Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Dear Ones,

How marvelous to be Catholic and to know that the wonders of Christmas do not end in a single day—the Octave of Christmas is this wonderful 8 days that encompass such beautiful days as St Stephen the Martyr, the Feast of the Holy Innocents, and the Feast of the Holy Family—and culminating on the First with our Feast of the Mother of God, Mary Most Holy and the Circumcision of our Lord.

And then of course extends to the 12 Days of Christmas which will culminate on January 6th for The Epiphany of our Lord. And then of course the Christmas season lasts for 40 Days—how wonderful to be Catholic. You should really get into the tradition like I do, I do not mail my Christmas cards till after the 25th and keep on writing them through the whole 40 day Christmas Season. giggles

Please do not miss this wonderful opportunity:
Two Plenary Indulgences are available as follows:
1. Reciting the Te Deum (privately) on December 31.
2. Reciting Veni Creator Spiritus on January 1st.

If you want to share my New Years Eve Celebration plans you can join me at the Monastery of the Infant Jesus of the Discalsed Carmelite Sisters on Flowers Street in Oak Cliff for Midnight Mass--you need to get there by 11:30 to be ready to do the Te Deum before Mass and then end Mass on the morning of the First with the Veni Creator Spiritus--you get your Holy Day of Obligation and the two Plenary Indulgences all in one fell swoop--what a deal--after some prayers of thanksgiving and Adoration, you are off to a good sleep and wake to your Black Eyed Peas for New Years Day Brunch. And of course we will all be keeping up our decorations and creche sets till January 6th--my Wise Men are still Traveling from Afar across the Living Room and Dining Room till that happy day--and I am still listening to my 25+ Christmas CD collection as I sip hot tea or Scotch as the mood requires in front of the the fireplace--ah the fireplace chats.

Those who claim that indulgences are no longer a part of the Church's teachings today are misinformed Indulgences are the enactment of the authority given to Peter and to the Church, which Christ established to extend the mercy of God to the Christian faithful. Temporal punishment due for sins is a Doctrine of the Church as explained in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, nos. 1471 thru 1479., and Code of Canon Law, c. 994.

Te Deum, also sometimes called the Ambrosian Hymn because if its association with St. Ambrose, is a traditional hymn of joy and thanksgiving. First attributed to Sts. Ambrose, Augustine, or Hilary, it is now accredited to Nicetas, Bishop of Remesiana (4th century). It is used at the conclusion of the Office of the Readings for the Liturgy of the Hours on Sundays outside Lent, daily during the Octaves of Christmas and Easter, and on Solemnities and Feast Days. The petitions at the end were added at a later time and are optional. A partial indulgence is granted to the faithful who recite it in thanksgiving and a plenary indulgence is granted if the hymn is recited publicly on the last day of the year.

TE DEUM laudamus: te Dominum confitemur.

O GOD, we praise Thee: we acknowledge Thee to be the Lord.
Te aeternum Patrem omnis terra veneratur.


Everlasting Father, all the earth doth worship Thee.
Tibi omnes Angeli; tibi Caeli et universae Potestates;


To Thee all the Angels, the Heavens and all the Powers,
Tibi Cherubim et Seraphim incessabili voce proclamant:


all the Cherubim and Seraphim, unceasingly proclaim:
Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus, Dominus Deus Sabaoth.


Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of Hosts!
Pleni sunt caeli et terra maiestatis gloriae tuae.


Heaven and earth are full of the Majesty of Thy glory.
Te gloriosus Apostolorum chorus,


The glorious choir of the Apostles,
Te Prophetarum laudabilis numerus,


the wonderful company of Prophets,
Te Martyrum candidatus laudat exercitus.


the white-robed army of Martyrs, praise Thee.
Te per orbem terrarum sancta confitetur Ecclesia,


Holy Church throughout the world doth acknowledge Thee:
Patrem immensae maiestatis:


the Father of infinite Majesty;
Venerandum tuum verum et unicum Filium;


Thy adorable, true and only Son;
Sanctum quoque Paraclitum Spiritum.


and the Holy Spirit, the Comforter.
Tu Rex gloriae, Christe.


O Christ, Thou art the King of glory!
Tu Patris sempiternus es Filius.


Thou art the everlasting Son of the Father.
Tu ad liberandum suscepturus hominem, non horruisti Virginis uterum.


Thou, having taken it upon Thyself to deliver man, didst not disdain the Virgin's womb.
Tu, devicto mortis aculeo, aperuisti credentibus regna caelorum.


Thou overcame the sting of death and hast opened to believers the Kingdom of Heaven.
Tu ad dexteram Dei sedes, in gloria Patris.


Thou sitest at the right hand of God, in the glory of the Father.
Iudex crederis esse venturus.


We believe that Thou shalt come to be our Judge.
Te ergo quaesumus, tuis famulis subveni: quos pretioso sanguine redemisti.


We beseech Thee, therefore, to help Thy servants whom Thou hast redeemed with Thy Precious Blood.
Aeterna fac cum sanctis tuis in gloria numerari.


Make them to be numbered with Thy Saints in everlasting glory.
V. Salvum fac populum tuum, Domine, et benedic hereditati tuae.


V. Save Thy people, O Lord, and bless Thine inheritance!
R. Et rege eos, et extolle illos usque in aeternum.


R. Govern them, and raise them up forever.
V. Per singulos dies benedicimus te.


V. Every day we thank Thee.
R. Et laudamus nomen tuum in saeculum, et in saeculum saeculi.


R. And we praise Thy Name forever, yea, forever and ever.
V. Dignare, Domine, die isto sine peccato nos custodire.


V. O Lord, deign to keep us from sin this day.
R. Miserere nostri, Domine, miserere nostri.


R. Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us.
V. Fiat misericordia tua, Domine, super nos, quemadmodum speravimus in te.


V. Let Thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us, for we have hoped in Thee.
R. In te, Domine, speravi: non confundar in aeternum.

R. O Lord, in Thee I have hoped; let me never be put to shame.


Veni Creator Spiritus is a hymn normally sung in Gregorian Chant and is considered the "most famous of hymns." It was written by Rabanus Maurus in the 9th Century . The hymn is often sung at occasions such as the entrance of Cardinals to the Sistine Chapel to elect a new Pope, as well as the consecration of bishops, the ordination of priests, the dedication of churches, the celebration of synods or councils, the coronation of kings and other solemn events. It means "come Holy Spirit Creator" and commemorates the feast of Pentecost. The hymn was probably first assigned toVespers. Its use at Terce commemorates the descent of the Holy Ghost at the third hour of the day. Below is the original Latin and its English translation:

Latin
English

Veni, Creator Spiritus
mentes tuorum visita
Imple superna gratia
quae tu creasti pectora.
Qui Paraclitus diceris,
Donum Dei Altissimi,
fons vivus, ignis, caritas,
et spiritalis unctio.
Tu septiformis munere,
dextrae Dei tu digitus;
tu rite promissum Patris,
sermone ditans guttura.
Accende lumen sensibus,
infunde amorem cordibus,
infirma nostri corporis,
virtute firmans perpeti.
Hostem repellas longius,
pacemque duces protinus,
ductore sic te praevio,
vitemus omne noxium.
Per te sciamus da Patrem,
noscamus atque Filium,
te utriusque Spiritum
credamus omni tempore.
Sit laus Patri cum Filio,
Sancto simul Paraclito:
nobisque mittat Filius
charisma Sancti Spiritus.
Amen.

Come, Holy Ghost, Creator blest,
and in our souls take up Thy rest;
come with Thy grace and heavenly aid
to fill the hearts which Thou hast made.O comforter, to Thee we cry,
O heavenly gift of God Most High,O fount of life and fire of love,
and sweet anointing from above.
Thou in Thy sevenfold gifts are known;
Thou, finger of God's hand we own;
Thou, promise of the Father, Thou
Who dost the tongue with power imbue.
Kindle our senses from above,and make our hearts o'erflow with love;
with patience firm and virtue high the weakness of our flesh supply.
Far from us drive the foe we dread,and grant us Thy peace instead;
so shall we not, with Thee for guide,turn from the path of life aside.
Oh, may Thy grace on us bestow the Father and the Son to know;
and Thee, through endless times confessed,of both the eternal Spirit blest.
Now to the Father and the Son,
Who rose from death, be glory given,
with Thou, O Holy Comforter,
henceforth by all in earth and heaven.
Amen.



God bless you and yours and the very merriest of Christmas to you and all of yours. I look forward to many more stirring chats by the fire in 2009.

Daniel
Eve of the Feast of Mary Most Holy, Mother of God, and our Mother


If you're confused about the Church's publications of several books on indulgences over the past 200 years, allow me to give a brief teaching:

The new 'Manual of Indulgences' or Enchiridion Indulgentiarum is a hardcover English edition of the 1999 Enchiridion Indulgentiarum published by the Holy See. It replaced the the 'Enchiridion of Indulgences' published by Liberia Editrice Vaticana, Vatican City in l968 and authorized by Pope Paul VI after Vatican II in the Apostolic Constitution on the 'Revision of Indulgences.' However, the Vatican's new l999 Enchiridon Indulgentiarum lists only 33 indulgences, instead of earlier 74, that one may gain. Before the Enchiridion of 1968, there was 'The Raccolta' or original manual of indulgences. 'The Raccolta' was translated into English in l950 from the official l807 edition 'Enchiridion Indulgentarum' issued by the Sacred Penitentiary Apostolic, with the latest revision being done in l898 by the Sacred Congregation of the Indulgences. 'The Raccolta' contains prayers and pious exercises to which indulgences have been attached by the popes; also the decrees granting these indulgences and the conditions necessary for gaining them.

I have both of these indulgence books in my home Catholic library. All of the indulgences in each book have been approved by the Popes of the Church, so they are all still valid and licit to use. I take the Raccolta with me to my Holy Hour. You can get a reprint easily on the Internet.

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

I have my TIVO filled with Christmas movies and they have already brought more than a few tears as I experience the emotions they hold---I called a dear friend, one I always considered "tough as nails" only to find her sobbing over the Christmas Shoes movie. Too sweet, too wonderful--to let our hearts flow with the many emotions our Dear Saviour has Given unto us as children of men, who HE has now made children of the Heavenly Father. I go from the traditional to Johnny Quest, Rocky and Bullwinkle, and the Yogie Bear Christmas....hehehe

This is a sweet email forward--if you have already read it, know that to me it reminds me of you and yours....

Recently I overheard a mother and daughter in their last moments together at the airport. They had announced the departure. Standing near the security gate, they hugged and the mother said, 'I love you and I wish you enough'. The daughter replied, 'Mom, our life together has been more than enough. Your love is all I ever needed. I wish you enough, too, Mom'.

They kissed and the daughter left. The mother walked over to the window where I was seated. Standing there I could see she wanted and needed to cry. I tried not to intrude on her privacy but she welcomed me in by asking, 'Did you ever say good-bye to someone knowing it would be forever?'

'Yes, I have,' I replied. 'Forgive me for asking, but why is this forever good-bye?'

'I am old and she lives so far away. I have challenges ahead and the reality is - the next trip back
will be for my funeral,' she said. 'When you were saying good-bye, I heard you say, 'I wish you enough'. May I ask what that means?

She began to smile. 'That's a wish that has been handed down from other generations. My parents used to
say it to everyone'. She paused a moment and looked up as if trying to remember it in detail and she smiled even more. 'When we said, 'I wish you enough', we want the other person to have a life filled with just enough
good things to sustain them'. Then turning toward me, she shared the following as if she were reciting it from
memory.
I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright no
matter how gray the day may appear.
I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun even
more.
I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive
and everlasting.
I wish you enough pain so that even the smallest of
joys in life may appear bigger.
I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.
I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you
possess.
I wish you enough hellos to get you through the final
good-bye.

She then began to cry and walked away. They say it takes a minute to find a special person,
an hour to appreciate them, a day to love them but then an entire life to forget them.

* Only if you wish send this to the people you will never forget and remember to send it back to the person who sent it to you. If you don't send it to anyone it may mean that you are in such a hurry that you have forgotten your friends.

TAKE TIME TO LIVE.....
To all my friends and loved ones , I WISH YOU ENOUGH.....


This time of year is special in so many ways. I love the 12 hours of darkness, I love coming home to a blazing fire, and a warm pot of tea, with a crystal decanter and glass ready for the bedtime Scotch--just to take the chill off for the night of course. I love the books I keep ready and nestled in every room as I wander as I wander from room to room reading parts of five books at a time. I love working my way through my 25+ CD's filled with Sounds of the Seasons--this year i have added:
A Charlie Brown Christmas (remastered)--favs hearing over and over Christmas is Here, Greensleves, Fur Elise,
Angel Voices-Libera--Silent Night
A Christmas Celebration-Celtic Women--Panis Angelicus
Christmas Memories-Ella Fitzgerald
And of course till I can listen no more--Noel-Josh Groban--Panis Angelicus, Ave Maria, What Child is This?

I am home the next four days and there is a near by mug waiting for you to have a bit of my pot of tea and some shortbread from my ole Irish-Scotch Granny Walker. If you are quick enough a spot of Old Bushmill's Irish Cream, Nucello, or velvety smooth Tequila liquor--but, be fair warned, I can not predict how long they will hold out against the raging North winds of Coppell.

I can assure you that there are plenty of Drunken Raisins and Glogg. You can always bring a fav bottle of your own to share with us---giggles. Or cookies, or fudge, or...we are a household of fend for your self boys---have mercy on us.

I am off to my favorite Costco to close it down at this once a year we close at 5:00PM the only sad sound of the season--and then I am picking up Miss Norma and we are off to a fine steak dinner just the two of us and then to see It is a Wonderful Life in the Theaters at the Angelica at Legacy at 7:30--then I will get her to home in time to make Midnight Mass with all the wonderful sounds, smells, and the Arrival of our lovely Child Jesus in the Manager, in our hearts, in our homes, and in our bellies.

The boys and I sleep in on Christmas Day and then when they are fully roused, I serve them my truly wondrous and made from Scratch---Vanilla pancakes and real Maple Syrup, great bacon and eggs and eggnog and fresh Orange Juice....Andrew will read us the Traditional Gospel Christmas story and we will exchange our gifts and more our stories and laughter before the fire...

Here are a few of my sweet family memories to share with you. I will keep writing my Christmas cards throughout the Christmas Octave, the Twelve Days, and up to the end of the Catholic 40 Days of Christmas---how wonderful that the Church gives us so much times of celebration in our wondrous Church Calendar.

Please, KNOW that you are in my heart so deeply and so fully. YOU as an expression of HIS LOVE the FACE of LOVE have turned my mourning into dancing and turned my sack cloth into JOY. I did not think this was possible, but it is--HE IS.

I would love to hear from you during this wondrous time of peace and Goodwill to men, and on Earth tidings of Glad JOY.

Your friend,

Daniel, Andrew, and Lewis
Christmas Eve 2008 Coppell, Texas

Tuesday, December 09, 2008

Traditional Christmas Pudding
First Sunday of Advent---Stir-Up Sunday also has an earthier meaning: it is the time to stir up the signature Christmas dessert, the pudding (which takes weeks to mature before reaching its peak). The process of making a traditional Christmas pudding has come to abound in allegory and harmless superstition. It should be stirred from East to West, it is said, to commemorate the journey of the Magi; it should have thirteen ingredients in honor of Christ and His Apostles; and every member of the family and guest should stir the pudding while secretly making a wish. Finally, the stirring represents the arousal of our hearts for the Lord’s coming, while the richness of the pudding represents the good things that He brings with Him from Heaven. There is even a little poem to accompany the task:
Stir up, we beseech thee,
The pudding in the pot;
And when we get home
We’ll eat the lot.

Christmas pudding may also include any number of good luck tokens, such as a coin for prosperity, a thimble for luck (or spinsterhood!), and a ring for marriage, with each of these blessings going to the person who finds the relevant object in their share (just make certain to tell everyone to look for it so that no one will choke on their new destiny). The pudding is usually presented to the family at the end of Christmas dinner with great fanfare, such as dousing it with warm brandy and setting it ablaze, where it is then consumed with zest.
1½ lbs. raisins (regular)
1¾ lbs. currants
1 lb. sultanas (golden Raisins)
2 lbs. sugar
2 lbs. bread crumbs
1 oz. cinnamon
6 oz. finely cut citron
grated rind of 2 lemons
1 oz. ground nutmeg
½ oz. ground bitter almonds
2 lbs. finely chopped suet (go to a good Butcher and get some good and fresh Suet please)
16 eggs
¼ pt. brandy, 2 tablespoons dark rum, and 2.5 oz of Stout

1 cup brandy (for the flambé)

Day 1 Chop the raisins but do not grind them. Wash and dry the currants. To the fruits add all the dry ingredients and the suet together, and moisten with the well-beaten eggs and the brandy. Don't forget to tick everything off so as not to leave anything out. This is where it is traditional to gather all the family round, especially the children, and invite everyone to have a really good stir and make a wish. The mixture should have a fairly sloppy consistency – that is, it should fall instantly from the spoon when this is tapped on the side of the bowl. If you think it needs a bit more liquid add a spot more stout. Cover the bowl and leave overnight.
Day 2 Pack the mixture into the lightly greased pudding mold, cover it with a double sheet of silicone paper (baking parchment) and a sheet of foil and tie it securely with string. It's also a good idea to tie a piece of string across the top to make a handle. Place the pudding in a steamer set over a saucepan of simmering water and steam the pudding for 8 hours. Do make sure you keep a regular eye on the water underneath and top it up with boiling water from the kettle from time to time.
When the pudding is steamed let it get quite cold, then remove the steam papers and foil and replace them with some fresh ones, again making a string handle for easier maneuvering. Now your Christmas pudding is all ready for Christmas Day. Keep it in a cool place away from the light. Under the bed in an unheated bedroom is an ideal place.

To re-heat, fill a saucepan quite full with boiling water, put it on the heat and, when it comes back to the boil, place a steamer on top of the pan and turn it down to a gentle simmer. Put the Christmas pudding in the steamer, cover and leave to steam away for 2 hours. You'll need to check the water from time to time and maybe top it up a bit.

To serve, remove the pudding from the steamer and take off the wrapping. Slide a palette knife all round the pudding, then turn it out on to a warmed plate. Place a suitably sized sprig of holly on top. Now warm a ladleful of brandy over direct heat, and as soon as the brandy is hot ask someone to set light to it. Place the ladle, now gently flaming, on top of the pudding – but don't pour it over until you reach the table. When you do, pour it slowly over the pudding, sides and all, and watch it flame to the cheers of the assembled company! When both flames and cheers have died down, serve the pudding with rum sauce, or rum or brandy butter.

Brandy Butter
6 tablespoons of brandy
6 oz of unsalted butter at room temperature
6 oz of dark brown sugar, softened
Use mixer and add the brandy slowly. When the right taste and consistency put in tight container and it will last two weeks in the fridge. Always serve cold.

Warm Rum Sauce
Place 2½ oz of the butter in a saucepan with 2½ oz flour, pour in the milk, then, using a whisk, beat everything vigorously together over a medium heat. As soon as it comes to simmering point and has thickened, turn the heat to its lowest setting, stir in the sugar and let the sauce cook for 10 minutes. Add the rum, the remaining ½ oz butter and 1 tablespoon cream. Pour the hot sauce into a serving picture, cover the surface with plastic wrap and keep warm until served.
3 (or more) tablespoons dark rum
3 oz butter
2½ oz plain flour
1 pint whole milk
2 oz superfine sugar
1 tablespoon heavy cream


This is great fun for the whole family. Let me know if you try it, and how it works out!

Daniel Vinzant
Coppell--old family recipe
Feast of St. Nicholas

Monday, October 27, 2008

VOTE EARLY
If you can vote early- do so. If you can vote in person- do so. If there is a neighbor who needs a ride- offer.

I strongly urge every one of you to make a Novena and pray the Rosary between October 27th and Election Day, November 4th.
Full article below:
[to non-Catholics- A Rosary is a nine day prayer. Please join us for these nine days with the prayer of your choice.]





ONE MINUTE PRAYER WITH USA
The United States of America and our citizens need prayer more than ever! If you would like to participate, each evening at 9:00 PM Eastern Time (8PM Central, 7 PM Mountain, 6 PM Pacific), stop whatever you are doing and spend One minute praying for the safety of the United States, our troops, our citizens, for peace in the world, the upcoming election, that the Bible will remain the basis for the laws governing our land and that Christianity will grow in the U. S.[The call is for one minute during this particular time. This time will be a time when we are unified throughout the USA! We will -of course- be praying at other times as well.]


A CALL FOR A ROSARY NOVENA
Among the most important titles we have in the Catholic Church for the Blessed Virgin Mary are Our Lady of Victory and Our Lady of the Rosary. These titles can be traced back to one of the most decisive times in the history of the world and Christendom. The Battle of Lepanto took place on October 7 (date of feast of Our Lady of Rosary), 1571.

This proved to be the most crucial battle for the Christian forces against the radical Muslim navy of Turkey. Pope Pius V led a procession around St. Peters Square in Vatican City praying the Rosary. He showed true pastoral leadership in recognizing the danger posed to Christendom by the radical Muslim forces, and in using the means necessary to defeat it.

Spiritual battles require spiritual weapons and this more than anything was a battle that had its origins in the spiritual order a true battle between good and evil.

Today we have a similar spiritual battle in progress- a battle between the forces of good and evil, light and darkness, truth and lies, life and death. If we do not soon stop the genocide of abortion in the United States, we shall run the course of all those that prove by their actions that they are enemies of God total collapse, economic, social, and national. The moral demise of a nation results in the ultimate demise of a nation.

God is not a disinterested spectator to the affairs of man. Life begins at conception. This is an unalterable formal teaching of the Catholic Church. If you do not accept this you are a heretic in plain English. A single abortion is homicide. The more than 48,000,000 abortions since Roe v. Wade in the United States constitute genocide by definition.

The group singled out for death -unwanted, unborn children. No other issue, not all other issues taken together, can constitute a proportionate reason for voting for candidates that intend to preserve and defend this holocaust of innocent human life that is abortion.

I strongly urge every one of you to make a Novena and pray the Rosary to Our Lady of Victory between October 27th and Election Day, November 4th.

Pray that Gods will be done and the most innocent and utterly vulnerable of our brothers and sisters will be protected from this barbaric and grossly sinful blight on society that is abortion. No woman, and no man, has the right to choose to murder an innocent human being.

May God grant us the wisdom, knowledge, understanding, and counsel to form our conscience in accordance with authentic Catholic teaching, and then vote that well-formed Catholic conscience.

God Bless You
Fr. John Corapi

A Pastoral Letter from Bishop Martino
http://www.priestsforlife.org/magisterium/bishops/martino-respect-life-sunday-2008.htm

"Abortion is the issue this year and every year in every campaign. Catholics may not turn away from the moral challenge that abortion poses for those who seek to obey God’s commands. They are wrong when they assert that abortion does not concern them, or that it is only one of a multitude of issues of equal importance. No, the taking of innocent human life is so heinous, so horribly evil, and so absolutely opposite to the law of Almighty God that abortion must take precedence over every other issue. I repeat. It is the single most important issue confronting not only Catholics, but the entire electorate."
Most Reverend Joseph F. Martino, D.D., Hist. E.D.
Bishop of Scranton

ONE MINUTE EACH NIGHT

Prayer never hurt anyone only those who are against God This is the scariest election we as Christians have ever faced, and from the looks of the polls, the Christians aren't voting Christian values. We all need to be on our knees. Do you believe we can take God at His word? Call upon His name, then stand back and watch His wonders to behold.

We have never been more desperate than now for God to heal our land. This election is the scariest I remember in my life time.

2 Chronicles 7:14...

'If my people, which are called by my name shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.'

During WWII, there was an advisor to Churchill who organized a group of people who dropped what they were doing every night at a prescribed hour for one minute to collectively pray for the safety of England, its people and peace. This had an amazing effect as bombing stopped.

There is now a group of people organizing the same thing here in America the United States of America and our citizens need prayer more than ever! If you would like to participate, each evening at 9:00 PM Eastern Time (8PM Central, 7 PM Mountain, 6 PM Pacific), stop whatever you are doing and spend One minute praying for the safety of the United States, our troops, our citizens, for peace in the world, the upcoming election, that the Bible will remain the basis for the laws governing our land and that Christianity will grow in the U. S.

If you know anyone who would like to participate, please let everyone know. Someone said if people really understood the full extent of the power we have available through prayer, we might be speechless. Our prayers are the most powerful asset we have. Thank you. Please pass this on to anyone who you think will want to Participate.

THE FEASTOF OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY
THE FEAST OF OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 07, 2008

The feast of Our Lady of the Rosary was instituted by Pope Pius V after the Christian victory over the Turks in 1571 and celebrates the powerful intercession and protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary to those who are devoted to praying the Rosary and meditating on the mysteries of the life of Christ.

In the 1570s Pope Pius V had united the Christian armies against the Turks who were invading Europe from the east, and the outcome was the miraculous victory of the Christian fleet in the battle of Lepanto on October 7, 1571.

The island of Malta was attacked by the Turkish fleet, and nearly every man defending the fortress was killed in battle. The Pope sent out a fleet to meet the enemy, requesting that each man on board pray the Rosary and receive communion.

Meanwhile, he called on all of Europe to recite the Rosary and ordered forty hour devotion in Rome during the time of the battle. The Christian fleet, vastly outnumbered by the Turks, inflicted an impossible defeat on the Turkish navy, demolishing the entire fleet.

In memory of the triumph he declared that day as the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary because of her intercession in answering the mass recitation of the Rosary and obtaining the victory. For this reason he has also been called the Pope of the Rosary. Pope Clement XI, after another important victory over the Turks this time gained by Prince Eugene on August 6, 1716 in Hungary, extended the feast of the Rosary to be celebrated by the Universal Church.

THE HOLOCAUST
Jewish columnist Ben Stein sentiment in the May, 1998 issue of American Spectator magazine:... "[Pro-abortionists] cannot look at their handiwork or the handiwork they defend. Across the country, they shrink from photos of the babies killed in abortions.

Through their mighty political groups, the pro-abortionists compel TV stations to refuse advertisements showing partial birth and other abortion artifacts. They will not even allow viewers (or themselves, I suspect) to see what their policies have wrought. They are, at least to my mind, like the Germans who refused to think about what was happening at Dachau and then vomited when they saw -- and never wanted to see again."

EDWARDO VERASTEGUI FROM BELLA

The following video was produced by Edwardo Verastegui from the movie Bella. It is a very powerful video. It does have some of these pictures that are so hard to look at. My question is, will we keep turning our head and closing our eyes to what is going on? Or will we look- get a big dose of reality- and do something to help end this horrific- modern day Holocaust that is happening right under our noses!

http://www.durarealidad.


NOVENA STARTS TODAY- DAY 1ELECTION NOVENA AND ANOTHER ELECTION PRAYER BELOW.

We must pray!
We cannot afford to think that it does not matter!
We cannot presume that God will's evil to win!
We can’t presume that this must be -since we DO deserve it!
We must run to God's mercy!


Imagine what would have happened if Nineveh thought it was just too late!
Imagine what would have happened if praying and fasting did not fit in their busy schedule!
Imagine if Mordecai had decided not to wear sackcloth and ashes.
Imagine if Mordecai and the Jewish people would not have listened to Esther when she asked them to fast for 3 days and nights!
We must do all we can- and then accept God's will as it happens!

PRAYERS TO OUR LADY OF VICTORY
Solemn Novena Our Lady of Victory ...
The Novena Prayer ...
Salve Regina ...
The Memorare ...
Father Baker's Prayer To Our Lady of Victory ...

Our Lady of Victory
Lord, have mercy on us, Christ, have mercy on us, Christ, hear us, Christ, graciously hear us.
God, the Father of Heaven, Have mercy on us.
God, the Son, Redeemer of the world, Have mercy on us.
God, the Holy Spirit, Have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, One God, Have mercy on us.

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The response for the following greetings is Pray for us.

Our Lady of Victory,
Victorious daughter of the Father,
Victorious Mother of the Son,
Victorious Spouse of the Holy Spirit,
Victorious servant of the Holy Trinity Victorious in your Immaculate Conception,
Victorious in crushing the serpent's head,
Victorious over all the children of Adam,
Victorious over all enemies,
Victorious in your response to the Angel Gabriel,
Victorious in your wedding to St. Joseph,
Victorious in the birth of Christ,
Victorious in the flight to Egypt,
Victorious in your exile,
Victorious in your home at Nazareth,
Victorious in finding Christ in the temple,
Victorious in the mission of your Son,
Victorious in His passion and death,
Victorious in His Resurrection and Ascension,
Victorious in the Coming of the Holy Spirit,
Victorious in your sorrows and joys,
Victorious in your glorious Assumption,
Victorious in the angels who remained faithful,
Victorious in the happiness of the saints,
Victorious in the message of the prophets,
Victorious in the testimony of the patriarchs,
Victorious in the zeal of the apostles,
Victorious in the witness of the evangelists,
Victorious in the wisdom of the doctors,
Victorious in the deeds of the confessors,
Victorious in the triumph of all holy women,
Victorious in the faithfulness of the martyrs,
Victorious in your power full intercession,
Victorious under your many titles,
Victorious at the moment of death,
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, Spare us, Lord.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, Hear us, Lord.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, Have mercy, Lord.
Pray for us, blessed Lady of Victory.
That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

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The Novena Prayer

Let us pray: Our Lady of Victory, we have unshaken confidence in your influence with your Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ. Humbly we ask your intercession for all of us associated under your title, Our Lady of Victory. We beg your powerful assistance also for our own personal needs. (Please mention here your special intention in your own words.) In your maternal kindness please ask Jesus to forgive all our sins and failings, and to secure His blessings for us and for all the works of charity dedicated to your name. We implore you to obtain for us the grace of sharing Christ's victory and your forever in the life that knows no ending. May we join you there to praise forever the Father, His Son, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit, on God, for all the ages to come? Amen.

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Salve Regina (Hail Holy Queen)

Let us pray: Hail Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope. To Thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve? To Thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears? Turn, then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us. And after this, our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of Thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary, Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God: That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

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Let us pray: The Memorare

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to Thy protection, implored Thy help, and sought Thy intercession, was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly unto Thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother. To Thee I come; before Thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate! Despise not my petitions, but in Thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.
All this we ask of The Father in the name of Mary's Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ who lives and reigns with Him and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen.

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Father Baker's Prayer to Our Lady of Victory

let us pray: O Victorious Lady! Thou who has ever such powerful influence with Thy Divine Son, in conquering the hardest of hearts, intercede for those for whom we pray, that their hearts being softened by the rays of Divine Grace, they may return to the unity of the true Faith, through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
THE ROSARY FOLLOWS

From:
http://www.ourladyofvictory.org/FrBaker/prayer.html

An Election Prayer to Mary
O Most Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Mercy, at this most critical time, we entrust the United States of America to your loving care. Most Holy Mother, we beg you to reclaim this land for the glory of your Son. Overwhelmed with the burden of the sins of our nation, we cry to you from the depths of our hearts and seek refuge in your motherly protection. Look down with mercy upon us and touch the hearts of our people. Open our minds to the great worth of human life and to the responsibilities that accompany human freedom. Free us from the falsehoods that lead to the evil of abortion and threaten the sanctity of family life. Grant our country the wisdom to proclaim that God's law is the foundation on which this nation was founded, and that He alone is the True Source of our cherished rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. O Merciful Mother, give us the courage to reject the culture of death and the strength to build a new Culture of Life.

Monday, October 27, 2008
Bishop Robert Herman from St. Louis, Oct. 18, 2008
Bishop Robert J. Herman, the administrator of the Archdiocese of St. Louis, has written a column reminding Catholics that their vote will be a decision weighed on the Day of Judgment. He urged Catholics not to treat the unborn as the neglectful rich man treated Lazarus in the biblical parable.

“Judgment Day is on its way,” the bishop wrote in the St. Louis Review. “We cannot stop it. We don’t know when it will come, but just as surely as the sun rises daily, the Son of Man will come when we least expect.”

“For many, this coming election may very well be judgment day, for this election will measure us,” he continued, referencing Christ’s words of judgment in Matthew 10:32-33:
“Everyone who acknowledges Me before others, I will acknowledge before My heavenly Father. But whoever denies Me before others, I will deny before my heavenly Father.”

Bishop Herman asked the faithful to consider what kind of witness they give to God when they enter the voting booth on Election Day.

“The decision I make in the voting booth will reflect my value system. If I value the good of the economy and my current lifestyle more than I do the right to life itself, then I am in trouble,” the bishop wrote.

He cited Pope John Paul II’s apostolic exhortation Christifideles laici, which said outcry on human rights is “false and illusory” if the right to life is not defended to the maximum.
“The right of our children to be protected from destruction is greater than my right to a thriving economy,” Bishop Herman continued.

“My desire for a good economy cannot justify my voting to remove all current restrictions on abortion. My desire to end the war in Iraq cannot justify my voting to remove all current restrictions on abortion.”

Bishop Herman looked to the spiritual dimension as well. “Those 47 million children our nation destroyed are still living. We have destroyed their bodies, but their souls are still alive. When our Lord comes again, they may very well be there to judge us. Even worse, Jesus tells us that whatever we do to the least of our brethren, we do to Him. We would truly shudder if we heard the words, ‘I was in my mother’s womb but you took my life!’

Monday, October 13, 2008

Dear Ones in Standing Just for the Gospel of Life in this Culture of Death,

Ah, fall weather is here and that means more long emails from your friend. This is a tough one as it is easy to say more rants and raves from an old, rich, white, male—with a perfect and easy life…

Below in the brackets you will find an exchange between three men in my local men’s group who are passionate for their faith and in interacting with each other. One sent out what he thought was a lovely offer from Purina Chow where they were donating $1 to STOPPING Breast Cancer all the while they were educating the public on Breast Cancer.

The next two are snippets of an exchange where the other two brothers share the sad and irrefutable link between SGK and Planned Parenthood--and worse the continual on-going cover-up between these two, both multi-billion dollar "non-profit, charities" that refuse—absolutely refuse to tell the women public that the number one way to safeguard from getting Breast Cancer is to never have an abortion or use birth control pills.

You may want to make Purina Chow aware that you are not pleased with where they are giving their money for Breast Cancer research. You may want to continue to reach out to the staff of SGK--I am sure each and every one of them are very caring women, to encourage them to publish the many, many studies they have funded and then buried when the research proved this very real link between abortion and Breast Cancer.

Please read the report on the link at the end of the brackets. It does quote the very real fact that SGK gave to the Planned Parent facility of North Texas right here in Dallas--right under the Presbyterian Heart Institute on Greenville and Walnut Hill and tucked behind Jason's Deli--$450,000 as the seed money to buy the $5.2mm building which is where Planned Parenthood performs half of all abortions performed in Dallas County--talk about a link. They were served with eviction notices because of our pro-life efforts and SGK "saved the day" for abortions on demand in Dallas for Planned Parenthood---talk about your Legacies.

Is it not amazing that 40 years ago Breast Cancer was an older woman's horror--and in the last 40 years it has become not only our Grandmothers, but our Mothers and our Sisters horror--it has exploded on the scene in the last 40 years--the same period of time that abortion on demand has been given legal and therefore "moral" status in our country. Of course not every woman who receives the horrible news she has Breast Cancer, has had an abortion--but if we knew the easiest way to "insure" you would not get Breast Cancer, is to not have an abortion---should we not tell women that? Planned Parenthood's response is that they will never tell of the link because it is medically irresponsible--Medically irresponsible you ask how? Why, silly, medically irresponsible because it promotes fear--the fear that they may have done something to make them self predisposed to Breast Cancer. Of course this is the same Planned Parenthood who instead of saying you could save yourself from horrible pain and suffering from many diseases by not having sex outside of marriage--found it easier to just change the name--you no longer have a Sexually Transmitted Disease--you now have a Sexually Transmitted Virus--a virus is something you catch, it is not your fault--even though it is the same disease you could never get without having had sex with an infected partner in the first place.


Again, this is info we want to get out to you and hopefully you will get out to your family and friends. Think how many lives it can save.

But most importantly--as pro-life Catholics we are not single issue. The primary goal in this educational piece is to offer love, support, care, and help to women in need. We are not against Breast Cancer research, we are not against stopping Breast Cancer--we hate Breast Cancer and the horrible pain and suffering that comes with this horrible illness. And there are many good organizations out there that do spend all their dollars on the care and cure of Breast Cancer--it amazes me that with a billion plus dollars, the SGK would be choosing to give their money to Planned Parenthood and to studies that keep trying to obscure or dilute the studies that show this very real link. Why are they not putting the billion into helping women in need avoid the horror of abortion--knowing what it could do to them in making them so susceptible to Breast Cancer and even death?

Remember the women-- love, serve, help and care for the hurting women--without judgment. Offer them the loving arms and shoulders to cry on--reminding them as we ourselves have been reminded--there is nothing we have done, no where we have been, or no one we have been with--that the Loving FATHER in HEAVEN is not willing to forgive, but HE stands with ARMS of Love saying Come Home my child, come home...

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< com="" pink="" hqs="donate">
Please pass it along to everyone you know ... Thanks!!
Wed Oct 8, 2008 5:21 am (PDT)
Attached please find the humanist theology of Margaret Sanger - the founder of abortion by design to liberate women, group sex with multiple partners, and birth control pills - all of which Planned Parenthood facilitates, all of which cause breast cancer, all of which funded by Komen Foundation.

Please be aware that the Susan G. Komen foundation is one of Planned Parenthood's' largest contributors. They also refuse to publish the connection between abortion and an increase in the risk of breast cancer.
http://www.lifeissu es.org/AbortionBreastcancer/ komen/fact_ sheet.pdf
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
The next part was actually compiled and written to a local company who is sponsoring SGK in this month of Breast Cancer awareness—it is incredibly well written with great facts and kindness. I was simply able to copy and paste it over into my email so you could use this as wonderful template in contacting many companies as you see their involvement with SGK.

We need to get this important message out to so many—there are simply too many people who believe that Planned Parenthood is a good and caring medical charity.
They in fact are the largest abortion facility in the world—they simply kill more children than any other organization in the entire world and they do so with your hard earned tax monies. SGK has had every opportunity to break the relationship with Planned Parenthood and continues to resist sharing this very important information—this real link and incredibly horrific medical fact, that having an abortion dramatically increases your chances of contracting Breast Cancer. In a world that seems intent on personal choices, does it not make sense to give people the right information so they can truly make the personal choice that may not only save untold emotional damage and the life of their very real baby—but save their very own life too?

To: Dr. Delphinium Customer Service,
I have retained and recommended Dr. Delphinium's services for many years for gifts to friends and colleagues. Their creative artistry is beyond compare and service unquestionably reliable. I am sorry to say that I will no longer be able to use or recommend Dr. Delphinium's services in the future because of the advertised support for Susan G. Komen. Please respectfully reconsider support for Susan G. Komen Foundation and Race for the Cure (see information below).
Please remove me from your email list or any future emails.
Thank you.
Sincerely,

1) Susan G. Komen gives large amounts of money to Planned Parenthood which is Interesting because the two most avoidable causes of breast cancer are elective abortion and estrogen birth control medication. (Research sited below) Planned Parenthood provides both of these services/medications to their clients. Susan G. Komen does not and will not warn women that abortions increase the risk of breast cancer.

2) Susan G. Komen has been secretive, i.e. does not openly advertise their financial/donor relationship with Planned Parenthood to the public and removed those links on their websites; which raises further question about the ethics of this organization.
3) It has already been proven from 29 out of 38 studies Abortion has a link to Breast Cancer. Thirty years ago Breast Cancer was known ONLY as a Older Woman's Disease. With the introduction of the predominant use of contraception & abortion in the late 60's and early 70's, Breast Cancer suddenly also became a Younger Woman's Disease.

Links to research/ studies:
_____________________________

ABC Summary http://www.abortionbreastcancer.com/abc_summary.htm
ABC Research http://www.abortionbreastcancer.com/ABC_Research.htm
---------------------------------------------------
Texas Passes Law Warning Women of Possible Breast Cancer Risk Prior to Abortion: http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2003/may/03052303.html

related...
http://www.abortionbreastcancer.com/
http://www.cwfa.org/articles/3661/CWA/life/

More info:
TABLE OF CONTENTS

The Coalition's History
Abortion - A Preventable Risk Factor
Two Ways That Abortion Raises Breast Cancer Risk
1) Delayed First Term Pregnancy, Childlessness, Fewer Births, Decreased Breastfeeding
• The Strongest Protective Factor
• Increased Childbearing and Breastfeeding
2) The Independent Link
• Biological Evidence
• Estrogen - "The Smoking Gun"
• Biological Explanation for the Link
Epidemiological Research
• World's Only Comprehensive Review and Meta-Analysis
• Number of Additional Breast Cancer Cases
• Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
• Janet Daling, et al. 1994
• The 1997 and 1999 Melbye Studies
• Expert Testimony From the Center For Reproductive Law and Policy
The National Cancer Institute
Medical Authorities Acknowledge Link Privately, Not Publicly
Women's Right to Sue
Significance of the Risk
A Health Care Time Bomb
World's First Known Abortion-Breast Cancer Settlement
A Woman's Right to Know
__________________


I have held the hands of too many good women who have left their families and loved ones far too early as a result of this horrendous disease. I long as you all do to see cancer conquered, eradicated, and extinct. Many of my personal heroes are those who have bravely and silently suffered and survived these hard battles with cancer. And my heart has been rent too many times saying Goodbye to those who did not win the fight in this life, but who bravely fought the good fight as long as their body would let them, for just one more day with the ones they loved in this life. I have cried over so many. I love women, all women. And I must continue to raise a cry even though often misunderstood on this issue—whatever you think of these two, Planned Parenthood and Susan G. Komen—you must as people of good will admit and realize they must stop the lies, deceit, and abuse of women by withholding this very real life-saving information from each and every woman. Do not have an abortion and increase your chance of living a life without the horror of Breast Cancer. My heart aches for the woman who in reading this realizes what she might face in the future because of a private and painful decision she made in the past without the medical facts like this that may have helped her avoid that past regret. Talk to your Doctor, research these studies and links and inform yourselves with the facts of diet and exercise that may help give you an edge away from these statistics—hope and pray. The information we are trying to arm women with for their future choices should not be meant to be an irreversible judgment on you because of your past. I HOPE and pray every day to a real and loving God of Mercy over many of the Regrets of my past. I pray for mercy. But, now knowing this information should there not be an outcry to SGK and to Planned Parenthood that they put their billions to real research to find a Cure and to tell the truth about the very real ways that a woman can practically avoid Breast Cancer now by not having an abortion?
For Life—the preborn, the babies in the womb, the children, all women (who I love), the men, the young, the old, the infirm, those dying of illness and disease, those fighting the illnesses that plague mankind, the poor, the illegal, the immigrant, the solider on any side, the victims of war, those who rule the political systems, the disenfranchised, the unbeliever, those without hope, the displaced, those discriminated against—from conception, to birth, to death—and all the many issues that plague mankind and need us to step up and offer help—Stand and do what you can in the land of the living.
Daniel
Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary…Pray for us now and at the hour of our death, Amen.
What a great day to be a Catholic in America--thank you Nancy Polosi. How wonderful for you to take on the Catholic Church and Her doctrines--you broke a Wall of Silence and forced the Bishops of America to do the right thing and stand up and be Bishops--thanks be to God.

To date--October 13, 2008-- Sixty-two bishops have come out with powerful statements clarifying how Catholics should vote morally in the election Our wonderful local Joint Statement by Bishops Farrell (Dallas)and Vann (Fort Worth) along with that of Archbishop Gomez of San Antonio have been very encouraging here in Texas.

The following is a list of those bishops who have made public statements about Catholics in politics in this election. Regarding those bishops not on the list, it should be mentioned that the joint statement by Justin Cardinal Rigali, chair of the USCCB's Committee on Pro-Life Activities, and Bishop William Lori, Chair of the Committee on Doctrine, carries the unified voice of all the bishops. This list is from InsideCatholic.com, Will the Church Split Along Red and Blue Lines?
http://insidecatholic.com/Joomla/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4663&Itemid=100

1. Archbishop Charles Chaput of Denver
2. Bishop James Conley, auxiliary of Denver
3. Archbishop Donald Wuerl of Washington, D.C.
4. Justin Cardinal Rigali of Philadelphia, chairman of the Committee on Pro-Life Activities
5. Bishop William Lori of Bridgeport, chairman of the Committee on Doctrine
6. Edward Cardinal Egan of New York
7. Bishop Samuel Aquila of Fargo
8. Bishop David Zubik of Pittsburgh
9. Bishop Michael Sheridan of Colorado Springs
10. Archbishop Jose Gomez of San Antonio
11. Bishop Oscar Cantu, auxiliary of San Antonio
12. Bishop William Murphy of Rockville
13. Bishop Edward Slattery of Tulsa
14. Bishop Kevin Farrell of Dallas
15. Bishop Gregory Aymond of Austin
16. Sean Cardinal O'Malley of Boston
17. Bishop Thomas Wenski of Orlando
18. Archbishop John Nienstedt of Saint Paul/Minneapolis
19. Francis Cardinal George of Chicago, President of the USCCB
20. Bishop Robert Vasa of Baker
21. Bishop Jerome Listecki of La Crosse
22. Bishop Richard Lennon of Cleveland
23. Bishop Ralph Nickless of Sioux City
24. Archbishop George Niederauer of San Francisco
25. Bishop Glen Provost of Lake Charles, LA
26. Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio of Brooklyn
27. Bishop Joseph F. Martino of Scranton
28. Archbishop Raymond Burke, Prefect of the Apostolic Signatura
30. Bishop Peter J. Jugis, Bishop of Charlotte
31. Bishop Michael F. Burbidge, Bishop of Raleigh
32. Archbishop Joseph Naumann, Archbishop of Kansas City, KS
33. Bishop Robert Finn, Bishop of Kansas City-St. Joseph, MI
34. Bishop Robert C. Morlino, Bishop of Madison, WS
35. Bishop Ronald Gilmore, Bishop of Dodge City, KS
36. Bishop Paul Coakley, Bishop of Salina, KS
37. Bishop Michael Jackels, Bishop of Wichita
38. Bishop Gerald M. Barbarito, Bishop of Palm Beach
39. Bishop Kevin J. Farrell, Bishop of Dallas
40. Bishop Kevin W. Vann, Bishop of Fort Worth
41. Joint Statement by the bishops of New York State (22 bishops)

Hold Control down and click on the blue line and it will take you to each Bishop's website. Please spread these wonderful statements of LIFE far and wide.

Thank you all for all you do to Stand Just for the Gospel of Life in the midst of this culture of death,

Daniel

Friday, September 05, 2008

No excuses, you have to at least TRY the following:

Begin by standing on a comfortable surface, where you
have plenty of room at each side.

With a 5-lb potato sack in each hand, extend your arms
straight out from your sides. And hold them there as long as you can. Try to reach a
full minute, and then relax.

Each day you'll find that you can hold this position
for just a bit longer. ----------------- After a couple of weeks, move up to 10-lb potato sacks.

Now, keep moving up the ranks of sizes of bags.
Then try the 50-lb. Potato sacks and then eventually try to get to where you can lift a 100-lb potato sack in each hand and hold your arms straight for more than a full minute. (I'm at this
level.) :)

I know can you believe it--after all these years of finding a program that will work for me--I can not wait to tell my Internist when I have my physical at the end of the month--he will be so proud--I am actually up to 6 days a week on this program and I am telling you, that you can do this too. Believe me--it is life changing.

After you feel confident at that level, put a potato in each of the sacks. That is what I am going to go for tomorrow. Let me know how this program works for you.

Well, dear ones--perhaps your physical exercise is going better than mine--pray for me, now and at the hour of my death--please-PRAY your HOPE bead for me and the whole Vinzant family.
But, today is the First Friday and Our Dear Sweet Jesus--the FACE of LOVE has made PROMISES--He wants to pour out HIS LOVE on us and today is a day of many Graces. Find one of the many places to spend special time with the Lover of our Souls today this day:
"Oh, Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in You, be Thou my only HOPE, fearing all in my weakness, hoping all in Thy Goodness, be Thou my constant stay and protection against all evil and desires of wickedness...Prone to Wander, Lord I feel it--prone to leave the God, I love--here is my heart, O take and seal it, seal it for Thy Courts above--Come Thou Fount of every Blessing, tune my heart to sing Thy praise, steams of Mercy, Never ceasing, Calls for songs of Loudest Praise..."

Praying for you and yours,

Daniel
In the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Montezuma's Abortion Revenge

Men like Pancho Villa and Emiliano Zapata may be remembered as some of the worst criminals of Mexican history, but yesterday's vote of the Mexican Supreme Court will make Villa's and Zapata's killings seem like so much child's play. Reminiscent of the US Supreme Court decision in 1973, eight (out of eleven) Supreme Court justices of Mexico legalized abortion yesterday, August 27th, and consigned themselves to the annals of history as the worst of their country's killers. They gave Mexico the disreputable distinction of being the first country in Latin America to legalize abortion on demand, and in fact, if the likely "domino effect" of abortion legalization in the Hispanic world follows, they will be guilty of the innocent blood of a whole continent.

Criminals are apparently not bound by logic or popular convention. Despite recent surveys of millions of Mexicans indicating that at least 65% of the people were totally against the legalization of abortion, the Supreme Court just simply ignored them - which is another way of saying that democracy is essentially meaningless in Mexico. And, despite the specific wording in the Mexican Constitution that enumerates a right to life "from the moment of fertilization," something the US Constitution could only dream of, the eight enlightened gods of law sitting on their lofty thrones simply declared that right null and void - which is another way of saying that the rule of law is meaningless in Mexico too.

These eight justices have now, arbitrarily and inhumanely, unleashed a plague of killing that will destroy the Mexican family, the already-plummeting fertility rate and the degrading morals of Mexico's youth. The Mexican bishops said it correctly in their televised ads prior to the killer decision that "when a society opens up a debate on abortion, what they are doing, in effect, is debating the very future of a nation." Yes indeed; and not only the future of Mexico, but of the whole Hispanic world.

I have continuously tied the business of abortion to the satanic work of child sacrifice which has tried to rear its ugly head in every age since biblical times. Abortion is a demonic industry, and every society that opens its doors to the killing of its infants becomes slowly possessed by these demons whose thirst for innocent blood will never, ever, be sated. Mexico was at one time home of the devilish Aztec religion which practiced bloody human sacrifice until Hernando Cortes and his troops defeated the Emperor Montezuma in the 16th Century thus preparing the way for the total Catholic evangelization of that land by Our Lady of Guadalupe. Yet, demons don't live in time. They live in the sinfulness of the human heart, and they have been given a new birth in Mexico once again.

I have no doubt that the recent appearance and immense popularity of the so-called "Santa Muerte" ("holy death") occult practice in Mexico, whose symbol is the Grim Reaper, has presaged the appearance of the demon of human sacrifice once again. This ancient demon that once ruled Mexican society only needed a few servants on the Supreme Court to ritualize human sacrifice once again - this time in the guise of abortion on demand. And they have already begun to reconstruct the new pagan pyramids of Mexico - in the hospitals and abortion mills where blood sacrifice is being offered as we speak.

In light of this catastrophic defeat for life, I can only repeat the Lord's stinging rebuke of the black-robed leaders of His day who were responsible for the death of the Innocent One: Woe to the eight servants of Montezuma's abortion revenge - their souls are in danger of a worse death than they inflict on those innocent children. We must pray for their eternal salvation. And I must add: Woe to everyone who remains silent while this demon satisfies his blood lust on innocent children anywhere in the world.

Sincerely Yours in Christ,


Rev. Thomas J. Euteneuer,
President, Human Life International

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Dear Ones in Standing Just,

I love August 15--The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God and our Mother--this is always like a New Years Day for me--this is our 10th Anniversary into the Church--The Vinzant family on the 15th, Norma McCorvey on the 17th, and Jessie Anne earlier on Easter Vigil. And the boys and I are late in celebrating Andrew's birthday this week as he had his wisdom teeth out last Friday and has been on soft food all week-----------so we are going to hold a table at Ed's New York Deli at 635 and Preston from 5:30--7:30 and visit with anyone who has absolutely nothing better to do on a Friday night and a Holy Day then come bum around with the Vinzant boys.

So, if you would like to come by and laugh with us over God's goodness to sustain us these years of our life as Catholics and all our lives. When we came into the Church a wise priest said--"you should plug into the Dallas Catholic Community--it has so many connections to Life to offer you and your sons..." We started doing that with Miss Norma's grand bash on the 17th and made our final move up in 2000---little did we know that your love would sustain us so deeply in our Valley of Tears---thank you dear friends of the Dallas diocese for taking us into your hearts, and you dear ones in other places who hold us in your daily prayers.

Those of you who have given us your HOPE beads--thanks are never enough--eternal friends--thanks from all my heart and you remain in my feeble prayers.

love,
Daniel, Andrew, and Lewis
214-566-2298
Feast of the Assumption, 2008



The following is one of the many encouraging emails I get from very serious, praying friends who have been sustaining prayer warriors for me and my family for years.

Scott sends me encouraging words to live on regularly--below his personal remarks to me is a wonderfully written appeal for the pre-born by his co-worker, Ray that he sent out to many influential friends who happen to be in politics and are pro-choice. This is a worthy article to be shared with many particularly before they cast their votes.

God bless all you and yours do for the Gospel of Life in the midst of this Culture of Death,

Daniel

I can't say how much I love my brother Ray, especially this day. There were important people on that list that will be shocked at that message (coming from Ray), including a state rep and a U.S. Rep, both of whom are pro-choice.
And I can't say how much love I feel for you knowing the hurt that goes with the work you are doing for your brothers in Christ. It reminds me of my quote of the day from Mother Teresa, "I have found the paradox that if you love until it hurts, there can be no more hurt, only more love."
You entered the church on the feast of the Assumption. Your mother in heaven has a special place in her heart for you!
If you guys have a prayer wheel, I know a good group of men who would want to pray during those hours. Let me know, and I will broadcast it. You will have men from the Valley, San Antonio, Houston, Laredo, Eagle Pass, Cotulla and beyond praying for you and the retreatants.


From: daniel waco [mailto:danielwaco@yahoo.com]
Sent: Wednesday, August 13, 2008 9:57 AM
To: Scott Walsh
Subject: Re: Important Teachings from Early Church Fathers

Hi Scott,

This is good--I too will forward to my list--very good.

The Acts retreat here is winding--It is August 21-24.

This is our 10 year anniversary into the Church on the 15th and Jan's Dad moved her out of our home on the 28th of August 1999, while the boys and I were at this very retreat center---so many memories of my own to sort through during my Adoration times as I pray for the retreatents--I believe they have 30 now.

----- Original Message ----
From: Scott Walsh
Sent: Wednesday, August 13, 2008 9:27:21 AM
Subject: FW: Important Teachings from Early Church Fathers

Subject: Important Teachings from Early Church Fathers

I hope you will forgive this intrusion into a very sensitive subject, but this email was prompted by a reading I came across this morning in the Liturgy for the Hours.


Often, Catholics and other Christians who are pro-choice believe that abortion is a relatively new procedure, not something Jesus and his apostles had to deal with during their time. When challenged by pro-choice advocates, we are unable to find the word “abortion” mentioned in the Bible.


However, abortion is not new. Abortions were, sadly, fairly common under Roman Law (not surprising, considering all the Roman orgies). Although the Bible does not use the word “abortion”, there are many passages which are interpreted as prohibiting abortion. Those interested in this issue are already familiar with the arguments, as there are many articles and writings which amply use Scripture to support the pro-life position.


Fewer people are aware that there are writings from the early Church fathers, those who are eyewitnesses to the birth of Christianity, which expressly and explicitly condemn abortion. One of those writings is The Didache: The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles, a writing often quoted near the close of the first century of the Christian era. Chapter 2 of The Didache says, “Thou shall not commit murder, thou shall not commit adultery, thou shall not commit paederasty (means sexual acts between two males, particularly between an adult male and a young boy), thou shall not commit fornication, thou shall not steal, thou shall not practice magic, thou shall not practice witchcraft, thou shall not murder a child by abortion nor kill that which is begotten, thou shall not covet the things of thy neighbor…” Thus, during the time of Jesus and his apostles, the practice of abortion was considered to be murder.


In addition to the Didache, this morning I came across another writing by one of our early Church fathers which expressly condemns abortion. In today’s Office of Readings (Second Reading, Wednesday, Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time), a writing attributed to Barnabas says, “Do not kill an unborn child through abortion, nor destroy it after birth.” Barnabas had a high position in the early Church, including the rank of an Apostle, and spent much of his time ministering side by side with St. Paul .


I’m not real sure what compelled me to send this email, except that I was one of those Catholics I describe above. Until recently, I held the John Kerry view on abortion: “Personally, I am opposed to abortion, but to each their own.” About five years ago, I started an in depth study of our faith, including a study of the early Church. When I came across the Didache, I was taken aback when I learned the practice of abortion was considered murder by those who personally knew Jesus and by those who were the first leaders of Christianity. It caused me to change my view. I came to realize that my John Kerry position was no more tenable than saying “Personally, I am opposed to murder and stealing, but to each their own.”


Sorry American Catholics, the cafeteria is closed.


Ray


Raymond L. Thomas Kittleman Thomas & Gonzales, LLP (956) 686-8797 Fax (956) 630-5199


Friday, August 01, 2008

If you do not read anything else I write all year—Read this NOW-Please--


August 1, 2008

PORTIUNCULA INDULGENCE

The Portiuncula indulgence, which we can gain every year on the first Sunday of August, we owe to the prayer of St. Francis of Assisi. Portiuncula or Portiuncula (in Latin) simply means small portion in Italian and refers to the wonderful Little Church of the Benedictines right outside of Assisi, Italy.
During the time of St. Francis it had fallen into terrible disuse and it was here while prostate before the Crucifix that Francis first heard the voice of his Beloved—“Build my Church, stone by stone, build it Stronger…” It was here that Francis first had his first of many experiences with Christ and Our Lady. It was here he received his first followers, were he received the Lady Clare as his first spiritual daughter and founder of the Poor Clares, were he received his wounds adoring Christ in the San Damiano Cross, and here where he died still ever before Our Lord.
The Benedictines wanted to give Francis the church but in order to remain faithful to Lady Poverty, Francis rented it from them with the annual compensation of a basket of fish from the Tescio river. Of all the many beautiful devotions that he gave to us or helped restore to the Church—his commendation of this place to his brothers was paramount.

During the night in July, 1216, Francis was praying in the little church of the Portiuncula devoured by love for God and a thirst to save souls. He prayed for the forgiveness of sins of mankind. Suddenly a brilliant light shone all around. In great splendor Jesus and Mary appeared in the midst of a dazzling cloud surrounded by a multitude of radiant angels. Out of fear and reverence, St. Francis adored Our Lord prostrate upon the ground. Then Jesus said to him: “Francis you are very zealous for the good of souls. Ask me what you want for their salvation.” St. Francis was rapt in ecstasy before Jesus.

When he regained his courage he said:"Lord, I a miserable sinner beg You to concede an indulgence to all those who enter this church, who are truly contrite and have confessed their sins. And I beg Blessed Mary, your Mother, intercessor of man that she intercedes on behalf of this grace." Our Lady at once began to beseech her son on behalf of Francis.”

"It is a very great thing that which you ask Me; but you are worthy of even greater things, Friar Francis, and greater things you will have. So I accept your request, but I want you to go to my Vicar, to whom I have given the power to bind and loose in Heaven and on earth, to ask him on my behalf for this indulgence."

With one of his companions, Francis hastened to Pope Honorius III and prostrate implored him to proclaim that every one visiting the church and confessing their sins with a contrite heart would be as pure from all sin and punishments as he was immediately after baptism. Honorius was astonished at this strange petition, and hesitated to grant it. But Francis said: "What I ask, I do not ask of myself; our Lord Jesus Christ sends me to you and commands me to make this request." The Pope having been convinced of the truth of his speech granted his petition and ordered that the little church should be solemnly consecrated and the indulgence proclaimed for the second day of August.
From that time pilgrims from all parts of the world flocked to the Portiuncula church in order to gain the indulgence, and numberless were the conversions which occurred at that shrine of grace. In order to make this indulgence more accessible to the faithful, the Popes subsequently extended it to all the churches of the Franciscans. Afterwards it was extended to all parish churches, and the first Sunday of August was appointed as the day for gaining it.

The date was set from vespers of the first of August until sundown on the second of August, the Feast of Our Lady of the Angels. It is said that St. Francis was given this day by Our Lord because the Feast of the Chains of St. Peter celebrated on August first is the day Peter was released from prison and his chains removed. This is an extraordinary demonstration of God’s mercy in removing the chains of sin from those who devoutly and faithfully seek to gain the indulgence by completing its requirements.

The conditions to obtain the Plenary Indulgence of the Forgiveness of Assisi is (for oneself or for a departed soul) as follows:
-- Sacramental Confession to be in God’s grace (during eight days before or after.)
-- Participation in the Holy Mass and Eucharist
-- Recitation of The Apostles Creed, Our Father and a prayer for the Pope’s Intention.

The Portiuncula Indulgence is a grace not to miss not only for yourself but for the many suffering souls in Purgatory.

Mark your calendar for the Feast of Our Lady of the Angels beginning on the First of August to August 2. Tell everyone of the magnitude of this gift. Once again, we see the unfathomable Divine Mercy of God. In the words of St. Francis: O my Brothers and Sisters, I want you all to go to Heaven!

“The Catholic faithful may gain a plenary indulgence on 2 August (the Portiuncula) or on such other day as designated by the local ordinary for the advantage of the faithful, under the usual conditions (sacramental Confession, Holy Communion, and prayer for the intentions of the Supreme Pontiff), by devoutly visiting the parish church, and there reciting at least the Lord's Prayer and the Creed. The Indulgence applies to the cathedral church of the diocese, and to the co-cathedral church (if there is one), even if they are not parochial, and also to quasi-parochial churches. To gain this, as any plenary indulgence, the faithful must be free from any attachment to sin, even venial sin. Where this entire detachment is wanting, the indulgence is partial.”

The Portiuncula indulgence is the first plenary indulgence that was ever granted in the Church. There were indeed indulgences at all times, but they were only partial, and only a partial remission of the temporal punishments could be obtained by them. But, as already remarked, he who gains the Portiuncula indulgence is freed from all temporal punishments and becomes as pure as after holy baptism. This was also the reason why Pope Honorius was astonished when St. Francis petitioned for the confirmation of this indulgence, for such an indulgence, up to that time, had been entirely unknown. It was only after he had come to the conviction that Jesus Christ himself wished it, that he granted the petition of the saint and confirmed the indulgence.

This indulgence is granted for all time to come, i. e., until the consummation of the world. In the primitive ages of Christianity it was not customary to grant indulgences for ever, they could be gained only during a certain period. It was with them as it is with our jubilee indulgences, which are limited to a certain time, and which, after the lapse of that space of time, cannot be gained. When St. Francis preached in the Portiuncula church in the presence of several bishops, and solemnly announced to the assembled people the indulgence granted by Christ and confirmed by his vicar on earth, the Pope, and added that this indulgence could be gained on the second day of August for all time to come, the bishops were shocked at this addition and would have it only for ten years. They therefore raised their voice and were going to say, only for ten years, but miraculously guided by God, they unanimously cried out, for all time to come! The Portiuncula, indulgence, which has already continued for more than six hundred years, will continue till the end of the world, and even shortly before the coming of Christ to judgment this indulgence could still be gained.

Finally, what distinguishes the Portiuncula, indulgence especially from all others is, that on the day on which it is granted, it can be gained not only once, but oftener. You can gain other indulgences only once on the same day, but the Portiuncula indulgence you can gain on the first Sunday of August, and that, too, as often as on that day you visit a church of the Franciscans, or the parish church, and there pray for some time according to the intention of the Holy Father. The Congregation of the Council has twice so decided, on the 17th of July, 1700, and again on the 4th of December, 1723. In fact, when doubts were submitted to the Sacred Congregation of Indulgences as to whether the faithful who visit a church of the Franciscans on the second Sunday of August can obtain the indulgence as often as the visit is repeated, the answer was in the affirmative, February 22nd, 1847, and it was declared at the same time that it is not necessary to receive Communion in any of the churches of the Franciscans. Pope Pius IX. confirmed these decisions by a decree of the same Congregation, dated July 12th, 1849.

It is indeed true that on one day we can gain a plenary indulgence for ourselves only once, but this does not interfere with the doctrine that the Portiuncula indulgence can be gained more than once on the same day, for we may apply it to the souls in purgatory, if we gain it the second and the third time, etc.

The Portiuncula indulgence then is a great grace of which we should avail ourselves every year. Try to gain it. See above all, that you make a humble, contrite and sincere confession, for a good confession is the first and most necessary requisite for the forgiveness of sins and the gaining of the indulgence.

Receive Holy Communion with the most profound humility and adoration.

Say the prayers for an indulgence with devotion and sentiments of repentance, according to the intention of the Holy Father, and relying on the merits of Jesus Christ, on the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Francis, and the other saints, beseech God with confidence to impart to you the indulgence and to deliver you from all temporal punishments.

Promise to be thankful to him for this grace all the days of your life by carefully keeping your conscience free from even small faults.

Visit the church several times and after repeating the prayers for an indulgence apply it to the poor souls that they may partake of the grace thereof. Thus the Portiuncula indulgence will be to you a key with which you will open heaven, both for yourselves and for many poor souls. Amen.

You and yours remain in my heart and in my prayers as we enter this lovely month of August.

Daniel