Abortion In Canada

Julie Culshaw
(via e-mail)

Most of you know that abortion in Canada is legal in all provinces throughout all nine months of pregnancy. This means that no one who wants to have an abortion will ever be refused. In fact, Canada is the only country in the western world that has absolutely no law on abortion at all. It is not that abortion is legal in Canada, the truth is that there is no law about abortion at all. Therefore we have absolutely no restrictions on abortion. Most countries have at least some restrictions on abortion, but in Canada - NONE.

Eleven days ago, Michael Ignatieff challenged Prime Minister Harper on his proposal for the upcoming G8 summit to be held here in Canada. Harper wishes to address the problem of maternal health and infant mortality in the third world by granting funds to improve the conditions for pregnant women. He wants to help provide poor countries with good nursing care, with nutritional information, with birthing helps, with care for newborns, all with the intention of reducing maternal and infant mortality.

I know personally that this is a huge problem. Our first child was born in Malawi 36 years ago. That night, five other women were giving birth in the hospital in Mzuzu, Malawi. My husband said to me that night, "you know our daughter will probably be the only child alive out of these six babies in five years time."

Malaria, measles, meningitis, infections, inadequate nutrition, lack of innoculations, lack of clean water, lack of the basics that we take for granted, would bring about the early deaths of all five of those children. If any of them survived those five years, they would have beaten the odds.

So when Harper made that statement about helping the third world, it rang true to me. And when Ignatieff made the response that Harper's aid should include abortion and contraception, I also knew that he was speaking a lie.

Malawi does not want the importation of abortion; those Africans treasure life precisely because they know how precarious it is. To offer them abortion is the very opposite of what they know to be valuable; they love children; they do not need some western ideology shoved upon them. They need what we take for granted: basic medical care, basic clean food and water, and the education to show them how to do this for themselves in a hemisphere that is often hostile to life.

If you are the slightest bit interested in this issue, I would encourage you to write to Michael Ignatieff and let him know that you don't want abortion and contraception included in this health package that Harper is proposing. And for goodness sake, please write to Prime Minister Stephen Harper and thank him and encourage him for taking the brave stand that he has.

It really does make a difference if we speak to our politicians. I read today that one MP said that, in all his mail, the only letters he gets on the topic of pro-life amount to only two per year. Hundreds of letters on other topics, but only 2 on pro-life issues. Let us speak up, our voices need to be heard.

You can email Michael Ignatieff at
Liberal Party of Canada
81 Metcalfe Street, Suite 400
Ottawa, Ontario
K1P 6M8
Phone : (613) 237-0740
Fax : (613) 235-7208
email : info@liberal.ca

and Stephen Harper at
Office of the Prime Minister
80 Wellington Street
Ottawa
K1A 0A2

Fax: 613-941-6900
by email at pm@pm.gc.ca

For those who have been dismayed by the seeming lack of stand on pro-life issues by this Conservative parliament, this is our chance to thank them for taking this stand. Because this statement about aid to the third world really is a pro-life stand. We need to give Mr. Harper the support that he needs to stay strong in the face of those who think that abortion is a "done deal" and that we should export it to the rest of the world.

God bless you, and please remember to pray during the next 40 Days for an end to abortion in our country. I believe that the fact that abortion is even being discussed publicly (where it has been silent for so long) is the result of prayers. The issue is being uncovered, because it has not gone away, and it will not go away until there is justice for all our brothers and sisters, including those in the womb.


email: julie culshaw@ns.sympatico.ca
40 Days For Life Halifax
Concerned For Life

"Stop Killing The Dream"

Dr. Martin Luther King had a Dream for his children...and so does the Abortion Industry. His niece Dr. Alveda King speaks out for life, and encourages students to tell the nation, "Stop Killing the DREAM."

Fish Tacos For Friday

For a little variety this Lent...

BAJA FISH TACOS

Recipe from Ortega

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 package (1 1/4-oz)ORTEGA Taco Seasoning Mix - divided
• 1 pound (4 total) cod or white fish fillets, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tbls. vegetable oil
• 2 tbls. lemon juice
• 1 package ORTEGA Taco Shells (12 ct), warmed (I will probably fry my own corn tortillas)
  

DIRECTIONS:

COMBINE sour cream, mayonnaise, cilantro and 2 tablespoons seasoning mix in small bowl.

COMBINE cod, vegetable oil, lemon juice and remaining seasoning mix in medium bowl; pour into large skillet. Cook, stirring constantly, over medium-high heat for 4 to 5 minutes or until cod flakes easily when tested with a fork.

FILL taco shells with fish mixture. Optional: Top with cabbage, tomato, sour cream mixture, lime juice and taco sauce.


viaRecipes For Lent (Catholic Cuisine)

Stations Of The Cross

Every Friday during Lent, our parish of St. Ignatius prays the Stations of the Cross before the evening Mass. The last several years this has been followed by a fish fry , cooked and served up by the youth group. Every Friday is well attended, and our family looks forwards to the Stations of the Cross prayed in community.





Here are a few resources for Stations of the Cross :

The Way of the Cross(Catholic Encyclopedia)

Stations of the Cross for Children

Stations of the Cross with Mary

Stations of the Cross by St.Francis of Assisi

Day 3 - 40 Days For Life

Intention:

May God's people understand that the Lazarus of the 21st Century is the unborn child, and respond accordingly.

Scripture:

There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores and longing to eat what fell from the rich man's table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores.

The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried. In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. So he called to him, "Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire."

But Abraham replied, "Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us."

--Luke 16:19-31

Reflection:

The rich man did not go to hell because he was rich. He went to hell because he ignored the other man. He thought that because Lazarus had less that he was worth less. He failed to recognize that Lazarus was his brother. Lazarus was waiting at the door of the rich man for scraps of food; the Lazarus of our day, the unborn child, is waiting at the door of the womb for birth itself. God does not only prohibit aborting the unborn; he prohibits ignoring them.

Prayer:

Father, I thank you for the life that I possess, and for the birth that you granted me. I hear the cries of the Lazarus of our day; I see them sitting at the door. Grant that I may never ignore them, and that through this 40 Days campaign, I may stir many others to pay attention to them as well. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Fr. Frank Pavone
National Director, Priests for Life

40 Days For Life

Lenten Pro-life Prayer
(Click here for Spanish)

Father of all mercy,
We thank you for this season of grace and light.
We know that sin has blinded us.
Draw us ever closer to you, in prayer and penance.

Since you, O God, are light itself,
Give all your people a clearer understanding
Of what is sin, and what is virtue.

Grant in particular that we may see, as never before,
The profound dignity of every human life,
Including the vulnerable unborn children.

Give us grace to defend
Our brothers and sisters in the womb
By our prayers, our words,
And our self-sacrificing actions.

We pray through Christ our Lord. Amen.

(Priests For Life)

Day 2 - 40 Days For Life

Intention:

May the King of the Universe, who entered this world as a helpless infant, give us the humility to be healed.

Scripture:

My power is made perfect in weakness.

--2 Corinthians 12:9

Reflection:

The great mystery of the Humility of God is very near and dear to the mission of those serving in pro life and in a special way, post abortion ministries across this nation. For those wounded by their participation in abortion, the door to healing often feels like crossing an abyss of great fear: fear of judgment, fear of being torn apart by the pain, by self hatred and rage at those who hurt and abandoned you, and manipulated you in your time of temptation. For men in particular, entering the unknown waters of emotional vulnerability, so necessary to healing calls for a different kind of courage that feels deceptively like weakness.

The door to healing is humility. It is born in the inability to no longer control the pain, to live with the consequences of that tragic decision to reject life. The hearts cries out, "I have committed a grave offense against my Creator and I am consumed by regret, grief and sorrow!"

During these forty days let us pray for all who have participated in abortion and with love call them to healing and reconciliation. With healing these women and men can become as John Paul II proclaimed in the Gospel of Life, "the most eloquent defenders of everyone's right to life."

Jesus proclaimed, "I am the Vine, you are the branches" (John 15:5). To bear the greatest fruit, the branches must be pruned. Each level of pruning of the vine requires a deeper level of humility so that we can abandon ourselves to His will. This is not a lofty theological concept as much as it is an earthy experience of pulling weeds, tilling rocky soil, pruning and healing the vines. "If a man wishes to come after me, he must deny his very self, take up his cross, and begin to follow in my footsteps" (Matthew 16:24).

Prayer:

Lord, during these forty days, we ask that with each day of this sacred vigil, everything in us that separates us from your perfect will would be pruned from our hearts and souls. In this blessed freedom may we experience a powerful anointing of your Holy Spirit. Filled with confidence and trust may we proclaim with the mother of Jesus, "Let it be done to me, according to your Word."

Kevin Burke
Executive Director, Rachels Vineyard Ministries

40 Days For Life

Fra Angelico

Today is the feast day of Blessed John of Friesole (1400-1455)

Dominican monk, painter.

“One has to believe that this good monk has visited paradise and been allowed to choose his models there.”(Michelangelo)

Day 1 - 40 Days For Life

Intention:

That we may use these 40 Days for Life to plead for God's mercy and grace upon all those involved in the sin of abortion.

Scripture:

Blow the trumpet in Zion! Proclaim a fast, call an assembly. Gather the people, notify the congregation. Assemble the elders; gather the children and the infants at the breast… Let the priests, the ministers of the Lord, weep and say, "Spare, O Lord, your people."

-- Joel 2:15-17

Reflection:

The toll of abortion cannot be measured. We hear estimates of almost 50 million innocent victims, but that's only one aspect of the harm that has unfolded in abortion's wake. There are also the mothers and fathers of these millions, as well as the grandparents, brothers and sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins. Unborn lives destroyed. Lives of the living shattered.

It's overwhelming and depressing, but even in the midst of such unfathomable darkness, the church teaches us to have hope. Yes, it was indeed Calvary that followed Christ's 40 days in the desert, but without Calvary there would have been no Resurrection - His victory over death that opened the gates of heaven to those who believe in and follow Him.

The psalmist encourages us to go humbly before God as we seek His will: "A clean heart create for me, O God, and a steadfast spirit renew within me… Give me back the joy of your salvation and a willing spirit sustain in me… O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall proclaim your praise" (Psalm 51:12, 14, 17).

We are called to be God's messengers; or as the Apostle Paul told the Corinthians: "We are ambassadors for Christ, as if God were appealing through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ: be reconciled to God" (2 Corinthians 5:20). That is the true message to all we encounter at the abortion centers and in our communities who have been deceived by the Culture of Death. We don't bring condemnation; we bring God's good news.

Prayer:

Lord, we ask for the strength, courage, wisdom, determination and stamina to carry out this mission according to Your will. Guide us, we pray, as we go forth and proclaim Your truth, always doing so with a spirit of love and compassion, as was demonstrated to us by Your Son, Jesus Christ. In His name we pray, amen.

David Brandao
Communications Director, 40 Days for Life

40 Days For Life

Lenten Reflections - Ash Wednesday

Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

Jeus said to his disciples: “Take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father. When you give alms, do not blow a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets to win the praise of others. Amen, I say to you they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your almsgiving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you. When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites who love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on street corners so that others may see them. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go into your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you. When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, they neglect their appearance so that they may appear to be fasting. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you may not appear to be fasting, except to your Father who is hidden. And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you.”

Ash Wednesday Reflection
(Father Alex Yeung, LC)

Introductory Prayer: Lord, you know how much I need you and depend on you. You know my weakness and my faults. I put all my confidence in your love and mercy in my daily actions. I hope to learn to trust more in your power, your promise, and your grace. Lord, I wish to start this season of Lent with a sincere desire to grow in love, preparing myself worthily to celebrate the mysteries of your passion, death and resurrection.

Petition: Lord, help me learn to change what needs to change in my life.

1. Lenten Practices - As we begin the Lenten season, we are reminded of the need to make reparation for our sins and be reconciled with God. Any attempt to build a spiritual life that neglects the pillars of prayer, fasting and almsgiving is building on sand. Prayer purifies our intentions and relates all we do to God. Fasting detaches us from our comfort and from ourselves. Almsgiving reflects our brotherhood with the poor of Jesus’ family and reminds us that our true wealth is not in things, but in the love of God. We all need to do a reality check on our spiritual lives to make sure we are committed to prayer, fasting and almsgiving.

2. Not for Show - Jesus is severe in criticizing the hypocrites who parade their works before others to get attention. Such parades are of no use in pleasing God or making up for our sins; they only add to our sinfulness. He encourages us to pray in private, to fast and give alms in secret, without calling the attention of others to what we are doing. In this way we can be sure we are doing all for love of God and not for love of self. Those who make an outward show of piety or generosity “have already received their reward” in this world, and they store up no treasure in heaven. Let us work silently and discreetly, with no other intention but pleasing God alone.

3. God Loves a Joyful Giver - Nothing brings us closer to Christ than walking alongside him and doing the things he did for love of God the Father. During Lent, God invites us to purify our hearts and minds and to turn our intentions back to him. Christ’s public ministry was lived each day in loving obedience to the Father’s will. Our Lenten program should reflect that same simple, yet demanding, obedience and love. What can I do for God today? What sacrifice can I offer that will be pleasing to him? Once I decide on it, I will carry it out with no one else knowing.

Conversation with Christ: Jesus, give me the grace to begin this Lent with great enthusiasm and love. Help me live it with joy, knowing that I am living it in your presence to please you and you alone.

Resolution: I will make a Lenten program of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.



"Why We Receive The Ashes" (Catholic Online)

"Examination of Conscience - A Daily Duty" (Fr. John Corapi)

Ash Wednesday Beans (Catholic Cuisine)

40 Days For Life - Preparation

Intention:

Pray that our nation repents from the sin of abortion and turns back to God.

Scripture:

If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and forgive their sin and heal their land.

- 2 Chronicles 7:14

Reflection:

Not unlike God's chosen people of Israel, we must humble ourselves, pray, seek His face, and turn from our wicked ways, if we expect God to hear from heaven, forgive our sin, and heal our land. The need for repentance has not been greater since the Supreme Court decision of Roe vs. Wade in 1973. The number one cause of death in America is the needless sacrifice of our children at the altar of convenience called abortion. Conservative estimates put the number of deaths at nearly 48 million.

And lest we think this is an issue outside the church walls, 43 percent of women obtaining abortions identify themselves as Protestant, and 27 percent identify themselves as Catholic. One in four women has at least one abortion by the age of 45 -- both non-Christian and Christian alike. Where was the voice of Truth -- the church?

Mary Comm of In Our Midst Ministries, Inc. sums up the issue best as she writes, "We (the church) have been an unintentional accomplice to the millions of lives lost and to the multiplied millions of lives devastated by abortion. We didn't want them to abort. We didn't mean for them to abort. But, because of our lack of knowledge, because of our fear, we have continued to stand by and do nothing. We, God's hands and feet in this dark and hurting world, have been unintentional, unknowledgeable accomplice, but an accomplice nonetheless."

May today mark the beginning of change within the church, as God's people, in unity, seek His forgiveness.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we have turned our backs on you and your principles in your Word. We have allowed man to usurp Your role as God over life and the number of our days. But we come to you in brokenness and repentance over our sin. We cry out for Your mercy and ask you to remove the scourge of abortion from our land. Use us as your vessels, Lord, to bring the light of Your Truth to our nation once again. Because of Christ we pray, amen.

Carmen Pate
Co-host, "Point of View" talk show

40 Days For Life

March For Life and Blogs4Life : Success

The Blogs For Life Conference was Great! And so was the March for Life, with 300,000 + participants of all ages and creeds. Inspite of the 'regular' media ignoring this annual event, or , in the case of Newsweek, going out of their way to 'misreport' it, the 'in person' support for the culture of life grows year to year. Hurrah!



Speakers included Jill Stanek, Kristen Day (Democrats for Life), Joseph Farah (WorldNetDaily), Carol Clews (Center for Pregnancy Concerns), Kristin Hansen (CareNet), Marjorie Dannenfelser (Susan B. Anthony List), Charmaine Yoest (Americans United for Life), David Prentice (StemCellResearchFacts.org), Rep. Todd Akin (R-MO), Tony Perkins (FRC) and Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH).

An emerging online technologies panel featured Molotov Mitchell(Illuminati Pictures), Peter Shinn (ProLifeUnity.com) and Krystle Weeks(FRC).

In addition, Katie Walker of the American Life League hosted a panel of ALL's Pro-Life Blog Contest Winners

HELPING HAITI

The Missionaries of the Poor are on the frontline everyday in Haiti, providing the people with the essentials- food, clothes, education and most importantly love. If you desire to help Haiti in this time of dire and overwhelming need, you may do so through the M.O.P. here: HELP


*UPDATE*
FROM M.O.P.
15 January 2010

Dear Friends,

The catastrophe in Haiti caused us to reach out and save the lives of hundreds of thousands who are homeless and have children and relatives who are without anything. Many people have lost hope in Haiti and are turning to the second big capital city Cap-Haitian where our brothers are for refuge. Our brothers have taken them in. Our Community Chapel is now a refugee center and the Asile Communal Center for homeless and destitute adults as well as our Bethlehem Center for disabled children have been expanded to take in temporary refugees. Brother Henry is receiving people from the Hospitals, and from trucks and buses coming from Port au Prince to the Missionaries of the Poor to receive shelter. Jesuit priests from the Dominican Republic and others are now helping the brothers in this refugee work.

Our Brother John Presca, MOP has lost his sister in the earthquake. Brother Loubert, MOP has lost his aunt and brother Pierre Charles' entire family is missing. All three are our Haitian Brothers.

We need all the support you can offer specially with basic food items like rice, corn meal, flour, sugar beans and clean water. Home supplies like beds, bed linens, clothes, towels, etc. are also greatly needed.

In His service,

Rev. Fr. Richard Ho Lung, MOP
Superior General

..................................................................................................

Pope's Rep. in Haiti Eye-Witness

Photos of the earthquake (The Big Picture)

Archbishop Dies in Quake

CNS Report

Word from the Brothers in Haiti

Christmas in Haiti with the MOP

Martin Luther King - The Legacy

Dr. Alveda King, niece of the celebrated Martin Luther King Jr., reminds us that 'the Dream' includes everybody, even the unborn:

"Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke of a Beloved Community where all are treated with respect and dignity," said Dr. King. "He fought against society's exclusion of people who were treated as less than human because of their appearance. Today, we are compelled to continue Uncle Martin's fight by standing up for those who are treated as less than human because of their helplessness and inconvenience.

"The unborn are as much a part of the Beloved Community as are newborns, infants, teenagers, adults, and the elderly. Too many of us speak of tolerance and inclusion, yet refuse to tolerate or include the weakest and most innocent among us in the human family. As we celebrate the life of Uncle Martin, let us renew our hearts and commit our lives to treating each other, whatever our race, status, or stage of life, as we would want to be treated. Let us let each other live."

Dr. Alveda King- 'Abortion and Civil Rights' (youtube)

Christian Heritage Party : Jim Hnatiuk Speaks

Jim Hnatiuk - Leader of the Christian Heritage Party
Communiqué Vol 16, No 01 Jan 05, 2010

"The Spin Stops with CHP Canada"

Yesterday I was challenged with the comment: "If the CHP is really serious about winning .... then let us see some promises that amount to something!" my challenger then went on to give me some sample promises we should consider.
"Promise to remove the G.S.T. and the Federal government's part of the H.S.T. across the nation and promise a standard of living for all the poor that matches the cost of living in the country."
I say, sir, the CHP will do much better than that! We'll instead remove all federal income taxes both personal and corporate, gift, estate, and capital gains, and replace them with one simple, visible, federal retail sales tax! This makes taxation simpler and much more sensible, instead of paying taxes on what you earn; you would pay on what you spend. Now, to ensure that this tax is fair, all taxpayers will receive a monthly subsidy, called a "pre-bate," to offset the tax on bare necessities. So, low-income families would end up paying no taxes at all. The wealthy that buy and spend a lot, would pay a lot. 'Fair Tax' rewards productivity and better protects the very low income earners. Consumption based taxation is widely recognised by economists to be the most equitable form of taxation, hence its name, the 'Fair Tax'.
Another promise he suggested we use was to "Raise the Old age pensions and Canada pensions in a method that keeps up with a cost of living and give stay at home mom's Canada pension benefits.
Once again, sir, CHP Canada will do much better than that! We'll instead overhaul the broken Canada Pension Plan with a new Personal Income Security Account (PISA). This proven plan will provide a portable investment portfolio, vested in the name of each worker, for health, employment, and retirement income. This proven plan adopted by Chile has shown that those Chilean workers who chose this investment plan are now retiring wealthy -- and Chile has become an economic powerhouse in Latin America because of the pools of investment created.
As for the stay-at-home mom, CHP Canada would do much more than just pension benefits. We see the married two-parent family as the most important foundation of society, and as such, deserves protection. CHP Canada's Family Friendly Childcare Allowance would provide $1000 per month to any family where one of the parents chooses to stay home and raise their children-until age 18. Now that's real childcare and true recognition of the importance of the stay-at-home mom.
Another of my challenger's suggestion was to: "Bring in a law that will confiscate all assets of those who gain financially through crime, such as swindling by white collar workers, the sale of street drugs, and any other criminal activities in which profit is made."
Under the Criminal Code of Canada, the government does have broad powers of seizure, but this is not the full picture of what criminal justice in Canada should accomplish either. The CHP would require criminals to make restitution to the victim, who is all too often forgotten in today's justice system.
He said promise to "Make the Senate ..elected positions.." Yes, again, we agree! That is CHP Canada's position.
CHP Canada provides Canadians with sound federal political solutions, unfortunately as with this gentleman, most Canadians have yet to find this out. That is where each CHP member comes in, our solutions are not complicated; they only need to be communicated. Let's all work to show Canadians that the Spin stops with CHP Canada! We're not all politically minded but we can all communicate CHP Canada's basic, better solutions. Our national team is always glad to help you present it clearly. Make it your New Year's project to present our better solutions to those who don't know about the CHP.
For a more comprehensive read of our platform check out our Better Solutions at www.chp.ca
(via FB)

"The Word Became Flesh"

"O Emmanuel"

O Emmanuel, our King and Lawgiver, the Expected of the nations and their
Savior. Come and save us, O Lord our God.

O Emmanuel,
Rex et legifer noster,
expectatio gentium,
et Salvator earum:
veni ad salvandum nos,
Domine, Deus noster.

more from Fr. Z...

"O Rex"

O King of the Gentiles and the Desired of all, you are the cornerstone that binds two into one. Come, and save man whom you fashioned out of clay.

O Rex Gentium,
et desideratus earum,
lapisque angularis,
qui facis utraque unum:
veni, et salva hominem,
quem de limo formasti.

more from Fr. Z...

"O Oriens"

O Rising Dawn, Radiance of the Light eternal and Sun of Justice: come and enlighten those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death.

O Oriens,
splendor lucis aeternae,
et sol justitiae:
veni, et illumina
sedentes in tenebris,
et umbra mortis.

more from Fr. Z..

"O Key of David"

O Key of David and Scepter of the House of Israel; you open and no man closes; you close and no man opens. Come, and deliver from the chains of prison those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death.

O Clavis David,
et sceptrum domus Israël,
qui aperis, et nemo claudit,
claudis, et nemo aperuit:
veni, et educ vinctum
de domo carceris,
sedentem in tenebris,
et umbra mortis.

more from Fr. Z..

"O Root of Jesse"

O Root of Jesse, you stand as a sign for the peoples; before you kings shall keep silence and to you all nations shall have recourse. Come, save us, and do not delay.

O Radix Jesse,
qui stas in signum populorum,
super quem continebunt reges os suum,
quem gentes deprecabuntur:
veni ad liberandum nos,
jam noli tardare

more from Fr. Z...

"O Adonai"

O Adonai and Ruler of the House of Israel, you appeared to Moses in the fire of the burning bush and on Mount Sinai gave him your law. Come, and with outstretched arm redeem us.

O Adonai,
et dux domus Israël,
qui Moyse in igne flammae rubi apparuisti,
et ei in Sina legem dedisti:
veni ad redimendum nos in brachio extento.

more from Fr. Z...

"O Sapientia"

O Wisdom, you came forth from the mouth of the Most High and, reaching from beginning to end, you ordered all things mightily and sweetly. Come, and teach us the way of prudence.

O Sapientia,
quae ex ore Altissimi prodiisti,
attingens a fine usque ad finem fortiter,
suaviterque disponens omnia:
veni ad docendum nos viam prudentiae.

more from Fr. Z...

The "O Antiphons"

Starting on December 17, through to December 23, the Liturgy of the Hours features the "O Antiphons" , messianic promises proclaimed by the prophets.

Each O Antiphon begins with an invocation of the expected Messiah, followed by praise of him under one of his particular titles. Each ends with a petition for God's people, relevant to the title by which he is addressed, and the cry for him to "Come".

The seven titles attributed to Jesus in the antiphons are Wisdom (Sapientia in Latin), Ruler of the House of Israel (Adonai), Root of Jesse (Radix), Key of David (Clavis), Rising Dawn (Oriens), King of the Gentiles (Rex). and Emmanuel. In Latin the initials of the titles make an acrostic which, when read backwards. means: "Tomorrow I will be there" ("Ero cras"). To the medieval mind this was clearly a reference to the approaching Christmas vigil.

Today the O Antiphons are most familiar to us in the hymn "O come, O come Emmanuel". Each verse of the hymn parallels one of the antiphons. In addition to their use in the Liturgy of the Hours and the gospel acclamation, they have been popularly incorporated into church devotions and family prayer. An Advent prayer service for use at home, in school, or in the events of parish life can be built around the singing or recitation of the antiphons, accompanied by the related Scripture readings and prayers. They can be prayed at family dinner times or with the lighting of the Advent wreath, with a short explanation of their biblical background. The titles can also be depicted by simple symbols - for example, on banners and posters or in bulletin illustrations - to help us to reflect on these Advent themes.

(Jeanne Kun)

more from Fr. Z...

Remembering Avery Cardinal Dulles

Cardinal Dulles' articles were the ones that initially attracted me to 'First Things' so its appropriate that I found this beautiful tribute to him in their
'comments' section : by Nicholas Frankovich

In the last year of his life the polio that he’d lived with since the Second World War robbed him of the ability to speak, or at any rate to speak intelligibly. He was articulate and lucid and spoke in complete sentences that it was always a pleasure to listen to. He still was, and he still did, but now some neurological error that was affecting his speech made it hard for anyone to make sense of the sounds. His long-time assistant, Sister Anne Marie Kirmse, knew him that well that she could interpret for his interlocutors. All of this he handled with supreme grace. It was admirable.

Apparently immunity to self-pity was a lifelong strength of his. In the course of a talk that involved reference to Christians who had been persecuted for their faith, he added something to the effect that he’d led a fairly easy life and didn’t know anything like persecution first-hand, and I thought: Hey, I know enough about your background to know that you fought in a war. You surprised (and probably more) family members by converting to Catholicism. As an academic theologian you’ve experienced your share of polemical vituperation. Whatever pain you experienced along the way you’re counting as negligible, petty, not worthy of being referred to at all, even if only to dismiss it? I salute you, Cardinal Dulles.

I was so used to being awed by his professional accomplishments (the dozens of books, hundreds and hundreds of articles) that it hit me when, in his introductory remarks before one of the last McGinley Lectures, the president of Fordham used the word “holy” to describe him. He was right. It’s a word we tend to be shy about applying to anyone who’s still living, but in this case it was so apt I wondered why it never occurred to me to think of Avery Dulles as that all along.

In that last year of his life, he still had things to say that we wanted to hear, and so his final McGinley Lecture was read for him by a Jesuit colleague at Fordham. His concluding remarks:

“Suffering and diminishment are not the greatest of evils but are normal ingredients in life, especially in old age. They are to be expected as elements of a full human existence. Well into my 90th year I have been able to work productively. As I become increasingly paralyzed and unable to speak, I can identify with the many paralytics and mute persons in the Gospels, grateful for the loving and skillful care I receive and for the hope of everlasting life in Christ. If the Lord now calls me to a period of weakness, I know well that his power can be made perfect in infirmity. ‘Blessed be the name of the Lord!’”

Pray for us, Cardinal Dulles.