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A Father and a Priest: Pope Francis Energizes World Youth Day
July 2013 brought advice for an angry priest from Venerable Fulton Sheen, and brought Pope Francis to cast Lumen Fidei upon World Youth Day and Millennial Catholics. If you follow weather reports from the Northeastern U.S., then you know that New England has spent much of July in the grip of a heat wave. The three H’s – hazy, hot, and humid – pose a big challenge in prison where “climate control” is an 8-inch fan pushing hot air around a stifling concrete prison cell. As I wrote recently, plugging in my typewriter means unplugging that little fan. On the day I begin typing this post, the heat index in Concord, NH is 106 F, and likely ten degrees hotter “inside.” On such days, these stone walls quickly close in on us, and claustrophobia adds to the obstacles I wrote of months ago in “When the Caged Bird Just Can’t Sing: The Limits of Prison Writing.” I received a lot of snail mail from TSW readers in June and July. I’ve tried to use pen and paper to respond to some, but for the most part the letters piled up to await cooler days. I’m sorry for that. I read every letter – most more than once – and, though it’s likely no consolation, I’m using one of the sturdier ones right now as “fan mail” – literally! Knowing that as a prisoner I have no on-line access, several TSW readers have enclosed in their snail mail some of the interesting things they come across in the Catholic on-line world. I want to write about three such items, all received on the same July day posing for me a challenge about faith, fidelity, and fatherhood. The first was a July 8, 2013 article from the National Catholic Reporter entitled “I am an angry priest,” by Gerald Kleba, a priest serving the Archdiocese of St. Louis, Missouri. Father Kleba began with an anecdote about arriving to anoint a dying parishioner surrounded by her adult children whom Father Kleba had known since their teens:
Before I even got to the source and substance of Father Kleba’s anger, I found this part of his story to be terribly sad. I have often quoted a brief but brilliant article by my friend, the late Father Richard John Neuhaus entitled “Clerical Scandal and the Scandal of Clericalism.” In clear and compelling prose, Father Neuhaus laid out the harm that has been done to the Church and the faithful – both laity and priests – as a result of clericalism, especially in its priorities for preserving both a sense of entitlement and image. The clericalist agenda for “keeping up appearances” was, for Father Neuhaus, a causative factor in the sexual abuse scandal that arose out of the cultural and sexual revolution of the 1960s and 1970s. The fact that the full impact of The Scandal was not really seen and felt until 2002 was evidence of the will of clericalism to preserve image at all cost. That cost was very great, and paying it is the source of why Gerry Kleba is an angry priest as he put forth in NCR. The sad part for me was that shedding clericalism does not mean shedding a priestly identity. It does not mean discarding clerical garb, and it certainly does not mean declining to be known and seen as “Father.” The very last thing our Church and culture need is another Father who doesn’t want to be one. Shedding the title, “Father” does nothing to ward off clericalism, and in fact adds to it an equally destructive scandal. The diminishment of fatherhood is a catastrophe in Western Culture with far-reaching and costly effects that I wrote of in a Father’s Day post entitled, “In the Absence of Fathers: A Story of Elephants and Men.” I live in a world in which the absence of fathers has had devastating consequences that have destroyed many more young lives than any sex abuse scandal. Our Church and our culture are in denial about this. The vastly growing numbers of young men in prison – many of whom have never met their fathers – would interpret an effort by me to cast off “Father” as a massive disappointment at best, and, at worst, a cruel joke. Titles are not used in prison, but many young prisoners call me Father every chance they get. When I asked one why, he shrugged and said, “I just wanted to hear myself say it to someone.” They know the story that sent me to prison. They don’t believe it. They say there is no one else here they can trust. Read “In the Year of the Priest, the Tale of a Prisoner,” and then remind me again why we priests should cast off “Father.”
This is not a criticism of Father Kleba, but I could not help but wonder what he might have expected from the readers of the National Catholic Reporter. The comments posted on the article, many of which were sent to me, were for the most part vile and hostile. Those who did not attack Father Kleba himself attacked the very substance of what Father Kleba embraced at ordination. Similar comments at NCR and other “leftist” venues seem to call for the radical feminization of Catholic Christianity in a tone that does not imply a wish to broaden a feminine presence and perspective in the Church and priesthood, but rather to eradicate all semblance and evidence of a masculine one. For them “Father” is twisted into power, abuse, and entitlement, and not community, love, and personal sacrifice. FROM THE VENERABLE FULTON SHEEN I paused for a half hour right here because Bishop Fulton Sheen just appeared on my little television screen, right on cue. In “Vatican II Turns Fifty: Catholic in an Age of Discontent” awhile back, I described the climate in which Bishop Sheen became a television star in the 1950s. I was just a small child then, but Father Gerry K1eba should remember him and that era quite well. As I watched and listened to Bishop Sheen just moments ago, I was struck by the power of his voice and screen presence. In a half hour, he laid bare the evil of Communism and its atheist state, the Soviet Union. As an orator, Stalin didn’t stand a chance against Fulton Sheen. I was also struck by the difference in his TV venue – then and now. Today, you would see Bishop Sheen nowhere but EWTN, a Catholic network that must battle for space on the airwaves of secular broadcasting. In the 1950s, however, there was no “Catholic TV.” Bishop Fulton Sheen won the Emmy Award for “Most Outstanding Television Personality” on secular network television. Nothing evenly remotely similar could happen today, and I just can’t call that progress. Just a day before the National Catholic Reporter published Gerry Kleba’s “I am an angry priest,” Msgr. Charles Pope published “Are We Down with the People or Up with the Cross?” on his Archdiocese of Washington blog. He began with some advice for priests by Venerable Fulton Sheen:
I could not possibly add anything to that except perhaps a realization that I should be reading a great deal more of Bishop Fulton Sheen. In those few lines, he diagnosed clericalism and chartered a path out of it. Had priests listened to him then, the scandal that makes Father Kleba so angry could not have happened. I, for one, am listening now, and from these words of wisdom I must fill in something absent from my seminary training of the “me-first” 1970s: the power and necessity of fatherly sacrifice. Two weeks ago, Catholic writer Ryan MacDonald published an article entitled “In Fr Gordon MacRae Case: Whack-a-Mole Justice Holds Court.” He raised a point I had not considered very well. My appeal effort – now beginning its next inevitable step, as Ryan revealed – is not just up against the case against me, but up against the entire cultural assault on both fatherhood and the priesthood. I am an angry priest, too! I am angry that many other priests are angry about all the wrong things. I am angry about being scapegoated among too many U.S. priests; Most of all, I am angry about “Our Catholic Tabloid Frenzy About Fallen Priests,” the title of a recent TSW post that I had hoped other priests might read and disseminate with courage. A few did. Most didn’t. One TSW reader sent a link to it to all 12 board members of the Association of U.S. Catholic Priests. Not one responded. Not one. But all of this anger is just empty if we as priests do not empty ourselves, as Msgr. Charles Pope and Venerable Fulton Sheen suggest, and seek to be lifted up to the cross. I now know my true sin as a priest: that the greater loss in my painful injustice was not my freedom, but my name. I found too painful the fact that many spoke ill of me, that other priests abandoned me, that some in the Church want to silence me. If, as Bishop Fulton Sheen suggests, I can be lifted up to the Cross, then I can see what’s wrong with the preceding sentence. It just has too many occurrences of “me.” MILLENNIAL CATHOLICS EMBRACE LUMEN FIDEI Also on the same day Father Gerry Kleba published “I am an angry priest” in NCR, TSW reader, Kevin D. Sullivan posted the first of a two-part manifesto for Millennial Catholics and the future of faith. A student in the class of 2014 at Georgetown University, Kevin published “Francis, a Pope for all Catholics (especially Millennials)” at the Washington Post “On Faith” blog on July 8. Part two entitled, “Millennials are faithful, but not always religious,” was posted at the Washington Post on July 15. The “Scandal of Clericalism” Father Richard John Neuhaus wrote about came into being in the Church because many Catholics – both priests and laity alike – came to see the proper role of laity in the Church as to be the recipients of faith and grace rather than participants in it. Kevin Sullivan presented us with the perfect solution to clericalism – the example of Pope Francis:
In the second part of his article on the faith of Millennials, Kevin Sullivan wrote of a sea-change among his peers at Georgetown in just the last two years. He wrote of how perhaps ten students attended a 10 PM Sunday Mass on campus two years ago, and now there is standing room only. Kevin interprets this as I do: “the missing piece to my generation’s unique struggle with faith was community.” Throughout last week, Pope Francis brought the light of faith to over two million young people from around the world who converged upon Rio de Janiero, Brazil for World Youth Day 2013. It was a massive celebration of community led by a man the world calls “Father.” This 76-year old Pontiff, who so many in the secular media questioned at election because of his age, absolutely energized over two million young people at World Youth Day, and called upon the world to be lifted up to the Cross. That is our community, our destiny, our freedom. The thunderous cheers heard round the world echoed what Kevin Sullivan wrote in the Washington Post:
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LifeNews.com Pro-Life News Report
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
For pro-life news updated throughout the day, visit LifeNews.com. |
Current Headlines
Top Stories
• Texas Planned Parenthoods Fraud Was $4.3 Million, Three Times More Than Announced
• Governor Shuts Down Pro-Abortion Protests With Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Congresswomans Miracle Baby May be the First to Survive Potters Syndrome
• Woman Didnt Get Proper Anesthesia Before Abortion, Heard Girl Born Alive Cry
More Pro-Life News
• MSNBC Host Thomas Roberts Calls Abortion Clinics Choice Providers
• Planned Parenthood Abortion Biz Closes Clinic in Schenectady New York
• She Didnt Do It! Prayers Save Baby From Abortion at the Last Minute
• The Abortion Agenda: Increase Abortions by Increasing Number of Abortionists
• Studies Show Higher Risk of Suicide for Women Following an Abortion
• Mennonite Company Fights HHS Mandate: We Wont be Forced to Comply
• She Wanted to be a Big-Time Reporter and Politician, Then She Became Pro-Life
• Judge Blocks Law That Could Have Made North Dakota Abortion Free
• Abortion Activists Overstate Savings From Family Planning Programs
• Abortion Access in America: How the Abortion Industry Demands Special Treatment
• Pro-Life Television Show Facing Life Head-On Wins Third Regional Emmy Awardrtion
• New Yorker Magazines In-Kind Contribution to Planned ParenthoodHer
• British Appeals Court Upholds Law Against Euthanasia
• Human Cloning is Here Now, Its Time to be Worried
• Canadian Man Charged With Killing Man in Assisted Suicide

Texas Planned Parenthoods Fraud Was $4.3 Million, Three Times More Than Announced
Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott announced on July 24 that his office had obtained a $1.4 million settlement against Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast for Medicaid fraud, with the settlement to be split between the state of Texas, the federal government, and the whistleblower (former PPGC employee Karen Reynolds).
It turns out the AG was apparently only announcing his states cut. The total settlement is actually $4.3 million almost $3 million more than previously known. http://www.lifenews.com/2013/07/31/texas-planned-parenthoods-fraud-was-4-3-million-three-times-more-than-announced/
Governor Shuts Down Pro-Abortion Protests With Chocolate Chip Cookies
A gathering of North Carolina pro-abortion activists are upset with North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory. They have been protesting outside the governors mansion in response to his signing a pro-life bill that could close down shoddy abortion clinics.
McCrory hasnt been willing to meet with the rabid abortion activists, but he did stop by Tuesday afternoon with a plate of chocolate chip cookies. The gesture was so nice that the abortion activists were befuddled, made up a silly chant, and went home early. http://www.lifenews.com/2013/07/31/governor-shuts-down-pro-abortion-protests-with-chocolate-chip-cookies/

Congresswomans Miracle Baby May be the First to Survive Potters Syndrome
Abigail Rose Beutlers birth has been met with significantly less fanfare than that of the royal baby, Prince George Alexander Louis Mountbatten-Windsor, but it was every bit as miraculous: Despite being given a prenatal diagnosis generally considered a death sentence, Abigail was born weighing two pounds, 12 ounces at 28 weeks gestation and has survived two weeks.
Abigail, the daughter of Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA), was diagnosed with Potters Syndrome in utero. http://www.lifenews.com/2013/07/31/congresswomans-miracle-baby-may-be-the-first-to-survive-potters-syndrom/
Woman Didnt Get Proper Anesthesia Before Abortion, Heard Girl Born Alive Cry
A woman named Julia Gallardo has posted video from 2011 with a shocking claim that her friend had a late-term abortion, but was not properly anesthetized during the procedure and heard her baby girl, who had been born alive, cry.
She also tearfully states that her friends family later found out that the baby girl had survived and was placed for adoption. http://www.lifenews.com/2013/07/31/woman-didnt-get-proper-anesthesia-before-abortion-heard-girl-born-alive-cry/
MSNBC Host Thomas Roberts Calls Abortion Clinics Choice Providers
For years, MSNBC has made it clear where it stands on the issue of abortion in America: on the side of promoting abortion rights advocates against any restriction or regulation on the taking of unborn life. Unsurprisingly, one of MSNBCs most fervent abortion activists is Thomas Roberts, who apart from using his daily MSNBC show to promote gay marriage, has taken it upon himself to rail against any abortion safety laws as limiting choice.
But on his July 30 program, Roberts took things a step further with Orwellian language designed to avoid the A-word. http://www.lifenews.com/2013/07/31/msnbc-host-thomas-roberts-calls-abortion-clinics-choice-providers/
Planned Parenthood Abortion Biz Closes Clinic in Schenectady New York
The Planned Parenthood abortion business is closing yet another center this time in Schenectady, New York.
A press release from Planned Parenthood Mohawk Hudson (PPMH) says: After careful evaluation, we have decided to close our Ticonderoga health center, located at 171 Lake George Avenue, on August 27. http://www.lifenews.com/2013/07/31/planned-parenthood-abortion-biz-closes-clinic-in-schenectady-new-york/

She Didnt Do It! Prayers Save Baby From Abortion at the Last Minute
I will set him in the safety for which he longs. The verse from Psalm 12:5 floated through my mind as hot tears rushed down my cheeks. Set him in the safety? I assumed it was God telling me the baby my friends and I were earnestly praying for was aborted and now safe in heaven. I had every reason to believe that must be the case.
Minutes prior a lady inside the abortion clinic texted me, saying her friend had left the waiting room to go behind the door. http://www.lifenews.com/2013/07/31/she-didnt-do-it-prayers-save-baby-from-abortion-at-the-last-minute/
The Abortion Agenda: Increase Abortions by Increasing Number of Abortionists
The headline to Steph Herolds post at the pro-abortion site RHrealitycheck.org is, What Contributes to a Positive Abortion Experience? http://www.lifenews.com/2013/07/31/the-abortion-agenda-increase-abortions-by-increasing-number-of-abortionists/
Studies Show Higher Risk of Suicide for Women Following an Abortion
One of the main arguments given for legalizing abortion in Ireland is that troubled women would become suicidal if they were forced to carry their pregnancies to term. Ironically, this was originally how abortions were made available in many US states before Roe versus Wade. http://www.lifenews.com/2013/07/31/studies-show-higher-risk-of-suicide-for-women-following-an-abortion/
Mennonite Company Fights HHS Mandate: We Wont be Forced to Comply
A federal appeals court issued a ruling Friday forcing a Mennonite-owned company to comply with the HHS mandate, which compels companies to pay for birth control and drugs that may cause abortions. http://www.lifenews.com/2013/07/31/mennonite-company-fights-hhs-mandate-we-wont-be-forced-to-comply/
She Wanted to be a Big-Time Reporter and Politician, Then She Became Pro-Life
Todays blog post is courtesy of Feminists for Life and our very own legislative director, Maria Gallagher. This month, Feminists for Life is publishing a series of pro-life conversion stories submitted by strong, pro-life women such as Maria.. http://www.lifenews.com/2013/07/31/she-wanted-to-be-a-big-time-reporter-and-politician-then-she-became-pro-life/
Judge Blocks Law That Could Have Made North Dakota Abortion Free
The Red River Clinic, the sole public abortion business in North Dakota, reportedly performs an average of 1,200 abortions a yea. http://www.lifenews.com/2013/07/31/judge-blocks-law-that-could-have-made-north-dakota-abortion-free/
Looking for a Pro-Life Speaker for 2013? |
Looking for a pro-life speaker for your next banquet, conference or convention? LifeNews.com editor Steven Ertelt is a low-cost speaker who can entertain and educate your audience as well as help you with a fundraising pitch if necessary. He can also speak on any pro-life topic. For more information, email news@LifeNews.com. |
Abortion Activists Overstate Savings From Family Planning Programs
Abortion advocates and population planners eagerly promote the idea that preventing births saves money. http://www.lifenews.com/2013/07/31/abortion-activists-overstate-savings-from-family-planning-programs/
Abortion Access in America: How the Abortion Industry Demands Special Treatment
In a column Friday, the Guttmacher Institute writes lamenting of the great distances women have to travel to obtain an abortion, noting one-third of women have to travel more than 25 miles for this elective surgery. http://www.lifenews.com/2013/07/31/abortion-access-in-america-how-the-abortion-industry-demands-special-treatment/
Pro-Life Television Show Facing Life Head-On Wins Third Regional Emmy Award
The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences has awarded the pro-life television show, Facing Life Head-On a Regional Emmy® Award for its program entitled Teens Making Healthy Choices.http://www.lifenews.com/2013/07/31/pro-life-television-show-facing-life-head-on-wins-third-regional-emmy-award/
New Yorker Magazines In-Kind Contribution to Planned Parenthood
My thanks go out to the New Yorker which this morning emailed me Jeffrey Toobins Daughters of Texas. http://www.lifenews.com/2013/07/31/new-yorker-magazines-in-kind-contribution-to-planned-parenthood/
British Appeals Court Upholds Law Against Euthanasia
A UK Court of Appeals has refused to impose legalized euthanasia on the country . http://www.lifenews.com/2013/07/31/british-appeals-court-upholds-law-against-euthanasia/
Human Cloning is Here Now, Its Time to be Worried
One of my friends, who doesnt really follow the biotech scene, said to me one time, When you tell me to worry about it, I will worry about it. I replied, Worry. Now.. http://www.lifenews.com/2013/07/31/human-cloning-is-here-now-its-time-to-be-worried/
Canadian Man Charged With Killing Man in Assisted Suicide
Several days ago, a man was charged with the crime of assisted suicide in Hamilton Ontario. http://www.lifenews.com/2013/07/31/canadian-man-charged-with-killing-woman-in-assisted-suicide/
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- The Childless Twenty-Somethings
- Sadness, not bitterness, over gay ‘marriage’
- Massive sex-trafficking bust lauded by Congressman
- UK court rules against euthanasia
![]() The Childless Twenty-Somethings Posted: 31 Jul 2013 12:17 PM PDT New social circumstances in the West lead to more couples putting off families. What exactly are the repercussions of this social phenomena?
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![]() Sadness, not bitterness, over gay ‘marriage’ Posted: 31 Jul 2013 08:35 AM PDT In the midst of the celebration about same-sex ’marriage,’ some Minnesotans are quietly mourning.
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![]() Massive sex-trafficking bust lauded by Congressman Posted: 31 Jul 2013 04:03 AM PDT A major U.S. law enforcement operation, which saved over 100 minors from prostitution rings and arrested over 150, drew praise from a congressman known for toughening laws against sex trafficking.
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![]() UK court rules against euthanasia Posted: 31 Jul 2013 03:51 AM PDT A British appeals court upheld a law against euthanasia in rejecting appeals from two severely disabled men who argued that doctors should be allowed to legally kill them.
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Judie Brown
July 31, 2013
In our society, an entire group of people are dismissed and denied the most basic right – the right to life. And, day after day, laws are continually formed and twisted so that preborn babies are thought of as nothing and discarded as trash. A society cannot function when so many members are thrown away. A society cannot function when so many members are looked upon as burdens and as objects of disgust. Today’s commentary addresses this mentality and cautions us about its repercussions.
http://www.renewamerica.com/columns/brown/130731

Matt C. Abbott
July 31, 2013
Given our media age of tweets, texts and tidbits, it’s understandable.
What’s frustrating to observe is the spin that often follows in the media. It’s as if the Catholic faith has been reduced to whatever the pope’s latest off-the-cuff remark happens to be.
But let’s face it: That’s just the way it is. It’s not going to change anytime soon, whether it’s Pope Francis or some future pope (assuming there’s going to be a future pope, of course).
The media aren’t particularly interested in quoting the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which does provide the authentic magisterial teachings. Yet even if they did, I wonder how many Catholics – or non-Catholics, for that matter – would give a darn? Probably a distinct minority.
Thus, when the dust settles from this latest papal encounter with the press, virtually everything will remain the same in the short run.
Anti-Catholic bigots will remain bigoted.
Catholic-friendly non-Catholics will remain non-Catholic, with many saying something to the effect of, “That Pope Francis sure seems like a nice and humble guy!”
Heterodox Catholics will continue to be heterodox.
Sedevacantists will continue to reject Vatican II and the Novus Ordo Mass, asserting that all post-Vatican II popes have been apostates and freemasons-in-disguise.
And orthodox Catholics will continue to hope and pray for the best, even throwing in a clean but corny joke or two (well, that’s what I like to do, at least).
In the long run, it’s hard to say what the effect of Pope Francis’ pontificate will be. Perhaps he’ll prove to be a holy genius who leads the Church into a new time of glory.
Then again, maybe not.
Maybe things will stay more or less the same.
Maybe things will get worse [shudder]. God only knows.
In the meantime, I’m very intrigued, even a bit perplexed, by the following allocution of Pope St. Pius X – one of the greatest popes in the history of the Church, no doubt – delivered in 1912, documented in the book The Pope, the Council, and the Mass, by James Likoudis and Kenneth D. Whitehead:
Food for thought.

Matt C. Abbott is a Catholic columnist with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication, Media and Theatre from Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago, and an Associate in Applied Science degree in Business Management from Triton College in River Grove, Ill. He has worked in the right-to-life movement and is a published writer focused on Catholic and social issues. He can be reached at mattcabbott@gmail.com.
© Copyright 2013 by Matt C. Abbott

(c)Mary TV 2013
I am calling you…
J.M.J.
July 31, 2013
St. Ignatius of Loyola
Consecration Day 19
Dear Family of Mary!
Today is the last day of the first week, the week we have spent seeking self-knowledge. We are given very beautiful scriptures to meditate on today. These words of Jesus speak to us of our call. We are called to be like a child, to live the commandments, and further, to give up everything, including home and family for the sake of Jesus. Every human being is called. God made us free so that we could learn to know Him and be called by Him into a life of total love for Him! We are called. But we may not have ever heard that call. Or we may have run away from the call. Or we may have tried to follow only to fall behind. But each of us is called, and the Lord will not stop calling us, because He loves us totally.
Here are our scriptures:
Luke 18:15-30
Jesus and the Children
Now they were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them; and when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. But Jesus called them to him, saying, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.
The Rich Aristocrat
And a ruler asked him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother.'” And he said, “All these I have observed from my youth.” And when Jesus heard it, he said to him, “One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” But when he heard this he became sad, for he was very rich.
The Danger of Riches
Jesus looking at him said, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” Those who heard it said, “Then who can be saved?” But he said, “What is impossible with men is possible with God.”
The Reward of Renunciation
And Peter said, “Lo, we have left our homes and followed you.” And he said to them, “Truly, I say to you, there is no man who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who will not receive manifold more in this time, and in the age to come eternal life.”
Like St. Peter, we are responding to Jesus’ call in this consecration. We are asking Our Lady to take us into her Heart, and help us to answer the call of Jesus. St. Louis de Montfort tells us that this is the surest way to respond perfectly to God’s call. By putting our entire lives in Mary’s hands, we will most easily find ourselves living our call. We will be children of God, because we are her children!
Our Lady speaks to us of her call in these two messages:
In these two messages Our Lady expresses her call to us, her need for our response, her desire that we help her in these days. Like Peter, we are needed and called. Through this consecration, may we respond to that call with all our hearts, and through our “yes” help to bring the Triumph of the Immaculate Heart!
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Father all-powerful, have mercy on us.
Jesus, Eternal Son of the Father, Redeemer of the world, save us.
Spirit of the Father and the Son, boundless life of both, sanctify us.
Holy Trinity, hear us.
Holy Spirit, Who proceeds from the Father and the Son, enter our hearts.
Holy Spirit, Who art equal to the Father and the Son, enter our hearts.
Spirit of the adoption of the children of God
Holy Spirit, be Thou our everlasting reward.
grant us the Spirit of wisdom and piety.
R. And enkindle in them the fire of Thy love.
R. Amen.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
Holy Trinity, One God, have mercy on us.
Queen of peace, pray for us.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let Us Pray. Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord God, unto us Thy servants, that we may rejoice in continual health of mind and body, and by the glorious intercession of Blessed Mary, ever virgin, may be delivered from present sadness, and enter into the joy of Thine eternal gladness. Through Christ Our Lord.
R. Amen
Ave Maris Stella
gate of heav’nly rest.
changing Eve’s name.
for all blessings pray.
hear our prayers through thine.
meek and undefiled.
joy for evermore.
be the glory one. Amen.
In Jesus, Mary and Joseph!
Cathy Nolan
Mary TV
PS. We will be praying these prayers together during the Daily Rosary on our web page : www.marytv.tv You can join us live at 10:00 am EDT, every day. Or join us in the archives later in the day. We will do the consecration prayers in the very beginning of the Daily Rosary, in case you can’t stay for the whole hour.
Thanks again for joining us in this exciting prayer!
PPS. You can find all these prayers and meditations at the following website. It is beautifully laid out, and easy to follow! http://totalconsecration.ageofmary.com/preparation-01.html
“Medjugorje is the spiritual center of the world!”
Mark Mallett
—Spiritual Food For Thought—
Prowling for Pray
Be sober and vigilant. Your opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for [someone] to devour. Resist him, steadfast in faith, knowing that your fellow believers throughout the world undergo the same sufferings. (1 Pet 5:8-9)
St. Peter’s words are frank. They should awaken every single one of us to a stark reality: we are being hunted daily, hourly, every second by a fallen angel and his minions. Few people understand this relentless assault on their souls. In fact, we live in a time where some theologians and clergy have not only downplayed the role of demons, but have denied their existence altogether. Perhaps it is divine providence in a way when movies such as the The Exorcism of Emily Rose or The Conjuring based on “true events” appear on the silver screen. If people do not believe in Jesus through the Gospel message, perhaps they will believe when they see His enemy at work.
LifeNews.com Pro-Life News Report
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
For pro-life news updated throughout the day, visit LifeNews.com. |
Current Headlines
Top Stories
• Planned Parenthood Put Women at Risk With After Hours Abortions, No Staff Present
• Picture of Baby With Trisomy 13 Surviving 116 Days Goes Viral
• Indiana Loses Battle to De-Fund Planned Parenthood Abortion Business
• Ireland President Signs Bill to Legalize Abortions Despite Pro-Life Objection
More Pro-Life News
• Study: Television Networks Use Fetus to Hide Reality of Abortion
• Planned Parenthood Prez: Top 2013 Goal is Beating Ken Cuccinelli
• Body of Newborn Baby Found in Trash, Arm Dangling From Over the Side
• Babies in UK Can be Aborted At 40 Weeks for Cleft Lip, Commission Wants It Stopped
• Choose Bro-Life: Time for Pro-Life Men to Stand Against Abortion
• While Abortion Activists Demanded the Right to Kill Babies, I Miscarried Mine
• Pro-Life Leader Thomas Peters: Thank You for Prayers, Still Cant Use My Hands
• Catholics for Choice Calls Vatican, Pro-Life Leaders Religious Extremists
• Kansas Planned Parenthood Admits Abortion Terminates the Life of a Human Being
• Tomorrows the Deadline to Join the Next 40 Days for Life Pro-Life Prayer Campaign
• Religion or Science: What is the Basis for the Pro-Life View?
• Biking for Babies Campaign Raises $50,000 for Pregnancy Centers
• No, Society Should Not Allow Creation of Three-Parent Embryos
• World Medical Association and AMA Oppose Euthanasia, Assisted Suicide
• Abortion Clinic Owner Accused of Misusing Funds to Run Abortion Biz

Planned Parenthood Put Women at Risk With After Hours Abortions, No Staff Present
Three former employees of the Planned Parenthood abortion business testified before the Delaware state legislature today and told lawmakers that the abortion giant frequently put womens health and lives at risk.
Nurses Joyce Vasikonis and Jayne Mitchell-Werbrich explained the meat-market style assembly-line abortions which led them to quit their jobs. Former manager Melody Meanor testified that Planned Parenthoods negligence expands beyond abortion. http://www.lifenews.com/2013/07/30/planned-parenthood-put-women-at-risk-with-after-hours-abortions-no-staff-present/
Picture of Baby With Trisomy 13 Surviving 116 Days Goes Viral
Corbin Alfred McHenry was diagnosed in utero with Trisomy 13, a rare genetic disorder. While already battling the harsh label of incompatible with life this little miracle blessed the Earth seven weeks early.
His family has created a Facebook page for prayers for him and it has already grown in just a few months to well over 267,000 people. praying for Corbin.
http://www.lifenews.com/2013/07/30/picture-of-baby-with-trisomy-13-surviving-116-days-goes-viral/

Indiana Loses Battle to De-Fund Planned Parenthood Abortion Business
Indiana has lost its battle to de-fund the Planned Parenthood abortion business as a judge today issued a permanent injunction in the abortion giants favor in its lawsuit against the state over the de-funding law.
U.S. District Judge Tanya Walton Pratt in Indianapolis issued the order preventing state officials from preventing Medicaid dollars from flowing the nations largest abortion company. http://www.lifenews.com/2013/07/30/indiana-loses-battle-to-de-fund-planned-parenthood-abortion-business/
Ireland President Signs Bill to Legalize Abortions Despite Pro-Life Objection
Although pro-life groups mounted an amazing campaign to attempt to defeat the bill and turned out tens of thousands of pro-life people at multiple rallies against it, the Irish Parliament approved the measure.
Now, Irelands head of state, President Michael D. Higgins, signed the countrys first bill on abortion into law. Abortions would be allowed when the life of the mother is supposedly in danger from the pregnancy and in cases when pregnant women may commit suicide, even though studies show abortion increases suicide risk for women. Pro-life groups worry this will open the door to legalizing abortions in other cases. http://www.lifenews.com/2013/07/30/ireland-president-signs-bill-to-legalize-abortions-despite-pro-life-objection/
Study: Television Networks Use Fetus to Hide Reality of Abortion
When theyre not outright censoring the culture of life in America, the media play games with language to make their points. Journalists use language to denote a difference between life and death: a baby thats wanted and a fetus thats doomed or unwanted. One is a blessing, the other a problematic clump of cells
From the end of June 2010 to June 2013, the networks dehumanized unborn children by using the word fetus in nearly half 45 percent of reports in connection with death. In relation to either problems and risks or medical issues, fetus appeared in 93 percent of reports. http://www.lifenews.com/2013/07/30/study-television-networks-use-fetus-to-hide-reality-of-abortion/
Planned Parenthood Prez: Top 2013 Goal is Beating Ken Cuccinelli
The president of the Planned Parenthood abortion business says the number one priority this year for the abortion giant is defeating the pro-life candidate for governor in Virginia.
From a news story about an interview with Cecile Richards
http://www.lifenews.com/2013/07/30/planned-parenthood-prez-top-2013-goal-is-beating-ken-cuccinelli/

Body of Newborn Baby Found in Trash, Arm Dangling From Over the Side
Investigators are looking into the death of a newborn baby, whose body was found in the back of a trash vehicle in Kansas City yesterday.
Garbage workers found the babys body after seeing the arm of the child dangling over the side of a trash container in the truck.
Babies in UK Can be Aborted At 40 Weeks for Cleft Lip, Commission Wants It Stopped
A parliamentary commission in the United Kingdom is calling for changes to abortion laws specifically, laws that amount to eugenics against babies with disabilities. http://www.lifenews.com/2013/07/30/babies-in-uk-can-be-aborted-at-40-weeks-for-cleft-lip-commission-wants-it-stopped/
Choose Bro-Life: Time for Pro-Life Men to Stand Against Abortion
Men, its time to man up. There is a new movement in America, and its called bro-life.. http://www.lifenews.com/2013/07/30/choose-bro-life-time-for-pro-life-men-to-stand-against-abortion/
While Abortion Activists Demanded the Right to Kill Babies, I Miscarried Mine
So. Its been a while. I stopped writing about abortion because I started to feel a little bit overexposed, maybe even repetitive. Hadnt I said everything I needed to say about abortion? Was it making any difference, anyway. http://www.lifenews.com/2013/07/30/while-abortion-activists-demanded-the-right-to-kill-babies-i-miscarried-mine/
Pro-Life Leader Thomas Peters: Thank You for Prayers, Still Cant Use My Hands
Thomas Peters is a leading pro-life blogger and activist with Catholic Vote and is well known on Twitter for his pro-life advocacy. Two weeks ago, the pro-life word learned that he had been critically injured.. http://www.lifenews.com/2013/07/30/pro-life-leader-thomas-peters-thank-you-for-prayers-still-cant-use-my-hands/
Catholics for Choice Calls Vatican, Pro-Life Leaders Religious Extremists
Recently, David J. Nolan, editor of Conscience, the Catholics for Choice news journal, wrote, Religious extremists . . . have an immoderate, uncompromising approach to politics and, given the chance, they would deny basic rights and require fundamental changes to the way most people want to live.. http://www.lifenews.com/2013/07/30/catholics-for-choice-calls-pro-life-leaders-religious-extremists/
Looking for a Pro-Life Speaker for 2013? |
Looking for a pro-life speaker for your next banquet, conference or convention? LifeNews.com editor Steven Ertelt is a low-cost speaker who can entertain and educate your audience as well as help you with a fundraising pitch if necessary. He can also speak on any pro-life topic. For more information, email news@LifeNews.com. |
Kansas Planned Parenthood Admits Abortion Terminates the Life of a Human Being
Six weeks ago, Kansans for Life characterized the Planned Parenthood lawsuit against the newly-passed Pro-Life Protections Act as a desperate move to appease its base in the wake of increased pro-life laws that reflect the will of the people but jeopardize the bottom line of abortion businesses.. http://www.lifenews.com/2013/07/30/kansas-planned-parenthood-admits-abortion-terminates-the-life-of-a-human-being/
Tomorrows the Deadline to Join the Next 40 Days for Life Pro-Life Prayer Campaign
40 Days for Life is an amazing campaign that unites believers to fast, pray and hold peaceful vigils asking God to end abortion. Since 2004 campaigns have been held in all 50 states as well as countries in Europe, South America and Africa. http://www.lifenews.com/2013/07/30/tomorrows-the-deadline-to-join-the-next-40-days-for-life-pro-life-prayer-campaign/
Religion or Science: What is the Basis for the Pro-Life View?
One of the most shocking conversations I have experienced occurred on a train. http://www.lifenews.com/2013/07/30/religion-or-science-what-is-the-basis-for-the-pro-life-view/
Biking for Babies Campaign Raises $50,000 for Pregnancy Centers
Despite numerous potholes in their 1,000 mile bike ride from New Orleans to Chicago, Biking for Babies met their goal of raising $50,000 for pregnancy resource centers. http://www.lifenews.com/2013/07/30/biking-for-babies-campaign-raises-50000-for-pregnancy-centers/
No, Society Should Not Allow Creation of Three-Parent Embryos
The UK rubber stamp Embryo Authoritywhich for example allowed human cloning experiments with animal eggsis on the verge of permitting the manufacture of three-parent embryos. http://www.lifenews.com/2013/07/30/no-society-should-not-allow-creation-of-three-parent-embryos/
World Medical Association and AMA Oppose Euthanasia, Assisted Suicide
The worlds professional medical associations overwhelmingly oppose euthanasia and assisted suicide. http://www.lifenews.com/2013/07/30/world-medical-association-and-ama-oppose-euthanasia-assisted-suicide/
Abortion Clinic Owner Accused of Misusing Funds to Run Abortion Biz
Operation Rescue has filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission (FEC), the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), and the Kansas Bureau of Investigations (KBI) against Trust Women PAC demanding a full investigation of the political action committee that appears to be partially funding a for-profit abortion clinic in Wichita, Kansas. http://www.lifenews.com/2013/07/30/abortion-clinic-owner-accused-of-misusing-funds-to-run-abortion-biz/
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July 30, 2013, Tuesday — The Pope’s press conference, complete transcription
One observation on the Pope’s celebrated interview: His praise of the Orthodox liturgy
Friends,
Here below is the complete transcription of the 80-minute press conference held by Pope Francis on July 28, on the airplane returning to Rome from Brazil.
Though I have not had time to translate the entire text, I expect to have it ready soon. Still, for those of you who can understand Italian, it seemed that it might be useful to send this out now, so that the original Italian is available for you to work with.
The speaker is given in parentheses before the paragraph spoken.
The Pope changes from Spanish to Italian on several occasions, and the text gives the Italian translation for these Spanish sections.
The names of the journalists who asked the questions are also given.
The Pope begins by giving his own reflections on World Youth Day, remarks which are in no way controversial, and then the session is opened up to questions, which the Pope answers, one by one.
I note here one thing only, though I hope to be able to offer further comment on this interview soon.
Toward the end of the interview, a Russian journalist asks the Pope to comment on the 1025th anniversary, currently being celebrated in Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus, of the baptism of the Rus’, the ancient Russian people, centered at the time (988 A.D.) in Kiev.
In response, the Pope makes a very positive judgement on the liturgy of the Orthodox. To my knowledge, this response has been little noted.
“They have conserved that pristine liturgy, no?” Pope Francis says. “So beautiful. We [i.e., the Latin Christians] have lost a bit the sense of adoration, they conserve it, they praise God, they adore God, they sing, time does not count. The center is God and that is a richness that I would like to emphasize on this occasion as you ask me this question.”
(Original Italian: “Hanno conservato quella pristina liturgia, no?, tanto bella. Noi abbiamo perso un po’ il senso dell’adorazione, loro lo conservano, loro lodano Dio, loro adorano Dio, cantano, il tempo non conta. Il centro è Dio e quella è una ricchezza che vorrei dire in questa occasione in cui Lei mi fa questa domanda.”)
At a moment when many are continuing to wonder about Francis’ attitude toward the old liturgy of the Church, it is important to note these words of the Pope, which as far as I know have not been noted by any journalist commenting on this long interview.
I would also note that the remarks on homosexuality, which have been so commented on throughout the world, come at the very end of an hour and twenty minute interview. They come after the Pope has said once — indicating he is about ready for the interview to come to an end — that he has kept all the journalists from having their dinner. His words are in response to the very last question of this long session. In other words, the remarks come at the end of a very long and wide-ranging interview at the conclusion of which, humanly speaking, one has to imagine, the Pope was physically rather tired.
This transcription of the interview may be found on the Il Sismografo website, which is quite a useful website for those wishing to view a selection of the latest articles about Vatican affairs (Link: http://ilsismografo.blogspot.it/2013/07/conferenza-trascrizione-papa-integrale.html#more)