"A Patron Saint for Dissident Catholics - France's Abbe Pierre" is an article from LifeSiteNews detailing the dissent of Abbe Pierre, in regards to homosexuality, women priests, and he even questioned the divinity of Christ Himself. Although he may have been loved by many and voted as France's most popular person, he broke his vows and questioned Christian Truths. He died on January 22, 2007.
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Linggo, Pebrero 4, 2007
2 Timothy 2:8, 11-13"Remember that Jesus Christ, a descendant of David, was raised from the dead. You can depend on this: If we have died with Him, we shall also live with Him; If we hold out to the end, we shall also reign with Him. But if we deny Him, He will deny us. If we are unfaithful He will still remain faithful, for He cannot deny Himself."
Today is the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time as well as Septuagesima Sunday.
Biyernes, Pebrero 2, 2007
This is the Sequence for Candlemas, sung to Dominican chant by the Dominican friars at Blackfriars, Oxford.
Huwebes, Pebrero 1, 2007
A: Yes. Using inappropriate language is sinful. However, let's look at each segment of the all-encompassing term of "inappropriate language". These segments include using God's name in vain, cursing, blaspheming, and profanity.
The second Commandment specifically forbids using God’s name in vain: “Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain” (Ex 20:7; Dt 5:11). Therefore, one of the three criteria for a mortal sin is clearly in place – it is a serious sin. If the other two conditions are in place – deliberately doing the action and knowledge that it is wrong – then taking God’s name in vain is a mortal sin, which deprives the soul of sanctifying grace. Saying “O my [God’s name]” without reason and in a vain manner is using God’s name in vain. And, if a person dies in mortal sin, he/she will indeed go to Hell.
Names are greatly important as Sacred Scripture reveals in Revelations 2:17, 3:5, 3:12, and 22:4. The name given to the Lord, however, is above every other name (Ph. 2:10-11). In the Old Testament, “Out of respect for the holiness of God, the people of Israel [did] not pronounce His name [Yahweh]. In the reading of Sacred Scripture, the reveal name is replaced by the divine title “Lord”. It is under this title that the divinity of Jesus will be acclaimed: ‘Jesus is Lord’” (CCC 209). In the Gospels, Jesus’ divine name is mentioned numerous times including Matthew 1:21, 7:22, 18:20; Luke 1:31; Mark 9:38, 16:17; and John 14:13. Thus, Jesus’ name is deserving of all praise, and taking God’s name in vain is a mortal sin.
Cursing is likewise a mortal sin. Cursing is defined as calling down evil from God usually by invoking God’s holy name. Using such horrible expressions, the person calls on God to send a soul to Hell and/or inflict punishment on a person. How can we actually do such a horrendous thing – ask God to send a soul to Hell? Cursing is quite clearly also a mortal sin.
Blasphemy is “a contempt for God, expressed in thought, word or action.” As the Catechism of the Catholic Church clearly states: “The second commandment forbids the abuse of God’s name, i.e., every improper use of the names of God, Jesus, but also of the Virgin Mary and all the saints…It consists in uttering against God –inwardly or outwardly – words of hatred, reproach, or defiance; in speaking ill of God; in failing in respect toward him in one’s speech; in misusing God’s name. St. James condemns those ‘who blaspheme that honorable name [of Jesus] by which you are called’” (CCC 2146, 2148). The CCC continues by stating, “The prohibition of blasphemy extends to language against Christ’s Church, the saints, and sacred things. It is also blasphemous to make use of God’s name to cover up criminal practices, to reduce peoples to servitude, to torture persons or put them to death…Blasphemy is contrary to the respect due to God and His holy name. It is in itself a grave sin” (CCC 2148). Thus, with such a clear message, blasphemy must always be stopped because it is a mortal sin.
And finally, we are forced to ask ourselves if profanity, like the three proceeding concerns is a mortal sin. And profanity can indeed by a mortal sin if done with great anger against another person. Language is a gift from God. It should be used wisely and not laden with profanities that are impolite, vulgar, and negative. We should always avoid profanity too and live following the example of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the saints. They have reached Heaven, if we imitate them, we too shall reach the throne of God.
I conclude with words of admonishment from Sacred Scripture: “If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, his religion is vain” (James 1:26).
Sources:
Saunders, Rev. William. “Why is bad language a sin?” Arlington Catholic Herald.
Walsh, Monsignor Vincent M. The Ten Commandments Merion Station, PA: Key of David Publications, 2000.
Today the Church in Ireland celebrates the life of St. Brigid. See my post from last year for more information on St. Brigid of Ireland.
Miyerkules, Enero 31, 2007
I am extremely pleased to read that Pope Benedict XVI has called for Vatican Judges to tighten up the criteria in granting annulments. This follows a report that states 69 annulments were granted in 2005 for truly insufficient reasons including husbands being too attached to their mothers! For those new to the term, an "annulment" is declaring a marriage null and void.
In the Gospel of St. Luke 16:18, Christ tells us that anyone who puts away his wife and marries another, commits adultery!
Unfortunately, the number of annulments from 1952 to 1956 number 359 worldwide. Following Vatican II in 1968, there were 450 in the US alone! In 1997, there were more than 73,000 annulments worldwide! This is outrageous!
Annulments have since Vatican II become the "Get Out of Marriage" Free Card. It's a travesty.
Annulments have since Vatican II become the "Get Out of Marriage" Free Card. It's a travesty.
The Most Rev. Richard J. Garcia has been installed the new Bishop of the Diocese of Monterey yesterday, January 30, 2007. His appointment was previously announced in December 2006. In his homily at the installation, Bishop Garcia said, "I dream of a diocese where we can pray together, can celebrate together, can open doors to new hopes and dreams, can accept all immigrants as God accepts us all, can reach out and love the victimized and those hurt by our church or its ministries ... and where we can see each child as a gift of God and end abortion." (Santa Cruz)
Also on Tuesday, the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown welcomed its fifth Bishop in its history: Bishop George V. Murry. He will be serving the diocese, which consists of 216,000 Catholics. Murry will be installed in Youngstown March 28. Bishop Murry said, ‘‘I am honored to accept the holy father’s appointment to serve as bishop of Youngstown, and I look forward to meeting and working with the priests, deacons, religious and laity of the diocese." (Tribune Chronicle)
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Also on Tuesday, the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown welcomed its fifth Bishop in its history: Bishop George V. Murry. He will be serving the diocese, which consists of 216,000 Catholics. Murry will be installed in Youngstown March 28. Bishop Murry said, ‘‘I am honored to accept the holy father’s appointment to serve as bishop of Youngstown, and I look forward to meeting and working with the priests, deacons, religious and laity of the diocese." (Tribune Chronicle)
Today is the Feastday of St. John Bosco. I strongly encourage people to read about his life and the miracles he worked. His dreams are truly inspiring. Read my post from last year.
St. Padre Pio:"I have no desire except to die or to love God; either death or love, since life without this love is worse than death and for me it would be more unbearable than it is at present."
St. Teresa of Avila:
"It should be observed that perfect love of God consists not in those delights, tears, and sentiments of devotion that we generally seek, but in a strong determination and keen desire to please God in all things, and to promote His glory."
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