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FRI-SAT-SUN March 10-12, 2000 vol. 11, no. 50 SECTION ONESee why so many consider the Daily CATHOLIC as the "USA Today for CATHOLICS!"
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In this weekend's editorial, we examine a hypothesis of the good repercussions Pope John Paul II's formal apology for sins of the past could have on others. We ask "what if" and allow the reader to imagine what kind of world this would be if everyone apologized to their brothers and sisters in emulating the true virtues expected of us all as disciples of Jesus Christ and His children. Ali McGraw and Ryan O'Neal became famous for their film "Love Story" but they had it all wrong. Finally, someone has it right and that is our holy, humble penitent Pope. For this weekend's editorial Love means wanting to say you're sorry for Christ's sake! , see CATHOLIC PewPOINT
Think about it. What if the Supreme Pontiff's universal apology this Sunday caused a domino effect around the world? What if Slobodan Milosevic stood up and apologized to the people of Kosovo and Albania, not to mention Serbia, Bosnia and Croatia? What if Beijing spoke out and apologized for persecuting the underground Catholic Church in China and offered to bring the state-run Chinese Patriotic Catholic Church in union with Rome and recognize the sovereignty of Taiwan? What if China apologized to Europe and Russia for Genghis Khan? What if the Russian Orthodox Patriarch apologized to John Paul II for treatment of Catholics after the czars and the confiscation of so many Roman Catholic properties and offered to reunite with Rome? Ditto for the Greek Orthodox Church? What if Protestants and Catholics in Northern Ireland sincerely embraced each other and said "We're sorry" and England blessed the apology by allowing that area to be annexed as part of a united Republic of Ireland? What if Yasser Arafat and Ehud Barak embraced in true recognition of each other's cultures and agreed to coexist peacefully with total trust? It would be reminiscent of what all had hoped for when Anwar Sadat and Menachim Begin tried to bring about peace. But this time both Palestine and Israel would assure it would work! They would assure their peoples that both nations could live in peace! What if Egypt apologized for the conduct of the pharaohs against Moses and the Jews? What if the Muslims in Africa were to ask forgiveness and allow Christians to live in peace throughout the dark continent?
What if Fidel Castro apologized to his people for keeping them impoverished in a communist system that has never worked? What if Spain apologized to Mexico for the killing and looting of the Aztecs in their conquests? What if Saddam Hussein apologized to Iran, and vice versa and both to the United States and Israel for calling them the "great satan?" What if Syria, Iran and Iraq apologized to Israel for the Babylonian exile of her people? What if Turkey apologized to the Jews and then the Greeks apologized to Persia for Alexander the Great's conquests? What if Greece asked forgiveness for the conquests by Troy and Sparta. What if the Roman government apologized for the actions of many of its emperors for persecuting Christians and usurping Jewish lands? What if Austria apologized to the Church for Charles V and his killing of countless Catholics during the Protestant revolt? What if France apologized to Rome and the rest of Europe for the ruthlessness of the little general Napoleon Bonaparte? What if France asked forgiveness of England for the 100 Year War and vice versa? What if England apologized for the actions of some of its monarchs, most notably King Henry VIII his illegitimate daughter Queen Elizabeth and King George III? What if Saudi Arabia, Northern Africa and Turkey apologized for their treatment of Christians and the crusaders? What if Russia apologized for Lenin, Karl Marx and Joseph Stalin and Germany asked forgiveness for the Bismark and Adolf Hitler? What if North Korea apologized to South Korea and vice versa? What if India asked forgiveness of Pakistan and vice versa? What if Japan apologized to the United States for bombing Pearl Harbor and involving America in World War II in the Pacific? What if the United States apologized to Vietnam and to the young men of America for embroiling them in the swamps of Southeast Asia in a culture Americans still don't fully understand?
What if one of those, who didn't serve, Bill Clinton made a sincere apology to the citizens of the United States for misleading them by his immoral behavior? What if he admitted his terrible error of supporting abortion and vowed to make amends by appointing pro-life judges who would overturn Roe vs. Wade? What if Democratic presidential candidate Al Gore concurred and said that whatever amends Clinton couldn't achieve during the remaining months of his presidency, he would follow through to complete it if he were elected? What if John McCain apologized to Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson for labeling them "merchants of evil?" What if Bob Jones III apologized to Catholics and African Americans for the slurs and epithets his grandfather, father and he has been preaching at his private university in South Carolina? What if Sinead O'Connor apologized personally to the Pope for her disdain for him? What if Ted Kennedy apologized to the Church and women for his disregard for Church laws and the dignity of womanhood as God intended? What if Matt Damon, Chris Rock, Ben Affleck and the rest apologized for appearing in that dog "Dogma" produced by a supposedly Catholic? What if Michael Eisner apologized to not only Walt Disney but to the millions of people who he has led astray by altering the image and content of one of America's icons that once stood for decency and family values? What if Jack Valenti stood up and apologized for leading America's youth astray by abolishing the vanguard of censorship - the Catholic Legion of Decency? What if every Hollywood actor, director, writer, and crew member apologized for promoting material that goes against the Ten Commandments? What if liberal judges apologized for overturning Partial Abortion Bans? What if ABC, CBS, CNN, Fox, NBC and all the rest apologized for promoting a decline of values gauged only on the almighty dollar and pledged to return quality programming? What if the news media asked forgiveness for slanting the news?
What if gays and lesbians asked forgiveness for touting a sinful lifestyle, which is contrary to God's law and Will? What if these same gays and lesbians apologized to priests and bishops like Cardinal John J. O'Connor and Cardinal Thomas Winning who they have unfairly labeled as insensitive homophobes and out of touch and a danger to society because of their purported intolerance to gays? What if they apologized for denigrating the retiring New York archbishop for desecrating St. Patrick's? What if die-hard southerners apologized to Blacks for their treatment of them during the slavery years? What if American immigrants apologized to Native Americans for their treatment of the Indians since the formers' arrival in America? What if Protestants apologized to Irish and Italian Catholics for their persecution and harassment of them in the latter part of the nineteenth century and early twentieth? What if the CIA apologized for their covert responsibilities for the assassination of John F. Kennedy? What if other assassins came forward and apologized for the murder of men like Mahatma Ghandi, Bobby Kennedy, Martin Luther King, Anwar Sadat and several other leaders? What if Republicans asked forgiveness of Democrats and vice versa? What if Jews everywhere apologized to the Church for their maligning the holy Sovereign Pontiff Pope Pius XII?
And what about within the Church? What if We are church, Call to Action, catholics for a free choice, and likeminded dissidents were willing to apologize for not following the true tenets of Vatican II, for undermining the authority of the Pope and the Magisterium of the Church, for leading so many "weak sheep" astray by confusing and planting unfounded doubts, and for badmouthing good bishops, priests and orthodox lay leaders while promoting platforms that the Holy Father said are closed subjects and not up for discussion? What if ultra-right groups such as the St. Pius X Society were to apologize to Rome for straying? What if modernist theologians in Catholic universities in America such as Fr. Richard McBrien and others were to apologize for not following the latest regulations outlined in Ecclesia Corda and would comply immediately? What if liberal liturgists were to ask forgiveness for removing the tabernacles and watering down the ritual of the Mass by replacing the traditional statues and architecture with stark, sterile buildings and trappings that more resemble Protestant churches? What if ICEL were to beg forgiveness of the United States Bishops Conference for leading them astray and vow to be true to the Latin and Greek translations of Scripture? What if religious orders and nuns apologized for removing their traditional habits in favor of more modern clothes and pledged to return to the humble dress of their vocations? What if seminary directors asked forgiveness for not adhering to true Church teaching and allowing less than favorable students who did not manifest true piety to be promoted?
What if...well by now you get the idea. These are basically all utopian hopes that most probably would never happen. Wouldn't it be great if they did? But rather than saying "it's no use," the Holy Father is forging ahead in true humility. Yet there are still many factions who "demand" the Church apologize. First of all, when one demands an apology sincerity flies out the window. It's called pressure, not free will. The Holy Father is under no pressure to apologize for the Church's sins of the past. He does so willingly and he does so out of true sincerity in an effort to bring harmony and peace to a world so devoid of true love. We should follow by willingly asking forgiveness of all who we may have offended in our lifetime and conversely forgive those who have lambasted us or persecuted us, our family and our Faith. We do so in the spirit the Holy Father is advocating and in union with Our Lord's words in Matthew 5: 21-26 about making amends with our brothers and sisters. And so, we extend the olive branch to our brothers and sisters of every nationality, faith and color the world over. The Pope has proven to be a saintly pioneer in dismissing the theory that "Love means never having to say you're sorry." That was made famous in that sixties movie "Love Story" which helped usher in the me-generation. Now, in the new millennium the Holy Father wants to promote a new Love Story: Love means wanting to say you're sorry for Christ's sake!
In her column this week, Sister Mary Lucy Astuto reminds all of the fruits of Medjugorje and the Blessed Virgin Mary's plea to pray and do penance in reparation. It is the very same message the Church advocates especially for Lent - to fast, sacrifice, attend Mass as often as possible, go to Confession and convert our hearts. It is not a new message, but one that Christ taught and we need to be good pupils. Sister relates that one of the visionaries Ivan Dragivec recently talked at a church near her and it reinforced the fact that Our Lady is imparting nothing new and, as Our Lord said in Matthew 7: 20, "Therefore, by their fruits, you will know them" and, despite those intent on destroying Mary's Oasis of Peace, Medjugorje has produced countless fruits. For her column, Pray! Pray! Pray! see GETTING TO THE HEART OF THE MATTER
I have seen and heard Ivan on a number of occasions. Many times I have heard his account of what happened in the early days of the apparitions in Medjugorje and many times I have heard him relate the essential messages of Our Lady of Medjugorje to us. I do not tire of these accounts. I learn something new each time. Perhaps, most of all, it is good for me (for us) to be repeatedly reminded. It is like a mother, who must tell her young children often to say "Thank you!" and "Please!" so that they will form good habits for life.
Good teachers repeat. They say the same thing over and over in different ways. Our Lady never tires of telling us to change our lives, to come closer to God, to work for peace, to go to confession frequently, to pray much. These are all good teachings filled with motherly gentleness and goodness.
Her messages are not filled with doom and gloom. This is a good sign, for God does not concentrate on the negative.
I believe Our Lady is appearing in Medjugorje and has been doing so every day for the last 18 years. Why do I believe? Because Jesus said to look at the fruits and the fruits of Medjugorje are good. (Only the ill informed think otherwise.) Many people who go to Medjugorje experience real conversion. They go to confession after being away from that Sacrament for many years. People come home and form prayer groups which last; they read Scripture more; they pray the rosary more frequently.
I have heard the comment that the devil can do that, also. INDEED NOT!!! Satan is God's archenemy and would NEVER want anyone to be in the state of grace for even a minute. He would be working against himself. Jesus said that a house divided against itself cannot stand. Satan is evil and would never yield good fruit. The statement that the devil can bring about conversions of people is a statement of ignorance.
Recently, I heard someone say that people who believe in Medjugorje are trying to replace Fatima. I do not find this to be true, at all. People who truly love Our Lady want devotion to her to grow no matter what apparitions people tend to favor. Is it not the same Blessed Mother who has appeared at Lourdes, at Kibeho, at La Salette, at Fatima, at Akita, at Medjugorje? The love that God and Our Lady have for us cannot be narrowed to one apparition. God is not narrow-minded. His love is magnanimous. In the Old Testament, God did not speak to Moses only.
Lent is a good time to take one of Our Lady's request VERY seriously. She has said on more than one occasion to "Pray! Pray! Pray!"
Let us listen and carry out Our Lady's request NOW. Whether it is daily Mass, daily Rosary, special prayer devotions, many short prayers throughout the day, let us multiply our prayers. Prayer opens the gates of Heaven's treasures. Without prayer those gates remain closed to us.
God bless you and let's pray more and more each day!
Today Michael Vincent Boyer, a well-respected Catholic insider expert on what's happening in the entertainment industry, brings the reader an upbeat story on Delores Hart, the up-and-coming heartthrob of countless boys in the late 50's and early 60's who said Goodbye to Hollywood and embraced a life of sacrifice and prayer as Mother Dolores at the strict cloisterd Abbey of Regina Laudis in Bethlehem, Connecticut. For his column, Delores Hart said goodbye to Hollywood and answered God's call to "Come Fly with Me" , see HOW HOLY WOULD HELP HOLLYWOOD
Hart was born in Chicago, Illinois on October 20, 1938, the daughter of actor Bert Hicks who starred in movies of the thirties and forties. He passed on those genes to his daughter whose first film was the 1957 film "Wild is the Wind" before being cast in "Loving You." Hart was known as an actress deeply concerned for her fellow actors and crew members during filming. She displayed a tremendous warmth and sincerity to listen and offer positive guidance for those who came to her with personal and professional problems in search of answers and solutions. This compassion was evident throughout her career as she continued her acting into the early sixities starring in a number of "youth films" such as "Lonelyhearts" where she played the leading role as Justy Sargent, aka Miss lonelyheart and as Merritt Andrews in one of the first beach movies - "Where the Boys Are."
While she was very popular with boys who went to the movies because of her teen-age looks and wholesome portrayals, she had it all and yet realized there was so much more. What many believe was the turning point in Delores' life came while shooting the 1961 epic "Francis of Assisi" on location in the Umbrian climes of Assisi in Italy. Here in this hallowed land of the great founder of the Franciscans, Bradford Dillman played the role of Francis and she played another great saint, donning the Franciscan habit as Saint Clare of Assisi.
Though she would star in two more films after starring in "Francis of Assisi," many within the industry realized Delores had higher aspirations since had always searched for a deeper understanding of God and His guidance. In 1963, after her final film "Come Fly with Me" she had been engaged to Don Robinson but realized marriage was not for her and broke off the engagement, saying goodbye to Hollywood and willingly flying into God's loving arms by joining a Benedictine convent where she immersed herself in the study of God’s word. Two years later her father died in Pacoima, California and this only solidified Dolores' desire to serve God for the world was so fleeting and temporal. By 1970, Delores Hart took her final vows to become a Benedictine nun. As of today Delores Hart, born Delores Hicks, is now Mother Superior of the strictly cloistered Benedictine Convent of Regina Laudis in Bethlehem, Connecticutt where she continues to deeply influence both new friends and old in search of spiritual truth, chanting the Daily Office in Latin eight times a day and living the Rule of Saint Benedict on 350 acres of land away from the public glare. She couldn't be happier!
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but the words of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen have been known to launch a thousand images in one's mind, one of the ways this late luminary did so much to evangelize the faith. Because of the urgency of the times and because few there are today who possess the wisdom, simplicity and insight than the late Archbishop who touched millions, we are bringing you daily gems from his writings. The good bishop makes it so simple that we have dubbed this daily series: "SIMPLY SHEEN".
"Perfection is being, not doing; it is not to affect an act but to achieve a character. There is nothing that makes life unhappier than its meaninglessness, and life is devoid of meaning only when it is without purpose. There are tens of thousands of minor purposes, but the one great purpose is the perfection of our character from a moral point of view. Infinite as are the varieties of life, he who has not found out directly how to make everything converge to the sanctification of his own soul has missed the meaning of life."
NOTE: We respectfully recognize and accept the final authority regarding apparitions, locutions and prophecies presently being reported around the world rests with the Holy See of Rome and the Magisterium of Holy Mother Church to whose judjment we humbly and obediently submit.
"Dear children! Wake up from the sleep of unbelief and sin, because this is a
time of grace which God gives you. Use this time and seek the grace of healing of your heart from God, so that
you may see God and man with the heart. Pray in a special way for those who have not come to know God's
love, and witness with your life so that they also can come to know God and His immeasurable love. Thank you
for having responded to my call."
