One of the best blog posts

Father Z re-posted parts of the Creative Minority report's post.  He made the comment.  I couldn't agree more.  Here is the post...

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Pro-lifers like me love science and technology. Yup. We're like science geeks without the comic books. And we've got girlfriend and wives.

For years, religious people have been called backward and anti-science while pro-lifers actually couldn't wait for scientific and technological breakthroughs so we could all get a better look inside the womb and understand better what it is to be human. I think everyone must remember the first time they saw a 4-d ultrasound. It changes you. It's changed lots of people.

The moment America saw the delicate, beautiful, and strong hand, the human features, the smiles, the thumbsucking of a 20-week-old baby in the womb much of America reconsidered everything we took for granted. When we see five beautiful fingers that only a loving God would take the time to create reach out, it changed everything.

Poll numbers in recent years have taken a decidedly pro-life turn and while part of that is simply that pro-lifers have more children another aspect that shouldn't be dismissed is that the more we see inside the womb the more difficult it is to believe the lies of abortionists who say it's a blob of tissue.

The unspoken message of the ultrasound is clear to all with an open heart: “I'm human—just like you.”

It was the same message of Harriet Beecher Stowe whose novel “Uncle Tom's Cabin” made the horrors of slavery impossible to ignore. It was the message of Rosa Parks who awakened a slumbering country to the evils of racism by the simple act of sitting down. It is the message of the victims and the oppressed throughout our history: “"I'm human—just like you.”

That moment when a woman sees an ultrasound will encourage millions to reconsider where they stand on the issue of when life begins. And that's why pro-aborts are fighting to keep women in the dark as to what/who is growing inside them.

I have great faith that science is on our side simply because truth is on our side. And the recent spate of ultrasound laws, I think, are a great thing. And I think before the country is willing to listen to a pro-lifer saying "don't" they might just listen to pro-lifers saying "look."

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HUZZAH TO CREATIVE MINORITY REPORT!

PART 2: Hope to see this...soon!

His Hermeneuticalness, Tim Cardinal Finigan and his Vicar General, Msgr. John Zuhlsdorf!

Do visit the blogs of these great priest and the great service they do for the Church!

Fr. Tim's blog: The hermeneutic of continuity

Fr. Z's blog: What Does The Prayer Really Say?

Sell them all!

VATICAN CITY, MARCH 16, 2009 (Zenit.org).- The proposal of a member of the social networking Web site Facebook suggesting that the Vatican should exchange its treasures for food in Africa is an impossibility due to international law, says Cardinal Paul Josef Cordes. [Aside from international law...I'll get on this at length later.]

The president of the Pontifical Council Cor Unum [After Paul VI's speech in 1972 in which he says:  "So we were able to give your ecclesial action for aid the name of one heart, a heart that beats in rhythm with the heart of Christ, whose pity for the hungry multitudes reaches them even in their spiritual hunger"] said this Friday to ZENIT at a press conference Friday in which he commented on the online petition titled "Exchange the Vatican’s Treasures for Food for Africa. Do You Want to Sign a Petition?"
The cardinal noted that, apart from the ideological aspect of the proposal, the Pope cannot consider it because he is prevented from doing so by international law.

This Pontifical council is responsible for the direction and coordination among the charitable organizations and activities promoted by the Catholic Church.

Alberto Juesas Escudero of Spain launched the initiative, which now has more than 40,000 supporters. [see how many uninformed people there are?  I wish my petition to Stop Communion in the Hand reaches the same number so I can deliver this, hoepfully, personally to the Holy Father!] Escudero claims "it is a shameful to see the Vatican’s riches and then watch the news."

He explained that what motivated him to issue this invitation was that he believes the Vatican "does not admit its errors. [...] It does not preach by example. Jesus was born in a cave and lived in poverty." [So we are Christians...As Christians, we should follow Him. So, Mr. Escudero...Were you born in a cave?  Are you living a life of poverty?]

The youth concluded: "The Vatican is a disgrace! The Catholic religion is a disgrace!" [Hate the Catholic Church.  Such a trend.]

In answer to ZENIT’s questions, Cardinal Cordes explained that he has heard similar proposals for the past 40 years, and that before it was even much more frequent. [The hate has been going on.]

When John Paul II called him to Rome to work in the Curia, he observed that "the climate against the Vatican was very strong."

He explained, "I had looked into [the status of the Vatican’s holdings] and found out that the Church cannot do what it wants with the works of art that are in the Vatican."

In reality, he said, the Church "has the duty to conserve the works of art in the name of the Italian state." He affirmed, "It cannot sell them."

The prelate recalled an incident in the 1970s when a benefactor made a donation to renovate the Collegio Teutonico inside the Vatican, and the residence director wanted to give this person a small statue -- of a meager value compared to the others in the Vatican Museums -- as a gesture of gratitude.

The German benefactor had a lot of problems with the Italian state, as he was accused of taking goods that Italy was charged with safeguarding.

"In every country there are a lot of measures for the defense of works of art, because the state has a duty to maintain them," Cardinal Cordes added, noting that the Holy See treasures are also part of Italian cultural history.

The Cor Unum president underlined the work of the Catholic Church in health services and education in various regions in Africa. [Do all those who signed the petition know what the Church is doing in terms of charitable work?]

"When they come to meet the Pope, the African presidents recognize this," he said.

Without the Church, he affirmed, a huge part of those afflicted with AIDS would be abandoned, because the Church, with its network of hospitals, is the organization that cares for the largest number of people affected by the virus. [Do they know this even before they signed up?]

The cardinal noted that the Pope's upcoming March 17-23 visit to Cameroon and Angola is drawing the attention of the global media to Africa, and making the world more aware of the needs of that continent. He expressed the hope that the Papal trip will promote concrete acts of solidarity and respect.

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Does anyone of those who signed know of the work of the many Catholic orders and congregations and lay organizations such as Catholic Charities and the Knights of Columbus?  Do they have any idea how much money and manpower hours the men and women of these organizations give to men and women around the world regardless of their race, sex, age and creed?

If they want to sell the treasures of the Vatican...then why not do the same to the...

SMITHSONIAN?
THE LOUVRE?
CAIRO AND BRITISH MUSEUM?

AND ALL OTHER MUSUEMS OF THE WORLD!

SELL THE EIFFEL TOWER, THE STATUE OF LIBERTY, THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA, THE PYRAMIDS OF EGYPT AND ANYTHING THAT YOU CAN SELL

Then we would have so much money, we have more than enough to feed the hungry of Africa...

Then  when they get sick and hungry again...

Let us make more works of art and then sell them...

!@#$^%$!$@&%

Another plot for Dan Brown's new novel...

Google and The Holy See unite!

VATICAN CITY, JAN. 18, 2009 (Zenit.org).- Google, a symbol of the seemingly endless possibilities of the Internet, will team up with the Vatican Television Center and Vatican Radio in a joint venture to give Benedict XVI his own YouTube channel. [That's great!]

According to the Vatican press office, texts and video footage of the Pope's speeches supplied by Vatican radio and television would be posted directly onto the video-sharing Web site.

Details of the initiative will be announced Friday in conjunction with the publication of Benedict XVI's message for the 43rd World Communications Day. Saturday is the feast of St. Francis de Sales, patron of journalists. [and professional communicators, my Patron!]

The theme for the day, which will be celebrated May 31, is "New Technologies, New Relationships: Promoting a Culture of Respect, Dialogue and Friendship."

Henrique de Castro, Managing Director Media Solutions for Google, will be present at the press conference to announce the initiative between the Internet company and the Vatican.

Also present will be Archbishop Claudio Maria Celli, president of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, Monsignor Paul Tighe, secretary of the same council, and Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, director of Vatican Radio, Vatican Television Center and the Vatican press office.

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Keep the Pope's YouTube channel in your favorites!

Solemn Pontifical Mass at the faldstool in the Philippines!!!

Thanks to Mark Bunag for the photos.  He was the Masters of Ceremonies of the Solemn Pontifical High Mass in honor of St. Peter Canisius and celebrated by His Excellency ANTONIO R. TOBIAS, Bishop of Novaliches. The Mass was held in Seven Joys of Mary Chapel of the Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate on April 27, 2010 at 10:30 am. The Mass was attended by the whole community of sisters, third orders of the FI, friends and benefactors and even those living within the neghborhood.  A blessed moment indeed!  Hope the TLM will have a regular home in the Diocese!

HUZZAH  YOUR EXCELLENCY!!!

The cappa magna of the bishop

The chapel

Cappa magna rules!!!

Prayers at the foot of the altar

Confiteor...

The schola, composed of the Franciscan Sisters

The Canon

Communion

Procession to the chapel after Mass

Final blessing

Posing for posterity

As the great Father Z says "Brick by brick..."

For this I offer the following:

The Te Deum Prayer - Amazing videos are here

More family meals...

From CNN.com

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A rabbi walks into St. Peter's Square, meets the pope, and tells the Holy Father that one way to defuse the sex abuse scandal plaguing the church is for the Vatican to begin promoting a secular version of Shabbat dinner, the traditional Jewish Friday meal.

 This is a typical Filipino family eating together

It's no joke.

A prominent American rabbi, Shmuley Boteach, spoke briefly to Pope Benedict XVI on Wednesday about encouraging parents to eat dinner with their children as a way for the Vatican to re-establish its pro-family image, which has been battered by the priest sex abuse scandal, Boteach said. [Sitting together at the family table for meals is not a problem for Filipinos until recently most of the youth work at odd hours.  So rarely can you find family members eating meals together.  And most families eat out!  No quality time together.]

The brief exchange came after the pope's regular Wednesday address at the Vatican, during which Boteach was seated on a dais along with other Vatican guests. When he met Benedict on a receiving line afterward, Boteach pitched him on his family dinner initiative, called "Turn Friday Night into Family Night."

"I said ... 'If the church embraces an initiative like this, which is positive, it could put a lot of the scandal behind it,'" [This is a nice way to inculturate.  Leaving the LITURGY ALONE!] Boteach said, recounting his chat with the pope. "People will see the church doesn't just speak about opposition to gay marriage and abortion.'"

The pope appeared to be receptive to the idea, Boteach said. " 'We have to work together on this, we have to work together on this,' " Boteach quoted the pope as saying. But, Benedict did not make a firm commitment to the family dinner initiative, the rabbi said.

The Vatican was not immediately available for comment.

"The church is now perceived as not being a champion of families because the scandal has hit with so much force," [That is the perception of a few evil entities.] Boteach said. "I came (to the Vatican) as a friend and as someone who is critical as well. Because my criticism is real, the church knows my friendship is real."

Following his talk with the pope, Boteach said he was invited to meet with Cardinal Walter Kasper, who spearheads the Vatican's Jewish outreach, with whom Boteach fleshed out his criticism of the church's response to priestly sex abuse.

Boteach was invited to the Vatican to look over documents related to Pope Pius XII, the Holocaust-era church leader who Benedict has signaled he would like to move closer to sainthood. [This is interesting.]

The rabbi has been a spiritual adviser to Michael Jackson, who died last year, and a frequent guest on Oprah Winfrey's talk show. [Ohhhh....kaaayyy....]

A number of recent Vatican actions have caused tensions between the church and the Jewish world. Last year, Benedict lifted the excommunication of a Holocaust-denying bishop, Richard Williamson. [CNN never fails.]

Earlier this month, the pope's personal preacher compared the fury over sexual abuse within the church to anti-Semitism, though the priest, the Rev. Raniero Cantalamessa, later apologized. [Still going...]

But Boteach has been impressed by the Vatican's overtures to him and to other Jewish leaders. "I thinks he's a friend to the Jews -- a very close friend," Boteach said of the pope.

Boteach said that the Vatican had shown him documents from its private archive showing that Pius XII, a controversial figure among Jews, rescued Italian Jews during the Holocaust. But Boteach remains critical of Pius, saying he displayed "absolute silence in condemning the Nazi Holocaust outright, which might have gone to great lengths to prevent it." [And he thinks the pope can stop the Holocaust?!  Yeah right.  No wonder he is close to Oprah!]

The church has said that Pius would have put more Jews in danger by publicly condemning the Holocaust because it would have provoked the Nazis.

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A minute ago he talked sense...

Then...it went downhill.

Only when families stay and do things together can the bonds of love and trust be strengthened among family members thus can help families face the facts of life.

As the great Rosary priest said "THE FAMILY THAT PRAYS TOGETHER, STAYS TOGETHER."

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.

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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?

Hope to see this...soon!

Request for prayers: For a good friend

Please say a prayer for my good friend Jay.  He requests our prayers for him and his work at the University. Please pause for a moment and say the Memorare for him, his family and his particular intentions.

Brother Anthony Kowalczyk, (pictured above) was an ardent devotee of our dear Mother.  Whenever someone asks him for prayers, he would say "Ave", that is to say the Ave Maria.  Before he would say a prayer for those requesting it from him, he would pause for a moment and say to our dear Lady,

"Pardon me dear Mother, if I trouble you again."

He trusts our Mother so much.  He even asks our Lady to pardon him for always asking something from our Mother.  Why not?  If He so trusts Himself to be born of Her, nurtured, reared and brought up...who are we to not place our lives to Her care.

And so, please pause for a moment,say the words that Brother Anthony said and say these prayers...

Áve María, grátia pléna, Dóminus técum. 

Benedícta tu in muliéribus, 

et benedíctus frúctus véntris túi, Iésus.

Sáncta María, Máter Déi, óra pro nóbis peccatóribus, 

nunc et in hóra mórtis nóstrae. Ámen.

MEMORARE, O piissima Virgo Maria,

non esse auditum a saeculo, quemquam ad tua currentem praesidia,

tua implorantem auxilia, tua petentem suffragia,

esse derelictum.

Ego tali animatus confidentia,

ad te, Virgo Virginum, Mater, curro,

ad te venio, coram te gemens peccator assisto.

Noli, Mater Verbi,

verba mea despicere;

sed audi propitia et exaudi.

Amen.

Another Pinoy bishop to celebrate the EF Mass!

I read through Facebook posts that Novaliches Bishop Antonio Tobias will be celebrating an EF Low Mass today. He is the second Ordinary to celebrate the TLM after Bishop Camilo Gregorio Bishop Prelate of Batanes.


Can someone send me updates and/or photos?

I know that I have oftern criticized Bishop Tobias for his over involvement in the political situation in the country.  And, honestly, I did not expect this to happen...so....

Huzzah for Bishop Tobias!!!

What the?!?!?!

"Hey Pinoy Catholic! What are you complaining? This is the modern day donkey!"

Eeyore! Eeyore! Eeyore!

Wish I had a dollar everytime I hear that!

By the way, the priest in the photo is Fr. Gerry Tapiador, SSL, Vicar General of the Diocese of Novaliches. He is a biblical expert. Just so you know.

CBCP News reporter gets it mixed up

LAS PIŇAS, Parañaque, April 26, 2010—The Five Wounds of Our Lord Jesus Christ Parish in Las Piñas City has celebrated its silver feast day April 18, 2010 with a solemn High Mass officiated by Parañaque Bishop Jesse Eugenio Mercado, D.D. [We do not have that term forthe Novus Ordo Mass. The Solemn High Mass is only used for the Tridentine Mass. Obviously the one who wrote the report is not aware that such term is not used in the OF anymore.  Well,I once heard our parish priest say, "Let us have High Mass."  I later found out that all that was added was him vesting in chasuble and having incense.  He only wears an alb and stole for Mass.  See the reason why I am a member of SLAP and GULP?]

Various liturgical activities were held prior the celebration of the feast day such as the administration of the sacraments of Confirmation, Mass Wedding and celebration of Pista sa Nayon, on the 9th, 17th and 15th of April respectively.

The confirmation was officiated by retired Manila auxiliary Bishop Teodoro J. Buhain, Jr. D.D while the Mass Wedding of 12 couples was officiated by Fr. Dennis Batacandolo, CSS, the parish priest of the Five Wounds of our Lord Jesus Christ, together with two other concelebrants.

A film on the life of Padre Pio was shown on April 13. A Medical-Dental mission took place on April 16 at the parish medical-dental center in the morning. In the evening of the same day, the parishioners gathered for a dinner dance in commemoration of the Five Wounds of our Lord Jesus Christ. A showdown of the clusters of the parish was performed in the evening of April 17. [Good!  Not during the Mass!  Dance all the way till the morning!  But not during the Mass!  I hope they did not have one.  Can someone confirm this?]

Administered by the priests and brothers of the Congregation of the Sacred Stigmata of our Lord Jesus Christ (CSS), the Parish of the Five Wounds of our Lord Jesus Christ will celebrate the culmination of its silver jubilee year on June 12, 2010.

On the occasion of its jubilee year, the parish of the Five Wounds of our Lord Jesus Christ has been designated as a pilgrimage church by Pope Benedict XVI through a decree, from June 12, 2009 to June 12, 2010.

Likewise, the CSS community in the Philippines will mark its silver jubilee of foundation on June 12, 2010.

The CSS congregation was founded by St. Gaspar Bertoni in Verona, Italy in 1777. (Vanessa Puno)


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Let's end this post on a happy note shall we?

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FIVE WOUNDS OF OUR LORD OF JESUS CHRIST PARISH!!!