Canada - The Junior High Years

For those who don't know, I have eight children, 7 yr. to 24yr. Over the course of the last 24 years, I've known a few 11-14yr. old kids. Mercifully, because we homeschool, we have avoided quite a bit of the totally self-centered and obliviously obnoxious behavior of that demographic, not to mention the rather vicious attempts to 'win' against authority, and 'beat' rivals for popularity. (We have't missed all of it mind you, my kids didn't skip those years, but quite a bit.)

It occured to me last night, thinking about Canada's upcoming 'birthday', that at 141 years - Canada has reached Junior High.

Here's Ezra with his latest report card:"Who Died and Made Rob Wells Pope?".

How do you send the whole country to the Principal's office, and do they still do that? Can we 'homeschool' Canada, or are we doomed to follow the bad example of 'big brothers' like Sweden and France and Germany. Why is Canada such a slow learner? Why can't Canada be its own person, like the US, instead of following the 'crowd'.

When will Canada GROW UP!

What Next?

An interesting article by Fr. Raymond De Souza, about recent developments with the Anclican Communion:

"Many of those who are not attending Lambeth are in Jerusalem this week for an alternative meeting, to discuss how they see the way forward. The parallel meetings are a clear manifestation that the bonds of communion have broken down. The Archbishop of Canterbury is not in Jerusalem, and is not welcome there. The breach appears irreparable and therefore the Anglican Communion's days as a global community centred in Canterbury are numbered.
That is a sadness for those, like myself, who have affection for the Anglican sensibility. But sensibilities are not doctrines, and it cannot be the case that members of the same communion can hold directly contradictory views on matters of grave importance. The Canadian and American proponents of same-sex marriages are arguing that homosexual acts can be morally good, and even sacramental. The traditional Christian view is that such acts are sinful. That is a gap that cannot be bridged: Either one holds to the ancient and constant teaching of the Christian Church, or one rejects it in favour of a different position. It cannot be that both views exist side-by-side as equally acceptable options."

In a related story, Anglican parishes that have broken away from the Episcopal Church in Virginia have won a court battle to retain their Church property.

Also:
"Misunderstanding GAFCON"

"Brokenness vs. Schism"

As a Christian, a Catholic, and spouse of an Anglican (Prayerbook), I look forward to positive developments. Is it reasonable to hope that the Anglican Communion can be restored to Truth? Is it reasonable to hope that the faithful remnant can find a home in the Universal Church?
I'm not sure that I'm hoping for something specific. I am praying to our God, that His will be done, and that the faithful loving servants of His find peace , somehow.

Almost Good News, Kinda

Good coverage on the latest chapter of CHRC 'doings' at 'The World Tonight':

"..This is a perfectly logical conclusion, but I'm not prepared to concede that the Canadian Human Rights Commission reached this conclusion for the right reasons. Obviously, the BC Human Rights Tribunal went to far as to conduct a hearing on the Steyn piece (verdict still pending), and the Ontario Commission clearly wishes it could have - so are we really to believe the federal commission is simply that much more enlightened that its provincial counterparts?"

Links to the complainant, the defendant and commentary by Ezra Levant.
(h/t The Black Kettle)

Meanwhile,Magic Statistics points out to the CHRC that Friday's Supreme Court decision clarifying the difference between 'fair' and 'fair comment' might cramp their style.

In other news, PM Stephen Harper won a Human Rights Award from the B'nai Brith! (I'm not sure how this is going to help..)

With Canada Day just around the corner, maybe Harper has a birthday present in mind?

Summer Reading

Inside Catholic has posted a 'Summer Reading' list. Regulars give their suggestions from 'Orthodoxy' to 'Frankenstein', and invite readers to add their own.

Heroic Catholic Families

An excellent article on Catholic parenting by Dr. Jeff Mirus :


"The Blueprint for Heroic Family Life"


"..In early third millennium America, heroic Catholic families generally don’t send their kids to public schools if they have any conceivable alternative. Nor do they take advantage of parochial or diocesan schools if their staffs are still riddled with cafeteria Catholics (or worse). If a sound Catholic school is not available, heroic Catholic families pull up roots and move, or they found independent schools, or they home school. Even if outstanding schools are available, they may still home school. I use the word “generally” in the first sentence, because there are exceptions to every parenting rule, and it isn’t anybody’s job but yours to make the best decision for your own children..."


"...Heroic Catholic parents strive to be outstanding spiritual and moral examples to their children. It goes without saying that they never undermine the Church’s authority by making exceptions about which Church teachings they will believe and follow. Nor do they let a spirit of criticism undermine their children’s respect for the Church. They must certainly discuss difficulties and abuses frankly, but they will not constantly complain and find fault..."

Dr. Mirus goes on to remind us that firmness and flexibility are both needed to obtain a good final result - a new generation of faithful, well-formed Catholics:

"...All heroic Catholic parents must combine these two dispositions into one, by following the famous maxim: In essential things, unity; in doubtful things, liberty; in all things, charity..."

He backs up his advice by invoking the late Fr. Hardon (well known to Catholic homeschoolers!):

"...When Fr. Hardon warned that only heroic Catholic families will survive, he meant that only families who make deep and continuous sacrifices for God and the Good will be able to raise children who remain close and retain their Faith. He was referring to that same heroic virtue which is required for canonization, that is, the determination to practice virtue and follow God’s will consistently over time even when it is inconvenient or unpopular. That is what heroic virtue is. That is really all it is; it is within reach, and it is quite enough..."

Dr. Mirus concludes by reminding us that it's not all up to us:

"..Even with heroic virtue, however, immediate success is not guaranteed. Children are their own persons. They might, even with the best of upbringing, make bad choices, stray from the Church, reject God. So might their parents. This brings us to the final and most important characteristic of heroic Catholic families: They keep praying for each other until they die, and even after they die. Heroic Catholic parents—and heroic Catholic children—are always deeply committed to prayer. They live lives of prayer. They pray constantly, both now and forever..."

A very encouraging article, and a sound reminder of who and why we are. Parents.

Poetry Friday

Hosted this week at Biblo File.

Starting with a tribute to marriage from the Ancient Chinese...

Louise Arbour - As Good As The UN Gets?

Joseph Ben-Ami pegs Louise Arbour, and the UN :

"The real problem isn’t that Louise Arbour is a disgrace, it’s that she--and by extension the entire UN human rights bureaucracy--is irrelevant...

In fairness, no declaration of concern, nor statement of condemnation, nor expression of anger or outrage, could ever influence the behaviour of those individuals and regimes that engage in such heinous human rights abuses. As former general, now senator, Romeo Dallaire has noted, mere words did not save a single life in Rwanda, nor are they saving lives in Darfur today.

On the other hand, the impact of statements from officials like Ms. Arbour can deter the advancement of human rights. Consider her “even-handed” scolding of Israel and Hezbollah in 2006. Ms. Arbour was simply wrong to imply that there was no difference between accidental civilian deaths resulting from attacks on military targets undertaken by Israel and those caused by the deliberate and indiscriminate missile attacks of Hezbollah on Israeli towns and cities. In so doing, she undermined the efforts of the international community to isolate and dismantle an international criminal organization that has brought untold suffering to innocent people over the years--the vast majority of whom are Lebanese, not Israeli...

Read More...

Czechs Stand Up

The 'Stand Up Country of the Day' award goes to the Czech Republic, for standing up to EU bullies:

"The Czech Republic posed a new danger on Friday to the European Union's troubled reform treaty, threatening to block a joint call at an EU summit for continued ratification despite Ireland's 'No' vote, diplomats said."

...and the walls came a tumblin' down!

African-American Pastors Reject Eugenics Sponsorship

African-American pastors make a stand for LIFE today, asking both Democrat and Republican politicians to reject financing from Planned Parenthood.

Commentary at ProwomanProlife.

Related posts :
"Obama is not King"

Day Gardner Responds"

COMMUNION

I had been hoping to time our yearly migration north to coincide with the Eucharistic Congress. Stuff happened, and that wasn't possible, but I'm grateful for the excellent addresses given and available on the internet:

"The Eucharist Is Not A Meal Amongst Friends"- Pope Benedict XVI

"The Eucharist, the Life of Christ in Our Lives" -Elizabeth Nguyen Thi Thu Hong (Cardinal Nguyen's sister)

"Spiritual Worship and Authentic Adoration" - Bishop Louis Tagle

"Eucharist and Mission" - Cardinal Telesphore Toppo

"Witnesses to the Eucharistic Christ" - Cardinal Francis Arinze

Photo Essay of the closing MASS

Photo essay of the Eucharistic Procession

Video Journal


(Its wonderful to see 'Catholic Church' and 'Quebec' linked positively . Is the long winter over?)

Education : Who's Right?

"The Church does not deny the right of the State to decree compulsory education so long as such decrees do not abrogate other and more fundamental rights. It should be remembered , however, that compulsion on the part of the State is not the exercise of a primary and predominant right (for this belongs to the parents and to the Church), but must be justified by considerations of the public good."(Angelus Press)

Like sheep to be sheared, we have given over our fundamental rights and responsibilities to a State that perceives the teaching of 'homosexual lifestyle' to be a matter of the 'public good'.That considers our Christian heritage to be anathema. They have abused their mandate. They will continue to do so, unobstructed, until every man's child is a true and faithful child of the State - obedient and willing in all their endeavors, and free from the influence and protection of a non-existent family.

In the last ten years, how many Catholic schools have been closed? How many have become 'Catholic Aura' schools?


Catholics can save the world,literally, by taking up their parental responsibilities, given to them by God, and taking charge of the adequate Catholic education of their children.

We need to stop being so complacent and lazy!

Peace At Last

No thanks to the doctors at the Grace Hospital in Winnipeg.

LifeNews reports that Samuel Golubchuk,at the center of a life advocacy/eugenics court battle, has died :

"Golubchuk was a terminally ill elderly patient who family said subjecting to euthanasia would violate their religious beliefs. But his doctors wanted to refuse life-sustaining treatment.

He suffered from a brain injury he sustained in 2003 but could still understand and communicate. His condition deteriorated after he had a bout of pneumonia and pulmonary hypertension.

Earlier this month, the doctor who wanted to impose his values on Golubchuk by forcing him off respirator and feeding tube resigned rather than continue treatment.

On Monday, doctors Bojan Paunovic and David Easton became the second and third to stop accepting shifts at Grace Hospital's critical care unit.

Family lawyer Neil Kravetsky told the Canadian Press that the Golubchuk family won their battle with hospital staff who wanted to take his life sooner.

'Mr. Golubchuk won,' Kravetsky said. He didn't die because they pulled him off life support. He died when his time had come.'

'No one took him off life support -- God did and that's what they were fighting for,' Kravetsky added."

I'm sure the Canadian Medical Assoc. can find another old/handicapped/brain damaged/sleeping patient in a hospital somewhere to refuse to feed and hydrate, thus establishing their exclusive right to determine the value of a life in their care.

And my friends think I'm wary of doctors out of a need to be obnoxiously 'anti-authority'. I just don't trust people who think they ARE God!

Catholic Voting Seminar

Linked at ProEclessia.

REAL Youth

Crossroads brings the 'Culture of Life' to communities across America, Canada and Ireland (LifeNews):

"College student Nicole Hendershot is one of the walkers -- inspired when a previous group traveled through her hometown of Billings, Montana.

'I'm very passionate about pro-life, and it just sounded like something that was right up my alley,' Hendershot told the Rapid City, South Dakota newspaper as her group arrived in town recently. 'Just to be a peaceful witness to the dignity and sanctity of all human life from conception.'

The walkers wear T-shirts with a very visible "Pro-Life" message on the front so motorists can see then. When they arrive in most towns, the walkers distribute pro-life literature to local residents.

Erin Bertrand, a 20-year-old Benedictine College student told the Journal her group is getting significant support from most communities.

'It's been really great to realize that this half of the country so far is pro-life,' Bertrand said. 'It's the support, it's stuff like that keeps us going.'"


These youth are the people who will be raising the families of tomorrow. They will be the 'functional' and 'productive' members of society, when we are in our dotage.

I am greatly encouraged!

EU Rhymes With "SCREW YOU"

No surprises here. Plans are already being made to 'do-over' the Irish referendum, amidst whining from political leaders about the 'ungrateful Irish' (sour milk?) and what appears to be a general lack of enthusiasm amongst the general public across Europe for any increase in EU powers.

LifesiteNews reports:

Many long time observers of the ways and wiles of the European Union, however, predicted that a rejection by the Irish would be far from the end of the Lisbon Treaty. As wit and commentator Gerald Warner wrote for his Daily Telegraph weblog, "We have been here before."

"In 2001 the Irish electorate rejected a similar proposal, the Treaty of Nice, by 54 percent to 46 percent. A second referendum was quickly held and provided the desired outcome, a yes to Nice by 63 percent to 37 percent.

'Silly people!' Warner writes, 'It was the wrong answer. So the following year, like a recalcitrant schoolboy being dragged by the ear back to his desk to do his unsatisfactory homework over again, the Irish electorate was made to repeat the exercise.'

'In fact the Eurofascists will press on regardless, despite rejection now by France, the Netherlands and Ireland. The Protocols of the Elders of Brussels will be enforced.'"

Communion Means COMMUNION

The Church is nothing if not patient, as Cardinal Bagnasco explains the meaning of COMMUNION:

"..reception of Holy Communion 'does not depend on an external disposition but rather comes from the interior of the sacrament of the Eucharist itself, the sacrament of the perennial unity between the love of Christ and humanity'.."

Its NOT about politics or image, but about REALITY. You cannot separate yourself from God, and unite yourself with Him at the same time. ITS NOT POSSIBLE.

Catholic Carnival #178

Catholic Carnival is up at Catholic Mom Climbing the Pillars. Catholic Life and Prayer at its best!

Canada's Rotten Apples...

At ProwomanProlife:

"...The Canadian bioethics community offers an interesting case-study in split personality, being profoundly committed to “women’s right to choose” while being profoundly horrified by its collateral damage, namely the cheapening human life, especially old, sick or disabled life. Whether or not they are able to see the link is anyone’s guess: I sat on numerous presentations decrying the effects of prenatal genetic screening and diagnosis on human diversity but nowhere did I hear a semblance of battle cry to make it stop...Speaking from both sides of one’s mouth will only get you so far in eliminating injustice: by refusing to take a clear stance on the injustice of genetic terminations – including sex-based terminations – the Canadian bioethics community is effectively condoning the elimination of diversity from the Canadian demographic landscape..."

Global Warming...Literarily(?)

Scooping the opera, opening now at the Trousered Ape:


"INCONVENIENT TRAGEDY"


Duet: (Algor) (Carbona Dioxida)
.
. She'll join with me and we shall share /I will abandon all and dare
. A glittering golden prize./ To aid his enterprise.
. The lure of riches and of power/ Farewell to twig and leaf and flower...
. Will always tantalize./ But is he telling lies?
. An endless rain of wealth shall fall/ Does he, behind his siren call,
. Like manna from the skies,/ Some subtle plot disguise?
. When I attain to mastery,/ No matter now, he masters me,
. As sure as sun shall rise./ And bids me to arise.
.
At a gesture from Algor, Carbona Dioxida rises and comes to him, as one in a trance....

(I have to agree with Jay, BRILLIANT!)

Customer Service - No Returns

Jill Stanek and Fidelis both have commentary on the WSJ Abortion Superstore story.

Tax dollars at work, keeping the population under control.

Prophet for the Masses

I found myself nodding my head in agreement all the way through this article found on MISES website. (The article, written by Albert Jay Nock, originally appeared in Atlantic Monthly,1936.)

Isaiah was commissioned to preach to the Remnant, to sustain them in their faith - knowing that the masses would be indifferent to his message.

"..As the word masses is commonly used, it suggests agglomerations of poor and underprivileged people, laboring people, proletarians, and it means nothing like that; it means simply the majority. The mass man is one who has neither the force of intellect to apprehend the principles issuing in what we know as the humane life, nor the force of character to adhere to those principles steadily and strictly as laws of conduct; and because such people make up the great and overwhelming majority of mankind, they are called collectively the masses. The line of differentiation between the masses and the Remnant is set invariably by quality, not by circumstance. The Remnant are those who by force of intellect are able to apprehend these principles, and by force of character are able, at least measurably, to cleave to them. The masses are those who are unable to do either..."


Each of us needs to ask ourselves...are we the Remnant - or are we with the masses of indifferent souls without the audacity to believe in TRUTH, or the courage to live our lives according to that knowledge.

"..in any given society the Remnant are always so largely an unknown quantity. You do not know, and will never know, more than two things about them. You can be sure of those — dead sure, as our phrase is — but you will never be able to make even a respectable guess at anything else. You do not know, and will never know, who the Remnant are, nor what they are doing or will do. Two things you do know, and no more: First, that they exist; second, that they will find you. Except for these two certainties, working for the Remnant means working in impenetrable darkness; and this, I should say, is just the condition calculated most effectively to pique the interest of any prophet who is properly gifted with the imagination, insight and intellectual curiosity necessary to a successful pursuit of his trade..."


"..whatever obligation of the kind may be due the masses is already monstrously overpaid. So long as the masses are taking up the tabernacle of Moloch and Chiun, their images, and following the star of their god Buncombe, they will have no lack of prophets to point the way that leadeth to the More Abundant Life; and hence a few of those who feel the prophetic afflatus might do better to apply themselves to serving the Remnant. It is a good job, an interesting job, much more interesting than serving the masses; and moreover it is the only job in our whole civilization, as far as I know, that offers a virgin field."


I can think of more than one 'prophet to the masses', who has nothing to offer the future but more of the same indifference to reality, and intellectual duplicity. One in particular stands out, acclaimed as a 'lightworker', seen by the masses as a beacon of 'change'. The Remnant know who he is, and all that he will never accomplish.

He is a perfect prophet for the masses.

Saint Thomas More- June 22

Thomas More is of our family's favourite saints, and apparantly one of Jay's !