The Life of Virtue

The UK's Telegraph has published an article that provides further evidence that Pope Pius XII was not complicit with the Nazi regime in Europe during the early 1940s.  According to the story, Pope Pius XII was willing to be arrested by Nazis, resign his duties as pontiff, and allow the election of a successor in a safe location (e.g., Portugal). As an historian, I am continually baffled by any "rationale" that attempts to place the Vatican in cahoots with Adolf Hitler.  One is a body committed to protecting the dignity of every human life; the other was a man committed to eugenics and murder.  "One of these things is not like the other." God bless!

As usual, Fr. Martin Fox (of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati) has posted a wonderful reflection about his homily from the Easter Vigil Mass.  I will pray with him (and I pray that you will also pray) that the Light of Christ will be spread far and wide due to the new hope and zeal that we receive in this blessed Easter season.  Thanks, Fr. Martin! God bless!

After reading two articles today, I became more convinced than ever that we must pray for civil governments in our world, and the officials who staff those governments.  Those articles can be found by clicking the links below. "Anti-Christian Britain" on Catholic Exchange "Parental Rights: The New Wedge Issue" on Politico.com Please read the articles and then offer prayers for the conversion of government officials and for the transformation of governments.  Finally, consider taking some civil action (i.e., a grassroots petition effort, contact your Congressional representatives, etc.). God bless!

This afternoon, I read and meditated on the first chapter of the Letter of St. Paul to Titus.  Verses 15 and 16 of that chapter pierced my heart deeply.  I let out a silent cry to God: "Let my deeds be acceptable in your sight, O Lord!"  I shudder at the idea that I profess to know God but deny him by my deeds.  I pray, rather, that my beliefs are proven through my actions.  In that prayer, I ask for the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Joseph, St. Augustine, St. Paul, Pope John Paul the Great, and all the angels and saints. God bless!