tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43450302903461553902024-03-14T02:44:04.747-04:00St. Andrew the Apostle Parish BlogKeep up to date on news and information about Saint Andrew the Apostle Parish in Waynesboro, PA and around the world. Read daily Scripture, read Catholic News, be inspired with daily reflections. All here at your fingertips.Fr. Batemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08198471524251190188noreply@blogger.comBlogger478125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345030290346155390.post-90249751101133456192013-10-16T16:56:00.002-04:002013-10-16T16:57:47.359-04:00Parish Pilgrimage - Day 10 - October 16Today we awoke VERY early (3am) in order to catch our flight to Paris where we spent the day seeing all the typical sites of Paris - the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, etc...<br />
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But then, we also visited the church of St. Vincent de Paul where his body is above the altar. Then we traveled to the Rue de Bac - the church where St. Catherine Laboure had the encounter with Our Lady - and she gave to her the Miraculous Medal. It was here in this church that we celebrated Mass. <br />
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Then to the hotel for some rest, dinner, and a good night's sleep before our return flight to the US tomorrow. <br />
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See you all in the States!Fr. Batemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08198471524251190188noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345030290346155390.post-34166367886266174692013-10-15T17:09:00.002-04:002013-10-15T17:09:29.850-04:00Parish Pilgrimage - the Candlelight Rosary ProcessionHere are some photos I took tonight during the Candlelight Procession. Rather than joining the procession, tonight our group stood on the stairs above the lower basilica - so that we could get this view of things... (I have a short video too, but I can't get it to upload here - I'll try again in Paris tomorrow).<br />
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<br />Fr. Batemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08198471524251190188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345030290346155390.post-79821715517670234632013-10-15T04:33:00.002-04:002013-10-15T04:33:24.478-04:00Parish Pilgrimage - A Reflection on the Baths<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">One of our pilgrims, following the baths, shared this reflection for us:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Today, some of us had the opportunity to participate in the Miracle Baths. I didn't know what to expect but I was looking forward to it. Men were sent to the left and women to the right--this line was much longer. People in wheelchairs and children had a separate entrance and they were taken in first.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-izAiU2HPtT8/Ulz9oUW_aKI/AAAAAAAABEM/Aqz3shEjmjE/s1600/lourdes_12_142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-izAiU2HPtT8/Ulz9oUW_aKI/AAAAAAAABEM/Aqz3shEjmjE/s320/lourdes_12_142.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The wait was very long--almost three hours--but it got me plenty of time for prayer and reflection. At times we were led in prayer by one of the volunteers, Hail Mary... was said in different languages: French, German, Spanish, Italian, English and Latin. I also started a conversation with the lady ahead of me, she was from Ireland. She told me she had brought her 3-year old son to the baths 39 years ago. He son had had an accident and had suffered burns on one side of his body. This was her second time to Lourdes and she said she didn't plan on getting into the baths again, but when she arrived at the Grotto she changed her mind. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The line began to move faster once they closed the men's side and soon I was first in line. I was taken in to a waiting line inside. There were ten "tents" that held six pilgrims each. Signs outside the tents suggested prayers and what to do in the bath. When I was called into "Tent # 7" I was asked what language I spoke and a volunteer was assigned to me. Her name was Terese. She used a cloth as a shield for privacy from the other five pilgrims inside and gave me instructions to remove my clothes. Once I did she wrapped me in a cloth and I stood by the entrance to the actual bath. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">While I was waiting I kept praying and thinking of all the people on my "prayer list." Everybody helping was a volunteer and they were very gentle and nice. I'm sure they had been working for hours but it didn't show. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The curtains then opened and three more ladies helped me in. I feared the water was going to be ice cold--coming from a spring on a mountain--but it wasn't. Maybe it was because I was praying all that time or because it was such an emotional moment that the coldness did not matter. The ladies with me prayed along with me and helped me get in and out of the large tub. They also encouraged me for a few moments of reflection before I got out.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Now that I know what to expect, I'm thinking about doing it again tomorrow. Taking a bath two days in a row doesn't hurt anyone...especially in the Miracle waters at the Grotto of Lourdes.</span></div>
Fr. Batemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08198471524251190188noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345030290346155390.post-32051452312060658222013-10-15T04:20:00.000-04:002013-10-15T04:20:06.936-04:00Parish Pilgrimage - Day 9 - October 15Today is a day that was scheduled to be entirely free - so that our pilgrims could take a day to rest & pray on their experiences over the past week (or take time to go to the miraculous baths - something all of the ladies did on Monday). Since it's a free day - there's really no photos - but here we are in the Chapel of St. Joan of Arc in the "Upper Basilica" of the Immaculate Conception, where we celebrated Mass this morning...<br />
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Here is some information on Lourdes & St. Bernadette to help you pray along with us today. <a href="http://en.lourdes-france.org/deepen" target="_blank">Click here.</a><br />
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And here are just a few more from our time here in Lourdes...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Pilgrims in front of the "Lower Basilica" of the Rosary</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Nighttime Procession as it winds around the Sanctuary</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Gave River from our Hotel rooms</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sSY15TP6a-Y/Ulz5DaEjjRI/AAAAAAAABDk/-FeuvhnWXx4/s1600/IMG_1917.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sSY15TP6a-Y/Ulz5DaEjjRI/AAAAAAAABDk/-FeuvhnWXx4/s320/IMG_1917.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Sanctuary of the Church where Bernadette was baptized</td></tr>
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Fr. Batemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08198471524251190188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345030290346155390.post-91462385240828850932013-10-14T09:33:00.000-04:002013-10-16T23:37:25.823-04:00Parish Pilgrimage - Day 8 - October 14<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vl5-Yz550zA/UlvtuOnPgRI/AAAAAAAABBY/eewjI4lFl0g/s1600/IMG_1896.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vl5-Yz550zA/UlvtuOnPgRI/AAAAAAAABBY/eewjI4lFl0g/s320/IMG_1896.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uDJ4qbPQ9NI/UlvvTOfdMsI/AAAAAAAABBs/l2tHo1-2fAw/s1600/IMG_1897.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uDJ4qbPQ9NI/UlvvTOfdMsI/AAAAAAAABBs/l2tHo1-2fAw/s320/IMG_1897.JPG" width="240" /></a>This morning, following breakfast, we went directly to the Grotto for Mass. It was a Mass with a number of other English-speaking pilgrims from around the world. Here are some photos from the Mass. Then, following Mass, we went to visit the holy places of Lourdes. Here is our group outside the upper & lower basilicas (the Upper Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, and the Lower Basilica of the Rosary).<br />
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Then, we began our journey through the town of Lourdes where we visited the place of St. Bernadette's birth, where she lived as a girl (where we prayed for all our families), where her family moved following the economic struggles at the family mill that caused them to move into a small room, and finally to visit the font where she was baptized (and we renewed our own baptismal promises). <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The home where St. Bernadette was born</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The single room where St. Bernadette lived with her family</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the font in which St. Bernadette was baptized</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking along the streets of Lourdes</td></tr>
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Following lunch, there was free time to explore this wonderful, prayerful place on our own. Some took advantage of the baths already! <br />
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Our afternoon is free. But tonight: the Candlelight Procession! (more to come...)<br />
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<b><br /></b><b><br /></b>Here are some photos from tonight's very moving candlelight procession with the Rosary...<br />
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<b>Here is some information about St. Bernadette:</b><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">On April 16, 1879, Bernadette -- or Sister Marie-Bernard, as she was known within her order -- died in the Sainte Croix (Holy Cross) Infirmary of the </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Convent</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> of Saint-Gildard. She was thirty-five.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Born into a humble </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">family</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> which little by little fell into extreme poverty, Bernadette had always been a frail child. Quite young, she had already suffered from digestive trouble, then after having just escaped being a victim of the cholera epidemic of 1855, she experienced painful attacks of asthma, and her ill health almost caused her to be cut off for ever from the religious life. When asked by </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Monsignor</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> Forcade to take Bernadette, Louise Ferrand, the Mother </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Superior</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> of the Sisters of Nevers, replied: "Monsignor, she </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">will</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> be a pillar of the infirmary".</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">At least three times during her short life-time, she received the last Sacraments. She was gradually struck by other illnesses as well as asthma: among them, tuberculosis of the lung and a tubercular tumor on her </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">right</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> knee. On Wednesday, April 16, 1879, her pain got much worse. Shortly after eleven she seemed to be almost suffocating and was carried to an armchair, where she sat with her feet on a footstool in front of a blazing fire. She died at about 3.15 in the afternoon.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">The civil authorities permitted her body to remain on view to be venerated by the public until Saturday, April 19. Then it was "placed in a double coffin of lead and oak which was sealed in the presence of witnesses who signed a record of the events". Among the witnesses were "inspector of the peace, Devraine, and constables Saget and Moyen".</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">The </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">nuns</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> of Saint-Gildard, with the support of the </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">bishop</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> of Nevers, applied to the civil authorities for permission to bury Bernadette's body in a small </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">chapel</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> dedicated to Saint </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Joseph</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> which was within the confines of the convent. The permission was granted on April 25, 1879, and on April 30, the local Prefect pronounced his approval of the choice of the site for burial. Immediately they set to work on preparing the vault. On May 30, 1879, Bernadette's coffin was finally transferred to the </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">crypt</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> of the </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">chapel</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> of Saint Joseph. A very simple </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">ceremony</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> was held to commemorate the event.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Additional Info:</span><br />
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St. Bernadette was born at Lourdes, France. Her <span style="line-height: 1.5;">parents</span> were very poor and she herself was in poor health. One Thursday, February 11, 1858, when she was sent with her younger sister and a friend to gather firewood, a very beautiful Lady appeared to her above a rose bush in a grotto called Massabielle. The lovely Lady was dressed in blue and white. She smiled at Bernadette and then made the <span style="line-height: 1.5;">sign of the cross</span> with a <span style="line-height: 1.5;">rosary</span> of <span style="line-height: 1.5;">ivory</span> and gold. Bernadette fell on her knees, took out her own <span style="line-height: 1.5;">rosary</span> and began to pray the rosary. The beautiful Lady was God's Mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary. She appeared to Bernadette seventeen other times and spoke with her. She told Bernadette that she should pray sinners, do <span style="line-height: 1.5;">penance</span> and have a <span style="line-height: 1.5;">chapel</span> built there in her honor. Many people did not believe Bernadette when she spoke of her vision. She had to suffer much. But one day Our Lady told Bernadette to dig in the mud. As she did, a spring of water began to flow. The next day it continued to grow larger and larger. Many miracles happened when people began to use this water. When Bernadette was older, she became a nun. She was always very humble. More than anything else, she desired not to be praised. Once a nun asked her if she had temptations of <span style="line-height: 1.5;">pride</span> because she was favored by the Blessed Mother. "How can I?" she answered quickly. "The Blessed Virgin chose me only because I was the most ignorant." What humility! Her<span style="line-height: 1.5;">feast day</span> is April 16th.</div>
Fr. Batemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08198471524251190188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345030290346155390.post-57179441038039586222013-10-14T08:45:00.001-04:002013-10-14T08:47:10.344-04:00Parish Pilgrimage - Day 7 - October 13Today was a travel day - transitioning from Rome to Lourdes. First, however, we attended Mass at Our Lady of Grace church very near to our hotel. We had tried several other options to celebrate Mass, in English, as a group, but none of them seemed to work for our group. So, we had the opportunity to experience the life of a local Roman parish church. <br />
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Then following Mass, we transferred from the hotel to the airport for our flight from Rome to Paris, then Paris to Pau - where we met our new guide and proceeded to the town of Lourdes.<br />
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On arrival at the hotel we had dinner, then a number of us walked to the grotto, where the candlelight procession had just ended. We had the chance to visit the grotto in silence and darkness - a very beautiful and prayerful time. Many of our pilgrimage took advantage of the light crowds to walk into the grotto, touch the walls, and see the spring which St. Bernadette dug out with her own hands - where water still flows.<br />
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Sorry. Don't have any pictures for today... <br />
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<br />Fr. Batemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08198471524251190188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345030290346155390.post-51212041460654878432013-10-12T16:52:00.000-04:002013-10-12T16:52:04.510-04:00Parish Pilgrimage - Day 6 - Saturday, October 12Today we began very early - in order to get to St. Peter's Basilica one more time - this time for the celebration of the Mass at the altar of the Apostles of Europe. It was wonderful to be so close to Peter's tomb in the Vatican Grotto (underneath St. Peter's). (Sorry, I didn't have my camera).<br />
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Then, because we are in the ancient city of Rome, we fist visited the church of St. Peter in Chains. We remember the scripture where St. Peter had been arrested and chained in prison, and the angel of the Lord appeared to him, and the chains fell from his wrists and he walked out of the prison. The tradition is that these very chains are here in this church in Rome. The church also houses the very famous "Horned Moses" by Michelangelo. It is called "horned" because the rays that come from Moses' head (after speaking to God face-to-face) appear to be more horns than rays. Thus, the nick-name, the "Horned Moses."<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Group outside the Church of St. Peter in Chains</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The chains of St. Peter</td></tr>
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Then, following our visit to the church, we visited some of the famous points in Rome: beginning with the the Colosseum.<br />
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Then we headed off to the famous Trevi Fountain (where many put "Three Coins in the Fountain" - as per the movie and tradition.<br />
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Following this we had a very nice lunch together, then walked with Fr. Bateman to the Pantheon and Piazza Navona - I couldn't bring them to Rome without seeing these two, great landmarks. Then, after some free time, some decided to take a taxi back to the hotel for some rest before dinner. Others decided that they would walk back.<br />
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As we walked back we went past St. Peter's Square one more time - only to discover that there was a large, evening celebration in honor of Our Lady of Fatima going on. Tomorrow, Pope Francis will consecrate the world to the Immaculate Heart of Mary - just as Mary requested at Fatima. As we approached the Square we heard singing and saw a huge crowd. As we got close to realized that THE statue of Our Lady of Fatima was being carried throughout the Square as people sang and prayed. When I say THE statue, I mean that one in which John Paul II put the bullet that almost killed him on May 13, 1981. So we were privileged to see this statue being carried throughout the square.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo of the statue of Our Lady of Faitma - the best I could get...<br /></td></tr>
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Then, after a little rest, we gathered for our "farewell to Rome dinner" at a local restaurant. Music, wine, more music, more wine - it was a wonderful evening!<br />
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We had a wonderful time! Chris Kostka even made some friends...<br />
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Tomorrow we begin our journey toward Lourdes, France. The day is spent traveling, so won't be much to blog about. But maybe I'll try to capture some photos of our journey...Fr. Batemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08198471524251190188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345030290346155390.post-79343279161208685972013-10-11T16:17:00.000-04:002013-10-11T16:17:59.055-04:00Parish Pilgrimage - Day 5 - Friday, October 11<div style="text-align: justify;">
Today, we traveled 3 hours to the north to visit the town of Francis - Assisi. It is a beautiful town nestled up in the Umbrian hills. It was here that St. Francis lived and died - and founded the Franciscan Order (see a short history of Francis and the Franciscans below).</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bT-ZfWs8Pgw/UlhRexljaMI/AAAAAAAAA_I/FNa4L98undE/s1600/IMG_1848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bT-ZfWs8Pgw/UlhRexljaMI/AAAAAAAAA_I/FNa4L98undE/s320/IMG_1848.JPG" width="320" /></a>On arrival we took in the beautiful view from the hillside where we were able to take a quick group photo.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2nVV2WzQC_E/UlcGFyNAOMI/AAAAAAAAA-w/0z3v2fcsWfs/s1600/San_Damiano-Interior.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2nVV2WzQC_E/UlcGFyNAOMI/AAAAAAAAA-w/0z3v2fcsWfs/s320/San_Damiano-Interior.JPG" width="239" /></a>Then we visited the church of Saint Clare where we saw the Crucifix of San Damiano - the very one that "spoke" to St. Francis of Assisi--telling him to "rebuild my Church" (see below for an explanation), and we prayed the prayer St. Francis used to help him discern God's will: "Most High, glorious God, enlighten the darkness of my heart. Give me true faith, certain hope, and perfect charity, sense and knowledge that I may carry out Your Holy and true command.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9fOrZVi0Il8/UlhR62fcBYI/AAAAAAAAA_Q/pGzWctMzDAc/s1600/IMG_1853.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9fOrZVi0Il8/UlhR62fcBYI/AAAAAAAAA_Q/pGzWctMzDAc/s320/IMG_1853.JPG" width="320" /></a>The church of Saint Clare also houses her incorrupt body and several relics of both St. Clare and St. Francis (parts of their habits, locks of hair, St. Francis' cincture). Then we visited the small chapel which is the place where St. Francis was born.<br />
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Then we were off to the Basilica of St. Francis, where we saw the beautiful frescos and visited St. Francis' tomb. (sorry, not allowed to take photos there). But I did find this You Tube video (not mine) that shows many of the things we saw today!<br />
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And a beautiful group shot in front of the Basilica (including Vincenzo, our guide for our week in Rome).<br />
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We then went for a very nice lunch at a local hotel. I'm supposed to mention that Randy must have said something that offended all the ladies at his table, because they left him all alone...<br />
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- then back to St. Francis Basilica where we celebrated Mass in the "Peace Chapel" in the convent of the Franciscans. <br />
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Following Mass we headed down the hill to the Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli and the Portiuncula - where the Franciscan Order truly had its beginnings. Before going in we paused for another group photo in front of the church.<br />
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Again, no photos are allowed, but I found another You Tube video that gives you a view of the church - although it's in Italian... but you can see what we saw today! Here in the Basilica we prayed asking God's forgiveness for all the temporal punishment due to our sins: a Plenary Indulgence (called the <a href="http://digilander.libero.it/raxdi/inglese/induf.htm" target="_blank">Indulgence of the Forgiveness of Assisi)</a><br />
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Then, we were back onto the bus for our trip back to Rome.<br />
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<b>Here follows a short history of Francis:</b></div>
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It was the 12th century when St. Francis lived. His father, Pietro, was a wealthy merchant and wanted his son to follow in his footsteps. Growing up, Francis did follow his father's plans, enjoying a very rich and easy life--amid the permissiveness of the times. From the beginning everyone loved Francis. He was constantly happy, charming, and born leader. Because he was so well liked, no one really tried to control or teach him - they excused him instead.</div>
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As he grew, Francis became the leader of a crowd of young people who partied wildly all night. He was the delight of his father for fulfilling all he had hoped for him. But despite all his worldly success, Francis wanted more. More than wealth alone. But not holiness! He didn't want that! Francis wanted to be a knight! Battle was the place to win glory and honor, so following the declaration of war between Assisi and Perugia, Francis joined up. </div>
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But most of the troops from Assisi were butchered in the battle. Only those who had enough money to expect someone to pay a ransom were taken prisoner. And so Francis found himself chained in a dungeon. But even there they say that he never lost his happy demeanor. After a year in the dungeon, he was ransomed. But the experience didn't change him much. He came home and resumed his same life of party and high society. Nor did it change what he wanted in life: glory. So Francis joined the 4th Crusade to go and fight. But he never got any further than one day's journey from Assisi. He had a dream: God told him he had it all wrong and told him to go back home - which he did - only to be called a coward by the people in the town. </div>
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Slowly, Francis began his conversion. He started to spend more time in prayer; he went off to a cave to weep for his many sins - but even there, God's mercy overwhelmed him with joy. But Francis couldn't be bothered with all of this. He had a business to run.</div>
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One day, riding through the countryside, Francis, the man who loved beauty, came face-to-face with a leper. Repelled by his appearance and his smell, Francis nevertheless jumped down from his horse and kissed the leper's hand. When his kiss was returned, Francis found himself filled with joy. As he rode off, he turned to look at the leper once more - but he was gone. He always reflected on this experience as a test from God - a test that he had passed.</div>
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His journey of conversion now led him to the ancient church of San Daminao, which was crumbling and in <br />
bad repair. While praying, he heard Christ on the crucifix speak to him: "Francis, repair my church." He assumed God meant this building - so he took a great deal of money from his father's business and intended to repair the church structure. His father saw this as theft and thought his son had gone mad. His father dragged him to the bishop in front of the entire town - demanding that Francis return the stolen money and renounce all his rights as heir.</div>
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The kindly bishop told Francis to return to the money - trusting that God would provide. That was what Francis needed to hear. He not only gave back the money, but stripped off all his clothes and, in front of the stunned crowd, exclaimed: "Pietro Berardone is no longer my father. From now on I can say with complete freedom 'Our Father who art in heaven.'" And so, half naked, Francis went off into the woods, singing. From here on, Francis has nothing... but he really had found everything. </div>
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He went back to what he considered God's call. He begged for stones and rebuilt the church of San Damiano with his own hands - not realizing that what God wanted was not for him to rebuild the church, but to rebuild the Church. The Church was in a bad state: scandal, avarice, and many other difficulties. </div>
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Francis began to preach (he was never a priest, though was later ordained a deacon - under protest). What he preached was not reform, but return to God and obedience to the Church. Someone once asked him if a priest who was known to be living with a woman was able to truly consecrate the Eucharist (or if, because of the great sin, the Eucharist was polluted), he went to the priest and kissed his consecrated hands - because they had held God - despite his personal sinfulness. </div>
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Slowly Francis attracted others who wanted to follow his way of life: sleeping in the open, begging for garbage to eat, and loving God completely. With these companions, Francis realized he now had to have some kind of direction, so opened the Bible. He read the command to the rich young man to "sell all you have and give to the poor," he read the order to the apostles to take nothing on our journey, and he heard the demand to take up our cross daily and follow the Lord. "Here is our rule," Francis said. That was all it took to live by the Gospel </div>
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This brotherhood that was formed included, not just his followers, but all of creation. He felt that all of nature, all God's creatures, were part of his brotherhood: the sparrow as much his brother as the Pope. One of the famous stories says that Francis intervened with a wolf that was eating the townspeople by talking to it and asking it never to kill again. This wolf became a town pet who made sure it was always well-fed.</div>
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Francis and his brothers set out to preach as the Bible said: "Two by two." At first people were skeptical of these men dressed in rags. But even ran away from them thinking the insanity was contagious. They didn't realize how right they were--it WAS contagious! Soon, these same people began to notice that these barefoot beggars were filled with joy. Soon, those who were afraid of them were greeting them with blls and smiles. </div>
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Francis didn't try to eliminate poverty - but instead tried to make it holy. They worked for what they needed and begged only if they had to. But they could accept no money. Possessing anything was the death of love for Francis. And it was in this poverty that he found true freedom. </div>
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Francis' final years were filled with suffering and humiliation. Praying to share in Christ's passion he had a vision and received the Stigmata-the markes of the nails and the lance wound that Christ suffered. </div>
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Years of poverty and wandering made Francis ill - even going blind. And how did he respond to his suffering? It was then that he wrote the famous Canticle of the Sun expressing his brotherhood with all creation in praising God. He never recovered from his illness and died on October 4, 1226 at the age of 45. </div>
Fr. Batemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08198471524251190188noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345030290346155390.post-86547948531371292352013-10-10T15:03:00.000-04:002013-10-10T15:03:50.507-04:00Parish Pilgrimage - Day 4 - Thursday, October 10Today our journey into Catholic Rome continues. Yesterday we saw St. Peter's Basilica, and today we began with a visit to the Catacombs of Domitila. The catacombs are fantastic! They are vast, underground burial sites for pagans and Christians. The excavations have revealed MANY Christians who were buried in these underground laberinths, including martyrs for the faith. The early Christians would visit the catacombs, not to hide, but to be close to the human remains of the martyrs to ask for their intercession. It was there, in the catacombs, that churches were built - because, being cemeteries, they were "safe havens" from the Romans. This is why the legend developed that they were "hiding places." They in fact were not, but were valid churches where the Christians would go to pray and to celebrate the Eucharist near the saints. We ended our visit to the catacombs doing the same, celebrating Mass there.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside the Catacomb of Domitila</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Church inside the Catacomb.</td></tr>
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Following our visit to the Catacomb, we visited the other 3 Papal Basilicas (as they are called): St. Paul outside the Walls, St. Mary Major, and St. John Lateran. Each has a unique history and connection to our faith. You can read about each of the places we visited today below.<br />
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When we finished visiting the churches, we had some time, so we arranged to stop once more near St. Peter's Basilica to explore a bit more (because we were rushed yesterday because of a scheduled Mass and the crowds visiting the Vatican Museum and the Basilica. So we had some extra time today to visit. We then met once again to walk back to the hotel for dinner - but stopped for ice cream (gelato) on the way home - and they insisted that I include this picture... and it was DELICIOUS!<br />
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Here are some other photos from today:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D2VzqefIqk4/Ulb20PDI28I/AAAAAAAAA9o/d1BRWRrShPg/s1600/IMG_1840.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D2VzqefIqk4/Ulb20PDI28I/AAAAAAAAA9o/d1BRWRrShPg/s320/IMG_1840.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">inside the church of St. Mary Major</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our group outside the Lateran Basilica - the Cathedral Church <br />of Rome and the entire world.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls</td></tr>
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<b>St. Paul Outside the Walls: </b><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Tour St. Paul's with us here: </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://www.vatican.va/various/basiliche/san_paolo/vr_tour/index-en.html">http://www.vatican.va/various/basiliche/san_paolo/vr_tour/index-en.html</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">At the beginning of
the 4th century, with the end of the persecutions
and the promulgation of the Edicts of Tolerance in
favour of Christianity, Emperor Constantine ordered
the excavation of the <i>cella memoriae</i>, the place
where Christians venerated the memory of Saint Paul
the Apostle, beheaded under Nero around 65-67 A.D.
Above his grave, located along the Ostiense Way,
about two kilometers outside the Aurelian Walls
surrounding Rome, Constantine built a Basilica which
was consecrated by Pope Sylvester in 324. </span></span>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Between 384 and
395 the Basilica, under the emperors Theodosius,
Valentinian II and Arcadius, was restored and
enlarged according to an extensive project
consisting of five naves opening out into an atrium
(<i>quadriportico</i>), or courtyard with four rows of
columns. Throughout the centuries the Basilica would
not cease to be embellished and enhanced by the
Popes. For example, the massive defensive wall was
built to protect against invasions at the end of the
ninth century, while the bell tower and the
magnificent Byzantine door were constructed in the
eleventh century. Other important additions include
Pietro Cavallini’s mosaics in the façade, the
beautiful Vassalletto family’s cloister, Arnolfo di
Cambio’s celebrated Gothic baldachin and the
Candelabrum for the Paschal candle attributed to
Nicola d’Angelo and Pietro Vassalletto of the
thirteenth century. This historical period
represents the golden age of what had been the
biggest Basilica of Rome, until the consecration of
the new Basilica of St. Peter in 1626. This sacred
place of Christian pilgrimage was well-known for its
artistic works. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">On the night of
July 15, 1823, a fire destroyed this unique
testimony to the Paleo-Christian, Byzantine,
Renaissance and Baroque periods. The Basilica was
reconstructed identically to what it had been
before, utilizing all the elements which had
survived the fire. In 1840 Pope Gregory XVI
consecrated the Altar of the Confession and the
Transept. </span></span></div>
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<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/89/Roma_San_Paolo_fuori_le_mura_BW_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/89/Roma_San_Paolo_fuori_le_mura_BW_1.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Other
embellishments followed the reconstruction. In 1928
the portico with 150 columns was added. Contemporary
work in the Basilica has uncovered the tomb of the
Apostle, while other important and beneficial works
are carried out, as in the past, thanks to the
generosity of Christians from all over the world.
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">In the fifth
century under the Pontificate of Leo the Great, the
Basilica became the home of a long series of
medallions which would to this day depict all the
popes throughout history. This testifies, in an
extraordinary way, to “the very great, the very
ancient and universally known Church founded and
organized at Rome by the two most glorious Apostles,
Peter and Paul” (Saint Irenaeus, <i>Adversus Haereses</i>
3, 3,2). </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Saint Paul
Outside-the-Walls constitutes an extra-territorial
complex (Motu Proprio by Pope Benedict XVI, 30 May
2005), administered by an Archpriest.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">In addition to the
Papal Basilica, the entire complex includes a very
ancient Benedictine Abbey, restored by Odon of Cluny
in 936. This Abbey remains active even today under
the direction of its Abbot who retains his ordinary
jurisdiction <i>intra septa monasterii</i>. The Benedictine
Monks of the ancient Abbey, founded near the tomb of
the Apostle by Pope Gregory II (715-731), attend to
the ministry of Reconciliation (or Penance) and the
promotion of special ecumenical events. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">It is in this
Basilica that every year on the feast of the
Conversion of Saint Paul, January 25, the Week of
Prayer for Christian Unity solemnly opens. The Pope
has specified two privileged tasks for this Papal
Basilica: the Sacrament of Reconciliation (or
Penance) and the development and organization of
ecumenical initiatives. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">On June 28, 2007,
Pope Benedict XVI visited the Basilica and announced
that the following year would be designated the
“Pauline Year” to commemorate the bimillennium of the birth of Saint Paul. Thus, the
“Pauline Year” was run from June 28, 2008 to June
29, 2009.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Saint Mary Major:</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="LabelColumnText" id="ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder1_lblDescription">If you'd like to do a "virtual tour" with us: go here: <a href="http://www.vatican.va/various/basiliche/sm_maggiore/vr_tour/index-en.html">http://www.vatican.va/various/basiliche/sm_maggiore/vr_tour/index-en.html</a></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="LabelColumnText" id="ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder1_lblDescription">First
raised at the order of Pope Liberius in the mid-fourth century, the
Liberian basilica was rebuilt by Pope Sixtus III shortly after the
Council of Ephesus affirmed Mary’s title as Mother of God in 431.
Rededicated at that time to the Mother of God, St. Mary Major is the
largest church in the world honoring God through Mary. Standing atop one
of Rome’s seven hills, the Esquiline, it has survived many restorations
without losing its character as an early Roman basilica. Its interior
retains three naves divided by colonnades in the style of Constantine’s
era. Fifth-century mosaics on its walls testify to its antiquity.
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<span style="font-size: small;">St. Mary Major is one of the four Roman basilicas known as
patriarchal cathedrals in memory of the first centers of the Church. St.
John Lateran (November 9) represents Rome, the See of Peter; St. Paul
Outside the Walls, the See of Alexandria, allegedly the see presided
over by Mark (April 25); St. Peter’s, the See of Constantinople; and St.
Mary’s, the See of Antioch, where Mary is supposed to have spent most
of her life. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">One legend, unreported before the year 1000, gives
another name to this feast: Our Lady of the Snows. According to that
story, a wealthy Roman couple pledged their fortune to the Mother of
God. In affirmation, she produced a miraculous summer snowfall and told
them to build a church on the site. The legend was long celebrated by
releasing a shower of white rose petals from the basilica’s dome every
August 5.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>St. John Lateran:</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">And again, here is another virtual tour: <a href="http://www.vatican.va/various/basiliche/san_giovanni/vr_tour/index-en.html">http://www.vatican.va/various/basiliche/san_giovanni/vr_tour/index-en.html</a></span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xj7vMp8s1K0/UlKPFp1aVtI/AAAAAAAAA7k/IKEhcdHXtGs/s1600/Lateran.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="203" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xj7vMp8s1K0/UlKPFp1aVtI/AAAAAAAAA7k/IKEhcdHXtGs/s320/Lateran.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It was to Pope Melchiade (311-314) that Constantine gave
the palace on Monte Celio, formerly property of the patrician
Laterani family (hence the basilica's appellation
"Lateran"), which his second wife Fausta (Maxentius'
sister) had brought to the marriage. Soon after, the Emperor
razed the adjoining imperial horse-guards barracks (allegedly
the <i>equites singulares</i> had supported Maxentius against
Constantine) and commissioned the construction of the world's
first Christian basilica on that site.</span></span></div>
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</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Henceforth, the Lateran palace, known as the Patriarchate,
was the Pope's official residence until the fifteenth century.
The basilica, consecrated in 324 by Melchiade's successor,
Pope Sylvester I (314-335), was dedicated, by will of the
Emperor, to Christ the Savior. In the tenth century, Pope
Sergio III (904-911) added St. John the Baptist, and in the
twelfth century, Pope Lucius (1144- 1145), St. John the
Evangelist, to the basilica's dedication.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">In the course of its history, St. John Lateran suffered
just about as many disasters and revivals as the papacy it
hosted. Sacked by Alaric in 408 and Genseric in 455, it was
rebuilt by Pope Leo the Great (440-461), and centuries later
by Pope Hadrian I (772-795). Almost entirely destroyed by an
earthquake in 896, the basilica was again restored by Pope
Sergius III (904-911). Later the church was heavily damaged by
fires in 1308 and 1360.</span></span></div>
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</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">When the Popes returned from their sojourn in Avignon,
France (1304-1377), they found their basilica and palace in
such disrepair, that they decided to transfer to the Vatican,
near St. Peter's. (That basilica, also built by Constantine,
had until then served primarily as a pilgrimage church.)</span></span></div>
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</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Pope Sixtus V (1585-1590), in one of his frenzied urban
renewal projects, tore down St. John </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NXkXJz98IxY/UlKPUPhU3aI/AAAAAAAAA7s/ZWL1DjS55LA/s1600/Lateran+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NXkXJz98IxY/UlKPUPhU3aI/AAAAAAAAA7s/ZWL1DjS55LA/s320/Lateran+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">Lateran's original
buildings, replacing them with late-Renaissance structures by
his favorite architect Domenico Fontana. Later, Pope Innocent
X (1644-1655) engaged one of the Baroque's most brilliant
architects, Francesco Borromini, to transform St. John
Lateran's interior in time for the Jubilee of 1650. Finally,
Pope Clement XII (17301740) launched a competition for the
design of a new facade, which was completed by Alessandro
Galilei in 1735.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Of the original Lateran basilica and palace, only the
Popes' private chapel, the <i>Sancta Sanctorum</i> (See <i>Inside
the Vatican</i>, August-September 1995) remains. Sixtus V
removed this magnificently-frescoed shrine to what has become
a grimy traffic island. As an approach to the chapel, Sixtus
moved from the Lateran Palace the <i>Scala Santa</i>, the
stair</span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> case which Jesus is believed to have ascended to Pontius
Pilate's palace in Jerusalem, and according to tradition, was
brought to Rome by St. Helena herself.</span></span></div>
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</span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Many important historic events have taken place in St. John
Lateran, including 5 Ecumenical Councils and many diocesan
synods. In 1929 the Lateran Pacts, which established the
territory and status of the State of Vatican City, were signed
here between the Holy See and the Government of Italy.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The offices of the Cardinal Vicar of Rome now occupy the
Lateran Palace. On July 27, 1992, a bomb explosion devastated
the facade of the Rome Vicariate at St. John Lateran. The
attack is widely assumed to have been the work of the Italian
Mafia, a warning against Pope John Paul II's frequent
anti-Mafia statements. Repairs were recently completed, in
January 1996.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Popes now reside at the Vatican, and since the
fifteenth century, St. Peter's Basilica has hosted most
important papal ceremonies. Every year, until this year, The Papal custom has been that during the Holy Thursday Liturgy, celebrated at the Lateran Basilica, the Holy Father symbolically washes the
feet of priests chosen from various parts of the world.</span></span></div>
Fr. Batemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08198471524251190188noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345030290346155390.post-47496297555883502202013-10-09T12:34:00.000-04:002013-10-09T12:34:07.939-04:00Parish Pilgrimage - Day 3 - Wednesday, October 9Today we had the thrill of attending a Papal Audience with Pope Francis (and, according to my ticket number for the General Audience, 24, 420 of our closest friends). <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ztYIvYY6B5M/UlWBJuGeYzI/AAAAAAAAA8s/Edz4PFy5GuU/s1600/IMG_1805.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ztYIvYY6B5M/UlWBJuGeYzI/AAAAAAAAA8s/Edz4PFy5GuU/s320/IMG_1805.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ojbq3ytYbg0/UlWCMUS913I/AAAAAAAAA88/ip9FVFJC1ok/s1600/IMG_1782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ojbq3ytYbg0/UlWCMUS913I/AAAAAAAAA88/ip9FVFJC1ok/s320/IMG_1782.JPG" width="320" /></a>As we entered the Square, we made our way up toward the barricade because knowing how the motorcade goes, I wanted us to have an up close view of the Pope - so we waited at the barricade for several hours - talking and praying and meeting people from all over the world - until it was time. And we did see him up close! Some of our other pilgrims got some very good photos - this is the best one I could capture as I was too excited at seeing our new Holy Father, Pope Francis. What a blessing that he is the third pope that I've been able to see in person! <br />
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The thrill of seeing the Holy Father, the successor of St. Peter and the Vicar of Christ in person... It was certainly a great thrill for all our pilgrims! <br />
<br />
If you'd like to read the Pope's homily at today's audience, click <a href="http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-audience-the-catholicity-of-the-church" target="_blank">here</a>... It was all about the word "Catholic" and what it truly means to be the Catholic Church. <br />
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Following a very long time standing in the general audience area, we headed to lunch. Following lunch we were off to the Vatican Museum where we met our guide for the afternoon, and went into the Vatican Museums, where we saw many statues - mostly from Imperial Rome - and many Sarcophagi. Then to the map room and the tapestry hall. The tapestry shown here depicts the election of a pope during a conclave - look at the surprised expression on the face of the "winner" - and the guy looking into the chalice for any remaining votes.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kNxTwGmPlyg/UlWEPMSWZ2I/AAAAAAAAA9Q/rpsAl4b1cYo/s1600/IMG_1797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kNxTwGmPlyg/UlWEPMSWZ2I/AAAAAAAAA9Q/rpsAl4b1cYo/s320/IMG_1797.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then, our tour finally let us to the most famous place on earth - the Sistine Chapel. Because it is a chapel, and thus a holy place, you can take no photos there. So you'll have to manage with this "<a href="http://www.vatican.va/various/cappelle/index_sistina_en.htm" target="_blank">virtual tour</a>" of the Sistine Chapel. <br />
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Then we went directly into St. Peter's Basilica - where we saw the famous Pieta, the Bernini Columns at the high altar (where only the Pope can say Mass), the altars/tombs of Blessed (soon to be Saint) John Paul II and John XXIII. Then we hurried to Santa Maria Maria in Transportina church for Mass. Then back to teh hotel for some rest before dinner. <br />
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Another full day tomorrow! Starting with Mass in the catacombs and visits to the other 3 Papal Basilicas (St. Paul outside the Walls, St. John Lateran, and St. Mary Major). Fr. Batemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08198471524251190188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345030290346155390.post-7775706079781788702013-10-08T15:08:00.000-04:002013-10-08T15:08:36.267-04:00Parish Pilgrimage - Day 2 - Tuesday, October 8<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GvjxMYhUqis/UlPxl33ycvI/AAAAAAAAA78/d3T8FEfpkYg/s1600/IMG_1761.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GvjxMYhUqis/UlPxl33ycvI/AAAAAAAAA78/d3T8FEfpkYg/s320/IMG_1761.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">After landing in Amsterdam (aboard a KLM flight), the transferring to our flight to Rome, we arrived about noontime at our hotel and checked in. Then after a time to freshen up after the LONG overnight flight (BUT NO NAPPING!), we walked the 2 kilometers from our hotel to St. Peter's Square, where we met Deacon Kyle Sahd. </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-92raWKYxjGA/UlRW6pG9PBI/AAAAAAAAA8M/vKikxNHZlSU/s1600/IMG_1765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-92raWKYxjGA/UlRW6pG9PBI/AAAAAAAAA8M/vKikxNHZlSU/s320/IMG_1765.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">We immediately walked up the hill from the Square toward the North American College (the NAC) - where our men from the United States who are studying in Rome live. Here we celebrated Mass with Deacon Sahd assisting. </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jedjB51049c/UlRXVFJt4TI/AAAAAAAAA8Y/B3zRix7QaB0/s1600/IMG_1767.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jedjB51049c/UlRXVFJt4TI/AAAAAAAAA8Y/B3zRix7QaB0/s320/IMG_1767.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">We went up to the roof of the NAC for a most spectacular view of Rome & St. Peter's. Here's our group - not looking too worn out despite the travel and time change - excited to be in Rome, I guess. </span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C7tf5cH8rhI/UlRX1uY4SJI/AAAAAAAAA8c/DLqVhZO5BfA/s1600/IMG_1768.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C7tf5cH8rhI/UlRX1uY4SJI/AAAAAAAAA8c/DLqVhZO5BfA/s320/IMG_1768.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">Then to the hotel for dinner and a GOOD night's rest.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">Our day tomorrow begins with a Papal Audience! </span>Fr. Batemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08198471524251190188noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345030290346155390.post-57373963448789680822013-10-07T18:30:00.000-04:002013-10-07T18:30:01.587-04:00Parish Pilgrimage - Monday, October 7<style>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Today our pilgrims gathered for Mass at 12 noon at St. Andrew Parish before beginning our journey to Dulles airport for our overnight flight to Europe. We arrive mid-morning in Rome - and will be checking in to the hotel, then immediately going down to St. Peter's Square to meet DEACON Kyle Sahd, and go to the North American College for Mass. </span><u><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></u><br />
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Fr. Batemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08198471524251190188noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345030290346155390.post-75551626719653030042013-06-03T05:05:00.004-04:002013-06-03T05:05:34.615-04:00Worldwide Holy Hour<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Yesterday (on what was Corpus Christi here in the United States), at 11am Eastern Time, the entire Catholic world was to be united in a world-wide Eucharistic Holy Hour. Pope Francis called for the day to pray for 2 very specific intentions</span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
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<blockquote>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">First: </span><i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">“For
the Chu</span>rch spread throughout the world and united today in the
adoration of the Most Holy Eucharist as a sign of unity. May the Lord
make her ever more obedient to hearing his Word in order to stand before
the world ‘ever more beautiful, without stain or blemish, but holy and
blameless.’ That through her faithful announcement, the Word that saves
may still resonate as the bearer of mercy and may increase love to give
full meaning to pain and suffering, giving back joy and serenity.”</i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Second:<i>
“For those around the world who still suffer slavery and who are
victims of war, human trafficking, drug running, and slave labour. For
the children and women who are suffering from every type of violence.
May their silent scream for help be heard by a vigilant Church so that,
gazing upon the crucified Christ, she may not forget the many brothers
and sisters who are left at the mercy of violence. Also, for all those
who find themselves in economically precarious situations, above all for
the unemployed, the elderly, migrants, the homeless, prisoners, and
those who experience marginalization. That the Church’s prayer and its
active nearness give them comfort and assistance in hope and strength
and courage in defending human dignity.”</i></span></div>
</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The Vatican says that this is the first time in history when people from all over the globe were called upon to pray at the same time. The Catholic Church, fulfilling the prophecy of Malachi (1:11) and Psalm 113, prays "from the rising of the sun to its setting" - because she encompasses the entire world - and so somewhere, someone is praying at every moment. But to pray all at the same time is something new and unique - like so many things about Pope Francis' Papacy...</span></div>
Fr. Batemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08198471524251190188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345030290346155390.post-83894181107119265412013-05-31T05:21:00.001-04:002013-05-31T05:21:14.385-04:00It's been a while...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I know, I know - I haven't blogged lately. But while I was away - it was difficult. Then when I realize that there only a dozen or so followers, compared to the amount of time it takes me to do this blog, I decided to give it a rest. <br />
<br />
But last night, some members of Parish Council asked why I hadn't updated the blog in a while. Perhaps there are more people viewing it than the 12+ followers...<br />
<br />
So, give me a little time today, and I'll see if I can get back to it...<br />
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<br />Fr. BatemanFr. Batemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08198471524251190188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345030290346155390.post-12111019596255309242013-02-10T23:17:00.001-05:002013-02-10T23:17:12.405-05:00101 Lenten Ideas (and more!)<div>
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101 Practical Fasting Ideas for Lent Redux<br />
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Posted on February 16, 2010 by Nick <br />
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[Note: This is an update of an article he wrote last year for Catholic School Chronicle]<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ynpV6BHb2IE/URhwMHjz7mI/AAAAAAAAA4U/Y3SgUnenBw4/s1600/crucifixionpainting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" jea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ynpV6BHb2IE/URhwMHjz7mI/AAAAAAAAA4U/Y3SgUnenBw4/s200/crucifixionpainting.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
Fasting, praying and almsgiving are the three penitential practices that we are asked to engage in during Lent. In addition to fasting and abstaining with the rest of the Church on Ash Wednesday and the Fridays of Lent, we are also challenged to make individual sacrifices appropriate to our own spiritual condition. However, before we choose something to give up for Lent, it’s important to assess our current spiritual state:<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><strong>What habits do I engage in that are destructive to my spiritual health?</strong></li>
<li><strong>To what material things am I too attached?</strong></li>
<li><strong>What areas in my life are unbalanced?</strong></li>
<li><strong>To what do I devote too much or not enough time?</strong></li>
</ul>
Only after asking questions like these are we are ready to decide what to give up or what to add to our lives during Lent. The following list is meant to be an aid in this process. Use it as you need based on your current circumstances.<br />
<div>
</div>
“Through fasting and praying, we allow Him to come and satisfy the deepest hunger that we experience in the depths of our being: the hunger and thirst for God.”<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
–Pope Benedict, Lenten message, 2009</div>
<div>
</div>
<strong>1-10: The Usuals:</strong><br />
<ol>
<li>Give up candy/sweets.</li>
<li>Give up television time.</li>
<li>Give up eating snacks between meals.</li>
<li>Give up or limit soda or coffee.</li>
<li>Give up or limit video games.</li>
<li>Spend more time with family.</li>
<li>Give to the poor.</li>
<li>Do an extra chore each day.</li>
<li>Perform a random act of kindness.</li>
<li>Spend more time in prayer.</li>
</ol>
<strong>11-20: Prayer</strong><br />
<div>
</div>
11. Pray a book of scripture using lectio divina.<br />
12. Attend Mass on a weekday (every day if possible).<br />
13. Pray the rosary each day, alone or with your family.<br />
14. Prayerfully read Abandonment to Divine Providence.<br />
15. Make a special prayer notebook and list all the people in your life who need prayers; pray for them <br />
each day. Add someone new every day.<br />
16. Learn to pray the Liturgy of the Hours.<br />
17. Make a commitment to attend Eucharistic Adoration regularly.<br />
18. Commit to examining your conscience each evening.<br />
19. Pray the Jesus Prayer throughout the day.<br />
20. Pray the Angelus each day at noon.<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>21-30: For Those Addicted to Popular Culture</strong></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
21. Switch from regular radio to Christian music radio or Catholic talk radio.</div>
<div>
22. Avoid shows with gratuitous sex or violence.</div>
<div>
23. Give up or limit watching sports on television.</div>
<div>
24. Listen to only classical music for the next 40 days.</div>
<div>
25. Drive to work in silence each day.</div>
<div>
26. Read a work of classic literature.</div>
<div>
27. Read a Catholic classic.</div>
<div>
28. Read a story to a child.</div>
<div>
29. Sit in fifteen minutes of silence each day.</div>
<div>
30. Write a letter to God each day.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>31-40: For Internet Users/Bloggers</strong></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
31. Set time limits on overall online time.</div>
<div>
32. Limit Facebook time.</div>
<div>
33. Limit Myspace time.</div>
<div>
34. Resist making or adding to lists that rank people.</div>
<div>
35. Share one spiritual video with your online network once a week.</div>
<div>
36. Blog about the poor once a week.</div>
<div>
37. Add a spiritual blog to your blog reader.</div>
<div>
38. Subscribe to a prayer podcast like Pray As You Go or Pray Station Portable.</div>
<div>
39. Leave an encouraging or positive comment on a different blog each day.</div>
<div>
40. Help a new blogger by sending traffic their way.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>41-50: For Those Who Need to Be More Grateful</strong></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
41. Each week, write a letter of thanks to a different member of the clergy, beginning with your bishop and </div>
<div>
parish priest.</div>
<div>
42. Each week write a thank-you note to your parents.</div>
<div>
43. Write a poem of praise for each person in your family.</div>
<div>
44. Get a stack of sticky-notes and write one sentence of thanks each day and stick it to the bedroom </div>
<div>
door of each person in your family so that by Easter they each have 40 sticky-notes.</div>
<div>
45. Find the psalms of thanksgiving or praise in the Bible and pray them.</div>
<div>
46. Write a list of the ways God has blessed you and add to it each day. This could be done in a notebook </div>
<div>
or on a big poster hanging on your wall.</div>
<div>
47. At dinner each evening ask your family to share one thing for which they are grateful.</div>
<div>
48. Make a CD or iPod playlist of praise and worship music and listen to it each day.</div>
<div>
49. Make a point of saying “Thank You” a certain number of times per day.</div>
<div>
50. Help your children write thank you letters to their teachers.</div>
<div>
</div>
<strong>51-60: For Those With Lives Out of Balance</strong><br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
51. Go for a walk each day with a loved one and talk about life and faith.</div>
<div>
52. Take the kids to the park each week for some carefree time.</div>
<div>
53. Give up fast food and give the money to charity.</div>
<div>
54. Exercise each day.</div>
<div>
55. Spend at least half an hour each day in meaningful conversation with your spouse.</div>
<div>
56. Go on a Lenten retreat.</div>
<div>
57. Pray with Sacred Space each day.</div>
<div>
58. Commit to a daily 3 Minute Retreat.</div>
<div>
59. Begin the online 34-week Retreat for Everyday Life.</div>
<div>
60. Give up your most unhealthy habit.</div>
<div>
</div>
<strong>61-70: For Those Who Need Spiritual Nourishment</strong><br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
61. Read the documents of Vatican II, especially Gaudium et Spes.</div>
<div>
62. Read The Cathechism of the Catholic Church or The United States Catholic Catechism for Adults.</div>
<div>
63. Sign up for adult formation classes at a local parish.</div>
<div>
64. Join a Bible study.</div>
<div>
65. Attend Stations of the Cross at a local parish.</div>
<div>
66. Find a spiritual director.</div>
<div>
67. Read The Imitation of Christ.</div>
<div>
68. Listen to a free Catholic audio book from Maria Lectrix.</div>
<div>
69. Read Introduction to the Devout Life.</div>
<div>
70. Read a spiritual autobiography (i.e., Augustine’s Confessions, Story of a Soul, Journal of a Soul, </div>
<div>
Witness to Hope)</div>
<div>
</div>
<strong>71-80: For Those Who Need to Increase Their Service to the Needy</strong><br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
71. Volunteer at soup kitchen or other food program.</div>
<div>
72. Coordinate a food drive at your parish, school or place of employment.</div>
<div>
73. Find out who in your parish is sick and offer to visit them or bring them food.</div>
<div>
74. Call your local Catholic Charities office and volunteer.</div>
<div>
75. Begin making visits to a nursing home.</div>
<div>
76. Help an elderly or disabled person in your neighborhood with yard work or other difficult chores.</div>
<div>
77. Become a hospital volunteer.</div>
<div>
78. Become part of a prison ministry team.</div>
<div>
79. Coordinate a clothing drive.</div>
<div>
80. Make rosaries and give them away.</div>
<div>
</div>
<strong>81-90: For Those Who Need to Be More Active in Their Parish</strong><br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
81. Become a lector.</div>
<div>
82. Volunteer to become an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist</div>
<div>
83. Volunteer to help with the parish youth group.</div>
<div>
84. After each Mass stay awhile and introduce yourself to someone you don’t know.</div>
<div>
85. Join the Knights of Columbus.</div>
<div>
86. Offer to be a Confirmation sponsor.</div>
<div>
87. Volunteer to be an usher.</div>
<div>
88. Offer to help with funeral dinners.</div>
<div>
89. Help with the RCIA program.</div>
<div>
90. Volunteer to do lawn work, cleaning or other needed maintenance for the parish.</div>
<div>
</div>
<strong>90-101: Potpourri</strong><br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
91. Begin to receive the Sacrament of Penance weekly.</div>
<div>
92. Give up foul language.</div>
<div>
93. Give up gossiping.</div>
<div>
94. Read and study Healing the Culture.</div>
<div>
95. Study the life of a different saint each day.</div>
<div>
96. Cook dinner each night for your family if someone else normally does.</div>
<div>
97. Pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy.</div>
<div>
98. Carry extra food in your car, purse or backpack to give to street corner beggars.</div>
<div>
99. Begin practicing socially conscious investing.</div>
<div>
100. Spend a week meditating on each of the seven principles of Catholic social teaching.</div>
<div>
101. Make breakfast each morning for your family.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>Bonus! 10 More Fasting Ideas</strong></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
101. Pray with the daily Mass readings each morning.</div>
<div>
102. Give up or limit text messaging.</div>
<div>
103. Give up swearing, cursing and foul language.</div>
<div>
104. Give up buying/downloading new music and donate some of your iTunes balance to Haiti.</div>
<div>
105. Watch a spiritual film each week of Lent. (Update 2/18/2010: See this great article on films for Lent </div>
<div>
by my favorite film critic Steven Greydanus)</div>
<div>
106. Read Deep Conversion/Deep Prayer by Fr. Thomas Dubay.</div>
<div>
107. Gain a greater appreciation of the Mass through Tom Curran’s free pdf book The Mass: Four </div>
<div>
Encounters with Jesus.</div>
<div>
108. Strengthen your faith by listening to free audio lectures by Catholic philosopher Peter Kreeft.</div>
<div>
109. Begin the habit of receiving the Sacrament of Penance on a weekly basis.</div>
<div>
110. Create an inspirational YouTube video.</div>
<div>
</div>
<strong>Conclusion</strong><br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
Lent is a tremendous opportunity for spiritual growth. I hope these suggestions re-energize you on your spiritual journey. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Quoted from: <a href="http://www.nicksenger.com/onecatholiclife/101-practical-fasting-ideas-for-lent-redux">http://www.nicksenger.com/onecatholiclife/101-practical-fasting-ideas-for-lent-redux</a></div>
Fr. Batemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08198471524251190188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345030290346155390.post-30680042715724799412012-11-22T06:05:00.001-05:002012-11-22T06:05:41.661-05:00USCCB - "Five Things to Remember..."<div style="text-align: justify;">
Five Things to Remember on Nov. 21
</div>
<div class="post-header" style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>On <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Thanksgiving,</b>
when we think of pilgrims to America, we might recall that 30 percent of new
priests ordained in the United States are foreign-born.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many gifts to the United States come from
beyond our borders.<br />
<br />
<span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>There are more than 40 lawsuits against the federal
mandate forcing private health plans to cover contraception, sterilization and
abortion-inducing drugs. Federal judges have issued initial rulings in four
cases brought by people of faith who run a business – and in three out of four,
the company has won a preliminary injunction against the mandate. This speaks
well for a few judges’ understanding of freedom of conscience, which lies at
the heart of <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Freedom of Religion</b>.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Generous Catholics help U.S. dioceses meet basic needs.
The U.S. bishops announced Nov. 19 that thanks to the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Catholic Home Missions</b> appeal they awarded $8.4 million in grants
to 84 mission dioceses in the U.S. The Fairbanks, Alaska diocese, where many
villages see a priest only once a month, got $135,000 for training deacons and
Eucharistic ministers. The Cheyenne, Wyoming diocese, that has 45 priests to
serve 53,000 Catholics spread over 98,000 miles, got $75,000 to help educate 11
seminarians. The El Paso, Texas diocese, where the ratio of priests to
Catholics is 1:6,800, got $105,000 for youth and evangelization programs. <a href="http://www.usccb.org/news/2012/12-203.cfm"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.usccb.org/news/2012/12-203.cfm</span></a><br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Nov. 22 is the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">feast
of St. Cecilia</b>, patroness of musicians. “Singing belongs to one who loves,”
said St. Augustine of Hippo. The General Instruction of the Roman Missal (para
39) speaks of the importance of singing as a part of worship and notes an
ancient proverb: “One who sings well prays twice.”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
5. God loves you. </div>
Fr. Batemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08198471524251190188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345030290346155390.post-26020092110854233612012-11-18T06:07:00.000-05:002012-11-18T06:07:06.445-05:0040 Hours Eucharistic Devotions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zbhY8q6ywSE/TOXkw0HxaMI/AAAAAAAAAe8/3xcrVBCdL88/s1600/40Hours14.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zbhY8q6ywSE/TOXkw0HxaMI/AAAAAAAAAe8/3xcrVBCdL88/s320/40Hours14.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">
Today
our parish begins her annual retreat: her annual Eucharistic Devotions
- commonly called "40 Hours." Why is it called "40 Hours?" To honor
the forty hours that the body of Christ rested in the tomb, the Blessed
Sacrament is solemnly exposed for this period of time, during which
public services, private meditation and prayer take place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This devotion developed in the 16<sup>th</sup> Century.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The exact period of forty hours' exposition, in practice, is not strictly adhered to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Holy See granted an indulgence to those who take part. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">History of the Devotion</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">
A
chronicler from Milan describes the custom which began in May, 1537. He
gives details as to the church with which it started. Less than two
years later, Pope Paul III granted an indulgence to anyone who
participated in the devotion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">
The
practice without doubt spread rapidly. Already before the year 1550
this, or some analogous exposition, had been established by St. Philip
Neri for the Confraternity of the Trinita dei Pellegrini in Rome; while
St. Ignatius Loyola, at about the same period, seems to have given much
encouragement to the practice. As this devotion also commonly lasted for
a period of about forty hours, it seems to have been given the name
"Quarant' Ore"; and under this name it is still maintained in many
places.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a7y7R3cLe0I/TOXkmFg1CPI/AAAAAAAAAe0/cfRCTZKIG7w/s1600/40Hours6.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a7y7R3cLe0I/TOXkmFg1CPI/AAAAAAAAAe0/cfRCTZKIG7w/s320/40Hours6.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">
St.
Charles Borromeo speaks as if this practice of praying for forty hours
was of very ancient date; and he distinctly refers it to the forty hours
our Lord's Body remained in the tomb, seeing that this was a period of
watching, suspense, and ardent prayer on the part of all His disciples. </div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">St. John Neumann, Bishop of Philadelphia, advocated the devotion here in the United States.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Visiting his parishes in the 1850’s he noted with sorrow that few people took time for a private visit to the Blessed Sacrament.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 1853 each parish in his Diocese was to hold a Forty Hours Eucharistic Celebration.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since at that time, we were part of the Philadelphia Diocese, the parishes in our area would also have begun the devotion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We continue that tradition today with our parish’s annual celebration of Forty Hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mTrvO4IfqP4/TOKsadl_T7I/AAAAAAAAAew/EYI2NLN7Io4/s1600/April+25+20105.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mTrvO4IfqP4/TOKsadl_T7I/AAAAAAAAAew/EYI2NLN7Io4/s320/April+25+20105.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">You
are invited to come, spend some time with the Lord in prayer during
these days. This year the Blessed Sacrament will be exposed all-day and
all-night - so come at any time of the day or night to spend some time
with the Lord. Sunday, Monday & Tuesday evenings there will be a
Eucharistic Service of Praise - and this year our guest homilist is our
very own Deacon Kevin Kayda. </span></span></div>
Fr. Batemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08198471524251190188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345030290346155390.post-83088146888169572802012-11-16T06:04:00.002-05:002012-11-16T06:06:25.654-05:00Great way to Celebrate Advent<div style="text-align: left;">
Finding good Advent music is often difficult to find - but this looks really great!</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ZSZQceNbZLA" width="560"></iframe></div>
Fr. Batemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08198471524251190188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345030290346155390.post-34797532341247147822012-11-06T05:05:00.001-05:002012-11-06T05:05:24.419-05:00Election Day Prayer<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And now, with the Presidency, all 435 House seats and 33 in the Senate, the legislature of 44 states, hundreds of city or county posts – and, not to be forgotten, several
key ballot-questions facing voters – all up for grabs today, as ever at moments like this, let us return again to the
foundational text of <a href="http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/faithful-citizenship/">Faithful Citizenship,</a> American Style – the Prayer for the Nation and its Government written and first delivered in August 1791 by <a href="http://whispersintheloggia.blogspot.com/2008/04/in-beginning.html">John Carroll</a>
of Baltimore: adviser to Washington, cousin of the Declaration's lone
Catholic signer, the first shepherd of this church in these States....</span> </div>
<blockquote>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: medium;">W</span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 20px;">e
pray, Thee O Almighty and Eternal God! Who through Jesus Christ hast
revealed Thy glory to all nations, to preserve the works of Thy mercy,
that Thy Church, being spread through the whole world, may continue with
unchanging faith in the confession of Thy Name.</span> </blockquote>
<blockquote>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 20px;">We
pray Thee, who alone art good and holy, to endow with heavenly
knowledge, sincere zeal, and sanctity of life, our chief bishop, Pope [Benedict XVI]</span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 20px;">, the Vicar of Our Lord Jesus Christ, in the government of his Church; our own bishop, [Joseph McFadden]</span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 20px;">,
all other bishops, prelates, and pastors of the Church; and especially
those who are appointed to exercise amongst us the functions of the holy
ministry, and conduct Thy people into the ways of salvation.</span> </blockquote>
<blockquote>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 20px;">We
pray Thee O God of might, wisdom, and justice! Through whom authority
is rightly administered, laws are enacted, and judgment decreed, assist
with Thy Holy Spirit of counsel and fortitude the President of these
United States, that his administration may be conducted in
righteousness, and be eminently useful to Thy people over whom he
presides; by encouraging due respect for virtue and religion; by a
faithful execution of the laws in justice and mercy; and by restraining
vice and immorality. Let the light of Thy divine wisdom direct the
deliberations of Congress, and shine forth in all the proceedings and
laws framed for our rule and government, so that they may tend to the
preservation of peace, the promotion of national happiness, the increase
of industry, sobriety, and useful knowledge; and may perpetuate to us
the blessing of equal liberty.</span> </blockquote>
<blockquote>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 20px;">We
pray for his excellency, the governor of this state , for the members
of the assembly, for all judges, magistrates, and other officers who are
appointed to guard our political welfare, that they may be enabled, by
Thy powerful protection, to discharge the duties of their respective
stations with honesty and ability.</span> </blockquote>
<blockquote>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 20px;">We
recommend likewise, to Thy unbounded mercy, all our brethren and fellow
citizens throughout the United States, that they may be blessed in the
knowledge and sanctified in the observance of Thy most holy law; that
they may be preserved in union, and in that peace which the world cannot
give; and after enjoying the blessings of this life, be admitted to
those which are eternal.</span> </blockquote>
<blockquote>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 20px;">Finally,
we pray to Thee, O Lord of mercy, to remember the souls of Thy servants
departed who are gone before us with the sign of faith and repose in
the sleep of peace; the souls of our parents, relatives, and friends; of
those who, when living, were members of this congregation, and
particularly of such as are lately deceased; of all benefactors who, by
their donations or legacies to this Church, witnessed their zeal for the
decency of divine worship and proved their claim to our grateful and
charitable remembrance.</span> </blockquote>
<blockquote>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 20px;">To
these, O Lord, and to all that rest in Christ, grant, we beseech Thee, a
place of refreshment, light, and everlasting peace, through the same
Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior.</span> </blockquote>
<blockquote>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 20px;">Amen.</span></blockquote>
Fr. Batemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08198471524251190188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345030290346155390.post-37071988548260705252012-11-05T11:26:00.005-05:002012-11-05T11:26:47.744-05:00Bishop McFadden Issues Letter for Election
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 6;"> </span><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">November 3, 2012</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fjc6F7fPO8g/TCCM_aJbRMI/AAAAAAAAAUA/dh5mRKM-vqQ/s1600/062210-McFadden.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fjc6F7fPO8g/TCCM_aJbRMI/AAAAAAAAAUA/dh5mRKM-vqQ/s320/062210-McFadden.gif" width="228" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Dear Brothers and Sisters in
Christ,</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">This week
the citizens of the United States will elect the political leadership for our
country, our state and our local communities who will guide our government into
the future and will legislate and execute laws that will affect the way of life
in our country. As Catholics it is necessary that we understand the importance
of our participation in this civic activity and exercise our civic duty to
elect office holders who will represent us in the public square. As we choose
from the candidates who have presented themselves, I encourage you to look
carefully at the positions that they have taken and the platforms upon which
they are running and select the individual that you feel in conscience best
reflects the values that you believe as a Catholic are necessary for the common
good in our society. Please make use of the voter guides and resources that
have been provided by the Pennsylvania Catholic Bishops and the United States
Conference of Catholic bishops. These are available at <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">PaCatholic.org</i>. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">As you
exercise this civic right and duty, I encourage you to be guided by the
Catholic principles that reflect our understanding of human life and the
intrinsic value and dignity of every human person made in the image and
likeness of God. I ask that you keep in mind our Catholic social teaching and
its emphasis on providing for the common good of all citizens and our right to
religious freedom guaranteed in our constitution. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I encourage all Catholics to make every
effort to fulfill your civic responsibility and vote this Tuesday, November 6<sup>th</sup>
for our civic leaders. I also ask that we pray for the guidance of the Holy
Spirit in electing leaders that will be able to guide our country with wisdom
and grace and lead us into a time of deeper peace and tranquility. Pray that
those elected will have the strength of character and the integrity of life to
face the challenges confronting our country and work to secure its future for
all citizens.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">May the good
Lord continue to shower on our country His blessings and help us to entrust our
nation to His protection as did our Founding Fathers at its foundation. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Sincerely yours in Christ,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Most Reverend Joseph P. McFadden</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 6;"> </span>Bishop
of Harrisbur</span>g</div>
Fr. Batemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08198471524251190188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345030290346155390.post-39756632095933061772012-11-02T04:56:00.000-04:002012-11-02T04:56:00.612-04:00All Souls Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/2181/osgoodtm5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="164" src="http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/2181/osgoodtm5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Often
overshadowed by the two days preceding it, Halloween (October 31) and
All Saints Day (November 1), All Souls Day is a solemn feast for us
which commemorates all of those who have died and now are in Purgatory,
being cleansed of their venial sins and the temporal punishments for the
mortal sins that they had confessed and atoning before entering fully
into Heaven.</span><br />
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">
<br />
The
importance of All Souls Day was made clear by Pope Benedict XV
(1914-22), when he granted all priests the privilege of celebrating
three Masses on All Souls Day: one, for the faithful departed; one for
the priest's intentions; and one for the intentions of the Holy Father.
Only on a handful of other very important feast days are priests
allowed to celebrate more than two Masses.<br />
<br />
On All
Souls Day, we not only remember the dead, but we apply our efforts,
through prayer, almsgiving, and the Mass, to their release from
Purgatory. There are two plenary indulgences attached to All Souls Day,
one for visiting a church and another for visiting a cemetery. (The
plenary indulgence for visiting a cemetery can also be obtained every
day from November 1-8, and, as a partial indulgence, on any day of the
year.) While the actions are performed by the living, the merits of
the indulgences are applicable only to the souls in Purgatory.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vwHEe7ARuMA/TrH75t3ICGI/AAAAAAAAArI/WcM30t8gUVc/s1600/All+Souls+2011.2.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vwHEe7ARuMA/TrH75t3ICGI/AAAAAAAAArI/WcM30t8gUVc/s320/All+Souls+2011.2.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
Praying
for the dead is a Christian obligation. In the modern world, when many
have come to doubt the Church's teaching on Purgatory, the need for
such prayers has only increased. The Church devotes the month of
November to prayer for the Holy Souls in Purgatory, and participation in
the Mass of All Souls Day is a good way to begin the month.<br />
<br />
And
this we will do here our parish on Sunday at 7pm... remembering all the following
members of our parish family who have died since the last All Souls Day:<br />
<ul>
<li> Doris George (November 30, 2011)</li>
<li>Betty Jane Topper (December 6, 2011)</li>
<li>Dora O'Toole (December 13, 2011)</li>
<li>Regina Hockenberry (December 17, 2011)</li>
<li>Richard O'Toole (December 19, 2011)</li>
<li>Jay Wilkinson (December 20, 2011)</li>
<li>James Jarvis (January 1, 2012)</li>
<li>Betsy Boland (January 15, 2012)</li>
<li>Elizabeth Matapeter (February 4, 2012)</li>
<li>Louis LaSorsa (February 7, 2012)</li>
<li>Robert Britsch (February 16, 2012)</li>
<li>Mary Serbin (February 17, 2012)</li>
<li>Max Shearer (March 13, 2012)</li>
<li>Helen Pawloski (March 20, 2012)</li>
<li>Josefine Huber (March 28, 2012)</li>
<li>Robert O'Toole (April 10, 2012)</li>
<li>Della Wagaman (April 16, 2012)</li>
<li>Claudia Brandes (May 4, 2012)</li>
<li>Cindy Caron (June 22, 2012)</li>
<li>C. Robert Brezler (September 9, 2012)</li>
<li>Ellen Mulcahy (September 24, 2012)</li>
<li>Ronald Mackey (October 1, 2012)</li>
</ul>
Here is a wonderful prayer, coming from the Byzantine Church, we can offer for them and for all the faithful departed: <br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><span style="font-size: small;">By
Thy resurrection from the dead, O Christ, death no longer hath
dominion over those who die in holiness. So, we beseech Thee, give rest
to Thy servants in Thy sanctuary and in Abraham's bosom. Grant it to
those, who from Adam until now have adored Thee with purity, to our
fathers and brothers, to our kinsmen and friends, to all men who have
lived by faith and passed on their road to Thee, by a thousand ways, and
in all conditions, and make them worthy of the heavenly kingdom.</span></b></blockquote>
</div>
Fr. Batemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08198471524251190188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345030290346155390.post-15932366526269063282012-11-01T04:43:00.003-04:002012-11-01T04:43:42.188-04:00All Saints Day!<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/pictures/11_1_3_saints.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/pictures/11_1_3_saints.jpg" /></a></div>
Just
about every day in the Church calendar has the celebration of a saint,
but today, the Solemnity of All Saints, is when the Church honors all
the saints, known and unknown. This is kind of like the American
holidays Veterans Day and Presidents Day, where many people are honored
on one day. While we have information about many saints, and we honor
them on specific days, there are MANY unknown or unsung saints, who
may have been forgotten, or never been specifically honored. On All
Saints Day, we celebrate these saints of the Lord, and ask for their
prayers and intercessions. The whole concept of All Saints Day is tied
in with the concept of the Communion of Saints. This is the belief
that all of God's people, on heaven, earth, and in the state of
purification (called <i>Purgatory</i>), are connected in a communion.
In other words, Catholic and Orthodox Christians believe that the
saints of God are just as alive as you and I, and are constantly
interceding on our behalf. Remember, our connection with the saints in
heaven is one grounded in a tight-knit <i>communion</i>. The saints
are not divine, nor omnipresent or omniscient. However, because of our
common communion with and through Jesus Christ, our prayers are joined
with the heavenly community of Christians. St. Cyril of Jerusalem (AD
350) testifies to this belief:</div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<blockquote style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
We
mention those who have fallen asleep: first the patriarchs, prophets,
apostles, and martyrs, that through their prayers and supplications God
would receive our petition... (Catechetical Lecture 23:9). </blockquote>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span><br />
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">
The
Catholic Catechism concisely describes this communion among believers,
by which we are connected to Christ, and thus to one another:</div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span><br />
<blockquote style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"Being
more closely united to Christ, those who dwell in heaven fix the whole
Church more firmly in holiness... They do not cease to intercede with
the Father for us... So by their fraternal concern is our weakness
greatly helped."</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"...as
Christian communion among our fellow pilgrims brings us closer to
Christ, so our communion with the saints joins us to Christ, from whom
as from its fountain and head issues all grace, and the life of the
People of God itself: We worship Christ as God's Son; we love the
martyrs as the Lord's disciples and imitators, and rightly so because of
their matchless devotion towards their king and master. May we also
be their companions and fellow disciples (CCC 956, 957)! <br />
<ins></ins></div>
</blockquote>
Fr. Batemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08198471524251190188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345030290346155390.post-55749458031566320002012-10-29T11:14:00.000-04:002012-10-29T11:14:58.542-04:00Sunday's HomilySeveral people have asked me for a copy of yesterday's homily - so here you go...<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
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<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span>30<sup>th</sup> Sunday
of Ordinary Time</span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span>28 October 2012</span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span>Allow me to let you in
on something about me…<span> </span>I’m beginning,
for the first time in my life, I’m beginning to <i>feel </i>like I’m getting old.<span>
</span>How, you ask?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span>-<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span>not
my HUGE bald spot back here</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span>-<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span>not
my loss of strength or athletics (the military makes sure I keep up with those)</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span>-<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span>not
even only learning last week what “Gangnam style” was…<span> </span>(if you don’t know – ask anyone younger than
30 – they’ll tell you) <i>do the dance…</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span>-<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span>know
what’s making me feel old… it’s the constant search for my reading glasses!</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span>Summer of last year –
and Deacon Kevin can verify this cause it was much the same this summer – I
spent lots of time asking Mark Wilke, “Have you seen my glasses?”<span> </span>And where were they usually?<span> </span>Right in my pocket!<span> </span>I couldn’t find them because they were right
in front of me!<span> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://lostinthevalley.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/forest-trees.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="130" src="http://lostinthevalley.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/forest-trees.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"><span> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span>We all have that
experience, don’t we?<span> </span>We even have an
expression for it – “We couldn’t see the forest for the trees.”<span> </span>It means that we are not able to see the
bigger picture because we’re so focused on one thing - that everything else
gets tuned out.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span>If you have children you
see what they do – they become SO focused on one thing – that nothing else
matters.<span> </span>Whether it’s a toddler focused
on a piece of candy or a teenager focused on their boyfriend or girlfriend –
the rest of the world kind of ceases to exist – because they get focused on
that one thing…</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.gardenofpraise.com/images/jesu10b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.gardenofpraise.com/images/jesu10b.jpg" width="266" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"><span>I believe there is
something similar happening in today’s Gospel: Bartimaeus, he’s so focused on calling
out to the Lord that the crowd was not going to stop him or silence him.<span> </span>It didn’t matter WHAT they told him – he was
focused – he was intent – he was going to call on the Lord so that he could
see.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span>But even here, there is
a deeper blindness in Bartimaeus – when the Lord asks him, “What do you want me
to do for you?” – he replies, simply, that he wants to see.<span> </span>But the Lord gives him MUCH more than
sight.<span> </span>This man’s faith – his belief
that Jesus was ABLE to cure him – enabled him, not only to see, but to leave
everything and follow Jesus – to become a disciple.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span>As we’ve entered into
this “Year of Faith” – we’ve already talked about this reality in our own lives
– how what we believe (as we profess and proclaim in the Creed and what we
discvoer in the teachings of the Church – her Magisterium) – how what we
believe has (or <i>should </i>have) a
PROFOUND impact on how we live our lives.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1LlDI-cse6k/UI6bVGHqahI/AAAAAAAAA3g/T5gxKOQxZXE/s1600/year-of-faith-logo-montage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1LlDI-cse6k/UI6bVGHqahI/AAAAAAAAA3g/T5gxKOQxZXE/s200/year-of-faith-logo-montage.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"><span> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span>The faith and belief of
Bartimaeus enabled him to follow Jesus.<span>
</span>The faith and belief of the crowd on the shore of Niagara Falls should
have given someone the courage to get on the shoulders of the unicyclist.<span> </span>Our own faith <i>should </i>have a profound impact on our daily lives as well.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span>But unfortunately, in
the world in which we live – we are sometimes blinded to reality – we are
unable to see the forest for the trees – though we say we are followers, we are
actually blinded because our focus is on that tree – which keeps us from seeing
the forest of which the tree is just a small part.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span>Blindness is all around
us!<span> </span>It is the light of Faith that can
cure our blindness and help us to see – not just the tree – but the entire
forest.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span>Alright, as much as this
is a “lightning” topic – let’s look at this in terms of our lives today, right
now, 2012, in the United States of America.<span>
</span>What’s going on?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://media.salon.com/2012/08/not_the_economy_rect-460x307.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://media.salon.com/2012/08/not_the_economy_rect-460x307.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span>Well, in case you
haven’t noticed, there is a general election going on – and in just over a
week, we will elect a President to set the vision and the direction of our
country for – not just the next 4-years – but for a good part of our
future.<span> </span>Every 4-years people say, “this
is the most important election of our lifetime.”<span> </span>Perhaps they are finally right… this IS an
election which will have profound implications, not just for the next 4-years –
but probably the entire future of our nation.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span>But our electorate has
become as blind as Bartimaeus – focused on only one issue or another – and they
are failing to see the bigger picture – which will have a PROFOUND impact on us
– most especially as people of faith.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span>What are the
issues?<span> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span>-<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span>as
most people acknowledge the economy is an important issue</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-left: 1in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span>o<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span>probably most
disconcerting is the HUGE national debt – how will we address this issue?<span> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-left: 1.5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span>§<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span>Continued borrowing</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-left: 1.5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span>§<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span>Cuts in services?<span> </span>If so, to whom?<span> </span>How?<span>
</span>How deep?<span> </span>How broad?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-left: 1.5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span>§<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span>Will we raise
taxes?<span> </span>On whom?<span> </span>How many people really pay taxes?<span> </span>Is the tax system fair – or probably a better
question than “fair” is: is the tax system JUST?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span>-<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span>Not
as big an issue this time around is war – yet it still is a serious issue that
we must deal with</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span>-<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span>National
security is a serious issue – and the news media certainly keeps this in the
forefront – especially as events and the sequence of events unfold.<span> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-left: 1in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span>o<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span>What one candidate will
do is evident by what he has done – how he has acted in order to heal wounds,
to build peace, and to defend and protect the lives of our citizens.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-left: 1in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span>o<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span>What the other candidate
will do we can only assume from his words and pledges.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_hMez661JoU/TLCtRdoxUNI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/ndbZypqtOlc/s1600/RespectLife2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_hMez661JoU/TLCtRdoxUNI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/ndbZypqtOlc/s320/RespectLife2.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span>-<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span>Abortion
– and we need to spend some time on this one…</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-left: 1in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span>o<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span>MANY issues are
important and we must pay attention to them.<span>
</span>But I LOVE what Archbishop Chaput of Philadelphia recently said (responding
to a question a woman had asked him).<span> </span>He
said, “I call you, as a Catholic, to forget about the labels, be a liberal
sometimes, be a conservative sometimes, but [be] a Catholic FIRST.” <i>[emphasis mine]</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-left: 1.5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span>§<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span>OK – as a Church, what
do we teach about this important issue of abortion?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-left: 2in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span>·<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span>The Catechism of the
Catholic Church says, “</span><span>Human life must be
respected and protected absolutely from the moment of conception. From the
first moment of [its] existence, a human being must be recognized as having the
rights of a person -- among which is the inviolable right of every innocent
being to life. (2270)</span><span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-left: 2in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span>·<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span>“Since the first century, the Church has affirmed the
moral evil of every procured abortion. This teaching has not changed and
remains <u>un</u>changeable. Direct abortion, that is to say, abortion willed
either as an end or a means, is gravely contrary to the moral law. (2271)</span><span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-left: 2in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span>·<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span>“The inalienable right to life of every innocent human
individual is a constitutive element of a civil society and its legislation.”
(2273)</span><span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-left: 1.5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span>§<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span>Oh, but Father, some will say, – this is just ONE
issue – you’ve become blind, like Bartimaeus – you can’t see the forest for the
trees!<span> </span>You can’t be a one-issue
voter.<span> </span></span><span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span>YOU ARE RIGHT!<span>
</span>So, let’s look for the forest beyond this one tree (called abortion):</span><span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-left: 1.5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span>§<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span>Quoting the United States Bishops: “As Catholics we
are <b><u>not</u></b> single-issue
voters.<span> </span>A candidate’s position on a
single issue is not sufficient to guarantee a voter’s support.<span> </span><b><u>YET</u></b>,
a candidates’ position on a single issue <u>that involves an intrinsic evil,
such as support for legal abortion or the promotion of racism, may legitimately
lead a voter to disqualify a candidate from receiving support.”</u> <i>(Forming Conscience, 2007, # 42) [emphasis
mine]</i></span><span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-left: 2in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span>·<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span>To allow – and to PROMOTE – an intrinsic evil is
morally reprehensible and unacceptable.<span>
</span>To support a candidate who vihemately supports ANY intrinsic evil (like slavery,
theft, racism, murder, abortion) is, the bishops teach, not possible for us as
Catholics.</span><span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-left: 2in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span>·<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span>Yes, we do and will have differing opinions on how to
solve our serious economic problems, </span><span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-left: 2.5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span>o<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span>how to fund education, </span><span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-left: 2.5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span>o<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span>how to provide healthcare to the poor (remember, an
issue that the bishops FULLY supported), </span><span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-left: 2.5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span>o<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span>BUT – on the issue of an intrinsic evil – an act that
in and of itself, regardless of situation or circumstances, is always and
everywhere WRONG – we CANNOT and MAY NOT support.<span> </span></span><span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-left: 2in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span>·<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span>As the bishops said, “a candidates’ position on a
single issue <u>that involves an intrinsic evil, such as support for legal abortion
or the promotion of racism, may legitimately lead a voter to disqualify a
candidate from receiving support.</u></span><span>” <i>[emphasis
mine]</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-left: 1.5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span>§<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span>THAT is the forest that
lies beyond the tree of the one issue.<span>
</span>But wait, there’s more!</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-left: 1.5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span>§<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span>If we devalue life at
its beginning – when it is MOST vulnerable and in need of protection and care
and concern – it merely teaches us to devalue life at other points.<span> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-left: 2in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span>·<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span>If life at the beginning
is an “inconvenience,” it is not a big leap to think that the elderly, the
terminally ill – are an “inconvenience” – and if I can dispose of an
“inconvenience” in my womb – can’t I do the same with that sick, elderly lady
next door?<span> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-left: 1.5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span>§<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span>This is what abortion
teaches!<span> </span>And we keep providing the
lesson!</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span>But, let’s keep going –
why do I (and many people in the Church) believe that </span><span>this election really IS the most important election of
our day?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span>Because the basic belief on which our nation was
founded is being threatened.<span> </span>What basic
belief is that?<span> </span>The right of Religious
Freedom.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.ctcatholic.org/images/action_religious_freedom3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://www.ctcatholic.org/images/action_religious_freedom3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span>If you were forced to choose between our great country
and Jesus, which would you choose?<span> </span>THIS
is the issue, really.<span> </span>Praise God, we
have not had to make that decision… yet – but the time is coming – SOON – when
we WILL be forced to make that decision – and it will even hit us right here at
Saint Andrew’s.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span>Our Bishops – and the Catholic Church in the United
States, will very soon have to decide how to respond to the HHS (Health &
Human Services) mandate that requires us to provide health care coverage for
abortion causing drugs, sterilization and contraceptives to every
employee.<span> </span>(and do NOT be fooled – there
IS NO EXEMPTION!)<span> </span>(see the bishop’s
response to the vice-presidential debate)</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span>-<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span>YOU, the people
of Saint Andrew parish – will (in paying the bills of the parish) give part of
your weekly collection to provide for the availability of these services to
every one of our employees.<span> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span>-<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span>Part of your
school tuition will be used to pay for contraceptives and drugs that <u>purposefully</u>
cause the destruction of human life in the womb.<span> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span>-<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span>This is NOT just
a big Church issue – this issue hits every one of us sitting here in this
church today.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span>It goes BEYOND our firm belief in the intrinsic evil
of these acts (abortion and contraception & sterilization) – and it goes to
us – a Church - being FORCED, by the government, to provide something to which
we have a moral objection.<span> </span>Our nation
was founded on religious freedom – and that freedom is about to be violated –
if we don’t stand up and speak out.<span> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span>Who we elect will have a profound impact on whether
our religious freedoms are protected or violated; on whether our country will
continue to live the constitution – or if it will be thrown aside as a vestige
of principles that no longer apply to our lives.<span> </span></span><span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.ncregister.com/images/sized/images/uploads/CHAPUT-CNA%28web%29-255x254.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.ncregister.com/images/sized/images/uploads/CHAPUT-CNA%28web%29-255x254.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span>Archbishop Chaput asked
people for a show of hands – I might do the same – but instead, you answer in
your own mind… </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span>-<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span>are
you “more serious about being a Democrat than being a Catholic?”<span> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span>-<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span>Are
you “more serious about being a Republican than a Catholic?”<span> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span>-<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span>“All
of us should be more serious about being <b><u>Catholic</u></b>
than a Democrat or a Republican.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span>We can be!<span> </span>If we are not blinded by the tree in front of
us (of the economy, and taxes, and education funding, care for the poor) – and
begin to see the greater forest in front of us: the intrinsic evil of abortion
– and the violation of our religious freedom and conscience.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span>“Lord, I want to see,”
Bartimaeus called out to the Lord as He walked by.<span> </span>LORD, help US to see!<span> </span>Help us, by the light of Faith – to see the
forest, to step back from our single-most important issue – to see the forest –
to see how our participation in this wonderful democratic process is an
important way of living our Faith – protecting and respecting life and
religious freedom.<span> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span>Help us, O Lord, never
to turn a blind eye – but, with the courage of Bartimaeus, to ask your guidance
by the Light of Faith – to allow my Faith to cure my blindness – to see the
forest beyond the tree – to put my Catholic faith ahead of political affiliation
– to “Glorify God by my life.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
</blockquote>
Fr. Batemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08198471524251190188noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345030290346155390.post-5600984633396234422012-10-12T15:35:00.003-04:002012-10-12T15:35:37.136-04:00USCCB Responds to Inaccurate Statement at VP Debate<h1>
USCCB Responds To Inaccurate Statement Of Fact On HHS Mandate Made During Vice Presidential Debate</h1>
<div class="news-body">
<span class="news-date">October 12, 2012</span></div>
<div class="news-body">
<br />
</div>
<span>WASHINGTON—The U.S. Conference of
Catholic Bishops (USCCB) issued the following statement, October 12. </span><span>Full text follows:</span><br />
<br />
<span>Last night, the following statement was
made during the Vice Presidential debate regarding the decision of the U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to force virtually all employers
to include sterilization and contraception, including drugs that may cause abortion,
in the health insurance coverage they provide their employees:</span><br />
<blockquote>
<div>
<span>"With regard to the assault on the Catholic
Church,
let me make it absolutely clear. No religious institution—Catholic or
otherwise, including Catholic social services, Georgetown hospital,
Mercy
hospital, any hospital—none has to either refer contraception, none has
to pay
for contraception, none has to be a vehicle to get contraception in any
insurance policy they provide. That is a fact. That is a fact."</span></div>
</blockquote>
<span>This is not a fact. The HHS mandate contains
a narrow, four-part exemption for certain "religious employers." That exemption
was made final in February and does not extend to "Catholic social services,
Georgetown hospital, Mercy hospital, any hospital," or any other religious charity
that offers its services to all, regardless of the faith of those served.</span><br />
<br />
<span>HHS has proposed an additional "accommodation"
for religious organizations like these, which HHS itself describes as
"non-exempt." That proposal does not even potentially relieve these
organizations from the obligation "to pay for contraception" and "to be a
vehicle to get contraception." They will have to serve as a vehicle, because
they will still be forced to provide their employees with health coverage, and
that coverage will still have to include sterilization, contraception, and
abortifacients. They will have to pay for these things, because the premiums that
the organizations (and their employees) are required to pay will still be
applied, along with other funds, to cover the cost of these drugs and
surgeries.</span><br />
<br />
<span>USCCB continues to urge HHS, in the
strongest possible terms, actually to eliminate the various infringements on
religious freedom imposed by the mandate.</span><br />
<br />
<span>For more details, please see USCCB's
regulatory comments filed on May 15 regarding the proposed "accommodation": </span><a class="icon-pdf" href="http://www.usccb.org/about/general-counsel/rulemaking/upload/comments-on-advance-notice-of-proposed-rulemaking-on-preventive-services-12-05-15.pdf"><span>www.usccb.org/about/general-counsel/rulemaking/upload/comments-on-advance-notice-of-proposed-rulemaking-on-preventive-services-12-05-15.pdf</span></a><br />
<span>---</span><br />
<span>Keywords: vice presidential debate, HHS
mandate, U.S. bishops, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, insurance plans,
Catholic hospitals, charities, social services, sterilization, contraception,
religious liberty, USCCB</span><br />
<div align="center">
<span># # # # #</span></div>
<div>
<strong><span>MEDIA CONTACT
ONLY:</span></strong></div>
<div>
<span>Don Clemmer</span></div>
<div>
<span>O: 202-541-3206</span></div>
Fr. Batemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08198471524251190188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345030290346155390.post-52961484420968314962012-10-12T09:07:00.003-04:002012-10-12T09:07:14.871-04:00Principle of SubsidiarityA GREAT explanation of the Catholic principle of "subsidiarity" and how it applies to our national issues and debates and vote.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/jZFRXp7vKZI" width="640"></iframe></div>
Fr. Batemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08198471524251190188noreply@blogger.com0