Isn't it so ironic? Secularists, atheists, and the liberally-minded all say that people have the right to believe or do anything they want. If you want to have sex with anyone, go right ahead. If you end up pregnant, get an abortion if you want. If you want to have a religion, have one, but if you don't want one, then don't. So much choice. Freedom in their minds is the ability to do anything one wants. Ironically though, behind this thin veneer of freedom, we find a dictatorship. You can believe anything you like, as long as it agrees with them.
Kind of reminds me of Henry Ford when he said you can have any color car you want, as long as it's black. A prominent group of atheists including Richard Dawkins is protesting the Pope's visit to Britain. Along with him are many secularists and liberals in general who want the pope nowhere near the UK.
They say the state should not be sponsoring the trip of the leader of a Church which condemns the killing of children in the womb, restricts (as Jesus did) the ministerial priesthood to men, and which upholds the traditional views on marriage which preclude homosexual unions and contraception.
They say we are free to believe anything we want, as long as we support abortion, female ordination, homosexual unions, and contraception. Sounds like doublespeak to me. Kind of like calling North Korea, which doesn't hold elections and oppresses its people, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
These individuals do not want freedom, they want oppression. They demand that everyone support their agenda and allow all kinds of moral evil, while at the same time preventing people from upholding traditional values.
While the Pope calls for freedom of religion and conscience, these tyrants say the state should do all in its power to eradicate religion and religious belief. Only atheism, they say, can be acceptable. Richard Dawkins gets so much media attention where he is able to express all his atheistic beliefs. He writes books which sell to millions of people. Yet when another man, namely Pope Benedict, is invited to offer his thoughts, Richard Dawkins is livid. He even tried to have the pope arrested.
Richard Dawkins and his atheist cronies have no real power right now and yet when the pope visits they receive extraordinary levels of media coverage. With the little power they have, they try to destroy freedom of religion, they say any expression of a thought contrary to theirs should be banned, and they generally try to create an atheistic totalitarian regime.
Imagine what they'd do if they had any real power.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Thursday, September 16, 2010
14:06ET Mass has ended
The Scottish Mass has ended. The pope's trip to Scotland is now officially concluded.
Ita Missa Est!
Ita Missa Est!
13:46 All nationalities receive communion from the pope
All kinds of people are receiving the Eucharist from the pope. One Indian lady was wearing a sari. When receiving they kneel in front of the pope who is sitting. He places the eucharist on their tongue and a priest hold a communion patent under their mouth.
13:43ET Pope giving communion
The pope and other bishops and priests are distributing communion to the masses now.
While people receive the Eucharist, the choir is singing a St. Teresa's Church favorite, Take and Eat. There is a certain Scottish flavour to their rendition.
While people receive the Eucharist, the choir is singing a St. Teresa's Church favorite, Take and Eat. There is a certain Scottish flavour to their rendition.
13:28ET Pope continues with Eucharistic Prayers
The pope's English is really very good. Very clear and easy to understand.
13:21ET Offering of the gifts
Several people bring forth the gifts of bread and wine to the pope, which he will pray over and they will become the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ.
The going forward included two ladies of African descent, a young disabled man and another women, a young couple, a young woman and an older woman, and a young boy and girl.
The going forward included two ladies of African descent, a young disabled man and another women, a young couple, a young woman and an older woman, and a young boy and girl.
13:15ET General Intercessions of Papal Mass in Scotland
The pope leads general intercessions after a moment of silence following his homily.
(After each petition, the choir sings, Lord Hear Our Prayer)
1. For Pope Benedict, all ministers of the church, and the people they are called to lead and serve. that united in one spirit, they may be true servants of the Gospel
2. For those who serve us in public office that they may come to the aid of those in need.
3. (Given in another language, probably Scottish Gaelic)
4. For an increase in vocations, after the example of St. Ninian, that men and women may serve with love.
5. For our young people, as valued members of the Body of Christ, that they may always choose the path that leads to life
6. For those who have died in the hope of rising again that they may know the hope of God forever.
7. Pope: Father, hear the prayers of your people. We ask you to grant what we have brought you in faith. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Congregation: Amen.
(After each petition, the choir sings, Lord Hear Our Prayer)
1. For Pope Benedict, all ministers of the church, and the people they are called to lead and serve. that united in one spirit, they may be true servants of the Gospel
2. For those who serve us in public office that they may come to the aid of those in need.
3. (Given in another language, probably Scottish Gaelic)
4. For an increase in vocations, after the example of St. Ninian, that men and women may serve with love.
5. For our young people, as valued members of the Body of Christ, that they may always choose the path that leads to life
6. For those who have died in the hope of rising again that they may know the hope of God forever.
7. Pope: Father, hear the prayers of your people. We ask you to grant what we have brought you in faith. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Congregation: Amen.
13:01ET Papal homily
The pope is now giving his homily.
He is starting by thanking the bishops of Scotland.
Here is a summary of what the pope is saying:
Jesus is proclaiming his coming by going from town to town. Much has happened since the visit of Pope John Paul II. He called Catholics to walk hand-in-hand with other Christians. Benedict said to continue workign with them based on their common Christian heritage.
St. Paul appeared to the Romans to say we belong to Christ's body and each other in respect and love. This year marks for the 450th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation.
Also it is the anniversary of the modern ecumenical movement.
St. Paul lists gifts, including teaching. The preaching of the gospel has always been done together with concern for people in the world.
St. Andrews is beginning to mark the 600th anniversary of its founding.
Scottish Catholic Schools have given education to many students. Helped young people in spiritual growth and growth in professional life. Never lose sight to use talents and experience. Engage the culture at all levels.
Some now seek to exclude religious blief from public discourse or to privatize it. Religious freedom is a guarantee of respect and makes us look upon each other as a brother and sister. Our baptismal calling is to be examples. Society needs clear voices to call for true welfare of citizens and offers protection to them. Do not be afraid to take up this struggle.
There are many great saints from these areas.
Be patient in suffering. Persevere.
Brothers, let me encourage in your pastoral leadership, as you know one of your first duties is to your priests and their sanctification. They are alter christus. Bring charity which flows from Christ. Pray for vocations. That the lord may send laborers to the harvest. Priests are central to the life of the Church.
Give ourselves completely to the service of God.
Deacons serve in their own way. Encourage them to grow in their mission.
Priests of Scotland, you are called to holiness and to serve God's people by modeling your lives on the mystery of God's cross. Preach the gospel with a pure heart and a clear conscience. Become shining examples for young men. Let them join you in your single-minded service of God's people.
Let me encourage the monks, nuns. Live a Christian life of prayer.
My dear young Catholics of Scotland, live lives in imitation of our Lord. Abuse of money, sex, pornography. These things are destructive and divisive. Only our Love of Jesus Christ can last. Search for him, know him, love him, and he will set you free from slavery. Put aside what is worthless, and learn your own dignity as children of God. Jesus asked us to pray for vocations.
I pray that many of you will know and love Jesus Christ. Dedicate yourselves completely to God, especially those of you who are called to the priesthood and religious life. The Church now belongs to you. Dear friends, I express my joy in celebrating this Mass with you. I send my prays in the ancient language of your country.
God's peace and blessing to you all. May God bless the people of Scotland.
---- End ----
Please note: That was not a precise transcript and many words and sections are missing. I simply typed as much as I could. I hope I captured the gist of the pope's message.
He is starting by thanking the bishops of Scotland.
Here is a summary of what the pope is saying:
Jesus is proclaiming his coming by going from town to town. Much has happened since the visit of Pope John Paul II. He called Catholics to walk hand-in-hand with other Christians. Benedict said to continue workign with them based on their common Christian heritage.
St. Paul appeared to the Romans to say we belong to Christ's body and each other in respect and love. This year marks for the 450th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation.
Also it is the anniversary of the modern ecumenical movement.
St. Paul lists gifts, including teaching. The preaching of the gospel has always been done together with concern for people in the world.
St. Andrews is beginning to mark the 600th anniversary of its founding.
Scottish Catholic Schools have given education to many students. Helped young people in spiritual growth and growth in professional life. Never lose sight to use talents and experience. Engage the culture at all levels.
Some now seek to exclude religious blief from public discourse or to privatize it. Religious freedom is a guarantee of respect and makes us look upon each other as a brother and sister. Our baptismal calling is to be examples. Society needs clear voices to call for true welfare of citizens and offers protection to them. Do not be afraid to take up this struggle.
There are many great saints from these areas.
Be patient in suffering. Persevere.
Brothers, let me encourage in your pastoral leadership, as you know one of your first duties is to your priests and their sanctification. They are alter christus. Bring charity which flows from Christ. Pray for vocations. That the lord may send laborers to the harvest. Priests are central to the life of the Church.
Give ourselves completely to the service of God.
Deacons serve in their own way. Encourage them to grow in their mission.
Priests of Scotland, you are called to holiness and to serve God's people by modeling your lives on the mystery of God's cross. Preach the gospel with a pure heart and a clear conscience. Become shining examples for young men. Let them join you in your single-minded service of God's people.
Let me encourage the monks, nuns. Live a Christian life of prayer.
My dear young Catholics of Scotland, live lives in imitation of our Lord. Abuse of money, sex, pornography. These things are destructive and divisive. Only our Love of Jesus Christ can last. Search for him, know him, love him, and he will set you free from slavery. Put aside what is worthless, and learn your own dignity as children of God. Jesus asked us to pray for vocations.
I pray that many of you will know and love Jesus Christ. Dedicate yourselves completely to God, especially those of you who are called to the priesthood and religious life. The Church now belongs to you. Dear friends, I express my joy in celebrating this Mass with you. I send my prays in the ancient language of your country.
God's peace and blessing to you all. May God bless the people of Scotland.
---- End ----
Please note: That was not a precise transcript and many words and sections are missing. I simply typed as much as I could. I hope I captured the gist of the pope's message.
12:56ET Gospel Reading
The gospel is from Luke Chapter 10, verses 1 to 9 and is being sung.
It is from the Jerusalem Bible translation.
Here is the text from another translation:
1
1 After this the Lord appointed seventy (-two) 2 others whom he sent ahead of him in pairs to every town and place he intended to visit.
2
He said to them, "The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.
3
Go on your way; behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves.
4
3 Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals; and greet no one along the way.
5
Into whatever house you enter, first say, 'Peace to this household.' 4
6
If a peaceful person 5 lives there, your peace will rest on him; but if not, it will return to you.
7
Stay in the same house and eat and drink what is offered to you, for the laborer deserves his payment. Do not move about from one house to another.
8
Whatever town you enter and they welcome you, eat what is set before you,
9
cure the sick in it and say to them, 'The kingdom of God is at hand for you.'
It is from the Jerusalem Bible translation.
Here is the text from another translation:
1
1 After this the Lord appointed seventy (-two) 2 others whom he sent ahead of him in pairs to every town and place he intended to visit.
2
He said to them, "The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.
3
Go on your way; behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves.
4
3 Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals; and greet no one along the way.
5
Into whatever house you enter, first say, 'Peace to this household.' 4
6
If a peaceful person 5 lives there, your peace will rest on him; but if not, it will return to you.
7
Stay in the same house and eat and drink what is offered to you, for the laborer deserves his payment. Do not move about from one house to another.
8
Whatever town you enter and they welcome you, eat what is set before you,
9
cure the sick in it and say to them, 'The kingdom of God is at hand for you.'
12:39ET Mass Begins
12:38ET Hymn sung by choir
The hymn being sung uses the tune of Lord of All Hopefullness, but I do not know if that is the hymn being sung, because the words sound different.
The pope gave two bishops of Scotland special chalices as gifts. They in return gave him a gift as well.
The bishop now speaking is greeting the pope and saying that it is the feast day of St. Ninian. He goes on to speak of St. Augustine of Canterbury and St. Columba. They say the faith went from Scotland to Ireland.
They mention also St. Aidan and the Venerable (St.) Bede.
The bishop mentions St. John Ogilvie who was martyred for his alligiance to the church.
The bishop now mentions John Henry Newman who will be beatified during this trip.
He said JPII "challenged us for the future to walk hand in hand."
He finishes by giving the Bishop of Rome "a hundred thousand welcomes".
The pope gave two bishops of Scotland special chalices as gifts. They in return gave him a gift as well.
The bishop now speaking is greeting the pope and saying that it is the feast day of St. Ninian. He goes on to speak of St. Augustine of Canterbury and St. Columba. They say the faith went from Scotland to Ireland.
They mention also St. Aidan and the Venerable (St.) Bede.
The bishop mentions St. John Ogilvie who was martyred for his alligiance to the church.
The bishop now mentions John Henry Newman who will be beatified during this trip.
He said JPII "challenged us for the future to walk hand in hand."
He finishes by giving the Bishop of Rome "a hundred thousand welcomes".
12:29ET The Papal Procession has begun
A numbers of bishops in procession have entered Bellahouston field, including one Eastern Catholic bishop. A hymn is playing. The pope is now becoming visible and the crowd has erupted in applause. The music is reminiscient of the music you hear at the Vatican during solemnities. The pope is donning a gold miter and cloak, and carrying a gold crucifix. The music is English and speaks of the "Shepherd of Israel", referring to Jesus.
As the bishops make their way into the area, they kiss the altar on which the sacrifice will be celebrated.
As the bishops make their way into the area, they kiss the altar on which the sacrifice will be celebrated.
12:25ET Weather in Glasgow
The current weather condition in Glasgow is 14 degrees C, or 57 F. It seems a little windy but the skies are clear. Pilgrims are still awaiting the pope.
12:23ET Large crowds awaiting Pope
Right now there are large crowds assembled in Bellahouston Park awaiting the arrival of the pope. There are many flags, mostly Vatican flags. The people are chanting something about the pope as they wait for Mass to begin.
Papal Mass coverage beginning at 12ET
I will be covering the Papal Mass by Pope Benedict XVI at Bellahouston Park in Glasgow, Scotland. Coverage will begin at 12ET. Let's hope for a large turnout.
Another Popemobile Video
This video gives an idea of the level of security around the pope. Fascinating.
If Americans can do anything well, it's security, in the form of secret service and so on. Just amazing. Did you hear the helicopter overhead? And these are just the visible vehicles and officers. There are countless officers in the crowds and snipers atop buildings, etc.
If Americans can do anything well, it's security, in the form of secret service and so on. Just amazing. Did you hear the helicopter overhead? And these are just the visible vehicles and officers. There are countless officers in the crowds and snipers atop buildings, etc.
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