Seven Years And Still Here (By the Grace of God)

In late July of 2005, Marie and I had an idea to start a Catholic blog. We had several discussions about it over the phone, and invited Emmy and Ginny to join us in contributing to the blogs.

Marie is from Australia, Emmy is from the Netherlands, Ginny is from Trinidad and Tobago, and I am from the United States. So our blogs were an international effort.

We discussed a name for the blogs, and came up with the name "Faith of the Fathers". Marie and I discussed the look of the blogs, and the different blog topics, and decided each of our primary topics deserved it's own "blog" under the name "Faith of the Fathers".

We started with the main blog under the name "Faith of the Fathers", and the others were (in no particular order) "Our Lady", "Pope Benedict XVI" (the only blog of ours that has been regularly visited by The Holy See), "Spiritual Warfare", "Church Under Attack", "Apologetics", "Approved Apparitions", "Saints of the Faith", "Daily Mass Readings", "Favorite Prayers and Scripture", "The Early Church Fathers", "Spirituality and Mysticism", "Saint Quote of the Day", and "Prayer Requests".

Later we added "Catholic Books And Movies", "No Walls" (a youth section), "Busy Mom's Notebook", "Faith of the Fathers Links", "Faith of the Fathers Report", and then our "Kids Corner" blogs (which was primarily attended to by Ginny) which included these blogs for kids: “Learning and Understanding Our Faith”, “Our Blessed Mother and The Holy Rosary”, “Bible Stories”, “Angels and the Saints”, “Prayers and Scripture”, and "Fun and Crafts".

Whew...no wonder I am so tired....

So our first posts were published on July 31, 2005, and now 7 years later, our blogs are still here and still growing. During our first year we had the following stats: 55,348 page loads, 26,908 unique visits, with 23,000 first time visits, and 3.908 returning visits. That was a monthly average of 152 page loads, 74 unique visits, 63 first time visits, and 11 returning visits.

For the period of August 1, 2011 through July 31, 2012 we show the following stats: 214,273 page loads, 170,224 unique visits, with 156,311first time visits and 13,913 returning visits. That's a monthly average of 585 page loads, 465 unique visits, 427 first time visits, and 38 returning visits (which I would love to see get better). Not too shabby an increase overall but, it perhaps could have been better if not for a few setbacks.

The setbacks that occurred were health related, financially related, and due to personal obligations as well. First, I had a "light heart attack" (I think health professionals call it light because they weren't the one's that had it), and since I had no health insurance (still don't), and was out of work for about 2 months, I eventually wasn't able to contribute much. Then Marie's health got bad, and the others personal obligations prevented them from contributing as before. I keep their nameshere as contributors because the posts they wrote are still here, and I will never remove them unless they ask me to for some reason. Marie apparently removed herself as being listed as a contributor a couple of years ago, but her posts are still here, and all the posts by all of them are still worth reading and reflecting on.

Anyway, it's 7 years later, and "Faith of the Fathers" is still here. Let's pray and hope for another 7 years!

Your brother in Christ, Steve Smith.

POPE BENEDICT XVI'S PRAYER INTENTIONS FOR AUGUST

Vatican City, 31 July 2012 (VIS) - Pope Benedict's general prayer intention for August is: "That prisoners may be treated with justice and respect for their human dignity".

His mission intention is: "That young people, called to follow Christ, may be willing to proclaim and bear witness to the Gospel to the ends of the earth".

You can find more information at: www.visnews.org

The news items contained in the Vatican Information Service may be used, in part or in their entirety, by quoting the source:

V.I.S. -Vatican Information Service.

Copyright © Vatican Information Service 00120 Vatican City

Belmont Abbey College opens home for pregnant students :: EWTN News

The following excerpt is from EWTN News:

North Carolina's Belmont Abbey College has opened a residence to help pregnant, college-age women continue their education before and after they give birth.

The residence is run by Room at the Inn, a Catholic non-profit that serves pregnant mothers and their children.

“Many young women in college facing unexpected pregnancies believe they have to give up everything to keep their babies - but they don't,” Jeanine Wray, Room At The Inn’s executive director, said July 16.

“Room At The Inn can give these young women the opportunity to continue their educations, have their babies, make a positive impact on society and fulfill their hopes and dreams.”

Read more by clicking below:  

Belmont Abbey College opens home for pregnant students :: EWTN News

Fortnight For Freedom homily by Bishop Peter Jugis

"We cannot separate the fruits of faith from faith itself." July 1, 2012, homily of the Most Reverend Peter J. Jugis, Bishop of Charlotte, N.C. Topic: Fortnight for Freedom. Proclaimed at the Cathedral of St. Patrick in Charlotte.

Refugee keeps a long-ago promise to God :: Catholic News Agency (CNA)

The following excerpt is from the Catholic News Agency article "Refugee keeps a long-ago promise to God" by Christina Lee Krauss:

• Franciscan Father David Phan made a promise to God at the age of 16. He was on a crowded boat with dozens of other refugees from his home country of Vietnam, suffering from seasickness and thirst.
• It was 1985, and he was fleeing the poverty and persecution at home to seek a better life.
• “I promised God that if I survived, I would dedicate my life to serve His holy will,” he said.
• Years later, after studying and working in the United States long enough to bring his entire family here from Vietnam, Father Phan gave away all his worldly possessions and kept that promise by joining the Franciscans.

Click below to read more:

Refugee keeps a long-ago promise to God :: Catholic News Agency (CNA)

On The News : USCCB statements on other political topics are harming the campaign for religious freedom - Catholic Culture

The following excerpts are from Catholic Culture columnist Phil Lawler's article "USCCB statements on other political topics are harming the campaign for religious freedom". The emphases are mine:

• In March the US bishops’ conference (USCCB) announced that “we will not rest” until Congress ensures that religious freedom is protected in the federal health-care reform program. The USCCB followed up that clear and forceful message a few week later with a new, statement announcing a major offensive in defense of religious liberty. These powerful statements seemed to indicate clearly that religious freedom would be the focus—the focus—of the bishops’ political efforts this year.

• The USCCB issued a clarion call to the Catholic laity, asking for help with this campaign. Cardinal Dolan called out President Obama; Bishop Lori challenged Congress. The bishops signaled that they would not retreat. The battle lines were drawn. The troops were summoned.

• Unfortunately, since that time the bishops have lost their focus, and thus complicated things for the active Catholic laity. The USCCB has done what the USCCB always does: muddied the water, by issuing statements on a host of different political issues—including many of which good Catholics have differing opinions, and on which Catholic bishops have no special expertise.

Read more by clicking the link below:

On The News : USCCB statements on other political topics are harming the campaign for religious freedom - Catholic Culture

Cardinal Martino and Lord Alton Unite in "Compassion" Plea for Blind Lawyer Chen

Note: The following is a press release in it's entirety from Dignitatis Humanae Institute

Rome, 30th April 2012

Cardinal Renato Raffaele Martino, Honorary President of the Rome-based Dignitatis Humanae Institute and Lord Alton, Chairman of the British Parliament's Cross-Party Working Group on Human Dignity, today met to discuss the situation of blind Chinese lawyer Chen Guangcheng.

The self-taught lawyer, who sought sanctuary in the US Embassy in Beijing over the weekend after escaping six years of house imprisonment, remains separated from his family, members of whom have been taken into custody.

As talks between Chinese and US officials continue, Lord Alton urged China to show compassion on humanitarian grounds for Chen and his family, and asked for them all to be allowed to leave for the United States, to receive medical treatment (as previously happened with the case of Fang Lizhi):

Lord Alton said: "Chen Guangcheng and his family have a number of well-known medical issues that would reasonably justify a decision, on humanitarian grounds, to allow them to travel to the United States or Europe for medical treatment."

Despite losing his sight at an early age, Chen Guangcheng managed to teach himself law and has become an international icon in his native China, and around the world. After a period in prison ended in 2010, Chen remained under house arrest until he fled to the US Embassy for sanctuary on 22 April.

Cardinal Martino added: "With a decision on Chen's future likely to be decided in the next week, the Dignitatis Humanae Institute appeals for compassion and mercy for Chen and his family."

Vote For Marriage #4

In the final installment of this series of videos Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Diocese of Raleigh talks about the importance of traditional marriage and of the proper attitude toward people of different viewpoints.

Republicans Nullifying Conservatives - Steve Deace - Townhall Conservative Columnists

The following excerpt is from TownHall.com columnist Steve Deace:

• “It seems the Oklahoma GOP leadership is trying to fill the Romney Republican mold, which is a lot of pro-life speech but no pro-life action,” Personhood USA’s Keith Mason said. “What’s happening in Oklahoma begs a question pro-lifers must ask themselves: if the Republican leadership won’t vote pro-life why should we vote for them?”

Click the link below for the entire article:

Republicans Nullifying Conservatives - Steve Deace - Townhall Conservative Columnists

Cardinal Burke sees 'no excuse' for employers covering contraceptive costs : News Headlines - Catholic Culture

The following excerpt is from Catholic World News at Catholic Culture:

Cardinal Raymond Burke has stated that employers who provide contraceptive coverage for their workers are guilty of both formal and material cooperation in contraception.

The cardinal--who is now one of the top-ranking Americans at the Vatican, where he serves as head of the Apostolic Signatura—said that there is “no way to justify” a health-care program that includes contraceptive coverage. He urged resistance against the Obama administration’s drive to make such coverage mandatory.

Click the link below to read the entire article:

Cardinal Burke sees 'no excuse' for employers covering contraceptive costs : News Headlines - Catholic Culture

U.S. Silent on Top Saudi Cleric’s Call to ‘Destroy Churches’ | CNSNews.com

The following excerpts are from the cnsnews.com article U.S. Silent on Top Saudi Cleric’s Call to ‘Destroy Churches’ by Patrick Goodenough:

Ten days after Saudi Arabia’s foremost religious leader called for a demolition of all churches in the Arabian Peninsula – in line with a purported injunction by Mohammed – the U.S. government and other allies of the kingdom have yet to react.

Major media outlets also have largely ignored the incident; a Nexis search finds reporting on the issue has been restricted to blogs and opinion columns, including a Washington Times editorial on March 16.

On March 12, Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al-Asheikh was quoted in Arabic media reports as telling a visiting Kuwaiti delegation that it was “necessary to destroy all the churches of the region.”

Click the link below to read the entire article:

U.S. Silent on Top Saudi Cleric’s Call to ‘Destroy Churches’ | CNSNews.com

North Carolina bishops criticize Obama statement on marriage amendment : News Headlines - Catholic Culture

The following is an excerpt from Catholic Culture News Headlines:

• “Last week, President Barack Obama took the unusual step of commenting on a state ballot initiative,” Bishops Michael Burbidge of Raleigh and Peter Jugis of Charlotte said in response. “His stated opposition to the referendum on the marriage amendment in North Carolina is a grave disappointment, as it is reported to be the first time that the President has entered into this issue on the state level, further escalating the increasing confusion on the part of some in our society to the very nature of marriage itself … While we are respectful of the Office of the President, we strongly disagree with [his] assessment.”

Click the link below to read the entire article:

North Carolina bishops criticize Obama statement on marriage amendment : News Headlines - Catholic Culture

US bishops decry ‘illegal and unjust’ HHS mandate, call for prayer and penance : News Headlines - Catholic Culture

The following excerpts are from Catholic Culture's New Headlines:

• Decrying the Department of Health and Human Services’ contraceptive mandate as “a mandate to act against our teachings” and “a violation of personal civil rights,” the Administrative Committee of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has issued a statement calling upon “the Catholic faithful, and all people of faith, throughout our country to join us in prayer and penance for our leaders and for the complete protection of our First Freedom--religious liberty.”
  
  
• we wish to clarify what this debate is—and is not—about. This is not about access to contraception, which is ubiquitous and inexpensive, even when it is not provided by the Church's hand and with the Church's funds. This is not about the religious freedom of Catholics only, but also of those who recognize that their cherished beliefs may be next on the block. This is not about the Bishops' somehow "banning contraception," when the US Supreme Court took that issue off the table two generations ago. Indeed, this is not about the Church wanting to force anybody to do anything; it is instead about the federal government forcing the Church—consisting of its faithful and all but a few of its institutions—to act against Church teachings. This is not a matter of opposition to universal health care, which has been a concern of the Bishops' Conference since 1919, virtually at its founding. This is not a fight we want or asked for, but one forced upon us by government on its own timing. Finally, this is not a Republican or Democratic, a conservative or liberal issue; it is an American issue.

Click the link below to read the entire article:

US bishops decry ‘illegal and unjust’ HHS mandate, call for prayer and penance : News Headlines - Catholic Culture

On the Culture : Are Babies Not Persons? Seeing Patterns - Catholic Culture

From Catholic Culture there is an article well worth reading, "Are Babies Not Persons? Seeing Patterns" by Dr. Jeff Mirus. The following excerpts are from that article:

• A recent article in The Journal of Medical Ethics argued that infanticide is morally equivalent to abortion, and therefore perfectly justifiable. This might have been surprising, except that a month earlier the same journal had published an article arguing that it is morally permissible for doctors to kill patients if their organs might be used for effective transplants in others. So let us recognize the pattern and realize that The Journal of Medical Ethics has an agenda.
• We must first acknowledge the human capacity to discern the nature of things before we can see the folly of the opinion of these authors in The Journal of Medical Ethics. They claim that, while a human being is present from the moment of conception until natural death, only a person has a right to life, and a person cannot be said to exist until a human being develops to the point of reflecting on the worth of his own life. Only then does it become an injury to have life taken away.

Click the link below to read the entire article:

On the Culture : Are Babies Not Persons? Seeing Patterns - Catholic Culture

Santorum and The Vote

Watch this video from Michael Voris and RealCatholic TV:

Pope Benedict XVI'S Prayer Intentions for March

Vatican City, 1 March 2012 (VIS) - Pope Benedict's general prayer intention for March is: "That the whole world may recognise the contribution of women to the development of society".

His mission intention is: "That the Holy Spirit may grant perseverance to those who suffer discrimination, persecution or death for the name of Christ, particularly in Asia".

You can find more information at: www.visnews.org

The news items contained in the Vatican Information Service may be used, in part or in their entirety, by quoting the source:

V.I.S. -Vatican Information Service.

Copyright © Vatican Information Service 00120 Vatican City

UK MEP: We Should be Given Monthly Audit of All Taxpayer-Funded Abortions

For Immediate Release   Rome, 28th February 2012   A senior Member of the European Parliament has called on the UK government to carry out a monthly audit of all abortions that receive funding from the British taxpayer, after a newspaper exposed terminations being illegally carried out on the basis of gender. Nirj Deva MEP, President of the International Committee on Human Dignity, said such an audit would ensure that the British people "can finally begin an informed debate on how much public money funds abortions on the basis of nothing but gender." Following news of the practice reported in London's Daily Telegraph on February 23rd, Health Secretary Andrew Lansley pledged to carry out an urgent and thorough investigation, and handed the matter over to the police. He called illegal abortion "morally repugnant". The head of the Care Quality Commission - the body tasked with regulating such practices - resigned after the story broke. Deva, who recently came second in the elections for the European Parliament's Speaker, congratulated the government for its "prompt response" and praised Lansley for "his brave, principled stance".   The MEP said he knew from experience the kind of hostility the minister could now expect. "Several years ago I introduced an amendment to the EU's Development Budget, demanding a gender audit on every overseas abortion that is paid for by EU taxpayers - this was before people were talking much about the issue of gendercide," Deva said. "Sadly, the socialists and liberals joined together to defeat my amendment, saying explicitly that a woman's right to choose an abortion must remain sacrosanct, including the right to choose not to have a girl." Deva added that these latest revelations, which the newspaper exposed through undercover reporting, regrettably came as no surprise: "For me it was a bit like the famous scene in Casablanca when Claude Rains exclaims to Humphrey Bogart: "I'm shocked, shocked to find that there's gambling going on in here" while simultaneously pocketing in one smooth action his evening's winnings." "If you talk to people in the abortion industry, they all know that this is happening, but it's obviously not in their commercial interests to talk about it, so they just impose a culture of silence, and then intimidate anyone who dares to challenge them. My own modest proposal for an analysis of abortions was roundly defeated by those whose vested interests keep the abortion trade out of the public domain, away from clear legal parameters and solely within their own power," he said. "I remember observing with sadness that the ideological fanaticism of some of the UK's MEPs from the political Left who were advocating a so-called liberty for mothers abroad that is illegal at home." "The very people claiming that their support of abortion derives from 'gender equality' are in fact actively promoting a life-killing practice of gender inequality." Deva said statistics from around the world clearly prove that gender-selected abortions heavily discriminate against the female gender. "It is the duty of all who genuinely believe in gender equality to open their eyes to the most grievous injustice dealt to women globally, the very denial of their basic right to life," he said. "I would like, therefore, on behalf of the Dignitatis Humanae Institute, to offer a helpful contribution to the debate and ask that every single abortion that is funded by the British taxpayer, either wholly or in part, has the gender recorded of each baby being terminated, and for these results to be compiled and made public on a monthly basis," he said. Deva, who is also the Vice President of the European Parliament's Development Committee, also invited politicians in other parliaments around the world to contact him for advice on how to table similar amendments in their own national assemblies by emailing him at nirj.deva@dignitatishumanae.com. "The time has come for full disclosure," Deva concluded.

The Dignitatis Humanae Institute aims to uphold human dignity based on the anthropological truth that man is born in the image and likeness of God and therefore has an innate human dignity of infinite worth to be upheld. The Institute promotes this understanding by supporting Christians in public life, assisting them to present effective and coherent responses to increasing efforts to silence the Christian voice in the public square.

California Catholic Daily - A Lie is a Lie

Read the following opinion piece on the HHS mandate by Father Juan Vélez, a priest of the Prelature of Opus Dei, who resides in San Francisco. He is author of Passion for Truth, the Life of John Henry Newman.

Click the link below to read the entire article:

California Catholic Daily - A Lie is a Lie

A New Book On The Life of Cardinal John Henry Newman

Tan Books will soon be releasing a new book on the life of Cardinal John Henry Newman entitled, “Passion for Truth: The Life of John Henry Newman”.

This biography of John Henry Newman is written by Father Juan R. Vélez, a priest of the Prelature of Opus Dei who resides in San Francisco, California. Father Vélez received a doctorate in dogmatic theology from the University of Navarre, where he completed his doctoral thesis on John Henry Newman. Before his ordination to the priesthood, Father Vélez also received a medical degree from the University of Navarre, and he was previously board certified in internal medicine.

Father Vélez's interest in the life of Cardinal John Henry Newman began with his doctoral studies under Professor José Morales. Father Vélez is author of a number of academic articles on Cardinal Newman, and co-edited a short anthology of texts entitled “Take Five, Meditations on John Henry Newman”.

Below is a portion of the information about this book from Tan Books website:

"In Passion for Truth, author and scholar Fr. Juan R. Vélez painstakingly uncovers the life and work of Blessed John Henry Newman. In the story of his early years, his family upbringing and university education, and through his vast correspondence with family, friends, and colleagues, Vélez acquaints us with Newman, the loyal friend, profound thinker, prolific writer, and holy priest. A true Catholic gentleman, who can be admired and loved by all who love the Truth."

The publication date for “Passion for Truth The Life of John Henry Newman” By: Fr. Juan R. Vélez is March 2012, and the book can be pre-ordered from Tan Books by clicking here.

You may also want to visit the website for the book by clicking here.

Vote FOR Marriage - 2 - Bishop Burbidge

Second in a series of videos by the Bishops of North Carolina explaining the position of the Catholic Church in support FOR the marriage amendment. Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Diocese of Raleigh explains four important points of Church Teaching about marriage. He also urges all North Carolinians to vote FOR Marriage on May 8, 2012.