September 2003 Archives

Of the King. The movie, that is (and the real King as well, although I need a little more work!). I just previewed the Lord of the Rings: Return of the King trailer and I’m itching with anticipation. From a Catholic point of view, this is an excellent book and the trailer even espouses some Catholic viewpoints that are pretty weighty (good to make us Americans think a little bit).

You can see the trailer here. If you haven’t seen the other movies, I highly recommend them, but read the books first. Tolkien was a committed Catholic that really poured his insights into these works – he also has an incredible family history as Narwen indicated in her answers. And, believe it or not, Hollywood did do a pretty good job of keeping the “Catholic” in the movie – typically they try and filter out that ‘religion’ and ‘morality’ stuff. But not here, thanks be to God.

Anyway, just letting everyone know.

Jay

Okay, I know it’s a silly title. I should be more serious; I’ve now been requested to interview an actual priest – Fr. Jeffrey Keyes, CPPS at The New Gasparian.

To start, my beliefs are that priests in the U.S. aren’t always given the respect that a man making the decision to be a priest deserves. While in Rome for the first time, I heard a story that will always stick with me. During the Reformation, the men graduating from the English College were certain to die. Most were martyred upon stepping off the boat from Rome. How were these men treated in Rome as the studied to become priests? It wasn’t unheard of for others to bow as they passed, full of respect for men who had the faith and the love to give everything – a great model of Christ.

I still believe that priests make a commitment that calls for more than most could bear. Therefore, I don’t believe they receive the respect generally deserved of someone who has the faith to move mountains – or in our case to go up against society in a very profound and real way. So, I think we should all thank those who are strong enough to become priests in our world and pray for them and their personal missions in life.

Okay enough of my blathering, now onto the interview. But, if you aren’t familiar with The New Gasparian, I recommend reading Pope John Paul II’s letter to the group here and taking a look at the profile of the Missionaries of the Precious Blood here first. The second is a little long, but very interesting. Here’s the interview questions:

1) What originally attracted you to the Spirituality of the Precious Blood and St. Gaspar’s mission?

2) I’ve read quite a bit of information about the Mission and the Missionaries on your site, but not a lot about you personally. How did you get to where you are and how does blogging fit into your life?

3) I have friends studying for the priesthood. What advice would you give someone else studying to be a priest?

4) I believe that the reality of suffering and the profound potential that suffering has in our lives is the one message that Americans (in particular) need to hear the most. Would you agree with that sentiment? If not, what would be your take on it?

5) Who would you like to see as the next Pope?

By the way, Fr. Keyes, I work for one of the owners of the San Francisco Giants, but I’m a Braves fan (I get to work in Atlanta, thank goodness).

I’ll post a link back to Father Keyes answers once they are posted.

Jay

UPDATE: Here are the answers Fr. Keyes posted. Very insightful IMHO, so I recommend you get over there and read them!

The blogger interview has taken a life of it’s own and it’s been great for me, personally. I hadn’t read Flos Carmeli or Quenta Narwenion before, but both are wonderful blogs. Just as a refresher, the deal is that these blogs must agree to interview other blogs that request it, thus passing on the blogger interview and introducing blog readers to new sites.

Well, since they’ve stepped up to the plate, I’ll pitch:

Click the link below for the interview questions.

Jeff Miller at the Curt Jester has also jumped into the DeoOmnisGloria ring for an interview. As before, I’ll add a link as soon as Jeff has posted his answers. Here’s the questions:

1) Obviously comedy is a key component of the Curt Jester’s repertoire. Were you always the ‘class clown’?

2) I can’t find much on your background at the Curt Jester (I’m one to talk . . .). I know that you are a programmer, a supporter of the military, and a convert like myself. Any other interesting factoids about your life you’d like to let us in on?

3) My all-time favorite post of your is the Blogging Ten Commandments. What’s your personal favorite?

4) You’ve been blogging almost since blogging was invented (a little stretch), what would be your advice for new, Catholic bloggers?

5) Who would you like to see as the next Pope (I love this question)?

Looking forward to your answers, Jeff. Anyone else in the blogosphere interested in a real interview?

Jay

UPDATE:
Jeff has posted his answers here and he has a pretty good perspective from which to blog, IMHO.

Alicia the Midwife at Fructus Ventris is the first courageous person to ask for an interview from the DeoOmnisGloria.com staff. So, here’s her interview questions (I’ll post a link to her responses once they are up):

1) You job seems (from the outside, of course) to be very fulfilling, since you have a very personal, up-front view of creation on a daily basis. What do you like the most about being a midwife?

2) Typically a blog fulfills some objective for the writer. What is the main purpose you have for your blog?

3) You’ve been blogging since early January this year, what have you learned either about your readers or your writing that has affected you the most?

4) Why did you choose “Fructus Ventris” as the name of your blog?

5) Who would you like to see as the next Pope?

I was actually asked question number 5 in my interview, but I liked it so much I kept it. The answer is likely to be very revealing in terms how the Church and its mission are perceived.

I’m looking forward to Alicia’s answers!

Thanks,
Jay

Here are the answers Alicia posted in response to this interview. Take a second to read them, they are quite thought-provoking for us Americans.

This is the question that many of us have asked and that has echoed down through the ages...

Life is good. Happiness, Comfort, Peace, and Joy are preferred states of being for most of us. Yet we cannot ignore the reality of suffering and pain in the world and in our own lives. Some of us experience incredible sufferings whether they be physical, mental, and/or spiritual. While some of us are given little sufferings everyday to bear.

Though I do not think it is fair to simply say suffering is a part of life...so deal with it, I do believe the answer to the question of "Why Must We Suffer?" is not quite so difficult. It becomes more of an issue of accepting and embracing the answer.

First, a quick apology: I went on a very, very relaxing vacation last week that left me disconnected from the internet (I left my laptop at home . . . on purpose). Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to answer the questions IdeaJoy posted before leaving. So these are a bit behind schedule, but here we go.

Basically, the blogosphere has started game of sorts that engages blogs in a question and answer interview session. IdeaJoy asked the questions and here are my answers:

1) Deo Omnis Gloria means “All Glory to God,” how did you pick that phrase as your blog title?

Answer: We were looking for a phrase that indicated a total trust in God for this ‘project.’ Basically we’re doing this to try and spread some Truth in a world dominated by lies. We know we are actually incapable of effectively doing this well, so we depend on God for some oversight and extra blessings. Ultimately, we concluded that anything worth doing is worth doing badly (as the old saying goes). So, we think the quote reflects God’s role in our humble blog: if we do something right, He should really get the glory!

2) Why in Latin?

The short answer is that we’re Catholic. The long answer is that Latin has a certain mysteriousness that seems to make everything a little more interesting. Why not, in other words.

3) The sub-title of your blog is “holding out the candle of Truth to the world.” Who do you see as your main audience?

This is a good question. When we put this blog together we had a goal of pulling in Catholics in different situations from different backgrounds; a strong focus on heterogeneity. The purpose was to expose our readers to different insights and perspectives on living out Catholic lives. We weren’t so much focusing on a specific audience, rather on a blend of Catholic viewpoints that exposes the depth of Catholicism in our lives. By choosing MovableType and maximizing search engine visibility, we knew we would see a substantial number of non-Catholics and some articles are geared in that direction. However, primarily we expect to see Catholics on the site seeking to learn more about their faith and their vocation.

4) One of the things I've found fascinating about the Catholic Church is it's diversity, the Jesuits who are known for their philosophy, the earthy mysticism of the Franciscans, charismatic movements like Couples for Christ, reform movements like the Voice of the Faithful, or the conservative “traditionalists” mentioned in your blog. What flavor of Catholic are you?

This goes back to our stated goal of not being homogenous. I personally grew up Baptist and went through a long process of coming around to the Church. My posts tend to focus on a ‘Bible-orientation’ (once a thumper, always a thumper), whereas Maria, for example, is a little more focused on the spirituality of the Church. We are sure that all of our posters are completely faithful to the Catholic Church and Pope John Paul II. And we aren’t interested in changing the Church to suit personal interests . . .

5) Who would you like to see as the next Pope?

This seems to be the question of the hour these days. I’m still holding out some hope that Pope John Paul II can be cloned for further use on earth – I’m kidding, of course. In all seriousness, I haven’t really studied this issue enough to comment on it. I think the next Pope will have some huge shoes to fill and will need the energy of ten men to continue the stated mission of PJPII. I wish that our current Pope could reconcile the Orthodox Church before he goes, although that seems a remote possibility at this point. He has really pushed this reconciliation and I think it would be the crowning achievement of his papacy if finished. So, I guess to answer your question: I’ll just kick back and see who the Holy Spirit decides to pick!

The way this works, I agree to interview any other blogger who is interested. Simply leave a comment saying ‘interview me’ and I’ll send you five questions (I’ll post them here as well) for you to answer. Each interview is personalized and oriented toward your blog, so each will be different. In response, you must agree to interview anyone else who requests it.

This is a great way to introduce your blog to others or to explain your positions.

Jay

Taken from an article I read in CCL(Couple to Couple League) Family Foundations publication, chief gynecologist at the Health Ministry in Russia, Vladimir Serov, reports that abortions are one of the primary causes of infertility in a country that is desperate to raise a plummeting birth rate. About 5 million - or 13% - of Russian married couples are infertile, and doctors report that diagnoses of infertility are on the rise.

In nearly three out of four cases, infertility is attributed to the women, typically because of complications from one or more abortions.

A study in 1994 found that the average Russian woman had three abortions by the end of her child-bearing years. For every live birth there are 1.7 abortions, compared with more than 3 births for every abortion in the United States. Even though Russian health experts claim that abortion rates have been rapidly declining in the past 15 years, the damage has already been done. Russian health and demographics experts say the abortion legacy has created a problem greater than the private trauma of childless couples, because the resulting infertility contributes to a low birth rate. That trend and a soaring death rate are helping reduce Russia's population at a rapid rate.

Projections show Russia will lose more than a quarter of its poplulation, dropping from 143 million people to 104 million by 2050.

Even more devastating is the solution for this problem, the promotion of contraceptives! Please keep this country in your prayers and take a more active stand against abortion in our own country as well. May God have mercy on our world and may we return to a culture of life instead of drowning in the constant bloodshed of the culture of death.

Maria

* A great organization to belong to, especially if you are married, is CCL. Visit ccli@ccli.org or write to Couple to Couple League, PO Box 111184, Cincinnati, OH 45211 or call #513-471-2000.

Those outside the Church (especially the media) are constantly discussing the failures of individual members of the Church. Usually this is taken to indicate the entire Church has problems, rather than that one individual has problems. But I contend that failure is an important part of Christianity.

Why? Ultimately our salvation lies in the struggle to do good and to be good. We are called to perfection, which is a difficult calling only attainable through the workings of the Holy Spirit. But, our calling also requires humility, the virtue grown and nourished by failure. And failure teaches us another key lesson: how to get up and start again. Christ illustrated this persistence beautifully when he fell three times carrying the cross and yet rose again each time. We must do the same, rising in hope even after our failures.

As we grow in the Holy Spirit, big failures become small ones and yet, they are still failures. The “Church full of hypocrites” I heard the other day and thought, “And God wants even more hypocrites”. Hypocrites who strive for holiness and despite these failings continue in hope and humility. May God bless us all with enough failure to keep us humble and enough success to ensure our sainthood!

Jay

In honor of this month being National Women's Month, I decided to post some of my favorite quotes on motherhood. Whether you are a mother or not these thoughts are worth pondering and please feel free to pass them on to any mommies that you might know. We all need support and encouragement!

"How can it be a large career to tell other people's children about the Rule of Three, and a small career to tell one's own children about the universe? How can it be broad to be the same thing to everyone, and narrow to be everything to someone? No, a woman's function is laborious; but because it is gigantic, not because it is minute. I will pity Mrs. Jones for the hugeness of her task; I will never pity her for its smallness." (What's Wrong with the World, G.K. Chesterton)

"Many times the richest boy is the one who sits in a poor mother's lap, because she has nothing else to give him but her love and affection."

"The greatest gift one can give our nation is to teach one's children to pray."

"Ah! How delicate a Mother's heart really is, and how it shows its tenderness in a thousand little cares that no one thinks about it!" St. Therese of Lisieux (Story of a Soul)

Maria

"Everything that is done out of Love acquires greatness and beauty." St. Josemaria Escriva' The Way

Thank you Mom and Dad for giving us a great life full of beauty. May God continue to bless your marriage and may you both in turn continue to glorify Him through your love for one another. Happy Anniversary!
Love,
Maria

I think the only appropriate activity today is prayer and silent meditation.

May God bless us all and give us the wisdom we lack.

Stories from 9-11 and beyond.

Here's an update I received on the status of Terri Schiavo's fight for life from Earl Appleby at Times Against Humanity:

Contributing editor Pamela Hennessy of the Terri Schindler-Schiavo Foundation brings us the latest news from Ground Zero in the fight to save Terri:

As you may already know, a hearing is scheduled for Thursday, September 11, 2003, at the courthouse in Clearwater, Florida. This hearing is to be at 10.00am (GMT -5) and, at that time, Judge Greer is expected to schedule a date when Terri Schindler-Schiavo's feeding tube will be removed. When that is done, Terri will die from dehydration and/or starvation. Though the attorney representing Terri's husband, Michael Schiavo, contends that this is a peaceful and painless death, the truth is that Terri will be made to suffer tremendously. You can read more here.

Demonstrators are expected to convene that day, prior to the proceedings. If you are in the Tampa Bay area of Florida, you are welcome to join in. It is of the utmost importance that any demonstration be a peaceful one. The courthouse is located at the intersection of Court Street and Fort Harrison Avenue in downtown Clearwater, Florida. If you are able to attend, bring signs. Bring water as it will be warm. Plan on media asking you questions. Try to answer the questions of passersby, if you can. Direct people to www.terrisfight.org if they don't understand the case. There is a public sidewalk directly in front of the courthouse, facing Fort Harrison Avenue. Likewise, there is a public sidewalk directly across the road. Traffic, both auto and foot, is high from the hours of 7.00am until 9.30am. You will be seen and heard. It is not appropriate nor recommended that you assemble on the campus of the court complex itself. Only public encroachment such as sidewalks. Understanding that everyone has obligations andwork, if you can attend, your presence is appreciated.

There is a pending petition to federal courts that will be refiled before the week is out. This petition argues that Terri's civil liberties have been denied by her husband. If the federal judge accepts jurisdiction of the case, Terri's case will move to the federal courts and out of the present venue of the 6th circuit court of Pinellas County.

Additionally, the attorney representing Terri's immediate family has filed a Motion to Disqualify Judge George Greer based on evidence that he has spoken openly about Terri's case to confidantes and media - without litigating attorneys present.

There is no guarantee that Judge Greer will step down, nor that the federal courts will accept jurisdiction of Terri's case. With that in mind, the hearing on September 11 could be the final decision in this young woman's life.

If you have questions, suggestions or require more information, please do not hesitate to email me directly. Please also feel free to circulate this email.

On behalf of Terri Schindler-Schiavo and the family who loves her, thank you.

Pamela F. Hennessy, Media Volunteer
Terri Schindler-Schiavo Foundation

CURE thanks you, too. Let us never surrender in the fight for what is right!

Please pray for Terri!

Jay

I just wrapped up a really difficult week at work. This was a "cross" week without a doubt. But as I sit here reflecting over the past week I am reminder of the things I should be thankful for, namely, the fact that I have a wife and a home and work for my hands. There are so many in the world who want to work and are not given the opportunity to earn a fair wage.
Yet there is a mystery to this thing we call "work." Why must we work? Why must it be difficult at times? Shouldn't I be able to find a job I can enjoy all the time?

This is a good article by Catholic World News on the U.S. Bishops response to the call from some priests to remove the celibacy requirement.

The Bishops make several good points, but I think the best is noting that there is no evidence that this will increase the number of Catholic priests. For some reason we as Americans always seem to feel that catering to the weakness of others is always worthwhile. Ultimately, people look for a challenge and it’s the toughest jobs that attract. One good example: the Marines remain ‘full’ whereas other military groups are in need of new recruits; this despite the fact that the Marines are considered the most challenging of all the armed services. Much like the Marines, our Priests are soldiers for God and make unbelievable sacrifices to serve God and us, the family of God.

Perhaps more prayer would have a greater effect than loosening the reins? I think we should all make a weekly prayer for priests part of our schedule.

Jay

After reading Krista’s article, I felt moved to contribute myself. Birth control was the most difficult thing for me to give up when I converted four years ago. I understood and accepted the church teachings on birth control, but wanted to have that control over my life. I then found out that the church allowed the practice of Natural Family Planning. It is a form of birth control, so what is the difference I asked?

I began to research the history of birth control and how each works in our bodies. I discovered something shocking I had not been told by doctors or friends or school educators. A few of the contraceptives, particularly the pill, actually act as an abortifacient (here’s another article). I point out the pill, because it is one of the most common contraceptives used. In rare instances, a person can conceive a child while using the pill. As the life enters the uterus to implant, in can not because the uterus has been “disturbed” by the pill. The life is then gone and passed as a period. The mother will never know she has just effectively had an abortion.

The difference between Naturally Family Planning and secular birth control is NFP allows us to be open to life. There is no chance of an abortion while practicing NFP, and we remain open to God’s plan.

So the question remains…is birth control murder? In some instances, yes. If you accept the use of contraceptives, than you must accept abortion.

Ashley