I remember the "Advent Calendar" ...

I need to find one of these and have it up again. Even as a Methodist girl, my Grandmother made sure my brother and I got a calendar when we were little. There was something to be said of my "holy" Grandparents...they surely would not recognize their church or their country today. How sad. But we as Catholics have so much to give to the world. Let's concentrate on getting closer to Jesus and His Mother, and we will be able to better serve the world, the poor, the lonely, the heartbroken. Get out of the "material world" and further into the spiritual world of deep prayer and silence. Don't let the "noise" of this season trap you and get you into a 'frenzy' of shopping and cooking and parties and malls. Retreat even for a few hours in a week, alone, and find Jesus anew in the solitude of your heart, your inner 'cell' and let Him keep you in "perfect peace" with your mind stayed on Him.

Happy New Year!...

Liturgical Year begins anew...
and sadly this is oh so true
Christmas lights/trees/commercials/carols and all the "trappings" of consumerism abound. It's really sickening that Thanksgiving barely gets noticed except with and by a few turkeys. Then it's all "shop till you drop" crapola. But this IS the New Year for us as Catholics. Let us try to grow closer to Our Lord, Our Lady and our Mother Church and to seek to know Him our Saviour better this year. Maybe instead of "trying" just GO on that retreat you put off last year. Read that book that's been beckoning you from your shelf. Blow off the dust and READ it. It's GOD who is calling you, and Only He is worthy of your love.

Ubi Petrus ...

Just found this great place on plurk

Now reading...

Mother Angelica
I'm about 4 years late, but this book is remarkable! What a courageous, wise, holy, funny, amazing woman! I'm halfway through. It's so touching and meaningful to me since I was in Canton, OH. in late April. I saw the Timken Co. and some of the areas and businesses mentioned. If you've not read it yet, either, I can't recommend it highly enough. It's a great 'travel read,' keeping me focused on the greatness of God, when I can't get to daily Mass, as I do at home. What this woman went through in her life should help make us all more trusting in our Loving Abba Father.

St James Intercisus...our brother in Christ...

h/t Flickr

The martyrdom of St. James Intercisus. He was slowly cut into 28 pieces starting with his fingers. He lived until he was beheaded.
He was a "coward" (he believed) but still with a good heart, who became a true, holy martyr with undaunting courage. It gives me hope. Pray for us St. James, that we will have the gift of "final perseverance' and die for our Lord and the Faith as you did...with such courage and love for Christ. Who in their right mind, would suffer and die like this for a mere symbol? The Eucharist is the difference. The Eucharist gives us grace to be changed and die for our Lord. I hope to not be 'cut up' in pieces, but I realize this is still happening to day in many third-world countries and no doubt still in China. The quote I have above is the quote that will always be "the quote" that pierced my soul the very first time I read it ... if it's a symbol, then to hell with it!! Obviously what martyrs like St. Intercisus thought.

Remember Little Portion in your prayers...

Little Portion Hermitage

Kicked off the team for being Jewish...

Margaret Bermann Lambert gets Olympic record back ...
h/t Maryellen.

Saint Columban...

Keep your lamps burning...

Tarek Saab... a man with his head on straight, his feet on the ground ...

and his mind/heart on the "higher, better things" on which we're to focus, not the things of this earth, which will all pass away. For Generation X,Y,Z and everyone else who needs a "Gut Check."

Holy Water Fonts, Batman!...

High Tech fonts fight H1N1

What's next? PEZ Dispenser for the Host? No more EM's? Hands Free, baby!

The Only King I will serve!...

h/t Catholic in Japan

Christ the King

Hilarious...

Dogbiscum Veritas Confundo

h/t saintos

A great Christmas gift for your priest or seminarian...

The Priest Is Not His Own

CCHD - DON'T GIVE THEM MONEY! ...

For all girls and young women discerning religious life, "take Hart"...

God bless and keep you, Chase...

May other young men and even older men really take the time to "listen" to God, as He may be calling them also. Thank you and know you're in our prayers. Mother of the Clergy, watch over Chase and others discerning the priesthood.

Get Smart...

The wickedness and snares of the devil are all over. So where does one get smarter for battle? Where does one get the 'fruit of the vine?'
In the Catholic Church~

where the wine is consecrated by the priest, in persona Christi, and becomes the Blood of Jesus, making those who receive His blood, not only smart, but safe and in the best place to become holy, to become saints. Catholic "church mice" receive the most efficacious Sacrament of all at Holy Communion. The Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ. So 'get smart' and if you've been away from the Catholic Church, just "come home" and if you're thinking about becoming Catholic, "do." You won't be sorry. You'll be 'wise' to be in the One, Holy,Catholic and Apostolic Church, the 'Refuge of Sinners.' Get smart. Stay safe.

Come Home.

and get your armour on for battle

The above drawing I found here.
God rest her [Church Mouse's] soul.

The Fathers...

By Pope Benedict XVI

Say what you want about Mel...

he's given us some powerfully wonderful, poignant movies. Pray for him. We all have our demons to conquer. By faith, they will be put to death, so that Christ may live fully in us. This is still one of the most inspirational, heart-touching scenes of any movie, perhaps...ever.

Saw a screening last night in Council Bluffs...

The 13th Day

Incredible, powerful and a movie for the world like a ...

"final warning?"

Here's what the Priest's Secretary has to say

This was me...and still is

The Convert

After one moment when I bowed my head

And the whole world turned over and came upright

And I came out where the whole world shone white

I walked the ways and heard what all men said

Forests of tongues, like Autumn leaves unshed

Being not unlovable but strange and light

Old riddles and new creeds, but not in despite

But softly, as men smile about the dead

The sages have a hundred maps to give

That trace their crawling cosmos like a tree

They rattle reason out through many a sieve

That stores the sand and lets the gold go free:

And all these things are less than dust to me

Because my name is Lazarus and I live

- G.K. Chesterton

"Where the bishop is, there is the Church"

said Saint Ignatius. And I add, where the Church is, there is Christ, for He and His Bride, the Church, are One, and where Christ is, is heaven our final hope and Home. But until we hopefully arrive there, Jesus gave us Holy Mother Church, the pillar and bulwark of Truth, our refuge, our teacher. At Mass is where Heaven and earth embrace. Where Heaven kisses earth and the Church Triumphant mingles with the Church militant, still fighting the battles below. Resplendent in the sunshine of Rome she stands as a strong, faithful Mother, ready to welcome all her children, those who've stayed and those who've strayed in their lives. She is full of saints and sinners, princes and paupers, barons and beggars, but she has never been dealt a 'death blow.' The gates of Hell have not nor will they prevail against her. She still stands unchanging in matters of faith and morals, after 2009 years. No other church or religion has done that. None.

I'm overwhelmed at the gift of being wrapped in her arms. I will never leave her again. She longs for us all to be one. If you've ever had a curiosity about the Catholic Church/or would like to seriously pursue what it is the Church believes and teaches (not what you've heard from misinformed, though well-meanging souls) then why not just ask? You know, the Lord works in mysterious ways, and if the Holy Spirit has led you here, to this blog, then keep on asking, seeking, knocking. Check out more blogs, more websites and let the Holy Spirit lead you into all Truth...for that is his 'job,' to lead us into all Truth. Only One Church has ever proclaimed to be the bastion of the fullness of Truth. Either it is, or it isn't. Either Christ is a liar, a lunatic or the Lord. He's nudging you if you're seriously seeking to 'know.' Be not afraid to ask, seek and knock. God bless you on your journey.

Peace of Christ.

Basilica's 50th Anniversary...

Jubilee

The new look...

Thanks to Hot Bliggity Blog I've finally acquired the desired change I've been longing for these past few months. There was a certain ennui that had been pervading my asthetic senses every time I came here to post. I was happy with the old, but like in my actual, non virtual life, it was time for a change. Also, we're painting our bedroom and adding some 'new to us' carpet in same. My dear sister-in-law is putting in wood flooring in their bedroom and voila! Now we'll have carpet in ours, (soon to be installed) to cover the old, ugly wood floor. God is good! Rich, my dear husband, is also good, as he's doing the hard labor while I sit in here. Trust me, it's not that I don't want to help, it's just "better this way" and he's 'ok' with it. All is good.

Back to the background: I had a little difficulty, but realized that I'd not clicked a "save" button somewhere along the way that prevented it from appearing. However after a run to the store and getting away from things for a while, praying to St. Isidore of Seville (patron of computers) things "clicked" pun intended. So here it is, a new look for a new time in my life. The red dots on the sides reminded me of the drops of Blood Jesus shed for us, in Gethsemane and on the Via Dolorosa. The "wheat" color in the middle is like "bread" and the red, the wine. It's all about the Eucharist and always has been! It was such a wondrous marvel that Jesus condescended to come to us in the flesh, but then to come to us in the "bread" has been the most awesome thing, at least for me, a 'still new' Catholic. I'm not quite 5, and I'm in love with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament of the Altar. Constantly representing His "once for all" sacrifice for us ever since Calvary, now in the person of His own anointed priest, He gives Himself to us as our "food" ... the Wondrous, Glorious Bread of Life. Bread of Heaven. Bread of Angels! His Precious Blood, now our very drink. I've never been "more fed" in all my entire Christian life. When I was told that so long ago, and when I told others to "go where you're fed" I HAD NO CLUE. I meant well, and so do those who say it, but when one finally "comes and sees and tastest" of the Lord, AT MASS, then how could one ever leave. As St. Peter said, "Where shall we go?"

I love the Catholic Church! I love the Eucharist, - Source and Summit and very Center of our blessed and sweetest Faith!

Hmm...something to think about and more...

Well, I have utmost respect for Dr. Alice Von Hildebrand. Anyone care to comment on this? I've at times wondered about the possiblity that Christopher might have "charged" in where angels fear to tread...but have never opened my mouth about it. I know he's a decent guy, but he was very young when all this "fame" came about. I do wonder what course he's been on of late. I never saw the ABC interview, so I can't and won't comment on that. My thought and opinion here is to not "write off" and glibly dismiss Dr. Von Hildebrand as an "old woman" not 'in the know.' She's got a lifetime more wisdom than West has about all of life, the good, the bad, the ugly and the beautiful/sexual. God's will be done. God bless him.

I would hope that Christopher might one day, before too long, arrange an appointment to sit down with Dr. Von Hildebrand and discuss this. He may just need a 'talkin' to' from one much wiser than he, as the old folks used to say. I've not heard much about this "hoopla" lately. I know we all have our "pet figures" in the Catholic entourage of public speakers, so it's my hope we don't simply have 'knee-jerk' reactions, keep our "emotions" under prudent control and maybe this can be worked out ... for the good of all. I really hate to see such discrepancy in the "ranks" if you will, but I'm going to risk it and say, I'm with the good Doctor on this one. Maybe it's because I'm 54 now...but I've heard her speak a lot more than CW. Our elders get "blown off" like crazy in this society, culture and sadly in the Church (at least in "have it your way" American Church) and I'm not going to go with the 'flow of the youth' on this one. She makes a very valid argument, IMHO.

Out now...

Portiuncula...

The Little Hermitage.
Visit and be blessed.

Church - Do the "surrounds" make a difference to the soul?

HERE

or

HERE?

"Seek (set your mind on) those things which are above, where Christ sits at the right hand of God." Preached St. Paul to the Colossians. Colossians 3:1-2

Which place seems to draw the spirit, the heart, the mind upward ... to contemplate those 'higher things?'

I'm just sayin'...

photo taken at Osmond, NE. 2007

Caveat: I'm not saying anything derogatory about the Minister who's having church in the old, dying mall and crime ridden area. God bless him. I'm only saying that God gave us eyes for beauty. Beauty helps us to focus more on God. Churches do not have to be "ornate" or filled with statues, stained glass and magnificent high altars...but it sure does help! In other cultures, they "pour all they have" into making even the more simple, primative places where God dwells, a place made "special"... but Americans, we're just too preoccupied with things of this earth ... at least it sure seems that way.

Reconciliation...

Gate of Mercy

"I will run on 'feet with wings'

to your confessional where mercy waits.

Always new. Always there.

Absolution ... tangible, beautiful gift of God.

Give my feet wings

to get to the "holy box,"

the small room ... where Mercy waits."

~ susie

photo taken at Osmond, NE. 2007

New blog...

I've created another blog for a friend and myself. Please stop by and visit when you get a moment in your day. God bless. ~

"Handmaids of Mary"

Peace maker, pioneer, legend...

Mother Teresa of Calcutta

Anglican priest converts to Catholicism...

My Canterbury Trail to Rome

This isn't exactly "new news" but to me it is. I've not heard of him before. So much "convertin'" goin' on! Gotta love it!!

Thank you to all our courageous,outstanding military fighting for us now...

and those heroes who died to keep us free in years past. God bless and keep you forever.

Roaming 'round the web...

Signs, Wonders, and Miracles

Lenar's profile

There are no words,..only tears...

h/t TJ

He's got the little, bitty babies in His hands...

He's got the little, bitty babies, in His hands.

He's got the little bitty babies, in His hands

He's got the whole world in His hands...

**************************

"I've got two daughters. Nine years old and six years old. I am going to teach them first about values and morals.

But if they make a mistake, I don't want them punished with a baby."
- Barack Obama

Mystical Rose...

Our Blessed Mother

Immaculata Monastery - Norfolk, NE.

St. Benedict Retreat Center - Schulyer, NE...

Doesn't this make you want to come to Nebraska?

Your Beloved Jesus may be calling you to

"Come Away"

To find rest for your weary soul

here on the plains,

amid the serenity of the "prayerie."

He is waiting for you ...

Jesus is waiting ...

He has a special

Love Song

to sing

only

for you

here

in

sweet

splendorous

repose

Stations of the Cross - St. Benedict Retreat Center, Schuyler, NE.

St. Veronica,

pray that my Lord's Holy Face will be forever

imprinted upon my heart.

That I may radiate Christ in my life to all I meet.

Amen.

Just off Interstate 80, at Pine Bluffs, WY...

Horsing Around on the Prairie...

These horses were in the pasture out by the Holy Family Shrine, where I used to volunteer. One blustery day, on my way to the Shrine, they were near the road so I grabbed my camera and one even took a roll on the snow. I decided the collection would make a nice collage.

Ever since I was a wee one in Louisiana, then Michigan and then on the Nebraska Plains, I have loved horses. I even finally had my heart's desire come true. My dream to have a horse of my own was given to me by my dear step dad. In the summer of 1971 I got a horse, a gelding, named Tonka. He was a beautiful chocolate brown Arabian appaloosa. Unfortunately, that was the summer I was gone for 7 weeks to California to visit my dad, and wasn't there to ride him. He started acting up for my step dad, too, and he took him somewhere to "break" him more. I was so sad to find out, because to me, he'd even become more headstrong.

Tonka started to nip at my feet when I rode him and would even lie down when my best friend, Alice, would come over and try to ride him. He was 4 years old and I only had him for 6 months. I was heart broken to say "goodbye," but at the same time, I was so hurt that he didn't seem to like me all that much, when all I wanted to do was love him and care for him. We never made that "connection" I so craved, like I'd seen on the tv shows I loved as a little girl: "Fury" and "My Friend Flicka." Oh well. I did have him for a while . I don't think it was Tonka's fault, we just didn't know how to handle him. If only we'd have known a 'horse whisperer.'

Now that I'm writing about this "equine summer" memory, I see the significance when Jesus says "I never knew you." The importance of 'knowing' someone, or the sad reality when you choose not to know someone. The evangelicals who "choose" not to "know Mary" deprive themselves of a deeper love for Jesus. I tried to know Tonka and loved him but he only "shunned" me. Jesus, likewise, only wants to love us and care for us, but we're more like Tonka, independent, stubborn, 'bratty' at times. He's constantly reaching out, and we 'nip' at him, and lie down when He would like us to 'get up and go.' We don't spend as much time with Jesus as we might with our friends, tv's, or hobbies. Friendship takes time to flourish. We don't know how much he loves us, and wants the best for us, because we balk and even "walk backwards" (the other trick Tonka had in his bag.) We think we know better than Jesus and end up somewhere else where we might be fed something, but not really nourished with the best, most complete Food.

Ok, the anology might not be the best, but you get the idea. If we're like Tonka, kind of bratty, God won't 'send us away' necessarily, but we'll end up 'sending ourselves' away. That's up to us. Tonka, being a horse, couldn't really comprehend it. But we're different. We're given 'reason' and 'faith' and they go together like a hand & glove. If we are 'hard of heart' stubborn and proud, we won't be lifted up to the "better things" Jesus has for us. We might very well be 'cast into outter darkness' in the end, if we don't humble ourselves with contrite hearts. But if we're grateful, humble, child-like and docile, we'll be raised up on the Last Day to our heavenly home. But we have to be "small," not self-important, prideful, or self-absorbed. We have to spend time with our "Master," who's also our very Best Friend. If we are like children, trusting always in His Mercy, we'll be fine.
Don't be like the horse who needs a bridle and bit.
Trust in Him, learn of Him and be "ONE" with Him.

God created a fine masterpiece when he made horses. They're so powerful, so graceful, so fun to see galloping across the prairie, or in a steeple chase or the Derby/Belmont or in rodeos where they really 'know their work.' I still would love a horse...maybe someday, I'll get to ride with Jesus on his majestic white one...?

Hmm, isn't this interesting? An Evangelical pastor's thoughts

Has Church Become too Casual? | Phil Cooke The Change Revolution

In the Catholic Church, we've never been to "concerned" about dress. I really think Jesus doesn't care all that much, myself. I'm not going to "judge" another by their clothing. I'm just glad they're there, and I think Jesus is, too. I do understand the thinking, and agree that we're much too casual in dress, at times...but to me the bigger problem is the 'casualness' we approach Jesus in Communion. It's not the clothes, (maybe a little) that change us, it's the lack of good catechesis and teaching about WHOM we are receiving in the Blessed Sacrament.

I've heard the debate on how to dress given by good Catholics, asking: "If you were invited to the White House to meet the President, you'd wear your best and look your best. Yes, I would. But God says, "Come"...that's it. He doesn't give any indication in scripture that the clothes on our backs are the "number 1 priority." I think it's wonderful that most dress up and look their best. I just happen to be a very casual woman who has nary any dresses. No joke. I hate high heels and having to accessorize my shoes/purses. I am not a fan of "dressing up." But my idea of casual, comfortable certainly doesn't mean tawdry! (as in photo below!)

I do believe women/young teens need to be modestly dressed, certainly, as that can be a real problem for men. That's not being 'hyper-sensitive' or judging their hearts, it's only reality. However, I find when people do dress up, many of them, not all, have that "look" about them, maybe a tinge of 'snobbishness' and don't have anything to do with the less well-dressed. I have respect for those who do wear their "Sunday best" but still, it's not about our clothing on our bodies, but the attitude and our hearts. "Rend your hearts and not your garments." JOEL 2:3 That speaks to me that it's the heart and what it's "wearing" that's more important than what is on our bodies.

I am and will always be a "blue jean" woman. I don't 'dress up' for Sunday, but I don't purposely 'dress down' either. I don't wear torn and worn out clothing, but we also know, Jesus never said: "Come all you that labor and are heavy burdened, clean yourselves up, put on the best clothes you have, don't wear jeans, or shorts in summer, don't look too sloppy, and I will give you rest."

I see in the poorer sections of town, at noon mass, many who make it their priority to 'get to mass.' Like my husband who manages a lake, and can't 'dress up' before going to mass/work on a weekday morning, many of those who go to midday masses across the city during the week, come while in their work clothes and their work clothes are sometimes very worn and or possibly not the cleanest. Does that mean they're less acceptable to our Lord? Or that they're too 'casual and just don't care?' No. Sundays, it's nice to make a little more effort to be better dressed, but still, it's the heart, not the clothes. Then again, maybe it's just me and my preference for my 'blue jean' lifestyle talking.

It's the extremes that people tend to end up in, in every area that is a problem. Our desire to 'remove the spec in the eye of our brother or sister, rather than removing the plank in our own that's the cause of discord. The Lord rebukes many who "judge by appearances" and that goes to judging those really finely dressed, too. I think we all need to just 'mind our own business' and focus on our own hearts and where we stand with God TODAY, not someone else's clothing. UNLESS, of course, we see anything like in the picture below!

What I found so very interesting by the Evangelical pastor was his writing about those who are seeking "liturgy" and "smells and bells." It's most curious. The longing for "mystery" that's been removed in more independent fellowships and all the 'trendy' main-line denoms, with their "upbeat" worship services given to "appeal" to the culture, when culture is really crying out for TRUTH, and not 'sham wow' experiences. Anyway, I'd love to hear some of your thoughts on this. I find it fascinating. This is ending up as a post about two different issues: one's interior heart disposition and exterior clothing.

It's one thing for a prostitute to wander in off the streets, ready to convert and repent of her sins, by some miracle touch of God's grace (and if that were to happen, she'd likely find more suitable clothing or a shawl to cover up as much as she could.) But this "shameful display" (below) in a Catholic Church is completely irresponsible! What on earth are their mothers and fathers thinking? Sadly, not much! Obviously parental authority has "flown the coop" as kids now "rule the roost" in most families. However, this is quite shocking! I found this picture while looking for a photo to post. Seems I found one! The exposure of skin on these girls is just 'wrong' and happily has never occurred in our parish! Sadly this kind of show is apparently found in many "Catholic" parishes of Europe.

This book sounds like a good one...

Angel Time

Amazon's Anne Rice page

I was just wondering if Anne Rice had some more books out, and embarrassed about not having checked on line before now. I really enjoyed her book,
Christ the Lord-Out of Egypt
so I was delighted to see how many others she's written.
Christ the Lord, Road to Cana might have to be my next novel.

What Jesus never said, but so many think He did...

1 October
Gospel
Lk 10:1-12

Jesus appointed seventy-two other disciples
whom he sent ahead of him in pairs
to every town and place he intended to visit.
He said to them,
“The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few;
so ask the master of the harvest
to send out laborers for his harvest.
Go on your way;
behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves.
Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals;
and greet no one along the way.
Into whatever house you enter, first say,
‘Peace to this household.’
If a peaceful person lives there,
your peace will rest on him;
but if not, it will return to you.
Stay in the same house and eat and drink what is offered to you,
for the laborer deserves his payment.
Do not move about from one house to another.
Whatever town you enter and they welcome you,
eat what is set before you,
cure the sick in it and say to them,
‘The Kingdom of God is at hand for you.’
Whatever town you enter and they do not receive you,
go out into the streets and say,
‘The dust of your town that clings to our feet,
even that we shake off against you.’
Yet know this: the Kingdom of God is at hand.
I tell you,
it will be more tolerable for Sodom on that day than for that town.”

from WorldPriest

Interesting, at the end how "intolerant" Jesus is, isn't it? He actually tells his disciples to "shake the dust" off their shoes...and leave. He doesn't say:

"Stay in that town, adapt to the ways of the folks, make sure you don't offend anyone with the Truth. If they don't recognize you and receive your message, then "change it" to make them feel better. If you constantly change to be like those in every town, then you'll be liked by everyone. Always change the message to make it more palatable to every person. No one needs to alter their life and convert, really... we have to be the ones who change and adapt to that town's particular culture. Be sure you scream about "social justice" all the time, but if there are any abortion clinics in that town, just let it be. I'll change that sometime in the future. Remember you're there to just blend in and not be conspicuous, so no clerics, no habits. Just la la la love them, be activists for 'change' but don't expect anyone to change and follow all the rules of the Church. They're kind of rigid and old-fashioned. Let everyone know you la la la love them and all will be well. Infact, maybe you should 'buy them all a Coke' and teach them how to sing "All You Need is Love" and "Give Peace a Chance." Then perfect harmony will come to every heart, and la la la love will prevail, without rules, or those pesky old rituals. Just make sure everyone's happy at all times and forget all the talk about it being easier for Sodom. I don't know what I was talking about bringing that up. Dad got a little "carried away" destroying Soddom and Gomorrah, but you know, He tends to be a little too strict. I'm not going to be as strict as Pops though. So if you ignore everything I've told you before now, you'll be 'free' to really spread the la la la love around and utopia will happen and those old stodgy, religious freaks will eventually disappear. Okie doke? Cool. Here's some Aquafina. Catch ya later, dudes. Oh,wait, I almost forgot - speaking of "dudes" there should be some women with all the authority I've given the guys, so, ladies, I hereby make you 'priests' because again, the "Old Man" didn't quite get it, that you'd be just as equal and can do everything the guys can do. I should have realized it a lot sooner, too, so forgive me for being the Head of the Church. I make you all equal 'heads.' And Pops, well he's a little 'not quite there' ya know? I'll talk to Him and tell Him to "lighten up." So take care. Keep playin' the bongos and wearing those sweet pantsuits so no one can tell you've given your entire life to me in that 'obnoxious' overt way with veils and stuff. Live wherever you want, and most importantly, don't whine about abortion! That's key. It's Bush's War and the death penalty that are the real kickers needing your voice. And this "health care" stuff needs to pass and pass soon. It's like the 11th Commandment or I mean, suggestion. Also, remember to always be tolerant, and inclusive of evreything people do and say, with the exception of the really 'religious.' And another thing, just talk about love, don't talk about hell or sin anymore. Those are like soooo outdated! Have a great trip. Be "Green" to save the planet, and I'll see ya back at on the beach for some fish 'n chips. Keep it real. Happy trails."

Pray for our priests...no priests, no Sacraments

World Priest

as seen on EWTN LIVE.

Let me get this straight...

A crucifix in a jar of URINE, known as "Piss Christ" is ONLY ART, and we Catholics/Christians are just too 'hyper-sensitive' and we shouldn't be offended. but we're to appreciate an artist's creativity. YET a CRUCIFIX that's been on a wall for centuries, some little tikes just can't cope with at all?!?!?! ABSURD and OUTRAGEOUS!

This is for the European Court. Take a GOOD LONG LOOK. You need to see what LOVE IS.

Crucifix by Giotto c1300 tempera on panel 14' high. Tempio Malatestiano, Rimini, Italy

Italians reject crucifix ruling...

excerpt from article by Manuela Mesco at The Guardian:

In article 7, the Italian constitution reads: "The state and the church are, each one in its own domain, independent and sovereign. Their relationships are regulated by the Patti Lateranensi". That's the Lateran treaty, the agreement reached in 1929 between Mussolini and the Cardinal Pietro Gasparri which established a framework for mutual recognition and cohabitation of the secular and the religious domains within the Italian state. The agreement, among other things, states that crucifixes must hang in every classroom and tribunal in the country.

Court says Italian Schools...

should be "Crucifx free!"

What's next? Frescoes on walls, niches of Saints and the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Child Jesus all over Rome, and all of Italy? This is so stupid it makes me see RED. COMMIE RED! Still trying to wipe out Christianity after all these years. Idiotic. This is HATE SPEECH. But I guess the tolerant Left doesn't see it that way... Big shock.

New Catholic Convert site ...

This website is a great idea.

It's still under construction but so far, so good!