For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. ---Ephesians 6:12


"The age of casual Catholicism is over; the age of heroic Catholicism has begun. We can no longer be Catholics by accident, but instead must be Catholics by CONVICTION." ---Fr. Terrence Henry TOR, Franciscan University of Steubenville

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

ACLU Tries To Force GA School District To Remove Internet Filters --Allowing Pornography! ADF TO THE RESCUE!!!



Looks like the ACLU is up to its usual harassment of local schools and other organizations they assume are too weak to fight and too willing to buckle.  But they didn't count on The Alliance Defense Fund!  And just who are THEY?  Well, they're lawyers for Jesus, basically.  And from what I once heard from one on a Sunday morning in Stockton, CA at church (guest speaker), they keep very busy fighting against those who would fight against our constitutional rights to freedom of religion.

In the video above, you'll hear about how the ACLU is trying to force a GA school district to remove internet filters from school library computers, thereby allowing lesbian, gay, and transgender sites to be accessed by the very children that school swears to protect.  And no doubt, when the kiddies aren't subjected to sexually explicit content on these sites, there will be attempts by those sites to recruit those impressionable children.  How disgusting that so many predators are vying for access to our country's youth to exploit and sexualize them before the age of consent.  And even more disgusting that the ACLU is blazing the path for them!

Where does the ACLU get its funding?  The video below is older --2007, I believe, but I doubt things have changed much.  Let Bill O'Reilly shed some light on this...

Monday, August 8, 2011

Rick Santelli Knows What Time It Is. (VIDEO)



I love Rick Santelli's rants. He always puts notions that have fallen askew back in their proper perspective. 

I agree with Rick that regardless of the details of the S&P report showing Republicans sharing the blame for not agreeing to tax increases to go with tax cuts, the most important thing we know is that we are on the WRONG PATH.  History shows that with any increase in taxation, increases in spending are soon to follow (Parkinson's 2nd LawExpenditures rise to meet income).  And this is because the politicians act like they have more money for pet projects.  

Plus, it's my opinion that S&P was attempting to be a bit too politically correct in trying to spread blame evenly.  The Democrats were never interested in reducing the debt, and it took Republican (Tea Party) pressures for the Dems to consider ANY reductions in their horrendously high projected increases in the debt ceiling and runaway spending, both of which have become "routine." Remember, even after the downgrade President Obama made a speech promising more spending on even more social programs with money we don't have.  They still think the solution is to spend, spend spend.  THAT should've been at the top of the list of reasons for the downgrade, not because the Tea Party tried to stop the Democrats.

But the biggest reason of all to question the motives of S&P for any blame given to Republicans is that back in April they gave a negative outlook (threat to lower rating in future) if the government didn't reduce the deficit by $4 trillion, which Cut, Cap, and Balance would've done.  It was the Republican party which tried very hard to pressure the Dems into passing this bill in order to avert a downgrade.

Saturday, August 6, 2011

Pretty, Blonde Businesswoman Takes Obama To The Woodshed Over Lack Of Leadership In Economy



And the key word is LEADERSHIP.  As she states in the above video, Obama has shown NONE.  He blames everyone else for the mess he claims he inherited, and then goes on vacation.  WATCH THIS VIDEO.
H/TP:  Breitbart TV via Gary VanHorn on Facebook.

Friday, August 5, 2011

Senator John Kerry's Attempt To Ban Tea Party From Media Shows Desperation


And in so doing, Senator Kerry used inflammatory rhetoric to make his case, claiming that "Congress was held hostage..," and "People wanted to literally cut the baby in half."  Senator Kerry has been a member of Congress (in both House and Senate) long enough to remember government shut-downs, several dozen filibusters, and other parliamentary maneuvers done by members of both parties in efforts to get their way.  His effort to get the media to put a gag on dissenting opinion just shows how desperate the Democrats are in their efforts to retain power long enough to transform our nation into something second rate.  Or maybe he simply misses being relevant.

One thing is certain.  There is one group of people who are serious about fixing the debt problem, and there is another group who isn't.  The Republicans have proposed Cut, Cap, and Balance which would go far in reversing several decades of irresponsible fiscal management.  You may or may not agree with how the plan works, but you have to admit it IS an attempt, at the very least.

Senator Reid had a plan...to do something...but that something had little to do with the debt situation except to raise it.  And President Obama had no plan at all.  But after the "compromise," the President did voice his support for new spending on new social programs which would require the debt ceiling to be raised even further.  So when the Democrats in power say they're in favor of solving the debt problem...  they are actually in favor of someone else (republicans) taking the heat for a watered-down plan (compromise) that does virtually nothing but get democrats re-elected.

Senator Rubio is a fresh face with an up-to-date perspective on the silliness of these dinosaurs who got us into this mess, and offers his opinions.  It's worth watching the 14 minute video just to see him slam Senator Kerry.  Heh.

Saturday, July 2, 2011

Black Genocide In America: New Video



The number of African-Americans in the US in 2010 according to the Census is 42 Million (includes black and mixed race), which makes up 13.6% of the total US population.  However, it is estimated that since 1973, more than 15 million African-American babies have been killed in the womb.  Those aborted black babies make up almost 36% of today's population of blacks in America.

Most Republicans are aware of these figures and are fighting to end abortion, while most Democrats, who have no excuse not to know these stats, are trying to make the "service" more available in minority areas.  So why do African-Americans keep voting Democrat???  It's a mystery.

The cool video above was created by the National Black Pro-life Coalition.

Hat tip:  LifeNews

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Some Clarification On Papal Infallibility


Many people have trouble with the concept of Papal Infallibility simply because they don't understand what it means, or they assume it means something it doesn't. Although Fr. Baron explains it fully in the video above from the Word On Fire's Catholicism series, I'd like to touch on a few points.

First, it's necessary to know what Infallibility (Pope-wise) doesn't mean. It doesn't mean he never sins. To never sin would be impeccability, which no Pope could claim. In fact some Popes in the Catholic Church's rich past sinned an awful lot, eg., Pope Alexander VI (Borgia), who led a rather immoral and lascivious lifestyle, and is considered by many to be the most corrupt man ever to hold the office.

What Infallibility means is that the Pope is never wrong when defining doctrine regarding faith and morals (when speaking ex cathedra). You can read a much longer definition by clicking HERE, where you will also find biblical scripture to back up the concept.

But what I do is simply look more closely at Alexander VI for proof. Because a man living such an evil life in a position of enormous power (much more so in those days) would seek to validate such lasciviousness by perverting Catholic dogma to his own selfish ends so he could live out his twisted desires openly and without scorn. So why didn't he do that? Because by virtue of his position, though God allowed him (and other Popes) free will to act badly, The Holy Spirit would not allow him to pervert doctrinal teaching on faith and morals, any more than the Pope could claim 2 + 2 = 5.

Visit the Word On Fire website by clicking HERE to stay updated on when the DVD's of this excellent series will be released.

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Pilgrimage To Chicago 5: St. Mary Of The Lake

I lived in this Chicago neighborhood (Buena Park) from August '90 to February '95, only a block and a half from this church.  At the time I considered myself an agnostic and had little or no interest in attending Mass anywhere, let alone the church on my street.  I admired the architecture from the outside and found it a pleasant sight when I walked by toward my apartment, but never felt motivated enough or curious enough to enter through its doors to see if the inside did the outside its due.  So after more than 16 years I returned on Saturday to venture through its doors... and nearly wept, both at the beauty of what I saw and the fact that I missed out on it years ago...

The mural on the other side (not pictured) was used as a backdrop in a scene in the movie Flatliners, where a young Kevin Bacon's character picks on a little girl on the playground.  I saw the actor, among several movie set people scouting this location one day.  He looked different with his hair all matted down, but not unrecognizable.

The lights were off when I was allowed to tour after hours.  There is a link to a gallery of the church with lights on if you're interested. 

















Paul Ryan Sets Record Straight On Medicare: VIDEO

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Pilgrimage To Chicago 4: Queen Of All Saints Basilica


Queen of All Saints Basilica, located near the Peterson exit off the Edens Expressway in the far northwest side of Chicago, has eight different shrines devoted to The Virgin Mary as well as seven display cabinets containing dozens of Holy Relics (bone fragments of The Apostles, bits of different saints, small piece of Jesus' clothing, etc...).  The style of this basilica is "modern gothic," and taken in altogether is breathtaking.  Again, the photos don't do it justice.  It has to be experienced.


What's a Catholic church without Knights?


This room contains the baptismal font and lots of Holy Relics



Holy Relics of The Apostles

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Pilgrimage To Chicago 3: St. Hyacinth Basilica


What could very well be the most beautiful basilica in the US, other than the National Shrine in DC (if you don't mind that blond Jesus behind the alter), St. Hyacinth Basilica leaves one (at least me, anyway) spellbound.  From the ornate engravings on its large bronze doors depicting the history of the basilica, to the bronze statues outside of Jesus Christ (with Sacred Heart) and John Paul II,  the magnificent alter and inner dome, the building inside and out shows its Roman and Polish influences.  Here are my photos that cannot possibly do it justice.

Looking up from the pews




Some objected to the "modern art" style of this statue, but I think it grows on you.




Saturday, May 21, 2011

Pilgrimage To Chicago 2: Holy Name Cathedral


My friend Kevin and I visited Holy Name Cathedral the other day at 735 N State St. in Chicago, after visiting St. Peter's in the Loop for Reconciliation, and were very impressed with its beauty.  Above the alter, if you look closely you will find five Galeros (Cardinal hats) symbolizing the five deceased Cardinals who served Chicago to date.  "Traditionally, this symbol of a Cardinal is raised to the ceiling of his cathedral upon his death. The hat hangs until it turns into dust, a reminder that all earthly glory is passing" 

Surprisingly, even though this is the Cathedral of the Chicago Archdiocese and looks impressive (as you can see in the pictures) it is not the largest nor the most magnificant of Chicago's catholic churches.  In addition to the Cathedral, there are THREE basilicas, each of which I visited.  But only two of which I can share pictures.  Sadly, Our Lady of Sorrows' Reverend asked me not to post online any of the pictures I took.  It seems that some photographers with bad intent were taking pictures of the shrines within the basilica and selling them for profit.  Even though I assured him I would do no such thing, he assured me that someone might swipe them off my blog and sell them.  So,...I promised.  The following pics are from Holy Name Cathedral only:





Hanging Galeros





Thursday, May 19, 2011

Pilgrimage To Chicago

I suppose you can tell I've not been posting much, but politics, as fun as it can be to rant about, has been wearing thin for me lately.  This will change, I'm sure.  But in the mean time...

I'm on vacation from my job on a pilgrimage to a city I once lived in as an agnostic from the late '80's up to the mid '90's, surrounded by beautiful Catholic churches which I typically ignored.  Now with a fervent interest in Catholicism, I've returned to Chicago to photograph three basilicas, one cathedral, and a few beautiful churches --one from which I lived less than two blocks.

The first one visited today was St. Peter's in the Loop, which offers several Mass times daily along with Confession M-F, 7:30 to 6pm ALL DAY LONG.  I try to go as often as possible to Confession since I almost always have something to say.  This church is run by the Franciscans, who seem constantly available.

Note the cloisters at the top center of the photo.