Saturday, March 31, 2007

Holy Week, Easter and quiet Seminarians

Holy Week is almost upon us and soon we will be entering the Sacred Triduum. The seminarians at Orthfully Catholic would like to assure you all of their prayers during this most sacred time. Please remember us in your prayers too.

Our seminary Easter holidays have begun so things may get a little quieter around here. Don't worry we haven't abandoned ship!!! We'll be back and reinvigorated after our Easter break.

May this time bring abundant blessings and graces to you all!

God bless

Wednesday, March 28, 2007

Modern day Holocaust

MORE THAN SIX MILLION BABIES have been legally murdered since Parliament passed the 1967 Abortion Law. The number of innocent children brutally murdered in the UK under the guise of freedom and choice is: 206,000 EACH YEAR!

In some cases this is right up to birth.

Dear readers these are the figures for the United Kingdom ALONE. There are many countries were this evil deed is committed on a daily basis.

There is a basic fact: MORE PEOPLE HAVE DIED IN ABORTION THAN IN THE HORRIFIC HOLOCAUST OF WORLD WAR II!

People are RIGHTLY horrified at the horrific and brutal murder of six million people during the Holocaust.

But what about the brutal yet legal murder of children who have never seen the light of day? Children who have never taken a breath?

In years to come future generations will look back in absolute DISGUST at what this generation has done to its unborn. We who think we are so civilised will be openly mocked for our barbaric and backward treatment of those innocent people in the womb.

Future generations will look back and say: Those who murdered and permitted the murder of innocent children, were they human like us?

Let's not kid ourselves: Abortion is a brutal evil that robs the innocent of life.

Perhaps we should have a day each year to mark the Holocaust of Abortion.
Please understand that I believe in keeping the current Holocaust Memorial Day.
To kill a person because they are Jewish or for whatever reason is a hideous deed.

BUT the same also applies for the unborn.

I'd like to end by refering to an article I read in one of the Catholic papers last weekend. I can't remember her name but it was an article of a girl (now a young woman) who survived an abortion. She now campaigns for the rights of the unborn.

Something that she said really struck me. She said that when she was born in the abortion clinic, after they attempted to poison her in her mother's womb with salt, there was "no feminist there" shouting for her rights.

That just goes to show how flawed and pathetic are the arguments of the Pro "choice" pro- abortion lobby.

Friends let us pray that this constant slaughter of babies in our "civilised" world will end and that those who commit such an evil deed will receive the light of grace and conversion.

Saturday, March 24, 2007

Truth: A choice?

A professor at the Seminary raised a discussion on the group "We are Church". I had heard of them before and I decided to check out their website.

On it I found links to:
Association for the Rights of Catholics in the Church
Call to Action
Catholics for a Changing Church:
Catholics For a Free Choice
Catholic Organizations for Renewal
Catholics Speak Out
CNWE -- Catholic Network for Women's Equality
Dignity/USA
Future Church
Irish Women's Ordination Site
Koinonia.
Partenia: Bishop Gaillot's Cyber-See
Priests for Equality
Redes Cristianas website
Theology Library
Women Priests

Now many of you may be wondering why I have linked all these dissident groups on this blog.

I have done this so that our readers can familiarise themselves with groups that openly oppose the Teachings of Holy Mother Church.

As I looked through them I was astounded at the rage that these people seemed to have. Words such as DEMAND and RIGHTS jump out at you as you read.

All I could think was: where is the humility? What would Our Lady do? Is this how she would have acted?
Think of how Our Lady responded at the Annunciation, a feast we shall celebrate soon. Many of us will have contemplated an image of the Annunciation. We will have seen how Our Lady, spotless, immaculate and pure, bowed her head in humility and said "Fiat mihi secundum verbum tuum!" There was no shouting. There were no RIGHTS and DEMANDS. Just utter humility and grace.

So my question would be: Is truth a choice that I demand?

Many will think that I generalise here but it has been my experience that I have never met someone who dissented Church teaching who was peaceful.

All the people that I have met that have exuded a deep peace have been those who, though they may have their struggles with some Church teachings, say "Fiat" with humility and generosity.

Church teaching is challenging. These people that I have met have faced the challenge and humbly accept. They don't understand everything but they accept. There have been times when I have found a particular Church teaching difficult to swallow. But with prayer and talking to Lecturers and dedicated Theologians I have realised that it is the Lord that guides His Church and that Holy Mother Church really knows best. That doesn't take the difficulty away but I accept and I believe. I realise that the times when I have rebelled against Church teaching I was acting out of arrogance, anger and pride.

Often people say: You can't judge. But I have seen something of that arrogance in others.

"The Church is wrong". Having been there to some degree myself I know what the root cause of it is. I respond: Then who is right? You?


Church teaching sometimes will be difficult for our fallen, pride-filled nature to accept. But with the grace of God found through prayer and the sacraments we will be given just enough humility to say with Our Lady: Fait mihi secundum verbum tuum.

Our Lady Queen of peace and humility pray for us that we might be like you!

God bless

Thursday, March 22, 2007

SORs passed

Today has seen one of the saddest blows to family life. The House of Lords late last night voted to pass the SORs.

In deep sadness at this news we must remain strong in our faith. The road ahead is going to be a tough one. But with the grace of God we must remain faithful to the Church and her teachings.

My only question is: What on earth is going on in the head of Ruth Kelly?

She hailed the SORs vote as the right decision as "a major step forward in ensuring dignity, respect and fairness for all".

WHAT ABOUT ENSURING THE DIGNITY, RESPECT AND FAIRNESS TO THOSE FAITH COMMUNITIES WHO ARE HAVING THEIR CONSCIENCES VIOLATED???

Wednesday, March 21, 2007

World Faiths in Hospital

I was recently given a copy of the Chaplaincy document for a particular NHS Trust on how to deal with patients of various faiths. Having had a flick through the document I have been quite scandalised by the difference between how hospital staff should treat Christians and patients of any other faith.

Christianity has been divided into three sections Anglicanism, Catholicism and Free Church (what about the Eastern orthodox?).

Under 'Diet' for all three it suggests that on Fridays the patient may not eat meat (no, that's only Catholics) and they may wish to fast before receiving Holy Communion (again, only Catholics and Free Churches don't take communion to the sick because they don't believe in it).

Under 'Special Considerations' it is suggested the patient may like to have a copy of the Bible by their bed and in brackets is written '(The Gideon New Testament should be available on every patient's locker)'. Well, as a Catholic I would like an RSV Bible, not half the Bible in a dodgy translation!
Also, in other faiths when it is suggested the patient may like a copy of their Scriptures it is stressed that nothing must be placed on top of it - what about the Bible? No doubt they are stashed in the drawer in a dreadful condition among needles, dirty tissues, wasted food and all sorts.

Finally, under 'Care of the Dying', when non-Christian patients die they are to be laid in the Christian chapel, all Christian symbols removed and their symbols or holy words (OM, Khanda etc) are to be placed on the altar.

Is this not proof dear readers that Christianity has become the doormat of all other religions? Do we have any importance in the world? What is to become of us in the near future?

FLI Catholic Conference 2007

Those who are familiar with Family Life International will know they have a Pro-Life Conference every year at Sacred Heart High School in Hammersmith.

This year's Conference is on 28th April and the theme is The Family. There are five speakers; Fr Linus Clovis, Prof Thomas Healy, Patricia Morgan, Fr Fidelis Moscinski and Antonia Tully.

The day begins at 10:00 and ends at 6:00 and costs £7 per person, £10 per family and will be free for seminarians, clergy and religious.

To register call 02088579950, e-mail admin@flionline.org or write to Family Life International-UK, PO Box 4771, London, SE9 4XA.

For more information visit flionline.org.

Today is the day!

Today is the day when the Lord's will debate SORs (Sexual orientation Regulations). Please keep this in your prayers and, if possible, attend the Vigil outside Parliament.

God bless

Sunday, March 18, 2007

Freedom of Conscience to be decided on WEDNESDAY!!!

On WEDNESDAY 21ST MARCH the House of Lords will vote on the Sexual Orientation Regulations. There will be a prayer vigil between 7pm and 9pm at the OLD PALACE YARD ouside Parliament. That is the square opposite the St Stephen’s entrance to the House of Lords.

Please see http://www.christianconcernforournation.co.uk
and http://www.lawcf.org/

This is a SERIOUS moment for serious action. If you can go please do. But in any case please pray.

God bless

Thursday, March 15, 2007

Latin learners!

Yes that's what Pope Benedict has said that Seminarians must be.
I better get refreshed.
Amo, amas amat...........er, umm?!?

Freedom!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?

FREEDOM
This beautiful gift is violently under attack.
Dear friends it may appear that we at Orthfully Catholic are merely ranting. But this is not true. The situation is quite severe. The Government is trying its upmost to force Catholic Schools to teach things that are contrary to our faith. Thus depriving us of the freedom to a Catholic Conscience. A dictatorship of the most severe!!!

Gay sex and the gay "lifestyle" will be forced on our youth. Any teacher caught teaching that homosexual activities are sinful will suffer severe penalties.

I urge all our readers with blogs of their own to publish an article about this on their blog.
At this crucial hour for our society, Church and the family we must stand firm and UNITED.

The family matters!
God bless

Recollection on St Patrick's Day

I apologise for the short notice but on Saturday the Priestly Fraternity of St Peter will be hosting a Day of Recollection at Our Lady of the Assumption and St Gregory, Warwick Street, London (just of Regent Street). There will be a Sung Tridentine Mass at 10:30 followed by lunch and two talks ending with Confessions and Benediction until 4:30. It is completely free of charge and there is no limit to numbers so bring as many people as possible. They do ask you to bring a packed lunch though.

For more details please leave a comment.

Tuesday, March 13, 2007

The Exhortation on the Eucharist is OUT!!!

The Apostolic Exhortation Sacramentum Caritatis has been released for all to read. The link is:

http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/apost_exhortations/documents/hf_ben-xvi_exh_20070222_sacramentum-caritatis_en.html

Praise God!

Sacramentum Caritatis

Yes, today at noon (Italian time) the Vatican is publishing this long awaited document and readers of Orthfully Catholic can be assured of a link to the English translation as soon as it becomes available (as will most other blogs - who will get there first?)!

Monday, March 12, 2007

Ooooooooo! You can't say that!!!

Yes, it's true! Very soon, if our "democratic" government has its own way, Catholic Schools will not be able to teach that homosexual acts are gravely sinful. The right to an individual conscience formed by the sacred teachings of the Holy Catholic Church will actually be ILLEGAL!

The next step on the horizon will be the "vetting of homilies/sermons". Any priest caught upholding the teachings of the Church in a homily will be prosecuted or fined.

So there you have it: Pure and unadulterated dictatorship of conscience.

Oh the irony of a society which upholds human rights only to rip them out of your hands in the same breath!

By the way, is the moderate Pol Pot running for election?

Sunday, March 11, 2007

A Liturgical Smorgasbord

Yesterday was a very holy day for me, I spent the majority of it in Westminster Cathedral only leaving for lunch, which I had to have on my own as my brothers fled while I was in the confessional.

The day began with the Sacrament of Penance in the New Rite, then, once I had rejoined my brothers, we all attended the Syrian Orthodox Vespers (see below) and immediately after that we went to the Old Rite Mass where I used my new 1962 Missal for the first time - I can't tell you how much better Mass is when you can actually follow it!

It is either a sure sign of a vocation or complete madness when a seminarian spends his entire day off in church sampling different liturgical rites!

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam!

Syrian Orthodox Vespers

Did anyone attend this service at Westminster Cathedral yesterday?

Three students from this seminary did, myself included, and found it to be a beautiful experience. Unfortunately the Nuncio didn't attend as promised (which must have put egg all over the face of the editor of The Universe) but there were representatives of all the major denominations in England (Catholic, Anglican, and various Eastern Orthodox Churches).

It was the first time we had attended an Orthodox service that is not in communion with Rome (so of course it was preceded with a discussion as to whether it fulfilled our future obligation to pray Vespers). There was a female voice choir who sang unaccompanied - something that has always fascinated me about Eastern Rites. There were more Deacons than you could shake a stick at - one of whom gave an excellent homily explaining the Syrian Orthodox Church and Her relationship with Rome. The Archbishop who presided was fantastic, giving orders by making gestures with his gold cross, being led in with the thurifer walking backwards and two servers shaking large metal rattles (if anyone knows what they are called please let me know).

All in all it was a beautiful service. The only other Eastern Rite I have attended is a Ukrainian Rite Mass and yesterday confirmed for me that in the West we have so much to learn from the East about Liturgy - how many Eastern Rite Christians complain that the priest has his back to them or that we should be having guitars accompanying happy clappy music? None!!!

Dear readers, pray daily for union with the East and that we in the West may soon come to give worship to God more worthily.

Friday, March 09, 2007

Want respect?.....

I recently heard a radio advert which states: Want respect?....Wear a condom.

It is centred around a young man and woman talking about their sexual encounter only to be setback by the fact that neither had a condom.

Basically put the advert argues that in such situations if both had a condom in their back pocket both would feel respect for each other.

I have to admit I laughed when I heard it. The whole notion of respect and dignity is completely flawed. Also let us not forget that a large proportion of sexual encounters such as these are 'one night stands'.

So there you have it. They meet in a night club and think: Great I've 'pulled'!
They go back to a flat to have sex. Both have a condom in their pocket so "they have respect for each other".
They part in the early hours of the morning. They have had a sexually pleasurable evening.

They can't remember each other's name or at the most first names. They know nothing of each other. They don't know each others likes, dislikes, fears, joys etc.

But that doesn't matter. They have 'thought' of the other and brought a condom out that night so 'they have respect'.

I laughed and thought: Well ain't that deep!

God bless

Tuesday, March 06, 2007

IVF Discussion

Last night I attended a lecture on Bioethics at which two of us made presentations, I on JJC Smart a notorious Utilitarian and someone else on John Finnis. It was this second presentation that inspired me to create this post.

In the article that was being presented Finnis makes an argument against In Vitro Fertilisation based on the judgement of Caiaphas on Christ, 'Is it not better that one inncoent man be put to death than the whole people perish?' His argument is, 'Does the creation of one life and the happpiness brought to a family justify the destruction of many lives?'

Interesting isn't it? Of course the answer is a resounding no, but to say that today makes one a bad person because one is clearly against the happiness of the family.

What do you think?

Sunday, March 04, 2007

Oh dear!

Have a look at this website and see what you think. My reaction was one of disgust and all I could say was: Oh dear!

http://www.kreuz.net/photo.111.html

Pope Benedict if you are reading this humble blog please give us the Exhortation on the Eucharist and the Motu Proprio!

P.S If anyone can tell me the significance of the vomit green coloured thing around her neck I'd be glad to hear from you!

So THIS is sex education

I was on the train on Saturday and I glanced across at a lady reading the Daily Mail. I caught only part of the title of the article. What I read was So THIS is sex. Thoughts of John Lennon's Christmas song with the words SO this is Christmas are brought to mind.

The lady eventually moved her paper enough for me to read the full title: So THIS is sex education.

Now many of us have known just how dodgy sex ed has been for a number of years. But reading an article on Father Tim Finigan's blog, http://the-hermeneutic-of-continuity.blogspot.com/ I was provided with the full HORROR at the depths of depravity it has sunk to. I personally did not read the Daily Mail's shocking report on the state of current sex ed. I'd like to direct you to Father Tim's blog to read about it so you may be made more aware.

But personally speaking I have encountered how poor and immoral sex ed has become. When I was at School we were given too many titillating details and intructed in how to put a condom on.
My younger sister was asked to do the same. She FLATLY REFUSED. When I asked her why she refused she said: It's sinful!

As you can imagine I was absolutely delighted with her answer.

Children have to be allowed to be children. They are sexualised far too early and in that they lose their innocence.

I just pray that someone in a position of influence and power will see sense and logic: If you don't have sex there won't be a pregnancy or an STD. Simple isn't it?

Our children need the beauty of a REAL childhood. They need to be taught the beauty of a pure life. YES they need to be taught about sex, but in the context of family and love, just as God intended.

Friends, we are in the midst of a real battle. Let's not tire of proclaiming such a wonderful message which is the one Christ entrusted to us: TRUE GOOD NEWS!

God bless

Friday, March 02, 2007

Online Petition

Apologies to our readers that things have been a little quiet on here. It's essay time!

But on a more serious note. There is an online petition regarding the Adoption agencies crisis.
It reads:
We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to exempt the Roman Catholic Church and all Faith adoption agencies from the requirements of the Government's proposed new Gay Rights Laws.

Dear readers this is a magnificent opportunity for us all. The Church is NOT anti gay but pro- family. We have the right to live according to our consciences. The Government is effectively removing the right to conscience simply because we uphold the sinfulness of homosexual activities and the beauty of the true family.

Every child has a right to a MOTHER and a FATHER.

To sign this important petition please go to: http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/Adoptionprotest/

The deadline for signing is 26th April 2007

Friends let us defend the family and the Church!
God bless