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

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.

Video: Catholic Vote's firm reminder to Senator Casey

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

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



Solidarity is a Christian virtue. ;)

Video: John Lennon's opinion about overpopulation

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.

Pro-Life Video: SBA List asks Sen. Casey "Who Shall Live?"

Democrat Senators Bob Casey and Ben Nelson are the most important pro-life votes in the health care debate right now.

A new ad being aired by the pro-life Susan B. Anthony List asks Senator Casey to live up to his late father's words (in a speech he gave at Notre Dame):

In a landmark speech, the late Governor Robert Casey, Senior said "Nothing could be more foreign to the American experience than legalized abortion. It is inconsistent with our national character, with our national purpose, with all that we've done, and with everything we hope to be."

But right now, Robert Casey, Junior is poised to vote in the Senate for a health care bill with federal funding for abortion. The bill will result in more abortions—abortions that Americans will be required to finance. Senator Casey, trading the lives of unborn children for a health care bill is inconsistent with our American character.

"The abortion debate is not about how we shall live, but who shall live. And more than that, its about who we are."

Contact Bob Casey, Junior today and tell him to vote NO on any health care bill that funds abortion. - SBA List

A story by LifeNews, meanwhile, points out that the Democrat leadership is doing everything they can to pull Senator Ben Nelson over to their side:

[pro-abortion Maryland Sen. Ben Cardin] told NRO to watch for the manager's amendment, which could include language that would satisfy Nelson but eventually be withdraw in the conference committee to leave the bill funding abortions.

... Reid is reportedly working on the [new abortion] language with Sen. Bob Casey, the Senate's only other self-proclaimed pro-life Democrat -- although Casey faces criticism of his own for appearing to support the bill even with abortion funding in place.

Both Senators Nelson and Casey should be encouraged to oppose this pro-abortion bill!

Extraordinary video: "Babies" Movie Trailer

I challenge you not to fall in love with this video:



Of course, there are some who have concocted and are pushing a "carbon scheme" whereby people can offset their jet-set lifestyle by eliminating African babies.

I wish I was joking.

Offbeat Video: Christian Rap promotes "side hugs"

The most random, disturbing religion-related video I've seen this week:

Puritanical like it's going out of style. GetReligion reports:

Christians can do funny, goofy things. That’s why reaction to a Christian rap group’s video seemingly advocating the sexually chaste “Christian side hug” was so interesting. Apparently, the group was kidding. But that didn’t stop critics and bloggers for missing the joke and getting snarky about it.

As Steve Johnson of the Chicago Tribune reported in “Christian side hugs: The joke’s not on fundamentalist Christians”.

... [The] group may joke about the side hug, but as one Pentecostal pastor told The Roanoke Times last year in an article entitled, “The pastor’s holy hug: Divine but demure”:

“I have my politically correct hugs,” he said. He demonstrates by bending into a pronounced stoop to grasp the parishioner’s shoulders while pulling back at the waist. That way, the huggers’ midsections don’t touch.

Oh my gosh. I wonder what Christopher West would say?

... and if that doesn't spark a comment box flame war, I don't know what will. Happy Friday! ;-P

Video: Automatic holy water dispenser to avoid swine flu transmission

I think this is completely overblown:

Really?? Holy water fonts are high transmission zones?!

Video: Fr. Benedict Groeschel's 50th Anniversary

AmP Reader Joseph explains: 

"If you love the poor your life will be filled with sunlight and at the hour of your death, you will not be afraid" Father Benedict Groeschel CFR

Many times the main stream media reports on the minority of priests, who have fallen from grace. Above is a youtube clip documenting the priesthood of Father Benedict Groeschel CFR from New York City.

Father Benedict was responsible for leading a new order of Franciscans in the New York Metropolitan area to care for the poor and destitute. Take a look at it and see what one good priest can do and how his ministry can effect so many over a 50 year period."

Video: Planned Parenthood describes watching abortion ultrasound

I blogged about her story last week. Jill Stanek has found video of her describing the amazing story:

Brad Wilmouth at LifeNews has more.

You can bet Planned Parenthood is panicking. As they should.

National News: TX Planned Parenthood director resigns after witnessing ultrasound, story drawing national attention (+video & inside details)

This news, currently highlighted on the Drudge Report, is quickly making national headlines.

Through AmP reader Marcel at Aggie Catholics, we have an inside loop into the situation, because she is friends with Shawn - the Coalition for Life director - who is pictured at left with Abby Johnson - the former director of the neighboring Planned Parenthood - who is at the center of this amazing tale.

Here is the video:

And here is the story (I've bolded some parts):

Planned Parenthood has been a part of Abby Johnson's life for the past eight years; that is until last month, when Abby resigned. Johnson said she realized she wanted to leave, after watching an ultrasound of an abortion procedure.

"I just thought I can't do this anymore, and it was just like a flash that hit me and I thought that's it," said Jonhson.

She handed in her resignation October 6. Johnson worked as the Bryan Planned Parenthood Director for two years.

According to Johnson, the non-profit was struggling under the weight of a tough economy, and changing it's business model from one that pushed prevention, to one that focused on abortion.

"It seemed like maybe that's not what a lot of people were believing any more because that's not where the money was. The money wasn't in family planning, the money wasn't in prevention, the money was in abortion and so I had a problem with that," said Johnson.

Johnson said she was told to bring in more women who wanted abortions, something the Episcopalian church goer recently became convicted about.

"I feel so pure in heart (since leaving). I don't have this guilt, I don't have this burden on me anymore that's how I know this conversion was a spiritual conversion."

Johnson now supports the Coalition For Life, the pro-life group with a building down the street from Planned Parenthood. Coalition volunteers can regularly be seen praying on the sidewalk in front of Planned Parenthood. Johnson has been meeting with the coalition's executive director, Shawn Carney, and has prayed with volunteers outside Planned Parenthood.

On Friday both Johnson and the Coalition For Life were issued temporary restraining orders filed by Planned Parenthood.

Rochelle Tafolla, a Planned Parenthood spokesperson issued the following statement: "We regret being forced to turn to the courts to protect the safety and confidentiality of our clients and staff, however, in this instance it is absolutely necessary."

The temporary restraining order contends that Planned Parenthood would be irreparably harmed by the disclosure of certain information, but does not bar Johnson or Coalition For Life volunteers from the premises.

Marcel writes:

I just got an email from Shawn. They are swamped, because the story has gone national and they are doing interviews with the big news agencies right now. Pray for them, that the pro-life message gets out.

Amen. Let's help!

Video: Two-Faced Stupak? Democrat admits to constituents he would ultimately vote for health care even with taxpayer-funded abortion mandate

A couple days ago I showcased Rep. Stupak's (failed) efforts to get taxpayer-funded abortions out of the house-version of the health care bill. When asked about his objection to this funding, and frequent attempts to eliminate it, Stupak said:

"I'm comfortable with where I'm at. This is who I am. It's reflective of my district. If it costs me my seat, so be it."

The Conservative organization Heritage Foundation has since found video, however, which reveals Stupak claiming to his constituents earlier this year that he would eventually vote for a health care bill even if his pro-life amendments had already failed. In this video, Stupak argues that as long as he tries to make the bill pro-life, he's doing his job and can still vote for a bill that isn't actually pro-life:

{update - it appears the video has been removed. But before it was I had a chance to view it and confirm that it is real. Kathleen Gilbert at LifeSiteNews summarizes what Stupak said in the situation.}



I think Rep. Stupak has some explaining to do - and quick.

Video: Explaining Anglican-Catholic Reunicification

Aggie Catholics found this useful Rome Reports video:



The visuals themselves are fun to see.

Video: No Government Funded Abortions! Period.

Great video, great organization, great cause:

SBA List President Marjorie Dannenfelser clears up the story on abortion and health care reform. Contact your Senators today at www.sba-list.org/healthcare and tell them America doesn't want any government funded abortions, period!

I'm honored to call Marjorie a friend. Go support her activities at Susan B. Anthony today!

{Ph/t: Jimmy}

Raw video: Abp. Nichols of Westminster explains new Anglo-Catholic structures

Raw video from the press conference held this morning in London. This video features Archbishop Vincent Nichols, the President of the Catholic Bishop's Conference of England and Wales, explaining more about what the new Anglo-Catholic structures will look like:

Video: Vatican press conference on Anglican provision

From the Vatican's YouTube channel, interesting because it gives us a visual of what happened in Rome this morning:

Miracle Video: Baby in stroller hit by train as mother watches

This is why we should pray to our Guardian Angel every day:

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Video: Guest co-host of the View serves up a needed Obama reality-check

I don't know much about Rachel Campos-Duffy, but I love what she had to say yesterday on ABC's the View:

In related news, L'Osservatore Romano at least came out with an article calling Obama's Nobel peace prize "premature."

Of course, the word "premature" still implies that the President is pursuing a host of policies that will eventually make him worthy of receiving a peace prize.

I don't agree with that.

Video: Disco Mass

From Damian Thompson - a little over a minute of pure unadulterated horror:

See why we need the GIRM?

Video: Stop Hyding! - Abortion and Health Care Reform

A great new video by the Susan B. Anthony list which breaks down the complexities of the Hyde amendment:



It's so much fun to watch, you're almost in danger of forgetting that what is being described here is the repeal of a law which prevents our tax dollars from paying for abortions.

Wow.

SBA List also includes the technalese.

Video: Spider bugs Pope

I'm trying to figure out why this video has over 225k views....



So - it's a spider on the pope. Okay...?

Amazing Video: Does God Exist?

And now for something quasi-serious.

A fascinating concept, perfectly executed:

Hardly a relative theory.

Friday off-beat Video: Cosmic Conflict

I can't believe this is real:



Well - it's real.

Video: Dog participates in liturgy at Sunday Mass

A concerned papist writes:

"The video [shows] one of many liturgical abuses during Sunday Mass, which also included a plug before Mass for Father's favorite dog shampoo (As he set the bottle of shampoo on the altar while continuing to talk about it and then made some in the congregation smell it)."

Here is the video:

The Parish is the Church of the Resurrection (Destin, Florida) in the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee. The priest can be e-mailed at pastor@rcc-destin.org. Please be charitable if you choose to contact him.

I think it is legitimate to document cases of liturgical abuse and bring them to the attention of the wider Catholic community, so that prompt action can be taken by the local bishop. Scandal has already been done to those who directly witnessed the event, and by making the abuse public, there is a better chance that action will be quickly taken to address the situation internally.

Video: Catholic Schoolchildren taught to "pledge allegiance to the earth and all Her sacred hearts"

Amy Proctor:

The cult of enviornmentalism is being preached at St. Mary’s Resurrection Elementary School in New Jersey. In this Fox Report below, you’ll see Catholic school children start their day by pledging “allegiance to the earth and all Her sacred hearts”, an allusion to the Sacred Heart of Mary and Jesus. You’ll also hear them sing their song, “Whose the greatest mom of all? Earth Mama!”

If I were a parent, I'd want a refund.

Video: The most awesome Ordination video you'll ever see

I try to avoid vulgar language on AmP, so I'll restrain myself and simply say this video "kicks butt".



I love it for many reasons, including:

• It bears the unmistakable marks of a Grassroots Films production {update - link fixed.}
• It prominently features the pastoral voice of Archbishop Timothy Dolan
• It uses the multimedia arts to powerfully convey the spiritual reality it portrays

Show your friends, especially your non-Catholic ones. It might help them better understand the beauty and majesty of a life given totally to Christ and His Church.

Video: Blood Money Film about abortion

Many folks have emailed me asking to post this, so here it is (warning - some graphic images):



Here is the movie website. Much more information from LifeSiteNews.

Must-see Video: Stop the Abortion Mandate

A heckuva good video, for a critical moral cause:



More at stoptheabortionmandate.com.

Brilliant Video - Overpopulation: The Making of a Myth

I think this is flat-out brilliant. It's factual, but accessible enough that I could see this video being widely picked-up on Facebook, MySpace, and high-school classrooms. Maybe you're the person to pick it up, in fact.

From PRI:

The Population Research Institute, a pro-life research group based in Front Royal, VA, has released the first in a series of humorous cartoons intended to disprove the myth of overpopulation.

This video, a minute and a half long, deftly refutes common misconceptions about world population, poverty, resource consumption, and the United Nations.

Here it is:

Also visited the associated website: http://www.overpopulationisamyth.com/

I've talked about the overpopulation myth before, particularly when I try to get my head around why some groups are still so desperate to spread contraception (not to mention sterilization). 

For a movement that claims to be scientifically-informed, they've sure manage to ignore confronting this truth for a long time.

Video: Ed Peters discusses a priest running for Philippines President

I read about this story last week but it was a bit far off my regular news beat to analyze.

My father, Canon Lawyer Ed Peters, however, took up the story on Al Kresta's radio program:


Watch live video from Kresta In The Afternoon's channel on Justin.tv

Friday offbeat video: Liturgical Dance Wedding

I guess traditions are different in Minnesota.

Video: Catholic Vote's 3rd pro-life video

They've done it again:

I've blogged about their work before here. Please spread the word! (And visit CatholicVote.org)

Video: Friday Offbeat

For some reason I was worried I'd get through today without finding anything wierd enough to post for Friday Offbeat news day:



Well, I'm relieved.

Video/commentary: Really, the world needs more contraception?!

Over the past couple weeks I've been focusing on a ploy by pro-aborts to convince pro-lifers to agree on contraception as a "common ground" solution to the abortion rate in America.

Now I disagree strongly that America needs contraception, for many reasons. One of them is demographic. This video has almost 10 million views on YouTube, and while I disagree with the editorial "tone" of the video, the facts it is using are compelling.

Jump farther into it where it begins looking at numbers and predictions.

Now, after seeing that ... do we really think what the world needs is contraception (and abortion)?

I've discussed demographics before at length on AmP, especially back in early 2008:

For any questions about world religions and demographics, Philip Jenkins is the scholar to read. I don't always agree with his ecclesiology, but his knowledge of the worldwide landscape is unparalleled, and especially the situation in Africa. His 2006 article for First Things, "Believing in the Global South" is a good place to start.

For those who are looking for a book-length treatment, one might read "The New Faces of Christianity: Believing the Bible in the Global South", "The Next Christendom: The Coming of Global Christianity" or "God's Continent: Christianity, Islam, and Europe's Religious Crisis" (in which he claims that the "Islamification" of Europe is being over-dramatized, but Richard John Neuhaus disagrees).

That's a good place to start reading if you don't believe the West is contracepting itself out of existence.

Video: Canadian Prime Minister pockets consecrated host!

Much more than a faux pas:

LifeSiteNews:

Prime Minister Stephen Harper is in hot water over a video that caught him taking Holy Communion in a Catholic Church, despite being a non-Catholic Christian. To make matters worse, the video shows him walking away without consuming the host.

And what makes matters really worse is how clueless everyone involved seems to be, beginning with Harper's spokesman:

Asked why the PM as a non-Catholic would receive Communion, which in Catholic teaching is reserved for Catholics and even only those Catholics who are properly disposed to receiving Communion, Soudas replied: "Who is the Prime Minister to judge once Communion has been offered to him?" Soudas added, "It is a well known fact that he's a Christian."

It's like Soudas is not even listening to the question. Sure, in protestant congregations they are (typically) very permissive about who is eligible to receive "communion." But Catholics aren't.

Harper is currently en route to the G8 leaders' summit, after which he will meet with Pope Benedict on Saturday. It would be appropriate for Harper to apologize to the pope at that meeting, and explain fully what happened. It's simply a matter of courtesy to Catholics and their strongly-held beliefs about the Eucharist.

Strongly-held, of course, with the exception of one Fr. Bourgeois, who delivered the homily at the Mass where this took place, and said: "Usually, to partake in Holy Communion in the Catholic Church, you have to be a member of it, but if you're not, exceptionally sometimes at major occasions (it is different)," he said. That's wrong. Where does it say that in Canon Law?!

Also falling down on the job, Monsignor (Bishop?) Andre Richard, who gave Harper communion, who said: "I didn't see anything wrong there because I was busy doing something else." Um, what else should you be doing except noticing that you a) gave the prime-minister of your country - who is not a Catholic - Communion and b) didn't even notice that he pocketed a consecrated host? It is your duty as a minister of Communion to observe what happens to it!

Source: Questions Catholics demand explanation for PM pocketing communion wafer at LeBlanc funeral in the Telegraph-Journal.

Enchanting Pixar Video: Partly Cloudy

I found this absolutely mesmorizing. A real mid-week treat!

update: since I don't like the video automatically loading when you visit the site, please click here for it now.

I found the short on the Anchoress blog, who connects it to Caritas in Veritate! Very cool. 

YouTube: Catholic iPhone Apps

An amusing info-parody of Apple's advertisements for the iPhone:

Via Paul (and son) at SQPN (<-- visit this site!).

Ad asks Obama: ‘If fatherhood begins at conception, when does life begin?’

Smart move from Family Research Council (background from CNA):



And smart not because it scores "political points," but because it challenges Obama and the pro-abortion movement to face the contradictory nature of the two things they are trying to say. The only conclusion that they can arrive at - but they avoid it at all costs - is that they honestly believe you can end human life when it is inconvenient. That's an inhuman solution.

The video above already has over 100,000 views. It's a powerful message.

Video: Trailer for "The Stoning" Movie, in theaters Friday

I've seen several presentations about this new movie which is coming out on Friday, "The Stoning of Soraya M." It's an incredibly timely film (considering what is going on in Iran), telling the TRUE story about a woman persecuted under Sharia law. Here's the trailer:



It stars Jim Caviezel and was created by some of the same people behind the Passion of the Christ. The website is www.thestoning.com and they are also on Facebook. I plan to see it at some point soon.

CNN Video: Mother says no to abortion in AC360 interview

In the same breath that I say "Good job for airing this, CNN" I have to say "But how can you continue to support abortion in other cases, CNN?!" Here is the touching interview:



"Do you regret [having the baby], looking back?"

"Not one minute of it."

Matthew Balan at NewsBusters has the full transcript + commentary.

Video & Text from George/Kmiec debate

For Robert George's text: "Obama and His Pro-Life Apologists".

For C-SPAN video of the entire debate: CLICK HERE.

Live/Archived Video of CUA symposium + Kmiec/George debate

Thanks to the CUA Communications Department for providing me this information:

Here's video of the morning sessions: http://digitalmedia.cua.edu//calendar/default.cfm

Currently, the afternoon session of the symposium is streaming live at: http://digitalmedia.cua.edu//calendar/event_dsp.cfm?event=4695

After 4 p.m. you'll be able to view everything by simply going to http://www.cua.edu/ . The same goes for the press club event [between Robby George and Doug Kmiec] after 8 p.m.

Video: Catholic Apple Spoof

Very clever:

Also check out the other funny videos on his YouTube channel.

Ph/t: Life's Crosses.

Video: High Mass in the Pantheon of Rome

This is pretty cool. There was a Solemn High Mass celebrated in the Pantheon of Rome recently to celebrate the 1400th anniversary of its consecration as a Catholic Church. I wonder what the tourists thought?



Take that, Jupiter.

Must-See Video: "Life - Imagine the Potential"

The first video by the folks at Catholic Vote.org has almost 2 million views on YouTube alone.

I think you'll agree that their second video is even better. I cant wait to see what they do next.



Spread this video far and wide, please. And hop over to Catholic Vote.org to learn more.

This video was shown publicly for the first time at today's National Catholic Prayer Breakfast.

It was also announced that talks are underway to air it during the American Idol finals (!).

Video: Fr. Corapi on Notre Dame Scandal

Press release from the Cardinal Newman Society:

"Fr. John Corapi thanks signers to the petition at http://www.notredamescandal.com/ and urges Catholics to continue the fight for Catholic campuses." [Read the full press release here, and watch the video below:]

Video: Interview with Undersecretary of the CDF

While we're on a Dominican theme (with today's photo caption call), I figured this would also be of interest to readers: "Fr. Augustine DiNoia, OP, interviewed on both the nature of his position in the Curia and the role of the Dominican House of Studies at this stage of the Order’s history."



Via the Dominican Friars blog.

Video: Abp. Carlson greets St. Louis

From the St. Louis Post-Dispatch:

... "Archbiship"?

(by the way, I think this is a fantastic video - it just could use a spellcheck.)

Video: Hillary Clinton Advocates Exporting Abortion

From the SuzyB blog:

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was questioned by the House Foreign Affairs Committee today. This video shows highlights of the pointed questions by pro-life Representatives Chris Smith and Jeff Fortenberry, as well as Clinton's responses.

Hillary: "... we are now an administration that will protect the rights of women, including their rights to reproductive healthcare."

No change here.

More from the Cathoholic on why this is significant here.

Trailer: Earth Documentary

On Earth Day (tomorrow), considering seeing the Documentary "Earth". I was able to view a screener of the film a couple weeks ago and thoroughly enjoyed the ground-breaking cinematography and compelling narration (great movie for the kids):



Personally, I can't think of a better way to spend Earth Day than in a cool theater enjoying the conveniences of modern technology. ;-)

Oh, and it inspired much awe in me at the amazing works of the Creator. What a wonderful world!

Video: Hadley Arkes debates Doug Kmiec

From Moral Accountability:

The Matthew J. Ryan Center at Villanova University has posted the video recordings of the Cicero Podium Debate between Professor Hadley Arkes (Amherst College) and Professor Douglas Kmiec (Pepperdine Law School). This event took place on February 13, 2009.

Part I:


Part II:

I hope to have a chance to watch some of it later this evening.

Video: Dr. Oz tells Oprah/Michael J. Fox that ESCR is not the way

An amazing thing happened, a popular doctor told millions of Oprah viewers (with embryonic stem cell research-supporter Michael J. Fox in studio) that embryonic stem cells are NOT the answer to curing diseases such as Parkinsons. LifeReport with a brief into to the clip:



Moments like these help quickly change cultural assumptions.

May people's hearts and minds be converted before companies begin destroying embryos for research.

Tip: Fr. Euteneuer talks about exorcism on EWTN this Friday

AmP readers were very interested in my tip of last week about Matt Baglio's new book "The Rite: The Making of a Modern Exorcist." This means you might also be interested in this news:

EWTN’s is going to interview Fr. Thomas Euteneuer about his new book on exorcism this Friday, April 3, at 8 p.m. ET. Fr. Euteneuer is president of Human Life International and an exorcist. His new book is called “Exorcism and the Church Militant” [I'm waiting for it to appear on Amazon]. Fr. Euteneueur has been in the news lately saying that Pope Benedict feels there is a greater need for exorcism today and that he desires more priests to be trained as exorcists."

Should be an interesting interview! You can watch EWTN online live, right here.

Video: Greek Orthodox Church Head compares Obama to Alexander the Great

Oh please, this is so November 5th:

Still waiting for him to cut the Gordian Knot of abortion. I pray he does.

But I don't have much hope he will.

Video: Bishop Martino Breaks On-Camera Silence

Whispers calls Bishop Joseph Martino the "nation's most controversial prelate". He's certainly making headlines, simply for speaking out in defense of life and exercising his authority as a successor to the Apostles. And now, he's done a short on-camera interview with a local station.

I think it's unfortunate where they cut-off his response. Let's face it - it's never good to end with mentioning Nazis, however apt the comparison may be. One begins to understand why he's avoided on-camera.

Nonetheless, video conveys more about a personality that the written word can get across. That's one of the reasons why I post multimedia content for a story I'm covering, at least whenever I can find it.

Video: KofC & bishops at yesterday's CT Rally

Supreme Knight Anderson addresses Catholic Rally on CT 1098 (Part 1):

• Carl Anderson Part 2
• Bishop Cote of Norwich
• Bishop Lori of Bridgeport
• Archbishop Mansell of Hartford

First Take: Video of Bp. Lori at CT Catholic Rally

You're getting this content practically as it is uploaded:
Broadcasting Live with Ustream.TV

Video: The Daily Show on CNBC

For a little humor to start your Friday, Jon Stewart on all that financial advice they give us:

The Daily Show With Jon StewartM - Th 11p / 10c

CNBC Gives Financial Advice

Daily Show Full Episodes
Important Things With Demetri Martin

Political Humor
Joke of the Day

Now try to forget about all this and have a peaceful weekend!

Video: Catholic Colbert

He would pick a Jesuit....

The Colbert ReportMon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c

Turning to Religion - Jim Martin

Colbert Report Full Episodes
Funny Political News

Christian Bale Parody
Joke of the Day

From Catholic Colbert:

"Looks like Jesuit Fr. Jim Martin has been upgraded from "friend of the show" to "chaplain." Fr. Martin’s background in the financial world made him a perfect choice to explain why people seem to be flocking back to church in tough economic times ("and not just because communion counts as a meal"). It was an excellent segment and reminded me why I watch The Report "religiously".

Video: Abp. Dolan addresses the press this morning

Ph/t: Michael Paulson.

Video: St. Michael's Abbey is sliding down a hill!

A beautifully produced video, with a pressing need behind it:



Or watch individual segments:

• The history of St. Michael's Abbey - a page out of a spy thriller
• Need to Relocate - the Abbey is sliding down the hill!
• Everyone has to sing!
• Recording the Albums
• Daily Life at the Abbey

And if you enjoyed that incredible music in the background of these videos, you may purchase it on CD. Profits from this album will help defray the costs of their move: Anthology: Chants and Polyphony from St. Michael's Abbey. It's a great deal: you get beautiful music, and monks praying for you, and they don't have to live in an Abbey that is literally sliding down a hill.

Visit the Norbertine Fathers website here.

Video: Legionary Priests on EWTN - Feb 6th, 2008

Last Friday, as I mentioned, Frs. Thomas Williams and Jonathan Morris, LC appeared on EWTN to speak about the Maciel scandal (actually, they were scheduled in advance to speak about their recently-released books).

I was in the studio audience during the taping of this interview. I have no additional observations to add, except that both priests (although especially Fr. Morris) appeared crestfallen and somber before tape began rolling. You can see the same emotions in the video.

Part I (3:33):

Links to Parts I, II, III & IV. {updated - the links should be in the right order now.}

Video: Pro-life Students Assaulted by Pro-Abortion Mob

AmP reader Matthew explains: This video is from Saint Mary's University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. There was a presentation on life issues at the university, and the situation showed just how ugly it can get (jump to 1:00 for the counter-demonstration):



From the video description:

Students at Saint Mary's University were bombarded with insults and crudely rhymed slogans when a screaming mob laid siege to the auditorium where a Pro-Life presentation was about to take place.

The small group of Abortion supporters blocked the projector, swore at the presenter, and drowned out attempts at communication for over an hour, until a St. Mary's Conflict Resolution Official inexplicably chose to order the students (still sitting quietly in their seats) to leave rather than have the unruly mob arrested by police.

A smaller number of students and media were able to make their way to a second location where the presentation and question period concluded peacefully.

Pray for the brave individuals who choose to proclaim the dignity of human life in the face of mockery.

update: More on this from the Island Breezes blog.

Video: Cardinal Rylko encourages Regnum Christi

This video was filmed in January, and uploaded to the Regnum Christi YouTube channel on Feb 5:

Video: Amazing pro-life rap music video

Whatever your feelings about rap, this is an amazing song:

Buy the MP3 here. I think it would be good to support his work.

More about the artist Flipsyde and about this song in particular.

Raw video: Pope Benedict Presented With a Lion Cub

Since Wednesday's Papist Picture of the Day from this meeting of Pope and Lion proved so popular, I figured you would like to see the raw video which captures the entire encounter:

Papa Benny obviously knows his way around cats (just look at the way he pets the lion cub) ... but at the same time, I can understand his wariness! Still, what a brave Papa.

Video: Hope for Inauguration Day {link fixed}

Here's my pick:

More info from the press release and at CatholicVote. Commentary from LifeNews here.

Video: Colbert asks Yahweh or No Way?

Colbert's latest religion-related segment:

The Colbert ReportMon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c

Yahweh or No Way - Roland Burris

Colbert at Christmas
Colbert Christmas DVD

Green Screen
Bill O'Reilly Interview

Video: Man transports 20 bricks on his head!

If this is real, it's incredible:

Online Movie: Volition (pro-life & powerful)

A powerful film available in its entirety online.

The description doesn't quite to it justice:

"The act of making a choice. Sometimes the choice of inaction has consequences stronger than we could ever imagine. Throughout history, men have been faced with difficult choices in a world that makes it easy for them to conform. This film explores the hope that lies behind every decision made in the face of adversity; the hope that is buried in the heart of those that look beyond themselves and see something bigger worth fighting for."

Okay,that's a bit vague. Watch the movie and it's very clear what is being talked about. And it's very moving.

Video: SNL on Joe Biden

SNL decided to spoof vice president elect Joe Biden:



I wonder what Joe Biden's comments on Meet the Press would receive on the "blunder scale"?

Video: Feminist scare tactics

The Feminists are "scared":



More rage from other Feminists (warning: adult language).

Both websites strongly support Obama - surprised?

Video: The *real* Sarah Palin on SNL

Something to get your Monday morning started!

The opening:


The "Palin rap":


Wow - she's actually funny.

Time for a contrast:

Videos: Obama and McCain roast one another

McCain (video updated again - this one should be good):



Obama:



Oh my gosh, McCain comes off *so* much funnier than Obama.

Video: the first 24 hours of life

A zebrafish, from 64 cells into 20,000 cells (explained here):



A good start.

Video: Catholic Colbert

Economic crisis? Book of Job.

Video: SNL on the VP debate

Easing into Monday, something to lighten the load....

Video: The failed vote, and Pelosi's partisanship

Plenty of people (rightly, I would say) are pinning a large part of the blame for today's failed vote in the House on Nancy Pelosi's flagrantly-partisan, bald-faced-profiteering speech given just prior to the vote.

Her beginning:

“Madam Speaker, when was the last time someone asked you for $700 billion? “It is a number that is staggering, but tells us only the costs of the Bush Administration’s failed economic policies—policies built on budgetary recklessness, on an anything goes mentality, with no regulation, no supervision, and no discipline in the system.

Her ending:

“Today, we will act to avert this crisis, but informed by our experience of the past eight years with the failed economic leadership that has left us left capable of meeting the challenges of the future. “We choose a different path. In the new year, with a new Congress and a new president, we will break free with a failed past and take America in a New Direction to a better future.”

The full video:

Worst speaker of the house ever? I'm beginning to think so. Especially when you consider the history I've pointed out. She really should take that retreat in San Francisco which she's been offered, and accepted....

24 Days, 13 Hours, 38 Minutes....

Video: SNL's take on the Palin/Couric interview

Here ya go:

Todd Aglialoro, meanwhile, points out the obvious one-sidedness of SNL now and in the past.