Pope Benedict Proclaims a 'Year of Faith'

From Catholic World News

Pope Benedict XVI has announced a special “Year of Faith,” dedicated to rousing a “new impetus to the mission of the whole Church to lead men out of the desert in which they often find themselves, to the place of life, of friendship with Christ.”

The Year of Faith will begin on October 11, 2012: a date that marks the 50th anniversary of the opening of Vatican II. Pope Benedict notes that the date is also the 20th anniversary of the publication of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which he describes as “a precious and indispensable tool” for the task of evangelization. The special observance will end on November 24, 2013: the feast of Christ the King. Pope Benedict announced the Year of Faith on Sunday, October 16, as he celebrated Mass in St. Peter’s basilica at the conclusion of a conference on the “new evangelization.” In his homily the Pontiff explained that the “new evangelization”--which is aimed at restoring the strength of the faith in traditionally Christian countries now dominated by secularism—is a natural complement to the mission ad gentes, the drive to bring the faith to societies that have not yet heard the Gospel message. On the same day, October 16, the Pope released a motu proprio entitled Porta Fidei (“The Door of Faith”), formally proclaiming and explaining the Year of Faith. The initiative, he said, is required “because of a profound crisis of faith that has affected many people.”

Herman Cain Sings 'Imagine There's No Pizza'

Whatever you may think of 9-9-9, there's no question that Herman Cain has a great voice!   If the GOP presidential nomination doesn't work out, he should consider "America's Got Talent."

Mark Your Calendars: End of World Coming Oct. 21, Camping Says

Radio preacher Harold Camping predicted that May 12, 2011 would mark the beginning of the end of the world CREDIT: Karl Tate, TechMediaNetwork

What is it about "No one knoweth" that so many self-proclaimed "Bible Believing" Christians just can't seem to understand?  On the question of when the world will end, our Blessed Lord is quoted in Saint Matthew's Gospel (Mt 24:36) as saying: "But of that day and hour no one knoweth, not the angels of heaven, but the Father alone."  

But radio preacher Harold Camping has done some new calculations which, apparently, even the angels are incapable of, and determined that the end of the world will now occur on October 21.  There are more than a few passages the literalists don't seem to take literally.  Nevertheless, If he's right, we hope to be bowing in "humble adoration," and if he's wrong, we predict he and all the rest of us will come to a better understanding of Purgatory -- through the U.S. Presidential election season.

Pope Believes Secularized Nations Can Become Christian Again

From CNA

By David Kerr

Pope Benedict XVI told over 8,000 Catholics involved in the “new evangelization” that he has every confidence they can return their respective nations to Jesus Christ.

“Seeing all of you and knowing the hard work that everyone of you places at the service of the mission, I am convinced that the new evangelists will multiply more and more to create the true transformation which the world of today needs,” the Pope said Oct. 15. in the Vatican’s Paul VI Audience Hall.

The Pope was addressing a conference entitled “New Evangelizers for the New Evangelization - The Word of God grows and spreads,” organized by the Pontifical Council for Promoting the New Evangelization.

Sermon of Father Franklyn M. McAfee for the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time

"What matters in a struggle is not whether you have the right number, but whether you have the right cause."

Battle of Gideon Against the Midianites - Nicolas Poussin, 1625-1626

Sermon of Reverend Franklyn M. McAfee, D.D.

Pastor Emeritus

St. John the Beloved Catholic Church

McLean, Virginia

October 12, 2008

The Cathedral Singers of Richard Proulx - 'O Sanctissima'

O most holy one, O most lowly one,
Loving virgin, Mary!
Mother of tender love,
Queen of the heavens above,
Pray for us here below!
Virgin ever fair, hear our fervent prayer,
Look upon us, Mary!
Bring to us your treasure, grace beyond measure;
Pray for us here below!

Two Friends and Rivals: Art Exhibit in Rome Showcases Works of Lippi and Botticelli

From Rome Reports:  "The Eternal City has opened its doors to a new and unique exhibit that honors two Italian artists who were both friends and rivals."