement to the pro-life movement that, through God’s grace, we are winning the abortion battle one closed mill at a time.”The public and media will be invited to tour the facility in the next week at a time to be announced. “We want the public to see and understand the filthy, decrepi

Saints of the Day: Sts. Peter and Paul, Apostles

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Peter - Patronage: Against frenzy; bakers; bridge builders; butchers; clock makers; cobblers; Exeter College Oxford; feet problems; fever; fishermen; foot problems; harvesters; locksmiths; longevity; masons; net makers; papacy; Popes; ship builders; shipwrights; shoemakers; stone masons; Universal Church; watch makers; Poznan, Poland; Rome; Diocese of Jackson, Mississippi; Diocese of Las Vegas, Nevada; diocese of Marquette, Michigan; Archdiocese of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Diocese of Providence, Rhode Island; Diocese of Scranton, Pennsylvania Paul -- Patronage: Against snakes; authors; Cursillo movement; evangelists; hailstorms; hospital public relations; journalists; lay people; missionary bishops; musicians; poisonous snakes; public relations personnel; public relations work; publishers; reporters; rope braiders; rope makers; saddlemakers; saddlers; snake bites; tent makers; writers; Malta; Rome; Poznan, Poland; newspaper editorial staff Archdiocese of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania;

SEN. BARACK OBAMA’S REMARKS ON RELIGION

June 28, 2006 Senator Barack Obama spoke before a Call to Renewal conference today imploring Democrats to reach out to people of faith. “Secularists are wrong when they ask believers to leave their religion at the door before entering the public square,” he said. Catholic League president Bill Donohue commented as follows: “There is much in Senator Obama’s address that the Catholic League welcomes. For too long, many Democrats have viewed religion as a purely personal matter, having no legitimate public role to play. But like all public officials, Obama must be judged not on what he says but on what he does. It is on this score that he fails. “Obama is opposed to school vouchers (though he sent his kids to private schools) and he is opposed to posting the Ten Commandments in government buildings. And then there are moral issues which, while not religious, per se, are nonetheless of grave interest to people of faith. On this score, Obama fails as well. “Obama is a big supporter of abort

Conversing with Jesus

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Today I am praying for... my husband, Bill, who has been having health problems. a young man, Joshua, suffering from severe jaw and head pain who currently does not have medical insurance. Gloria, a mom of two, who is hospitalized and in a lot of pain. the flood victims on the east coast. an end to abortion and the closing of all abortion mills, especially Tiller's late- term abortion mill. the upcoming election in November for Christian pro-lifers to be elected. all those working in the pro-life movement. a special intention.

Student struggles with abortion, options

In this article , Renae (not her real name), a Catholic college student in Indiana is having an abortion, although she knows it is morally wrong. I was disturbed by the deception put forth here. Here is my response to Renae. Hmm... Renae, it sounds like you need a reality check. First, I wonder which option your baby would choose, abortion or adoption? It's interesting to note that throughout this article your baby is continually referred to as a "fetus" and not as a "human being", or as "a separate life growing within your body". Your body is the receptacle of the "gift of life", not something that is to be mutiliated or penetrated with poison to kill the human life within you. Second, why are you talking with Planned Parenthood -- the largest abortion provider in the world? They are not going to explore all the options with you in any depth nor will they inform you about the many life-threatening dangers of having an abortion with you-- s

U.S. House Republican Leadership Seeks Votes on Human Cloning Ban and Unborn Child Pain Bill

( www.ifrl.org ) June 27, 2006 WASHINGTON, The Republican Leadership of the U.S. House of Representatives today unveiled the "American Values Agenda," a list of ten bills on which the House leadership will seek votes before the end of this year. The bill includes two major legislative priorities backed by the National Right to Life Committee (NRLC): the Human Cloning Prohibition Act (H.R. 1357), sponsored by Rep. Dave Weldon (R-Fl.) and Bart Stupak (D-Mi.), and the Unborn Child Pain Awareness Act (H.R. 356), sponsored by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ). NRLC Legislative Director Douglas Johnson commented, "We commend the House Republican leadership for planning votes on a bill to ensure that women seeking abortions after the fourth month of pregnancy are informed about the unborn child's capacity to experience great pain, and on a bill to ban all human cloning."The Unborn Child Pain Awareness Act (H.R. 356, S. 51) was first introduced in 2004, and has not yet received

Best of the Blogosphere: Pro-life, Humor, Catholic Marriage

Today, The Curt Jester has a fascinating post on the Chapel of the Unborn. Life Links at JivinJehoshaphat offers some promising information about adult stem cell research and autoimmune diseases. Tito's Pic of the Day "John Kerry's Dog" provides some insight into Kerry's way of thinking as well as a good laugh. Doxology offers some insights on Catholic marriage and annulment in the Land Down Under .

Pro-life Quote of the Day: St. Francis de Sales

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"The procreation of children is the first and principal end of marriage. Hence, no one may ever lawfully depart from the due order that end requires." ~ St. Francis de Sales

Saint of the Day: St Irenaeus of Lyons, Bishop, Defender of the Faith and Martyr

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St. Irenaeus was born about the year 125 in Asia Minor, probably at Smyrna. He was well educated and was influenced by men who knew the Apostles, especially St. Polycarp, who had been a pupil of St. John the evangelist. According to Gregory of Tours, Polycarp sent Irenaeus as a missionary to Gaul, where he was a priest under St. Pothinus at Lyons. Irenaeus was sent to Rome in 177 with a letter from his fellow Christians to Pope St. Eleutherius pleading for leniency to the Montanists in Phrygia. In Irenaeus' absence a violent persecution of Christians broke out at Lyons, claiming Pothinus as one of its martyrs. Irenaeus was named Bishop of Lyons on his return in 178. He was the first great Catholic theologian. Irenaeus wrote in Greek and two of his profound works survived in tact. His five-book treatise against the heresy of Gnosticism constitutes an invaluable source of information on Church Christ established from its beginnings to the end of the second century. His work also

A Quiz for Independence Day: How American Are You?

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You Are 83% American You're as American as red meat and shooting ranges. Tough and independent, you think big. You love everything about the US, wrong or right. And anyone who criticizes your home better not do it in front of you! How American Are You?

RELIGIOUS LEFT SEEKS TO SILENCE CHURCH’S VOICE

A coalition of religious leaders in Massachusetts who are pro-gay marriage has lashed out at Boston Archbishop Sean Cardinal O’Malley and other Catholic leaders for opposing same-sex unions. The coalition accuses the Catholic leaders of practicing “religious discrimination” and has requested that they stop campaigning for laws that protect the institution of marriage. “We respect the Roman Catholic Church’s desire to speak in a public forum about this, but it has come to a point where the advocacy about same-sex marriage has come to impinge on our own religious practices, because not everyone believes same-sex marriage is wrong or sinful or against religious beliefs,” said the Rev. Tiffany Steinwert, a United Methodist minister who works with homosexuals. She added, “What happens when the Roman Catholic Church seeks to create public policy based on their religious beliefs is that they negate other religious beliefs that might be contrary to that.” Catholic League president Bill Donoh

Warren Buffett Gives until it Hurts: Hurts Women, Hurts the Developing World and Kills Preborn Children

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Warren Buffet “Warren Buffett’s philanthropy aims at killing pre-born children not curing childhood disease, eliminating the poor not poverty, destroying the developing world not aiding in development ,” states prominent Roman Catholic Priest. FRONT ROYAL, Va, June 27 / Christian Newswire / -- The Rev. Thomas J. Euteneuer, President of Human Life International responds to Warren Buffett’s announcement to donate billions of dollars to the pro-abortion Gates Foundation. “Warren Buffett’s money has gone to fund the deadly abortion causing drug RU- 486 , the production and distribution of portable suction abortion devices in the developing world, organizations that push abortion on developing countries, and among many other radical organizations Buffett’s foundation gave a grant to the Center for Reproductive Rights, an organization that fought bans on partial-birth abortion… “Warren Buffett, who is not a Roman Catholic, has also donated money to the Anti-Catholic organization Catholics

Spiritual Quote of the Day: St. Augustine

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"Try to acquire those virtues which you think your brothers lack, and you will no longer see their defects because you yourself will not have the (virtues) yourself." ~ St. Augustine of Hippo

Quiz: How gullible are you? What kind of anti-Catholic novel would be most likely to reel you in?

You are most gullible when it comes to NEO-PAGAN NOVELS and books about goddess spirituality. Both argue that everything was so much better when people lived closer to nature, treated male and female as equal, and did not consider the desires of their bodies sinful. Then the Catholic Church came along and ruined absolutely everything. Ha! Even if the Catholic Church had never existed, these books would still get written--except they'd probably blame whites, or capitalism, or another easy target. Yet they still wouldn't be able to explain certain savageries of pre-Christian peoples. Wishful whining does not change either the historical record or the quality of second-rate writing. The authors of these books may love portraying themselves as the underdogs of history, but you don't have to throw money at them for it. 16 other people got this result!This quiz has been taken 74 times.21% of people had this result. How gullible are you? What kind of anti-Catholic novel would be

Pro-life Quote of the Day: St. John Vianney

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Matrimony is a great Sacrament, as St. Paul says, but only in Christ and His holy Church. Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loves His Church: wives, be subject to your husbands, in love and obedience, and care for one another. Bear with your imperfections. ~ St. John Vianney

TODAY IS A VERY SPECIAL DAY FOR US

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Happy 14th Anniversary, Honey!

Happy Feast Day of Our Lady of Perpetual Help

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The Message of the Icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help The child Jesus has just seen the angels who have shown him the instruments of his passion. St. Michael the Archangel holds the lance and gall-sop. St. Gabriel the Archangel holds the Cross and the nails. Frightened by the sight, Jesus has run to his mother’s arms so quickly that he almost lost one of His tiny sandals. It dangles from his foot. Mary holds Him lovingly but her eyes look at us - pleading with us to avoid sin and love Her Son. His hands are in hers to show that, as a child, Jesus placed Himself in Mary’s hands for protection and to remind us that He now has placed into Her hands all graces, to be given to those who turn to His mother and ask. The star on Mary’s veil shows her to be the one who brought the light of Christ to the darkened world - the beacon that leads the way to Heaven. The falling sandal symbolizes a soul clinging to Christ by one last thread--devotion to Mary. The golden background is symbolic of Heav

Conversing with Jesus

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Today I am praying for... health, safe travels and a successful Eucharistic Expedition for Fr. Antoine, David Marchinda, Matt Schmitz, Sharbel Dussault and one other man as they climb Mt. Rainier (Washington) this week. healing for all those who have and continue to go through the very painful process of divorce. pereseverance in prayer for all those making novenas at this time. an outpouring of graces on those in the pro-life movement and for continued enthusiasm and energy in their labors for the Lord. that all people will reverence and defend human life from natural conception to death. the closing of all abortion mills, especially for Tiller's late-term abortion mill. the Holy Father, all our cardinals, bishops, priests, and religious that they will be empowered by the Holy Spirit and strenghtened with an abundamce of special graces to carry out their duties according to God's will. safe travel, rest and relaxation for all those on vacation. a special intention. If you ha

PRAISE THE LORD!

Praise the Lord for granting the following prayer requests: Emily passed her state boards in nursing. Bill and I had a wonderful time this past weekend celebrating our 14th wedding anniversary. We will continue the celebration to a lesser degree on our true anniversary date, which is tomorrow, June 27th (despite other commitments). Thanks for your prayers!

Your Best Use of Prayer During the Next Few Months

Via Father Frank Pavone, Priests for Life: Dear Friends, There's one single way you can utilize the power of prayer in the coming weeks to move our nation closer to the abolition of abortion.My column today announces the Prayer Campaign for the 2006 Elections. It starts on the Fourth of July , and continues, as a double-novena, to Election Day, November 7. Would you please sign up today at www.PrayerCampaign.org , and get as many others as possible to sign up? Also, please be sure to order "Voting with a Clear Conscience" if you haven't already. This pocket-size booklet outlines ten easy steps to guide Christians in their voting decisions. We want to distribute this far and wide. We just received them in print, so if you have already ordered it, it's on its way. This booklet is already receiving an enthusiastic welcome. It even contains a letter from expert attorneys attesting that it can be distributed by Churches without any danger to their tax-exempt stat

Papal Nuncio Gives Communion to John Kerry - Likely Unintentional

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WASHINGTON, June 26, 2006 (LifeSiteNews.com) - At the installation Mass of the new Archbishop of Washington, Donald W. Wuerl, Thursday, Archbishop Pietro Sambi, the representative of Pope Benedict XVI, was seen giving Holy Communion to pro-abortion Senator and former Presidential candidate John Kerry. The incident was reported by the Catholic News Service (CNS), the official news service of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops. CNS states: "During the Mass, Kerry, who supports keeping abortion legal , received Communion in the hand from Archbishop Pietro Sambi, apostolic nuncio to the United States and Pope Benedict XVI's representative to the U.S. bishops." LifeSiteNews.com also spoke with the Communications Assistant of the Archdiocese of Washington about the matter. Mark Adkinson indicated that the incident was likely not intentional by indicating that Archbishop Sambi was administering Holy Communion on the side where the dignitaries were seated. CNS also reported

Fidelis Urges White House Action

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CHELSEA, MI — The national Catholic based advocacy group Fidelis delivered an impassioned letter Friday to the White House urging President Bush to intervene in the 16-year long legal dispute over the Mt Soledad Veterans Memorial. The fifty-two year old veterans memorial outside San Diego has been under attack by an anti-Christian atheist because the memorial includes a 29-foot cross. This week the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals refused to stay a lower court decision ordering the City of San Diego to pay $5,000 per day beginning August 1st if the cross is not removed. The decision is only the latest is a long series of judgments, public votes, and campaigns to protect the memorial from being permanently altered. Fidelis President Joseph Cella stated: “This historic memorial is endangered because of the actions of a single anti-Christian atheist who has spent over 16 years in an attempt to destroy the cross. Will the crosses at Arlington National Cemetery be next? If we don’t take a stan

PHILIPPINES PRESIDENT BANS CAPITAL PUNISHMENT, MEETS WITH POPE

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Pope Benedict and Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo shake hands during an official meeting at the Vatican June 26, 2006. Arroyo, seeking to shore up support from powerful Roman Catholic bishops, signed a law on June 24 abolishing the death penalty before her visit to the Vatican. REUTERS/Max Rossi (VATICAN) MANILA, June 26 (CNA) - The president of the Philippines, on Saturday, signed a law abolishing the death penalty and called on all Filipinos to "celebrate life in the most meaningful way." She also thanked the Catholic Church for “being a beacon of grace and discernment” and for leading the campaign against the death penalty, prior to meeting with the Pope on Sunday. President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo attempted to allay fears, of many, that the abolition of capital punishment, "opens the floodgates," of crime. She vowed that she would not relent in battling terrorists and criminals, reported the Philippine Star. "We shall continue to devote the inc

POPE URGES RECOVERY OF TRADITIONAL SACRED MUSIC

June 26 (CWNews.com) - Pope Benedict XVI has called for preservation of the Church's heritage of sacred music. Genuine renewal in Catholic music "cannot be achieved except by following the great traditions of the past, of Gregorian chants and sacred polyphony," said the Holy Father, speaking after a June 25 concert at the Vatican. This musical tradition, he said, is "a priceless spiritual, artistic, and cultural heritage." The Pope spoke at the conclusion a concert that emphasized 16th- and 17th-century sacred music, held in the Sistine Chapel and presented by the Domenico Bartolucci Foundation, directed by Msgr. Domenico Bartolucci. The Pope saluted that foundation, especially for its commitment to promoting the "Roman School" of polyphony-- which, the Pontiff noted, "has always been characterized by its focus on the pure voice, without instrumental accompaniment." Msgr. Domenico Bartolucci was named director of the Sistine Chapel choir by P

CONSERVATIVE GROUP DEMANDS OUSTER OF MARYLAND GOVERNOR

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Robert Ehrlich, Governor of Maryland A Virginia-based conservative group is demanding the resignation of Maryland's Governor Robert Ehrlich, who fired a Catholic member of a public transportation board for making public comments about his opposition to homosexuality. "It is a disgrace that anyone would be fired for stating their religious beliefs in a public forum not connected with their job capacity," said Eugene Delgaudio, the president of Public Advocate. "The pro-family citizens of Maryland should not have to be represented by an anti-Christian bigot.” Delgaudio was referring to the governor's dismissal of Robert Smith, a member of the Metro transportation board, who had said on a local cable-television show that he opposed the idea that "government should proffer a special place of entitlement within the laws of the United States for persons of sexual deviancy." “This is sure to have a chilling effect on fre

Pro-life Quote of the Day: St. Augustine

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"Even with a lawful wife, the marriage act is unlawful and shameful if the conception of offspring is prevented. That is what Onan, the son of Juda, did, and on that account God put him to death." ~ St. Augustine of Hippo

Saint of the Day: JOSEMARÍA ESCRIVÁ DE BALAGUER, FOUNDER OF OPUS DEI

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Highlights Of His Life January 9, 1902. Born to José Escrivá and María Dolores Albás, in Barbastro, Spain, the second of six children. January 13, 1902. Josemaría was baptized. 1910-1913. His three younger sisters died, a year later his family suffered financial ruin, and in 1915 the Escrivás moved to Logroño, where their father found work. Winter 1917-18. After seeing footprints in the snow left by a discalced (shoeless) Carmelite, Josemaría decided to become a priest. 1924. His father died leaving him to support his family while studying. March 28, 1925. Ordained to the priesthood in Saragossa. April 1927. Moved to Madrid to study for his doctorate in civil law. October 2, 1928. On retreat in Madrid, he "saw" the mission entrusted to him—to open a new path to holiness through sanctification of work in the midst of the world. This was the beginning of Opus Dei. February 14, 1930. He opened Opus Dei to women. 1934. The first edition of The Way was published. 1936-39. He was

Conversing with Jesus

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Jesus tells us in today's readings not to be afraid, but to have faith when the storms in our lives approach. Today I am praying for... all of us will look beyond the storms of our lives and gaze upon the face of the One who loves us, trusting completely in the power of His love for us, which fills our hearts with peace. Heidi and her reunion with her biological mother. that God's will be done regarding a great job opportunity for Eli in Colorado. for my brother, Michael, a single father, and his teenage son, and their special needs at this time. a lifetime of blessings for Nicole & Keith, as they are joined together as one in the Lord. prayers of protection and God's providence for my relationship with a young man with whom M. is discerning marriage. those stuck in lives of sin, that they may be given the grace and accept the grace of conversion to live in God, especially our family members. that all people will reverence and defend human life from natural conception

Weekend Humor: A Public Service Message for Women to Better Understand Men

I'm overdue for some humor here, so here's one from my inbox, emailed to me by a man. Thanks, Larry! Enjoy! A Public Service Message for Women to Better Understand Men Because I'm a man, when I lock my keys in the car, I will fiddle with a coat hanger long after hypothermia has set in. Calling AAA is not an option. I will win. Because I'm a man, when the car isn't running very well, I will pop the hood and stare at the engine as if I know what I'm looking at. If another man shows up, one of us will say to the other, "I used to be able to fix these things, but now with all these computers and everything, I wouldn't know where to start." We will then drink a couple of beers, as a form of communion. Because I'm a man, when I catch a cold, I need someone to bring me soup and take care of me while I lie in bed and moan. You're a woman. You never get as sick as I do, so for you, this is no problem. Because I'm a man, I can be relied upon to p

Nicole Kidman Marries Keith Urban

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Aren't they a cute couple? You can find more photos and a video here . Fox News offers a few more details here.

Nicole Kidman prepares to wed Keith Urban Down Under

Nicole Kidman is soon to be a "June Bride" and I can't wait to see this couple exchange vows. It's uplifting to see this high profile celebrity couple getting married in the Catholic Church. SYDNEY, Australia (AP) - Sydney was abuzz Sunday as Oscar-winning actress Nicole Kidman prepared to tie the knot with country music crooner Keith Urban . Helicopters buzzed overhead at the gothic-style chapel on cliffs overlooking the beach, where the two were expected to wed in a star-studded dusk ceremony, and a crowd of well-wishers and media gathered outside the gates. A woman dressed in a costume like the one Kidman wore in the campy 2001 film "Moulin Rouge'' and waved a sign that read "Aussie-wood.'' Black-suited guards took up posts around the church compound, which was surrounded by a high wire fence and barricades. Elsewhere in town, cafes offered Kidman specials for breakfast and newspapers featured photographs of a beaming Kidman posing with h

Abortion Trigger Laws in the United States

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Several states have enacted trigger laws to end abortion. Some are meant to ban abortion in the state should Roe v. Wade be overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court, others are intended to launch a challenge to that law. Mike Mears, CWA’s Director of State Legislative Relations, has more on these laws and other news. Click here to listen. Via CWA.

Pro-life Message of the Day: Pope John Paul the Great

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Working for the Culture of Life By virtue of our sharing in Christ's royal mission, our support and promotion of human life must be accomplished through the service of charity, which finds expression in personal witness, various forms of volunteer work, social activity and political commitment. This is a particularly pressing need at the present time, when the "culture of death" so forcefully opposes the "culture of life" and often seems to have the upper hand. But even before that it is a need which springs from "faith working through love" (Gal. 5:6). As the letter of James admonishes us: "What does it profit, my brethren, if a man says he has faith but has not works? Can his faith save him? If a brother or sister is ill-clad and in lack of daily food, and one of you says to them, 'go in peace, be warmed and filled,' without giving them the things needed for the body, what does it profit? So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead&q

Solemnity of the Birth of St. John the Baptist

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The Birth of St. John the Baptist 1540's Oil on canvas, 181 x 266 cm The Hermitage, St. Petersburg Today is the Solemnity of the Birth of St. John the Baptist. Patron: Baptism; bird dealers; converts; convulsions; convulsive children; cutters; epilepsy; epileptics; farriers; hail; hailstorms; Knights Hospitaller; Knights of Malta; lambs; Maltese Knights; lovers; monastic life; motorways; printers, spasms; tailors; Genoa, Italy; Quebec; Sassano, Italy; Diocese of Savannah, Georgia; Diocese of Charleston, South Carolina; Diocese of Dodge City, Kansas; Diocese of Paterson, New Jersey; Diocese of Portland, Maine.

Traditional Feast of The Immaculate Heart of Mary

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Today is the traditional date for the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (it is celebrated on the Saturday following the Second Sunday after Pentecost). This year the feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary is suppressed for the Solemnity of the Birth of St. John the Baptist (June 24). Nevertheless, today is still a wonderful day to celebrate Our Mother's love for her Son and her love for us - her other children. It was also on this feast day 14 years ago that Bill and I exchanged vows in the sacrament of Holy Matrimony, which makes this feast very memorable for me. Throughout the history of this devotion different titles have been used for the Immaculate Heart of Our Blessed Mother such as "the Maternal Heart of Mary" and also the "Sacred Heart of Mary." Sacred means holy, it does not mean divine. St. John Eudes (d. 1680) wrote of "the Admirable Heart of Mary." In St. Luke (2:51) we read of Our Lady pondering all these things—about Her Son Jesus—in h

Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

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PRAYER TO THE SACRED HEART Devotion to the Sacred Heart was the characteristic note of the piety of Saint Gertrude the Great (1256-1302), Benedictine nun and renowned mystic. She was, in fact, the first great exponent of devotion to the Sacred Heart. In our efforts to honor the Heart of Jesus we have this prayer as a model for our own: Hail! O Sacred Heart of Jesus, living and quickening source of eternal life, infinite treasure of the Divinity, and burning furnace of divine love. Thou art my refuge and my sanctuary, 0 my amiable Savior. Consume my heart with that burning fire with which Thine is ever inflamed. Pour down on my soul those graces which flow from Thy love, and let my heart be so united with Thine, that our wills may be one, and mine in all things be conformed to Thine. May Thy divine will be equally the standard and rule of all my desires and of all my actions. Amen. ~Saint Gertrude For information on the Sacred Heart Devotion, go here. In this interview with ZENIT , F

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