EWTN takes on the Pope Francis problem

Kudos to EWTN!  It is refreshing to see EWTN addressing the scandalous statements made by Pope Francis that have caused so much confusion among the laity. Hearing this report from EWTN, a most trusted source for Catholics around the world is soothing. It means we aren't going crazy, the pope said some things that truly are bothersome and must be addressed honestly by Catholic media. I think Mother Angelica would be proud.

EWTN's National Catholic Register recently published an article by Msgr. Charles Pope on the confusing, hurtful and chaotic things Pope Francis has said, if you haven't read it yet, please do.  It's an excellent article. I am going to quote a few parts here that stood out to me.

quote(in part): I write these remarks simply as a parish priest. I am not a canonist and certainly not a reporter. I react simply as a priest to what has been reported all week, and write here the reaction of one man and priest—me.
First, it is reported that the Pope said pastors should not be “putting our noses into the moral life of other people.”
Permit me to state my utter bewilderment at such a notion. As a priest, and especially as a confessor and spiritual director this is my duty! It is true that I am not to unnecessarily pry into the private lives of parishioners. But surely there is a requirement that as a confessor and a pastor I have some sense of the moral life of those to whom I minister.

And...

quote(in part): But it is beyond lamentable that the Pope, as initially reported, should have called priests (or any human being for that matter) “animals.” Such a word should never have come out of his mouth, and I would hope for an apology for this offensive characterization, not merely a Vatican “clarification.” I certainly have some differences with brother priests, I would call my differences with dissenting priests significant. But this does not permit me to call them animals, and the Pope, who seems to have done so, has no business doing it either. Admittedly the recorded comments are hard to follow, but the cleansed Vatican transcript is more in the mode of “Let’s pretend this was never said as recorded” rather than a clear denial—“The Pope wants to say he not consider priest animals, even though he thinks some are too hard-lined on this matter.”
It will be admitted that Pope Gregory (in his Pastoral Rule) once said that silent priests who failed to rebuke sinners were like “dumb dogs that cannot bark.” But he was using a metaphor, and quoting Scripture. He did not univocally call them dogs, he said they were “like” or in the mode of dumb dogs that cannot warn of danger. But there is nothing in this recent Pope’s comments that suggests metaphor or simile. He just outright called priests whose prudential judgments he doubts “animals”. “They’re animals” he said.
I pray that never again will we hear reported such a rude and unnecessary remark from this pope or any pope. No human person should be called an animal by a pope or any anyone, for that matter. Metaphors and similes have their place in human discourse, but to univocally call a fellow human being and animal is out of line.

And...

quote(in part): Please, Holy Father: Enough of these ad hoc, off-the-cuff, impromptu sessions, whether at thirty thousand feet or at ground level. Much harm through confusion has been caused by these latest remarks on marriage, cohabitation, baptism, confession, and pastoral practice. Simply cleaning the record in the official transcript is not enough; this is an era of instant reportage and lots of recording devices, tweets, and Instagrams.
Just this priest’s perspective. But I can assure you, dear reader, that the impact hits priests hard, and I cannot deny a certain weariness and discouragement at this point. I realize that such remarks of the Pope are not doctrinal, but just try and tell that to gleeful dissenters and the morally confused or misled in this world.

Please read the entire article at EWTN's National Catholic Register.

It didn't stop there, EWTN's Raymond Arroyo gathered together his "papal posse" to address the problems with what Pope Francis has been saying.

(*Thanks to Re-Store DC Catholicism for the heads up on this one) 

I think Raymond's interview taking on these scandalous statements by Pope Francis was excellent. No head in the sand, pretending to be ostriches and no excuses. What the Pope has said is WRONG. Period. 

There was a particular story Raymond tells about a friend who heard the Pope's words on shacking up in fornication and wanted a Catholic priest to "bless" his fornication because that is what he heard the Pope say. This confusion has spread around the world and the Vatican hasn't cleaned it up-yet (I believe they will).

It is extremely bothersome to me (and I am guessing many others) that every time Francis speaks his mind, the Vatican has to jump up and say "Wait a minute! The Pope didn't mean that, he meant...".  I thank God that the Church is always there to correct the Pope, but I think its horrendous that this has to happen every time Francis speaks his mind. We are seeing what Pope Francis truly believes- and it doesn't match authentic Catholic teaching.  This is a problem. 

Great work EWTN for facing this problem and not pretending it doesn't exist.

God bless! 


In Christ,


Julie @ Connecticut Catholic Corner 



Sources: 

http://www.ncregister.com/blog/msgr-pope/one-priests-concern-about-recent-remarks-by-the-pope/

Why did the Catholic Church flip-flop on weddings?

Over at the National Catholic Register, Patti Armstrong writes an article asking clergy and laity whether or not Catholics should attend a wedding outside the Catholic Church between a baptized Catholic and a non-Catholic. 

The reason behind the debate is because the Code of Canon Law states: “Only those marriages are valid which are contracted before the local [bishop], pastor or a priest or deacon delegated by either of them who assist, and before two witnesses” (1108 §1).Canon law does not prohibit Catholics from attending invalid weddings, Father Pacwa [EWTN] explained, but he said that Catholics must discern carefully. “Every situation will call upon our reserves of prayer, discernment and evaluation,” he said. “And a good confession before making any decision is always a good idea.”According to him, maintaining peace within families is very important, but there is also the question of motive: “Are they trying to put me in an uncomfortable position to prove their point? Or do they simply not see that there is an issue at stake?”

Many opinions are given...but little Catholic documentation. 

I'd like to share the clear teachings the Church once held and taught to Catholics on the subject of 'mixed marriages', weddings outside the Church and Catholics assisting or participating in such marriages. 

I've mentioned many times, that I collect and adore old Catholic books.  These are the sort of books that weigh a ton and were published by the Church for teaching.  One such book is "The Manual of The Holy Catholic Church; Embracing The Beautiful Teachings and The Light From the Altar", published in 1906 by the Catholic Art and Publication Office of Chicago, Ill. published with the approbation of The Most Rev. James Edward Quigley, D.D. Archbishop of Chicago in 1906.  It is this book I am quoting from today (highlights are mine).

"It is frequently asked if it is allowable for Catholics to act as bridesmaids or groomsmen at any marriage, whether in a church or in a private house at which the ceremony is conducted by a Protestant minister, or at a purely civil marriage?    'As to the question, viz., whether Catholics may lawfully act as bridesmaids or grooms at Protestant or civil marriages, we should answer; A Catholic is at liberty to act as official witness to a lawful marriage contract, if the assistance does not imply assent to conditions otherwise forbidden in conscience.  Hence if two persons, who are not baptized, choose to marry before a magistrate, exercising their natural right, which a Catholic reasonably respects, he is at liberty to attest such a marriage by his presence as an official witness, just as he might attest to any other lawful and solemn contract.  Here there is no denial of faith.   No Catholic is, however, at liberty to act as official witness to a marriage unlawful before God, such as the marriage ceremony of a divorced party already rightly married according to Christian or the natural law; or a party that is Catholic and publicly denies his or her faith by neglecting the sacramental rite in favor of a purely civil ceremony before the magistrate, unless there be no priest to perform the rites of the Church; or a party that is leading a scandalous life which would justify the prospect of shame, divorce, or neglect; for though such person may not pretend to any religious convictions, and protest their mere intention to make a natural mutual contract, yet prudence and respect for the moral order should forbid a Catholic to assist at such marriage contracts.   A third principle, already explained in the answer to the question whether a double religious ceremonial is permissible, forbids Catholics to take part in any marriage ceremony which bears the character of religious worship other than that of the Catholic Church.  Hence a Catholic may not lawfully assist at a marriage in a Protestant church which is intended to have a religious aspect." 

I'd like to point out that one type of "unlawful marriage" is (according to another passage in this book there are several different types of "unlawful" marriages) a marriage between a Catholic and a non-Catholic outside the Church without proper permission.

The part that says "No Catholic, is however, at liberty to act as official witness to a marriage unlawful before God..." begs to be answered (at least in my mind) how could a once considered "unlawful marriage" suddenly become lawful when nothing has changed but the opinion of the Church?  

If God thought these marriages were "unlawful" for centuries and the Church forbid Catholics from participating in them what changed?  Did God change His opinion on what an unlawful marriage is or did the Church change it's opinion thus changing its teaching?  What basis was used to change this point of view?

I guess the question then would be 'what constitutes a witness'?  

Guests at a wedding are witnesses to the ceremony, are they not?

What was once forbidden is now celebrated.  

To see the complete turn around on this Catholic teaching to what is now allowed visit: http://catholicdoors.com/misc/marriage/canonlaw.htm

Reading all of this brings several questions to my mind...

First, are we better off now having completely turned around the Church's position on mixed marriages and ceremonies than we were decades ago?

How many Catholics attend the weddings of people who are 'remarrying' after a divorce without an annulment? Do they discuss this in Confession with their priest?  If they did...what would he tell them?

And finally, is it any wonder at all, that progressives wrongly believe and hope that one day the Church will change its teachings on gay 'marriage'? 





In Christ,

Julie @ Connecticut Catholic Corner 


Source: http://www.ncregister.com/daily-news/the-other-marriage-debate/
Source: http://catholicdoors.com/teaching/index.htm

I am against the death penalty...

But not for the reasons I’ve seen given so far by the National Catholic Register or the Bishops.

The National Catholic Register says:

“The practice is abhorrent and unnecessary. It is also insanely expensive, as court battles soak up resources better deployed in preventing crime in the first place and working toward restorative justice for those who commit less heinous crimes.”

I don’t think the “practice” of the death penalty is any more “abhorrent” today than it was in Biblical times when God ordered the punishment for certain crimes a person did to be stoned to death (Lev.20).  I do believe it is “unnecessary” as we have prisons and if need be are capable of building new prisons that would employ more people (a bonus for the unemployed!).  

The last part of the National Catholic Register's statement “working toward restorative justice for those who commit less heinous crimes” is COMPLETELY unnecessary as “less heinous crimes” are not given the penalty of death.

The Bishops are opposed because:

“... The use of the death penalty devalues human life and diminishes respect for human dignity. We bishops continue to say: We cannot teach killing is wrong by killing.”[Archbishop Wenski]

I 100% completely DISAGREE with this statement from Archbishop Thomas Wenski, of Miami because it directly opposes what God in Sacred Scriptures says about the death penalty.  If God can teach the difference between killing and murder (there is a difference) then those of us able minded enough should be able to understand the distinction God makes in Sacred Scripture.  Otherwise, Archbishop Wenski must believe God was ordering the Jews to sin when He told them to dole out the death penalty for certain crimes/sins (Lev.20).  Is that what the Archbishop believes?  I don’t.

I have one reason and one reason only for being against the death penalty.

I believe Jesus loves us all and wants every soul- even heinous murderers to have every moment available in their natural lifetime to REPENT from what they have done, so their souls will not be lost for eternity in hell. 

He died for ALL our sins, so we could repent of any and all sin and be saved.  There is no sin so great that we can't repent and be forgiven by our merciful Lord.

What would have happened to Moses had he been killed after he committed murder (Ex.2)?
 

^11” One day, after Moses had grown up, he went out to his people and saw their forced labor. He saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his kinsfolk. ¹² He looked this way and that, and seeing no one he killed the Egyptian and hid him in the sand. ¹³ When he went out the next day, he saw two Hebrews fighting; and he said to the one who was in the wrong, “Why do you strike your fellow Hebrew?” ¹⁴ He answered, “Who made you a ruler and judge over us? Do you mean to kill me as you killed the Egyptian?” Then Moses was afraid and thought, “Surely the thing is known.” ¹⁵ When Pharaoh heard of it, he sought to kill Moses.But Moses fled from Pharaoh. He settled in the land of Midian, and sat down by a well.” 

What about Saul/Paul persecuting early Christians and helping to bring them to death (Acts 8:1)?

Acts 8:1  "And Saul approved of their killing him [Stephen].  That day a severe persecution began against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout the countryside of Judea and Samaria. ² Devout men buried Stephen and made loud lamentation over him.³ But Saul was ravaging the church by entering house after house; dragging off both men and women, he committed them to prison."

We’d never have seen what their repentance produced for God and for themselves!

Imagine no Moses and no Saint Paul.

I’m not suggesting that all the murderous criminals in prison with death sentences are going to turn out like Moses or Saint Paul, but they COULD save their souls if they had time to repent.  It might take a life sentence in prison for a person to finally feel remorse for what they’ve done and repent of that terrible crime/sin. 

"[urge] all souls to trust in the unfathomable abyss of My mercy, because I want to save them all.  On the cross, the fountain of My mercy was opened wide by the lance for all souls - no one have I excluded!" (1182) --St. Faustina, Divine Mercy in my Soul

Because I believe with all my heart that Jesus truly does not want a SINGLE SOUL lost to Satan, I am against the death penalty.  I want every person to have a long natural life so that they have all the time necessary to repent before their natural death.  A lost soul is a heartache to our Lord.

 

The devil had the criminals in his hands during their life of heinous crimes and sins, nothing would infuriate the devil more than to have that person repent and turn to God for repentance finding salvation for eternity in God’s mercy.  The rejoicing in Heaven on that day!

Luke 15:10 “Just so, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

We should lock up dangerous criminals for life in prison, give them HARD LABOR and LONG HOURS in wretched weather doing it!   I don’t think the old ‘chain gangs’ were inhumane and I would support that over the death penalty any day. 

Outside of all that, I trust that God will give these people a just punishment for their crimes either in purgatory if they repent or final judgment in hell if they don’t.  Knowing that some people may take years to first admit their crimes/sins and then more time to feel remorse and finally to truly repent before their natural death.  I want them to have that time- for the sake of their soul and for the love of God who must feel tremendous pain when a soul goes to hell.

I don’t want the devil to win any souls for hell, I want souls for Christ in Heaven for all eternity.  

It’s that simple for me.

'That your enemies have been created is God's doing; that they hate you and wish to ruin you is their own doing. What should you say about them in your mind? "Lord be merciful to them, forgive them their sins, put the fear of God in them, change them!" You are loving in them not what they are, but what you would have them to become.' -St. Augustine

In Christ,

Julie @ Connecticut Catholic Corner

Quote Source: http://www.ncregister.com/daily-news/national-catholic-journals-unite-capital-punishment-must-end/

EWTN Press Release: National Catholic Register Grows

National Catholic Newspaper

Reports Unprecedented Circulation Gains

The National Catholic Register Grows Paid Circulation by 71% in Three Years

Irondale, Ala., October 27, 2014 — The National Catholic Register continues to defy the challenges of the newspaper publishing industry, reporting a 71% increase in circulation since February 2011. In this three-year timeframe — under the management of its owner EWTN Global Catholic Network — circulation rose from 22,825 subscribers to today’s 39,041subscribers. The gains in circulation for 2014 alone have included nearly 4,000 new subscribers.
These consistent and record gains for the largest and one of the oldest Catholic newspapers in the U.S. can be attributed to a comprehensive blend of factors, including timely and trustworthy reporting, solid editorial content, inspirational features, and expanded marketing efforts.
Online web traffic to NCRegister.com has also increased from 294,886 to 903,557 in the same three-year time period — a 206% growth. Recently, the National Catholic Register’s Facebook page surpassed 100,000 likes, and the publication also reaches digital readers via its new mobile site, iPhone/iPad and Android apps, and Kindle. Finally, the organization also produces Register Radio, a weekly radio show that airs on EWTN’s Global Radio Network.
“The Register is experiencing a wonderful, prolonged period of growth that speaks to our ability to deliver thorough news coverage that resonates truth,” said Michael P. Warsaw, EWTN’s chairman and chief executive officer and publisher of the National Catholic Register. “It’s exciting to see both long-time and new readers respond to our efforts with the enthusiasm and loyal support that is fueling our growth.”
“Our media organization — with a staff of only 16 full-time employees — continues to meet the needs of our audience — in print, online and via Register Radio,” notes Editor in Chief, Jeanette De Melo. “Our print and digital subscription numbers, as well as overall website and new media traffic, continue to climb, as we reach Catholics in the many varied ways they seek their news today.”
The award-winning National Catholic Register (www.NCRegister.com) provides its readers with timely news reporting from across the United States, the Vatican, and around the world. As the newspaper of record for the Catholic Church in America, the Register and its online presence, NCRegister.com, have become America’s most complete and faithful Catholic news source. It is published bi-weekly, 26 issues per year. The National Catholic Register also produces Register Radio, a weekly program that airs on EWTN’s radio network.

EWTN Global Catholic Network is available in more than 230 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.

Drats! Sign of Peace stays in Mass

By Connecticut Catholic Corner

I don't like the "Sign of Peace" at Mass.  

I just don't.  

First, it seems like an interruption of the Mass to me. Secondly, it appears to me to be completely out of hand and not at all what it was/is supposed to be.  And third...well I am not a touchy-feely type person who wants to be subjected to shaking strangers hands and/or getting hugs or kisses by strangers.

I don't like it.

I thought at first it might just be me and the particular parishes I have attended (remember I live in liberal Connecticut).  But after reading Pat Archbold's piece at the National Catholic Register, I see he too has experienced what I have at some Masses.

"I will admit that most times, the ridiculousness that ensues during the sign of peace has me cringing. Worse, I have had perfect strangers hug me. Last year I went to mass while travelling on business and this lady, before my Kung Fu training could kick in, hugged me.  Sensing my profound discomfort, she said, "That is how we do it here!"  This left me channeling Chuck Heston for my inner dialogue at the unruly and distracting anthropocentric mauling, "Take your stinking paws off me you darn dirty ape! That is Jesus up there!"  But hey, that's just me."-end quote-

I feel your pain! 

I've seen the Sign of Peace wave, kiss and bear hugs.  

My strategic defense has for years been placing one of my kids on each side of me.  I've notice strangers are less likely to grab a kid or teenager to hug or kiss.  

What I would have liked to have happened:

1) do away with the Sign of Peace completely 
- OR
2) have the priest say it to the laity and the laity say it back to the priest only- no getting physical with each other 
-OR
3) let us give a simple nod to each other- no physical contact necessary


But the Church has decided the "Sign of Peace" will not only remain as part of the Mass but also remain exactly where it is in the Mass.  Right smack dab in the middle.  So as distasteful as it is to me personally, I have to accept the Church's decision and live with it because that is what Church Authority is all about.  

On a side note, besides disliking the hippie love fest which often ensues during the Sign of Peace I DO NOT WANT to shake hands with people coughing, sneezing, blowing their noses, kids picking their noses and/or doing other disgusting things.  I don't like it. I'm really not a germaphobe I simply don't like it- particularly at Mass.

Call me finicky I don't care.  It's another reason (in my opinion) to receive the Eucharist on the tongue and NOT in the hands.

Those germ ridden typhoid Mary hands then go up and take the Eucharist in their hands for Holy Communion without a thought.  That just screams "THIS IS WRONG" to me.  But that is a subject for another day.


In Christ,

Julie @ Connecticut Catholic Corner



Source: http://www.ncregister.com/blog/pat-archbold/ditch-the-sign-of-peace-or-take-your-stinking-paws-off-me-you-darn-dirty-ap

Saint Peter taught me to love Pope Francis

Anyone who has been following my blog [along with family and friends] know that I have had serious issues with Pope Francis since Holy Week.  I have talked about it on my blog HERE and HERE, and I have left comments on the National Catholic Register and the Crescat blog and other Patheos Catholic blogs all year.  Even NBC News took note of my issues with Pope Francis.

I have had two major problems with Pope Francis…1) his style and 2) my inability to love him.  

I like people who “play by the rules”, the rules I know.  I like my t’s crossed and my I’s dotted.  That is my comfort zone.  Pope Francis from the beginning took me out of my comfort zone by washing Muslim women’s feet during Holy Week and that made me unable to trust him and because I was unable to trust him, I couldn’t love him. He wasn't following the rules that *I* knew and loved and trusted.

My distrust of him grew with each interview and his “Who am I to judge?” comment because I felt my distrust was proven at those moments.  Pope Francis was a liberal and to me that was as good as the Pharissees in the Bible.  

I had accepted him as Pope, but I didn’t like, trust or love him.  I put him in the “bad pope” category and turned my eyes to whoever the next pope would be.

I was DONE with him.

Or so I thought.

Today I watched EWTN’s coverage of the close of the Year of Faith Papal Mass in St. Peter’s Square.  In all honesty I wasn’t expecting much because Pope Francis had never before impressed me and I had already chalked him off- as the saying goes.

Then I listened to his homily and he reached me with the words of the thief on the cross…

Pope Francis’ homily:

“Today’s solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, the crowning of the liturgical year, also marks the conclusion of the Year of Faith opened by Pope Benedict XVI, to whom our thoughts now turn with affection and gratitude. By this providential initiative, he gave us an opportunity to rediscover the beauty of the journey of faith begun on the day of our Baptism, which made us children of God and brothers and sisters in the Church. A journey which has as its ultimate end our full encounter with God, and throughout which the Holy Spirit purifies us, lifts us up and sanctifies us, so that we may enter into the happiness for which our hearts long.
I offer a cordial greeting to the Patriarchs and Major Archbishops of the Eastern Catholic Churches present. The exchange of peace which I will share with them is above all a sign of the appreciation of the Bishop of Rome for these communities which have confessed the name of Christ with exemplary faithfulness, often at a high price. With this gesture, through them, I would like to reach all those Christians living in the Holy Land, in Syria and in the entire East, and obtain for them the gift of peace and concord.
The Scripture readings proclaimed to us have as their common theme the centrality of Christ. Christ as the centre of creation, the centre of his people and the centre of history. 1. The apostle Paul, in the second reading, taken from the letter to the Colossians, offers us a profound vision of the centrality of Jesus. He presents Christ to us as the first-born of all creation: in him, through him and for him all things were created. He is the centre of all things, he is the beginning. God has given him the fullness, the totality, so that in him all things might be reconciled (cf. Col 1:12-20).
This image enables to see that Jesus is the centre of creation; and so the attitude demanded of us as true believers is that of recognizing and accepting in our lives the centrality of Jesus Christ, in our thoughts, in our words and in our works. When this centre is lost, when it is replaced by something else, only harm can result for everything around us and for ourselves. 2. Besides being the centre of creation, Christ is the centre of the people of God. We see this in the first reading which describes the time when the tribes of Israel came to look for David and anointed him king of Israel before the Lord (cf. 2 Sam 5:1-3). In searching for an ideal king, the people were seeking God himself: a God who would be close to them, who would accompany them on their journey, who would be a brother to them.
Christ, the descendant of King David, is the “brother” around whom God’s people come together. It is he who cares for his people, for all of us, even at the price of his life. In him we are all one; united with him, we share a single journey, a single destiny. 3. Finally, Christ is the centre of the history of the human race and of every man and woman. To him we can bring the joys and the hopes, the sorrows and troubles which are part of our lives. When Jesus is the centre, light shines even amid the darkest times of our lives; he gives us hope, as he does to the good thief in today’s Gospel.
While all the others treat Jesus with disdain – “If you are the Christ, the Messiah King, save yourself by coming down from the cross!” – the thief who went astray in his life but now repents, clinging to the crucified Jesus, begs him: “Remember me, when you come into your kingdom” (Lk 23:42). And Jesus promises him: “Today you will be with me in paradise” (v. 43). Jesus speaks only a word of forgiveness, not of condemnation; whenever anyone finds the courage to ask for this forgiveness, the Lord does not let such a petition go unheard. Jesus’ promise to the good thief gives us great hope: it tells us that God’s grace is always greater than the prayer which sought it. The Lord always grants more than what he has been asked: you ask him to remember you, and he brings you into his Kingdom! Let us ask the Lord to remember us, in the certainty that by his mercy we will be able to share his glory in paradise. Amen!” 

Before the end of the homily I was in tears.  I loved the scriptures he discussed and the humility of a sinner asking Jesus to remember him.  That was me.  I always want forgiveness and to be remembered by my Lord.  What Catholic wants to be forgotten by Christ?  As if!

Here I was wanting Jesus to ‘remember ME’, when I was doing my best to ignore and forget my Pope because I hadn’t found a way to understand and love him.  MY faults, not his.  How could I ask to be remembered and forgiven when I was deliberately working to forget Pope Francis was my pope?

I was the guilty thief on the cross being punished for my sin and I knew it.

Then Pope Francis took Saint Peter’s bones into his hands and like the Grinch on Christmas morning my heart broke and began to grow in love.  In that instant I fell in love with my Pope.

Seeing Pope Francis holding the bones of our first Pope and praying recalled all the scriptures I knew of Saint Peter.  Jesus calling Simon son of John as a disciple, Jesus renaming Simon son of John to ‘Rock’/Peter (John 1:42), Peter being quick to act harshly lopping off a man’s ear (John 18:10) to defend his Lord, Peter being given the keys (Matt.16:18) when Jesus tells him that He will build His Church on Peter our first Pope and so many more verses flooded my mind.  Now here was our first Pope, Saint Peter being held in the hands of our current Pope Francis.

That struck me – profoundly.

Saint Peter was not perfect.  His ways were not always the Lord’s ways…as scripture shows us.  But in the end, Peter did all Christ called him to do.  He was a sinner who became a Saint.  He was a fisherman who became a fisher of men.  A simple man who was called to be pope.

Saint Peter taught me to love Pope Francis today.  

I may not always understand Pope Francis’ ways of doing things, any more than some in Saint Peter’s day would have understood his ways, but the one thing I do know is that just as Simon son of John, Saint Peter was chosen by Christ to be the first pope of Christ’s Holy Catholic Church, so was Pope Francis chosen to be our current Pope.  And for that, I love him.

In Christ,

Julie @ Connecticut Catholic Corner

Link: http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-francis-homily-at-year-of-faith-closing-mass

Link: http://www.romereports.com/palio/pope-francis-holds-relics-of-st-peter-during-closing-year-of-faith-mass-english-11686.html

Link: http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/10/15/20886834-not-everyone-loves-pope-francis-conservative-catholics-voice-concern-over-revolutionary-message?lite

EWTN Press Release: Interview with "Exorcist" Author and more...

EWTN: How Welsh Catholics Kept the Faith Despite Centuries of Persecution

Plus a Roundtable on Same-Sex Marriage,
Interview with “Exorcist” Author, & More

Irondale, AL – Faith saves Wales! The first in a three-part miniseries covers centuries of Welsh history, when Wales was alternately persecuted for and prospered because of its Catholic faith. Discover the rich tapestry of Europe’s Catholic History in “Wales—the Golden Thread of Faith!” Airs 6:30 p.m. ET, Monday, June 10—only on EWTN! 

 

Stop the presses! Editor-in-Chief Jeanette DeMelo of “The National Catholic Register” delivers exclusive insight on what it’s like to manage a Catholic newspaper in an extremely secular field. Get the inside scoop when Fr. Mitch Pacwa hosts “EWTN Live” at 8 p.m. ET, Wednesday, June 5—only on EWTN!

 

Don’t let missing this EWTN exclusive interview haunt you!  Lead Anchor Raymond Arroyo interviews legendary screenwriter and author of “The Exorcist” William P. Blatty on why he submitted a cannon law petition questioning the Catholic identity of his alma mater, Georgetown University. Tune in to “The World Over” when it airs LIVE at 8 p.m. E.T. Thursday, June 6 – exclusively on EWTN.

 

Another little birdie just might be helping you discern your vocation! The Holy Spirit gets a helping hand from Fr. Jeffrey Kirby as he explains to “Life on the Rock” Co-hosts Fr. Mark and Doug Barry how he uses Social Media sites like Twitter and Facebook to reach out to those considering the priesthood! You’re sure to “like” this episode of “Life on the Rock,” LIVE at 10 p.m. ET, Thursday June 6—exclusively on EWTN!

 

It’s never too late to answer God’s call! Author Rhonda Chervin presents the unique stories of 14 men who became priests much later in their lives. Join Host Doug Keck for “EWTN Bookmark” at 9:30 a.m. ET, Sunday, June 9—and be sure to pick up “Last Call: Fourteen Men who Dared to Answer” from EWTN Religious Catalogue! (http://bit.ly/12r1Iz4)

 

Spend your “knight” with the roundtable! Host Colin Donovan gathers the EWTN theology team for a discussion concerning the Church’s position on same-sex marriage. Don’t miss your chance to sit with the “Theology Roundtable” at 10 p.m. ET, Sunday, June 09—only on EWTN! 

 

Forgiveness for murderers? After being stabbed multiple times, St. Maria Goretti prayed for the soul of her attempted rapist and murderer while on her deathbed.  See a true example of “Love’s Bravest Choice” at 3 a.m. ET, Friday, June 07—exclusively on EWTN.   

 

Trust in His Most Sacred Heart! Celebrate the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart with the Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word, LIVE at 8 a.m. ET, Friday, June 07—only on EWTN!

 

On your mark! Get set! Pray! Take part in an all-day special event in which 60 different shrines from around the world pray a different mystery of the rosary every half hour. Join the Franciscan Friars of the Eternal World as they pray their mystery as part of the “Global Rosary Relay.” Airs 9:30 a.m. ET,  Friday, June 7—only on EWTN!

 

Are new immigration laws right around the corner? EWTN Lead Anchor Raymond Arroyo finds out when Florida Sen. Marco Rubio joins the show to discuss the status of the new immigration reform bill. Don’t miss “The World Over” LIVE at 8 p.m. ET, Thursday, June 6—exclusively on EWTN!

National Catholic Register Press Release: April 3, 2012

The National Catholic Register Wins Best Catholic Newspaper Award for Two Consecutive Years

Irondale, AL – The National Catholic Register has won the About.com 2012 Readers’ Choice Award for Best Catholic Newspaper for the second year in a row. Now in its fifth year, the About.com Readers’ Choice Awards honor the best products, features and services across more than a dozen categories, ranging from technology to hobbies to parenting and more, as selected by About.com readers. The Register was nominated in five different categories.

“This year’s Readers’ Choice Awards program had a record number of nominations submitted across dozens of categories and featured hundreds of finalists,” said Margot Weiss, managing editor of About.com. “We are thankful to all our readers for their participation and congratulate the National Catholic Register on their success.”

The National Catholic Register has been under the direction of EWTN Global Catholic Network since February, 2011. “Just over a year ago, the Register became an important part of the EWTN family. This award is a great affirmation that the content of the Register continues to meet the needs of the faithful as they grapple with the challenges of our times,” said Michael Warsaw, EWTN’s president and chief executive officer and the publisher of the National Catholic Register.

“All signs are pointing upwards for the Register,” said Dan Burke, executive director of the National Catholic Register. “We continue to beat our monthly subscription goals, which is remarkable for a print publication in this day and age.”

The Register’s mission is to deliver a measure of hope and confidence in every issue and combat the culture’s aggressive disregard for the sanctity of human life, traditional family values and reverence for our faith. “The impact that the Register is able to have on the Church — by informing and inspiring people about the key issues of the day — is a blessing our entire team is proud to be a part of,” said Warsaw. “We pray that God continues to bless our efforts, as we work in faith to be the newspaper of record for the Church in America.”

To view the the Register’s award please visit http://catholicism.about.com/od/Readers-Choice-Awards-2012/ss/2012-About-Catholicism-Readers-Choice-Awards-Winners_7.htm.

About EWTN:
EWTN Global Catholic Network, in its 30th year, is available in more than 200 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.

About the National Catholic Register:
The National Catholic Register (www.NCRegister.com) provides its readers withtimely news reporting from across the United States, the Vatican, and around the world. As the newspaper of record for the Catholic Church in America, the Register and its online presence, NCRegister.com, have become America’s most complete and faithful Catholic news source. It is published bi-weekly, 26 issues per year. To find out more about the Register, go to: NCRegister.com/info/about_the_register To learn more about Register Radio, go to: NCRegister.com/RegisterRadio

National Catholic Register: Update 2/29/12

The National Catholic Register,
America’s Premier Catholic News Source,
Appoints Jeanette De Melo as Editor In Chief

Irondale, AL – Michael P. Warsaw, president and CEO of EWTN, and publisher of the National Catholic Register, announced the appointment of Jeanette De Melo as the Editor In Chief of the National Catholic Register (NCRegister.com).

De Melo previously served as the Archdiocese of Denver’s communications director, spokeswoman and general manager of the Denver Catholic Register, El Pueblo Católico, and the archdiocesan website. Prior to this position, she was the associate communications director for the Archdiocese of New Orleans, where in addition to managing media relations, she co-produced a weekly archdiocesan television program.

As Editor in Chief, De Melo will continue to integrate the Register’s print product with the Web presence and thus aim to strengthen the Register’s mission of offering timely coverage and analysis of news at the intersection of faith and culture. Plans also include enhancing the visual representation and editorial direction of Register products.

“Jeanette’s background in Church communications and media relations will provide a unique perspective to the Register,” said Michael P. Warsaw, EWTN’s president and chief executive officer, and publisher of the National Catholic Register, acquired by EWTN in 2011.
“We currently have a great team in place with the Register and Jeanette will further strengthen our capabilities to offer our readers the most complete coverage of any Catholic newspaper,” said Warsaw.

Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, Archbishop of Philadelphia and EWTN board member, said, “Jeanette combines a deep love for the Church with outstanding professional skills, proven experience and a great grasp of the National Catholic Register's legacy. There's no one better suited to handle this vital kind of leadership.”

Of her appointment to the Register, De Melo commented, “The Register has a legacy of excellent journalism. I’m honored and challenged by the opportunity to join the team and continue that legacy.”

The Register has its origin in Denver, Colo., in the 1920s.

“There is an interesting twist in my joining the Register staff, after close to seven years with the Denver Archdiocese and the Denver Catholic Register. There is a back-to-the-future feeling because the National Catholic Register was born out of the Denver Catholic Register more than 90 years ago. I’m grateful for this little connection but even more grateful for all of the editors, reporters, columnists and sources from all over the country and world who make the Register what it is — the newspaper of record for the Catholic Church in America!”

DeMelo holds a bachelor’s degree in humanities and Catholic culture from Franciscan University of Steubenville in Steubenville, Ohio, and a licentiate degree in Church communications from the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome, Italy. She is a member of the Catholic Press Association (CPA) and was recently invited to join the CPA education committee. She is a founding board member of ENDOW, a national Catholic women’s educational organization.

About EWTN:
EWTN Global Catholic Network, in its 30th year, is available in more than 200 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.

About the National Catholic Register:
The National Catholic Register (www.NCRegister.com) provides its readers with timely news reporting from across the United States, the Vatican, and around the world. As the newspaper of record for the Catholic Church in America, the Register and its online presence, NCRegister.com, have become America’s most complete and faithful Catholic news source. It is published bi-weekly, 26 issues per year. To find out more about the Register, go to: NCRegister.com/info/about_the_register. To learn more about Register Radio, go to: NCRegister.com/RegisterRadio