Catholic Fire

By Maureen Pratt Chronic pain can make us feel isolated and helpless, especially if its cause is an illness or physical condition for which there's no cure or effective medical treatment. At times of deepest despair, finding ways to nurture our spirits can help us not only cope with the pain, but also discover nuggets of grace, comfort, and productivity that can move us through and beyond the helplessness and hopelessness we feel. Here are ten spiritual tools that can help you get started toward peace in spite of and in the midst of pain. MORE Maureen Pratt is a Catholic speaker and author who focuses on spirituality, faith and wellness. Her most recent book is "Peace in the Storm: Meditations on Chronic Pain & Illness" Her website is www.maureenpratt.com .

She's just a rookie, and already Jordin Sparks is going further in the NFL than her father. Only 2 1/2 months after the youngest "American Idol" winner released her debut album, the teen is set to perform the national anthem Sunday at the Super Bowl. In nine years as a pro cornerback, pop Phillippi Sparks never reached the big game. "I said, 'Dad, I'm singing at the Super Bowl,'" she said Thursday. "He said, 'At least one of us made it.'" No surprise about which team she'll root for when the New York Giants play the New England Patriots. Her dad spent all but one season with the Giants. "There definitely is a tie with them," the 18-year-old Sparks said. "I got to go for the underdogs." Sparks considers herself a "huge, humongous football fan." Via AP Entertainment News. Here's some more information about Jordin Sparks that you'll find interesting. Jordin is both a Christian and a pro-lifer...

Rose Canon in C Minor - John Michael Talbot Rose Photography - Jean Marion

Happy Feast of St. John Bosco! St. John Bosco was the founder of the Salesian Society, named in honor of St. Francis de Sales, and of the Daughters of Mary, Help of Christians. His lifework was the welfare of young boys and girls, hence his title, "Apostle of Youth." He had no formal system or theory of education. His methods centered on persuasion, authentic religiosity, and love for young people. He was an enlightened educator and innovator. ( Catholic Culture ) For complete Biographical information, go here . Catholic Culture's library has a good article on Don Bosco, Seeker of Souls. Here are a few of my favorite quotes from St. John Bosco. "Do you want Our Lord to give you many graces? Visit Him often. Do you want Him to give you few graces? Visit him seldom. Visits to the Blessed Sacrament are powerful and indispensable means of overcoming the attacks of the devil. Make frequent visits to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and the devil will be powerless against yo...

Video: McCain receives Guiliani endorsement Jill Stanek: Presidential race developments Jay Anderson: McCain: Alito "Too Conservative" Jan. 30 - A day after his big victory in the Florida Republican Primary, John McCain received the endorsement of rival Rudy Giuliani. Giuliani could be helpful to McCain on Super Tuesday-- when 22 states -- including New York, New Jersey and California hold their own Republican primaries.

Wichita, KS – Judge Paul Buchanan ruled today that medical records must be handed over to a grand jury investigating illegal late-term abortions at George R. Tiller’s Women’s Health Care Services under the condition that identifying information about the patients be redacted. The records will then be provided to an independent attorney and physician appointed by the judge. They will screen the records to determine if there are irregularities before turning them over to the grand jury. “Today’s ruling is a victory for truth and justice,” said Operation Rescue President Troy Newman, who was present during the court hearing. MORE Here is my favorite part of this story from Operation Rescue: Tiller’s legal team was joined by Bonnie Scott Jones of New York’s Center for Reproductive Rights, who argued on behalf of three former Tiller patients that the records be denied or heavily redacted for privacy considerations. “The privacy that they seem so worried about is just a red herring to defle...

Today, during Eucharistic Adoration, I prayed for the following intentions: For the Holy Father's special intentions. For Bill -- for his health, for strength and perseverance during this time of trial. For all those priests, Brothers, Sisters, and seminarians I have spiritually adopted. For the special intentions of all the Oblates. For healing for James. For world peace and for the safety of all our military. For the quick sale of our home and for a new home in the area where we plan to live. For continued healing for Donna and her daughter. For MM.'s special intentions. For Al's special intentions. For healing for J. For a holy Lent. For an end to abortion and all sins aganst human life. For Tiller's conversion, the closing of his late-term abortion mill and for God's justice in his trial. For all the special intentions at One Came Back. For all previous prayer intentions mentioned here and for all those who are in need of my prayers. Prayers of Thanksgiving In ...

You Are Austin A little bit country, a little bit rock and roll. You're totally weird and very proud of it. Artistic and freaky, you still seem to fit in... in your own strange way. Famous Austin residents: Lance Armstrong, Sandra Bullock, Andy Roddick What American City Are You? Via Jackie.

Andre Rieu and company playing the Blue Danube. Watch it to the end, as it just might make you laugh.

Esther tagged me for this meme. Rules: Answer the questions! You can give a reason for the answer if you like. As for tagging people, you tag as many as you want or as little...minimum of one. There's no obligation to play. Last of all, have fun! 1.First Saint you "met"? I'm not exactly sure what this means, but the first saint I was introduced to as a child was St. Joseph. 2. Favorite Saint(s)? St. Joseph, St. John, St. Therese, St. Maximilian Kolbe, St. John Vianney, St. Francis of Assisi, St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, St. Dominic, St. Catherine of Siena, St. Bernadette of Lourdes, St. Pio of Pietrelcina, St. Gianna, St. Teresa of Avila, St. Margaret Mary, St. Joan of Arc, St. Joseph Cupertino, St. Augustine, St. Francis de Sales, & more. 3. Patron saint for the year? Saint Therese of Lisieux (pray for me!) 4. Favorite book by a saint? The Story of a Soul (St. Therese of Lisieux) 5. Saint book you are reading now? Butler's Saint of the Day and occasio...

"When you feel the assaults of passion and anger, then is the time to be silent as Jesus was silent in the midst of His ignominies and sufferings." "Entrust yourself entirely to God. He is a Father, and a most loving Father at that, who would rather let heaven and earth collapse than abandon anyone who trusted in him." ~St. Paul of the Cross

Today I am lifting up my heart, to You, Lord, and am uniting it to Yours. I humbly come before you and pray for the following special intentions: For Our Holy Father and all his special intentions. For those priests, deacons, and seminarians I have spiritually adopted. For Bill's special intentions. For good health, strength and perseverance to do all that You have asked of him at this time and the wisdom to know Your holy will. For continued healing for Donna and her daughter. For MM's special intentions and her health. For good health, strength and perseverance to carry out Your holy will in my life. For a new home in the area where we are locating and for the quick sale of our home. In thanksgiving for all those who have been supportive during this difficult time. For all those who are ensnared in the culture of death. For an end to abortion and all sins against human life. For healing for James. For all the intentions at One Came Back. For the closing of Tiller's late ...

Wichita, Kansas – Attorneys for abortionist George R. Tiller filed motions with Judge Paul Buchanan to quash two subpoenas issued by a grand jury asking for nearly 2,000 late-term abortion records. The subpoenas allow for the redaction of the patients’ names and other identifying information, making the privacy of the women a non-issue. “Tiller’s effort to deny the grand jury necessary evidence in a criminal investigation is a last desperate act of a man who is destined to go to jail,” said Operation Rescue President Troy Newman. “Tiller expects the court to help him hide incriminating evidence from people who have the legal ability to indict him. This judge has already rejected a similar motion to deny other subpoenas issued by the grand jury. We are praying, for the sake of truth and justice, that this ploy is denied as well.” The subpoenas were issued on January 22, just one week after Newman testified before the grand jury and presented over 200 pages of evidence gathered by Operat...

"Life is only a dream: soon, we shall awaken. And what joy! The greater our sufferings, the more limitless our glory. Oh! do not let us waste the trial that Jesus sends." "Life passes. Eternity comes with great strides. Soon, we shall be living with the very life of Jesus. Having drunk deep at the source of all bitterness, we shall be defied in the very source of all joys, of all delights." ~ St. Therese of Lisieux, Doctor of the Church

This week it is being hosted by Kate at Kate Wicker. There are lots of great posts there, but here are a few of my favorites: Just Another Day of Catholic Pondering reminds us through this touching exchange between a mom and a child at It's No Wonder Jesus Loved Kids , Jesus wants us all to embrace a childlike faith. Leticia's Here's one you haven't heard before: Hillary is Pro-life at causa nostrae laetitiae separates fact from fiction. Be sure and read Heidi's post On Golden Pens and Empty Pockets at Silent Canticle. It is a must read for bloggers and writers.

Check out Esther's post Candidate Calculator . You can find some assistance here: A Prayer for Discerning Voters Voter's Guide for Serious Catholics by Father Frank Pavone A Brief Catechism for Catholic Voters by Fr. Stephen F. Torraco, PhD U.S. Bishops Address Catholic Politicians and Voters Voting - A Guide For Making Moral Choices At The Voting Booth An Election Prayer To Mary Some other helpful posts: Grading the GOP on Family Value Issues National Right to Life: Huckabee has "Strongest Pro-Life Position" Among Candidates at LifeSiteNews.com Abortion: $50 Romney's Health Care Plan provides Taxpayer-Funded Abortions McCain plays politics with embryos and us Things You Didn’t Know About The Presidential Candidates

Tennessee Right to Life Next Pro-Life Group to Endorse Mike Huckabee Tennessee Right to Life, on Monday, became the next pro-life group to issue an endorsement for Mike Huckabee -- the former Arkansas governor many pro-life advocates consider the strongest pro-life candidate on the GOP side. As LifeNews.com has reported, Tennessee joins its sister affiliates in Missouri, Arizona, Georgia and Montana. Tennessee is one of the states with a primary election on Super Tuesday and Tennessee Right to Life officials told LifeNews.com on Monday they hope Republicans will side with Huckabee. The strength of Governor Huckabee’s public record on matters concerning the protection of human life and strong support among the organization’s grassroots members were key to making the decision, they said . “The beauty of a grassroots organization is that your members set the priorities,” the group's president Brian Harris said. “For pro-life Tennesseans, the election of a sincere, proven pro-life ...

Planned Parenthood Tries to Get U.S. Pro-Life Ads Booted From Radio Stations Pro-life activists strongly encouraged to write in to thank stations for running ads Listen to the ads here. The two radio stations in San Francisco that ran the ads are: KCBS and KFRC .

Pro-death, partial birth abortion supporter Barack Obama is really in quite a bit of trouble. Check out the details below. Having lived in IL most of my life -- this doesn't surprise me one bit. Criminal support is the way most of the Chicago democrats get into office in the first place. Obama 'Backer' Rezko Ordered to Jail Rezko Violated Parole With Series of Secret Financial Transactions With Mideast Banks Obama Kept Contributions From Accused Fixer's Wife And Others Despite claims over the weekend from Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama that his campaign had given away all the donations connected to accused fixer Antoin "Tony" Rezko, the campaign has not returned more than $100,000 in donations from Rezko's wife and 20 other Rezko-linked donors, according to an ABCNews.com review . Obama's 17-Year Relationship With Alleged Fixer Obama's Relationship With Alleged Fixer Goes Back 17 Years What Did Obama Know? When Did He Know It?...

Check out the great quotes, photos, and music here. You'll be glad you did. H/T: The UmBlog. Catholics for Hukabee.

A beautiful dedication to Roman Catholic Monks is presented here - mostly Benedictine with a bit of Carthusian thrown in. Photos were taken in France, England, USA, Italy, and Canada.

A home made pro-life music video with a song by Catholic seminarian Robert Galea. Visit http://www.thatsworship.com/ for more from Robert. It shows images of the baby in the mother's uterus.

Saint Thomas Aquinas was a 13th century Dominican priest, philosopher, and theologican. As a Doctor of the Church, he has been given the title "Angelic Doctor" and is the patron of Catholic universities and schools. St. Thomas reflected the Dominican ideal. He was a true contemplative who shared the fruits of contemplation with others. Here are some of my favorite St. Thomas of Aquinas quotes: "The Eucharist is the Sacrament of Love; It signifies Love, It produces love. The Eucharist is the consummation of the whole spiritual life." "Friendship is the source of the greatest pleasures, and without friends even the most agreeable pursuits become tedious. " "A man has free choice to the extent that he is rational." "To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible." "To convert somebody, go and take them by the hand and guide them." "Peace is the work of justice indirectly,...

By Matt C. Abbot Op/Ed I like Fathers Tom Euteneuer, James Farfaglia, and John Trigilio. They’re not afraid to speak out on controversial matters. So I was happy that they responded to my request for a statement on the current Rick Majerus, Archbishop Raymond Burke controversy. As you may have heard or read, Mr. Majerus, coach of the St. Louis University basketball team, voiced support for abortion “rights” at a recent rally for pro-abortion presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. Archbishop Burke wants the university – a nominally Catholic one, by the way – to discipline the defiant, pro-abortion coach. Father Tom Euteneuer, president of Human Life International, issued this statement: “Rick Majerus is more of a basket case than a basketball coach. His sicknesses all fit so neatly together: He has a modern anti-Catholic ‘Jesuit’ education; he embraces superficial, undigested rhetoric about the issues; he is a jock pretending to be a scientist; and he exhibits a defiant disobedience t...

I found this at Tigerish Waters. 1) Which book do you irrationally cringe away from reading, despite seeing only positive reviews? Henry Nouwen -- My Spiritual Father has steered me away from his books. 2) If you could bring three characters to life for a social event (afternoon tea, a night of clubbing, perhaps a world cruise), who would they be and what would the event be? I would like to join St. Therese and her sisters, Pauline and Celine, for an afternoon tea at Carmel, and also have the opportunity to watch Therese act in the play, St. Joan of Arc. 3) (Borrowing shamelessly from the Thursday Next series by Jasper Fforde): you are told you can’t die until you read the most boring novel on the planet. While this immortality is great for awhile, eventually you realize it’s past time to die. Which book would you expect to get you a nice grave? I have yet to read a boring novel -- most likely because I would have closed the book and returned it to the library if I did and then have f...

Esther tagged me for this one. I'm still under the weather today (although I did make it to Mass and also to Generations of Faith in our parish this evening) and fun memes like this tend to cheer me up. If you HAD to choose one or the other would you choose... 1. Thai or Mexican Mexican - I'm not a big fan of Thai. 2. Bubble bath or back massage Both are nice -- but my dh gives the BEST back massages. 3. boots or sandals Sandals 4. the 90% "pro-life" good chance or the 100% pro-life long shot? The 90% good chance, but fortunately we have one and only one candidate in this election who is 100% pro-life who has a good chance of winning. 5. a cruise ship or a mountain cabin Cruise ship 6. Rome or Paris I have been to Rome and had a private audience with the Holy Father (Pope Benedict XVI). I have never been to Paris, so I would like to go there, especially since my ancestors were French. 7. Ordinary or Extraordinary Extraordinary 8. Rosary or Stations Rosary 9. surf or h...

Accompanied by two children, Pope Benedict XVI released two small white doves from the window of the Apostolic Palace, to end the “Month for Peace”. At the end of the Angelus, the Pope greeted the children and youth of the Catholic Action Rome, which annually concludes the "Month for Peace" in St. Peter's Square. The Pope addressed the children, " Dear little friends…Follow the path that Jesus has shown us to build true peace!" Pope John Paul II on Peace "The world will never be the dwelling place of peace till peace has found a home in the heart of each and every person, till every person preserves in himself the order ordained by God to be preserved." (Pacem in Terris) The Peace Prayer Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace; Where there is hatred, let me sow love; Where there is injury, pardon; Where there is error, the truth; Where there is doubt, the faith; Where there is despair, hope; Where there is darkness, light; And where there is sadness,...

You are a Lavender Rose You represent love at first sight and enchantment. Your vibe: intense and intriguing Falling in love with you is: deep and meaningful What Color Rose Are You?

You scored (100%) as Edmund Bertram. Your husband/boyfriend is Edmund Bertram from Mansfield Park. Most likely he has taught you many things and acted as your guide or protector. Though he is quite principled, he has learned to detect the faults of others. Most likely the two of you were friends for a long time before you were lovers. As a couple, you delight in learning and conversing together and remain consistently loyal to each other. Who is Your Jane Austen Boyfriend/Husband? created with QuizFarm.com Via My Thoughtful Spot .

You are Tweety. You are cute, and everyone loves you. You are a best friend that no one takes the chance of losing. You never hurt feelings and seldom have your own feelings hurt. Life is a breeze. You are witty, and calm most of the time. Just keep clear of back stabbers, and you are worry-free. Which cartoon character are you ?

"Christian prayer is not an exercise in self-contemplation, stillness and self-emptying, but a dialogue of love, one which "implies an attitude of conversion, a flight from 'self' to the 'You' of God". It leads to an increasingly complete surrender to God's will, whereby we are invited to a deep, genuine solidarity with our brothers and sisters." ~ From "Jesus Christ, the Bearer of the Water of Life", Pontifical Council for Culture, Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta would do nothing without first praying and adoring God in the Blessed Sacrament. She was the contemplative active, which Pope John Paul II called us to be to spread the gospel message in our world. Prayer for the grace to know and to do God's will in our lives must precede all our actions. Many other saints have instructed us to do the same. The power of prayer and offering up one's daily sufferings and trials can be jus...

There's a new kid in town . . . opening in San Francisco on March 7, 2008: the Cinema Vita Film Festival . " The Cinema Vita Film Festival has been established to encourage young, emerging filmmakers and to showcase movies about contemporary issues concerning the meaning and value of life. Coordinated by the San Francisco Archdiocesan Office of Public Policy, the Oakland Diocesan Respect Life Ministry, Marriage for Life, and Ignatius Press, the festival is based on the recognition that art, especially the medium of film, shapes the popular imagination and has a tremendous influence on culture." ( read more ) Inspired by the success of Bella, the organizers are putting their money where their hearts are and have established three categories for submission of 3-5 minute, original "visionary works that focus on the dignity of the human person from conception to natural death". The categories are (1) high school (2) college and (3) open classification. EVEN BETTER t...

I found this on a wonderful new blog A Song A Day , by Catherine. It features a song a day -- 366 songs every American should recognize. Be sure and check out all the music there.

Happy Feast day of the Conversion of St. Paul! The conversion of Saul, persecutor of the early church, was of pivotal importance for the worldwide development of Christianity. Paul means much for our faith and for the New Testament. Today we commemorate that significant event on the road to Damascus when Saul, fallen to amazement at a great light from heaven, spoke with the risen Savior and arose as Paul, to become the Apostle to the Gentiles. This is such a touching miracle and each time I think of Paul, who had previously persecuted the Christians I think of those today who persecute Christians for their beliefs. I think of all the Christian pro-lifers out there and the sufferings and trials they are going through for the conversion of the abortionists and those who are trapped in the culture of death. Mysteriously, God often opens their hearts and through his life-giving graces transforms their hearts, drawing them to Him. He never gives up on them, but waits patiently for them ...

What do you do when you feel that another Christian has taken advantage of you or mistreated you in some way? Do you keep it to yourself and bury it within and hold a grudge against that person? Do you deny your feelings and let the hurt get buried in your subconscious? What is the Christian thing to do in this situation? Do we put up with the abusive and bullying personalities? What does the gospel instruct us to do? I think many of us know the answer to this question. In Matthew 18:15a, the Gospel tells us: "If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone." This famous passage goes on to tell us in further detail how to resolve conflicts within the Christian community. If you are sinned against, raise the issue! Don't just put up with it. Don't just ignore it. Don't just "accept" it. Rather, confront it, raise it, bring matters to a head. We do no one, least of all the offender, any favors if we just swallow our...

Never be hurried by anything whatever - nothing can be more pressing than the necessity for your peace before God. You will help others more by the peace and tranquility of your heart than by any eagerness or care you can bestow on them. ~Saint Elizabeth Seton

Tiller once again tries to obstruct justice, but judge insists he show evidence Mary Kay Culp, Executive Director of Kansans for Life said:"Although we are disappointed that Nola Foulston's assistant is still in charge of this grand jury, we are elated that the judge stopped Tiller's attempt to deny the grand jury evidence they requested. "And it is our most fervent hope that the records requested go beyond the 2003 records due (because of the five year statute of limitations) to time out this year!" The following story came exclusively from the KAKE Television Station in Wichita, KS. See the video of the story below, and the written story below that. Judge Denies Request in Tiller Grand Jury A judge ruled against attorneys for local abortion provider Dr. George Tiller Thursday. They wanted to halt a grand jury's request for sensitive clinic documents. Tiller is under investigation for possibly performing illegal late term abortions. The grand jury's fi...

And why shouldn't they? He's worse than Hillary! He is the strongest pro-death candidate out there. The democrats stand out as the party of death; there are some Republicans who support human life and others who don't. Duncan Hunter was my pick in the past, but now that he has bowed out of the race and endorsed Michael Huckabee, I, too, believe that Huckabee is the best choice for the presidential nomination. Hunter has stated that he believes that Mike Huckabee is the most committed of the GOP Presidential nominees to strengthening national defense, getting a fence built along the U.S.-Mexico border and dealing with China's role as an emerging economic and military superpower. He is certainly the strongest pro-life candidate (aside from Alan Keyes, who is a candidate, but really isn't.) Alan Keyes would definitely make a great president, but it is not realistic to think that he could ever be nominated or elected at this point in time. Neither McCain nor Romney are...

The Archbishop of Guadalajara, Cardinal Juan Sandoval Iniguez, called on Catholics this week to reject the legalization of abortion and especially its spread across Mexico under pressure from international organizations such as the United Nations. In his weekly column, the cardinal underscored that “the media reported a few days ago that a high official of the United Nations praised the two states and the Federal District for having legalized abortion.” “She praised them and at the same time urged all the states of the country to do the same, so that throughout Mexico killing could go unpunished,” the cardinal said. “It must be said first of all that abortion is a crime; that should be clear. It goes against the human being and life, which is sacred. God our Lord left us a commandment: ‘Thou shalt not kill,’ and therefore we should respect the lives of others, as well as the lives of the unborn, who are human beings and have the right to life,” he explained. However, he warned, some pe...

By Jean M. Heimann I am not much of a TV watcher. Other than EWTN and an occasional classical movie, the only program I really enjoy watching is American Idol. I am a music lover and like listening to the different genres of music presented on Idol, as well as having the opportunity to vote for the contestants. Recently, however, I was irritated by the Idol judges' reactions to 19 - year - old contestant Bruce Dixon. Dickson, a contestant from Bostrop, Texas, at the American Idol Dallas auditions was asked to share something interesting about himself. He told the judges he had never kissed a girl. Catholic News Agency shares the dialogue: "What?" Randy Jackson asked. "On purpose?" “On purpose," Dickson said. "On my wedding day, that will be my first kiss." Jackson's advice to Dickson after the judges sent him packing: "Go kiss some girls." Simon Cowell, eyebrows raised, told him: "Avoid Ryan (Seacrest) on the way out." Sea...

Francis was born on August 21, 1567, at the Chateau de Sales in Geneva, Switzerland to a noble family. He was a frail and delicate child, but very intelligent, humble, kind, loving, patient and gentle. He was educated in some of the best schools of that time period. At the age of thirteen, he attended the University of Paris where he studied theology. He then attended the University of Padua, where he earned his doctorate in law. His father desired that he become a lawyer and politician, but Francis desired to become a priest. In 1593, he was ordained. The Catholic Church at this time was losing many of its parishioners to the new churches of the Protestant Reformation. Francis set out to restore Catholicism to the area around Lake Geneva known as Chablais. For three years, he trudged through the countryside, his feet frozen and bleeding, as he trampled through the snow. No one would listen to him, so he wrote out his sermons, copying them by hand in the form of leaflets, and placed t...