Mark you calendars again!

THIS IS FREE!

You do not have to pay an extravagant amount for a flimsy meal just to attend like that bird hole for Apostates in Freedom Avenue!  (Go decode that. Ha!)

I always told my friends who have questions about the Faith:

If you are feeling sick, who do you talk to? A physician or a veterinarian?

If you want to know why we make the sign of the cross, who do you talk to? A Catholic who knows why or a rabid Manalo worshipping Iglesia?

If you want answers to your question about the Faith, who do you talk to? A faithful priest, nun or catechist who knows the tenets of the Faith by heart or a liberal pro-contraception, cafeteria Catholic who attacks the Faith in public and ridicules Church authorities pretending to be human rights activist when in fact was just out for a cheap publicity stunt to promote her stupid tour business, pretending to know history?

Vigilance pays...

A post I made days ago has been generating the buzz I intended it to...

TO STAND UP FOR THE FAITH...IN ALL ASPECTS OF OUR LIFE, MOST ESPECIALLY IN THE PUBLIC SQUARE!

I am sure a couple of my loyal and dear TPC readers know what I am talking about.

Do not sit there and be concerned that our reactions will be just simple knee jerks...or being politically correct...or drawing unnecessary publicity...

It is the Faith that we all received from our parents, our ancestors, from the Apostles...

and we have every duty and responsibility to defend it just as we must treasure and defend the memory and name of our family or prevent a theft of a family heirloom.

"For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be."  (Matthew 6:22)

Imagine, if there is but one chance for you to PROVE what a REAL CATHOLIC you are...when the Faith and the LORD Himself is mocked and made fun of and you do not do anything about it, would you be more concerned about being politically correct?

IMAGINE...standing before the throne of the Almighty...and He asks you what you did for the Faith...and will you tell Him "I do not want to hurt the feelings of other?"


LIVE AND DEFEND THE FAITH!  It is what the Church expects Her children to be...

As the Baltimore Catechism taught us...

Q. 686. What is meant by anointing the forehead with chrism in the form of a cross?
A. By anointing the forehead with chrism in the form of a cross is meant that the Christian who is confirmed must openly profess and practice his faith, never be ashamed of it; and rather die than deny it.

Q. 687. When must we openly profess and practice our religion?
A. We must openly profess and practice our religion as often as we cannot do otherwise without violating some law of God or of His Church.

Q. 688. Why have we good reason never to be ashamed of the Catholic faith?
A. We have good reason never to be ashamed of the Catholic Faith because it is the Old Faith established by Christ and taught by His Apostles; it is the Faith for which countless Holy Martyrs suffered and died; it is the Faith that has brought true civilization, with all its benefits, into the world, and it is the only Faith that can truly reform and preserve public and private morals.

This is the reason why the Patron Saint of this blog and the namesake is none other than the First Pinoy Catholic raised to the honors of the altar.

We are called to be like him and Him.

St. Lorenzo and the Lord Himself!

To my fellow Pinoy Catholics, who was not caught sleeping and who spread the word and Word...

Mam Marilou and Mam Baby...

"And your Father who sees in secret will repay you." (Matthew 6:4)

We still do not know what will happen with what we are fighting for in this battle...

But we will be in the forefront of this War against the Faith!

From a TPC Reader: Oral Contraceptives

A guest writer for TPC, Matt, has sent this nice article about Oral Contraceptives.



***

Oral Contraceptives: The Universal Enemy

It has become apparent that conservative and moderate Catholics will never resolve their differing views on sexuality and contraception. While conservative Catholics point out the bible states that acceptable sexual acts must both promote union and be a procreative act, moderate Catholics have taken a far more utilitarian view of sexuality. They instead argue that family planning is an essential part of life today with responsible couples opting to act in compliance with life’s biological rhythms to avoid unintended pregnancy. This group instead feels the act of sex does not have a strictly procreative function. However, both groups of Catholics should be in agreement that decidedly unnatural forms of contraception are a sin and contradict the bible’s assurance that, “Children are a blessing (Psalm 127:3) to be cherished and cared for when given.”

Nevertheless, many couples have recently opted for more convenient forms of contraception to control family size. Even more disturbing, unmarried, young couples have also seized these forms of birth control to satisfy their desires. Worse still, countless young, single people engage in sex freely because an explosion of modern contraceptives apparently makes it safe. However, the entire notion of unnatural birth control methods, like the ones countless young people today turn to, perverts the very notion of children and the family itself.

Indeed, couples viewing sex as a legitimate shared activity before marriage fail to live life for the glory of God. Children, for sexually active, unmarried couples, become viewed as a potential burden rather than a sacred gift. Again, the act of sex becomes deplorable when seen simply as a mere form of entertainment. Without proper thought to its gravity and implications, sex becomes a base act better suited to animals. In this way, the entire bond of a relationship is corrupted, with carnal pleasure replacing deeper, worthy forms of connection.

Mutual spousal respect can also become subordinate to the selfish pleasure derived from irresponsible sex. Especially for women, who bear the burden of most premarital sex consequences, this disrespect is evident. Viewing each other as sexual objects, a couple’s view of each other becomes distorted through irresponsible sex. This is then manifested in the willingness to compromise partner safety through destructive contraceptive methods. Without the sanctity of marriage, this unconscionable decision is made easier. Again, it is these readily-available, socially-acceptable forms of contraception that enable this trend to take root.

This mutual disrespect can be seen in society today as dangerous forms of contraception are carelessly endorsed everywhere, from the mainstream media to schools. One of the most physically dangerous of these birth control options, oral contraceptives, is also the most popular form of contraception. Young women are given prescriptions by their doctors, regardless of their marital status and the pills are affordable for most. Indeed, the temptation for young people to succumb to media and societal pressure, become sexually active and turn to these drugs is easy. Women need only take a pill each day to find cheap emotional fulfillment and engage in all the pregnancy-free sex they can want. Unfortunately, certain side effects are common.

Because oral contraceptives literally alter women’s hormones, their dangerous side effects should come as little surprise. However, most users are shocked when they learn of the inherent risks one need take to engage in reckless sex with these drugs. In addition, these hormone-altering methods, while effective at preventing pregnancy, can falsely imply complete protection to any and all outcomes of casual sex, including sexually transmitted disease. Although schools have fulfilled their minimal obligation and warned students about the dangers of sexually transmitted diseases, this incomplete education might simply have prompted more confused young women to turn to this drug as a safeguard, not fully understanding its intended purpose.

Indeed, oral contraceptive misconceptions are easily understood when one examines the deceptive marketing manufacturers use to lure young people to their products. Bayer, the manufacturer of several popular oral contraceptives, creates multimillion-dollar ad campaigns yearly, declaring their birth control pills total quality-of-life improvement options. According to such advertisements, these drugs treat everything from acne to premenstrual depression. However, the FDA of the U.S. recently requested that Bayer remove misleading television commercials, citing the fact that none of those claims have been conclusively proven. Even more condemning for this drug manufacturer, in 2009 the FDA cited the corporation for failing to follow the correct quality control procedures at a plant that manufactures hormone ingredients.

Despite these revelations about this particular contraceptive, the worst side effect of this drug remains the violent physical effects it can have on women. Continuously-emerging complaints against these contraceptives, exemplified by pending Yaz lawsuits, indicate that the safety of such birth control options is far from guaranteed. Users of this particular product have seen serious and sometimes fatal side effects including heart attack, stroke, blood clots, pulmonary embolisms, and gallbladder disease. Even if women learn of these dangers and discontinue their use of these dangerous contraceptive drugs, permanent side effects like the possibility of infertility are possible. Originally introduced in the 1960’s, some argue these oral contraceptives might actually have led to the elevated cancer incidences for women in the U.S.

Although easily embraced by young people wishing to become sexually active as harmless and a “safe alternative,” these drugs literally disrupt all important aspects of life including faith, children, marriage and health. Unfortunately, contraception is a viral trend in America that will continue to be spread because of its profitability. Oral contraceptives are the most widely-utilized contraceptive on the market and because of their success in this country other nations will undoubtedly adopt this dangerous method of cheating nature and God as well. Whatever one’s particular feelings towards sexuality and ethical living, the discussion of oral contraceptives extends beyond a mere debate in biblical semantics and instead resides in the serious discussion of marriage, mortal sin and obeying the word of God.

Crucifix: Sign of Contradiction

 (This is the crucifix that spoke to Padre Pio and which gave him the stigmata.  The picture above is courtesy of of John Sonnen of Orbis Catholicus Secundus)

ROME, APRIL 26, 2010 (Zenit.org).- The "rousing" force of the cross has been rediscovered, said the Pontifical Council for the Laity secretary while reflecting on the 26th anniversary of the World Youth Day Cross.

Bishop Josef Clemens stated this Thursday in a Mass at the international youth center of San Lorenzo, which houses the cross gifted by John Paul II to youth on April 22, 1984.

The center, created by the Pontiff in 1983, is near St. Peter's Square and holds the cross when it is not on pilgrimage around the world. [See the photo below of the World Youth Day Cross courtesy of John Sonnen of Orbis Catholicus Secundus.]

Bishop Clemens noted in his homily that "the recent controversies over the presence of the crucifix in public buildings, in schools and hospitals, has enabled us to understand the 'rousing' capacity of the cross of Christ." [Do you know who hates crucifixes?]

The cross "is increasingly a sign of contradiction, a question that calls for answers by the 'deacons of the Word' and, in our days, it calls for even more answers from 'deacons of Christian life,'" the prelate affirmed.

Father Eric Jacquinet, director of the San Lorenzo Center and head of the youth section of the laity council, explained that "it is important to present the message of the cross to young people who come here."

He continued, "Young people know suffering, failures, doubt, mourning: They need to find consolation, strength and hope." [After Calvary is the empty tomb.  In a materialistic world, everything is short-cut, and microwaveable!  Good Friday first before Easter.]

"When young people come to venerate the cross with great faith, their hearts are touched," Father Jacquinet said. "For some, veneration of the cross is the most important moment of the pilgrimage to Rome."

The youth of the San Lorenzo center made a video titled "The Power of the Cross" to illustrate this "rousing" force. The video, made in collaboration with H2O News and the Emmanuel Community of Rome, was presented at the end of the Mass. [The youth made it!  Get it?  The YOUTH!]

The documentary includes the testimonies of 17 young people, not only recounting the history of the youth day cross, but above all the power manifested in it and the love for humanity that led Christ to accept death.

On the video, young people tell stories about the loss of a friend, the lack of a father in a family, or the loss of an unborn child. They tell of how they have been able to find true forgiveness, reconciliation, peace and joy only in Christ and in his cross.

The video, which is currently only available for viewing in the San Lorenzo Center, is ready in Italian, English, French, Spanish, German and Polish.

It aims to be an instrument of evangelization, communicating to young people who attend the center the mystery of the cross. The video will be used to receive groups and individuals in the center, and will accompany the youth day cross in its journeying to the dioceses of the whole world.

***

Where is the crucifix of your parish church located?  The center or to the side?  Speaks a lot about your parish priest.

Do you carry a crucifix with you?

Robin Williams: About Episcopalians and Catholics

I am a die-hard Superman fan.  Since the very first Superman movie in 1978 until the 2006 Superman Returns, my admiration for the character has not waned.  In fact, I can't wait for the next Superman movie to come out.  I heard that producers at Warner Bros. were disappointed with the modest haul Superman Returns had.  With over $200M of production budget, the movie got more than $300M.  Well, if the producers woke up with my bank account in their hands, I'll bet they'll consider jumping out of the Empire State Building!

Why, who hasn't dreamed of flying off to another country in a few seconds?  Imagine that?  No long lines and no excess baggage!

So as a fan, I was spending a few...ehm, hours surfing the web researching anything about the Man of Steel.  I was reading the history of the character, the film franchise, the so-called Superman curse and those involved in the movies.  By the way, Superman creators have implicitly characterized our hero as somewhat like our Lord.  Only son came to save the world and stuff like that.  Read more here to see my point.

I particularly read about Christopher Reeve, the actor who played Superman in 1978 and probably defined how Superman should look like in the movies.  He broke his neck in a horrible accident that left him a quadriplegic.  He advocated embryonic stem cell research for spinal cord injury regeneration which I was not a fan of, obviously.  I also learned that he is a good friend of comedian Robin Williams.  So one thing led me to another and so I also read the profile of Robim Williams, who is among my favorite comedians of all time.  By the way, he was married to a Filipina.

I learned that Williams is an Episcopalian. In a comedy routine, he described his religion as "Catholic Lite —; same rituals, half the guilt."

Well I am trying to be a stand-up comedian...in the company pantry among my co-workers... so here is my rebuttal, as a Pinoy Catholic, to Mr. Williams' joke.

"Episcopalian Church - looks Catholic, but get half of the benefits."

Jordan, drives, shoots and scores!  That's all she wrote, folks!

Gaga over Geomancy !

In spite of being the biggest Christian and Catholic country in Asia, the Philippines still enjoys its share of superstitious practices.  The New Year festivities is among them.

***

MANILA, Philippines – What are the lucky colors for the year 2010 or the year of the metal tiger?

According to a feng shui consultant, [in a Catholic country!  Some fellow church workers are guilty of going gaga over feng shui!] they are blue and light yellow. Blue symbolizes water while light yellow symbolizes peace.

“Ang 2010 chart natin kulang sa tubig, kelangan natin maglaay ng tubig para nourishment… lalakas productivity and money purposes,” said Johnson Chua, a feng shui adviser. [ In English "Our 2010 chart says we lack water, so we need to offer water as nourishment...productivity and money purposes would prosper.]

Moreover, there are lucky colors for the Chinese animal zodiac signs. Blue is the lucky color for those born on the year of the rat, rabbit, dragon, snake and rooster.

White or light yellow, meantime, is said to bring luck to those born on the year of the ox, tiger, sheep and monkey.

Violet is the lucky color for those born on the year of the dog and pig while red and violet are the colors for those born on the year of the horse.

As early as now, figurines of metal or golden tigers are displayed in Binondo, Manila, such as the tiger with gourd (for good health) and tiger with Chinese cabbage and golden coins (for more money to come in). [how in the world were they able to determine this, who knows?  They just want you to believe, hook line and sinker to what they tell you.  Of course, you need to buy their wares before you get the good luck you want.  Now who gets the good luck?  I think the one who sells these stupid items get the fast one over the gullible one.]
“Maraming pera pasok kaso, pero kelangan ingat sa mga investment,” said feng shui practitioner Jean Chua. “Year of the tiger kasi pag once na marami ka na-invest, mahihirapan ibalik.” ["A lot of money will come in but we have to be careful of investments."]
Serving 5 round fruits on the dinner table during New Year’s Eve will also bring luck for the whole year.

But besides the lucky charms and lucky colors, feng shui consultant and counseling astrologer Paloma believes that people should look at the signs of the times wherein there have already been precursors to election-related violence. [And you need fortune telling for that?!]

“Marami nagsusuot ng purple. Purple means deep spiritual energy… Saan ba galing ‘yon? Sa trying times o traumatic events,” noted Paloma.

“May precursor na sa Maguindanao ng matter of execution… nag-fa-file pa lang ng candidacy,” she added, pertaining to the November 23 Maguindanao massacre which claimed 57 lives. [And why did they not predict this massacre would happen?]
Meanwhile, one of the predictions is that there will be disasters not only in the Philippines but in several other countries. [Wow.  As if disasters do not happen every year.  Now that is fortune telling for you.]

Despite the difference in the predictions of the geomancers, [now are they looking at the same stars to make the predictions or the other one is superior than the other or... geomancy is really all about making a quick buck out of those desperate to find a quick way to earn money by using charms instead of sweating it out, eh?] they are all relaying a message on change and preparation for any disaster.

***

THE STUPIDITY OF GEOMANCY!

If you are a man of faith, why put your trust in these geomancers and their charms?

Will the Lord be not enough?

As written in Proverbs, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths".

And as Abraham said "God will provide."

Now that can save you your faith and some money!

Hah!

How to foster priestly vocation in young male kids

Take note! Male kids.

And how to foster it?  Let's ask Archbishop Raymund Burke:

"When I was in first grade, I used to like to play Mass with the participation of my siblings and neighboring children. My parents bought for me a Mass kit for children, which was available at the time. [...] To this day I feel badly that it was lost somewhere along the way. [...] I can tell you that the little Mass kit played its part in fostering my vocation to the priesthood."

***

Two points.

One, I would LOVE to get my hands on that Mass kit play set!  What a wonderful way to help foster vocations to the priesthood.  I know my wife would get mad if I give this to our only son, but... what the heck!  It's a toy, right?  And a healthy one at that!  No gun firing, no violence, no carnapping, etc.

Two, manufacturers of this kit must put a label "For boys only!" unless we start getting little girls playing like Jefferts-Schori (belch!)

***

By the way, the quote above was from an article from Zenit which you can read here.  It mentions a store named Wee Believers who makes toys that help strengthen the faith of little catholic children.  Here is the play Mass kit that they are selling.

retails for $76.49.  Kit includes twelve cleanable pieces and a detailed companion booklet contained in a durable, canvas case. Crucifix, Chalice, Thurible, Finger Bowl, 2 Cruets, 2 Candles, Paten (cotton/polyester blend), Corporal & Purificator (cotton cloth), and play Hosts (foam). All other pieces are cotton/polyester blend, carrying case is nylon. Ages 3-8. MagnifiKid! included while supplies last.  Made in Thailand. Kit and pieces are created from all new materials. Companion booklet and packaging sleeve are printed on 80% recycled materials



Just a few more clicks of the keyboard and mouse, and voila!  Here's more:

retails for $49.99.  You can buy it here.

And here's another one

Here's what they had to say:

Looking for an awesome visual and tangible activity that makes the Mass more meaningful for your kids? Do you want a terrific tangible tool for explaining the sacred vessels and linens used? Would you like to know what a corporal or an incense boat is? Do they know the names and uses of the things they see on the altar?

Not bad, eh?

Maybe a good Christmas gift for our kids.

***
DISCLAIMER:  The companies above are not paying any advertising fee to be featured on my blog. (damn!)  I featured them so that you may have better choices as gifts for our kids this Christmas. (Huzzah!)

Catholic Classics online

If you are looking for an a downloadable copy of Catholic classics, then go to:

http://www.catholicplanet.com/ebooks/

They have a rich collection of Catholic classics every Catholic should read.

Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich: The Dolorous Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ (762 KB -- PDF format).

This ebook now includes: The Life of Anne Catherine Emmerich

Story of a Soul: The Autobiography of Saint Therese of Lisieux
Letters of Saint Therese to Her Sister Celine
Prayers of Saint Therese
Counsels and Reminiscences

Saint Patrick of Ireland: The Confession of Saint Patrick
Saint Catherine of Siena: The Dialogue
Thomas à Kempis: The Imitation of Christ
St. Ignatius of Loyola: The Spiritual Exercises
Saint Theresa of Avila: The Way of Perfection

The Didache (web page) - an ancient Church document from the late first century (or early second century) A.D., also called The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles. [printer-friendly version]


I have copies of these. But for those who are looking for other classics like from St. Augustine, St. John of the Cross, St. Louis de Monfort, etc., just send me an email and will send it to you.

Don't worry. I am not a spammer!

Now they are putting RI bishop on the defensive

From Yahoo! News 

***

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Clergy sex abuse victims and their supporters said Tuesday that Rhode Island's Roman Catholic bishop is not doing enough to protect children from pedophile priests even as he's taken on Democratic Rep. Patrick Kennedy for his stance on abortion rights.

A small group of protesters gathered outside Bishop Thomas Tobin's office in Providence two days after news broke that the bishop had asked Kennedy in 2007 not to take Holy Communion because he supports abortion rights.

"He claims that it's important that we protect the unborn. But it's equally as important to protect those who have been born and those young children who have been raped and sodomized by clerics and priests. But yet he seems to protect those clerics," said Ruth Moore, of Hull, Mass. [Is the bishop really protecting them?  Where were these people when Archbishop Wuerl gave Communion to pro-abort politicians, huh?  Did they say anything about pedophile priests?]

The group called on Tobin to publish the names of priests from the diocese who have been convicted of or admitted molesting children, or if a thorough investigation has turned up credible evidence of child molestation, even if no conviction resulted.

The diocese has said in court papers that 125 of its priests have been accused of molesting children. While many of their names are known from lawsuits and news accounts, others have never been released.

Mike Guilfoyle, a spokesman for the diocese, said some of those allegations were recanted, found to be false, or made after a priest has died, so he cannot defend himself. He said the diocese has taken extensive efforts to protect children, including taking out ads and encouraging people to come forward, as well as responding immediately to accusations of abuse and cooperating with law enforcement.

The protesters said they would like the names to be posted on the diocesan Web site, a suggestion that Guilfoyle said the diocese is open to considering.

Such a list could help parents keep their children away from molesters and help employers screen potential hires, the protesters said. Skip Shea, from Uxbridge, Mass., who was abused by a priest as a child, told of seeing his abuser working next to the children's section in a bookstore as he awaited trial for abusing children.

"There has to be some sort of safeguard to protect kids. I don't think it ends with removing them from active ministry and I don't think it ends with defrocking," he said.

Shea, who has left the Catholic church, says he doesn't understand why Tobin is targeting Kennedy. [Why not?  The guy is worse than his father!  A shame to the Knights!]

"Everybody, including these priests, deserve Communion. [Loon!  Go to confession first and be sorry for your sins BEFORE going to Communion!] Because that's the whole point of it. That's part of the point of the church. I don't think anybody should be disqualified from it," [LOL!  As if Communion is a game show!] he said. "It's politics. I think the bishop's playing politics." [Yeah right!  The politics of Catholic doctrine!]


The Catholic Action League of Massachusetts called Tobin's action an "act of courage, fidelity and charity, intended to prevent scandal and sacrilege." [Right!  He is doing his job as a Catholic bishop.  Not like most Pinoy bishops who are busy with the environment and politics.  No wonder an old yapping archbishop resigned hastily after learning he might get the boot from Rome.]

"Bishop Tobin is being a good pastor by urging Congressman Kennedy not to commit the mortal sin of receiving Communion while in a state of grave sin," [BINGO!] said the league's executive director, C.J. Doyle.

Bill Nash of the Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests called on Tobin to use his authority as a spiritual figurehead to protect children.

"There are a lot of moral issues that he has to take leadership in, and the protection of children is a very important and critical area of moral leadership that he should be taking a more proactive stand with," Nash said. [No objection to that.  But would you agree that the bishop should also do his job of upholding Catholic doctrine to prevent scandal and sacrilege?]

***

These people are now using squid tactics to put the good bishop on the defensive end.

First things first.  Kennedy says he is still a good Catholic and can receive Communion even though he supports abortion rights and legislation.  His bishop says no.  A good Catholic must prove it with his works be he as a private citizen or a public official.  Kennedy stops answering the bishop.  Bishop Tobin bars him from Communion unless he repents.  Here comes the liberal media resurrecting the skeleton of sexual abuse, which is present in ALL church groups in the US.

First things first.

Kennedy, be a man!

As one famous Mason once said.  "If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen!"  The Church, through Bishop Tobin will search for the lost sheep to bring him home to the Lord.  But it that sheep opts to travel the wide road instead of the narrow one, the Lord cannot force you to go His way if you do not want to, just as He did to the rich young man.

First things first.

Return Home of Anglican Sisters and Priest: Ecumenical Exchange Gift?

Damian Thompson commented on the return of Ten Anglican Sisters and one priest back home to the Catholic Church.  This one caught my attention:

Perhaps I shouldn’t suggest this, but I wonder… wouldn’t it be a nice ecumenical gesture if, in return, we let the Episcopal Church have the Catholic “radical sisters” who have been pretending to be priests in American Catholic parishes for so long? Once they’re Anglicans, they can be nuns and priests at the same time. Think of the glorious opportunities for bossing people around!

 ***
Ecumenical exchange gift?  Too early for Christmas... but WHAT THE HECK!  The Anglicans can have them all!

Ten Episcopal Nuns Come Home to the Catholic Church

BALTIMORE, Maryland, AUG. 31, 2009 (Zenit.org).- On Thursday, a community of Episcopal nuns and their chaplain will be received into the Catholic Church by the archbishop of Baltimore.

Ten sisters from the Society of All Saints' Sisters of the Poor will be received into the Church by Archbishop Edwin O'Brien, along with Episcopal Father Warren Tange, the Baltimore archdiocesan newspaper reported last Thursday.

Having spent seven years in prayer and discernment, the sisters felt drawn to the Catholic faith due to its orthodoxy and unity.  [Which unfortunately is being threatened by nut job theologians, even bishops and cardinals.]

The superior of the community in Catonsville, Mother Christina Christie, affirmed that after studying Catholic teaching for two years, the sisters are "very excited" for their upcoming reception. [So are we...so are we...]

In their convent chapel, the nuns will receive the sacrament of confirmation, and will renew their vows of poverty, chastity and obedience.  [Beautiful!  Hope they have some photos of the momentous event!]

Their chaplain will also enter the Church at that time, though he is still discerning the possibility of becoming a Catholic priest.

Mother Christina affirmed, "We felt God was leading us in this direction for a long time."

The communiqué noted that many of them were troubled by recent changes in the Episcopal church, including the approval of women's ordination, the ordination of a gay bishop and other "lax" stances on moral issues.  [The Do-It-Yourself Christianity of Vicki Gene Robinson]

Another nun, Sister Mary Joan Walker, said, "We kept thinking we could help by being a witness for orthodoxy."

The superior explained, however, that the effort was "not as helpful as we had hoped it would be."

She continued: "People who did not know us looked at us as if we were in agreement with what had been going on [in the Episcopal church]; by staying put and not doing anything, we were sending a message which was not correct."

They acknowledged that some friends in the Episcopal church have been hurt by their decision to leave, accusing them of abandoning the fight to maintain orthodoxy. [Huh?!  Anglicanism is fighting for orthodoxy?  Since when?]

"We're not," said Sister Emily Ann Lindsey. "We're doing it in another realm right now."

In the uneasiness with certain issues in their church, the sisters spent time researching various Episcopal splinter groups, as well as other Christian denominations. Finally, they came to the realization that they were independently feeling drawn to the Catholic Church.

This is very much the work of the Holy Spirit," Mother Christina said. [Amen to that Mother Christina!]

Now, two years after having begun the study of the Second Vatican Council and other Church teachings, they affirmed that there were hardly any theological obstacles to overcome.

The concept of papal infallibility was a difficulty at first for some, but now the sisters affirm that the Pope exercises an authority not found in the Episcopal church. [And that distinguishes the Catholic Church from other "churches", the Rock who is Peter!]

"The unity that Christ called for can be found in the Catholic Church under the leadership of the pope," they said.

"Unity is right in the midst of all this," said Sister Catherine Grace Bowen. "That is the main thrust."

Two nuns who decided not to become Catholic will nonetheless continue to live with the community and work together with their religious sisters. [how they will live together is something I am really itching to know.]

The nuns dedicate themselves to prayer, giving retreats, visiting people in hospice care, and designing religious cards.

The community, which maintains a traditional full black habit with a white wimple, is a branch of the society founded in England. The American branch has been in Baltimore since 1872, working with the poor in the region as part of their charism of hospitality.

***

God bless Mother Christina and the Sisters.  May they remain steadfast in the the True Faith that they have re-discovered.  Let us pray for the two other sisters to come home to the Lord's true flock.

Now this is the true aim of Ecumenism!

Welcome home!

Patrick Madrid and the Iglesia ni Cristo

 I chanced upon this post from the great Catholic apologist, Patrick Madrid, (you see him in EWTN), about his trip to Manila to prepare for the visit of John Paul II for the 10th World Youth Day, held in January 1995.  This was a record setting event, drawing an estimated 5 million people at the Closing Mass held at the Rizal Park.

Here is an interesting excerpt of his encounter with the Iglesia ni Cristo at the sect's headquarters.


***

Iglesia ni Cristo headquarters,
Quezon City, Wednesday, 10:15 a.m.

I figured that since I was in Manila, I'd take the opportunity to rattle Iglesia ni Cristo's cage and put its leaders on notice that Catholic Answers is coming to town to explain and defend the true faith.

Iglesia teaches that at the Second Coming of Christ all true believers (Iglesia members in good standing) will be "caught up into heaven." But this isn't your usual rapture, according to a widespread and (alas!) probably false rumor. Iglesia members, having received advance warning, are to make their way to the local Iglesia church and await the rapture indoors. The entire building and all its occupants will be lifted up to heaven. This idea may have been inspired by Iglesia architecture: The buildings are aerodynamic, as though designed to fly better in the rapture. [Notice how gullible the members are.  Its the religious Star Trek enterprise!]

Iglesia ni Cristo's sprawling headquarters reminded me of the Emerald City in the "Wizard of Oz," the difference being that these munchkins were anything but friendly once they found out what organization I represented. After persistent negotiations with the guards at the front gate I managed to wrangle a meeting with Bienvenido Santiago, the editor of Iglesia's monthly magazine, Pasugo. I was ushered into his office and shown to a seat. Also present was Samuel Paran, a minister on staff. Santiago handed me his no-nonsense business card. It read: "Bien C. Santiago, Minister of the Gospel."

[See this photo.  Kinda reminds you of a Mormon Church, eh?  Oh yeah, that's right.  Because Manalo COPIED MORMONISM!]

I think these fellows were a little surprised, perhaps a little miffed, at my persistence in trying to see them, but after I was seated Santiago did his best to put me at ease with his gracious banter. [I know a couple of INC members.  They are soooo protective of their own.]

"So, Mr. Madrid. What do you want?"

"I just dropped by to say howdy, and to tell you that Catholic Answers is sending a team of apologists to Manila for World Youth Day '95 to help out with the Holy Father's visit." He grimaced when I said "Holy Father." [I think the devil too grimaces.]

"We are well aware of your pope's visit next year."

"Oh? And do you have special plans to mark the occasion?"

Santiago grinned. "Let us just say that Iglesia ni Cristo will be ready for his visit."

I knew what that meant. Iglesia ni Cristo hates the Catholic Church [Boy they do!] and attacks its teachings whenever the chance presents itself. Each issue of Pasugo is crammed with articles showing how "unbiblical" the Catholic Church is for teaching doctrines such as the Trinity, the divinity and Incarnation of Christ, the Mass, and purgatory. As our chat progressed I gleaned that Iglesia was gearing up for an anti-Catholic proselytization push to coincide with World Youth Day. This push will include open-air preaching by Iglesia personnel, a barrage of anti-Catholic radio broadcasts throughout the Philippine islands, a massive tract distribution effort, and televised broadsides against the pope and the Catholic Church. [They love to hate the Church.]

We sparred for fifteen minutes or so, and out of the corner of my eye I saw Paran jotting down notes. For all I knew, the whole thing was being videotaped through the two-way mirror behind Santiago's desk, and I was being weighed, measured, and CAT-scanned, all for some sinister use by Iglesia at a later date. [You'll never know.  That Temple is a virtual fortress.  That is a possibility.]

I smiled. "Look, Bien, do you think you Iglesia folks might have an interest in another debate with Catholic Answers when we're here in January?" Karl Keating had accepted a challenge to debate one of their ministers a few years ago. Held in a high school gym, the debate drew an overflow crowd of 3,500 spectators, most of them Iglesia members bused in from throughout Southern California. No doubt the video tapes of the debate had been studied carefully by Iglesia's high command, which knew all about Catholic Answers. [You can see the videos in YouTube.]

Santiago smirked. "Why would you want another debate? Are you admitting that your Keating lost the first debate and now you would like a chance to redeem yourself?"

"Oh no, Bien," I smiled even more broadly. "Whatever would give you that impression? Haven't you seen the video of the debate? Keating killed your guy in that debate. We'd like to whip you again."

"That debate was a great victory for Iglesia ni Cristo. Keating lost." [In your dreams!]

The barbs went back and forth for several minutes, each of us smiling. I left a copy of Pillar of Fire, Pillar of Truth and the issue of This Rock that contained a cover story about our work in Denver at last year's World Youth Day. We made no agreement about a debate, except to express mutual interest in debating either the divinity of Christ or the papacy.

Outside, I looked back at the odd, streamlined buildings. With ten million members, Iglesia ni Cristo is growing quickly--not just in the Philippines, but among Filipinos in America. Nearly all converts, of course, are former Catholics. [They send Filipino members as "overseas workers" but in fact they are a family of missionaries.  See the similarities with Mormonism?]

Iglesia ni Cristo, which in its evangelization activity and theology is like the Jehovah's Witnesses, is tenacious in challenging the Catholic Church. Come World Youth Day, even if no other anti-Catholic sects show up to harangue visiting youths, Iglesia alone will pose a stout challenge.

***

If there is one religion that breeds anti-Catholicism, then THIS IS IT!  I had family members who had first hand experience at the bigotry of this religion that deifies Manalo.  The name of Christ in the Church is all for show.  They are not on bit Christian.

Be on the look out!

Here we go.

Well here is my first post as a blogger and it was not an easy experience.

I was trying to create a blog site via wordpress and lo and behold I cannot create my account (pinoycatholic.wordpress.com) because someone else has already created the account! Grrr! Well, he/she/it beat me to the draw. So here I am using blogspot (not that blogspot is a second choice site) to create my very first blog entry.

Hope you spend a little of your very precious time to read the posts of this Filipino Catholic Dad and know and appreciate our Faith, brought down to us by the Apostles, witnessed by the shedding of the blood of the Holy Martyrs and lived out with joyous piety by the saints of the ages and continuous to this day through our beloved Holy Father, Benedict XVI.

It is through the Faith that I will offer my reflections on life(read the description of the blog and you'll get the point), what it is to be a Filipino Catholic, son, husband, father, Knight of Columbus, son of the Eternal Father, prodigal brother purchased by the Son's precious Blood and contemplative of the Paraclete's counsels.

To the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I offer my life, thoughts, joys actions and my entire being and this blog (of course.)