Jack LaLanne RIP

I remember watching Jack LaLanne as a young lad. Sad news today is that he died at 96 years young.
You'll be missed.

Fitness guru Jack LaLanne dies at 96

American fitness guru Jack LaLanne died Sunday afternoon at his home in Morro Bay, California, according to his long-time agent, Rick Hersh. He was 96

Pope Benedict : Marriage

I don't have the context of the entire speech of Pope Benedict on Saturday,  but the message according to this post (see below) was on Marriage.

From what the article says the Pope says more work as to be done in conveying to those that are seeking annulments that a bigger emphasis must be focused on reconciliation between the couple to save the marriage.  Also something about Marriage not being a Right.

Like I said, I haven't found the entire content of the speech yet. Surprising to see my usual Catholic blogs haven't commented on it yet.

But here's the post anyway.

Pope: Marriage is not an Absolute Right.

Pope Benedict XVI told priests Saturday to do a better job counseling would-be spouses to ensure their marriages last and said no one has an absolute right to a wedding.

The Religion of Bill O'Reilly - Pin Head or Catholic, You Decide

I've said this before in other posts I've written, that I admire Mr. O'Reilly's abilities in secular political debate, however once again Mr. O has failed in distinguishing between fact and fiction in matters of his Catholic faith and science. He has publicly flown the banner of being a Catholic many times on his show, but sometimes I wonder what depth of knowledge he really has of his faith.

This time it's with the topic of abortion. Seems Mr. O doesn't believe a fetus is a human being and even if science disagrees with his facts and his faith recognizes it as  intrinsicly evil, he prefers to ignore both and join with the secular establishment and deny the beginnings of human life.

I'll say it again, I wish Bill O'Reilly do some major study in his faith and science for that matter.So much for the Culture Warrior.

Oh and just for your information Bill, you don't stop being Catholic at the "NO-SPIN-ZONE" studio door.



Pin Head or Catholic, you decide.

Bill O'Reilly's Facts of Life

On a recent episode of the Fox News show The O’Reilly Factor, commentator and host Bill O’Reilly was challenged by a viewer via e-mail. The viewer was responding to a previous episode in which O’Reilly had criticized MTV’s program No Easy Decision, which followed pregnant young women who were questioning whether or not to abort their children. O’Reilly said of the program, “I favor telling kids that if you get pregnant and you cannot support that baby, that is irresponsible and you may have to kill a potential human being.” Responding to O’Reilly’s choice of terminology, his challenger asked: “A fetus is a human being with potential, not a potential human being! As a Roman Catholic, why do you keep getting this wrong, Bill?”

Featured Article: Chruch Father's on Transsubstantiation

I've been frequenting the website Called to Communion lately. Just finished reading an article on a dialogue on the protestant claim of 'Sola Scriptura'.

Thought I'd share this one I'm reading now.

Visit the website often...lots of good stuff there.

The Church Fathers on Transubstantiation by Tim Troutman

This article is intended to be a resource showing the support for the doctrine of Transubstantiation in the Church fathers, and not a robust defense of the doctrine as defined by the Council of Trent.¹ The Church fathers did not believe in a mere spiritual presence of Christ alongside or in the elements (bread and wine). This can be shown by three different types of patristic statements. The first and most explicit type is a statement that directly affirms a change in the elements....

THE LABYRINTH: Marian Kolodziej, a Polish Catholic in Auschwitz

There is a documentary being shown at the Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles on January 27th (7:30pm Thursday evening).

Looks very interesting, I plan to see it.

Taken from the website:

THE LABYRINTH

“Four out of four stars.  The Labyrinth is the most powerful film I’ve seen this year.  Shocking, mesmerizing, unforgettable!” - Todd David Schwartz,  CurveWire
A documentary short about Marian Kolodziej, a Polish Catholic who was deported to Auschwitz at age 17 and arrived on one of the first transports. Kolodziej never spoke about his experience until after a stroke when he confronted his memories through art as part of his rehabilitation.  The Labyrinth is a journey through his drawings and art installations that now fill the large basement of a church near Auschwitz.
Panel discussion following the screening with:
Rabbi Michael Berenbaum,
Director, Sigi Ziering Institute: Exploring the Ethical and Religious Implications of the Holocaust, American Jewish University, Los Angeles, California
Jason A. Schmidt,
award-winning documentary filmmaker and writer, director, editor and producer of The Labyrinth
Ron Schmidt,
Jesuit Priest, award-winning documentary filmmaker and producer of The Labyrinth
Rt. Rev. Alexei Smith,
Ecumenical and Interreligious Officer of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles since 2000
Rabbi Yitzchok Adlerstein,
Director Interfaith Affairs, Simon Wiesenthal Center


The Labyrinth Trailer from Jason Schmidt on Vimeo.

Dr. David Anders - Conversion Story

Great story of Dr. David Anders' journey to the Catholic Church

Called to Communion’s own Dr. David Anders recalls some highlights of his journey into the Catholic Church in this article which appears in a recent ‘Coming Home Network’ newsletter.

Dr. Anders received his Ph.D. from The University of Iowa in 2002, in Reformation History and Historical Theology, having written his dissertation on John Calvin.
So how did a Reformed church historian whose emphasis of study was Reformation history find his way into the Catholic Church?

Here's the .pdf: Dr David Anders

JPII: MADE-A-SAINT

That phrase is beginning to get on my nerves. No one can be "MADE A SAINT". There's even on article I read that said Nun repays Pope John Paul II for miracle cure.

Repays? Really?

...Oh and JPII is waiting for that three in a row tick-tack-toe, that hat-trick, triple threat, that third strike, to win the lotto, that Golden Globe and be MADE A SAINT.

So much non-sense.

The Catholic Church by virtue of it's authority and guidance of the Holy Spirit recognizes an individual for their extraordinary saintly life through a process of much scrutiny.

Here's some articles that my clear up some of the ignorance:

Beatification and Canonization

Canonization in the Catholic Church is quite another thing. The Catholic Church canonizes or beatifies only those whose lives have been marked by the exercise of heroic virtue, and only after this has been proved by common repute for sanctity and by conclusive arguments. The chief difference, however, lies in the meaning of the term canonization, the Church seeing in the saints nothing more than friends and servants of God whose holy lives have made them worthy of His special love. She does not pretend to make gods (cf. Eusebius Emisenus, Serm. de S. Rom. M.; Augustine, City of God XXII.10; Cyrill. Alexandr., Contra Jul., lib. VI; Cyprian, De Exhortat. martyr.; Conc. Nic., II, act. 3).

CATHOLIC QUICK QUESTIONS - Canonizaton

When did the custom of canonizing saints start, and is it true that canonizations are infallible?

Here are excerpts from two articles on canonization of saints; they are taken from (1967):

THE CANONIZATION OF SAINTS

(1952)

 Pope John Paul II beatification will be May 1st!

 

Golden Globe Awards - Did You Watch It?

Heck no...not me. Just not interested.
But the news reports say it was a doosey.

Apparently the host insulted them all...oh my!

The host Ricky Gervais', said some pretty out landish things....oh my!

Including "Thank you to God for making me an atheist."...thats kind of curious

Gervais Says "Thank you God for making me an atheist"

I know that many believe that when someone is in mortal danger they often find God out of desperation. But last night while Ricky Gervais' career as a television host may have been dying a very public and nasty death, the former humorist signed off last night's nationally televised awards show by saying, "Thank you to God for making me an atheist."

Ex-Catholic Priest Cutie's book of Excuses

Read a little of Albert Cutie's new book. What a waste.
A book that says it wasn't his fault for breaking his vows as a Catholic Priest and committing adultery.
Hey, why not. It's the Catholic Church's fault, they should change to permit priest to marry or at the very least, yes, commit adultery.

Don't waste your money buying this book. If you want go to the book store and peruse a couple of chapters or turn on the TV to a really bad Sit-Com or stupid reality show. You'll get the same thing out of it.

MSNBC Hosts Cheating Ex-Catholic Priest Who Bashes Church On-Air

To publicize his new memoir, MSNBC hosted Rev. Albert Cutie on its Friday afternoon news programming. Fr. Cutie is a married priest in the Episcopal Church, having abruptly left the Catholic priesthood in May of 2009 after his secret love affair was made public. Cutie used the segment to criticize the Catholic Church's position on priestly celibacy and homosexuality.

 

Fr. Barron: (New) True Grit

Fr. Barron's review of the new version of True Grit.
...I liked it.

“True Grit” and the Everlasting Arms 

“True Grit,” the 1969 film starring John Wayne, was the first “grown-up” movie I saw as a kid. I was nine years old at the time, and I remember the experience vividly. I also discovered, through that film, that I had a gift for mimicry. For years afterward, at family parties, I was invited to reproduce the Duke’s distinctive drawl: “I wouldn’t a-asked you to bury him if he wann’t dead.” The Coen brothers, the auteurs behind “Fargo,” “No Country For Old Men,” and “A Serious Man” are among the best and most spiritually alert filmmakers on the scene today. And so it was with great excitement that I learned that the Coens had produced a re-make of “True Grit.” Though their version is far different from the original, I found it compelling, especially in the measure that it brings the religious dimension of the story to the fore.

B16 teachs on Purgatory

Pope Benedict XVI is indeed a teacher....

Featured Website: Called to Communion

I found this new website and it has a lot of great articles and material.
As it's title implies, it's about those who have journeyed home to the Catholic Church.

Please visit: Called to Communion

RiP: David Nelson

I found this out yesterday, David Nelson of Ozzie and Harriet past away on Tuesday. Some may not be old enough to remember him but I do.

He never felt he had to compete with his younger more famous brother. He didn't have to. He was quite and confident in who he was. He was the sensibility of the siblings.

He will be missed

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPZZAWiVLjw

Arizona Shooter: The Occult

Taylor Marshall of Canterbury Tales points out what was obvious in my mind. The possibility of demonic possession.

Arizona Had Satanic Occult Altar

I just read this interesting story over at Women of Grace.

Turns out that the Jared Loughner, the Arizona shooter, was not under the influence of Tea Party politics - he was under the influence of Satan:

O'Reilly - The No Squish Zone

CMR points out something I've said for a long time. Bill O'Reilly doesn't know his faith, a Catholic he may be. Sometimes O'Reilly seems well in control of his political prowess in the No-Spin-Zone. But when on those occasions he has to defend his Catholic faith the weakness is very evident and sometimes embarrassing.
The No-Spin-Zone  becomes a No-Squish-Zone, because that is what is apparent concerning his knowledge of his faith, squishy.

And that's a shame. I honestly hope he takes his faith a little more seriously and do a little more study in the richness of his Catholic faith.

A prayer for Mr. Bill..

O'Reilly's Abortion Dodge

I don't watch Bill O'Reilly mainly because (and I know some people will laugh at this) I think he's a squishy.

People often take his loud mouth to mean he's principled. But it's just a loud mouth. I sometimes admire his logic but when it comes to abortion he gets awfully squirrelly. Get a load of this illogical statement as reported by Catholic Online:

Prayers for the Arizona Victims

My prayer for the victims and their families will be at Mass today.

Dr. Manny: Giffords Likely Faces Long Road to Recovery From Head Wound in Shooting

 

Fr. Pacwa Talk with Sister Briege

A great inspirational talk with Fr. Mitch Pacwa and Sister Briege.
Sit back, put your feet up and listen to a wonderful Sister Briege talk about the power of the Sacraments
Insight Scoop has the video so I won't post it here but just supply you with the link.

Insight Scoop is one of my favorite websites..please visit there often

Sister Briege and Fr. Mitch Pacwa

Update: Discovery Channel Exorcism Series

The news is that it's just a PR stunt.
PR Stunt = They Lied!

Figures....

Discovery did not team up with the Vatican

UPDATE: I should have spared my fingers the trouble of writing most of this – apparently, this is a PR stunt by the Discovery Channel to increase attention to their new series. I’ve seen no official confirmation or proof that they are actually in a “partnership” with the Vatican. What did I write about ratings-hungry producers?

Ted Williams...More of a good Story

I'm glad to see this story continues. Most have seen the voice of Ted (the homeless man) discovered on the interstate.


Now more good news.

Ted Williams Reunited With Mom After Networks Cause Delays

Pope B16 and the 'Big Bang'

For some reason this may shock some peoples. The Catholic Church has always been a stalwart, hand in hand with science but as the good Pope Benedict says it is not a means to say there is no God.

God was behind Big Bang, universe no accident: Pope

God's mind was behind complex scientific theories such as the Big Bang, and Christians should reject the idea that the universe came into being by accident, Pope Benedict said on Thursday.

"The universe is not the result of chance, as some would want to make us believe," Benedict said on the day Christians mark the Epiphany, the day the Bible says the three kings reached the site where Jesus was born by following a star.

"Contemplating it (the universe) we are invited to read something profound into it: the wisdom of the creator, the inexhaustible creativity of God," he said in a sermon to some 10,000 people in St Peter's Basilica on the feast day.

 

Most Claims Against Priest Are Fraudulent

Here's a story you won't find on the front pages or subsequent pages of the New York Times.

Most Claims Against Priests are Fraudulent (The Sacred Pages)
Here's a story from Newsbusters that needs to get greater attention! Please help spread the word!

In a stunning ten-page declaration recently submitted to the Los Angeles County Superior Court, veteran attorney Donald H. Steier stated that his investigations into claims of sexual abuse by Catholic priests have uncovered vast fraud and that his probes have revealed that many accusations are completely false.

Pope Michael Sean Winters NCR

This is funny...but typical for NCR (No Catholic oRthodoxy)

Pope Michael Sean Winters the first is a Pope Benedict XVI impostor
...or as I like to call it, Phony Balogna

CMR has the story

NCR Writer Pretends to be Pope

Get this, NCR writer Michael Sean Winters writes a letter to Speaker John Boehner as if he were Pope Benedict. Yeah, you read that right. Michael Sean Winters is pretending to be Pope Benedict. I'm unsure if any dressup was involved but that would only make it marginally stranger.

In it, the pretend Pope Benedict accuses the bishops of lying about Obamacare and questions Boehner's motives. Then he tosses out a liberal wish list right out of Nancy Pelosi's hope chest. And he uses the word "like" like a sixteen year old suburban mallrat.

No Apologies - Once Saved Always Saved?

This is a great website for mini-apologetics.
This one' disproves the belief of 'once saved always saved' is nowhere in the Bible.
Visit the website often for some great short apologetic video: AirMaria

Discovery Channel: Exorcist Reality Show

The claim is that the Discovery Channel will be presenting a Reality Show on Exorcism with some sort of cooperation of the Catholic Church.

I am not sure how legitimate this is. I believe in bringing a bigger awareness to Satan and his influence in our everyday lives but done with proper catechises and guidance from trained teachers in the subject matter.

A documentary on the subject even a multi-episode doc with full control (editing rights) to a teaching environment documentary. But not a reality show in the same light as some of these celebrity haunting scary story TV shows.

I need to look into this more. Like I said I don't know how much of this is true.

Stay tuned. I'll look for other sources to flesh this out.

Exclusive Discovery Catholic Church Team for exorcism series

Discovery Channel is teaming with the Vatican for an unprecedented new series hunting the deadliest catch of all: Demons.

The Exorcist Files will recreate stories of real-life hauntings and demonic possession, based on cases investigated by the Catholic Church. The project includes access into the Vatican’s case files, as well as interviews with the organization’s top exorcists — religious experts who are rarely seen on television.

Kirk Cameron, Not the religious conspiracy theorist go-to guy

All right go Kirk!
Andersen Cooper gives it the old college try in attempting to lead Kirk Cameron down the path of 'Apocalypse Now end-times prophesy, but it doesn't work.

Thinking that Cameron is just another Fundamentalist kooky "the world is going to end' religious freak, he struggles as Kirk sets him back onto the correct path into the headlights of truth.

While I don't follow the Rapture ideas of Cameron's faith journey, I do thank him for standing up to the news media. It seems it happens every turn of the year with this end-time prophesy theories.

Good for you Kirk...

Even Kirk Cameron Has No Idea Why CNN Brought Him On To Talk About Dead Birds

Yesterday we joked that all the dead birds and fish out in Arkansas were clearly signs of the “End of Days.” Someone at CNN wasn’t joking though, so, needing an expert on the Apocalypse (something that’s hard to find considering how rare Apocalypses or “Apocali” are), they naturally invited Kirk Cameron, born again Christian and star of the Left Behind series, onto Anderson Cooper 360 discuss the phenomenon. Some people thought this was kind of weird…including Kirk Cameron.

Mary Mother of God

Mike Berber has a good piece on Solemnity (Holy Day) of Mary, Mother of God, which we celebrated on January 1st.

Mary Mother of God

As our Catholic readers know, this is the Solemnity (Holy Day) of Mary, Mother of God, one of the more significant liturgical celebrations in the Catholic calendar

The confession of Mary as “Mother of God” presents a stumbling block for some non-Catholic Christians, but curiously it never did for me.

Rome Reports Jan 3, 2011

Rome Reports today has an interesting video piece on Marian Apparitions.
Link: Rome Reports

May 21, 2011 The World Will End...Ahuh?

We'll here we are just three day's into the new year and we already have a prediction it will all end on May 21 2011.

So the plan is to show this new 'Deadline' on buses, trucks, billboards, where possible to advertise the date.

Phooey...

Here's the story

Loose Christian Movement Says End of Days in May

If there had been time, Marie Exley would have liked to start a family. Instead, the 32-year-old Army veteran has less than six months left, which she’ll spend spreading a stark warning: Judgment Day is almost here.

Exley is part of a movement of Christians loosely organized by radio broadcasts and websites, independent of churches and convinced by their reading of the Bible that the end of the world will begin on May 21, 2011.

UPDATE! (MAY18, 2011)

Thank You Schwarzenegger....NOT!

A departing blow from the Terminator who by the way lived up to his name by the description of the damage he did to the State.

His final good-by and in my opinion 'stab in the back' to the State that gave him a chance to make a change is the last nail in the coffin of his administration. One he will be remembered forever for.

Cutting the sentence of a convicted murderer, a son of an ex-state representative. A favor of sorts.

Here's the shameful act:

Schwarzenegger’s shameful last act

...So, how did Schwarzenegger leave office? By committing one last shameful act of back-scratching politics as usual and granting a commutation to the son of a Democrat political crony, former California Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez...

The Rite: Matt Baglio Book...New Movie

Just finished Matt Baglio's book, The Rite

My interest in the book was generated in part to the subject matter of the book, "Exorcism", but mostly because I wanted to read up more on the influence of the 'Evil One'. One can read it in the newspapers and hear it on the radio and see it on TV every day yet the blame is on God...not the Devil. The charge is "How can God allow such things?" and self blame (as in free will) is not even considered.

Reading this book has helped me understand a little more of Satan's place in this world and our deep reliance on the Blessed Trinity and Holy Church; the importance of the Sacraments and our prayer life. We need to hear more directly the Church's teachings on the Devil and most of all how not to invite him into our lives.

I recommend this book and I have a feeling (having seen the movie trailer) that the movie will be another poor book interpretation.

I also got half way through Gabriele Amorth (Lead Vatican Exorcist) book 'An Exorcist Tells His Story'.

Last Day of 2010

December 31, 2010, and I will be bringing in the new year sick and down with a bad cold. I haven't been sick all year and it looks like I wouldn't be able to pitch a no-hitter, as far as not being sick all year. I may not be able to stay awake until Midnight, so I wanted to thank all my blog visitors for allowing me to share my thoughts on these pages.

But I still have much to be grateful for. God has been good. So I want to wish everyone a very happy New Year. Don't forget to give thanks to God for all that you have. Though everything may not have gone the way I would have like them to go, I give thanks knowing it all happened according to His plans.

Let's bray for our Nation and our fellow citizens for our troops and soldiers and our leaders.

God Bless All

WestCoastCatholic

More Christmas Speech Analysis

a few more links that analyze the Christmas speech  by B16

The very future of the world is at stake... - CatholicVote



This program is from RealCatholicTV.com

Barron on Benedict XVI Christmas Speech

Creative Minority Report has the link to Fr. Barron's analysis (video). That's where I found the story.

Pope Benedict XVI speech:

ADDRESS OF HIS HOLINESS BENEDICT XVI ON THE OCCASION OF CHRISTMAS GREETINGS TO THE ROMAN CURIA

Sala Regia
Monday, 20 December 2010

 

Dear Cardinals,
Brother Bishops and Priests,
Dear Brothers and Sisters,

It gives me great pleasure to be here with you, dear Members of the College of Cardinals and Representatives of the Roman Curia and the Governatorato, for this traditional gathering. I extend a cordial greeting to each one of you, beginning with Cardinal Angelo Sodano, whom I thank for his sentiments of devotion and communion and for the warm good wishes that he expressed to me on behalf of all of you. Prope est jam Dominus, venite, adoremus! As one family let us contemplate the mystery of Emmanuel, God-with-us, as the Cardinal Dean has said. I gladly reciprocate his good wishes and I would like to thank all of you most sincerely, including the Papal Representatives all over the world, for the able and generous contribution that each of you makes to the Vicar of Christ and to the Church.

News From the Rome - Website

New Website to har the latest from Rome..
Link: www.romereports.com

Conservatism a Brain Disorder....

Hey I knew I was crazy...but I guess this proves it.
But I guess I'm in good company... like the founding Fathers of the good'ol USA.

Scientific Study Boils Conservatism Down to a Brain Problem

A group of British researchers believe they have found why people are conservative: it’s a brain disorder of sorts.

Scientists at the University of London say that conservatives have an enlarged “fear” area in their brains, and smaller areas associated with courage and optimism. The London Telegraph reports.

It Never Rains in California - Yah Right...

Yesterday was a gorgeous day here in So. Cal.
Today is a rainy day in more than one way. As Albert Hammond so rightly claimed, "Out of work, I'm out of may head, I'm out of self respect, I'm out of bread. I'm under loved, I'm under feed..."

So are the woos of  of many a Californian, thanks to the continued deficient California government and the progressive legislator.

But I love California. I was born here and there's no other place for me. It's here I'll make my stand and live my faith.

Sing on Albert...no one said it would be easy.

Are You a Present Day Thomas Becket?

The legacy of Thomas Becket lives on today. Most of us will never be tested like Becket, but we sure do need more of this Martyr.

Murder or Mediocrity in the Cathedral: Thomas à Becket's Medieval Lesson for Today

On December 29, 1170, four knights, servants of England's King Henry II, stormed into Canterbury Cathedral and cut down Thomas à Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury.  The knights explained their action as a response to the king, who had reportedly inquired, "Will no one rid me of this turbulent priest?"  Understanding their duty as lying first to king and then to God, the four knights saddled up and headed from London to Canterbury.

Fr. Barron has a great piece on St. Becket.

Spirituality: The Feast of St. Thomas Becket

The Church celebrates the feast of St. Thomas Becket today. Below, Rozann Carter expounds upon the life of this 12th century saint, reflecting upon the idea that the abundant grace available in the fateful moment of martyrdom is accepted by a willful decision of the martyr, one that is often made long before the crown of martyrdom is bestowed

Are You Misinformed?

Hmmmmm...I thought this original report that Fox Viewers were the most misinformed people on the face of the earth was ridicules, but now here's a good explanation why.

Bishop Thomas Olmsted - The Real Story

I've seen a few news reports that portray the Bishop in a very different light.
The real truth is all I ask.

Catholic Bishop Right to Push Back Against Culture of Death.

Bishop Thomas Olmsted, of the Phoenix, Arizona Diocese took the extraordinary step last week of removing Saint Joseph Hospital’s Catholic status.


The measure comes after last May’s confrontation between Sister Margaret McBride, the hospital’s administrator who gave permission for an 11-week pregnant woman with a severe case of pulmonary hypertension to have an abortion, and Bishop Olmsted who notified her in private that her actions were formal cooperation in the child’s death, and therefore incurred a laetae sententiae (automatic) excommunication.

Much confusion swirls around this case, and needs to be cleared in the interest of defending the good name of a good bishop

Frontline Faith MP3 - Our Troops

This looks like a good idea. Don't know how orthodox the message is but I think it wonderful that the attention of the spirituality of our soldiers in the field needs to be addressed. Chaplains are not always available.

American Papist has the story:

• Recent
• Featured
• American Papist

Frontline Faith, bringing consolation to our soldiers overseas

More information about Frontline Faith, Military Ministry and Adopt-a-Chaplain can be found in the accompanying article (fair warning – I have not had a chance to examine the work of these initiatives): Video

Faith of Kennedy verses Palin

American Spectator has a good article; the difference between  living your faith and claiming to have faith.

Kennedy Catholicism and Palin

By Patrick O'Hannigan

Townsend asserts that she gave America by Heart a careful reading, from which she came away sure that Palin supports an unconstitutional religious test for public office. Inconveniently, we have to take Townsend's word for that, because Palin actually says no such thing: the closest she gets is to express disappointment at John F. Kennedy's failure to reconcile his "private faith and public role," and his unwillingness to tell fellow countrymen "how his faith had enriched him." Palin did not use Hilaire Belloc as a counter-example, but he would have been a better choice than Mitt Romney, whom she did mention. In 1906, when Belloc ran for a seat in the British Parliament as a representative of the Liberal party, his stem-winding stump speech included a ringing affirmation of faith: "Gentlemen, I am a Roman Catholic. As far as possible, I go to Mass every day. This [taking a rosary out of his pocket] is a rosary. As far as possible, I kneel down and tell these beads every day. If you reject me on account of my religion, I shall thank God that he has spared me the indignity of being made your representative."

The Rite by Matt Baglio

Matt Baglio has a book written back in 2009 that is now being made into a movie. It comes out January 28, 2011.

The movie is loosely  based on the book... a Hollywood thriller but it stars Anthony Hopkins. The movie looks interesting, as far as Hollywood goes, but I'm more interested in the book which concentrates more on the journey of a San Francisco priest who ventures to the Vatican to attend exorcist classes.

Not enough focus lately on the devil and his minions.
The message today....no sin, no devil, no miracles, no church.

Below is an article on author and a short movie trailer, also a link to Matt Baglio website.

Shadowing the Exorcist

An exorcism course at a Vatican-affiliated university in Rome? It was an unusual topic. As an American journalist living in the Eternal City, he thought it might make for an interesting article; as a non-practicing Catholic at the time, he approached it with some skepticism.

Taught by exorcists and experts in theology, satanic cults, criminology and psychology, the course he took challenged many of his assumptions. But what really intrigued him was the openness and honesty of a fellow student, Father Gary Thomas, a priest from the Diocese of San Jose, Calif., whose bishop, Patrick McGrath, had asked him to undergo training as an exorcist. 

Website Link: Matt Baglio

President's Spiritual Advisor

This is President's Spiritual adviser, can you  believe it. I thought he learned his lesson with Rev Wright.

Obama's Spiritual Adviser delivers talk to UK crowd. (Video)

Fr. Barron: Leaving the Catholic Church

Fr. Barron hits it right on the nail. Lots of friends and work colleagues, fellow Catholics are leaving the church, claiming they have found another way of gaining the graces from another just as good a source.

...only fooling themselves, 'She's still our Mother.'

Fr. Baron on B16's New Book

Saw this first on Creative Minority Report. Visit their site, lots of good articles
Fr. Barron on B16 new book.

127 Hours Movie

Saw this movie last weekend...amazing survivor story.

Terrorist Julian Assange

This guy is a Terrorist, no doubt about it. I don't care what is said about the right to know ... no one has the right to release Classified document, whether those documents are national secrets or something like personal medical record.

Assange's final "poison pill' stunt just proves this guy need to be stopped.

Julian Assange's Poison Pill

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has circulated across the internet an encrypted “poison pill” cache of uncensored documents suspected to include files on BP and Guantanamo Bay.
One of the files identified this weekend by The (London) Sunday Times — called the “insurance” file -- has been downloaded from the WikiLeaks website by tens of thousands of supporters, from America to Australia.

Assange warns that any government that tries to curtail his activities risks triggering a new deluge of state and commercial secrets.

Remote Controlled Plane Video of NY Land Marks

Okay, Part of me thinks this is really cool and another part of me thinks this is really scary. I'm not sure what terrorist will think about this.

Anyway.. check it out

How an RC airplane Buzzed the Statue of Liberty, without arrest
The video is absolutely stunning: a remote-controlled plane flies over and around the Brooklyn Bridge, buzzes the Statue of Liberty, and explores New York from a point of view even "real" airplanes rarely see. While the police were curious about what was happening, no arrests were made, and the creators of the video praise the police and the TSA for their professionalism.

Articles of Interest

I've been reading some interesting articles the past few days and haven't had time to blog on them. However I'll post them anyway and hope you find them as interesting as me.

Thanksgiving and American Exceptionalism - American Spectator


The Cancun Climate Capers - American Thinker

What the Pope Said about Condoms - Jimmy Akins


The Vatican and the New Media - Fr. Barron (Audio)

Why I want to Be "Left Behind" - Sacred Page