Today is the 434th anniversary of the birth of that notable bard William Shakespeare and the 382nd commemoration of his death on the same date. Born at Stratford-on-the-Avon, this literary genius gave the world the God-given treasures of literature for generations to come. His tombstone at the Church of the Holy Trinity at Stratford where this editor was privileged to visit, reads: "Good friend for Jesus sake forebeare, to digg the dust encloased heare, Bleste be ye man yt spares thes stones, And curst bey he yt moves my bones." Please remember Old English was the norm back then so those are not typos or misspellings. Shakespeare was torn by the torment of the Reformation; his heart and soul were aligned with Rome while his life and political needs were tied to the Church of England for King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn's daughter Queen Elizabeth ruled England during most of the bard's life. In today's issue we tie in various phrases Shakespeare made famous in describing the articles contained in this edition.
"O call back yesterday, bid time return."
That line is from Shakespeare'sRichard II, Act III, scene 2 and refers to our installment today of our on-going mega series on the state of the Church today where we only wish we could call back yesterday and bid time return so those who have strayed from the Church over the centuries, those branches that have broken off the Vine, could reconnect to the "Tree of Life" - the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church Jesus founded. For today's installment entitled, Pruning the Tree!, click on WHERE'S HOLY MOTHER CHURCH HEADING AS WE NEAR THE MILLENNIUM?
"Defer no time, delays have dangerous ends"
That quote comes from the play Henry VIII by Shakespeare and it portends to our editorial today as we echo the advice of Pope John Paul II who warns all not to look for the "end of the world" or believe the doom and gloom brigade professing that the end is imminent. Rather he urges all to concentrate on the mission of the Church to share Christ's words and His ways in bringing all back into the fold. We concur by emphasizing that we cannot defer time, and to delay in doing what the Holy Father says or dismiss the thoughts that we do not have to be concerned or convert now as Our Lady is pleading, for delays have dangerous ends. For the commentary, "All's Well That Ends Well!", click on today's CATHOLIC PewPOINT
We do pray for mercy; and that same prayer doth teach us all to render the deeds of mercy."
Those words are taken from Shakespeare'sMerchant of Venice, Act IV, Scene 1. They apply to the Blessed Mother's 142nd and 143rd messages to the Hidden Flower of the Immaculate Heart which we bring you today in which Our Lady urges us to not delay in reaching out to others to help them for the Heavenly Triumverate of the Trinity have shown great mercy during these evil times and that mercy can only be applied if it is reciprocated to our fellow man. Click on "I SOLEMNLY TELL YOU..."
PROVERB OF THE DAY
"Varying weights are an abomination to the Lord, and false scales are not good."
Proverbs 20: 23
LITURGY FOR WEEKDAY AND THE FEAST OF SAINT GEORGE
Today is the Feast of Saint George, the martyred soldier of Christ as well as a weekday in the Second Week of Easter. For the liturgy, readings, and meditations for today and tomorrow's Mass celebrating the Feast of Fidelis of Sigmaren, click on LITURGY FOR THE DAY.
PRAYERS & DEVOTION
Today's Prayer is taken from the Opening Prayer of the Mass of Saint George, Patron Saint of England
Lord, hear the prayers of those who praise Your mighty power. As Saint George was ready to follow Christ in suffering and death, so may he be ready to help us in our weakness.
Immediate aftermath of Court decision against Pro-Lifers evokes strong reactions
The president of Human Life International, Father Richard Welch expressed grave concern that radicals on both sides may take the decision and run with it - the pro-aborts flooding the courts with class-action suits and fanatical pro-lifers going into a vigilante mode in retaliation of the unjust decision reached earlier this week that pro-life demonstrations were akin to racketeering. He did express optimism, however, when hearing that Cardinal Francis George, OMI has pledged the Church's support in appealing the decision, saying "That is where the Church belongs - right at the forefront of protecting our religious and civil liberties in a court system that has now become a venue for the culture of death in America." For more, click on Reaction
Netanyahu to take part in Auschwitz Demonstration on 50th Anniversary
It was announced in Warsaw that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would participate in the massive march in front of the Nazi concentration camp at Auschwitz this week. He said he will do so not only to mark the 50th anniversary of the founding of Israel, but also to honor over 1.5 million Jews who were gassed at Auschwitz during World War II. In recent months there have been strong sentiments on both Jewish and Christian sides over the controversy of the Cross outside Auschwitz which stands for the martyred Catholics as well as all others, specifically Saint Maximillian Kolbe and Blessed Edith Stein. The Polish government has pledged their support in helping the march go peacefully. For more, click on Auschwitz March.
Pope Pleads for Texas man on Death Row
Despite the eleventh hour, the Holy Father made an impassioned plea to Texas Governor George Bush, Jr. to have mercy on convicted killer Joseph Cannon who admitted to killing a Texas woman twenty-one years ago. Like death-row inmate Karla Faye Tucker, who the Pope also intervened for but was still executed in February, Cannon found religion in prison. Little hope is held out that Bush will stay the execution because of his tough-on-crime track record. For more, click on Death Row to read more.
Events today in Church History
For events throughout the centuries that are memorable in Church history today, click on ALL ROADS LEAD TO ROME
Medjugorje Monthly Message for March 25th
Dear children! Also today I call you to fasting and renunciation. Little children, renounce that which hinders you from being closer to Jesus. In a special way I call you: Pray, because only through prayer will you be able to overcome your will and discover the will of God even in the smallest things. By your daily life, little children, you will become an example and witness that you live for Jesus or against Him and His will. Little children, I desire that you become apostles of love. By loving, little children, it will be recognized that you are mine. Thank you for having responded to my call. For more on Medjugorje, click on MEDJUGORJE
For all other standard
features, articles and
columns, click on Archives
April 23, 1998 volume 9, no. 79 DAILY CATHOLIC
Click on SECTION ONE and SECTION TWO to print out today's entire issue in text. To return to Graphics Version Front Page for Today, click below
