I had the joy of seeing my second child being borne. It was an amazing thing for me. This thing that was kicking my face as I placed my cheek on my wife’s tummy days before was wiped and given to my wife to cradled in her arms.
It was definitely a step up from when I brought home my first child. I wouldn’t touch the thing. Suppose I held it wrong and it’s head fell off. (All the women laughed or got angry, all the older men smiled quietly and knowingly).
By the time my third child was borne, I was an old pro at the game. Nurturing almost always seems to come naturally for women. Men have to learn it, and sometimes it isn’t so easy.
So I wonder how it was for Mary and Joseph. Tradition tells us that Mary was fourteen years old, and that Joseph was in his later years. What was it like 2000 years ago? Did Joseph look upon this child with amazement? Did he help with the baby, knowing that He is the Christ Child, or did he leave that to Mary, and concerned himself with other activities? How did this family function?
God would not have trusted his incarnation with any ole human. He chose those he molded for the purpose. He has molded us too. We have a purpose. It relates to the Christ child too and to the Holy family.
As my family grows so too my understanding of family life grows. The untold story of the Holy Family is told to me in my understanding of my own family life.
Lord bless all families, on the feast of the Holy Family.
Sunday 26 December 2010
Saturday 18 December 2010
European court says Ireland's abortion laws breach European rules
The big bad European Community has flexed it's muscles and told Ireland that they (as a country) should do what the European Community demands. Should we all say "Hiel Hitler" for it seems that he has won the war. Ireland does have abortion, but not on demand. The woman in the article below states that she might develop cancer if she becomes pregnant. So why become pregnant my dear. However, she could not find ONE doctor who would support her argument scientifically.
The last paragraph of the article shows that 70% of Irish people do not want a change from their existing situation.
Here is the article written by Michael Kelly for the Catholic News Service. The headline reads: European court says Ireland's abortion laws breach European rules
DUBLIN (CNS) -- The European Court of Human Rights has ruled that Ireland's laws banning abortion breach European human rights law.
In a landmark and binding case that could have implications for other European countries, the court ruled that Ireland had breached the human rights of a woman with a rare form of cancer who feared it would relapse when she became unintentionally pregnant.
However, the woman was unable to find a doctor willing to make a determination as to whether her life would be at risk if she continued her pregnancy to term.
Early Dec. 16, the court concluded that neither the "medical consultation nor litigation options" relied on by the government constituted an effective or accessible procedure.
"Moreover, there was no explanation why the existing constitution right had not been implemented to date," the court ruled.
While abortion remains a criminal offense under 1861 legislation, a technical constitutional right to abortion does exist in Ireland following a 1992 Supreme Court ruling. In a controversial judgment known as the "X case," the court established the right of Irish women to an abortion if a pregnant woman's life was at risk as a result of the pregnancy.
However, successive governments have not legislated on the issue, and several constitutional referenda variously aimed at either enacting or revoking the judgment have proved inconclusive.
Guidelines from the Irish Medical Council describe abortion as "professional misconduct."
The European court case was filed in 2005; in 2009 it had an oral hearing before the court's grand chamber. This 17-judge court is reserved to hear cases that raise serious questions affecting the interpretation of the European Convention of Human Rights. As a signatory to the European Convention on Human Rights -- now incorporated into Irish law -- the government is obliged to remedy any breaches of the convention.
Ireland and Malta are the only member-states of the Council of Europe in which abortion remains illegal.
Two other Irish women who took cases before the court in Strasbourg, France, were unsuccessful in their bids. The first woman, who was claiming the right to an abortion because she was living in poverty and felt unable to raise the child, had her case struck down. Her case, if successful, would have forced Ireland to legislate for abortion-on-demand. The second of the two unsuccessful candidates ran the risk of an ectopic pregnancy, in which the fetus develops outside of the womb. Her case also was rejected because there was no clear medical certainty over the diagnosis of an ectopic pregnancy.
All three women were among an estimated 4,000 Irish women who travel to neighboring Britain for an abortion each year.
The Irish government defended its laws and said Ireland's abortion laws were based on "profound moral values deeply embedded in Irish society."
It argued that the European Court of Human Rights has consistently recognized the traditions of different countries regarding the rights of unborn children. However, it maintained that the women's challenge sought to undermine these principles and align Ireland with countries with more liberal abortion laws.
Government spokesmen were initially unwilling to comment on whether the state would appeal the decision.
Independent Sen. Ronan Mullen called on the government to hold a referendum to overturn the 1992 Supreme Court decision.
"The only reason the ECHR made this judgment is because the Supreme Court made its flawed interpretation of the (Irish) constitution. We now need to have a referendum that will restore the full legal and constitutional protection for the unborn that was undermined by the Supreme Court," Mullen told Catholic News Service.
William Binchy, a constitutional lawyer and legal adviser to the Pro-Life Campaign, told CNS: "The most important (thing) is that the judgment does not require Ireland to introduce legislation authorizing abortion. On the contrary, it fully respects the entitlement of the Irish people to determine legal policy on protecting the lives of unborn children.
"The Irish people must now make a choice. If they were to choose to endorse the Supreme Court decision in X, this would involve legalizing abortion contrary to existing medical practice and the best evidence of medical research. If, on the other hand, the Irish people choose to endorse the current medical practice, they will be ensuring the continuation of Ireland's world-renowned safety record for mothers and babies during pregnancy," Binchy said.
The ruling is set to put the issue of abortion back on the political agenda as the country prepares for a general election early in 2011. Both main parties -- the current governing Fianna Fail party and the main opposition Fine Gael -- have policies opposed to abortion. Only the minority Labor Party supports the introduction of abortion.
The issue has emerged over the years as a lightning rod in Irish politics, with most politicians unwilling to touch the issue. Opinion polls consistently show that the majority of Irish people are opposed to the introduction of laws permitting abortion.
A poll in February of this year, for example, asked respondents: "Are you in favor of or opposed to constitutional protection for the unborn that prohibits abortion but allows the continuation of the existing practice of intervention to save a mother's life in accordance with Irish medical ethics?"
The finding showed that 70 percent supported constitutional protection for the unborn, 13 percent oppose it and 16 percent did not know or had no opinion.
The last paragraph of the article shows that 70% of Irish people do not want a change from their existing situation.
Here is the article written by Michael Kelly for the Catholic News Service. The headline reads: European court says Ireland's abortion laws breach European rules
DUBLIN (CNS) -- The European Court of Human Rights has ruled that Ireland's laws banning abortion breach European human rights law.
In a landmark and binding case that could have implications for other European countries, the court ruled that Ireland had breached the human rights of a woman with a rare form of cancer who feared it would relapse when she became unintentionally pregnant.
However, the woman was unable to find a doctor willing to make a determination as to whether her life would be at risk if she continued her pregnancy to term.
Early Dec. 16, the court concluded that neither the "medical consultation nor litigation options" relied on by the government constituted an effective or accessible procedure.
"Moreover, there was no explanation why the existing constitution right had not been implemented to date," the court ruled.
While abortion remains a criminal offense under 1861 legislation, a technical constitutional right to abortion does exist in Ireland following a 1992 Supreme Court ruling. In a controversial judgment known as the "X case," the court established the right of Irish women to an abortion if a pregnant woman's life was at risk as a result of the pregnancy.
However, successive governments have not legislated on the issue, and several constitutional referenda variously aimed at either enacting or revoking the judgment have proved inconclusive.
Guidelines from the Irish Medical Council describe abortion as "professional misconduct."
The European court case was filed in 2005; in 2009 it had an oral hearing before the court's grand chamber. This 17-judge court is reserved to hear cases that raise serious questions affecting the interpretation of the European Convention of Human Rights. As a signatory to the European Convention on Human Rights -- now incorporated into Irish law -- the government is obliged to remedy any breaches of the convention.
Ireland and Malta are the only member-states of the Council of Europe in which abortion remains illegal.
Two other Irish women who took cases before the court in Strasbourg, France, were unsuccessful in their bids. The first woman, who was claiming the right to an abortion because she was living in poverty and felt unable to raise the child, had her case struck down. Her case, if successful, would have forced Ireland to legislate for abortion-on-demand. The second of the two unsuccessful candidates ran the risk of an ectopic pregnancy, in which the fetus develops outside of the womb. Her case also was rejected because there was no clear medical certainty over the diagnosis of an ectopic pregnancy.
All three women were among an estimated 4,000 Irish women who travel to neighboring Britain for an abortion each year.
The Irish government defended its laws and said Ireland's abortion laws were based on "profound moral values deeply embedded in Irish society."
It argued that the European Court of Human Rights has consistently recognized the traditions of different countries regarding the rights of unborn children. However, it maintained that the women's challenge sought to undermine these principles and align Ireland with countries with more liberal abortion laws.
Government spokesmen were initially unwilling to comment on whether the state would appeal the decision.
Independent Sen. Ronan Mullen called on the government to hold a referendum to overturn the 1992 Supreme Court decision.
"The only reason the ECHR made this judgment is because the Supreme Court made its flawed interpretation of the (Irish) constitution. We now need to have a referendum that will restore the full legal and constitutional protection for the unborn that was undermined by the Supreme Court," Mullen told Catholic News Service.
William Binchy, a constitutional lawyer and legal adviser to the Pro-Life Campaign, told CNS: "The most important (thing) is that the judgment does not require Ireland to introduce legislation authorizing abortion. On the contrary, it fully respects the entitlement of the Irish people to determine legal policy on protecting the lives of unborn children.
"The Irish people must now make a choice. If they were to choose to endorse the Supreme Court decision in X, this would involve legalizing abortion contrary to existing medical practice and the best evidence of medical research. If, on the other hand, the Irish people choose to endorse the current medical practice, they will be ensuring the continuation of Ireland's world-renowned safety record for mothers and babies during pregnancy," Binchy said.
The ruling is set to put the issue of abortion back on the political agenda as the country prepares for a general election early in 2011. Both main parties -- the current governing Fianna Fail party and the main opposition Fine Gael -- have policies opposed to abortion. Only the minority Labor Party supports the introduction of abortion.
The issue has emerged over the years as a lightning rod in Irish politics, with most politicians unwilling to touch the issue. Opinion polls consistently show that the majority of Irish people are opposed to the introduction of laws permitting abortion.
A poll in February of this year, for example, asked respondents: "Are you in favor of or opposed to constitutional protection for the unborn that prohibits abortion but allows the continuation of the existing practice of intervention to save a mother's life in accordance with Irish medical ethics?"
The finding showed that 70 percent supported constitutional protection for the unborn, 13 percent oppose it and 16 percent did not know or had no opinion.
Thursday 16 December 2010
Christian are most persecuted
Here's an interesting article about the pope calling Christians most persecuted of all the religions. It is true, but we must not forget any group that is persecuted for any reason.
Article By FRANCES D'EMILIO, Associated Press Frances D'emilio, Associated Press – Thu Dec 16, 2:50 pm ET
VATICAN CITY – Pope Benedict XVI said Thursday that Christians suffer more religious persecution than any other group, denouncing lack of freedom of worship as an "intolerable" threat to world security.
The message reflected a pressing concern by Benedict in recent months for the plight of Christian minorities in parts of the world, especially in the Middle East.
"Sadly, the year now ending has again been marked by persecution, discrimination, terrible acts of violence and religious intolerance," Benedict lamented in the message for World Peace Day, celebrated by the church on Jan. 1, but traditionally released in advance
He wrote that he was especially thinking of Iraq ",which continues to be a theater of violence and strife" as it aims for stability and reconciliation.
Benedict singled out the "reprehensible attack" on a Baghdad cathedral during Mass in October, killing two priests and more than 50 other worshippers, as well as attacks on private homes that "spread fear within the Christian community and (create) a desire on the part of many to emigrate in search of a better life."
The Vatican voiced concerns that the steadily flight of Christians from Iraq will effectively eliminate the ancient community there.
"At present, Christians are the religious group which suffers most from persecution on account of its faith," the pontiff asserted, and cited Christian communities suffering from violence and intolerance particularly in Asia, Africa, the Middle East and the Holy Land.
"This situation is intolerable, since it represents an insult to God and to human dignity" as well as "a threat to security and peace," Benedict wrote in one of the 17-page-long message's strongest passages.
He appealed to authorities to "act promptly to end every injustice" against Christians.
Benedict didn't cite countries, but in past years church officials have lamented that Christians — most of them migrant workers — are forbidden to worship in Saudi Arabia.
Palestinian Authority spokesman Ghassan Khatib said Benedict was right to be concerned about the state of Christians in the Palestinian territories.
"The Israeli occupation is making their life difficult and the Israeli occupation is responsible for the declining of number within the Christian community," he said.
Over the years, Christians in the West Bank have blamed the difficult economic situation and harassment by Muslims as reasons for increased emigration.
Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman sympathized with the pope's concerns.
"Israel shares the pope's preoccupation. The Christian presence is a blessing in Israel, and so it should be considered by other countries regarding their own Christian populations," Yigal Palmor said.
About 123,000 Christians live in Israel, while another 50,000 live in the West Bank and Gaza.
Benedict also criticized what he called "more sophisticated forms of hostility to religion, which, in Western countries, occasionally find expression in a denial of history and the rejection of religious symbols which reflect the identity and the culture of the majority of its citizens."
Benedict has been continuing a campaign launched by his predecessor, the late John Paul II, to reinvigorate Europe's "Christian roots."
The Vatican has criticized initiatives in some Western countries to ban crucifixes from public places, ranging from classrooms to courtrooms, including in predominantly Catholic Italy.
Article By FRANCES D'EMILIO, Associated Press Frances D'emilio, Associated Press – Thu Dec 16, 2:50 pm ET
VATICAN CITY – Pope Benedict XVI said Thursday that Christians suffer more religious persecution than any other group, denouncing lack of freedom of worship as an "intolerable" threat to world security.
The message reflected a pressing concern by Benedict in recent months for the plight of Christian minorities in parts of the world, especially in the Middle East.
"Sadly, the year now ending has again been marked by persecution, discrimination, terrible acts of violence and religious intolerance," Benedict lamented in the message for World Peace Day, celebrated by the church on Jan. 1, but traditionally released in advance
He wrote that he was especially thinking of Iraq ",which continues to be a theater of violence and strife" as it aims for stability and reconciliation.
Benedict singled out the "reprehensible attack" on a Baghdad cathedral during Mass in October, killing two priests and more than 50 other worshippers, as well as attacks on private homes that "spread fear within the Christian community and (create) a desire on the part of many to emigrate in search of a better life."
The Vatican voiced concerns that the steadily flight of Christians from Iraq will effectively eliminate the ancient community there.
"At present, Christians are the religious group which suffers most from persecution on account of its faith," the pontiff asserted, and cited Christian communities suffering from violence and intolerance particularly in Asia, Africa, the Middle East and the Holy Land.
"This situation is intolerable, since it represents an insult to God and to human dignity" as well as "a threat to security and peace," Benedict wrote in one of the 17-page-long message's strongest passages.
He appealed to authorities to "act promptly to end every injustice" against Christians.
Benedict didn't cite countries, but in past years church officials have lamented that Christians — most of them migrant workers — are forbidden to worship in Saudi Arabia.
Palestinian Authority spokesman Ghassan Khatib said Benedict was right to be concerned about the state of Christians in the Palestinian territories.
"The Israeli occupation is making their life difficult and the Israeli occupation is responsible for the declining of number within the Christian community," he said.
Over the years, Christians in the West Bank have blamed the difficult economic situation and harassment by Muslims as reasons for increased emigration.
Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman sympathized with the pope's concerns.
"Israel shares the pope's preoccupation. The Christian presence is a blessing in Israel, and so it should be considered by other countries regarding their own Christian populations," Yigal Palmor said.
About 123,000 Christians live in Israel, while another 50,000 live in the West Bank and Gaza.
Benedict also criticized what he called "more sophisticated forms of hostility to religion, which, in Western countries, occasionally find expression in a denial of history and the rejection of religious symbols which reflect the identity and the culture of the majority of its citizens."
Benedict has been continuing a campaign launched by his predecessor, the late John Paul II, to reinvigorate Europe's "Christian roots."
The Vatican has criticized initiatives in some Western countries to ban crucifixes from public places, ranging from classrooms to courtrooms, including in predominantly Catholic Italy.
Sunday 12 December 2010
Every Year: Giving praise for Christmas
Every year my mother says, that she is not cooking for Christmas, so we all have to bring what we are eating. Every year my sister co-ordinates with my wife and sisters-in-law and everybody brings something. Every year my mother still cooks. Every year I regret that this event does not go on all day. It is the only day in the year when all my siblings gather in one place with their children and our mother. We open presents, have lunch, then head off to our other extended families for dinner, but every year during the few hours we are together, my mother’s old house shakes with such happy noise.
Every year one of my brothers comes after twelve noon. Every year my mother proclaims “We eatin’ without him. Come let’s bless de food.” Every year my cousin Raymond, drops by, but not to eat or drink, just to wish us Merry Christmas. Every year I overeat, and wonder if I will offend my mother-in-law if I don’t pile my plate up with even more food when I get to her house.
There are a lot of things I have come to expect with Christmas, but I never take them for granted. Every year I think of the many things that could have happened this year that would have taken the joy out of Christmas: unemployment, bereavement illness or some other form of loss. I thank the Father for his generosity and remember that “there but for the grace of God goes me.”
Every year I thank God for all that he has given to me.
Every year one of my brothers comes after twelve noon. Every year my mother proclaims “We eatin’ without him. Come let’s bless de food.” Every year my cousin Raymond, drops by, but not to eat or drink, just to wish us Merry Christmas. Every year I overeat, and wonder if I will offend my mother-in-law if I don’t pile my plate up with even more food when I get to her house.
There are a lot of things I have come to expect with Christmas, but I never take them for granted. Every year I think of the many things that could have happened this year that would have taken the joy out of Christmas: unemployment, bereavement illness or some other form of loss. I thank the Father for his generosity and remember that “there but for the grace of God goes me.”
Every year I thank God for all that he has given to me.
Wednesday 8 December 2010
Feast day for the Archdiocese of Port of Spain
This is the picture of the Virgin Mary as it looks over the city of Port of Spain from the Cathedral of the Immaculate conception in the Archdiocese of Port of Spain.
Happy Feast Day!
Most holy Virgin, who wast pleasing to the Lord and became His Mother, immaculate in body and spirit, in faith and in love, look kindly on the wretched who implore thy powerful patronage. The wicked serpent, against whom was hurled the first curse, continues fiercely to attack and ensnare the unhappy children of Eve. Do thou, then, O Blessed Mother, our queen and advocate, who from the first instant of thy conception didst crush the head of the enemy, receive the prayers which, united with thee in our single heart, we implore thee to present at the throne of God, that we may never fall into the snares which are laid out for us, and may all arrive at the port of salvationand sing once again the hymn of deliverance and of victory and of peace. Amen.
In Thy conception, O Virgin Mary, thou wast immaculate; pray for us to the Father, Whose Son, Jesus Christ conceived of the Holy Ghost, thou didst bring forth.
Sunday 5 December 2010
sacrifices
How many of us really love God? Have you really thought about that? How much time do we spend with him? How much time do we spend doing other things: watching TV, listening to music, sitting in a car? There are so many distractions.
Let us not count family, work or sleep, for we must attend to these. Still even in our dealings with these we have opportunity to be a good example. You know you will fall asleep, but as you close your eyes at night, keep giving praise – trust me, it is better than counting sheep, or taking a pill to help you sleep.
I can think of many sacrifices I made, but not for Christ. I guess the rewards were different. For example, when I was in my late teens, there was one young lady I would visit after work on a Saturday. At one o’clock in the afternoon, the sun was very hot (it still is eh?) I had to take 2 taxi’s, then after sweating that out, had to walk for about 20 minutes in the blistering heat, the last 5 minutes up a hill. Leaving her house was also a trial. Just imagine trying to get 3 separate taxi’s on a rainy night. The interesting thing was that I didn’t love this person, she was just someone I was “checking out.”
I can tell you that you would not find me doing that today. But what if I had to go to these extremes to go to church or to do a good work for Jesus? Do I love him that I would do this? What if I don’t love him and I am just interested? Will I still do that? What does it say about my humility if I won’t go unless I have a car?
You know what? Jesus Loves US. If he walked on earth today as a man, he would do this and much more for us. That makes me feel awful. It makes me feel inadequate, It makes me feel I should be doing more. What about you?
Lord show me how to love you more…
Let us not count family, work or sleep, for we must attend to these. Still even in our dealings with these we have opportunity to be a good example. You know you will fall asleep, but as you close your eyes at night, keep giving praise – trust me, it is better than counting sheep, or taking a pill to help you sleep.
I can think of many sacrifices I made, but not for Christ. I guess the rewards were different. For example, when I was in my late teens, there was one young lady I would visit after work on a Saturday. At one o’clock in the afternoon, the sun was very hot (it still is eh?) I had to take 2 taxi’s, then after sweating that out, had to walk for about 20 minutes in the blistering heat, the last 5 minutes up a hill. Leaving her house was also a trial. Just imagine trying to get 3 separate taxi’s on a rainy night. The interesting thing was that I didn’t love this person, she was just someone I was “checking out.”
I can tell you that you would not find me doing that today. But what if I had to go to these extremes to go to church or to do a good work for Jesus? Do I love him that I would do this? What if I don’t love him and I am just interested? Will I still do that? What does it say about my humility if I won’t go unless I have a car?
You know what? Jesus Loves US. If he walked on earth today as a man, he would do this and much more for us. That makes me feel awful. It makes me feel inadequate, It makes me feel I should be doing more. What about you?
Lord show me how to love you more…
Sunday 28 November 2010
The drive Home
Tonight at Mass I noticed quite a bit of babies. My almost two year old noticed them too... and they noticed him. One little girl even threw herself at him and proceeded to hug him till they both fell and her father had to pull her off. I was a bit envious. That never happened to me, even when I had hopes of being a rock star playing bass in a rock band. I had a strange sense of something being different today. I could not figure it out. I realized how aware I was of all the small children. I also realized that there were few big kids. I wonder why?
I put down my feelings to the fact that it is advent and that we are preparing for Christmas in so many ways. On the drive home I pointed out a house to my family. This house was fully lit up with lots of colourful lights and Christmas (lighted) statues. It was quite impressive. "Look close" I said to my wife "and you would not see a religious item on that house". The reason is, that the house belongs to a muslim family who love the idea of gift giving and showing love, but believes that God had no son.
Mass has put me in a good mood. I pray that this mood carries throughout the week and that all the readers of this blog may be blessed today and everyday. Amen.
I put down my feelings to the fact that it is advent and that we are preparing for Christmas in so many ways. On the drive home I pointed out a house to my family. This house was fully lit up with lots of colourful lights and Christmas (lighted) statues. It was quite impressive. "Look close" I said to my wife "and you would not see a religious item on that house". The reason is, that the house belongs to a muslim family who love the idea of gift giving and showing love, but believes that God had no son.
Mass has put me in a good mood. I pray that this mood carries throughout the week and that all the readers of this blog may be blessed today and everyday. Amen.
Monday 22 November 2010
Saint Cecilia
Prayer to St. Cecilia
St. Cecilia, glorious Virgin and Martyr of Jesus Christ, I admire the courage with which you professed your faith in the face of severe persecution, and the generous love with which you offered your life in witness to your belief in the Blessed Trinity. I thank God with you for the wonderful graces He had bestowed upon you to make your life holy and pleasing to Him even in the midst of the wealth that was yours. I thank Him for the privilege offered to you of receiving the glorious crown of martyrdom.
Saint Cecilia, I also admire the purity of love that bound you to the Savior, which was greater in your eyes than any human affection, so that you declared yourself before the enemies of the Church, "I am the bride of my Lord Jesus Christ". Pray for me that in imitation of you I may keep my body pure and my soul holy, and that I may love Jesus with all my heart.
In these times so full of pleasure seeking and so lacking in faith, teach us to profess our faith courageously and to be willing to sacrifice ourselves in practicing it, so that our good example may lead others closer to Christ and the Church He as founded.
In thanksgiving to God for the graces he bestowed on St Cecilia: Our Father. Hail Mary. Glory be. St. Cecilia, Virgin and Martyr of Jesus Christ, pray for us.
St. Cecilia, glorious Virgin and Martyr of Jesus Christ, I admire the courage with which you professed your faith in the face of severe persecution, and the generous love with which you offered your life in witness to your belief in the Blessed Trinity. I thank God with you for the wonderful graces He had bestowed upon you to make your life holy and pleasing to Him even in the midst of the wealth that was yours. I thank Him for the privilege offered to you of receiving the glorious crown of martyrdom.
Saint Cecilia, I also admire the purity of love that bound you to the Savior, which was greater in your eyes than any human affection, so that you declared yourself before the enemies of the Church, "I am the bride of my Lord Jesus Christ". Pray for me that in imitation of you I may keep my body pure and my soul holy, and that I may love Jesus with all my heart.
In these times so full of pleasure seeking and so lacking in faith, teach us to profess our faith courageously and to be willing to sacrifice ourselves in practicing it, so that our good example may lead others closer to Christ and the Church He as founded.
In thanksgiving to God for the graces he bestowed on St Cecilia: Our Father. Hail Mary. Glory be. St. Cecilia, Virgin and Martyr of Jesus Christ, pray for us.
Sunday 14 November 2010
1000 souls released from purgatory
Today, Sunday, is the feast day of Saint Gertrude.
Our Lord dictated the following prayer to St. Gertrude the Great to release 1,000 Souls from Purgatory each time it is said.
"Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Most Precious Blood of Thy Divine Son, Jesus, in union with the masses said throughout the world today, for all the holy souls in Purgatory, for sinners everywhere, for sinners in the universal church, those in my own home and within my family. Amen."
Our Lord dictated the following prayer to St. Gertrude the Great to release 1,000 Souls from Purgatory each time it is said.
"Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Most Precious Blood of Thy Divine Son, Jesus, in union with the masses said throughout the world today, for all the holy souls in Purgatory, for sinners everywhere, for sinners in the universal church, those in my own home and within my family. Amen."
Tuesday 9 November 2010
Monks wanted, apply within
Here's an interesting story from the BBC:
Roman Catholic friars in Switzerland have placed a job advert in a newspaper as part of a recruitment drive.
The Capuchin order says it is looking for professional single men like bankers or lawyers aged 22 to 35 to join its dwindling ranks.
The community, which has 200 members with an average age of 70, hopes the ad will help recruit 10 to 20 men.
Adverts for craftsmen, technicians and men in social professions are to follow, a spokesman for the order said.
The Capuchin order - one of the Franciscan orders - is calling for young Catholic "bankers, journalists, teachers, theologians, tradesmen, lawyers, communication specialists" to consider joining the order.
Applicants should be independent yet capable of communal living, curious and show initiative, the ad says.
"We offer you no pay, but spirituality and prayer, contemplation, an egalitarian lifestyle, free of personal material riches and the common model of a couple relationship," it says.
The number of Capuchin friars in Switzerland has dropped by half in the last 10 years.
The order has had to close two friaries in a decade, and a third in Appenzell is to close next year.
"Our form of life offers an alternative even if the times of large orders are over," a spokesman said.
Roman Catholic friars in Switzerland have placed a job advert in a newspaper as part of a recruitment drive.
The Capuchin order says it is looking for professional single men like bankers or lawyers aged 22 to 35 to join its dwindling ranks.
The community, which has 200 members with an average age of 70, hopes the ad will help recruit 10 to 20 men.
Adverts for craftsmen, technicians and men in social professions are to follow, a spokesman for the order said.
The Capuchin order - one of the Franciscan orders - is calling for young Catholic "bankers, journalists, teachers, theologians, tradesmen, lawyers, communication specialists" to consider joining the order.
Applicants should be independent yet capable of communal living, curious and show initiative, the ad says.
"We offer you no pay, but spirituality and prayer, contemplation, an egalitarian lifestyle, free of personal material riches and the common model of a couple relationship," it says.
The number of Capuchin friars in Switzerland has dropped by half in the last 10 years.
The order has had to close two friaries in a decade, and a third in Appenzell is to close next year.
"Our form of life offers an alternative even if the times of large orders are over," a spokesman said.
Sunday 7 November 2010
Music Video - Dark Night of the souls
And this is the Video for the lyrics listed in the earlier post
Dark night of the Soul Lyrics
"The Dark night of the Soul" is a beautiful piece by St John of the Cross. Pope John Paul II (The Great) learnt spanish so he could know it in it's original form. Canadian harpist Loreena McKennitt does a version. Below is her Lyrics
Upon a darkened night
the flame of love was burning in my breast
And by a lantern bright
I fled my house while all in quiet rest
Shrouded by the night
and by the secret stair I quickly fled
The veil concealed my eyes
while all within lay quiet as the dead
Chorus
Oh night thou was my guide
oh night more loving than the rising sun
Oh night that joined the lover
to the beloved one
transforming each of them into the other
Upon that misty night
in secrecy, beyond such mortal sight
Without a guide or light
than that which burned so deeply in my heart
That fire t'was led me on
and shone more bright than of the midday sun
To where he waited still
it was a place where no one else could come
Chorus
Within my pounding heart
which kept itself entirely for him
He fell into his sleep
beneath the cedars all my love I gave
And by the fortress walls
the wind would brush his hair against his brow
And with its smoothest hand
caressed my every sense it would allow
Chorus
I lost myself to him
and laid my face upon my lovers breast
And care and grief grew dim
as in the mornings mist became the light
There they dimmed amongst the lilies fair
There they dimmed amongst the lilies fair
There they dimmed amongst the lilies fair
Upon a darkened night
the flame of love was burning in my breast
And by a lantern bright
I fled my house while all in quiet rest
Shrouded by the night
and by the secret stair I quickly fled
The veil concealed my eyes
while all within lay quiet as the dead
Chorus
Oh night thou was my guide
oh night more loving than the rising sun
Oh night that joined the lover
to the beloved one
transforming each of them into the other
Upon that misty night
in secrecy, beyond such mortal sight
Without a guide or light
than that which burned so deeply in my heart
That fire t'was led me on
and shone more bright than of the midday sun
To where he waited still
it was a place where no one else could come
Chorus
Within my pounding heart
which kept itself entirely for him
He fell into his sleep
beneath the cedars all my love I gave
And by the fortress walls
the wind would brush his hair against his brow
And with its smoothest hand
caressed my every sense it would allow
Chorus
I lost myself to him
and laid my face upon my lovers breast
And care and grief grew dim
as in the mornings mist became the light
There they dimmed amongst the lilies fair
There they dimmed amongst the lilies fair
There they dimmed amongst the lilies fair
Monday 1 November 2010
Prayer for the Dead
Catholic Collect from the Mass for the Dead
[for all our departed brothers and sisters]
Merciful Father,
hear our prayer and console us.
As we renew our faith in Your Son,
whom You raised from the dead,
strengthen our hope
that all our departed brothers and sisters
will share in His resurrection,
who lives and reigns
with You and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Eternal Rest grant unto them,O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon them.
May they rest in peace.
Amen
[for all our departed brothers and sisters]
Merciful Father,
hear our prayer and console us.
As we renew our faith in Your Son,
whom You raised from the dead,
strengthen our hope
that all our departed brothers and sisters
will share in His resurrection,
who lives and reigns
with You and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Eternal Rest grant unto them,O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon them.
May they rest in peace.
Amen
Sunday 31 October 2010
Today Salvation has come
"Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through it. A man was there named Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was rich. He was trying to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was short in stature.
So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree to see Jesus, because he was going to pass that way. When Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, 'Zacchaeus, hurry and come down; for I must stay at your house today.'
So Zacchaeus hurried down and was happy to welcome Jesus. All who saw it began to grumble and said, 'He has gone to be the guest of one who is a sinner.'
Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, 'Look, half of my possessions, Lord, I will give to the poor; and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will pay back four times as much.'
Then Jesus said of him, 'Today salvation has come to this house, because Zacchaeus too is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek out and to save the lost.' [Lk. 19:1-10]
Saturday 30 October 2010
Against storms: Saint and Prayer
There are several Patron Saints AGAINST STORMS listed by CATHOLICPATRONSAINT.COM. They are as follo3ws:
Agrippina
Barbara
Catald
Christopher
Erasmus
Florian
Gratus of Aosta
Henry of Upsalla
Hermengild
Jodocus
Our Lady of Zapopan
Scholastica
Thomas Aquinas
Urban of Langres
Vitus
Walburga
but as we in the southern caribbean are pounded by Tropical Storm Tomas here is a prayer for protection.
Jesus Christ a King of Glory has come in Peace. +
God became man, + and the Word was made flesh. +
Christ was born of a Virgin.+
Christ suffered.+
Christ was crucified.+
Christ died.+
Christ rose from the dead.+
Christ ascended into Heaven. +
Christ conquers. +
Christ reigns. +
Christ orders. +
May Christ protect us from all storms and lightning.+
Christ went through their midst in Peace, +
and the Word was made flesh. +
Christ is with us with Mary. +
Flee you enemy spirits because the Lion of the
Generation of Juda, the Root of David, has won. +
Holy God! + Holy Powerful God! + Holy Immortal God! +
Have mercy on us.
Amen.
Agrippina
Barbara
Catald
Christopher
Erasmus
Florian
Gratus of Aosta
Henry of Upsalla
Hermengild
Jodocus
Our Lady of Zapopan
Scholastica
Thomas Aquinas
Urban of Langres
Vitus
Walburga
but as we in the southern caribbean are pounded by Tropical Storm Tomas here is a prayer for protection.
Jesus Christ a King of Glory has come in Peace. +
God became man, + and the Word was made flesh. +
Christ was born of a Virgin.+
Christ suffered.+
Christ was crucified.+
Christ died.+
Christ rose from the dead.+
Christ ascended into Heaven. +
Christ conquers. +
Christ reigns. +
Christ orders. +
May Christ protect us from all storms and lightning.+
Christ went through their midst in Peace, +
and the Word was made flesh. +
Christ is with us with Mary. +
Flee you enemy spirits because the Lion of the
Generation of Juda, the Root of David, has won. +
Holy God! + Holy Powerful God! + Holy Immortal God! +
Have mercy on us.
Amen.
Monday 25 October 2010
The modern Caribbean funeral service
Two weeks ago I attended the funeral of a lifelong committed Catholic. She lived alone and it would seem that the body was claimed by someone who was not Catholic. I was quite surprised to see a preacher of some sort conducting the funeral service which was held at the St James crematorium.
It is interesting to note that sometimes these preachers borrow from Catholic Traditions. We also borrow from their traditions. A eulogy is common now at Catholic Funerals. It is not a Catholic thing and so when it is allowed it is done before the Funeral Mass.
The Vatican published the revised Order of Christian Funerals (OCF) for the United States in 1989. The prohibition of eulogies at Catholic funerals was restated. "A brief homily based on the readings should always be given at the funeral liturgy, but never any kind of eulogy. “
The focus of the Mass is God, not the deceased. We pray to the Father, through the son with the Spirit. We ask for the intercession of the Saints and pray for our loved one who has left the Church Militant (Earth) and is either a part of the Church Suffering (purgatory) or the Church Triumphant (Heaven). Remember we are all ONE body no matter where we are, and as one body we give praise to God.
In Australia the Funeral Mass has gotten out of hand. It is said that many people have DVD presentations. The new funeral term is “Celebration of life” and included is a proliferation of secular (even club) music.
Well, all this has angered the Archbishop of Melbourne Australia, Denis Hart, who declared last month that “A funeral should not be a "celebration" of the deceased's life, but instead a final sacred farewell. Celebrations of that life should be held at social occasions before or after the funeral.”
All this feel good stuff takes away from the real business of Praying for the Dead. The church believes it is so important we have a month dedicated to praying for the dead: November. Wouldn’t you want to be prayed for when you die?
Archbishop Hart said that "The wishes of the deceased, family and friends should be taken into account ... but in planning the liturgy, the celebrant should moderate any tendency to turn the funeral into a secular celebration of the life of the deceased," the guidelines state. Secular items are never to be sung or played at a Catholic funeral, such as romantic ballads, pop or rock music, political songs or even football club songs."
The Catholic church has been infiltrated by non-catholic songs that we have made our own. Included in this is “Amazing Grace”, another popular funeral song. In the song it says “how precious did that Grace appear the hour I first believed” but Grace is given freely by God to everyone, not just those who believe. The song does not express Catholic teaching. For my part I already have a song chosen for my funeral and I cannot think of a more beautiful and profound song than “Softly and Tenderly (Jesus is calling… come home)”
As I sat there in the crematorium I thought, well, there are many ways to give someone a good sendoff. Maybe it’s not the Catholic way, but I have no doubt that Jesus said to her, “Well done, good and faithful servant, Welcome home!”
It is interesting to note that sometimes these preachers borrow from Catholic Traditions. We also borrow from their traditions. A eulogy is common now at Catholic Funerals. It is not a Catholic thing and so when it is allowed it is done before the Funeral Mass.
The Vatican published the revised Order of Christian Funerals (OCF) for the United States in 1989. The prohibition of eulogies at Catholic funerals was restated. "A brief homily based on the readings should always be given at the funeral liturgy, but never any kind of eulogy. “
The focus of the Mass is God, not the deceased. We pray to the Father, through the son with the Spirit. We ask for the intercession of the Saints and pray for our loved one who has left the Church Militant (Earth) and is either a part of the Church Suffering (purgatory) or the Church Triumphant (Heaven). Remember we are all ONE body no matter where we are, and as one body we give praise to God.
In Australia the Funeral Mass has gotten out of hand. It is said that many people have DVD presentations. The new funeral term is “Celebration of life” and included is a proliferation of secular (even club) music.
Well, all this has angered the Archbishop of Melbourne Australia, Denis Hart, who declared last month that “A funeral should not be a "celebration" of the deceased's life, but instead a final sacred farewell. Celebrations of that life should be held at social occasions before or after the funeral.”
All this feel good stuff takes away from the real business of Praying for the Dead. The church believes it is so important we have a month dedicated to praying for the dead: November. Wouldn’t you want to be prayed for when you die?
Archbishop Hart said that "The wishes of the deceased, family and friends should be taken into account ... but in planning the liturgy, the celebrant should moderate any tendency to turn the funeral into a secular celebration of the life of the deceased," the guidelines state. Secular items are never to be sung or played at a Catholic funeral, such as romantic ballads, pop or rock music, political songs or even football club songs."
The Catholic church has been infiltrated by non-catholic songs that we have made our own. Included in this is “Amazing Grace”, another popular funeral song. In the song it says “how precious did that Grace appear the hour I first believed” but Grace is given freely by God to everyone, not just those who believe. The song does not express Catholic teaching. For my part I already have a song chosen for my funeral and I cannot think of a more beautiful and profound song than “Softly and Tenderly (Jesus is calling… come home)”
As I sat there in the crematorium I thought, well, there are many ways to give someone a good sendoff. Maybe it’s not the Catholic way, but I have no doubt that Jesus said to her, “Well done, good and faithful servant, Welcome home!”
Sunday 24 October 2010
Give to the Archbishop Appeal Fund.
There has been requests on how to give to the Archbishop Appeal Fund - below are the contacts and the banks. Please note these accounts are the bank account numbers for the archdiocese not the Caribbean Catholic. Verify this by checking on the link:
catholictt.org/make-an-offering/
Previously on this post I had bank information. I don't know if that bank information is still valid so i have taken the bank account numbers down. I notice that in 2020 I am still getting hits to a page I put up in 2010. To this end my friends, please contact the office directly for ways to give.
May God bless you.
CONTACTS
Appeal Office, The Chancery
27 Maraval Road
Port of Spain
Trinidad and Tobago
E-mail: appealfund@rcpos.org
Telephone: (868) 622-2691
Fax: (868) 622-8372
Thursday 21 October 2010
Bible.com Inc: a potential goldmine... or maybe not
Oh man. Bible.com is being sued by an investor for not being profitable enough.
James Solakian, a shareholder of Bible.com Inc sued the company's board members, accusing the ordained ministers of failing to profit from the potential windfall. It seems that the directors refused to sell the domain for the 100 million dollars that they could make from the sale. He says they mismanaged the site and that there was alot of profit potential.
So let me get this straight. This guy invested in a religious website and is angry because it is not profiting as it should. Has he thought about reading the bible. Maybe if he did, he might read a few things about greed.
God enlighten him.
James Solakian, a shareholder of Bible.com Inc sued the company's board members, accusing the ordained ministers of failing to profit from the potential windfall. It seems that the directors refused to sell the domain for the 100 million dollars that they could make from the sale. He says they mismanaged the site and that there was alot of profit potential.
So let me get this straight. This guy invested in a religious website and is angry because it is not profiting as it should. Has he thought about reading the bible. Maybe if he did, he might read a few things about greed.
God enlighten him.
Wednesday 20 October 2010
Archbishop appeal fund video - Port of Spain Archdiocese
The Archdiocese of Port of Spain has launched the Archbishops Appeal to renovate churches in urgent need of repair in the Archdiocese. Here is the Video presentation:
Sunday 10 October 2010
The one Leper
We ask God for so much. For his part, he gives us a lot. Sometimes we thank him, sometimes we don’t. I want to be like the one leper in today’s Gospel who turns back to thank Jesus. So I will begin, and maybe you can continue on you own.
Thank you Lord for the situations that cause me embarrassment. I asked for humility and you provide the opportunity.
Thank you Lord for the non-believers who constantly attack my faith. I asked for a strengthening of my faith. To answer these people, I had to learn what the truth is, and now I am firm in my belief.
Thank you Lord for those who attack family life. I asked for a family and you provided one. Now you have shown me how to appreciate and love this family.
Thank you for my diabetes. I prayed everyday for good health. Now, I have to pay special attention to diet and exercise – things that will make and keep me healthier.
Thank you for my friends and family who have gone to join you. I prayed that I might not stray from you. The memory of their passing is a constant reminder that I too will pass from this world and that I need to be prepared always, just in case you call.
Thank you for the community at the Cathedral. I asked for an opportunity to serve, and you showed me a way through the “Light of the Immaculata”
Lord, thank you for all that I am, for I owe it all to you.
Thank you Lord for the situations that cause me embarrassment. I asked for humility and you provide the opportunity.
Thank you Lord for the non-believers who constantly attack my faith. I asked for a strengthening of my faith. To answer these people, I had to learn what the truth is, and now I am firm in my belief.
Thank you Lord for those who attack family life. I asked for a family and you provided one. Now you have shown me how to appreciate and love this family.
Thank you for my diabetes. I prayed everyday for good health. Now, I have to pay special attention to diet and exercise – things that will make and keep me healthier.
Thank you for my friends and family who have gone to join you. I prayed that I might not stray from you. The memory of their passing is a constant reminder that I too will pass from this world and that I need to be prepared always, just in case you call.
Thank you for the community at the Cathedral. I asked for an opportunity to serve, and you showed me a way through the “Light of the Immaculata”
Lord, thank you for all that I am, for I owe it all to you.
Gospel Reading...
"On the way to Jerusalem Jesus was going through the region between Samaria and Galilee.
As he entered a village, ten lepers approached him. Keeping their distance, they called out, saying, 'Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!'
When Jesus saw them, he said to them, 'Go and show yourselves to the priests.' And as they went, they were made clean. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice. He prostrated himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him. And he was a Samaritan.
Then Jesus asked, 'Were not ten made clean? But the other nine, where are they? Was none of them found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?
Then Jesus said to the Samaritan, "get up and go on your way; your faith has made you well." [Lk. 17:11-19]
Saturday 9 October 2010
It's only a tiny Rosebud
A newly ordained priest was walking with an older, wiser Priest in a garden one day. Feeling a bit insecure about what God had in store for him, the younger asked the older for some advice.
The older priest walked up to a rosebush and handed the younger a rosebud and told him to open it without tearing off any petals. "What does this have to do with anything" he thought to himself, still out of respect for the older man he tried but soon he realised he could not achieve what was asked of him.
Noticing the younger priests inability to unfold the rosebud without tearing it, the older preacher began to recite the following poem...
"It is only a tiny rosebud,
A flower of God's design;
But I cannot unfold the petals
With these clumsy hands of mine."
"The secret of unfolding flowers
Is not known to such as I.
God opens this flower so easily,
But in my hands they die."
"If I cannot unfold a rosebud,
This flower of God's design,
Then how can I have the wisdom
To unfold this life of mine?"
"So I'll trust in God for leading
Each moment of my day.
I will look to God for guidance
In each step of the way."
"The path that lies before me,
Only my Good Lord knows.
I'll trust God to unfold the moments,
As He unfolds this rose."
Sunday 3 October 2010
The Divine Praises
To honour the feast of Saint Francis I wish to offer the "The Divine Praises" of
The Saint, Francis of Assisi:
You are holy, Lord, the only God,
and Your deeds are wonderful.
You are strong.
You are great.
You are the Most High.
You are Almighty.
You, Holy Father are King of heaven and earth.
You are Three and One, Lord God, all Good.
You are Good, all Good, supreme Good,
Lord God, living and true.
You are love. You are wisdom.
You are humility. You are endurance.
You are rest. You are peace.
You are joy and gladness.
You are justice and moderation.
You are all our riches, and You suffice for us.
You are beauty.
You are gentleness.
You are our protector.
You are our guardian and defender.
You are our courage. You are our haven and our hope.
You are our faith, our great consolation.
You are our eternal life, Great and Wonderful Lord,
God Almighty, Merciful Saviour.
The Saint, Francis of Assisi:
You are holy, Lord, the only God,
and Your deeds are wonderful.
You are strong.
You are great.
You are the Most High.
You are Almighty.
You, Holy Father are King of heaven and earth.
You are Three and One, Lord God, all Good.
You are Good, all Good, supreme Good,
Lord God, living and true.
You are love. You are wisdom.
You are humility. You are endurance.
You are rest. You are peace.
You are joy and gladness.
You are justice and moderation.
You are all our riches, and You suffice for us.
You are beauty.
You are gentleness.
You are our protector.
You are our guardian and defender.
You are our courage. You are our haven and our hope.
You are our faith, our great consolation.
You are our eternal life, Great and Wonderful Lord,
God Almighty, Merciful Saviour.
Saturday 2 October 2010
Know the Mustard Seed
My atheist friend often tells me that he does not operate in the realm of “belief”. He operates in the realm of “know”. Anyone coming to him to discuss meta-physics must walk with proven facts. He would not accept anything unless it could be proven and once he accepts it, he now knows this to be “fact”.
I have seen all sorts of documentaries proving and then disproving many phenomena. Scientist look for reasons. Sometimes they find something, sometimes they say it is out of the realms of modern science: that is to say that with the current knowledge of science it cannot be proven.
With all this proving and disproving sometimes we are not sure what to believe. I am reminded of the French philosopher Descartes who says that all the senses can be fooled, so how do we know that we are in fact alive, or even human? The answer he came up with is “I think, therefore I am.”
In today’s Gospel, Jesus is saying, don’t just think, don’t just believe, know. Have faith. Know your God wants what is good for you. Know that you are blessed and highly favoured. Know that all is possible with the power of the Holy Spirit. Know that even plants will obey the instruction they are given. Know. Know. Know.
Isn’t it incredible that an atheist can know, and be wrong because he lacks the truth, and many of us who have that truth do not “Know” it.
Lord, send your spirit upon us that we may never lack faith.
Thursday 30 September 2010
The little flower
"For me, prayer is a movement of the heart; it is a simple glance toward Heaven; it is a cry of gratitude and love in times of trial as well as in times of joy; finally, it is something great, supernatural, which expands my soul and unites me to Jesus. . . . I have not the courage to look through books for beautiful prayers.... I do like a child who does not know how to read; I say very simply to God what I want to say, and He always understands me."
"Jesus, Your ineffable image is the star which guides my steps. Ah, You know, Your sweet Face is for me Heaven on earth. My love discovers the charms of Your Face adorned with tears. I smile through my own tears when I contemplate Your sorrows".
"Eternal Father, since Thou hast given me for my inheritance the adorable Face of Thy Divine Son, I offer that face to Thee and I beg Thee, in exchange for this coin of infinite value, to forget the ingratitude of souls dedicated to Thee and to pardon all poor sinners."
Wednesday 29 September 2010
Enoch and the Arch Angels
Years ago when I was reading the New Testament I found it interesting that there were items noted that could only be referenced to the book of Enoch. Now I searched online for this book since it was not in my Jerusalem bible. What I found was Jewish mysticism, but I decided that it should be relevant since there is reference by Paul, Peter, John and the early church fathers in their writings. Significant to today's feast of the Archangels the book of Enoch lists seven Archangels who stand in the presence of God: Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, Raguel, Lucifer and Remiel. Today's feast is not for 7 but 3. THE CATHOLIC CHURCH ONLY RECOGNIZES THREE ARCHANGELS: So we bless you Michael, Raphael, and Gabriel.
Wikipedia identifies several lists of seven Archangels throughout History. The three noted above remain the same but the other names vary.
In the late 5th to early 6th century, Pseudo-Dionysius gives them as Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, Chamuel, Jophiel, and Zadkiel.
The earliest Christian mention is by Pope Saint Gregory I who lists them as Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel (or Anael), Simiel (or Samael), Oriphiel and Zachariel. A later reference to seven archangels would appear in an 8th or 9th century talisman attributed to Auriolus, a "servant of God" in north-western Spain. He issues a prayer to "all you patriarchs Michael, Gabriel, Cecitiel, Oriel, Raphael, Ananiel, Marmoniel, who hold the clouds in your hands"[1]
[edit] Archangels in current church traditions
The Eastern Orthodoxy tradition venerates Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, Selaphiel, Jegudiel, and Barachiel.
Another Catholic variation lists them corresponding to the days of the week as: St Michael (Sunday), St Gabriel (Monday), St Raphael (Tuesday), St Uriel (Wednesday), St Sealtiel (or sometimes Metatron) (Thursday), St Jegudiel, (Friday), and St Barachiel (Saturday).
Four important archangels also display periodic spiritual activity over the seasons: Spring is Raphael, Summer - Uriel, Autumn - Michael and Winter is Gabriel.
In the Coptic Orthodox tradition the seven archangels are named as Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Suriel, Zadakiel, Sarathiel and Aniel.
Monday 27 September 2010
Coptic Orthodox Church fights the power
Thaddeus M. Baklinski writes an article for Lifesite news that has me happy, proud and in a joyous fighting mood. Of course many of us Catholics know we are more likely to be Martyrs than saints. Despite this guy not being Catholic, I support him and his church in their stand. GOD IS GREAT!
CAIRO, September 27, 2010 (LifeSiteNews.com) - The Egyptian Supreme Administrative Court has issued a decision requiring Orthodox Coptic Pope Shenouda III to pay damages of approximately 19,500 Egyptian pounds to church member Magdi William who sued the Coptic Church over its refusal to issue a certificate to re-marry after he divorced his wife.
In May, the Supreme Administrative Court ruled in favor of another litigant seeking re-marriage, Hani Wasfi Naguib, stating that under Egyptian law the Coptic Orthodox Church must allow its members to divorce and remarry.
However, after an appeal of that decision by the Coptic Church, the Supreme Constitutional Court overturned the ruling by the Supreme Administrative Court, stating that marital matters are under the sole jurisdiction of the church because civil marriage without a religious ceremony is not recognized in Egypt.
The Orthodox Coptic Church forbids divorce and re-marriage except in cases of proven adultery or religious conversion of a spouse.
In the current case, Pope Shenouda lost an appeal to overturn the court verdict in favor of William, despite the Constitutional Court ruling.
According to Al-Masry Al-Youm news service, the Coptic pope has refused to pay the fine, and instead said he would defrock any priest who allows a divorced Christian to remarry, except under the allowed conditions.
Check out the full story here: Egyptian Court Orders Coptic Orthodox Church To Allow Divorce and Remarriage
Sunday 26 September 2010
Modern Teen beatified
Modern Teen Beatified Saturday
By Carmen Elena Villa From Zenit News
ROME, SEPT. 23, 2010 (Zenit.org).- Chiara Badano was a modern teenager: She liked to sing, dance, play tennis and skate, until cancer took her life at age 18, only two decades ago.
Now, on Saturday at 4 p.m. in the shrine of Divine Love in Rome, Chiara will be beatified in a ceremony presided over by Archbishop Angelo Amato, prefect of the Congregation for Saints' Causes, in representation of Benedict XVI.
Chiara was a member of the Focolare Movement, founded in Italy by Chiara Lubich in 1943.
Also on Saturday, thousands of Focolare members will gather in Paul VI Hall to celebrate the first beatification of someone from the movement.
At 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the Pope's secretary of state, will offer a Mass in thanksgiving in the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls.
Birth and youth
After 11 years of marriage, Ruggero and Maria Teresa Badano had the joy of the arrival of their first and only daughter, Chiara, who was born on Oct. 29, 1971, in the small village of Sassello, in the region of Liguria in northern Italy.
Her mother said: "She was not only our daughter. She belonged, in the first place, to God and as such, we had to educate her, respecting her liberty."
In 1981 Chiara discovered the Focolare movement, thanks to a friend called Chicca who invited her to be part of the GEN (New Generation) movement.
Maria Grazia Magrini, vice-postulator of Chiara Badano's cause for canonization, told ZENIT: "She put Jesus in the first place. She called him 'my spouse.'"
As a young girl, she liked to sing, dance, play tennis and skate. She loved the mountains and the sea. "She also tried to go to Mass every day," said Magrini.
One day, at age 17, while playing tennis the adolescent felt an acute pain. Her mother recalled: "She returned home and was very pale. She went upstairs."
The mother asked her: "Why did you come back, Chiara?" The youth explained, "Because during the match I felt such an sharp pain in my back that I dropped the racquet."
The pain worsened. Doctors soon discovered bone cancer. As the disease progressed, Badano faced repeated hospitalizations and increasing pain. She often repeated, "For you, Jesus. If you wish it, so do I!"
Her mother still remembers when she came home after the first session of chemotherapy. She did not want to talk. Maria Teresa recalled: "I looked at her and I saw the expression on her face, all the struggle she was combating within herself to say her 'yes' to Jesus." After 25 minutes, she said to her mother "now you can talk."
Going to meet Jesus
Chiara underwent surgery, which was unsuccessful; from that moment she lost the use of her legs.
According to her vice postulator, this young athlete, notwithstanding the very painful moment, exclaimed: "If I had to choose between walking or going to paradise, I wouldn't hesitate, I'd choose paradise."
At that time her friendship with Chiara Lubich, founder of the Focolare movement, who decided to call the youth Chiara "Luce" Badano, became very close.
She spent several months in agony, preparing for her encounter with Jesus. "The most beautiful moments were during the last summer," said her friend, Chicca. "She was motionless in her bed," she recalled.
Magrini highlighted Chiara's attitude: "She didn't cry, didn't lament, she looked at the image of Jesus."
Chicca recalled how Chiara wished to prepare her own funeral: the songs of the Mass, the dress and hairdo: Everything was for her a celebration. The friend recalled, "She told me she wanted to be buried in a white dress, as a bride that goes to meet Jesus."
Chiara made one last exhortation to her mother: "When you dress me, you must repeat three times: Now Chiara is seeing Jesus." Chiara also asked that the cornea of her eyes be donated to two youths.
She died on Oct. 7, 1990. Her last words to her mother were: "Be happy because I'm happy."
By Carmen Elena Villa From Zenit News
ROME, SEPT. 23, 2010 (Zenit.org).- Chiara Badano was a modern teenager: She liked to sing, dance, play tennis and skate, until cancer took her life at age 18, only two decades ago.
Now, on Saturday at 4 p.m. in the shrine of Divine Love in Rome, Chiara will be beatified in a ceremony presided over by Archbishop Angelo Amato, prefect of the Congregation for Saints' Causes, in representation of Benedict XVI.
Chiara was a member of the Focolare Movement, founded in Italy by Chiara Lubich in 1943.
Also on Saturday, thousands of Focolare members will gather in Paul VI Hall to celebrate the first beatification of someone from the movement.
At 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the Pope's secretary of state, will offer a Mass in thanksgiving in the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls.
Birth and youth
After 11 years of marriage, Ruggero and Maria Teresa Badano had the joy of the arrival of their first and only daughter, Chiara, who was born on Oct. 29, 1971, in the small village of Sassello, in the region of Liguria in northern Italy.
Her mother said: "She was not only our daughter. She belonged, in the first place, to God and as such, we had to educate her, respecting her liberty."
In 1981 Chiara discovered the Focolare movement, thanks to a friend called Chicca who invited her to be part of the GEN (New Generation) movement.
Maria Grazia Magrini, vice-postulator of Chiara Badano's cause for canonization, told ZENIT: "She put Jesus in the first place. She called him 'my spouse.'"
As a young girl, she liked to sing, dance, play tennis and skate. She loved the mountains and the sea. "She also tried to go to Mass every day," said Magrini.
One day, at age 17, while playing tennis the adolescent felt an acute pain. Her mother recalled: "She returned home and was very pale. She went upstairs."
The mother asked her: "Why did you come back, Chiara?" The youth explained, "Because during the match I felt such an sharp pain in my back that I dropped the racquet."
The pain worsened. Doctors soon discovered bone cancer. As the disease progressed, Badano faced repeated hospitalizations and increasing pain. She often repeated, "For you, Jesus. If you wish it, so do I!"
Her mother still remembers when she came home after the first session of chemotherapy. She did not want to talk. Maria Teresa recalled: "I looked at her and I saw the expression on her face, all the struggle she was combating within herself to say her 'yes' to Jesus." After 25 minutes, she said to her mother "now you can talk."
Going to meet Jesus
Chiara underwent surgery, which was unsuccessful; from that moment she lost the use of her legs.
According to her vice postulator, this young athlete, notwithstanding the very painful moment, exclaimed: "If I had to choose between walking or going to paradise, I wouldn't hesitate, I'd choose paradise."
At that time her friendship with Chiara Lubich, founder of the Focolare movement, who decided to call the youth Chiara "Luce" Badano, became very close.
She spent several months in agony, preparing for her encounter with Jesus. "The most beautiful moments were during the last summer," said her friend, Chicca. "She was motionless in her bed," she recalled.
Magrini highlighted Chiara's attitude: "She didn't cry, didn't lament, she looked at the image of Jesus."
Chicca recalled how Chiara wished to prepare her own funeral: the songs of the Mass, the dress and hairdo: Everything was for her a celebration. The friend recalled, "She told me she wanted to be buried in a white dress, as a bride that goes to meet Jesus."
Chiara made one last exhortation to her mother: "When you dress me, you must repeat three times: Now Chiara is seeing Jesus." Chiara also asked that the cornea of her eyes be donated to two youths.
She died on Oct. 7, 1990. Her last words to her mother were: "Be happy because I'm happy."
Saturday 25 September 2010
St Jerome fights the Devil in El Salvador
The Fireball Festival is an old tradition celebrated each year, on August 31st, in the town of Nejapa, El Salvador. “Las Bolas de Fuego”, as the locals refer to this bizarre event, is actually a reenactment of the fight between San Jeronimo (Saint Jerome) and the devil. In 1922, the people of Nejapa and the surrounding area were forced to evacuate, by the eruption of a nearby volcano. As they were leaving, locals saw great balls of fire spewing out of the volcano, and believed their patron saint was actually fighting the devil with them. Ever since they witnessed the fight between good and evil, the people of Nejapa have celebrated it each year, by organizing their very own fireball fight. If you didn’t know this was an organized celebration, you’d be tempted to think you’ve been dropped in the middle of a war-zone. Two teams of young men, with their faces covered by war paint, throw flaming fireballs at each other, surrounded by hundreds of bystanders who watch their every move. Equipped with gloves and clothes soaked in water, the brave combatants throw and at the same time, evade the flaming fireballs made from rags and dipped in fuel. Some of their clothes do catch on fire, and some of the participants are often hit right in the face, at point blank, but despite all the health hazards, few injuries have been reported during the Fireball Festival.
taken from: http://www.bored-space.com/index.php/Weird/The-Shocking-Fireball-Festival-Of-Nejapa.html
taken from: http://www.bored-space.com/index.php/Weird/The-Shocking-Fireball-Festival-Of-Nejapa.html
Thursday 23 September 2010
My family's Patron Saint
Today is the feast day of my family's Patron Saint: Padre Pio. I got this prayer from "padrepio.com". It says it all for me.
Beloved Padre Pio, today I come to add my prayer to the thousands of prayers offered to you every day by those who love and venerate you. They ask for cures and healings, earthly and spiritual blessings, and peace for body and mind. And because of your friendship with the Lord, he heals those you ask to be healed, and forgives those you forgive.
Through your visible wounds of the Cross, which you bore for 50 years, you were chosen in our time to glorify the crucified Jesus. Because the Cross has been replaced by other symbols, please help us to bring it back in our midst, for we acknowledge it is the only true sign of salvation.
As we lovingly recall the wounds that pierced your hands, feet and side, we not only remember the blood you shed in pain, but your smile, and the invisible halo of sweet smelling flowers that surrounded your presence, the perfume of sanctity.
Padre Pio, may the healings of the sick become the testimony that the Lord has invited you to join the holy company of Saints. In your kindness, please help me with my own special request: (mention here your petition, and make the sign of the Cross).
Bless me and my loved ones. In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Tuesday 21 September 2010
Pope 1: UK haters 0
Lifesite.com has an excellent article dated 20th September 2010 about the Pope's visit to the UK in retrospect. The article by Hilary White starts:
While anti-Catholic, secularist and homosexualist activists, with generous help from the media, have spent most of the last year attempting to derail the papal visit, the smart money was always on Benedict XVI taking every fight without breaking a sweat. And when the bell rang, and the eyes of the world were trained on the little island ring, it became clear from the first moment that Benedict’s opponents were hopelessly outclassed.
From the first moments of the trip, while his plane was in the air, it was clear that Benedict knew exactly what he was doing. He pre-empted much of the criticism over Vatican handling of the sex abuse scandals by issuing, again, a strong statement expressing his personal shame and sorrow, but indicated, at the same time, that he was well-prepared and unafraid.
In the words of the New York Times' Ross Douthat, the pope held Britain spellbound, with the anti-papal rallies and demonstrations as nothing more than “a sideshow to the visit,” with a brief assassination plot scare to show the British “what real religious extremism looks like.” Journalists tweeting from the plane on the way back to Rome on Sunday evening reported that there was an “air of celebration among the papal entourage.” They said, “This time they won with the Pope.”
Read the whole article here!
Monday 20 September 2010
Punch Buggy
Well if you don't know the game you would not understand the ads for the Volkswagon automobiles. Basically, you see a volkswagon bug and you call out it's colour and punch the person next to you. My kids saw the ad and asked about it. Now in the ad there are no bugs, there are regular sedan vehicles.
So now they are playing the game... but it's so unfair to the 7 year old. Here is an edit from the car while driving them to school this morning.
7 year old: "OW! Its not fair I keep getting punched and I never see a volkswagon"
Me: "common guys play fair" (punch buggy is not a fair game)
13 year old to the 7 year old: "Ok there is a gold one in that line of cars parked on the right hand side of the road. It's been there for a while, but you have to see the VW symbol on the front before you call it"
7 year old: "okay!"
They all eagerly stare at the car until the symbol comes into view then the 13 year old and the 11 year old shout out "GOLD ONE" at the same time and punch the 7 year old at the same time. Poor fella. Someone has to stand up for him and I'm the father, so no better person than me.
Me punching the 13 year old: "BLACK ONE! Oh sorry! I thought that Toyota was a VW"
13 year old: "OW! Daddy! That's not fair!"
Me Punching the 13 year old again: "WHITE ONE! Oh sorry! I thought that BMW was a VW"
11 year old laughing in the seat behind me: "Good thing I'm sitting here"
Me: "Now! are we going to play fair."
11 & 13 year old: okay! "GOLD ONE!" and they punch me
and the coup-de-grace
7: year old smiling and not to be left out shouts : "Gold one!"
and he punches ME!
So now they are playing the game... but it's so unfair to the 7 year old. Here is an edit from the car while driving them to school this morning.
7 year old: "OW! Its not fair I keep getting punched and I never see a volkswagon"
Me: "common guys play fair" (punch buggy is not a fair game)
13 year old to the 7 year old: "Ok there is a gold one in that line of cars parked on the right hand side of the road. It's been there for a while, but you have to see the VW symbol on the front before you call it"
7 year old: "okay!"
They all eagerly stare at the car until the symbol comes into view then the 13 year old and the 11 year old shout out "GOLD ONE" at the same time and punch the 7 year old at the same time. Poor fella. Someone has to stand up for him and I'm the father, so no better person than me.
Me punching the 13 year old: "BLACK ONE! Oh sorry! I thought that Toyota was a VW"
13 year old: "OW! Daddy! That's not fair!"
Me Punching the 13 year old again: "WHITE ONE! Oh sorry! I thought that BMW was a VW"
11 year old laughing in the seat behind me: "Good thing I'm sitting here"
Me: "Now! are we going to play fair."
11 & 13 year old: okay! "GOLD ONE!" and they punch me
and the coup-de-grace
7: year old smiling and not to be left out shouts : "Gold one!"
and he punches ME!
Sunday 19 September 2010
The Stigmatist of Trinidad
OK! So my brother tells me that there is a woman in a church around the Couva area of Trinidad who is experiencing the Stigmata. Now I am a great skeptic. While I believe in Miracles and have spoken to people who experienced genuine miracles including someone in my church who was cured of terminal cancer by the intercession of St Martin De Porres, I find it hard to believe this story.
According to my brother the woman is protected by a group of people from that parish. Perhaps she has been order by the Bishop to not discuss it and they are protecting her from those who would seek a theophany themselves. Hopefully he (the Bishop) IS investigating the case. I would hate to believe that these people are self appointed handlers working for what THEY believe to be the best interest.
My brother tells me of tales that he heard and some of these things scare me. I could be wrong, but if there is a manifestation of the holy Spirit on this person, wouldn't God have a message for the faithful and this would be a sign for us to believe that the message is urgent and genuine... well... I want to know... what is it?
According to my brother the woman is protected by a group of people from that parish. Perhaps she has been order by the Bishop to not discuss it and they are protecting her from those who would seek a theophany themselves. Hopefully he (the Bishop) IS investigating the case. I would hate to believe that these people are self appointed handlers working for what THEY believe to be the best interest.
My brother tells me of tales that he heard and some of these things scare me. I could be wrong, but if there is a manifestation of the holy Spirit on this person, wouldn't God have a message for the faithful and this would be a sign for us to believe that the message is urgent and genuine... well... I want to know... what is it?
Thursday 16 September 2010
BC Polygamy Case May be Used to Test Polyamory
By Thaddeus M. Baklinski
VANCOUVER, September 15, 2010 (LifeSiteNews.com) – A group calling itself the Canadian Polyamory Advocacy Association (CPAA) has asked Chief Justice Robert Bauman of the BC Supreme Court to declare whether polyamorists might be prosecuted as a result of the hearing, scheduled to begin Nov. 22, on the constitutionality of the ban on polygamy.
In January, 2009, BC polygamists Winston Blackmore and James Oler from the community of Bountiful were arrested and charged under Section 293 of the Criminal Code of Canada, but the case was dropped after the province decided to ask the BC Supreme Court to rule on the constitutionality of Canada's polygamy laws.
The lawyer for the CPAA, John Ince, told Chief Justice Bauman that polygamy is a patriarchal system of male dominance where one man has many wives, whereas polyamorous (group love) relationships are "postmodern" consensual relationships that can involve groups of males and females that can be heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual or transgendered who may or may not live together, and thus should not be considered subject to the same laws as polygamy.
"We're not patriarchal. We're not intergenerationally normalized. We're postmodern,” Ince told the media after meeting with Chief Justice Bauman. "We clearly fall outside the definition of the offense (of polygamy). We oppose laws that oppose loving, consensual relationships,” he said.
Chief Justice Bauman reserved judgment on the CPAA request.
BC Crown Attorney Craig Jones said there is currently no legal or psychological definition of polyamory on which Bauman could base a judgment.
Federal Crown Attorney Deborah Strachan said that the CPAA request is tantamount to seeking immunity from future prosecution, which would be a violation of the court's right to prosecutorial discretion in Canada.
Pro-family advocates have long warned that the institution of homosexual “marriage” and civil unions in Canada, as well as in other western countries, would lead to the legalization of polygamy and any other form of relationship which participants want to legitimize.
Winston Blackmore's lawyer Blair Suffredine, a former member of Premier Gordon Campbell's Liberal government, remarked at last year's hearing that "If (homosexuals) can marry, what is the reason that public policy says one person can't marry more than one person?"
Opponents of same-sex “marriage” have warned that once homosexuals are permitted to “marry,” there is nothing stopping polygamous marriages, or any type of relationship, from being legally recognized as marriage as well.
“It’s like this,” explained Stanley Kurtz in a 2006 National Review article. “The way to abolish marriage, without seeming to abolish it, is to redefine the institution out of existence. If everything can be marriage, pretty soon nothing will be marriage. Legalize gay marriage, followed by multi-partner marriage, and pretty soon the whole idea of marriage will be meaningless.”
VANCOUVER, September 15, 2010 (LifeSiteNews.com) – A group calling itself the Canadian Polyamory Advocacy Association (CPAA) has asked Chief Justice Robert Bauman of the BC Supreme Court to declare whether polyamorists might be prosecuted as a result of the hearing, scheduled to begin Nov. 22, on the constitutionality of the ban on polygamy.
In January, 2009, BC polygamists Winston Blackmore and James Oler from the community of Bountiful were arrested and charged under Section 293 of the Criminal Code of Canada, but the case was dropped after the province decided to ask the BC Supreme Court to rule on the constitutionality of Canada's polygamy laws.
The lawyer for the CPAA, John Ince, told Chief Justice Bauman that polygamy is a patriarchal system of male dominance where one man has many wives, whereas polyamorous (group love) relationships are "postmodern" consensual relationships that can involve groups of males and females that can be heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual or transgendered who may or may not live together, and thus should not be considered subject to the same laws as polygamy.
"We're not patriarchal. We're not intergenerationally normalized. We're postmodern,” Ince told the media after meeting with Chief Justice Bauman. "We clearly fall outside the definition of the offense (of polygamy). We oppose laws that oppose loving, consensual relationships,” he said.
Chief Justice Bauman reserved judgment on the CPAA request.
BC Crown Attorney Craig Jones said there is currently no legal or psychological definition of polyamory on which Bauman could base a judgment.
Federal Crown Attorney Deborah Strachan said that the CPAA request is tantamount to seeking immunity from future prosecution, which would be a violation of the court's right to prosecutorial discretion in Canada.
Pro-family advocates have long warned that the institution of homosexual “marriage” and civil unions in Canada, as well as in other western countries, would lead to the legalization of polygamy and any other form of relationship which participants want to legitimize.
Winston Blackmore's lawyer Blair Suffredine, a former member of Premier Gordon Campbell's Liberal government, remarked at last year's hearing that "If (homosexuals) can marry, what is the reason that public policy says one person can't marry more than one person?"
Opponents of same-sex “marriage” have warned that once homosexuals are permitted to “marry,” there is nothing stopping polygamous marriages, or any type of relationship, from being legally recognized as marriage as well.
“It’s like this,” explained Stanley Kurtz in a 2006 National Review article. “The way to abolish marriage, without seeming to abolish it, is to redefine the institution out of existence. If everything can be marriage, pretty soon nothing will be marriage. Legalize gay marriage, followed by multi-partner marriage, and pretty soon the whole idea of marriage will be meaningless.”
Sunday 12 September 2010
stephen hawkings talks and we all listen... or do we?
So he has a new book out. Good for him. I still think that he needs to stop hating. I was thinking I should comment on the news article, but that would mean I would have to read it... and that aint happening.
Saturday 11 September 2010
Body Piercing religion????
The Charlotte Observer reports on 14 year old girl who was suspended from school for not removing nose rings. She claims that the school is not recognizing her church which is a registered Religion, which "embraces spiritual growth through practises such as piercing." Both her mother and herself are part of this church.
"It's a spiritual thing - I feel whole." Says the 14 year old girl
"The Church of Body Modification" which the child and mother belong to are a church of 3500 across America. According to it's website the church's intention is "to promote growth in mind, body and soul" through piercings, tattoos, skin cuts, skin burns, scaring and hooks through the skin. It was formed in Arizona about 10 years ago and was incorporated in Pennsylvania in 2008.
You know this reminds me of Eckankar. This guy comes up with a philosophy, by mixing hinuism, budism, Greek and German Philosphies, mixes them up in a blender, gives himslef the title Shri/sri and proclaims his wisdom upon the earth. After gaining so much money that he built a tall building in New York, the taxman came for him. Only them did his philosophy (which was not a religion and was open to all who wanted to stay with their faith and still embrace the philosophy) registered itself as a religion - so that it could bypass the taxman.
It has made of mockery of religion and the rights of people to properly follow their faith.
"It's a spiritual thing - I feel whole." Says the 14 year old girl
"The Church of Body Modification" which the child and mother belong to are a church of 3500 across America. According to it's website the church's intention is "to promote growth in mind, body and soul" through piercings, tattoos, skin cuts, skin burns, scaring and hooks through the skin. It was formed in Arizona about 10 years ago and was incorporated in Pennsylvania in 2008.
You know this reminds me of Eckankar. This guy comes up with a philosophy, by mixing hinuism, budism, Greek and German Philosphies, mixes them up in a blender, gives himslef the title Shri/sri and proclaims his wisdom upon the earth. After gaining so much money that he built a tall building in New York, the taxman came for him. Only them did his philosophy (which was not a religion and was open to all who wanted to stay with their faith and still embrace the philosophy) registered itself as a religion - so that it could bypass the taxman.
It has made of mockery of religion and the rights of people to properly follow their faith.
Friday 10 September 2010
"The Vatican is a Real State" and other tales of a UK Papal visit
Lifesite.com website has published a list of British Headlines about the Pope's visit - Compiled by Hilary White:
The Independent's Johan Hari calls for faithful Catholics to join anti-papal protesters - The Independent
Johann Hari: Catholics, it's you this Pope has abused
The Daily Mail
"I disagree with many of his teachings. But it's those who oppose Pope Benedict XVI's visit who are the real bigots"
The Independent -
The Pope: Witness for the prosecution: Geoffrey Robertson QC argues that instead of offering the Pope a state welcome, we should be preparing the legal case against him
The Independent -
Pope chooses rap song as soundtrack for his UK visit
The Independent -
Julie Burchill: Do visits from ex-Hitler Youth members make me uneasy? Is the Pope Catholic?
The Guardian -
Papal visit: Bad tripper, good trip
The Guardian -
Keeping the faith: how bleak is the future for Catholicism?
The Independent - Joan Smith: In defence of modern Britain. Writing in the Independent, Smith denies Britain is the "geopolitical epicentre of the culture of death"
"I've always thought it a bit rich for Christians to accuse other people of belonging to a 'culture of death', when they go in for all those crucifixions, pietas and bleeding hearts."
Irish Times -
Majority in Britain are indifferent to visit of the pope later this month
The Independent -
Peter Tatchell: Why we oppose the Pope's state visit to Britain
Londonerry Sentinel -
Londonderry Pastor Leads Local Opposition to Papal Visit- Londonderry Sentinel
The Independent -
Pope's Visit Could Cost Britain More than 20 Million
The Guardian -
If only the Catholic church did PR. Ann Widdecombe laments the Catholic Church's inability to sell its message
The Guardian - The Vatican is a real state:
Austen Ivereigh bats down secularists' claims that Benedict is not a head of state.
The Guardian -
Canon law has allowed abuse priests to escape punishment, says lawyer
Catholic Herald - Mark Dowd: How I changed my mind about the Pope
Self-described 'gay' ex-Dominican and documentary film maker for the BBC describes his conversion away from mainstream hostility to Pope Benedict.
Telegraph Viseo:
Pope Looking Forward to a "Joyful Celebration" in British Visit
Telegraph -
Atheist Nick Clegg [British Deputy Prime Minister] to Greet Pope Benedict
Telegraph -
Pope won't be arrested in UK, protesters admit
Telegraph -
Papal visit: The Vatican puts its foot down. The Pope will celebrate the main part of ALL the Masses in Latin, says Marini
Telegraph -
The Pope's Mass in Glasgow: are Benedict XVI's liturgical wishes being ignored?
BBC -
Taxpayers should not fund Pope's visit, says survey
Telegraph -
Daily Telegraph Offers Free Recording of Nuns Singing Gregorian Chant
BBC -
Catholics look ahead to Pope Benedict's visit to the UK
BBC 2 -
Documentary on Cardinal Newman will Reveal 2nd Miracle
Scotland Herald -
Rollercoaster year now ending, says ambassador to the Vatican
London Evening Standard - Politics and protests as the papal roadshow rolls into London
A non-Catholic senior Foreign Office source agrees: Senior Foreign Office source: "You'd be very foolish as a Government to fall in with the negative voices on a papal visit. Look at Australia - he went there at the height of the backlash about his handling of child abuse and among predictions that it would be a disaster. By the time he left, more people had turned out to see him than had seen the Sydney Olympics."
BBC - Radio Programme by Mark Dowd
The Pope's British divisions"
Boris Johnson, [Mayor of London] - Diocese of Westminster
Welcome to London Pope Benedict
The Independent's Johan Hari calls for faithful Catholics to join anti-papal protesters - The Independent
Johann Hari: Catholics, it's you this Pope has abused
The Daily Mail
"I disagree with many of his teachings. But it's those who oppose Pope Benedict XVI's visit who are the real bigots"
The Independent -
The Pope: Witness for the prosecution: Geoffrey Robertson QC argues that instead of offering the Pope a state welcome, we should be preparing the legal case against him
The Independent -
Pope chooses rap song as soundtrack for his UK visit
The Independent -
Julie Burchill: Do visits from ex-Hitler Youth members make me uneasy? Is the Pope Catholic?
The Guardian -
Papal visit: Bad tripper, good trip
The Guardian -
Keeping the faith: how bleak is the future for Catholicism?
The Independent - Joan Smith: In defence of modern Britain. Writing in the Independent, Smith denies Britain is the "geopolitical epicentre of the culture of death"
"I've always thought it a bit rich for Christians to accuse other people of belonging to a 'culture of death', when they go in for all those crucifixions, pietas and bleeding hearts."
Irish Times -
Majority in Britain are indifferent to visit of the pope later this month
The Independent -
Peter Tatchell: Why we oppose the Pope's state visit to Britain
Londonerry Sentinel -
Londonderry Pastor Leads Local Opposition to Papal Visit- Londonderry Sentinel
The Independent -
Pope's Visit Could Cost Britain More than 20 Million
The Guardian -
If only the Catholic church did PR. Ann Widdecombe laments the Catholic Church's inability to sell its message
The Guardian - The Vatican is a real state:
Austen Ivereigh bats down secularists' claims that Benedict is not a head of state.
The Guardian -
Canon law has allowed abuse priests to escape punishment, says lawyer
Catholic Herald - Mark Dowd: How I changed my mind about the Pope
Self-described 'gay' ex-Dominican and documentary film maker for the BBC describes his conversion away from mainstream hostility to Pope Benedict.
Telegraph Viseo:
Pope Looking Forward to a "Joyful Celebration" in British Visit
Telegraph -
Atheist Nick Clegg [British Deputy Prime Minister] to Greet Pope Benedict
Telegraph -
Pope won't be arrested in UK, protesters admit
Telegraph -
Papal visit: The Vatican puts its foot down. The Pope will celebrate the main part of ALL the Masses in Latin, says Marini
Telegraph -
The Pope's Mass in Glasgow: are Benedict XVI's liturgical wishes being ignored?
BBC -
Taxpayers should not fund Pope's visit, says survey
Telegraph -
Daily Telegraph Offers Free Recording of Nuns Singing Gregorian Chant
BBC -
Catholics look ahead to Pope Benedict's visit to the UK
BBC 2 -
Documentary on Cardinal Newman will Reveal 2nd Miracle
Scotland Herald -
Rollercoaster year now ending, says ambassador to the Vatican
London Evening Standard - Politics and protests as the papal roadshow rolls into London
A non-Catholic senior Foreign Office source agrees: Senior Foreign Office source: "You'd be very foolish as a Government to fall in with the negative voices on a papal visit. Look at Australia - he went there at the height of the backlash about his handling of child abuse and among predictions that it would be a disaster. By the time he left, more people had turned out to see him than had seen the Sydney Olympics."
BBC - Radio Programme by Mark Dowd
The Pope's British divisions"
Boris Johnson, [Mayor of London] - Diocese of Westminster
Welcome to London Pope Benedict
Saturday 4 September 2010
Having a Life Verse
Jon Acuff in his blog "Stuff Christians Like" had a post on August 20th entitled "Having a life Verse."
Now, I have thought of it, but I can't figure out which verse of the bible would be the verse that I would want to be my rallying call. Besides, people change and circumstances change. What may be important to me today, may not be important to me tomorrow. So it would have to be a verse about God or Love.
Now if you ask me what is my favourite bible verse I would have to say Mark 3:17 where Jesus called James and John the "Sons of Thunder". It is Jesus being light hearted and showing a fun side.
JOhn 11:33 is always a moving verse for me. It when Jesus weeps for Lazarus. Does he not weep for us too when there is that possibility that we may perish:
"At the sight of her tears, and those of the Jews who had come with her, Jesus was greatly distressed, and with a profound sigh he said..."
The more I write the more I think of verses to put on the blog. There is one verse that I think is funny 'Jesus I recognise, and Paul I know, but who are you?'
Here it is in Acts 19:11-17:
"11 So remarkable were the miracles worked by God at Paul's hands
12 that handkerchiefs or aprons which had touched him were taken to the sick, and they were cured of their illnesses, and the evil spirits came out of them.
13 But some itinerant Jewish exorcists too tried pronouncing the name of the Lord Jesus over people who were possessed by evil spirits; they used to say, 'I adjure you by the Jesus whose spokesman is Paul.'
14 Among those who did this were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest.
15 The evil spirit replied, 'Jesus I recognise, and Paul I know, but who are you?'
16 and the man with the evil spirit hurled himself at them and overpowered first one and then another, and handled them so violently that they fled from that house stripped of clothing and badly mauled.
17 Everybody in Ephesus, both Jews and Greeks, heard about this episode; everyone was filled with awe, and the name of the Lord Jesus came to be held in great honour."
Now, I have thought of it, but I can't figure out which verse of the bible would be the verse that I would want to be my rallying call. Besides, people change and circumstances change. What may be important to me today, may not be important to me tomorrow. So it would have to be a verse about God or Love.
Now if you ask me what is my favourite bible verse I would have to say Mark 3:17 where Jesus called James and John the "Sons of Thunder". It is Jesus being light hearted and showing a fun side.
JOhn 11:33 is always a moving verse for me. It when Jesus weeps for Lazarus. Does he not weep for us too when there is that possibility that we may perish:
"At the sight of her tears, and those of the Jews who had come with her, Jesus was greatly distressed, and with a profound sigh he said..."
The more I write the more I think of verses to put on the blog. There is one verse that I think is funny 'Jesus I recognise, and Paul I know, but who are you?'
Here it is in Acts 19:11-17:
"11 So remarkable were the miracles worked by God at Paul's hands
12 that handkerchiefs or aprons which had touched him were taken to the sick, and they were cured of their illnesses, and the evil spirits came out of them.
13 But some itinerant Jewish exorcists too tried pronouncing the name of the Lord Jesus over people who were possessed by evil spirits; they used to say, 'I adjure you by the Jesus whose spokesman is Paul.'
14 Among those who did this were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest.
15 The evil spirit replied, 'Jesus I recognise, and Paul I know, but who are you?'
16 and the man with the evil spirit hurled himself at them and overpowered first one and then another, and handled them so violently that they fled from that house stripped of clothing and badly mauled.
17 Everybody in Ephesus, both Jews and Greeks, heard about this episode; everyone was filled with awe, and the name of the Lord Jesus came to be held in great honour."
Wednesday 1 September 2010
Hiel David Marsland
The third Reich had the best ideas. Well they never did, really. Especially their thoughts on sterilization and gassing of people that they considered unfit. That nightmare has died, but their ideas on sterilization and Euthanasia lives on.
There is a quack of a British Professor who's name is David Marsland who publicly announced that the Mentally and Morally unfit should be sterilized. This guy is a sociologist and health expert and this is the best he could offer. He dismisses human rights. What an idiot.
Read about this idiot here!
There is a quack of a British Professor who's name is David Marsland who publicly announced that the Mentally and Morally unfit should be sterilized. This guy is a sociologist and health expert and this is the best he could offer. He dismisses human rights. What an idiot.
Read about this idiot here!
Tuesday 31 August 2010
Of Parades and Parades
This Morning I took two of my four children to see the Trinidad & Tobago Independence day parade. We usually go especially to see the fly pass of the planes, helicopters etc. but this year we just went along the parade route to see the marching bands. The children loved it. The horses the marchers, the bands.. it rocked. Of course the thrill of every child in an outing is the snacks. So some "doubles" by George, a beer at the Brooklyn Bar, snow cones and we're good to go.
With the parade I got to thinking about the "pentecostals" and their annual march through the city with gospel music blasting from trucks and Our Catholic Processions on Good Friday and Corpus Christi. Our Processions are not the nice bouncy ones. We Catholics need a nice bouncy parade. We should have a "He is Risen" Parade. Oh the Joy!
I remembered the Administrator for the Cathedral saying that he was not interested in having Christmas diner because there was always alot of food around at Christmas time and that it would be so much better to have an Easter diner, since our faith is based on the Risen Christ of Easter. (Of course I paraphrase). I think he was right.
Our Easter Parades should not be little children walking through the city or a Mall on a secular Easter Bonnet Parade.
It's just a thought!
With the parade I got to thinking about the "pentecostals" and their annual march through the city with gospel music blasting from trucks and Our Catholic Processions on Good Friday and Corpus Christi. Our Processions are not the nice bouncy ones. We Catholics need a nice bouncy parade. We should have a "He is Risen" Parade. Oh the Joy!
I remembered the Administrator for the Cathedral saying that he was not interested in having Christmas diner because there was always alot of food around at Christmas time and that it would be so much better to have an Easter diner, since our faith is based on the Risen Christ of Easter. (Of course I paraphrase). I think he was right.
Our Easter Parades should not be little children walking through the city or a Mall on a secular Easter Bonnet Parade.
It's just a thought!
Sunday 29 August 2010
We pray for the Miners
Every Morning my children pray for their great uncle Mario, that he may have a proper and speedy recovery from his stroke. They have decided to add to their prayer list the trapped miners in Chile.
What an awful thing to be trapped in such a place for so many months, but they are trying to make the best of it. They are requesting statues of Saints and are setting up a chapel. Already they have been sent a crucifix through the small hole that they are transferring food down.
What a joy to find the Lord, even in such circumstances. So we Pray for them to have continued strength.
This guy I know was telling me of his son who thought of himself as a gangster type. He got himself in trouble with the law and was sent to jail. When he realised the loneliness of incarceration he had a bre4akdown and was sent the the mental asylum in the St Anns Parish.
These people in Chile committed no crime yet they are condemned to live in confinement for several months. Thankfully, they are all alive. As everyone should know Chile is a very active country when it comes to earthquakes. So we pray for their well being also.
God Protect them and keep them safe.
What an awful thing to be trapped in such a place for so many months, but they are trying to make the best of it. They are requesting statues of Saints and are setting up a chapel. Already they have been sent a crucifix through the small hole that they are transferring food down.
What a joy to find the Lord, even in such circumstances. So we Pray for them to have continued strength.
This guy I know was telling me of his son who thought of himself as a gangster type. He got himself in trouble with the law and was sent to jail. When he realised the loneliness of incarceration he had a bre4akdown and was sent the the mental asylum in the St Anns Parish.
These people in Chile committed no crime yet they are condemned to live in confinement for several months. Thankfully, they are all alive. As everyone should know Chile is a very active country when it comes to earthquakes. So we pray for their well being also.
God Protect them and keep them safe.
Friday 27 August 2010
Happy Feast Day Saint Monica
Saint Monica is the patron Saints of Mothers, and I think they need one. My wife has come close on several occassions to reducing my family's number. I am reminded of a joke from comedian Adam Ferrara which I cannot recall in it's entirety. Instead of thinking about the misdeeds of little ones, let us think about the misdeeds of big children. Let's ask saint Monica to intercede for mothers who live in sorrow over the direction that their big children have taken:
To St. Monica, Patroness of Mothers
Blessed Monica, mother of St. Augustine, we give thanks to our Father in heaven Who looked with mercy upon your tears over your wayward son. His conversion and heroic sanctification were the fruit of your prayers. Dear St. Monica, we now ask you to pray with us for all those sons and daughters that have wandered away from God, and to add your prayers to those of all mothers who are worried over their children. Pray also for us that, following your example, we may, in the company of our children, one day enjoy the eternal vision of our Father in heaven. Amen.
To St. Monica, Patroness of Mothers
Blessed Monica, mother of St. Augustine, we give thanks to our Father in heaven Who looked with mercy upon your tears over your wayward son. His conversion and heroic sanctification were the fruit of your prayers. Dear St. Monica, we now ask you to pray with us for all those sons and daughters that have wandered away from God, and to add your prayers to those of all mothers who are worried over their children. Pray also for us that, following your example, we may, in the company of our children, one day enjoy the eternal vision of our Father in heaven. Amen.
Tuesday 24 August 2010
Seen any patron saints for suffers of the common cold?
So I am sick with the cold. I have it pretty bad so I decided to search for a patron saint of people who suffer with the common cold. Below is the closest I have come to finding such a saint:
• Agathius - headache
• Agrippina of Mineo - bacterial diseases, and bacterial infections
• Apollonia - toothache
• Augustine of Hippo - sore eyes
• Bernardino of Siena - chest problems, lung problems,
• Blaise - ailments of the throat
• Crescentinus – headache
• Cyriacus - eye diseas
• Denise -against headaches
• Gemma Galgani - headaches,
• Gerard of Lunel - headaches
• Gereon -headaches,
• Gertrude of Nivelles -invoked against fever,
• Godelina -throat trouble[28]
• Gotthard of Hildesheim -invoked against fever
• Harvey -eye problems, eye disease
• Hugh of Cluny - fever
• Saint Medard - toothache
• Patroclus of Troyes- fever
• Pancras - cramp, headache,
• Teresa of Avila - headaches
• Theobald of Provins - invoked against fever; dry cough
• William Firmatus - against headache
• Saint Quentin - coughs, sneezes,
• Arthelais - illness
I need to seek out this person:
• Saint Paulina - Diabetics
What I find funny is the following :
• Balbina - scrofula – I never heard of this ailment before today
• Albinus of Angers - against pirate attack – OK! So everything is possible with God so I am not going to make fun of this guy… I might need him one day!
• Expeditus - invoked against procrastination – I think it’s so funny that the guy who is the Patron saint of Procrastination is Saint Expeditus.
Well. Failing a patron Saint I am going straight to the big daddy!
Dear God, please take this cold away from me and my family and bring us back to good health. Amen.
• Agathius - headache
• Agrippina of Mineo - bacterial diseases, and bacterial infections
• Apollonia - toothache
• Augustine of Hippo - sore eyes
• Bernardino of Siena - chest problems, lung problems,
• Blaise - ailments of the throat
• Crescentinus – headache
• Cyriacus - eye diseas
• Denise -against headaches
• Gemma Galgani - headaches,
• Gerard of Lunel - headaches
• Gereon -headaches,
• Gertrude of Nivelles -invoked against fever,
• Godelina -throat trouble[28]
• Gotthard of Hildesheim -invoked against fever
• Harvey -eye problems, eye disease
• Hugh of Cluny - fever
• Saint Medard - toothache
• Patroclus of Troyes- fever
• Pancras - cramp, headache,
• Teresa of Avila - headaches
• Theobald of Provins - invoked against fever; dry cough
• William Firmatus - against headache
• Saint Quentin - coughs, sneezes,
• Arthelais - illness
I need to seek out this person:
• Saint Paulina - Diabetics
What I find funny is the following :
• Balbina - scrofula – I never heard of this ailment before today
• Albinus of Angers - against pirate attack – OK! So everything is possible with God so I am not going to make fun of this guy… I might need him one day!
• Expeditus - invoked against procrastination – I think it’s so funny that the guy who is the Patron saint of Procrastination is Saint Expeditus.
Well. Failing a patron Saint I am going straight to the big daddy!
Dear God, please take this cold away from me and my family and bring us back to good health. Amen.
Monday 23 August 2010
Sunday 22 August 2010
Saturday 21 August 2010
Obsessive Behaviour, Addiction, Passion or Overly Religious
Some time ago I was having a discussion with someone who thought that it was not necessary to go to church on a regular basis and that they couldn't stand over religious people.
The argument was a simple one for me.
Is it necessary to go to church all the time? It is just as necessary or even more so than it is necessary to go to school all the time? or to go for regular treatment for a Cancer? or to get your dialysis? If you want to achieve a living soul for the after life, if you want to grow in the love of God and be a spiritual adult you need to go to church. I am saying this, but you also need to do your homework and live right.
About the over religious people. What is that? People who have passion for God. What is a life without passion? Responsibility suppresses our passions. Without responsibility our passions would be expressed as Obsessive behaviour or addictions. How sad for anyone who lacks passion in their life. How wonderful for those with passion if that passion is for God.
I don't think I have convinced the young lady on either account. Maybe some day she will understand fully and start a proper relationship with God until then we will pray for her.
The argument was a simple one for me.
Is it necessary to go to church all the time? It is just as necessary or even more so than it is necessary to go to school all the time? or to go for regular treatment for a Cancer? or to get your dialysis? If you want to achieve a living soul for the after life, if you want to grow in the love of God and be a spiritual adult you need to go to church. I am saying this, but you also need to do your homework and live right.
About the over religious people. What is that? People who have passion for God. What is a life without passion? Responsibility suppresses our passions. Without responsibility our passions would be expressed as Obsessive behaviour or addictions. How sad for anyone who lacks passion in their life. How wonderful for those with passion if that passion is for God.
I don't think I have convinced the young lady on either account. Maybe some day she will understand fully and start a proper relationship with God until then we will pray for her.
Monday 16 August 2010
Spain Offers World Cup Victory to Our Lady of Guadeloupe
Well, What wonderful news. Spain offers World cup Victory to Our Lady of Guadeloupe.
In all the madness of the world with the world cup and all the talk about the European Union deChristianizing Europe there was some wonderful news and great hope comming out of the world cup for Catholics:
There was David Silva who thanked publicly Our Lady of Mount Carmel for the Spanish Victory.
There was Andres Iniesta who made a pilgrimage to St James under the Stars (Santiago de Compostella). This is the guy who scored the winning goal.
Throughout the competition we heard of different Catholic Personalities on one side or another including Jermain Defoe, Kolo Toure and Wayne Rooney (never mind on the last World Cup Ronney badly fouled our Trini player... we are forgiving). In fact when Rooney was being interviewed and the reporter asked about his rosary and his Catholic Faith an official from the Football Association stepped in and said "We don't do Religion", whiched miffed the Interviewer.
We have comments from different Bichops, Archbishops and Cardinals, and we have the Pope himself making positive comments about Sport and Religion... and of Course the World Cup.
How wonderous it is to have all these people raise the Cross High... to proclaim their faith in Jesus Christ as Catholics.
So getting back to Spain's victory in the World cup and Our Lady of Guadeloupe you can read the article on this LINK.
Sunday 15 August 2010
The Assumption of Mary
Today is the feast of the Assumption of Mary. There is no scriptural reference to Mary being assumed into Heaven as Jesus was, however Homilies can be found as far back as the 6th century referring to the event. From the personal revelation of Sister Anne Catherine Emmerick there is a story of the death and assumption of our Lady:
The funeral procession stopped at the right of the entrance to the tomb. Here [the Apostles] laid down the holy body, and then four of them carried it into the burial-chamber in the rock and laid it in the place hollowed out for it. All those present went in one by one and laid spices and flowers beside the body, kneeling down and offering up their prayers and their tears.
Many lingered there in love and sorrow, and night had fallen when the Apostles closed the entrance to the tomb. They dug a trench before the narrow entrance of the rock-tomb, and planted in it a hedge of various shrubs brought with their roots from elsewhere. Some had leaves, some blossoms, and some berries. They made the water from a near-by spring flow in front of the hedge, so that no trace of the entrance to the tomb could be seen and none could enter the cave without forcing a way round behind the hedge.
They went away in scattered groups, some remaining to pray and watch by the tomb, others stopping to pray here and there. Those who were on their way home saw from the distance a strange radiance over Mary’s tomb, which moved them to wonder, though they did not know what it really was.
It was as if a shaft of light descended from heaven towards the tomb, and in this shaft was a lovely form like the soul of the Blessed Virgin, accompanied by the form of Our Lord. Then the body of the Blessed Virgin, united to the shining soul, rose shining out of the grave and soared up to heaven with the figure of Our Lord.
I saw her soul, united to her transfigured body, rising out of the tomb far brighter and clearer, and ascending into the heavenly Jerusalem with Our Lord and with the whole glory. Thereupon all the radiance faded again, and the quiet starry sky covered the land.
I do not know whether the Apostles and holy women praying before the tomb saw all this in the same manner, but I saw them looking upwards in adoration and amazement, or throwing themselves down full of awe with their faces to the ground.
Thus I did not see the Blessed Virgin die in the usual manner, nor did I see her go up to heaven; but I saw that first her soul and then her body were taken from the earth.
Saturday 14 August 2010
Saint Max Kolbe
I was speaking with the sextant of the Cathedral today. He was telling me about a conversation he had with a youth. The individual went everywhere with his cell phone, but did not walk around with a weapon that every Catholic should walk around with: THE ROSARY.
Today's Saint, Maximillian Mary Kolbe was a strong believer in the intercession of the Virgin and with her help was able to do many great things for God!
Hey! If you don't walk around with a rosary. You should. Get one today and keep it close.
Thursday 12 August 2010
Is it adultry for a catholic man to leave his wife who he married in another denomination to live with someone else
Last Saturday morning I was accosted by two ladies at the Cathedral. They wanted to speak to the priest and asked if I was he. (Poor things. I am far from being a priest. ) When I said no they asked if I was an ELDER. Immediately bells started going off…. Pentecostals! I again said no, but as the discussion continued, I discovered her true purpose for being there.
She asked me a simple question. If one is married in the Pentecostal faith and one’s husband leaves one to live with another woman, is he committing adultery according to the Catholic Church. It seems that her “mother in law” is a Catholic and never approved of the Pentecostal marriage and did not deem his new relationship as adultery. Basically, she wanted to prove her mother in law wrong and take a jab at those holier than thou Catholics. The only problem is that the truly holy Catholics are so very aware of our sinful nature.
My answer to the lady and her female friend was that sex out of marriage is a sin and that however you paint it, this man is committing a sin.
A priest did speak with them and said more or less the following: If you are not a member of the Catholic faith then the church does not have a say concerning your marriage; If you are baptised in the Catholic church then you are Catholic and fall under the rules of the Catholic church. So you need to marry in the church otherwise you are a sinner; Before the church there was natural law which allowed you to marry by bonding; According to secular law no matter what faith you are you are married under the eyes of the law of the republic.
In summation, Yes, it is adultery according to the law of the land. According to the Catholic church it is not. The church does not recognise the marriage and therefore does not recognise the dissolution of the marriage. He is still having sex out of wedlock. He is sinning against God!
She asked me a simple question. If one is married in the Pentecostal faith and one’s husband leaves one to live with another woman, is he committing adultery according to the Catholic Church. It seems that her “mother in law” is a Catholic and never approved of the Pentecostal marriage and did not deem his new relationship as adultery. Basically, she wanted to prove her mother in law wrong and take a jab at those holier than thou Catholics. The only problem is that the truly holy Catholics are so very aware of our sinful nature.
My answer to the lady and her female friend was that sex out of marriage is a sin and that however you paint it, this man is committing a sin.
A priest did speak with them and said more or less the following: If you are not a member of the Catholic faith then the church does not have a say concerning your marriage; If you are baptised in the Catholic church then you are Catholic and fall under the rules of the Catholic church. So you need to marry in the church otherwise you are a sinner; Before the church there was natural law which allowed you to marry by bonding; According to secular law no matter what faith you are you are married under the eyes of the law of the republic.
In summation, Yes, it is adultery according to the law of the land. According to the Catholic church it is not. The church does not recognise the marriage and therefore does not recognise the dissolution of the marriage. He is still having sex out of wedlock. He is sinning against God!
Wednesday 11 August 2010
The ATM of the Caribbean
I didn't see the interview with Mr Cadiz, so perhaps I am speaking out of turn. On a TV interview this morning I was told that he spoke about giving money to Haiti. Basically he echoed the "Trinidad is not the ATM of the Caribbean" sentiment from the Prime Minister.
He spoke about giving to Haiti so as to benefit Trinidad. In other words, give with the intention to have a financial return. WHAT???
The Caribbean is made up of Volcanic islands that sit in the Hurricane belt. There will be natural disasters. Trinidad is the oil rich nation among the group. We are obligated as a nation to help any nation that we can.
As Catholics, we should make it known that we support our country giving monies to other Caribbean nations in crisis.
He spoke about giving to Haiti so as to benefit Trinidad. In other words, give with the intention to have a financial return. WHAT???
The Caribbean is made up of Volcanic islands that sit in the Hurricane belt. There will be natural disasters. Trinidad is the oil rich nation among the group. We are obligated as a nation to help any nation that we can.
As Catholics, we should make it known that we support our country giving monies to other Caribbean nations in crisis.
Tuesday 10 August 2010
Vocations increase in India, Despite Violence against Catholics
It surely is good news. Vocations increase in India despite violence against Catholics and other Christians. You know, I think it increases BECAUSE of the violence. That is to say that, in the midst of persecution we become stuborn about our faith. We becomea dedicated. We become the best Catholics we could ever be.
Hey! That's not saying that there should be persecution here. OK? Maybe you should just read the article on the Catholic News Agency Site. Just follow the link: Vocations Increase in India
Hey! That's not saying that there should be persecution here. OK? Maybe you should just read the article on the Catholic News Agency Site. Just follow the link: Vocations Increase in India
Sunday 8 August 2010
The Transfiguration by Raphael
So Raphael's last work the Transfiguration has a writer for L'Obsservatore Romano in a tizzy. He thinks it ought to be returned to the church it used to hang in. This is what the author says about the work as it sits in the Vatican Museum:
"A work of sacred art placed in a museum, even with the best intentions and perhaps better protected, loses three-quarters of its verbal capacity just for the fact that it is placed outside of the context for which it was created. Today,in the Pinacoteca, the Transfiguration is only an object, still among the most excellent, lined up with many others, but devoid of the strength that came from it as part of the liturgical mystery, of the place of prayer."
So what do we know about this work? Well here is what is said about it:
The transfiguration was painted on a wooden surface over a period of four years by Raphael up until death in 1620. It used to be hung in a church (St Peter in Montorio). It has been on display in the Vatican Museums' Pinacoteca, or picture gallery, for the last 200 years.
The painting draws from St. Matthew's Gospel. In its upper portion is the Transfigured Christ with Moses and Elijah. At their feet are Peter, James, and John. In the foreground are the other Apostles and onlookers, including a possessed young man recounted in the gospel.
Giorgio Vasari, Raphael's 16th century biographer and noted artist himself, described the work as "the most famous, the most beautiful and most divine."
The bright light which encirles our Lord is meant to imitate the Eucharist.
You know, I agree with the guy from the L'Obsservatore Romano. His name is Marco Agostini. Cheers Marco. I support you.
Friday 6 August 2010
Beyonce evil?
Ok! so have you heard that Beyonce is evil? Yes it's true... I read it on the internet.
So there is this site called the Vigilant Citizen and this person is absolutely sure that Beyonce has sold her soul. If nothing else it makes for interesting reading. Personally I don't think that she did sell her soul or that she is evil. I do believe however that she should publicly give praise to God in her songs. That would be nice.
So there is this site called the Vigilant Citizen and this person is absolutely sure that Beyonce has sold her soul. If nothing else it makes for interesting reading. Personally I don't think that she did sell her soul or that she is evil. I do believe however that she should publicly give praise to God in her songs. That would be nice.
Sunday 25 July 2010
Waiting in line at the Supermarket
So this morning my daughter and I decided to pick up a few items at "Farmers Supermarket". We tallied ten items, so we decided to join the 1-10 line. As we get in there is a guy with a basketful of items. With a rough count I figured he had 20 items.
Now I've seen people in the 1-10 line with many more items argue their position before - I don't have 19 items, the nine bottles of soft drinks are a collective. The item is soft drinks... or the three rolls of toilet paper are just one item... toilet paper. The argument is hollow, and while I have seen cashiers make issue on the matter, they still cash all the items for these people. What business man would refuse a sale on principle.
For my part I believe in doing what is right, and in the case of the Supermarket, what is right is what they request the customers to do... so I follow the signs. these signs are not leading me astray with health issues or faith issues, so I have no reason to disregard them.
I considered saying something to the man but decided against it. As a good catholic I do what is right and I expect my children to do so also. Even if it is just waiting in the line at the Supermarket.
Now I've seen people in the 1-10 line with many more items argue their position before - I don't have 19 items, the nine bottles of soft drinks are a collective. The item is soft drinks... or the three rolls of toilet paper are just one item... toilet paper. The argument is hollow, and while I have seen cashiers make issue on the matter, they still cash all the items for these people. What business man would refuse a sale on principle.
For my part I believe in doing what is right, and in the case of the Supermarket, what is right is what they request the customers to do... so I follow the signs. these signs are not leading me astray with health issues or faith issues, so I have no reason to disregard them.
I considered saying something to the man but decided against it. As a good catholic I do what is right and I expect my children to do so also. Even if it is just waiting in the line at the Supermarket.
Sunday 18 July 2010
Chavez Vs the Catholic Church ... the fight continues.
"We need to re-examine these agreements, with all due respect to the Vatican and to the pope, who despite what they say is no ambassador on earth for Christ. Christ doesn't need an ambassador. Christ is in the people. Accords signed between Venezuela and the Vatican in the late 1950s and early 1960s give too many "privileges" to the Catholic church that other churches don't receive, (this) is a violation of Venezuela's Constitution." - Hugo Chavez
The war of words continue in Venesuela between Cardinal Jorge Urosa and Hugo Chavez. According to the Wall Street Journal :
Why can't people just get along?
The war of words continue in Venesuela between Cardinal Jorge Urosa and Hugo Chavez. According to the Wall Street Journal :
Urosa has warned that Chavez's style of governing, which includes frequent nationalizations of private companies that the government says is in the public good, is putting the country on the path toward dictatorship.
Chavez, on the other hand, accuses Urosa of being aligned with opposition forces that tried to overthrow him in a brief 2002 coup. He said the archbishop should stick to his church duties and stay out of politics.
On Wednesday, Chavez said Urosa and other church leaders in Venezuela should stop manipulating the people, and added that the only thing Urosa has yet to do is directly tell people to vote against Chavez and his socialist party.
Key legislative elections take place Sept. 26, and Chavez's party hopes to retain a majority of seats in the National Assembly.
Why can't people just get along?
Sunday 11 July 2010
HOLY SEE AND VATICAN MAKES FINANCIAL LOSS
The Holy See spent 321 Million dollars last year, and had a deficit of 5.2 million. The talk is how wealthy the church is. Well we have lots of land, but we have no money. Besides the property belongs to the people who make up the church. Just a note of Comparison Benny Hinn take in over 200 million a year.
The Holy See's statement explained that the "negative fluctuations" which had been "suspended" in 2008 were "absorbed" this year. Vatican spokesman Fr. Federico Lombardi told journalists that these "fluctuations" amounted to between eight and ten million Euro ($10.1-12.6 million).
Expenses largely result from the activities of Vatican dicasteries and other bodies, including Vatican Radio, that "participate in the pastoral care of the Pontiff of the Universal Church."
The Vatican has accounts separate and apart from the Holy See. Experienced a deficit of 9.8 million. Less than half of what was experienced last year.
Among the most notable costs during 2009 were those for a study carried out for a new communications infrastructure, improvements to the Vatican Museums, the care of Vatican patrimony which includes all of the Papal basilicas, security within the Vatican and restructuring of the Vatican Apostolic Library.
The three major sources of income for 2009 were contributions from Peter's Pence of $81.5 million, from the Catholic dioceses of the world of $31.5 million and from other institutions including the Vatican's Institute for Works of Religion (IOR) which donated $63.2 million.
The Holy See's statement explained that the "negative fluctuations" which had been "suspended" in 2008 were "absorbed" this year. Vatican spokesman Fr. Federico Lombardi told journalists that these "fluctuations" amounted to between eight and ten million Euro ($10.1-12.6 million).
Expenses largely result from the activities of Vatican dicasteries and other bodies, including Vatican Radio, that "participate in the pastoral care of the Pontiff of the Universal Church."
The Vatican has accounts separate and apart from the Holy See. Experienced a deficit of 9.8 million. Less than half of what was experienced last year.
Among the most notable costs during 2009 were those for a study carried out for a new communications infrastructure, improvements to the Vatican Museums, the care of Vatican patrimony which includes all of the Papal basilicas, security within the Vatican and restructuring of the Vatican Apostolic Library.
The three major sources of income for 2009 were contributions from Peter's Pence of $81.5 million, from the Catholic dioceses of the world of $31.5 million and from other institutions including the Vatican's Institute for Works of Religion (IOR) which donated $63.2 million.
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