Another Blow to Religious Freedom in Canada

The Supreme Court of Canada has done it again - launched a severe blow to religious freedom in Canada and beyond. Sad, really sad!

http://www.ncregister.com/daily-news/canadian-top-court-renders-severe-blow-to-religious-freedom-in-trinity-west

Bishop Speaks Out on Recreational Use of Marijuna

Last week, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, announced the date for the legalization of recreational marijuana use. The Archbishop of Ottawa has raise some important issues in terms of temperance.
Personally, I do not think Canada should be going down this road. People need to back to God not to things that cloud reality. We cannot no longer live in a "pretend world." The archbishop states, and rightly so, that the recreational use of marijuana, although legal in Canada, still remains a sin.

https://www.catholicregister.org/item/27616-marijuana-use-will-still-be-a-sin-after-becoming-legal-bishops-say

June 24: Solemnity of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist

Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist

When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child
she gave birth to a son.
Her neighbors and relatives heard
that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her,
and they rejoiced with her.
When they came on the eighth day to circumcise the child,
they were going to call him Zechariah after his father,
but his mother said in reply,
"No. He will be called John."
But they answered her,
"There is no one among your relatives who has this name."
So they made signs, asking his father what he wished him to be called.
He asked for a tablet and wrote, "John is his name,"
and all were amazed.
Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed,
and he spoke blessing God.
Then fear came upon all their neighbors,
and all these matters were discussed
throughout the hill country of Judea.
All who heard these things took them to heart, saying,
"What, then, will this child be?"
For surely the hand of the Lord was with him.
The child grew and became strong in spirit,
and he was in the desert until the day
of his manifestation to Israel.

- Luke 1:57-66, 80

Sts. John Fisher and Thomas More

The Church and the world need more people who follow the example of these two great saints.

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/saints-john-fisher-and-thomas-more-following-gods-law-above-all-else-17185

Troubling News From The Supreme Court of Canada

I am saddened over this judgement by the Supreme Court of Canada. Christians must be more vigilant than ever before. Our rights are constantly being eroded.

https://catholicregister.org/item/27575-supreme-court-decision-on-trinity-western-delivers-severe-blow-to-religious-freedom-say-advocates

A Belated Father's Day Gift

Father's need to read this article on raising their children properly. Enjoy.

http://www.ncregister.com/daily-news/faith-of-our-fathers-why-a-masculine-example-of-holiness-is-vital-for-child

Priests in Australia Willing to Go to Jail rather than break Seal of Confession

Down-under comes a clash between Church and State over whether the Seal of Confession can be broken by priests if they hear about abuse situations in the confessional. Someone must tell the government the correct answer to this - NO! The Seal of Confession can NEVER be broken under any condition. I pray that the Australian bishops speak forcefully on this. Who knows, the state might try to do this here.


 http://www.catholicherald.co.uk/news/2018/06/18/australian-priests-willing-to-go-to-jail-rather-than-break-seal-of-confessional/

Children and Mass Attendance

I hope this article will help some parents who do battle with their children every Sunday.

http://catholicherald.co.uk/news/2018/06/15/allowing-children-to-skip-mass-is-like-letting-them-not-brush-their-teeth-theologian-tells-parents/

Now Here's a Minor Miracle!

Next month marks the 50th anniversary of Pope Paul's encyclical letter Humanae Vitae. I remember the outcry against this prophetic letter.  I believe Paul's prophecy has come true. My, how times are a changin'!

http://www.catholicherald.co.uk/news/2018/06/15/hundreds-of-british-priests-sign-statement-backing-humanae-vitae/

Argentina Falls Victim to Liberalizing Abortion

Argentina's Congress voted (129 -125) to radically liberalize abortions laws in that country.
Imagine, the pope's own country! The bishops have vowed to continue to fight for life and human dignity.

http://www.catholicherald.co.uk/news/2018/06/15/argentinas-bishops-pledge-to-fight-on-after-abortion-vote/

Vocations Are Declining

I have said this before, we have a "crisis of vocations." Now the Vatican admits that this is indeed occurring. Continue praying for vocations to the priesthood and religious life.

http://www.catholicherald.co.uk/news/2018/06/15/vatican-reports-crisis-of-vocations-as-seminarian-numbers-fall-worldwide/

After the Irish Debacle

George Weigel, a leading Catholic layman, author of the biography of Pope St. John Paul II, has written the attached after the Irish vote on the amendment of their Constitution. You may be interested in reading his take on the aftermath for Catholicism in the Emerald Isle.

https://www.catholicworldreport.com/2018/06/13/after-the-irish-debacle/

World Family Congress in Ireland

I think Father Z. makes some very valid points in his article that I read this morning. I just wonder why the TRUTH cannot be brought out by those who represent the Church in some high places.

I found this quote by the bishop of Phoenix, Ariz. I share it with you.

"Our life in Christ is not one of 'do's and don'ts,' but an adventure in authentic freedom. Embrace that freedom in order to place your life at the service of Christ, beginning in your home and radiating into the world."

http://wdtprs.com/blog/2018/06/concerning-jamesmartinsj-talking-at-vatican-laityfamilylife-sponsored-wmof2018/

Gestures at Mass Really Do Matter

I was sent the attached article earlier this morning and thought it contains much food for thought.

https://www.crisismagazine.com/2018/gestures-mass-really-matter

St John Paul II’s chilling prophecy has been fulfilled in Ireland

I found this earlier from the Catholic Herald concerning what has happened recently in Ireland.

http://catholicherald.co.uk/issues/june-8th-2018/st-john-paul-iis-chilling-prophecy/

Ninth annual Rosary Relay to cover globe in prayer for priests

Friday, June 8 is the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. It is also the World Day of Prayer for Priests. Catholics worldwide are urged to pray for priests on this day. The day was begun by Saint John Paul II is 2002 with the objective of having all Catholic faithful join in prayer for the sanctification of priests.

A good idea: Pray the Rosary for Priests

https://www.catholicworldreport.com/2018/06/06/ninth-annual-rosary-relay-to-cover-globe-in-prayer-for-priests/

Just When You Think You've Heard and Seen It All

I found this earlier today regarding the use of a dispenser for Holy Communion.  I for one think this is utterly disgraceful and disrespect to say the least.

http://wdtprs.com/blog/2018/06/priest-uses-a-communion-dispenser/

Sunday Mass is not Optional

Edinburgh, Scotland, Jun 5, 2018 / 12:41 pm (CNA/EWTN News).

In a pastoral letter for the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, Archbishop Leo Cushley of St. Andrews & Edinburgh stressed the importance of the Sunday Mass obligation for Catholics. “It is true that many people think of Sunday as just part of the weekend, a welcome break from the usual routine, and perhaps a day for family, or sporting activities,” the UK archbishop said in the letter. 

“Naturally, it’s good to relax and make time for these things, but our culture has largely forgotten that Sunday is a weekly holiday because of its meaning as the Christian holy day,” he continued.
Cushley went on to emphasize the importance of attending Sunday Mass. He noted that missing Mass due to extraordinary circumstance, such as an illness, is acceptable, but under normal circumstances, “attending Mass on Sunday is a solemn and binding obligation.” “If we deliberately fail in this matter, it is a grave sin and we must go to confession before receiving communion again,” he said.
Sunday, our weekly day of rest, shows God’s people that true fulfilment is only found in the Creator, said Cushley. It is an “earthly reflection of God’s own eternal restfulness,” when people are reminded that “life has a higher goal than physical survival or financial gain.”

Cushley also highlighted the importance of the Eucharist, saying the Sacrifice of the Mass is a “foretaste of heaven” that empowers “us to do real and lasting good in the world.” Without the power of the Mass, we are not only cut off from the mystery of grace, but also from Christ and community, he said.

The archbishop went on to encourage parents to bring their children to Mass every Sunday as a good example of living out the Catholic faith. “There’s no better thing you can do for them [children] than to bring them to meet the living Lord Jesus at Mass every week,” Cushley said, adding “if you teach them like this to seek the Kingdom of God first, you can be sure He will bless them in all the other ways that you hope for.”

Cushley also encouraged members of his archdiocese to make their Sunday obligation a priority over other commitments, saying Catholics should place Christ in the Eucharist ahead of everything else.
“Coming to Mass only every other week, or occasionally, is not the same as being faithful to his New Covenant. Surely, we cannot treat Christ our Saviour as one option among others for us to shuffle at our convenience,” he said.

“I therefore urge you, brothers and sisters, to make the choice to attend Sunday Mass, to make it a priority, and to bring others with you.”

Solemnity of the Body and Blood of the Lord

Today is the Solemnity of Corpus Christi