Catholic Fire

An excerpt: "I had the opportunity to pay homage to that great country, which from its beginnings was built on the foundation of a harmonious union between religious, ethical and political principles, and which still constitutes a valid example of healthy laicism, where the religious dimension, in the diversity of its expressions, is not only tolerated but turned to advantage as the 'soul' of the nation and the fundamental guarantee of the rights and duties of human beings". Entire Story.

Happy Birthday, dear Holy Father! From The National Catholic Register : The Pope has received a number of birthday greetings. Yesterday, a group sang "Happy Birthday" to him. Today, at the White House, a group of the guests spontaneously launched into "Happy Birthday." Then, at the conclusion of his White House speech, the official singer sang "Happy Birthday" to him before he walked into the White House with the President. I'm sure he'll be receiving many more throughout the day. Stay tuned...we're trying to find out what the President's official gift for the Pope is. Pope Greets Thousands On His Birthday Crowds Scream, Sing 'Happy Birthday' To Pontiff Pope's Birthday At The White House - Deal Hudson, Inside Catholic Today's Papal Events 10:30 a.m. - The Holy Father meets with President Bush and the First Lady on the south lawn of the White House. 5:30 p.m. - Private prayer service and meeting with the 350 bishops of the...

There have been lots of welcomes to the Holy Father, today. Here are just a few of my favorite posts on the Holy Father's arrival in the USA today: Whsipers in the Loggia: At the Pope's Mission, Might Ain't Right and From the Plane. American Papist: Day 1: Pictures of Pope Benedict's Arrival The Curt Jester: Welcome to America Holy Father Christopher Blosser's blog: Arrival of Benedict XVI at Andrews Air Force Base My thanks to Esther for creating the beautiful image of the Holy Father above.

The Holy Father has arrived! The Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, is in the United States. He arrived at 3: 58PM EST today on his first papal journey to the U.S. He was greeted off the plane by President Bush, first lady Laura Bush and their daughter, Jenna. The Holy Father walked briskly down the stairs (in his red Prada shoes) waving, as he came off the plane and shook hands with President Bush and his family. The Holy Father also greeted Mary Ann Glendon, US ambassador to the Vatican, and other state and church dignitaries. There were 5,000 military families assembled on the tarmac at Andrews Air Force base awaiting his arrival who cheered him as he waved to them. Both the Holy Father and Bush were grinning and seemed delighted to be in one another's company as they walked together. As the Holy Father walked toward his limousine, the young people sang "Happy Birthday". (Tomorrow is his 81st birthday.) He appeared to be both touched and pleased. This is the first time in...

It's been suggested that parishes welcome the Holy Father by ringing the church bells at 4PM when he arrives in our country! It's not too late to call your parish and ask them to welcome our Holy Father. Via MONIALES OP ~ Dominican Nuns.

Michael Hichborn, ALL’s media director, said his group is the largest anti-abortion advocacy organization in the U.S. “What we expect is that there will be pro-abortion Catholics who are going to try to receive Communion when the pope holds Mass,” he said. “We’re also hoping that his advisers have fully briefed him on those politicians who may attempt to receive Communion. I don’t know how well-prepared he’ll be.” American Life League's full-page message to Pope Benedict XVI can be viewed online at: http://www.all.org/db_file/1066.pdf

Prayer for an Apostolic Visit for the Holy Father Lord, source of eternal life and truth, give your shepherd, Pope Benedict, a spirit of courage and right judgment, a spirit of knowledge and love. By governing with fidelity those entrusted to his care, may he, as successor to the apostle Peter and Vicar of Christ, build Your Church into a sacrament of unity, love, and peace for all the world. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

Are you ready for the Holy Father’s visit? In this post, I hope to provide all that you need to get the most out of the Holy Father’s visit to the U.S.A. to enable it to be a memorable and spiritually enriching experience for you and for all Americans. Christ our Hope “The one who has hope lives differently, the one who has hope has been granted the gift of a new life.” ~ Pope Benedict, Spe Salvi, 2 The Need for Prayer This past Sunday, April 13, in Rome, the Holy Father asked for prayers for "spiritual renewal" that would result from his upcoming apostolic journey to the United States. He said: "This Tuesday I leave Rome for my visit to the United Nations and the United States of America. With the various groups I shall meet, my intention is to share our Lord's word of life." "In Christ is our hope! Christ is the foundation of our hope for peace, for justice, and for the freedom that flows from God's law fulfilled in his commandment to love one anot...

* Vatican Website: Apostolic Journey to the United States of America and visit to the United Nations Organization Headquarters (April 15-21, 2008) *EWTN: Pope's Visit to the U.S. - live coverage via radio and TV Raymond Arroyo will be joined in live coverage and commentary of the Pope’s trip by Father Richard John Neuhaus, editor and author; Peggy Noonan, Wall Street Journal columnist, author and speechwriter for President Reagan; and Knights of Columbus Supreme Knight Carl Anderson. *The USCCB's Christ Our Hope site Resource Guides for Teachers, Catechists and Youth Ministers here. * OSV 's papal visit page is here. They've nicely rounded up a number of related sites and blogs here . And, OSV's own live blogging will happen here . *National Catholic Register 's Pope 2008.com is here . EWTN also offers links to other resources at the bottom of this page. In addition to the live shows, EWTN’s continuing coverage will include three specials. Get the details he...

The Holy Father's first visit to the U.S. is just days away. He released a video message today saying he is coming to share the message of hope in Christ with us. For his full length message, go here.

Singers Try to Hit the Right Pitch To Win a Spot in the Ballpark Choir By 10:30 a.m. yesterday, Theresa Ellsworth was in the hot seat. That's what people in the basement lobby of St. Matthew's Cathedral were calling the chair right outside the audition room. All morning, Catholic after Catholic filed in -- one every five minutes -- for the chance to sing a few hymn verses, demonstrate vocal range, be thanked and then be sent home to await word. They were all hoping to have snagged one of the 250 spots in the choir that will sing at Pope Benedict XVI 's Mass on April 17 at the new Nationals stadium. With more than 550 people from local parish choirs signed up to audition, the vibe was far more intense than simply performing a Sunday morning song at church. It was more like "Vatican Idol." MORE