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.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Friday, February 15, 2008
Will Shroud be Carbon-14 tested again
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.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Dangerous demagoguery
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
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.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Archbishop blasts abortion as unspeakable crime! Clinton's due to arrive at Catholic University!
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.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Obama - The Prince of Peace(niks)
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!!
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)
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.
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.
Monday, February 11, 2008
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.
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!!!
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!!!
Friday, February 8, 2008
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.
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.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
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
"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
I think the new prayer reaffirms church teaching
http://www.adl.org/PresRele/VaticanJewish_96/5220_96.html
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
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
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.
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