Fr. Donal Godfrey, SJ, is in the news again. There's a fawning review of his book "Gays and Grays," a chronicle of the corruption of Most Holy Redeemer Church, in this week's National Catholic Reporter. One reads the entire article without sensing in any way that souls are at stake. For our review, which at least takes Most Holy Redeemer and its parishioners seriously, go here.
The whole tone of the NCR piece is summed up in this sentence:
“'Suddenly, Most Holy Redeemer had the most fabulous crèche you could imagine..."
And it closes with:
"The example set at Most Holy Redeemer gives voice to hope for a new church 'revolution through evolution,' as Godfrey called it, in a worshiping community where, he said, murmurs and whispers no longer cloak gay people in darkness and shame."
Well, Father is right about that. If there's one word that does not immediately spring to mind when thinking of MHR, it's "shame." To see what we mean, visit qdomine.com.
Posted by Gibbons J. Cooney
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Pray for Them
When I was in New York, I met Fr. Groeschel. That was before he started a new society. I’ve admired his work and writings for some years now and would like to offer this excerpt from one of his talks:
He expressed dismay about what is happening in our Catholic institutions, which no longer seem very Catholic, and Catholic politicians who are opposed to everything the church teaches. He mentioned Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who considers herself to be a devout Catholic but supports abortion rights. "You can't be a Catholic and support abortion," Father Groeschel said with emphasis. But rather than rail against Ms. Pelosi and the other Catholic politicians who support abortion rights, such as Senators Kerry and Kennedy, Father Groeschel expressed concern for those who abandon their faith. As an example, he cited the first Catholic Supreme Court chief justice, Roger Taney, who went against his religion and joined his colleagues in the awful Dred Scott decision, which declared that blacks were property. "That decision precipitated the Civil War, which cost the lives of more Americans than all the wars put together, including World War I," he said. He then asked the crowd to join him in a prayer for these politicians who "I'm afraid are in danger of losing their souls."
He expressed dismay about what is happening in our Catholic institutions, which no longer seem very Catholic, and Catholic politicians who are opposed to everything the church teaches. He mentioned Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who considers herself to be a devout Catholic but supports abortion rights. "You can't be a Catholic and support abortion," Father Groeschel said with emphasis. But rather than rail against Ms. Pelosi and the other Catholic politicians who support abortion rights, such as Senators Kerry and Kennedy, Father Groeschel expressed concern for those who abandon their faith. As an example, he cited the first Catholic Supreme Court chief justice, Roger Taney, who went against his religion and joined his colleagues in the awful Dred Scott decision, which declared that blacks were property. "That decision precipitated the Civil War, which cost the lives of more Americans than all the wars put together, including World War I," he said. He then asked the crowd to join him in a prayer for these politicians who "I'm afraid are in danger of losing their souls."
Common sense and not "Condom sense"
What can we learn from South Africa?
Recently, as quoted in Zenith, Carrie Gress had an interview With Bishop Hugh Slattery of Tzaneen, South Africa:
Condoms are not an effective solution in the fight against AIDS, says Bishop Hugh Slattery, and the situation in South Africa proves it.
Bishop Slattery: The situation in this province is by no means the worst in the country -- that distinction belongs to KwaZulu Natal. The situation, however, is really bad throughout the country and continues to get worse. The Limpopo Province is one of the poorest in the country. In the adult population, aged 15 and up, the HIV/AIDS prevalence is around 20%.
The vast majority of the people living with the disease are totally unaware that they have got it and so it continues to spread at an alarming rate.It has recently been predicted that if HIV/AIDS continues to spread at its present rate, a girl 15 years of age in South Africa today has a 50% chance of becoming infected with HIV/AIDS during her lifetime. For a boy, the infection rate is slightly lower. People are much more aware of AIDS today than they were some years ago, but often their knowledge is poor and inaccurate. This awareness and knowledge, however, seldom translate into action.
Bishop Slattery: Parents really struggle when it comes to giving appropriate guidance to their children. Most of them didn't get that kind of guidance when they themselves were growing up and they generally lack the skills to give it to their children.
The transition to democracy in this country has brought about freedom but at a price, especially for young people. There has been an aggressive promotion of a very secular human rights culture for everyone, including children. As a result, parents feel they have no authority over their own children and just let them do what they like. Sometimes children threaten their parents: "If you touch me, I'll tell the police!"
The government passed a very liberal abortion law in the mid-'90s, allowing minors to have abortions without the consent of their parents -- they are just counseled, but not obliged, to inform their parents. Despite the promotion of condoms in schools, there is a high rate of pregnancy among schoolgirls, sometimes as high as 20%.South Africa and the neighboring countries of Botswana and Swaziland have the highest rate of HIV/AIDS infection in the world and also the highest rate of condom distribution.
The conclusion is inescapable that more condoms mean more cases of AIDS and more deaths. It is, of course, "politically incorrect" both here and in the Western world to even hint at the possibility that condoms may in fact be fueling the spread of this deadly disease rather than curbing it.
Today, because of AIDS, there is a deep sense of hopelessness and fatalism. There is a great deal of pain and suffering, of silence and shame, of anger and guilt, of confusion and blaming of others in families and communities. Our society is traumatized and paralyzed as the pandemic continues out of control and the number of AIDS orphans and child-headed households increases steadily.
Q: What are some of the creative ways the Church is implementing to stop the spread of the disease, especially given the pervasive belief that condoms are the key to managing it?
Bishop Slattery: As a Church, we are trying to lift the veil of secrecy and denial around HIV/AIDS and get people to talk about it openly. It is certainly difficult to do this, especially with men. People are totally brainwashed into believing that in fact there is no real crisis. They see that a lot of the younger generation are dying but are told that people get AIDS because they don't use the condom correctly to have "safe sex." Behind this is the widespread belief that people who die of AIDS have been bewitched. The first and decisive step is to try and convince people that there is a problem…The next step is to show people in a convincing manner that there is also an answer….abstinence before marriage and fidelity within marriage will quickly stop the spread of AIDS.
Uganda was the first country to really take a strong stand against the AIDS pandemic from the early '90s. The strong and clear leadership of President Museveni was the decisive element in bringing down the spread of HIV/AIDS from over 25% to 6%. He preached "common sense" and not "condom sense" as he mobilized his country in promoting abstinence before marriage and fidelity in marriage as cultural values. He said, "I have emphasized a return to our cultural values that emphasized fidelity and condemned premarital and extramarital sex." Uganda is rightly held up as a model for Africa and the world in stemming the spread of HIV/AIDS.
Frequently, however, especially in the Western media, the reason for Uganda's success is not given truthfully. It is falsely claimed that condom promotion was the main reason for the country's success. This misrepresentation along with the aggressive and dishonest promotion of condoms seem to be the main reasons why other countries have been rather slow in following Uganda's lead by opting strongly for abstinence and fidelity in the war against AIDS.
It is highly unlikely that World AIDS Day will ever have "abstain and be faithful" as its theme. It is a response that builds character, ensures good family life, costs nothing and has a 100% guarantee of success. Recently in this country, there have been some murmurs in high government circles about the role of abstinence and fidelity in combating AIDS. Hopefully, the murmurs will increase and convictions will grow stronger about this foolproof solution as we look to Uganda for inspiration in turning back the onslaught of AIDS.
Recently, as quoted in Zenith, Carrie Gress had an interview With Bishop Hugh Slattery of Tzaneen, South Africa:
Condoms are not an effective solution in the fight against AIDS, says Bishop Hugh Slattery, and the situation in South Africa proves it.
Bishop Slattery: The situation in this province is by no means the worst in the country -- that distinction belongs to KwaZulu Natal. The situation, however, is really bad throughout the country and continues to get worse. The Limpopo Province is one of the poorest in the country. In the adult population, aged 15 and up, the HIV/AIDS prevalence is around 20%.
The vast majority of the people living with the disease are totally unaware that they have got it and so it continues to spread at an alarming rate.It has recently been predicted that if HIV/AIDS continues to spread at its present rate, a girl 15 years of age in South Africa today has a 50% chance of becoming infected with HIV/AIDS during her lifetime. For a boy, the infection rate is slightly lower. People are much more aware of AIDS today than they were some years ago, but often their knowledge is poor and inaccurate. This awareness and knowledge, however, seldom translate into action.
Bishop Slattery: Parents really struggle when it comes to giving appropriate guidance to their children. Most of them didn't get that kind of guidance when they themselves were growing up and they generally lack the skills to give it to their children.
The transition to democracy in this country has brought about freedom but at a price, especially for young people. There has been an aggressive promotion of a very secular human rights culture for everyone, including children. As a result, parents feel they have no authority over their own children and just let them do what they like. Sometimes children threaten their parents: "If you touch me, I'll tell the police!"
The government passed a very liberal abortion law in the mid-'90s, allowing minors to have abortions without the consent of their parents -- they are just counseled, but not obliged, to inform their parents. Despite the promotion of condoms in schools, there is a high rate of pregnancy among schoolgirls, sometimes as high as 20%.South Africa and the neighboring countries of Botswana and Swaziland have the highest rate of HIV/AIDS infection in the world and also the highest rate of condom distribution.
The conclusion is inescapable that more condoms mean more cases of AIDS and more deaths. It is, of course, "politically incorrect" both here and in the Western world to even hint at the possibility that condoms may in fact be fueling the spread of this deadly disease rather than curbing it.
Today, because of AIDS, there is a deep sense of hopelessness and fatalism. There is a great deal of pain and suffering, of silence and shame, of anger and guilt, of confusion and blaming of others in families and communities. Our society is traumatized and paralyzed as the pandemic continues out of control and the number of AIDS orphans and child-headed households increases steadily.
Q: What are some of the creative ways the Church is implementing to stop the spread of the disease, especially given the pervasive belief that condoms are the key to managing it?
Bishop Slattery: As a Church, we are trying to lift the veil of secrecy and denial around HIV/AIDS and get people to talk about it openly. It is certainly difficult to do this, especially with men. People are totally brainwashed into believing that in fact there is no real crisis. They see that a lot of the younger generation are dying but are told that people get AIDS because they don't use the condom correctly to have "safe sex." Behind this is the widespread belief that people who die of AIDS have been bewitched. The first and decisive step is to try and convince people that there is a problem…The next step is to show people in a convincing manner that there is also an answer….abstinence before marriage and fidelity within marriage will quickly stop the spread of AIDS.
Uganda was the first country to really take a strong stand against the AIDS pandemic from the early '90s. The strong and clear leadership of President Museveni was the decisive element in bringing down the spread of HIV/AIDS from over 25% to 6%. He preached "common sense" and not "condom sense" as he mobilized his country in promoting abstinence before marriage and fidelity in marriage as cultural values. He said, "I have emphasized a return to our cultural values that emphasized fidelity and condemned premarital and extramarital sex." Uganda is rightly held up as a model for Africa and the world in stemming the spread of HIV/AIDS.
Frequently, however, especially in the Western media, the reason for Uganda's success is not given truthfully. It is falsely claimed that condom promotion was the main reason for the country's success. This misrepresentation along with the aggressive and dishonest promotion of condoms seem to be the main reasons why other countries have been rather slow in following Uganda's lead by opting strongly for abstinence and fidelity in the war against AIDS.
It is highly unlikely that World AIDS Day will ever have "abstain and be faithful" as its theme. It is a response that builds character, ensures good family life, costs nothing and has a 100% guarantee of success. Recently in this country, there have been some murmurs in high government circles about the role of abstinence and fidelity in combating AIDS. Hopefully, the murmurs will increase and convictions will grow stronger about this foolproof solution as we look to Uganda for inspiration in turning back the onslaught of AIDS.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Death Dealers
It’s very hard today for one to be a democrat and not support abortion. That is what makes it so difficult to decide whom to choose for the highest office in our land. We must not have an abortion supporter!
A former aide to San Francisco Rep. Nancy Pelosi who last year became president of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America has decided that the nation’s largest abortion provider must now become actively involved in politics because “reproductive rights are under assault by Republicans,” the Wall Street Journal reports. They plan to spend tens of millions on 2008 elections.
Other pro-abortion organizations are also adding their resources to the election. Emily’s List, a group that supports pro-abortion female Democrats, hopes to exceed the $46 million it raised for the 2006 election. NARAL Pro-Choice America also plans to spend $10 million to support pro-abortion candidates. It is very sad to see the huge sums of money being spent to destroy human life.
God forgive us if we allow this to happen!
A former aide to San Francisco Rep. Nancy Pelosi who last year became president of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America has decided that the nation’s largest abortion provider must now become actively involved in politics because “reproductive rights are under assault by Republicans,” the Wall Street Journal reports. They plan to spend tens of millions on 2008 elections.
Other pro-abortion organizations are also adding their resources to the election. Emily’s List, a group that supports pro-abortion female Democrats, hopes to exceed the $46 million it raised for the 2006 election. NARAL Pro-Choice America also plans to spend $10 million to support pro-abortion candidates. It is very sad to see the huge sums of money being spent to destroy human life.
God forgive us if we allow this to happen!
Friday, January 25, 2008
PUT YOUR CAR KEYS BESIDE YOUR BED AT NIGHT
This was sent to me by a good friend who is a law enforcement instructor:
If you hear a noise outside your home or someone trying to get in your house, just press the panic button for your car. The alarm will be set off, and the horn will continue to sound until either you turn it off or the car battery dies.
This tip came from a neighborhood watch coordinator. Next time you come home for the night and you start to put your keys away, think of this: It's a security alarm system that you probably already have and requires no installation. Test it. It will go off from most everywhere inside your house and will keep honking until your battery runs down or until you reset it with the button on the key fob chain.
It works if you park in your driveway or garage If your car alarm goes off when someone is trying to break in your house, odds are the burglar or rapist won't stick around... after a few seconds all the neighbors will be looking out their windows to see who is out there and sure enough the criminal won't want that.
And remember to carry your keys while walking to your car in a parking lot. The alarm can work the same way there.....This is something that should really be shared with everyone. Maybe it could save a life or a sexual abuse crime.
P.S. I am sending this to everyone I know because I think it is fantastic. It would also be useful for any emergency, such as a heart attack, where you can't reach a phone.A wife suggested to her husband to carry his car keys with him in case he falls outside and she doesn't hear him. He can activate the car alarm and then she'll know there's a problem.
If you hear a noise outside your home or someone trying to get in your house, just press the panic button for your car. The alarm will be set off, and the horn will continue to sound until either you turn it off or the car battery dies.
This tip came from a neighborhood watch coordinator. Next time you come home for the night and you start to put your keys away, think of this: It's a security alarm system that you probably already have and requires no installation. Test it. It will go off from most everywhere inside your house and will keep honking until your battery runs down or until you reset it with the button on the key fob chain.
It works if you park in your driveway or garage If your car alarm goes off when someone is trying to break in your house, odds are the burglar or rapist won't stick around... after a few seconds all the neighbors will be looking out their windows to see who is out there and sure enough the criminal won't want that.
And remember to carry your keys while walking to your car in a parking lot. The alarm can work the same way there.....This is something that should really be shared with everyone. Maybe it could save a life or a sexual abuse crime.
P.S. I am sending this to everyone I know because I think it is fantastic. It would also be useful for any emergency, such as a heart attack, where you can't reach a phone.A wife suggested to her husband to carry his car keys with him in case he falls outside and she doesn't hear him. He can activate the car alarm and then she'll know there's a problem.
Favorite Video from the "Walk for Life"
This is my favorite video (so far!) from the "Walk for Life" It shows Saints Peter and Paul, plus I love the music! It's Jeff from "Simple Servants."
Posted by Gibbons
Posted by Gibbons
A Jesuit Speaks on Abortion
Excellent article in the Washington Post, by Fr. Willam Blazek, SJ.
I particularly liked this:
"Final point, we kill the Church when, in ignorance, we hold it up to ridicule. Last Spring, I asked several medical students in a seminar whether they rejected Catholic teachings regarding reproduction and artificial contraception. Several raised their hands. I prompted them to articulate the position and to give their critique of it. Conversation languished for some while. None in that group of graduating physicians had an answer, yet these well-educated role models were willing to publicly disagree with an argument they could not explain."
H/t Karen Hall, via Curt Jester
I particularly liked this:
"Final point, we kill the Church when, in ignorance, we hold it up to ridicule. Last Spring, I asked several medical students in a seminar whether they rejected Catholic teachings regarding reproduction and artificial contraception. Several raised their hands. I prompted them to articulate the position and to give their critique of it. Conversation languished for some while. None in that group of graduating physicians had an answer, yet these well-educated role models were willing to publicly disagree with an argument they could not explain."
H/t Karen Hall, via Curt Jester
"Cinema Vita"-- the "Pro-Life Film Festival"
We're all still glowing from the wonderful experience we had last Saturday at the "Walk For Life West Coast." But there is another pro-life effort that needs your support: the "Cinema Vita Film Festival."The Office of Public Policy & Social Concerns for the Archdiocese of San Francisco and Ignatius Press are colloborating on this project, which will be held in San Francisco on March 7, 2008. The success of Bella, Juno, and other movies with a life-affirming message shows that the public has a great hunger for such art. But a Film Festival needs films! Few of us are filmmakers, of course, but we can help get the word out to those who are. For full information about the festival, go to the Cinema Vita Page. Ignatius Insight also has an insightful (!) rundown on the festival.
Here's some info about submissions:
Filmmakers who participate in the festival are encouraged to think of new and different ways to approach the meaning and sacredness of life. Focusing on unplanned pregnancies is just one of many possible approaches; the inherent dignity given by God to every person shines forth, for example, in the infant with cerebral palsy, down-syndrome or autistic child, the medical student, the underdog athlete, the terminally ill spouse, the frail parent, the person limited to a wheel-chair person, and the inmate on death row.
Submissions to the festival are to be 3-to-5 minute original films. They can be entered in one of three divisions: high school, college and an open category. Films will be judged based on the overall impact of their message, the storyline/plot, technical quality, and appeal to a broad audience. Prizes for each category include $250 plus valuable in-kind prizes chosen to encourage emerging filmmakers. For submission guidelines, prizes, and other information on sponsorships, timetable and prizes, please visit www.cinemavita.org or call 415-387-2324.
Posted by Gibbons
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Walk for Life: Thank the SFPD
Photo courtesy of American Phoenix.
One reason the "Walk for Life West Coast" is always such a success is the presence of our good San Francisco Police Department. I think it's fair to say that without them, the "pro-choice" demonstrators would prevent the "Walk" from proceeding.
Let's make sure we don't forget to thank them!
Here is a sample letter you can download and send to Police Chief Heather Fong.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Civility?
A group of 96 influential Catholics issued a petition January 21 that explicitly criticizes a statement by 96 other prominent Catholics and released in November 2007 that called for greater "civility" among Catholics in political discourse.
It appears the main purpose of the first statement was to silence pro-life positions.
Among the many orthodox statements made is that of William Saunders of the Family Research Council, who said, "I signed this statement because, as the Church teaches, abortion is the most important issue in the world; it is not an issue like others, it is not one on which reasonable people can disagree. We cannot let calls for civility toward pro-abortion Catholic politicians obscure our fundamental obligation to oppose abortion."
Where does that leave our Democratic Party? I would say: "Out of the Church." And I would prayerfully add: "Off the politicial scene."
It appears the main purpose of the first statement was to silence pro-life positions.
Among the many orthodox statements made is that of William Saunders of the Family Research Council, who said, "I signed this statement because, as the Church teaches, abortion is the most important issue in the world; it is not an issue like others, it is not one on which reasonable people can disagree. We cannot let calls for civility toward pro-abortion Catholic politicians obscure our fundamental obligation to oppose abortion."
Where does that leave our Democratic Party? I would say: "Out of the Church." And I would prayerfully add: "Off the politicial scene."
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Benedict Speaks to the Jesuits
The Jesuits have just elected a successor to Fr.Peter-Hans Kolvenbach as Superior General of their society: Adolfo Nicolas.
Prior to the election the Holy Father had written to the Jesuits, gathered in convocation in Rome:
"I heartily hope," said the Holy Father, "that the present Congregation affirms with clarity the authentic charism of the founder so as to encourage all Jesuits to promote true and healthy Catholic doctrine.
"It could prove extremely useful that the General Congregation reaffirm, in the spirit of St. Ignatius, its own total adhesion to Catholic doctrine, in particular on those neuralgic points which today are strongly attacked by secular culture, as for example the relationship between Christ and religions; some aspects of the theology of liberation; and various points of sexual morality, especially as regards the indissolubility of marriage and the pastoral care of homosexual persons."
The General Curia of the Jesuits responded to the papal letter in a press statement stating that the General Congregation intends "to respond with sincerity to the invitations and petitions of the Holy Father." "The General Congregation will dedicate to these all due attention during its work session," continued the note, "a considerable part of which will be dedicated precisely to the topics of identity and mission of the Jesuits and of religious and apostolic obedience, in particular of obedience to the Pope."
Our earnest prayer for the Jesuits is that their charism of fidelity to the Pope be reaffirmed. Only in that way will the Jesuits stop the rapidly diminishing number of members of the world’s largest order of religious men
Prior to the election the Holy Father had written to the Jesuits, gathered in convocation in Rome:
"I heartily hope," said the Holy Father, "that the present Congregation affirms with clarity the authentic charism of the founder so as to encourage all Jesuits to promote true and healthy Catholic doctrine.
"It could prove extremely useful that the General Congregation reaffirm, in the spirit of St. Ignatius, its own total adhesion to Catholic doctrine, in particular on those neuralgic points which today are strongly attacked by secular culture, as for example the relationship between Christ and religions; some aspects of the theology of liberation; and various points of sexual morality, especially as regards the indissolubility of marriage and the pastoral care of homosexual persons."
The General Curia of the Jesuits responded to the papal letter in a press statement stating that the General Congregation intends "to respond with sincerity to the invitations and petitions of the Holy Father." "The General Congregation will dedicate to these all due attention during its work session," continued the note, "a considerable part of which will be dedicated precisely to the topics of identity and mission of the Jesuits and of religious and apostolic obedience, in particular of obedience to the Pope."
Our earnest prayer for the Jesuits is that their charism of fidelity to the Pope be reaffirmed. Only in that way will the Jesuits stop the rapidly diminishing number of members of the world’s largest order of religious men
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Walk for Life West Coast 2008 (updated)
How about that? Even bigger than last year!
At least 25,000 and maybe 30,000 peaceful witnesses to life! (Above: SF Chronicle Photo).
Lots of photos:
SFist, who does not like us, says "How many people came to the Walk for Life? Tens of thousands, a huge crowd this year."
Our local ABC affiliate has the story here.
Gerald over at "The Cafeteria is Closed" has some fine photo work of the "Walk."
And Matteo over at "Cartago Delenda Est"
And Pipeline News has a very nice photo essay.
Here's a great photo over at "Blog by the Sea"
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