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Top Catholic Tweets for October 9th, 2015

October 9, 2015 by John Clem Leave a Comment

This past week Franciscans around the world celebrated the Transitus of St. Francis on October 3rd and his Feast Day the following day.  My fraternity traveled to the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land for a special prayer service and celebration of St. Francis and remembering his great attention to peace, poverty, and piety.  I was hoping that Pope Francis would win the Nobel Peace Prize this morning, but bet he will get it next year.  Congrats to the Tunisian National Dialogue Quartet who won this year’s Nobel Peace prize — a group who used “dialog” which Pope Francis emphasized in his speeches in his trips to Cuba and America.

Transitus of St. Francis of Assisi at the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in Washington DC

Transitus of St. Francis of Assisi at the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in Washington DC

There is plenty of news to share from this past week with special sections on the Synod of Bishops and Care for Creation.  May you have a blessed week.

Pax Et Bonum,

John

Top Catholic Tweets for October 9th

  • Papal Tweet:  “The faith is not a gift just for me. Faith is given to be joyfully shared.”  (Pope Francis, Oct. 3rd)
  • 9 Things Your Guardian Angel Wants You to Know About Him (Epic Pew) ow.ly/SWiRW
  • To My Guardian Angel – A Poem by St Thérèse of Lisieux (Spiritualdirection.com) ow.ly/SWRTg
  • The Vatican must speak on conscientious objection (John Allen – CRUX) ow.ly/SWmvD
  • Tech Tip: Thou Shalt Use Secure Passwords (Dominico Bettinelli) ow.ly/SWkTw
  • Pope Francis: Pacem in Terris a guide for a better, peaceful world (News.va) ow.ly/SY6BZ
  • Vatican responds to CDF official’s “coming out” (CNA) ow.ly/SYaF7
  • Blessed Marcel Callo: The nerd’s alternative to Pier Giorgio (Denver Catholic) ow.ly/SYbGM
  • Lisa Hendey: An Accidental Innovator Who Follows the Spirit (Aleteia) ow.ly/SYeYZ
  • After 27 Years of Killing Babies, Abortion Clinic in Virginia Shuts Down for Good (LifeNews.com) ow.ly/SYjxB
  • 12 Fascinating Facts You Didn’t Know About the Great St. Francis of Assisi (ChurchPOP) ow.ly/SZg5K
  • Video: St. Francis from “Who Cares About The Saints?” with Fr. James Martin, S.J. (Loyola Productions) youtu.be/kw1LDSV23zA
  • Things We Can Learn from Cats and Dogs (Monsignor Charles Pope) ow.ly/T0jOG
  • This Catholic healthcare group is being sued for refusing to provide abortions (CNA) ow.ly/SZomi
  • An offering to Our Lady of Charity in Cuba (Maria Morera Johnson) ow.ly/SZApo
  • The Hidden Holocaust (60 Minutes) – God Bless Father Desbois! ow.ly/T08Sj
  • Celestial body named after Oscar Romero (Rome Reports) ow.ly/T0a9z
  • Edgar Allen Poe’s Forgotten Hymn to Our Lady (ChurchPOP) ow.ly/T0ez8
  • FREE Program: Life Changers Program offers 27 individual audio sessions (Greg Willits) ow.ly/T0gbS
  • Bill Nye the Unscientific Abortion Guy (Trent Horn – Strange Notions) ow.ly/T22Zw
  • The 80th Anniversary of the Divine Mercy Chaplet (National Catholic Register) ow.ly/T2a4Q
  • 14,000 Rosary Rallies from Coast to Coast on October 10th (Catholic365.com) ow.ly/T2cCi
  • Watch RFK give a speech about gun control in Roseburg, Ore., nearly 50 years ago (The Washington Post) ow.ly/T4JnN
  • Year of Consecrated Life:  Secular Franciscans celebrate 100 years of ‘Franciscan joy’ (San Francisco Catholic) ow.ly/T4Pxf
  • Brian Williams, Chris Matthews, and Letting the Fly Out of the Fly Bottle (Bishop Robert Barron – Word On Fire) ow.ly/T5hfA
  • Rosary Activities for this month dedicated to the Most Holy Rosary (Jared Dees – The Religion Teacher) ow.ly/T5nOv
  • How the Rosary Led Me to Christ (Monsignor Charles Pope – Archdiocese of Washington) ow.ly/T9mCE
  • A Beautiful Explanation of the 9 Choirs of Angels, In One Simple Infographic (soulpainter.com – ChurchPOP) ow.ly/T9lzH
  • Shop for a Cause With Ten Thousand Villages Stores on Friday, October 16! – supporting CRS ow.ly/T9q3j
  • Video: United in Prayer (Office of Social Ministry – Diocese of Richmond) youtu.be/HV1fPa2-yQA
  • Lesson One in Prayer (Dr. Peter Kreeft – The Integrated Catholic Life) ow.ly/TbiFr
  • 59 Days until the Year of Mercy — Official Website for the Year of Mercy (Vatican) ow.ly/TbrBo
  • James Martin, SJ, previews his debut novel, “The Abbey” (America Media) youtu.be/2eSjkY3dsqg

Photo - AP

Beginning of the Synod of Bishops in Rome on October 4th. (Photo – AP)

Synod of Bishops on the Family

  • Address of Pope Francis at the Prayer Vigil for the General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops (News.va) ow.ly/SZfOX
  • Pope opens Synod of Bishops with call to blend tradition with mercy (CRUX) ow.ly/SZAuI
  • Adopt a Bishop:Your personal prayer for a bishop (participant of the synod)
    can make a difference for a good course ow.ly/SZPtG
  • Pope opens the Synod: No ideologies. This is not a parliament to negotiate (Rome Reports) ow.ly/T1vKH
  • Video: Pope Francis’ family mission (CNS) youtu.be/K4K4czJJS-s
  • 5 of Bishop Robert Barron’s top videos on topics of Marriage & Family (Word On Fire) ow.ly/T2wQV
  • Cardinal Lacunza: We are still “in diapers” when it comes to dealing with broken families (Rome Reports) youtu.be/S87YXCdK448
  • New Saints on Oct. 18th: Louis and Zelie Martin Models for Marital Fidelity, Vice Postulator Says (NC Register) ow.ly/T53lC
  • Cardinal Wuerl: Synod off to a good start (Vatican Radio) ow.ly/T7iIv
  • Issues beneath issues at Synod 2015 (George Weigel – The Catholic World Report) ow.ly/Taq2v
  • Video: The challenge of accompaniment (Catholic New Service) youtu.be/AabW0xZLjHM
  • Patriarch of Antioch at the Synod: “Our families flee from hell” (Rome Reports) youtu.be/49D94wd1c08
  • What is Really Happening at The Synod (Explained in Under 2 Minutes) CatholicLink ow.ly/T9x8S

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Care for Creation

  • Understanding Laudato Si EP 04: “Cry of the Earth, Cry of the Poor” (Fr. Dan Horan, O.F.M.) youtu.be/8LloARnNUPE
  • Creator of 5-hour Energy Wants to Power the World’s Homes—With Bikes (National Geographic) ow.ly/T9o0Z
  • Music video: Creatio (Craig Berry – The Gentle Monk) youtu.be/LIWjgOyfI0Y

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JCTop Catholic Tweets are compiled by John Clem, O.F.S. who is the Director and Media Minister at Catholic Web Services (http://catholicws.com/).  John is a professed member of the Secular Franciscan Order, and loves to share his talents in faith, technology, and journalism in service to the church.  John’s blog is entitled Call To Holiness (http://www.calltoholiness.us/). Follow John on Twitter at @Catholicwebs, on Facebook and at Google+ monkatcomputer-300x169

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Filed Under: Care for Creation, Top Catholic Tweets Tagged With: Environment, Family, Pope Francis

Pilgrimage to DC & Philly with Pope Francis

September 30, 2015 by John Clem Leave a Comment

It was a wonderful journey this past week to see events with Pope Francis in Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia.  I hope to share with you some of the behind-the-scenes photos and thoughts that did not make it on main stream media.  I started my journey last Monday exploring Washington, D.C. as they made preparations for the historic visit of Pope Francis.  There was a lot of excitement in the air as many people were getting up welcome banners and the Secret Service was making many security preparations with fencing and signs.  The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception had banners up including one for our new American/Franciscan Saint Junipero Serra.

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I visited the Saint John Paul II National Shrine and got a sneak peak at the new John Paul II Chapel that will be dedicated at the end of October.  It is a beautiful chapel that has mosaics done by the same artist who did the mosaics for St. Padre Pio in Petrulucina in Italy.  Pope Francis gave a drive-by blessing of the new chapel and visited the Sisters of the Poor next door later that week.

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At the Franciscan Monastery, they were preparing for the Pope’s visit by lighting the entire Rosary Portico with luminaries during his visit.  My Secular Franciscan Order fraternity sponsored a luminary honoring one of our sisters who has passed away, Mary Benza, O.F.S.

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September 23rd – Papal Parade & Canonization Mass for Saint Junipero Serra

On the morning of the papal parade, I got up at 3:30am to get a front row seat for the parade and to hang a welcome banner the St. Margaret of Cortona Region of the Secular Franciscan Order.   Washington was well prepared for the crowds and had 90 magnetometers to process the large crowds effectively and made my way to be in the front row on Constitution Avenue.  I was surrounded by many Latino brothers and sisters who were very excited and drew lots of media attention, so the Good Morning America crew stayed near us during the parade and excited to get some tweets that people saw me and my sign on national TV.

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Pope Francis met with President Obama in the morning and then came to see us on the parade route.  This would mark the closest encounter with Pope Francis that I had during his US visit, and it was very inspirational to see him in person.  I think that Pope Francis even saw my sign as he drove by the cheering crowds.

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One of my great friends in faith is Dr. Paul Camarata who wrote to me asking if I had any connections to get tickets for the canonization Mass of Junipero Serra.  I unfortunately could not help, but not surprised that the Holy Spirit found a ticket for Dr. Paul to attend this Mass for our new Saint Junipero Serra.  I look forward to hearing more about his adventure in his wonderful podcast about the saints called The SaintCast.

September 24th – Rally to support Climate Change and Poverty & Pope Francis Addresses Congress

The Franciscan Action Network, Catholic supporters, and community members gathered at sunrise with candles and lights to form the image of 'Laudato Si' (Praise Be - title of the Pope's encyclical) on the National Mall hours before he speaks to Congress. The event organizers call for support of the Pope's goals on climate change and poverty. Photo Credit: John Quigley / Spectral Q

The Franciscan Action Network, Catholic supporters, and community members gathered at sunrise with candles and lights to form the image of ‘Laudato Si’ (Praise Be – title of the Pope’s encyclical) on the National Mall hours before he speaks to Congress. The event organizers call for support of the Pope’s goals
on climate change and poverty. Photo Credit: John Quigley / Spectral Q

Thursday was a beautiful day with many people from many faiths coming to the National Mall to support Pope Francis on the issues of climate change and poverty. There were great speakers from the Franciscan Action Network, Pax Christi, Greenpeace, and many faith organizations showing their support for Pope Francis and his efforts to save our common home.  To be “green”  even the support signs were made from recycled paper, that had wildflower seeds embedded so that they could be planted to make flower beds.

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Marie Dennis co-president of Pax Christi International speaking at Rally for Climate Justice

Great to see so many people from different faiths and cultures coming together in agreement that we need to make changes to help us protect Mother Earth.

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Lots of families in attendance for the rally and Pope Francis’ speech

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Moby came and played a rockin’ set of music that really got the crowd ready for Pope Francis’ historic speech to Congress.

The crowds fell silent for the historic speech of St. Francis to the US Congress.  I believe this was one of his best speeches of his visit as he referenced four great Americans (Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King, Dorothy Day, and Thomas Merton) and how they model the great liberties and acts of mercy in American culture.

One of the finest reflections on Pope Francis’ speech to Congress was from Bishop Robert Barron.

Entire text of Pope Francis’ speech to Congress with annotations (The Washington Post)

 

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The adoring crowds went crazy as Pope Francis made it to the balcony of the US Capitol. (photo NBC)

 

September 25th – Pope Francis’ Address to the United Nations & Visit to Ground Zero

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Pope Francis also had a very moving visit to New York City in making another historic speech to the United Nations where 90% of the world’s leaders gathered to hear his words of wisdom. He also spoke at Ground Zero with representatives of many faiths. (photo Reuters)

Full Text of Address to United Nations (News.va)

Pope at 9/11 Memorial with video and summary (Catholic News Service)

 

While Pope Francis was in New York City, I travelled to Philadelphia to take in the World Meeting of families with my Secular Franciscan sister Elizabeth Eilers-Adams, O.F.S.  We visited her hometown parish, St. John the Evangelist, to help them prepare for the crowds.  Their parish was hosting many Masses as well as having the relics of Maria Goretti (The patron saint of the World Meeting of Families).  Elizabeth and I helped in decorating the outside with garland to help the Capuchin friars.

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Fr. John Daya, O.F.M. Cap. & Elizabeth Adams-Eilers, O.F.S.

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Long lines of people came to pray with the relics of St. Maria Goretti

The Grotto of Our Lady Undoer of Knots was a wonderful place where people submitted prayers and online from around the world.

The Grotto of Our Lady Undoer of Knots was a wonderful place where people submitted prayers in-person and online from around the world.

September 26th – Pope Francis’ Address at Liberty Square and the Festival of the Families

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Pope Francis’ Remarks at Independence Hall full text

September 27th – Pope Francis’ Mass for the World Meeting of Families

I was thankful to get a ticket to the Papal Mass in Philadelphia.  It took us four hours in line to get through security, but was blessed to be able to receive communion as the papal umbrellas came out during distribution of the Blessed Sacrament.  The crowds were more than Philly security could handle and sadly many where unable to make inside the gates in time for Mass.  It was truly a great pilgrimage that I will remember all my life.  I was very moved to meet Catholics from around USA and many other countries and feel even more strength in my faith after this experience.  I have many more photos in a link below for you to enjoy.

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One of my favorite summaries of this visit is from Fr. Jim Martin, S.J. — here are his three takeaways from Pope Francis’ visit:

 

LINKS

John’s Photo Album on Picasa of entire Papal Visit to DC & Philly (137 photos)

Video On-Demand for all videos from Pope Francis’ visit to USA (USCCB)

Vatican website for Pope Francis’ visits to Cuba and America

St. Maria Goretti US Tour

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Filed Under: Care for Creation Tagged With: D.C., Franciscan, Justice, Laudato Si', Philadelphia, Pope Francis, Washington

Top Catholic Tweets for July 10th

July 10, 2015 by John Clem Leave a Comment

Bolivian Aboriginal people attending the World Meeting of Popular Movements in Santa Cruz, Bolivia

Bolivian aboriginal people attending the World Meeting of Popular Movements in Santa Cruz, Bolivia – AFP

This past week was filled with news starting with the end of Fortnight for Freedom to the historic first trip for Pope Francis to Latin America.  I have special sections below for the papal journey to Ecuador, Bolivia, and Paraguay, and also sections for Care for Creation and the Year of the Consecrated Life.

Top Catholic Tweets for July 10, 2015  (July 4-10)

  • Papal Tweet:  “That which gives us true freedom and true happiness is the compassionate love of Christ.” (Pope Francis, July 4th)
  • Bl. Junipero statue in the Capitol is safe – for now :: Catholic News Agency (CNA) ow.ly/P9P8V
  • Rebuilt from the ashes: The story of an American basilica :: Catholic News Agency (CNA) ow.ly/Pax8n
  • Caritas Jerusalem Director: We are in a total and continuous situation of emergency (Rome Reports) ow.ly/Paxm3
  • NEW app sends the Gospel to your phone every day in Spanish & English + iOS & Droid (Rome Reports) ow.ly/PaxDt
  • Life, Liberty, & the Pursuit of Happiness: 15 Catholic Reflections on Inalienable Truths (Seton Magazine) ow.ly/Pb8mY
  • Independence Day Mass closes Fortnight for Freedom | CNS Blog ow.ly/PbDCt
  • Infographic: The Priests who Built America – (Vocation Boom) ow.ly/PimrS
  • Christ of Maryknoll icon by artist Br. Robert Lentz, O.F.M. ow.ly/Pcpwl
  • Catholic locations recently declared World Heritage sites (Fr. Seraphim Beshoner, T.O.R.) ow.ly/PcsGr
  • 3 ways your smartphone helps you grow in faith (Susan Bailey – CatholicMom.com) ow.ly/PcyAN
  • This 95-year-old Catholic couple died in each other’s arms :: Catholic News Agency (CNA) ow.ly/Pd8UN
  • Vatican exhibit to open during World Meeting of Families (American Catholic/CNS) ow.ly/PebR2
  • The Largest Collection of Relics Outside the Vatican Is In… Pittsburgh, PA? | ChurchPOP ow.ly/PecxI
  • Prayers for Friar missing in Syria | Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America ow.ly/PeB38
  • New Orleans priest sees food as the lure that brings people together (Jeff Young – The Catholic Foodie) ow.ly/PeCrh
  • ACTION ALERT: Stop This Art Museum’s Discrimination Against Catholics (ucatholic.com) ow.ly/Pgd6P
  • Marking the 20th anniversary of a social justice and peace encyclical | National Catholic Reporter ow.ly/PgdZ3
  • “Young Nuns”: Cool Documentary Follows Two Women Discerning Religious Life (ChurchPOP) ow.ly/PhQjW
  • Greeks are voting No to the Church, too (CatholicHerald.co.uk) ow.ly/Pi2FG
  • Pope Francis says the rich shouldn’t rule the world (CNN.com) ow.ly/PjmEv
  • 2nd Annual Holy Land Festival July 25th in DC (Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America) ow.ly/PlwbS
  • Pope Francis might greet public at the U.S. Capitol during September visit (The Washington Post) ow.ly/PlBgG
  • La Voz Del Pueblo – The Voice of the People – 18 min. documentary about Honduras (Ignatian Solidarity Network) ow.ly/PlRcS
  • ‘Evangelize Not With Grand Words … but With the Joy of the Gospel,’ Pope Says | Daily News | NCRegister.com  ow.ly/PmuYf
  • Video: Feast of St. Bonaventure on July 15th – Seraphic Doctor of the Church (Apostleship of Prayer) youtu.be/6RPrmrIX5No
  • The Pope’s clarion call for justice (Fr. Jim Martin, S.J. – CNN) http://ow.ly/PpQZW
  • California legislature withdraws physician-assisted suicide bill (CNA) ow.ly/PpSwl

 

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Pope Francis visits Ecuador, Bolivia, and Paraguay

  • The three official anthems for the papal visit to Latin America (Rome Reports) ow.ly/P8r3d
  • Ecuador Ambassador to the Holy See: It won’t be just Ecuadorians who come to see the Pope (Rome Reports) ow.ly/Pc4pp
  • In Ecuador, Pope Francis Detours for an Old Friend – WSJ ow.ly/Pd2K0
  • Video: Pope Francis arrives in South America (CNS) ow.ly/Pg0eb
  • In Ecuador, Francis cries out for Latin American freedom, unity | National Catholic Reporter ow.ly/PjpA1
  • Paraguay’s Blue Virgin of the Miracles at Caacupé (Vatican Radio) ow.ly/Pkaoi
  • Video: Pope Francis on revolutionary evangelization (CNS) ow.ly/PlAfU
  • The best moments from Pope Francis’ trip to Ecuador (Rome Reports) ow.ly/PlTvD
  • Educate young to care for others, for the earth, pope tells teachers (CNS) ow.ly/Pmyfr
  • Pope Francis in Bolivia: a pilgrim and a witness (Vatican Radio) ow.ly/PmziF
  • What did Pope Francis say to Evo Morales? (Rome Reports) ow.ly/PqnvI
  • World Meeting of Popular Movements lays foundation for justice (Vatican Radio) ow.ly/PqnXt
  • Pope Francis’ speech at the World Meeting of Popular Movements (News.va) ow.ly/PpJ0Z
  • Would you like fries with that?: Pope Francis uses Bolivian Burger King for his sacristy http://ow.ly/PpSgP
  • Pope to point the way as he meets with representatives of civil society in Paraguay (Vatican Radio) ow.ly/PqqsZ
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Pope Francis embracing woman in Quito, Ecuador (L’Osservatore Romano)


Care for Creation

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  • Pope Francis: Be Joyful and Ride a Bicycle! (Fr. Roderick Vonhogen –Trideo.com) ow.ly/Pcme7
  • At the Front Lines: An Interview with California Governor Jerry Brown on Laudato Si’ (America Magazine) ow.ly/PicuM
  • The man who put Laudato Si’ into practice in Ecuador – 40 years ago :: Catholic News Agency (CNA) ow.ly/PkaaM
  • Paraguay Global Forest Coalition (Vatican Radio) ow.ly/PkaYk

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Year of the Consecrated Life

  • Franciscan Friars – Province of St. John the Baptist in Cincinnati, Ohio ow.ly/Pcm7d
  • Mother Miriam’s Heart for the Family and Church (Catholic World Report) ow.ly/Pgbbv
  • Video: Franciscans in the Holy Land ow.ly/PkaN7

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John ClemTop Catholic Tweets are compiled by John Clem, O.F.S. who is the Director and Media Minister at Catholic Web Services (http://catholicws.com/). John is a professed member of the Secular Franciscan Order, and loves to share his talents in faith, technology, and journalism in service to the church. John’s blog is entitled Call To Holiness (http://www.calltoholiness.us/). Follow John on Twitter at @Catholicwebs, on Facebook and at Google+.  monkatcomputer

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Filed Under: Care for Creation, Top Catholic Tweets Tagged With: Laudato Si', Pope Francis

Peace & War & Memorial Day

May 24, 2014 by John Clem 1 Comment

I write this blog today with a heavy heart knowing that there is so many places in the world that still suffer the ravages of war, but also hopeful there are great efforts for making peace in this world such as the messages and actions of Pope Francis.  Pope Francis condemned those who supply weapons and help prolong wars and request we pray for their conversion.  I pray that his efforts help bring peace to the many peoples and religions of the Holy Land.

Pope Francis in the Holy Land

Pope Francis arrive in Jordan.

Pope Francis arrives in Jordan.

This Memorial Day Weekend began with the historic pilgrimage that Pope Francis is making to the Holy Land.  Just before leaving on his trip the Vatican website began to offer an Arabic language version for the first time in history, showing the efforts Pope Francis is making with interreligious dialog.  When Pope Francis arrived in Jordan, he thanked for Jordan for their efforts for peace and helping the many refugees who have fled Syria in their war.  Here is a condensed version of his speech in the arrival in the Holy Land:

I thank God for granting me this opportunity to visit the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in the footsteps of my predecessors Paul VI, John Paul II and Benedict XVI. …

Jordan has offered a generous welcome to great numbers of Palestinian and Iraqi refugees, as well as to other refugees from troubled areas, particularly neighboring Syria, ravaged by a conflict which has lasted all too long. Such generosity merits the appreciation and support of the international community. The Catholic Church, to the extent of its abilities, has sought to provide assistance to refugees and those in need, especially through Caritas Jordan…

I take this opportunity to reiterate my profound respect and esteem for the Muslim community and my appreciation for the leadership of His Majesty the King in promoting a better understanding of the virtues taught by Islam and a climate of serene coexistence between the faithful of the different religions. I am grateful that Jordan has supported a number of important initiatives aimed at advancing interreligious dialogue and understanding between Jews, Christians and Muslims. I think in particular of the Amman Message and the support given within the United Nations Organization to the annual celebration of World Interfaith Harmony Week.

I would also like to offer an affectionate greeting to the Christian communities present in this country since apostolic times, contributing to the common good of the society of which they are fully a part. Although Christians today are numerically a minority, theirs is a significant and valued presence in the fields of education and health care, thanks to their schools and hospitals. They are able to profess their faith peaceably, in a climate of respect for religious freedom. Religious freedom is in fact a fundamental human right and I cannot fail to express my hope that it will be upheld throughout the Middle East and the entire world. The right to religious freedom “includes on the individual and collective levels the freedom to follow one’s conscience in religious matters and, at the same time, freedom of worship… [it also includes] the freedom to choose the religion which one judges to be true and to manifest one’s beliefs in public” (Ecclesia in Medio Oriente, 26). Christians consider themselves, and indeed are, full citizens, and as such they seek, together with their Muslim fellow citizens, to make their own particular contribution to the society in which they live.

Finally, I cordially invoke peace and prosperity upon the Kingdom of Jordan and its people. I pray that my visit will help to advance and strengthen good and cordial relations between Christians and Muslims.

I thank you for your courteous welcome. May the Almighty and Merciful God grant happiness and long life to Your Majesties, and may he bless Jordan abundantly. Salaam!

This visit to the Holy Land also marks 50 years since Pope Paul VI has made the same visit and met with Patriarch Anthenagoras to end 900 years of division between the Eastern and Western Catholic Churches.  Pope Francis will be meeting with Patriarch Bartholomew to continue the friendship and work toward Christian unity in the modern era.

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Pope Francis at the River Jordan (site where Jesus was Baptized)

Pope Francis at the River Jordan (site where Jesus was Baptized)

Memorial Day Weekend

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This is a special weekend for many Americans in honoring those who serve our country in the military, and especially for those who gave their lives in service to the United States of America. Archbishop Timothy Broglio serves the largest single diocese — the Archdiocese of the Military.  He offers this inspiring message in the following video from Catholic News Service in what Memorial Day means to Catholics:

Suicide in the US Military

One of the very sad issues facing many men in the military is the increasing problem of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Depression that has caused many to take their own lives through suicide.  The number of veterans committing suicide now is a 22 per day or 660 per month.  This is twice the rate in the general population, and an increase from just two years ago.  The military and veterans are trying to offer better education and supports.

Here in Charlottesville the Center for Peace and Justice collaborated with Vets for Peace to help raise awareness about the large suicide rate and to help with prevention.

My friend Evan is a vet, and in the following picture,  got a local artist to display 660 dog tags on a tree on our Downtown Mall Plaza to represent visually the impact of how many people commit suicide every month in America.

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Veterans for Peace — 660 Dogtags on tree represent the monthly suicide rate in America currently.

Vets were also passing out the ACE card with instructions to family and friends of vets in how they can help prevent suicides.

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How can we change the world towards making peace?

PRAYER, ACTION, & ADVOCACY:

Making peace is a hard task, and actually even harder than making war, BUT it can be done.  First, I think that the power of prayer can help, and one of the best prayers is the Peace Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi:

Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace.

Where there is hatred, let me sow love;

where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith;

where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light;

where there is sadness, joy.

O, Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;

to be understood as to understand;

to be loved as to love;

For it is in giving that we receive;

it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;

it is in dying that we are born again to eternal life. Amen

 

Second, we can take individual action to help working towards peace and healing.  We should be engaged in government to advocate for peace – maybe a letter to a congressman, or attending a rally, standing up to talk publically to show action for peace.

 

Third, we need to have better advocacy for peace.  There are too many lobby groups in Washington for making war, and the military companies who make weapons have too powerful a lobby at this time.   We need to personally & financially support groups locally and in Washington, that make efforts for peace to match the power of these opposing lobby groups–to have effect of legislators and change attitudes.  You can support groups like Pax Christi, USA,  Catholic Relief Services, Caritas, and World Beyond War.

LINKS

Custos of the Holy Land (Franciscans)

Pope Francis’ Visit to the Holy Land (Catholic News Agency)

Archdiocese of the Military, USA

Veterans Affairs Mental Health

Suicide Rate for Veterans (Center for Public Integrity)

Veterans for Peace

Pax Christi, USA

Caritas

Catholic Relief Services

World Beyond War

David Swanson (Peace Activist and Blogger)

 

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Filed Under: Justice Tagged With: Holy Land, military, Peace, Pope Francis

Canonizations of John XXIII & John Paul II from Washington, D.C.

April 29, 2014 by John Clem 1 Comment

New Portraits of Saints John Paul II & John XXIII at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

New Portraits of Saints John Paul II & John XXIII at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

It was an amazing weekend visiting Washington D.C. for the canonizations of two new saints — Pope John XXIII and Pope John Paul II on Divine Mercy Sunday.  These two men helped to bring the Roman Catholic Church into the modern world with great courage, love, joy, humor, grace, and humility.  To celebrate this historic event, the John Paul II Shrine was hosting a series of events over the weekend.

Saint John Paul II National Shrine

Saint John Paul II National Shrine

It started with a procession of the Blessed Sacrament for three miles around the area in Washington, D.C. fondly known as “Little Rome,” because there are so many Catholic organizations, churches, and shrines in a concentrated area of the city.  The procession went from the JPII Shrine to the Basicilca of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, then to Catholic University of America, then to the John Paul II Seminary, and returning back to the JPII Shrine.   At each stop there was speech honoring both saints, and then time for adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.  Many faithful devoutly joined this procession, despite having rain and wind to endure, nature was not going to stop this joyous occasion.

Adoration of Blessed Sacrament at Catholic University Chapel

Adoration of Blessed Sacrament at Catholic University Chapel

 

After the procession, there was a midnight Mass for Divine Mercy Sunday, a Feast instituted by Pope John Paul II.  There were about 1,000 people in attendance of this beautiful Mass celebrated by the chaplain of the John Paul II Shrine, Fr. Gregory Gresko.  This temporary chapel was set-up for the weekend, and had a beautiful artwork in the background of Christ, and there were protraits of John Paul II and the Divine Mercy image on each side of the altar.  There were TVs for viewing the Masses locally and in Rome throughout the facility, and a wall also had the live Twitter Feed from people posting from around the globe on #2PopeSaints.

Mass and Live Event in main chapel at JPII Shrine

Mass and Live Event in main chapel at JPII Shrine

There were two first class relics of Saint John Paul II that were taken out for veneration, one is a permanent gift from Cardinal Donald Wuerl, a blood soaked cloth from the time of the shooting of JPII, and the other was on loan from the Knights of Columbus that is a vile of blood from JPII.

Fr. Gregory Gresko carrying the First Class Relic the Blood of Saint John Paul II

Fr. Gregory Gresko carrying the First Class Relic the Blood of Saint John Paul II

Fr. Gresko said that the walls will enclose this space and an artists is coming who had worked with John Paul II on some iconic art in Rome, and will be working on beautiful art to cover the walls of the new chapel opening in the Fall of 2015.  The basement museum space is currently being overhauled, and will have a wonderful permanent interactive exhibit opening in July 2014.  The exhibit will invite visitors to walk in the footsteps of of Saint John Paul II while exploring how his understanding of the dignity of the human person informed his life and papacy.  It will also explore his teachings and spirituality through computer interactives, personal artifacts, and original artwork.  This inspiring Shrine will always offer Mass, Confession, The Angelus, Adoration, and Veneration of JPII relics (see website below for schedule)

A Gift Of Love:  The Life of Saint John Paul II -- a permanent exhibit to open July 2014

A Gift Of Love: The Life of Saint John Paul II — a permanent exhibit to open July 2014

 

The crowds who came cheered when Pope Francis and Pope Bendict XVI embraced to start the Holy Mass for the Canonizations of these two holy men about to become saints.  When it was official everyone rejoiced and the Holy relic if John Paul’s blood was processed out and people had opportunity to pray with the relic.  Saint John Paul II was with us both in spirit and body during this special event in Washington, DC, where he designated the place for his own shrine to be during his lifetime.  It is interesting that he did not choose Italy or Poland, but chose Washington, DC since he knew it was a place that welcomes all peoples around the world. You and your parish should make a pilgrimage to Washington, DC to see this inspiring shrine, which now also includes the nearby Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land & The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.

Catholic Celebrate the Canonizations from the Saint John Paul II National Shrine (Catholic News Service)

Saint John XXIII (1881-1963)

I made a short video to highlight the history and great contributions that the “Good Pope” gave to our faith.

Fr. James Martin, S.J. also shared the joy and humor and humility of Saint John XXIII.  Fr. Martin also wrote an excellent article in The Washington Post called Do we still need saints?

Pope John Paul II (1920-2005)

Rome Reports offered a good short history of John Paul “The Great” who many called for his sainthood during his funeral in 2005.

Chris Stefanick walked the grounds near Denver’s World Youth Day and spoke about the powerful influences on youth Pope John Paul II made with so many.

Catholic New Media Coverage of the Canonizations

This was really the first canonization of a modern saint that had such modern media coverage with radio, tv, internet, and social media, that brought many more stories to light that was not true of any similar canonization before.  It was also historic having two current popes in attendance who are canonizing two saint popes.  Below are some of the best stories and media that I was able to see during this event that offer some unique insights and behind the scenes that you may not have seen just watching or hearing from one media source.

Behind the Scenes in Rome

It was fun to follow and number of great priests who were helping to tell the stories of the saints and what was happening in Rome.

Fr. Robert Barron was reporting for NBC News, but also was made five behind the scenes videos that are worth watching:

The Church’s One Purpose (Word From Rome #1) — more in link below.

Fr. Roderick VonHogen was reporting for SQPN and produced 18 videos (more in link below) showing how it was to be a pilgrim from the crowd perpective at the events in Rome.  Fr. Roderick is a wonderful priest who started podcasting at the funeral of Pope John Paul II, and has grown a network of the best Catholic podcasters through work of many around the world and help from the Holy Spirit.  Here he is visiting the tombs of both John XXIII and JPII.

Fr. Leo Patalinghug was reporting for Grace Before Meals, and cooked up a meal in honor of what the two saints would like to eat.  Fr. Leo is an inspiring priest, chef, and media personality who helps preach his message of faith, food, and family.

Pilgrims, priests, sisters, and kids in Rome dancing to Pharrell Williams Happy:

Students from John Paul the Great Catholic University read the inspirational Letter to Artists by Saint John Paul II

 

Saint fans having fun with Social Media

Here is an entertaining cartoon regarding the two new saints by Jason Bach:

JasonBach 2

Here is a fun photo showing the Fab Four Popes walking a Roman Road to the Abbey:

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Saint John Paul II’s Apostolic Letter Dies Domini

To end Divine Mercy Sunday, I attended an event hosted by the Institute of Catholic Culture at St. Veronica’s in Chantilly, Virginia.  The speaker was my cousin, Monsignor Charles Pope, who offered a very insightful and heart-felt speech about this important papal document from Pope John Paul II.  I urge you to please view this video, and the speech starts at the 11:30 mark

Monsignor Charles Pope talking at the Insitute of Catholic Culture

Monsignor Charles Pope talking at the Insitute of Catholic Culture

Video of Monsignor Charles Pope for the Institute of Catholic Culture

 

LINKS

Saint John Paul II National Shrine

Divine Mercy (Marians of the Immaculate Conception)

Institute of Catholic Culture

Fr. Robert Barron’s Word From Rome

Fr. Roderick Vonhogen – The Catholic Insider

Many More Links in the “Popefest” edition of  John Clem’s Sweet Tweets

 

Sign for Saint John Paul II National Shrine

Sign for Saint John Paul II National Shrine

 

 

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Filed Under: Education Tagged With: D.C., John Paul II, John XXIII, Pope Benedict XVI, Pope Francis, Saint, Washington

WWJD = What Would Jesus Drive

December 22, 2013 by John Clem Leave a Comment

 

2014 Pagani Huayra

2014 Pagani Huayra

I am a big fan of automobiles, and have always kept up with the latest innovations in the auto industry.  I have always wanted to drive an exotic supercar, but am content to motor around town in my 2005 Honda CRV.  Pope Francis has certainly been frugal with his mode of chosen transportation with a Ford Focus over the Mercedes-Benz Popemobile. Pope Francis recently wrote in the opening of his Apostolic exhortation The Joy of The Gospel:

1. The joy of the gospel fills the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus. Those who accept his offer of salvation are set free from sin, sorrow, inner emptiness and loneliness.

2. The great danger in today’s world, pervaded as it is by consumerism, is the desolation and anguish born of a complacent yet covetous heart, the feverish pursuit of frivolous pleasures, and a blunted conscience. Whenever our interior life becomes caught up in its own interests and concerns, there is no longer room for others, no place for the poor.

The Catholic Church is NOT against the wealthy, we all need wealthy citizens to help in making a robust economy for a nation, as well the need to be generous in giving in charity.  I think that Pope Francis is saying that the disparity of the wealthy and the middle/poor class has gotten to be too great.  Does a wealthy person really need a home of 50,000 square feet, or a $1,400,000 automobile?  Could they buy something of fine quality and perhaps still have money left to give to charity or invest in jobs?

Here is a suggestion for the wealthy to live closer to living the Gospel Life that Pope Francis suggests.  Following is a video of one of the most expensive and exotic sports cars with a $1,400,000 price tag called the 2014 Pagani Huayra.   I admit that after viewing the video about this incredible hyper car, it creates a desire to own and drive one, BUT this is the type of excess that Pope Francis is preaching against.  This car will be owned by very few people, and employs very few people in its production and maintenance.

Now here is a video of the new 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Z-51 with a $70,000 price tag,  which is still an incredible car with a much more reasonable price.

Could there be a happy medium for the wealthy that still allows for enjoyment of toys travel, and technology, and also helps the middle-class and poor?  Here is a suggestion to the wealthy in living the Gospel Life, that will bring driving joy, as well as a joy in life of giving to the needy:

  • Buy a 2014 Corvette Z-51 at $70,000 and help build a more just society with the savings.
  • Suggested donations & investments of $1,330,000 to charities and industries that help the poor and middle-class from remaining savings from buying a Pagani:
  1. Invest $1,000,000 in salaries for new or existing employees (helps economy & employment)
  2. Donate $200,000 to Catholic Charities (helping feed, shelter, and clothe many of the poor and homeless in many areas of the world including Haiti, Syria, Sudan, and Afghanistan)
  3. Donate $130,000 to St. Jude Children’s Hospital (helping pay for children who can’t afford needed healthcare)

This Christmas reminds me of a quote from Henry Ford who invented the mass production process for automobiles with the Model-T and believed in paying good wages, so his employees could afford to buy the products he manufactured.  Henry Ford sent the following Christmas message in 1923:

“Christmas stands for the human factor which makes life tolerable midst the hurry of commerce and production.  All of us need the annealing effect of Christ’s example to relieve the hardening we get in the daily struggle for material success.”

Henry Ford

Pope Francis has certainly been an inspiration with his choice of vehicles and purchased a Renault 4 that runs in bio-diesel, and requested that priests purchase modest cars for their use.

Pope Francis' Renualt 4

Pope Francis’ Renualt 4

My own pastor recently needed a replacement for his car, and purchased a Toyota Prius which is economical and environmentally friendly.  Apparently an artist agreed with this choice and made this mock-up ad for Toyota:

What Would Jesus Dive by Chris Dalton

What Would Jesus Dive by Chris Dalton

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.  May we all help to build a more just society in 2014 and the years to come.

God Bless,

John

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