Pope's book "Jesus of Nazareth" reaches #5 on New York Times Best Seller List

Macy's Offends Catholics

I enjoy shopping at Macy's but I find it very disappointing that they are supporting this anti-Catholic garbage.

Catholic League president Bill Donohue comments on how Macy's department store is offending Catholics:

Why Macy's would want to pick a fight with Catholics during the Lenten season is not known, but that it has is certain. Here's the background.

This weekend, Showtime will begin airing a series, "The Borgias," a corrupt Spanish family, one of whose members became pope. Everyone, including devout Catholics, agrees this is a sordid story in Catholic history. That Macy's has chosen to celebrate this ugly chapter is another matter altogether.

On the 7th Avenue side of the Macy's Herald Square store (between 34th and 35th Street), there is a large window display of manikins dressed as the pope, bishops, et al. In plain letters it says, "The Borgias: The Original Crime Family"; it advertises the season premiere, with the Showtime logo off to the side. To see a picture of it, click here.

On Tuesday, Catholic League vice president Bernadette Brady called one of Macy's media managers, Alyssa Bendetson, registering our concerns, as well as those of our members who contacted us; she was also sent a copy of our release from March 18 on the series. She pledged to get back to us with a response. It is now obvious that Macy's is taking this matter lightly.

The series was written by an atheist who hates the Catholic Church, Neil Jordan. Macy's knows this. We are approaching the heart of the Easter season, yet Macy's has decided that offending Catholics is worth the risk. We'll see.

Contact Bendetson's boss, VP Elina Kazan: elina.kazan@macys.com

Bishop Sheridan calls on Congress to defund abortion providers

KUDO's to Bishop Sheridan!

Congress should pass the Pence Amendment to defund organizations which offer abortion services, Bishop Michael J. Sheridan of Colorado Springs will say today.

The amendment would “undoubtedly ‘protect life’ by putting an end to the millions of taxpayer dollars being given to organizations whose mission it is to offer family planning by means of ending the lives of the unborn,” he wrote in his March 31 column for the Colorado Catholic Herald, provided ahead of publication to CNA.

“The challenge before Congress in the coming week and ahead is to work together to achieve consistency with U.S. policies when it comes to the sanctity of life.”

Bishop Sheridan explained that the federal government is presently being funded by a series of continuing resolutions. Over the next two weeks congressmen will consider another resolution to keep the government funded until Sept. 30.

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Blessed Jane Toulouse

The Saint of the Day for March 31 is Blessed Jane Toulouse.

Blessed Jane lived in the French town of Toulouse during the 13th century. A Carmelite monastery was founded in the same town in 1240 which exposed Jane to the Carmelite lifestyle and spirituality.

In 1265 when St. Simon Stock, a 13th century reformer of the Carmelites, was passing through Toulouse, Jane met him and requested to be affiliated with the Carmelites. Simon agreed and Jane became the first Third Order Carmelite.

Jane vowed herself to perpetual chastity and applied herself completely to the Carmelite Rule. In addition to many daily holy practices and penances, she reached out to the community and worked to help the sick and poor. One of Jane's primary missions was encouraging the boys of the town to help her serve the poor and help them discern whether or not they were called to be Carmelites.

Blessed Jane is considered to be a founder of the Carmelite tertiary order and is considered to be its first member.

She died in 1286.

video: The Long Road Back

An email from a college student bothered by what he hears from on-campus priests and nuns, is full of hope and truth in the midst of all the rubble.

Boehner says GOP won’t back down on defunding Planned Parenthood

I hope the GOP does hold firm on this.  There is NO reason that Planned Parenthood should be receiving taxpayer money.

House Speaker John Boehner has told White House officials that GOP lawmakers in the lower chamber will not agree to remove a series of GOP-sponsored budget cuts, including one stripping federal funds for Planned Parenthood, from the budget bill, according to a Politico report Wednesday.

Capitol Hill appears headed for another stiff battle over abortion funding, which may even become the make-or-break issue in the budget battle, as it did in the long fight over the federal health care reform bill.

After weeks of pressure from both the pro-life and pro-abortion lobby, and vague reassurances from the GOP, Politico reported that Boehner said he wouldn’t give up the GOP’s top defunding priorities, including the Planned Parenthood cut.

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video: Being Faithful

What is REALLY behind the attacks against Faithful Catholics from others INSIDE the Church? The answer is really all that surprising.

St. John Climacus

The Saint of the Day for March 30 is St. John Climacus.

St. John Climacus was born around the year 525 in Palestine. As a youth, he excelled in his studies and was highly regarded by his peers for his knowledge. At the age of 16, John decided to leave the world and retired to a hermitage near the base of Mount Sinai. For the next four years, John spent his time in prayer, fasting, meditation and discernment while preparing to take solemn vows to the religious life. Through the direction of Martyrius, John curbed his vices and worked to perfect his virtues.

After professing his solemn vows, John began to spend more of his time studying scriptures and the early fathers of the Church. He became very knowledgeable in these subjects but his humility caused him to hide his talents and not presume to share them with others. Near the end of his life, he was encouraged to share his knowledge with others and wrote the "Climax" also known as "The Ladder of Paradise." This work was a collection of sayings and examples to illustrate how to live the monastic life. From this work, he received the name Climacus, a derivative from the Latin root for climax or ladder.

As John progressed in years and wisdom, many of the religious living on Mount Sinai began to seek his advice in spiritual matters. He freely offered his advice and was highly regarded for his wisdom and holiness. Around the year 600 the abbot of all the religious in the region of Mount Sinai died and John was chosen to replace him. John ruled until his death in 605 and always tried to lead through his own example.

Humanitarian and strategic questions surround Libyan intervention

Catholic observers are questioning the humanitarian impact and strategic aims of the U.S. intervention in Libya, as President Obama prepares to deliver a speech defending the military campaign.

“It is our moral responsibility as a nation to rigorously examine the use of military force in light of the need to protect human life and dignity,” wrote Bishop Howard J. Hubbard, head of the U.S. bishops' committee for peace and justice. In a March 24 letter to National Security Advisor Thomas Donilon he said the U.S. bishops were following events in Libya “with great apprehension.”

George Weigel, a Catholic writer and Distinguished Senior Fellow of the Ethics and Public Policy Center noted that “the problem with the administration's policy thus far, is that it has been feckless, and unattached to any clear strategic goal.”

“Means aren't being connected to strategic ends here – and they won't be until the United States exerts the kind of leadership that only it can give.”

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Despite controversy in NYC, pro-life billboards coming to Chicago

A pro-life group plans to continue their billboard campaign in Chicago after a recent ad was pulled in New York City following complaints.

Life Always, the organization behind ads claiming the abortion industry targets America’s black community, will launch a new billboard in Chicago on March 29, featuring an image of President Obama.

The billboard reads: “Every 21 minutes, our next possible leader is aborted.” In the ad, President Obama is shown next to the word “leader,” and viewers are also directed to visit thatsabortion.com.

“Our hope at Life Always is to call attention to the devastation that abortion is causing in America,” Marissa Gabrysch, group spokeswoman, told CNA March 28.

“By using a likeness of our President, we hope to draw attention to the fact that our next generation of leaders is in jeopardy because of abortion,” Gabrysch said.

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video: Taliban Catholic

Here in Liverpool England,our Church is in free fall and the response from our bishops is unbelieveable.As long as the syncophants and anyone without a hint of testosterone queries their actions all is well,but forget anyone with a brain asking a question and getting a response.Only those with a job in Catholicism are responded to.

St. Joseph of Arimathea

The Saint of the Day for March 29 is St. Joseph of Arimathea.

St. Joseph of Arimathea is a disciple of Jesus Christ who is mentioned in each account of the Passion narrative. After the Passion of the Lord, Joseph, a member of the Jewish council went to Pilate and asked for possession of the body of Jesus. After receiving this permission, Joseph had Jesus laid in a nearby tomb.

The Gospels tell us that Joseph was a just and devout man waiting for the kingdom of God. He followed Jesus' public ministry but feared the repercussions from the other members of the Jewish council.

Movie Review: Limitless - PG13

Eddie Morra is a writer suffering from writer's block. That changes when  his former brother-in-law introduces him to NZT, a new untested, unapproved drug that allows him to utilize all the capabilities of his brain.  He remembers anything he's ever read, he can learn a new language or a musical instrument in a day, and he begins to make a lot of money investing.  Unfortunately this attracts the attention of some unsavory people who would like to take advantage of NZT.  

While trying to evade his pursuers, Eddie must also deal with the dangerous side effects of NZT.

Bradley Cooper was very good as Eddie, but I have to admit that I was a bit disappointed by Robert DeNiro as Van Loon.  I am used to DeNiro playing a stronger character.

There is plenty of action, and this is the type of story most people will easily relate to.  It is very entertaining.

Content warnings include language, one bed scene (no nudity), and one bloody scene toward the end.

http://www.iamrogue.com/limitless

Lautenberg: Pro-Life People “Don’t Deserve Freedoms in Constitution”

I think it's time for Lautenberg to retire if he really believes this nonsense he's spewing.

New Jersey Sen. Frank Lautenberg is coming under fire from pro-life advocates for comments he made at a recent rally Planned Parenthood staged to save taxpayer funding for its abortion business.  Why should we be forced to pay for abortions with our tax dollars?

Lautenberg appeared with about 100 supporters who wore pink shirts and stood in front of a pink-colored bus Planned Parenthood has been driving around the country in order to build up support for receiving tens of millions in taxpayer dollars to support what is the biggest abortion business in the country.

“Planned Parenthood is under attack by Tea Party Republicans who have put their extremist ideology above women’s health,” Lautenberg said while pro-life advocates who counterprotested shouted, “Shame on you, Lautenberg.”

The pro-abortion New Jersey senator fired back: “These people (referring to the pro-life advocates) don’t deserve the freedoms in the Constitution.”

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St. Sixtus III, Pope

The Saint of the Day for March 28 is St. Sixtus III, Pope.

St. Sixtus was born in Rome, Italy and ascended to the papacy in 432.

As the 44th Pope, he approved the results of the Council of Ephesus and actively protested against the heresies of Nestorianism and Pelagianism. He restored many Roman basilicas and corresponded with St. Augustine of Hippo.

He died August 18, 440 of natural causes.

Corapi accuser promised to ‘destroy’ priest after being fired: claim

I truly can't wait for these false accusations to be proven so.

A leader of the company that manages Rev. John Corapi’s media has claimed that the recent accusations against the popular priest were launched by a “disgruntled” former employee who vowed to “destroy” Corapi’s reputation.

Corapi, a well-known Catholic personality and member of the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity (SOLT) who has been extremely outspoken on the life and family issues, has been placed on “administrative leave” in consultation with the diocese of Corpus Christi, Texas, where SOLT is based.

The move was in reaction to a letter by a former employee of the media company sent to several bishops and claiming that Corapi was addicted to drugs and sexually involved with multiple women.

The priest himself announced the allegations in a note on his website, and has said that all the allegations are false.

Bobbi Ruffatto, Vice President of Operations at Santa Cruz Media, Inc., said in a statement Friday that the only evidence against Corapi thus far is “the unsubstantiated rant of a former employee, who, after losing her job with this office, physically assaulted me and another employee and promised to ‘destroy’ Father Corapi.”

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St. Margaret Clitherow

The Saint of the Day for March 26 is St. Margaret Clitherow

St. Margaret Clitherow was born at Middleton, England around the year 1555 to a protestant family. Margaret was known throughout the town for her wit and good looks and in 1571 she married John Clitherow. The marriage bore two children.

Several years after her marriage to John, Margaret was introduced to the Catholic faith and converted. She was a zealous defender of Catholicism and hid fugitive priests in her home. Eventually, Margaret was turned in to the sheriff and tried for the crime of harboring Catholic priests.

While Margaret was on trial, many efforts were made to encourage her to deny the Catholic faith, but she held firmly. Finally, Margaret was condemned to be pressed to death upon sharp rocks. She was executed on March 25, 1586.

Pope Paul VI canonized Margaret in 1970.

Book Review: "Tick Tock" by James Patterson

Michael Bennett is a NYPD Detective.   He is called in off his vacation when someone starts re-creating the crimes of Son of Sam, the Brooklyn Vampire, and other serial killers. 

Michael is a widower with ten children, all adopted.  When he is called in on this case, he recruits FBI Agent Emily Parker to help.  Together, they try to stop the killers before they continue their spree... and it becomes more personal than Michal expected.

A very engaging, well-told story.  Again, I like the way Mr. Patterson integrates his characters with the story.  I related to Michael's character, probably because he is Irish Catholic.  His father, also a widower, is a priest..But I must admit that in this novel. I found the villains most intriguing. 

Content warnings include language and a few  violent crimes.

video: Seventy-Five Percent

The faith is collapsing in every way - and is collapsing by about the same amount!

New York City pregnancy center ‘virtually destroyed’

This is how "tolerant" pro-aborts are of other peoples' views.

I bet the people that did this are pretty happy that 41% of NYC pregnancies are aborted.  This center actually did help women by providing them an alternative to abortion.

Yesterday a pregnancy care center in New York City across from the Planned Parenthood clinic in the South Bronx was “virtually destroyed” after it was broken into, apparently by burglars.

Photographs show wood flooring and plaster in the center chopped into bits, while clothing, unborn baby models and other supplies are overturned and strewn haphazardly across the floor.

According to Chris Slattery, who heads up the EMC Frontline chain of pregnancy centers to which the South Bronx center belongs, burglars broke into the building through the second story window, stole over $5,000 worth of equipment, and “virtually destroyed the office.”

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The Annunciation

March 25 is the Feast of the Annunciation

A tradition, which has come down from the apostolic ages, tells us that the great mystery of the Incarnation was achieved on the twenty-fifth day of March. It was at the hour of midnight, when the most holy Virgin was alone and absorbed in prayer, that the Archangel Gabriel appeared before her, and asked her, in the name of the blessed Trinity, to consent to become the Mother of God. Let us assist, in spirit, at this wonderful interview between the angel and the Virgin: and, at the same time, let us think of that other interview which took place between Eve and the serpent. A holy bishop and martyr of the second century, Saint Irenaeus, who had received the tradition from the very disciples of the apostles, shows us that Nazareth is the counterpart of Eden.

In the garden of delights there is a virgin and an angel; and a conversation takes place-between them. At Nazareth a virgin is also addressed by an angel, and she answers him; but the angel of the earthly paradise is a spirit of darkness, and he of Nazareth is a spirit of light. In both instances it is the angel that has the first word. 'Why,' said the serpent to Eve, 'hath God commanded you, that you should not eat of every tree of paradise?' His question implies impatience and a solicitation to evil; he has contempt for the frail creature to whom he addresses it, but he hates the image of God which is upon her.

See, on the other hand, the angel of light; see with what composure and peacefulness he approaches the Virgin of Nazareth, the new Eve; and how respectfully he bows himself down before her: 'Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with thee! Blessed art thou among women!' Such language is evidently of heaven: none but an angel could speak thus to Mary.

Scarcely has the wicked spirit finished speaking than Eve casts a longing look at the forbidden fruit: she is impatient to enjoy the independence it is to bring her. She rashly stretches forth her hand; she plucks the fruit; she eats it, and death takes possession of her: death of the soul, for sin extinguishes the light of life; and death of the body, which being separated from the source of immortality, becomes an object of shame and horror, and finally crumbles into dust.

But let us turn away our eyes from this sad spectacle, and fix them on Nazareth. Mary has heard the angel's explanation of the mystery; the will of heaven is made known to her, and how grand an honor it is to bring upon her! She, the humble maid of Nazareth, is to have the ineffable happiness of becoming the Mother of God, and yet the treasure of her virginity is to be left to her! Mary bows down before this sovereign will, and says to the heavenly messenger: 'Behold the handmaid of the Lord: be it done to me according to thy word.'

Thus, as the great St. Irenaeus and so many of the holy fathers remark, the obedience of the second Eve repaired the disobedience of the first: for no sooner does the Virgin of Nazareth speak her fiat, 'be it done,' than the eternal Son of God (who, according to the divine decree, awaited this word) is present, by the operation of the Holy Ghost, in the chaste womb of Mary, and there He begins His human life. A Virgin is a Mother, and Mother of God; and it is this Virgin's consenting to the divine will that has made her conceive by the power of the Holy Ghost. This sublime mystery puts between the eternal Word and a mere woman the relations of Son and Mother; it gives to the almighty God a means whereby He may, in a manner worthy of His majesty, triumph over satan, who hitherto seemed to have prevailed against the divine plan.

Never was there a more entire or humiliating defeat than that which this day befell satan. The frail creature, over whom he had so easily triumphed at the beginning of the world, now rises and crushes his proud head. Eve conquers in Mary. God would not choose man for the instrument of His vengeance; the humiliation of satan would not have been great enough; and therefore she who was the first prey of hell, the first victim of the tempter, is selected to give battle to the enemy. The result of so glorious a triumph is that Mary is to be superior not only to the rebel angels, but to the whole human race, yea, to all the angels of heaven. Seated on her exalted throne, she, the Mother of God, is to be the Queen of all creation. Satan, in the depths of the abyss, will eternally bewail his having dared to direct his first attack against the woman, for God has now so gloriously avenged her; and in heaven, the very Cherubim and Seraphim reverently look up to Mary, and deem themselves honored when she smiles upon them, or employs them in the execution of any of her wishes, for she is the Mother of their God.

Therefore is it that we, the children of Adam, who have been snatched by Mary's obedience from the power of hell, solemnize this day of the Annunciation. Well may we say of Mary those words of Debbora, when she sang her song of victory over the enemies of God's people: 'The valiant men ceased, and rested in Israel, until Debbora arose, a mother arose in Israel. The Lord chose new wars, and He Himself overthrew the gates of the enemies." Let us also refer to the holy Mother of Jesus these words of Judith, who by her victory over the enemy was another type of Mary: 'Praise ye the Lord our God, who hath not forsaken them that hope in Him. And by me, His handmaid, He hath fulfilled His mercy, which He promised to the house of Israel; and He hath killed the enemy of His people by my hand this night. . . . The almighty Lord hath struck him, and hath delivered him into the hands of a woman, and hath slain him.'

Bishop Aquila: How long will pro-abort politicians be able to receive Communion?

You Rock, Bishop Aquila!

It's so great to see a Bishop defend Catholic teachings!

“One must honestly ask, how many times and years may a Catholic politician vote for the so called right to abortion, - “murder” in the words of John Paul II in Evangelium Vitae (58), and still be able to receive Holy Communion?” The remark came as part of a keynote address delivered by Most Rev. Samuel J. Aquila, bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Fargo on March 18.

“The continual reception of Holy Communion by those who so visibly contradict and promote a grave evil, even more than simply dissent, only creates grave scandal, undermines the teaching and governing authority of the Church and can be interpreted by the faithful as indifference to the teaching of Christ and the Church on the part of those who have the responsibility to govern,” Bishop Aquila told over 150 participants at the 10th Annual Symposium on the Spirituality and Identity of the Diocesan Priest in Philadelphia, PA .

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video: Christ, The Builder

Have you noticed the building boom going on in many Catholic communities these days?

video: The Catholic Vita

There is a way of life to being a Catholic, and as Catholics we need to understand and live it.

St. Catherine of Sweden

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

St. Catherine was the daughter of St. Bridget of Sweden and Ulfo and was born near the beginning of the fourteenth century. At the age of seven, Catherine was sent to the Abbey at Risburgh by her parents and placed under the care of the abbess to receive an education and to build a foundation for her spiritual life.

At the age of 13, Catherine was taken from the abbey and given in marriage to Egard, a German nobleman. Upon meeting Egard, Catherine persuaded him to make a mutual vow of perpetual chastity with her. Catherine and Egard dedicated themselves to the service of God and encouraged each other in works of mortification, prayer and charity.

Around the year 1349, after the death of her father, Catherine accompanied her mother on a pilgrimage to Rome to visit the relics of the Roman Martyrs. The two spent several years living in Rome. In 1373 St. Bridget died and Catherine returned to Sweden with her mother's body. Two years later, Catherine returned to Rome to promote the cause for her mother's canonization and to gain approval for a Rule she had written for a group of religious women.

After gaining approval for her rule, Catherine returned to Sweden and became abbess of Vadzstena. Catherine served as abbess of Vadzstena until her death in 1381. During the final 25 years of her life, Catherine was known for her austere lifestyle and her practice of making daily use of the Sacrament of Confession.

St. Catherine was canonized in 1484 by Pope Pius II.

Book Review: "Cross Fire" by James Patterson

Alex Cross is a former FBI agent, now a D.C. detective.  As Alex is trying to find and stop a pair of snipers on a killing spree,  he doesn't know that he will soon be facing his nemesis Kyle Craig, who seeks revenge against Alex and is much closer than Alex realizes.  One phrase that repeats throughout the story is "foxes in the hen house".

Alex also contends with some personal issues, such as planning to marry Bree, his current love, and the reappearance of his ex-wife.

Although Alex is a good detective, it is clear how much he cares about his family.

I like the way that  Mr. Patterson integrates character development with his story.   I also enjoy his writing style, and the pace at which he moves the story. This was the first novel by Mr. Patterson that I've read.  It was so good that  I've already started reading "Tick Tock".

Content warnings include language, and some violence.

Priests And Nuns Mocked On “Lopez Tonight”

On last night’s episode of “Lopez Tonight” a skit was performed featuring a priest who ran a religious-themed strip club, “Bad Habits.” Among the dancers were two nuns in full habit and an altar boy.

Catholic League president Bill Donohue addressed this show today:

This isn’t the first time George Lopez has gone after the Catholic clergy—last September he maligned gay priests on two occasions for the sexual abuse of minors. However, this time was different: he decided to throw nuns and altar boys into the mix.

The nuns (dressed in full habit, of course) were paraded out prancing around on stage and dancing suggestively; one of them even gave an audience member a lap dance. While watching the nuns dance, the priest announced to the audience that one of the nuns was making him reconsider his vow of celibacy. Is this juvenile display considered humor nowadays?

Of course Lopez couldn’t just mock nuns; he had to throw in an altar boy. The altar boy entered the stage and removed his garments to reveal his scantily-clad body. This is the type of thing you could expect to hear in an 8th grade class room.

That a rabbi was featured as one of the dancers matters not. He was sandwiched between two stripping nuns and an altar boy at a club run by a priest. I think it’s pretty clear who Lopez was gunning for.

Lopez’s humor is more than inane—it is one more example of a comedian who wants to push the envelope at the expense of Catholics.

Contact Diane Herzog, the PR person for the show: diane.herzog@turner.com

Vatican official at UN decries 'attacks' on Catholic beliefs

The Archbishop is 100% correct. The UN has been anti-Catholic for some time.

A Vatican representative to the United Nations spoke out today against “attacks” on freedom of conscience and religion, directed against Catholics and others who hold traditional beliefs about sexual morality and human nature.

Archbishop Silvano M. Tomasi spoke out in a March 22 meeting of the U.N. Human Rights Council, calling attention to what he described as a “disturbing trend” in debates over social life and human rights.

“People are being attacked for taking positions that do not support sexual behavior between people of the same sex,” Archbishop Tomasi told the council.

“When they express their moral beliefs or beliefs about human nature, which may also be expressions of religious convictions, or state opinions about scientific claims, they are stigmatized, and worse – they are vilified, and prosecuted.”

The archbishop stated that these attempts to silence Catholics, and other critics of homosexual practice, were a human rights violation according to the council's own standards.

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St. Turibio de Mogrovejo

The Saint of the Day for March 23 is St. Turibio de Mogrovejo.

Together with Rose of Lima, Turibio is the first known saint of the New World, serving the Lord in Peru, South America, for twenty-six years.

Born in Spain and educated for the law, he became so brilliant a scholar that he was made professor of law at the University of Salamanca and eventually became chief judge of the Inquisition at Granada. He succeeded too well. But he was not sharp enough a lawyer to prevent a surprising sequence of events.

When the archbishopric of Lima in Spain's Peruvian colony became vacant, it was decided that Turibio was the man needed to fill the post: He was the one person with the strength of character and holiness of spirit to heal the scandals that had infected that area.

He cited all the canons that forbade giving laymen ecclesiastical dignities, but he was overruled. He was ordained priest and bishop and sent to Peru, where he found colonialism at its worst. The Spanish conquerors were guilty of every sort of oppression of the native population. Abuses among the clergy were flagrant, and he devoted his energies (and suffering) to this area first.

He began the long and arduous visitation of an immense archdiocese, studying the language, staying two or three days in each place, often with neither bed nor food. He confessed every morning to his chaplain, and celebrated Mass with intense fervor. Among those to whom he gave the Sacrament of Confirmation was Saint Rose of Lima, and possibly Saint Martin de Porres. After 1590 he had the help of another great missionary, Saint Francis Solanus.

His people, though very poor, were sensitive, dreading to accept public charity from others. Turibio solved the problem by helping them anonymously.

When Turibio undertook the reform of the clergy as well as unjust officials, he naturally suffered opposition. Some tried, in human fashion, to "explain" God's law in such a way as to sanction their accustomed way of life. He answered them in the words of Tertullian, "Christ said, 'I am the truth'; he did not say, 'I am the custom."'

video: The Fisherman's Shoes

To walk in the shoes of the Pope is a lot harder than it looks.

video: Heresy and Hell

It's best to trust the Church and her teachings, with 2000 years of wisdom and experience, it would be foolish not to trust her.

Fr. Corapi placed on leave after misconduct accusation

This truly breaks my heart.  I've been a big fan of Fr. Corapi.  I pray that these accusations are proven false.

Popular speaker and author Fr. John Corapi has been placed on administrative leave by superiors within his religious order following recent allegations of misconduct.

Fr. Corapi said in a March 19 statement that a 3-page letter submitted by a former, unidentified female employee was entirely “false.” The letter claimed that the priest took part in sexual encounters with several adult women and engaged in habitual drug use.

Fr. Corapi – a member of Texas-based Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity – is an internationally-known speaker and author who has appeared regularly on Catholic television and radio programs.

He gained a widespread audience with his conversion story. After a prominent career as a wealthy businessman, his life spiraled out of control due to a cocaine addiction, eventually leading to him living on the streets. He later joined the Catholic Church and was ordained a priest.

On March 18, Fr. Gerry Sheehan, Regional Priest Servant for the society, issued a statement saying that Fr. Corapi had been placed “on administrative leave from priestly ministry, in accordance to the Code of Cannon Law of the Catholic Church.”

“We have an allegation that Father Corapi has behaved in a manner unbecoming of a priest and are duty-bound to conduct an investigation in this accusation.”

Fr. Sheehan said it was “important to keep in mind that this action in no way implies Fr. Corapi is guilty of the allegation.”

“It is equally important to know that, based on the information we have received thus far,” he added, “the claim of misconduct does not involve minors and does not arise to the (level) of criminal conduct.”

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St. Lea

The Saint of the Day for March 22 is St. Lea.

St. Lea was a widow who lived in fourth century Rome and died around the year 384. After the death of her husband, she retired from the world to a monastery and eventually became superior of the community there. Much of the information available concerning the life of St. Lea, who has long been honored in the Roman Martyrology, comes from a letter from St. Jerome to Marcella which compares Lea's life to that of the Counsul Praetextaus. An excerpt of this letter, the twentieth epistle of St. Jerome is found below.

"Who will praise the blessed Lea as she deserves? She renounced painting her face and adorning her head with shining pearls. She exchanged her rich attire for sackcloth, and ceased to command others in order to obey all. She dwelt in a corner with a few bits of furniture; she spent her nights in prayer, and instructed her companions through her example rather than through protests and speeches. And she looked forward to her arrival in heaven in order to receive her recompense for the virtues which she practiced on earth."

"So it is that thence forth she enjoyed perfect happiness. From Abraham's bosom, where she resides with Lazarus, she sees our consul who was once decked out in purple, now vested in a shameful robe, vainly begging for a drop of water to quench his thirst. Although he went up to the capital to the plaudits of the people, and his death occasioned widespread grief, it is futile for the wife to assert that he has gone to heaven and possesses a great mansion there. The fact is that he is plunged into the darkness outside, whereas Lea who was willing to be considered a fool on earth, has been received into the house of the Father, at the wedding feast of the Lamb."

"Hence, I tearfully beg you to refrain from seeking the favors of the world and to renounce all that is carnal. It is impossible to follow both the world and Jesus. Let us live a life of renunciation, for our bodies will soon be dust and nothing else will last any longer."

Baby Joseph gets tracheotomy, will be able to go home

Joseph Maraachli, who had been set to have his ventilator removed against his parents’ wishes at an Ontario hospital last month, received a tracheotomy Monday morning and is doing well, says his family.

His parents, Moe Maraachli and Sana Nader, took Joseph to Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center in St. Louis, Missouri last Sunday after trying unsuccessfully to get him the simple procedure at his Ontario hospital, London Health Sciences Centre.

The surgery involves a slit in the throat to allow a breathing tube to be inserted into the airway. The tube allows for suction of fluid out of the lungs, creates a safe and stable way to use a mechanical ventilator, and is more comfortable for the child.

The parents have been asking for this procedure in hopes that they could take Joseph home. The Maraachli’s daughter Zina died from a similar neurological disorder eight years ago, and in that case the family took her home after doctors performed the simple procedure. They now want the same for Joseph.

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Movie Review: The Lincoln Lawyer - R

Mickey Haller (Matthew McConaughey), is a Los Angeles defense attorney who operates out of the back of his Lincoln.  His newest client is Louis Roulet (Ryan Phillippe), accused of rape and attempted murder.   As Mickey looks into the case, he discovers some disturbing facts, and a connection to one of his older cases.  This turns out to be a more dangerous case than Mickey anticipated. 

Despite his unorthodox working style, Mickey maintains a relationship with his ex-wife and daughter. 

An entertaining story told in an attention-grabbing style with lots of intrigue.

There was not a lot of character development, but there didn't need to be, because the characters were entertaining as portrayed.

KUDO's to Matthew McConaughey; he played the role perfectly.  William H. Macy was also very good as Frank, Mickey's investigator.

I really enjoyed The Lincoln Lawyer and would recommend it.for adults only.

Content warnings include violence,  language and a brief bed scene (no nudity).

http://thelincolnlawyermovie.com/

St. Nicholas of Flue

The Saint of the Day for March 21 is St. Nicholas of Flue.

Today, the universal church celebrates the feast of St. Nicholas of Flue. During his lifetime, the Swiss saint had 10 children, became a hermit and later prevented a civil war.

Nicholas was born in 1417 near the Lake of Lucerne in Switzerland. He married at the age of 30 and had 10 children. In addition to his duties as a husband and a father, Nicholas donated his talents and time selflessly to the community and always strove to give an excellent moral example to all.

The saint was also able to devote much of his private life to developing a strong relationship with the Lord. He had a strict regime of fasting and he spent a great deal of time in contemplative prayer.

Around the year 1467, when he was 50 years old, Nicholas felt called to retire from the world and become a hermit. His wife and children gave their approval, and he left home to live in a hermitage a few miles away. While living as a hermit, Nicholas soon gained a wide reputation on account of his personal sanctity and many people sought him out to request his prayers and spiritual advice.

Nicholas lived the quiet life of a hermit for 13 years. However in 1481, a dispute arose between the delegates of the Swiss confederates at Stans and a civil war seemed imminent. The people called on Nicholas to settle the dispute, so he drafted several proposals which everyone eventually agreed on.

Nicholas' work prevented civil war and solidified the country of Switzerland. But, as a true hermit, he then returned to his hermitage after settling the dispute.

He died six years later on March 21, 1487 surrounded by his wife and children.

In Lent, space for Bible, prayer and penance

Solemnity of St. Joseph, husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The Saint of the Day for March 19 is my favorite, St. Joseph.

St. Joseph was an ordinary manual laborer although descended from the royal house of David. In the designs of Providence he was destined to become the spouse of the Mother of God. His high privilege is expressed in a single phrase, "Foster-father of Jesus." About him Sacred Scripture has little more to say than that he was a just man-an expression which indicates how faithfully he fulfilled his high trust of protecting and guarding God's greatest treasures upon earth, Jesus and Mary.

The darkest hours of his life may well have been those when he first learned of Mary's pregnancy; but precisely in this time of trial Joseph showed himself great. His suffering, which likewise formed a part of the work of the redemption, was not without great providential import: Joseph was to be, for all times, the trustworthy witness of the Messiah's virgin birth. After this, he modestly retires into the background of holy Scripture.

Of St. Joseph's death the Bible tells us nothing. There are indications, however, that he died before the beginning of Christ's public life. His was the most beautiful death that one could have, in the arms of Jesus and Mary. Humbly and unknown, he passed his years at Nazareth, silent and almost forgotten he remained in the background through centuries of Church history. Only in more recent times has he been accorded greater honor. Liturgical veneration of St. Joseph began in the fifteenth century, fostered by Sts. Brigid of Sweden and Bernadine of Siena. St. Teresa, too, did much to further his cult.

At present there are two major feasts in his honor. On March 19 our veneration is directed to him personally and to his part in the work of redemption, while on May 1 we honor him as the patron of workmen throughout the world and as our guide in the difficult matter of establishing equitable norms regarding obligations and rights in the social order.

http://praisestjoseph.com/

video: A La Carte

Sorry, Cafeteria Catholics! There are no a la carte options on this menu!

Harry Reid: GOP Must Give Up De-Funding Planned Parenthood

No way Harry...we should not be forced to fund Planned Parenthood's abortion business with our tax dollars.

Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid said today that Republicans who favor cutting taxpayer funding for the Planned Parenthood abortion business need to give up their quest because the Senate will not agree to it.

House Republicans passed a long-term continuing resolution — a bill to fund the federal government through the latter part of the year — that Senate Democrats rejected recently. Both chambers are back to negotiating a new bill now that another short-term measure has been approved by both to fund the government for three weeks.

Today, Reid, a Nevada senator who claims to be pro-life but has carved out a strongly pro-abortion voting record — led off those negotiations with a brick wall by telling Republicans cutting the tens of millions of dollars Planned Parenthood gets annually is a nonstarter. He said de-funding Planned Parenthood can’t be a part of any long-term bill the Senate negotiates.

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St. Cyril of Jerusalem

The Saint of the Day for March 18 is St. Cyril of Jerusalem.

Cyril of Jerusalem was given to the study of the Holy Scriptures from childhood, and made such progress that he became an eminent champion of the orthodox faith. He embraced the monastic institute and bound himself to perpetual chastity and austerity of life. He was ordained priest by St. Maximus, Patriarch of Jerusalem, and undertook the work of preaching to the faithful and instructing the catechumens, in which he won the praise of all. He was the author of those truly wonderful Catechetical Instructions, which embrace clearly and fully all the teaching of the Church, and contain an excellent defense of each of the dogmas of religion against the enemies of the faith. His treatment of these subjects is so distinct and clear that he refuted not only the heresies of his own time, but also, by a kind of foreknowledge, as it were, those which were to arise later. Thus he maintains the Real Presence of the Body and Blood of Christ in the adorable sacrament of the Altar. On the death of Patriarch St. Maximus, the bishops of the province chose Cyril in his place.

As Bishop he endured, like blessed Athanasius, his contemporary, many wrongs and sufferings for the sake of the faith at the hands of the Arians. They could not bear his strenuous opposition to their heresy, and thus assailed him with calumnies, deposed him in a pseudo-council and drove him from his see. To escape their rage, he fled to Tarsus in Cilicia and, as long as Constantius lived, he bore the hardships of exile. On the death of Constantius and the accession of Julian the Apostate, Cyril was able to return to Jerusalem, where he set himself with burning zeal to deliver his flock from false doctrine and from sin. He was driven into exile a second time, under the Emperor Valens, but when peace was restored to the Church by Theodosius the Great, and the cruelty and insolence of the Arians were restrained, he was received with honor by the Emperor as a valiant soldier of Christ and restored to his see. With what earnestness and holiness he fulfilled the duties of his exalted office was proved by the flourishing state of the Church at Jerusalem, as described by St. Basil, who spent some time there on a pilgrimage to the holy places.

Tradition states that God rendered the holiness of this venerable Patriarch illustrious by signs from heaven, among which is numbered the apparition of a cross, brighter than the sun, which was seen at the beginning of his Patriarchate. Not only Cyril himself, but pagans and Christians alike were witnesses of this marvel, which Cyril, after having given thanks to God in church, announced by letter to Constantius. A thing no less wonderful came to pass when the Jews were commanded by the impious Emperor Julian to restore the Temple which had been destroyed by Titus. An earthquake arose and great balls of fire broke out of the earth and consumed the work, so that Julian and the Jews were struck with terror and gave up their plan. This had been clearly foretold by Cyril. A little while before his death, he was present at the Ecumenical Council at Constantinople, where the heresies of Macedonius and Arius were condemned. After his return to Jerusalem, he died a holy death at sixty-nine years of age in the thirty-fifth year of his bishopric. Pope Leo XIII ordered that his office and mass should be said throughout the Universal Church.

video: The Gift of Beauty

Religious art, particularly in Rome, is beautiful & can lead one to a deeper love of God. But what happens when we lose sight of the mystery behind the art?

New York mayor signs pregnancy center gag law: pro-life groups to challenge in court

What a hypocrite...Bloomberg has an obviously pregnant woman standing next to him as he signs a bill hurting pregnancy centers that actually do  help women by providing alternatives to abortion.  But....the pro-aborts don't want women to be informed about alternatives.

The mayor of New York City has signed a controversial gag rule against pro-life pregnancy resource centers that local advocates have vowed to challenge in court.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg signed Initiative 371-A Wednesday afternoon. “This is a sad day for free speech” said Chris Slattery, founder of Expectant Mother Care and a top New York City pro-life advocate. The law, which had been passed by the city council last month in a 39-9-1 vote gives local authorities “unbridled discretion” against the pregnancy resource centers said Slattery.

The law, similar to one in Maryland recently deemed unconstitutional by a federal judge, forces pro-life pregnancy centers to prominently display whether they perform abortions in both English and Spanish at their entrances, as well as on all promotional material.

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St. Patrick

The Saint of the Day for March 17 is St. Patrick.

This day is not all about leprechauns, shamrocks and green beer. This is a day to honor and pray to St. Patrick. He was an influential saint who, 1,500 years ago, brought Christianity to the little country of Ireland. He was born about 385 in the British Isles, was carried off while still very young during a raid on Roman Britain by the Irish and sold as a slave. At the end of six years he contrived to escape to Europe, became a monk and was ordained; he then returned to Ireland to preach the Gospel. During the thirty years that his missionary labors continued he covered the Island with churches and monasteries; in 444 he founded the metropolitan see of Armagh. St. Patrick died in 461. After fifteen centuries he remains for all Irishmen the great bishop whom they venerate as their father in the Faith.

Not many facts are known about the life of St. Patrick. We know that he was born around 415 AD, and was a Roman Briton. When he was about 16, while he was tending his sheep some Irish raiders captured him and made him a slave. He eventually was able to escape and return to Britain. There he heard the call to return and bring Christianity to Ireland. He was ordained a priest, consecrated a bishop and came back to Ireland around 435 AD. Many legends are associated around St. Patrick: how he drove the snakes out of Ireland, and the use of the shamrock to teach the mystery of the Trinity. Whether or not the legends are true, St. Patrick succeeded in bringing Catholicism to Ireland, and in time, the whole country converted from their pagan gods to the one true God.

Although a small country, Ireland has played a large role in saving and bringing Christianity throughout the world. During the early Dark Ages, the Irish monasteries preserved Western writings while Europe remained in darkness. But as the Catholic country remained solidly Catholic, the Irish spread the faith to all corners of the world. To learn more on this subject, read Thomas Cahill's How the Irish Saved Civilization.

We have a few works attributed to St. Patrick, one being his autobiography called Confessions. It is a short summary of the events in his life, written in true humility. Below is a short excerpt:

I am greatly God's debtor, because he granted me so much grace, that through me many people would be reborn in God, and soon after confirmed, and that clergy would be ordained everywhere for them, the masses lately come to belief, whom the Lord drew from the ends of the earth, just as he once promised through his prophets: "To you shall the nations come from the ends of the earth, and shall say, Our fathers have inherited naught hut lies, worthless things in which there is no profit." And again: "I have set you to be a light for the Gentiles that you may bring salvation to the uttermost ends of the earth."

Cardinal calls on Irish to rediscover their faith on St. Patrick's Day

Planned Parenthood lobbies against bill requiring sex abuse reporting

How can this be? Planned Parenthood claims to be "for women" and they are fighting a bill to greater protect woman and children by broadening reporting of sexual abuse?  Why would they do that?

Following a string of undercover videos showing Planned Parenthood employees failing to report child rape and underage sex trafficking, the organization’s Illinois affiliate is lobbying against a state bill that would broaden the duty to report such abuse.

David Schmidt of Live Action, the pro-life group responsible for exposing Planned Parenthood employees’ failures to report child abuse, on Saturday reported that Planned Parenthood’s form petition to Illinois state senators urges a “no” vote on HB 2093, a measure intended to extend the reporting mandate to all staff at health care facilities, instead of only licensed health care workers.

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Bronze Way of the Cross

Anyone making their way along Rome's Via della Conciliazione toward St. Peter's Basilica this Lent will be greeted by the world's largest bronze representation of the stations of the cross.

video: The Colosseum

To look out over the history of the Catholic Church, in particular the Early Christian Martyrs, is breathtaking view of the Divine Plan for Salvation, which continues to unfold, even today.

St. Abraham

The Saint of the Day for March 16 is St. Abraham.

St. Abraham was born near the city of Edessa in the region of Mesopotamia of a wealthy family during the third century. After receiving an excellent education, Abraham was encouraged to get married. Following the wishes of his parents, he married but as soon as the ceremonies were over he told his bride of his wishes to remain a virgin and dedicate his life to God. His bride accepted this resolution and Abraham left her and retired to a hermitage near Edessa.

Ten years after he retreated from the world, his parents died and left a great amount of wealth to Abraham. As soon as he was aware of this, he asked a friend to distribute it to charitable causes. Through actions like this and his deep prayer life, Abraham became known throughout the region as a holy man and many came to him for guidance. His reputation even came to the ears of the bishop, and when Edessa became poisoned with sin and idolatry, Abraham was ordained and asked to go to the city preaching reform. Abraham was greatly distressed by this, but obeyed the wishes of the bishop.

When Abraham arrived in Edessa, none of the residents would listen to his words, but eventually Abraham converted them, not through his preaching, but through his constant prayer. After gaining success in converting the city, Abraham returned to his hermitage to continue his life of solitary prayer. Around the year 360 Abraham died after a life of faithful service to God.