Like many other citizens of this nation, I was shocked to learn that the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the United States of America would make the kind of statements that were made to Mr. Tom Brokaw of NBC-TV on Sunday, August 24, 2008. What the Speaker had to say about theologians and their positions regarding abortion was not only misinformed; it was also, and especially, utterly incredible in this day and age.

We are blessed in the 21st century with crystal-clear photographs and action films of the living realities within their pregnant mothers. No one with the slightest measure of integrity or honor could fail to know what these marvelous beings manifestly, clearly, and obviously are, as they smile and wave into the world outside the womb. In simplest terms, they are human beings with an inalienable right to live, a right that the Speaker of the House of Representatives is bound to defend at all costs for the most basic of ethical reasons. They are not parts of their mothers, and what they are depends not at all upon the opinions of theologians of any faith. Anyone who dares to defend that they may be legitimately killed because another human being "chooses" to do so or for any other equally ridiculous reason should not be providing leadership in a civilized democracy worthy of the name.

Edward Cardinal Egan
Archbishop of New York
August 26, 2008

BROKAW: Senator Obama saying the question of when life begins is above his pay grade, whether you're looking at it scientifically or theologically. If he were to come to you and say, "Help me out here, Madame Speaker. When does life begin?" what would you tell him?

PELOSI: I would say that as an ardent, practicing Catholic, this is an issue that I have studied for a long time. And what I know is, over the centuries, the doctors of the church have not been able to make that definition. And Senator-St. Augustine said at three months. We don't know. The point is, is that it shouldn't have an impact on the woman's right to choose. Roe v. Wade talks about very clear definitions of when the child-first trimester, certain considerations; second trimester; not so third trimester. There's very clear distinctions. This isn't about abortion on demand, it's about a careful, careful consideration of all factors and-to-that a woman has to make with her doctor and her god. And so I don't think anybody can tell you when life begins, human life begins. As I say, the Catholic Church for centuries has been discussing this, and there are those who've decided...

BROKAW: The Catholic Church at the moment feels very strongly that it...

PELOSI: I understand that.

BROKAW: ...begins at the point of conception.

PELOSI: I understand. And this is like maybe 50 years or something like that. So again, over the history of the church, this is an issue of controversy. But it is, it is also true that God has given us, each of us, a free will and a responsibility to answer for our actions. And we want abortions to be safe, rare, and reduce the number of abortions. That's why we have this fight in Congress over contraception. My Republican colleagues do not support contraception. If you want to reduce the number of abortions, and we all do, we must-it would behoove you to support family planning and, and contraception, you would think. But that is not the case. So we have to take-you know, we have to handle this as respectfully-this is sacred ground. We have to handle it very respectfully and not politicize it, as it has been-and I'm not saying Rick Warren did, because I don't think he did, but others will try to.

Read the full transcript here: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26377338/page/3

Hello? Did she say, "As an ardent, practicing Catholic..."
Yeah.
And as a militant vegan, my steak lunch needs a bit more A1 sauce.

THE NUN
Get an inside look at a religious vocation taking shape in the rich environment of European Catholic family life in this unique documentary look at a Swedish Catholic family and their daughter Marta who has decided to become a Carmelite Nun. (1 hr)
Sat 8/23/08 8:00 PM ET & 5 PM Pt
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Sometime I am able to take a deep breath and offer up the inconvenience to Our Lord but too often, I get aggravated and upset. I remember one time I was sharing this with a priest in confession and I'll never forget his response, "What makes you so special that you think you shouldn't have inconveniences in your life?" He was very kind and sincere in how he said it, but the question delivered the swift kick in the rear I needed. Oh yeah, I guess that little pride thing has been getting in the way again.

So I've been trying to see all the little crosses in daily life as my opportunity to practice humility and self-surrender. Sometimes it's a hit and sometimes it's a miss but I'm working on it. (Ah, Andrew just tipped over the trash can onto the floor. I didn't know I was going to have to practice quite so soon! Later.)

If you're Bobbi, you answer the Friday Fill-ins.

1. Dancing to the songs of New Order while housecleaning makes me happy to do the chore.

2. The last time I tried a new recipe I nearly burnt it.

3. When I drive I am usually running late.

4. I saw Andrew standing on top of Bella's play chair.

5. Give me a cold, rainy night, give me a good mystery movie, give me my Sweetie to snuggle with.

6. Next week I am looking forward to my parent's 40th wedding anniversary.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to having Brian home, tomorrow my plans include doing some yardwork and Sunday, I want to make a nice dinner for my in laws.

Legislature Passes Bill for "Gay Day" Celebrations in California Public Schools

Blessed Marie Celine: Enduring the Cross (1878 - 1897)

Recently I read a book entitled, "Blessed Marie Celine of the Presentation," published by TAN books. After reading the phenomenal story of this Poor Clare nun who died at the age of nineteen, I could think of only one word to describe her life - "faithfulness." Blessed Marie Celine, whose real name was Germaine Castang, was not a mystic nor someone who performed miracles, rather, she was a simple, humble girl, whose life was a litany of suffering.

From an early age, Christ asked Blessed Marie Celine to pick up her cross and follow Him. She carried five major crosses during her brief life. Her first cross came in the form of a disease she contracted at the age of four. It deformed her foot and made it both difficult and painful to walk. Her second cross came in the form of poverty when her family lost their home and possessions due to her father's poor business dealings. The third cross was being separated from her family and placed in an orphanage. The fourth cross she had to bear was the passing of her mother and beloved brother, Louis. The fifth and final cross came when she was a novice in the Poor Clare monastery of "Ave Maria of Talence." She contracted tuberculosis, which took her life.

From what I read, Bl. Marie Celine never uttered the words, "Why me?" or "This isn't fair." Nor did I come across anything that would suggest that she turned her back on Jesus or became self absorbed. Rather, when faced with these crosses, Bl. Marie Celine turned her heart and soul toward Christ and His Mother, clinging to them with all her strength.

Throughout her life, Bl. Marie Celine's faithfulness radiated the light of Christ, while giving her the strength to carry her crosses and dispel the darkness and suffering that surrounded her. Her faithfulness never wavered even during the worst of times. Instead, it remained constant and steady.

Bl. Marie Celine's faithfulness was not kept only within the interior of her soul, but it spilled over into her daily life. For instance, while at the orphanage she was often seen going on day pilgrimages to Marian shrines. In the Poor Clare monastery during the last months of her life fellow religious saw her carrying a small crucifix in the palm of her hand. These are just two examples, among many, which show how Bl. Marie Celine's faithfulness manifested itself under the shadow of the cross.

The life of Bl. Marie Celine should be a constant reminder to us that we are not only called to bear our crosses, but that in bearing them, we should turn our hearts and souls outward, toward Jesus and Mary. If we do this, we will be led to greater faithfulness, which in turn will become a pipeline into the grace and mercy of God.

God bless,
Brian

E-Raffle Information:
- E-Raffles are $5.00 a piece, no limit per person.
- For every 5 raffles you buy, get a 6th one FREE!
- E-Raffle drawing will occur on October 28th, 2008.
- All E-raffle purchasers will be notified of the winner via email (phone if no email).

Prize Information:- Image of John Paul II.
- Size 2 ft. x 2 ft. giclée print on canvas of an oil painting, value $900.00.
- Artist, Maria Rangel, www.rangelstudios.com

For more information or to purchase your raffle "ticket," go to http://lizaboq.blogspot.com/2008/07/online-raffle-love-that-saves.html. (Purchase a raffle and spread the word to others! Thanks! -Bobbi)

About Liza (by Rebecca Flynn)

Liza is a spirited, joyful, intelligent, beautiful woman of God. She has a great love for Christ, and seeks the will of God in everything. She has a great compassion and love for others as well. Liza strives to live her life for God, in all ways.

Liza has taught Confirmation Classes, for girls, at her parish, St Peter Chanel. She has helped spread Pope John Paul II's "Theology of the Body." A couple of years ago, with the backing of the Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles, Liza got the approval of three California Dioceses to start a group called ENDOW (Educating on the Nature and Dignity of Women) in Southern California, where she lives. ENDOW is an organization that brings women together to study the documents of the Church, especially the writings of JPII on women (The Letter to Women, etc.) for fellowship, intellectual growth and renewed knowledge on what it means to be truly feminine.

August 16th, Liza will be entering the community of the Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles. Although, prior to entering, Liza needs support in reducing her debt from school loans. The Carmelites, like most religious communities, cannot afford to assume debt, so please consider buying a raffle ticket. Liza is very humble. She has never asked for any financial assistance. The idea for this raffle came about through the brainstorming of Liza's friends. This effort, on Liza's behalf, was brought to fruition by the gifting and generosity of Maria Rangel, the artist who so beautifully painted "The Love that Saves."

Thanks for taking the time to read this, and prayerfully considering how you can best support Liza's vocation.

God's blessings, Rebecca Flynn

]]> http://revolutionoflove.stblogs.org/archives/2008/08/an-online-raffl.html http://revolutionoflove.stblogs.org/archives/2008/08/an-online-raffl.html religious vocations painting raffle vocation Tue, 19 Aug 2008 07:56:19 -0800 It's been a wonderful bday so far and I can't help but be filled with gratitude for all the blessings God has given me! We've had a fun day but now Andrew is asleep in my arms so I have a little computer free time. I noticed that over at Faith and Family Live, the ladies were playing at Year Book Yourself.com. I went to check it out and it is hilarious. Here is a picture of me had I been in the class of '64. Pretty funny!

]]> http://revolutionoflove.stblogs.org/archives/2008/08/birthday-blessi.html http://revolutionoflove.stblogs.org/archives/2008/08/birthday-blessi.html family chit chat Mon, 18 Aug 2008 15:32:57 -0800 I just came back from the doc to check two more moles/beauty marks to see if they are cancerous. I'll get the results to the biopsies next week. With all this seriousness, I could use some down time with the Friday Fill-ins. (You can answer in the comment box or your own blog.)

1. The last meal I had at a restaurant was on Father's Day/Brian's birthday when I took Brian out. (I think we are about due to get out again!)

2. When people are rude is something I intensely dislike.

3. The full moon brings out the crazies.

4. "You're still young" is one of my favorite local expressions. (That's the one good thing about living in a place with many senior citizens! Thirty-something is still considered as a whipper-snapper!)

5. Sometimes it's best to just let it go.

6. PBS' Masterpiece Movies is are the best movie movies I've seen so far this year!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to eating the brownies Bella and I made, tomorrow my plans include catching up on laundry and Sunday, I will attend a bday party at my inlaws.

]]> http://revolutionoflove.stblogs.org/archives/2008/08/friday-fillin-8.html http://revolutionoflove.stblogs.org/archives/2008/08/friday-fillin-8.html friday fives friday quiz Fri, 15 Aug 2008 15:28:19 -0800 Here is a condensed version of an article at LATimes.com: Group gives thanks to the Lord -- for lower gasoline prices . I don't know if the "Pray at the Pump" guys really have anything to do with it, but I went from paying $4.60 a gallon to $4.15. If their prayers can get it lower, then keep on prayin', brothers!

WASHINGTON -- Forget Congress. Forget President Bush. About four months ago, frustrated by the apparently immutable laws of supply and demand, Rocky Twyman turned to a higher authority in his quest for cheaper gasoline. The recent dip in prices, he says, is proof of divine intervention.

"Prayer is the answer to every problem in life," said Twyman, founder of the Pray at the Pump movement, whose members huddle around gas pumps and ask the Almighty to lower gasoline prices. "If the whole country keeps on praying, we can bring down prices even more, to even less than $2," Twyman said.

At another Shell station a block away, Leroy Taylor, 56, who stopped to fill his tank, said he had never heard of Pray at the Pump, but supported the concept. He has faith, he said, that the Big Guy considers everyone's prayers. "Even oil executives'," Taylor said. "He's been answering theirs a lot lately."

]]> http://revolutionoflove.stblogs.org/archives/2008/08/group-claims-pr.html http://revolutionoflove.stblogs.org/archives/2008/08/group-claims-pr.html in the news Thu, 14 Aug 2008 07:55:31 -0800 Here is an interesting article from CatholicNews.com - No 'Yahweh' in songs, prayers at Catholic Masses, Vatican rules. I guess that means no more singing "You Are Near."

]]> http://revolutionoflove.stblogs.org/archives/2008/08/yahweh-songs-pr.html http://revolutionoflove.stblogs.org/archives/2008/08/yahweh-songs-pr.html living the faith Mass Thu, 14 Aug 2008 07:30:33 -0800 I was watching the Food Network the other day and saw a commercial for the upcoming show Ask Aida, which is an "interactive" cooking show where fans can email and text their questions to cooking expert Aida Mollenkamp. I told Brian it reminded me of Adam Gertler's idea for his Next Food Network Star pilot. (Adam was Brian's favorite of the three pilots.) Then I watched an episode of Guy's Big Bite this week and he cooked his version of the "beer can chicken" that Adam did for his pilot. I love Aaron and his big daddy persona but it really made me miss Adam because he was a fave since the beginning. I loved his zany humor! (Well, 98% of the time.)

Then yesterday Eileen forwarded me a link to the Food Network Addict blog that posted great news - Adam will now have his own show too! Woohoo! Can't wait to check it out!

Adam Gertler is in L.A. shooting episodes of a new Food Network show Will Work For Food, reports the Philadelphia Inquirer... It's not a cooking show, per se. Gertler will show how people in the food business do their jobs. Among them: potato chip inspector, shark feeder and dog-food taste-tester. Gertler, an actor and former waiter at Amada in Old City, coowned The Smoked Joint, a short-lived barbecue restaurant at the Academy House in Center City.

According to the article, Will Work For Food premieres Sep. 30 at 9:30pm on Food Network. Food Network confirms it's true.

"On The Next Food Network Star Adam exhibited a unique combination of quick wit, passion for food and an engaging personality," said Bob Tuschman, Senior Vice President, Programming and Production for Food Network. "He earned millions of fans across the country who have let us know that we have a second star in our midst. We feel this series is a perfect fit for his talents, letting him showcase his brand of humor while he works for food." (Posted Aug 4)

]]> http://revolutionoflove.stblogs.org/archives/2008/08/nfns-update-ada.html http://revolutionoflove.stblogs.org/archives/2008/08/nfns-update-ada.html cooking food network tv Wed, 13 Aug 2008 11:58:59 -0800 For my fellow Californians, make sure to read up on Prop 8 before the upcoming election. Below is run down from ProtectMarriage.com (A broad-based coalition of California families, community leaders, religious leaders, pro-family organizations and individuals from all walks of life who have joined together to support Proposition 8.)

The Issue

California voters passed Proposition 22 in 2000 by more than 61%, saying that a marriage in California is between a man and a woman. Earlier this year, four activist judges based in San Francisco wrongly overturned the people's vote, legalizing same-sex marriage.

The Consequences

The Supreme Court's decision to legalize same-sex marriage did not just overturn the will of California voters; it also redefined marriage for the rest of society, without ever asking the people themselves to accept this decision. This decision has far-reaching consequences. For example, because public schools are already required to teach the role of marriage in society as part of the curriculum, schools will now be required to teach students that gay marriage is the same as traditional marriage, starting with kindergarteners. By saying that a marriage is between "any two persons" rather than between a man and a woman, the Court decision has opened the door to any kind of "marriage." This undermines the value of marriage altogether at a time when we should be restoring marriage, not undermining it.

The Solution

Vote YES on Proposition 8 to overturn the outrageous Supreme Court decision and restore the definition of marriage that was approved by over 61% of voters. Proposition 8 is NOT an attack on gay couples and does not take away the rights that same-sex couples already have under California's domestic partner law. California law already grants domestic partners all the rights that a state can grant to a married couple. Gays have a right to their private lives, but not to change the definition of marriage for everyone else.

For Catholic Californians, you can also check out CatholicsforProtectMarriage.com.

]]> http://revolutionoflove.stblogs.org/archives/2008/08/californias-pro.html http://revolutionoflove.stblogs.org/archives/2008/08/californias-pro.html politics & elections sanctity of marriage fatih & politics marriage Wed, 13 Aug 2008 08:21:43 -0800 French Team: "The Americans? We're going to smash them. That's what we came here for."

Garrett Weber-Gale's response to the trash talk: "I don't even want to hear it. We'll take care of business in the pool."

That's the way to do it, baby!! Woohoo!! Share in the moment here.

]]> http://revolutionoflove.stblogs.org/archives/2008/08/us-guys-win-4x1.html http://revolutionoflove.stblogs.org/archives/2008/08/us-guys-win-4x1.html in the news olympics Mon, 11 Aug 2008 13:53:40 -0800