Our Lady's Little Scribe

Religious Liberty Prayer

2012-05-28T11:57:00.001-05:00

Into the Way of Peace

2012-05-28T09:10:00.000-05:00

Written Memorial Day, May 28, 2012

On this Memorial Day, I am remembering the military who died for us on the battlefields of war as well as those who have come home to suffer with tragic wounds and loss of limbs. I am remembering my husband, who flew a B-24 in Italy during World War II. I also am remembering Saint Francis of Assisi, not as the saint he became, but as the young man he was when he went off to war. His greatest desire at that time was to become a knight and gain fame and glory.

In 1202, there arose a great war between the centuries-old enemies of Perugia and Assisi. Francis was 20 years old, and his father outfitted him in the finest attire to join in the battle. Francis was wounded and captured at the Battle of Collestrada. It was a massacre. Thomas of Celano, the early biographer of Francis, indicated that it was beyond measure. The hills were covered in blood. Assisi was beaten, and the slaughter was great. Assisi was appalled, and everywhere there was weeping and mourning for those who were lost – the brightest and the best, the old and the young, the noble and the common.

[War and its consequences are the same always, then and now. There will never be an end to war until people and nations learn to forgive each other. It is that simple and that difficult because true forgiveness requires a change of heart and only God and his grace can change a heart.]

The angels surrounded Francis during the Battle of Collestrada, and according to God’s plan, his life was protected and spared. Many from Assisi were taken prisoner, including Francis. He was held in prison for about a year, until his father ransomed him. He returned home and suffered a long illness.

Francis' carefree days of youth were over, and the road to his conversion rose up before him as he sought to find his way. As a teenager, he had been a spendthrift, a dreamer, a rich, spoiled kid, indulged by both parents. Then, during the years following his release from prison, he learned to listen to the voice of the Lord and was transformed. This Memorial Day, I am reminded that Francis was chosen by God to lead us into the way of peace and to mirror the Christ, the Son of God living God.

“Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof . . . ."

The centurion - Matthew 8:8

HHS Mandate: The strongest weapon we have is prayer.

2012-03-15T12:19:00.000-05:00

HHS Mandate is a violation to the Constitution of the U.S., Bill of Rights, Article 1. DO NOT BE FOOLED BY THE PRESS AND THOSE WITH OTHER AGENDAS. Keep your eye on the ball, folks. The issue for all citizens of the United States concerning HHS is NOT contraception. The issue is NOT women’s health. The issue is Constitutional rights – specifically Article 1 of the Bill of Rights to the Constitution. Anything that you hear or read (particularly from the Obama administration or the liberal press) trying to make this other than a Constitutional issue is a lie. Article 1 of the Bill of Rights states:

Article [I]

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

The strongest weapon we have is prayer.

Fr. Frank Pavone of Priests for Life has composed an ecumenical Novena for the defeat of the HHS Mandate, which began on Wednesday, March 14th. (Begin your novena when received, even though beginning late.) You may find the novena online. It is also pasted below.

NOVENA - http://standupforreligiousfreedom.com/2012/novena/#more-737

LOCATIONS FOR NATIONAL RALLY - http://standupforreligiousfreedom.com/locations/

WEBSITE FOR NATIONAL RALLY - http://standupforreligiousfreedom.com/

MORE INFORMATION

1. March 14 Statement on Religious Freedom and HHS Mandate. Link to statement from United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, March 14, 2012

2. On February 5, 2012 Father Sammie Maletta delivered a Homily at St. John the Evangelist Parish in St. John, Indiana. This Homily addressed how President Obama is threatening our Religious Freedom and declaring war with the Catholic Church. Please take a few moments to listen. No one sums it up quite like Father Maletta. http://www.blogger.com/goog_669664978

3. But this is not just a Catholic issue. The issue is for all faiths, including Jews, Muslims. The issue is for all citizens of our country. The greater good of this suffering and evil is that it has brought about unity in Christian faiths and unity of God’s people in this country. I’ve read articles and listened to videos from leaders of all faiths - from Baptists, Lutherans, Jews and others – in opposition to the HHS Mandate and support of the Catholic Church’s stand. For example, this weekend, Anglican pastor Fr. Kevin Miller preached a home run of a homily, lighting a fire under his congregation at Church of the Resurrection in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. Listen here: http://www.blogger.com/goog_669664989

4. The eroding of our Constitutional rights goes beyond this country. The eyes of the world are upon us. I truly believe our country was called by God to greatness and to live more perfectly, as a nation, his plan for all peoples. We are another Promised Land. President Regan said that we are the last best hope of mankind on earth. In the same speech, President Regan quoted John Winthrop (1630), saying “We will be as a city upon a hill. The eyes of all people are upon us, so that if we deal falsely with our God in this work we have undertaken and so cause Him to withdraw His present help from us, we shall be made a story and a byword throughout the world.”

5. Regan also said: We cannot escape our destiny, nor should we try to do so. The leadership of the free world was thrust upon us two centuries ago in that little hall of Philadelphia. In the days following World War II, when the economic strength and power of America was all that stood between the world and the return to the dark ages, Pope Pius XII said, “The American people have a great genius for splendid and unselfish actions. Into the hands of America God has placed the destinies of an afflicted mankind.” http://www.originofnations.org/books,%20papers/quotes%20etc/Reagan_The%20Shining%20City%20Upon%20A%20Hill%20speech.htm

The strongest weapon we have is prayer.

March 14 Statement on Religious Freedom and HHS Mandate

2012-03-14T21:37:00.000-05:00

Link to statement from United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, March 14, 2012. Also, copied and pasted below:

March 14 Statement on Religious Freedom and HHS Mandate

A Statement of the Administrative Committee of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

March 14, 2012

The Administrative Committee of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, gathered for its March 2012 meeting, is strongly unified and intensely focused in its opposition to the various threats to religious freedom in our day. In our role as Bishops, we approach this question prayerfully and as pastors—concerned not only with the protection of the Church's own institutions, but with the care of the souls of the individual faithful, and with the common good.

To address the broader range of religious liberty issues, we look forward to the upcoming publication of "A Statement on Religious Liberty," a document of the Ad Hoc Committee for Religious Liberty. This document reflects on the history of religious liberty in our great Nation; surveys the current range of threats to this foundational principle; and states clearly the resolve of the Bishops to act strongly, in concert with our fellow citizens, in its defense.

One particular religious freedom issue demands our immediate attention: the now-finalized rule of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that would force virtually all private health plans nationwide to provide coverage of sterilization and contraception—including abortifacient drugs—subject to an exemption for "religious employers" that is arbitrarily narrow, and to an unspecified and dubious future "accommodation" for other religious organizations that are denied the exemption.

We begin, first, with thanks to all who have stood firmly with us in our vigorous opposition to this unjust and illegal mandate: to our brother bishops; to our clergy and religious; to our Catholic faithful; to the wonderful array of Catholic groups and institutions that enliven our civil society; to our ecumenical and interfaith allies; to women and men of all religions (or none at all); to legal scholars; and to civic leaders. It is your enthusiastic unity in defense of religious freedom that has made such a dramatic and positive impact in this historic public debate. With your continued help, we will not be divided, and we will continue forward as one.

Second, we wish to clarify what this debate is—and is not—about. This is not about access to contraception, which is ubiquitous and inexpensive, even when it is not provided by the Church's hand and with the Church's funds. This is not about the religious freedom of Catholics only, but also of those who recognize that their cherished beliefs may be next on the block. This is not about the Bishops' somehow "banning contraception," when the U.S. Supreme Court took that issue off the table two generations ago. Indeed, this is not about the Church wanting to force anybody to do anything; it is instead about the federal government forcing the Church—consisting of its faithful and all but a few of its institutions—to act against Church teachings. This is not a matter of opposition to universal health care, which has been a concern of the Bishops' Conference since 1919, virtually at its founding. This is not a fight we want or asked for, but one forced upon us by government on its own timing. Finally, this is not a Republican or Democratic, a conservative or liberal issue; it is an American issue.

So what is it about?

An unwarranted government definition of religion. The mandate includes an extremely narrow definition of what HHS deems a "religious employer" deserving exemption—employers who, among other things, must hire and serve primarily those of their own faith. We are deeply concerned about this new definition of who we are as people of faith and what constitutes our ministry. The introduction of this unprecedented defining of faith communities and their ministries has precipitated this struggle for religious freedom. Government has no place defining religion and religious ministry. HHS thus creates and enforces a new distinction—alien both to our Catholic tradition and to federal law—between our houses of worship and our great ministries of service to our neighbors, namely, the poor, the homeless, the sick, the students in our schools and universities, and others in need, of any faith community or none. Cf. Deus Caritas Est, Nos. 20-33. We are commanded both to love and to serve the Lord; laws that protect our freedom to comply with one of these commands but not the other are nothing to celebrate. Indeed, they must be rejected, for they create a "second class" of citizenship within our religious community. And if this definition is allowed to stand, it will spread throughout federal law, weakening its healthy tradition of generous respect for religious freedom and diversity. All—not just some—of our religious institutions share equally in the very same God-given, legally-recognized right not "to be forced to act in a manner contrary to [their] own beliefs." Dignitatis Humanae, No. 2.

A mandate to act against our teachings. The exemption is not merely a government foray into internal Church governance, where government has no legal competence or authority—disturbing though that may be. This error in theory has grave consequences in principle and practice. Those deemed by HHS not to be "religious employers" will be forced by government to violate their own teachings within their very own institutions. This is not only an injustice in itself, but it also undermines the effective proclamation of those teachings to the faithful and to the world. For decades, the Bishops have led the fight against such government incursions on conscience, particularly in the area of health care. Far from making us waver in this longstanding commitment, the unprecedented magnitude of this latest threat has only strengthened our resolve to maintain that consistent view.

A violation of personal civil rights. The HHS mandate creates still a third class, those with no conscience protection at all: individuals who, in their daily lives, strive constantly to act in accordance with their faith and moral values. They, too, face a government mandate to aid in providing "services" contrary to those values—whether in their sponsoring of, and payment for, insurance as employers; their payment of insurance premiums as employees; or as insurers themselves—without even the semblance of an exemption. This, too, is unprecedented in federal law, which has long been generous in protecting the rights of individuals not to act against their religious beliefs or moral convictions. We have consistently supported these rights, particularly in the area of protecting the dignity of all human life, and we continue to do so.

Third, we want to indicate our next steps. We will continue our vigorous efforts at education and public advocacy on the principles of religious liberty and their application in this case (and others). We will continue to accept any invitation to dialogue with the Executive Branch to protect the religious freedom that is rightly ours. We will continue to pursue legislation to restore the same level of religious freedom we have enjoyed until just recently. And we will continue to explore our options for relief from the courts, under the U.S. Constitution and other federal laws that protect religious freedom. All of these efforts will proceed concurrently, and in a manner that is mutually reinforcing.

Most importantly of all, we call upon the Catholic faithful, and all people of faith, throughout our country to join us in prayer and penance for our leaders and for the complete protection of our First Freedom—religious liberty—which is not only protected in the laws and customs of our great nation, but rooted in the teachings of our great Tradition. Prayer is the ultimate source of our strength—for without God, we can do nothing; but with God, all things are possible.

Religious Liberty

2012-03-01T08:55:00.000-06:00

7-Point Evangelization Plan from now Cardinal Dolan

2012-02-21T08:48:00.000-06:00

New York Archbishop Gives Cardinals a 7-Point Evangelization Plan

posted Friday 17 February 2012 at 17:00 by Fr. Luke Sweeney :: General

Cardinal-designate Dolan Addresses Pre-Consistory Prayer Day Hours before receiving the red hat, Cardinal-designate Timothy Dolan, archbishop of New York, offered his soon-to-be brothers in the College of Cardinals a seven-point reflection on evangelization. Cardinal-designate Dolan was chosen by the Pope to address the group for today's Day of Reflection and Prayer on the vigil of the consistory.

The New York archbishop recommended the following seven pointers:

1) Remembering that even those who boast of their secularism have an innate longing for the divine; the first step of evangelization must be to keep the quest for God alive.
2) "Be not afraid" -- confident, without being triumphalist, since it is the power of God who sends his people to evangelize.
3) Knowing that the new evangelization is not about presenting a doctrine or belief-system, but a Person, whose name is Jesus.
4) Nevertheless, this Jesus is the Truth. Hence, evangelization is linked to catechesis.
5) An evangelist must be a person of joy -- someone who smiles.
6) The new evangelization is about love -- the love of God made concrete in service.
7) Finally, martyrdom. A reminder that the Church is now peopled by those who are suffering persecution for their faith, and that these martyrs give impetus to the new evangelization.

SOURCE: http://www.nypriest.com/news/

Morning Offering

2012-02-20T13:28:00.004-06:00

Sunday Night Prime - Cardinal-Designate Timothy Dolan comment on the HHS...

2012-02-13T16:18:00.001-06:00

Compassion is Suffering With

2012-02-13T16:16:00.001-06:00

Let's Roll

2012-02-09T20:56:00.000-06:00

In the matter of the Obama administration mandate forcing Catholic employers to pay for birth control, sterilization and abortifacient drugs, I am so grateful that the Catholic Church is making a firm stand against this unconstitutional action. I read today that EWTN and Priests for Life have filed lawsuits against the Obama administration over this mandate. I’m sure there are others who have done the same thing and the list will grow.

http://www.lifesitenews.com/ewtn-files-lawsuit-against-obama-mandate.html
http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/priests-for-life-sues-obama-administration-over-contraception-mandate

There are many who are standing with us – Christian and Jew – and other religious groups and Christian denominations. Two examples that I noticed today are Rick Warren and Dr. Richard Land, president of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, both saying that they will not comply and will go to jail. "We want the law changed, or else we’re going to write our letters from the Nashville jail, just like Dr. King wrote his from the Birmingham jail," Dr. Land said.

Rev. Dr. Matthew Harrison, President of the Missouri Lutheran Synod, added his voice: “The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod objects to the use of drugs and procedures that are used to take the lives of unborn children, who are persons in the sight of God from the time of conception,” wrote Rev. Dr. Matthew Harrison, in a statement issued February 3rd.

http://www.lifesitenews.com/southern-baptist-leader-we-will-not-comply-with-hhs-mandate.html

http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/rick-warren-tweets-id-go-to-jail-rather-than-cave-in-on-obamacare-mandate
http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/lutherans-join-chorus-of-voices-slamming-hhs-contraceptive-mandate

This reminds me of the Bible verse, Genesis 50:20: "Even though you meant harm to me, God meant it for good, to achieve this present end, the survival of many people.”

This persecution of Catholics by the Obama administration may be a blessing, and I praise God. I wonder if this present situation will rally people of faith to such a degree that it will bring about the end of legal abortion - thus the survival of many people. Thus the survival of this country as truly God will not allow us to survive as the great nation we have been if we continue in the slaughter of the innocent.

We have much to pray about, beginning with the stand that the bishops, priests, EWTN and Priests for Life are taking. I’m sure this list will grow. The sleeping giant is arousing from its slumber. Let us pray that the Church militant win this battle.

Please remember that although the headlines continue to focus on the word contraception, the issues are much bigger than this. The issues are religious freedom, freedom of speech and our way of life.

I Did Not Speak Out

2012-02-09T08:04:00.002-06:00

Source: Niemoller

Battle Against Evil

2012-02-09T07:00:00.000-06:00

Finally, draw your strength from the Lord and from his mighty power. Put on the armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against the tactics of the devil. For our struggle is not with flesh and blood but with the principalities, with the powers, with the world rulers of this present darkness, with the evil spirits in the heavens. Therefore, put on the armor of God, that you may be able to resist on the evil day and, having done everything, to hold your ground. So stand fast with your loins girded in truth, clothed with righteousness as a breastplate, and your feet shod in readiness for the gospel of peace. In all circumstances, hold faith as a shield, to quench all [the] flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Ephesians 6:10-17.

It Is Love That Makes A Prayer Well Done

2012-02-01T07:48:00.000-06:00

"Prayer is the effusion of our heart into God's. . . . When it is well done, it moves the Divine Heart and makes Him always more inclined to grant our requests. Let us pour out our whole soul to God in prayers. He is captivated by our prayers and comes to our aid." - Padre Pio

I Place My Trust In You

2012-01-12T19:14:00.000-06:00

Oh Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you, knowing that you love me, care for me and will never abandon me. Help me to know that my suffering and pain too will pass, as you guide me along the right path and that only goodness and kindness will follow me all the days of my life.

May the Lord Bless You in the New Year

2012-01-01T18:57:00.000-06:00

World War I: The Christmas Truce of 1914

2011-12-28T08:00:00.002-06:00

By Kennedy Hickman

Christmas Truce - Conflict:The 1914 Christmas Truce occurred during the first year of World War I (1914-1918).

Christmas Truce - Date:Occurring on December 24-25, 1914, Christmas Eve and Day, the Christmas Truce saw a temporary halt to the fighting on parts of the Western Front. In some areas, the truce lasted until New Year's Day.

The Christmas Truce - Peace on the Front:One of the mythic events of World War I, the 1914 Christmas Truce began on Christmas Eve along the British and German lines around Ypres, Belgium. While it took hold in some areas manned by the French and Belgians, it was not as widespread as these nations viewed the Germans as invaders. Along the 27 miles of front manned by the British Expeditionary Force, Christmas Eve 1914 began as a normal day with firing on both sides. While in some areas firing began to slacken through the afternoon, in others it continued at its regular pace.

This impulse to celebrate the holiday season amid the landscape of war has been traced to several theories. Among these was the fact that the war was only four months old and the level of animosity between the ranks was not as high as it would be later in the war. This was complimented by sense of shared discomfort as the early trenches lacked amenities and were prone to flooding. Also, the landscape, aside from the newly dug trenches, still appeared relatively normal, with fields and intact villages all of which contributed to introducing a degree of civilization to the proceedings.

Private Mullard of the London Rifle Brigade wrote home, "we heard a band in the German trenches, but our artillery spoilt the effect by dropping a couple of shells right in the centre of them." Despite this, Mullard was surprised at sunset to see, "trees stuck on top of the [German] trenches, lit up with candles, and all of the men sitting on top of the trenches. So of course we got out of ours and passed a few remarks, inviting each other to come over and have a drink and a smoke, but we did not like to trust each other at first (Weintraub, 76)."

The initial force behind the Christmas Truce came from the Germans. In most cases, this began with the singing of carols and the appearance of Christmas trees along the trenches. Curious, Allied troops, who had been inundated with propaganda depicting the Germans as barbarians, began to join in the singing which led to both sides reaching out to communicate. From these first hesitant contacts informal ceasefires were arranged between units. As the lines in many places were only 30-70 yards apart, some fraternization between individuals had taken place prior to Christmas, but never on a large scale.

For the most part, both sides returned to their trenches later on Christmas Eve. The following morning, Christmas was celebrated in full, with men visiting across the lines and gifts of food and tobacco being exchanged. In several places, games of soccer were organized, though these tended to be mass "kick abouts" rather than formal matches. Private Ernie Williams of the 6th Cheshires reported, "I should think there were about a couple of hundred taking part...There was no sort of ill-will between us (Weintraub, 81)." Amid the music and sports, both sides frequently joined together for large Christmas dinners.

While the lower ranks were celebrating in the trenches, the high commands were both livid and concerned. General Sir John French, commanding the BEF, issued stern orders against fraternizing with the enemy. For the Germans, whose army possessed a long history of intense discipline, the outbreak of popular will among their soldiery was cause for worry and most stories of the truce were suppressed back in Germany. Though a hard line was taken officially, many generals took a relaxed approach seeing the truce as an opportunity to improve and re-supply their trenches, as well as scout out the enemy's position.

The Christmas Truce - Back to Fighting:For the most part, the Christmas Truce only lasted for Christmas Eve and Day, though in some areas it was extended through Boxing Day and New Year's. As it ended, both sides decided on signals for the recommencement of hostilities. Reluctantly returning to war, the bonds forged at Christmas slowly eroded as units rotated out and the fighting became more ferocious. The truce had largely worked due to a mutual feeling that the war would be decided at another place and time, mostly likely by someone else. As the war went on, the events of Christmas 1914 became increasing surreal to those who had not been there.

SOURCE: The Christmas Truce

SEE ALSO: Snopes

Called to Be a Blessing

2011-12-23T20:24:00.001-06:00

“As Christians and Jews, following the example of the faith of Abraham, we are called to be a blessing to the world. This is the common task awaiting us. It is therefore necessary for us, Christians and Jews, to first be a blessing to one another.”
- John Paul II on the 50th anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto uprising

See A Blessing to One Another - Pope John Paul II & the Jewish People

Passage from Blessed John Henry Newman's Apologia

2011-12-12T13:25:00.000-06:00

As a convert to the Catholic faith, I understand the perfect peace and contentment and the coming into port after a rough sea which Newman describes here. I am so grateful and, like Blessed Newman, I have never had one doubt.

"FROM the time that I became a Catholic, of course I have no further history of my religious opinions to narrate. In saying this, I do not mean to say that my mind has been idle, or that I have given up thinking on theological subjects; but that I have had no variations to record, and have had no anxiety of heart whatever. I have been in perfect peace and contentment; I never have had one doubt. I was not conscious to myself, on my conversion, of any change, intellectual or moral, wrought in my mind. I was not conscious of firmer faith in the fundamental truths of Revelation, or of more self-command; I had not more fervour; but it was like coming into port after a rough sea; and my happiness on that score remains to this day without interruption."

-Source: Blessed John Henry Newman's Apologia, chapter 5

O God, who bestowed on the Priest Blessed John Henry Newman the grace to follow your kindly light and find peace in your Church; graciously grant that, through his intercession and example, we may be led out of shadows and images into the fullness of your truth. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,one God, for ever and ever.

– Collect for the Feast of Bl. John Henry Newman

Amazing Grace - How Sweet The Sound

2011-12-03T08:11:00.001-06:00

Franciscan All Saints Day - November 29

2011-11-29T10:55:00.001-06:00

In addition to All Saints Day on November 1, the entire Franciscan Order celebrates a Franciscan All Saints Day. All the saints and blessed, in fact, all the members of the three orders of St. Francis who have attained their goal in heaven, whether known or unknown, are honored in a special manner on this day.

November 29 was selected for this feast day because on that day in 1223 Pope Honorius III gave his approval to the final rule which St. Francis gave to the Friars Minor, a rule which pointed out a new way to sanctity. By observing it faithfully, many have become saints; and by celebrating the feast of all Franciscan saints, we are inspired and encouraged to follow in their footsteps.

On The Cross of Tribulation

2011-11-28T22:41:00.001-06:00

If you suffer with Him, you shall reign with Him,
if you weep with Him, you shall rejoice with Him;
if you die with Him on the cross of tribulation,
you shall possess heavenly mansions in the splendour of the saints
and, in the Book of Life, your name shall be called glorious among humankind.
Because of this you shall share always and forever
the glory of the kingdom of heaven in place of earthly and passing things,
and everlasting treasures instead of those that perish, and you shall live forever.

(St Clare second letter to Agnes)

Singing Amazing Grace

2011-11-28T22:08:00.001-06:00

December 18, 1923 - May 18, 2011

One did not forget singing Amazing Grace with Tom at Mass.
He always cried, and when we finished singing,
I loved both God and Tom much more
"than when we've first begun."

Ouida Tomlinson, SFO

--
Posted By Little Scribe to Our Lady's Little Scribe at 11/28/2011 10:01:00 PM

I'm In Love With Jesus

2011-11-22T12:09:00.002-06:00

http://www.franciscanfriars.com/

Catholicism

2011-11-09T21:33:00.000-06:00

Cano, My Foster is Ready for Adoption

2011-11-02T08:39:00.000-05:00

Cano, My Foster is Ready for Adoption