Stand Up for Truth and Pray the Rosary

Australian group plans protest over pope's visit
10 hours ago

SYDNEY (AFP) —

A coalition of Christians, atheists and gay groups will stage a protest against Pope Benedict XVI's visit to Australia for World Youth Day next month, organisers said Monday. Well frankly if a group like this ever starts agreeing with you better rethink your position quickly
The demonstrators will tell hundreds of thousands of pilgrims expected at the Catholic celebrations in Sydney that "the pope is wrong, gays are great and condoms save lives," the NoToPope Coalition said in a statement. I hope there is a strong showing of catholic men ( knights of columbus ) to show support to the Holy Father.
The coalition includes the Metropolitan Community Church, Atheists Sydney, Community Action Against Homophobia and the Socialist Alliance among other groups, the statement said.
"This Pope is homophobic and condemns same-sex marriage," said spokeswoman Rachel Evans.
"Pope Benedict also condemns millions of people to AIDS via his world-wide anti-condom policy," she said. Condemns them by there lack of self control ?
The coalition plans to hold a public rally in the city on July 19 and then march toward Randwick Racecourse, where pilgrims will be gathering for a Papal mass the next day which is expected to draw 500,000 people.
"By calling homosexuality an objective disorder it is..and saying gay sex is evil, he's right..Pope Benedict nurtures bigotry and violence, not love," said organiser Luke Roberts.
The five-day celebration of Catholic youth has been billed as a major boost to the economy of Australia's largest city, attracting up to 125,000 international visitors.
But there has been a stream of grumbles over the event's costs, its impact on businesses as well as the inconvenience it will cause the city's residents. Really, I bet they wouldn't grumble if there city was disrupted by the Super Bowl.
The New South Wales state government has committed almost 110 million dollars (104 million US) to staging the event, arguing it will pump 150 million dollars into the economy.
But the coalition said it would protest state funding for an event staged by the Catholic Church "an organisation that clearly doesn't need the money." haha clearly with all the big churches and all.
"The money should instead have gone to badly needed community services," said Anthony Englund, representing Atheists Sydney. Any bet he wouldn't complain if the money went to Planned Parenthood.
Pope Benedict XVI is due to arrive in Australia on July 13 and will take a four day holiday before joining the World Youth Day celebrations culminating in the Papal mass on July 20.

The Obamessiah

This is from Mark Shea and Really scares me as well as makes me laugh

The Coming of the Obamessiah
by Mark P. Shea
6/11/08
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And it came to pass that Obama called his delegates to himself. And going up on an exceeding high mountain, he opened his mouth and spake, saying:
I am absolutely certain that generations from now, we will be able to look back and tell our children that this was the moment when we began to provide care for the sick and good jobs to the jobless; this was the moment when the rise of the oceans began to slow and our planet began to heal.
In the beginning was Obama. Before him, they that needed the physician were as sheep without a shepherd, nor was there labor for any in the regions of North America, from New York even to California. Day by day, the sick lay dying in the streets with none to help them. But Obama lifted up his eyes of compassion upon them. He spoke, and it was. He uttered the Word, and health care began. Beggars who stood idle verily found work through the power of his Holy Name. At the sound of his mighty voice, the rising oceans were rebuked and flowed back to their place. By the power of the Zeitgeist, the planet was healed. And, lo! His disciples were exceeding amazed. For Obama said, "You who fear the Zeitgeist, vote for me! All you children of America, glorify me, and stand in awe of me, all you sons and daughters of the United States! For I have not despised or abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; and I have not hid my face from you, but have heard, when you cried to me. All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to me; and all the families of the nations shall worship before me. For dominion belongs to the Zeitgeist, and it rules over the nations. Yea, to me shall all the proud of the earth bow down; before me shall bow all who go down to the dust, and he who cannot keep himself alive. Posterity shall serve me; men shall tell of me to the coming generation, and proclaim my deliverance to a people yet unborn, that I have wrought it."

And the peoples of the earth answered and sang in this wise:

I will sing to Obama, for he has triumphed gloriously;the SUV and driver he has thrown into the sea.Obama is my strength and my song,and he has become my salvation;this is my god, and I will praise him,my father's god, and I will exalt him.Obama is a man of war;Obama is his name.At the blast of thy nostrils the waters piled up,the floods stood up in a heap;the deeps congealed in the heart of the sea.Gaia said, "I will pursue, I will overtake,I will divide the spoil, my desire shall have its fill of them.I will draw my sword, my hand shall destroy them."Thou didst blow with thy wind, the sea would have covered New York;they would have sank as lead in the mighty waters.Who is like thee, Obama, among the pols?Who is like thee, majestic in holiness,terrible in glorious deeds, doing wonders?Thou didst stretch out thy right hand,and the waters receded.Thou hast led in thy steadfast lovethe people whom thou hast schmoozed,thou hast guided them by thy strength to thy holy city, which is called Denver.The peoples have heard, they tremble;pangs have seized on the inhabitants of Chappaqua.Now are the chiefs of the Clintonistas dismayed;the leaders of Arkansas, trembling seizes them;all the supporters of the Hillary campaign have melted away.Terror and dread fall upon them;because of the greatness of thy arm, they are as still as a stone,till thy people, Obama, pass by,till the people pass by whom thou hast purchased.Thou wilt bring them in, and plant them in thy own administration,the place, Obama, which thou hast made for thy abode,the sanctuary, Obama, which thy hands have established.Obama will reign for ever and ever.

The Zeitgeist and the Media say, "Come!" Even so! Come, Lord Obama!

Mark P. Shea is a senior editor at http://www.catholicexchange.com/ and a columnist for InsideCatholic.com. Visit his blog at http://www.markshea.blogspot.com/.

Liberal agenda on the march

Bye Bye Pledge of Allegiance

"The pledge was instead replaced with a singing version of the preamble to the Constitution."

"The pledge was removed "out of respect for the diversity of religious faiths."

"The Portland School District said there were no complaints about the pledge."

Oldest Christian Church discovered in Jordan

New discovery dating back to possibly A.D.33

This is great!!

Good Friday

New Papal Staff Wow

Gorbachev The Christian

I would have never guessed this but It does explain a few things

The New Marriage wrecker (or not so new)

The Pope say's to fast not only from food and drink but from Images

From Zenit comes this report from Fr John Flynn


"According to the article, psychologists and counselors say Internet pornography is a growing cause of marital problems due to increasing numbers of men who become compulsive users."

Can't really say that this is news, however I believe that it does and will continue to only get worse. I'm often shocked at just how mainstream pornography has become at times. With new technology like camera phones ect.. I have had people I know forward me pornographic image s through a cell phone during the day. It's shocking how someone could figure that this is acceptable behavior. Whats worse is your phone tells you that you have a pix and you do not have any idea what it is until you open it. Lets just say I'm in a constant need of updating my friends.

Will Shroud be Carbon-14 tested again

New era for Shroud of Turin

www.shroud.com

Twenty years after last Carbon test, some experts think it is time to revisit results. I understand that there where three areas to be tested and for some reason, only one area of the shroud was tested. The test dated the relic from the middle ages but the results have been widely contested. All I know is that if the Shroud was made in the middle ages it is an amazing accomplishment. It would be nice if they take another look but not necessary.

Pope to visit White House

Pope to Visit President Bush

Pope Benedict XVI to arrive at White House April 16th

Dangerous demagoguery

Dangerous Demegoguery

Demagogue

1. A leader who obtains power by means of impassioned appeals to the emotions and prejudices of the populace.

"Believe"


"You will experience an
Epiphany"


"Change we can believe
in"


"Yes we can"


"we are the ones we've have been waiting
for"


"Stand for
change"


"Obama is the 'New Wine'


"He is like a key, he's going to unlock a
door"


"We are the hope of the future, we will heal
this nation ,repair this world"



"He is not the Word made flesh, but triumph of
word over flesh"



"We need politicians who know how to BE the
truth"



"A metaphysical
force"



"It's not so much what he say's but it's the
way the crowds respond to his words"



"Obama radiates truth and
goodness"

Reason to Homeschool # 45321

Today is St. Valentines Day and I do not have to send each of my children to school with a bag of crappy Valentine's day cards with Spiderman and Dora the Explorer saying "your cool be mine" and have "spideriffic day". I always dreaded buying those cards. I do not know why, the whole thing has always weirded me out.

St. Valentines Day Massacre 1929 Chicago

Al Capone eliminates last major rival in Chicago 1929

For those that love history like me !!

Warning graphic picture on link !!

It's amazing how almost everyone in America has heard of the St. Valentines Day massacre, even if they do not know what happened they have heard of the event. In short seven people where gunned down in cold blood by gunmen dressed as police officers. Thus giving Al Capone the sole title of "crime boss" in Chicago. It is scary how desensitized we have become in today's day in age! I'm afraid if something like this happened today, it would not be remembered for very long unless the killings could be blamed on global warming or George Bush!!

Happy St. Valentines Day Feb 14th, 2008

Præsta, quæsumus, omnipotens Deus: ut, qui beati Valentini Martyris tui natalitia colimus, a cunctis malis imminentibus eius intercessione, liberemur. Per Dominum Nostrum. Amen.


Grant, we pray Thee , almighty God, that we who are celebrating the birthday of Thy blessed martyr Valentine, may by his intercession be preserved from all the ills that threaten us: through our Lord. Amen.

Archbishop blasts abortion as unspeakable crime! Clinton's due to arrive at Catholic University!

Clinton Rally at Catholic University sparks controversy

The Clinton campaign limps into Texas looking for a much needed win, instead it has run into a snag with a scheduled rally to be held at St. Mary's, a Catholic University. San Antonio Archbishop Jose H. Gomez responded to concerned Catholics who have expressed there concern over Hillary's pro choice stance.

"Our Catholic institutions must promote the clear understanding of our deep moral convictions on an issue like abortion, an act that the Church calls 'an unspeakable crime' and a non negotiable issue."

I have given some thought to issues like this! On one hand the Church is not endorsing a candidate, it is a institution of higher learning and is exposing it's students to both sides of a argument and to different views. On the other hand we are not talking about border control or social security reform we are talking about abortion. Visits like this can lead to public scandal ,even if they are not endorsed by the Church. I tend to think that Catholic Institutions need to get back to being Catholic.

Obama - The Prince of Peace(niks)

Is Barack Obama the Messiah

Check out this blog thats keeping track of the Prince of the Peace-niks. Seriously though this Messiah crap is insane, I would also argue irreverent and increasingly closer to sacrilegious by the day!!

Obama is not God at best he is the Junior Senator from Illinois at worst he is ???????

Here is a couple of quotes from supporters and one from the chosen one himself.

"Black and white, and the youth; they appeared in a state close to rapture watching Obama speak. Here and there one could see women crying and some men wiping away tears too."

"Those faces. It was raw, naked, complete, worship, love, heart-whole passionate stunned and almost unbelieving but desperately wanting to believe him adoration."

. . . "Obama's finest speeches do not excite. They do not inform. They don't even really inspire. They elevate. They enmesh you in a grander moment, as if history has stopped flowing passively by, and, just for an instant, contracted around you, made you aware of its presence, and your role in it. He is not the Word made flesh, but the triumph of word over flesh, over color, over despair. The other great leaders I've heard guide us towards a better politics, but Obama is, at his best, able to call us back to our highest selves, to the place where America exists as a glittering ideal, and where we, its honored inhabitants, seem capable of achieving it, and thus of sharing in its meaning and transcendence". . . .

"My job is to be so persuasive that if there's anybody left out there who is still not sure whether they will vote, or is still not clear who they will vote for, that a light will shine through that window, a beam of light will come down upon you, you will experience an epiphany ... and you will suddenly realize that you must go to the polls and vote for Obama"

Cutest kid video ever !!!

Charlie Bit my Finger

If you are like me and another of the ten people left on earth that had not seen this video.

Click on the link now right now.
Very cute and the british accent is really adorable!!

Is this how Western Civilization dies ??

"I see in your eyes the same fear that would take the heart of me. A day may come when the courage of men fails, when we forsake our friends and break all bonds of fellowship, but it is not this day. An hour of woes and shattered shields, when the age of men comes crashing down! But it is not this day! This day we fight! By all that you hold dear on this good Earth, I bid you *stand, Men of the West!"*

(Lord of the Rings)

http://www.catholic.org/international/international_story.php?id=26810

Wow, The controversy continues over the Anglican "Archbishops" comments over England adopting some aspects of Sharia law.

Jimmy Akin's annual Lent Fight from 2005

Everything you ever wanted to know about Lent

Jimmy dispels myths and straightens us out!!!

Do Sunday's count during Lent ? My mother would say no!!

Why is fish not considered meat?

The fishing industry hoax. This one was interesting as I had never heard it before.

Bill Maher is anti christian and not very nice

Monday February 11, 2008
BILL MAHER: AMERICA’S #1 BIGOTJanuary 28, 2008

On his Friday night HBO program, “Real Time with Bill Maher,” Maher was joined in a discussion about UFO’s with some of the panelists. Here is what Maher had to say:

“But I think it is much more likely that there could be space ships from outer space, than what a lot of things people believe. People still believe, you know, excuse me I know I may inject religion into every show but UFO’s are a lot more likely than a space god flew down bodily and you know who was the Son of God and you know had sex with a Palestinian woman, and um…”

I found this story on the Catholic leagues website. Bill Mayer has developed quite pattern of insulting religion, mostly the Christian one. Haven't heard him insult any other faith's in this manner Oh yeah that wouldn't be nice or politically correct would it.

I just Finished reading this wonderful little book!!

St Francis of Assisi and the Conversion of the Muslims

by Frank M Rega

Mr Rega dispels many myths in this book that have sprung up over the years surrounding St Francis.

Pope Pius XI stated in 1926, " What evil they do and how far from a true appreciation of the Man of Assisi are they who, in order to bolster up their fantastic and erroneous ideas about him, imagine such an incredible thing as that Francis was an opponent of the discipline of the Church, that he did not accept the dogmas of the Faith, that he was the precursor and prophet of that false liberty which began to manifest itself at the beginning of modern times and which has caused so many disturbaces both in the Church and civil society!"

I have to admit that my knowledge of St Francis was very limited. I'm sure that I did not have him in my top ten list, however I will accept only partial blame for this. Spending my formative years at Mass in the 80's trying to make myself a channel of peace and sowing love everywhere can give you a false impression of the guy. The St Francis I discovered was wise, prudent and fearless. St Francis supported and personally accompanied the Fifth Crusade in order to convert the Muslims. The meeting between the Sultan of Egypt and Francis is very interesting in light of events in our world today. Francis never directly attacked the religion of Mohammed but also never waivered in speaking the Truths of the Gospel. This is a very timely book which can serve as a guide for us today and St Francis would be happy to know that he now places in my Fav 5

St Francis Pray for Us!!

You gotta Love Archbishop Burke

Archbishop Burke from the St Louis Review on Catholic Identity

I linked the entire article here from The cafeteria is closed but I'll post some of my favorite parts with my emphasis in bold and my comments in red.
This was a question and answer format.

What if a Catholic were to say, "Archbishop Burke, I’m not struggling with it. I think abortion rights are important." How do you respond to that?

My response to that is you are in a very serious state of error and that you need to get the help to rectify your conscience. Your conscience is wrongly formed. And you need to get whatever help it takes to form your conscience properly in accord with the Church’s teaching, and in this case, with the natural moral law. Archbishop Burke will never be accused of being mealy-mouthed that is for sure.


It seems now, more than ever, it’s difficult to be a Catholic. I think people are now starting to see that, especially with your presence here. Do you want to speak on that?


Oftentimes, members of the faithful have commented to me that it’s really a challenge these days to be a Catholic. It is hard and maybe getting harder. I do think it helps when you hear strong statements from our Bishops. For instance, they’ll be in social settings, even settings where a greater part of the people are Catholic, where there’s some discussion that is contrary to the Church’s teaching. And it isn’t easy for them to speak up and to defend the Church’s teaching. And yet, that’s what they’re called to do. I have had doctors, lawyers, workers of all kinds who say in their workplaces that people come in and say, ‘What is this about the Catholic Church?’ They might be the only person in the conversation who is upholding the Church’s teaching. And it isn’t easy.I think many people are beginning to reflect on the fact that these are precisely the moments to give witness to Christ and his teaching. And maybe the people at the time ridicule you or simply reject what you say or even say that your position is medieval, Ha, medieval huh, I heard that on Ash Wed at lunch any guesses why ?but nevertheless you have given a witness. And that witness remains.People sometimes say to me, ‘I’m not very eloquent,’ or, ‘I never studied theology,’ and these people are talking about things like the ordination of women for example. I say to them to use whatever words you have, but defend what you understand to be the Catholic faith. That’s what you’re called to do. That’s how witness is given to Christ, and that’s how people hear the truth and are led to change their thinking. It isn’t easy, and I understand that.People laugh when I say this, but basically, I’m a quiet person. I’m not a person who likes to be making all kinds of public declarations; and yet I know that as archbishop that’s my responsibility. If I, who am supposed to be a sentinel for the faithful and to guard them against error, don’t give a warning when gravely wrong things are being said in public, I have a lot for which to answer. All of us, we have occasions in our homes, in social settings, in our work, to give this witness. It’s critical today, because the world is so confused about so many of the most fundamental truths. And if we as Catholics remain silent, we’re failing at a service we’re called to give the world — to speak the truth with love.

Finally my favorite quote,

But sometimes people say to me, you seem to be unusual, and I’m not. I don’t think I am. I say to myself, let’s look at the situation. Is there something unusual about a bishop saying that it’s wrong to be in favor of procured abortion? I’m a Roman Catholic priest and bishop. What else would you expect me to say?

Please check out the entire article it's worth it. Archbishop Burke never seems to shrink from controversy. let's pray for all our Bishops!!!

Archbishop Chaput defender of the Faith

The Money quote from the courageous Archbishop of Denver:

"If we (Catholics) want to influence, or even have room to breathe in the American enviroment of coming generations,we'll need to work for it and fight for it --always in a spirit of justice and charity, but also vigorously and without apology. Anyone who still has an easy confidence about the Catholic "place" in American life had better wake up"

(emphasis is mine)

May Our Lord continue to bless and protect our Bishops.

What a great role model for us fathers, as we struggle daily to live the faith.

Vatican rejects criticism over Good Friday Prayer

http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=952188&contrassID=1&subContrassID=1

McCain/Huckabee Ticket ?

Technorati: Discussion about “Why wouldn’t McCain pick Huckabee?”:
"Why wouldn’t McCain pick Huckabee?

It would seem that things are falling into place on the GOP side of things. Romney seems all but defeated and to almost no one's excitement, (except for liberals and centrists ) McCain is the apparant front runner for the Republican Party. Honestly who would have picked this one! McCains campaign seemed to waiver early on and did not seem to be in serious contention for anything let alone President. Fast forward to Super Tuesday and he is the man to beat. His weak link is with Evangelical Christians and the more conservative portion of the base. Huckabee would seem to be the logical choice for McCain, he would help carry the South. What a dream team !! Can you hold you nose long enough cast this ballot.
I'm not sure

Abe Foxman upset over new Good Friday Prayer

Well, you just can't please everybody! If he doesn't like it maybe it's much better than everyone thought. Fr Z has a great side by side comparision on WDTPRS on the old and new prayer in english as well as latin.
I think the new prayer reaffirms church teaching

http://www.adl.org/PresRele/VaticanJewish_96/5220_96.html

What Does The Prayer Really Say?

What Does The Prayer Really Say?

One of my favorite blogs. Fr Z is is a blessing!!

Pope Benedict XVI changes prayer for the conversion of the Jews in traditional Mass

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/06/world/europe/06pope.html?ex=1359954000&en=3801d1491105fd60&ei=5124&partner=permalink&exprod=permalink

I personally think that this issue has been hyped up way to much. I am always nervous any time anything is changed, however last month every traditionalist in the world was praising the Holy Father for celebrating the Mass in the Sistine Chapel using the original altar and now some people are ready to jump ship.

Lets trust the Vicar of Christ

Ash Wednesday

Today marks the first day of lent as well as the first day of this blog. My name is Maximinius. I was born on his feast day. I am a loyal, traditional minded Catholic in communion with our Holy Father Benedict XVI "The Vicar of Jesus Christ" . I am a homeschooling father of four wonderful children who also happens to be happily married to their mother for the last 15 years. I am in my mid thirties and had a resurgence in the faith in 2001. (more on that later) I love the Catholic Mass in any reverent and respectfull form, especially the Mass in the Extraordinary form which I was introduced to quite by accident. The old form has had a profound effect on me and my family. My intention for this blog is to cover current events from a Catholic and American perspective. I am a student and lover of history and my Faith. I am unabashedly Catholic and (baby sized apologist) for my faith.