Defining the differences, merits and limitations of Indulgences in light of the Holy Father's most recent Papal Bull Incarnationis Mysterium

      We continue our segment on Indulgences, both Plenary and Partial in conjunction with the Holy Father's most recent Papal Bull Incarnationis Mysterium for the Pope says in the bull, "Another distinctive sign, and one familiar to the faithful, is the indulgence, which is one of the constitutive elements of the Jubilee. The indulgence discloses the fulness of the Father's mercy, who offers everyone His love, expressed primarily in the forgiveness of sins." Today we examine the differences between Plenary and Partial Indulgences, outlining the merits of both and clearing up some of the misconceptions penitents might have about these forgotten sources of grace. For the Eighty-eighth installment of this on-going megaseries, click on WHERE IS HOLY MOTHER CHURCH HEADING AS WE NEAR THE MILLENNIUM?.

Shopping and Stress do not lend to the Peace of the Season

      Christmas after Christmas we feel the pressure, stress and guilt of not buying enough for our kids, family members and friends. The old "keeping up with the Jones" has become the axiom at this time of year, blared by ads ad nauseum instead of the clear clarion of "Peace on earth to men of good will" as it was intended because so many have forgotten the reason for the season - the birth of Jesus Christ, held sacred in the liturgy of the Church. We bring you an article from the Catholic Dispatch which reminds all of what the angel really said and meant in Luke 2: 14 that should put the season and the reason in perspective and help turn temporal stress into something that will bring everlasting peace. For the article "How many shopping days left?," click on ECCLESIAL ECHOES

"Today, be with Me, your God."

      Those few words from Our Lord, imparted to the Hidden Flower of the Immaculate Heart on Good Friday, 1993, say it all. In the pattern of the few words He spoke from the Cross, Jesus reiterates in His words the gift of paradise given to the good thief when He beckons us to receive His Mercy and Forgiveness and cling to Him. His Blessed Mother Mary prefaces her Divine Son's Message two days earlier by alerting us that our time of Calvary has also arrived and unless we take refuge in His Sacred Heart through her Immaculate Heart we, like the Apostles before Pentecost, will shy away in fear. For messages 320 and 321, click on "I SOLEMNLY TELL YOU..."

Moral failure of President reason to impeach say American religious leaders

      The National Clergy Council, composed of Catholic, Jewish and Protestant religious leaders, joined a growing list in calling for impeachment of Bill Clinton because of his total disregard for God's laws as well as the laws of our nation, specifically lying under oath and his ammoral behavior. For more, click on Impeachment.

Holy Father gets jump on 1999 with Catechetical talks on God the Father

     Having completed catechetical talks on the Holy Spirit during his Wednesday Papal Audiences in 1998, the Pope launched his first in a series of talks that will last through next year on God the Father at yesterday's Papal Audience at Paul VI Hall. The year 1997 was dedicated to Jesus, Son of God, this year to the Holy Spirit, and 1999 to the Father in preparation for the Jubilee 2000 year. For more, click on Papal Audience.

Suspicions of murder cause investigators to exhume body of former Vatican banker

      Roberto Calvi, the powerful financial banker who was dubbed "God's banker" for his involvement with the Vatican Bank back in 1982 when the domino effect caused a massive financial collapse, was murdered and did not commit suicide as many have been led to believe. That is the reason prosecutors trying to prove it was a conspiracy have ordered Calvi's body to be exhumed to do a full autopsy on the body. For more, click on God's banker.

Guns for food proves resounding success at Catholic parishes in El Salvador for the stomach is mightier than the sword

     Proving that a piece of bread can bring peace of mind and peace without weapons, Catholic parishes throughout El Salvador have collected over 10,000 weapons in a little over a week in a program that exchanges food for guns with no questions asked in an effort to cut down on violence in this Central American country. The program is being funded in a grant from the Norwegian government which could offer it to the world with El Salvador a model program. For more, click on salve for El Salvador .

Guadalajara hosts International Congress for Catholic Communicators

     Catholic journalists must have a solid foundation in theology, morals, ethics and philosophy in order to communicate with the masses. This is what Archbishop John Foley, head of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, emphasized in Guadalajara, Mexico during the opening day of the International Congress for Catholic Communicators from dioceses around the world. Other bishops speaking on the first day called for a unity in professing the true teachings of the Church and keeping God first and foremost in communicating to the faithful. For more, click on Dateline Guadalajara.

For more headlines and articles, we suggest you go to the Catholic World News site at the CWN home page and Church News at Noticias Eclesiales. Both CWN and NE are not affiliated with the Daily CATHOLIC but provides this service via e-mail to the Daily CATHOLIC Monday through Friday.

    Dear children! Today I call you to prepare yourselves for the coming of Jesus. In a special way, prepare your hearts. May holy Confession be the first act of conversion for you and then, dear children, decide for holiness. May your conversion and decision for holiness begin today and not tomorrow. Little children, I call you all to the way of salvation and I desire to show you the way to Heaven. That is why, little children, be mine and decide with me for holiness. Little children, accept prayer with seriousness and pray, pray, pray. Thank you for having responded to my call.

For more on Medjugorje, click on MEDJUGORJE AND MORE

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