The Miraculous Medal, Marian Consecration and the New Year

Oh, Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us 
who have recourse to thee 
and for those who do not have recourse to thee, 
especially enemies of the Church 
and those recommended to thee.  Amen.

The first part of the above prayer is found on the Miraculous medal, given to St. Catherine Laboure in 1830. The final part of the prayer was composed by St. Maximilian Kolbe, a priest who was executed in Auschwitz in 1941, after volunteering to take the place of a married Jewish prisoner who survived the war and was later present at St. Maximilian's canonization in 1982.

The prayer is said daily by those consecrated to the Blessed Mother through the Militia of the Immaculata, an organization founded by St. Maximilian Kolbe in 1917 to promote spiritual renewal by leading all people to the Sacred Heart of Jesus through consecration to His mother. Sometimes called Knights of the Immaculata, it focuses on asking the help of our heavenly mother in the spiritual battle against evil that is increasingly obvious in today's society.

Coincidentally, 1917 was the year Mary appeared to three children in Fatima, Portugal and asked for prayer and reparation for conversion of sinners and an end to war.  World Wars I and II seem tied together in the life of St. Maximilian and Our Lady.

Now that we are a full decade into the 21st century,  it is time to renew our commitment to be people of prayer, sacrifice and consecration to Jesus for all of humankind.

The Miraculous Medal, Marian Consecration and the New Year

Oh, Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us 
who have recourse to thee 
and for those who do not have recourse to thee, 
especially enemies of the Church 
and those recommended to thee.  Amen.

The first part of the above prayer is found on the Miraculous medal, given to St. Catherine Laboure in 1830. The final part of the prayer was composed by St. Maximilian Kolbe, a priest who was executed in Auschwitz in 1941, after volunteering to take the place of a married Jewish prisoner who survived the war and was later present at St. Maximilian's canonization in 1982.

The prayer is said daily by those consecrated to the Blessed Mother through the Militia of the Immaculata, an organization founded by St. Maximilian Kolbe in 1917 to promote spiritual renewal by leading all people to the Sacred Heart of Jesus through consecration to His mother. Sometimes called Knights of the Immaculata, it focuses on asking the help of our heavenly mother in the spiritual battle against evil that is increasingly obvious in today's society.

Coincidentally, 1917 was the year Mary appeared to three children in Fatima, Portugal and asked for prayer and reparation for conversion of sinners and an end to war.  World Wars I and II seem tied together in the life of St. Maximilian and Our Lady.

Now that we are a full decade into the 21st century,  it is time to renew our commitment to be people of prayer, sacrifice and consecration to Jesus for all of humankind.

Solemnity of Mary the Mother of God

Oh Mary, Mother of God and Our Mother, 

remain with us during this year. 

Comfort us in our sorrow.

Shelter us in your mantle. 

Lead us to your Son

Solemnity of Mary the Mother of God

Oh Mary, Mother of God and Our Mother, 

remain with us during this year. 

Comfort us in our sorrow.

Shelter us in your mantle. 

Lead us to your Son

It's Christmas!

Ok, its the 7th day of Christmas.  Nevertheless (why is that one word?) it is Christmas all over again here.

Allow me to explain.

The good thing about having ADD is when you (or in this case, I) lose things and think perhaps they disappeared, or that your ADD self in another life and time had inexplicably gotten rid of them for good, they miraculously turn up, safe and sound in your basement. Some even in plastic boxes.

I wanted to start on one of my new year's resolutions today--to redo my bedroom.  Well, my ADD had kicked in and I wanted it done NOW, which just isn't realistic.  In fact, doing much of anything at all is not realistic at this point for a variety of reasons involving logical consequences (is there a such thing as pre-consequences?)  Anyway, in utter frustration and disgust, I started cleaning out my basement instead.  After throwing away numerous boxes, I discovered some of dh's music that we've been looking for for the better part of a decade.  Also, I found some family pictures I have been wondering about.  So, now I get to run around my living room with a hammer and some nails, gleefully redecorating!!

Also, I found an Episcopal hymnal, which I've been wanting for some time.  I'd forgotten that we owned one.  Modern Catholicism is not known for its beautiful music, and during my foray into Anglicanism I became an admirer of their music.  Now dh and I can work up some of these hymns for Mass.

All in all, a good start to the new year.  (Ok, technically a good ending to the old year.)

It's Christmas!

Ok, its the 7th day of Christmas.  Nevertheless (why is that one word?) it is Christmas all over again here.

Allow me to explain.

The good thing about having ADD is when you (or in this case, I) lose things and think perhaps they disappeared, or that your ADD self in another life and time had inexplicably gotten rid of them for good, they miraculously turn up, safe and sound in your basement. Some even in plastic boxes.

I wanted to start on one of my new year's resolutions today--to redo my bedroom.  Well, my ADD had kicked in and I wanted it done NOW, which just isn't realistic.  In fact, doing much of anything at all is not realistic at this point for a variety of reasons involving logical consequences (is there a such thing as pre-consequences?)  Anyway, in utter frustration and disgust, I started cleaning out my basement instead.  After throwing away numerous boxes, I discovered some of dh's music that we've been looking for for the better part of a decade.  Also, I found some family pictures I have been wondering about.  So, now I get to run around my living room with a hammer and some nails, gleefully redecorating!!

Also, I found an Episcopal hymnal, which I've been wanting for some time.  I'd forgotten that we owned one.  Modern Catholicism is not known for its beautiful music, and during my foray into Anglicanism I became an admirer of their music.  Now dh and I can work up some of these hymns for Mass.

All in all, a good start to the new year.  (Ok, technically a good ending to the old year.)

Christ is born! Come, Let Us Adore Him!

Christ is born! Come, Let Us Adore Him!

A Line for Confession!!

Just got back from confession at my parish.  Father has been generous enough to schedule confession every Wednesday night (with nothing else going on in the church) during Advent.  This means he has to get in his car and drive to the church since the rectory is located in another county.

Tonight, confession was scheduled from 7-8.  I got there at about 7:10 and there was a line from the back of the church all the way up to the front!  People must have been lined up in the parking lot before Father came and opened the church!  This was without anything else going on in the church to "draw" people--no penance service, no pot luck--nothing.  Just people driving in the cold and dark to prepare their souls for the coming of Christ, led by their pastor.

If you took notice of our transgressions, Lord--
Lord, who would be left?
But with you is forgiveness
and for this, we revere you.
~Psalm 129

(from tonight's evening prayer.)

A Line for Confession!!

Just got back from confession at my parish.  Father has been generous enough to schedule confession every Wednesday night (with nothing else going on in the church) during Advent.  This means he has to get in his car and drive to the church since the rectory is located in another county.

Tonight, confession was scheduled from 7-8.  I got there at about 7:10 and there was a line from the back of the church all the way up to the front!  People must have been lined up in the parking lot before Father came and opened the church!  This was without anything else going on in the church to "draw" people--no penance service, no pot luck--nothing.  Just people driving in the cold and dark to prepare their souls for the coming of Christ, led by their pastor.

If you took notice of our transgressions, Lord--
Lord, who would be left?
But with you is forgiveness
and for this, we revere you.
~Psalm 129

(from tonight's evening prayer.)

Book Review--Schulz and Peanuts by David Michaelis

Schulz and Peanuts by David Michaelis is a biography of Charles Schulz, creator and sole artist of the Peanuts cartoon. The book takes us from his parents' backgrounds to Schulz' own death.  It opens up the clues to his life that lay hidden in plain sight, in his 50 years of drawing Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus and the rest of the Peanuts gang. 

Michaelis reveals the real-life inspirations behind each Peanuts character and tells us where Schultz got some of his most famous ideas.  Charles Schulz' inner life was hidden from those closest to him, but was revealed with startling specificity within the small squares of his daily and Sunday comics; sometimes with quotes lifted directly from his real life. 

His comic strip ideas were not just "gags" but...ideas, born from his long and interesting life that spanned the better part of the 20th century.  For some unknown reason, this shy boy from the Midwest managed to keep his pulse on the feeling of America, predating many culturally iconic moments by months in his comic strip, for example, having Linus utter "All it needs is a little love" in his widly popular "Charlie Brown Christmas" prior to The Beatles' release of "All You Need is Love."

This book is well worth reading for anyone who grew up on Peanuts and for those who still enjoy Schulz' work today.

Book Review--Schulz and Peanuts by David Michaelis

Schulz and Peanuts by David Michaelis is a biography of Charles Schulz, creator and sole artist of the Peanuts cartoon. The book takes us from his parents' backgrounds to Schulz' own death.  It opens up the clues to his life that lay hidden in plain sight, in his 50 years of drawing Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus and the rest of the Peanuts gang. 

Michaelis reveals the real-life inspirations behind each Peanuts character and tells us where Schultz got some of his most famous ideas.  Charles Schulz' inner life was hidden from those closest to him, but was revealed with startling specificity within the small squares of his daily and Sunday comics; sometimes with quotes lifted directly from his real life. 

His comic strip ideas were not just "gags" but...ideas, born from his long and interesting life that spanned the better part of the 20th century.  For some unknown reason, this shy boy from the Midwest managed to keep his pulse on the feeling of America, predating many culturally iconic moments by months in his comic strip, for example, having Linus utter "All it needs is a little love" in his widly popular "Charlie Brown Christmas" prior to The Beatles' release of "All You Need is Love."

This book is well worth reading for anyone who grew up on Peanuts and for those who still enjoy Schulz' work today.

Executive Order Gives International Police Immunity in the U.S.

On December 17, Barack Obama quietly signed an executive order giving the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) international immunity from search, seizure and confiscation. 

The U.S. government can now do anything it wants, whether constitutional or not, keep the file with INTERPOL and an investigative journalist (remember Woodward and Berstein?) can not have access. There is no Freedom of Information Act for them.  INTERPOL is now beyond the reach of even our own CIA or FBI.

We  have an international police organization who now is above the law in the United States of America!! They are no longer subject to search and seizure by our police. They can not be made to turn over their documents under the Freedom of Information Act.  Because of this, our own government can therefore transfer any documents it wants to and they are beyond our reach as American citizens--legally. 

Our constitutional rights as American citizens have been placed in the hands of an international police organization that has been given the power to act on American soil!

This is all being done in the midst of the fight on healthcare, not to mention during the Christmas season, so that no one notices. 

Hat tip to the Anchoress.

Executive Order Gives International Police Immunity in the U.S.

On December 17, Barack Obama quietly signed an executive order giving the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) international immunity from search, seizure and confiscation. 

The U.S. government can now do anything it wants, whether constitutional or not, keep the file with INTERPOL and an investigative journalist (remember Woodward and Berstein?) can not have access. There is no Freedom of Information Act for them.  INTERPOL is now beyond the reach of even our own CIA or FBI.

We  have an international police organization who now is above the law in the United States of America!! They are no longer subject to search and seizure by our police. They can not be made to turn over their documents under the Freedom of Information Act.  Because of this, our own government can therefore transfer any documents it wants to and they are beyond our reach as American citizens--legally. 

Our constitutional rights as American citizens have been placed in the hands of an international police organization that has been given the power to act on American soil!

This is all being done in the midst of the fight on healthcare, not to mention during the Christmas season, so that no one notices. 

Hat tip to the Anchoress.

On the Darkest Day of the Year, Where is Our Light?

This is the darkest day of the year, both astronomically, politically and spiritually. December 21 is, of course, the Winter solstice, when we in the Northern Hemisphere have the fewest hours of daylight. It is also turning out to be the darkest time in a spiritual and moral sense.
Last night it was reported in Great Britain that U.S. Major General Anthony Cucolo, head of the U.S. troops in Iraq has decided that any male or female soldier who are expecting a baby under his command will face court martial with a possible prison sentence!!!! 

Guess what the effect of *that* will be?  Yep.  Convenient, career saving abortions.  Kill your baby, keep your job.

And a little child shall lead them.  ~Isaiah 11:6

Increasingly, our society refuses to follow. 

On another front, there are more and more voices within the environmentalist community who want to bring China's one child policy here to the west.  It's necessary, they say, to combat shrinking natural resources and feed those of us lucky enough to have been born.

To these secularists, the solution is not sharing.  No.  That would be naive and stupid. The solution is not respecting and cherishing our Judeo-Christian heritage that asks that we feed the poor and take care of those who are more helpless than ourselves.  All that Christian stuff is just too oppressive. The obvious solution is to kill the children.

Let's wipe Christmas of its real meaning.  That will make everyone equal--everyone happy.  Let's take away the baby in the manger so we can go on killing the babies that are conceived today--in the most prosperous century mankind has ever seen. 

We are losing our grip as a nation and as a people.  We no longer have a moral compass.  We are orphans who have run away from the only Parents we ever knew and we think we are free.

Hat tip to Mark Shea.

On the Darkest Day of the Year, Where is Our Light?

This is the darkest day of the year, both astronomically, politically and spiritually. December 21 is, of course, the Winter solstice, when we in the Northern Hemisphere have the fewest hours of daylight. It is also turning out to be the darkest time in a spiritual and moral sense.
Last night it was reported in Great Britain that U.S. Major General Anthony Cucolo, head of the U.S. troops in Iraq has decided that any male or female soldier who are expecting a baby under his command will face court martial with a possible prison sentence!!!! 

Guess what the effect of *that* will be?  Yep.  Convenient, career saving abortions.  Kill your baby, keep your job.

And a little child shall lead them.  ~Isaiah 11:6

Increasingly, our society refuses to follow. 

On another front, there are more and more voices within the environmentalist community who want to bring China's one child policy here to the west.  It's necessary, they say, to combat shrinking natural resources and feed those of us lucky enough to have been born.

To these secularists, the solution is not sharing.  No.  That would be naive and stupid. The solution is not respecting and cherishing our Judeo-Christian heritage that asks that we feed the poor and take care of those who are more helpless than ourselves.  All that Christian stuff is just too oppressive. The obvious solution is to kill the children.

Let's wipe Christmas of its real meaning.  That will make everyone equal--everyone happy.  Let's take away the baby in the manger so we can go on killing the babies that are conceived today--in the most prosperous century mankind has ever seen. 

We are losing our grip as a nation and as a people.  We no longer have a moral compass.  We are orphans who have run away from the only Parents we ever knew and we think we are free.

Hat tip to Mark Shea.

He Shall Be Peace

Thus says the LORD:
You, Bethlehem-Ephrathah
too small to be among the clans of Judah,
from you shall come forth for me
one who is to be ruler in Israel;
whose origin is from of old,
from ancient times.
He shall stand firm and shepherd his flock
by the strength of the LORD,
in the majestic name of the LORD, his God;
and they shall remain, for now his greatness
shall reach to the ends of the earth;
He shall be peace.
~Micah, Chapter 5.

He shall be peace.
Nothing else. No one else is peace--not money, not health care, not political deals made in the dark of night under promises of "change" and "openness", not a strong military, not political power, not personal control--nothing brings permanent peace, and certainly, nothing else is peace.

Jesus doesn't bring peace.   Jesus doesn't cause peace.  Jesus doesn't force peace.

Jesus is peace.

Come, Lord Jesus!!

He Shall Be Peace

Thus says the LORD:
You, Bethlehem-Ephrathah
too small to be among the clans of Judah,
from you shall come forth for me
one who is to be ruler in Israel;
whose origin is from of old,
from ancient times.
He shall stand firm and shepherd his flock
by the strength of the LORD,
in the majestic name of the LORD, his God;
and they shall remain, for now his greatness
shall reach to the ends of the earth;
He shall be peace.
~Micah, Chapter 5.

He shall be peace.
Nothing else. No one else is peace--not money, not health care, not political deals made in the dark of night under promises of "change" and "openness", not a strong military, not political power, not personal control--nothing brings permanent peace, and certainly, nothing else is peace.

Jesus doesn't bring peace.   Jesus doesn't cause peace.  Jesus doesn't force peace.

Jesus is peace.

Come, Lord Jesus!!

Music Monday--In The Bleak Midwinter

Music Monday--In The Bleak Midwinter

Advent Wreath

In spite of the fact that Advent is almost over, I wanted to share with you all a picture of my advent wreath.  Just as I took the picture, the cat decided he wanted to be in on the action!

The advent wreath was made by my husband out of a piece of wood from his father's barn.  He drilled 4 holes using his grandfather's hand drill.  Each year we buy the appropriate colored candles.  On Christmas, I replace them with gold or white candles and put a baby Jesus in a manger in the middle.  Some years I "dress it up" a bit with purple ribbon and/or artificial or real greenery, but this year, we decided to leave it rustic--like the original place where Christ was born.

Advent Wreath

In spite of the fact that Advent is almost over, I wanted to share with you all a picture of my advent wreath.  Just as I took the picture, the cat decided he wanted to be in on the action!

The advent wreath was made by my husband out of a piece of wood from his father's barn.  He drilled 4 holes using his grandfather's hand drill.  Each year we buy the appropriate colored candles.  On Christmas, I replace them with gold or white candles and put a baby Jesus in a manger in the middle.  Some years I "dress it up" a bit with purple ribbon and/or artificial or real greenery, but this year, we decided to leave it rustic--like the original place where Christ was born.

Sunday Snippets--A Catholic Carnival

Sunday Snippets is brought to you each week by RAnn at This, That and the Other Thing.

Last week's Music Monday was Rejoice Greatly from Handel's Messiah. We also had a great video about Advent.

Tuesday highlighted an important article by Mark Shea which talked about how vulnerable we are as a nation, and as individuals, when we deny sin and personal responsibility and instead, hunger only after constant validation and affirmation. Without frank examination of our own shortcomings, again, as a nation and as individuals before God, we are much more vulnerable to a politically and spiritually corrupt ideology that promises happiness without a price.

Wednesday we had a quote from Isaiah about the unequaled place that the One God has among all things.

Thursday we saw a video clip of John Lennon and Yoko Ono talking about how overblown the concept of overpopulation is.

One thing from Quick Takes Friday, I wanted to highlight, was the Star of Bethlehem website which explains, in scientific terms, the astronomy behind the Star of Bethlehem, the darkening of the sky at Jesus' crucifixion, and the "woman clothed with the sun" of Revelation.

Have a good week everyone!!!

Sunday Snippets--A Catholic Carnival

Sunday Snippets is brought to you each week by RAnn at This, That and the Other Thing.

Last week's Music Monday was Rejoice Greatly from Handel's Messiah. We also had a great video about Advent.

Tuesday highlighted an important article by Mark Shea which talked about how vulnerable we are as a nation, and as individuals, when we deny sin and personal responsibility and instead, hunger only after constant validation and affirmation. Without frank examination of our own shortcomings, again, as a nation and as individuals before God, we are much more vulnerable to a politically and spiritually corrupt ideology that promises happiness without a price.

Wednesday we had a quote from Isaiah about the unequaled place that the One God has among all things.

Thursday we saw a video clip of John Lennon and Yoko Ono talking about how overblown the concept of overpopulation is.

One thing from Quick Takes Friday, I wanted to highlight, was the Star of Bethlehem website which explains, in scientific terms, the astronomy behind the Star of Bethlehem, the darkening of the sky at Jesus' crucifixion, and the "woman clothed with the sun" of Revelation.

Have a good week everyone!!!

Ice and Snow, Bless the Lord!

Ice and Snow, Bless the Lord!

7 Quick Takes Friday

1) It's going to SNOW here tomorrow!! Quick! Run out and stock up on milk and toilet paper!! I'm going to have to trust God as to the status of Sunday Mass this week. Our church is about 40 minutes away, up a series of hills, on a "summit". It already seems to have its own weather as it is--always colder than here in Gettysburg. So, if it's God's will that we make it to Mass (and the priest does too!) then we will be there!

2) I visited my mom and aunt in their nursing home yesterday. Afterwards, my sister and I went out to a local diner-like place near her house. They had a live band there, which we didn't expect. It made me realize how rare that is these days. Its nice to know that someone still gets together in the basement of a home and drives the neighbors crazy practicing with drums, piano, bass and guitar. The life of a musician is not an easy one!

3) I now have in my possession, 2 Christmas pillows. I've put one out on my couch. The second one however is small with some furry angora wool used for Santa's beard. This presents a problem. My dog, apparently, has taken to tearing apart pillows--something she hasn't done in years. I'm reluctant to bring out this Santa pillow because of this. I will probably wait until I hang up the stockings, Christmas eve to bring out the pillow in question. We'll see how it works. Hopefully, both pillow and dog will survive in tact.

4) I think I'm pretty much done with Christmas prep. I do have to bake my "monkey bread". This year, as last, I'm going to use the recipe posted by Pete, a former eagle scout who likes to use his cast iron "Dutch Oven", as I do. I'm thrilled to be able to use my cast iron for this (for us) traditional Christmas morning dish.

5)  I'm loving my new bathroom floor.  My dh did a very thorough job by ripping out the old floor, removing our toilet, putting down new tiles, and edging under the baseboard and tub.  Oh, and putting back the toilet!

6)  I  have promised myself to walk the dog on a regular basis.  This has only happened once so far.  And now its going to snow.  Promises are so hard to keep sometimes.

7)   Found a new website called Star of Bethlehem. Proffessor Rick Larson does a scholarly presentation in various locations around the United States, outlining the science behind the Star of Bethlehem, the darkening of the sky at Jesus' crucifixion, and even the astronomy behind the "woman clothed with the sun, with the moon at her feet and 12 stars around her head" of Revelation.  Quite interesting stuff!  The website explains the science behind all these biblical phenomena.  Christianity wasn't made up out of whole cloth, people!!

7 Quick Takes Friday

1) It's going to SNOW here tomorrow!! Quick! Run out and stock up on milk and toilet paper!! I'm going to have to trust God as to the status of Sunday Mass this week. Our church is about 40 minutes away, up a series of hills, on a "summit". It already seems to have its own weather as it is--always colder than here in Gettysburg. So, if it's God's will that we make it to Mass (and the priest does too!) then we will be there!

2) I visited my mom and aunt in their nursing home yesterday. Afterwards, my sister and I went out to a local diner-like place near her house. They had a live band there, which we didn't expect. It made me realize how rare that is these days. Its nice to know that someone still gets together in the basement of a home and drives the neighbors crazy practicing with drums, piano, bass and guitar. The life of a musician is not an easy one!

3) I now have in my possession, 2 Christmas pillows. I've put one out on my couch. The second one however is small with some furry angora wool used for Santa's beard. This presents a problem. My dog, apparently, has taken to tearing apart pillows--something she hasn't done in years. I'm reluctant to bring out this Santa pillow because of this. I will probably wait until I hang up the stockings, Christmas eve to bring out the pillow in question. We'll see how it works. Hopefully, both pillow and dog will survive in tact.

4) I think I'm pretty much done with Christmas prep. I do have to bake my "monkey bread". This year, as last, I'm going to use the recipe posted by Pete, a former eagle scout who likes to use his cast iron "Dutch Oven", as I do. I'm thrilled to be able to use my cast iron for this (for us) traditional Christmas morning dish.

5)  I'm loving my new bathroom floor.  My dh did a very thorough job by ripping out the old floor, removing our toilet, putting down new tiles, and edging under the baseboard and tub.  Oh, and putting back the toilet!

6)  I  have promised myself to walk the dog on a regular basis.  This has only happened once so far.  And now its going to snow.  Promises are so hard to keep sometimes.

7)   Found a new website called Star of Bethlehem. Proffessor Rick Larson does a scholarly presentation in various locations around the United States, outlining the science behind the Star of Bethlehem, the darkening of the sky at Jesus' crucifixion, and even the astronomy behind the "woman clothed with the sun, with the moon at her feet and 12 stars around her head" of Revelation.  Quite interesting stuff!  The website explains the science behind all these biblical phenomena.  Christianity wasn't made up out of whole cloth, people!!

Here's Something John Lennon, Yoko Ono and I Agree On

Hat tip: American Papist

Here's Something John Lennon, Yoko Ono and I Agree On

Hat tip: American Papist

I am the Lord--Unrivalled

Apart from me

all is nothing.

I am the Lord,

unrivalled.

I form the light

and create the dark.

I make good fortune

and create calamity.

It is I, the Lord,

who do all this.

~Isaiah 45:6-8

I am the Lord--Unrivalled

Apart from me

all is nothing.

I am the Lord,

unrivalled.

I form the light

and create the dark.

I make good fortune

and create calamity.

It is I, the Lord,

who do all this.

~Isaiah 45:6-8

Sin and Civilization--How we lie to ourselves

Mark Shea has a blunt and important post on Inside Catholic on what is wrong with today's western democracies.  We are so busy following and maintaining our pleasures at any cost, that we are becoming ripe for a tyranical form of government.  As democracies become complacent and stop the honest self-critcism that is so crucial, any political huckster can easily sway us into giving up the rights and forms of self-governance we have fought for 200 plus years to preserve.  This factual historic observation also parallels a personal and spiritual one. 

A culture like ours, Shea says, that increasingly denigrates the notion of sin and repentance as a "Christian guilt trip" while exalting self-affirmation to the sky is a nation well-positioned to be...ignorant suckers for every flattery and threat some advertiser, prosperity gospel huckster, or politician...wants to sell us. Only a people capable of self-criticism in the harsh light of revelation can hope to survive.

We spend our time chasing after endless affirmation of our self worth and running in horror from anything as banal and old fashioned as honest examination of the ways in which we may be contributing to our own pain.

Mr. Shea points out that the Catholic tradition, ever countercultural, has preserved this tradition of self-examination and frank assessment of sin. It does this by elevating something as fear-producing and counter-intuitive as the confessing of our sins, in person, to another human being, to the level of a religious sacrament--recognizing and imparting the task of rooting out sin in our lives with a special, supernatural blessing.

It also preserves the Tradition,  Shea continues, by giving us not one but two seasons each year, Advent and Lent, where we focus on the fact that we are not a great people admired by a God who hopes to be worthy of us, but are instead sinners who come from a race of sinners. (Emphasis, mine.)

This, my friends, is the only way our society is going to survive.  Indeed, it is the only way we as individuals will survive.  We must stop hiding the truth from ourselves.  We must stop chasing the fantasy that we are immune from the need to change--every minute of every day.

Sin and Civilization--How we lie to ourselves

Mark Shea has a blunt and important post on Inside Catholic on what is wrong with today's western democracies.  We are so busy following and maintaining our pleasures at any cost, that we are becoming ripe for a tyranical form of government.  As democracies become complacent and stop the honest self-critcism that is so crucial, any political huckster can easily sway us into giving up the rights and forms of self-governance we have fought for 200 plus years to preserve.  This factual historic observation also parallels a personal and spiritual one. 

A culture like ours, Shea says, that increasingly denigrates the notion of sin and repentance as a "Christian guilt trip" while exalting self-affirmation to the sky is a nation well-positioned to be...ignorant suckers for every flattery and threat some advertiser, prosperity gospel huckster, or politician...wants to sell us. Only a people capable of self-criticism in the harsh light of revelation can hope to survive.

We spend our time chasing after endless affirmation of our self worth and running in horror from anything as banal and old fashioned as honest examination of the ways in which we may be contributing to our own pain.

Mr. Shea points out that the Catholic tradition, ever countercultural, has preserved this tradition of self-examination and frank assessment of sin. It does this by elevating something as fear-producing and counter-intuitive as the confessing of our sins, in person, to another human being, to the level of a religious sacrament--recognizing and imparting the task of rooting out sin in our lives with a special, supernatural blessing.

It also preserves the Tradition,  Shea continues, by giving us not one but two seasons each year, Advent and Lent, where we focus on the fact that we are not a great people admired by a God who hopes to be worthy of us, but are instead sinners who come from a race of sinners. (Emphasis, mine.)

This, my friends, is the only way our society is going to survive.  Indeed, it is the only way we as individuals will survive.  We must stop hiding the truth from ourselves.  We must stop chasing the fantasy that we are immune from the need to change--every minute of every day.

What is this "Season" Really About?

What is this "Season" Really About?

Music Monday--Rejoice Greatly!

Today's Music Monday is from Handel's Messiah. Rejoice Greatly O Daughter of Zion was one of the readings at yesterday's Mass. It was Gaudete Sunday. Gaudete is Latin for rejoice and the Mass readings point us to the ever nearing birth of our Savior. Rejoice!

Music Monday--Rejoice Greatly!

Today's Music Monday is from Handel's Messiah. Rejoice Greatly O Daughter of Zion was one of the readings at yesterday's Mass. It was Gaudete Sunday. Gaudete is Latin for rejoice and the Mass readings point us to the ever nearing birth of our Savior. Rejoice!

Sunday Snippets--A Catholic Carnival

Sunday Snippets is brought to you each week by RAnn at This, That and the Other Thing. Last week began with a St. Nicholas Day post about the Catholic origins of Christmas.

Music Monday featured Handel's Every Valley Shall Be Exalted to match last Sunday's scripture readings.

I followed that with a very important and serious post about the new "Safe School Czar" who advocates some very unsafe and illegal practices.

December 7, in contrast, highlighted FDR's Pearl Harbor speech before congress declaring war on Japan, the last time war was formally declared by the United States.

Yesterday I talked a bit about a traditional liturgical association in Ireland, The Catholic Heritage Association, which seeks to preserve Latin, Gregorian Chant and Sacred Polyphony.

Finally, RAnn pointed the way to a wonderful Catholic Roundup Advent Calendar, which has a different author talk about something Advent related each day. A great way to prepare for the birth of Christ!

Sunday Snippets--A Catholic Carnival

Sunday Snippets is brought to you each week by RAnn at This, That and the Other Thing. Last week began with a St. Nicholas Day post about the Catholic origins of Christmas.

Music Monday featured Handel's Every Valley Shall Be Exalted to match last Sunday's scripture readings.

I followed that with a very important and serious post about the new "Safe School Czar" who advocates some very unsafe and illegal practices.

December 7, in contrast, highlighted FDR's Pearl Harbor speech before congress declaring war on Japan, the last time war was formally declared by the United States.

Yesterday I talked a bit about a traditional liturgical association in Ireland, The Catholic Heritage Association, which seeks to preserve Latin, Gregorian Chant and Sacred Polyphony.

Finally, RAnn pointed the way to a wonderful Catholic Roundup Advent Calendar, which has a different author talk about something Advent related each day. A great way to prepare for the birth of Christ!

Catholic Roundup's Blogger's Advent Calendar

RAnn, at This, That and the Other Thing is a contributor to Catholic Roundup's Advent Calender, which has an advent related post for each day until the Feast of Stephen on December 26.  Check back to this post and read their enlightening Advent musings.  It should update automatically.

Catholic Roundup's Blogger's Advent Calendar

RAnn, at This, That and the Other Thing is a contributor to Catholic Roundup's Advent Calender, which has an advent related post for each day until the Feast of Stephen on December 26.  Check back to this post and read their enlightening Advent musings.  It should update automatically.

Preserve Our Heritage

Conveyor has asked that I let you all know of a Traditional Liturgical Association in Ireland: The Catholic Heritage Association.  They are a lay organization whose aim is to promote use of the Latin Mass, Gregorian Chant and Sacred Polyphony in the Church.  This is truly a cornerstone of Catholic heritage that has been lost for three generations now and deserves to be preserved for the future.

Stop by their blog and offer a word of support.  They put out a journal twice a year called CHRISTVS REGNAT.  

Preserve Our Heritage

Conveyor has asked that I let you all know of a Traditional Liturgical Association in Ireland: The Catholic Heritage Association.  They are a lay organization whose aim is to promote use of the Latin Mass, Gregorian Chant and Sacred Polyphony in the Church.  This is truly a cornerstone of Catholic heritage that has been lost for three generations now and deserves to be preserved for the future.

Stop by their blog and offer a word of support.  They put out a journal twice a year called CHRISTVS REGNAT.  

7 Quick Takes Friday

1) My dog surprised us yesterday by de-stuffing a pillow my husband had given me a couple of years ago. The pillow said, "No outfit is complete without a little dog hair." I'm not sure why the dog didn't de-stuff the one that says "No outfit is complete without a little cat hair". Perhaps that will happen soon. She hasn't de-stuffed a pillow for quite a while. When we first got her, she decided that all my stuffed cats had to be killed, one by one. Perhaps she'll get coal in her stocking this year!

2) I bought a Febreze Flameless Luminary. They look so cool, with their flickering light that mimics candle light, and I figured our house could always use some scent. They are quite easy to use--just turn the switch to on, insert the square paper (which holds the scent). It goes off after four hours by itself, but i had to turn it off much sooner than that because the scent was very strong. Perhaps it is the fact that my house is so small, but I was disappointed because I love candle light and nice scents. I'll probably try it again, farther away from where I happen to be sitting.

3)  I have a new, fun link category on my sidebar:  Retro/Vintage.  (Scroll all the way down, almost to the end.) I've found some interesting blogs that focus on vintage hair and fashion.  I admit that I don't consider the 1980's to fall under that category, but I forgive them that.  I love the looks from the 1940's myself. Although I probably won't be setting my hair with that level of detail any time soon, I've always wondered exactly how it was done.  Now I know!  Lisa Freemont gives away all the secrets to beautiful 1940's looks on her YouTube channel.  She even tells us the specific hair cut many women got in the '40's to achieve those beautiful looks! The mystery is solved!

4)  Also in the Retro/Vintage category is The Gallery of Regrettable Foods.  This site had ds and I in stitches when I first discovered it years ago.  Perhaps some of you remember the odd jello concoctions made by mom or grandmom and brought to family gatherings in the 1950's or 60's.  Jello with various vegetables comes to mind.  This site has them all (and much more) and makes you feel like a top chef in comparison!

5)  Another site that is not technically retro is Mad Hattery which highlights royal head wear from around the world.  The British Royal family is one of the last to sport hats on a regular basis and I love stopping by the Hattery to see what they're wearing.  The Queen seems to rarely have a "bad hat day", IMO.  Her striking white hair is a perfect canvas for all sorts of hats, dresses and coats designed especially for her.  This beautiful teal green hat and coat ensemble is a good example.  She also looks like she's having a great time.  Very classy lady.  Also included in Mad Hattery are any crowns worn in the line of duty (and very occasionally, mantillas).  Fun stuff!!

6) Aux Belles-Choses is an internet friend of mine who makes beautiful retro-inspired aprons (the kind you that are so pretty you almost hate to use them) as well as Edwardian inspired dresses.  Her stuff is beautiful--check out her site!

7)  I've still got some Christmas preparation to do.  For me, this does not include baking 5 dozen cookies, but it does include addressing and sending Christmas cards and putting up Christmas decorations.  I normally do the latter on or near Gaudete Sunday, which is this Sunday, when the altar and celebrant are dressed in rose to symbolize the joy we feel because the Advent waiting period is nearing its end.

7 Quick Takes Friday

1) My dog surprised us yesterday by de-stuffing a pillow my husband had given me a couple of years ago. The pillow said, "No outfit is complete without a little dog hair." I'm not sure why the dog didn't de-stuff the one that says "No outfit is complete without a little cat hair". Perhaps that will happen soon. She hasn't de-stuffed a pillow for quite a while. When we first got her, she decided that all my stuffed cats had to be killed, one by one. Perhaps she'll get coal in her stocking this year!

2) I bought a Febreze Flameless Luminary. They look so cool, with their flickering light that mimics candle light, and I figured our house could always use some scent. They are quite easy to use--just turn the switch to on, insert the square paper (which holds the scent). It goes off after four hours by itself, but i had to turn it off much sooner than that because the scent was very strong. Perhaps it is the fact that my house is so small, but I was disappointed because I love candle light and nice scents. I'll probably try it again, farther away from where I happen to be sitting.

3)  I have a new, fun link category on my sidebar:  Retro/Vintage.  (Scroll all the way down, almost to the end.) I've found some interesting blogs that focus on vintage hair and fashion.  I admit that I don't consider the 1980's to fall under that category, but I forgive them that.  I love the looks from the 1940's myself. Although I probably won't be setting my hair with that level of detail any time soon, I've always wondered exactly how it was done.  Now I know!  Lisa Freemont gives away all the secrets to beautiful 1940's looks on her YouTube channel.  She even tells us the specific hair cut many women got in the '40's to achieve those beautiful looks! The mystery is solved!

4)  Also in the Retro/Vintage category is The Gallery of Regrettable Foods.  This site had ds and I in stitches when I first discovered it years ago.  Perhaps some of you remember the odd jello concoctions made by mom or grandmom and brought to family gatherings in the 1950's or 60's.  Jello with various vegetables comes to mind.  This site has them all (and much more) and makes you feel like a top chef in comparison!

5)  Another site that is not technically retro is Mad Hattery which highlights royal head wear from around the world.  The British Royal family is one of the last to sport hats on a regular basis and I love stopping by the Hattery to see what they're wearing.  The Queen seems to rarely have a "bad hat day", IMO.  Her striking white hair is a perfect canvas for all sorts of hats, dresses and coats designed especially for her.  This beautiful teal green hat and coat ensemble is a good example.  She also looks like she's having a great time.  Very classy lady.  Also included in Mad Hattery are any crowns worn in the line of duty (and very occasionally, mantillas).  Fun stuff!!

6) Aux Belles-Choses is an internet friend of mine who makes beautiful retro-inspired aprons (the kind you that are so pretty you almost hate to use them) as well as Edwardian inspired dresses.  Her stuff is beautiful--check out her site!

7)  I've still got some Christmas preparation to do.  For me, this does not include baking 5 dozen cookies, but it does include addressing and sending Christmas cards and putting up Christmas decorations.  I normally do the latter on or near Gaudete Sunday, which is this Sunday, when the altar and celebrant are dressed in rose to symbolize the joy we feel because the Advent waiting period is nearing its end.

December 8, Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary

December 8, Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary

Today in History

Sixy eight years ago today, Pearl Harbor was attacked, ushering the U.S. into World War II, the last time war was formally declared by the United States.

Today in History

Sixy eight years ago today, Pearl Harbor was attacked, ushering the U.S. into World War II, the last time war was formally declared by the United States.

Obama's New "Safe School Czar" and the End of Western Civilization

**See update and action request below**
Warning: While I am doing my best to keep the content in this post as non-disturbing as possible, it is nevertheless upsetting and possibly triggering. I apologize ahead of time if this is disturbing for any of my readers, but I think this is important information to disseminate.  Unfortunately, the main stream media apparently do not think this is urgent enough to cover.   

When the priest abuse crisis surfaced, along with being horrified and saddened, the thought occured to me that one day in the not so distant future, given the direction we are moving in today, our society will look back and wonder what all the fuss was about.

I'm afraid that day has arrived.

As difficult as it is for most of us to wrap our minds around, there are groups of people who believe that sexual acts between adults and children should be legal and indeed encouraged.  Many people assume that such an opinion is both horrifying and rare.  It is sickening, I agree, and I hope it is rare, but lately, I have begun to question that assumption.

President Barak Obama's new Safe School Czar (the irony there is unfathomable) is Kevin Jennings, founder of the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN). GLSEN 's proported purpose is to "empower gay youth" by, among other things, a "recommended reading list" for Kindergarten through 12th grade with very  graphic sexual content including what could only be described as felony child sexual abuse portrayed as normal and "natural".

(I am putting a link here to Gateway Pundit, who decided it was crucial to reproduce some of this horrifying recommended reading material to educate the public on exactly what this new Safe School Czar believes in.  Click at your own risk.)

This man is now the unelected, un-nominated so-called Safe School Czar who has recommended graphic descriptions of sexual acts between adults and children as required reading for school children!!!!!!

Sit with that bit of information and let it sink in.

Why is this ok!?!?!?

This evening, my husband and I attended an Advent Lessons and Carols at Mt. St. Mary's Seminary.  It was beautiful, transporting and reverent.  As we were leaving, the thought occurred to me--*this* is where    
 "civilization" has gone.  The orthodox churches and seminaries are the only place where true Judeo-Christian civilization still exists.

We think tabloid media is civilization.  We think "reality tv" is civilization. We think public sex acts as entertainment is civilization.

I believe we have entered a new Dark Ages in our society.  We no longer study art.   We no longer study, play or listen to music.  We no longer read literature, attend plays or study philosophy. We no longer study Latin or Greek.  We have no idea what we believe or why.  We have no idea of the linguistic roots of the most widely spoken language in the world. We no longer, as a society, hear the basic stories from Jewish and Christian scriptures during our childhoods, not to mention its mores and values.

True civilization is being preserved, as it was during the Middle Ages, in the churches, homes, schools and seminaries that follow the teaching of the Magisterium and dare to be truly counter cultural in birthing, raising and educating future generations in what is lasting and important and in what has sustained our civilization for thousands of years.

For those of us, including myself, who have not done our part in passing on this civilization to future generations, may God have mercy on our souls.

Update:  Eastern Catholic priest The Byzantine Rambler has just posted about this issue.  Father is recommending calling the White house at 202-456-1111 and e-mailing them through the White House website. 

Before you call, Father recommends saying the Prayer of St. Ephram the Syrian as well as the penetential psalm 50. (51)  Both are reproduced below.

Prayer of St Ephraim the Syrian

"O Lord and Master of my life, a spirit of idleness, despondency, ambition, and idle talking give me not. But rather a spirit of chastity, humble-mindedness, patience, and love bestow upon me Thy servant. Yea, O Lord King, grant me to see my failings and not condemn my brother; for blessed art Thou unto the ages of ages. Amen."

Psalm 50 (51)


Have mercy on me, God, in your goodness; in your abundant compassion blot out my offense. Wash away all my guilt; from my sin cleanse me. For I know my offense; my sin is always before me.

Against you alone have I sinned; I have done such evil in your sight That you are just in your sentence, blameless when you condemn. True, I was born guilty, a sinner, even as my mother conceived me. Still, you insist on sincerity of heart; in my inmost being teach me wisdom.

Cleanse me with hyssop, that I may be pure; wash me, make me whiter than snow.
Let me hear sounds of joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice.

Turn away your face from my sins; blot out all my guilt. A clean heart create for me, God; renew in me a steadfast spirit. Do not drive me from your presence, nor take from me your holy spirit. Restore my joy in your salvation; sustain in me a willing spirit.

I will teach the wicked your ways, that sinners may return to you. Rescue me from death, God, my saving God, that my tongue may praise your healing power. Lord, open my lips; my mouth will proclaim your praise.

For you do not desire sacrifice; a burnt offering you would not accept. My sacrifice, God, is a broken spirit; God, do not spurn a broken, humbled heart.

Make Zion prosper in your good pleasure; rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Then you will be pleased with proper sacrifice, burnt offerings and holocausts; then bullocks will be offered on your altar.