Missed Milestone

Checking the stats this morning I found that we have passed the 20,000 hit mark, which makes this a very low traffic site. Some of the heavy hitters get more hits in an hour. Still, a milestone is a milestone, and the hits are still a-comin'.

Sometimes I think It would be nice to have a little more traffic, but on the other hand high traffic brings with it a large number of whack jobs, and I'd just as soon not have that. I'm happy with the nice group of people who drop by and leave comments.

So thanks to you all for coming by. Keep coming by, Puff and I will still be putting up some posts for your edification.

Incidentally, hit number 20,000 was... me, checking in from work. So thanks, me, for putting us over the top.

I've Invited Puff to Come Back

In analysing this blog's sitemeter, I've notice that some still come looking for antiphon translations or music sources. Also she is still the only one who can change the colours and the look of the blog and she still helps me add pictures,and make additions to the sidebar and....

She has graciously accepted. He first post will be up soon. I think.

All I have to do, is "help" with the very overdue Spring cleaning- Basically do what she asks, when she asks, next Saturday, and get the kids to either help or stay out of the way.

New 'blog link,

There is a new Catholic blog out there

A Catholics Perspective

Hosted by:
Joseph AKA Navillus99 from Boston, MA, United States.

He says of himself ( in the 3rd person no less)

"Joseph is a life long Catholic who resides in the Boston area. The only purpose of this blog is to share my thoughts on God and how he relates to the world through my own eyes. Not for politics but for the Glory of God and his only Son Jesus, our Lord."

Check out his blog, and welcome him to the blogosphere.

The Crescat...: 2008 Cannonball Catholic Blog Awards...

UPDATE: After consulting with Bear, we've determined that neither of us nominated this 'blog, so:

First, a question: Which of you nominated The Spirit's Sword for the Best Church Militant Blog Award?
Second, a demonstration of gratitude to the person reference above: Thank you.
Third, Shameless pleading for your support: Please vote for Bear for 2008 The Cannonball Best Church Militant Blog Award

- Puff

FINAL DECLARATION

OF ANNUAL MEETING OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE FOR DIALOGUE OF THE PERMANENT COMMITTEE OF AL-AZHAR FOR DIALOGUE AMONG THE MONOTHEISTIC RELIGIONS AND THE PONTIFICAL COUNCIL FOR INTERRELIGIOUS DIALOGUE (VATICAN) ) (CAIRO, 25-26 FEBRUARY 2008)

Final Declaration

- Believing in the role of monotheistic religions in providing a firm foundation for the values of peace, truth, justice, right behaviour and cooperation in the development and use of the earth's resources for the benefit of the whole of humanity, thus realising fraternity, peace and happiness for all peoples;

- Affirming that it is important that these noble principles and exemplary values guide human behaviour, especially at the present time when boundaries and distinctions between peoples are decreasing and the phenomenon of violence, extremism, terrorism is increasing, together with contempt for religions, religious values and everything that is considered sacred;

- Taking into consideration the place of al-Azhar al-Sharif, its history and its distinguished role within the Islamic world;

- Taking into consideration also the specific task of the Pontifical Council for
Interreligious Dialogue within the Catholic Church;

- Recognizing on both sides the importance of mutual knowledge and of the search for common ground between the two religions as a basis for wider cooperation and improved relations;

- The Joint Committee held its annual Meeting at al-Azhar headquarters on Monday 25 February and Tuesday 26 February 2008 under the joint presidency of Professor Sheikh Abd al-Fattah Alaam, Wakil of al-Azhar, and President of the Permanent Committee of al-Azhar for Dialogue with Monotheistic Religions, and His Eminence Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, President of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue.

The Committee, with the help of papers presented by Reverend Father René-Vincent de Grandlaunay and Professor Abdallah Mabrouk al-Naggar, examined the theme of Faith in God and Love of Neighbour as the Foundations for Interreligious Dialogue.

During its exchanges the Committee underlined common principles and emphasised shared spiritual and moral values. These help to form the conscience and enlighten
reason, providing guidance to thought and behaviour, in particular as regards relations with brothers and sisters of the other religion. The Committee also discussed the question of freedom of expression, noting that it can never justify harming people's feelings in religious matters, thus creating strained relations and destroying brotherly love.

The Committee strongly condemned the republication of offensive cartoons and the rising number of attacks against Islam and its Prophet, as also other attacks against religion. Note was taken of the words of Pope Benedict XVI, in a speech to the Ambassador of Morocco to the Holy See, in which he expressed his conviction that: "in order to favour peace and understanding between peoples and human beings, it is necessary that their religions and symbols be respected, and that believers not be the object of provocations which cause harm to their religious commitment and feelings." (20 February 2006).

The members of the Committee expressed their satisfaction at the agreement reached, seeing this as an encouragement to continue to engage in dialogue.

At the end of the meeting the participants agreed upon the following recommendations:

1. to affirm that all religions respect the dignity and honour of the human person without consideration of race, colour, religion or conviction, and condemn any offence
against personal integrity, property and honour;

2. to foster true respect for religions, beliefs, religious symbols, holy Books and whatever is considered sacred: religious leaders, both Muslim and Christian, as well as intellectuals and educators, should make every effort to inculcate these values
in their activities in places of learning and in all levels of society;

3. to appeal to those responsible for the mass media, whether written or broadcast, in all countries, to be vigilant that freedom of expression not be taken as a pretext for offending religions, convictions, religious symbols and everything that is considered sacred, but rather to oppose extremism, to encourage mutual acceptance, love and respect for all, regardless of their religion;

4. to encourage exchange of views on matters of common concern which may arise;

5. to assess the application of these recommendations during the coming meetings of the Committee.

The Committee agreed that is next would be held in Rome, 24-25 February 2009.

His Eminence Cardinal Jean-Louis TAURAN
President of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue


Professor Sheikh Abd al-Fattah Muhammad ALAAM
President of the Committee for Dialogue Al-Azhar

Feel free to comment. I haven't done more than peruse the document. It really appears to be dip speak for: "You don't insult my religion and I won't insult yours." That sounds hard, when "insult" isn't defined the same way between the two. Maybe what they should concentrate on is the definition of "insult"

Prayers for the Repose of a Soul

From an e-mail from a reader

I am sad to report that Fr. Whelan, head of Priests for Life Canada, passed away Sunday Feb. 24, 2008. He suffered a massive heart attack in the sacristy of a church in the St. Catharines area. He was there for a Lenten Mission.
I do not have additional details and the website for the Priests for Life Canada has no info.
Please pray for the repose of his soul.

Heh

Court's'y to T.O. at LAMLand via Fr. Daren

Only in Tuscola, Ill.

I still have nothing to say :)

Abortion activists rallying to kill new Fetal Homicide Bill

Abortion activists rallying to kill new Fetal Homicide Bill

Excerpts from the article on Flaggman's Canada:

The macabre fanatics at the Abortion Rights Coalition of Canada - one of the “Pro Choice” advocacy group furious it can no longer receive government funding through the Status of Women Canada office - are trying to rally the nation against the proposed “Unborn Victims of Crime Act” (private member’s bill C-484 introduced by Conservative MP Ken Epp, up for a vote in March should this Parliament last that long). The ARCC believes in unlimited, free abortions for all women at any stage of pregnancy throughout Canada.

Epp’s bill - a response to recent murders of pregnant women in Winnipeg, Edmonton, and Toronto, in which the alleged murderer was the father of the unborn child - would allow prosecutors to add a second murder charge in such cases for the death of the unborn child.

Satisfied with the fact that there is not a single restriction on abortion on the books in Canadian law, and that the Supreme Court has ruled that an unborn child is not considered a human being until it has been completely separated from its mother’s body, the ARCC is furious at this modest attack on the status quo. The ARCC is encouraging its constituency of pro-abortion absolutists to work to kill this bill. Not interested in subtlety, the ARCC has even composed a heartfelt protest letter for its
supporters to submit to Canadian MPs due to vote on the bill.

If the Pro-Choice are letter-writing to kill the bill, we have to letter-write to support the bill. Please write your MP to support the Bill. I'm horrible at writing such letters, but make it short and brief:

To the Honourable [Member's Name] Member for [Your Riding]

Dear Sir (Madame)

I would like to register my approval to Conservative MP Ken Epp’s private member bill C-484, the “Unborn Victims of Violence Act.” I urge you to please vote in favour of this bill in Parliament.

I’m greatly saddened by the horrific tragedies of pregnant women being murdered by their husbands or boyfriends. When a woman has chosen to have a child and someone has caused her her unborn child to die through an illegal assault, the woman should have the right to charge the criminal with the death of her chosen, wanted human offspring.

Protect the rights of women who choose to have children.

Sincerely
Signature
[Your Name]

Look Up your MP here

New 'blog, New Category

I've created a new category for 'blogs on the sidebar. "Non- English Catholic Blogs" and it already has a new link.

Palazzo Apostolico (Apostolic Palace) by Paolo Rodari, writing from the Vatican in Italian. Check him out.

MESSAGGIO NATALIZIO DEL SANTO PADRE E BENEDIZIONE URBI ET ORBI

The Holy Fathers Christmas Message and Blessing "URBI et ORBI"

First in the Original Italian, followed by the Vatican's English Versions


MESSAGGIO DEL SANTO PADRE

"Un giorno santo è spuntato per noi:

venite tutti ad adorare il Signore;

oggi una splendida luce è discesa sulla terra"
(Messa del giorno di Natale, Acclamazione al Vangelo).

Cari fratelli e sorelle! "Un giorno santo è spuntato per noi". Un giorno di grande speranza: oggi è nato il Salvatore dell’umanità! La nascita di un bambino porta normalmente una luce di speranza a quanti lo attendono trepidanti. Quando nacque Gesù nella grotta di Betlemme, una "grande luce" apparve sulla terra; una grande speranza entrò nel cuore di quanti lo attendevano: "lux magna", canta la liturgia di questo giorno di Natale. Non fu certo "grande" alla maniera di questo mondo, perché a vederla, dapprima, furono solo Maria, Giuseppe e alcuni pastori, poi i Magi, il vecchio Simeone, la profetessa Anna: coloro che Dio aveva prescelto. Eppure, nel nascondimento e nel silenzio di quella notte santa, si è accesa per ogni uomo una luce splendida e intramontabile; è venuta nel mondo la grande speranza portatrice di felicità: "il Verbo si è fatto carne e noi abbiamo visto la sua gloria" (Gv 1,14)

"Dio è luce – afferma san Giovanni – e in lui non ci sono tenebre" (1 Gv 1,5). Nel Libro della Genesi leggiamo che quando ebbe origine l’universo, "la terra era informe e deserta e le tenebre ricoprivano l’abisso". "Dio disse: «Sia la luce!». E la luce fu" (Gn 1,2-3). La Parola creatrice di Dio è Luce, sorgente della vita. Tutto è stato fatto per mezzo del Logos e senza di Lui niente è stato fatto di tutto ciò che esiste (cfr Gv 1,3). Ecco perchè tutte le creature sono fondamentalmente buone, e recano in sé l’impronta di Dio, una scintilla della sua luce. Tuttavia, quando Gesù nacque dalla Vergine Maria, la Luce stessa è venuta nel mondo: "Dio da Dio, Luce da Luce", professiamo nel Credo. In Gesù Dio ha assunto ciò che non era rimanendo ciò che era: "l’onnipotenza entrò in un corpo infantile e non fu sottratta al governo dell’universo" (cfr Agostino, Serm 184, 1 sul Natale). Si è fatto uomo Colui che è il creatore dell’uomo per recare al mondo la pace. Per questo, nella notte di Natale, le schiere degli Angeli cantano: "Gloria a Dio nel più alto dei cieli / e pace in terra agli uomini che egli ama" (Lc 2,14).

"Oggi una splendida luce è discesa sulla terra". La Luce di Cristo è portatrice di pace. Nella Messa della notte la liturgia eucaristica si è aperta proprio con questo canto: "Oggi la vera pace è scesa a noi dal cielo" (Antifona d’ingresso). Anzi, solo la "grande" luce apparsa in Cristo può donare agli uomini la "vera" pace: ecco perchè ogni generazione è chiamata ad accoglierla, ad accogliere il Dio che a Betlemme si è fatto uno di noi.

Questo è il Natale! Evento storico e mistero di amore, che da oltre duemila anni interpella gli uomini e le donne di ogni epoca e di ogni luogo. E’ il giorno santo in cui rifulge la "grande luce" di Cristo portatrice di pace! Certo, per riconoscerla, per accoglierla ci vuole fede, ci vuole umiltà. L’umiltà di Maria, che ha creduto alla parola del Signore, e ha adorato per prima, china sulla mangiatoia, il Frutto del suo grembo; l’umiltà di Giuseppe, uomo giusto, che ebbe il coraggio della fede e preferì obbedire a Dio piuttosto che tutelare la propria reputazione; l’umiltà dei pastori, dei poveri ed anonimi pastori, che accolsero l’annuncio del messaggero celeste e in fretta raggiunsero la grotta dove trovarono il bambino appena nato e, pieni di stupore, lo adorarono lodando Dio (cfr Lc 2,15-20). I piccoli, i poveri in spirito: ecco i protagonisti del Natale, ieri come oggi; i protagonisti di sempre della storia di Dio, i costruttori infaticabili del suo Regno di giustizia, di amore e di pace.

Nel silenzio della notte di Betlemme Gesù nacque e fu accolto da mani premurose. Ed ora, in questo nostro Natale, in cui continua a risuonare il lieto annuncio della sua nascita redentrice, chi è pronto ad aprirgli la porta del cuore? Uomini e donne di questa nostra epoca, anche a noi Cristo viene a portare la luce, anche a noi viene a donare la pace! Ma chi veglia, nella notte del dubbio e dell’incertezza, con il cuore desto e orante? Chi attende l’aurora del giorno nuovo tenendo accesa la fiammella della fede? Chi ha tempo per ascoltare la sua parola e lasciarsi avvolgere dal fascino del suo amore? Sì! È per tutti il suo messaggio di pace; è a tutti che viene ad offrire se stesso come certa speranza di salvezza.

La luce di Cristo, che viene ad illuminare ogni essere umano, possa finalmente rifulgere, e sia consolazione per quanti si trovano nelle tenebre della miseria, dell'ingiustizia, della guerra; per coloro che vedono ancora negata la loro legittima aspirazione a una più sicura sussistenza, alla salute, all'istruzione, a un'occupazione stabile, a una partecipazione più piena alle responsabilità civili e politiche, al di fuori di ogni oppressione e al riparo da condizioni che offendono la dignità umana. Vittime dei sanguinosi conflitti armati, del terrorismo e delle violenze di ogni genere, che infliggono inaudite sofferenze a intere popolazioni, sono particolarmente le fasce più vulnerabili, i bambini, le donne, gli anziani. Mentre le tensioni etniche, religiose e politiche, l’instabilità, le rivalità, le contrapposizioni, le ingiustizie e le discriminazioni, che lacerano il tessuto interno di molti Paesi, inaspriscono i rapporti internazionali. E nel mondo va sempre più crescendo il numero dei migranti, dei rifugiati, degli sfollati anche a causa delle frequenti calamità naturali, conseguenza spesso di preoccupanti dissesti ambientali.

In questo giorno di pace, il pensiero va soprattutto laddove rimbomba il fragore delle armi: alle martoriate terre del Darfur, della Somalia e del nord della Repubblica Democratica del Congo, ai confini dell'Eritrea e dell'Etiopia, all'intero Medio Oriente, in particolare all'Iraq, al Libano e alla Terrasanta, all'Afghanistan, al Pakistan e allo Sri Lanka, alla regione dei Balcani, e alle tante altre situazioni di crisi, spesso purtroppo dimenticate. Il Bambino Gesù porti sollievo a chi è nella prova e infonda ai responsabili di governo la saggezza e il coraggio di cercare e trovare soluzioni umane, giuste e durature. Alla sete di senso e di valore che avverte il mondo oggi, alla ricerca di benessere e di pace che segna la vita di tutta l’umanità, alle attese dei poveri Cristo, vero Dio e vero Uomo, risponde con il suo Natale. Non temano gli individui e le nazioni di riconoscerlo e di accoglierlo: con Lui "una splendida luce" rischiara l’orizzonte dell’umanità; con Lui si apre "un giorno santo" che non conosce tramonto. Questo Natale sia veramente per tutti un giorno di gioia, di speranza e di pace!

"Venite tutti ad adorare il Signore". Con Maria, Giuseppe e i pastori, con i Magi e la schiera innumerevole di umili adoratori del neonato Bambino, che lungo i secoli hanno accolto il mistero del Natale, anche noi, fratelli e sorelle di ogni continente, lasciamo che la luce di questo giorno si diffonda dappertutto: entri nei nostri cuori, rischiari e riscaldi le nostre case, porti serenità e speranza nelle nostre città, dia al mondo la pace. E’ questo il mio augurio per voi che mi ascoltate. Augurio che si fa preghiera umile e fiduciosa al Bambino Gesù, perché la sua luce disperda ogni tenebra dalla vostra vita e vi ricolmi dell’amore e della pace. Il Signore, che ha fatto risplendere in Cristo il suo volto di misericordia, vi appaghi della sua felicità e vi renda messaggeri della sua bontà. Buon Natale!

[01861-01.01] [Testo originale: Italiano]


NOw the Vatican's English Version:

TRADUZIONE IN LINGUA INGLESE

"A holy day has dawned upon us.

Come you nations and adore the Lord.

Today a great light has come upon the earth."
(Day Mass of Christmas, Gospel Acclamation)

Dear Brothers and Sisters! "A holy day has dawned upon us." A day of great hope: today the Saviour of mankind is born. The birth of a child normally brings a light of hope to those who are waiting anxiously. When Jesus was born in the stable at Bethlehem, a "great light" appeared on earth; a great hope entered the hearts of those who awaited him: in the words of today’s Christmas liturgy, "lux magna". Admittedly it was not "great" in the manner of this world, because the first to see it were only Mary, Joseph and some shepherds, then the Magi, the old man Simeon, the prophetess Anna: those whom God had chosen. Yet, in the shadows and silence of that holy night, a great and inextinguishable light shone forth for every man; the great hope that brings happiness entered into the world: "the Word was made flesh and we saw his glory" (Jn 1:14).

"God is light", says Saint John, "and in him is no darkness at all" (1 Jn 1:5). In the Book of Genesis we read that when the universe was created, "the earth was without form and void, and darkness was upon the face of the deep." "God said, ‘Let there be light’; and there was light." (Gen 1:2-3). The creative Word of God is Light, the source of life. All things were made through the Logos, not one thing had its being but through him (cf. Jn 1:3). That is why all creatures are fundamentally good and bear within themselves the stamp of God, a spark of his light. Nevertheless, when Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary, the Light himself came into the world: in the words of the Creed, "God from God, Light from Light". In Jesus, God assumed what he was not, while remaining what he was: "omnipotence entered an infant’s body and did not cease to govern the universe" (cf. Saint Augustine, Sermo 184, No. 1 on Christmas). The Creator of man became man in order to bring peace to the world. For this reason, during Christmas night, the hosts of angels sing: "Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth to those whom he loves" (Lk 2:14).

"Today a great light has come upon the earth". The Light of Christ is the bearer of peace. At Midnight Mass, the Eucharistic liturgy begins with this very chant: "Today true peace has come down to us from heaven" (Entrance Antiphon). Indeed, it is only the "great" light manifested in Christ that can give "true" peace to men: that is why every generation is called to welcome it, to welcome the God who in Bethlehem became one of us.

This is Christmas – the historical event and the mystery of love, which for more than two thousand years has spoken to men and women of every era and every place. It is the holy day on which the "great light" of Christ shines forth, bearing peace! Certainly, if we are to recognize it, if we are to receive it, faith is needed and humility is needed. The humility of Mary, who believed in the word of the Lord and, bending low over the manger, was the first to adore the fruit of her womb; the humility of Joseph, the just man, who had the courage of faith and preferred to obey God rather than to protect his own reputation; the humility of the shepherds, the poor and anonymous shepherds, who received the proclamation of the heavenly messenger and hastened towards the stable, where they found the new-born child and worshipped him, full of astonishment, praising God (cf. Lk 2:15-20). The little ones, the poor in spirit: they are the key figures of Christmas, in the past and in the present; they have always been the key figures of God’s history, the indefatigable builders of his Kingdom of justice, love and peace.

In the silence of that night in Bethlehem, Jesus was born and lovingly welcomed. And now, on this Christmas Day, when the joyful news of his saving birth continues to resound, who is ready to open the doors of his heart to the holy child? Men and women of this modern age, Christ comes also to us bringing his light, he comes also to us granting peace! But who is watching, in the night of doubt and uncertainty, with a vigilant, praying heart? Who is waiting for the dawn of the new day, keeping alight the flame of faith? Who has time to listen to his word and to become enfolded and entranced by his love? Yes! His message of peace is for everyone; he comes to offer himself to all people as sure hope for salvation.

Finally, may the light of Christ, which comes to enlighten every human being, shine forth and bring consolation to those who live in the darkness of poverty, injustice and war; to those who are still denied their legitimate aspirations for a more secure existence, for health, education, stable employment, for fuller participation in civil and political responsibilities, free from oppression and protected from conditions that offend against human dignity. It is the most vulnerable members of society – women, children, the elderly – who are so often the victims of brutal armed conflicts, terrorism and violence of every kind, which inflict such terrible sufferings on entire populations. At the same time, ethnic, religious and political tensions, instability, rivalry, disagreements, and all forms of injustice and discrimination are destroying the internal fabric of many countries and embittering international relations. Throughout the world the number of migrants, refugees and evacuees is also increasing because of frequent natural disasters, often caused by alarming environmental upheavals.

On this day of peace, my thoughts turn especially to those places where the grim sound of arms continues to reverberate; to the tortured regions of Darfur, Somalia, the north of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the border between Eritrea and Ethiopia; to the whole of the Middle East – especially Iraq, Lebanon and the Holy Land; to Afghanistan, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, to the Balkans and to many other crisis situations that unfortunately are frequently forgotten. May the Child Jesus bring relief to those who are suffering and may he bestow upon political leaders the wisdom and courage to seek and find humane, just and lasting solutions. To the thirst for meaning and value so characteristic of today’s world, to the search for prosperity and peace that marks the lives of all mankind, to the hopes of the poor: Christ – true God and true Man – responds with his Nativity. Neither individuals nor nations should be afraid to recognize and welcome him: with Him "a shining light" brightens the horizon of humanity; in him "a holy day" dawns that knows no sunset. May this Christmas truly be for all people a day of joy, hope and peace!

"Come you nations and adore the Lord." With Mary, Joseph and the shepherds, with the Magi and the countless host of humble worshippers of the new-born Child, who down the centuries have welcomed the mystery of Christmas, let us too, brothers and sisters from every continent, allow the light of this day to spread everywhere: may it enter our hearts, may it brighten and warm our homes, may it bring serenity and hope to our cities, and may it give peace to the world. This is my earnest wish for you who are listening. A wish that grows into a humble and trustful prayer to the Child Jesus, that his light will dispel all darkness from your lives and fill you with love and peace. May the Lord, who has made his merciful face to shine in Christ, fill you with his happiness and make you messengers of his goodness. Happy Christmas!

[01861-02.01] [Original text: Italian]

2007 Weblog Awards

Mantilla-covered head nod to Paul, Just a Guy, You Know? for the heads up on this.

I nominated us in the Religion Catagory. Voting hasn't started yet but if click on the badge below
scroll down to October 17, and find where I nominated us click the + and add a nomination that would be great, as that might increase our chances on being on the final ballot. Thank you in advance for your support.

Paul, if you read this, I added to your nomination, and where did you get the badge? I made mine by playing around with a screen shot.

POPE UNDERLINES IMPORTANCE OF NATURAL MORAL LAW

Emphasis mine
My Comments

VATICAN CITY, OCT 5, 2007 (VIS)
- This morning the Pope received members of the International Theological Commission, who have just completed their annual plenary meeting, held in the Vatican from October 1 to 5 under the presidency of Cardinal William Joseph
Levada.

In his remarks to them, the Holy Father recalled the recent publication of a commission document on the subject of "the hope of salvation for children who die without receiving Baptism," and expressed the wish that it may "continue to be a useful point of reference for pastors of the Church and for theologians," as well as providing "assistance and consolation for the faithful who have suffered the sudden death of a child before receiving" the Sacrament. Having suffered 4 miscarriages, it gives me some solace to know that I can still hope, as Catholics all have the HOPE that we may one day live enternally with God in heaven, that God might still have saved them even though Bear and I were UNABLE to have them baptised, as they died before they were born and henceforth COULD NOT be baptised, and NOT because we did not want them baptised.

Turning to focus on "natural moral law," a question being examined by the commission, Benedict XVI indicated that the doctrine on natural law "achieves two essential aims: on the one hand, it makes it clear that the ethical content of Christian faith is not an imposition dictated from outside man's conscience, but a norm that has its basis in human nature itself; [In short, Catholic morality stems from Natural law] and on the other hand, by starting from the basis of natural law - which of itself is accessible to all rational creatures - it lays the foundations for dialogue with all men and women of good will, and with civil society more generally." [It is a way to start talking with all people indivdiually and society as a whole.]

The Pope then highlighted the fact that nowadays "the original evidence for the foundations of human beings and of their ethical behavior has been lost, and the doctrine of natural moral law clashes with other concepts which run directly contrary to it. All this has enormous consequences on civil and social order." [For proof of this read this article from Lifesite on the GBLTTQ Anti-harrassment policy]

What dominates today, he continued, "is a positivist conception of law" according to which "humanity, or society, or in effect the majority of citizens, become the ultimate source for civil legislation. The problem that arises is not, then, the search for good but the search for power, or rather the balance of power. At the root of this tendency is ethical relativism, in which some people even see one of the principal conditions for democracy because, they feel, relativism guarantees tolerance and mutual respect. ... But if this were true, the majority at any given moment would become the ultimate source for law, and history shows with great clarity that majorities can make mistakes." [It is one thing to state that GLBTTQ are not to be bashed or attacked or harrassed, but to have anti-harrassment policies which are veiled approvals of the lifestyle in an organisation which calls itself "Catholic" is problematic, to say the least. It sends a mixed message to the children who are to be educated, not only in the 3 R's but also, in the tenets and obligations of the Faith and Church. Christ himself says "love the sinner, but hate the sin" Sex outside of marriage is a sin- pure and simple. And it may be alright to say that, but apparently it will be harrasment to include sex involving people with attractions that are extremely different than 90% of the human population.]

"When," the Holy Father proceeded, "the fundamental essentials are at stake: human dignity, human life, the institution of the family and the equity of the social order (in other words the fundamental rights of man), no law made by men and women can subvert the norm written by the Creator in man's heart without society itself being dramatically struck ... at its very core. Thus natural law is a true guarantee for everyone to live freely and with respect for their dignity, protected from all ideological manipulation and from all arbitrary abuses of the powerful. No one can disregard this appeal. [Don't brutalise, abuse, harm, or discriminate the GLBTTQ person - yes with out a doubt this is absolutely correct. It is one thing to decide that attacks, harrassment or discrimination will not be tolerated, but don't in your PC mode, to go so far over that you are actually endorsing and approving there Lifestyle- is betraying Catholic teaching. It is a sin to have sexual relations out side of marriage and a teacher, who is not married and is involved in a sexual relation, even heterosexual one, might not need to be fired or harrassed for the relationship itself, but does that mean that in trying NOT to offend this teacher, the school cannot teach that fornication is a sin. Or a teacher having an adulterous affair might be offended to hear that children are being taught that adultery is a sin. Fornication is a sin, adultery is a sin. The act of sex between persons of the same sex and gender is a sin. All three sinners, need not be harrassed or vilified for their sins, but at the same time, neither should they feel that their sins are not sins, and should not be taught as such to the children being educated by a supposed "Roman Catholic School System."]

"If," he added, "by reason of a tragic clouding of the collective conscience, skepticism and ethical relativism managed to annul the
fundamental principles of natural moral law, the very democratic order itself would be profoundly undermined at its foundations. Against such clouding - which is a crisis for human, even more than for Christian, civilization - the consciences of all men and women of good will must be mobilized, both lay people and followers of religions other than Christianity, so that together they may make an effective commitment to creating ... the conditions necessary for a full awareness of the inalienable value of natural moral law." [This is what I tried to say with the examples above. PBXVI says it better.]

Benedict XVI concluded by stressing that "the advance of individuals and of society along the path of true progress" depends upon respect for natural moral law, "in conformity with right reason, which is participation in the eternal Reason of God." [The trustees of the TDCSB should be e-mailed this from the
Vatican.]

AC/NATURAL MORAL LAW/COM-TIVIS 071005 (650)

New Link Under "Catholic Blogs"

Check out the "Thoughts of a Regular Guy" from "This Guy, Paul, You Know" under "Catholic Blogs.

Sitemeter off this site

I have determined that it would be prudent to remove sitemeter from this blog because of several reports on different blogs, like this one from Mount Carmel Bloggers. The total number of visiters from January 31, 2007 until July 29, 2007 10:16 p.m. was 4149, for anyone who might be interested.

UPDATE:
Mount Carmel Bloggers has removed the above post ergo the link is useless. It had stated that Sitemeter had contributed $200 000.00 to Planned Parenthood.

There had been also some concern about a virus attached to the hit counting service.

Causa Nostrae Laetitiae has published an e-mail she received from Sitemeter stating that no such donation was made to Planned Parenthood, and no virus is associated with the hit counting service.

I am too tired to put Sitemeter back on will do so tomorrow if I so desire.

Haloscan back

I re-installed Haloscan, finally. A couple of people had commented on bloggers comment form, and those one's I copied from the commboxes and put them on haloscan, for continuity.

Thank you for any and all prayers.

Oh, and Elder is grounded- one week - for hacking into our account.

HPatDH

Blogging by Bear-i-tone and I will resume after Bear-i-tone and Elder and I have have ended our race to see you can finish Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows first.

A note about comments

We are having a little trouble with the Blog here. We have removed Haloscan for the time being. You can still comment on blogger's own comboxes.


PS Prayers for the St. Gabriel's and St. Jerome's intercessions as I try to fix our vehicle of communication, would be greatly appreciated.

The Vatican seems to be Cleaning House

CONGREGATION FOR THE DOCTRINE OF THE FAITH

RESPONSES TO SOME
QUESTIONS REGARDING CERTAIN ASPECTS OF THE DOCTRINE ON THE CHURCH

Introduction

The Second Vatican Council, with its Dogmatic Constitution Lumen gentium, and its Decrees on Ecumenism (Unitatis redintegratio) and the Oriental Churches (Orientalium Ecclesiarum), has contributed in a decisive way to the renewal of Catholic ecclesiolgy. The Supreme Pontiffs have also contributed to this renewal by offering their own insights and orientations for praxis: Paul VI in his Encyclical Letter Ecclesiam suam (1964) and John Paul II in his Encyclical Letter Ut unum sint (1995).

The consequent duty of theologians to expound with greater clarity the diverse aspects of ecclesiology has resulted in a flowering of writing in this field. In fact it has become evident that this theme is a most fruitful one which, however, has also at times required clarification by way of precise definition and correction, for instance in the declaration Mysterium Ecclesiae (1973), the Letter addressed to the Bishops of the Catholic Church Communionis notio (1992), and the declaration Dominus Iesus (2000), all published by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.

The vastness of the subject matter and the novelty of many of the themes involved continue to provoke theological reflection. Among the many new contributions to the field, some are not immune from erroneous interpretation which in turn give rise to confusion and doubt. A number of these interpretations have been referred to the attention of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. Given the universality of Catholic doctrine on the Church, the Congregation wishes to respond to these
questions by clarifying the authentic meaning of some ecclesiological expressions used by the magisterium which are open to misunderstanding in the theological debate.

RESPONSES TO THE QUESTIONS

First Question:
Did the Second Vatican Council change the Catholic doctrine on the Church?

Response: The Second Vatican Council neither changed nor intended to change this doctrine, rather it developed, deepened and more fully explained it.

This was exactly what John XXIII said at the beginning of the Councill(sic). Paul VI affirmed it2 and commented in the act of promulgating the Constitution Lumen gentium: "There is no better comment to make than to say that this promulgation really changes nothing of the traditional doctrine. What Christ willed, we also will. What was, still is. What the Church has taught down through the centuries, we also teach. In simple terms that which was assumed, is now explicit; that which was uncertain, is now clarified; that which was meditated upon, discussed and sometimes argued over, is now put together in one clear formulation"3. The Bishops repeatedly expressed and fulfilled this intention4.

Second Question: What is the meaning of the affirmation that
the Church of Christ subsists in the Catholic Church?

Response: Christ "established here on earth" only one Church and instituted it as a "visible and spiritual community"5, that from its beginning and throughout the centuries has always existed and will always exist, and in which alone are found all the elements that Christ himself instituted.6 "This one Church of Christ, which we confess in the Creed as one, holy, catholic and apostolic […]. This Church, constituted and organised in this world as a society, subsists in the Catholic Church, governed by the successor of Peter and the Bishops in communion with him"7.

In number 8 of the Dogmatic Constitution Lumen Gentium ‘subsistence’ means this perduring, historical continuity and the permanence of all the elements instituted by Christ in the Catholic Church8, in which the Church of Christ is concretely found on this earth.

It is possible,according to Catholic doctrine, to affirm correctly that the Church of Christ is present and operative in the churches and ecclesial Communities not yet fully in communion with the Catholic Church, on account of the elements of sanctification and truth that are present in them.9 Nevertheless, the word "subsists" can only be attributed to the Catholic Church alone precisely because it refers to the mark of unity that we profess in the symbols of the faith (I believe... in the "one" Church); and this "one" Church subsists in the Catholic Church.10

Third Question: Why was the expression "subsists in" adopted instead of
the simple word "is"?

Response: The use of this expression, which indicates the full identity of the Church of Christ with the Catholic Church,does not change the doctrine on the Church. Rather, it comes from and brings out more clearly the fact that there are "numerous elements of sanctification and of truth" which are found outside her structure, but which "as gifts properly belonging to the Church of Christ, impel towards Catholic Unity"11.

"It follows that these separated churches and Communities, though we believe they
suffer from defects, are deprived neither of significance nor importance in the
mystery of salvation. In fact the Spirit of Christ has not refrained from using
them as instruments of salvation, whose value derives from that fullness of
grace and of truth which has been entrusted to the Catholic Church"12.

Fourth Question: Why does the Second Vatican Council use the term "Church" in reference to the oriental Churches separated from full communion with the Catholic Church?

Response: The Council wanted to adopt the traditional use of the term. "Because these Churches, although separated, have true sacraments and above all – because of the apostolic succession – the priesthood and the Eucharist, by means of which they remain linked to us by very close bonds"13, they merit the title of "particular or local Churches"14, and are called sister Churches of the particular Catholic Churches15.

"It is through the celebration of the Eucharist of the Lord in each of these Churches that the Church of God is built up and grows in stature"16. However, since communion with the Catholic Church, the visible head of which is the Bishop of Rome and the Successor of Peter, is not some external complement to a particular Church but rather one of its internal constitutive principles, these venerable Christian communities lack something in their condition as particular churches17.

On the other hand, because of the division between Christians, the fullness of universality, which is proper to the Church governed by the Successor of Peter and the Bishops in communion with him, is not fully realised in history18.

Fifth Question: Why do the texts of the Council and those of the Magisterium since the Council not use the title of "Church" with regard to those Christian Communities born out of the Reformation of the sixteenth century?

Response: According to Catholic doctrine, these Communities do not enjoy apostolic succession in the sacrament of Orders, and are, therefore, deprived of a constitutive element of the Church. These ecclesial Communities which, specifically because of the absence of the sacramental priesthood, have not preserved the genuine and integral substance of the Eucharistic Mystery19 cannot, according to Catholic doctrine, be called "Churches" in the proper sense20.

The Supreme Pontiff Benedict XVI, at the Audience granted to the undersigned Cardinal Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, ratified and confirmed these Responses, adopted in the Plenary Session of the Congregation, and ordered their publication.

Rome, from the Offices of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, June 29, 2007, the Solemnity of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul.

William Cardinal Levada
Prefect

+ Angelo Amato, S.D.B.
Titular Archbishop of Sila
Secretary

What appears to be happening is the Church is reaffirming ad explaining Doctrine as it already is. Nothing new, so much as re-iterated and explained. The above is the Official English Version from the Vatican. They have it in various other languages. All it is is answering questions which were put to it, ie The Office formerly known as "The Office of the Inquisition." It is very interesting that the office formerly in charge of the INQUISTITION, is the one that answers doctrinal questions not ask them any more.

from Louise at Purcell's Chicken Voluntary Under the date July 5,

"PRAYING FOR A MIRACLE"
"It’s not just Muslims and Jews who have faced persecution in recent years. An estimated 200m Christians in 60 countries are now suffering increasing victimisation. So why isn’t the West doing anything to protect them? "

The need for prayers goes without saying.

You may not get it here first, but you will get it when it comes from the horse's mouth (MOTU PROPRIO - YES THAT ONE, ah maybe not)

THIS POST HAS BEEN UPDATED

I know other blogs had news paper press articles from secret sources, but I prefer to get it from the Vatican, so here is:

My Humble Translation:

Communique from the Press Office of the Holy See:

Yesterday afternoon, there was a meeting, presided by the Cardinal Secretary of State, in which it was presented to the representatives of the various (diverse) Bishops' Conferences the content and the spirit of the announced "Motu Proprio" of the Holy Father on th euse of the Missal Promulgated by John XXIII in 1962.

The Holy Father greeted those present and joined with them in a profound conversation for about an hour. The pubblication of the document - which will be accompanied by am ample (extensive) personal letter (written) by the Holy Father to individual bishops - is expected in a few days when the document itself will be sent to all the Bishops with the indications (information) of its subsequent coming into effect (force).


From the: Vatican Press Office Webpage

Si è svolta ieri pomeriggio in Vaticano una riunione, presieduta dal Cardinale Segretario di Stato, in cui è stato illustrato ai rappresentanti di diverse conferenze episcopali il contenuto e lo spirito dell’annunciato "Motu proprio" del Santo Padre sull’uso del Messale promulgato da Giovanni XXIII nel 1962.

Il Santo Padre si è recato a salutare i presenti e si è intrattenuto con loro in un’approfondita conversazione per circa un’ora. La pubblicazione del documento – che sarà accompagnato da un’ampia lettera personale del Santo Padre ai singoli Vescovi - è prevista entro alcuni giorni, quando il documento stesso sarà stato inviato a tutti i Vescovi con la indicazione della sua successiva entrata in vigore.


UPDATED:
The Vatican's English translation of its own communique from (VIS-Press Releases) :

VATICAN CITY, JUN 28, 2007 (VIS) - Given below is the text of a communique released today by the Holy See Press Office concerning Benedict XVI's forthcoming "Motu Proprio" on the use of the Missal promulgated by Blessed John XXIII in 1962.

"Yesterday afternoon in the Vatican, a meeting was held under the presidency of the Cardinal Secretary of State in which the content and spirit of the Holy Father's forthcoming 'Motu Proprio' on the use of the Missal promulgated by John XXIII in 1962 was explained to representatives from various episcopal conferences. The Holy Father also arrived to greet those present, spending nearly an hour in deep conversation with them.

"The publication of the document - which will be accompanied by an extensive personal letter from the Holy Father to individual bishops - is expected within a few days, once the document itself has been sent to all the bishops with an indication of when it will come into effect." OP/MOTU PROPRIO/...VIS 070628 (180)

Still My imput

Well, the "traditional missal" to be released is that of Blessed John XXIII. Not exactly, the missal of Pius V. I am curious what the differences are. There have to be some differences or there wouldn't be differences in the name. I think J23's missal was even in shorter use than the Pauline missal.

Now I'm totally confused.