Sunday, October 24, 2010

Saturday Afternoon at 65 Bank Street
















I had a few things to do downtown yesterday ( among them was to buy a new bus pass for November) so I decided to drop by the abortion facility at 65 Bank Street . There were two people in silent witness and prayer when I arrived  so I joined them for about an hour. Sometimes there are only a couple of people at the site praying but so far this campaign I haven't seen the spot empty anytime I go by on the bus which seems to be quite often. Thank you God!

Saturday, October 23, 2010

Texas Parents Stopped From Forcing Teenage Daughter to Have Abortion from LifeNews.com

Austin, TX (LifeNews.com) -- With the help of pro-life attorneys from the Alliance Defense Fund, a 16-year-old Texas girl has secured a temporary restraining order preventing her parents from forcing her to have an abortion.

On two occasions, the teenager’s mother literally dragged her to local abortion facilities, including International Healthcare Solutions and Planned Parenthood of the Texas Capital Region, demanding that her daughter take the live of her unborn child.

Though she refused and the child’s father also does not want the baby killed, her parents continued to insist that they will force her to have the abortion. The court’s order prevents that from happening.

“No one should be allowed to decide that an innocent life--especially one that belongs to someone else--is worthless," says Stephen Casey of Round Rock, one of the allied attorneys ADF works with in Texas.

He told LifeNews.com in a statement, "The right not to have an abortion is protected by law, and this right isn't relinquished just because someone else considers the child to be an unwanted burden."

The 16-year-old high school student, who is 13 weeks pregnant, was even more confirmed in her decision against having an abortion after receiving information from a pro-life prayer worker outside one of the abortion facilities to which her mother took her. Full story at http://www.lifenews.com/state5596.html

Friday, October 22, 2010

Annunciation of the Lord Parish - Archbishop Prendergast’s Pastoral Visit

The highlight of the Archbishop's visit will be at the Sat Oct. 23, 5 pm Mass during which he will consecrate our Church by anointing the walls and the altar with holy chrism. He will also insert two relics in the base of the altar, one of St. Bro. Andre Bessette, and one of St. Marguerite d’Youville, both born in Canada. Archbishop Prendergast will also bless our wooden sculptures by Fr. Herman Falke.

As an important  part of the parish visit, the Archbishop, accompanied by Pastor Monsignor Robert Latour, Assistant Pastor Father Jonathan Blake and Episcopal Vicar, Father Joe Muldoon visited our two Senior Residences today:  Laurier Manor this morning  and Elmsmere Residence at 2:00 this afternoon.. Below are some photos I took of the Bishop greeting the folks who live at Elmsmere Residence..  As you can see they were just so delighted by this visit. The Archbishop also visited Brother Andre and Thomas D'Arcy Catholic Schools on Thursday. On Sunday will add some additional  photos.

For more information and photos of the pastoral visit please visit our Archbishop's blog at these two  links http://archbishopterry.blogspot.com/2010/10/synod-2012-on-new-evangelization.html and http://archbishopterry.blogspot.com/2010/10/dedication-of-church-annunciation-of.html





Sunday 8:30 AM Mass







Bill C-510, Roxanne's Law, Support from Campaign Life Coalition

 http://www.campaignlifecoalition.com/index.php?p=Presidents_Message&id=16

Thursday, October 21, 2010

A Rosary for Life - the Joyful Mysteries - Annunciation of the Lord Parish- October 20, 2010

Organized by the Knights of Columbus and attended by approximately 100 people, mostly parishioners.  Members of various parish groups led the decades and Choir Director Connie Duff led the music. It was a beautiful evening. Thank you Gord and Lois Duncan for organizing these special prayers.

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

North American Martyrs

The USA and the Universal Church observed the Feast of the North American Martyrs yesterday  October 19th.  Most of us are not called to die for Jesus and to suffer the horrible physical sufffering these holy men were called to do but just the same we are called to make sacrifices and to sometimes leave our comfort zone when we do. We celebrate people like these Martyrs because they are the heroes of our faith. Their courage should inspire us.

Pro Life Students on Michael Coren show, CTS-TV, Thursday, Oct. 21

Tomorrow's Michael Coren Show on CTS-TV, Thursday, Oct. 21, will be all about the pro-life students who protest and get arrested on Canadian campuses. Michael will feature several of the Carleton students who got arrested earlier this month, two reps. from NCLN and Alanna Campbell from U of Calgary who's been part of the GAP displays there and Jojo Ruba of the Canadian Centre for Bioethical Reform. The show airs at 6 pm and will be posted a day or two later on CTS-TV's website where it can be viewed at www.ctstv.com.

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Project Truth : A Youth Defence Project

This pro-life advertizement was previously banned by the Irish government who said it was too 'political' for the airwaves. Now Project Truth, first produced by Youth Defence in 1996, has been set to some amazing footage of the unborn child in the womb. It's challenging, thought-provoking, beautiful and sad


Miracle in the Mine: A Story of Survival

A portion of the FOX News Special  hosted by Geraldo Rivera
http://www.foxnews.com/geraldo/index.html

Monday, October 18, 2010

Persevere in Prayer Always

Angelus - Regina caeli 2010-10-17 from the Vatican

Before the Angelus, Pope Benedict XVI mentions the Canonization of our new Canadian Saint Andre Bessette

Roxanne's Law Aims To Protect Pregnant Women In Crisis

This video is very well done. Faye Sonier, legal counsel of the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada, does a great job answering some of the legal questions surrounding Rod Bruinooge's private members bill C-510 on abortion coercion. I posted it last week but decided to post it again for visitors who haven't seen it.  Please take a few minutes to check it out.

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Priest-Brother of Arrested Carleton Student: ‘I Can’t Be a Moderate Pro-Lifer Any Longer’ taken from Lifesite News

Friday October 15, 2010

Priest-Brother of Arrested Carleton Student: ‘I Can’t Be a Moderate Pro-Lifer Any Longer’

By Patrick B. Craine
from Lifesite News http://www.lifesitenews.com/.


OTTAWA, Ontario, October 15, 2010 (LifeSiteNews.com) – The arrests of five pro-life students at Carleton University last week should inspire pro-lifers to step up and engage in the pro-life battle, said Fr. Simon Lobo, brother of arrested Carleton Lifeline President Ruth Lobo, in a powerful homily in Ottawa on Sunday.

"Yes - yes I am the brother of Ruth Lobo,” said the priest, a member of the Companions of the Cross community. “I've never been more proud to admit that, actually, than I am now."

The students – four from Carleton and one from Queen’s University - were arrested by Ottawa city police on Carleton’s campus on October 4, and fined $130 each. They were preparing to set up the Genocide Awareness Project (GAP), which compares abortion to past atrocities through graphic imagery, as a protest in the university’s Tory Quad. The university had denied them the use of that central outdoor location, which has been used by other groups in the past, instead telling them that they could only set up the display in an out-of-the-way campus building.

“This is where we've come as a society,” Fr. Lobo told his parishioners at St. Maurice Parish. “As Canadians we pride ourselves on being so tolerant, and yet it seems the tolerance only goes in one direction – and it's not in favour of life, and it's not in favour of Catholicism at all."

Fr. Lobo told LifeSiteNews that even though he is a frequent participant in the National March for Life, Life Chain, and 40 Days for Life, the incident has convicted him all the more. “I can’t be a moderate pro-lifer any longer,” he said. “It’s become something that’s drawing the line in the sand for a lot of people.”

It would be easy to blame the university, the police, or “those who promote a radically liberal agenda” for the arrests, he said in the homily, "but you and I are part of the problem, because we have put up with too much for too long.”

Fr. Lobo noted that Canadians' tax dollars have fully funded abortion for decades, as well as academic institutions such as Carleton. He also noted that municipal tax dollars pay for the police, who were called in to arrest the students.

"On an annual basis, I would suggest that as a parish ... – indirectly – we give more money to support abortions and the pro-choice cause then we give to donate to support women in crisis pregnancies and the pro-life movement,” he said. “Does that bother you?”

Fr. Lobo called the graphic images of abortion used in GAP, which are often seen as controversial, “disgusting.”

“But they're also true and accurate. Abortion is disgusting,” he added.

He said that his sister Ruth “is giving thanks because she has received the gift of life. She is like the one leper who went back to thank Jesus." He explained that Ruth was born in India, and her birth mother dropped her off at an orphanage. Ten months later, on October 1st – celebrated by Catholics as the memorial of St. Therese de Lisieux - Ruth arrived in Canada, was adopted by Rev. Lobo’s parents, and given the baptismal name: Ruth Therese.

"Twenty-two years later, almost to the day, Ruth is in handcuffs because all she cares about is that other little girls and little boys like her would be able to make it to a Thanksgiving weekend so that they can also give thanks for the gift of life," he said.

“What are we going to do about this? What are we going to do about this?” he asked. “We've got to do more. We've got to get educated.”

Fr. Lobo urged his parishioners to write Carleton’s president, to get out to the ballot box and vote for pro-life politicians, and to come up with other ideas for promoting life.

“The battle has come to our doorstep,” he insisted. “Are you willing to step up and engage in the fight with your minds, with your hearts, with your spirits, and with action?”

Listen to Fr. Simon Lobo’s homily here. http://www.stmauricechurch.com/playHomily.html



Contact Information:
Dr. Roseann O’Reilly Runte, President and Vice-Chancellor
503 Tory Building
1125 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada
Tel: 613 520-3801
Fax: 613 520-4474
Email: presidents_office@carleton.ca




See related LifeSiteNews.com coverage:
Canadian MP Decries ‘Censorship’ at Carleton U over Pro-Life Arrests
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2010/oct/10101210.html

Carleton University Rep.: Pro-Life Students Arrested for Trespassing because of Content
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2010/oct/10100716.html

Five Canadian Pro-Life University Students Arrested for Setting up Display
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2010/oct/10100402.html

Saint Joseph, Patron of Canada and the Universal Church, Pray for Us

Relics of Saint Brother Andre and Saint Marguerite d'Youville

Today our parish had  relics of St. Marguerite d'Youville and Saint Andre of Montreal on a small altar which was set up at the front of the church.  Parishioners could venerate these relics before or after the masses. These two first class relics will be installed in the Church's altar during the Consecration Ceremony next Saturday Evening. Below are a few photos that I took after the 10:30AM mass this morning.





In the photo above, parishioners are lining up after mass to venerate the relics

Above are Gord Duncan and Ralph Steller members of the Knights of Columbus handing out pamphlets about the Knights for their Membership Drive.



Saint Andre Bessette Pray for us

Brother Andre Canonized today, yeah!

Let the Montreal celebrations begin!
Quebecers have been rejoicing for months, ever since the Vatican announced Feb. 19 that their beloved Br. André would be made a saint. Now that Pope Benedict XVI formally canonized St. André Bessette, or St. Brother André (a more intimate title approved for him for local use), the celebrations can officially begin. For more click here http://saltandlighttv.org/blog/?cat=818
Saint Brother André pray for us

More coverage at these links

ZENIT - Papal Homily at Canonization Mass
http://www.zenit.org/article-30679?l=english


National Post
http://life.nationalpost.com/2010/10/17/tens-of-thousands-gather-to-see-canonization-of-canadas-brother-andre/

Toronto Star
http://www.thestar.com/news/world/article/876650--brother-andre-canonized-in-vatican-ceremony

Herald-Sun
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/breaking-news/five-other-saints-canonised-with-mary-mackillop/story-e6frf7jx-1225939909117

CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2010/10/17/saint-andre-canonization.html?ref=rss

City TV News Toronto
http://www.citytv.com/toronto/citynews/news/national/article/96943--quebec-s-brother-andre-canonized-as-canada-s-1st-saint-of-the-21st-century

Montreal Gazette
http://www.montrealgazette.com/topic.html?t=Keyword&q=brotherandre

Canada East
http://www.canadaeast.com/news/article/1266116

The Globe and Mail Pictures
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/brother-andr-becomes-a-saint/article1760752/

YouTube Videos

Towards Sainthood: Blessed Brother André Bessette, C.S.C.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lIGbPfNnWPs&feature=related

The Canonization of Brother Andre /Preparations from the Montreal Gazette
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=knFkevi9yo8

Brother Andre-Doorkeeper-Official Trailer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jhrXcQjGZpo&NR=1

Reflections by Father Thomas Rosica from Salt and Light TV
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMCj5gFgX9Q&translated=1

My youtube slide show of Saint Josep's Oratory
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-TCMsvZz_U&feature=player_embedded

Saturday, October 16, 2010

DiManno: Brother André's case for sainthood led by man of science - thestar.com

DiManno: Brother André's case for sainthood led by man of science - thestar.com

Toward Sainthood: Blessed Brother André Bessette, C.S.C.


For more information on our new Canadian Saint please go to this link
http://sites.google.com/site/faithfulcatholics/Home/saints-and-blesseds/blessed-brother-andre/saint-andre-bessette-of-montreal

Summary of 40 Days for Life Mid-Point Rally from Stan Siok

Below is the summary of the Mid Point Rally that Stan Siok sent to all the 40 Days for Life Participants. Thank you so much Stan for doing this!!!

In the evening hours of Thursday October 14th, about 50 committed Pro-lifers were graced with an uplifting 40 Days for Life Mid-point rally at Ground Zero. Hymns and music were provided by David MacDonald, Kirsten Hardy and the sisters from the Queenship of Mary community. There were inspiring talks given by Ruth Lobo (President of Carleton Lifeline), Doris Gagnon (head of Sidewalk Counseling), and by Fr. Matt Wertin (a strong Pro-life priest from Colorado studying Canon Law at St. Paul’s University).

See pictures of the rally http://www.basilica.org/pdf/Pictures.pdf

Below is a summary of this exceptional rally.

Opening and Closing Remarks by Paul Lauzon and Wanda Hartlin

  • We’re having a great 40 Days Campaign, with over 20 days covered by various Parish or Church groups. The attendance at the Ground Zero Vigil site is phenomenal: We had as many as 12 people across from the abortion mill at one time. What a powerful prayer witness in favour of the sanctity of life. Many thanks to all those who took part, as well as those individuals and Church groups who have registered to take part in this Vigil.
  •  Tomorrow (Friday October 15th ) , we are expecting some students and parents from Wayside Academy in Peterborough to travel 3-4 hours by bus to be with us at Ground Zero for about 6 to 7 hours. What an extraordinary example of dedication to the Pro-life cause, and to 40 Days for Life.
  • We still have some holes to be filled in the remainder of the Campaign. We encourage everyone to check the Vigil calendar and pray about registering for one of those empty slots. We’re doing this for those who cannot speak for themselves: the unborn entering the doors at 65 Bank. Do it for them and their mothers! Let’s end this Campaign with a Bang!!
  • There are changes to the Closing Rally. Instead of starting at 7:00 PM at Ground Zero for a Closing Rally, we will start at 6:00 PM on Sunday October 31st. After the Rally, there will be a candlelight procession from Ground Zero to Saint Patrick’s Basilica for a Vespers Service. We found out officially on October 15th that this Service will be presided over by Archbishop Terrence Prendergast. The Archbishop expressed an interest in taking part in this 40 Days for Life campaign, and we are blessed that he is willing to take time from his busy schedule to help us end this campaign on a deeply spiritual note.
1st talk - Ruth Lobo

Ruth Lobo is a fourth-year Human Rights student at Carleton University and President of Carleton Lifeline. The arrest of four students from the Carleton Lifeline for attempting to set up a pro-life exhibit on a campus intersection has sparked considerable media attention. Ruth is often the centre of this attention, and she explained that the arrest of her and three other students for attempting an anti-abortion exhibit is an attack of freedom of expression. She started off her talk by thanking everyone for their prayers for the students arrested.
On the Carleton Lifeline Website http://carletonlifeline.wordpress.com/ , you can find links to the many articles dealing with this unjust arrest. The students were fines #130 each for “engaging in activity prohibited on the premises”. They are contesting these charges and have a lawyer who is defending them pro-bono. On the CALL TO ACTION: http://carletonlifeline.wordpress.com/  How can I get involved portion of their Website, you have directions on how you can donate and stand in solidarity with these outstanding students.

2nd Talk – Doris Gagnon
Doris Gagnon, head of Sidewalk Counseling with the 40 Days Campaign, counsels women against abortion as they enter the abortuary. In her talk, she describes her remarkable experience at Ground Zero with women as they leave the abortion mill….click  http://www.basilica.org/pdf/Doris.pdf to read the text of her talk
Doris mentioned our dire need for more sidewalk counselors at Ground Zero. If you can help in this important ministry, you can reach her at 40daysottawa@gmail.com


3rd Talk – Fr. Matthew Wertin
Fr. Matthew Wertin, a priest from Colorado, has come to Ottawa to study Canon Law at St. Paul’s University. However, instead of restricting himself to his studies, he has also become involved with local Pro-life activities.
Fr. Matt was an understudy of Fr. Frank Pavone (Priests for Life), and is an experienced sidewalk counselor. He thus has a keen understanding of the importance of the 40 Days for Life Campaign, and the need to get involved. In the short time he has been in Ottawa, he has a remarkable grasp of the Pro-life struggles facing our city, and its role in the Canadian scene.

Click http://www.basilica.org/pdf/FrMatt.pdf to read the text of Fr. Matt’s very inspiring talk.

Friday, October 15, 2010

100huntley.com - Roxanne's Law Aims To Protect Pregnant Women In Crisis

This video  is very well done. Faye Sonier, legal counsel of the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada, does a great job answering some of the legal questions surrounding Rod Bruinooge's private members bill C-510 on abortion coercion. Please take a few minutes to check it out.



100huntley.com - Roxanne's Law Aims To Protect Pregnant Women In Crisis