Sunday, December 26, 2010
Thursday, December 23, 2010
ARE YOU HAVING A WHITE CHRISTMAS THIS YEAR...METHINKS OURS WILL BE GREEN...AND YOU KNOW WHAT THEY SAY...
GREEN CHRISTMAS,FULL GRAVEYARD.
In Canada,a Christmas is considered "white", if there are 2 cm. of snow on the ground on December 25th.
In England,a Christmas is considered "white" if a single snow flake is observed falling onto the roof of the London Weather Centre in the... 24 hours of 25 December, even without a perceivable quantity of snow.
In America,a "white" Christmas has a snow depth of at least 1 inch on the ground at 7 AM on December 25th.
Greatest man in history, named Jesus, had no servants, yet they called him Master. Had no degree, yet they called him Teacher. Had no medicine, yet they called him Healer. He had no army, yet kings feared Him. He won no military battles, yet He conquered the world. He committed no crime, yet they crucified Him. He was buried in a tomb, yet He lives today.
GREEN CHRISTMAS,FULL GRAVEYARD.
In Canada,a Christmas is considered "white", if there are 2 cm. of snow on the ground on December 25th.
In England,a Christmas is considered "white" if a single snow flake is observed falling onto the roof of the London Weather Centre in the... 24 hours of 25 December, even without a perceivable quantity of snow.
In America,a "white" Christmas has a snow depth of at least 1 inch on the ground at 7 AM on December 25th.
Greatest man in history, named Jesus, had no servants, yet they called him Master. Had no degree, yet they called him Teacher. Had no medicine, yet they called him Healer. He had no army, yet kings feared Him. He won no military battles, yet He conquered the world. He committed no crime, yet they crucified Him. He was buried in a tomb, yet He lives today.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
A GIGGLE with the GOATS Jingle Bells Holiday Performance
The Nativity scene of the street cleaners in Rome has been one of the most visited Nativities by Popes in history. It has been dubbed the street cleaners' Nativity because that was the profession of the creator when he began displaying his work in 1972.
Giuseppe Ianni
Street Cleaner and Nativity Creator
“It shows day and night time, the trees are accurately presented, the layout, the houses, we tried to make everything representative to the Palestine of 2000 years ago.”
The Nativity consists of 100 houses constructed down the smallest details that include doors, windows, and even smoking chimney's.
Mr. Ianni improves the Nativity each year adding features that he often finds from outside his home country of Italy.
“The stones at the base come from all parts of the world, besides Italy, there are over 350 stones from various nations. It's as if this crib were unifying all people in front of Jesus.”
Over the years the street cleaners' Nativity has drawn local politicians, Popes, and tourists from around the world.
For Mr. Ianni this has become a deep source of pride.
“Three Holy Fathers have come to visit the Nativity. Pope Paul VI in 1974 and then from 1978 to 2002 John Paul II came 24 times, in 2005 and 2006 Pope Benedict XVI visited. We also had the Mother Teresa of Calcutta here for a visit.”
Since it's beginnings the Nativity has drawn about two million Romans to visit and has been called “a precious stone set in the Aurelio neighborhood, only a few meters from the Vatican.”
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
DIGITAL NATIVITY STORY
THIS I FOUND AT BREADGIRLS...WHO FOUND IT AT CATHOLIC WITH ATTITUDE.
IT SHOWS HOW THE NATIVITY STORY MIGHT PLAY OUT IF JESUS WAS BORN IN OUR DAY...SUPER CUTE.
THIS I FOUND AT BREADGIRLS...WHO FOUND IT AT CATHOLIC WITH ATTITUDE.
IT SHOWS HOW THE NATIVITY STORY MIGHT PLAY OUT IF JESUS WAS BORN IN OUR DAY...SUPER CUTE.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
TODAY IS ST. JOHN OF THE CROSS'S FEAST DAY.HE AND THERESA OF AVILA ( THE OTHER SPANISH MYSTIC OF THE 16TH CENTURY) HAVE IMPACTED MY LIFE IN UNBELIEVABLE WAYS.
EVERY TIME I THINK OF JOHN,I REMEMBER THIS DESCRIPTION OF HIM...THAT HE WOULD STAY UP FAR INTO THE NIGHT WITH HIS ELBOWS PROPPED UP ON THE WINDOWSILL...MARVELLING AT THE HEAVENS...GOD'S CREATION.
IF YOU HAVE NEVER READ DARK NIGHT OF THE SOUL AND THE ASCENT OF MOUNT CARMEL,THEN I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THEM...GUARANTEED TO CHANGE YOUR LIFE ALSO.
FATHER THOMAS DUBAY ALSO HAS A 13 PART AUDIO PROGRAMME ON JOHN,WHICH IS EXCELLENT.EWTN OFFERS IT AS A DOWNLOAD TO MP3 PLAYERS.
EVERY TIME I THINK OF JOHN,I REMEMBER THIS DESCRIPTION OF HIM...THAT HE WOULD STAY UP FAR INTO THE NIGHT WITH HIS ELBOWS PROPPED UP ON THE WINDOWSILL...MARVELLING AT THE HEAVENS...GOD'S CREATION.
IF YOU HAVE NEVER READ DARK NIGHT OF THE SOUL AND THE ASCENT OF MOUNT CARMEL,THEN I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THEM...GUARANTEED TO CHANGE YOUR LIFE ALSO.
FATHER THOMAS DUBAY ALSO HAS A 13 PART AUDIO PROGRAMME ON JOHN,WHICH IS EXCELLENT.EWTN OFFERS IT AS A DOWNLOAD TO MP3 PLAYERS.
Monday, December 13, 2010
**True Story of Rudolph**
A man named Bob May, depressed and brokenhearted, stared out his drafty apartment window into the chilling December night.
His 4-year-old daughter Barbara sat on his lap quietly sobbing. Bobs wife, Evelyn, was dying of cancer.
Little Barbara couldn't understand why her mommy could never come home.
Barbara looked up into her dad's eyes and asked, "Why isn't Mommy just like everybody else's Mommy?"
Bob's jaw tightened and his eyes welled with tears.
Her question brought waves of grief, but also of anger.
It had been the story of Bob's life. Life always had to be different for Bob.
Small when he was a kid, Bob was often bullied by other boys. He was too little at the time to compete in sports.
He was often called names he'd rather not remember. From childhood, Bob was different and never seemed to fit in.
Bob did complete college, married his loving wife and was grateful to get his job as a copywriter at Montgomery Ward during the Great Depression. Then he was blessed with his little girl.
But it was all short-lived. Evelyn's bout with cancer stripped them of all their savings and
now Bob and his daughter were forced to live in a two-room apartment in the Chicago slums.
Evelyn died just days before Christmas in 1938.
Bob struggled to give hope to his child, for whom he couldn't even afford to buy a Christmas gift.
But if he couldn't buy a gift, he was determined to make one - a storybook!
Bob had created an animal character in his own mind and told the animal's story to little Barbara to give her comfort and hope.
Again and again Bob told the story, embellishing it more with each telling.
Who was the character? What was the story all about?
The story Bob May created was his own autobiography in fable form.
The character he created was a misfit outcast like he was. The name of the character?
A little reindeer named Rudolph, with a big shiny nose.
Bob finished the book just in time to give it to his little girl on Christmas Day. But the story doesn't end there.
The general manager of Montgomery Ward caught wind of the little storybook
and offered Bob May a nominal fee to purchase the rights to print the book.
Wards went on to print, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and distribute it to children visiting Santa Claus in their stores.
By 1946 Wards had printed and distributed more than six million copies of Rudolph.
That same year, a major publisher wanted to purchase the rights from Wards to print an updated version of the book.
In an unprecedented gesture of kindness, the CEO of Wards returned all rights back to Bob May.
The book became a best seller.
Many toy and marketing deals followed andBob May, now remarried with a growing family,
became wealthy from the story he created to comfort his grieving daughter.
But the story doesn't end there either.
Bob's brother-in-law, Johnny Marks, made a song adaptation to Rudolph.
Though the song was turned down by such popular vocalists as Bing Crosby and Dinah Shore, it was recorded by the singing cowboy, Gene Autry.
"Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" was released in 1949 and became a phenomenal success, selling more records than any other Christmas song, with the exception of "White Christmas."
The gift of love that Bob May created for his daughter so long ago kept on returning back to bless him again and again.
And Bob May learned the lesson, just like his dear friend Rudolph, that being different isn't so bad. In fact, being different can be a blessing.
*_MERRY CHRISTMAS 2010 _*
A man named Bob May, depressed and brokenhearted, stared out his drafty apartment window into the chilling December night.
His 4-year-old daughter Barbara sat on his lap quietly sobbing. Bobs wife, Evelyn, was dying of cancer.
Little Barbara couldn't understand why her mommy could never come home.
Barbara looked up into her dad's eyes and asked, "Why isn't Mommy just like everybody else's Mommy?"
Bob's jaw tightened and his eyes welled with tears.
Her question brought waves of grief, but also of anger.
It had been the story of Bob's life. Life always had to be different for Bob.
Small when he was a kid, Bob was often bullied by other boys. He was too little at the time to compete in sports.
He was often called names he'd rather not remember. From childhood, Bob was different and never seemed to fit in.
Bob did complete college, married his loving wife and was grateful to get his job as a copywriter at Montgomery Ward during the Great Depression. Then he was blessed with his little girl.
But it was all short-lived. Evelyn's bout with cancer stripped them of all their savings and
now Bob and his daughter were forced to live in a two-room apartment in the Chicago slums.
Evelyn died just days before Christmas in 1938.
Bob struggled to give hope to his child, for whom he couldn't even afford to buy a Christmas gift.
But if he couldn't buy a gift, he was determined to make one - a storybook!
Bob had created an animal character in his own mind and told the animal's story to little Barbara to give her comfort and hope.
Again and again Bob told the story, embellishing it more with each telling.
Who was the character? What was the story all about?
The story Bob May created was his own autobiography in fable form.
The character he created was a misfit outcast like he was. The name of the character?
A little reindeer named Rudolph, with a big shiny nose.
Bob finished the book just in time to give it to his little girl on Christmas Day. But the story doesn't end there.
The general manager of Montgomery Ward caught wind of the little storybook
and offered Bob May a nominal fee to purchase the rights to print the book.
Wards went on to print, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and distribute it to children visiting Santa Claus in their stores.
By 1946 Wards had printed and distributed more than six million copies of Rudolph.
That same year, a major publisher wanted to purchase the rights from Wards to print an updated version of the book.
In an unprecedented gesture of kindness, the CEO of Wards returned all rights back to Bob May.
The book became a best seller.
Many toy and marketing deals followed andBob May, now remarried with a growing family,
became wealthy from the story he created to comfort his grieving daughter.
But the story doesn't end there either.
Bob's brother-in-law, Johnny Marks, made a song adaptation to Rudolph.
Though the song was turned down by such popular vocalists as Bing Crosby and Dinah Shore, it was recorded by the singing cowboy, Gene Autry.
"Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" was released in 1949 and became a phenomenal success, selling more records than any other Christmas song, with the exception of "White Christmas."
The gift of love that Bob May created for his daughter so long ago kept on returning back to bless him again and again.
And Bob May learned the lesson, just like his dear friend Rudolph, that being different isn't so bad. In fact, being different can be a blessing.
*_MERRY CHRISTMAS 2010 _*
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Survey finds most Americans celebrate Christmas as a religious holiday
Despite the commercial push to say “happy holidays” during the Christmas season, a new study finds that the majority of the United States celebrates Dec. 25 as a religious event.
Rasmussen Reports released a study on Dec. 9 which claims that a whopping 92 percent of Americans celebrate Christmas, and of that percentage, 65 percent regard it as a religious holiday.
The survey notes that although most Americans are not offended if someone wishes them a “Merry Christmas,” they in turn will say “happy holidays” rather than risk offending others.
The report – which surveyed 1,000 people nationwide via telephone on Dec. 4 and 5 – also shows that couples who are married with children at home are more likely to celebrate Christmas as a religious holiday than those who are unmarried and without children.
Evangelical Christians, as well as those who attend church at least once a week, are also more inclined to celebrate Christmas religiously. Only 28 percent of those surveyed said they celebrate Christmas as a secular event.
Of the six percent of Americans who do not celebrate Christmas, 25 percent said they celebrate some other holiday, while 66 percent said they do not celebrate any holiday this time of year.
The study also notes that 68 percent of U.S. citizens will put up a Christmas tree this year and 60 percent plan to decorate their houses for the holiday.
Americans also rated Christmas as the nation's most important holiday followed by the Fourth of July.
Despite the commercial push to say “happy holidays” during the Christmas season, a new study finds that the majority of the United States celebrates Dec. 25 as a religious event.
Rasmussen Reports released a study on Dec. 9 which claims that a whopping 92 percent of Americans celebrate Christmas, and of that percentage, 65 percent regard it as a religious holiday.
The survey notes that although most Americans are not offended if someone wishes them a “Merry Christmas,” they in turn will say “happy holidays” rather than risk offending others.
The report – which surveyed 1,000 people nationwide via telephone on Dec. 4 and 5 – also shows that couples who are married with children at home are more likely to celebrate Christmas as a religious holiday than those who are unmarried and without children.
Evangelical Christians, as well as those who attend church at least once a week, are also more inclined to celebrate Christmas religiously. Only 28 percent of those surveyed said they celebrate Christmas as a secular event.
Of the six percent of Americans who do not celebrate Christmas, 25 percent said they celebrate some other holiday, while 66 percent said they do not celebrate any holiday this time of year.
The study also notes that 68 percent of U.S. citizens will put up a Christmas tree this year and 60 percent plan to decorate their houses for the holiday.
Americans also rated Christmas as the nation's most important holiday followed by the Fourth of July.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Monday, December 6, 2010
This new movie will bring the story of Saint Nicholas, with his selfless generosity, to the general public—a public that has largely forgotten or never knew his inspiring saga. Nicholas of Myra is for every time, all ages, and those of every creed. It will leave no doubt that Santa Claus is for real, and that he can be as much a part of sacred holiday tradition as secular.
"With this motion picture, we are trying to emulate the look of the classic film epics that many of us grew up on," stated Gerald Hartke, director of Nicholas of Myra. "It is going to be family entertainment that we hope, once completed, will be enjoyed for years to come."
"The World needs to know the story of Nicholas . . . I believe this is going to be a worldwide success," said Canon James Rosenthal of the St. Nicholas Society, after visiting Wonderworker Studios and meeting the cast and crew.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Christmas is about Christ, says Communities Secretary
Communities Secretary Eric Pickles has urged council chiefs to celebrate Christmas in the traditional way and said that we should not obscure the fact that it is a festival to mark the birth of Christ, reports Christian Concern for our Nation.
Mr Pickles, who took office on 12 May 2010, said terms such as “Winterval” should not be used as a tag for this festive season and that councils should take pride in Britain’s Christian heritage by celebrating the nativity and its surrounding traditions. He signalled an end to the practice of councils denigrating Christmas, often under the guise of ‘equality’.
“We should actively celebrate the Christian basis of Christmas, and not allow politically correct Grinches to marginalise Christianity and the importance of the birth of Christ,” he said.
“The war on Christmas is over, and likes of Winterval, Winter Lights and Luminous deserve to be in the dustbin of history.”
Mr Pickles said that despite the current economic difficulties, it was not in councils’ interests to “play Scrooge” by cutting down on the Christmas festivities.
"Shoppers want to see Christmas lights, Christmas trees, carol services and nativity scenes, and councils should not hesitate in supporting them,” he added.
Mr Pickles also wrote on the ConservativeHome website:
“That’s why few things exasperate me more than when I read of councils letting Christmas be hijacked and renaming it “Winterval” or “Luminous”. It’s part of an aggressive school of secularism that has marginalised faith groups in this country.”
“Last year, the Archbishop of York warned of intolerance towards Christians in the public sector and that “equality” excluded anyone, black or white, with a Christian belief in God. PC police have even tried to ban prayers before council meetings and rebrand Christmas for fear of upsetting other religions. It was an insult to our faith groups and an insult to the country, suggesting we’d all prefer bland conformity to rich diversity,” he added.
In March 2010, Lord Carey of Clifton, the former Archbishop of Canterbury, said Christians were being “bullied” out of public life in Britain while British politicians fail to stand up for their beliefs. Speaking in the House of Lords he accused British politicians of trying to bully Christianity out of public life in the name of political correctness. He said there was a campaign by atheists to ban faith schools despite their pupils gaining excellent results.
In December last year, the Rt Rev Alistair Magowan, Bishop of Ludlow, also said that a growing secular lobby wants to “do away with the manger” and celebrate Christmas without its religious meaning. He said that the Biblical story of the birth of Jesus Christ does not fit with the “sentimentalised and often stereotyped” images now used to mark the festive season.
Communities Secretary Eric Pickles has urged council chiefs to celebrate Christmas in the traditional way and said that we should not obscure the fact that it is a festival to mark the birth of Christ, reports Christian Concern for our Nation.
Mr Pickles, who took office on 12 May 2010, said terms such as “Winterval” should not be used as a tag for this festive season and that councils should take pride in Britain’s Christian heritage by celebrating the nativity and its surrounding traditions. He signalled an end to the practice of councils denigrating Christmas, often under the guise of ‘equality’.
“We should actively celebrate the Christian basis of Christmas, and not allow politically correct Grinches to marginalise Christianity and the importance of the birth of Christ,” he said.
“The war on Christmas is over, and likes of Winterval, Winter Lights and Luminous deserve to be in the dustbin of history.”
Mr Pickles said that despite the current economic difficulties, it was not in councils’ interests to “play Scrooge” by cutting down on the Christmas festivities.
"Shoppers want to see Christmas lights, Christmas trees, carol services and nativity scenes, and councils should not hesitate in supporting them,” he added.
Mr Pickles also wrote on the ConservativeHome website:
“That’s why few things exasperate me more than when I read of councils letting Christmas be hijacked and renaming it “Winterval” or “Luminous”. It’s part of an aggressive school of secularism that has marginalised faith groups in this country.”
“Last year, the Archbishop of York warned of intolerance towards Christians in the public sector and that “equality” excluded anyone, black or white, with a Christian belief in God. PC police have even tried to ban prayers before council meetings and rebrand Christmas for fear of upsetting other religions. It was an insult to our faith groups and an insult to the country, suggesting we’d all prefer bland conformity to rich diversity,” he added.
In March 2010, Lord Carey of Clifton, the former Archbishop of Canterbury, said Christians were being “bullied” out of public life in Britain while British politicians fail to stand up for their beliefs. Speaking in the House of Lords he accused British politicians of trying to bully Christianity out of public life in the name of political correctness. He said there was a campaign by atheists to ban faith schools despite their pupils gaining excellent results.
In December last year, the Rt Rev Alistair Magowan, Bishop of Ludlow, also said that a growing secular lobby wants to “do away with the manger” and celebrate Christmas without its religious meaning. He said that the Biblical story of the birth of Jesus Christ does not fit with the “sentimentalised and often stereotyped” images now used to mark the festive season.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Head ball, Belly ball, Bottom ball-Done!
Building Mr. Snowman is always lots of fun!
MATTY AND SABETH DOWN TO THE CAPE FOR THE WEEK.ENCOUNTERED OUR SEASON'S 1ST SNOWFALL.OF COURSE,A SNOWMAN WAS IN ORDER.
SO YOU WILL NOTICE THAT FROSTY HAS A MINI CUKE AS A NOSE INSTEAD OF A CARROT.COZ WE WELCOMED 2 NEW HORSES TO KNIGHTSWOOD THIS WEEK AND PROCEEDED TO SPOIL THEM WITH LOTS OF CARROTS AND APPLES...PICS TO FOLLOW.
The Christmas Novena (ST. ANDREW CHRISTMAS NOVENA)
It is time once again for the Christmas Novena. It begins on Tuesday, November 30th and goes through Christmas Eve. It is time to prayerfully consider what we want most for Christmas this year and bring those desires to God. I've seen different versions of how to say this novena - some say to say it 15 times a day while others have it as just once a day. However you do it, humbly request God for the blessings that you desire most this Christmas.
The Christmas Novena
Hail and blessed be the hour and moment
At which the Son of God was born
Of a most pure Virgin
At a stable in Bethlehem
In the piercing cold.
At that hour vouchsafe, I beseech thee,
To hear my prayers and grant my desires.
(Mention your request here.)
Through Jesus Christ and his most Blessed Mother. Amen.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Advent blends together a penitential spirit, very similar to Lent, a liturgical theme of preparation for the Second and Final Coming of the Lord, called the Parousia, and a joyful theme of getting ready for the birth of Christ.
Here are twelve tips that will help you and your family keep this season holy:
1. Use an Advent calendar and/or a wreath to mark this time of preparation. Pray Advent prayers with the family and the rosary when you light up the candle on the wreath. Sing 'O Come, O Come, Emmanuel' throughout Advent.
2. Keep outdoor lights and decorations simple, using religious CHRISTmas scenes like the Nativity or a star.
3. Use a Jesse tree or an Advent tree.
4. Have your Christmas tree blessed. Remind your children that the tree is a Christian symbol and relates to many aspects of our faith.
5. Let your children know that "Santa Claus" is another name for the real St. Nicholas and tell them his story. Celebrate the day. Encourage your children to leave their shoes outside their bedroom doors on Dec. 5. When they awaken, they will find small gifts like candy or fruit if they’ve been good.
6. Participate in the Giving Tree at church. Have your children buy a gift to donate to children in need or perform some service for the poor or elderly.
7. Put a Nativity set in a prominent place in your home, but only put out some of the animals. You can put the other statues out, but in another place in your home. Each week, read a little from the Christmas story in Luke's Gospel, and move the statues a little closer.
8. Have the children place a piece of straw in the manger for each good deed they do during Advent as a gift to the baby Jesus.
9. Take the entire family, when possible, to daily Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, and to the sacrament of Reconciliation.
10. Light a candle before the Blessed Mother when visiting the Blessed Sacrament.
11. The Mary candle: Some families have the custom of decorating the Christ candle with a blue veil on December 8th, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. On this great feast, others place a candle with a blue ribbon before a statue or picture of the Blessed Virgin, whose “yes” to God enabled our Lord’s coming at Christmas. The candle is lit during meal times to serve as a delightful reminder of Mary’s eager expectation of the “Light of the World.”
12. St. Lucy cakes: The feast of St. Lucy, virgin and martyr, is on December 13th. This marks the opening of the Christmas season in Sweden. Her life story can be found in most saints books, as can the recipe for the traditional cakes. The symbolism is rich and her life story worthwhile reading.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Wishing someone "Merry Christmas" is not an insult just because they don't celebrate it. Get over yourselves.
In a PC world, I am MANDATED to accept others religious, political ,and lifestyles beliefs while I am still a villian for saying Merry Christmas or Jesus.
ONE FOR THE GOOD GUYS...THAT BE US...
NEW YORK — The War on Christmas may be in its final days.
This season, Merry Christmas — not happy holidays or season's greetings — will dominate retailer's marketing messages. There will be Christmas sales and Christmas trees and Christmas carols galore.
That has the American Family Association, arguably one of the loudest voices advocating the use of Christmas in retailer's marketing messages over the past few years, predicting that its crusade could conclude in the next year or two.
.Randy Sharp, director-special projects at the AFA, said that in the past five years the group has seen the percentage of retailers recognizing Christmas in their advertising rise from 20 percent to 80 percent. Just eight retailers are left on the group's list of "Companies Against Christmas."
It's also become more challenging to find a large, national retailer to single out for the group's annual boycott. This year, Dick's Sporting Goods, which boasts an online "Holiday Shop," will be the target of the boycott. The AFA is expected to send an Action Alert to its 2.3 million supporters on Friday morning. That alert will urge shoppers to boycott Dick's between now and Dec. 25. It also calls for consumers to e-mail President-Chief Operating Officer Joseph Schmidt and then call Chief Marketing Officer Jeff Hennion. The retailer declined to comment. In the past, Target, Sears, Gap and Walmart have been targets.
"We've had a complete flip," Mr. Sharp says. "The politically correct holiday verbiage is going away. Companies are getting the message."
Indeed, retailers that have found themselves the target of boycotts or media and consumer scrutiny have responded swiftly in recent years. Lowe's "Family Trees" were renamed "Christmas Trees," while Walmart's "Holiday Shop" is now a "Christmas Shop." Midway through the 2005 holiday season, Target, facing a boycott, announced its advertising messages would become more specific and include references to Christmas. And last year, Gap responded to a boycott by issuing a press release highlighting the use of the phrase "Merry Christmas" in its upcoming Old Navy ads.
Mr. Sharp stopped short of saying that he was surprised by how quickly and readily most retailers have changed their marketing. But he did point out that, especially in this type of economic environment, retailers are being careful not to alienate customers.
"Shoppers vote with their wallets every day," said Ellen Davis, a VP at the National Retail Federation. "[When it comes to boycotts,] retailers realize, 'It could just as easily have been us.' "
The NRF does not formally advise retailers on whether they should use the word Christmas, but Ms. Davis said it does provide statistics. This year's NRF/BigResearch survey found that 91 percent of consumers plan to celebrate Christmas, compared with 5% for Hanukkah and 2% for Kwanzaa.
"Retailers dipped their toe into the Christmas waters again last year, and there wasn't much push back. There wasn't a huge outcry from groups offended that retailers were saying Merry Christmas," said Ms. Davis. "We see the word Christmas being used much more this year than three or four years ago. The pendulum seems to have swung back."
The "extreme backlash" to generic holiday messaging likely caught retailers off guard in years past, Ms. Davis added. Now, phrasing around the holidays is much more strategic. "At this point, it's a conscious decision. It's not just whimsical phrases being tossed around in the marketing department," she said. "These are conversations that are now probably taking place in the C-Suite."
Retailers certainly tread carefully when it comes to the subject of Christmas. Major retailers such as JCPenney and Target said they don't have formal policies on in-store greetings. And retailers ranging from Gap to Macy's and RadioShack to Sears emphasized their inclusion and respect for shoppers of different beliefs, while noting that at least some of their marketing messages include the word Christmas. RadioShack, however, still appears on the AFA's list of "Companies Against Christmas." A RadioShack spokesman declined to comment on that distinction.
Plenty view the tactics of the AFA and other groups as bullying, but Mr. Sharp rejects that. "It's not bullying, it's consumer advocacy," he said. The AFA's stance is that retailers should not profit from Christmas, if they refuse to clearly acknowledge it. "When your advertising has trees and ornaments and gift wrapping, you're advertising Christmas, so don't call it holiday," Mr. Sharp said, adding that the group is not at all offended by Happy Hanukkah messages.
:
In a PC world, I am MANDATED to accept others religious, political ,and lifestyles beliefs while I am still a villian for saying Merry Christmas or Jesus.
ONE FOR THE GOOD GUYS...THAT BE US...
NEW YORK — The War on Christmas may be in its final days.
This season, Merry Christmas — not happy holidays or season's greetings — will dominate retailer's marketing messages. There will be Christmas sales and Christmas trees and Christmas carols galore.
That has the American Family Association, arguably one of the loudest voices advocating the use of Christmas in retailer's marketing messages over the past few years, predicting that its crusade could conclude in the next year or two.
.Randy Sharp, director-special projects at the AFA, said that in the past five years the group has seen the percentage of retailers recognizing Christmas in their advertising rise from 20 percent to 80 percent. Just eight retailers are left on the group's list of "Companies Against Christmas."
It's also become more challenging to find a large, national retailer to single out for the group's annual boycott. This year, Dick's Sporting Goods, which boasts an online "Holiday Shop," will be the target of the boycott. The AFA is expected to send an Action Alert to its 2.3 million supporters on Friday morning. That alert will urge shoppers to boycott Dick's between now and Dec. 25. It also calls for consumers to e-mail President-Chief Operating Officer Joseph Schmidt and then call Chief Marketing Officer Jeff Hennion. The retailer declined to comment. In the past, Target, Sears, Gap and Walmart have been targets.
"We've had a complete flip," Mr. Sharp says. "The politically correct holiday verbiage is going away. Companies are getting the message."
Indeed, retailers that have found themselves the target of boycotts or media and consumer scrutiny have responded swiftly in recent years. Lowe's "Family Trees" were renamed "Christmas Trees," while Walmart's "Holiday Shop" is now a "Christmas Shop." Midway through the 2005 holiday season, Target, facing a boycott, announced its advertising messages would become more specific and include references to Christmas. And last year, Gap responded to a boycott by issuing a press release highlighting the use of the phrase "Merry Christmas" in its upcoming Old Navy ads.
Mr. Sharp stopped short of saying that he was surprised by how quickly and readily most retailers have changed their marketing. But he did point out that, especially in this type of economic environment, retailers are being careful not to alienate customers.
"Shoppers vote with their wallets every day," said Ellen Davis, a VP at the National Retail Federation. "[When it comes to boycotts,] retailers realize, 'It could just as easily have been us.' "
The NRF does not formally advise retailers on whether they should use the word Christmas, but Ms. Davis said it does provide statistics. This year's NRF/BigResearch survey found that 91 percent of consumers plan to celebrate Christmas, compared with 5% for Hanukkah and 2% for Kwanzaa.
"Retailers dipped their toe into the Christmas waters again last year, and there wasn't much push back. There wasn't a huge outcry from groups offended that retailers were saying Merry Christmas," said Ms. Davis. "We see the word Christmas being used much more this year than three or four years ago. The pendulum seems to have swung back."
The "extreme backlash" to generic holiday messaging likely caught retailers off guard in years past, Ms. Davis added. Now, phrasing around the holidays is much more strategic. "At this point, it's a conscious decision. It's not just whimsical phrases being tossed around in the marketing department," she said. "These are conversations that are now probably taking place in the C-Suite."
Retailers certainly tread carefully when it comes to the subject of Christmas. Major retailers such as JCPenney and Target said they don't have formal policies on in-store greetings. And retailers ranging from Gap to Macy's and RadioShack to Sears emphasized their inclusion and respect for shoppers of different beliefs, while noting that at least some of their marketing messages include the word Christmas. RadioShack, however, still appears on the AFA's list of "Companies Against Christmas." A RadioShack spokesman declined to comment on that distinction.
Plenty view the tactics of the AFA and other groups as bullying, but Mr. Sharp rejects that. "It's not bullying, it's consumer advocacy," he said. The AFA's stance is that retailers should not profit from Christmas, if they refuse to clearly acknowledge it. "When your advertising has trees and ornaments and gift wrapping, you're advertising Christmas, so don't call it holiday," Mr. Sharp said, adding that the group is not at all offended by Happy Hanukkah messages.
:
Friday, November 26, 2010
Please, all Christians join together and wish everyone you meet
MERRY CHRISTMAS
T'was the Month before Christmas
When all through our land,
Not a Christian was praying
Nor taking a stand.
See the PC Police had taken away
The reason for Christmas - no one could say.
The children were told by their schools not to sing
About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.
It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say
December 25th is just a ' Holiday '.
Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit
Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!
CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-Pod
Something was changing, something quite odd!
Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa
In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda.
As Targets were hanging their trees upside down
At Lowe's the word Christmas - was no where to be found.
At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears
You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears.
Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-si-ty
Are words that were used to intimidate me.
Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen
On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton!
At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter
To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.
And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith
Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace
The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded
The reason for the season, stopped before it started.
So as you celebrate 'Winter Break' under your 'Dream Tree'
Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.
Choose your words carefully, choose what you say
Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS ,
not Happy Holiday!
MERRY CHRISTMAS
Christ is The Reason for the Christ-mas Season!
MERRY CHRISTMAS
T'was the Month before Christmas
When all through our land,
Not a Christian was praying
Nor taking a stand.
See the PC Police had taken away
The reason for Christmas - no one could say.
The children were told by their schools not to sing
About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.
It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say
December 25th is just a ' Holiday '.
Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit
Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!
CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-Pod
Something was changing, something quite odd!
Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa
In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda.
As Targets were hanging their trees upside down
At Lowe's the word Christmas - was no where to be found.
At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears
You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears.
Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-si-ty
Are words that were used to intimidate me.
Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen
On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton!
At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter
To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.
And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith
Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace
The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded
The reason for the season, stopped before it started.
So as you celebrate 'Winter Break' under your 'Dream Tree'
Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.
Choose your words carefully, choose what you say
Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS ,
not Happy Holiday!
MERRY CHRISTMAS
Christ is The Reason for the Christ-mas Season!
Thursday, November 25, 2010
"Hail, and blessed be the hour and moment
At which the Son of God was born of a most pure Virgin at a stable at midnight in Bethlehem in the piercing cold. At that hour vouchsafe, I beseech Thee, to hear my prayers and grant my desires. Through Jesus Christ and His most Blessed Mother."
—Christmas Novena
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Join the Conspiracy
The story of Christ's birth is a story of promise, hope, and a revolutionary love.
So, what happened? What was once a time to celebrate the birth of a savior has somehow turned into a season of stress, traffic jams, and shopping lists.
And when it's all over, many of us are left with presents to return, looming debt that will take months to pay off, and this empty feeling of missed purpose. Is this what we really want out of Christmas?
What if Christmas became a world-changing event again?
Welcome to Advent Conspiracy.
Take the challenge and enter the story with us this season.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
HAPPY,HAPPY...YES I AM THRILLED THAT TIMOTHY DOLAN WAS ELECTED PRESIDENT...I HAVE BEEN FOLLOWING HIM FOR SEVERAL YEARS NOW...HE IS A DELIGHT AND A CONSERVATIVE.
New York Archbishop Timothy Dolan addresses members of the media Nov. 16 at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' annual fall meeting in Baltimore.
New York Archbishop Timothy Dolan was elected the new president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Tuesday, Nov. 16. The election of Archbishop Dolan broke from precedent that held that the vice president of the bishops’ conference, in this case Tucson Bishop Gerald Kicanas, would succeed the outgoing president, in this case Cardinal Francis George of Chicago, in a vote that would be more of a formality.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Monday, November 15, 2010
80 million (legal) Bibles printed in China
The 80 millionth copy of the Bible authorized by the government goes to print today, but importing religious books without central authorities permission is still illegal. Christian groups say that the demand exceed the supply.The only company authorized to print Bibles in China is marking a milestone: the release today of copy number "80 million" from their printing presses, announced by the official government press agency. Amity Printing Co. claims to have printed one million copies a month. Since its founding in 1988, the company has grown to become one of the largest printers of Bibles in the world. "The production of 80 million copies of the Bible can be attributed to the world of Chinese Christians, and even more to the country's reform and its policy of increased openness," says the president of Amity.
Religious freedom groups say there are more than 100 million Christian believers in China, including those of "private churches". Christians who belong to unofficial churches and those living in rural areas are struggling to get a bible. Moreover, despite the rapid pace of production, many Christians still do not have a copy because of the shortage in supply, or restrictions on distribution.
The 80 millionth copy of the Bible authorized by the government goes to print today, but importing religious books without central authorities permission is still illegal. Christian groups say that the demand exceed the supply.The only company authorized to print Bibles in China is marking a milestone: the release today of copy number "80 million" from their printing presses, announced by the official government press agency. Amity Printing Co. claims to have printed one million copies a month. Since its founding in 1988, the company has grown to become one of the largest printers of Bibles in the world. "The production of 80 million copies of the Bible can be attributed to the world of Chinese Christians, and even more to the country's reform and its policy of increased openness," says the president of Amity.
Religious freedom groups say there are more than 100 million Christian believers in China, including those of "private churches". Christians who belong to unofficial churches and those living in rural areas are struggling to get a bible. Moreover, despite the rapid pace of production, many Christians still do not have a copy because of the shortage in supply, or restrictions on distribution.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Monday, November 1, 2010
All Saints Day is when the Church commemorates all saints, known and unknown. The eve of All Saints is known as All Hallows Eve, or Halloween. All Saints Day is November 1.
DO YOU HAVE ANY DEVOTION TO LITTLE KNOWN SAINTS?I HAVE MANY,INCLUDING ST. GEMMA GALGANI AND BLESSED ELIZABETH OF THE TRINITY.
DO YOU HAVE ANY DEVOTION TO ANY UNKNOWN SAINTS?I HAVE ONE...A COUSIN,MICHELLE HAWRYLAK WHO SUCCUMBED TO LEUKEMIA AT AGE 20.
DO YOU HAVE ANY DEVOTION TO LITTLE KNOWN SAINTS?I HAVE MANY,INCLUDING ST. GEMMA GALGANI AND BLESSED ELIZABETH OF THE TRINITY.
DO YOU HAVE ANY DEVOTION TO ANY UNKNOWN SAINTS?I HAVE ONE...A COUSIN,MICHELLE HAWRYLAK WHO SUCCUMBED TO LEUKEMIA AT AGE 20.
Friday, October 29, 2010
SAD NEWS...MY BELOVED HIGH SCHOOL...HOLY ANGELS HIGH...A CATHOLIC ALL-GIRLS' SCHOOL IS CLOSING.IT INITIALLY OPENED IN 1885,AND IS RUN BY THE TEACHING SISTERS FROM THE CONGREGATION DE NOTRE-DAME...2 OF MY AUNTS ARE IN THIS ORDER.
(The Congrégation de Notre-Dame is a Catholic community of women religious of apostolic faith.Apostolic faith is the adherence of the whole person to Jesus and to the teachings He gave to his apostles. This faith is oriented towards continuing the mission of Jesus: to reveal to the world God’s great love of humanity and to call humanity to live in love of God and of one’s neighbour for a better world and happier people. founded in the 17th century by Marguerite Bourgeoys, first educator of Montreal and a pioneer of New France.)
THE CURRENT ENROLLMENT OF 300 GIRLS ARE EXTREMELY UPSET.MARCHING IN THE STREETS.
(The Congrégation de Notre-Dame is a Catholic community of women religious of apostolic faith.Apostolic faith is the adherence of the whole person to Jesus and to the teachings He gave to his apostles. This faith is oriented towards continuing the mission of Jesus: to reveal to the world God’s great love of humanity and to call humanity to live in love of God and of one’s neighbour for a better world and happier people. founded in the 17th century by Marguerite Bourgeoys, first educator of Montreal and a pioneer of New France.)
THE CURRENT ENROLLMENT OF 300 GIRLS ARE EXTREMELY UPSET.MARCHING IN THE STREETS.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Let Christians reclaim Halloween for God so that it is transformed from a night of darkness into a great Christian festival once again. In this way, in years to come, when people are asked what immediately springs to mind when they think of Halloween, they will think of Jesus Christ and the glory of God in His saints.
The Night of Light, is an initiative to reclaim Hallowe'en for the church. The inspiration for it was received by Damian Stayne the founder of the Catholic community, Cor et Lumen Christi.
What immediately comes to mind when you think of Hallowe'en? Probably, like most people, it is the images of witches and ghosts and so on, which belong to the dark world of the occult and magic - images of darkness and death.
In fact Halloween ('All Hallows Eve'), the evening of the 31st October, is the vigil (beginning) of the feast of All Saints - the feast in which we celebrate the glory of God in His saints. The victory of light over darkness in the lives of God's holy ones in heaven. Jesus is the 'Light of the World'. The saints lived by that light, and became a beacon in their own generation. We too are called by Jesus to live out this vocation - to be the 'Light of the world' today.
CONSIDER THE KEY ELEMENTS OF THE NIGHT OF LIGHT...
A vigil mass for the feast of All Saints (including a collection in the mass for a charity serving the poor such as CAFOD as abortion and poverty are such a darkness in our world today).
All night Adoration of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament - to join the saints in heaven in the worship of Jesus Christ the True Light.
Treats and fun for the children in celebration of All Saints and the Light of Christ. Perhaps the lighting of a candle at supper and sweets and fun events in families or schools, e.g. a bonfire or dressing up as saints.
Placing a light in your window (safely!) as a sign to passers-by that yours is a Christian household and Christ is your light.
In addition, some may like to wear a white item of clothing as a symbol of their allegiance to Christ our light.
Many will participate in all elements ,but any involvement is greatly encouraged.
"Halloween is the time to rejoice in God's glory displayed in His saints but we have allowed it to become focused upon witches and devils. I welcome this initiative to recapture it for Christ."
- THE RIGHT REV. DOM AMBROSE GRIFFITHS OSB, BISHOP OF HEXHAM & NEWCASTLE
"I firmly endorse this very important initiative, which I am sure will improve the spiritual health of the nation and advance the Kingdom of Jesus Christ."
- AN OFFICIAL EXORCIST OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH IN BRITAIN
The Night of Light, is an initiative to reclaim Hallowe'en for the church. The inspiration for it was received by Damian Stayne the founder of the Catholic community, Cor et Lumen Christi.
What immediately comes to mind when you think of Hallowe'en? Probably, like most people, it is the images of witches and ghosts and so on, which belong to the dark world of the occult and magic - images of darkness and death.
In fact Halloween ('All Hallows Eve'), the evening of the 31st October, is the vigil (beginning) of the feast of All Saints - the feast in which we celebrate the glory of God in His saints. The victory of light over darkness in the lives of God's holy ones in heaven. Jesus is the 'Light of the World'. The saints lived by that light, and became a beacon in their own generation. We too are called by Jesus to live out this vocation - to be the 'Light of the world' today.
CONSIDER THE KEY ELEMENTS OF THE NIGHT OF LIGHT...
A vigil mass for the feast of All Saints (including a collection in the mass for a charity serving the poor such as CAFOD as abortion and poverty are such a darkness in our world today).
All night Adoration of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament - to join the saints in heaven in the worship of Jesus Christ the True Light.
Treats and fun for the children in celebration of All Saints and the Light of Christ. Perhaps the lighting of a candle at supper and sweets and fun events in families or schools, e.g. a bonfire or dressing up as saints.
Placing a light in your window (safely!) as a sign to passers-by that yours is a Christian household and Christ is your light.
In addition, some may like to wear a white item of clothing as a symbol of their allegiance to Christ our light.
Many will participate in all elements ,but any involvement is greatly encouraged.
"Halloween is the time to rejoice in God's glory displayed in His saints but we have allowed it to become focused upon witches and devils. I welcome this initiative to recapture it for Christ."
- THE RIGHT REV. DOM AMBROSE GRIFFITHS OSB, BISHOP OF HEXHAM & NEWCASTLE
"I firmly endorse this very important initiative, which I am sure will improve the spiritual health of the nation and advance the Kingdom of Jesus Christ."
- AN OFFICIAL EXORCIST OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH IN BRITAIN
Monday, October 18, 2010
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Montreal's Brother André now a saint.
I VISITED ST. JOSEPH'S ORATORY ( FOUNDED BY BROTHER ANDRE) IN MONTREAL AS A CHILD.THE 1ST PAIR OF ROSARY BEADS THAT I BOUGHT WERE FROM THE ORATORY,AND I STILL HAVE THEM TO THIS DAY.
In an elaborate ceremony under a beautiful autumn sky in Italy, a humble Quebec man ,Brother André Bessette,Canadian monk,credited with healing thousands of sick was recognized as a saint.The Roman Catholic Church canonized Brother Andre on Sunday in St. Peter's Square in Vatican City, the first Canadian to be named a saint in 20 years.The Montrealer and five others — including a nun is who now Australia's first saint — were canonized by Pope Benedict XVI on Sunday.
Pope Benedict noted that Brother André was poorly educated but understood what was essential to his faith.
"Doorman at the Notre Dame College in Montreal, he showed boundless charity and did everything possible to soothe the despair of those who confided in him," Benedict said.
Brother André founded St. Joseph's Oratory in 1904 — although it was a modest chapel and far from the grand landmark that looms over Montreal today on the northern slope of Mount Royal.
He was born Alfred Bessette on Aug. 9, 1845, in St-Gregoire-d'Iberville, Que. — a small town southeast of Montreal — and was orphaned when he was 12 years old.
Before joining the Congregation of Holy Cross in 1870, he worked in the textile mills of the northeastern United States. Once he took his vows, he gave comfort to people who came to him at College Notre-Dame for solace, and many credited him with curing their illnesses.
He was declared "venerable" by Pope Paul VI in 1978 and beatified — declared "blessed" — by Pope John Paul II in 1982 after a case of healing in 1958 was recognized officially by the Vatican as a miracle.
Two miracles attributed to Brother André
The canonization campaign for the man many faithful call the "Miracle Man of Montreal" began soon after his death in 1937 at age 91. Over the years, millions of people have signed petitions asking for his sainthood.
Before such recognition, the Vatican must accept that someone is responsible posthumously for two miracles. The first miracle attributed to the Canadian came to the Vatican's attention in 1958, when New York businessman Joseph Audino said he had recovered from terminal cancer after asking for André's spiritual guidance.
The second case involved a young Quebec boy who in 1999 recovered from severe head injuries suffered when he was riding his bike and was struck by a car. Relatives said they prayed to Brother André.
Benedict announced Brother André's canonization in February after recognizing the second miracle attributed to him.
The monk is the first saint born in modern-day Canada.
The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops says Canada now has 11 saints.
Marguerite d'Youville was the first saint born on Canadian territory, in 1701.
Canada's other saints include Marguerite Bourgeoys, who was born in France in 1620 and is considered the co-founder of Montreal, and eight French-born Jesuit martyrs who were killed during wars in the 1640s.
The other new saints canonized Sunday include Mother Mary MacKillop, the founder of the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph in Australia's outback, Stanislaw Soltys, a 15th-century Polish priest, Italian nuns Giulia Salzano and Battista Varano and Spanish nun Candida Maria de Jesus Cipitria y Barriola.
The 19th-century Australian nun who was canonized had been briefly excommunicated in part because her religious order exposed a pedophile priest.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
I JUST MADE A 5.OO DONATION.BUT I'M GOING TO BE UPPING THAT AS TIME GOES ON COZ I THINK HIS CAUSE IT SUPER IMPORTANT.
WATCH THIS POWERFUL 2 MINUTE TRAILER.
I AM NOT FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO LIVE IN THE CATCHMENT AREA FOR FATHER ROBERT BARRON PROGRAM...BUT I HOPE SOME OF YOU ARE.HE IS BEING TOUTED AS A MODERN DAY ARCHBISHOP FULTON J. SHEEN.
Dear Friends of Word On Fire,
Please remember to watch "Word on Fire with Father Barron" this Sunday at 8:30AM Central on WGN America (In Chicago - 9:30AM Central on WGN)!
This week on Word On Fire: Fr. Barron gives the big picture on Creation and The Fall. Plus, hear from Mexican movie star Eduardo Verastegui.
Next week: A sneak preview of Episode One of the CATHOLICISM series.
About The Project
CATHOLICISM is a global effort to produce and distribute a groundbreaking documentary series presenting the true story of Christianity and the Catholic faith. In just 2 short years we have raised over $2.5 million and filmed in over 50 locations in more than 15 countries, telling the Catholic story. We are urgently trying to raise $500,000 to fund global marketing and distribution.
Friday, October 15, 2010
ST. TERESA OF AVILA...IT'S HER FEAST DAY.
ONE OF MY FAVOURITES....HECK THEY ARE ALL MY FAVOURITES.
IF YOU'VE NEVER READ HER BOOK...THE INTERIOR CASTLE...THEN DO SO.
ALSO EWTN HAS AN 8 PART MINI-SERIES SEVERAL TIMES A YEAR ON HER ON SATURDAY NIGHTS...IT REALLY CHRONICLES HOW MANY ILLNESSES SHE SUFFERED WITH,BUT YET HER LOVE FOR GOD NEVER WAVERED.
If you’re bogged down and dog tired by the chaos of a busy life, take heart from the example of St. Teresa of Avila. Maybe her prayer will give you the words you need the next time you turn to our loving God:
PRAYER FOR A BUSY LIFE
How is it God, that you have given me this hectic busy life when I have so little time to enjoy your presence? Throughout the day people are waiting to speak with me, and even at meals I have to continue talking to people about their needs and problems. During sleep itself I am still thinking and dreaming about the multitude of concerns that surround me. I do all this not for my own sake, but for yours.
To me my present pattern of life is a torment; I only hope that for you it is truly a sacrifice of love. I know that you are constantly beside me, yet I am usually so busy that I ignore you. If you want me to remain so busy, please force me to think about and love you even in the midst of such hectic activity. If you do not want me so busy, please release me from it, showing others how they can take over my responsibilities.
ONE OF MY FAVOURITES....HECK THEY ARE ALL MY FAVOURITES.
IF YOU'VE NEVER READ HER BOOK...THE INTERIOR CASTLE...THEN DO SO.
ALSO EWTN HAS AN 8 PART MINI-SERIES SEVERAL TIMES A YEAR ON HER ON SATURDAY NIGHTS...IT REALLY CHRONICLES HOW MANY ILLNESSES SHE SUFFERED WITH,BUT YET HER LOVE FOR GOD NEVER WAVERED.
If you’re bogged down and dog tired by the chaos of a busy life, take heart from the example of St. Teresa of Avila. Maybe her prayer will give you the words you need the next time you turn to our loving God:
PRAYER FOR A BUSY LIFE
How is it God, that you have given me this hectic busy life when I have so little time to enjoy your presence? Throughout the day people are waiting to speak with me, and even at meals I have to continue talking to people about their needs and problems. During sleep itself I am still thinking and dreaming about the multitude of concerns that surround me. I do all this not for my own sake, but for yours.
To me my present pattern of life is a torment; I only hope that for you it is truly a sacrifice of love. I know that you are constantly beside me, yet I am usually so busy that I ignore you. If you want me to remain so busy, please force me to think about and love you even in the midst of such hectic activity. If you do not want me so busy, please release me from it, showing others how they can take over my responsibilities.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
A sick man turned to his doctor, who was leaving the room after paying a visit, and said: "Doctor, I am afraid to die. Tell me what lies on the other side." Very quietly the doctor said, "I don't know." "You don't know? You, a Christian man, do not know what is on the other side?!"
The doctor was holding the handle of t...he door, on the other side of which came sounds of scratching and whining, and as he opened the door a dog sprang into the room and leaped on him with eager show of gladness. Turning to his patient, the doctor said, "Did you ever notice that dog? He has never been in this room before. He did not know what was inside. He knew nothing except that his master was here, and when the door opened he sprang in without fear. I know little of what is on the other side of death, but I do know one thing: I know my Master is there, and that is enough. And when the door opens, I shall pass through with no fear, but with gladness."
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Father Corapi: Pray the Rosary Everyday… And You Will Be Blessed!
"The month of October is one of my two favorite months. May is the other one. As you know the Church dedicates the month of October to Our Blessed Mother and the Rosary. The Church celebrates October 7th as the Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary. This feast day has a long history, one worth knowing about. A very productive undertaking would be for you to look this up on the internet to learn about the history of this important celebration in Church history.
It is my personal opinion, one which is in accord with the mind of the Church, that you will profit very much by praying the holy Rosary every day. The prayer of the Rosary is the prayer of the holy Gospel, the Good News Who is Jesus. My best piece of spiritual advice to you, no matter who you are, president or plumber, priest or king…PRAY THE ROSARY ."
Monday, October 4, 2010
"Sanctify yourself and you will sanctify society" --Saint Francis
WHETHER VEGETABLES, WATER, OR LEMONS, GOD WANTS US TO PREVENT ILLS THROUGH HOLY SPIRIT
Purify your thoughts and you will purify your body because the body manifests what is in the spirit. Let your "first thought" (about someone) be positive or at least loving and in this way purity will begin to surround you as a force that cleanses and prepares you for health and it is the topic for today: cleansing our bodies, which are the temples of the Holy Spirit .
In the Book of Sirach (or Ecclesiasticus) is the advice: "Before sickness, prepare the cure" (18:8). We prepare the cure by engulfing our bodies in the positive.
Any spot in the spirit may manifest as a spot on our bodies, and if it grows in the spirit, it can grow in the physical as well (and turn malignant).
This is not to blame every illness on spiritual darkness (we all grow old, and there is sickness that is "redemptive"; even St. Francis was ill at a young age) -- but we can prevent many ills with what we think, how we pray, and what we put into our bodies.
How do we "prepare" a cure? How do we halt an illness before it is an illness? How do we protect ourselves and loved ones against the many potential scourges of this life? Invoke the Holy Spirit.
When we pray for the Holy Spirit to suffuse us (and our loved ones) with the Spirit of Health, He guides us as to what we should eat. Otherwise, we would be lost in all the conflicting and complex information on latest scientific food studies! So start there.
When we pray our intuitions come up with ideas and if we may share a recent intuition it involves the use of water and fruit to cleanse the body.
As we have urged before, drink plenty of pure water. Try to drink the purest water you can find. See it as a physical representation of the living waters. Pray over each glass!
Did you ever wonder why so many ancients believed in healing springs (or "fountains of youth")? Start here: water. Drink as much as your body tolerates. Flush out your system. There are the living waters of Heaven and the living waters in our bodies -- which should be purified (like our spirits).
Regularly, fast. Francis of Assisi called the body "brother donkey." He kept this "brother" under perfect control -- sometimes without food and water or denying it something special that "it" liked very much. This also purifies.
Meanwhile, it is crucial to health and fascinating that human blood has such a remarkable similarity (in mineral composition) to ocean water.
So perhaps that's another step: make sure you eat foods with the minerals found in ocean water. Genuine sea salt is an excellent source for readily soluble sodium with trace iodine and other minerals found in the sea, and it causes less water retention than regular salt (which puts on weight). To purge excess salt and purify organs like the liver, drink water with a couple tablespoons of lemon or grapefruit juice, sweetened with real maple syrup (not high-fructose sugars) and spiced with cayenne (if your body can tolerate it).
The Holy Spirit may lead you to eat peaches, or apples, or papayas, or avocadoes, or red grapes, or specific fish, or nuts. Of course, one could extol many other nutrients. Let's take the scourge of macular degeneration (which causes loss of eyesight): many say it can be prevented or lessened by consuming foods that contain lutein, an antioxidant, belonging to the carotenoid family that can be found in dark green leafy vegetables such as kale, spinach, collards, broccoli, garden peas, zucchini, Brussels sprouts, pistachio nuts, various fruits, carrots, mustard greens, purple, red, or blue fruits, romaine lettuce, dill, parsley, corn, and tomatoes. Egg yolks are also sources of lutein. Perhaps most powerful for the antioxidants: Goji berries. We mention this because so many are having vision problems!
It is God -- His angels -- Who will direct us. He made endless healthy fruits and vegetables and only He knows the combination that best fits our unique bodies. Otherwise, our heads will spin with all the nutritional advice! Your body is unique and has unique needs that only God can see in their entirety.
How else do we "prepare the cure"? By asking our angels to scan our bodies and heal any illnesses that may be in an incipient (barely detectable) state (especially tumors). Ask God to permeate and surround you and your loved ones with the purity of immunity from the countless maladies that can afflict us. Cast away the spirit of tumors (if such may be around). Cast away the spirit of arthritis (in case that's there). Cast off the spirit of diabetes, or arterial disease, or heart ailments, and every sort of cancer. Cast away the spirit of infirmity and ask God through His angels to constantly minister to you. Purify your thought process. Besides your mouth, watch what enters your eyes and ears. Cleanse the innermost chambers of your spirit. Watch the "eyegates"!
Now comes cleanliness, which is next to Godliness.
True health!
Lemons. Apples. Lutein.
The Lord can cure anything -- and use everything we have on this earth.
[resources: Catholic Workout and Foods Jesus Ate]
[see also: The health benefits of water, lemon water, grapefruit; and lemon balm tea]
Friday, October 1, 2010
Thursday, September 30, 2010
IT'S THE FEAST DAY OF ONE OF MY FAVOURITE EARLY CHURCH FATHERS...JEROME.
HE TRANSLATED THE BIBLE INTO THE LATIN VULGATE...THE ONE THAT I STUDY...THE DOUAY-RHEIMS BIBLE...WAS TRANSLATED FROM THE LATIN THEN TO ENGLISH.
SINCE HE IS THE PATRON OF SCHOOLCHILHREN...I IMPLORE HIM TO PRAY FOR MY GRANDSON...MATTY...WHO STARTED GRADE PRIMARY THIS MONTH.
AMUSING...
MIKE AQUILA...A CONTEMPORARY STUDENT OF THE STUDY OF CHURCH FATHERS...dubbed Jerome “Doctor Cantankerous". Jerome quarreled with or complained about (or at least growled at) an amazing array of his fellow Fathers: Ambrose, Augustine, Chrysostom, Rufinus, and, of course, Origen (to name just a few).
POEM/SONG ABOUT JEROME
The Thunderer
If you read this out loud you will get the most benefit from it ... or do as I did and hear Mike Aquilina recite aloud in his speech The Church Fathers for Church Teachers. (Mike's speeches are pure gold by the way; highly recommended.)GO HERE TO LISTEN TO MIKE.
OR DOWNLOAD DION'S VERSION HERE FOR 99 CENTS.
The Thunderer by Dion
Format: MP3 Download , From the Album Son Of Skip James
THE THUNDERER
God’s angry man, His crotchety scholar
Was Saint Jerome,
The great name-caller
Who cared not a dime
For the laws of Libel
And in his spare time
Translated the Bible.
Quick to disparage
All joys but learning
Jerome thought marriage
Better than burning;
But didn’t like woman’s
Painted cheeks;
Didn’t like Romans,
Didn’t like Greeks,
Hated Pagans
For their Pagan ways,
Yet doted on Cicero all of his days.
A born reformer, cross and gifted,
He scolded mankind
Sterner than Swift did;
Worked to save
The world from the heathen;
Fled to a cave
For peace to breathe in,
Promptly wherewith
For miles around
He filled the air with
Fury and sound.
In a mighty prose
For Almighty ends,
He thrust at his foes,
Quarreled with his friends,
And served his Master,
Though with complaint.
He wasn’t a plaster sort of a saint.
But he swelled men’s minds
With a Christian leaven.
It takes all kinds
To make a heaven.
*****************************************************
CAPE BRETONESE CHATTER
DO YOU KNOW ANYONE WITH THE NAME JEROME...I RECALL SOMEONE IN MY CHILDHOOD NEIGHBOURHOOD OF ASHBY...BY THAT NAME...A FATHER WITH 10 KIDLETS AND A HUSBAND WITH A MOST SAINTLY WIFE.IN FACT ONE OF HIS DAUGHTERS MARRIED MY UNCLE.THE JEROME I KNEW WAS A THUNDERER TOO.
HE TRANSLATED THE BIBLE INTO THE LATIN VULGATE...THE ONE THAT I STUDY...THE DOUAY-RHEIMS BIBLE...WAS TRANSLATED FROM THE LATIN THEN TO ENGLISH.
SINCE HE IS THE PATRON OF SCHOOLCHILHREN...I IMPLORE HIM TO PRAY FOR MY GRANDSON...MATTY...WHO STARTED GRADE PRIMARY THIS MONTH.
AMUSING...
MIKE AQUILA...A CONTEMPORARY STUDENT OF THE STUDY OF CHURCH FATHERS...dubbed Jerome “Doctor Cantankerous". Jerome quarreled with or complained about (or at least growled at) an amazing array of his fellow Fathers: Ambrose, Augustine, Chrysostom, Rufinus, and, of course, Origen (to name just a few).
POEM/SONG ABOUT JEROME
The Thunderer
If you read this out loud you will get the most benefit from it ... or do as I did and hear Mike Aquilina recite aloud in his speech The Church Fathers for Church Teachers. (Mike's speeches are pure gold by the way; highly recommended.)GO HERE TO LISTEN TO MIKE.
OR DOWNLOAD DION'S VERSION HERE FOR 99 CENTS.
The Thunderer by Dion
Format: MP3 Download , From the Album Son Of Skip James
God’s angry man, His crotchety scholar
Was Saint Jerome,
The great name-caller
Who cared not a dime
For the laws of Libel
And in his spare time
Translated the Bible.
Quick to disparage
All joys but learning
Jerome thought marriage
Better than burning;
But didn’t like woman’s
Painted cheeks;
Didn’t like Romans,
Didn’t like Greeks,
Hated Pagans
For their Pagan ways,
Yet doted on Cicero all of his days.
A born reformer, cross and gifted,
He scolded mankind
Sterner than Swift did;
Worked to save
The world from the heathen;
Fled to a cave
For peace to breathe in,
Promptly wherewith
For miles around
He filled the air with
Fury and sound.
In a mighty prose
For Almighty ends,
He thrust at his foes,
Quarreled with his friends,
And served his Master,
Though with complaint.
He wasn’t a plaster sort of a saint.
But he swelled men’s minds
With a Christian leaven.
It takes all kinds
To make a heaven.
*****************************************************
CAPE BRETONESE CHATTER
DO YOU KNOW ANYONE WITH THE NAME JEROME...I RECALL SOMEONE IN MY CHILDHOOD NEIGHBOURHOOD OF ASHBY...BY THAT NAME...A FATHER WITH 10 KIDLETS AND A HUSBAND WITH A MOST SAINTLY WIFE.IN FACT ONE OF HIS DAUGHTERS MARRIED MY UNCLE.THE JEROME I KNEW WAS A THUNDERER TOO.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
ON THIS FEAST DAY OF THE ARCHANGELS SUPPORT THE ST. MICHAEL PRAYER CAMPAIGN TO BRING MICHAEL'S PRAYER BACK TO THE MASS.DOES YOUR PARISH RECITE THE PRAYER AFTER THE MASS...IF NOT,PERHAPS YOU COULD ENCOURAGE IT.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
FEAST DAY OF SAINT WENCESLAS
Good King Wenceslas
One of the best loved Christmas Carols is the 157-year-old carol: Good King Wenceslas. In 1853, John Mason Neale chose Wenceslas as the subject for a children’s song to exemplify generosity. It quickly became a Christmas favorite, even though its words clearly indicate that Wenceslas ‘looked out’ on St. Stephen’s Day, the day after Christmas. So Good King Wenceslas is actually a Boxing Day carol! For a tune, Neale picked up a spring carol, originally sung with the Latin text ‘Tempus adest floridum’ or ‘Spring has unwrapped her flowers’. This original spring tune was first published in 1582 in a collection of Swedish church and school songs.
Jolly Old St. Wenceslas
Who was King Wenceslas anyway? Wenceslas was the Duke of Bohemia who was murdered in 929 AD by his wicked younger brother, Boleslav. As the song indicates, he was a good, honest, and strongly principled man. The song expresses his high moral character in describing King Wenceslas braving a fierce storm in order to help feed a poor neighbour. Wenceslas believed that his Christian faith needed to be put into action in practical ways. Wenceslas was brought up with a strong Christian faith by his grandmother St. Ludmila. Wenceslas’ own mother Drahomira, however, joined forces with an anti-Christian group that murdered Wenceslas’ grandmother, and seized power in Bohemia. Two years later in 922 AD, the evil Drahomira was deposed, and Good King Wenceslas became the ruler. He became Bohemia’s most famous martyr and patron saint. His picture appeared on Bohemian coins, and the Crown of Wenceslas became the symbol of Czech independence.
Intergenerational Appeal
Even as a young child, I remember feeling moved as I sung this unusual carol. Why does Good King Wenceslas have such a deep and lasting impact on its hearers? Perhaps it is because there are so many levels of meaning to this carol. A child may hear one thing, an adult may hear another. I find that I can sing it again and again, and new meaning continues to pour forth from the carol. Recently the phrase ‘Fails my heart, I know not how, I can go no longer’ really spoke to me. It reminded me that sometimes there are times in our lives when life and its stresses seem to overwhelm us, and we feel that ‘we can go no longer.’ The response of Good King Wenceslas was most interesting. He said: ‘Mark my footsteps, my good page, Tread thou in them boldly: Thou shalt find the winter’s rage freeze thy blood less coldly.’ Wenceslas reminds us that when we are all alone, life can feel very bleak. It is at such times that solidarity with another human being can help ‘our blood freeze less coldly’. Wenceslas affirms that we are not alone, and subtly points to the basic Christmas message that Jesus our Master will never leave us in the cold.
In His Master’s Steps
In the last verse are the memorable words: ‘In his master’s steps he trod, where the snow lay dinted.’ The author John Neale, an Anglican priest, shows us here that the essence of true living is learning to walk in our Master’s steps. All of us need a Higher Power to help guide us along our journey. Jesus said: "If anyone would come after me (and tread in my steps), he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." Our challenge each Christmas is to look beyond the toys and tinsel, to see ‘the Master’s steps.’
Good King Wenceslas
One of the best loved Christmas Carols is the 157-year-old carol: Good King Wenceslas. In 1853, John Mason Neale chose Wenceslas as the subject for a children’s song to exemplify generosity. It quickly became a Christmas favorite, even though its words clearly indicate that Wenceslas ‘looked out’ on St. Stephen’s Day, the day after Christmas. So Good King Wenceslas is actually a Boxing Day carol! For a tune, Neale picked up a spring carol, originally sung with the Latin text ‘Tempus adest floridum’ or ‘Spring has unwrapped her flowers’. This original spring tune was first published in 1582 in a collection of Swedish church and school songs.
Jolly Old St. Wenceslas
Who was King Wenceslas anyway? Wenceslas was the Duke of Bohemia who was murdered in 929 AD by his wicked younger brother, Boleslav. As the song indicates, he was a good, honest, and strongly principled man. The song expresses his high moral character in describing King Wenceslas braving a fierce storm in order to help feed a poor neighbour. Wenceslas believed that his Christian faith needed to be put into action in practical ways. Wenceslas was brought up with a strong Christian faith by his grandmother St. Ludmila. Wenceslas’ own mother Drahomira, however, joined forces with an anti-Christian group that murdered Wenceslas’ grandmother, and seized power in Bohemia. Two years later in 922 AD, the evil Drahomira was deposed, and Good King Wenceslas became the ruler. He became Bohemia’s most famous martyr and patron saint. His picture appeared on Bohemian coins, and the Crown of Wenceslas became the symbol of Czech independence.
Intergenerational Appeal
Even as a young child, I remember feeling moved as I sung this unusual carol. Why does Good King Wenceslas have such a deep and lasting impact on its hearers? Perhaps it is because there are so many levels of meaning to this carol. A child may hear one thing, an adult may hear another. I find that I can sing it again and again, and new meaning continues to pour forth from the carol. Recently the phrase ‘Fails my heart, I know not how, I can go no longer’ really spoke to me. It reminded me that sometimes there are times in our lives when life and its stresses seem to overwhelm us, and we feel that ‘we can go no longer.’ The response of Good King Wenceslas was most interesting. He said: ‘Mark my footsteps, my good page, Tread thou in them boldly: Thou shalt find the winter’s rage freeze thy blood less coldly.’ Wenceslas reminds us that when we are all alone, life can feel very bleak. It is at such times that solidarity with another human being can help ‘our blood freeze less coldly’. Wenceslas affirms that we are not alone, and subtly points to the basic Christmas message that Jesus our Master will never leave us in the cold.
In His Master’s Steps
In the last verse are the memorable words: ‘In his master’s steps he trod, where the snow lay dinted.’ The author John Neale, an Anglican priest, shows us here that the essence of true living is learning to walk in our Master’s steps. All of us need a Higher Power to help guide us along our journey. Jesus said: "If anyone would come after me (and tread in my steps), he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." Our challenge each Christmas is to look beyond the toys and tinsel, to see ‘the Master’s steps.’
Monday, September 27, 2010
Fr. Thomas Dubay
It was devastating to learn of his death...I have watched many of his presentations...his series on St. John of the Cross helped me to understand St. John more than any book could.He had a funny down home way of presenting himself.
EWTN has received word this weekend that one of our favorite show host Fr. Thomas Dubay had died. Popular series includes • Teresa of Avila: Personality and Prayer • Prayer Quests • Contemplation: Union With God .
Please pray for the repose of his soul.
It was devastating to learn of his death...I have watched many of his presentations...his series on St. John of the Cross helped me to understand St. John more than any book could.He had a funny down home way of presenting himself.
EWTN has received word this weekend that one of our favorite show host Fr. Thomas Dubay had died. Popular series includes • Teresa of Avila: Personality and Prayer • Prayer Quests • Contemplation: Union With God .
Please pray for the repose of his soul.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Father Robert Barron To Have Weekly Television Show.
First Priest Since Archbishop Sheen to Have a Regular TV Show.
CNA – Fr. Robert Barron of the Archdiocese of Chicago will begin broadcasting a weekly national television show on WGN America to reach Catholics and others searching for Christ. He will be the first priest since Archbishop Fulton Sheen to have a regular, national program on a commercial television network.
Fr. Barron, a professor at University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary, runs the global media ministry called “Word on Fire.”
His WGN America show will be titled “Word on Fire with Father Barron.” It will premier at 8:30 a.m. Central Time on Sunday, Oct. 3. It will also run on WGN Chicago at 9:30 a.m.
“Now is the time to reach out to Catholics and others who are searching for meaning in their lives or who have left the Church because they are disillusioned,” Fr. Barron said. “In each episode, our mission will be to encourage believers and bring the transformative power of the Gospel to the culture.”
The priest, who was ordained in 1986, has also been producing a ten-part documentary titled “Catholicism,” telling the story of the Church through travels to 16 countries. He will preview highlights of the series in his weekly broadcasts.
“The faith of the Church is our strength,” Fr. Barron continued. “Our program will strive to show viewers the richness of the Catholic faith and how it is a treasure to be shared now and with future generations
First Priest Since Archbishop Sheen to Have a Regular TV Show.
CNA – Fr. Robert Barron of the Archdiocese of Chicago will begin broadcasting a weekly national television show on WGN America to reach Catholics and others searching for Christ. He will be the first priest since Archbishop Fulton Sheen to have a regular, national program on a commercial television network.
Fr. Barron, a professor at University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary, runs the global media ministry called “Word on Fire.”
His WGN America show will be titled “Word on Fire with Father Barron.” It will premier at 8:30 a.m. Central Time on Sunday, Oct. 3. It will also run on WGN Chicago at 9:30 a.m.
“Now is the time to reach out to Catholics and others who are searching for meaning in their lives or who have left the Church because they are disillusioned,” Fr. Barron said. “In each episode, our mission will be to encourage believers and bring the transformative power of the Gospel to the culture.”
The priest, who was ordained in 1986, has also been producing a ten-part documentary titled “Catholicism,” telling the story of the Church through travels to 16 countries. He will preview highlights of the series in his weekly broadcasts.
“The faith of the Church is our strength,” Fr. Barron continued. “Our program will strive to show viewers the richness of the Catholic faith and how it is a treasure to be shared now and with future generations
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Archbishop urges Catholics to make faith more visible
The Archbishop of Westminster told Catholics the Pope's visit was "marvellous and unforgettable" Catholics in England and Wales are being urged to build on the visit of Pope Benedict by being more confident in expressing their faith.
The Archbishop of Westminster says Catholics should be more ready to make the sign of the cross and say "God bless you" to people.
Vincent Nichols said believers had been given "new heart" by the Pope's four-day visit to Scotland and England.
His pastoral letter will be read out in Westminster archdiocese this weekend
The Archbishop called on Catholics to respond to the Pope's hope that they would become "ever more conscious of their dignity as a priestly people".
'Beauty of holiness'
Writing a week after the papal visit, Rev Nichols said: "With the blessings of this visit we can be more confident in our faith and more ready to speak about it and let it be seen each day.
"A small step we can all take is to be quicker to say to others that we will pray for them, especially to those in distress.
"Even the simple step of more regularly using the greeting 'God bless you', gently and naturally, would make a difference to the tone we set in our daily lives, as would the more frequent use of the sign of the cross.
"Making faith visible is so much a part of the invitation the Holy Father has extended to us all."
There have been a number of disputes between Christians and employers over public displays of faith, but Archbishop Nichols tells Catholics that after the Pope's visit, they should be more confident in their faith and more ready to let it been seen.
He said that during the four "marvellous and unforgettable" days of the Pope's visit, Catholics had "glimpsed the beauty of holiness".
He added: "I will never forget the richness of the silence of 80,000 people at prayer before the blessed sacrament in Hyde Park."
The Archbishop of Westminster told Catholics the Pope's visit was "marvellous and unforgettable" Catholics in England and Wales are being urged to build on the visit of Pope Benedict by being more confident in expressing their faith.
The Archbishop of Westminster says Catholics should be more ready to make the sign of the cross and say "God bless you" to people.
Vincent Nichols said believers had been given "new heart" by the Pope's four-day visit to Scotland and England.
His pastoral letter will be read out in Westminster archdiocese this weekend
The Archbishop called on Catholics to respond to the Pope's hope that they would become "ever more conscious of their dignity as a priestly people".
'Beauty of holiness'
Writing a week after the papal visit, Rev Nichols said: "With the blessings of this visit we can be more confident in our faith and more ready to speak about it and let it be seen each day.
"A small step we can all take is to be quicker to say to others that we will pray for them, especially to those in distress.
"Even the simple step of more regularly using the greeting 'God bless you', gently and naturally, would make a difference to the tone we set in our daily lives, as would the more frequent use of the sign of the cross.
"Making faith visible is so much a part of the invitation the Holy Father has extended to us all."
There have been a number of disputes between Christians and employers over public displays of faith, but Archbishop Nichols tells Catholics that after the Pope's visit, they should be more confident in their faith and more ready to let it been seen.
He said that during the four "marvellous and unforgettable" days of the Pope's visit, Catholics had "glimpsed the beauty of holiness".
He added: "I will never forget the richness of the silence of 80,000 people at prayer before the blessed sacrament in Hyde Park."
CHIARA LUCE BADANO WAS BEATIFIED IN ROME TODAY...MOVING CEREMONY FOR THIS 18 YEAR OLD WHO DIED OF BONE CANCER IN 1990.
********************************************************************
I NOTICE THAT TOXIC CHANNEL THAT IS CNN HAS A DOCUMENTARY ON TONIGHT AND TOMORROW NIGHT...REPEATED 6 TIMES IN TOTAL...ABOUT THE ABUSE SCANDEL IN THE CHURCH,ENTITLED ...WHAT THE POPE KNEW.NO WONDER THEIR RATINGS ARE GOING THROUGH THE FLOOR.
TRYING TO DREDGE THIS UP AGAIN...PROBABLY IN AN EFFORT TO DEFLATE THE CONSIDERABLE SUCCESS OF THE POPE'S VISIT TO THE UK.
I ENCOURAGE ANY BLOG BUDS TO AVOID THIS CHANNEL.
********************************************************************
I NOTICE THAT TOXIC CHANNEL THAT IS CNN HAS A DOCUMENTARY ON TONIGHT AND TOMORROW NIGHT...REPEATED 6 TIMES IN TOTAL...ABOUT THE ABUSE SCANDEL IN THE CHURCH,ENTITLED ...WHAT THE POPE KNEW.NO WONDER THEIR RATINGS ARE GOING THROUGH THE FLOOR.
TRYING TO DREDGE THIS UP AGAIN...PROBABLY IN AN EFFORT TO DEFLATE THE CONSIDERABLE SUCCESS OF THE POPE'S VISIT TO THE UK.
I ENCOURAGE ANY BLOG BUDS TO AVOID THIS CHANNEL.
Friday, September 24, 2010
WILL BE BEATIFIED ON SEPTEMBER 25TH!!
Chiara Luce Badano, an 18-year-old-girl, will be beatified in Rome, Italy, on Saturday, Sept. 25th, 2010 at the Shrine of Our Lady of Divine Love.
The beatification will be broadcast live on EWTN . She is called "a saint of our times" by the local bishop in Italy who knew her personally. He sees this 18-year-old, who died after a three-year struggle with bone cancer, as a guiding light ("Luce") especially for young people. Asked if she talked about spirituality with her high school friends, she said, "Talking about God doesn't count for much. I have to give Him."
Chiara Luce's recognized miracle was the healing of a little boy dying from meningitis last year. You can read her story in the book "Chiara Luce: A Life Lived to the Full," by Michele Zanzucchi
Most Britons Still Identify as Christian
– New figures from the Office for National Statistics has found that most British people still consider themselves to be Christian. The number of homosexuals, meanwhile, is far lower than previously estimated.
According to the office, 71 percent of the population is Christian. The statistic was welcomed by the Evangelical Alliance, which claims to have bolstered the cause for believers to become more open in expressing their faith.
"Christians have increasingly felt bewildered about what they can and cannot say or do," Stephen Cave, advocacy director at the alliance, commented. "Of course faith is personal to each individual but that doesn’t mean to say it’s entirely private – far from it."
"In fact we welcome dialogue with people of all beliefs, including atheists. Where possible we should engage in conversation not confrontation," he added.
"Our challenge now is to demonstrate that being a Christian is much more than belonging to a certain group. Quite simply it’s about making a commitment to Christ and enjoying the freedom of conscience to do that in public life.”
The survey found that the number of people describing themselves as Christian still far outweighs those who say they have no religion, who account for 20.5 percent of the population.
The figures will be good news to those who believe Christianity should still have a prominent role in public life and indicate that affiliation to the faith remains strong in spite of declining church attendance.
Their release comes just one week after the Pope spoke out against the marginalization of Christianity and attempts to push faith into the private sphere.
Still, the percentage of people saying they have no religion has risen from 2001, when 15.1 percent of the population said they had no religious affiliation.
Meanwhile, Muslims make up 4.2 percent of the population, followed by Hindus at 1.4 percent, Sikhs at 0.6 percent, Jewish at 0.5 percent and Buddhists at 0.4 percent.
The Office for National Statistics also revealed that just 1.5 percent said they were gay or bisexual, amounting to only around 750,000 people in the overall population.
The number is far below figures suggested by the government in 2005, which estimated homosexuals in Britain to number around 3.6 million, and gay rights group Stonewall, which previously estimated that between five and seven percent of the adult population in Britain was gay.
Of those who said they were homosexual, 1.3 percent were men and 0.6 percent were women.
Gay rights group Stonewall said it believed the real number of homosexuals could be higher as many of the surveys were conducted over the phone or on doorsteps, possibly discouraging people from giving their real answer.
Mike Judge of the Christian Institute suggested that the government should lower its spending on same-sex issues to reflect the figures.
He told the Daily Mail, “A large amount of public money has been spent on the basis of higher figures, which have turned out to be a lie.”
– New figures from the Office for National Statistics has found that most British people still consider themselves to be Christian. The number of homosexuals, meanwhile, is far lower than previously estimated.
According to the office, 71 percent of the population is Christian. The statistic was welcomed by the Evangelical Alliance, which claims to have bolstered the cause for believers to become more open in expressing their faith.
"Christians have increasingly felt bewildered about what they can and cannot say or do," Stephen Cave, advocacy director at the alliance, commented. "Of course faith is personal to each individual but that doesn’t mean to say it’s entirely private – far from it."
"In fact we welcome dialogue with people of all beliefs, including atheists. Where possible we should engage in conversation not confrontation," he added.
"Our challenge now is to demonstrate that being a Christian is much more than belonging to a certain group. Quite simply it’s about making a commitment to Christ and enjoying the freedom of conscience to do that in public life.”
The survey found that the number of people describing themselves as Christian still far outweighs those who say they have no religion, who account for 20.5 percent of the population.
The figures will be good news to those who believe Christianity should still have a prominent role in public life and indicate that affiliation to the faith remains strong in spite of declining church attendance.
Their release comes just one week after the Pope spoke out against the marginalization of Christianity and attempts to push faith into the private sphere.
Still, the percentage of people saying they have no religion has risen from 2001, when 15.1 percent of the population said they had no religious affiliation.
Meanwhile, Muslims make up 4.2 percent of the population, followed by Hindus at 1.4 percent, Sikhs at 0.6 percent, Jewish at 0.5 percent and Buddhists at 0.4 percent.
The Office for National Statistics also revealed that just 1.5 percent said they were gay or bisexual, amounting to only around 750,000 people in the overall population.
The number is far below figures suggested by the government in 2005, which estimated homosexuals in Britain to number around 3.6 million, and gay rights group Stonewall, which previously estimated that between five and seven percent of the adult population in Britain was gay.
Of those who said they were homosexual, 1.3 percent were men and 0.6 percent were women.
Gay rights group Stonewall said it believed the real number of homosexuals could be higher as many of the surveys were conducted over the phone or on doorsteps, possibly discouraging people from giving their real answer.
Mike Judge of the Christian Institute suggested that the government should lower its spending on same-sex issues to reflect the figures.
He told the Daily Mail, “A large amount of public money has been spent on the basis of higher figures, which have turned out to be a lie.”
Thursday, September 23, 2010
NOW WEREN'T YOU ALWAYS TOLD THIS...
QUESTION AT CATHOLIC ANSWERS...
Do angels finish the rosary if you fall asleep?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Is it true that if you are praying the rosary and you fall asleep the angels finish it for you?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Such an idea is the kind of folk piety that might be passed down from a Catholic grandmother, but we have no indication in Church teaching that angels do this. Certainly they do not need to do so. If you inadvertently fall asleep during the rosary, don't worry about it. What matters is your intention to pray the rosary.
QUESTION AT CATHOLIC ANSWERS...
Do angels finish the rosary if you fall asleep?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Is it true that if you are praying the rosary and you fall asleep the angels finish it for you?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Such an idea is the kind of folk piety that might be passed down from a Catholic grandmother, but we have no indication in Church teaching that angels do this. Certainly they do not need to do so. If you inadvertently fall asleep during the rosary, don't worry about it. What matters is your intention to pray the rosary.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
FULL MOON TONIGHT.
Full Harvest Moon – This is the full Moon that occurs closest to the autumn equinox. In two years out of three, the Harvest Moon comes in September, but in some years it occurs in October. At the peak of harvest, farmers can work late into the night by the light of this Moon. Usually the full Moon rises an average of 50 minutes later each night, but for the few nights around the Harvest Moon, the Moon seems to rise at nearly the same time each night: just 25 to 30 minutes later across the U.S., and only 10 to 20 minutes later for much of Canada and Europe. Corn, pumpkins, squash, beans, and wild rice the chief Indian staples are now ready for gathering.
Full Harvest Moon – This is the full Moon that occurs closest to the autumn equinox. In two years out of three, the Harvest Moon comes in September, but in some years it occurs in October. At the peak of harvest, farmers can work late into the night by the light of this Moon. Usually the full Moon rises an average of 50 minutes later each night, but for the few nights around the Harvest Moon, the Moon seems to rise at nearly the same time each night: just 25 to 30 minutes later across the U.S., and only 10 to 20 minutes later for much of Canada and Europe. Corn, pumpkins, squash, beans, and wild rice the chief Indian staples are now ready for gathering.
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