Catholic Fire

A Simple Woman FOR TODAY June 30th... Outside My Window... it's dark, as it is no longer day, but is night. The black shimmering sky is decorated with diamonds. The air is cool and refreshing after today's heat. I am thinking...about my new cat who is hiding under the bed. I hope she comes out so I can clean out her ears and put in her ear drops. I am thankful for...Bill's good x-ray at the orthopedist's office today, which reveal that he will not need surgery on his arm. I'm also thankful for my two new customers -- both the answer to prayer. PTL! Thank you St. Joseph, St. Stanislaus, St. Amelia, and anyone else who prayed for this. From the kitchen...the scent of pork chops, black-eyed peas, and brown rice pasta. I am wearing...denim shorts and a sleeveless top. I am creating...nothing special right now, other than this post. I am going...to bed soon, as I have more training with my mentor tomorrow and have a long, busy day planned. I am reading...my training ma...

"To rely on our talents is a cause of great loss. When someone places confidence in his own prudence, knowledge, and intelligence, God, to make him know and see his insufficiency, withdraws from him His help and leaves him to work by himself. This is often why our undertakings miserably fail. " ~ St Vincent de Paul

Fr. Jeff Day discusses the Sacrament of Marriage with couples. Includes the Catholic understanding of marital sexuality.

It is good to recall that 'martyr' in ancient Greek means 'witness'. This is a tribute to the martyrs that tremendously inspired our faith and motivated us to be better Catholics.

The Coliseum Rome, Italy From My Personal Photo Collection February, 2006 The holy men and women are also called the “Protomartyrs of Rome.” They were accused of burning Rome by Nero, who burned Rome to cover his own crimes. Some martyrs were burned as living torches at evening banquets, some crucified, others were fed to wild animals. These martyrs died before Sts. Peter and Paul, and are called “disciples of the Apostles. . . whom the Holy Roman church sent to their Lord before the Apostles’ death.” Collect: Father, you sanctified the Church of Rome with the blood of its first martyrs. May we find strength from their courage and rejoice in their triumph. We ask 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.

This November, California voters will be asked to decide by ballot if marriage in their state is to be defined as solely between one man and one woman. No doubt voters in other states will soon face that same decision. With such a radical cultural change hanging in the balance, it's more important than ever that voters be aware of important social-science research that sheds light on the issue. Trayce L. Hansen, Ph.D., a licensed psychologist, recently reviewed the available research on homosexually parented children and reports findings relevant to the same-sex marriage debate: Children raised by openly homosexual parents are more likely to engage in homosexual behavior themselves. And some self-described pro-homosexual researchers who uncovered such results attempted to conceal them by declaring that no differences were found. The findings of Dr. Hansen's review are revealed in a newly released article entitled, "Pro-Homosexual Researchers Conceal Findings: Children Rais...

Yestersday, we prayed the Patriotic Rosary in our parish, which I highly recommend. The Patriotic Rosary is a powerful prayer for divine protection and mercy for our Nation and its rebirth. It is a beautiful way of consecrating our nation to God and is especially appropriate for this time of year. We will be praying the Patriotic rosary again on July 4 -- I ndependence Day.

The Catholic equivalent to the Olympic Torch, the World Youth Day wooden cross, is arriving in Sydney tomorrow, after travelling across the world and throughout the host country, Australia. The cross was introduced by Pope John Paul II when he created WYD in 1984 to symbolise Christ's love for all people. The cross which has an Icon of Our Lady and an Indigenous Message Stick arrives in Australia on 1 July for a 15 day walking pilgrimage around each Australian diocese. It will make various stops including cathedrals, the Great Barrier Reef, war memorials and even shopping centres and sports stadiums and the walk is expected to gather huge crowds. WYD '08 Coordinator Bishop Anthony Fisher said: "The purpose of the WYD cross, Icon and Message Stick is to invite young people to World Youth Day and to spread a message of hope, peace and Christ's love for humanity." Via The Independent Catholic News.

Via The Elliot Institute News The following article originally appeared in The Post-Abortion Review in 2006. With the recent news of a rash of pregnancies among girls at a high school in Massachusetts, it seems everyone is agreeing that teen pregnancy is a problem. But are teens who abort better off than teens who carry an "unwanted" pregnancy to term? Not according to a study published in the Journal of Youth and Adolescence. The study found that adolescent girls who abort unintended pregnancies are five times more likely to seek subsequent help for psychological and emotional problems compared to their peers who carry "unwanted" pregnancies to term.1 Dr. Priscilla Coleman, a research psychologist at Bowling Green State University, also found that adolescents who had abortions were over three times more likely to report subsequent trouble sleeping and nine times more likely to report subsequent marijuana use. The results were compiled after examining 17 other con...

What is Your Design Style? Here's mine : By the Seaside Colors in this palette are reminiscent of a sunny seaside. These combinations are refreshing and invigorating. They provide sparkle with lightness while also imbuing a sense of soothing calm. Oceanic hues are ideal for making a bathroom, bedroom or study an oasis. These colors provide a balance for those with a hectic life. The person who decorates with these colors is looking for their home to be their escape. Take the Quiz here. Here's another quiz from HGTV. My style here was classy. H/T: Alexandra

I was tagged by Esther for this Meme. A) Four places that I go to over and over: Church the Supermarket the Hairdresser's the Farmer's Market B) Four people who e-mail me (regularly): Esther Marie Leticia Ebeth C) My favorite 4 places to eat: The Monterrey Mexican Restaurant Bella Luna Timberline Steakhouse and Grill Bonefish Grill D) Four places I would rather be right now: On a vacation in anyone of the following places - Hawaii Australia/New Zealand the Carribean Islands Belize E) Four people I think will respond: Therese Paul Leticia Ebeth F) Four TV shows I watch all the time: EWTN's The World Over TCM's classic movies Fox News EWTN specials G) Four words that best describe you: generous thoughtful caring introspective H) Four favorite "old school" Hollywood Actors/Actressess: Gregory Peck Jimmy Stewart Loretta Young Sonja Hennie I)Four favorite "old school" television game shows: The Match Game Jeopardy Let's Make a Deal The Price is Right ...

Today, on this Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul, the beginning of the Jubilee Year, as proclaimed by Our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, there are a number of high quality posts in the Catholic blogosphere. Here is just a sampling that I recommend: Peter and Paul, Unity and Pallia by Rocco Palmo at Whispers in the Loggia Steve’s Brief Story of St. Paul’s Life by Steve Ray Solemnity of the Apostles Peter and Paul by Elena Maria Vidal at Tea at Trianon WE WELCOME THE YEAR OF ST PAUL – “CHRIST IS ALL, AND IN ALL”! at Unborn Word of the Day Quotes on St. Paul by Esther at A Catholic Mom in Hawaii Sharing the Mystery of the Faith by Father Fox at Bonfire of the Vanities Feast of St. Peter and Paul..........June 29th by Easter at Holy Cards for Your Inspiration Sts. Peter & Paul: Papal Mass - images and sermons by Father Z. at What Does the Prayer Really Say? Papal Mass for St. Peter and St. Paul by by Gregor Kollmorgen At at The New Liturgical Movement Anno Paolino by Amy Wellborn at Ch...

Sts. Peter and Paul are the co-founders of the Church - the solid rock on which it was founded. St. Peter Peter's original name was Simon. He was a fisherman and the brother of Saint Andrew, the apostle who led him to Christ. As an apostle of Christ, Simon was renamed "Peter" (in Hebrew Kephas) or "rock" by Jesus to indicate that Peter would be the rock-like foundation on which the Church would be built. Peter's house often became the scene of miracles, since Jesus would stay there whenever He was teaching in that locality. Together with his brothers John and Andrew, Peter belonged to the first of Jesus' disciples. After the Ascension, Peter took the leading role that Christ had assigned to him and became the first Pope. He served as the first Bishop of Rome and died there as a martyr in 64 a.d. crucified with his head downward, as he was not worthy to die in the same manner as Christ. Peter is the author of two letters, the first encyclicals. St. Peter ...

You Are 60% Yankee, 40% Dixie You're a pretty even split of Yankee and Dixie. You've probably traveled around a lot in your life. Are You a Yankee or Dixie?

Obama, if fatherhood begins at conception... Just up on YouTube by Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council , this is absolutely fabulous... Via Jill Stanek.

I'm happy for Archbishop Burke, but am sad to see him leaving St. Louis. Congratulations, Archbishop Burke! The Archdiocese Press Release can be read here. †Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam†

Video portion from secular news report,2006. The Dominican Contemplative Sisters of the Monastery of the Heart of Jesus, located in Lockport, Louisiana, belong to a world-wide religious order which was founded by Saint Dominic Guzman in 1206. The cloistered Sisters live a penitential life of prayer, study, community and work. They are consecrated to God by public vows through the profession of the evangelical counsels of chastity, poverty and obedience. They have retained the full Habit, monastic customs and regular observances of the Nuns of the Order of Preachers. They accept and follow all the teachings and directives of the Church. The Lockport Dominicans as they are commonly known, are in the process of re-founding their community. In late 2004 using the internet, the Nuns began to interest young women in their way of life .As of January 2006, about 100 young women have been in contact with the nuns, and many have visited or will visit. Over twelve have applied to enter the monast...

The Message of the Icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help The child Jesus has just seen the angels who have shown him the instruments of his passion. St. Michael the Archangel holds the lance and gall-sop. St. Gabriel the Archangel holds the Cross and the nails. Frightened by the sight, Jesus has run to his mother’s arms so quickly that he almost lost one of His tiny sandals. It dangles from his foot. Mary holds Him lovingly but her eyes look at us - pleading with us to avoid sin and love Her Son. His hands are in hers to show that, as a child, Jesus placed Himself in Mary’s hands for protection and to remind us that He now has placed into Her hands all graces, to be given to those who turn to His mother and ask. The star on Mary’s veil shows her to be the one who brought the light of Christ to the darkened world - the beacon that leads the way to Heaven. The falling sandal symbolizes a soul clinging to Christ by one last thread--devotion to Mary. The golden background is symbolic of Heave...

I love this video of one of my favorite films Pride and Prejudice with Josh Groban's "When You Say You Love Me".

This one's for you, Bill! Happy Anniversary!

The Case Against Barack Obama by Deal W. Hudson at Inside Catholic * CNN: Stanek on Obama by Jill Stanek Be sure to watch Jill tomorrow on The Situation Room 5-6p EST. Obama Attacks Dr. Dobson by Leticia at Causa Nostrae Laetitiae James Dobson and Obama's Theory of Abortion Relativity by Lee Cary at American Thinker How To Vote Catholic by The Catholic Knight Marriage Protection Act at Some Have Hats Pfizer gives adult stem cell research a chance by Thomas Peters at American Papist Study Finds Casual Sex is Emotionally Harmful to Women at LifeSiteNews Black Pro-Life Advocates Hope Candidates Refuse Planned Parenthood Funds

To [Christian married couples] the Lord entrusts the task of making visible to men the holiness and sweetness of the law which unites the mutual love of husband and wife with their cooperation with the love of God the author of human life. [Pope Paul VI, Humanae vitae, ¶25]. It may seem odd to take a pledge to do what we are supposed to do anyway - follow the teachings of the Church. By our baptism and confirmation we are already vowed, at least implicitly, to do so. But we are living under special circumstances in a secular society where many Catholics have, knowingly or unknowingly supplanted their faith with another code by which they live, deeming it more "realistic." But nothing is more realistic or "practical" than eternal salvation and living this life in accord with God's designs. So why do we pledge to assent to something as beautiful as God's natural designs? Something, which in a less darkened world that ought to go without saying? For two reasons...

Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius said suggestions that she could be Barack Obama's running mate are "flattering and a little surreal.'' But she isn't saying whether she would accept. Sebelius is one of several people whose names have been floated as possible vice presidential candidates for Obama, the presumptive Democratic nominee. Former Sens. John Edwards and Sam Nunn have also been mentioned. Sebelius, co-chairwoman of the Democratic National Convention, made her comments Thursday on a visit to Denver, where the convention will be held Aug. 25-28. Via Kake News. Related Posts: Governor Sebelius Fabricates Story to Cover for Tiller Party Governor Sebelius' Response to Secret Tiller Party Called Laughable by OR Corruption in KS under Governor Kathleen Sebelius Revealed at Last! Kansas City's Archbishop Naumann on Governor Kathleen Sebelius Governor Sebelius continues to protect Tiller by vetoing CARA Late - Term Abortionist George Tiller's Governor:...

You can read his biography here. St. Josemaria Escriva' - On Charity by Esther A Few of My Favorite Quotes: "You go to pray; to become a bonfire, a living flame, giving light and heat." "We are children of God, bearers of the only flame that can light up the paths of the earth for souls, of the only brightness which can never be darkened, dimmed or overshadowed. The Lord uses us as torches, to make that light shine out. Much depends on us; if we respond many people will remain in darkness no longer, but will walk instead along paths that lead to eternal life." "No Christian married couple can want to block the well-springs of life. For their love is based on the love of Christ, which entails dedication and sacrifice. . . Moreover, as Tobias reminded Sara, a husband and wife know that 'we are children of saints, and we cannot come together in the way of the gentiles, who do not know God.'" "...to live the virtue of chastity, one doesn´t h...

Pro-life leaders will join physicians, ethicists and experts in family life and social justice issues for a July convocation in Camden, New Jersey to discuss new ways to promote human life and dignity. A press release for the convocation, which is titled "Life, Justice & Family: Partners in the New Evangelization," says the meeting will "take up John Paul II's call for creativity and deeper unity in crafting a 'new evangelization' — new in ardor, methods and expression." The three-day convocation, which is open to the public, will begin on July 28, 2008, the fortieth anniversary of Pope Paul VI's encyclical "Humanae Vitae." Plenary sessions at the convocation, which is the first national gathering of its kind, will explore human rights, the environment, bioethics, family life, and the relationships between science, technology, and religion. Speakers include Bishop Joseph A. Galante of the Diocese of Camden, Bishop William E. Lori of the...

A new executive director has been appointed to the Kansas State Board of Healing Arts to replace Larry Buening , who resigned amid criticism of Board foot-dragging on processing complaints against physicians. Jack Confer, Executive Director of the Arizona Board of Osteopathy, will assume his duties with the KSBHA on July 14. Confer will serve on an interim basis pending confirmation by the State Senate. "The Board, under Buening's leadership, did not do its job of protecting patients, especially from exploitation by shoddy abortionists," said Operation Rescue President Troy Newman, who often called for Buening's resignation. "Confer certainly has his work cut out for him if he is to restore public confidence in the Board's ability to protect the public. He can start by leaving any political posturing at home. He must look at the complaints on their merits, not on what will please Gov. Sebelius." "There are currently four complaints pending against a...

Church Documents Donum Vitae (The Gift of Life) , Instruction on Respect for Human Life in its Origin and on the Dignity of Procreation: Replies to Certain Questions of the Day, Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger as Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith Reproductive Technology (Evaluation & Treatment of Infertility) Guidelines for Catholic Couples , USCCB Pope Paul VI Institute Press In Their Own Words: Women Healed - This book is filled with the testimonies of 50 women (and their husbands) whose lives have been enriched by the medical care, education and research efforts of Pope Paul VI Institute for the Study of Human Reproduction. The anecdotes draw the reader into the lives of women and men who have received help through the Creighton Model FertilityCare System and NaProTECHNOLOGY. The Medical and Surgical Practice of NaProTECHNOLOGY Reproductive Anatomy & Physiology: A Primer for FertilityCare Professionals Brochures Download a version of our brochure to distrib...

For many couples, getting pregnant and preparing to welcome a child into the world is a joyous experience. But if you are among the the millions who struggle with infertility, you might find yourself instead in a dizzying monthly cycle of careful planning, nervous anticipation, and wrenching disappointment at not having conceived. Prayer can be a refuge as you cope with the stress and depression that often accompany the journey through infertility. Knowing that you are in the company of biblical heroines including Sarah, Rebecca, Hannah, and Elizabeth, let the healing power of these 10 prayers soothe your worried mind, strengthen your faith, and renew your hope. St. David's Infertility Prayer Thank you, Lord, for all the blessings in my life. Help me to remember them as I face the challenges of infertility. I pray that I can surrender myself into your hands. Let me accept the reality of this situation and have the wisdom and courage to take action where I can. Strengthen my body, ...

Life begins at conception, which is when parenting begins for both the mother and father. Destroying a human life at any stage of development is murder. To find a crisis pregnancy center, go here. If you have had an abortion and need help, go here.

Poll - What will it take to end abortion in America? If you think you know, click here to answer this question at ProLifeUnity.com Via Pro-lifeBlogs.Com.

Saint William of Monte Vergine was born in Vercelli, Italy in 1085. He lost his father and mother in his infancy and was raised by a relative. At age fifteen, he made a pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, Spain. When he returned, he became a hermit in Naples and lived there in an uninhabited mountain. After a miracle was obtained by his prayers, he was discovered and his contemplation interrupted, so he decided to move to another mountain, where he built a beautiful church in honor of Our Lady. His holiness attracted many followers and, in 1119, he established the Congregation of Monte Vergine, or Mount of the Virgin. These sons of Our Lady lived in great poverty. Saint William founded several more monasteries, both for men and women, in various places in the kingdom of Naples. He assisted the king of Naples in practicing all the Christian virtues of a worthy sovereign, and in gratitude, the king had a house of the Order built at Salerno directly across from his palace, to have him n...

"Those who wage war against the truth are powerless to win; rather they wound themselves, like those who kick against spikes. " ~ St. John Chrysostom

From the AP: As Barack Obama broadens his outreach to evangelical voters, one of the movement's biggest names, James Dobson, accuses the likely Democratic presidential nominee of distorting the Bible and pushing a "fruitcake interpretation" of the Constitution. The criticism was aired on Dobson's Focus on the Family show. From CNA: As Dobson kicked off the radio segment, he explained that it was being paid for by Focus on the Family’s Action, an affiliate whose donations are taxed, so it is able to address political issues. After discussing the number of Christians that make up the America’s population, Obama said, "Even if we did have only Christians in our midst, if we expelled every non-Christian from the United States of America, whose Christianity would we teach in the schools?" Obama said. “Would we go with James Dobson's or Al Sharpton's?" referring to the controversial civil rights advocate. Another passage of the discourse that Dobson ...

Great Posts: Raising a Child With Autism: The Basics at Beliefnet Autism at Simply Catholic Autism: The Musical at Wheelie Catholic Ask Dr. Sears: Coping With Asperger Syndrome The Autism Gap by Gail Robinson June 2008 Can Higher Expectations Improve Outcomes for Kids with Autism? June 24, 2008 Autism Resources: AutismLink - Support and Information for Autism Spectrum Disorder Autism, PDD, Hyperlexia, Asperger's: treatment, therapy, special education Autism Online Autism For Parents : Blogs by parents Autism FreeZone Autism Research Institute Autism Society of America Autism Solution Center Autism United - Fighting Autism Together Defeat Autism Now! The National Autism Association US Autism and Asperger Association

This week's Catholic Carnival is up at Ebeth's A Catholic Mom Climbing the Pillars. Here are a few of my favorite posts there: Sarah's book review of In This House of Brede. Matthew's " Preparing for the nativity of St. John the Baptist. " Jay's " Pro-life Pharmacies " at Living Catholicism. Leticia's Disabled Teach us About the Eucharist. Be sure to check out all the great posts at this week's Catholic Carnival . Thanks, Ebeth!

Operation Rescue calls for immediate suspension of Sella’s medical license and for an emergency closure of Tiller’s late-term abortion mill in light of this shocking audio-taped admission. Wichita, KS – A murder investigation has been opened involving Shelley Sella, a California abortionist employed by George Tiller, who is reported to have intentionally stabbed to death an infant born alive during an abortion at Tiller’s Women’s Health Care Services abortion clinic in Wichita, Kansas. Listen to the interview excerpt (1 min. 38 sec.) On the advice of an attorney, Operation Rescue reported the incident to the Wichita Police Department after a former Tiller employee, Tina Davis, told Troy Newman and Cheryl Sullenger of the stabbing in April. It is believed that the alleged infanticide took place sometime in the past two years. In addition, the incident has been reported to the Kansas State Board of Healing Arts, which has confirmed that the case has been assigned to an investigator. Ms...

Operation Rescue President Troy Newman will be the guest today at 1:30 (CDT) on Janet Folger's radio show, Faith2Action. The topic will be the recent arrest of Bertha Bugarin, the Southern California abortion mill owner who faces a total of 28 felony charges of committing abortion without a license. You can listen at faith2action.org . Troy will also be Dick Bott's guest on "The Complete Story," which airs at 2:00 pm Wednesday, June 25, 2008, across the Bott Radio Network. They will be discussing the Bugarin arrests, the breaking story of infanticide at George Tiller's abortion clinic, and the Planned Parenthood criminal case. For stations in your area, visit bottradionetwork.com. Please tune in and hear the latest pro-life news! Via Operation Rescue.

The Birth of St. John the Baptist 1540's Oil on canvas, 181 x 266 cm The Hermitage, St. Petersburg Jesus called John the greatest of all those who had preceded him: “I tell you, among those born of women, no one is greater than John....” But John would have agreed completely with what Jesus added: “[Y]et the least in the kingdom of God is greater than he” (Luke 7:28). John spent his time in the desert, an ascetic. He began to announce the coming of the Kingdom, and to call everyone to a fundamental reformation of life. His purpose was to prepare the way for Jesus. His Baptism, he said, was for repentance. But One would come who would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire. John is not worthy even to carry his sandals. His attitude toward Jesus was: “He must increase; I must decrease” (John 3:30) . John was humbled to find among the crowd of sinners who came to be baptized the one whom he already knew to be the Messiah. “I need to be baptized by you” (Matthew 3:14b). But Jesus insi...

Abortion Provider Goes Upscale; Aid For Poor Questioned By STEPHANIE SIMON Flush with cash, Planned Parenthood affiliates nationwide are aggressively expanding their reach, seeking to woo more affluent patients with a network of suburban clinics and huge new health centers that project a decidedly upscale image. The nonprofit, which traces its roots to 1916, has long focused on providing birth control, sexual-health care and abortions to teens and low-income women. While those groups still make up the majority of Planned Parenthood's patients, executives say they are "rebranding" their clinics to appeal to women of means -- a move that opens new avenues for boosting revenue and, they hope, political clout. Two elegant new health centers have been built, and at least five more are on the way; the largest, in Houston, will be 75,000 square feet. They feature touches such as muted lighting, hardwood floors and airy waiting rooms in colors selected by marketing experts -- as ...

This report is on the latest statement from the AMA, who is attacking pharmacists for refusing to dispense abortive and contraceptive drugs. Interesting how the "pro-choice" crowd is pro-"Choice," just as long as you choose abortion and contraception. But if you want to "choose" to go along with your conscience ... well, too bad, so sad.

John Fisher was born at Beverly, Yorkshire, England in 1469. He was chaplain to the mother of Henry VIII and chancellor of Cambridge University before being elevated to the bishopric of Rochester in 1504. He counted Thomas More among his friends. John Fisher and his friend Saint Thomas More gave up their lives in testimony to the unity of the Church and to the indissolubility of marriage. John Fisher opposed the divorce between Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon and the constitution of the so-called Anglican Church. Because he refused to swear an oath affirming the supremacy of the king as Supreme Head of the church of England, he was imprisoned in the Tower of London. There he received the title of Cardinal granted him by Pope Paul III. He was condemned to death by torture, but this penalty was changed to beheading because the 66-year-old Cardinal was ill and too weak to endure torture. He was martyred on June 22, 1535 and buried in the churchyard of All Hallows, Barking, without rite...

This is a beautiful video on the Prodigal Son, based on a homily by Pope Benedict to a group of youth in a juvenile detention center in Rome on March 18, 2007. It is narrated and set to music with classic religious art.

Working off the foundation he laid last week from the Fathers of the Church and the Old Testament, Dr. Mark now enters the New Testament to outline the biblical basis of Mary's title, Advocate. He goes over the visitation of Mary to St. Elizabeth, the feast at Cana and Revelation 12, the Woman Clothed with the Sun and so shows that Mary is the New Ark of the Covenant. and the New Queen Mother.

The Holy Father pledged Sunday to say a "special prayer to God" after a typhoon-stricken ferry sank with more than 700 people on board in the Philippines, a mainly Roman Catholic nation. "It is with deep emotion that I learn this morning of the sinking in the Philippines of a ferry hit by Typhoon Fengshen (Philippine codename: Frank)," the pope said after reciting the Angelus prayer following his Sunday mass at the Vatican. Expressing "spiritual closeness" with islanders living in the typhoon's path, he said he would be making "a special prayer to God for the victims of a new tragedy at sea, in which it appears many children were involved". The M/V Princess of the Stars listed and sank in just 15 terrifying minutes Saturday in the typhoon-battered seas of the central Philippines, leaving only four survivors so far. Pope Benedict was invited to visit the Philippines, where eight out of 10 people are Roman Catholics, by President Gloria Macapag...

Steve Ray's Blog: Atlanta Eucharistic Congress Video, Part I & 2 Maior autem his est caritas: The Eucharistic Congress Fox News, Atlanta: Thousands of Atlanta Catholics Gather in Celebration DailyIndia.Com: Eucharistic Congress draws 30,000 people

Via Some Have Hats.

These are some photos of our neighbor's vehicle the day after a thunderstorm split the tree in their front yard, which came toppling down on their SUV. Would you believe their vehicle didn't even have a scratch on it? Now I call that a miracle!