A note about the Fr. Val post...

Fr. Val with Fr. Perrone on August 13, 2008 at Assumption Grotto

For those of you just dropping in, and for those who already read my post on Fr. Val Rykowski who just passed away, you may want to click that link and go back to read some of the amazing comments dropping in there. Feel free to add your "Fr. Val story" to the mix.

Anyone who knew him, new of his great sanctity, and the comments there are beginning to really show what a holy priest this was.

Bookmark the post-link below and keep going back to read more.

R.I.P.: Fr. Val Rykowski 1916-2009....And, God loves you too, Fr. Val

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The obedient are not held captive by Holy Mother Church; it is the disobedient who are held captive by the world!

Pope Benedict's Youth Day Message for 2009: A Must-Read for Everyone

While the Holy Father released this message for youth, it applies to us all. This is the year dedicated to St. Paul, the Apostle, and Pope Benedict weaves his writings throughout this address.

I have added some links, mainly for our Protestant brothers and sisters who may be reading, with explanations of commonly misunderstood Catholic practices and Sacraments.

My dear friends,

Next Palm Sunday we shall celebrate the twenty-fourth World Youth Day at the diocesan level. As we prepare for this annual event, I recall with deep gratitude to the Lord the meeting held in Sydney in July last year. It was a most memorable encounter, during which the Holy Spirit renewed the lives of countless young people who had come together from all over the world. The joy of celebration and spiritual enthusiasm experienced during those few days was an eloquent sign of the presence of the Spirit of Christ. Now we are journeying towards the international gathering due to take place in Madrid in 2011, which will have as its theme the words of the Apostle Paul: "Rooted and built up in Jesus Christ, firm in the faith" (cf. Col 2:7). As we look forward to that global youth meeting, let us undertake a path of preparation together. We take as our text for the year 2009 a saying of Saint Paul: "We have set our hope on the living God" (1 Tim 4:10), while in 2010 we will reflect on the question put to Jesus by the rich young man: "Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" (Mk 10:17)

Youth, a time of hope

In Sydney, our attention was focussed upon what the Holy Spirit is saying to believers today, and in particular to you, my dear young people. During the closing Mass, I urged you to let yourselves be shaped by him in order to be messengers of divine love, capable of building a future of hope for all humanity. The question of hope is truly central to our lives as human beings and our mission as Christians, especially in these times. We are all aware of the need for hope, not just any kind of hope, but a firm and reliable hope, as I wanted to emphasize in the Encyclical Spe Salvi. Youth is a special time of hope because it looks to the future with a whole range of expectations. When we are young we cherish ideals, dreams and plans. Youth is the time when decisive choices concerning the rest of our lives come to fruition. Perhaps this is why it is the time of life when fundamental questions assert themselves strongly: Why am I here on earth? What is the meaning of life? What will my life be like? And again: How can I attain happiness? Why is there suffering, illness and death? What lies beyond death? These are questions that become insistent when we are faced with obstacles that sometimes seem insurmountable: difficulties with studies, unemployment, family arguments, crises in friendships or in building good loving relationships, illness or disability, lack of adequate resources as a result of the present widespread economic and social crisis. We then ask ourselves: where can I obtain and how can I keep alive the flame of hope burning in my heart?

In search of "the great hope"

Experience shows that personal qualities and material goods are not enough to guarantee the hope which the human spirit is constantly seeking. As I wrote in the Encyclical Spe Salvi, politics, science, technology, economics and all other material resources are not of themselves sufficient to provide the great hope to which we all aspire. This hope "can only be God, who encompasses the whole of reality and who can bestow upon us what we, by ourselves, cannot attain" (no. 31). This is why one of the main consequences of ignoring God is the evident loss of direction that marks our societies, resulting in loneliness and violence, discontent and loss of confidence that can often lead to despair. The word of God issues a warning that is loud and clear: "Cursed are those who trust in mere mortals and make mere flesh their strength, whose hearts turn away from the Lord. They shall be like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see when relief comes" (Jer 17:5-6).

The crisis of hope is more likely to affect the younger generations. In socio-cultural environments with few certainties, values or firm points of reference, they find themselves facing difficulties that seem beyond their strength. My dear young friends, I have in mind so many of your contemporaries who have been wounded by life. They often suffer from personal immaturity caused by dysfunctional family situations, by permissive and libertarian elements in their education, and by difficult and traumatic experience. For some – unfortunately a significant number – the almost unavoidable way out involves an alienating escape into dangerous and violent behaviour, dependence on drugs and alcohol, and many other such traps for the unwary. Yet, even for those who find themselves in difficult situations, having been led astray by bad role models, the desire for true love and authentic happiness is not extinguished. But how can we speak of this hope to those young people? We know that it is in God alone that a human person finds true fulfilment. The main task for us all is that of a new evangelization aimed at helping younger generations to rediscover the true face of God, who is Love. To you young people, who are in search of a firm hope, I address the very words that Saint Paul wrote to the persecuted Christians in Rome at that time: "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit" (Rom 15:13). During this Jubilee Year dedicated to the Apostle of the Gentiles on the occasion of the two thousandth anniversary of his birth, let us learn from him how to become credible witnesses of Christian hope.

Saint Paul, witness of hope

When Paul found himself immersed in difficulties and trials of various kinds, he wrote to his faithful disciple Timothy: "We have set our hope on the living God" (1 Tim 4:10). How did this hope take root in him? In order to answer that question we must go back to his encounter with the Risen Jesus on the road to Damascus. At that time, Saul was a young person like you in his early twenties, a follower of the Law of Moses and determined to fight with every means, and even to kill those he regarded as God’s enemies (cf. Acts 9:1). While on his way to Damascus to arrest the followers of Christ, he was blinded by a mysterious light and he heard himself called by name: "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" He fell to the ground, and asked: "Who are you, Lord?" The reply came: "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting" (Acts 9:3-5). After that encounter, Paul’s life changed radically. He received Baptism and became an Apostle of the Gospel. On the road to Damascus, he was inwardly transformed by the Divine Love he had met in the person of Jesus Christ. He would later write: "The life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me" (Gal 2:20). From being a persecutor, he became a witness and a missionary. He founded Christian communities in Asia Minor and Greece, and travelled thousands of miles amid all kinds of perils, culminating in his martyrdom in Rome. All this for love of Christ.

The great hope is in Christ

For Paul, hope is not simply an ideal or sentiment, but a living person: Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Profoundly imbued with this certainty, he could write to Timothy: "We have set our hope on the living God" (1 Tim 4:10). The "living God" is the Risen Christ present in our world. He is the true hope: the Christ who lives with us and in us and who calls us to share in his eternal life. If we are not alone, if he is with us, even more, if he is our present and our future, why be afraid? A Christian’s hope is therefore to desire "the kingdom of heaven and eternal life as our happiness, placing our trust in Christ's promises and relying not on our own strength, but on the help of the grace of the Holy Spirit" (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1817).

The way towards the great hope

Just as he once encountered the young Paul, Jesus also wants to encounter each one of you, my dear young people. Indeed, even before we desire it, such an encounter is ardently desired by Jesus Christ. But perhaps some of you might ask me: How can I meet him today? Or rather, in what way does he approach me? The Church teaches us that the desire to encounter the Lord is already a fruit of his grace. When we express our faith in prayer, we find him even in times of darkness because he offers himself to us. Persevering prayer opens the heart to receive him, as Saint Augustine explains: "Our Lord and God … wants our desire to be exercised in prayer, thus enabling us to grasp what he is preparing to give" (Letter 130:8,17). Prayer is the gift of the Spirit that makes us men and women of hope, and our prayer keeps the world open to God (cf. Spe Salvi, 34).

Make space for prayer in your lives! To pray alone is good, although it is even more beautiful and fruitful to pray together, because the Lord assured us he would be present wherever two or three are gathered in his name (cf. Mt 18:20). There are many ways to become acquainted with him. There are experiences, groups and movements, encounters and courses in which to learn to pray and thus grow in the experience of faith. Take part in your parish liturgies and be abundantly nourished by the word of God and your active participation in the Sacraments. As you know, the summit and centre of the life and mission of every believer and every Christian community is the Eucharist, the sacrament of salvation in which Christ becomes present and gives his Body and Blood as spiritual food for eternal life. A truly ineffable mystery! It is around the Eucharist that the Church comes to birth and grows – that great family of Christians which we enter through Baptism, and in which we are constantly renewed through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The baptised, through Confirmation, are then confirmed in the Holy Spirit so as to live as authentic friends and witnesses of Christ. The Sacraments of Holy Orders and Matrimony enable them to accomplish their apostolic duties in the Church and in the world. Finally, the Sacrament of the Sick grants us an experience of divine consolation in illness and suffering.

Acting in accordance with Christian hope

If you find your sustenance in Christ, my dear young people, and if you live profoundly in him as did the Apostle Paul, you will not be able to resist speaking about him and making him known and loved by many of your friends and contemporaries. Be his faithful disciples, and in that way you will be able to help form Christian communities that are filled with love, like those described in the Acts of the Apostles. The Church depends on you for this demanding mission. Do not be discouraged by the difficulties and trials you encounter. Be patient and persevering so as to overcome the natural youthful tendency to rush ahead and to want everything immediately.

My dear friends, follow the example of Paul and be witnesses to the Risen Christ! Make Christ known, among your own age group and beyond, to those who are in search of "the great hope" that would give meaning to their lives. If Jesus has become your hope, communicate this to others with your joy and your spiritual, apostolic and social engagement. Let Christ dwell within you, and having placed all your faith and trust in him, spread this hope around you. Make choices that demonstrate your faith. Show that you understand the risks of idolizing money, material goods, career and success, and do not allow yourselves to be attracted by these false illusions. Do not yield to the rationale of selfish interests. Cultivate love of neighbour and try to put yourselves and your human talents and professional abilities at the service of the common good and of truth, always prepared to "make your defence to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that in you" (1 Pet 3:15). True Christians are never sad, even if they have to face trials of various kinds, because the presence of Jesus is the secret of their joy and peace.


Mary, Mother of hope

May Saint Paul be your example on this path of apostolic life. He nourished his life of constant faith and hope by looking to Abraham, of whom he wrote in the Letter to the Romans: "Hoping against hope, he believed that he would become the father of many nations" (Rom 4:18). Following in the footsteps of the people of hope – composed of prophets and saints of every age – we continue to advance towards the fulfilment of the Kingdom, and on this spiritual path we are accompanied by the Virgin Mary, Mother of Hope. She who incarnated the hope of Israel, who gave the world its Saviour, and who remained at the foot of the Cross with steadfast hope, is our model and our support. Most of all, Mary intercedes for us and leads us through the darkness of our trials to the radiant dawn of an encounter with the Risen Christ. I would like to conclude this message, my dear young friends, with a beautiful and well-known prayer by Saint Bernard that was inspired by one of Mary’s titles, Stella Maris, Star of the Sea: "You who amid the constant upheavals of this life find yourself more often tossed about by storms than standing on firm ground, do not turn your eyes from the brightness of this Star, if you would not be overwhelmed by boisterous waves. If the winds of temptations rise, if you fall among the rocks of tribulations, look up at the Star, call on Mary … In dangers, in distress, in perplexities, think on Mary, call on Mary … Following her, you will never go astray; when you implore her aid, you will never yield to despair; thinking on her, you will not err; under her patronage you will never wander; beneath her protection you will not fear; she being your guide, you will not weary; with her assistance, you will arrive safely in the port" (Homilies in Praise of the Virgin Mother, 2:17).

Mary, Star of the Sea, we ask you to guide the young people of the whole world to an encounter with your Divine Son Jesus. Be the celestial guardian of their fidelity to the Gospel and of their hope.

Dear young friends, be assured that I remember all of you every day in my prayers. I give my heartfelt blessing to you and to all who are dear to you.

From the Vatican, 22 February 2009

BENEDICTUS PP. XVI

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The obedient are not held captive by Holy Mother Church; it is the disobedient who are held captive by the world!

Pope Benedict: Parish life can't be just fun and games

Pope Benedict with an interesting comment to pastors on parish life:

He asserted, "A parish in which only games are played and drinks are shared would be absolutely superfluous."

"The meaning of a parish," he emphasized, should be "the cultural, human and Christian formation" of each personality, helping each person achieve maturity.

[snip]

Faith must be at the heart of all cultural formation, he affirmed, "to know the face of God, which has been shown to us in Christ and thus to have the orientation point for the rest of culture, which otherwise is disoriented and becomes disorienting."

He added: "A culture without personal knowledge of God, and without knowledge of the face of God in Christ, is a culture that could even be destructive, because it does not know the necessary ethical guidelines.

"In this sense, I believe, we really have a mission of profound cultural and human formation, which opens to all the riches of the culture of our time, but which gives the criterion, the discernment to test what is true culture and what could become anti-cultural."

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LifeNews: Senate Defeats Pro-Life Amdt to Stop Funding UNFPA-ForcedAbortions

Washington, DC -- The Senate on Thursday rejected an amendmentthat would have stopped the sending of taxpayer funds to theUnited Nations Population Fund. That's the UN agency that hasbeen found to have supported the Chinese population control program that relies on forced abortions and sterilizations.

The Senate voted 55-39 against the amendment, with a handful ofDemocrats joining most Republicans in voting pro-life for it.

Full story, voting record, and action alert at LifeNews

I'm sure someone is working on a list of Catholic politicians who voted against this. What is so sickening about this to me is the problem highlighted in China. Abortions are being forced, often violently and our tax dollars will be funding it.

WHERE ARE THE FEMINISTS????

Oh, I forgot....they were busy voting the for the oppression and abuse of women and babies in other countries.


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Archbishop Naumann's Column on Sebelius

Soon after entering a post with a link to an OSV interview of Archbishop Naumann over Gov. Sebelius as Obama's HHS pick, I found the archbishop's column at the Catholic Key on the same topic: Sebelius (H/T Curt Jester)



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OSV Interview: Archbishop Naumann speaks on Sebelius

There is a good interview at Our Sunday Visitor online. It was conducted by Valerie Schmalz with Archbishop Naumann of Kansas City, Kansas - the home state of Obama's new HHS pick.

Here is the lead-in to the interview, which you can pick up in full at OSV.

Archbishop Joseph Naumann of Kansas City counts among his flock Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, a Catholic and a strong supporter of abortion rights, who was just tapped by President Obama to head the Department of Health and Human Services.

The archbishop last year publicly asked her to not receive Communion until she changed her views and made a sincere sacramental confession.

In an interview with OSV this morning, he disclosed some of the back story to his decision, said that claims by a Catholic group that she is actually pro-life are "very, very dishonest," described the process — on a case-by-case basis — bishops need to take with a pro-choice politician in their jurisdiction, and reacted to pro-life Kansas Sen. Sam Brownback's warm reception of Sebelius' nomination.

• Go to OSV to read the interview transcript
  
  
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The obedient are not held captive by Holy Mother Church; it is the disobedient who are held captive by the world!

Scranton's Bishop Martino Speaks Out on Misericordia University - Again!

I also offer this postscript to those who criticize me for taking public stances that may not be popular or “politically correct,” or may not agree with their own personal notions of what “progressive” Catholic doctrine should be. My job as a Bishop is to promulgate the authentic teaching of the Catholic Church to all the faithful. I will continue to do so. - Bishop Joseph Martino, March 3, 2009

[UPDATED AT 9:34PM, March 4, with statement from Misericordia University, found below the bishop's statement]





The chief shepherd of the Scranton Diocese, Bishop Joseph Martino, has again fired a shot across the bow of Misericordia University where a gay marriage activist, Keith Boykin, spoke at the invitation of the school's "Diversity Institute".

It's interesting to review the actual press release, uploaded sometime late yesterday, and what the secular press is sharing with it's readers. I'll highlight an example below Bishop Martino's statement.

As always: Empahses in bold mine; comments bracketed in red, I call extra attention to one paragraph in blue.

Bishop Issues Reflection on Teaching of Diversity and Tolerance


Bishop Joseph F. Martino has issued a reflection on how the teaching of diversity and tolerance relates to the teaching of the Catholic Church. The reflection follows:

A substantial amount of media coverage and public commentary ensued after I asked Misericordia University to seriously consider discontinuing its Diversity Institute. Students and others in the community related how this Institute has furthered the advancement of tolerance, understanding and harmony between people of different races and cultures.

These are all worthy goals. All people of good will should work toward these ends.

Misericordia University, as a Catholic institution, has a responsibility for helping the community achieve these goals. However, precisely because it is a Catholic institution, it also has a responsibility to transmit Catholic teaching to its students in ways that are not ambiguous or confusing.

As I said in my previous statement, students should learn respect for all races and cultures, but viewpoints that are in direct opposition to Catholic teaching should not be presented under the guise of “diversity.” [great way to explain it]. Doing so within a formal structure sanctioned by the institution gives the impression that these viewpoints are acceptable, or that all morality is relative. [Bingo! And, it is scandal when otherwise ignorant or uncatechized people accept it as good and true since it is coming from an institute of higher learning with the name "Catholic" attached to it!]

As Catholics, we must distinguish between authentic tolerance and an “anything goes” mindset. For example, would the Diversity Institute be justified in hosting a speaker who believes the Holocaust is a myth? Or one who believes slavery is okay because certain people are inferior? Or one who believes women can be exploited because they are the “weaker sex”? There are people out there who actually believe this nonsense, and they would be perfectly willing to come to the campus to tell you why.

Their views are certainly “diverse,” but does that qualify them to be given a platform in the name of tolerance? Or should they be allowed to make a presentation without any retort from the Catholic perspective?

As Catholics, we believe there is an objective, moral Truth – given to us by Jesus Christ. This Truth is timeless, and it cannot be altered by the shifting tides of popular culture [Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever]. If our faith and our actions are not rooted in this Truth, we risk contributing to the “dictatorship of relativism” cited by then Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger in a homily given just prior to his election as Pope Benedict XVI. He said:

“To have a clear faith, according to the creed of the Church, is often labeled as fundamentalism. While relativism, that is, allowing oneself to be carried about with every wind of ‘doctrine,’ seems to be the attitude that is fashionable. A dictatorship of relativism is being constituted that recognizes nothing as absolute and which only leaves the ‘I’ and its whims as the ultimate measure.”

As the Bishop, it is not only my right, but my obligation to ensure that authentic Catholic teaching is being provided in all Catholic institutions in this Diocese, and that viewpoints in opposition to this teaching are not being presented as acceptable alternatives.

I voiced my “absolute disapproval” of Misericordia’s hosting of Keith Boykin not because of his sexual orientation, but because he is a well known proponent of morality that is disturbingly opposed to Catholic teaching, such as homosexual relations and same sex marriage. Furthermore, no presentation was made to balance Mr. Boykin’s viewpoints with the teaching of the Catholic Church.

That is why I asked Misericordia, which asserted that it “is committed deeply to its Catholic mission,” to convey how it teaches Catholic morality regarding sexuality and homosexuality, and to produce concrete evidence. It is regrettable that the University chose to respond with a brief statement without any such evidence.

Nevertheless, I continue to urge Misericordia University to fulfill the four essential characteristics of a Catholic institution of higher learning. As I pointed out in briefer form in my initial statement on this matter, these are:

1. A Christian inspiration not only of individuals but of the university community as such;

2. A continuing reflection in the light of the Catholic faith upon the growing treasury of human knowledge, to which it seeks to contribute by its own research;

3. Fidelity to the Christian message as it comes to us through the Church;

4. An institutional commitment to the service of the people of God and of the human family in their pilgrimage to the transcendent goal which gives meaning to life.

(Pope John Paul II, Apostolic Constitution on Catholic
Universities)

I also offer this postscript to those who criticize me for taking public stances that may not be popular or “politically correct,” or may not agree with their own personal notions of what “progressive” Catholic doctrine should be. My job as a Bishop is to promulgate the authentic teaching of the Catholic Church to all the faithful. I will continue to do so.

Ok, now re-highlighting that paragraph in blue, that was so compelling and clear, lets pull it out again so we can compare it to an article that appeared in the Northern, Pennsylvania Times-Leader today. Here is Bishop Martino again...

As Catholics, we must distinguish between authentic tolerance and an “anything goes” mindset. For example, would the Diversity Institute be justified in hosting a speaker who believes the Holocaust is a myth? Or one who believes slavery is okay because certain people are inferior? Or one who believes women can be exploited because they are the “weaker sex”? There are people out there who actually believe this nonsense, and they would be perfectly willing to come to the campus to tell you why.

Ok, now what did the Times-Leader convey to people? (don't blink)

Martino offered hypothetical situations in which the institute brings in speakers who say the Holocaust is myth or slavery is OK, then asked, “Their views are certainly ‘diverse,’ but does that qualify them to be given a platform in the name of tolerance?

Yeah, thanks. That really explains it. Sorry if I don't see the same impact. Hopefully, those in the area will consult the diocesan website for the bishop's full statement.

MISERICORDIA RESPONDS:

Misericordia University statement
03-3-09

Misericordia University releases the following statement in response to Bishop Martino's comments on Tuesday, March 3:

Misericordia University is working diligently to schedule a meeting with the Bishop and his delegates so dialogue can be established among representatives of our founders and sponsors, the Religious Sisters of Mercy, university administrators, members of the Board of Trustees and the Diocese. [wouldn't you love to be a fly on that wall. Hey - I could handle being a dust mite for a few hours]

Misericordia University respects the Bishop’s position. [Notice the lack of a "but" here. It ends with a period]. The University looks forward to resolving these concerns directly with Bishop Martino. [In other words, they have learned reasonably well that it is not a good idea to answer him through a local newspaper]

[Here comes the damage control] Founded and Sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy in 1924, Misericordia University is Luzerne County’s first four-year college and offers 31 academic majors on the graduate and undergraduate levels in full and part-time formats.

In all seriousness, pray for the archbishop in his efforts to correct the situation there. Let's hope other bishops follow his lead. If the head honchos at Misericordia have an ounce of smarts, they will tell the press, "no comment" and take it offline with him.

Links and related posts (watch for additional links with more coverage)

• Stupid MSNBC interview about Bishop Martino vs. Misericordia University
• Official Press Release at Diocese of Scranton
• Fr. Z blogs Martino and Misericordia U (see his comments and the ever-active combox): Bp. Martino: “My job as a Bishop is to promulgate the authentic teaching of the Catholic Church”
• Bishop Martino renews critique of Misericordia's Diversity Institute (Catholic Culture)

Previous Posts on Bishop Martino:

• Scranton Shepherd, Bishop Martino, calls for dissolution of Misericordia's "Diversity Institute"
• Bishop Martino of Scranton and the Media
• BREAKING: Bishop Martino sends second letter to Sen Bob Casey; Issues Official Notice on Worthy Reception of Holy Communion
• Video: Newsclip about Bishop Martino and the St. Patrick's Day Parade
• Bishop Martino threatens to close Scranton's Cathedral on St. Patrick's Day...
• Why did Bishop Martino Voice Disapproval of Talk by Keith Boykin?
• Despite Bishop Martino's Protest, Gay-Right's Speech Takes Place at Misericordia
• It's Bishop Martino....again, this time taking on Misericordia University for inviting gay-rights advocate
• Bishop Martino to Sen. Robert Casey on Formally Cooperating with Evil
• Bishop of Scranton Martino refuses communion for politicians who campaign in favor of abortion rights
• Bishop Martino of Scranton, PA: "This is madness, people!"
• Bishop Martino on the "collective reticence" of his confreres for not being more vocal about pro-abortion Catholic politicians. (from the USCCB General Asm)
  
  

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The obedient are not held captive by Holy Mother Church; it is the disobedient who are held captive by the world!

Judie Brown on Senator Brownback: I"ll never use "pro-life" to describe him again

The pro-life movement waited and wondered on which side of the fence Senator Sam Brownback would land....well, it was the wrong side.

By Kathleen Gilbert and Steve Jalsevac

WASHINGTON, D.C., March 3, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) - Kansas' U.S. Senator Sam Brownback, who has long identified with the pro-life movement, has shocked pro-life leaders by supporting the nomination of extreme pro-abortion Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius as the next Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS).

Brownback issued a joint statement with fellow senator from Kansas, Pat Roberts, congratulating the Governor.

"It's an honor for the State of Kansas to have an elected official appointed to the president's cabinet," stated the senators. "We are hopeful Governor Sebelius will be a voice for Kansas and rural America at the Department. We look forward to working with her on issues important to the state including a National Cancer Institute Designation at the University of Kansas Cancer Center."

The pro-life community across America has almost unanimously spoken out against the nomination of Sebelius, whom Planned Parenthood once called a "champion" of their cause. Sebelius has fought consistently against legal protection for the unborn, so much so that her bishop, Catholic Archbishop Joseph Naumann, publicly admonished the governor to refrain from Holy Communion.

Pro-life activists widely consider Sebelius a particularly inflammatory candidate because of her association with Kansas' infamous late-term abortionist George Tiller. Sebelius has frequently pursued abortion policy in accord with ProKanDo, the political action committee headed by Tiller. Tiller himself has reportedly also contributed tens of thousands of dollars to Sebelius campaigns.

American Life League President Judie Brown told LifeSiteNews.com (LSN) that she was greatly disappointed in Sen. Brownback, whose presidential nomination campaign last year she had avidly supported.

"I think we've just lost pro-life leadership in the U.S. Senate, and it's a tragedy," said Brown.

"I'll never use 'pro-life' to describe him again. People have just lost their moral compass - which means Obama's winning."

Popular pro-life blogger Jill Stanek lamented the damage sustained to pro-life efforts by the senator's welcome.

"Their [the KS Senators'] support will give squishy Republicans cover to vote for her appointment and make it difficult for pro-life Republicans to oppose it," wrote Stanek. She pointed to news sources and liberal blogs that agreed Brownback's support cleared the way for the Senate to welcome Sebelius, and gave the pick a "bi-partisan" stamp.

Continue reading Judie Brown on Brownback...


Further reading:

• Jill Stanek on Brownback and Sebelius
• MSNBC host Chris Matthews calls pro-life opposition to Sebelius "verbal terrorism" (pro-life blogs)

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The obedient are not held captive by Holy Mother Church; it is the disobedient who are held captive by the world!

Recent Posts on Te Deum

An oldie, but goodie.....Grotto in the Mist (an early morning fog)

• Bishop Martino of Scranton and the Media
• Senator Casey's Spokesman: Vote against Martinez Amendment did not conflict with pro-life views
• March 14th: Holy Trinity Apostolate's 12th Annual Lenten Symposium: Christ our Hope
• Guest Homily by Fr. William Kuchinsky: What should I say? What would you like me to say? (a must read.....more language that Vatican II never banned)
• The USCCB's Perfect Storm: So-called Catholic politicians, educators, and journalists
• R.I.P.: Fr. Val Rykowski 1916-2009....And, God loves you too, Fr. Val
• An Open Letter to US Catholic Bishops regarding National Catholic Reporter's Article: I am a Pro-Choice Catholic
• BREAKING: Bishop Martino sends second letter to Sen Bob Casey; Issues Official Notice on Worthy Reception of Holy Communion

Newslinks and other posts from the Catholic Blogosphere:

• Denver Archbishop: "Very Bad Period of Catechesis" in Church "Bearing Bad Fruit in Our Time" (LSN Exclusive)
• Family Advocates: Ask the Senate to Stop the Child Porn Lawyer from Becoming Dep. Attorney General (LSN)
• Kathleen Sebelius Explains Being a Pro-Choice Pro-Lifer (US News & World Report).....Uh-oh, she talks about being a pro-choice Catholic.
• US women (progressivist) religious defy Vatican Visitation (Fr. Z)
• POLL: When was the last time you went to confession? (Fr. Z)

Te Deum Laudamus! Home

The obedient are not held captive by Holy Mother Church; it is the disobedient who are held captive by the world!

Bishop Martino of Scranton and the Media

Above is an interesting video to watch from a local news station there in Scranton, PA. Note the slant making it look like Bishop Martino is "attacking". At the end, the reporter indicates that Bishop Martino did not return their calls or declined to be interviewed.

Bishop Martino does not grant many interviews, even with reputable Catholic media sources. He did grant one to Raymond Arroyo of EWTN during the Bishops conference in November, but that's the last that I recall. He seems to communicate exclusively through press releases.

I think this is actually prudent given the secular media's propensity for selectively picking out a good sounbite in such a way as to throw something out of context. Think about it.....by just making statements through his website in the form of press releases, it is there for all to see. However, if he grants an interview to a loyal Catholic media outlet, the secular press will pick and choose from that as well. No matter how you slice it, by just offering press releases while he is in the midst of a very tough series of battles in Scranton, it's that much more difficult to distort his words.

I also think there is reluctance to speak about an individual on the receiving end of ecclesiastical discipline as it is ongoing. This goes to the dignity of the person even if you don't think he is entitled to it.

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The obedient are not held captive by Holy Mother Church; it is the disobedient who are held captive by the world!

Senator Casey's Spokesman: Vote against Martinez Amendment did not conflict with pro-life views

This is the first response we are seeing out of Senator Robert Casey Jr.'s office since Bishop Martino published his second open letter to the politician on February 26th.

(CNSNews.com) - Sen. Robert Casey Jr.’s office told CNSNews.com on Monday that the Pennsylvania Democrat’s vote against an amendment that would have revived the Mexico City Policy did not conflict with his pro-life views.

[snip]

Casey campaigned in 2006 as a pro-life Democrat. His father, Gov. Robert Casey, was well known for breaking with the party over the
abortion issue and was publicly shunned by the national Democratic Party.

Casey’s vote against extending the Mexico City policy is not in contradiction to his Catholic or pro-life principles, said Smar [Larry Smar is Casey's spokesman].

“In accordance with his pro-life views, Senator Casey voted recently to rescind Mexico City Policy, thus allowing U.S. funding of family planning services to international aid organizations,” Smar told CNSNews.com.

[snip]

Smar said the vote was for family planning services abroad, not abortion.

But the diocese letter to Casey last week charged that Casey’s office “continually misrepresented” the vote. “The Mexico City Policy is, first and foremost, about abortion, not about family planning,” Bishop Martino wrote.

Stay tuned....and don't forget to pray for the conversion of Catholic politicians.

While you are at it, pray for our bishops. As interesting as it all is to read, this is a very heavy cross for any bishop to carry.

Te Deum Laudamus! Home

The obedient are not held captive by Holy Mother Church; it is the disobedient who are held captive by the world!

Holy Trinity Apostolate's 12th Annual Lenten Symposium: Christ our Hope

A great conference is coming up on March 14th. Get in on this while there are still openings. The Assumption Grotto choir will sing at the Mass. Click the pic to get to the Holy Trinity Apostolate website for details.

It will be held at Sts Cyril & Methodius in Sterling Heights, Michigan from 8am to 4:00pm. Take a close look at the speakers coming in!

I've got my reservation and hope to be there.

Te Deum Laudamus! Home

The obedient are not held captive by Holy Mother Church; it is the disobedient who are held captive by the world!

Guest Homily by Fr. William Kuchinsky: What should I say? What would you like me to say?

This homily was delivered on January 25 by Fr. William Kuchinsky, pastor of Our Lady of Grace in Romney, WV. It is reprinted here with Father's permission.

Hang on, dear readers! This homily contains language that some would like you to believe was banned by Vatican II. If you don't have time to read this now, bookmark it and come back to it.

I like Judie Brown's idea. When you are done reading it, consider sending a copy of it to Pope Benedict XVI with a little note that we would like men like Fr. Kuchinsky considered for bishop. Follow the link and scroll to the bottom for a "print-icon" and the Holy Father's address when done.

Jonah began his journey through the city, and had gone but a single day’s walk announcing, “Forty days more and Nineveh shall be destroyed . . .”

What should I say? What would you like me to say?

Would you like me to say that God is unaware and unconcerned that a president would sign an executive order so that, with the stroke of a pen, taxpayer money now will be used to kill babies in the womb; and your money and mine is now to be used to promote the evil of abortion throughout the world? Do you want me to tell you that the Word of God does not say the shedding of innocent blood cries out to Heaven for vengeance? It does. I cannot change that. I cannot withhold His warning.

The president promised to do this and yet many voted for him. Would you be more comfortable if I said such people are not at all complicit in the evil that has already been advanced?

When the good Lord was leading me into the priesthood, I understood something that struck me with fear. The more I immersed myself in God’s Holy Word the more knowledge I gained: His word was demanding. The closer I drew to Him, the more responsible I had to be: Because in coming to know more fully His just commands, His loving teaching, the more responsible I was to conform myself to Him. Each step forward meant I could not turn back. I felt the demands, I knew I was a sinner, I knew well the discipleship was a challenge and a burden—although a sweet one.

Archbishop Chaput said, “Most of us treat the Church the same way we treat our flesh-and-blood mothers . . . we don’t want her advice, especially when it interferes with our comfort.” I knew that if I were called to be a priest, I would have to preach the Word that had “convicted” me and in its loving challenge engaged me in the struggle to do God’s will: it was at times “uncomfortable.” It was a fearful thing to struggle with the realization that I was now called to proclaim a message to others, which would make them “uncomfortable.” I knew very early on, almost as if by instinct, that to be a priest would mean to be crucified with Christ.

In reality, all of us, by virtue of our baptism, share in the “common priesthood of believers.” Each of us are to be “crucified to ourselves” and to the world. Each of us, as proper to our common priesthood, offers prayers and sacrifices. Many of us have perhaps come to realize that Our Blessed Lord was telling the truth when He said we would be persecuted. ["The servant is not greater than his Master. If they have persecuted me, they will persecute you also"]

I long ago decided, in view of struggles I had in accepting what the Lord seemed to be calling me to, that if I became a religious priest (I’m a secular priest, not a part of a religious order) I would take the name of “Israel” – “one who wrestles with God.” But, standing here, I am glad to say that in my wrestling matches with the Almighty that it is good He always wins.

So now, after resisting the Lord, I have been “spit out” here in Romney as Jonah was from the belly of the whale. Don’t get me wrong: I like it here, I love you, you are good people.

But, what would you like me to say to those young men and women (maybe even older men and women) who exercise particular actions that are only proper to marriage? That it is okay? Should I comfort them by saying “God understands?” Yes, He understands. He understands our weakness.

He knows the power of that drive within us and how emotions can come to cloud reason; and that after the fall of man we now are faced with disordered passions which can cause us to act in a manner not in keeping with our dignity as human beings: and all the more so in our dignity as Christians.

Last week we heard from the Letter to the Corinthians: “But the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord: and the Lord for the body. Now God hath raised up the Lord and will raise us up also by his power. Know you not that your bodies are the members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them the members of a harlot? God forbid! Or know you not that he who is joined to a harlot is made one body? For they shall be, saith he, two in one flesh. But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit. Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doth is without the body: but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.”

Would you like to hear from me that God’s Holy and inerrant Word no longer applies? Should I tell you that St. Paul was just an old fuddy-duddy who didn’t really understand human nature? Would you like to hear me argue that we’ve come a long way since then and that the Church is just locked into an outmoded and archaic morality?

I cannot do so.

And then there are those who, contrary to the teaching of Christ, decide to move in with each other and “play house.” When they come to know the heartbreak and tears that will likely arrive: am I to console them that there is nothing to learn from the pain of a broken heart and that the tears are just some strange thing that happens and are not because of the wound of their sins? Sin equals tears.

I cannot judge (so as to condemn) those who fornicate: but we can judge the behavior to be sinful. Only God knows the heart: but there is a Heaven and there is a hell. The Good Lord wants us to go to Heaven: that is why He teaches us what we in our passions might not see: It is not “okay” to have sex outside of marriage.

Now the homosexual agenda is being advanced from the highest office in our land. Even before the day of the presidential inauguration ended, the White House’s policies were posted on their web site showing it will continued to be advanced, even accelerated. Just as was promised us in the campaign.

We can love the homosexual. We can hug a daughter or son afflicted with this disorder, we can walk hand and hand with them along the way. We can comfort them as they lay dying from AIDS when family, “lovers,” and friends have deserted them . . . I worked with such dying, and I know that pretty much the only love shown them was by the strangers attending them in their hour of need.

But we cannot approve of their behavior. We cannot as a nation, condone so-called “homosexual marriage” or “unions.” We cannot call “blessed” what God has pronounced an abomination. What is the fruit of such so-called “love”? Where is the natural “complementarity” that exists between a woman and a man? We cannot allow them to visit our homes to spend the night under our roof as we would a husband and wife. We cannot do so any more than a mother and father would allow a daughter’s boyfriend to spend the night with her at home in the same room. It is not love to encourage or lead others to believe that sinful acts are permissible or acceptable.

Would you like me to say that unnatural sex acts do not “cry to Heaven for vengeance?” They do. The Bible clearly states this, the catechetical tradition of the Church retains the teaching . . . I cannot suspend the natural law or change God’s Word anymore than I can change the laws of gravity.

When I was growing up, it was a general rule that when my brother and I heard Mrs. Deal whistle down the street for her sons to come home in the evening we were to go home also, or that certainly when the street lamps came on we were to be in the house under threat of spending the night on the front porch. My folks would ask where I was going, who I was playing with. Would you like me to say that it is okay for you as a mother and father to allow your young sons and daughters unfettered access to the internet, with all the dangers and smut that lurks there?

Should I tell you it is a good thing that you have cable television to “baby sit” the kids while they sit hour after hour taking in the slim oozing out of the screen? Or, that it is okay they remain in front of that “tabernacle” of glass and plastic devoted to viewing as if in worship – while they are never encouraged to sit before Lord of love who remains unvisited, un-thought of, unloved, in the tabernacles of Catholic Churches throughout the world?

I know some parents might not know what their children are exposed to. It is hard to believe how bad things have gotten, so please take an objective look (you may well be horrified). Please check it out, just like my mom and dad would ask where I was going and would “keep tabs” on whom I hung out with. Don’t let your children hang out with an evil gang: with a media which seeks to “own” them.

Would you like me not to remind you of the words of Our Lord Jesus who said: “Whoever leads one of these little ones astray, it would be better if he had a millstone tied around his neck and be cast into the sea?” These children have been entrusted to you by God. He desires that you help Him bring them to that true home in Heaven He has prepared for us.

“I tell you, brothers and sisters, the time is running out.” [1 Corinthians 7:29]

Would you be more comfortable if I mentioned nothing of married couples using artificial contraception? Should I proclaim it “wise” for any of us mere mortals to tinker with a force that lies at the heart of the marital relationship? One that contains within it the same power that has called whole universes into existence. Would you be at ease if it weren’t pointed out, among other things, that the use of such things can more deeply wound the fallen tendency in the man in such a way that he comes to view his wife as little more than an object of gratification? Should I point out that by rejecting natural family planning, a husband can lose that discipline that could help him to more and more view his wife as an equal partner and one who possesses an inherent dignity, which is to be always honored and reverenced? Would it be a welcomed message that you are reminded that the good Lord is not indifferent to the tears and utter brokenness of the children who find themselves victims of a marriage that lies tattered because the spouses failed to listen to their good mother, the Church?

Jesus proclaimed, “This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” Am I to tell you “don’t worry, be happy?” Would it be helpful to you if I were to say “not to worry” – it might be another 2,000 years until we are all called to account for what we have done and what we have failed to do? I cannot do that. We need to change, we need to repent. “The Kingdom of God is at hand.”

I am a sinner. I continue to struggle to conform my mind and my heart to Jesus, and to the teaching of His Church. I have enough to be concerned about in facing the judgment of the Lord. I might fail in many things, but I cannot fail in my duty to proclaim the fullness of the Gospel from this pulpit.

Would you be more at ease if I were to say that it is all right for a person who is conscious of committing a serious sin to dare come to this altar to receive the Lord in Holy Communion? Here, at this altar the Lord comes to us, the Lord before whom the angels and saints bow down with awe in worship singing, “Holy, Holy, Holy!” While the devil and the demons shudder and flee in horror…

Would you like me to tell you that it is acceptable for even good Catholics who are not in serious sin and are free to receive the body and blood of Christ to not try to summon with all the powers of their minds and hearts the reality that it is Jesus we approach here. We are weak, the good Lord knows this, but I cannot tell you that it is a good thing that we allow ourselves to receive Him mindlessly without even trying to muster within our hearts at least a “thank you” for the bread from Heaven that has been given to us.

Are we to give up the fight for our souls even as it seems we may have already surrendered our beloved land? I don’t think so. Please God, that will never happen!

Need confession? Good. It's lent. Repent and sin no more. God loves you, but love Him back by following His laws. Vatican II didn't ban the 10 Commandments either.

Te Deum Laudamus! Home

The obedient are not held captive by Holy Mother Church; it is the disobedient who are held captive by the world!

The USCCB's Perfect Storm: So-called Catholic politicians, educators, and journalists

If you were out in boat as three storms were about to converge over you, would you not drop to your knees and pray?

There are many attacks on the Catholic Church today. Groups of so-called Catholics are working in concert to generate a perfect storm for our bishops.

The consciences of these so-called Catholics are either uninformed or malformed, or their intellect has been clouded through their own sinful desires and actions.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. But, this group would have us believe that Jesus is ever changing with the world over time. They advance "all sorts of strange teachings" (Heb 13:9) working to convince us that truth is something which can be designed by our own desires. They are undermining our bishops, feeding the media "doctrines" that are completely foreign to clear and consistent teachings. They take what is simple and make it complex so as to confuse the flock.

It amounts to "designer-morality" yet these people do not realize that the Church is not like Burger King where you get to "have it your way". They hold virtue as a vice, and value the ways of the world. Being politically correct is of great importance, even if it means being morally incorrect.

Is it any wonder why certain segments of the Church have been indifferent or even hostile toward's the Blessed Virgin Mary? She was a model of humility and obedience. Christ was obedient unto death, death on a cross? Perhaps that is why some so-called Catholics have made every effort to eliminate the cross not only from our parishes, but from or consciences.

The bishops have their work cut out for them. Pray for them. Pray that they:

"...proclaim the word; be persistent whether it is convenient or inconvenient; convince, reprimand, encourage through all patience and teaching. For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine but, following their own desires and insatiable curiosity, will accumulate teachers and will stop listening to the truth and will be diverted to myths. " (2 Timothy 4:2-4)

Do we need any further evidence that the time is here?

• Maddening: 26 prominent Catholics back Sebelius pick

MORE EXAMPLES

So-called Catholic Politicians:

• Sebelius Nomination a Test for New Progressive Catholic Groups (US News & World Report)
• Catholic governor criticized by archbishop nominated as HHS secretary (CNS)
• Kathleen Sebelius Explains Being a Pro-Choice Pro-Lifer (US News & World Report)
• BREAKING: Bishop Martino sends second letter to Sen Bob Casey; Issues Official Notice on Worthy Reception of Holy Communion
• Granholm's Stem-cell "Shock" (National Catholic Register)
• Pelosi on Kids: They're an economic drain (Catholic League)

So-called Catholic Educators

• Scranton Shepherd, Bishop Martino, calls for dissolution of Misericordia's "Diversity Institute"
• As Lent Begins, 3 Prominent Catholic Universities Celebrate Porn, Promiscuity (LifeSiteNews)
• Bishop Demands Evidence of University’s Fidelity to Catholic Teaching (Cardinal Newman Society)
• UPDATE: Catholic Cabrini College Gives Award to Catholic Bashing Media Personality (Cardinal Newman Society)
• A talk with The Rev. Richard P. McBrien (Boston Globe)
• Fr. Z analyzes theologians criticism of EWTN in What some Catholic Colleges have in their theology departments

So-called Catholic Journalists

• Canonist Ed Peters analyzes "I am a pro-choice Catholic" in the National Catholic Reporter in a blogpost entitled, Young Voices, old canards, and Canon 1369
• See my An Open Letter to US Catholic Bishops regarding National Catholic Reporter's Article: I am a Pro-Choice Catholic
• Our journey to a same-sex holy union (Kate Childs Graham, National Catholic Reporter)
• Female power and the power of God (National Catholic Reporter - Young Voices)
• I'll be voting for the Democrat -- and the bishops be damned (Joe Feuerherd - NCReporter)
• The 2008 Presidential Election (Richard McBrien)

Te Deum Laudamus! Home

The obedient are not held captive by Holy Mother Church; it is the disobedient who are held captive by the world!

R.I.P.: Fr. Val Rykowski 1916-2009....And, God loves you too, Fr. Val

Fr. Val concelebrating Holy Mass with Bishop Athanasius Schneider, ORC when the auxiliary bishop of Karaganda, Kazakhstan and author of Dominus Est, visited St. Cyril & Methodius in July 2008

UPDATE - March 5, 2009: Consider bookmarking this post and revisiting it daily. Comments are dropping in with some amazing "Fr. Val" stories. Perhaps you have one to contribute. Moderation most often happens in the evening, so don't be discouraged if you don't see your comment right away.

I learned at Grotto's 6:30am Mass this morning of the passing of Fr. Val Rykowski, once called the Archdiocese of Detroit's version of the Energizer Bunny. Anyone who came into contact with the holy, elderly priest could see his great love for God and his holiness. But, Fr. Val himself would admonish us all to pray for the repose of his soul, no matter how saintly we considered him.

This holy priest, who exemplified the love of Christ, died with his boots on. He pushed himself at times to help in whatever way he could right up until the end. He continuously reminded us just how much God loved us.

Well done, faithful servant, well done. And, God loves you too!

I must get off to work, but would like to share one thing that I remember most about Fr. Val: His love for the Holy Eucharist. I use to go to the 6:00am Mass at Sts Cyril & Methodius, before Grotto began the 6:30am daily weekday liturgy. Fr. Val spent his final years at Sts C & M and whenever he said Mass, I could not keep myself from crying as I saw tears streaming down Father's face during the Consecration. I don't think I have ever seen him not get all choked up during the Consecration. It was a testimony to the Real Presence for me and he witnessed this fact well. A powerful, gentle lesson from a holy priest.




Please feel free to share your thoughts and stories of Fr. Val in the combox here. I will moderate comments before and after work, so it may take some time before you see you comment.

Also keep in your prayers, the priests and people who were so close to Fr. Val at Sts Cyril & Methodius in Sterling Heights and in the Archdiocese of Detroit.

Check the Sts Cyril & Methodius homepage for details and arrangements.

EDIT: The viewing and funeral have been delayed because the pastor, Fr. Ben, is out of the country. Viewing will be Monday the 9th, and Tuesday, with the funeral at Noon Wednesday. See more details in the link directly above.

Fr. Val speaking at the August 13, 2007 Fatima Devotion at Assumption Grotto

Fr. Val was known to plead with people to pray the Fatima Angel's Prayer:

MOST HOLY TRINITY, I adore you! My God, My God, I love You in the Most Blessed Sacrament.

MY GOD, I believe, I adore, I trust, and I love Thee! I ask pardon for for those who do not believe, do not adore, do not trust and do not love Thee.

Requiescat in pace, faithful son of the Church!

Te Deum Laudamus! Home

The obedient are not held captive by Holy Mother Church; it is the disobedient who are held captive by the world!