Monk Sale!

OK. So monks aren't really on sale. Never have been. They do however have some Thanksgiving specials!

Just a quick post to tell you that Mystic Monk Coffee has some of their signature drinkware on sale until Thanksgiving at 30-50% off their regular prices.

For instance, save 50% on the traditional Rustic Double Handled Mug (like the one pictured at the top of this post), a hand crafted mug which regularly sells for $6.98 but is available for $3.49 until Thanksgiving.

They also have additional drinkware on sale such as their Ergonomic Travel Mug. Save 40% on this mug on sale at 40% off. Regularly $13.99, now on sale for $8.39.

Also, for your sweet tooth, they have their Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Malt Balls on sale. Regularly $6.99, now just $4.89 until Thanksgiving. A 30% savings!

Be sure to visit Mystic Monk Coffee for all your coffee and tea needs. Your purchase of Mystic Monk Coffee helps support the Carmelite Monks of Wyoming, and helps me out, too!

That Time Of The Year...

It's that time of year again. It seems like the holidays get here faster and faster every year. My mom and dad both used to say how fast time goes by as you get older. They didn't even tell the half of it. It's actually faster than fast!

Already my employer has started cutting hours at work, and it is not a good time of the year for hours to get cut. Many of you know what I am talking about. Not just because of the holidays, but also with colder weather, and with winter soon starting in earnest, this is the time of the year when my expenses...and yours as well I am sure...tend to rise. A 30 hour work week just doesn't cut it.

So if you are thinking about buying some coffee, I'd appreciate it if you would click on my links (like the ones that follow) for Mystic Monk Coffee, and buy some coffee for yourself or for holiday gifts. Don't forget that they also have 5 pound bags available for your parish and office! It not only helps me out, but it helps support both the Carmelite Monks of Wyoming and their monastery. (Unfortunately, there is no commission for wholesale purchases, but there is for coffee subscriptions, tea subscriptions, etc.)

I'd also like to ask you to consider taking a look at the products I have available from Zazzle at "Faith of the Fathers Catholic Gifts". There are several poster prints, mousepads, mugs, and greeting cards available and all with a Catholic theme. New this year are some holiday poster prints and cards featuring wonderful art by James Tissot.

I'd like to thank all of you who have used my links to shop and buy, and for making donations via PayPal. I don't know who you all are, but God does, and I especially ask His blessings for you (as well as I do for all my blog visitors) in my prayers.

Thank you once again. May God Bless you and Our Lady keep you in Her care!

Warmer Rome-Moscow relations produce new talk of Pope- Patriarch 'summit meeting' : News Headlines - Catholic Culture

The following excerpts are from Catholic Culture's Catholic World News:

• Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill expressed high hopes for the future of relations between Moscow and Rome after a November 12 meeting with Milan’s Cardinal Angelo Scola.
• The Russian primate expressed his admiration for Pope Francis, and said that “never before have our churches had so many things in common.” He looked forward to a time when ‘our historical disagreements cease to play a critical role.”
• In Rome, meanwhile, after meeting with Pope Francis, Metropolitan Hilarion, the top ecumenical officer of the Moscow Patriarchate disclosed that negotiations have begun to arrange a meeting between the Pope and Patriarch Kirill “in a neutral country.”

Read more by clicking below:
Warmer Rome-Moscow relations produce new talk of Pope- Patriarch 'summit meeting' : News Headlines - Catholic Culture

Cardinal assures traditionalists of Pope’s support for Extraordinary Form : News Headlines - Catholic Culture

The following excerpts are from Catholic Culture's Catholic World News:

• The former prefect of the Congregation for the Clergy has told a traditionalist group that Pope Francis has no intention of restricting access to the Extraordinary Form of the Latin liturgy.
• “I met Pope Francis very recently and he told me that he has no problem with the old rite, and neither does he have any problem with lay groups and associations like yours that promote it,” Cardinal Dario Castrillon Hoyos told members of Una Voce International (FIUV), who were in Rome for a general assembly.

Read more by clicking below:
Cardinal assures traditionalists of Pope’s support for Extraordinary Form : News Headlines - Catholic Culture

Confirmed: Putin to meet with Pope Francis : News Headlines - Catholic Culture

The following excerpts are from Catholic Culture's Catholic World News:

• The Vatican has confirmed that Pope Francis will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin later this month.
• The meeting will take place on November 25, although details are not yet in place and an exact time has not been set.

Read more by clicking below:
Confirmed: Putin to meet with Pope Francis : News Headlines - Catholic Culture

Largest massacre of Christians in Syrian conflict : News Headlines - Catholic Culture

The following excerpts are from CatholicCulture's Catholic World News:

• Rebel forces massacred 45 Christians in the west-central Syrian town of Sadad, according to Syrian Orthodox Archbishop Selwanos Boutros Alnemeh.
• Islamist rebels entered the town on October 21; a week later, it was captured by government forces.
• “What happened in Sadad is the most serious and biggest massacre of Christians in Syria in the past two years and a half,” said the prelate, according to the Fides news service. “45 innocent civilians were martyred for no reason, and among them several women and children, many thrown into mass graves. Other civilians were threatened and terrorized. 30 were wounded and 10 are still missing.”

Read more by clicking below:

Largest massacre of Christians in Syrian conflict : News Headlines - Catholic Culture

Pope Francis' Prayer Intentions For November 2013

Vatican City, 31 October 2013 (VIS) – Pope Francis' prayer intention for November is: “That priests who experience difficulties may find comfort in their suffering, support in their doubts, and confirmation in their fidelity”.


His mission intention is: “That as fruit of the continental mission, Latin American Churches may send missionaries to other Churches”.

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

Catholic News Herald - Former Lutheran pastor converts to Catholicism - Catholic News from around the country and world

The following excerpts are from the Catholic News Herald of Charlotte, N.C. by reporter SueAnn Howell:

HENDERSONVILLE — Dr. Paul Cates is proof that you are never too old to follow your heart and the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Cates, now in his 70s, is a doctor and former Lutheran pastor who is an avid reader and researcher. He and his son, Dr. Kirk Cates, are in practice together, working with patients who suffer from attention deficit disorder and learning disabilities.

Cates has also been active in homeschooling initiatives for more than 35 years and runs Faith Christian Ministries, where he is known as "homeschool's education doctor."

He will be the first to tell you that he's not one to shrug off the truth when it stares you in the face.

"I have been a pastor for 50-plus years. I have always believed in the Eucharist, that it is the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ," Cates said. "I have always preached that and celebrated it as such."

Read more by clicking below:

Catholic News Herald - Former Lutheran pastor converts to Catholicism - Catholic News from around the country and world

Yes, Virginia, I Do Have A Blog Roll

Some long time readers and followers of "Faith of the Fathers Blogs" are probably familiar with the items in our sidebars. However, many who only read the blog posts with a feed/news reader or a mobile device (such as an iPhone) never see the sidebar items (which is why you should visit us with a computer occasionally) at all.

In particular, I want to call your attention to the sidebar item (on the right hand side bar) "MY FAVORITE BLOGS (LISTED BY MOST RECENT POST)". This is more or less a blog roll, where I link to some good, solid Catholic blogs and bloggers that you may not be aware of, and would find good reading (when your not here, that is) and good information as well.

The two newest additions are the Catholic apologist Tim Staples, and his blog, appropriately entitled, "Tim Staples", and Father Tim Finigan's blog, "The hermeneutic of continuity". Both are well worth the time to read, as are all the blogs listed there quite frankly..

There are also a lot of well known blogs and bloggers listed here as well as some well known Catholics whom you may not have been aware of as also having blogs.

These include Timothy Cardinal Dolan's "The Gospel In The Digital Age"; Father Robert Barron's "Word On Fire"; Father John Zuhlsdorf's "Fr. Z's Blog" (formerly called "What Does the Prayer Really Say?"); Priests for Life's "Father Frank Pavone's Blog"; Father Juan Velez's (author of "Passion For Truth: The Life of John Henry Newman) blog "Cardinal John Henry Newman"; Jimmy Akin's blog, “Jimmy Akin”; Sofia Guerra's “Always Catholic”; Lisa Graas' “Catholic Bandita”; Taylor Marshall's “Taylor Marshall”; and more than I have time to post about here.

As I said, all have great posts, not just the ones I mentioned here, but all of them that are in "MY FAVORITE BLOGS (LISTED BY MOST RECENT POST)" on the right hand sidebar. Give their stats a boost and visit them all. You won't regret it!

Starting Sunday, October 20 On Favorite Prayers and Scripture Blog

On Sunday, October 20, 2013 I will be praying a Novena To Saint Jude the Apostle, which will end on the feast day of Saint Jude and Saint Simon, on October 28.

Saint Jude is the patron of lost or desperate causes, and several reasons are given for this patronage. Click here to read more on "Favorite Prayers and Scripture".

Day 9 - Immaculate Heart of Mary Novena

Immaculate Virgin, by the holy will of your Son my Lord Jesus Christ, you are my Mother in Heaven. Your Immaculate Heart is full of love, mercy and compassion for sinners like me. I ask that you intercede for me today for...

(mention your prayer intentions)

I trust in your intercession before the throne of God for my needs. Please pray also that if my requests are not in accordance with the will of God, that I may be, like you, conformed to His will and not my own.

Hail Mary...

Immaculate Heart of Mary. Pray for us!

Amen.

Act of Consecration by Pope Pius XII

Most Holy Virgin Mary, tender Mother of men, to fulfill the desires of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the request of the Vicar of Your Son on earth, we consecrate ourselves and our families to your Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart, O Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, and we recommend to You, all the people of our country and all the world.

Please accept our consecration, dearest Mother, and use us as You wish to accomplish Your designs in the world.

O Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, and Queen of the World, rule over us, together with the Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ, Our King. Save us from the spreading flood of modern paganism; kindle in our hearts and homes the love of purity, the practice of a virtuous life, an ardent zeal for souls, and a desire to pray the Rosary more faithfully.

We come with confidence to You, O Throne of Grace and Mother of Fair Love. Inflame us with the same Divine Fire which has inflamed Your own Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart. Make our hearts and homes Your shrine, and through us, make the Heart of Jesus, together with your rule, triumph in every heart and home.

Amen.

Day 8 - Immaculate Heart of Mary Novena

Immaculate Virgin, by the holy will of your Son my Lord Jesus Christ, you are my Mother in Heaven. Your Immaculate Heart is full of love, mercy and compassion for sinners like me. I ask that you intercede for me today for...

(mention your prayer intentions)

I trust in your intercession before the throne of God for my needs. Please pray also that if my requests are not in accordance with the will of God, that I may be, like you, conformed to His will and not my own.

Hail Mary...

Immaculate Heart of Mary. Pray for us!

Amen.

Act of Consecration by Pope Pius XII

Most Holy Virgin Mary, tender Mother of men, to fulfill the desires of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the request of the Vicar of Your Son on earth, we consecrate ourselves and our families to your Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart, O Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, and we recommend to You, all the people of our country and all the world.

Please accept our consecration, dearest Mother, and use us as You wish to accomplish Your designs in the world.

O Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, and Queen of the World, rule over us, together with the Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ, Our King. Save us from the spreading flood of modern paganism; kindle in our hearts and homes the love of purity, the practice of a virtuous life, an ardent zeal for souls, and a desire to pray the Rosary more faithfully.

We come with confidence to You, O Throne of Grace and Mother of Fair Love. Inflame us with the same Divine Fire which has inflamed Your own Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart. Make our hearts and homes Your shrine, and through us, make the Heart of Jesus, together with your rule, triumph in every heart and home.

Amen.

Turkish officials may return ancient monastery’s land : News Headlines

The following excerpts are from Catholic Culture's Catholic World News:

• The Assembly of Foundations, a Turkish governmental body, has approved the return of lands belonging to Mor Gabriel Monastery, a Syriac Orthodox monastery found in 397, the Istanbul-based Hürriyet Daily News reported.

Read more by clicking below:
Turkish officials may return ancient monastery’s land : News Headlines

Day 7 - Immaculate Heart of Mary Novena

Immaculate Virgin, by the holy will of your Son my Lord Jesus Christ, you are my Mother in Heaven. Your Immaculate Heart is full of love, mercy and compassion for sinners like me. I ask that you intercede for me today for...

(mention your prayer intentions)

I trust in your intercession before the throne of God for my needs. Please pray also that if my requests are not in accordance with the will of God, that I may be, like you, conformed to His will and not my own.

Hail Mary...

Immaculate Heart of Mary. Pray for us!

Amen.

Act of Consecration by Pope Pius XII

Most Holy Virgin Mary, tender Mother of men, to fulfill the desires of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the request of the Vicar of Your Son on earth, we consecrate ourselves and our families to your Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart, O Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, and we recommend to You, all the people of our country and all the world.

Please accept our consecration, dearest Mother, and use us as You wish to accomplish Your designs in the world.

O Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, and Queen of the World, rule over us, together with the Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ, Our King. Save us from the spreading flood of modern paganism; kindle in our hearts and homes the love of purity, the practice of a virtuous life, an ardent zeal for souls, and a desire to pray the Rosary more faithfully.

We come with confidence to You, O Throne of Grace and Mother of Fair Love. Inflame us with the same Divine Fire which has inflamed Your own Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart. Make our hearts and homes Your shrine, and through us, make the Heart of Jesus, together with your rule, triumph in every heart and home.

Amen.

Assyrian Christian Leader Welcomes Chaldean Catholic Patriarch's Overture

The following excerpts are from AINA.org:

• Mar Dinkha IV, the head of the Assyrian Church of the East since 1976, has responded positively to an ecumenical overture by Patriarch Louis Raphaël I Sako, the head of the Chaldean Catholic Church since February.
• The Assyrian Church of the East, now headquartered in Illinois, ceased to be in full communion with the Holy See following the Council of Ephesus in 431. The Chaldean Catholic Church, headquartered in Baghdad, arose in the sixteenth century when some Assyrian bishops sought the restoration of full communion with the Roman Pontiff. Each Eastern church has approximately 400,000 members.

Read more by clicking below:
Assyrian Christian Leader Welcomes Chaldean Catholic Patriarch's Overture

Coffee....Chocolates....And More Coffee!

I already let readers of this blog know that the Pumpkin Spice flavored coffee (available ground regular, ground decaf, and whole bean regular) is now available for this season from Mystic Monk Coffee. So, the good Carmelite Monks of Wyoming decided not to stop with Pumpkin Spice coffee....nope....they now have some new Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Malt Balls (maybe I should mention that chocolate is my favorite vegetable)!

The Mystic Monk website description of this says:  

"The malt center is enveloped by layers of milk chocolate and creamy pumpkin spice, making one of the best candies you'll ever taste!  We only have a small number of these malts, so make sure you order soon so you don't miss out!"

Also readily available are two popular coffees for this time of year: the Cinnamon Coffee Cake (available ground regular, ground decaf, and whole bean regular), and the Thanksgiving Blend (available ground regular, and whole bean regular) flavored coffees.

The flavored coffees are always very popular, and tend to go very fast, and I expect the Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Malt Balls will be gone quickly as well. So get your orders in while you can, and remember...your order of Mystic Monk Coffee (and tea) helps support the monastery of the Carmelite Monks of Wyoming!

Day 6 - Immaculate Heart of Mary Novena

Immaculate Virgin, by the holy will of your Son my Lord Jesus Christ, you are my Mother in Heaven. Your Immaculate Heart is full of love, mercy and compassion for sinners like me. I ask that you intercede for me today for...

(mention your prayer intentions)

I trust in your intercession before the throne of God for my needs. Please pray also that if my requests are not in accordance with the will of God, that I may be, like you, conformed to His will and not my own.

Hail Mary...

Immaculate Heart of Mary. Pray for us!

Amen.

Act of Consecration by Pope Pius XII

Most Holy Virgin Mary, tender Mother of men, to fulfill the desires of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the request of the Vicar of Your Son on earth, we consecrate ourselves and our families to your Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart, O Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, and we recommend to You, all the people of our country and all the world.

Please accept our consecration, dearest Mother, and use us as You wish to accomplish Your designs in the world.

O Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, and Queen of the World, rule over us, together with the Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ, Our King. Save us from the spreading flood of modern paganism; kindle in our hearts and homes the love of purity, the practice of a virtuous life, an ardent zeal for souls, and a desire to pray the Rosary more faithfully.

We come with confidence to You, O Throne of Grace and Mother of Fair Love. Inflame us with the same Divine Fire which has inflamed Your own Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart. Make our hearts and homes Your shrine, and through us, make the Heart of Jesus, together with your rule, triumph in every heart and home.

Amen.

Day 5 - Immaculate Heart of Mary Novena

Immaculate Virgin, by the holy will of your Son my Lord Jesus Christ, you are my Mother in Heaven. Your Immaculate Heart is full of love, mercy and compassion for sinners like me. I ask that you intercede for me today for...

(mention your prayer intentions)

I trust in your intercession before the throne of God for my needs. Please pray also that if my requests are not in accordance with the will of God, that I may be, like you, conformed to His will and not my own.

Hail Mary...

Immaculate Heart of Mary. Pray for us!

Amen.

Act of Consecration by Pope Pius XII

Most Holy Virgin Mary, tender Mother of men, to fulfill the desires of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the request of the Vicar of Your Son on earth, we consecrate ourselves and our families to your Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart, O Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, and we recommend to You, all the people of our country and all the world.

Please accept our consecration, dearest Mother, and use us as You wish to accomplish Your designs in the world.

O Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, and Queen of the World, rule over us, together with the Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ, Our King. Save us from the spreading flood of modern paganism; kindle in our hearts and homes the love of purity, the practice of a virtuous life, an ardent zeal for souls, and a desire to pray the Rosary more faithfully.

We come with confidence to You, O Throne of Grace and Mother of Fair Love. Inflame us with the same Divine Fire which has inflamed Your own Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart. Make our hearts and homes Your shrine, and through us, make the Heart of Jesus, together with your rule, triumph in every heart and home.

Amen.

Day 4 - Immaculate Heart of Mary Novena

Immaculate Virgin, by the holy will of your Son my Lord Jesus Christ, you are my Mother in Heaven. Your Immaculate Heart is full of love, mercy and compassion for sinners like me. I ask that you intercede for me today for...

(mention your prayer intentions)

I trust in your intercession before the throne of God for my needs. Please pray also that if my requests are not in accordance with the will of God, that I may be, like you, conformed to His will and not my own.

Hail Mary...

Immaculate Heart of Mary. Pray for us!

Amen.

Act of Consecration by Pope Pius XII

Most Holy Virgin Mary, tender Mother of men, to fulfill the desires of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the request of the Vicar of Your Son on earth, we consecrate ourselves and our families to your Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart, O Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, and we recommend to You, all the people of our country and all the world.

Please accept our consecration, dearest Mother, and use us as You wish to accomplish Your designs in the world.

O Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, and Queen of the World, rule over us, together with the Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ, Our King. Save us from the spreading flood of modern paganism; kindle in our hearts and homes the love of purity, the practice of a virtuous life, an ardent zeal for souls, and a desire to pray the Rosary more faithfully.

We come with confidence to You, O Throne of Grace and Mother of Fair Love. Inflame us with the same Divine Fire which has inflamed Your own Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart. Make our hearts and homes Your shrine, and through us, make the Heart of Jesus, together with your rule, triumph in every heart and home.

Amen.

Day 3 - Immaculate Heart of Mary Novena

Immaculate Virgin, by the holy will of your Son my Lord Jesus Christ, you are my Mother in Heaven. Your Immaculate Heart is full of love, mercy and compassion for sinners like me. I ask that you intercede for me today for...

(mention your prayer intentions)

I trust in your intercession before the throne of God for my needs. Please pray also that if my requests are not in accordance with the will of God, that I may be, like you, conformed to His will and not my own.

Hail Mary...

Immaculate Heart of Mary. Pray for us!

Amen.

Act of Consecration by Pope Pius XII

Most Holy Virgin Mary, tender Mother of men, to fulfill the desires of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the request of the Vicar of Your Son on earth, we consecrate ourselves and our families to your Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart, O Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, and we recommend to You, all the people of our country and all the world.

Please accept our consecration, dearest Mother, and use us as You wish to accomplish Your designs in the world.

O Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, and Queen of the World, rule over us, together with the Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ, Our King. Save us from the spreading flood of modern paganism; kindle in our hearts and homes the love of purity, the practice of a virtuous life, an ardent zeal for souls, and a desire to pray the Rosary more faithfully.

We come with confidence to You, O Throne of Grace and Mother of Fair Love. Inflame us with the same Divine Fire which has inflamed Your own Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart. Make our hearts and homes Your shrine, and through us, make the Heart of Jesus, together with your rule, triumph in every heart and home.

Amen.

Day 2 - Immaculate Heart of Mary Novena

Immaculate Virgin, by the holy will of your Son my Lord Jesus Christ, you are my Mother in Heaven. Your Immaculate Heart is full of love, mercy and compassion for sinners like me. I ask that you intercede for me today for...

(mention your prayer intentions)

I trust in your intercession before the throne of God for my needs. Please pray also that if my requests are not in accordance with the will of God, that I may be, like you, conformed to His will and not my own.

Hail Mary...

Immaculate Heart of Mary. Pray for us!

Amen.

Act of Consecration by Pope Pius XII

Most Holy Virgin Mary, tender Mother of men, to fulfill the desires of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the request of the Vicar of Your Son on earth, we consecrate ourselves and our families to your Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart, O Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, and we recommend to You, all the people of our country and all the world.

Please accept our consecration, dearest Mother, and use us as You wish to accomplish Your designs in the world.

O Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, and Queen of the World, rule over us, together with the Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ, Our King. Save us from the spreading flood of modern paganism; kindle in our hearts and homes the love of purity, the practice of a virtuous life, an ardent zeal for souls, and a desire to pray the Rosary more faithfully.

We come with confidence to You, O Throne of Grace and Mother of Fair Love. Inflame us with the same Divine Fire which has inflamed Your own Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart. Make our hearts and homes Your shrine, and through us, make the Heart of Jesus, together with your rule, triumph in every heart and home.

Amen.

Day 1 - Immaculate Heart of Mary Novena

Immaculate Virgin, by the holy will of your Son my Lord Jesus Christ, you are my Mother in Heaven. Your Immaculate Heart is full of love, mercy and compassion for sinners like me. I ask that you intercede for me today for...

(mention your prayer intentions)

I trust in your intercession before the throne of God for my needs. Please pray also that if my requests are not in accordance with the will of God, that I may be, like you, conformed to His will and not my own.

Hail Mary...

Immaculate Heart of Mary. Pray for us!

Amen.

Act of Consecration by Pope Pius XII

Most Holy Virgin Mary, tender Mother of men, to fulfill the desires of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the request of the Vicar of Your Son on earth, we consecrate ourselves and our families to your Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart, O Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, and we recommend to You, all the people of our country and all the world.

Please accept our consecration, dearest Mother, and use us as You wish to accomplish Your designs in the world.

O Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, and Queen of the World, rule over us, together with the Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ, Our King. Save us from the spreading flood of modern paganism; kindle in our hearts and homes the love of purity, the practice of a virtuous life, an ardent zeal for souls, and a desire to pray the Rosary more faithfully.

We come with confidence to You, O Throne of Grace and Mother of Fair Love. Inflame us with the same Divine Fire which has inflamed Your own Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart. Make our hearts and homes Your shrine, and through us, make the Heart of Jesus, together with your rule, triumph in every heart and home.

Amen.

From The Dignitatis Humanae Institute: "False Charity Not To Excommunicate Visibly Pro-Abortion Politicians"

Note: The following is a press release from The Dignitatis Humanae Institute

Rome, 03 October 2013

Commentating on the heated debate on whether Holy Communion should be withheld from Catholic politicians who support abortion or euthanasia legislation, Luca Volontè, a Catholic Italian statesman with 20 years of experience affirmed: "It is simply a falsehood to believe one can readily divorce one's faith from personal involvement in public policy. To do so is to fail both God and one's neighbour, and stand complicit in grave sin. The Church teaches that pro-abortion politicians have already automatically excommunicated themselves ("latae sententiae"). It is therefore an act of false charity not to make this situation publicly manifest, because it deprives the person of receiving the most serious warning that they need to correct their behaviour, thus leading him/her into the erroneous belief that the Church might tacitly support such legislation."

The comments follow an interview from His Eminence Cardinal Burke, Prefect of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura, the highest court position in the Vatican. In the interview with The Wanderer, the Vatican's most senior American spoke of the inability to reconcile pro-abortion Catholic politicians with their worthiness to receive Holy Communion: "it is a contradiction, it is wrong, it is a scandal, and it must stop! We live in a culture with a false sense of dialogue - which has also crept into the Church - where we pretend to dialogue about open and egregious violations of the moral law."

Despite vociferous criticism from the liberal commentariat of this dogmatic approach, Cardinal Burke, who also serves as the President of the Advisory Board of the Dignitatis Humanae Institute, simply reiterates Church teaching as found in Canon Law and outlined by the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith by the then Cardinal Ratzinger in Worthiness to Receive Holy Communion: General Principles. The memorandum states: "Regarding the grave sin of abortion or euthanasia, when a person's formal cooperation becomes manifest (understood, in the case of a Catholic politician, as his consistently campaigning and voting for permissive abortion and euthanasia laws), his Pastor should meet with him, instructing him about the Church's teaching, informing him that he is not to present himself for Holy Communion until he brings to an end the objective situation of sin, and warning him that he will otherwise be denied the Eucharist."

In Ireland, the Catholic priests who have followed the memorandum's directives in response to the recent legislation sanctioning abortion have been met with howls of outrage from culpable Irish politicians who seek to divest themselves of their faith and moral responsibility whilst engaged in politics. Mr Volontè noted, "As Catholics in public office, often faced with the seemingly overwhelming pressure to submit ourselves to the party whip, we should in that moment seek inspiration from St Thomas More, the patron saint of politicians, who demonstrated with his life that God and morality cannot be separated from man and politics; "man is created by God, and therefore human rights have their origin in God, are based upon the design of creation and form part of the plan of redemption. One might even dare to say that the rights of man are also the rights of God." "

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.

Pope Francis' Prayer Intentions For October 2013

The Pope's general prayer intention for October is: “That those feeling so crushed by life that they wish to end it may sense the nearness of God's love.”

His mission intention is: “That the celebration of World Mission Day may help all Christians realize that we are not only receivers but proclaimers of God's word.”

Novena to the Immaculate Heart of Mary

On October 13, Pope Francis is planning a Marian Day celebration at the Vatican and at this event he plans to consecrate the world to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

As such, PrayMoreNovenas.com is organizing a novena as a way to join in unity with the Holy Father and prepare for this event.

So, beginning on October 4, Faith of the Fathers Blogs, and I will be joining more than 63,000 Catholics to pray the Novena to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

Won't you join us for this important event? You can sign up to receive email reminders to get the novena prayers here:

http://www.praymorenovenas.com/novena-immaculate-heart-mary

The Silence of Our Friends -- the Extinction of Christianity in the Middle East

The following excerpts are from AINA.org:

• The last month and a half has seen perhaps the worst anti-Christian violence in Egypt in seven centuries, with dozens of churches torched. Yet the western media has mainly focussed on army assaults on the Muslim Brotherhood, and no major political figure has said anything about the sectarian attacks.
• Last week at the National Liberal Club there was a discussion asking why the American and British press have ignored or under-reported this persecution, and (in some people's minds) given a distorted narrative of what is happening.
• Among the four speakers was the frighteningly impressive Betsy Hiel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, who has spent years in Egypt and covered Iraq and Afghanistan. There were lots of stories of Muslims protecting Christian neighbours, but there were also incidents with frightening echoes; Hiel described a man riding on his bike past a burned down church and laughing, which brought to my mind the scene in Schindler's List when local Poles make throat-slitting gestures to Jews en route to Auschwitz.
• Some of this has been reported, but the focus has been on the violence committed against the Brotherhood. Judging by the accounts given by one of the other speakers, Nina Shea of the Center for Religious Freedom, the American press is even more blind, and their government not much better; when Mubarak was overthrown one US agency assessed the Muslim Brotherhood as being 'essentially secular'.
• The night ended with historian Tom Holland declaring sadly that we are now seeing the extinction of Christianity and other minority faiths in the Middle East. As he pointed out, it's the culmination of the long process that began in the Balkans in the late 19th century, reached its horrific European climax in 1939-1945, and continued with the Greeks of Alexandria, the Mizrahi Jews and most recently the Chaldo-Assyrian Christians of Iraq. The Copts may have the numbers to hold on, Holland said, and the Jews of Israel, but can anyone else?

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The Silence of Our Friends -- the Extinction of Christianity in the Middle East

Obama Must Increase Egyptian Pressure to Protect Christians, USCIRF Declares

The following excerpts are from AINA.org:

• President Barack Obama must increase pressure on the Egyptian interim government to protect Christians who have been violently targeted in the past couple of months, urges a letter sent by the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) on Monday.
• "I respectfully urge you to speak out clearly and forcefully about the unprecedented sectarian attacks committed against Christians in Egypt that proliferated at a frenetic pace on August 14 and the immediate days thereafter," wrote USCIRF Chairman Robert P. George.
• "It also is vitally important that the Egyptian interim government understands from you that it must promptly and thoroughly investigate violent incidents, prosecute perpetrators to the fullest extent of the law, and provide greater protections for Christians and their places of worship."
• While Obama has repeatedly spoken out against the violence in Egypt following the ousting of former President Mohamed Morsi, Coptic Christians have found themselves targeted by Islamic mobs blaming them for taking part in the protests that led to the government change. Muslim Brotherhood-backed attacks on Christians resulted in fatalities, as well as burnt down churches, monasteries, Christian schools and book stores.
• Both the Islamic protesters and the interim government have been blamed for using excessive force, which has led to thousands of Egyptians losing their lives, leading to a state of emergency in the African country.
• "We were deeply troubled that leaders and supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood tolerated or even encouraged incitement against Christians, and that the interim authorities stood by or were slow to react when attacks occurred," George continues.
• "The extent and scope of attacks since August 14 have resulted in the sectarian-related killings of at least seven Copts and attacks on more than 130 churches and Christian religious structures, homes, and businesses."
• The letter to Obama adds that Morsi's leadership, which began in June 2012, had been marked by sectarian rhetoric targeting religious minorities, including Copts and other Christians, Shi'a, Sufis, and Baha'is. It also says that although Muslim Brotherhood leaders have called for peace in official statements, their supporters who have turned to violence have been tolerated and even encouraged at times.

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Obama Must Increase Egyptian Pressure to Protect Christians, USCIRF Declares

Get Ready For Pumpkin Spice Coffee

Note: It's back! For those of you who love the flavors of pumpkin, spices, and coffee, the Carmelite Monks of Wyoming have ready their Mystic Monk Coffee Pumpkin Spice coffee. A great flavored coffee for fall and those cooler fall mornings!

It's getting to be that time of year when people start looking towards the holidays and begin to think about the flavors and scents of the season. Just in time, the good Carmelite Monks of Wyoming are offering their Mystic Monk Coffee Pumpkin Spice flavored coffee.

The good monks at Mystic Monk Coffee say on their web site:

"Smooth and sweet! The creamy pumpkin flavor melds perfectly with cloves and aromatic spices, finishing with a warming aftertaste that will make even the coldest fall day cozy. It's especially delicious when topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg."

So get yours now while the supply is good. It is available in ground regular, whole bean, and ground decaffeinated. You can also find their other flavored coffees here.

Chaldean Catholic Patriarch urges Assyrian counterpart: restore full unity : News Headlines - Catholic Culture

The following excerpts are from Catholic Culture's Catholic World News:

• The leader of the Chaldean Catholic Church has written to his counterpart in the Assyrian Church of the East, proposing that they bring their churches into full communion.
• Chaldean Patriarch Louis Raphael I Sako sent a birthday greeting to the Assyrian Patriarch Mar Dinkha IV, and suggested that the two Eastern churches should “begin dialogue for unity, which is the desire of Jesus.” Full union with the Chaldean Church would also bring the Assyrian Church into union with the Holy See, he noted.

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Chaldean Catholic Patriarch urges Assyrian counterpart: restore full unity : News Headlines - Catholic Culture

Op-Ed Writer For WSJ On Syrian War Lied About PhD From Georgetown

Do you remember Elizabeth O'Bagy? Let me refresh your memory. She is the 26 year old "Syrian researcher" who penned an op-ed piece for the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), that was later cited by both Secretary of State John Kerry and Senator John McCain during congressional hearings about the use of force in Syria. Ms. O'Bagy was initially represented as a "senior analyst" at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), and was referred to as "Dr. O'Bagy" by Senator McCain when he read from her piece to Secretary Kerry during last Tuesday's senate hearings. Then the next day, Kerry, during the House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing, described her article as "very interesting" and urged committee members to read it

It was later proven that Ms. O'Bagy was not only a "senior analyst" (at age 26?) at ISW, BUT, "Ms. O’Bagy is affiliated with the Syrian Emergency Task Force, a nonprofit operating as a 501(c)(3) pending IRS approval that subcontracts with the U.S. and British governments to provide aid to the Syrian opposition,” from the WSJ clarification added later to the article.

Now we have the following news from Politico, that shows that the woman Kerry and McCain both found so "knowledgable" LIED about having a PhD. from Georgetown University, and was fired from ISW. So let me ask you. Do you think whether or not the USA should go to war, be it Syria or anyplace else, should hinge on the advice from any 26 year old? I certainly do not.

I am sure we can look forward to more incompetence to come from members of the Obama administration, as well as Senators like McCain And Graham.

Read more from Politico here: http://www.politico.com/story/2013/09/wall-street-journal-elizabeth-obagy-fired-96637.html#ixzz2ecAfxYw8

Blog Posts For Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Saint Quote: Saint Nicholas of Tolentino -

 See more at: http://faithofthefatherssaintquote.blogspot.com/2013/09/saint-quote-saint-nicholas-of-tolentino.html

Catholic Mass Readings For Tuesday, September 10, 2013 -

See more at: http://faithofthefathersreadings.blogspot.com/#sthash.G4Txcbrj.dpuf

News Vatican Information Service 09/07 - 09/09/2013 -

See more at: http://faithofthefatherspopeandchurch.blogspot.com/#sthash.HhVtA9Zv.dpuf

Blog Posts For Monday, September 9, 2013

Catholic Mass Readings For Monday, September 09, 2013 - See more at: http://faithofthefathersreadings.blogspot.com/#sthash.KgWAUdIi.dpuf

Saint Quote: Saint Peter Claver - See more at: http://faithofthefatherssaintquote.blogspot.com/2013/09/saint-quote-saint-peter-claver.html

From The Dignitatis Humanae Institute: DHI Warns G20 Summit: "Blood for Blood" is no Pathway to Peace in Syria

Note: The following is a press release from The Dignitatis Humanae Institute

Rome, 6 September 2013

 

Speaking in Rome for his hopes of a genuine political effort to end the Syrian conflict, Luca Volontè stated: "The proposals for outside military intervention currently debated within Western media circles and the corridors of power promise an increase to the kill count whilst offering no applicable roadmap to a cessation of the conflict.  The calls for stand-off missile strikes represent the misguided thinking of 'something must be done, this is something, therefore we must do it.'  These reprisals will only add to the distress of a besieged population, blood for blood is not the solution to the Syrian conflict."

Noting the breakdown of communication between key UNSC power-brokers, Mr Volontè appealed for both sides to re-engage in negotiation: 

"Rather than an upsurge in intra-state warfare, efforts would be far better concentrated on assisting the displaced refugees and redoubling efforts towards a political solution.  An attempt to end this war by military victory for either side will only lead to violent reprisals against the vanquished and the descent into never-ending sectarianism.

The Dignitatis Humanae Institute appeals and adds its voice to His Holiness Pope Francis in calling for a ceasefire and the return to peace talks.  The international community has a pivotal role to play in bringing both sides back to the negotiating table in an effort to find a workable political solution."

Luca Volontè also expressed concern for the two arch-bishops, Paul Yazigi and Yohanna Ibrahim, who remain missing following their kidnapping.  The overwhelming majority of rebel-held territory is now ruled under Shariah Law, and the hunting of Christian clergy has become widespread.  Under Islamist rule, any Christian found within this territory is now required to pay the jizya, a punitive fine dealt against non-Muslims.  Mr Volontè noted; "Until anarchy and Islamism give way to pluralism and stability, the overlooked human tragedy of Syria's Christians will continue to until their elimination."

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.

Chocolate Carmel Coffee

Just a quick post, to let you know that Mystic Monk Coffee now has a brand new flavored coffee, Chocolate Carmel. It will only be available for the month of September. It is available in ground regular and decaf, and whole bean regular. You can see it here.

Also, for those who like to use a press for their coffee, Mystic Monk Coffee has a new, larger 32 ounce Monk Press available. It has double wall stainless steel construction to keep your coffee warm for hours. 

There are also some new Monk Vaults for storing your coffee and keeping it fresh.

John McCain and 'Allahu Akbar'

The following excerpts are from AINA.org:

• Tuesday morning, Senator John McCain (R-AZ) got a bit hot under the collar when Brian Kilmeade of Fox News noted that the Syrian rebels whom Barack Obama and McCain want to aid militarily were shouting "Allahu akbar! Allahu akbar!" as rockets hit Syrian government offices. McCain's response to Kilmeade demonstrated not only his ignorance of Islam, but his abysmal misjudgment of what is happening in Syria. And on the basis of that ignorance, he is aiding Obama's rush to yet another war.
• "I have a problem," Kilmeade said, "helping those people screaming that after a hit." That incensed McCain, who shot back: "Would you have a problem with an American or Christians saying 'thank God? Thank God?' That's what they're saying. Come on! Of course they're Muslims, but they're moderates and I guarantee you they are moderates."
• Wrong on all counts. In the first place, it does not mean "thank God," as McCain seems to have affirmed when he said, "That's what they're saying." Allahu akbar means "Allah is greater" -- not, as it is often translated, "God is great." The significance of this is enormous, as it is essentially a proclamation of superiority and supremacism. Allah is greater -- than any of the gods of the infidels, and Islam is superior to all other religions.
• Al-Islam.org states this obliquely: "Allahu akbar implies that God is superior to all tangible and intangible, temporal and celestial beings." This may seem to be an innocuous theological statement until one recalls that Islam has always had a political aspect, and Islamic jihadists always shout "Allahu akbar" when attacking infidels. It is a declaration of the superiority of their god and their way of life over those of their victims. 9/11 hijacker Mohamed Atta also stated that it was meant to make the infidels afraid. He wrote instructions to jihadists that were found in his baggage: "Shout, 'Allahu Akbar,' because this strikes fear in the hearts of the non-believers."

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John McCain and 'Allahu Akbar'

Pope Francis' Prayer Intentions For September 2013

The Pope's general prayer intention for September is: “That people today, often overwhelmed by noise, may rediscover the value of silence and listen to the voice of God and their brothers and sisters.”

His mission intention is: “That Christians suffering persecution in many parts of the world may by their witness be prophets of Christ's love.”

Syrian Minister: US Strike on Syria 'Would Benefit Al-Qaeda'

The following excerpts are from AINA.org:

• Any US military action against Syria would amount to "support for al-Qaeda and its affiliates," Damascus has said.
• Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad also told the BBC that armed groups backed by America - not Syrian troops - had used chemical weapons.
• The US says it has evidence that Damascus used the nerve agent sarin in a deadly attack in August.
• President Barack Obama has vowed punitive action but wants Congress to vote on the issue first.

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Syrian Minister: US Strike on Syria 'Would Benefit Al-Qaeda'

A Troubling Call From Syria

The following excerpts are from AINA:

• Early this morning [August 26] I received a phone call from Mary, a friend in Sweden who was born in Syria. She wanted me to check my Facebook account. A young Syrian woman, Nour, wanted to become friends with me. I accepted the request. A minute later, Nour wrote me her first message. She had pictures from Tabqa, a town that was totally emptied of Christian Assyrians [AINA 8-2-2013, 8-4-2013, 8-9-2013]. Nour also had the contact information of victims of fundamentalist Islam. They, the victims, want the world to know what has happened to them. A group of non-Syrian Mujahedeen drove them out of their homes.The message from the perpetrators was "convert to Islam or leave". I called one of the victims, and heard horrifying stories about religious and ethnic cleansing.
• Christians in Syria are a vulnerable group. They comprise approximately 8 percent of the population. Tabqa used to be a modern city with cinemas, hairdressers, fashion boutiques and restaurants. Now it is driven by men in beards who no longer allow any of that.
• An hour after my interview with that refugee, US Secretary of State John Kerry declared "there must be accountability" on behalf of the victims of a chemical weapon attack. Considering all the evidence emerging from witnesses, from images, from human-rights groups and from medical information provided by Doctors Without Borders, Kerry said "these all strongly indicate" that "chemical weapsons were used in Syria," and that they were fired by the Syrian government.
• Doctors Without Borders didnt' appreciate its medical reports being used as a justification for possible military action. It issued a statement stressing that only "an independent investigation" can determine whether the hundreds of boides arriving at hospitals Aug. 21 were killed by chemical weapons, and that the organization has not placed blame anywhere.

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A Troubling Call From Syria

Syrian Rebels Used Sarin Nerve Gas, Not Assad's Regime: U.N. Official

The following excerpts are from Assyrian International News Agency:

• Testimony from victims strongly suggests it was the rebels, not the Syrian government, that used Sarin nerve gas during a recent incident in the revolution-wracked nation, a senior U.N. diplomat said Monday.
• Carla del Ponte, a member of the U.N. Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria, told Swiss TV there were "strong, concrete suspicions but not yet incontrovertible proof," that rebels seeking to oust Syrian strongman Bashar al-Assad had used the nerve agent.
• But she said her panel had not yet seen any evidence of Syrian government forces using chemical weapons, according to the BBC, but she added that more investigation was needed.
• Damascus has recently facing growing Western accusations that its forces used such weapons, which President Obama has described as crossing a red line. But Ms. del Ponte's remarks may serve to shift the focus of international concern.

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Syrian Rebels Used Sarin Nerve Gas, Not Assad's Regime: U.N. Official

Syrian Bishop Warns Intervention Could Spark 'World War'

The following excerpts are from Assyrian International News Agency:

• A Syrian Chaldean Catholic bishop on Monday warned that an armed intervention in Syria could unleash a "world war", while the Vatican's official newspaper called for more "prudence" from Western powers.
• "If there is an armed intervention, that would mean, I believe, a world war. That risk has returned," Monsignor Antoine Audo of Aleppo told Vatican radio.
• "We hope that the pope's call for real dialogue between the warring parties to find a solution can be a first step to stop the fighting," he said.
• Audo is also the head of the Syrian arm of the international Catholic charity Caritas and has repeatedly warned about the human cost of the war.
• The Vatican daily, L'Osservatore Romano, meanwhile criticised Western powers in an editorial.

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Syrian Bishop Warns Intervention Could Spark 'World War'

Four Months After Their Abduction, Fate of Syrian Bishops Unknown | CNS News

The following excerpts are from CNSNews.com:

• Orthodox Christians in Syria’s second city on Thursday will mark four months since their bishops went missing, their fate no clearer now than at any time since they were abducted by armed men and their driver shot dead near the Syria-Turkey border on April 22.
• Greek Orthodox Bishop Boulos Yazigi and Syriac Orthodox Archbishop Yohanna Ibrahim, both based in Aleppo, are among at least five Christian leaders kidnapped this year in the Syrian civil war, in which minority Christians have been targeted by anti-Assad Sunni rebels who consider them to be supporters of the regime.

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Four Months After Their Abduction, Fate of Syrian Bishops Unknown | CNS News

Obamacare Website Misleads on Abortion-Inducing-Drug Mandate | CNS News

The following excerpts are from CNSNews.com:

• A website created by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services--a division of the Department of Health and Human Services--provides misleading information about abortion-inducing drugs that, because of an Obamacare regulation, must be covered by almost all health-care plans in the United States. 
• On a page headlined “What are my birth control benefits?” healthcare.gov says that “Plans in the Health Insurance Marketplace must cover contraceptive methods” and that, “All Food and Drug Administration-approved contraceptive methods prescribed by a woman’s doctor are covered, including … Emergency contraception, like Plan B and ella.”
• But then it says: “Plans aren’t required to cover: Drugs to induce abortions.”
• However, as Plan B's package itself states: “This product works mainly by preventing ovulation (egg release). It may also prevent fertilization of a released egg (joining of sperm and egg) or attachment of a fertilized egg to the uterus (implantation).”

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Obamacare Website Misleads on Abortion-Inducing-Drug Mandate | CNS News