Pope Francis delivered a stirring homily to the American bishops this morning. I bolded the paragraphs in which he talks about abortion and marriage because I know they are a great concern for all of us at this point in our country’s history. You are read the entire homily at the National Catholic Register. In the meantime, here are a few highlights: … The heart of the Pope expands to include everyone. To testify to the immensity of God’s love... Read more
I flipped away from EWTN because EWTN’s coverage got too bogged down in politics. I’m now watching — get ready for this — MSNBC. I’m surprised that this is true, but MSNBC’s coverage — at least what I’ve seen of it — is respectful and non-political. Their commenters repeated several times that Pope Francis has not and will not change Church doctrine. They sounded appropriately giddy when he did his popemobile thing (which I thought was too short.) You might give... Read more
Pope Francis preached an extraordinary extemporaneous sermon in answer to a question in Cuba. It was on the consecrated life and holy orders and how these people are called by God to make a gift of themselves to others, to be the mercy of God to the least of these. I think that what the Holy Father said speaks also of those whom God has given the gift of caregiving and child-rearing. Both of these are thankless and disrespected work in... Read more
President Obama has greeted Pope Francis and the two leaders have each made their opening statements. Our president was handsome, the first lady was strikingly lovely. Pope Francis, in contrast, simply radiated the love of Christ. Pope Francis struggled through his remarks in English, even though the language is obviously difficult for him. I think this is a gracious touch, a way of reaching out to the American people. Pope Francis opened his remarks — which were not a full-blown... Read more
I don’t want to go negative here, but are you watching the Pope at the White House? Who wrote that soppy-sounding national anthem for the Holy See?   Read more
The United States Senate voted yesterday on the whether or not to limit debate on the 20-week abortion ban. This was not a vote on the bill, per se. It was a vote on cloture. Cloture would end the possibility of a filibuster. Without cloture the bill cannot pass. It takes 60 votes to get cloture. The vote on cloture failed, 54 by 42, with 4 senators not voting. Democrats Casey (PA), Donnelly (IN) and Manchin (WV) voted for cloture... Read more
I’m watching Pope Francis greet the children outside the nomenclature in Washington, DC. He looks well-rested, and to my eyes, beautiful. He’s posing for selfies with a number of the kids and taking his time while he goes down the line. Pitter patter goes my heart. I love me some Pope Francis I’m watching EWTN. I flipped through the cable channels and all the political carping about the pope was too disgusting. Thank goodness for EWTN. If you want a... Read more
 My near death experience with Mama pushed me to considering a nursing home. I wrote about it, and about the ghastly business of passing laws legalizing medical murder, for the National Catholic Register. Here’s part of what I said: I decided then that we had to put her in a nursing home. I despaired of our ability to keep her safe at home. I called the local Catholic nursing home, which I know is a really good place. But they are full-up.... Read more
Redefining Francis to fit their political agenda is the new game of the left. It is an attempt to deify what are in fact callous and money-driven political positions. If their ideas had to stand on their own merits, neither political party would do so well. In fact, if they were shorn of the god-gloss that counterfeit clergy obligingly spray all over them, We the People would have an easier time seeing through their charades and demanding better of them.... Read more
The United States House of Representatives voted this afternoon to defund Planned Parenthood. Commenters are saying that the vote is largely symbolic, since the bill will most likely never be heard in the Senate. However, there are procedural ways around that. Also, if the bill is amended, it might pick up a few Democratic votes. We need several things to get this into law. I wrote a summary of things that we can do to have the best chance of making... Read more
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