OBAMA NOMINEE’S CATHOLIC PROBLEM

If you are Catholic and/or Pro-life, you have plenty of reason to be concerned about the nomination of Dawn Johnsen.  

In a few weeks, the Senate will vote on the nomination of Dawn Johnsen to be assistant attorney general in charge of the Office of Legal Counsel. Catholic League president Bill Donohue says the Catholic community should be given a heads up:

“As past staff counsel for the ACLU and legal director of NARAL (the most extreme pro-abortion group in the nation), Dawn Johnsen has done more than consort with the enemies of Catholicism—she has actively sought to undermine the Catholic Church.

“In the late 1980s, Johnsen worked on a lawsuit, United States Catholic Conference v. Abortion Rights Mobilization, that sought to strip the Catholic Church of its tax exempt status; she helped to prepare briefs securing standing for the plaintiffs. Thus, she is not simply a critic of the Catholic Church’s pro-life position—she wants to cripple the institution.

story here

My earlier post about Dawn Johnsen

Office of Legal Council nominee criticized for ‘bizarre’ defenses of abortion

Check out her views on motherhood and how she equates having a baby to slavery:

Head of Holy Cross order asks Obama to rethink position on abortion

This is a farce.  

Fr. Cleary allows Fr. Jenkins to give the most pro-abort President in history a platform and an honorary degree at Notre Dame and now he's concerned about a scandal?
Why hasn't Fr. Cleary instructed Fr. Jenkins to disinvite Obama?  Why was he allowed to invite him at all?

The head of the Holy Cross religious order that founded the University of Notre Dame has written to U.S. President Barack Obama and asked him to rethink his positions on abortion and other life issues.

U.S. Father Hugh W. Cleary, Holy Cross superior general in Rome, said that when Obama receives an honorary degree from the Indiana university and delivers the commencement address in May, he should take to heart the objections of Catholics who have been scandalized by the invitation.  As a Priest, shouldn't you be objecting also Fr. Cleary? 

http://www.notredamescandal.com/

story here

Vatican orders apostolic visitation of Legionaries of Christ

The Vatican has ordered an apostolic visitation of the institutions of the Legionaries of Christ following disclosures of sexual impropriety by the order's late founder, Father Marcial Maciel Degollado.

The announcement of the unusual investigation was posted on the Web site of the Legionaries of Christ March 31, along with the text of a letter informing the Legionaries of the pope's decision.

The letter, written by the Vatican secretary of state, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, said the pope wanted to help the Legionaries of Christ deal with its present problems with "truth and transparency." It said the visitation would be carried out by "a team of prelates," who were not identified.

Apostolic visitation is a form of internal church investigation ordered by a pope and undertaken by his delegate or delegates. The pope sets the jurisdiction and powers of the visitation, which usually ends with the submission of a report to the Holy See.

story here

Thomas at American Papist has been covering this story extensively, and he reports that a statement is expected today or tomorrow.

Pope calls for an Apostolic Visitation of the Legion of Christ

St. Stephen of Mar Saba

The Saint of the Day for March 31 is St. Stephen of Mar Saba

A "do not disturb" sign helped today's saint find holiness and peace.
Stephen of Mar Saba was the nephew of St. John Damascene, who introduced the young boy to monastic life beginning at age 10. When he reached 24, Stephen served the community in a variety of ways, including guest master. After some time he asked permission to live a hermit's life. The answer from the abbot was yes and no: Stephen could follow his preferred lifestyle during the week, but on weekends he was to offer his skills as a counselor. Stephen placed a note on the door of his cell: "Forgive me, Fathers, in the name of the Lord, but please do not disturb me except on Saturdays and Sundays."

Despite his calling to prayer and quiet, Stephen displayed uncanny skills with people and was a valued spiritual guide.

His biographer and disciple wrote about Stephen: "Whatever help, spiritual or material, he was asked to give, he gave. He received and honored all with the same kindness. He possessed nothing and lacked nothing. In total poverty he possessed all things."

Stephen died in 794.

‘Reproductive rights’ to top of U.S. foreign policy agenda, Secretary Clinton says

Speaking at Planned Parenthood Federation of America’s national conference in Houston this past Friday, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton announced that promoting “reproductive rights” (anything about the baby's rights?)  –including abortion- will be at the top of the government’s international agenda.  Of course it will...Between Obama and Hillary, we've got the #1 and #2 pro-aborts.

After being honored by Planned Parenthood with the Margaret Sanger award for her “work on behalf of women’s health and reproductive rights,” the Secretary of State said “I have to tell you that it was a great privilege when I was told that I would receive this award. I admire Margaret Sanger enormously, her courage, her tenacity, her vision.”

Sanger, the founder of Planned Parenthood, was openly sympathetic with to Nazi Germany’s eugenic practices and was strongly committed to preventing blacks, Hispanics and poor people from reproducing.  Gee...I thought they were supposed to be "for women". 

story here

Closing Ranks on Canon 915: Bishops Confirm that Sebelius Should Not Receive Communion

Sorry to play the sceptic, but I'll believe this when I don't see it. It would be great if they mean it.

Gov. Kathleen Sebelius received some good news last week when abortionist Dr. George Tiller was found not guilty of breaking state laws regulating late-term abortion. The relationship between Tiller and Sebelius would surely have played a role in her upcoming confirmation hearings had he been found guilty.

But Governor Sebelius got some bad news as well -- something not noticed much in Catholic media or the secular press. The bishops of Washington, D.C., and Arlington, Virginia, confirmed publicly they would uphold the declaration of her ordinary, Archbishop Joseph Naumann of Kansas City, stating that Governor Sebelius should not present herself for communion.

story here

Sebelius Communion ban to apply in Washington

Newly Appointed Archbishop of New York on ND Scandal: "They Made a Big Mistake"

I think I'm going to really like Archbishop Dolan :)

The bishop recently appointed to head up the archdiocese of New York - one of the most influential positions in the U.S. Catholic Church - said in an interview yesterday that Notre Dame "made a big mistake" by inviting President Obama to receive an honorary degree and give the commencement address at the school on May 17.

"They made a big mistake ... in an issue that is very close to the heart of Catholic world view, namely, the protection of innocent life in the womb, [Obama] has unfortunately taken a position very much at odds with the Church," Archbishop Timothy Dolan told host Charlie Sykes on the "Sunday Insight" program of Milwaukee station TMJ4.

Dolan is the fifth bishop to condemn the university's decision since the March 20 announcement that Obama had accepted the invitation, and announcement sparked a wave of protest from the American Catholic community.

story here

http://www.notredamescandal.com/

Notre Dame Student Groups Denounce University for Obama Invite

Bishop D’Arcy won't attend Notre Dame commencement featuring Obama

Weigel and Kmiec lock horns over Notre Dame at the Chicago Tribune

'Sexiest Swimsuit Model' Joanna Krupa Inspired by Pope John Paul II's Views on Nudity

Here we go again.   A Pope's words being twisted and misinterpreted.

It should come as no surprise that Joanna Krupa is comfortable removing her clothes.

The Polish-born beauty is one of the most Googled gals on the Internet, has been named the "Sexiest Swimsuit Model in the World" by Playboy, and graced the cover of almost every men’s magazine on the planet, from Maxim to Esquire to GQ.

But did you know the first Polish pope was involved in her frequent disrobing?

"I think worrying about going topless in a photo shoot or film is really ridiculous," Krupa told FOXNews.com in an exclusive interview. "And the fact is Pope John Paul said, since we were born naked, it is art, and it's just showing a beautiful body that God created."   Today there is a very thin line between art and pornography.  The Holy Father certainly did NOT approve of the exploitation of the human body or the degradation of women.  Please see his full writing: 

Theology of the Body

story here

Bishop Undergoing Amputation Today

Please keep Bishop Campbell in your prayers.

Bishop Frederick Campbell will have his left leg amputated below the knee Monday because of skin cancer, according to a letter released by the Catholic Diocese yesterday.
Doctors have diagnosed squamous cell carcinoma in Campbell, 65. He also has osteomyelitis, an infection, in multiple bones in his foot, and an open wound that will not heal.

Campbell told clergy of his upcoming surgery in a letter mailed Thursday.

The bishop said in his letter that he expects to resume administrative duties soon after surgery and return to all his duties, including traveling the diocese, in about six weeks. He will be fitted with a prosthetic and is expected to walk again.

"He expects a full recovery and will not be stepping down as bishop," said Deacon Tom Berg Jr., vice chancellor of the diocese.

There's no indication the cancer has spread to other parts of the bishop's body, Berg said.

The bishop was told that his condition has a nearly 100 percent cure rate as long as the cancer and infection are removed.

story here

H/T American Papist

Following atheist trend, Britons seek 'de-baptism'

I wish this were just an early April fools joke, but sadly, this is happening in the UK.   Please pray for them.

Apparently, the secularists were not  satisfied with the large number of people abandoning their faith; They decided to make a buck off of it and sell certificates of de-baptism.

More than 100,000 Britons have recently downloaded "certificates of de-baptism" from the Internet to renounce their Christian faith.
The initiative launched by a group called the National Secular Society (NSS) follows atheist campaigns here and elsewhere, including a London bus poster which triggered protests by proclaiming "There's probably no God."

"We now produce a certificate on parchment and we have sold 1,500 units at three pounds (4.35 dollars, 3.20 euros) a pop," said NSS president Terry Sanderson, 58.  There's your real motive.


John Hunt, a 58-year-old from London and one of the first to try to be "de-baptised," held that he was too young to make any decision when he was christened at five months old.

The male nurse said he approached the Church of England to ask it to remove his name. "They said they had sought legal advice and that I should place an announcement in the London Gazette," said Hunt, referring to one of the official journals of record of the British government.

Who wants to tell them that Baptism leaves an indelible imprint on the soul?  :)

story here

St. Peter Regalado

The Saint of the Day for March 30 is St. Peter Regalado.

Peter lived at a very busy time. The Great Western Schism (1378-1417) was settled at the Council of Constance (1414-1418). France and England were fighting the Hundred Years’ War, and in 1453 the Byzantine Empire was completely wiped out by the loss of Constantinople to the Turks. At Peter’s death the age of printing had just begun in Germany, and Columbus's arrival in the New World was less than 40 years away.
Peter came from a wealthy and pious family in Valladolid, Spain. At the age of 13, he was allowed to enter the Conventual Franciscans. Shortly after his ordination, he was made superior of the friary in Aguilar. He became part of a group of friars who wanted to lead a life of greater poverty and penance. In 1442 he was appointed head of all the Spanish Franciscans in his reform group.

Peter led the friars by his example. A special love of the poor and the sick characterized Peter. Miraculous stories are told about his charity to the poor. For example, the bread never seemed to run out as long as Peter had hungry people to feed. Throughout most of his life, Peter went hungry; he lived only on bread and water.

Immediately after his death on March 31, 1456, his grave became a place of pilgrimage. Peter was canonized in 1746.

Movie Review: 12 Rounds - PG13

I'm a WWE fan, and John Cena happens to be my favorite :)

In 12 Rounds, Cena plays Danny Fisher, a New Orleans cop who helps catch a terrorist, Miles Jackson. While he is apprehending Jackson, Jackson's girlfriend tries to run and gets hit and killed by a car. One year later, Jackson escapes and comes looking for revenge. He kidnaps Danny's girlfriend Molly and devises a series of challenges (rounds) which Danny must pass to get Molly back. There is also an ulterior motive in some of the steps, which is helping Jackson pull off another heist. Part of what makes this a very good movie is how smart Jackson is, and how he has planned and thought out each step of the 'rounds'. Danny is an excellent counter to that, because he is pretty good at figuring out Jackson's plan.

Actually Not too much in content warnings. There is some cursing, some violence, and lots of action and explosions.

An excellent movie.

http://www.12rounds-movie.com

How much a Prayer Weighs

A friend forwarded this in an email, and I wanted to share it with everyone.

Louise, a poorly
dressed lady with a look of defeat on her face,
walked into a grocery
store.

She approached the owner of the store in a most humble manner
and asked if he would let her charge a few groceries.

She softly
explained that her husband was very ill and unable to work, they had seven
children and they needed food.

John Longhouse, the grocer, scoffed at
her and requested that she leave
his store at once.

Visualizing the
family needs, she said: Please, sir! I will bring you the money just as
soon as I can.

John told her he could not give her credit, since she
did not have a charge account at his store.

Standing beside the
counter was a customer who overheard the conversation be tween the two. The
customer walked forward and told the grocer that he would stand good for
whatever she needed for her family. The grocer said in a very reluctant voice,
Do you have a grocery list?

Louise replied, Yes sir. O.K he said, put
your grocery list on the
scales and whatever your grocery list weighs, I
will give you that amount in groceries.

Louise hesitated a moment with
a bowed head, then she reached into her purse and took out a piece of paper
and scribbled something on it. She then laid the piece of paper on the scale
carefully with her head still bowed.

The eyes of the grocer and the
customer showed amazement when the scales went down and stayed down.


The grocer, staring at the scales, turned slowly to the customer and
said begrudgingly, I can't believe it.

The customer smiled and the
grocer started putting the groceries on the other side of the scales. The
scale did not balance so he continued to put more and more groceries on them
until the scales would hold no more.

The grocer stood there in utter
disgust. Finally, he grabbed the piece of
paper from the scales and looked
at it with greater amazement.

It was not a grocery list, it was a
prayer, which said: Dear Lord, you know my needs and I am leaving this in your
hands.'
The grocer gave her the groceries that he had gathered and stood
in stunned
silence.

Louise thanked him and left the store. The
other customer handed a fifty-dollar bill to the grocer and said; It was worth
every penny of it. Only God knows how much a prayer weighs.

Make Your Voice Heard!

H/T Catholic Fire





http://www.notredamescandal.com/

St. Hesychius of Jerusalem

The Saint of the Day for March 28 is St. Hesychius of Jerusalem

Not only is the name of today's saint a bit hard to pronounce and spell. It's also difficult to learn about such a modest and gentle man who lived in the fourth and fifth century and who is better known in the Russian Orthodox Church.
The birth date of Hesychius (pronounced HESH-us) is unclear, but we know that he was a priest and monk who wrote a history of the Church, unfortunately lost. He also wrote about many of the burning issues of his day. These included the heresy of Nestorianism, which held that there were two separate persons in Jesus—one human, one divine—and the heresy of Arianism, which denied the divinity of Christ. Some of his commentaries on the books of the Bible as well, along with meditations on the prophets and homilies on the Blessed Virgin Mary, still survive.

It's believed Hesychius delivered Easter homilies in the basilica in Jerusalem thought to be the place of the crucifixion.

His words on the Eucharist, written centuries ago, speak to us today: "Keep yourselves free from sin so that every day you may share in the mystic meal; by doing so our bodies become the body of Christ."

Hesychius died around the year 450.

Kansas Governor Signs Bill Ensuring Those Seeking Abortions Can See Ultrasound First

I have to admit, I'm surprised. I didn't think that she'd sign it. Seeing an ultrasound is a stark reminder that the unborn baby is a human being. Hopefully, it will cause many women considering an abortion (at least in Kansas) to reconsider.

Gov. Kathleen Sebelius signs a bill ensuring that women and girls seeking abortions can see ultrasound images before the procedure.

The legislation, signed Friday and taking effect July 1, also ensures that abortion patients can listen to the fetal heartbeat.

Sebelius signed the measure as she awaits U.S. Senate confirmation as federal Health and Human Services secretary. Anti-abortion groups in Washington have criticized her nomination because of her abortion rights stance.

The Kansas governor offered no explanation of why she signed the bill, though she's never targeted such provisions when she's vetoed past abortion measures.

The bill amends a state law requiring doctors to obtain a patient's informed consent before performing an abortion.

story here

Hillary Clinton leaves flowers for Our Lady of Guadalupe, asks ‘Who painted it?’

After the negative news we've had this week, I was actually glad to come home to this Hillary story tonight.  I needed the laugh  :)

During her recent visit to Mexico, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton made an unexpected stop at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe and left a bouquet of white flowers “on behalf of the American people,” after asking who painted the famous image.

The image of Our Lady of Guadalupe was miraculously imprinted by Mary on the tilma, or cloak, of St. Juan Diego in 1531. The image has numerous unexplainable phenomena, such as the appearance on Mary’s eyes of those present in the room when the tilma was opened and the image’s lack of decay.

Mrs. Clinton was received on Thursday at 8:15 a.m. by the rector of the Basilica, Msgr. Diego Monroy.

Msgr. Monroy took Mrs. Clinton to the famous image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, which had been previously lowered from its usual altar for the occasion.

After observing it for a while, Mrs. Clinton asked “who painted it?” to which Msgr. Monroy responded “God!” LOL

story here

Tiller Verdict: Not Guilty

I am so disgusted.

A Kansas jury has declared late-term abortionist George Tiller not guilty on 19 counts of performing illegal late-term abortions.

Tiller was accused of breaking a non-affiliation law that required an independent doctor to sign off on the procedure. The prosecution alleged that Tiller's association with abortionist Ann Kristin Neuhaus, to whom Tiller regularly sent patients to receive the requisite second opinion, turned Tiller's clinic into a "one-stop shop" for abortions.

story here

George Tiller Jury Finds Him Not Guilty of Violating State Late-Term Abortion Laws

George Tiller Jury Ignored Kristin Neuhaus Abortion Exploitation, Will State Board?

Pro-Life, Pro-Abortion Advocates Differ on George Tiller Not Guilty Verdict

North Dakota seminary partially evacuates because of flood alert

Please keep the people of North Dakota, specifically the Fargo area, in your prayers.  The Red Cross has set up a fund to help them, if you'd like to contribute.

Msgr. Gregory Schlesselmann, rector of Cardinal Muench Seminary in Fargo, N.D., was doing all he could during a heavy snowstorm March 26 to prepare for the expected rise in two days of floodwaters of the adjacent Red River.

An existing, half-mile-long clay dike, about 45 feet high in his estimation, was expanded in an effort to keep an expected 41-foot crest of water not only from the seminary property but also from the north side of Fargo.

He told Catholic News Service in a telephone interview March 26 that he couldn't see the river, because the dike, significantly raised the previous day by the Army Corps of Engineers, blocked the view.

Several days of unrelenting rain had caused the waters of the Red River to rise as much as 5 feet in one day, according to news reports. The city had closed a number of bridges over the river. A heavy blizzard March 25 knocked out power and dumped wet snow and freezing rain on the already rain-soaked region.

story here

Verdict in George Tiller Late-Term Abortion Trial Expected Friday, Witnesses Done

We may get a verdict in the trial of George "the killer" Tiller as soon as today.  We will have it here on A Catholic View as soon as it is announced.

Attorneys for late-term abortion practitioner George Tiller finished questioning witnesses on Thursday as both sides prepare to present their closing arguments tomorrow. The case involves 19 charges against Tiller for allegedly violating the state's laws regulating law-term abortions.

At issue is whether Tiller wrongly used an abortion practitioner who worked part-time for him to validate the abortions when the state law calls for an independent physician to determine if they are medically necessary.

Tiller attorneys rested their case following an hour of testimony this morning and they again requested an acquittal for their client claiming prosecutors lack evidence showing Tiller violating the laws.

Prosecutors have said Tiller's attorneys trained Kristin Neuhaus and that she profited financially from her work with Tiller signing off on his abortions. They say Tiller and Neuhaus worked together exclusively for years, violating the independent nature of the physician the state requires.

story here

Blessed Francis Faà di Bruno

The Saint of the Day for March 27 is Blessed Francis Faà di Bruno

Francis, the last of 12 children, was born in northern Italy into an aristocratic family. He lived at a particularly turbulent time in history, when anti-Catholic and anti-papal sentiments were especially strong.
After being trained as a military officer, Francis was spotted by King Victor Emmanuel II, who was impressed with the young man's character and learning. Invited by the king to tutor his two young sons, Francis agreed and prepared himself with additional studies. But with the role of the Church in education being a sticking point for many, the king was forced to withdraw his offer to the openly Catholic Francis and, instead, find a tutor more suitable to the secular state.

Francis soon left army life behind and pursued doctoral studies in Paris in mathematics and astronomy; he also showed a special interest in religion and asceticism. Despite his commitment to the scholarly life, Francis put much of his energy into charitable activities. He founded the Society of St. Zita for maids and domestic servants, later expanding it to include unmarried mothers, among others. He helped establish hostels for the elderly and poor. He even oversaw the construction of a church in Turin that was dedicated to the memory of Italian soldiers who had lost their lives in the struggle over the unification of Italy.

Wishing to broaden and deepen his commitment to the poor, Francis, then well into adulthood, studied for the priesthood. But first he had to obtain the support of Pope Pius IX to counteract the opposition to his own archbishop's difficulty with late vocations. Francis was ordained at the age of 51.

As a priest, he continued his good works, sharing his inheritance as well as his energy. He established yet another hostel, this time for prostitutes. He died in Turin on March 27, 1888, and was beatified 100 years later.

Archbishop Burke regrets Randall Terry’s ‘misuse’ of interview

Three points are clear:

1.  Archbishop Burke did NOT take back anything he said; he objected to how his words were used.

2. Obama's administration tried to circumvent the 1st amendment.  

3. Secularists are quick to cry "separation of church and state" to  silence the Church, but they have no issue with interfering in Church matters.  Hey guys and gals, it works both ways.

This Thursday, Archbishop Raymond L. Burke, Prefect of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura at the Vatican, issued a statement expressing his regret for the way that Randall Terry misused an interview with him for a press conference at the National Press Club in Washington D.C.

“Recently,” the statement reads, “Mr. Randall Terry and some of his associates visited me in Rome and asked to videotape an interview with me to share with pro-life workers for the purpose of their encouragement. The interview was conducted on March 2, 2009.”

“Sadly, Mr. Terry has used the videotape for another purpose which I find most objectionable,” Archbishop Burke says.

story here


This is the second story:

Hey, Obama: Hands Off Burke

A reliable source tells me that someone representing the Obama administration is about to put pressure on the papal nuncio to the United States to get Archbishop Raymond Burke to be quiet. The Obama complaint is that Archbishop Burke, who is now head of the Apostolic Signatura in Rome, has supported another bishop in his chastisement of Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius for her support of abortion.

Burke has been one of my favorite Bishops specifically because he speaks out, and speaks the truth.  I pray that he will continue to do so.

Vatican Newspaper Interviews Dreamworks Animation CEO

In a brief interview that appeared in the March 26 edition of L’Osservatore Romano, Jeffrey Katzenberg, CEO of DreamWorks Animation, spoke of the moral dimension of his animated films. Although films, he said, must respond to public expectations, “in our films we have always tried to choose from themes that had a value, a moral.” The studio’s newest film, Monster vs. Aliens, manifests the value of tolerance, said Katzenberg. Katzenberg also spoke of the extraordinary challenges of faithfully portraying biblical accounts in the essentially comedic animated film genre. Katzenberg consulted with the Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights during the production of the 1998 film The Prince of Egypt, and two years later, Katzenberg produced Joseph: King of Dreams.

story here

Media Outlets Call on Congress to Reverse Protections Against Embryo Research

Now that we're using taxpayer money to pay for life-destroying embryonic stem-cell research which has shown NO results, the next logical step in Obama's culture of death is a "Frankenstein" approach to experimenting on human embryos (lives).  This opens the door to cloning.


Now that President Barack Obama has overturned the limits President Bush put in place to stop forcing taxpayers to fund new embryonic stem cell research, the mainstream media wants Congress to take the next step by overturning longstanding protections on embryo research.

Obama signed an executive order earlier this month requiring funding of new embryonic stem cell research that requires the destruction of human life.

Obama's executive order only concerns human embryos who are supposedly "leftover" at fertility clinics (though it allows NIH to go further) the order doesn't touch on the Dickey-Wicker amendment.

That's the federal law that prohibits the specific creation of human embryos for the purpose of research as well as any research that harms an embryo, a unique human being after conception.

story here

Britain May Allow Abortion Advertising on Radio, Television, For the First Time

From the UK.  And I wouldn't be surprised if Barry's administration tries to do the same here in the US.

Under a new proposal, television viewers and radio listeners could be subjected to ads for the first time advertising abortions. The Committee of Advertising Practice and the Broadcast Committee on Advertising Practice are behind the potential rules changes that could take effect next year.

Pro-life groups are opposed to the idea, which would also allow ads from pregnancy centers but with restrictions.

“We feel this is a wholly damaging proposal," Paul Tully, general secretary of the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children, says. “It will work against the long-term health of women.”

The proposal says pregnancy centers can advertise but only if their ad “makes clear whether the service refers women for abortion,” because “for those women who opt for it, delay in performing an abortion could result in medical complications.”   Unreal.   Delaying the abortion causes complications?  What about the substantial damage that having the abortion does to women?

story here

Planned Parenthood Will Honor Pro-Abortion Secretary of State Hillary Clinton

I'm a bit surprised that Barry isn't getting this award, considering all that he has done to promote abortion.  But Hillary is at least a strong #2 among pro-aborts.

The Planned Parenthood Federation of America will honor pro-abortion Secretary of State Hillary Clinton at a Friday night gala in Houston, Texas. There, Clinton is slated to receive the national abortion business' highest honor, the Margaret Sanger award.

The award, named after the Planned Parenthood founder who some say held racist views against African Americans, honors Clinton for her advocacy of "women's health and rights throughout her public service career."  Pretty ironic that she speaks of "women's health", considering the great damage that abortion does to women.  

America Ferrera, an actress known for her work in "Ugly Betty," will co-host the event with Planned Parenthood president Cecile Richards.

The gala will be held in Houston’s George R. Brown Convention Center.

In an email to LifeNews.com about the event, Texas Right to Life said the awards dinner comes at a time when Planned Parenthood is in the middle of constructing the nation's largest abortion facility, a multi-story building in Houston.

story here

Play about life of St. John Vianney to tour U.S. in 2009

A production of a play on the life of St. John Vianney will begin its U.S. tour this August, traveling to parishes, theaters, seminaries, universities and Catholic schools to help mark the Year of the Priesthood declared by Pope Benedict XVI.

The play "Vianney" is produced by Leonardo Defilippis, director and star of the film Thérèse. It tells the story of St. John Vianney, who lived from 1786 to 1859. The play will discuss the life of the saint, also known as the Curé of Ars, from his childhood during the French Revolution through his forty years as parish priest in the small village of Ars, France.

Pilgrims from across the globe flocked to the priest for confession and for his preaching. Ars itself changed from a lax community to a thriving Christian center.

Ordinary witnesses reported that the Virgin Mary regularly appeared at the rectory to converse with the saint, while the devil reportedly tried to harass him. Miracles of multiplying bread for the hungry, healing and prophecy also followed the saint.

Pope Benedict declared June 2009 through June 2010 as the Year of the Priesthood, dedicated to St. John Vianney.

Defilippis said in a press release that the focus on the saint is "right on target."

source here

http://www.vianneydrama.com/

Blessed Didacus of Cadiz

The  Saint of the Day for March 26 is Blessed Didacus of Cadiz

Born in Cadiz, Spain, and christened Joseph Francis, the youth spent much of his free time around the Capuchin friars and their church. But his desire to enter the Franciscan Order was delayed because of the difficulty he had with his studies. Finally he was admitted to the novitiate of the Capuchins in Seville as Brother Didacus. He later was ordained a priest and sent out to preach.
His gift of preaching was soon evident. He journeyed tirelessly through the territory of Andalusia of Spain, speaking in small towns and crowded cities. His words were able to touch the minds and hearts of young and old, rich and poor, students and professors. His work in the confessional completed the conversions his words began.

This unlearned man was called "the apostle of the Holy Trinity" because of his devotion to the Trinity and the ease with which he preached about this sublime mystery. One day a child gave away his secret, crying out: "Mother, mother, see the dove resting on the shoulder of Father Didacus! I could preach like that too if a dove told me all that I should say."

Didacus was that close to God, spending nights in prayer and preparing for his sermons by severe penances. His reply to those who criticized him: "My sins and the sins of the people compel me to do it. Those who have been charged with the conversions of sinners must remember that the Lord has imposed on them the sins of all their clients."

It is said that sometimes when he preached on the love of God he would be elevated above the pulpit. Crowds in village and town squares were entranced by his words and would attempt to tear off pieces of his habit as he passed by.

He died in 1801 at age 58, a holy and revered man. He was beatified in 1894.

Archbishop Burke: Catholics Who Voted for Obama Is a Form of Cooperation with Evil

This is why Archbishop Burke is one of my favorites. He speaks the truth unwaveringly, without thought of what is popular.

In an interview in Rome with Catholic activist Randall Terry, Archbishop Raymond Burke said that Catholics who voted for President Barack Obama engaged in “a form of cooperation” with evil because of Obama’s pro-abortion policies.

If a Catholic knew that abortion was gravely sinful and that Obama wanted to make abortion more available and voted for him, that Catholic “cooperated” and bears a responsibility for the consequences, said Burke.

Burke is an American and head of the papal courts at the Vatican. On Wednesday, Randall Terry screened a DVD of his interview with Burke at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. That portion of the interview reads as follows:

story here

From the catechism:

2272 Formal cooperation in an abortion constitutes a grave offense. The Church attaches the canonical penalty of excommunication to this crime against human life. "A person who procures a completed abortion incurs excommunication latae sententiae," "by the very commission of the offense," and subject to the conditions provided by Canon Law. The Church does not thereby intend to restrict the scope of mercy. Rather, she makes clear the gravity of the crime committed, the irreparable harm done to the innocent who is put to death, as well as to the parents and the whole of society.

Day 3 of Tiller Trial: Tiller Testifies

An update on the trial of George "the killer" Tiller.

Taking the stand in his own defense, embattled late-term abortion practitioner George Tiller defended himself on state charges of 19 counts of doing illegal late-term abortions. Tiller said during the trial that the head of the state medical board authorized him to use a second physician who worked for him.

Tiller has been charged with 19 counts of violating a state law that requires an independent physician to sign off on the legitimacy of late-term abortions.

He relied on fellow abortion practitioner Kristen Neuhaus, an employee of his, to provide the okay for the abortions instead of using an independent physician who could assess whether they were medically necessary.

Attorneys for Tiller hinted on the first day of the trial that this would be the tactic they would use in an attempt to get him off the hook.

Tiller attorney Dan Monnat told Sedgwick County District Judge Clark Owens and the six members of the jury that Tiller was acting under the approval of Larry Buening, the former director of the medical board, the Kansas Board of Healing Arts.

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Notre Dame Student Groups Denounce University for Obama Invite

Nearly a dozen student groups at the University of Notre Dame issued a statement today repudiating the University's selection of President Barack Obama to deliver its 2009 Commencement Address.

Signatories of the statement include The Irish Rover Student Newspaper, Notre Dame Law School Right to Life, Notre Dame Law St Thomas More Society and others.

The statement criticizes the president's position on abortion, embryonic stem cell research, and other life issues, and chastises University administration for apparently looking over what they termed "fundamental moral principles."

Citing Catholic teaching on abortion, as well as the US Bishops' 2004 document "Catholics in Political Life," which forbids Catholic institutions from honoring pro-abortion politicians, the document expresses "deepest opposition" to the decision.

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http://www.notredamescandal.com/

Notre Dame/Obama Scandal

Obama to give commencement at Notre Dame

Bishop D’Arcy won't attend Notre Dame commencement featuring Obama

Notre Dame Students Condemn University President for Allowing Obama Speech

Third Bishop Condemns Notre Dame Scandal: "It is Very Clear ND Does Not Live Up to Catholic Identity"

Houston Cardinal Becomes Highest Ranking Official, 4th Bishop to Condemn Notre Dame Scandal

ND President's Religious Superior Says Jenkins "Fulfilling Responsibilities" of President

Notre Shame

Weigel and Kmiec lock horns over Notre Dame at the Chicago Tribune

Three More Bishops, Rush Limbaugh Join Chorus of Condemnation for ND Scandal

Congressmen Blast Obama Nomination of Radical Pro-Abort to Head Justice Dept. Legal Counsel

Obama's Culture of Death grows...

Anyone surprised?

Conservative U.S. lawmakers today heavily criticized President Obama's nomination of Dawn Johnsen earlier this year to head the U.S. Justice Department's Office of Legal Counsel, especially in light of her years as a radical and controversial pro-abortion activist.

A constitutional law professor at Indiana University Maurer School of Law, Johnsen served for five years as the legal director of the National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League (NARAL) - now known as NARAL Pro-Choice America - one of the most powerful pro-abortion lobby groups in the country.

Johnsen also served as Staff Counsel to the American Civil Liberties Union's (ACLU) Reproductive Freedom Project, where she stated that the ACLU's position on abortion "is that there is no 'father' and no 'child' - just a fetus."   What the....?

In a brief written on behalf of the American Constitution Society last year, Johnsen declared her support for radical judicial activism, stating that "the progressive agenda should focus on the courts as the vehicles for desired change."

Last Thursday, the Senate Judiciary Committee voted 11-7 to send the Johnsen nomination to the Senate floor for consideration. The committee's ranking Republican Sen. Arlen Specter declined to vote, saying he was troubled by Johnsen's position on abortion and executive power.

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Check out her views on motherhood and how she equates having a baby to slavery:

Obama Falsely Claims Embryonic Stem Cell Research Will Cure Alzheimer's

During his press conference last night, President Barack Obama repeated the false claim that embryonic stem cell research will cure Alzheimer's. That's despite numerous top level scientists saying the disease is one of the ones that is virtually unlikely to be affected by embryonic stem cell research.

Obama was asked about the ethics of his decision to overturn the Bush executive order protecting taxpayers from funding research involving the destruction of human life.

"I think that the guidelines that we provided meet that ethical test," he said.  Since when is destroying embryos for any reason ethical?

"What we have said is that for embryos that are typically about to be discarded, for us to be able to use those in order to find cures for Parkinson's or for Alzheimer's, or for, you know, all sorts of other debilitating diseases, juvenile diabetes, that -- that it is the right thing to do," he claimed.  Well duh!  It wouldn't be about to be discarded if not for the useless research which has shown NO results!

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President Obama Claims to Back Adult Stem Cell Research, His Order Stopped It

The Notre Dame/Obama Scandal

http://www.notredamescandal.com/

On Wednesday, March 25, 2009 at 3:40 pm ET, Catholic League President Bill Donohue will appear on CNN's “Newsroom with Rick Sanchez.”

He will address the controversy over Notre Dame's invitation to President Obama to be its commencement speaker.

Day Two of George Tiller's Illegal Abortion Trial Focuses on Kristin Neuhaus

An update on the trial of George "the killer"  Tiller.

The second day of the trial of late-term abortion practitioner George Tiller focused on the working and financial relationship he had with abortion practitioner Kristin Neuhaus. Tiller has been charged with 19 counts of failing to follow state law by having a second physician sign off on the abortions.

Tiller has been accused of getting Neuhaus to rubber stamp the abortions.

Prosecutor Barry Disney said, during the trial's first day, that Neuhaus was essentially an employee of Tiller's and that she would not be the impartial doctor the law calls for to validate the abortions.

Disney has said Neuhaus was not an independent physician but someone whose only income came from her okaying the abortions Tiller did.

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The Annunciation of Our Lord

March 25 the Feast of the Annunciation of our Lord

(I posted it yesterday in error)




26In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. 28The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you."
29Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. 31You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. 32He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end."

34"How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?"

35The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called[c] the Son of God. 36Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. 37For nothing is impossible with God."

38"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her. Luke 1:26-38

Bishop D’Arcy won't attend Notre Dame commencement featuring Obama

What a disappointment and an embarrassment. Bishop D'Arcy is either unwilling or unable to prevent the most pro-death president in history from speaking at, and receiving an honorary degree from, a 'supposed to be Catholic' University.
I do appreciate his boycott, but I find it frustrating that Fr. Jenkins is allowed to offend so many Catholics.



Bishop John M. D'Arcy has issued a statement saying that he won't be attending Notre Dame's commencement exercises, which will feature President Obama as the keynote speaker and honor him with a doctor of laws degree.

The full statement of Bishop D'Arcy follows.

Concerning President Barack Obama speaking at Notre Dame
graduation, receiving honorary law degree

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Petition against Obama's Notre Dame Honor Skyrockets Past 103,000 Signatures in Four Days

Full Statement Here

Notre Dame's Bishop Will Not Attend Obama-Honoring Graduation, Criticizes University's Decision"

Bishop Olmsted: ND's Obama Honor "Public Act of Disobedience to U.S. Bishops"

Tiller Trial Update: Abortionist Offers "Conflicting" Statements on Tiller Relationship

The trial of George "the killer" Tiller began with deception.

The opening day of the long-awaited trial against Kansas' notorious late-term abortionist George Tiller yesterday saw witness Dr. Ann Kristin Neuhaus give what have been described by witnesses as "conflicting" statements. Tiller's defense team also submitted multiple failed motions to dismiss, according to initial trial reports.

Tiller, who has tapped Neuhaus for the required second opinion for his late-term abortions since 1999, stands accused of maintaining an illegally close legal and financial relationship with Neuhaus. The alleged relationship contravenes late-term abortion law that requires an independent doctor to offer a second opinion, verifying that the procedure is necessary to save the life of, or avoid major injury to the mother.

Neuhaus, granted immunity as the prosecution's sole witness, claimed Monday that she did not work full time for Tiller but only came to Wichita to offer the consults at Tiller's clinic once a week for half a day.

When asked why she told an assistant with the Kansas Attorney General's office in 2006 that she worked for Tiller full-time, Neuhaus said she misspoke.

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Indiana bishop not to attend pro-life banquet featuring RNC head Steele

Well there's at least one Indiana Bishop who is not afraid to oppose honoring pro-aborts.  We are still waiting for a statement from Bishop D'Arcy of Fort Wayne/South Bend on the Notre Dame/Obama scandal.

Saying there can be “no equivocation” about abortion, Bishop of Evansville, Indiana Gerald Andrew Gettelfinger has decided not to attend the Vanderburgh County Right to Life (VCRL) banquet because Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele, a Catholic who made conflicting comments about his abortion views, will be addressing the gathering.

Bishop Gettlelfinger charged that Steele “assiduously avoids” strong language on abortion.

The Washington Times reports that 2008 Republican vice-presidential candidate and Alaska Governor Sarah Palin is also to address the banquet attendees.

Paul Leingang, communications director for the Diocese of Evansville, told CNA that the bishop intends not to attend the dinner he would normally attend.

Evansville Catholic Charities Director Jim Collins also plans not to attend the gathering, saying he was “shocked” by Steele’s comments on abortion in an interview with GQ magazine.

Rep. Frank calls Scalia a 'homophobe' in interview

Why is it that anyone who disagrees with Barney Frank's lifestyle is automatically a "homophobe"?

Massachusetts Rep. Barney Frank called Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia a "homophobe" in a recent interview with the gay news Web site 365gay.com.
The Democratic lawmaker, who is gay, was discussing gay marriage and his expectation that the high court would some day be called upon to decide whether the Constitution allows the federal government to deny recognition to same-sex marriages.
"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," said Frank. The video of the interview is available online.
Frank's office did not respond to a request Monday to expand on his remark. Scalia also had no comment.
Scalia dissented from the court's ruling in 2003 that struck down state laws banning consensual sodomy. He has complained about judges, rather than elected officials, deciding questions of morality about which the Constitution is silent.
Controversial topics like gay rights and abortion should not be in the hands of judges, he has said, calling on people to persuade their legislatures or amend the Constitution.  Then why is it that your supporters have been trying to get the California Supreme Court to ignore the votes of the people and throw out Prop 8?

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St. Catherine of Genoa

The Saint of the Day for March 24 is St. Catherine of Genoa

Going to confession one day was the turning point of Catherine’s life.
When Catherine was born, many Italian nobles were supporting Renaissance artists and writers. The needs of the poor and the sick were often overshadowed by a hunger for luxury and self-indulgence.

Catherine’s parents were members of the nobility in Genoa. At 13 she attempted to become a nun but failed because of her age. At 16 she married Julian, a nobleman who turned out to be selfish and unfaithful. For a while she tried to numb her disappointment by a life of selfish pleasure.

One day in confession she had a new sense of her own sins and how much God loved her. She reformed her life and gave good example to Julian, who soon turned from his self-centered life of distraction.

Julian’s spending, however, had ruined them financially. He and Catherine decided to live in the Pammatone, a large hospital in Genoa, and to dedicate themselves to works of charity there. After Julian’s death in 1497, Catherine took over management of the hospital.

She wrote about purgatory which, she said, begins on earth for souls open to God. Life with God in heaven is a continuation and perfection of the life with God begun on earth.

Exhausted by her life of self-sacrifice, she died September 15, 1510, and was canonized in 1737.

Pope appoints new Bishop of Oakland

I had heard that the people of the Oakland Diocese were disappointed to lose Bishop Vigneron when he was appointed to the Detroit Diocese.  Now it looks like they've gotten another good Bishop!

This morning Pope Benedict XVI appointed Bishop Salvatore J. Cordileone to become the next Bishop of Oakland, Calif. Currently serving as an auxiliary bishop of San Diego, Bishop Cordileone will become the shepherd of 400,000 Catholics in the Oakland area.

Bishop Cordileone will be taking over after Archbishop Allen Vigneron was appointed to lead the Archdiocese of Detroit in January of this year.

The speed of the appointment may be connected with the news that the interim administrator of the diocese, Fr. Dan Danielson was accused of blessing homosexual unions.

A native of San Diego, the 52 year-old bishop attended San Diego State University, the University of San Diego and St. Francis Seminary. Bishop Cordileone completed his seminary formation at Pontifical North American College in Rome.

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Notre Shame

http://catholiccartoonblog.blogspot.com/

Obama to give commencement at Notre Dame

Join the Facebook Group to protest

American Life League's Katie Walker will be on FOX and Friends Tuesday morning to talk about the Notre Dame/Obama scandal.

Pro-Life Opposition Grows to Notre Dame Honoring Pro-Abortion Barack Obama

NRO draws top Catholic analysts into Notre Dame's Obama invite row

Tens of Thousands Sign Petition Asking Notre Dame Not to Honor Pro-Abortion Obama

National Right to Life Calls on Notre Dame to Rescind Obama Invitation

Pope asks Angolan youths to shape the future according to the Gospel

Meeting with nearly 30,000 Angolan young people, Pope Benedict XVI urged them to be wary of today's dominant social culture and to shape the world according to the values of the Gospel.

The encounter in a Luanda soccer stadium March 21 was marred by a stampede that killed two young women and injured 89 others, hours before the pope arrived. The pope was informed of the tragedy later that evening and he expressed his condolences at a Mass the next day.

Participants at the rally did not learn until afterward of the deaths, and the festive encounter went on as scheduled. It had a little bit of everything: native dance and song, testimonials from young Catholics, conga ensembles and, above all, tons of enthusiasm among the participants.

The focus of the pope's talk was a simple lesson on how to live the good life.

"My young friends, you hold within yourselves the power to shape the future," he said. But it won't happen without an encounter with God, he said.

"The dominant social culture is not helping you to live by Jesus' word or to practice the self-giving to which he calls you in accordance with the Father's plan," he said.

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