EWTN Updates: Dec. 21, 2011

EWTN: Two Weeks of Facebook Posts
Merry Christmas!
What Do Tolstoy, Dickens, James Cagney, Christopher Plummer, and Stockard Channing Have in Common?
All Are Part of EWTN's Christmas Programming

Irondale, AL – From “The Passion of the Christ” Producer Stephen McEveety comes “The Star of Bethlehem,” a one-hour documentary that proves the existence of the star that guided the Wise Men to the Baby Jesus. Airs 9:30 p.m. ET, Thursday, Dec. 22; 5 p.m. ET, Monday, Dec. 26; and 2 p.m. ET, Thursday, Dec. 29 on EWTN. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

Some movies are like candy; here today, gone today! Others stand the test of time. “A Link in the Chain” is one of the latter. James Cagney stars in the role of a retiring college professor who, wondering whether or not he's made a difference in the lives of his students, begins to reflect on his relationship with them. Airs 11 a.m. ET, Thursday, Dec. 22; and 3 a.m. ET and 6:30 p.m. ET, Wednesday, Dec. 28 on EWTN. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” with Ebenezer Scrooge may be one of the best-known of this beloved author’s works, but Dickens has not been called the greatest novelist of the Victorian era for nothing! Don’t miss “The Chimes,” another of his works, this week on EWTN! Watch as chiming church bells magically transport a poor and discouraged 19th Century porter to the future where his hope is renewed. Airs 4:30 p.m. ET, Friday, Dec. 23, and 4 p.m. ET, Friday, Dec. 30 on EWTN. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

What will the chorus at Catholic University of America sing during this year’s Christmas Concert? Find out when “Catholic University of America's Christmas Concert (2011)” comes to EWTN. Airs 2 p.m. ET, Tuesday, Dec. 27, and 4 p.m. ET, Saturday, Dec. 31. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

Tajci was the Madonna of Croatia, but the Lord had others plans for her. Watch “Tajci: A Christmas Broadcast Special” on EWTN to see and hear her now! Airs 11 a.m. ET, Sunday, Dec. 25, and 9 p.m. ET, Monday, Dec. 26 – exclusively on EWTN. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

The great Russian Author Leo Tolstoy is known for novels like “War and Peace;” he couldn’t possibly have written a children’s tale, could he? Tune in as EWTN airs “Martin The Cobbler.” Based on Tolstoy’s children's classic, this story follows a lonelyshoemaker who rediscovers his faith in God. Narrated by Tolstoy's daughter Alexandra. Airs 9:30 a.m. ET, Saturday, Dec. 24 on EWTN. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

Christopher Plummer (“Sound of Music”) narrates “The First Christmas,” the timeless Nativity story for the enjoyment of your whole family! With a musical background of familiar carols, this engaging special will be a favorite in your home. Airs 4:35 p.m. ET, Thursday, Dec. 22, and 4:35 p.m. ET, Monday, Dec. 26 on EWTN. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

“Gift of Peace” is a Christmas treat that covers the first six chapters of the Gospel of Luke. Watch Acclaimed Actor Leonardo Defilippis capture Jesus Christ’s infancy and early ministry, as he transforms himself into suspicious Zechariah, the trusting and humble young Mary, the cynical Pharisees, the delightful Peter, and Jesus the Beloved Savior. Airs 10 p.m. ET, Friday, Dec. 23; and 2 p.m. ET, Saturday, Dec. 24 on EWTN. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

Celebrate Mass on Christmas Eve with Pope Benedict XVI. Airs live from St. Peter’s Basilica at 4 p.m. ET, Saturday, Dec. 24, with encores at 8 a.m. ET and 6 p.m. ET, Sunday, Dec. 25 on EWTN. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

Enjoy musical compositions for the Birth of Our Lord by the famed choir from the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. Airs live 10 p.m. ET, Saturday, Dec. 24 on EWTN. Find EWN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

See the Solemn Mass of Christmas Eve celebrated live from the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. Airs 10:30 p.m. ET, Saturday, Dec. 24 on EWTN. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

Join EWTN’s own Friars as they celebrate the Solemn Christmas Mass from EWTN’s Chapel in Irondale, Alabama. Airs live at 1 a.m. ET, Sunday, Dec.. 25, with an encore at 12 a.m. ET, Monday, Dec. 26 – exclusively on EWTN. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

Live from St. Peter’s Square in Rome, join the Holy Father for his always inspiring Christmas Day message to the world, better known as “Urbi Et Orbi: Message and Blessing.” Airs 6 a.m. ET and 10 p.m. ET, Sunday, Dec. 25; 9 a.m. ET, Wednesday, Dec. 28, and 11 p.m. ET, Saturday, Dec. 31 on EWTN. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

Watch the Solemn Mass of Christmas Day live from the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. Airs 12 p.m. ET, Sunday, Dec. 25 on EWTN. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

Forget Times Square! Tune in to EWTN on New Year’s Eve to watch the Holy Father as he presides at the first Vespers of Thanksgiving in St. Peter’s Basilica and then visits the crèche in St. Peter's Square. Airs 11 a.m. ET, and 5 p.m. ET, Saturday, Dec. 31 on EWTN. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

Stockard Channing narrates a charming fable based on Tolstoy’s classic tale about a lost young man with an amazing secret! Don’t miss “Michael the Visitor.” Airs 4 p.m. ET, Tuesday, Dec. 27 on EWTN. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

You and your children will love “Hermie and Friends: A Fruitcake Christmas!” In this charming tale, Hermie and his bug friends have a Christmas mystery on their hands when Granny Pillar's long-anticipated fruitcake disappears. An adventure ensues that leads everyone to make a decision between selfishness and sharing. Airs 4 p.m. ET, Thursday, Dec. 22, and 4 p.m. ET, Monday, Dec. 26 – exclusively on EWTN. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

Help your child understand the true meaning of Christmas! Watch “We Celebrate Christmas: The Birth of Jesus.” In this special, Lammy, the loveable puppet, guides children through the Nativity story, with lots of singing, dancing, and good old fashioned fun. Airs 5:30 p.m. ET, Thursday, Dec. 22, and 4:30 p.m. ET, Wednesday, Dec. 28 – exclusively on EWTN. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

If you love the music of international recording star known as “Dana,” you will love “Dana: Our Family Christmas.” Airs 6 p.m. ET, Thursday, Dec. 22 and 11 p.m. ET, Monday, Dec. 26 – exclusively on EWTN. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

Hear the San Juan Children’s Choir as they sing “Siempre Navidad.” Airs 1 p.m. ET, Saturday, Dec. 24 – exclusively on EWTN. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

Looking for a Christmas miracle? Watch “A Time To Remember,” the story of a young boy who develops his gift of song, withthe help of a beloved priest. It's a journey that requires faith, perseverance, and, yes, a Christmas miracle! Airs 8 p.m. ET, Saturday, Dec. 24, and 1 p.m. ET, Monday, Dec. 26 on EWTN. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

Looking for the perfect children’s book? Consider “Friendship with Jesus,” the breathtaking result of Author Amy Welborn and Artist Ann Engelhart’s collaboration on a children’s picture book. The author and the artist talk to Host Doug Keck about their book, which illustrates the joys of friendship with Jesus, on this week’s “Bookmark.” Airs 5:30 p.m ET, Wednesday, Dec. 21 – exclusively on EWTN. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

Have you hit a roadblock in your relationship with the Lord? Prayer, which once filled you with insight and consolation, now feels like you are talking into a void. St. John of the Cross offers you his wise counsel as a roadmapthrough rough terrain. Order “Strength in Darkness” from EWTN Religious Catalogue at http://bit.ly/vzH1KL.

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EWTN Launches Catholic Television Programming In Ukraine
An Historic First in Ukraine’s History

Irondale, AL – EWTN Global Catholic Network was launched Dec. 8 in Kyiv, the capital and largest city in Ukraine. At the invitation of Archbishop Mieczyslaw Mokrzycki, head of the Roman Catholic Bishops’ Conference, and through the cooperation and support of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI), who operate the Catholic Media Centre (CMC) in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Kyiv-Zhytomyr, EWTN was able to launch on Volia, the largest cable television operator in the country.

The Network’s Catholic television programming immediately began streaming 24-hours-a-day on Channel 137. EWTN’s programs are initially being broadcast in English, but the Oblates are already translating a growing number of these programs into Ukrainian.

With great joy, Kyiv Archbishop Petro Malchuk visited the CMC, where EWTN’s studios are located, for the Dec. 8 launch. After celebrating the Solemn Mass of the Immaculate Conception, he blessed the workers, the studio and its equipment, and placed the entire facility under the protection of Mary Immaculate, whose feast day it was.

In his remarks, the Archbishop noted that the area had just been blessed with its first snowfall. He said that this snowfall, which will irrigate the ground, was symbolic of EWTN coming to Ukraine and bringing God’s grace to the hearts of those who will view it. Archbishop Malchuk then pressed the button which launched EWTN’s programming.

“Today, for the first time in the history of Ukraine, we have launched Catholic television” said CMC Director Fr. Pavlo Vyshkovskyy, OMI. “As of today, we are able to broadcast only in Kyiv, but we pray to God that it will be possible to watch EWTN TV in other cities of Ukraine as well. We need the prayers and support of many people for that.”

EWTN Global Catholic Network, in its 30th year, is available in over 160 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, electronic and print news services, and publishing arm, EWTN is the largest religious media network in the world.

Saint Boniface and the first Christmas Tree

EWTN Facebook Posts

EWTN Facebook Posts:
New Hampshire Gets a New Bishop, Premiere of a Major New Documentary on Archbishop Sheen, Celebrate the Immaculate Conception


Irondale, AL – In accepting his Emmy award in 1952, Archbishop Fulton Sheen famously said, “It is time I pay tribute to my four writers – Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.” See what made him such a beloved icon in the new documentary, “Servant of All.” Airs 8 p.m. ET, Sunday, Dec. 11, with an encore at 3 a.m. ET, Monday, Dec. 12 and 6 p.m. ET, Saturday, Dec. 17 – exclusively on EWTN. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

Attention: Two episodes of the epic new series “Catholicism” will air this weekend – exclusively on EWTN! At 6 p.m. ET, Saturday, Dec. 10, Host Fr. Robert Barron demonstrates how the ancient practices of the Church’s worship endure to this day as he travels to Jerusalem, Rome, Chicago, Orvieto and Mexico City. At 11 p.m. ET, Sunday, Dec. 11, Fr. Barron looks at some of the Church’s greatest heroines: St. Katharine Drexexl, St. Therese of Lisieux, St. Edith Stein and Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

“Catholicism’s” Father Robert Barron visits “Bookmark” Host Doug Keck this week to discuss his “Word on Fire Media and Teaching Apostolate.” Father’s book, a lively presentation of Catholicism, uses art, music, painting, poetry, philosophy and the saints’ lives to illustrate the Biblical message. “Bookmark” airs 5:30 p.m. ET, Wednesday, Dec. 7 – exclusively on EWTN. Buy the book at http://bit.ly/uVeBI1. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

Manchester, New Hampshire is getting a new bishop! See the Most Rev. Peter Anthony Libascias installed as the 10th bishop of the diocese at 1:30 p.m. ET, Thursday, Dec. 8 on EWTN. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

Get into the spirit of Advent! Watch “Advent Reflections,” a new series filmed on location at the ShrewsburyCathedral in England with Msgr. Philip Egan, Vicar General of the Diocese of Shrewsbury. Airs 11:30 p.m. ET, Friday, Dec. 9 – exclusively on EWTN. Find EWTN at www.ewt.com/channelfinder.

Celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception with Pope Benedict XVI! Watch the Holy Father preside over the traditional homage to Mary Immaculate from Rome’s Piazza di Spagna. Airs 10 a.m. ET and 5:30 p.m. ET, Thursday, Dec. 8 on EWTN. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

EWTN will televise two special Masses on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception! See the Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal World celebrate Mass from Our Lady of the Angels Chapel in Irondaleat 8 a.m. ET (live), with an encore at 6:30 p.m. ET, Thursday, Dec. 8. At noon (live) with an encore at midnight, don’t miss this beautiful Mass as it is celebrated from the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

Freedom! Our secular society defines it as a license to do whatever you want, whenever you want. But authentic Christian freedom is much more beautiful that that! Watch “EWTN Live” at 8 p.m. ET, Wednesday, Dec. 7 to get the scoop on EWTN’s new series, “Authentically Free at Last.” Hosts Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers, Gloria Purvis and Damon Owens – talk about their new series, which tackles what it means to have a properly formed conscience and how to combat the many modern challenges to authentic human freedom. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

What exactly is the Immaculate Conception and why is it important? If you’d like to better understand the concept of the Immaculate Conception, consider purchasing “Meditations on the Immaculate Conception” with Bishop Anders Arborelius from Stockholm, Sweden. It’s available from EWTN Religious Catalogue at http://bit.ly/t59Uud. You’ll never hear a more beautiful explanation!

Do not miss the new documentary on Archbishop Fulton Sheen, which airs this weekend – exclusively on EWTN! “Servant of All” features stories of a man who was such a popular television personality that he won an Emmy for “Most Outstanding Television Personality”! Airs 8 p.m. ET, Sunday, Dec. 11, with an encore at 3 a.m. ET, Monday, Dec. 12 and 6 p.m. ET, Saturday, Dec. 17 on EWTN. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

EWTN: Archbishop Fulton Sheen Special

EWTN to Air Personal Story
Of Archbishop Fulton Sheen
One of the 20th Century’s Most Influential Voices


Irondale, AL – After Archbishop Fulton Sheen won an Emmy in 1952 for “Most Outstanding Television Personality,” he famously quipped, “I feel it is time I pay tribute to my four writers – Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.”

Now, EWTN is proud to introduce a new generation to this superstar priest, who inspired millions – both on television and in print media – by the way he lived and by the witness he gave to his personal relationship with God. The new movie, “Servant of All,” produced by the Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen Foundation, will premiere on EWTN at 8 p.m. ET, Sunday, Dec. 11; with encores at 3 p.m. ET, Monday, Dec. 12; and 6 p.m. ET, Saturday, Dec. 17.

The Dec. 11 premiere will be preceded at 7 p.m. ET by an episode of EWTN's “Sunday Night Prime” television program, which will be dedicated Archbishop Sheen’s Cause for Canonization. Don't miss Host Fr. Benedict Groeschel's interviews with Msgr. Stanley Deptula, Executive Director of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen Foundation, and Fr. Andrew Apostoli, CFR, Vice-Postulator of Sheen’s Cause for Canonization.

To purchase “Servant of All” from EWTN Religious Catalogue, please click here, http://bit.ly/t98TVp. To purchase other EWTN programs about Archbishop Sheen; episodes of Sheen’s famous TV show, “Life is Worth Living;” and books by Archbishop Sheen, please click here, http://bit.ly/sJneyy. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

EWTN Global Catholic Network, in its 30th year, is available in over 160 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, electronic and print news services, and publishing arm, EWTN is the largest religious media network in the world.

EWTN 2011 Christmas Specials

EWTN’s Christmas Specials:
From ‘Star of Bethlehem’ To ‘Martin The Cobbler’

Irondale, AL – It’s Christmas and EWTN Global Catholic Network is brimming with Christmas movies, specials, children’s programs, musical extravaganzas and more. Below is just a sampling of the many programs that will be aired on EWTN over Advent and Christmas 2011 on EWTN.

For a full listing of U.S. specials, please check our television schedule at http://www.ewtn.com/tv/NA_2011_Dec_Advance.asp. For international listings, please click here: http://www.ewtn.com/tv/schedule_index.asp. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

Children’s Programs

Martin The Cobbler: Based on the classic children’s tale by the great Russian author Leo Tolstoy, this story follows a lonely shoemaker who rediscovers his faith in God; narrated by Tolstoy’s daughter Alexandra Tolstoy. Airs 4 p.m. ET, Tuesday, Dec. 20 and 9:30 a.m. ET, Saturday, Dec. 24.

We Are Catholic: Christmas Special: When the owner of the factory surprises everyone by shipping the largest Christmas tree in a helicopter, the Mayor is informed that Manuel and Phillip are lost in the forest. In a generous way, the helicopter is used to rescue the children. Airs 4:30 p.m. ET, Tuesday, Dec.20, 10 a.m. ET, Saturday, Dec. 24, and 4 p.m. ET, Thursday, Dec. 29.

Michael The Visitor:Narrated by Stockard Channing, this charming fable is an adaptation of Tolstoy’s classic tale about a lost young man with an amazing secret. Airs 5 p.m. ET, Wednesday, Dec. 21 and 4 p.m. ET, Tuesday, Dec. 27.

Hermie and Friends: A Fruitcake Christmas: Hermie and his bug friends have a Christmas mystery on their hands when Granny Pillar’s long-anticipated fruitcake disappears. An adventure ensues that leads everyone to make a decision between selfishness and sharing. Airs 4 p.m. ET, Thursday, Dec. 22, and 4 p.m. ET, Monday, Dec. 26.

The First Christmas:The timeless Nativity story, narrated by Christopher Plummer(“Sound of Music”), was produced for the enjoyment of the whole family. With a musical background of familiar carols, this engaging special will be a favorite in your home. Airs 4:35 p.m. ET, Thursday, Dec. 22, and 4:35 p.m. ET, Monday, Dec. 26.

We Celebrate Christmas: The Birth of Jesus:Lammy, the loveable puppet, guides children through the nativity story, and helps them to understand the true meaning of Christmas, with lots of singing, dancing, and good old fashioned fun. Airs 5:30 p.m. ET, Thursday, Dec. 22, and 4:30 p.m. ET, Wednesday, Dec. 28.
Specials
Gift of Peace: The First Six Chapters of the Gospel of Luke: Leonardo Defilippis captures Jesus Christ's infancy and early ministry, and transforms himself into the aged and suspicious Zechariah, the trusting and humble young Mary, the cynical Pharisees, the delightful Peter, and Jesus the Beloved Savior. Airs 2 a.m. ET, Sunday, Dec. 18; 10 p.m. ET, Friday, Dec. 23; and 2 p.m. ET, Saturday, Dec. 24.

Path of the Messiah, Part 1: An EWTN original documentary follows Raymond Arroyo and Jeff Cavins as they travel to the Holy Land to retrace the footsteps of Our Lord. Part One begins this dramatic and beautiful journey into Christ's homeland, fittingly accompanied by Jeff and Raymond's reflections on the Messiah's mission and ministry. Airs 5:30 a.m. ET, Monday, Dec. 19; 2 a.m. ET, Wednesday, Dec. 21; and 4:30 a.m. ET, Monday, Dec. 16.

Footprints of God: Jesus: The Word Became Flesh: Steve Ray continues his journey through Salvation History taking viewers to key sites from the life of Jesus, in this exciting travelogue, Bible study, and history lesson rolled into one. Airs 10 p.m. ET, Tuesday, Dec. 20.

The Star of Bethlehem: A look at the Biblical and historical evidence revealing the incredible significance of the Star of Bethlehem. Airs 9:30 a.m. ET, Thursday, Dec. 22; 5 p.m. ET, Monday, Dec. 26, and 2 p.m. ET, Thursday, Dec. 29.

Timeless Dramas
A Time To Remember: This Christmas favorite tells the story of a young boy who develops his gift of song, with the help of a beloved priest. It’s a journey that requires faith, perseverance, and a Christmas miracle. Airs 1 p.m. ET, Wednesday, Dec. 21; 8 p.m. ET, Saturday, Dec. 24, and 1 p.m. ET, Monday, Dec. 26.

A Link in the Chain: James Cagney stars in the role of a retiring college professor who, wondering whether or not he’s made a difference in the lives of his students, begins to reflect on his relationship with them. Airs 11 a.m. ET, Thursday, Dec. 22; and 3 a.m. ET and 6:30 p.m. ET, Wednesday, Dec. 28.

The Chimes: Written by Charles Dickens and narrated by Derek Jacobi, this is the story of a poor and discouraged 19th Century porter. Chiming church bells magically transport him to the future where his hope is renewed. Airs 4:30 p.m. ET, Friday, Dec. 23, and 4 p.m. ET, Friday, Dec. 30.

Music

San Juan Children’s Choir Presents: Siempre Navidad: Airs at 4 p.m. ET, Wednesday, Dec. 21, and 1 p.m. ET, Saturday, Dec. 24.

Catholic University of America’s Christmas Concert (2011): Airs 8 p.m. ET, Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2 p.m. ET, Tuesday, Dec. 27, and 4 p.m. ET, Saturday, Dec. 31.

Dana: Our Family Christmas: Airs 6 p.m. ET, Thursday, Dec. 22, and 11 p.m. ET, Monday, Dec. 26.

Tajci: A Christmas Broadcast Special: Airs 11 a.m. ET, Sunday, Dec. 25, and 9 p.m. ET, Monday, Dec. 26.
EWTN Global Catholic Network, in its 30th year, is available in over 160 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, electronic and print news services, and publishing arm, EWTN is the largest religious media network in the world.

Time for: the Silent Monks!!

One of my very favorite Advent time Youtube videos...



Hope you enjoyed that!
:)

EWTN Announcement 12/1/11

You 'Like' Us;
Over 100,000 Of You Really 'Like' Us!

Irondale, AL – It’s official! EWTN Global Catholic Network’s Facebook fan page now boasts more than 100,000 fans!

See what the buzz is all about at www.facebook.com/ewtnonline. EWTN’s Facebook page is constantly updated with video clips, newslinks, information about new shows, films and documentaries, breaking news about special guests, the latest information about what’s happening at EWTN, and a lot more.

“We’d like to thank our viewers for their support,” said EWTN President & CEO Michael P. Warsaw. “If you haven’t joined us on Facebook yet, please do! If you have, please take a moment and let your friends know. Next Thanksgiving, we hope to bring you the news that we have topped 200,000 Facebook ‘likes.’ We never rest in spreading the Gospel message – and this news shows that our fans don’t either.”

Also, as you’re making up your Christmas lists this year, please don’t forget to include EWTN. See Father Joseph’s special offer at http://bit.ly/s3swh1, and check out the EWTN Religious Catalogue, www.ewtn.com/ewtnreligiouscatalogue, for gifts that keep Christ in Christmas!

EWTN Global Catholic Network, in its 30th year, is available in over 160 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, electronic and print news services, and publishing arm, EWTN is the largest religious media network in the world.

EWTN Announcements 10/28/11

EWTN Launches New Television Network in Germany on Astra

Irondale, AL – EWTN Global Catholic Network will launch a new television network in Germany beginning Sunday, Nov. 6. EWTN Katholisches TV will air Catholic religious programming 24-hours-a-day on Astra 1H, one of the world’s largest providers of direct-to-home satellite services, reaching 135 million homes or 55% of all TV homes in Europe.

“We have been broadcasting part-time in Germany since July 2000, but the launch of our new network, EWTN Katholisches TV, on Astra IH will place us in the same satellite neighborhood as many of Germany’s most popular television channels,” said EWTN President & CEO Michael P. Warsaw. “This means we can bring the Gospel to millions more souls. Viewers can also tune into the new network via our new German website, www.ewtn.de.”

During the launch, EWTN will debut 12 new series in German. They will include the popular children’s program “The Friar,” or “Pater Johann” in German; a series on the Second Vatican Council with Auxiliary Bishop Klaus Dick, who was an eyewitness to the Council and is a friend of the Holy Father; Sunday Mass from the famous Cathedral of Cologne; “Mother Angelica Live Classics” and “The Journey Home” episodes, which have been translated into German; and much more. There’s also a complete devotional package that includes the four mysteries of the rosary, Divine Mercy Chaplet, Way of the Cross, and five public litanies.

The German launch has been in the works for some time, according to Martin Rothweiler, Managing Director of EWTN’s German corporation. In fact, Rothweiler said that Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, now Pope Benedict XVII, wrote a letter of support dated Dec. 21, 1999, just prior to EWTN’s July 2000 entry into Germany: “I have heard that Mother Angelica, who has established a big Christian television network [in the U.S.], is going to expand her work to Europe. I can only greatly welcome this intention. I explicitly recommend any kind of support for it. …This would be a step forward for the Church, and a valuable contribution to the moral renewal of our society…”

German viewers will find the 24-hour Network at the following coordinates: Satellite: ASTRA 19,2° East, Frequency: 12460 MHz, Polarisation: horizontal, Symbol rate 27500, channel name: EWTN Katholisches TV

Viewers may also be interested in learning that America’s best-selling biography of EWTN’s famous foundress, “Mother Angelica: The Remarkable Story of a Nun, Her Nerve, and a Network of Miracles,” has been translated into German and is available direct from the publisher, www.media-maria.de, as well as from Amazon and German bookstores everywhere.

EWTN Global Catholic Network, in its 30th year, is available in over 160 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, electronic and print news services, and publishing arm, EWTN is the largest religious media network in the world.

EWTN Announcments

Another EWTN First:
Catholic Network To Launch on Roku
Programs Will Be Available in English and in Spanish

Irondale, AL – EWTN Global Catholic Network is proud to announce that it is the first Catholic television network to be available on Roku. Now Roku customers can watch EWTN’s U.S. English and U.S. Spanish (EWTN Español) television channels through their Roku streaming players.

Featuring a starting price of $59.99, Roku players allow customers to stream movies and TV shows, live sports, music, games and more – all instantly on their TVs. EWTN can be found in the Roku “Channel Store” under the “Religion & Spirituality” category. Customers just click on an icon with the familiar EWTN cross and globe logo, below which is written “EWTN Global Catholic Television Network.” EWTN is a free channel.

“Throughout our 30-year history, EWTN has always been willing to use cutting-edge technology to carry out our mission,” said EWTN President and CEO Michael P. Warsaw. “Our partnership with Roku is an exciting innovation which makes our U.S. English and U.S. Spanish-language programs available to an even larger audience.”

EWTN’s diverse programs include live call-in talk shows, news programs, original series and documentaries, teaching series with noted theologians, award-winning children’s shows, live coverage of the Pope and important Church events, a live daily Mass, devotions, concerts, music, and much more.

EWTN Global Catholic Network, in its 30th year, is available in over 160 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, electronic and print news services, and publishing arm, EWTN is the largest religious media network in the world.

EWTN Facebook Posts

EWTN Facebook Posts:
St. Margaret Mary relics on U.S. tour, Savannah's new bishop, NASCAR Hall of Famer Bobby Allison

Irondale, AL – Savannah, George is getting a new bishop and EWTN is the place to see him installed! Tune in to EWTN at 3 p.m. ET, Tuesday, Oct. 18 (or 12 a.m. ET, Wednesday, Oct. 19) to celebrate the Mass of Ordination and Installation of Fr. Gregory John Hartmayer, OFM Conv. as the 14th Bishop of Savannah. You’ll also get to see the breathtaking Cathedral of John the Baptist, which was newly renovated only a few years ago. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

The relics of St. Margaret Mary will be at EWTN on Wednesday, Oct. 19. If you can’t be in Irondale for public veneration, then do the next best thing! Tune into “EWTN Live” at 8 p.m. ET, Wednesday, Oct. 19 to see the relics and learn about the Emmanuel Community’s pilgrimage across the U.S. Discover the saint who was known as the Apostle of the Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and who responsible for promoting the First Friday devotion. This show is a must-see! Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

The auto racing world was dealt a terrible blow with the death of Dan Weldon during a race in Las Vegas. NASCAR Hall of Famer Bobby Allison puts things in perspective as he discusses how he dealt with the tragic deaths of two of his sons as the result of events surrounding racing on EWTN’s newest radio program, “Blessed 2 Play.” Airs 2:30 p.m. ET Fridays and 4:30 p.m. ET Sundays – exclusively on the EWTN Global Catholic Radio Network. Find an EWTN radio affiliate near you at http://www.ewtn.com/radio/amfm.asp or tune into EWTN’s SIRIUS Channel #130.

See Pope Benedict will make three blesseds into full-fledged saints! Tune into EWTN at 4 a.m. ET (live) or 12 p.m .ET, Sunday, Oct. 23 to this two-and-a-half hour special papal event! The three being canonized are Guido Maria Conforti, founder of the Pious Society of St. Francis Xavier for Foreign Missions; Luigi Guanella, founder of the Congregation of the Servants of Charity and the Institute of the Daughters of Our Lady of Providence; and Bonifacia Rodriguez Castro, foundress of the Congregation of the Missionary Sisters, Servants of St. Joseph. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

What Catholics Really Believe! Let Dr. Ray Guarendi and Fr. Kevin Fete explain the differences in the way that Catholics and Protestants speak of their relationship with Jesus. Airs 3 a.m. ET and 6:30 p.m. ET through November 2 – exclusively on EWTN. This show is so good, you will not want to miss a single episode! Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

Wish you could get your EWTN religious programming in German? Wish no longer! EWTN will launch a new television network in Germany beginning Sunday, November 6! EWTN Katholisches TV will air Catholic religious programming 24-hours-a-day on Astra 1H, one of the world’s largest providers of direct-to-home satellite services, reaching 135 million homes or 55% of all TV homes in Europe. If you live in the U.S and speak German, fear not. You can access the network streaming live on our new German website, www.ewtn.de or on EWTN’s English website at http://www.ewtn.com/audiovideo/index.asp.

He’s the founding editor-in-chief of the popular worship aid, “Magnificat,” and the artistic director of Blackfriars Repertory Theatre in New York. Hear Fr. Peter J. Cameron, O.P. talk about his latest book, “Mysteries of the Virgin Mary: Living Our Lady’s Graces,” with Host Doug Keck on this week’s “Bookmark.” Explore some of the major mysteries associated with Our Lady. Airs 5:30 p.m. ET, Wednesday, Oct. 19 – exclusively on EWTN. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

What’s happening at the Vatican? Find out on “EWTN’s Vatican Report.” Airs 4:30 a.m. ET, Tuesday, Oct. 18; 5:30 p.m. ET, Thursday, Oct. 20, and 6:30 p.m. ET, Saturday, Oct. 22 – exclusively on EWTN. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

Pope Benedict XVI opened the doors to our Anglican brothers and sisters to come into the Catholic Church. Anglican clergy are “crossing the Tiber” in record numbers. How is this historic event going? Keep up-to-date by reading “A Catholic Journalist in London,” Joanna Bogle’s blog, which can be read exclusively on EWTN’s website, www.ewtn.com (Find her under “Blogs.”)

Learn how to defend the institution of marriage! Tune into “EWTN on Location: Love and Life in the Divine Plan Family Conference,” which airs at 10 p.m. ET, Sunday, Oct. 23, 1 p.m. ET, Tuesday, Oct. 25 , and 5 a.m. ET, Thursday, Oct. 27 – exclusively on EWTN. This week, hear the Action Institute’s Dr. Sam Gregg discuss human anthropology and marriage. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

EWTN Press Release: Oct. 11, 2011

EWTN Global Catholic Network to Premiere ‘Vianney Speaks’
With St. Luke Productions’ Acclaimed Filmmaker Leonardo Defilippis

Editors: See Free Story, Based on a Defilippis Interview, Following Press Release


Irondale, AL – St. John Vianney was such a holy priest, he knew a penitent’s sins even before he confessed them, he was attached by the devil almost every night, and he converted every single soul in his parish – so people came to Ars as much to experience his parishioners as the saint himself.

Hear this saint’s life-changing sermons in the EWTN Original Co-Production, “Vianney Speaks” with acclaimed Actor and Filmmaker Leonardo Defilippis. The program will air 1 p.m. ET, Friday, Oct. 14, and 5 a.m. ET and 10 p.m. ET, Saturday, Oct. 15 – exclusively on EWTN. (Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.)

“The majority of people have never heard any sermons like this from the pulpit,” Defilippis said. “They are very moving. Vianney was known to weep in front of people; he would also be thunderous; he would shake people up! I decided to take some of these sermons and put them into a dramatic format. I could have done it in [an EWTN] studio with a simple set, but we decided to go even further and put it into a cinematic format so you felt as if you were in Ars itself.”

Defilippis calls Vianney one of the most important saints in our Church and in Christianity. “I say that because he is directly connected with the very structure of the Church itself. He’s a priest, pastor, and patron saint of all priests, all bishops, all pastors. The parish is the foundation from which every saint comes. St. Francis, Mother Teresa, all grew up in a parish. They got their sacraments, their vocation, from priests.”

The sermons selected for this program are true masterpieces and include Vianney’s warnings about the enemies of our salvation. “[Satan] said to St. John Vianney himself, ‘I’m with you even in the Mass, as you’re doing the consecration, when you’re in the confessional. When a penitent leaves, I’m with them.’ [The devil] does the same with families; he goes after the mother and the father. He told John Vianney, ‘When the parents are mine, the children are mine.’ Our greatest weapon [against the devil] is the rosary.”

To learn more about the television special and to view movie trailers and videos, visit www.vianneyspeaks.com.

To learn more about the Curé of Ars, check out the many resources available from EWTN Religious Catalogue. There you will find the “Vianney Speaks” DVD, http://bit.ly/nxUGuT; an episode of EWTN’s award-winning “My Catholic Family” animated children’s TV series on St. John Vianney (in both English and Spanish), http://bit.ly/p3tD5T; a classic book by Abbe Francis Trochu entitled “The Cure D’Ars: St. Jean-Marie Baptiste Vianney,” http://bit.ly/pnSTvb; and many other related items. Just go to http://www.ewtnreligiouscatalogue.com and search for “Vianney” and “St. John Vianney.”

EWTN Global Catholic Network, in its 30th year, is available in over 160 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, electronic and print news services, and publishing arm, EWTN is the largest religious media network in the world.
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“Vianney Speaks” Could Change Your Life
By Michelle Laque Johnson
St. John Vianney was such a holy priest, he knew a penitent’s sins even before he confessed them, he was attached by the devil almost every night, and he converted every single soul in his parish – so people came to Ars as much to experience
But was he one of the most important saints in Church history, as some claim? Hear some of Vianney’s life-changing sermons and decide for yourself when acclaimed Actor and Filmmaker Leonardo Defilippis brings this saint to life in the EWTN Original Co-Production “Vianney Speaks.” Airs 1 p.m. ET, Friday, Oct. 14, and 5 a.m. ET and 10 p.m. ET, Saturday, Oct. 15 – exclusively on EWTN.

“Vianney Speaks” grew out of an original play that Defilippis wrote on the saint – one he has performed across the country. There are a few snippets of Vianney’s famous sermons in the play, which showcases the life-changing experiences people had after going to confession to Vianney and how the devil attacked him. But after reading Vianney’s sermons, Defilippis knew they deserved greater attention in and of themselves.

“The majority of people have never heard any sermons like this from the pulpit. They are very moving. Vianney was known to weep in front of people; he would also be thunderous; he would shake people up! I decided to take some of those sermons and put them into a dramatic format. I could have done it in [an EWTN] studio with a simple set, but we decided to go even further and put it into a cinematic format so you felt as if you were in Ars itself.”

By tradition, Vianney was considered exceedingly dumb; in fact, he barely made it through the Seminary. At least one of his fellow seminarians was so outraged about his ordination that he circulated a petition against him – and Vianney was so humble he asked if he could sign it! Little did either of these men know that this underdog’s sermons would be so profound that some now say he should be made a doctor of the Church.

Undoubtedly, this humble man heard more confessions than any other priest in Church history. “He heard confessions for 41 years straight, 365 days a year,” Defilippis said. “He started out a couple hours a day and then went to 16 to 18 hours a day. He had a bigger stream of pilgrims coming to him than to any parish church in Church history.”

Small wonder since he cared about everything and everyone. For example, Defilippis says there is the story about a mother who was worried about her son getting married at age 15 or 16 to another girl around the same age, so she decided to travel to Ars to ask Vianney for his advice. However, when she got to the church and saw how packed it was, she realized it would take weeks to see the popular priest, and she knew she had to get back to her children. As she prepared to leave, Defilippis says Vianney burst out of the confessional, walked down the aisle and said to her, “Do not be afraid. Let them marry. They will be okay.” And he walked away.

“He took care of even the simplest thing that a mother or father or child would worry about it,” Defilippis said. “These kinds of things happened all the time! He is one of the most of the most important saints in our Church and in Christianity. I say that because he is directly connected with the very structure of the Church itself. He’s a priest, pastor, and patron saint of all priests, all bishops, all pastors. The parish is the foundation from which every saint comes from. We all come from the parish structure. St. Francis, Mother Teresa, all grew up in a parish. They got their sacraments, their vocation, from priests.”
St. John Vianney also warned people about “the enemies of our salvation” – warnings that you will hear in “Vianney Speaks.”

Says Defilippis: “We forget that the devil is alive and well, and he’s in the Church. He said to St. John Vianney himself, ‘I’m with you even in the Mass, as you’re doing the consecration, when you’re in the confessional. When a penitent leaves, I’m with them.’ [The devil] does the same with families; he goes after the mother and the father. He told John Vianney, ‘When the parents are mine, the children are mine.’ Our greatest weapon [against the devil] is the rosary,”
As for this week’s program, Defilippis said he hopes that people will put themselves in the proper frame of mind before tuning into “Vianney Speaks.”

“You want to get into the right mode to absorb something so rich and so beautiful, to settle down and get focused” he said. “A lot of us are so busy, it’s hard for us to take that time and just listen and be quiet. It’s hard for me too. Therefore, you miss so much! What we all do is think that everything revolves around what we have to accomplish – and it doesn’t really matter. In the end, God accomplishes it. God really should take all the credit.”

Watch “Vianney Speaks” – and take it to heart. To God be the glory!
Note: To learn more about the television special and to view movie trailers and videos, visit www.vianneyspeaks.com. To learn more about the Curé of Ars, check out the many resources available from EWTN Religious Catalogue. There you will find the “Vianney Speaks” DVD, http://bit.ly/nxUGuT; an episode of EWTN’s award-winning “My Catholic Family” animated children’s TV series on St. John Vianney (in both English and Spanish), http://bit.ly/p3tD5T; a classic book by Abbe Francis Trochu entitled “The Cure D’Ars: St. Jean-Marie Baptiste Vianney,” http://bit.ly/pnSTvb; and many other related items. Just go to http://www.ewtnreligiouscatalogue.com and search for “Vianney” and “St. John Vianney.”

EWTN Press Release: October 11, 2011

EWTN Facebook Posts: From help in living out your marriage vows in a modern world to a man some say is the most important saint of modern times

Irondale, AL – Love sports and your Catholic faith? Then tune into “Faith Bowl IV” to watch award-winning Major League Broadcaster Vin Scully interview five-time MLB All-Star Mike Sweeny Jr., his father and high school Coach Mike Sweeny Sr., and Kristin Sheehan, co-director of Notre Dame’s “Play Like a Champion” program. Part 1 airs 6:30 p.m. ET, Monday, Oct. 11, while Part 2 airs 6;30 p.m. ET, Tuesday, Oct. 12 on EWTN. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

Want to understand more about the Magisterium of the Catholic Church? Look no farther! Tune into “EWTN Theology Roundtable” at 1 p.m. ET, Tuesday, Oct. 11 or 5 a.m. ET, Thursday, Oct. 13 as Host Colin Donovan discusses the Magisterium with Fr. Mark Mary Cristina, MFVA, and EWTN Theologians Cindy Cuellar and Tom Nash – exclusively on EWTN. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

If you love St. Teresa of Avila, don’t miss “Teresa De Jesus.” The beloved eight part mini-series on the great saint and mystic begins 1 p.m. ET, Tuesday, Oct. 12, with an encore at 8 p.m. ET, Saturday, Oct. 15. Part 2 will immediately follow, with airings at 2 p.m. ET, Tuesday, Oct. 12 and an encore at 9 p.m. ET, Saturday, Oct. 15 – exclusively on EWTN. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder. If you only speak English, you’ll have to work a little harder because of the subtitles, but it is well worth it! Spanish speakers will rejoice!

Need help living our you marriage in the modern world? Then, don’t miss “EWTN Live” this week as Host Father Mitch Pacwa interviews Fr. James Dean, who guided Greg & Julie Alexander back from the brink of divorce by teaching them to incorporate the truths of the Church into their marriage. The couple, now marriage coaches, started “The Alexander House” to help other couples with their revolutionary Marriage Works N-Him™ process. Airs 8 p.m. ET, Wednesday, Oct. 12 – exclusively on EWTN. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

Missions! Find out how to give and receive from the missions this week on EWTN’s “Threshold of Hope” with Father Mitch Pacwa. Airs 2 p.m. ET, Tuesday, Oct. 11 – exclusively on EWTN. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

New proof of the existence of God! Watch Fr. Robert Spitzer, S.J. discuss his latest book by the same name on this week’s “Bookmark” with Host Doug Keck. Airs 5:30 p.m. ET, Wednesday, Oct. 12 – exclusively on EWTN. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

Sister Joan of Arc of the Nashville Dominicans is a former Division 1 basketball and track athlete at the University of Notre Dame. Hear her story this week on EWTN Radio’s “Blessed 2 Play.” Airs 2:30 p.m. ET, Fridays, with an encore at 4:30 p.m. ET, Sundays – exclusively on the EWTN Global Catholic Radio Network. Find EWTN Radio at http://www.ewtn.com/radio/amfm.asp.

Free podcast! Download EWTN’s “Speaking of Saints” – October’s 13-part podcast – for free! Mother Teresa of Calcutta touched the lives of countless people across the globe. Series Host Susan Conroy’s summer at Mother’s home for the destitute and dying in Calcutta led to a lasting friendship. Conroy shares stories highlighting the lessons we can learn from Mother Teresa’s example. Find it here: http://www.ewtn.com/podcast/index.asp#special.

He’s one of the most important saints in the history of the Church, but few know much about him. Hear some of St. John Vianney’s most life-changing sermons, including the one about “the enemies of our salvation, in “Vianney Speaks.” This original EWTN co-production with St. Luke Productions’ acclaimed Actor and Filmmaker Leonardo Defilippis could change your life. Airs 1 p.m. ET, Friday, Oct. 14, and 5 a.m. ET and 10 p.m. ET, Saturday, Oct. 15 – exclusively on EWTN. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

The Church in Vietnam is supposedly free, yet it’s under constant surveillance because the socialist order considers it a threat. Find out all about it in “Vietnam – Gilded Cage.” Airs 3 a.m. ET and 6:30 p.m. ET, Thursday, Oct. 13 – exclusively on EWTN. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

Can’t get enough of St. Teresa of Avila, whose feast day is celebrated October 15? Then tune into “Lives of the Saints: St. Teresa of Avila,” a one-hour docudrama on this 16th Century saint and mystic. Airs 3 a.m. ET and 6?30 p.m. ET, Friday, Oct. 14 – exclusively on EWTN. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

How did the Catholic Church get its devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and how did this devotion spread? Find out in “Saint Margaret Mary and the Sacred Heart.” Record it at 1 a.m. ET, Sunday, Oct. 16 – exclusively on EWTN. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

EWTN Announcements 9/27/11

Cohabitation. Living together. “Everyone” is doing it – so what’s the problem? Find out when EWTN airs a dynamic presentation by University of Virginia Professor Dr. Brad Wilcox, who was featured at the “Life and Love in the Divine Plan Family Conference” at Aquinas College in Nashville, Tenn. Airs 1 p.m. ET, Tuesday, Sept. 27 and 5 a.m. ET, Thursday, Sept. 29 – exclusively on EWTN. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

St. Thèrése fans! Don’t miss the opportunity to see the acclaimed feature film, “Miracle of Saint Thèrése.” This classic film made in France in 1959 follows the life of this Carmelite saint from her childhood through her death and explores her unique spirituality, known as the “Little Way.” Airs 1 p.m. ET, Wednesday, Sept. 28 and 8 pm. ET, Saturday, Oct. 1, her feast day! Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

Fans of “Crossing the Goal” rejoice! Former NFL all-pro wide receiver Danny Abramowicz and his team from EWTN’s hit show, “Crossing the Goal,” will storm the set of “EWTN Live” with Host Fr. Mitch Pacwa at 8 p.m. ET, Wednesday, Sept. 28. Don’t miss a minute of the fun – exclusively on EWTN! Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

“The Fighting Nun!” That’s what “Bookmark” Host Doug Keck affectionately calls Sr. Margherita Marchione, who returns to the show to discuss another wonderful book on her hero, Pope Pius XII. For years, she has been a champion of his monumental work to save the Jews from the scourge of Hitler during World War II. “The Truth Will Set You Free” sets forth the deeds of Pius XII during his amazing pontificate. Airs 5:30 p.m. ET, Wednesday, Sept. 28 – exclusively on EWTN. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

Dolores Hope! Don’t miss EWTN News Anchor Raymond Arroyo’s personal tribute to this 102-year-old Hollywood legend – a daily communicant who was instrumental in her late husband’s conversion late in life. Read his latest blog, “The Other Lady of Hope, Dolores Hope, RIP,” at http://origin.ewtn.com/news/blog.asp?blog_ID=2.

Always wanted to own and operate a Catholic radio station? Find out how at EWTN’s Catholic Radio Conference Oct. 12 -15 in Birmingham, Alabama. Get the details at http://www.catholicradioconference.com/.

It’s classic James Cagney! Don’t miss this film, “A Link in the Chain,” which features Cagney in the role of a retiring college professor, who wonders if he’s made a difference in the lives of his students. Airs 3 a.m. ET and 6:30 p.m. ET, Wednesday, Sept. 28 on EWTN. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

Find out about the many graces received in Great Britain during the tour of the relics of St. Thèrése! Watch “Heart of the Matter,” at 10 p.m. ET, Saturday, Oct. 1, the feast day of this beloved saint. Features Fr. Daniel Seward and a lineup of expert guests including Msgr. Keith Barltrop, National Coordinator of the British tour, an attraction that proved to be an even greater draw than Pope John Paul II’s 1979 visit to Ireland! Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

Follow the tour of the relics of St. Thèrése to South Africa and the African continent! Watch “The Little Flower in Africa,” a documentary featuring interviews with Catholic Church leaders and the lay faithful, an overview of Carmelite spirituality, a brief history of the Catholic Church in South Africa, and more. Airs 1 p.m. ET, Friday, Sept. 30, and 5 a.m. ET and 6 p.m. ET, Saturday, Oct. 1.

Learn how modern artisans restored the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi to its former glory following the devastating 1997 earthquake that rocked central Italy. Watch “Restoration of the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi” at 3 a.m. ET and 6:30 p.m. ET, Thursday, Sept. 29 – exclusively on EWTN.

EWTN Special: Mother Angelica and Hollywood Legend Dolores Hope!

In memory of Hollywood Legend Dolores Hope! EWTN will re-air Mother Angelica’s poignant interview with the late wife of Comedian Bob Hope. Find out how you can be “in the world, but not of it.” Airs 7 p.m. ET, Saturday, Sept. 24 – exclusively on EWTN. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

EWTN Facebook Announcements

EWTN Facebook Posts: Did you know a large majority of scientific discoveries over the past 400 years were made by Catholic priests?

Irondale, AL – Did you know that a preponderance of major scientific discoveries over the past 400 years were made by Catholic priests? That’s just one reason that using science as a club to attack religion is ridiculous! Tune into “Bookmark” this week as Dr. Stephen Barr discusses his book, “Modern Physics and Ancient Faith,” with Host Doug Keck. Airs 5:30 p.m. ET, Wednesday, Sept. 21 – exclusively on EWTN. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

Don’t have time to go to Church or school to study the Bible? What if five of the foremost Bible study scholars in the world came directly to your home? That’s what will happen if you record “What Every Catholic Needs to Know About the Bible.” Set your video recorders to EWTN at 4:30 a.m. ET, Wednesday, Sept. 21 – and you’ll soon be evangelizing your friends! Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

Padre Pio is one of the most beloved saints of modern times. Follow the life, times and events that shaped the miracles associated with this amazing priest in “Padre Pio’s San Giovanni: I Can Refuse No One.” Airs 3 a.m. ET and 6:30 p.m. ET, Wednesday, Sept. 21 – exclusively on EWTN. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

When told they are going to die, some people bargain with God – and sometimes God answers. Such was the case with Fr. Patrick Peyton, who was cured of TB through the intercession of Our Lady. In gratitude, he began a mission to propagate the rosary to reunite families in disarray after World War II. Find out more in “Most Unusual Man.” Airs 10 p.m. ET, Sunday, Sept. 18; 1 p.m. ET, Tuesday, Sept. 20; and 5 a.m. ET, Thursdays, Sept. 22 on EWTN. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

Want to know what happened at the Vatican this week? Tune into “Vaticano.” This week, listen to Pope Benedict XVI talks about prayer and the closeness of God in hard times; hear from missionary sisters who are walking in the footsteps of giants; see an international organization laboring to nurture a culture of life; join a group of Venezuelans as they complete the pilgrimage of their dreams – and more! Airs 10 a.m. ET, Sunday, Sept. 18 – exclusively on EWTN. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

Learn about the role of prayers and sacrifice in the lives of missionaries! Tune into “Threshold of Hope” with Fr. Mitch Pacwa. Airs 10 p.m. ET, Tuesday, Sept. 20 – exclusively on EWTN. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

Trust Tami Kiser, a busy mom of nine, teacher, volunteer and more, to teach you how to balance your priorities so you'll have ample time for Jesus throughout your day. Her new book, “Smart Martha’s Catholic Guide for Busy Moms,” has helped thousands lead more fulfilling lives by becoming more spiritually focused. Get it from EWTN Religious Catalogue at http://bit.ly/p2bl06.

Is “Lord of the Rings” really a fundamentally religious and Catholic work? Author Joseph R. Tolkien thought so! Watch Joseph Pearce talk about the Catholicity in this famous series in EWTN’s September Home Video “Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings: a Catholic Worldview.” Available now from EWTN Religious Catalogue at http://bit.ly/qkTYB4.

Hear the top Catholic News of the week on “Register Radio.” Tune in 2 p.m. ET, Fridays; 7 p.m. ET, Saturdays; and 11 a.m. ET, Sundays – exclusively on the EWTN Radio Network. Find EWTN’s AM/FM affiliates at http://www.ewtn.com/radio/amfm.asp/

Get insights and observations about the Vatican and Rome available nowhere else! Read “Joan’s Rome,” a blog by EWTN Bureau Chief Joan Lewis. Find it here: http://www.ewtn.com/news/blog.asp?blog_ID=1.

September only! Free EWTN podcast: September 11th: A Spiritual Response. Download it – and other great podcasts – at http://www.ewtn.com/podcast/index.asp#special.

EWTN Press Release September 19, 2011

EWTN Supports Mexico’s Bishops’ Conference in Developing Catholic Radio


Irondale, AL – Representatives of EWTN’s Radio Católica Mundial were honored to be asked to assist the bishops of Mexico in their efforts to develop and grow Catholic radio in Mexico by participating in the Episcopal Conference Communications Commission’s (CEPCOM) Second National Meeting of Internet Catholic Radio, which was held in August on the premises of the Mexican Episcopal Conference at Lago de Guadalupe.

“EWTN has encouraged Mexican Catholic radio to integrate professionalism with a cheerful experience of the Faith,” said Mons. Luis Artemino Calzada, Bishop of Valle de Chalco and President of the Communication Commission of the Mexican Bishop Conference. “It is deeply remarkable how EWTN’s great team of professionals have taken their deep faith in Christ and in the Gospel to empower a work with worldwide repercussions.”

Claudio Ramirez, EWTN’s Director of Marketing for Latin America and Spain, said EWTN was happy to help.

“Practically speaking, Mexico does not have Catholic radio now,” said Ramirez, who led off the main day of the conference with a talk entitled “Charisma of EWTN, Radio Católica Mundial.” “The Church has begun to develop Internet Catholic radio as well as AM and FM stations. We were invited by the Bishops’ Conference to assist in the conference with our radio experience and to give recommendations about the identity, mission and production of Catholic radio.”

EWTN’s Radio Católica Mundial has been broadcasting throughout Latin America and Spain since 1996 through its AM & FM affiliates and Internet streaming audio, and since 1992 via shortwave radio. EWTN offers two radio networks in English and Spanish, which broadcast the message of the Gospel 24-hours-a-day to more than 258 million people around the world and to 10.7 million satellite radio subscribers in the U.S. and Canada.

In addition to Ramirez, Juan Manuel Youshimats, EWTN’s Marketing Manager for México and Central America, spoke at the conference about the “Identity and Mission of Catholic Radio,” and Douglas Archer, EWTN’s Director of Spanish Programs, spoke about the “Process of Making and Airing a Catholic Radio Program.”

“EWTN is pleased to assist the Bishops’ Conference with its important new initiative in starting up and continuing to develop Catholic radio in the country,” said EWTN President and CEO Michael P. Warsaw. “In addition to Radio Católica Mundial, our commitment to the Hispanic market includes EWTN Español, a television channel which broadcasts 24-hours-a-day; a Spanish website, www.ewtn.com/espanol; an e-newsletter “Alas;” a YouTube channel, http://www.youtube.com/ewtnespanol; a Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/ewtnespanol; a Twitter site, http://twitter.com/#!/ewtnespanol; numerous books and pamphlets, and much more!”


EWTN Global Catholic Network, in its 30th year, is available in over 160 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, electronic and print news services, and publishing arm, EWTN is the largest religious media network in the world.

EWTN Announcements

Remembering Archbishop Pietro Sambi, papal nuncio! EWTN will air a Memorial Mass for His Excellency Archbishop Pietro Sambi live from the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. at 12 p.m. ET, Wednesday, Sept. 14, with an encore at midnight. The Mass will be celebrated by New York Archbishop Timothy Dolan. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.


Get your sports with a little bit of soul! Tune into the EWTN Global Catholic Radio Network to hear “Blessed2Play,” a sports show in which top athletes talk about the role of faith in their lives both on and off the field. Airs 2:30 p.m. ET, Fridays, with an encore at 4:30 p.m. ET, Sundays. Find an EWTN Radio affiliate near you at http://www.ewtn.com/radio/amfm.asp or tune into EWTN’s Sirius Satellite Channel #130.


God, Modern Life and Physics! That’s the topic when Prof. Anthony Rizzi of the Institute for Advanced Physics guests on “EWTN Live” with Host Father Mitch Pacwa. Don’t miss Prof. Rizzi, who takes on science’s challenge to the Faith. Airs 8 p.m. ET, Wednesday, Sept. 14 – exclusively on EWTN. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.


One more chance! Fr. Benedict Groeschel joins EWTN’s “Bookmark” Host Doug Keck to talk about “The Cross at Ground Zero.” In this book, Father Groeschel discusses the many questions people ask in the face of overwhelming tragedy. Tune in to EWTN at 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 14. Then, order your copy of the book at http://bit.ly/qtBEN6. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.


This month’s FREE podcast from EWTN is “September 11: A Spiritual Response.” Click here, http://www.ewtn.com/podcast/index.asp#special, to download four episodes of Fr. Groeschel’s discussion of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, which brought our nation and the world to its knees.

“The family that prays together stays together.” This saying is familiar to most Catholics, but not everyone is familiar with the story behind Fr. Patrick Peyton, the man who popularized it. His story is told by show business personalities and features clips and photos from his Family Theatre productions on radio and TV. “Most Unusual Man” airs 10 p.m. ET, Sunday, Sept. 18, 1 p.m. ET, Tuesday, Sept. 20, and 5 a.m. ET, Thursday, Sept. 22 – on EWTN. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

She’s one of the youngest saints in the history of the Catholic Church! Don’t miss “Maria Goretti,” the story of the young girl who gave her life to protect her purity. She later appeared to her murderer in a dream and forgave him, an act which changed his life. Airs 8 p.m. ET, Saturday, Sept. 17 – exclusively on EWTN. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

Do you love Padre Pio? Then don’t miss “At the Gates of Heaven,” a documentary which looks at the canonization process of this relatively new saint. Airs 1 p.m. ET, Friday, Sept. 16, and 5 a.m. ET, Saturday, Sept. 17 – on EWTN. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

Hear the EWTN theology staff discuss the issues of the day! Tune in to “EWTN Theology Roundtable” at 1 p.m. ET, Tuesday, Sept. 13 or 5 a.m. ET, Thursday, Sept. 15. This month, the staff focuses on Scripture and Tradition. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

If you love Easter Church iconography, or want to learn more about it, has EWTN got a show for you! Don’t miss “Sacred Craft,” which explains the theology and artistry of icons, at 2 a.m. ET, Sunday, Sept. 18; 10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 23; and 2 p.m. ET, Saturday, Sept. 23 – exclusively on EWTN. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

Forgiveness

It's not always easy, but it is always necessary.

First Reading
30 Anger and wrath, these also are abominations, and the sinful man will possess them. [Sir.27:30]

1 He that takes vengeance will suffer vengeance from the Lord, and he will firmly establish his sins.
2 Forgive your neighbor the wrong he has done, and then your sins will be pardoned when you pray.

3 Does a man harbor anger against another, and yet seek for healing from the Lord?
4 Does he have no mercy toward a man like himself, and yet pray for his own sins?
5 If he himself, being flesh, maintains wrath, who will make expiation for his sins?
6 Remember the end of your life, and cease from enmity, remember destruction and death, and be true to the commandments.
7 Remember the commandments, and do not be angry with your neighbor; remember the covenant of the Most High, and overlook ignorance.
8 Refrain from strife, and you will lessen sins; for a man given to anger will kindle strife,
9 and a sinful man will disturb friends and inject enmity among those who are at peace. [Sir.28:1-9]


Psalm Reading
1 Bless the LORD, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless his holy name!
2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits,
3 who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the Pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
9 He will not always chide, nor will he keep his anger for ever.
10 He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor requite us according to our iniquities.
11 For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;
12 as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. [Pslam 103:1-4, 9-12]

Second Reading

7 None of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself.
8 If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord; so then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's.
9 For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living.
[Romans 14:7-9]

Gospel Reading

21 Then Peter came up and said to him, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?"
22 Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven.
23 "Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants.
24 When he began the reckoning, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents;
25 and as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made.
26 So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, `Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.'
27 And out of pity for him the lord of that servant released him and forgave him the debt.
28 But that same servant, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and seizing him by the throat he said, `Pay what you owe.'
29 So his fellow servant fell down and besought him, `Have patience with me, and I will pay you.'
30 He refused and went and put him in prison till he should pay the debt.
31 When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place.
32 Then his lord summoned him and said to him, `You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you besought me;
33 and should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?'
34 And in anger his lord delivered him to the jailers, till he should pay all his debt.
35 So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart."
[Matthew 18:21-35]


*source: http://www.ewtn.com/devotionals/inspiration.htm#11

EWTN Announcements

How do you know when the Lord is talking to you? How can you be sure what He is asking you to do? Is there a way to know? St. Ignatius of Loyola said it is possible what the Lord is saying to you and he shared this knowledge in a famous system known as the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius Loyola. Learn all about it in EWTN’s superb new series, “Living the Discerning Life: The Spiritual Teaching of St. Ignatius of Loyola” with Father Tim Gallagher of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary. Airs 8 p.m. ET, Sundays; 1 p.m. ET, Mondays; and 5 a.m. ET, Fridays – exclusively on EWTN. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder. Do NOT miss this one!


If you’re Irish -- or just wish you were – you won’t want to miss “Catholic Lives Ireland” – exclusively on EWTN. The stellar lineup includes the founder of “Children in the Crossfire;” a nun whose chastity program transformed Uganda into Africa’s success story in the fight against HIV/Aids; the three-time winner of Ireland’s prestigious “Sam Maguire Cup” and manager of the renowned County Tyrone Gaelic Football Team – and so many more! This must-see series airs 5:30 p.m. ET, Mondays and 4 a.m. ET, Thursdays. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.


Learn about the lives of Chinese martyrs – and those who are dying for the faith in China even today! Tune into EWTN’s exclusive new series, “Saints of China,” hosted by Anthony Clark, assistant professor of East Asian history at Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington. Airs 11 p.m. ET, Sundays; and 2:30 a.m. ET, Fridays. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

Which country has the most beautiful churches and shrines dedicated to Our Lady? Some say it is the Philippines? Are they right? Find out in “Mary, Mother of the Philippines” with Father Melvin Castro. Airs 2:30 a.m. Etna d 1:30 p.m. ET, Thursdays – exclusively on EWTN. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.


Did you know that the Catholic Church is at the forefront in the fight against human trafficking? Fr. Benedict Groeschel talked about this with John Klink, head of a little-known Vatican agency known as the International Catholic Migration Commission, this past Sunday on “Sunday Night Prime.” Did you miss this riveting show? Find it now on EWTN’s YouTube Channel, www.youtube.com/ewtn.


Uncertain about your need for spiritual direction or how it might benefit you? Find out everything you need to know about spiritual direction when Father David J. Simonetti guests on “EWTN Live” with Host Father Mitch Pacwa. Airs 8 p.m. ET, Wednesday, Sept. 7 – exclusively on EWTN. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.


What if you could question your favorite saints about the life and times – and our own? What might you learn? Find out this fall on EWTN’s new series, “Saints Alive!” Airs Sundays at 10:30 a.m. ET, Mondays at 6 p.m. ET, Tuesdays at 4 a.m. ET, and Saturdays at 4:30 p.m. ET – exclusively on EWTN! Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.


Examine the physical evidence (and metaphysical premises for) the existence of God! Tune into EWTN’s new series, “The Heavens Proclaim the Glory of God” with Father Robert Spitzer. Airs 3:30 a.m. ET, Mondays; and 5:30 p.m. ET, Fridays – exclusively on EWTN. Find www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.


Explore the lives of the saints with EWTN favorites, Fr. John Trigillio and Fr. Ken Brighenti. Their new series, “Crash Course in the Saints,” airs 5:30 p.m. ET, Sundays; and 5:30 a.m. ET and 10:30 p.m. ET, Wednesdays – exclusively on EWTN. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.


EWTN’s viewers are familiar with Joanna Bogle. This British dynamo hosts “Feasts and Seasons” and other shows on EWTN and regularly blogs on www.ewtn.com as “A Catholic Journalist in London.” But we bet you didn’t know that Bogle was greatly influenced by a little-known nun named Sister Mary Alban! Find out more when Bogle joins “Bookmark” Host Doug Keck to discuss her new book, “A Nun With A Difference: The Life and Letters of Sister Mary Alban, FC.” Airs 5:30 p.m. ET, Wednesday, Sept 7 – exclusively on EWTN. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.


Miss a show on EWTN? Just go to EWTN’s YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/ewtn and get yourself a little inspiration!

Eucharistic Adoration

Connecticut Catholic Corner has a new video...


Hope you enjoyed it.

God bless!

Tell them it's a sin!

We are all sinners, but we are not all 'repenters' (if that's not a word it should be). Today people have redefine what is sin. Abortion? That's not murder, it's choice! Gay marriage? That's not an abomination to God, it's love! Euthanasia? It's not killing, it's mercy! Does society today even know what sin is anymore?!

During mass tonight I was reflecting on the readings as I usually do. The Old Testament reading prompted this post.

Ezekiel 33: 7 - 9
7 "So you, son of man, I have made a watchman for the house of Israel; whenever you hear a word from my mouth, you shall give them warning from me.
8 If I say to the wicked, O wicked man, you shall surely die, and you do not speak to warn the wicked to turn from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity, but his blood I will require at your hand.
9 But if you warn the wicked to turn from his way, and he does not turn from his way; he shall die in his iniquity, but you will have saved your life.

Did you get that last bit? The sinners blood will be on YOUR hands IF you didn't warn them about sin. Catholics are you speaking up about sin in society today or have you been bullied into thinking 'tolerance' means you have to shut up? Have you been told you are homophobic because you oppose gay marriage? (I've yet to see anyone who is afraid of a gay person- such a ridiculous argument). Have you been told that to "love your neighbor" you must not only tolerate gay marriage but accept it and want it taught to your children in public school? Have you been told to "mind your own business" when the topic of abortion comes up? Have you heard other Catholics say things like "I'm against abortion BUT I think it's a choice for other women"? It's not a choice, it's a death sentence to an innocent pre-born human being. Murder is sin. Supporting the "choice" of murder is a sin too. If you're not warning people of these sins, it will be on you one day.

Have you heard any of these things? Has anyone said them to you? They have to me and my response is "If I didn't love you, I wouldn't bother sharing the Word of God with you."

To love your neighbor as yourself is wanting what's best for them. The best for them is Jesus Christ. Gay marriage is not love, its sin. If I hated you I would accept and tolerate your sins, but I love you so I will NOT accept or tolerate your sin.

Scripture clearly tells us to WARN the sinner of their sin- they may not know what they are doing is sin unless you tell them. Do NOT beat them over the head with your bible or catechism. That does nothing but irritate people. SHARE the love of God with people. Share how much God hates sin and wants people to repent and turn to Him. Share the beauty of your Catholic faith. Don't keep it some guarded secret! Don't miss the opportunity to share God with another person.

Catholics have the most amazing blessings from God in our Sacraments. One of them is Confession/Reconciliation. This is a gift, a gift we need to embrace and put to use in our lives. We sin, we sin daily in ways we recognize and sometimes in ways we don't at first recognize. Sin separates us from God, but Confession brings us back. If you have supported gay marriage, abortions, euthanasia and more you need to confess these things and you can be forgiven. Don't fall for society redefining everything and telling you these things aren't sins, they are! Look at yourself, see your sins and confess them.

Sin leads to death...eternal death. But our Loving Father in Heaven has given us the choice to choose life or death. Choose life. Go to Confession, have your sins forgiven. There is nothing that God won't forgive you for if you repent and truly seek forgiveness for your sins. He knows you're a sinner, He's just waiting for your confession.

From the wonderful Archbishop Fulton Sheen...(you don't want to miss this)
Part 1



Part 2




Part 3




Part 4



I love Archbishop Sheen's final words...

"If you had never sinned, you never could call Jesus 'Savior'."

Powerful.

Catholicism Series by Fr. Robert Barron

Oooooooohhh! Wow!


Did that not inspire you?

Father Robert Barron shares the truth of Catholicism in a 10 part tv & DVD series.

For more: CatholicismSeries.com

Surviving Hurricane Irene

I've lived in Connecticut all my life, so I've endured several hurricanes and for the most part we've always made out with only minor damages over the decades (a partial lost roof, trees down, mild water damage and busted windows mostly). Thankfully, we've never known the total destruction of our home or any loss of life from a hurricane. My heart goes out to the people who are now (and in the past) suffering the ultimate price of living in the path of a hurricane.
For us Hurricane Irene was just a big pain in the backside most of the time. I say most of the time, because the rest of the time my children's laughter and giggles blocked out the inconveniences and frustration. Not having electricity or a land line phone for four days is humbling and frustrating (we've gone longer periods, so those of you still without power you have my sympathies).

How many times did we flick a light switch walking into a room or pick up the phone only to hear dead silence on the other end? Too many to count. We spent our days outside looking up and down the road (along with our neighbors) in hopes of seeing any CT Light & Power truck on it's way. We also played board games like "Sorry" and "Scrabble". Our evenings were spent listening to the radio sparingly because once those batteries were gone, that was it. There were no batteries to be found anywhere.

Reading by flashlight was a limited treat because again, we didn't want to use up the batteries and be left completely in the dark. I tried candlelight, but the flickering bothered my eyes more often than not. And I couldn't focus well on reading one single book (I'm the type of person that when something is bothering me-like not knowing when the power will come back on- I can't focus well or absorb what I read. My brain is easily distracted much to my annoyance.

But I did manage to retain a few things I read. Like the fact that it was a Catholic priest named Fr. Frank Peyton who coined the motto "The family that prays together, stays together" in 1947 while trying to promote his Family Rosary Crusade. I had heard protestants use that quote all the time, I now wonder if they knew it came from a Catholic priest wanting to promote praying the rosary?!

I also learned that Alfred Hitchcock was a Catholic and that light blue vestments are not allowed in the United States, but varying shades of violet are. I learned the skullcap worn by Bishops is called a "zucchetto". I learned that encyclical letters and encyclical epistles are not the same things. Encyclical letters are from a pope to the entire Church, while encyclical epistles are addressed to a specific part of the Church. For instance, the pope might direct an encyclical epistle to America, but not to the rest of the Catholic Church around the world. I

I didn't know these things before Hurricane Irene hit, so besides being thankful for surviving Irene and having only minor damage, I am also thankful for the new things I learned about my Catholic faith.

**The book I learned these things from is: "The Catholic Almanac's Guide to the Church" by Matthew Bunson.

Man with biblical fingers and toes...

Found an interesting story on WFSB News channel about the man with 24 fingers and toes.

"It's thanks to my 24 digits that I'm able to make a living, because I have no fixed job," Hernandez said.


Known as polydactyly, Hernandez's condition is relatively common, but it's rare for the extra digits to be so perfect. Anyone who glanced quickly at his hands would be hard-pressed to notice anything different unless they paused and started counting.
Hernandez said that as a boy he was visited by a prominent Cuban orthopedist who is also one of Fidel Castro's doctors, and he declared that in all his years of travel he had never seen such a case of well-formed polydactyly.

"He was very impressed when he saw my fingers," said Hernandez, who is the only one in his family to be born with extra digits."

source: http://www.wfsb.com/story/15341348/cuban-man-24-proud-of-his-4-extra-fingers-toes

From the bible:
2 Samuel 21:20
"There was another battle, at Gath, and there was a giant, who had six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot—twenty-four in all. He too was descended from the Rephaim."

Wonder if this man is a descendent?