A MESSAGE FROM OUR U.S. CATHOLIC BISHOPS:

PLEASE SUPPORT THE CATHOLIC CAMPAIGN FOR HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

The economic crisis in the United States has left many Americans without security: the security of having a job, the security of having health care, or the security of having a sufficient retirement fund. For the nearly 40 million Americans who have been living in poverty, these kinds of security have always been out of reach, and the current crisis has amplified their struggles. For nearly 40 years, the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) has helped the poor fight for fair wages, affordable housing, and access to health care. Now more than ever, CCHD needs our support to help lift people up and out of poverty. Families are struggling. Our faith is calling. Join the numbers who care. Please be generous in this year’s Collection.

Is GOP Leader McConnell in Bed with the Communists?

Agent of Communist Government and Wife of Senate Republican Leader

We have heard a lot of baseless accusations against the President's patriotism and tea partiers calling him a Communist.

It turns out the agent of Communism in Washington, DC might be Elaine Chao, former Republican cabinet Secretary and current wife of Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY). Ms. Chao has recently taken a job with the Communist government of the city of Wuhan, People's Republic of China.

Like Lenin said, the capitalists will sell us the rope we will hang them with.

Or, like the GOP says, its just business.

Pray for the oppressed Catholics of Red China.

Obama Sends Delegation to Rome to Honor Fr. Damien

President Obama says St. Damien gave voice to voiceless, dignity to the sick

Wednesday, October 14, 2009
By Megan Sweas
Catholic News Service

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- President Barack Obama expressed his "deep admiration" for St. Damien de Veuster and offered his prayers for all those celebrating the priest's "extraordinary life and witness."

He issued the statement Oct. 9, two days before the pope canonized the Belgian priest and four others at the Vatican.

St. Damien dedicated his life to those afflicted with leprosy, now called Hansen's disease, in Molokai, Hawaii.

Obama, who was largely raised in Hawaii, noted that St. Damien "has earned a special place in the hearts of Hawaiians. I recall many stories from my youth about his tireless work there to care for those suffering from leprosy who had been cast out."

The missionary priest, who was from Tremelo, Belgium, ministered to patients with Hansen's disease on the Hawaiian island of Molokai, where they were banished to the settlement of Kalaupapa. He was renowned for treating them with love and compassion. He ultimately contracted Hansen's disease and died in 1889.

"Following in the steps of Jesus' ministry to the lepers, Father Damien challenged the stigmatizing effects of the disease, giving voice to the voiceless and ultimately sacrificing his own life to bring dignity to so many," Obama said in his statement.

The president drew parallels between leprosy and diseases such as HIV/AIDS that afflict millions around the world today, saying "we should draw on the example of Father Damien's resolve in answering the urgent call to heal and care for the sick."

Appointed by Obama to the delegation representing the United States at the canonization were: Bishop Larry Silva, who heads the Catholic Diocese of Honolulu; Sister Carol Ann Keehan, a Daughter of Charity who is president and CEO of the Catholic Health Association; U.S. Sen. Daniel Kahikina Akaka, D-Hawaii; U.S. Rep. Donald M. Payne, D-N.J.; and Stephen Prokop, superintendent of Kalaupapa National Historic Park.

Leading the delegation was the new U.S. ambassador to the Vatican, Miguel Diaz.

http://uscatholic.org/news/2009/10/obama-says-st-damien-gave-voice-voiceless-dignity-sick

STATEMENT OF THE HOLY SEE ON AWARD OF THE NOBEL PEACE PRIZE TO PRESIDENT OBAMA

"The awarding of the Nobel Prize for Peace to President Obama is greeted with appreciation in the Vatican, in light of the commitment demonstrated by the President for the promotion of peace in the international arena, and in particular also recently in favor of nuclear disarmament. It's hoped that this very important recognition will further encourage that commitment, which is difficult but fundamental for the future of humanity, so that the desired results will be obtained."

Lecture at Fordham University on the Oblate Sisters of Providence

I am sure this will be a worthwhile event for any who are in the area.

Conservatives to Re-Write Bible

IS THIS LIBERAL PROPAGANDA?

It seems our friend Andy Schlafly, Esq., son of conservative standard-bearer Phyllis Schlafly (not the gay one) feels a need to re-write the Bible to correct all of the liberalism in it.

This is so crazy, I can't go on. Read about it yourself in the link below.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/10/05/conservative-bible-projec_n_310037.html

Biden Joins With Prelates in Prayer for Our Nation and for Principles of Justice

BIDEN, SOTOMAYOR, JOIN WITH BISHOPS

CELEBRATING RED MASS

He is our country's first Catholic Vice President, but Joe Biden joined thousands of others as a humble communicant at Sunday's Red Mass, the annual votive Mass said for the opening of the Supreme Court session. Presiding at the Mass was Washington Archbishop Donald Wuerl. Daniel Cardinal DiNardo of Galveston-Houston served as the homilist. Also attending the Mass was the newest Catholic Justice, Sonia Sotomayor as well as Obama cabinet secretaries Ken Salazar and Ray LaHood.

Concelebrating at St. Matthew's Cathedral alongside Archbishop Wuerl were the Archbishop of the Military Services Tim Broglio, Bishop Paul Loverde of Arlington and Washington's three auxiliaries. The Red Mass is held annually on the first Sunday of October, the eve of a new Supreme Court term. It was begun in 1954 and is sponsored by the John Carroll Society. However, its roots date from the 14th century when a Mass was held in Paris and other European capitals for the judiciary. The name comes from the red vestments worn for the votive Mass of the Holy Spirit as well as the red robes of judges at the time (with the Protestant Reformation, black replaced red for judges).

Right wing extremists called the Mass "a mockery" and led a protest against the Cathedral. The same group recently picketed the Bishops' Conference, objecting to their support for national health care.