Phase Two of the Post-Maciel Legion of Christ Saga Begins
July 9, 2010 by Patrick Madrid
Filed under Patrick's Blog
It was announced today that an Italian archbishop, Msgr. Velasio De Paolis, a member of the congregation of the Missionaries of St Charles Borromeo, is the prelate whom Pope Benedict XVI has appointed to take charge of the reform of the Legionaries of Christ. He was briefly in the cross-hairs of the international mainstream press two years ago for being the Vatican official who denied permission to Ron Howard and company to use any Catholic churches in Rome for filming the blasphemous, “Angels and Demons,” the sequel to “The Da Vinci Code.”
The Vatican said the visitation highlighted three primary requirements: The need to “redefine the charism” of the Legionaries of Christ, the need to revise the exercise of authority in the order and the need to preserve the enthusiasm and missionary zeal of younger members through adequate formation.
How Fireworks Pros Make Those Brilliant Pyrotechnics
July 4, 2010 by Patrick Madrid
Filed under Patrick's Blog
New "Dramatic" and "Weird" Cloud Type Discovered?
July 2, 2010 by Patrick Madrid
Filed under Patrick's Blog
Photograph courtesy Merrick Davies
“These choppy clouds over Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in an undated picture could be examples of the first new type of cloud to be recognized since 1951. Or so hopes Gavin Pretor-Pinney, founder of the Cloud Appreciation Society.“The British cloud enthusiast said he began getting photos of ‘dramatic’ and ‘weird’ clouds (including the above) in 2005 that he didn’t know how to define.“A few months ago he began preparing to propose the odd formations as a new cloud variety to the UN’s World Meteorological Organization, which classifies cloud types. . . .” (continue reading)
Get Yer Beatles On
June 30, 2010 by Patrick Madrid
Filed under Patrick's Blog
The true story of a real smart ass
June 29, 2010 by Patrick Madrid
Filed under Patrick's Blog
Things could have worked out differently
June 28, 2010 by Patrick Madrid
Filed under Patrick's Blog
I’ll bet that, in retrospect, Dave Thomas was pretty glad he opted to name his hamburger chain after his daughter instead of his son. Just a thought.
This is not a blog post
June 25, 2010 by Patrick Madrid
Filed under Patrick's Blog
Contempervent Sunday: Come as you are
June 24, 2010 by Patrick Madrid
Filed under Patrick's Blog
Whoo boy, do these guys really capture the empty essence of the Evangelical megachurch phenom. Humorous but dead-on accurate. That’s my take. What do you think?
Update (suggested by a reader):
Coming soon to a doorbell near you: Mormon missionaries
June 24, 2010 by Patrick Madrid
Filed under Patrick's Blog
Here’s yesterday’s “Catholic Answers Live” radio show in which I discuss some general principles for Catholics who want to evangelize Mormons, especially their missionaries who will, sooner or later, show up on your doorstep, ready to talk religion. Be ready for them!
N.C. Abortuary Hammered by Pro-Life Prayers Ceases Abortions
June 24, 2010 by Patrick Madrid
Filed under Patrick's Blog
Check out this very encouraging story out of North Carolina. It recalls to my mind St. James’ teaching on prayer and its effects:
“The prayer of a righteous man has great power in its effects. Elijah was a man of like nature with ourselves and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. Then he prayed again and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth its fruit. My brethren, if any one among you wanders from the truth and some one brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins” (James 5:16-20).
A Raleigh abortuary that has seen constant prayer from pro-lifers with the popular 40 Days for Life campaign has ceased performing abortions.The Raleigh News and Observer reported Wednesday that National Women’s Health Organization of Raleigh is, in the words of one local pro-abortion affiliate, “in transition.” The affiliate, Ann Rose, said that the last abortions would be conducted on Saturday, but she would not explain what other changes the “transition” would entail.The paper reports that the abortuary was generally thought to be for sale after its founder, pro-abortion activist Susan Hill, passed away of breast cancer in February. There are two other facilities in Raleigh where abortions are performed.David Bereit, the national director of 40 Days for Life, praised the end of the destruction of unborn life at a building where prayer witnesses with the nationwide campaign have kept vigil. North Carolina was one of the first states ever to conduct a 40 Days for Life campaign.“Even as we praise God for this victory, pray that this center, which has done so much harm, completely closes and that the workers experience conversions!” said Bereit.Bereit also lauded statistics cited by the News and Observer story, which show that abortions have been declining in North Carolina; the abortion rate dropped 4.6% between 2007 and 2008.“Your prayers and faithful efforts continue to bear great fruit!” Bereit told supporters. (source)
