Friday, June 29, 2012

Striving For "Nice" Can Land You In Hell

On Wednesday June 20th I posted a Vortex about the perils of being "nice" - especially at the expense of exhibiting true kindness which is always founded on total truth.  Of course Jesus Himself is the Way, Truth and Life and the Roman Catholic Church ministers the fullness of that Truth along with the graces of the Sacraments.

Here's another, where Voris contrasts "nice" with what it truly means to be the Church Militant.  Click here if you cannot see embedded video.

Friday, June 22, 2012

LCWR To Be De-Recognized??

Lifesite News reports that Cardinal Levada is proposing this as a viable option should LCWR continue barreling down their rebellious path with the same velocity as their vaunted bus.  Please read for yourselves.

To this I can only add a few things:
  • It's high time this happens.
  • While I hold to the above bullet, it's no secret that the orders that comprise the LCWR are dying.  Their average age is 74, and they have next to no new vocations.  The orders will die off anyway.
  • Replace this bunch with a conference of traditional sisters and nuns, faithful to the Magisterium and their vows and habits.  These orders are growing and vibrant.
  • Again I ask - who or what is funding that bus tour?

While we're at it with revamping the names of dissident cabals, I humbly suggest an alternative name for the so-called WATER bunch headed by Mary Hunt and Diane Neu.  How about Dissidents Reveling In Pernicious Sin - that is, DRIPS?

Thursday, June 21, 2012

LCWR Dissidents Gallavant Across The Country!

My friends and colleagues, Mary Ann Kreitzer and Stephanie Block, have written a bit about the LCWR's leadership's latest stunt: traipsing across the country on a "Nuns on a bus" tour, ostensibly to fight against poverty, for social justice and so on.  By the way - note Ms Kreitzer's point about that rather luxurious bus on which these "poverty-warriors" ride.  Wouldn't you love to know who's bank-rolling that thing?  I sure would!

Mary E. Hunt, a local feminist dissident (more on her later) wrote a piece called "We Are All Nuns".  Of course she voices full support of the LCWR - and in doing so, ememplifies very well (albeit unwittingly) just why the Vatican had no choice but to take corrective measures.  In her piece, she states quite plainly her regret that Obamacare didn't support baby-murder enough to satisfy her progressive (and rather blood-thirsty) proclivities, to wit: "More progressive feminist Catholics, myself included, rued the fact that the plan did not cover the full spectrum of reproductive health care—including abortion."  A few paragraphs down, she remarks rather humorously that someone asked her "What Bible do they read?"  "They" refers to the Magisterium.  Well, Ms. Hunt, it's quite apparent that the Magisterium reads the correct authentic Bible while you obviously read a cheap parody of the same!


Ms. Block's article features a footnote linking to the St Benedict Guild (another saint's name bastardized) that now sells shirts and tote bags with the "we are all nuns" theme.  Read through that litany very carefully and notice how they camouflage their progressivism with all sorts of "charitable" sounding slogans.   Peppered throughout the "orphanages", "abused children", "feed the hungry", you see the real agenda: planned parenthood, freedom of choice, same-sex marriage, ordination of women.  If nothing else, this shirt is prima facie evidence of their stratagems since the 1960s.


Now back to Mary E. Hunt herself - and why she completely lacks credibility when she speaks of things Catholic.  She is co-founder of something called "Women's Alliance for Theology, Ethics and Ritual" - WATER, for short.  They are headquartered in Silver Spring MD - a few blocks from the Planned Parenthood at which many of us offer Christian witness.  I've long held that Montgomery County MD is basically a liberal loony-bin, and the discovery of WATER's existence strengthens my impression.  As you look on the links you'll see many dissident organizations, including Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice.  Look at her biography and that of the other co-founder, Diane Neu.  Notice how "Jesuit" and "Berkeley" are sprinkled throughout.  You'll also notice that Hunt and Neu are embroiled in a lesbian relationship - a situation inherently mortally sinful.  No Catholic credibility do they have whatsoever.

Pray for Hunt, Neu and their LCWR cronies.  It appears that they're all on a bus that's headed to warm subterranean places.  Pray that they get off that "bus" and into confessionals before that bus arrives at its final station.

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Perils Of Being "Nice"

A friend of mine once said that "nice is a word NOT found in the Bible".  He was spot-on.  Yet so many in the Church are obsessed with being "nice" - to the point of actually undermining the salvation of souls.

See what ChurchMilitant.tv (formerly known as Real Catholic TV) has to say of the matter.  Click here if you can't see embedded video.

Excellent Homily Regarding The Looming Threats To Religious Freedom

This homily was delivered at the 11:15 Mass at St John Neumann Church in Gaithersburg on June 17th - yes, the same church that published the inane apology in that day's bulletin.  The deacon started off by quoting the Gettysburg Address as delivered by President Abraham Lincoln.  He made the point of emphasizing Lincoln's references to God, and to God's prominent place in the foundation of this nation.  It wasn't until then that I realized that I should be recording the homily - so here it is, picking up after the Gettysburg comments.

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Pillamina! The Star Of The Obama Campaign!!

Uh, oh!   Obama's Minions Most Mindless are breaking out the BIG GUNS!  Romney and the GOP might as well throw in the towel right now  because they ain't got no chance now!  Why?  Here comes (drum roll and trumpets, please!)

PILLAMINA!

Woo-hoo!  Just watch how this new pro-abort icon exhibits all the crass class that is typical of Planned Parenthood.  Yes, it is they who are responsible for Pillamina and her antics - in other words, just another example of our tax dollars - hard(ly) at work.  Click here if you can't see embedded video.



No sane/rational person could make up that crap!!

Lifesite News informs us that Pillamina might follow Romney on the campaign trail.  Well I'm sure Romney must be shaking in his boots at the thought - from laughter, that is!  All he has to do is point out that woman in her get-up as one of the more harmless (if nitwit) examples of how Planned Parenthood funding is an utter waste of taxpayers' dollars.

Saturday, June 16, 2012

A Most Puzzling "Apology" From St John Neumann Church In Gaithersburg

When I was looking online yesterday at my church's bulletin for Mass announcements, I realized I was looking at the June 17th bulletin, one that I'd normally pick up at tomorrow's Mass.   In other words, it has not yet appeared in print.  I was rather taken aback to see this "apology" from the pastor.  It is as follows (on page 2):

"The last three weekends, an article appeared in our bulletin regarding the Health and Human Services Mandate and Religious Freedom. While I agree with our Bishops in the goal of overturning the mandate and agree that we should take an active part as citizens in protecting our freedoms, I regret the tone of those articles and the hyperbolic language used in those articles. As the Church founded by Our Lord, we should speak the truth in charity. These articles did not conform to that requirement."

I had recalled seeing that statement and thought nothing to be amiss.  However, given this "apology", I thought I should take another look at the previous week's (June 10th) bulletin.  Here is the blurb from that bulletin (from page 3):  (Note - the embolded portions reflect the formatting in the bulletin)

"As the 2012 Presidential campaign ramps up, the mainstream media are ramping up their efforts to bury the issue of religious liberty, to forget the outrage over the HHS mandates, and to shift the focus to a trumped up "War on Women." Your partnership with StopHHS.com IS INSURING THAT the mainstream media WILL NOT be the sole voice forming public opinion. We must rely on alternative media like Catholic and evangelical radio, social media, EWTN to keep interested citizens informed. Thisneglect, this omission is severe: The mainstream press utterly ignored the timely document released in the last few weeks by the US Conference of Catholic Bishops entitled "Our First, Most Cherished Liberty." In spite of the fact that this was the USCCB's first major document since the beginning of the conflict and, in spite of the fact, that the USCCB is a, if not, the principle party in this conflict, the press couldn't bring itself to even mention the Bishops attempt to frame this discussion. The Bishops lucidly and charitably interpret the history of religious persecution in America, offer a candid assessment of where we standtoday, and issue a clarion call to fight back with "all the energies the Catholic community can muster." That call includes a "fortnight for freedom" from June 21 to July 4, in which the Bishops ask that individual dioceses arrange special events to highlight the importance of defending our first freedom. They ask Catholic institutions to do the same, especially in cooperation with fellow Christians, Jews, people of other faiths, and indeed, all who wish to defend our most cherished freedom. Stay tuned to StopHHS.com for more on these particular events as plans develop, but in preparation for this fortnight for freedom. On March 23, we had over 140 cities and 65,000 Americans take to the streets to demand that our religious liberty be restored. We are committed to increasing those numbers so that the media and our fellow citizens can no longer ignore this injustice. As the Bishops have written, "we will not - we cannot - permit the HHS Mandate to stand." Please visit StandUpForReligiousFreedom.com to find locations in your area OR to volunteer to be a rally captain in your town. A special word to Catholic laymen and laywomen: We are finally fulfilling what the Fathers of the Second Vatican Council intended us to be: Responsibility for the temporal affairs of our nation is the responsibility of the laity. We are called to be good neighbors and good citizens. We do that best when we embrace our identity as citizens of heaven and take seriously our call to be ambassadors of Christ, ministers of reconciliation and bearers of the good news. If the HHS mandate is permitted to stand the federal government will have arrogated to itself the power to determine what is and what is not an authentically Catholic institution. Lay driven Catholic entities like Catholic Social Services, Catholic Charities, Catholic Universities, Catholic Media and Catholic Hospitals are a vital part of Catholic witness to the love and mercy, wisdom and power of Jesus. We can't let Caesar limit Christ's ministry. This has happened in the Soviet Union. It is happening in China. Will it be permitted to happen in the United States? For the latest on the Pro-Life movement in this area you can log on to www.prayforgermantown.org."

How on earth is this article NOT "truth in charity"?  Where is all this objectionable "tone" and "hyperbole"?  Let's be crystal clear. Every word - and I mean EVERY - is accurate.  So the article is not necessarily couched in nicey-nice-nice kiddie talk.  So what???  Ladies and gentlemen, it's way past time to "man up" or "woman up" as the case may be - or more accurately, it's high time we grow up and face the stark reality that is breathing down our necks.  There can be no "truth in charity" if the truth is not spoken in a plain, complete and unabashed manner; else you have falsehood and any "charity" will in fact be a mere exercise in maudlin sentimentality.

If there is anything regrettable in the bulletin, it's this apology.  I don't know what impelled it, but I do intend to get to the bottom of this.  Meanwhile, if anyone else has any inkling, please advise via the comments.

Friday, June 15, 2012

USCCB Applauds Obama's Disregard Of The Constitution

In March of 2011, when asked by some students whether or not he would enforce immigration laws, President Obama pointed out that "America is a nation of laws" and his job as president was to enforce those laws.  On that occasion he spoke correctly.

Fast forward to present times.  Lo and behold, times do change!  Read to the bottom of that last link.  This is no surprise; we've come to expect that from the Messiah Most Miserable.

What is disappointing (although not too terribly surprising) is that the USCCB is applauding this about-face of Obama's.  I can think of two reasons, both which I think are in play here.
  1. The USCCB and the progressives that infest its halls (yes, Kevin Appleby is one of them) continue to look for ways to promote the liberal agenda.
  2. The USCCB has taken the step of distancing itself from the Obama regime over the HHS mandate.  Perhaps by this maneuver they seek to mollify their Democratic moneybags and to let them know that they aren't straying too far from the plantation.
If the bishops expect to be respected (if not loved) by the political powers-that-be, they must stop looking for opportunities to grovel and kiss up to the establishment.  How can they, on one hand, insist that Obama respect the Constitution when it comes to the First Amendment while on the other hand they applaud Obama's disrespect of the Constitution when it comes to the presidential responsibility to enforce the nation's laws?

 Let them be bishops instead of political sheep.

NBC's Nancy Snyderman - Channelling Adolf Hitler??

Click here if you can't see embedded video.  And pay close attention at the 1:24 to 1:34 marks!

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Unborn Baby Girls - In The Crosshairs In Hawaii

When Live Action's first expose came out regarding a Texas abortuary, Planned Parenthood tried to pass it off as one of their staff "not following policy".  Now that a fourth bunch of mills have been caught approving the murder of girls simply because they're girls, we don't hear such loud protestations of their feminism now, do we?  Click here if you can't see embedded video.

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Video Of DC's Rally This Past Friday

Below is video from the Stand Up For Religious Freedom rally last Friday in DC, within view of the Capitol. All the speakers are to be thanked for their time, but Father Proporsky, the first speaker, fell into a bit of a booby trap at the 4:00 mark.  He extolled a poster of Norman Rockwell's entitled "Freedom To Worship".  It's true that in the 1940s there was no thought of relegating First Amendment religious rights to "worship" only, but there most certainly is an insidious effort along those lines now.

At around the 30:00 mark, listen very closely to the former POW.  He makes the point that those who propose a "new world order" must crush religion, for such a government cannot brook a higher moral/social order than itself.  I've never supported such a cockamaney notion and have long said that the United Nations should be abolished with all haste and without ceremony.

I also point out Trent Frank's comments at the 45:00 mark.  He's quite correct in saying that if Obama wins in November, then all hell (I mean that literally) will break loose.  That means we get behind the GOP nominee - now!

The clip will now follow this jump break.

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

ADW - Starting The "Fortnight" On The Wrong Foot

First, I thank Kurt, the commenter on my Fortnight announcement for alerting me to this Archdiocesan gaffe. They are starting off the two-week period with a "celebration" on Sunday June 24th at George Washington University.  Everything Kurt says about GW is true - and then some!

GW is a bastion for progressive brainwashing of young people.  It has a pro-abortion group called "Voices for Choices".  As you look at this website, you'll notice a tab called "clinic escorting".  They actively recruit for the DC-area "clinic escorts", that is, accessories to baby murder.  I am all too aware of their presence at the death mills.  Fortunately they don't seem to stick around; the reality of what they're doing no doubt is a stark contrast to the fables that "Voices" feeds them.

Moreover, GW is the lurking ground for law professer John Banzhaf.  If the name rings a bell, it's because twice last year, he filed two frivolous lawsuits against the Catholic University of America.  Between last October and November, I wrote about a lawsuit he filed ostensibly on behalf of some Muslim students for not having rooms without Catholic symbols so that they could engage in Muslim prayers.  I said "ostensibly" because the students themselves had no interest in this lawsuit; they apparently had the good sense to realize that at a Catholic institution one can expect to find Catholic symbols.  Earlier in June he had filed suit against CU when the latter re-instituted single-sex dorms, claiming discrimination.  In November the DC Human Rights Commission tossed that suit in the junk-heap.

And the Archdiocese wants to pay thousands to George Washington University?  Speaking of Catholic University, don't they have large enough facilities for such a celebration, such as a basket ball stadium?  In these days when institutions like GW have us in their sights, why give them Catholic money?  Why not give it to another Catholic institution, especially one that has had its share of barbs heaved its way?

The ADW should have done better than that.  I pray that they reconsider.

Sunday, June 10, 2012

The Picket Of Shriver's Appearance At Blessed Sacrament Today

Alright, I'll say this up front.  There were only two of us protesting today's scandal at Blessed Sacrament in DC's Chevy Chase neighborhood.  However, isn't it usually the case that the number of demonstrators protesting a given debacle is less than the number of attendees at said debacle?  Well, I understand that today there wasn't that much difference!

The two of us stayed on the corner of Western Avenue and Quesada St.  We had signs along Quesada and we passed out the flyer that you see to the right.  It was about noon when a man came from the event to report what happened.  He said that there were only 8-10 people up there and that he and his family went there to question Shriver on his pro-abortion proclivities.  He also mentioned that the three parish priests were in attendance, as well as the parish librarian who invited Shriver.  She is the one who had invited Chris Matthews a few months ago - causing us to conclude that some more pastoral oversight might be in order with regards to the guests that she invites.

I didn't think to ask if that "8-10" person figure included his family and/or the parish staff.  For the sake of present discussion, let's suppose that the 8-10 people were folks in addition to his family and parish staff.  That still means that at the maximum, only 18 pairs of ears were listening to whatever Mark Shriver was saying.  I hope that his book sales were equally paltry.

The man's relatives soon emerged.  His sister reported that she asked Shriver if he shared his late father's pro-life convictions.  Shriver answered that it was one area in which he did not agree with his father.  He tried to answer that question quickly, but he did reiterate for the record his approval of baby-murder, in front of the pastor and priests who blew off our earlier pleas.

As I said, we distributed flyers - both in person and on cars.  Some people were obviously pro-abortion themselves (presumably including the individual who saw fit to steal one of our signs).  Others were just as appalled as we regarding Shriver's appearance.  One couple remarked that they too had tried to contact the pastor, but to no avail.  Perhaps further feedback from these parishioners will succeed where we failed.

On the flyer, I stated our prayers and hopes that there is never another such ridiculous pandering to pro-aborts as the two incidents we've now had.  Will we have to picket again?  That's entirely up to the Blessed Sacrament staff.

Saturday, June 9, 2012

Christians Should Vote For Romney Because Judges Matter

The above is the title of an article written by Matt Barber, Vice President of Liberty Counsel Action.  I first read it in yesterday's op-ed section of the Washington Times and now Life News carries it as well.  Please read it.  I couldn't agree with him more and I don't think I can say it better than he.

The last few lines deserve special emphasis, so I'll quote them here.  "My friend and colleague Cynthia Dunbar, a law professor at Liberty University School of Law, recently wrote: “In this election year, we find ourselves with only three realistic courses of action: 1) Don’t vote; 2) vote for Obama; or 3) vote for Romney.

It’s simple: A Christian nonvote is a vote for Mr. Obama in that it fails to affirmatively cancel out an Obama vote. Furthermore, any Christian who votes for Mr. Obama will get to take that up with God.
This leaves us with our third and final choice: Christians must vote for Mitt Romney. A second Obama term is simply unacceptable. We won’t survive it."

I'll be frank.  I've been hearing too much foolish jibber-jabber about "3rd parties (I don't give a rat's rump what the reason is!)" and "stay at home".  Given the stakes that we face, neither of these is morally acceptable.  I believe they constitute sins against the virtue of prudence.  Later there will be time to discuss policies and priorites, but that must wait until the November elections.  Right now the priority is Obama's defeat.  We dare not fail.

Friday, June 8, 2012

Wednesday Morning, At DNC Headquarters..

They do get a lot of mileage out of these Hitler clips.  I cannot help but think that this is rather representative of many DNC meetings this week.  Click here if you can't see embedded video.

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Divine Mercy Chaplet At Spring Street

A few weeks ago, one of our creative and resourceful pro-lifers devised a way to broadcast much-need prayer in front of that place of darkness and death.  The Divine Mercy Chaplet, beseaching God to "have mercy on us and on the whole world" is so very appropriate.  Click here if you can't see embedded video.

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Picket! Mark Shriver To Be Honored At Blessed Sacrament!

Several months ago we picketed Blessed Sacrament Church in Washington DC (just east of Chevy Chase Circle) when they allowed raving pro-abortion Chris Matthews to peddle his book on church grounds.  I thank the person who commented on my report to alert us that apparently Blessed Sacrament has not yet seen the errors behind letting pro-abortion celebrities use Catholic grounds to promote themselves.

This Sunday, June 10th, again at 11:30am in the parish library, they're letting Mark Shriver peddle his wares on Catholic property.  You can see the mess announced on the church web site.  A sad ironic twist to this is that he wrote the book to honor his parents.  Most people will recall that Eunice Kennedy Shriver was most likely the only Kennedy who did not sell out her faith to promote the baby-murder known as abortion.  Most of her family - including Mark - promote baby-murder.  Thus it can be opined that Mark Shriver, in his embrace of abortion, dishonors his parents.

We will be there, as we were several months ago, to speak truth to the lie that "one can be pro-abortion and Catholic".   Please join us!

Another Abortion Mill Targets Little Girls (Surprise!)

Again we thank Live Action for their exposes.  Click here if you can't see embedded video.

Walker's Victory (And Ours)

With gratitude to God I greeted the news that Wisconsin's pro-life governor Scott Walker won yesterday's recall election.  He garnered 53% of the vote to Barrett's 46%.  The pro-union and community-organizing types took well-deserved black eyes in this election.

I notice, though, that some of my fellow Catholics were less than pleased by Walker's victory.  For example, there were the 25 Jesuits from Wisconsin that signed the recall petition.  Jesuits?  Well, that explains a lot.  Then there were the four Catholic sisters who must have been twice as convinced as the other petition signers that Walker should go.  I say "twice" because that's how many times each of these "good Sisters" signed the petition.  Naughty-naughty, Sisters!  And shame on all of you for preferring the pro-abortion Barrett over a pro-life governor!

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

How About A "Fortnight Of Truth"?

That's a very good question asked in today's episode of the Vortex.  This follows nicely on yesterday's post (immediately preceding this one).  The link mentioned by Voris is at the bottom of yesterday's post (along with the links to the two key papal encyclicals).  Click here if you can't see embedded video.

Monday, June 4, 2012

Contraception = The Spirit Of Abortion

Lifesite News pubished an article written about the realization of Sarah Nelson that she was partaking in a "spirit of abortion" through her embrace of contraceptives.  I encourage all to read it, for Ms Nelson addresses this issue not only with honesty, but equally commendable clarity.

A few days ago, I was on Jill Stanek's blog and posted that the acceptance of contraception opened the doors to abortion, as they both stem from the hellish anti-life mentality.  It was quite disheartening to read the admission of some that they use contraception - and these are "pro-life" folks.  I think I'll recommend to them Ms. Nelson's article.

Three years ago, some Christian professors (at least one of them Catholic) drew up a document called the Manhattan Declaration.  On the surface, it appears to be a fairly exhaustive treatment of the various social, moral and spiritual ills that threaten to bring about the collapse of western civilization.  I say "fairly" and not "complete" for there is one glaring omission.  In that entire document, the word "contraception" is not to be found.  For that reason, I and several others did not sign it.  To this day, the authors of the Manhattan Declaration have not seen fit to correct that most gross of moral errors.  I understand that these authors are speaking out on the HHS mandates - mandates that focus on contraception.  Is that irony entirely lost on them??

Ladies and gentlemen, let's be clear.  Unless we (and by that I mean pro-life Christians) finally acknowledge that hulking "elephant in the living room" known as contraception, any gain we make in the pro-life area will be, at best, minuscule.  How can God hear our prayers and bless our efforts to end abortion if we ourselves harbor the "spirit of abortion" in our own hearts?  (Hint: read Psalm 66:18).

By the way - Real Catholic TV compiled a page of their resources on the evils of contraception.  Take a look.  There is also, of course, Humanae Vitae and Evangelium Vitae.

Sunday, June 3, 2012

We Are The Church Militant!

If the above statement seems "too extreme" for the "kinder, gentler, nice" types, I'd suggest you get on your knees and pray (throw in a bit of repentance too).  Click here if you can't see embedded video.  The link to the Holy Father's complete address is http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/speeches/2012/may/documents/hf_ben-xvi_spe_20120521_pranzo-cardinali_en.html

Saturday, June 2, 2012

PRENDA Defeated - With A Surprise Twist AND Another LA Video

Although a majority of Representatives voted to pass the Prenatal Non-Discrimination Act, it did not achieve the two-thirds vote necessary for passage.  Here is the roll call.  Most of the Democrats opposed it and most of the Republicans supported it.  That's no surprise at all.

What is the surprise - and I hope an eye-opener - is one of the Republicans who opposed PRENDA.  That's Ron Paul, alright!  I hope this dispels forever the canard that he is 100% pro-life.

The Messiah Most Miserable made very clear his opposition to this bill that would have prevented abortions targeted at a specific race and gender.  In doing so, he and his lackeys made plain who is waging the real "war on women". 

What is another "non-surprise" is that another Planned Parenthood facility (this one in New York City) was caught by Live Action as facilitating the abortions of baby girls simply because they're girls!  Is that the real face of modern feminism?  Such seems to be the case.  I wonder if PP will try to make a "sacrificial scape-goat" out of this counselor?  Click here if you can't see embedded video.