Catholic Fire

When The Saints Go Marching In Happy All Saints Day! I love this number by Louis Armstrong from 1959.

From my inbox: HEADLINES FROM THE YEAR: 2029 Ozone created by electric cars now killing millions in the seventh largest country in the world, Mexifornia, formerly known as California. Spotted Owl plague threatens northwestern United States crops and livestock. Baby conceived naturally. Scientists stumped. Couple petitions court to reinstate heterosexual marriage. Iran still closed off; physicists estimate it will take at least 10 more years before radioactivity decreases to safe levels. Castro finally dies at age 112; Cuban cigars can now be imported legally, but President Chelsea Clinton has banned all smoking. George Z. Bush says he will run for President in 2036. Postal Service raises price of first class stamp to $17.89 and reduces mail delivery to Wednesdays only. 85-year $75.8 billion study: Diet and Exercise is the key to weight loss. Average weight of Americans drops to 250 lbs. Japanese scientists have created a camera with such a fast shutter speed, they now can photograph a

Proposition 85 - Diana Lopez: My daughters' secret abortion In California, a young girl - even a 12 year old – can be taken by anyone – a school employee, a boyfriend, a sexual predator – to receive a secret taxpayer funded abortion, without a parent knowing and being able to protect her from further sexual exploitation. This is wrong. Vote yes on Proposition 85. Via Prolife Blogs.

SPRINGFIELD, MO, October 31, 2006 (LifeSiteNews.com) - Missouri State University student Emily Brooker is a Christian who stood up for her faith despite outrageous retaliation by her professor and other faculty at the university. One of Brooker's MSU professors, Frank G. Kauffman, assigned to his students a project promoting homosexual foster homes and adoption. The project required the entire class to write and individually sign a letter to the Missouri Legislature in support of homosexual adoption, a letter Brooker refused to sign due to her religious objections. [more] How can they possibly infringe on her rights this way and expect to get away with it? I suppose that because she is a Christian she has no rights. It's odd that diversity is such an important aspect of our society, but when it comes to Christians, we are expected to imitate secular society and our religious beliefs are not tolerated nor are they respected. I also thought the purpose of a university was to pro

MADISON, WI, October 31 ( CNA ) - The definition of marriage should not be altered as it is defined by natural law, which is based on human reason, said Bishop Robert Morlino of Madison in an open letter to the people of Wisconsin. “These are not tenets of our ‘faith’ which we are defending,” he said, adding to the defense of marriage, the protection of all human life from conception to natural death, and the abolition of the death penalty. “They are universal truths, based on reason alone. “They are based on the fact that every human person has an unsurpassed dignity; upon the fact that every human being is sacred from the moment from conception to natural death,” he continued. “Otherwise nothing else we do to care for other human beings makes any sense. This is a truth of reason; it is true for every human being.” [More] My Comments: I like the way Bishop Robert Morlino explains this and it is wonderful that our Bishops are speaking out more on pro-life issues. Wisconsin residents

"The passage of Amendment 2 would be a moral disaster for our state... If Amendment 2 succeeds in the state of Missouri, which has the reputation of being pro-life, then the proponents of human cloning and the destruction of embryonic human life will surely be emboldened to undertake the same deadly initiative in other states of our union." ~ Archbishop Raymond L. Burke, from his column in the St. Louis Review

The Holy Father has named Brazilian Cardinal Claudio Hummes, a Franciscan, to become Prefect of the Congregation for Clergy, replacing the retiring Cardinal Dario Castrillon Hoyos. In this position, he will head the Vatican Office in charge of priests around the world. Cardinal Claudio Hummes, was born on August 8, 1934, in the town of Montenegro, outside Porto Alegre in southern Brazil. The son of German immigrants, he was raised on a farm with 13 siblings. He was ordained as a Franciscan at the age of 24 on August 3, 1958 and holds a doctorate in philosophy from the Antonianum, Rome, and a specialization in ecumenism from the Ecumenical Institute of Bossey in Geneva, Switzerland. He taught philosophy at the Franciscan seminary in Garibaldi, at the major seminary of Viamão and at the Pontifical Catholic University of Porto Alegre. He currently now heads the Sao Paulo archdiocese-- reported to be the largest diocese in the world, in terms of Catholic population. Sources: Vatican, the

OCT 31, 2006 (VIS) - The Holy Father's general prayer intention for November is: "That, everywhere in the world, an end be put to all forms of terrorism." His mission intention is: "That through the effort of believers, together with the living forces of society, the new and old chains which prevent the development of the African continent may be broken.

Today I am praying to Jesus through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, our Mother, for the following intentions: For healing for Harry L. who has leukemia and is currently undergoing chemotherapy with serious side effects. I am praying for his continued strength and that of his family. For healing for Paula who has had surgery on her eye and is receiving radiation for good test results. For healing for Cleo, a young woman who has a brain tumor. For Bill's special intentions. For favorable election results - that pro-life candidates be elected and that pro-life issues will be passed by the voters. For an end to abortion and an increased respect for human life. For the conversion of all those who are entrenched in the culture of death. For an abundance of graces all those who are working so dilligently to get pro-life candidates elected and pro-life measures passed. For all previous prayer intentions listed here. Thank you for praying with me for these special requests. If

Born in Swabia, Germany, St. Wolfgang studied at Reichenau under the Benedictines and at Wurzburg before serving as a teacher in the cathedral school of Trier. He soon entered the Benedictines at Einsiedeln (964) and was appointed head of the monastery school, receiving ordination in 971. He then set out with a group of monks to preach among the Magyars of Hungary, but the following year (972) was named bishop of Regensburg by Emperor Otto II (r. 973-983). As bishop, he distinguished himself brilliantly for his reforming zeal and his skills as a statesman. He brought the clergy of the diocese into his reforms, restored monasteries, promoted education, preached enthusiastically, and was renowned for his charity and aid to the poor, receiving the title Eleemosynarius Major (Grand Almoner). He also served as tutor to Emperor Henry II (r. 1014-1024) while he was still king. Wolfgang died at the village of Pupping in upper Austria, on October 31, 994. He was canonized in 1052 by Pope St. Le

Photo courtesy of Operation Rescue. Candidates for Attorney General in Kansas Democrat Paul Morrison Pro-death * -- Abortion Oppose --Require abortion clinics to provide the same medical documents that ALL other medical clinics provide to law enforcement agencies. Support -- Reduce sentences for violent criminals (murderers, rapists, etc.) Republican Phill Kline - Current Attorney General Pro-life -- Abortion Support -- Require abortion clinics to provide the same medical documents that ALL other medical clinics provide to law enforcement agencies. Oppose -- Reduce Sentences for violent criminals (murderers, rapists, etc.) * Kansans for Life uses the term "pro-choice". I have used the term pro-death, which is synonmous with pro-choice, as the child has no choice or rights, but is sentenced to death. The pro-death advocate the murder of the unborn child, who is a living, growing developing human being. Source: Kansans for Life Related Posts: Special Re

Paul Morrison was born in Dodge City and grew up in Hays, Plainville, Bonner Springs and Kansas City, Kan. He graduated from Washington High School in Kansas City, Kansas. He and his wife, Joyce Morrison, currently live in Lenexa and are "instructors in a marriage preparation program" at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Shawnee in the Archdiocese of Kansas City, Kansas . Morrison, 51, joined the district attorney's office shortly after graduating from the Washburn University School of Law in 1980. He was an assistant district attorney under Dennis Moore until 1989, when Morrison took over the top spot. He is now a U.S. congressman. Morrison was unopposed in his 2004 re-election bid. He would not be up for re-election until 2008. Morrison, a pro-abortion supporter who recently switched parties to run against pro-life incumbent Republican Attorney General Phill Kline. The Information that the Press Has Been Attempting to Hide or Cover up: Morrison has been accepting &quo

John McIntyre has an excellent post up on Two Very Different Ways to Look at This Election at Real Clear Politics . Here is a sampling: In 2004, there was a lot of talk about whether pollsters were correct to use traditional "likely voter" screens in their samples or whether a less restrictive "registered voter" model would turn out to be more accurate given the massive increases in voter registrations we saw posted all over the country. There's not much discussion of the subject at all this cycle, perhaps due to the fact that it's a midterm and not a presidential year, but it comes to mind because of the conflicting signals in this election and trying to get at just who is going to vote Nov. 7. In some ways there are two very different ways to look at what is going to happen on election day. 1) Republicans are in big trouble. The generic ballot shows a huge lead for Democrats (over 15%) with fewer than 10 days until the election. Republicans in contested ra

Dona Nobis Pacem

The World Apostolate of Fatima is pleased to announce that the US Papal Nuncio, His Excellency Archbishop Pietro Sambi will be officiating the Mass for the renewal of our country’s Consecration to Our Patroness, the Immaculate Conception. All are invited to come to our nation’s Basilica, The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, in Washington, D.C., Saturday, November 11, 2006 at twelve noon. All bishops have been invited to participate at the Mass. However due to scheduling conflicts, the bishops may sign the Consecration prayer for their dioceses, which has been provided to them by the World Apostolate of Fatima which will be offered at the Mass. The prayer for the Consecration was composed by our bishops in 1959 at the dedication ceremony of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception whereby they consecrated the country to Our Patroness, the Immaculate Conception. However by this consecration on November 11th our country will be C

Oct. 30 (CWNews.com) - Nicaragua's parliament has approved legislation banning nearly all abortions, despite intense political pressure from foreign-aid donors. The vote in favor of the pro-life bill capped an energetic lobbying campaign in which 300,000 Nicaraguans signed a petition in support of the legislation. But just prior to the vote, lawmakers received a message signed by the local representative of the UN Development Program, and by envoys of several donor nations, urging defeat of the measure. The legislation was enthusiastically backed by the Catholic hierarchy. More surprisingly it was endorsed by leaders of the leftist Sandinista Party, which was looking to avoid a clash with the Church in the weeks leading up to November 5 presidential election, when former Sandinista President Daniel Ortega hopes to return to power. The focus of the lobbying campaign now shifts to President Enrique Bolanos, who can sign the legislation into law. My Comments: If they can do it in Ni

Today I am praying to Jesus through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, our Mother, for the following intentions: For the Holy Father and his special intentions. For the repose of the soul of Regina LaVallee, a healthy 45 year-old young woman who died very unexpectedly this past weekend, and for peace and comfort for her family and friends. For peace in our nation and world. For an end to abortion and for an increased respect for human life. For special graces for all the pro-lifers who are working so dilligently to spread the the Truth to bring the light of Christ into our culture of darkness. For the conversion of all those who are entrapped in the culture of death. For favorable election results and for the election of pro-life candidates. That voters in MO will Vote "No" to Amendment 2. That voters in South Dakota will vote to ban abortion there. For an increase in vocations to the priesthood and the consecrated life. For a special intention. For all previous pr

WHO DOES WHAT A man and his wife were having an argument about who should brew the coffee each morning. The wife said, "You should do it, because you get up first, and then we don't have to wait as long to get our coffee." The husband said, " You are in charge of cooking around here and you should do it, because that is your job, and I can just wait for my coffee." The wife replies, "No, you should do it, and besides, it is in the Bible that the man should do the coffee." The husband replies, "I can't believe that, show me." So she fetched the Bible, and opened the New Testament and showed him at the top of several pages, that it indeed says.........."HEBREWS" God may have created man before woman, but there is always a rough draft before the masterpiece.

St Alphonsus, or Alonzo as he was called in Spain, was born at Segovia in Spain, on 12 July, 1531. From childhood he was devoted to our Lady, the Virgin Mary. He loved her as his mother. This childlike devotion to her was the mainspring of his sanctity. Alphonsus was destined to be an example of Christian perfection in various states of life. On the death of his father in 1545, he was called home from Alcala where he was studying, by his mother burdened with the care of eleven young children, and though a boy of fourteen, he was placed at the head of the family business, which involved the buying and selling of wool. At the request of his mother, Alphonsus married a virtuous young woman called Maria Suarez. His married life of four years was marked with much suffering. His wife died leaving behind a son; his mother too died leaving behind her eleven children. He was about 32 years old when his mother died. He bore his cross willingly. Alphonsus now started a more fervent life. He w

Pope Benedict XVI, condemning kidnapping worldwide, said on Sunday he was praying for victims of abduction and their relatives everywhere. "From several sides I am getting requests to intervene in favor of people who are victims of kidnappings in different countries around the world," the pontiff said at the end of his traditional Sunday blessing, speaking from his window overlooking St. Peter's Square. "While I reiterate the firmest condemnation of this crime, I remember in prayer all the victims, their families and friends." Crime syndicates in Italy's southern region of Calabria or Sardinia have been blamed for most of Italy's kidnappings. Sardinia's rugged inland is home to gangs of bandits who kidnap for ransom and in the past kept their victims for months or even years before they were rescued or ransomed. As many as 60 people were kidnapped each year in Italy in the 1970s. Victims in some cases were mutilated, tied to cots, beaten and made to

Why am I Catholic? (by KaterinaMarie)

Hillary vs. Partial Birth Abortion

Twenty Ways to Maintain Your Sanity in This Crazy World: 1. While waiting in a long line at the check-out in a store, pass the time by making friends with the other customers. Start a conversation by telling them all the gory details of your last bout with the flu or your last surgery. This can be a wonderful form of entertainment, especially if you use descriptive language and authentic sound effects, moaning and groaning loudly. 2. To liven up your day, tell everyone you have a rare terminal disease - scelaramustidigitosis. You must not do any strenuous labor like housework or cooking for the rest of your life and you are allergic to everything but chocolate. 3. Have a Howard Dean Hog-Calling contest, but don’t be surprised if Hillary comes running. 4. Put large containers on your desk or work area at home marked "Tips" and "Treats". Be sure to put up a sign stating your flexible office hours, for example, 3-3:15 p.m. 5. When the telemarketers call invite them to

Fidelis, a national Catholic-based advocacy group criticized U.S. Senate candidate Bob Casey, Jr. for his support of same-sex unions, which mirrors the decision by the New Jersey Supreme Court, ordering the state legislature to grant homosexual partners all the benefits of traditional marriage. The ruling handed down in the case of Lewis v Harris stopped short of legalizing same-sex marriage, but ordered the state to effectively create de-facto same-sex marriage laws by forcing New Jersey to treat traditional marriages and homosexual unions identically. Fidelis President Joseph Cella stated: “Bob Casey’s position on homosexual marriage is identical to that of the New Jersey Supreme Court and sets the stage for homosexual marriage to be legalized in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and many other states. Casey’s support of ‘same sex unions’ encourages activist courts like New Jersey to force legislatures into legalizing homosexual marriage.” Casey’s stated position on the issue is: “I don

El GRECO Apostle Saint Simon 1606 - Oil on canvas Museo del Greco, Toledo The name of St. Simon usually appears eleventh in the list of the apostles. The first cousin of Jesus, he was born at Cana and is surnamed "The Zealot." He preached in Egypt, Spain, and Lybia, leaving behind him the fertile hills of Galilee, where he had been engaged in the healthful cultivation of the vineyards and olive gardens. He later rejoined his brother, Saint Jude, in Persia, where they preached and died as martyrs together. EL GRECO Apostle Saint Thaddeus (Jude) 1606 - Oil on Canvas Museo del Greco, Toledo Sts. Simon and Jude left the comfort and safety of their secure environment to go out into the world and to preach the gospel, converting many hearts. As simple farmers, they appear to be the least likely candidates to be called to perform such a great task for the Lord. However, the Lord chooses the simple and and the weak and empowers them with grace to do the "impossible." Let

St. Louis Cardinals players celebrate winning the World Series against the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 in Major League Baseball's World Series in St Louis October 27, 2006. REUTERS/John Sommers (UNITED STATES) St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols throws to first base after diving for a ball hit by Detroit Tigers Placido Polanco during the seventh inning of Game 5 in Major League Baseball's World Series in St. Louis October 27, 2006. REUTERS/Mike Blake (UNITED STATES) St. Louis Cardinals' So Taguchi scores on a base hit by Preston Wilson in the seventh inning against the Detroit Tigers during Game 4 in Major League Baseball's World Series in St Louis October 26, 2006. (Mike Blake/Reuters) St. Louis Cardinals Scott Rolen hits his RBI single in the seventh inning against the Detroit Tigers to drive in teammate David Eckstein in Game 5 in Major League Baseball's World Series in St Louis October 27, 2006. (Mike Segar/Reuters) ST. LOUIS. (Reuters) - The St. Lou

Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton indicated that she would not oppose efforts by Eliot Spitzer, the odds-on favorite to become the new governor, to enact a same-sex marriage law in New York. I have one thing to say to New Yorkers: (Sung to the tune of "She's too fat for me.") "I don't want her, you can have her, she's too nuts for me, I don't want her, you can have her, she's too weird for me." "Take her, please, and keep her faraway from away from the Midwest." I wish Ralph Kramden were still around - he'd take her to the moon. ****************************************************** Hillary Fires Back Responding to claims from her election opponent that she used to be ugly and had plastic surgery, Hillary Clinton said that she was "cute" in high school. But the only person who thought so was Mark Foley. **************************************************** Spencer's Gaffe Senator Hillary Clinton's election challenger

Today I am praying to Jesus through the intercession of Mother Mary for the following intentions: Father Burns Seeley, CRSJC, who is extremely ill. For A.'s uncle who is who is dying from a deteriorated/shredding aorta and for her brother who is dabbling in scientology. For an end to abortion and the closing of all abortion mills. For Bill's special intentions. For Ukok's special intentions. For our Community chapter in France this week and those participating in it. That the South Dakota ban on abortion will pass. That voters in Missouri will vote No on Amendment 2. For all previous prayer intentions listed here. Thanks for praying with me for these special intentions. If you have a prayer need, please email me at catholicfire@cox.net and I will be happy to pray for you during daily Mass and at Eucharistic Adoration.

Called “Abuna” or “the fa­ther” of Ethiopia, he was sent there by St. Athanasius. St. Frumentius was born in Lebanon. While on a voyage in the Red Sea with St. Aedesius, his brother, he ended up in the East African country due to a shipwreck. Both he and Aedeius survived. They were taken to the king at Axum, and became members of the court. When the king died, the two brothers stayed on as part of the queen's court. She permitted them to introduce Christianity to the country, and open trade between Ethiopia and the west. Frumentius convinced St. Athanasius to send missionaries from Alexandria, and was himself consecrated as the bishop of Ethiopia. He converted many people to Christianity before his death in 380. He is the patron of Ethiopia. His brother, Aedius, was also canonized.

Gov't Panel Recommends Shingles Vaccine By GREG BLUESTEIN From Associated Press ATLANTA - An influential government advisory panel voted Wednesday to recommend routine vaccines to protect older adults against shingles. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices voted to recommend the vaccine for adults 60 and over. The committee's recommendations usually are accepted by federal health officials, and they influence insurance coverage for vaccinations. Shingles is a painful, blistering skin rash that is most common in people 60 and older. It usually goes away after four weeks, but one in five shingles sufferers develops excruciating long-term nerve pain known as postherpetic neuralgia. Complications also can include scarring and loss of vision or hearing. [ More] Comments made by Children of God for Life: The ACIP (Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices) has recommended the Shingles vaccine, Zostavax made by Merck Inc. - it uses aborted fetal cell lines MRC-5 and WI-3

National Pro-life Radio Announces Launch Gearing up for Election Day 2006, National Pro-life Radio.Net will debut as the nation’s first all pro-life radio network. " National Pro-Life Radio.Net is the first ever 24/7 radio network devoted to the pro-life cause,” said Dr. Paul Schenck, who is CEO of the internet radio network and Executive Director of NPLAC on Capitol Hill. "You will hear from all the movers and shakers in the pro-life movement because NPLR.Net is the place where all the pro-life voices meet." On the program roster is veteran pro-life attorney Stephen Peroutka, who is heard coast to coast as host of "Face the Truth", Fr. Frank Pavone, host of radio and television programs including "Life on the Line" and "Gospel of Life" and Dr. Alveda King, niece of the late MLK, Jr. Other program personalities include Mark Crutcher of Life Dynamics, Kimberly Zenarolla, Executive Vice President of National Pro- Life Action Center, Michael P

My thanks to Esther for tagging me with this fun meme. 1. I have worked at a number of jobs throughout my life: I have been employed as: a waitress, quality control inspector, secretary, bookkeeper, hospital tray passer, car hop, U.S. Census Enumerator, tutor, teacher in elementary school, high school, and junior college, but spent most of my professional career working as a psychologist in a variety of different envirionments. 2. I wanted to be writer even before I could write and wrote my first poem at age 9 entitled "A Kitten". 3. My favorite books as a teenager were: The Story of a Soul, Mr. Blue, Black Like Me, The Robe, The Diary of Anne Frank, The Agnostic, The Silver Chalice, 1984, Brave New World, Animal Farm, Dr. Tom Dooley - My Story, Confessions - St. Augustine, Hiroshima, Annapurna, Kon-Tiki, and The Good Earth. 4. I love to sing and dance and often to create my own lyrics and apply them to the tune of a popular song. Most of the time they are funny. 5. I am a

Vatican City, Oct. 26, 2006 ( CNA ) - Meeting this morning with Frank De Coninck, the new ambassador of Belgium to the Holy See, Pope Benedict XVI noted the challenge of western societies to respect human life in the face of relativism , subjectivism , and a superabundance of consumer goods. The Holy Father said that there are certain challenges that “concern the future of human beings and their identity." Now that, "enormous technological progress has revolutionized many practices in the field of medical science,” certain ethical, “norms that once appeared untouchable have been relativized,” the Pope said. “In Western societies, characterized by their superabundance of consumer goods and by their subjectivism, human beings find themselves facing a crisis of meaning," while, he continued, "laws are passed that put respect for human life into question." "The Church, on the foundation of her long experience, and of the treasure of Revelation she received

Candidates for Governor of Kansas Republican Dr. Jim Barnett Opposes Late -Term Abortion Opposes Tax- Payer Funded Abortion Supports Limitations on Minor's Access to Porn on the Internet Supports Requirements for Registration of First Time Sex Offenders Supports Ban on Embryonic Stem Cell Research That Kills Human Embryos Opposes Human Cloning Opposes Expansion of gambling in KS Opposes Rasing home & farm property taxes Supports Conceal & Carry Opposes Use of tax money to purchase or display pornographic materials in State University classrooms Kathleen Sebelius Supports Late -Term Abortion Supports Tax- Payer Funded Abortion Opposes Limitations on Minor's Access to Porn on the Internet Opposes Requirements for Registration of First Time Sex Offenders Opposes Ban on Embryonic Stem Cell Research That Kills Human Embryos Supports Human Cloning Supports Expansion of gambling in KS Supports Rasing home & farm property taxes Opposes Conceal & Carry

Calls for Release of '99 Knights of Columbus Letter In the wake of a new television commercial by Governor Jennifer Granholm boasting of her commitment to protecting abortion on demand , along with her headline appearance yesterday at a pro-abortion rally at Michigan State University, Fidelis of Michigan, a Catholic based advocacy group decried her betrayal of Catholics on the abortion issue. Fidelis of Michigan President Joseph Cella stated: “In May of 1999, as Attorney General, Jennifer Granholm proudly proclaimed in a letter to the 3,000 Michigan Knights of Columbus gathered on Mackinac Island that she unequivocally supported life ‘from the moment of conception to the natural end of life.’ Once again, Governor Granholm has bitterly betrayed them by stating that abortion is ‘a deeply personal and private decision that should be made by a woman and her doctor and not by politicians.’ The Knights of Columbus is the nation’s largest lay Catholic organization with 70,150 members in M

Life News has a post up today which confirms a post I wrote on earlier this week in regard to AG nominee Paul Morrison accepting blood money from late-term abortionist George Tiller. Some may think it a little odd that both the "Catholic" nominee for Attorney General and the "Catholic" incumbment Governor Kathleen Sebelius who is up for re-election are both accepting "blood" money from Tiller. Actually, when so-called Catholics turn Democrat in Kansas it isn't at all unusual that they convert to pro-death politics. Pro-death is synonymous with the Democratic party in Kansas just as it is throughout the country today, which is very, very sad, but a reality.

St. Evaristus lived in the second century. He was from a Jewish family in Bethlehem. They were living in Greece at the time of their son's birth. Evaristus was brought up in the Jewish religion. His father was so pleased with the boy's virtue and knowledge that he sent him to the best teachers. Evaristus became a Christian when he grew older. So great was his love for his new faith that he decided to become a priest. At Rome, where he performed his ministry, everyone grew to admire and love him. So it was that when the pope was martyred, Evaristus was chosen to take his place. He felt he was completely unworthy of being pope, but God knew better. These were times of persecution for the Church. Such bad lies were spread about the Catholic faith that the Romans thought nothing of putting Christians to death. Every man who became pope was almost certain of being arrested. For about eight years, Pope St. Evaristus ruled the Church. His zeal was so great that the number of believers

Baltimore Cardinal calls for offensive against pornography CNA- Cardinal William Keeler of Baltimore has asked Catholics to join him during Pornography Awareness Week in praying that the nation will experience “a resurgence of purity and renewed commitment to chaste relationships and true love.” Pornography Awareness Week will run from Oct. 29 to Nov. 5. Thousands of people are expected to express their concern about easy access to pornography and the negative impact it has on marriages, families, children, and individuals by wearing white ribbons. The ribbons, the cardinal said, are in protest against “the increase of obscenity” in American culture and in favor of a renewal of chastity. “The idea that pornography does not cause serious problems is a myth,” the cardinal said in his short message to parishes. Pornography portrays women and children as cheap sexual objects and undermines the wellbeing of individuals, families, and communities, the cardinal indicated. Furthermore, he said