Remember the cry in English-speaking countries a few decades ago, 'No illegitimate children, only illegitimate parents'? The legal stigma attached to children born out of wedlock was removed probably in all of those countries. In some urban areas in my native Republic of Ireland, where about 90 percent are still nominally Catholic, more than half of children now are born out of wedlock. It seems that the word 'spouse' has now become a 'four-letter' word. 'Partners' is now the polite term.
I'm not sure if China, soon to host the Olympic Games, has the category of 'illegitimate' children but it has 'illegal' children. Very generously, the authorities in China have agreed to grant some of these, but not all, legal status as a story in the International Herald Tribune reported a couple of days ago.
China's one-child policy has exemptions for quake victims' parents
By Andrew Jacobs Published: May 27, 2008
CHENGDU, China: In response to inquiries from grieving relatives, local officials announced Monday that parents whose only child was killed or grievously injured in the May 12 earthquake would be exempt from the country's one-child policy . . . The committee announced Monday that if a couple's legally born child was killed in the earthquake, an illegal child under 18 years could be registered as a legal replacement. If the dead child was illegal, it said the family would no longer be responsible for outstanding fines, although parents would not be reimbursed for penalties already paid.
An old English word beginning with 'b' that was used before to describe 'illegitimate children' comes to mind - but not to describe the 'illegal children' of the People's Republic of China.
Meanwhile, a British couple of Indian origin, the husband 72 and the wife 59, dumped their newborn twins, born after fertility treatment, because they are girls, as this story shows.
IVF couple 'dump twin girls'
Press Assoc. A couple who travelled to India for IVF treatment dumped their newborn twins at a British hospital when they found out they were girls.
Reports said the mother, 59, and father, 72, travelled to India for fertility treatment that would not have been allowed in Britain because of their age.
The parents, who were born in India but are British citizens living in Birmingham, reportedly told doctors they did not want the "wrong sex" babies immediately after the children were born by Caesarean section in Wolverhampton's New Cross hospital a fortnight ago.
The newspaper says the husband then asked medics how long it would be before his wife was fit enough to fly back to India for more IVF treatment in the hope of getting a boy to continue the family name.
I know that the Feast of the Visitation is in two days time, followed in a few weeks by the Solemnity of the Birthday of St John the Baptist, but Zechariah and Elizabeth, as two God-fearing people, used to 'Dance in the Old Fashioned Way' as Charles Aznavour advised:
What does the Church have to say about who makes the basic decisions about having children? It belongs to the husband and wife together, not to the state. And they are meant, in God's plan, to do it in 'The Old Fashioned Way'. here is what Gaudium et Spes, The Church in the Modern World, singed by Pope Paul VI on 7 December 1965 during Vatican II, has to say in No 50:
Parents should regard as their proper mission the task of transmitting human life and educating those to whom it has been transmitted. They should realize that they are thereby cooperators with the love of God the Creator, and are, so to speak, the interpreters of that love. Thus they will fulfil their task with human and Christian responsibility, and, with docile reverence toward God, will make decisions by common counsel and effort. Let them thoughtfully take into account both their own welfare and that of their children, those already born and those which the future may bring. For this accounting they need to reckon with both the material and the spiritual conditions of the times as well as of their state in life. Finally, they should consult the interests of the family group, of temporal society, and of the Church herself. The parents themselves and no one else should ultimately make this judgment in the sight of God. But in their manner of acting, spouses should be aware that they cannot proceed arbitrarily, but must always be governed according to a conscience dutifully conformed to the divine law itself, and should be submissive toward the Church's teaching office, which authentically interprets that law in the light of the Gospel. That divine law reveals and protects the integral meaning of conjugal love, and impels it toward a truly human fulfillment. Thus, trusting in divine Providence and refining the spirit of sacrifice,(12) married Christians glorify the Creator and strive toward fulfillment in Christ when with a generous human and Christian sense of responsibility they acquit themselves of the duty to procreate. Among the couples who fulfil their God-given task in this way, those merit special mention who with a gallant heart and with wise and common deliberation, undertake to bring up suitably even a relatively large family.(13)
29 May 2008
'What do you want me to do for you?'
An American Columban colleague of mine, Fr John Burger, now a councillor to our Superior General in Hong Kong – the Council recently moved there from Dublin – told a beautiful story about today’s gospel (Mk 10:46-52) in a video.
Father John had a prayer-group in his parish in Japan. Each week they read a gospel passage, shared their reflections on it and prayed. One week the story of Bartimaeus was the text chosen. My friend was a little anxious as one of the members of the group was a blind man. What would he have to say about this gospel?
As it turned out the blind man told the group that it was one of his favourite passages because Jesus asked Bartimaeus, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ Many of us, when we meet a blind person or a person with some other disability tend to think ‘How can I help this person?’ The person may not need any help at all. This blind man in Japan had often experienced unnecessary, though well-meant, ‘help’. But he was profoundly touched by the fact that Jesus didn’t presume to know what Bartimaeus needed but asked him first. As it happened, he answered ‘Lord, let me receive my sight’. Jesus responded to his request.
Father Burger’s parishioner went on to tell the others in the prayer group that he was quite content being blind. He had his own apartment and knew where everything was. But there were areas in his life where he hadn’t yet let Jesus in. If he allowed Jesus to ask him the question he had asked Bartimaeus he would invite him to enter those areas in his life.
I have often used this story at the beginning of retreats.
Mk 10:46-52., RSV. And they came to Jericho; and as he was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a great multitude, Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the roadside. And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent; but he cried out all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" And Jesus stopped and said, "Call him." And they called the blind man, saying to him, "Take heart; rise, he is calling you." And throwing off his mantle he sprang up and came to Jesus. And Jesus said to him, "What do you want me to do for you?" And the blind man said to him, "Master, * let me receive my sight." And Jesus said to him, "Go your way; your faith has made you well." And immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way.
Father John had a prayer-group in his parish in Japan. Each week they read a gospel passage, shared their reflections on it and prayed. One week the story of Bartimaeus was the text chosen. My friend was a little anxious as one of the members of the group was a blind man. What would he have to say about this gospel?
As it turned out the blind man told the group that it was one of his favourite passages because Jesus asked Bartimaeus, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ Many of us, when we meet a blind person or a person with some other disability tend to think ‘How can I help this person?’ The person may not need any help at all. This blind man in Japan had often experienced unnecessary, though well-meant, ‘help’. But he was profoundly touched by the fact that Jesus didn’t presume to know what Bartimaeus needed but asked him first. As it happened, he answered ‘Lord, let me receive my sight’. Jesus responded to his request.
Father Burger’s parishioner went on to tell the others in the prayer group that he was quite content being blind. He had his own apartment and knew where everything was. But there were areas in his life where he hadn’t yet let Jesus in. If he allowed Jesus to ask him the question he had asked Bartimaeus he would invite him to enter those areas in his life.
I have often used this story at the beginning of retreats.
Mk 10:46-52., RSV. And they came to Jericho; and as he was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a great multitude, Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the roadside. And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent; but he cried out all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" And Jesus stopped and said, "Call him." And they called the blind man, saying to him, "Take heart; rise, he is calling you." And throwing off his mantle he sprang up and came to Jesus. And Jesus said to him, "What do you want me to do for you?" And the blind man said to him, "Master, * let me receive my sight." And Jesus said to him, "Go your way; your faith has made you well." And immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way.
27 May 2008
'UQ President Calls for Pro-Life Referendum'
On 15 May I had a post under the title ‘Pro-Life Students muzzled in universities in Queensland and Wisconsin’. There has been a positive follow-up in the University of Queensland. ‘yBenedict’, a website connected with this year’s World Youth Day in Sydney, carries a story by Bridget Spinks dated 16 May under the headline ‘UQ PRESIDENT CALLS FOR PRO-LIFE REFERENDUM’:
In a dramatic turn-around, University of Queensland student union president Josh Young has now encouraged UQ Catholic students to campaign for a pro-life ‘referendum.’
Mr Young’s unexpected comments come following yesterday’s article in The Australian , which reported on the threatened disaffiliation of the Catholic Newman Society from the UQ Students Union for distributing literature displaying an image of an eight week old foetus earlier this month.
Mr Young explained that the union’s ‘pro-choice’ policy dated back to 1993 but was changeable.
"We've had a referendum that the union was pro-choice in 1993 which is concurrent until another referendum is held. The Newman Society or other bodies need to follow procedures to activate … [another referendum], which I encourage.”
Mr Young explained that the Newman Society's twelve month probation period was merely bureaucratic disciplinary action, which had to be taken to uphold a 'pro-choice' policy that as president of the union, he is constitutionally bound to uphold.
Mr Young continued by indicating that there were situations he had inherited this year as president that seemed outdated. “Because of this, we'll most likely be making sweeping changes," he said.
Earlier in the day, national president of ACSA (Australian Catholic Students Association), Camillus O’Kane threw his support behind the Newman Society, describing the UQ student union’s actions in threatening to disaffiliate the Newman Society as ‘outrageous.’
"It is a disgrace that this incident has occurred at one of Australia’s leading universities, a place of learning where we should be able to express our views freely," Mr O’Kane said.
The confrontation originally broke out when secretary of the Newman Society, Elise Nally, expressed dismay at the failure of the Union to properly articulate the problem.
"The image that we used was a scientific image - when pregnant women have scans they don't have problems with it - so we're still waiting for an explanation as to why such an image or wording is inappropriate," said Ms Nally.
"Our stall in no way had distributed information that suggested women could keep the child or put the child up for adoption but the union still chose to take disciplinary action against the society," said Ms Nally.
The UQ Catholic Newman Society and its members will be represented at World Youth Day 2008 at Universitas, the International Students Gathering to be held at Sydney University during the week of WYD2008.
For more information on the Catholic Newman Society or the Australian Catholic Students Association visit www.catholicstudents.org.au
Interestingly, nobody mentioned this in the comments under my post. But the whole episode shows that positive action can lead to more positive action.
Here is the media release of the Australian Catholic Students Association (ACSA) dated 15 May, which was before the story about Mr Young broke:
15 May 2008
Catholic students concerned over attack on free speech andsupport for pregnant women.
The Australian Catholic Students Association (ACSA), the peak body representing Catholicstudents in Australia, expresses its solidarity with the Newman Society at The University ofQueensland, which has been gagged in its efforts to support pregnant women through its campusactivities.
ACSA is concerned that the use of a 15-year-old referendum by the UQ Union to take disciplinaryaction against the Society raises serious concerns for students’ freedom of speech and theimplications this might have on other student groups at The University of Queensland.
ACSA National President Camillus O’Kane said that ‘if the truth becomes something we can simplyvote for, it becomes a weapon that can be used against others. This is why freedom of speech isone of the guiding principles of our society.’
ACSA notes that pro-life groups had been active at The University of Queensland for five yearsafter the referendum was passed in 1993, with no disciplinary action taken against them. Furthermore, it recognises that the referendum only established that UQ would be a pro-choicecampus, not that any particular viewpoint would be suppressed.
‘It is a shame that this incident has occurred at one of Australia’s leading universities, a place oflearning where we should be able to express our views freely,’ Mr O’Kane said.
ACSA fully supports Newman society members in their work, ensuring that students are made aware of the alternatives to abortion. It believes that by distributing pregnancy support information, the UQ Newman Society is contributing to a balanced environment that can offer women a genuinechoice.
ACSA National Treasurer Elise Nally, who is also Secretary of the Newman Society, said that ‘university can be a time when young women might be faced with the difficult challenge of anunplanned pregnancy. Those women not only deserve compassion, but also support.’
ACSA hopes the UQ Union will reconsider its decision to ban the display of pregnancy supportmaterial by the UQ Newman Society.
For further information or comment: ACSA President Camillus O’Kane 0407 538 044
ACSA Treasurer, Elise Nally 0421 004 092
In a dramatic turn-around, University of Queensland student union president Josh Young has now encouraged UQ Catholic students to campaign for a pro-life ‘referendum.’
Mr Young’s unexpected comments come following yesterday’s article in The Australian , which reported on the threatened disaffiliation of the Catholic Newman Society from the UQ Students Union for distributing literature displaying an image of an eight week old foetus earlier this month.
Mr Young explained that the union’s ‘pro-choice’ policy dated back to 1993 but was changeable.
"We've had a referendum that the union was pro-choice in 1993 which is concurrent until another referendum is held. The Newman Society or other bodies need to follow procedures to activate … [another referendum], which I encourage.”
Mr Young explained that the Newman Society's twelve month probation period was merely bureaucratic disciplinary action, which had to be taken to uphold a 'pro-choice' policy that as president of the union, he is constitutionally bound to uphold.
Mr Young continued by indicating that there were situations he had inherited this year as president that seemed outdated. “Because of this, we'll most likely be making sweeping changes," he said.
Earlier in the day, national president of ACSA (Australian Catholic Students Association), Camillus O’Kane threw his support behind the Newman Society, describing the UQ student union’s actions in threatening to disaffiliate the Newman Society as ‘outrageous.’
"It is a disgrace that this incident has occurred at one of Australia’s leading universities, a place of learning where we should be able to express our views freely," Mr O’Kane said.
The confrontation originally broke out when secretary of the Newman Society, Elise Nally, expressed dismay at the failure of the Union to properly articulate the problem.
"The image that we used was a scientific image - when pregnant women have scans they don't have problems with it - so we're still waiting for an explanation as to why such an image or wording is inappropriate," said Ms Nally.
"Our stall in no way had distributed information that suggested women could keep the child or put the child up for adoption but the union still chose to take disciplinary action against the society," said Ms Nally.
The UQ Catholic Newman Society and its members will be represented at World Youth Day 2008 at Universitas, the International Students Gathering to be held at Sydney University during the week of WYD2008.
For more information on the Catholic Newman Society or the Australian Catholic Students Association visit www.catholicstudents.org.au
Interestingly, nobody mentioned this in the comments under my post. But the whole episode shows that positive action can lead to more positive action.
Here is the media release of the Australian Catholic Students Association (ACSA) dated 15 May, which was before the story about Mr Young broke:
15 May 2008
Catholic students concerned over attack on free speech andsupport for pregnant women.
The Australian Catholic Students Association (ACSA), the peak body representing Catholicstudents in Australia, expresses its solidarity with the Newman Society at The University ofQueensland, which has been gagged in its efforts to support pregnant women through its campusactivities.
ACSA is concerned that the use of a 15-year-old referendum by the UQ Union to take disciplinaryaction against the Society raises serious concerns for students’ freedom of speech and theimplications this might have on other student groups at The University of Queensland.
ACSA National President Camillus O’Kane said that ‘if the truth becomes something we can simplyvote for, it becomes a weapon that can be used against others. This is why freedom of speech isone of the guiding principles of our society.’
ACSA notes that pro-life groups had been active at The University of Queensland for five yearsafter the referendum was passed in 1993, with no disciplinary action taken against them. Furthermore, it recognises that the referendum only established that UQ would be a pro-choicecampus, not that any particular viewpoint would be suppressed.
‘It is a shame that this incident has occurred at one of Australia’s leading universities, a place oflearning where we should be able to express our views freely,’ Mr O’Kane said.
ACSA fully supports Newman society members in their work, ensuring that students are made aware of the alternatives to abortion. It believes that by distributing pregnancy support information, the UQ Newman Society is contributing to a balanced environment that can offer women a genuinechoice.
ACSA National Treasurer Elise Nally, who is also Secretary of the Newman Society, said that ‘university can be a time when young women might be faced with the difficult challenge of anunplanned pregnancy. Those women not only deserve compassion, but also support.’
ACSA hopes the UQ Union will reconsider its decision to ban the display of pregnancy supportmaterial by the UQ Newman Society.
For further information or comment: ACSA President Camillus O’Kane 0407 538 044
ACSA Treasurer, Elise Nally 0421 004 092
19 May 2008
Not from 'shrivelled old celibates in the Vatican'
One of the most dismissive arguments against the Church’s teaching on contraception is, ‘What have shrivelled old celibates in the Vatican to say to married couples?’ Of course, this is ‘evading the issue’ in more than one sense.
At CatholicCulture.org I came across two excellent articles, neither written by a ‘shriveled old celibate in the Vatican’, but by happily married men who clearly understand God’s plan for marriage and who are living it.
Contraception and the Catholic Vision
by Dr Jeff Mirus, 16 May 2008
On May 10th, Pope Benedict XVI called Paul VI’s landmark encyclical On Human Life an act of courage which has “become a sign of contradiction.” He made his remarks at a conference on the fortieth anniversary of the encyclical held at the Pontifical Lateran University. While many Catholics still find Humanae Vitae’s condemnation of contraception difficult to understand and accept, it should be more than evident by now that the Catholic vision of life and love enunciated by Pope Paul VI is one of the great keys to reviving our dying culture.
Full article here.
++++
A Catholic Physician Talks to Engaged Couples
by William G. White, MD
I've highlighted the second paragraph of Dr White's article because, unfortunately and incredibly, our 'enlightened' generation has decided to try to 'reinvent the wheel' by ignoring what nature has been teaching us since the first humans walked on earth. Legislators and judges in many countries are falling over themselves to push the agenda of those who ignore the millennia of human experience, not to mention modern science. Even societies that practise polygamy and polyandry recognise that marriage involves man and woman, even if not between one man and one woman. I'm not promoting either of these practices!
St. Thomas Aquinas wrote that in all we do, we seek happiness. The primary source of earthly happiness for human beings — more than work, hobbies, sports, politics or any other interest — is those who are most dear to us. For most people, these dear ones are our family members: husbands, wives, children, parents, etc. Therefore, the way we live our family lives is essential to our happiness. The prevalence of broken homes suggests that many families have not found a way to live happily together. Today we will discuss how to live marriage in a way that brings maximal happiness to both husband and wife and in turn to the children. We will address specifically those ways in which the husband and wife communicate with each other in their intimate relations.
But first, a preface. When we talk about marriage, we are talking about a union of one man and one woman. Whatever other kinds of relationships we see around us, whatever they are called, and whatever people do in those relationships, they are not marriage. Marriage arises out of human nature itself. It is recognized but not created by society. Marriage always has been and always will be between one man and one woman.
Full article here .
At CatholicCulture.org I came across two excellent articles, neither written by a ‘shriveled old celibate in the Vatican’, but by happily married men who clearly understand God’s plan for marriage and who are living it.
Contraception and the Catholic Vision
by Dr Jeff Mirus, 16 May 2008
On May 10th, Pope Benedict XVI called Paul VI’s landmark encyclical On Human Life an act of courage which has “become a sign of contradiction.” He made his remarks at a conference on the fortieth anniversary of the encyclical held at the Pontifical Lateran University. While many Catholics still find Humanae Vitae’s condemnation of contraception difficult to understand and accept, it should be more than evident by now that the Catholic vision of life and love enunciated by Pope Paul VI is one of the great keys to reviving our dying culture.
Full article here.
++++
A Catholic Physician Talks to Engaged Couples
by William G. White, MD
I've highlighted the second paragraph of Dr White's article because, unfortunately and incredibly, our 'enlightened' generation has decided to try to 'reinvent the wheel' by ignoring what nature has been teaching us since the first humans walked on earth. Legislators and judges in many countries are falling over themselves to push the agenda of those who ignore the millennia of human experience, not to mention modern science. Even societies that practise polygamy and polyandry recognise that marriage involves man and woman, even if not between one man and one woman. I'm not promoting either of these practices!
St. Thomas Aquinas wrote that in all we do, we seek happiness. The primary source of earthly happiness for human beings — more than work, hobbies, sports, politics or any other interest — is those who are most dear to us. For most people, these dear ones are our family members: husbands, wives, children, parents, etc. Therefore, the way we live our family lives is essential to our happiness. The prevalence of broken homes suggests that many families have not found a way to live happily together. Today we will discuss how to live marriage in a way that brings maximal happiness to both husband and wife and in turn to the children. We will address specifically those ways in which the husband and wife communicate with each other in their intimate relations.
But first, a preface. When we talk about marriage, we are talking about a union of one man and one woman. Whatever other kinds of relationships we see around us, whatever they are called, and whatever people do in those relationships, they are not marriage. Marriage arises out of human nature itself. It is recognized but not created by society. Marriage always has been and always will be between one man and one woman.
Full article here .
18 May 2008
A 'One Issue' Candidate?
From time to time I have heard people say when you bring up the question of pro-abortion politicians that we shouldn't be focusing on just one issue.
An issue of life and death is rather an important one. And there is often the implication that pro-life people don't care what happens to a child after birth. I'm not quite sure where that comes from.
I don't believe that Barack Obama is a 'one issue' candidate but an article from the National Catholic Register quoted extensively in LifeNews.com ends thus:
Ultimately, NCR points out that Obama would make promoting abortion his top priority and first act as president.
"The first thing I’d do as president is sign the Freedom of Choice Act,” he told Planned Parenthood last July about the bill that would overturn pro-life laws nationwide and legally enshrine abortion.
"That would make America more friendly to the abortion industry than any other country in the world," NCR says.
So Senator Obama sees the 'right' to abortion as a top priority issue, even if it's not his only issue.
The pro-abortion NARAL 'PRO-CHOICE' AMERICA endorsed Senator Obama on 14 May:
Washington, DC - Nancy Keenan, president of NARAL Pro-Choice America, released the following statement today, announcing that her organization's political action committee proudly endorses Sen. Barack Obama for president.
"Today, NARAL Pro-Choice America PAC is proud to endorse Sen. Barack Obama for president. Sen. Obama has been a strong advocate for a woman's right to choose throughout his career in public office. He steadfastly supports and defends a woman's right to make the most personal, private decisions regarding her reproductive health without interference from government or politicians.
A note on NARAL from Wikipedia, the online encylopedia:
The group was founded in 1968 by Bernard Nathanson, Larry Lader and Betty Friedan as the National Association for the Repeal of Abortion Laws. Bernard Nathanson, like Sandra Cano a.k.a. "Mary Doe," is now a vocal pro-life activist. After Roe v. Wade, the 1973 case in which the U.S. Supreme Court declared a constitutional right to privacy in reproductive decisions including abortion, it changed its name to National Abortion Rights Action League, then to National Abortion & Reproductive Rights Action League, and in 2003 dropped the long form in favor of "NARAL Pro-Choice America."
It is to the credit of the citizens of the USA that so many of them see the importance of working to overturn the infamous Roe versus Wade decision by the US Supreme Court on 22 January 1973 that legalized abortion on demand. That decision has led to countless deaths. The fact that those on the pro-abortion side see retaining that decision as a priority shows in its own strage way that matters of fundamental morals do matter to the citizens of the USA.
An issue of life and death is rather an important one. And there is often the implication that pro-life people don't care what happens to a child after birth. I'm not quite sure where that comes from.
I don't believe that Barack Obama is a 'one issue' candidate but an article from the National Catholic Register quoted extensively in LifeNews.com ends thus:
Ultimately, NCR points out that Obama would make promoting abortion his top priority and first act as president.
"The first thing I’d do as president is sign the Freedom of Choice Act,” he told Planned Parenthood last July about the bill that would overturn pro-life laws nationwide and legally enshrine abortion.
"That would make America more friendly to the abortion industry than any other country in the world," NCR says.
So Senator Obama sees the 'right' to abortion as a top priority issue, even if it's not his only issue.
The pro-abortion NARAL 'PRO-CHOICE' AMERICA endorsed Senator Obama on 14 May:
Washington, DC - Nancy Keenan, president of NARAL Pro-Choice America, released the following statement today, announcing that her organization's political action committee proudly endorses Sen. Barack Obama for president.
"Today, NARAL Pro-Choice America PAC is proud to endorse Sen. Barack Obama for president. Sen. Obama has been a strong advocate for a woman's right to choose throughout his career in public office. He steadfastly supports and defends a woman's right to make the most personal, private decisions regarding her reproductive health without interference from government or politicians.
A note on NARAL from Wikipedia, the online encylopedia:
The group was founded in 1968 by Bernard Nathanson, Larry Lader and Betty Friedan as the National Association for the Repeal of Abortion Laws. Bernard Nathanson, like Sandra Cano a.k.a. "Mary Doe," is now a vocal pro-life activist. After Roe v. Wade, the 1973 case in which the U.S. Supreme Court declared a constitutional right to privacy in reproductive decisions including abortion, it changed its name to National Abortion Rights Action League, then to National Abortion & Reproductive Rights Action League, and in 2003 dropped the long form in favor of "NARAL Pro-Choice America."
It is to the credit of the citizens of the USA that so many of them see the importance of working to overturn the infamous Roe versus Wade decision by the US Supreme Court on 22 January 1973 that legalized abortion on demand. That decision has led to countless deaths. The fact that those on the pro-abortion side see retaining that decision as a priority shows in its own strage way that matters of fundamental morals do matter to the citizens of the USA.
15 May 2008
Burma situation 'overwhelming' - Caritas Australia
The report below came in today on the daily email of www.cathnews.com which is based in Australia and a very good source of Catholic news. It comes out Monday to Friday.
I posted the other day that the Columbans have donated US$100,000 to Caritas Myanmar to help meet some of the urgent needs of the survivors of the cyclone.
Burma situation 'overwhelming': Caritas 14 May 2008
Describing the situation in Burma as 'overwhelming', Caritas Australia CEO Jack de Groot has appealed to the Catholic community 'for as much help as possible'.
'Unlike many other organisations, we already have access to Burma, because of our contacts and networks on the ground and pre-existing partnerships,' Mr de Groot said according to a Caritas statement.
'We have already distributed food, water and shelter to three of the affected districts. Distribution is continually expanding.
'We have distributed medical supplies to 16,000 people. The number helped will rise soon.
'We are able to channel funds directly into communities through Catholic networks, by-passing blockages imposed by the military,' Mr de Groot said.
'The death toll is now so high, and threatening to rise because of water borne illnesses, that much more aid is needed than is currently pledged.
'We are the second largest aid agency in the world (second only to the Red Cross), and one of the top five Australian aid and development agencies," he added.
'We have leverage because we are working as a team with our international partners. We are a member of the Australian Council For International Development, (ACFID) and a registered charity.'
'Our accountability as Catholics is not to our questions and doubts alone,' he said.
'We must criticise negligence that arises from inaction but at the end our accountability is to the poor and suffering. (Emphasis added).
'That is what we as a country and Church are measured by. Donors need to probe but not resign from action – the people of the Burma do not have this choice at the moment,' Mr de Groot warned.
SOURCE
Burma Cyclone 'overwhelming': 'Please, please, please allow international access' (Caritas Australia, Media Release, 14/5/08.
Burmese dioceses setting up camps for people displaced by cyclone Nargis (AsiaNews, 14/5/08)
Caritas relief efforts to reach 40,000 people in Myanmar (Reliefweb, 14/5/08)
LINKS:
Caritas Australia
I posted the other day that the Columbans have donated US$100,000 to Caritas Myanmar to help meet some of the urgent needs of the survivors of the cyclone.
Burma situation 'overwhelming': Caritas 14 May 2008
Describing the situation in Burma as 'overwhelming', Caritas Australia CEO Jack de Groot has appealed to the Catholic community 'for as much help as possible'.
'Unlike many other organisations, we already have access to Burma, because of our contacts and networks on the ground and pre-existing partnerships,' Mr de Groot said according to a Caritas statement.
'We have already distributed food, water and shelter to three of the affected districts. Distribution is continually expanding.
'We have distributed medical supplies to 16,000 people. The number helped will rise soon.
'We are able to channel funds directly into communities through Catholic networks, by-passing blockages imposed by the military,' Mr de Groot said.
'The death toll is now so high, and threatening to rise because of water borne illnesses, that much more aid is needed than is currently pledged.
'We are the second largest aid agency in the world (second only to the Red Cross), and one of the top five Australian aid and development agencies," he added.
'We have leverage because we are working as a team with our international partners. We are a member of the Australian Council For International Development, (ACFID) and a registered charity.'
'Our accountability as Catholics is not to our questions and doubts alone,' he said.
'We must criticise negligence that arises from inaction but at the end our accountability is to the poor and suffering. (Emphasis added).
'That is what we as a country and Church are measured by. Donors need to probe but not resign from action – the people of the Burma do not have this choice at the moment,' Mr de Groot warned.
SOURCE
Burma Cyclone 'overwhelming': 'Please, please, please allow international access' (Caritas Australia, Media Release, 14/5/08.
Burmese dioceses setting up camps for people displaced by cyclone Nargis (AsiaNews, 14/5/08)
Caritas relief efforts to reach 40,000 people in Myanmar (Reliefweb, 14/5/08)
LINKS:
Caritas Australia
Pro-Life students muzzled in universities in Queensland and Wisconsin
Three emails came in today, from Italy, Australia and the USA, all dealing with the dignity of the life of those not yet born.
The email of the Vatican-based Agenzia Fides carried a report of Pope Benedict’s talk to members of the Italian Movement for Life on 12 May. The occasion was the 30th anniversary of the legalization of abortion in Italy. Here are some points the Holy Father made. Highlighting is by your blogger.
‘It is necessary to bear concrete witness to the fact that respect for life is the first form of justice that must be applied. For those who have the gift of faith this becomes an imperative that cannot be deferred.’
‘Looking back on the past thirty years and considering the present situation, we cannot but recognize that, in practical terms, defending human life has become more difficult today, because a mentality has been created that progressively devalues human life and entrusts it to the judgement of individuals. A consequence deriving therefrom is lessened respect for the human person, a value that lies at the foundation of any form of civil coexistence, over and above the faith a person may profess.’
Considering the many causes that lead to such an unfortunate decision as abortion, the Church ‘never ceases to repeat that the sacred value of the existence of every man finds its origins in the design of the Creator,’ the Holy Father said, while also encouraging ‘every initiative in support of the woman and the family in creating favorable conditions for the acceptance of life, and the protection of the institution of the family which is based on the marriage between a man and a woman.’
Benedict XVI also recalled that, ‘The possibility of terminating a pregnancy not only has not resolved the problems afflicting many women and no small number of families, but it has opened another wound in our societies, already so afflicted by profound sufferings.’
The Holy Father also acknowledged that in spite of the great effort carried out during these years, and not only by the Church, in trying to remedy the needs and difficulties of families, ‘diverse problems continue to afflict our modern-day society, impeding many young people from nurturing the desire to marry and form a family, due to the negative conditions in which they live. The lack of job security, laws that often lack a consideration for motherhood, the uncertainty of being able to support children, are among some of the obstacles that seem to stifle the demands of a fruitful love and open the door to a growing sense lack of confidence in the future.’
Two separate incidents in universities, one in Australia and one in the USA, illustrate what Pope Benedict said: ‘we cannot but recognize that, in practical terms, defending human life has become more difficult today’.
The Australian reports Student body forbids 'anti-abortion' poster. The particular poster, put up by the Newman Society, a Catholic organization, ‘did not mention abortion but featured a photograph of an eight-week old fetus in the womb. The campaign was pitched as being "pro-women" and "pro-pregnancy"’.
Apparently students are not allowed to express pro-life views at the University of Queensland because of a student referendum in 1993 in which only 3,500 out of 30,000 voted. 1,900 voted in favour of abortion on demand.
You can also read this story at CathNews .
Meanwhile, www.lifenews.com reports that a student leader at the University of Wisconsin ‘allegedly’ trashed a pro-life display on campus. However, a video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5NeLyMZUYM ('embedding disabled by request') shows what happened. The pro-life students in Wisconsin got a much more positive response from the authorities that did those in Queensland.
The email of the Vatican-based Agenzia Fides carried a report of Pope Benedict’s talk to members of the Italian Movement for Life on 12 May. The occasion was the 30th anniversary of the legalization of abortion in Italy. Here are some points the Holy Father made. Highlighting is by your blogger.
‘It is necessary to bear concrete witness to the fact that respect for life is the first form of justice that must be applied. For those who have the gift of faith this becomes an imperative that cannot be deferred.’
‘Looking back on the past thirty years and considering the present situation, we cannot but recognize that, in practical terms, defending human life has become more difficult today, because a mentality has been created that progressively devalues human life and entrusts it to the judgement of individuals. A consequence deriving therefrom is lessened respect for the human person, a value that lies at the foundation of any form of civil coexistence, over and above the faith a person may profess.’
Considering the many causes that lead to such an unfortunate decision as abortion, the Church ‘never ceases to repeat that the sacred value of the existence of every man finds its origins in the design of the Creator,’ the Holy Father said, while also encouraging ‘every initiative in support of the woman and the family in creating favorable conditions for the acceptance of life, and the protection of the institution of the family which is based on the marriage between a man and a woman.’
Benedict XVI also recalled that, ‘The possibility of terminating a pregnancy not only has not resolved the problems afflicting many women and no small number of families, but it has opened another wound in our societies, already so afflicted by profound sufferings.’
The Holy Father also acknowledged that in spite of the great effort carried out during these years, and not only by the Church, in trying to remedy the needs and difficulties of families, ‘diverse problems continue to afflict our modern-day society, impeding many young people from nurturing the desire to marry and form a family, due to the negative conditions in which they live. The lack of job security, laws that often lack a consideration for motherhood, the uncertainty of being able to support children, are among some of the obstacles that seem to stifle the demands of a fruitful love and open the door to a growing sense lack of confidence in the future.’
Two separate incidents in universities, one in Australia and one in the USA, illustrate what Pope Benedict said: ‘we cannot but recognize that, in practical terms, defending human life has become more difficult today’.
The Australian reports Student body forbids 'anti-abortion' poster. The particular poster, put up by the Newman Society, a Catholic organization, ‘did not mention abortion but featured a photograph of an eight-week old fetus in the womb. The campaign was pitched as being "pro-women" and "pro-pregnancy"’.
Apparently students are not allowed to express pro-life views at the University of Queensland because of a student referendum in 1993 in which only 3,500 out of 30,000 voted. 1,900 voted in favour of abortion on demand.
You can also read this story at CathNews .
Meanwhile, www.lifenews.com reports that a student leader at the University of Wisconsin ‘allegedly’ trashed a pro-life display on campus. However, a video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5NeLyMZUYM ('embedding disabled by request') shows what happened. The pro-life students in Wisconsin got a much more positive response from the authorities that did those in Queensland.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)