My debut on "Faith and Culture" is coming on June 5 and 9

Eileen Haupt the co-founder of KIDS (Keeping Infants with Down Syndrome) and I taped an episode of one of Colleen Carroll Campbell's show "Faith and Culture" which will be aired on Sunday June 5 at 10:30 AM and on Wednesday June 8  at 11:00 PM on EWTN.
 If you don't get EWTN you can live stream it on the internet at those times or watch archived shows by going to EWTN or Colleen Carroll Campbell's website.
Hope you can tune in. Leave a comment and tell us how we did!

Leticia's KIDS interview on EWTN to be aired tomorrow

Leticia was interviewed with KIDS member Dr Judith Mascolo by Teresa Tomeo as part of the live EWTN coverage of the March for Life on Saturday, January 29 at 2PM.


Our interview, which was very brief, was done immediately after the Verizon Center Mass. I estimate that it will be aired between 4:30 and 5PM EST tomorrow, Saturday Jan 29.

Go here to watch EWTN on your computer if you do not have the channel on TV.

We're getting ready for the March for Life; are you?

Attention Christina Velasquez fans; she is about to make her debut on EWTN this Monday January 24 between 11 and 11:30 EST. We will be representing KIDS Keep Infants with Down Syndrome. a group Eileen Haupt and I began three years ago to call attention to the fact that babies with Down syndrome are targeted by what future saint, and the Father of Modern Genetics, 

 Dr Jerome Lejeune called "chromosomal racism". They are aborted at a rate of 90% when they are discovered by pre-natal diagnosis.
Until now this has been done largely by amnio, however, a new blood test threatens to dramatically increase the number of our lovely and special children aborted. This non-invasive blood test is being touted in the media as a life-saver, yet whose lives are worth saving and whose are not?

We at KIDS say ALL life is precious! 

Come join us for our EWTN interview behind the speakers platform at the March for Life, hold up a sign to say that you are for ALL KIDS. 

God made them as they are and finds them precious in His sight. 

'Mother Angelica'

Fox News Easter gift to us; 'Mother Angelica'

News Service from EWTN

Irondale , AL (EWTN) – EWTN Global Catholic Network has entered into an agreement with Catholic News Agency to share news and resources from around the world to Catholics and those interested in the Catholic faith, Catholic news and Catholic perspectives.
To showcase this expanded news service, EWTN has launched a new website, www.ewtnnews.com.

“EWTN is proud of the many ways it continues to provide news to Catholics around the world,” said EWTN Executive Vice President Doug Keck . “Our news outreach already includes exclusive television programs such as ‘The World Over’ with EWTN News Director Raymond Arroyo and radio’s ‘Vatican Insider’ with Rome Bureau Chief Joan Lewis, plus daily television and radio “news links,” and now we’ve added a full –blown Internet news service.”

Alejandro Bermúdez, who serves as CNA ’s editor-in-chief, said that this new agreement is a major expansion of a partnership that began years ago.
“The agreement gives each organization an avenue to use its strengths to provide high quality, accurate reporting on matters of interest to the Catholic community and beyond,” he said.

EWTN President and CEO Michael P. Warsaw noted that EWTN launched its online service in 1996, making it a pioneer in the use of the worldwide web to deliver Catholic News and information. He encouraged viewers to log onto the new website and enjoy its greatly expanded content.
“This new project with CNA continues our history of using every means of technology to share the faith with people around the globe,” he said. “I believe this is an important step forward for EWTN, CNA and for the delivery of Catholic news around the globe.”
EWTN Global Catholic Network, in its 29th year, is available in over 150 million television households in more than 140 countries and territories. With its direct broadcast satellite television and radio services, AM & FM radio networks, worldwide short-wave radio station, Internet website, www.ewtn.com, and publishing arm, EWTN is the largest religious media network in the world.

Mother Angelica receives Papal Award

the following is a press release from EWTN:

EWTN Foundress Mother Angelica and Deacon Bill Steltemeier Receive Papal Honor Irondale, AL (EWTN) –Pope Benedict XVI has awarded EWTN foundress, Mother Mary Angelica, and Deacon Bill Steltemeier, Chairman of EWTN’s Board of Governors, the Cross of Honor for distinguished service to the Church. The medal, officially known as “Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice” (literally “For the Church and the Pope”), is the highest honor that the Pope can bestow upon laity and religious. Bishop Robert J. Baker of Birmingham conferred the awards in a brief ceremony following Sunday benediction at the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Hanceville , Alabama . “The Holy Father’s recognition of Mother Angelica and Deacon Bill Steltemeier is a much-deserved honor. It acknowledges the tremendous faith, hard work and incredible sacrifices that each of them have made throughout the years in founding and building up the Network,” said EWTN President and CEO Michael P. Warsaw. “Their recognition is also a great honor for EWTN and is a clear sign of the importance of the Network’s mission for the Church and the Pope. We are grateful to His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI and to Bishop Baker for this honor.” Mother Mary Angelica, 86, is a Poor Clare Nun of Perpetual Adoration. She came to Alabama in 1961 to found Our Lady of the Angels Monastery in Irondale. In 1981, she began Eternal Word Television Network in a garage on the monastery property. In 1999, Mother Angelica relocated the Monastery to the grounds of the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Hanceville , Alabama . She continues to reside there with her community of Nuns. Deacon R. William Steltemeier, 80, was a successful Nashville attorney who left his law practice to join Mother Angelica with her fledgling television network. He served as EWTN’s President for many years and continues to serve as Chairman of the Network’s Board of Governors. EWTN Global Catholic Network, in its 28th year, is available in over 150 million television households in more than 140 countries and territories. With its direct broadcast satellite television and radio services, AM & FM radio networks, worldwide short-wave radio station, Internet website www.ewtn.com and publishing arm, EWTN, is the largest religious media network in the world.

Well deserved, Deacon Steltemeier and Mother!
After all you suffered from the Church, here is validation that the Holy Father appreciates your dedication to the Faith and high quality programming. You remain my favorite TV channel. If you want to understand just why this medal is so deserved, you need to read Raymond Arroyos' biography of Mother Angelica. I have it on CD and it is priceless; he reads the book and does her voice with a mixture of love and mischievious humor that will have you rolling with laughter.
Listen to an audio clip here and get hooked!
Mother, may your stations' reach extend to every TV on earth with the Truth of Christ and the glory of Catholicism!

Looking for a great family conference?EWTN Family Celebration

I attended the Family Celebration in Philadelphia three years ago with my mother, and it was wonderful! We got a chance to buy great EWTN goods, fellowship with faithful Catholics, meet our favorite EWTN hosts, Fr Groeschel and Raymond Arroyo, and participated in a "The World Over" broadcast with Peggy Noonan and our beloved Fr Richard John Neuhaus(may he rest in peace). It was a once in a lifetime experience and it changed my life.
I left for home feeling like I was part of the EWTN family and convinced that I had to get involved in Catholic media. I started a blog a few months later, and, as they say, the rest is history. . .

EWTN To Host FREE Family Celebration
Meet Raymond Arroyo, Danny Abramowicz and the “Crossing the Goal” team,
Marcus Grodi, Fr. Wade Menezes, Barbara McGuigan and many more!

Irondale, AL (EWTN) – EWTN Global Catholic Network will host its ninth free Family Celebration Aug. 8-9 at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex in Birmingham, Ala.
Come enjoy a roster of well-loved speakers, including EWTN News Director (and Mother Angelica biographer) Raymond Arroyo; Danny Abramowicz and his “Crossing the Goal” team; “Journey Home” Host Marcus Grodi, “Open Line” Host Barbara McGuigan, and Father of Mercy Wade Menezes, CPM, a network regular.
In addition to this stellar lineup, Saturday night attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a live taping of a special edition of “Crossing the Goal” with its four co-hosts: Abramowicz, former NFL all-pro wide receiver and coach; Brian Patrick, whose “Son Rise Morning Show” airs on EWTN radio network; Curtis Martin, President and Founder of FOCUS; and Peter Herbeck, co-host of “The Choices We Face,” which airs on EWTN television.
EWTN CEO and President Michael Warsaw will provide the welcome with “Bookmark” Host Doug Keck emceeing. Deacon Bill Steltemeier and Father Joseph Mary Wolfe will also be on hand for the always popular “Family Talk.”
Children will be entranced by special guest Rob Evans, a.k.a. “The Donut Man,” who, along with Brother Leo of “Hey Brother Leo” fame, will appear at the “EWTN Faith Factory” booth throughout the weekend. In addition, “older kids” can line up to “Meet the Author” while browsing the EWTN Religious Catalogue shop.
Doors will open at 8 a.m. As always, there will be plenty of opportunities for confession as well as Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. It’s a day no fan of EWTN will want to miss – and, best of all, it’s free!
For more information, please visit: http://www.ewtn.com/familycelebration/
EWTN Global Catholic Network, in its 28th year, is available in over 148 million television households in more than 140 countries and territories. With its direct broadcast satellite television and radio services, AM & FM radio networks, worldwide short-wave radio station, Internet website www.ewtn.com and publishing arm, EWTN is the largest religious media network in the world.

Pope Benedtict's new encyclical: Caritas en Veritate

That's "Charity in Truth" in English, let's hope that those who read it are open to the Truth.
You can read it on the Vatican website.
Let me know what you think about it. Here's my favorite paragraph so far:
"Charity is at the heart of the Church's social doctrine. Every responsibility and every commitment spelt out by that doctrine is derived from charity which, according to the teaching of Jesus, is the synthesis of the entire Law (cf. Mt 22:36- 40). It gives real substance to the personal relationship with God and with neighbour; it is the principle not only of micro-relationships (with friends, with family members or within small groups) but also of macro-relationships (social, economic and political ones). For the Church, instructed by the Gospel, charity is everything because, as Saint John teaches (cf. 1 Jn 4:8, 16) and as I recalled in my first Encyclical Letter, “God is love” (Deus Caritas Est): everything has its origin in God's love, everything is shaped by it, everything is directed towards it. Love is God's greatest gift to humanity, it is his promise and our hope."

Archbishop Burke at National Catholic Prayer Breakfast

It was a day when I felt good to be Catholic, from the shining faces of Catholic luminaries seen in the crowd like Fr Euteneuer, Dr Alice Von Hildebrand, Raymond Arroyo introduced Archbishop Burke who looked and sounded majestic and militant in his no nonsense reiteration of what we all know is Holy Mother Church's unequivocal stand in defense of human life and the family.

The Archbishop called Catholics who voted for Obama to task:
"The path of violation of the most fundamental human rights and of the integrity of marriage and the family, which our nation is traveling, is not accidental. It is part of the program set forth by those whom we have freely chosen to lead our nation. The part of the program in question was not unknown to us; it was announced to us beforehand and a majority of our fellow citizens, including a majority of our fellow Catholics, chose the leadership which is now implementing it with determination."
The Archbishop called us to prayer for our troubled nation, with particular emphasis on Eucharistic adoration and the rosary.

" At every Mass, we should offer special prayers for our nation and her leaders, in order that the culture of death may be overcome and a civilization of love may be steadfastly advanced. All Catholics throughout the nation should take part in Eucharistic adoration and in the praying of the Rosary for the restoration of the respect for human life and for the safeguarding of the integrity of the family. In our prayers, we should seek, above all, the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, under her title of the Immaculate Conception. Mary Immaculate is the patroness of our nation."

EWTN has been re-broadcasting this wonderful speech repeatedly this weekend. I am sure that it will be considered historic, coming as it does at such crucial crisis point for the Church in America. I hope Fr Jenkins was listening. The Archbishop's biggest ovation came after he addressed the scandal of Notre Dame,
"Clearly, the same is true of our Catholic charitable, missionary and healthcare institutions. There can be no place in them for teaching or activities which offend the moral law. Dialogue and respect for differences are not promoted by the compromise and even violation of the natural moral law. The profound granting of an honorary doctorate at Notre Dame University to our President who is as aggressively advancing an anti-life and anti-family agenda is a source of the gravest scandal. Catholic institutions cannot offer any platform to, let alone honor, those who teach and act publicly against the moral law. In a culture which embraces an agenda of death, Catholics and Catholic institutions are necessarily counter-cultural. If we as individuals or our Catholic institutions are not willing to accept the burdens and the suffering necessarily involved in calling our culture to reform, then we are not worthy of the name Catholic."
You can read Archbishop Burke's remarks here however, don't miss the opportunity to see a re-broadcast of his speech. The standing ovation he received bears witness to the respect he earned by such masterful oratory in defense of truths of our Faith.

No justice at Univ of Minnesota for Eucharist Outrage

from the Catholic League
UNIV. OF MINN. CHANCELLOR ON MYERS:
HE'S IN THE CLEAR

On July 25, the University of Minnesota (UMN) at Morris issued a statement by its chancellor, Jacqueline Johnson, which began with the following paragraph: "I believe that behaviors that discriminate against or harass individuals or groups on the basis of their religious beliefs are reprehensible. The University of Minnesota Board of Regents Policy: [sic] Code of Conduct prohibits such behavior in the workplace"of course this includes the classroom"and I expect those who work and study here to comply with that policy." She then proceeded to say that Professor Paul Z. Myers, who intentionally (and with malice) desecrated the Eucharist, was expressing his own views and not those of UMN.

Catholic League president Bill Donohue issued a news release the same day, saying, "This is classic: Johnson admits Myers has violated the UMN's Code of Conduct and then proceeds to tell us why he is being allowed to do so with impunity"it's a matter of academic freedom."

Johnson faxed a letter to Donohue today saying she needed to address his 'misunderstanding' of her statement. She makes it plain that because Myers posted his comments on his personal blog, he did not violate UMN's Code of Conduct.

Donohue sent Johnson the following letter today:

"I am sorry for my generosity: I took it that the reason you began your statement of July 25 with a citation of UMN's Code of Conduct as it applies to religious intolerance was your way of acknowledging Myers' delinquency. I now stand corrected: Your comment was simply a ploy, a cute way of acknowledging that something was wrong, but certainly not anything that would demand your attention. And just so you don't misunderstand me: You could have issued a statement saying that while UMN has no authority over what Myers says in his blog, it is morally indefensible for anyone to intentionally desecrate the Eucharist. But, no, you couldn't even say that. Instead, you hide behind legalisms. We will let the Catholic community know of your decision."
Bill Donohue will be appearing Friday August 1st at 8 PM on the EWTN news program"The World Over" with Raymond Arroyo to discuss the ongoing controversy.

Mother Angelica had a happy Mother's Day

Mother Angelica, foundress of EWTN received a book for Mother's Day with hundreds of emails from around the world from fans whom she calls"her children".
May God repay you for what you have done for us with your network, Mother, for we never could!
HT EWTN

Link to coverage of Papal Visit

Catching up with the Papal visit
If you're like me, you missed a good part of the TV coverage of the recent US visit of Pope Benedict. Not to worry, here is a link to the EWTN coverage to help you catch up.

Link to coverage of Papal Visit

Catching up with the Papal visit
If you're like me, you missed a good part of the TV coverage of the recent US visit of Pope Benedict. Not to worry, here is a link to the EWTN coverage to help you catch up.

Fr Neuhaus on "The Week that Was"

I love watching the papal coverage of EWTN, and one of the reasons is the playful intellectual banter between Raymond Arroyo and Fr. Neuhaus.
Here's his take from his magazine, First Things.

EWTN Sunday Mass in the Extraordinary Form

A landmark in broadcasting: EWTN has broadcast their Sunday Mass in the Extraordinary Form. Go to Fr. Z's blog for the breathtaking photos.
Thank you, Holy Father!

The Greatest Story Never Told

Since the Marches for Life I attended in the 1970's, I have been hurt by the obvious shunning of the March for Life by the American media, except EWTN of course. My friends tell me that even FOX News didn't cover the March this year. I remember seeing their cameras in years past, and thanking them.

There were Latin American, Polish and even Japanese camera crews. I did an interview on Presidential candidates which will be dubbed in Japanese! Now,i f this is news to Japan, WHY isn't it news here where it took place?!

Blessed Feast of the Epiphany of Our Lord

You can celebrate with the Holy Father by watching his mass on EWTN today.

Excellent Caucus analysis on "The World Over"

Raymond Arroyo's coverage of the Iowa Caucuses with guest Terry Jeffrey, former campaign manager for Patrick Buchanan, and editor of Human Events, was excellent. They analyzed Huckabee's win in terms of values voters, Evangelical voters and possible Catholic voters. Terry Jeffrey said unequivocally, "Catholics in states like Pennysylvania, Ohio, Missouri and Michigan will decide this election".

He attributed Huck's success to his pro-life and pro-family stand, and his religious faith, which he is bold in proclaiming. Rev. Huckabee started his career as a televangelist in Arkansas, and perhaps this explains his ease with the media, and his fearlessness in proclaiming his Christian faith. This resonates with social conservative voters, whom the Democratic Party completely snubs, and who feel ignored by their alleged champion, the Republican Party. Jeffrey stated that moral values and the Culture Wars are what will decide this election, NOT economics, or terrorism, or immigration. He feels that Catholics will vote for a moral conservative with fairly liberal economics, which is the way he describes Huckabee, whom he considers eminently electable.

The other candidates, from Guiliani who has lost the race, to MeCain, who wanted to yank the pro-life platform from the Republican Party in 2000, to Thompson, who after receiving the National Right to Life Party endorsement said he wouldn't vote to 'criminalize abortion for a girl, or her doctor', to Romney whose new-found pro-life position is not credible are not pro-life. The only pro-life candidate other than Huckabee is Ron Paul, whose stats didn't even make the radar screen in Iowa.

Terry Jeffrey stated twice that Barack Obama is THE most pro-abortion candidate ever to run for the presidency of the United States. He bases his claim on the following:

Jill Stanek, the nurse who witnessed late term abortions helped introduce a born alive infants protection act(babies accidentally born alive during abortions must be helped to live, and not neglected or deliberately killed) into the Illinois Legislature while Obama was there. He voted against the act, and then boxed it in committee where it died. The Born Alive Infant Protection Act passed unanimously in the US Senate, and overwhelmingly in the House,where not even NARAL had the guts to oppose it. President Bush signed it into laws.

Barack Obama's position on protecting newborn infants was more extreme than that of National Abortion Rights Action League(oops, they now like to be called,"Pro-choice America")

This election may just be a match between the most pro-life candidate and the most pro-abortion candidate. (hard as it is to believe that Hillary is relatively soft on abortion!)

If you missed this stimulating and informative discussion, it will be re-aired on Monday, January 7 at 11PM and Jan 8 at 1AM ET.

American Papist on Fr Francis Mary Stone

American Papist seems to have a bit more information on Fr Francis Mary Stone than I do, and he keeps a charitable, balanced perspecitve on what is developing into a major issue among Catholics, according to the level of interest on the blogs.

Fr. Francis Mary Stone of EWTN needs our prayers

I was shocked to hear this letter read on "Life on the Rock" on EWTN tonight. Fr Francis Mary Stone, the host of my daughters' and my favorite show, wrote the following letter, transcribed by Wisconsin Catholic.
Dear Family,
Regretfully, I have a message that does not come without significant pain to both you and me. I have to tell you in all honesty and truth, that I have been personally involved with helping a widow and her struggling family. Over the course of time, the mother and I have grown very close. As a result, I am compelled to take some time off to prayerfully and honestly discern my future.
I am truly sorry of the impact this may have on so many. I am not unaware of the gravity and magnitude of the situation, yet after much wise counsel, it is really something that I must deal with now for the good of all. With that said, it is best that I deal with it away from EWTN.

Therefore, I have asked for and graciously been granted some extended time to prayerfully discern my vocation. To those who are part of the EWTN family locally, and others throughout the world, especially all those who have supported me so faithfully in my priestly vocation and ministry here on Life on the Rock, I sincerely apologize. I ask for your prayers and understanding during this time that is so very difficult, but yet so very necessary.
Please lift me up in your humble prayers to Jesus through Mary, our Mother, in Grace and Mercy.
Fr Francis Mary, MFVA

Fr Anthony Mary then said "Brothers and Sisters of our EWTN family, this is a time in which Fr Francis and all involved are in great need of your prayers and your support as our family. Always remember that no one is beyond the power of God's Mercy or Redemption. And on Fr's behalf, I humbly ask that you pray for him. God bless you."
Fr Anthony Mary looked very shaken, and it felt like a body blow to hear this news.
We'll be praying for the priesthood of Fr. Francis Mary.
Christine Schult posts about it here.
Here is another post by American Papist.
HT Wisconsin Catholic