American Papist: Not Your Average Catholic!

Please update your bookmarks to the new AmP blog!

2010-01-08T12:00:00.008-05:00

Why do you tarry here? Get thee to the new AmP blog!

And remember - if you use a reader to keep up on AmP, please update your feed to this new syndicated address:

http://catholicvoteaction.org/blog/amp/?feed=rss2

Please come on over and update your bookmarks, papists!

Notice: Update Your Bookmarks!

2010-01-05T21:00:00.006-05:00

Just a reminder that, as a result of my recently-announced merger with CatholicVoteAction.org, future AmP updates will be found at this web address:

http://www.catholicvoteaction.org/blog/amp/index.php

(or http://www.americanpapist.com for short)

Also, if you subscribed to the American Papist syndicated feed, that can now be found at http://catholicvoteaction.org/blog/amp/?feed=rss2

AmP Facebook and Twitter accounts remained unchanged.

You may continue to email me at either the "thomas at americanpapist dot com" or the new "thomas at catholicvoteaction dot org" address.

I look forward to seeing all of you at AmP-CVA from now on! It's going to be a busy year!

Announcement: AmP to join Catholic Vote Action!

2010-01-05T10:15:00.005-05:00

It's been a long (and wonderful) road on American Papist, and today I'm happy to announce the biggest change to these pages since AmP went online in 2005.

I am joining the amazing team at CatholicVote.org and their sister organization CatholicVoteAction.org.

You may visit my new blog HERE. You will always be able to find me at www.AmericanPapist.com

{update - here is the press release announcing the merger!}

You've seen Catholic Vote's work before - their YouTube channel has 5 million views alone - and I couldn't have asked for a more natural online partner when it comes to organizing Catholics to make a positive difference in the world of politics and American culture (Catholic Vote Action is their new legislation action wing).

Let me quickly explain the benefits of this collaboration - as I believe there are only benefits to be had:

AmP will be professionally administered and maintained. This will save me the time of doing all the technical work required to keep AmP running, and let me focus on doing what I love: blogging. I've been working with CV's design team to ensure a crisp, clean new layout.
AmP will have a greater ability to affect the world and not just observe it. It's called Catholic Vote Action for a reason: it's status as a C4 non-profit allows CVA to directly petition and undertake political action in a way I never could as an individual. Once you register as a member of Catholic Vote, most of the "action items" I append to posts will all involve Catholic Vote initiatives.
AmP will have access and be exposed to a much wider audience. Catholic Vote does not only preach to the choir, they are dedicated to educating all Catholics and introducing non-Catholics to the principles and beliefs we hold dear as fervent, serious Catholics. CV is closing in on 500,000 members already - an incredible feat which is a testament to CV's clear and orthodox vision.
AmP will more easily be able to incorporate other voices. Make no mistake: American Papist will remain primarily my blogging, but having this new platform will make it easier for me to publish guest posts by individuals who deserve a wide audience. So please send me your short (500 words or less) submissions.
AmP will be able to better achieve the goals of articulating the faith, defending her truths against error and deception, informing Catholics who are curious, and organizing Catholics of like-mind for the serious challenges and cultural battles we face as patriotic and involved Americans.

And throughout these opportunities, AmP will benefit from the wide reach of a blog, the speed of Twitter, the accessibility of YouTube, and the community of Facebook .... all with only one editor - yours truly.

This setup means that important information can be widely distributed on AmP at the pace of our ever-quickening news cycle and political climate. So please continue to send me your tips and inside information, for this remains all-important to my work.

You may continue to use my email thomas [at] americanpapist.com or use my new thomas [at] catholicvoteaction.org.

Please be patient as we make the transition. I have great hopes for what God has in store for AmP this year!

So come give me a visit over at the newly-designed and improved American Papist blog!

(And yes, update your bookmarks!)

Photo: Clue #3 (final)

2010-01-04T22:15:00.000-05:00

Okay, most of you have got it, but what besides a new look is going to debut?

Photo: Clue #2

2010-01-04T20:30:00.001-05:00

Some of you guessed very close with the last clue, but can you guess more details now?

Photo: Clue #1

2010-01-04T18:00:00.002-05:00

Can you guess what is happening to AmP tomorrow?

Politics: Democrats may skip procedures to push through health care legislation

2010-01-04T13:00:00.013-05:00

I'm sure we're all very busy as we jump back into work and school this week.

Things are moving, however, on the health care front, and we should keep up to speed.

The latest from Steve Ertelt at LifeNews:

Congressional Democrats are seriously examining the possibility of skipping the formal conference committee process in an attempt to railroad the pro-abortion health care bill through the House and Senate. Bypassing the normal process may allow them to skip procedural votes that could hold up or kill the bill.

With both chambers approving different bills -- a House version doesn't fund abortions while a Senate version does -- Democrats have to create a bill that both chambers can approve and send to President Barack Obama.

Typically a formal conference committee with members from both chambers and both parties formally meet to resolve the differences.

Instead, Democrats may work informally to craft a final bill and Democratic aides tell the New Republican that is "almost certain" to happen.

Michelle Malkin points out that in 2006, when political fortunes were reversed, Democrats fiercely opposed a technique they now are attempting to take advantage of themselves.

Meanwhile, we cannot forget the shame of Catholic politicians pushing for this anti-life legislation. Deal Hudson is undertaking the thankless task of naming the names and keeping track of where politicians stand on this critical issue.

In other news, look for my long-awaited big news within the next 24 hours....

Thanks for your patience - I hope it will be rewarded!

Happy New Year 2010

2009-12-31T12:00:00.000-05:00

2009 has been quite a year in the world, and on AmP.

Thank you to everyone who has read and contributed to my work.

In a special way, thank you to everyone who has prayed for my work and the special intentions I have mentioned from time to time. These actions have helped make AmP a community of prayer and I am humbled to see that happen.

Here's to a 2010 full of God's grace and infinite mercy.

God Bless you all!

Exclusive: Eyewitness video of tonight's attack on the Pope

2009-12-25T02:00:00.015-05:00

First of all - Pope Benedict is fine, but we need to pray for his safety.

AmP readers have helped me obtain exclusive (at this point) access to information and video about the episode which took place this evening at St. Peter's Basilica as the Holy Father was beginning his procession down the aisle.

First: My friend Harry says this woman was the same woman who tried to jump the pope last year (the Associated Press speculated it might have been but could not confirm - my friend can).

My friend Harry was standing next to this same woman last year before she made her first attempt (that we know of). It is distressing that Vatican security did not recognize her this year before she made this new attempt.

Second, this eyewitness video (shot by Steve Burns) - an AmP online exclusive at this point - shows a much better angle of the attack than the video the Associated Press and other outlets are currently using.

This video shows that the woman was tackled by security before she reached the pope, but not before she was able to grab onto his vestments to break her fall. We can see how violently he was pulled down. We should be thankful for the fact that it does not appear at this point that the pope was injured.

The attack begins at the 0:48 mark:

More on this story as it develops....

update - AmP reader Courtney was near the pope when this episode took place and reports:

"[The pope] was down for about 30 seconds total, and he appeared to be just fine when he got up. A guy yelled "Viva il Papa!" and everybody started cheering and clapping, and the Holy Father continued up to the altar and proceeded with Mass. Some of the people near us seemed a little shaken, but the Pope sure didn't. I understand that the woman was arrested (per the AP camera guy) ... The long and short of it is that we should all be praying for the Holy Father, every day."

Amen - let's say a prayer today for the pope's continuing safety.

Papist Picture of the Day - 12/23/09

2009-12-23T14:00:00.008-05:00

Must Read: Catholic Vote's Top 10 Reasons for Hope
Politics: Stupaks says White House trying to keep him quiet on abortion problems

Someone isn't going to make it all the way through midnight Mass.

[Photo: Returs]

Catholic Vote's Top 10 Reasons for Hope

2009-12-23T13:00:00.006-05:00

I love Top Ten lists. And I love Hope. Catholic Vote's Brian Burch puts them together. Here's his first reason for hope in 2010:

10. It's Cool to be Pro-Life
Across the popular culture spectrum, the younger generation is, on average, more pro-life than their parents. Whether its reality-TV star Kourtney Kardashian telling People magazine about her decision to keep her child or the multiple opinion polls that show more and more Americans self-identifying as pro-life. Even the show Law & Order included a powerful courtroom scene that compelled a character to question her ‘dogmatic’ support for Roe v. Wade. Hope for the unborn is en vogue.

READ THE OTHER NINE REASONS FOR HOPE HERE.

Stupaks says White House trying to keep him quiet on abortion problems

2009-12-23T12:00:00.020-05:00

CNSNews reports:

Rep. Bart Stupak (D-Mich.) said the White House and the Democratic leadership in the House of Representatives have been pressuring him not to speak out on the "compromise" abortion language in the Senate version of the health care bill.

“They think I shouldn’t be expressing my views on this bill until they get a chance to try to sell me the language,” Stupak told CNSNews.com in an interview on Tuesday. “Well, I don’t need anyone to sell me the language. I can read it. I’ve seen it. I’ve worked with it. I know what it says. I don’t need to have a conference with the White House. I have the legislation in front of me here.”

Remember, only a year ago, when some Catholics were promising that Obama would be a "pro-life" President?

Now, after having lied time and time again that the health care bill he would be willing to sign did not include federal money to pay for abortions, Obama and his staff are pressuring a pro-life Democrat to keep quiet about his judgement that the current health care bill does in fact do that.

We should remember this harsh lesson the next time we are tempted to believe the arguments of liberal Catholics who are more guided by their political views than their Catholic moral principles.

Kathleen Sebelius, meanwhile, the pro-abortion head of the deparment of Health and Human Services who will receive huge, sweeping powers if the current health care bill is approved, as FRC reports, "in a new video uncovered today, [she] praises Nelson's language, because, according to the woman in charge of these reforms, it ensures that everyone will pay for abortion--no matter how the funds are divided up."

The American bishops, for their part, have sent a second letter to members of Congress saying the current health care bill is "deficient" and should not move forward without "essential changes."

Papist Picture of the Day - 12/21/09

2009-12-21T14:00:00.004-05:00

Hmm, should I start picking out a date for my feast day now or when it's official?

[Photo: AP Photo]

Weird: Christian Elephants avenging religious persecutions in India?

2009-12-21T13:00:00.018-05:00

This is a terribly strange story.

The Archdiocese of Colombo website has a story posted on their website entitled "ELEPHANTS ATTACK IN ORISSA - EXACTLY AFTER ONE YEAR OF PERSECUTIONS ."

The blog is maintained by one Fr. Sunil De Silva, who seems to be convinced that recent elephant attacks on non-Christians on Orissa, India is retribution for the anti-Christian attacks which plagued the same region last year.

This claim - published on the official website of a Catholic Archdiocesan website, raises some issues:

1. Who authorized posting this story as "news"?
2. Is it really a Christian sentiment to hope that our persecutors are being savaged by wild animals?
3. Is there any corroborating evidence to confirm that, as claimed, Elephants are rampaging villages?

One more thing - I'm very concerned that mainstream reporters will pick up on this story and claim that Christians are "gloating" about the misfortunes of non-Christians. That won't help settle things in the region in the least.

Vatican: John Paul II and Pius XII declared Venerable!!!

2009-12-21T12:00:00.001-05:00

HUGE news from over the weekend....

Pope Benedict XVI has signed a decree recognizing the late Pope John Paul II's life of “heroic virtue.” With his signature, Benedict XVI throws the door wide open to the beatification of the much-loved Polish Pontiff and gives him the title "Venerable."

On Saturday morning, the Congregation for the Causes of Saints led by Archbishop Angelo Amato met with Pope Benedict XVI to celebrate their 40th anniversary as a dicastery of the Holy See and to present decrees for papal approval. Pope John Paul II's name was among the Congregation's nominations for those possessing “heroic virtue.”

The next step towards canonization of John Paul II is a second decree to be signed by the Pope that attributes a miracle to him. It is thought that this miracle will be one that has already taken place but has not yet been officially recognized. The miracle involves a French nun who was cured of Parkinson´s disease through John Paul II's intercession.

Following the approval of his first miracle, Venerable Karol Woytilya would be eligible for beatification, and pending a second miracle, he could be declared a saint.

The Vatican has processed his case in record time. Since the Pontiff´s death, less than five years have passed. Five years is the normal amount of time that must go by before the Holy See can begin the investigation process. In this case, Pope Benedict made an exception just a little over a month after John Paul II's death in March of 2005.

Among other documents signed by Benedict XVI on Saturday morning were decrees authenticating the heroic virtue of Pope Pius XII, Pontiff during World War II; the martyrdom of Jerzy Popiełuszko, a Polish priest killed in 1984, and a second miracle attributed to Bless Mary McKillop, who will now become Australia's first saint. (CNA )

Praise God!

Breaking: Nelson caves, Senate passes pro-abortion bill tonight

2009-12-20T22:00:00.062-05:00

I've been deluged with emails this weekend keeping me up to date on the rapid developments taking place in the health care debate.

The most important news to absorb is that Senator Nelson - at this point - has caved and is promising to support Senator Reid's pro-abortion bill when it is voted upon at 1AM tonight {update - he did cave and became the 60th and final vote for Reid's pro-abortion bill.}

He refused to listen to pro-life groups who were attempting to support him, opting instead to strike a backroom deal with Senator Reid which saves his state of Nebraska $100 million over the next decade, as I report on the APP blog.

Others have noted the implications of Nelson's "sweetheart" deal:

"Deacon Keith Fournier describes this as Nelson’s “bag of silver.” Fournier explains, “If Senator Ben Nelson actually sold his vote for a bag of silver for Nebraska then this has become a ‘Judas moment’ not a ‘Thomas More moment’ and its implications are evil.”

The Casey-Nelson solution is unacceptable. The National Right to Life Committee is crystal clear :

"The manager’s amendment [= Casey-Nelson compromise] is light years removed from the Stupak-Pitts Amendment that was approved by the House of Representatives on November 8 by a bipartisan vote of 240-194. The new abortion language solves none of the fundamental abortion-related problems with the Senate bill, and it actually creates some new abortion-related problems."

The message from the US bishops, when briefed about Nelson's decision, is uncompromising:

The Senate health reform bill should not move forward in its current form, Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, Bishop William Murphy of Rockville Centre, New York, and Bishop John Wester of Salt Lake City said December 19, as senators proceeded closer to a vote.

... [the bill] should be opposed unless and until such serious concerns have been addressed. The bishops' conference continues to study that 383-page amendment's implications from the perspective of all the bishops' moral concerns -- protection of life and conscience, affordable access to health care, and fairness to immigrants.

Deal Hudson - who has been very active in this debate through his new innitiative the Catholic Advocate - picks up on an argument I made last week during my EWTN appearance last week: "A Vote for Cloture Is a Vote for Abortion" (basically, anyone who votes for the current legislation is voting to create and expand federal sponsorship of abortion, in opposition to long-standing policy). Deal also writes :

The fight over federal funding for abortion will now move back to the House where 62 Democrats voted for the Stupak-Pitts amendment — it remains to be seen how many of those Democrats will follow in the footsteps of Sen. Ben Nelson.

Once again the bright light will fall on Cong. Bart Stupak (D-MI) who stood up against immense pressure last month to get his amendment passed.

Deal is absolutely right - presuming the bill is passed out of the Senate - everything hinges on Rep. Stupak and his coalition of pro-life Democrats in the House. That's our last cause for hope.

As further background, the Catholic Health Association came out in support of the Casey-Nelson compromise, and Steven Ertelt picks apart why they probably did so. Shame on them. The Catholic Medical Association, meanwhile, is strongly against the bill. Good for them.

I will update this post as I find out more information.

Update 1:15 AM - the Senate ended debate and passed the bill on a party line vote of 60-40. All 58 Democrats and 2 Independents voted on the bill, not a single Republican voted for the bill. Senators Casey and Nelson both supported the pro-abortion bill. A sad day for America and the protection of unborn human life, but the fight is not over.

Photo Caption Call - 12/18/09

2009-12-18T12:00:00.004-05:00

Today's Topix:

Photo: This deserves detention?!
Video: Catholic Vote's firm reminder to Senator Casey
Video: Silent Monks Singing Halleluia

{Add your humorous caption in the comment box!}

View the last Photo Caption Call here. Submit new photos for AmP Photo Caption Call to my email.

[Photo source: AmP Reader Will]

Photo: This deserves detention?!

2009-12-18T11:00:00.001-05:00

A Massachusetts teacher thought it deserved more than that:

AP : This drawing, released by Chester Johnson, of Taunton, shows a sketch of Jesus on the cross created by his son as part of school work, in Taunton, Mass. on Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2009.

The 8-year-old boy was sent home from school and ordered to undergo a psychological evaluation after he was asked to make a Christmas drawing and came up with what appeared to be a stick figure of Jesus on a cross, the child's father said Tuesday.

Maybe the teacher has never seen a crucifix before.

Oh that's right we can't have those in schools, either.

Video: Catholic Vote's firm reminder to Senator Casey

2009-12-18T10:00:00.034-05:00

Catholic Vote Action (CVA) has released their second ad today (their first ad has well over 250,000 views on YouTube) - this one targeting Pennsylvania Senator Bob Casey - who is currently brokering a critical deal on health care reform with Ben Nelson.

I've written many times before about the high quality content and excellent message of Catholic Vote videos.

The ad will begin running on FOX News and CNN today and throughout the weekend. Here it is:

CVA explains their ad in a press release here. They are asking for folks to chip in $10 to help their purchase more air time in these critical next few days.

If you are living in Pennsylvania, they also include the phone numbers to Senator Casey's offices - as I've mentioned before, this is the single most effective way to influence your elected official.

The ad is already generating attention, before it hit the airwaves.

In related news, former PA Senator Rick Santorum has issued a stinging critique of Senator Casey's actions in this debate so far. But it's not too late - that's why we have to focus our attention on helping Casey step up to the plate.

Marjorie Dannenfelser has issued a personal letter (PDF ) to Sen. Casey, saying she will take down her organization's TV ad against him if he begins to truly advocate a pro-life solution to the abortion-in-healthcare crisis.

Catholics don't want to score political points in this debate, we want to save babies.

Video: Silent Monks Singing Halleluia

2009-12-18T09:00:00.003-05:00

Apparently you aren't a Catholic blog if you haven't posted this video:

Solidarity is a Christian virtue. ;)

Papist Picture of the Day - 12/17/09

2009-12-17T15:15:00.010-05:00

Action: Thank Ben Nelson for his pro-life stand!
Politics: Pelosi on pro-abortion language in Senate bill, says "Thank God"
Today: The O Antiphons Begin
Video: John Lennon's opinion about overpopulation
Read between the Lies: Catholics United tries to spin the truth
Breaking: Pro-life groups say Casey compromise "unacceptable"

Texting at papal audience FAIL.

[Photo: Reuters]

Action: Thank Ben Nelson for his pro-life stand!

2009-12-17T14:00:00.002-05:00

Earlier today I blogged on the "Casey compromise" that Ben Nelson was said to be reviewing. As I noted at the time, numerous pro-life individuals and organizations have declared that the Casey compromise is "unacceptable."

Now it appears that Nelson has come to the same conclusion , and is standing strong that the abortion language needs to be eliminated.

Please, if you have a few moments - and especially if you live in Nebraska - use this official email form to thank Senator Nelson for his courage!

update: the spokesman for the US bishops on life issues, Richard Doerflinger is also against the Casey Compromise, as he told the New York Times today.

Pelosi on pro-abortion language in Senate bill: "Thank God"

2009-12-17T13:00:00.011-05:00

From the woman who now claims she has switched to "campaign mode", some injudicious language (oh that's right, she doesn't care):

[Pelosi said] the Senate bill "doesn't have a public option, doesn't expand Medicare for the (age) 55 to 64 group, and has abortion language that is completely different from the House -- thank God." (LifeNews )

I'm glad she agrees with pro-life arguments that the Senate bill doesn't have pro-life language. I wonder if she'd like the Casey compromise ?

Pelosi on - ahem - bi-partisanship:

[When asked if she thinks she can get enough votes from Democrats to pass the final bill]:

"I never count on Republicans."

Rep. Bart Stupak, meanwhile, believes he has 10 to 12 votes on his side that Pelosi needs to eventually pass the health care bill, should it make it out of the Senate with its pro-abortion language intact.

Today: The O Antiphons Begin

2009-12-17T12:00:00.029-05:00

I love the tradition of the O Antiphons. It's also easy for me to remember them each year because they start on my half birthday.

Fr. William Saunders explains what they are :

The “O Antiphons” refer to the seven antiphons that are recited (or chanted) preceding the Magnificat during Vespers of the Liturgy of the Hours. They cover the special period of Advent preparation known as the Octave before Christmas, Dec. 17-23, with Dec. 24 being Christmas Eve and Vespers for that evening being for the Christmas Vigil.

... The importance of “O Antiphons” is twofold: Each one highlights a title for the Messiah: O Sapientia (O Wisdom), O Adonai (O Lord), O Radix Jesse (O Root of Jesse), O Clavis David (O Key of David), O Oriens (O Rising Sun), O Rex Gentium (O King of the Nations), and O Emmanuel. Also, each one refers to the prophecy of Isaiah of the coming of the Messiah.

This website has more about the O Antiphons, including recordings of what they sound like!

Video: John Lennon's opinion about overpopulation

2009-12-17T11:00:00.002-05:00

Never thought I'd find myself agreeing strongly with John and Yoko:

Catch the editorial comment by the show's host? Some things never change.

I especially like Lennon's last line.