lifesitenews--2020-05-08--Frontlines 2020: From lost rebel to pro-life warrior  | The story of Claire Chretien

May 8 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – Despite being raised in an orthodox Catholic parish , Claire Chretien actually wasn ’ t always pro-life , and was admittedly “ totally clueless ” about some basic Christian teachings .
Like so many others , she turned to the world to find happiness and to fill her with purpose .
That ’ s not the story , though – that ’ s the prologue .
As she began college at The University of Alabama , God used a series of events and encounters to ultimately lead her to become a pro-life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you to learn Chretien is now a full-time journalist and editor for LifeSiteNews ?
Would you like to know the full story ?
Her story may or may not surprise you , but it will definitely bring you hope .
A new video , produced by LifeSiteNews , tells the story of Chretien ’ s journey from rebel without a cause to passionate advocate for the unborn .
Chretien reflects on the battle raging against life and family , saying : “ I ended up spending most of college years protesting abortion .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and information .
As I was learning firsthand the painful truth that my wonderful childhood parish is not the norm around the world , and that many Catholic priests preach , live , and encourage literally the opposite of Church teaching , I read LifeSiteNews articles that discussed this very reality .
Sometimes , I couldn ’ t even believe what I was reading .
But it was always backed up with solid reporting and facts ... And so I ended up here at LifeSiteNews , where I ’ ve combined my two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Working for LifeSiteNews is more than a job .
It ’ s a vocation – a “ small v ” vocation – that allows me to share the hope and healing that can be found in the beautiful teachings of the Church .
There is so much brokenness in our world , but no one is beyond hope.
” Chretien then reminds readers the work that all LifeSiteNews reporters do day in and day out , doesn ’ t come without a cost .
LifeSiteNews needs to grow our team in order to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flood editors ’ inboxes every day .
The team will grow as more people join LifeSite ’ s growing army of sustaining supporters .
Thanks to the generosity of a family close to LifeSite , everyone who becomes a monthly donor to the mission in 2020 will have their monthly gift matched for the entire year up to $ 120,000 .
If you ’ d like more information on how you can have an impact in bringing truth to the world through the pro-life and pro-family news reporting of LifeSiteNews , visit https @ @ @ @ @ @

A new video tells the story of Chretien’s journey from rebel without a cause to passionate advocate for the unborn.
May 8, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – Despite being raised in an orthodox Catholic parish, Claire Chretien actually wasn’t always pro-life, and was admittedly “totally clueless” about some basic Christian teachings. Like so many others, she turned to the world to find happiness and to fill her with purpose. That’s not the story, though – that’s the prologue.
As she began college at The University of Alabama, God used a series of events and encounters to ultimately lead her to become a pro-life activist on campus. Would it surprise you to learn Chretien is now a full-time journalist and editor for LifeSiteNews? Would you like to know the full story? Her story may or may not surprise you, but it will definitely bring you hope.
A new video, produced by LifeSiteNews, tells the story of Chretien’s journey from rebel without a cause to passionate advocate for the unborn.
Chretien reflects on the battle raging against life and family, saying:
I ended up spending most of college years protesting abortion. I started reading LifeSite for pro-life news and information. As I was learning firsthand the painful truth that my wonderful childhood parish is not the norm around the world, and that many Catholic priests preach, live, and encourage literally the opposite of Church teaching, I read LifeSiteNews articles that discussed this very reality. Sometimes, I couldn’t even believe what I was reading. But it was always backed up with solid reporting and facts… And so I ended up here at LifeSiteNews, where I’ve combined my two passions, writing and pro-life activism. Working for LifeSiteNews is more than a job. It’s a vocation – a “small v” vocation – that allows me to share the hope and healing that can be found in the beautiful teachings of the Church. There is so much brokenness in our world, but no one is beyond hope.
Chretien then reminds readers the work that all LifeSiteNews reporters do day in and day out, doesn’t come without a cost. LifeSiteNews needs to grow our team in order to keep up with the story leads that flood editors’ inboxes every day. The team will grow as more people join LifeSite’s growing army of sustaining supporters.
Thanks to the generosity of a family close to LifeSite, everyone who becomes a monthly donor to the mission in 2020 will have their monthly gift matched for the entire year up to $120,000.
If you’d like more information on how you can have an impact in bringing truth to the world through the pro-life and pro-family news reporting of LifeSiteNews, visit https://give.lifesitenews.com/sustainlife for more information.
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lifesitenews--2020-05-08--66% of recent corona hospitalizations in NY from people staying at home: Live updates

LifeSite ’ s previous ( and future ) live updates on the coronavirus crisis and how it relates to issues our readers care about can be viewed HERE .
New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo announced that “ 66 percent of the people ” recently hospitalized for the coronavirus “ were at home , which is shocking to us.
” “ They 're not working ; they 're not traveling , ” he said .
“ We were thinking that maybe we were going to find a higher percent of essential employees who were getting sick because they were going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nurses , doctors , transit workers .
That 's not the case .
They were predominantly at home.
” May 8 , 2020 , 8:49 a.m. EST : A group of pastors and a state legislator wrote to Virginia Gov .
Ralph Northam on April 30 that some churches in the commonwealth will open up on May 3 and May 10 , regardless of his executive orders .
The New York Daily News reported yesterday , “ A ghoulish Staten Island nurse swiped a credit card from a dying coronavirus patient in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plastic to callously purchase groceries and gas as he wasted away , authorities charged Thursday.
” An off-duty police officer in Birmingham , Alabama , who was moonlighting as a Walmart security guard , body-slammed a woman for not wearing a facemask .
Video of the violent altercation can be viewed HERE .
President Trump ’ s new press secretary Kayleigh McEnany shut down media by turning a question back to them and reading a list of their various inaccurate headlines on the coronavirus .
May 7 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on its homeless population , despite the fact that the city ’ s shelters “ had a 96 % occupancy rate in December 2019 , ” the Honolulu Civil Beat reported .
“ The situation is especially dire now because shelters have reduced their capacities to allow for more social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic .
Experts are also predicting a spike in homelessness as unemployment skyrockets and people find themselves unable to pay rent.
” People who had and then recovered from the coronavirus are banned from entering the military , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medical researcher said to be on the “ verge of making very significant ” coronavirus findings was found shot to death over the weekend in Pennsylvania , officials said .
Bing Liu , 37 , a researcher for the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine , was found dead Saturday inside a home in Ross Township , north of Pittsburgh , the Allegheny County Medical Examiner said .
He had been shot in the head and neck , the agency said .
An hour after Liu 's body was discovered , a second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was found dead inside a car less than a mile away , the agency said .
Noting the Empire State ’ s $ 13 billion deficit , Gov .
Cuomo said healthcare workers who volunteered to come to New York during the pandemic will have to pay state taxes .
4,575 Canadians have been fined or ticketed for alleged coronavirus-related infractions , to the tune of almost $ 6 million .
Ten people in Argentina were arrested for going to Mass .
The Texas Supreme Court has ordered the release of Shelley Luther @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and fined $ 7,000 for keeping her business open during the state ’ s lockdown .
Luther said she and her stylists needed to be able to feed their families .

Live updates on the coronavirus crisis and how it relates to pro-life issues, faith, and freedom.
LifeSite’s previous (and future) live updates on the coronavirus crisis and how it relates to issues our readers care about can be viewed HERE.
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that “66 percent of the people” recently hospitalized for the coronavirus “were at home, which is shocking to us.”
“They're not working; they're not traveling,” he said. “We were thinking that maybe we were going to find a higher percent of essential employees who were getting sick because they were going to work — that these may be nurses, doctors, transit workers. That's not the case. They were predominantly at home.”
May 8, 2020, 8:49 a.m. EST: A group of pastors and a state legislator wrote to Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam on April 30 that some churches in the commonwealth will open up on May 3 and May 10, regardless of his executive orders.
The New York Daily News reported yesterday, “A ghoulish Staten Island nurse swiped a credit card from a dying coronavirus patient in a hospital ventilator unit, using the pilfered plastic to callously purchase groceries and gas as he wasted away, authorities charged Thursday.”
An off-duty police officer in Birmingham, Alabama, who was moonlighting as a Walmart security guard, body-slammed a woman for not wearing a facemask. Video of the violent altercation can be viewed HERE.
President Trump’s new press secretary Kayleigh McEnany shut down media by turning a question back to them and reading a list of their various inaccurate headlines on the coronavirus.
Asked if our story about a valet testing positive will have any effect on what's going on inside the West Wing, like staff wearing masks, Kellyanne Conway says in part, “I think if anybody should start wearing masks and showing more respect, it should be the media.” — Kaitlan Collins (@kaitlancollins) May 7, 2020
May 7, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – Honolulu, Hawaii, is cracking down on its homeless population, despite the fact that the city’s shelters “had a 96% occupancy rate in December 2019,” the Honolulu Civil Beat reported. “The situation is especially dire now because shelters have reduced their capacities to allow for more social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Experts are also predicting a spike in homelessness as unemployment skyrockets and people find themselves unable to pay rent.”
People who had and then recovered from the coronavirus are banned from entering the military, the Pentagon confirmed to Military Times.
TODAY reports:
A medical researcher said to be on the “verge of making very significant” coronavirus findings was found shot to death over the weekend in Pennsylvania, officials said. Bing Liu, 37, a researcher for the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, was found dead Saturday inside a home in Ross Township, north of Pittsburgh, the Allegheny County Medical Examiner said. He had been shot in the head and neck, the agency said. An hour after Liu's body was discovered, a second person, Hao Gu, 46, was found dead inside a car less than a mile away, the agency said.
Noting the Empire State’s $13 billion deficit, Gov. Cuomo said healthcare workers who volunteered to come to New York during the pandemic will have to pay state taxes.
4,575 Canadians have been fined or ticketed for alleged coronavirus-related infractions, to the tune of almost $6 million.
Ten people in Argentina were arrested for going to Mass.
The Texas Supreme Court has ordered the release of Shelley Luther, the salon owner who was jailed and fined $7,000 for keeping her business open during the state’s lockdown. Luther said she and her stylists needed to be able to feed their families.
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lifesitenews--2020-05-07--Trump admin strengthens due-process rules for college students accused of sexual assault

PETITION : Urge your governor to reject mandatory government surveillance post COVID-19 Sign the petition here .
May 7 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – The Trump administration announced Wednesday new Title IX rules aimed at strengthening due process protections for college students accused of sexual assault , prompting opposition from former Vice President and Democrat presidential candidate Joe Biden – who is currently fending off an sexual assault allegation of his own .
Reason reported that the new rules ensure the person who investigates a claim is not the same person who recommends what action should be taken , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cross-examine an accuser before such a recommendation is made , better ensure that harassment investigations are not brought solely over unwanted speech , and only allow universities to conduct investigations if the alleged victim wants them to .
The rules are slated to take effect in August .
`` Too many students have lost access to their education because their school inadequately responded when a student filed a complaint of sexual harassment or sexual assault , '' Education Secretary Betsy DeVos said .
`` This new regulation requires schools to act in meaningful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , without sacrificing important safeguards to ensure a fair and transparent process .
We can and must continue to fight sexual misconduct in our nation 's schools , and this rule makes certain that fight continues . ''
In response , Biden accused the Trump administration of moving to “ shame and silence ” victims of sexual assault , and announced that he would reverse those rules if elected in November .
“ It ’ s wrong , ” he said .
“ And it will be put to a quick end in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ ll be right where I always have been throughout my career — on the side of survivors , who deserve to have their voices heard , their claims taken seriously and investigated , and their rights upheld.
” The stance is an ironic one for Biden , who is currently professing his own innocence in the face of allegations by former Senate staffer Tara Reade .
She says that in 1993 , then-Senator Biden assaulted her in a “ semi-private ” stairwell on Capitol Hill .
“ He had me against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ And then his hands were down my skirt and up my skirt .
And I was wearing – I wasn ’ t wearing anything underneath .
And then , with his hand , he went from there and entered me – with his hand – and as he was trying to kiss me , and saying things to me.
” Biden vociferously denies Reade ’ s claims , but has so far refused calls to unseal the University of Delaware ’ s records of his time in the Senate , which Reade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the complaint she filed with his office , as well as notes corroborating that she brought it up to former staffers of his at the time .
Some of the political left , such as New York Times columnist Liz Bruenig , have called on Democrats to start thinking about replacing Biden with a new candidate , and others have declared that whether Biden assaulted Reade won ’ t affect their support of the pro-abortion , pro-LGBT candidate .
“ Let ’ s be clear : I believe Tara Reade , ” Linda @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sexual abuse , wrote in the Times .
Even so , she admits she favors “ sacrificing Ms. Reade for the good of the many , ” i.e.
, removing President Donald Trump from office .

The regulation is aimed at supporting survivors of sexual misconduct, but the Democrat presidential candidate claims it will 'shame and silence' victims.
PETITION: Urge your governor to reject mandatory government surveillance post COVID-19 Sign the petition here.
May 7, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – The Trump administration announced Wednesday new Title IX rules aimed at strengthening due process protections for college students accused of sexual assault, prompting opposition from former Vice President and Democrat presidential candidate Joe Biden – who is currently fending off an sexual assault allegation of his own.
Reason reported that the new rules ensure the person who investigates a claim is not the same person who recommends what action should be taken, enable a representative for the accused to cross-examine an accuser before such a recommendation is made, better ensure that harassment investigations are not brought solely over unwanted speech, and only allow universities to conduct investigations if the alleged victim wants them to. The rules are slated to take effect in August.
Two years ago, I promised to address the scourge of sexual misconduct on our nation’s campuses. The new #TitleIX regulation delivers on that promise. It treats all students fairly and holds all schools accountable if they fail to protect their students: https://t.co/HEuugNWBe0 — Secretary Betsy DeVos (@BetsyDeVosED) May 6, 2020
“Too many students have lost access to their education because their school inadequately responded when a student filed a complaint of sexual harassment or sexual assault,” Education Secretary Betsy DeVos said. “This new regulation requires schools to act in meaningful ways to support survivors of sexual misconduct, without sacrificing important safeguards to ensure a fair and transparent process. We can and must continue to fight sexual misconduct in our nation's schools, and this rule makes certain that fight continues.”
In response, Biden accused the Trump administration of moving to “shame and silence” victims of sexual assault, and announced that he would reverse those rules if elected in November.
“It’s wrong,” he said. “And it will be put to a quick end in January 2021, because as president, I’ll be right where I always have been throughout my career — on the side of survivors, who deserve to have their voices heard, their claims taken seriously and investigated, and their rights upheld.”
The stance is an ironic one for Biden, who is currently professing his own innocence in the face of allegations by former Senate staffer Tara Reade. She says that in 1993, then-Senator Biden assaulted her in a “semi-private” stairwell on Capitol Hill. “He had me against the wall,” she says. “And then his hands were down my skirt and up my skirt. And I was wearing – I wasn’t wearing anything underneath. And then, with his hand, he went from there and entered me – with his hand – and as he was trying to kiss me, and saying things to me.”
Biden vociferously denies Reade’s claims, but has so far refused calls to unseal the University of Delaware’s records of his time in the Senate, which Reade says may still contain a copy of the complaint she filed with his office, as well as notes corroborating that she brought it up to former staffers of his at the time.
Some of the political left, such as New York Times columnist Liz Bruenig, have called on Democrats to start thinking about replacing Biden with a new candidate, and others have declared that whether Biden assaulted Reade won’t affect their support of the pro-abortion, pro-LGBT candidate.
“Let’s be clear: I believe Tara Reade,” Linda Hirshman, author of a book about sexual abuse, wrote in the Times. Even so, she admits she favors “sacrificing Ms. Reade for the good of the many,” i.e., removing President Donald Trump from office.
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lifesitenews--2020-05-07--UPDATED: Three cardinals join global appeal decrying crackdown on basic freedoms over coronavirus

PETITION : Say no to mandatory vaccination for the coronavirus Sign the petition here .
UPDATE ( May 8 , 9:00AM EST ) : Archbishop Viganò , who gathered the signatures and communicated with Cardinal Sarah about the initiative , has now issued a timeline of his communications with Sarah .
Read full report here .
UPDATE ( May 7 , 8:00PM EST ) : This story originally indicated , based on information from the organizers , that Cardinal Robert Sarah , prefect of the Vatican ’ s Congregation for Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments , had joined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now written on Twitter that he did not sign .
“ From a personal point of view , I may share some questions or preoccupations raised regarding restrictions on fundamental freedom but I did n't sign that petition , ” he wrote .
May 7 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – Catholic clergy led by former papal nuncio Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò and Cardinals Gerhard Ludwig Mueller , Joseph Zen , and Janis Pujats have joined an appeal “ for the Church and the world ” that warns that the COVID-19 pandemic is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by world leaders to “ control ” people , strip them of their fundamental rights , while providing a “ disturbing prelude to the realization of a world government beyond all control ” ( read full text below ) .
In the face of restrictions around the world on the public celebration of the sacraments , the signatories assert the right of the Church to offer public worship , unimpeded by State interventions .
The signatories ask that “ restrictions on the celebration of public ceremonies be removed.
” Along with the 4 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 3 priests , 21 journalists , 11 medical doctors , 13 lawyers , 18 teachers and professionals , and 12 various groups and associations .
SIGN Appeal for the Church and the World here In reference to coronavirus lockdown measures around the world and the reduction of individuals ’ civil liberties , the signatories say that they believe there are powers at work in society “ interested in creating panic among the world ’ s population with the sole aim of permanently imposing unacceptable forms of restriction on freedoms , of controlling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ The imposition of these illiberal measures is a disturbing prelude to the realization of a world government beyond all control , ” they state .
Arguing that widespread closures of shops and businesses has in some instances “ precipitated a crisis that has brought down entire sectors of the economy , ” the signatories continue to raise concerns about potential radical changes to the geopolitical landscape .
They stated that such weakened economies “ encourages interference by foreign powers and has serious social and political repercussions.
” “ Those with governmental responsibility @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , by taking measures to protect their citizens whom they represent , and in whose interests they have a serious obligation to act , ” the letter states .
The letter also directly addresses several questions related to medical treatments for Covid-19 .
In the first instance , the letter implores governments and international bodies not to allow “ shady business interests ” to influence their responses to the coronavirus .
“ It is unreasonable to penalize those remedies that have proved to be effective , and are often inexpensive , just because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or vaccines that are not as good , but which guarantee pharmaceutical companies far greater profits , and exacerbate public health expenditures , ” the signatories write .
On the question of potential coronavirus vaccines , the signatories say that “ for Catholics it is morally unacceptable to develop or use vaccines derived from material from aborted fetuses.
” They insist too that individuals must be free to reject such vaccines without any penalties being imposed on them .
The letter also calls on governments not to adopt attempts to control people through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of location-finding , ” or for the crisis to be used as an excuse for increasing levels of media censorship and the de-platforming of dissenting voices .
“ Let us not allow centuries of Christian civilization to be erased under the pretext of a virus , and an odious technological tyranny to be established , in which nameless and faceless people can decide the fate of the world by confining us to a virtual reality , ” the letter urges .
The signatories stress that in the face of the current crisis , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the current situation in the light of the Gospels .
“ This means taking a stand : either with Christ or against Christ .
Let us not be intimidated or frightened by those who would have us believe that we are a minority : Good is much more widespread and powerful than the world would have us believe.
” “ With faith , let us beseech the Lord to protect the Church and the world .
May the Blessed Virgin , Help of Christians , crush the head of the ancient Serpent and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ darkness , ” the appeal concludes .
Read Appeal for the Church and the World in various languages : English , French , Spanish , Italian , German , Portuguese APPEAL FOR THE CHURCH AND THE WORLD To Catholics and all people of good will In this time of great crisis , we Pastors of the Catholic Church , by virtue of our mandate , consider it our sacred duty to make an Appeal to our Brothers in the Episcopate , to the Clergy , to Religious , to the holy People of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of good will .
This Appeal has also been undersigned by intellectuals , doctors , lawyers , journalists and professionals who agree with its content , and may be undersigned by those who wish to make it their own .
The facts have shown that , under the pretext of the Covid-19 epidemic , the inalienable rights of citizens have in many cases been violated and their fundamental freedoms , including the exercise of freedom of worship , expression and movement , have been disproportionately and unjustifiably restricted .
Public health must not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alibi for infringing on the rights of millions of people around the world , let alone for depriving the civil authority of its duty to act wisely for the common good .
This is particularly true as growing doubts emerge from several quarters about the actual contagiousness , danger and resistance of the virus .
Many authoritative voices in the world of science and medicine confirm that the media ’ s alarmism about Covid-19 appears to be absolutely unjustified .
We have reason to believe , on the basis of official data on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the number of deaths , that there are powers interested in creating panic among the world ’ s population with the sole aim of permanently imposing unacceptable forms of restriction on freedoms , of controlling people and of tracking their movements .
The imposition of these illiberal measures is a disturbing prelude to the realization of a world government beyond all control .
We also believe that in some situations the containment measures that were adopted , including the closure of shops and businesses , have precipitated a crisis that has brought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This encourages interference by foreign powers and has serious social and political repercussions .
Those with governmental responsibility must stop these forms of social engineering , by taking measures to protect their citizens whom they represent , and in whose interests they have a serious obligation to act .
Likewise , let them help the family , the cell of society , by not unreasonably penalizing the weak and elderly , forcing them into a painful separation from their loved ones .
The criminalization of personal and social relationships must likewise be judged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of those who advocate isolating individuals in order to better manipulate and control them .
We ask the scientific community to be vigilant , so that cures for Covid-19 are offered in honesty for the common good .
Every effort must be made to ensure that shady business interests do not influence the choices made by government leaders and international bodies .
It is unreasonable to penalize those remedies that have proved to be effective , and are often inexpensive , just because one wishes to give priority to treatments or vaccines that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guarantee pharmaceutical companies far greater profits , and exacerbate public health expenditures .
Let us also remember , as Pastors , that for Catholics it is morally unacceptable to develop or use vaccines derived from material from aborted fetuses .
We also ask government leaders to ensure that forms of control over people , whether through tracking systems or any other form of location-finding , are rigorously avoided .
The fight against Covid-19 , however serious , must not be the pretext for supporting the hidden intentions of supranational bodies that have very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan .
In particular , citizens must be given the opportunity to refuse these restrictions on personal freedom , without any penalty whatsoever being imposed on those who do not wish to use vaccines , contact tracking or any other similar tool .
Let us also consider the blatant contradiction of those who pursue policies of drastic population control and at the same time present themselves as the savior of humanity , without any political or social legitimacy .
Finally , the political responsibility of those who represent the people can in no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who can indeed claim a kind of immunity from prosecution , which is disturbing to say the least .
We strongly urge those in the media to commit themselves to providing accurate information and not penalizing dissent by resorting to forms of censorship , as is happening widely on social media , in the press and on television .
Providing accurate information requires that room be given to voices that are not aligned with a single way of thinking .
This allows citizens to consciously assess the facts , without being heavily influenced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ honest debate is the best antidote to the risk of imposing subtle forms of dictatorship , presumably worse than those our society has seen rise and fall in the recent past .
Finally , as Pastors responsible for the flock of Christ , let us remember that the Church firmly asserts her autonomy to govern , worship , and teach .
This autonomy and freedom are an innate right that Our Lord Jesus Christ has given her for the pursuit of her proper ends .
For this reason , as Pastors we firmly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the celebration of Mass and the Sacraments , just as we claim absolute autonomy in matters falling within our immediate jurisdiction , such as liturgical norms and ways of administering Communion and the Sacraments .
The State has no right to interfere , for any reason whatsoever , in the sovereignty of the Church .
Ecclesiastical authorities have never refused to collaborate with the State , but such collaboration does not authorize civil authorities to impose any sort of ban or restriction on public worship or the exercise of priestly ministry .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are the supreme law of the Church , which she neither intends to , nor can , abdicate .
We ask that restrictions on the celebration of public ceremonies be removed .
We should like to invite all people of good will not to shirk their duty to cooperate for the common good , each according to his or her own state and possibilities and in a spirit of fraternal charity .
The Church desires such cooperation , but this can not disregard either a respect for natural law or a guarantee of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which citizens are bound imply the State ’ s recognition of their rights .
We are all called to assess the current situation in a way consistent with the teaching of the Gospel .
This means taking a stand : either with Christ or against Christ .
Let us not be intimidated or frightened by those who would have us believe that we are a minority : Good is much more widespread and powerful than the world would have us believe .
We are fighting against an invisible enemy that seeks to divide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parents , grandchildren from their grandparents , the faithful from their pastors , students from teachers , and customers from vendors .
Let us not allow centuries of Christian civilization to be erased under the pretext of a virus , and an odious technological tyranny to be established , in which nameless and faceless people can decide the fate of the world by confining us to a virtual reality .
If this is the plan to which the powers of this earth intend to make us yield , know that Jesus Christ , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ promised that “ the gates of Hell shall not prevail ” ( Mt 16:18 ) .
Let us entrust government leaders and all those who rule over the fate of nations to Almighty God , that He may enlighten and guide them in this time of great crisis .
May they remember that , just as the Lord will judge us Pastors for the flock which he has entrusted to us , so will He also judge government leaders for the peoples whom they have the duty to defend and govern .
With @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to protect the Church and the world .
May the Blessed Virgin , Help of Christians , crush the head of the ancient Serpent and defeat the plans of the children of darkness .
Our Lady of the Rosary of Pompeii Sign the Appeal for the Church and the World here .

PETITION: Say no to mandatory vaccination for the coronavirus Sign the petition here.
UPDATE (May 8, 9:00AM EST): Archbishop Viganò, who gathered the signatures and communicated with Cardinal Sarah about the initiative, has now issued a timeline of his communications with Sarah. Read full report here.
UPDATE (May 7, 8:00PM EST): This story originally indicated, based on information from the organizers, that Cardinal Robert Sarah, prefect of the Vatican’s Congregation for Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments, had joined the appeal. But the cardinal has now written on Twitter that he did not sign. “From a personal point of view, I may share some questions or preoccupations raised regarding restrictions on fundamental freedom but I didn't sign that petition,” he wrote.
May 7, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – Catholic clergy led by former papal nuncio Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò and Cardinals Gerhard Ludwig Mueller, Joseph Zen, and Janis Pujats have joined an appeal “for the Church and the world” that warns that the COVID-19 pandemic is being used as a “pretext” by world leaders to “control” people, strip them of their fundamental rights, while providing a “disturbing prelude to the realization of a world government beyond all control” (read full text below).
In the face of restrictions around the world on the public celebration of the sacraments, the signatories assert the right of the Church to offer public worship, unimpeded by State interventions.
Finally, as Pastors responsible for the flock of Christ, let us remember that the Church firmly asserts her autonomy to govern, worship, and teach. This autonomy and freedom are an innate right that Our Lord Jesus Christ has given her for the pursuit of her proper ends. For this reason, as Pastors we firmly assert the right to decide autonomously on the celebration of Mass and the Sacraments, just as we claim absolute autonomy in matters falling within our immediate jurisdiction, such as liturgical norms and ways of administering Communion and the Sacraments. The State has no right to interfere, for any reason whatsoever, in the sovereignty of the Church.
The signatories ask that “restrictions on the celebration of public ceremonies be removed.”
Along with the 4 cardinals signing the appeal are 8 bishops, 3 priests, 21 journalists, 11 medical doctors, 13 lawyers, 18 teachers and professionals, and 12 various groups and associations.
SIGN Appeal for the Church and the World here
In reference to coronavirus lockdown measures around the world and the reduction of individuals’ civil liberties, the signatories say that they believe there are powers at work in society “interested in creating panic among the world’s population with the sole aim of permanently imposing unacceptable forms of restriction on freedoms, of controlling people and of tracking their movements.”
“The imposition of these illiberal measures is a disturbing prelude to the realization of a world government beyond all control,” they state.
Arguing that widespread closures of shops and businesses has in some instances “precipitated a crisis that has brought down entire sectors of the economy,” the signatories continue to raise concerns about potential radical changes to the geopolitical landscape. They stated that such weakened economies “encourages interference by foreign powers and has serious social and political repercussions.”
“Those with governmental responsibility must stop these forms of social engineering, by taking measures to protect their citizens whom they represent, and in whose interests they have a serious obligation to act,” the letter states.
The letter also directly addresses several questions related to medical treatments for Covid-19.
In the first instance, the letter implores governments and international bodies not to allow “shady business interests” to influence their responses to the coronavirus.
“It is unreasonable to penalize those remedies that have proved to be effective, and are often inexpensive, just because one wishes to give priority to treatments or vaccines that are not as good, but which guarantee pharmaceutical companies far greater profits, and exacerbate public health expenditures,” the signatories write.
On the question of potential coronavirus vaccines, the signatories say that “for Catholics it is morally unacceptable to develop or use vaccines derived from material from aborted fetuses.” They insist too that individuals must be free to reject such vaccines without any penalties being imposed on them.
The letter also calls on governments not to adopt attempts to control people through “tracking systems or any other form of location-finding,” or for the crisis to be used as an excuse for increasing levels of media censorship and the de-platforming of dissenting voices.
“Let us not allow centuries of Christian civilization to be erased under the pretext of a virus, and an odious technological tyranny to be established, in which nameless and faceless people can decide the fate of the world by confining us to a virtual reality,” the letter urges.
The signatories stress that in the face of the current crisis, followers of God must try to understand the current situation in the light of the Gospels.
“This means taking a stand: either with Christ or against Christ. Let us not be intimidated or frightened by those who would have us believe that we are a minority: Good is much more widespread and powerful than the world would have us believe.”
“With faith, let us beseech the Lord to protect the Church and the world. May the Blessed Virgin, Help of Christians, crush the head of the ancient Serpent and defeat the plans of the children of darkness,” the appeal concludes.
***
Read Appeal for the Church and the World in various languages: English, French, Spanish, Italian, German, Portuguese
APPEAL FOR THE CHURCH AND THE WORLD
To Catholics and all people of good will
Veritas liberabit vos. Jn 8:32
In this time of great crisis, we Pastors of the Catholic Church, by virtue of our mandate, consider it our sacred duty to make an Appeal to our Brothers in the Episcopate, to the Clergy, to Religious, to the holy People of God and to all men and women of good will. This Appeal has also been undersigned by intellectuals, doctors, lawyers, journalists and professionals who agree with its content, and may be undersigned by those who wish to make it their own.
The facts have shown that, under the pretext of the Covid-19 epidemic, the inalienable rights of citizens have in many cases been violated and their fundamental freedoms, including the exercise of freedom of worship, expression and movement, have been disproportionately and unjustifiably restricted. Public health must not, and cannot, become an alibi for infringing on the rights of millions of people around the world, let alone for depriving the civil authority of its duty to act wisely for the common good. This is particularly true as growing doubts emerge from several quarters about the actual contagiousness, danger and resistance of the virus. Many authoritative voices in the world of science and medicine confirm that the media’s alarmism about Covid-19 appears to be absolutely unjustified.
We have reason to believe, on the basis of official data on the incidence of the epidemic as related to the number of deaths, that there are powers interested in creating panic among the world’s population with the sole aim of permanently imposing unacceptable forms of restriction on freedoms, of controlling people and of tracking their movements. The imposition of these illiberal measures is a disturbing prelude to the realization of a world government beyond all control.
We also believe that in some situations the containment measures that were adopted, including the closure of shops and businesses, have precipitated a crisis that has brought down entire sectors of the economy. This encourages interference by foreign powers and has serious social and political repercussions. Those with governmental responsibility must stop these forms of social engineering, by taking measures to protect their citizens whom they represent, and in whose interests they have a serious obligation to act. Likewise, let them help the family, the cell of society, by not unreasonably penalizing the weak and elderly, forcing them into a painful separation from their loved ones. The criminalization of personal and social relationships must likewise be judged as an unacceptable part of the plan of those who advocate isolating individuals in order to better manipulate and control them.
We ask the scientific community to be vigilant, so that cures for Covid-19 are offered in honesty for the common good. Every effort must be made to ensure that shady business interests do not influence the choices made by government leaders and international bodies. It is unreasonable to penalize those remedies that have proved to be effective, and are often inexpensive, just because one wishes to give priority to treatments or vaccines that are not as good, but which guarantee pharmaceutical companies far greater profits, and exacerbate public health expenditures. Let us also remember, as Pastors, that for Catholics it is morally unacceptable to develop or use vaccines derived from material from aborted fetuses.
We also ask government leaders to ensure that forms of control over people, whether through tracking systems or any other form of location-finding, are rigorously avoided. The fight against Covid-19, however serious, must not be the pretext for supporting the hidden intentions of supranational bodies that have very strong commercial and political interests in this plan. In particular, citizens must be given the opportunity to refuse these restrictions on personal freedom, without any penalty whatsoever being imposed on those who do not wish to use vaccines, contact tracking or any other similar tool. Let us also consider the blatant contradiction of those who pursue policies of drastic population control and at the same time present themselves as the savior of humanity, without any political or social legitimacy. Finally, the political responsibility of those who represent the people can in no way be left to “experts” who can indeed claim a kind of immunity from prosecution, which is disturbing to say the least.
We strongly urge those in the media to commit themselves to providing accurate information and not penalizing dissent by resorting to forms of censorship, as is happening widely on social media, in the press and on television. Providing accurate information requires that room be given to voices that are not aligned with a single way of thinking. This allows citizens to consciously assess the facts, without being heavily influenced by partisan interventions. A democratic and honest debate is the best antidote to the risk of imposing subtle forms of dictatorship, presumably worse than those our society has seen rise and fall in the recent past.
Finally, as Pastors responsible for the flock of Christ, let us remember that the Church firmly asserts her autonomy to govern, worship, and teach. This autonomy and freedom are an innate right that Our Lord Jesus Christ has given her for the pursuit of her proper ends. For this reason, as Pastors we firmly assert the right to decide autonomously on the celebration of Mass and the Sacraments, just as we claim absolute autonomy in matters falling within our immediate jurisdiction, such as liturgical norms and ways of administering Communion and the Sacraments. The State has no right to interfere, for any reason whatsoever, in the sovereignty of the Church. Ecclesiastical authorities have never refused to collaborate with the State, but such collaboration does not authorize civil authorities to impose any sort of ban or restriction on public worship or the exercise of priestly ministry. The rights of God and of the faithful are the supreme law of the Church, which she neither intends to, nor can, abdicate. We ask that restrictions on the celebration of public ceremonies be removed.
We should like to invite all people of good will not to shirk their duty to cooperate for the common good, each according to his or her own state and possibilities and in a spirit of fraternal charity. The Church desires such cooperation, but this cannot disregard either a respect for natural law or a guarantee of individual freedoms. The civil duties to which citizens are bound imply the State’s recognition of their rights.
We are all called to assess the current situation in a way consistent with the teaching of the Gospel. This means taking a stand: either with Christ or against Christ. Let us not be intimidated or frightened by those who would have us believe that we are a minority: Good is much more widespread and powerful than the world would have us believe. We are fighting against an invisible enemy that seeks to divide citizens, to separate children from their parents, grandchildren from their grandparents, the faithful from their pastors, students from teachers, and customers from vendors. Let us not allow centuries of Christian civilization to be erased under the pretext of a virus, and an odious technological tyranny to be established, in which nameless and faceless people can decide the fate of the world by confining us to a virtual reality. If this is the plan to which the powers of this earth intend to make us yield, know that Jesus Christ, King and Lord of History, has promised that “the gates of Hell shall not prevail” (Mt 16:18).
Let us entrust government leaders and all those who rule over the fate of nations to Almighty God, that He may enlighten and guide them in this time of great crisis. May they remember that, just as the Lord will judge us Pastors for the flock which he has entrusted to us, so will He also judge government leaders for the peoples whom they have the duty to defend and govern.
With faith, let us beseech the Lord to protect the Church and the world. May the Blessed Virgin, Help of Christians, crush the head of the ancient Serpent and defeat the plans of the children of darkness.
8 May 2020
Our Lady of the Rosary of Pompeii
Sign the Appeal for the Church and the World here.
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lifesitenews--2020-05-09--Canadian legal group warns Saskatchewan chief medical officer: Let citizens use their forests

REGINA , Saskatchewan , May 8 , 2020 ( Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms ) — The Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms ( jccf.ca ) has issued a warning to Saskatchewan ’ s Chief Medical Health Officer for violating the Charter rights of northern residents by imposing unreasonable restrictions on their ability to leave their communities .
The Chief Medical Health Officer issued a Public Health Order Respecting the Northern Saskatchewan Administration District , April 30 , 2020 ( the “ Order ” ) , which imposes strict travel restrictions in northern Saskatchewan .
With some exceptions , the Order @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ outside the community in which their primary residence is located.
” The Order prevents northern residents from utilizing local forests , lakes and waterways to meet their needs for recreation , relaxation or solitude and benefit their mental and physical health .
Under the Order , only individuals able to claim an Aboriginal right for doing so are permitted to venture out of their community to enjoy nature .
In a warning letter , sent to the Chief Medical Officer on May 8 , 2020 , Justice Centre staff lawyer Marty Moore @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vast forests and numerous lakes and waterways .
These areas can easily be enjoyed by local residents while complying with social distancing protocols and avoiding encounters with others , negating any risk of transmission of COVID-19… It is unconstitutional for government to arbitrarily restrict citizens ’ liberty of movement .
This is especially so where when restricting liberty may cause unnecessary negative effects on citizens ’ mental and physical health , without in fact reducing the risk of transmission of COVID-19 .
The Justice Centre has demanded that the Chief Medical Health Officer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ residents of Saskatchewan to enjoy their local forests , lakes and waterways .
“ Government restrictions on Canadians ’ Charter rights must be rationally connected to pressing government objectives and minimally impairing , ” states Mr. Moore .
“ This Order which prevents residents from enjoying local lakes and forests appears to fail both of those requirements and should be immediately amended.
” Published with permission from the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms .

REGINA, Saskatchewan, May 8, 2020 (Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms) — The Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms (jccf.ca) has issued a warning to Saskatchewan’s Chief Medical Health Officer for violating the Charter rights of northern residents by imposing unreasonable restrictions on their ability to leave their communities.
The Chief Medical Health Officer issued a Public Health Order Respecting the Northern Saskatchewan Administration District, April 30, 2020 (the “Order”), which imposes strict travel restrictions in northern Saskatchewan. With some exceptions, the Order prevents residents of northern communities from travelling “outside the community in which their primary residence is located.”
The Order prevents northern residents from utilizing local forests, lakes and waterways to meet their needs for recreation, relaxation or solitude and benefit their mental and physical health. Under the Order, only individuals able to claim an Aboriginal right for doing so are permitted to venture out of their community to enjoy nature.
In a warning letter, sent to the Chief Medical Officer on May 8, 2020, Justice Centre staff lawyer Marty Moore writes:
Northern Saskatchewan is blessed with vast forests and numerous lakes and waterways. These areas can easily be enjoyed by local residents while complying with social distancing protocols and avoiding encounters with others, negating any risk of transmission of COVID-19… It is unconstitutional for government to arbitrarily restrict citizens’ liberty of movement. This is especially so where when restricting liberty may cause unnecessary negative effects on citizens’ mental and physical health, without in fact reducing the risk of transmission of COVID-19.
The Justice Centre has demanded that the Chief Medical Health Officer immediately amend the Order to allow northern residents of Saskatchewan to enjoy their local forests, lakes and waterways.
“Government restrictions on Canadians’ Charter rights must be rationally connected to pressing government objectives and minimally impairing,” states Mr. Moore. “This Order which prevents residents from enjoying local lakes and forests appears to fail both of those requirements and should be immediately amended.”
Published with permission from the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms.
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lifesitenews--2020-05-09--Edmonton police sued for physically detaining, ticketing Alberta resident for small gathering

EDMONTON , Alberta , May 8 , 2020 ( Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms ) — The Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms ( jccf.ca ) is representing Patrick Lefebvre , an Edmonton resident , who was physically detained and ticketed for “ contravening section 73 ( 1 ) of the Public Health Act ” while peacefully expressing himself at the Alberta Legislature grounds on the afternoon of May 2 , 2020 .
The amount of the ticket is $ 1,200 .
Mr. Lefebvre and half a dozen acquaintances were peacefully rallying and expressing their concerns about the COVID shutdowns at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approached by two Sheriffs on bicycles .
One of the Sheriffs , J. McLean , told the group , “ you ’ re not going to be able to have your rally here.
” Several members of the group , including Mr. Lefebvre , stated they were doing nothing wrong because there were less than 15 of them , which was a reference to the current public health order that restricts “ gatherings ” to a maximum number of 15 people .
The Sheriffs forcibly grabbed Mr. Lefebvre by the arms and took @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vehicle .
Mr. Lefebvre was detained by the Sheriffs for approximately 30 minutes while they questioned him , ultimately writing him a ticket for $ 1,200 .
Several people stood nearby questioning the Sheriffs ’ actions , and video recorded the encounter .
Mr. Lefebvre was not told why he was detained , what he was ticketed for or whether he had breached a public health order .
The ticket he was given only states that he contravened section 73 ( 1 ) of the Public Health Act , which reads : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people to assemble peacefully and to express their opinions at places such as the Legislature grounds .
The Charter does not cease to protect these rights , even during a declared public health emergency , ” stated Justice Centre lawyer James Kitchen .
“ COVID-19 has not suspended the rule of law .
The Sheriffs ’ actions in physically detaining and ticketing Mr. Lefebvre without cause were egregious.
” Published with permission from the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms .

Two sheriffs forcibly grabbed Patrick Lefebvre by the arms, took him to a parked sheriff vehicle, and detained him for questioning.
EDMONTON, Alberta, May 8, 2020 (Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms) — The Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms (jccf.ca) is representing Patrick Lefebvre, an Edmonton resident, who was physically detained and ticketed for “contravening section 73(1) of the Public Health Act” while peacefully expressing himself at the Alberta Legislature grounds on the afternoon of May 2, 2020. The amount of the ticket is $1,200.
Mr. Lefebvre and half a dozen acquaintances were peacefully rallying and expressing their concerns about the COVID shutdowns at the Alberta Legislature grounds when they were approached by two Sheriffs on bicycles. One of the Sheriffs, J. McLean, told the group, “you’re not going to be able to have your rally here.” Several members of the group, including Mr. Lefebvre, stated they were doing nothing wrong because there were less than 15 of them, which was a reference to the current public health order that restricts “gatherings” to a maximum number of 15 people.
The Sheriffs forcibly grabbed Mr. Lefebvre by the arms and took him some distance to a parked Sheriff vehicle. Mr. Lefebvre was detained by the Sheriffs for approximately 30 minutes while they questioned him, ultimately writing him a ticket for $1,200. Several people stood nearby questioning the Sheriffs’ actions, and video recorded the encounter.
Mr. Lefebvre was not told why he was detained, what he was ticketed for or whether he had breached a public health order. The ticket he was given only states that he contravened section 73(1) of the Public Health Act, which reads:
A person who contravenes this Act, the regulations, an order under section 62 or an order of a medical officer of health or physician under Part 3 is guilty of an offence.
“The Canadian Constitution protects the rights of people to assemble peacefully and to express their opinions at places such as the Legislature grounds. The Charter does not cease to protect these rights, even during a declared public health emergency,” stated Justice Centre lawyer James Kitchen. “COVID-19 has not suspended the rule of law. The Sheriffs’ actions in physically detaining and ticketing Mr. Lefebvre without cause were egregious.”
Published with permission from the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms.
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lifesitenews--2020-05-09--Chicago-based Catholic group urges prayer vigils across US to re-open churches

CHICAGO , Illinois , May 8 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) — Founded just weeks ago by Lisa Bergman and Joe and Ann Scheidler of Pro-Life Action League , the Chicago-based St. Charles Borromeo Society has expanded its focus from getting churches in the Chicagoland area to reopen to now serving as a nationwide resource for U.S. Catholics interested in getting churches in their own dioceses opened up again .
Bergman , a graduate of the University of Notre Dame , informed LifeSite that she ’ s been receiving messages from Catholics across the country who are interested in hosting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There were about 100 people at the Prayer Rally in front of St. Raymond ’ s Cathedral in Joliet last Friday evening , ” Bergman said in an email to LifeSite .
“ There were also about 70 at Holy Name Cathedral [ in Chicago ] and there was a police car parked on the corner the whole time watching us ... they never got out of the car.
” Thus far , laity in Georgia , Iowa , Minnesota , Michigan , and elsewhere have already held or are coordinating prayerful protests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to re-open churches .
On the St. Charles Borromeo Society ’ s website , OpenOurChurches.org , there is a growing database of the latest decrees dioceses across the United States have implemented regarding church closings and public Mass offerings .
There is also an events page , a forum , and recommendations for how churches can safely re-open .
In her free time , Bergman , a wife and mother , runs St. Augustine Academy Press .
On Good Friday last month , she organized the first prayerful protest outside Holy Name Cathedral @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the fact that grocery and liquor stores were still open but churches were forced to close during the coronavirus outbreak .
Fewer than a dozen people showed up .
Two weeks later , however , on April 24 , more than 30 Catholics prayed the rosary with her at the same location .
On Friday , May 1 , approximately 80 Catholics prayed outside Holy Name .
Local Chicago media outlets have reported on the gatherings , which will continue , Bergman says , until churches in Chicago are reopened .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Bergman and the Scheidlers to encourage Cardinal Blase Cupich to intervene with Illinois ’ s Democratic governor , J.B. Pritzker , to ease restrictions so churches in the archdiocese could re-open .
Cupich had suspended all Masses in mid-March .
Although Cupich ’ s office refused to have a meeting with the group , the archdiocese announced last Friday , thanks to a new order issued by the governor , that Masses will be held in the near future , although no more than 10 people will be allowed to attend .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ held a May Crowning ceremony of a Blessed Virgin Mary statue outside the cathedral .
They have also released a statement urging prayer vigils to be held across the U.S. this Mother ’ s Day weekend .
Read it below .
The tribulation of the past few weeks has brought to a head the identity crisis we suffer as a Church .
We have built up our domestic churches in our homes , and we have tried to comfort ourselves with words like these from St. Paul : “ For I am sure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nor angels , nor principalities , nor powers , nor things present , nor things to come , nor might , Nor height , nor depth , nor any other creature , shall be able to separate us from the love of God , which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
” ( Romans 8:38-39 ) But the time has come to examine what “ the love of God ” means in this case .
St. Paul is addressing those who are being “ put to death all the day long ” for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of comfort for this life , but for the next .
In this life , we are meant to take up our Cross and “ fill up those things that are wanting of the sufferings of Christ , in [ our ] flesh , for his body , which is the church , ” ( Col 1:24 ) Christ loved us with an all-sacrificing love .
And indeed we are enduring something very painful now too .
But what is it we are sacrificing ?
Are we not sacrificing His sacrifice for us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all He endured for our sake , Christ would ever consider the avoidance of the Sacraments a fitting sacrifice ?
Wouldn ’ t our God , who spared not His own Son for our sake , prefer that we sacrifice all else for His sake ?
When St. Charles Borromeo closed the churches of Milan , he was dealing with a plague that killed a third of the population .
And yet he understood that while we close the building , the Sacrifice must go on , and the people must be present @ @ @ @ @ @ @ altars built all over the city of Milan to make sure this happened .
We don ’ t subjugate Christ to the world .
Ever .
“ For the wisdom of the flesh is death ; but the wisdom of the spirit is life and peace .
Because the wisdom of the flesh is an enemy to God ; for it is not subject to the law of God , neither can it be.
” ( Rm 8:6-7 ) The key to all things in this life is the Cross .
It means @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nakedness , danger , persecution , the sword…and anything else that tries to separate us from the love of Christ… “ But in all these things we overcome , because of Him that hath loved us.
” ( Rm 8:37 ) And we rejoice in our sufferings because “ To him that shall overcome , I will give to sit with me in my throne : as I also have overcome , and am set down with my Father in his throne.
” ( Apoc 3:21 ) How easy these words are to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we live them in this day and age ?
Are we to risk having no Church at all because we rashly ignore the advice of doctors and lawyers and insurance companies , and the mandates of governors and mayors ?
To this I can only answer : what would the saints have done ?
Even to ask this question lays bare the poverty of our current age .
We , who have every comfort imaginable : so much food that we overeat , so many clothes that our closets are bursting , homes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the elements but even remain at a comfortable temperature at all times…we are “ wretched , and miserable , and poor , and blind , and naked.
” ( Apoc .
3:17 ) We can not do what St. Francis , or St. Elizabeth of Hungary did…this would open us up to liability and lawsuits and all sorts of dangers .
To do what St. Vincent de Paul did too often means enabling drug addicts .
We can ’ t admonish the sinner , because now that ’ s considered a hate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ instruct the ignorant , because our Catholic schools are dying .
This is the real world of our Church , the world our bishops live .
Liability .
Danger .
Hostility .
Debt .
And the Light of the World is hidden under a bushel , because the preservation of our physical resources is directly at odds with the preservation of our doctrines as the Saints practiced them .
It ’ s just too risky .
Can we believe that God is satisfied with this state of things ?
Can it be possible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people cowering in their homes this past Easter morning , the day that He destroyed death…because of the fear of liability ?
?
?
He forgave his disciples for cowering in the Upper Room , because He had not yet sent them His Holy Spirit at Pentecost .
We have no such excuse .
“ …Because thou art lukewarm , and neither cold , nor hot , I will begin to vomit thee out of my mouth .
Because thou sayest : I am rich , and made wealthy , and have need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that thou art wretched , and miserable , and poor , and blind , and naked…Such as I love , I rebuke and chastise .
Be zealous therefore , and do penance.
” ( Apoc 3:16-19 ) Make no mistake about it : God ’ s anger is kindled against us .
Don ’ t take my word for it , we have all the apparitions of Our Lady to testify to this reality .
What did the people of Nineveh do to atone , when His anger was kindled against them ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ went out into the public square and did penance…and God showed them mercy .
Hadn ’ t we better do this ?
What is our faith worth to us ?
What are we willing to sacrifice for it ?
“ …Laying aside every weight and sin which surrounds us , let us run by patience to the fight proposed to us… For you have not yet resisted unto blood , striving against sin… ” It is time .
We have not yet resisted unto blood .
With the joy of the Cross set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it without wearying or fainting .
Easter Season or not , it ’ s time to reboot Lent .
If our church leaders won ’ t do it , we must do it ourselves , and in numbers so large they can not be ignored .
If they will not let us in our churches , we will stand outside them .
If they will not give us the Mass , we will continue gathering outside our churches to pray the Rosary and other prayers of the faithful , until they either carry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Holy Sacrifice back to us .
And what better time to begin doing this , than during the month of Our Lady , and this Sunday , Mother ’ s Day ?
Let us all go to our Churches this Sunday .
Stand with dignity and respect outside while Mass is going on inside .
Pray together all 15 decades of the Rosary and the Litany of Loreto , and beseech our Lady , who with her “ fiat ” opened the way for us to Salvation , to open the way once @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And let ’ s keep doing it , for as long as it takes .
Who will run with me to the fight proposed to us ?

The St. Charles Borromeo Society is now serving as as a nationwide resource for U.S. Catholics interested in getting churches in their own dioceses opened up again.
CHICAGO, Illinois, May 8, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) — Founded just weeks ago by Lisa Bergman and Joe and Ann Scheidler of Pro-Life Action League, the Chicago-based St. Charles Borromeo Society has expanded its focus from getting churches in the Chicagoland area to reopen to now serving as a nationwide resource for U.S. Catholics interested in getting churches in their own dioceses opened up again.
Bergman, a graduate of the University of Notre Dame, informed LifeSite that she’s been receiving messages from Catholics across the country who are interested in hosting prayer vigils in their areas.
“There were about 100 people at the Prayer Rally in front of St. Raymond’s Cathedral in Joliet last Friday evening,” Bergman said in an email. “There were also about 70 at Holy Name Cathedral [in Chicago] and there was a police car parked on the corner the whole time watching us…they never got out of the car.”
Thus far, laity in Georgia, Iowa, Minnesota, Michigan, and elsewhere have already held or are coordinating prayerful protests as a way to re-open churches.
On the St. Charles Borromeo Society’s website, OpenOurChurches.org, there is a growing database of the latest decrees dioceses across the United States have implemented regarding church closings and public Mass offerings. There is also an events page, a forum, and recommendations for how churches can safely re-open.
In her free time, Bergman, a wife and mother, runs St. Augustine Academy Press. On Good Friday last month, she organized the first prayerful protest outside Holy Name Cathedral. Its purpose was to draw attention to the fact that grocery and liquor stores were still open but churches were forced to close during the coronavirus outbreak. Fewer than a dozen people showed up. Two weeks later, however, on April 24, more than 30 Catholics prayed the rosary with her at the same location. On Friday, May 1, approximately 80 Catholics prayed outside Holy Name. Local Chicago media outlets have reported on the gatherings, which will continue, Bergman says, until churches in Chicago are reopened.
The St. Charles Borromeo Society was originally established by Bergman and the Scheidlers to encourage Cardinal Blase Cupich to intervene with Illinois’s Democratic governor, J.B. Pritzker, to ease restrictions so churches in the archdiocese could re-open. Cupich had suspended all Masses in mid-March.
Although Cupich’s office refused to have a meeting with the group, the archdiocese announced last Friday, thanks to a new order issued by the governor, that Masses will be held in the near future, although no more than 10 people will be allowed to attend.
Today, the St. Charles Borromeo Society held a May Crowning ceremony of a Blessed Virgin Mary statue outside the cathedral. They have also released a statement urging prayer vigils to be held across the U.S. this Mother’s Day weekend. Read it below.
A Mother’s Day Proclamation The tribulation of the past few weeks has brought to a head the identity crisis we suffer as a Church. We have built up our domestic churches in our homes, and we have tried to comfort ourselves with words like these from St. Paul: “For I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor might, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39) But the time has come to examine what “the love of God” means in this case. St. Paul is addressing those who are being “put to death all the day long” for their faith. He is speaking not of comfort for this life, but for the next. In this life, we are meant to take up our Cross and “fill up those things that are wanting of the sufferings of Christ, in [our] flesh, for his body, which is the church,” (Col 1:24) Christ loved us with an all-sacrificing love. And indeed we are enduring something very painful now too. But what is it we are sacrificing? Are we not sacrificing His sacrifice for us? Can we imagine that, after all He endured for our sake, Christ would ever consider the avoidance of the Sacraments a fitting sacrifice? Wouldn’t our God, who spared not His own Son for our sake, prefer that we sacrifice all else for His sake? When St. Charles Borromeo closed the churches of Milan, he was dealing with a plague that killed a third of the population. And yet he understood that while we close the building, the Sacrifice must go on, and the people must be present for it. So he had outdoor altars built all over the city of Milan to make sure this happened. We don’t subjugate Christ to the world. Ever. “For the wisdom of the flesh is death; but the wisdom of the spirit is life and peace. Because the wisdom of the flesh is an enemy to God; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither can it be.” (Rm 8:6-7) The key to all things in this life is the Cross. It means enduring tribulation, distress, famine, nakedness, danger, persecution, the sword…and anything else that tries to separate us from the love of Christ…“But in all these things we overcome, because of Him that hath loved us.” (Rm 8:37) And we rejoice in our sufferings because “To him that shall overcome, I will give to sit with me in my throne: as I also have overcome, and am set down with my Father in his throne.” (Apoc 3:21) How easy these words are to commit to paper. But how do we live them in this day and age? Are we to risk having no Church at all because we rashly ignore the advice of doctors and lawyers and insurance companies, and the mandates of governors and mayors? To this I can only answer: what would the saints have done? Even to ask this question lays bare the poverty of our current age. We, who have every comfort imaginable: so much food that we overeat, so many clothes that our closets are bursting, homes that don’t merely shelter us from the elements but even remain at a comfortable temperature at all times…we are “wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.” (Apoc. 3:17) We cannot do what St. Francis, or St. Elizabeth of Hungary did…this would open us up to liability and lawsuits and all sorts of dangers. To do what St. Vincent de Paul did too often means enabling drug addicts. We can’t admonish the sinner, because now that’s considered a hate crime. And we can’t instruct the ignorant, because our Catholic schools are dying. This is the real world of our Church, the world our bishops live. Liability. Danger. Hostility. Debt. And the Light of the World is hidden under a bushel, because the preservation of our physical resources is directly at odds with the preservation of our doctrines as the Saints practiced them. It’s just too risky. Can we believe that God is satisfied with this state of things? Can it be possible that He was pleased to see His people cowering in their homes this past Easter morning, the day that He destroyed death…because of the fear of liability??? He forgave his disciples for cowering in the Upper Room, because He had not yet sent them His Holy Spirit at Pentecost. We have no such excuse. “…Because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold, nor hot, I will begin to vomit thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest: I am rich, and made wealthy, and have need of nothing: and knowest not, that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked…Such as I love, I rebuke and chastise. Be zealous therefore, and do penance.” (Apoc 3:16-19) Make no mistake about it: God’s anger is kindled against us. Don’t take my word for it, we have all the apparitions of Our Lady to testify to this reality. What did the people of Nineveh do to atone, when His anger was kindled against them? They put on sackcloth and ashes and went out into the public square and did penance…and God showed them mercy. Hadn’t we better do this? What is our faith worth to us? What are we willing to sacrifice for it? “…Laying aside every weight and sin which surrounds us, let us run by patience to the fight proposed to us… For you have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin…” It is time. We have not yet resisted unto blood. With the joy of the Cross set before us, we should run toward it without wearying or fainting. Easter Season or not, it’s time to reboot Lent. If our church leaders won’t do it, we must do it ourselves, and in numbers so large they cannot be ignored. If they will not let us in our churches, we will stand outside them. If they will not give us the Mass, we will continue gathering outside our churches to pray the Rosary and other prayers of the faithful, until they either carry us away, or they give the Holy Sacrifice back to us. And what better time to begin doing this, than during the month of Our Lady, and this Sunday, Mother’s Day? Let us all go to our Churches this Sunday. Stand with dignity and respect outside while Mass is going on inside. Pray together all 15 decades of the Rosary and the Litany of Loreto, and beseech our Lady, who with her “fiat” opened the way for us to Salvation, to open the way once more to her Son through the Sacraments. And let’s keep doing it, for as long as it takes. Who will run with me to the fight proposed to us? The St Charles Borromeo Society
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lifesitenews--2020-05-09--Govt health official backtracks after stating infected could be removed from homes

May 8 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) — A California county health official has now backtracked on his statement declaring that individuals infected with the coronavirus would be forcibly removed from their homes if they didn ’ t have a bathroom designated solely for their own use .
“ Every person who we ’ re isolating , for instance , needs to have their own bathroom , ” said Ventura County Health Department director Dr. Robert Levin , in a briefing with the county ’ s board of supervisors on Tuesday .
“ And so we ’ ll be moving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ housing that we have available , ” he added .
Levin walked back his statement in a subsequent press conference : “ If I gave people the impression that if you were isolated , you would be taken out of your home , and put into a hotel room or motel room or sequestered in some other way — if I did do that , I am very sorry.
” He justified his remarks as follows : That is an option .
That is possible .
If you become infected , you don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home , you ’ re afraid that you ’ ll expose other people , we ’ ll work with you to find a place to stay .
And , it ’ s likely to be a hotel or a motel .
We will desire for you to have your own room in your place of residence and a bathroom that can be dedicated to just you .
Now , not everyone is fortunate enough to have more than one bathroom , so we ’ ll work with you .
But it was too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s initial comments took to social media to sound the alarm that children could be taken from their parents ’ homes by the government .
“ WHAT WOULD YOU DO if your six year old son or daughter tested positive for COVID19 and was taken from your home to a quarantine center by Ventura Health Authorities ?
This SHOCKING VIDEO demands that you plan ahead , ” tweeted Del Bigtree , CEO of anti-vaccination group Informed Consent Action Network , on Tuesday .
“ Who is OK with this ?
” asked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if it ’ s your child ?
” “ Threats from Ventura if you have the virus , can ’ t be isolated from your family they will take you away , ” wrote another .
Others imagined darker scenarios that might be played out .
PETITION : No to mandatory vaccination for the coronavirus Sign the petition here .
“ This sounds like something very concerning , I ’ m sure they can keep you away or stop you having contact , then drop the bombshell your child has died and you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the service , ” said Keith Poker in a tweet .
“ Could this be a cover for something more sinister ?
” he wondered .
“ When the director of the Ventura County Health Department , Dr. Robert Levin , said , ‘ Children who test positive for coronavirus could be forcibly removed from their homes , ’ it struck a national nerve , ” noted Fox News ’ s Trace Gallagher on Tucker Carlson Tonight .
“ Now Dr. Levin says he might have been misinterpreted or gave the wrong impression @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” asserted Gallagher .
“ When the tweets hit the fan , Dr. Levin walked it back , way back , ” he added .
Some suggested that Dr. Levin ’ s initial statement was a test run to see if county residents would push back on his policy declaration .
“ They got their hand slapped on this test balloon , and just issued a clarification that it ’ s ‘ voluntary , ’ ” tweeted one person .
“ But the vid said they ’ re hiring & training a Covid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continued the tweet .
“ When that ’ s fully operational , you can count on it that home removals won ’ t be voluntary.
” “ They saw the response of people and backed off for now , ” tweeted another .
“ ..eyes open ... ears open.
” “ And yet California is actively promoting what it hopes will become an army of 20,000 disease detectives to find everyone who is unknowingly infected with the goal of tracking , tracing , and isolating those who test positive , ” said Fox @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the Contra Costa County Public Health Director said , ‘ Ultimately it ’ s a customer service .
’ ”

Many who heard Dr. Levin’s initial comments took to social media to sound the alarm that children could be taken from their parents’ homes by the government.
May 8, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) — A California county health official has now backtracked on his statement declaring that individuals infected with the coronavirus would be forcibly removed from their homes if they didn’t have a bathroom designated solely for their own use.
“Every person who we’re isolating, for instance, needs to have their own bathroom,” said Ventura County Health Department director Dr. Robert Levin, in a briefing with the county’s board of supervisors on Tuesday.
“And so we’ll be moving people like this into other kinds of housing that we have available,” he added.
Levin walked back his statement in a subsequent press conference: “If I gave people the impression that if you were isolated, you would be taken out of your home, and put into a hotel room or motel room or sequestered in some other way — if I did do that, I am very sorry.”
He justified his remarks as follows:
That is an option. That is possible. If you become infected, you don’t want to stay in your home, you’re afraid that you’ll expose other people, we’ll work with you to find a place to stay. And, it’s likely to be a hotel or a motel. We will desire for you to have your own room in your place of residence and a bathroom that can be dedicated to just you. Now, not everyone is fortunate enough to have more than one bathroom, so we’ll work with you.
But it was too late.
Many who heard Dr. Levin’s initial comments took to social media to sound the alarm that children could be taken from their parents’ homes by the government.
“WHAT WOULD YOU DO if your six year old son or daughter tested positive for COVID19 and was taken from your home to a quarantine center by Ventura Health Authorities? This SHOCKING VIDEO demands that you plan ahead,” tweeted Del Bigtree, CEO of anti-vaccination group Informed Consent Action Network, on Tuesday.
WHAT WOULD YOU DO if your six year old son or daughter tested positive for COVID19 and was taken from your home to a quarantine center by Ventura Health Authorities? This SHOCKING VIDEO demands that you plan ahead. #BeBrave #HistoryRepeating pic.twitter.com/e5RC7dCO7o — Del Bigtree (@delbigtree) May 6, 2020
“Who is OK with this?” asked one person on Facebook. “What if it’s your child?”
“Threats from Ventura if you have the virus, can’t be isolated from your family they will take you away,” wrote another.
Others imagined darker scenarios that might be played out.
PETITION: No to mandatory vaccination for the coronavirus Sign the petition here.
“This sounds like something very concerning, I’m sure they can keep you away or stop you having contact, then drop the bombshell your child has died and you won’t be able to attend the service,” said Keith Poker in a tweet.
“Could this be a cover for something more sinister?” he wondered.
This sounds like something very concerning, I’m sure they can keep you away or stop you having contact, then drop the bombshell your child has died and you won’t be able to attend the service. Could this be a cover for something more sinister? — Keith poker (@Keithpoker1) May 6, 2020
‘There was no misinterpretation’
“When the director of the Ventura County Health Department, Dr. Robert Levin, said, ‘Children who test positive for coronavirus could be forcibly removed from their homes,’ it struck a national nerve,” noted Fox News’s Trace Gallagher on Tucker Carlson Tonight.
“Now Dr. Levin says he might have been misinterpreted or gave the wrong impression, except there was no misinterpretation,” asserted Gallagher.
“When the tweets hit the fan, Dr. Levin walked it back, way back,” he added.
Some suggested that Dr. Levin’s initial statement was a test run to see if county residents would push back on his policy declaration.
“They got their hand slapped on this test balloon, and just issued a clarification that it’s ‘voluntary,’” tweeted one person.
“But the vid said they’re hiring & training a Covid Gestapo of spies and snitches,” continued the tweet. “When that’s fully operational, you can count on it that home removals won’t be voluntary.”
They got their hand slapped on this test balloon, and just issued a clarification that's it's”voluntary.” But the vid said they're hiring & training a Covid Gestapo of spies and snitches. When that's fully operational, you can count on it that home removals won't be voluntary. — Shark Tank Trading LLC (@SharkTankTrader) May 7, 2020
“They saw the response of people and backed off for now,” tweeted another. “..eyes open…ears open.”
They saw the response of people and backed off for now..eyes open..ears open — YouGotThis (@YouGotT25656772) May 7, 2020
“And yet California is actively promoting what it hopes will become an army of 20,000 disease detectives to find everyone who is unknowingly infected with the goal of tracking, tracing, and isolating those who test positive,” said Fox News’s Gallagher.
“Or as the Contra Costa County Public Health Director said, ‘Ultimately it’s a customer service.’”
“Talk about Orwellian! It’s ‘customer service,’” concluded Tucker Carlson.
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lifesitenews--2020-05-09--Half of Toronto’s Catholic school trustees agree to consider recognizing ‘Pride Month’

TORONTO , May 8 .
2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) — An LGBT activist elementary Catholic school teacher is lobbying the Toronto Catholic District School Board to recognize June as “ Pride Month ” — and half of the board voted Thursday to consider the idea .
“ There is no Catholic reason not to recognize the diversity of our LGBTQ students through an event such as Pride Month , ” Paulo De Buono claimed in a May 7 three-minute video presentation to the board .
Six of the TCDSB ’ s twelve trustees then voted to receive his request — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defeat , that was as far as the matter went that evening .
The trustees voting to receive De Buono ’ s delegation were Frank D ’ Amico , Markus de Dominico , Norman Di Pasquale , Daniel Di Giorgio , Ida Li Preti , and Maria Rizzo .
Voting against were Chair Joseph Martino , Nancy Crawford , Michael Del Grande , Angela Kennedy , Teresa Lubinski , and Garry Tanuan .
De Buono , who teaches at St. James Elementary School in Toronto , is now contending that a tie vote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the idea and that director Rory McGuckin can unilaterally decide that the TCDSB recognizes June as “ Pride Month.
” He ’ s also asking others to lobby McGuckin and has launched a change.org petition .
De Buono can fairly be described as brazen and unrelenting in his LGBT activism — he openly boasted about reading pro-homosexual and pro-transgender books to Grades 5 and 6 students in February , claiming then as justification that the board had recently added “ marital and family status , gender expression and gender identity ” as prohibited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conduct .
LifeSiteNews contacted McGuckin for comment but did not receive a response by deadline .
The TCDSB initially denied De Buono ’ s request to delegate but inexplicably reversed that decision the day of the meeting , as De Buono duly noted on Twitter .
He backed his request by quoting the TCDSB ’ s 2018 to 2021 Equity Action Plan , which states that the board must ensure “ equity of outcomes ” by addressing “ with intentionality , persisting learning gaps for racialized students , Indigenous students , students who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also states that the board must “ must continue to identify and eliminate discriminatory practices , systemic barriers , and bias from our classrooms , our schools , and our offices , ” De Buono said .
“ Let ’ s decide therefore , with intentionality , to go beyond our discriminatory practices and systemic barriers to recognize June 2020 as Pride Month in the TCDSB , ” he said .
“ Pride Month ” has no place in Catholic schools Pro-family groups have decried De Buono ’ s campaign and urged parents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the episode .
“ Parents make a choice when they send their children to Catholic schools .
Parents expect and understand that Catholic moral teaching will be upheld , ” commented Teresa Pierre , president of Parents as First Educators ( PAFE ) .
“ This activist Catholic school teacher undermines parental choice and parental rights by asking Catholic children to celebrate things which run counter to Catholic moral teaching , ” she told LifeSiteNews in an email , adding that this isn ’ t the first time De Buono has done @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaccination for the coronavirus Sign the petition here .
“ Ontario parents commend the trustees who voted the right way — in defence of Catholic moral teaching and parental choice , ” said Pierre .
“ As for the trustees who voted the wrong way , PAFE is appalled that these trustees didn ’ t carry out their duty — to protect Catholic teachings on sexuality — as they took an oath to do !
They must be held to account now , and at election time.
” That was echoed by Lou @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rights advocate .
De Buono “ claims to be doing what a ‘ Catholic ’ teacher should do .
But have parents asked for the celebration of pride month , of every possible sexual ‘ gay ’ expression ?
” Iacobelli noted on his blog , EverydayForLifeCanada .
“ Parents , especially those that have children attending St. James School , need to speak up and let teachers , their trustee , and the principal of the school know where they stand , ” said Iacobelli .
“ If they don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ promote their agenda to vulnerable children , ” he pointed out .
“ Finally , as parents we need to pray for the safety and souls of the children in schools.
” Pride Month is “ a celebration of ‘ gay ’ sex , of sodomy , and that is totally contrary to Catholic religious teaching , and can not enter into a Catholic school , ” agreed Jack Fonseca , director of political operations of Campaign Life Coalition , who added that he is waiting for Toronto ’ s archbishop , Cardinal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ De Buono .
“ How long must we suffer heretics attacking the faith and confusing our children and our teachers ?
When will the local ordinary do something about this ?
” he asked .
To express your concern , please contact :

TORONTO, May 8. 2020 (LifeSiteNews) — An LGBT activist elementary Catholic school teacher is lobbying the Toronto Catholic District School Board to recognize June as “Pride Month” — and half of the board voted Thursday to consider the idea.
“There is no Catholic reason not to recognize the diversity of our LGBTQ students through an event such as Pride Month,” Paulo De Buono claimed in a May 7 three-minute video presentation to the board.
Six of the TCDSB’s twelve trustees then voted to receive his request — but because a tie vote is a defeat, that was as far as the matter went that evening.
The trustees voting to receive De Buono’s delegation were Frank D’Amico, Markus de Dominico, Norman Di Pasquale, Daniel Di Giorgio, Ida Li Preti, and Maria Rizzo.
Voting against were Chair Joseph Martino, Nancy Crawford, Michael Del Grande, Angela Kennedy, Teresa Lubinski, and Garry Tanuan.
De Buono, who teaches at St. James Elementary School in Toronto, is now contending that a tie vote means the board did not disapprove of the idea and that director Rory McGuckin can unilaterally decide that the TCDSB recognizes June as “Pride Month.”
Dear @TCDSBDirector, Tonight on a tied vote, the @TCDSB trustees voted not to “receive” my presentation after seeing it. That's not equivalent to a vote against Pride Month. You can choose as Director to recognize June as Pride Month at the TCDSB. �� ��https://t.co/fzQFNFylHk — Paolo De Buono, �� MSc, JD, OCT (@misterdebuono) May 7, 2020
He’s also asking others to lobby McGuckin and has launched a change.org petition.
De Buono can fairly be described as brazen and unrelenting in his LGBT activism — he openly boasted about reading pro-homosexual and pro-transgender books to Grades 5 and 6 students in February, claiming then as justification that the board had recently added “marital and family status, gender expression and gender identity” as prohibited grounds of discrimination to its code of conduct.
LifeSiteNews contacted McGuckin for comment but did not receive a response by deadline.
The TCDSB initially denied De Buono’s request to delegate but inexplicably reversed that decision the day of the meeting, as De Buono duly noted on Twitter.
He backed his request by quoting the TCDSB’s 2018 to 2021 Equity Action Plan, which states that the board must ensure “equity of outcomes” by addressing “with intentionality, persisting learning gaps for racialized students, Indigenous students, students who identify as LGBTQ or Two-Spirited.”
It also states that the board must “must continue to identify and eliminate discriminatory practices, systemic barriers, and bias from our classrooms, our schools, and our offices,” De Buono said.
“Let’s decide therefore, with intentionality, to go beyond our discriminatory practices and systemic barriers to recognize June 2020 as Pride Month in the TCDSB,” he said.
“Pride Month” has no place in Catholic schools
Pro-family groups have decried De Buono’s campaign and urged parents to voice their opposition in the wake of the episode.
“Parents make a choice when they send their children to Catholic schools. Parents expect and understand that Catholic moral teaching will be upheld,” commented Teresa Pierre, president of Parents as First Educators (PAFE).
“This activist Catholic school teacher undermines parental choice and parental rights by asking Catholic children to celebrate things which run counter to Catholic moral teaching,” she told LifeSiteNews in an email, adding that this isn’t the first time De Buono has done so.
PETITION: No to mandatory vaccination for the coronavirus Sign the petition here.
“Ontario parents commend the trustees who voted the right way — in defence of Catholic moral teaching and parental choice,” said Pierre.
“As for the trustees who voted the wrong way, PAFE is appalled that these trustees didn’t carry out their duty — to protect Catholic teachings on sexuality — as they took an oath to do! They must be held to account now, and at election time.”
That was echoed by Lou Iacobelli, retired Catholic teacher and parental rights advocate.
De Buono “claims to be doing what a ‘Catholic’ teacher should do. But have parents asked for the celebration of pride month, of every possible sexual ‘gay’ expression?” Iacobelli noted on his blog, EverydayForLifeCanada.
“Parents, especially those that have children attending St. James School, need to speak up and let teachers, their trustee, and the principal of the school know where they stand,” said Iacobelli.
“If they don’t, activist teachers like De Buono will promote their agenda to vulnerable children,” he pointed out. “Finally, as parents we need to pray for the safety and souls of the children in schools.”
Pride Month is “a celebration of ‘gay’ sex, of sodomy, and that is totally contrary to Catholic religious teaching, and cannot enter into a Catholic school,” agreed Jack Fonseca, director of political operations of Campaign Life Coalition, who added that he is waiting for Toronto’s archbishop, Cardinal Thomas Collins, to take action on De Buono.
“How long must we suffer heretics attacking the faith and confusing our children and our teachers? When will the local ordinary do something about this?” he asked.
To express your concern, please contact:
TCDSB Director of Education Rory McGuckin
Email: [email protected]
TCDSB trustees:
Joseph Martino, Chair
Ward 1: Etobicoke
Phone: 416-512-3401
Fax: 416-512-3214
E-Mail: [email protected]
Markus de Domenico
Ward 2: Etobicoke
Phone: 416-512-3402
Fax: 416-512-3214
E-Mail: [email protected]
Ida Li Preti
Ward 3: North York
Phone: 416-512-3403
Phone: 416-222-8282 Ext.2660
Fax: 416-512-3214
E-Mail: [email protected]
Teresa Lubinski
Ward 4: Parkdale-High Park, Etobicoke-Lakeshore
Phone: 416-512-3404
Fax: 416-512-3214
E-Mail: [email protected]
Maria Rizzo
Ward 5: North York
Phone: 416-512-3405
Fax: 416-512-3214
E-Mail: [email protected]
Frank D'Amico, CD
Ward 6: York
Phone: 416-512-3406
Fax: 416-512-3214
E-Mail: [email protected]
Michael Del Grande
Ward 7: Scarborough/ North York
Phone: 416-512-3407
Fax: 416-512-3214
E-Mail: mike[email protected]
Garry Tanuan
Ward 8: Scarborough
Phone: 416-512-3408
Fax: 416-512-3214
E-Mail: [email protected]
Norm Di Pasquale
Ward 9: Toronto
Phone: 416-512-3409
Fax: 416-512-3214
E-Mail: [email protected]
Daniel Di Giorgio
Ward 10: Toronto
Phone: 416-512-3410
Fax: 416-512-3214
E-Mail: [email protected]
Angela Kennedy
Ward 11: East York/Toronto
Fax: 416-512-3214
E-Mail: [email protected]
Nancy Crawford
Ward 12: Scarborough
Phone: 416-512-3412
Fax: 416-512-3214
E-Mail: [email protected]
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lifesitenews--2020-05-10--Happy Mother’s Day from LifeSite

Happy Mother’s Day from LifeSite

A special Mother 's Day tribute to the great sacrifices mothers make thousands of times every day .
It is truly the little things that matter most , let us not forget that this Mother 's Day .
The Little Things Poem by Kathie Borys The work undone , the beds unmade The floor unswept , the meal delayed My cup of coffee growing cold The laundry I have yet to fold “ I ’ m hungry Mom , ” the children say A thousand and one times a day And , “ Mommy , will you read to me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can ’ t I watch T.V .
?
” And “ Mom , please hold me on your knee.
” And “ Quickly , Mom , I have to pee !
” Then finally everything is set .
The children ’ s needs have all been met .
And I can really sink my teeth Into my work with great relief .
Another sound .
“ Oh dear , ” I sigh .
My newborn daughter ’ s plaintive cry .
Now I must sit amidst debris And nurse this infant quietly And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be Distaining mediocrity .
But as this angel snuggles in And I caress her silken skin And meditate on beauty here This tiny hand , this perfect ear This life , this love , this holiness , I can forget about the mess And know with utter clarity My life is rich as rich can be .
I wonder , when I ’ m old and gray , Will I look back upon today And wish I ’ d been a better mom By getting all the housework done ?
I ’ d @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up at me Of walks and hugs and moments shared Of taking time to show I cared .

A special Mother's Day tribute to the great sacrifices mothers make thousands of times every day. It is truly the little things that matter most, let us not forget that this Mother's Day. The Little Things Poem by Kathie Borys The work undone, the beds unmade The floor unswept, the meal delayed My cup of coffee growing cold The laundry I have yet to fold “I’m hungry Mom,” the children say A thousand and one times a day And, “Mommy, will you read to me?” And “Mom, why can’t I watch T.V.?” And “Mom, please hold me on your knee.” […]
A special Mother's Day tribute to the great sacrifices mothers make thousands of times every day. It is truly the little things that matter most, let us not forget that this Mother's Day.
The Little Things Poem by Kathie Borys
The work undone, the beds unmade
The floor unswept, the meal delayed
My cup of coffee growing cold
The laundry I have yet to fold
“I’m hungry Mom,” the children say
A thousand and one times a day
And, “Mommy, will you read to me?”
And “Mom, why can’t I watch T.V.?”
And “Mom, please hold me on your knee.”
And “Quickly, Mom, I have to pee!”
Then finally everything is set.
The children’s needs have all been met.
And I can really sink my teeth
Into my work with great relief.
Another sound. “Oh dear,” I sigh.
My newborn daughter’s plaintive cry.
Now I must sit amidst debris
And nurse this infant quietly
And dream of who I’d rather be
Distaining mediocrity.
But as this angel snuggles in
And I caress her silken skin
And meditate on beauty here
This tiny hand, this perfect ear
This life, this love, this holiness,
I can forget about the mess
And know with utter clarity
My life is rich as rich can be.
I wonder, when I’m old and gray,
Will I look back upon today
And wish I’d been a better mom
By getting all the housework done?
I’d much prefer a memory
Of children smiling up at me
Of walks and hugs and moments shared
Of taking time to show I cared.
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