Monday, January 31, 2011

Video: Medjugorje Conversion of Randall Sullivan author of Miracle Detective

"Miracle Detectives' Randall Sullivan is a believer—but he wasn't always. Watch him relive the miracle in Medjugorje, Bosnia, that changed his life forever.

Movie: The Rite-Reviews

The Rite is based on journalist Matt Baglio’s 2009 book, The Rite: the Making of a Modern Exorcist. At a time of rampant atheism the return of the devil to the silver screen this week is apposite. There are several excellent reviews of this film
This is an excerpt from a review by Sr. Rose Pacatte

Baglio’s book explores the current reality of Satanic activity in our day and follows the training of Fr. Gary Thomas of the Diocese of San Jose, Calif., as an exorcist in 2007 during a course at the Regina Apostolorum University in Rome. Both witnessed exorcisms during this time. In an interview last week, Thomas told me that the actors rendering of satanic possession in the film are indeed authentic...
Continue reading at National Catholic Reporter
Here is an excerpt from a review by Sr Helena Burns
“The Rite” is not scary. Not for adults (and I’m a scaredy-cat adult) at least. But it’s a good story with lots of thought-provoking dialogue.

An almost-ordained American seminarian, Michael Kovak (Colin O’Donaghue), winds up in Rome at “exorcist’s school,” but his skepticism and doubts about the devil AND God continue to plague him. His Rome professor sends him off to an unorthodox but experienced and successful exorcist, Fr. Lucas (Anthony Hopkins--in both a brilliant and delightful performance--makes a great priest), in order to be “convinced.” But Michael is a tough nut to crack and remains of the belief that all he is witnessing is psychological pathologies...
Continue reading at Hell Burns

Friday, January 28, 2011

Enda Kenny, Leader of Fine Gael meets José Manuel Barroso, President of the EC in Brussels (28/1/11)

Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny,speaking after an hour of talks with European Commission president Jose Manuel Barroso,said: "We have discussed the situation in Ireland and I made it clear that if we get elected into office we would be seeking to renegotiate our bailout package."
FG finance spokesman Michael Noonan ruled out any prospect of touching Ireland's low corporate tax rate.

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Ireland:Labour Party TD Ciaran Lynch's hypocritical posturing on leaders debates (27/1/2011)

New FF leader Micheal Martin has demanded a series of three way debates involving himself, FG leader Enda Kenny and Labour Party leader Eamon Gilmore. Enda Kenny and FG have ruled this out and demanded  a series of  debates  involving leaders of the five main  parties. This would include John Gormley (Greens) and  Caoimghin O'Caolain (Sinn Fein) also. Kenny is not prepared to be dictated to by  Martin. Cork South Central Labour Party TD  Ciaran Lynch was quick out of the blocks today to attack the FG position.  To put it mildly Lynch  is engaged in hypocritical posturing.

Labour had consistently condemned the fact that up to now it was excluded from such debates. It is now in the happy position that it is included. However  it is perfectly happy to see other parties excluded.
 Labour is  running scared of Sinn Fein which is eating into its left  flank. Ciaran Lynch of course wont admit to that.

A five-leader debate no doubt would show differences between FG and Labour. However it would also show up differences between FF and Labour and between Labour and Sinn Fein. In  short it would show differences between all five parties.
Much is made of these debates in the media. However it is well to remember that great leaders are not necessarily great debaters. Sean Lemass was not a great debater. Nevertheless he  had a successful tenure as Taoiseach. He recognised his limitations and deferred to TK Whitaker on economic matters.
It  is time for people such as Ciaran Lynch and the Labour  Party to focus on policy.

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Ireland: Election of Micheal Martin as new FF leader-implications

Today FF chose former Foreign Affairs Minister Micheal Martin as its new leader. Martin was in poll position following the abortive challenge to Brian Cowen earlier last week. During the first attempted heave Brian Lenihan came out in support of Brian Cowen. This saved Cowen. In an interview with Sean O’Rourke backbench FF TD John McGuinness suggested that Brian Lenihan had been encouraging back benchers to challenge the leadership. He essentially accused Lenihan of bad faith. Lenihan strenuously denied the McGuinness charges. However the damaged was done. Lenihan’s future prospects were crippled.

When the Greens torpedoed the planned reshuffle Cowen was a dead man walking. There was consternation throughout the party. The intervention of former Finance Minister Ray McSharry –who launched a coded attack on Cowen-was a political exocet

Once Brian Cowen resigned on Saturday it was inevitable that Micheal Martin would win quite easily. Within minutes Martin supporters flooded the media with declarations of support. The Lenihan campaign failed to take off whilst Eamon O’Cuiv lost time in making a decision. It was never likely that Mary Hanafin would win. So game set and match to Micheal Martin.

Whilst there was no great bloodletting there are undoubtedly quite a few bruised egos within the party. Indeed De Valera would turn in the grave at the level of criticism meted out to Cowen in public by some FF TDs. The level of disloyalty shown to the leader by some TDs was unprecedented.
Much nonsense is spoken about the likelihood that Sinn Fein will be the major opposition party in the next Dail. There is an over reliance on public opinion polls for this assertion. The reality is that many FF supporters will not openly declare their loyalty to the party-Spiral of Silence. Come Election Day they will troop into the polling stations and vote for the party. Only a fool would write off the party. The election of a new leader and the huge level of publicity in the last two weeks will boost support somewhat. If FF is in opposition it will be far larger than Sinn Fein -a party that lacks sufficient organisation and candidates to take full advantage of an increase in support. In addition each constituency is a mini general election. The “local” man will garner support. Hence some FF TDs will be re-elected on the basis of support from their immediate neighbourhoods notwithstanding the economic problems.

The FF party has yet to select candidates in many constituencies. However this task will be completed quickly. This is a task fraught with difficulty.
The selection of too many candidates in constituencies could be catastrophic in the event of the party polling in the 20s or low 30s.
It is likely that FF will target Sinn Fein and Labour in an effort to win back lost support. Labour and Sinn Fein are the parties, which have taken most of FFs support.

FF will seek to drive a wedge between FG and Labour on the basis of policy differences. However the problem for FF is that its policies differ radically from Labour and Sinn Fein. So this criticism can be levelled at FF also. If FF argues that FG and Labour policies are incompatible it is setting itself up for the rejoinder that its policies are incompatible with those of Labour and Sinn Fein.

Another imponderable is the number of independent candidates. The election of too many independent candidates is a luxury that this country can ill afford at this juncture. The electorate must give a clear-cut verdict.

FG and Labour will underestimate FF at their peril. This election may be more open than is commonly realised.

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Former Planned Parenthood director Abby Johnson to convert to Catholicism

The woman who walked away from her job as a Planned Parenthood clinic director after helping with an ultrasound-guided abortion is on the verge of entering the Catholic Church.


Abby Johnson, 30, who will speak at the 11 a.m. Walk for Life West Coast rally in San Francisco Jan. 22, is preparing with her husband Doug to enter the Catholic Church in her native Texas within the next few months. The couple has a 4-year-old daughter.

“When we went to the Catholic Church for the first time we knew that was where we were supposed to be and we have been there ever since,” said Johnson, .....
Read  full story  at  Catholic San Francisco

Lourdes and St. Bernadette Film Excepts -True History of Apparitions

Waterford: Medjugorje healing Mass- Wednesday 26th January, 2011

This Mass takes place at the Blesssed Sacrament Chapel, Mount Sion, Barrack Street on Wednesday 26th January, 2011. It starts with Rosary at 7.45 p.m. and Holy Mass at 8 p.m. with Healing Prayers with the Blessed Sacrament. Celebrant is Fr. Richard Walsh and music by Ministry. Tea and coffee afterwards and all are welcome.
Waterford Medugorje Pilgrimage
This pilgrimage takes place on Wednesday, June 22 to 29th; Saturday August 27 to September 3rd. If deposit is paid before 15th February there will be a €30 reduction. Further information contact Maura on 085-7022103; 051-376552. (Waterford Today)

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Medjugorje Visionary Vicka to visit Ireland in February 2011-Details

  • Feb 17th RDS Concert Hall 5.00pm
  • Feb 18th RTE Late Late Show with Ryan Tubridy
  • Feb 19th Town Hall Mitchelstown 4 pm
  • Feb 20th Silversprings Hotel Cork 4pm
  • Feb 22nd St Brendans Church Tralee 4pm
  • Feb 27th Evening of Prayer through song with David Parkes at Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon 7pm

Sunday, January 9, 2011

Webcast with former Planned Parenthood director Abby Johnson on Monday, January 10, at 9 PM Eastern / 6 PM Pacific ...

This is an important notice from 40 Days for Life
Planned Parenthood filed a massive lawsuit and restraining order intended to silence Abby. They LOST -- clearing the way for her to reveal everything she experienced behind closed doors of the abortion business ... and the shocking revelations of WHY SHE LEFT.
You may sign up for the webcast HERE

Friday, January 7, 2011

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Medjugorje: Apparition to Mirjana on January 2, 2011


"Dear children! Today I call you to unity (communion) in Jesus, my Son. My motherly heart prays that you may comprehend that you are God's family. Through the spiritual freedom of will, which the Heavenly Father has given you, you are called to become cognizant of the truth, the good or the evil. May prayer and fasting open your hearts and help you to discover the Heavenly Father through my Son. In discovering the Father, your life will be directed to carrying out of God's will and the realization of God's family, in the way that my Son desires. I will not leave you alone on this path. Thank you."

During the apparition, Mirjana felt that she could or should say to Our Lady, "We have all come to you with our sufferings and crosses. Help us, we implore you."

In response, Our Lady extended her hands towards Mirjana and everyone present and said, "Open your hearts to me. Give your sufferings to me. The Mother will help."

Sunday, January 2, 2011

Interview with Sister Briege McKenna on the power of sacraments

As a young woman, Sister of St. Clare Briege McKenna was miraculously healed of rheumatoid arthritis. Not long after, she received the gift of healing, and began a ministry to Catholic clergy and laity that has spanned four decades and five continents. But Sister Briege learned long ago that the deepest healing is that which can’t be seen by the naked eye.

That is the healing of the soul, and it comes to us first and foremost through the sacraments. In her newest book, “The Power of the Sacraments” (Servant, $9.99), Sister Briege calls Catholics to rediscover the sacraments and encounter their healing power. Recently, Our Sunday Visitor spoke with Sister Briege about her new book and the need for healing in the Church today...Read the full interview at Our Sunday Visitor