Catholic Discussion Community

GETTING A HAIRDRYER THROUGH CUSTOMS

2009-07-16T12:32:56Z

A distinguished young woman on a flight from Dublin, Ireland asked a priest sitting beside her,
"Father, may I ask you a favor?"

"Of course, child. What may I do for you?"

"Well, I bought an expensive electronic hair dryer for my mother's birthday that is unopened and well over the custom's limits. I'm afraid they'll confiscate it.
Is there any way you could carry it through customs for me...under your robe, perhaps?"

"I would love to help you, dear, but I must warn you...I will not lie."

"With your honest face, Father, no one will question you."

When they got to customs, the woman let the priest go ahead of her.

The official asked, "Father, do you have anything to declare?"

"From the top of my head down to my waist, I have nothing to declare."

The official thought this answer strange, so asked, "And what do you have to declare from your waist to the floor?"

"I have a marvelous instrument designed to be used on a woman, but which is, to date....unused."

Roaring with laughter, the official said, "Go ahead, Father.

Next!"

The Angelic Crown/Chaplet to St. Michael the Archangel

2009-07-16T01:54:22Z

When I was studying in Paris last year, I bought a book of chaplets and prayers that I guess were/are more exotic than the rosary, and one of them was the Angelic Crown/Chaplet to St. Michael the Archangel. I'm not sure why exactly it caught my eye, but it probably had something to do with not being centered on Marian prayer (though I realize now that it's still mostly Hail Marys...). At the time I still wasn't sure how I felt about a lot of Catholic stuff, including Mary. Anyway, I tried to find such a chaplet (the actual object and not the prayer) but to no avail. I don't remember why, but my interest in it has piqued again, maybe because I've been realizing that I need to pray for my brother more and his name is Michael. Also, we say the prayer to St. Michael the Archangel every day after the rosary at the church I'm visiting where my mom lives, which I've never done.

So I was wondering if anyone has practiced this devotion before or has even heard of it. Here is the cut and dry version with all of the prayers and instructions, and here is more info on the history and indulgences/promises attached to it. I actually have been able to find some actual chaplets online, but I think for now I'm just going to use the first four beads of a regular rosary.

California missions aligned to the rising solstice sun?

2009-07-15T02:25:31Z

New research suggests some California missions are aligned to solar events, such as solstices.

I'm a bit skeptical myself. It's long been common to align churches east-west. And in the days before electricity, practical considerations necessitated taking lighting into account when building any structure. The fact that some of the missions are not aligned according to solstices further suggests (to me, anyway) that they're just lined up east-west. Though some archaeologists have argued that solstices were important in the lives of many Native Californian groups, and it seems not unlikely that the Church would try to harness that energy, so to speak. It would be nice to see more intensive research -- to see if there are historical records, for example, which might prove the missionaries took the solstice into account. Perhaps that information can be found in Prof. Mendoza's scholarly papers.

X-posted to archaeological, cahistory, and catholicism.

Sister Helen Shares Some Positive Results

2009-07-15T01:16:08Z

From the blog of Sister Helen Prejean

I want to share a letter I received from Kurt Rosenberg, the dedicated director ofWitness To Innocence. Witness to Innocence is spearheaded by former death row prisoners who have been exonerated and released from death rows across the United States and who are now actively engaged in the struggle to end the death penalty. These courageous people bring a human face to the death penalty that no one else can.

Here's what Kurt had to say after the recent exoneration of another two men from death row:

It's become more clear than ever that as wrongfully convicted men continue to be released from death row, the issue of innocence is alive and well in the struggle to end the death penalty. Two more death-row exonerations last week – in the states that lead the nation in having sent innocent men to death row – have brought the nationwide total to 135 since 1973. Just over halfway through the year, there have been five exonerations in 2009, the most in the United States in a single year since 2004.

On Thursday, the Florida Supreme Court unanimously ordered that Herman Lindsey be set free because there wasn't enough evidence to convict him of murdering a Fort Lauderdale pawnshop worker. Lindsey's exoneration was the 23^rd in Florida since the reinstatement of the death penalty.

Three days earlier, Ronald Kitchen was exonerated in Illinois when the state's Attorney General dropped all charges against him. Kitchen and a co-defendant had been convicted of a 1988 murder. He had confessed to the crime after being subject to interrogation by a police unit that used torturous tactics against suspects.

Continue reading here

The Beauty of Religious Life - The Nashville Dominicans

2009-07-14T16:30:47Z

In the crisis being experienced in the Church in terms of vocations to the priesthood and religious life, it never ceases to amaze me when I behold the Nashville Dominicans – properly the Dominican Sisters of Saint Cecilia, and how this traditional-minded order of contemplative nuns who wear the full habit and veil are literally overflowing with vocations. As the Church seeks to revitalize our seminaries, our convents, our monasteries, I do believe perhaps we have something to learn from these beautiful women. Perhaps it is something like this: as religious orders have sought to become more and more like the world, to assimilate into the world more seamlessly, the number of people attracted to their way of life has decreased significantly. But for those orders who humbly invite those to live simultaneously apart from and in the world, as the Dominican Sisters of Saint Cecilia do, they tend to attract very special Catholics who long to join them on their special journey. Whatever the lessons may be, I can tell you that this ten minute video is certainly a demonstration of pure joy and beauty, and if nothing else it can hopefully touch all of our hearts to see the magnificence of God's work in the world, and perhaps inspire us all in some way to recognize the need to seek God through contemplation so that He can transform us into His image, better enabling us to shine His light into this too dark world. Here they are, the Dominica Sisters of Saint Cecilia:

Prayers for Priest Murdered in Cuba

2009-07-14T02:11:17Z

Reuters has the story of Father Mariano Arroyo Merino, a Spanish priest who was apparently murdered in Havana, Cuba – if true, the second priest murdered in Cuba in five months. Please keep Father Mariano, his family, his parishioners, and most importantly, his murderer(s) in your prayers.

Thomas Merton

2009-07-14T01:01:44Z

Okay, so tell me about Thomas Merton.

Specifically, if I've never read anything by him before, where to start? I guess the question really is, "What's your favourite book by Thomas Merton?"

Hit me with your suggestions.

Consecration to Mary via St. Louis de Montfort

2009-07-13T22:16:54Z

The more we honor the Blessed Virgin, the more we honor Jesus Christ, because we honor Mary only that we may the more perfectly honor Jesus, since we go to her only as the way by which we are to find the end we are seeking, which is Jesus. – St. Louis de Montfort

I've mentioned in the past my original consecration to Mary in the way of St. Louis de Montfort. Through a special act of providence the date I chose for my consecration, the Solemnity of the Assumption, August 15, 2007, turned out to be the same date as my operation to remove my cancerous thyroid. I had begun the preparations for my consecration and had selected that date before even being diagnosed. I have no doubt that it was directly due to my consecration and the renewal of my baptismal vows that is intrinsic to the consecration that prepared me for such an outpouring of grace as I went through my cancer surgery and treatment. One of the characteristics of the consecration is that one offers their sufferings to the Blessed Virgin so that through her intercession those sufferings may merit grace in the world wherever it is needed. It brought me such great joy to know that at the exact time I was agreeing to offer my sufferings to the Blessed Virgin that I would truly have sufferings to offer.

Unfortunately I did not remain very faithful to my consecration, and so began yet another tumultuous time in my life. Fortunately, through her intercession and the grace for which she continues to pray for me and for the Church I was able to rise again, a renewal that has now finally led me to the true beginning of my path to religious life and priesthood with the Augustinians.

To celebrate the beginning of this new journey, and as a means of refreshing my soul and giving thanks to the Virgin Mary, who has played such a significant role in the various struggles throughout my entire life, I am today beginning the preparations to renew my consecration once again this August 15, the day before I move into the friary. The preparation I am following is found at the end of St. Louis de Montfort's classic, True Devotion to Mary. The preparation begins with twelve preliminary days devoted to renouncement of the world, and includes a special focus on the Holy Ghost; then come three one-week periods, devoted to knowledge of the Blessed Virgin, knowledge of Self, and knowledge of Jesus Christ. Every day includes special prayers and readings from Scripture and/or the saints. Finally comes the consecration, at which time the devotee makes the Sacrament of Reconciliation, attends Mass and receives the Eucharist, and then makes the prayer of consecration (in my first time around I received an additional Sacrament, the Anointing of the Sick).

I won't be posting about this every day, but from time to time I will offer some reflections on my preparations and on the meaning of the consecration itself, hopefully delving into some of the theological truths of the role of the Blessed Virgin in the economy of salvation.

Prayers for my Pop

2009-07-13T21:04:34Z

Please add my dad to your prayers. He had surgery last Thursday to remove a spot of cancer from his colon -- that all went well, came out clean, no spreading and the colon's OK. But he hasn't been recovering well from the anesthesia, and they've been having a hard time balancing his meds. He's 73 years old and his heart was fibrillating throughout the surgery, apparently a lot more than they expected. Today's news is that there's some fluid on the lung. I think, still, the outlook is hopeful, but I'm not sure exactly ... prayers would be appreciated.

He's a good loving man, but a proud, stubborn atheist. If he pulls through, still I guess it won't be too many more years. I pray that he does pull through this time, and I also pray that he will let God in before the end. He knows all he has to do is open the door ... he's just too proud to do it.

Thanks
R

Prayers please

2009-07-13T16:28:46Z

Those of us who live in countries where we are more or less free to practice our faith as we wish, without fear of violence against us, please pray for the Christians in Iraq whose houses of worship were bombed this weekend.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/meast/07/13/iraq.church.bombings/index.html

Thanks Merriam-Webster!

2009-07-13T14:09:29Z

New this year: missalette is now a word.

http://www.merriam-webster.com/info/newwords09.htm

Took you guys long enough, eh?

Prayers for a Missing Man

2009-07-13T07:21:21Z

My friend Noah's father went missing on Thursday morning. To the best of my knowledge he hasn't been seen or heard from since. I don't live anywhere near the area and just about everyone I do know already knows about this.

I'm very worried for both Robert and Noah. I've never met Robert but of course I want him to be ok. It's certainly very weird to suddenly go missing when you are meticulous about keeping track of your life. After this much time it's very frightening to consider the possibilities. It's Noah that really worries me. He can be really tough but I know he feels setbacks and trauma at a deep level. He's been through a lot over the last handful of years.

I don't know who to ask for intercession, but I certainly hope you'll keep the Korda's in mind in your prayers. I suppose asking St Joseph to act on the behalf of this father might help. Don't know other wise... and I'm so distracted I can barely stay focused enough to pray.

Please help.

Prayer celebration

2009-07-13T04:39:58Z

Over the past couple months, I've been talking to one of my closest friends about my conversion to Catholicism from Presbyterianism. He's an agnostic, a lapsed Catholic, and we love to rib each other about how he has to go to a Protestant to answer his questions about Catholicism (though really he has been helping me with some of the language).

On Friday he told me that he was going to confession for the first time in years, and he texted me later to say that it was good. (I know he was a bit anxious because the priest at his parish growing up would sometimes yell at a parishioner outside of the confessional as the person was leaving, in front of the people waiting.) When I talked to him this evening, he told me that he had told the priest he saw on Friday that he wanted to go next time he said Mass. He broke his foot this week, and this morning was lying in bed coming up with every excuse for not going - his foot hurt, he was tired, the church was across town, etc. But, he got up, and he went, and the priest was pleased to see him. My friend's a shrink, and he said he recognized that look of joy when you see someone who's come to you for help starting to heal. We've been talking a lot recently about the therapeutic nature of confession, and I think it has been therapeutic for him.

I'm so very proud of him and the bravery he's shown. He's like an older brother, and he's been such a source of help and strength for me. Please say a little prayer thanking God for Chris' return to Mass, and asking for God's continued grace in his life. Thank you.

Prayer requests

2009-07-13T03:32:27Z

The first request I have is for my aunt. Her long-term boyfriend died of cancer today, and she's (understandably) having a very hard time, so prayers for his soul and her peace would be very much appreciated.

Also, my 13-year-old golden retriever went into a long series of very violent seizures on Friday night. He's still in doggie ICU and drifting in and out of consciousness. I'd rather God not take him yet... we're not quite done loving him. So prayers for the pup would also be extremely appreciated. Here he is, how can you not want the best for him? My poor baby.

Oh, and I'm pretty sick and without health insurance at current, so prayers that St. Sudafed and St. Mucinex will come to my rescue are also appreciated.

Veiling?

2009-07-12T23:33:26Z

I was curious what the general consensus was on women veiling (during Mass, any other time before the Blessed Sacrament, just generally, etc.), and I couldn't find anything in the memories (feel free to redirect me if there are any relevant posts I missed, though). I've read up on it to some extent and have considered it from my own pov, but what I know of it comes mostly from 'bookwork' and not experience, so I don't really know where all this research stands irl. For a period of time recently I wore headscarves fairly regularly both in preparation of wearing them in case I ended up going to Egypt to study (ended up visiting some monasteries instead) and as a sort of experiment--so during my regular daily life in public as well as specifically at church.

Some things to consider, at least in my situation but also perhaps for others:
--my godmother (which is a weird title for her cuz she's the same age as me...) mentioned something to me about stopping wearing headscarves herself after realizing that she feels distinctly called to be a sister and doesn't want to seem like she is trying to emulate them. Right now I'm discerning a call to contemplative religious life and have, partly because of this 'advice' (more of an offhand comment), tried to wear floor-length skirts slightly less frequently (but also my mom doesn't like them, even though she buys them for me anyway...).

--I feel very comfortable wearing a headcovering, whether it's barely covering and my hair is flowing out the back, is tightly wrapped so that not a strand is peeping out, or provides thorough coverage but is more loosely draped. I threw my inhibitions out the window when I got confirmed this Easter and wore a veil and it was very comforting.

--Most of the women in my parish (as I imagine is true for most modern parishes) do not wear any kind of headcovering, but there are a few (including at least two student-aged looking women I have noticed) who do. My concern here is modesty as it is literally interpreted (ie as including not drawing attention to oneself) and things like that.

According to fisheaters.com (which I understand should be taken with a grain of salt, so to speak), the mandate for women to wear a veil was never revoked and should still be obeyed according to canon law, but I'm thoroughly ignorant of such things, both as a new Catholic and as someone who lives under a rock with her head in the clouds (at the same time, yes! It's tricky business I tell you), which is why I wanted to ask you lovely folks =)

Animal prayer request

2009-07-12T06:22:56Z

A few months ago my parents adopted a dog from an amazing organization based in San Francisco called Muttville. They specialize in rescuing senior dogs (who are usually unadoptable) from euthanasia and find them loving homes. Well, a few weeks ago they decided to adopt another dog from Muttville. To make a long story short, the dog has some personality quirks that don't fit in with life at my parents house, and so he needs to be sent back to Muttville. While I personally don't believe in "sending animals back," I know it really is the best thing for him.

I'm sorry if this sounds trivial, because I know how hard life is for millions, even billions of people right now. I know that there are so many things and people that need prayers. But it's strange, I feel like nothing upsets me more than seeing animals alone, in trouble or in pain. I feel like I've been able to desensitize myself to human suffering a little, for better or worse, and accept it in some way (if you can understand that) but I can't desensitize myself to the plight of any animal.

Alex, the dog who is going back to Muttville, is an amazing, sweet and fantastic dog. My heart is broken, I am literally weeping, because I became very attached to him and because I feel so sorry for animals who are shunted around or abandoned. He has a good foster family already lined up, and I know it's really the best thing for him. But I'd really appreciate it if everyone could just take a moment and offer up a prayer for the many animals, the formerly beloved pets, who are in need of good homes. Thousands upon thousands have been abandoned by their families because of the economy and shelters can't take care of them all. If you could offer up a prayer for Alex, that he may find a loving and permanent home, I'm sure it won't go unheard. I'm sorry if this seems silly, but it's close to my heart and I have faith that St. Francis will hear our prayers.

Also, just to throw it out there, if anyone is thinking of adopting a dog soon, please consider adopting a full-grown or "senior" dog. They are usually already spayed/neutered, housebroken, well-trained and desperately in need of loving families.

Thanks in advance.

Michelle Obama wears a mantilla to meet the Pope

2009-07-10T21:00:26Z

Photos at the White House's website. Surprised to see her in a veil. Oh, and she covered Precious and the Widowmaker (the buff arms!). LOL

President Obama to Present Pope With Saint John Neumann's Stole

2009-07-09T19:14:15Z

St. John Neumann's stole to be Obama gift to Pope

By Kristin E. Holmes

Inquirer Staff Writer

The owners of the DiCocco Family St. Jude Shop are getting to be experts at this. When there's a presentation for the pope, call the store in Havertown.

Twice in the last 15 months, the store owners have been tapped for their Benedict XVI know-how.

The first time, they helped supply a specially made chair the pope used during a U.S. visit. This time, they assisted the White House in finding a gift for him.

That present will be given to Benedict as part of President Obama's visit to the Vatican tomorrow.

The box will contain a stole that had been draped around the enshrined body of St. John Neumann in Philadelphia for nearly 20 years.

"It's a sacred gift," said the Rev. Kevin Moley, pastor of the National Shrine of St. John Neumann in Northern Liberties. "I'm glad [the administration] asked St. Jude, and St. Jude asked us, because it represents the U.S. and Rome. We should all be pleased and thankful."

Read the rest at the Philadelphia Inquirer

Credit where credit is due: this is a very cool gift from the President. On a side note, one of the president's spokesmen has indicated that he anticipates a very frank discussion between the two on the issue of abortion. How about we all just pray for fruit to be born from their meeting, whatever is discussed. The Pope, in fact, will be meeting with quite a few world leaders. Let us pray for wisdom for the pontiff and openness from the leaders, that hopefully he will provide and they will well receive sound moral guidance in their political leadership and personal lives.

Prayer request

2009-07-09T15:23:48Z

This is rather a silly thing, but I'm having a lot of trouble with my roommates. My living situation is becoming very tense, and it's feeding into a perfect storm of spiritual trouble, directionlessness, problems with administrations of various kinds, and just a variety of petty things.

I feel dumb asking, but if anyone has a moment to pray for me, I could really use it. My patron saint is Isidore of Seville.

Are souls equal?

2009-07-09T09:24:42Z

Are all souls equal? In some sense? In any sense?

I always try pretty hard to be a "good soul", and sometimes can't help but think that I am "better"...

The idea that we are "equal" would help my pride, heh :P.

Or perhaps, simply reminding myself that all glory belongs to God regardless.

Thoughts?

Bible Study

2009-07-08T21:15:57Z

Hi everyone :) First time poster, long-time lurker. I was just wondering what the Church's stance is on personal bible study? What would you recommend for a person beginning to do bible study? Are there any Catholic devotionals anyone could recommend? or would SOAP be okay to use? TIA :)

Stephen Harper and the Eucharist

2009-07-08T20:05:24Z

First of all, sorry about the dramatics at the end of this video (the demand of apology part). But the video does raise some questions. This is a video of Stephen Harper, PM of Canada, receiving the Eucharist and then putting it in his pocket:

I have a few questions: One, do we even know that this is a Catholic Mass? Could it be Anglican/Episcopelian? I don't know whether or not SH is Catholic.

Two, regardless it's a stupid thing to do. Has anyone heard an explanation as to why he did it? Does he have a sick grandmother he wanted to take it to and for whatever reason didn't know that they have ministers for that? Has he joined a satanic cult and wants to offer it in sacrifice? (I'm kidding on that last one!) But seriously, has anyone heard anything about this?

ETA: Okay, it was a Catholic Mass, presided over by Fr. Ray Bourgeois, who apparently invited non-Catholics to receive Communion, which of course adds a whole host (no pun intended) of extra problems, not the least of which is Fr. Bourgeois' continued disdain for his duties as a priest. So follow up question: does anyone know Bourgeois' canonical status right now? Because the last I heard he was given 30 days to repent of his public participation in a faux Mass for faux female ordinations, and that if he did not he would be excommunicated. He did not repent or recant, and so there was some debate as to whether or not he had officially been excommunicated. Does anyone have clarification on that?

ETA2: Okay, sorry for the bad info. It was actually not Fr. Roy Bourgeois. It was another Bourgeois altogether. It must be something about the name :)

Caritas in Veritate - Initial Analysis

2009-07-08T14:44:08Z

One thing is for certain: one should not look to this Pope seeking sound bites. This Encyclical, Caritas in Veritate - Charity in Truth, is a very dense 30,000 words. I have some initial reactions to the first half of the Encyclical:

The first thing that struck me, not related to the content but rather to the way he has situated this, is his defense of Paul VI and the Second Vatican Council as a continuation of Church Tradition. The Holy Father has consistently stated, to the chagrin of traditionalists and progressives alike, that Vatican II is only properly interpreted through a hermeneutic of continuity. In reference to Pope Paul VI's great Encyclical, Populorum Progressio - On the Development of Peoples, which serves as the backdrop of this current Encyclical, the Holy Father writes that it can only properly be interpreted through "the Tradition of the apostolic faith[13], a patrimony both ancient and new, outside of which Populorum Progressio would be a document without roots." Paul VI's Encyclical is situated in continuity with Leo XIII's Rerum Novarum - On Capital and Labor, in continuity with the Second Vatican Council, and in continuity with the historical development of the apostolic faith. Concerning the Second Vatican Council the Holy Father writes, "The Council probed more deeply what had always belonged to the truth of the faith, namely that the Church, being at God's service, is at the service of the world in terms of love and truth."

There is obviously way too much in this encyclical to give any sort of detailed analysis, and as I said, even here I will merely comment on the first half, and then give a commentary on the second half later. In both I will merely highlight a few points of the Encyclical that I found to be of particular interest. I do hope that not only does everyone read it, but as many people as possible generate discussions from it, because this Encyclical clearly has the potential, depending on what we do with it, to positively shape human development at a time when the entire world is forced to reevaluate our economic models and motivations.

First, as has been a consistent theme of Joseph Ratzinger's life as a theologian, this Encyclical necessarily points to the intrinsic relationship between charity and truth. He writes:

Truth needs to be sought, found and expressed within the "economy" of charity, but charity in its turn needs to be understood, confirmed and practised in the light of truth. In this way, not only do we do a service to charity enlightened by truth, but we also help give credibility to truth, demonstrating its persuasive and authenticating power in the practical setting of social living. This is a matter of no small account today, in a social and cultural context which relativizes truth, often paying little heed to it and showing increasing reluctance to acknowledge its existence.

The intrinsic connection between charity and truth is important because in that recognition, charity is established as an authentic expression of our humanity, and thus "as an element of fundamental importance in human relations, including those of a public nature."

The principle of charity in truth is the driving principle of the Church's social doctrine, and it takes on practical form in the criteria that govern moral action. Of these criteria the Holy Father examines two in particular that he believes are particularly relevant today: justice and the common good. Justice, he reminds us, is inseparable from and intrinsic to charity, though charity transcends justice. "Charity always manifests God's love in human relationships as well, it gives theological and salvific value to all commitment for justice in the world." Justice necessitates that we be concerned with the proper recognition of rights for all humanity. Charity is linked to this, but goes beyond it by also establishing "relationships of gratuitousness, mercy and communion."

The second criterion of charity in truth, equally as relevant to the current situation of the world and the present economic crisis, is the common good. The Holy Father makes no comment on or commitment to any specific economic model, but he is clear that any pursuit of profit that does not account for the common good is going to lead to corruption and manipulation. "Profit is useful if it serves as a means towards an end that provides a sense both of how to produce it and how to make good use of it. Once profit becomes the exclusive goal, if it is produced by improper means and without the common good as its ultimate end, it risks destroying wealth and creating poverty." This pursuit of the common good is properly situated within the context of the development of the human person. Society must not seek merely to advance technologically or fiscally – in other words, we must not only seek progress, which can be measured statistically, but development, which is measured in justice and charity.

The Holy Father is especially critical of the greed and manipulation that played such an important role in our current economic collapse:

Yet it must be acknowledged that this same economic growth has been and continues to be weighed down by malfunctions and dramatic problems, highlighted even further by the current crisis. This presents us with choices that cannot be postponed concerning nothing less than the destiny of man, who, moreover, cannot prescind from his nature. The technical forces in play, the global interrelations, the damaging effects on the real economy of badly managed and largely speculative financial dealing, large-scale migration of peoples, often provoked by some particular circumstance and then given insufficient attention, the unregulated exploitation of the earth's resources.

This crisis though, as with any crisis, is not without opportunity. The world is now forced to confront our decisions and our models of production and economy. This confrontation can become a positive one if the world will "rediscover fundamental values on which to build a better future. The current crisis obliges us to re-plan our journey, to set ourselves new rules and to discover new forms of commitment, to build on positive experiences and to reject negative ones. The crisis thus becomes an opportunity for discernment, in which to shape a new vision for the future."

The current economic crisis forces us to choose between two paths: the path of solidarity or the path of exploitation. The principle of charity in truth clearly demands the former. We have seen the overall wealth of the world increase abundantly, but in the process inequalities have increased significantly. These inequalities are matters of both charity and justice. Justice, insofar as many of these inequalities are the direct result of exploitation of the poor. Charity in that the abundance of wealth in rich nations enables them to enact economic models and designs that can actually benefit poorer nations.

Insofar as injustice has created economic inequality we must look especially to issues of trade. Rich nations continue to place high tariffs on imported goods, as well as subsidize exports. At the same time, these nations which control the world financial institutions (especially the IMF) use their influence to eliminate those same protective measures in poorer nations. The result is two-fold: one, the market does not control production of goods in the way that it should, but instead is flooded with commodities in a way that drives their prices down, which does not affect the farmer/manufacturer/producer who is subsidized by the state, but completely decimates the one who is simply seeking survival; two, by the massive disparity of trade created by this subsidy/tariff model prevents poor nations from generating the sort of income that can be used to invest in infrastructure and technology in a way that will allow them to climb the economic ladder and get out of extreme poverty – an advancement, by the way, that would benefit all nations economically, as in a globalized economy such as this all benefit by the existence of robust trading partners.

The final point I wish to highlight from this Encyclical right now is the concept the Holy Father develops of "responsible freedom." He challenges the idea that freedom is truly realized as total autonomy, but rather authentic freedom is that which removes all obstacles to the good. This freedom is denied in various ways in the modern world. The one that incites the most passion in me is his criticism of the "unduly rigid assertion of the right to intellectual property, especially in the field of health care." It must be recognized absolutely that access to health care is a fundamental right of humanity. This is where science and technology must always be harmonized and guided by proper moral guidance. Science and technology must be at the service of the common good, not simply the advancement of profit. We have peoples suffering from very curable or at least treatable diseases, yet too often they are denied available treatments because drug companies will not allow the mass production of those treatments because of their greedy grip on patent rights (for a truly fantastic book that deals with this well, read Mountains Beyond Mountains: The Quest of Dr. Paul Farmer, a Man Who Would Cure the World, by Tracy Kidder). Profit can be a good, and of itself is not to be condemned; but when profit takes precedent over an obvious common good, when profit prevents man from being treated for diseases that will otherwise kill or incapacitate him, then profit becomes sin. "For the love of money is the root of all evils; it is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced their hearts with many pangs" (1 Tim 6:10).

Related to this is concept of responsible freedom is the need to ensure the rights of workers. The global economy today too often creates a competition for the lowest bidder of labor among poor and underdeveloped nations. The Holy Father writes:

Consequently, the market has prompted new forms of competition between States as they seek to attract foreign businesses to set up production centres, by means of a variety of instruments, including favourable fiscal regimes and deregulation of the labour market. These processes have led to a downsizing of social security systems as the price to be paid for seeking greater competitive advantage in the global market, with consequent grave danger for the rights of workers, for fundamental human rights and for the solidarity associated with the traditional forms of the social State.

This competition for cheap labor creates a degradation of the human person that regards man through a strictly utilitarian lens, and not through the lens of inherent dignity that is his by virtue of being created by God and in God's image. As the world moves forward in developing the economic plans for the future, primary among this new vision must be a deep respect for the rights of workers, and overall for human dignity. This flows directly from the human right that the Church recognizes as primary among all human rights, the right to life, which is where I will pick up in my next post.

Who said this?

2009-07-07T10:58:25Z

Hello all. I'm currently reading Frank Sheed's Theology for Beginners and came across where he quotes the phrase caligo quaedam lux — the darkness is a kind of light. Unfortunately, he doesn't name the author, but says only that it was "one of the greatest theologians". A Google search hasn't turned up anything helpful. Does anyone here by any chance know the mysterious theologian's name?

Bl. Francis Xavier Seelos credited with a miracle

2009-07-05T16:34:54Z

Bl. Francis Xavier Seelos credited with a miraculous healing in Anapolis

Interesting, because I didn't think spontaneous remissions could be considered miracles, since they could happen naturally. Perhaps that's just spontaneous remission of tuberculosis that I'm thinking of.