PJ's Point of View Page

DEVOTIONALS - 40 Days for Life

2011-10-25T08:20:00.000-07:00

DEVOTIONALS - 40 Days for Life

Apostles Of The Holy Spirit

2011-05-24T08:44:00.000-07:00

Assasinations

2011-05-15T10:40:00.000-07:00

Fred Branfman

Fred Branfman: Petraeus Must Go: Mass Assassination of Muslims

Are you familiar with Fred Branfman's work ?

Just a thought. . .

2011-05-05T08:50:00.000-07:00

President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden, along with members of the national security team, receive an update on the mission against Osama bin Laden in the Situation Room of the White House, May 1, 2011. Seated, from left, are: Brigadier General Marshall B. “Brad” Webb, Assistant Commanding General, Joint Special Operations Command; Deputy National Security Advisor Denis McDonough; Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton; and Secretary of Defense Robert Gates. Standing, from left, are: Admiral Mike Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; National Security Advisor Tom Donilon; Chief of Staff Bill Daley; Tony Binken, National Security Advisor to the Vice President; Audrey Tomason Director for Counterterrorism; John Brennan, Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism; and Director of National Intelligence James Clapper. Please note: a classified document seen in this photograph has been obscured.

Obama can't get his story straight on bin Laden

May 04, 2011

Anyone who didn't spot a whopper in the headline "Bin Laden surrender was nearly impossible" (May 4) obviously hasn't lived through the Vietnam, Iraq or Afghanistan Wars. The simple fact that the U.S. government can't get its story straight from the beginning should be the first clue that the administration is lying to the public. A detective investigating a murder case would find it elemental that the story changed so quickly. Of course Osama bin Laden could have been taken alive. The text of the article itself reveals that the government didn't want to take him alive, and the various reasons were stated. But nobody is surprised when the government lies.

Another whopper of a similar scale but different context was President Obama's claim that "justice was done." That's true in a very narrow case because the murder of 3,000 innocents in the 9/11 attacks was inexcusable. But when Mr. Obama talks about justice, and from a lawyer no less, what about justice for the 106,000 Iraqis who were wrongfully killed by American forces who were avenging bin Laden's deeds, or the uncounted numbers of civilians killed in Afghanistan and Pakistan? The selective language used by President Obama and other apologists for him is surprisingly unselective when it comes to what they apparently regard as "collateral damage" (human beings needlessly killed) or the flotsam and jetsam of what they consider expendable people.

Speaking of justice, Guantanamo is still open, many people have never been tried for their alleged crimes, the trial of Khalid Sheikh Muhammad in New York has been cancelled, torture is still defended even though illegal.

Yes, President Obama won't have Republicans saying he is soft on national security since he destroyed bin Laden when his predecessor did not. But to paraphrase Sen. Lloyd Bentsen, I would say to President Obama, "Martin Luther King was my friend, and you are not Martin Luther King." King also wrote two generations ago that the U.S. is the most violent nation on earth, which is even truer today. The White House apparently does not believe in the rule of law but of unaccounted-for, unchecked violence.

So while our warriors celebrate this recent action, note that its fruit is indeed a bitter one. It brings little or no comfort to the families of 9/11 victims, and it does not make the world any safer or peaceful than it was before. The U.S. has squandered its resources on unnecessary wars, and has learned nothing from all this bad experience. I would suggest that while others from abroad contemplated such an atrocious act as 9/11, there might also be a connection to our nation's reckless disregard for human life and law.

Christopher Boardman, Joppa

Should we celebrate death and execution without trial ?

Lent

2011-03-08T08:51:00.000-08:00

Jesu, Our Lenten Fast of Thee

Jesu, our Lenten fast of Thee
We duteous learn to keep,
A healing time, by Thy decree,
For all Thy wounded sheep.

A time in which towards paradise,
Once lost by carnal sense,
The souls redeemed by Thee may rise
Through chastening abstinence.

Now with Thy Church be present, Lord,
In all Thy saving grace,
And hear us as with one accord
Mourning, we seek Thy face.

Most Merciful, forgive the past,
The sins which we deplore;
Thy sheltering arms around us cast,
That we may sin no more.

To Thee our sacrifice we bring
Of Lenten fast and prayer,
Till, cleansed by Thee, our God and King,
Thy Paschal joy we share.

Grant this, O Father, through Thy Son,
And through the Spirit blest,
Who art with Them forever One,
Eternally confessed.

The Crucifix: The Book of Life

~If you would like to love God,

look at the Crucifix!

~If you hope for eternal happiness,

look at the Crucifix!

~If you wonder how much

God loves you,

look at the Crucifix!

~If you wonder how much

God wants you in heaven,

look at the Crucifix!

~If you wonder how God

tries to prevent you

from the yawning jaws of hell,

look at the Crucifix!

~If you wonder how much

God will help you to save your immortal soul,

look at the Crucifix!

~If you wonder how much

you should forgive others,

look at the Crucifix!

~If you wonder how much

your faith demands of you,

in humility, poverty, charity, meekness

and every virtue,

look at the Crucifix!

~If you want to know

what unselfishness and generosity are,

look at the Crucifix!

~If you wonder how far

your own unselfishness

should go to bring others to Christ,

look at the Crucifix!

Are you committed to keeping your promises during the Lenten Season?

Lenten Diary

Began fast on Shrove Tuesday at 10:00 AM
No food or drink taken on Ash Wednesday

Michael Michael of the Morning

2011-01-29T02:17:00.000-08:00

We have searched for years for the St. Michael prayer that saved a ...

Were you aware of this prayer?

Approved Apparition For The United States

2011-01-22T19:30:00.000-08:00

Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help

Have you visited this Shrine?

Are you aware of this approved apparition?

Awakening Fasting 2011

2011-01-10T07:35:00.000-08:00

Home | Awakening, 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting

Awakening Blog

If you want to fast in the month of January many others are also fasting.

Have you visited this website?

Ginger Bread House !!!

2010-12-19T11:18:00.000-08:00

new

http://georgetown.patch.com/articles/the-sweetest-brag-worthy-gingerbread-house#c

Have you seen this ?

What?

2010-11-22T11:34:00.000-08:00

In new book, pope addresses sex abuse, condoms, possible resignation

What is your opinion?

Rich Leonardi

2010-10-07T07:38:00.000-07:00

Ten Reasons by Rich Leonardi

http://richleonardi.blogspot.com/2010/10/in-memory-of-triumph.html

Have you visited this website?

Kateri Tekakwitha Feast Day July 14

2010-07-13T09:47:00.000-07:00

National Shrine of Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha

Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception Albany New York Interior

2010 Belize Slideshow (Anna's Biology Class Earns College Credit In Belize)

Have you ever been to these locations?

Perhaps

2010-05-28T08:22:00.000-07:00

Perhaps Love - John Denver & Placido Domingo

Who do you think of when you hear this song?

Icons

2010-05-14T06:00:00.000-07:00

The Icon and Book Service Home Page

MONASTERY of the HOLY CROSS

Have you visited these websites?

Happy Birthday !!!

2010-04-16T02:08:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Pope Benedict XVI

Have you visited this website?

Apparitions of Jesus and Mary: visions, locutions, signs and wonders

www.catholicplanet.com

Pedro Regis

2010-04-15T14:09:00.000-07:00

Pedro Regis, Anguera, Bahia, Brazil

LAST CALL FROM HEAVEN

Have you visited this website?

The Pelianito Journal Blog

2010-01-19T06:06:00.001-08:00

The Pelianito Journal Blog

Have you visited this site?

Visions Of The Children

2009-12-06T06:04:00.000-08:00

"Visions of the children: messages from Medjugorje"

Are you aware of this book?

Proclamation on Holy Love Ministires

2009-11-22T06:18:00.000-08:00

Proclamation on Holy Love Ministries Will Test Hearts and Obedience

Have you ever visited this Apparition Site ?

The Phillipian Fast

2009-11-16T11:11:00.000-08:00

http://www.byzcath.org/faith/menaion/phillips_fast.htm

Have you visited this site?

Jump Rope

2009-11-09T12:33:00.000-08:00

The Firecrackers

Kings Firecrackers explode on 'Net

Have you heard of the Kings Firecrackers?

Coffee

2009-11-09T10:55:00.001-08:00

http://www.lokeshdhakar.com/2007/08/20/an-illustrated-coffee-guide

Have you seen these posts ?

Natuzza Evolo

2009-11-06T23:50:00.000-08:00

ZENIT - Modern Mystic Mourned in Italy

Catholic Culture : Latest Headlines : 30000 Italians mourn

Natuzza Evolo

Are you aware of this woman's life?

Our Lady of Guadalupe

2009-10-29T11:33:00.000-07:00

http://www.sancta.org/intro.html

Have you visited these sites?

Holy See Welcomes Anglican Christians

2009-10-21T06:15:00.000-07:00

Cardinal William Joseph Levada, Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith; and Archbishop Augustine DiNoia, Secretary of the Congregation for the Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments, the Vatican Congregations who will oversee Anglican Christians entering into the full communion of the Catholic Church.

Holy See Welcomes Anglican Christians into Catholic Church

Response of the Traditional Anglican Communion

What is your reaction?

Grieving

2009-10-18T02:48:00.000-07:00

My Mother's body died October 14, 2009

This book has assisted me in adjusting to her passing:

Have you experienced the death of your Mother?

St. Margaret Mary Alacoque

2009-10-13T07:25:00.000-07:00

Saint of the Day | AmericanCatholic.org

Have you ever asked for her intercession?

Knock Apparition

2009-10-09T11:00:00.000-07:00

The Mayo News - Knock 'apparition' to attract 50000

http://www.mayonews.ie/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7836&Itemid=38

Are you aware of this Apparition Announcement?

Christina Gallagher

2009-10-08T13:10:00.001-07:00

http://www.christinagallagher.org/en

Have you visited this site?

For Life!

2009-09-28T00:43:00.000-07:00

Have you visited this website recently?

http://www.40daysforlife.com/splash.cfm

Pray and fast to end abortion … September 23–November 1

Please Pray And Fast For An End To Abortion

2009-08-02T05:55:00.000-07:00

Mount professor Fr. Zylla dies - catholicherald.com - Arlington ...

Fr. Robert V. Zylla, O.S.C.
Associate Professor of Moral Theology, 1971
M.A., The Catholic University of America; S.T.B., S.T.L., S.T.D.(candidate), The Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas; Crosier Fathers

Will you please pray for the repose of his soul?

Fatherr Tomislov Vlasic

2009-07-30T23:01:00.000-07:00

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/vaticancityandholysee/5913677/Pope-Benedict-XVI-unfrocks-Medjugorje-priest.html

Have you seen this?

Praise Be To God

2009-07-23T07:14:00.000-07:00

http://www.rosaryofgodthefather.org/testimonial.asp

LAUS DEO - PRAISE BE TO GOD

Have you visited this website?

Eucharistic Miracle in Buenos Aires

2009-07-22T02:37:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbg_dhI4XCs

Have you seen this video?

Olive Dawson

2009-07-13T05:28:00.000-07:00

All Through Mary - Our Lady's Message of Mercy to the World ...

Are you familiar with this visionary?

Benjamin Franklin's epitaph

2009-07-05T03:01:00.000-07:00

Benjamin Franklin Writer and Printer: The Printer as Writer

Famous Epitaph on Benjamin Franklin tomb stone

The Life of Benjamin Franklin, Written by Himself‎ - Page 470

Were you aware of Benjamin Franklin's epitaph?

Confraternity Of The Passion Int

2009-07-02T01:05:00.000-07:00

Confraternity Of The Passion International

Have you ever visited this site?

Calendar List Of Saints Feast Days

2009-06-16T07:04:00.000-07:00

Feast day List - Catholic Online

Have you ever used this list?

Our Lady Talks Of Fasting

2009-06-04T00:10:00.000-07:00

How to Fast - Gospa, Our Lady of Medjugorje

Messages of Our Lady of Sorrows in Kibeho, Rwanda

Have you heard of Our Lady of Sorrows in Kibeho, Rwanda?

Notre Dame and President Obama's Commencement Speech

2009-05-18T12:05:00.000-07:00

Obama's Words and the Moral Equivalency That Doesn't Exist

Have you read this article?

The Fascinating life of Dr. Isabelle Moser

2009-05-14T00:43:00.000-07:00

How and When To Be Your Own Doctor

Have you heard of Dr. Isabelle Moser?

Archbishop Chaput

2009-05-07T22:56:00.000-07:00

Archbishop Chaput: Media culture and compromise undermining Christian life

Archbishop Charles ChaputNew York City, N.Y., May 6, 2009 / 07:30 pm (CNA).- Archbishop of Denver Charles J. Chaput exhorted Catholics to follow the example of St. Paul by understanding their own times and being “possessed by the God of Truth.” Stressing the need to recognize the impact mass media has on thought and action, he warned that Catholics are losing the habits on which they have traditionally relied because of “vanity and compromise.”

The archbishop delivered his remarks to the American Bible Society in New York City on Wednesday. The Archbishop of Denver is in town to receive the Becket Fund’s Canterbury Medal, which is given to persons who “most resolutely refused to render to Caesar that which is God's.” Beginning his remarks with a reflection on the life of St. Paul, Archbishop Chaput said Paul was “a determined man.”

“As even St. Peter discovered, Paul never let shallow courtesies interfere with his witness for Jesus Christ. In fact, by today’s standards, Paul’s passion for Jesus borders on the unseemly. But of course, that says more about us than about him.”

Paul would go to such extremes because he knew the truth not only as a “collection of doctrines” but was “possessed by the God of truth, who gives life to those doctrines,” the archbishop said.

“There has never been, and there never will be, a greater missionary for Jesus than St. Paul. Through Paul, the Gospel reached the world. And our job as believers today is to be Paul once again to the world around us.”

“If we’re serious when we claim to be followers of Jesus Christ, then we need to understand our own times as well as Paul did his,” he counseled the Bible Society members.

The archbishop said this can be a problem because “the tools we rely on to inform us are the same tools we use to delude ourselves about the real world.”

“The American news and entertainment media, which now so often overlap, are the largest catechetical syndicate in history,” he continued.

Saying the media has helped create a culture based on “immediacy, brevity, visual stimulation, celebrity and self-absorption,” he warned this has great implications for the Christian’s place in American society.

To know our times, he said, it is crucial that we understand how mass media works on us. We can learn to judge them “soberly and critically,” but if we do not the consequences may be “very unhappy.”

Noting that the United States was founded in a time of print-based patterns of thought, he warned:

“The more sensory, immediate and emotional our culture becomes, the farther it gets from the habits of serious thought that sustain its ideals.”

As a remedy, he advised Catholics to give up computers, televisions, cell phones, and iPods for “just one night” a week.

“One night a week spent reading, talking with each other, listening to each other and praying over Scripture. We can at least do that much. And if we do, we’ll discover that eventually we’re sober again and not drunk on technology and our own overheated appetites.”

Turning to questions of public life, the archbishop noted President Barack Obama’s comments about America not considering itself a Christian nation. Saying the president’s words should not be taken out of context, he remarked that his comments come at a time when American leaders’ attitude towards religion and Christianity is “very different from the past, and much less friendly.”

The archbishop said it would be “foolish and delusional” to deny the United States’ Christian roots. He quoted Presidents Woodrow Wilson, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln, who respectively said America was “born a Christian nation,” “founded on the principles of Christianity,” and firmly reliant on God’s providence.

Archbishop Chaput said that the public witness of many American Christians is “softening,” with some groups working “very vigorously” to secularize or de-Christianize public life and popular culture.

American Catholics have successfully fit themselves into American culture, so that “too many of us are happy with our complacency, vanity, compromises, comfort and bad formation.”

The habit of “vanity and compromise” is what is at work in the University of Notre Dame’s decision to honor President Obama at commencement, the archbishop remarked. Though “a sincere and able man,” the president’s views on life issues “run directly against Catholic belief.”

“And a Catholic institution should not honor that kind of behavior,” he said.

While human sinfulness is always present, the archbishop said, “What’s new about our current moment is that too many Christians have made peace with that sinfulness, baptized it with the language of personal conscience, and stopped trying to convert anybody -- including themselves.”

While a “post-Christian” society may seem similar to the world St. Paul confronted, it is in fact “much worse” because the old pagan world was ignorant of Christ, but today’s paganism involves “a specific choice against Jesus Christ.”

He denied there was such a thing as a “post-Christian” society, saying “The redemptive mission of Jesus Christ is unique, unrepeatable and forever. Christ is the center and meaning of history.

“There is nothing after Jesus Christ except a void.”

When Jesus commissioned the apostles to make disciples of all nations and baptize them, the archbishop said, “he was talking to you and me.”

“The lesson of St. Paul, now and for every generation, is that we need to engage the world with intelligence, a creative spirit and, most importantly, charity, which ‘bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.'”

Real charity depends on truth, not “shallow courtesies” and “false compromises.”

“Paul reminds us that charity ‘does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth’ (I Cor 13:6). In fact, no greater gift of love exists than sharing the truth with others. Only God’s truth sets us free.”

“Jesus himself did not claim to ‘preach’ the truth but to be the truth. That’s why a Christianity based only on technique or useful ideas or a system of good social principles will always fail. Christianity can only be anchored in a love for Jesus Christ.”

“The cross of Jesus Christ is not a ‘philosophy.’ It’s an instrument of killing stained with the blood of a Person who was once dead but is now alive.”

“Only if we really believe the Resurrection of Jesus Christ in our bones, only if we endure in proclaiming that truth,” he concluded, will we be able to share St. Paul’s relief and joy in “the crown of righteousness.”

Are you familiar with this article?

Swine Flu Panic

2009-05-07T01:06:00.000-07:00

Can a Communion chalice transmit swine flu?

What is your opinion concerning the power of the media to introduce fear and panic concerning the reception of The Body And Blood Of Christ?

40 Days of Prayer and Fasting for Peace from April 21-May 30, 2009

2009-04-21T09:47:00.000-07:00

Dear Faithful Followers of Jesus and Mary,

Please join us in 40 Days of Prayer and Fasting for Peace from April 21-May 30, 2009. Our Blessed Mother has said, "Prayer possesses a potent force and starts a chain reaction for good that is far more powerful than any atomic reaction."

We have seen amazing signs of the fulfillment of our Blessed Mother's promises about the power of prayer--especially the Rosary. One person committed to praying Heaven's Peace Plan can make a difference.

Here are some ideas of how you can participate in the upcoming 40 Days of Prayer and Fasting:

+ Daily family prayer, Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, Scripture and Rosary

+ Fast on bread and water, television, and shopping

+ Fast from 6am to 6pm and eat only one meal a day

+ Pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet, the Devotion to the Precious Blood and other novenas

+ Consecrate yourself and your families to Jesus and His Blessed Mother

+ Help spread this prayer and fasting campaign through prayer networks and Internet sites to support Heaven's Peace Plan

Thank you for your participation and loyal support to Our Lord and His Mother throughout the years.

In the Two Hearts,

Maureen Flynn

Signs of the Times Apostolate, Inc.

Are you familiar with this Apostolate?

GOOD FRIDAY

2009-04-10T02:47:00.000-07:00

YouTube - Good Friday

Have you seen these videos?

Lent 2009

2009-03-09T11:30:00.000-07:00

http://www.vatican.va/liturgical_year/lent/2009/index_lent2009_en.html

Are you familiar with this website?

The Abortion Issue

2009-03-03T16:27:00.000-08:00

http://www.cnsnews.com/public/content/article.aspx?RsrcID=44269

http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/02/27/conscience.rollback/

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/28/us/politics/28abort.html?ref=us

http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2009/mar/09030211.html

http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2008/may/08051001.html

Have you read any of these articles?

Adoration

2009-03-02T08:52:00.000-08:00

http://www.savior.org/

Were you aware of Savior.Org?

David Little's Mission

2009-02-24T09:10:00.000-08:00

http://www.zenit.org/article-25169?l=english

www.morecanada.info

http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=15179

Are you aware of David Little's Mission?

Lenten Promises

2009-02-19T11:53:00.000-08:00

40 Days for Life

Have you made your Lenten Promises for 2009?

Shield of Mary

2009-02-15T15:53:00.000-08:00

http://www.goodstjoseph.com/Shield%20of%20Mary.htm

Shield of Mary

This powerful prayer (the manuscript tells us is said to have been found in the tomb of the Blessed Virgin Mary among the other things found therein when her assumption was discovered). The following are the powers of this prayer; - whoever reads it or hears it read or who ever carries a copy on this prayer with them will be saved from an unprovided death, from fire, from water, from dangerous falls and will be saved in battle. Moreover, the prayer is powerful in childbirth, in wounds, accidents and every disease, by its virtue everyone who recites (or carries it) and say one Pater, Ave and Credo in honour of Mary, The Immaculate Virgin, every day, she will appear to them three times before death, but particularly at the hour of death.

O, most benign Lord Jesus Christ, only son of the Father, God Almighty, God of Angels, only Son of the Most Glorious Virgin Mary, help me, a poor sinner, and assist me in every difficulty in which I am present.

Glorious Virgin, Mother of God, woman above every dignity, worthy of every praise, intercede for me, a poor sinner, with your own loving Son. Most honourable lady, mother of the human race and of angels, protect me from every evil, past, present and to come. I pray you, fruit of the patriarchs, light of the angels, compatriot of angels, sublime meditation of angels and archangels, beauty of virgins, river of the Trinity, not to desert me at the fearful hour of death. May my soul hear, as it parts from my body, your comforting words in the presence of your beloved Son and you, and may I attain eternal glory and abide with Him.

O Star of the Sea, gate of Heaven, temple of God, palace of Christ, harbour of health, flower of every nation, hope of the faithful, well of mercy, light of virgins, you converse and delight the angels and archangels, you are the temple in which is every joy of the human race. O most honourable Blessed Benign Lady, you strengthen us in every task. O mother of mercy look on me with eyes of mercy. I place myself under the patronage and protection of your holy hands, my soul and body, my thoughts words and deeds, that I may please your beloved Son and You. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Pater-Ave-Credo.

Are you familiar with this prayer?

Irving Houle Stigmatist

2009-02-11T23:01:00.000-08:00

Irving C. “Francis” Houle passed away on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2009 ...

Were you aware of Irving Houle's suffering?

St. Scholastica

2009-02-10T11:41:00.001-08:00

Litany of Saint Scholastica ...

Saint Scholastica

St. Scholastica Priory - Prayer

Have you ever asked for the intercession of St. Scholastica?

Pope's Lenten Message for 2009

2009-02-09T12:15:00.000-08:00

ZENIT - Pope's Lenten Message for 2009

St. Ansgar Feast Day February 3, 2009

2009-02-03T07:44:00.000-08:00

Ansgar

Have you ever asked for the intercession of St. Ansgar?

Prayers through the Merits of St. Blaise (Feast Day February 3)

2009-02-02T11:21:00.000-08:00

Prayers to St. Blaise
Bishop and Martyr,
Patron of Healthy Throats

O glorious Saint Blase, who by thy martyrdom didst leave to the Church a precious witness to the faith, obtain for us the grace to preserve within ourselves this divine gift, and to defend, without human respect, both by word and example, the truth of that same faith, which is so wickedly attacked and slandered in these our times. Thou who didst miraculously restore a little child when it was at the point of death by reason of an affliction of the throat, grant us thy mighty protection in like misfortunes; and, above all, obtain for us the grace of Christian mortification together with a faithful observance of the precepts of the Church, which may keep us from offending Almighty God. Amen.

For a Healthy Throat

Dear Bishop and lover of souls, you willingly bore heavy crosses in faithful imitation of Jesus. Similarly, with Christlike compassion, you cured many sufferers. Then after undergoing horrible tortures you died as a martyr for Christ. Obtain a cure for these (name them here) ills if this is agreeable to God. Amen.

Lord, here Your people through the intercession of St. Blase. Help us to enjoy peace in this life and find a lasting refuge in the next. Amen.

Novena to St. Blaise
(to be prayed for 9 consecutive days)

Preparatory Prayer

Almighty and Eternal God! With lively faith and reverently worshiping Thy Divine Majesty, I prostrate myself before Thee and invoke with filial trust Thy supreme bounty and mercy. Illumine the darkness of my intellect with a ray of Thy heavenly light and inflame my heart with the fire of Thy divine love, that I may contemplate the great virtues and merits of the saint in whose honor I make this novena, and following his example imitate, like him, the life of Thy divine Son.

Moreover, I beseech Thee to grant graciously, through the merits and intercession of this powerful Helper, the petition which through him I humbly place before Thee, devoutly saving, "Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." Vouchsafe graciously to hear it, if it redounds to Thy greater glory and to the salvation of my soul. Amen.

Prayer in honor of St. Blaise

O God, deliver us through the intercession of Thy holy bishop and martyr Blase, from all evil of soul and body, especially from all ills of the throat; and grant us the grace to make a good confession in the confident hope of obtaining Thy pardon, and ever to praise with worthy lips Thy most holy name. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Invocation of St. Blaise

St. Blaise, gracious benefactor of mankind and faithful servant of God, who for the love of our Savior did suffer so many tortures with patience and resignation; I invoke thy powerful intercession. Preserve me from all evils of soul and body. Because of thy great merits God endowed thee with the special grace to help those that suffer from ills of the throat; relieve and preserve me from them, so that I may always be able to fulfill my duties, and with the aid of God's grace perform good works. I invoke thy help as special physician of souls, that I may confess my sins sincerely in the holy sacrament of Penance and obtain their forgiveness. I recommend to thy merciful intercession also those who unfortunately concealed a sin in confession. Obtain for them the grace to accuse themselves sincerely and contritely of the sin they concealed, of the sacrilegious confessions and communions they made, and of all the sins they committed since then, so that they may receive pardon, the grace of God, and the remission of the eternal punishment. Amen.

Concluding Prayer

My Lord and my God! I offer up to Thee my petition in union with the bitter passion and death of Jesus Christ, Thy Son, together with the merits of His immaculate and blessed Mother, Mary ever virgin, and of all the saints, particularly with those of the holy Helper in whose honor I make this novena.

Look down upon me, merciful Lord! Grant me Thy grace and Thy love, and graciously hear my prayer. Amen.

Feastday: February 3
Patron of Throat Illnesses

Many Catholics might remember Saint Blaise's feast day because of the Blessing of the Throats that took place on this day. Two candles are blessed, held slightly open, and pressed against the throat as the blessing is said. Saint Blaise's protection of those with throat troubles apparently comes from a legend that a boy was brought to him who had a fishbone stuck in his throat. The boy was about to die when Saint Blaise healed him.

Very few facts are known about Saint Blaise. We believe he was a bishop of Sebastea in Armenia who was martyred under the reign of Licinius in the early fourth century.

The legend of his life that sprang up in the eighth century tell us that he was born in to a rich and noble family who raised him as a Christian. After becoming a bishop, a new persecution of Christians began. He received a message from God to go into the hills to escape persecution. Men hunting in the mountains discovered a cave surrounded by wild animals who were sick. Among them Blaise walked unafraid, curing them of their illnesses. Recognizing Blaise as a bishop, they captured him to take him back for trial. On the way back, he talked a wolf into releasing a pig that belonged to a poor woman. When Blaise was sentenced to be starved to death, the woman, in gratitude, sneaked into the prison with food and candles. Finally Blaise was killed by the governor.

Blaise is the patron saint of wild animals because of his care for them and of those with throat maladies.

In His Footsteps:

Take time as Saint Blaise did to find out how you can help wild animals. Find out what is being done to support and protect the wildlife in your area. There is wildlife everywhere, even in cities. Even a birdfeeder can help God's creatures survive.

Prayer:

Saint Blaise, pray for us that we may not suffer from illnesses of the throat and pray that all who are suffering be healed by God's love. Amen

Have you ever had your throat Blessed at Mass asking for the intercession of St. Blaise?

Pray for President Obama

2009-01-25T09:03:00.001-08:00

Please pray for the President's conversion.

He is a full supporter of FOCA. He fully believes it is a woman's right to choose to kill the soul developing in her womb without regard for that life and it's future pursuit of life, liberty and happiness.

He is so confused as a professed Christian on this issue, that he is helping to cause confusion in the minds of some of his supporters and many of his neighbors.

He is a noted and very successful politician and now a very powerful President Of The United States.

A politician (from Greek "polis") is an individual who is involved in influencing public decision making through the influence of politics or a person who influences the way a society is governed through an understanding of political power and group dynamics. This includes people who hold decision-making positions in government, and people who seek those positions, whether by means of election, coup d'état, appointment, electoral fraud, conquest, right of inheritance (see also: divine right) or other means. Politics are not limited to governance through public office. Political offices may also be held in corporations, and other entities that are governed by self-defined political processes.

Will you consider praying that Almighty God will counsel his heart and convert his soul through the intercession of The Blessed Mother?

Does the Vice President have an informed conscience?

2009-01-23T02:00:00.000-08:00

Biden receives standing ovation at Catholic Mass after receiving ...

Are you aware of this among Catholics attending Mass?

Peter Kreeft

2009-01-21T15:43:00.000-08:00

Human Personhood Begins at Conception

Will you be attending the March For Life January 22, 2009?

FOCA

2009-01-19T22:09:00.000-08:00

Freedom of Choice Act Would Remove All Limitations on Abortions

Fight FOCA.

View the 1 minute video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIBDmyzR5Uw&NR=1

Are you aware of The Freedom Of Choice Act?

Freedom of Choice Act

Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa

2009-01-10T17:46:00.000-08:00

Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa, ofmcap - Home Page in italiano

Are you familiar with his writings?

Mission Of Angels

2009-01-08T11:55:00.000-08:00

www.missionofangels.org

Are you familiar with this website?

Appariations of Mary

2009-01-06T06:13:00.000-08:00

Apparitions and pictures of Virgin Mary

Have you visited this site?

Doubt

2008-12-13T11:57:00.000-08:00

Doubt (2008)

Doubt: A Parable - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Movie Review - Doubt - Between Heaven and Earth, Room for ...

Have you seen this movie?

December 8 Holy Hour

2008-12-11T05:13:00.000-08:00

Mystical Rose

Tell My People - Introduction

Do you find these sites interesting?

Rage Control

2008-11-23T01:09:00.000-08:00

Controlling Anger Before it Controls You

Are you familiar with this well written article?

Warning by Cardinal Francis George of Chicago

2008-11-23T00:03:00.000-08:00

BALTIMORE, November 12, 2008 (LifeSiteNews.com) - In a stark warning to President-Elect Barack Obama, Cardinal Francis George of Chicago, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), today warned the Obama Administration, on behalf of all the US bishops, that "aggressive pro-abortion policies, legislation and executive orders will permanently alienate tens of millions of Americans, and would be seen by many as an attack on the free exercise of their religion."

The statement, which was "written at the request and direction of all the Bishops," was released today at the end of the annual fall assembly of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops.

While the message begins on a conciliatory note, the vast majority is directed at the issue of the rights of the unborn. "The bishops of the Catholic Church in the United States welcome this moment of historic transition and look forward to working with President-elect Obama and the members of the new Congress for the common good of all," begins the statement. From there, however, it notes that the 1973 Roe v Wade decision was "bad law" and that the Freedom of Choice Act which Obama has promised to sign is even "more radical."

Cardinal George writes that "the unity desired by President-elect Obama and all Americans at this moment of crisis will be impossible to achieve," if the administration's policies increase abortions.

The full statement follows:

STATEMENT of the President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

"If the Lord does not build the house, in vain do its builders labor; if the Lord does not watch over the city, in vain does the watchman keep vigil." (Psalm 127, vs. 1)

The Bishops of the Catholic Church in the United States welcome this moment of historic transition and look forward to working with President-elect Obama and the members of the new Congress for the common good of all. Because of the Church's history and the scope of her ministries in this country, we want to continue our work for economic justice and opportunity for all; our efforts to reform laws around immigration and the situation of the undocumented; our provision of better education and adequate health care for all, especially for women and children; our desire to safeguard religious freedom and foster peace at home and abroad. The Church is intent on doing good and will continue to cooperate gladly with the government and all others working for these goods.

The fundamental good is life itself, a gift from God and our parents. A good state protects the lives of all. Legal protection for those members of the human family waiting to be born in this country was removed when the Supreme Court decided Roe vs. Wade in 1973. This was bad law. The danger the Bishops see at this moment is that a bad court decision will be enshrined in bad legislation that is more radical than the 1973 Supreme Court decision itself.

In the last Congress, a Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA) was introduced that would, if brought forward in the same form today, outlaw any "interference" in providing abortion at will. It would deprive the American people in all fifty states of the freedom they now have to enact modest restraints and regulations on the abortion industry. FOCA would coerce all Americans into subsidizing and promoting abortion with their tax dollars. It would counteract any and all sincere efforts by government and others of good will to reduce the number of abortions in our country.

Parental notification and informed consent precautions would be outlawed, as would be laws banning procedures such as partial-birth abortion and protecting infants born alive after a failed abortion. Abortion clinics would be deregulated. The Hyde Amendment restricting the federal funding of abortions would be abrogated. FOCA would have lethal consequences for prenatal human life.

FOCA would have an equally destructive effect on the freedom of conscience of doctors, nurses and health care workers whose personal convictions do not permit them to cooperate in the private killing of unborn children. It would threaten Catholic health care institutions and Catholic Charities. It would be an evil law that would further divide our country, and the Church should be intent on opposing evil.

On this issue, the legal protection of the unborn, the bishops are of one mind with Catholics and others of good will. They are also pastors who have listened to women whose lives have been diminished because they believed they had no choice but to abort a baby. Abortion is a medical procedure that kills, and the psychological and spiritual consequences are written in the sorrow and depression of many women and men. The bishops are single-minded because they are, first of all, single-hearted.

The recent election was principally decided out of concern for the economy, for the loss of jobs and homes and financial security for families, here and around the world. If the election is misinterpreted ideologically as a referendum on abortion, the unity desired by President-elect Obama and all Americans at this moment of crisis will be impossible to achieve. Abortion kills not only unborn children; it destroys constitutional order and the common good, which is assured only when the life of every human being is legally protected. Aggressively pro-abortion policies, legislation and executive orders will permanently alienate tens of millions of Americans, and would be seen by many as an attack on the free exercise of their religion.

This statement is written at the request and direction of all the Bishops, who also want to thank all those in politics who work with good will to protect the lives of the most vulnerable among us. Those in public life do so, sometimes, at the cost of great sacrifice to themselves and their families; and we are grateful. We express again our great desire to work with all those who cherish the common good of our nation. The common good is not the sum total of individual desires and interests; it is achieved in the working out of a common life based upon good reason and good will for all.

Our prayers accompany President-elect Obama and his family and those who are cooperating with him to assure a smooth transition in government. Many issues demand immediate attention on the part of our elected "watchman." (Psalm 127) May God bless him and our country.

Are you aware of this Article?

Joe Biden's Catholic Bishop In Wilmington Won't Deny Communion Over Pro-Abortion Views

2008-11-13T02:31:00.000-08:00

http://www.lifenews.com/state3635.html

Have you seen this article?

Guidelines for Adult Children Concerning Showing Honor and Respect to Parents

2008-10-28T09:44:00.000-07:00

Socrates and the State - Google Books Result

Options for raising self and mutual respects - p. 1 of 3

Truthdig - Reports - Give Moms Their Due—They’ve Earned It

Do you find any of these articles informative?

Paul Newman

2008-09-27T07:29:00.000-07:00

Newman's Own Foundation Celebrates the Life and Legacy of Paul Newman

Will you pray for the repose of the soul of Paul Newman?

Culture of Life

2008-09-25T16:04:00.001-07:00

www.culture-of-life.org - Home

Have you visited this site?

Presidential issues in 2008 election

2008-09-23T08:08:00.001-07:00

On the Issues: Abortion - Election Guide 2008 - The New York Times

Have you decided who you will vote for?

The Next President

2008-09-04T00:31:00.000-07:00

The Next President

Mastering a Daunting Agenda

Richard Holbrooke

From Foreign Affairs, September/October 2008

United States presidential election, 2008

Opinion polling by state for the United States presidential election, 2008

2008 Polls - Presidential Election, Latest Political

Will you vote and if you do who will you vote for?

Messages from Mary

2008-08-19T12:49:00.000-07:00

Virgin Mary's Messages Kurescek 1989-1999 / The Queen of Peace

" France Spelic (Father Smaverski), the visionary (Our Lady calls him Smaverski), started to receive messages from Mary, in the year of 1989. On December 9, 1989, during his visit to Medjugorje, he was instructed to renew prayer on a forgotten and abandoned place. In conversation with the priest, Joze Razinger, he learned that Kurescek could be the place.

On January 29, 1990, the visionary received another message from Mary:

Go to Kurescek. Stay faithful.
I am the Queen of Peace."

Were you aware of this visionary previously?

2008-08-18T07:03:00.000-07:00

Saint Jane Frances de Chantal, Religious
Optional Memorial
August 18th*
[optional Memorial transferred from December 12th
in the diocese of the United States]

*In 2009 the date will change to August 12th.

unknown artist

History:
Saint Jane Frances de Chantal was born at Dijon, France, January 28, 1572.

In 1592 she married Baron de Chantal, and lived in the feudal castle of Bourbilly. She restored order in the household, which was on the brink of ruin, and brought back prosperity. During her husband's absence at the court, or with the army, when reproachd for her extremely sober manner of dressing, her reply was: "The eyes which I must please are a hundred miles from here". She found more than once that God blessed with miracles the care she gave the suffering members of Christ. St. Francis de Sales's eulogy of her characterizes her life at Bourbilly and everywhere else: "In Madame de Chantal I have found the perfect woman, whom Solomon had difficulty in finding in Jerusalem". Baron de Chantal was accidently killed by a harquebus while out shooting in 1601. Left a widow at twenty-eight, with four children, the broken-hearted baroness took a vow of chastity. In all her prayers she besought God to send her a guide.

During Lent, 1604, she visited her father at Dijon, where St. Francis de Sales was preaching at the Sainte Chapelle. He became her spiritual director.

She founded the Congregation of the Visitation which was canonically established at Annecy on Trinity Sunday, June 6, 1610. Its aim was to receive, with a view to their spiritual advancement, young girls and even widows who had not the desire or strength to subject themselves to the austere ascetical practices in force in all the religious orders at that time. St. Francis de Sales was especially desirous of seeing the realization of his cherished method of attaining perfection, which consisted in always keeping one's will united to the Divine will, in taking so to speak one's soul, heart, and longings into one's hands and giving them into God's keeping, and in seeking always to do what is pleasing to Him. "I do always the things that please him" (John 8:29). The two holy founders saw their undertaking prosper. At the time of the death of St. Francis de Sales in 1622, the order already counted thirteen houses; there were eighty-six when St. Jane Frances died (December 13, 1641) and 164 when she was canonized.

The remainder of the saint's life was spent under the protection of the cloister in the practice of the most admirable virtues. If a gentle kindness, vivified and strengthened by a complete spirit of renunciation, predominates in St. Francis de Sales, it is firmness and great vigor which prevails in St. Jane Frances; she did not like to see her daughters giving way to human weakness. Her trials were continuous and borne bravely, and yet she was exceedingly sensitive.

Her reputation for sanctity was widespread. Queens, princes, and princesses flocked to the reception-room of the Visitation. Wherever she went to establish foundations, the people gave her ovations. "These people", she would say confused, "do not know me; they are mistaken". Her body is venerated with that of St. Francis de Sales in the church of the Visitation at Annecy. She was beatified in 1751, canonized in 1767.

(Principal source - Catholic Encyclopedia - 1913 edition )

Collect:
Lord,
you chose St. Jane Frances to serve you
both in marriage and in religious life.
By her prayers
help us to be faithful in our vocation
and always to be the light of the world.

We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

First Reading: Proverbs 31: 10-13,19-20,30-31
A good wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels.
The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain.

She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life. She seeks wool and flax,
and works with willing hands.

She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle.
She opens her hand to the poor, and reaches out her hands to the needy.

Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.

Gospel: Mark 3:31-35
Jesus' mother and brethren came; and standing outside they sent to Him and called Him. And a crowd was sitting about Him; and they said to Him, "Your mother and your brethren are outside, asking for you." And He replied, "Who are My mother and My brethren?" And looking around on those who sat about Him, He said, "Here are My mother and My brethren! Whoever does the will of God is My brother, and sister, and mother."

**Women for Faith & Family operates solely on your generous donations! See Join Page or for Credit Card Donation see Network for Good instructions page!**

PERMISSION GUIDELINES

Did you know that the date of Saint Jane Frances de Chantal will change again next year?

40 Days of Fasting and Prayer Beginning August 15, 2008

2008-08-14T01:25:00.000-07:00

40 Days of Prayer and Fasting

Get the 40 Days Information Flyer HERE!

Beginning August 15, 2008 and Ending September 23, 2008

Will you join the fast?

Movie Sets You Can Visit!

2008-07-22T10:28:00.000-07:00

Field of Dreams Movie Site © - Baseball Tourist Attraction

Home

Home - A Christmas Story House - Ralphie’s House Restored to its A ...

Welcome to the Birthplace of John Wayne!

The Movie (The Bridges of Madison County)

click here to visit the Historic OSR Shawshank Reformatory

We recently visited these movie sites traveling during July 2008.

I wanted to make you aware of these areas in case you have not heard of them as yet. If you are in the area of these movie sites while traveling, they are certainly worth taking the time to visit!

Have you ever visited any of these sites?

We also visited the following sites during July 2008...

The Amana Colonies Story | Amana Colonies

National Farm Toy Museum

Niagara Falls State Park - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Manny's Cafeteria and Delicatessen - The Best Deli in Chicago ...

Superdawg® drive-in : History

We attended Mass at the following Catholic Churches

Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago - Wikipedia, the free ...

Saint Martin's Catholic Church (Cascade) - Wikipedia, the free ...

Dyersville, St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, and Leading ...

St Anthony's Church

- www.stanthonydsm.org -

(515) 244-4709 - more

St Peter's Cathedral

The Conversion of St. Paul

www.thepoorclares.com

ST. LEO THE GREAT [1953] Amherst, New York

Saints Peter & Paul ChurchWilliamsville, NY

First Pastor was St. John Neumann

We also visited

Our Lady of Fatima Shrine, Lewiston, NY

Have you attended Mass or have you visited any of these Catholic Churches?

St. John The Baptist and Christian Art

2008-06-25T06:40:00.000-07:00

Have you visited this website of great Christian Art?

McCain's And Obama's Voting Record On Abortion

2008-06-17T12:47:00.000-07:00

My daughter Adrienne Marie sent me this e-mail this morning. It would do voters good to study it.

I did find McCain’s full voting record if you want to review every vote he has cast in the senate over the last 17 years: http://projects.washingtonpost.com/congress/members/m000303/.

Here is McCain’s voting history on abortion and abortion related issues in reverse chronological order:

3/13/08 Vote 71: S CON RES 70: Ensign Amdt. No. 4335; To increase funding for the Department of Justice for the vigorous enforcement of a prohibition against taking minors across State lines in circumvention of laws requiring the involvement of parents in abortion decisions consistent with the Child Custody Protection Act, which passed the Senate by a bipartisan vote of 65-34, with an offset. MCCAIN DIDN’T VOTE

10/18/07 Vote 379: H R 3043: Vitter Amdt. No.3330; To prohibit the provision of funds to grantees who perform abortions. MCCAIN VOTED YES

9/6/07 Vote 320: H R 2764: Brownback Amdt. No. 2708; To prevent contributions to organizations that perform or promote abortion as a method of family planning. MCCAIN DIDN’T VOTE

9/6/07 Vote 318: H R 2764: Brownback Amdt. No. 2707; To prohibit funding of organizations that support coercive abortion. MCCAIN DIDN’T VOTE

9/29/06 Vote 263: On the Cloture Motion: Motion to Invoke Cloture on the Motion to Concur in House Amendment to S.403; Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act MCCAIN VOTED YES

3/17/05 Vote 75: S CON RES 18: Clinton Amdt. No. 244 As Modified; To expand access to preventive health care services that reduce unintended pregnancy (including teen pregnancy), reduce the number of abortions, and improve access to women's health care. MCCAIN VOTED NO

10/21/03 Vote 402: S 3: S. 3 Conference Report; Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act of 2003 MCCAIN VOTED YES

9/17/03 Vote 351: On the Motion: Motion to Disagree To The Amendment Of The House To S.3 ; Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act of 2003 MCCAIN VOTED YES

3/13/03 Vote 51: S 3: S. 3 As Amended; Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act of 2003 MCCAIN VOTED YES

3/12/03 Vote 47: On the Motion: Boxer Motion To Commit S. 3 To The Judiciary Committee With Instructions; Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act of 2003 MCCAIN VOTED NO

9/14/00 Vote 249: H R 4444: Smith (NH) Amdt. No. 4129-Division IV; To require that the Congressional-Executive Commission monitor the cooperation of the People's Republic of China with respect to POW/MIA issues, improvement in the areas of forced abortions, slave labor, and organ harvesting, and for other purposes. MCCAIN VOTED NO

9/13/00 Vote 243: H R 4444: Helms Amdt. No. 4128; To express the sense of Congress regarding forced abortions in the People's Republic of China. MCCAIN VOTED NO

9/13/00 Vote 241: H R 4444: Smith Amdt. No. 4129 Division VI; To require that the Congressional-Executive Commission monitor the cooperation of the People's Republic of China with respect to POW/MIA issues, improvement in the areas of forced abortions, slave labor, and organ harvesting, and for other purposes. MCCAIN DID NOT VOTE

6/20/00 Vote 134: S 2549: Motion To Table Murray Amendment No. 3252; To repeal the restriction on the use of Department of Defense facilities for privately funded abortions. MCCAIN VOTED YES

10/21/99 Vote 340: S 1692: S. 1692 As amended and modified; Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act of 2000 MCCAIN VOTED YES

10/20/99 Vote 334: S 1692: Motion to Table Santorum Amendment No. 2322; To express the sense of Congress concerning Roe v. Wade and partial birth abortion bans. MCCAIN DID NOT VOTE

10/20/99 Vote 333: S 1692: Motion to Table the Motion to Reconsider Roll Call No. 332; Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act of 2000 MCCAIN VOTED NO

10/20/99 Vote 332: On the Motion to Proceed: Motion to Proceed to Consideration of S.1692; Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act of 2000 MCCAIN VOTED NO

7/1/99 Vote 197: S 1282: Motion to Table DeWine Amdt. No. 1200; To prohibit the use of funds the pay for an abortion or to pay for the administrative expenses in connection with certain health plans that provide coverage for abortions. MCCAIN DID NOT VOTE

5/26/99 Vote 148: S 1059: Motion to Table Murray Amdt. No. 397; To repeal the restriction on use of the Department of Defense facilities for privately funded abortions. MCCAIN VOTED YES

9/18/98 Vote 277: H R 1122: passage of H.R. 1122, notwithstanding the President's Veto; Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act of 1997 MCCAIN VOTED YES

6/25/98 Vote 176: S 2057: Murray Amdt. No.2794; To repeal the restiction on use of Department of Defense facilities for abortions. MCCAIN VOTED NO

9/4/97 Vote 215: S 1061: coats amendment no. 1077; To prohibit the use of funds for research that utilizes human fetal tissue, cells, or organs that are obtained from a living or dead embryo or fetus during or after an induced abortion. MCCAIN VOTED NO

7/22/97 Vote 190: S 1023: dewine amendment no. 936; To prohibit the use of funds the pay for an abortion or to pay for the administrative expenses in connection with certain health plans that provide coverage for abortions MCCAIN VOTED YES

7/10/97 Vote 167: S 936: murray amendment no. 593; To repeal the restriction on use of Department of Defense facilities for abortions. MCCAIN VOTED NO

6/25/97 Vote 129: S 947: kerrey amendment no. 496, as modified; To strike the limitation on the coverage of abortions. MCCAIN VOTED NO

5/20/97 Vote 71: H R 1122: h.r.1122, as amended; Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act of 1997 MCCAIN VOTED YES

5/15/97 Vote 70: H R 1122: daschle amdt no. 289; To amend title 18, United States Code, to prohibit the performance of an abortion where the fetus is determined to be viable. MCCAIN VOTED NO

5/15/97 Vote 69: H R 1122: Feinstein amdt no. 288; To prohibit certain abortions. MCCAIN VOTED NO

9/26/96 Vote 301: H R 1833: shall h.r.1833 pass over the veto of the President of the U.S.?; Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act of 1995 MCCAIN VOTED YES

6/19/96 Vote 163: S 1745: motion to table murray amendment no.4059; To repeal the restriction on use of Department of Defense facilities for abortions. MCCAIN VOTED YES

3/19/96 Vote 39: H R 3019: coats amdt no. 3513; To amend the Public Health Service Act to prohibit governmental discrimination in the training and licensing of health professionals on the basis of the refusal to undergo or provide training in the performance of induced abortions. MCCAIN VOTED YES

12/7/95 Vote 596: H R 1833: H.R. 1833 Passage; Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act of 1995 MCCAIN VOTED YES

8/5/95 Vote 371: H R 2020: mikulski amdt no. 2227; To allow coverage of abortion under the Federal employees' health insurance policies in cases where it is medically necessary. MCCAIN VOTED NO

8/5/95 Vote 370: H R 2020: Nickles Amendment No. 2153 to Committee Amendment on P.2,L14; To prohibit taxpayer funding for abortions covered by the Federal Employee Health Benefit Program. MCCAIN VOTED YES

7/14/94 Vote 191: H R 4426: Helms Amdt. No. 2253; To prohibit U.S. Government intervention with respect to abortion laws or policies in foreign countries. MCCAIN VOTED YES

11/16/93 Vote 371: S 636: motion to table kennedy amdt no. 1197; To clarify that nothing in this Act affects State regulation of abortion. MCCAIN VOTED YES

8/3/93 Vote 235: Whether the Amendment is Germane: is the nickles amdt no.749 germane?; To allow employees with health plans under the Federal Employees Health Benefit program to purchase special riders that cover abortions. MCCAIN VOTED YES

9/18/92 Vote 220: S 3114: Coats Amdt No. 3074; To strike provisions that allow military personnel stationed abroad to obtain pre-paid reproductive services, including abortions in U.S. military hospitals overseas. MCCAIN VOTED YES

11/22/91 Vote 268: On the Decision of the Chair: Shall Decision Of The Chair Stand; To limit the use of funds for carrying out any Department of Defense policy that prohibits certain abortions overseas. MCCAIN VOTED YES

9/11/91 Vote 186: H R 2707: kassebaum amdt.; To require entities receiving assistance under title X of the Public Health Service Act to provide for parental notification in the case of minor patients who request an abortion. MCCAIN VOTED YES

7/16/91 Vote 131: S 323: coats amdt; To require entities receiving grants under title X of the Public Health Service Act provide for parental notification in the case of minor patients who request an abortion. MCCAIN VOTED YES

7/16/91 Vote 130: S 323: mitchell amdt.; To require entities receiving grants under title X of the Public Health Service Act to provide parental notice or consent in the case of minor patients who request an abortion. MCCAIN VOTED NO

7/16/91 Vote 128: S 323: durenberger amdt; Providing for the referral of individuals who are pregnant for appropriate prenatal medical care, including referrals to prenatal health care providers who perform abortions, but prohibiting referrals to such providers whose principal business is the provision of abortions. MCCAIN VOTED YES

Obama’s is here, but is obviously much shorter than McCain’s: http://projects.washingtonpost.com/congress/members/o000167/

10/18/07 Vote 379: H R 3043: Vitter Amdt. No.3330; To prohibit the provision of funds to grantees who perform abortions. OBAMA DID NOT VOTE

9/6/07 Vote 320: H R 2764: Brownback Amdt. No. 2708; To prevent contributions to organizations that perform or promote abortion as a method of family planning. OBAMA DID NOT VOTE

9/6/07 Vote 318: H R 2764: Brownback Amdt. No. 2707; To prohibit funding of organizations that support coercive abortion. OBAMA DID NOT VOTE

9/29/06 Vote 263: On the Cloture Motion: Motion to Invoke Cloture on the Motion to Concur in House Amendment to S.403; Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act OBAMA VOTED NO

Were you aware of McCain's and Obama's voting record on the abortion issue?

Laminin

2008-06-09T11:10:00.000-07:00

YouTube - Louie Giglio - Laminin

Anna's friend Pablo brought laminin to her attention and Anna brought it to my attention.

Have you ever heard of laminin?

The Spouse Of The Crucified and The Devotion To The Sacred Head

2008-06-03T10:15:00.000-07:00

Teresa Helena Higginson

Have you heard about Teresa's Mission?

Persistence

2008-05-24T06:32:00.000-07:00

"Start by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible. " - St Francis of Assisi

CreatingMinds - quotes and quotations from the wise on all matters ...

I found St. Francis' quote on a greeting card at St. Leo's Catholic Church while attending daily Mass. It made my day...

Have you read this quote before by St. Francis of Assisi?

May 22 St. Rita's Feast Day

2008-05-22T10:23:00.000-07:00

PRAYER TO ST. RITA

St. Rita, come to my aid!
Faithful, loving wife and mother,
Humble, prayerful widow and nun,
Because of my need, answer my call.

St. Rita, come to my aid!
Beautiful rose born
from the Savior's thorns,
Lead me far from anger and hate;
Guide my heart on peaceful paths with charity to all.

St. Rita, come to my aid!
Helper, healer, holy friend
Hear my petition (make request).
To Christ take this prayer,
For He is my Lord, my God, my All,
My hope in despair,
My strength when afraid.
St. Rita, come to my aid!
St. Rita, answer my call. Amen.

Do you ask St. Rita for assistance?

Berthe Petit

2008-05-22T01:18:00.000-07:00

SORROWFUL MOTHER

The Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary

biography

BELGICA CATHOLICA: A message of worldwide importance: The Devotion ...

Are you aware of the mission of Berthe Petit?

Senator Ted Kennedy

2008-05-20T16:20:00.000-07:00

The Gazette (Montreal)

Senator Kennedy Diagnosed

Pray For Senator Kennedy

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary,

that never was it known that anyone who

fled to your protection, implored your help

or sought your intercession was left unaided.

Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto you,

O Virgin of virgins, my Mother.

To you do I come; before you I stand,

sinful and sorrowful.

O mother of the Word Incarnate,

despise not my petitions,

but in your mercy,

hear and answer me. Amen.

A PRAYER FOR HEALING

Lord, look upon Ted with eyes

of mercy, may Your healing

hand rest upon him, may Your

lifegiving powers flow into

every cell of his body and into

the depths of his soul,

cleansing, purifying,

restoring him to wholeness

and strength for service

in Your Kingdom.

Amen.

PRAYER FOR TRUST

O Christ Jesus, when all is darkness and
we feel our weakness and helplessness,
give Ted the sense of Your presence, Your love,
and Your strength. Help him to have perfect trust
in Your protecting love and strengthening power,
so that nothing may frighten or worry him, for, living
close to You, he shall see Your hand, Your purpose,
Your will through all things.
(By St. Ignatius of Loyola, 1491-1556)

PRAYER IN TIME OF

SUFFERING

Behold Ted, my beloved Jesus, weighed
down under the burden of his trials
and sufferings.

I cast myself at Your feet,
that You may renew his strength and
his courage, while I rest here in
Your Presence.

Permit him to lay down
his cross in Your Sacred Heart, for only
Your infinite goodness can sustain him;
only Your love can help him bear his cross;
only Your powerful hand can lighten its weight.

O Divine King, Jesus, whose heart is so
compassionate to the afflicted,
I wish to live in You; suffer and die in You.
During my life be to me my model and my support;
At the hour of my death, be my hope and my refuge.
Amen.

Will you please pray with us for healing for
Senator Kennedy?

Cash Cab!

2008-05-17T02:53:00.000-07:00

Cash Cab - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Have you watched Cash Cab?

May 13 Our Lady of Fatima Portugal 1917

2008-05-13T05:20:00.000-07:00

Miracle Of Our Lady Of Fatima Portugal 1917

Happy Mother's Day!

2008-05-11T09:24:00.001-07:00

Mother's Day

How will you spend the day?

Laus Apparitions

2008-05-09T07:28:00.000-07:00

Vatican recognizes Marian apparitions in France

Have you heard of these apparitions?

St. Joseph The Worker Feast Day May First

2008-05-01T07:28:00.000-07:00

St. Joseph, Patron of Workers
(Feast – May 1)

GLORIOUS ST. JOSEPH,
Model of all who are devoted to toil,
Obtain for me the grace to toil
In the spirit of penance,
In order thereby to atone
For my many sins;

To toil conscientiously,
Putting devotion to duty
Before my own inclinations;
To labor with thankfulness and joy,
Deeming it an honor
To employ and to develop by my labor
The gifts I have received from Almighty God;

To work with order,
Peace, moderation and patience,
Without ever shrinking
From weariness and difficulties;

To work, above all,
With a pure intention
And with detachment from ourselves,
Having always before my eyes
The hour of death
And the accounting
Which I must then render
Of time ill-spent,
Of talents unemployed,
Of good undone
And of empty pride in success,
Which is so fatal to the work of God.

All for Jesus,
All through Mary,
All in imitation of you,
O Patriarch Joseph!

This shall be my motto
In life and in death.

Will you honor St. Joseph The Worker in some way this day?

Prayer After Holy Communion

2008-04-27T02:47:00.000-07:00

Lord, help me to remove from my mind every thought
or opinion which You would not sanction,
every feeling form my heart which You would not approve.

Grant that I may spend the hours of the day
gladly working with You according to Your will.

Help me just for today and be with me.

In the long hours of work,
that I may not grow weary or slack in serving You.

In conversations,
that they may not be to me occasions of uncharitableness.

In the day's worries and disappointments,
that I may be patient with myself and with those around me.

In moments of fatigue and illness,
that I may be mindful of others also.

In temptations, that I may be generous and loyal,
so that when the day is over I may lay it at Your feet,
with its successes which are all Yours,
and its failures which are all my own,
and I may feel that life is real and peaceful,
and blessed when spent with you as the Guest of my soul.

Mary, Mother of Grace, Mother of Mercy, shield me from
the enemy and receive me at the hour of my death.

Amen

Do you have a prayer that you always say after Holy Communion?

The Airborne Toxic Event

2008-04-25T02:50:00.000-07:00

The Airborne Toxic Event have signed to Majordomo Records.

Have you heard their recordings?

Sound and Vision: My Interview with The Airborne Toxic Event

Videos of the Pope's Visit

2008-04-24T08:45:00.000-07:00

Videos of the Pope's visit at the National Shrine are available through the USCCB. You may find them here.

Are you aware of these videos?

The Definition of Some Men as They Relate to Some Women

2008-04-20T02:52:00.000-07:00

Men are pretty good actors. They have resisted domestication by women throughout the ages.

True they are tame, will come to you for affection, come to be fed, play, and behave generally like other human beings with one exception, they will do this only if they want to or because there is a benefit to them in their choice.

No amount of coaxing, training, or discipline will make men obey if they deem otherwise.

They are completely independent by nature. They have many of the qualities, good and bad, that most actors have. They can be captivating, productive, self centered, and accomplished. They possess the ability to bring all of these characteristics into perfect play.

If you have ever watched a man court a woman, you saw there was little difference in his approach when he is working with a computer, looking for a car to purchase, or deciding on a good book to learn from. His mind is completely free from outside distractions while concentrating on his task. Nothing else but his goal is important. He will court the imagined prey, work with it in mock battle, dodge, flee in terror and hide, only to wait for the time to court again.

But do not ever think that he really cares long term for the woman, the computer, the car, or the book. After a while he will lose interest in the current woman, computer, car or book, and just as quickly as he started the play to reach his goal, or learn, he will drop it. (This could be due to his relating better to a more interesting, newer, better equipped, more informative or more entertaining, woman, computer, car or book.)

(This writing was inspired from reading page 21 of ON METHOD ACTING)

Man's best hope to master himself is to face these facts and turn to the Imitation of Christ.

Do you agree or disagree with these statements?

The Pope's Prayer Intentions

2008-04-20T01:52:00.000-07:00

Apostleship of Prayer

Traditional Daily Offering of the Apostleship of Prayer

O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I offer You my prayers, works, joys, and sufferings of this day in union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass throughout the world. I offer them for all the intentions of Your Sacred Heart: the salvation of souls, reparation for sin, and the reunion of all Christians. I offer them for the intentions of our bishops and of all Apostles of Prayer, and in particular for those recommended by our Holy Father this month.

Do you pray for the Pope's monthly intentions each day?

Our Moment Seeing Pope Benedict XVI

2008-04-17T07:58:00.001-07:00

Security was tight but catching a glimpse of Pope Benedict XVI was still possible for many of the laity. Security teams and policemen were capable and kind concerning the crowds in the area where we were waiting.

Adrienne Marie and Matthew Dylan own a condo near the Vatican Embassy so parking was not a problem for us.

The Blessed Mother guided our path and we were able to catch a glimpse of Pope Benedict XVI during his return to the Vatican Embassy from the White House in the Pope mobile on April 16, 2008. We saw him exit his vehicle and enter the Embassy. He did not choose to face the crowd where we were standing so Parker Joseph was disappointed that we were not able to wish him Happy Birthday. There were many children in the crowd carrying signs wishing The Vicar of Christ, a Happy Birthday. Some were able to locate him in the few seconds allowed and some were not able. Parker Joseph wasn't able to focus and see him from the shoulders of his Aunt Anna, there just wasn't enough time.

Miranda Joanne, Parker Joseph, Miranda Patricia, Jane Katherine, Michael Alexander, Anna Claire (and her baby to be), Abigail Marie, Anna Patricia, Sophie Elizabeth and Michael Albert and I all drove to Washington DC together from our homes in Northern Virginia.

The laity showed their support, their love, along with their prayers. We were grateful to God who allowed him to visit the United States, and allowed us our moment to make an effort in showing our support.

God sees all of course, knows all, and reads hearts and not just appearances. We hope The Holy Father's visit will save souls and bring them back to God and inspire all to make better decisions in life.

Did you have an opportunity to see Pope Benedict XVI while he visited Washington DC?

The Pope in America Blog

Pope Benedict XVI Visits The United States

2008-04-15T06:22:00.001-07:00

Pope Benedict Prepares for First U.S. Trip

NYC/USA Welcomes Pope Benedict XVI 2008

BENEDICT XVI_A LOVE AFFAIR WITH THE TRUTH

Pope Mobile Route Announced

2008-04-14T04:50:00.000-07:00

USCCB Papal Visit Site | Itinerary

Popemobile routes offer public chance to see Pope in D.C.

Will you have the chance to try to catch a glimpse of the Pope while he visits the United States?

Who will former President Carter support?

2008-04-13T09:57:00.000-07:00

Friday April 4, 2008

Former President Carter hints at support for Obama

By Andy Sullivan

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, one of a handful of high-profile Democrats who has remained neutral in his party's presidential primary battle, has hinted he supports Barack Obama over Hillary Clinton.

Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter speaks during a news conference in Kathmandu November 24, 2007. (REUTERS/ Deepa Shrestha/Files)

Carter told a Nigerian newspaper that his home state of Georgia and his hometown of Plains backed Obama in the state's Feb. 5 primary. His children, their spouses and his grandchildren support Obama as well, he said.

"As a superdelegate, I would not disclose who I am rooting for but I leave it to you to make that guess," Carter told the newspaper This Day on Thursday.

A Carter spokeswoman confirmed the statement. Carter, 83, served as president for one term from 1976-81. He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.

Democratic Party rules allow nearly 800 elected officials and party insiders, known as "superdelegates," to back whom they want at the party's nominating convention.

Those who remain unaligned are being courted by both campaigns, as they could mean the difference between victory and defeat in the hard-fought battle to win the nomination and take on Republican John McCain in the November election.

Neither Obama, an Illinois senator who would be the first black president, nor Clinton, a New York senator and former first lady who would be the first woman president, is likely to clinch the nomination through the state-by-state primaries and caucuses that continue through June.

"Both President Clinton and Senator Clinton have a great deal of respect for Jimmy Carter and have enjoyed their relationship with him," Clinton spokesman Phil Singer said. "He is free to make whatever decision he thinks is appropriate."

An Obama spokesman declined immediate comment.

Obama's camp has argued superdelegates should support the candidate who finishes with the most pledged delegates won in state contests.

Other superdelegates who remain uncommitted include U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi and former Vice President Al Gore, the 2000 Democratic presidential nominee.

Carter has said he will remain uncommitted until the Democratic National Convention in August, Carter Center spokeswoman Deanna Congileo said.

Carter was in Abuja, Nigeria to help African countries fight Guinea worm disease. (Additional reporting by Matt Bigg)

The Carter Center: Advancing Human Rights and Alleviating Suffering

Have you considered supporting the good work of The Carter Center?

I wonder which one caused the food poisoning I am currently suffering from?

2008-04-11T15:13:00.001-07:00

Food Poisoning Causes

More than 200 known diseases can be transmitted through food. Those are just the ones we know about. The CDC estimates unknown or undiscovered agents cause 81% of all food-borne illnesses and related hospitalizations. Many cases of food poisoning are not reported because people suffer mild symptoms and recover quickly. Also, doctors do not test for a cause in every suspected case because it does not change the treatment or the outcome.

The known causes of food poisoning can be divided into two categories: infective agents and toxic agents.
- Infective agents include viruses, bacteria, and parasites.
- Toxic agents include poisonous mushrooms, improperly prepared exotic foods (such as barracuda), or pesticides on fruits and vegetables.

Food usually becomes contaminated from poor sanitation or preparation. Food handlers who do not wash their hands after using the bathroom or have infections themselves often cause contamination. Improperly packaged food stored at the wrong temperature also promotes contamination.

Food Poisoning Symptoms

Symptoms of food poisoning depend on the type of contaminant and the amount eaten. The symptoms can develop rapidly, within 30 minutes, or slowly, worsening over days to weeks. Most of the common contaminants cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramping. Usually food poisoning is not serious, and the illness runs its course in 24-48 hours.

Viruses account for most food poisoning cases where a specific contaminant is found.
- Norwalk virus: Causes a mild illness with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, headache, and low-grade fever. These symptoms usually resolve in two to three days. It is the most common viral cause of adult food poisoning and is transmitted from water, shellfish, and vegetables contaminated by feces, as well as from person to person.
- Rotavirus: Causes moderate to severe illness with vomiting followed by watery diarrhea and fever. It is the most common cause of food poisoning in infants and children and is transmitted from person to person by fecal contamination of food and shared play areas.
- Hepatitis A: Causes mild illness with sudden onset of fever, loss of appetite, and feeling of tiredness followed by jaundice, which is a yellowing of the eyes and skin. It is transmitted from person to person by fecal contamination of food.

Bacteria can cause food poisoning by two different ways. Some bacteria infect the intestines, causing inflammation and problems with normal absorption of nutrients and water that leads to diarrhea. Other bacteria produce chemicals in foods (known as toxins) that are poisonous to the human digestive system. When eaten, these chemicals can lead to nausea and vomiting, kidney failure, and even death.
- Salmonellae: Salmonellae are bacteria that may cause food poisoning; the illness itself is often referred to as Salmonella or Salmonella infection. Salmonellae cause a moderate illness with nausea, vomiting, crampy diarrhea, and headache, which may come back a few weeks later as arthritis (joint pains). In people with impaired immune systems (such as people with kidney disease or HIV/AIDS or those on chemotherapy for cancer), Salmonellae can cause a life-threatening illness. The illness is transmitted by undercooked foods such as eggs, poultry, dairy products, and seafood.
- Campylobacter: Causes mild illness with fever, watery diarrhea, headache, and muscle aches. Campylobacter is the most commonly identified food-borne bacterial infection encountered in the world. It is transmitted by raw poultry, raw milk, and water contaminated by animal feces.
- Staphylococcus aureus: Causes moderate to severe illness with rapid onset of nausea, severe vomiting, dizziness, and abdominal cramping. These bacteria produce a toxin in foods such as cream-filled cakes and pies, salads (most at risk are potato, macaroni, egg, and tuna salads, for example) and dairy products. Contaminated potato salad at a picnic is common if the food is not chilled properly.
- Bacillus cereus: Causes mild illness with rapid onset of vomiting, with or without diarrhea and abdominal cramping. It is associated with rice (mainly fried rice) and other starchy foods such as pasta or potatoes. May also be used as a potential terrorist weapon.
- Escherichia coli (E coli): Causes moderate to severe illness that begins as large amounts of watery diarrhea, and then turns into bloody diarrhea. There are many different types of this bacterium. The worst strain can cause kidney failure and death (about 3-5% of all cases). It is transmitted by eating raw or undercooked hamburger, unpasteurized milk or juices, or contaminated well water. Outbreaks of food poisoning due to E.coli have also occurred following ingestion of contaminated produce.
- Shigella (traveler’s diarrhea): Causes moderate to severe illness with fever, diarrhea containing blood or mucus or both, and the constant urge to have bowel movements. It is transmitted in water polluted with human wastes.
- Clostridium botulinum (botulism): Causes severe illness affecting the nervous system. Symptoms start as blurred vision. The person then has problems talking and overall weakness. Symptoms then progress to breathing difficulty and inability to move arms or legs. Infants and young children are particularly at risk. It is transmitted in foods such as home-packed canned goods, honey, sausages, and seafood.
- Vibrio cholerae: Causes mild to moderate illness with crampy diarrhea, headache, nausea, vomiting, and fever with chills. It strikes mostly in the warmer months of the year and is transmitted by infected, undercooked, or raw seafood.

Parasites rarely cause food poisoning. When they do, they are usually swallowed in contaminated or untreated water and cause long-lasting but mild symptoms.
- Giardia (beaver fever): Causes mild illness with watery diarrhea often lasting one to two weeks. It is transmitted by drinking contaminated water, often from lakes or streams in cooler mountainous climates.
- Cryptosporidium: Causes moderate illness with large amounts of watery diarrhea lasting two to four days. May become a long-lasting problem in people with poor immune systems (such as people with kidney disease or HIV/AIDS or those on chemotherapy for cancer). It is transmitted by contaminated drinking water.

Toxic agents are the least common cause of food poisoning. Illness is often an isolated episode caused by poor food preparation or selection (such as picking wild mushrooms).
- Mushroom toxins: Illness can range from mild to deadly depending on the type of mushroom eaten. Often there is nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Some types of mushrooms produce a nerve toxin, which causes sweating, shaking, hallucinations, and coma.
- Ciguatera poisoning: Causes moderate to severe illness with numbness of the area around the mouth and lips that can spread to the arms and legs, nausea, vomiting, muscle pain and weakness, headache, dizziness, and rapid heartbeat. It is transmitted by eating certain large game fish from tropical waters—most specifically barracuda and jacks.
- Scombroid: Causes mild to moderate illness with burning around the mouth and lips, a red rash to the upper body, dizziness, headache, and itchy skin. It is transmitted in seafood, mostly mahi-mahi and tuna, but can also be in Swiss cheese.
- Pesticides: Cause mild to severe illness with weakness, blurred vision, headache, cramps, diarrhea, increased production of saliva, and shaking of the arms and legs. Toxins are transmitted by eating unwashed fruits or vegetables contaminated with pesticides.

Have you ever suffered from food poisoning?