lifesitenews--2020-04-17--LifeSite to stream Divine Mercy holy hour to pray for sinners (Saturday, 6 PM EDT)

April 17 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) ― LifeSiteNews will be streaming a special Holy Hour prayer service for Catholics throughout the world this Saturday at 6:00pm Eastern time in anticipation of Divine Mercy Sunday .
The aim of the Holy Hour is for Catholics to beg God for the conversion of sinners and for the graces of His Mercy .
It will include the Divine Mercy Chaplet and meditations on several passages from the Diary of St. Faustina .
Fr .
Anthony Pillari will lead the prayers and reflections on LifeSite ’ s Youtube channel tomorrow at 6:00pm , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fr .
Pillari has been live streaming the Holy Rosary from Italy through LifeSiteNews over the past month .
The 6:00 pm release time will allow the faithful in North America to join as a preparation for Divine Mercy Sunday while making it available in time for Australian viewers to tune in as part of their Divine Mercy Sunday celebrations .
The video will continue to be available on LifeSite ’ s Youtube channel so Catholics throughout the world may join in on the feast , or later , as they choose .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Głogowiec , Poland , lived from 1905 to 1938 .
In 1931 , she experienced her first vision of the Divine Mercy : Our Lord Jesus with white and red rays emanating from his heart .
She wrote in her diary that he instructed her to record him like this , saying “ Paint an image according to the pattern you see , with the words ‘ Jesus , I trust in You ’ .
I desire that this image be venerated , first in your chapel , and then throughout the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that will venerate this image will not perish.
” Her visions persisted , and she spent the rest of her life promoting devotion to the Divine Mercy .
In reflecting on the importance of the Divine Mercy for sinners , Father Pillari told LifeSiteNews that St. Faustina had written about a vision of hell in which most souls there had something in common .
“ ‘ I noticed… that most of the souls [ in Hell ] are those who disbelieved that there is a hell ’ ( Diary 741 ) .
With @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sobering description of hell , ” Pillari said via email .
“ During this vision , she saw ‘ … the tortures suffered by all the damned together , but that is not the end of the sufferings .
There are special tortures destined for particular souls .
These are the torments of the senses .
Each soul undergoes terrible and indescribable sufferings , related to the manner in which it has sinned… I would have died at the very sight of these tortures if the omnipotence of God had not supported me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be tortured throughout all eternity , in those senses which he made use of to sin , ” Pillari continued .
“ With this sobering vision , God reminds us , through St. Faustina , of our great need of the Divine Mercy .
In her diary , side by side with such stark visions ( see also Diary 153 on the two roads [ below ] ) , there are constant invitations to conversion and to trust in God ’ s Mercy.
” As Divine Mercy Sunday is a relatively new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ St. John Paul II , some Catholics may wonder how the feast corresponds to the traditional celebration of Low , or Quasimodo , Sunday , the first Sunday following Easter Sunday .
Fr .
Pillari told LifeSiteNews that this Sunday has always had a special connection to God ’ s mercy .
“ In the traditional liturgy , the Gospel for that Sunday has always been that of the appearance of the risen Lord to the Apostles and the conferral of the power to absolve sins , ” he explained .
“ Hence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ special emphasis on God ’ s mercy .
According to St. Thomas Aquinas , Mercy may be considered the greatest of God ’ s attributes ( Summa Theologiae II-II , q .
30 , a .
4 ) , ” he continued .
“ A Sunday devoted to invoking God ’ s mercy upon the world , and to receiving His mercy , especially through the Sacraments of Confession and Holy Communion , is quite in harmony with the Church ’ s tradition.
” Devotion to the Divine Mercy is promoted around the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fr .
Chris Alar is the Director of the Association of Marian Helpers at The National Shrine of The Divine Mercy in Stockbridge , MA .
Recently he encouraged Catholics to post copies of The Divine Mercy image to their doors as a sign of faith in God ’ s protection .
The following passages are taken from the Diary of St. Faustina and they refer to her visions of Hell , Purgatory and Heaven .
Two Paths : `` ...
I saw two roads .
One was broad , covered with sand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ music and all sorts of pleasures .
People walked along it , dancing and enjoying themselves .
They reached the end without realizing it .
And at the end of the road there was a horrible precipice ; that is , the abyss of hell .
The souls fell blindly into it ; as they walked , so they fell .
And their number was so great that it was impossible to count them .
“ And I saw the other road , or rather , a path , for it was narrow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the people who walked along it had tears in their eyes , and all kinds of suffering befell them .
Some fell down upon the rocks , but stood up immediately and went on .
At the end of the road there was a magnificent garden filled with all sorts of happiness and all these souls entered there .
At the very first instant they forgot all their sufferings '' ( Diary , 153 ) .
Hell : `` Today I was led by an Angel to the chasms of hell .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; how awesomely large and extensive it is !
The kinds of tortures I saw : the first torture that constitutes hell is the loss of God ; the second is perpetual remorse of conscience ; the third is that one ’ s condition will never change ; the fourth is the fire that will penetrate the soul without destroying it , a terrible suffering , since it is a purely spiritual fire , lit by God ’ s anger ; the fifth torture is conditional darkness and a terrible suffocating smell , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the souls of the damned see each other and all the evil , both of others and their own ; the sixth torture is the constant company of satan , the seventh torture is horrible despair , hatred of God , vile words , curses and blasphemies .
“ These are the tortures suffered by all the damned together , but that is not the end of the sufferings .
There are special tortures destined for particular souls .
These are the torments of the senses .
Each soul undergoes terrible and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in which it has sinned .
There are caverns and pits of torture where one form of agony differs from another .
“ I would have died at the very sight of these tortures if the omnipotence of God had not supported me .
Let the sinner know that he will be tortured throughout all eternity , in those senses which he made use of to sin .
I am writing this at the command of God , so that no soul may find an excuse by saying there is no hell , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and so no one can say what it is like .
“ I , Sister Faustina , by the order of God , have visited the abysses of hell so that I might tell souls about it and testify to its existence .
I can not speak about it now ; but I have received a command from God to leave it in writing .
The devils were full of hatred for me , but they had to obey me at the command of God .
What I have written is but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saw .
But I noticed one thing : that most of the souls there are those who disbelieved that there is a hell .
When I came to , I could hardly recover from the fright .
How terribly souls suffer there !
“ Consequently , I pray even more fervently for the conversion of sinners .
I incessantly plead God ’ s mercy upon them .
O my Jesus , I would rather be in agony until the end of the world , amidst the greatest sufferings , then offend You by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 741 ) .
Purgatory : `` ...
I saw my Guardian Angel , who ordered me to follow him .
In a moment I was in a misty place full of fire in which there was a great crowd of suffering souls .
They were praying fervently , but to no avail , for themselves ; only we can come to their aid .
The flames , which were burning them , did not touch me at all .
My Guardian Angel did not leave me for an instant .
I asked these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They answered me in one voice that their greatest torment was longing for God .
“ I saw Our Lady visiting the souls in Purgatory .
The souls call Her “ The Star of the Sea ” .
She brings them refreshment .
I wanted to talk with them some more , but my Guardian Angel beckoned me to leave .
We went out of that prison of suffering .
[ I heard an interior voice which said ] ‘ My mercy does not want this , but justice demands it .
Since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ communion with the suffering souls.
’ ” ( Diary , 20 ) Heaven : `` November 27 , 1936 .
Today I was in heaven , in spirit , and I saw its inconceivable beauties and the happiness that awaits us after death .
I saw how all creatures give ceaseless praise and glory to God .
I saw how great is happiness in God , which spreads to all creatures , making them happy ; and then all the glory and praise which springs from this happiness returns to its source ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ God , contemplating the inner life of God , the Father , the Son , and the Holy Spirit , whom they will never comprehend or fathom .
This source of happiness is unchanging in its essence , but it is always new , gushing forth happiness for all creatures .
“ Now I understand Saint Paul , who said , “ Eye has not seen , nor has ear heard , nor has it entered into the heart of man what God has prepared for those who love him.
” And God @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is but one thing that is of infinite value in His eyes , and that is love of God ; love , love and once again , love ; and nothing can compare with a single act of pure love of God .
“ Oh , with what inconceivable favors God gifts a soul that loves Him sincerely !
Oh , how happy is the soul who already here on earth enjoys His special favors !
And of such are the little and humble souls .
The sight of this great majesty of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more profoundly and which is worshipped by the heavenly spirits according to their degree of grace and the hierarchies into which they are divided , did not cause my soul to be stricken with terror or fear ; no , no , not at all !
My soul was filled with peace and love , and the more I come to know the greatness of God , the more joyful I become that He is as He is .
And I rejoice immensely in His greatness and am delighted that I am so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , He carries me in His arms and holds me close to His Heart .
“ O my God , how I pity those people who do not believe in eternal life ; how I pray for them that a ray of mercy would envelop them too , and that God would clasp them to His fatherly bosom ... `` ( Diary , 777 ) .
“ I desire trust from My creatures .
Encourage souls to place great trust in My fathomless mercy .
Let the weak , sinful soul have no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if it had more sins than there are grains of sand in the world , and all would be drowned in the immeasurable depths of My mercy .
( Diary , 1059 )

April 18, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) ― LifeSiteNews is streaming a special Holy Hour prayer service for Catholics throughout the world Saturday at 6:00pm Eastern time in anticipation of Divine Mercy Sunday.
The aim of the Holy Hour is for Catholics to beg God for the conversion of sinners and for the graces of His Mercy. It includes the Divine Mercy Chaplet and meditations on several passages from the Diary of St. Faustina.
Fr. Anthony Pillari is leading the prayers and reflections on LifeSite’s Youtube channel at 6:00pm, Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). Fr. Pillari has been live streaming the Holy Rosary from Italy through LifeSiteNews over the past month.
The 6:00 pm release time allows the faithful in North America to join as a preparation for Divine Mercy Sunday while making it available in time for Australian viewers to tune in as part of their Divine Mercy Sunday celebrations. The video will continue to be available on LifeSite’s Youtube channel so Catholics throughout the world may join in on the feast, or later, as they choose.
Saint Faustina Kowalska, who was born in Głogowiec, Poland, lived from 1905 to 1938. In 1931, she experienced her first vision of the Divine Mercy: Our Lord Jesus with white and red rays emanating from his heart. She wrote in her diary that he instructed her to record him like this, saying “Paint an image according to the pattern you see, with the words ‘Jesus, I trust in You’. I desire that this image be venerated, first in your chapel, and then throughout the world. I promise that the soul that will venerate this image will not perish.” Her visions persisted, and she spent the rest of her life promoting devotion to the Divine Mercy.
In reflecting on the importance of the Divine Mercy for sinners, Father Pillari told LifeSiteNews that St. Faustina had written about a vision of hell in which most souls there had something in common.
“‘I noticed… that most of the souls [in Hell] are those who disbelieved that there is a hell’ (Diary 741). With these words, St. Faustina concludes her sobering description of hell,” Pillari said via email.
“During this vision, she saw ‘… the tortures suffered by all the damned together, but that is not the end of the sufferings. There are special tortures destined for particular souls. These are the torments of the senses. Each soul undergoes terrible and indescribable sufferings, related to the manner in which it has sinned… I would have died at the very sight of these tortures if the omnipotence of God had not supported me. Let the sinner know that he will be tortured throughout all eternity, in those senses which he made use of to sin,” Pillari continued.
“With this sobering vision, God reminds us, through St. Faustina, of our great need of the Divine Mercy. In her diary, side by side with such stark visions (see also Diary 153 on the two roads [below]), there are constant invitations to conversion and to trust in God’s Mercy.”
As Divine Mercy Sunday is a relatively new celebration, having been instituted worldwide by St. John Paul II, some Catholics may wonder how the feast corresponds to the traditional celebration of Low, or Quasimodo, Sunday, the first Sunday following Easter Sunday. Fr. Pillari told LifeSiteNews that this Sunday has always had a special connection to God’s mercy.
“In the traditional liturgy, the Gospel for that Sunday has always been that of the appearance of the risen Lord to the Apostles and the conferral of the power to absolve sins,” he explained.
“Hence, that Sunday has always featured a special emphasis on God’s mercy. According to St. Thomas Aquinas, Mercy may be considered the greatest of God’s attributes (Summa Theologiae II-II, q. 30, a. 4),” he continued.
“A Sunday devoted to invoking God’s mercy upon the world, and to receiving His mercy, especially through the Sacraments of Confession and Holy Communion, is quite in harmony with the Church’s tradition.”
Devotion to the Divine Mercy is promoted around the world by the Marist Fathers. Marist Fr. Chris Alar is the Director of the Association of Marian Helpers at The National Shrine of The Divine Mercy in Stockbridge, MA. Recently he encouraged Catholics to post copies of The Divine Mercy image to their doors as a sign of faith in God’s protection.
***
Preparatory Readings for Saturday’s Divine Mercy Holy Hour
The following passages are taken from the Diary of St. Faustina and they refer to her visions of Hell, Purgatory and Heaven.
Two Paths: “…I saw two roads. One was broad, covered with sand and flowers, full of joy, music and all sorts of pleasures. People walked along it, dancing and enjoying themselves. They reached the end without realizing it. And at the end of the road there was a horrible precipice; that is, the abyss of hell. The souls fell blindly into it; as they walked, so they fell. And their number was so great that it was impossible to count them.
“And I saw the other road, or rather, a path, for it was narrow and strewn with thorns and rocks; and the people who walked along it had tears in their eyes, and all kinds of suffering befell them. Some fell down upon the rocks, but stood up immediately and went on. At the end of the road there was a magnificent garden filled with all sorts of happiness and all these souls entered there. At the very first instant they forgot all their sufferings” (Diary, 153).
Hell: “Today I was led by an Angel to the chasms of hell. It is a place of great torture; how awesomely large and extensive it is! The kinds of tortures I saw: the first torture that constitutes hell is the loss of God; the second is perpetual remorse of conscience; the third is that one’s condition will never change; the fourth is the fire that will penetrate the soul without destroying it, a terrible suffering, since it is a purely spiritual fire, lit by God’s anger; the fifth torture is conditional darkness and a terrible suffocating smell, and despite the darkness, the devils and the souls of the damned see each other and all the evil, both of others and their own; the sixth torture is the constant company of satan, the seventh torture is horrible despair, hatred of God, vile words, curses and blasphemies.
“These are the tortures suffered by all the damned together, but that is not the end of the sufferings. There are special tortures destined for particular souls. These are the torments of the senses. Each soul undergoes terrible and indescribable sufferings, related to the manner in which it has sinned. There are caverns and pits of torture where one form of agony differs from another.
“I would have died at the very sight of these tortures if the omnipotence of God had not supported me. Let the sinner know that he will be tortured throughout all eternity, in those senses which he made use of to sin. I am writing this at the command of God, so that no soul may find an excuse by saying there is no hell, or that nobody has ever been there, and so no one can say what it is like.
“I, Sister Faustina, by the order of God, have visited the abysses of hell so that I might tell souls about it and testify to its existence. I cannot speak about it now; but I have received a command from God to leave it in writing. The devils were full of hatred for me, but they had to obey me at the command of God. What I have written is but a pale shadow of the things I saw. But I noticed one thing: that most of the souls there are those who disbelieved that there is a hell. When I came to, I could hardly recover from the fright. How terribly souls suffer there!
“Consequently, I pray even more fervently for the conversion of sinners. I incessantly plead God’s mercy upon them. O my Jesus, I would rather be in agony until the end of the world, amidst the greatest sufferings, then offend You by the least sin” (Diary, 741).
Purgatory: ” …I saw my Guardian Angel, who ordered me to follow him. In a moment I was in a misty place full of fire in which there was a great crowd of suffering souls. They were praying fervently, but to no avail, for themselves; only we can come to their aid. The flames, which were burning them, did not touch me at all. My Guardian Angel did not leave me for an instant. I asked these souls what their greatest suffering was. They answered me in one voice that their greatest torment was longing for God.
“I saw Our Lady visiting the souls in Purgatory. The souls call Her “The Star of the Sea”. She brings them refreshment. I wanted to talk with them some more, but my Guardian Angel beckoned me to leave. We went out of that prison of suffering. [I heard an interior voice which said] ‘My mercy does not want this, but justice demands it. Since that time, I am in closer communion with the suffering souls.’” (Diary, 20)
Heaven: “November 27, 1936. Today I was in heaven, in spirit, and I saw its inconceivable beauties and the happiness that awaits us after death. I saw how all creatures give ceaseless praise and glory to God. I saw how great is happiness in God, which spreads to all creatures, making them happy; and then all the glory and praise which springs from this happiness returns to its source; and they enter into the depths of God, contemplating the inner life of God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, whom they will never comprehend or fathom. This source of happiness is unchanging in its essence, but it is always new, gushing forth happiness for all creatures.
“Now I understand Saint Paul, who said, “Eye has not seen, nor has ear heard, nor has it entered into the heart of man what God has prepared for those who love him.” And God has given me to understand that there is but one thing that is of infinite value in His eyes, and that is love of God; love, love and once again, love; and nothing can compare with a single act of pure love of God.
“Oh, with what inconceivable favors God gifts a soul that loves Him sincerely! Oh, how happy is the soul who already here on earth enjoys His special favors! And of such are the little and humble souls. The sight of this great majesty of God, which I came to understand more profoundly and which is worshipped by the heavenly spirits according to their degree of grace and the hierarchies into which they are divided, did not cause my soul to be stricken with terror or fear; no, no, not at all! My soul was filled with peace and love, and the more I come to know the greatness of God, the more joyful I become that He is as He is. And I rejoice immensely in His greatness and am delighted that I am so little because, since I am little, He carries me in His arms and holds me close to His Heart.
“O my God, how I pity those people who do not believe in eternal life; how I pray for them that a ray of mercy would envelop them too, and that God would clasp them to His fatherly bosom… ” (Diary, 777).
“I desire trust from My creatures. Encourage souls to place great trust in My fathomless mercy. Let the weak, sinful soul have no fear to approach Me, for even if it had more sins than there are grains of sand in the world, and all would be drowned in the immeasurable depths of My mercy. (Diary, 1059)
Share


lifesitenews--2020-04-17--Join our daily live worldwide rosary HERE

April 17 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – In response to the coronavirus crisis , LifeSite has begun livestreaming a daily rosary at 12:00 noon EST .
The rosary is led by Father Anthony Pillari , an American priest currently in Italy .
The whole world – including the Church – has been thrown into chaos because of the coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) .
Thousands of people have passed away as a result of the viral outbreak , while thousands more have been sickened .
And , across the world , business has come to a grinding halt , resulting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recession .
If there ever was a time for prayer , this is it .
Catholics around the planet are aching for Mass and the Sacraments , but in many places are unable to access them because of bishops ’ orders or government restrictions .
We know that community with other believers is vital all the time , but especially during this time of global calls for “ sheltering-in-place ” and quarantine .
“ The rosary is the weapon for these times , ” St. Padre Pio said .
Through prayer , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and bring this painful crisis to an end .
Join us today !
Send photos or videos of you and your family praying the rosary with Father Pillari to [ email protected ]

April 17, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – In response to the coronavirus crisis, LifeSite has begun livestreaming a daily rosary at 12:00 noon EST. The rosary is led by Father Anthony Pillari, an American priest currently in Italy.
The whole world – including the Church – has been thrown into chaos because of the coronavirus (COVID-19).
Thousands of people have passed away as a result of the viral outbreak, while thousands more have been sickened.
And, across the world, business has come to a grinding halt, resulting in sudden job loss and threatening economic recession.
If there ever was a time for prayer, this is it. Catholics around the planet are aching for Mass and the Sacraments, but in many places are unable to access them because of bishops’ orders or government restrictions.
We know that community with other believers is vital all the time, but especially during this time of global calls for “sheltering-in-place” and quarantine.
“The rosary is the weapon for these times,” St. Padre Pio said. Through prayer, we can shape history, change the world, and bring this painful crisis to an end. Join us today!
Send photos or videos of you and your family praying the rosary with Father Pillari to [email protected]
Share


lifesitenews--2020-04-17--Biden: COVID-19 an opportunity to ‘fundamentally change the science relating to global warming’

WILMINGTON , Delaware , April 17 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden identified the recovery needed following the COVID-19 pandemic as an “ opportunity ” to “ fundamentally change the science relating to global warming.
” Notably , the former vice president under President Barack Obama used the term “ global warming , ” not the broader and more common “ climate change.
” He did not explain how science , which is concerned with truth , can “ change ” all of a sudden .
During a CNN coronavirus town hall event Thursday night @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of dollars ” in projects related to climate change – for instance , wind and solar energy – as well as new battery technologies .
“ The way you deal with recovery is you think much bigger than we have before , ” Biden claimed .
He then suggested that a Biden presidency would lead to far-reaching changes to the American way of life .
“ I think we have an opportunity now to significantly change the mindset of the American people , ” Biden was convinced .
“ Things they weren ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three years ago.
” During the town hall event , he specifically mentioned not only policies relating to “ climate change , ” but also education , a rise in minimum wages , and “ significant health care ” for every American .
Biden is neither the only one nor the first one to use the current coronavirus pandemic as a stepping stool for pushing a climate change agenda .
At the end of March , Obama took to Twitter , writing : “ We ’ ve seen all too terribly the consequences @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic .
We can ’ t afford any more consequences of climate denial .
All of us , especially young people , have to demand better of our government at every level and vote this fall.
” Greta Thunberg , the 17-year-old climate change activist from Sweden , has said that while the coronavirus is a terrible event , “ it also shows one thing : That once we are in a crisis , we can act to do something quickly , act fast.
” Margaret Klein Salamon , leader of advocacy group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ [ w ] e ’ ve been trying for years to get people out of normal mode and into emergency mode.
” “ What is possible politically is fundamentally different when lots of people get into emergency mode – when they fundamentally accept that there ’ s danger , and that if we want to be safe we need to do everything we can .
And it ’ s been interesting to see that theory validated by the response to the coronavirus , ” she continued .
“ Now the challenge is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , where the dangers are orders of magnitude greater .
We can ’ t think we ’ re going to go ‘ back to normal , ’ because things weren ’ t normal.
” Arthur Wyns , a climate change advisor to the World Health Organization ( WHO ) , argued that “ our responses to climate change and the coronavirus are linked.
” Wyns made sure to point out that he was writing in a personal capacity , not as a representative of the WHO , which was recently defunded by President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he 2020 coronavirus pandemic may lead to a deeper understanding of the ties that bind us all on a global scale and could help us get to grips with the largest public health threat of the century , the climate crisis , ” Wyns wrote .
According to Wyns , the current pandemic has led to a dramatic change in behavior .
“ This temporary shift of gears could lead to a long-term shift in old behaviours and assumptions , which could lead to a public drive for collective action and effective risk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a slower , more long-term health threat , an equally dramatic and sustained shift in behaviour will be needed to prevent irreversible damage.
” Even the Vatican is suggesting a connection between supposed climate change and the coronavirus pandemic .
Recently , Pope Francis doubled-down on his belief that the pandemic is “ certainly nature ’ s response ” to man ’ s failure to address humanity ’ s impact on the environment .
In March , the Pope said he believes that the coronavirus pandemic is nature “ having a fit ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fires , earthquakes … that is , nature is having a fit , so that we will take care of nature.
” Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò , Bishop Athanasius Schneider , and Vatican theologian Father Nicola Bux have all argued the pandemic is a chastisement from God .

WILMINGTON, Delaware, April 17, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden identified the recovery needed following the COVID-19 pandemic as an “opportunity” to “fundamentally change the science relating to global warming.”
Notably, the former vice president under President Barack Obama used the term “global warming,” not the broader and more common “climate change.” He did not explain how science, which is concerned with truth, can “change” all of a sudden.
During a CNN coronavirus town hall event Thursday night, Biden proposed to invest “billions of dollars” in projects related to climate change – for instance, wind and solar energy – as well as new battery technologies.
“The way you deal with recovery is you think much bigger than we have before,” Biden claimed.
He then suggested that a Biden presidency would lead to far-reaching changes to the American way of life. “I think we have an opportunity now to significantly change the mindset of the American people,” Biden was convinced. “Things they weren’t ready to do even two, three years ago.”
During the town hall event, he specifically mentioned not only policies relating to “climate change,” but also education, a rise in minimum wages, and “significant health care” for every American.
Biden is neither the only one nor the first one to use the current coronavirus pandemic as a stepping stool for pushing a climate change agenda.
At the end of March, Obama took to Twitter, writing: “We’ve seen all too terribly the consequences of those who denied warnings of a pandemic. We can’t afford any more consequences of climate denial. All of us, especially young people, have to demand better of our government at every level and vote this fall.”
We've seen all too terribly the consequences of those who denied warnings of a pandemic. We can't afford any more consequences of climate denial. All of us, especially young people, have to demand better of our government at every level and vote this fall. https://t.co/K8Ucu7iVDK — Barack Obama (@BarackObama) March 31, 2020
Greta Thunberg, the 17-year-old climate change activist from Sweden, has said that while the coronavirus is a terrible event, “it also shows one thing: That once we are in a crisis, we can act to do something quickly, act fast.”
Margaret Klein Salamon, leader of advocacy group The Climate Mobilization, pointed out that “[w]e’ve been trying for years to get people out of normal mode and into emergency mode.”
“What is possible politically is fundamentally different when lots of people get into emergency mode – when they fundamentally accept that there’s danger, and that if we want to be safe we need to do everything we can. And it’s been interesting to see that theory validated by the response to the coronavirus,” she continued.
“Now the challenge is to keep emergency mode activated about climate, where the dangers are orders of magnitude greater. We can’t think we’re going to go ‘back to normal,’ because things weren’t normal.”
Arthur Wyns, a climate change advisor to the World Health Organization (WHO), argued that “our responses to climate change and the coronavirus are linked.” Wyns made sure to point out that he was writing in a personal capacity, not as a representative of the WHO, which was recently defunded by President Donald Trump.
“[T]he 2020 coronavirus pandemic may lead to a deeper understanding of the ties that bind us all on a global scale and could help us get to grips with the largest public health threat of the century, the climate crisis,” Wyns wrote.
According to Wyns, the current pandemic has led to a dramatic change in behavior. “This temporary shift of gears could lead to a long-term shift in old behaviours and assumptions, which could lead to a public drive for collective action and effective risk management. Even though climate change presents a slower, more long-term health threat, an equally dramatic and sustained shift in behaviour will be needed to prevent irreversible damage.”
Even the Vatican is suggesting a connection between supposed climate change and the coronavirus pandemic. Recently, Pope Francis doubled-down on his belief that the pandemic is “certainly nature’s response” to man’s failure to address humanity’s impact on the environment.
In March, the Pope said he believes that the coronavirus pandemic is nature “having a fit” in response to environmental pollution. “Fires, earthquakes … that is, nature is having a fit, so that we will take care of nature.”
Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, Bishop Athanasius Schneider, and Vatican theologian Father Nicola Bux have all argued the pandemic is a chastisement from God.
Share


lifesitenews--2020-04-17--From hedonism to Christ: The Story of John-Henry Westen

April 17 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – Would you like to know how LifeSite co-founder John-Henry Westen became involved in the pro-life movement ?
This video may surprise you .
This new video , produced by LifeSiteNews , tells the story of Westen ’ s “ road to Damascus ” moment that led him to rediscover his faith and embrace the truth of life and family .
The piece , which is aimed at anyone who is upset with the current troubling times facing the world today , calls on readers to step off the sidelines and join LifeSite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Life , Family , Faith , and Truth .
Highlighting the battle that rages against life and family by pro-abortion politicians , LGBT activists , the threat to parental rights , Westen states : “ These are all just symptoms of a gravely diseased culture .
Darkness in our culture masquerades as freedom and rights , but LifeSite exposes darkness for what it truly is .
LifeSite points instead to Christ and His Truth as the means for achieving true freedom and overcoming the slavery of captivity to evil .
This is why @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do what we do ... .
” Westen then urges readers to help in LifeSite ’ s effort to “ free those trapped in the culture of slavery and death ” by joining their 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and pro-family news reporting of LifeSiteNews , visit https : //give.lifesitenews.com/sustainlife for more information .

We know all too well how important the truth is in the battle between life and death ...
April 17, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – Would you like to know how LifeSite co-founder John-Henry Westen became involved in the pro-life movement? This video may surprise you.
This new video, produced by LifeSiteNews, tells the story of Westen’s “road to Damascus” moment that led him to rediscover his faith and embrace the truth of life and family.
The piece, which is aimed at anyone who is upset with the current troubling times facing the world today, calls on readers to step off the sidelines and join LifeSite on the Frontlines of the battle for Life, Family, Faith, and Truth.
Highlighting the battle that rages against life and family by pro-abortion politicians, LGBT activists, the threat to parental rights, Westen states:
“These are all just symptoms of a gravely diseased culture. Darkness in our culture masquerades as freedom and rights, but LifeSite exposes darkness for what it truly is. LifeSite points instead to Christ and His Truth as the means for achieving true freedom and overcoming the slavery of captivity to evil. This is why our team of dedicated reporters at LifeSite do what we do….”
Westen then urges readers to help in LifeSite’s effort to “free those trapped in the culture of slavery and death” by joining their 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.
Share


lifesitenews--2020-04-17--Virginia Democrats force citizens to deny the reality of male and female - on Good Friday

April 17 , 2020 ( FRC ) – While Virginia families were preoccupied with the trauma of the coronavirus pandemic and job loss , Governor Ralph Northam quietly signed into law a bill that forces public businesses and even private organizations to open women ’ s bathrooms , locker rooms , showers , and dressing rooms to men who claim that they are women .
It is an official rejection of God ’ s purposeful design of male and female .
The new law prohibits “ all places or businesses offering or holding out to the general public goods , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , or accommodations ” from denying access based on “ gender identity.
” “ Gender identity ” is defined as “ gender-related identity , appearance , or other gender-related characteristics of an individual with or without regard to the individual ’ s designated sex at birth.
” Two Democrats from Fairfax sponsored the bill : Delegate Marcus Simon and Senator Jennifer Boysko .
Christians , feminists , and all other conscientious objectors who believe in the science of biology can be punished for failing to follow this new law .
The law makes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , or for any women and girls who are not comfortable sharing intimate spaces with adult males .
The Governor and his party have chosen sides , and they have chosen who the losers are .
To the many women and girls who are sex abuse survivors , the message could not be clearer : We don ’ t care about you .
Shut up and take it .
In a statement accompanying the signing , Northam said : “ This legislation sends a strong , clear message—Virginia is a place where all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , visit , and raise a family.
” But that ’ s not true at all .
This law renders public schools , businesses , and organizations unwelcome to people unless they affirm an anti-Christian , anti-woman creed .
The law includes an extremely narrow exemption for private organizations that are “ not in fact open to the public.
” The exemption reads : “ The provisions of this section shall not apply to a private club , a place of accommodation owned by or operated on behalf of a religious corporation , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in fact open to the public , or any other establishment that is not in fact open to the public.
” What does that mean for churches that invite the public to worship services ?
That offer free English language classes and meals to those in need ?
That perform sacred music in concerts open to the public ?
What does it mean for Christian schools that host competitive sports in their gymnasiums ?
Are these services , activities , and events not , in fact , open to the public under the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ former Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote in his concurring opinion in NIFLA v. Becerra , “ [ I ] t is not forward thinking to force individuals to ‘ be an instrument for fostering public adherence to an ideological point of view [ they ] find unacceptable.
’ ” This new law , which punishes people for not assenting to an anti-Christian , anti-woman view of the human person , is not forward-thinking .
It is offensive to freedom and devastating to women .
And it happened in Virginia , of all places .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Religious Freedom Act , the model for the first freedom in the Bill of Rights .
And it happened on Good Friday ; the day Christians worldwide commemorate God ’ s willing sacrifice of His only Son as the ransom for our sins .
We must work and pray for an end to this unjust law .
Reprinted with permission from the Family Research Council .

Christians, feminists, and all other conscientious objectors who believe in the science of biology can be punished for failing to follow this new law.
PETITION: Stop 'sex change' operations during coronavirus crisis Sign the petition here.
April 17, 2020 (FRC) – While Virginia families were preoccupied with the trauma of the coronavirus pandemic and job loss, Governor Ralph Northam quietly signed into law a bill that forces public businesses and even private organizations to open women’s bathrooms, locker rooms, showers, and dressing rooms to men who claim that they are women. It is an official rejection of God’s purposeful design of male and female.
The new law prohibits “all places or businesses offering or holding out to the general public goods, services, privileges, facilities, advantages, or accommodations” from denying access based on “gender identity.” “Gender identity” is defined as “gender-related identity, appearance, or other gender-related characteristics of an individual with or without regard to the individual’s designated sex at birth.”
Two Democrats from Fairfax sponsored the bill: Delegate Marcus Simon and Senator Jennifer Boysko.
Christians, feminists, and all other conscientious objectors who believe in the science of biology can be punished for failing to follow this new law. The law makes no consideration for female athletes in Virginia, or for any women and girls who are not comfortable sharing intimate spaces with adult males. The Governor and his party have chosen sides, and they have chosen who the losers are. To the many women and girls who are sex abuse survivors, the message could not be clearer: We don’t care about you. Shut up and take it.
In a statement accompanying the signing, Northam said: “This legislation sends a strong, clear message—Virginia is a place where all people are welcome to live, work, visit, and raise a family.” But that’s not true at all. This law renders public schools, businesses, and organizations unwelcome to people unless they affirm an anti-Christian, anti-woman creed.
The law includes an extremely narrow exemption for private organizations that are “not in fact open to the public.” The exemption reads: “The provisions of this section shall not apply to a private club, a place of accommodation owned by or operated on behalf of a religious corporation, association, or society that is not in fact open to the public, or any other establishment that is not in fact open to the public.”
What does that mean for churches that invite the public to worship services? That offer free English language classes and meals to those in need? That perform sacred music in concerts open to the public? What does it mean for Christian schools that host competitive sports in their gymnasiums? Are these services, activities, and events not, in fact, open to the public under the language of this narrow exemption?
As former Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote in his concurring opinion in NIFLA v. Becerra, “[I]t is not forward thinking to force individuals to ‘be an instrument for fostering public adherence to an ideological point of view [they] find unacceptable.’” This new law, which punishes people for not assenting to an anti-Christian, anti-woman view of the human person, is not forward-thinking. It is offensive to freedom and devastating to women.
And it happened in Virginia, of all places. The home of Thomas Jefferson’s Religious Freedom Act, the model for the first freedom in the Bill of Rights.
And it happened on Good Friday; the day Christians worldwide commemorate God’s willing sacrifice of His only Son as the ransom for our sins.
We must work and pray for an end to this unjust law.
Reprinted with permission from the Family Research Council.
Share


lifesitenews--2020-04-17--The battle between God and satan is playing out during the coronavirus

April 17 , 2020 ( Rorate Caeli ) – The international scenario in the spring of 2020 is new , unexpected , and dramatic .
Confusion dominates because no one is able to truly say exactly what has happened : where the coronavirus came from , when it will end , and how it should be confronted .
What is certain , however , is that against this background , two cities continue to fight in history , the Civitas Dei and the Civitas Diabuli : their aim is to annihilate each other .
They are the two cities that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the society of devoted men , the other of rebels , each one has its own angels – in the first city the love of God is superior , and in the other the love of self ” ( De Civitate Dei , lib .
XIV , c. 13,1 ) .
This mortal battle was evoked with efficacious words by Pius XII in his discourse to the men of Catholic Action on October 12 , 1952 .
The Pope affirmed that the world was threatened by an enemy much worse than the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ the scourge of God.
” “ Oh , do not ask us who the “ enemy ” is or what clothes he wears .
He is found above all in everyone ’ s midst ; he knows how to be violent and subtle .
In these last few centuries he has tried to create intellectual , moral , and social desegregation of the unity of the mysterious organism of Christ .
He wanted nature without grace ; reason without faith ; freedom without authority ; and sometimes authority without freedom .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ become ever more concrete , with a ruthlessness that still leaves people astonished : Christ yes , Church no .
Then : God yes , Christ no .
And finally his full cry : God is dead ; and even : God never existed .
And behold the attempt to structure the world on foundations that we do not hesitate to point out as the principal things responsible for the threat that is incumbent on humanity : an economy without God , a law without God , a political system without God.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ school the name of Revolution , referring to the teaching of the popes : a historical process lasting over many centuries that has as its goal the destruction of the Church and Christian civilization .
The Revolution has its agents all of the secret forces that work in both a public and hidden manner for this end .
The Counter-Revolutionaries are those who oppose themselves against this proces of dissolution and who fight for the restoration of Christian civilization , the only civilization worthy of the name , as Saint Pius X recalls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ June 11 , 1905 ) .
The clash between revolutionaries and counter-revolutionaries continues in the age of the Coronavirus .
It is logical that each of these seeks to draw out the maximum advantage from the new situation .
The existence of disturbing revolutionary maneuvers seeking to profit from the events does not however mean that these forces created the situation in which we find ourselves , in which they control and direct it .
The representatives of the most diverse governments , from China to the United States , from Great Britain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , have imposed on their nations the same health measures , such as quarantine , which some of them initially mistrusted .
Would these political leaders really allow themselves to be dominated by a health dictatorship imposed on them by virologists ?
But the virologists in turn , who at the beginning were divided because some of them considered the coronavirus only as a “ bad influence , ” were assaulted by reality and today are all in agreement on the necessity of more drastic measures in order to contain the virus .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ revealed itself as being incapable of eradicating the virus .
The choice to impose quarantine , the same choice that has been made for millennia in the face of a grave epidemic , is born from common sense , not from their specific medical competence .
The problem naturally is not only the many health concerns but also the economic and social consequences that the virus can have in our interconnected society .
But the solution to these sorts of problems that are getting worse throughout the world belongs to politicians , not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ class hides behind the screen of health officials in order to make its decisions , that is because of the inadequacy of those who govern the world today .
The political failure parallels the health failure .
How can we forget that the supreme international health authority , the World Health Organization , announced thirty years ago “ a world without epidemics ” thanks to its project called “ Health for everyone before the year 2000 , ” with the consequence that in many countries the funds dedicated to health were cut or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ director of the WHO , Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus , who is politically close to communist China , went to Beijing on January 28 , 2020 , and after meeting with President Xi Jinping told the world that everything in Wuhan was under control , minimizing the extent of the catastrophe .
Only after many , many hesitations did the WHO acknowledge the reality while continuing to lie about the number of people infected and the number of deaths caused by it , which were certainly not overestimated but rather were underestimated .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , there are the equally serious psychological and moral problems that are a result of a prolonged lock-down and the radical change of life that has been imposed by the coronavirus .
But here the last word rests not so much with doctors and politicians as with priests , bishops , and finally the supreme pastor of the universal Church .
And yet the image that Pope Francis gave during the Easter Triduum was that of a man who is downcast and depressed , unable to confront the catastrophe with the spiritual weapons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may be said about the majority of bishops .
The class of ecclesiastical leaders , who are devoid of serious theological studies or any authentic spiritual life , have shown themselves to be just as inadequate as the political class in guiding its flock through the darkness of the present time .
What should counter-revolutionaries do in this situation – those who are faithful to Tradition , zealous Catholics who are full of the apostolic spirit ?
What should their strategy be in the face of the maneuvers of the forces of darkness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to show that a world is collapsing , the globalized world that the deformed projects of Bill Gates and his friends will not succeed in keeping on its feet , despite all of their efforts .
The end of this world that is a child of the Revolution was announced one hundred years ago at Fatima , and the horizon that we have in front of us is not the hour of the final dictatorship of the Antichrist but rather that of the Triumph of the Immaculate Heart of Mary , preceded by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if humanity would not convert .
Today , even among the best Catholics , there is a psychological resistance against speaking of chastisements .
But Count Joseph de Maistre admonishes us : “ Chastisement governs all of humanity ; chastisement guards it ; chastisement keeps watch while the watchmen sleep .
The wise man considers chastisement as the perfection of justice ” ( Les soirées de Saint Petersbourg , Pelagard , Lyon 1836 , vol .
I , p. 37 ) .
Saint Charles Borromeo in turn recalls that “ among all the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the chastisement of pestilence is usually attributed to his hand in a more special way , ” and he explains this principle with the example of David , the sinner king , to whom God gave the choice of either plague , war , or famine as a chastisement .
David chose the plague with these words : “ Melius est ut incidam in manus Domini , quam in manus hominum.
” It is better that I fall into the hands of God than into the hands of men .
Therefore , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , along with war and famine , is attributed very especially to the hand of God ” ( Memoriale ai Milanesi di Carlo Borromeo , Giordano Editore , Milan 1965 , p. 34 ) .
It is the hour to recognize the merciful hand of God in the scourges that begin to strike humanity .

PRAYER PLEDGE: Rally around the daily Rosary to stop the coronavirus Sign the petition here.
April 17, 2020 (Rorate Caeli) – The international scenario in the spring of 2020 is new, unexpected, and dramatic. Confusion dominates because no one is able to truly say exactly what has happened: where the coronavirus came from, when it will end, and how it should be confronted.
What is certain, however, is that against this background, two cities continue to fight in history, the Civitas Dei and the Civitas Diabuli: their aim is to annihilate each other. They are the two cities that Saint Augustine speaks of: “One is the society of devoted men, the other of rebels, each one has its own angels – in the first city the love of God is superior, and in the other the love of self” (De Civitate Dei, lib. XIV, c. 13,1).
This mortal battle was evoked with efficacious words by Pius XII in his discourse to the men of Catholic Action on October 12, 1952. The Pope affirmed that the world was threatened by an enemy much worse than the fifth century enemy Attila the Hun, “the scourge of God.” “Oh, do not ask us who the “enemy” is or what clothes he wears. He is found above all in everyone’s midst; he knows how to be violent and subtle. In these last few centuries he has tried to create intellectual, moral, and social desegregation of the unity of the mysterious organism of Christ. He wanted nature without grace; reason without faith; freedom without authority; and sometimes authority without freedom. He is an “enemy” who has become ever more concrete, with a ruthlessness that still leaves people astonished: Christ yes, Church no. Then: God yes, Christ no. And finally his full cry: God is dead; and even: God never existed. And behold the attempt to structure the world on foundations that we do not hesitate to point out as the principal things responsible for the threat that is incumbent on humanity: an economy without God, a law without God, a political system without God.”
The school of Counter-Revolutionary thought gave this school the name of Revolution, referring to the teaching of the popes: a historical process lasting over many centuries that has as its goal the destruction of the Church and Christian civilization. The Revolution has its agents all of the secret forces that work in both a public and hidden manner for this end. The Counter-Revolutionaries are those who oppose themselves against this proces of dissolution and who fight for the restoration of Christian civilization, the only civilization worthy of the name, as Saint Pius X recalls (Encyclical Letter Il fermo proposito, June 11, 1905).
The clash between revolutionaries and counter-revolutionaries continues in the age of the Coronavirus. It is logical that each of these seeks to draw out the maximum advantage from the new situation. The existence of disturbing revolutionary maneuvers seeking to profit from the events does not however mean that these forces created the situation in which we find ourselves, in which they control and direct it. The representatives of the most diverse governments, from China to the United States, from Great Britain to Germany, from Hungary to Italy, have imposed on their nations the same health measures, such as quarantine, which some of them initially mistrusted. Would these political leaders really allow themselves to be dominated by a health dictatorship imposed on them by virologists? But the virologists in turn, who at the beginning were divided because some of them considered the coronavirus only as a “bad influence,” were assaulted by reality and today are all in agreement on the necessity of more drastic measures in order to contain the virus. The truth is that medical science has revealed itself as being incapable of eradicating the virus. The choice to impose quarantine, the same choice that has been made for millennia in the face of a grave epidemic, is born from common sense, not from their specific medical competence.
The problem naturally is not only the many health concerns but also the economic and social consequences that the virus can have in our interconnected society. But the solution to these sorts of problems that are getting worse throughout the world belongs to politicians, not doctors. And if the international political class hides behind the screen of health officials in order to make its decisions, that is because of the inadequacy of those who govern the world today. The political failure parallels the health failure. How can we forget that the supreme international health authority, the World Health Organization, announced thirty years ago “a world without epidemics” thanks to its project called “Health for everyone before the year 2000,” with the consequence that in many countries the funds dedicated to health were cut or dedicated primarily to rare diseases? The director of the WHO, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who is politically close to communist China, went to Beijing on January 28, 2020, and after meeting with President Xi Jinping told the world that everything in Wuhan was under control, minimizing the extent of the catastrophe. Only after many, many hesitations did the WHO acknowledge the reality while continuing to lie about the number of people infected and the number of deaths caused by it, which were certainly not overestimated but rather were underestimated.
In addition to the economic and social problems, there are the equally serious psychological and moral problems that are a result of a prolonged lock-down and the radical change of life that has been imposed by the coronavirus. But here the last word rests not so much with doctors and politicians as with priests, bishops, and finally the supreme pastor of the universal Church. And yet the image that Pope Francis gave during the Easter Triduum was that of a man who is downcast and depressed, unable to confront the catastrophe with the spiritual weapons at his disposal. The same thing may be said about the majority of bishops. The class of ecclesiastical leaders, who are devoid of serious theological studies or any authentic spiritual life, have shown themselves to be just as inadequate as the political class in guiding its flock through the darkness of the present time.
What should counter-revolutionaries do in this situation – those who are faithful to Tradition, zealous Catholics who are full of the apostolic spirit? What should their strategy be in the face of the maneuvers of the forces of darkness?
First of all, they ought to show that a world is collapsing, the globalized world that the deformed projects of Bill Gates and his friends will not succeed in keeping on its feet, despite all of their efforts. The end of this world that is a child of the Revolution was announced one hundred years ago at Fatima, and the horizon that we have in front of us is not the hour of the final dictatorship of the Antichrist but rather that of the Triumph of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, preceded by the chastisements announced by the Blessed Mother if humanity would not convert. Today, even among the best Catholics, there is a psychological resistance against speaking of chastisements. But Count Joseph de Maistre admonishes us: “Chastisement governs all of humanity; chastisement guards it; chastisement keeps watch while the watchmen sleep. The wise man considers chastisement as the perfection of justice” (Les soirées de Saint Petersbourg, Pelagard, Lyon 1836, vol. I, p. 37).
Saint Charles Borromeo in turn recalls that “among all the other corrections that his divine Majesty sends, the chastisement of pestilence is usually attributed to his hand in a more special way,” and he explains this principle with the example of David, the sinner king, to whom God gave the choice of either plague, war, or famine as a chastisement. David chose the plague with these words: “Melius est ut incidam in manus Domini, quam in manus hominum.” It is better that I fall into the hands of God than into the hands of men. Therefore, Saint Charles concludes, “the plague, along with war and famine, is attributed very especially to the hand of God” (Memoriale ai Milanesi di Carlo Borromeo, Giordano Editore, Milan 1965, p. 34).
It is the hour to recognize the merciful hand of God in the scourges that begin to strike humanity.
Translated by Giuseppe Pellegrino @pellegrino2020
Reprinted with permission from Rorate Caeli
Share


lifesitenews--2020-04-17--‘Protesting is a non-essential activity’: COVID-19 crackdowns continue (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 .
Police in Raleigh , North Carolina turned up at a protest to re-open the state and arrested one person .
The city ’ s police department has come under fire for tweeting , “ Protesting is a non-essential activity ” ( screenshot here ) , a statement many say flies in the face of the First Amendment .
The department has since defended its tweet , saying it ’ s simply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 9:09 a.m. EST : Below are some of LifeSite ’ s coronavirus-related stories from yesterday : • Franklin Graham calls out New York Dems , LGBT activists for ‘ attacking ’ COVID-19 field hospital • Trudeau govt funds China biolab linked to origin of pandemic almost $ 1M for coronavirus research • US cardinal dismisses prayer power during pandemic : We can ’ t just pray and think things will change • After citing grandpa for praying outside , San Francisco reverses , allows protests at abortion centers April 16 , 2020 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a stunning interview on Tucker Carlson Tonight , New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy admitted he “ wasn ’ t thinking of the Bill of Rights ” when he prohibited large gatherings of more than 50 people , including religious gatherings , in his state .
He also claimed liquor stores are remaining open for “ mental health ” reasons .
April 16 , 2020 , 12:16 p.m. EST : A judge has ordered the McHenry County , Illinois , Health Department to provide police with the names of people who have tested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 2020 , 9:29 p.m. EST : An NPR article on the protest in Michigan says the event “ drew out militias , conservatives , small business owners , and ardent supporters of President Donald Trump , who characterize the Governor 's stay-at-home order as an unjust power-grab.
” “ At least 200 people broke the instructions of organizers , getting out of their cars to congregate around the steps of the capitol building , flouting social-distancing guidelines to remain 6-feet apart , and not wearing masks , ” the liberal , taxpayer-funded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A quarter of Michigan ’ s workforce has now filed for unemployment .
One of the Michigan protest organizers told FOX , “ Quarantine is when you restrict movement of sick people .
Tyranny is when you restrict the movement of healthy people.
” The Sydney Morning Herald reports that in New South Wales , “ Anyone ... who leaves their house without a ‘ reasonable excuse ’ could spend up to six months in prison and face an $ 11,000 fine under an emergency ministerial directive ” enacted at the end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 43 percent of small businesses say they will have to permanently close within six months unless economic conditions improve .
In Ontario , a family was fined $ 880 for rollerblading in an empty parking lot .
And NBC reported April 8 that healthcare workers in Massachusetts , Alabama , Florida , and North Carolina are providing police with the addresses of people who have tested positive for the coronavirus .
A LifeSiteNews article about this is forthcoming .
April 15 , 2020 , 8:45 p.m. EST : Below are some more of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus crisis .
• Trudeau Liberals plan laws to punish citizens who ‘ spread misinformation ’ about COVID-19 • Canada ’ s National March for Life to go virtual during coronavirus lockdown • Top medical journal : Abortion must be ‘ at the heart ’ of COVID-19 response • 130+ congressmen urge Trump to keep ban on aborted fetal tissue research in race for COVID-19 cure April 15 , 2020 , 8:42 P.M. EST : The first Catholic bishop in the U.S. , Bishop Peter Baldacchino of Las Cruces , New Mexico , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ follow government health directives that allow only a total of five people in a church during Mass .
Outdoor Masses can have more people than that , provided people stand six feet apart .
There is increasing confidence that COVID-19 likely originated in a Wuhan laboratory not as a bioweapon , but as part of China 's effort to demonstrate that its efforts to identify and combat viruses are equal to or greater than the capabilities of the United States , multiple sources who have been briefed on the details of early actions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ materials tell Fox News .
This may be the “ costliest government coverup of all time , ” one of the sources said .
The sources believe the initial transmission of the virus was bat-to-human , and that “ patient zero ” worked at the laboratory , then went into the population in Wuhan .
Asked by Fox News ' John Roberts about the reporting , President Trump remarked at Wednesday 's coronavirus press briefing , “ More and more we 're hearing the story ... we are doing a very thorough examination @ @ @ @ @ @ @ early efforts by doctors at the lab and early efforts at containment .
The Wuhan wet market initially identified as a possible point of origin never sold bats , and the sources tell Fox News that blaming the wet market was an effort by China to deflect blame from the laboratory , along with the country 's propaganda efforts targeting the U.S. and Italy .
U.S. Embassy officials warned in January 2018 about inadequate safety at the Wuhan Institute of Virology lab and passed on information about scientists conducting risky research on coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday .
April 15 , 2020 , 4:25 p.m. EST : Breitbart has released videos showing a “ vehicle protest ” in Michigan demanding the state be reopened .
Its Democrat governor has imposed some of the most draconian measures in the country .
April 15 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – Over Easter weekend , there was no shortage of coronavirus news and no shortage of clashes between the state and Americans trying to exercise their constitutionally protected rights .
In a scathing opinion on Saturday , Judge Justin Walker of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ District of Kentucky granted a temporary restraining order allowing On Fire Christian Church to hold a “ drive-in ” Easter worship service in a parking lot .
“ On Holy Thursday , an American mayor criminalized the communal celebration of Easter , ” Walker wrote .
“ That sentence is one that this Court never expected to see outside the pages of a dystopian novel , or perhaps the pages of The Onion.
” By prohibiting drive-in worship services , Walker stressed , “ Louisville has targeted religious worship … while not prohibiting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drive-throughs – including , for example , drive-through liquor stores .
Moreover , Louisville has not prohibited parking in parking lots more broadly – including , again , the parking lots of liquor stores.
” On Holy Saturday , the Kansas Supreme Court met by video and sided with the state ’ s Governor Laura Kelly , a Democrat , who had banned church services of more than 10 people .
Last night , President Trump announced he is freezing funding to the World Health Organization while the U.N. entity ’ s “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the spread of the coronavirus ” is studied .
On Monday , during his daily coronavirus briefing , Trump blasted the media for being “ so fake ” and showed a video highlighting the media ’ s early downplaying of the threat of the virus .
After initially mocking Trump for touting hydroxychloroquine as an effective coronavirus treatment , the media and Democrat governors seem to have begun acknowledging its value .
They seem to be doing their best not to give any credit to Trump .
The U.K. ’ s National Health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a “ coronavirus scoring system ” that discriminates against disabled patients .
A story many Catholics have found touching is one of a prison chaplain in Canada who , rather than abandon his flock , volunteered to be incarcerated along with them .
An army field hospital that was set up in Seattle to help coronavirus patients left after nine days and not seeing a single patient .
The Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation has produced an analysis and timeline of the Chinese Communist Party ’ s lies to the world about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the World Health Organization “ as an instrument of propaganda.
” Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer – who has forbidden stores in her state from selling vegetable seeds during the pandemic – has revised her “ stay-at-home ” order to clarify that pro-lifers are still allowed to engage in First Amendment activity protesting abortion .
Other recent LifeSiteNews coverage of the coronavirus crisis includes : • New York Gov Cuomo : We flattened coronavirus curve – ‘ God did not do that ’ • Over 70 healthcare professionals urge Indiana Gov to halt abortion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus crisis and the Catholic Church include : • Pope in Easter message : Pandemic should spur ‘ humanist and ecological conversion ’ • The coronavirus outbreak shows just how liberal Pope Francis really is • The good surprises of God and the coronavirus crisis • German bishop criticizes Catholics for being ‘ fixated only on the Eucharist ’

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.
Police in Raleigh, North Carolina turned up at a protest to re-open the state and arrested one person. The city’s police department has come under fire for tweeting, “Protesting is a non-essential activity” (screenshot here), a statement many say flies in the face of the First Amendment. The department has since defended its tweet, saying it’s simply following orders.
April 17, 2020, 9:09 a.m. EST: Below are some of LifeSite’s coronavirus-related stories from yesterday:
April 16, 2020, 2:39 p.m. EST: Yesterday, in a stunning interview on Tucker Carlson Tonight, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy admitted he “wasn’t thinking of the Bill of Rights” when he prohibited large gatherings of more than 50 people, including religious gatherings, in his state. He also claimed liquor stores are remaining open for “mental health” reasons.
April 16, 2020, 12:16 p.m. EST: A judge has ordered the McHenry County, Illinois, Health Department to provide police with the names of people who have tested positive for the coronavirus.
April 15, 2020, 9:29 p.m. EST: An NPR article on the protest in Michigan says the event “drew out militias, conservatives, small business owners, and ardent supporters of President Donald Trump, who characterize the Governor's stay-at-home order as an unjust power-grab.”
“At least 200 people broke the instructions of organizers, getting out of their cars to congregate around the steps of the capitol building, flouting social-distancing guidelines to remain 6-feet apart, and not wearing masks,” the liberal, taxpayer-funded outlet reported with a hint of contempt.
A quarter of Michigan’s workforce has now filed for unemployment.
One of the Michigan protest organizers told FOX, “Quarantine is when you restrict movement of sick people. Tyranny is when you restrict the movement of healthy people.”
The Sydney Morning Herald reports that in New South Wales, “Anyone…who leaves their house without a ‘reasonable excuse’ could spend up to six months in prison and face an $11,000 fine under an emergency ministerial directive” enacted at the end of March.
In the U.S., 43 percent of small businesses say they will have to permanently close within six months unless economic conditions improve.
In Ontario, a family was fined $880 for rollerblading in an empty parking lot.
And NBC reported April 8 that healthcare workers in Massachusetts, Alabama, Florida, and North Carolina are providing police with the addresses of people who have tested positive for the coronavirus . A LifeSiteNews article about this is forthcoming.
April 15, 2020, 8:45 p.m. EST: Below are some more of today’s LifeSiteNews articles on the coronavirus crisis.
April 15, 2020, 8:42 P.M. EST: The first Catholic bishop in the U.S., Bishop Peter Baldacchino of Las Cruces, New Mexico, has reinstated public Masses, provided they follow government health directives that allow only a total of five people in a church during Mass. Outdoor Masses can have more people than that, provided people stand six feet apart.
April 15, 2020, 8:38 p.m. EST: FOX News reports:
There is increasing confidence that COVID-19 likely originated in a Wuhan laboratory not as a bioweapon, but as part of China's effort to demonstrate that its efforts to identify and combat viruses are equal to or greater than the capabilities of the United States, multiple sources who have been briefed on the details of early actions by China's government and seen relevant materials tell Fox News. This may be the “costliest government coverup of all time,” one of the sources said. The sources believe the initial transmission of the virus was bat-to-human, and that “patient zero” worked at the laboratory, then went into the population in Wuhan.
It continues:
Asked by Fox News' John Roberts about the reporting, President Trump remarked at Wednesday's coronavirus press briefing, “More and more we're hearing the story…we are doing a very thorough examination of this horrible situation.” Documents detail early efforts by doctors at the lab and early efforts at containment. The Wuhan wet market initially identified as a possible point of origin never sold bats, and the sources tell Fox News that blaming the wet market was an effort by China to deflect blame from the laboratory, along with the country's propaganda efforts targeting the U.S. and Italy. U.S. Embassy officials warned in January 2018 about inadequate safety at the Wuhan Institute of Virology lab and passed on information about scientists conducting risky research on coronavirus from bats, The Washington Post reported Tuesday.
April 15, 2020, 4:25 p.m. EST: Breitbart has released videos showing a “vehicle protest” in Michigan demanding the state be reopened. Its Democrat governor has imposed some of the most draconian measures in the country.
April 15, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – Over Easter weekend, there was no shortage of coronavirus news and no shortage of clashes between the state and Americans trying to exercise their constitutionally protected rights.
In a scathing opinion on Saturday, Judge Justin Walker of the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky granted a temporary restraining order allowing On Fire Christian Church to hold a “drive-in” Easter worship service in a parking lot.
“On Holy Thursday, an American mayor criminalized the communal celebration of Easter,” Walker wrote. “That sentence is one that this Court never expected to see outside the pages of a dystopian novel, or perhaps the pages of The Onion.”
By prohibiting drive-in worship services, Walker stressed, “Louisville has targeted religious worship … while not prohibiting a multitude of other non-religious drive-ins and drive-throughs – including, for example, drive-through liquor stores. Moreover, Louisville has not prohibited parking in parking lots more broadly – including, again, the parking lots of liquor stores.”
On Holy Saturday, the Kansas Supreme Court met by video and sided with the state’s Governor Laura Kelly, a Democrat, who had banned church services of more than 10 people.
Last night, President Trump announced he is freezing funding to the World Health Organization while the U.N. entity’s “role in severely mismanaging and covering up the spread of the coronavirus” is studied.
On Monday, during his daily coronavirus briefing, Trump blasted the media for being “so fake” and showed a video highlighting the media’s early downplaying of the threat of the virus. After initially mocking Trump for touting hydroxychloroquine as an effective coronavirus treatment, the media and Democrat governors seem to have begun acknowledging its value. They seem to be doing their best not to give any credit to Trump.
The U.K.’s National Health Service (NHS) has been criticized for a “coronavirus scoring system” that discriminates against disabled patients.
A story many Catholics have found touching is one of a prison chaplain in Canada who, rather than abandon his flock, volunteered to be incarcerated along with them.
An army field hospital that was set up in Seattle to help coronavirus patients left after nine days and not seeing a single patient.
The Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation has produced an analysis and timeline of the Chinese Communist Party’s lies to the world about the coronavirus and how it has used the World Health Organization “as an instrument of propaganda.”
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer – who has forbidden stores in her state from selling vegetable seeds during the pandemic – has revised her “stay-at-home” order to clarify that pro-lifers are still allowed to engage in First Amendment activity protesting abortion.
Other recent LifeSiteNews coverage of the coronavirus crisis includes:
And stories relating to the coronavirus crisis and the Catholic Church include:
Share


lifesitenews--2020-04-16--UPDATED: Citizens’ bill to ban abortion of disabled babies reaches Polish parliament

April 17 , 2020 update : As expected , Poland 's parliament has delayed a final vote on the citizens ' request for a ban on eugenic abortion .
Polish journalist Grzegorz Górny told LifeSiteNews last night that the majority of MPs from the ruling PiS party are against eugenic abortion , but that the political situation is `` complicated . ''
`` Nowadays PiS is fighting many battles on various Polish and European fronts .
[ Party president ] Jarosław Kaczyński does n't want to open a new front at this time because it will mobilize the leftist and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him , '' Górny explained by email .
`` He 's afraid that the violation of the `` 1993 compromise '' [ on abortion ] will mean that if PiS loses power , the other side ... may not only keep eugenic abortion but legalize abortion altogether , '' he continued .
`` Today in the Sejm , only the far-right Confederation [ party ] is clearly against eugenic abortion .
PiS is aware of this and afraid to lose the strong Christian electorate to the Confederation .
This may be an impulse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presidential election . ''
Meanwhile , there is another avenue : eugenic abortion may be banned by Poland 's Constitutional Tribunal .
`` Recently 118 MPs officially asked the Tribunal whether eugenic abortion is compatible with the Constitution , '' Górny stated .
`` If the Court says 'no ' , then eugenic abortion will be banned . ''
WARSAW , Poland , April 16 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) ― Although a citizens ’ bill requesting an end to the abortion of disabled babies has come before Poland ’ s parliament this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passed into law soon .
This is the opinion of two notable pro-life Polish Catholic journalists consulted by LifeSiteNews .
“ Let 's start with the fact that the Sejm ( i.e .
Polish parliament ) had to deal with this project because it is a citizens ' legislative initiative , and the law forces the MPs to deal with this subject at the latest six months after the beginning of the new Sejm 's term , ” Krystian Kratiuk of Polonia Christiana magazine told LifeSiteNews via email .
“ Secondly , Law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ party ) politicians will most probably accept this project for further work , but no one will take care of it for the next three years .
In Poland , we call this the ‘ Sejm freezer.
’ ” Kratiuk told LifeSiteNews that politicians from the populist , centrist Prawo i Sprawiedliwość ( i.e .
“ Law and Justice ” ) party have been deceiving Catholics for five years on abortion .
“ It will be so now , too , ” Kratiuk said .
“ For five years , they have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not a good time ’ ( to pass the bill ) because we will lose the elections , etc .
But every year there are some elections , ” he explained .
“ The next one is next month when Poles elect the president .
So the Law and Justice party will not do anything with abortion , and neither will President ( Andrzej ) Duda , who from time to time loudly declares that he would sign a law banning abortion , but for five years has not submitted a draft of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has such powers.
” Celebrated Polish journalist Grzegorz Górny , now a columnist with political online magazine wpolityce.pl , also believes that the Sejm will delay a decision the “ Stop Abortion bill ” and , as well , on the “ Stop pedophilia ” bill .
Górny explained that the Polish parliament is now looking at all recent citizens ’ bills , for which citizens have had to collect a minimum of 100,000 signatures .
“ Two projects are interesting for us : ‘ Stop abortion , ’ which asks for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ signatures ) and ‘ Stop pedophilia , ’ which asks for the prohibition of sexual education in schools that encourages sexual intercourse .
It received 265,000 signatures , ” he told LifeSiteNews via email .
He believes that both bills will go in the “ Sejm freezer.
” “ I think that the Sejm will not vote for these projects now , but will send them to be worked on in parliamentary committees , ” Górny said .
“ Why ?
Next month there will be presidential elections in Poland .
Prawo i @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such hot topics to dominate the election campaign , ” he continued .
“ Tomorrow there will be a vote in the Sejm , ( but ) I think that the projects will come back only after the election.
” In 2018 , the Polish government ’ s “ Commission for Social and Family Policy ” refused to implement the recommendations of the “ Stop abortion ” bill .
Poland has been criticized by the United Nations and the European Union for its family-friendly approach to sexual education and for its pro-life protection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , is the most robust in Europe .
In Poland , abortion is permitted only to save the life of the mother , when the mother is pregnant through rape or incest , and to end the life of a disabled child .

Pro-lifers expect MPs to drag their feet and allow the legislation to languish.
April 17, 2020 update: As expected, Poland's parliament has delayed a final vote on the citizens' request for a ban on eugenic abortion. Polish journalist Grzegorz Górny told LifeSiteNews last night that the majority of MPs from the ruling PiS party are against eugenic abortion, but that the political situation is “complicated.”
“Nowadays PiS is fighting many battles on various Polish and European fronts. [Party president] Jarosław Kaczyński doesn't want to open a new front at this time because it will mobilize the leftist and liberal establishment in Poland and Europe against him,” Górny explained by email. “He's afraid that the violation of the “1993 compromise” [on abortion] will mean that if PiS loses power, the other side … may not only keep eugenic abortion but legalize abortion altogether,” he continued. “Today in the Sejm, only the far-right Confederation [party] is clearly against eugenic abortion. PiS is aware of this and afraid to lose the strong Christian electorate to the Confederation. This may be an impulse for action, but only after the presidential election.”
Meanwhile, there is another avenue: eugenic abortion may be banned by Poland's Constitutional Tribunal. “Recently 118 MPs officially asked the Tribunal whether eugenic abortion is compatible with the Constitution,” Górny stated. “If the Court says 'no', then eugenic abortion will be banned.”
WARSAW, Poland, April 16, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) ― Although a citizens’ bill requesting an end to the abortion of disabled babies has come before Poland’s parliament this week, it is unlikely to be passed into law soon.
This is the opinion of two notable pro-life Polish Catholic journalists consulted by LifeSiteNews.
“Let's start with the fact that the Sejm (i.e. Polish parliament) had to deal with this project because it is a citizens' legislative initiative, and the law forces the MPs to deal with this subject at the latest six months after the beginning of the new Sejm's term,” Krystian Kratiuk of Polonia Christiana magazine told LifeSiteNews via email.
“Secondly, Law and Justice (i.e. the PiS party) politicians will most probably accept this project for further work, but no one will take care of it for the next three years. In Poland, we call this the ‘Sejm freezer.’”
Kratiuk told LifeSiteNews that politicians from the populist, centrist Prawo i Sprawiedliwość (i.e. “Law and Justice”) party have been deceiving Catholics for five years on abortion.
“It will be so now, too,” Kratiuk said.
“For five years, they have been using the argument that ‘this is not a good time’ (to pass the bill) because we will lose the elections, etc. But every year there are some elections,” he explained.
“The next one is next month when Poles elect the president. So the Law and Justice party will not do anything with abortion, and neither will President (Andrzej) Duda, who from time to time loudly declares that he would sign a law banning abortion, but for five years has not submitted a draft of changes in the law, although he has such powers.”
Celebrated Polish journalist Grzegorz Górny, now a columnist with political online magazine wpolityce.pl, also believes that the Sejm will delay a decision the “Stop Abortion bill” and, as well, on the “Stop pedophilia” bill.
Górny explained that the Polish parliament is now looking at all recent citizens’ bills, for which citizens have had to collect a minimum of 100,000 signatures.
“Two projects are interesting for us: ‘Stop abortion,’ which asks for the prohibition of eugenic abortion and attracted 800,000 signatures) and ‘Stop pedophilia,’ which asks for the prohibition of sexual education in schools that encourages sexual intercourse. It received 265,000 signatures,” he told LifeSiteNews via email.
He believes that both bills will go in the “Sejm freezer.”
“I think that the Sejm will not vote for these projects now, but will send them to be worked on in parliamentary committees,” Górny said.
“Why? Next month there will be presidential elections in Poland. Prawo i Sprawiedliwość (PiS) doesn't want such hot topics to dominate the election campaign,” he continued.
“Tomorrow there will be a vote in the Sejm, (but) I think that the projects will come back only after the election.”
In 2018, the Polish government’s “Commission for Social and Family Policy” refused to implement the recommendations of the “Stop abortion” bill.
Poland has been criticized by the United Nations and the European Union for its family-friendly approach to sexual education and for its pro-life protection for the unborn which, though imperfect, is the most robust in Europe. In Poland, abortion is permitted only to save the life of the mother, when the mother is pregnant through rape or incest, and to end the life of a disabled child.
Share