Category Archives: General

EU Plans Penalties For Parties Who Don’t Participate in “the Values of the EU” Tancred 5/22/13 eponymousflower.blogspot.com/2013/05/eu-plans-penalties-for-parties-who-dont.html Edit: anyone familiar with Europe’s incitement of racial hatred laws can’t possibly believe in such a thing as free speech for Europe any more, if it ever really existed. [Deutsche Wirtschafts Nachrichten] The EU-Commission has taken up a proposal of the socialists in Europe’s Parliament. According Read more [...]

U.S. Catholics: Overly Assimilated? May 22, 2013 George Weigel www.firstthings.com/onthesquare/2013/05/us-catholics-overly-assimilated With his new book, American Church: The Remarkable Rise, Meteoric Fall, and Uncertain Future of Catholicism in America, mild-mannered Russell Shaw has become the bull in the china shop of U.S. Catholic history, knocking heroes off pedestals and overturning conventional story-lines—all in aid of trying to understand why the Church in America is Read more [...]

Pentecost, Pentecostalism, Nominalism, and the Holy Spirit by John B. Manos Posted on May 19, 2013 bellarmineforum.org/2013/05/19/pentecost-pentecostalism-nominalism-and-the-holy-spirit/ As water cleanses from impurity and extinguishes fire, the use of water signifies that our souls are cleansed and the fire of hell is quenched for us. As oil gives light and strengthens the body, its use in Confirmation indicates plainly that our souls are enlightened and fortified by the Holy Read more [...]

O Blessed Saint Rita, my powerful advocate, behold me prostrate before thy Divine Spouse, Jesus, thy Lord, thy God, and thy All.  Behold me recalling His favors to thee, that thou mayst plead for me. May this blessed Rose, sweet with the memories of thy daily acts of love before the image of the Crucified Savior, and of the wonders wrought for thee in thy dying moments, give me confidence that thou in Heaven wilt plead that I, too, may share in the good things God has in store for thy clients. Read more [...]

Godless funerals [and weddings] thrive in ‘post-Catholic’ Ireland By Paresh Dave| Religion News Service Published: May 21, 2013 www.washingtonpost.com/national/on-faith/godless-funerals-thrive-in-post-catholic-ireland/2013/05/21/d6822930-c24c-11e2-9642-a56177f1cdf7_story.html DUBLIN — Patricia Wojnar left a 32-year career in interior design to pursue a degree that wasn’t in demand: a master’s in bereavement studies. Having seen four family members die early, she wanted Read more [...]

Bishops’ president criticizes Obama over Planned Parenthood by Joshua J. McElwee | May. 21, 2013 ncronline.org/blogs/ncr-today/bishops-president-criticizes-obama-over-planned-parenthood New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the president of the U.S. bishops’ conference, has criticized President Barack Obama’s attendance at a gala for Planned Parenthood in April, saying the organization’s focus on women’s health issues is a cover phrase for abortion services. Writing on his Read more [...]

Vatican Officials Repudiate Misinterpretation of Their Comments on Same-Sex Unions Cardinal Christoph Schönborn and Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia say they in no way endorse such illicit relationships and that their misinterpreted remarks were used by opponents of the Church. by EDWARD PENTIN National Catholic Register 05/22/2013 VATICAN CITY — A handful of Vatican officials and even a cardinal have recently voiced opinions that appear to be supportive of civil unions between people Read more [...]

USCCCP questions Obama administration’s use of drones CWN – May 22, 2013 The chairman of the Committee on International Justice and Peace of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has invoked just-war criteria to question the moral legitimacy of the Obama administration’s use of drones in counterterrorism killings. “Even when viewed through the prism of just war principles, the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for targeted killings raises serious moral questions,” Read more [...]

Suicide in Notre Dame cathedral in Paris CWN – May 21, 2013 A French man committed suicide inside Notre Dame cathedral in Paris on May 21. Dominique Venner, a 78-year-old historian and activist with a long history of involvement in traditionalist and nationalist causes, killed himself with a gunshot to the head, prompting police to evacuate the cathedral. Venner had been a bitter opponent of the legal recognition of same-sex marriage, and had recently written that it would “require Read more [...]

Patriarch: Islamist regimes ‘even worse’ than authoritarian ones CWN – May 21, 2013 Questioning “the motive and the reasoning” behind support for regime change in Iraq, Egypt, Syria, and Libya, the head of the Chaldean Catholic Church said that Islamic fundamentalist regimes are “even worse” than authoritarian ones. Under such regimes, Christians “will be considered second class because of their religion in a country in which Islam is the only standard,” said Patriarch Read more [...]

[Is history reversing itself--from recognition of Christianity, then to its toleration, and now to its persecution (by "undoing" the Edict of Milan)?] In 2nd message on Edict of Milan, Pope Francis calls for recognition of religious freedom CWN – May 21, 2013 On May 15, Pope Francis sent a telegram to Cardinal Angelo Scola of Milan as Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew traveled to the Italian city to commemorate the 1700th anniversary of the Edict of Milan. Patriarch Bartholomew, who Read more [...]

Churches desecrated in Central African Republic; Christians flee to countryside CWN – May 21, 2013 In recent weeks, Islamist rebels who assumed power in the Central African Republic in March have kidnapped the rector of the cathedral in the nation’s capital as well as the archdiocesan chancellor. Calling members of the new regime “religious extremists with evil intentions,” Bishop Albert Vanbuel of Kaga-Bandoro decried “the deliberate program of desecration and destruction of Read more [...]

Crash and Burn ChurchMilitantTV Published on May 21, 2013 People don’t normally like the expression ‘crash and burn’ while on a flight, but here, it was appropriate. Transcript www.churchmilitant.tv/scripts/vort-2013-05-21.pdf Hello everyone and welcome to The Vortex where lies and falsehoods are trapped and exposed. I’m Michael Voris. On our way back Europe last week .. we boarding the plane and putting all the bags and cameras and stuff up in the overhead when one Read more [...]

Cloning shows science must dialogue with philosophy By Carl Bunderson www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/cloning-shows-science-must-dialogue-with-philosophy/ Portland, Ore., May 21, 2013 / (CNA/EWTN News).- The recent production of stem cells from cloned human embryos has prompted a researcher to consider the need for scientists to take other disciplines into account before engaging their work. “Scientists…do not consider bio-ethical issues to be issues at all; they don’t see Read more [...]

Vatican spokesman denies Pope conducted exorcism By David Uebbing www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/vatican-spokesman-denies-pope-conducted-exorcism Vatican City, May 21, 2013 / (CNA/EWTN News).- Pope Francis did not perform an exorcism when he prayed over a young disabled man in St. Peter’s Square on Pentecost Sunday, according to the Vatican’s spokesman. “The Pope had no intention of doing an exorcism, so it is absolutely false that this has been done. He simply prayed for Read more [...]

The paradox of Pope Francis by Hans Kung | May. 21, 2013 ncronline.org/news/vatican/paradox-pope-francis Who could have imagined what has happened in the last weeks? When I decided, months ago, to resign all of my official duties on the occasion of my 85th birthday, I assumed I would never see fulfilled my dream that — after all the setbacks following the Second Vatican Council — the Catholic church would once again experience the kind of rejuvenation that it did under Pope John Read more [...]

Toronto Catholic school officials tried to block GSA ban, claimed it broke law by Patrick B. Craine www.lifesitenews.com/news/toronto-catholic-school-officials-tried-to-block-gsa-ban-claimed-it-broke-l TORONTO, May 20, 2013 (LifeSiteNews.com) – As North America’s largest Catholic school board prepares to vote Thursday on a motion to ban homosexual activist groups in the schools, LifeSiteNews.com has learned that school officials tried to block the move when it was brought forward Read more [...]

[British Parliament to outlaw Catholic employees in public professions] Young Christians will be locked out of public professions by ‘gay marriage’, ministers warn by Hilary White www.lifesitenews.com/news/young-christians-will-be-locked-out-of-public-professions-by-gay-marriage-m LONDON, May 20, 2013 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Young Christians will be shut out of all public professions, including teachers, doctors, nurses or any kind of public servant if the “gay marriage” bill Read more [...]

Hat-tip to CultureWarNotes.com especially for the bracketted headline below [Justice Department Outlaws Catholic Employees] Justice Department: Employees must affirm homosexuality by J. Matt Barber www.lifesitenews.com/news/justice-department-employees-must-affirm-homosexuality May 20, 2013 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Under President Obama, “justice” is anything but blind. Neither is it deaf. In fact, based on recent revelations, it appears to be watching your every move and listening Read more [...]

A ‘Catholic’ school provides a prayer room for students Posted by Richard Collins at Tuesday, May 21, 2013 linenonthehedgerow.blogspot.com/2013/05/a-catholic-school-provides-prayer-room.html Excellent, well done and jolly good show you might say. But, me, being of the curmudgeonly inclination, I think not. The very phrase ‘Prayer Room’ summons up images of a room set aside for the use of Muslim students or, (horror of horrors) the ubiquitous ecumenical room where all sorts Read more [...]

Evangelizing the Evangelicals by R. J. Snell 5/21/13 www.crisismagazine.com/2013/evangelizing-the-evangelicals In his new book, George Weigel explicates the historical development of Evangelical Catholicism, a reform begun by Pope Leo XIII (1878-1903), developed by the renewals of the early twentieth-century, formalized by Vatican II, and authoritatively interpreted by John Paul II and Benedict XVI, and now expressed with particular aplomb by Pope Francis. It’s a stunning account, Read more [...]

As of only moments ago ( I’m posting at 10PM Pacific Time on Monday, May 20 )…. Severe Weather Latest Weather News Medical examiner: 20 children killed in twister Huge tornado hits Oklahoma City suburb, kills 51 Obama declares major disaster in Oklahoma Hospitals treat more than 120 after Okla. tornado AP Photos: Images of devastating Oklahoma tornado Multimedia Iowa Flooding Multimedia Read more [...]

Catholic church bombed in Benghazi CWN – May 20, 2013 A Catholic church was bombed in Benghazi, Libya, on May 17. Exploding in the nave of the church shortly before midnight, the bomb shattered several windows in the church itself and the adjacent rectory, but no one was injured. Additional sources for this story Some links will take you to other sites, in a new window. •Bombers target Catholic church in Benghazi, priests escape unhurt (Malta Today) www.maltatoday.com.mt/en/newsdetails/news/world/Bombers-target-Catholic-church-in-Benghazi-priests-escape-unhurt-20130519 Read more [...]

Italy’s top politicians unite against ‘homophobia’ CWN – May 20, 2013 Italian President Giorgio Napolitano called for a “firm and constant commitment” to battling prejudice against homosexuals, as Italy observed “Anti-Homopobia Day” on May 17. His statement was echoed by several other leading Italian political figures. “The state must take action, not only for recognition but also for protection of homosexuals’ rights,” said Pietro Grasso, the speaker of the Italian Senate. Read more [...]

[Founder of another "new movement" group disgraced] Community of St. John acknowledges lapses by founder CWN – May 20, 2013 The Community of St. John has acknowledged that its founder, Father Marie-Dominique Philippe, had improper relations with women under his spiritual direction. Established by Father Philippe in 1975, the Community of St. John grew rapidly, particularly among traditional-minded Catholics in France. Father Philippe led the group until he suffered a debilitating Read more [...]

[A Catholic college president notes its anniversary] Land O’Lakes Statement at 45 45 years after the Land O’ Lakes Statement, Catholic education is gaining strength . . . by Michael McLean September 3, 2012 www.legatusmagazine.org/land-olakes-statement-45-years-later/ The 1960s was a time of great tumult in the United States — one that had devastating effects on the country’s institutions and mores. Its ravages could be seen perhaps nowhere more clearly than on college Read more [...]

Pro-Life Protesters Rally Outside of Boston College Commencement Ceremony Lauren Landry 5/20/13 bostinno.streetwise.co/2013/05/20/protest-at-2013-boston-college-commencement-ceremony/#ss__332588_1_0__ss As Boston College ushers in the Class of 2013 Monday, welcoming them to the “real world” with diplomas in hand, students and anti-abortion groups are rallying outside of the ceremony, protesting the institution’s choice to award Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny with an honorary Read more [...]

On another trad site a little dustup started recently concerning ex-priest Corapi. This may mean nothing or it may point to a continuation of the festering idolatry plague so often spread by ululating Medjugoogoo tribesmen coming into contact with unsuspecting Catholics. Does anyone have knowledge of whatever the latest status of the ol’ Black Sheep Dip’s comportment actually is? Is he still with his paramour? Still living in the gated MT community with his expensive toys? Still propagandizing Read more [...]

[After her IRS investigation, the IRA (or whatever Edna's goon squad is) might be after her next] Catholic Sociologist Describes Boston College Commencement Scandal as the Latest in a Line of Offenses May 20, 2013 | By Tim Drake | www.cardinalnewmansociety.org/CatholicEducationDaily/DetailsPage/tabid/102/ArticleID/2257/Catholic-Sociologist-Describes-Boston-College-Commencement-Scandal-as-the-Latest-in-a-Line-of-Offenses.aspx Writing for the Wall Street Journal, Franciscan Read more [...]

Clash on abortion in Catholic hospitals Posted: Mon 20/05/2013 by Niall Hunter www.irishhealth.com/article.html?id=22127 The Government could be heading for a clash with Catholic-owned hospitals if it acts on proposals to extend the number of designated centres where terminations can be carried out in its planned abortion legislation. The heads of the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill only specifically provides for terminations to be carried out in the 16 maternity units Read more [...]

[Not a repeat of a previous post but a reminder by our omni-competent hiero-crats on an important matter--although not directly pertaining to faith and morals] USCCCP, other Catholic organizations: contact senators about farm bill CWN – May 20, 2013 The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and three other Catholic organizations are asking Catholics to urge their senators “to support a Farm Bill that feeds hungry people, promotes stewardship of creation, supports small Read more [...]

Everything Old Is New Again Posted By Charles A. Coulombe On May 18, 2013 The past five decades have seen religious life in the Catholic Church go into two very different directions. On the one hand, in the wake of Vatican II, many orders – especially of women – jettisoned their unique habits and rules (and in the case of the Dominicans and Carmelites, their liturgical rites). This revolutionary era was immediately followed by an enormous drop off in vocations, especially among those bodies Read more [...]

www.corriere.it/sette/13_maggio_07/2013-19-inchiesta-pinotti-galeazzi_03c68f56-b72d-11e2-8651-352f50bc2572.shtml [ Google machine translation ] That strange thread that binds the Church and Freemasonry A letter written by Cardinal Oddi and the Grand Master Gaito to Pope John Paul II and the testimony of various prelates and “insiders” raise the issue of infiltration inside the Vatican The infiltration of Freemasonry in the sacred rooms of the Holy See was often muttered, Read more [...]

Thousands Urge Boston College to Drop Pro-Abortion Speaker Enda Kenny by Tradition, Family and Property | Washington, DC | LifeNews.com | 5/19/13 www.lifenews.com/2013/05/19/thousands-urge-boston-college-to-drop-pro-abortion-speaker-enda-kenny/ Thousands of Catholic students and parents are urging Boston College — a Catholic institution — to rescind its invitation to Irish Prime Minister, Enda Kenny, who is slated to receive an honorary degree and deliver commencement remarks on Read more [...]

[To be "fair and balanced': The latest from the religious left's "fever swamp"] Rainbow Sash Movement (LGBT Catholics) Calls on Cardinal Francis George of Chicago to Reclaim God’s radical inclusivity on Pentecost Sunday (May 19) news.gnom.es/pr/rainbow-sash-movement-lgbt-catholics-calls-on-cardinal-francis-george-of-chicago-to-reclaim-gods-radical-inclusivity-on-pentecost-sunday-may-19 “Out of the closet and into the pew” CHICAGO, May 19, 2013 /NEWS.GNOM.ES/ — The Catholic Read more [...]

Many have speculated what would result from the triumph of formal heresy at the very highest levels of the Church’s hierarchy… Could it occur? Has it, actually? After all, aren’t such preposterous claims the province of “integlralistes” and “traditionalists” – those schismatic, mean-spirited and “hardheaded fools” ( viz., PP Francis, “bishop of Rome” ) who are all “outside the Church”? Well, for 50 years, what Cd. Koch (the poster boy of ecumenism) openly states, conciliarist popes and heads Read more [...]

[The latest from the religious right's "fever swamp" (cf. William Buckley)] Vatican preparing for ‘savior’ from outer space? Popes, prophecies, aliens: Public wants to know what’s going on Published: 5/16/13 www.wnd.com/2013/05/vatican-preparing-for-savior-from-outer-space/ When the first resignation of a pope in 600 years coincides with the release of a book about a pope resigning, well, the result is bestseller status for an author. Or, more precise, authors, as Tom Horn Read more [...]

Modern churches aren’t up to scratch, says Vatican museum chief The Vatican official said that modern churches are missing the beauty and functionality of older churches AFP 5/17/13 The Jubilee Church in Rome, designed by architect Richard Meier VATICAN MUSEUM DIRECTOR Antonio Paolucci today criticised contemporary-style churches for lacking “form” and harked back to the Baroque era when he said that shrines embodied religious faith. Award-winning architect Richard Meier’s Read more [...]

How the Pope Can Change the World Fatima Perspectives – Perspective No. 668 by Christopher A. Ferrara May 17, 2013 www.fatimaperspectives.com/oc/perspective668.asp On May 12, 2013 a number of supporters of the Fatima Center in Rome participated in the Italian March for Life. Their participation was arranged by the Center’s Rome branch, the Associazione Madonna di Fatima O.n.l.u.s., of whose board of directors I am proud to be a member. The Fatima Center representatives Read more [...]

[Cardinal Burke will deliver the keynote address] Pope Francis to Hold Global Pro-Life Conference, Pro-Life Mass on June 16 by Austin Ruse | The Vatican | LifeNews.com | 5/16/13 www.lifenews.com/2013/05/16/pope-francis-to-hold-global-pro-life-conference-pro-life-mass-on-june-16/ The Vatican (CFAM/LifeNews) –Pro-lifers held their breath the day the world received a new Pope. They did not question his pro-life credentials but wondered if he would speak forcefully. An old quote Read more [...]

[The Catholic left invokes the secular arm to go after the Catholic right and bar it from the public square] Donohue says IRS probe triggered by Catholics United By Kevin J. Jones www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/donohue-says-irs-probe-triggered-by-catholics-united/ New York City, N.Y., May 18, 2013 / (CNA).- Bill Donohue of the Catholic League said he was “stunned” that the IRS investigated his organization in 2008, charging that the Democrat-leaning group Catholics United Read more [...]

St. Joan of Arc, filled with compassion for those who invoke thee; filled with love for those who suffer; heavily laden with the weight of my troubles I kneel at thy feet and humbly beg thee to take my present need under thy special protection. (here mention your petition) Grant to recommend it to the Blessed Virgin Mary and lay it before the throne of Jesus. Cease not to intercede for me until my request is granted. Above all, obtain for me the grace to behold God face to face, Read more [...]

Novena for Corpus Christi O Lord Jesus Christ, Thou who hast given us Thy precious Body and Blood to be our meat and drink, grant that through frequent reception of Thee in the Holy Eucharist, I may be strengthened in mind and body to do Thy holy will. Amen. Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, have mercy on us.

Slammed:Newman Society Points Out Failure of Catholic Universities to Serve the Poor Posted by Catholic Higher Education Advocate admin on May 17, 2013 cheausa.org/slammednewman-society-points-out-failure-of-catholic-universities-to-serve-the-poor/ In an opinion piece that is a clarion appeal to the consciences of our wealthier Catholic universities, Patrick J. Reilly of Catholic Education Daily argues that Boston College, Saint Louis University, Santa Clara University, the University Read more [...]

[Is it a diocese or a real estate broker? The church in question will be demolished so a nearby shopping center can have more parking spaces] Catholic Church selling [and buying] many Maine properties By Edward D. Murphy 5/18/13 www.pressherald.com/news/catholic-church-tries-new-investment-strategies-with-its-assets__2013-05-18.html PORTLAND – St. Patrick Church will host its final Mass on Sunday afternoon, with its sale to the owner of the adjacent Westgate Shopping Center set Read more [...]

[Suffering from a loss of the Faith?] What ails [LA Jesuit] Verbum Dei High School? Russell Simmons, gay marriage advocate, speaks to students May 16, 2013 cal-catholic.com/wordpress/2013/05/16/what-ails-verbum-dei-high-school/ The following comes from an April 30 email to Cal Catholic. Last month you reported on Verbum Dei High School in Los Angeles when a pro-abortion politician, Holly Mitchell, was found to be on their school board and even gave a class in social justice Read more [...]

Dublin’s archbishop, Irish prime minister clash on proposed abortion law CWN – May 17, 2013 Dublin’s Archbishop Diarmuid Martin has protested that a proposed change in Ireland’s ban on abortion could lead to the death of unborn children who are capable of independent survival outside the womb. But Prime Minister Enda Kenny has flatly denied the charge. The proposed law would allow for abortion in cases in which a doctor finds that the mother’s life is in danger. The legislation Read more [...]

Vatican Legal: Church teaching doesn’t change, but church laws can By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service 5/17/13 www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/1302205.htm VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Bishop Juan Ignacio Arrieta has a special briefcase he uses exclusively to carry documentation for a project that would completely revise an entire section of the Catholic Church’s basic law. The black case contains a 40-page draft text for a new “Book VI: Sanctions in the Church” section of the Read more [...]

Brazil’s same-sex marriage policy flayed 17 May 2013 AFP/Brasilia Brazilian bishops have criticised a recent decision that gives a de facto green light to same-sex marriage just two months before a visit to the predominantly Catholic country by Pope Francis. On Tuesday, the National Council of Justice (NCJ), a panel which oversees the South American state’s legal system and is headed by the chief justice of the Supreme Court, said government offices that issue marriage licences had Read more [...]

[In "practical" terms, tobacco may possibly and eventually/slowly kill the one who uses it, but abortifacients definitely kill one (the unborn child) and possiblly another (the one who uses them) and sooner than you think] St. Francis Sisters ignore abortifacients, urges Walgreens to ban tobacco by Bruce Edward Walker www.lifesitenews.com/news/st-francis-sisters-ignore-abortifacients-urge-tobacco-ban PHILADELPHIA, May 17, 2013 (Acton Institute) – Standing up for religious principles Read more [...]