Speaking of movies "There be Dragons," a movie about the life of St. Josemaria Escriva, the founder of Opus Dei, will open next week. Here's the trailer:
Friday, April 29, 2011
"No Greater Love"
Ignatius Press is releasing a new movie on DVD about the lives of Carmelite Sisters in England "defiantly at odds" with contemporary society."
Lots of prayer, then a Nun with a chain saw...what's not to like!
Lots of prayer, then a Nun with a chain saw...what's not to like!
Governor Daniels Signs Bill Defunding Planned Parenthood
or, as Mark Shea calls them, "Murder Inc."
From the AP:
"INDIANAPOLIS – Republican Gov. Mitch Daniels said Friday he will sign restrictive abortion legislation and make Indiana the first state to cut off all government funding for Planned Parenthood, a move likely to boost his credentials among social conservatives as he considers whether to run for president."
From the AP:
"INDIANAPOLIS – Republican Gov. Mitch Daniels said Friday he will sign restrictive abortion legislation and make Indiana the first state to cut off all government funding for Planned Parenthood, a move likely to boost his credentials among social conservatives as he considers whether to run for president."
Thursday, April 28, 2011
"Contributions of the LGBT Movement to American Society"
Our friends over at California Catholic Daily ran an article this Monday on San Francisco's annual "Hunky Jesus" contest, which is held by the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence each Easter Sunday. Being a text-oriented Catholic publication, they cannot do an accurate story on the event, any more than the San Francisco Chronicle, a "family newspaper" can do an accurate story on the Folsom Street Fair.
But, Zombie, the San Francisco photojournalist, can--and "A Shepherd's Voice" will show you the (censored) reality of the event. The picture is from him. You can check out his story here--warning: very obscene.
But, Zombie, the San Francisco photojournalist, can--and "A Shepherd's Voice" will show you the (censored) reality of the event. The picture is from him. You can check out his story here--warning: very obscene.
He adds this twist: he titles his story "Christians mock gays at shocking Easter service" and writes "If the story as I originally titled it was true ('Christians mock gays at shocking Easter service'), it would indeed have been national news." He also shows that some San Francisco parents actually thought bringing their children to the event was a good idea.
The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence were a fixture for many year's at San Francisco's Most Holy Redeemer Church, and would still be today were it not for the efforts of people like us. This is a good time to review the video of their visit in 2007:
Posted by Gibbons J. Cooney
Finally....Cardinal George Suspends Fr. Pfleger
The young people over at CatholicVote.org are on the case. Matt Bowman writes:
"The Archdiocese of Chicago has suspended the pastorship and priestly faculties of Fr. Michael Pfleger, the (in)famous left-wing priest in Chicago.
The dispute stemmed from discussions about a move away from pastorship, a move that Cardinal George said Fr. Pfleger wanted, but the details of which had not been finally resolved yet.
According to a letter released by Cardinal George, Fr. Pfleger took these private discussions onto national radio and television broadcasts to accuse the diocese of succumbing to right-wing pressure to take him out of the parish.
But what broke the camel’s back were comments by Pfleger during those interviews, in which he declared that the dispute could lead him to actually leave the Church.
Cardinal George correctly observed: 'If that is truly your attitude, you have already left the Catholic Church and are therefore not able to pastor a Catholic parish.'
Cardinal George has shown a superhuman patience towards Fr. Pfleger--perhaps more than was prudent. Matt writes:
"Even patience has its limits: as Cardinal George pointed out, to fend off Fr. Pfleger’s likely claim of victim status: 'This conflict is not between you and me; it’s between you and the Church that ordained you as a priest, between the faith that introduced you to Christ and gives you to the right to preach and pastor in his name. . . . You are not a victim of anyone or anything other than your own statements.'”
"The Archdiocese of Chicago has suspended the pastorship and priestly faculties of Fr. Michael Pfleger, the (in)famous left-wing priest in Chicago.
The dispute stemmed from discussions about a move away from pastorship, a move that Cardinal George said Fr. Pfleger wanted, but the details of which had not been finally resolved yet.
According to a letter released by Cardinal George, Fr. Pfleger took these private discussions onto national radio and television broadcasts to accuse the diocese of succumbing to right-wing pressure to take him out of the parish.
But what broke the camel’s back were comments by Pfleger during those interviews, in which he declared that the dispute could lead him to actually leave the Church.
Cardinal George correctly observed: 'If that is truly your attitude, you have already left the Catholic Church and are therefore not able to pastor a Catholic parish.'
Cardinal George has shown a superhuman patience towards Fr. Pfleger--perhaps more than was prudent. Matt writes:
"Even patience has its limits: as Cardinal George pointed out, to fend off Fr. Pfleger’s likely claim of victim status: 'This conflict is not between you and me; it’s between you and the Church that ordained you as a priest, between the faith that introduced you to Christ and gives you to the right to preach and pastor in his name. . . . You are not a victim of anyone or anything other than your own statements.'”
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Andy McCarthy Spanks King & Spaulding
They've asked for it, and they're getting it.
Mr. McCarthy points out what everybody knows: the Defense of Marriage Amendment is anything but unpopular.
"The high dudgeon about lawyers heroically taking on unpopular causes is malarkey. DOMA is unpopular only on the left — but that is enough to ensure that the lawyer Left won’t touch it.
Then he points out that King & Spaulding has no problem in embracing genuinely unpopular causes, anyway:
"But terrorists, murderers, illegal aliens, animal-rights activists, and global-warming alarmists? Count them in."
Then he echoes William Duncan of the National Organization for Marriage on counterfeit "marriage" advocates' willingness to overthrow society, if need be, in the pursuit of some chimerical "equality":
"Social justice is not about ensuring a fair process. It’s about achieving outcomes of which the Left approves, by any means necessary. You can tell what they’re for by what they volunteer to do and what they’re against by what they won’t go near."
Mr. McCarthy points out what everybody knows: the Defense of Marriage Amendment is anything but unpopular.
"The high dudgeon about lawyers heroically taking on unpopular causes is malarkey. DOMA is unpopular only on the left — but that is enough to ensure that the lawyer Left won’t touch it.
Then he points out that King & Spaulding has no problem in embracing genuinely unpopular causes, anyway:
"But terrorists, murderers, illegal aliens, animal-rights activists, and global-warming alarmists? Count them in."
Then he echoes William Duncan of the National Organization for Marriage on counterfeit "marriage" advocates' willingness to overthrow society, if need be, in the pursuit of some chimerical "equality":
"Social justice is not about ensuring a fair process. It’s about achieving outcomes of which the Left approves, by any means necessary. You can tell what they’re for by what they volunteer to do and what they’re against by what they won’t go near."
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
9 out of 10 Lawyers Agree...King & Spaulding Blew It
A remarkable across-the-board consensus seems to be developing among lawyers that King and Spaulding acted improperly in agreeing to defend DOMA, and then backing out when pressured by counterfeit "marriage" advocates. This response should also serve as a warning to those advocates to civilize themselves.
Those supporting Paul Clement and condemning (either implicitly or explicitly) King & Spaulding now include Attorney General Eric Holder, former Attorney General Mike Mukasey, Benjamin Wittes, Clinton Administration Solicitor General Seth Waxman (whose firm is arguing the other side of the DOMA Case), Professor William Jacobsen, the guys over at the Volokh Conspiracy, and NYU Law Professor Stephen Gillers. That is just a sample.
All in all, King and Spaulding's cowardly action is provoking an admirable professional response among America's lawyers. Heaven knows we disagree with most of these lawyers--still, it is good to see, and a proud moment for the legal profession.
Those supporting Paul Clement and condemning (either implicitly or explicitly) King & Spaulding now include Attorney General Eric Holder, former Attorney General Mike Mukasey, Benjamin Wittes, Clinton Administration Solicitor General Seth Waxman (whose firm is arguing the other side of the DOMA Case), Professor William Jacobsen, the guys over at the Volokh Conspiracy, and NYU Law Professor Stephen Gillers. That is just a sample.
All in all, King and Spaulding's cowardly action is provoking an admirable professional response among America's lawyers. Heaven knows we disagree with most of these lawyers--still, it is good to see, and a proud moment for the legal profession.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Counterfeit Marriage Updates
Our friend Bill May writes today on the cowardly action of the law firm of King & Spalding and the dignified action of attorney Paul Clement, who is defending the Defense of Marriage Act.
"On April 17, Speaker of the House John Boehner announced that former U.S. Solicitor General Paul Clement was hired to defend the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Within the week, Clement had been forced to resign from his law firm. This is just the latest example of the heavy-handed tactics of gay rights' groups in their effort to redefine marriage and stifle any dissent."
You'd think they would have learned something from Gavin "Whether ya like it or not!" Newsom, but apparently not. They're quickly reaching the status of "nobody likes them, not even their friends": see here, here, here, and here.
On February 23 I noted how little understanding of the common good is shown by same-sex activists:
"It is instructive to reflect on how the supporters of counterfeit "marriage" show time and again they have no concern for the right to self government nor for the common good of society.
William C. Duncan, noted this today, writing in The Corner:
"There is something about the marriage issue that provokes an “any means necessary” approach from its proponents (among whom I believe we can count the president, notwithstanding campaign rhetoric to the contrary)."
That's been the case right from the start, when Mayor Gavin Newsom unilaterally and in violation of the law decided to start issuing counterfeit "marriage" licenses.
It continued when opponents of Prop8 filed suit to have the measure removed from the ballot. Prop 8 went to the voters anyway.
It continued when then-Attorney General Jerry Brown changed the title of Proposition 8, in order to weaken support for it. Prop 8 won big despite the change.
It continued when Attorney General Brown refused to do his duty and defend Prop 8, passed by a significant majority of Californians.
It continued in Massachusetts when the state legislature refused to allow the people of the state to vote on a constitutional amendment defending marriage, despite the record number (170+000) of signatures.
This is self-interest denying the common good, and the right of the people to self-government."
Prediction: Paul Clement will win the DOMA case.
Meanwhile the attorneys defending Proposition 8 have taken the advice of Ed Whelan and have filed a motion asking that Judge Walker's ruling be vacated because he was in a long-term same-sex relationship while he was hearing the case.
"On April 17, Speaker of the House John Boehner announced that former U.S. Solicitor General Paul Clement was hired to defend the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Within the week, Clement had been forced to resign from his law firm. This is just the latest example of the heavy-handed tactics of gay rights' groups in their effort to redefine marriage and stifle any dissent."
You'd think they would have learned something from Gavin "Whether ya like it or not!" Newsom, but apparently not. They're quickly reaching the status of "nobody likes them, not even their friends": see here, here, here, and here.
On February 23 I noted how little understanding of the common good is shown by same-sex activists:
"It is instructive to reflect on how the supporters of counterfeit "marriage" show time and again they have no concern for the right to self government nor for the common good of society.
William C. Duncan, noted this today, writing in The Corner:
"There is something about the marriage issue that provokes an “any means necessary” approach from its proponents (among whom I believe we can count the president, notwithstanding campaign rhetoric to the contrary)."
That's been the case right from the start, when Mayor Gavin Newsom unilaterally and in violation of the law decided to start issuing counterfeit "marriage" licenses.
It continued when opponents of Prop8 filed suit to have the measure removed from the ballot. Prop 8 went to the voters anyway.
It continued when then-Attorney General Jerry Brown changed the title of Proposition 8, in order to weaken support for it. Prop 8 won big despite the change.
It continued when Attorney General Brown refused to do his duty and defend Prop 8, passed by a significant majority of Californians.
It continued in Massachusetts when the state legislature refused to allow the people of the state to vote on a constitutional amendment defending marriage, despite the record number (170+000) of signatures.
This is self-interest denying the common good, and the right of the people to self-government."
Prediction: Paul Clement will win the DOMA case.
Meanwhile the attorneys defending Proposition 8 have taken the advice of Ed Whelan and have filed a motion asking that Judge Walker's ruling be vacated because he was in a long-term same-sex relationship while he was hearing the case.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Saturday, April 23, 2011
First Question
Here is a Vatican translation of the transcript from Benedict XVI's appearance on a television program titled "A Sua Immagine" [In His Image] of the Italian channel RAI. The Pontiff answered seven questions from individuals, including a Muslim woman from the Ivory Coast and Christians from Italy seeking deeper understanding of Christ's resurrection and Mary's role in our lives.
The first question comes from a seven-year-old Japanese child who says: "My name is Elena. I am Japanese and I am seven years old. I am very frightened because the house where I felt safe really shook a lot and many children my age have died. I cannot go to play at the park. I want to know: why do I have to be so afraid? Why do children have to be so sad? I'm asking the Pope, who speaks with God, to explain it to me".
A. Dear Elena, I send you my heartfelt greetings. I also have the same questions: why is it this way? Why do you have to suffer so much while others live in ease? And we do not have the answers but we know that Jesus suffered as you do, an innocent, and that the true God who is revealed in Jesus is by your side. This seems very important to me, even if we do not have answers, even if we are still sad; God is by your side and you can be certain that this will help you. One day we will even understand why it was so.
At this moment it seems important to me that you know "God loves me" even if it seems like He doesn't know me. No, He loves me, He is by my side, and you can be sure that in the world, in the universe, there are many who are with you, thinking of you, doing what they can for you, to help you. And be aware that, one day, I will understand that this suffering was not empty, it wasn't in vain, but behind it was a good plan, a plan of love. It is not chance. Be assured, we are with you, with all the Japanese children who are suffering. We want to help you with our prayers, with our actions, and you can be sure that God will help you. In this sense we pray together so that light may come to you as soon as possible.
VATICAN CITY, APRIL 22, 2011 (Zenit.org).
The first question comes from a seven-year-old Japanese child who says: "My name is Elena. I am Japanese and I am seven years old. I am very frightened because the house where I felt safe really shook a lot and many children my age have died. I cannot go to play at the park. I want to know: why do I have to be so afraid? Why do children have to be so sad? I'm asking the Pope, who speaks with God, to explain it to me".
A. Dear Elena, I send you my heartfelt greetings. I also have the same questions: why is it this way? Why do you have to suffer so much while others live in ease? And we do not have the answers but we know that Jesus suffered as you do, an innocent, and that the true God who is revealed in Jesus is by your side. This seems very important to me, even if we do not have answers, even if we are still sad; God is by your side and you can be certain that this will help you. One day we will even understand why it was so.
At this moment it seems important to me that you know "God loves me" even if it seems like He doesn't know me. No, He loves me, He is by my side, and you can be sure that in the world, in the universe, there are many who are with you, thinking of you, doing what they can for you, to help you. And be aware that, one day, I will understand that this suffering was not empty, it wasn't in vain, but behind it was a good plan, a plan of love. It is not chance. Be assured, we are with you, with all the Japanese children who are suffering. We want to help you with our prayers, with our actions, and you can be sure that God will help you. In this sense we pray together so that light may come to you as soon as possible.
VATICAN CITY, APRIL 22, 2011 (Zenit.org).
Friday, April 22, 2011
Thursday, April 21, 2011
On the Need for Liturgical Referees
The great Jeff Miller is on the case.
"Have you ever been a Sunday morning quarterback during Mass where you critique and liturgical abuses or experimental oddities that you have observed. You just wish at times that somebody would step in and do something about what your are observing.Well we have some good news for you! Francis Cardinal Arinze the Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments has introduced a new program that will surely have an effect."
Check it out.
"Have you ever been a Sunday morning quarterback during Mass where you critique and liturgical abuses or experimental oddities that you have observed. You just wish at times that somebody would step in and do something about what your are observing.Well we have some good news for you! Francis Cardinal Arinze the Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments has introduced a new program that will surely have an effect."
Check it out.
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