Catholic Fire

Pope Benedict's general prayer intention for March is: " That the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation between persons and people may be understood and that the Church, through her testimony, may spread Christ's love, the source of new humanity". His mission intention is: "That Christians, who are persecuted in many parts of the world and in various manners because of the Gospel, may continue, sustained by the strength of the Holy Spirit, to bear witness courageously and openly to the Word of God".

"Persons with disabilities, no matter how serious, are persons with the Constitutional right to life." ~ Robert Schindler, brother to Terri Schiavo, responding to Barack Obama's comment when asked what legislation regrets he had, he said he would have voted to stop Congress from intervening to save the life of Terri Schiavo. For more information, check out this post . Related Posts: Obama's biggest regret?

Mike Huckabee has some fun on Saturday Night Live on February 23, 2008.

Listen to the entire July 17, 2007 speech in the above video. He flaunts his pro-death policies here -- listen to his propoganda. CNA reports today: On Wednesday a full transcript of Democrat presidential candidate Senator Barack Obama’s July 2007 speech to the Planned Parenthood Action Fund in which he vigorously defended legalized abortion became available. In the July 17 speech, Obama attacked the Supreme Court decision that upheld the federal partial-birth abortion ban and the nomination of Supreme Court justices who favor overturning Roe v. Wade. In the speech the senator said, "There will always be people, many of goodwill, who do not share my view on the issue of choice. On this fundamental issue, I will not yield and Planned Parenthood will not yield." Obama based his speech around the question, “What kind of America will our daughters grow up in?” He specifically argued against the Supreme Court decision Gonzales v. Carhart, which upheld restrictions on partial-birt...

Examination of Conscience by Father Robert Altier -- based on the Ten Commandments Examination of Conscience by Father John Hardon -- based on the Theological Virtues Examination of Conscience for Teens Examination of Conscience for Children How to go to Confession The Sacrament of Penance (also known as "Confession" or "Reconciliation")

People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered. Forgive them anyway. If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Be kind anyway. If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies. Succeed anyway. If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you. Be honest and sincere anyway. What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight. Create anyway. If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous. Be happy anyway. The good you do today, will often be forgotten. Do good anyway. Give the best you have, and it will never be enough. Give your best anyway. In the final analysis, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway. ~ Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta

I first began praying this prayer along with the rosary with a small prayer group in 2004 and fell in love with it. O most Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Mercy, at this most critical time, we entrust the United States of America to your loving care. Most Holy Mother, we beg you to reclaim this land for the glory of your Son. Overwhelmed with the burden of the sins of our nation, we cry to you from the depths of our hearts and seek refuge in your motherly protection. Look down with mercy upon us and touch the hearts of our people. Open our minds to the great worth of human life and to the responsibilities that accompany human freedom. Free us from the falsehoods that lead to the evil of abortion and threaten the sanctity of family life. Grant our country the wisdom to proclaim that God's law is the foundation on which this nation was founded, and that He alone is the True Source of our cherished rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. O Merciful Mother, give us the cou...

Check this out to get connected with great podcasts and shows! Lisa Hendey's "Catholic Moments" is listed here too! There's a Catholic TV show here called "This is the Day" which Donna Marie Cooper will be profiled on in June. There's so much here, check it out! Via Embracing Motherhood.

Not more energetically letting Terri Schiavo die. Check out the commentary here.

Today was a desert day for me -- a day of prayer and and a time of drawing closer to the Lord. Although I was ill with an FMS /OA flare, I was able to make it to Holy Mass and Eucharistic Adoration today. I prayed for the following special intentions: (Please feel free to join me in prayer.) For the special intentions of the Holy Father. For the Priests and the Brothers I have spiritually adopted. For healing for Linda, who injured her ankle and leg in an accident. For continued healing for Maureen, who sprained her ankle. For a special intention for Al. For the repose of the soul of Ebeth's father-in-law and for peace and comfort for the family. For E., a young woman who will be entering the Church this Easter, for all the graces she needs at this time to draw close to the Lord. For L.'s special intention. For Marcel's prayer requests. For B. and a resolution to a work conflict. For Sister Patricia's 11 year old nephew, Jon, who went on a school sking trip and has be...

This week's Catholic Carnival hosted by Fr. V. is up here . There are a wide variety of great posts there. Fr. V. has done an amazing job!

What Color Sharpie Are You? (25 Different Colors) Updated Again! Red Sharpie Element: Fire Sense: Sound Gemstone: Ruby Some Qualities: Passion, Intelligence, Determination, Energy Fact: A ruby is one of the symbols of love. Take this quiz ! Quizilla Join Make A Quiz More Quizzes Grab Code My element is Fire! Who would have guessed? Via Sarah and Barb.

Planned Parenthood is still refusing to honor a subpoena issued by a citizen-called grand jury in Johnson County, Kansas, for 16 abortion records that have had patient identifying information removed, despite reports to the contrary. An agreement between Planned Parenthood and the special counsel for the grand jury was reached last Tuesday to provide some or part of the records. However, that agreement was rejected by the grand jury as being inadequate, and Judge Patrick Moriarty officially revoked the agreement on Friday. Get the rest of the story here.

There is a new new blog out, chronicling the massive Catholic schools closures recently announced in Western New York State, entitled Rochester Catholic School Closings . It provides informational updates on the decision to close 13 Catholic schools in the Diocese of Rochester (N.Y.)

From Fr. Frank Pavone, M.E.V. And What I Have Failed to Do... What's this I hear from some people that they might "sit out" the Presidential election because they aren't comfortable with the likely choice of candidates? Since when are elections supposed to make us "comfortable?" Since when do we exercise that right to vote, for which people fought and died, only when it's easy and clear-cut, and our choices are just the way we want them to be? At Mass we pray, "I confess to Almighty God...that I have sinned...in my thoughts and in my words, in what I have done, and in what I have failed to do..." What we fail to do can make us just as guilty as what we do. A sin is a wrong choice, and to decide not to do something is just as much of a choice as to decide to do something. A sin of omission is still a sin - and we are still responsible for the results. What, then, makes us think that we are more responsible for the results of voting than for the ...

"True mercy, in the image of Christ's mercy, is not a proudly condescending and pharisaic pity for poor sinners - an attitude in itself perhaps sinful. To be truly merciful is to love and understand sinners, because we know the extent and the depth of evil within ourselves; because, like St. Paul, we have experienced the warrings of the flesh and the spirit, and have discovered in ourselves the marks of original sin -- our inclination towards evil and the weakness of our will..." ~ Archbishop Emile Maurice Guerry - Excerpted from Today's Meditation in the Magnificat.

It's late and I really didn't think that I would be talking about politics tonight, but a voice inside is telling me that I must speak out on this. Today I received an email from the Director of Catholics for McCain, attempting to convince me what a great guy John McCain will make for President. He shared an AP article on KS Senator Sam Brownback backing McCain. When it comes to pro-life issues, I don't like to mince words. Here is my response to him: As a pro-life Catholic Kansan, I cannot and will not support John McCain . My reasons are as follows: 1. He is not 100% pro-life, pro-family. He supports gay marriages and recreational embryonic stem cell research. He even voted against the Federal Marriage Amendment. 2. He is supported by criminal George Soros , who also backs Obama and Hillary Clinton. His views on human life are not vastly different than theirs. Either you support human life or you don't. 3. He will not protect our borders (as evidenced by his actions) ...

"Look at His adorable face. Look at His glazed and sunken eyes. Look at His wounds. Look Jesus in the Face. There, you will see how He loves us." ~ St. Therese of Lisieux "How can we complain when He Himself was considered 'as one struck by God and afflicted'." (Isa. 53:4) ~ St. Therese of Lisieux "Are you capable of risking your life for someone? Do it for Christ." ~Pope John Paul II "We all suffer for each other, and gain by each other's suffering; for man never stands alone here, though he will stand alone hereafter; but here is he is a social being, and goes forward to his long home as one of a large company." ~Cardinal Newman "Nothing, how little so ever it be, if it is suffered for God's sake, can pass without merit in the sight of God." ~Thomas a Kempis

Today's saint is St. Walburga was born in Devonshire England, around 710. She was the daughter of a West Saxon chieftain and the sister of St. Willibald and Winebald. Walburga was educated at Wimborne Monastery in Dorset, where she became a nun. In 748, she was sent with St. Lioba to Germany to help St. Boniface in his missionary work. She spent two years at Bishofsheim, after which she became Abbess of the double monastery at Heidenheim founded by her brother Winebald. At the death of Winebald, St. Walburga was appointed Abbess of both monasteries by her brother Willibald, who was then Bishop of Eichstadt. She remained the superior in charge of both men and women until her death in 779. She was buried first at Heidenheim, but later her body was interred next to that of her brother, St. Winebald, at Eichstadt. For some reason an aromatic fluid with healing qualities began to flow (and still flows) from a fissure in a rock on which their tomb stands. Its healing powers were attribu...

Thomas Peters, American Papist , has an informative and interesting post on Attorney General Phill Kline winning the victory over the Planned Parenthood cover-up. Although I have only lived in Kansas for two years now and have been blogging about Tiller and the late-term abortion cover-ups since that time, I am still amazed at the rampant political corruption here -- it is much more widespread and complex than I ever imagined. At the same time, there are so many holy, prayerful pro-life Christians here. This area is the strongest pro-life Catholic community I have known. The dichotomy makes me wonder at times if we're not all just actors in Lord of the Rings? That film certainly did win quite a few Oscars, didn't it? But what is an Oscar other than an idol -- a gold - plated object designed to sit upon a shelf to be admired and adored? No thanks, I prefer to fight the real life battle and be awarded my eternal reward. I invite all of you to join me in a 9 day novena for an en...

I am adding a new link to my blog in the sidebar under Pro-life / Pro-Family Links, KansasLiberty.com , which has been recommended to me by Operation Rescue. KansasLiberty.com is a web site and email delivery service for public policy news. From Operation Rescue : KansasLiberty.com presents the real story that's often missed or avoided by the mainstream media. You can stay better informed by subscribing to Liberty Update, a free weekly e-news service that's packed with information about Kansas family issues, including the respect for human life, marriage, and the latest judicial decision. Liberty Update does investigative reporting to let you know about the laws in regards to the respect for human life and whether they are being enforced in Kansas. Kansas Liberty has its own reporters and editors who can get the other side of the story - in Topeka and around the state - that the mainstream media aren't willing to cover. With Liberty Update, you will get an important p...

9 Day Novena (9 Holy Hours with Rosary & Divine Mercy Chaplet) March 7th thru March 15th (Solemnity of St. Joseph) I am inviting all my readers, wherever you live, to join in the novena from your churches and your homes . Please encourage other Catholics to participate in this Novena. While the abortion industry is being investigated by two Grand Juries, we must pray for an end to abortion. The details are below for those in the Wichita area. However, any Catholic can join us in this Novena. The intention is "To End Abortion at Tiller's Now . . . & Abortion in Wichita Forever." It's easy: Just say the Rosary for the 9 days from March 7 to March 15th. If possible spend an hour each day praying in front of the Blessed Sacrament. Offer the Stations of the Cross for this intention. I beg you to help spread the word about this powerful Novena and join us in prayer no matter where you live. If you are able to be physically present, the Novena will be held at:...

Listen to a reflection on today's Mass readings from Savannah, Georgia Bishop J. Kevin Boland. Audio podcast here . It is excellent - beautiful music and penetrating spiritual message. It contains a special message for catacumens. ~ From Franciscan Radio

The ONE MILLION ROSARIES FOR UNBORN BABIES prayer event is scheduled to take place in the U.S.A. on Saturday, May 3rd, 2008. Participants will pray the Rosary within the same hour for an end to the surgical and non-surgical killing of unborn babies. The Rosary may be prayed at a Catholic Church, at one's home, etc. The Saint Michael the Archangel Organization, located in Memphis, Tennessee, is coordinating this nationwide prayer event. To learn more about this prayer event, including how to register as a participant, go here .

Meme Booked by 3 - February From Steven at Book Reviews and More . Book Memories 1. Do you associate reading particular books with the places you read them or events of the time you read them? Yes, I often do. When I read Father Elijah: An Apocalypse by Michael O'Brien, I remember completely avoiding the TV, the computer, sleeping, and nearly every other activity I normally spent time on -- I was totally obsessed with that book. It provided me with the inner peace I was searching for during a time that was anything but peaceful in my life. I also read it before I went on a pilgrimage to Rome, ( that included stopping by Assisi), and it prepared my heart for the spiritual impact that trip had on me. I will always associate Bert Ghezzi's book Mystics and Miracles with the Catholic Writer's Association (now known as Catholic Writers Online) Conference at Franciscan University in Steubenville, as I purchased it at the campus bookstore and went to a workshop put on by Ghezzi -...

Chicago An evening talk on Contemplative Prayer will be presented on Saturday evening, February 23rd , at St. Daniel the Prophet Church located at 5300 South Natoma Ave., Chicago (Southside of Chicago). The talk will given by Fr. John-Therese, OSJ, and will begin at 7 p.m. It is open to all who might be interested. I highly recommend this talk -- the speaker is the Novitiate Director of the Sisters of St. John in Princeville, IL. You can learn more about the Community of St. John by going to their websites listed on my sidebar under My Community. Per Christum also has a great post on the Community. Wichita Fr. Richard Hogan with NFP Outreach will be in Wichita on Wednesday, March 5 at Wichita State University Newman Center . Come for Chili Dinner ( It's free .) and hear Fr. Richard Hogan present the exciting message on the Theology of the Body . Make an evening of it: Dinner at 6:30 PM (in the Newman Center in the Basement) Fr. Hogan's talk at 7:00 Rosary at 8:30 P...

I am eager to view this film after reading the review at Aggie Catholics. Here is an excerpt from that review: The makers of this film have done us all a favor. They have made a pro-life film, without ever talking about abortion, euthanasia or other pro-life issues. It is pro-life because it is pro-human. They have made a pro-Christ film without explicitly talking about Him. This is the kind of movie that can move anyone who sees it. The power of film and the art of being human was shown to me through this film as few films could ever do. The Official Website of this film can be seen here .

Today is the Feast of the Chair of St. Peter , so I decided to include a photo from my pilgrimage to Rome (Vatican City) in February 2006. The above photo is the beautiful bronze statue of St. Peter created by Arnolfo di Cambio, c.1300 which is located in the northwestern nave of St. Peter's Basilica. Pilgrims who come to the Basilica traditionally touch and kiss its foot, so that it is literally worn thin. View some beautiful photos of the Chair of Peter here. "The feast of the Chair of St. Peter commemorates the teaching authority - the Magesterium of the Vicar of Christ who occupies the throne of St. Peter. The Catechism teaches that "it is the Magesterium's task to preserve God's people from deviations and defections and to guarantee them the objective possibility of possibility of professing the true faith without error" so that "the People of God abides in the truth that liberates" (CCC 890). The exercise of the authority of the Chair of Peter...

Today, I am praying for the following intentions: For the Bride of Christ, the Church, that we may always stay true to our Baptismal promises. For the special intentions of the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI. For world peace, and an end to terrorism, abortion, and violence. For Ebeth's father - in - law, Chet , who was taken to the hospital with a low grade fever, dehydration, and lethargy. For God's love and peace to be poured out into the heart of Bill today, as he faces new challenges and responsiblities in his work place. For a special intention. For healing for Maureen, who suffered injuries in a recent accident, for her marriage, and for a return to her faith. For conversion and healing for Michael and his son. For all the prayer intentions at One Came Back . For God's justice in the Tiller case and for Tiller's conversion. For the conversion of the hearts of all who are ensnared in the culture of death. For the poor, hungry, and homeless, that through the charit...

"In the heart of Jesus whoever is in anguish on account of the crosses of life can find peace; those afflicted by suffering and illness obtain relief; those in the grip of uncertainty and anxiety experience joy, because in Christ's heart are depths of consolation and love for all who turn to Him with confidence. " ~ Pope John Paul II

Used with permission of the artist, John Francis Borra, veritatis@eaglecom.net Editorial Cartoon: Tiller's New Best Friend Commentary by Operation Rescue : In 2006, former Attorney General Phill Kline was attacked by Tiller’s political hacks as being “Snoop Dog” for his courageous investigations into illegal activity at Kansas abortion clinics. Operation Rescue dubbed Kline’s successor, Paul Morrison, as Tiller’s “Lap Dog” for taking actions to protect Tiller from 30 serious criminal charges filed by Kline. Morrison later reigned after it was revealed that he was engaged in an illicit sexual affair and had attempted to use that relationship to illegally influence criminal cases against Tiller and Planned Parenthood. Now comes the new appointee, Steve Six, who is fast becoming Tiller’s “Guard Dog” due to his efforts to block evidence from a grand jury investigating Tiller. We believe that this is a transparent effort to protect Tiller by thwarting a legitimate grand jury investigati...

Catholic Providence Health Care System and induced labor abortion By Jill Stanek Last month I spoke at a pro-life conference in OR and mentioned that a large west coast Catholic health care system, Providence Health & Services , was committing induced labor abortion. Get the rest of the story here.

Peter was the youngest child born to a large family in Ravenna, Italy in 1007. His parents both died when he was young and he was placed in the care of one of his brothers, who treated him like a slave. His eldest brother, a priest in Ravenna, rescued him and sent him away to study. Peter was quite brilliant and excelled in his studies (theology and cannon law) and later returned to Ravena as a professor. In his late 20's, he joined a group of Benedictine monks (followers of St. Romauld known as the Camaldolese ) who were living in northern Italy, where he became prior at the young age of 36: a position he held unto his death. Peter performed austere penances to the extent that he developed near permanent insomnia and was forced to modify them. Although living in a cloister, Peter kept close watch on the Church and worked for her purification. He wrote to the pope, urging him to deal with the scandals of the Church in Italy. In 1051, Peter published his treatise on the vices of th...

I was tagged by Ian from Musings from A Catholic Bookstore for this meme. Rules: 1. You have to post the rules before you give your answers. 2. You must list one fact about yourself beginning with each letter of your middle name. (If you don’t have a middle name, use your maiden name or your mother’s maiden name). 3. At the end of your blog post, you need to tag one person for each letter of your middle name. My middle name is Marie. M - I'm the middle child in my family. A - Alaska is one state I have yet to visit and would love to vacation there -- during the summer. R - My favorite flower is the rose. I - Illinois is my home state. I was born and raised there and lived there most of my adult life. E - I strive for excellence. I will tag: Sarah Paul Jackie Margaret Mary Donna

The Catholic Knight : There is only one recipe for success of the viable third party in American politics - especially a Pro-Life third party. It would have to be a Centrist party -- either Center Right or Center Left. The reason for this is to insure that neither the Republicans nor the Democrats gain an advantage from the creation of a third party. A new third party would have to draw people from both sides of the Left-Right debate. It would have to siphon off just as many Democrats as Republicans. Read the entire story here. Interesting concept, but would it work?

Gozzoli Virgin & Child Fra Angelico at the Metropolitan Museum of Art I have seen much 0f Fra Angelico's work in Italy and have a photo collection of his works, but this is a new one for me and I absolutely love it. St. Mark's in Peoria, IL has a series of large murals on the church walls duplicating the work of 15th century Italian artist Blessed Fra Angelico Giovanni. Bishop Daniel Jenky has declared St. Mark's as the Diocesan shrine to Fra Angelico. You can view beautiful photos of the church here . I attended this church when I was a member of the diocese and the transformation was just unbelivable!

The Catholic Carnival is being hosted by Melissa at A Third Way . You can find it here . Lots of great reading there, so enjoy!

Thanks to all for your warm thoughts and prayers. I enjoyed the househunting expedition -- it was a nice break from my usual activities and I learned more about the area where my dh works -- he even gave me a private tour of the plant. The house market is limited there so far this year, but, hopefully, will improve soon. Another option we have is to rent, but neither of us is too keen on this. We are also looking into having a house built, but that could take awhile. We are willing to wait for that special house, but don't want to wait too long. When we moved here two years ago, it took us several months to find this house, which met most, but not all, of our expecations. Thanks again for your prayers.

I will be taking a few days break from blogging to do house hunting with my dh. We thank God for his new job, and will be looking for a new home to move into near his job. Please keep us in your prayers.

"Could you but realize what happiness it is to love the Sacred Heart of Jesus, you would despise all else to love but It alone." ~Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque, Life and Writings, II, 678

Dr. Josef Mengele was the most active of the SS doctors at Auschwitz, where he routinely conducted experiments on humans, the most famous of which were conducted on twins selected on the unloading platforms of Auschwitz. At the end of the experiments, Mengele simply injected chloroform directly into the hearts of many of these twins. After the war, Josef Mengele practiced medicine in Buenos Aires in the 1950's. He "had a reputation as a specialist in abortions," which were illegal at the time. Mengele was arrested after he killed a girl in his abortion clinic, but an Argentine judge released him. Mengele lived to see his Abortion ideology legalized in the United States. Today, abortion is justified by the abortionist claiming the killing of babies is "safe and legal." These were the same justifications made by Josef Mengele.

A PRAYER TO OUR LADY OF SORROWS Dearest Mother, before you could become the Consoler of the Afflicted, you first had to know true sorrow. I pause with you now, and meditate on that great suffering in your life, the death and burial of your most beloved Son. Oh, how humble I am, dear Mary, when I see before me your Son in the tomb. He gave His life so we may know freedom from sin. Remind me always that any suffering in my life is passing, just as the suffering you experienced passed in the joy of the Resurrection. Holy Mary, Mother of Sorrows, I mourn with you, knowing the certain joy of your Son and His gift of everlasting life. Through this act of His, you have become our Mother of Consolation. Amen.

I did a little research on my previous post relating the McCain - Soros connection and discovered some new information on Sean Hannity's site. I should preface this by saying that I don't always agree with Sean Hannity on politics or religious matters, but the information he found is pretty straightforward. After reading the same WorldNetDaily article I did , he reports: While doing research on this matter I found several articles which confirm this, as well as, this gets even worse: http://www.theconservativevoice.com/article/30556.html "The McCain-Feingold legislation was an idea devised by the brilliant Mr. Soros." "During the 2000 political season John McCain and Russ Feingold attended the two so-called ‘Shadow Conventions’ that Soros sponsored. McCain, who is desperately attempting to retain his false title of ‘Republican’, was the keynote speaker at the ultra-liberal Philadelphia convention while Feingold spoke at the Los Angeles event. Low and behold, in...

American Life League's survey reveals that Planned Parenthood is streamlining its business. The good news is that PP is facing a crisis: while the sterile culture of death grows old, the culture of life continues to be invigorated by energized and active young people.

The 2008 Catholic Blog Awards are now taking nominations . From the website : "Nominations for the 2008 Catholic Blog Awards will open this year at 12:00 Noon CST on Friday, February 15, 2008 and close on Friday, February 29, 2008 at 12:00 Noon CST. Voting will begin on Monday, March 3, 2008 at 12:00 Noon CST and end on Monday, March 17, 2008 at Noon." I would be very honored if this blog were nominated for any of the categories listed. There are so many wonderful blogs out there - happy nominating and voting!

"Love is the most necessary of all virtues. Love in the person who preaches the word of God is like fire in a musket. If a person were to throw a bullet with his hands, he would hardly make a dent in anything; but if the person takes the same bullet and ignites some gunpowder behind it, it can kill. It is much the same with the word of God. If it is spoken by someone who is filled with the fire of charity- the fire of love of God and neighbor- it will work wonders." ~St. Anthony Mary Claret (from his autobiography). "Spread love everywhere you go: first of all in your own house. Give love to your children, to your wife or husband, to a next door neighbor... Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God's kindness; kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile, kindness in your warm greeting." ~Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta "The proof of love is in the works. Where love exists, it ...

This was the brilliant and saintly priest of the Society of Jesus who was the spiritual director and complete support of Saint Margaret Mary in establishing devotion to the Sacred heart of Jesus. He died eight years before Saint Margaret Mary, when he was only forty-one years old, but he let her know how pleasing to God was her work, to propagate devotion to the Sacred Heart, and also told her how welcome she would be in Heaven. In one of the apparitions of Jesus to Saint Margaret Mary, Our Lord referred to Blessed Claude de la Colombiere as "My faithful servant and perfect friend." (Via St. Michael Center.) Despair Prayer (Prayer for God's Mercy and Pardon for Sin) Lord, I am in this world to show Your mercy to others. Other people will glorify You by making visible the power of Your grace by their fidelity and constancy to You. For my part I will glorify You by making known how good You are to sinners, that Your mercy is boundless and that no sinner no matter how ...

After reading these posts about George Soros funding Senator John McCain since 2001: at WorldNetDaily , Causa Nostrae Laetitiae , and Catholics for Huckabee , there is no way I could ever vote for Republican John McCain if he is chosen as the Republican candidate in the upcoming Presidential election. Hillary, Obama, and McCain are basically on the same team -- they're all pro-death. Be sure to check out today's WND editorial: Who's the real John McCain? It is eye-opening and also offers some good advice. EWTN Raymond Arroyo's The World Over has also solidly confirmed that John McCain is not pro-life, but is pro-death. Check out the video below.

Rosalind Moss, an author, who is an Eternal Word Television Network TV host and one of the network's radio hosts, announced Feb. 13 that she is starting a new community of sisters in the Archdiocese of St. Louis with the permission of Archbishop Raymond L. Burke. The new group will be called the Daughters of Mary, Mother of Israel's Hope, she told an audience of more than 200 at the Catholic Breakfast Club of Sacramento. Moss, 65, said her group will be an evangelistic, teaching community following in the spiritual tradition of St. Francis de Sales. Raised a conservative Jew, Moss spent 18 years as an evangelical Protestant before becoming a Catholic in 1995. Get the story here.

6 Dead in N. Illinois U. Hall Shooting 18 Wounded, Gunman Dead In NIU Attack

Go visit the new womb-site of Umbert the Unborn , the pre-natal pro-life comic strip by Gary Cangemi. It includes a new interactive kids page, Culture of Life page, sample cartoons, and lots more! Umbert is now in its seventh year of publication in faith-based and pro-life publications throughout the U.S. and around the world. I subscribe through my Google reader, but will be including Umbert as one of my pro-life links. I love this cartoon character!

O Heart of Jesus, I implore, that I may ever love Thee more and more. Hearts of Jesus and Mary, burning with love for us, inflame our hearts with love of you. Jesus, Mary and Joseph, I give you my heart and my soul. The Salutation to the Heart of Jesus and Mary Hail, Heart most holy, Hail, Heart most meek, Hail, Heart most humble, Hail, Heart most pure, Hail, Heart most devout, Hail, Heart most wise, Hail, Heart most patient, Hail, Heart most obedient, Hail, Heart most vigilent, Hail, Heart most faithful, Hail, Heart most blessed, Hail, Heart most merciful, Hail, most loving Heart of Jesus and Mary; Thee we adore, Thee we praise, Thee we glorify, To Thee do we give thanks; Thee we love, With all our heart, With all our soul, And with all our strength; To Thee we offer our heart, We give it, We consecrate it, We immolate it; Accept and posses it entirely, And purify it, And illuminate it, And sanctify it; that in it Thou may live and reign both now and forever, and in the ages of ag...

Saints Cyril and Methodius were brothers who were born in Greece and educated in Constantinople. They were the great apostles of the Faith to the Slavs in southern Russia, in Bohemia and Poland during the ninth century. Though Saint Cyril and Saint Methodius died sixteen years apart, their feasts are celebrated together. They are responsible for the Slav alphabet and for the Slav language. Pope John Paul II made Saint Cyril and Saint Methodius patrons of Europe, along with St. Benedict. They are also patrons of ecumenism and patrons of unity between the Eastern and Western Churches. Learn more about them here. Opening prayer (Collect) Father, you brought the light of the Gospel to Slavic nations through St. Cyril and his brother St. Methodius. Open our hearts to understanding Your teaching and help us to become one in faith and praise. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Victory for the Culture of Life! After numerous articles and pressure from Catholic and online media, Google-sponsored YouTube cited a “technical malfunction” as the reason American Life League’s pro-life video was censored by YouTube staff." "Once word got out that YouTube had allowed the Planned Parenthood ads our report was based on to remain on their site, while at the same time censoring our report, a flurry of e-mails, blog posts, and complaints from the pro-life community pressured YouTube into reversing their decision," said Jim Sedlak, vice president of American Life League. The original notification e-mail sent to American Life League by YouTube reads, "After being flagged by members of the YouTube community and reviewed by YouTube staff, the video below has been removed due to its inappropriate nature." Three days later, American Life League received a second e-mail that said:"This email is to inform you that a video was recently removed from ...

"Bear witness to everyone, beginning with your peers, to the joy of His strong and sweet presence. Tell them how wonderful it is to be friends with Jesus and that it is worthwhile following Him. Show your enthusiasm, ... only by following Jesus can the true meaning of life, and true and lasting joy, be found." ~ Pope Benedict XVI, speaking to a group of young people from Italian Catholic Action, December, 2005.

On February 13, 1978, the Chicago Sun-Times, aided by pro-life activist Joe Scheidler, published the first of a seven part series titled “Abortion Profiteers” that exposed unsafe and downright horrifying conditions at Chicago area abortion mills. The result? Two abortion mills were closed, one abortionist lost his license and a grand jury convened to investigate them further. MORE