another one

Man, Haiti's earthquake was awful. Now an earthquake in Chile.

Father take care of those people.

God is a Trinidadian

Since the Earthquake in Haiti there has been much debate about natural disasters and Trinidads ability to withstand them. Ira Mathur, has produced a series of clips for the local TV news that talk about how unprepared we are. Personally I think she is an alarmist, but we are all entitled to our views.

In one of her clips, Ira says "and God may have other things to do than be a Trinidadian". Well Ira, I know that you adopted Trinidad as your homeland and that you were not born of these shores, so you maybe don't know.... but God is indeed a Trinidadian. Indeed, he is American, Kittician, Maltese, Indian etc. He is every nationality, and Ethnicity. (He's got the whole world in His hands)

But to bring it home, Chrsitopher Columbus give this island its name. He named it, supossedly for three hills, but he gave it a Holy Name. It is the land of the Blessed Trinity of the Christian faith: Father, Son & Holy Spirit. So yes, God is Trinity, God is Trinidad. And of course He resides in the heart of all who serve him. In Trinidad, there are many who serve Him.

So welcome Ira to this island. Welcome to Gods Land.

Catholic Church keeps growing

According to the Catholic News Agency, The catholic church has grown. In the "pontifical yearbook" presented to the Pope the following is the state of the church at the end of 2009:

There are now 1.166 billion baptised Catrholics in the world.
This is an increase from 2008 to 2009 of 16 million.
That means that 17.4% of the world is Catholic.

The number of priests rose from 405178 in 2000 to 409166 in 2008.
47% of these priests are in Europe
30% are in North America
Interestingly clergy serving in Europe accounted for 51.5% of worldwide serving clergy in 2000.

Worldwide there was an increase in seminarians.
In 2007 there were 115919
In 2008 there were 117024
However there was a reduction in the European Schools while the Americans remained more or less the same.

So even if we closed down our seminary (and that may not be such a bad thing since the word is that they were not teaching theology in line with the Magisterium)the worldwide church offers hope, despite all the attacks on the people of God.

We shall win. Raise your standards my brothers and sisters.

Vatican identifies top ten albums

Ok. As a music fan this is something that really interests me....

The vatican released a list of their picks for the top ten albums to take to a desert island. Well it's not really the vatican. it is the unofficial newspaper of the Holy See - L'Osservatore Romano.

The albums are as follows:
1. The Beatles, Revolver
2. David Crosby, If I Could Only Remember My Name
3. Pink Floyd, Dark Side of the Moon
4. Fleetwood Mac, Rumours
5. Donald Fagen, The Nightfly
6. Michael Jackson, Thriller
7. Paul Simon, Graceland
8. U2, Achtung Baby
9. Oasis, (What's the Story) Morning Glory
10. Carlos Santana, Supernatural

Obviously these albums do not reflect on the artists themselves. David Crosby is known for his free love. Giving his sperm the other day to two gay women, that they might have a child. John Lennon declaring that the beatles were bigger than Jesus Christ. Carlos Santana is now a buddist. Stevie nicks of Fleetwood Mac indulges her new age and white witch issues. and I could go on.

Significant to Donald Fagans album Nightfly is the big hit "I.G.Y. (International Geophysical Year)" Not many people know about this year. It was an international scientific project that lasted from July 1, 1957, to December 31, 1958. The IGY encompassed eleven Earth sciences: aurora and airglow, cosmic rays, geomagnetism, gravity, ionospheric physics, longitude and latitude determinations (precision mapping), meteorology, oceanography, seismology and solar activity.... and it was a good song from 1983.

"What a beautiful world this would be... what a glorious time to be free." - Donald Fagan, IGY

U2 is a good choice. Not a great fan of theirs, except for "under a blood red sky". Although their second album, "october", might be the most spiritual. Particularly liked the songs "40" "New years day" "Seconds" and "sunday Bloody Sunday" from their third album "War". "40" is a variation on Psalm 40 and usually in their early days the crowd would sing along with the good Catholic Bono.

I don't know why other albums or Artisits weren't chosen. What about Taylor Swift; Carman; Daniel O'Donnell; Peter Paul and Mary; Journey; Collective Soul; Cat Stevens (or Yusaf as he is now called); Anne Murray; Donna Summer; Al Green; and I could go on. These people may not necessarily be catholic, but they have lots of hits and they are strong in their faith.

All in all it is not a bad list, but if I am to take 10 albums with me to a desert island, I surely would not choose any of these albums.

Elton John Calls Jesus Gay

The catholic League for Religious and Civil rights has issuesd a statement where it is alleged that Elton John in an interview with Parade magazine said that jesus was a gay man. Parade magazine is distributed to 71 million readers in the US through 400 newspapers. They pride themselves on quality reporting. Or do they?


What a terrible thing. Now I like Elton Johns songs. Well, it's not just Elton John, Bernie Taupin is his writer. But if i had any oringinal copies of his work i would burn them. Even my favourite song Benny and the jets lyrics have moved form rebel music to faithless music - check out the second verse...

Hey kids, plug into the faithless
Maybe they're blinded
But Bennie makes them ageless
We shall survive, let us take ourselves along
Where we fight our parents out in the streets
To find who's right and who's wrong

and I didn't "read it in a magazine" (as another lyric goes)

Comon Elton. First you're gay. Then you're against religion. Now you're calling Jesus gay. You sir are ignorant, arrogant, prissy and spoilt - You need to seek therapy. Maybe I should pray for you... and me.

Jesus give me peace and love to not hold grundges or be angry with those who choose to offend, lie or decieve me or those who choose to discredit the catholic Faith or God. Lord, open Elton John's heart and mind that he may realise who and what he has become that he may seek you and turn from his evil ways Amen

Witnessing through Ashes

I have been working in the city now for several Ash Wednesdays. Wearing ashes in a high traffic (people) area, makes for much conversation…. And abuse. It is since I have come into the city to work that I have felt that most people either don’t know what the black mark on my face is, or think that I am a hypocrite. They presume that I was drinking and living out a sinful life during the Carnival and then going for Ashes to make others think that I am a saint. (just for the record I am not a Saint)

Many people I know receive ashes and then wipe it off, as soon as they get to work. Their eternal soul is not in jeopardy by doing so. The ashes, traditionally made by burning palm leaves from the previous years Palm Sunday, are sacramental – a sacred sign or liturgical action to enhance prayer and to serve as a reminder of God’s Holy presence. They do not have to be created or administered by clergy (however a priest must bless them for the rite of distribution of ashes)

For my part, I choose to wear the ashes for the day. I do so now, because I want people to ask me. I want to tell them that Jesus died for us, and that as wonderful as we think we are, we are but dust, and to dust we ALL shall return. I ask them to make an effort to do something good, not just today, but for all of lent.

Although Anglicans receive ashes as well, the majority of people that you see with ashes would be Catholic. I wear the ashes for the day as a sign to the shy Catholics that they should be proud of their Catholic faith and their witnessing for Christ. In a world where Catholic ideas and beliefs are being attacked more regularly, it is a sign for hope.

and praise God for Hope!

irish sex scandal

So the Pope has called the Irish bishops to Rome due to their handling of the Irish sex scandals. Comon already people. Haven't you learnt anything from the American experience? So three of the four bishops have resigned, and the other involved in the cover up is under pressure to resign. I pray that we don't do cover ups here in
Trinidad. Anyone caught messing with kids need to be locked away for life.

2 in a billion

China has over one billion people. They have chosen 10 people to be honoured for service to its people... of these, two are Catholics.

Great going guys... you deserve recognition for your great work. God bless those who labour without recognition in the vineyard.

Here is a link to the article:
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/catholics_win_chinas_top_10_people_of_2009_awards/

Bacchanal in Costa Rica

OK! This is a good example of what not to do in the name of love... other than kidnap Haitian children.

So there is this divorced Catholic guy who is running for President of Costa Rica. His girlfriend goes up for our Lord (Eucharist) and breaks a piece off to carry for the presidential canidate. Notice, he does not present himself for Eucharist.

The Costa Rican media keeps showing footage of the Mass where this happened. Apparently, she said something to the Archbishop, and thought that he had agreed with her request to "Share the Blessing of Eucharist" with her love. Then she went back to the Pew and put the piece of Eucharist in his shirt pocket.

For her part she says that she never meant to "disrespect the Catholic church" and that she wanted her love to "carry a piece of God in his heart"

Can't you just hear the worlds smallest violin playing "my heart bleeds for you"... Comon lady! Give us a break. You desecrated the Eucharist. You are not a minister to distibute the Eucharist and even if you were, he is divorsed. Sigh!

Well the question is: Will this little event cost Mr Guevara the election, and if it does how will his handlers view this chick. Will they be together for much longer? What will happen to her? One thing thats sure is that the Costa Rican public is mad as hell.

Poor girl. Jesus enlighten her that she may come to a full realisation of what she has done and give her wisdom that she may never make such a mistake again.

Charities

So I was inspired by yesterdays post to find out about who are the worlds biggest charities. Is it the Catholic Church? Well I suspect so, but since I couldn't find reliable statistics, I checked out Forbes magazine. A 2005 article listed the top 200 USA charities... in order of money raised and distributed. The top ten were as follows:

1. United Way
2. Salvation Army
3. Feed the Children
4. American Cancer Society
5. Gifts in Kind International
6. AmeriCares
7. YMCAs in the United States
8. American National Red Cross
9. Catholic Charities USA
10.America's Second Harvest

Interesting to note that Catholic Charities USA (#9)is not the catholic church. It is one charity among many afiliated to the Catholic Church. Expenses and management costs for the top 10 range from 5%-10% of income... but look at the income: United Way (#1) raised 3.8 billion US dollars. Americas Second Harvest (#10) raised 550 million. Both Americas Second Harvest and Feed the Children only had had an expense and management cost of 1%. Yeah for them!

25% of World Hospitals are Catholic

Well there is always talk about our big rich Catholic church. Well, we're big, but we're not rich. In fact, we're almost always in debt. Just think, we run 25% of the worlds hospitals. TWENTY FIVE PERCENT. Don't take my word for it here is piece of an article from teh Catholic News agency:

Sao Paulo, Brazil, Feb 10, 2010 / 12:57 pm (CNA).- During its 25th anniversary celebrations, the Pontifical Council for Pastoral Assistance to Health Care Workers announced that the Catholic Church manages 26 percent of health care facilities in the world. According to a press release, the Church has “117,000 health care facilities, including hospitals, clinics, orphanages,” as well as “18,000 pharmacies and 512 centers” for the care of those with leprosy.

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The saga continues

On the 23rd of January in a post entitled "Dissapointed by the Editor" I lamented that the Editor of the Catholic News for the Archdiocese had not published my letter of concern. Instead she passed the letter on to the priest about whom I had concerns. The good father did reply to me... in great detail and I thank him for that. I trust it was written with love in his heart, even though a few of the statements make me wonder. For sure, it was written with passion, but I have to believe that the way he responded showed that he did not properly read what I had written. It is a common error. People read things and focus on what they believe is an attack on them. The letter advises that it was not for publication so I cannot publish it on the blog. Pity, it was well written. He is a good speaker, even if I still don't agree with his argument. There are holes father.

Father advised me that the Catholics and Freemasons in Trinidad had entered into dialogue some time ago. I asked him to advise me on the term "dialogue" and give terms of reference to this "dialogue". He also stated that sometimes the local Bishop has the right to interpret Cannon law. I had to point out to him that there was a note from Rome, specifying that NO BISHOP was allowed to interpet this particular canon law that did not allow Catholics to be freemasons.

I don't think he was trying to decieve me... you know, I truly think he wrote with love, it's just... sometimes I wonder.

There is another thing that I am wondering about. That is, if I will be spending money or time, or both on the Catholic news again. I am awaiting a response from an email that I sent to a man who is not only a loving priest, but a mentor and role model. I venture to call him friend. I await his guidance.

I spoke with my brother about my goings on. When we see wrong, we must point it out. When it is made public, there will be a debate and the truth will win. It always does, in the end. Praise God for that!

...and so my saga continues...

Woe to you o Earth and Sea

Revelations 12:12 says "Woe to you O earth and Sea" and refers to the pain that we as Catholic will have to endure.However, it goes on "for the devil sends the beast with wrath" Now we have this diabolical creature to deal with. So we run to the Lord and we ask the Holy Spirit for help.

This same Holy spirit is not something to be thrifled with. Acts 5 vs 1-16 tells the story of Ananias and sapphera. The Holy Spirit kills them.

Now the question is, did the Holy spirit act through Peter or did Peter invoke the Holy Spirit to this action. My brother tells me of a priest that put a curse on a family. Perhaps like Jesus cursing the fig tree (Mark 11:20). The family took it seriously. Who wants to be on the wrong side of the Holy Spirit, and of a priest of the Holy Mother Church.I would take it seriously too. It ocurred due to the family criticizing the priest. He thought that he should not be criticized.

The Story ends well. The priest recants and blessed the family. Praise God for happy endings... but imagine having to flee from God... o truly... woe to that man!

Just to give Praise

My three boys are not well. All are in different stages of a bad virus that has them vomiting and weak. While my wife and I are worried, we still give praise to God today for all the good things that we have.

Thank you Father
Thank You Jesus
Thank you Holy Spirit

Dominican Republic abolishes Abortion (and Death Penalty)

So! The Bachanal now start. The Dominican Republic (the neighbour of Haiti) has abolished Abortion. This by implementing a new constitution billed by their President, Leonel Fernandez as the "Constitution of the 21st Century". Article 37 of the constitution states, "The right to life is inviolable from conception to natural death. The death penalty shall not be established, decreed or applied in any case."

I can see many international groups speaking out against this move. Perhaps calling for some sort of measures against the small country. I truly doubt that this booming tourist destination would loose visitors or be affected in any way by them. But I am watching this with interest.

In Trinidad we are talking about constitutional reform. Abortion in Trinidad is illegal except in special cases and we haven't hanged for a while. Speaking of hanged... my brother in law (a writer) explained something that I thought was quite interesting: When refering to the act of Hanging someone the proper word in HANGED and when refer to clothes or other items, the term is HUNG. Live and Learn.

So good for you Dominican Republic, our Caribbean neighbour. Fly your country's flag high and your Morality flag higher. I support you!