Catholic Fire

Check this out first. Then, read these comments from Bill Donahue: “If the same standard that was applied to President George W. Bush were to be applied to Senator Barack Obama, then Obama must be considered a theocrat who shows no respect for separation of church and state. What else is one to conclude after seeing a color photo of him today on the front page of the New York Times preaching from the pulpit of a Christian church? The article itself is even more indicting. “Obama’s spiritual mentor is a radical minister who blames the U.S. for the war in Iraq . So controversial is Rev. Jeremiah A. Wright Jr. that Obama shunned him when he announced his bid for the presidency. It makes one wonder how the media will follow up on this: after all, when Mel Gibson was being criticized for making ‘The Passion of the Christ,’ his foes constantly demanded that he denounce his father’s views on the Holocaust. Surely Rev. Wright—who has played a pivotal role in shaping Obama’s thinking—should b...

We give thanks to God the Father for His mercy endures forever, and we pray: For our President and Congress: that the Spirit of God will fill them with wisdom, with courage, and with a desire for justice and compassion. For all our leaders, that they will work for peace and support legislation that will help build a culture of life, defending human life at all stages of development from the womb to the tomb. For an end to all sins against life. For the poor, marginalized, and neglected, that Christ who promised not to leave us orphans, will be present to them with His Father's love and care. For Jacob, who is suffering from very serious condition call autoimmune hemolytic anemia of an unknown origin. For healing of the serious illness and for his conversion. For continued healing for Sheryl, who has lupus and is recovering from a severe blood infection. Poor circulation caused her to contract gangrene in her fingertips, so she is going to lose them. She makes her living as a music ...

I just finished reading these posts from CNA and Lifesite News about the Bishops in Connecticut and Wisconsin no longer opposing the Morning After Pill because it is now a law in their states that all hospitals must prescribe this medication. First of all, it seems to me that that is a flagrant violation of the law. How can the state say that a church-related (Catholic) hospital must violate its religious beliefs by administering a dangerous medication to a woman which could seriously harm her and destroy the life of her child? I really don't understand this at all, nor do I understand how the Bishops in Connecticut or Wisconsin can simply cease opposing the "Morning After Pill". It may be the law in their states, but they still need to uphold the teachings of the Church. Perhaps I am misinterpreting this, but it all seems very bizarre and shocking! Fortunately, I found this post from The Catholic Transcript which explains a little more, but I am still flabergasted by ...

In Part I , I summarized the basics of stem cell research and cloning, discussed the moral implications of embryonic stem cell research, and the politics involved. Here in Kansas, our bishops, in conjunction with the Knights of Columbus, have been working very hard to educate the public - especially Catholics - about stem cell research. A new short documentary commissioned and released by the four Catholic bishops of Kansas entitled “The Science of Stem Cells: Finding Cures and Protecting Life” figures to play a key role in educating the public about what is involved. View it here. You can read A Pastoral Letter from the Catholic Bishops of Kansas - full text to learn more. In this post, I would like to share some of the miraculous results scientists and physicians have obtained through adult stem cell research. First, let's review the definition of an adult stem cell. An adult stem cell is a differentiated stem cell obtained from adult tissue, blood from the umbilical cord, and ...

What can I say? Have you ever heard that a dog "knows" when an earthquake is about to hit? Have you ever heard that a dog can "sense" when a tornado is stirring up, even twenty miles away? Do you remember hearing that, before the December tsunami struck Southeast Asia, dogs started running frantically away from the seashore, at breakneck speed? I'm a firm believer that animals - and especially dogs - have keen insights into the Truth. And you can't tell me that dogs can't sense a potentially terrible disaster well in advance. Simply said, a good ol' hound dog just KNOWS when something isn't right . . . when impending doom is upon us . . . From my inbox. Thanks, Bill!

"We support a comprehensive ban of all human cloning. Human cloning is morally unacceptable for any reason. Human life (cloned or otherwise) is not a commodity to be used for research or for any other purpose." ~ Focus on the Family Position Statement on Human Cloning, www.citizenlink.org

Litugical Calendar / Saint of the Day: Monday of the Fourth Week of Easter / Memorial of St. Pius V, pope; Optional Memorial Blessed Marie de l'Incarnacion, religious (Can) Today in Catholic History: 304 The last and most punishing anti-Christian edict during Roman Emperor Diocletian 's (ca. 245–ca. 312) reign was published. 418 Roman Emperor Honorius (384–423) issued a decree against Pelagianism , a teaching that a person can take the initial and fundamental steps toward salvation by one's own efforts, apart from divine grace. 1651 Roman Catholic educational reformer St. Jean-Baptiste de La Salle , founder of the lay order the Brothers of the Christian Schools, was born in Reims, France (d. 7 April 1719). 1658 St. Marguerite Bourgeoys (1620–1700) established the first uncloistered Catholic missionary community in the new world at Ville Marie, Canada. Birthdays: 1721 - Roger Sherman , American statesman (d. 1793) 1908 - Eve Arden was an Academy Award -nominated and Emmy...

I am including a GOP straw poll on the right side of my blog. I am not putting up a Democratic straw poll. If they ask me to put it up on my blog as the GOP have done, I will consider doing so. I do try to keep up with what's going on in both parties. However, as a Catholic, I will not promote any candidate supporting the destruction of human life. As we know, both parties have candidates who fit this description.

The Wise: "God does not believe in atheists; therefore atheists do not exist." "Forbidden fruit makes many jams." "PETU - People for the Ethical Treatment of the Unborn" "Women Unite! Defeat Roe!" ( Rosie the Riveter is pictured.) "Terrorists have killed 3000 Americans since 1990. Abortionists have killed 4000 Americans since Yesterday." "Planned Parenthood is Really Planned Barrenhood." "Avowed Celibate: How's that for diversity?" "You do not have a soul. You are a soul. You have a body. - C.S. Lewis" The Witty: "POLITICIANS & DIAPERS BOTH NEED TO BE CHANGED, AND FOR THE SAME REASON" "I'D RATHER GO HUNTING WITH DICK CHENEY, THAN FOR A CAR RIDE WITH TED KENNEDY" "Vote for Ted Kennedy 'A Blonde in Every Pond'" "2008 - RUN HILLARY RUN" Democrats put it on the rear bumper. Republicans put it on the front bumper." "ACLU - Fighting for your ...

Louis's life is inseparable from his efforts to promote genuine devotion to Mary, the mother of Jesus and mother of the church. Totus tuus (completely yours) was Louis's personal motto; Karol Wojtyla chose it as his episcopal motto. Born in the Breton village of Montfort, close to Rennes (France), as an adult Louis identified himself by the place of his baptism instead of his family name, Grignion. After being educated by the Jesuits and the Sulpicians, he was ordained as a diocesan priest in 1700. Soon he began preaching parish missions throughout western France. His years of ministering to the poor prompted him to travel and live very simply, sometimes getting him into trouble with church authorities. In his preaching, which attracted thousands of people back to the faith, Father Louis recommended frequent, even daily, Holy Communion (not the custom then!) and imitation of the Virgin Mary's ongoing acceptance of God's will for her life. Louis founded the Missionaries...

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Contrary to rumors that I have died, nothing could be further than the truth. I have been involved in rather adventurous and exciting escapades (of a personal nature) lately, which have taken up quite a bit of my time. The Lord has recently opened the doors for new spiritual growth and many changes/adjustments in my life at this time. It has all been very challenging and healthy for me spiritually, but the stubborn, independent part of me has been resisting these changes. I am of the mind that there cannot be growth without pain and suffering ("No pain, no gain" as the athletes' mantra goes) and this I am trying to accept and surrender to my Holy Mother, who knows the meaning of suffering far better than I ever could. To all who have been praying for me: Please accept my heartfelt thanks and gratitude for your prayers. I can't tell you how much they have helped me and my family. To those who have sent memes - thanks for the tags. I will get to them ASAP. The MEME QUEE...

Friday of the Third Week of Easter Saint of the Day - St. Zita. patron saint of domestic workers Today in Catholic History: 155 Tertullian , Latin ecclesiastical writer, was born, probably at Carthage, the son of a pagan centurion (d. ca. 230). 1565 Blessed Osanna of Cattaro (also Hosanna, known in Croatian as Ozana Kotorska), a Catholic Montenegrin Dominican tertiary, visionary, anchoress and convert from Greek Orthodoxy, died (b. 25 November 1493). Birthdays: 1822 - Ulysses S. Grant , 18th President of the United States (d. 1885) 1900 - Walter Lantz , American cartoonist (d. 1994) 1975 - Chris Carpenter , American baseball player

St. Louis, MO (LifeNews.com) -- Archbishop Raymond Burke of St. Louis has resigned from the board of directors of the Cardinal Glennon Children's Foundation over its decision to let pro-abortion rock star Sheryl Crow sing at the event. Crow has been a longtime abortion advocate who founded the Rock for Choice events to promote pro-abortion politics. The group plans to hold its 19th annual benefit for the Bob Costas Cancer Center on Saturday and Crow will provide musical entertainment at the event. Burke told the Associated Press he had tried to get the board to delist Crow from the schedule of events but it refused. "They didn't accept my concerns," Burke said. "It's very painful for me," Burke told a news conference Wednesday calling it a "scandal" allowing Crow to sing because of her position in favor of abortion and forcing taxpayers to fund embryonic stem cell research that destroys human life. "But I have to answer to God for the res...

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Liturgical Calendar / Optional Memorial of Our Lady of Good Counsel On This Day in Catholic History 1467 - The miraculous image of Our Lady of Good Counsel appears in Genazzano, Italy. 1955 - The Roman Catholic television program Life Is Worth Living was broadcast for the last time on Dumont television. Premiering 12 February 1952, it was one of the most successful religious programs ever to air on television. It won its host, Bishop Fulton J. Sheen (1895–1979), an Emmy Award in 1952 for "the most outstanding personality" on television. Birthdays: 1878 - Saint Rafael Guízar Valencia , Mexican Catholic bishop 1798 - Eugène Delacroix , French painter (d. 1863) 1900 - Hack Wilson , American baseball player (d. 1948) 1917 - Sal Maglie , baseball player (d. 1992) 1938 - Duane Eddy , American musician 1933 - Carol Burnett , American comedian 1942 - Bobby Rydell , American singer

The Lord is our portion and cup. With confidence in His care we pray: For the special intentions of the Holy Father. For an end to the culture of death. Adoro te Devote's job application. Julie D.'s special intention. For Esther's prayer intentions . For Bill as he starts his new consulting job. For all previous prayer intentions mentioned here and for those around St. Blog's. Loving Father, our heart is glad and our soul rejoices because You never abandon us. Hear and answer our petitions. We ask this through Christ Our Lord. Amen.

Liturgical Calendar/Saint of the Day: St. Mark, the Evangelist On This Day in Catholic History: 387 Saint Augustine (354–430) was baptized. 799 Pope Saint Leo III (perhaps ca. 750-816) was attacked, his eyes stabbed and his tongue torn. He recovered and crowned Charlemagne emperor. He was pope from 795 to 816. 1214 Louis IX , king of France and saint, was born (d. 25 August 1270). Leader of the Seventh and Eighth Crusades (he died in the latter), he was known for his humility. 1982, John Cardinal Cody , American cardinal died. Birthdays: 1874 - Guglielmo Marconi , Italian inventor, recipient of the Nobel Prize in Physics (d. 1937) 1915 - Frederick William Seward , United States Assistant Secretary of State (b. 1830) 1939 - Ted Kooser , American poet and US Poet Laureate 1969 - Renée Zellweger , American actress 1969 - Joe Buck , American sports broadcaster

From Catholic News Agency : Tuesday evening the Legislative Assembly of Mexico City, dominated by members of the leftist Party of the Democratic Revolution, voted to legalize abortion in the Mexican capital up to the twelfth week of pregnancy. The vote came despite a majority of Mexicans expressing their opposition to the proposed law in recent months, with thousands signing a petition calling for a referendum. Debate on the new law ran into the night and was finally passed by a vote of 49-19. Police officers stood outside to keep protesters away from the assembly building. The new law defines illegal abortion in Mexico City as “the interruption of pregnancy after the twelfth week of pregnancy.” However, the controversial norm also includes lighter penalties for women who decide to undergo an abortion after twelve weeks. Public health care facilities will also be required to provide abortion to those who request it, and the Mexico City government will enact programs to promote “sex...

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The second Gospel was written by St. Mark, who, in the New Testament, is also called John Mark. St. Mark and his mother, Mary, were highly regarded in the early Church, and his mother's house in Jerusalem served as a meeting place for Christians there. It was to her house that St. Peter fled following his miraculous escape from prison. St. Mark is believed to be the young man who ran away when Jesus was arrested (Mark 14:51-52), and the "John whose other name was Mark" (Acts 12:25). St. Mark, a cousin of Barnabas, accompanied Saint Paul on his first missionary journey and later went with him to Rome. He was a disciple of Saint Peter whose teaching was the basis for Mark's gospel. Mark is said to be the founder of the church of Alexandria. St. Mark is the patron saint of attorneys and notaries. "Go out into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature." ~Mark 16:15 Prayer Lord, help me to follow in the footsteps of St. Mark and to fall in love w...

VATICAN CITY, April 24, 2007 (LifeSiteNews.com) - Abortion and euthanasia are “terrorism with a human face,” said Vatican leader Archbishop Angelo Amato, Secretary of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, in an address to chaplains April 23. In his address on the theme ‘The problem of evil: theological and philosophical reflections,’ Archbishop Amato condemned the media for glossing over the reality of social evils with language games, saying abortion, homosexual marriage and euthanasia “remain almost invisible” in media reports that present them as an “expression of human progress,” Spero News reported earlier today. “When we read papers, or browse the internet, or turn on our TVs and radios, we are presented with what could be likened to a perverse film on evil, which is 'filmed' each and every day in all four corners of the world, focusing on scenes of an increasingly cruel nature depicting the thousands of daily provocations from international terrorism”. Archbish...

This week's Catholic Carnival is up at Cause of Our Joy. CLICK HERE.

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Prayer to Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, you allowed the thirsting love of Jesus on the Cross to become a living flame within you, and so became the light of His love to all. Obtain from the heart of Jesus ...(the finances for a Catholic Women's Crisis Pregnancy Center). Teach me to allow Jesus to penetrate and possess my whole being so completely that my life, too, may radiate His light and Love to others. Amen. Immaculate Heart of Mary, Cause of Our Joy, pray for me. Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, pray for me. Tuesday, April 24 ~ Ninth Day – Holiness is Jesus Living and Acting in Me Thought for the day: “Charity for each other is the surest way to great holiness.” Ask for the grace to become a saint. Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, you allowed the thirsting love of Jesus on the Cross to become a living flame within you, and so became the light of His love to all. Teach me to allow Jesus to penetrate and possess my whole being so completely that my life, too, may...

The Lord is our portion and our cup. With confidence in His care we pray: Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of this new seminarian! For Adoro te Devote's job application. For Bill, as he begins his consultation work and for a permament, full-time position soon. For healing for Patty, who was in a serious bicycle accident recently and is currently in the trauma unit of the hospital. For Birgitta's special intentions. For Julie D.'s special intention. That the power of Christ's Resurrection will put an end to the culture of death. For all previous intentions mentioned here and for those mentioned in St. Blog's parish. We pray to the Lord. Lord, hear our prayer. Loving Father, the resurrection of your Son gives us a new birth to a living hope. Let us live in that hope always, through Christ Our Lord. Amen.

Liturgical Calendar/Saint of the Day: Optional Memorial of St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen, priest and martyr On This Day in Catholic History: 1870 The First Vatican Council of the Roman Catholic church, in its third public session, published "Dei Filius." Beginning with an attack on pantheism, materialism and atheism of the day, it focused on the relationship between faith and reason. In essence it proclaimed that God can be known through human thought. It adopted "the dogmatic constitution on the Catholic faith." 2005 - Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger is inaugurated as the 265th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church taking the name Pope Benedict XVI . Birthdays: 1581 - St. Vincent de Paul , French Founder of the Congregation of Priests of the Mission (d.1660) 1706 - Giovanni Battista Martini , Italian musician (d. 1780) 1905 - Robert Penn Warren , American poet (d.1989) 1936 - Jill Ireland , British actress (d. 1990) 1967 - Omar Vizquel , Major League Baseball shortstop 1982 ...

Known as Mark Rey and the "Poor Man's Lawyer," Fidelis was born in 1577 at Sigmaringen, Prussia. His studies took him to the University of Freiburg and eventually to the position of tutor for Wilhelm von Stotzingen. Fidelis traveled with Wilhelm extensively throughout France and Italy before returning to Freiburg and earning a doctorate in canon and civil law. He became a prominent lawyer. However, he felt that this career endangered the salvation of his soul and he abandoned law. He joined the Capuchin Friars Minor, changed his name to Fidelis, and gave away his worldly wealth to the poor. As a Franciscan priest, he served his friary as guardian, and worked in epidemics, especially healing soldiers. He had a strong devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Trusting in her intercession, he often begged God for the grace of sacrificing his life in vindication of the Catholic faith. Fidelis was tireless in his efforts to convert heretics and wrote several pamphlets against Calva...

""Love is the heart of Church life and of her pastoral activity. ... Only those who have a personal experience of the Lord's love are able to exercise the task of guiding and accompanying others on the road of following Christ. ... Following Christ is above all a question of love." "Following the footsteps of St. Augustine, you too must be a Church that frankly announces the 'good news' of Christ. ... The Church is not simply an organization for collective expression nor, at the other extreme, is she the sum of individuals living a private religion. The Church is a community of people who believe in the God of Jesus Christ and commit themselves to living in the world the commandment of love that He left us." ~ Pope Benedict XVI, at the patio of the convent of St. Augustine, outside the basilica of San Pietro in Ciel d'Oro, where he blessed the cornerstone of a new Augustinian cultural center, which the Order intends to dedicate to him. April 22,...

"Remember this, the greatest, moral, political, cultural contest of our time is…the contest between the culture of Life and the culture of Death...God has put us here in America and He has put us here not to be like everybody else. He has put us here not to be American Catholics but Catholic Americans and in this moment of history – to exemplify that most boldly, courageously, persuasively, persistently, in contending for the culture of life." ~ Fr. Richard John Neuhaus at the Fourth Annual National Catholic Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C., April 13, 2007

Prayer To Saint Joseph for Workers Joseph, by the work of your hands and the sweat of your brow, you supported Jesus and Mary, and had the Son of God as your fellow worker. Teach me to work as you did, with patience and perseverance, for God and for those whom God has given me to support. Teach me to see in my fellow workers the Christ who desires to be in them, that I may always be charitable and forbearing towards all. Grant me to look upon work with the eyes of faith, so that I shall recognize in it my share in God's own creative activity and in Christ's work of our redemption, and so take pride in it. When it is pleasant and productive, remind me to give thanks to God for it. And when it is burdensome, teach me to offer it to God, in reparation for my sins and the sins of the world. Novena Prayer O good father Joseph! I beg you, by all your sufferings, sorrows and joys, to obtain for me what I ask. (Here name your petition). Obtain for all those who have asked my prayers, e...

Prayer to Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, you allowed the thirsting love of Jesus on the Cross to become a living flame within you, and so became the light of His love to all. Obtain from the heart of Jesus ...(the finances for a Catholic Women's Crisis Pregnancy Center). Teach me to allow Jesus to penetrate and possess my whole being so completely that my life, too, may radiate His light and Love to others. Amen. Immaculate Heart of Mary, Cause of Our Joy, pray for me. Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, pray for me. Monday, April 23 ~ Eighth Day – Jesus Made Himself the Bread of Life and the Hungry One Thought for the day: “Believe that He, Jesus, is in the appearance of Bread and that He, Jesus, is in the hungry, naked, sick, lonely, unloved, homeless, helpless and hopeless.” Ask for the grace of a deep faith to see Jesus in the Bread of Life and to serve Him in the distressing disguise of the poor. Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, you allowed the thirsting love of Je...

The Lord is our portion and our cup. With confidence in His care we pray: That, allowing themselves to be enlightened and gudied by the Holy Spirit, all Christians may answer enthusiastically and faithfully to the universal call to sanctity. (Holy Father's General Intention). For blessings on all priests and clergy. For an increase in vocations to the priesthood and the consecrated life. For an end to abortion and for an increased respect for all human life. That the Lord will let His face shine upon the poor, the sick, the lonely, and all those who suffer. For this special intention as requested by Moneybags. Julie D.'s special intention. For full-time employment for Bill. For healing for Harry and his family. For all previous prayer intentions mentioned here and for those around St. Blog's. Loving Father, our heart is glad and our soul rejoices because You never abandon us. Hear and answer our petitions. We ask this through Christ Our Lord. Amen.

Optional Memorial of St. George, Martyr, and St. Adalbert, bishop and martyr On This Day in Catholic History: 303 Saint George , Christian martyr, died. 997 Adalbert of Prague , "Apostle of Prussia," was martyred. 1725 Saint Gerard Majella , was born. Today's Highlight in History: April 23, 1564, is believed to be the birthdate of English poet and dramatist William Shakespeare; he died 52 years later, also on April 23. Birthdays: 1791 - James Buchanan , 15th President of the United States (d. 1868) 1813 - Frédéric Ozanam , French scholar ( Society of Saint Vincent de Paul ) (d.1853) 1928 - Shirley Temple , American actress and politician 1960 - Valerie Bertinelli , American actress

"It is love alone that gives worth to all things." “To have courage for whatever comes in life - everything lies in that.” “What a great favor God does to those He places in the company of good people!” “Accustom yourself continually to make many acts of love, for they enkindle and melt the soul.” "God has been very good to me, for I never dwell upon anything wrong which a person has done, so as to remember it afterwards. If I do remember it, I always see some other virtue in that person." "To reach something good it is very useful to have gone astray, and thus acquire experience." "We shall never learn to know ourselves except by endeavoring to know God; for, beholding His greatness, we realize our own littleness; His purity shows us our foulness; and by meditating upon His humility we find how very far we are from being humble." "There are more tears shed over answered prayers than over unanswered prayers." "The tree that is bes...

Prayer to Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, you allowed the thirsting love of Jesus on the Cross to become a living flame within you, and so became the light of His love to all. Obtain from the heart of Jesus ...(the finances for a Catholic Women's Crisis Pregnancy Center). Teach me to allow Jesus to penetrate and possess my whole being so completely that my life, too, may radiate His light and Love to others. Amen. Immaculate Heart of Mary, Cause of Our Joy, pray for me. Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, pray for me. Sunday, April 22 ~ Seventh Day – God Loves a Cheerful Giver Thought for the day: “Joy is the sign of union with God, of God’s presence. Joy is love, the normal result of a heart burning with love.” Ask for the grace to find joy in loving and to share this joy with all you meet. Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, you allowed the thirsting love of Jesus on the Cross to become a living flame within you, and so became the light of His love to all. Teach me to...

Prayer to Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, you allowed the thirsting love of Jesus on the Cross to become a living flame within you, and so became the light of His love to all. Obtain from the heart of Jesus ...(the finances for a Catholic Women's Crisis Pregnancy Center). Teach me to allow Jesus to penetrate and possess my whole being so completely that my life, too, may radiate His light and Love to others. Amen. Immaculate Heart of Mary, Cause of Our Joy, pray for me. Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, pray for me. Saturday, April 21 ~ Sixth Day - True Love is Surrender Thought for the day: “Allow God to use you without consulting you.” Ask for the grace to surrender your whole life to God. Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, you allowed the thirsting love of Jesus on the Cross to become a living flame within you, and so became the light of His love to all. Teach me to allow Jesus to penetrate and possess my whole being so completely that my life, too, may radiate His li...

A wandering monk walked barefoot everywhere he went, to the point that the soles of his feet eventually became quite thick and leathery. And because he ate very little, he gradually became very frail. Several days often passed between opportunities to brush his teeth, so he usually had bad breath. Therefore, throughout the region, he came to be known as the super-calloused fragile mystic plagued with halitosis. What do monks get when the laundry machine breaks down? Dirty Habits. A certain monastery was home to monks who had vowed, not the usual vow of silence, but one of plainchant. They communicated only in Gregorian tones. Each morning, they assembled in the chapel and the Abbot would chant"Good morning assembled brethren." The monks dutifully replied "Good morning, Father Abbot." One morning, an irreverent reverend (a mocking monk) instead chanted "Good evening, Father Abbot". The Abbot fixed them all with a steely-eyed gaze ... and sang "Someone ...

Today is the optional memorial of St. Anslem of Canterbury, Benedictine Monk, Bishop, Theologian, Philosopher, and Doctor of the Church. St. Anslem (b. 1033, Aosta, Lombardy; d. 1109, Canterbury, Kent) is generally considered to be the founder of the philosophical school of Scholasticism, for his attempt to analyze and illumine the truths of faith through the aid of reason. He was a major figure in the intellectual life of the Middle Ages, and a major political and ecclesiastical force as well. To learn more about him, go here . Here are a few of his gems: "O God, let me know you and love you so that I may find joy in you; and if I cannot do so fully in this life, let me at least make some progress every day, until at last that knowledge, love and joy come to me in all their plenitude. While I am here on earth let me know you fully; let my love for you grow deeper here, so that there I may love you fully. On earth then I shall have great joy in hope, and in heaven complete joy in...

My thanks go out to whoever nominated Catholic Fire for best religion blog. I deeply appreciate your thoughtfulness. Thanks also to all who are voting for me. This came as a complete surprise to me. Deo Gratias!

Catholic League president Bill Donohue commented today on those who are unhappy with Catholics on the Supreme Court: “On Wednesday, when the U.S. Supreme Court said no to partial-birth abortion, I wrote, ‘We are waiting for the anti-Catholic bigots to go bonkers over the fact that all five of the justices who voted against infanticide are Roman Catholic.’ I didn’t have to wait long before Rosie O’Donnell made yet another splash bitching about all the Catholics on the high court. Now she has been joined by American Atheist bloggers, Tony Auth and Julianne Malveaux. “American Atheist bloggers are saying that outlawing some instances of infanticide is ‘very bad news for all women in the United States, all gays and lesbians in the United States, and of course, anyone else not Catholic, especially Freethinkers, Agnostics, and Atheists.’ Blogger Dave assumes that everyone who is not Catholic is upset with the Supreme Court’s decision. Has he not heard of Nancy Pelosi? And don’t gays want gay...

Prayer to Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, you allowed the thirsting love of Jesus on the Cross to become a living flame within you, and so became the light of His love to all. Obtain from the heart of Jesus ...(the finances for a Catholic Women's Crisis Pregnancy Center). Teach me to allow Jesus to penetrate and possess my whole being so completely that my life, too, may radiate His light and Love to others. Amen. Immaculate Heart of Mary, Cause of Our Joy, pray for me. Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, pray for me. Friday, April 20 ~ Fifth Day – Trust Jesus Blindly Thought for the day: “Confidence in God can do all things. It is our emptiness and lowliness that God needs and not our plenitude.” Ask for the grace to have an unshakeable trust in the God’s power and love for you and for all. Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, you allowed the thirsting love of Jesus on the Cross to become a living flame within you, and so became the light of His love to all. Teach me to all...

We give thanks to the Lord because He is good and we turn now to the Father with our prayers: Thank you, Lord, for Bill's temporary contract position until he can find a permanent job. Thank you, Lord, for the blessing Mother Angelica has been in our lives and for the beautiful example she is to all of us in her knowledge, love, and service to You. We pray for special blessings for Mother Angelica today on her 78th birthday. We pray for the for the 156 Catholic Charities foster care workers in Chicago and Lake County and the 900 foster children they serve as they suddenly close their doors after 90 years of service on June 30th. [Due to a $12 million lawsuit following three children being abused in a foster home in 2001, no one will insure them and they must close down. All agencies have unfortunately experienced abuse of a child while in foster care at some point in time, not just Catholic Charities, but luckily lawsuits have not completely shut the system down.] Please help peopl...

Friday of the Second Week of Easter Today's Mass Readings and Homily Saint of the Day On This Day in Catholic History 1303 - The University of Rome La Sapienza is instituted by Pope Boniface VIII . 1884 - Pope Leo XIII publishes the encyclical , Humanum Genus . 1923 - Mother Mary Angelica of the Annunciation, (Rita Antoinette Rizzo), the founder of the Eternal Word Media Network worldwide, was born to John and Mae Helen Gianfransisco in Canton, Ohio. Birthdays 1586 - Saint Rose of Lima , Peruvian saint (d. 1617) 1818 - Heinrich Göbel , German-born inventor (d. 1893 ) 1923 - Mother Angelica , American nun and broadcaster 1961 - Don Mattingly , American baseball player

Check out our beloved Dawn Eden's latest interview on LifesiteNews here. John-Henry Weston asks her about her conversion to Catholicism. Great story! I loved it! Dawn Eden's book The Thrill of the Chaste is available from Amazon here . Thanks, Dawn.

This was a fun quiz with amazing results. FYI: You do have to set up a profile for this. It was very helpful and informative and provides a great deal of information on each of the candidates, which are matched up to your views on the issues. Via And Rightly So.

"The ruling of the US Supreme Court on the constitutionality of the Partial Birth Abortion ban is a mixed blessing. “[The Ruling] is a small moral victory for the pro-life side because the high court has decreed that there can be some restrictions placed on an abortion procedure. We recognize, however, that not one baby will be saved by this decision because the abortion industry will just alter their procedures for killing late-term babies and call it by a different name. All defenders of life should be emboldened by this decision to work even harder to end any type of abortion, the greatest injustice of our time ...“The day after a madman went on a rampage at a Virginia university killing 33 innocent adults, the Supreme Court has said that we should stop killing innocent children by this procedure. America needs to be consistent with our own values and say that all killing of innocent human beings should stop." ~ Fr. Thomas J. Euteneuer, President of Human Life Internationa...

On today’s edition of the ABC show, “The View,” the discussion turned to the Supreme Court’s ruling yesterday affirming the partial-birth abortion ban. In an angry tone, Rosie O’Donnell asked, “You know what concerns me? How many of the Supreme Court judges are Catholic, Barbara?” Walters responded, “Five.” O’Donnell: “Five. Five are Catholic. Separation of church and state, America.” Walters then said that when the Catholic justices were vetted, they said they would not vote in a particular way because of their religion. But she then said, “It is interesting they’re Catholic.” After others spoke, Walters said she thought the justices were able to separate their faith from everyday life. To which O’Donnell replied, “From your everyday life but not hopefully from the foundation of our government. Separation of church and state.” Catholic League president Bill Donohue addressed this issue today: “This is O’Donnell’s eighth attack on Catholics since September. She has said there is no dif...

"If souls would put themselves completely in my care, I myself would undertake the task of sanctifying them, and I would lavish even greater graces on them. There are souls who thwart My efforts, but I have not given up on them; as often as they turn to Me, I hurry to their aid, sheilding them with My mercy, and I give them the first place in My compassionate Heart. ~ God speaking to St. M. Faustina Kowalska, The Divine Mercy in My Soul Diary , 1682 (59) May 1, 1938.

This was fun, but I thought I might score as Yoda, as I did in a similar quiz awhile back. Does this mean I am getting younger and prettier? Thanks, Esther.

Prayer to Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, you allowed the thirsting love of Jesus on the Cross to become a living flame within you, and so became the light of His love to all. Obtain from the heart of Jesus ...(the finances for a Catholic Women's Crisis Pregnancy Center). Teach me to allow Jesus to penetrate and possess my whole being so completely that my life, too, may radiate His light and Love to others. Amen. Immaculate Heart of Mary, Cause of Our Joy, pray for me. Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, pray for me. Thursday, April 19 ~ Fourth Day – Our Lady Will Help You Thought for the day: “How close we must keep to Our Lady who understood what depth of Divine Love was being revealed as she stood at the foot of the Cross and heard Jesus cry out: ‘I thirst.’ ” Ask for the grace to learn from Our Lady to quench Jesus’ thirst as she did. Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, you allowed the thirsting love of Jesus on the Cross to become a living flame within you, and so bec...

We give thanks to the Lord because He is good and we turn now to the Father with our prayers: Alleluia! Thank you, Lord, for Nigel's healing. Nigel who was in ICU and on oxygen has suddenly recovered. Tomorrow they will discharge him. He is coming home! Alleluia! Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of Pope Benedict XVI and today on the second anniversary of his election as Pope. We pray for an abundance of special blessings and graces for him. For the Holy Father's special intentions. For an increase in vocations to the priesthood and to the consecrated life. For peace in our world and for the safety of our soldiers. That the leaders of all governments will work to insure that all people can live in full freedom. That the power of Christ's ressurection will put an end to the culture of death. For an end to abortion and the closing of all abortion mills. For those who live in confusion, ignorance, or skepticism: that they may know the truth and the light of the risen Christ. F...

Thursday of the Second Week of Easter Today's Mass Readings and Homily Saint of the Day On This Day in Catholic History 1054 Pope Leo IX died (b. 21 June 1002). He was the first pope in medieval times actively to seek an end to the marriage of priests. 2005 - Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger was elected Pope Benedict XVI on the second day of the Papal conclave . World History 1956 - American Actress Grace Kelly marries Prince Rainier III of Monaco . Birthdays 1721 - Roger Sherman , signer of the U.S. Declaration of Independence (d. 1793) 1903 - Eliot Ness , American lawman (d. 1957) 1912 - Glenn Seaborg , American chemist, Nobel Prize laureate (d. 1999) 1937 - Elinor Donahue , American actress 1925 - Hugh O'Brian , American actor 1960 - Frank Viola , baseball player 1986 - Candace Parker , American basketball player

We give thanks to the Lord because He is good and we turn now to the Father with our prayers: We thank you, Lord, for the Supreme Court decision upholding the ban against partial - birth abortion. We ask for the grace to replace all our doubts with the certainty of the gospel message. We pray that the power of Christ's resurrection will put an end to the culture of death. We pray for an end to abortion and the closing of all abortion mills. We pray for all for all those involved in the Virginia massacre - the victims, their families, and the Virginia Tech community. We pray for peace and healing for those who mourn and for the repose of the souls of those who have died. We pray for Ron's special intention. We pray for a good, permanent job for Bill. We pray for D.& K. and their baby. For all previous intentions mentioned here and for all prayer intentions in St. Blog's. We pray to the Lord. Lord, hear our prayer. Loving Father, the resurrection of your Son gives us a ne...