Happy New Year!

I wish you all a healthy, happy and Blessed New Year!

Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God

January 1 is the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God

It is a Holy Day of Obligation, which means that Catholics are required to attend Mass.

www.masstimes.org

Like the Churches of the East, Rome wished to honor the Virgin Mother of God during the days after Christmas. As a result the ("Anniversary of St. Mary") made its appearance on January 1 in the seventh century; it has accurately been called "the first Marian feast of the Roman liturgy." — The Church at Prayer

On New Year's Day, the octave day of Christmas, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Holy Mother of God. The divine and virginal motherhood of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a singular salvific event: for Our Lady it was the foretaste and cause of her extraordinary glory; for us it is a source of grace and salvation because "through her we have received the Author of life" (127).

The solemnity of 1 January, an eminently Marian feast, presents an excellent opportunity for liturgical piety to encounter popular piety: the first celebrates this event in a manner proper to it; the second, when duly catechised, lends joy and happiness to the various expressions of praise offered to Our Lady on the birth of her divine Son, to deepen our understanding of many prayers, beginning with that which says: "Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us, sinners."

In the West, 1 January is an inaugural day marking the beginning of the civil year. The faithful are also involved in the celebrations for the beginning of the new year and exchange "new year" greetings. However, they should try to lend a Christian understanding to this custom making of these greetings an expression of popular piety. The faithful, naturally, realize that the "new year" is placed under the patronage of the Lord, and in exchanging new year greetings they implicitly and explicitly place the New Year under the Lord's dominion, since to him belongs all time (cf. Ap 1, 8; 22,13)(128).

A connection between this consciousness and the popular custom of singing the Veni Creator Spiritus can easily be made so that on 1 January the faithful can pray that the Spirit may direct their thoughts and actions, and those of the community during the course of the year (129).

New Year greetings also include an expression of hope for a peaceful New Year. This has profound biblical, Christological and incarnational origins. The "quality of peace" has always been invoked throughout history by all men, and especially during violent and destructive times of war.

The Holy See shares the profound aspirations of man for peace. Since 1967, 1 January has been designated "world day for peace."

Popular piety has not been oblivious to this initiative of the Holy See. In the light of the new born Prince of Peace, it reserves this day for intense prayer for peace, education towards peace and those values inextricably linked with it, such as liberty, fraternal solidarity, the dignity of the human person, respect for nature, the right to work, the sacredness of human life, and the denunciation of injustices which trouble the conscience of man and threaten peace.

Rookie head coach finds winning combination, takes team to playoffs

I'm a NY Giants fan, but reading something like this makes me want to cheer for the Ravens :).

One day this fall, John Harbaugh walked into a barbershop near his home. As the wholesome-looking 46-year-old sat in the barber's chair, a young hairdresser carefully snipped his closely cropped brown hair.

"What are you doing this weekend?" she asked casually.

"Oh, I don't know," he replied, "a little bit of this and that."

The hairdresser kept up her poker face a little longer. She was trying to tease a man whose visage has quickly become one of the more recognizable in the region.

A year ago, Harbaugh, a lifelong Catholic, was plucked from relative obscurity to become the third head coach in Baltimore Ravens history. As the regular season of the National Football League came to a close in late December, he had achieved an 11-5 record and taken his team into the playoffs.

It was Harbaugh who revived Catholic Masses for the Ravens after several years without them. He also attends a weekly Bible study at the training facility with his fellow coaches. Even though Sundays are the most high-pressure days of his life, Harbaugh said it's critical to make time for God.

story here

Warren's inauguration prayer could draw more ire

Too funny.  Some non-Christians are concerned that Rick Warren will invoke the name of Jesus at Barry's inauguration.  I guess they're forgetting a couple things: The 1st amendment guarantees us freedom of religion,  it doesn't ban religion.  Also, the vast majority of people in this country (over 80%)  identify themselves as Christian.

President-elect Barack Obama's choice of Rick Warren to deliver the inaugural invocation drew one kind of protest. Whether the evangelical pastor offers the prayer in the name of Jesus may draw another. At George W. Bush's 2001 swearing-in, the Revs. Franklin Graham and Kirbyjon Caldwell were criticized for invoking Christ. The distinctly Christian reference at a national civic event offended some, and even prompted a lawsuit.
Warren did not answer directly when asked whether he would dedicate his prayer to Jesus. In a statement Tuesday to The Associated Press, Warren would say only that, "I'm a Christian pastor so I will pray the only kind of prayer I know how to pray."

story here

St. Sylvester I, pope

The Saint of the Day for December 31 is St. Sylvester I, Pope

St. Sylvester, a native Roman, was chosen by God to govern His holy Church during the first years of Her temporal prosperity and triumph over Her persecuting enemies. Pope Melchiades died in January, 314. St. Sylvester was chosen as his successor. He governed the Church for more than twenty-one years, ably organizing the discipline of the Roman Church, and taking part in the negotiations concerning Arianism and the Council of Nicaea. He also sent Legates to the first Ecumenical Council.

During his Pontificate were built the great churches founded at Rome by Constantine — the Basilica and baptistery of the Lateran, the Basilica of the Sessorian palace (Santa Croce), the Church of St. Peter in the Vatican, and several cemeterial churches over the graves of martyrs. No doubt St. Sylvester helped towards the construction of these churches. He was a friend of Emperor Constantine, confirmed the first General Council of Nicaea (325), and gave the Church a new discipline for the new era of peace. He might be called the first "peace Pope" after centuries of bloody persecution. He also established the Roman school of singing. On the Via Salaria he built a cemeterial church over the Catacomb of St. Priscilla, and it was in this church that he was buried when he died on December 31, 335.

Numerous legends dramatize his life and work, e.g., how he freed Constantine from leprosy by baptism; how he killed a ferocious dragon that was contaminating the air with his poisonous breath. Such legends were meant to portray the effects of baptism and Christianity's triumph over idolatry. For a long time the feast of St. Sylvester was a holyday of obligation.

The Son Rise Morning Show

The Son Rise Morning Show will be airing on EWTN radio starting in January. It will air 7 a.m. - 8 a.m. EST. I heard the host, Brian Patrick, on Catholic Connection with Teresa Tomeo this morning, and it sounds like it will be a pretty good show. There are 3 ways you can listen:
1. To find EWTN radio in your area, go to http://www.ewtn.com/ and click on Radio.
2. You can also listen online there, if there isn't a station in your area.
3. You can listen on Sirius Satellite radio.



http://sonrisemorningshow.blogspot.com/

Blagojevich Appoints Pro-Abortion Roland Burris to Obama's Senate Seat

Anyone surprised?

Blago replaces one pro-abort with another, but the Senate may not even confirm him.

Embattled Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich is expected to name pro-abortion former state attorney general Roland Burris to fill the remainder of Barack Obama's term in the Senate. However, the Senate may reject Burris' appointment because of accusations that Blagojevich engaged in a pay-to-play scandal.

Blagojevich has been under fire for weeks that he attempted to obtain significant campaign donations, a job or a seat on a board of directors in exchange for appointing someone Obama favored to his seat.

Top Obama aides, including his selection as White House chief of staff, Rahm Emanuel, are coming under fire for reportedly talking to Blagojevich about the appointment.

story here

Roland Burris Watered Down Abortion-Infanticide Law Barack Obama Refused to Fix

Senate, Illinois May Block Pro-Abortion Burris Pick, Potential Supreme Court Fight

Pro-Abortion Roland Burris Files Lawsuit to Replace Barack Obama in Senate

Sarah Palin's Daughter Bristol Gives Birth to Son, Abortion Was Campaign Issue

Congrats to Bristol and Levi!

The daughter of former vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin has given birth to a son after her teenage pregnancy sparked a debate over abortion during the campaign. Reports indicate 18-year-old Bristol Palin gave birth to Tripp Easton Mitchell Johnston on Saturday.

Although the governor's office plans to release no information about the birth, calling it a private, family matter, Bristol's grandmother's sister Colleen Jones talked about the birth with People magazine.

story here

Sarah Palin Speaks Out on the Birth of Her Grandson Tripp, Teen Pregnancy

And speaking of babies, here's a big one:

Orange County Mother Gives Birth to 14-Pound Baby

As Israel attacks Gaza Strip, residents fear it's just the beginning

Some members of my family are now in Israel visiting the Holy Land. I ask you to please keep them, and all people in the area, in your prayers.

After three days of Israeli attacks on Hamas in the Gaza Strip, a local parish priest said the buildings are shaking, the bombing is continuous and "they are bombarding us like the demon."

"We are only at the beginning," said Msgr. Manuel Musallam, pastor of Holy Family Parish in Gaza City, in a telephone interview with Catholic News Service Dec. 29. He added that he feared another intifada, or Palestinian uprising.

"We will fight against all hope. We pray and we ask God to find a solution," said the priest who is maintaining contact with parishioners through text messaging.

story here

URGENT CALL FOR PEACE IN THE HOLY LAND

NUNCIO CALLS FOR HUMANITARIAN CORRIDOR IN GAZA

St. Egwin

The Saint of the Day for Dcember 30 is St. Egwin.

You say you’re not familiar with today’s saint? Chances are you aren’t—unless you’re especially informed about Benedictine bishops who established monasteries in medieval England.
Born of royal blood in the 7th century, Egwin entered a monastery and was enthusiastically received by royalty, clergy and the people as the bishop of Worcester, England. As a bishop he was known as a protector of orphans and the widowed and a fair judge. Who could argue with that?

His popularity didn’t hold up among members of the clergy, however. They saw him as overly strict, while he felt he was simply trying to correct abuses and impose appropriate disciplines. Bitter resentments arose, and Egwin made his way to Rome to present his case to Pope Constantine. The case against Egwin was examined and annulled.

Upon his return to England, he founded Evesham Abbey, which became one of the great Benedictine houses of medieval England. It was dedicated to Mary, who had reportedly made it known to Egwin just where a church should be built in her honor.

He died at the abbey on December 30, in the year 717. Following his burial many miracles were attributed to him: The blind could see, the deaf could hear, the sick were healed.

Attorney Generals to Challenge President Bush's New Abortion Rules for Docs

Wow.  These pro-aborts are truly rabid over their right to kill babies, and in their determination to force everyone to participate in abortion.

Attorney General Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut says he will lead a fight against a federal rule issued by the Bush administration to protect doctors and medical facilities from being pressured to participate in abortions. The rule enforces federal law protecting the conscience rights of medical professionals.

Though the new regulations have nothing to do with birth control, Blumenthal is echoing the arguments from leading pro-abortion groups who claim its access will be adversely impacted by them.

story here

New York Times Blasted for Criticizing Pro-Life Catholic Investing Program

What goes around,  comes around.

With the current financial problems at the New York Times, perhaps the newspaper's editorial board should refrain from attacking potential subscribers and investors. That's the feeling of pro-life advocates upset that the newspaper recently blasted a pro-life Catholic investment program.

Ave Maria Mutual Funds, a family of mutual funds created for serious investors who are pro-life and don't want their investments supporting pro-abortion corporations, has been around for years.

Last week, the editorial board of the New York Times, in an online blog, criticized Ave Maria Mutual Funds for running a radio ad on the Laura Ingraham show promoting its work. Are you serious?  Is the NY Times saying that Ave Maria Funds doesn't have a right to advertise?  This is a prime example of the liberal left trying to muzzle any voice of morality in society.

story here

NY Times Slams Ave Maria Funds for being too Catholic

Huge Catholic mass in Madrid seeks to promote family values

The liberal media would have us believe that everyone supports abortion, but pro-life events such as this Mass show us otherwise; the majority of people do NOT support abortion.

Hundreds of thousands of people Sunday attended an open-air Catholic mass in Madrid designed to promote family values in a country where the Socialist government has undertaken sweeping social reforms.
Pope Benedict XVI addressed the faithful from Rome on giant screens set up in the Plaza Colon.
"Dear families, don't allow love, the opening to life and the incomparable links that unite our family to become distorted," the pope said in his Sunday Angelus prayer.
The Archbishop of Madrid, Antonio Maria Rouco Varela, issued an appeal against "the shocking cruelty" of abortion, calling on families to overcome the "culture of death."

story here

Women Increasingly Leading Nationwide Pro-Life Battle Against Abortions

St. Thomas Becket

The Saint of the Day for December 29 is St. Thomas Becket

Thomas Becket was born in 1118 of a merchant family. He studied in London and Paris, entered the service of Archbishop Theobald of Canterbury, became Lord Chancellor under King Henry II in 1155, and in 1162 Archbishop of Canterbury. Till then a submissive courtier, he now initiated a fearless struggle against the king for the freedom of the Church and the inviolability of ecclesiastical property, occasioning his imprisonment, exile, and finally martyrdom (December 29, 1170). Canonization came quickly (1173); in 1539 King Henry VIII ordered his remains burned.

Formerly the Breviary included this summary of the saint's last days: "Calumniators informed the king that the bishop was agitating against him and the peace of the realm; and the king retorted that with one such priest he could not live in peace. Hearing the royal displeasure, several godless courtiers agreed to do their sovereign a favor by assassinating Thomas. Secretly they traveled to Canterbury and fell upon the bishop while he was attending Vespers. His priests rushed to his aid and tried to bar the church door; Thomas opened it himself with these words: The house of God may not be defended like a fortress. I gladly face death for the Church of God. Then to the soldiers: I command it in the Name of God: No harm may be done to any of mine. Thereupon he cast himself on his knees, commended his flock and himself to God, to the Blessed Virgin Mary, to St. Denis and other holy patrons of his church, and with the same heroic courage with which he had withstood the king's laws, he bowed his holy head to the sacrilegious sword on December 29, 1170."

With all the strength that is given us for the defense of God's rights, we must resist those who seek to subject the Church to their power, even if they are those to whom on other grounds we owe service. In St. Thomas of Canterbury the Church celebrates one of her great bishops; by applying to him the Gospel of the Good Shepherd she venerates in him the true pastor of Christ's flock who gave his life for his sheep.

Movie Review: Marley and Me - PG

I took my nephews to see "Marley and Me" today. The main characters are John and Jenny Grogan (Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston). Initially, they are childless and have only a puppy (Marley of course :), but by the end of the movie they have 3 children. I noticed how well both characters were gradually aged during the progression of the movie. They both write for newspapers, and John's column focuses on the exploits of Marley. It was sad to note how much Marley ages in comparison to them.



Content warnings: While on vacation in an Irish Cottage, their bedroom has pictures of Jesus, Mary and Pope John Paul II and John and Jenny make a couple of cracks about having sex in front of them.

In a couple of moments, John and Jenny each seem to regret the sacrifices they have made because of raising a family. Almost a "having kids sucks" kind of moment. In their defense, they do acknowledge the importance of their family.

I have never been a huge Owen Wilson fan, but both he and Jennifer Aniston play their roles well. Overall, a good movie....a bit of an emotional roller coaster. Many funny moments, but the ending is very sad...have your tissues ready.


http://www.marleyandmemovie.com/

Feast of the Holy Family

Sunday December 28 is the Feast of the Holy Family

Marriage is too often conceived as the sacrament which unites a man and a woman to form a couple. In reality, marriage establishes a family, and its purpose is to increase the number of the elect, through the bodily and spiritual fecundity of the Christian spouses.

1. Every marriage intends children. Although Mary and Joseph were not united in a carnal way, their marriage is a true marriage: an indissoluble, exclusive union, wholly subordinated to the child. Mary and Joseph are united only in order to bring Jesus into the world, to protect and raise him. They have only one child, but he contains the whole of mankind, even as Isaac, an only child, fulfilled the promise made to Abraham of a countless progeny.

2. The purpose of every marriage is to establish a Christian family. The Holy Family observed the religious laws of Israel; it went in pilgrimage to Jerusalem every year with other Jewish families (Lk. 2:41). Jesus saddens and amazes his father and his mother because to their will and company he prefers "to be in his Father's house". Thus it may happen that God's will obliges the family to make disconcerting sacrifices. Yet every Christian family must live in harmony and in prayer, which are the pledges of joy and union.

3. "He remained obedient to them." Jesus was God. And through the fullness of grace Mary stood above Joseph. Nevertheless — if we except the event in the Temple — Joseph remained the head of the family; he took the initiative (as when the Holy Family fled to Egypt), and in Nazareth Jesus obeyed his parents.

The Holy Family

Abortion and Intolerance: Constants of the Left?

This caught my eye, because this is exactly what we can expect here in the U.S. from Barry's administration beginning in January.

Spain is now undergoing Socialist Party president Zapatero’s second term. These past years have seen the rampant growth of anti-Catholic and anti-life positions in the government, positions that seem often to go hand-in-hand.

Right now the Spanish congress, dominated by Zapatero’s party, is debating a liberalization of Spain’s abortion laws. Abortion is supposedly legal only for cases of rape, “fetal defect,” and danger to the mother’s physical or psychological health. In the case of rape and fetal defect the law allows abortions between 12 and 22 first weeks of pregnancy. For the “health” exception, however, there are no time limits. Essentially, no restriction at all.

story here

St. John the Evangelist

The Saint of the Day for December 27 is St. John the Evangelist

St. John, the Evangelist, who is styled in the Gospel, "the beloved disciple", was a Galilean, son of Zebedee and Salome, and brother to St. James the Greater, both of whom were fishermen. The two were called by Jesus to be disciples as they were mending their nets by the Sea of Galilee.

Jesus showed St. John particular instances of kindness and affection above all the rest. He had the happiness to be present with Peter and James at the Transfiguration of Christ, and was permitted to witness His agony in the Garden. He was allowed to rest on Our Savior's bosom at the Last Supper, and to him Jesus confided the care of His holy Mother as He hung dying on the Cross.

St. John was the only one of the Apostles who did not forsake the Savior in the hour of His Passion and Death.

It seems that St. John remained for a long time in Jerusalem, but that his later years were spent at Ephesus, whence he founded many churches in Asia Minor. St. John wrote his Gospel after the other Evangelists, about sixty-three years after the Ascension of Christ; also three Epistles, and the wonderful and mysterious Book of the Apocalypse or Revelation. He was brought to Rome and, according to tradition, was cast into a caldron of boiling oil by order of Emperor Domitian. Like the Three Children in the fiery furnace of Babylon, he was miraculously preserved unhurt.

He was later exiled to the Island of Patmos, where he wrote the Apocalypse, but afterwards returned to Ephesus.

In his extreme old age he continued to visit the churches of Asia. St. Jerome relates that when age and weakness grew upon him so that he was no longer able to preach to the people, he would be carried to the assembly of the faithful by his disciples, with great difficulty; and every time said to his flock only these words: "My dear children, love one another."

St. John died in peace at Ephesus in the third year of Trajan (as seems to be gathered from Eusebius' history of the Saint); that is, the hundredth of the Christian era, or the sixty-sixth from the crucifixion of Christ, St. John then being about ninety-four years old, according to St. Epiphanus.

St. Stephen

The Saint of the day for December 26 is St. Stephen.

The deacon Stephen, stoned in Jerusalem two years after the death of Christ, has always been the object of very special veneration by the faithful. He is the first martyr. The account in the Acts of the Apostles relating his arrest and the accusations brought against him emphasize the parallel with our Saviour's trial; he was stoned outside the city wall and died, like his Master, praying for his executioners.

Stephen belongs to the group of seven deacons whom the Apostles associated with their work in order to lighten their load. He was "filled with faith and with the Holy Spirit," "full of grace and strength" he showed himself as a man of God, radiating divine grace and apostolic zeal. As the first witness to Christ he confronted his opponents with quiet courage and the promise made by Jesus (Mark 13.11) was fulfilled: ". . .Disputing with Stephen they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit that spoke."

In St. Stephen, the first martyr, the liturgy emphasizes the imitator of Christ even to the extent of the complete gift of self, to the extent of that great charity which made him pray in his suffering for his executioners. By establishing the feast on the day after Christmas the Church draws an even closer comparison between the disciple and the Master and thus extends his witness to the whole mission of the redeeming Messiah.

Vatican Nativity scene unveiled

The Vatican unveiled its Nativity scene in St. Peter’s Square at dusk on Christmas Eve. Workmen dropped a white curtain, and a few hundred camera flashes went off as a Vatican police band played. The scene changes a bit each year, and this one featured smaller home settings alongside Jesus’ manger in Bethlehem. A fountain and a hearth represented regeneration and light.


story here


Pope greets Christmas with appeal for abused kids

Merry Christmas!

I wish all of you a blessed and Merry Christmas!





Blogging will be light over the holiday. Here is a Christmas reflection from Apostleship of Prayer

Vatican embraces iTunes prayer book

The Vatican is endorsing new technology that brings the book of daily prayers used by priests straight onto iPhones.

The Vatican's Pontifical Council for Social Communications is embracing the iBreviary, an iTunes application created by a technologically savvy Italian priest, the Rev. Paolo Padrini, and an Italian Web designer.

The application includes the Breviary prayer book - in Italian, English, Spanish, French and Latin and, in the near future, Portuguese and German. Another section includes the prayers of the daily Mass, and a third contains various other prayers.

After a free trial period in which the iBreviary was downloaded approximately 10,000 times in Italy, an official version was released earlier this month, Padrini said.

story here

CALIFORNIA PRIEST ISSUES FOLLOW-UP LETTER ON CATHOLICS, VOTING

This is really sad. This priest, Fr. Illo did the right thing by advising Catholics who voted for Obama, the most radical pro-abort ever elected President, to go to confession. The tragic part is that his Bishop not only did NOT back him up, but made him issue a follow-up to "clarify" (water down) his accurate teaching.

Father Joseph Illo, the California priest who last month exhorted Catholics who voted for pro-abortion candidates to go to Confession, has issued a second letter modifying his views. The priest of the Diocese of Stockton wrote on Friday, “I realize that (my previous letter) goes beyond what the Church has actually stated.” He added, “The Church does not state that voting for a candidate who promotes the practice of abortion is always a mortal sin.”

Stockton Bishop Stephen Blaire “appreciates that Father Illo made some necessary clarifications,” his spokesman said yesterday. Fr. Illo was correct the first time. NO clarification was needed. “The bishop would like to highlight the two areas that required clarification: No one can make general statements about the imputability of guilt. Each person in his or her own conscience stands before God. And second, no one can make general statements assuming the intentions that people have when they vote.”

story here

From the Catechism:

2322 From its conception, the child has the right to life. Direct abortion, that is, abortion willed as an end or as a means, is a "criminal" practice (GS 27 § 3), gravely contrary to the moral law. The Church imposes the canonical penalty of excommunication for this crime against human life.

PC Christmas Hymns

Paul Nichols laments what the "PC Police" are doing to Christmas Hymns in the UK.

http://catholiccartoonblog.blogspot.com/

St. John of Kanty

The Saint of the Day for December 23 is St. John of Kanty.

John Cantius was born in the year 1397 in the Polish town of Kanty (whence his surname). He became a professor of theology, then parish priest; soon, however, he returned to the professor's chair at the University of Cracow. On foot he visited the holy places of Rome and Palestine. One day, after robbers had deprived him of all his effects, they asked him whether he had anything more. The saint said no, but hardly had they gone when he remembered having sewn some gold pieces inside his clothing; immediately he followed and overtook them. The robbers, astonished at the man's sense of truthfulness, refused to accept the money and returned to him the stolen luggage.
To guard himself and his household from evil gossip he wrote upon the wall of his room (after the example of St. Augustine): Conturbare cave, non est placare suave, diffamare cave, nam revocare grave, i.e. "Guard against causing trouble and slandering others, for it is difficult to right the evil done." His love of neighbor was most edifying. Often he gave away his own clothing and shoes; then, not to appear barefoot, he lowered his cassock so as to have it drag along the ground. Sensing that his death was near at hand, he distributed whatever he still had to the poor and died peacefully in the Lord at an advanced age. He is honored as one of the principal patrons of Poland.

Courteney Cox: "Divorce is Not an Option"

I'm impressed... In this age of the disposable marriage, you don't often hear this type of commitment to marriage coming from Hollywood, of all places.

Courteney Cox and David Arquette are committed to making their marriage work.

"I get shocked by people getting divorced all the time, thats why I choose to work on it. Therapy helps us," Cox told the UK's Mail on Sunday "It's so easy to grow apart; marriage takes work. I suppose you can work it out by talking to each other - I would just prefer to have a referee, it reminds us why we're together."

Cox's parents parents divorced when she was a child. "Before my dad died, he said one of his big regrets was that he hadn't worked on their marriage enough. I don't know what the future's going to hold, but divorce isn't really an option," she said.

story here

Guess Who's Getting Coal in their stocking?

I couldn't resist...They are so deserving :)

Planned Parenthood Abortion Funding Requests in Obama Memo Top $4.6 Billion

How offensive.

The pro-aborts have sent Barry their "Christmas list".

Planned Parenthood and dozens of other abortion advocacy groups presented their wish list to incoming President Barack Obama in a secret memo last week that wound up published on the transition team web site. In the memo the nation’s largest abortion business requested $4.6 billion in taxpayer funding for abortion and other efforts.

Jim Sedlack, the president of STOPP International, a Planned Parenthood watchdog group, compiled the total amounts of funding requested in the memo and said he was shocked by the amount.

“When reading Planned Parenthood’s plan for the Obama administration, we were struck by the massive amounts of money it would take to implement it,” Sedlack told LifeNews.com. “Especially in this time of economic hardship, it is particularly galling that PP would seek to further fatten its coffers at the expense of the American public.”

Sedlack said he added up the costs of the programs and funding requested and estimated the amounts not contained in the memo and reports that “it is clear that funding the entire package put together by Planed Parenthood would cost the American taxpayer $4.6 billion -- most of it in annual expenditures.”

story here

And they're even upset that President Bush is trying to protect pro-life medical professionals before he leaves office.  They'd rather force everyone to participate in abortion.

Planned Parenthood President Upset Bush Protects Doctors From Forced Abortions

Blessed Jacopone da Todi

The Saint of the Day for December 22 is Blessed Jacopone da Todi

Jacomo, or James, was born a noble member of the Benedetti family in the northern Italian city of Todi. He became a successful lawyer and married a pious, generous lady named Vanna.
His young wife took it upon herself to do penance for the worldly excesses of her husband. One day Vanna, at the insistence of Jacomo, attended a public tournament. She was sitting in the stands with the other noble ladies when the stands collapsed. Vanna was killed. Her shaken husband was even more disturbed when he realized that the penitential girdle she wore was for his sinfulness. On the spot, he vowed to radically change his life.

He divided his possessions among the poor and entered the Third Order of St. Francis. Often dressed in penitential rags, he was mocked as a fool and called Jacopone, or "Crazy Jim," by his former associates. The name became dear to him.

After 10 years of such humiliation, Jacopone asked to be a member of the Franciscan Order. Because of his reputation, his request was initially refused. He composed a beautiful poem on the vanities of the world, an act that eventually led to his admission into the Order in 1278. He continued to lead a life of strict penance, declining to be ordained a priest. Meanwhile he was writing popular hymns in the vernacular.

Jacopone suddenly found himself a leader in a disturbing religious movement among the Franciscans. The Spirituals, as they were called, wanted a return to the strict poverty of Francis. They had on their side two cardinals of the Church and Pope Celestine V. These two cardinals, though, opposed Celestine’s successor, Boniface VIII. At the age of 68, Jacopone was excommunicated and imprisoned. Although he acknowledged his mistake, Jacopone was not absolved and released until Benedict XI became pope five years later. He had accepted his imprisonment as penance. He spent the final three years of his life more spiritual than ever, weeping "because Love is not loved." During this time he wrote the famous Latin hymn, Stabat Mater.

On Christmas Eve in 1306 Jacopone felt that his end was near. He was in a convent of the Poor Clares with his friend, Blessed John of La Verna. Like Francis, Jacopone welcomed "Sister Death" with one of his favorite songs. It is said that he finished the song and died as the priest intoned the Gloria from the midnight Mass at Christmas. From the time of his death, Brother Jacopone has been venerated as a saint.

Pastor Rick Warren challenged to reconsider participation in inaugural ceremonies

And guess who is issuing the challenge? One of my pro-life heros Fr. Euteneuer!

President of Human Life International, Fr. Thomas J. Euteneuer, has challenged Pastor Rick Warren to rethink his participation in the inaugural ceremonies for President-elect Barack Obama. Rev. Warren, a strong supporter of both the pro-life movement and traditional marriage, was chosen to give the invocation at Obama’s inauguration next month.

In a statement, Fr. Euteneuer applauded Warren, the pastor at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California, for his pro-life leadership, but expressed concern "that his high-profile and explicitly Christian prayerful invocation at President-elect Obama’s inauguration may be perceived as an endorsement, even a blessing, of what will likely be the most anti-life administration in the history of this country." It will be.


story here

Pro-Life Rick Warren to Give Invocation at Obama Inauguration

Pastor Rick Warren defends invite to inauguration

St. Dominic of Silos

The Saint of the day for December 20 is St. Dominic of Silos

It’s not the founder of the Dominicans we honor today, but there’s a poignant story that connects one Dominic with the other.
Our saint today, Dominic of Silos was born in Spain around the year 1000 into a peasant family. As a young boy he spent time in the fields, where he welcomed the solitude. He became a Benedictine priest and served in numerous leadership positions. Following a dispute with the king over property, Dominic and two other monks were exiled. They established a new monastery in what at first seemed an unpromising location. Under Dominic’s leadership, however, it became one of the most famous houses in Spain. Many healings were reported there.

About 100 years after Dominic’s death, a young woman made a pilgrimage to his tomb. There Dominic of Silos appeared to her and assured her that she would bear another son. The woman was Joan of Aza, and the son she bore grew up to be the "other" Dominic—the one who founded the Dominicans.

For many years thereafter, the staff used by St. Dominic of Silos was brought to the royal palace whenever a queen of Spain was in labor. The practice ended in 1931.

NY Times Slams Ave Maria Funds for being too Catholic

If you're looking to invest your money and don't want to support abortion, contraception, or other things we avoid as Catholics, you might want to check with Ave Maria Funds.

Yesterday, the editorial board of the New York Times, in an online blog, criticized Ave Maria Mutual Funds for a radio ad featuring its work. The editorial notes that on the website of Ave Maria it pledges “smart investing and Catholic values.” It then got specific: “Ave Maria, whose logo is a cross and open book within a Gothic window, conveys the implicit certainty that its vision of Catholic teaching is the correct one, that it has not misstepped in trading between God and Mammon.” It then faults the company for its “unmistakably conservative Catholic outlook,”  Are you kidding me?  That's what I like about them!  one which it brands as “narrow.”

story here

Santas Hand Out Condoms During Pre-Christmas Rush on Toronto’s Busiest Streets

What a disgusting publicity stunt to use Christmas to promote promiscuity.

Christmas shoppers were shocked this week to find men and women dressed up as Santa Claus on some of the busiest streets in Toronto, handing out condoms.

The publicity stunt was arranged by Durex, the condom manufacturer.

A press release from the company explained that costumed representatives, dressed as Santa Claus, would be handing out the condoms beginning on Tuesday, December 16.

“This holiday season, Durex(R) wants lovers to really feel the Love,” says the release. “Helping Canadians get in the mood to wrap their packages, Durex and Santa will start celebrating the holidays by handing out Love condoms this Tuesday, December 16, 2008 in downtown Toronto. Giving never felt so good!”

“It’s deeply saddening to me that at one of the most sacred times of the year, Durex would do such a thing,” said Suresh Dominic of Campaign Life Catholic in response to the publicity stunt.

story here

ROOT CAUSE OF THE WAR ON CHRISTMAS

Top Ten Least Popular Holiday Songs

I couldn't resist this, from Letterman's Top Ten

Top Ten Least Popular Holiday Songs

Top Ten Least Popular Holiday Songs


10. On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me absolutely nothing because of the bad economy

9. Amy, the red-nosed Winehouse, will need a new liver soon

8. I'm dreaming of a white Christmas, but Al Gore tells me we're all screwed

7. Biden might do all right if his hair plugs stay in tight

6. Dr. Tannenbaum, Dr. Tannenbaum, is Cialis right for me?

5. Deck the halls with illegal payoffs, Bla-Bla-Bla-Bla-Bla Blagojevich

4. Ahmadinejad, Ahmadinejad, Ahmadinejad, you set our heart aglow like a spent fuel rod

3. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, 1929

2. I have an irregular heart beat, pah-rum-puh-puh-puh-pum

1. Joy to the world, George Bush is done

Pro-life leaders ask for meeting with Obama

Somehow I don't think Barry is going to find that "common ground" he spoke of during the campaign.

Pro-life leaders are seeking a meeting with President-elect Obama to “establish a foundation” for cooperation in building a culture of life which “honors equality and human rights and ends abortion.”

A December 17 letter seeking a meeting has been signed by Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney, Director of the Christian Defense Coalition; Brandi Swindell, Founder and President of Stanton Healthcare; Deborah Frantzich of Rachel’s Vineyard; and Day Gardner, President of the National Black Pro-life Union.

“The thoughts and prayers of the pro-life community have been with you since your historic victory,” the letter professes.

“Since social justice and compassion begin in the womb, it is essential that we purpose in our hearts to end the pain and tragedy of abortion in our lifetime,” it adds.

Calling on Obama to fulfill his promise that all viewpoints will be heard and respected in the White House, the coalition promises to send an advisory delegation to Obama composed of women who run medical clinics for those in “challenging pregnancies” and for post-abortive women who have been “wounded and diminished” by abortion.  Isn't it ironic that the pro-aborts call themselves "for women" when abortion injures women?

story here

Social justice groups meet with Obama team, Catholic bishops express doubt

Blessed Pope Urban V

The Saint of the day for December 19 is Blessed Pope Urban V.

In 1362, the man elected pope declined the office. When the cardinals could not find another person among them for that important office, they turned to a relative stranger: the holy person we honor today.
The new Pope Urban V proved a wise choice. A Benedictine monk and canon lawyer, he was deeply spiritual and brilliant. He lived simply and modestly, which did not always earn him friends among clergymen who had become used to comfort and privilege. Still, he pressed for reform and saw to the restoration of churches and monasteries. Except for a brief period he spent most of his eight years as pope living away from Rome at Avignon, seat of the papacy from 1309 until shortly after his death.

He came close but was not able to achieve one of his biggest goals—reuniting the Eastern and Western churches.

As pope, Urban continued to follow the Benedictine Rule. Shortly before his death in 1370 he asked to be moved from the papal palace to the nearby home of his brother so he could say goodbye to the ordinary people he had so often helped.

Catholic Health Association welcomes Daschle appointment called ‘disastrous’ by pro-lifers

Nothing says "dissent" quite like a nun applauding a pro-abort.  

The Catholic Health Association has issued a statement welcoming the nomination of former South Dakota Sen. Tom Daschle as Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). However, Daschle’s strong pro-abortion record has led some pro-life leaders to deem him a "disaster appointment."

Writing in a December 11 statement, Sister Carol Keehan, DC, president and chief executive officer of the Catholic Health Association of the United States (CHA) issued a statement on the appointment.

Sister Keehan said CHA "welcomes" Daschle’s appointment as HHS head and also as the person set to oversee a proposed White House Office of Health Reform. She also said CHA is "pleased" that Obama named Jeanne Lambrew as deputy director of the proposed White House Office of Health Reform.

story here

Catholic Health Association President Defends OK for Pro-Abortion Obama Picks

Evidently, Sister Keehan needs a refresher course in Catholic teaching:

From the Catholic Catechism:

2271 Since the first century the Church has affirmed the moral evil of every procured abortion. This teaching has not changed and remains unchangeable. Direct abortion, that is to say, abortion willed either as an end or a means, is gravely contrary to the moral law:
You shall not kill the embryo by abortion and shall not cause the newborn to perish.

God, the Lord of life, has entrusted to men the noble mission of safeguarding life, and men must carry it out in a manner worthy of themselves. Life must be protected with the utmost care from the moment of conception: abortion and infanticide are abominable crimes.

TRAVESTY OF THE WEEK: CATHOLIC HEALTH ASSOCIATION APPLAUDS DASCHLE NOMINATION

A Catholic League Christmas Message

Bill Donohue gives us a 'PC' Christmas Message.   Very funny.  

It turns out Bill has a pretty good sense of humor :)

And while we're on the subject of Christmas and not 'offending' anyone, I couldn't resist this:

Catholics Furious Over Playboy Mexico’s Blasphemous Depiction of Virgin Mary

Mexico has long been known as a Catholic nation.  Is it just coincidence that as abortion and birth control are expanding there, this type of desecration begins to take place?

The December issue of the Mexican edition of Playboy features a scantily-clad model in a pose resembling the visage of the Blessed Virgin Mary -- a portrayal that has spawned outrage from Catholics all over the world.

The Dec. 1 cover features Argentine model Maria Florencia Onori, attired only in a white garment covering her head, in a similar pose to that of Mary holding the infant Jesus. Under her pose is the headline “Te Adoramos Maria,” Spanish for “We adore you, Mary.”

“The image is not and never was intended to portray the Virgin of Guadalupe,” stated Raul Sayrols, the publisher of Playboy Mexico, the Spanish-language version of Playboy, told CNN. “The intent was to portray a renaissance-like mood on the cover.”  Nonsense.  They purposely  chose the Blessed Virgin Mary. 

story here

Blessed Anthony Grassi

December 18 is the feast of Blessed Anthony Grassi

Anthony’s father died when his son was only 10 years old, but the young lad inherited his father’s devotion to Our Lady of Loreto. As a schoolboy he frequented the local church of the Oratorian Fathers, joining the religious order when he was 17.
Already a fine student, he soon gained a reputation in his religious community as a "walking dictionary" who quickly grasped Scripture and theology. For some time he was tormented by scruples, but they reportedly left him at the very hour he celebrated his first Mass. From that day, serenity penetrated his very being.

In 1621, at age 29, Anthony was struck by lightning while praying in the church of the Holy House at Loreto. He was carried paralyzed from the church, expecting to die. When he recovered in a few days he realized that he had been cured of acute indigestion. His scorched clothes were donated to the Loreto church as an offering of thanks for his new gift of life.

More important, Anthony now felt that his life belonged entirely to God. Each year thereafter he made a pilgrimage to Loreto to express his thanks.

He also began hearing confessions, and came to be regarded as an outstanding confessor. Simple and direct, he listened carefully to penitents, said a few words and gave a penance and absolution, frequently drawing on his gift of reading consciences.

In 1635 he was elected superior of the Fermo Oratory. He was so well regarded that he was reelected every three years until his death. He was a quiet person and a gentle superior who did not know how to be severe. At the same time he kept the Oratorian constitutions literally, encouraging the community to do likewise.

He refused social or civic commitments and instead would go out day or night to visit the sick or dying or anyone else needing his services. As he grew older, he had a God-given awareness of the future, a gift which he frequently used to warn or to console.

But age brought its challenges as well. He suffered the humility of having to give up his physical faculties one by one. First was his preaching, necessitated after he lost his teeth. Then he could no longer hear confessions. Finally, after a fall, he was confined to his room. The archbishop himself came each day to give him holy Communion. One of Anthony’s final acts was to reconcile two fiercely quarreling brothers.

Pro-Life Rick Warren to Give Invocation at Obama Inauguration

Rick Warren must want the publicity.  Even Billy Graham has said he wouldn't minister to Barry because he is so pro-abort.

Pro-life pastor Rick Warren will give the invocation at President-Elect Barack Obama’s inauguration. It makes a whole lot of sense. Even though Warren and Obama disagree on the life issue, they do see eye to eye on many social justice issues. This move is also classic Obama because it is a signal (a middle finger) to religious conservatives that he’s willing to bring in both sides to the faith discussion in this country. Obama has never shied away from that.

The benediction will be led by Reverend Dr. Joseph E. Lowery. The Civil Rights leader seems to be the perfect pick on such an historic day in this nation’s history.  Yeah, it's not every day that the most liberal (and pro-abort)  member of the Senate becomes President.

story here

And guess who is really upset with Barry's choice of Warren?

Gay leaders furious with Obama

Obama defends choice of evangelical pastor

Rick Warren selection for opening prayer causes a stir

Pastor Rick Warren to Obama: Don't Just Make Abortions Rare, Eliminate Them

EWTN Christmas Programming

I am a big fan of EWTN.  Because of the decline in catechesis since Vatican II, I think it is even more necessary to have a network to spread true Catholic teaching.  Yesterday, I received an email from EWTN asking if I would like to receive their press releases. I replied with an enthusiastic 'Yes', and today I received a press release detailing their Christmas programming.

EWTN's Christmas Specials To Include

"The Star of Bethlehem" Documentary from

"The Passion of the Christ" Producer

Irondale, AL (EWTN) – Christmas specials on EWTN Global Catholic Network this year include a new documentary proving the existence of the Star of Bethlehem from the producer of "The Passion of the Christ") as well as classics with stars such as Loretta Young, Christopher Plummer, Frankie Avalon, Snooky Larson, June Valli, Mario Lanza, and Rosalind Russell. There is literally something for everyone. Highlights include: (All times below are U.S. Eastern Time.)
The Star of Bethlehem
From "The Passion of the Christ" Producer Stephen McEveety comes a documentary that proves the existence of the Star of Bethlehem, whose existence has been debated for centuries by historians, scientists and scholars. "Either they believe the Star is true or they think it was made up by the early Church," says Texas A&"M Professor Rick Larson. "I took a different approach in my research and treated the Star as a mystery or puzzle, looking at the Bible and comparing the facts of Scripture with facts from science and history." (10 a.m. Dec. 21, 11 p.m. Dec. 25, 8 p.m. Dec. 27, 3 a.m. Dec. 28, 5:30 p.m. Dec. 29, 10:30 a.m. Dec. 31)

The San Juan Children's Choir Presents: Siempre Navidad (Always Christmas)
This festive concert, with music from around the world, displays the joyful spirit of Christmas in Puerto Rico. (30-minute version: 9 a.m. Dec. 20. 60-minute version: 6 p.m. Dec. 22 and 4 p.m. Dec. 27)

The Story of the Selfish Giant
A grandfather uses Oscar Wilde's timeless tale to unlock the true meaning of Christmas for his granddaughter. This is a charming story with a strong Christian message about the meaning of love and sacrifice. It is bound to become one of your Christmas favorites.
(10:30 a.m. Dec. 20 and 4 p.m. Dec. 26).

The Chimes
Written by Charles Dickens and narrated by Derek Jacobi, this is the story of a poor and discouraged 19th Century porter. Chiming church bells magically transport him to the future where his hope is renewed. (4 p.m. Dec. 23 and 6 a.m. Dec. 27)

Loretta Young: 3 & 2 Please
Academy Awarding Winning Actress Loretta Young starts as "Sister Ann," a nun who brightens the lives of patients in a Catholic hospital at Christmas. (6:30 p.m. Dec. 21, 11 a.m. Dec. 23, 2:30 a.m. Dec. 26, and 2:30 a.m. Dec. 27)

The First Christmas
Narrated by Christopher Plummer, this colorful animated production tells the traditional story of the birth of Jesus. (4:30 p.m. Dec. 24, 11 a.m. Dec. 25, and 10:30 a.m. Dec. 27)

The Promise
A 1967 dramatization of the Annunciation and Nativity, followed by a brief discussion of the film by Father Patrick Peyton and Frankie Avalon. (2:30 p.m. Dec. 22, 3:30 a.m. Dec. 24, 5:30 a.m. Dec. 27, 3 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Dec. 29)

Christopher Close-Up: Christopher Classic Christmas
Christopher Founder Father James Keller, M.M. celebrates Christmas with stars of yesteryear, including Snooky Larson, June Valli, Mario Lanza, Rosalind Russell and more. (6:30 a.m. Dec. 21, 9 p.m. Dec. 22, and 3 a.m. Dec. 24)

Catholic University of America Christmas Concert
This annual concert presents a brilliant blend of angelic voices and the wonderful sounds of the Christmas season. (11 p.m. Dec. 23 and 2 p.m. Dec. 25)

The World is Born: Christmas with the Louisville Chorus
The Louisville Chorus celebrates the sounds of the season in this special presentation of Christmas favorites. The choir performs in the historic St. Martin of Tours Church in Louisville, Kentucky. (10 p.m. Dec. 23, 2 p.m. Dec. 27, and 11 a.m. Jan. 1)

Dana: Our Family Christmas
Join Dana, her family and friends as they present an old-fashioned family Christmas. Hear the meaning of many traditional customs, and gather new ideas for you and your family. (9 a.m. Dec. 24 and 4:30 a.m. Dec. 27)

Solemn Mass at Midnight with Pope Benedict XVI (Live from Rome)
Solemnity of the Birth of Our Lord: Midnight Mass with the Holy Father from St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. (6 p.m. Dec. 24 (live), 8 a.m. Dec. 25, and 4 p.m. Dec. 25)

Choral Meditations and Solemn Mass of Christmas Eve from the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception (Live from Washington, D.C.)
From the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC, USA. (10 p.m. Dec. 24 (live))

Urbi et Orbi from Rome: Pope Benedict's Christmas Message to the World (Live)
From St. Peter's Square. Join the Holy Father for his inspiring Christmas Day message to the world on the celebration of Christ's birth. (6 a.m. (live) Dec. 25, 10 p.m. Dec. 25, 3 a.m. Dec. 26, and 5 p.m. Dec. 26)

EWTN Global Catholic Network, in its 27th year, is available in over 148 million television households in more than 140 countries and territories. With its direct broadcast satellite television and radio services, AM & FM radio networks, worldwide short-wave radio station, Internet website www.ewtn.com and publishing arm, EWTN, is the largest religious media network in the world.
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Pope: crisis helps restore simplicity to Christmas

Like many people, I will probably try to spend less on Christmas gifts this year.

I have a question for you all:

How has this economic recession affected your Christmas gift-giving?

Will you give less presents or spend less on them?

Or are you fortunate enough to not be affected?

The world economic crisis might mean fewer Christmas presents, but Pope Benedict XVI says that tough times can give back simplicity and solidarity to holiday celebrations.

Benedict has expressed hope that the financial crisis will help people focus on the spiritual meaning of Christmas, when Christians worldwide mark the birth of Jesus.

Benedict says the crisis can help people to rediscover what he calls "the warmth, simplicity, friendship and solidarity" contained in authentic Christmas values.

The pope reflected on economic suffering during his traditional Wednesday audience with pilgrims and tourists at the Vatican.

story here

Economic crisis can reveal true meaning of Christmas, pope says

Christmas is an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of our existence, recalls Pope