"'Bella' is the Fruit of Regnum Christi"

I received this email from Regnum Christi, the lay movement of the Legionaries of Christ.
Bella is an award-winning movie directed and produced by Regnum Christi members who wanted to use their talents for a noble mission.
Director Alejandro Monteverde, starring actor Eduardo Verastegui, and producer Sean Wolfington got into the film-making business for more than a profit. They wanted to make a difference in people’s lives. And so, Bella was born: a beautiful pro-humanity movie that wins respect by its own merits as a work of art, and wins hearts because it touches people on a level deeper than any argument can reach. It’s a simple story about real people with flaws, mistakes, and a tragic past who are nonetheless capable of rising to the occasion and making extraordinary decisions. It’s about people who take a risk and give love and life a chance, in spite of the past.
The Regnum Christi team behind Metanoia Films wanted to show the beauty of love and life in such a way that it would change people’s lives. What they didn’t imagine was that this movie would also save lives. So far, Bella has already given hundreds of women second thoughts about pregnancies they were thinking of terminating. After seeing the film, they took a risk and gave loveand lifea chance.
Bella has already shown its true colors in the awards it has won and in the lives it has saved. By its artistic merits alone, Bella won the People’s Choice Award at the largest film festival in the world, the Toronto International Film Festival. This is no small feat; past winners have included Life is Beautiful, American Beauty, Crouching Tiger, Hotel Rwanda, and Chariots of Fire, among others. Director Alejandro Monteverde was honored at the White House for his contribution to arts and culture, and the Smithsonian Latino Center granted him the Legacy Award for outstanding achievement. Critics note the movie’s “freshness and lack of affectation,” while it is “incredibly charming,” and “complex and sophisticated while losing none of the humor.” And there is some talk of the Oscars and Academy Awards which tend to follow past winners of the Toronto Film Festival.
But all of those awards are secondary in comparison to Bella’s true mission, which is to recall people to what is most important in life, to remind them of their own humanity and of the beauty of choosing life and learning to love. If a movie like Bella is widely viewed across the nation, it could be a significant factor in turning the tide toward a culture of life.
And that’s where we come in, as Regnum Christi members and apostles.
Our Mission to Support Bella The Regnum Christi team behind Metanoia Films is asking all Movement members to rally in support of what is really a pro-life, pro-values apostolate: they want you to share in Bella’s mission by adopting a theater and inviting everyone you know to the movie’s debut on the big screens during its opening week, which begins this October 26th. And while you’re at it, you may as well invite three other friends to adopt theaters in their own area as well. This would multiply Bella’s impact exponentially in theaters nationwide.
Adopting a theater is easier than it looks. All you have to do is go to the website and click on the ADOPT THEATER button on the home page or call 1-888-474-6025. The web page or the phone operator will help you reserve a standard 300 person theater at an average of $10 per ticket, for a total cost of $3,000.
Sound steep? Don’t worry, you can reduce costs by making a $3,000 donation to a local non-profit organization, such as your parish or section, which can then buy the tickets and help distribute them to individual buyers. The non-profit donation allows for a tax break that cuts the net cost in half. This tax break would then allow for a profit margin on ticket sales in case the section wants to use the Bella movie as a fundraiser for a local crisis pregnancy center or some other good cause.
A Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words The pro-life battle has long been fought with words, and there comes a time when pictures and stories convince more deeply than rational arguments, especially on such a volatile issue as an unwanted pregnancy. Bella is a picture, a story that convinces on the level of the heart; it touches the spot where most women make their deepest decisions for or against life. The mix of simplicity, humanity, humor, and pathos makes its message even stronger; seeing this movie makes people think again about what it means to be human, and what it means to give joy to another person.
Such potential should not be squandered or left to be just a flash in the pan. The movie needs our help in order to have all the impact it could have on people’s lives, and the upcoming premiere on October 26th offers us the perfect opportunity to do just that. If Regnum Christi members, teams, and sections across North America take up the mission of promoting Bella, we will have done something significant to evangelize our country and change the tide on the culture of death. We can reach all kinds of people from all walks of life, and use this movie as an introduction to the human and Christian values that make life worth living. With intelligent promotion and good follow-up, Bella could be the perfect vehicle to reach our unchurched peers in secular society.
The Bella promotion effort could also be a great way to introduce more people to Regnum Christi; after all, as producer Sean Wolfington himself said, “Bella is the fruit of Regnum Christi” and it shows in action what the Movement is all about: evangelizing by bringing human and Gospel values to modern culture in the most effective way possible; adapting to the needs of time and place in a media-driven culture; working vertex-to-base with real artistic talent but also person-to-person on the grass roots level (get going on those ticket sales!); helping people to accomplish more by working as a team. Bella is the fruit of Regnum Christi because it fulfills our essential mission: to make the truth shine in all its beauty and to bring souls to Christ.
It is true that one swallow does not a summer make; one battle won’t win the war, and it will take a lot more than a movie to change American culture and make everyone rediscover what it means to be open to life and love. But if a movie can change or save even one life—and Bella has already saved hundreds before hitting the big screens”then it’s well worth the effort.
Call it the chance of a lifetime”yours and someone else’s.

To buy tickets and view the new trailer, visit the website

Upcoming Film "The Golden Compass" is a trap for our children!

Bill Donohue of the Catholic League had an engaging discussion with Raymond Arroyo on The World Over last night. He mentioned the upcoming film, The Golden Compass which will be released on December 7.
"New Line Cinema and Scholastic Entertainment have paired to produce ‘The Golden Compass,’ a children’s fantasy that is based on the first book of a trilogy by militant English atheist Philip Pullman. The trilogy, His Dark Materials, was written to promote atheism and denigrate Christianity, especially Roman Catholicism. The target audience is children and adolescents. Each book becomes progressively more aggressive in its denigration of Christianity and promotion of atheism: The Subtle Knife is more provocative than The Golden Compass and The Amber Spyglass is the most in-your-face assault on Christian sensibilities of the three volumes."
From the Catholic League website,
See video of the EWTN interview here.

Donohue said that the film itself is innocuous enough, however, but it is deliberately being shown before Christmas to encourage parents to purchase the books for children as gifts. The books are toxic to the faith and morality of children, and discuss the 'humanity' of killing God, who is portrayed as a weak old man.
In response to this attempt to destroy our children's faith, The Catholic League has prepared a booklet for only $5, entitled, "The Golden Compass Agenda Unmasked", where the author's own words clearly display his evil intent. Parents, please order this book, and pass it on, so other parents can protect their children from Pullman's poison.

Where will Bella be showing?

Here is a link, which will be updated daily, showing where Bella is scheduled to play. If you don't see your city, then get the phone number of your local theatre mangager and ask him to show Toronto Film Festival People's Choice Award winning film, Bella. We have a little over two weeks to get this film in every theatre in America.

Time for Pro-lifers to Vote for a Third Party?

A New York Times/CBS News poll shows white, evangelical Republicans agree with Dr. James Dobson.
Nearly 60 percent of those who plan to vote in the primaries said they could not support a candidate they didn't agree with on issues such as abortion and same-sex marriage. Eighty-six percent said presidential candidates should be judged on both their political record and their personal life.
Dr. Dobson has taken a beating in the media for promising to vote only for a candidate who shares his basic values, even if that means supporting a third-party candidate.
Last week, he wrote an op-ed piece for The New York Times to clarify his position: "Speaking personally, and not for the organization I represent, I firmly believe that the selection of a president should begin with a recommitment to traditional moral values and beliefs. Those include the sanctity of human life, the institution of marriage, and other inviolable pro-family principles. Only after that determination is made can the acceptability of a nominee be assessed."

Citizen Link

Dr. Dobson further clarified this on Hannity and Colmes last night. Sean Hannity tried to press him, but Dr. Dobson reminded him that "Twenty years ago, I stood in front of 400,000 people in front of the Washington Monument (at the March for Life) and promised NEVER to vote for a candidate that wasn't pro-life". Dr. Dobson is standing firm on principle. So are the majority of Evangelicals. And, according to his gentle chiding of Catholic Hannity, so should Catholics. Guiliani, whose third marriage is not recognized in the Catholic Church may not present himself for communion for that reason AND because of his pro-abortion stance. Yet so many Catholics say they would vote for him. NOT this Catholic!!!

My friend Elizabeth agrees with Dr. Dobson and so do I. If the pro-life movement is to survive, we must get rid of the current top-tier Republican candidates for president. None of them take the rights of the unborn seriously. If we elect a Rudy Guiliani type who thumbs his nose at our movement, we have lost over thirty years of struggle to gain recognition as a political force. And to think, in just 2004, when we swept the Republicans to victory, we were the toast of the town! Even the Dems put up candidates who looked pro-life to defeat Republicans in 2006. And because the Republicans, drunk with power, acted no better than the Democrats, corrupt, money wasting, immoral politicians, they lost to the so-called pro-lifers like Robert Casey Jr. who, Senator Santourum pointed out to me, didn't vote pro-life to uphold the Mexico City Policy. We were used by both parties. This must stop now. NO party owns our vote. We stand on principle, and when forced to as we may be, we have to go our own way.
President Hillary is unthinkable, but so is President Guiliani. How does a twice divorced 'Catholic' who supports homosexual marriage, and partial birth abortion merit our vote? Because he cleaned up Times Square? That was a smart business move, not a moral one. Broadway makes way more money without the sex shops. You can see the money flowing in Times Square today. That makes Guiliani a good mayor, not a moral man.

If you would like to ask Mike Huckabee to visit here in New York, click here and his campaign will count the votes.

Stand Up for Life Sunday, October 7, 2007 on Long Island

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

This was, by far, the smaller of two demonstrations on Long Island for Respect Life Sunday, but for many of these participants, it was their first public witness for life. May it be the first of many more.

Roving Reporter: 40 Days for Life, Norwich, CT

Update on 40 Days for Life in Norwich CT.

A Great Way to Share Theology of the Body

George Weigel has called Theology of the Body, "The ticking theological time bomb which, when it goes off, will ignite the New Springtime of Evangelization".
I agree, that this powerful teaching, when properly explained, revolutionizes how the Faith is taught in a Culture of Death, transforming it into a Culture of Life.
Kelly Pence, Catholic homeschooling mother of five, in the Chicago area, recently felt called by God to help evangelize using Theology of the Body. She started Share a CD outreach. Share a CD is an opportunity to receive great teaching CDs with famous Catholic speakers as Christopher West, Fr. Loya, and Fr. Larry Richards in the mail, with enough to share with others as a great tool of evangelization. We must combat the poor formation in the faith so many of my generation and older have had in their faith. So many Catholics do not attend Mass because they have misunderstood the Church's reasons for her teachings on marriage and family. Theology of the Body as explained on Share a CD is the answer to this problem.
There are many ideas on how you can purchase enough of these to share with your friends, prayer group, or your entire parish, at way below retail cost. You can get a CD for only$ 1.47 a month, plus shipping. Visit the website, which within a month will be completely renovated including a shopping cart, and live audio demonstrations of the CDs.
You may call Kelly at 815-426-2494 for information on how you can use these CD's in quantities of 11 or more to reach your parish or prayer group, Catholic school or family with this life-changing theology.
"...all baptized Christians must commit themselves to evangelization." - Pope John Paul II

Sneak Preview of David Bereit's visit to 40 Days for Life Long Island today

Over the weekend, I'll be doing a photo montage and he promised me a recording of the pep talk he gave us. He had just come from Chris Slattery's demonstration in the Bronx, and will be heading to Providence,RI tonight.
He has a great, encoraging presence and a very supportive wife and children. It's been a long week for them, and they have a long road to travel.
I wish them God's blessings as they travel, and will remember them in my prayer these 33 remaining days.

Mathetes Award

Kimberly at Catholic Family Vignettes and Catholic and GOP at Faith and Country have nominated me for the Mathetes Award for Excellence in Discipleship. This has been the greatest honor I have received yet as a blogger. It's what I hope to do by blogging, make more citizens of heaven. It's so gratifying to have this effort noticed. Thank you.

Mathetes is the Greek word for disciple, and the role of the disciple (per the Great Commission) it to make more disciples. So the rules for accepting the award are such:
Winners of this award must pick five other "disciples" to pass it on to, and provide links for
(1) the originator of the award (Dan King of management by God),
(2) the person (and in my case, the other person )that awarded it to you, and then
(3) name and sites of the five people that you believe are fulfilling the role of a disciple of Christ.

Here are the blogs of those who are discipling me:
Jean at Catholic Fire
Jeff at The Curt Jester
Patrick at Creative Minority Report
Reverted Xer at A Long Island Catholic
Karen from Karen Edmisten

Worldwide Children's Holy Hour October 5th

Tomorrow, EWTN will broadcast live from the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception a Worldwide Children's Holy Hour. Bishop Robert W. Finn of Kansas City will lead this Holy Hour, which has the special blessing of Pope Benedict, and will be broadcast to 40 Countries around the world.
Join in prayer tomorrow, First Friday, and the eve of the 90th Anniversary of the Miracle of the Sun in Fatima. And bring the children!

Pre-Screening Invitation

I would like to extend to my readers near Long Island, the following invitation to you from Catholic filmaker Grassroots Films, who make the magnificent short film, "Fishers of Men" about the priesthood for the USCCB.
I'll be going; hope to see you there.
Leticia

Dear Friends,
The time has come to unveil the newest production from Grassroots Films.
You are invited to a special pre-screening of THE HUMAN EXPERIENCE. THE HUMAN EXPERIENCE is the story of a band of brothers who travel the world in search of the answers to the burning questions: Who am I? Who is Man? What is the meaning of it all? Their journey brings them into the middle of the lives of the homeless on the streets of New York City, the orphans and disabled children of Peru, and the abandoned lepers in the forests of Ghana, Africa.

What the young men discover changes them forever. Through one on one interviews and real life encounters, the brothers are awakened to the beauty of the human person and the resilience of the human spirit.

Date: Saturday, October 20, 2007
Time: 8pm sharp Where: Kellenberg Memorial High School
1400 Glenn Curtiss Blvd., Uniondale, NY 11553
Google map
The Trailer can be viewed here.

The Official Website of the film can be seen here.
The evening promises to be a celebration of life.

Please RSVP to clifford@grassrootsfilms.comwith your name, address & contact information, and the names & number of guests you will be bringing.
Please do not bring small children.

Thank you and looking forward to seeing you,
Clifford

Life Chain is this weekend

Don't forget to participate in your local Life Chain this weekend. Our Long Island Life Chain got so big, we had to expand to a second one; they will be from 2:00 to 3:30 this Sunday, Oct 7 at Route 110 and Jericho Turnpike, by the Walt Whitman Mall, and at LIE exit 70, route 111 by McDonald's which is where I'll be located.

I will be giving two fundraising talks at Spanish masses for Life Center baby bottle drive before and after Life Chain. Respect Life Month is such a busy time, but isn't it providential, that after a month of intense prayer and fasting for life, coupled with public witness at Planned Parenthood abortion mills, that the movie Bella is premiering? Do you too sense the touch of the Author of Life in this?

True Compassion in Times of Crisis

If you ever encounter one of those thorny end-of-life issues, and want to understand Church teaching on it, you can't do better than Fr. Tad Pacholczyk of the National Catholic Bioethics Center.He has a great collection of essays on current issues in bioethics on their website,

entitled, "Making Sense Out of Bioethics".
His recent article on Catholic Exchange, about the mercy killing of patients in a New Orleans hospital during the horrific aftermath of Hurricane Katrina clarifies what the Church thinks about the actions of Dr. Anna Maria Pou.
"While the debate continues as to what Dr. Pou did or did not do, compassion and heroism should never be confused with intentionally overdosing patients or loved ones in order to end their lives. The act of directly taking innocent human life is always incompatible with true compassion."
The World Over had a show last week, available in the online catalogue where Fr Pochalczyk had an enlightening discussion with on the Vatican 's recent clarification about what constitutes extraordinary means of keeping someone alive, and what is considered just standard care. The Saginaw Seminarians had a great post on the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith's clarification on this issue.
Food and water, given by whatever means, unless the patient is actively dying, is ordinary care, and may NOT be witheld, as it was in the case of Terri Schindler Schiavo, who could have lived for many more years, and even responded to therapy (if her husband had permitted it) yet she was deliberately dehydrated to death at a young age. According to the Vatican, this is MURDER. Is that clearly stated enough? Let's hope that Catholics avail themselves of this information, so that when their turn comes to make these decisions, they can do so with the wisdom of the Church, and not some nurse who took a misguided course in medical ethics.

I have entered into heated discussions with nurses in my family who insist that "Terri's soul had left her body because she was on life support". Nonsense! Only someone who had no religious formation in the Catholic faith would believe that fairy tale! The Schindlers knew better and so did Br. O'Donnell, pictured here with Terri's sister, Suzanned Vitadamo. They were just awarded the Proudly Pro-life Award for their heroic efforts to save Terri.
During "The World Over", a caller mentioned that she has lived a full life, going to Mass, and visiting her family all while using a feeding tube. Has her soul left her body? Terri Schiavo had no more extensive treatment than this woman, the only difference is that she couldn't talk to defend herself. That is why it is crucial that we, while we still have our faculties, assign someone who believes as we do in the Church's teaching on end-of-life issues, as our health care proxy. Fr. Frank Pavone of Priests for Life has suggestions on his website.
If you find yourself embroiled in one of these end-of-life discussions, arm yourself with the truth to cut through all the "care in dying" rhetoric provided by the Culture of Death.

Update on the Tabernacle at St. John's Church

My pastor printed the following letter in our bulletin this week,dated July 31, 2007, in response to Bishop Murphy's letter posted here.

Dear Bishop Murphy,
Thank you for your recent directive and letter to begin preparation for the relocation of our tabernacle from it's present site in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel to the main body of our Church- within the center space of our reredos behind our altar.
I believe that our parish family will be very pleased and over-joyed with your directives.
The relocation of our tabernacle provides me with a special time with our parish family.
I plan to preach at all the weekend Masses on September 22-23 to formally announce the good news that you have directed me to relocate the tabernacle.
Leading up to this announcement, however, I plan to print a letter from myself to our parishioners calling all of us to a special time of prayerful consideration of the importance, role and imperative of silence in our Church.
As well as my letter, I will print articles pointing to he distractions now existent in our Church. The articles I wish to use were tow very fine articles written by Msgr. Jim McNamara in the LONG ISLAND CATHOLIC. I called Msgr. McNamara to ask his permission to print his articles and he was most pleased that I was using them. Along with these articles, I will be printing prayers and devotions directing our attention to the importance of keeping the Church always filled with a quiet reverence where all may pray.
My letter, articles and reflections will be printed all during August leading up to the weekend I will be preaching.
September brings all of our staff back from vacations. (I will be away during August), and I will be very concerned to meet with them, our Liturgy team members and our music ministries. I want to brainstorm with them how we may continue material in the bulletin and even the use of tastefully placed reminders at our Church entrance.
I am concerned that reverence in the Church and the tabernacle itself, be discussed in our classes in our School and within all of our religious education classes. I want to b e sure our youth minister will also make special time in his teachings with our high school students in our LifeTeen program.
Our tabernacle being relocated into the main body of our Church will cause us to re-think some of the events once held in the Church now to be held in our auditorium.
We must also rethink how the present "chapel space " be used. I would like to place and enthroned Bible where the tabernacle was placed. Prayer groups could meet there and not be disturbing to the main body of the Church.
Very important to the relocation of our tabernacle will be Mr. Charles Peters, our parish trustee and the On Site Director of the Church. Charles continues to monitor the physical needs of the Church for me and will be invaluable to the removal of the tabernacle and securing it in the reredos.
Even though our tabernacle has been blessed, I would still like celebrate the Rite for the blessing of a new tabernacle at one of our Sunday 12 noon Masses and if at all possible- and your schedule permits; I would live you to celebrate this moment for us.
Thank you again, for you letter and your support and concern for our parish family.

Sincerely yours in Christ,
Rev. Joseph C. Coschignano
Pastor

Here is the bishop's response. It is dated August 23, 2007

Dear Father Coschignano,

Thank you so very much for your letter of July 31 which I found on my desk upon my return from Italy. I very much appreciate your response and see it as once again a mark of your extraordinarily dedicated and generous service as priest of this diocese.

It pleases me to know that your people have responded positively to this initiative, I believe that it will bring many spiritual benefits to the People of God, who are blessed to have the priests that they do in Center Moriches.

As you move foreword with this, I know that ht Office of Worship is at your disposal as well as Monsignor Brennan for any of the practicalities. If it is possible for me to come and say the Mass and blessing of the tabernacle when it is completed, then know that I will be most happy to come and join you and your parish at that time.

With my prayers and best wishes, I am,
Fraternally yours in Christ,
William Murphy,
Bishop of Rockville Centre

I will post about the Mass of restoration of the tabernacle to the center of my church. Consider this an open invitation to attend this wonderful event.

Conference of the Society of Catholic Social Scientists

Here is the link to the Conference for the Society of Catholic Social Scientists Oct 26 and 27. I will be presenting on panels discussing Catholic Radio and Catholic blogging on Saturday October 26. If you plan to attend, let me know and we can meet.

I'm banned on the Spirit of Vatican II

What a relief! I was worried that I may be compromised as a lover of Catholic Tradition, because I wasn't banned by the website, The Spirit of Vatican II. Thankfully, this situation has been rectified, and I am banned for the following reasons:
PH- Phariseeism
T+ Traditionalism
EM-Extreme Medievalism
RT-Radical Traditionalism
NC-Neo-Catholicism
My sympathies, Esther, on being banned as well, for your many throwback blogs, and your knitting activities, which prove you to be a victim of the oppressive partiarchal Church.
I guess we won't be invited to the Che Guevarra Day festivities. Darn, I was going to meet Hugo Chavez and everything!

US Hispanic Population Boom called "a blessing" by Pope John Paul II

From the Population Research Institute email:
John Paul II often said that the Hispanic presence in the United States was not a problem or a risk, not menace in any sense, but rather a gift of the Lord, a blessing, and above all a privileged opportunity to the Catholic Church.
No one can any longer ignore the tremendous importance of the Hispanic population in the USA. Demographics are clear on the topic. The Census Bureau points out that there are almost 43 million "Latinos" in the U.S., 26 million of them of Mexican origins, representing about 15 percent of the total population. In 2025 there could be 66 million and by 2050 one-fourth to one-third of the American people could have Hispanic roots.
The Hispanic presence is skyrocketing in the U.S. due to two reasons. Legally or not, more than 500,000 persons immigrate every year mainly from Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. Another one-half million failed in this attempt.
A second reason is the higher fertility rates of Hispanics. A significant part of the population growth in this country is because of the many Latino babies. By 2010, 8 of the 13.5 million Hispanic families will have parents under 45 years old representing an important young population sector. Hispanic presence in the economy of the United States is even more impressive. The Hispanic market is growing as fast as its community.
According to the Selig Center, Hispanics are 15 percent of the labor force with the buying capacity of 8.1 percent of the whole USA. Before 2010 this segment is expected to increase by almost 50 percent while the rest of the population is expected to increase by only 28 percent. population and its expressions in arts, cuisine, politics, music, sports or social issues.
I know one reason I'm happy Hispanics are making their mark in the culture. The movie "Bella", which will hit theaters in only three weeks, on October 26.

Bulletproof Glass at Aurora Planned Parenthood

Jill Stanek has a column on World Net Daily about the bulletproof glass at the new Planned Parenthood abortion mill in Aurora, Ill. backfiring against their attempt to obtain court permissiong to open.

Supreme Court won't hear birth control case

The court let stand a New York court ruling upholding a state law that forces religious-based social service agencies to subsidize contraceptives as part of prescription drug coverage they offer employees.
New York is one of 23 states that require employers that offer prescription benefits to employees to cover birth control pills as well, the groups say. The state enacted the Women's Health and Wellness Act in 2002 to require health plans to cover contraception and other services aimed at women, including mammography, cervical cancer screenings and bone density exams.
Catholic Charities and other religious groups argued New York's law violates their First Amendment right to practice their religion because it forces them to violate religious teachings that regard contraception as sinful.
"If the state can compel church entities to subsidize contraceptives in violation of their religious beliefs, it can compel them to subsidize abortions as well," the groups said in urging the court to take their case. "And if it can compel church entities to subsidize abortions, it can require hospitals owned by churches to provide them."
Of course, if Catholic Charities employees were good Catholics, this wouldn't be an issue, because they wouldn't use them. However, as I write here, most employees of Catholic Charities are not good Catholics, and will be using their abortifiacient birth control as frequently as their non-Catholic fellow employees.

The Lyrics to "Guardian Angels" by Harpo Marx

Guardian angels around my bed
Joining me in my prayers
They hush the shadows when they dance about
They shoo away the bears

Guardian angels to comfort me
If I wake in the night
They gather all my dreams
Their halos are my light
They dry my tears
If I should weep
They tuck me in
They rouse me from my sleep

Guardian angels around my bed
Standing by till I rise
There's one with shining wings that holds my hand
And shows me Paradise

Harpo Marx - Guardian Angels (1945)

For the feast of the Guardian Angels, the song composed by Harpo Marx: "Guardian Angels" is truly beautiful. I had hoped to find Mario Lanza singing it. It helped me form a powerful image of Guardian Angels in my childhood.

Look Where the Tabernacle story is now!

I saw some links coming in from the site Free Republic. The comments are great.

Time to get involved in the chatter about Embryonic Stem Cells

October is Respect Life Month

So here is an easy pro-life activity you can do from home, from my friend Elizabeth at The Divine Gift of Motherhood.
I believe it is no coincidence that Long Island’s Newsday chose this week to run a five-part series on the Katie Trebing Story, reported by Beth Whitehouse. The Trebings used preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) and in vitro fertilization to create the “perfect sibling” for the purpose of a bone marrow transplant to hopefully cure their daughter Katie’s Diamond Blackfan anemia. In the process, a total of 37 embryos were created. Only three were considered “good candidates” for implantation; the result was one successful pregnancy. The story is available here.

Whitehouse will be available for a live chat at the web site this Tues. and Wed. at 12:30 p.m. Stacy and Steve Trebing will be in the chat room on Thurs. at 12:30 p.m. Perhaps some of you can log in to make your voices heard.
Blessings,
Elizabeth

My Tabernacle is coming back home!

Good news! Patrick Archbold of

Creative Minority Report has posted this letter from Bishop William Murphy to my pastor, Fr. Joe. Father Zuhsdorf, and The Curt Jester has posted about it as well. I have included photos of the main altar, which is over one hundred years old and recently restored to its' former glory, and the gorgeous Blessed Sacrament Chapel where Our Lord is now present in the Tabernacle. We have ten hours of adoration here on Thursdays from 12 to 10PM.

Here is the bishop's letter in it's glorious entirety:

Dear Father Coschignano:

Recently I had the pleasure and the privilege of confirming young men and women in your parish. It was a beautiful moment and one that I very much appreciated. I thank you for the warm welcome that you gave to me and also for the way that you and all those who work with you who strive so much to make the experience of worshiping the Lord such a fulfilling and fruitful one.

As I mentioned to you during that day, I am very concerned about the comportment of the faithful in your parish church prior to the celebration of the Eucharist. I am not blaming anyone. I am not trying to say that anyone is at fault. I am simply saying that the comportment is not compatible with proper preparation for the celebration of Mass. This interferes with the ability of the people to enter into the liturgy and have the kind of active participation that the Second Vatican Council calls for.

In my judgment, a major reason for this is the fact that the Blessed Sacrament is reserved in a separate chapel that is so removed from the main body of the church that no one knows where the Blessed Sacrament is. I don’t mean that literally but I mean that conscious awareness of’ the presence of the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament is lacking to those who enter the main body of your parish church. This is further hampered by the fact that the music ministry is set up in front of the doors into that chapel where the Blessed Sacrament is reserved. That means that anyone who wishes to go and pray needs to go through the paraphernalia of those who provide music. I find this problematic.

In the document of the United States Bishops “Built of Living Stones - Art, Architecture, and Worship” which is the normative document of the Bishops Conference in the United States on liturgical matters § 74 §, it is clear that the Blessed Sacrament is to be placed in such a way in the body of the Church that whether it is in the chapel or not, it must be visible to those who come to worship. This is consistent with the documents of the Second Vatican Council as well as with the most recent documents of the Holy See including Redemptionis Sacramentum.

Therefore, I am directing you to begin a process of locating the tabernacle with the Blessed Sacrament in the main body of the ‘church. The most simple thing would be to place it in the center of the reredos in the place which clearly set up to have a tabernacle, and where at the last liturgy I celebrated there was a bouquet flowers. However you do this, I would like to have you give me by September of this your plan for the relocation of the tabernacle. Relocating the tabernacle in and of itself will not be sufficient. Therefore, I am asking to begin a process of educating your people about the reverence that is due to the Blessed Sacrament when they enter church and so long as they are in church. If over summertime and into the Fall you can do a series of articles in the bulletin announcements from the pulpit or a combination of these and other things, I believe you would do a great service to the People of God in Saint John the Evangelist Parish you would have a parish that would become ever more closely united to the Lord and bear much fruit not only in terms of the spiritual life of your parishioners but also in other important elements for the life of the Church such as vocations to the priesthood.

Please do net see this as anything but an act of support for you and for the good work you do as pastor. You and I share the pastoral responsibility for Center Moriches. I would be remiss if I did not say this to you. I say it to you as my brother and as my collaborator with full confidence that you have both the love of your people and the pastoral skills good and holy priest to bring this about for the present and future good of the Body Christ in Center Moriches.Please know that The Office Worship is at your disposal to help you in this process. If I can be of any help, you know that wish so to be.

With my prayers and best wishes,

I am Fraternally yours in Christ,

William Murphy

Bishop of Rockville Centre

Bravo, Bishop Murphy! I will continue to support your ministry with my family's nightly prayers.

Blogger's Meme

My dear friend Jean at Catholic Fire, has tagged me for the latest meme. She knows I love to play along!
Here's a fun quiz made up especially for bloggers. The rules are easy. Just post the quiz on your blog and answer the questions, then pass it on to five other bloggers, and link to them in your post. Be sure to link back to the one who sent it to you.
1. Do you attend the Traditional Latin Mass or the Novus Ordo?Novus Ordo normally because TLM isn't in my parish, however, I attend the TLM at least once a month.
2. If you attend the TLM, how far do you drive to get there?
Forty five minutes
3. If you had to apply a Catholic label to yourself, what would it be? How about Devout Roman Catholic? I don't know how to answer this one, except to say that I try to live as though Christ and the Church are the most important things in my life. I attend devotions like Eucharistic Adoration once a week, celebrate feast days life (St. Therese today) with my children, and pray the rosary daily. You'd have to ask those who know me if I qualify as devout. Good thing few of you can do that!
4. Are you a comment junkie? I get a lot of satisfaction from receiving comments(lurkers, please take the hint!) and try to leave one behind on each blog I read. Jackie Parkes, the Catholic Mom of 10, is queen of the commenters; I read her encouraging comments everywhere, and look forward to receiving them.
5. Do you go back to read the comments on the blogs you’ve commented on? Sometimes, if it was a particularly contentious or inspiring post. I like blog hosts like haloscan which notify you of responses to your comment.
6. Have you ever left an anonymous comment on another blog? Not since I've become a blogger, which, by the way, was one year ago today.
7. Which blogroll would you most like to be on?
I have several blogs, I would like The Curt Jester to list Causa Nostrae Laetitiae, my social political blog, and Danielle Bean to list Cause of Our Joy my home and family blog. I would like O Night Divine to list my Christmas blog, . . The True Meaning of Christmas, and Mary Meets Dolly to list Dr. Jerome Lejeune Society blog.
8. Which blog is the first one you check? Catholic Fire.
9. Have you met any other bloggers in person? I have met Warren Draper from CHSNA at the IHM Conference, and Dawn Eden at a talk she gave at Faith on Tap last winter. On Long Island, we are blessed with many Catholic bloggers, I am fortunate to know Alice of Cottage Blessings,MacBeth from MacBeth's Opinion, Mary Ellen of Tales from the Bonnie Blue House, Patrick Archbold of Creative Minority Report, Gen-X Revert from A Long Island Catholic, Heather from Doodle Acres, Elizabeth from The Divine Gift of Motherhood, Lorraine from Sr. Marie de Mandat-Grancey, Lissa from The Lilting House(formerly of Long Island, she has now relocated to San Diego, by way of Virginia), and Dennis from In God's Image on Long Island.
10. What are you reading? I am reading, "It Takes a Family" by Sen. Rick Santorum, "Hoodwinked:How Intellectual Hucksters have Hijacked American Culture" by Jack Cashill, Behind the Screen: Hollywood Insiders on Faith, Film, and Culture edited by Barbara Nicolosi and Spencer Lewerenz, The National Catholic Register, Celebrate Life (where I have an article in the current issue) and Canticle magazines, and of course I read my Magnificat.

Bonus Question! Has your site been banned by Spirit of Vatican II? No, it has not, I must be doing something wrong. I am a member of Catholics Against Rudy, however, so I am somewhat banned. If it has, who do you think Father Tim really is? I have no clue.
I tag Mary Ellen, Elizabeth, Gen-X, Newhousenewjob, and Jackie.

My First Blogiversary

In August of 2006, I had implusively started this blog, and went to a family Baptism party, where a number of my cousins scoffed at the idea that someone would read what I have to say.I have long been the family 'religious fanatic', and to them, I seem so odd that they couldn't imagine my religious talk interesting anyone. I felt embarrassed at my audacity to think I could develop a following, and abandoned the project.
Until six weeks later, I attended an Indult Latin Mass, and in the coffee hour afterward, I had a fateful encounter with Alice of Cottage Blessings. I casually mentioned I had started a blog, and Alice immediately began to encourage me. She asked me what type of blog it was, and I couldn't even remember, it had been so long. She promised to read an comment upon my posts, and the thought that at least one person out there, besides my mother was interested, fueled my enthusiasm, I posted for the first time, and the rest is history.
Thank you Alice. Remember, those of you who feel that you have nothing to say; if you have a love for our Holy Mother Church and Our Lady and Our Lord, and can write a coherent paragraph, your voice is needed in the blogosphere. I have successfully encourage the following bloggers to start blogs.
The Divine Gift of Motherhood by Elizabeth
Sr Marie de Mandat-Grancey by Lorraine
In God's Image on Long Island by Dennis
All these wonderful blogs were started from a friend encouraging a friend.

Reports from the Front: 40 days for Life on Long Island

This is from John and Joan Peters, the Respect Life Coordinators of my parent's parish.

We went to Hempstead this morning, and prayed our Rosaries and Divine Mercy Chaplet from before 9 until 11 AM. Joan & John Peters, and Mary Ann Lovrich from our Northport, St. Philip Neri Parish Respect Life group. Only the "usual" witnesses, 5 men (K of C ?) with sandwich boards were there when we arrived, and remained after we left. We introduced ourselves to them but didn't engage in chit chat because we wanted to pray in front of this place of death.

There were always two Planned Parenthood escorts in orange vests in the parking lot, but they stayed way from the fence and just talked to one another the whole time. As the morning progressed, more cars arrived and parked in their parking lot away from the street. A few cars had Rosary beads hung from their rear view mirrors! Most of the drivers seemed to be doctors, technicians, and maybe administrative help. Later, a few father/ mother types with teen girls, some younger couples, individual young women arrived, and a few left shortly. Perhaps some were stopping by to pick up perscriptions eg morning after pills or chemical abortifacents or contaceptives.

Praying in front of an abortion facility is always a thought- provoking, sometimes wrenching experience; traffic is busy on Hempstead Turnpike, and there's sidewalk traffic too, mostly couples and women with young children, a few individuals. There's a 7-11 across the street, the Life Center "Abortion Alternatives" building nearby, and some low rise apartment houses, so the abortions are performed in the midst of normal day- to- day living experiences. And eight of us praying that the girls would turn around and let their babies live. How sad we didn't have dozens of witnesses, and some young counselors to try to reach the girls.

Planned Parenthood at Holy Cross College

WORCHESTER, Massachusetts, September 28, 2007 (LifeSiteNews.com) - Jesuit-run Holy Cross, the oldest Catholic college in New England, is hosting the 2007 Teen Pregnancy Institute with Planned Parenthood promoting teenage contraception.
The Massachusetts Alliance on Teen Pregnancy presents the conference every year, but by hosting the conference the Holy Cross Jesuits are sending the message that they have no qualms with its promotion of contraception and the presence of Planned Parenthood, which are intrinsically inimical to the pro-life teachings of the Catholic Church.Read the entire story here.
HT Life Site
As scandalous as this is, sadly, it is NOT unique. A few years ago, this same travesty occurred on Long Island, at St. Joseph's College, my closest Catholic college, run by the Sisters of St. Joseph. The President, a sister, was unrepentant when confronted by the Long Island Coalition for Life.
Guess whose daughter won't be attending classes there in four years?

Immediate Openings - Build the Church with Lighthouse Catholic Media

Over 1,000,000 CD's distributed in 21 months through the 1000+ parishes who have partnered with Lighthouse! We only have 100,000,000 more CD's and 16,000 parishes to go!

Feedback from listeners and the affect on their lives:
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Looking for paid full and part-time helpers faithful to the New EvangelizationPlease e-mail us at mailto:juli@lighthousecatholicmedia.com

We know how hard it is when a loved one leaves the Church. We know how much joy there is when a dear friend or loved one returns to the Faith.
That is our mission at Lighthouse Catholic Media. Will you join us in helping to spread the authentic gospel of Jesus Christ that is safeguarded in the Catholic Church? Saint James teaches us much about evangelization at the very end of his letter. Image the great gift of grace that our Father gives us when we join an apostolate?!
"My brethren, if any one among you wanders from the truth and some one brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins."
Jam 5:19-20
If you are searching for ways to help spread the truth, give us an email. We have already distributed over 1 million CDs all across North America. We can do even more with your help.

William Tell Overture for Moms

If you're a homeschooling mom, you have to add 5,000 more words. Could I just play this every morning and save myself a lot of verbiage?

A Catholic Mom in Hawaii: Warning From Living His Life Abundantly - Women in Religious Orders and New Age Spirituality

A Catholic Mom in Hawaii: Warning From Living His Life Abundantly - Women in Religious Orders and New Age Spirituality

A Catholic Mom in Hawaii: Bella the Prolife Movie

A Catholic Mom in Hawaii: Bella the Prolife Movie

Creative Minority Report: Let’s Say Prince Charming Kisses…Shrek! - A Catholic Blog: Religion, Politics, Current Events, Humor, and more.

Creative Minority Report: Let’s Say Prince Charming Kisses…Shrek! - A Catholic Blog: Religion, Politics, Current Events, Humor, and more.

Massachusetts Abortion Victim's Mom Comes Forward

Operation Rescue calls on District Attorney to Investigate
Hyannis, MA - September 28, 2007 - Eileen Smith has come forward in order to keep her daughter's abortion death from being "swept under the rug." Her 22-year old daughter, Laura Hope Smith, died on September 13, 2007, during an abortion done by Rapin Osathanondh at Women Health Clinic in Hyannis, Massachusetts.
Smith told Operation Rescue that she had no idea that her daughter was 13 weeks pregnant and considering an abortion. A friend accompanied Laura to the clinic. Early reports indicated that Laura died of hemorrhage, but Smith says that her daughter died on the abortion table. "There was no bleeding. She stopped breathing and went into cardiac arrest," said Smith.
Ten days after Laura's death, Smith met privately for one hour at a public place with Osathanondh. He would only meet with Smith alone and refused to allow even allow her husband to accompany her. Osathanondh admitted that Laura died during the abortion but refused to admit he did anything wrong.
Smith told Operation Rescue that the details of her daughter's death appalled and sickened her, but she could not discuss those details because she is seeking legal action against Osathanondh for killing her daughter.
"My daughter was 22, healthy, and alive when she walked into that clinic," Smith said. "She didn't even have a cold. There is no reason for her to be dead."
Laura was born into abject poverty in Hondurus on May 25, 1985, and was abandoned at an orphanage. An American couple that adopted Laura abused her terribly and gave her up. Laura was then adopted by Tom and Eileen Smith, a Christian family that lovingly raised Laura in the Cape Cod community of Sandwich.
Laura was a 2004 graduate of Upper Cape Tech, majoring in cosmetology, but later realized that profession did not suit her. At the time of her death she was working in retail management. Laura was a born again Christian who was an active member of Calvary Chapel of Sandwich.
Over 600 people attended Laura's funeral. Since then, at least one young woman has changed her mind about abortion since hearing about what happened to Laura.
Smith told Operation Rescue that two days after Laura's death, she gave a full interview to the local newspaper, which was scheduled to be published on the day of Laura's funeral. The article has yet to appear, leading Smith to believe that there are attempts underway to cover up her daughter's death.
Operation Rescue is urging calls to the local district attorney asking for a formal investigation of Rabin Osathanondh in the abortion death of Laura Hope Smith.
District Attorney Michael D. O'KeefePhone: 508-362-8113

E-Mail: CapeDA@Massmail.state.ma.us

I just called the office of Michael O'Keeffe to let them know that Iam blogging about this and asked if the office had a statement about their action on this case. They have none at this time, and they will be getting a link to this post. Please call in and ask if DA O'Keefe pursuing justice for Laura Hope, may God rest her troubled soul.
________________________________
About Operation Rescue
Operation Rescue is one of the leading pro-life Christian activist organizations in the nation. Operation Rescue recently made headlines when it bought and closed an abortion clinic in Wichita, Kansas and has become the voice of the pro-life activist movement in America. Its activities are on the cutting edge of the abortion issue, taking direct action to restore legal personhood to the pre-born and stop abortion in obedience to biblical mandates.

Click here to support Operation Rescue
________________________________
E-mail: info@operationrescue.org
Operation Rescue
Troy Newman President
316-841-1700

Emergency Contraception to be administered in Catholic hospitals in Connecticut

This story about Connecticut bishops allowing an abortifacient in Catholic hospitals is tragic. Let's pray for a change of heart during our 40 Days for Life prayer campaign.
HT New Oxford Review

"Art will save the world" Dostoevsky

Vulgata Magazine

Gay Conference at De Paul University

DePaul University is planning a pro-homosexual conference called “Out There: The Second National Conference of Scholars and Student Affairs Personnel Involved in LGBTQ Issues on Catholic Campuses.”
It’s a broadside against Catholic education. An attack against 2,000 years of Catholic moral teaching and natural law.
Won’t you help students defend the truth?
Register your e-protest now!
For your information, some of the lecture titles are shocking:
“The Ins and Outs of Teaching LGBTQ” (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered, and Queer)
“Queer Teens Between the Sheets”
“Queering Theology: Contradictions and Accommodations”
“Queering Services and Benefits at Catholic Institutions”
To read more, click here.
After you sign your protest, make sure you call the office of the president. Respectfully urge him to cancel the pro-homosexual “Out There” conference on Oct. 19-20.
Call: Fr. Dennis H. Holtschneider, C.M.Phone: 312-362-8890 -- DePaul University
You might be wondering if these protests are ever successful.
Yes! They are. In fact, after TFP Student Action protested the showing of Brokeback Mountain at Seton Hall University, the president of this Catholic university called to say that he canceled it.
So please spread the word. There is strength in numbers. And Catholic education is a cause much too noble for us to remain silent or indifferent.
Thank you very, very much and may God bless you!

Dr Alveta King rejected in Iowa School as "too moral"

Last fall, I blogged about the unforgettable speech of Dr. Alveta King at Nassau Community College. Not only did she discuss the hurt abortion had caused in her personal life, but we discussed how the black community has the highest abortion rate in the nation. Nearly 80% of abortion mills are located in minority communities. When a young black man objected to this being termed genocide, he was referred to the website blackgenocide.org, which explains the racist agenda behind Planned Parenthood.
That's where the Planned Parenthood is located which will be the focus of 40 Days for Life on Long Island.
Speaking this kind of truth doesn't sit well with Principal Kathie Danielson in Roosevelt High School in Des Moines, Iowa; she cancelled Dr. King's speech, because a couple of pro-abortion parents objected to morality being discussed in school.
She told the Des Moines Register newspaper that she examined King's presentation beforehand and "quite a bit of it does talk about civil rights, but there is a connection to morals."

Presidential Candidate Sam Brownback came to Dr King's defense."Defending the life of innocents is the most basic civil right, and I am proud to support Dr. Alveda King and her efforts on the pro-life issue, civil rights and helping people in need," Brownback said. This is not surprising, he's an ardent champion of the rights of the unborn.

What is shocking, however, the ACLU objected to the cancelled speech as well.
ACLU representative Ben Stone told the Register that Danielson is doing a "disservice" because it makes the school appear to be shielding its students from various viewpoints on abortion.
Danielson "does the students of Roosevelt High School a disservice when she decides she must protect them from viewpoints that are controversial," Stone said.
"Alveda King was invited to speak, and telling her to stay away now is wrong, for it implies that the school is taking sides on the abortion issue, while at the same time depriving students of an opportunity to engage in this important moral topic," Stone said.

The ACLU came down on the side of free speech for pro-lifers, incredible!

This is why her talks for "Silent No More" are so important, most blacks, though pro-life, vote for pro-abortion candidates according to this poll. They vote over 90% Democrat, which is nearly always pro-abortion.
African Americans need to know the facts about Margaret Sanger, the founder of Planned Parenthood's racist agenda to rid society of undesirable, including blacks, Jews, Hispanics, and other poor immigrants in New York City ghettos. She was one of the most prominent members of the 1930's eugenics movement, which included the Ku Klux Klan and the Nazis. She associated with both. Here she, in her own words, betrays her sinister agenda.


"We do not want word to go out that we want to exterminate the Negro population." - Margaret Sanger




HT LifeNews

Hate Crimes Bill/Employment Non-Discrimination Act

Senate Set to Vote on Hate-Crimes Amendment
by Jennifer Mesko, associate editor
Kennedy bashes military, says crimes against homosexuals are tantamount to terrorism.
The U.S. Senate is set to vote on two key amendments to a Defense spending bill Thursday, including one that would enshrine homosexuality in federal law.
The hate-crimes amendment would create a new federal class of crime based on "actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity," but the underlying goal is to grant federal civil-rights status to homosexuality.
Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, has introduced an alternative amendment that would simply require a study of hate crimes.
Gay-activist organizations sounded the alert today, and it's vital that the Senate hear from family advocates.
Why is the amendment attached to a military spending bill? Sen. Ted Kennedy, D-Mass., has tried many explanations.
"The Defense Authorization Bill is dealing with the challenges of terrorism," he said last week. "And the hate crimes issue … we're talking about domestic terrorism."
Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council, called that argument outrageous.
"Again, we see this effort to try and link those who defend traditional morality with those in the Middle East who are blowing people up," he said on his weekly radio program. "This is outrageous. This legislation will eventually lead to Christians, and the speech that would counter homosexuality, being criminalized."
Today, Kennedy tried a new angle on the Senate floor.
"This amendment will strengthen the Defense Authorization Act by protecting those who volunteer to serve in the military," Kennedy said. "The vast majority of our soldiers serve with honor and distinction … but sadly, our military bases are not immune from the violence that comes with hatred."
Ashley Horne, federal policy analyst for Focus on the Family Action, said: "Senator Kennedy’s hate-crimes amendment doesn’t belong in the Defense spending bill, and it doesn’t belong in law, period."
TAKE ACTION
Please call your senators today and urge them to oppose the hate-crimes amendment. Visit the Action Center, then enter your ZIP code to find your senators' phone numbers. To learn more about the legislation, read the Focus Action fact sheet. Also, take a moment to sign the Focus on the Family Action petition.

Catholic Tube

A great idea; our own 'channel' on the internet. Catholic Tube. And they'll be running daily updates and meditations on 40 Days for Life. The video titles are rotating on the widget on the sidebar to your left. This way, you can always get to Catholic Tube via Causa Nostrae Laetitiae.
Thanks for the link, Travis!

Catholic Fire: Teenage Casualities of Casual Sex#links

Catholic Fire: Teenage Casualities of Casual Sex#links

Catholic Fire: What You Can Do To Stop The Obscenity#links

Catholic Fire: What You Can Do To Stop The Obscenity#links

"Run to the Battle" by Steve Camp

The Unofficial Theme Song for 40 Days for Life is Steve Camp's "Run to the Battle". Play it here.
It's the theme song for the modern day Church Militant!
We have Christ with us, so what are we waiting for?






Run To The Battle

Some people want to live
Within the sound of chapel bells
But I want to run a mission
A yard from the gates of Hell.

And with everyone you meet
I'll take them the gospel and share it well
And look around you as you hesitate
For another soul just fell



Let's run to the battle
Run to the battle.

Do you have your armor on?
We're in the middle of a raging war
We've been training for so long
Have we learned to use His sword?
We may not be ready
But we serve a mighty Lord
And He's made us more than conquerors
So what are you waiting for?

Let's run to the battle
We got to run, run to the battle

He has trampled down the enemy
And has given us the victory
When we pray we learn to see
That His army
We are marching on our knees

There'll be times when we grow weak
Let's keep our faith alive
Let your faces shine with glory
For He's helped us to survive
And in that final hour
When you feel like you're ready to die
Will you hear the trumpet sound?
Will you hear the warrior cry?

Run to the battle
We got to run, run to the battle

Steve Camp
© 1981 Word Music (a div. of Word, Inc.)(ASCAP)

Witchita is starting 40 Days for Life Today

Wichita, KS - Beginning tomorrow, Operation Rescue and the Kansas Coalition For Life will begin participation in a nationwide pro-life prayer campaign called 40 Days For Life outside the nation's largest late term abortion clinic.
For the next 40 days, from September 26 through November 4, pro-life supporters will be urged to maintain a constant prayer presence during every business hour at Women's Health Care Services, the late-term abortion mill owned and operated by George R. Tiller, who is currently facing 19 criminal counts of illegal abortions, a county grand jury investigation that could net additional charges, and a disciplinary review by the Kansas State Board of Healing Arts.
"We believe strongly in the power of prayer," said Operation Rescue President Troy Newman. "In Aurora, Illinois, on the last day of their 40 Days For Life Vigil, a judge ruled that the Planned Parenthood office in that community must remain closed. It was an amazing answer to prayer."
"We will pray for the next 40 days that Tiller's clinic will also close and that he will be brought to justice on the crimes of which he has been charged. We look forward to seeing what God will do in Wichita in response to our continued prayers," said Newman.
The Wichita 40 Days For Life vigil is part of a national campaign that is being conducted simultaneously in over 90 cities across the country

40 Days for Life begins tomorrow

This is an email I just received from David Bereit director of 40 Days for Life

Dear Leticia,
I'm sending you this message from Wisconsin, where Iwill be participating in the Milwaukee 40 Days for Life kickoff rally tonight.(You can see the video of the talk I gave at the kickoff event in Chicago )
Tomorrow, September 26, marks the beginning of thelargest and longest simultaneous pro-life mobilizationin American history: 40 Days for Life.
With God's help -- and YOURS! -- this huge nationwide endeavor could mark the beginning of the end of abortion in our land. Here are three simple steps you can take to make aworld-changing impact:
1. Commit to pray and fast for an end to abortion during these 40 days.
2. Try to participate in the 40 Days for Life kickoff event nearest to you. To find a location, click here.
3. Join the peaceful vigil in a participating city on the first day (Wednesday 9/26) if at all possible.

Let's show the whole country that the Body of Christ is standing together for life!
Each day of 40 Days for Life, you will also be sent ashort devotional with a scripture, a brief reflection,and a prayer.
Please take a minute to read this message daily, prayover the specific request, and share it with others.Your prayers will be united with those of believers all across America.
In preparation for what is about to begin, here is ashort devotional for today...
*******************************************************
Daily Devotional for September 25

By: Carmen Pate*******************************************************
SCRIPTURE:"But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord." -- 1 Corinthians 15:57-58

REFLECTION:You are about to embark on an amazing 40 day adventure with God that could indeed have life long implications. Accessing God's power through prayer, fasting, and peaceful vigil to end abortion in America is the vision. Revival across America and many saved lives may well be the result! We are engaged in a spiritual battle and the plans have been laid. Our mission is to bring together the body of Christ in a spirit of unity during a focused 40 day campaign of prayer, fasting, and peaceful activism, with the purpose of repentance, to seek God's favor to turn hearts and minds from a culture of death to a culture of life, thus bringing an end to abortion in America.

Do you think the enemy will be silent? No way. The enemy -- Satan, the world system he rules, and our flesh -- will be battling tirelessly against us. You see, he won't accept the fact that the victory is already ours because of Christ's death and resurrection. It is a complete and total victory over sin, Satan, evil in all its forms, and death. On the cross Jesus cried, "It is finished!" and this secured an eternal victory for all who place their faith in Him.
Through the power of His Holy Spirit in us, we are enabled to tap into vast resources of spiritual power to fight the principalities and powers of darkness that have already been disarmed by the blood of Christ. (Colossians 2:15)
Though they won't give up, neither will we. After all, we are the victors!

PRAYER:Thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place (2 Corinthians 2:14) Heavenly Father, as we appropriate your supernatural victory by faith, empower and enable us to besteadfast, unmovable, always abounding in Your work. May our testimony reflect Christ and honor You in all we say and do. The glory goes to You, for You alone areworthy of our praise!
In Jesus name we pray,
AMEN.*******************************************************
Anticipating Great Miracles,
David Bereit
National Campaign Director
40 Days for Life
3515-B Longmire #316
College Station, TX
77845US

Forty Days for Life begins this Wednesday, September 26th

Are you ready to begin serious prayer, fasting, and pro-life witness? Are you read to see miracles happen like the Planned Parenthood abortion mill in Aurora, Ill. which is still not able to open, thanks to thousands of prayerful protesters participating in 40 days for Life?

David Bereit, director of 40 Days for Life is counting you! The unborn babies are counting on you! Our children are counting on us to leave them a world where babies are safe in the wombs of their mothers.This is the beginning of the end of abortion in America!

NYS Health Commissioner Richard Daines Refuses to Accept Abstinence Funding from Feds

Have you ever heard of a public official refusing money? Just how much of an ideaologue does one have to be to refuse money for a program with a proven track record of saving lives, both physically and spiritually?
Health Department spokeswoman Claudia Hutton says the state has received about $3.7 million in abstinence funding since 1998 and the state has allocated $2.6 million annual to go along with the federal dollars.
But Health Department Commissioner Richard Daines says that will no longer be the case starting on October 1. In a statement he posted on the agency's web site on Thursday, he said, "The Bush administration's Abstinence-Only program is an example of a failed national health care policy directive."
He claims it is "based on ideology rather than on sound scientific-based evidence that must be the cornerstone of good public health care policy."
HT Life News
In keeping with the Governor Spitzer's progressive health-care agenda for New York, (advance the cause of abortions for everyone)on July 2nd the department cancelled all existing abstinence only contracts under the federal Title V program that began under the previous administration. Earlier this year, the department made a conscious decision not to reapply for funds under this program due to the increasingly rigid federal standards imposed on New York and other states that were contrary to our commitment to fully educate adolescents about the risks associated with sexual behavior. NYS Dept Health Website
What were the people of New York thinking when they elected the pro-abortion Spitzer who went after the good people running Crisis Pregnancy Centers as Attorney General, accusing them of deceiving women? Where is our Catholic leadership in this crisis?
Take action and email Governor Spitzer about this mistake made by Health Commissioner Dr. Richard Daines here, telling him to restore Federal funds for abstinence programs. We can and must demand better behavior from the children of New York State, and from our elected officials. Learn the truth about the effectiveness of abstinence education.