The Cloud of Fire

Novena to St. Joseph

2012-01-15T16:30:00.000-08:00

JMJ
AMDG
As we know St. Joseph is the patron saint of fathers, workers, those who are suffering, those who are close to death, and of course patron saint of the Universal Church. St. Joseph is an outstanding example of faithfulness, loyalty, and above all of perfect conformity with God's will. I would love to share a beautiful Novena that I found on the EWTN site.

http://www.ewtn.com/devotionals/novena/joseph.htm

The Mother

2011-05-06T18:14:00.000-07:00

The most important person on earth is a mother.

She cannot claim the honor of having built Notre Dame Cathedral.

She need not.

“She has built something more

magnificent than any cathedral –

a dwelling for an immortal soul,

the tiny perfection of her baby’s body…

“The angels have not been blessed with such a grace.

They cannot share in God’s creative miracle to

bring new saints to Heaven. Only a human mother can.

Mothers are closer to God the Creator than any other creature;

God joins forces with mothers in performing this act of creation…

“What on God’s good earth is more glorious than this; to be a mother?”

— Cardinal Mindszenty

Words of Wisdom

2011-05-06T06:56:00.000-07:00

1 * Accept the fact that some days you're the pigeon, and some days you're
the statue!

2 * Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat
them.

3 * Always read stuff that will make you look good if you die in the middle
of it.

4 * Drive carefully... It's not only cars that can be recalled by their
Maker..

5 * If you can't be kind, at least have the decency to be vague

6 * If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was probably
worth it.

7 * It may be that your sole purpose in life is simply to serve as a warning
to others.

8 * Never buy a car you can't push.

9 * Never put both feet in your mouth at the same time, because then you
won't have a leg to stand on.

10 * Nobody cares if you can't dance well. Just get up and dance.

11 * Since it's the early worm that gets eaten by the bird, sleep late.

12 * The second mouse gets the cheese.

13 * When everything's coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.

14 * Birthdays are good for you. The more you have, the longer you live.

16 * Some mistakes are too much fun to make only once.

17 * We could learn a lot from crayons. Some are sharp, some are pretty and
some are dull. Some have weird names and all are different colors, but they
all have to live in the same box.

18 * A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.

St. Jerome and the Lion

2011-05-05T22:43:00.000-07:00

He was sitting—so runs the story—with some of his [28] monks in the cell of Bethlehem, when a lion entered the open door. The brethren all jumped up in a fright, and tumbled as fast as they could through the window, while Jerome stayed quietly in his chair and waited. The lion looked at him doubtfully for a moment, then limped towards him, holding up a paw. This Jerome took, and examined carefully. At first he could see nothing, the soft pad was so badly swollen; but at length he detected a thorn, near one of the nails, and managed to pull it out with a pair of pinchers. He next boiled some water, in which he soaked some dried herbs, and bathed the sore place till the swelling began to go down, when he tied a linen rag round it, so that the dirt might not get in and inflame the wound afresh. As soon as he had finished, and the look of pain had disappeared from the lion's eyes, Jerome expected him to depart, but instead the huge beast stretched himself out comfortably on the floor. Jerome pointed to the door; the lion wagged his tail happily, and took no notice. This happened several times, till at last Jerome gave up the struggle and went to bed, the lion on the floor sleeping beside him. Next morning Jerome said to this visitor: "You seem to intend to live for ever in my cell"—the lion wagged his tail again—"but learn that no one here spends his time in idleness. If you stay here, you must be ready to work"—the tail wagged a second time—"and you will therefore accompany my donkey daily to the forest to defend her from robbers and savage wolves, when she brings back the firewood needful for the monastery."

THE LION REFUSES TO DEPART.

So for many months the lion and the donkey might have been seen setting off side by side every morning to the forest, and the lion lay down and watched while an old man heaped up the donkey's panniers from the stack of wood which he had gathered in readiness. The work took some time, but when the panniers could hold [31] no more the donkey gave itself a shake, and the lion jumped up, waiting till she began to move. The journey back to the monastery was much slower than the one to the forest, as the donkey had to be very careful not to make a false step. If she had stumbled and fallen, she would have found it very difficult, with her loaded panniers, to get on her feet again, and even the lion could not have helped her.

But one morning a terrible thing happened. The sun was very hot, and when the lion lay down as usual he fell sound asleep, and never heard two men creep up behind the old man and the donkey and tie a cloth over the mouths of both man and beast, so that they could not utter a sound. Then the robbers drove them away, wood and all, to the caravan which was waiting at a little distance.

At last the lion awoke, and gave a great yawn, and stretched himself. He lay still for a few minutes, till suddenly he noticed that the shafts of light that fell through the trees, struck the ground in a different way from usual.

"It must be later than I thought," he said; "they never look like that till the sun is going to set. Has the donkey been waiting for me all this time? Poor thing, how tired she must be! But why didn't she wake me?" and he rose to his feet and turned towards the old man's hut, but no donkey was there.

"She must have gone home," he said to himself again; "but then—where is the old man?" and bending his head, he examined the soil carefully.

"These are human footprints, I am sure they are," he exclaimed in his own language; "more than one man has been here. And here are the donkey's. She was stolen while I was asleep, and I, who was set to guard her, have been unfaithful to my trust! How shall I face the holy father who cured my wound?"

[32] However, there was no use waiting or trying to track the lost donkey; the thieves had got too long a start, and with bent head and heavy heart the lion followed the road home, and entered, as he had done once before, the cell of his master.

"Wherefore are you here, and where is the donkey?" asked Jerome sternly. In answer, the lion bowed himself to the earth, with his tail between his legs, awaiting his sentence.

"I had faith in you, and you have put me to shame," continued Jerome, "and as it is quite plain that you have eaten the donkey, you must take her place, and for the future the panniers will be put upon your back, and it is you who will fetch the wood from the forest."

And the lion, when he heard, wagged his tail in relief, for he had been very much afraid that his master would send him away altogether.

Now it was at the end of the summer that the donkey had been stolen, and as soon as the spring came round the caravan went past again, the camels laden with swords and silks from Damascus for the cities of Egypt. The lion was standing behind a group of trees, while another old man was piling up the panniers with wood, when the crackling of twigs caused him to turn round, and a little way off he beheld the long train of ugly, swaying creatures, with the donkey walking at their head. At the sight of his friend he gave a bound forward, which knocked over the old man, and sent the wood flying in all directions, and so frightened the camel-drivers that they ran away to hide themselves. As to the rest of the caravan he drove them before him into the monastery, keeping his eye carefully on the riders; and if anyone's hand so much as moved towards his side where his short sword was buckled, the lion had only to growl and to show his teeth for the hand quickly to move away again.

[33] In this manner they proceeded till the monastery was reached, and Jerome who was seated in his cell, unfolding the copy of a new book, beheld their arrival with astonishment. What were all these people doing here, and why was the lion with them? And surely that was—yes, he was certain of it—his old donkey, which he imagined was dead months ago. So he hastened out of his cell to the court-yard, where the merchants, who by this time had dismounted from their camels, fell on their knees before him.

"O holy father, if you are the lord of this lion, bid him spare our lives, and we will confess our sin," they cried. "It was we who stole the donkey, while her guardian, the lion, was sleeping; and behold, gladly will we restore her to you, if we may go our way."

"It is well, go in peace," said Jerome, and the merchants needed no second bidding.

Joyful indeed was the donkey to be at home again; and the next day she got up early and trotted off to the forest by the side of the lion, throwing up her head and sniffing the air as she went, from very delight at being freed from captivity. And the heart of Jerome rejoiced likewise that, after all, his trust in the lion had not been in vain.

That is the story of the lion of St. Jerome.

Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

2011-05-05T14:16:00.000-07:00

1.O my Jesus, Thou said "Verily I say unto you, ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find, knock and it shall be opened to you", behold I knock, I seek and I ask for the grace of ..... (Pater, Ave, Gloria)

Sacred Heart of Jesus I put all my trust in Thee.

2.O my Jesus, Thou said "Verily I say unto you, whatever you shall ask the Father in My Name, He will give it to you", behold in Thy Name I ask the Father for the grace of ..... (Pater, Ave, Gloria) Sacred Heart of Jesus I put all my trust in Thee.

3.O my Jesus, Thou said "Verily I say unto you. Heaven and earth shall pass away but My words shall not pass away" behold I encouraged by Thy infallible words, now ask for the grace of ..... (Pater, Ave, Gloria)

Sacred Heart of Jesus I put all my trust in Thee.

O Sacred Heart of Jesus, to whom one thing alone is impossible, namely not to have compassion on the afflicted, have pity on us miserable sinners and grant us the grace which we ask of Thee through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, Thy and our tender Mother.

Recite the 'Hail Holy Queen' and add, 'St. Joseph, foster Father of Jesus, pray for us'
(This novena prayer was recited by Padre Pio, everyday)

Litany of the Sacred Heart

2011-05-05T14:15:00.000-07:00

Litany of the Sacred Heart

Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy;

Christ, hear us,
Christ, graciously hear us,
God, the Father of Heaven, Have mercy on us
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, Have mercy on us
God the Holy Spirit, Have mercy on us
Holy Trinity one God, Have mercy on us
Heart of Jesus, Son of the Eternal Father, Have mercy on us
Heart of Jesus, formed by the Holy Spirit in the womb of the Virgin Mother, Have mercy on us
Heart of Jesus, hypostatically united to the Word of God, Have mercy on us
Heart of Jesus, infinite in majesty, Have mercy on us
Heart of Jesus, holy temple of God, Have mercy on us
Heart of Jesus, Tabernacle of the most High, Have mercy on us
Heart of Jesus, house of God and gate of heaven, Have mercy on us
Heart of Jesus, glowing furnace of charity, Have mercy on us
Heart of Jesus, abode of justice and love, Have mercy on us
Heart of Jesus, full of kindness and love, Have mercy on us
Heart of Jesus, abyss of all virtues, Have mercy on us
Heart of Jesus, most worthy of all praise, Have mercy on us
Heart of Jesus, King and centre of all hearts, Have mercy on us
Heart of Jesus, wherein are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, Have mercy on us
Heart of Jesus, wherein abides all the fullness of the Godhead, Have mercy on us
Heart of Jesus, in whom the Father was well pleased, Have mercy on us
Heart of Jesus, of whose fullness we have all received, Have mercy on us
Heart of Jesus, desire of the eternal hills, Have mercy on us
Heart of Jesus, patient and abounding in mercy, Have mercy on us
Heart of Jesus, rich unto all who call upon Thee, Have mercy on us
Heart of Jesus, source of life and holiness, Have mercy on us
Heart of Jesus, atonement for our iniquities, Have mercy on us
Heart of Jesus, overwhelmed with reproaches, Have mercy on us
Heart of Jesus, bruised for our sins, Have mercy on us
Heart of Jesus, made obedient even unto death, Have mercy on us
Heart of Jesus, pierced by the lance, Have mercy on us
Heart of Jesus, source of all consolation, Have mercy on us
Heart of Jesus, our life and resurrection, Have mercy on us
Heart of Jesus, our peace and reconciliation, Have mercy on us
Heart of Jesus, Victim of sins, Have mercy on us
Heart of Jesus, salvation of all who trust in Thee, Have mercy on us
Heart of Jesus, hope of all who die in Thee, Have mercy on us
Heart of Jesus, delight of all the Saints, Have mercy on us
Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.

Let Us Pray

O Almighty and Eternal God, look upon the Heart of Thy dearly beloved Son, and upon the praise and satisfaction He offers Thee in the name of sinners and for those who seek Thy mercy; be Thee appeased, and grant us pardon in the Name of the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son,

Who livest and reignest with Thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit for ever and ever. Amen.

A Secret to Happiness

2011-05-05T14:12:00.000-07:00

I am going to reveal to you a secret of sanctity and happiness. If every day during five minutes you will keep your imagination quiet, shut your eyes to all the things of sense and close your ears to all the sounds of earth so as to be able to withdraw into the sanctuary of your baptized soul (which is the temple of the Holy Spirit) speaking there to the Holy Spirit saying:

" Come, Holy Spirit "
O Holy Spirit, Soul of my soul, I adore thee. Enlighten, guide, strengthen and console me. Tell me what I ought to do and command me to do it. I promise to be submissive in everything that thou shalt ask of me and to accept all that thou permits to happen to me, only show me what is thy will.

If you do this, your life will pass happily and serenely. Consolations will abound even in the midst of trouble, for grace will be given in proportion to the trial, as well as strength to bear it, bringing you to the gates of paradise full of merit. This submission to the Holy Spirit is the secret to sanctity.

(Cardinal Mercier)

Marian Pilgrimage to Spain and France, May 2011

2010-10-25T23:00:00.000-07:00

IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE

VIRGIN MARY AND S. IGNATIUS

Sunday, May 15 – Saturday, May 28, 2011

LOS ANGELES/LOS ANGELES - $3699.00

( Airline taxes & Flamenco Show included)

Optional Insurance $271.00

Single room supplement $595.00

Sunday, May 15, 2011
DEPART LOS ANGELES
Our spiritual journey begins as we depart Los Angeles on AF69 at 6:45pm on our non-stop flight to Paris
Monday, May 16, 2011
PARIS/BARCELONA
Arrive Paris Airport at 2:15pm and connect with AF1948 departing Paris at 3:45pm, arriving Barcelona at 5:25pm. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed to Spain by your tour guide and driver. Transfer to the hotel.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
BARCELONA
We will spend all day in Barcelona visiting the Basilica of the Holy Family and later we will have a panoramic tour of Barcelona with its elegant tree-lined Ramblas and Plaza de Cataluna, historic buildings. We will have free time on our own to walk and enjoy the center of the city. Evening Flamenco Show.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
BARCELONA/MONTSERRAT
This morning we drive to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Montserrat to visit the Monastery and see the Statue of Our Lady and the cave where tradition says the statue was found. We will spend some time at this beautiful sanctuary before returning back to our hotel.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
BARCELONA/ZARAGOZA
Today we depart Barcelona and drive towards Zaragoza to visit the Shrine of Our Lady of the Pillar, the second most popular pilgrimage site in Spain. Visit the magnificent altar in the Basilica, built on the site where the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to the Apostle James. We see the Chapel of the Virgin, Assumption of the Virgin Mary marble statue and other numerous chapels and artworks inside the Basilica.
Friday, May 20, 2011
ZARAGOZA/JAVIER/LOYOLA
Depart Zaragoza in the morning and we drive to Javier, home of the Javier Castle where Jesuit missionary St. Francis Xavier was born. Afterwards we stop in Pamplona where St. Ignatius was wounded. On to Loyola in the Basque country, where we find the Sanctuary of Loyola as well as St. Ignatius of Loyola’s Family Castle.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
LOYOLA/LOURDES
Today after Mass at the Sanctuary we depart Loyola and enjoy the drive in the country side of Spain and later France. We arrive Lourdes in the afternoon. After dinner join pilgrims from around
the world in the nightly rosary and candlelight procession.
Sunday, May 22 –
Monday, May 23, 2011
LOURDES
During our stay in Lourdes, we visit the historical and spiritual sites associated with Bernadette, the visionary child of Lourdes. We will have a walking tour of the Shrine’s ground, the Basilica of St. Pius X, Boly Mill, the Soubirous family home, the Basilica of the Rosary and the miraculous spring and healing baths. There will be an afternoon tour to Bartres. We will spend time in prayer and meditation and join the nightly rosary and candlelight procession.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
LOURDES/LYON/LA SALETTE
Early morning transfer to Pau Airport to take our Air France flight to Lyon. Upon arrival at Lyon airport, we will be met by our bus driver and drive towards La Salette to visit the Marian shrine of
Our Lady of La Salette where the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to Melanie and Maximin in 1846.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
LA SALETTE/LYON
Today we depart La Salette and make our way back to Lyon. Lyon is listed as a World Heritage Site. Visit the beautiful Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourviere that sits upon a hill offering a wonderful panorama of the city.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
LYON/ARS/PARAY LE MONIAL
Our spiritual journey will continue as we visit Ars to see the Basilica where the incorrupt body of St. John Vianney lies..Then on to Paray Le Monial , home to the devotion of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Visit the chapel of the Visitation where Jesus exposed His Sacred Heart to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque during a number of apparitions. Return to Lyon.
Friday, May 27, 2011
LYON/ LE PUY EN VELAY
Today we continue our journey in France and call on Le Puy en Velay. The most striking attraction is the Cathedral of Notre-Dame du Puy. In this place many pilgrims start their walking journey to Santiago de Compostela. Each morning there is a blessing for any such pilgrims. Visit to the chapel of St. Michael. Return to Lyon.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
LYON/PARIS/LOS ANGELES
Transfer to Lyon Airport to take our Air France flights to Paris and then to Los Angeles. Arrive Los Angeles at 4:00pm
Itinerary is subject to change without notice.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 562 9247591
or email: frfercuenca@gmail.com

The Face of Christ by Claude Mellan

2010-03-28T16:10:00.000-07:00

THis is an amazing engraving of Christ based on the story of the Sudarium of the Veronica.
Veronica , filled with compassion for the suffering of Jesus on the road to Calvary, wiped his sweating face with a cloth. An image of his features was miraculously transferred to the fabric. Mellan (1598-1688) has achieved something like a miracle of a different sort. In a single line and starting from the tip of Jesus' nose, Mellan has engraved the entire face, the folded veil, and the lettering below. The modulations in direction, from thick to thin, model the image in chiaroscuro (light and dark). Thus the shapes and volume of the engraving are achieved.
Mellan studied engraving for five years in Paris before travelling to Rome in 1624. He remained in Rome for twelve years, refining the Italian engraving style he found in the work of Francesco Villamena and Agostino Carracci. He learned to dispense with cross-hatching and model forms just by controlling the swelling and tapering of his lines.

How Old is your Church?

2010-03-23T20:27:00.000-07:00

THIS IS A MOST INTERESTING QUESTION!!!

THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION WILL ASTOUND MANY OF YOU!

If you are a LUTHERAN, your religion was founded by Martin Luther, an ex-monk of the Catholic Church, IN THE YEAR 1517.

If you belong to the CHURCH OF ENGLAND, your religion was founded by King Henry VIII IN THE YEAR 1534, because the Pope would not grant him a divorce with the right to re-marry.

If you are a PRESBYTERIAN, your religion was founded by John Knox in Scotland
IN THE YEAR 1560.

If you are a member of the CONGREGATIONALIST, your religion was originated by Robert Brown in Holland IN THE YEAR 1582.

If you are a BAPTIST, you owe the tenets of your religion to your founder, John Smyth, who launched this denomination in the city of Amsterdam IN THE YEAR 1605.

If you are of the DUTCH REFORMED CHURCH, you recognize Michaelis Jones as your founder, because he originated your religion in New York IN THE YEAR 1628.

If you are a PROTESTANT EPISCOPALIAN, your religion was an offshoot of the Church Of England, and your offshoot was founded by Samuel Seabury in the American Colonies in the 17th Century.

If you are a METHODIST, your religion was launched by John and Charles Wesley in England IN THE YEAR 1744.

If you are a UNITARIAN, then Theophilus Lindley is the founder of your church, in London IN THE YEAR 1774.

If you are a MORMON (LATTER DAY SAINTS) your modern religion was started by Joseph Smith in Palmyra, New York, IN THE YEAR 1829.

If you worship with THE SALVATION ARMY, your sect began with Willian Booth in the city of London IN THE YEAR 1865.

If you are a CHRISTIAN SCIENTIST, you recognize that your religion was begun by Mrs. Mary Baker Eddy IN THE YEAR 1879.

If you belong to one of the religious organizations known as "CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE", or "PENTECOSTAL GOSPEL", Or "HOLINESS CHURCH", or "PILGRIM HOLINESS CHURCH", or "JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES", Or any of the MULTIPLE THOUSANDS OF STOREFRONT CHURCHES, then your religion is one of the thousands of new sects founded by men WITHIN THE PAST 150 YEARS!

If you are a ROMAN CATHOLIC,
Then you know that your Church was founded IN THE YEAR 33
BY JESUS CHRIST, THE SON OF GOD,
AND IT IS STILL THE SAME CHURCH!!!

Holes in the fence

2010-03-21T08:29:00.000-07:00

There was once a boy with a bad temper. His father gave him a bag of nails and told him that every time he lost his temper, he must hammer a nail into the back of the fence.
On the first day the boy drove 37 nails into the fence. Over the next few weeks, as he learned to control his anger, the number of nails hammered daily gradually dwindled.
He discovered that it was easier to hold his temper than to drive nails into a fence. Finally, a day came when he didn’t need the hammer and nails at all. Proudly, he went to tell his father. This time the father suggested that each day he kept his temper, the boy should pull out a nail from the fence.
The days passed, until eventually the boy was able to tell his father that at last all the nails were gone. The father took the boy by the hand and led him to the fence. “You have done well — but look at all the holes in the fence! It will never be the same again. When you say things in anger, they leave a scar just like this one. You can put a knife in a man and draw it out. It won’t matter how many times you say I’m sorry, the wound is still there.”

Anoche Cuando Dormia

2010-03-09T17:53:00.000-08:00

Anoche cuando dormía
soñé, ¡bendita ilusión!,
que una fontana fluía
dentro de mi corazón.
Di, ¿por qué acequia escondida,
agua, vienes hasta mí,
manantial de nuestra vida
de donde nunca bebí?

Anoche cuando dormía
soñé, ¡bendita ilusión!,
que una colmena tenía
dentro de mi corazón;
y las doradas abejas
iban fabricando en él,
con las amarguras viejas,
blanca cera y dulce miel.

Anoche cuando dormía
soñé, ¡bendita ilusión!,
que un ardiente sol lucía
dentro de mi corazón.
Era ardiente porque daba
calores de rojo hogar,
y era sol porque alumbraba
y porque hacía llorar.

Anoche cuando dormía
soñé, ¡bendita ilusión!,
que era Dios lo que tenía
dentro de mi corazón.

Antonio Machado

Prayer for New Archbishop of Los Angeles

2010-03-02T22:11:00.000-08:00

His Eminence Cardinal Roger M. Mahony is asking all Catholics to pray for the appointment of his successor as archbishop of Los Angeles. Here is the official prayer:

Lord God, you are our eternal and guide. In your mercy,
grant to the Archdiocese of Los Angeles a shepherd
who will walk in your ways and who watchful care will
bring us your blessing.

In your love for us, give us the joy of receiving a shepherd
who will be an example of goodness to your people and
who will fill our hearts and minds with the truth of the Gospel.

We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, you Son, who
lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for-
ever and ever. AMEN.

The Dark Night

2010-02-23T21:03:00.000-08:00

THE DARK NIGHT

Songs of the soul that rejoices in having reached the high state of perfection, which is union with God, by the path of spiritual negation.

One dark night,
fired with love's urgent longings
--ah, the sheer grace!--
I went out unseen,
my house being now all stilled.

In darkness, and secure,
by the secret ladder, disguised,
--ah, the sheer grace!--
in darkness and concealment,
my house being now all stilled.

On that glad night,
in secret, for no one saw me,
nor did I look at anything
with no other light or guide
than the one that burned in my heart.

This guided me
more surely than the light of noon
to where he was awaiting me
--him I knew so well--
there in a place where no one appeared.

O guiding night!
O night more lovely than the dawn!
O night that has united
the Lover with his beloved,
transforming the beloved in her Lover.

Upon my flowering breast,
which I kept wholly for him alone,
there he lay sleeping,
and I caressing him
there in a breeze from the fanning cedars.

When the breeze blew from the turret,
as I parted his hair,
it wounded my neck
with its gentle hand,
suspending all my senses.

I abandoned and forgot myself,
laying my face on my Beloved;
all things ceased; I went out from myself,
leaving my cares
forgotten among the lilies.

Cell Phone Etiquette Rules

2010-02-21T14:49:00.000-08:00

Do we really need to talk about this? You’d think with over a decade of living with cell phones that we had already figured out by now how to be respectful toward others and how not be rude and unconcerned about the dignity of others. Sadly still today things at times seem to be getting worse. Here are some rules that we can practice during Lent, to exercise Christian Charity.

1. TURN OFF YOUR CELL phone when going to Church, a conference, a class, the library, the movies, a museum, a public performance, and please respect not only those carrying out the services and the performances, but also those attending, who do not appreciate the distractions, the noise and the selfishness of those who fail to turn their cell phones off. It is considered even ruder to answer the phone after having distracted everybody with your cell. Texting in Church is also considered disrespectful to God and to those who are praying around you.

2. When talking in public places, like restaurants, shopping malls, buses, planes, make sure you DO NOT SPEAK TOO LOUDLY, MODULATE YOUR VOICE. Please DO NOT CARRY OUT PRIVATE or INAPPROPRIATE CONVERSATIONS in public. Observe the 10-foot Proximity Rule: maintain a distance of at least 10-feet from the nearest person when talking on a cell phone.

3. If you are meeting with someone, please GIVE THAT PERSON YOUR UNDIVIDED ATTENTION, and DO NOT RUDELY INTERRUPT THEM. If you get a call, do not answer it, you can press ignore it or let it roll to voicemail, you can always retrieve the message or return the call later, unless you know with certainty that it is REALLY important or you are actually expecting a call due to an emergency (in that case warn the other party that you may have to answer a call because you are expecting an urgent message). Have you ever carried out a really interesting conversation in which you were talking about something really important and meaningful to you only to be interrupted by the other person: “Sorry, have to get this!”? Some people have lost a potential job for answering their cells during an interview, some others have lost a date for being rude and making a bad first impression, and some others have lost potential contracts during business presentations due to their lack of courtesy.

4. DO NOT TEXT OR TALK WHILE DRIVING, this is not only rude, but you also endanger your life and the lives of others. Similarly DO NOT TEXT WHILE TALKING TO SOMEONE, please respect that person.

5. SPARE US FROM LOUD AND ANNOYING RINGTONES, I guess the word annoying says it all.

6. RESPECT CASHIERS, WAITERS, WAITRESSES, CLERKS, AND OTHER WORKERS, they are people too, and although they may not be your friends, they still deserve your respect. How many times have we seen people carrying out conversations on their cells while talking with the cashiers/clerks at fast food restaurants, stores, malls, banks, etc? That is simply rude.

7. APPLY YOURSELF THE GOLDEN RULE, do not do to others what you would not want them to do to you. Being a Christian begins with small acts of charity and courtesy.

Blessings

Fr. Fernando, OMV J

Asking for Mercy

2009-10-05T10:24:00.000-07:00

Pope John Paul II refers to the need to pray for mercy with a new urgency for our own times: "At no time… especially at a moment as critical as our own — can the Church forget the prayer that is a cry for the mercy of God… The Church has the right and the duty to appeal to the God of mercy 'with loud cries' " (Rich in Mercy, 15).
To St. Faustina, Jesus revealed this same message once again. He gave her three new ways to ask for mercy on the strength of His passion: the Chaplet, the Novena, and prayer at three o'clock; and He taught her to transform her daily life into a continuous prayer for mercy. Through her, He calls us all to ask for His mercy:
Souls that make an appeal to My mercy delight Me. To such souls I grant even more graces than they ask. I cannot punish even the greatest sinner if he makes an appeal to My compassion (Diary, 1146). Beg for mercy for the whole world (570). No soul that has called upon My mercy has ever been disappointed (1541).

Prayer to be Merciful to Others

2009-10-05T10:03:00.000-07:00

This prayer gives us a true measure of our mercy, a mirror in which we observe ourselves as merciful Christs. We can make it our morning invocation and our evening examination of conscience.
O Most Holy Trinity! As many times as I breathe, as many times as my heart beats, as many times as my blood pulsates through my body, so many thousand times do I want to glorify Your mercy.
I want to be completely transformed into Your mercy and to be Your living reflection, O Lord. May the greatest of all divine attributes, that of Your unfathomable mercy, pass through my heart and soul to my neighbor.
Help me, O Lord, that my eyes may be merciful, so that I may never suspect or judge from appearances, but look for what is beautiful in my neighbors’ souls and come to their rescue.
Help me, that my ears may be merciful, so that I may give heed to my neighbors’ needs and not be indifferent to their pains and moanings.
Help me, O Lord, that my tongue may be merciful, so that I should never speak negatively of my neighbor, but have a word of comfort and forgiveness for all.
Help me, O Lord, that my hands may be merciful and filled with good deeds, so that I may do only good to my neighbors and take upon myself the more difficult and toilsome tasks.
Help me, that my feet may be merciful, so that I may hurry to assist my neighbor, overcoming my own fatigue and weariness. My true rest is in the service of my neighbor.
Help me, O Lord, that my heart may be merciful so that I myself may feel all the sufferings of my neighbor. I will refuse my heart to no one. I will be sincere even with those who, I know, will abuse my kindness. And I will lock myself up in the most merciful Heart of Jesus. I will bear my own suffering in silence. May Your mercy, O Lord, rest upon me.
You Yourself command me to exercise the three degrees of mercy. The first: the act of mercy, of whatever kind. The second: the word of mercy — if I cannot carry out a work of mercy, I will assist by my words. The third: prayer — if I cannot show mercy by deeds or words, I can always do so by prayer. My prayer reaches out even there where I cannot reach out physically.
O my Jesus, transform me into Yourself, for You can do all things (163).

Difference Between Living in the Divine Will and Doing the Will of God

2009-10-04T19:17:00.000-07:00

May 31, 1926 Volume 19The Difference Between Who Lives In the Divine Will and Who is Resigned and Submitted. The First is Sun; the Other is Earth Who Lives by the Effects of the Light.The Light of the Divine Will continues to envelop me; and my little intelligence, while it swims in the immense sea of this light, scarcely can take some drops of light and some little flame of the so many truths and knowledges and happinesses that this interminable sea of the Eternal Will contains. At times I do not find the vocabulary adapted to put on paper that little bit of light. I say little; by that I leave out so much because my poor, little intelligence takes as much as suffices to fill me; the rest I leave.It happens as to a person who dives into the sea. She becomes all wet; the water flows everywhere over her, perhaps even into her vital organs; but, going out of the sea, what does she bring with her of all the water of the sea? Very little and almost nothing compared to that water that remains in the sea.And, by having been in the sea can it be said, perhaps, how much water, how many species and quantity of fish that remain there in the sea?... Certainly not; but, nevertheless, she will know how to speak about that little that she has seen in the sea. Such is my poor soul. And so, my sweet Jesus, while I found myself in this light, went out from my interior and said to me: "My daughter, this is the unity of the light of my Will; and so that you always love It more and confirm yourself increasingly in It, I want to let you know the great difference that there is between who lives in my Will in the unity of this light and who is resigned and submitted to my Will. And, to make you understand well, I will present you the similitude of the sun in the sky.The sun being in the vault of the heavens expands its rays upon the surface of the earth. Look, between earth and sun there is a kind of agreement: the sun in touching the earth and the earth in receiving the light and touch of the sun. Now, the earth, by receiving the touch of the light submits itself to the sun, receives the effects that the light contains; and these effects transform the face of the earth. They make it green again, they flower it; the plants develop; they mature the fruits and so many other marvels that are seen upon the face of the earth -- products always of the effects that the solar light contains.But the sun, by giving its effects, does not give away its light; indeed, jealous, it conserves its unity; and the effects are not lasting. Therefore, the poor earth is seen now all flowered and then all stripped; in nearly every season it is changed; it undergoes continued mutations.Now, such is the soul who is resigned and submits herself to my Will. She lives by the effects that are in It; and, not possessing the light, she does not possess the sources of the effects that there are in the Eternal Will. And, therefore, she is seen almost as earth, now rich in virtue, then poor. She is changed in every circumstance; much more so that if she is not always resigned and submitted to my Will, she will be as the earth that does not want to be touched by the light of the sun; since, if it receives the effects, it is because it let itself be touched by its light. Otherwise, it would remain squalid without producing a blade of grass. Such became Adam after sin; he lost the unity of the light and, therefore, the source of the goods and effects the Sun of my Will contains. He no longer felt in himself the fullness of the Divine Sun; there no longer flowed in him that unity of the light that his Creator had fixed in the depths of his soul, which, communicating to him his likeness, made of him a faithful copy. Before sinning, possessing the source of the unity of the light with his Creator, bringing Him the love and the exchange of all that had been made by Him in all Creation, it was he who harmonized everything and formed the note of accord between Heaven and earth. But, as he withdrew from my Will, no longer did his acts as rays invade Heaven and earth but were restrained almost as plants and flowers in the little circuit of his terrain.Therefore, losing the harmony with all Creation, he became the discordant note of all Creation. Oh! how he descended to the bottom and cried bitterly. He lost the unity of the light which, elevating him above all created things, made of Adam the little god of the earth.Now, my daughter, from that what I have said to you, you can understand that the living in my Will is to possess the source of the unity of the light of my Will with all the fullness of the effects that there are in It. So there rises in her every act light, love, adoration, etc. Who delivers herself up, act for each act, love for each love, as solar light invades everything, harmonizes everything, centers everything in herself and, as refulgent ray, carries to her Creator the exchange for all that I have done for all creatures and the true note of accord between Heaven and earth. What a difference there is between who possesses the source of the goods that the Sun of my Will contains, and who lives by the effects! There would be the difference that there is between the sun and the earth. The sun possesses always the fullness of the light and of the effects. It is always brilliant and majestic in the vault of the heavens, nor does it have need of the earth; and, while it touches everything it is untouchable; it does not let itself be touched by anyone. If someone would even dare to stare at it, with its light it eclipses, blinds him and terrifies him. On the other hand the earth has need of everything, to be touched, stripped; and, if it were not for the light of the sun and its effects, it would be a dismal prison, full of squalid misery.Therefore, there is no comparison that rules between who lives in my Will and who subjects himself to It. Such was the unity of the light that Adam possessed before sinning, and he could not recover it during his life. With him it happened as the earth that goes around the sun, which, not being fixed, while it rotates, it opposes itself to the sun and forms its night. Now, to render him firm again and thus be able to sustain the unity of this light, there was needed a Repairer; and He had to be superior to him. A divine strength was needed to rectify him. Behold the necessity of the Redemption.My Celestial Mamma possessed the unity of this light; and, therefore, more than sun, She can give light to everyone; and, so, between Her and the Supreme Majesty there was never night nor any shadow but always full day. And, therefore, in each instant this unity of the light of my Will made flow in Her all the Divine Life which brought Her seas of beauty, of glory and of love. and She, as in triumph brought her Creator all these seas as hers to attest her love for Him, her adoration, and to make Him fall in love with her beauty. And the Divinity made flow other new seas more beautiful. She possessed so much love that, as connatural, She could love for everyone, adore and supply for everyone. Her little acts, done in the unity of this light, were superior to the greatest acts and all the acts of all creatures together. Therefore, the sacrifices, the works, the love of all other creatures can be called little flames before the sun, little drops of water before the sea, in comparison to the acts of the Sovereign Queen.
April 8, 1918 Volume 12Difference between living united with Jesus, and living in His Will. Returning to the point about living in the Divine Will, I was told that it was like living in the state of union with God; and my always adorable Jesus, in coming, said to me: "My daughter, there is a great difference between living united with Me and living in my Will." As He was saying this, He stretched His arms toward me and told me: "Come into my Will, even for one instant, and you will see the great difference."I found myself in Jesus. My tiny atom was swimming in the Eternal Volition. And since this Eternal Volition is one single Act that contains, altogether, all the acts, past, present and future - as I was in the Eternal Volition, I took part in that Act which contains all acts, as much as it is possible for creature. I took part also in the acts which do not exist, and which must yet exist, until the end of the centuries, and until God will be God. And for these acts too I loved Him, I thanked Him, I blessed Him, etc. There was no act which escaped me. I took the Love of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and I made it mine, just as their Will was mine; and I gave it to Them as if it were my own... How happy I was to be able to give Them their own Love as though my own! And how They found their full contentment and complete outpouring in receiving their own Love from me, as if It were mine! But who can say everything? I lack the words.Now, blessed Jesus told me: "Have you seen what living in my Will is? It is to disappear and to enter the sphere of Eternity; it is to penetrate into the Omnipotence of the Eternal One - into the Uncreated Mind, and take part in everything and in each divine act, as much as it is possible for creature. It is to make use, even while on earth, of all the divine qualities; it is to hate evil in a divine way. It is spreading oneself to everyone without exhaustion, because the Will which animates this creature is divine. It is the Sanctity which is not yet known, which I will make known, and which will place the last adornment, the most beautiful and the brightest among all other sanctities. It will be the crown and the fulfillment of all the other sanctities. Now, to live united with Me is not to disappear - two beings appear together; but one who does not disappear cannot enter into the sphere of Eternity to take part in all the divine acts. Ponder well, and you will see the great difference."

40 Days for Life Campaign, beginning this Fall

2009-09-20T14:43:00.000-07:00

Check out the trailer for the 40 days for life Campaign

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=On9jankGqB0&feature=related

Check out their website for Los Angeles

http://40daysforlife.com/losangeles/

For Orange COunty

http://40daysforlife.com/orangecounty/

for other cities check

http://40daysforlife.com/

40 DAYS FOR LIFE This fall, from September 23rd thru November 1st, Los Angeles will be one of more than 170 cities in 45 states joining together for the largest and longest coordinated pro-life mobilization in history -- the 40 Days for Life campaign. 40 Days for Life is a focused pro-life effort that consists of:

40 days of prayer and fasting

40 days of peaceful vigil & prayer walk

40 days of community outreach

We are praying that, with God's help, this groundbreaking effort will mark the beginning of the end of abortion in our city -- and throughout America. While all aspects of 40 Days for Life are crucial in our effort to end abortion, the most visible component is the peaceful prayer vigil outside the local abortion facility. You can help make a life-saving impact by joining our local vigil at:
Family Planning Associates

S. 601 Westmoreland Ave.

Los Angeles CA

Prayers to Eliminate Racism

2009-09-09T09:22:00.000-07:00

Prayers for the Elimination of Racism

To God the Father, Creator of all races and peoples, who loves each of us for our uniqueness, we offer our prayers of petition:
For an end to discrimination in all its forms, we pray ... Lord of all nations, hear our prayer.
That each person may be respected and valued as a child of God, we pray ... Lord of all nations, hear our prayer.
That the Church may be a witness and a universal sign of unity among all peoples, we pray ... Lord of all nations, hear our prayer.
That each of us may acknowledge our part in mistakes and sins of the past pertaining to discrimination and racism, we pray ... Lord of all nations, hear our prayer.
For a spirit of forgiveness and reconciliation among peoples who share a history of mutual mistrust, hatred or aggression, we pray ... Lord of all nations, hear our prayer.
That the victims of racial prejudice may forgive those who persecute them, and that their persecutors may have a change of heart, we pray ... Lord of all nations, hear our prayer.
That the Church will continue to strive to make every element of human life correspond to the true dignity of the human person, we pray ... Lord of all nations, hear our prayer.
For those who have struggled in the past and continue to do so today for civil rights, economic justice and the elimination of discrimination based on race, we pray ... Lord of all nations, hear our prayer.
For the conversion of the hearts and minds of those who allow another's race to influence their relationships and limit their openness, we pray ... Lord of all nations, hear our prayer.
That we may work to influence the attitudes of others by expressly rejecting racial stereotypes, slurs and jokes and be affirming of the cultural contributions of every racial group in our world, we pray ... Lord of all nations, hear our prayer.
That we may make a personal commitment to abolish social structures which inhibit economic, educational and social advancement of the poor, we pray ... Lord of all nations, hear our prayer.
That we may work for decent working conditions, adequate income, housing, education and health care for all people, we pray ... Lord of all nations, hear our prayer.

Almighty God, source of our life, we acknowledge you as Creator of all people of every race, language and way of life. Help us to see each other as you see us: your sons and daughters loved into being and sustained by your parental care. Keep watch over our hearts so that the evil of racism will find no home with us. Direct our spirits to work for justice and peace so that all barriers to your grace which oppress our brothers and sisters will be removed. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

Fight World Slavery

2009-09-08T22:16:00.000-07:00

Let us fight to erradicate from the face of the earth the 27 million men, women and children that continue to be oppressed by the scourge of slavery. Educate yourself and see how you can help to free these our brothers and sisters.
Please check this link, Slavery 101
http://www.freetheslaves.net/Page.aspx?pid=348

St. Peter Claver, September 9

2009-09-08T21:47:00.000-07:00

St. Peter Claver (1580-1654) was a Spanish Jesuit missionary to Latin America. He is known as the "Apostle of the West Indies" and the "Slave to the Slaves."
Peter Claver was born in Verdu, Catalonia, on July 26, 1580, of prosperous parents. Little is known of his early years. In 1602 he entered the Society of Jesus. Three years later he began to study with Alphonsus Rodriquez in Majorca, with whom he shared a spiritual model of life focused on "suffering with Christ," which he would try to emulate for the rest of his life.
Haunted by a vision of going where he was really needed, Claver left his theological studies before completion and in 1610 went to Cartagena, New Granada (now Colombia). "Why stay in Europe," he asked, "when there are so many men of God needed in America?" He finished his Jesuit requirements and was ordained a priest in 1616 in Bogotá at the age of 35. In his profession he stipulated that he would "never admit any inferiority in the Negro slaves," and so that there would be no doubt of this, he proclaimed himself their slave, adding to his signature ethiopium semper servus (slave of the Negroes forever). One of his biographers states that "there have been few saints so specialized."
For the remaining 38 years of his life, Claver lived in Cartagena, one of the major Caribbean ports in Latin America to which slaves were imported. He had no social program but simply geared his life to the primary needs of the often sick and broken slaves who arrived on American shores. He was not a "revolutionary" priest, intent on changing the fabric of society; he simply cared for the slaves and exhorted the slave masters to be humane.
Claver made himself available to the black slaves. He met them at the port of the city, inquired about their Christian state, catechized those who had had no instruction before crossing the Atlantic, and allegedly baptized more than 300,000. After baptism he tried to nurture his "children," visiting the plantations and mines where the slaves were employed. In accordance with Pauline maxims, he urged slaves to be obedient but exhorted slave masters to be generous. In order to humanize these people hardly regarded as humans, he visited prisoners, nursed lepers and the sick, and worked for the release of some. He often protected fugitive slaves while seeking out good masters for them.
In 1650 Peter Claver became a victim of the plague and lived the rest of his life in almost complete solitude, dying on Sept. 8, 1654. The city magistrates, who had previously frowned at his constant solicitations on behalf of the slaves, ordered that he should be buried at public expense and with great pomp. Only after his death did people begin to realize the true scope of his activities; and the astronomical number of persons he had single handedly baptized. He was canonized in 1887, and Pope Leo XIII declared him the worldwide patron of missionary work among black slaves. St. Alphonsus Rodriguez was canonized on the same day as Peter Claver.
His bones were moved to a glass coffin under the altar of Cartagena's Cathedral de San Pedro Claver, where Pope John Paul II prayed during his 1986 visit. In the cloister adjoining the Cathedral, the room where he spent the last years of his life is open to visitors, along with a series of graphic paintings telling the story of how he helped the slaves.

Quote: Peter Claver understood that concrete service like the distributing of medicine, food or brandy to his black brothers and sisters could be as effective a communication of the word of God as mere verbal preaching. As Peter Claver often said, "We must speak to them with our hands before we try to speak to them with our lips."

Happy Birthday Mary

2009-09-08T07:37:00.001-07:00

JMJ
AMDG
Let us celebrate our Lady's Birthday by singing the MANANITAS, a very beautiful song from Mexico. Here is the link to that video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YmL146DCqY

Novena to Fr. Bruno Lanteri

2009-09-07T10:43:00.000-07:00

NOVENA TO VEN. FR. LANTERI(Founder of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary) in preparation for the celebration of the titular Feast of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary on September 12, feast of the HOLY NAME OF MARY.

O Father, fountain of all life and holiness You gave Fr. Pio Bruno Lanteri great faith in Christ, your Son, a lively hope, and an active love for the salvation of his brethren. You made him a prophet of your Word and a witness to Your Mercy. He had a tender love for Mary and by his very life he taught fidelity to the Church. Father, hear the prayer of Your family and through the intercession of Fr. Lanteri, grant us the grace for which we now ask…

May he be glorified on earth that we may give greater praise. We ask this through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Prayer for Priests

2009-05-08T19:14:00.000-07:00

A PRAYER FOR PRIESTS
Keep them, I pray Thee, dearest Lord, keep them, for they are Thine -
Thy priests whose lives burn out before thy consecrated shrine.
Keep them, for they are in the world, though from the world apart;
When earthly pleasures tempt, allure, shelter them in Thy Heart.
Keep them, and comfort them in hours of loneliness and pain,
When all their life of sacrifice for souls seems but in vain.
Keep them, and O remember Lord, They have no one but Thee,
Yet they have only human hearts, with human frailty.
Keep them as spotless as the Host, that daily they caress;
Their every thought and word and deed, deign, dearest Lord, to bless. Amen

Let us NOT FORGET the MIRACLE IN MEXICO, Swine Flu under Control

2009-05-05T10:13:00.000-07:00

On Sunday April 26th the Catholic Church took out in solemn procession throughout the streets of Mexico City the statue of the Christ of Health (El Cristo de la Salud). Sources indicated that the famous statue had not been taken to the streets for about 150 years, since a cholera outbreak scourged the Capital of Mexico in the 1850s. At that time Christ performed the miracle and stopped the outbreak. In a similar manner now in 2009, the MIRACLE has being performed once again by the same Jesus who is alive and risen. On April the 26th the city was overwhelmed with terror and fear, deaths were on the rise and the Church wisely asked the people to pray to the Lord of health for mercy and healing. After the procession, the statue of the Christ of Health was taken to the Cathedral of Mexico, where it was placed in a prominent place within it, at the Altar of Forgiveness, and invitation to the people of Mexico to seek reconciliation with God and implore His Mercy. The prayers of the people have been heard and the MIRACLE WAS PERFORMED by Jesus, and now the outbreak is under control and life in Mexico City is going back to normality. However, nobody seems to give credit to God for what has taken place, He who is the source of all life and healing, and people are simply going back to their lives without a real sense of understanding of the magnitude of the Miracle that has been accomplished in their midst, where the Mercy of God has been quickly showered upon the Mexican People and avoided a potentially tragic situation for Mexico and for the rest of the world. I must add that in addition to the procession of the Christ of Health, the Cardinal of Mexico also celebrated Mass at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe and asked her also to intercede for the people of Mexico and spare them from a tragedy. THANK YOU JESUS FOR SPARING THE PEOPLE OF MEXICO AND THE WHOLE WORLD from a potentially tragic situation. We pray for those who died, that God in His Mercy will grant them eternal rest. And THANK YOU also to Our Lady of Guadalupe for interceding for the people of Mexico and of the whole world and obtaining this amazing MIRACLE!!

Medjugorje Messages to Mirjana

2009-05-03T13:07:00.000-07:00

JMJ
AMDG
Once again the Church remains the ultimate source of authority in determining the authenticity of any private revelations including those allegedly taking place in Medjugorje. Because of the personal effect Medjugorje has had in my life I have been very close to these apparitions. And one can really see the sense of urgency of the messages given to Mirjana in her last two apparitions. You do not need to be a rocket scientist to see that the world continues to close itself to the ultimate DIVINE REALITY and accept the Mercy of God. These messages are at least worth considering from a devotional point of view as a call to further conversion.

Our Lady's message given through Mirjana May 2nd. 2009.
Our Lady was very sad. She only gave a message and blessed us.
Dear children!Already for a long time I am giving you my motherly heart and offering my Son to you. You are rejecting me. You are permitting sin to overcome you more and more. You are permitting it to master you and to take away your power of discernment. My poor children, look around you and look at the signs of the times. Do you think that you can do without God's blessing? Do not permit darkness to envelop you. From the depth of your heart cry out for my Son. His Name disperses even the greatest darkness. I will be with you, you just call me: 'Here we are Mother, lead us.' Thank you.

Our Lady's message given through Mirjana April 2nd. 2009.
Dear children, God's love is in my words. My children, that is the love which desires to turn you to justice and truth. That is the love which desires to save you from delusion. And what about you, my children? Your hearts remain closed; they are hard and do not respond to my calls. They are insincere. With a motherly love I am praying for you, because I desire for all of you to resurrect in my Son. Thank you.

Who are the Homophobes?

2009-05-02T22:32:00.000-07:00

Interesting article by Peter Heck.
http://www.peterheck.com/columns

Who are the homophobes?
Peter Heck - Guest Columnist - 4/8/2009 10:25:00 AM

Demonstrating the commitment the far left has to elevating the level of civil discourse in our society, belligerent homosexual Congressman Barney Frank recently resorted to name-calling in an interview with the website 365gay.com. Answering a question about the Supreme Court potentially overturning the Defense of Marriage Act, Frank dismissed that possibility saying, "I wouldn't want it to go to the United States Supreme Court now because that homophobe Antonin Scalia has too many votes on this current court." How classy. In Frank's warped worldview, anyone who opposes the spread of homosexuality in our culture is a homophobe. This offensive misuse of the term is more than irresponsible. It is ignorant and slanderous.

Homophobia is defined as a fear or hatred of homosexuals. To pejoratively label anyone who has moral objections to the practice of homosexuality a homophobe is such a blatant overreach that it effectively strips the term of any real meaning. There are homophobes in America today. But who they are just might surprise you. To illustrate this, let me first begin by asking a question. When someone you care about picks up a loaded revolver to play a game of Russian Roulette, what is the loving response? To pat them on the back and say, "Well, this wouldn't be my cup of tea, but go for it...it's who you are!"? Or would it be to rip the gun out of their hand and tell them how dangerous, irresponsible, and deadly their behavior is? If you're struggling to answer this question, please stop reading and seek counseling.

Physically, the consequences of homosexuality are devastatingly apparent. According to the Omega Journal of Death and Dying, the median age of death for homosexual men is between 40 and 43. The median age of death for heterosexuals is between 74 and 80. In 2003, the Centers for Disease Control noted that homosexuals accounted for nearly 65 percent of all new HIV cases (keeping in mind that they make up only 2-3 percent of the entire population), and that cases of Syphilis, Gonorrhea, Hepatitis A and B, Lymphogranuloma Venereum, and virtually every other sexually transmitted disease disproportionately affected the homosexual community.

Psychologically, the effects of homosexuality on an individual are just as deplorable. According to the well-respectedArchives of General Psychiatry in 1999, "homosexual people are at substantially higher risk for some forms of emotional problems, including suicid(e), major depression, anxiety disorder, conduct disorder, and nicotine dependence." Further, Dr. N.E. Whitehead from the National Association for Research and Therapy of Homosexuals stated, "Studies show homosexuals have a substantially greater risk of suffering from psychiatric problems than do heterosexuals. We see higher rates of suicide, depression, bulimia, antisocial personality disorder, and substance abuse." And contrary to the misconceptions advanced by the homosexual lobby, these psychological problems are rarely associated with a stigma they endure from society.

Spiritually, an unrepentant practicing homosexual is engaging in an activity that is explicitly and unquestionably condemned by both the Old and New Testaments, and is completely irreconcilable with any biblical understanding of Godly living.

In light of these realities, could someone explain to me how knowing these crippling physical, psychological, and spiritual consequences of the homosexual lifestyle -- and then encouraging a person to embrace it -- is loving? Urging another human being to engage in a risky behavior that will leave them dead at nearly half the age of the general population is an odd definition of love in my book. The truth is that the people who love homosexuals are the ones who have the courage to face the bigotry and slander from hate-peddlers like Barney Frank and stand up for moral truth. They are the ones who face the mockery and derision of fools in an effort to take the Russian Roulette pistol from the hand of the homosexual. So who is the homophobe, Barney? The gay rights lobby in this country works unceasingly to advertise and glamorize a deadly lifestyle. They celebrate behavior that tears families apart, wrecks homes, and sentences people to lifetimes of loneliness, confusion, disease, and heartache. And politicians like Barney Frank use their positions to make it easier for them to ensnare and attract hurting, confused people in need of love and help. Quite frankly, I can't think of anything more homophobic than that.

Characteristics of the Risen Body

2009-04-21T18:56:00.000-07:00

From the Catholic Encyclopedia:
All shall rise from the dead in their own, in their entire, and in immortal bodies; but the good shall rise to the resurrection of life, the wicked to the resurrection of Judgment. It would destroy the very idea of resurrection, if the dead were to rise in bodies not their own. Again, the resurrection, like the creation, is to be numbered amongst the principal works of God; hence, as at the creation all things are perfect from the hand of God, so at the resurrection all things must be perfectly restored by the same omnipotent hand. But there is a difference between the earthly and the risen body; for the risen bodies of both saints and sinners shall be invested with immortality. This admirable restoration of nature is the result of the glorious triumph of Christ over death as described in several texts of Sacred Scripture: Isaiah 25:8; Hosea 13, 14; 1 Corinthians 15:26; Apocalypse 2:4. But while the just shall enjoy an endless felicity in the entirety of their restored members, the wicked "shall seek death, and shall not find it, shall desire to die, and death shall fly from them" (Revelation 9:6).
These three characteristics, identity, entirety, and immortality, will be common to the risen bodies of the just and the wicked. But the bodies of the saints shall be distinguished by four transcendent endowments, often called qualities.
The first is "impassibility", which shall place them beyond the reach of pain and inconvenience. "It is sown", says the Apostle, "in corruption, it shall rise in incorruption" (1 Corinthians 15:42). The Schoolmen call this quality impassibility', not incorruption, so as to mark it as a peculiarity of the glorified body; the bodies of the damned will be incorruptible indeed, but not impassible; they shall be subject to heat and cold, and all manner of pain.
The next quality is "brightness", or "glory", by which the bodies of the saints shall shine like the sun. "It is sown in dishonor," says the Apostle, "it shall rise in glory" (1 Corinthians 15:43; cf. Matthew 13:43; 17:2; Philippians 3:21). All the bodies of the saints shall be equally impassible, but they shall be endowed with different degrees of glory. According to St. Paul: "One is the glory of the sun, another the glory of the moon, another the glory of the stars. For star differs from star in glory"'(1 Corinthians 15:41-42).
The third quality is that of "agility", by which the body shall be freed from its slowness of motion, and endowed with the capability of moving with the utmost facility and quickness wherever the soul pleases. The Apostle says: "It is sown in weakness, it shall rise in power" (1 Corinthians 15:43).
The fourth quality is "subtility", by which the body becomes subject to the absolute dominion of the soul. This is inferred from the words of the Apostle: "It is sown a natural body, it shall rise a spiritual body" (1 Corinthians 15:44). The body participates in the soul's more perfect and spiritual life to such an extent that it becomes itself like a spirit. We see this quality exemplified in the fact that Christ passed through material objects.

Obituary for Common Sense

2009-04-20T22:42:00.000-07:00

Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as:
- Knowing when to come in out of the rain;
- Why the early bird gets the worm;
- Life isn't always fair;
- There is such a thing as truth, and good and evil
- and maybe it was my fault.
Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you can earn) and reliable strategies (adults, not children, are in charge).
His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a 6-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.
Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children. It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer sun lotion or an aspirin to a student; but could not inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.
Common Sense lost the will to live as the churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims.
Common Sense took a beating when you couldn't defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault. Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.
Common sense could not breathe anymore when people tried to redefine marriage, and began to call evil good, and evil good. Those who had any kind of morals were demonized in the name of tolerance, and those who called themselves tolerant became the personification of intolerant bullies, and they were glorified in their abhorrent behaviors.
Common Sense was preceded in death, by his parents, Truth and Trust, by his wife, Discretion, by his daughter, Responsibility, and by his son, Reason. He is survived by his 5 stepbrothers; I Know My Rights, I Want It Now, Someone Else Is To Blame, I'm A Victim, I do what I want and that is it. Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone. If you still remember him, pass this on. If not, join the majority and do nothing.

Who are the Intolerants?

2009-04-20T22:28:00.000-07:00

I do not follow beauty paegants, nor watch much TV either, but I was appalled to hear the commentaries by one of the Judges of the Miss USA pageant Perez Hilton, indicating that the answer of Miss California to the question about "HER OPINION" regarding same sex marriage had cost her the crown. So let me get this straight, according to Perez, since Miss California Carrie Prejean gave an answer according to her convictions regarding same sex marriage, then he voted against her. How INTOLERANT and simply stupid can that be? That is like asking her what you think about the President, and she said she did not agree with many of his policies, then that would mean she would lose the vote. It was not because her answer did not make sense, it was not because she was shallow, it was not because she did not know what she was talking about, it was simply because she happened to have a different opinion than the judge on this particular question, a view which in fact is the majority of the voters within the state of California, and even more so overwhelmingly the view of most Americans. So who is the intolerant? Who is the irrational? Who are the ones that are really close-minded? The answer is clear, the intolerants by experience are those who actively support the homosexual agenda. Here in the state of California, these same people vandalized Churches, and other establishments when proposition 8 was upheld, these are the people what advocate for tolerance and respect. Except that they will have it their way or no way. Their tactics have now turned to intimidation and media management, and they are doing a good job at silencing people, and even more so, they are doing a great job at belittling anybody who happens to oppose their depraved and corrupt agenda. How sad that even a pageant, is controlled by your views on homosexuality as dictated by many of the attendees to this kind of pageant rather than by beauty and common sense. Where has common sense gone??

Do not Judge a Book by its Cover

2009-04-17T22:26:00.000-07:00

We live in such a world that we are always tempted to judge people based on appearances, and we tend to look down on people that do not look appealing, or based on our prejudices we even look down on people of a different race, people of a different religion, or people with different ideas. Christ always encourages us not to judge so as not to be judged, even more so, Christ calls us to recognize the intrinsic dignity and worth of EVERY SINGLE HUMAN BEING regardless of age, race, sex, color, ideas, etc. Thus, we must respect all people and treat others with the dignity they deserve without exceptions. The following two videos are good examples that should teach us a lesson about not judging. The first one is from Paul Potts and the second one is from Susan Boyle. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1k08yxu57NA&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lp0IWv8QZY

Pray for Vocations to the Priesthood and Consecrated Life

2009-04-11T09:19:00.001-07:00

Today as we celebrate Holy Saturday, our Lord asked St. Faustina to pray in the Novena of Divine Mercy for the souls of priests and religious:
"Today bring me the souls of Priests and Religious, and immerse them in My unfathomable mercy. It was they who gave me strength to endure My bitter Passion. Through them as through channels My mercy flows out upon mankind."
And thus we pray:
Most Merciful Jesus, from whom comes all that is good, increase Your grace in men and women consecrated to Your service,* that they may perform worthy works of mercy; and that all who see them may glorify the Father of Mercy who is in heaven.Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the company of chosen ones in Your vineyard -- upon the souls of priests and religious; and endow them with the strength of Your blessing. For the love of the Heart of Your Son in which they are enfolded, impart to them Your power and light, that they may be able to guide others in the way of salvation and with one voice sing praise to Your boundless mercy for ages without end. Amen.
* In the original text, Saint Faustina uses the pronoun "us" since she was offering this prayer as a consecrated religious sister. The wording adapted here is intended to make the prayer suitable for universal use.
This prayer is a great preparation for the upcoming world day of prayer for vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life to be celebrated on May 3rd. Here is the text of the Holy Father for that day:
http://www.zenit.org/article-25529?l=english

Novena to the Divine Mercy

2009-04-09T11:52:00.000-07:00

Jesus asked that the Feast of the Divine Mercy be preceded by a Novena to the Divine Mercy which would begin on Good Friday. He gave St. Faustina an intention to pray for on each day of the Novena, saving for the last day the most difficult intention of all, the lukewarm and indifferent of whom He said:
"These souls cause Me more suffering than any others; it was from such souls that My soul felt the most revulsion in the Garden of Olives. It was on their account that I said: 'My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass Me by.' The last hope of salvation for them is to flee to My Mercy."
In her diary, St. Faustina wrote that Jesus told her:
"On each day of the novena you will bring to My heart a different group of souls and you will immerse them in this ocean of My mercy ... On each day you will beg My Father, on the strength of My passion, for the graces for these souls."
The whole Novena can be found at:
http://www.ewtn.com/devotionals/mercy/novena.htm

and in Spanish at:
http://www.ewtn.com/SPANISH/prayers/nov-divinamis.htm

Walter Hoye is Free from Jail

2009-04-08T22:58:00.000-07:00

Walter Hoye, a pastor at a Berkeley church was jailed for 30 days after unsuccessfully arguing that an order requiring him to stay 100 yards away from an Oakland abortion clinic violates his right to free speech. Walter Hoye is free now after being in jail only 18 days out of the 30 days he had originally been sentenced to. But the truth is that in that jail where he spent the last 18 days he was freer than his prosecutors and jailers, because he enjoyed the freedom of the children of God, he enjoyed the freedom of truth.

Walter Hoye of Union City was the first person convicted under an Oakland ordinance barring protesters from coming within 8 feet of anyone entering an abortion clinic. In February, Judge Stuart Hing of Alameda County Superior Court sentenced Hoye to three years' probation and 30 days in jail, and ordered him to pay $1,000 plus a $130 restitution fee. Hoye could have disposed of the jail time in a sheriff's work detail or by volunteering. But he balked at the judge's order to stay 100 yards from Family Planning Specialists Medical Group at Second and Webster streets. Hoye argued that the order was more severe than Oakland's ordinance and stifled his First Amendment rights. Judge Hing refused to budge at a hearing Friday at which Hoye's attorneys tried to stay the sentence pending an appeal. The judge asked Hoye to decide whether he wished to serve a month in jail or in an alternative program, and the pastor chose jail. Hoye was arrested May 13, 2008 at the Oakland clinic, carrying a sign that read, "Jesus loves you and your baby. Let us help you!"As women approached the door, he asked them, "May I talk to you about alternatives to the clinic?"

Now Walter is free from jail and we must continue to express our support for him. He is an awesome guy and a true witness of courage in the face of opposition. He has shown truly how silly our judicial system is, as Mark Shea said "sin makes you stupid," and we live in a very stupid society indeed, where the real criminals are allowed to walk free, where the real criminals are protected so that they can continue their criminal activity, this is absolute stupidity. The amazing thing is that the abortion center where Hoye used to go to counsel women has been shut down in Oakland during the time Hoye was in prison due to "financial hardships." To me the closing is a sign of the power of prayer and fasting. We must remember that before Hoye was sentenced last month, he has engaged himself in a 40 day campaign of prayer and fasting, and the results are obvious. In the end is one more abortion clinic that has been closed and no more babies will be killed there. Awesome!

Pastor Rick Warren Supports Homosexual Agenda

2009-04-08T15:33:00.000-07:00

It has been reported that Pastor Rick Warren, the famous California mega-church pastor and author of The Purpose Driven Life Rick, has apologized to his homosexual friends for making comments in support of California's Proposition 8, and now claims he "never once even gave an endorsement" of the marriage amendment. The truth of the matter is that Warren endorsed Proposition 8 before the election, perhaps not "publicly", if publicly means beyond the thousands of people who make up his congregation. This is an excerpt of what he said regarding Proposition 8:

"The election's coming just in a couple of weeks, and I hope you're praying about your vote. One of the propositions, of course, that I want to mention is Proposition 8, which is the proposition that had to be instituted because the courts threw out the will of the people. And a court of four guys actually voted to change a definition of marriage that has been going for 5,000 years. "Now let me say this really clearly: we support Proposition 8 -- and if you believe what the Bible says about marriage, you need to support Proposition 8. I never support a candidate, but on moral issues I come out very clear."

Obviously he is not so clear about moral issues, since he has basically retracted from his initial support for Proposition 8 and now says he has "never been and never will be" an "anti-gay or anti-gay marriage activist." While the Christian position is one of loving the human person with homosexual tendencies and respect his or her dignity as a human person, the Christian position has been also one of rejecting homosexual behavior, and even more so, the Christian position is one that rejects the glorification of a behavior that is considered to be abhorrent and sinful. It is very sad that Pastor Warren has radically changed his views on this issue, and one wonders how far he will go in the opposite direction, in order to grab the attention of our President and the popularity of the "new" Messianic movement. Sadly this seems to be more important to Warren than the teachings of Christ.

Tonly Blair Correcting the Pope on Homosexuality

2009-04-08T15:01:00.000-07:00

It has been reported that Tony Blair who became a Catholic on December 2007, and now he is correcting the Pope and telling Catholics what we must believe. That is amazing for a new convert, and one wonders at the motivations of his conversion. Why would he convert to a Church he disagrees with on many issues including its stand on homosexuality? For the record, before his conversion Blair had a clear proabortion record, and also supported embryonic stem cell research. The Prime Minister never once voted with the pro-life lobby and voted 14 times for the pro-choice lobby in Parliament. In 1990, during the debates leading up to the Human Fertilization and Embryology Act, he voted on three occasions to extend the time limit for abortion to birth on grounds of handicap. In December 2000 he gave personal backing to regulations permitting stem-cell research on human embryos; and his government enthusiastically promoted the morning-after pill. On family issues the married-couples allowance has been abolished, funding has been switched from groups backing marriage to those taking a relaxed view of any kind of relationship, the benefits system has been changed to target all money for children regardless of family structure, etc., etc. Far from being morally neutral on the family, the Blair government has actively discriminated against it. His record on life and family issues has been horrible. In one of his outgoing speeches as Prime Minister, in September last year Blair said: "America does not want stem cell research, we do, we welcome it here." Blair was referring to embryonic stem cell research, which kills embryonic children in order to extract their stem cells. Why would he come into a Church he disagrees with on all these critical issues and leave his Anglican church which in facts holds the same beliefs that he sponsored during his government? That is beyond comprehension. And now that he is Catholic he wants to tell the Pope what to believe and what not to believe, he is even trying to teach Catholics how to interpret the Bible correctly, that is Blair' way. To me that is a sign of pride and a great lesson for all RCIA programs. We do not simply bring people into the Church, we must scrutinize all those seeking admission into the Church so that they truly adhere to what the Church OFFICIALLY believes and holds to be true. Even more so if that person is a POLITICIAN, since politicians tend to be manipulative and in great numbers lack integrity and humility. If that is not enough this particular politician was well known in advance to disagree with the Church on many issues. What a mistake!! Numbers are not important, we have tons of numbers, numbers is not a problem, what we need is FAITHFUL Catholics, this is what this world needs the most and what the Church needs the most. We do not need more dissenters, we do not need more voices of division, we do not need any more people trying to tell the Church that the Church is wrong and they are right, we do not need any more proud intellectuals, what we need is saints, what we need is humble people, what we need is holiness, what we need is men and women in love with Christ. We only have one Pope and that Pope is in Rome, not in England nor anywhere else.

Messages from Our Lady of Medjugorje - March

2009-03-31T15:04:00.000-07:00

Latest Monthly Medjugorje Message, March 25, 2009

“Dear children! In this time of spring, when everything is awakening from the winter sleep, you also awaken your souls with prayer so that they may be ready to receive the light of the risen Jesus. Little children, may He draw you closer to His Heart so that you may become open to eternal life. I pray for you and intercede before the Most High for your sincere conversion. Thank you for having responded to my call. ”

Latest Special Medjugorje Message, March 2, 2009 - Our Lady's apparitions to Mirjana

“Dear Children, I am here among you. I am looking into your wounded and restless hearts. You have become lost, my children. Your wounds from sin are becoming greater and are distancing you all the more from the real truth. You are seeking hope and consolation in the wrong places, while I am offering to you sincere devotion which is nurtured by love, sacrifice and truth. I am giving you my son. ”

Burial or Cremation?

2009-03-25T11:15:00.000-07:00

For the first Christians, the resurrection after death was a strong reality. They did everything they could to be able to bury the bodies of their dead. When we visit the catacombs in Rome, we are struck by the care and the faith with which the dead were buried. They are laid out as if they were sleeping. «We look for the Resurrection of the dead and life everlasting» (The Creed) Such is the faith of Christians who believe that, just as Christ rose from the tomb with his body, so too we will rise with our body by the power of the Holy Spirit.
This is why cremation had been rejected for a long time since it was seen as a refusal to believe in the Resurrection. Today the Church no longer forbids a funeral ceremony if a person chooses cremation for a GOOD REASON, and there is no danger in compromising the belief in the resurrection of the dead. In certain countries, it is sometimes a necessity, and also under certain circumstances. The same respect ought to be given to the ashes as is given to the body of the deceased. They should be deposited in an established and respectable place in a cemetery but NEVER IN ONE’s HOME. Nevertheless, the relationship between faith and practice leads us to PREFER burying the body whenever possible. This signifies more clearly the respect of the body of each person who has become a temple of the Holy Spirit through baptism and who is called to the resurrection on the last day. Nourished by the Eucharist - the Body of Christ - our mortal bodies are given the promise of immortality. Burying the dead, as the first Christians did, signifies the expectation of the Resurrection. Even in those situations where cremation seems the only possible alternative, the Church always desires that the Funeral Mass be celebrated with the body present, and then the cremation can take place afterwards.

The Signs before the Day of Judgement

2009-03-24T16:07:00.000-07:00

The Gospel of St. Matthew speaks to us about the tribulations and events that will take place before the final Judgement. This is what our Lord said:
“Immediately after the tribulation of those days,
the sun will be darkened,
and the moon will not give its light,
and the stars will fall from the sky,
and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
30 And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming upon the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
31 And he will send out his angels with a trumpet blast, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other. " (Mt 24:29-31)

Our Lord spoke to St. Faustina and revealed to her some of the events that will take place before the Day of judgement. Interestingly enough the revelations to St. Faustina are in perfect agreement with Scripture, but provide a more detailed nature about the sign of the Son of Man that will appear in heaven. Jesus said to St. Faustina:
Write this: Before I come as the just Judge, I am coming first as the King of Mercy. Before the day of justice arrives, there will be given to people a sign in the heavens of this sort: All light in the heavens will be extinguished, and there will be great darkness over the whole earth. Then the sign of the cross will be seen in the sky, and from the openings where the hands and the feet of the Savior were nailed will come forth great lights which will light up the earth for a period of time. This will take place shortly before the last day (Diary, 83).

In Akita in the third message given to Sister Agnes, our Blessed Mother revealed to her about the upcoming chastisement if people do not repent and better themselves. In that apparition, our Lady also speaks in similar terms to those given by Scripture and St. Faustina, and predicts that the only thing remaining for the faithful in those days will be the Rosary and the sign left by her Son. Although one can think that this sign (also a reality) is probably the sacrament of the Eucharist, one can also argue that perhaps another possibility would be a sign left on the sky as predicted by Matthew and St. Faustina:
"As I told you, if men do not repent and better themselves, the Father will inflict a terrible punishment on all humanity. It will be a punishment greater than the deluge, such as one will never seen before. Fire will fall from the sky and will wipe out a great part of humanity, the good as well as the bad, sparing neither priests nor faithful. The survivors will find themselves so desolate that they will envy the dead. The only arms which will remain for you will be the Rosary and the Sign left by My Son. Each day recite the prayers of the Rosary. With the Rosary, pray for the Pope, the bishops and priests."
We are living in times of Grace and Mercy and the Lord keeps reminding us of that fact. There is a sense of URGENCY in those messages coming from private revelations in which God seems to be inviting humanity to change and to repent before it is too late. Will we heed the voice of God? Will we hear the voice of the Lord while there is still time or will we harden our hearts? The choice is ours!

Aramaic still spoken in Maaloula, Syria

2009-03-23T21:55:00.000-07:00

Aramaic has been extinct for many centuries. However in Maaloula, a small village in Syria , Aramaic is still alive. The word Maaloula means entrance in Aramaic. It's situated at an altitude of more than 1500 meters; with its little houses cling to the face of an enormous rock; making it look suspended in mid-air.
There are two important monasteries in Maaloula: Mar Sarkis and Mar Taqla. Enter Mar Sarkis Monastery, and you will find yourself in the midst of history. This monastery was built in the 4th century on remains of a heathen temple,with a simple, plain appearance. It was named after St. Sarkis, one of Syrian horsemen who fell in the reign of king Maximanus in 297. This monastery still maintains its solemn historical character.
Then visit renowned Mar Taqla Monastery, along with scores of pilgrims, both Muslim and Christian, who go there to gain blessings and to make offerings; the place holds the remains of St. Taqla; daughter of one of Selucid princes, and pupil of St. Paul.
Should you want to see more, there are the remains of numerous monasteries, convents, churches, shrines and sanctuaries some of which lie in ruins, while others continue to stand, defying age.

Aramaic was one of the languages spoken in the Middle East and by Jesus Christ during the time that He appeared on the scene about 2000 years ago. Click on the following link to see this very interesting and informative program, and to hear what Aramaic sounds like:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iy38UQ9EQ6o

Apparitions of the Blessed Mother in Akita

2009-03-23T15:18:00.000-07:00

Perhaps one of the less known approved apparitions of Our Lady are those of Akita. The three messages were given by Our Lady in 1973. The apparitions were formally approved after years of investigation by the local Bishop in 1982. And finally in June of 1988, Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, at that time the Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, gave his definitive judgement on the Akita events and messages as reliable and worthy of belief. And as we know this Cardinal is now our beloved Holy Father Benedict XVI.

The events of Akita began in June 12, 1973 when Sr. Agnes Sasagawa in Akita Japan began to see brilliant mysterious rays emanate suddenly from the Tabernacle. The same thing happened on each of the two days that followed. On June 28, 1973 a cross-shaped wound appeared on the inside left hand of Sr. Agnes. It bled profusely and caused her much pain. On July 6, Sr. Agnes heard a voice coming from the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the chapel where she was praying, and the first message was given to Sr. Agnes. The statue was carved from a single block of wood from a Katsura tree and is three feet tall. On the same day, a few of the sisters noticed drops of blood flowing from the statue's right hand. On four occasions, this act of blood flow repeated itself. The wound in the statue's hand remained until September 29, when it disappeared. On September 29, the day the wound on the statue disappeared, the sisters noticed the statue had now begun to "sweat", especially on the forehead and neck. On August 3, 1973, Sr. Agnes received a second message. Then in October 13, 1973 , Sr. Agnes received the third and final message from Our Lady. Two years later on January 4, 1975, the statue of the Blessed Virgin began to weep. It continued to weep at intervals for the next 6 years and eight months. It wept on 101 occasions. Then on September 28, 1981, Sr. Agnes suddenly felt the presence of the angel at her side during the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. She did not see the angel in person, but a Bible appeared open before her eyes and she was invited to read a passage (Genesis 3:15)... The voice of the Angel was heard explaining in sort of a preamble that the passage had relationship with the tears of Mary, then continued: "There is meaning to the figure one hundred and one. This signifies that sin came into the world by a woman and it is also by a woman that salvation came to the world. The "zero" between the two signifies the Eternal God who is from all eternity until eternity. The first "one" represents Eve and the last "one" the Virgin Mary." This the content of the three different messages:

JULY 6, 1973

"My daughter, my novice, you have obeyed me well in abandoning all to follow me. Is the infirmity of your ears painful? Your deafness will be healed, be sure. Does the wound of your hand cause you to suffer? Pray in reparation for the sins of men. Each person in this community is my irreplaceable daughter. Do you say well the prayer of the Handmaids of the Eucharist? Then, let us pray it together."

"Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, truly present in Holy Eucharist, I consecrate my body and soul to be entirely one with Your Heart,being sacrificed at every instant on all the altars of the world and giving praise to the Father pleading for the coming of His Kingdom.""Please receive this humble offering of myself. Use me as You will for the glory of the Father and the salvation of souls.""Most holy Mother of God, never let me be separated from Your Divine Son. Please defend and protect me as Your Special Child.Amen."

When the prayer was finished, the Heavenly Voice said:

"Pray very much for the Pope, Bishops, and Priests. Since your Baptism you have always prayed faithfully for them. Continue to pray very much...very much. Tell your superior all that passed today and obey him in everything that he will tell you. He has asked that you pray with fervor."

(Sr. Agnes was indeed healed from her deafness nine years later in 1982, attesting to the authenticity of these messages)
AUGUST 3, 1973

"My daughter, my novice, do you love the Lord? If you love the Lord, listen to what I have to say to you.""It is very important...You will convey it to your superior.""Many men in this world afflict the Lord. I desire souls to console Him to soften the anger of the Heavenly Father. I wish,with my Son, for souls who will repair by their suffering and their poverty for the sinners and ingrates."

"In order that the world might know His anger, the Heavenly Father is preparing to inflict a great chastisement on all mankind. With my Son I have intervened so many times to appease the wrath of the Father. I have prevented the coming of calamities by offering sufferings of the Son on the Cross, His Precious Blood, and beloved souls who console Him forming a cohort of victim souls. Prayer, penance and courageous sacrifices can soften the Father's anger. I desire this also from your community...that it love poverty, that it sanctify itself and pray in reparation for the ingratitude and outrages of so many men. Recite the prayer of the Handmaids of the Eucharist with awareness of its meaning; put it into practice; offer in reparation(whatever God may send) for sins. Let each one endeavor, according to capacity and position, to offer herself entirely to the Lord."

"Even in a secular institute prayer is necessary. Already souls who wish to pray are on the way to being gathered together.Without attaching to much attention to the form, be faithful and fervent in prayer to console the Master."

After a silence:

"Is what you think in your heart true? Are you truly decided to become the rejected stone? My novice, you who wish to belong without reserve to the Lord, to become the spouse worthy of the Spouse, make your vows knowing that you must be fastened to the Cross with three nails. These three nails are poverty, chastity,and obedience. Of the three, obedience is the foundation. In total abandonment, let yourself be led by your superior. He will know how to understand you and to direct you."
OCTOBER 13, 1973

"My dear daughter, listen well to what I have to say to you. You will inform your superior."

After a short silence:

"As I told you, if men do not repent and better themselves, the Father will inflict a terrible punishment on all humanity. It will be a punishment greater than the deluge, such as one will never seen before. Fire will fall from the sky and will wipe out a great part of humanity, the good as well as the bad, sparing neither priests nor faithful. The survivors will find themselves so desolate that they will envy the dead. The only arms which will remain for you will be the Rosary and the Sign left by My Son. Each day recite the prayers of the Rosary. With the Rosary, pray for the Pope, the bishops and priests."

"The work of the devil will infiltrate even into the Church in such a way that one will see cardinals opposing cardinals, bishops against bishops. The priests who venerate me will be scorned and opposed by their confreres...churches and altars sacked; the Church will be full of those who accept compromises and the demons will press many priests and consecrated souls to leave the service of the Lord."The demon will be especially implacable against souls consecrated to God. The thought of the loss of so many souls is the cause of my sadness. If sins increase in number and gravity, there will be no longer pardon for them""With courage, speak to your superior. He will know how to encourage each one of you to pray and to accomplish works of reparation."

"It is Bishop Ito, who directs your community."

And She smiled and then said:

"You have still something to ask? Today is the last time that I will speak to you in living voice. From now on you will obey the one sent to you and your superior.""Pray very much the prayers of the Rosary. I alone am able still to save you from the calamities which approach. Those who place their confidence in me will be saved."

It is time that all of us read and pray with these messages of urgency for our troubled times and make once and for all a decision to pray the Rosary daily for peace, and for the conversion of sinners, and to offer sacrifices and do penance in order to make reparation for the many sins of the world including our own, and choose to console the Sacred Heart of Our Lord truly present in the Eucharist but afflicted by our own ingratitude and indifference.

I THIRST FOR YOU

2009-03-22T08:32:00.000-07:00

The author of the following reflection based on the writings of Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta does not want to be identified. I wanted to share it with you nonetheless, for it is very powerful. Spend some time to ponder it in your heart; make it available to family and friends. I hope and pray that many souls will be genuinely touched.
It is true. I stand at the door of your heart, day and night. Even when you are not listening, even when you doubt it could be Me, I am there. I await even the smallest sign of your response, even the least whispered invitation that will allow Me to enter. I want you to know that whenever you invite Me, I do come – always, without fail. Silent and unseen I come, but with infinite power and love, bringing the many gifts of My Spirit. I come with My mercy, with My desire to forgive and heal you, and with a love for you beyond your comprehension – a love every bit as great as the love I have received from the Father. “As much as the Father has loved Me, I have loved you.” (John 15:10) I come, longing to console you and give you strength, to lift you up and bind all your wounds. I bring you My light, to dispel your darkness and all your doubts. I come with My power, that I might carry you and all your burdens; with My grace, to touch your heart and transform your life; My peace I give to still your soul.
I know you through and through. I know everything about you. The very hairs of your head I have numbered. Nothing in your life is unimportant to Me. I have followed you through the years and I have always loved you – even in your wanderings. I know every one of your problems. I know your needs and your worries. Yes, I know all your sins. But I tell you again that I love you – not for what you have or haven't done – I love you for you, for the beauty and the dignity My Father gave you by creating you in His own Image. It is a dignity you have often forgotten, a beauty you tarnished by sin. But I love you as you are, and I have shed My Blood to win you back. If you only ask Me with faith, My grace will touch all that needs changing in your life and I will give you the strength to free yourself from sin and all its destructive power.
I know what is in your heart – I know your loneliness and all your hurts – the rejections, the judgments, the humiliations; I carried it all before you. I carried it all for you, so that you might share My strength and victory. I know especially your need for love - how you are thirsting to be loved and cherished. But how often have you thirsted in vain, by seeking that love selfishly, striving to fill the emptiness inside you with passing pleasures – the the even greater emptiness of sin. Do you thirst for love? “Come to Me all you who thirst ...” (John 7:37) I will satisfy you and fill you. Do you thirst to be cherished? I cherish you more than you can imagine – to the point of dying on the cross for you. I thirst for you. Yes, that is the only way to even begin to describe My love for you. I THIRST FOR YOU. I thirst to love you and to be loved by you – that is how precious you are to Me. I THIRST FOR YOU. Come to Me, and I will fill your heart and heal your wounds. I will make you a new creation and give you peace; even in all your trials, I THIRST FOR YOU. You must never doubt My mercy, My acceptance of you, My desire to forgive, My longing to bless you and live My life in you. I THIRST FOR YOU. If you feel unimportant in the eyes of the world, that matters not at all. For Me, there is no one any more important in the entire world than you. I THIRST FOR YOU. Open to Me; come to Me; thirst for Me; give Me your life – and I will prove to you how important you are to My Heart.
Don't you realize that My Father already has a perfect plan to transform you life, beginning from this moment? Trust in Me. Ask Me every day to enter and take charge of your life – and I will. I promise you before My Father in Heaven that I will work miracles in your life. Why would I do this? Because I THIRST FOR YOU. All I ask of you is that you entrust yourself to Me completely. I will do the rest.
Even now I behold the place My Father has prepared for you in My Kingdom. Remember that you are a pilgrim in this life, on a journey home. Sin can never satisfy you, or bring you the peace you seek. All that you have sought outside of Me has only left you more empty, so do not cling to the things of this life. Above all, do not run from Me when you fall. Come to Me without delay. When you give Me your sins, you give Me the joy of being your Saviour. There is nothing that I cannot forgive and heal; so come now, and unburden your soul.
No matter how far you may wander, no matter how often you forget Me, no matter how many crosses you may bear in this life, there is one thing that I want you to always remember, one thing that will never change. I THIRST FOR YOU – just as you are. You don't need to change to believe in My love, for it will be your belief in My love that will change you. You forget Me and yet I am seeking you every moment of the day – standing at the door of your heart and knocking. Do you find this hard to believe? Then look at the cross, look at My Heart that was pierced for you. Have you not understood My cross? Then listen again to the words I spoke there, for they tell you clearly why I endured all this for you: “I thirst ...” (John 19:28) Yes, I thirst for you – as the rest of the psalm verse I was praying says of Me: “I looked for love and I found none ...” (Psalm 69: 20) All your life I have been looking for your love – I have never stopped seeking to love you and be loved by you. You have tried many other things in your search for happiness; why not try opening your heart to Me, right now, more than you ever have before? Whenever you do open the door of your heart, whenever you come close enough, you will hear Me say to you again and again, not in mere human words, but in spirit: “No matter what you have done, I love you for your own sake. Come to Me with your misery and your sins, with your troubles and needs, and with all your longing to be loved. I stand at the door of your heart and knock. Open to Me, for I THIRST FOR YOU ...”

St. Faustina and the Practice of the Present Moment

2009-03-21T10:22:00.000-07:00

To practice mercy and compassion, St Faustina wrote of the importance of living in the present moment and using it to love God and others with all our hearts. In her diary, she said that
“only the present moment is precious to me, as the future may never enter my soul at all”
She aimed to use the present moment as best as she could because it is the present moment that truly belongs to a person. As a result, to ward off fears and doubts in her soul she would pray,
“Jesus, be with me each moment; and no fear will enter my heart”
By doing this, the doubts that racked her soul from the very beginning of the fulfilment of her vocation and until her death at 33 were always faced with courage and trust in God’s compassion, love and mercy.

Protecting Conscience Rights in Health Care

2009-03-19T10:34:00.000-07:00

Brothers and Sisters:
The attached video by Cardinal George (2 ½ minutes) and the 30 seconds it takes to fill in the user information/home address, is a very important step in the process of public hearings now being conducted by the US Congress with regard to legislation that could remove all conscience protections from health care personnel and institutions. It is one easy way for us to support our country and move away from despotism. Just hit this link, then the petition link in the right column:
http://www.usccb.org/conscienceprotection/

Holy Year of Priests- 19 June 2009 to 19 June 2010

2009-03-16T09:39:00.000-07:00

Today I am happy to celebrate my seventh anniversary of my ordination to the priesthood. It is also with great joy that on this day the Holy Father has also announced the proclamation of a Holy Year for priests based on the theme: "The missionary identity of priests in the Church as an intrinsic dimension of the exercise of the 'tre munera'". " Benedict XVI highlighted the "indispensable struggle for moral perfection which must dwell in every truly priestly heart. In order to favour this tendency of priests towards spiritual perfection, upon which the effectiveness of their ministry principally depends, I have", he said, "decided to call a special 'Year for Priests' which will run from 19 June 2009 to 19 June 2010". This year marks "the 150th anniversary of the death of the saintly 'Cure of Ars', Jean Marie Vianney, a true example of a pastor at the service of Christ's flock". Benedict XVI stressed the need to "have care for the formation of candidates to the priesthood", a formation that must maintain "communion with unbroken ecclesial Tradition, without pausing or being tempted by discontinuity. In this context, it is important to encourage priests, especially the young generations, to a correct reading of the texts of Vatican Council II, interpreted in the light of all the Church's doctrinal inheritance". Priests must be "present, identifiable and recognisable - for their judgement of faith, personal virtues and attire - in the fields of culture and of charity which have always been at the heart of the Church's mission". "The centrality of Christ leads to a correct valuation of priestly ministry, without which there would be no Eucharist, no mission, not even the Church. It is necessary then, to ensure that 'new structures' or pastoral organisations are not planned for a time in which it will be possible to 'do without' ordained ministry, on the basis of an erroneous interpretation of the promotion of the laity, because this would lay the foundations for a further dilution in priestly ministry, and any supposed 'solutions' would, in fact, dramatically coincide with the real causes of the problems currently affecting the ministry".

Mary the Perfect Model of Humility

2009-03-15T19:32:00.000-07:00

The following is an edited excerpt from some of Fr. Hardon's writings on the Eucharist. In this particular article he shows how Mary was humble because she carried God within and tries to show us that the way for us to acquire and receive this divine virtue is through the Eucharist, the real presence of Christ. Here it goes:

Mary practiced to an eminent degree the virtue of humility. At the Annunciation, she told the Angel, "Behold the handmaid of the Lord." In the Magnificat, she repeated the same term except she spoke of the lowliness of His handmaid to make sure nobody misunderstood what she meant by "handmaid." She told of how the Lord scatters the proud and exalts the lowly.
There are two kinds of exaltation: self-exaltation and divine exaltation. The greatest danger on earth is self-exaltation, because then we call down on ourselves the curse of God. But the condition for divine exaltation is lowly, Marian humility. She declared that the Lord fills the hungry (those who admit their emptiness) with good things. Hunger in the Bible means emptiness not only of the body, but a symbol of the admitted emptiness of everything. By ourselves, we are emptiness, a vacuum. But we must admit that we are a vacuum, or we shall not be filled by the goodness of God. We must admit and constantly confess our emptiness, which is another word for humility.
Mary declared how grateful she was that the Lord had done so much for Israel and His servant. Humility serves. Humility waits on others. Humility responds to the bidding of the one whom it serves. This is the mother of God, but only because she is also the lowly handmaid of the Lord. The more gifted a person, the more prone that person is to pride. Possession of anything naturally generates pride. And not only does possession generate pride, but the greater the possession the more pride it generates. Wealth of any kind inflates the human heart. The more a person has of physical or mental or moral or even spiritual riches, the harder it is for that person to be humble. How are we to be humble? How can we possess without being proud? Only through being in the presence of Jesus Christ.
We can consider the unspeakable humility of God not only in the Incarnation when He appeared as man, but also in remaining on earth in the Holy Eucharist. This is double humility: the humility of hiding His divinity as He did during His visible stay on earth and the divine humility in hiding even His humanity in the Holy Eucharist. He not only gives us the example of how humble we should be, but through Him, we receive the most fundamental grace we need in life: the grace of humility.
No matter what we possess, it tends to induce us to pride, and the more we have, the more tempted we are to be proud. But it's not just quantitative possession; it is qualitative possession that inclines to pride. And the highest possession we can have is sanctity. Dear God, how can I stay humble and grow in sanctity? This was the greatest temptation of the mystics. One does not possess the close union with God that saints like Catherine of Siena or Theresa of Avila or John of the Cross enjoyed without being tempted by pride. It's tempting to look down on "those lower mortals."
But Mary's humility is a paradox. The most gifted creature ever produced by the Creator was also the lowliest in her own eyes. That is the key to humility: seeing everything we are, everything we have, everything we hope to become, everything we hope to achieve or possess – seeing everything as a free, undeserved and totally gratuitous gift from God. But this is possible only by the grace with which the God who became man provides us. The same grace He provided Mary by His Real Presence with her, He provides by His Real Presence with us today. There's no more basic reason for the Real Presence on earth of Jesus Christ than to provide us with the humanly impossible grace of humility.

Anti-Catholic Bill 1098 Pulled today- VICTORY for the Catholic Church

2009-03-10T19:23:00.000-07:00

I just got this great news. Notice also the association of Tom Gallagher with the National Catholic Reporter (a left wing so called "Catholic" newspaper), not to be confused with the National Catholic Register ( a truly Catholic newspaper). Praise the Lord!!

BREAKING NEWS:Connecticut Anti-Catholic Bill Pulled
3/10/2009
Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights (www.catholicleague.org/)
Chalk up a big victory for Catholics who are loyal to the Magisterium of the Catholic Church and to the religious liberty provisions of the First Amendment.
Attorney General Richard Blumenthal will now review the constitutionality of the bill.
HARTFORD (Catholic League) - The bill that would allow the state legislature in Connecticut to reconfigure the governing structure of the Catholic Church has been pulled. Introduced by Rep. Michael Lawlor and Sen. Andrew McDonald, the bill was withdrawn at the behest of the person who proposed it, Tom Gallagher; he is a contributor to the National Catholic Reporter, a left-wing Catholic newspaper. Attorney General Richard Blumenthal will now review the constitutionality of the bill. Catholic League president Bill Donohue responded as follows: “Every pre-law undergraduate knows that what Lawlor and McDonald tried to pull off—in stealth fashion—was flagrantly unconstitutional. For their fascist stunt, they should at least be censured by their colleagues. Ideally, they should resign or be forced out of office. “The big losers are the Catholic left-wing activists who pushed for this measure. To be specific, Voice of the Faithful, a dissident Catholic group comprised mainly of senior citizens, has been promoting a lay Catholic takeover of the Catholic Church for many years. .......................................

Excerpt taken from the following site (to read the complete article click below)
http://www.catholic.org/politics/story.php?id=32530

Fr. Tim Gallagher, OMV on EWTN

2009-03-10T19:06:00.000-07:00

IGNATIAN SPIRITUALITY SERIES ON EWTN. Fr. Tim Gallagher, Oblate of the Virgin Mary, will be on EWTN on Friday March 13 at 6:30 a.m. EST talking about Ignatian Prayer, on Tuesday March 17 at 6:00 p.m. EST talking about Ignatian Discernment, and on Friday March 20 at 6:30 a.m. EST talking about Ignatian Discernment. Fr. Tim's books can be purchased by clicking on the link provided in this blog on the left hand side column.

The anti-Catholic Bill in Connecticut: Bill 1098

2009-03-10T11:11:00.000-07:00

As we know there is a proposed Bill 1098 before the Judiciary Committee which proposes to modify "corporate laws" for certain religious institutions", namely the Catholic Church. The Bill has been advanced by so called Catholics, members of the dissident group Voice of the Faithful (VOTF), that have as their real aim the destruction of the Church. The Bill oddly disregards the principle for separation of Church and State and is a meddling of the state in the affairs of the Chruch that interferes with the way the Church is administered and governed. In fact is an attempt also by the state to change the laws of Canon law within the Church that determine clearly how the temporal goods of the Church have to be administered. The saddest thing about this is that those people who are actually promoting this anti-Catholic Bill dare to call themselves Catholics. The website of the VOTF has tried to state more clearly their identity in the last couple of years, and now their site clearly state that their main objectives are " protecting children, to embrace an agenda aimed at reducing the power of the hierarchy, eliminating a celibate priesthood and introducing female priests." This comes as a no surprise to anybody who has seen what VOTF has done in the past years. Such dissident group has now been able to orchestrate a frontal attack on the Church that it is clearly of demonic origin and joins the ranks of other corporate structures that aim at destroying the Church in one way or another. The proposed legislation, S.B. 1098, aims to reorganize the internal structure of the Church, removing the bishop as the head of the board of the parishes in his diocese and requiring the pastor to report finances to a board composed of laity, instead of the bishop. Under the bill, the bishop is also relegated to being an "ex officio" member of the board, without voting rights. Anthony Picarello, General Counsel of the U.S. Conference of Bishops has described the bill as “blatantly unconstitutional” since it “targets the Catholic Church explicitly and exclusively, and attempts to use the civil law to alter Church governance.” We Catholics must pray that the smoke of Satan that hovers over the Church may be dispelled, and we must also express our opinion against such blatant attack on the Church by contacting the Judiciary through the following link provided by the Family Institute:
http://www.votervoice.net/Core.aspx?AID=274&IssueID=16729&atid=13401&siteid=0&App=GAC&target=true&isVisited=true&targetID=29729223

For more information about the Bill and the Church's view about this bill check this link:
http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/0901086.htm
This is a link that shows how VOTF has been ivolved
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2202864/posts

Visions of Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven according to St. Faustina

2009-03-08T00:24:00.000-08:00

The following passages are taken from the Diary of St. Faustina and they refer to her visions of Hell, Purgatory and Heaven. Very interesting.
"...I saw two roads. One was broad, covered with sand and flowers, full of joy, music and all sorts of pleasures. People walked along it, dancing and enjoying themselves. They reached the end without realizing it. And at the end of the road there was a horrible precipice; that is, the abyss of hell. The souls fell blindly into it; as they walked, so they fell. And their number was so great that it was impossible to count them. And I saw the other road, or rather, a path, for it was narrow and strewn with thorns and rocks; and the people who walked along it had tears in their eyes, and all kinds of suffering befell them. Some fell down upon the rocks, but stood up immediately and went on. At the end of the road there was a magnificent garden filled with all sorts of happiness and all these souls entered there. At the very first instant they forgot all their sufferings" (Diary 153).

" Today, I was led by an Angel to the chasms of hell. It is a place of great torture; how awesomely large and extensive it is! The kinds of tortures I saw: the first torture that constitutes hell is the loss of God; the second is perpetual remorse of conscience; the third is that one’s condition will never change; the fourth is the fire that will penetrate the soul without destroying it, a terrible suffering, since it is a purely spiritual fire, lit by God’s anger; the fifth torture is conditional darkness and a terrible suffocating smell, and despite the darkness, the devils and the souls of the damned see each other and all the evil, both of others and their own; the sixth torture is the constant company of satan, the seventh torture is horrible despair, hatred of God, vile words, curses and blasphemies. These are the tortures suffered by all the damned together, but that is not the end of the sufferings. There are special tortures destined for particular souls. These are the torments of the senses. Each soul undergoes terrible and indescribable sufferings, related to the manner in which it has sinned. There are caverns and pits of torture where one form of agony differs from another. I would have died at the very sight of these tortures if the omnipotence of God had not supported me. Let the sinner know that he will be tortured throughout all eternity, in those senses which he made use of to sin. I am writing this at the command of God, so that no soul may find an excuse by saying there is no hell, or that nobody has ever been there, and so no one can say what it is like. I, sister Faustina, by the order of God, have visited the abysses of hell so that I might tell souls about it and testify to its existence. I cannot speak about it now; but I have received a command from God to leave it in writing. The devils were full of hatred for me, but they had to obey me at the command of God. What I have written is but a pale shadow of the things I saw. But I noticed one thing: that most of the souls there are those who disbelieved that there is a hell. When I came to, I could hardly recover from the fright. How terribly souls suffer there! Consequently, I pray even more fervently for the conversion of sinners. I incessantly plead God’s mercy upon them. O my Jesus, I would rather be in agony until the end of the world, amidst the greatest sufferings, then offend You by the least sin. (Diary 741).

" ...I saw my Guardian Angel, who ordered me to follow him. In a moment I was in a misty place full of fire in which there was a great crowd of suffering souls. They were praying fervently, but to no avail, for themselves; only we can come to their aid. The flames, which were burning them, did not touch me at all. My Guardian Angel did not leave me for an instant. I asked these souls what their greatest suffering was. They answered me in one voice that their greatest torment was longing for God. I saw Our Lady visiting the souls in Purgatory. The souls call Her “The Star of the Sea”. She brings them refreshment. I wanted to talk with them some more, but my Guardian Angel beckoned me to leave. We went out of that prison of suffering. [I heard an interior voice which said] ‘My mercy does not want this, but justice demands it. Since that time, I am in closer communion with the suffering souls.’” (Diary, 20)

" November 27, 1936. Today I was in heaven, in spirit, and I saw its unconceivable beauties and the happiness that awaits us after death. I saw how all creatures give ceaseless praise and glory to God. I saw how great is happiness in God, which spreads to all creatures, making them happy; and then all the glory and praise which springs from this happiness returns to its source; and they enter into the depths of God, contemplating the inner life of God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, whom they will never comprehend or fathom. This source of happiness is unchanging in its essence, but it is always new, gushing forth happiness for all creatures. Now I understand Saint Paul, who said, “Eye has not seen, nor has ear heard, not has it entered into the heart of man what God has prepared for those who love him.” And God has given me to understand that there is but one thing that is of infinite value in His eyes, and that is love of God; love, love and once again, love; and nothing can compare with a single act of pure love of God. Oh, with what inconceivable favors God gifts a soul that loves Him sincerely! Oh, how happy is the soul who already here on earth enjoys His special favors! And of such are the little and humble souls. The sight of this great majesty of God, which I came to understand more profoundly and which is worshipped by the heavenly spirits according to their degree of grace and the hierarchies into which they are divided, did not cause my soul to be stricken with terror or fear; no, no, not at all! My soul was filled with peace and love, and the more I come to know the greatness of God, the more joyful I become that He is as He is. And I rejoice immensely in His greatness and am delighted that I am so little because, since I am little, He carries me in His arms and holds me close to His Heart. O my God, how I pity those people who do not believe in eternal life; how I pray for them that a ray of mercy would envelop them too, and that God would clasp them to His fatherly bosom... "

(Diary 777).

St. Teresa of Avila and Obstacles to Spritual Growth

2009-03-03T21:04:00.001-08:00

St. Teresa speaks in her autobiography entitled “Her Life” about the main obstacles that stifled her growth during the first years of her cloistered life. The first obstacle was “carelessness about sin”, that is, Teresa in the beginning paid little attention to the harmful effects even of venial sins, this was partly due to the liberal and permissive advice of priests of her time. Teresa makes a distinction between deliberate freely chosen venial sins those venial sins that are not freely chosen. We should desire to avoid deliberate venial sins, and if necessary to die before committing even a venial sin. This is what St. Ignatius would refer to as the second degree of humility. As for those venial sins not freely chosen they will probably stay with us in some degree throughout the rest of our life but they do not impede spiritual growth in the same manner that deliberate venial sins do.
The second obstacle to growth is “not avoiding occasions of sin.” In fact many people fall into this trap, they can never overcome certain sins because they are not willing to avoid people, places, objects, circumstances, or situations, that may lead them into sin. They are not prudent in their behavior and in their associations and they keep falling. It is very difficult for them to make any progress as long as they are not willing to avoid anything or anyone who becomes an obstacle in their relationship with God. Teresa says that this is one of the most dominant mistakes beginners make and unless they are willing to cut off these occasions of sin, they will never grow spiritually.
The third obstacle is “self-reliance.” Many people get wearied and discouraged in the spiritual life because they do not see much progress, and this due in great part in the fact that they rely primarily in their own strength and not in God’s grace and power. People must learn to distrust themselves and to trust completely in God. We must certainly cooperate with God’s grace, and it is necessary that we cooperate, but we must always remember that our efforts although NECESSARY are not SUFFICIENT. Holiness comes from God and it is primarily His gift, therefore we have to be humble about it and beg constantly for God to transform us and make us holy.
The fourth obstacle is “not valuing the graces of God.” This happens when we do not respond with readiness, promptness to those interior inspirations of the Holy Spirit. The saints were prompt to respond to whatever inspirations they received without postponing the action to be carried out. We tend to postpone things, if we feel inspired by the Holy Spirit to pray now or perform some act of charity towards someone in need, but instead we say later, or tomorrow, then not only we fail to disobey, but in fact most likely we end up not doing it after all. If we cannot be found to be trustworthy in small matters how can we expect to be entrusted with greater matters?
Fr. Fernando Cuenca, OMV

St. Teresa of Avila and Spiritual Growth

2009-03-02T21:49:00.000-08:00

St. Teresa of Avila one of the greatest mystics in the Catholic Church left us a profound treasure of spiritual heritage regarding the ways to grow in the spiritual life. For those whom Teresa considered beginners she always warned them about the necessity to grow in prayer and self-knowledge. St. Teresa likens the prayer life to tending a garden. The garden represents the heart, planted by the Lord but tended by us. Service for the Master is a great honour and delight. He walks there often and delights in the flowers which symbolize our developing virtues. Developing our prayer life is not easy, and Teresa acknowledges that the beginning stages require some hard labour, which she likens to watering a garden by drawing buckets from a well. We need to train ourselves in the ways of prayer but, just as in any discipline, rewards are sure to follow as we build upon sound instruction. With growth the required labour progressively lessens until, in the highest form of prayer, God pours out blessings as the rain falls from heaven, requiring no effort at all from the gardener.
Regarding self-knowledge she speaks about the need for humility in the First Mansion of the Interior Castle, Chapter 2, she says "(First Mansion, Chapter 2): "I do not know whether I have put this clearly; self-knowledge is of such consequence that I would not have you careless of it, though you may be lifted to heaven in prayer, because while on earth nothing is more needful than humility. Therefore, I repeat, not only a good way, but the best of all ways, is to endeavour to enter first by the room where humility is practised, which is far better than at once rushing on to the others. This is the right road;—if we know how easy and safe it is to walk by it, why ask for wings with which to fly? Let us rather try to learn how to advance quickly. I believe we shall never learn to know ourselves except by endeavouring to know God, for, beholding His greatness we are struck by our own baseness, His purity shows our foulness, and by meditating on His humility we find how very far we are from being humble."

Humbly Regard Others as More Important than Yourselves

2009-02-22T14:47:00.000-08:00

One interesting passage of Scripture that has challenged me a lot through my last years has been the following " Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves, each looking out not for his own interests, but (also) everyone for those of others" (Phil 2:3-4). Perhaps my difficulties stem from my own pride and my failure to observe and even understand fully what this passage is asking of me. I find the whole thing challenging, and the challenge grows as these verses are followed by the invitation to have the same mind and attitude of Christ. Wow, that is a real challenge. But the part that I have found a real difficulty even in understanding it is the one that says humbly regard others as more important than yourselves. Perhaps my difficulties came from the awareness that no two people have the same qualities and gifts, and one can truly say that this person possesses these qualities and this other person does not. So it is possible to compare at least demonstrable qualities. However, I am also aware that it is not possible to judge the interior life of a soul, and only God can do that. Only God can determine who will have the highest degree of glory in the life to come. As far as we are concerned, it seems to me, the first task is to avoid comparisons to begin with. In fact Jesus Christ gives us an apparent paradox for those who like to be first, when He says: "Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven" (Mat 18:4). So you in order to go high you have to go low, or as Scripture says "whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted." (Mat 23:12). So here I had to look at Christ and His humility, Christ certainly knew that He was superior to others ontologically, spiritually, morally, etc. yet, He came and humbly regarded every one of us as superior to Him, and for that reason He came to serve each of us and even gave His life for each one of us. That is humility. And I understood that it is not a matter of being higher and lower than other people, it is not a matter of comparisons, it is a matter of considering every single human being on the face of the earth as superior to me, so that I can indeed have the same attitude of Christ who came to serve ALL, without making distinctions at all. The words "consider others as more important" or superior, it is not a statement of fact, only God knows that, but it is a statement about an ATTITUDE. This means that I will freely choose to look at others as superior to me so that I can serve them with joy and readily, in fact, I consider each person as worthy of my service, so that I can live what Scripture says, "each looking out not for his own interests, but everyone for those of others" (Phil 2:4). Now the complete grace is not just to understand it, but also to live it out, day in and day out. Now pray for me :-)

Forty days for Life campaign

2009-02-21T15:54:00.000-08:00

The next forty days for life will begin on February 25th and end on April 5th. It consists of 40 days of prayer and fasting with the idea of ending abortion. It is 40 days of constant and watchful prayer in front of specified abortion centers. In my area we will pray at Family Planning Associates: 2777 Long Beach Blvd. #200Long Beach, CA 90806.
If you want more information or want to check what is available in your own area please check the official website:
http://www.40daysforlife.com/

Living in the Present Moment

2009-02-21T15:18:00.000-08:00

Perhaps one of the most helpful things in my spiritual life has been the idea of living always in the present moment. It is simple, and yet is a grace that is beyond simple understanding. In what does it consist? In my mind is the idea to live in reality, that is to live in the present moment, for only the present moment is real, the past is gone, the future is not yet here, only the now is what it is, only in the now is my opportunity to fulfill my desires and aspirations. It is very easy for many of us to live trapped in the past and its pitfalls, wishing in one way or another things had been different, and yet we are simply unable to change what the past is, and we waste the opportunity to live in the present moment at the fullest and with the opportunity it brings. At other times we may think about the future and how in the future I will do this or that, or when I get this or that I will be this way or that way, but the truth of the matter is that the present is all I have, and it is in the present that I can, and have the potential to direct my life towards the end for which I was created, that is union with God. It is in the present moment that I am being loved by God and it is only in the present that I can respond to that love also in an unconditional way by His grace. It is in the present that the indwelling of the Trinity takes place in my heart and my chance to live in union with God is being offered to me. It is now, that I have the opportunity to love God with all my heart, with all my soul, and my whole strength, it is now that I have the chance to love my neighbor, it is now that God is dwells in my heart, it is now that I can choose to say YES to God like Mary did in all things in her life, it is now that I can choose to be a saint with the help of God, it is the now which is real. It is in the now that I can find peace and joy, even in the middle of difficulties for God is with me now, and I do not even have to fear about the future for as some saints have said God is already there, so He will meet me when I get there and no matter what the circumstances of that future are He will lead me, guide me and provide for me, so I have nothing to worry about it. It is the present moment the time to be grateful , and even in the now I can be grateful about future blessings that God will certainly provide out of His generous nature. It is in the present moment that I am being challenged to allow myself to be loved by God and to respond to that love with total trust, it is in the present moment that I am being given the opportunity to live in the presence of God and experience His mercy.

Most FAITHFUL Catholic Colleges

2009-02-20T22:40:00.000-08:00

The most FAITHFUL Catholic Colleges in the US according to a study published by the Center for the Study of Catholic Higher Education -- the research division of the Cardinal Newman Society -- in terms of fidelity to the Magisterium of the Church and campus life are: Ave Maria University, Aquinas College (Tenn.), Belmont Abbey College, Benedictine College, The Catholic University of America, Christendom College, The College of Saint Thomas More (Texas), DeSales University, Franciscan University of Steubenville, Holy Apostles College & Seminary, John Paul the Great Catholic University, Magdalen College, Mount St. Mary's University, Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Academy, St. Gregory's University, Southern Catholic College, Thomas Aquinas College, The Thomas More College of Liberal Arts (N.H.), University of Dallas, University of St. Thomas (Texas), and Wyoming Catholic College.
The Center for the Study of Catholic Higher Education's mission is to study Catholic colleges and universities in accordance with the guidelines of Ex corde Ecclesiae and in a manner faithful to the Holy Father and Magisterium of the Catholic Church. Keep in mind these colleges when applying for higher education.

Retreat- Saturday February 28th

2009-02-18T22:50:00.000-08:00

There will be a retreat at St. Peter Chanel Church in Hawaiian Gardens, CA, on Saturday February the 28th from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The theme is "St. Paul and the Mercy of God." To register please call the office at 562 924 7591 or register online at:
http://www.spcomv.com/
click in the right tab titled RETREATS

Retreat: God Alone Suffices

2009-02-18T21:55:00.000-08:00

About two weeks ago, I had the opportunity to give a retreat to about 90 women at the Sacred Heart Retreat House at the Carmelite Convent in Alhambra. The theme of the retreat was:
GOD ALONE SUFFICES.
If anybody would like to get a hold of the CDs of these talks please contact the retreat House:
Retreat Master: Fr. Fernando Cuenca, OMV
Date of the Retreat: January 30th to February 1st.
Contact Us: Telephone (626) 289-1353
Email: info@shretreathouse.org
Address: 920 East Alhambra Road, Alhambra, CA 91801

Ash Wednesday and Lent

2009-02-16T10:50:00.000-08:00

“Rend your hearts, not your garments, and return to the Lord, your God”. (Joel 2:13). The liturgical use of ashes originated in the Old Testament times. Ashes symbolized mourning, mortality and penance. In the Book of Esther, Mordecai put on sackcloth and ashes when he heard of the decree of King Ahasuerus to kill all of the Jewish people in the Persian Empire (Esther 4:1). Job repented in sackcloth and ashes (Job 42:6). Prophesying the Babylonian captivity of Jerusalem, Daniel wrote, "I turned to the Lord God, pleading in earnest prayer, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes" (Daniel 9:3). Perhaps the best known example of repentance in the Old Testament involves the story of the prophet Jonah, who finally obeyed God's command and preached in the great city of Nineveh. His preaching was amazingly effective. Word of his message was carried to the king of Nineveh. "When the news reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, laid aside his robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in the ashes" (Jon 3:6). In the New Testament Jesus also made reference to ashes, "If the miracles worked in you had taken place in Tyre and Sidon, they would have reformed in sackcloth and ashes long ago" (Matthew 11:21). The Church adapted the use of ashes to mark the beginning of the penitential season of Lent, when we remember our mortality and mourn for our sins. In our present liturgy for Ash Wednesday, we use ashes made from the burned palm branches distributed on the Palm Sunday of the previous year. The priest blesses the ashes and imposes them on the foreheads of the faithful, making the sign of the cross and saying, "Remember, man you are dust and to dust you shall return," or "Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel." Ash Wednesday is also a day of both fasting and abstinence. As we begin this holy season of Lent in preparation for Easter, we must remember the significance of the ashes we have received: we mourn and do penance for our sins; we convert our hearts to the Lord, who suffered, died, and rose for our salvation, and we are reminded of this reality when the priest places the ashes on the form of a cross on our foreheads; we renew the promises made at our baptism, when we died to an old life and rose to a new life with Christ; finally, mindful that the kingdom of this world passes away, we strive to live the kingdom of God now and look forward to its fulfillment in heaven.
Lent is the forty day period before Easter, excluding Sundays, which begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Thursday up to the Mass of the Lord’s supper. The forty days remind us of the fasts by Moses on Mount Sinai, and by Christ in the desert before He began His public ministry. Lent is followed by the Sacred Triduum which begins with the Mass of the Lord's Supper, continues on Good Friday, and ends with the Easter Vigil.

Day of Prayer to Consecrated Life -Crisis of vocations

2009-02-09T22:02:00.001-08:00

On Sunday we celebrated in the Church the day of consecrated life. We face a crisis of vocations at all levels to be honest, but there is real need even more so of the radical witness of consecrated men and women. In the document titled "The Service and Authority of Obedience" the prefect of the Congregation of Institutes of Consecrated life, mentions the challenge that consecrated people face when it seems that consecrated life is weakening and disspearing. In that same document the prefect mentions how the superiors of communities must remind their members of "the perennial values of this kind of life, because today, as yesterday, and as always NOTHING is MORE IMPORTANT, BEAUTIFUL AND TRUE than spending one's life in the service of the Lord and for the littlest of his children." So why the crisis? When Benedict XVI came to New York last year, he spoke to the Bishops and mentioned that the flourishing of vocations or their lack of are indicators of the vitality of the local Churches. Wow, what a statement, perhaps the lack of vocations in the US is related to our lack of vitality as a Church, something that nobody has ever been able to acknowledge. But why is our Church lacking this vitality necessary to promote vocations? Well I have several ideas:

1. Lack of faith, which is manifested in lack of prayer for vocations. I am surprised to find how few people pray anymore for an increase of vocations to the consecrated life, even consecrated people seem to have given up, and prayer for vocations is either non-existent or at the very least not one of their priorities. NO PRAYER ---> NO VOCATIONS.

2. Lack of appreciation for the value of religious life. Many people are either ignorant about consecrated life and many others simply have a distorted image about consecrated life. The images that the media portrays about consecrated life are repulsive, uninviting, unattractive. Consecrated people and priests are depicted many times as being out of touch with life, living within a medieval frame of mind, closed off, out of date, repressed, mean, etc. Just the opposite of what consecrated life is in reality, although there are perhaps a small minority of individuals that could come close to fit the typical representations of the media. :-)

3. The emphasis on a distorted notion of freedom and the narcissistic trends of our culture, make difficult for young people to think beyond themselves and to make commitments. And this is the case for consecrated life, the priesthood, or marriage. People are simply afraid of making commitments, in fact, they are so concerned with themselves, that the notion of living for someone else seems foreign to many of them. To think of a life time commitment seems an unattainable goal. This emphasis on self and personal autonomy makes also very difficult for a young person to think that freedom can indeed be perfected through obedience after the example of Christ. The obsession with an undifferentiated personal freedom at any cost does not leave space for the understanding of a proper notion of freedom in so far as this one is and should always be ordered towards love.

4. The havoc that pornography has created in our youth, has destroyed many souls in the process and many possible vocations. Young people do not think is possible to live a vow of chastity. Chastity is certainly a medieval concept for many of them, archaic at the very least, out of touch with reality, simply impossible to live. The youth have been taught that they cannot discipline their desires, all they can do is to avoid the nasty consequences, and this mentality has perverted the sacred notion of sexuality and sex. So not only vocations to the consecrated life suffer but also the vocations to marriage. Due to lack of purity marriages also fail at greater rates every day.

5. The materialistic mentality of our society and the worship of technology, and the comforts of our society leave very little room for the appreciation of a life of poverty. Why rock the boat so to speak when you are so comfortable. Perhaps with the economic crisis that we are facing now some people may come to their senses and realize that material possessions are also elusive and therefore they cannot be ultimately the source of our confidence and happiness.

6. Lack of a true witness of consecrated people. Communities of consecrated life have adapted too well to their surrounding culture and the comforts and the commodities that this world offers, and do not present a radical witness or a real challenge to those young people that are seeking to give up their life for something worthwhile. So we as consecrated people have failed our youth, and I think it is important that we assess our lifestyle and do not conform to the standards of our society, but that we truly live our vows in a radical way, in a way that people can truly see in us Christ obedient, Christ poor and Christ chaste. The challenge is on us, those who have already committed ourselves to live this life.

7. Lack of prayer and silence on the part of the young people. In a world saturated with noise and information, young people are never silent, they always have their ipods, their iphones, their sound systems, their TVs, computers, bombarding them with all kinds of information and noise. How are they going to be able to listen to the voice of God? It certainly will be more difficult. Young people need to be challenged to reflect, to think, to pray, and to be able to do this they need silence, this is how the heart and the spirit really grow.

8. There are many other reasons, but the last one I will mention here is that young people are rarely invited to consider a vocation to the consecrated life or the priesthood, as a healthy, and possible way of life for them. Few of us priests preach about the beauty of consecrated life, if the reader happens to be a priest I would challenge you to consider honestly how often you preach and challenge young people to prayerfully consider the possibility of being called to live a consecrated life. How will they come unless they are also invited? So we have to have the courage to invite others and like the words of the Gospel often say, young people, DO NOT BE AFRAID, the Master is waiting for you :-)

Traditionalist Anglicans Seeking Union with Rome

2009-02-06T14:12:00.000-08:00

One of the main focuses of the Papacy of Benedict XVI has been the desire to bring unity within the Church and also unity with separated Churches and Ecclesial communities. This is in continuity with the principles of ecumenism established by the Second Vatican Council and put into practice by Paul VI and John Paul II as well. Last year there was an approach by the Traditionalist Anglicans who were disenchanted with the new policies of the Anglican Communion, especially their refusal to take a strong stand against the ordination of homosexual Bishops and even more fundamentally the refusal to confess that the practice of homosexuality is simply sinful and incompatible with the values proclaimed by the Gospel. There are also other significant issues like the ordination of women, and the blesssings of homosexual marriages. At that time during the summer the Anglican Bishop Andrew Burnham of Ebbsfleet pleaded for "magnanimous gestures from our Catholic friends" to accommodate those Anglican traditionalists who were seeking to enter the Catholic Church. There was the possibility that a large number of conservative Anglicans might seek to enter the Catholic Church. Talks have been conducted with Cardinal William Levada, the prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, and Cardinal Walter Kasper, the president of the Pontifical Council for Christian Unity. Another Anglican prelate, Bishop Keith Newton of Richborough, was reportedly involved in the conversations as well.
Interestingly enough because he is married, Bishop Burnham himself cannot expect to become a Catholic bishop. While married Anglican priests have been accepted into the clergy of the Roman rite, the Catholic Church has maintained the rule of celibacy for bishops. Yet Bishop Burnham has continued to seek full communion. And it seems like Pope Benedict has been listening to their requests and considering the different options to bring them into the Church without creating conflicts with the local Catholic Churches of England and even Australia where a large number of believers is also seeking communion with Rome.

I guess one issue to be concerned about, and I am sure the Cardinals and the Pope are aware of it, is the possibility that these people are joining the Catholic Church simply as their last refuge, and my hope is that they truly embrace the Catholic Church for what the Church is, and uphold the truth and the faith that she proclaims in its entirety.

Recently there has been talk of this reunification taking place soon. Vatican officials have been working on the terms, which could include a separe prelature for the Traditionalist Anglican Communion, similar to the Opus Dei. We will see what happens.

We must bless Pope Benedict XVI for his ecumenical efforts, and for remaining true to the principles of Vatican II like his predecessors, one of them being the fact that any dialog with other Churches or communities is based on the truth, and the truth and the faith cannot be compromised, while maintaining and open dialog which includes a respectful to approach to listen to one another in a spirit of charity. We must continue to pray for this gift of unity among all Christian Churches and ecclesial communities.

The Director of the Legion apologizes and asks forgiveness

2009-02-06T08:51:00.000-08:00

This link is an article published by CNA. The director of the Legion Fr. Alvaro Corcuera apologizes for the first time for all the suffering. He wrote this letter while praying in front of the Eucharist and I think it is a very nice letter that goes along with the article I wrote below. It still does not address the issues of reformation, the issues of healing for the victims, and the need for purification within the Order itself, but it is a great beginning.
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=15007

The Legionaries of Christ and Fr. Marcial Maciel

2009-02-05T21:01:00.000-08:00

The Legionaries are admitting that their founder Fr. Marcial Maciel Degollado who died last year, has surprised the Legion with aspects of his behavior who were not appropriate for a Catholic priest. The behavior was not specified. But there are different stories circulating in different blogs and news agencies that affirm that Fr. Marcial had a double life that included inappropriate sexual relationships with minors - sexual abuse- and seminarians, and other inappropriate relationships with women, including the fathering of at least one child - presumably a girl-. These news come after he was disciplined by Pope Benedict XVI in 2006, because the Pope gave credibility to the allegations of seminarians who claimed they had been abused by Fr. Marcial. Fr. Marcial was removed in the same year from active ministry. Any person with any common sense would see that the actions of Fr. Marcial have been deplorable and one also has to think about the many victims that he has left behind. One of the sad parts of this story is the campaign of denial that most of the Legionaries have undertaken throughout the years to protect their founder and present him as a model of virtue and holiness. But the image has been crumbling down for years, and now it seems like the image is about to fall.

Sadly I have also noticed how the media rejoices in this type of news, and they almost gloat with the crisis that the Legionaries are facing, many of them hope the Legionaries will disappear from the face of the earth. I believe that this rejoicing on the part of the media is not so much due to a real sense of justice or morality, but more along the lines of using any opportunity available to tarnish the image of the Church as a whole.

Many of them are predicting the destruction and the falling apart of the Legionaries and that may well happen. But people forget also that although Fr. Marcial is the founder of the Legionaries, there are also hundreds of wonderful and great priests that are part of the Legionaries. Today they have close to 800 priests and over 1300 seminarians. The Legionaries have also founded a lay movement called Regnum Christ which has over 70000 members. They own and direct several schools and Universities located in different parts of the world, they also run radio and TV stations, and own several magazines and newspapers as well. It is a solid network, that has done a tremendous service and good to the Church, especially in the times in which we live. Sometimes we forget that God writes straight with crooked lines, and even if it is true that Fr. Marcial committed all those acts that are imputed to him, there is also the reality that God works through wounded instruments and brings good even through defective vessels. Is not that our story as well? And proof of that is the fact that God has done marvelous things through the Legion. It is also true that the Legion has enjoyed many blessings from God and the Church has been blessed in turn by the Legion. It is very easy to point the finger and discredit everything that the Legionaries have done without acknowledging all the real good they have done.

I personally do not like the formation program of the Legion and some attitudes of the Legion in general, but I still can recognize that there are many wonderful things they are carrying out. I personally considered the Legion at one point while discerning my own vocation but based on what I had heard from ex-seminarians and other priests I chose not even to visit them. In my mind they appeared to be too rigid, too much of a military mentality for me, they tended to be somewhat isolated, perhaps cliquish. Sometimes they are perceived as aloof, and they have a reputation for revering their superiors, basically there is no room for constructive criticism. This structure probably has favored the lack of accountability of the superiors of the Legion, and especially the founder, who was almost idolized within the community.

Yet, at the same time I have high admiration for the Legion, for their mission, their zeal, their dedication, their orthodoxy, and for the many positive fruits the Legion has produced throughout the years. I do not think it is fair to identify the whole Legion with the sinful actions of their founder. I do not think is fair either to demonize the Legion and their apostolates based solely on the actions of the founder. One must retain what is good and reject that which is unhealthy within the organization. I think this could be an opportunity for purification within the Legion and for restructuring. I have heard some comments from other priests in some of their blogs that seem also to rejoice at the recent news of Fr. Marcial. I hope that we as Catholics will be very merciful towards the Legionaries and not jump the wagon of rejoicing at the pain of others.

The Legion will certainly enter into a crisis, no doubt about it, but a crisis can also be an opportunity to grow. It is reported in some of these blogs that there are already groups within the Legion that seem to want do distance themselves from their founder, whereas others want to maintain the connection with Fr. Marcial regardless of his failings, perhaps divisions within the Legion loom in the horizon. Perhaps some of the priests will eventually face the reality of their founder and eventually grow disenchanted with the Legion and may choose to leave. We do not know at this point. I hope however that this will be a time for purification and renewal within the Legion, a time of redefinition, a time for the Legionaries to grow in humility and accept their own mistakes and even cover ups. I hope it will be a time to do what Fr. Marcial inspired them to do, without imitating his actions.

Asistir a Misa

2009-02-05T18:56:00.000-08:00

¿Asistir a Misa?
Santa Teresa de Ávila suplicaba un día al Señor que le indicara cómo podría pagarle todas los favores que le había otorgado, y Él le contestó: «Oyendo una Misa».
Una santa decía a Nuestro Señor: «Quisiera ofrecerte todas las oraciones de los santos, todos los sufrimientos de los mártires, toda la pureza de las vírgenes...» Y Dios le contestó: «No hace falta que me ofrezcas todo eso. Basta una Santa Misa; ella vale más que todo lo que me deseabas ofrecer».
«Todas las buenas obras del mundo reunidas no equivalen al Santo Sacrificio de la Misa, porque son obras de los hombres; mientras que la Misa es obra de Dios. En la Misa, es el mismo Jesucristo, Dios y Hombre verdadero, quien se ofrece al Padre para remisión de los pecados de todos los hombres y, al mismo tiempo, le rinde un honor infinito.» (San Juan María Vianney, el santo cura de Ars)
Con la Misa se tributa a Dios más honor que el que pueden tributarle todos los ángeles y santos en el Cielo, puesto que el de estos es un honor de criaturas, mas en la Misa se le ofrece su mismo Hijo Jesucristo, que le tributa un honor infinito (san Alfonso María de Ligorio)
Una Misa vale más que irse hasta Jerusalén descalzo o ayunar toda la vida «a pan y agua» o decir todas las oraciones que han dicho los santos o hacer mil sacrificios... Porque una Misa tiene valor infinito, ya que allí se ofrece al mismo Jesucristo, el Hijo de Dios.
Con razón decía san Bernardo: «Más merece el que devotamente oye una Misa en gracia de Dios que si diera todos sus bienes para sustento de los pobres».
El Calvario fue el primer Altar, el Altar verdadero; después, todo altar se convierte en Calvario.
No hay en el mundo lengua con qué poder expresar la grandeza y el valor de la Santa Misa.
Con cada misa aumentas tu grado de gloria en el Cielo; en ella recibes la bendición del sacerdote, que Dios ratifica en el Cielo.
«Al empezar la Misa, póngase bajo la protección de la Santísima Virgen; pídale que le haga comprender la grandeza y el valor inapreciable del Santo Sacrificio de la Misa, y de las gracias innumerables que puede alcanzar para usted misma y para los demás. ¡Ah, si usted pudiese comprender el valor de una sola Misa sobre el Corazón de Dios, y los bienes que se podrían conseguir por ese divino sacrificio, si siquiera se molestase en pedir ese conocimiento! Lo que le va a ofrecer al Padre Celestial es la Sangre de Jesucristo: ¡con esta Sangre preciosa puede pagar todas sus deudas, satisfacer su justicia por usted y por sus prójimos, convertir a los pecadores, salvar a las almas, abrir las cárceles del purgatorio a sus parientes, a sus amigos y a tantas pobres almas que gimen lejos de Dios y reclaman el socorro de su caridad! Usted puede glorificar a Dios más por esa sola acción que por las penitencias más austeras y los actos de virtud más heroicos». (María Sofía Claux, alma del purgatorio)
La Santa Misa es el acto más sublime y más santo que se puede celebrar todos los días en la tierra. Nada hay más sublime en el mundo que Jesucristo, y nada más sublime en Jesucristo que su Santo Sacrificio en la Cruz, actualizado en cada Misa, puesto que la Santa Misa es la renovación del Sacrificio de la Cruz.
Misa, Cena y Cruz son un mismo sacrificio.
«Oír una Misa en vida o dar limosna para que se celebre aprovecha más que dejarla para después de la muerte». (San Anselmo)
«Más aprovecha para la remisión de la culpa y de la pena, es decir, para la remisión de los pecados, oír una Misa que todas las oraciones del mundo.» (Eugenio III, Papa)
Con la asistencia a la Misa rindes el mayor homenaje a la Humanidad Santísima de Nuestro Señor Jesucristo.
Durante la Misa te arrodillas en medio de una multitud de ángeles que asisten envidiablemente al Santo Sacrificio con suma reverencia.
A la hora de tu muerte tu mayor consolación serán las Misas que hayas oído durante tu vida. Cada Misa que oíste te acompañará al tribunal divino y abogará para que alcances el perdón.
Con cada Misa puedes disminuir el castigo temporal que debes por tus pecados en proporción con el fervor con que la oigas.
Si la verdad es que Cristo se ofrece al Padre eterno todos los días en la Santa Misa por la salvación de los hombres, ¿vamos a dejarlo solo?
Busquemos la media hora diaria para unirnos a Jesús en la Santa Misa, para adorar al Padre y darle el honor que se merece, para darle gracias por tantos favores recibidos, para aplacar su ira irritada por tantos pecados y darle plena reparación por ellos, para implorar gracia y misericordia para todos los hombres del mundo... En fin, para agrandar nuestro Cielo y hacer más gloriosa la Pasión de Cristo.
Tú, que tanto te gusta hacer el bien, ¿vas a dejar pasar diariamente la ocasión de unirte a la obra más grande que se realiza en la tierra y que es realizada por el mismo Cristo?
«Si supiéramos lo que ganamos con una Misa, jamás dejaríamos de asistir a ella.» (San Juan María Vianney, el santo cura de Ars)

In Vitro Fertilization IVF and Catholic Teaching

2009-02-02T22:05:00.000-08:00

With the advent of the octuplets in Bellflower, California, just a few miles away from I live I am confronted with the need to remind people again about the immorality of In Vitro Fertilization IVF. Almost thirty years ago the birth of the first ‘test-tube baby’ to survive to full term was news internationally. The delivery of Louise Brown on 25 July, 1978 in Oldham, England as a result of IVF made medical history. And yet the Vatican raised its voice to warn that the event would have “grave consequences for humanity”. Now, thirty years afterwards, it is time to acknowledge that once again history has proven the Church right. The Catholic Church is not against reproductive technologies that respect the dignity of the human person. But it is against IVF precisely because it fails to respect the dignity of humans and also violates the sacredness of the sexual act and marriage itself. It is important to say at the outset that I recognize the ignorance that exists on this subject even among Catholics. It is also important to mention that any human being conceived through IVF is certainly a child of God and must be loved, respected, and protected. What are some of the problems with IVF then?

First of all, as we know babies engendered through IVF are treated as products rather than human beings. They are "produced" in the laboratory in a petri dish where the egg is fertilized with the sperm of the husband, most of the time with the sperm of a donor. In the case of the woman on California who has given birth to 14 children all of them conceived through IVF without being married we can see clearly many of the problems of IVF. Now women do not have to be married to conceive children, they can simply manufacture their own in the lab. In many case the characteristics of the donor are studied to select certain qualities that hopefully will be inherited by the offspring. There is a utilitarian mentality behind this that gives us the idea that we can create perhaps a better race or a better son or daughter with these specified traits. Children created through IVF are subject to Quality Control procedures and like any other "product" they are discarded (killed) when they do not meet the quality criteria. We must remember that all children regardless of how they were conceived are created in the image of God and they have to be loved.

Second, children conceived in IVF are not conceived from the conjugal embrace, they are not conceived out of an act of love, in fact the conjugal has been substituted by IVF. This is not in accordance with the dignity of human persons who must be engendered within an act of love and not simply lab manipulation. IVF does not help the conjugal act, it simply replaces it.

Third, to collect the sperm, most of the time the donor does it through masturbation, which is another immoral act.

Fourth, when sperm from a donor is used, this means, that the real father of the children is someone outside the marriage. This can create confusion in the child later, and in some cases even unplanned legal repercussions. In most cases the donor will remain unknown which can create problems in trying to trace congenital problems or illnesses that can affect that particular line of the family.

Fifth, when using IVF several embryos are created. Some of them will be implanted in the woman, and the rest will be discarded (another word for killed) or frozen. If they are killed this is a crime done in the name of fertility. If they are frozen, this is the most inhuman form of imprisonment of an innocent human person. Totally contrary to God's will.

Sixth, many of the unused embryos can also be "used" today for experimentation or as sources for embryonic stem cells. This implies the killing of the embryo, the taking of a human life in the name of science.

Seventh, at implantation several embryos are used, since it is likely that not all of them will survive after implantation. This is terrible since many of these embryos that do not succeed in the process of implantation will die inevitably due to the caprices of his/her parents. If all of them happen to implant or many of them succeed in implanting (like the case in Bellflower) then the woman is given the alternative to perform another procedure called selective reduction which basically is a selective abortion. How can we justify IVF at all? In Canada there was an interesting case, one woman gave birth to five children engendered by IVF, more than what she ever wanted. She had wanted only one, so she sued her doctor for "wrongful life," demanding that he pay for the cost of raising the four children she did not want.

Eighth, there is also the moral consideration of money. IVF can be quite expensive, especially if the procedure fails and has to be repeated.

Ninth, babies conceived through IVF have a MUCH higher chance of having physical and mental problems than children conceived naturally.

Tenth, every child has the right to be conceived within a marriage and to have a mother and a father, with IVF you open the door to all kinds of awkward possibilities, including not only single moms having children, but even lesbian couples now having and raising "their" own children. That would be another subject, but as we can see the twisted possibilities are simply on the rise.

This list is not exhaustive, so feel free to add more!

The Paradox of life

2009-02-02T20:20:00.000-08:00

I found it very interesting that the "woman" (so far she has chosen not to reveal her name) who recently gave birth to octuplets already had six children who were living with her and her parents. Now this young woman, 33 years of age, after being a single mom with six children chose to have another procedure through In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) to bring into the world more children. Several embryos that were produced through IVF were selected and implanted in the woman's womb, and then in the 12th week of her pregnancy she "was counseled about the risks of the multiple pregnancy" and offered the option of selective reduction (another term for ABORTION). The woman wisely (perhaps for the first time) refused to have any of her babies killed and she continued with the pregnancy. Finally after expecting 7 babies, eight actually came out.

First, let me say something about this woman. It is obvious that this woman has a very serious mental or affective problem. How is it possible that a woman already with six children, not married, raising kids on her own with the assistance of her parents, still wishes to have more kids? Is that responsible parenthood? Her mother has said in the interviews that her daughter has been "obsessed" with the desire to have children since she was a teenager and has brought into existence all her children through IVF. So it is obvious that there is something wrong with her. Furthermore the woman and the clinic chose multiple implantations of embryos conceived through IVF. Once again, we have a troubled woman making a couple of very poor decisions: the first one was to choose IVF as a way to conceive children which is an immoral means (read the next posting on IVF), and second was to choose to have multiple implantations. The only smart decision this woman made so far was not to recur to selective abortion procedures to eliminate some of her children. So there is great joy for the conception and birth of the children, but great sadness for the means and the lack of total responsibility on the part of the parents (and that includes the woman as well as the sperm donor).

The paradox of life here is that in a culture that idolizes free choice and even death, and while many women choose to have abortions this woman chooses life at least during her pregnancy. I said during her pregnancy, because the truth of the matter is that usually when a person uses IVF some of the embryos that are produced are not implanted and are either discarded (aborted) or frozen. Even some of the implanted ones usually die naturally. So perhaps this woman even in her desire to have more children has perhaps eliminated consciously or unconsciously some of her own children. Many people that recur to IVF do not even realize this. This life is full of irony, but this happens when we do not respect the life of ALL human beings, when we value more our own choices than the dignity of other people, including the life of the embryo in all his/her stages.

Second, I would like to say something about the so called fertility doctors. The first question is if the doctors in fact tried to dissuade this woman from further impregnation after knowing that she already had six children and she was not married. Or was she simply one of her clients from whom they were used to get money to support their own business? It is true that the doctors are not in the business of telling people how many kids they are supposed to have, but certainly you do not need to be a rocket scientist to see that there was something wrong with their patient either mentally or emotionally or both. In those cases you refer your patient to a competent physician or psychologist to address her issues first. Furthermore it is not stipulated that IVF is a health treatment that MUST be administered for the health of the patient. Even more irresponsible is the fact that the doctors chose to implant at least 8 embryos, perhaps even more in the woman, knowing that she would probably would not opt for selective abortions, and therefore putting this woman in danger of death, for such a pregnancy was not only a risk to the babies (who have a certain chance to implant), but also to the mother. What is wrong with these doctors? Are they simply in the business of making money or are they concerned in the least for the well being of their patients (the mother and the babies)? Of course the answer is a clear and resounding NO!

We live in such a crazy society, and this is what happens when people do not hear God's Word speaking to them, we continue to do as we wish, we continue to harden our hearts, we continue to sin and we continue to destroy each other. May God have mercy on us!

A summary of Demonic Activity

2009-01-29T23:14:00.000-08:00

This is a summary of demonic activity as taught by Fr. Armoth, the exorcist of Rome. As Catholics we must be aware of this activity. However we must remain also aware, first and foremost, of the power to overcome evil through Christ, "I can do all things in Him who strengthens me" (Phil 4:13). The first type of demonic activity is called ordinary. This is "temptation", which is the most common activity of the demons, and it is directed against all men. Even Jesus allowed Satan to tempt him, he accepted our human condition.
The second kind of demonic activity is called "extraordinary", and can take place as the first one only if God so allows, but not all humans experience any of the forms of this extraordinary activity. It can take six different forms:
1. External physical pain caused by Satan. We know of this from many lives of the saints. We know that Saint Paul of the Cross, the Curé of Ars, Padre Pio, and many others were beaten, flogged, and pummeled by demons. This external form of persecution does riot affect the soul; therefore with this type there has never been the need for an exorcism, only for prayers.
2. Demonic possession. This occurs when Satan takes full possession of the body (not the soul); he speaks and acts without the knowledge or consent of the victim, who therefore is morally blameless. It is the gravest and most spectacular form of demonic afflictions, and it attracts the attention of producers of movies such as The Exorcist. According to the Ritual for exorcisms, some of the signs of possession include: speaking in tongues, extraordinary strength, and revealing the unknown. The man of Gerasa is a clear Gospel example of possession. To fix a set "model" for demonic possession would be a serious mistake; the affliction runs the gamut of symptoms and severity. For instance, Fr. Armoth has exorcised two totally possessed persons who remained perfectly still and silent during the exorcism.
3. Diabolical oppression. Symptoms vary from a very serious to a mild illness. There is no possession, loss of consciousness, or involuntary action and word. The Bible gives us many examples of oppression; one of them is job, He was not possessed, but he lost his children, his goods, and his health. The bent woman and the deaf and dumb man who were cured by Jesus were not subject to total possession, but there was a demonic presence that caused physical discomfort. Saint Paul was most certainly not possessed by a demon, but he had a demonic oppression that caused an evil affliction: "And to keep me from being too elated by the abundance of revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan, to harass me" (2 Cor 12:7). There is no doubting the evil origin of the affliction.While possessions are still relatively rare today, we exorcists run into a great number of people who have been struck by the devil in their health, jobs, or relationships. We must make it clear that to diagnose and heal an oppression-related illness is not any easier than to diagnose and cure a person afflicted by full possession. The degree of gravity may be different, but the difficulty of the diagnosis and the amount of time involved in healing are the same.
4. Diabolic obsession. Symptoms include sudden attacks, at times ongoing, of obsessive thoughts, sometimes even rationally absurd, but of such nature that the victim is unable to free himself Therefore the obsessed person lives in a perpetual state of prostration, desperation, and attempts at suicide. Almost always obsession influences dreams. Some people will say that this is evidence of mental illness, requiring the services of a psychiatrist or a psychologist. The same could be said of all other forms of demonic phenomena. Some symptoms, however, are so inconsistent with known illnesses that they point with certainty to their evil origins. Only an expert and well-trained eye can identify the crucial differences.
5. Diabolic infestation. Infestations affect houses, things, or animals. Fr. Armoth does not use this term in referring to persons.
6. Diabolical subjugation, or dependence. People fall into this form of evil when they voluntarily submit to Satan. The two most common forms of dependence are the blood pact with the devil and the consecration to Satan.

Anyway

2009-01-27T19:53:00.000-08:00

Attributed to Blessed Mother Teresa
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 joy, some may be jealous. Be joyful 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.

Orthodox Icon of Mary Weeps in Russia

2009-01-27T17:24:00.000-08:00

It has been reported that the "softener of evil hearts" Icon depicted on the right, located in the Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Moscow wept miraculously during the election process of the new Patriarch Kirill. This Icon is also called the "Simon’s Prophecy" Icon.

According to the Evangelist Luke, the Holy Spirit told righteous Elder Symeon, the God-receiver, that he would not die until he had seen the Messiah. And thus, forty days after the Divine Infant's birth His parents brought Him to the Temple of Jerusalem, and Symeon "was inspired" to come there as well, and took the Infant into his arms (hence the title "God-receiver"), and pronounced those famous words that we use in the Night Prayer Liturgy in the West "Now Master you can let your servant go in peace, your word has been fulfilled...." (Lk. 2:29). After that, he blessed St. Joseph and the Most-pure Mother of Our Lord, and addressed Mary with this prophecy: “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted (and you yourself a sword will pierce) so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed” (Lk. 2:34).

Just as Christ would be pierced with nails and a spear, so the soul of the Most-pure One would be pierced by a certain weapon of sorrow and pain in the heart, when she saw her Son's suffering. After that, the hidden thoughts of the people regarding the Messiah would be revealed, and they would face a choice: to be with Christ, or against Him. Such an interpretation of Symeon's prophecy became the subject of a number of icons of the Theotokos. All those who turn to the Icon in prayer sense that with the softening of evil hearts comes an easing of spiritual and physical suffering. People come to recognize that when they pray for their enemies before such icons, their feelings of enmity are softened, and that strife and hatreds abate, giving way to kindness. The feast of the softener of evil hearts is celebrated in the Russian Church on February 15th.

Congratulations to the Orthodox Church on this day when they have elected their new Patriarch. May this be an oppotunity to work for unity also with the Catholic Church and to build the fraternal bonds that were sadly broken 10 centuries ago. Perhaps this new election is a sign of hope indeed as the icon is a sign of hope, and a continuation of the fulfillment of the prophecies of Our Lady of Fatima.

The truth behind the miracle in the Hudson

2009-01-27T11:16:00.001-08:00

Satanism

2009-01-26T20:35:00.000-08:00

Fr. Hardon during his lifetime wrote an interesting piece on Satanism. I think one of the reasons why satanism is growing in our days is precisely because people are trying to fill the void left by a culture that is secular and materialistic, devoided of all spirituality. The prevalent materialism, hedonism, secularism are perfect seedbeds for satanism to flourish and appeal to the inordinate passions of the human being. According to Fr. Hardon there are three main forms of satanism. The first one is philosophical, that is the kind of satanism by which evil is deified, such was the case of the Manicheans. St. Augustine himself was a Manichean before he converted to Christianity. In this kind of satanism one does not offer worship to the Deity per se, but it is more about a matter of beliefs, where one sees that there are two uncreated deities that are in opposition to one another, the good god and the bad god. The other kind of satanism is the one prevalent in most polytheistic religions whereby a person offers sacrifices to the deities that represent evil, mostly out of fear, so the person tries to appease them by different rituals. Fr. Hardon mentions that in Africa is very difficult for Christianity to make inroads because the people in Africa after becoming Christians blame any evil or accident to the anger of the evil deities that somehow are not being satisfied in their thirst for offerings and sacrifices. The third kind of satanism is the cultic type that involves the recognition of satan as powerful and shrewd, and as a being that is to be worshipped for personal gain or in order to bring an evil on another person.
Satanic churches are growing in number and also in membership. More young people have more experiences with the occult than ever before, and satan uses many ways to attract young people into his abode. Some of those means can include the promises of material rewards, and the rewards of sensible pleasure under the forms of uninhibited sex, drugs, even sadistic and masochist practices. All is fair game, and satan appeals to our wounded nature and our desire for immediate gratification. Another common by which satan continues to enter into the minds of many young people is through the porn industry by which satan continues to corrupt the minds and the hearts of many young people, in many cases creating such powerful addictions that these young people cannot follow the call of the Lord to the consecrated life or the priesthood, nor can they remain faithful to their spouses and their commitments. Satanic influence is also seen in the cult of freedom, undetermined freedom, my choice is my god. The worship of choice can imply the death of my own son or daughter in the womb. Indeed there is something very diabolical about the whole abortion industry. The cult of choice can also entail the type of sexual relationship I am going to engage, from bestiality to homosexuality and anything in between, is the cult of indulgence which is one of the premises of the satanic manifesto. Heavy metal music is also another means that satan uses to corrupt the minds of young people. Fr. Gabriel Armoth, the exorcist of Rome wrote about the fact the heavy metal music recordings are consecrated to the devil in particular acts, and that many music bands such as Black Sabbath, Deicide, and others are openly satanic in nature. Finally books that delve into the occult like Harry Potter are also seedbeds for the potential opening of the soul of the child to the fascination with witchcraft, incantations, or any other desire to manipulate others and control others through the power of evil.

Satanism oddly enough is growing by leaps and bounds in Italy. In fact the largest followers of satanic sects are found there. Colombia is the second country with the largest number of satanic followers and the USA comes third with the greatest concentration in the state of California, particularly the city of San Francisco, no surprise there either. So this is the phenomenon that we must face constantly, St Paul reminds us "For our struggle is not with flesh and blood but with the principalities, with the powers, with the world rulers of this present darkness, with the evil spirits in the heavens." (Ephesians 6:12).

As Christians we cannot be afraid of the devil, but we must be aware of his treacheries. In fact as long as we remain in Christ we have power over all evil spirits, thus, the evil spirits are the ones that should be afraid of us. However, the devil is real, and we cannot underestimate his cleverness and power, although his power is limited and ultimately the devil remains a creature, entirely dependent on God from whom he derives his existence and power. God is the only one that is Almighty, God is the only one that is to be worshipped, and it is in God that we find peace, joy, love, and all the other fruits of the Holy Spirit. We rejoice in Christ because as Scripture tells us "For the accuser of our brothers is cast out, who accuses them before our God day and night. They conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony" (Rev. 12:10-11).

Expect God to come, but not in a certain way!

2009-01-26T10:13:00.000-08:00

".....Do not look for God to come in any particular way, but look for Him. That is the way to make room for Him. Expect Him to come, but do not expect Him only in a certain way. However much we may know God, the great lesson to learn is that at any minute He may break in. We are apt to overlook this element of surprise, yet God never works in any other way...........Keep your life so constant in its contact with God that His surprising power may break out on the right hand and on the left. Always be in a state of expectancy, and see that you leave room for God to come in as He likes."

Oswald Chambers Died 1917 while working as a Chaplain during World War 1

Unbiased Reporting on the Walk for Life 2009?

2009-01-26T09:49:00.000-08:00

As I was googling the Walk for Life in San Francisco, 2009, most of the sites that came in my search had to do with the Counter-protesters, that is the pro-abortion people that came to the walk and stood on the sidewalks shouting all kinds of things to the peaceful prolife walkers. Noticed that I googled specifically Walk for Life 2009, and walk for life was listed fifth, right after all those counter-protestor sites. What amazed me the most was the fact that most of the pictures in the reports in the San Francisco area websites had to do with the counter-protesters

http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2009/01/24/18565589.php

even this video

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=51042255

The idea that you get from this site is that the walk for life was not really about life but about the counter-protestors, like of the walk itself never took place. And then we talk about unbiased reporting in the media, what a joke!!

I also wonder if there is not only a bias in reporting, but also even a bias in the search mechanisms like google itself, just a question, not an affirmation!

Anyway, here was what I found for the official site of the Walk for Life:

http://www.walkforlifewc.com/

Certainly a very different story.

The Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul

2009-01-25T15:08:00.000-08:00

Scripture passages that refer to St. Paul's conversion:

"Now as he journeyed he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed about him. And he fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" And he said, "Who are you, Lord?" And he said, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting; but rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do."
Acts of the Apostles 9:3-6

"And I said, "Who are you, Lord?" And the Lord said, "I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. But rise and stand on your feet; for I appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you to serve and bear witness to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you, delivering you from the people and from the Gentiles - to whom I send you to open their eyes, that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me. "
Acts of the Apostles 26:15-18

In 1 Corinthians 9:1, Paul asks an emphatic question,

"Have I not seen Jesus our Lord?"

In 1 Corinthians 15:8-9, Paul relates,

"Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. For I am the least of the Apostles, unfit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God."

He writes in Galatians 1:11-12 that

"the Gospel preached by me is not of human origin. For I did not receive it from a human being, nor was I taught it, but it came through a revelation of Jesus Christ."

He adds in Galatians 1:15-16,
"When he who had set me apart before I was born, and had called me through his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles."

"On that journey as I drew near to Damascus, about noon a great light from the sky suddenly shone around me. I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’ I replied, ‘Who are you, sir?’ And he said to me, ‘I am Jesus the Nazorean whom you are persecuting.’ My companions saw the light but did not hear the voice of the one who spoke to me. I asked, ‘What shall I do, sir?’ The Lord answered me, ‘Get up and go into Damascus, and there you will be told about everything appointed for you to do.’ Since I could see nothing because of the brightness of that light, I was led by hand by my companions and entered Damascus."
Acts of the Apostles 22:6-11

Poem by Pedro Arrupe, SJ

2009-01-23T22:32:00.000-08:00

I love this quote by Pedro Arrupe, SJ:
Nothing is more practical than finding God, that is, than falling in love in a quite absolute, final way. What you are in love with, what seizes your imagination,will affect everything. It will decide what will get you out of bed in the morning, what you will do with your evenings, how you spend your weekends, what you read, who you know, what breaks your heart, and what amazes you with joy and gratitude. Fall in love; stay in love,and it will decide everything.
Pedro Arrupe s.j.

Priestly Ordination

2009-01-23T22:04:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow on the Feast of St. Francis de Sales Deacon Sean Morris, OMV a member of my community will be ordained to the Priesthood. What a tremendous gift for him, but even more so for our Congregation and for the whole Church. Each priestly ordination is a true sign of hope, that reminds us of God's fidelity towards His Church, I cannot stop thinking about Jesus' words "And behold I will always be with you until the end of time" (Mat 28:20), and also "the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it" (Mat. 16:18). Each new priest renews the presence of Christ in the Church and the world, each new priest open the gates of Mercy towards the whole world. To think that tomorrow our newly ordained priest will be able to celebrate the mystery of the Eucharist and to make Christ present at the altar so that the faithful can be sanctified is simply mind boggling. To think also that this newly ordained priest will be able to hear confessions and bring the Mercy and Healing power of God to all the people of God is also beyond our comprehension, indeed like Isaiah the prophet said "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the LORD. As high as the heavens are above the earth, so high are my ways above your ways and my thoughts above your thoughts." (Is 55:8)
This is a day of rejoicing, when we sing the Mercies of God.

New Headlines

2009-01-23T10:39:00.000-08:00

Headlines On This Date 4 Years Ago:
1. "Republicans spending $42 million on inauguration while troops Die in unarmored Humvees"
2. "Bush extravagance exceeds any reason during tough economic times"
3. "Fat cats get their $42 million inauguration party, Ordinary?Americans get the shaft"

Headlines Today:
1. "Historic Obama Inauguration will cost only $120 million"
2. "Obama Spends $120 million on inauguration; America Needs A Big Party"
3. "Everyman Obama shows America how to celebrate"
4. "Citibank executives contribute $8 million to Obama Inauguration"
Nothing like fair & unbiased coverage of the news !!!? Welcome to the NEW and Unbiased World Order where every ... oops( I mean only Democrats) man is created equal. Just Liberal Democrats are created more equal than others.
Wake up America! There is equality for the Liberal, but God help the middle class and the Conservative.

Gay Marriage - Next Poligamy - Next .....

2009-01-21T22:12:00.000-08:00

Canada's parliament extended full marriage rights to same sex couples in 2005. And today I heard in the news that a man named Winston Blackmore is being charged in Canada for several counts of polygamy. Blackmore happens to have an independent sect of about 400 followers in Bountiful, and he once ran the Canadian arm of the Utah-based Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but he was ejected in 2003 by that group's leader, Warren Jeffs. Jeffs himself is in jail awaiting trial in Arizona on four counts of being an accomplice to sexual conduct with a minor. There you go!
What is interesting in this case is that Blackmore's lawyer who is trying to get his client off the hook from these charges, is advancing the argument that marriage standards in Canada have changed. Thus, "If (homosexuals) in Canada can marry, what is the reason that public policy says one person can't marry more than one person?" If marriage is defined by public perception or acceptance then why not accept also polygamy, after all if a man has the "right" to be joined to another man (man applies to male and female), then why not marry several other men or women or any combination and number whatsoever. As many homosexuals have claimed in California, that their rights are being violated, would not polygamists have the same claim? After all, they also fell in love with each other, and who is going to stop two or more adults from loving each other? Once you opened the door to homosexual marriage, you have opened the possibility indeed to accept polygamy, and any other type of marriage arrangement that fits the whims of the fallen human mind dominated by the passions and the sensual appetites. No surprise here, and indeed this lawyer has a good chance of winning his case!! Sad though!

Some Clever Church signs

2009-01-20T12:14:00.000-08:00

1. Give God what's right.....
not what's left.
2. Man's way leads to hopeless end ......
God's way leads to an endless hope .
3. A lot of kneeling will keep you in
good standing.
4. He who kneels before God can stand
before anyone.
5. In the sentence of life, the devil may
be a comma, but never let him be
the period.
6. Don't put a question mark where God
puts a period.
7. Are you wrinkled with burden?
Come to the church for a face-lift.
8. When praying, don't give God
instructions. ..... just report for duty.
9. Don't wait for six strong men to
take you to church.
10. We don't change God's message..... .
His message changes us.
11. The church is prayer-conditioned.
12 When God ordains, He sustains.
13. WARNING: Exposure to the Son may
prevent burning.
14. Plan ahead......It wasn't raining when
Noah built the ark.

Martin Luther King

2009-01-19T16:06:00.000-08:00

In August 28, 1963 Martin Luther King gave his famous speech "I have a dream" at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC. A historic moment indeed, a witness to the power of prayer, the power of unity, and ultimately a testimony to the inner thirst in the heart of every man for justice and dignity. What a tremendous speech. Here is an excerpt:

"Let us not wallow in the valley of despair, I say to you today, my friends.
And so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.
I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal."
I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.
I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.
I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.
I have a dream today!
I have a dream that one day, down in Alabama, with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of "interposition" and "nullification" -- one day right there in Alabama little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.
I have a dream today!
I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, and every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight; "and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together."
This is our hope, and this is the faith that I go back to the South with.
With this faith, we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith, we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith, we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.
And this will be the day -- this will be the day when all of God's children will be able to sing with new meaning:
My country 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing.
Land where my fathers died, land of the Pilgrim's pride,
From every mountainside, let freedom ring!
And if America is to be a great nation, this must become true."

And what a dream indeed it was and continues to be. The dream has been in part been fulfilled in the change of attitudes of the American people to be more open, to see beyond the color of the skin of people, and a witness to that is the election of Obama who will be inaugurated tomorrow. But the other half of the dream remains unfulfilled, we have learnt not to judge people by their skin color, but we continue to fail to judge people by their character. And this is the sad part of America, our crisis is not a first and foremost a financial one, the most important crisis is the moral crisis of this country, a crisis that is destroying the very freedom that we claim to uphold and even strive for, a crisis that is trampling on the dignity of the people that this alleged freedom is supposed to serve, a crisis that is creating other forms of discrimination and even the violation of the human rights of certain members of our society including the unborn, the elderly, etc. MLK would not be satisfied with the placement of a black man in the presidency as good as that is in terms of breaking the racial prejudices of the American people, MLK if he is true to his word, would have sought the recognition of the dignity of all human beings, MLK would have defended the right to profess our own faith and the recognition that any greatness in our country is due primarily to God's blessing upon our land and our people. MLK would have defended the right to pray and to wait for that day when the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all flesh will see it together!!

Inauguration Day

2009-01-15T20:27:00.000-08:00

As we approach inauguration day I experience a certain feeling of dread. Perhaps I am one of the few that is not so enthused with Obama becoming president. I am amazed to read about the numbers that are expected for his inauguration, it is something amazing, if we talk about popularity, this is perhaps the most popular president in the history of the US at least at the beginning of his presidency. And I give him credit for that, he is certainly charming and that has attracted a lot of people, who have prefered charm to values. But as the day approaches I am reminded of the stark reality that is approaching all of us, the people of this country, and in fact the rest of the world. If he stands on his word, and follows through with his proposed policies to promote legalized abortion and fund all efforts to promote it, then we will be facing one of the darkest periods in human history. I have offered all sorts of prayers for him, one never knows, conversions are possible, but there is always that mystery called free will, and God will never force anybody to love Him or to love somebody else including the unborn. That is a mystery! Yes, I continue to pray, I also know that I need God's mercy as much or more than Obama does, we are all in need of Christ's grace to rescue us from the power of darkness. So I do not judge him, that is God's job, but I cannot remain silent before his proposed plans to continue to eliminate the most vulnerable in our society. God as always is triumphant no matter what happens, yet we invoke His mercy on us and on the whole country!

Miracle in the Hudson

2009-01-15T18:15:00.000-08:00

Reports arrive that about 155 passengers and crew included survived the landing of flight 1549 in the Hudson River. The passengers, the authorities and all those involved in the rescue refer to it as a miracle. And it is indeed a miracle. A miracle for several reasons: first, because when they struck the group of geese, the pilot realized that the engines were dead and asked the passengers to brace for a crash, but according to some passengers, they began to PRAY, I guess there are no atheists in foxholes. Second, the pilot in a miraculous way was able to place the plane on the river without breaking the plane, or submerging the plane, in fact he was able to put it almost perfectly close to land preserving the integrity of the aircraft. Third, people were able to leave the plane in a relative orderly manner, and even those who had to stand on the wings that were submerged, were able to do so without suffering from hypothermia since the freezing waters only covered their ankles. Fourth, due to the intense commercial traffic in the river, it was a perfect spot to place the plane since immediately many of the vessels navigating the Hudson river came to the rescue and were able to remove all the passengers to safety in a prompt manner. Miracle? You bet. And remember the basic definition of miracle as given in wikipedia: A miracle is a visible interruption of the laws of nature, such that can only be explained by DIVINE INTERVENTION! Yeap, Divine intervention, thus, the credit goes primarily to God and also to the pilot that allowed himself to be guided by the HOLY ONE in this amazing adventure. What is amazing is that even the newscasters cannot avoid being reminded that there is indeed a God who is over all and in all :-)

St. Paul's life

2009-01-13T19:08:00.000-08:00

This is a helpful timeline of the life of the Apostle St. Paul in this year dedicated to him :

EVENTS IN THE LIFE OF ST. PAUL

-Born at Tarsus (in modern Turkey) sometime between 7 and 12 AD of Jewish parents who are Roman citizens and traced their ancestry to the tribe of Benjamin (Romans 11:1; Philippians 3:5): 7-12 AD
-Arrival in Jerusalem to study with Gamaliel (Acts 22:3): 30 AD
-Sent as an officer of the Sanhedrin to arrest Christians in Damascus & CONVERSION (Acts 9; 22:6-16; 26:12-18): 36 AD
-3 year sojourn in Arabia and mission to Damascus (Galatians 1:17): 36-39 AD
-Visit to Jerusalem (Galatians 1:18): 39 AD
-Arrival in Antioch in Syria to serve the Christian community (Acts 11:25): 43-44 AD
-1st Missionary JOURNEY (Acts 13-14); name change to Latin “Paulus” : 45-49 AD
-Visit to Jerusalem for the 1st Great Council of the Church (Acts 15): 49-50 AD
- 2nd Missionary JOURNEY (Acts 15:36-18:21): 50-52 AD
-wrote 1 &2 Thessalonians: 51-52 AD
-3rd Missionary JOURNEY (Acts 18:23-21:14): 53-58 AD
-wrote Galatians: 54 AD
-wrote 1 Corinthians: 54 AD
-wrote 2 Corinthians: 57-58 AD
-wrote letter to the Romans: 57-58 AD
- Return to Jerusalem (Acts 21:15-23:22) : Spring of 58 AD
- Hearing with Roman Governor Felix / 2 year imprisonment at Caesarea. (Acts 24-25): 58-60 AD
-4th JOURNEY: Voyage to Rome & shipwreck off the coast of Malta (Acts 27): 60-61 AD
- Paul’s first imprisoned in Rome (Acts 28) : 61-63 AD
-wrote letters to the churches at Colossus, Philemon, Ephesus, Philippi: 61-63 AD
*Voyage to the east and the west (Spain? Voyage to Britain?) letters 1 Timothy & Titus
63-67 AD
Final Roman captivity: 2 Timothy letter: 67 AD
Martyrdom by beheading: 67 AD

Medjugorje and the Plan of Peace from our Lady

2009-01-13T13:07:00.000-08:00

Although Medjugorje has not been approved by the Church and there is currently a commission from the Vatican in charge of investigating the alleged apparitions there, I continue to follow in the footsteps of the spiritual tenets of the messages delivered there by Our Lady. The reason? well, I was converted or brought back to the Catholic Church through Medjugorje, and I will gladly accept any decisions the Church will make in regards to the authenticity of such private revelations. So my point in this little blog entry is basically to remind myself and others who may read this blog, of the five pillars of the Medjugorje Message. Many have said that in the same way that David was able to bring down and kill the giant Goliath with five stones he had in his pocket (he actually used only one of the five), so we have been given five weapons to attack the strongholds of the enemy and to overcome the powers of darkness. These five weapons or pillars are:

1. Prayer of the Heart, which includes the recitation of the Holy Rosary

2. The daily reading of Holy Scripture and meditation on the Word of God

3. The worthy reception of the Sacrament of the Eucharist as often as possible

4. The practice of renunciation and penance, especially the practice of fasting

5. The need for conversion and ongoing transformation, especially by the frequent participation in the sacrament of confession.

I think these five pillars are very important, and although one may add others, these are certainly fundamental to any solid Christian spirituality.

Worldwide conflicts

2009-01-13T13:01:00.000-08:00

As most of the attention in the news goes to the conflicts in the middle East, Israel, Gaza, Afghanistan, and Irak, there is the risk of forgetting about the many other major conflicts going on throughout the world. The following link provides a great summary of other worldwide conflicts, and reminds us of our duty to pray for peace and to strive for justice, solidarity and charity.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28584056/

OMV Provincial Assembly

2009-01-12T18:38:00.000-08:00

Many of you may be wondering what on earth I am doing these days in Boston. Asides from experiencing freezing temperatures :-) :-) :-) I am gathered here with some of my Oblate brothers of my province as well as with the Rector Major of the whole congregation. We are gathered here to provide input to the precapitular commission for the General chapter of the Congregation of the Oblates what will take place in France in the month of July. This chapter will elect a new Rector Major and will provide a vision and plan for the congregation for the next 6 years. The provincial assembly will also provide a vision for our province that is in harmony with the vision of the whole congregation. It is an important period of prayer, reflection, discernment, and decision making. So please pray for us as we begin tonight the whole process that will last till the late hours of Sunday January the 18th. I should be back in the Parish on the 19th of this month. Blessings to all of you!

Getting along

2009-01-12T13:48:00.000-08:00

I love this video. If animals can get along, why can't we do the same as human beings? why so much hatred, discrimination, injustice and simple prejudice?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBtFTF2ii7U

More on Tebow - College Football

2009-01-12T13:38:00.000-08:00

I was amazed after reading more about the life of Tim Tebow, the great Christian QB about whom I have written before. What struck me this time is an article in Lifenews about him. According to the article Tim Tebow could have been aborted if his mother would have followed doctor's directions to abort her baby. Pam Tebow and her husband were Christian missionaries in the Philippines in 1985 and they prayed for "Timmy" before she became pregnant. Pam entered into a coma after she contracted amoebic dysentery, an infection of the intestine caused by a parasite found in a contaminated food or drink. The treatment for the medical condition would require strong medications that doctors told Pam had caused irreversible damage to Tim -- so they advised her to have an abortion. Pam Tebow refused the abortion and cited her Christian faith as the reason for her hope that her son would be born without the devastating disabilities physicians predicted. Pam ultimately spent the last two months of her pregnancy in bed and, eventually, gave birth to a health baby boy in August 1987. Is not that amazing? How many babies continue to be aborted that could have been perhaps governors, priests, doctors, perhaps even the Pope. When we will get through our thick skulls that ALL life is sacred and must be respected and loved from the moment of conception till the moment of natural death? May the Lord have mercy on us, stubborn and selfish creatures!!!

Saints: Martyred mother and 4 daugthers in Spain- 1936

2009-01-11T08:51:00.000-08:00

Martyred mother and four daughters role models for World Meeting of Families
Taken from
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=14736

Mexico City, Jan 10, 2009 / 02:28 am (CNA).- Among the five families Pope Benedict XVI has chosen as role models for the upcoming Sixth World Meeting of Families is the family of Maria Teresa Ferragud Roig, who suffered martyrdom along with her four daughters during the Spanish Civil War.
According to the AVAN news agency, Maria Teresa, who was born in Algemesi, was 83 years old when on October 25, 1936, the feast of Christ the King, she asked to accompany her four daughters, all cloistered nuns, to their executions. She also asked their captors to be executed last in order to encourage each one her daughters to die courageously for the faith. The five women died that day in Alzira (Valencia) and were beatified in 2001 by Pope John Paul II, together with 229 other martyrs of the religious persecution of 1936.
Ramon Fita, an official from the diocesan commission for the causes of the saints, told the AVAN agency that the selection of the Ferragud family as a model of the Christian family by Benedict XVI is “a joy for our diocese and for the universal Church.”
The four daughters of Maria Teresa Ferragud had taken refuge at home once the Spanish Civil War broke out. Militants arrested the nuns, but the mother “wanted to follow them and not leave them abandoned,” telling the executors: ‘Wherever my daughters are going, I’m going too,’ Fita said.
Three of the nuns, Maria Jesus, Maria Felicidad and Maria Veronica were Poor Clares, while the fourth, Josefa, was a Discalced Augustinian.
The other four families selected to be role models for the World Meeting of Families include the Basilio and Emilia family, who lived in 4th century Turkey and had nine children, four of whom became saints; Senator Gordiano and his wife Silvia, the parents of Pope Gregory the Great, who lived in the 6th century; Blessed Luigi and Maria Beltrame Quaatrochi of the 20th century, the first married couple to be raised to the altar; and Blesseds Louis Martin and Marie Zelie Guerin, who lived during the 19th century and were the parents of St. Therese of Lisieux.
The Sixth World Meeting of Families will be celebrated January 14-18 in Mexico City.

Israel and Hamas

2009-01-10T21:29:00.000-08:00

The conlfict between Israel and Hamas is not a new one. Unfortunately it has led to the situation which we observe in the news. Many would agree that Israel has a right to defend itself from the attacks by Hamas. Many would also say that Hamas is a terrorist group. And although I would not disagree with the last two statements, I have a problem with the way that Israel seems to be conducting this war, which begins to bring back memories from the war in Lebanon in 2006. The Catholic Church has spoken about the need to end this conflic, and it is now speaking boldly on behalf of the Palestinians. Since the beginning of the war it seems like the amount of civilian casualties increases day by day at alarming proportions. The living situations for the Palestinians are described as inhuman, no water, no electricity in many places, no food, and no medical supplies. The world cannot simply remain quiet and again not speak on behalf of our Palestinians brothers, and yes, we must remember that not all Palestinians are members of Hamas, and that not all Palestinians are terrorists. In fact many of the victims in this war have been defenseless children and women, innocent victims. But the world is afraid to criticize Israel for its inhuman actions. Many Catholic Bishops suppported by the Pope are traveling right now to Bethlehem to speak on behalf of the innocent. Violence as they say is specially evil when it blocks humanitarian relief efforts badly needed to provide for the most basic needs of the Palestinians. We cannot ignore the unjust attack of Israel to a school under the care of the UN that has bombed by Israel killing about 40 children, because according to Israel some men from Hamas had sought refuge there. We have lost the sense of justice, and we cannot remain blind to some of the atrocities being committed in the name of self-defense. To fight terrorism we cannot become terrorists ourselves and destroy the lives of innocent people as terrorists do. That is a contradiction. And again, unfortunately, it seems like Israel did not learn its lesson from the Lebanon war. We must pray for an end to this conflict and for and end to all violence and unjust aggressions both from Hamas side and the Jewish state as well.

College Football

2009-01-10T10:30:00.001-08:00

After the win of Florida over OU, a lot of debate is going on about what team should be number one. Certainly Florida is a great team, but a lot of people are feeling unhappy especially in Utah after their team went undefeated and beat Alabama in their last game. But one thing is for sure the QB for Florida is one of the best men in the field, again not only for his athletic abilities that have already given him a Heissman Trophy but more importantly because of his commitment to his faith, a person that has helped the poor in many places and even lived among lepers for a while, to be another Christ to these people. He also had the audacity of playing while making a statement about his faith placing the JOHN 3:16 on his eye black for everybody to see. That requires courage and conviction. No matter what happens Tebow is a real winner, he chose the best, to be a man of God, a disciple of Christ.

The Holocaust of the Unborn

2009-01-09T23:08:00.000-08:00

A few years ago, I had the chance to visit the Holocaust memorial in Boston. At the end of the exhibit there was a plaque with a poem written by Friedrich Gustav Emil Martin Niemöller (14 January 1892 – 6 March 1984) a prominent German anti-Nazi and Lutheran pastor. The famous poem says:

"First they came for the communists, and I did not speak up because I was not a communist; Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak up because I was not a Jew; Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak up because I was not a trade unionist; Then they came for the Catholics, and I did not speak up because I was a Protestant; Then they came for me and by that time no one was left to speak up for me. "

It is one of the most amazing poems, and I have often reflected on how similar it is to our situation today when many of us continue to be silent about the continual holocaust that is taking place in our midst. Just in the US over 4000 babies die daily to this heinous and horrifying action of the abortion industry. And how many of us continue to be silent and/or uninvolved. We do not see the faces of these babies, we do not hear them screaming, we do not smell the crematory ovens, nope, we have learnt to avoid the awful reminders of massive holocausts, we have become more sophisticated technologically to avoid painful reminders that may make us feel uncomfortable, and we remain silent, silent when the blood of our brothers and sisters continues to be spilled all over our land every minute of our lives. May the Lord have mercy on us! Talk about devotion to the tears of our Lord!!!

More on the US Economy

2009-01-09T18:08:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7IrR3o7x1ps

This video is hilarious. Spend yourself into prosperity! Goes along with my comment on the economy below :-)

Devotion to the Tears of Our Lord

2009-01-09T15:23:00.000-08:00

Recently I read an article about the Devotion to the Tears of Our Blessed Mother. I had never heard about such devotion, obviously is linked to Our Lady of Sorrows. What really amazed me is that I have been preaching in quite a few retreats about the fact that I never noticed anybody mentioning or having any devotion to the tears of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Certainly as Scriptures tell us Jesus wept. When I went to the Holy Land many years ago, I had the opportunity to visit a chapel that is shaped in the form of a tear in the Mount of Olives, Dominus Flevit, where our Lord wept at the sight of Jerusalem and the hardness of hearts of its inhabitants. Certainly we can also think that if our Lord perspired drops of blood in Gethsemani during His agony, then it is also very likely that He also wept at that moment. Oh precious tears, who could collect those tears. We have a tremendous devotion to the Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ, and rightly so, since it continues to be the source of the efficacy of our redemption. But why not a devotion to the tears of our Lord, He who wept out of sorrow and compassion for each one of us. If He shed His blood for us we can certainly be sure that through His passion and crucifixion He also shed His tears to the last drop, in sorrow and pain. If only we could understand how precious those tears are, they are symbols of the Merciful heart of Jesus and His tremendous love for each one of us, and they are also a reminder of the pain that our sins have truly inflicted upon the fullness of the humanity of Christ. Certainly a devotion has to speak to a person, and where that person is at in his/her spiritual journey, I am just surprised that I have never read anywhere about such devotion, in fact I never heard of such a thing from any priest or religious throughout my whole seminary formation. Perhaps such devotion already exists, I am simply unaware of it.

US Economy

2009-01-08T21:29:00.000-08:00

I read in another column the following stats:

By the end of last month, Paulson and Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke had engineered loans, pledges and guarantees of more than $7.4 trillion to the financial elite that was responsible for creating the economic crisis in which we find ourselves today:
March 11: $200 billion in loans to financial institutions
March 16: $29 billion in loans to J.P. Morgan Chase
July 30: $300 billion housing bill
Sept. 7: $200 billion for the U.S. Treasury to assume Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac's debt
Sept. 16: $85 billion to AIG and $70 billion injected into the financial system
Sept. 19: $50 billion pledged to support Money Market funds
Sept. 29: $150 billion made available to U.S. banks and $330 billion made available to foreign banks
Oct. 3: $700 billion in Paulson's bailout package
Oct. 7: $1.3 trillion in purchase debt from companies
Oct. 8: $38 billion in additional loans to AIG
Oct. 14: $1.4 trillion in FDIC guarantees of interbank loans
Nov. 24: $20 billion loaned to Citigroup with the Treasury Department assuming responsibility for 90 percent of Citigroup's $306 billion in debt
Nov. 25: $600 billion in loans for mortgage-backed assets and $200 billion in loans for consumer-backed assets

There's likely a lot more of this on the way.
Is any of it working? Is the economy better off today than it was before this spending spree?

This is amazing, and yet we still want to think that everything is going to be O.K. It is simply a matter of allocating more government money somewhere else and things will eventually fall into place. The new elect president is calling for even more money packages.

The Pope has however given us the way out of this financial crisis that would eventually lead us to hope. His formula is simple, three ingredients: justice, sobriety/simplicity, and solidarity. If we really want to address the financial crisis then we must address these three issues. Justice is needed so that greedy people will not take advantage of those who are most vulnerable, people should try to avoid by the Golden rule and we would avoid so many headaches. A sense of simplicity is needed, we have too many things and most of them are superfluous, we live in a materialistic society that incites us to consumerism and to believe that the more we have the happier we will be, and we have bought into this lie. What people need to realize is that money is not everything, that perhaps God and family are the greatest treasures they have and they must learn to live simply and with a spirit of solidarity that considers the needs of those who are truly suffering and living in need. Our self-centered mentality is closed to the reality that in many countries people are starving and dying because of lack of basic vital resources, we simply lack sensibility and a sense of compassion. Even within our own borders we have many people that need our hand and support but we are too concerned with our own desires and whims that we have not time to go beyond ourselves and reach out to those who are in need and especially those who suffer. I think the Pope has give us a great formula to solve the crisis, it is a formula that implies the transformation of the hearts and minds of the people and not simply the pouring of more millions of dollars here and there, especially when most of that money will actually go to those same greedy people that got us into this mess to begin with.

College Football

2009-01-08T14:39:00.000-08:00

I have to admit that I really like College Football. I am a Longhorn fan all the way and this year I could not avoid cheering for the Texas QB as he played in some of the most exciting games of the year. What amazed me about Colt McCoy was his commitment to his faith as well as his determination to do his best in the field. I was amazed to see the interview right after Texas defeated Ohio in the Fiesta Bowl. The first words that came out of the MVP of the game had to do with this recognition of God not only as his personal Lord and Savior but also as the One who deserves the credit for the victory. It is great to see young people willing to stand for their faith and their values in the midst of a society that keeps mocking Christianity and its adherents. Today is another day, and today is Florida's QB who is in the spotlight. I happen to like OU's QB simply because he is a great passer, but I have to say that Tebow is not only one of the greatest QBs I have ever seen, but also another man that is openly committed to his Christian faith. And that is what distinguishes Tebow and McCoy from the rest, their excellence as athletes in two of the top football programs in the nation, but even better their open commitment to their Christian faith inside and outside the field.