"I Don't Want to be A Canadian Idiot"

Free Dominion posts an article on Maurice Strong - Canada's mascot.

" Before the United Nations can save the planet, it needs to clean up its own house. And as scandal after scandal has unfolded over the past decade, from Oil for Food to procurement fraud to peacekeeper rape, the size of that job has become stunningly clear.

But any understanding of the real efforts that job entails should begin with a look at the long and murky career of Maurice Strong, the man who may have had the most to do with what the U.N. has become today, and still sparks controversy even after he claims to have cut his ties to the world organization.

From Oil for Food to the latest scandals involving U.N. funding in North Korea, Maurice Strong appears as a shadowy and often critically important figure. "

Another O.C. 'contender'. (He doesn't already have one, does he? Maybe he can be knighted, or become President of the US?)

Canadian Catholic Culture

The 'Summer 2008' edition of "The Alexandrian" is out. Poetry, Short Fiction , Art - with the theme of 'Time and Eternity'. Also check out their blog!

WYD Update - JULY 16

JULY 16
"Hi All,

We have been in Sydney since Monday of this week. After a couple hours of delay with the airline we arrived safely. It's been an amazing experience so far. A bit too hectic for some in our group but we continue on the Pilgrimage.

We attended Mass on Tuesday with close to 200,000 people at Barangaroo. Mass was celebrated by Cardinal Pell, Archbishop of Sydney. It was an amazing experience. After this we had to stand in line for about an hour and a half to get dinner.

The biggest surprise at this Opening Mass (Fr. Mike you won't believe this) was the fact that we met Fr. Mike's Youth Group at his new parish. We went in the assigned area and then this group came and sat beside us. One of our girls whispered to me that the group next to us is from Detroit. So I went over, introduced myself and asked what Parish and strange enough they were from Sacred Heart Parish in Grosse Ille. They aslo sat next to us earlier tonight at Mass. They have not met Fr. Mike as yet but are excited about having him as their Pastor.

Today, Wednesday, we attended at a Catechesis session with Bishop Joseph Pepe from the Diocese of Las Vegas. We heard some amazing talks and music led by The Franciscan Friars of the Renewal and The Sisters of Life out of New York. St. Benedict's Parish, our venue for these Catechetical sessions is sponsored by the Sisters of Life and the Knights of Columbus. They have been extremely warm and friendly and are doing some great work. We also attended a talk on Theology of the Body for Teens, presented by Jason and Chrystalina Evert. We then went to Mass with the Archdiocese of Detroit. This was celebrated by Bishop Quinn and Bishop Flores, both from Detroit. There were about 700 attendees at the from Detroit. Bishop Quinn was very happy to see us all.

Tomorrow (Thursday our time, Wednesday evening Cayman time) is the next big event. We have the Catechesis sessions in the morning. After lunch we will be heading to the Harbour to see the boat-a-cade with the Pope. We have one of the best seats in the house at Barangaroo. Pope Benedict will be addressing the everyone from Barangaroo. So we will see how that goes. If you would love to follow the arrival, check your EWTN schedule. For the arrival I think that will happen about 11pm Cayman time. We will also be attending a lifeteen concert tomorrow night.

On Friday (Thursday evening Cayamn time) we will have Catechesis again in the morning and then we head into town for a 3pm start of a live reenactment of the Stations of the Cross. You will be able to see this at about midnight on EWTN. Check their Schedule.

On Saturday, we have the Pilgrim Walk, where we will walk about 9km to Randwick Racecourse for the Vigil and sleeping outdoors under the stars. The Vigil starts at 7pm our time, 4am Cayman time.

The closing Mass will be at 10am our time on Sunday (Saturday, 7pm Cayman time).

I will keep you updated with more information as we go along.

Keep praying for us that we will treasure these experiences and grow stronger in faith."

(O'Neil)

WYD Cayman Update - JULY 10

I've decided to post the 'Update' letters I'm receiving from O'Neil Miller, the Director of Religious Education at St. Ignatius parish in the Cayman Islands. He is in Australia attending the WYD with the Cayman Islands pilgrims. (We are a 'missio' under the admin. of Detroit, thus our Bishop is John Quinn.)


JULY 10
"Hi All,

We have arrived safely to Melbourne since Tuesday (Monday your time) and have been settling in nicely. We are staying with families from the St. philip's Parish in Blackburn North and they have done an excellent job hosting us. We are breing hosted along with 70 French, 2 germans, 3 Canadians and an Italian.

The French led Mass yesterday and we led Mass this morning (Thursday). They all like our singing and Parishioners were happy to hear a Mass with so much singing as they have not had that in a long time. Fr. apul gave a great homily and all were impressed with the celebration.

We took part in the welcome Liurgy of the Word and Adoration followed by Benediction which was led by the Archbishop of Melbourne, Archbishop Denis Hart. This was held at the Cathedral of St. Patrick's. We were fortunate to receive tickets to attend, thanks to our host Parish who reserved them. The church could only seat 2000 and there are 22,000 internantional pilgrims in Melbourne, so we were really blessed to make it.

While walking to the Cathedral today we saw Fr. Stan, who was heading to a concert venue to do some soud checks where he is performing tonight. He was very happy to see us. We will not go to his concert as our hosts made other arrangements for us.

Tomorrow, the big event will be the commissioning Mass at the Telstra Dome. They are anticipating 80,000 people will attend. I just picked up our tickets for that event. Luckily we have two sets as i reserved a set online and our host parish had tickets reserved for us. We will give up one set though.

And in a few minutes we will be off to the Bush Dance that is being hosted by the Australians from 7-11pm.

The weather has not been too bad. Our first day we had a lot of rain. For the last two days as we went into the afternnon hours it has gotten even better.

It's great to be in touch! Please continue to pray for us! It's been great so far! No problems really except that Krystle has not gotten her suitcase yet. So please pray that all will continue to go well for us while we are away. Spread the word that we are doing fine and all is going great so far!"

(O'Neil Miller)

"Doonesbury 'Reports' on Iraqi Christians"

Christianity Today :

"The background--not in the comic strips, although alluded to--is that Iraq’s Christians, the largest non-Muslim religious group in Iraq , are represented disproportionately in the refugee population (although it should be mentioned that the Assyrian diaspora dates back to World War I). It's such a huge drain that some churches in Iraq have no members left. Christians can be identified by their names and ID cards, and they are often targeted for violence. The Assyrian International News Agency (AINA) is calling it genocide."

Call CTV To Vote 'NO' !

Public Service Announcement (forwarded by stmaxmedia.com):

This is one of the easiest 'NO' votes you can make.

Please call immediately. I just did. You don't have to say anything.....
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------


If you do not approve of Dr. Morgentaler receiving the Order of Canada award ki ndly call this number:

1-416-870-4444.

It is to CTV and it is a 'No' vote call. You do not have to say anything.
It is answered with, 'This is CTV and your 'No Vote' has been recorded.' That's it.

Archbishop Tom Collins from Toronto is asking that all people of good will to protest 'this act of dishonor' and ask that this action be revoked.' Please pass this on to everyone you have in your address book, from Canada.

Return For Credit

EIGHT Order of Canada recipients have returned their dissed honour... (Lifesite News):


Former Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick Gilbert Finn
Monsignor A.J. Goski
Madonna House foundress Catherine Doherty
Father Lucien Larre
Frank Chauvin
Three anonymous recipients


Check Lifesite News for 'Who To Write' and the 'Petition'

"Get Writing"

ProWomanProLife:

"The Constitution of the Order of Canada states that any Canadian has the right to make a request to consider the termination of an appointment to the Order of Canada:

'A request to consider the termination of an appointment to the Order of Canada may be made by any person in writing to the Deputy Secretary...' "


Writing is the least we can do.

"Couper les Noix"

Driving through North Carolina on our way to PEI, we lucked into Mark Steyn filling in for Rush Limbaugh on the radio. He was in fine form, and did his part to satisfy Obama's call for a more sophisticated America, by providing French and German translations for Jesse Jackson's live-mike 'blooper'.

For more highlights with context:The Rush Limbaugh Show

I Love America!

Novena For Canada - Day Nine

O God, You have been pleased to bestow upon us unceasing favors by having placed us under the special protection of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary. Grant us, your humble servants, who rejoice in honoring her today upon earth, the happiness of seeing her face to face in heaven.

Dear Lady, Pray for the release of our Great Nation Canada from the grip of Hell.
Pray for the souls of all those deceased and alive, responsible for the genocide occuring in Canada.
Pray for the murdered unborn Canadians.

Our Father. Hail Mary. Glory.

Lutherans Stand Up

Theocon posts about Lutheran Church of Canada denouncing Morgentaler award:

"In a strongly worded statement, Rev. Dr. Ralph Mayan, president of Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC) called awarding the country's highest honour, the Order of Canada, to Dr. Henry Morgentaler an 'insult to Canada and all who respect the sanctity of life.'

He noted that the country presented the same award to Senator Romeo D'Allaire for his efforts to save the lives of thousands in Rwanda amidst a genocide but noted ironically that 'the one whose life's work has resulted in deaths of hundreds of thousands of unborn children is given the same recognition.'"

Keep them coming.

Principles

Catholic Order Returns Foundress' OC (LifesiteNews):

"The leaders of Madonna House, a Catholic community in Combermere, ON, traveled to Rideau Hall this morning to return foundress Catherine Doherty's Order of Canada."

Principles. Canadian Tradition or Canadian Anomoly?

Novena For Canada - Day Eight

With my heart full of the most sincere veneration, I prostrate myself before you, O Mother, to ask you to obtain for me the grace to fulfill the duties of my state in life with faithfulness and constancy.

Dear Lady, Pray for the release of our Great Nation Canada from the grip of Hell.
Pray for the souls of all those deceased and alive, responsible for the genocide occuring in Canada.
Pray for the murdered unborn Canadians.

Our Father. Hail Mary. Glory.

Maid of Heaven

St. Joan of Arc's honour defended :

"In a letter sent to St. Joan of Arc Church in Minneapolis author Ben D. Kennedy rebukes the church for dishonoring and disgracing the name of Saint Joan of Arc..."

*UPDATE*

Nominees for Next Year

If a murderer can belong to the Order of Canada, the field's wide open!

Sicko Canada Blues

David Warren expresses his disgust(which I share):

" Like many, many, many Canadians, I took the appointment of Henry Morgentaler to membership in the Order of Canada -- proclaimed on "Canada Day" -- as a stick in the eye for everything we believe in. As a gratuitous insult to the memory of three million aborted babies."

What I would like to know, is what the heck the Prime Minister actually 'stands' for? He's willing to let Morgentaler be presented to the world as Canada's 'best'! What does he think of the rest of us?

I don't feel like 'standing' for the national anthem . I don't respect a country that can't do any better.

I AM ASHAMED OF BEING CANADIAN!

Novena For Canada - Day Seven

O Lady of Guadalupe, we beg you that parents live a holy life and educate their children in a Christian manner; that children obey and follow the directions of their parents; that all members of the family pray and worship together. This we ask of you, O Mother.

Dear Lady, Pray for the release of our Great Nation Canada from the grip of Hell.
Pray for the souls of all those deceased and alive, responsible for the genocide occuring in Canada.
Pray for the murdered unborn Canadians.

Our Father. Hail Mary. Glory.

Novena For Canada - Day Six

Mary, Mother of vocations, multiply priestly vocations and fill the earth with religious houses which will be light and warmth for the world, safety in stormy nights. Beg your Son to send us many priests and religious. This we ask of you, O Mother.

Dear Lady, Pray for the release of our Great Nation Canada from the grip of Hell.
Pray for the souls of all those deceased and alive, responsible for the genocide occuring in Canada.
Pray for the murdered unborn Canadians.

Our Father. Hail Mary. Glory.

Novena For Canada - Day Five

O most holy Mother, I beg you to obtain for me pardon of all my sins, abundant graces to serve your Son more faithfully from now on, and lastly, the grace to praise Him with you forever in heaven.

Dear Lady, Pray for the release of our Great Nation Canada from the grip of Hell.
Pray for the souls of all those deceased and alive, responsible for the genocide occuring in Canada.
Pray for the murdered unborn Canadians.

Our Father. Hail Mary. Glory.

Novena For Canada - Day Four

Dearest Mother of Guadalupe, I beg you for a fortified will to imitate your divine Son’s charity, to always seek the good of others in need. Grant me this, I humbly ask of you.

Dear Lady, Pray for the release of our Great Nation Canada from the grip of Hell.
Pray for the souls of all those deceased and alive, responsible for the genocide occuring in Canada.
Pray for the murdered unborn Canadians.

Our Father. Hail Mary. Glory.

"Decency Gap" Expose ( Kicked Off You Tube)

“The video shows the true identity of Reinhardt, which she tried to cleverly hide. She was not mistreated in any way, but you can see the understandable discomfort of Reinhardt as she was caught trying to trick others. It is embarrassing, for certain, but in any case she was the one trying to trick me,” Polo told CNA. He also revealed that Reinhardt sent him several emails without saying who she really was. “To pull that video only favors Reinhardt in her intention to trick more people. I know of two other people in Peru who, thanks to that video, avoided being deceived by her,” Polo said. “Eve Reinhardt agreed to allow our conversation to be filmed and that can be easily seen in the video,” he added. (CNA)


This video was taken off You Tube after lobbying by Planned Parenthood, something they've done before. (h/t custos fidei)

Novena For Canada - Day Three

O Mary, whose Immaculate Heart was pierced by seven swords of grief, help me to walk valiantly amid the sharp thorns strewn across my pathway. Obtain for me the strength to be a true imitator of you. This I ask you, my dear Mother.

Dear Lady, Pray for the release of our Great Nation Canada from the grip of Hell.
Pray for the souls of all those deceased and alive, responsible for the genocide occuring in Canada.
Pray for the murdered unborn Canadians.

Our Father. Hail Mary. Glory

Novena For Canada - Day Two

O Mary, conceived without sin, I come to your throne of grace to share the fervent devotion of your faithful Mexican children who call to you under the glorious Aztec title of Guadalupe. Obtain for me a lively faith to do your Son’s holy will always: May His will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Dear Lady, Pray for the release of our Great Nation Canada from the grip of Hell.
Pray for the souls of all those deceased and alive, responsible for the genocide occuring in Canada.
Pray for the murdered unborn Canadians.

Our Father. Hail Mary. Glory.

Novena For Canada - Day One

Dearest Lady of Guadalupe, fruitful Mother of holiness, teach me your ways of gentleness and strength.
Hear my humble prayer offered with heartfelt confidence to beg this favor:
Dear Lady, Pray for the release of our Great Nation Canada from the grip of Hell.
Pray for the souls of all those deceased and alive, responsible for the genocide occuring in Canada.
Pray for the murdered unborn Canadians.


Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory.

AWOL

Traveling for about 2 weeks, so not sure about posting. Meantime, please join in praying the Novena for Canada that begins July 1.

God Bless.