40 Days for Life, Days 4 and 5 Devotions

Now you can find the Devotionals at the 40 Days for Life blog.

Go here to pray the devotions for days 4 and 5.

Novena to St. Therese of Lisieux: Day 9

Today's novena prayers are here.

Holy Cross College Hosts on-Campus Planned Parenthood Workshops, Awards Pro-Abortion Governor

Yet another Jesuit run college violating Catholic Church teaching

Jesuit-run Holy Cross, the oldest Catholic college in New England, is hosting the 2007 Teen Pregnancy Institute with Planned Parenthood promoting teenage contraception. The Massachusetts Alliance on Teen Pregnancy presents the conference every year, but by hosting the conference the Holy Cross Jesuits are sending the message that they have no qualms with its promotion of contraception and the presence of Planned Parenthood, which are intrinsically inimical to the pro-life teachings of the Catholic Church.

At this year's conference - scheduled October 24, from 8AM - 4 PM - "Messages that Matter: Strengthening Prevention and Supporting Young Families," Planned Parenthood is scheduled to give 3 "workshops"; one of which includes a seminar on how to "Learn the latest and greatest of protection methods." (see copy of brochure here)

Good Jesuit, Bad Jesuit has more:

In addition, pro-abortion Governor Deval L. Patrick will appear at the conference to receive a "Leadership Award" and speak to the conference attendees. Unfortunately Holy Cross has a history of tolerating vociferous promoters of abortion under its President, Rev. Michael C. McFarland, S.J. In 2003, McFarland defended not only Holy Cross' invitation of pro-abortion political commentator, Chris Matthews, the host of MSNBC's "Hardball," to speak at that year's commencement, but also bestowed on him an honorary degree despite his univocal statements on several occasions "I am pro-choice." McFarland falsely stated Matthews's views were "a matter of practical judgment" and "allowable in Catholic thought," because he felt abortion was immoral, but disagreed that the government should stop it. Original article (here)

To contact the President of Holy Cross, Rev. Michael C. McFarland:

College of the Holy CrossOne College StreetWorcester, Massachusetts 01610-2395
Tel:(508) 793-2011

To contact the Jesuit Provincial Superior in Massachusetts, Rev. Thomas J. Regan, SJ: tregan@sjnen.org.

To contact the Jesuits New England Province:

P. O. Box 9199 Watertown, MA 02471-9199
Tel: (617) 607-2800
Fax: (617) 607-2888

Other NEP contacts: http://www.sjnen.org/contactus.htm

To contact the Bishop of Worchester:Bishop Robert J. McManus Roman Catholic Diocese of Worcester49 Elm Street Worcester, MA 01609

Main Tel: 508-791-7171Fax: 508-753-7180E-mail: frocco@worcesterdiocese.org

My Comment: We, as Catholics, know that it is wrong to support artificial contraception and to accept the lies of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, the largest abortion provider in the country, running about 190 abortion facilities nationwide. Planned Parenthood perptuates the culture of death in our nation today. PPFA’s entire business relies upon sex education. By teaching kids a perverted philosophy of human sexuality, PPFA breaks down natural inhibitions, which then leads to greater promiscuity. They sell sexual perversity to our youth. As a result, PPFA then increases its customer base for artificial birth control, including abortion. A long-term effect of such education is that it tends to create citizens who will support Planned Parenthood’s agenda, promoting the contraception / abortion mindset and lifestyle. which are contradictory to the teachings of the Catholic Church.

For more information on Planned Parenthood, please read The Ryan Report. To view an example of some of the educational activities Planned Parenthood promotes for your children, go here.

The papal encylical Humane Vitae instructs us that artificial contraception is intrinsically opposed to the will of God. Also, as mandated by the United States Bishops (USCCB), Catholic universities are forbidden to give platform to pro-abortion and pro-contraception speakers. Let us all work together on this to promote the truth. Please join me in writing a letter in response to this to both the Jesuit Superior as well as the President of Holy Cross College.

Related Posts: Catholic Georgetown U. to fund student internships at abortion agencies

Raw and Edgy Poem

Here is a poem about abortion, shared by Suzanne at Big Blue Wave:

The baby cries out

Only in dreams of repressed desire

Its melancholic wails have been silenced

By the loud music of sin-darkened parties

In rooms which no longer existed, men whose names

Have been forgotten, and the forbidden brush of bodies.

Read the rest here.

Poor Planned Parenthood!

More bad news for Planned Parenthood! Via Christina at Real Choice.

The Heaven Meme

Julian of Norwich describes heaven as a place of "eternal joy". She explains: "But we are not blessedly safe, possessing our endless joy, until we are all in peace and in love, that is to say wholly contented with God and with all his works and with all his judgments, and loving and content with ourselves and with our fellow Christians and with everything which God loves, as is pleasing to love."

This meme has one question:

How do you envision heaven?

I envision Heaven as a place of unlimited beauty and joy. It consists of tree - filled countrysides and forests with fresh air, pristine water, mountains, cascading waterfalls, turquoise oceans with white sand beaches, and gorgeous gardens filled with the aroma of roses, gardenias, and lilacs. Colorful fruit trees and vegetable gardens are in abundance and delectable food of every kind is there if you so desire and the supply never diminishes.

Every body there is perfect, but there is little focus on the appearances of others, but the main focus is on the love, the peace, and the joy that exists there between all God's creatures. We are all united as one people, raising our hearts to God in the communication of love.

There is no need for words - love flows freely. Certainly we can talk or write if we desire, but it is not necessary. All our family members are there with us and each one is in total ecstascy. Everyone present loves us and are like family to us. This is better than the best family reunion we have attended because we are all of the same mind and heart.

No one is ever bored as there is stimulation for our minds, which see things more clearly than they ever have before. Each of us laugh freely and each one of us has a special way of showering one another with love and showing God how much we love Him. There are some who are gifted with a sense of humor, some who are gifted musically and others gifted artistically, yet there is no competition. Our gifts are shared completely with one another and with God. No one is ever needy in any way - every need is fulfilled by the others present and by the God who loves us. We have total peace and security.

We meet all the saints from all of the ages past and present and we learn the stories of their lives with none of the details missing.

Every pet that we have ever owned is there with us and they are perfectly behaved and very affectionate toward those who desire their affections. They praise God by their total obedience. They entertain us with cute, endearing behaviors and are always putting on amusing plays for us under the direction of St. Francis of Assisi.

There are gorgeous babies there with luminous skin and clear blue eyes. Everyone loves the babies and we all serve as parents to them. They laugh and make cute baby gurgles and love to play. Best of all - these babies are maintenance - free. They are sweet and angelic, like little cherubs - with hearts full of love.

I guess I had better stop there before this turns into a book.

So, how do you envision heaven?

Make your answer as short or as long as you wish and tag 5 people.

Those I tag are:

1. Esther of A Catholic Mom in Hawaii.

2. Deb at Ukok's Place.

3. Margaret Mary at Margaret Mary Myers.

4. Jeff Miller at The Curt Jester.

5. Chelsea at A Path to Holiness.

Blogger's Quiz

H/T to Esther which she received from Divine Mercy.

Here's a fun quiz made up especially for bloggers. The rules are easy. Just post the quiz on your blog and answer the questions, then pass it on to five other bloggers, and link to them in your post. Be sure to link back to the one who sent it to you.

1. Do you attend the Traditional Latin Mass or the Novus Ordo?Novus Ordo. I attended the TLM in grade school and during my freshman year in high school.

2. If you attend the TLM, how far do you drive to get there? I'm most comfortable attending Holy Mass in my own parish, where I serve as a EMHC.

About twice a year the Brothers of St. John travel to this diocese and celebrate their very reverent Novus Ordo Mass with some Latin in it and I have travelled across town to attend that Mass with my other Oblates and future Oblates of the Community (about 30 - 35 minutes). I have also travelled 10 hours (one way) by car to spend the feast of St. John with my Community. Masses with the Brothers and Sisters are very reverent and contain Latin, English, and French (The Sisters sing in French sometimes.) The congregation sing and pray in English and Latin. Daily Masses last about 45 minutes and Sunday and Holy Day or Feast Day Masses last from about 60 - 90 minutes. They generally have processions with candles on feast days.

3. If you had to apply a Catholic label to yourself, what would it be? How about Devout Roman Catholic? I really don't like labels because they tend to alienate us from one another. I love novenas, Eucharistic Adoration, the rosary, and the Holy Mass. I have a strong devotion to our Blessed Mother and the saints. I believe in frequent reception of the sacraments. I wear a large miraculous medal from France and the brown scapular.

4. Are you a comment junkie? No, but when I read an interesting post, I leave a comment.

5. Do you go back to read the comments on the blogs you’ve commented on? Sometimes, not all the time.

6. Have you ever left an anonymous comment on another blog? No, I identify myself on a regular basis.

7. Which blogroll would you most like to be on? I'm not sure about this. I don't always notice whether I am on someone's blogroll or n0t, especially when I'm doing mega-blog reading. If I do read someone's blog a lot and do happen to notice that I am not on their blogroll, I may email them and ask them to include me. I read my blogs at Technorati so usually if someone has selected my blog as a favorite, I read theirs and if I like it, I add theirs to my favorites. It's easy for me that way!

8. Which blog is the first one you check?
Whichever is first in Technorati Favorites or on my blogroll, which is usually A Catholic Mom in Hawaii.

9. Have you met any other bloggers in person? Yes! I have met Regina Doman and here, too; Barb Nicolosi, Jill Stanek, Michael Barber, and Steve Kellmeyer. I am hoping to meet more bloggers in the future.

10. What are you reading? The Virtue - Driven Life by Fr. Benedict Groeschel, The Privilege of Being a Woman by Alice Von Hildebrand, and Black as Night by Regina Doman. I just finished BirthPangs, Fidelis by A. R. Horvath. I have a review coming out this fall on Infinite God, Infinite Space by Karina Fabian in The St. Anthony Messenger. I am also reading my Magnificat daily, as well as a few other devotionals. I just received another book for review recently, which I have just started. I'm also revising and rewriting my first book and am writing a proposal for another. I am also working on a short story.

Bonus Question! Has your site been banned by Spirit of Vatican II? No, it has not. If it has, who do you think Father Tim really is? I have no idea who Father Tim is.

I pass this quiz on to :

Donna Marie at Daily - Donna Marie: A Dose of Inspiration

Therese at Aussie Coffee Shop

Leticia at Cause of Our Joy

Barb, SFO Mom

Karen Edminston

Enjoy!

Novena to St. Therese of Lisieux: Day 8

O Eternal Father, in heaven You crown the merits of those who in this life serve You faithfully. For the sake of the most pure love Your little daughter, St. Theresa of the Child Jesus, had for you - love which binds You to give her whatever she desires - listen to the petitions which she offers up to You in my behalf, and hear my prayers by granting me the grace I ask. (Optional: Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be.)

Make my troubles your own - speak a word for me to our Lady Immaculate, whose flower of special love you were - to that Queen of heaven who smiled on you at the dawn of life." Beg her as the Queen of the heart of Jesus to obtain for me by her powerful intercession, the grace I yearn for so ardently at this moment, and that she join with it a blessing that may strengthen me during life. Defend me at the hour of death, and lead me straight on to a happy eternity. Amen.

Saturday Basics

Feast of Sts. Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, Archangels

Today's Mass Readings

On This Day in Catholic History:

440 - Pope Leo I became pope.

855 Pope Benedict III (???–858) became pope.

1803 The first Roman Catholic Church in Boston was formally dedicated. Catholics had been granted religious freedom by the Massachusetts constitution of 15 June 1780.

1963 The second session of the Second Vatican Council was opened in Rome by Pope Paul VI (1897–1978). This session lasted through December 4.

Today's Birthdays:

1571 - Caravaggio, Italian artist (d. 1610)

1907 - Gene Autry, American actor and businessman (d. 1998)

1913 - Stanley Kramer, American film director (d. 2001)

1943 - Lech Wałęsa, President of Poland, recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize

Feast of Sts. Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, Archangels

The three Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael are the only angels named in Sacred Scripture and all three have important roles in the history of salvation.

Saint Michael is the "Prince of the Heavenly Host," the leader of all the angels. His name is Hebrew for "Who is like God?" and was the battle cry of the good angels against Lucifer and his followers when they rebelled against God. He is mentioned four times in the Bible, in Daniel 10 and 12, in the letter of Jude, and in Revelation.

Michael, whose forces cast down Lucifer and the evil spirits into Hell, is invoked for protection against Satan and all evil. Pope Leo XIII, in 1899, having had a prophetic vision of the evil that would be inflicted upon the Church and the world in the 20th century, instituted a prayer asking for Saint Michael's protection to be said at the end of every Mass.

Christian tradition recognizes four offices of Saint Michael: (1) to fight against Satan (2) to rescue the souls of the faithful from the power of the enemy, especially at the hour of death. (3) to be the champion of God's people, (4) to call away from earth and bring men's souls to judgment.

Patron: Against temptations; against powers of evil; artists; bakers; bankers; battle; boatmen; cemeteries; coopers; endangered children; dying; Emergency Medical Technicians; fencing; grocers; hatmakers; holy death; knights; mariners; mountaineers; paramedics; paratroopers; police officers; radiologists; sailors; the sick; security forces; soldiers; against storms at sea; swordsmiths; those in need of protection

"I am the angel Raphael, one of the seven, who stand before the Lord" (Tobit 12:15)

Saint Raphael, whose name means "God has healed" or "medicine of God" because of his healing of Tobias' blindness in the Book of Tobit. Tobit is the only book in which he is mentioned. His office is generally accepted by tradition to be that of healing and acts of mercy.

Raphael is also identified with the angel in John 5:1-4 who descended upon the pond and bestowed healing powers upon it so that the first to enter it after it moved would be healed of whatever infirmity he was suffering.

Patron: Blind; bodily ills; counselors; druggists; eye problems; guardian angels; happy meetings; healers; health inspectors; health technicians; love; lovers; mental illness; nurses; pharmacists; physicians; shepherds; against sickness; therapists; travellers; young people; young people leaving home for the first time


"I am Gabriel, who stand before God." (Luke 1, 19)

Saint Gabriel, whose name means "God's strength," is mentioned four times in the Bible. Most significant are Gabriel's two mentions in the New Testament: to announce the birth of John the Baptist to his father Zacharias, and the at Incarnation of the Word in the womb of Mary.

Christian tradition suggests that it is he who appeared to St. Joseph and to the shepherds, and also that it was he who "strengthened" Jesus during his agony in the garden of Gethsemane.

Patron: Ambassadors; broadcasting; childbirth; clergy; communications; diplomats; messengers; philatelists; postal workers; public relations; radio workers; secular clergy; stamp collectors; telecommunications

For more information on the Archangels, go here.

Revised from a previous post.

The World's Tiniest Living Baby

The world's tiniest baby - meet the 10oz bundle of defiance

When she was born, 15 weeks premature and weighing ten and a half ounces, her father's confidence was about the only thing on Kimberly Mueller's side.

In the few snatched moments he was allowed before his daughter was whisked away by doctors, Andreas Mueller spoke from his heart.

"I whispered to her: 'Kimberly, you'll make it,'" he recalled.

MORE

40 DAYS FOR LIFE: DAY 3, DAILY DEVOTIONAL

SCRIPTURE:

"Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all long suffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life."-- 1 Timothy 1:15b-16

REFLECTION:

As a post-abortive woman, I (Carmen Pate) made this my life verse following my brokenness before the Lord and the receiving of His forgiveness.

This verse is a reminder to me that I must never waste God's mercy towards me, but instead allow Him to use meas an example of His love, His patience, and His amazing grace.

The Apostle Paul was the first to identify himself as the "chief of sinners." Certainly, it is easy for us to point to his record of sins and understand why he would claim this label as his own.

We may wonder silently if it might more appropriately be the label for the abortionist inside the clinic, or the Planned Parenthood counselors, or the NARAL activists. But God who knows your heart may be nudging you right now asking, "What about you"?

Paul spells out the case for all of us when he writes,"Once you were dead because of your disobedience. But God is so rich in mercy, and He loved us so much that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. It is only by God's grace that you have been saved. So, God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of His grace and kindness toward us shown in all He has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus." (Ephesians 2: 1, 4-5, 7 NLT)

Truly, we are all trophies of His grace. May we live worthy of the honor He has given us to be heirs in Christ Jesus.

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, the Lord Our Righteousness, may we be ever mindful of your amazing grace in each of our lives that allows us access to Your throne. You deem us worthy only because of the sacrifice of your precious Son, Jesus Christ, and our acknowledgment of His saving blood.

May Your love that drew us to Yourself, be evident as we love others. Expose any area of pride that would keep us from reaching out in kindness to hurting hearts. Cleanse us Lord, and prepare our hearts to gather more trophies for your kingdom.

In Christ's name we pray, AMEN.

Novena to St. Therese of Lisieux: Day 7

For today's novena, go here.

CONTINUE BOYCOTTING MILLER!

Via Catholic League: September 28, 2007

MILLER OFFICERS RECEIVE S&M PHOTOS; BOYCOTT TO EXTEND BEYOND SUNDAY’S EVENT

Catholic League president Bill Donohue explained the latest developments in the boycott against Miller Brewing:

“Miller Brewing will now be known as S&M Miller, and that is because it has apparently decided to drop anchor with the sadomasochistic festival that it is proudly sponsoring on Sunday at the Folsom Street Fair in San Francisco. It still refuses to pull sponsorship of this obscene event, knowing full well that it is making a financial contribution to an anti-Catholic group, the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence; the Sisters is one of the beneficiaries of the street fair. And last night in San Francisco, the Sisters held a mock Last Supper, ridiculing all Christians.

“Yesterday, we sent all eleven members of the company’s Executive Committee a sample of the kinds of sick behaviors (click here) S&M Miller is sponsoring; the packet was sent by overnight mail to the all-male committee. The accompanying memo says:

It is hard to believe that if you knew exactly what kind of event the Folsom Street Fair is that you would want Miller to be sponsoring it. That is why I am sending the enclosed photos of this event (taken from previous years) to you. In the outside chance you are not disturbed by these photos, please show them to your mother, wife and daughters. I trust that you will do the right thing and withdraw sponsorship of this event immediately. Rest assured that we will not walk away from this issue. The public is rallying to our side, emboldening us to stay in this fight for as long as it takes.

“Over 200 religious organizations spanning six faith communities were sent a letter yesterday asking them to join us in the boycott. If S&M Miller doesn’t pull its sponsorship, we will announce a game plan on Monday that will make the company regret it ever decided to insult Christians.”

Contact Miller Brewing at 1-800-MILLER 6 or 414-931-2000.

Friday Basics

An Autumn Spectrum by Walt K.

Optional Memorial of St. Wenceslaus, martyr; St. Lawrence Ruiz and Companions, martyrs

Today's Mass Readings


Saint of the Day: St. Wenceslaus, Martyr

On This Day in Catholic History:

235 Saint Pontianus, bishop of Rome, died.

929 (or 935) King Wenceslas, ruler and patron saint of Czechoslovakia, died (b. ca. 907).

1823 Leo XII (1760–1829) was elected as pope.

1978 Pope John Paul I (b. 17 October 1912), 262nd pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, died.

Birthdays:

1889 - Jack Fournier, baseball player (d. 1973)

1901 - Ed Sullivan, American television show host (d. 1974)

1909 - Al Capp, American cartoonist (d. 1979)

1970 - Mike DeJean, American baseball player

1987 - Hillary Duff, American actress, singer

Blogging Around and Finding Everything Your Heart Desires...Well, Almost!

Culture of Life:

Leticia at Cause of Our Joy shares Poetry for Forty Days for Life entitled "The Would-be Father", which focuses on the father of an aborted child and gives us a link to Lumina, a ministry for post-abortive men.

Culture of Death:

Suzanne at Big Blue Wave reports on a 22-year old woman from Massachusetts, who died on September 13, 2007, from hemorrhaging caused by an abortion obtained at Women Health Center in the Cape Cod town of Hyannis. The abortionist responsible for the death is reportedly Rapin Osathanondh, who made headlines in 2001 for threatening to murder five hospital nurses in a fit of rage over misplaced paperwork.

Conversion Story:

Blog by the Sea has an interesting post Episcopal Bishop Steenson Becoming Catholic: "This is the true home of Anglicanism." Bishop Jeffrey Steenson, the active Bishop of the Diocese of the Rio Grande in the Episcopal Church, announced today that he will become Roman Catholic. His letter to his clergy is posted on the Anglican website Stand Firm.

Humor:

Therese at Aussie Coffee Shop shares an entertaining and hilarious video designed especially for moms here.

Catholicism:

Esther posts on a mysterious and fascinating topic The Pains of Purgatory - Just one account of how the Holy Souls suffer in Purgatory.

Quizzes:

Salve Regina has a fun "Blogger's Quiz" up. Check it out here.

Novenas:

Dympha at Dympha's Well has a Novena to Your Guardian Angel up.

Memes:

Nancy at The Romance Chick speaks has a new meme I haven't seen before. Check it out here.

Prayer:

Donna Marie at Daily Donna Marie shares a beautiful prayer composed by Composed by John Henry Cardinal Newman, which was one of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta's favorites.

Spirituality:

"Look to Christ on the Cross" offers a beautiful and powerful meditation and video on suffering. Check it out at Path to Holiness posted by Chelsea.

"Was John Paul II Euthanized?" - TIME Distorts Catholic Teaching to Give Credence to Outlandish Accusations

"Was John Paul II Euthanized?" The sensationalist story peddled by TIME magazine has grabbed the world's attention with the thought that the great champion of human life, the author of "Evangelium Vitae," and steadfast opponent of abortion and euthanasia, may have rejected his Church's teachings to end his life. However TIME's story warps Catholic teachings in order to make the flimsy accusations of an Italian medical professor (with an axe to grind against the Vatican) look credible at the same time the Vatican has stated food and fluids are morally obligatory medical care (see this).

MORE

Most secular magazines like Time know so little about the Catholic faith they have to invent ridiculous stories like this to sell magazines. Just look at how they misinterpreted and wrote that disgusting story about Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta. They don't have a clue as to what the Catholic faith is all about.

YOU WON'T BELEVE THIS! UPDATED

Catholic hospitals to follow Plan B law

HARTFORD, Conn. - Roman Catholic bishops in Connecticut have agreed to let hospital personnel give emergency contraception to all rape victims, reversing their decision days before a new state law requires it.

The church, which runs four of the state's 30 hospitals, had fought the state law requiring medical personnel to give rape victims emergency contraception, sold as Plan B, even if the women are ovulating.

MORE

My Comment: May God have mercy on their souls! Are you feeling like you're living in the Twilight Zone these days? You're not alone!

We must pray for them!

Update: Jimmy Akin responds to Bad News in Connecticut. H/T The Curt Jester.

Here is The Curt Jester's original post on this controversy.

Catholic Georgetown U. to fund student internships at abortion agencies

The oldest Catholic university in the nation has changed its policy to permit grants to law students who intern with abortion agencies, such as Planned Parenthood. Law Center Dean T. Alexander Aleinikoff of Georgetown University announced the policy change Sept. 7 in a letter published in the Law Center's student newspaper. It was reported in The Hoya, the Georgetown University newspaper.

The decision came after the Law Center got flack from pro-abortion students and faculty for directing student group Equal Justice Foundation to refuse funding to a student who applied to intern at Planned Parenthood.

The Hoya reports that the University Law Center will no longer consider the mission of organizations in determining grants, as was the case for the initial denial of funding.

"In partnership with the Equal Justice Foundation, the Law Center will provide grants to all students who work on law-related issues at a public interest organization or government agency," wrote Aleinikoff.

Joy Welan the president of the Catholic University Law Center's pro-abortion group, Law Students for Choice, was pleased with the decision. She said her group met with Aleinikoff several times over the policy.

"We think that this compromise is fantastic news, for students who are interested in pursuing careers in reproductive rights advocacy," Welan told The Hoya. "The dean has taken a huge step forward in advancing Georgetown's commitment to public interest law, and we applaud him for it."

MORE

My Comments:

Margaret Sanger and Satan are applauding you, too, from the fiery abode they call home.

What is in the drinking water out there in D.C. ? Remind me never to drink it should I venture out that way. "Compromise?" "Reproductive rights advocacy?" This sounds like Hillary "Pinocchio" Clinton jargon.

I hate to mention this, but human babies have rights - the right to life! Have you ever heard of such a thing as the Constitution, which guarantees every human being the right to life? Read my lips: You are sanctioning MURDER!

"Compromise?" You are compromising morals, your immortal soul, and those of the students you serve and teach in exchange for money?

Warning to all Catholic parents: This is not a Catholic University. Do not send your children there. To those parents who have students enrolled: ask for your money back and take these "Catholic" lawyers to court.

To those who don't have children there, let us pray for enlightenment, repentance, and the conversion of these souls who are responsible for educating our Catholic youth in the faith, but instead, educate them in the ways of Margaret Sanger and Planned Parenthood, which is truly Satanic.

Fred Thompson Blowing it

Most of the attention on the straw poll at last week's Values Voter Republican Presidential Debate was on the big winner – Mike Huckabee.

The former Arkansas governor deserves the recognition he got from the delegates at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale.

He entered the contest as the favorite of 35 percent of the delegates from pro-family organizations. But he finished the debate as the favorite of 63 percent.

That was quite an accomplishment.

There was, however, a big loser in the debate – one of the four GOP presidential candidates who decided not to show up.

The big loser was Fred Thompson, who entered the evening as the favorite of 15 percent of those in attendance. When the evening was over, he had the support of just 4 percent. No other candidate lost anywhere near that kind of support as a result of his performance or, in Thompson's case, his non-performance.

He also lost me.

My Comments: I wasn't able to see it this last time, but my favorites continue to be: Alan Keyes, Sam Brownback, and Mike Huckabee - all pro-life champions. It's early in the race, so we will see how things go.

Terrorists to O'Donnell: Hang with us!

Terrorists to O'Donnell -- Hang with Us!

Via TmZ.com

Cardinal Bertoni: The Dignity of Women

"Concrete support must be given to the right of girls and women to study and achieve professional qualifications, using appropriate positive laws to combat all forms of unjust exploitation of the female sex and the shameful commercialization of the female body. It is incumbent upon us to decry the intolerable scandal of a certain kind of sexual tourism which humiliates women, reducing them to a situation of practical slavery."

~ Cardinal Bertone, Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone S.D.B. to Francesco Frangiallisecretary general of the World Tourism Organization (WTO), September 27, 2007.

Image Source via Recapturing Our Catholic Patrimony.

NATIONAL BOYCOTT OF MILLER BEGINS; OVER 200 RELIGIOUS GROUPS CONTACTED

Catholic League president Bill Donohue announced a national boycott of Miller Beer on this morning’s “Fox and Friends.” He explains why today:

“Never have we experienced greater corporate arrogance than in this dispute with the Miller Brewing Company. Miller is sponsoring an incredibly outrageous and palpably anti-Christian event in San Francisco: the Folsom Street Fair (see its website at folsomstreetfair.com and be prepared to see the shocking photos of what goes on).

Be sure to access our website at catholicleague.org to see the pictures not only of the fair, but of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, an anti-Catholic group that is holding a mock Last Supper dinner tonight in San Francisco. The Sisters is one of the organizations that is receiving funding from this Miller-sponsored event.

“This all started when we learned that Miller was sponsoring an event that featured an obscene ad thrashing the Last Supper. After being pressured, Miller offered a lame statement of regret and said it was pulling its logo from the ad. Not only has it not done so—it is still posted on the website of the street fair—Miller refuses to withdraw its sponsorship. To top it off, when we informed them that some of the money being raised at this festival was being funneled to the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, they were unimpressed.

“Accordingly, Miller leaves us with no options: we are calling on more than 200 Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist and Hindu organizations to join with us in a nationwide boycott of Miller beer. We feel confident that once our religious allies kick in, and once the public sees the photos of an event Miller is proudly supporting, the Milwaukee brewery will come to its senses and pull its sponsorship altogether. If it doesn’t, the only winners will be Anheuser Busch and Coors.”Contact: Miller spokesman Julian Green at green.julian@mbco.com

Phone: 1-800-MILLER 6 or 414-931-2000

Previous Post: Miller, This Bud's For You!

St. Therese Novena: Day 6

For today's novena prayers, go here.

40 DAYS FOR LIFE: DAY 2, DAILY DEVOTIONAL

SCRIPTURE:

"Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together. I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them." -- Psalm 34: 3-4, 7

REFLECTION:

Fear of what man may do to us, or fear of what the future may hold, keeps many in bondage to the lies of the enemy.

A young woman may fear her boyfriend won't love her if she doesn't engage in promiscuity. The young woman who has an unplanned pregnancy may fear what the future holds because she has believed the lie that her life and her future are over because of the child in her womb. The post-abortive woman may fear she is unworthy of love and deserves to be punished by both God and man. We may fear what people think or what man may do to us because we stand for righteousness, and stand in the gap for the unborn and the woman with child.

But Scripture tells us to fear the Lord! In fact, the theme of the book of Proverbs is that the fear of the Lord is the starting point and essence of wisdom.

In this context "fear" is a reverence for God expressed in submission to His will. It is a reverent awe of who God is and what He does. When we understand His unique and immutable characteristics -- that He is Omniscient(all-knowing), Omnipotent (all-powerful) and Omnipresent (everywhere present) -- our reverent awe is a natural response.

When we add to that knowledge the fact that God is Love, His ways are perfect, and "All things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28),we understand why this "perfect Love casts out fear" of the enemy, of man, and what tomorrow may bring our way.

Let's put fear in proper perspective as we magnify the Lord and cast all our fears at His feet.

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, you are the Lord Our Peace. Help us to reflect your peace as we encounter those today who are in the bondage of fear.

We acknowledge that you are indeed all-knowing, all-powerful, and everywhere present. Thank you for your love and faithfulness to us. As we commit to fear You alone, give us your wisdom and discernment to help calm the fears of others and redirect them to Truth,and a reverent awe of You.

In the name of Your Son, Jesus, upon whose name we can boldly come before You, we pray, AMEN.

Spiritual Insights from St. Vincent de Paul, Servant of the Poor

“No matter what others say or do, even if the wicked succeed, do not be troubled: commit everything to God and put your trust in him.”

“Extend mercy towards others, so that there can be no one in need whom you meet without helping. For what hope is there for us if God should withdraw His mercy from us?”

"You have been chosen to be at the disposition of Divine Providence and, if you do not fully submit ot It, you will loose much."

"But do you know what it is to labor in charity? It is to labor in God, for God is charity, and it is to labor for God purely and entirely; it is to do so in the grace of God."

"Make it a practice to judge persons and things in the most favorable light at all times and under all circumstances."

"We must love our neighbor as being made in the image of God and as an object of His love."

"The most powerful weapon to conquer the devil is humility. For, as he does not know at all how to employ it, neither does he know how to defend himself from it."

"Free your mind from all that troubles you; God will take care of things. You will be unable to make haste in this (choice) without, so to speak, grieving the heart of God, because he sees that you do not honor him sufficiently with holy trust. Trust in him, I beg you, and you will have the fulfillment of what your heart desires."

"It is our duty to prefer the service of the poor to everything else and to offer such service as quickly as possible. If a needy person requires medicine or other help during prayer time, do whatever has to be done with peace of mind. Offer the deed to God as your prayer.... Charity is certainly greater than any rule. Moreover, all rules must lead to charity."

"Perfection consists in one thing alone, which is doing the will of God. For, according to Our Lord's words, it suffices for perfection to deny self, to take up the cross and to follow Him. Now who denies himself and takes up his cross and follows Christ better than he who seeks not to do his own will, but always that of God? Behold, now, how little is needed to become as Saint? Nothing more than to acquire the habit of willing, on every occasion, what God wills."

"He who allows himself to be ruled or guided by the lower and animal part of his nature, deserves to be called a beast rather than a man."

"Whoever wishes to make progress in perfection should use particular diligence in not allowing himself to be led away by his passions, which destroy with one hand the spiritual edifice which is rising by the labors of the other. But to succeed well in this, resistance should be begun while the passions are yet weak; for after they are thoroughly rooted and grown up, there is scarcely any remedy."

"We ought to deal kindly with all, and to manifest those qualities which spring naturally from a heart tender and full of Christian charity; such as affability, love and humility. These virtues serve wonderfully to gain the hearts of men, and to encourage them to embrace things that are more repugnant to nature."

"It ought to be considered a great misfortune, not only for individuals, but also for Houses and Congregations, to have everything in conformity with their wishes; to go on quietly, and to suffer nothing for the love of God. Yes, consider it certain that a person or a Congregation that does not suffer and is applauded by all the world is near a fall."

"Humility and charity are the two master-chords: one, the lowest; the other, the highest; all the others are dependent on them. Therefore it is necessary, above all, to maintain ourselves in these two virtues; for observe well that the preservation of the whole edifice depends on the foundation and the roof. "

Baby "Goliath"

A Siberian woman who gave birth to her 12th child -- doing more than her fair share to stem Russia's population decline -- was stunned to find that little Nadia weighed in at a massive 7.75 kg (17.1 lb).

MORE

Miller, This Bud's For You!

IT REALLY IS “MILLER TIME”: COLLISION COURSE BETWEEN MILLER AND CHRISTIANS

Yesterday, we contacted the Miller Brewing Company protesting an obscene ad for an event it is sponsoring in San Francisco on September 30; the ad for the Folsom Street Fair depicts a sadomasochistic scene where sex toys are placed on the table of the Last Supper, flanked by half-naked homosexuals. Miller now says, “We understand some individuals may find the imagery offensive and we have asked the organizers to remove our logo from the poster effective immediately.”

Catholic League president Bill Donohue responded this way:
“Miller’s response (some might find mocking the Last Supper offensive?), while limp, would normally have been enough to get us off their back. But we have subsequently learned that some of the monies being raised at this event are being funneled to a notoriously anti-Catholic and misogynist group, the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence (click here). After this development was brought to the attention of Miller, spokesman Julian Green responded that Miller was standing by the event. That’s fine with us. We just hope he knows that it really is ‘Miller Time.’

“Tomorrow night, the group that Miller is funding via the festival will hold ‘The Last Supper With the Sisters,’ an event that will ridicule this sacred moment in history. Indeed, on its website it describes this sick stunt as the best way ‘to prepare your mortal flesh for the kinkiest weekend on Earth.’ (Its emphasis.) On Friday, the Sisters will bring in porn stars to entertain the leather crowd. The big day is on Sunday, or what the Sisters call ‘the biggest and baddest fetish fair fundraiser in the world!’ Pictures from last year’s event (click here) show naked men and women, simulated sex, a huge phallic glass sculpture, etc.

“Apparently, Miller has decided to side with a small band of depraved and bigoted gays against Catholics (25 percent of the population) and Protestants (60 percent of the nation). This is an ethical and marketing fiasco of colossal proportions. I will announce within the next day exactly what our game plan will be. The collision course that Miller wants with Christians is now on.”

My Comment:

They have heard from me and if this is their response, they are going to feel it in their pocketbook - where it counts!

New Poll

Please particpate in the new poll I have created on the top right side of this blog. I am eager to learn about your reading habits. Thank you!

Catholic Humor

I was in line to receive Communion one Sunday, when the cell phone of the woman ahead of me went off just as the priest was giving her a wafer. The woman stammered an apology as she fumbled with the phone, trying to turn it off. Without skipping a beat, the priest said, "Tell them we don't do takeout."

~ Jennifer Whitcomb, Fairfax, Va.

Via Spirit Daily.

It's a New Day! Thursday Basics

Happy Chrysanthemums
by Michaels Photos

Memorial of St. Vincent de Paul, priest

Today's Mass Readings

Today in Catholic History:

1540 Through the encyclical Regimini Militantis Ecclesiae, Pope Paul III (1468–1549; pope, 1534–1549) officially approved the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), founded in 1534 by St. Ignatius of Loyola (1491–1556).

1590 Pope Urban VII (b. 4 August 1521) died thirteen days after being chosen as the pope, making his reign the shortest papacy in history.

1660 St. Vincent de Paul, founder of the first Confraternity of Charity in 1617, the Congregation of the Mission in 1625 and the Daughters of Charity, died (b. 24 April 1576).

1700 Pope Innocent XII died (b. 13 March 1615).

Birthdays:

1696 St. Alphonsus Liguori, Italian founder of the Redemptorist order, was born (d. 1 August 1787).

1866 - Blessed Eurosia Fabris Italian Catholic wife and mother; dressmaker (d. 1932)

1920 - Jayne Meadows, American actress

1949 - Mike Schmidt, American baseball player

1979 - Jon Garland, American baseball player

Today's Intercessory Prayers

Glory be to the name of the Lord, for He cares for His chosen people with infinite love. And so we send our prayers up to him:- Lord, show us Your love.

Remember your Church, Lord:
keep her free from evil and make her grow perfect in your love.

Make all peoples recognize that you alone are God, with Jesus Christ your Son, whom you have sent to us.

May all go well with those who are near to us: bless them and give them unending life.

Give solace to those who are burdened by hard labor,
and uphold the dignity of those the world despises.

In Your compassion, open wide Your gates for those who have left the body today, and graciously welcome them into your kingdom.

We pray for the following intentions:

For the success of the 40 Days for Life Campaign.

For Linda W. who is suffering from liver cancer.

For all the unemployed, the homeless, the poor, and the alienated.

For those who are suffering from the pain of abortion.

For the conversion of all our family members.

For the conversion of those ensnared in the culture of death.

For the mentally ill.

For a FT job for Bill ASAP.

For Julie D.'s special intentions and for safe travel.

For all the prayer intentions at One Came Back.

For the continuing efforts against PP in Aurora, Illinois.

For Dawn Eden's prayer request for Del, who is under investigation by his employer's HR team, for passing out Miraculous medals at work to selected individuals.

For a special intention.

For all previous prayer intentions mentioned here and for those around St. Blog's.

Our Father ....

Lord, support us as we pray to you, and keep us day and night under your protection. Guide us as we live in this world of change, and let your own unchangeability be a firm foundation for us. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.

St. Therese Novena: Day 5

For the fifth day of the novena, go here.

Technical Alert to Geeks: I Need A Little Help From My Friends

Gentle readers, at this time I could use your help. For some unknown reason, I have not been receiving my email notices for Catholic Carnival for the past couple of months. I have been receiving all other emails on time and shortly after they are sent.

We have checked with our server - no problems there. We have had our computer checked - no problems there. We have a strong firewall, but still get spam, which we delete. I have checked with Jay, and for some reason that either one of us are aware of, I don't receive his email until two days after it is sent. This is new in the past few months. Neither one of us know how to resolve the problem. If you have any ideas, please comment below or email me.

If you regularly receive these notices, would you be kind enough to please put the info in my comment box so I can participate in the Catholic Carnival? Thank you.

40 DAYS FOR LIFE: DAY 1, SEPTEMBER 26 DAILY DEVOTIONAL

SCRIPTURE:
"If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and forgive their sin and heal their land."-- 2 Chronicles 7:14

REFLECTION:
God was responding to Solomon's prayer for the people of Israel, during the dedication of the newly built temple. The people of Israel had repeatedly turned from God and each time, God would turn them over to an enemy.The people would cry out to the Lord and God would deliver them, only to see them turn away from Him once again. This cycle was repeated over and over,demonstrating the amazing mercy of Our Lord on each occasion. (See 2 Chronicles 6: 36-40)

Not unlike God's chosen people of Israel, the body of Christ, which is His church, must humble ourselves,pray, seek His face, and turn from our wicked ways, if we expect God to hear from heaven, forgive our sin, and heal our land.

The need for repentance has not been greater since the Supreme Court decision of Roe vs. Wade in 1973.

The number one cause of death in America is the needless sacrifice of our children at the altar of convenience called abortion. Conservative estimates put the number of deaths at nearly 47 million in America alone.

And lest we think this is an issue outside the church walls, 43% of women obtaining abortions identify themselves as Protestant, and 27% identify themselves as Catholic. One in four women has at least one abortion by the age of 45 -- both non-Christian and Christian alike.Where was the voice of Truth -- the church?

Mary Comm of In Our Midst Ministries, Inc. sums up the issue best as she writes, "We (the church) have been an unintentional accomplice to the millions of lives lo stand to the multiplied millions of lives devastated by abortion. We didn't want them to abort. We didn't mean for them to abort. But, because of our lack of knowledge, because of our fear, we have continued to stand by and do nothing. We, God's hands and feet in this dark and hurting world, have been unintentional,unknowledgeable accomplice, but an accomplice nonetheless."

May today mark the beginning of change within the church, as God's people, in unity, seek His forgiveness.

PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, as our sovereign and powerful Creator,
You have blessed this nation because of our Founding Fathers intentional plan to worship You alone.

We have turned our backs on you and your principles in your Word. We have allowed man to usurp Your role as God over life and the number of our days. You are justified in removing your hedge of protection and turning us over to our decadence.

But we come to you in brokenness and repentance over our sin. We cry out for Your mercy and ask you to remove the scourge of abortion from our land. Use us as your vessels, Lord, to bring the light of Your Truth to our nation once again. Because of Christ we pray, AMEN

A BABY AT ANY COST?

Question:

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I am seeking your wisdom and insight into the use of medications to conceive a new life within a Catholic marriage. I have been offering counsel regarding the use of contraception to my younger brother and sister-in-law with regards the church’s teaching and several moral theologians, however, they are now wishing to conceive and have been unable for the last year and a half. During that time I have prayerfully offered them the Pope Paul VI Institute as a resource and discussed the grave nature of choosing to use fertility drugs and in vitro fertilization to conceive. My parents and older brother/sister-in-law believe that in vitro fertilization is sinful as it is ‘unnatural’ and contrary to God’s design, however, my entire immediate family does not accept the limited information that I offer explaining that fertility drugs are also contrary to God’s design of the woman’s cycle and ‘unnatural’ in how they cause conception to occur. I fear for the eternal consequences of my younger brother/sister-in-law’s decision, and also for the support that my parents and older brother/sister-in-law are giving with their acceptance of fertility drug use. I have even referred them to our diocesan bishop as he is always helpful in answering difficult moral and theological questions, however, he has not yet responded. In asking various priests, there are several varying responses which are given; some condone the medications in this circumstance, and others do not.

Can you please provide me with more information and resources to solidly portray the Truth to my family such that they may come to the understanding of what the church teaches and believes with respect to fertility medications?

Thank you so much for your help in saving the souls of my family!

Peace in Him,
Darren

Answer Here

What You Can Do To Stop The Obscenity

On September 30, San Francisco’s Folsom Street Fair will be held. The ad for this year’s gay/leather event depicts half-naked homosexuals at a table mimicking the Last Supper. The sadomasochistic theme features sex toys displayed on the table.
Catholic League president Bill Donohue explains his response today:

“Kudos to Concerned Women for America for bringing this obscenity to the attention of the public. Their strategy is to get California politicians to denounce this event. Our strategy is to get Miller Brewing Company to withdraw its sponsorship. Here’s why.

“There are several sponsors to this street fair, but most are local and represent niche markets; Miller is the only national household sponsor. Furthermore, Miller has a record of acceding to requests from various segments of the population that have objected to certain ads: it has bowed to the wishes of Muslims, African-American clergy, lawyers and feminists by pulling ads deemed offensive. Surely it will do the same in this instance: the ad, like the event, is morally depraved. Indeed, it is the kind of ad that only the enemies of Christians would entertain.

“We have contacted Miller Brewing and expect that they will cooperate and do what is ethically right.”

Contact: Miller spokesman Julian Green at green.julian@mbco.com

Let's all encourage our friends and family to boycott Miller and email Julian Green, to let him know exactly why we're doing this.

Joni Mitchell Attacks Catholic Church

Joni Mitchell is back after nine years, and she’s on the attack. In the title track to her new album, “Shine,” Mitchell takes a nice swipe at the Catholic Church by name.

“Shine on the Catholic Church/And the prisons that it owns,” she sings. “Shine on all the Churches/that love less and less.”

My Comment: I don't have a clue as to what she is referring to here. Does anyone have any idea of what to make of this?

Teenage Casualities of Casual Sex

Just a few facts that both parents and teens need to know excerpted from this article:

• This year, 8 to 10 million teens will contract an STD.

• Nearly one out of four sexually active teens is living with a sexually transmitted disease at this moment.

• Nearly 50% of African-American teenagers have genital herpes.

• Although teenagers make up just 10% of the population, they acquire 25% of all STDs.

• Herpes (specifically, herpes simplex virus type 2) has skyrocketed 500% in the past 20 years among white teenagers.

• One in five children over the age of 12 tests positive for herpes type 2.

• Nearly one out of ten teenage girls has chlamydia, and half of all new chlamydia cases are diagnosed in girls 15 to 19 years old.

• STDs accounted for 87% of all cases reported of the top ten most frequently reported diseases in the United States in 1995.

• This new epidemic is not just cursing those “poor inner city kids.” No, the viruses have solidly taken up residence in the suburbs

Wednesday Basics

Liturgical Calendar

Optional Memorial of Sts. Cosmas and Damian, martyrs

Things to do today:

Pray for those in the medical field.

Find out more about the miracles attached to the relics of Cosmas and Damian.

If you are close to Cambridge, MA drop in on the annual Italian festival of the healing of Saints Cosmas and Damian which has been held for the past 77 years.

(Via Catholic Culture.)

Today's Mass Readings

On This Day in Catholic History:

1897 - Giovanni Battista Montini was born near Brescia, Italy (d. 6 August 1978). Ordained in 1920, he was named a cardinal by Pope John XXIII (1881–1963) in 1958. When John XXIII died in 1963, the conclave elected Montini his successor on 21 June. He chose a name suggesting Christian outreach: Pope Paul VI. His fifteen years as pontiff were instrumental in bringing the Vatican II Council to a conclusion in 1965.

1997 - An earthquake strikes the Italian regions of Umbria and the Marche, causing part of the Basilica of St. Francis at Assisi to collapse.

Birthdays:

1181 - Saint Francis of Assisi, Italian founder of the Franciscan Order (d. 1226)

1774 - Johnny Appleseed, American environmentalist (d. 1847)

1888 - T. S. Eliot, American-born writer and editor, Nobel Prize laureate (d. 1965)

1897 - Pope Paul VI (d. 1978)

1898 - George Gershwin, American composer (d. 1937)

1905 - Emilio Navarro, Puerto Rican baseball player

1914 - Jack LaLanne, American fitness, exercise and nutritional expert

1925 - Marty Robbins, American singer (d. 1982)

1948 - Olivia Newton-John, British-born Australian singer and actress

1962 - Melissa Sue Anderson, American actress (Little House on the Prairie,)

1968 - James Caviezel, American actor (The Passion of the Christ)

1981 - Serena Williams, American tennis player

40 Days for Life Begins Today: What's Happening in Wichita

In Wichita, Operation Rescue and the Kansas Coalition For Life will begin participation in 40 Days For Life outside the nation’s largest late - term abortion clinic.

For the next 40 days, from September 26 through November 4, pro-life supporters will be urged to maintain a constant prayer presence during every business hour at Women’s Health Care Services, the late-term abortion mill owned and operated by George R. Tiller, who is currently facing 19 criminal counts of illegal abortions, a county grand jury investigation that could net additional charges, and a disciplinary review by the Kansas State Board of Healing Arts.

“We believe strongly in the power of prayer,” said Operation Rescue President Troy Newman. “In Aurora, Illinois, on the last day of their 40 Days For Life Vigil, a judge ruled that the Planned Parenthood office in that community must remain closed. It was an amazing answer to prayer.”

“We will pray for the next 40 days that Tiller’s clinic will also close and that he will be brought to justice on the crimes of which he has been charged. We look forward to seeing what God will do in Wichita in response to our continued prayers,” said Newman.

The Wichita 40 Days For Life vigil is part of a national campaign that is being conducted simultaneously in over 90 cities across the country.

Those wishing to participate in the 40 Days for Life vigils in Wichita can click here for more information.

Related Posts:

LA TIMES: FOR KANSAS ABORTION DOCTOR, PRESSURE MOUNTS

PTL: Tiller Loses Federal Effort To Block Grand Jury Investigation

Baby Killing in Kansas: What can you do to help stop it?

Updates on Tiller the Killer

Tiller Demands Special Treatment at Trial

Kansans for Life initiates Grand Jury Petition to investigate possible illegal abortions of viable babies performed in Wichita

Tillers Reopens to Sparse Business After Record Closure

Glory Halleluiah! Praise the Lord!

Kansans for Life initiates Grand Jury Petition to investigate possible illegal abortions of viable babies performed in Wichita

Today's Intercessory Prayers

Christ the Lord lives among us and we are his adopted people. Let us praise him and offer him our prayers:- Lord, listen to us and show your greatness.

Lord, king and ruler of the nations, guide all peoples and all who exercise power
that they may work together for the common good, according to your laws.

You conquered our captivity and took it prisoner: restore to freedom our brethren who are captive in body or in soul.

May our young grow up irreproachable in your sight and may they wholeheartedly follow you when you call.

Make children follow your example
and move steadily forward in wisdom and grace.

Take up the dead into your eternal kingdom
where we hope one day to rule at your side.

For our Holy Father's special intentions.

For the success of 4o Days for Life.

For Bill's interview later this morning.

For Linda W. who is in the final stages of liver cancer.

For all the prayer intentions at One Came Back.

For the continuing efforts against PP in Aurora, Illinois.

For the conversion of our family members.

For the conversion of all those ensnared in the culture of death.

For all previous prayer requests mentioned here, for all those around St. Blog's and for the intentions of all my readers.

Our Father...

Lord, support us as we pray to you, and keep us day and night under your protection. Guide us as we live in this world of change, and let your own unchangeability be a firm foundation for us.

We ask this our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.

St. Therese Novena: Day 4

St. Therese Novena Day 4.

If you missed Day 3, go here.

I'm Back...With a Question For Each One of You

I'm back from a quick one-day trip to Missouri, where I had some unexpected and important personal business to take care of, which is why I haven't been blogging much lately. It is amazing how much news can accumulate in a day!

My thanks go out to those who have made comments for de-lurking week and have stopped by to visit while I was away. One of these days, I will be purchasing a laptop. However, I have to admit that it was nice to have a brief vacation from blogging. It is rare that a day goes by without a new post.

Missouri is certainly a pretty state with its many hills, forests, and beautiful lakes, but Kansas is home now, and it is where we feel most comfortable, with its bright yellow sunflowers, man made lakes, and mostly flat land When ( Father Benedict Groeschel was here for the Midwest Catholic Conference) he said,"I get along with this place. I like it. It reminds me of America when I was a boy." He explained that he likes the “solid values” and “the commonsense” of people here. There is a large Christian base here and many solid Catholics who hold traditional views and are strong in their faith. Yes, we have a few cafeteria Catholics, like every other place in the country today, but the majority of people I have met here, in the past couple of years we have lived here, uphold strong family values.

Of course, the only place we can truly call home is heaven. I have only a vague idea of what it's like there, but I am sure it is a place where there are no abortions, no abuse, no addictions, no hate or violence, no disagreements, bitterness, unforgiveness or jealousy; but in heaven, our hearts will be filled with unconditional and eternal love for God and for one another. In heaven there will not be the least pain or sadness and our wills will be in perfect compliance with God's will.

St. Julian of Norwich describes heaven as a place of "eternal joy". She explains: "But we are not blessedly safe, possessing our endless joy, until we are all in peace and in love, that is to say wholly contented with God and with all his works and with all his judgments, and loving and content with ourselves and with our fellow Christians and with everything which God loves, as is pleasing to love."

That leads me to ask the following question:

How do you, dear reader, envision heaven?

Minute Meditation

Jesus said to the crowd:“No one who lights a lamp conceals it with a vessel or sets it under a bed; rather, he places it on a lampstand so that those who enter may see the light. For there is nothing hidden that will not become visible, and nothing secret that will not be known and come to light. Take care, then, how you hear. To anyone who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he seems to have will be taken away.”

~ Lk 8:16-18

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Monday Basics

Monday of the Twenty-Fifth Week in Ordinary Time

Our Lady of Ransom

Today's Mass Readings

Today in Catholic History:

366 Pope Liberius died

1143 Pope Innocent II died.

Birthdays:

1724 - Sir Arthur Guinness, Irish brewer (d. 1803)

1897 - F. Scott Fitzgerald, novelist, poet, playwright, screenwriter, and author of short stories, (The Great Gatsby)
(d. 1940)

1930 - John W. Young, American astronaut

1936 - Jim Henson, American puppeteer (d. 1990)

1946 - "Mean" Joe Greene, American football player

1982 - Paul Hamm, American gymnast

Best of the Blogosphere

Here are some current gems in the blogosphere:

Tito at CVSTOS FIDEI reports on Texas Right to Life Banquet and Bella the Movie. The movie producer, Leo Severino, and the leading man, Eduardo Verastegui, both of the movie Bella, were guest speakers among others.

Esther has two super posts: one on Women in Religious Orders and New Age Spirituality and a beautiful post on The Feast of St. Padre Pio.

Ebeth has a special need for our help and support at this time. Be sure to read This morning I woke up to my husband saying.....

Leticia at causa nostrae laetitiae reports on Sam Brownback's Informed Consent Act, which is not only pro-life, but pro-woman, too.

Jay has a gorgeous post on Feast of Our Lady of Walsingham - 24 September . Two years ago, today he was on pilgrimmage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham in the picturesque village of Little Walsingham in Norfolk, East Anglia, England.

De-Lurking Week

I'm declaring this De -lurking Week here at Catholic Fire. It's been much too quiet around here and we need to get some conversations going, so if you have something to say, please comment below. Tell me what you like or don't like about this blog, what you like to see changed and what you would like to see more of it. If you would like to share a favorite book or movie, please do so. Have an opinion to share? Comment below. Have a news tip to share? Comment below. Have a great De-lurking week!

Today's Intercessory Prayers

Let us lift our hearts and voices in prayer and turn to God our Father with these our petitions:

For the Holy Father's special intentions.

That God will bring about many new vocations and the religious life.

For the grace this week to deepen our prayer lives.

For Linda W. who is in the final stages of liver cancer.

For all the prayer intentions at One Came Back.

For the continuing efforts against PP in Aurora, Illinois.

For Bill's upcoming interview and that he be offered a FT job soon.

For the conversion of our family members.

For the conversion of all those ensnared in the culture of death.

For Ebeth's dear husband.

For all of Ukok's intentions.

For a special intention for my spiritual Father.

For all previous prayer intentions mentioned here and for those around St. Blog's.

For the special intentions of all those reading this blog.

Loving Father, enable us to be trustworthy in all the small matters of our life. We desire to serve only you, our true Master: We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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