Wednesday Photo Caption Contest

Image source.

At least according to Andrew Sullivan...

From The Daily Dish:

And Benedict has gone out of his way to issue what can only be called calculated affronts to the dignity of homosexual persons. Yesterday's statement that humankind needs "saving" from homosexuality, the way the rainforests need saving from being raped and pillaged is his latest provocation. His first-in-history attempt to ban even celibate gay seminarians is easily the most draconian and hateful anti-gay policy of any church, stigmatizing them even if they agree to obey every stricture the church places on them. His own complicity in covering up the abuse of children and evil protection of Father Maciel make his attacks on the dignity of homosexuals all the more repulsive.

Mr. Sullivan did correct course slightly re the Pope a couple of days later:

You've read the press accounts in which the Pope allegedly spoke of protecting the rainforests from destruction in the same vein as protecting heterosexuals from homosexuality. The actual text, brought to us by Rocco, is more complex, but essentially argues that the forms of male and female as created by God can know of no complexity or variance. The fact of same-sex sexual and emotional orientation - displayed throughout nature and expressed by human beings since the beginning of time - is, in the Pope's view, a divine error. The entire universe must fit into the binary Thomist vision, or we are allegedly divorcing humankind from our own nature. And nature must be divorced from all new knowledge of the human and animal sciences. Well: at least the knowledge we have gained since the Middle Ages.

Read the whole thing. There is little new in it, although that is not a criticism for a Pope.

But he got the Maciel thing right.

Wanna buy a book?

By the way, the author of this missive left the Legion of Christ and the priesthood. Maybe a smart move.

Funny, how and if...

...this fits in with all of the mess...

Look out Lemont! Here they come for your kids and your money!

Lemont to get new Catholic school

Legion of Christ order has faced controversy



Read it here in the Chicago Tribune

Only 4???!!!

LC ordinations in Rome last week:

The new priests come from 13 countries: 23 Mexicans, 6 Spaniards, 4 Americans, 3 Germans, 3 Brazilians, 1 Argentinean, 2 Columbians, 1 Canadian, 2 Italians, 1 from Chile, 1 from France, 1 from Ireland, and one from Venezuela.

Only four gringos and one canuck for the tons of vocation work and the dozens and dozens of candidates and apostolic school kids from the mid nineties in the US and Canada? Where have they all gone?

If you want real Theology honey...

Is the Legion of Christ really the best place to go?
From causa nostrae laetitiae

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Theology 101 and me
There's a reason that Theology is rarely discussed here. After a year of Catholic high school Theology where I learned the historical critical method, which 'explains' all the miracles in the Bible as natural events, I shied away from Theology for fear of losing my faith. Everything I know about Theology I learned from my personal reading and EWTN.I still have a lot of catching up to do and I'm not going to display my ignorance here. My one strength is knowing where to go to get reliable Theology, and seeking to improve my knowlege in odd moments in my busy days.I am just beginning to understand the concept of Natural Law, for instance. Here is a short introduction to Natural Law from a fellow at the Westchester Institute.
Posted by Leticia at 2/27/2008 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: Legionaries of Christ, Theology

Father, where the heck did you learn to write? Or did you ever learn?

The following gospel reflection just sucks. It sucks as prose and its depth could not drown a hamster.

Father Ernest Daly, LC
John 20:1a and 2-8 [...]

Introductory Prayer:Lord, today I am reminded of the intensity of love that you stir in the hearts of your followers. I want to be your follower today. I believe that you love me. I believe that you have overcome sin and death. I believe that you walk with me.
Petition:Lord, give me the joy of discovering you as St. John discovered you.
1. EagerSt. John was on fire for Christ right from the beginning. Early on, Christ had won his heart. In his Gospel, John would record many things about Christ in a very personal way, giving us special insights into Christ. Christ allowed him into his heart, and John’s faith gave him reason to hope in the Resurrection. That is why he runs with such eagerness to the tomb. He does not yet know that Christ is risen, but he wants to know. He wants to be where Christ is. Am I eager to be with Christ? This time of Christmas is a special time in which I can naturally feel attracted to Christ. Do I take advantage of this grace and try to converse more with him?
2. FastNo hesitation. Get there as quickly as possible. John knows where he has to go. Nothing else is as important. He does not let anything get in the way. A saint lives his life quickly, even if his years are long. He lives it quickly because he lives each day, each moment, intensely for Christ and souls. He lives his prayer life intensely — in spite of the natural fatigue and moments of dryness — because he knows the time spent in prayer is the most important moment of the day. A saint lives his service to his family and others with the intensity of love. Rather than tiring him, love brings him closer to God. Am I afraid to love and live with intensity?
3. BelievingJohn was rewarded for his faith. His Lord is alive! No amount of cruelty and evil, not even death itself, can defeat his Lord. John teaches us to believe in Christ, to discover with joy the signs of his presence. Am I using this Christmas season to reaffirm my faith in Christ’s presence in the world? Do I cultivate a supernatural outlook in the things I do, in the way I deal with those around me? Do I build up confidence in Christ’s victory in souls and discover the signs of that victory?
Conversation with Christ:Lord, thank you for St. John’s faith. He was close to your heart. Help me to place my heart in your heart. I want to run to you, Lord, throughout the ups and downs of my life, the good times and the bad. Today I will stay close to you in my heart. I beg you to remain close to me.
Resolution:I will the Creed in front of a manger scene today and make a special effort to talk about God’s providence in my conversations with others.

Gotta love LC intellectual formation!

Hey folks, I just cut and paste them.

Image source.

Keep an eye on the kids!

Nice family. But I would not leave my kids with the guy they quote at the top of this blog. (hint, there are two "M's" in his name).
'Tis a nice quote. Too bad he never lived by it in reality. Just for show...

What do you think of this answer from vocation.com?

Kassie asks:
During the past Holy Week, I fought a strong call be be consecrated. I finally realized that I was being selfish with Christ and that I needed to offer him back all that he has given me, and that I can give up anything for him after what he has done for me. Immediately, I experienced peace. The question of whether I was called to consecrated or married life was no longer imperative. I felt as though Christ was helping me find my generosity by asking for the biggest gift I could give him, and when I realized that I could give him that, he was happy. Now, I am unsure if the call to consecration was just me being afraid that he would ask for the biggest sacrifice, or whether I really do have a vocation. I am 17 years old and a Junior in high school, and am unsure how I should go about preparing for college without knowing exactly what Christ wants. Was he simply testing my generosity in order to bring me closer to him (I am so much closer to him now and have received so many graces) or is he asking for a vocation?
Sincerely, Kassie

Dear Kassie,

We go through many stages in discovering our vocation: searching, apparently groping in the dark, moments of clarity, consolation and conviction, and times of doubt, distraction and temptation. These and others are unpredictable and vary from one person to another, and at times the whole journey can be quite a roller-coaster of emotions and perceptions. To get to your situation: 17 with one year of high school to go, you have experienced the peace that came from offering yourself totally to Christ, yet now you are wondering if you really were being generous, and you are unsure of how to prepare for college if you don't know exactly what Christ wants.
Kassie, I think it will help you to stick to the facts, and the first one is that you did sincerely offer Christ everything out of gratitude for all he did for you. You simply put him in the center and told him nothing else mattered. The most important thing to do now is to keep him there, right in the center. When you get worried about other things, keep coming back and never let go of this anchor: there is only one way to repay Christ for all he did to save us from sin, and it is to give him all we are, and do whatever he wants.
Now, does he want you to consecrate yourself to him? Here, you have another fact to consider. When you decided to put Christ at the center, the thought of consecration came into your mind. That does not happen to everybody, and it may be (only "may be", not "is") a first indication of a vocation. So, it is good to look around and see if the other signs of a vocation are there in your life (Is there an attraction? Are your motives spiritual? Do you have the normal maturity for your age? Are you aware of what you would be giving up? Are you doing it freely, not out of fear? etc.) It would be good to speak about all this with your spiritual director if you have one, or with a priest you trust.
Then, a final fact, our vocation is God's plan for our lives. So trust him. He is not going to want you to do something and then not give you the opportunity to find out what it is. God after all is intelligent, much more than you or I, and we wouldn't make a mistake like that. So, if you start looking he is going to place what he wants you to do in your path. I think it would be wise to think Christ may be calling you, and the best way to find out if he is, is to start looking into where it may be. There may be a religious Congregation or a Movement you know or have heard about that has made you curious, start there. I imagine if you start looking now, by the time you are half-way through your senior year you will have a fairly good idea if you have a vocation or not, and where it is to. And that will give you a good idea if you should be looking into college or into following the vocation right away. God bless.

Fr. Anthony Bannon, L.C.

Text and Photo from www.vocation.com

Wednesday Photo Caption Contest (Returns)

SHAME on you Fr. Jon-Jon

Fr. Jonathan Morris of Fox Forum should be ashamed of himself.
Just try mentioning anything even questioning the Legion or Maciel on his blog on Fox and the comment will post and then disappear a few minutes later. Just try it. This is shameful: if he puts himself out publically, then he has to take what is said.
Legionaries of Christ create their own reality. Even the most public ones. Just ask some poor parents who have lost their sons to them.

If you are man enough not to hide behind your collar and pretty boy face, then come here and let us know your reasons, Fr. Jonathan Morris, L.C.

Photo credit.

Less Queen Helene, but more Cookie cut faces

Another website? Who pays all the web fees?
Whynotpriest.org
Well, Christmas is a time for legions of identical, saccharine Gingerbread men. One says that he wants to help the poor. Well, abandon ship. You just ain't gonna be able to do that in the Legion of Ginger Christ.

I can think of a lot more "why nots?". Can you?
Why not help those who you booted out?
Why not keep more RC members in?

By the way, there is no mention of the Legion sponsoring the site. Quelle surprise!

Photo credit.

I'm Mr. Lonely

It must be lonely when you have only one friend left in Rome. Read it here.

Photo from linked article.

Listen below while you read:

Fr. Jon-Jon takes on Playboy

Something to say about everything here.

I am sure he only reads the articles.

Help!

I just saw that I have not updated in over a month. Well, help me break through the writers' block and send me some info and photos for posting: landoncody6@gmail.com

Catching up. Pardon the malaise.

New Sweepstakes. Don't they ever stop gambling?
Just got the New Year's Day Sweepstakes tickets. Two drawings on Feast Days of the Virgin Mary. How sweet.

Quote from The Saint of the Edit:
"I went to The Highlands School in Irving. It was run by the Legionaries of Christ, and so was super Catholic. Sometimes a little bit too much Catholic, which was something tha I thought I would never experience."

Coty, think before you leap!

"I know I am called to Holy Living, without exception the legionaries of Christ, and the Brothers Of Don Bosco, and the Brothers Of The Good Shepherd are all looking forward to seeing me succeed for 7 years and thats with the Brothers Of The Good Shepherd. They say at 25 I have more then chances to become a Deacon.

I ask for special Favors from my Blessed Mother Mary, for the favor of Holy Priest Hood, and for her to speak with the Father in Heaven, and to ask him for special Grant to enter into Holy Living without Compromise."

Exlc finds vocation outside of the Legion of Christ.
Scroll down to James S.
Wow.

Photo source.

Another Campaign Dinner?

Too bad the date has passed. A grand GALA at the Waldorf Astoria to support the Millionaires of Christ. A fitting post script: the Legion of Christ priest who started this annual fundraiser/elbow rubber, Fr. W.S., has left the Legion.

Image source.

How to Start Your Own Cult.

Thanks for the tip, KT.

Fr. Changobeer Karras is not a Legionary of Christ, at least not anymore

He says on his blog:
"I told my niece that I would visit her once a month. In that regard, at least, I have proven to be a very serious piece of uncle."

This kind of family visit is simply against the norms of the Legion of Christ.
We all know that.
And it would be a weird special permission,
unless the girl is loaded.

What an excellent day for an exorcism, indeed.

Exlcblogger is sure they will be helping Sarah Palin's son

Conquest Boys Launch Service Initiative for Children with Special Needs

U. S. A. | APOSTOLATE | NEWS

A new apostolic initiative puts boys’ creativity at the service of children with Down Syndrome and their families. Read it here.

What the who? Atlanta is not in Florida!

Priest Assignments

Published: October 30, 2008

ATLANTA—Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory has announced the following changes in priest assignment....

Archbishop Gregory has confirmed the recommendation of Father Scott Reilly, territorial director of the Legionaries of Christ, and has assigned Father Kevin Baldwin, LC, to assist with retreat and promotion work for the Legion and Regnum Christi members in the Southeast United States, principally in Florida. Father Baldwin will be in residence at the territorial directorate community in Alpharetta and has been appointed for canonical status as parochial vicar at Holy Spirit Church, Atlanta. This assignment is effective Oct. 21.

Even a metropolitan does not approve assignments of religious to work in areas that are not under his jurisdiction.

Spain and the Legion of Doom

Getting POLITICAL in Spain

"During the last decade, the involvement of the Catholic Church in politic affairs, through special groups such as Opus Dei or the Legion of Christ, especially personated through important politicians in the Partido Popular, has been recovered. Old and new media, which are property of the Church, such as the COPE radio station, have also contributed to this new involvement in politics. The Church is no longer seen as a neutral and independent institution in political affairs and it is generally aligned with the opinion and politics of the Partido Popular. This implication has had, as a consequence, a renewed criticism from important sectors of the population (especially left-wing voters) against the Church and the way in which it is economically sustained by the State."

The last few times did not go so well...

Source

Cute Debut Album

Thanks for the tip, Anon.

Banda American Oi! de regular a mala, quizás este debut no fue lo esperado, en fin. Poseen ademas 2 Ep's, de igual calidad. CD relanzado este año.

1. Sonatus Bucini
2. Never Again
3. Life in The Legion
4. Returning Home
5. Proud And Free
6. Celebrity Worshippers
7. Off With Their Heads
8. Deus Magnus
9. Violent World
10. Now That I`ve Grown Older
11. The Rising Sun
12. Stay Away

Source.

English and Spanish

Thanks for the photo, JB.

Wednesday Photo Caption Contest

Why do they tend to leave out the juicy stuff?

It would seem that any history of Fr. Maciel, or the Legion of Christ or the Regnum Christi should include the events of May 2006. But alas, they seldom do. See here.

Photo from Lala Land.

Fr. Mikey and the miracle kid

Take a look and listen to our buddy Fr. Mikey. It seems it is all about do do do. Generosity and hyperactivity = saintliness.

Part Two with Jason Berry

Aristegui interviews Jason Berry

On the award winning Vows of Silence Documentary, CNN Español



Part One

Blogging about the poor in the Philippines

Read the blog here.

For the old timers

Image source.

Wednesday Photo Caption Contest

Image source.

Berry on CNN

CNN in Spanish (via Cable) will present Carmen Aristegui's interview with
Jason Berry on his Award winning documentary film on the Legion of Christ.

Tonight at 10:00, and repeat at 11:30
Tomorrow at 3:30 pm
Saturday 18th at 5:00, 8:00 and 11:30 am
Characters Welcome.

Is this a joke?

How many Legionaries of Christ does it take to Change a blog?

Four: one to ring Father General, another to check the first had all the necessay permissions, a third to check he followed the instructions corectly, a fourth to report the faults of the other three.

Not my joke.
Read it here.
Image source.

Wonder how it did...

The New Orleans Film Festival this week announced the lineup for its 2008 event:
• VOWS OF SILENCE
USA, 2008. 59 min. Documentary Feature.
The haunting saga of Father Marcial Maciel, who won the favor of Pope John Paul II despite a long trail of pedophilia accusations.
DIR/PROD: Jason Berry. ED: Tim Watson DP: Harris Done
In Attendance: Jason Berry, Tim Watson
Sunday, October 12 4:30PM Canal Place Cinema

Sent to exlcblog.

"I was responsible for bringing RC/LC into our area and I have been kicking myself ever since. I now have to sleep in the bed I've made and it is a very humbling experience. We brought all of our friends in and promoted very heavily for years."

Thanks for this, J.

Seems that many vocal opponents of the Legion of Christ and the Regnum Christi were those who most promoted them.

Ireland: the Legion of Christ grows?

Wicklow County Council

APPLICATIONS

Location : on a 1.2-hectare site to the south-west portion of the overall landholding (19.86 hectares) at the Dublin Oak Academy, Kilcroney House, Kilcroney Road, Co Wicklow. Proposed development: two-storey Novitiate building of 2,335sq m (25,134sq ft) and comprising of 36 bedrooms and auxiliary rooms (offices, livingrooms, diningroom, chapel, library and meeting room); the provision of an internal distribution road to serve the proposed Novitiate, to link to the existing internal access road leading from Kilcroney Road; eight car-parking spaces, associated landscaping and site development works. Applicant : Legionaries of Christ.

Read it here.

Pumpkins for Jesus

Exlcblogger recently got a new Sweepstakes letter from The Legion of Christ. We are now in the Thanksgiving Sweepstakes. The envelope is wonderfully non religious and covered in orange pumpkins. What a nice way to beg for Jesus! 40 ways to win up to $5,000!!!

By the way, Fr. Anthony Bannon is back with his stamped signiture on the literature, even though he holds no position as superior anymore.

Image source.

Wednesday Photo Caption Contest

Image source.

Bye bye Fr. Joseph-in-a-Burka

Bye bye love
Bye bye happiness,
hello novices
I think I´m-a gonna try
Bye bye love
Bye bye sweet caress,
hello novices
I feel like I could die
Bye bye my love goodbye...

Fr Joseph Burtka, LC, and Fr Julio Martí, LC, switch roles between position of novice instructor and territorial director of the New York territory.

I hear the guy was a real meanie... guilt tripping those who wanted to leave... shouting.... pure terrorist. Now they replace him with another rich kid...

Home away from home?

Anyone been here? Pretty homely, I mean homey.

Source.

Vows of Silence wins Best TV Documentary Award

Jason Berry won the award.

Next Screening:
October 9, 2008
Fairfield University, Fairfield CT
Center for Catholic Studies, Black Box Theatre, Quick Center for the Arts, 7 PM

Next Festival:
October 12, 2008
New Orleans Film Festival
In Attendance: Jason Berry, Tim Watson
Canal Place Cinema, 4:30PM
(Sold out show)

Vows of Silence in Mexico

MÉXICO, D.F., 26 de septiembre (apro).- En cartelera comercial será presentada en México la película Votos de silencio, un documental que aborda el tema de los abusos sexuales contra menores de edad cometidos por el sacerdote Marcial Maciel, fundador de los Legionarios de Cristo.

El documental de una hora, dirigido por el estadounidense Jason Berry, recoge los testimonios de las personas que fueron abusadas por Maciel, entre ellas Alejandro Espinosa, José Barba, Juan José Vaca, Arturo Jurado y Paul Lennon.

La función inaugural de Votos de silencio se realizará este sábado 27, en Cinemex Insurgentes, en el marco del III Festival Internacional de Cine Documental de la Ciudad de México.

Source

Flip Flop

http://www.monkwhostolethecow.com/

Looking around on the internet, and asking around a bit, I rate this guy as

Wednesday Photo Caption Contest

Fr. "Karras", LC: Just What Are You?

The memory and sadness of Fr. Maciel’s death that went without the recognition, the thanks and the heartfelt farewells came back to me. He received no acknowledgement from the Church he served, there was no celebration of his work or achievements, his funeral was hastily and perfunctorily carried out in the backwater of Cotija, attended only by those fortunate enough to be called in by the higher powers. The entire affair was shrouded by a furtive and clandestine fog.

Other Founders of our time (J.M.Escribá!, Mother Theresa!, Chiara Lubic!) were celebrated by their Church and the obvious affection of the many people whose lives they touched. Fr. Maciel himself never imagined the final chapter of his life being written in such ignominious shorthand. There was to be a crypt in Rome, a pilgrimage of LC and RC members, unabashed signs of gratitude and admiration...

It has been a hard pill for us to swallow. It was an event we should have been allowed to experience as a congregation and a movement and it was callously taken off the agenda at the last minute. And the leadership of the LC has opted to leave each of us with our own doubts, questions and frustrations as it has all gone down.

When Fr. JME died – has it been three years already? – I could not attend the funeral, much to my deep regret. He was a friend and a mentor, a sage and a humble brother. He was kind to a fault, had a razor sharp wit and could be piercingly critical. I quote him frequently to this day. He was an LC that gave hope to many other LCs and RCs because he would go beyond the packaged advice and tired clichés that, unfortunately, often pass for spiritual direction in our system and he would speak from the heart, with real compassion for others, with depth and thoughtfulness...

Anyway, I missed the funeral because in Chile there is no practice of embalming, no routine of funeral homes that give family and friends a few days to arrive. Folks are normally buried within 24 hours of their passing. That’s no one’s fault. I simply couldn’t get there on time.

In retrospect, it was probably better for me that I be absent. There was no sincere tribute paid him at his funeral and again the LC was incapable of truly celebrating the life and legacy of one of its great men. The local superior at the time - a self-absorbed, politically astute homunculus who had little use or admiration for Fr. JME in his lifetime – was hopelessly off the mark when he delivered a generic homily that only served to reconfirm his blatant detachment from all that is real or important to the rank-and-file of the LC and RC. It was the same homily that he rattled off at two other funerals of deceased LCs.

And they think we don’t notice.
Good grief.

# posted by Fr. Karras @ 11:06 PM on his blog here

Pick me! Pick me!

Leigonaires of Christ
Fundraising Annual Gifts Cultivator
The ideal candidate is results-oriented, logical, hardworking, and cheerful in serving the Church.

The full time AG Cultivator:
1. Manages relationships with loyal donors, supporters and volunteers by making phone contact for cultivation and solicitations as well as through correspondence.
2. Solicits and secures funding by offering education of the organization's accomplishments, capabilities and programs.
3. Personally informs, involves, and bonds supporters to the organization and its projects and goals.
4. Diligently maintains accurate records in database and issues progress reports.

QUALIFICATIONS:
- BA/BS, 3-5+ years sales experience.
- Proactive outbound calling experience
- Must have sense of urgency
- Computer and phone proficiency.
- Familiarity with Regnum Christi or the Legionaries of Christ a plus.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently to goals

Excellent benefits package.
With "AG Cultivator" in subject line, email resume, cover letter and earnings history to: andy.bamber@legionofchrist.org.

Image source.

Catching up again

****

I. Pray for us, Spencer (see you in six years or so)

****

II. "Vows of Silence," a documentary based on the book "Vows of Silence: The Abuse of Power in the Papacy of John Paul II" by former Courant reporter Gerald Renner and Jason Berry, will be screened Oct. 9 at Fairfield University.

Berry, the film's director, will be at the 7 p.m. screening.

****

III. "The Legionaries of Christ... do not publicly concede that the allegations against [Maciel] were proven. They can't bring themselves to admit he abused all these kids," Berry says. "They would have to admit they engaged in a massive disinformation campaign, and that would be against Gerry and me. The film is about the disinformation effort."

Berry says the film will serve a function the book did not, by giving a closer look at Maciel's accusers.

"I defy anybody to look at Jose Barba and Juan Vaca tell their stories and think that they are lying," Berry says. "The body language, the way they speak, the dignity with which they hold themselves all convey an image of respectable men, well-mannered men."

Source

****

IV. Sticking them in as Parochial Vicars???

Playing the game, or getting some oversight?

Priest Assignments

Published: September 25, 2008

ATLANTA—Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory has announced the following change in priest assignment.

He confirmed the recommendation of Father Scott Reilly, territorial director of the Legionaries of Christ, and has assigned Father David Daly as superior of the Legionaries of Christ, effective Sept. 19. For canonical status, Father Daly has been appointed as a parochial vicar at Holy Spirit Church, Atlanta.

Sent to me by a friend of Regnum Christi, seems that I am not one.

September 2008

Who are we?

Spirituality

Testimonies

Resources

Welcome to Mission, the electronic newsletter for members and friends of Regnum Christi. Although we really don’t plan each issue to have a theme, education is a uniting force in the stories that follow. It is exciting to see people of all ages learning in a variety of environments. If you have comments or suggestions for Mission, please drop us a line….Jim Fair news@regnumchristi.org

Thanks for the tip, H.M.

Wednesday photo caption contest

Image source.

Catching up

45 new novices from 4 apostolic schools, 2 national vocational tours and two countries (and maybe some filler from Mexico and Brazil).

*****

Episcopal Bed and Breakfast. I heard an Irishman say once that if the Legion is good at anything, it is running hotels.

*****

Exlcblogger is amused and impressed by Paul Lennon's book. I wonder if he is such a disgruntled old man as they say he is?

*****

Now that the new season has started, the mystery is over: Fr. Alvaro will not be dancing this year.

Wednesday photo caption contest (late)

Image source.

The holiness of the Cumbres and the real poverty of Chile

La Santidad de Cumbres y la pobreza real de Chile

No pasaron muchos días antes de que apareciera el argumento preciso para dejar constancia sobre nuestro parecer en el temita de la pornocobertura de un accidente de tránsito que involucró a 9 jóvenes en el norte de Chile.

Aunque al mundo le parezca raro (Chile es líder galáctico en crecimiento económico o al menos, somos buenos en eso de vender el cuento), 6 personas murieron (incluyendo un niño) en el sur de Chile por culpa de un brasero.

Es decir, carbón o madera ardiendo quemó una mediagua (no de construcción sólida) en medio de la noche.

Nos imaginamos que no tenían Blackberrys, Wi-Fi, telefono de red fija, IPhone, compus y laptops, agua potable, calefacción centralizada, aire acondicionado, dólares ahorrados, viajes acumulados al 'extranjero', latifundios con diques digno de castillos medievales, enormes extensiones con miles de cabezas de animales, camionetas 2009 4x4, becas Presidente de la Republica, tios y ex pololos en la Concertación que le regalan contratos por millones de dólares...etc. Tampoco tenían -nos imaginamos- amigos y familiares con jets privados y una presidenta que le manda (sin más) otro avión militar para "cualquier cosita que quieran".

No veremos campañas de marketing (abusando de sus entierros) apostóficos que una vez por todas, posiciona para siempre la empresa Cumbres y los Legionarios de Cristo en el inconciente chileno como los criadores de la clase alta económica (ni hablar de la cultural).Es más, ni veremos sus entierros. No escucharemos sus líderes espirituales, dando cátedra sobre su muerte innecesaria..."estaban listos para partir" y cobertura de 24 horas consecutivas, en la televisión y prensa.

No habrá alusiones a la relación sanguínea de Doña Juana María Pichinao con empresarios new-rich o que su tía NO está en el gobierno.

No habrá campaña en Facebook. No habrá exigencias para cambiar el nombre de la carretera para conmemorarlos.No habrá linchamiento público de los bomberos, con páginas y páginas de investigación seria sobre el pasado profesional.Sus familiares se quedaran (los que pueden) velando sus restos, en una tristeza profunda y no tan escandalosa.

Contrastará con los familiares de algunas de las niñitas ...que a 24 horas ya viajaban a Wall Street para celebrar CHILE Day en la bolsa de Nueva York.

09/11/2008 Publicado en:

http://curvaspoliticas.blogspot.com/

(Por Montserrat Nicolás)

Source

This is really pathetic

http://www.catholicworldmission.org/site/pp.asp?c=9dJHJLPwB&b=2494

https://www.kintera.org/site/apps/ka/sd/donor.asp?c=9dJHJLPwB&b=4453191&en=bjLPI0OEK9LKL8NTKdIKI6MNJlJ5JaPLKmI2IfMPIfKTJ4MPIxH

2. Arousing or capable of arousing scornful pity.

Who could ever imagine that a donation would ever reach this cause?

Warm Fuzzy Feelings

Our poet laureate (or lariat?) gets front page billing on Legion of Christ website.

Kind of makes you wonder...

As the Legion of Christ continues its shameless self-promotion with the NCR, one wonders at the little white lies that Fr. Maciel liked to tell about his dealings with the pope, and the legends that the Legion spins later. Here is an example.

Mater Ecclesiae began 17 years ago, in 1991. It was a request of John Paul II. He asked Father Marcial Maciel [founder of the Legionaries of Christ] if the Legion could do something for the formation of priests because he believed how good it would be for the Legion to have a seminary for bishops from all over the world so their seminarians could become rectors and formators in their own [diocesan] seminaries. Father Maciel saw this as the solution to that request he saw in the eyes and heart of the Vicar of Christ.

Hmmmm......

Not again!

It seems that there are rumblings at Saint Vincent College in Pennsylvania about clandestine plans of the Legion of Christ to take over. Why is it always the same story?

Posted yesterday:
Bearcat30 speaks well.

"throughtout this forum's archives (you can search comments and topics) there are postings concerning Donahue and Towey vis a vis associations with Regnum Christi, Legionairres of Christ (Legion of Christ) etc and Donahue's support of University of Sacramento (A legion of Christ school). Researching these entities and their plan for catholic schools will give you some indication of a Towey agenda for Saint Vincent. You will also come across the Carey name (Carey center) rel to Donahue and their contributions to the University of Sacramento." [sic]

Here are more examples from the discussions:
http://svcalum.com/comments.php?DiscussionID=264&page=1#Item_0
http://svcalum.com/comments.php?DiscussionID=263
http://svcalum.com/comments.php?DiscussionID=240

Image source.

Now,THIS is poetry.

Altar is particularly beautiful.

http://www.livehopelove.com/#/poem_gallery/

Wednesday Photo Caption Contest

Real Sex. Regnum Christi Style.

Well, here we have it:

"Reality Check: The Truth About Sex Video

The video, "Reality check: The Truth About Sex," is a necessity for those who want to promote chastity. It is a must for CCD teachers, youth directors, directors of religious education, as well as anyone who wants to be a leader and promoter of chastity. A practical guide, "A Challenge for the New Millennium: A Practical Guide for Chastity Promoters" is [sold] separately."

Exlcblogger could say a whole lot here...

But it will be left up to you to comment.

Image and text source.

Arrested Development. Strange Bedfellows for the Legion of Christ.

For anyone interested: the arrest warrant for Raffaello Follieri.

UPDATE FROM CNN (Sept 10, 2008)

Raffaello Follieri agreed not to appeal any sentence of up to five years and three months in prison for his plea to wire fraud, money laundering and conspiracy.
Sentencing was set for October 3.

Then he will be back to cheat and steal using some other scam and or new internet site for kids and sports, or bioethics or something....

Nice way to get to 30

This summer, 13 young women consecrated their lives to God in the Regnum Christi Movement, while an additional 17 renewed their promises.

So the headline can read:
30 Young Women Say Yes

Bottom line: 13 entered this year.

Read it here.

More money...

Exlcblogger received a mailing with a letter begging for money for the Columbus Day Sweepstakes from the Legion of Christ. Think I might win?

On top of that, those b*$tards sold my name and address to a Catholic mailing list, so now I have more holy cards, medals, and mass cards than a person can possibly use.

Image source.

Some more love from Fr. Michael. (I think the meter is off a bit in some places)

Christ, Your True Friend
Author: FATHER MICHAEL SLINEY 2008-01-02

You have a true friend in heaven above,
He is human and divine, and bursting with love.
You are much more to him than a number or name,
On the throne of your heart, he desires to reign!

Christ is impressed by your authentic living,
By your true and sincere, “heart-felt” giving.
All of your hidden acts of love he sees,
He knows when your heart aches and bleeds.

Christ carved out the path with machete in hand,
With his cross he drew a clear line in the sand.
He “walked the talk”, and never complained,
In spite of SO MUCH humiliation and pain.

You are the human bridge on which Christ will walk,
Into the minds and hearts of those to whom you talk.
Christ looks into your eyes and asks for help today,
What will you say? Please, Please say OK!!

God bless and Merry Christmas,
Fr. Michael Sliney, LC

Precious, just precious. Sniff, sniff...

Read (or ignore) the original here.