2015
#BreakingNews Largest #Family in Britain welcomes 18th Child!
The Radfords, run a successful bakery business in Morecambe, Lancashire, England. They do not claim any state benefits. Sue and Noel knew each other from childhood and Sue became pregnant with their first child at the age of 14. Besides Hallie, the couple are also parents to: Chris, 25, Chloe, 19, Jack, 17, Daniel, 15, Luke, 14, Millie, 13, Katie, 12, James, 11, Ellie, 9, Aimee, 8, Josh, 7, Max, six, Tilly, 4, Oscar, 3, and Casper, two. Sue said to a UK newspaper The Sun: “I think she'll be the last, but I never say never. We won't actively try but I won't go on the pill. We'll leave it to nature, if we're meant to have more then I suppose we will.” The Radford’s, are also grandparents to two kids, and have been featured on the British TV show “16 Kids and Counting.” In the U.S., the biggest family, the Duggars, also have 19 kids and are known for the TLC reality show “19 Kids and Counting.”
#PopeFrancis on Plane Answers Questions on Medjugorje and Evil of Pornography - Full Text/Video
Shared from AmericaMagazine by Gerard O'Connell | Jun 7 2015
Note: The following is my own translation of the entire press conference.
Many pilgrims have come here from Croatia and there is much interest on whether you will go to Croatia. And since we are in Bosnia-Herzgovina many are asking what is your judgment on the phenomenon of Medjugorje? (Bold questions from reporters)
On the problem of Medjugorje: Benedict XVI, in his day, set up a Commission headed by Cardinal Ruini, composed of other cardinals and theologians. They made a study, and Cardinal Ruini came to me and gave me the study after many years of work, three or four I think. They did a good job, a good job. Cardinal Muller (note: prefect of the Congregation for the Faith) told me that in these days he would hold a session (of the congregation) on this question. I think it was held on the last Wednesday of the month, but I am not sure. We are going to take decisions soon, and then they will be communicated. For the moment, only some orientations will be given to the bishops, on the paths to be taken. (NB. Fr Federico Lombardi, Director of the Vatican Press Office said later that the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith has not yet held the meeting mentioned by the pope.)
As for the visit to Croatia, I don’t know when it will be. I remember the question you asked when I went to Albania. (You said) you begin the visit to Europe but starting with a country that’s not in the European Union. And answered: it’s a sign. I want to begin the visit to Europe in small countries, and in the Balkans there are martyred countries that have suffered much.
You have spoken about those who deliberately foment the climate of war, and then you told the young people: there are powerful ones who speak of peace but under the table they straffick in arms. Could you say something more on this?
There’s always hypocrisy, and for this reason I said that it’s not sufficient to speak of peace. Peace must be made. The one who only talks of peace but does not make peace contradicts himself. The one who speaks of peace but foments war, for example, by selling arms, is a hypocrite.
You spoke in some detail to the young people, in your last talk, about the need to exercise much care in what they read and what they see (on TV and in the computer): you didn't exactly use the word 'pornography', but you used the word 'bad fantasies.' Could you elaborate a little more on this concept? There are two different things: the modalities and the contents. As regards the modalities, there is one that can do harm to the soul and that is being too attached to the computer.
This harms the soul and takes away freedom; one becomes a slave of the computer. It’s interesting that in many families, the fathers and mothers tell me that when we’re at table with the children, they are on the cellular phones and in another world. It’s true that virtual language is something we cannot ignore; it’s progress for humanity. But when it takes us away from the family, from social life, from sport, from art and we remain attached to it, then for sure it is a psychological illness.
Secondly, as for the contents: Yes, there are ‘dirty things’ that go from pornography to semi-pornography, from empty programs devoid of values, to ones that are relativistic, hedonistic and consumeristic, which foment all these things. We know that consumerism is a cancer of society, relativism is a cancer of society, and I speak about this in the next encyclical that will be issued this month. I used the word ‘dirty’ in a general sense.
There are parents that are very concerned and do not allow computers in the rooms of their children, they must be in a common place in the home. This is a small help that the parents give their children to avoid these things.
Pressed by a French reporter at the end of the press conference (the question was not audible) whether he would visit France, given the ‘problems’ with the French government. (Reporters interpreted this as an allusion to the fact that the Holy See has not yet given its agreement to the candidate proposed by the Government to be its ambassador there, allegedly because he is homosexual.) He responded:
I will go to France. I promised the French bishops that I would go. As for problems: little problems are not problems!
Shared from AmericaMagazine by Gerard O'Connell | Jun 7 2015
Decrease in #Abortion in the USA of 12% - #ProLife Generation SHARE
By Cheryl Sullenger
Washington, DC — The Associated Press has released a new report showing that the number of abortions have fallen in all but two states since 2010.
The percentage of decrease for abortions ranged from a low 2.6 in Illinois to a remarkable high of 29.9 percent in Hawaii.
The report found the average abortion drop was 12% over the past five years.
North Carolina had the second largest decrease in abortions at 26.3 percent followed by New Mexico with a still impressive 23.9 percent drop.
Large decreases in abortion numbers occurred in both conservative states with multiple safety restrictions, such as North Carolina, as well as liberal states with few abortion laws, such as New Mexico.
“The states where we see large decreases in abortion numbers are generally states that experienced abortion clinic closures and in states with very active pro-life opposition,” said Troy Newman, President of Operation Rescue and co-author of the book Abortion Free. “Of course other factors contributed to the decrease, but these numbers confirm that when abortion clinics close, abortion numbers drop and lives are saved.”
The only two states in which abortions increased were Louisiana and Michigan. The uptick is being attributed to an influx of abortions on women from neighboring states where a significant number of abortion facilities have closed.
Louisiana’s neighboring state of Texas and Michigan’s neighboring state of Ohio both shut down about half of their abortion facilities since 2012. As a result, abortions decreased in Texas by 13% the following year. In Ohio, abortions are down 17.4% over 2010 numbers.
“The fact that abortions increased in Louisiana and Michigan is unfortunate, but it does show that women are more than able to cross state lines to get abortions if that is what they are set on doing,” said Newman. “This makes recent court decisions seem silly that say the crossing of state lines for abortions poses an undue burden on women.”
The AP report notes that four states for which there are no reliable numbers include California, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, and Wyoming.
“The Associated Press report is great news. It proves that Americans are rejecting abortions in favor of life in unprecedented numbers,” said Newman. “There’s no doubt that we are winning and the abortion cartel is waning.”
Pro-life supporters should be encouraged that their work is paying off.
“The numbers show that even in political climates where abortion is unrestricted, large pro-life gains can still be made,” said Newman. “This validates the hard work of pro-life groups and supporters who have labored tirelessly for decades in a number of venues to turn the rudder of the ship way from the abortion cartel and toward a culture of life.”
Newman and his colleague, Cheryl Sullenger, recently released the book Abortion Free: Your Manual for Building a Pro-Life America One Community at a Time, which discusses step by step how pro-life supporters can succeed in reducing abortions by closing abortion clinics and influencing the public view of abortion.
Abortion Free is available at Amazon.com, and from WorldNetDaily.com.
Shared from Operation Rescue
Today's Mass Readings and Video : Tues. June 9, 2015
Tuesday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 360
Reading 12 COR 1:18-22
Brothers and sisters:
As God is faithful, our word to you is not “yes” and “no.”
For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was proclaimed to you by us,
Silvanus and Timothy and me,
was not “yes” and “no,” but “yes” has been in him.
For however many are the promises of God, their Yes is in him;
therefore, the Amen from us also goes through him to God for glory.
But the one who gives us security with you in Christ
and who anointed us is God;
he has also put his seal upon us
and given the Spirit in our hearts as a first installment.
As God is faithful, our word to you is not “yes” and “no.”
For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was proclaimed to you by us,
Silvanus and Timothy and me,
was not “yes” and “no,” but “yes” has been in him.
For however many are the promises of God, their Yes is in him;
therefore, the Amen from us also goes through him to God for glory.
But the one who gives us security with you in Christ
and who anointed us is God;
he has also put his seal upon us
and given the Spirit in our hearts as a first installment.
Responsorial PsalmPS 119:129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 135
R. (135a) Lord, let your face shine on me.
Wonderful are your decrees;
therefore I observe them.
R. Lord, let your face shine on me.
The revelation of your words sheds light,
gives understanding to the simple.
R. Lord, let your face shine on me.
I gasp with open mouth
in my yearning for your commands.
R. Lord, let your face shine on me.
Turn to me in pity
as you turn to those who love your name.
R. Lord, let your face shine on me.
Steady my footsteps according to your promise,
and let no iniquity rule over me.
R. Lord, let your face shine on me.
Let your countenance shine upon your servant,
and teach me your statutes.
R. Lord, let your face shine on me.
Let your light shine before others
that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Wonderful are your decrees;
therefore I observe them.
R. Lord, let your face shine on me.
The revelation of your words sheds light,
gives understanding to the simple.
R. Lord, let your face shine on me.
I gasp with open mouth
in my yearning for your commands.
R. Lord, let your face shine on me.
Turn to me in pity
as you turn to those who love your name.
R. Lord, let your face shine on me.
Steady my footsteps according to your promise,
and let no iniquity rule over me.
R. Lord, let your face shine on me.
Let your countenance shine upon your servant,
and teach me your statutes.
R. Lord, let your face shine on me.
AlleluiaMT 5:16
R. Alleluia, alleluia.Let your light shine before others
that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GospelMT 5:13-16
Jesus said to his disciples:
“You are the salt of the earth.
But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned?
It is no longer good for anything
but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
You are the light of the world.
A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden.
Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket;
it is set on a lampstand,
where it gives light to all in the house.
Just so, your light must shine before others,
that they may see your good deeds
and glorify your heavenly Father.”
“You are the salt of the earth.
But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned?
It is no longer good for anything
but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
You are the light of the world.
A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden.
Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket;
it is set on a lampstand,
where it gives light to all in the house.
Just so, your light must shine before others,
that they may see your good deeds
and glorify your heavenly Father.”
Saint June 9 : St. Ephrem of Syria : Doctor : Patron of Spiritual Directors
DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH
Feast: June 9
Information:
| Born at Nisibis, then under Roman rule, early in the fourth century; died June, 373. The name of his father is unknown, but he was a pagan and a priest of the goddess Abnil or Abizal. His mother was a native of Amid. Ephraem was instructed in the Christian mysteries by St. James, the famous Bishop of Nisibis, and was baptized at the age of eighteen (or twenty-eight). Thenceforth he became more intimate with the holy bishop, who availed himself of the services of Ephraem to renew the moral life of the citizens of Nisibis, especially during the sieges of 338, 346, and 350. One of his biographers relates that on a certain occasion he cursed from the city walls the Persian hosts, whereupon a cloud of flies and mosquitoes settled on the army of Sapor II and compelled it to withdraw. The adventurous campaign of Julian the Apostate, which for a time menaced Persia, ended, as is well known, in disaster, and his successor, Jovianus, was only too happy to rescue from annihilation some remnant of the great army which his predecessor had led across the Euphrates. To accomplish even so much the emperor had to sign a disadvantageous treaty, by the terms of which Rome lost the Eastern provinces conquered at the end of the third century; among the cities retroceded to Persia was Nisibis (363). To escape the cruel persecution that was then raging in Persia, most of the Christian population abandoned Nisibis en masse. Ephraem went with his people, and settled first at Beit-Garbaya, then at Amid, finally at Edessa, the capital of Osrhoene, where he spent the remaining ten years of his life, a hermit remarkable for his severe asceticism. Nevertheless he took an interest in all matters that closely concerned the population of Edessa. Several ancient writers say that he was a deacon; as such he could well have been authorized to preach in public. At this time some ten heretical sects were active in Edessa; Ephraem contended vigorously with all of them, notably with the disciples of the illustrious philosopher Bardesanes. To this period belongs nearly all his literary work; apart from some poems composed at Nisibis, the rest of his writings-sermons, hymns, exegetical treatises-date from his sojourn at Edessa. It is not improbable that he is one of the chief founders of the theological "School of the Persians", so called because its first students and original masters were Persian Christian refugees of 363. At his death St. Ephraem was borne without pomp to the cemetery "of the foreigners". The Armenian monks of the monastery of St. Sergius at Edessa claim to possess his body. The aforesaid facts represent all that is historically certain concerning the career of Ephraem. All details added later by Syrian biographers are at best of doubtful value. To this class belong not only the legendary and occasionally puerile traits so dear to Oriental writers, but also others seemingly reliable, e.g. an alleged journey to Egypt with a sojourn of eight years, during which he is said to have confuted publicly certain spokesmen of the Arian heretics. The relations of St. Ephraem and St. Basil are narrated by very reliable authors, e.g. St. Gregory of Nyssa (the Pseudo?) and Sozomen, according to whom the hermit of Edessa, attracted by the great reputation of St. Basil, resolved to visit him at Caesarea. He was warmly received and was ordained deacon by St. Basil; four years later he refused both the priesthood and the episcopate that St. Basil offered him through delegates sent for that purpose to Edessa. Though Ephraem seems to have been quite ignorant of Greek, this meeting with St. Basil is not improbable; some good critics, however, hold the evidence insufficient, and therefore reject it, or at least withhold their adhesion. The life of St. Ephraem, therefore, offers not a few obscure problems; only the general outline of his career is known to us. It is certain, however, that while he lived he was very influential among the Syrian Christians of Edessa, and that his memory was revered by all, Orthodox, Monophysites, and Nestorians. They call him the "sun of the Syrians," the "column of the Church", the "harp of the Holy Spirit". More extraordinary still is the homage paid by the Greeks who rarely mention Syrian writers. Among the works of St. Gregory of Nyssa (P.G., XLVI, 819) is a sermon (though not acknowledged by some) which is a real panegyric of St. Ephraem. Twenty years after the latter's death St. Jerome mentions him as follows in his catalogue of illustrious Christians: "Ephraem, deacon of the Church of Edessa, wrote many works [opuscula] in Syriac, and became so famous that his writings are publicly read in some churches after the Sacred Scriptures. I have read in Greek a volume of his on the Holy Spirit; though it was only a translation, I recognized therein the sublime genius of the man" (De viris illustr., c. cxv). Theodoret of Cyrus also praised his poetic genius and theological knowledge (Hist. Eccl., IV, xxvi). Sozomen pretends that Ephraem wrote 3,000,000 verses, and gives the names of some of his disciples, some of whom remained orthodox, while others fell into heresy (Hist. Eccl., III, xvi). From the Syrian and Byzantine Churches the fame of Ephraem spread among all Christians. The Roman Martyrology mentions him on 1 February. In their menologies and synaxaria Greeks and Russians, Jacobites, Chaldeans, Copts, and Armenians honour the holy deacon of Edessa. (Taken from Catholic Encyclopedia) |
Saint June 9 : St. Columbkille of #Ireland : 1st Missionary to #Scotland
ST. COLUMBKILLE is one of three great saints of Ireland and was the first missionary to Scotland. Born in 521 in Donegal, Ireland to a family connected to kings and princes, Columb was a man gifted with incredible talents. He wrote poetry and music, established churches and monasteries, preached the gospel and painted manuscripts. St. Adamnan, his biographer wrote of him: "He had the face of an angel; he was of an excellent nature, polished in speech, holy in deed, great in counsel . . . loving unto all." He is personally described as "A man well-formed, with powerful frame; his skin was white, his face broad and fair and radiant, lit up with large, gray, luminous eyes.”
From an early age Columb seemed destined for the priesthood, his family sent him off to study under the future St. Finnian and at Clonard Abbey he surrendered his princely claims, became a monk and was ordained. He spent the next 15 years preaching and teaching in Ireland. As was the custom in those days, he combined study and prayer with manual labor. By his own natural gifts as well as by the good fortune of his birth, he soon gained ascendancy as a monk of unusual distinction. By the time he was 25, he had founded no less than 27 Irish monasteries, including those at Derry, Durrow, and Kells, as well as some 40 churches. His work for the Church gained him the addition of “kille” to his name. Columb means “dove” in Gaelic and kille is “church”, so he came to be known as the “church’s dove”. Columb lived, with every ounce of his energy, the commission of Jesus to “go and make disciples.”
There is a famous tale about Columbkille that stands as one of the first copyright cases on record: Columbkille was so anxious to have a copy of Finnian’s Psalter that he shut himself up at night in the church that contained it and secretly transcribed it by hand. He was discovered by a monk who watched him through the keyhole and reported it to his superior. Bibles and prayer books were so scarce in those days that Abbot Finnian claimed the copy, refusing to allow it to leave the monastery. Columbkille refused to surrender it until he was obliged to do so, under protest, on Finnian's appeal to King Diarmaid, who said, "To every cow its calf," meaning to every book its copy.
While historically a bit unclear, an unfortunate period followed, during which, owing to Columbkille's protection of a refugee and his impassioned denunciation of an injustice by King Diarmaid, war broke out between the clans of Ireland, and Columbkille became an exile of his own accord. Filled with remorse on account of those who had been slain in battle and condemned by many of his own friends, he experienced a change of heart and an irresistible call to preach to those who had not heard the gospel. In 563, at the age of 42, he left Ireland with 12 companions and landed on an island now known as Iona. Here on this desolate rock, only three miles long and two miles wide, in the northern sea off the southwest corner of Mull, Scotland, he began his work; and, Iona became a center of Christian learning. It became the heart of Celtic Christianity and a potent factor in the conversion of the Picts, Scots, and Northern English. Monks from the monasteries established by Columbkille would later travel to mainland Europe and Christianize the Frank and Germanic tribes.There are many miracles and incredible events recorded by St. Adamnan in his biography of St. Columbkille and they make for interesting reading. If you wish to believe it, he is one of the first people to encounter the Loch Ness monster. His memory remains a potent force in Celtic lands and his poetry and songs are still sung:
“Alone with none but Thee, my God,
I journey on my way;
what need I fear when Thou art near,
O King of night and day?"
I journey on my way;
what need I fear when Thou art near,
O King of night and day?"
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