Catholic Fire

For the next few days, I will be on retreat. Please pray for the fruitfulness of this time of desert. Be assured that I, in turn, will be praying for you. May God bless you and keep you in His loving care.

A tomb is a memorial. It helps us remember the one who can no longer speak. May we and our society remember the babies who cannot speak. May we also remember Our Lord's Resurrection, and His promise of eternal life. He has conquered abortion because He has conquered death. May we bring His victory to every part of our world!

"I am about to create new heavens and a new earth: the things of the past shall not be remembered or come to mind. Instead there shall always be rejoicing and happiness." ~ Isaiah 65 "The face of the world would be changed if everyone smiled more. So, smile! God loves you." ~ Blessed Teresa of Calcutta

St. Rupert was a member of a noble Frankish family. Rupert was a lover of the truth who was well-known for his simplicity and common sense. He was pious, charitable, and pure. As bishop of Worms, Germany, he was dedicated to spreading the faith among the Germans and suceeded in converting whole regions. He took over the deserted town of luvavum about 697, which was renamed Salzburg, Austria. Rupert founded St. Peter's Church and Abbey and the Nonnburg convent, where his sister served as the first abbess. He died on March 27, 718 at Salzburg and is venerated as the first archbishop of this major diocese in the West. Rupert is revered as the Apostle of Bavaria and Austria. In Christian art, St. Rupert is depicted with a vessel of salt in his hand, symbolizing the universal tradition according to which Rupert inaugurated salt-mining at Salzburg. He is the Patron saint of salt miners and the Diocese of Salzburg.

The Holy Ghost shall come down upon thee, Mary, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee. -- Luke i.35 Meditation for Today's Feast Day

Grassroots coalition is calling for a criminal investigation into the abortion death of a Texas teen. Wichita, KS- Mar 24, 2006 Signatures demanding the convening of a Grand Jury to investigate George R. Tiller in the third-trimester abortion death of Christin Gilbert will be presented to Sedgwick County, KS after a Petition Presentation Ceremony that will be held at noon at the Sedgwick County Administration Building on Friday, April 7. A grassroots Justice for Christin Coalition launched the petition effort on January 13, 2006, on the one- year anniversary of the death of Gilbert, a 19-year old Texas Down Syndrome girl, who died at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, after complications from a botched third-trimester abortion received at Tiller’s abortion mill were misdiagnosed. Coalition representative Cheryl Sullenger says that the group has gathered over three times the number of signatures required by law.“Because of interest in this effort to bring Christin’s killer to justice, th

Mary experienced the pain of holding her dead Son. So many mothers grieve after their abortions. We ask that Mary may comfort them, help them face the truth about abortion, and lead them to forgiveness and healing.

"To love Him with all your heart, with all your understanding, with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is worth more than all bunrt offerings and sacrifices." ~ Mark 12 "I let God use me, in His way, a way that was unknown to me." ~Blessed Teresa of Calcutta

What have I been reading this Lent? Quite a variety of books. Here is a sample. Daily Devotions: The Liturgy of the Hours Magnificat The Magnificat Lenten Companion My Lenten Daily Devotions The Word Among Us God is Love -- Lent /Easter 2006 Spiritual Reading Six Ways to Pray from Six Great Saints -- Gloria Hutchinson The Seven Last Words -- Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen In My Own Words -- Mother Teresa's Reflections Lives of the Saints Model Communicant -- St. Peter Julian Eymard Modern Saints -- Ann Ball The Voice of the Saints -- Francis W. Johnston The Bible Catechism of the Catholic Church Other Mother Angelica -- Raymond Arroyo Emily's Hope -- Ellen Gable Also, the latest CD's have arrived from the monastery containing a 4 - part Lenten retreat, which I plan to start soon. I can hardly wait! With the pilgrimage to Rome and the recent move to our new home, I haven't been able to read at my usual pace, but that's ok, God loves me just the same.

St. Catherine of Sweden is the patron saint against abortion and miscarriages. She was born in 1331, the fourth of eight children, to Saint Bridget of Sweden and Ulf Gudmarsson. At the age of seven, Catherine was sent to Risberg Convent to be educated. She desired to remain in the convent to pursue a religious vocation, but she was promised in marriage to the virtuous and pious German noble Eggard Lydersson von Kürnen, a lifelong invalid. At age 13, the two were united in the sacrament of matrimony. Although Catherine was very beautiful, she and Eggard took a mutual vow of perpetual chastity. They devoted themselves to a life of Christian perfection and active charity. In 1348, Catherine's father died. With Eggard’s permission, Catherine joined her mother on various pilgrimages. During these pilgrimages, they visited the tombs of the martyrs the churches, and together practiced works of piety, caring for the poor and the sick. In 1349, Catherine traveled with her mother to Rome for

Pro-life advocate and blogger Jill Stanek presents a hopeful and optomistic look at the future of the world in her post entitled Liberal extinction, by the numbers. This made my day.

Today I am praying for... 1. Bill, who has left the Catholic faith and is very hostile toward the teachings of the Church that he will accept the grace the Lord is giving him to return to the Mystical Body of Christ. 2. an end to abortion and the reversal of Roe V. Wade. 3. Roxie and Scott and all who will be entering the Church this Easter. 4. P.'s mother-in-law, whose deteriorating physical and mental health required a hospital stay this week, most likely as the result of a stroke. 5. S.'s mother who has been hospitalized with pneumonia. 6. the poor and the hungry of the world. 7. discernment in one of my apostolates. 8. a job for the Confessionator . 9. Julie D.'s intentions. 10. continuing prayers for the health of Father S. & Father T . Praise the Lord for their progress! 11. the founder of our Community who will be undergoing major surgery on Friday, March 24. Please join the Community in praying for him at this time. Thank you. Please feel free to join me in pr

New York, NY (LifeNews.com) -- In a startling revelation, Terri Schaivo's ex-husband Michael admitted in an interview that his new book “Terri: The Truth” was written to "settle some scores" with Terri's family rather than honor the memory of the woman at the center of a national euthanasia battle. Schiavo made the admission in an interview with NBC News scheduled to be broadcast on "Dateline" on March 26. Host Matter Lauer told Schiavo, "I guess you could've written a book to honor Terri. After reading it, it's not really the book you wrote." "This is a book that in some ways settles some scores, doesn't it?" Lauer asked him. Michael Schiavo eagerly replied, "Oh yes it does." Though Schiavo wrote the book with goals of retribution in mind, he said he thought "many times" of writing a book to honor the memory of the woman he painfully starved to death over a thirteen day period. That Michael's book is m

First, it was Christmas nativities, then Christmas carols, and later, Christmas greetings that freaked out non - Christians. Now even the Easter bunny is perceived as being "offensive." Wow, are they ever easily offended! Here is Bill Donohue's take on it. EASTER BUNNY EXPELLED FROM ST. PAUL CITY HALL Tyrone Terrill, the human rights director at St. Paul City Hall in Minnesota, has evicted a toy rabbit, colored eggs and a sign with the words “Happy Easter” from the premises. The display, which was in the lobby of the municipal building, was expelled on the grounds that the Easter Bunny might offend non-Christians. Bill Donohue, president of the Catholic League, responded as follows: “We are sending Tyrone Terrill the ‘Supreme Bunny Suit’ from buycostumes.com. The adult-sized suit includes ‘a faux white fur bunny suit with attached tail, black velcro closure, a pair of mitts, shoe covers with velcro straps, and a full over-the-head character mask’; expected date of deliver

"Jesus is the eschatological shepherd Who gathers the lost sheep of the house of Israel and goes out to seek them, because He knows and loves them. By this 'gathering,' the Kingdom of God is announced to all people. After Jesus' passion and resurrection, the universal nature of the Apostles' mission became explicit. Christ will send the Apostles 'into all the world,' to 'all nations,' and 'to the end of the earth'." ~ Pope Benedict XVI

St. Turibius of Mogrovejo (1538-1606) Together with Rose of Lima, Turibius is the first known saint of the New World, serving the Lord in Peru, South America, for 26 years. Born in Spain and educated for the law, he became so brilliant a scholar that he was made professor of law at the University of Salamanca and eventually became chief judge of the Inquisition at Granada. He succeeded too well. But he was not sharp enough a lawyer to prevent a surprising sequence of events. When the archbishopric of Lima in Spain’s Peruvian colony became vacant, it was decided that Turibius was the man needed to fill the post: He was the one person with the strength of character and holiness of spirit to heal the scandals that had infected that area. He cited all the canons that forbade giving laymen ecclesiastical dignities, but he was overruled. He was ordained priest and bishop and sent to Peru, where he found colonialism at its worst. The Spanish conquerors were guilty of every sort of oppression

Our Lord died. So many of His children have died with Him. His passion is re-lived with every abortion, one every twenty seconds in our country. We only know a fraction of the horror of this act in the sight of God. We only know a fraction of the horror of Christ's crucifixion. May all our brothers and sisters killed by abortion rest in Christ's peace and be saved by His cross.

"Let us come into His presence with thanksgiving." ~ Psalm 95 "My fragility is great but His power is infinite." ~ St. Raphael Marie

You scored as Anwar . You're just a very nice and caring person. You are in this world to teach and help others. You have a shining character and people know it. Anwar 92% Bo 83% Jessica 83% Lindsey 75% Nikko 75% Vonzell 58% Carrie 58% Nadia 58% Scott 58% Anthony 50% Constantine 42% Mikalah 33% Ryan 33% Simon 8% What American Idol (Season 4) star are you? created with QuizFarm.com

You Should Be a Joke Writer You're totally hilarious, and you can find the humor in any situation. Whether you're spouting off zingers, comebacks, or jokes about life... You usually can keep a crowd laughing, and you have plenty of material. You have the makings of a great comedian - or comedic writer. What Type of Writer Should You Be? I suppose this is one of my genres. Via the talented Film Writer Julie at Happy Catholic.

Via Concerned Women for America : The American Medical Association recently weighed in on the dangers of spring break antics for young women. Dr Janice Crouse, Senior Fellow with the Beverly LaHaye Institute, has more on this dangerous trend threatening the lives and health of our young people. Click here to listen or go here .

The powers of this world crucified the God who made this world. All power and authority come from God. All who exercise power have to account for it before the throne of God. We pray that those in government may use their powers to protect the innocent babies in the womb.

"What great nation is there that has gods so close to it as the Lord, our God is to us whenever we call upon him?" ~Deuteronomy 4 "I am not a man of letters or science. I simply try to be a man of prayer. It's prayer that saved my life. Without prayer I would have lost my senses. If I haven't lost peace of soul in spite of all the trials, it's because this peace comes from prayer. We can only live a few days without eating, but not without praying. Prayer is the morning key and the evening bolt. Prayer is a sacred alliance between God and men. ~ Gandhi

Catherine was born in Genoa, Italy in 1447, the the fifth and youngest child of James Fieschi and his wife Francesca di Negro, members a noble family, which had produced two popes (Innocent IV and Adrian V). At the age of 13 Catherine tried to became a cloistered nun, but failed because she was too young. Then her father died and her widowed mother insisted that she marry into nobility. At age 16, she married Guiliano Adorno. Her husband had a violent termper, was unfaithful, and selfish. For the first five years of their marriage, Catherine suffered in silence. Later, she tried to be more cosmopolitan to attract him, but this only made her unhappy. One day, taking her sister's advice, she went to Confession and became aware of her sins and how much God loved her. She served as an excellent example for her husband, who eventually turned away from his life of sin and selfishness. He was converted and became a Franciscan tertiary. The two then lived chastely for the rest of their liv

Via Amy Wellborn: Stephen Hand has been a mainstay of Catholic internet life for many years, perhaps even since the beginning. His family is in the midst of a tragic, difficult situation - his 28-year old son has fallen into what doctors are calling an irreversible coma. We lift this family up in prayer. I am lifting up this family in prayer at this time and will also be praying for them during Mass today and during Eucharistic Adoration.

Theophilus reports on a Kansas U.S. Army Chaplain who is a candidate for santhood. He quotes the Wichita Eagle : For the first time, the Catholic Diocese of Wichita has formed a task force to explore whether a native of the diocese should be named a saint. The task force will compile a comprehensive report on the Rev. Emil Kapaun of Pilsen, who is revered by his fellow soldiers for the courage and compassion he displayed before his death in 1951 in a North Korean prisoner of war camp.That report will then be sent to the Vatican for review. A task force exploring a cause for canonization "is very rare," acknowledged the Rev. John Hotze, judicial vicar for the Wichita Diocese and head of the task force. You can read the full story here on his March 19th entry.

Wichita, KS - The Wichita Eagle published a story along with a huge, page-wide photo about Operation Rescue's billboards along I-35 in Oklahoma that declare Wichita the nation's Abortion Capital. The story mentions that the Greater Wichita Convention and Visitors Bureau has received some phone calls from people concerned that the billboards might give Wichita a bad name. " George Tiller is the one who has given Wichita a bad name", said Operation Rescue President Troy Newman, who moved OR's offices and staff to Wichita from Southern California to battle Tiller. The city's reputation has been further harmed by the fact that so many local companies enable Tiller to continue to his late-term chills-killing operation here by doing business with him." Operation Rescue has published the names of the "Top 50 Abortion Collaborators" Wichita businesses that profit from the deaths of innocent children at Tiller's world famous abortion mill. "We

San Francisco, March 21, 2006 _ The chief administrative officer of San Francisco’s Catholic Charities is an openly gay man who has a daughter he adopted four years ago with his homosexual partner. That fact summarizes the challenge confronting the new archbishop of San Francisco, George Niederauer, in the face of the burgeoning controversy over Catholic Charities’ adoption placements with homosexual couples. The controversy was brought to the boiling point by a March 9th directive from Archbishop William Levada, former archbishop of San Francisco and now prefect of the Congregation of the Doctrine for the Faith. Levada acknowledged that children had been placed with homosexual parents under his watch, and said it could no longer occur, in line with the 2003 statement by Levada’s predecessor, Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger – now Pope Benedict XVI – saying homosexual adoptions "mean doing violence to these children, in the sense that their condition of dependency would be used to pla

No kidding! You have to watch the whole thing — this is amazing. Via Dawn Eden.

March 21, 2006 Catholic League president Bill Donohue today addressed recent developments associated with “The Da Vinci Code”: “All that Catholic League wants is for Ron Howard to put a disclaimer at the top of his movie noting that ‘The Da Vinci Code’ is not a work of history and we’ll drop the issue. While Howard refuses to comment on this request, there are important recent signs that he has gotten the message. For example, yesterday on the ‘Today’ show, co-producer Brian Grazer said three times that the film is ‘informed fiction’; he said that this was also the position of director Ron Howard and lead actor Tom Hanks. Indeed, he went so far as to say, ‘We don’t feel it’s factual, it’s not historic, but it’s informed fiction, and it’s a thriller.’ What exactly is informing this fable he does not say, but in any event we welcome this admission. “We were also pleased to read that a Sony spokesman was quoted yesterday in Business Week Online saying that ‘we view’ the movie as ‘a wo

St. Nicholas of Flue is the patron saint of Switzerland. He was born on March 12, 1417 on the Flüeli, a fertile plateau near Sachseln, Canton Obwalden, Switzerland. He was the oldest son of pious, peasant parents. As a young boy, he was fond of praying and practising mortification. At the age of 21 he enlisted in the army and took part in the battle of Ragaz in 1446. He also participated in the Thurgau war against Archduke Sigismund of Austria. Because of his intercession, Swiss confederates did not destroy the Dominican convent of St. Katharinental. At the age of twenty-five, he married a pious girl from Sachseln, named Dorothy Wyssling, who bore him five sons and five daughters. Their youngest son became a priest and doctor of theology. Nicholas served as magistrate and was a highly respected counselor. After twenty - five years of living in wedlock, with his wife's permission, in 1467, he embraced the life of a hermit and adopted an austere lifestyle. He lived in a narrow hut, w

Nobody can stop us from loving our preborn brothers and sisters. Those stronger than we may strip us of popularity, possessions, or power, but they cannot strip us of love. We love others with the same love that Christ showed for us.

"I forgave your entire debt because you begged me to. Should you not have had pity on your fellow servant as I had pity on you?" ~ Matthew 18 "Without reserve give yourself over with total confidence to the mercy of God, whose personification, by the will of God is the Immaculata. Trust yourself in nothing; be careful, and confide in her without limit, and at every moment or occasion of sin turn to her as a child to its mother and you will never fall." ~ St. Maximillian Marie Kolbe

The Curt Jester has a hilarious post on Planned Parenthood's iPod offer. Harvey Tobkes has a cute joke here. Check out the winners of the 35th ever Right Place Photo Caption Contest here.

New York City’s Department of Education has mandated that all five year olds must learn about AIDS and HIV in their kindergarten classes. The new curriculum begins today. Catholic League president Bill Donohue commented as follows: “New York City is home to some of the most reckless homosexual behavior in the United States, and that is why new strains of HIV have been detected here in the last few years and why reports of serious drug abuse—principally crystal meth—have exploded in the gay community. And what has been the response from the New York City government? Last month it announced that it would market its own official condom, as if the more than 1 million condoms that it already distributes free of charge isn’t enough. “Now it has decided to teach little kids—still on their tricycles—about AIDS. It matters not a whit that those pushing this program say that the kids won’t learn how HIV is transmitted until the fourth grade (as if nine year olds are ready to learn about the

In a meeting today with representatives of the Vatican to international organizations, Pope Benedict XVI stressed that respect for the truth is the bases of justice. "Relations between States and within States are just in so far as they respect the truth," he said. "When, however, the truth is offended, peace is threatened and rule of law is compromised, then, as a logical consequence, injustices arise." Representatives from the Vatican have been involved in the most difficult struggles at the United Nations where they are a guard against attacks on the family, and on the unborn. The Pope mentioned those struggles specifically in his address to the Vatican representatives, stressing that "today's gravest injustice" is the suppression of nascent life. "These injustices can adopt many faces," said Benedict XVI. "For example, the face of disinterest or disorder, which can even go so far as to damage the structure of that founding cell o

Pope Benedict XVI paid tribute to St. Joseph-- the universal patron of the Catholic Church and his own personal patron saint-- during his public audience on Sunday, March 19. Ordinarily March 19 is the feast of St. Joseph. Because the date fell this year on a Sunday in Lent, the observance is held on March 20. But the Holy Father spoke about St. Joseph at his Angelus audience, saying that the saint's greatness is "even more evident because his mission took place in the humility and obscurity of his home in Nazareth." The example set by St. Joseph should inspire all Christians to "faithfulness, simplicity, and modesty," the Pope said. He spoke of "the beauty of a simple hard-working life," and the important duty of parents for the education of their children. The Pope encouraged parents to look to St. Joseph for inspiration and support. He also encouraged workers and leaders of religious communities to rely on his patronage. Via Catholic World News.

Despite the falls, nothing can stop our Lord, because He is on a mission of love. If the pro-life movement is not a movement of love, it is nothing at all, but if it is a movement of love, then nothing will stop it. Love is stronger than death, more powerful than hell.

You Are Kermit Hi, ho! Lovable and friendly, you get along well with everyone you know.You're a big thinker, and sometimes you over think life's problems.Don't worry - everyone know's it's not easy being green.Just remember, time's fun when you're having flies! The Muppet Personality Test I didn't expect this, but it isn't too far off from the real me. Via SFO Mom.

Today, I am praying for... 1. an end to abortion and the reversal of Roe v. Wade. 2. for all who are working to end the culture of death. 3. comfort and peace for Gayla & family . 4. T.O.'s special intentions. 5. Moneybag's vocation and his special intentions . 6. W.'s health. 7. Roxie and Scott who are preparing to enter the Catholic Church. 8. Bill, who has left the Catholic faith and is very hostile toward the teachings of the Church, that he will accept the grace the Lord is giving him to return to the Mystical Body of Christ. 9. the health of Fr. T. and Fr. S. 10. my Oblate prayer partner's special intentions. 11. all fathers, that they will emulate St. Joseph in their vocations. 12. my Spiritual Father, for special blessings on his feast day. 13. my partner at the abortion mill and her special intentions. 14. continued physical healing for my husband, Bill, whose accident was once month ago today. 15. Peggy's vocation. 16. Ukok's special intentions.

Saint Joseph is a man of great spirit. He is great in faith, not because he speaks his own words, but above all because he listens to the words of the Living God. He listens in silence. And his heart ceaselessly perseveres in the readiness to accept the Truth contained in the word of the Living God. We see how the word of the Living God penetrates deeply into the soul of that man, that just man. And we, do we know how to listen to the word of God? Do we know how to absorb it into the depths of our human personalities? Do we open our conscience in the presence of this word? Pope John Paul II from Daily Meditations

Via Operation Rescue: Washington, DC - Mar 20, 2006 - Last week the Food and Drug Administration announced that the killer abortion drug Mifepristone (RU 486) has claimed the lives of two more women. This brings the known death toll to 6 in a three year span from 2003-2005. The FDA has issued new warnings about the dangers of the abortion drug and Planned Parenthood, while refusing to stop its use has agreed to stop the unapproved vaginal use of it. Operation Rescue says this is just “too little, too late.”“Since the days when Dr. Samuel Yen first began clinical trials of RU 486 in San Diego in 1993, we have always warned that this drug should not be allowed to be used. The dangers with the drug for mother and child have always been apparent,” said Operation Rescue spokesperson Cheryl Sullenger. “Because abortion-related deaths are notoriously under-reported, we don’t really know how many women have actually died from this drug,” said Sullenger. “Every time Planned Parenthood or any ot

"He believed, hoping against hope." ~ Romans 4 "What pleases the good God in my little soul is to see me love my littleness and my poverty, it is seeing the blind trust that I have in His mercy." ~ St. Therese of the Child Jesus

"The soul hungers for God, and nothing but God can satiate it. Therefore He came to dwell on earth and assumed a Body in order that this Body might become the Food for our souls." ~ St. John Mary Vianney

Today is the feast of St. Joseph. St. Joseph has always held a special place in my heart. Perhaps it is because he has come through for me and my husband, Bill, in some very tough situations. St. Teresa of Avila said that she could not remember ever asking Saint Joseph for anything that she did not receive. Or perhaps it may have something to do with the fact that my Spiritual Father's name is Joseph or that my husband's Confirmation name is Joseph and they are both strong, holy, Catholic men. I do know that I admire St. Joseph a great deal. Can you imagine living under the same roof as the Son of God and being married to the Mother of God, a perfect woman who did not carry the stain of original sin? He didn't have a chance when it came to winning an argument in that family.(Sorry, I couldn't resist that one.) He had a huge responsibility in caring for the two of them. He took on this responsibility with complete obedience to the will of God. He certainly must have had

In America we tend to erase women after 4o, so opines Sharon Stone. "I would say, "Try 30." ~ Fr. Shane Tharp, Catholic Ragemonkey "Go against the flow of what everybody else is doing. Any dead fish can float downstream. Sacrifice and make a gift of yourself." ~ Fr. Stan Fortuna "Partial birth abortion is not necessary for women's physical or emotional health. Extensive testimony reveals there is no maternal reason why such a gruesome and inhumane procedure must be performed." ~ Deidre A. McQade, Spokeswoman for the U.S. Bishop's Secreteriat for Pro-life Activities

EWTN has some great specials coming up. I am really looking forward to watching JOSEPH: THE MAN CLOSEST TO CHRIST and DANA: THE BEST IS YET TO COME.

Two days ago two more women died as a result of taking the abortion pill RU-486, which makes the total count of deaths from the drug as seven -- seven healthy women dead as a result of taking this dangerous pill. To date, there have been over 800 complications due to RU-486 that have been reported to the FDA. Yet, RU-486 remains on the market. By giving its approval, FDA participates in the deception that RU-486 is ‘safe.’ How many women must die before the FDA will act? Are their lives less important than making abortion convenient?” When will the FDA determine that enough is enough? Drugs with fewer reported complications that the FDA has pulled include : NeutroSpec, an imaging agent used to diagnose internal infections, was pulled from the market after being linked to two deaths, 20 severe reactions, and 46 other “less” severe reactions. Tysabri, a drug to treat multiple sclerosis, was pulled from the market on Feb. 28, 2005, after reports that three patients taking it had developed

Christ told these women to weep for themselves and for their children. He does not want false worship, but repentance. He does not want followers who cry out to Him but then ignore injustice and bloodshed. May all who believe in Christ likewise stand up for the defenseless children.

"He made a whip out of cords and drove them all out of the temple area, with the sheep and oxen, and spilled the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables, and to those who sold doves he said, "Take these out of here, and stop making my Father's house a marketplace." ~John 2 "Discover the heart of God in the words of God." ~St. Gregory the Great

"Watch THIS and tell me WHY NOT????" Via Becca and Amy Proctor .

Today I am praying for... 1. the fruitfulness of the Novitiate Conference Center fundraiser dinner this Sunday, March 19, and for all of those putting so much effort and energy into the project. 2. comfort and peace for Gayla & family . 3. T.O.'s special intentions. 4. Moneybag's vocation and his special intentions . 5. W.'s health. 6. an end to abortion and the reversal of Roe v. Wade. 7. Roxie and Scott who are preparing to enter the Catholic Church. 8. the health of Fr. T. and Fr. S. Please feel free to join me in praying for these special intentions. If you have any prayer requests, please list them in the comment section and I would be happy to intercede for you. God reward you!

Catholic League president Bill Donohue took notice of Senator Hillary Clinton’s decision to march in this year’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New York City: “In 2000, when Hillary Clinton was running for the U.S. Senate in New York, she marched in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. But that didn’t sit too well with gay activists who blasted her for marching in a parade that excludes gays from marching under their own banner. Indeed, Christine Quinn, now the City Council Speaker and then a councilwoman, told the Daily News in 2001 that she was ‘very disappointed and critical of Mrs. Clinton’s decision to march last year.’ And the Journal News reported that Clinton ‘was roundly criticized by her gay supporters for marching in last year’s parade.’ So what happened in 2001? Hillary said she had a scheduling conflict that prevented her from marching, an excuse that was denounced by former New York City Mayor Ed Koch as ‘ridiculous.’ “Having been beaten up for not marching in 2001, Hillary de

In working to defend life, there are many setbacks and obstacles. Yet we know the meaning of the cross. In weakness, power reaches perfection. We do not look to our own strengths and talents alone, but to Christ. His own strength will sustain us.

Via Happy Catholic . This one's pretty good.

"While he was still a long way off, his father caught sight of him, and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him." ~ Luke 15 "To live without faith, without a homeland to defend, without upholding truth in a continual fight -- that's not living, but vegetating. We must never vegetate, but live." ~ Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati

THE SILENT NIGHT The deer were at their graze And the robin with the speckled bill came toward To see and let me stay The deer were in their ash coats Speckled dun, and curiously Without alarm they stood and watched me Not yet spring grown Wind fallen too from equinoctial storms The forest had no shade It is our Lent, and nothing Can molest us these few weeks What is it you seek? Tell me, tell me little ones Docile, unafraid How is the Resurrection made? How from this destruction Can the living one arise? The deer watched me with soft eyes There were four does, a fawn They listened, stood their ground And did not make a sound But the small birds in the scatter Stirred and tossed the leaves Looking for the end of last year's seeds On the night that He was born The deer had speech And we could teach And on the night He will arise We will be silent then Observe with our soft eyes But the birds will take to flight To all the quarters of the world And tell the silent night ~ Pavel Chic

In loving Memory Terri Schindler Schiavo 1963-2005 March 31st is the one year anniversary of the death of Terri Schindler Schiavo. My heart still aches at the tragic loss of the life of this innocent woman. The nation grieves for her and remembers her gentleness, the love and zest she had for life, and how horrible she was treated by the man who legally controlled her life and was husband to her in name only. God permitted her tragic death for a reason and she was truly a martyr in the pro-life movement. Her death was a dramatic wake-up call to all those in this country -- it alerted us all to the horrible tragedy of euthansia, which has become so commonplace in our society today. It caused some of us who were indifferent, apathetic, or unaware to take a long, hard look at the reality of what is going on in our society and to become more pro-active to prevent this same situation from happening to ourselves and others in the future. It strenghtened the resolve of those of us who wer