I came across some images that seared themselves into my mind recently.  These are just a couple. 

I am blessed to be able to not only have 3 meals each day, but the excess of snacks, candy, or even the ability to choose from a variety of different foods.  I am one of the lucky, lucky few.

Over 1/3 of the world's population is dying of hunger.  Every day, almost 16,000 children die from hunger-related causes. That's one child every five seconds.

My heart breaks for these children... these families.  I can't even imagine how grief-stricken parents are when they know they are unable to provide the most basic of needs to their children.  I, as a parent, can't help but put Vincent's face on these children.  I can't help but see John and I in the parents who cry out in agony over their plight.

Please find an organization you trust to help be part of the solution for these children.  I found Food for the Poor, Inc.  I also wish to consume a little less in the hopes that these children will then have a little more.  I want to be aware of their sufferings so I don't take my blessings so lightly.  I want to understand exactly what I have to be grateful for so I'm able to share those blessings with these families who very much live in our backyard.  This isn't just going on in Africa or Mexico... it's happening in Camden, Philadelphia, San Diego.  It's happening all around us, and we, as part of the human race, need to be more aware so we're able to reach out and help... not callously walk on by, oblivious to the pain and unspeakable tragedy surrounding us.

This is truly weighing heavy on my heart recently... and I'm glad of it.  The weight is a reminder that more is expected of me as more has been given.  Be thankful for your gifts, but please remember to share them with those less fortunate.

Next, this site attempts to utilize Our Most Blessed Mother as a means for their end.  *Shakes head*  This is mortifyingly wrong.  Again, if Christ had wanted women as priests, I assure you, Our Lady would've been first in line, well ahead of St. Peter!  But again, folks seem to have difficulty understanding that men and women are called for different purposes.  We are equal in dignity, but we have NOT been created to do the same things.  We've been created to compliment one another, and the job of a priest is one of those things men have been created for.  The Blessed Mother understood her place as the Ark of the New Covenant.  She brought forth Christ not through her own power, but through the power of the Holy Spirit!  She accepted His Gift through her fiat, she did not consecrate her womb in order to manifest the Presence of Christ within her!  

Also, this "one priesthood" nonsense is exactly that... nonsense.  There are two types of priesthoods recognized by the Catholic Church (not counting the Priesthood of Christ).  One is the ministerial priesthood - which is the familiar clergy of priests and bishops we know and love.  The second is the "common" (or, ironically, the "Royal") priesthood that each of us is a part of through Baptism.  The two serve VASTLY different functions and one cannot exist without the other since they both exist to SERVE each other.  

To put it simply, all apple trees are trees, but not all trees are apple trees, right?  The same is true of Ministerial Priests.  They all belong to the Royal Priesthood through Baptism, but not all royal priests are ministerial.  To claim otherwise is simply fallacious.  Utilizing a tiny seed of truth to start your garden of lies will inevitably turn into a jungle of folly. 

Here's a shot of me in mine!

Here's another, but this time with my hair pulled back and brighter light so you can see the lace detail.  Pretty, right?  Lily does, after all, rock.  :)

Typically I utilize prime sources when linking articles, letters or other documents, but in this case, I'm going to connect you to Fr. Z's blog entry on an article regarding Cardinal Canizares' rather straightforward teaching that all Catholics should accept the Eucharist while kneeling.

Why?

Simply put, it doesn't get ANY better than Fr. Z's commentary. 

So enjoy, take heed, and accept while KNEELING!  Don't be afraid to humble yourself before the Presence of Christ, Himself!  Even though the folks in line may snicker or chide you, remember Who it is that you kneel before, Who it is that you accept!  Also know that you are not alone in your humble act of adoration - all the angels and saints are kneeling with you.

Amen! Amen!  Amen!

I really hope I'm able to take my own advice on this one.  I have a feeling my pastor may think I'm way off my rocker this time, though...

Dick Retta, a well known pro-life warrior, has had a lawsuit sneakily brought up against him by the Department of Justice. 

Atrocious.  They're making up lies about how he operates in order to force his silence through intimidation and financial burdens.  What a cowardly display of arrogance and fear.  This man has done nothing illegal, and he most certainly didn't do the things he's accused of.  He's never been violent and he's certainly never screamed at women entering or leaving.  He is the model of charity - never judging, only praying that they might see the error of their ways in time to seek proper counsel. 

Satan is trying so hard to silence voices like Retta's.  He wants to ensure every single soul is snatched away from the world because one less soul on earth is one less soul that could be living in the Light of God.  Not only that, but Satan hates humans for their placement above him in all things.  Thus, to snuff out every life he can gives him a satisfaction that he's not only destroying the innocent child, he's also destroying those who aided in the abortion itself.  These souls, unless they reconcile with God, become lost to Hell for their transgressions.  We must pray that they see the Light of Love.

*Warning: Graphic Material in Link Below*

Priests for Life, an organization of priests dedicated to sounding the alarm to end abortion, has been active this week in gaining media attention for their plight through the public funeral for baby Esther, a late-term abortion victim whose body was retrieved for a proper, dignified burial.  Through this funeral, they hoped to not only acknowledge the life and blessings that Esther had been robbed of, but also all children who suffered a similar fate.  They hoped that by validating little Esther, others would come to understand that the "tissue" they destroy is a beating heart... a child sucking her thumb... a baby just beginning to hear his mother's voice.

All children deserve a chance at life.  All of them.  And all women deserve a chance to know the facts in a patient, loving way... exactly the way that Dick Retta is a professional at delivering.  So keep him in your prayers, along with all those mothers and children whose fate hangs in the balance at even this very moment.

I'd like to say, firstly, that I'm practicing the virtues of patience and charity with this post.  I'm going to ask that the Holy Spirit keep my tongue in check as I speak of the foolishness of these men and women who seek the ordination of women into the priesthood of the Catholic Church.

The New York Times ran this article a few days ago.

Let me start off this by explaining the rationalization some make for female priests...

1.  Severe shortage of priests in general
2.  Desire among some women to become priests
3.  Women priests prove that the Church isn't "sexist"
4.  Women priests would make up for abuses perpetrated by the male clergy

Going one at a time, yes, we are a little short on priests it seems.  That being said, ordaining women would NOT solve the problem.  It might - at best - be a temporary bandaid, but the lack of priests is symptomatic of a much larger problem.  It's the same problem that is causing the erosion of our parishes, lack of other religious (sisters and brothers), Catholic schools closing by the hundreds, and a general disillusionment with the Catholic Church.  The problem, simply put, is a lack of true faith formation.  How can we expect to have a wonderful supply of wonderful priests if we don't teach our children what the faith is all about?  

To the majority of children, faith, at most, is something practiced on Sunday during an hour of Mass, and maybe an hour in school.  It's not something publicly practiced at home through family prayer, and it's certainly not something spoken about to friends or other family members. 

As for the second reason - the desire of some women to become priests - I answer with a basic question of my own... what of the men who have a similarly strong desire to become mothers?  There are certainly men who wished to be able to carry a child to term, and even nurse their own children.  Even though science has made plenty of strides with biology and physiology, this desire will forever remain just that... a desire. 

So while I'm sure there are plenty of women who have this sincere desire (St. Therese was one of them!), Jesus did not consecrate women into the Priesthood and as such, gave no authority to the Church to do so either.  In fact, if Jesus wanted to consecrate women into the Priesthood, don't you think He'd've chosen His Most Blessed Mother as first in line - even before St. Peter, himself???

God has His reasons for not initiating women into the Priesthood, and as such, the Church cannot go against His Example.  It's not about being sexist (point number three).  It's about the example Jesus left for the Early Church through His Own Actions.  There were NO WOMEN priests, and as a result, we can recognize none today.  Men and women, though equal, have been given different sets of gifts and uses.  Consecration is simply one that belongs solely to men the same as carrying life to term is one that belongs solely to women.

Rationalization 4 is a fallacy, pure and simple.  There is a rise in female abuse against children, and we're all familiar with Mary Kay Letourneau... maybe even Debra LaFave!  The accusation that only men are responsible for crimes against children is readily proven wrong, and such a foolish belief may even endanger children by creating such a false sense of security.

Pope John Paul II made it pretty clear in his Aposotlic letter, Ordinatotio Sacerdotalis.  As such, this issue has been laid to rest.  Unfortunately, there are those who are angry that the Church didn't bend to their beliefs and desires and still seek to push the issue.  They are mistaken in their quest since regardless of their arguments, the Church will not (and truly CANNOT) change its teaching on this.

My query again, then, is why do they continue attempting to alter a religion they don't agree with?  Why not just find a religion that suits your belief system instead of attempting to force another into your line of thinking?  *Shakes head* 

Sad, really.  These folks are running around thinking they're Catholic when, in reality, they are trying to destroy the very thing they think they're out to save.  Prayers are needed for them.  Lots and lots of prayers.

I was down in Ocean City this past weekend with my son and in-laws.  My husband wasn't able to make it this weekend due to work constraints.  As a result, I had to take my squirmy, super active bundle of joy to the 7:30 Mass with me. 

We got dressed, and I put him into his stroller so we could make the quick trip over to St. Augustine.  We got there with about five minutes to spare.  Most people were so kind, smiling at Vincent, or holding doors open for us so we could pass.  One of the ushers, however, seemed slightly miffed that Vincent was there at all!  After Vince and I had situated ourselves towards the back of the Church (for any necessary "escapes" during tantrums or potty breaks), he came over and told me there was a small room in the back that we'd be "more comfortable" in. 

I've been to St. Augustine's plenty of times, and I'm well aware of the small chapel room that has been dormant for at least 5 years.  It opens into the Church Proper and provides no sound proofing.  It also serves as a parking area for strollers, wheelchairs, etc.  It is not a "cry room" nor even a real chapel at all.  It's simply a storage area that sometimes opens to allow an overabundance of parishoners take refuge during holiday gatherings.

Normally I'd take these kinds of "suggestions" as kind gestures, but I got the distinct impression he simply didn't want us in the Church.  He wanted us swept under the rug because he was afraid Vincent would begin acting up.  !!!  I admit to being miffed.  I calmly thanked him, however, and told him we were fine where we were.  Displeased, he walked back to the door and stared at us with ice daggers until Father made his way for the Processional.

Vince, for his part, was an absolute angel!  He happily played with my wallet while we were seated, or played with my veil and hair while I held him as we stood.  Then he caught sight of a magnificent statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (like the one I pictured above).  He kept looking up in amazement at this incredible statue of Our Lord in silent contemplation.  Then he'd look back at me with the biggest smile on his face.  :) 

Finally, during the Eucharistic prayers, I placed him into his stroller so I could kneel.  He happily opened and closed his buckles which freed me to devote my attention solely to the miracle of the Mass.  Finally, the Eucharistic Procession started, and I attempted to get Vince ready to walk up.  He had been so happy with his buckles, though, that he began to cry angrily when I swooped him out and into line.  My perfect little angel chose NOW to scream his head off... go figure.

When I got the the front of the line, I knelt and accepted the Eucharist.  Father blessed Vince and patted his arm saying, "It's OK, buddy!" which didn't console him in the least.  He did, however, quiet down for the blessing, I think because he was curious about who Father was.  So I walked back to my seat wit him still crying his head off.  Upon being placed back into the stroller - silence.

*Shakes head*  Seriously, Vince?

Ah well.  I hate giving that usher such satisfaction, but Vince didn't know any better.  Ha ha.  C'est la vie. 

Kids have just as much right to attend a Mass as adults do.  However, I typically leave Vince home with Daddy so I can better participate, but I don't shoot scathing glares at others who bring their children with them.  I sincerely can't fathom how rude some people can be towards those of us with children!  *Shakes head*  Humpf.

I can only pray we are blessed with more and more priests like this! 

A friend of mine from HS celebrated his 2nd year as a priest this past May.  When I'd heard he made the decision to become a priest, I was thrilled.  He'd always been such a sweetheart in HS, and I couldn't help but smile to think of the wonderful priest he'd make. 

This priest and I have a mutual friend - also from High School - who has made fun of this priest for his "conservative" nature.  I admit being shocked at this mean streak against our mutual friend, and chided him for such remarks.  This friend continued to complain about the priest, saying he was too long-winded, he prayed older prayers, or he didn't know what he was doing on the altar.  *Shakes head*  I probably should have sternly reprimanded him for such arrogance, but instead, I calmly directed the conversation in a different direction to remove the threat of offense.  My heart still breaks just thinking about that.

However, it also rejoices, because those complaints are things I look upon with pride!  A priest who is not afraid to delve into traditional Catholicism!  A priest who is looking to call us back to the "old ways."  A priest who is content to have us think on our sins with proper time and thoughtfulness!  I knew he'd be a blessing - and he hasn't disappointed. 

So in light of him, the two from the article, and all priests (past, present and future), let us hug them in prayer and thank God for their blessings.  Let us also pray that they always keep close to the Savior they daily caress, and feel forever the Presence of the Holy Spirit in their hearts.

Another abortion worker has stepped forward.  Thank you, Jewels Green, for your courage.

There's a wonderful quote from Jeannie French, founder of the National Women's Coalition for Life in which she says, "The answer to crisis pregnancy is to eliminate the crisis, not the child." 

Another favorite is actually from Ronald Reagan, which he probably picked up from another pro-life leaflet at some point.  He made the observation that "Everyone who is pro-abortion has already been born."  Funny, isn't it?

It's disturbing to me that people have become so callous and hardened to this very real massacre committed worldwide.  Since we've hidden these deaths under the guise of "legality" and "choice" we have immunized ourselves against the reality of what abortion is.  To snuff out life, at its most innocent and basic level, is so far beyond the realm of reprehensible that I simply can't find words to highlight my heartbreak. 

In the coming weeks, I promised a few friends a detailed blog on abortion.  At this point in time, I've had trouble voicing my opinions because the topic is so painful for me.  Now that I have my own precious little boy, I can't help but put his face on all those others who never got the chance to take their first breath.  I can't help but weep for those children who - while FULLY FEELING - had their lives taken in cruel, painful and inhumane ways.  Thus, I will gloss over this sensitive topic until I can find the strength to delve further into the abyss of sin, selfishness, evil and disrespect that this abomination is.

St. Gianna, pray for those women who are faced with this decision - that they come to appreciate the life within them and resolve to take responsibility for the choices they've made through the unyielding love and care they provide to the blessings they carry within them. 

St. Joseph, pray for the fathers of these children - that they have the strength, courage and wisdom to support the mothers who are faced with this decision in a moral way, and that they look with joy and responsibility upon the acceptance of so great a blessing for all eternity.

I find this story to be incredibly comforting and beautiful.  To have Christ present at your own death, after having called Him thus from Heaven, is a blessing indicative of this man's acceptance of Divine Will in his life.  May he rest happily in Heaven forever.

This letter from our new Archbishop Chaput (sorry, Denver!) made me smile like nothing else.  I could've done without the commentary above, but such is the way of the world sometimes.  You must accept the thorns to accept the rose, right? 

I don't even know where to begin with my disgust, upset, and confusion.  How did this even get started, why in the world are we just now learning about it, and who in their right mind thought this was in any way a good idea??? 

Finally, as the cherry atop my sundae of random, I leave you with this gem... watch it through to the end and see if you don't wanna do this at least 100 times a day.  :)  And yes, you're welcome!

I'm a little discouraged tonight.

I just got back from a committee meeting for my parish, and our opening prayer and reflection turned into a vent-session by one of our members.  This isn't the first time she's redirected conversation towards venting, but it's the first time I noted this tendency spill over into prayer and reflection.

I was so appalled by what and who she was venting about that I was compelled to step in.  She was upset with our visiting priest's homily regarding homosexual marriage, comparing those who attempted to push it through our court systems as "weeds" (courtesy of the Parable of the Tares).  She took personal offense to this due to the homosexuality of her daughter.  She then attempted to vilify poor Father citing examples "from the past" that had no bearing on the current issue at hand.  Her aim was to divulge a group mentality... that "most people within the parish didn't like him." 

Oh, my poor heart!  I poorly attempted to defend Father.  He was doing his job as the representative of Christ.  He was not, in any way, condemning homosexuals.  Much like my previous entry on this topic, he was condemning the act of homosexual SEX, and lamenting the wayward thinking of Catholics who truly believed homosexual marriage should be legal and valid by the Church. 

We tend to become very impassioned by this particular argument because it hits so close to home for many of us.  I, for one, have relatives and friends who are homosexual.  For many years, I subscribed to the fallacy that the Church was wrong on this issue.  The homosexuals I knew and loved are wonderful, decent, loving individuals.  How could God fault them for showing love, especially when they were powerless to choose who that special love was bestowed upon?

After much reflection, I learned this mindset comes down to pride.  We somehow see ourselves as smarter... more loving... wiser than the Church.  In our affliction, we misunderstand the message and repackage it as on of intolerance, conservatism, stupidity, or even hate.  We forget that the job of the Church is to direct souls to the Salvation ransomed through Christ.  She does this by teaching the faithful right from wrong.  In our love, we overlook the sin of our friends and families.  We don't like to think them capable of any offense to God when they are so wonderful and good-natured otherwise.  True, we like to think ourselves incapable of this displeasure as well.  Yet the Church's very difficult task is to cut through the confusion and set our hearts aflame with the Truth. 

Our visiting priest was kind, courageous and wise to so firmly point out this growing confusion within our world-wide congregation, especially in light of the acceptance of this particular sin.  He does not deserve to be attacked for amplifying the voice of the Church which only echoes that of God. 

Ugh, it really makes me so upset to hear anyone speak ill of a priest, even under such tense circumstances as these!  Priests are called by Jesus, Himself, to fulfill His promises to us through the Eucharist.  Where would we be without our priests?  Where would we be without their blessings, their absolutions, their direction?  Where would we be without their prayers, their offerings of Mass, their comfort???

We simply do not understand that when we speak out against a priest, we speak out against Jesus, Himself!  After all, Our Lord revealed to Mutter Vogl (sometimes spelled Vogel) the following:

"One should NEVER attack a priest, even when he's in error, rather one  should pray and do penance that I'll grant him My grace again. He alone  fully represents Me, even when he doesn't live after my example!

Whoever voices judgment over a priest has voiced it over me... Every Priest is My Vicar and My Heart will be sickened and insulted because of  it! If you hear a judgment (against a Priest) pray a Hail Mary."

Ever since coming across these words, I've felt a strong aversion to criticism of our clergy.  I do not find our clergy to be without fault, mind you, but as Jesus requested, I lay these grievances at His Feet and offer a prayer for wisdom, charity and patience on the part of whoever was less fortunate to realize this command from Christ, Himself.  Oh, if only we understood the blessings our priests provide for us... even those not always in the full graces of Jesus.  Even in their miserable state, they are more worthy than we who judge.  Only THEY have been called by Christ to deliver Him unto the world.  Only THEY have been endowed with the Spirit so that through them, the Mass can exist. 

We could have a million devout Catholics all praying over bread and wine with the most fervent supplications to ever grace the ears of angels and that bread and wine would still be bread and wine.  ONE PRIEST, however, even in a lackluster spiritual state, has the power to call Jesus from Heaven to manifest His Glory through the Eucharist.  ONE.  Who, then, are we to utter any word against these men?  Who are we to dare question the choice of God, Himself, in the selection and ordination of these priests?

*Sigh*  My heart breaks for those who do not understand the error of this mindset.  Please, dearest Holy Spirit, open our minds to nothing but love and gratitude for our priests.  For those members of the clergy that need our dire assistance through prayer and penance, give us patience, understanding, and charity so that we may never offend Christ through criticism.  Instead, open our hearts so that we may help atone for their misdeeds and grant our requests that they once more take upon themselves the expectations You've set forth for them.

Here she is, the most perfect and beloved creature ever created by God, and we desecrate her likeness in acts of hatred, fear and malice. 

(P.S. - Thank you, Metro, for calling out this hate crime for being exactly that... a hate crime!)

Woe to the people responsible for such vicious attacks against the most honorable and virtuous Mary.  We must pray that they turn from the whispers of satan.  Surely he is the one behind these attacks against the Woman Clothed with the Sun, destined to crush his head. 

St. Michael, personal angel to our Most Blessed Mother, pray for the person or people responsible for attempting to stamp out her voice of hope. 

St. Joseph, pray for us, that we may ALL come to value, love and honor your "dove" as you. 

And dearest Jesus, please forgive us for allowing such dishonor to be rendered
unto Thy Most Holy Mother, Spouse and Daughter.

It occured to me today that Fr. Piotr might not be in Poland for a vacation.  I wonder if THIS isn't what he went for.  Granted, my overactive imagination could very well be at play, but considering each diocese is required to have one on stand-by as part of Canon law...

*Grin*  I love Fr. Piotr. 

Anyway, since Fr. Piotr is in Poland for the rest of this month, we've had a wonderful little monastic priest offering the Mass in his stead.  He is very soft-spoken, slow and deliberate in his speech.  I have no doubt this is very much due to his monastic lifestyle.  However, his homilies have grated on the nerves of parishoners around me.  They complain they can't hear him, that he doesn't make sense, or that he talks for too long.

Honestly, I can't help but smile when he gets up there anymore.  At first, I was taken a bit aback by his reiteration of the Gospel because I always look to a priest to expound rather than regurgitate.  However, it soon dawned on me that he wanted us to REALLY listen to the words of the Gospel and find deeper appreciation and understanding within them.  Sure, his homilies are upwards of 15 minutes, but I also realize this is probably the one shot he gets each week to actually speak to a congregation!  He's probably overjoyed with his blessing of filling in for Fr. Piotr!  Ha ha ha.  That thought alone makes me so happy, because I know what it is to yearn for connection through communication.  So my heart is happy for him throughout his homilies, and I'll make it a point to thank him for his time after each Mass until Fr. Piotr comes back.

I should also remember to be thankful for these lengthy homilies, as I'm given more time to sit in the Presence of the Tabernacle, which contains God, Himself.  Though unable to take part in Adoration (our parish doesn't currently offer that), adoring Him through the Tabernacle is the next best thing... akin to St. Joseph's adoration of the Christ-Child as he knelt before the pregnant Blessed Mother. 

Sometimes we forget that priests need love as well.  They're not simply there to pass out Communion for us so we can say "See, God?  I came to see You this week, now please grant all my requests."  They, too, are human with human needs, and we must be mindful that they, too, have struggles and pains like the rest of us.  Hug priests always tightly within your heart, and if ever you grow upset about the length of homilies or your inability to hear / understand his words, pray to the Holy Spirit that He may shower His Grace upon the homilist, or that He opens your ears and heart to his message. 

St. John of Nepomuk, pray for confessors.  St. Patrick, pray for Ireland, now entering into a frightful battle with Satan for the souls of its priests. 

Blessed Mother, pray for the Church, now enduring a temporal punishment for the grievous transgressions against her children. 

Holy Spirit, give us strength, comfort and protection. 

So since all my topics have been heavy the last few days, I figured I'd drop in this little ditty.  It makes me smile and laugh.  I hope to pass on the happy to you!  *Grin*

300 of Austria's 4,200 priests decided to sign a document stating they aim to misbehave.

Firefly references aside, this is again symptomatic of the growing epidemic of disobedience acting as a cancer within our Church.  Priests like this are the reason why there is so much confusion regarding Catholic teaching anymore.  How long have priests like this been speaking out against the Church from pulpits, in classrooms, in the confessionals?  How many souls have they confused with their willful disobedience to the Holy See?  I shudder to think of it!

Now all priests are entitled to their opinions on the workings of things.  If they see errors within the Church, it is their right to address those things that give them pause.  This defiant act of arrogance, however, is an entirely different beast. 

If I took issue with workplace policies, I wouldn't write up an essay decrying offenses and my personal path to rectify the issues, posting it for everyone to see.  I'm relatively certain I'd be fired (and rightly so!) for causing so much trouble when a simple conversation could've been had between myself and my superiors.  Instead, these priests are encouraging others to accept disobedience as acceptable on the basis of pride... arrogance!  This is EXACTLY the problem I have with the whole Fr. Corapi debaucle.  Shameful... these men need prayers, as do their superiors who are faced with the question of what to do with them.  I pray they have the guts to excommunicate every single one of them for firing off such blatant heresy. 

Again, people want to change the Catholic Faith to fit their own whims.  That's NOT how Catholicism works.  Accept that you're not Catholic and move on.  Don't drag others into your hellish cycle, please.

I find it interesting, however, that folks refuse to just leave the Catholic faith.  I think somewhere, deep inside, they know the Church of Rome is the True Church of Christ.  As a result, they want to constantly alter teaching to validate their own beliefs while "staying true to the Church."  Again, the Church cannot and will not ever change teachings on faith or morals.  Why?  Because the Church ever echoes the Word of God, and His Word never changes.  Thus, our teachings on faith and morals will never change either.

SO STOP TRYING!

So apparently this Mass went off without a hitch this past weekend.  I didn't realize we needed an "inclusive" homosexual Mass to hit home the point that Catholics are UNIVERSAL.

Should we have an Abortionists Mass next?  How about a Lying Politician's Mass?  Or, wait... maybe an Adulterer's Mass! 

This is beyond ridiculous... it is a specific move by homosexuals to attempt breaking down Church teaching regarding homosexuality.  Once again, homosexuals are attemtping to gain validity for their beliefs by altering religion.  You CANNOT ALTER THE WORD OF GOD!  He's not gonna change His Mind on this one, folks, I'm sorry.

Catholic Masses are all-inclusive.  Mass and even Confession are open to all people, regardless of gender or sexual preference.  However, participating in the Eucharist is reserved only for those who place themselves in a state of grace.  This farce of an "event" opens the door to place homosexuals who are currently engaging in homosexual sex in a GRAVE occassion of sin.  Accepting the Body of Christ while purposefully setting yourself apart from Church teaching is not only a mortal sin, it is an affront of the Divinity of Christ who ordained these acts to be contrary to His Order! 

Prayers are needed for this community.  I truly believe the pastor was trying to do right by showing his people (and the nation) that the Church is accepting of homosexuals (just not the sin of homosexual sex), but apparently that wasn't really made clear in his homily either.  *Shakes head*  Satan is wiggling his way steadily through our doors.  St. Michael the Archangel, we need your help.  Pray for us, and help us to cast him into the depths of hell.

I apologize if this is redundant, but I can't help myself.  I am beyond thrilled with the knowledge that Our Blessed Mother is the 1st living tabernacle of Jesus.  After being confused about this for over a year and a half, to FINALLY reach the conclusion and have my "A-HA!" moment still gives me tummy-flutters!

I've been doing more research into this, trying to uncover more images of the Blessed Mother bearing the Eucharist and came away with more than I could have imagined!  I actually found the most massive tabernacle / monstrance I've ever seen.  Apparently, St. Stanislaus Parish in Chicago, IL, unveiled what is thought to be the largest monstrance in the world back in May of 2008. 

What I love about this monstrance is the message.  Through Mary, we are given the New Covenant.  Through Mary, we see Jesus.  Oh, how happy the heart that understands this blessing!  The Blessed Mother fulfills the promises of the Old Convenant by establishing the New Covenant with her Fiat to God, the Father, giving birth to and suffering with God the Son, and establishing the early Church and protecting it through all of time with God the Holy Spirit.    I apologize for the run-on, but I'm floored by this!  It is incredible to me!!!

The glass monstrance you see to the right is an image of Our Lady of Medjugorje, as always, holding her Son within her heart.  This beautiful monstrance was a gift to Medjugorje by Polish pilgrims to mark the 30th anniversary of her apparitions.  I can think of no more fitting gift to mark her pleas for prayer and faithful following of her Son's teachings than a vessel that signifies her power as intercessor, her grace as Mother of God, and her love as Our Lady of the Eucharist, calling others to adore her Son as she does in perpetuity. 

Finally, I think this this one might just be my favorite.  Yup, definitely.  This wooden monstrance, created by Simboli Studios, depicts the Blessed Mother holding, close to her Immaculate Heart, Christ Jesus.  The look of adoration on her holy face says it all.  This singular monstrance teaches us exactly what the Blessed Mother is:  The 1st, most perfect, most holy, and most loving monstrance of God.  She teaches us to adore Him as she does, to hold Him close to our hearts as she does.  She teaches us to gaze upon Him always, fully trusting that His Love and His Will are forever and wholly perfect. 

Oh, if only more churches had this monstrance!  Eucharistic Adoration would be so beneficial, because it is the Mother of God, herself, who acts as our role-model!!!

Our pastor is away this month, visiting family in Poland.  We had a visiting priest this weekend, and he melted my heart before Mass!  I arrived very early because I wanted to spend some time in prayer before the Tabernacle.  Since we don't have Eucharistic Adoration, the time before the Tabernacle (or during Communion) is the closest I get.

Anyway, when I arrived at the church, I noticed our visiting priest sitting in the Sanctuary dressed in his alb and stole.  I thought for a second that he was there awaiting anyone looking for Confession.  So I found my pew and knelt in prayer. 

A few minutes later, I glanced up and noticed Father was still sitting in silent contemplation.  He was taking part in adoration as well!!!  That made me so happy!  He, too, wanted to bask in the Presence of Jesus.  I haven't seen a priest "prep" for Mass like this in such a long, long time.  It made me happy.  I hope all of them often get a chance to sit with the Lord in contemplation.  :)

Fr. Corapi, how do you intend to lead a flock towards Christ when you show no example of walking in the Light yourself? 

You are now disobeying DIRECT ORDERS from your superiors because of prideful arrogance.  Please, Father Corapi, do not forget this is exactly the first sin that Adam and Eve bestowed upon humanity. 

I truly do understand your anger and frustration regarding the methods of the Church, but they're put in place for a reason.  They exonerated Padre Pio, they glorified the work of St. Faustina, and even Jesus gained immense glory in humbling His Divinity before the chair of Pilate, remaining silent as horrible accusations were paraded before Him. 

You are leading faithful Catholics away from the Church.  These people are misguided, following you because the words you once spoke, the ones that were unified with the Church and endowed gracefully to you by the Holy Spirit, once filled them with love for Christ.  Now?  Due to your credibility with them, the foundation you've laid, it is so easy to lead them astray under the guise of justice.

This is NOT justice!  This is arrogance.  This is disobedience.  This is SIN.  Turn away from this path of self-aggrandizement.  Please!  For the sake of not just your own soul, but the souls of those who blindly follow you into discord with Christ's Church.  I beg of you.  Turn back to the Mercy of Jesus while there is still time to do so.  Don't become so far removed that you lose sight of the way Home.

And please, cease this foolish "Black Sheepdog" business.  I understand you fancy the term because it sounds so smart... so layered with metaphoric meaning.  You know what it represents, though?  It represents your WILLINGNESS to turn your back on the title chosen for you by God, Himself.  You would rather be known as a dog?  An ANIMAL?  Father Corapi, you were called to be a PRIEST - a FATHER.  How can you cast away such dignity?  How can you endure the darkness after having lived in the light? 

Fr. Corapi, come back, and take the rest of your wayward "flock" with you.  These people turned to you because you promised the Way of Christ.  This is NOT His Way.  Do not continue on this path.  Please.  The Blessed Mother and Christ cry out to you.  Heed their call!

You get two today simply because I finally read the SOLT press release concerning Fr. Corapi.  Prayers are needed for this currently misguided priest. 

I once again direct you to my Open Letter to Fr. Corapi.  *Shakes head*  This is a sad situation, indeed.  Heartbreaking not only to the thousands of converts and followers he's amassed, but for those he's leading astray and those who see where that misdirection is really headed.  Mary, Mother of Priests, please storm Heaven with your Angels in a fervent intercession for Fr. Corapi's enlightenment, obedience and repentance. 

Fr. Corapi, Jesus weeps for you and those you are leading away from Him.  Even though these are difficult times for you, do not turn away from His love and mercy.  Even if these allegations be false, God expects MORE from you than just arrogance and pride.  Obey your superiors, and ask the Holy Spirit to help you humble yourself to their wishes.  God cannot work through hardened hearts, so open yours to His Will and He will set the record straight in His time.  Do not continue on this path - come back, and bring with you those you've misled.  How can you not see the damage you are doing?  This goes against everything you once stood for. 

You're trading in your title of Father (given to you by Blessed Pope John Paul II, mind you!) for this "Black Sheepdog" concoction you relish in.  You are content to cast off your priestly ministry in order to follow your own path... in order to do things YOU see fit?  May Padre Pio and St. Faustina be your guides right now. 

Fr. Corapi, my prayers are with you.  They are especially with those are have been mislead and confused by your response to this situation.