Catholic Fire

"We must not be afraid of truth, because it is a friend of man and his freedom. Indeed, only by sincerely seeking truth, goodness and beauty can we truly offer a future to the young people of today and to future generations." ~ Pope Benedict XVI, in his General Audience on September 30, 2009

Today, the Senate Finance Committee defeated two Pro-Life amendments offered by Senator Orrin Hatch (UT). The first would have prevented federal funds from subsidizing health insurance plans that cover abortion. The second would have forbidden government discrimination against individual or institutional health care providers that decline to perform, refer for, or pay for abortion. Senator Pat Roberts (KS) voted yes on both amendments (Thank you, Senator Roberts!) but they nonetheless failed 10-13. It is expected that similar amendments will be offered in the coming weeks when the bill is brought before the full Senate. Learn more here. We must continue to oppose any version of this bill since innocent lives will be ended with our tax dollars. Let's continue to pray and fast for authentic health care reform to be passed.

World Wide Web–Writers, editors, agents, and other publishing professionals from around the world are gearing up for the Catholic Writers’ Conference Online, which will be held February 26-March 5, 2010. Sponsored by the Catholic Writer’s Guild, the online conference is free of charge and open to writers of all levels who register between October 1, 2009 and February 15, 2010. Workshops and live online chats cover the gamut of writing topics from idea generation to marketing a published novel, traditional and self-publishing, article writing and fiction, and much more. In addition, prominent Catholic publishers will hear pitches, giving authors an unprecedented opportunity to chat personally despite living hundreds or thousands of miles away. The conferences draw hundreds of participants and scores of editors and writing professionals from all over the country. Here’s what attendees had to say: “The Catholic Writers’ Conference Online opened a world of possibilities to me the Ca...

Culture of death advocate Barack Husein Obama has done it again -- selected another person lacking in morals for a top administrative position -- this one supports polygamy. I can't help but wonder where he finds these unique individuals? Yes, "birds of a feather do flock together." Via CNA: A law professor nominated by President Obama to become a commissioner for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission was a signatory to a radical 2006 manifesto which endorsed polygamous households and argued traditional marriage should not be privileged “above all others.” Georgetown University Law Center professor Chai R. Feldblum, nominated as a commissioner for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), is listed as a signatory to the July 26, 2006 manifesto “Beyond Same-Sex Marriage: A New Strategic Vision for All Our Families & Relationships.” The manifesto’s signatories said they proposed a “new vision” for governmental and private recognition of “dive...

CHICAGO, Sept. 30 / Christian Newswire / -- Members of the Pro-Life Action League and attorneys from the Thomas More Society will attend the Human Relations Committee meeting of the Chicago City Council TODAY at 9:00 AM (Central) Wednesday, Sept. 30. The Committee is considering an amendment to the Municipal Code to prohibit picketing within 50 feet of any medical clinic. These organizations strongly suspect this amendment is aimed at preventing pro-life people from praying and reaching out to clients of abortion facilities with information on alternatives to abortion. Pro-life activists routinely stand on the public sidewalk at the entrances to abortion clinics in Chicago to offer information to anyone seeking services at the abortion clinics. The groups know of no incidents of intimidation, harassment or threats as referred to in the amendment introduced on Sept. 9 by Alderman Vi Daley (43rd Ward). A copy of the proposed amendment to the Chicago Municipal Code is available upon...

Based on the memoirs of Sister Maria Lucia de Jesus, and thousands of independent eyewitness accounts, The 13th Day is a dramatic retelling of the supernatural experiences of three shepherd children nearly a century ago. The events depicted in the film transpired between May 13, 1917 and October 13, 1917 in the Cova da Iria (Cove of Irene) region of Fatima, Portugal. The 13th Day is the first major motion picture by directors Ian and Dominic Higgins. The filmmakers tell an accurate, relevant and artistic story about the Blessed Mother's appearances to Lucia Santos and her cousins, Francisco and Jacinta Marto. Over six months, Our Lady gave incredible prophecies and warnings to the children that included a harrowing vision of hell, the timing of World War II, the spread of communism and the attempted assassination of a Pope, who later was revealed to be Pope John Paul II. Ignatius Press is the North American distributor of the film. In cooperation with Catholic Dioceses and org...

~ Via http://www.RealCatholicTV.com .  For more details about the scandal, go here. More Information: What Does The Prayer Really Say? Catholic Campaign for Human Development: giving money to which groups? Inside Catholic: More Proof the Catholic Campaign for Human Development Should Be Eliminated American Thinker: The Catholic Bishops and Acorn

'Saint Jerome and the Angel' by Simon Vouet, 1625 Today is the memorial of St. Jerome, translator of the Bible into its official Latin version (the Vulgate), brilliant scholar, monk, traveler, teacher, letter writer, and consultant to Popes and Bishops. He is one of the most important figures in the history of the Church. St. Jerome was born in Dalmatia around 340-345 AD to a wealthy Christian family. At the age of 20, he was sent to study in Rome, where he became fluent in Latin and Greek and developed a love for the classical writers. Here he acquired many worldly ideas, made little effort to control his pleasure-loving instincts, and lost much of the piety that had been instilled in him at home. He traveled throughout western Europe with a friend but that ceased when he had a conversion experience in Trier and decided to become a monk. He joined a community in Aquileia in 370, where he met some who would become his close friends and others his enemies. When the commun...

Archbishop Raymond L. Burke, Prefect of the Apostolic Signatura, delivered a speech on September 8 discussing how to advance the culture of life in the U.S. and how to rectify the “scandal” of publicly known Catholics who confuse and distort Church teaching. At the 14th Annual Partnership Dinner of InsideCatholic.com, Archbishop Burke said that t hose who have publicly espoused and cooperated in gravely sinful acts lead people into confusion and error about “fundamental questions.” Just as their dissent was public, their repentance must also be public. “The person in question bears a heavy responsibility for the grave scandal which he has caused. The responsibility is especially heavy for political leaders,” the archbishop added. Repairing the damage done by such scandal “begins with the public acknowledgment of his own error and the public declaration of his adherence to the moral law. The soul which recognizes the gravity of what he has done will, in fact, understand immediate...

A new website for women “from the men who love them” encourages women to “demand their dignity” and attacks the “incessant, often conflicting” messages and “lies” about women’s worth. The site Demand Your Dignity says “enough is enough” to messages that depict women as a “collection of body parts.” “Demand that men rise up and BE MEN! Demand to be treated as the whole person YOU ARE!” the site tells women. The site says it was made by men “who want to love women, not use them.” Demand Your Dignity characterizes itself as a “plea” to women not to believe the “lies” the world says about them and not to give up hope. “You aren’t alone anymore. We are fighting with you.” Read the story here. This is a great site, which refutes the false images of women in advertising which presents them as sex objects. I'm adding it to my culture of life blog list.

 While speaking to a large crowd of politicians and diplomats in Prague on Saturday afternoon, the Holy Father entertained an uninvited guest -- a spider! The active arachnid crawls up the side of his neck and he doesn't even flinch! I know the Pope is a seasoned speaker, but I'm very impressed with his self-control.

The three Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael are the only angels named in Sacred Scripture and all three have important roles in the history of salvation . Michael's name means "who is like God?" Three books of the Bible speak of St. Michael: Daniel, Revelation and the Letter of Jude. In the book of Revelation or the Apocalypse, chapter 12:7-9, we read of a great war that went on in heaven. Michael and his angels battled with Satan. Michael became the champion of loyalty to God. We can ask St. Michael to make us strong in our love for Jesus and in our practice of the Catholic religion. Patron : Against temptations; against powers of evil; artists; bakers; bankers; battle; boatmen; cemeteries; coopers; endangered children; dying; Emergency Medical Technicians; fencing; grocers; hatmakers; holy death; knights; mariners; mountaineers; paramedics; paratroopers; police officers; radiologists; sailors; the sick; security forces; soldiers; against storms at sea; swor...

Global prayer effort set for October 16th - 18th MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE (September 29th, 2009) - The October 16th - 18th WORLDWIDE ROSARY FOR UNBORN BABIES i s being held to pray for an end to the surgical and non-surgical killing of unborn human persons. People wanting to participate will pray the Rosary for this intention on either October 16th, 17th, or 18th. In addition to participating, it is hoped many people will let other persons know about this pro-life effort(people may contact family members, priests, school personnel, friends, etc.). The Saint Michael the Archangel Organization, coordinator of this pro-life effort, has recently been contacted by people from various locations. Some of the information received includes the following: * A family from Australia will be praying the Rosary on October 16th. * Parishioners and friends at a Catholic church in Tennessee will be invited to pray the Rosary on October 18th after the 10:30 a.m. Mass. * A lady from London, ...

  This year, the New York State Health Department is requiring all health care workers who come into contact with patients to get the flu vaccine, and will also require the H1N1 or swine flu vaccine as well. It's something the department says is for everyone's safety, but a number of workers are concerned about being forced to get the shot. Steve Ference has more on why some hospital workers say the mandate is flat out wrong. A Protest is scheduled in Albany, NY on Tuesday September 29th. Click Here For Information:. http://www.meetup.com/Albany-Campaign... This is what Barack Obama's government-run health care would look like: You will be mandated to do what the government says you will do. Like these nurses, I would refuse the vaccine. It has not been properly tested and many people have already died from taking the vaccine, while no one has died from the swine flu.   Related Posts on Catholic Fire : Seasonal flu shot may increase H1N1 risk 18 REASONS WHY...

Outside my window... Sunny, blue skies, crisp fall weather with a cool breeze. It's in the low 70's today. I am thinking... about what a great time we had this past weekend visiting Old Cow Town and Botanica, the Wichita Gardens. I am thankful for... the opportunity to be able to sponsor someone for RCIA this year; the tabitha (deep red) mums we planted over the weekend, the opportunity to meet with Bill's business networking group at a social this past weekend, and the beautiful fall weather. Fall is my second favorite season - after spring. I'm also thankful for being able to attend the John Michael Talbott concert last week and to meet him in person. From the kitchen... we're having pork chops supreme, green beans, and sweet potatoes. I am wearing... blue jeans, a turquoise knit top, a black cardigan sweater, and my black z-coils -- I'm in my comfort mode. I am creating... a fall look for my home, beginning with the wreath and decorations o...

By Judie Brown According to recent news stories on the Obama administration’s effort to investigate the Bush administration's authorization of certain interrogation techniques, Attorney General Eric Holder and other Obama administration officials have said that no one is above the law . Regardless of your view of CIA operations, the truth is that there should not be a question about anybody being above the law. Without a proper regard for the law, chaos would reign. Carry this a step further but in a slightly different direction. If we consider the Code of Canon Law , which is the body of laws governing the Catholic Church, we have to ask if these laws are subject to personal interpretation or are they in fact laws that should be uniformly interpreted and obeyed? Click here to read the rest.

Preliminary research suggests the seasonal flu shot may put people at greater risk for getting swine flu.

This year it is more important that you protect your children and loved ones from the flu vaccines than influenza itself. Here are the reasons: 1. This flu is simply another flu. It is not unusually deadly. In fact, the H1N1 swine flu in circulation is less deadly than many other influenza outbreaks. The first 1000 confirmed swine flu cases in Japan and China produced zero deaths. The Centers for Disease Control alleges 36,000 Americans succumb to the flu each year, but so far, since March through August of 2009 (6 months), the swine flu has been attributed to ~500-600 deaths in the US. The swine flu of 2009 has already swept through the Southern Hemisphere’s flu season without alarm. Only exaggerated reports have been issued by the World Health Organization regarding hospitalizations required during the flu season in South American countrie...

New media and journalistic superstar James O'Keefe talks with Chris Wallace of FOX News Sunday. The interview comes after embattled community organizing group ACORN announced it was going to sue O'Keefe, his partner Hannah Giles and new media entrepreneur Andrew Breitbart.

   Today is the optional memorial of St. Wenceslaus, martyr.   St. Wenceslaus was born around 907 near Prague, Bohemia (now the Czech Republic). His father was killed in battle when he was 13 years old, leaving the kingdom to be ruled by his ambitious mother, the pagan. Drahomira, who encouraged an anti-Christian government. Wenceslaus was raised by his grandmother, St. Ludmilla, who saw to it that he was educated in the faith. Drahomira resented her mother-in-law Ludmilla's influence over her son Wenceslaus, and sent men to kill Ludmilla. Drahomira's rule was so cruel in Wenceslaus' name that he was compelled on behalf of his subjects to overthrow her and assume power for himself. Wenceslaus was eighteen years old when he succeeded his father to the throne. Without regard for the opposition, he worked in close cooperation with the Church to convert his pagan country. He ended the persecution of Christians, built churches and brought back exiled priests. As king, he ...

Come Home. Powerful television advertisement emphasizing God's call for us to live holy and meaningful lives. http://CatholicsComeHome.org

Today is the optional memorial of Sts. Cosmas and Damian. Nothing is known of the lives of Saints Cosmas and Damian except that they suffered martyrdom in Syria during the persecution of Diocletian. A church erected on the site of their burial place was enlarged by the emperor Justinian. Devotion to the two saints spread rapidly in both East and West. A famous basilica was erected in their honor in Constantinople. Their names were placed in the canon of the Mass, probably in the sixth century. Legend says that they were twin brothers born in Arabia, who became skilled doctors. Known as the "moneyless" and the "silverless", they never accepted money for their services, but offered them in the spirit of charity. When the persecution under Diocletian broke out, their very prominence rendered them marked objects of persecution. Being apprehended by order of Lysias, governor of Cilicia, they were arrested, tortured, and beheaded in the year 283. St. Cosmas and St....

We believe in the love of God for us. To believe in love is everything. It is not enough to believe in the Truth. We must believe in Love and Love is our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. That is the faith that makes our Lord loved. Ask for this pure and simple faith in the Eucharist. Men will teach you; but only Jesus will give you the grace to believe in Him. You have the Eucharist. What more do you want?   ~ St. Peter Julian Eymard

  Obama boss suggested ways to save planet, said fetus not a perso n Can government get much sleazier and immoral than this? I knew Obama was a strong advocate of abortion long before he was elected, but where on earth did he find these perverts that he chooses for these elite positions -- these radically immoral czars who want to dictate whether a human being should live or die and whether or not a person should conceive or undergo sterilization? My comments in blue below. From WND: Obama science czar John Holdren stated in a college textbook that compulsory, government-mandated "green abortions" would be a constitutionally acceptable way to control population growth and prevent ecological disasters, including global warming, because a fetus was most likely not a "person" under the terms of the 14th Amendment. First of all overpopulation is a myth .   Contrary to what the Hollywood celebrities and the radical left are constantly spouting off, we are n...

Today is the feast of Blessed Hermann. Blessed Herman the Cripple was an 11th-century Benedictine monk from southern Germany. Born deformed with a cleft palate, cerebral palsy, and spina bifida, Herman was cared for from age 7 by the Benedictine monks of the Reichenau abbey of Germany. He was professed as a monk there at age 20. Although he was bedridden and a speech impediment made him nearly impossible to understand, Herman was a genius, who studied and wrote on astronomy, theology, math, history, poetry, Arabic, Greek, and Latin. He also built astonomical equipment and musical instruments and was the most famous religious poet of his day. When he eventually became blind, Herman began writing hymns. His "Salve Regina," or "Hail Holy Queen," is the best known. Blessed Herman died at the age of 40 of causes related to his afflictions in 1054. He was beatified in 1863. Lesson: Although Blessed Herman suffered much, he always smiled and was the joy of the mona...

For more information on the Holy Father's trip to the Czech Republic, see Apostolic Journey to the Czech Republic (September 26-28, 2009)

 I have discussed this vaccine with my own health care professionals who agree that it is dangerous. Related Posts: Pregnant Women and Swine Flu Testing   Makers Of Vaccination Refuse To Take Swine Flu Vaccine    Don't Inject Me!   Swine Flu Vaccine containing mercury to be given to children, pregnant women

Fr.McGivney , the founder of the Knights of Columbus, has been one of my main intercessors during these challenging economic times, so I am happy to hear that his cause for sainthood is advancing. Via CNA: The Knights of Columbus announced today that officials from a supplemental tribunal of the Archdiocese of Hartford –of which Fr. McGivney was a parish priest- formally sent a new report to the Vatican’s Congregation for the Causes of Saints. The information gathered by the tribunal included testimonies from witnesses to the supposed miracle as well as the statements of several medical doctors about the circumstances surrounding the reported miracle. Snip  The submission of the new report “marks an important step forward. The Vatican’s Congregation for the Causes of Saints will now have valuable additional testimony that clarifies and adds significantly to the original submission,” Supreme Knight Carl Anderson said. “Father McGivney’s beatification would be an important...

 Another great reason to homeschool:

The annual Life Chain, a pro-life prayer and witness event, will take place this year in cities across the United States and Canada on Sunday October 4. Life Chain involves an hour of silent prayer and public witness and will take place from 2 to 3 p.m. It is a peaceful, prayerful public witness on sidewalks along major streets in towns and cities, in which participants pray for our nation and for an end to abortion. Participants hold signs reading "Abortion Kills Children," "Abortion Hurts Women," "Jesus Forgives and Heals" and "Adoption: The Loving Option" before passers-by and motorists. If you would like to know the location of the Life Chain nearest you, go to http://www.lifechain.net/ Campaign Life Coalition's 2009 Life Chain poster is available here. Too see the Life Chain locations across North America and find the closest one, visit: http://www.lifechain.net Toronto and area Life Chain locations may be found here.

Today we celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Ransom also known as Our Lady of Mercy. The Blessed Virgin appeared in 1218 in separate visions to St. Peter Nolasco, St. Raymund of Penafort, and James, king of Aragon, asking them to found a religious order dedicated to freeing Christian captives from the barbarous Saracens or Moors, who at that time held a great part of Spain.  On August 10, 1218, King James established the royal, military and religious Order of our Lady of Ransom (first known as the Order of St. Eulalia, now known as the Mercedarian Order ), with the members granted the privilege of wearing his own arms on their breast. Most of the members were knights, and while the clerics recited the divine office in the commanderies, they guarded the coasts and delivered prisoners. This pious work spread everywhere and produced heroes of charity who collected alms for the ransom of Christians, and often gave themselves up ...

VATICAN CITY, SEPT. 23, 2009 ( Zenit.org ).- The Commission of Cardinals, which oversees the activities of the Institute for the Works of Religion (IOR), has renewed the membership of the Board of Superintendence of the Institute. In a communiqué sent today, the institute, chaired by Benedict XVI's secretary of state, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, named among the new members Carl Anderson, the supreme knight of the Knights of Columbus, and a regular columnist for ZENIT. Click here to read the rest of the story.

 Signs hung in the Rockford, IL Abortion Mill Windows: Click here to read the story Pro-Lifers Publish Video of Morbid, Mocking Displays in Rockford Abortion Mill at LifeSiteNews.Com.

STEUBENVILLE, OH - What is it about humans that makes us valuable, that gives us rights? Does the life of an unborn human being have intrinsic value, and if so, why? Do severely demented human beings still have a right to life? At the upcoming Value of Human Life Conference , the Institute of Bioethics at Franciscan University of Steubenville will seek answers to these questions and more. The Institute's fall conference will be held Friday, October 23, to Sunday, October 25. Four well-known experts in bioethics will speak. Dr. Francis Beckwith, professor of philosophy and church-state studies at Baylor University, is a noted writer on abortion. His books include Defending Life: A Moral and Legal Case Against Abortion Choice and Politically Correct Death: Answering the Arguments for Abortion Rights. Dr. Gerard Bradley ,  professor of law at the University of Notre Dame, is known for his work in legal, religious, and related constitutional issues. His most recent book, Essay...

Washington, DC (23 September 2009) –  Rita Diller, national director of American Life League’s Stop Planned Parenthood (STOPP) project released the following statement regarding the closing of a Planned Parenthood Missouri clinic in Kirksville. “After 38 years in business, Planned Parenthood officials cited declining client numbers and a lack of donations as reasons for closing the facility. According to our records this marks the 14th Planned Parenthood clinic to either close or announce its closing in 2009. “It just goes to prove that when people find out the truth about Planned Parenthood, they stop contributing and quit going.” ~ Via Katie Walker at American Life League.

Today is the memorial of St. Pio of Pietrelcina (1887-1968). St. Pio is one of my favorite saints. Miracles happened everyday of his life. He was a priest, a mystic, and a stigmatist who possessed many rare and mysterious gifts. He was bi-locational, that is, he appeared in two places at one time. He was able to communicate with others through mental telepathy. When he thought of them, they began to smell the scent of violets, which they associated with him. In the Confessional, he was able to tell people their sins in detail, even those which they did not confess to him. Through the simple means of touch, he was able to heal others. God had blessed him with an abundance of gifts that he used wisely to build up the body of Christ and to convert sinners. Padre Pio was born in 1887 in the small village of Pietrelcina in southern Italy, the son of a shepherd. His baptized name was Francesco (Francis) Forgione. He joined the Capuchin friars at the age of 16 and was ordained as a prie...

 Sick of the lies today’s media moguls heap on teens and young adults, the ladies of Growing Up Lane and Visualize Love   have come together to send a message that many young people today are choosing chastity and have the strength to withstand attacks and misinformation. The result is Project Chaste . What a wonderful idea to promote chastity and abstinence. H/T: Lisa Hendey

Starting tomorrow, and continuing through November 1, tens of thousands of faithful people in 212 cities -- across 45 American states, five Canadian provinces, and Denmark -- will conduct a unified 40-day campaign of prayer and fasting for an end to abortion, peaceful vigils outside abortion facilities and Planned Parenthood offices, and grassroots community organizing," said David Bereit, national director of 40 Days for Life. 40 Days for Life is a pro-life initiative that burst onto the national scene just two years ago and has already mobilized more than 215,000 people in 240 cities across all 50 American states and several other countries during four previous coordinated campaigns, saving 1,561 lives from abortion. This fall's 40 Days for Life campaign, the group's largest to date, will be the most widespread and longest coordinated pro-life mobilization in history. Dozens of the largest pro-life and pro-family organizations and many prominent religious leaders, in...

General Stanley A. McChrystal, Commander of U.S. Forces in Afghanistan, is reportedly set to resign unless Barack Obama gets serious on the War in Afghanistan ("Obama's War"). McChrystal has informally sought to increase troop levels in Afghanistan. The general believes that the conflict is not winnable given the current troop strength. Previous Post: Obama Resists top Nato Commander's Call for Troop Increase in Afghanistan

Today we commemorate St. Maurice and companions . Returning from Gaul, Emperor Maximian (286-305) led his soldiers to Sitten, Switzerland, and there arranged a victory sacrifice to the gods. The Christian legion from the Egyptian Thebaid refused to participate in the idolatrous service. Their leader Maurice exhorted them to perseverance. As a consequence the Theban legion was decimated, then massacred (about 300), ordered by Emperor Maximian. The Roman Martyrology mentions Exuperius, Candidus, Victor, Innocent and Vitalis by name. These martyrs were later referred to as Agaunum's glorious legion. Their relics are venerated at Saint-Maurice-en-Valais, Switzerland, in a famous Augustinian abbey. ~Excerpted from The Church's Year of Grace , Pius Parsch.   Patron: Against gout; against cramping; against arthritis; Alpine troops; armies; Austria; clothmakers; dyers; infantrymen; Piedmont, Italy; Sardinia; soldiers; swordsmiths; weavers. Symbols: Armour; banner with lion ra...