It is written, “and it came to pass in those days that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was Governor of Syria. And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee out of the city of Nazareth, into Ju-dae-a unto the City of David, which is called Beth-le-hem; [because he was of the house and lineage of David] to be taxed with Mary, his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo! The Angel of THE LORD came upon them, and the glory of THE LORD shone round about them, and they were sore afraid. And the angel of THE LORD said unto them, ‘fear not, for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you, is born this day in the City of David, a SAVIOUR, which is Christ THE LORD. And this shall be a sign unto you, ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. And suddenly, there was with the Angel a multitude of heavenly host, praising GOD and saying, “glory to GOD in the Highest; peace, good will toward men.’ And it came to pass as the angels were gone away from them unto heaven, the shepherds said one to another, ‘let us now go even unto Beth-le-hem, and see this thing which THE LORD hath made known unto us.’ And they came with haste, and found Mary,and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things, which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying GOD and praising GOD for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcision of the child, His Name was called JESUS, which was so named of the Angel before he was conceived in the womb*.” Luke chapter 2: 1-21, King James Holy Bible.

* footnote, the angel told Mary of this in Luke chapter 1: 26-33

Wednesday, December 23, 2009 07:22:03 AM .

(s) Gloria Poole, Missouri

Dec. 21, 7pm—Dec. 22, 7pm

American Life League (Encouraging Words)

A CHRISTMAS WISH – “I want to belong wholly to the Lord!”  (Blessed Giuseppina Nicoli, http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/)

Catholic Online > International News

Ecumenical Patriarch on Christian Persecution in Turkey – A statement by Bartholomew about the difficulties Turkish authorities create for the Christian Orthodox community …

Irish Prelate Demands Resignation of Four More Bishops – Catholic archbishop of Dublin is claiming the support of the Vatican in his demands for the resignation of four …

The Persecution of Christians in Turkey

Catholic Online > Politics

Freedom Federation Opposes Senate Healthcare Bill that Funds Abortion – The Freedom Federation is comprised of some of the nation’s largest multiracial, multiethnic, and …

Senate Abortion Language is No Compromise, Pro-Life Dem Says – ‘While I and many other pro-life Democratic House members wish to see health-care coverage for all …

Senate Health Care Reform Bill is an Abortion Bill – If Reid’s bill becomes law, a federally funded and managed health care plan will cover elective abortions …

Catholic Spiritual Direction

Concern about seeking out and approaching a spiritual director? – Part I – Facing the challenge – Based on a good number of comments and poll responses over the past year, apprehension is a recurring obstacle to seeking spiritual direction. More than 500 of you have

Catholics Come Home Blog

A Merry Eucharistic Christmas – As Catholics, we have prepared for weeks during Advent for the coming of Jesus this Christmas. But how can we bring to life the true meaning of Christmas this year? Here

CBCP News – Diocesan News

Bishop urges faithful to remain resilient in time of crisis – CATARMAN, Northern Samar, Dec. 22, 2009—Coupled with his traditional Christmas greetings, was a bishop’s advice to his flock to remain resilient and to work for peace in

Prelate calls on flock to be instruments of God’s love – GUMACA, Quezon, Dec. 22, 2009—Sending his traditional Christmas greetings to Gumaca faithful, Bishop Buenaventura Famadico urged his flock to allow themselves to become

Creative Minority Report

A Santa to Remember – Back in the days when I was a reporter I remember interviewing this man. Needless to say, I came away impressed. This was a very special man. The Philadelphia Bulletin

Adoptive Parents Want To Return Son – The defining attribute of be a parent is that the welfare of your child is more important than anything else. Anything else. When, in 2007, Melissa and Tony Wescott of

Build-A-Bah-Humbug – You know that cute little store in the mall where kids can build cute little bears all their own? Well, they have a new feature this year. Its called “EcoNazi

EcoNazis: Dogs Guilty by Association – We all know that the Green Movement’s ultimate enemy is mankind. There are just too many of us, that is where all this leads. But animals are all fine and dandy because

Funny: Dad Makes Rookie Mistake – I made similar mistakes with my first two children but then I learned my lesson. This is a classic rookie mistake made all that much funnier by the fact that he actually

Some Christmas Music To Put You In The Mood – Last year some of the young folk went on the youtubes and sang some Christmas songs. I liked this one. Silent Night Here is beautiful songs by Kristin Chenoweth. So You

EWTN News

2009 Unfolded with an Africa Theme, Says Pope, Stresses Need for Reconciliation on All Levels – VATICAN CITY, DEC. 21, 2009 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI, while highlighting key events of this year, noted that 2009 has “passed largely under the sign of Africa.” The

Cincinnati Receives New Archbishop – Cincinnati, Ohio, Dec 21, 2009 (CNA).- The Archdiocese of Cincinnati welcomed the appointment of its new Archbishop on Monday. Pope Benedict XVI accepted the resignation

Excavation Uncovers Nazareth Home from Jesus’ Time, Provides Unprecedented Window into Ancient Lifestyles – NAZARETH, DEC. 21, 2009 (Zenit.org).- Excavations in Nazareth have uncovered an unprecedented discovery: the remains of a family home from Jesus’ time. A press release

Former Planned Parenthood CEO Teaches at Georgetown�s Nursing School – December 22, 2009 The former CEO and president of Planned Parenthood of Maryland and Planned Parenthood of Mahoning Valley has been adjunct instructor in the Department

Holy Father Recalls Yad Vashem Visit, Calls Experience “Overwhelming” – VATICAN CITY, DEC. 21, 2009 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI is describing his visit in May to Israel’s Yad Vashem memorial as an “overwhelming” encounter with hatred. The

Holy Land Patriarch Issues Christmas Message, Rues Situation of Palestinians – December 22, 2009 Archbishop Fouad Twal, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, has released a Christmas message in which he laments the situation of Palestinians and calls for a

Other Pontifical Acts – VATICAN CITY, 22 DEC 2009 (VIS) – The Holy Father appointed: – As members of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, Archbishop Edmond Farhat, apostolic nuncio, and

Phoenix Bishop: Church Has Role in the University, Task of Evangelization, Serving Truth – PHOENIX, Arizona, DEC. 21, 2009 (Zenit.org).- The bishop of the Phoenix Diocese is affirming that the Church has a necessary role in the university, which is primarily

Supreme Knight: John Paul II’s Holiness “Unmistakable” – NEW HAVEN, Connecticut, DEC. 21, 2009 (Zenit.org).- Pope John Paul II’s holiness was apparent to anyone who met him, or even read his writings, says the supreme knight

Faith and Family Live!

Coming to My Kitchen Aid – Lisa Hendey: Can a domestic mess become a baker? | My Christmas present arrived early this year, in time to help me through the onslaught of Cookie Exchange parties,

Last Chance to Slow Down – Danielle Bean: An end-of-Advent reminder |

Perspective – Rachel Balducci: The importance of this Season | “Today, as in the time of Jesus, Christmas is not a fairytale for children, but rather God’s answer to the drama of

Rub-a-Dub-Dub – Arwen Mosher: How do your kids like the tub? | My husband goes into the bathroom to draw a bath for our son, and as soon as he hears the water running, Blaise makes a

Santamental Journey – Rebecca Teti: | Here’s an obituary that will make you smile. It tells the story of Grover Gouker, a WWII Vet who returned to his hometown in Pennsylvania, took work at

Seasonal Sipping – Danielle Bean: Get cozy with these warm-your-bones drinks | Whether you’re entertaining or just celebrating with family, specialty drinks make any occasion feel like a

Speak Now – Danielle Bean: Coffee Talk: Open Forum | (Join each day’s Coffee Talk discussion: Mon: Parenting; Tues: Open Forum; Wed: NFP; Thu: Marriage; Fri: Education; Sat/Sun:

Taming a Material Girl – Kate Wicker: Teaching children contentment | A few summers ago a friend and her daughter invited my two oldest daughters and me over to her house to go swimming. But

Fallible Blogma

Fr. Barron on Abortion and Health Care – A video of the always insightful Fr. Barron on the most controversial issues of the day: Abortion and health care. Related posts:Colbert Video: The Bible out of contextA

Fr. Frank Pavone’s Blog

Fr. Pavone: Christmas and Politics Do Mix – Coalition Forming Regarding Elections 2010 Washington, DC. — Fr. Frank Pavone, National Director of Priests for Life, the largest pro-life ministry in the Catholic

Kresta In The Afternoon

Today on Kresta – December 22, 2009 – Talking about the “things that matter most” on Dec. 22 Kresta Countdown of the top interviews of 2009 #34 – Violence Against Christians in Pakistan Rooted in Long

LifeNews.com

After Senate, Lawmakers Will Have to Decide Between Abortion and Health Care – Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) — The Senate is expected to approve its pro-abortion health care bill this week and conclude round two of the match between pro-life

Asheville, North Carolina Councilman Cecil Bothwell Acts as Abortion Center Escort – Asheville, NC (LifeNews.com) — Newly-minted city councilman Cecil Bothwell has received considerable national news attention recently because he is a declared atheist,

Bart Stupak Says He Will “Hold Firm” on Banning Abortion Funding in Health Care – Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) — Should the Senate ultimately pass its pro-abortion health care bill at the end of the week, the next step for the measure will be a

Bob Casey’s Wife: Will Support Pro-Abortion Health Care Bill After Prayer – Scranton, PA (LifeNews.com) — Members of the pro-life group Insurrecta Nex and local Pennsylvania pro-life advocates are in day two of a vigil outside Senator Bob

Catholic Bishops Oppose Nelson-Reid Deal on Abortion Funding in Senate Bill – Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) — The Catholic bishops have issued a new statement responding to the so-called compromise deal on abortion funding struck by Harry Reid

Conservative Attorney Sues Obama Admin Over Abortion-Health Care Meetings – Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) — A conservative attorney has filed a lawsuit against the Obama administration demanding that it release documents about meetings on

Judge in Killing of Abortion Practitioner George Tiller Considering Roeder Motions – Wichita, KS (LifeNews.com) — The judge who is presiding over the case involving the killing of late-term abortion practitioner George Tiller will be considering motions

Kathleen Sebelius Admits, Covers Up Abortion Funding in Health Care Measure – Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) — HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius is getting attention for an interview yesterday in which she essentially admits that the American public

North Carolina High School Had Denied Pro-Life Student Free Speech, Backs Down – Asheboro, NC (LifeNews.com) — A North Carolina high school is backing down after a pro-life legal group helped a pro-life student who faced a revocation of her free

Poll: 72 Percent of Americans Oppose Paying for Abortions in Health Care Bill – Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) — A new poll shows 72 percent of Americans oppose paying for abortions with their tax dollars under the government-run health care bill in

Pro-Life Democratic Congressman, Doctor, Switches to GOP Over Health Care – Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) — Alabama congressman Parker Griffith has had enough of the Democratic Party thanks to its pushing a pro-abortion health care bill. The

Senate OKs Manager’s Amendment to Health Care Bill Funding Abortions – Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) — Tuesday morning, the Senate approved the Harry Reid manager’s amendment to the government-run health care bill. Reid’s amendment

LifeSiteNews.com

Christians in Britain Wondering Why “Equality and Diversity” Don’t Apply to Them – By Hilary WhiteLONDON, December 22, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Christians in the U.K. are continuing to warn that the government’s planned “equality” legislation will

Commentary on Dec 21 News – We are tempted to say, “who needs all this right now?”It’s almost Christmas and we are having a hard time focusing on and keeping up with all the drama going on in the

Commentary: Christmas with Congress, A Seat for Aborted Souls – By Jen Shroder “A voice was heard in Ramah, Lamentation, weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, Refusing to be comforted, Because they are no

Constitutional Amendment on Marriage Filed in New Mexico Senate – By Peter J. SmithSANTA FE, New Mexico, December 22, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) – A proposal to ban same-sex “marriage” via constitutional amendment has been filed in the

Hate Crimes and a Tale of Two “Shephards” – by Peter J. SmithHARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, December 21, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Both Matthew Shephard and Jason Shephard are alleged to have been victims of hate

Irish Prelate Demands Resignation of Four More Bishops – By Hilary WhiteDUBLIN, December 22, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) – The Catholic archbishop of Dublin is claiming the support of the Vatican in his demands for the resignation

Letters to Editor – Prominent Canadian Journalist Calls for Imposed Planetary One-Child PolicyDiane Francis’s comments on overpopulation are misguided and dangerous. I am a mother of five.

Senate Clears Second Health Care Hurdle 60-39 – By Kathleen GilbertWASHINGTON, D.C., December 22, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) – On Tuesday morning the Senate cleared the second of three important procedural votes needed

National Catholic Register Blog

Do Signatures Prove that Shakespeare was a Catholic? – By Tim Drake | Father Andrew Headon, vice-rector of the Venerable English College, has offered some compelling evidence of William Shakespeare’s Catholicism.

Pius XII’s New Status Draws Criticism and Praise – By EDWARD PENTIN | Pope Benedict XVI’s decision to proclaim Pope Pius XII as “venerable” surprised and delighted many who have been campaigning to clear the wartime

New Liturgical Movement

Blessing the Creche – I received an inquiry looking for a blessing of the creche that is an actual blessing of the creche, instead of a blessing of the event or the people at the event.

CD Review: Louis Vierne, Messe Solennelle, Opus 16 – Louis Vierne, Messe Solennelle, Opus 16: A Recreation of a Traditional Latin Mass at St. Sulpice, Sunday of the Resurrection . Choeur d’Oratorio de Paris, Choeur

EF Ordination – And more images here.

Kalenda in English, audio – By popular demand, Jonathan Eason sings the Kalenda in English .

Mozarabic Rite in Cathedral of Toledo, December 18th – The website of Una Voce Málaga in Spain is reporting a recent Mozarabic rite liturgy in the Cathedral of Toledo. (I expect that this was in accordance with the Missale

Saint Meinrad Embraces Creative Commons – There is a wonderful trend in the liturgical world toward free sharing of liturgical music. Many sites are involved but it is absolutely thrilling to see Saint Meinrad

Some News about the SSPX Discussions – Via the website Panorama Católico Internacional (found via messainlatino.it ) come news about the doctrinal discussions between the Holy See and the SSPX. The follwing

Zenit Says Maniple Never Abrogated – Perhaps as news this is a bit of a stretch, but a few years ago the idea that the manipulum fletus et doloris would be discussed in a remotely mainstream venue, at least

OSV Daily Take

Americans oppose abortion funding by 3-to-1 margin – By Mary DeTurris Poust A new national poll shows that 72 percent of U.S. voters oppose any use of public money in the health care reform plan to pay for abortion. That’s

Patrick Madrid

A Cavalcade of Visual Ironies – Here are a couple funny ones for ye. Weird, yes, but they’re ironic, and I like ironic. http://patrickmadrid.blogspot.com

Christmas Decoration Slackers: There’s One in Every Neighborhood – http://patrickmadrid.blogspot.com

The Anchoress

Dec 22 – O Rex Gentium – O King of all the nations, the only joy of every human heart; O Keystone of the mighty arch of man, come and save the creature you fashioned from the dust. Or, more

Let Your Light So Shine Before Men – Writer Ada Calhoun has “come out” as a Christian . (H/T HotAir ) I especially liked this part: All of us need help with birth and death and good and evil, and religion

The Splendor of the Church

AWAITING JOY THE GREAT FEAST OF THE LORD JESUS’ NATIVITY – The Incarnation of the Son of God I am not sure of having the opportunity to touch the internet again before Christmas so, I extend now my greetings to all our friends,

USCCB News

Bishops Call Senate Health Care Reform Bill
‘Deficient,’ Essential Changes Needed Before Moving Forward – WASHINGTON
- The current health care reform bill is ‘deficient’ and should not move forward without
‘essential changes,’ the chairmen of three committees of the United

What Does The Prayer Really Say?

Benedict XVI to Roman Curia for Christmas… some liturgical observations – The other day Pope Benedict addressed the Roman Curia for the annual exchange of Christmas greetings. You might recall his foundational speech in 2005 which defined much

Did Shakespeare study for the priesthood… in Rome? – Fr. Longenecker has an interesting post about Shakespeare: The literature on Shakespeare being a Catholic keeps mounting. Clare Asquith’s book Shadowplay along with the

Michael O’Brien on “Twilight”: modern man’s futile flight from conscience – From a reader: I think Michael O’Brien’s new piece (12/19/09) on “Twilight” and its popularity is a much better analysis than the one written by Sophie Caldecott.  I

The turning point – Did you notice that as of yesterday, in the northern hemisphere at least, it is now winter? We reached the turning point in our spiral through space and time. I always

WDTPRS – 22 December COLLECT (2002MR) – We are closing in on our goal.   Let’s look at the Collect for 22 December in the 2002MR.  The Roman Station today is the Basilica of the Twelve Apostles. COLLECT: Deus,

Wonderful photos, not to miss – My friend John Sonnen of Orbis Catholicus has some great photos from the recognizable Gesu e Maria on the Corso in Rome, where the older form of Mass is celebrated on

Working on the road to NYC – Working on the road requires light gizmos! I can usually work from my phone. Now I am trying an old netbook someone recently gave me loaded with Ubuntu… which I still

ZENIT RSS-Newsfeed

“The Future of Humanity Passes Through the Family” [2009-12-22] – Reflection for Feast of Holy Family Year C

Adapting the Mysteries of the Rosary [2009-12-22] – And More on Vigil Masses and on Readings

Aide: When Will Christians Unite? [2009-12-22] – Recalls Pope’s Visit to Jesus’ Birthplace

Benedict XVI Warns Against Secularization [2009-12-22] – Says Environmental Work Should Include Value for Persons

Benedict XVI’s Letter to Cardinal Cordes [2009-12-22] – Praises Cardinal’s Work With Youth, Movements, Caritas

Jerusalem Patriarch’s Christmas Message [2009-12-22] – “Our Dreams for a Reconciled Holy Land Seem to Be Utopia”

Latin Patriarch: Still No Peace on Earth [2009-12-22] – Reports Signs of Hope, Record Number of Pilgrims

Mary Ward Advances Toward Sainthood [2009-12-22] – British Founder Was Once Called a Heretic

Movements Are Gifts to the Church, Says Pope [2009-12-22] – Lauds Cardinal Cordes for Helping Them Grow

Papal Message to Envoy From Denmark [2009-12-22] – “Individuals and Communities Must Change Their Behavior”

Pope: Society Must See “Power of Faith” [2009-12-22] – Bishops of Belarus Conclude Visit to Rome

Pope’s Address to Finnish Ambassador [2009-12-22] – “Charity … Transcends Justice in Human Relations”

Press Union Urges Media to Serve Humanity [2009-12-22] – Stresses Journalist’s Role in Just Economy

I found this short and interesting video debate between a Roman Catholic (who includes Evangelicals, Catholics, and Mormons under the umbrella of “Christian”) and an Atheist on the subject of Christmas.

The Roman Catholic is a Foxnews anchor, and the Atheist is from the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Yes, the same Freedom From Religion Foundation that honors the bloodthirsty racist Margaret Sanger as a great “Free Thinker.”

All in all, a very entertaining video.

Over at the desiringGod blog, John Ensor, the director of Heartbeat International, wrote the following:

The following story testifies to the life-saving, truth-proclaiming, soul-reviving, conscience-preserving power of the growing pregnancy help ministry and is praiseworthy all by itself. But the story is all the more significant for 3 additional reasons:

1. It arises out of a predominantly Hispanic neighborhood in a city targeted by over 30 abortion facilities, all doing a brisk business.
2. It reflects the white-knuckle grip that abortion, as a temptation, has on our fellow Christians.
3. It points toward a credible and achievable kind of victory that we ought to expect as the Third Wave of the pregnancy help movement unfolds.

Recently, John Piper tweeted,

Wave 1: Catholics say No to abortion. Wave 2: Evangelicals flood the land with CPC’s.  Wave 3: Blacks and Latino’s bring it down.

Sometimes an illustration helps.

A young woman came to our Miami clinic seeking an abortion due to the current economic situation. “How can I have this baby? I can hardly make ends meet,” Liza said. Her husband, Tony told me how he had recently been laid off from his job of 6 years. They already had a 2 year old son and Liza was now 12 weeks pregnant. I could feel their sadness as I brought all three of them in for an ultrasound.

To our surprise, the ultrasound revealed identical twins! Only God knows the reason why this double blessing should come to this hard-pressed couple at this time. But we know He does not make mistakes. Tony fell on his knees crying out to God for forgiveness.

You see, Tony and Liza happen to be Christians who attend one of our local churches. “God forgive me for bringing Liza to get an abortion!” I lifted him up and said, “God brought you to us so that your babies would not die.” None of us could stop crying as we thanked God for using Heartbeat of Miami to rescue these two babies from death and rescuing this couple from blood-guilt and reviving their faith.

We all broke into laughter when little Joey giggled and pointed to his “baby sisters” on the screen.  Children see the truth so plainly.

This couple will receive basic and practical help for months to come. It will come from modest- and low-income Christians from this Hispanic community helping one of their own.

By the time these twins are born, dozens, if not hundreds, of people will see the life-saving and life-changing power of the pregnancy help movement. As minority churches in Miami join this outreach and lead the effort to befriend these couples, this one picture becomes part of a mosaic of thousands.

Since abortion happens to one reluctant woman at a time, the Christian community has the power within them, as neighbors helping neighbors, to see the abortion industry in Miami die for lack of business.

This is the work before us nationwide. It is the pathway towards true and achievable triumph—the kind that Paul encouraged us to expect when he said, “Thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession…for we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved…the very fragrance of life” (2 Cor 2:14-17).

-r

Catholic Bishops Oppose New Abortion Restrictions in Senate Health Bill

FOXNews.com

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, one of the most important anti-abortion voices in the country, continues to oppose the Senate health care bill despite additional restrictions included to segregate taxpayer money from abortion coverage.

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, one of the most important anti-abortion voices in the country, announced its opposition to the Senate health care bill despite additional restrictions included to segregate taxpayer money from abortion services coverage.

read the entire article:  http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/12/21/catholic-bishops-oppose-new-abortion-restrictions-senate-health/

Coburn: Nelson agreement with leaders ‘threw unborn babies under the bus’

By Kevin Bogardus
12/19/09 01:41 PM ET
A number of Republican senators attacked an agreement reached between Sen. Ben Nelson (D-Neb.) and Senate Democratic leaders Saturday, saying it would lead to the eventual reversal of more than 30 years of federal law banning abortion funding.

Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Oka.) said it is “absolutely fictitious” that there is an anti-abortion provision in the Senate Democrats’ reworked healthcare reform bill.

“The negotiations, whoever did them, threw unborn babies under the bus,” Coburn said.

read the entire article:  http://thehill.com/homenews/senate/73081-coburn-nelson-agreement-with-leaders-threw-unborn-babies-under-the-bus

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 21, 2009

CONTACT: J.P. Duffy, (202) 679-6800

FRC Asks: ‘Is There No Democratic Senator Who Cares About Life?’

Washington, D.C. – Early this morning, the U.S. Senate voted for cloture on the manager’s amendment which includes abortion language that would force the federal government to pay premiums for private health plans that will cover any or all abortions while doing nothing to protect individual conscience rights. Beyond the issue of abortion, the legislation has a myriad of other problems including increasing taxes on families while singling out and penalizing married couples through an increase in the payroll tax. Cuts to Medicare and the expansion of the federal role in personal health care decisions will inevitably lead to rationing of care for patients.

Family Research Council President Tony Perkins had this to say about the legislation:

“While true health care reform is needed, this legislation does nothing to alleviate the problems facing American families. Under this bill, families face an increasing tax burden that will be used to further devalue human life. A federal government run health care system will create a nationwide abortion network funded by government dollars resulting in the greatest abortion expansion since Roe v. Wade.

“The Senate’s cloture vote reflects the whole process leading up to it – ugly, partisan and dangerous. This legislation was drafted by a handful of people, supported by only one political party and will negatively affect every single American citizen.

“What is most disappointing is that while some Democrats in the House of Representatives put the sanctity of human life first and foremost, not one Senator from the Democratic Party could be bothered to stand up for mothers and their unborn children.

“Senators Ben Nelson (D-Nebr.) and Robert Casey (D-Penn.) gave mere lip service to protect the most innocent among us by placing their stamp of approval on government funding for abortion coverage in direct conflict with longstanding policy. I ask them to reverse course in any future votes to move this deadly bill forward.”

from the FRC website:  http://www.frc.org/pressrelease/frc-asks–is-there-no-democratic-senator-who-cares-about-life

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Dec. 20, 7pm—Dec. 21, 7pm

American Life League (Encouraging Words)

THE NATIVITY SCENE – “We must seek to live what the nativity scene represents in the reality of our everyday lives: that is, the love of Christ, His humility and His poverty. “The blessing

American Life League (Judie Brown)

Was Mary’s Pregnancy Planned? – By Julia G. Schoch We have heard the story of Christ’s conception and birth so many times that maybe we are not even listening anymore. We often fail to learn a life

American Papist: Not Your Average Catholic!

Breaking: Nelson caves, Senate to probably pass pro-abortion bill tonight – I’ve been deluged with emails this weekend keeping me up to date on the rapid developments taking place in the health care debate. The most important news to absorb is

Papist Picture of the Day – 12/21/09 – Weird: Christian Elephants avenging religious persecutions in India? Vatican: John Paul II and Pius XII declared Venerable!!! Breaking: Nelson caves, Senate passes

Vatican: John Paul II and Pius XII declared Venerable!!! – HUGE news from over the weekend…. Pope Benedict XVI has signed a decree recognizing the late Pope John Paul II’s life of “heroic virtue.” With his signature, Benedict

Weird: Christian Elephants avenging religious persecutions in India? – This is a terribly strange story. The Archdiocese of Colombo website has a story posted on their website entitled ” ELEPHANTS ATTACK IN ORISSA - EXACTLY AFTER ONE YEAR

Catholic News Agency

Cincinnati receives new archbishop from Pope – Cincinnati, Ohio, Dec 21, 2009 / 03:28 pm ( CNA ).- The Archdiocese of Cincinnati welcomed the appointment of its new Archbishop on Monday. Pope Benedict XVI accepted

CNA services suspended until New Year – CNA STAFF, Dec 21, 2009 / 03:25 pm ( CNA ).- In commemoration of the birth of Christ, CNA will suspend its regular news service until the New Year, beginning Monday,

Venerable John Paul II’s life gives answers to society’s problems, Supreme Knight says – CNA STAFF, Dec 21, 2009 / 03:21 pm ( CNA ).- Following the declaration by Pope Benedict XVI that his predecessor John Paul II lived a life of “heroic virtue,” CNA spoke

Catholic Online > Home & Family

Review: ‘Poverty of Spirit’ – We are able to live a ‘poverty of Spirit’ because Jesus became poor for our sake and transformed …

Catholic Online > International News

Opinion: A Global One-Child Policy? – China should not be held up as a population control role model for the rest of the world but roundly condemned for …

Pope to Children of Catholic Action: Imitate Zacchaeus – ‘He always speaks to you of the ‘greater love’, capable of giving itself unlimitedly …

Pope: Christmas is God’s Response to the Human Drama – Christmas is not a children’s fable but God’s response to the drama of humankind as it seeks …

Supreme Knight: Venerable John Paul II’s Life Gives Answers to Society’s Problems – If John Paul II was still alive he would tell the faithful ‘to continue the new evangelization of our …

Catholic Online > Politics

Opinion: ‘Life was the Light of the Human Race’. Politics, Progress and Prudence – Participation in politics also requires prudence in rhetoric, our language of discourse.

To Bart Stupak on the Eve of Battle – In all likelihood, your resolve and leadership is going to be tested when the health-care bill passes in the …

US Bishops: Senate Bill Still Unacceptable – Despite last-minute efforts to improve the language on abortion and conscience rights in the Senate’s …

Catholic Online > U.S. News

R.I.P. John Edward Finn: Pro-Life Hero Goes Home to the Lord. Pro-Life Family continues His Work – John’s decades of pro-life leadership and activism began before Roe v. Wade.

Catholic Online > Video > Most Popular

Dec 21 – Homily: Why Does St Thomas Doubt? – We see here fallen human nature in an Apostle, in one who spent three years in close friendship with God. Ave Maria! St. Thomas, Apostle – Mass: EF, Mihi Autem -

Catholic Spiritual Direction

Where is the idea of spiritual direction found in scripture and tradition? – Q: Father John, is the idea of spiritual direction found in scripture? What is the basis for spiritual direction in scripture and/or tradition? A: Do you remember when

Catholics Come Home Blog

Bored at Mass? – Feeling “Bored at Mass?” Many Catholics haven’t had the opportunity to really learn what’s happening at Mass… By journeying through understanding the parts of the Mass,

From the Prayer Corner – Do you pray the Jesus Prayer ? The Jesus Prayer is short, but immensely powerful. It simply consists of the word “Jesus.” (Other variations include “Lord Jesus” or

Let us focus on loving our fallen-away Catholic relatives this Advent – At Catholics Come Home , we receive many e-mails from Catholics who pray fervently, especially during the season of Advent, for their sons, daughters, brothers, sisters,

Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception – Today marks the Feast of the Immaculate Conception , the celebration of Mary being freed from original sin. But where do Catholics get this teaching of the Immaculate

Welcome to Lost and Found, the official Weblog of Catholics Come Home! – We are so excited to enter the “social marketing scene,” and dialog with Catholics, converts and non-Catholics about the mysteries of the Catholic Faith. If you’re like

CBCP News – Diocesan News

Amnesty Int’l salutes HR workers in Mindanao – DAVAO CITY, December 21, 2009—Calling it as an act of bravery, the Amnesty International salutes all the brave journalists, community volunteers, lawyers and advocates

Evacuees need used cartons – BACACAY, Albay, Dec. 21, 2009— Though the government has extended all possible assistance to Mayon volcano’s evacuees, they are still in need of used cartons to protect

Creative Minority Report

Avatar Or Apocalypto – I don’t have much time so I am going to keep this short. In the middle of the worst blizzard to hit the Northeast in recent memory, I went to the movies. Since it took

Christmas Conversation with My 4 Year Old – My four year old son walked up to me yesterday while I was setting the table for dinner. “Uhm” he asked hesitangly”Is it too late to add things to my Christmas list?” “I

Most Awkward Moment of TV…Ever! – I guess the only thing that makes this video OK is that I guess it was consensual. Call me uncultured but sometimes a man reading a poem to another man that isn’t the

Wait. I Thought Abstinence Was Unrealistic – Remember when abstinence was unrealistic. Well that was before Obama. Now liberals are all for it. But only for punishing conservatives. The Rock the Vote campaign is

EWTN News

Audiences – VATICAN CITY, 19 DEC 2009 (VIS) – The Holy Father today received in separate audiences: – Archbishop Salvatore Fisichella, president of the Pontifical Academy for Life

Children of Catholic Action: Imitate Zacchaeus – CHILDREN OF CATHOLIC ACTION: IMITATE ZACCHAEUS VATICAN CITY, 19 DEC 2009 (VIS) – Children from Italian Catholic Action were received this morning by Benedict XVI who, in

Christmas Is God’s Response to the Drama of Humankind – VATICAN CITY, 20 DEC 2009 (VIS) – Bethlehem, considered as a symbol of peace, was the theme of the Pope’s reflections before praying the Angelus at midday today with

Declaration on the Protection of the Figure of the Pope – VATICAN CITY, 19 DEC 2009 (VIS) – This morning the Secretariat of State of the Holy See ordered the publication of the following declaration concerning the protection of

Decrees of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints – VATICAN CITY, 19 DEC 2009 (VIS) – The Holy Father today received in audience Archbishop Angelo Amato S.D.B., prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, and

Descubierta por primera vez una casa de tiempos de Jesús en Nazaret – El hallazgo permite descubrir cómo era el estilo de vida en la localidad NAZARET, domingo 20 de diciembre de 2009 (ZENIT.org).- Por primera vez se ha descubierto una

John Paul II Closer to Canonization, Cause of Pius XII Advances – VATICAN CITY, DEC. 20, 2009 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI authorized the decrees that recognize the heroic virtue of Popes John Paul II and Pius XII, which pushes them both

Mary MacKillop to Be Australia’s 1st Saint, Called a “True Inspiration” In a World Lacking Heroes – ADELAIDE, Australia, DEC. 20, 2009 (Zenit.org).- At a time when heroes are hard to come by, Blessed Mary MacKillop — who is soon to become Australia’s first saint — is

Other Pontifical Acts – VATICAN CITY, 21 DEC 2009 (VIS) – The Holy Father: – Accepted the resignation from the office of auxiliary of the archdiocese of Monterrey, Mexico, presented by Bishop

Pope Benedict’s Environmentalism Concerned with “Ecology of Man,” Vatican Observer Writes – Rome, Italy, Dec 20, 2009 (CNA).- Pope Benedict XVI’s so-called
‘green revolution’ differs in key ways from parts of the environmentalist movement, Vatican expert Sandro

Pope Tells Children, Jesus “Never Forgets You” – Vatican City, Dec 19, 2009 (CNA).- Pope Benedict XVI met with the youngest members of the Italian Catholic Action group on Saturday morning for their traditional

Pope to Curia: 2009, A Year Passed Under the Sign of Africa – VATICAN CITY, 21 DEC 2009 (VIS) – Today in the Clementine Hall of the Vatican Apostolic Palace, the Holy Father held his traditional meeting with the cardinals,

Saints Are Part of the Present and Future of the Church – VATICAN CITY, 19 DEC 2009 (VIS) – At midday today the Pope received members, consultors, postulators and officials of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints for the

Sen. Nelson Accepts Reid Abortion Provisions, Upsets pro-life Community – Washington D.C., Dec 19, 2009 (CNA).- This afternoon Senator Ben Nelson (D-Neb.) announced that he will now vote for cloture on the Senate health care bill and for the

Sunday Angelus: Christmas Is Not a Fairytale for Children, It’s God’s Answer to Mankind’s Search for Peace – VATICAN CITY, DEC. 20, 2009 (Zenit.org).- Christmas is much more than the season of Santa Claus and sugar plums; it’s God’s answer to mankind’s yearning for peace, says

U.S. Bishops: Senate Bill Still Unacceptable – WASHINGTON, D.C., DEC. 20, 2009 (Zenit.org).- Despite last-minute efforts to improve the language on abortion and conscience rights in the Senate’s proposed health care

Faith and Family Live!

“Man”ifesto – Rebecca Teti: Says You: can khaki pants resurrect chivalry? | Have you seen the new “wear the pants” ad from Dockers? A girlfriend gives the ad a big thumbs up. She

From Bigs to Littles – Danielle Bean: Coffee Talk: Parenting | (Join each day’s Coffee Talk discussion: Mon: Parenting; Tues: Open Forum; Wed: NFP; Thu: Marriage; Fri: Education; Sat/Sun:

Helpful Strangers – Rachel Balducci: Staying sane with “the little way” | This morning I took the five boys out to do a little shopping. It would have been nice to have the shopping cart

Tell Us About Your Tree – Danielle Bean: What does your family do? | We finally put up our Christmas tree yesterday afternoon. “Now it’s SUPER almost-Cwismass!” squealed a very excited Daniel.

Your Mass Experience – Fr. John Bartunek, LC: How to make sure it bears good fruit | Q. What is the difference between those who find Mass something to be endured and those who find it deeply

Fallible Blogma

Annoyed when people say “Xmas” instead of Christmas? Should you be? – Have you ever heard about the plot to “X” Christ out of Christmas?  And so the secular celebraters of this holy-day (holiday) decided they were going to start using

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel – Christmas is almost here! This is one of my favorite Advent songs. Here are a few wonderful versions of it from Casting Crowns, Enya, Momon Tabernacle Choir, an a

Senate votes to expand abortion coverage, passes health care bill – The most important news to absorb is that Senator Nelson – at this point – has caved and is promising to support Senator Reid’s pro-abortion bill when it is voted upon

Fr. Frank Pavone’s Blog

“Messiah,” or “Christ” means “Anointed one.” – At midnight Mass of Christmas, we hear the glorious announcement that a Savior has been born for us. From the beginning of time, prophets announced that the Messiah of

Dr. King’s Christmas Sermon – Fr. Frank Pavone National Director, Priests for Life On Christmas of 1967, Martin Luther King Jr. preached the following words: “The next thing we must be concerned

The Feast of His Becoming Human – Christmas, for which we are now preparing, is not simply the feast of the birth of Christ; it is the feast of His becoming human, the reality called the Incarnation.

Kresta In The Afternoon

Today on Kresta – December 21, 2009 – Talking about the “things that matter most” on Dec. 21 Kresta Countdown of the top interviews of 2009 #40 – Polygamy and the Courts From the Mormon Church’s public

LifeNews.com

Analysis: How Nelson-Reid Compromise Allows Abortion Funding in Health Care – Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) — Pro-life groups have spent most of Saturday morning furiously analyzing the Nelson-Reid compromise language on abortion funding in the

Ben Nelson Faces Pro-Life Rally, Backlash After Abortion-Health Care Sellout – Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) — Senator Ben Nelson of Nebraska faces a significant backlash after compromising his pro-life views on abortion by proposing language in

Ben Nelson Refused to Allow Pro-Life Group’s Input on Abortion Funding Deal – Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) — Sen Ben Nelson is earning himself the ire of the majority of Americans who are pro-life on abortion with his 11th-hour deal allowing

House Abortion Advocates Unsure How to Respond to Reid-Nelson Abortion Deal – Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) — The pro-abortion activists in the House of Representatives are unsure how to respond to the deal struck between senators Harry Reid and

Nelson-Reid Abortion Compromise Doesn’t Ban Abortion Funding in Health Care Bill – Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) — Senator Ben Nelson announced today that he will become the crucial 60th vote that Democrats need to pass a government-run health care

Planned Parenthood, NOW, NARAL Oppose Abortion-Health Care Funding Deal – Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) — Leading pro-abortion organizations are coming out in opposition to the new abortion funding “compromise” worked out by Senators Harry

Pro-Abortion Senators Hail Reid-Nelson Compromise on Abortion-Health Care – Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) — Pro-abortion senators say they are pleased with the new abortion funding language that appears in the manager’s amendment Senate

Pro-Life Advocates Blast Reid-Nelson Health Care Abortion Funding Compromise – Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) — The initial reaction from pro-life organizations and lawmakers to the compromise deal reached by Senate Leader Harry Reid and Nebraska

Reid-Nelson Compromise Leaves Open Abortion Funding on Indian Reservations – Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) — Senate Republicans have analyzed the so-called new abortion funding compromise struck by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Nebraska

Senate Ends Filibuster on Manager’s Amendment to Pro-Abortion Health Care Bill – Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) — The Senate has ended the filibuster against the manager’s amendment, the changes Senate Leader Harry Reid is sponsoring to the

Stupak Knocks Senate Abortion Health Care Compromise, Would Defeat It in House – Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) — Rep. Bart Stupak, the pro-life Michigan congressman who led the fight against the abortion funding in the House, says he doesn’t approve

Wisconsin Senator Expands Call to Probe Planned Parenthood on Abortion Video – Madison, WI (LifeNews.com) — A Wisconsin state senator is expanding his call for an investigation of a Planned Parenthood abortion center shown on an undercover video

LifeSiteNews.com

“Craven Betrayal”: Associates Baffled by Nelson’s Mysterious About-Face – By Kathleen GilbertWASHINGTON, D.C., December 20, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) – After Senator Ben Nelson (D-Neb.) announced Saturday that he had decided to support the

Canadian Panel to Study Euthanasia Stacked with Pro-Euthanasia Academics – By Thaddeus M. BaklinskiOTTAWA, December 21, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) – The Royal Society of Canada, an association of scientists and scholars “dedicated to encouraging

Lila Rose Says Escort Assaulted her Outside Abortion Mill – SAN JOSE, California, Dec. 18, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Live Action Films president Lila Rose, the undercover investigator who has gained notoriety for videotaping

Mistrust Among Senators Thickens as Bill Hurtles Toward Christmas Eve Vote – By  Kathleen GilbertWASHINGTON, D.C., December 21, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) – The atmosphere of urgency that Democrats have propped up around the health care overhaul is

Senate Clears Major Health Care Vote 60-40 – By Kathleen GilbertWASHINGTON, D.C., December 21, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) – The U.S. Senate voted 1 a.m. Monday morning to close debate on the manager’s amendment to the

Study Finds Half of Women on “Birth Control Shot” Suffer Bone Problems – GALVESTON, Texas, December 21, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Nearly half of women using depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA), commonly known as the birth control shot,

UN General Assembly Eliminates Reference to “Sexual Orientation,” Gender Identity – By James TillmanNEW YORK, December 21, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) — Last Friday the United Nations General Assembly voted to delete language from a proposed resolution

Vatican Sends Anti-Communist Message with Sainthood Picks – By Hilary WhiteROME, December 21, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) – The Vatican has sent the world a message of Catholicism’s fundamental opposition to communism with the

Virginia Mother Gets Away with Infanticide Due to ‘Loophole’ in the Law – By Patrick B. CraineCAMPBELL COUNTY, Virginia, December 21, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) – A mother who suffocated her newborn baby earlier this month in Campbell County,

National Catholic Register Blog

Bishops Continue to Oppose Health Care Bill – By Tim Drake | Fox News is reporting that the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops are continuing to oppose the Senate health care bill saying that even with new

Health-Care Weekend Roundup – By The Editors | Here are a number of key links detailing the events of this past weekend regarding health-care reform. Saturday morning, Nebraska Sen. Ben Nelson said

Pope Benedict’s Christmas Gift to the World – By Tim Drake | In a series of decrees issued Saturday, the Vatican approved miracles allowing for the canonization of five people, the beatification of five others, and

New Liturgical Movement

Ave Maria: The Offertory Chant – [ Live recording, contemporary ] From William Mahrt, editor of Sacred Music, comes this commentary on this past Sunday’s offertory chant. A striking fact is that many

Fr. Mauro Gagliardi on Liturgical Vestments and the Vesting Prayers – Some of our readers will no doubt be interested in Fr. Mauro Gaglariadi’s most recent column in Zenit from Dec. 18th, on the topic of the sacred liturgy, Liturgical

New Temporary Masthead – As many of you will know, the Vatican recently announced that it wished to protect the names and symbols of the Roman pontiff, including the papal office generally.

Solemn Mass of Msgr Pozzo in Rome’s Gesù e Maria – After having celebrated at the Roman Personal Parish for the Extraordinary Form, Most Holy Trinity of the Pilgrims (Ss. Trinità dei Pellegrini), in September, Mgr. Guido

The Catholic People Sing – Here are Catholics in Hilldale, Wisconsin, singing at a shopping in front of Macy’s — many popular chant hymns in Latin! This is just a fantastic way to do missionary

The Place of the People – The sloganeering about the centrality of the people at Catholic liturgy has been absolutely overwhelming for many decades. One could easily get the impression that the

OSV Daily Take

Does Avatar pander to pantheists? – By Mary DeTurris Poust I have not seen James Cameron’s latest mega-movie Avatar , but I’m sure at some point I will. Not because I love science fiction but because I am

Steve Ray

Did the Wise Men Meet the Shepherds? – Today at 6 PM Eastern I will be with Patrick Coffin on Catholic Answers Live. You can listen on-line here . We will be discussing Christmas, Bethlehem and the Birth of

On Catholic Answers Live Tonight – I will be the guest on Catholic Answers Live at 6 PM Eastern time talking about the Nativity. Hope you can join us! To listen on-line visit the Radio tab at Catholic

The Anchoress

The Challenge – “The issue is now clear. It is between light and darkness, and everyone must choose his side.” — reported last words of G. K. Chesterton

Wrapping our heads around the world at Christmas – So, Bookworm is sounding bummed out as she is quoting Mark Steyn : The liberal wing of the party—the Barney Franks, the David Obeys—are focused beyond November 2010, to

The Splendor of the Church

THE VENERABLE POPE JOHN PAUL THE GREAT – Pope John Paul the Great, the greatest Christian missionary of the modern times. Pope, Poet, Playwright, Author, Youth Animator and Preacher par excellence of the

THE VENERABLE POPE PIUS XII – Ven. Pope Pius XII leading the faithful in prayer Holy Father declares World War II Pope is Venerable Vatican City, December 19 ( CNA ) .- In a recent round of

USCCB News

Pope Accepts Resignation of Archbishop Daniel Pilarczyk of Cincinnati; Co-Adjutor Archbishop Dennis Schnurr Succeeds – WASHINGTON—Pope Benedict XVI has acaccepted the resignation of Archbishop Daniel E. Pilarczyk, 75, from the pastoral care of the archdiocese of Cincinnati. He is

What Does The Prayer Really Say?

Dust up in Japan over new translation – In the UK’s weekly liberal fishwrap The Tablet (aka The Pill aka RU486) there is a note about a tussle over the new translation in Japan. JAPAN JAPAN’S BISHOPS have

How wouldst thou vote in our “Thou v. You” poll? – Maybe we could have a petition…. “What if we just said ‘Thee’?” …  How wouldst thou vote? n In an English translation of the Roman Missal what style would you

POLL ALERT: Le Figaro on Ven. Pius XII … AUX ARMES! – Aux armes, citoyens! In another entry I asked you readers to keep your eyes peeled for online POLLS about the decision of Pope Benedict XVI to promulgate the decree

QUAERITUR: priest says not to lift the chasuble during TLM – From a reader: Our TLM priest has asked the altar servers not to lift his chasuble during the elevations. Says it distracts him. Anyway, I was wondering if the chasuble

ZENIT RSS-Newsfeed

2009 Unfolded With an Africa Theme, Says Pope [2009-12-21] – Stresses Need for Reconciliation on All Levels

Archbishop Schnurr Leads Cincinnati Diocese [2009-12-21] – Pope Names Bishops in Canada and Kenya

Benedict XVI Recalls Yad Vashem Visit [2009-12-21] – Calls Experience “Overwhelming”

Benedict XVI: All Rights Reserved [2009-12-21] – Declaration Made on Use of Pope’s Name

Cancer Survivor Grateful to Blessed Mary MacKillop [2009-12-21] – Nun and Founder to Be Australia’s 1st Saint

Emmanuel, the Prayer and the Promise [2009-12-21] – Biblical Reflection for Vigil Mass for Christmas Eve Year C

Excavation Uncovers Nazareth Home from Jesus’ Time [2009-12-21] – Provides Unprecedented Window into Ancient Lifestyles

Hebrew-Speaking Catholics Affirm Pius XII’s Virtues [2009-12-21] – Say Only God Can Know if He Did Enough to Save Jews

Israel’s Hebrew-Speaking Catholics on Pius XII [2009-12-21] – “He Left His Mark on the Church in the 20th Century”

John Paul II’s Holiness Was “Unmistakable” [2009-12-21] – Supreme Knight Carl Anderson Reflects on Pontiff

Phoenix Bishop Affirms Church’s Role in the University [2009-12-21] – Underlines Importance of Evangelization

Pontifical Mission for Palestine Marks 60 Years [2009-12-21]

Spanish Journalist “Lolo” to Be Beatified [2009-12-21] – Pope Acknowledges Miraculous Healing

Please read the following message from CatholicVote.org

The news is still sinking in.

Saturday morning, in the middle of a monster snowstorm, Senator Ben Nelson caved and agreed to support phony abortion language in the proposed Senate healthcare bill. His agreement gave the Democrats the final vote needed to proceed with a vote on their bill.

If this legislation becomes law, it will entangle the American taxpayer in the financing of abortion in a way that has never occurred before. The federal government will force you to subsidize private health insurance plans that cover abortion, resulting in the largest expansion of abortion since Roe v. Wade.

It is a sad day when the lives of innocent babies are traded away for a single vote. But it serves as a powerful reminder of why the mission of CatholicVoteAction is so critical.

The pro-abortion lobby wants nothing more than a complacent Catholic laity. They want us to give up and move on.

During this entire healthcare debate, some Democrats like Rep. Bart Stupak were willing to buck this trend. While others, like Senator Ben Nelson and Senator Bob Casey, talked a big pro-life game but ultimately folded under pressure.

Senator Casey was a big disappointment. When running to replace Sen. Rick Santorum, Casey pledged to be a strong pro-life and pro-family voice. Then he betrayed us earlier this year with his vote in favor of federal funding for oversees abortions. But the prize of passing any healthcare bill (no matter how flawed) also caught Casey’s eye. And instead of stepping up to the plate and stopping this provision, mighty Casey struck out.

Senator Nelson’s vote was even more shameful. Nelson repeatedly stated that the prevention of federal funding of abortion was so important that he would derail the whole bill in order to stand up for the unborn. In fact, just recently Senator Nelson said, “Federal taxpayer money ought not to be used to fund abortions. So whether it is subsidies on premiums or whether it is tax credits or whatever it is… it should not be used to fund abortions.”

So what changed?

At the last minute, Senator Nelson secured what’s being called the Cornhusker Kickback. Because the proposed healthcare bill obligates cash-strapped states to chip in more money into Medicaid, Senator Nelson demanded a one-state loophole preventing Nebraska from having to pay an estimated $100 million. And it’s a permanent loophole.

In the end, the voices of the unborn were ignored by a win-at-all-costs mentality.

We at CatholicVote are accustomed to politicians neglecting the priority of protecting the unborn. But faced with this challenge, our message must be defiant: we will never forget about these children! We will always stand up for justice. And you can be confident we will make sure politicians that let us down pay a heavy political price when they seek the Catholic vote.

Right now, the best way you can help this cause is to help us build our movement into a stronger voice so that we can continue to fight for children, for families and for our faith. Tell your friends to sign-up for our newsletter at www.catholicvoteaction.org. Help us to be there whenever and wherever we are needed in 2010.

And 2010 will start off with a bang, as the Senate bill will have to be reconciled with the House bill. Rep. Stupak and his colleagues are already gearing up for a big fight, and they are going to need our help.

Thank you for your courageous stand on behalf of the unborn. Remember that nothing in life, even in politics, is outside the scope of God’s Providence. It’s precisely at a moment of temporary defeat where Our Lord often tests our faith in Him the most.

Sincerely,
Brian Burch, President
CatholicVoteAction

P.S. We ran ads around the clock. We filled their email and phone boxes. We did our part, and we stood up for the truth. But don’t be discouraged… this legislation must still overcome the hurdles of being reconciled with the House version. And as we witnessed this past weekend, a lot can change in a short amount of time.

Finally, look for a special message from us tomorrow, that is finally (gasp) NOT about healthcare.

NOTE: This message was paid for by CatholicVoteAction.org.  As a public policy advocacy group, contributions to CatholicVoteAction.org are NOT tax-deductible. Contributions to CatholicVote.org remain tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. 

Dec. 19, 7pm—Dec. 20, 7pm

Catholic News Agency

Archbishop Nienstedt preaches joy and conversion to prison inmates – St. Paul, Minn., Dec 20, 2009 / 02:29 pm ( CNA ).- Tim O’Meara, 50, heartily shook Archbishop of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, Most Rev. John Nienstedt’s hand and grinned

Benedict XVI names new primate for Polish Catholics – Vatican City, Dec 20, 2009 / 12:33 pm ( CNA ).- After Sunday’s Angelus in Vatican City, Pope Benedict XVI congratulated the new primate of the Polish church, Archbishop

Christmas is God’s answer to drama of humanity, Pope declares – Vatican City, Dec 20, 2009 / 12:19 pm ( CNA ).- Pope Benedict XVI led the Angelus from the window of his Vatican chambers on this crisp, clear winter morning of the

Church to celebrate feast of first martyr – CNA STAFF, Dec 20, 2009 / 05:16 am ( CNA ).- On Saturday, December 26, the universal church will commemorate the death of St. Stephen, the first man to give his life in

Pope Benedict’s environmentalism concerned with the ‘ecology of man,’ Vatican observer writes – Rome, Italy, Dec 20, 2009 / 04:02 am ( CNA ).- Pope Benedict XVI’s so-called “green revolution” differs in key ways from parts of the environmentalist movement, Vatican

Slain Irish missionary priest remembered in Kenya – Kericho, Kenya, Dec 20, 2009 / 07:49 pm ( CNA ).- The memorial Mass for Fr. Jerry Roche, an Irish priest slain by burglars in Kenya, was held on Thursday. The Mass was

Vatican newspaper helps build school in Africa – Vatican City, Dec 20, 2009 / 12:23 pm ( CNA ).- After the Angelus on Sunday, Pope Benedict XVI sent a “cordial greeting” out to the employees of the Vatican newspaper,

Catholic Online > U.S. News

Health Reform Tells the Unborn: Sorry, No Room in the Inn. – How can we welcome the Infant King when we refuse to welcome our own infants? Indeed, we do not welcome our own …

Catholic Online > Video > Most Popular

Dec 20 – Homily: Christmas in History – Fr. Ignatius, taking his queue from the Gospel of Luke, stresses the historicity of the Gospel accounts, and that we should be most concerned about what God thinks on

CBCP News – Diocesan News

Capalla says Christmas is hope – DAVAO CITY, December 20, 2009—Few days before Christmas, Davao Archbishop Fernando Capalla in his early Holiday message reminds the people not to live in despair despite

Conversion Diary

Christmas after atheism – Since I’m so often asked what it’s like to experience Christmas after a life of atheism (especially that I was an atheist even as a child), here is a quick roundup of

New Liturgical Movement

Christmas Proclamation, A Better English Version – The Proclamation from the USCCB , as compared with the Vatican edition , has left many people dissatisfied. John Burchfield of the St. Theresa’s Gregorian Schola made

Faithfulness in God Points to Christ – by John Vernoski Webmaster of Byzcath.org (NLM Guest Article) Shawn Tribe’s commentary a few weeks back ( see here ) spoke about the Byzantine Calendar and our

The Year of Priests Cont. – I’ve been writing for some time that the new and paradigmatic ideal in Catholic liturgical music is the sacred music tradition, not just in theory (which has always been

The Anchoress

Dec 20 – O Key of David – Again a nice meditation from the DSMME’s and Julie at Happy Catholic joins in the exposition : O Key of David, O royal power of Israel, controlling at your will the gate

Snowed In Lookarounds – A lazy morning with snow everywhere. This is not my picture; I don’t remember where I found it, but I love it. Might as well lookaround and see what’s new! I’m still

USCCB News

Health Reform Bill Needs More Work Despite New Language on Abortion, Say Catholic Bishops – WASHINGTON—The Senate health reform bill should not move forward in its current form, Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, Bishop William Murphy of Rockville

What Does The Prayer Really Say?

Avenging elephants in India didn’t forget – The great pastor of Blackfen, His Hermeneuticalness, has an interesting post: Last July, as you may remember, Christians in the Indian state of Orissa were subjected to

Evening
- I had a very fine left over fine carcass! I am making soup. Chicken soup. A savory roasted chicken having been consumed, I extracted from the freezer stock made at

Sen. Nelson sold himself – Sen. Nelson (D-NE) gets from Pres. Obama and Sen. Reid (D-NV) federal money for Medicaid … for Nebraska… pretty much forever? Sen. Nelson is apparently okay with other

WDTPRS: 4th Sunday of Advent – COLLECT (2002MR) – The Collect for this Sunday is the Post-communion of the Feast of the Annunciation (25 March) in the 1962MR. Most of you who recite the Angelus know this prayer. This

ZENIT RSS-Newsfeed

Christmas Is Not a Fairytale for Children, Says Pope [2009-12-20] – Calls It God’s Answer to Mankind’s Search for Peace

End-of-Year Charitable Contribution [2009-12-20]

John Paul II Closer to Canonization [2009-12-20] – Benedict XVI Advances Cause of Pius XII

Mary MacKillop to Be Australia’s 1st Saint [2009-12-20] – Called a “True Inspiration” In a World Lacking Heroes

On Bethlehem, City-Symbol of Peace [2009-12-20] – “A Peace That Is Laboriously Sought and Awaited”

Pontiff Speaks to Children of Catholic Action [2009-12-20] – “Jesus Sees You and Hears You, Even Though You Are Little”

Pontiff to Children: Approach Christ Without Fear [2009-12-20] – Tells Them That Jesus Is Glad to Hear From Them

Turkey’s Lack of Religious Liberty [2009-12-20] – It’s Been a Difficult Year for Christians

In case you were wondering…here’s the low-down from Pundit and Pundette.

“This reprehensible and deceptive agreement is a historic and radical shift in policy that will require taxpayers to pay for abortion…”

And a link to SBA List to email your Senators.

Dec. 18, 7pm—Dec. 19, 7pm

Catholic News Agency

Abortion clinic escort strikes Planned Parenthood investigator Lila Rose – San Jose, Calif., Dec 19, 2009 / 03:37 am ( CNA ).- Legal charges are pending against a male Planned Parenthood escort who struck pro-life activist Lila Rose on the

D.C. mayor signs same-sex ‘marriage’ legislation – Washington D.C., Dec 19, 2009 / 06:57 am ( CNA ).- Mayor Adrian Fenty of Washington, D.C., has signed a measure recognizing same-sex “marriage” in the District. The law

Holy Father declares World War II Pope is Venerable – Vatican City, Dec 19, 2009 / 12:12 pm ( CNA ).- In a recent round of authorizations by Benedict XVI on Saturday, Pope Pius XII was proclaimed as having displayed

Holy See declares unique copyright on Papal figure – Vatican City, Dec 19, 2009 / 12:23 pm ( CNA ).- The Vatican made a declaration on the protection of the figure of the Pope on Saturday morning.  The statement seeks to

John Paul II declared Venerable, moves one step closer to sainthood – Vatican City, Dec 19, 2009 / 11:28 am ( CNA ).- Pope Benedict XVI has signed a decree recognizing the late Pope John Paul II’s life of “heroic virtue.” With his

Mary MacKillop to become first Australian saint – Vatican City, Dec 19, 2009 / 11:42 am ( CNA ).- Blessed Mary MacKillop will soon enter the Canon of Catholic Saints.  Saturday morning at the Vatican a second miracle

Pope tells children, Jesus ‘never forgets you’ – Vatican City, Dec 19, 2009 / 02:12 pm ( CNA ).- Pope Benedict XVI met with the youngest members of the Italian Catholic Action group on Saturday morning for their

President of Italian bishops says climate of ‘political hatred’ must be overcome – Rome, Italy, Dec 18, 2009 / 11:05 pm ( CNA ).- During a Mass attended by numerous government officials, the president of the Italian Bishops’ Conference, Cardinal Angelo

Project Rachel to tackle extreme abortion rates in Eastern Europe – Rome, Italy, Dec 19, 2009 / 02:18 pm ( CNA ).- Project Rachel is working to expand its ministry into Romania and Ukraine, where women report having had between 13 and 30

Sen. Nelson accepts Reid abortion provisions, upsets pro-life community – Washington D.C., Dec 19, 2009 / 04:54 pm ( CNA ).- This afternoon Senator Ben Nelson (D-Neb.) announced that he will now vote for cloture on the Senate health care bill

Seventh auxiliary Bishop of Providence ordained before hometown family and friends – Providence, R.I., Dec 19, 2009 / 06:17 pm ( CNA ).- Bishop Robert C. Evans was ordained the seventh auxiliary bishop for the Diocese of Providence on Tuesday afternoon.

Wife’s passing inspires Iowa man’s renewal of faith – Davenport, Iowa, Dec 19, 2009 / 02:34 pm ( CNA ).- Even a year after her passing, Nancy Graf’s work continues.  Only these days, it’s through her husband.  A formerly

Catholic Online > International News

Rome Speaks: Declaration on the Protection of the Figure of the Pope – ‘The Holy See hereby declares that it alone has the right to ensure the respect due to the Successors of …

Catholic Online > Politics

A Judas Moment? Did Senator Ben Nelson Just Sell his Vote for a Bag of Silver? – If Senator Ben Nelson sold his vote for a bag of silver it has become a ‘Judas moment’ not a …

AK Bishops urge Begich to support Health Reform that Does not Expand Abortion Funding – Despite several phone calls, however, efforts to convince Sen. Begich to support the amendment were unheeded.

Exclusive : Dr. John Brehany, of the Catholic Medical Association, on Health Care Reform – Catholic Online was able to talk with the CEO of the Catholic Medical Association about the role of his …

Majority in U.S. Senate Deaf to the Voices of Pro-Life Americans and Catholics – ‘The state ‘opt-out’ language is smoke and mirrors. Catholic, Pro-Life Members of …

Sen. Nelson Caves In to Democratic Party Pressure – Once again the bright light will fall on Cong. Bart Stupak (D-MI) who stood up against immense pressure last month …

Catholic Online > Video > Most Popular

Dec 18 – Homily: Stir up Thy Might – Fr. Angelo relates the Visitation of Mary to St Elizabeth in the Gospel today to the call to be stirred up by the might of God in the collect just as St John the Baptist

Creative Minority Report

80’s Chicks With Guns – With a bonus appearance by Major Dad! I laughed until I cried. ht RightWingVideo!

Fr. Barron on Abortion and the Law – It’s hard to beat rational thinking.

It’s all on Stupak Now – The Politico reports: An aide to Rep. Bart Stupak (D. Mich.) coordinated opposition to a Senate compromise on the place of abortion in health care legislation this

JPII and Pius XII Declared Venerable – As expected VATICAN CITY (Reuters) – The late Pope John Paul II moved closer to sainthood in the Catholic Church on Sunday when his successor, Pope Benedict, approved a

Oh Nooooo! Nelson Cracking? Deal Likely? – That sound you’re hearing may be the cracking of Senator Ben Nelson’s moral fiber. Ace is reporting that Ben Nelson may be on the brink of breaking and turning into a

Pro-Life Ads Target Casey – Nobody has come up shorter in this whole healthcare fiasco than Pennsylvania Senator Bob Casey. And I’m glad to see two pro-life groups are starting up some pretty

Rocket Scientist – Not! – She should be a climatologist. Be sure to watch it until the end.

Faith and Family Live!

13 Year Old New Evangelist – Lisa Hendey: Meet a teen who inspires on this week’s show | On this week’s show (click here to listen or click on the player above), we welcome two very special guests. 

As We Forgive – Rebecca Teti: | I know there are many Immaculee Ilibagizafans here, so this may interest you. Here’s the trailer for a forthcoming documentary on the reconciliation

Blessed Are You – Lisa Hendey: Kids Gospel Moment video for the Fourth Sunday of Advent |

Picture Perfect – Robyn Lee: Christmas Cards from a Single Person | Like many of you, I am receiving Christmas cards in the mail everyday. I love to look at pictures of the growing

Praying Through the Noise – Arwen Mosher: Children, prayer time, and God’s hand | Our kids were especially feisty this morning. Bryan and I sat on the couch to say morning prayer together. Often

Solstice, Galileo and Obelisk – Tom and April Hoopes: User’s Guide to Sunday | (In this weekly column, Tom and April Hoopes share family-friendly ways of observing the liturgical year and celebrating

Susie Homemakers, Check In Here – Danielle Bean: Coffee Talk: Homemaking | (Join each day’s Coffee Talk discussion: Mon: Parenting; Tues: Open Forum; Wed: NFP; Thu: Marriage; Fri: Education; Sat/Sun:

LifeSiteNews.com

69 year-old student started to make religious themes in ceramics class which prompted college’s … – DALLAS, Texas, December 18, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) – A Dallas area community college is facing a possible lawsuit if administrators fail to revoke a policy of banning

BREAKING: Sen. Nelson Caves, Announces Support for Health Care Bill With Abortion Funding – By Kathleen GilbertWASHINGTON, D.C., December 19, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) – The final known obstacle for President Obama’s health care overhaul suddenly toppled Saturday

Commentary on Dec 18 News – Another challenge from a reader. This has certainly become an interesting Christmas season campaign. Please join in the challenge or give a gift to LSN of any

New Liturgical Movement

“Saturday of the Twelve Lessons”: Ember Saturday in Advent – The Saturday in Ember Week in Advent — which is today in the calendar of the usus antiquior — gets a significant treatment in Blessed Cardinal Schuster’s work, The

Decree on Heroic Virtues of Pius XII and John Paul II – This morning, Our Most Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI has approved the promulgation of several decrees of the Congregation for the Causes of the Saints. Outstanding among

What if We just Said Wait? We’ve Waited Long Enough: Counter-Petition in Support of the New English Translation of the Roman Missal – As many of our readers will no doubt already be aware, in response to the forthcoming new English translation of the Roman Missal — a translation which is far more

Patrick Madrid

Did the Holy See Just Patent, Trademark, and Copyright the Papacy? – No, really. It looks like that’s what at least somebody in the HS press office intends to do. I did a double take when I saw this on their website today, but here’s the

Jack Bauer Interrogates Santa – http://patrickmadrid.blogspot.com

Steve Ray

John Paul II Declared “Venerable” – In a series of decrees issued on December 19, the Vatican has approved miracles allowing for the canonization of five people and the beatification of five others. The

Running (& Biking) 1000 Miles Each This Year – I turn 55 years old on December 29, 2009. So exercising and a good diet are no longer an option. If I am going to be a good husband, dad and grandpa; if I am going to

The Anchoress

Dec 19 – O Radix Jesse – Once again, the sisters give us a nudge : O Flower of Jesse’s stem, you have been raised up as a sign for all peoples; kings stand silent in your presences; the nations

Mary and Elizabeth – If you are snowed in , you have time to indulge me, but even if you are scurrying around, I urge to take a few minutes to read Deacon Greg’s meaty homily on what we

The Splendor of the Church

ANG DATING DAAN SUMASAMBA SA DIOS DIOSANG MAY PUWIT! – The Lord Jesus in Glory by Fra Angelico [ John Benedict Bondoc of ANG DATING DAAN has left a new comment on your post " UPDATE ON CHURCH OF GOD INTERNATIONAL or ANG

ANNOUNCEMENT: SPECIAL CHRISTMAS TRIDENTINE LATIN MASS IN ST. JEROME PARISH, ALABANG - The Birth of the Messiah Announcement Posted by Bro. Gerald Cenir at his blog dedicated to the liturgy in the Philppines, particularly the celebrations of the TLM ---

What Does The Prayer Really Say?

ALERT! Maniples in the news! - I don’t know how many times I have had discussions with liberal priests about the use of the maniple.  For some reasons liberals hate maniples, which in itself is a good

Anti-Catholic, anti-priest move by Celebrity Cruises - For the following, keep two points in mind. Priests will tell you that they often hear some pretty amazing confessions when they visit a parish where they are not

Expectation of the Blessed Virgin - interesting customs - Over at the excellent Lion & Cardinal there is an entry about today’s traditional observance of the Expectation of the Blessed Virgin. My emphases and comments: Dom

In Belleville, Bp. Braxton takes a stand on kneeling (POLL ALERT) - On the site of a newspaper in SW Illinois, St. Louis, bnd.com there is an article about the Bishop of Belleville, Most REv. Edward Braxton. It seems that in one of the

Is the Holy See “copyrighting” Ven. Pope John Paul’s name? - From VIS: DECLARATION ON THE PROTECTION OF THE FIGURE OF THE POPE Recent years have witnessed a great increase of affection and esteem for the person of the Holy Father.

Let’s keep an eye on POLLS about Ven. Pius XII - I am guessing that in the wake of the declaration of Pius XII as Venerable, there may be a few dust ups in the press.  I am guessing there will be polls about this, too.

NY Daily News article on Pius XII (POLL ALERT) - You knew that as soon as the ball started rolling again in the cause of Pope Pius XII, as Pope Benedict XVI did today, the naysayers would resume their detraction. What

PETITION PROJECT HELP REQUEST: We've Waited Long Enough - Here is an ALERT to all WDTPRS readers and a request to bloggers to help. But first, a digression to whet your appetite. Remember that whole business of a petition by

Some recent posts - Some posts of interest: ALERT! Maniples in the news! Is the Holy See “copyrighting” Ven. Pope John Paul’s name?PETITION PROJECT HELP REQUEST: We’ve Waited Long

USCCB statement: ‘Compromise’ would make citizens pay for others’ abortions - From the USCCB: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   ‘ABORTION COMPROMISE’ DOES NOTADDRESS CORE PROBLEM IN SENATE HEALTH BILL, SAYS CARDINAL DINARDO, BISHOPS’ PRO-LIFE CHAIR  

VENERABLE John Paul II and… by the way…. PIUS XII!! - The title of "Venerable" is given to those whom Holy Church determined within a reasonable doubt lived a heroic life of virtue.   The Congregation for Causes of Saints

ZENIT RSS-Newsfeed

Decrees of Vatican's Saint Congregation [2009-12-19] – Testify to 10 Miracles; 10 Cases of Heroic Virtue; 1 Martyrdom

Father Cantalamessa’s 3rd Advent Sermon [2009-12-19] – “Mary, Mother and Model of the Priest”

The prolife argument is a hyprocritical argument. How is it that you can call yourself prolife yet you support the mass slaughter of animals. The way animals that people eat are treated in mass production is equivelant to the holocaust if you ask me, the only difference is that people have the ability to speak up. I’ve never been able to relate to that side of the debate anyway, because I’ve never thought any group of people should be allowed to make everyone elses personal descisions. The modern conservative view would make abortions illegal across the board, so that nobody in any circumstances would have the ability to have one. To me the major decider in the debate is the fact that different people are in different situations with different circumstances & what works for one person may not be the answer for another, but any individual should be able to decide for themselves. The prolife argument would argue that the babies should have rights because they don’t have the ability to speak for themselves, but in that case wouldn’t it be the same for animals and trees being cut down. Thats why in my view these people are not prolife at all, they are simply pro-human or pro-human fetus. What is it that makes us so sacred, when humans are the cause of pain and suffering for nearly all lower creatures I find it kinda hard to be sympathetic to the anti-abortion argument. Nearly all prolife people eat meat, and lots of them support the death penalty. So their saying that its ok to kill millions of defensless animals & plants, and to destroy the oceans, but its not okay to prevent a baby from being born (into a bad situation at that). Maybe if I actually met a prolife person that was pro-all life I could take them more seriously, but the fact is that their views are simply driven by religion & us sane folks decided a long time ago that we don’t want religion controlling our lives.

Dec. 17, 7pm—Dec. 18, 7pm

American Life League (Encouraging Words)

RECIPE FOR LIFE – Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer.  (Romans 12:12)

American Life League (Judie Brown)

HEALTH CARE REFORM: ANOTHER BETRAYAL OF CHRIST AND HIS BABIES – If I sound like a broken record, excuse me! But, someone has got to persist in exposing the emperor who is not only buck naked but about as evil as anyone could be. And

American Papist: Not Your Average Catholic!

Photo Caption Call – 12/18/09 – {Add your humorous caption in the comment box!} View the last Photo Caption Call here . Submit new photos for AmP Photo Caption Call to my email. [Photo source: AmP

Photo: This deserves detention?! - A Massachusetts teacher thought it deserved more than that: AP  : This drawing, released by Chester Johnson, of Taunton, shows a sketch of Jesus on the cross created by

Video: Catholic Vote's firm reminder to Senator Casey - Catholic Vote Action (CVA) has released their second ad today (their first ad has well over 250,000 views on YouTube) - this one targeting Pennsylvania Senator Bob Casey

Video: Silent Monks Singing Halleluia - Apparently you aren't a Catholic blog if you haven't posted this video: Solidarity is a Christian virtue.

Catholic News Agency

Apostolic Visitation to Legionaries of Christ will conclude March 2010 - Rome, Italy, Dec 18, 2009 / 07:01 pm ( CNA ).- The Legionaries of Christ have announced that the ongoing Apostolic Visitation of the order will end in mid-March 2010

Bishop Sgreccia presents Pope with 'Encyclopedia of Bioethics and Legal science' - Vatican City, Dec 17, 2009 / 10:50 pm ( CNA ).- The president emeritus of the Pontifical Academy for Life, Bishop Elio Sgreccia, presented Pope Benedict XVI with a copy

Catholics help advance Alaska parental notification petition for underage abortion - Anchorage, Alaska, Dec 18, 2009 / 12:35 am ( CNA ).- An Alaskan petition initiative to place a measure requiring parental notification for an underage girl seeking an

Catholics United group avoids taking stand on legal abortion - Washington D.C., Dec 17, 2009 / 08:26 pm ( CNA ).- Catholics United, responding to charges that it is a "fake Catholic group" for supporting the Senate health care bill

Copenhagen summit anti-population 'extremists' are unscientific, researcher cautions - Front Royal, Va., Dec 18, 2009 / 06:49 am ( CNA ).- With the close of the Copenhagen summit on climate change, demographics expert Steven W. Mosher has warned that

Holy Father to light six-ton Christmas tree in St. Peter's Square - Vatican City, Dec 18, 2009 / 11:18 am ( CNA ).- Friday afternoon at sunset, Pope Benedict XVI will flip a switch to turn on the Christmas lights adorning the 27 meter

Holy See delegation pushes for 'authentic human ecology' at Copenhagen Conference - Copenhagen, Denmark, Dec 18, 2009 / 07:46 pm ( CNA ).- Archbishop Celestino Migliore, the head of the Vatican delegation to the United Nations Climate Change Conference

Judge upholds ruling against photographers who declined work at homosexual ceremony - Albuquerque, N.M., Dec 18, 2009 / 04:12 am ( CNA ).- Attorneys for a small photography company charged with violating anti-discrimination laws for declining to

Legion of Christ discloses Fr. Maciel's plagiarism to its members - CNA STAFF, Dec 18, 2009 / 11:42 am ( CNA ).- In an effort to distance itself from the wrongdoings of its founder, the Legion of Christ has recently circulated an

New Catholic radio station launches 'channel of evangelization' in Phoenix - Phoenix, Ariz., Dec 18, 2009 / 02:40 am ( CNA ).- A new Catholic radio station launched in Phoenix on Thursday, becoming the 24th station of the Immaculate Heart Radio

Number of cardinals eligible to vote for Pope drops - Vatican City, Dec 18, 2009 / 04:05 pm ( CNA ).- Vatican Radio reported today that yet another cardinal has reached the age of retirement.  Cardinal Jozef Glemp,

Organization uses name of Blessed Mother to finance abortions in Mexico city - Mexico City, Mexico, Dec 18, 2009 / 01:07 am ( CNA ).- The Abortion Fund for Social Justice, "Women, Abortion, Reproduction and Accompaniment," announced this week the

Rutherford Institute takes case of boy given psych evaluation after drawing Jesus - Charlottesville, Va., Dec 17, 2009 / 09:47 pm ( CNA ).- The Rutherford Institute is taking on the case of a Massachusetts second grader who was forced by the local

Sen. Casey says faith groups praise his abortion proposal, U.S. bishops not satisfied - Washington D.C., Dec 18, 2009 / 06:56 pm ( CNA ).- Sen. Bob Casey's office released a statement to CNA on Friday afternoon claiming that the senator's abortion

Socialists vote to approve new abortion law for Spain - Madrid, Spain, Dec 18, 2009 / 02:29 pm ( CNA ).- Spain's House of Representatives voted 184 to 158 to pass a reform to the country's abortion laws that would allow for

U.S. archbishop and rabbi to hold religious dialogue on satellite radio - New York City, N.Y., Dec 18, 2009 / 03:02 pm ( CNA ).- SIRIUS XM Radio announced on Thursday that Archbishop Timothy Dolan of the Archdiocese of New York and Rabbi

Catholic Online > International News

Cardinal Bertone Discusses Pope's Priorities - Cardinal Bertone talked of the 'special relationship" Benedict XVI has with the Second Vatican ...

India: 4 Attacks against Churches in 4 days - Stones are thrown at the Grotto of Saint Anthony in the village of Kolaigiri. It is the 66th act of violence ...

Iraq: Policy of 'Religious Cleansing' against Christians Underway says Bishop - Two attacks are carried out in Mosul yesterday; two churches are hit, one baby girl is dead and 40 people are ...

Pope Benedict XVI: Natural Law Must Inform the Positive Law -
‘The only 'equitable' laws are those that defend the sacredness of human life and ...

Pope Warns of 'Dictatorship of Relativism' - Benedict XVI contended that today we see the consequences of a lack of respect for natural law, as reason and ...

Priest Thanks Pope for Stand Against Pedophilia - To the Pope -- to this Pope -- who is doing so much to fight against pedophilia in the clergy and to defend ...

Catholic Online > Politics

DC OKs Same-Sex Unions; Church Renews Pledge to Poor - As the Washington, D.C., city council redefined marriage to include same-sex unions, Church leaders in the ...

Nelson, NRLC, Bishops: No to Casey 'Compromise' - This proposal would break from the long-established principles of the Hyde Amendment by providing federal ...

Senator Ben Nelson's 'Thomas More' Moment: A Matter of Life or Death for Children. - This is a matter of life or death. Pray for Senator Nelson. Pray for all of the children whose lives are at stake. ...

Senator Nelson rejects Casey's Abortion Compromise - 'This is not an issue where you can split the difference. That's what makes it so ...

Catholic Spiritual Direction

How can I determine if a spiritual director is faithful to the church? - Q: Dear Father Joseph, I am hesitant to go to a local priest for spiritual direction because I am worried about his submission, or lack of submission to the Church. He

CBCP News - Diocesan News

Urban poor attends “Panunuluyan” of Manila Archdiocese - MANILA, December 18, 2009—Thousands of urban poor people attended that “Panunuluyan of the Urban Poor” at the eve of the Simbang Gabi, Dec 15. Panunuluyan which is the

Conversion Diary

7 Quick Takes Friday (vol. 62) - --- 1 --- I'm in more of a hurry today than usual , so I'm going to see if I can get all seven of my quick takes written, formatted and published in 15 minutes (normally

Creative Minority Report

Anglican Archdeacon: God Was A Sperm Donor - With Anglicans like these, who needs Unitarians. We have multiple layers of offensive here. First, let's start with the obvious. The billboard. St Matthew-in-the-City

Cold-Blooded Child Murder and the Loophole - I warn you, this story is very disturbing. In Virginia, a mother gave birth to her baby and then suffocated it. Virginia law enforcement is powerless to charge her. As

Inspirational Vid: The Taylor Haugen Story - Thanks to ESPN for covering this.

Priest Joins Atheists and Sues Church - A New Jersey priest has joined with an atheist group in a lawsuit against a Catholic bishop in Brooklyn. Together they are seeking to have the Church's tax exemption

EWTN News

Fir Tree from the Ardennes Deocrates St. Peter's Square - VATICAN CITY, 18 DEC 2009 (VIS) - Benedict XVI this morning received a delegation from Wallonia, the Belgian region which has this year donated the Christmas tree that

Holy Father Lights Six-ton Christmas Tree - Vatican City, Dec 18, 2009 (CNA).- Friday afternoon at sunset, Pope Benedict XVI flipped a switch to turn on the Christmas lights adorning the 27 meter tall tree

Faith and Family Live!

Better Beauty Through Books - Hallie Lord: Fashion Friday vol. 7 | Hiya chickadees! Can you believe we’re a mere week away from Christmas? I still have so much left to do! I’m not complaining,

Read it Again! - Arwen Mosher: Has your child loved a particular book? | Camilla has a collection of Curious George stories (this one) that she loves. It’s been her favorite book for

Reading, Writing, Math & More - Danielle Bean: Coffee Talk: Education | (Join each day’s Coffee Talk discussion: Mon: Parenting; Tues: Open Forum; Wed: NFP; Thu: Marriage; Fri: Education; Sat/Sun:

Reclaiming Joy in Advent Traditions - Heidi Bratton: Squash Stress and Focus on Faith | It’s Advent now, but in our house the “holiday season” began way back in September with apple picking and won’t end

Secret Santa Solutions - Lisa Hendey: Casual Fridays asks "What to buy for coworkers?" | I remember back when I worked in an office, I always sort of dreaded the annual “secret Santa” mania that

Zoo Babies - Rebecca Teti: | Here’s something wonderful. A friend just told me about ZooBorns. Page after page of animal babies from around the world, including exotic species you’ve

Fallible Blogma

Awesome 12 Days of Christmas a cappella - This is great stuff by an a cappella group called “Straight No Chaser.” Enjoy and have a blessed Advent and Merry Christmas. No related posts. No related posts.

Download a free L’Angelus mp3 from their Christmas album - If you still need any great Christmas tunes, a nifty stocking stuffer or just some all around inspiring music…check out L’Angelus.  Order soon and they can still get it

JIMMY AKIN.ORG

The Chicken's Questions - Here we go: 1. Is a validly baptized baby baptized into the Catholic Church or are they merely baptized as a Christian (whatever that means)? Is it better to say that

Kresta In The Afternoon

Annual "Kresta in the Afternoon" Book Recommendation Special - Today we did the annual book show as the last show before we start the "Best of 2009" Countdown. Below are all of the books and links for each. Most are to our online

Religious Freedom? Not So Much - Nearly 70% of the world’s people live in countries that restrict religious liberty, according to a study by the Pew Forum. The Pew survey found restraints on religious

Today on Kresta - December 18, 2009 - Talking about the "things that matter most" on Dec. 18 4:00-6:00 p.m. - Annual Book Recommendation Special!!! Today it’s our annual book recommendation special!!! Over

Vatican dismisses Archbishop Emmanuel Milingo - Retired Archbishop Emmanuel Milingo of Lusaka, Zambia, who attracted the world's attention in 2001 when he attempted to marry a Korean acupuncturist during a ceremony of

Venerable Pope John Paul II? Pope John Paul Advances on Path to Canonization - Pope Benedict XVI is poised to move his predecessor John Paul II a step closer to sainthood in the coming days by declaring the late pontiff "venerable," it's being

LifeNews.com

Bob Casey Faces More Pressure From Pro-Life Groups on Abortion-Health Care - Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- Pennsylvania senator Bob Casey is facing relentless pressure from pro-life advocates not to abandon his self-described pro-life views by

California School District Wants to Cover Up Secret teen Pregnancy Test Incident - Nevada City, CA (LifeNews.com) -- A California school district that received national condemnation when it pulled a 12-year-old girl out of class for a pregnancy test

Doug Kmiec, Tell Barack Obama to Stop Taxpayer-Funded Abortions in DC - For his phenomenal work convincing just enough Catholic voters that pro-abortion, pro-infanticide, pro-human embryo experimentation Barack Obama was actually pro-life,

Key Pro-Life Democrat Bart Stupak Rejects Casey Abortion Funding Compromise - Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- Another key lawmaker is rejecting the Bob Casey compromise on abortion funding in the Senate health care bill -- Rep. Bart Stupak, the

More Details Surface on Incident Involving Cop Intimidating Pro-Life Advocate - Aurora, IL (LifeNews.com) -- More details are surfacing on a Wednesday incident that saw an off-duty police officer intimidate a pro-life advocate helping women outside

Nancy Pelosi: "Thank God" Senate Bill Funds Abortions, Says House Can Pass Bill - Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- In yet another comment that will draw guffaws from pro-life advocates, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is thankful to God that the Senate

Nelson Rejects "Compromise" on Abortion Funding in Senate Health Care Bill - Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- Senator Ben Nelson, who is quickly becoming the must-get 60th vote for Democrats to pass their pro-abortion health care bill in the

Planned Parenthood Transforms Choice on Earth Christmas Card Into Fundraiser - Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- For years, the national Planned Parenthood abortion business has saddened Christians by co-opting Biblical text with its "Choice on

President Obama Forces Americans to Pay for Abortions in Nation's Capital - Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- President Barack Obama signed an omnibus government spending bill today that made it official -- Americans will be forced to pay for

Spain Parliament Votes to Approve Abortions Up to 14 Weeks, 22 in Some Cases - Madrid, Spain (LifeNews.com) -- The Spanish Parliament today approved legislation to legalize abortions through 14 weeks for any reason and 22 weeks in some additional

Virginia Woman Won't be Charged in Death of Her New Born Baby - Rustburg, VA (LifeNews.com) -- A loophole in state law in Virginia is making it so prosecutors are unable to charge a young woman in connection with the death of her

Woman Who Threatened Pro-Lifers With Knife at Abortion Center Pleads Not Guilty - Duluth, MN (LifeNews.com) -- A Minnesota woman who faces assault charges after she allegedly pulled a knife on two pro-life advocates who encouraged her not to have an

LifeSiteNews.com

"Progressive" Priests Reject Pope's Bishop Pick in Spain - By Hilary WhiteSAN SEBASTI�N, Spain, December 19, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) - The appointment of Bishop José Ignacio Munilla to the diocese of San Sebastian in northern

Another Surprising Reader Challenge - Folks, we are not making these things up as creative fundraising strategies, nor are we actively encouraging people to initiate them. They are happening totally on their

Appeal to be Filed in Case of Photographer Fined for "Discrimination" - ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., December 17, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) - Attorneys with the Alliance Defense Fund (ADF) will appeal a New Mexico judge's decision to uphold a ruling by

Casey Working with Reid to Topple Nelson's Abortion Hang-up - By Kathleen GilbertWASHINGTON, D.C., December 18, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) - Nebraska Democrat Senator Ben Nelson is earning the ire of party leadership for standing by

Christmas Commercialism Combated by "Advent Conspiracy" Movement - By Thaddeus M. BaklinskiDecember 18, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) - A growing number of Christian churches are joining forces with a grass-roots movement known as the Advent

Commentary on Dec. 17 News - Another big news day. The culture war rages on. We have just creeped past the half way point towards our goal for the Christmas campaign. Our readers have now donated

Global Warming Science? Nope, Global Warming Scam. - by Steven W. MosherDecember 18, 2009 (pop.org) - How do you create a Global Warming panic when the weather isn't cooperating? Here are a few tricks of the trade that the

Italian Supreme Court Decision Signals Sovereign Resistance to European Overreach - By Piero A. Tozzi, J.D.NEW YORK, December 18, 2009 (C-FAM) - A little-publicized decision by Italy's Constitutional Court last month may have significant implications

Letter to Editor - Re; Germany Jails Eight Christian Fathers for Removing Children from Sex-Ed ClassCopy of letter to  German Embassy in Canada Dear sir, It seems that the "democratic"

New Paper Links UN Promotion of "Safe" Abortion to Maternal Deaths - By Susan Yoshihara, Ph.D.NEW YORK, NY, December 18, 2009 (C-FAM) - A recent submission to the United Nations (UN) Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights (OHCHR)

Northern Ontario Town to Reconsider Approval of Pro-Life Monument - By Thaddeus M. BaklinskiKAPUSKASING, Ontario, December 18, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) - After approving a request by the Kapuskasing chapter of the Knights of Columbus to

Portuguese Gvmt Seeks to Legalize Same-Sex "Marriage" - By Patrick B. CraineLISBON, Portugal, December 18, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) - Portugal's Socialist government will seek to legalize same-sex "marriage," they announced

Support the Underdogs - Good Day Friends,You and I and all those fighting for life and family - in the eyes of the world, we are the underdogs.The opposition is armed with an arsenal in the

UK Christian Marriage Registrar Loses Appeal - By Hilary WhiteLONDON, December 18, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) - The case of a Christian marriage registrar in the U.K. who had been penalized at her job for refusing to

UK Prime Minister Pledges to Force Gay Civil Union Recognition in Eastern Europe - By Hilary WhiteLONDON, December 18, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) - British Prime Minister Gordon Brown has pledged to attempt to force Eastern European countries to accept as

Vatican Defrocks Rogue Archbishop for Ordaining Married Bishops - By Hilary WhiteROME, December 18, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) - Already excommunicated for ordaining four married men as bishops in 2006, the former head of the diocese of

Vatican Newspaper Slams the Copenhagen Summit over Population Control, "Nihilism" - By John-Henry WestenCOPENHAGEN, December 18, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) - In a front-page commentary in the Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Romano yesterday, the President

Living His Life Abundantly

Breaking News will return on January 4. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Lawmakers Call for Probe of White House Threats - By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS Staff Journalist Republican lawmakers are calling for an investigation into reports that in order to muscle Sen. Ben Nelson (D-NE) into voting

Nelson Rejects Casey Abortion Compromise - By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS Staff Journalist Senate attempts to win the vote of staunch pro-life Senator Ben Nelson (D-NE) have failed after he rejected a compromise

Pope Dismisses Two Bishops - By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS Staff Journalist Pope Benedict XVI has accepted the resignation of a bishop accused of covering up sexual abuse in Ireland, and has dismissed an

National Catholic Register Blog

Archbishop Dolan and Rabbi Wechsler Host Radio Special - By Tim Drake | New York Archbishop Timothy Dolan and Rabbi Harlan Wechsler plan to host a special interfaith call-in show on Sirius XM Radio, Sunday, December 20 from

Bishops Oppose Casey Amendment - By The Editors | The U.S. bishops conference has come out against Sen. Bob Casey’s compromise amendment that is an attempt to win over Sen. Ben Nelson of Nebraska.

Pope Encourages New Legionary Priests - By EDWARD PENTIN | After weekly general audience yesterday, Pope Benedict XVI encouraged a group of 59 recently ordained priests of the Legion of Christ to live up to

Will Pope John Paul II be Declared Venerable Tomorrow? - By Tim Drake | As reported yesterday, there’s the distinct possibility that Pope Benedict XVI may declare Pope John Paul II venerable tomorrow. At least, that’s what is

New Liturgical Movement

"The Light from the East: Understanding the Eastern Catholic Churches" - I thought some of you would enjoy this program on the Eastern Catholic Churches, The Light from the East: Understanding the Eastern Catholic Churches , which is

Ember Friday in Advent (Feria Sexta Quatuor Temporum Adventus) - And a Poll on Ember Days - Today is Ember Friday within Advent (Feria Sexta Quatuor Temporum Adventus) within the calendar of the usus antiquior . I thought -- purely as a point of curiousity --

More Archival Footage from the Vatican - Following on from Gregor's post yesterday, I took a further look through the videos at British Pathe and there are some interesting historical items there that show

Year of Priests, plus great music - This conference in Rome , January 4-8, 2010, looks to be fantastic. The conference site has been updated to include music, which is top notch.

OSV Daily Take

Christmas marketing minus the Messiah - By Mary DeTurris Poust It's funny, but about two weeks ago when I started plowing through the pile of holiday flyers that were packed inside the Sunday newspaper each

Patrick Madrid

Father Marcial Maciel: Ripoff Artist Extraordinaire - The dreadful story about the monstrous frauds perpetrated by Father Marcial Maciel, the founder and ruler of the Legionaries of Christ religious order and all its

If You Have Faith, You'll Never Walk Alone - http://patrickmadrid.blogspot.com

Iraqi terrorists use $26 software to monitor U.S. Predator activities - True, money can't buy me love, but $26 worth can buy me plenty of lead time to get out of Dodge when a Predator is on the way to blow up my tent. According to this Wall

Merry Christmas, Phoenix. You Now Have Catholic Radio - 24/7 Catholic radio is now beaming across metro Phoenix and beyond thanks to the newest station to come on line in the ever-expanding Immaculate Heart Radio network .

See 5,000 Years of Middle-East History in 90 Seconds - Watch this intriguing presentation of the rise and fall of empires. It's a another way of saying sic transit gloria mundi . http://patrickmadrid.blogspot.com

This Little Boy Will Not Be Home For Christmas - The Fighting Prince of Donegal Columbus, known to many as Killian Patrick Madrid , known to me as Mr. Kilpatrick (my 7th grandchild), won't be able to come home from

The Anchoress

Babies are Good! - This looks terrific. The two little boys in the beginning remind me a bit of what it was like around here 20 years ago, with Elder Son and Buster. Right down to one of

Dec 18 – O Adonai - Once again, our friends the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist provide a lovely background to today’s glorious antiphon: The title “Adonai,” was

Excuse my rant - I can’t believe it . Here we are; it’s the 18th of December. It is bitter cold out there. And still they come. The men who do the yards. My immediate neighbor and I are

Podcast Nativity Narrative in Luke - Because someone remembered that I had done this last year and requested it, here is the podcast . It’s dreadful. I don’t know what inspired me to start singing -it

USCCB News

'Abortion Compromise' Does Not Address Core Problem in Senate Health Bill, Says Cardinal Dinardo, Bishops' Pro-Life Chair - WASHINGTON—Responding to reports of a new “compromise” proposal on abortion in the U.S. Senate’s health care reform bill, Cardinal Daniel DiNardo today reaffirmed the

What Does The Prayer Really Say?

18 Dec. - St. Malachi, Prophet - Some of you readers might not know that Holy Church considers many Old Testament figures to be saints. The liturgical book called the Roman Martyrology contains brief

Catholic Herald Op-Ed: “We need a sharper divide between priests and laity” - From The Catholic Herald, the UK’s best Catholic weekly, comes this opinion piece, with my emphases and comments.      We need a sharper divide between priests and laity

College prof compares Cross to swastika - An alert reader found this story on the site of a Texas TV station: College Crucifix Ban Prompts Lawsuit Published : Tuesday, 15 Dec 2009, 3:00 PM CST       Melissa

Fr. Z pleads with readers - I get a lot of e-mail every day.  It is not unusual for me to get hundreds in the course of a single day. May I plead with you about a few things? Please don’t send

Intriguing book by SSPX - “The Problem of the Liturgical Reform: A Theological and Liturgical Study - The kind folks at Angelus Press, the publishing arm of the SSPX, recently sent me a copy of The Problem of the Liturgical Reform: A Theological and Liturgical Study by

Number of Cardinal electors drops to 112 - From CNA: Number of cardinals eligible to vote for Pope drops Vatican City, Dec 18, 2009 / 04:05 pm (CNA).- Vatican Radio reported today that yet another cardinal has

USCCB statement: ‘Compromise’ would make citizens pay for others’ abortions - From the USCCB: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   ‘ABORTION COMPROMISE’ DOES NOTADDRESS CORE PROBLEM IN SENATE HEALTH BILL, SAYS CARDINAL DINARDO, BISHOPS’ PRO-LIFE CHAIR  

ZENIT RSS-Newsfeed

Africans Receive University Icon [2009-12-18] – Our Lady, Throne of Wisdom, Completes Aussie Tour

After 55+ Years, Still in Love With Priesthood [2009-12-18] – Former Anglican Recounts Joy of Celebrating Mass

Benedict XVI’s Message to Ugandan Envoy [2009-12-18] – “The Mere Absence of Conflict Does Not Constitute Peace”

Holy See to UN Climate Change Conference [2009-12-18] – “The Way Humanity Treats the Environment Influences the Way It Treats Itself”

How the Christmas Tree Evangelizes [2009-12-18] – Pope Reflects on Symbolic Significance of Decoration

Liturgical Vestments and the Vesting Prayers [2009-12-18] – Father Gagliardi Explains the Tradition and Meaning

Papal Address to Kenyan Representative [2009-12-18] – “Harness the Positive Potential of the Process of Globalization”

Pope to Africans: Peace Needs Justice [2009-12-18] – Urges Sudan to Protect Religious Freedom

Pope’s Address to Sudan’s Ambassador [2009-12-18] – “The People of Darfur Continue to Suffer Greatly”

Something Hopeful in Copenhagen [2009-12-18] – Positive Steps Don’t Depend on Global Accord: Holy See

US Bishops’ Biggest Hope: Life-Affirming Care for All [2009-12-18] – Interview with Richard Doerflinger on Health Care Reform

Vatican, EU Update Financial Accord [2009-12-18]

Dec. 16, 7pm—Dec. 17, 7pm

American Life League (Encouraging Words)

The Power of Prayer – “There is nothing which has as much power or more power than prayer.  A king clad in a purple robe is not so splendid as the man who, because he is praying,

American Life League (Judie Brown)

THE POLITICS OF MAYHEM, MISCHIEF AND MURDER – The internet is abuzz with statements decrying the United States Senate for its action in defeating the so called pro life Nelson Hatch Amendment to the health care

American Papist: Not Your Average Catholic!

Action: Thank Ben Nelson for his pro-life stand! – Earlier today I blogged on the “Casey compromise” that Ben Nelson was said to be reviewing. As I noted at the time, numerous pro-life individuals and organizations have

Breaking: Pro-life groups say Casey compromise “unacceptable” – First, a quick recap: last Tuesday the Senate, led by Senator Harry Reid,  voted down Senator Ben Nelson’s pro-life amendment. After Nelson threatened

Papist Picture of the Day – 12/17/09 – Action Thank Ben Nelson for his pro life stand Politics Pelosi on pro abortion language in Senate bill says Thank God Today The O Antiphons Begin Video John Lennon s

Pelosi on pro-abortion language in Senate bill: “Thank God” – From the woman who now claims she has switched to ” campaign mode “, some injudicious language (oh that’s right, she doesn’t care): [Pelosi said] the Senate bill

Read between the Lies: Catholics United tries to spin the truth – Deal Hudson is good at picking the right fights, and in this case, he’s found an opponent who appears to enjoy shooting himself in the foot, while digging himself a

Today: The O Antiphons Begin – I love the tradition of the O Antiphons. It’s also easy for me to remember them each year because they start on my half birthday. Fr. William Saunders explains what they

Video: John Lennon’s opinion about overpopulation – Never thought I’d find myself agreeing strongly with John and Yoko: Catch the editorial comment by the show’s host? Some things never change. I especially like Lennon’s

Catholic News Agency

Activists target California mayor for comments on sinfulness of homosexual acts – San Francisco, Calif., Dec 17, 2009 / 01:42 am ( CNA ).- A California mayor’s comments saying that homosexuals are committing sin that will keep them out of heaven have

Argentinean bishops urge peace and reconciliation – Buenos Aires, Argentina, Dec 17, 2009 / 07:01 pm ( CNA ).- This week the spokesman for the Argentinean Bishops’ Conference, Father Jorge Oesterheld, noted that the

Benedict XVI officially accepts Irish bishop’s resignation – Vatican City, Dec 17, 2009 / 10:46 am ( CNA ).- Pope Benedict XVI has officially accepted the resignation of Bishop of Limerick Donal Murray.  Murray stepped down

Education and healthcare are useless without right to life, says abortion survivor – Nashville, Tenn., Dec 17, 2009 / 08:12 am ( CNA ).- Melissa Ohden, the survivor a failed saline abortion at six months, admitted to CNA in an interview that she “was

iPhone interactive guide for Vatican Museums released – Rome, Italy, Dec 17, 2009 / 03:52 am ( CNA ).- An Italian travel guide company has produced an interactive guide for the Vatican Museums for the iPhone and the iPod

Nuncio demands quick intervention following anti-Christian attacks in Iraq – Rome, Italy, Dec 17, 2009 / 01:09 pm ( CNA ).- Archbishop Francis Chullikat, the Apostolic Nuncio to Iraq and Jordan, has demanded the immediate intervention by Iraqi

Pope reflects on importance of religion for peace in the world – Vatican City Dec 17 2009 03 37 pm CNA On Thursday in the Vatican the Holy Father met with and received the Letters of Credence from eight new ambassadors to the Holy See

Pro-life Catholic pulls even with Gov. Charlie Crist in Florida’s Senate primary race – Tallahassee, Fla., Dec 17, 2009 / 06:40 am ( CNA ).- A pro-life Catholic is now even in the polls with incumbent Gov. Charlie Crist in the Florida Republican primary

Pro-life group goes Christmas caroling at abortion clinics – Chicago Ill Dec 17 2009 03 09 pm CNA This Saturday the Pro Life Action League will hold its seventh annual Empty Manger Christmas Caroling Day visiting four abortion

Rogue archbishop dismissed by Pope Benedict from clerical state – Vatican City, Dec 17, 2009 / 11:29 am ( CNA ).- The Holy See announced on Thursday that the former Archbishop of Lusaka, Emmanuel Milingo, has been dismissed from the

Senate passed Nelson Amendment language in two December bills, Catholic bishops note – Washington D.C., Dec 16, 2009 / 08:45 pm ( CNA ).- The U.S. Catholic bishops have again urged senators to place language restricting abortion funding into the health

Senator Nelson rejects Casey’s proposed abortion compromise – Washington D C Dec 17 2009 04 22 pm CNA As Senate Democrats attempt to reach a compromise with Senator Ben Nelson D Neb on the health care bill Sen Bob Casey D Penn has

Society’s future depends on youth devoted to intellectual charity, Pope tells students – Vatican City, Dec 17, 2009 / 07:31 pm ( CNA ).- Thursday evening Pope Benedict XVI opened the doors of St. Peter’s to the university students of Rome for solemn vespers.

Unity, formation and gospel message essential, Pope tells Belarusian prelates – Vatican City Dec 17 2009 05 56 pm CNA In an audience with the bishops of Belarus today the Pope reminded the bishops of the importance of bearing witness to the lasting

Young people around the world send Christmas greetings to Pope Benedict XVI – Vatican City, Dec 17, 2009 / 02:57 pm ( CNA ).- The president of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, Archbishop Claudio Maria Celli, explained this week

Catholic Online > International News

6.1 Million Pilgrims Visit Guadalupe Shrine – The figure breaks the historic attendance record set in 2008 when just over 6 million pilgrims visited the shrine.

‘Grave Misgivings’ about Modern Environmentalism – In the name of a supposedly egalitarian vision of the ‘dignity’ of all living creatures, such …

Motu Proprio: Variations to the Latin Rite Code of Canon Law – The document contains five articles modifying canons 1008, 1009, 1086, 1117 and 1124.

Orthodox and Catholic: Rome – Moscow Relations Begin New Era – An old winter chill in Rome-Moscow relations seems to be thawing, with profound consequences for Europe and the …

Pope Does Not Belong to Church of Al Gore – The Holy Father’s letter included a warning against sacrificing the sanctity of man and applying an …

The Popes Entire Letter on Human Ecology – The full text of the Ltter of Pope Benedict XVI entitled ‘If You Want to Cultivate Peace, Protect …

What did the Pope say About the Environment? He called for a Human Ecology. – ‘A correct understanding of the relationship between man and the environment will not end by absolutizing …

Catholic Online > U.S. News

DC Council Passes Same-Sex ‘Marriage’ Despite Citizens’ Opposition – The Defense of Marriage Act, a federal law, defines marriage as a union between one man and one woman.

Massachusetts School Suspends Eight Year Old for Drawing Jesus on the Cross – An 8-year-old boy was sent home from Maxham Elementary School and required to undergo a psychological evaluation …

Milwaukee Archbishop: Catholics Cannot Support Abortion and Contraception – By ‘professing and disseminating views in grave contradiction to Catholic teaching, members of …

Catholic Spiritual Direction

The source of our joy…and a prayer request – More than 200 hundred of you responded to our holiday poll regarding joy and sorrow. What is troubling me this morning is that 13 of our readers are feeling only sorrow.

Creative Minority Report

“Bernadette” Actress Jennifer Jones Dies At 90 – The actress Jennifer Jones, who will be forever remembered for her role as St. Bernadette in the classic “Song of Bernadette” has passed away at the age of 90. I know

Casey Compromise “Unacceptable” – Interesting news from the Congressional Quartlerly via NRO . Sen. Bob Casey, the pretend pro-life Senator from Pennsylvania, is working on a compromise to bring Sen. Ben

Interview With An Anglican Convert – As I have followed the developments in the Anglican situation over the past few years, I have become aware of a number of Anglican websites that amaze me. I am amazed in

Obama Leaves Kim Jong Il a Voicemail – A little Obama humor at the expense of Tiger Woods.

The Immorality of Intelligent Design – I found this discussion between Daniel Dennett, co-director of the Center for Cognitive Studies, the Austin B. Fletcher Professor of Philosophy, and a University

Faith and Family Live!

Great Job, Mom! – Danielle Bean: Small Successes vol. 47 | It’s important for moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph. So on Thursday of

Inspiring Giveaway: Mother Teresa and Me – Danielle Bean: Win Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle’s newest book! | Great news! Circle Press is offering Faith & Family readers another exciting giveaway … This time

Together Forever – Danielle Bean: Coffee Talk: Marriage | (Join each day’s Coffee Talk discussion: Mon: Parenting; Tues: Open Forum; Wed: NFP; Thu: Marriage; Fri: Education; Sat/Sun:

Watching and Waiting – Sherry Antonetti: Make the most of the rest of Advent … starting today | We have only a week to wait for Christmas. What are we doing to carve out that quiet place in

Fr. Frank Pavone’s Blog

Christmas: God in Human Language – Christmas is God in human language It is not simply about the birth of a child but rather the coming of the one who will preach the Sermon on the Mount instruct us by

Kresta In The Afternoon

Today on Kresta – December 17, 2009 – Talking about the “things that matter most” on Dec. 17 4:00 – Salon.com and MSNBC: “The teachings of homosexual ‘healer’ Richard Cohen inspired Uganda’s hateful new

LifeNews.com

Ben Nelson Reviewing Compromise on Abortion Funding in Senate Health Care Bill – Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) — Ben Nelson is beginning to be considered the 60th vote Senate Democrats need to stop a filibuster against the pro-abortion,

Cop Cited for Intimidating Pro-Life Advocate at Chicago-Area Planned Parenthood – Aurora IL LifeNews com A Chicago police officer was cited in a report for intimidating a pro life advocate helping counsel women outside a Planned Parenthood abortion

Head of Christian Doctors Group Quits AMA Over Pro-Abortion Advocacy – Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) — The doctor who is the chairman of a national organization for Christian physicians and medical workers has resigned from the American

I’m Against Abortion, But: A Pro-Life Response to the Frequent Pro-Abortion Claim – I think the statement that bugs me most when talking to people about abortion is, “I’m against abortion, but…” I can actually respect someone’s total pro-abortion

Joe Lieberman Alright With Forcing Taxpayers to Fund Abortions in Health Care – Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) — Joe Lieberman, one of the critical votes in determining the outcome of the pro-abortion government run health care bill, came around

Obama Admin Forces Americans to Pay for More Embryonic Stem Cell Research – Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) — The Obama administration on Monday forced Americans to pay for another round of embryonic stem cell research involving the destruction

Pope Benedict XVI Speaks Out Against Abortion, Euthanasia, Genetic Testing – The Vatican (LifeNews.com) — In a Wednesday address, Pope Benedict XVI spoke out against abortion, euthanasia, and casual genetic testing that could lead to abortion

Pro-Life Group’s Ad: Bob Casey, You’re Not Your Dad on Pro-Abortion Health Care – Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) — As one of just two Democrats in the Senate to claim pro-life credentials, Pennsylvania Sen. Bob Casey could have an enormous impact on

Pro-Life Groups Sponsor Another Webcast on Pro-Abortion Health Care Bill – Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) — Any pro-life advocates who missed last night’s webcast sponsored by a slate of pro-life organizations will have another opportunity to

Pro-Life Groups: Casey’s Abortion-Health Care Compromise for Nelson No Good – Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) — Pro-life organizations say the so-called “compromise” that Sen. Bob Casey presented late Wednesday to Sen. Ben Nelson to get him to vote

Senator Confirms Manager’s Amendment Used to Persuade Nelson on Abortion – Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) — The vote on the Senate pro-abortion health care bill is coming down to the wire and it is appearing likely that pro-life Nebraska

LifeSiteNews.com

Christian Groups Can Hire Only Christians if Main Purpose is to Spread Faith: OHRC Lawyers – By Thaddeus M BaklinskiTORONTO December 17 2009 LifeSiteNews com Lawyers for the Ontario Human Rights Commission OHRC presenting their case before a three judge panel

Christian Medical Association CEO Quits AMA over Health Care Support, Embryo Research – BRISTOL TN December 17 2009 LifeSiteNews com Dr David Stevens CEO of the 17 000 member Christian Medical Association the nation s largest faith based association of

Commentary on Dec 12 News – Challenge has been met by six readers, Pope and environment, … – Hello LifeSiteNews ReadersFirst the good news. The $1,000 challenge by reader Chris from Pennsylvania was a wonderful success. We have to express tremendous gratitude to

Editorial: Pope Speaks on Church’s “Grave Misgivings” about Modern Environmentalism – Editorial by John-Henry WestenROME, December 16, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) – In comments which received absolutely no mainstream media coverage, Pope Benedict XVI, in his

Efforts to Boost Birth Rate Failing in China – By Hilary WhiteDecember 16, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) – The city of Shanghai’s efforts to reverse more than 30 years of anti-child government propaganda, and boost the

Indian Religious Leaders Call for Repeal of Ruling Decriminalizing Homosexual Acts – By Patrick B CraineNEW DELHI India December 17 2009 LifeSiteNews com A delegation of Indian religious leaders led by the Catholic Archbishop of New Delhi Vincent M

Interview: Pro-Life Counselor Says She was Threatened with Gun by Off-Duty Officer – By Kathleen GilbertAURORA, Illinois, December 17, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) – A sidewalk counselor with the Pro-Life Action League has filed a report against an off-duty

Limerick Bishop Resigns after Sex Abuse Revelations: Pope Benedict “Deeply Disturbed” … – By Hilary WhiteROME December 17 2009 LifeSiteNews com The Pope has accepted the resignation of the Catholic bishop of Limerick in the wake of damning revelations of

Minority Leader Fumes: No One Has Been Allowed to See Health Care Bill – By Kathleen GilbertWASHINGTON D C December 17 2009 LifeSiteNews com As even more new language continues to pile up in Sen Harry Reid s massive manager s amendment to the

New Study Rips Into Quebec Relativism Course – By Patrick B. CraineQUEBEC CITY, Quebec, December 16, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) – The Sovereigntist Parti Quebecois, the opposition party for the province, is calling for

NY Gov. Orders State Agencies to Recognize “Transgender” Civil Rights – By Peter J SmithALBANY New York December 17 2009 LifeSiteNews com Gov David Paterson signed an executive order Wednesday that prohibits state agencies from refusing to

Obama Signs Omnibus Bill Funding D.C. Abortions, Overseas Providers – By Peter J SmithWASHINGTON D C December 17 2009 LifeSiteNews com The District of Columbia now has a green light to allocate some of its federally funded budget to

Ontario Christian Ministry in Court Today Challenging Human Rights Ruling – By Thaddeus M. BaklinskiTORONTO, December 16, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) – The ruling of the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal (OHRT) against a Christian ministry serving

Operation Rescue Names Slain Pro-Life Activist James Pouillon 2009 ‘Person of the Year’ – WICHITA, Kans., Dec. 16, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com)- Operation Rescue announced today that slain pro-life activist James Pouillon is the posthumous recipient of its 2009

Pope: “The Only ‘Equitable’ Laws are Those that Defend the Sacredness of Human Life” – By John Henry WestenVATICAN CITY December 16 2009 LifeSiteNews com Speaking yesterday Pope Benedict XVI called attention to the writings of John of Salisbury the Bishop

Radical Dems Condemn Compromise Measures, Fight to Rescue Original Health Care Language – By Kathleen GilbertWASHINGTON, D.C., December 17, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Liberal politicians and lobby groups have begun to warn Democrat Senate leadership to ensure

Recommended Novel “Fatherless” Personalizes Great Moral and Spiritual Struggles of … – Book commentary by Steve JalsevacDec. 16, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Today I conducted the most awesome interview I’ve experienced since LifeSiteNews

U.K. Supreme Court Overturns 3,500-Year-Old Jewish Tradition as “Discriminatory” – By Patrick B CraineLONDON England December 17 2009 LifeSiteNews com The U K Supreme Court overturned a 3 500 year old Jewish tradition yesterday ruling that the Jewish

Updated: NRLC, US Bishops Deem New Casey Abortion Compromise ‘Unacceptable’ – By Kathleen GilbertUpdate 4 15pm EST Sen Ben Nelson has told a Nebraska radio station that he does not consider the Casey amendment strong enough to earn his support As

Living His Life Abundantly

Catholic Businessman Makes Searchable Senate Health Reform Bill Available On-Line – By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS Staff Journalist A former business professor from the Franciscan University of Steubenville has decided to help legislators and the general

Head of Coptic Church Investigating Marian Apparitions – By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS Staff Journalist The head of the Coptic Orthodox Church, Shenouda III, is expected to conduct an immediate investigation into alleged

Miami Newspaper Publishes Tips for Adulterers – By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS Staff Journalist Anyone wondering how much the media contributes to the moral collapse of this nation need only read the Dec. 13 issue of the

White House Muscling Pro-Life Senators – By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS Staff Journalist Top officials at the White House are pressuring pro-life Senator Ben Nelson (D-NE) with threats to close a military base in his

National Catholic Register Blog

Another Adult Stem-Cell Advance – By The Editors | Heart Disease Can Be Treated With Patients’ Own Cells A recent study from Northwestern University in Chicago has shown that transplanting adult stem

Australia Set to Get its First Saint – By Tim Drake | Media reports have said that Australia could get its first Saint this week, with the Sydney Morning Herald reporting that the announcement regarding

Cardinal: Senate Already Embraced Nelson Amendment – By The Editors | Cardinal Daniel DiNardo has an interesting take on the controversy over language restricting federal funding of abortion in health-care reform

Christmas in a Lean Year – By JOHN BURGER | It’s been a rough year, economically and in other ways. People have lost homes and jobs, and economic uncertainty is eating away at a lot of Americans

Jimmy Stewart and Psalm 91 – By JOSEPH PRONECHEN | When it comes to a Christmastime movie, a perennial favorite of most everyone is It’s a Wonderful Life. Jimmy Stewart made no secret it was his

New Liturgical Movement

Better than a Christmas Carol – Highly recommended for Christmas Mass, and not too difficult.

Communion Chant: Anticipation of Christmas – You could sing just any old song at Communion this Sunday or you could sing what the Church is asking musicians to sing: the actual communion proper from the music books

Film Footage of the Consistory of 1946 – My friend Alipius , an Augustinian Canon of Klosterneuburg , has found this spectacular footage from the 1946 public consistory for the creation of new cardinals (among

FSSP Given Charge of Quebec Church of Saint-Zephirin de Stadacona – Those of you with an interest in Catholic Quebec will no doubt be interested to hear of the following development which came to the NLM recently. Namely, this week an

NLM Comments Upgrade – As some of you have no doubt noticed, the NLM comments window looks different. This is due to the fact that we finally received our notice that could upgrade — and

Pontifical Midnight Mass (Premonstratensian Rite) from Tongerlo Abbey, Belgium, 1955 – NLM Guest Article by Frater Anselm Gribbin, O.Praem., Tongerlo Abbey The use of television by the Church to spread the Catholic Faith was still in its infancy in the

The Roman Rite Christmas Proclamation – I’m pleased to present you with the Christmas Proclamation (Kalenda) as it will be sung at the Vatican and can be sung universally in the Roman Rite. It is in Latin and

OSV Daily Take

Who wears the pants? – By Mary DeTurris Poust Dockers known the world over for its casual Friday khakis has found itself at the center of controversy and outrage thanks to its new Man ifesto

Patrick Madrid

Devil Candy – Perhaps you’ve heard of “Engrish”, the term for the often hilariously ludicrous malapropisms committed by Japanese when translating into English? Here’s something I ran

This is true on so many levels – http://patrickmadrid.blogspot.com

Steve Ray

Green Pope? – Italian journalist reminds reader: Pope is not Al Gore http://www.catholicculture.org/news/headlines/index.cfm?storyid=4949 Although the message of Pope Benedict XVI for

Nut-case Bishop Finally Defrocked – Archbishop Milingo stripped of priestly status Archbishop Emmanuel Milingo—the renegade African prelate who has launched a worldwide crusade for married priests, under

The Anchoress

Dec 17 – O Sapientia – Finally, we come to the last week of Advent and the gorgeous O Antiphons which precede the Magnificat at Vespers. I like the description here . O Wisdom, O holy Word of

The Splendor of the Church

ANO ANG TUNAY NA IGLESIA: CATHOLIC CHURCH O CHURCH OF GOD INTERNATIONAL – The Catholic Church’s main House of Worship in the Holy City of Jerusalem, the Basilica of the Holy Sepulcre I’ve been informed that the lapdogs of Eli Soriano, The

What Does The Prayer Really Say?

Benedict XVI may approve John Paul II as “Venerable” on 19 Dec – From Rome Reports Benedict XVI to declare John Paul II venerable at the Vatican December 17, 2009. The late Pope John Paul II is one step closer at getting a spot on the

Card. Hummes: Without prayer, priests die of starvation. – From CNA : Cardinal Hummes calls priests to strengthen ministry through prayer Vatican City, Dec 16, 2009 / 06:57 pm (CNA).- The prefect of the Congregation for the

Ineffabiliter sapiens, sapienter infans – Yesterday I wrote my column for the Christmas issue of The Wanderer .  Inter alia I delved into what St. Augustine said about the eternal Word becoming an infans ,

O antiphons site – revived – Years ago I created a small site about O Antiphons.  One of our frequent readers here asked me to repost it. Here you go! Click HERE . It is a little primitive by

Save The Liturgy…. Say the Black…. WDTPRS…. stuff – I have had a few people send e-mails asking to repost the addresses to my shops for coffee mugs, etc., in different countries. Glad to oblige! I have been punishing

Speaker Pelosi “thanks God” for tax-payer funded abortion language – About the new Senate Bill, from Lifesite: [Pelosi said] the Senate bill “doesn’t have a public option, doesn’t expand Medicare for the (age) 55 to 64 group, and has

The Feeder Feed – I have only a single male Cardinal coming around to the feeder.  There is a female lurking somewhere also, but I haven’t seen her for a while. They are very

They finally got around to it: Milingo dismissed from the clerical state – In the “It’s About Time” folder, comes this news from VIS about the dismissal of Emmanuel Milingo from the clerical state: For a number of years the

ZENIT RSS-Newsfeed

Christmas Has Mexican Look in Paul VI Hall [2009-12-17]

God Is Relevant; The Art of Desecration [2009-12-17] – Rome Conference Discusses the Importance of Faith Religion

Pope Accepts Irish Prelate’s Resignation [2009-12-17] – Bishop Murray of Limerick Steps Down Amid Scandal

Pope Praises Theology-Art Link [2009-12-17] – Lauds Work of 90 Year Old Czech Cardinal

The Church’s Charity Crusader (Part 2) [2009-12-17] – Interview With Cardinal Paul Josef Cordes

Vatican Statement on Emmanuel Milingo [2009-12-17] – Holy See Has Imposed Penalty of Dismissal From the Clerical State

Dec. 15, 7pm—Dec. 16, 7pm

American Life League (Encouraging Words)

BEING TRANQUIL – “The tranquility of our heart depends on ourselves.  The ability to avoid anger, with all its ridiculous effects, has to come from within ourselves and not be

American Life League (Judie Brown)

CALCULATING CATHOLICS AND THEIR MISCHIEF – Michael Voris, who is a constant amazement, inspiration and motivational force to me, appears in a series called “The Vortex” which is available on YouTube

American Papist: Not Your Average Catholic!

AmP mentioned in CE’s Ten Catholic Geek Memories of 2009 – Awww….. 4. American Papist’s Thomas Peters Graduates – One of the “go to” blogs for Catholic news and information continues to be American Papist, where Thomas Peters

Papist Picture of the Day – 12/16/09 – Pro-Life Video: SBA List asks Sen. Casey “Who Shall Live?” Question: What do you think of this Census poster? Guess who served the early morning Mass? [Photo: Reuters]

Pro-Life Video: SBA List asks Sen. Casey “Who Shall Live?” – Democrat Senators Bob Casey and Ben Nelson are the most important pro-life votes in the health care debate right now. A new ad being aired by the pro-life Susan B.

Question: What do you think of this Census poster? – This census poster is generating a lot of controversy – some are calling it blasphemous: Someone against the poster (all quotes via USA Today ): The Rev. Miguel Rivera,

Catholic News Agency

Actor blames Catholic Church for lack of Golden Compass sequels – London, England, Dec 16, 2009 / 02:18 am ( CNA ).- Actor Sam Elliot has blamed the Catholic Church for stopping sequels from being made to the Golden Compass movie based

Benedict given honorary citizenship by Italian Village – Vatican City, Dec 16, 2009 / 04:12 pm ( CNA ).- Following Wednesday’s general audience held in the Vatican’s Paul VI Hall, the Holy Father was given honorary citizenship

Brazilian bishops condemn killing of priest – Brasilia, Brazil, Dec 16, 2009 / 02:55 pm ( CNA ).- The Bishops’ Conference of Brazil has condemned the murder of Father Alvino Broering, who was stabbed to death on

Cardinal Hummes calls priests to strengthen ministry through prayer – Vatican City, Dec 16, 2009 / 06:57 pm ( CNA ).- The prefect of the Congregation for the Clergy, Cardinal Claudio Hummes, encouraged priests this week not to neglect

Cardinal Urosa calls attention to political prisoners in Venezuela – Caracas, Venezuela, Dec 15, 2009 / 10:55 pm ( CNA ).- The Archbishop of Caracas, Cardinal Jorge Urosa Savino, drew attention to the political prisoners in Venezuela who

Caritas Jerusalem assists 10,000 families in Gaza Strip – Rome, Italy, Dec 16, 2009 / 12:02 pm ( CNA ).- Since January of this year, Caritas Jerusalem has worked untiringly to assist more than 10,000 families in the Gaza Strip,

Catholic reporter fired over comment on same-sex ‘marriage’ campaign – Portland, Maine, Dec 15, 2009 / 09:56 pm ( CNA ).- A localized media frenzy has ensued after a Catholic reporter was let go from his 19-year position at a Maine

Christian Medical Association CEO quits AMA, advises colleagues to follow suit – Bristol, Tenn., Dec 16, 2009 / 06:26 pm ( CNA ).- On Tuesday, Dr. David Stevens, CEO of the Christian Medical Association (CMA), announced that he is canceling his

Federal appellate court to review San Francisco board’s anti-Catholic resolution – San Francisco, Calif., Dec 16, 2009 / 04:10 am ( CNA ).- A full panel of judges on the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals will hear oral arguments concerning the

Gutting Dornan Amendment, Senate approves federal funding for abortions in D.C. – Washington D.C., Dec 16, 2009 / 07:47 am ( CNA ).- On Sunday the U.S. Senate approved a $447 billion omnibus bill that the Dornan Amendment, a ban on funding for most

Iraqi Christians fear more attacks after two church bombings in Mosul – Mosul, Iraq, Dec 15, 2009 / 09:07 pm ( CNA ).- As Iraqi Christians prepare for Christmas, bombs have caused explosions at two Christian churches on Tuesday. More attacks

Natural law must be used to combat ‘dictatorship of relativism,’ Pope teaches – Vatican City, Dec 16, 2009 / 11:42 am ( CNA ).- The Holy Father addressed pilgrims on Wednesday morning with a message that applied of the medieval theologian John of

Pope does not belong to church of Al Gore, Italian analyst writes – Rome, Italy, Dec 16, 2009 / 02:18 pm ( CNA ).- “The Pope denounces the ecological crisis but does belong to the church of Al Gore,” wrote Giuliano Ferrara, director of

Terry Schiavo’s brother helps fight custody battle – Rochester, N.Y., Dec 16, 2009 / 06:19 pm ( CNA ).- Bobby Schindler, the brother of the late Terry Schiavo, has joined the fight to help a Corning, New York woman regain

U.S. Bishops praise efforts to increase Latino enrollment – Washington D.C., Dec 16, 2009 / 12:02 am ( CNA ).- Bishop Thomas J. Curry, chairman of the U.S. Bishops’ Committee on Catholic Education and an auxiliary bishop of Los

Vatican Apostolic Library to re-open doors in September of 2010 – Rome, Italy, Dec 16, 2009 / 01:09 am ( CNA ).- L’Osservatore Romano announced this week that the Vatican Apostolic Library, which was closed for renovation on July 14,

Wisconsin ‘pro-choice Catholic’ group is disowning Catholic heritage, Archbishop Listecki states – La Crosse, Wisc., Dec 16, 2009 / 03:06 pm ( CNA ).- A self-described Wisconsin Catholic group which holds that Catholics can disregard Church teaching on abortion,

Wisconsin state senator calls for Planned Parenthood inquiry, cites video evidence – Appleton, Wis., Dec 16, 2009 / 04:41 am ( CNA ).- Following the release of an undercover video showing staffers at a Wisconsin Planned Parenthood clinic giving false

Catholic Online > International News

Our Lady of Guadalupe: Mother for the Civilization of Love – ‘She wanted the construction not only of a material church but of the new civilization where Jesus Christ …

Catholic Online > Politics

A Pro-Life Catholic Challenges Crist in Florida Senate Race – Marco Rubio , a pro-life Catholic, has pulled even with his GOP rival, Gov. Charlie Crist, in the Florida Senate …

Donohue Interviews Obama on Abortion – Catholic League president Bill Donohue envisions a discussion with President Obama

Catholic Online > U.S. News

Christian Medical Association CEO Quits AMA, Advises Colleagues to Quit Over AMA’s ‘Control by Special Interests’ – ‘I can no longer associate with or support an organization that is unscientific, unprofessional and …

Homosexual and ‘Transgender’ Activists Protest Outside of St. Louis Cathedral during Mass – Sadly, one of the groups calls itself the ‘Catholic Action Network’ while it openly dissents …

Catholic Spiritual Direction

41. Missing the Signs (Mt 12:38-50) – “It is necessary that each person freely accept the truth of the love of God. He is Love and Truth, and love as well as truth never impose themselves: They knock on the

CBCP News – Diocesan News

Papal Nuncio commends Archdiocese of Davao – DAVAO CITY, December 17, 2009—Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines Archbishop Edward Joseph Adams commended the Archdiocese of Davao for its significant growth especially

Creative Minority Report

Abortion is Their Bedrock Belief – I’ve always wondered what was more important to secularist liberals, abortion or socialism. Sure, the two seem to be linked but when it comes down to it, which one, I

Anti-Catholic Movies Scrapped – It it with great delight that I relate the news that a trilogy of movies that was made specifically to poke a stick in the eye of Catholics, has been canceled after the

Census Poster Depicts Joseph and Mary – The award for most shameless use of religious imagery in an effort to garner political power goes to…well Barack Obama. But the National Association of Latino Elected

Wanna’ Know How Warped We Are? – A San Juan woman is under arrest. What did she do? I warn you this is horrible so you may want to just skip this story. a mother-to-be took Xanax that she’d allegedly

EWTN News

Actor Blames Catholic Church for Lack of Golden Compass Sequels – London, England, Dec 16, 2009 (CNA).- Actor Sam Elliot has blamed the Catholic Church for stopping sequels from being made to the Golden Compass movie based on the first

Cardinal Encourages Family Unity and Respect for Life This Christmas – Santo Domingo, Dec 15, 2009 (CNA).- This week, Cardinal Nicolas Lopez Rodriguez of Santo Domingo called on families in the Dominican Republic to celebrate Christmas in a

Catholic Reporter Fired over Comment on Same-sex “Marriage” Campaign – Portland, Maine, Dec 15, 2009 (CNA).- A localized media frenzy has ensued after a Catholic reporter was let go from his 19-year position at a Maine newspaper for voicing

D.C. Same-sex Marriage Bill Fails To Protect Religious Freedom, Archdiocese States – Washington D.C., Dec 15, 2009 (CNA).- The City Council of Washington D.C. voted today to legalize same-sex “marriage,” causing the Archdiocese of Washington to state

Federal Court To Review San Francisco Board’s Anti-Catholic Resolution – San Francisco, Calif., Dec 16, 2009 (CNA).- A full panel of judges on the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals will hear oral arguments concerning the constitutionality of the

Gutting Dornan Amendment, Senate Approves Federal Funding for Abortions in D.C. – Washington D.C., Dec 16, 2009 (CNA).- On Sunday the U.S. Senate approved a $447 billion omnibus bill that gutted the Dornan Amendment, a ban on funding for most

Iraqi Christians Fear More Attacks after Church Bombings in Mosul – Mosul, Iraq, Dec 15, 2009 (CNA).- As Iraqi Christians prepare for Christmas, bombs have caused explosions at two Christian churches on Tuesday. More attacks are feared.

Nature Must Not Be Valued Above Man, Pope Warns – Vatican City, Dec 15, 2009 (CNA).- Pope Benedict XVI made his message for World Day for Peace public on Tuesday morning in preparation for its observation on January 1,

Other Pontifical Acts – VATICAN CITY, 16 DEC 2009 (VIS) – The Holy Father appointed Fr. Jose Luiz Majella Delgado C.Ss.R., adjunct under secretary general of the National Conference of Bishops

Papal Peace Day Message Focuses on Planet, Recalls Distinctiveness of Human Person within Creation – VATICAN CITY, DEC. 15, 2009 (Zenit.org).- As world leaders continue to hash out differences regarding climate change at a U.N. summit in Denmark, Benedict XVI’s message

Pope Becomes an Honorary Citizen of Introd – VATICAN CITY, 16 DEC 2009 (VIS) – At the end of today’s general audience, celebrated in the Vatican’s Paul VI Hall, Benedict XVI received the honorary citizenship of

Pope Modifies Canon Law on Marriage, Deacons – VATICAN CITY, DEC. 15, 2009 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI has made two changes in canon law, regarding marriage for those who have formally renounced the Church, and

Send the Pope a Virtual Christmas Card – VATICAN CITY, DEC. 15, 2009 (Zenit.org).- The Vatican Web page Pope2you.net has made it possible this Christmas to send Benedict XVI a personalized Christmas card

Synod on Mideast Will Focus on Communion, Working Document for October Event Nears Completion – VATICAN CITY, DEC. 15, 2009 (Zenit.org).- As preparations continue for next October’s special synod on the Middle East, the working document is nearing completion and

U.S. Bishops Call for Medicaid Access for New Legal Immigrants – December 16, 2009 Three leading US bishops have called upon the Senate to pass the Menendez amendment, which would allow states to grant access to Medicaid to legal

U.S. Bishops Praise Efforts To Increase Latino Enrollment in Schools – Washington D.C., Dec 16, 2009 (CNA).- Bishop Thomas J. Curry, chairman of the U.S. Bishops’ Committee on Catholic Education and an auxiliary bishop of Los Angeles, has

U.S. Bishops Reiterate Health Care Reform Concerns – WASHINGTON, D.C., DEC. 15, 2009 (Zenit.org).- As the Senate is debating a massive health care reform bill this week, the U.S. episcopal conference sent two letters to

U.S. Bishops: Write Hyde Amendment Language into Health Care Reform – December 16, 2009 A week after the defeat of the Nelson-Hatch-Casey amendment, which would have prevented federal funds from paying for most abortions in health care

Wednesday Audience: John of Salisbury – Natural Law Must Inspire Positive Law – VATICAN CITY, 16 DEC 2009 (VIS) – Benedict XVI focused his catechesis during this morning’s general audience on the figure of John of Salisbury, a philosopher and

Wisconsin State Senator Calls for Planned Parenthood Inquiry – Appleton, Wis., Dec 16, 2009 (CNA).- Following the release of an undercover video showing staffers at a Wisconsin Planned Parenthood clinic giving false information to a

Faith and Family Live!

Babies! – Rachel Balducci: a video to love | Here’s a movie trailer for an upcoming documentary. I cannot get enough. Thanks, Amy!

Charts and Phases – Danielle Bean: Coffee Talk: NFP | (Join each day’s Coffee Talk discussion: Mon: Parenting; Tues: Open Forum; Wed: NFP; Thu: Marriage; Fri: Education; Sat/Sun:

Christ & The Census – Rebecca Teti: Says You: Harmless or Inappropriate? | Well, here’s one way to keep Christ in Christmas, I guess. The Washington Post reports this morning on a campaign to

Complain. Trust. Repeat. – Daria Sockey: Lessons from Patterns in the Psalms | If there is one thing I’ve learned from the psalms, it’s that it’s okay to complain to God. There was a time when I

Destination: Bethlehem! – Lisa Hendey: Check out a great new family favorite for Advent | I’m a bit late getting the news out to you about this terrific book, Destination: Bethlehem, co-authored

Don’t Want to Brave the Mall? – Arwen Mosher: Take advantage of free shipping from online retailers! | Some people have their Christmas shopping done, and those people should receive a hearty pat on

Send Christmas Greetings to the Pope – Danielle Bean: Papal Christmas goes high tech | You might think you got all your Christmas cards written up and sent out, but maybe you left Pope Benedict XVI off your

Yuletide Carols – Rachel Balducci: being sung by my backdoor | Tonight I was upstairs getting Henry dressed for bed while the other boys, freshly showered, were also getting in their

Fallible Blogma

Congress restores D.C. abortion funding, spends more of your money – The Abortion president strikes again: The $1.1 trillion spending bill the Senate passed yesterday includes major increases in funding for abortions. The bill, which was

Oldie but Goodie: Fr. Euteneuer calls out Hannity on birth control – This is a couple of years old now, but it’s a good one. Fr. Thomas Euteneuer calls out Sean Hannity on his inconsistent Catholicism. The very arguments that Sean

Quote: How is your desire for ‘virtual connectedness’ these days? – “If the desire for virtual connectedness becomes obsessive, it may in fact function to isolate individuals from real social interaction while also disrupting the

Kresta In The Afternoon

Ben Nelson: Count Me Out – Nebraska Sen. Ben Nelson is holding out against the Senate health care bill because it funds abortions. Nelson has pledged to filibuster the bill if his demand to remove

Catroon of the Day – Wise Men 2009

Outrageous Statement of the Day – Rachel Maddow falsely claims ex-gay author gave “support and encouragement” for execution of gays in Uganda. Frequent “Kresta in the Afternoon” guest Richard Cohen is

Today on Kresta – December 16, 2009 – Talking about the “things that matter most” on Dec. 16 4:00 – Breathless Supernatural thriller writer Dean Koontz has written more than 50 novels, 45 of which have been

LifeNews.com

Bob Casey Will Likely Back Senate Health Care Bill Despite Abortion Funding – Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) — Pennsylvania Sen. Bob Casey, who claims to be one of two pro-life Democrats in the Senate, made it appear today that he will likely vote

Catholic Bishops Send Another Letter to Senate to Cut Abortion From Health Care – Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) — The nation’s Catholic bishops are back with another letter to members of the Senate asking them to remove the language from the

District of Columbia Officials Ready to Pay for Abortions Once Obama Signs Bill – Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) — The House and Senate have approved a bill that will overturn the 13-year-long ban on paying for abortions in the nation’s capital. Once

Obama Has Only 59 Votes for Pro-Abortion Health Care Bill as He Meets Democrats – Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) — President Barack Obama today met with Senate Democrats in a last-ditch effort to corral his caucus together behind a health care bill

Obama, Democrats Threaten Ben Nelson to Back Pro-Abortion Health Care Bill – Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) — Having a hard time getting to 60 votes to overcome a filibuster against the pro-abortion, pro-rationing health care bill, President

Police Find Body of Unborn Baby Killed in Abortion in Christmas Gift Box – Mission, TX (LifeNews.com) — In a bizarre case that is beginning to draw national attention, police in a city in south Texas say they have found the remains of an

Pro-Life Group Behind Planned Parenthood Abortion Expose’ Video Wants Probe – Appleton, WI (LifeNews.com) — The pro-life group behind the new video exposing Planned Parenthood staff misleading women about abortion and fetal development is

Pro-Life Group to Go Christmas Caroling at Chicago-Area Abortion Facilities – Chicago, IL (LifeNews.com) — The Christmas story of the birth of Jesus Christ is the ultimate portrayal of a single mother with an unplanned pregnancy that ends in an

Roland Burris May Put Kink in Obama-Democrats’ Plan for 60 Votes on Health Care – Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) — On a day when Democrats emerged triumphantly from a meeting with President Barack Obama appearing to have won the vote of Joe Lieberman

Settlement in Botched Abortion Case Shows Horrid Condition of Abortion Centers – Englewood, NJ (LifeNews.com) — The $1.9 million payout in a New Jersey botched abortion case is prompting one pro-life leader to point out how the conditions at

LifeSiteNews.com

Cherie Blair Attacks Church Teaching on Contraception…Again – By Hilary WhiteDecember 15, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Cherie Blair, the wife of former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, has again attacked the Catholic Church’s teaching on

Court to Hear Arguments against San Francisco’s Anti-Catholic Resolution – By Thaddeus M. BaklinskiSAN FRANCISCO, December 15, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) – A panel of eleven judges of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals sitting in San Francisco

D.C. Council Casts Final Vote to Legalize Same-Sex “Marriage” – By Peter J. SmithWASHINGTON, D.C., December 15, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) – The District of Columbia City Council voted again this afternoon to approve a measure

Duggar’s 19th Child Born Prematurely – By James TillmanLITTLE ROCK, AR, December 15, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Michelle Duggar, of TLC’s “18 Kids and Counting” reality show, delivered her 19th baby

Fake Catholic Groups Working Overtime for Healthcare Bill – Commentary by Deal W. Hudson   December 15, 2009 (InsideCatholic.com) – It’s sad to report, but report we must: The same fake Catholic groups that helped

Half of Urban Teen Girls Acquire STIs within 2 Years of First Sexual Activity – INDIANAPOLIS, December 15, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Half of urban teenage girls may acquire at least one of three common sexually transmitted infections (STI) within

Interview: The Vatican on Just vs. Unjust Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation – By John-Henry WestenNEW YORK, December 15, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) – During a human rights panel discussion at the United Nations last week, Rev. Philip J. Bené, J.C.D.,

Irish Supreme Court Rules Stored Embryos “Not Unborn”: No Protection Under Irish … – By Hilary WhiteDUBLIN, December 16, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) – An Irish woman has lost her bid in the Supreme Court to have her frozen embryos, left over from her

Phase 2- $5 For Life and Family – Good Morning Friends,As you can see from the progress bar on our home page, it is only 10 days until Christmas, and we are not yet halfway toward reaching our Christmas

Pro-Life Action League Goes Christmas Caroling at Chicago-Area Abortion Facilities – CHICAGO, Dec. 15, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) – The Pro-Life Action League will hold its seventh annual ”Empty Manger” Christmas Caroling Day on Saturday,

Quebec Government Launches All-Out Attack against “Homophobia” – By Patrick B. CraineQUEBEC CITY, Quebec, December 15, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) – The Quebec Government has promulgated a new provincial policy against

The Lieberman Pincer: Key Senator “Ready” to Vote for Healthcare under New Deal – By Peter J. SmithWASHINGTON, D.C., December 15, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Furious backroom negotiations and last-minute deals are putting enormous pressure on two key

Two Readers Respond to $1,000 Challenge – Yesterday we reported that a reader from Pennsylvania offered to donate $1,000 if three other people first also contributed $1,000. We published his challenge

Living His Life Abundantly

Couple Arrested for Hiding Aborted Baby Under Christmas Tree – In a shocking display of the growing desensitization to the sanctity of life in our culture, a south Texas couple has been charged with hiding the corpse of a

German Fathers Jailed for Opting Children Out of Graphic Sex Ed – by Susan Brinkmann, OCDS Staff Journalist Government officials in the German state of Salzkotten have begun to sentence fathers to one week in jail for opting their

Second Grader Forced to Undergo Psychological Testing After Drawing Crucified Christ – By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS Staff Journalist A teacher in Taunton, Massachusetts Elementary School sent a second-grader home with a recommendation that he undergo

Vatican Releases Pope’s World Day of Peace Message – By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS Staff Journalist Pope Benedict XVI’s message for the 43rd World Day of Peace, to be celebrated January 1, 2010, encourages lifestyles marked by

National Catholic Register Blog

Actor Sam Elliott Claims Church Prevented Next Pullman Movie – By Tim Drake | Actor Sam Elliott claims that the Catholic Church prevented Hollywood from proceeding with the next two film’s in the “His Dark Materials” trilogy based

Lawler: Catholics Must Oppose This Bill – By The Editors | Phil Lawler, writing at CatholicCulture.org, argues that the health-care reform legislation in its current form must be opposed by Catholics. In an

Pope’s ‘Cosmic Vision of Peace’ – By EDWARD PENTIN | In his World Day of Peace Message for 2010, Pope Benedict XVI highlights the “urgent need” to protect the environment in order to cultivate peace,

Second Grader Sent Home for Drawing a Crucifix – By Tim Drake | The European Union wants public schools in Italy to remove crucifixes from the classroom, but at one Massachusetts’ public school, the administration

New Liturgical Movement

Ember Wednesday in Advent (Feria Quarta Quatuor Temporum Adventus) – Today is Ember Wednesday in Advent in the usus antiquor . While I only have a very brief few moments, there are some interesting aspects to today’s Mass which are

Mass at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross, Rome – From the Roman Basilica of St. Apollinaris, which is entrusted to Opus Dei’s Pontifical University of the Holy Cross, via John Sonnen , comes this suggestive photograph

New Dominican Rite Resources – I have the pleasure to announce that a number of new resources for the Dominican Rite are now available on  Dominican Liturgy through the generosity and work of

R.I.P. Mr. Michel Guy, Father of Philppe Guy – It is with sadness that I have to make another such announcement in such a brief period of time, but please, in your charity, offer your prayers for the repose of the

Thanks to readers of the NLM – I wish to express on behalf of myself and my family our most heartfelt thanks for the many prayers and Masses which have been offered for the respose of my father

The Golden Mass of Ember Wednesday – When examined as a group, the Gospels for the Masses of Advent may seem to be ordered in a rather peculiar way. They are in fact arranged chronologically backwards. On

Patrick Madrid

Earth, Wind & Fire: “That’s The Way of the World”

Milwaukee Archbishop: “You Can’t Call Yourself Catholic and Support Contraception” – As I mentioned last week , it’s grand to see our bishops standing up to be counted on the side of Christ. More and more of them are giving an unflinchingly direct public

Obowma – http://patrickmadrid.blogspot.com

Steve Ray

Steve Talking about Salvation – Someone just sent me a link to a talk I gave about salvation over a year ago. I can tell it was over a year ago because I look fat I’ve lost 30 pounds since I

The Anchoress

Benedict and Obama and You and I – Earlier I wrote of President Obama’s distant chill : Perhaps Obama, turning inwardly protective, rather than outward, has kept himself so hidden for so long that

Coffee prevents diabetes? – Oh, my! This is certainly news you knew I would push ! ( H/T ) The study, which appears today in Archives of Internal Medicine, is a meta-analysis of 457,922 people in

King, Bridegroom Self-Immolating Lover – Thumbing through Benedictus last night, I read two excerpts from the pen of our good pope, Benedict XVI, in succession. The second nearly took off the top of my head.

SecState in a Headband? – So, the Obama administration’s “smart diplomacy” on Iran is not working. And this is very troubling, indeed. Iran is test-firing increasingly advanced

Vespers Podcast for tonight – This is from last year , and I think it includes one of my “little talks.” Excuse the singing. I’m only posting this by request.

The Splendor of the Church

CATHOLIC APOLOGIST PINULBOS ADD BLOGGER – DATING DAAN PINATUNAYANG ‘DAAN NG MASASAMANG TAO’ – Ito ang sinasapit ng mga taong dumadaan sa DATING DAAN na dinadaan ng mga MASASAMANG TAO. Our readers are aware that the Dating Daan supporters opened a Blog [

What Does The Prayer Really Say?

Catholic reporter fired because he disagrees with homosexual “marriage” - From CNA with my emphases : Catholic reporter fired over comment on same-sex ‘marriage’ campaign Portland, Maine, Dec 15, 2009 / 09:56 pm (CNA).- A localized

Good news? - I think we could all use some of your good news. Post from: WDTPRS Good news?

REVIEW: Catena Aurea of St. Thomas Aquinas (Baronius Press) - Latin catena means "chain".  Catena came to be the label for a work which involved "chaining" the commentaries of previous previous writers so

WDTPRS - Ember Wednesday “Missa Aurea” - Collect (1962MR) - Today, Ember Wednesday of Advent, those who have the use of the older, traditional Roman Missal , offer worship to God with the so-called Missa aurea , the "Golden

ZENIT RSS-Newsfeed

Christmas Is About Love, Says Pontiff [2009-12-16]

DC OKs Same-Sex Unions; Church Renews Pledge to Poor [2009-12-16] – Church’s Mission to Regulate Future Cooperation With City

On John of Salisbury [2009-12-16] – “We Witness a Worrying Separation Between Reason … and Liberty”

Pope Greets Legionaries; Visitation to End in March [2009-12-16] – Benedict XVI Tells 59 New Priests to Learn From St. John Vianney

Priest Thanks Pope for Stand Against Pedophilia [2009-12-16] – Offers to Help Bishops in Ireland

The Church’s Charity Crusader (Part 1) [2009-12-16] – Interview With Cardinal Paul Josef Cordes

          Rev. Thomas J. Euteneuer, president of Human Life International, today calls on the pro-life majority of Americans to pay close attention to the new Presidential Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues created by President Barack Obama. “The debate over health care reform has opened many people’s eyes to the true nature of President Obama’s views on the value of human life,” said Rev. Euteneuer. “His plummeting poll numbers are an indication that the more Americans see what he really thinks, the more concerned they are.” On December 2, 2009, President Obama created the new commission, appointing Amy Gutmann, president of the University of Pennsylvania to serve as chair and James W. Wagner, president of Emory University, to serve as vice chair. It is believed that the commission will eventually be composed of 13 members, but it is unclear when the other members will be appointed. “Does anyone think that even one person on this commission will strongly represent the majority of Americans’ pro-life views?” said Rev. Euteneuer. “We saw what the president thinks of bioethicists who disagree with him when he fired the previous presidential bioethics commission the day after they lodged a complaint about his policies.” “We already know what the president is going to do. He is going to find eleven utilitarians who will carefully furrow their scholarly brows as they tell us that we just have to get used to the idea that some lives aren’t worth as much as others. Then he is going to find two ‘pro-life Christians’ or other religious types who provide religious-sounding rationalizations for this assault on life,” said Rev. Euteneuer. “Look at his advisors! Every one who has written on the relevant subjects is pro-abortion, pro-embryonic stem cell research, pro-euthanasia, pro-assisted suicide,” said Rev. Euteneuer. “‘Bioethicists’ like this strive to create a ‘Brave New World’ for the weakest and most vulnerable of those created in God’s image-those who doctors used to swear an oath to protect.”

Dec. 14, 7pm—Dec. 15, 7pm

American Life League (Encouraging Words)

Touching hearts through Christ – St. Augustine tells us how to persist with all those we come in contact with daily:  “Do not be content to live at peace with yourselves until you have won

American Life League (Judie Brown)

What Does a Celibate Priest Know about Marriage? – By Rev. James Farfaglia  “What does he know about married life?” is a frequently voiced criticism of priests when they speak about the intricacies of

American Papist: Not Your Average Catholic!

Exclusive: Archbishop Listecki sets the record straight on “Young Catholics for Choice” – Earlier today I briefly mentioned the extraordinary, deceptive measures undertaken by Catholics for Choice to convince young Catholics to use contraception ( reported on

Extraordinary video: “Babies” Movie Trailer – I challenge you not to fall in love with this video: Of course, there are some who have concocted and are pushing a “carbon scheme” whereby people can offset their

Papist Picture of the Day – 12/15/09 – Okay, I see the knight. Now where is the rest of the chess set? [Photo: AP Photo]

Update: Everything Health Care – I’ve been refraining from doing a health care debate update post for some time because the contours of the debate change so rapidly. Suffice it to say that, as I have

Catholic News Agency

Abortion survivor talks about devastation and healing – Nashville, Tenn., Dec 15, 2009 / 12:13 am ( CNA ).- Melissa Ohden, whose mother tried to have her aborted when she was six months old, is now herself a mother of a

Bishops remind Chileans that all must serve the country in unity – Santiago, Chile, Dec 15, 2009 / 07:04 pm ( CNA ).- After casting his vote in Chile’s presidential elections, the president of the country’s bishops’ conference, Bishop

Cardinal encourages family unity and respect for life this Christmas – Santo Domingo, Dec 15, 2009 / 03:02 pm ( CNA ).- This week, Cardinal Nicolas Lopez Rodriguez of Santo Domingo called on families in the Dominican Republic to celebrate

Cardinal Rigali to host Christmas Party for children helped by Catholic Social Services – Philadelphia, Pa., Dec 15, 2009 / 01:47 am ( CNA ).- Cardinal Justin Rigali will host the 54th annual Cardinal’s Christmas Party for Children for about 400 children who

D.C. same-sex ‘marriage’ bill fails to protect religious freedom, archdiocese states – Washington D.C., Dec 15, 2009 / 07:40 pm ( CNA ).- The City Council of Washington D.C. voted today to legalize same-sex “marriage,” causing the Archdiocese of Washington

Founder of CLM: New charisms help preserve Catholic identity amidst relativism – Guayaquil, Ecuador, Dec 14, 2009 / 10:05 pm ( CNA ).- Catholic News Agency recently interviewed L.F. Figari, the founder of the Christian Life Movement (CLM), at the

Holy See reiterates opposition to violation of homosexual persons’ human rights – New York City, N.Y., Dec 14, 2009 / 08:03 pm ( CNA ).- Following an afternoon panel discussion about treatment of homosexuals by governments around the world, the

Legionaries congratulated by Pope at the Angelus – Vatican City, Dec 15, 2009 / 02:02 pm ( CNA ).- After the Angelus this past Sunday, Pope Benedict directed a special message in Spanish to the newly ordained priests of

Nature must not be valued above man, Pope warns – Vatican City, Dec 15, 2009 / 02:02 pm ( CNA ).- Pope Benedict XVI made his message for World Day for Peace public on Tuesday morning in preparation for its observation

New papal decree clarifies role of deacons and result of defections on marriage – Denver, Colo., Dec 15, 2009 / 05:16 pm ( CNA ).- This morning the Vatican published a Motu Proprio from Pope Benedict called “Omnium in Mentem”  and dated October

Pope Benedict XVI and Italian bishops condemn attack on Berlusconi – Vatican City, Dec 15, 2009 / 11:50 am ( CNA ).- Pope Benedict XVI and the Bishops’ Conference of Italy have spoken out against the assault of the Prime Minister of

Pope names new bishop for Kentucky diocese – Owensboro, Ky., Dec 15, 2009 / 11:08 am ( CNA ).- Fr. William F. Medley of St. Bernadette’s Parish in the Archdiocese of Louisville was nominated on Tuesday by the Holy

Supreme Court takes on case about college student group’s membership code – Washington D.C., Dec 15, 2009 / 06:59 am ( CNA ).- In a case which could greatly affect organized Christian activity on college campuses, the United States Supreme Court

Vatican-Israel negotiations on holy sites appear to move forward – Rome, Italy, Dec 14, 2009 / 09:39 pm ( CNA ).- On December 10, delegations from the Vatican and Israel met in another attempt to resolve legal disputes regarding

West Virginia co-cathedral elevated to minor basilica – Charleston, W.Va., Dec 15, 2009 / 03:52 am ( CNA ).- A Nov. 9 decree from the Congregation for Divine Worship, recently received by Bishop of Wheeling-Charleston Michael

Catholic Online > U.S. News

Protestant Evangelist Oral Roberts Dead at 91 – Oral Roberts was a Protestant Evangelist, revivalist and the founder of ‘Oral Roberts University’

CBCP News – Diocesan News

Peace is attained through dialogue says Mindanao priest – DAVAO CITY, December 15, 2009—Peace Advocate Fr. Amado Picardal said that peace will only be attained in Mindanao if the spirit of sharing and dialogue is alive among

Prelate says there’s good reason for rejoicing this Christmas – DAVAO CITY, December 15, 2009—The various issues confronting the society today should not be a reason to become desperate; instead there’s still a good reason for

Conversion Diary

Doubt after atheism – Occasionally I’m asked if I ever have doubts about God’s existence since my conversion to Christianity from lifelong atheism . The answer isn’t a clear yes or a clear

Creative Minority Report

2nd Grader Suspended Over Drawing of Jesus – By now, many of you have likely heard about this story where a second grader was suspended from school for drawing a picture of Jesus and forced to see some kind of

Carter Blames Catholics For Abuse of Women – You know how there are many parts in the world where women are abused. Well that’s the Catholics fault. Yup. LarryD has the story: It turns out that America’s worst-ever

Historical Failures Grade Themselves – When asked how he’d grade himself after Waterloo, Napoleon famously said, “A good solid B +” and then promptly got on the bus to Elba. Right before the end of the Battle

John & Yoko: Flat Earthers – I found myself in a bizarro world. John and Yoko dismiss the scare over over-population. ht to Remnant

Man Created Limbo – Limbo was defined as the pious speculation of a place where babies who have died without baptism spend eternity in a state of “natural happiness” but not in the presence

Vox Nova Patriotism Fail – Gosh, I make it a point not to visit Vox Nova often as it is a very silly place. It is just so darn convenient when your religious beliefs coincide with your political

EWTN News

Abortion Survivor Talks about Devastation and Healing – Nashville, Tenn., Dec 15, 2009 (CNA).- Melissa Ohden, whose mother tried to have her aborted when she was six months old, is now herself a mother of a healthy 19-month

Benedict XVI Presents a Comic Vision of Peace – VATICAN CITY, 15 DEC 2009 (VIS) – Today in the Holy See Press Office Cardinal Renato Martino, president emeritus of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, and

Bus Ads Aim To Attract Lapsed Catholics in Dallas – Dallas, Texas, Dec 14, 2009 (CNA).- As Christmas quickly approaches, the Diocese of Dallas has launched a campaign to bring lapsed Catholics back into the Church. One

Ireland Mourns Slain Missionary, Was Set to Come Home to Retire Next Year – DUBLIN, Ireland, DEC. 14, 2009 (Zenit.org).- The death of an Irish missionary in Africa is a reminder of the “great sacrifice” made by those who are “answering God’s

Message for World Day of Peace – VATICAN CITY, 15 DEC 2009 (VIS) – The Message of Pope Benedict XVI for the celebration of the forty-third World Day of Peace was made public today. the Day is due to be

Motu Proprio: Variations to the Code of Canon Law – VATICAN CITY, 15 DEC 2009 (VIS) – Made public today was Benedict XVI’s Motu Proprio, “Omnium in mentem”. The document is dated 26 October 2009 and contains two

New Bishops, Leader of Montenegro Meet with Pope Benedict – Vatican City, Dec 14, 2009 (CNA).- Pope Benedict XVI had brief audiences with a number of people on Monday morning, including three newly ordained bishops and the prime

Other Pontifical Acts – VATICAN CITY, 15 DEC 2009 (VIS) – The Holy Father: – Accepted the resignation from the pastoral care of the archdiocese of Pretoria, South Africa, and from the office of

Pope Meets With Albanian Prime Minister – VATICAN CITY, DEC. 13, 2009 (Zenit.org).- On Saturday, Benedict XVI met with the prime minister of Albania, Sali Berisha. A Vatican communiqué noted that in this

Rome-Moscow Relations Begin New Era, Orthodox Archbishop Offers to Help Europe Fight Secularism – By Robert Moynihan WASHINGTON, D.C., DEC. 14, 2009 (Zenit.org).- Things are moving on the Eastern front. And more movement may be coming soon, as an old winter chill in

Supreme Court Takes Case of University Barring Christian Student Group – Washington D.C., Dec 15, 2009 (CNA).- In a case which could greatly affect organized Christian activity on college campuses, the United States Supreme Court has decided

Vatican-Israel Negotiations on Holy Sites Continue – Rome, Italy, Dec 14, 2009 (CNA).- On December 10, delegations from the Vatican and Israel met in another attempt to resolve legal disputes regarding ownership of more

Faith and Family Live!

Confection Affections – Danielle Bean: What’s going on in your kitchen? | Have you begun your Christmas baking yet? I have done … exactly none so far. This is not like me. I usually enjoy

Deep Breath – Rachel Balducci: finding a minute for yourself | Are you feeling harried yet? A bit frazzled? I’m trying not to, but then I’ll think of everything on my to-do list—a

It’s Not Brain Surgery… – Rebecca Teti: but it’s good for a laugh | Here’s a dose of British humor for the end of a long day.

Juvenile Kineto Osmosis – Arwen Mosher: Kids get their energy where? | I think I’ve mentioned before that I come from a nerdy family. We like language. We do not say “decimate” when we mean

Mrs. Grinch and Me – Susie Lloyd: A Sure Cure for My Holiday Stress | Another Thanksgiving has come and gone and whew – was I glad when it was over! Why? I mean, the kids were all home. If

Penance Preferences – Lisa Hendey: How do you like to go to Confession? | Last night, I attended our parish’s annual Advent Penance Service.  It was an amazingly beautiful ceremony and a

Say What You Want – Danielle Bean: Coffee Talk: Open Forum | (Join each day’s Coffee Talk discussion: Mon: Parenting; Tues: Open Forum; Wed: NFP; Thu: Marriage; Fri: Education; Sat/Sun:

Fallible Blogma

More illegal lies by Planned Parenthood exposed by undercover team – Appleton, December 11 — New undercover footage from an Appleton, WI Planned Parenthood abortion clinic shows clinic staff, including the abortion doctor, lying to two

Fr. Frank Pavone’s Blog

The Savior Was Born For All People – Scripture tells us that on the first Christmas, when the shepherds arrived in Bethlehem and saw the baby in the manger, they understood what had been told to them by the

JIMMY AKIN.ORG

Once a Catholic . . . – Pope Benedict has released a new motu proprio titled Omnium in mentum which revises the Code of Canon Law on two points. First, before getting into the changes, let me

Kresta In The Afternoon

Bill Donohue Interviews Obama on Abortion – Well, not really, but below is the latest from Bill with his usual cutting wit and spot-on analysis. Associated Press reports today that “A south Texas couple put an

Bus ads aim to attract lapsed Catholics in Dallas – As Christmas quickly approaches, the Diocese of Dallas has launched a campaign to bring lapsed Catholics back into the Church. One part of the outreach involves bus ads

Cartoon of the Day – I Have Come That They May Have Life

Homosexual protestors outside St. Louis cathedral claim police harassment – Members of two activist organizations taking part in weekly protests outside the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis are alleging police harassment after an officer told a

Outrageous Statement of the Day – Glenn Beck – With the value of gold on the rise, Jon Stewart was determined to get to the bottom of what may have caused the increase. The likely fanner of these flames: yep, Glenn

Pope sends “green” message for World Day of Peace – Pope Benedict XVI sent his message for the upcoming World Day of Peace. His 2010 theme: “If you want to cultivate peace, protect creation.” Full text of World Day of

Today on Kresta – December 15, 2009 – Talking about the “things that matter most” on Dec. 15 4:00 – CNN Viewers Say Yes to a One-child Policy in America CNN’s Jack Cafferty all but endorsed a global version

LifeNews.com

African-Americans and Abortion: Navigating the Mine-Field of the Black Woman’s Womb – Folks get fidgety and indignant because you may be attempting to trample on their “rights” and “choices” with this kind of talk. But when a soldier in Iraq has an 80%

Austin’s Travis County Renews Contracts Sending Tax Money to Abortion Centers – Austin, TX (LifeNews.com) — Officials in Travis County, the location of Austin, Texas, voted last week to renew two contracts that ultimately send $450,000 to directly

Barack Obama Gives Himself a B+ Grade, Pro-Life Leader Says F More Accurate – Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) — President Barack Obama gives himself a B+ grade for his overall performance as president, but a pro-life leader says he deserves an F

Connecticut Report Shows Abortions Increasing, State Reporting a Problem – Hartford, CT (LifeNews.com) — A new report drafted by the Connecticut Catholic Conference shows the number of abortions and abortion rates increasing in the

Nebraska Pro-Life Groups: Don’t Distort Our Embryonic Stem Cell Research Stance – AThe University of Nebraska Board of Regents failed to limit expansion of embryonic stem-cell research (ESCR) at NU. Why won’t we opponents of ESCR get over it and move

Obama Calls Democrats for Meeting as Pro-Abortion Health Care Bill Implodes – Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) — President Barack Obama is calling on Senate Democrats to come to the White House for a meeting on Tuesday to discuss the imploding

Planned Parenthood Calls Video “False” Showing it Lying to Women on Abortion – Appleton, WI (LifeNews.com) — Officials with the Planned Parenthood abortion business in Wisconsin are calling “false and inflammatory” a video showing its staffers

Senate Panel Approves Obama’s Pro-Abortion EEOC Nominee, Chai Feldblum – Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) — On Thursday, the Senate HELP Committee approved the nomination from President Barack Obama of a pro-abortion activist to serve on the

Woman Comatose Month After Botched Abortion Gets $1.9 Million Settlement – Englewood, NJ (LifeNews.com) — An abortion business in New Jersey has settled a $1.9 million lawsuit out of court filed by a woman who was comatose for one month

LifeSiteNews.com

Author Calls on US Bishops to Reform Catholic News Service (CNS) – Part 2 – See Part 1  Commentary By Louie VerrecchioWASHINGTON, DC, December 11, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) – CNS’ cavalier attitude toward orthodoxy is not confined to its

Canadian MP Rebukes Journalist for Supporting Planetary One-Child Policy – By Patrick B. CraineOTTAWA, Ontario, December 14, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Last week, National Post editor-at-large Diane Francis sparked an international

Carbon Scheme: Offset Your Jet-Set Lifestyle by Eliminating African Babies – By Hilary WhiteDecember 14, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Population control groups have been using the hype surrounding the Copenhagen climate change conference

Challenge From LifeSiteNews Reader – An avid LifeSiteNews reader, who we don’t personally know, emailed over the weekend to express his disappointment about the slow progress of our Christmas season

Commentary on Dec. 14 News Reports – By Steve JalsevacDecember 14, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) – So the outlook for the Senate Health Care bill is grim say some of the US Senators. Many are hoping that is true,

Congress Approves Funding for D.C. Abortions, Overseas Providers – By Peter J. SmithWASHINGTON, D.C., December 14, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) – The US Senate has voted to approve a must-pass spending bill that lifts the ban on the District

Eye-Witness Teacher Says Safe Schools Czar Present at “Fistgate” Conference – By Peter J .SmithBOSTON, December 14, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) – New details on President Barack Obama’s “Safe Schools Czar” Kevin Jennings have emerged, as an

Largest Ever March for Life in Netherlands Held December 12th – By Michael van der Mast and Bert Block Cry for Life, the NetherlandsNovember 14, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) – The Dutch annual March For Life was held on Saturday, December

Milwaukee Archbishop: You Can’t Call Yourself Catholic and Support Contraception – By John-Henry WestenMILWAUKEE, December 15, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) – The incoming Archbishop of Milwaukee, Jerome Listecki, has responded to a campaign by “Young

More Reaction to Diane Francis Call for Worldwide Implementation of China’s One-Child Policy – By Steve JalsevacDecember 14, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) – In addition to strong criticisms from Laura Ingraham on the Fox Network and Canadian MP Maurice Vellacott,

Most Americans Want To Hear “Merry Christmas”: Poll – By Thaddeus M. BaklinskiDecember 14, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) – A poll of attitudes to Christmas released by Rasmussen Reports recently says that the vast majority of

NJ Abortion Clinic Pays $1.9 Million for Botched Abortion – ENGLEWOOD, NJ, December 14, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) – A troubled New Jersey abortion facility affiliated with the National Abortion Federation (NAF) has paid out $1.9

Outlook for Senate Health Bill Grim: Senators – By Kathleen GilbertWASHINGTON, D.C., December 14, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) – The two steadiest non-GOP votes against the senate health care bill reaffirmed this weekend

Planned Parenthood Says Live Action Video “False and Inflammatory” – By James TillmanAPPLETON, WI, December 14, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) — Following the release of an undercover video revealing Appleton Planned Parenthood employees giving

Urgent Webcast Tonight to Combat Abortion-Funding Healthcare Bill – By James TillmanWASHINGTON, DC, December 15, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) — Tonight prominent pro-life figures from across the nation will be speaking live in an urgent Stop

Living His Life Abundantly

Actor Blames Church for Cancellation of Sequels to The Golden Compass – By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS Staff Journalist The Catholic Church is being blamed for a decision by New Line Cinema to cancel plans to film the final two installments in the

Judge Bars Father from Taking Daughter to Church – by Susan Brinkmann, OCDS Staff Journalist An Illinois judge has issued a restraining order barring a father from taking his daughter to any church other than a Jewish

Raunchy Christmas Plays Abound This Year – By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS Staff Journalist The Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights says there are more raunchy Christmas plays this year than ever before. Bill

National Catholic Register Blog

New Malthusians Propose a Worldwide One-Child Policy – By Tim Drake | As leaders gather in Copenhagen to discuss climate change, Canada’s National Post writer, Diane Francis has a radical suggestion. Francis says that the

Pope Consoles Berlusconi After Attack – By EDWARD PENTIN | Pope Benedict XVI has sent a telegram through the Vatican secretary of state, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, condemning last night’s physical attack on

New Liturgical Movement

Mariawald Abbey Asks for Your Christmas Donation – If you are still wondering about where to make your Christmas donation, you may be interested in the following appeal by Dom Josef Vollberg, Abbot of Mariawald, the

Old Catholic Books from Minnesota – Vincent John Kranz (651-227-3412) is a parishioner at St. Agnes, in St. Paul, Minnesota, and he is going through his mother’s old collection of books, and many of them

Quatuor Tempora: Advent Embertide this Wednesday, Friday and Saturday – At four periods of the year, the liturgical calendar of the usus antiquior observes Ember days. (In the context of the modern Roman calendar, their observance is to be

Rose Vestments from Hungary — and Others – A number of photos have come in recently from Gaudete Sunday. The first I wished to highlight is this particularly splendid set sent in by our friends in Hungary.

Transformation of St. Ann Catholic Church, Charlotte, NC – Source: Dedication of St. Ann Catholic Church 2009

OSV Daily Take

Sign of the times – By Mary DeTurris Poust A second-grader in Massachusetts was sent home from school earlier this month for drawing a picture of Jesus on the cross. His teacher, according

Patrick Madrid

An 82 Year Old Woman Blasts Me For Warning Against Centering Prayer

Meet Andy the Harmonica Man

Meet Me In Minnesota: Saturday, January 9, 2010 – I’m grateful to have been invited to speak at the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis’s 7th annual apologetics conference, next month on January 9th, 2010 . I hope

Share This Funeral Sermon With Your Parish Priest

The Anchoress

Pondering and Rating Obama – Okay, so we know that President Obama has given himself a “good, solid B+” on his first year in the presidency. He also said he gives better gifts than he

USCCB News

Bishops Want Health Care Reform Aligned with Current Abortion Funding Laws; Urge Support for Menendez Amendment to Waive Waiting Period for Legal Immigrants – WASHINGTON—The U.S. bishops again urged senators to place Hyde Amendment language into proposed health care reform legislation, a step that would align the legislation

Catholic Education Chair Lauds Notre Damels Initiative to Improve Access to Catholic Schools for Latino Children – WASHINGTON—Bishop Thomas J. Curry, chairman of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Committee on Catholic Education and auxiliary bishop of Los

Faith and Order Group Sees Church as Reflection of Holy Trinity – WASHINGTON—“The mission and the Trinitarian nature of the Church were discussed at the Fall meeting of the Faith and Order Commission of the National Council of Churches

What Does The Prayer Really Say?

A Gaudete Rose report – It is nice to see that His Hermeneuticalness had a Solemn Mass at Blackfen and used their new rose set. The Mulier Fortis has photos. Post from: WDTPRS A Gaudete Rose

Benedict XVI promulgates changes to the Church’s law – From VIS :  MOTU PROPRIO : VARIATIONS TO THE CODE OF CANON LAW VATICAN CITY , 15 DEC 2009 (VIS) – Made public today was Benedict XVI ’s Motu Proprio,

Benedict XVI’s Message for 2010 World Day of Peace – The Holy Father’s message for the Word Day for Peace 2010 has been released.   It focuses on the environment.  The title, in English, is “If

Card. Murphy-O’Conner won’t be in the House of Lords – I picked up from Paolo Rodari’s blog, Palazzo Apostolico , that the Holy Father denied permission to His Eminence Cormac Murphy-O’Conner, Archbishop Emeritus

Homeless… it can happen – From the Martyrologium Romanum : 1. Commemoratio sancti Valeriani, episcopi Avensani in Africa, qui, octogenarius amplius, in persecutione vandalica a Genserico rege

Is the White House threatening pro-life Sen. Nelson (D-NE)? – This is from the Catholic Key , blog of the newspaper of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph: Evil’s Afoot – Pray for Senator Ben Nelson If a Senate source

Parents! Don’t let your children draw pictures of Jesus! – The Taunton Gazette, a Newspaper in Massachusetts, has a story which show just how dopey some of our educators are becoming. Taunton second-grader suspended over drawing

Something from SSPX Bp. Williamson… remember him? – I can’t access the site of SSPX Bp. Williamson, but some of you have sent me his latest message, which I look at with my emphases and comments . ELEISON  

The petition against the new translation: update – Remember that petition started by the liberals against the new translation?   They are bringing in the eye-catching luminaries now! I was a little surprised

ZENIT RSS-Newsfeed

Baptism of the Lord and Ordinary Time [2009-12-15] – And More on Priests’ Communion

Catholic Makes Health Bill Accessible Online [2009-12-15] – Former Steubenville Professor Offers Searchable Version

Church in Belarus Blooms After Communist Winter [2009-12-15] – Bishops Conclude 5-Yearly Visit to Rome

Migrants Are People, Not Money-makers [2009-12-15] – Holy See Addresses European Security Group

Papal Message for World Peace Day [2009-12-15] – “If You Want to Cultivate Peace, Protect Creation”

Papal Peace Day Message Focuses on Planet [2009-12-15] – Recalls Distinctiveness of Human Person Within Creation

Pope Modifies Canon Law on Marriage, Deacons [2009-12-15] – Clause Removed on Formal Renunciation of Church

Synod on Mideast Will Focus on Communion [2009-12-15] – Working Document for October Event Nears Completion

US Bishops Laud Plan for 1M Latino Students by 2020 [2009-12-15] – Seen as a Challenge for the Church

World Peace Day Message [2009-12-15]

Dear Friend,

We desperately need your help as the U.S. Senate moves on pro-abortion health care legislation, so please join us for a Stop the Abortion Mandate Coalition live audiocast roundtable – Tuesday, December 15^th at 9 p.m. ET – to find out what you can do to take action on this urgent issue.

LIVE AUDIOCAST DETAILS:

WHAT: Stop the Abortion Mandate Urgent Audiocast

DATE: Tuesday, December 15th

TIME: 9 PM Eastern, 8 PM Central, 7 PM Mountain, 6 PM Pacific

Register now at: www.StopTheAbortionMandate.com/audiocast

Expert presenters include:

• CHARMAINE YOEST, Americans United for Life
• MARJORIE DANNENFELSER, Susan B. Anthony List
• TONY PERKINS, Family Research Council
• KRISTAN HAWKINS, Students for Life of America
• DOUGLAS JOHNSON, National Right to Life Committee
• KRISTEN DAY, Democrats for Life
• WENDY WRIGHT, Concerned Women for America
• DAVID BEREIT, 40 Days for Life

JOIN US TO HEAR…

• The LATEST UPDATES on abortion and its inclusion in the Senate health care legislation…
• What’s at stake if the abortion industry successfully pushes their agenda through passage of this pro-abortion bill…
• What you can do SPECIFICALLY to help us BLOCK this NOW.

We hope you can join us.  Thank you for helping defend life!

For Life,

Charmaine Yoest, Ph.D. President & CEO

P.S. Even if you can’t participate in this live audiocast, you can contact Congress today by clicking here and call your Senator at (202) 224-3121.

P.S.S. Please forward this email to at least one friend.

Dec. 13, 7pm—Dec. 14, 7pm

American Life League (Encouraging Words)

ADVENT VIGILENCE – “I say, that we must not only have faith in the Lord, but must wait on him; not only must hope, but must watch for him; not only love him, but must long for him;

American Life League (Judie Brown)

A CATHOLIC BISHOP’S CONFUSING ASSESSMENT – Over the years, I have seen Pope John Paul II’s encyclical letter Evangelium Vitae, specifically section 73, paragraph 3, used to defend all manner of

American Papist: Not Your Average Catholic!

Photo: Very Clever Advertising – So clever I had to post this before offbeat Friday. From NullWeKnow  : “To promote a plastic surgeon’s office, this life scale poster was placed at the

Catholic News Agency

Bus ads aim to attract lapsed Catholics in Dallas – Dallas, Texas, Dec 14, 2009 / 07:22 pm ( CNA ).- As Christmas quickly approaches, the Diocese of Dallas has launched a campaign to bring lapsed Catholics back into

Madrid schools teaching 13 year-olds how to use condoms – Madrid, Spain, Dec 14, 2009 / 03:25 pm ( CNA ).- The Spanish organization Professionals for Ethics has slammed the president of the Community of Madrid, Esperanza

New bishops meet with Pope Benedict, as does leader of Montenegro – Vatican City, Dec 14, 2009 / 11:42 am ( CNA ).- Pope Benedict XVI had brief audiences with a number of people on Monday morning, including three newly ordained bishops

New movie on abortion attempts to spark honest debate – Hollywood, Calif., Dec 14, 2009 / 05:37 pm ( CNA ).- A new independent film explores the issue of a woman’s ability to chose to have an abortion, using a blend of the

Pope visits hospice center, speaks about lessons of suffering – Vatican City, Dec 14, 2009 / 02:40 pm ( CNA ).- Pope Benedict XVI paid a visit to the sick and health care workers of the Rome Hospice Foundation Sunday morning at their

Catholic Online > International News

Re-birth of Population Control: Human Life as a ‘Carbon Problem’ – Is a planetary law imposing China’s one-child policy on all nations being proposed?

Worldwide one-child policy ‘worse than madness’ – PRI’s Colin Mason heartily disagrees that China is exemplary in waging the war on overpopulation.

Catholic Online > Politics

15 Catholic Senators Join the Catholic Hall of Shame by Voting to Fund Abortion – I list them to invite our readers to specifically pray for their conversion and to empower those in their …

‘Fake Catholic’ Groups Working Overtime for Healthcare Bill – Kovari evidently doesn’t believe the bishops would help defeat the health-care bill because of abortion …

Catholic Online > U.S. News

2009 not a good year for human rights, Congressman Chris Smith says – ‘The United States has been sending a message that profits and money-making and climate change issues …

Catholics Being Drawn to the Anglican Use Liturgy – In some ways the Springfield group is breaking new ground both for the Anglican Use and the new Apostolic …

Most Americans Want To Hear ‘Merry Christmas’ – A poll of attitudes to Christmas released by Rasmussen Reports recently says that the vast majority of Americans …

Catholic Spiritual Direction

Dryness in Prayer Series – A good friend of Catholic Spiritual Direction alerted me to a few broken links with our Dryness in Prayer series. We have repaired the links. Please accept our

No spiritual director in site – how can I keep growing spiritually anyway? – Q: Dear Father John. I cannot find a spiritual director in my area. I will keep looking and praying, but until I find someone, what do I need to do to ensure that I

CBCP News – Diocesan News

Capalla says gov’t’s response to Maguindanao massacre is good – DAVAO CITY, December 14, 2009—While the government lifted the martial law in Maguindanao on Saturday, Davao Archbishop Fernando R. Capalla said that the imposition of

Conversion Diary

Feeling taken care of – The other weekend my husband went out of town with the three older kids, and I stayed home with the baby. I decided to take the opportunity to tackle pretty much every

Creative Minority Report

Blast From the Past – CMR is known for its parodies. But I promise you, this is not a parody. It comes from a book published by the Liturgical Conference in 1969 called Manual of Celebration

Dad Barred from Taking Child to Church? – CBS3 in Chicago reports that a judge has legally barred a father from taking his child to Church because, according to the mother, a Christian Service would “confuse”

Hear D Mac on the Radio Today – If you live in the midwest or have access to Relevant Radio via the internet tune in at around 4:15 central time today to hear CMR’s own Denis McNamara speaking about

McClatchy Hates Babies & Bush – Media bias stories bore me, I discriminate about which bias I cover. This McClatchy story got my attention. It has the perfunctory “It’s all Bush’s fault,” that all

EWTN News

2009 Not a Good Year for Human Rights, Congressman Says – Washington D.C., Dec 13, 2009 (CNA).- In observance of Human Rights Day on December 10, Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.) released a summary of the numerous human rights abuses

Americans Trust Physicians over Politicians on Health Care Reform, Says Gallup Analyst – Princeton, N.J., Dec 11, 2009 (CNA).- In a follow up conversation with CNA on Friday, Gallup poll analyst Lydia Saad spoke more about her findings on Americans trusting

Analysis: The Re-Birth of Population Control, Human Life Seen as a Carbon Problem – By Father John Flynn, LC ROME, DEC. 13, 2009 (Zenit.org).- The Copenhagen climate summit has brought with it an outpouring of opinions on environmental issues. Among

Benedict XVI: God Matters; Italian Bishops Considers How With or Without Him, Everything Changes – VATICAN CITY, DEC. 11, 2009 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI says he is hoping for the success of a conference under way in Rome that is considering the theme “God Today: With

Birmingham Oratory To Work with Cardinal Newman Society Ahead of Beatification – Birmingham, England, Dec 13, 2009 (CNA).- The Birmingham Oratory has announced that it will work closely with the Cardinal Newman Society of America to promote and

Church in Ireland To Undergo “Major” Restructuring – Dublin, Ireland, Dec 12, 2009 (CNA).- Irish Catholics can expect “major reorganization” within the Church following the meeting between the Pope and Irish prelates on

Detroit Catholic College Lists Planned Parenthood as “Career and Professional Resource” – December 14, 2009 The Planned Parenthood Federation of America is listed as a “career and professional resource” within the women’s and gender studies discipline on the

Manhattan Declaration Comes at a Time of “Important Decisions,” Robert George Explains – Washington D.C., Dec 12, 2009 (CNA).- Robert P. George, a Princeton University professor who co-authored the popular Manhattan Declaration, has explained that the

Ottawa Archdiocese Holds Day of Penance in Response to Bishop Lahey’s Presence – December 14, 2009 As Bishop Raymond Lahey awaits trial on charges of possession of child pornography, the Archdiocese of Ottawa, where Bishop Lahey currently resides,

Pope Greets 59 Newly Ordained Legionary Priests – VATICAN CITY, DEC. 13, 2009 (Zenit.org).- Today after praying the midday Angelus with the pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square, Benedict XVI greeted the 59 Legionaries of

Pro-abortion Politicians Do Not Represent Honest Citizens, Says Archbishop – Recife, Brazil, Dec 11, 2009 (CNA).- Archbishop Emeritus Jose Cardoso Sobrinho of Olinda y Recife, who tried to defend and protect a nine year-old girl before she

Sickness Is Linked to Advent, Says Pope, Through Illness, Christ Speaks Words of Love – ROME, DEC. 13, 2009 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI is affirming that the sick can live Advent in a deeper way, because illness is a similar time of waiting for God to

Sunday Angelus: The Secret of True Joy, Lessons from the Creche – VATICAN CITY, DEC. 13, 2009 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI is encouraging families to go to the Baby Jesus in the Manger, and to learn from him the way to authentic

Worldwide One-child Policy “Worse than Madness,” Says Pro-life Advocate – Washington D.C., Dec 12, 2009 (CNA).- Colin Mason, Media Director for the Population Research Institute (PRI), reacted to a recent Financial Post article which called

Faith and Family Live!

Advent Music Meditation – Danielle Bean: Veni Veni Emannuel! | Just a few minutes of beauty for your day:

Juan’s Mom – Sarah Reinhard: Mary Comes to the Poor and Lowly | It was a cold day in December when she came to an unlikely fellow.  She had a retinue of songbirds and flowers,

Mom’s Juan – Rebecca Teti: | Sarah’s lovely feature article on Our Lady of Guadalupe gives me courage to post this photo after the fact. My friend Kate sent it to me from her

Packing the Boxes of My Heart – Arwen Mosher: God’s call in an unusual Advent? | My childhood home is in the footprint of an upcoming public works project. In September, the state bought it from my

Raising Them Right – Danielle Bean: Coffee Talk: Parenting | (Join each day’s Coffee Talk discussion: Mon: Parenting; Tues: Open Forum; Wed: NFP; Thu: Marriage; Fri: Education; Sat/Sun:

Secret Santa – Robyn Lee: My Wish List this Year | In a family of seven kids we didn’t have enough money to buy a present for each person so we would pick a name out of a hat for

Fallible Blogma

What’s with the pink candle during Advent? – The usual liturgical color for Advent is purple (similar to Lent) to remind us that this is a penitential season. It is particularly an appropriate time for special

Fr. Frank Pavone’s Blog

The second half of Advent – As we enter the second half of Advent, the liturgy focuses more specifically on the Incarnation and birth of Jesus at the first Christmas. We think about Mary’s

Kresta In The Afternoon

Cartoon of the Day – Wise Men Cutback

Outrageous Statement of the Day – CNN Viewers Say Yes to a One-child Policy!!! – CNN’s Jack Cafferty found a number of readers who answered “yes” to the question, “Should mandatory population control be a part of the fight against global warming?”

Pope Visits the Terminally Ill – The pope, this weekend, visited the Sacred House of Charity in Rome. This small hospital provides free care to terminally ill cancer patients, Alzheimer’s and

Today on Kresta – December 14, 2009 – Talking about the “things that matter most” on Dec. 14 4:00 – Christianity Caused the Crash? Recently the Atlantic magazine ran an article under the provocative headline

LifeNews.com

Abortion, Assisted Suicide and Bioethics Predictions for 2010, Tough Pro-Life Year – “Flash Forward” is a new and interesting television drama presented on the ABC Television Network. The premise is brilliant – due to reasons still unknown, everyone in

Alaska Pro-Life Advocates Need Signatures for Parental Notification on Abortion – Juneau, AK (LifeNews.com) — As of December 8, 31,000 signatures had been collected on a petition for a ballot initiative that would allow Alaska voters to decide

British Pro-Life Disabled Rights Campaigner to Challenge Supreme Court Ruling – London, England (LifeNews.com) — The following update comes from John Smeaton, the head of the British pro-life group SPUC: Alison Davis, the well-known pro-life

Opposition to Health Care Bill Shoots Up After Abortion Funding Ban Defeated – Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) — Americans take a much stronger stand now opposing the government-run health care bill now that the Senate has defeat an amendment that

Saving Mexico City: Pro-Life Lobbying Salvages Attempt to Restore Abortion Limits – Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) — Candidate Barack Obama promised the abortion lobby that, upon his ascendancy to the presidency, he would follow Bill Clinton’s lead and

Senate Approves Omnibus Bill Funding Abortions in Nation’s Capital, Obama to Sign – Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) — The Senate approved an omnibus spending bill on Sunday that would lift the 13-year-long ban on directly paying for abortions in the

Senate Omnibus Bill Funds Planned Parenthood, UNFPA, Ditches Abstinence Ed – Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) — The omnibus spending bill the Senate will consider this weekend could pave the way for funding abortions in the nation’s capital for the

Senator Sees Momentum Shifting Against Pro-Abortion Senate Health Care Bill – Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) — A Republican senator says momentum may be shifting against the pro-abortion health care bill in the Senate.

What’s Next on the Health Care Debate? Stop the Abortion Mandate Knows – Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) — The last several months have been some of the most tumultuous for the pro-life movement in recent history as the battle has intensified

National Catholic Register Blog

Congress Restores D.C. Abortion Funding – By The Editors | The $1.1 trillion spending bill the Senate passed yesterday includes major increases in funding for abortions. The bill, which was sent to President

Newman Beatification Key to Pope’s U.K. Trip in
‘10 – By EDWARD PENTIN | Preparations are continuing for Pope Benedict XVI’s visit to Britain in 2010, although an official announcement is not expected until well into the

New Liturgical Movement

A Great News Source for the Anglican Ordinariates – There have been numerous important items I have been wanting to write about in the past month or so, but unfortunately I have been distracted by other things–though

A Short Reflection on the O antiphons – I was very pleased to take part in the singing of five O antiphons this morning in my OF parish, so first some provisos to forestall correction (but please don’t think

Aspiciens a longe: Today’s Discovery – A great aspect of Gregorian music is that you can’t possible ever discovery it all. What this means is that there are as many treasures to explore as you have time for.

Fr. Phillips Reports on the Anglicanorum Coetibus Information Day at Our Lady of the Atonement – The venerable flagship parish of the Anglican Use of the Roman Rite, Our Lady of the Atonement in San Antonio, Texas , hosted an information day this last Saturday, the

Guadete Sunday and a Rorate Mass – Gaudete Sunday from the Conventual Church of St. John of Jerusalem in London. As well, the NLM was sent photos from a Rorate Mass celebrated this past Saturday morning

Should Catholics Copy the Megachurches? – The pastor of this parish in Coachella, California, has an article in the new issue of America . In here he argues as follows. Forty percentage of the members of

OSV Daily Take

Tiger Woods, pornography and the loaded gun – By Russell Shaw The sad case of Tiger Woods offers the familiar spectacle of media and the public setting a celebrity on a pedestal, then taking gleeful satisfaction in

Steve Ray

Christmas Discounts on our Web Store – Merry Christmas everyone. Steve Ray here. Almost everything’s on sale at our webstore and much of it qualifies for free shipping. Give your family and friends the

Did the Wise Men Meet the Shepherds? – Today at 7 AM Eastern I will be with Sean Herriott on Morning Air on Relevant Radio. You can listen on-line here . We will be discussing Christmas, Bethlehem and the

The Anchoress

A Companion for Clara! – A few weeks ago we talked about Lovely Clara and her Depression cooking . I wanted to tell you about a book that might almost be called a “companion” to

The Bagpiper’s Tale – Let us now, bow our heads and reflect on the spirit of the season. I offer, *THE BAGPIPER’s TALE; a Personal Testimony* As a bagpiper, I’m often called upon

Who do you trust? – Whom to trust? The public is angry at big finance on Wall Street, whose greed and recklessness helped to cause the panic that tore holes through retirement accounts. It

What Does The Prayer Really Say?

Good reason #65648 for Pope Benedict’s Anglican Provisions – Not long after Anglican Archbishop Williams stood up in public and waved to the planet wearing funky colored gloves, in the wake of his comments that Benedict XVI

The 2009 CINO Awards – A friend blog of WDTPRS , Serviam has an interesting award coming up. THE 2009 CINO AWARDS – NOMINATIONS ARE NOW OPEN !! Post from: WDTPRS The 2009 CINO Awards

The Tilma. Still mind-blowing. – If we believe in a God who created the universe from nothing and guides it according to His will, even through nature’s law of which He is the author, then it is

ZENIT RSS-Newsfeed

6.1 Million Pilgrims Visit Guadalupe Shrine [2009-12-14] – Set New Attendance Record for Feast Day Celebrations

A Mother for the Civilization of Love [2009-12-14] – Interview With the Postulator of St. Juan Diego’s Canonization Cause

Filling Empty Catholic Schools With Latino Students [2009-12-14] – Campaign Proposes Win-Win Solution

Ireland Mourns Slain Missionary [2009-12-14] – Was Set to Come Home to Retire Next Year

Pope Receives Montenegro’s Prime Minister [2009-12-14]

Pope to Dine at Sant’Egidio Soup Kitchen [2009-12-14]

Pope: No Justification for Anti-Personnel Mines [2009-12-14] – US Attends Conference for 1st Time, No Plans to Sign Convention

Putting Christ Back Into Christmas Carols [2009-12-14] – Interview With Director of Parish Initiative

Rome-Moscow Relations Begin New Era [2009-12-14] – Orthodox Archbishop Offers to Help Europe Fight Secularism

Vatican Diplomacy: Realism of Hope [2009-12-14] – Papal Visitors Show Church’s Patience, Says Spokesman

Dec. 12, 7pm—Dec. 13, 7pm

Catholic News Agency

2009 not a good year for human rights, Congressman Chris Smith says – Washington D.C., Dec 13, 2009 / 06:16 pm ( CNA ).- In observance of Human Rights Day on December 10, Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.) released a summary of the numerous human

Birmingham Oratory to work with Cardinal Newman Society ahead of beatification – Birmingham, England, Dec 13, 2009 / 04:28 am ( CNA ).- The Birmingham Oratory has announced that it will work closely with the Cardinal Newman Society of America to

Church to celebrate feast of saint who wrote about the ‘long dark night of the soul’ – CNA STAFF, Dec 13, 2009 / 05:12 am ( CNA ).- He entered the Carmelite Order, but became disillusioned and thought of leaving. Then he met St. Teresa of Avila. Together

Manhattan Declaration comes at a time of ‘important decisions,’ Robert George explains – Washington D.C., Dec 12, 2009 / 10:47 pm ( CNA ).- Robert P. George, a Princeton University professor who co-authored the popular Manhattan Declaration, has explained

The secret of joy is found in the Nativity, Pope says at Angelus – Vatican City, Dec 13, 2009 / 12:19 pm ( CNA ).- Saying he shared the “secret joy” of his audience, Pope Benedict dedicated his Angelus address to the blessing of the

Catholic Online > International News

Prefect of the Congregation for the Clergy: Priests must be Men of Prayer – The Priest, if he is to remain faithful to Christ and faithful to the community, must be a man of prayer, a man …

CBCP News – Diocesan News

Biblical Center hosts Catholic Faith Defender’s retreat – OZAMIZ CITY, Dec 13, 2009—The Paul VI Biblical Center for Mindanao has hosted the recently held First National Catholic Faith Defenders’ Retreat in Bañadero, Ozamis

Papal nuncio to grace Mati’s founding anniversary – MATI, Davao Oriental, Dec. 13, 2009─Papal nuncio in the Philippines, Archbishop Edward Joseph Adams will lead the celebration of the founding anniversary of Mati diocese

Prelate says martial law critics portray distorted view of country as a whole – DAVAO CITY, Dec 13, 2009 – Feeling a bit frustrated, Cotabato Archbishop Orlando Quevedo said that the extra-ordinary amount of media exposure that is given to Martial

Conversion Diary

EWTN Radio interview tomorrow – I’ll be chatting with the folks at the SonRise Morning Show at 8:50 AM Eastern tomorrow (Monday) morning . The interview will air on the EWTN Radio Network and Sacred

Creative Minority Report

First Tiger and Now This! – First Tiger Woods and now this. CBS is reporting that the New England Patriots mascot has been arrested for prostitution related crimes. Oh the horror! Can the sports

Faith and Family Live!

My Knight In A Clone Wars Lunchbox – Rebecca Teti: | Not that you asked, but among the things I rejoice about this Gaudete Sunday is my husband. Here’s two reasons why: A certain little punk called one

New Liturgical Movement

Cause of Beatification of Empress Zita Opened – Many readers will rejoice – fittingly on this Gaudete Sunday – to learn that last Thursday, 10 December 2009, the Cause of Beatification of the Servant of God Zita, last

Gaudete Sunday: Rejoice! – Today, the 3rd Sunday of Advent, we observe Gaudete Sunday. Rose vestments may be worn in place of violet; the penitential flavour of the season is lessened as we

The Commanding Heights of Sacred Music – The phrase “commanding heights” was popularized some years by a PBS special on the world economy. The idea is to track the dominate ideas that foreshadow the real-world

Steve Ray

Jimmy Carter as “Church Historian” (giggle) – Jeff Miller posted an interesting commentary on his Facebook account. I have provided the full text here. I agree! Whenever you want to revise the historical events of

Sales on our Web Store – Merry Christmas everyone. Steve Ray here. We have most everything on sale on our website and much of it qualifies for free shipping. Give your family and friends the

What Does The Prayer Really Say?

Gaudete Rose – WDTPRS CONFIRMATION POLL – Early in the last week I posted a poll asking what color of vestments you expected to see at your church on Gaudete Sunday . Here were your results: What color vestments

Vancouver – Chinese Food – The weather cleared today just enough so that I could see that there might be mountains around Vancouver.   I did have a chance to view the city from the

ZENIT RSS-Newsfeed

Benedict XVI Shares Secret of True Joy [2009-12-13] – Underlines Lessons from the Creche

Cardinal Bertone Ordains 3 Bishops in Vatican [2009-12-13] – Encourages Them to Be Ministers of Joy

On Christian Joy and the Nativity Scene [2009-12-13] – “The Crèche Is a School of Life”

Papal Address to Hospice Foundation [2009-12-13] – “Find in Jesus Support and Comfort”

Pontiff Mourns Murder of 4 Missionaries in Africa [2009-12-13] – Highlights Faithful Witness to the Gospel

Pope Greets 59 Newly Ordained Legionary Priests [2009-12-13] – 11 Countries Represented

Pope Meets With Albanian Prime Minister [2009-12-13]

Prelate Underlines Values of the Circus [2009-12-13] – Conference Stresses Pastoral Care of Workers

Sickness Is Linked to Advent, Says Pope [2009-12-13] – Through Illness, Christ Speaks Words of Love

The Re-Birth of Population Control [2009-12-13] – Human Life Seen as a Carbon Problem

In the news: The Duggar’s welcome child number 19 and a feminist who wants the planet to adopt China’s limited child policy (video).

Dec. 11, 7pm—Dec. 12, 7pm

Catholic News Agency

Cardinal Bertone calls for religious freedom and respect for human rights in Arab countries – Rome, Italy, Dec 12, 2009 / 02:59 am ( CNA ).- In what constitutes the first interview for a documentary on the Vatican produced by the Al Jazeera network in

Catholic Church in Ireland to undergo ‘major’ restructuring – Dublin, Ireland, Dec 12, 2009 / 11:29 am ( CNA ).- Irish Catholics can expect “major reorganization” within the Church following the meeting between the Pope and Irish

Christian Liberation Movement urges government to return sovereignty to Cubans – Havana, Cuba, Dec 11, 2009 / 10:59 pm ( CNA ).- The Christian Liberation Movement this week urged Cuba’s National Assembly to return sovereignty to the people because

Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass to be celebrated at Chicago’s Federal Plaza – Chicago, Ill., Dec 12, 2009 / 07:46 am ( CNA ).- A public Mass for the Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe will be celebrated on noon Saturday at Federal Plaza in

Tradition of Our Lady of Guadalupe grows in Philadelphia – Philadelphia, Pa., Dec 12, 2009 / 12:38 pm ( CNA ).- For the first time ever, celebrations in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe will be held in Philadelphia’s Cathedral.

Woman interprets for the deaf in Cincinnati parishes – Cincinnati, Ohio, Dec 12, 2009 / 02:04 pm ( CNA ).- Angela Dornbach didn’t hear her full name spoken until she was in first grade, but she understood a spiritual message

Worldwide one-child policy ‘worse than madness,’ says PRI media director – Washington D.C., Dec 12, 2009 / 06:06 pm ( CNA ).- Colin Mason, Media Director for the Population Research Institute (PRI), reacted to a recent Financial Post article

Catholic Online > Politics

Fifteen Catholic Senators voted against Nelson Amendment – Besides Sen. Casey, Sen. Ted Kaufman of Delaware was the only other Catholic Democrat to vote against tabling the …

Opinion: This is a ‘Prophetic Moment’ for Truly Pro-Life Politicians – While access to adequate health care and proper medical coverage is very much on the pro-life radar, abortions …

Catholic Online > U.S. News

Ave Maria Donor Golisano is Pro-Life – ‘I am pro-life now and have always been pro-life. I believe a woman’s ‘right to …

Catholic Spiritual Direction

Love beyond love – Almighty God, I do love you, and fear you. What fool would not tremble at your ability to cast it into the eternal suffering of its own making? But I am not motivated by

CBCP News – Diocesan News

Argueles takes “case” to Lipa City Hall – LIPA CITY, December 12, 2009—No less than Lipa Archbishop Ramon Arguelles led hundreds of students from Lipa’s schools and laity from the Parish of Our Lady of Peace and

Creative Minority Report

Palin Sets Phasers on Stun…On Kirk! – This is great. Sarah looks really comfortable. Shatner was reading excerpt from Palin’s bestseller “Going Rogue” in a mocking way. At the end of it, Sarah comes out

Faith and Family Live!

John, the Locust-Eating Moderate – Tom and April Hoopes: User’s Guide to Sunday | (In this weekly column, Tom and April Hoopes share family-friendly ways of observing the liturgical year and celebrating

Journalist and Missionary – Lisa Hendey: Meet Al Kresta on this week’s podcast | Today on the podcast (click here to listen or click on the player above), we welcome broadcaster, journalist, author

Last of the Winners – Danielle Bean: Thanks for your participation! | Thank you to everyone who participated in our Faith & Family Days giveaways over the past 5 days. We really

Not as Perfect as Mine, Mom – Arwen Mosher: Dealing with a Type-A tyke | My little girl is slightly… well, can you call a three-year-old Type A? Because if so, she is. For example: if I hand her a

Notes From the Laundry Room – Danielle Bean: Coffee Talk: Homemaking | (Join each day’s Coffee Talk discussion: Mon: Parenting; Tues: Open Forum; Wed: NFP; Thu: Marriage; Fri: Education; Sat/Sun:

Preparing the Way – Lisa Hendey: | I hope you enjoy watching this week’s Kids Gospel Moment with your family in preparation for the Third Sunday of Advent.  Our theme this week is

LifeNews.com

Congressman Chris Smith: Human Rights Day Should Include China, Abortion – Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) — As the world marked Human Rights Day, one of the most-respected pro-life members of Congress said it should include abortion awareness.

Physicians Criticize Planned Parenthood in Sting Video Lying About Abortion – Appleton, WI (LifeNews.com) — Two physicians are responding to a new sting operation video produced showing staff at a Wisconsin Planned Parenthood center lying to

Potential Opponents of Pro-Abortion Barack Obama Fare Well in 2012 Polling – Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) — A new poll comparing potential opponents of President Barack Obama to the pro-abortion president shows Obama’s numbers sliding

Pro-Life Nations Beat Pro-Abortion Ones on Maternal Mortality, New Report Shows – New York, NY (LifeNews.com/CFAM) — A new report from the World Economic Forum (WEF) shows that countries with restrictive abortion laws are often the leaders in

Pro-Life Revival Against Abortion Laws Seen in Mexico, South America, Elsewhere – New York, NY (LifeNews.com) — Mexican pro-lifers were elated when the Vera Cruz amended its state constitution last month to protect life from the moment of conception,

LifeSiteNews.com

“Life is Short. Have an Affair.”: Toronto Transit System Considered Adultery-Promoting Ad – By Thaddeus M. BaklinskiTORONTO, December 11, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) – The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) today rejected a proposed advertizing campaign that

Appeals Court Hears Lisa Miller Case as Custody Transfer Looms – ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, December 11, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) – On Wednesday, Liberty Counsel lawyers appeared in court to defend Lisa Miller. Last month a Vermont court

Author Calls on US Bishops to Reform Their Catholic News Service – Part 1 – Commentary By Louie VerrecchioWASHINGTON, DC, December 11, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Wouldn’t it be wonderful if the Christian faithful had ready access to reliable

Civil Unions Bill Passed in Austria – By Hilary WhiteVIENNA, December 11, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Austria’s parliament has passed legislation allowing homosexual partners to enter into formal civil unions.

Controversial New Study Strongly Links Child Porn Use and Child Abuse – By Matt AndersonDecember 11, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) – A recent study performed by psychologists among inmates of the Bureau of Prisons suggests a strong link between

Copenhagen Anti-Population Push Coming from UN – By Patrick B. CraineLONDON, England, December 11, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Leading up to this month’s conference on “climate change” in Copenhagen, Denmark,

Dem Senator Seeks to Alter Filibuster Rules to Pass Health Bill – By Kathleen GilbertWASHINGTON, D.C., December 11, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) – One Democrat senator is seeking to alter Senate filibuster rules in the quest to hammer

Dutch MP: Homosexual Sexual Education Should be Mandatory – By James Tillman AMSTERDAM, December 11, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) – According to Dutch member of parliament Boris van der Ham, of the liberal Democrats 66 party, the

For Your Children, Your Grandchildren, the Future of Your Nation – For Life and Truth – By Steve JalsevacAt the end of October I wrote an in-depth article titled, Life vs Death: Beggars vs Giants, about the constant struggles of pro-life,

Germany Jails Eight Christian Fathers for Removing Children from Sex-Ed Class – By Peter J. SmithWESTPHALIA, Germany, December 11, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) – At least eight Russo-German families in Salzkotten, Germany, have suffered heavy fines and

The 15 Catholic Senators Who Nixed Nelson – WASHINGTON, D.C., December 11, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Of the 54 senators who voted against the Nelson/Hatch/Casey amendment, which would have restored Hyde-amendment

New Liturgical Movement

Information Day on Anglicanorum Coetibus – I have been busy doing some research today (and hence the silence so far), so I nearly forgot to mention that an information day on Anglicanorum coetibus is being

Newman: A Meditation for the Third Sunday of Advent: Holiness in this Earth and the Next – From the site for the Cause for John Henry Cardinal Newman comes a meditation for the 3rd Sunday of Advent (Gaudete Sunday), Holiness in this earth and the next . In the

Seminarian Opportunity – Registration for the CMAA’s Winter Chant Intensive , scheduled for June 4-8, 2010 at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Charleston, South Carolina, has been closed

The Anchoress

Yep, She’s a Natural! – As Camille Paglia said – Palin is a natural. Which is one reason why -for some- she must be destroyed. A politician who has the ability to laugh at himself, and to

The Splendor of the Church

Answering an Anti-Catholic on Confession and Intercession – The Patriarch Isaac blessing Jacob CATHOLIC TRADITION – Confessing sins to a priest. Petitioning saints and Mary. Obviously these doctrines are supported by the Sacred

AYON SA BIBLIA: Felix Manalo ay isang Sugo at Anghel! By Bro. Beltran, O.P. – St. Michael the Archangel defeated Lucifer and thrown him out of Heaven. The fallen angel and his legion of demons were thrown on the earth. Thus, it is no wonder that

Kasagutan sa Paninira ng Anonymous Anti-Catholic – Jesus commands his Apostles to Eat His Body and Drink His Blood during the Last Supper Anonymous said… Lahat ng sinasabi mong father ay puro namamatay ang Ama namin

Pagdepensa sa Antas ng Banal na Orden o ‘Hierarchy’ sa Santa Iglesia – The Apostles and the 70 Disciples Anonymous said… Ang mga Apostoles noon walang RANGGO parang sa militar, samantalang ang mga Katokliko o Katoklito may mga Ranggo isa

THE SEVEN SACRAMENTS – WORD FOR WORD IN THE BIBLE by Bro. Beltran, O.P. – The Sacrament of Baptism by Nicolas Poussin Originally posted in Roman Catholic Apologetics on December 8, 2009 at 8:19am The Catholic Church has NEVER TAUGHT that a

What Does The Prayer Really Say?

Anglican Archbp. Williams: Benedict XVI’s provisions seen as “theologically eccentric” – I think Rowan Williams, Anglican Archbishop of Canterbury, likes the word “eccentric”.  It seems to be a word he understands inside and out. A few alert

Avery Card. Dulles – RIP – 1st anniversary – It is a long tradition to pray for the dead on the 3rd day after death, 30th day and 1st year. Say a prayer for the late Avery Card. Dulles, who died one year ago today.

Geminid – Space Weather News for Dec. 12, 2009 http://spaceweather.com GEMINID METEOR SHOWER : This weekend, Earth will pass through a stream of debris from extinct comet 3200

More tests on Spirit: not encouraging – In case you missed this news about the intrepid little Mars Rover Spirit . Further Tests Designed for Rover’s Right-Rear Wheel December 07, 2009 A series of

Nothing “eccentric” about this theology! Nosirrie! – Whose theology is “eccentric” ? The Anglican Archbishop of Canterbury opined that for some (no doubt himself included) Benedict XVI ’s provisions for

Vancouver sights – They say there are mountains around Vancouver. I don’t believe it.  There is only a solid gray science fiction like void of clouds. I could be in Gary,

WDTPRS: Gaudete Sunday – Collect…. how is your Advent going? – Gaudete Sunday is coming.  I hope you have been using this season in thoughtful preparation for the feast to come. Remember: Advent is probably more about

ZENIT RSS-Newsfeed

A Brilliant Preacher [2009-12-12]

Growing Love for Mary [2009-12-12]

My Own Mass Kit [2009-12-12]

Rupert’s Contribution [2009-12-12]

Servant Priests [2009-12-12]

Dec. 10, 7pm—Dec. 11, 7pm

American Life League (Encouraging Words)

DILIGENT PRAYER – “When a prayer, like a ray of the sun, arises from our tongue and comes forth from our mouth, our mind is enlightened, all the savage passions which destroy our

American Life League (Judie Brown)

STUPAK REDUX: POLITICAL LIES AND MANIPULATION – Congressman Bart Stupak, a Michigan Democrat and the darling of many American pro-life organizations, recently wrote a commentary for the New York Times that literally

American Papist: Not Your Average Catholic!

Commentary: Catholic Politicians Face a Clear Choice in Health Care Debate – I know it is not up to me to decide these things, but I think this is a very important post, so please bear with me. I am involved in the political health care debate

Does Obama’s White House feature a Christmas Nativity Scene? – NCRegister reporter Tim Drake sets the record straight . Apparently the holy family very nearly got shut out of the White Inn: The rumor is that the White House didn’t

Offbeat Video: Christian Rap promotes “side hugs” – The most random, disturbing religion-related video I’ve seen this week: Puritanical like it’s going out of style. GetReligion reports : Christians can do funny, goofy

Papist Picture of the Day – 12/11/09 – Even the pope has to sneak in some Christmas spirits. [Photo: Reuters]

Tonight: AmP to appear on EWTN’s The World Over at 8PM EST – This evening I will be on EWTN’s The World Over with Raymond Arroyo at 8PM EST, discussing the final stages of the health care debate, and possibly mentioning themes I

Catholic News Agency

Americans trust physicians over politicians on health care reform, says Gallup analyst – Princeton, N.J., Dec 11, 2009 / 04:28 pm ( CNA ).- In a follow up conversation with CNA on Friday, Gallup poll analyst Lydia Saad spoke more about her findings on

Bishop installed with ‘joy and enthusiasm’ in Wyoming – Cheyenne, Wyo., Dec 10, 2009 / 08:11 pm ( CNA ).- On Wednesday, Dec. 9, Bishop Paul D. Etienne (pronounced a-ten) was ordained a bishop and installed as the eighth

Buddhist extremists brutally attack Catholic church in Sri Lanka – Rome, Italy, Dec 11, 2009 / 12:59 pm ( CNA ).- More than 1,000 Buddhist extremists armed with clubs, swords and stones ferociously attacked a Catholic church in the town

Fifteen Catholic Senators voted against Nelson Amendment – Washington D.C., Dec 11, 2009 / 06:29 am ( CNA ).- A total of fifteen self-described Catholic Senators voted to table the Nelson-Hatch-Casey Amendment, which would have

Fulton Sheen wanted everyone to be saints, Archbishop Dolan says at memorial Mass – New York City, N.Y., Dec 11, 2009 / 04:53 am ( CNA ).- At the Mass marking the 30th Anniversary of Archbishop Fulton Sheen’s death, Archbishop of New York Timothy Dolan

Irish bishops’ conference decries ‘failure of moral leadership’ in clerical sex abuse scandal – Dublin, Ireland, Dec 11, 2009 / 03:21 am ( CNA ).- The Irish bishops have apologized to victims of clerical sexual abuse, decrying the “failure of moral leadership” and

Lesbian nominee approved by Senate committee despite pro-family outcry – Washington D.C., Dec 11, 2009 / 12:48 pm ( CNA ).- Despite the complaints of her critics that she supports same-sex “marriage” as well as previously endorsing

New book comprised of Pope’s 2008 homilies presented to the Holy Father – Vatican City, Dec 10, 2009 / 10:47 pm ( CNA ).- After this week’s Wednesday General Audience, the Holy Father was presented with the book, “Homilies. The Liturgical Year

Pope meets with Irish bishops, plans measures to respond to abuse – Vatican City, Dec 11, 2009 / 10:55 am ( CNA ).- Pope Benedict XVI and high-ranking members or the Roman Curia met with two members of the Irish bishops’ conference in

Pro-abortion politicians do not represent honest citizens, says Brazilian archbishop – Recife, Brazil, Dec 11, 2009 / 04:18 pm ( CNA ).- Archbishop Emeritus Jose Cardoso Sobrinho of Olinda y Recife, who tried to defend and protect a nine year-old girl

Relations progress as Vietnamese president meets with Pope – Vatican City, Dec 11, 2009 / 05:06 pm ( CNA ).- Pope Benedict XVI met with the President of Vietnam, Nguyen Minh Triet, this morning at the Apostolic Palace in a much

Rep. Stupak to discuss pro-life prospects for health care bill in EWTN interview – Washington D.C., Dec 11, 2009 / 02:50 pm ( CNA ).- An interview with Rep. Bart Stupak, the Michigan pro-life Democrat who rallied 64 Democrats to amend the House health

Right to Life in Spain rejects ‘radicalization’ of new abortion law – Madrid, Spain, Dec 11, 2009 / 01:04 am ( CNA ).- The Right to Life organization in Spain has denounced the “scandalous” agreement between the Socialist Party and other

Steubenville conference launches N. American endeavor on faith and culture – Steubenville, Ohio, Dec 11, 2009 / 02:18 am ( CNA ).- The Pontifical Council for Culture began its “intentional engagement” of North America with a conference at

Without God we risk our own destruction, writes Benedict XVI – Rome, Italy, Dec 11, 2009 / 03:36 pm ( CNA ).- Pope Benedict officially congratulated the Italian bishops’ conference for hosting this week’s “Conference on God.” He

Catholic Online > International News

Pope Benedict Holds 90 Minute Meeting with Leaders of the Irish Church Summoned to Rome – Pope Benedict and members of the Roman Curia held a 90 minute meeting with Cardinal Sean Brady of Armagh and …

Catholic Online > Politics

Gay ‘Marriage’ Vote Killed in NJ Senate – The latest available New Jersey polls show that support for same-sex ‘marriage’ has dropped …

Catholic Online > U.S. News

Infamous Catholic Nun Cites Virgin Mary as Support for Pro-Abortion Views – On December 8, Sr. Quinn sent a thank-you note to those who lobbied their senators to vote against the …

More Good News for Ave Maria University: $ 5 Million Dollar Gift in memory of Paul Henkels – On the heels of receiving a four million dollar ($4,000,000) gift to build an athletic facility, the University …

Opinion: When sex becomes a false god – We have a new false god, Sex. Our society worships at the altar of sex, and by extension, the altar of abortion.

Catholic Spiritual Direction

Prayer book help – Part II – Dear Friends, Your feedback for the prayer book has been fantastic. What has also been interesting is the diversity of ideas and sources. This morning we had a friend

CBCP News – Diocesan News

Ozamiz appoints new vicar general – OZAMIZ CITY, December 11, 2009—The Roman Catholic Archbishop of Ozamiz, Most Rev. Jesus A. Dosado, CM, has appointed Fr. Maximino Naron, canon lawyer and chancellor, as

Conversion Diary

7 Quick Takes Friday (vol. 61) – — 1 — Guilty confession : I totally cheated on our Christmas card picture this year. I Photoshopped the baby’s head. I tried to keep it real and be satisfied with an

Creative Minority Report

Is Charlie Brown Their Mayor? – I just can’t stop laughing at this. The tree you’re looking at is actually the city of Concord’s official Christmas tree. I know times are tough right now but is

Lesbian Feminist Priest’s Liturgy Workshop – The Catholic Action Network has been quite busy lately protesting the church’s stand against gay marriage. No surprise there. The group describes itself as “a network of

Little Girl REALLY Likes Sarah Palin

The Catholicism Project – NEW TRAILER – Truly, truly I say unto you. This is gonna be awesome! Support The Catholicism Project

Faith and Family Live!

Christmas Crunch – Lisa Hendey: This week’s Casual Fridays looks at the busy pre-Christmas work crunch | This year, Christmas falls on a Friday, meaning that for many working moms, next

Clip, Clip, Clip? – Arwen Mosher: The baby boy hair length question | My sisters put my son’s hair in ponytails. See the picture? That’s the back of my baby boy’s head, with one pink and

Gourmet Coffee, Beautiful Books, Marvelous Music & More – Danielle Bean: Faith & Family Days Friday | What a wonderful week we’ve had! I want to thank everyone who has been participating in this week’s Faith & Family Days

In Over My Head – Hallie Lord: Fashion Friday vol. 6 | Hiya girls! I hope you won’t mind if I tie my second Fashion Friday stocking stuffer suggestion into the slightly more weighty topic

Learning to Love, Loving to Learn – Danielle Bean: Coffee Talk: Education | (Join each day’s Coffee Talk discussion: Mon: Parenting; Tues: Open Forum; Wed: NFP; Thu: Marriage; Fri: Education; Sat/Sun:

Our Advent Lady – Rebecca Teti: | The Pope visited Rome’s famed Spanish Steps on Tuesday. He went to pay homage to the Immaculate Conception on her feast day. Her image hangs over the

To Quell a Quibble – Dr. Ray Guarendi: Manage the art of muddling, sidetracking, and confusing | Whenever my sons think they’re in trouble, they start defending themselves with all kinds of

Wednesday’s Winners – Danielle Bean: More Faith & Family Days winners are in | Here are the winners from Wednesday’s giveaway (all of whom have been emailed): Winner of the Angel Memorial

Fallible Blogma

Quote: Ghandi on Speed – “There is more to life than increasing its speed.” – Ghandi So much of what our culture values most is increasing its speed – or quantity. So

Video: Silent monks singing Halleluia? – This is great! Happy Friday everyone! No related posts.

Kresta In The Afternoon

Today on Kresta – December 11, 2009 – Talking about the “things that matter most” on Dec. 11 4:00 – How Goes the Christmas War? Earlier this month in the New York Times, there was an article about White

LifeNews.com

Abortion at Charlotte, North Carolina Center May Have Killed Woman, Video Taken – Charlotte, NC (LifeNews.com) — A legal abortion on a woman at a Charlotte, North Carolina abortion center may have clamed her life. Local pro-life advocates shot video

Another Major Problem With the Senate Health Care Bill: Sex Education Promotion – It’s funny, the things that never make the news.

Ben Nelson Still Backs Filibuster of Senate Bill Without Abortion Funding Ban – Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) — As the Senate moves forward following the defeat of the Nelson amendment to prohibit abortion funding in the health care bill, amendment

Canada’s National Post Paper Promotes China’s One-Child, Forced Abortion Policy – Ottawa, Canada (LifeNews.com) — Canada’s nationwide newspaper, the National Post, is generating controversy today with an editorial that promote China’s one-child,

Chinese Delegation Pushes Population Control at Copenhagen Climate Change Mtg – Copenhagen, Denmark (LifeNews.com) — The Chinese delegation to the international climate change summit isn’t pushing reducing carbon emissions or promoting recycling as

Family Research Council Ups Effort for No Vote on Pro-Abortion Senate Health Bill – Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) — The Family research Council is expanding its effort to get Democrats who voted for the Nelson amendment or who may vote against the

Govt Funds Wisconsin Planned Parenthood That Misled Women on Abortion – IAppleton, WI (LifeNews.com) — A new video sent shockwaves through the Internet yesterday that shows staff at a Wisconsin Planned Parenthood abortion center

House Approves Omnibus Spending Bill That Funds Abortions in Nation’s Capital – Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) — The House of Representatives on Thursday approved an omnibus spending bill that would overturn a decades-long policy preventing taxpayer

Pro-Life Group Urges Congress to Defeat Omnibus Bill Over DC Abortion Funding – Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) — A prominent pro-life organization is urging members of Congress to defeat the omnibus spending bill the House and Senate are considering

Report: Senators Get More Money From Pro-Abortion Than Pro-Life Groups – Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) — There may be a good explanation as to why the Senate voted earlier this week to keep the massive taxpayer funding of abortion in the

LifeSiteNews.com

Bishops Deeply Disappointed by Senate Vote to Table Nelson-Hatch-Casey Amendment – WASHINGTON, December 10, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) – On Tuesday, the US Senate voted to table the Nelson Amendment, which would have established Hyde-amendment funding

Commentary: Mexican Victories Underscore Global Pro-Life Trend – By Piero A. Tozzi, J.D. NEW YORK, December 11, 2009 (C-FAM) – Mexican pro-lifers were elated when the Vera Cruz amended its state constitution last month to protect life

Copenhagen: China pushing Population Control as the Final Solution – By Hilary WhiteCOPENHAGEN, December 11, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Population control has emerged as a key issue for “climate change” talks in Copenhagen, after

Gay “Marriage” Vote Killed in NJ Senate – By Peter J. Smith TRENTON, New Jersey, December 10, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Homosexual advocates in New Jersey snatched a same-sex “marriage” bill from the

Pastor Rick Warren: Obama’s Plan to Make Abortion “Legal” and “Rare” … – By Peter J. Smith LOS ANGELES, December 10, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Prominent evangelical Pastor Rick Warren and author of the immensely popular book, “Purpose

Permissive Abortion Laws May Be Hazardous To Mothers’ Health, Per New Report – By Samantha Singson NEW YORK, December 11, 2009 (C-FAM) – A new report from the World Economic Forum (WEF) shows that countries with restrictive abortion laws are often

U.K. Church Could Face Prosecution for Refusing to Ordain Women, Homosexuals: Bishops – By Patrick B. CraineLONDON, England, December 10, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) – The Catholic Bishops of England and Wales have warned that they could be prosecuted under

Young Pro-life Europeans Demonstrate for Life at Strasbourg Court – By Hilary WhiteSTRASBOURG, December 10, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Young pro-life advocates from across Europe demonstrated in Strasbourg yesterday as the European Court

National Catholic Register Blog

New Survey on Hispanic Youth in America – By JOHN BURGER | The Pew Hispanic Center released a new survey Dec. 11, exploring the practices and attitudes of Hispanic youth in America. Some of the findings are

Pope ‘Deeply Disturbed’ by Irish Scandal – By EDWARD PENTIN | The Vatican has issued a much anticipated statement on the child-abuse scandal in the Irish Church following publication of the Murphy Report on the

What Next for the Abortion Funding Ban? – By The Editors | Here is Rich Daly’s report on the defeat of the Hatch-Nelson-Casey Amendment to the U.S. Senate version of the health-care overhaul bill. It will be in

New Liturgical Movement

A Few Sights from the Installation of Bernard Longley as Archbishop of Birmingham – A few photos were sent in to the NLM from Archbishop Bernard Longley’s installation as the Ordinary of the Archdiocese of Birmingham on the Feast of the Immaculate

December 8th in the Ambrosian Rite, Legnano – The blog Ambrosianeum has some photos up from their recent celebrations in the Ambrosian rite on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Note how the chasuble is held

Gaudete Lessons and Carols, St. Mathew, D.C. – The St. Matthew Cathedral in Washington, D.C., is holding what looks to be a fantastic Lessons and Carols service, 7:30pm, 1725 Rhode Island Ave. The director writes: We

Requiem for Gregory DiPippo’s Father in Rome – A requiem Mass was offered at Ss. Trinita in Rome for the repose of the soul of Mr. Thomas DiPippo, father of NLM writer Gregory DiPippo. Requiescat in pace . Credit:

Requiem Missa Solemnis for Msgr. Tullio Andreatta – On Sat, Dec 12, there will be a 9:30 AM Rosary & 10:00 AM Requiem Missa Solemnis for Msgr. Tullio Andreatta, at the Immaculata Church, on the Campus of University of San

Video from the Pontifical Mass of Cardinal Rodé, Ss. Trinità – We recently reported the Pontifical Mass on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception at Rome’s Ss. Trinità dei Pellegrini, celebrated by Cardinal Franc Rodé, Prefect of

Steve Ray

I Agree Assimilating is Ultimately Impossible and Unwise – Swiss vote on minarets seen as protest against failure to assimilate Muslim immigrants http://www.catholicculture.org/news/headlines/index.cfm?storyid=4857 In a

The Anchoress

Christmas Climate: Lie down and die – The Christmas season is domestic; and for that reason most people now prepare for it by struggling in tramcars, standing in queues, rushing away in trains, crowding

Go Home Congress! – Dear Congress: After watching the absurd kabuki theater going on in Washington, where Harry Reid spends half his time crowing, “we’ve got the votes!”

The Splendor of the Church

Questions About Limbo, Salvation and Life After Death – Elisha watches the Prophet Elijah being carried by the Chariot of Fire These questions are given by Bro. Anthony Arbado, 3rd Order OATH [Order of the Alliance of Two

Refuting an Anti-Catholic Claiming that the Church is Not Founded on Peter - The Lord Jesus calling Sts. Peter and Andrew CATHOLIC TRADITION - The church is founded on Peter. WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS - Jesus Christ is the foundation of the church.

What Does The Prayer Really Say?

15 Catholic Senators voted against Nelson Amendment - With my emphases and comments From CNA : Fifteen Catholic Senators voted against Nelson Amendment Washington D.C., Dec 11, 2009 / 06:29 am (CNA).- A total of fifteen

Are we Catholics relevant in the world? - Italian vaticanista Paolo Rodari has a good piece (in Italian) on his site.  It had been published in Il Foglio . This is about comments of the retired but not

Comment of Card. George on the Roman Missal - From the monthly newsletter, November 2009, of the USCCB ’s Committee on Divine Worship: Catechetical Resources for the Roman Missal After the final votes were

Creepy spinning blue light in Norway. Obama in Norway. Coincidence? - You have no doubt heard now that there was a weird spinning blue light over Norway lasting some 10 minutes. Fuller story here . This was from a failed Russian missile

KABLAM! An unforeseen consequence of Anglicanorum coetibus - Well well…. Anglicanorum coetibus is a gift that keeps on giving. Anglicans are asked to respond to certain challenges in order to come into Catholic Communion.

Women and veils for church revisited - From time to time I post something about women and chapel veils, head coverings, mantillas… call ‘em what you like.   Lively discussion inevitably

ZENIT RSS-Newsfeed

Archbishop Ravasi's Great Loves: Christ and Culture [2009-12-11] – How a Train Whistle Brought a Search for God

Benedict XVI: God Matters [2009-12-11] – Conference Considers How With or Without Him, Everything Changes

Father Cantalamessa: Priests Need a Friend to Succeed [2009-12-11] – Reflects on Role of Holy Spirit in Ministry

Father Cantalamessa’s 2nd Advent Sermon [2009-12-11] – “Ministers of the New Covenant of the Spirit”

Pope Receives Vietnamese President [2009-12-11] – Visit Is a 1st for the Communist Country

Pope to Write Letter to Irish on Abuse Scandal [2009-12-11] – Meets With Dublin Prelate Following Report

Pope’s Letter to Congress on the God Question [2009-12-11] – “When God Disappears From Man’s Horizon, Humanity Loses Its Direction”

Theological Institute Looking Forward [2009-12-11] – New Campus Offers New Challenges, Opportunities

Vatican-Israel Meeting Seen as Positive [2009-12-11] – Joint Statement Contradicts Negative Media Report

Well folks,

The three month of the tour, and the first phase of the sex trafficking documentary is finished.

We finished strong in Washington D.C. praying hard with fathers of the faith (Lou Engle, Dick Simmons, Matt Locket, etc) for our nation. We stood in front of the Supreme Court with red tape on our mouths with the word “LIFE” written on it, standing for the voiceless, and praying for the ending of abortion (see www.bound4life.com ).

We spend hours a day sitting in the Senate Gallery praying for Righteousness and Justice to be established in our land as our Senators debated health care reform, and abortion. We cried out for mercy; we cried for justice; and we cried out for souls to be saved. We prayed with and encourage Senators behind closed doors.

We can have change. We will have reform in our nation. There is hope for our nation.

Repentance will be our change. Travailing will be our reform. Jesus is our hope.

The word says that if we humble ourselves and pray and seek his face and turn from our wicked ways then he will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and heal their land (2 Chronicles 7:14 paraphrased).

If we repent and turn from immorality, pornography, lust, pride, humanism—turning to holiness, and begin travailing and cry out for the lost, weeping and morning for our nation–THEN God will come and heal our nation. He will come with his loving kindness, his righteousness, and his justice and in his mercy, making the wrong things right.

There is hope . . . if we pray.

I want to encourage all of you to not to be afraid to separate yourselves from the worldly pleasure—consecrating your lives in a radical way to the Lord in holiness, prayer, and fasting. There are many things in our lives that are not sinful in and of themselves that the Lord may be asking us to lay down. I want to encourage you to ask the Lord the Christmas season, “How recklessly abandoned will you let me to be? How foolish can I be for you Jesus?” He will meet you in your love sick abandonment    and he will satisfy you more that the broken cisterns and empty pleasure of this world that never satisfy.

So take some time and steal away, skip a meal, get up early, turn off TV, turn off the cell phone and go into your closet, get in the Word, seek the Lord, get on your face, PRAY.

Isaiah 30:18 “Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show you mercy. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him.”

Isaiah 64:4 “From of old no one has heard or perceived by the ear, no eye has seen a God besides you who acts for those who wait for him.”

Take time (30+ minutes) every day over the next month and WAIT upon the Lord—I promise your life will be changed.

I love you all.

Please write and tell me about the things the Lord has been showing you! I’d LOVE to hear.

Lucas