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Tuesday, March 31, 2015

The Price of Betrayal: Ten Years after Terri Schiavo's Murder by Neglect We Remember....

....that her husband Michael Schiavo, like Judas, collected his thirty pieces of silver by murdering someone close to him. In this case his blood money was Terri's medical trust fund which was worth almost $800,000 when she died. The quicker he killed her after the settlement, the more he received for the betrayal. And he did immediately begin efforts to kill her as soon as the money was awarded. (Read the  history of the case here.)

Never forget Terri and the fight to protect the weak and vulnerable! Tomorrow is the 10th anniversary of Terri's death. Falling on Holy Thursday, the anniversary of Judas' betrayal the date is fitting. Pray for Michael who is spending the anniversary whining that Governor Jeb Bush, "Put Me Through Hell." The irony of the headline is that Jeb Bush can't send anyone to hell; But Michael's actions, for which he shows no regret or repentance at all, are, indeed, soul threatening. He would do well to reflect on hell and the mortally evil actions, like murder, that set one on the brink of the abyss! Those guilty of unrepented mortal sins will spend eternity in hell. Please pray for Michael Schiavo and all those complicit in Terri's murder that they will repent. And ask Terri and her deceased dad, Robert Schindler, to intercede for him as well. God does not desire the spiritual death of any of His children. Let us pray for all those who murder the innocent that they will repent and return to the Lord. Their number these days seems to be legion.

The Execution of Terri Schiavo

Bobby Schindler Remembers the Look of Horror on Terri's Face

Visit the Terri Schiavo Foundation at http://www.terrisfight.org/

Monday, March 30, 2015

Reflecting on Patti Jannuzzi's Bishop Who Plays a Little Loose with the Truth

By now you've probably heard about the Catholic high school religion teacher, Patti Jannuzzi, who was fired from her job for daring to post a politically incorrect (although theologically correct) Facebook post about homosexuality. She was suspended and put on paid leave, more accurately...terminal administrative leave. Her contract, the family reported, will not be renewed.

Her bishop, Paul Bootkoski, had the temerity to claim that those blogging about her being fired are misrepresenting the situation.

Congratulations to Indiana and Other Good News

Two thumbs up to Indiana Governor Mike Pence who signed into law on March 26th a bill protecting religious freedom. (Thanks for the great birthday present!) Homosexual activists are going ballistic because it reduces their ability to persecute businesses that refuse to advance their agenda. They are foaming at the mouth like rabid dogs attacking the bill and claiming it will result in all kinds of atrocities against LGBTQXYZ folks. Of course that's nonsense as pointed out by Kellie Fiedorek of Alliance Defending Freedom:
“The evidence of the past 20 years provides the strongest truth that what they’re saying is fundamentally false. Until yesterday, 19 states and the federal government have these exact same laws on the books, and none of these terrible things that are being said might happen have happened,” Fiedorek told CNA March 27. (More here....)
Pray for Indiana. They will be the target of all kinds of lying attacks. Send a message of thanks to Governor Mike Pence at  http://www.mikepence.com/contact/

More good news:

SCOTUS Rules in Favor of Pregnant Women in Workplace

Third German Bishop Stands Up for Truth about Marriage

What's your favorite good news headline this Monday morning?

Sunday, March 29, 2015

Meditation for Sunday: Pontius Pilate, Patron of Political Correctness and Human Respect

In the Passion today, the Narrator reads, "So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released Barabbas to them and, after he had Jesus scourged, handed him over to be crucified."

Isn't pleasing the crowd the epitome of political correctness?

Pilate knew the truth, despite his cynical question, "What is truth?" He told the crowd Jesus was innocent when he said, "I find no guilt in him." He further illustrated it when he asked, after releasing Barabbas, what they wanted him to do with Jesus. At their insistant cry, "Crucify him!" he again reflected his awareness that Jesus was innocent. "Why? What evil has he done?" Even the Gospel writer, Mark, witnesses to Pilate's awareness of the truth writing, "For he knew that it was out of envy that the chief priests had handed him over." But still, he had an innocent man scourged nearly to death, perhaps in the vain hope that the mob would have pity on him.

Saturday, March 28, 2015

"Have Courage and Be Kind."

“If you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairy tales. If you want them to be more intelligent, read them more fairy tales.”   Albert Einstein



There is a wonderful review of Cinderella at The Catholic Thing. I'm eager to see it and take along several grandchildren as well. In a collapsing world, it is lovely to think of a film that, according to critic Daniel McInerny, defends what is good and beautiful and looks to be fun as well:

Friday, March 27, 2015

If You're Happy and You Know it, Clap Your Hands!

At their 14 week ultrasound, these parents saw their baby clapping in utero, so they began to sing an appropriate song. Think of this video the next time someone says the unborn baby is just a handful of cells or a blob of protoplasm. Fourteen weeks is only 3 1/2 months into the pregnancy. Many women won't even show at that point. But that little one is already fully formed with fingerprints, a strong heartbeat, and brainwaves measurable on an electroencephalograph. Babies learn in the womb. Read more here about this amazing moment. 

Thursday, March 26, 2015

Do You Worship the God of Truth or the God of Nice?

Is being "nice" an idol in your life? Do you go along with lies because you are afraid of offending somebody? Do you smother the truth to avoid criticism?

We are called to respect the dignity of every human person, but sometimes that requires us to state a truth in charity that will certainly offend somebody. To say, "What you are doing is wrong," may offend the person who wants to be affirmed in sin, but it is certainly the charitable way when someone is teetering on the brink of hell.

Be kind to everybody -- but love people enough to speak the truth in charity even when a person will accuse you of not being "nice," in fact, of being "mean." It is anything but mean to save somebody from careening over the abyss into the everlasting fires of hell.

Pray and sacrifice for sinners. As little Jacinta said after the Fatima apparition of hell, "We must pray for poor sinners" who, as the Blessed Mother told the children, are falling into hell like snowflakes.

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

"And the Word Became Flesh and Dwelt Among Us."

The Annunciation by Leonardo da Vinci
I love this feast of Our Lady, the Annunciation, for a very personal reason. My birthday is tomorrow and my mom and dad named me after the Blessed Mother. How privileged I am to have as my special patron this most wonderful of all the saints. And I have to agree with Fr. Mark Pilon that it is the greatest of all the feast days. Perhaps one day it will be recognized as a hold day of obligation. How appropriate that would be when the great day comes when Mary is named Co-redemptrix!

The Latest Gay Propaganda Film



This film is an excellent propaganda piece.

Tuesday, March 24, 2015

The Confusion is Spreading! "It Can't be Loving not to Live the Truth!"

In an interview with LifeSiteNews, Cardinal Raymond Burke warns that the confusion is spreading:
LifeSiteNews: Since the extraordinary synod on the family, we have entered a period of uncertainty and confusion over several “hot-button” issues: communion for divorced and “remarried” couples, a change of attitude towards homosexual unions and an apparent relaxing of attitudes towards non-married couples. Does your Eminence think that this confusion is already producing adverse effects among Catholics? 

Lepanto Institute Challenges Patti Jannuzzi's Bishop

An Open Letter to Bishop Bootkoski

Lepanto Insitute's (LI) open letter responds to one written by Bishop Bootkoski. Much of what he said in his letter is incorrect and alarming. He claims Patti Jannuzzi's Facebook post opposed Church teaching. LI disagrees and calls for the bishop to identify what she said that was theologically incorrect. Unfortunately, the bishop's letter seems more in line with clerics who advance the homosexual agenda by either their active enabling or their silence.

Patti Jannuzzi had the courage to speak out and articulate the truth that the homosexual agenda threatens the future of western civilization. That is simply a fact. The destruction of marriage rings a death knell for morality.

Pray for the bishop and for all those who have thrown this good teacher under the proverbial bus. Faithful Catholics deserve better!

A big thank you to Michael Hichborn and the Lepanto Institue for taking up this crucial issue. It's easy to understand the persecution of faithful Christians by the homosexual juggernaut. When it comes from princes of the Church...well...one is reminded of the bench of bishops who threw Thomas More under the bus!

Monday, March 23, 2015

Thought for the Day: What are you Teaching your Children?

Or even more importantly -- what are you allowing your children to be taught?

When you consider the situation of religion teacher Patti Jannuzzi being fired for speaking the truth on her Facebook page, and when you consider the constant brainwashing of children (even in Catholic schools) on tolerance for homosexual activity, and when you consider a host o:f other subjects like evolution, sex ed, etc. all being shoved down the throats of little ones.....

Well...maybe it's time to get back to basics and what the Church has taught for millennia about the truths of the faith and the obligation to pass them on.

Read these words of wisdom from Pope Pius XI (1939):

Sunday, March 22, 2015

Battle Cry for the Ordinary Synod: Defend the Family

The latest issue of The Truth, the newsletter of Les Femmes, is not online at our website yet, but I thought I would post the lead article with footnotes for those concerned about the upcoming Ordinary Synod on the Family. Catholics need to prepare to fight the attempts to attack the indissolubility of marriage. It's clear that many of the enemies of marriage are inside the Church. And so, Church Militant, you need to prepare to fight.  

A Battle Cry for the Ordinary Synod: Defend the Family
By Mary Ann Kreitzer

The Ordianary Synod on the Family is scheduled next October 4th – 25th in Rome. It continues the efforts begun at the Extraordinary Synod last Fall. The original meeting revealed a sharp divide between “progressives” and “traditionalists;”[1] among the bishops and, since the close of the synod, battle lines are drawn and grenades flying. On one side progressives like Cardinals Walter Kasper, Reinhold Marx, Donald Wuerl, Archbishop Bruno Forte, and Fr. Thomas Rosica (English language spokesman for the Vatican) insist that development of doctrine permits pastoral changes that can allow divorced and remarried Catholics in individual circumstances (without annulment) to return to the sacraments. The other major issue progressives are pushing is a pastoral approach affirming the good of homosexuality. 

Saturday, March 21, 2015

Do You Believe in Evolution? Why?

Many evolutionists have put forth theories that are ridiculous and mindless.They are true believers in the worst sense because, rather than looking at things scientifically, they force science to fit their belief. Many are atheists who hate the idea that God might actually have created things by fiat. "Let there be light!" and light came into being.

Let's take a look at just one true believer and one example of what he calls "evidence" for evolution. Dr. Jerry Coyne claims that embryology proves evolution. One point he makes is that the embryo in utero has no need of the hairy coating called lanugo and that proves we are descended from primates. Here's his evidence:

Friday, March 20, 2015

Immaculata High School Needs More Patricia Jannuzzis

Patricia Jannuzzi was merely speaking Catholic doctrine when she posted a comment on her Facebook page about the gay agenda. She was right. But she's paying a steep price for not playing the politically correct game and holding her tongue. Anyone today who calls out our modern day Herods, like John the Baptist did, can expect to have his head demanded on a platter.

Well, things at Immaculata haven't been so squeaky clean in the past few years. Homosexual scandals have plagued the school. Check out these articles about the activities going on at Immaculata High School in recent years -- including an assistant principal videotaping nude boys in the showers.

Maybe there's a reason that the teacher who warned about the evils of the homosexual agenda is the one not welcome by Fr. Seamus Brennan:
Immaculata Scandal
Secret Camera in Immaculata Shower Videotapes Naked Boys
Third Scandal at Immaculata
What's happened to Patricia Jannuzzi because of her faithfulness to the teachings of the Church is disgraceful! We should do more than wring out hands, though. You can help her family by making a small donation here.

Real Catholics Protest the Norfolk St. Patrick's Day Parade

If I had been there I would have stood in solidarity with them. Pray for these courageous souls who didn't mind taking the abuse for standing up for the truth. St. Patrick, pray for them.

Church Politics: Cardinal Dolan and his Thugs.



Cardinal Dolan is, well what's the word? -- a hypocrite who says, "Bravo!" to all things homosexual but sets his thugs on faithful Catholics? Or is the word worldly politician who acts like Obama's union warlords who strong arm any opponents who dare to show up at his political cheerleading events? Or is the word CEO, head of a "corporation" that cares about little besides money and power?

Or is the answer -- all three? God help us when these are the kinds of "princes" who lead the Church. It bodes ill for the upcoming Ordinary Synod on the family where Dolan will likely be one of the game masters. Thanks, Michael, for exposing the "games." The most dangerous enemies of the Church are the ones inside her churches.

Thought for the Day: Political Language and Semantic Gymnastics

"Political language is designed to make lies sound truthful and murder respectable and to give an appearnace of solidarity to pure wind."                                  George Orwell

Here are a few examples of semantic gymnastics that make the unthinkable "respectable."

Thursday, March 19, 2015

Happy Feast Day to all you Josephs Out There!

What a wonderful patron you have!


Virginia Knight Calls for Disbanding of Rogue Norfolk Council

Read this and please sign the petition!

I'm Pete Barker, Life Member of the Knights of Columbus since 1963. I belong to Council #10601 in Virginia Beach.

St. Joseph, Please Pray for the SSPX's Reunion with Rome

Fr. John Hunwicke is a priest of the Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham (Anglican priests who entered the Catholic Church during the reign of Pope Benedict). His post today encourages the reunion of the SSPX to Rome in the same way Anglican communities transitioned into the Church while they continued to embrace many of their own traditions like the English Book of Common Prayer. Father  wishes that the SSPX:

Wednesday, March 18, 2015

The Church is Being Used to Advance the Homosexual Agenda....

Contact AB Gomez at mediarelations@la-archdiocese.org    
...Shame on the shepherds who allow it! Including Los Angeles Archbishop Jose Gomez who oversees the LA RE Conference.

The West Coast Religious Education Conference has been spewing evil and scandalizing catechists for years. Oh sure, they have some good speakers, but any good they do is smothered by the abject evil being promoted which is then taken home and passed on to the children in Catholic schools and religious education programs. Check out these links about the conference (a handful from among many) and then I'll describe the latest atrocity.

When a Prince of the Church Advances Sodomy -- He Drives the Lance into Christ's Heart!



Note the "gay problem" of a homosexual priest sharing his rectory with his same-sex lover. Yes indeed, the smoke of Satan is in the sanctuary and in the rectories and Satan has plenty of sidekicks in the episcopacy. God help those false shepherds on Judgment Day.

Honoring St. Patrick -- By Celebrating Sodomy?

Cardinal Dolan, isn't this a great scandal to the faith? Apparently not in his opinion. What would St. Patrick think? And how many practicing homosexuals will happily continue their lifestyle racing toward hell with the cardinal's "Bravo!" tickling their ears?

More on Patricia Jannuzzi

This wife and mother certainly needs our prayers and support!


Tuesday, March 17, 2015

All Are Welcome, Right? God Forgive Cardinal Dolan

St. Patrick, pray for him.



Mike Voris' video reminds me of the way pro-lifers have always been treated when protesting pro-abort politicians or especially when trying to save babies from abortion. Expect a metaphorical shiv in the ribs or sometimes literal violence like Operation Rescue participants experienced in Los Angeles, Portland, and Pittsburgh.

But to be treated this way by Cardinal Dolan's handlers? Well...what can one say? It's a scandal. But I'm sure Cardinal Dolan had a "whale o' a time" as the Irish say yucking it up while gay activists advanced their agenda of normalization another giant step.

One backwards step for the faith, one giant leap for the gay agenda. What a way to honor St. Patrick, eh?


Open Letter to Msgr. Seamus Brennan about Faithful Catholic Teacher Patricia Jannuzzi

March 17, 2015
 
If I have any worth, it is to live my life for God so as to teach these peoples.   St. Patrick
Dear Msgr. Brennan:
 
I write this letter with deep regret for the way you have treated religion teacher, Patricia Jannuzzi. She who should arouse in you pride and thanks for her fidelity to Church teaching has apparently become, instead, the parish pariah. Your persecution of this woman reflects a worldly attitude of political correctness and ear tickling and is certainly not your parish’s finest hour!

Monday, March 16, 2015

Catholic High School Gags and Suspends Teacher for Speaking the Truth about Homosexuality

If Jannuzzi's comment were still up what would Jesus do?
UPDATE: Sign the petition of support!


Defending Catholic truth is intolerable if it goes against the homosexual zeitgeist!

CATHOLIC TEACHER SUSPENDED OVER COMMENTS ON HOMOSEXUALITY

This teacher has worked in the parish for over thirty years in various apostolates, but daring to criticize the gay agenda got her the jackboot treatment and she will probably be fired or forced to resign. 

Here's what happened according to Breitbart news:

No Wonder the Democrats want Amnesty for Illegals

Catholics are fleeing the party! Gotta offset the loss.

The Democratic Party is facing a Catholic apocalypse

According to author, Patricia Miller, Catholics are the "ultimate swing voters" who have played an important and decisive role in some important votes over the past two decades. (I would guess Eric Cantor's loss was one of the them.) Here's a bit from the article:

St. Patrick and the Homosexual Sodomites

Thanks to Michael Voris for this excellent history of St. Patrick and the Irish. And join him in praying for Cardinal Timothy Dolan whose participation in New York's St. Patrick's Day Parade tomorrow featuring an out and proud homosexual group is a serious scandal against Holy Mother Church! St. Patrick, pray for us!

Sunday, March 15, 2015

This is What You Can Expect from the True Descendants of St. Patrick

They don't extol sin and evil, but the true, the good, and the beautiful. God bless these dear religious and the families that worship with them. So "Fare thee well, South Boston St. Patrick's Day Parade...It's not the leaving of Boston that grieves me, but St. Patrick when I think of thee."

The Knights of Columbus could take a lesson from these stalwart defenders of the Catholic faith! (Hat tip to Ed who sent me this.)

Saturday, March 14, 2015

A Bit of Good News: K of C Drops Out of Boston Parade

VICTORY: Knights of Columbus drop out of “pro-gay” Boston St. Patrick’s Parade
after massive outrage from traditional Catholics
The Knights of Columbus hadn't marched in the Boston St. Patrick's Day parade for at least twenty years. But when real Catholics began fleeing the event (because of gay participation) including the group that featured the trademark St. Patrick float, voila, the K of C decided to enter with their own float. Now what was that all about? Easy....call it liberal politics at work. We all know Catholics who happily support moral evils condemned by the Church including contraception, abortion, and sodomy. Many of them sit in high office and have friends in the K of C who will happily enable their evil. And there are plenty of Knights in that group.

Remember, it was Knights in the Massachusetts legislature who gave the votes to advance gay marriage in the state.

Well, the good guys have won for once. The pressure on the Massachusetts K of C has forced their not-so-gracious exit from the parade while they engage in a tirade against those who dared to criticize them. Reportedly many who contacted the Knights got the jackboot treatment -- not surprising from a bunch of little boys masquerading as men. Play the violin for these crybabies and praise God that at least one scandal was averted.

Too bad the Norfolk, VA council didn't follow suit and disinvite Terry McAuliffe from their parade today. But I'm happy to say the weather report for the event wasn't good at all -- cloudy and rainy. Here's a photo of what it looked like at the Norfolk airport around noon. Hopefully it was pouring when the parade started at 10:00. Tears from heaven?


The Myth of the Loving Liberal

LGBT Activists Issue Death Threats To Children Of Oklahoma State Senator 
For introducing a religious liberties bill for private business owners

Oh yeah...do it my way or we kill your children! That's how LGBTQ-XYZ activists show their tolerance and love. Everyone on the planet must tolerate (and even celebrate) their depraved behavior. You dare to claim a right to "just say no" to cooperating with that depravity and it's lights out for you and your business. Here's just a bit from the article quoting Oklahoma state senator Joseph Silk:

Friday, March 13, 2015

It CAN Be Wrong -- Even if it Feels So Right!

I grew up in the fifties and sixties. Talk about a confusing time. From the stable fifties where family life was revered and authority respected to the topsy-turvy sixties and seventies: Woodstock, sex, drugs, rock and roll, let it all hang out, do your own thing, don't trust anyone over thirty.

Why am I thinking about that? I just read a chapter in Dietrich von Hildebrand's Trojan Horse in the City of God titled "Sham Honesty," Under the subtitle, Behavior does not always have to mirror feelings, the chapter reads in part:

Thursday, March 12, 2015

Was Terry McAuliffe a Good Choice for Grand Marshal of the St. Patrick's Day Parade?

The Virginia Pilot has posted a poll. Go to their website and vote. It's in the grey sidebar. So far most are calling it a bad choice. Send the Norfolk Knights a message about their scandalous action in choosing a radical pro-abortion, pro-sodomy Catholic as their Grand Marshal.

Latest Episode in the K of C Norfolk St. Patrick's Day Soap Opera

Statement of the Virginia State Council of the Knights of Columbus regarding the Norfolk St. Patrick’s Day Parade:

The Virginia State Council of the Knights of Columbus reaffirms the longstanding policy of the Knights of Columbus not to invite or bestow honors on public officials who do not support the legal protection of unborn children. This policy is based firmly on the position of the United States Council (Sic.) of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). The State Council deeply regrets the violation of this policy by a council in Norfolk for its St. Patrick’s Day Parade. We are conducting an investigation to determine how and why this occurred, and we will ensure that such incidents do not recur in the future. 

No investigation is needed. Here's exactly how it happened.

Good Grief! Who is Minding the Vatican Store?


What, exactly is going on?

Here are a few of the bad speakers at the conference last week which was hosted but NOT organized by the Vatican. Rather an outside organization did the dirty (headed by Lucifer himself from the looks of things):

Three Way Marriage? That Will Never Happen!

I remember back in the 1970s when the abortion crowd poo-pooed the idea that abortion could lead to euthanasia. Of course, they had to do that because if anyone could see the big picture and the devastation that would come, who would support it? Gradualism is the way to win approval for the most horrific evils. Just look at Holland where the elderly are afraid to check into the hospital for fear of being summarily euthanized.

And now it's happening with faux "marriage." And of course it's happening quickly. The first three-way marriage has occurred in Thailand. Read about it here. It's the same M.O. that characterized the abortion movement. Here's a bit from the article with my additions in red:

Virginia Bishops Release Statement on Norfolk Parade

Great Statement! Thank you to Bishop Francis DiLorenzo and Bishop Paul Loverde.

Joint Statement on the Norfolk St. Patrick’s Day Parade2015-03-11
 Arlington Diocese Seal for Press ReleasesDiocese of Richmond Seal for Press Releases
From Bishop Francis X. DiLorenzo, Bishop of the Diocese of Richmond, and Bishop Paul S. Loverde, Bishop of the Diocese of Arlington and State Chaplain of the Virginia State Council of the Knights of Columbus,
We are aware that the Knights of Columbus Council #3548 has extended an invitation to Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe to serve as Grand Marshal of the 2015 Norfolk Saint Patrick's Day Parade which the Governor has accepted.  Council #3548, a regional, not parish council, has sponsored and organized this parade since its inception in 1967.  The invitation was issued without the advice or consent of the local parish priest, the local bishop, or the Knights state council.
            Together with our brother bishops, we have been clear, consistent and firm in upholding the truths reflected in the fundamental doctrine and moral principles of our faith. It is an erroneous and serious mistake in judgment for any Catholic organization to grant awards, honors and platforms to any public person who clearly acts in defiance to Catholic teaching (cf. "Catholics in Political Life", USCCB, June 2004). While one must always respect the Office of the Governor and the person holding that office, and dialogue should be fostered, one cannot deny that the Governor has made public statements in opposition to the moral teaching of the Catholic Church on issues pertaining to the dignity of human life and marriage. 
            We fully support the Catholic principle of subsidiarity, which promotes decision-making taking place at the local level whenever possible. However, the decision of the local council to invite the Governor to be the Grand Marshal does not reflect the stance of the Knights of Columbus international order, the Bishops of the Dioceses of Richmond or Arlington, or the Catholic Church. In addition, we support the local parish, Catholic schools and entities that have decided that, in this case, adhering to their faith means withdrawing from the parade.  
The Knights of Columbus are called to live out and uphold the truths of our Catholic faith. As we go forward, we are confident that every council of Knights of Columbus within the Commonwealth of Virginia will carefully weigh future invitations and selections in light of the fullness of Church teaching.  
# # #
    CONTACT: Diana Sims Snider, Diocese of Richmond, 804-622-5156 or Elise Italiano, Diocese of Arlington, 703-841-2517

Thought for the Day from St. Therese of Lisieux

"Not a single soul falls into Hell that has not torn itself out of my arms."
Wow! Think of that. God is holding on to you like superglue. Only you can make the decision to tear yourself away from him. But like paper attached to a rock with superglue, it's the paper that will suffer in the tearing away. 

Just think of what life would be like if we would just rest in God's arms, look up into the eyes of the Holy Face of Jesus, and listened to His voice. His love is beyond our imagination. Imagine the moment in your life when you have felt most loved and it will be like comparing a tiny drop of water to the vastness of the ocean.

I'm praying today for those who feel abandoned and unloved that Jesus will reveal Himself to them in a special way -- through the kindness of a stranger, the companionship of a friend, the embrace of a family member, or a very obvious blessing. "Come, Lord Jesus."

Wednesday, March 11, 2015

Just for Fun: Fr. Peffley Celebrates His 50th Birthday (Sept. 2013) with a Skydive

Our family has loved knowing Fr. Fran Peffley since he was our associate pastor at St. Louis parish in Alexandria. He's celebrated baptisms with us (one in the hospital) and First Communions. We've enjoyed his juggling (especially the fire sticks and swords) and have contributed to his beanie baby collection for the kids. When I saw this video on his website I just had to share it. That rushing wind is a real reminder of the Holy Spirit. God bless you, Fr. Peffley!

VA K of C State Deputy Excuses the Inexcusable! Faithful Knights Respond.

St. Patrick, pray for the Knights of Columbus!
Well, it's pretty obvious that the Virginia State Council of the Knights of Columbus is going to do nien, nada, nothing about the serious scandal of extremist pro-abortion/pro-sodomy Governor Terry McAuliffe leading the K of C-sponsored St. Patrick's Day parade in Norfolk. You can read his weasel-worded letter below. But let me recap before you do.

In 2007 at their national convention, the Knights voted not to honor any pro-abort politicians by inviting them as speakers or honoring them in any way. This has been the consistent position (in words) of the Knights. (See here.)

Last year Council 3548 invited a pro-abort to lead the parade. Fr.Dan Beeman pastor of Holy Trinity, the parish with which the council is affiliated, asked them to reconsider and they did. (Note: The council has not had a chaplain for the past five years. Why is that one wonders?) They also promised at the time not to make the same mistake in the future. (See Fr. Dan Beeman's letter here.)

Tuesday, March 10, 2015

Hasn't the U.S. Government Persecuted the Indians Enough!



Read the story here.

This is total lunacy. Think of what the feds do:

  • give weapons to Mexican drug cartels that are used to kill border agents
  • use drones to kill American citizens without due process
  • sell weapons to terrorists and rogue governments
  • assassinate heads of state
But a tribe of American Indians can't use eagle feathers in their religious ceremony without facing federal prosecution? Lunacy is a mild word for it. Maybe tyranny is a better one.


Thank God the Becket Fund defended these folks. Perhaps a donation is in order. Consider it part of your Lenten almsgiving to protect the religious rights of a persecuted minority.

Monday, March 9, 2015

Using One of Alinsky's Rules on the "Progressives" in the Church

The video below is hilarious. My only criticism is that they move a little too fast to read some of the "translations." As I'm posting it the video has only 84 views. Can we make it go viral?

Saul Alinsky was a brilliant tactician. Anyone who's read his Rules for Radicals has to recognize that his rules work. Some are immoral. (He believed the end justifies the means and would use just about any means to achieve his goals.) But without accepting the evil in his rule book, one can certainly borrow his morally neutral means. And humor is a big one.

Rule 5: Ridicule is man's most potent weapon

I once gave a pro-life slide presentation in a classroom with some parents present. One gentleman gave me a hard time, but at the end of the presentation said he hoped he hadn't been too hard on me and that I wasn't upset. (You know, sensitive women and all that.) Without even thinking I replied, "Hey I'm used to it, I have teenagers.") Everybody laughed except him. I wasn't trying to make fun of him; I was saying what I really felt, but the result was definitely a gift from the Holy Spirit.

I hope you'll share this video on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and send it to your email lists. Let's poke a little fun at the progressives who tried to hijack the Extraordinary Synod on the Family. It will be good for their humility.



(Hat tip to Carol at The Tenth Crusade. I saw it on her blog first.)

Reporter Julia Duin Addresses Media on Archbishop Cordileone

My friend Julia Duin, former religion reporter for the Houston Chronicle and the Washington Times has a great article on the Get Religion website. Check it out. 

I love the title:

Shocker! Archbishop Cordileone attempts to defend Catholic catechism in his schools

It's great to see a reporter treating the archbishop fairly. Julia is not a Catholic, but she believes in what reporting used to be -- reporting not editorializing. When she covers a story she does it with integrity giving both sides of the story and not using loaded language and spin to sway the reader's opinion. If you drop by, leave a comment. I imagine blogs measure the effectiveness of their reporters by the number of hits and comments they get. Give Julia's post a boost. She deserves it!

How Soon They Forget: Knights of Columbus Violate 2007 Resolutions

It was August 2007 and knights from all over the country were attending the 125th Knights of Columbus National Convention at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel in Nashville, TN. Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Vatican Secretary of State, was there to offer the opening Mass and  homily and receive the Gaudium et Spes award.

Toward the end of the meeting at its final session, the knights voted in favor of a pro-life resolution stating:
"we reaffirm our long-standing policy of not inviting to any Knights of Columbus event, persons, especially public officials or candidates for public office, who do not support the legal protection of unborn children, or who advocate for the legalization of assisted suicide or euthanasia."
At the same session, they voted:

K of C Join Boston St. Patrick's Day Parade after Real Catholics Leave!

Pretty shocking! But not surprising considering the number of pro-abortion Democrat knights in the state legislature. (It was knights in the legislature who enabled same sex "marriage" in Massachusetts in 2007.) The Knights of Columbus have not marched in the Boston St. Patrick's Day parade EVER. But once true Catholic groups began to leave the parade, voila! the Massachusetts State Council announced it would join. Giving cover to the Mayor, perhaps? What real knight who loved the faith would consent to march in that parade?

Here's the press release from the Catholic Action League of Massachusetts

ACTION ALERT !!!

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2015
CONTACT: C. J. DOYLE
(617) 524-6309
catholicactionleague@gmail.com
SEND MESSAGE TO KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS:
DO NOT DISHONOR SAINT PATRICK

Sunday Meditation: Take Refuge in Church

I just started reading St. Augustine's City of God. I'm hooked. In the first chapter St. Augustine describes how the barbarians invading the Roman Empire spared those who took refuge in the churches. Imagine...the marauding barbarians were Christians who stopped at the church doors. Even pagans who took refuge there were spared. So how did they say thank you? They blamed the Christians for the invasion.

Augustine isn't too happy about it and here's what he says:
Contrary to the custom of war, these bloodthirsty barbarians spared them, and spared them for Christ's sake...in those places specially dedicated to Christ's name,and of which the very largest were selected as sanctuaries,...Therefore, ought they to give God thanks, and with sincere confession flee for refuge to His name, that so they may escape the punishment of eternal fire -- they who with lying lips took upon them this name, that they might escape the punishment of present destruction. For of those whom you see insolently and shamelessly insulting the servants of Christ, there are numbers who would not have escaped that destruction and slaughter had they not pretended that they themselves were Christ's servants. Yet now, in ungrateful pride and most impious madness, and at the risk of being punished in everlasting darkness, they perversely oppose that name under which they fraudulently protected themselves for the sake of enjoying the light of this brief life.
Gosh things haven't changed much since the fourth century. People will take all the gifts God gives them and then blame Him when things go wrong. Some things never seem to change.

I'm saying thank you to God today for every breath I take, every mouthful I eat, every thread on my back, and every person in my life who brings me joy (and even those who don't). And the next time you need refuge from the barbarians in our society, go to Church. "O God, you are my refuge and my strength."

Saturday, March 7, 2015

Is It Civil War in the Virginia Knights of Columbus?


Frankly, I hope so.

When good and evil are lining up on the battlefield, it's time to choose under whose banner you'll serve: our Lord and Savior's defending the true and the good, or under the banner of the evil one promoting the lie.

"I have set before you this day life and death, the blessing and the curse. Choose life, then, that you and your descendants may live, by loving the Lord, your God, heeding his voice, and holding fast to him." (Deut 30:19) (Read the original  posts about the scandal here and here.)

I'm happy to say that the Knights' Council at our little parish, St. John Bosco in Woodstock, is filled with real men. Here are a few of the letters going to the State Deputy about Norfolk Council 3548 selecting Gov. McAuliffe as Grand Marshall for their St. Patrick's Day Parade:

From the Grand Knight, Danny Flathers:
Knights of Columbus
Father Cyril Karlowicz Council 9002
POB 244
Woodstock, Virginia 22664

March 6, 2015

"For what profits a man to gain the whole world and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" -- Mt 16:26,

My Brother Knights of Council 9002:

Friday, March 6, 2015

Message to the Knights of Columbus

Man up or fold up!

When I think of the crusader knights who won the Holy Land back from the Turks and defeated the Ottoman Empire at the Battle of Lepanto, I'm embarrassed to think of the wimps of the Knights of Columbus who dare to call themselves by the same name. My husband is a knight, a past Grand Knight, in fact. He stays in the group to fight for its renewal. Last year our little council introduced a resolution asking National to act on their own procedures which require members to be "practical (i.e. practicing) Catholics." It was voted down at the state level. So is it any big surprise that the Virginia State Council won't do a thing about Norfolk Council 3548 honoring Terry McAuliffe as Grand Marshall of their St. Patrick's Day Parade? Yup, Terry McAuliffe, a man who favors cutting little babies to pieces and opposes even minimal standards for abortion butcher shops that kill and maim women.

Whatever happened to men defending the weak?  There don't seem to be very many in the Virginia K of C.

Maybe it's time not just to vote on resolutions, but for entire councils to withdraw and begin new men's groups in parishes that are truly Catholic, Knights of the Immaculata would be a good name, don't you think? The Knights do good work, but that work enables the evil that they also do. How much evil can one mix with good before it poisons everything?

So go on, all you Knights who justify honoring pro-abortion politicians....play dress up in your plumed hats, tuxedos, and swords. (Don't cut yourselves!) Hobnob with the rich and powerful. But remember, there's an accounting....It's called Judgment Day. And the judge will be saying, "Whatever you did to the least of my little ones, you did to me."

Take a good look at this picture of an aborted baby. Looks like the little one was crucified doesn't it? And Council 3548, you help enable the murder by honoring the state murderer in chief. Under law, it isn't just the killer who's guilty of the murder, but those who participate and assist. Terry McAuliffe is as guilty of the killing as if he wielded the curette himself. And when you honor him, you honor every butcher in history.

Have fun at your Emerald Ball dancing the Irish jig and drinking green beer. Wouldn't St. Patrick be proud?





Support Archbishop Cordileone with your prayers

We need to make sure the good guys know we support them and are praying for them. Join Catholic Vote's prayer project. You can read their thank-you letter to Archbishop Corileone and sign it by going here. So far over 35,000 Catholics have signed the letter. Let's make sure the PR attack against the archbishop in San Francisco doesn't get the last word.

And while you're at it, why not send an email to the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano at nuntiususa@nuntiususa.org

Here's my letter to the nuncio:

Your Excellency,
 
My dad, an admiral in the United States Navy, always used to say that if you like what someone is doing tell his boss. So that’s what I’m doing.
 
As a mom of five and grandmother of twenty-three, I am especially grateful to Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone of San Francisco for his defense of the faith in Catholic Schools. So many children are losing the faith because of public scandals and poor catechesis. The archbishop’s move to ensure that only Catholic doctrine is taught in the schools is simply Catholic common senses. That teachers would object to agreeing not to undermine the faith publicly and teach in opposition is ludicrous. If they can’t agree to that they should not be teaching in Catholic schools!
 
Children are the future of the Church. But how can they evangelize and defend the faith if those in authority undermine the very beliefs that anchor them to the Rock of Peter.
 
Please extend to the Holy Father, the sincere appreciation of the people of God for the service of Archbishop Cordileone. I wish all the dioceses of the United States had such faithful sons of the Church to teach, govern, and sanctify.
 
Sincerely in Christ,
 
Mary Ann Kreitzer
President, Catholic Media Coalition
 

 

What do you call a soldier who works for the enemy?

Gove. McAuliffe officiating at lesbian "wedding."
A traitor!

And that's what an entire council of the Knights of Columbus are. Traitors...Judases, in fact, since the one they are betraying is Jesus Christ himself!

Council 3548 of Norfolk, VA has sponsored a St. Patrick's Day parade since 1967. They also hold an "Emerald Ball" honoring the Grand Marshall who will be leading the parade. This year's parade is scheduled for March 14th and the Grand Marshall selected by this so-called Catholic men's group whose principles mandate upholding the faith is none other than Governor Terry McAuliffe, one of the most pro-abortion, pro-homosexual politicians in the country. Cathy Marshall, wife of state delegate Bob Marshall described sitting near McAuliffe's family during the State of the Commonwealth address. Here's what she says about the event:

Anthony Esolen Gets It: Homosexuals are Made not "Born That Way"

From The Catholic Thing

In 1892, a theater-loving woman named Mabelle Webb moved to New York with her three-year-old boy, contemptuously dismissing the father of the child, a mere railroad ticket clerk. “He didn’t care for the theater,” she said, and she kept him from playing any role in her son’s life, refusing even his surname. She put the boy in the way of show business from the start, training him in music and dance. He left school at thirteen to enter the theater, eventually becoming a mainstay of Hollywood, playing characters similar to himself, sophisticated, condescending, and prissy. He was always her “little Webb.” Notoriously overbearing, she lived with him until her death at age 91. They were smotheringly close. After she died, he let his health go to ruin from grief. He had never married, but had carried on a discreet homosexual life, with mother’s complaisance.

Clifton Webb was born that way.

In 1934, an exceptionally handsome thirteen-year-old boy was haunting about a London cinema house, watching horror films. His happy home had been broken when he was young, by a working arrangement that kept his father in the city while the son was raised by his sister and his nanny, and later by an aunt. He was vulnerable, and a young medical student noticed it. After they watched a movie about a mummy, the student invited him back to his flat, saying that he could give him an experience of mummification, if he was interested.

The boy agreed. He wrote later in his biography that he did not then “know” what life was about. The student gave him a drugged drink, stripped him naked, and bound him in bandages and tape from his toes to his face, leaving only his genitals free. Then he took a cold knife and laid it across the genitals, whispering into his ear that he could kill him or mutilate him now, but of course he wouldn’t, that wasn’t what he wanted. The boy’s heart raced for terror. He thought he was going to die. The student had his way with him, untaped him, and let him put his clothes on and get lost. “At last I knew,” he wrote, thirty years later. He would never marry. He entered show business, and tried to have an affair with an actress or two, but it never lasted. Instead he settled into a life with another man.

Dirk Bogarde was born that way. (Read the rest here....)

This Catholic School Has More Smarts than Cardinal Dolan....

...not to mention more faith.


Immaculate Heart of Mary School in Still River, an apostolate of the St. Benedict Center, will not participate in Boston's St. Patrick's Day parade this year. Bystanders won't see their float or hear their marching band. But, hey, it's a small price to pay so that those who identify sodomy with marital relations can strut their stuff at an event honoring a Catholic saint. Thank God for principal Brother Thomas Dalton who said:
“Catholics are forbidden to sponsor or even participate in an event which openly promotes unnatural and immoral behavior. The Church will never accept nor condone same sex marriage and the homosexual life style....Saint Patrick stands with Saint Paul in condemning the sin of sodomy....The name of Saint Patrick should be dropped from the parade as he would have nothing to do with the likes of it today.”
LifeSiteNews reported on the school's decision saying that the parents are completely supportive. The band director Brother Peter Bracket said:
“All the Band members and their parents—although greatly disappointed in not being able to march—are fully supportive of the School’s decision. We have to remain loyal to Church teachings which states in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, promulgated by Saint John Paul II, that ‘homosexual acts are acts of grave depravity’ and ‘are intrinsically disordered…Under no circumstances can they be approved.’ "(#2357)
What a school! (Check out their web page.)  I wish my older children's Alexandria Catholic high schools had been as faithful. I wouldn't have had to spend so much time at the schools fighting with the principal and teachers and correcting errors being taught in the classroom to my children.

Now if only more cardinals of the Church had the faith of this school! We would be moving a long way toward reevangelizing this country. The young are the future of the Church. Let's pray for more schools like this one. And let's pray that Cardinal Dolan acquire the faith of the little ones who attend this school.

Thursday, March 5, 2015

Remember the Democrats Attack on Barry Goldwater?


Johnson's political ad implying that Goldwater would trigger nuclear war was a disgusting lie. Who got us into Vietnama and escalated the war? Democrats. 

On the other hand, the artist's picture below is pretty accurate. What was Obama doing during the Benghazi attack? Sleeping in preparation for a Democratic fundraiser in Las Vegas. 

He golfs while our brave soldiers are murdered barely taking time from the game to make banal comments. We have a clueless kindergartener in the White House. His administration betrays secrets at press conferences and exposes intelligence officials. He targets and murders American citizens with drones. No trial, no jury...execution by executive order. 

We are surely living in tragic times when we have an electorate so ignorant and morally irresponsible that they would put this man in office twice. Pray for 2016. With Hillary Clinton the anticipated Democratic candidate and Jeb Bush the wealthy establishment choice of the moment, we are in serious trouble. Pray the rosary every day for world peace.


Fr. Rosica backs down: He was only kidding; never threatened a lawsuit.

Progressives offer lots of entertainment value. Fr. Rosica wasn't threatening a lawsuit. Hells bells, he would never consider such a thing! He was just politely asking for a retraction. Right, Father.

Here's a portion of the letter sent by his lawyers:


This reminds me of Cardinal Kasper's claim that he never made those racist remarks about the African bishops. Well, you decide. Read what Vox Cantoris is reporting about how events unfolded. Now, exactly, who is believable? Fr. Rosica, the enabler of heretic Gregory Baum, or David Domet, husband and father, who blogs defending the faith in his spare time. Hard question, eh? Fr. Rosica's web is unraveling. Pray for him and all those clerics who care more about advancing their personal agenda than upholding the faith of our fathers.




Tuesday, March 3, 2015

Thank God for Archbishop Cordileone: Pray for him!

Archbishop Cordileone of San Francisco is under direct attack for daring to require teachers in Catholic high schools to refrain from public scandal. Here's the press conference by his spokesman.



If you would like to personally thank the archbishop, here's the contact info:

One Peter Yorke Way
San Francisco, California 94109
Telephone (415) 614-5500
Facsimile (415) 614-5555
info@sfarchdiocese.org

For more see:

Calling in the Big Guns

Archbishop Cordileone Holds Firm on Teacher Contracts

Monday, March 2, 2015

And so are they all honorable men....

I spent several hours yesterday watching videos of bishops commenting on the synod. Robert Arroyo did a "World Over" video featuring Cardinal Dolan and Archbishops Salvatore Cordileone and Joseph Kurtz at the bishops' conference last November asking about the Extraordinary Synod.. Cardinal Dolan's portion had me shaking my head. Despite all the comments by Synod Fathers concerned about the manipulation of the Synod and expressing worry and alarm, Cardinal Dolan was his happy-clappy self. No problems at the Synod. "There must have been two synods." he quipped to his brother bishops. There were no major disagreements. The one the four Americans attended was "a synod of consensus."

Wow! I wonder why Cardinal Burke is "worried," why Cardinal Napier said the damage from the mid-term release was "irredeemable." Why Archbishop Chaput lamented the confusion saying "Confusion is from the devil." and Bishop Athanasius Schneider described the mid-term document as a text that "represent a radical neo-pagan ideology" which has "penetrated such important levels of the life of the Church."

Sunday, March 1, 2015

Meditation Music for Sunday

"Music has charms to calm the savage breast." If you are troubled or grieving today, here is a gift to calm your heart and mind. When I was diagnosed with cancer back in 1986 (Praise God, I'm a survivor!) The Lord calmed my terror with praise music. May He calm all your fears this morning and always. I'm praying for you.