Sanctified sodomy

Earlier this year the ECLU pushed though legislation to support homosexual marriage.  A hilarious response in this piece from First Things from a nephew of Fr. Richard Neuhaus.

But all the condemnation of temple prostitution involves pagan practices or worship of false gods. The objectionable thing is the idolatry, not the physical act itself. Sanctified, faithful prostitution in service of the true God is a new thing. The Biblical writers never foresaw or contemplated sanctified, faithful, God-pleasing prostitution in the churches and thus never wrote about it.

Cantus - Silent Night

A great group of singers from the the Twin Cities, MN area.  They play tonight in the cities, but I think the roads be a bit to treacherous for that drive from La Crosse. 

Cantus, a nine voice vocal chamber ensemble, is committed to the excellent performance of significant music, both old and newly commissioned. Rehearsing and performing without a conductor or music director, Cantus’ stylistic versatility and eclectic programming have delighted critics and audiences since 1995. Gramophone Magazine has said that "Cantus sings with astonishing perfection of tone and diction," and that "the complexity of the music is fully expressed, the diction is perfect, the emotions alive.” Cantus shares its impeccable singing, engaging stage personality and heartfelt interpretations with audiences across the country as they tour and at home in Minneapolis and St. Paul.

If you are on Santa's naughty list

You might get something like this at your Christmas Mass.



Remember, you had better be good 'cause Santa's elves are watching!!

HT: The Crescat

Angry mob protests global warming

Pretty funny schtuff!

The other Midnight Mass

I caught word that St. John the Baptist in Norwalk, WI will have a Traditional Latin Midnight Mass. Music to start at 11:15 pm. Celebrant is Fr. Gardner, St. Mary's own priest-in-residence, of the Institute of Christ the King.

The Friars of the Immaculate are unable to celebrate Christmas Mass at the Shrine church. However, they will celebrate Midnight Mass(Novus Ordo) at the Cathedral in La Crosse with Archbishop elect Listecki.

Also, there appeared to be a good showing at the All-Day Confessions at Cathedral in La Crosse today. Thank you to all the priests who were able to assist, including Archbishop elect Listecki!

Blogging time cut down by shopping time... Hope your Advent preparations have made strait the crooked paths!

The House of Christmas - G.K. Chesterton

There fared a mother driven forth
Out of an inn to roam;
In the place where she was homeless
All men are at home.
The crazy stable close at hand,
With shaking timber and shifting sand,
Grew a stronger thing to abide and stand
Than the square stones of Rome.


For men are homesick in their homes,
And strangers under the sun,
And they lay on their heads in a foreign land
Whenever the day is done.
Here we have battle and blazing eyes,
And chance and honour and high surprise,
But our homes are under miraculous skies
Where the yule tale was begun.


A Child in a foul stable,
Where the beasts feed and foam;
Only where He was homeless
Are you and I at home;
We have hands that fashion and heads that know,
But our hearts we lost - how long ago!
In a place no chart nor ship can show
Under the sky's dome.


This world is wild as an old wives' tale,
And strange the plain things are,
The earth is enough
and the air is enough
For our wonder and our war;
But our rest is as far 
as the fire-drake swings
And our peace is put in impossible things
Where clashed and thundered unthinkable wings
Round an incredible star.



To an open house in the evening
Home shall men come,
To an older place than Eden
And a taller town than Rome.
To the end of the way of the wandering star,
To the things that cannot be and that are,
To the place where God was homeless
And all men are at home.

--G.K. Chesterton


Thanks to :
Saint Louis Catholic: The House of Christmas

O Sapientia

The first letters of the titles taken backwards form a Latin acrostic of
"ero craS" or "Tomorrow, I will come"

O Sapientia, quae ex ore Altissimi prodiisti, 
attingens a fine usque ad finem, 
fortiter suaviterque disponens omnia: 
veni ad docendum nos viam prudentiae.
  
O Wisdom, coming forth from the mouth of the Most High, 
reaching from one end to the other mightily, 
and sweetly ordering all things: 
Come and teach us the way of prudence.



HT: Wiki

The O Antiphons start tomorrow!

From Catholic Eye Candy
Beginning on December 17, as the final phase of preparation for Christmas, the Church recites or chants the O Antiphons preceding the Magnificat during Vespers (Evening Prayer) of the Liturgy of the Hours. The importance of the “Great O Antiphons” is twofold:  each one is a title for the Messiah and each one refers to the prophecy of Isaiah and other Old Testament Scripture passages foretelling the coming of the Messiah. The Great O Antiphons are characteristically “Benedictine” in nature because they flourished in the monastic liturgy with great élan. Over the course of the next seven days, let us prepare for the coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

It is organized as follows:

December 17: O Sapientia (O Wisdom)
December 18: O Adonai (O Adonai)
December 19: O Radix Jesse (O Root of Jesse)
December 20: O Clavis David (O Key of David)
December 21: O Oriens (O Morning Star)
December 22: O Rex Gentium (O King of the nations)
December 23: O Emmanuel (O Emmanuel)

Veni, redemptor gentium

Veni, redemptor gentium is an ancient Catholic hymn composed by St. Ambrose of Milan(340-397).  I thought this rendition was stunning.  There isn't much details for the singers. 



Its English translation is usually rendered Come, thou Redeemer of the earth.  I was hoping to find a video online, but I cant.  If you know of one freely available in English, post a comment. 

Appleton, WI | The Rosa Acuna Project

Appleton Wisconsin Abortion Mill caught on film lying(and breaking the law). 

Appleton, December 11 — New undercover footage from an Appleton, WI Planned Parenthood abortion clinic shows clinic staff, including the abortion doctor, lying to two young women about fetal development and encouraging the one who is pregnant to obtain an abortion because “women die having babies.”

In the undercover video, when the two women ask a Planned Parenthood counselor if the pregnant woman’s 10-week-old unborn child has a heartbeat, the counselor emphasizes “heart tones,” and answers, “Heart beat is when the fetus is active in the uterus–can survive–which is about seventeen or eighteen weeks.” On the contrary, embryologists agree that the heartbeat begins around 3 weeks. Wisconsin informed consent law requires that women receive medically accurate information before undergoing an abortion.

Full Article



More details here

HT: Dad29

Archbishop Listecki sets the record straight on "Young Catholics for Choice"

Thomas Peters beat me to a story in my own diocese!  Man that guy is good (and should be running the Vatican press office).

I am overjoyed to see that the incoming Archbishop of Milwaukee, Jerome E. Listecki, today set the record straight on the Church's teaching. Here is the text of the Archbishop-Designate's statement (bolding is my own):

"It has come to my attention that an organization calling itself “Young Catholics for Choice” has recently entered into collaboration with Family Planning HealthServices of Wausau. Through media advertising, “Young Catholics for Choice” is attempting to convey the message that Catholics can disregard Church teaching regarding contraception, abortion and human sexuality in general and remain Catholics in good standing.

Nothing could be further from the truth. While people can call themselves whatever they want, it is my duty as a bishop to state clearly and unequivocally that by professing and disseminating views in grave contradiction to Catholic teaching, members of organizations like “Young Catholics for Choice” in fact disown their Catholic heritage, tragically distancing themselves from that communion with the Church to which they are called. We pray that they may reconcile their position which is contrary to the Catholic Faith they claim to profess."

Read the whole article here
American Papist: Not Your Average Catholic!: Exclusive: Archbishop Listecki sets the record straight on "Young Catholics for Choice"

Gaudete!!!

Gaudete Sunday
11 days until the beginning of Christmastime
O Antiphons begin Thursday
Oh, and this is the week to find a tree and start shopping!

Here is a very nice rendition of the Gaudete Introit.  It's not the same as what I have heard at Mass, maybe someone who has more insight could explain.  Is this version usable in the liturgy?  I assume its Anglican by the looks of things in the video. 

Badger Catholic

Hmmm, it seems some group at University of Wisconsin also calls themselves "Badger Catholic."  That is really interesting since I thought I googled it and found no one was using that expression.  Liberal conspiracy!!  :)  Ok, maybe not.  The website looks nice but provides almost no information.  At any rate, it looks like I may want to get a more unique name for this blog....  which would pain me since I have all these cool badger pictures now!

The death brothers - Wisconsin senators force us to pay for abortion

Both Wisconsin senators, Sen Herb Kohl & Sen Russ Feingold have long been happily in the pro-abortion camp. They feel so strongly about this that they have spoken out publicly in support of abortion and abortion rights.  It seems now the issue is no longer a matter of choice to them.  These champions of choice are now taking the choice away from Wisconsin taxpayers.  The senators in Wisconsin voted FOR taxpayer paid for abortions.  The taxpayer is left with no other choice.  He is now forced to participate in abortion.








Sen Herb Kohl voted to support taxpayer-paid abortions after telling Dan Zeidler that he opposed taxpayer-paid abortions.  Kohl has been US Senator for Wisconsin since 1988, a whopping 21 years.  Perhaps the senator would like to ignore the fact Wisconsin has a state law prohibiting abortion.  Section 940.04.  Also check out 940.12 which prohibits assisted suicide. 

Sen Russ Feingold who is probably more liberal and less popular than Kohl also voted to support taxpayer-paid abortions.  He is certainly in bed with Planned Parenthood, the nations largest abortion pusher.  Recently it looked as though he would support the Nelson-Hatch amendment, but this was because of unrelated public option verbiage.  Last time he pushed his pro-abortion politics he barely won(by 2%) in his 1998 race because he opposed the infant born alive act. Yes you read that right, Sen Feingold a senator from Wisconsin, even goes as extreme as voting pro-infanticide. 

These two angels of death are up for election Herb Kohl in 2012 and Russ Feingold  in 2010.  I hope that Wisconsin Republicans are up to the task.  At least there are some democrat senators(but not from this state) who have tried to save this at one time good party, but it may be too late.  Unless the senators are willing to build up the culture of life, their work will do nothing but destroy. Senators, beware!  The next death that Sens. Kohl and Feingold try to legislate might just be the death of the Democrat Party. 







Hat tip Dad29

Once upon a time, men wore the pants!

Dockers has recently unveiled a new ad campaign. 

Wow, I must say its daring and I like it.   In fact, I am going to buy some dockers!  No supermodels, no sports idols, honest advertisement that is smart, funny, and actually works!  Why feminists get their panties in a bundle over this I don't know.  Well I do know, they don't like that God had this idea of creating genders differently(not better or worse, just different).  What they want = a socialism of sexes.  To tangent for a moment, materialist don't understand that a persons gender isn't physical, its spiritual.  God created male and female souls.  Our bodies reflect the truth about who we are spiritually.  No law or surgery can ever change it.

Here's the full text.

Once upon a time, men wore the pants, and wore them well.  Women rarely had to open doors and little old ladies never crossed the street alone.  Men took charge because that's what they did.  But somewhere along the way, the world decided it no longer needed men.  Disco by disco, latte by foamy non-fat latte, men were stripped of their khakis and left stranded on the road between boyhood and androgyny.  But today, there are questions our genderless society has no answers for.  The world sits idly by as cities crumble, children misbehave and those little old ladies remain on one side of the street.  For the first time since bad guys, we need heroes.  We need grown-ups.  We need men to put down the plastic fork, step away from the salad bar and untie the world from the tracks of complacency.  It's time to get your hands dirty.  It's time to answer the call of manhood.  It's time to wear the pants. 

21 Reasons Why Gender Matters

A friend emailed me this and it is definitely on my reading list.

'21 Reasons Why Gender Matters' Examines Gender Disorientation Pathology And Social Policy
By Mike Hatfield
October 22, 2007 - The Fatherhood Foundation in New South Wales (NSW) has recently published 21 Reasons Why Gender Matters.
The study is based upon four foundational principles: 1. Gender differences exist; 2. Acknowledging gender differences is the only intellectually honest response to this reality; 3. Gender differences are complementary; 4. Gender disorientation exists in a small minority of individuals. It is not normative and should not drive social policies. The 21 reasons are summarized below:

1. Gender uniqueness and complementarity means that each gender has a unique contribution that can't be filled by the other.
2. Acknowledging gender differences helps children learn more effectively.
3. Men and women are happier when they recognize these gender differences.
4. The masculine gender is an essential ingredient for fatherhood.
5. The feminine gender is an essential ingredient for motherhood.
6. Marriage is the best way for men and women to enjoy complementarity.
7. Gender complementarity in a life-long marriage is essential for the continuation of humanity.
8. Gender complementarity in marriage is needed for a healthy, stable society.
9. Gender complementarity in marriage between a man and woman is good for the economy.
10. Marriage between a man and woman is the foundation of a successful family and best way to protect children.
11. Gender complementarity in marriage is the best way to teach children about the value of gender.
12. Gender is important in understanding the significance of manhood.
13. Gender is important in understanding the significance of womanhood.
14. In healthy societies, gender complementarity is celebrated; societies rejecting this face harmful consequences.
15. Healthy gender development prevents individuals from developing compulsive obsessive disorders leading to sexual addiction and other pathologies.
16. Gender disorientation pathology is a symptom of family dysfunction, personality disorder, father absence, health malfunction or sexual abuse.
17. Gender disorientation pathology will lead to increased levels of drug abuse and partner violence.
18. Gender disorientation pathology will increase the risk of communicable disease and bad health.
19. Gender disorientation pathology will decrease life expectancy.
20. Gender disorientation pathology is preventable and treatable.
21. Gender disorientation pathology encourages the sexual and psychological exploitation of children.

The study concludes with a list of 20 public policy responses to gender disorientation pathology.
The authors note: "Given the importance of the two genders, it is imperative to promote heterosexual marriage and the biological two-parent family. The evidence makes it clear that these two institutions provide the best environment for individuals, for societies, and for children."

Courtesy of NARTH

A white Christmas

It took me at least an hour to burrow out of the house and driveway this morning. Lots of snow. Probably more than our friends in Nebraska have to worry about.  I found this nice photo of some guys helping push a car out that was stuck on Channel 8's website.  My mom got stuck in La Crosse and stayed at our house last night and probably tonight too.

On another note, I recently watched The 13th Day movie about Fatima.  I'm going to post my review soon.

Check out this montrance!

World’s Largest Monstrance

This beautiful monstrance used for perpetual adoration is 9 feet wide and features the Virgin Mary as Our Lady of the Sign. Located at the Church of St. Stanislaus Kostka, Chicago.

... more from Catholic Eye Candy.




Thanks to :
The Crescat...: visual treats...

The Real Santa Clause

I found a great site on the real Santa Clause aka, St. Nicholas of Myra, and how this holy saint has been converted into a secular icon.

Ever wonder why Santa Claus wears red?  St. Nicholas was a Catholic bishop, and the color red is associated with the episcopy even to this day. 

St. Nicholas gave to the poor, not to overprivilaged kids who may indeed be on the naughty list.








Speaking of the naughty list, it is fascinating that an anti-Irish anti-Catholic Protestant, Thomas Nast, probably brought about the secularization of American Christmas more than any other person.  His portrayal(Right) of Santa Claus(Saint Nicholas - Klaus is the German/Dutch nickname) as a fat, drunk, "jolly" Dutchman is where America got the stereotypical version of Santa Claus we have today.


Below: Saint Nicholas Saves Three Innocents from Death (oil painting by Ilya Repin, 1888, State Russian Museum).


In the time of Emperor Constantine, all was not peaceful in the empire. When unrest would break out, soldiers would be sent to restore order. Some such soldiers were on shore leave in Andriaki, the port which served Myra. As they were in the marketplace, disputes began and there was some disturbance and looting. Bishop Nicholas went to the port to help settle the trouble. On his way back to the city, he saw people crying and saying, "If you had been in the city three innocent men would not have been handed over to death, as they have been ordered beheaded." Nicholas ran to the place, asking if the men were still alive. The three men were in position-faces covered, hands bound behind, expecting death. The executioner's sword was up and ready to fall. Nicholas fearlessly grabbed the sword, throwing it down. The freed men went on their way while Nicholas sought to have the charges against them cleared.

 The St. Nicholas Center also has a preview of a movie in production on the life of St. Nicholas titled "Nicholas of Myra"

US Unemployment graphic

Happy First Friday.  Came across this very telling chart on the current state of unemployment in the US. I thought it was interesting at the beginning that Wisconsin appeared to be somewhat strong compared to Minnesota and Michigan.  2010 folks, let's get this cleaned up in 2010.

Chesterton Society - La Crosse

The Chesterton Society of La Crosse meets once a month. This month we are continuing discussion on Orthodoxy.  Even if you haven't read Orthodoxy, come for a drink!

December 10, Thursday at  the WINE Guyz downtown.
7:00 p.m.

To get added to the email list contact me. 

In the upper world hell once rebelled against heaven. But in this world heaven is rebelling against hell. 
-G.K. Chesterton
From Orthodoxy: The Eternal Revolution

Byzantine Hymn of the Nativity

St. Andrew Novena

Thanks to Kathryn for the tip on the St. Andrew Novena
It is piously believed that whoever recites the above prayer fifteen times a day from the feast of St. Andrew, on November 30th, until Christmas will obtain what is asked.

Prayer:
Hail and blessed be the hour and moment
in which the Son of God was born of the most pure Virgin Mary,
at midnight, in Bethlehem, in piercing cold.
In that hour, vouchsafe, O my God!
to hear my prayer and grant my desires,
through the merits of Our Saviour Jesus Christ,
and of His Blessed Mother.
Amen.

I have alot of catching up to do if I'm going to get all the prayers in by Christmas!  

I ran across another Chirstmas Novena which starts December 16th.

Veni Veni Emmanuel