I recall reading a blog by a man who was a lapsed Catholic and who was just about to bite into a burger on Ash Wednesday when, through the window of the burger bar, he saw a large family pass by all with ashes on their foreheads. He hadn't been aware of what day it was until they unwittingly reminded him and he felt guilty about failing to abstain from meat. He put down his burger and went to confession for the first time in years and subsequently became a priest. That family will be totally unaware of the miracle of grace that their public display of devotion helped to create. I wonder how many more similar 'ash miracles' there have been.
https://apnews.com/989eeba58b2b4089992441516e8225f5 Flooding in the Plains States! Lord have mercy. May our troubles cause us to turn to You wholeheartedly!
More prayers are needed, of course. I saw the following story on the news this morning, the story about the fires at a chemical plant in Deer Park, Texas near Houston and I just noticed that Father Mark Goring is asking for prayers for the people there and for the fire to put out soon. Thank you for your prayers. Timetable for Deer Park fire indefinite after blaze intensifies overnight By Julian Gill and Samantha Ketterer | https://www.chron.com/hdn/hrlm/p/callback.html Updated 12:12 pm CDT, Tuesday, March 19, 2019 Fire officials are now uncertain about how long the chemical fire at Intercontinental Terminals Co. will continue after the blaze at the Deer Park facility worsened overnight. A definitive timetable no longer exists, said Harris County Fire Marshal's Office Laurie Christensen. Officials earlier said the fire, which began Sunday morning, would last until Wednesday. "Fuel has burned off," Christensen said Tuesday at a news conference. "That may be what has to happen. What I can't tell you is how long that will take." Two additional chemical tanks caught fire overnight at the plant after water pressure dropped when two fireboat pumps providing water to firefighters malfunctioned for about six hours, the company said. The fire, which had been contained to six storage tanks late Monday, had spread to eight by 2:30 a.m., the company said. ONLY ON HOUSTONCHRONICLE.COM: For Deer Park residents fire like 'living on a fault line' By midmorning Tuesday, five of the tanks were still burning, officials said. Three tanks have burned out and two tanks without chemicals in them have collapsed, officials said. The fire is within a block of 15 storage tanks on the southern edge of the property. Five tanks — two containing base oil, two containing pyrolysis gasoline, and one containing toluene — haven't ignited. "We're doing everything humanly possible to protect them," said ITC spokeswoman Alice Richardson. Air quality readings are below hazardous levels, she added. No injuries have been reported. Officials are also monitoring the Houston Ship Channel after water and foam from the fire fight leaked into a dike area, said David Wascome, ITC's vice president of terminal operations. The runoff has not reached the outfall. Fire also reached near propane lines, but those were evacuated of the materials two days ago, he said. Most of the chemicals identified in the fire are used in the production of gasoline, and short-term exposure to their fumes can cause dizziness, fatigue or headaches. Two of the five tanks that are currently burning contain a gasoline blend, one contains xylene, another contains naphtha and the last contains pyrolysis gasoline. (Two additional chemical tanks caught fire overnight at Intercontinental Terminals Co. in Deer Park after water pressure dropped, the company said. Media: Godofredo Vasquez, Houston Chronicle) Additionally, both Deer Park and La Porte ISDs resumed classes Tuesday. Deer Park is restricting outside activities. For those who have suffered damages or losses from the incident, ITC issued this notice: You can go to itcclaims.com, download and fill out the appropriate claim form, and submit it with supporting documents using the following email address: incidents31719@itcclaims.com, or by mail to the following address: ITC Claims March 17, 2019 Incident P.O. Box 698 Deer Park, Texas 77536 Residents can also call the ITCCares hotline at 346-362-9766. Houston fire at chemical plant to burn for days, Texas ... USA Today 7 hours ago · The fire erupted Sunday at Intercontinental Terminals Company in Deer Park. Authorities said Monday it will likely burn for another two days. ...
It seems like the rise in cases of the measles could be a result of the current migrant crisis in many parts of the world and due to the lack of availability of the vaccine in parts of Africa and Asia and also due to the fear of being vaccinated. Measles cases at ‘alarmingly’ high levels around the world, UNICEF says Ukraine, the Philippines and Brazil witnessed the biggest increases in cases of the disease, according to UNICEF, which analyzed global measles cases recorded by WHO. Ukraine saw the largest rise ... WTVR-TV 7d 8 countries facing measles outbreaks more serious than Canada’s According to an article in the Journal of Global Health ... In 2018, there were 30,338 more measles cases in Ukraine than in 2017, according to a recent report by UNICEF. In the first two months ... Global News 9d READ MORE: As deadly measles outbreak spreads, Russian trolls and bots spread antivax messages. Here’s why READ MORE: Measles cases tripled in Europe last year — the highest it’s been in a decade ‘Is it potentially deadly? Absolutely’: Doctors testify on Capitol Hill about threat of measles outbreaks in US (CNN) – In the first two months of 2019, at least 159 cases of measles have been confirmed in the U.S. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, these cases have occurred in 10 ... WMBF News 19d *** Edited to add: The following article was linked in the second article above. As deadly measles outbreak spreads, Russian trolls and bots spread antivax messages. Here’s why By Patrick Cain National Online Journalist, News Global News | August 25, 2018 | https://globalnews.ca/news/4396939/measles-vaccination-fake-news/ ... Another ally of those arguing that the measles vaccine spreads autism: Russia-based bots and trolls, a recent article in the American Journal of Public Health argues. (Cynically, their creators also made more bots and trolls to argue the other side; one purpose was, simply, division for its own sake.) WATCH: How to protect kids too young for the measles vaccine The study’s authors traced the accounts to the same source as those who intervened in the 2016 U.S. election., the St. Petersburg-based Internet Research Agency. The Russian tweets were different from more organic antivax messages, the study’s authors wrote: “These included arguments related to racial/ethnic divisions, appeals to God, and arguments on the basis of animal welfare. These are divisive topics in US culture, which we did not see frequently discussed in other tweets related to vaccines.” They also introduced conspiracy theories about government that antivaxers generally don’t, for example: “Apparently only the elite get ‘clean ’ #vaccines. And what do we, normal ppl, get?! #VaccinateUS” “Did you know there was a secret government database of #vaccine-damaged children? #VaccinateUS” The tweets were also used as a way of distributing malware. WATCH: 4 reasons why measles is so contagious People engaged the trolls, thinking that they were arguing in good faith, which only escalated the controversy and played into their hands. Amplifying whatever points of division appear is typical of Russian social media efforts aimed at the West. Other themes have been aimed at issues like immigration, race and policing, all things Trump, and more eccentric causes, like Texas secession. Former U.S. ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul has said the aim is to widen existing political divisions: ” … to see us in conflict on big social issues is in the Kremlin’s interests.” On a more sophisticated level, stoking online controversies is a cheap way of understanding a rival power’s ‘fracture points‘. Some will catch fire, some won’t, and the attacking power learns which is which through trial and error. The United States and Britain have been targets; France and Germany have as well. Is Canada immune? Of course not. But we have the advantage of not being first in line, and of knowing more or less what to expect. ...
As we are getting closer to April 15th (tax day in the USA), please share the following with your loved ones especially your elderly loved ones as a warning. IRS Issues Warning On New Phone Scam 3/18/2019 The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has issued a warning about a new twist on the old IRS impersonation phone scam. In this version of the scam, criminals try to convince taxpayers that they are calling from the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS). The TAS is an independent organization within the IRS. Its missions is to protect your rights as a taxpayer and to help you with tax problems you can’t resolve on your own. TAS does not initiate calls to taxpayers; generally, you reach out to TAS for help, and only then would TAS make a call or otherwise contact you. You can check out the TAS website here. In the most recent scam variation, callers “spoof” the telephone number of the IRS TAS office in Houston or Brooklyn. When calls are spoofed, the scammers have changed the caller ID to make it look like they are calling from the agency, such as the IRS TAS. Calls may be “robo-calls” or automated calls that request a call back. Once the taxpayer returns the call, the scammer requests personal information, like your Social Security number or other personally identifiable information. In previous variations of the IRS impersonation phone scam, fraudsters demand immediate payment of taxes by a prepaid debit card, wire transfer or gift cards. Scammers may also tell potential victims that they are entitled to a large refund, but the refund can’t be released until the taxpayers provide personal information. No matter the details, the scams typically have these things in common: Scammers use fake names and IRS badge numbers to identify themselves. Scammers may know the last four digits of the taxpayer’s Social Security number. Scammers spoof caller ID to make the phone number appear as if the IRS or another local law enforcement agency is calling. Scammers may send bogus IRS emails to victims to support their bogus calls. Potential victims may hear background noise of other calls to mimic a call site (many of these calls come from fraudulent call centers like this one). After threatening potential victims with jail time or other punishment, scammers may hang up and call back pretending to be from local law enforcement agencies or the Department of Motor Vehicles (again, spoofing calls so that the caller ID again supports the claim). As a reminder, the IRS will never: Call to demand immediate payment over the phone, nor will the IRS call about taxes owed without first having mailed you a bill. Threaten to immediately bring in local police or other law-enforcement groups to have you arrested for not paying. Demand that you pay taxes without giving you the opportunity to question or appeal the amount they say you owe. Require you to use a specific payment method for your taxes, such as a prepaid debit card, gift card or wire transfer. Ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone. Despite increased publicity about these kinds of scams, reports of phone scams increased in 2018, with the IRS reporting receipt of thousands of such complaints each week. These phone scams are “a major threat to taxpayers” and as such, continued to hold down a top spot on the IRS “Dirty Dozen” list of tax scams. Don’t engage or respond with scammers. Here’s how to protect yourself: If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from the IRS, and you do not owe tax, or if you are immediately aware that it’s a scam, don’t engage with the scammer and do not give out any information. Just hang up. If you receive a telephone message from someone claiming to be from the IRS, and you do not owe tax, or if you are immediately aware that it’s a scam, don’t call them back. If you receive a phone call from someone claiming to be with the IRS, and you owe tax or think you may owe tax, do not give out any information. Call the IRS back at 1.800.829.1040 to find out more information. Never open a link or attachment from an unknown or suspicious source. If you’re not sure about the authenticity of an email, don’t click on hyperlinks. A better bet is to go directly to the source’s main Web page. Use security software to protect against malware and viruses found in phishing emails. Use strong passwords to protect online accounts and use a use a unique password for each account. Longer is better, and don’t hesitate to lie about important details on websites since crooks may know some of your personal details. Use two or multifactor authentication when possible. Two-factor authentication means that in addition to entering your username and password, you typically enter a security code sent to your mobile phone or other device. Don’t fall for the tricks. Keep your personal information safe by remaining alert. And, when in doubt, assume it’s a scam. For tips on protecting yourself from identity theft-related tax fraud, click here.
Notes From New Orleans March 19, 2019 by sd The City of New Orleans is many things and spiritually, never dull. We had our fifth retreat there, this time complicated by the aftermath of Mardi Gras, Saint Patrick Day parades (there were at least six in the area between Friday and Sunday), preparations for Saint Joseph Day (many baking cookies), and various simultaneous Lenten retreats. It was a busy time, with a tremendous flow of spirits from both sides. It was almost palpable: the face-off between the many deeply devout Marian types here (nowhere is more Marian) and the pagan-hoodooistic-Babylonian revelry and haute coutre. “Who dat?” (“Who’s that?”) is the famous local refrain for whoever is playing the local football team (named, of course, the “Saints”), but let’s focus on Mardi Gras: a priest who was with us mentioned that the festivities of Mardi Gras, involving as they sometimes do strange masks, stranger make-up, costumes mocking nuns and priests, or costumes so scant that they are not really costumes at all, draw the wrong kinds of spirits. Translation: we were facing headwinds. Of most concern is the voodoo undercurrent of the city. That demonic “religion” is the deepest form of occultism and has been known to even frighten satanists. Here it is part of the culture — at least for those who reject Christianity, or have syncretized Christianity with the dark practice of curses, spells, potions, dances to raise the dead, amulets, and pin dolls (to remotely injure enemies). During our retreat, a dark form was seen off to one side of the ballroom (hotels can be an issue, especially after such festivities) and two closet doors in the front near the podium opened not once but twice of their own accord, in front of everyone. We have had about a hundred retreats. That has never happened before. New Orleans! Was it just the hotel — a deceased soul begging for prayers (the first time it occurred was literally the instant mention was to be made of spirits that can afflict public places like hotels)? We prayed some powerful prayers and no one seemed fazed, for the Blessed Mother through Jesus had everything in control. (“Who dat?” one may indeed have asked — or perhaps, “What dat?”) Prayer cleared everything. However, nothing quite equaled what apparently occurred Sunday — Saint Patrick’s Day — at the large local Catholic school, Xavier University. For there, at three p.m., in the University Center McCaffrey Ballroom (third floor, 4980 Dixon Street), was an event called “Voodoo in New Orleans: Myth and Reality,” organized by a professor of humanities named Dr. Michael White who obviously has no cognizance of the spiritual ramifications voodoo present. We tried to reach Professor White, as well as others at the university, but the voice-mailboxes were all full Monday morning. We wanted to check to see what transpired. Was the bishop aware of this? And the university president? “The afternoon program will offer a panel discussion featuring some of the most visible and recognizable practitioners, scholars, and performers who will discuss the many myths and realities of the African-derived religion as it has been celebrated throughout much of New Orleans’ history,” said a flyer. Here was the kicker: “There will also be a demonstration of authentic ritual dancing, drumming, and singing.” Let this sink in: a Catholic university was sponsoring and playing host to an actual voodoo ritual. Panelists were to include Divine Prince Ty Emmeca, a Haitian voodoo practitioner named Sallie Glassman, high voodoo priest Dr. Elmer Glover, voodoo priestess Kalindah Laveaux, voodoo priestess Ava K-A-Y Jones (who once “blessed” the Superdome, at the behest of the then-team owner), and a musician. Let’s be fair: Xavier also today has a splendid Saint Joseph Altar. This is a very big thing in the city: special devotion to Saint Joseph and festivities that accent that devotion. Meanwhile, how many cities have restaurants with special Lenten menus, or call counties “parishes”? Every March 19 New Orleans Catholics celebrate St. Joseph’s Day by constructing elaborate altars to honor the relief St. Joseph provided during a famine in Sicily. The tradition began in the late 1800’s when Sicilian immigrants settled in New Orleans. Says a city website: “Cookies, cakes and breads, often in the form of shell fish, are common decorations for altars. Fava beans, or ‘lucky beans’ are particularly associated with St. Joseph because they sustained the Sicilians throughout famine. Pick some up for good luck! As tradition has it, the altar is broken up on St. Joseph’s Day with a ceremony of costumed children, pretending to look for shelter, finding sustenance at the altar. Food and donations are then distributed to the public with leftovers going to the poor.” A very special tradition — one for which New Orleans should be lauded. There are even Saint Joseph Day parades. Once more we see that face-off between the many great Catholics and their traditions here and the too-numerous occultists and revelers with their traditions. Xavier’s Saint Joseph Altar will be in the same building as that voodoo ritual — hopefully purging it, as hopefully our hotel ballroom was purged! Oh, Xavier. And the question again: where was the university president? The problem: too often none of the above think there is really anything to the spirits of voodoo and Mardi Gras, and many academics, having never watched doors open of their own accord, and quite guilty of spiritual obscurantism, believe not in a metaphysical dimension. That’s old-fashioned, for the superstitious. That’s for folks who believe in Jesus and His Blessed Mother and Saint Joseph. But let us breathe a sigh of relief on this day dedicated to a saint so powerful against the enemy that they refer to him, quite aptly, as “Terror of Demons.” –MHB
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/...uper-worm-moon-on-spring-equinox-in-19-years/ See the first supermoon on the spring equinox in 19 years Look up while it lasts: This particular cosmic coincidence won't come again until 2030. 2 Minute Read By Andrew Fazekas PUBLISHED March 19, 2019 Assuming spring showers stay at bay, sky-watchers in the Northern Hemisphere will get to see a cosmic triple play on March 20, as a “super worm moon” lights up the vernal equinox. According to astronomy website EarthSky.org, a full moon has not landed this close to the first day of spring since the year 2000, and the two celestial events won’t happen less than a day apart again until 2030. Because the moon’s orbit is egg-shaped, there are times when it is at what astronomers call perigee, or its shortest distance from Earth, and times when it is at apogee, or its farthest distance from Earth. And because the size of the moon's orbit varies slightly with each lunar cycle, perigee is not always the same distance from month to month. Moon 101 What is the moon made of, and how did it form? Learn about the moon's violent origins, how its phases shaped the earliest calendars, and how humans first explored Earth's only natural satellite half a century ago. At 3:45 p.m. ET (19:45 UT) on March 19, the moon will be a mere 223,309 miles away from our planet, making for an especially close perigee. Then, at 9:43 p.m. ET on March 20 (1:43 UT on March 21), the moon will officially reach its full phase. As a result of these combined events, the full lunar disk will appear 14 percent larger and 12 percent brighter than usual—a spectacle widely known as a supermoon. The equinox supermoon will be the final one for 2019, which already saw supermoons fall on January 21 and February 19. But the year may have saved the best for last, given the coincidental timing with the March equinox at 5:58 p.m. ET (21:58 UT) on March 20—less than four hours before the supermoon arrives. Astronomically speaking, the March equinox marks one of the four major turning points in Earth’s cycle of seasons. We observe these annual changes because the planet is tilted on its axis, so that for most of the year, one hemisphere or the other is closer to the sun and is experiencing longer days. But this tilt seems to vanish on the equinoxes in March and September, and both halves of the planet get equal amounts of day and night. For the Northern Hemisphere, the March equinox marks the start of spring, while in the Southern Hemisphere, it’s the official beginning of autumn. What is an Equinox? What are equinoxes? What causes these astronomical events? Find out how they influence the seasons and hours of daylight on each planet. In the north, the March full moon is also known as the worm moon, because it coincides with the time of year when earthworms begin to emerge from the thawing soils. That’s why this equinox supermoon is also being called a super worm moon. The best time to catch all the lunacy is after local sunset on March 20 and 21, just as the moon rises. This is when the orb will appear at its biggest and brightest hovering above the horizon. If you have cloudy skies for this supermoon, you can still take in the show via a live webcast: For instance, Astronomers Without Borders will be showcasing the super worm moon rising above Rome, Italy, starting at 12:45 p.m. ET (16:45 UT) on March 20 via the Virtual Telescope Project. Clear skies! Andrew Fazekas, the Night Sky Guy, is the author of Star Trek: The Official Guide to Our Universe and the second edition of The Backyard Guide to the Night Sky. Follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
When I was about 3 years old, I had the measles. My father later said that he was worried I wasn't going to make it. The fever was very high. There was no vaccine at the time. That being said, I have to say that I am not convinced about the origins of this measles outbreak. I know it sounds like a wacko theory, but this is a plague, and who knows where the origins lie? Did the Almighty deliver this? Did the NWO delve into their stores of viruses and spread this, so that people would get vaccinated? And maybe God only knows for sure what is in the vaccine? I am not saying for sure that I know this, but I am on the alert for any new developments in disease control, worldwide. If I were sure of anything, I would post articles and so forth. But I am just being very skeptical right now.... wondering.
I was listening to the radio this morning and a lady scientist said something that caused my ears to perk up. She said the recent cyclone to hit Africa, Idai' , was,' The strongest cyclone ever to hit the Southern Hemisphere'. That's quite a thing to say. It's also in line with Catholic Prophesy which forecast extreme climate/ weather events. I don;t know if you have seen photos from the air but it makes it look as if huge areas have been subject to high level bombing.
HH, It is interesting that in Angela's Jan. 8 message this year, Our Lady of Zaro said: My children, the earth will shake again, the forces of nature will become more and more uncontrolled. Many diseases that science believed it had defeated will return. Safe in the Refuge of the Immaculate Heart!
As a commenter for this article said "we've gone beyond 1984 and have entered the Twilight Zone"! Devout UK Catholic Commentator Under Investigation for Using Wrong Pronoun in Tweet A British Catholic commentator is under investigation for using the wrong pronoun in a tweet to describe a transgender woman. Caroline Farrow says the mother of the transgender reported her to police for using the wrong pronoun. This is coming soon to the US if Democrats get their way. If Farrow refuses to be interviewed by police for the “criminal action” she will be placed under arrest. Her children and family are also being harassed for their mother’s “crime.” The Daily Signal reported: A Catholic journalist in the United Kingdom faces legal trouble and potential jail time for “misgendering” a 25-year-old transgender woman. Caroline Farrow, the journalist, said Monday that the mother of the transgender woman had reported her for the offense. “Had a message from Guildford police tonight about my tweets following an appearance on [‘Good Morning Britain’] with Susie Green and Piers Morgan,” Farrow said in a tweet. “Susie Green has reported me for misgendering her daughter.” Whatever Susie Green claims on @vicderbyshire all I have been told is that I “misgendered her daughter”. I am under police investigation. I cannot comment. I don’t even remember said tweets! I probably said “he” or “son” or something. https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/20...vestigation-for-using-wrong-pronoun-in-tweet/
Are they making his wish come true? KERMIT GOSNELL MOURNS IN PRISON EMAIL THAT NEW YORK, VIRGINIA ABORTION LAWS WILL NOT BE INTRODUCED IN ‘RURAL CONSERVATIVE’ PENNSYLVANIA Convicted abortion doctor Kermit Gosnell is upset that more states are not considering late-term abortion laws like the ones passed in New York, and introduced in Virginia, according to an email obtained by The Daily Caller. Gosnell expressed regret in the email sent from prison that “rural conservative” Pennsylvania would likely not consider similar laws legalizing abortion up until birth. The piece of communication was part of correspondence between Gosnell and film producers of the movie “Gosnell,” and it’s veracity was verified by the Caller. (RELATED: ‘Gosnell’ Is A Sobering Depiction Of Evil Hidden In Plain Sight) Gosnell was convicted of first degree murder in 2013 after killing infants that survived his failed abortions, as well as involuntary manslaughter after a woman died in his care. (RELATED: ‘House Of Horrors’ Abortion Clinic Site To Be Auctioned Off In 2019) Following his conviction, Gosnell claimed that his murderous practices would be “vindicated.” “It helps that I very strongly believe myself to be innocent of the heinous crimes of which I am accused,” Gosnell said at the time. “I sort of understand the circumstances and I continue to feel optimistic of the eventual outcome … the vindication of what I’ve done, why I’ve done it and how—[it] will all become accepted within my lifetime. It’s out of sight and out of my control. But I feel strongly that that will occur.” Now, a few years later, the state of New York has passed a law that allows doctors to perform abortions up until the infant’s due date, and similar laws have been considered in several other states. Earlier this year, when Democratic Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam suggested that babies in the dilation stage would be subject to a discussion between the doctor and the mother, some saw the comments as a fulfillment of Gosnell’s prophecy. (RELATED: Gov Northam: ‘I Don’t Have Any Regrets’ About Infanticide Comments) Is Gosnell close to being vindicated? Phelim McAleer, who along with Ann McElhinney wrote and produced the film “Gosnell,” based on the true story, questions if Gosnell would be convicted today. “Ralph Northam put Gosnell into a grey area,” McAleer said. “Ralph Northam showed it was Ok for a baby to die after a botched abortion.” While Northam’s comments don’t go as far as Gosnell’s actions did, McAleer fears his comments could create reasonable doubt in the mind of a jury if a similar case popped up today. “Previously, it had been accepted that a baby that survived an abortion could not be killed either by action or inaction,” McAleer said. “Northam’s comments would put doubt in the mind of a jury, the New York law puts doubt in the mind in jury.” https://dailycaller.com/2019/03/20/kermit-gosnell-new-york-virginia-abortion-laws/
Report: Christian Persecution in India Jumps by 57% in 2019 The sharp rise in Christian persecution for 2019 had already been forecast by Release International, a U.K.-based charity that helps persecuted Christians around the world, which warned in early January that persecution against Christians would rise this year, particularly in a few key nations, including India. “These are countries that have long been on the list but we’re seeing an upwards curve, an alarming rise in persecution,” said Andrew Boyd, spokesman for Release International, underscoring India’s “militant Hinduism.” https://www.breitbart.com/asia/2019/03/20/report-christian-persecution-in-india-jumps-by-57-in-2019/
Thanks. I knew that I had read it somewhere. And I think Marie Julie Jahenny spoke about diseases as well. Fort Detrick in Maryland is one of the military posts that keeps diseases in laboratories. It doesn’t have to be a conspiracy. As Carol posted, people from other countries carry diseases around by travels. I’m on alert.
Luz de Maria messages have mentioned the coming diseases, even plague, often....in fact the medicinal/herbal helps for such times were given w/ instructions for what and how: Pray, My beloved, the plague advances and reaches the big cities.
I am pretty certain that by now everyone has heard about the latest college admissions scandal in the USA. I do believe that our college system is broken, I am not sure how it can be fixed though unless people focus on God and heaven and the 10 commandments for starters. I am posting this article from NCR about this scandal and college admissions in general but I am only highlighting the last two sections of the article which I have posted below. I have also posted a video from Jason A about this which I think is pretty good. Nation | Mar. 15, 2019 College Bribery Scandal: What You Need to Know and a Catholic Take The news has triggered a national debate about the unfair advantage that students from powerful, wealthy families often enjoy. Joan Frawley Desmond | http://www.ncregister.com/daily-news/college-admissions-bribery-scandal-a-catholic-take ... Loss of Integrity Father Paul Sullins, a sociologist at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., viewed the scandal from the perspective of an academic who has observed a “general loss of integrity in higher education.” All too often, college “has become a prep for a career … and getting a job,” Father Sullins told the Register. “Living a life of virtue and telling the truth when it may cost you is not widespread, even at CUA, which emphasizes virtue more than most institutions,” he said. Father Sullins expressed particular concern about the documented rise in cheating among college students. But he also suggested that wealthy families had been gaming the college-admissions process for decades. “We know that in the past it was common for people to make large contributions to get into elite institutions, and that was politely ignored for a long time,” he said. “It used to be something that people put up with, but the fact that this is being received as something repulsive may be a step forward.” But as the scandal raises questions about the basic fairness of a system that ensures upward mobility, some Catholic leaders want to start a more important conversation about the meaning and purpose of education itself. The larger, more fundamental issue is not whether America’s meritocracy is a sham, said Catholic headmaster Michael Van Hecke, but rethinking the path we are on and making this a “Catholic-school moment for human and spiritual evangelization.” “People are blinded by the world’s standards, and they think that will help their child make it in the world,” he said. “But an educational system should be building and developing each child to be the human being they were meant to be. … We are all called to sanctity, doing the right and doing the good.” Christian Anthropology Needed Catholic education should begin “with a proper Christian anthropology,” Van Hecke said, one that helps students grapple with the fundamental questions that give human life meaning: “What is man made for, and how does he get there?” “We shouldn’t be ‘college-prep’ schools; we should be ‘heaven prep,’” he said. “That doesn’t stop people from preparing for Harvard, but life is about wisdom and virtue.” “What makes faithful Catholic education special is its commitment to formation, which is the heart of a true education,” Patrick Reilly, president of the Cardinal Newman Society, told the Register. "A Catholic education succeeds when its graduates know God as the center of all truth and not a suspicious claim that is irrelevant to life and success. A faithful Catholic education regards moral choices as no less important than understanding the created world." Added Reilly, “Have you ever seen an admissions test or accreditation standard that comes close to measuring those criteria for education? The SAT has its uses, but any test on which a computer could score better than a human is not a good assessment of true education,” he concluded. “To the contrary, Catholic formation is aimed at making us more fully human, not less.” My comment: I would say that something is happening in the world and it is not good, not good at all. *** Edited to add: I am always amazed by these videos entitled "Biblical Events..." posted by Jason A, he always finds amazing stories that I completely missed in the news. *** Two other Jason A videos: *** And this video from Michael Matt is related to the last one that I posted above from Jason A. I don't agree with everything that Michael Matt has stated in this video but it is still worth watching imo. PS - After watching these last two videos I must say that I am reminded of the Passion of Christ. I am not saying that I agree with the document that Pope Francis recently signed in Abu Dhabi, I think at a minimum that it needs to be reworded but with peace in mind I think that popes should reach out to people of other religions. I don't believe that Saint John Paul II was trying to say that salvation can be found outside the Church, I like to believe that he was following the path of Christ but I also admit that I am less certain about what Pope Francis is doing. Matthew 22:36-40 (DRA) 36 Master, which is the greatest commandment in the law? 37 Jesus said to him: Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with thy whole heart, and with thy whole soul, and with thy whole mind. 38 This is the greatest and the first commandment. 39 And the second is like to this: Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two commandments dependeth the whole law and the prophets. *** Finally, the latest World Over.
