America was discovered by a Roman Catholic by the name of Christopher Columbus. Did they teach you that in the history books? If not, now is the time to learn the truth.
Columbus, the Christ-bearer: Did you Know?
Monday, October 12, 2009
Christopher Columbus
America was discovered by a Roman Catholic by the name of Christopher Columbus. Did they teach you that in the history books? If not, now is the time to learn the truth.
Columbus, the Christ-bearer: Did you Know?
Sunday, October 11, 2009
St. Damien de Veuster
It is with great joy that I add Fr. Damien de Veuster to my Roman Catholic Heroes Blog. Today was the canonization of Hawaii's First Saint who was a true hero for going to Molokai to live on the leper island. The lepers at the time had no priest living there on the island with them and many died without one to hear their confession or give them the last rites of the church. Not only did Fr. Damien volunteer to be their priest but he also helped them build churches, homes, nurse their wounds, police the area and chastise those who used children to satisfy their own lust and more. See the history of Fr. Damien here.
If you have not seen the one man play, check out Aldyth Morris' Damien, with Terrence Knapp as Damien. I've watched it many times and it is a story of love, hope, and the courage of one priest who right away talked to the lepers by saying, "we lepers" until one day he did become a leper. By helping them get food, clothing, shelter, and better medical and living conditions, Fr. Damien's kindness and concern for their welfare brought them to our Lord and God, Jesus Christ. Many, including protestant ministers, converted to the Catholic Church as well. Although many praised him, he had problems with the clergy and detractors too. May we all be reminded in our trials and tribulations that like Fr. Damien, we need to love our enemies and do good to those who hate us. Aloha, St. Damien!
Monday, September 21, 2009
October International Rosary March
The sixteenth annual Rosary March for 2009 will take place on Saturday, October 3rd, or Sunday, October 4th. Please contact your Bishop and priest now to ask them to join the Rosary March this October (my church will be having the march on October 18th) and storm Heaven with prayers for the Pope and all the Bishops of the world to obey Our Lady of Fatima and consecrate Russia to Her Immaculate Heart. Learn how to organize a Rosary March. Read here how powerful the Rosary is and the countless miracles that have happened in Brazil, Austria, etc.
"Give me an army saying the Rosary and I will conquer the world." Pope Pius IX
"The Rosary is the most powerful weapon to touch the Heart of Jesus, Our Redeemer, who loves His Mother." St. Louis Marie Grignion de Montfort
"My impression is that the Rosary is of the greatest value not only according to the words of Our Lady of Fatima, but according to the effects of the Rosary one sees throughout history. My impression is that Our Lady wanted to give ordinary people, who might not know how to pray, this simple method of getting closer to God." Sister Lucia, one of the seers of Fatima
"Love the Madonna and pray the rosary, for her rosary is the weapon against the evils of the world today."
St. Padre Pio
"The Rosary is the most excellent form of prayer and the most efficacious means of attaining eternal life. It is the remedy for all our evils, the root of all our blessings. There is no more excellent way of praying." Pope Leo XIII
"Among all the devotions approved by the Church none has been so favored by so many miracles as the devotion of the Most Holy Rosary." Pope Pius IX
Monday, August 31, 2009
Our "Only" Hope for World Peace
People are constantly looking for some peace in their lives and especially seek world peace. The problem is that the majority are seeking a man made world peace. So far man has not been able to achieve this peace and the world continues to have wars and rumors of wars. The politicians promise us the moon and deliver very little after they are elected into office. There is daily news of corruption everywhere so how is it that man can ever achieve world peace? Well, the Bible gives us the answer in that the world will have a "false peace" in 1 Thessalonians 5:3 - For when they shall say, peace and security; then shall sudden destruction come upon them, as the pains upon her that is with child, and they shall not escape.So does this mean there is no hope for world peace? No, there is great hope for a period of peace IF the Pope obeys Our Lady of Fatima and consecrates Russia to Her Immaculate Heart. This is what our Lord and God, Jesus Christ wants and this and nothing else will work. Sadly, a great many Catholics have come to believe the consecration has been done but this is NOT true because the Pope never did it with all the Bishops of the world as Our Lady of Fatima requested.
Who stands to gain anything if the Pope and Bishops don't do the consecration? Clearly, it's the Marxist Communists. They were able to bring about the Vatican-Moscow Agreement in which the Catholic Church would no longer speak out against Communism. Sister Lucy's interview with Professor Walsh tells us that the whole world will be overcome by communism IF the consecration is NOT done. Even the Holy Father has given us a clue to how serious the situation is when he said, "Pray for me, that I may not flee for fear of the wolves ." Can these words be connected to Pope St. Pius X who said he had a vision, and he saw in the vision his successor fleeing over the dead bodies of his brethren?
Time is short! Each day we are getting closer as documented by Deirdre Manifold in her book, "Towards World Government" then ever before.
Our supernatural weapons from Heaven are the Rosary and the Brown Scapular. Pray the Rosary daily and pray for the Pope's intentions as well. Read about the Magnificent Promise for the Five First Saturdays.
In an address Pope Benedict gave at Bethlehem on May 13, 2009, the anniversary of the first apparition at Fatima, the Pope declared: “You promised the three children of Fatima that ‘in the end, My Immaculate Heart will triumph.’ May it be so!”
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Mary, Queen of Scots
How many of us wonder in our secret hearts just what our lives are meant to be, what impact our presence and passing may have on the balance of the world both as it is now and as it may become? Mary Stewart had nineteen long years to ponder these questions, and possessed both the courage and the will to determine for herself the outcome of her personal tragedy and make her mark in our hearts and in the lives of many generations of Scots and Englishmen. Born to rule, raised in luxury at the French court, Queen of Scotland, Queen Dowager of France, second in line to the English throne, in her darkest nightmares Mary could not have imagined what her life would become when she set sail from France in 1561 at the age of eighteen to rejoin her people and begin her personal rule of Scotland.
Well-educated, beautiful, charming, religiously tolerant of her Protestant subjects, and loyal and caring with high- and low-born alike -- none of these talents and qualities were adequate for holding her throne against the greed and ambition of the Scottish nobles. The very qualities so often admired in the Scots -- independence, courage, clan loyalty -- worked against a strong monarchy in Scotland. These powerful lords were only interested in self-aggrandizement and extending their own lands and power base. Constantly changing loyalties and pacts amongst them brought Mary to grief over and over again. The duplicity of Elizabeth I, Mary's cousin and Queen of England, further undermined Mary's authority.
After a remarkable series of catastrophes, including Mary's ill-received marriage to Lord Darnley (father of James VI), the murder of Mary's servant Riccio, Darnley's subsequent murder at Kirk o' Field, her abduction and brief marriage to James Hepburn, Earl of Bothwell -- all with in a three-year period! -- Mary made the most unfortunate decision of her short reign. Pursued by rebels, Mary chose to flee to England, rather than attempt an escape to France. Putting herself into Elizabeth's hands seems well-nigh impossible to understand, for Elizabeth's primary concern throughout her reign was to secure the kingdom to herself and ensure a Protestant England. Once on English soil, Mary never left again. She was imprisoned in various homes and castles for the next nineteen years -- and eventually executed (illegally) on charges of treason soon after her 44th birthday.
In reflecting on Mary Queen of Scots' life and person, we are overwhelmed at the unfairness and injustice she suffered, losing her kingdom to the pettiness of those less fit to rule. Her son, Jame VI (James I of England, surname Stuart from his father Darnley), torn from her at age 10 months, was raised to despise her and her Catholic faith -- he never lifted a finger to help her and did not grieve at her death. Elizabeth's motives are at least clear, as Mary was a definite threat to her throne, but the underhanded and cruel way in which Mary was often treated is inexcusable.
Many readers become bored with Mary's later life, preferring the excitement and romance of her youthful escapades. But half of Mary's life was led in captivity and the maturity and insight she gained during these years produced her immortal legacy. While always loyal to the Roman Catholic church, Mary had not been excessively devout when young.
However, her years in prison deepened her faith. Knowing she would soon be put to death, Mary determined to die with all the dignity of a Queen (a birthright no one could take from her) and as a martyr to the Catholic faith. In this endeavor, she richly succeeded and future generations revered her devotion to the cause of Christ and put to shame her oppressors.
"In my end is my Beginning"
Mary, Queen of Scots
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Antonio Salazar
Around 1932, an uncompromising Catholic leader named Antonio Salazar, came to be Premier of Portugal. Salazar had been rising in the government since 1928. Salazar’s goal was to put into practice a Catholic program that was Counter-revolutionary. In fact, Salazar himself received a special blessing from Pope Pius XII for this work.
“I bless him with all my heart, and I cherish the most ardent desires that he be able to complete successfully his work of national restoration, both spiritual and material.”
As I said, Salazar’s program was a Catholic, Counter-revolutionary program. He called Communism “the greatest heresy of our time” and he strove with all his might to fight against it. He was a fierce opponent of socialism, liberalism, and to use his words he was opposed to “everything which diminishes, divides, or dissolves the family”.
Salazar said: “For me I have only one goal ... What I propose is to bring Portugal permanently to life!” He explains: “We want to preserve at any price, from this wave that is falling over the world, simplicity of life, purity of morals, gentleness of sentiments, the equilibrium of social relations, and this modest but noble family atmosphere which is proper to Portuguese life.”
Very simply, his goal was to establish Catholic Social Order, wherein the state, government and social institutions would base its laws of right and wrong on what the Gospels teach is right and wrong and on what the Church teaches is right and wrong. In this process, it seems that Salazar even dissolved Freemasonry in Portugal in 1935.
Salazar was keen to leave the Catholic Church complete and entire liberty of action. He permitted the Catholic religion to be taught in all schools, not just parochial schools. (Non-Catholic parents who did not wish their children to receive this instruction could have their children removed from these classes, as the Catholic Faith is never forced on anyone); but throughout Portugal, the Catholic education of the youth was greatly favored.
Another remarkable development at this time was Salazar’s legislation on marriage which read “The Portuguese state recognizes the civil effects of marriages celebrated according to canonical laws.” He then initiated into this legislation articles which frowned upon divorce. Article 24 reads, “In harmony with the essential properties of Catholic marriages, it is understood that by the very fact of the celebration of a canonical marriage, the spouses renounce the legal right to ask for a divorce.” This was a law of the state that said, if Catholics engage in a valid marriage, there is no way that they can even ask for a divorce.
The effect of this law was that the number of Catholic marriages did not go down, they went up. So that by 1960, nearly 91 percent of all marriages in the country were canonical marriages. Can you imagine living in a land where 91 percent of all marriages are proper, canonical, sacramental Catholic marriages, and that the couples going into these marriages completely accept the fact that divorce is out of the question? That is a civilization of love! — and it is nowhere to be found as we begin the Third Millennium.
So while so many other countries throughout the world were plagued with communism, humanism, socialism and revolution; Salazar stood practically alone in establishing a nation that was, for the most part, based on Catholic Social principles. In other words, with objective truth, with reality.
3) Miracle of Peace
The third miracle is the miracle of peace in that:1) Portugal was preserved from Communist terror,2) Portugal was preserved from the horrors of the Second World War.
It was well known at the time that Moscow’s plan was to plant Communism in Spain. Because if they did this, then Europe would be book-ended by Communism. It would have Communist Russia on one side, and Communist Spain on the other; therefore, Communism could close in on Europe from both sides.
Now the Portuguese bishops were watching this very closely. They were watching the events in Spain, and they were afraid for Portugal. So on May 13, 1936, the bishops met together and made a secret vow. They vowed that they (the bishops) would lead a national pilgrimage to Fatima in 1938 “to give solemn thanks to the Blessed Mother if She obtained for Portugal victory over Communism and the benefit of peace.” (Cardinal Cerejeira’s own words.)
What faith!
On July 13, 1936, just two months after their vow, there was the assassination of the monarchist deputy Calvo Sotelo, which marked the beginning of the Spanish Civil War. As Frère Michel points out, the threat to Portugal was grave. Humanly speaking, it was practically inevitable that the revolutionary contagion would sweep right into Portugal.
But it never did.
Now, it could have, and it almost did.
For instance, on September 8, 1936, two Portuguese ships mutinied to join the Communists in Spain. As soon as Salazar heard this, he gave the order that the ships be bombarded until they either surrendered or sank.
When Salazar did this, he received the full backing of the bishops of Portugal. So it wasn’t long before the mutineers came to their senses. Afterward, the bishops themselves wrote about the event. They said that “a revolutionary movement got under way, which was quickly snuffed out. Thus Portugal could continue in tranquility on the path of work and progress.”
That was one major danger averted. Almost a year later, another, there was an attempt on Salazar’s life.
On July 4, 1937, Salazar was on his way to Mass at a private chapel of a friend’s house. Just as he stepped out of the car, a bomb exploded only 10 feet away (the bomb had been hidden in an iron case). But the bomb-blast left Salazar untouched and it also left his chauffeur untouched (even though the poor chauffeur was rendered deaf). Rather than being all shaken up, Salazar simply said to those around him, “Calm down,” and then he turned to his friend and said “Let’s go to Mass.” He just picked up where he left off.
Had Salazar been assassinated, it would have thrown the country into incredible turmoil, which is fertile breeding ground for Communism. And the bishops acknowledged in a collective letter in 1938, that it was an act of God that preserved Salazar’s life in this attempted assassination.
Anyway, by 1938, General Franco in Spain was on his way to victory, and the danger for Portugal had finally been averted. So, on May 13, 1938, when the bishops of Portugal fulfilled their vow and renewed the National Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Cardinal Cerejeira acknowledged publicly that Our Lady of Fatima had spared Portugal the scourge of Communism.
“Since Our Lady of Fatima appeared in 1917 ... a special blessing of God has descended on the land of Portugal ... Especially if we review the two years which have gone by since our vow, one cannot fail to recognize that the invisible hand of God has protected Portugal, sparing it the scourge of war and the leprosy of atheistic Communism.”
Even Pope Pius XII was amazed that Portugal had been spared from Communism. In an address to the Portuguese people the Pope spoke about “the Red Peril, so menacing and so close to you, and yet avoided in such an unexpected manner”.
World War II
Now, for Portugal at this time, one danger had passed, but another was staring them right in the face. They had escaped the contagion of Communism from Spain, but now the Second World War was about to break out. On February 6, 1939, seven months before the declaration of war, Sister Lucy wrote to her bishop, Msgr. da Silva. She told him that war was imminent, but then she told him of a magnificent and miraculous promise. She said, “in this horrible war, Portugal would be spared because of the national consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary made by the bishops.”
And Portugal was spared the horrors of war, the details of which are too numerous to go into right now. (You can read about it in Volume II of Frère Michel’s Whole Truth About Fatima.)
On December 2, 1940, Sister Lucy wrote to Pope Pius XII and told him that Portugal is receiving special protection during the war that other nations would have received if the bishops would consecrate their nations to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
She wrote:
“Most Holy Father, Our Lord promises a special protection to our country in this war, due to the consecration of the nation by the Portuguese Prelates to the Immaculate Heart of Mary; as proof of the graces that would have been granted to other nations, had they also consecrated themselves to Her.”
So this is why Frère Michel of the Holy Trinity calls Portugal at this time, the “Showcase of Our Lady.”
When the bishops consecrated Portugal to Her Immaculate Heart, there was the threefold miracle:
1) There was a magnificent Catholic Renaissance, a great rebirth of Catholic life.
2) There was a miracle of political and social reform,
3) There was a miracle of peace, in that Portugal was preserved from the Communist terror, especially the Spanish Civil War which was raging right next door. And also, Portugal was preserved from the devastations of the Second World War.
This threefold miracle that Our Lady accomplished on a national scale in Portugal is something which She wants to do worldwide in an even more magnificent manner. But it will not happen until the Pope in union with all the bishops of the world, consecrate Russia to Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart as Our Lady of Fatima requested.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Generalisimo Francisco Franco
Francisco Franco, statement (18th July, 1938)
"Our fight is a crusade in which Europe's fate is at stake. That is why since the beginning Russia has taken her place unconditionally on the side of the Spanish Republic by sending tanks and a thousand war-planes, and by mobilizing the undesirables of all Europe to fight for the Red Army. Our triumph is immense, in spite of the difficulties of the enterprise. No difficulties have prevented the rescue of over three million Spaniards from Red barbarism during the second triumphal year.
I beg your affectionate remembrance of our brothers who are suffering from the effects of lawlessness in the Red zone, and your prayers for the martyrs of our cause. I pay tribute to those who have fallen far from their own countries - the natives, the volunteers, the legionaries who left their home to enroll in the forces of the crusade and to demonstrate in Spain the fullness of their countries' identification with the cause of firmness and friendship professed by them towards Spain.
The Reds assassinated over 70,000 in Madrid, 20,000 in Valencia, 54,000 in Barcelona. Such crimes are the work of the Comintern and its agents Rosenberg, Marti, Negrin, Del Vayo - all servants of Soviet Russia.
Spaniards have a duty to remember that Christian charity is boundless for the deluded and the repentant but they must observe the dictates of prudence and not allow the infiltration of the recalcitrant enemies of Spain. Those proceeding from a politically infested area must undergo quarantine to avoid the contamination of the community.
I denounce the new Red campaigns of those posing as defenders of Spanish independence against foreign invasion. The foreign invasion came through the Catalan frontier, whence entered the undesirables who sacked and destroyed Spanish towns and villages, looted banks, destroyed homes, and stole our patrimony of art.
The Reds who pursued these treacherous tactics in the Nationalist rear, in attempting to destroy our unity, will continue these tactics after the war, when our vigilance and our care for the purity of our creed must increase. The Nationalist movement has ousted the old political intrigues and is guiding the nation to greatness and prosperity.
Spain was great when she had a State Executive with a missionary character. Her ideals decayed when a serious leader was replaced by assemblies of irresponsible men, adopting foreign thought and manners. The nation needs unity to face modem problems, particularly in Spain after the severest trial of her history.
Separatism and class war must be abolished and justice and education must be imposed. The new leaders must be characterized by austerity, morality, and industry.
Spaniards must adopt the military and religious virtues of discipline and austerity. All elements of discord must be removed."
Taken from: http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/2WWfranco.htm
Defending Franco: http://www.andrewcusack.com/net/franco/
(Many pictures, including Franco at Mass).
Pro-Franco Book (Best Seller in Spain):
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2003/apr/22/spain.books
Hitler stopped by Franco: http://hitlerstoppedbyfranco.com/franco_jews.htm
I also highly recommend Dr. Chojnowski's series on General Franco. Reprints are available at Catholic Family News. There are eight titles:
1) The Rising: Franco and the Battle for Catholic Spain
2) Franco's Command: The War Begins
3) Franco Fascist? The Spanish Cruzada (1936-1939)
4) Franco Stopped Hitler
5) Franco in America's Embrace
6) Franco Betrayed: The Opus Dei Connection
7) Franco: The Last Conquistador, 1975
8) Even the Ruins Perished: Red Revisionism and Franco, 2009
498 Spanish Civil War Martyrs Beatified:
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Antonio Socci
Antonio Socci, a highly respected journalist and TV anchor man, is head of the prestigious National Italian TV network’s [RAI] school of journalism. He came to the conclusion, after lengthy independent investigation, that the Vatican had not formally released the entire Third Secret. Socci explains that he began his investigation believing the Vatican had released the complete Third Secret on June 26, 2000, but said that he “had to surrender” to the evidence that not all of the Third Secret was revealed.The fruits of his research were published in the book Il Quarto Segreto di Fatima (The Fourth Secret of Fatima), released in late 2006. This book is now available in English!
Continued at: http://www.fatima.org/news/newsviews/pr052407.asp
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Poem, Roman Catholic Heroes
Roman Catholic Heroes
By Dolorosa
A world steeped in darkness tries to hinder
Yet a life of suffering doesn't seem to dim
The light of Christ that sustains them within
Through torture and death they follow Him
The enemy torments their mind daily
Anguish and despair reek of sulfur's smell
Prayer and penance are weapons they use
Driving the infernal foe back into Hell
One can't afford during life to succumb
Fighting the good fight until death is done
Inner persecution of demons shiver and deliver
Blessed Mother's protection against the evil one
The lion closes in and roars
Satan's demons fan the flame
Spectator's mock and laugh
Heaven opens calling His name
In rejecting God's beloved son
The first martyr was stoned in hate
The prophecies of the Messiah came to be
Fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the eternal one
The faithful begin to tremble within
Remembering the stigmata St. Pio bore
For the Roman Catholic Heroes
Crying tears are at last no more.
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