Movie: The Caves of Forgotten Dreams

Yesterday was a day of shopping at the South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa, navigating the maze of endless women's shops, in search for some summer attire; part of my wife's Mother's Day gifts.

Right across from the mall is a Regency Theater with a movie that my wife has been asking to see.

The Caves of Forgotten Dreams is a documentary of 1994 finding of the caves in Chauvet France which have unbelievable cave paintings from 32,000 years ago.

This time period is around the time of the Neanderthal cave man.

Now my wife is a Fine Art major and so she was delighted to see the paintings depicted in the cave along  with some of the artifacts from the art history perspective. One of the books she tells me that she read and caused her to be aware of these caves and hence the release of this movie is 'How Art Made the World'.

My wife and I talked about the movie on the way home. She pointed out the man has an inner need to express himself in art and this may have been early man's need to create these paints.

Mmmm. It got me thinking on this inner feeling. In Catholic theology it is stated that man has an inner need to know his creator.  What amazed me about this movie was not only how man at this time was thinking in terms of expressing himself through art, but why man is thinking of creating these paintings to leave them for others later to see a moment in time captured in the art. There were other findings in the cave of make shift altars with a bear skull. Small sculptures and figurines of some sort of fertility gods. Again the inner need to look beyond to a god. All this 32,000 years ago.

This inner need, this logical thinking sets us apart from God's other creations. While Pope Benedict has said the evolution may be inline with Catholic theology, man's creation in the image of God is what is evident in all things man does and creates and thinks.

Pope: Humanity isn't random product of evolution

VATICAN CITY – Pope Benedict XVI marked the holiest night of the year for Christians by stressing that humanity isn't a random product of evolution.
Benedict emphasized the Biblical account of creation in his Easter Vigil homily Saturday, saying it was wrong to think at some point "in some tiny corner of the cosmos there evolved randomly some species of living being capable of reasoning and of trying to find rationality within creation, or to bring rationality into it."
"If man were merely a random product of evolution in some place on the margins of the universe, then his life would make no sense or might even be a chance of nature," he said. "But no, reason is there at the beginning: creative, divine reason."
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These caves were preserved because the opening was sealed by a landslide, sealed until the discovery in 1994. The discovery was opened for tourist for a short time until it was found that mold was found to be growing on the walls of the cave, possibly by the breathing of the tourist.

The caves are now closed, so these viewing of the cave in the movie may be the closest many including scientist will be able to this cave art.

The movie is released in 3D (though we didn't see it in this format). It's one of those hard to find movies but well worth it.

Check it out...

The Chauvet Cave

This magnificent discovery was made in December 1994 and remains one of the most important prehistoric sites to date. It was found accidentally by three local cavers - Christian Hillaire, Eliette Brunel-Deschamps and Jean-Marie Chauvet after whom the cave was named. It has more recently been the subject of Werner Herzog's new film 'Cave of Forgotten Dreams 3D' .
The Chauvet cave is situated next to the famous Pont d'Arc , above the old river bed upon which the Ardèche flowed before the archway opened up and changed its course. It contains a vast array and unique collection of cave paintings dated up to 32,000 years old which makes them the oldest cave paintings in the world.
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Herzog's Cave of Forgotten Dreams: the real art underground

On 13 December 1994, on a cliff face in the Ardèche gorge in the south of France, three speleologists first felt a slight draught of air coming from the rocks. They pulled them away and crawled into a space barely wide enough for the human body. Descending a steep shaft, they found themselves in a vast underground cavern of astonishing beauty.
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Happy Mother's Day

To all the Mothers, have a wonderful Mother's Day.

For my wonderful, beautiful wife, thank you for the treasure of our family, for being by my side always...


Love Me....

Republican or Democrat - CATHOLIC

This a good example why I keep saying I am neither Repub or Demo.

Remember the names of these Republicans who sided to allow a LIFETIME Judge appointment to a former director of Planned Parenthood.

Sam Brown of Massachusetts, who was heralded as a champion of Repub's against the Dem's and their political platforms. One of those platform's is Pro-Abortion. Republicans are suppose to be Pro-Life.

John McCain of Arizona has even said he is Pro-Life in his last presidential campaign. Republicans are suppose to be Pro-Life

Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, a write in candidate shows her true colors, abortion advocate.Republican's are suppose to be Pro-Life.

The others, part of the 11 are famous for playing both sides; Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe of Maine, Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, Saxby Chambliss and Johnny Isakson of Georgia, Lamar Alexander of Tennessee, John Thune of South Dakota.

Don't be fooled, by their smiling TV faces, their speeches, their promises. Some of them even claim the Catholic faith.

NEVER, NEVER NEVER forget you are Catholic first, in all that you do, wherever you are, at home, work or play, or yes in the voting booth. That goes for Independents, Green Parties, and even Tea Party'er's

You are Catholic First. These games that these politicians are only played to keep themselves in office.

Here's the shameful story. Saw this first on Creative Minority Report:

RINOs on Parade: 11 GOP Senators Allow Planned Parenthood Director to Become Federal Judge

Senate Democrats were able to confirm the former director of Planned Parenthood of Rhode Island to a lifetime federal judgeship after 11 Republicans voted to close debate on the nomination and allow it to come up for a final vote.

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Disgruntle, Disobedient and Dismissed - Bishop Morris

Like a disgruntle employee, removed Ex-Bishop is not going quietly. He is on a tour of interviews telling his side of the story.

Now this is fine for any one else, I think but not for a Catholic Bishop, especially with the understanding of confidentiality. But on the other hand, his disobedience let to his dismissal, why would you thing that it would end there?

As controversy continues, 'grave reasons' seen in deposing Australian bishop

Toowoomba, Australia, May 7, 2011 / 07:08 am (CNA).- Australian Bishop William Morris of Toowoomba, removed from his post earlier this week by Pope Benedict XVI, is not going quietly into early retirement as agreed.

And he does not appear to be respecting the usual protocols of confidentiality and discretion that Church leaders normally adhere to in cases of Church discipline.

Instead, in a series of interviews this week, the ousted bishop has leaked what he claims is private correspondence from Pope Benedict XVI and compared the Vatican’s investigation of him to the 16th-century Spanish Inquisition.

He and his supporters charge that the Vatican’s inquiry, technically known as an “apostolic visitation,” was carried out unfairly and denied him his rights to “natural justice.”

However, Church lawyers this week said that Bishop Morris either misunderstands how the apostolic visitation process works or is deliberately spreading misinformation. They also suggested that the Pope’s unusual removal of the bishop suggests “grave” troubles in Toowoomba. 

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Jesus, Liberal or Conserative - NEITHER!

This argument is always in play especially during election time and including this case with the killing of Usama Bin Laden.

I have often been asked the question, "Are you conservative or liberal?"

I tell them 'I'm Catholic, and I try to live may faith in all that I do, everyday, at home work and play.

But was Jesus conservative or liberal. I've heard Catholic and non-Catholic alike give their arguments for either or.

Here's a post that sums it all up.

"Jesus Was Not a Conservative" 

I saw that didatic statement on a bumper sticker as I was driving around town this morning. And I have to agree. Jesus wasn't (isn't) a 'conservative' according to our modern parlance. But neither is He a liberal which, I assume, was what the driver the stickered-vehicle was trying to make sure I understood.

Photo Op of the President

Today President Obama embarked on a photo opportunity, in my opinion, to capitalize on the killing of Usama Bin Laden.

He visited the 9/11 site for the first time in his Presidency, that's right, first time. Why today? well thats because he says he wanted to honor the victims and the families of the Twin Towers.

....Oh and it just so happens that Usama was killed the past weekend.

Why didn't he honor the victims with a visit earlier? ..........MMMMMMMmmmmmmmmmmm?

I'm not the only one thinking he's going to milk this for political reasons.

Here's an encounter with one of the victim's surviving family members, Debra Burlingame (Video)

Debra Burlingame, the sister of Charles "Chic" Burlingame (pilot of the plane that crashed into the Pentagon) met with President Obama today, along with other families who were victims of 9/11. Burlingame said she confronted Obama about Attorney General Eric Holder prosecuting the men who interrogated KSM, which may have produced intelligence leading us to bin Laden.

Burlingame describes the encounter with Obama: "As a former attorney I know you can't tell the Attorney General what to do, he said, 'No, I can't.' But I said 'we -- that shouldn't stop you from giving your opinion. We wouldn't be here today if they hadn't done their jobs. Can't you at least give them your opinion.' And he said 'no I won't,' and he turned around and walked away."

Here's another good post from Catholic Register that comments on the President's bragging rights.

Braggart-In-Chief

I love football and I love football players who love football enough to respect the game. There are two kinds of star players in the game. There is the back who, after scoring a critical touchdown, simply hands the ball to the referee and gets on with the game. He did what he needed to do, that is his job, and now it is time to get on with the game. Then there is the other kind. Ya know, the kind of player who spikes the ball, does some kind of weird shuffle dance, and then proceeds to jump into the stands. For the latter player, it is not about the game and it is not just getting the job done--it's all about him.

Guess which one of these players occupies the White House? Yeah...
The media gave the president full coverage, including Shep of Fox News.

Looks like the campaigning has begun.   

Usama Bin Laden's Killing - What A Catholic Should Know

Jimmy Akin of Catholic Answers has the Catholic perspective that all Catholics should be aware of. It's easy to go long with the crowds and sometimes we can stray from Catholic teaching.

So here we go...thanks Jimmy.

Killing bin Laden: Catholic Perspective

So it has been announced that Osama bin Laden is dead.

Good.

The twisted, evil mastermind responsible for the deaths of thousands of innocent human beings has been shuffled off this mortal coil.

This provides a measure of justice. Not full justice. That’s in God’s hands. But some justice.

Of course, Our Lord’s command to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us still applies. We must hope that Osama bin Laden repented at the last second, or that he had been crazy for years and not responsible for his actions, or that God might provide for his salvation in some other way.

And we must remember that Christ himself died to make salvation possible for all men, Osama bin Laden included.

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Woow, Online Course on the New Missal Translation - Who Knew?!

I actually think this sounds interesting enough to check it out. I mean I'm reading what I can on the missal translation but his seems like a one stop place to really find out what's coming soon to a parish near you.

I'm going to check this out, I hope you will too.

Thanks Ignatius Press!

New online course coming soon on the new translation of the Roman Missal

New Online Course Coming Soon! Check out the Video

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Ignatius Press and My Catholic Faith Delivered want to help you gain a better understanding of the New Translation of the Roman Missal

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 Would you personally like to embrace the liturgy in a deeper way through study of the Roman Missal?
 Is your parish looking to inform and teach parishioners about the changes to the new Roman Missal?
 Do you struggle getting parishioners to attend evening or weekend programs to share this information?

 Are you seeking a low-cost, solidly Catholic, easily accessible and flexible program?

Jubilant over Usama - Right or Wrong

I was thinking about this throughout the day. As a Catholic should I be jubilant over the death of Usama Bin Laden?

From what I saw this weekend, on Divine Sunday of all days, the beatification of Pope John Paul II, the cheering crowds in front of the White House, many in their early twenties and thirties, couldn't help be feel, well kind of embarrassed.

Okay, I was relieved that he was final brought to justice however cheering in the street was not my first reaction.

On my way home from work I listened to a discussion on this topic between Fr. Bill O'Reilly and a Catholic Priest (Fr. Edward Beck), in which Bill insisted that he had the correct Catholic response (supporting the outward jubilation) and the good father didn't know what he was talking about.

Then to top it off the all knowing Catholic theologian Bernie Goldberg began his segment with a swipe at the priest. I don't think Goldberg knows his family faith at all.

Rabbi Wolpe of Los Angeles is one among many:

Rabbi David Wolpe of Sinai Temple in Los Angeles, an author and public speaker, agrees.
“The event itself is so surrounded by war and death and tragedy, even if something good happens, it seems to me inappropriate to turn it into a carnival,” he said. “We’re marking a victory in something that’s ultimately a tragedy.”
Wolpe quoted a passage from the Talmud in which a rabbi wishes for the death of sinners, and his wife corrects him by telling him to wish for the death of sin. “What we really want is not the end of Bin Laden, but the end of bin-Ladenism, and that didn’t happen,” Wolpe said.

Dispite Fr. Bill O'Reilly's credentials here are a few articles that reflect my sentiments on the subject.

Vatican Statement on Bin Laden's Death

The Vatican has released this statement this morning on the news that Osama bin Laden had been killed by American forces in Pakistan:
“This morning, following the killing of Osama Bin Laden, the Director of the Holy See Press Office, P. Federico Lombardi, issued the following statement to reporters:
Osama Bin Laden - as everyone knows - has had the gravest responsibility for spreading hatred and division among people, causing the deaths of countless people, and exploiting religion for this purpose.
Faced with the death of a man, a Christian never rejoices, but reflects on the serious responsibility of everyone before God and man, and hopes and pledges that every event is not an opportunity for a further growth of hatred, but of peace.”

Shouts of gladness? Or silence?

For the past couple of months I've been leading a Bible study of Proverbs, a book that I read often (and memorized much of) when I was in my teens, but had never studied carefully (or methodically) as a whole until now. Tonight's study included this verse, from chapter 11:

When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices; and when the wicked perish there are shouts of gladness. (Prov 11:10)

Which, of course, brings to mind the question: how should one respond to the news of the death of Osama bin Laden? Mark Brumley, on his Earthly City blog, writes:

It seems clear enough that a Christian ought not to rejoice in a man's death as such. But may a Christian rejoice in a wicked man's death, insofar as he did wicked things and one is pleased that such wicked things will cease? Praying for our enemies does not seem to preclude such a thing.

Killing bin Laden: Catholic Perspective 

So it has been announced that Osama bin Laden is dead.
Good.
The twisted, evil mastermind responsible for the deaths of thousands of innocent human beings has been shuffled off this mortal coil.
This provides a measure of justice. Not full justice. That’s in God’s hands. But some justice.
Of course, Our Lord’s command to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us still applies. We must hope that Osama bin Laden repented at the last second, or that he had been crazy for years and not responsible for his actions, or that God might provide for his salvation in some other way.
And we must remember that Christ himself died to make salvation possible for all men, Osama bin Laden included.

Usama Bin Laden … Rest in… well… whatever…

I am guessing that he made this announcement tonight, USA, time, so that people rising in other parts of the world would get the fresh news during the morning at the beginning of a week, as markets open, etc.   Had it come at the end of the week, it would have been fodder for Friday evening Muslim sermons.  It still will be, but after several days.
Nevertheless I find the timing of both the event of his killing by a small team of US operatives in a fire fight and the release of the news interesting.  One friend called me facetiously to opine that they actually found him at a Taco Bell in North Carolina and flew him back to Pakistan before… you know.  Moreover, the President seems now to be ready to quote a standard of American patriotism, the Pledge of Allegiance, with its strong invocation of God, when for sometime he couldn’t bring himself to quote the Declaration of Independence correctly with its reference to a Creator who gives us our rights.  Color me cynical.

Maureen Dowd Attacks the Catholic Church

Ms. Dowd you should be ashamed of yourself.

Her journalism is becoming more and more irrelevant.

More Anti-Catholic Falsehoods From NYT’s Dowd

Dowd's recent rant, released on Easter Sunday (Sun. 4/24/11), contains a number of false statements.
1. In addressing the papacy of Pope John Paul II (JPII), Dowd claims that the former pontiff "forfeited his right to beatification when he failed to establish a legal standard to remove pedophiles from the priesthood, and simply turned away for many years."
First of all, long before JPII, there was already a "legal standard" to remove those who abuse children. It is called the Code of Canon Law. As someone who claims to have attended Catholic schools for many years, Dowd already should have known this.
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1.5 million pilgrims flooded Rome Sunday: Pope John Paul II Beatified

(image internet)
Catholics, 1.5 million strong mass to celebrate the beatification of Pope John Paul II.

JPII a step closer to sainthood, a true holy man. A Pope that I grew up with. He was elected as I was a senior in high school.

Catholics and non-Catholics alike realize what a honorable, faithful man is was.

Pope beatifies John Paul II before 1.5M faithful

VATICAN CITY – Some 1.5 million pilgrims flooded Rome Sunday to watch Pope John Paul II move a step closer to sainthood in one of the largest Vatican Masses in history, an outpouring of adoration for a beloved and historic figure after years marred by church scandal.
The turnout for the beatification far exceeded even the most optimistic expectation of 1 million people, the number Rome city officials predicted. For Catholics filling St. Peter's Square and its surrounding streets, and for those watching around the world the beatification was a welcome hearkening back to the days when the pope was almost universally beloved.

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Usama Bin Laden - We Got Him

Tonight the news of Bin Laden's death was announced and was confirmed by the Presidents speech.

Detail are still being gathered, a missile, a bomb, a bullet to the head  by ground forces, it is not fully known.

Definitely prayers are in order in both remembrance for the lives lost on 911, and all soul's lost because of this man and the terrorist cause he backed  by Al-Qaida or Taliban or whatever organization or independent terrorist group which took up Bin Laden's evilness.

This is not a closed matter by any means and I'm sure we still have to remain vigilant.

But tonight justice has been served to an extent. Let us keep strong and resilient for whatever happens next.

Al-Qaida head bin Laden dead

WASHINGTON – Osama bin Laden, the glowering mastermind behind the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks that killed thousands of Americans, was killed in an operation led by the United States, President Barack Obama said Sunday
A small team of Americans carried out the attack and took custody of bin Laden's remains, the president said in a dramatic late-night statement at the White House.
A jubilant crowd gathered outside the White House as word spread of bin Laden's death after a global manhunt that lasted nearly a decade.
"Justice has been done," the president said.
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Maureen...You got to Serve Somebody - Dylan in China

I'm not over enthused with Bob Dylan's music but I'm equally not  enthused with Maureen Dowd's column prowess.

But gosh darn it Father Barron again hits the nail on the head in his analysis of Maureen's latest article blasting Bob's visit to China.

First Maureen's article:

Maureen Dowd slams “sellout” Bob Dylan in New York Times

Posted on April 10th, 2011 by Sean Curnyn

In a strange way, it feels almost like a victory, albeit an exceptionally perverse one. After all the writing Yours Truly has done — over the course of a sad, wasted youth — lambasting the dang libbril meedeeya for their persistent misportrayal of Bob Dylan as a left wing protest singer type, now we have this. In that great iconic Mother of All Liberal Media Outlets that is the New York Times, the poisonous princess of the Op-Ed page herself, Maureen Dowd, rips Bob Dylan in 2011 as a sellout (Blowin’ in the Idiot Wind). Further, she attaches herself to the notion that Bob Dylan never really was that lefty utopian true-believer he’s so often been sketched as being, but merely an opportunist who saw the folk scene of the early 1960s as providing his quickest entré to fame and fortune.
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Then Fr. Barron...

JPII Beatification TV Coverage

I'm looking forward to this day. Father Barron has a portion of his 'Catholicism' which centers on John Paul the Great as a preview of tomorrows event.

Fr. Barron

JPII Beatification - Sunday

This post has some resources on this Blessed event, the Beatification of Pope John Paul II.

Resources for tomorrow's Beatification Ceremony of Pope John Paul II

It's Over ! - Cart Wheels in the Abby

Here's an amusing scene at Westminster Abby. Was it joy that it's ended or perhaps happiness for the couple.
Only the Verger will know for sure.

Exposing the LEFT in the Church - Website

New website I ran accross.

Marxism in the Church?

Haven't explored this site thoroughly ...let me know what you think


Exposing Marxism in the Church

Evil in the World - Radical Islam

An interesting discussion on Evil in the World with radical Islam as the basis.

Is There Hell? - The Factor debates

Unfortunately this elimination of Hell from society is becoming more prevalent not only in secular society but in religious circles, including Catholic communities.

While I don't, in my opinion think of Bill O'Reilly very knowledgeable in his Catholic faith he recently had a very interesting debate on the topic of hell.

Fr. Michael Pfleger Suspended

Well, it's about time...

Fr. Pflleger has been suspended by Cardinal George. Fr. Pfleger apparently had threatened to quit the Catholic priesthood if reassigned away from his pastor duties at his parish.

Cardinal George Suspends Fr. Michael Pfleger

Posted By Lisa Graas on April 27, 2011 

Father Michael Pfleger reportedly had threatened to quit the Catholic Church if he was made to take an assignment running a Catholic school and leave St. Sabina Catholic Church, where he’s served for three decades.
In a letter released Wednesday, Cardinal Francis George said that violated Pfleger’s vows to obey.
The Cardinal said, “If that truly is your attitude, you have already left the Catholic Church, and therefore are not able to pastor a Catholic church.”
The Cardinal also said Father Pfleger had publicly “misrepresented” their discussions about the possible reassignment to the school.
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Ex-Catholic Church: Westminster Abbey

I'm not really in to the upcoming wedding of Prince Williams and Lady Kate and it's not of much interest to me. While I hope the couple a happy marriage what I find more fascinating is the history of the church they are going to be married in, Westminster Abby

While you may know that this is the same church that Williams mother had her funeral ceremony in, and that Lady Diana was Catholic, Maybe you didn't know that the actual church was once a Catholic Church taken over in the mid 1500.

Here's a little history:

Westminster Abbey

This most famous of all English abbeys is situated within the precincts of the Royal Palace of Westminster, like Holyrood in Scotland and the Escurial in Spain. Its site, on the northern side of the River Thames, a mile or two above the ancient City of London, was formerly known as Thorney or the Isle of Thorns. The date of the foundation of the abbey is quite uncertain. The Venerable Bede (d. 736) does not mention it, but an early and long-received tradition ascribes it to Sebert, King of the East Saxons, who likewise founded St. Paul's, London. The given is 616 and the church is said to have been miraculously consecrated by St. Peter himself. But though this is mere legend, invented probably in the thirteenth century, it is tolerably certain that the monastery existed as early as the eighth century, for it is in a charter of King Ofa, dated 785, that it is first called Westminster, to distinguish it apparently from the minster of St. Paul's to the east. There is also extant a tenth century charter of King Edgar in which the boundaries of the abbey property are defined, and according to William of Malmesbury, St. Dunsan brought twelve Benedictine monks from Glastonbury to Westminster about 960, though the authenticity of this statement has been doubted.

At any rate, whatever the beginnings may have been, it is quite certain that there was an important church standing, and a community of Benedictines in existence at Westminster, when Edward the Confessor began to build in 1055. Of this first Saxon church and monastery no traces remain, and even its plan and site are for the most part conjectural. During his exile in Normandy Edward had vowed to make a pilgrimage to Rome if he should regain his throne. The pope absolved him from this vow on condition that he built or restored an abbey in honour of St. Peter, and this condition Edward fulfilled at Westminster, his friend Edwin being abbot at the time. The earlier buildings were demolished to make way for the new choir and transepts, which were finished and consecrated in 1065, a few days before the king's death. The monastery was planned for seventy monks, but the actual number seems never to have been more than about fifty. The nave of the church was begun in 1110 and completed about 1163 when the Confessor's relics were translated, on his canonization, to a stately shrine in the middle of the choir. Early in the thirteenth century a large eastern lady-chapel was substituted for the small semi-circular one behind Edward's high altar, and this was consecrated in 1220. The growing needs of the community and the constant stream of pilgrims to the tomb of the miracle-working Confessor soon necessitated further changes, and, aided by the munificence of Henry III, a period of great building activity set in. The demolition of the Norman church began in 1245, and during the next thirty years the whole of the eastern part of the church, together with about half the nave, were rebuilt, and the shrine of St. Edward was moved to its present position in the apse behind the high altar. The abbots during this period were Richard Crokesley and Richard Ware. The death, however, of Henry in 1272, a disastrous fire in 1298 which consumed the whole of the monastic buildings, and the "Black Death" in 1349, which carried off Abbot Byrcheston and twenty-six of his monks, so drained the resources of the abbey that all building operations ceased for nearly a century. Under Abbot Litlyngton (1362-86) the conventual parts were rebuilt, after which the western bays of the nave were taken in hand. Progress was slow, however, and the nave was not finally completed until 1517, whilst the western towers were not added until the eighteenth century. In 1502 Henry VII commenced the beautiful eastern lady-chapel which bears his name and was intended by him to enshrine the remains of his uncle Henry VI. Robert Vertue was the architect and his work is far in advance of any other contemporary building. Its wonderful fanvault has never been surpassed either in beauty of design or in the daring skill displayed in its actual construction. In this chapel stands the tomb of its pious founder who died in 1509.
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Zheng Huamei

What an uplifting story of fortitude, unselfishness, persistence.

Zheng Huamei was born unable to use her hands. That’s enough to make daily life a struggle for most, and would lead many to go through life with a defeatist attitude. But not Huamei. She’s learned how to pursue a dream using her feet. That dream? Creating beautiful paintings.

World Over with Fr. Fessio and Cardinal Zen

Great episode of World Over on EWTN.

Father Fessio discusses Pope Benedict's new volume of Jesus and Ignatius Press in general.

Also a brave insight into the Catholic Church in China and the manipulative hand of the Chinese government.

The first part is in interview with Rep. J. Fortenberry also very interesting.

Sick Child Denied Holy Communion - Sort Of...

These kind of stories get me upset. First the article title or 'the hook'

"How can the Catholic Church be so cruel as to not allow a sick child his first Holy Communion...the nerve of those terrible uncompassionate priest".

Child Denied First Communion Because of His Cerebral Palsy

“It hurts and I think it’s a form of discrimination.”
That’s how Irma Castro, grandmother of 8-year-old Kevin, describes the actions of one Catholic priest in Floresville, TX. That priest denied Kevin his first communion because, he says, Kevin has cerebral palsy and thus the mental capacity of a 6-month-old.
“He said because he was not able to understand the meaning of receiving the body of Christ,” Castro told KSAT-TV:


Then you find out the facts.

The boy has cerebral palsy and thus the mental capacity of a 6-month-old. Now I feel for the mother but she doesn't know her faith as well as she may think

The priest offered them the sacrament of the anointing of the sick, however the mother considered it offensive thinking the sacrament is only given to those that are dying.

Maybe a review of the Catechism of the Catholic Church would be necessary right about now... maybe for the reporter as well.

PART TWO

THE CELEBRATION OF THE CHRISTIAN MYSTERY

PART TWO
THE CELEBRATION OF THE CHRISTIAN MYSTERY

SECTION TWO
THE SEVEN SACRAMENTS OF THE CHURCH 


PART TWO
THE CELEBRATION OF THE CHRISTIAN MYSTERY
SECTION TWO
THE SEVEN SACRAMENTS OF THE CHURCH
CHAPTER TWO
THE SACRAMENTS OF HEALING 

(not for the dying necessarily) 

1514 The Anointing of the Sick "is not a sacrament for those only who are at the point of death. Hence, as soon as anyone of the faithful begins to be in danger of death from sickness or old age, the fitting time for him to receive this sacrament has certainly already arrived."¹³⁰

1515 If a sick person who received this anointing recovers his health, he can in the case of another grave illness receive this sacrament again. If during the same illness the person's condition becomes more serious, the sacrament may be repeated. It is fitting to receive the Anointing of the Sick just prior to a serious operation. The same holds for the elderly whose frailty becomes more pronounced.  

Below is the Sacrament for those that are close to death.




V. VIATICUM, THE LAST SACRAMENT OF THE CHRISTIAN
1524 In addition to the Anointing of the Sick, the Church offers those who are about to leave this life the Eucharist as viaticum. Communion in the body and blood of Christ, received at this moment of "passing over" to the Father, has a particular significance and importance. It is the seed of eternal life and the power of resurrection, according to the words of the Lord: "He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day."¹⁴¹ The sacrament of Christ once dead and now risen, the Eucharist is here the sacrament of passing over from death to life, from this world to the Father.¹⁴²
1525 Thus, just as the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist form a unity called "the sacraments of Christian initiation," so too it can be said that Penance, the Anointing of the Sick and the Eucharist as viaticum constitute at the end of Christian life "the sacraments that prepare for our heavenly homeland" or the sacraments that complete the earthly pilgrimage.

Also Catholic Answers has a good article on "Who Can Receive Communion"

Why did Jesus Die and Rise on Easter - Salvation Only?

A good piece from Michael Barber. I learn so much from this website.
A more in depth look at the Resurrection.

Jesus Didn't Just "Die for Our Salvation": Why He Rose from the Dead

 Christ is risen, Alleluia!

But why did he rise from the dead?

Here I want to ask the question and touch on an aspect of the resurrection that is often overlooked, namely, how it relates to our salvation.

Most people know that Jesus died for their sins. But, as we shall see, according to the New Testament Jesus also rose for our salvation. This aspect of the biblical message is often neglected. The emphasis on usually on the cross. In fact, the resurrection for many people doesn't figure into their understanding of salvation very much. For most the resurrection is little more than "confirmation".

Yet a close look at Scripture reveals that the Resurrection is more than that! As Paul makes it clear, if Jesus didn't rise from the dead "your faith would be in vain" (1 Cor 15:14).

The work of salvation did not end at the cross. The Resurrection is part of Christ's work of salvation. Let me explain why.

MORE

Pope Benedicts Easter Message

...B16 not afraid to comment on today's strife.

Pope Benedicts Easter Vigil Homily

Many don't know what a knowledgeable pontiff we have indeed. While we have good priest in at our parish, I wish they would take an example of Pope Benedict's skills and try to emulate them in context and message.

EASTER VIGIL

HOMILY OF HIS HOLINESS BENEDICT XVI

Saint Peter's Basilica
Holy Saturday, 23 April 2010

Dear Brothers and Sisters,
The liturgical celebration of the Easter Vigil makes use of two eloquent signs. First there is the fire that becomes light. As the procession makes its way through the church, shrouded in the darkness of the night, the light of the Paschal Candle becomes a wave of lights, and it speaks to us of Christ as the true morning star that never sets – the Risen Lord in whom light has conquered darkness. The second sign is water. On the one hand, it recalls the waters of the Red Sea, decline and death, the mystery of the Cross. But now it is presented to us as spring water, a life-giving element amid the dryness. Thus it becomes the image of the sacrament of baptism, through which we become sharers in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
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Happy Easter

Christ has risen !

Christ has opened the gates of Heaven!

Happy Easter to all, God Bless all!

WestCoastCatholic !

Pope Benedict on 'Evolution'

Pope Benedict sets the record straight on the Catholic teaching of the Theory of Evolution.

Pope: Humanity isn't random product of evolution

VATICAN CITY – Pope Benedict XVI marked the holiest night of the year for Christians by stressing that humanity isn't a random product of evolution.

Benedict emphasized the Biblical account of creation in his Easter Vigil homily Saturday, saying it was wrong to think at some point "in some tiny corner of the cosmos there evolved randomly some species of living being capable of reasoning and of trying to find rationality within creation, or to bring rationality into it."
MORE

 

Women and Veils in Church

My wife has contemplated wearing a veil at Mass. The spiritualness, reverence surrounding the practice has attracted her. My thoughts are that it's no longer mandatory, but voluntary.

I saw this article and I'm going to point it out my Honey.

Card. Burke on women covering their heads in church

 The great Canonical Defender, Dr. Ed Peters has an interesting note on the use… here we go again… about women wearing head coverings in church.

He has something from Cardinal Burke in the topic.
But first, in a nutshell here is the truth: In the Latin Church women are not bound by the Church’s positive law to wear head coverings in church.  If they want to, they can.  Period.  Not much more to say.
MORE

Catholic Convert

Another great conversion story at the 'Why I'm Catholic' blog. Pam Forrester conversion to Catholicism is another inspirational faith journey.

A great read during Holy Week.

Evangelical Convert: Pam Forrester 

Pam Forrester

Pam Forrester writes from Fallbrook, California, where she lives with her husband, Mike, of thirty five years. They have seven children. The youngest was six when her mother entered the Catholic Church.

HOW CAN I KEEP MY HEART FROM SINGING

When I was eight I asked my mom to take me to the little church at the end of our street. She began to drop me off every week for Sunday School. One Sunday, my teacher presented the Gospel and encouraged us to accept Jesus Christ as our savior. “But,” she told us, “you must be willing to do anything for God, like be a missionary.” Well, I really wanted to be saved but I did not want to be a missionary! I had to think this over. I went home and thought about it for a while, my little 8 year-old soul struggling against selfish desire. Some weeks later, I convinced myself that I would be willing to be a missionary for Jesus and I asked Him to come into my heart.

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Fr. Barron - In God We Trust

Fr. Barron, In God We Trust. Why is it important in our Nations survival?

Pope Benedict at Holy Thursday Mass

Pope Benedict at Holy Thursday Mass

Wonderful World

Time to take a short break from the woos of the world and enjoy this short video.
thanks Thomas Peters aka American Papist


Wonderful World Video

Fr. Fessio on Fox News, Good Friday

Cool, Fr. Fessio back on Fox News on Good Friday discussing 'Jesus of Nazareth: Holy Week

Set your  TiVo.

Fr. Joseph Fessio, S.J., on "FoxNews.com Live" on Good Friday

Fr. Fessio, founder and publisher of Ignatius Press, will appear on FoxNews.com Live on Good Friday, April 22nd, for an interview with Lauren Green, Fox News chief religion correspondent, on the topics of Jesus of Nazareth: Holy Week by Pope Benedict XVI, as well as the upcoming beatification of The Venerable Pope John Paul II. I don't yet know what time Fr. Fessio will be on, but FoxNews.com Live apparently airs live from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm EST.

Faith - Don't Water It Down!

American Catholic points to a couple of great posts on Watering down the Faith.

Don’t Water It Down

Tuesday, April 19, 2011 A.D. | Author Paul Zummo

A couple of good pieces on why watering down the truth is such a bad idea.  First Christopher Blosser, linking to the comments over at Fr. Z’s blog, and the woeful instructions imparted to the faithful.  Here are the sampling of comments that Chris highlighted:

Obama - Don't Challenge Me!

President Obama definitely doesn't like to be challenged. We really do need some courageous Journalist who can press the President during interviews instead of playing paddy cake.

The Pres is a little thin skin here.

Holy Week: Christ Enters Jerusalem

Taylor Marshall has a great article on this Holy Week.

Christ enters Jerusalem

Why did Christ ride an ass into Jerusalem?

Prior to entering Jerusalem, Christ instructed his disciples to acquire for him an ass (in Matthew's Gospel an ass and a colt).{* see note}

Why did Jesus ride an ass? There are four reasons.

First, the prophet Zechariah wrote: "Behold, your king comes to you, triumphant and victorious. He is humble and riding on an ass, on a colt the foal of an ass." (Zech 9:9)

 

Biblical Inerrancy

Jimmy Akin has a great article on the academic discussion on Biblical Inerrancy going on in Rome.
His request for prayers should not go unanswered.

Biblical Inerrancy Under Discussion! Your Prayers Needed!

You may remember that back in 2008 the Holy See held a session of the synod of bishops devoted to the theme “The Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church.” The synod of bishops is a gathering of bishops from around the world, shy of a full ecumenical council, who gather in Rome to reflect on a particular topic and then deliver their recommendations to the pope. In 2008 they were called to reflect on the word of God, as contained in Scripture and Tradition

A Ned Flander or A John the Baptist?

And the debate goes on. Can one be an 'in your face' type of Catholic or not.

I don't know, I believe there is a time and place, under certain circumstances that one has to be firm even aggressive (never rude).

The article carries on the debate of the aggressiveness of Michael Voris and Fr. Corapi.

Voris, Corapi, And The Ned Flanderification Of Catholic Commentary

If you are lucky, you may have missed the current debate rippling through the Catholic interwebs. Actually, it is a debate that comes up from time time to time, this time it just happens to involve video provocateur Michael Voris.

Voris contributes to the website RealCatholicTv.com.  He produces several videos a week talking about issues related to faith, politics, and culture.  No big deal, lots of us speak or write about these subjects every day.  What makes Voris a hot topic of debate is mostly style and occasionally a little substance.

Having only watched a handful of Voris’ videos, I do not intend to debate the prudence or sagacity of all his remarks.  But I do want to talk about style.

Where did "Ctr-Alt-Del" come from

This is a very interesting article on something many people use everyday, whether at work or maybe at school or just checking your email at home.

Patrick Madrid has the story...and a short video

The origin of CTRL-ALT-DELETE

You may not have ever thought about it, but the far-too-often-used keyboard combination of Control + Alt + Delete had to have been brought into existence by some random coder at some point in technological history. But wait, it wasn’t just a random coder. The keystroke combo is attributed to [David Bradley]. He was one of the original designers of the IBM Personal Computer. You can even hear his own recount of the story in the video after the break.

Lots of Articles....

 Here's an article with lot's of links to still more articles.....

Enjoy.

 Vatican Blognic, Eucharist and Sacrifice, Dress Your Age, Proof of Legendary Saints, and much more!

US Rep scolds the Holy See - Fr Z Reports

I read this and almost puked.

Oh the ignorance...

You'll have to read this to see what I mean.

C-FAM: US Castigates Holy See over “Family Planning”

NEW YORK, April 14 (C-FAM) The contrast between the priorities of the developed and developing world was as clear as night and day.
“It is detrimental to not have adequate family planning resources,” a visibly US delegate told the room.  “Why is there a resistance to acknowledging access to family planning as a necessity?”
The soft-spoken delegate from the small island nation of St. Lucia replied, “How do we get our fertility rate to rise? We were told we needed to reduce our fertility rate –now we have an aging population.”

Ignatius Press Going Strong

Great news!
Catholic publishing with at least Ignatius Press, is going strong. Lots of great books and DVD's.

Our Men's Group is doing a review of 'Light of the World'.

A little report on the state of Ignatius Press

National Catholic Register has a piece by Daria Sockey titled, "Catholic Publishing at the Crossroads"; here is the section about Ignatius Press:

Another major player, Ignatius Press, can only be described as “confident.” With 2010 sales at an all-time high, the San Francisco-based publisher intends to go full-steam ahead with their traditional array of books, music and DVDs — but also to continue an aggressive digitizing project that began one and a half years ago.

Polititians: Who are the biggest tax cheaters

Well, I thought it would be a toss up actually, I don't trust any of the parties.  But evidential it wasn't even close according to this article.

Take a Guess: Are America’s Tax Cheating Politicians Mostly Dems or Republicans?

The answer? The party of Charlie Rangel is guiltier of cheating on its taxes–and by a large margin too.
With tax day nearly upon us, here’s one way to take a break from those IRS forms: sifting through the gallery of politicians who have been embroiled in tax controversies over the past 20 years.

The Vortex Delima

I like to hear the views of Michael Voris on the Vortex and I agree with the majority of what he says, at times though I do think that he goes a little too far.

Having said that his recent episode on Easter Mass and Global Warning Earth Day has got some in a tissy.

Below are two takes on this episode.

Just so you know where I stand, I agree with the article from Creative Minority Report (article #1). I believe that Mark Shea has some good points but his overall judgement on Voris can be used to categorize some of his own commentary.

Anyway, judge for yourself.

First the Video:


This program is from RealCatholicTV.com

Article #1:

The Voris Kerfuffle

I am perplexed. Some of my blogging confreres are a in such a tizzy over the latest missive from the baron of bombast, the kaiser of choleric, Michael Voris. (Apologies to Bill Donohue)

Voris, about whom I am conflicted, did his daily soliloquy on the topic of a letter by Global Warming Inc. requesting that pastors devote the Easter Sunday homily to the topic of Earth Day.

Voris pointed out that global warming is a scam (check) by the forces of population control (check) to encourage people to contracept and abort their way to a greener planet (check).

Voris noted that all of this is in direct contradiction to the teaching of the Church. Check again. He goes on to say that Catholics should abandon a Church that promotes such anti-Christian nonsense for the simple reason that this Church is not Catholic in any meaningful way.

Article #2

If a Catholic star starts entertaining delusions that he is a bishop

as, for instance, Michael Voris apparently does, then you should give him a wide berth.

That includes me, by the way, if you are one of those deluded souls who thinks that some loudmouth like me with a gift of the gab is somehow more to be relied upon for delivering you the Catholic faith than Holy Mother Church. When I get mail from some deluded fan who imagines something that I wrote makes me a more reliable guide to the faith than the bishops, it makes me shudder. Because sooner or later, I know I will get another letter from somebody saying, "I used to believe in you, but then you let me down. I don't know if I'm Catholic anymore!" I'm tempted to say, "Yeah? Well, get used to it, cuz I ain't your personal Lord and savior. I'm not even a bishop, fercryinoutloud. Stop with the perpetual celebrity anointings and fanboyism and grow up into the Catholic faith." 

Japan: Liquefication

This is amazing video of the affects of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. It's called liquefaction and while I've lived in Southern California and experienced numerous earthquakes, I've never seen anything like this.

It gives me the heebeegeebees...

Read the story and view the video.

Presidents Budget Speech

Charles Krauthammer gives his analysis on the Presidents speech

.....and it reflect my own thoughts as well.

Atheist to Baptist to Catholic

I'm home today nursing the stomach flue, so in between short naps I'm perusing  the net.

I love to here these stories. First finding God and then coming home to his Church.

Reading these helps me appreciate my faith more. Check it out.

Devin Rose

Devin Rose is a software engineer and former Atheist. This is his story from Atheist to Baptist to Catholic.

I believe and profess all that the Holy Catholic Church teaches and proclaims to be revealed by God.

But it was not always so. I grew up secularly. My mother was brought up in a particularly legalistic branch of the churches of Christ denomination, and my father, in the Episcopal Church. But the only church I remember going to as a child was a Unitarian Universalist one, and we went there for just a short time. The sole Unitarian sermon I recall having to sit through included a joke about (then Vice President) Dan Quayle that got big laughs from the congregation. I was taught at home and at school that humans evolved without purpose from primordial ooze, so unsurprisingly, when I became old enough to reason about such things, I proudly declared that I did not believe in God.

Innovation and Wisdom...but NO MONEY

A classic debate between Cavuto's conservative point of view and Rep Johnson's progessive point of view.

The progressive point of view; a lot of nice words like innovation, investment, wisdom, all subjective words that can mean anything and can mean nothing at all.

The conservative point of view; all those words are nice but how do you propose to pay for all that investment and innovation with NO MONEY!

The progressive point of view; old people will be living on the street. our kids won't have any education., we've got to create jobs with more investment.

The conservative point of view; NO MONEY! WE NEED TO GET OUT OF DEBT FIRST.

The progressive solution; finally the bottom line....RAISE TAXES! And a little name calling.....

The conservative point of view; you can't raise taxes enough to pay the debit down and pay for innovation because there's NOT ENOUGH MONEY TO DO IT. CUT THE DEFICIT FIRST.

Anyway... this video shows the stark comparison between the two.

Conservative vs Progressive Debate

Going Down 'Memory Lane'

A nice little website to review photos, yearbook, sports, movies, magazines, videos music, TV and Radio.

Lot's of good stuff here, with time travel going back to the 1940's up to the 1990's.

Take a look at your favorite year, find out what the hit movies or songs were.

Straw Subdeacon

Do you have one at your parish?
Do you know what a 'Straw Deacon' is?

I didn't till I read this.... thanks Fr. Z

QUAERITUR: TLM “straw” subdeacon

From a reader:

I serve Low Mass five or six days out of the week as well as participating in Sunday Vespers, so my priest recently asked if I would be able to serve as the straw subdeacon for the Mass. I expressed my willingness, but when I started to read, I found out that the Church mandates straw subdeacons to be Instituted Acolytes. This was the first time I had even heard of such a status, and after researching it, I don’t know anyone that would be, unless it is the same thing as a “lay minister.”

Calif. Gov. Brown puts another nail in the Golden States Coffin

I don't know what Governor Jerry Brown thinks he's accomplishing with the new Green Bill he is about to sign.
It definitely won't be good for business and once again the cost will be passed to all Californians.

Yes and that goes for those that voted him in.too.

California Gov. to Sign Bill Raising Renewable Energy Requirements

California Governor Jerry Brown will sign a bill today which will raise the required amount of costly renewable energy for electric generation in the Golden State to 33% while Texas Governor Rick Perry is likely grinning from ear to ear.

Tallest Lego Tower

Ya gotta love Legos. I saved all my legos set I use to play with back in the late 60's when they came out.

My own son ended up playing with these same Lego sets when he was a young boy. He's added to this Lego collection with much cooler sets, including a submarine, train set, Ferrari race care and he hopes to save these for his future son.

Here's a record breaking Lego tower over 102 ft high in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

 Lego Tower Pictures

WGN: Fr. Barron - Word on Fire Television Series Suspended

I have many of Fr. Barron's 30 minute TV shows on TiVo. I was deeply saddened to hear that the show is being suspended because of funding.

It's a terrific show on faith, a Catholic show which has long been missing from Television since Bishop Sheen graced the airwaves.

If you can help keep this program on the air please do.

Seattle Public School: Easter Eggs Now 'Spring Sphere's'

I'm sorry Seattle but this ridiculous. Easter eggs are now to be called Spring Sphere's.
Okay...

'Easter eggs' reportedly renamed 'spring spheres' at Seattle public school

The educrats strike again, and make themselves look ridiculous again, according to a 16 year old student identified only as Jessica, who volunteered to do a project at a local elementary school, supplying plastic eggs filled with jellybeans.  From MyNorthwest.com:

"I went to the teacher to get her approval and she wanted to ask the administration to see if it was okay," Jessica explained. "She said that I could do it as long as I called this treat 'spring spheres.' I couldn't call them Easter eggs."

Budget Deal - Winning or Losing?

Some would say that this is a winning deal.

I can't help but feeling the complete opposite. For one I think only 38 Billion is shameful and for second using the life issue as a bargaining chip is tragic.

Make No Mistake --- The Republicans Lost

I am sorry, but no matter how people try to spin it, the Republicans lost and so did life.

There are many people who I respect that view the deal cut by Republicans as a victory, a victory in the budget battle and a victory in the defense of life. They are wrong.Let's get the budget stuff out of the way. The Republicans reduced the deficit by a measly 2%, meaning the at the government will still spend well more than a trillion more than it brings in with our already obscene taxes. That is like Michael Moore not eating the last cookie in 12 cartons of Oreos because he is dieting. It means nothing. 

Fr. Corapi back on the Air?

The Pulpit has dedicated a second 'Special Edition' on Fr. Corapi..
One of the post says Fr. Corapi is back on  EWTN.

Fr. Corapi Special Edition... He's Back

The Budget Mess - Shameful

This Budget Mess and the potential Gov. shutdown is just shameful.
Look, just cut the spending already...

No funding for Planned Parenthood, or NPR, nor Abortion funding ObamaCare.

Paul Ryan's Adult Conversation

Before Paul Ryan's 2012 budget released yesterday, the Liberal Establishment was telling us that what was needed was an adult conversation on the budget and entitlements. Now that they have got their adult conversation, they can't handle it.

Planned Parenthood.....Lobbying in DC - AmP

Typos aside, this is shocking that the pro-abortion machine has become so desperate for real flesh-and-bone supporters and activists that they are willing to pay people to do what pro-lifers volunteer to do.
The fact that this group is called “Grassroots Campaigns” is quite ironic, considering they are in the business of paying people to “spontaneously” support their cause. In politics we have a word for paying people to fake real supporters: Astroturfing.
 

New from the Vortex - RealCatholicTV

The latest from Real Catholic TV.



This program is from RealCatholicTV.com

Fr. Fessio Video, In Case You Missed It.

Thanks Insight Scoop for the Video, missed listening to it on XMSirius on this morning's drive into work.

FOX and Friends - Fr. Fessio on B16 new Book

Need Help Memorizing Your Faith?

A revert from Catholicism to Atheism back to Catholicism, Dr. Kevin Vost has a great story to tell.

He also has a book which I will definitely purchase. If you've had trouble memorizing lately Kevin's book 'Memorizing Your Faith' is a must.

From Amazon's website:  Memorize The Faith

St. Thomas Aquinas perfected an easy method for his students to memorize most any information, but especially the truths taught by Christ and His Church. As the years passed, our need for this ancient art of memorization grew, yet somehow our culture largely forgot it . . . which is why today, when you and I try to remember a list of things, we have to repeat their names over and over. Or, to remember to call the dentist, we tie a string on our finger. And we clutch at any means whatsoever to recall our passwords for ATMs, credit cards, and voicemail, our login names for Yahoo, eBay, and Amazon, and the host of other names and numbers that clog our minds and clutter our days. Now, thanks to the delightful pages of Memorize the Faith!, you can easily keep all these in mind - and learn the Faith! - by tapping into the power of the classical memory system that helped St. Thomas become the Church's preeminent theologian, and made it easier for him to become one of its greatest saints.

Also read a version of his conversion story HERE

1,000 Christian Martyrs

When I read this I kept wondering, so when is President Obama going to step in as he did in Libya?

I have mixed feelings right now; anger, sadness. When is this madness going to end?

Please pray for the persecuted Christians on the Ivory Coast and around the world.

1,000 Catholics Massacred in Ivory Coast

Fr. Barron - Hell

How many people will end up in hell? From today's views, what we see on TV, movies, politicians, celebrities, you would think the answer would be zero.

You can look at the antics of Charlie Sheen who actually claims that evil as a winning thing and I'm sure he would claim hell is heaven and heaven is hell.

Fr. Barron puts it back in perspective.

Father Corapi: Extra

Most Catholics know about the Father Corapi story.

The Pulpit news blog has dedicated a Monday 'EXTRA' section to Father Corapi and all the latest blog posts.

We continue to pray for a truthful, justly end and Peace to all parties involved.

Father Corapi

April Fools Joke - TV Anchor

Okay so April 1st was few days ago, but I just found this on the web and have to share it.
Not really, really funny but amusing none the less.

Fr. Fessio on Fox Channel Tomorrow Morning

Fr. Joseph Fessio will be on 'Fox and Friends' tomorrow morning, Tuesday, April 5th, 6:30am - 7:00am.

He'll be discussing Pope Benedict's new book Jesus of Nazareth, part 2

I'll listen to it on my drive in tomorrow. He'll be on a few other programs as well.
Set the TiVo.

Dr. Brant Pitre - Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist

Dr. Brant Pitre who blogs on 'The Sacred Page' blog has a new book that I'm hoping to get as an Easter gift from my wife.

Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist. 

I read the first chapter at the local bookstore and it starts out in the style of Scott Hahn's Lambs Supper. It progresses quickly though into an in depth study into the Jewish roots of our faith. Fascinating read, I'm looking forward to getting my copy.

Dr. Pitre also has another web site dedicated to this study, which has a nice video on the subject.

Check it out when you get a chance: The Holy Eucharist & Jewish Roots