What Bishops have said about Obama and Notre Dame

A HIGHLIGHT OF SELECTED QUOTES by several AMERICAN BISHOPS speaking up against the scheduled invitation of President Barrack Hussein Obama to the commencement of Notre Dame, where he is expected to receive an honorary degree.

www.NotreDameScandal.com

Bishop Thomas Doran - Rockford, IL: (strongest words yet)...rescind this unfortunate decision...avoid dishonoring the practicing Catholics of the United States. Please have the decency to change the name of the University to something like, “The Fighting Irish College” or “Northwestern Indiana Humanist University.” It is truly obscene for you to take such decisions as you have done in a university named for our Blessed Lady, whom the Second Vatican Council called the Mother of the Church. Bps Martino & Dougherty - Scranton, PA:...demeans, we believe, the intelligent urgency exercised by the nation’s bishops in this matter.

WATCH YOUTUBE VIDEO by REAL CATHOLIC TV

Bishop Thomas Olmsted - Phoenix, AZ: It is a public act of disobedience to the Bishops of the United States... No one could not know of the public stands and actions of the president on key issues opposed to the most vulnerable human beings. ArchBishop John J. Myers - Newark,NJ: {to award honors, awards etc...} create{s} the perception that we endorse their public positions on these issues. We cannot justify such actions, and the Bishops have stated so clearly and strongly.

WATCH YOUTUBE VIDEO by RANDALL TERRY

Cardinal Daniel DiNardo - Galveston/Houston: I find the invitation very disappointing... the fundamental moral issue of the inestimable worth of the human person from conception to natural death is a principle that soaks all our lives as Catholics, and all our efforts at formation, especially education at Catholic places of higher learning. The president has made it clear by WORD and DEED that he will promote abortion and will remove even those LIMITED sanctions that control this ACT OF VIOLENCE against the HUMAN PERSON.... this decision requires charitable but vigorous critique. Bishop Cardinal Francis George, President USCCB: Whatever else is clear, it is clear that Notre Dame didn’t understand what it means to be Catholic when they issued this invitation,"......when you’re Catholic, everything you do changes the life of everybody else who calls himself a personal Catholic – it’s a network of relationships. ArchBishop Eusebius Beltran, Oklahoma City, OK: I am appalled, disappointed and scandalized! Notre Dame University has certainly turned against the Catholic Church.... Bishop William Lori - Bridgeport, CT: “Notre Dame extended this invitation unilaterally, seemingly without regard for the consequences for the mission of the Catholic Church in the United States. It is contrary to the efforts of bishops, parish priests, and laity to resist the anti-life decisions, policies, and legislation promoted by the Obama administration.

www.NotreDameScandal.com

Twins -- one aborted, one survives!

Twenty-nine years ago, my mother decided to have an abortion. At the time, she was pregnant with twins, but nobody knew this, not even her doctor. My tiny brother and I were both there growing in her womb, until that dreadful day. Before the abortion, we were both alive. Moments later, I was alone. It's frightening to think I was almost aborted when my mom had a D&C abortion. Somehow, miraculously, I survived! My twin brother wasn't so lucky. Andrew was aborted and we lost him forever.

Several weeks later, my mother was shocked to feel me kicking in her womb. She already had five children and she knew what it felt like when a baby kicked in the womb. She instantly knew that somehow she was still pregnant. She went back to the doctor and told him she was still pregnant...that she had made a big mistake and that she wanted to keep this baby.

To this day, my mother deeply regrets that abortion. I know the pain is unbearable for her at times when she looks at me and knows she aborted my twin brother. Mom says 'the protective hand of Almighty God saved my life . . . that God's hand covered and hid me in her womb, and protected me from the scalpel of death...

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

URBI ET ORBI Easter 2009 - click HERE to watch VIDEO

As he does every Christmas and Easter, Pope Benedict the XVI speaks to the World in his message URBI et ORBI - to the City and to the WORLD! WATCH THE VIDEO BY CLICKING HERE

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Rome and throughout the world,

From the depths of my heart, I wish all of you a blessed Easter. To quote Saint Augustine, “Resurrectio Domini, spes nostra — the resurrection of the Lord is our hope” (Sermon 261:1). With these words, the great Bishop explained to the faithful that Jesus rose again so that we, though destined to die, should not despair, worrying that with death life is completely finished; Christ is risen to give us hope (cf. ibid.). Indeed, one of the questions that most preoccupies men and women is this: what is there after death? To this mystery today’s solemnity allows us to respond that death does not have the last word, because Life will be victorious at the end. This certainty of ours is based not on simple human reasoning, but on a historical fact of faith: Jesus Christ, crucified and buried, is risen with his glorified body. Jesus is risen so that we too, believing in him, may have eternal life. This proclamation is at the heart of the Gospel message. As Saint Paul vigorously declares: “If Christ has not been raised, our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain.”....

READ MORE in several LANGUAGES

Message URBI ET ORBI of his Holiness Benedict XVI - EASTER 2009 - ENGLISH

Mensaje URBI ET ORBI de su Santidad Benedicto XVI - PASCUA 2009 - ESPAÑOL

Messaggio URBI ET ORBI del Santo Padre Benedetto XVI - PASQUA 2009 - ITALIANO

Botschaft und segen "URBI ET ORBI" von Papst Benedikt XVI. - OSTERN 2009 - DEUTSCH

La Eucaristía

Sin la fuerza que viene de la Eucaristía no se puede vivir ninguna vida eucarística.

Pensar lo contrario, que sin Eucaristía, sin participación activa, viva de la Misa, sin adoración al Santísimo se puede lograr cualquier cosa es simple voluntarismo. El Señor ha dicho: sin mí nada podréis. En la Eucaristía, Jesús nos habla. Te llena de paz, de serenidad, de esperanza. No podría vivir sin la Eucaristía definitivamente, y me encantaría asistir más a menudo a la misma. Salgo totalmente renovada y llena de fe y confianza en el Señor, segura de su total y absoluta protección y guía, para mí y para los míos. (comentario de un usuario de Facebook)

Leer mas sobre la Eucaristia

Easter - the Reason - the greatest event in HIS-story

¡Felices Pascuas! - Buona Pasqua - Schöni Oschtere - Sretan Uskrs - Joyeuses Pâques - Frohe Ostern - Blessed Easter! Jesus Christ has risen, let us rejoice and be glad.

Today we celebrate the most important event in the history of the world. Jesus' bodily resurrection is the exclamation point of our faith. May we follow His example and be witnesses of this greatest news ever told to others.

Jesus has truly risen! Alleluia!... Alleluia!... Alleluia!

What powerful words! This Sunday around the world people will be worshiping and praising the Lord, singing songs with words that say:

"Christ the Lord is Risen Today," "Worthy is the Lamb," "Because He Lives I can face tomorrow," "My Redeemer Lives,""Christ Arose," and "Mighty To Save."

May you and I never forget the chorus from "Christ Arose" by Robert Lowry which says:Up from the grave He arose With a mighty triumph o'er His foes; He arose a victor from the dark domain, And He lives forever with His saints to reign; He arose! He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose!

He's Alive. He arose. Jesus Christ defeated the enemy! Praise the Lord! Regardless of your personal circumstances, may you turn your eyes back to your Lord and praise His Holy Name for what He has done for you and for ALL.

Jesus Christ paid the price, and shed His Blood for each of us to receive forgiveness of our sins and receive His redemption. Today you have a choice, to serve your Lord and continue to pray, to Walk in faith, trusting and believing in your Lord God's mighty power.

Despite fears of failure, Christ has already succeeded. In the midst of terrible temptation, Christ has already conquered sin. During terrible pain and suffering, Christ has brought hope. We have no reason for eternal sorrow, only eternal joy.

It is Easter that gives our pains, both chosen and inflicted, meaning. Often times we forget about this hope Christ has won for us. When bogged down with research papers, daily assignments, or semester projects, it is easy to dwell on the pains of life. When we see our peers making harmful choices, or encounter a lack of charity in our culture, and when we ourselves cannot overcome a temptation, it is difficult to hope for a happy ending. But, if we deny there is one, or forget to hope for one, we are living a life without Easter. We are denying the gift which was purchased at such an incredible price: Hope!

Click HERE for the VATICAN WEBSITE for Pope Benedict XVI's words on Hope

My Highlights of Lent/Easter 2009 - Rome, Madrid, Switzerland -

MADRID, SPAIN

I am in the city of Madrid on a sort of RETREAT. I am looking over the sanctuary of a beautiful Church where my room has a sort of secret door that can be opened to this holy beauty. I participated in the Holy Week procession of the World Youth Day cross thru the streets of Madrid.

See PHOTOS of the Good Friday Procession

While in Madrid I also was asked to sing the Great EXSULTET at the Easter Vigil.... aka El Pregon Pascual. First off I was asked to do it in Spanish, secondly to Sing it. But at the last second a professional showed up. Nonetheless I rehearsed and rehearsed and here is what it is suppose to sound like in ENGLISH and another one in SPANISH, I will stay in Madrid on retreat with some occasional work in preparation for World Youth Day Madrid 2011

ROME, ITALY

Before Madrid I made some family visits to Milan and surrounding areas. It was a gorgeous train ride and wonderful time with family. (totally providentially, I was clueless that it was the anniversary) But when I arrived in Rome I went straight to the MASS honoring the death of Pope John Paul II. It was celebrated by Pope Benedict XVI and maybe 5 Bishops, a lot of Cardinals and many Priests and Pilgrims from around the world. There were rumors that he would be beatified there; but no luck. After this I was part of an audience with the Holy Father and the Diocese of Madrid. As well as PALM Sunday Mass with the Pope and the exchanging of the World Youth Day cross from the Diocese of Sydney, Australia, and Madrid, Spain.

SEE PHOTOS of POPE and ROME

POMPEII, ITALY

I was invited to see the famous city of POMPEII, in August 24, 79 A.D. the city was buried by the eruption of nearby Mt. Vesuvius. Most people fled the eruption at the start, but an estimated 2000 people were buried in the eruption along with the city. Pompeii was buried under some 25 feet of volcanic material which preserved it. Now it is a archeological and tourist site to see an ancient Roman City still preserved and continually more is being discovered. I also got to visit the neighboring town of NAPLES

SEE PHOTOS of POMPEII and NAPLES

SWITZERLAND

Before Rome I was on a 21 day adventure in Switzerland. Upon arriving I was promptly given a hat that said "I Like Switzerland" (it's cool). I also received my schedule for the next 17 days. It was filled with over

30 talks/retreats at parishes, schools, monasteries, radio stations and praye groups all over Switzerland. The main event is giving 2 talks at their annual World Youth Day, not to be confused with the international gathering that happens every three with the Pope. The mission was excellent, the feedback was touching, and the views were outstanding.

SEE PHOTOS of SWITZERLAND

WHO KNOWS WHAT'S NEXT

As a result of this trip, possibilities have arisen to go to Germany, Austria, and Poland. As usual, wherever the next trip, the mission is "ALL FOR THE GREATER GLORY of GOD"... "FIND A NEED, FILL A NEED", and it will be at the service of the Jesus Christ, His Good News of Salvation, and His Church on Earth. Doing it all abandoned to the Providence and Will of God. To be prayerful, and frequenting the Sacraments of the Eucharist and Confession frequently. So we'll see what comes next. Wherever it is, it will involve the faith and technology... "the Techno Missionary" as some say.. ha! I think that's funny. Sounds catchy though. I look forward to sharing the adventures, glory stories and memorable moments with you that will surely ensue in these next few weeks or months.

Pope Speaks on the Effects of the Eucharist

ON HOLY THURSDAY the Pope Speaks on the Effects of the Eucharist. The Eucharistic mystery, a gift of love born from Jesus' "transformation" of the bread into "communion with himself," meant to be "the start of the transformation of the world – into a world of resurrection, a world of God. Yes, it is about transformation – of the new man and the new world that find their origin in the bread that is consecrated, transformed, transubstantiated."...It was 'today' that He did this: he gave himself to us for ever in the Sacrament of his Body and Blood. This 'today' is first and foremost the memorial of that first Paschal event. Yet it is something more. With the Canon, we enter into this 'today'. Our today comes into contact with his today. He does this now. With the word 'today', the Church’s Liturgy wants us to give great inner attention to the mystery of this day, to the words in which it is expressed. We therefore seek to listen in a new way to the institution narrative, in the form in which the Church has formulated it, on the basis of Scripture and in contemplation of the Lord himself...

READ MORE HERE

Seven Principles of Catholic Social Teaching

Catholic social teaching is complex, linked with changing social conditions and deepening understandings of both the work of God in history and ethical principles. Nevertheless, this complexity can be summarized imperfectly in terms of seven key principles of Catholic social teaching. The following are highlights: READ FULL ARTICLE HERE I. Respect the Human Person - The foundation for Catholic social thought is the proper understanding and value of the human person. In a sense, all Catholic social teachings articulate the ethical implications of a proper understanding of the dignity of the person. Each and every human being, as a child of God, has certain immunities from harm by others and merits certain kinds of treatment. In particular, the Church has been forceful in defending the right to life of every single innocent human being from conception to natural death. II. Promote the Family - The human person is not simply an individual but is also a member of a community. Failing to acknowledge the community aspect leads to a radical individualism. III. Protect Property Rights - Catholic social teaching has defended the right to private property against the claim that the state should own all things. Private property is essential to human flourishing. IV. Work for the Common Good - only together as a community, and not simply as isolated individuals, is it possible to enjoy, achieve, and spread this good. All people are obligated to work towards making the common good a greater and greater reality. V. Observe the Principle of Subsidiarity - Some Christian thinkers conceive of the state or government as being established simply to repress evil desires and evil people. In Catholic thought, the government also has a more positive role, namely to help secure common good. The government has many necessary and indispensable functions to play, roles that cannot be accomplished by individuals acting alone or even by smaller groups in society. The government should no intervene to attempt to alleviate all problems. A welfare or "nanny" state, offering cradle-to-grave security and attempting to provide for all human needs, expands the state beyond its proper scope and violates the principle of subsidiarity. All Catholics are obliged to work to find solutions to contemporary social problems in light of the Gospel and their best practical wisdom. VI. Respect Work and the Worker - God not only creates man but puts him to work naming the animals and caring for the garden. Obviously, this task was not given to Adam because God was too tired to finish the job. Rather, human work participates in and reflects God's creative and providential care of the universe. Furthermore, workers are not mere drones, means to the production of capital for owners, but must be respected and accorded the opportunity to form unions to secure collectively a just compensation. VII. Pursue Peace and Care for the Poor - Peace means more than just an absence of violent conflict. Peace is the "tranquility of order" in Augustine's phrase. War between nations may be necessary at times — but solely in order to restore peace. This just order of society also includes solicitude for the poor. Not only the direct or indirect effects of individual actions, but also wise social policies are necessary for a just ordering of society, social policies that must take into account the likely effect on the poor.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE

My ROAD-JOURNAL - Week 1 Switzerland

Switzerland has been amazing. I have traveled alot, but never seen mountains like these in my LIFE! WOWW...mamma-mia! Holy Moses! (I just heard that one tonight and had to share it with you all). If anyone ever needs an idea for a awesome travel destination (retreat, vacation, honeymoon)... ENGELBERG just his the top of the list in my book. (Of course I also think Greece is great and hear that Lebanon rocks too. But seeing is believing (when is God gonna send me to Lebanon to see it??? who knows).

OK..back to the Angel Mountain (aka EngelBerg) Here is a photo of Engelberg on the left. This shot is taken on the way to a Benedictine Monastery where I was

speaking.

Mountain views, good food, great faith communities like The Beatitudes as well as been to the Benedictine Monastery in Engleberg. The Benedictines also have a house in Idaho, USA and a website for the USA HOUSE. I have also gone to the tomb of the Patron Saint of Switzerland St. "Bruder Klaus" and who is very significant in European history. LEARN more at: http://www.bruderklaus.com. I have also had the fun of some radio interviews (Radio Gloria as well as Life Radio. I have also given talks at schools and great prayer groups like "Cellules Mariales D'Evangelisation" and also a great weekly prayer nights called ADORAY.

See MORE PHOTOS of the Switzerland Trip and others, check out my FACEBOOK GROUP PAGE and see the album Mission Switzerland

World Youth Day 2009 Weltjugendtag - Grenchen

WILLKOMMEN BEIM WETLJUGENDTAG This year Switzerland is having their annual World Youth Day in the town of Grenchen, Switzerland. March 27-29. Pope John Paul II started World Youth Days (WYD) as an international encounter for youth. This has taken place every three years at different appointed locations around the world. Sometimes it has been only 2 years since the last one, other times 3 years. BUT....but... (pay attention!) the Pope ALSO asked each individual country/Archdiocese to host their own local/national "Youth Day" in the same spirit as the international sensation that his World Youth Day (WYD) has become. Some years there has been 1 million youth at the international WYD where Other cities have drawn 8 million people. ALL TO SEE THE POPE! He would meet and speak and celebrate Mass with the pilgrim youth as well as having other events full of faith, fun and inspiration. United in life, faith, and a desire for hope... people continue to gather to WORLD YOUTH DAYs and they come from all walks of life, culture, faith and languages. Switzerland is flexing their muscles and doing just what the Holy Father ordered. (I wish other places would do this! Hello... USA.... come on !) It is my honor and privilege to be invited this year at Switzerland's national Youth Day. COME ONE...COME ALL! This March 27-29 in the city of Grenchen, This year Switzerland is having their annual World Youth Day in the town of Grenchen, Switzerland. March 27-29.

Pope John Paul II started World Youth Days (WYD) as an international encounter for youth. This has taken place every three years at different appointed locations around the world. Sometimes it has been only 2 years since the last one, other times 3 years. BUT....but... (pay attention!) the Pope ALSO asked each individual country/Archdiocese to host their own local/national "Youth Day" in the same spirit as the international sensation that his World Youth Day (WYD) has become. Some years there has been 1 million youth at the international WYD where Other cities have drawn 8 million people. ALL TO SEE THE POPE! He would meet and speak and celebrate Mass with the pilgrim youth as well as having other events full of faith, fun and inspiration. United in life, faith, and a desire for hope... people continue to gather to WORLD YOUTH DAYs and they come from all walks of life, culture, faith and languages.

Switzerland is flexing their muscles and doing just what the Holy Father ordered. (I wish other places would do this! Hello... USA.... come on !) It is my honor and privilege to be invited this year at Switzerland's national Youth Day. COME ONE...COME ALL! This March 27-29 in the city of Grenchen,

Weltjugendtag - Grenchen - 27. bis 29. März 2009 Check out their website for more info. It is going to be a great event of Faith, Fun and Friends! I will be speaking at this event at a workshop about my faith and "conversion" from model to "TECHNO" Missionary Speaker . (techy - techno - technological... meaning using modern technology...you get it...c'mon!). Der ehemalige Mario St. Francis spricht in Grenchen im Rahmen eines Workshops zu den Jugendlichen und erzählt aus seinem Leben... (more at 2009 WELTJUGENTAG WEBSITE http://wjt.ch )

St. Patrick... modern pagans...pray for us.!

UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN, MAY GOD HOLD YOU IN THE PALM OF HIS HAND.

With the PAGAN WAYS of many people and cultures today; even those who consider themselves "good-Christians" (like myself before I chose for God more than myself and "my ways") we need to pray to St. Patrick. That God hear his and our prayers for a renewed belief in God, Our Father. On this blessed day which is often marked (internationally) by beer and pagan-like attitude... I have a sincere and heartfelt wish for you. I heard this said by a priest only weeks after my life changed in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania USA around March of 2002. May the road rise to meet you...the wind be always at your back... the sun shine warm upon your face.... the rains fall soft upon your fields.... and

UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN, MAY GOD HOLD YOU IN THE PALM OF HIS HAND.

May God be with you and bless you....May you see your children's children... May you be poor in misfortune and Rich in blessings.... May you know nothing but Happiness and Holiness from this day forward. May green be the grass you walk on...Blue be the skies above you...Pure be the joys that surround you...and May True be the hearts that Love you.

A LITTLE HISTORY of SAINT PATRICK - ST. PATRICK was born in Wales about AD 385. His given name was Maewyn. Far from being a saint, until he was 16, he considered himself a pagan. At that age, he was sold into slavery. During his captivity, he became closer to God. He escaped from slavery after six years and went to Gaul where he studied in the monastery for twelve years. During his training he became aware that his calling was to convert the pagans to Christianity. His wishes were to return to Ireland, to convert the native pagans to Christianity. Patrick was quite successful at winning converts. And this fact upset the Celtic Druids. Patrick was arrested several times, but escaped each time. He traveled throughout Ireland, establishing monasteries across the country. He also set up schools and churches which would aid him in his conversion of the Irish country to Christianity. His mission in Ireland lasted for thirty years. He died on March 17 in AD 461. That day has been commemorated as St. Patrick's Day ever since. FOLKLORE: Much Irish folklore surrounds St. Patrick's Day. Not much of it is actually substantiated. Some of this lore includes the belief that Patrick raised people from the dead. He also is said to have given a sermon from a hilltop that drove all the snakes from Ireland. Of course, no snakes were ever native to Ireland, and some people think this is a metaphor for the conversion of the pagans. Though originally a Catholic holy day, St. Patrick's Day has evolved into more of a secular holiday. One traditional icon of the day is the shamrock. And this stems from a more bona fide Irish tale that tells how Patrick used the three-leafed shamrock to explain the Trinity. He used it in his sermons to represent how the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit could all exist as separate elements of the same entity. His followers adopted the custom of wearing a shamrock on his feast day.

(the picture on the RIGHT, I took when I was in Ireland, and placed my face on the tomb of St. Patrick, praying for all the intentions of my heart... those I meet, those I will never see again, and those that one day I encounter. I prayed for the intentions that many have asked me to pray for as well as for the needs of the world-wide Church... and those in most need of God's loving mercy.)

One of my Favorite Movies, a MUST see.

Ostrov (The Island), NTSC version with English subtitles (2006) This movie is a MUST have. It is a spiritual retreat, great for lent. Some of you may know about the long silent movie called "Into Great Silence"... it is about 3 hours long and not much is said, that is why it is also a great spiritual retreat film, a meditation, a prayer. This movie is similar, but it is not silent. I laughed, had deep thinking moments, realizations, tears and then ended with... a good ending. (I loved it) I am buying several for family and friends. So while doing so I thought I should BLOG it and tell the world. Check it out. Winner of 5 Nika Awards (Russian Oscars) including Best Film. Somewhere in Northern Russia in a small Russian Orthodox monastery lives a very unusual man. His fellow-monks are confused by his bizarre conduct.

Those who visit the island believe that the man has the power to heal, exorcise demons and foretell the future. However, he considers himself unworthy because of a sin he committed in his youth. The film is a parable, combining the realities of Russian everyday life with monastic ritual and routine.

So check it out on-line. I have found it from $80 to $17, so in order to help you out... here are some hints. Search on Amazon, type in "Ostrov ntsc" or do a google search for something like "buy ostrov movie ntsc". NTSC is the format that a DVD needs to be to play in in the USA. Make sure if you speak English and live in the US or Canada that you buy one that is "NTSC" version and NOT a PAL version. Also look for one with SUBTITLES! Or else you'll be listening to Russian and miss the whole point. That's my advice. Check it out here as well: http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B000LTTOOS/ref=dp_olp_3

DVD of Celebrities praying the Rosary

I was recently in Hollywood California and met with the makers of a great DVD that is a MUST HAVE! It is called "Rosary Stars: Praying the Gospel" and it features the reflections and prayers of 21 young celebrities. This DVD all about promoting a better understanding and appreciation of the rosary and the mysteries of the rosary.

It features such celebrities as 2006 World Series pitcher Jeff Suppan; five-time major league All-Star Mike Sweeney; actor Matthew Marsden ("Rambo" and the upcoming sequel "Transformer: Revenge of the Fallen"); TV host Matt Gallant (Animal Planet's "The Planet's Funniest Animals"); humanitarian, author and Rwandan genocide survivor Immaculee Ilibagiza; Ali Landry, actor and former Miss America; and Eduardo Verastegui, star of the motion picture "Bella."

For more information and a trailer from the DVD visit: http://www.familytheater.org/ or http://www.rosarystars.org/. The DVD can be ordered online for $19.95, plus shipping and handling.