The Holy Father in Bangladesh

A Shrine dedicated to the Virgin of Pompeii at Raja Rampur, 

on the outskirts of Dinajpur, in Bangladesh, is a place of dialogue between religions.

The Holy Father dedicated his address to the prayers of the Most Holy Rosary.

In the church of the Holy Rosary, the Pope spoke to encourage the faith of the priests and religious of Bangladesh recommending devotion to the Holy Rosary.  It is a beautiful summons.

Christ’s compassion. The rosary draws us into a meditation on the passion and death of Jesus. By entering more deeply into these sorrowful mysteries, we come to know their saving power and are confirmed in our call to share it by our lives of com-passion and self-giving. Priesthood and religious life are not a career. They are not a vehicle for personal advancement. They are a service, a share in Christ’s own sacrificial love for his flock. By conforming ourselves daily to that we love, we come to appreciate that our lives are not our own. It is no longer we who live, but Christ who lives in us (cf. Gal 2:20). - RV

I read an article on the Pope's visit at Zenit, which highlighted the shrine seen in the photo at top.  Even Muslims venerate this image of Our Lady, as the article points out:

“The devotion of Bangladeshis, Catholics, and Muslims, for the Virgin Mary has increased over time, and I am sure that, little by little, we will be able to promote meetings, collaborations, dialogue initiatives. The Virgin Mary can smooth the difficulties and obstacles put by men,” continued the priest.

Raja Rampuris is a prized destination to entrust oneself to the “Mother of God,” whose image is displayed also in Muslims’ homes and before which women, kneeling on a mat, pray calling her “Maryam.” - Zenit

I'm so happy the Holy Father's Apostolic visit was so successful.  It is reassuring to have the Successor of Peter confirm the Church in faith.

Today we get so caught up and distracted by those who spread fear and mistrust, those alarmed by the corruption of politicians and media personalities, and most especially those who speculate and warn about the 'apostasy' and the end times, as well as a Muslim invasion.  Perhaps they read too many articles from The Remnant or 1P5 and their thinking may be muddled?  They seem to be like those who love luxury, money, power and prestige.  Yet we have a humble Pope who confirms the faith of the powerless and weakest, and shows us the way of holiness, the conduct necessary in the dark night of faith, encouraging the prayers of the Holy Rosary as a means "to be more attentive to the Lord in prayer, meditating on his word and seeking to discern his will."

"The rosary fills us with joy in Christ’s triumph over death, his ascension to the right hand of the Father and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon our world. The whole of our ministry is directed to proclaiming the joy of the Gospel." - Pope Francis 

Markets fall on ABC News report that Flynn is prepared to testify on Trump and Russia.

Stocks fell Friday on a report that Michael Flynn 

was directed by President Trump to talk to Russians.

The false gods and the idols are falling ...

Single handedly Trump is isolating the United States, which explains why Putin wanted him in office in the first place.

Hopefully he will resign before starting a nuclear war.

This is Christmas!

-source-

Angels surround the Word made flesh.

This is the perfect creche.   It is the focus, the center of the celebration - the Word made Flesh and dwells among us.  I wish our churches looked like this, I wish Mass was celebrated like this.

This is why I began to paint icons years ago, just when most of the images were removed from churches, and many of the altars desacralized.  I was trying to fill a hole ... I began collecting religious art and relics which had been tossed out and put up for sale online.  I looked for and began to paint Spanish Colonial and Baroque religious art. I was trying to replicate what had been removed from the churches; but even more deeply, I was trying to make present something only priests can do  - only priests can confect the Eucharist.  Only priests make Christ present among us as he truly was at Bethlehem, body, blood, soul, and divinity.

This is what we try to imitate at Christmas with our decorations and nativities - yet Christ is the Mass ... 'I AM the Bread of Life'.  The Mass is Christ's Mass.  We come to adore, to worship and to receive.  Our altars should reflect this splendor, this glory, that is Christ's Mass.

This is a splendid nativity

many of us would want,

yet we had it in our churches

when the Blessed Sacrament was 

reserved on a splendid altar

and the Eucharist was

solemnly

celebrated in mystery

and beauty.

The Spiritual Marriage of Blessed Bernardo Francisco de Hoyos, S.J.

Holy Communion is like that ...

There is a young saint - recently beatified, whose devotion led him to the most exquisite union with the Sacred Heart of Jesus ... the spiritual marriage. Yes. It is no less strange however, that the Word, left his Father, to become one with man, to become Bread from Heaven.

Blessed Bernardo Francisco de Hoyos, S.J., First apostle of devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Spain.

I read someplace that Bl. Bernardo's intercession is especially helpful to those who struggle with the vice of impurity. I think Bernardo's devotion to the Sacred Heart - the complete surrender of all his affections - is an antidote to all impurity. The grace of espousal seems to me to be similar to the consummate love of Jesus in the Eucharist for us, wherefore he gives us his body, blood, soul, and divinity at every Communion. Isn't it like that? Isn't that total union what we are called to? I like to think so at every Communion - even when I feel nothing, see nothing, hear nothing - it seems especially then that faith supplies.

I never had experiences such as those Bl. Bernardo participated in - I'm just grateful to be able to be  recollected after each Communion. Knowing he is there and I am with him. I like the way Bl. Bernardo put it: “I see that everything in my heart is moving towards God, drawn like iron to a magnet. It desires only God, searches only for God, and longs only for God….” For Bernardo, that was his constant state - and he remained faithful to the graces he received. For me, perhaps this desire is only imperfectly experienced in the thanksgiving after Communion. Which is why I never want to waste those moments of recollection.

Always holding my right hand, the Lord had me occupy the empty throne; then He fitted on my finger a gold ring.... “May this ring be an earnest of our love. You are Mine, and I am yours. You may call yourself and sign Bernardo de Jesus, thus, as I said to my spouse, Santa Teresa, you are Bernardo de Jesus and I am Jesus de Bernardo. My honor is yours; your honor is Mine. Consider My glory that of your Spouse; I will consider yours, that of My spouse. All Mine is yours, and all yours is Mine. What I am by nature you share by grace. You and I are one!” - The Visions of Bernard Francis De Hoyos, S.J. by Henri Bechard, S.J. (Ed. note: I am unable to verify this quote.)

In the ascetic-mystical life of the saints, God himself purifies the soul of disordered passions in and through purifying trials and temptations.  Thus proving true Christ's words, 'what is impossible for man is possible for God.'  Blessed Bernardo was no exception.

Apart from being favored by mystical graces, heavenly visions and saintly visitations, Bernard also suffered excruciating attacks from demonic forces. As happens to those who arrive at the threshold of mystical life, he was not spared “the dark night of the soul”, through which he struggled for five months. 

During this period, the devils began to taunt him: “Now you will see, you sanctimonious hypocrite, what it is to trifle with God when you fall into His hands!” His mind was filled with images of God as a Just Judge, Who was displeased with him. Bernard became despondent. His meditation, Mass, Communion, penances… instead of assuaging his sufferings, made him feel more wretched. The great graces and favours he had received in the past months now appeared as objects of ridicule. He could not find comfort in his companions, either. The periods of recreation after meals degenerated into pure torture.

In despair, he felt a furious urge to beat his head against a wall, to gnaw his lips or tear out his hair, or even jump out the window. More, he was violently incited to blaspheme God, the Blessed Virgin, the angels and his most beloved saints. Whenever he begged God for assistance, the devil would taunt him by saying that he had become unworthy of any grace because of his degenerated behavior. Bernard’s biggest harassment was in the temptations regarding impurity; he was bombarded by obscene thoughts and his reactions brought him to tears and made him gnash his teeth. Worst of all, he was getting more and more convinced that all the divine favors he had presumed he had received in; the past were merely illusions and only snares set up by the devil to drag him to hell.

Through it all, the power of Christ stayed with him and prevented him from going to extreme measures. Thus, in reality, he did not ever say the least word or do the slightest action that would have surprised or shocked his companions. Nonetheless, he suffered continually day and night, especially during his prayer and while going to Communion. He was facing a period of the dark night of the soul”. - Source

Blessed Bernardo died on November 29, at the age of 24 in 1735.

Something to think about ...

"You will be hated by all because of my name,
but not a hair on your head will be destroyed.
By your perseverance you will secure your lives." - Luke 21:19

“Across that threshold I had been afraid to cross, things suddenly seemed so very simple. There was but a single vision, God, who was all in all; there was but one will that directed all things, God's will. I had only to see it, to discern it in every circumstance in which I found myself, and let myself be ruled by it. God is in all things, sustains all things, directs all things. To discern this in every situation and circumstance, to see His will in all things, was to accept each circumstance and situation and let oneself be borne along in perfect confidence and trust. Nothing could separate me from Him, because He was in all things. No danger could threaten me, no fear could shake me, except the fear of losing sight of Him. The future, hidden as it was, was hidden in His will and therefore acceptable to me no matter what it might bring. The past, with all its failures, was not forgotten; it remained to remind me of the weakness of human nature and the folly of putting any faith in self. But it no longer depressed me. I looked no longer to self to guide me, relied on it no longer in any way, so it could not again fail me. By renouncing, finally and completely, all control of my life and future destiny, I was relieved as a consequence of all responsibility. I was freed thereby from anxiety and worry, from every tension, and could float serenely upon the tide of God's sustaining providence in perfect peace of soul.” ― Walter J. Ciszek, He Leadeth Me

So yeah - keep on embellishing the Third Secret...

Fatima Studies ...

-source-

For online conspiracy theorists Fatima really is about the sensational.


Even Monsignor Pope expected some sort of great sign.  Steve Skojec sums up the disappointment so many experienced after October 13, 2017:

Many Fatima devotees were, I think it’s fair to say, disappointed when the centenaries of each of the original apparitions in 1917 came and went with no discernible event taking place to mark the occasion. For my part, I have always believed that God prefers to be less predictable than this, though there is certainly precedent for divinely-ordered things happening on important dates and anniversaries. - 1P5

Just like the disappointment after the Third Secret was revealed - 'is that it?'  It was not enough for those who claimed to know more than the Church.  It's still never enough.

Catholic World Report published a decent interview with Kevin Symonds on the 'hermeneutic of conspiracy' which surrounds the Third Secret.  The interview is getting a lot of press since Symonds discusses a formerly unknown letter from S. Lucia to Pope Paul VI concerning the trials the Church was entering.  Most people who pray knew this at the time, therefore it appears Sr. Lucia was writing to assure the Holy Father of her support and prayers, rather than making some sort revelation of what was happening.  Paul VI surely was well aware, as can be known in and through several allocutions made by him.  Most notably, 'through some fissure, the smoke of Satan has entered the Church.'

Conspiracy theorists and false interpreters of all things mystical have incorporated these saying into their 'hermeneutic of conspiracy' to not only discredit Vatican II and the liturgical reforms, but to 'stir up' contention regarding the papacy and teaching authority of the Magisterium.  Today, not a few are even turning on Cardinal Mueller and Cardinal Burke - because they support the Pope.

I would recommend reading Symond's interview, as well as his book, the cover of which may or may not have been inspired by one small detail of my painting on the Third Secret.  (I wonder if anyone will see that?)  Anyway, it's a very good read, very well written, and covers all the crazy interpretations right down to the sources promulgating the propaganda. 

I have my own theory concerning the false and/or embellished secrets of Fatima - so popular among Fatimists.  It is actually related to Our Lady's prophecy that 'Russia will spread her errors.'  Today we have proof of how that is accomplished - those who admire Putin for it should be ashamed of themselves - but apparently they are blinded by their traditionalist ideologies.  Likewise, false apparitions and messages from Necedah, Bayside, and San Damiano in the 1970's have seeped into the mythology of the trad cult, and are widely accepted as fact.  Today, everything spread by these sources - 'Michael fighting' types who contaminated the Fatima message - is now propagated as the missing elements to the authentic Fatima message.  Hence all the screwed up interpretations and expectations we've witnessed this past year.  These false threads, once authoritatively refuted, have been woven together to discredit the Magisterium even further.  Somehow I think God must be gravely offended by those false prophets who do this.

In closing I will share this from the CWR interview with Symonds, discussing authentic sources as opposed to the sometimes politically motivated sources from France and North America.

Kevin J. Symonds: I have the distinct impression that the bulk of the scholarship on Fatima is performed in Europe. Not all of it is available in English, which is most unfortunate for the Anglophone world, as we are bereft of some excellent scholarship. That said, there is the critical documentation published by the Sanctuary of Fatima, which is available in Portuguese up to 1930 and extends to 15 or so volumes. There is hope of adding to this collection the post-1930 documents. Additionally, Dr. Cristina Sobral has presented the official critical edition of Sr. Lucia’s Memoirs. The Sanctuary of Fatima is also taking some steps to make solid scholarship available in English. 

My own contribution on Fatima came out of a desire to engage an influential body of literature that has largely emanated from France and North America. In the latter, there is the work of Father Nicholas Gruner and his Fatima Center, while in France there is the work of the Abbé Georges de Nantes and his Contre-Reforme Catholique. These two groups do not always agree with each other, but there was some collaboration between them in the 1980s into the 1990s. Later, in 2006, the Italian journalist Antonio Socci joined the discussions. There has not been much (if any) critical work addressing the body of literature published by Gruner and the Abbé, though there has been some response to Antonio Socci. My book is an attempt at providing a critical assessment of some contentious points that are generally common to all three. - CWR

As I always point out regarding this subject:  In Chapter 21 of Book II of the Ascent, St. John writes that God is displeased by the request for revelations and locutions, despite the fact that some believe their curiosity to know these things is good because God has revealed himself in this manner in the past. St. John asserts that God is not pleased, saying not only is he displeased, he is 'frequently angered and deeply offended.' Explaining:

The reason lies in the illicitness of transcending the natural boundaries God has established for the governing of creatures. He has fixed natural and rational limits by which man is to be ruled. A desire to transcend them, hence, is unlawful... consequently, God who is offended ... is displeased.

St. John goes on to cite several examples of God's displeasure from scripture. Now of course St. John is speaking of the illicitness of seeking knowledge of God through revelations and locutions, and in the cases he cites, these requests run contrary to God's will and are therefore sinful. As St. John explains why it was lawful to request signs and wonders in the Old Covenant, and why it is not expedient to do so in the New. 

We must be guided humanly and visibly in all by the law of Christ the man and that of his Church and of his ministers. This is the method of remedying our spiritual ignorances and weakness; here we shall find abundant medicine for them all. Any departure from this road is ... extraordinary boldness ... one must ever adhere to Christ's teaching. - John of the Cross

 There is nothing wrong with authentic scholarship and study to clarify the Fatima Message - just be careful of your sources. 

It was revealed recently that 

Pope Benedict used to get miraculous 

hang-up calls from Bayside.

What?  I'm kidding.

Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal

The medal of the Immaculate Conception.

November 27 marks the feast of the Miraculous Medal, otherwise known as the medal of the Immaculate Conception.  Though the feast honors the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the memorial commemorates the anniversary of the apparition of the Mother of God to St. Catherine Laboure in Paris in 1830, wherein Our Lady showed the nun the medal she wished to be made for those to wear seeking her aid and protection.  The Blessed Virgin spoke to Catherine: “Have a medal struck upon this model. Those who wear it will receive great graces, especially if they wear it around the neck.”  Countless miracles followed, hence the name, the Miraculous Medal.  The story here.

O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.

Paradise of the children of Eve, refuge of sinners, consolation of the afflicted, solace in sorrow, light in darkness, enclosure for the homeless, rest for the weary, health of the sick, gate of heaven....
.
Pray for us who have recourse to thee, and for those who do not have recourse to thee, especially the enemies of the Church and those recommended to thee. Amen

O Mary, may your holy and Immaculate Conception be my refuge, my anchorage, and the way that will lead me to God.  Amen.

O Mary!  By your Holy and Immaculate Conception, make my body pure and my spirit holy.  Amen.

The medal really is miraculous, hence the name.

As Our Lady instructed St. Catherine:

“Have a medal struck upon this model. 

Those who wear it will receive great graces,

 especially if they wear it around the neck.”

 St Therese used to sneak these medals into the lining of the coats of workmen who came into the Carmel to do repairs.  I have done the same - I also hide the medal in works of art which I make.  When we do this we pray the prayer on the medal for the recipient.  It's not a talisman or magic, but rather a blessed sacramental - a sign of Our Lady's presence and protection.  Our prayer for others is an act of faith and love united to the prayer of Our Lady, of the Church, of Christ who makes intercession for us.

 The story of St. Catherine here.

Something big ...

Never ever experienced that after Communion.

That 'existential dread' ...

Churches ought to provide free services.

Malta donation box:

"Help me become a priest."

No wonder so many priests don't like the Pope.

The other day commenting on the money changers in the Temple, the Holy Father said:

Churches "cannot be run as a business, with a price list for sacraments. Money is needed for the buildings? Give gratuitousness and God will do the rest” - Read the rest here.

Alas, so many are operating like businesses.

I've seen 'price lists'. I've seen recommended dollar amounts for 'stole fees' and other services as well.  Catholics have always made offering and made the recommended stipend for Mass or the sacraments, but it was always a free-will offering.  Of course things are slightly different these days, when even 'spiritual direction' has turned into a counselling business.  For laity who put out a shingle, that's pretty much to be expected, but I'm not sure it's a priestly thing to expect payment.  A gratuitous donation is certainly appreciated, but ...

Online I've seen priests with their donate apps, increasing their suggested monthly donation rate, one guy recently upped his from $5- to $10-.  Lately I've been barraged with professional marketing gimmicks, filling up my mail box with expensive mailings from Catholic Basilica's, religious orders, and other charities.  They send booklets, assorted gifts of note papers and personalized address labels, as well as rosaries and medals - all slickly packaged with pleas for donations. Some even follow up with a 'how did you like your gift?' letter, asking for a minimal donation to cover the expense of mailing the calendar and note pads, etc.. It was unsolicited in the first place - someone probably sold my name to them or their agency doing the marketing for them. 

This is the work of Catholic marketing groups - working 'for the Church' using secular marketing strategies - paid for by the charity or institution - with the promise of prayers for your donation. Strangely enough - in some cases, the donation may just cover expenses. They send out junk, unwanted kitsch. It's money changers business - figuratively in the 'temple precincts'. I see online marketers advertising to improve church fundraising with these nuisance strategies which guilt and manipulate people into giving.  

I prefer the Pope's vision for the Church. A poor Church supported by the devout and grateful who give out of love, devotion and thanksgiving.  Church support will be there - going commercial is not the way to get it.

How lovely ... to dwell abject upon the threshold of the House of God ...

A place of encounter with God 

This littleness has a special place in the Franciscan’s relationship with God, which must be humble and confident, like that of a child; but also aware of one’s sinfulness like the publican in the Gospel. One particular aspect of this relationship is the “spirituality of restitution” to God. We must recognize that every good we receive comes from God, the supreme Good, and that all good things must be restored to Him; and “we do this through praise and we do this when we live according to the evangelical logic of the gift, that leads us to go out of ourselves to encounter others and welcome them into our lives.” - Pope Francis

Happy Thanksgiving!

Eating at the pet's table ...

It's a good thing.

Happy Thanksgiving!

A friend told me she was asked to bring the sweet potatoes tomorrow and I suggested she just bring a bag of fresh ones - uncooked.  Wouldn't that be funny?  Something fun to talk about at the table.

Entry of the Most Holy Theotokos into the Temple

I look to the Orthodox to help us understand this sacred feast of the Blessed Virgin.

According to Holy Tradition, the Entry of the Most Holy Theotokos into the Temple took place in the following manner. The parents of the Virgin Mary, Saints Joachim and Anna, praying for an end to their childlessness, vowed that if a child were born to them, they would dedicate it to the service of God.

When the Most Holy Virgin reached the age of three, the holy parents decided to fulfill their vow. They gathered together their relatives and acquaintances, and dressed the All-Pure Virgin in Her finest clothes. Singing sacred songs and with lighted candles in their hands, virgins escorted Her to the Temple (Ps. 44/45:14-15). There the High Priest and several priests met the handmaiden of God. In the Temple, fifteen high steps led to the sanctuary, which only the priests and High Priest could enter. (Because they recited a Psalm on each step, Psalms 119/120-133/134 are called “Psalms of Ascent.”) The child Mary, so it seemed, could not make it up this stairway. But just as they placed Her on the first step, strengthened by the power of God, She quickly went up the remaining steps and ascended to the highest one. Then the High Priest, through inspiration from above, led the Most Holy Virgin into the Holy of Holies, where only the High Priest entered once a year to offer a purifying sacrifice of blood. Therefore, all those present in the Temple were astonished at this most unusual occurrence.

After entrusting their child to the Heavenly Father, Joachim and Anna returned home. The All-Holy Virgin remained in the quarters for virgins near the Temple. According to the testimony of Holy Scripture (Exodus 38; 1 Kings 1: 28; Luke 2: 37), and also the historian Josephus Flavius, there were many living quarters around the Temple, in which those who were dedicated to the service of God dwelt.

The earthly life of the Most Holy Theotokos from Her infancy until She was taken up to Heaven is shrouded in deep mystery. Her life at the Jerusalem Temple was also a secret. “If anyone were to ask me,” said Saint Jerome, “how the Most Holy Virgin spent the time of Her youth, I would answer that that is known to God Himself and the Archangel Gabriel, Her constant guardian.” - Finish reading here.

Troparion — Tone 4
Today is the prelude of the good will of God, / of the preaching of the salvation of mankind. / The Virgin appears in the temple of God, / in anticipation proclaiming Christ to all. / Let us rejoice / and sing to her: / "Rejoice, O Fulfillment of the Creator's dispensation."

Kontakion — Tone 4
The most pure Temple of the Savior; / the precious Chamber and Virgin; / the sacred Treasure of the glory of God, / is presented today to the house of the Lord. / She brings with her the grace of the Spirit, / therefore, the angels of God praise her: / “Truly this woman is the abode of heaven.”

"Women only have the rights men allow them to have."

A former Dominican priest who had a blog used to say, "Women only have the rights men allow them to have." I think that is changing big time today. The sexual abuse claims made by women against men, who happen to be falling like dominoes, from very high places BTW - is a huge sea change. This may turn out to be a major cultural change if heads keep falling.

Looks like the ERA will finally get ratified.

The Durrells in Corfu

Eleutheria

I watched the last episode of Season II last night - I'll watch it again midweek.  I love the story - it's very funny at times.  There were scenes and situations which made me wonder if John Fowles might have been influenced by the Trilogy written by Gerald Durrell.  At any rate, I was reminded of the Fowles masterpiece, The Magus.

One scene of a fool, a sort of fawn, playing a flute while trapping songbirds in the woods was particularly enchanting to watch.  The meaning is to be found in the Tarot of course, the card of the Fool.  Yet it also brought to mind the Orthodox Fool for Christ.  All very Greek and mythological and sacred.  The meaning of the scene is deciphered in and through the Tarot card - but it is all about freedom - something essential in the story of The Magus, as well.  Yet it is even more evident in the Holy Fool - that freedom of spirit which comes from the Holy Spirit.  Too much to discuss here, but I found the scene enchanting.

I believe in 'foolishness' - freedom of spirit.  It is often experienced in the sacrament of penance - when many attachments and constraints caused by sin are released, and negative thoughts are dispersed.

Anyway ... I like the innocence and simplicity of the fool.  To be free of every encumbrance of sin which clings to me - that's the journey.

Haralambis the Fool For Christ

Armed and dangerous...

Priests and guns.*

'She could never be a saint, but she thought she could be a martyr if they killed her quick.' - Flannery O'Connor

Some seem to think that being armed 'practically assures that they are never going to be the victims of a mass shooting that takes place at church'.

Martyrdom was once considered the highest form of witness and confession.  Indeed, monks and nuns went out to the desert to embrace the solitary ascetic life because the persecution of Christians stopped.  I have known enclosed contemplatives who longed for martyrdom, in a sense, it is the Carmelite's deepest desire - to prove her love for her crucified spouse.

At times I've wondered, what if a Christian has a gun, and what if he or she was called to martyrdom - but instead he used the gun against an assailant and killed him?  He not only missed the opportunity to die a martyr, but he killed another person.  He killed another, rather than lay down his life?

Just a thought.

Some trust in chariots or horses,
but we in the name of the Lord. - Ps. 21

What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? Or what can one give in exchange for his life? - Matthew 16: 26

Ryan Erickson

Armed and more dangerous.

*Image credit: Gravyboats

Trump to retain the ban on elephant trade.

Song for this here.

The first bit of news I saw today, and it is good.

Thanks be to God.  I hope and pray that Trump doesn't reverse it again.  Story here.

As I said on Facebook, I thank God for this grace - not Trump - he is only doing his duty.  Just as he did in the case of reversing the contraception mandate in the Affordable Healthcare Act.

Today's Gospel seems to apply to this development, since the outcry against the reversal and trophy hunting was so great.

Jesus told his disciples a parable
about the necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary.
He said, "There was a judge in a certain town
who neither feared God nor respected any human being.
And a widow in that town used to come to him and say,
'Render a just decision for me against my adversary.'
For a long time the judge was unwilling, but eventually he thought,
'While it is true that I neither fear God nor respect any human being,
because this widow keeps bothering me
I shall deliver a just decision for her
lest she finally come and strike me.'" - Luke 18:1-8

Thank God alone.  As Our Lord instructs us in this parable:

The Lord said, "Pay attention to what the dishonest judge says.
Will not God then secure the rights of his chosen ones
who call out to him day and night?
Will he be slow to answer them?
I tell you, he will see to it that justice is done for them speedily.


But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?" - Luke 18

Prayer obtains all.  Thanks be to God!

Put not your trust in princes or guns, God alone suffices. 

This is so fun...

G'nite!

A reversal of fortune ...

On Trump and his disregard for life.

I'm convinced that Trump has no regard for life, despite his pleasing pro-life religious leaders by pealing back healthcare benefits which included contraception mandates and that kind of stuff imposed by the Affordable Care Act.  It's a good thing for the conscientious objectors, no doubt.  As everyone probably knows, Trump used to be pro-choice, now he's pro-life.  Fine.

Oddly enough, he loves hobnobbing with  dictators and thugs who have no concern for the lives of their enemies, and as is often the case, for their own people.  Like his pals, Trump has no concern for the ecology and the life of non humans - especially when laws and regulations enacted to preserve and care for the environment and wildlife inhibit profit.  Trump is only concerned with money, big business, big profits and satisfying an insatiable consumerism - the art of the deal.  We see this clearly in Trump's policies and attitudes, his corruption of the presidency into a family business, and his disregard for “the needs of the poor, the weak and the vulnerable, in a debate often dominated by more powerful interests”.

"Never have we so hurt and mistreated our common home as we have in the last two hundred years." - Laudato si

Yesterday I learned that the Trump administration published new guidelines allowing the importation from Zimbabwe and Zambia of elephant trophies and lions shot for sport.  The Obama Administration had banned the practice - Trump reversed that.

Hunting interests have scored a major victory with the Trump administration’s decision to allow Americans to bring home body parts of elephants shot for sport in Africa. Another totemic species now looks set to follow suit – lions. 

As the US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) was announcing it was lifting a ban on the import of elephant “trophies” from Zimbabwe and Zambia, it also quietly published new guidelines that showed lions shot in the two African countries will also be eligible to adorn American homes. 

“This all suggests that rather than being the protectors of wildlife, the federal government is now a promoter of trophy hunting,” said Wayne Pacelle, president of the Humane Society of the United States. 

“They are rolling out the red carpet to the next Walter Palmer, and that same sort of situation will happen all over again,” Pacelle added, referencing the Minnesota dentist who sparked an international furore after he shot and killed Cecil, a famous black-maned lion that was lured from a protected reserve in Zimbabwe. 

In 2014, American hunters were barred from bringing home parts of elephants shot in Zimbabwe because of concerns over the conservation of the animals in the country. Last year, the FWS, under the Obama administration, also listed the lion as a threatened species and placed tighter restrictions on bringing back heads, paws and other body parts. - Source

This is such an unfortunate development.

I am so disappointed, so sad about this flagrant disregard for life.  I turned to Laudat si, the encyclical of Pope Francis to find references which speak to the issue of protecting animals from exploitation and extinction, and with new insight, I discovered the immense treasure contained in the Holy Father's teaching.  How sad Catholics dismiss the Holy Father's teaching and admonitions, disputing with him over the environmental challenge we are undergoing.

I did a post on Facebook with pull quotes from Laudato si in support of animal/wildlife.  I want to share what the Holy Father said about St. Francis of Assisi and his love for non human life.  Even Franciscans, sons of St. Francis seem to deny this aspect of the Saint's love of nature, just as they try to explain away his love of absolute poverty.  It is sad how infected with the contagion of worldly materialism and consumerism so many Catholics have become - even those who profess to follow in the footsteps of St. Francis.

Saint Francis of Assisi

10. I do not want to write this Encyclical without turning to that attractive and compelling figure, whose name I took as my guide and inspiration when I was elected Bishop of Rome. I believe that Saint Francis is the example par excellence of care for the vulnerable and of an integral ecology lived out joyfully and authentically. He is the patron saint of all who study and work in the area of ecology, and he is also much loved by non-Christians. He was particularly concerned for God’s creation and for the poor and outcast. He loved, and was deeply loved for his joy, his generous self-giving, his openheartedness. He was a mystic and a pilgrim who lived in simplicity and in wonderful harmony with God, with others, with nature and with himself. He shows us just how inseparable the bond is between concern for nature, justice for the poor, commitment to society, and interior peace.

11. Francis helps us to see that an integral ecology calls for openness to categories which transcend the language of mathematics and biology, and take us to the heart of what it is to be human. Just as happens when we fall in love with someone, whenever he would gaze at the sun, the moon or the smallest of animals, he burst into song, drawing all other creatures into his praise. He communed with all creation, even preaching to the flowers, inviting them “to praise the Lord, just as if they were endowed with reason”.[19] His response to the world around him was so much more than intellectual appreciation or economic calculus, for to him each and every creature was a sister united to him by bonds of affection. That is why he felt called to care for all that exists. His disciple Saint Bonaventure tells us that, “from a reflection on the primary source of all things, filled with even more abundant piety, he would call creatures, no matter how small, by the name of ‘brother’ or ‘sister’”.[20] Such a conviction cannot be written off as naive romanticism, for it affects the choices which determine our behaviour. If we approach nature and the environment without this openness to awe and wonder, if we no longer speak the language of fraternity and beauty in our relationship with the world, our attitude will be that of masters, consumers, ruthless exploiters, unable to set limits on their immediate needs. By contrast, if we feel intimately united with all that exists, then sobriety and care will well up spontaneously. The poverty and austerity of Saint Francis were no mere veneer of asceticism, but something much more radical: a refusal to turn reality into an object simply to be used and controlled.

12. What is more, Saint Francis, faithful to Scripture, invites us to see nature as a magnificent book in which God speaks to us and grants us a glimpse of his infinite beauty and goodness. “Through the greatness and the beauty of creatures one comes to know by analogy their maker” (Wis 13:5); indeed, “his eternal power and divinity have been made known through his works since the creation of the world” (Rom 1:20). For this reason, Francis asked that part of the friary garden always be left untouched, so that wild flowers and herbs could grow there, and those who saw them could raise their minds to God, the Creator of such beauty.[21]Rather than a problem to be solved, the world is a joyful mystery to be contemplated with gladness and praise. - Laudato si

I don't sign petitions online or in the mail, but I pray.  Please pray for the protection of all life.  As it says in the Book of Wisdom: "For from the greatness and the beauty of created things, their original author, by analogy, is seen."

Prayer

O Lord, seize us with your power and light,

help us to protect all life,

to prepare for a better future,

for the coming of your Kingdom

of justice, peace, love and beauty.

Praise be to you!

Amen.

St. Giuseppe Moscati

Third Order Franciscan, Physician.

St. Joseph Moscati was from Benevento in Southern Italy, where most of my friends ancestors came from.  He is noted as the first canonized saint doctor of modern times.  He has been on my list of personal patrons due to the fact he was a single man, living a holy life in the world, faithful to prayer, a daily communicant, and an excellent professional, devoted to the duties of his state in life.  The Franciscan charism acted as a glorious frame surrounding the beauty of his soul; it not only framed his spirituality but became its support.

"Working in Naples, St. Joseph understood the need to bring Christ into his daily work. Christ was intimately linked to his calling as a doctor. To quote him:."Remember that you have to deal not only with the bodies but also with the moaning souls coming to you. How many suffering people you will more easily soothe by advising and going straight to their souls, instead of giving good prescriptions to be given to the chemist! Be joyful because great will be your reward; but you will have to set a good example of your elevation to God.".There are a number of stories of Dr. Moscati paying close attention to the state of his patient's soul as well as his body, sometimes even bringing the patient back to the sacraments. The Catholic understanding of body and soul clearly informed his understanding of illness and medicine. He saw Confession and Communion as the "first medicine". To help the poor, St. Moscati often donated his medical services or paid for his patients' prescriptions." - CNN

St. Joseph's example brings to mind our courageous contemporary physicians, who out of concern for souls, stand against the culture of death, and in particular the politically correct popular-culture which condones and/or ecncourages contraception, abortion, abuses in biotechnology, as well as gender identity and homosexual disorders.  May St. Joseph Moscati pray for those doctors who face such hostile opposition from their contemporaries.

Prayer to St.Joseph Moscati 

"Dear St Joseph Moscati, true model of Christian doctors, in the exercise of your medical profession, you always took care of both the body and soul of every patient.
Look on us, who have recourse to your heavenly intercession, and obtain for us both physical and spiritual health, and a share in the dispensation of heavenly favours.
Soothe the pains of our suffering people; give comfort to the sick, consolation to the afflicted and hope to the despondent.
May our young people find in you an ideal, our workers an example, the aging a comfort, the dying the hope of eternal salvation.
To all of us be a pattern of industriousness, honesty and charity; so we may comply with our Christian duties and glorify God our Father."
Amen.

November 16 is St. Joseph's feast day.

Links:
More on The Life of St. Joseph Moscati
First Modern Medical Doctor Canonized.