Catholic News World : Thurs. July 2, 2015 - Share!

, 2015

#Quote to SHARE by #MotherTeresa "The fruit of Silence is Prayer The fruit of Prayer is Faith The fruit of Faith is Love..."

Wow Raped by Step-Father at age 13 calls her daughter a Blessing - #ProLife SHARE

Courage an Organization helping those with #SameSex Attraction - 5 Goals to SHARE

Today's Mass Readings and Video : Thurs. July 2, 2015

Saint July 2 : St. Bernardino Realino : #Jesuit

Powerful #Prayers to the Precious Blood of Jesus - Novena - Litany - Chaplet - SHARE

#PopeFrancis Letter against #SameSex #Marriage "A clear rejection of the law of God..." FULL TEXT

"The fruit of Silence is Prayer, The fruit of Prayer is Faith, The fruit of Faith is Love, The fruit of Love is Service, The fruit of Service is Peace" ― Mother Teresa

Wow Raped by Step-Father at age 13 calls her daughter a Blessing - #ProLife SHARE

Though Conceived Through Step-Father Rape at Age 13, My Daughter is a Blessing by Cherie Miller

“I thought I was a broken person.”  That’s what I explained to my husband just after I told him my story. 

My mom married my stepfather while she was still pregnant with me, so it wasn’t until years later that I found out he was not my biological father.  I never knew my biological father -- it was a family secret, and to this day, I still don’t know him.  This family secret was not the only one, but secrets can become normal for someone unless they are revealed. 

Growing up was “normal” for me, I thought.  I have three younger brothers  -- all who were born to my mother and stepfather.  We did the things families normally do:  camping, fishing, and celebrating birthdays and holidays.  We went to movies, laughed together and enjoyed playing outside.  We occasionally went to church.   One thing which wasn’t truly normal however, was the secret between me and my stepfather.  From as young as I can remember, he sexually molested me. I knew nothing different.  As I said, I thought it was normal.  This was a secret no one knew – a secret he told me I must keep, and I was too terrified to tell anyone anyway.  I’m guessing someone around us may have suspected something, but we moved a lot -- five times by the time I was in 7^thgrade.

This horrible secret went on for years and probably would have never been completely revealed until one day when I started having abdominal pain which got worse as the day went on.  I told my mom and she brought me to the doctor.   At the age of thirteen, I was in labor, and I was absolutely scared to death!  I was worried about mom and how devastating this would be for her to find out, and fear of what would happen next.  But while in the hospital, no one asked me who the father was.  Today, as a health care professional, this would have been the first thing I would have asked, and I would not have wanted a 13 year old mother to be sent home without knowing she was safe.

Now, as you all know, you must first be pregnant before you can go into labor, right?  Yes, I had been pregnant for several months.   I remember feeling the baby move, but I was scared, and perhaps in denial.   I was 13, and although my body was feeling different, I really never showed.  Without showing, nobody asked any questions, and without questions, the secret could continue, and I just lived it.  This was my “normal.”  But going into labor was the inconvenient truth nobody could keep covered. 

My mom is an incredibly strong woman.  I can’t imagine what was going through her mind at that time, but she never left my side.  What pain must she have endured wondering who had done this to her daughter?  She later told me that her immediate thought was that one of the fathers of the children I babysat did this to me.  My brother revealed to me years later that he suspected what was going on because he saw his father going into my room regularly, but he was young and scared as well.

I gave birth to a beautiful, healthy baby girl.  The first thing I remember is that I cried, and I felt happy.  There was this little person laying on my belly, she was crying, I was looking at her, and I was in awe that she was just so beautiful!  When I looked at her I didn’t see him, I didn’t see the crappy stuff that was going on in my life – I didn’t see any of that.  I just saw her. 

After being cleaned up, a nurse brought my daughter back into the room again.  It was late at night and I couldn’t sleep because I was worried about her.  I felt relief to see her again and to hold her, knowing she was healthy.   All I could think of was about the better life I knew she was going to have.   I didn’t want to bring her into my horrible situation since I had no hope it would end.  Being only thirteen and in light of everything which I knew was to come, I chose adoption for her.   The heaviness in my heart was gone as I thought of the good life she would have.

I thought life as “normal” would go on, and we quickly just forgot everything.   We did not speak about who did this to me.  My baby went to a foster home while awaiting placement with an adoptive family, and I returned to live with my brothers, mother, and yes, even stepfather.  The lie continued, though my stepfather avoided me.   Life was going back to “normal.”  However, the truth was about to come out.

About a week after I went home, the social worker I was assigned to at the hospital had my mom and me come to her office.  At the social worker’s insistence, I told my secret.   I felt like I had crushed my mom’s heart!   In my mind, I had deceived her.   In my mind, I was destroying her marriage.   In my mind, it was all my fault this was happening.   Amazingly, my mom believed me without doubt and she supported me.   I felt like a thousand-pound brick was lifted off my shoulders!  The healing could begin.  However, because of everything that had occurred, I requested to go to a foster home. My request was granted.

 I was placed in foster care with wonderful people.  My stepfather was arrested.  At trial, he was convicted and sentenced to 90 days in jail with work release, and 15 years of probation.   That’s not much of a sentence.  He got off easy in my mind.  But he denied ever having intercourse with me – never penetrating, claiming he masturbated and that I was somehow inseminated that way. Preposterous, right?  And yet, he apparently got away with that story.

While I was in the foster home, my stepfather returned home with my mom and brothers.  My mom was raised in a strong Catholic family, and was too ashamed to let her parents know the dark secret. She’s also struggled from a low self-esteem.  I was just glad to be out of there at the time.  We all started family counseling, and I personally went to counseling.  That was a real blessing for me.  I learned I could heal and maybe become a whole person for the first time in my life. 

After a year in foster care, I returned home.  I had hopes that this would be a positive turning point. I still had no idea that he was not my biological father.  Looking back, I think the system was entirely screwed up that they would send me back and is still in need of reform.  All of us lived together, including my stepfather, under one roof.  “Normal” unfortunately had returned.  It was difficult for me, but I was young and I thought we could just move on.  That lasted about six months before my stepfather attempted molesting me again.  I told a high school friend, who told her mom who was a nurse, who then contacted the authorities.  He was ordered to leave the home, but was not arrested.  My mom was angry and she finally began standing up for herself, and for me.  They divorced, but no more jail time.

I was almost 16 at that time.  My remaining teenage years were a struggle.  My mom was raising four children alone.  She worked multiple jobs and received no child support.  In public, I felt like I was “that girl that was molested by her father” and everyone in school and town knew it.  It felt like it was “stamped” on my forehead.  It was very hard for me.  One thing I really enjoyed in high school that did make me feel like I belonged was cheerleading.  My advisor was incredible and I never felt like the outsider with her.  I spent a lot of my teenage years trying to get away from my past.  I drank.  I did things I shouldn’t have.  I just wanted to forget and move on.  The truth was painful and I just wanted to find a new “normal.”  But the truth of my past always found me. 

After high school, I joined the National Guard so I could get away from those who knew, and hopefully get away from the memories as well.  I did have positive people in my life who continually encouraged me and stood by me.  But even with all the encouragement, as a young adult I was definitely going down the wrong road.  I had unhealthy abusive relationships, including a failed marriage.  I drank a lot of alcohol.  I got to the point where I didn’t feel I was worth anything better.   I had gotten pregnant once again.  I now had a son and I was only 21.  It was just him and me.  I was determined to give him the best life that I could, but we struggled at times.

At about the age of 25, I decided I needed better for myself and I went to college.  Looking back, that was my turning point.  I finally was feeling I had found myself.  The more I went, the better and more confident I felt.  I had numerous uplifting positive people in my life.  I eventually remarried and had two more beautiful children.  I received my education as a nurse.   Nursing was definitely something important and rewarding to me.  My career eventually led me to a position as a health care educator.   I got away from the unhealthy things in my life with the help of more counseling.  My new normal was not perfect – unfortunately, I divorced once again, but things were slowly getting better.  Soon, things were about to get much better.

In December 2010, my brother received a letter from the county stating they were looking for me.  In my gut, I felt I knew it had something to do with my past.  I was fearful, but also confident I could take anything on now.  I called the agency and spoke with the county adoption advocate.  She asked if I had a baby in 1983 and gave her up for adoption.  My heart was in my throat.  I was waiting for this day and hoped at some point she would try to find me.  I thought about her all the time, wondered where she was, and what she looked like.  I prayed she had a great family and was healthy and successful, without the struggles I had growing up.  I said yes.  She said the young woman was looking for me!

One of my first questions was if she knew she was conceived in rape.  The county advocate thought she did in fact know.  All sorts of emotions came over me.  Would she hate me?  Was this going to be good for her?  Was it good for me?  How would this affect all of us? 

I received a letter from my newly found daughter.  She is married with two children. After several letters and conversations on Facebook, we met in person in February, 2011. Her parents and her husbands’ parents were amazingly supportive, encouraging, and so incredibly open to including me in their lives. Words cannot express how thankful I am to them!  Perhaps my greatest gift was a photo album Heidi gave to me when we met.  It included pictures of Heidi growing up, her wedding, and pictures of my grandchildren.  In the front cover was a poem I’d never seen before and I was sobbing as I read it:

“Legacy of an adopted child”

Author unknown 

Once there were two women who never knew each other.

One you do not remember, one you call Mother.

Two different lives shaped to make you one.

One became your guiding star; the other became your sun.

The first one gave you life, and the second taught you to live it.

The first gave you a need for love.  The second was there to give it.

One gave you nationality.  The other gave you a name.

One gave you talent.  The other gave you aim.

One gave you emotions.  The other calmed your fears. 

One saw your first sweet smile.  The other dried your tears.

One sought for you a home that she could not provide. 

The other prayed for a child and her hope was not denied.

And now you ask me, through your tears,

The age-old question unanswered through the years.

Heredity or environment, which are you a product of?

Neither, my darling, Neither.  Just two different kinds of love. 

Having Heidi back in my life, I could now say that my “normal” was full and complete.  I felt like I was truly whole, and I still feel that way today.   Though she lives a couple of hours away, I try to visit as often as I can.  We see each other every couple of months on average and celebrate holidays and birthdays together.  I'm so incredibly proud of Heidi!  She's been accepting of knowing how she was conceived and still wanting to have a relationship with me.  Her parents are incredible!

Forgiveness was also something which had to happen.  This was hard.  He is no longer a part of my life, but I can say that I have forgiven him.  Without forgiveness, I don’t think I could have gotten to where I am today.  You have to choose in your life if you will be bitter or if you will forgive.  I chose to forgive.

In June 2012, I remarried to the most amazing man I have ever met!  Tim is the one I talked about in the beginning.  My story never scared him.  He has never judged me.  Tim encourages me, 

challenges me, and loves me completely.  Here is a note my husband wrote for me after I told him my story:

“It is difficult for me to separate a person from their story. It is what has formed them.  Our past and those who were an influence over us shape our values and our character. The good and bad in all of us are cultivated by our experiences.  I would never wish on anyone what you had to endure over the years.  But this is your story and I love you for it.  You make me better.  You are the strongest woman I have ever met and you are kind, compassionate, and very patient with others.  I wouldn’t want you any different.  Because of that, however difficult your life may have been, I can accept it and be blessed by you because of it.  Looking at your life, I can see that many people were placed there by God to take care of you during difficult times. God bless you Cherie.”

I want my story to be one of hope and an understanding that despite how difficult life can be, there is always a future.  I believe God puts people in our lives to bless us and to be blessed by us.  We don’t always know who or when, or for how long.  But my challenge to you is to never think you are alone and to never give up hope.

BIO:  Cherie Miller is a wife and mother of four biological children, three step-children, and a birthmother to one.  Her husband Tim Miller is a 100% pro-life Minnesota State House Representative, representing District 17A, having worked as a grant writer for Habitat for Humanity before becoming a state rep..   Cherie is a nurse, teaching health care at a local college, and a blogger for Save The 1.  As a birthmother from rape, she's hoping to mentor others through sharing her story.

Shared from http://savethe1.blogspot.ca/- Support this Amazing Ministry!

Courage an Organization helping those with #SameSex Attraction - 5 Goals to SHARE

About Courage:
 Persons with homosexual desires often find themselves listening to and accepting the secular society’s perspective and opting to act on their same-sex desires.   With the help of the Rev. Benedict Groeschel, C.F.R., and others, Fr. Harvey began the Courage Apostolate with its first meeting in September, 1980. With the endorsement of the Vatican, Courage now has more than 100 Chapters and contact people world-wide. In chaste living, one finds the peace and grace to grow in Christian maturity. Please send us an e-mail. We will put you in touch with someone who can help you: NYCourage@aol.com
The Five Goals of Courage The Five Goals were created by the members themselves, when Courage was founded. The goals are read at the start of each meeting and each member is called to practice them in daily life.
1. To live chaste lives in accordance with the Roman Catholic Church’s teaching on homosexuality. ( Chastity )
2.To dedicate our entire lives to Christ through service to others, spiritual reading, prayer, meditation, individual spiritual direction, frequent attendance at Mass, and the frequent reception of the sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist. (Prayer and Dedication)
3.To foster a spirit of fellowship in which we may share with one another our thoughts and experiences, and so ensure that no one will have to face the problems of homosexuality alone. (Fellowship)
4. To be mindful of the truth that chaste friendships are not only possible but necessary in a chaste Christian life; and to encourage one another in forming and sustaining these friendships. (Support)
5. To live lives that may serve as good examples to others. (Good Example/Role Model)
12 Steps of Courage Please Note: The 12-Step format is integral to Courage meetings. Each step is concerned with one or more virtues; each calls us to take action and focus on ourselves as persons. However, while this format is useful for those who are dealing with addictions, it must not be assumed that Courage, by utilizing the 12-Step process, believes that all same-sex attracted individuals are struggling with addictions. In fact, Courage recognizes the universal application of the 12-Step process for any person desiring to grow spiritually, especially when this process is supplemented with faithful Catholic spirituality.
 1. We admitted that we were powerless over homosexuality and our lives had become unmanageable.
2. We came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
3. We made a decision to turn our will and our lives to the care of God as we understood Him.
4. We made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
5. We admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
6. We were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of our character.
7. We humbly asked God to remove our shortcomings.
8. We made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make direct amends to them all.
9. We made the direct amends to such people wherever possible except when to do so would injure them or others.
10. We continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong, promptly admitted it.
11. We sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for the knowledge of God’s Will for us and the power to carry it out.
12. Having had a spiritual awakening as a result of these Steps, we tried to carry this message to others and to practice these principles in all our affairs.
*Based on the original Twelve Steps of A.A.
Shared from http://couragerc.org/

Today's Mass Readings and Video : Thurs. July 2, 2015

Thursday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 380

Reading 1GN 22:1B-19

God put Abraham to the test.
He called to him, “Abraham!”
“Here I am,” he replied.
Then God said: “Take your son Isaac, your only one, whom you love,
and go to the land of Moriah.
There you shall offer him up as a burnt offering
on a height that I will point out to you.”
Early the next morning Abraham saddled his donkey,
took with him his son Isaac, and two of his servants as well,
and with the wood that he had cut for the burnt offering,
set out for the place of which God had told him.

On the third day Abraham got sight of the place from afar.
Then he said to his servants: “Both of you stay here with the donkey,
while the boy and I go on over yonder.
We will worship and then come back to you.”
Thereupon Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering
and laid it on his son Isaac’s shoulders,
while he himself carried the fire and the knife.
As the two walked on together, Isaac spoke to his father Abraham:
“Father!” he said.
“Yes, son,” he replied.
Isaac continued, “Here are the fire and the wood,
but where is the sheep for the burnt offering?”
“Son,” Abraham answered,
“God himself will provide the sheep for the burnt offering.”
Then the two continued going forward.

When they came to the place of which God had told him,
Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it.
Next he tied up his son Isaac,
and put him on top of the wood on the altar.
Then he reached out and took the knife to slaughter his son.
But the LORD’s messenger called to him from heaven,
“Abraham, Abraham!”
“Here I am,” he answered.
“Do not lay your hand on the boy,” said the messenger.
“Do not do the least thing to him.
I know now how devoted you are to God,
since you did not withhold from me your own beloved son.”
As Abraham looked about,
he spied a ram caught by its horns in the thicket.
So he went and took the ram
and offered it up as a burnt offering in place of his son.
Abraham named the site Yahweh-yireh;
hence people now say, “On the mountain the LORD will see.”
Again the LORD’s messenger called to Abraham from heaven and said:
“I swear by myself, declares the LORD,
that because you acted as you did
in not withholding from me your beloved son,
I will bless you abundantly
and make your descendants as countless
as the stars of the sky and the sands of the seashore;
your descendants shall take possession
of the gates of their enemies,
and in your descendants all the nations of the earth
shall find blessing—all this because you obeyed my command.”

Abraham then returned to his servants,
and they set out together for Beer-sheba,
where Abraham made his home.

Responsorial PsalmPS 115:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9

R. (9) I will walk in the presence of the Lord, in the land of the living.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Not to us, O LORD, not to us
but to your name give glory
because of your kindness, because of your truth.
Why should the pagans say,
“Where is their God?”
R. I will walk in the presence of the Lord, in the land of the living.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Our God is in heaven;
whatever he wills, he does.
Their idols are silver and gold,
the handiwork of men.
R. I will walk in the presence of the Lord, in the land of the living.
or:
R. Alleluia.
They have mouths but speak not;
they have eyes but see not;
They have ears but hear not;
they have noses but smell not.
R. I will walk in the presence of the Lord, in the land of the living.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Their makers shall be like them,
everyone who trusts in them.
The house of Israel trusts in the LORD;
he is their help and their shield.
R. I will walk in the presence of the Lord, in the land of the living.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Alleluia2 COR 5:19

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ
and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

GospelMT 9:1-8

After entering a boat, Jesus made the crossing, and came into his own town.
And there people brought to him a paralytic lying on a stretcher.
When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic,
“Courage, child, your sins are forgiven.”
At that, some of the scribes said to themselves,
“This man is blaspheming.”
Jesus knew what they were thinking, and said,
:Why do you harbor evil thoughts?
Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’
or to say, ‘Rise and walk’?
But that you may know that the Son of Man
has authority on earth to forgive sins”–
he then said to the paralytic,
“Rise, pick up your stretcher, and go home.”
He rose and went home.
When the crowds saw this they were struck with awe
and glorified God who had given such authority to men.

Saint July 2 : St. Bernardino Realino : #Jesuit

St. Bernardino Realino

JESUIT COLLEGE RECTOR

Feast: July 2 
Born:Modena, Italy, in 1530
Canonized:1947 by Pope Pius XII
Patron of:

Lecce, Italy 
Bernardino Realino was born on December 1st, 1530 in Carpi in the province of Emilia in Northern Italy.Bernardino Realino’s long life – he was over eighty-six at the time of his passing – can be conveniently divided into two unequal parts.
The First Thirty-Four years (1530-1564)

His mother was mainly responsible for his early training in piety and profane knowledge. She chose the tutors who for sixteen years taught Bernardino at home, as was the custom with rich families in those days. His father was often away from home, as his services were in constant demand by several ruling princes, who inisisted on his attendance on them.

When he was sixteen, he left the paternal home in order to complete his literary studies and for further studies in medicine.
While he was at Bologna, another woman began to play an important part in his life, a beautiful girl, Signorina Calindra, who became eventually his betrothed. Apparently this young lady did not like men of the medical profession; and Bernardino, anxious to please his lady-love switched over to the study of law.

He took his degree in civil and canon law in 1561. He was doing well. However the sunshine soon went out of his life, for about that time his long courtship with Calindra suddenly came to an end with the premature death of his beloved.

In those days, Bernardino was a practising Catholic, but by no means an exemplary one. He was hot-tempered, and when he considered himself offended, he was liable to go to extremes. He also foolishly thought that when insulted, the proper thing for him to do was to challenge the offender to fight it out with deadly weapons.

The Parting of the Ways

It would seem that one day he saw in the streets of Naples two young religious who impressed him by their modest exterior. He enquired who they were, and was told that they were members of a new Order, founded by Ignatius of Loyola and called the Society of Jesus. Bernardino, who had never heard of the Society of Jesus, wanted to know more about it. On the following Sunday he went to hear Mass in the Jesuit church, and also listened to the sermon.

This sermon and the grace of God were the first seeds of Bernardino’s spiritual awakening. He sought an interview with the preacher, discussed matters with him, spent a few days in recollection and prayer, and made up his mind to enter the Society, not without some hesitation, because he was anxious about his old father. The poor man would get a great shock, he might even have a stroke and die suddenly.

Divine Light!

While he was in that disturbed frame of mind, Bernardino earnestly prayed for light. One day as he was saying his beads – it was in the month of September 1564- another woman entered into his life, the Mother of God. Our Lady and her Holy Child appeared to him. Her holy presence filled his heart with overflowing joy, and swept from his mind the cobwebs of procrastination. The question was settled there and then, Bernardino entered the novitiate of Naples on October 13th, 1564. He was ordained a Priest in 1567

Bernardino in Lecce, Italy- a long life

On the request of the General, Father Everard Mercurian, Fr. Bernardino was required in Lecce, Rome. In Lecce, Fr. Bernardino’s name became a household word. He endeared himself to all, young and old, rich and poor alike. He preached to the grown-ups, he taught the catechism to the little ones, he heard confessions for hours on end, he visited the sick in their houses and in the hospitals, he took a special interest in the prisoners and the slaves. He became the spiritual guide of priests, religious men and women including lay people. His saintly life deeply impressed the inhabitants of Lecce, and soon all sorts of rumours began to spread.The poor, whom he cherished above all others, began to spread marvellous stories. The Lord permitted him to work wonders and miracles.

As years went by, the Jesuit college at Lecce saw many changes of personnel. Rectors came and Rectors went, but Fr. Bernardino remained. Of course, the inhabitants knew that sooner or later Fr. Bernardino would die. On July 2nd, 1616, Father Bernardino was heard to whisper Oh Santisima Signora Mia, “O Most Holy Lady Mine”. With Mary’s name on his lips, he breathed his last.

He was beatified by Pope Leo XII in 1895 and canonzied on June 23rd, 1947, by Pope Pius XII.

Saint Bernardino is thepatron of Lecce-Italy and we celebrate his feast on July 2nd.

Shared from http://deepenyourfaith.in/

Dear Readers many are wondering what is Pope Francis stand on Same-sex Marriage. Below is the full text Letter he wrote in 2010 speaking strongly Against Same-sex Marriage: (this was when the Argentine government was considering making it legal:
Letter of Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Archbishop of Buenos Aires,
to the Carmelite Nuns of the Archdiocese of Buenos Aires (June 22, 2010)
Dear Sisters,
I write this letter to each one of you in the four Monasteries of Buenos Aires. The Argentine people must face, in the next few weeks, a situation whose result may gravely harm the family. It is the bill on matrimony of persons of the same sex.
The identity of the family, and its survival, are in jeopardy here: father, mother, and children. The life of so many children who will be discriminated beforehand due to the lack of human maturity that God willed them to have with a father and a mother is in jeopardy. A clear rejection of the law of God, engraved in our hearts, is in jeopardy.
I recall words of Saint Thérèse when she speaks of the infirmity of her childhood. She says that the envy of the Devil tried to extort her family after her older sister joined the Carmel. Here, the envy of the Devil, through which sin entered the world, is also present, and deceitfully intends to destroy the image of God: man and woman, who receive the mandate to grow, multiply, and conquer the earth. Let us not be naive: it is not a simple political struggle; it is an intention [which is] destructive of the plan of God. It is not a mere legislative project (this is a mere instrument), but rather a “move” of the father of lies who wishes to confuse and deceive the children of God.
Jesus tells us that, in order to defend us from this lying accuser, he will send us the Spirit of Truth. Today, the Nation [patria], before this situation, needs the special assistance of the Holy Ghost that may place the light of Truth amid the shadows of error; it needs this Advocate who may defend us from the enchantment of so many sophisms with which this bill is being justified, and which confuse and deceive even people of good will.
That is why I turn to you and ask from you prayer and sacrifice, the two invincible weapons which Saint Thérèse confessed to have. Cry out to the Lord that he may send his Spirit to the Senators who are to place their votes. That they may not do it moved by error or by circumstantial matters, but rather according to what the natural law and the law of God tell them. Pray for them, for their families; that the Lord may visit, strengthen, and console them. Pray that they may do great good for the Nation.
This bill will be discussed in the Senate after July 13. Let us look towards Saint Joseph, to Mary, the Child, and let us ask with fervor that they will defend the Argentine family in this moment. Let us recall what God himself told his people in a time of great anguish: “this war is not yours, but God’s”. That they may succour, defend, and accompany us in this war of God.
Thank you for what you will do in this struggle for the Nation. And, please, I beg you, pray for me also. May Jesus bless you, and may the Blessed Virgin protect you.
Affectionately,
Card. Jorge Mario Bergoglio s.j., Archbishop of Buenos Aires
Published in L’Osservatore Romano (July 8, 2010).

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