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     Today we bring you the 96th person selected out of the TOP 100 CATHOLICS OF THE CENTURY. The voters selected Dolores Hope, wedded for 65 years to legendary icon Bob Hope. She was chosen because of her undying faith in God and her fiat to emulate the Blessed Virgin Mary as a devoted wife and mother in doing all she can to live the Gospel and personify the passage in Luke 12: 48, "But of everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required; and of him to whom they have entrusted much, they will demand the more.". She has lived up to Christ's words in giving so much back to mankind through her active philanthropy and living her Catholic Faith. For more on the 96th selection, click on DOLORES HOPE

96.    Dolores Hope

      They say behind every great man is a greater woman and we would like to think that is true in respect to the person the voters chose as the 96th selection of the TOP 100 CATHOLICS OF THE CENTURY. She is Dolores Hope, the long-time devoted, faithful wife to superstar Bob Hope. She was chosen by the voters because of her philanthropy to Catholic causes both through contributions and her hands-on service in striving to make a better world while always keeping Christ's teachings paramount in living her faith. What voters didn't realize is that being chosen 96th is significant for Bob just celebrated his 96th birthday on May 29th. He can no longer be considered just American's favorite comedian, but rather an American institution and one of this country's priceless treasures. He truly knows that he has long been enriched by another treasure - his loving wife Dolores.

      She was born Dolores DeFina in the Bronx earlier in this century and from the age of five exhibited a desire to be a singer, practicing her talents in church and on stage. In 1930, her agent recommended she change her name to Dolores Reade because a Broadway singer Florence Reed was popular at that time. Three years later, while she was singing in the Vogue Club, another young singer and promising male vaudevillian came by to hear her. It was love at first sight and on February 19, 1934 Bob and Dolores Hope said "I do." Both have been loyal to their vows, respecting the institution of matrimony and the sacramental aspect of marriage. Their lasting bond has become legendary in a town where such values are not practiced. Though Bob has never converted, he has never stood in Dolores' way and stands by her proudly in all her Catholic activities. Dolores is a daily communicant, often at the St. Charles Borromeo parish closest to their residence in Toluca Lake. She gains strength everyday from the Sacraments and God has truly blessed her life.

      Though she put singing on the back burner to be a devoted wife, she often joined Bob on his memorable and laudable overseas tours to entertain the troops. Periodically when she sang "Silent Night" at Christmas festivities for the troops such as Bob's 22nd and final overseas Christmas tour, macho guys were so moved that many wept like a baby. And even today...after all these years, her voice is still powerful.

      What is also powerful is her resolve to balance her duties as a devoted, supporting, loving wife and mother with her own interests which have been varied and always involve helping others. She received the "Gift of Life Award" in recognition for her pioneering, relentless spirit and serving as Founding President of the Holy Family Adoption Service. She was named "Outstanding Mother of the Year" by Helping Hands Organization at Cedars-Sinai Hospital, received the "Eleanor Darnell Carroll Award" from Georgetown University for being an ideal role model as wife and mother, and was recently presented the "Living Legacy Award" by Women's International Center. Her active contributions to the Eisenhower Medical Center in Palm Desert are well-documented and it is largely through her efforts that the hospital has been so successful. The Hospital Board recognizes this for they chose her as the Chairman of the Board. She is also on the Board of Directors for the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Throughout the years she has received honorary doctorates from Benedictine College, St. Bonaventure University, St. Louis University and St. Michael's College, to name a few.

      The Hopes are now in their 65th year of wedded bliss as they live out their autumn years together, having raised four children, Linda, Tony, Kelly and Honorah who have rewarded them with a covey of grandchildren and great-grandchildren they can be proud of. To find out more about the Hopes, you can go to their own 96 Years of Hope. Dolores Hope is an example of a lay person exemplifying what Saint Therese the Little Flower preached, "Don't worry about doing the extraordinary things; rather strive to do the ordinary things in an extraordinary way." By living this advice in all aspects of her life spiritually, mentally and physically, Dolores Hope has become an extraordinary Catholic and will be remembered for embodying what the Blessed Mother asks. To borrow a phrase long associated with Bob, "Thanks for the memories."

The Doctrine "No salvation outside the Church" still stands!

     writes about the clamoring by so many non-Catholics and modernist Catholics for the Church to alter its stance towards others in order to reach unity in the ecumenical spirit of Vatican II. That is the key word - the "spirit of Vatican II" for the Vatican II documents in no place advocate compromising the faith for the sake of bringing the various denominations together. Pat points out that the doctrine of "No salvation outside the Church" still stands though the liberals have watered it down to where many of the faithful believe it doesn't exist anymore. He re-educates them in his column today in response to an e-mail from a Seven-day Adventist who asked what is the Church going to do about coming in line with them. Duh! That misinformed gentleman has got it all wrong and Pat deftly illustrates the error in his column today. For Pat's column The Church, Adventists, and Ecumenism, click on VIEW FROM THE PEW

The Church, Adventists, and Ecumenism

    The DAILY CATHOLIC gets an abundance of e-mails from non-Catholics and recently the editor shared a message that read:

"Hi I am a concerned citizen, I would like to know why the Catholic Church and the Seventh Day Adventists cannot agree. And what are we doing about it?"

    Well the flip answer might be, "What are they doing about?" The next might be a question for them; "What do you propose we do about it? Get rid of the Pope? Go back to Saturday's as the Lord's Day? What? What truth do you sacrifice for the sake of getting along and agreement?"

    The next problem is what do you say to a group which is so anti-Catholic? "they also hold many false and bizarre doctrines. Among these are the following: (i) the Catholic Church is the Whore of Babylon, (ii) the Pope is Antichrist, (iii) in the last days Sunday worship will be "the mark of the beast," (iv) there is a future millennium in which the devil will roam the earth while Christians are with Christ in Heaven, (v) the soul sleeps between death and resurrection, and (vi) on the last day the wicked will be annihilated and cease to exist rather than be eternally damned. (Seventh-Day Adventism; Catholic Answers)

    There is a lot that we can find agreement with them on, the Trinity, original sin, the Divinity of Christ, and others. However, there is much which separates us. Not only them, but other Protestant denominations as well. Some think infant baptism is fine, others see it as wrong. The Eucharist isn't the Real Presence, but only symbolic. And if it is the Real Presence, it's done by one's own faith and not the prayers of the priest.

    Then there's the problem of 'sola scriptura' (Scripture alone) and 'sola fides' (faith alone). The Catholic Church teaches neither. However, even within the Protestant denominations, these two 'doctrines' don't mean the same thing.

    But in regards to Adventism, we run into a Catch-22. They cannot come to agreement with the Catholic Church or else they would no longer be Adventist's. Ellen Gould White is a 'divinely' inspired author of the Adventists. Her books are often recited, quoted and referred to in their publications. Especially "The Desire of the Ages" and "The Great Controversy". "Babylon the Great, the mother of harlots. . . is further declared to be 'that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth.' Revelation 17:4 The Great Controversy, 338). "It is one of the leading doctrines of Romanism that the pope is the visible head of the universal Church of Christ . . . and has been declared infallible. He demands the homage of all men. The same claim urged by satan in the wilderness of temptation is still urged by him [satan] through the Church of Rome, and vast numbers are ready to yield him homage" (ibid., 48). "The prince of darkness wrought with the leaders of the papal hierarchy. In their secret councils satan and his angels controlled the minds of evil men, while unseen in the midst stood an angel of God, taking the fearful record of their iniquitous decrees and writing the history of deeds to horrible to appear to human eyes. 'Babylon the great' was 'drunken with the blood of the saints.' The mangled forms of millions of martyrs cried to God for vengeance upon that apostate power. Popery had become the world's despot" (ibid., 56). "Marvelous in her shrewdness and cunning is the Roman Church. She can read what is to be. She bides her time, seeing that the Protestant churches are paying her homage in their acceptance of the false Sabbath . . . And let it be remembered, it is the boast of Rome that she never changes. The principles of Gregory VII and Innocent III are still the principles of the Roman Catholic Church. And has she but the power, she would put them in practice with as much vigor now as in past centuries. . . . Rome is aiming to reestablish her power, to recover her lost supremacy" (ibid. 507)

    Now, what do you think the Church could do to come closer to the Adventists when they see us as 'shrewd and cunning'? Biding our time to sucker them back into our clutches?

    Whereas this points out the problem with the Church coming to agreement with the Seventh Day Adventists, the question speaks to an even greater error. That unity is to be pursued at any cost, even the truth. This is the 'spirit of Vatican II' definition of Ecumenism. That the Church has to change her teachings, doctrines and dogma's to fit with others. To let go of the truth for the sake of a unified Church (though it would no longer be THE Church). Even if this was the meaning of the Church's teaching on Ecumenism, it's impossible to achieve. Baptists don't believe the same as Lutherans, who disagree with Methodists, who feel Anglicans are wrong, and on and on and on. Not to mention the Protestant denomination who teach that denominations are wrong. (Non-Denominationalists) To follow the 'spirit of Vatican II' notion of Ecumenism means Christ should have changed His teaching in John 6 so He wouldn't lose His followers. Sacrificing the truth for the sake of unity. And even making it useless since no teaching of His or the Church, would please everyone, regardless of what was taught.

    Yet Vatican II teaches: "Nevertheless, our separated brethren, whether considered as individuals or as Communities and Churches, are not blessed with that unity which Jesus Christ wished to bestow on all those who through Him were born again into one body, and with Him quickened to newness of life-that unity which the Holy Scriptures and the ancient Tradition of the Church proclaim. For it is only through Christ's Catholic Church, which is "the all-embracing means of salvation," that they can benefit fully from the means of salvation. We believe that Our Lord entrusted all the blessings of the New Covenant to the apostolic college alone, of which Peter is the head, in order to establish the one Body of Christ on earth to which all should be fully incorporated who belong in any way to the people of God. This people of God, though still in its members liable to sin, is ever growing in Christ during its pilgrimage on earth, and is guided by God's gentle wisdom, according to His hidden designs, until it shall happily arrive at the fullness of eternal glory in the heavenly Jerusalem." (UNITATIS REDINTEGRATIO; Decree on Ecumenism, Chap 1, #3)

    That is, "Outside the Church there is no salvation." But they are imperfect, invisible members of the Church when they follow the Lord as they were taught. " Even in the beginnings of this one and only Church of God there arose certain rifts, which the Apostle strongly condemned. But in subsequent centuries much more serious dissensions made their appearance and quite large communities came to be separated from full communion with the Catholic Church-for which, often enough, men of both sides were to blame. The children who are born into these Communities and who grow up believing in Christ cannot be accused of the sin involved in the separation, and the Catholic Church embraces upon them as brothers, with respect and affection. For men who believe in Christ and have been truly baptized are in communion with the Catholic Church even though this communion is imperfect." (Ibid)

    A Catechism from 1927 says the same thing, so one cannot say that Vatican II changed or removed the teaching that "Outside the Church there is no salvation."

    Ecumenism as taught by Vatican II, and the Church from the very beginning, isn't advanced when we say that Baptists, Adventists, etc. are doomed to hell solely for being born Protestant. However; "Catholics, in their ecumenical work, must assuredly be concerned for their separated brethren, praying for them, keeping them informed about the Church, making the first approaches toward them. But their primary duty is to make a careful and honest appraisal of whatever needs to be done or renewed in the Catholic household itself, in order that its life may bear witness more clearly and faithfully to the teachings and institutions which have come to it from Christ through the Apostles." (Ibid, #4)

    That is, that the faithful don't change one iota of Catholic teaching in their ecumenical work. That being the case, what could the Church do to reach agreement with Seventh Day Adventists when we cannot change the truth to a half truth or a lie?

    We have to recall that even 'moderate' Adventists want to 'save' us from the Church. As do Fundamentalists, Baptists, etc. In the name of Ecumenism, many parishes have begun to look and sound more like Protestant churches than Catholic. That doesn't mean we are coming closer to unity, just that we've added a new 'branch' to the 2,500+ Protestant denominations.

    The Church has done, and is doing all it can do, to reach a concensus, a type of unity with all Christians. The question is, do they really want it?

Pax Christi, Pat

      Like our other feature series, this summer we present installments 1 through 105 of this series which is a set blueprint for Catholics everywhere to take up the banner of truth in defending Christ's One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church as we prepare for this glorious event - the second coming of Christ and the Reign of the Sacred Heart, the Second Pentecost, the Era of the Eucharistic Presence, the Advent of Peace. To read any of the over one-hundred previous installments in this long on-going series, click on the Archives ofWHERE IS HOLY MOTHER CHURCH HEADING AS WE NEAR THE MILLENNIUM?

      Today is the anniversary of the death of two Popes both named Urban. One died in 1099 and as the Frenchman Pope Saint Urban II, the 159th successor of Peter, is remembered for organizing the First Crusade and inaugurating the "Truce of God" for all foes to abstain from fighting when it was time to bury the fatally wounded. The other, the 235th in the line of Peter was Pope Urban VIII who died 545 years later in 1644 and during his 22-year pontificate is best remembered as the Pontiff who condemned Galileo Galilei. For other pertinent events throughout the centuries that are memorable in Church history today, click on MILLENNIUM MILESTONES AND MEMORIES

Historical Events in Church Annals for July 29:

72 A.D.


Death of Saint Martha, Disciple of the Lord. The date of her death is approximated by historians who claim she, Mary of Bethany and her brother Lazarus traveled to France after the death of Christ to evangelize in Provence. For more on Martha, patron saint of cooks, dieticians and servants, see TODAY'S LITURGY.

1030 A.D.


Death of Saint Olaf, king of Norway who used his reign to unify and Christianize his subjects, but rebellion among the nobles ended in his being slain at the Battle of Stiklestad. After his death, miracles were attributed to him and an chapel was built which became the Cathedral of Trondheim.

1095 A.D.


Death of Saint Ladislaus I, king of Hungary who is also known as Laszlo. He joined Pope Saint Gregory VII in his on-going struggles with Holy Roman Emperor Henry IV. Ladislaus was chosen to lead the first Crusade by Pope Blessed Urban II but died before he could take the helm. It is Ladislaus who is largely responsible for bringing the faith to Croatia which to this day remains largely Catholic. He was canonized by Pope Celestine III in 1192.

1099 A.D.


Death of Pope Saint Urban II, 159th successor of Peter. This French-born pontiff was elected at the conclave held in Velletri because Rome was in the hands of the antipope Clement III. Urban was actually the inspirer of the First Crusade, declaring war on the infidels. He also instituted the "Truce of God" which was a brief respite from battle to bury the dead.

1644 A.D.


Death of Pope Urban VIII, 235th successor of Peter whose reign lasted 22 years. During this time he carried out work on the sacred texts - the Pontifical and the Breviary. He celebrated the 13th Jubilee and condemned Galileo Galilei.

SIMPLY SHEEN: Saved at the refreshing well of salvation!

      They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but the words of Bishop 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".

"There is something good in everything. Evil has no capital of its own; it lives in goodness as a parasite. But loving the partial goodness in others we bring them more quickly to the circle of Goodness which is God. This was the tactic of Our Lord when He spoke to an adulteress at the well. There was nothing in common between His Divine Goodness and her sinful life, except a love of a drink of cold water. So He started there...and led her on to a declaration that He was Love and Savior of the world."

"Will you also turn your humble, contrite hearts into an angry fist filled with pride from a hardened heart, and instead of loving obedience, scourge Me and crucify Me with your pride and disobedience?"

      Those words from the Sacred Heart of Jesus were imparted on Palm Sunday, April 9, 1995 to the Hidden Flower of the Immaculate Heart in which Our Lord asks His children which way they will turn. He beseeches us to take refuge in His Sacred and Merciful Heart but only through the Sacrament of Reconciliation can we find true peace of mind and soul. He prefaces these words in His Message two days earlier in which Jesus asks us to stay the course in our dedication to prayer and penance and help atone for the hardened hearts who turn away from Him. He reminds all that all will be fulfilled as Sacred Scripture foretells but not to look for when for in doing so we miss the whole point of the Messages and His graces and Mercy that He wants to pour forth on all His children. For Messages #607 and #608, click on "I SOLEMNLY TELL YOU..."

Messages 607 and 608

Message Six-Hundred-seven, April 7, 1995

(Imparted to the Hidden Flower by the Sacred Heart of Jesus)

      Beloved Hidden Flower of My Mother's Immaculate Heart, I am with you. Today, how I long for all of My children to pay homage to My Most Sacred Heart, to atone for all blasphemies against Me, to expiate for all who deny Me, and thus become fodder for satan's plan.

      Look at your world. Does your world love, honor and obey Me? Then, look at your community. Is there real faith in your parish? Look next at your family. Am I the center of your home? Then look closely at yourself. Have you given Me your heart so I may give you Mine?

      O! How little I am loved. Daily My enemies seek to destroy all that I taught, all I did. They blaspheme before the Throne of the Triune Divinity and lead so many of My children to heresy and perdition.

      O! Have I not warned you of these things and of the dangerous times in which you live. Have I not sent My Mother to warn, to plead and to seek conversion of heart for each of you? How have you responded to God's loving Call?

      O! My tears of blood and sorrow intensify, and all of Heaven weeps as well over the plight of mankind.

      Hear Me, for I Am! And all that Scripture foretells shall be fulfilled in the Father's time. Do not hunger for this date or that date. Of what value is that to you? No, this knowledge is not for you who are My children. What I seek and that which I reward is a loving, humble, contrite heart, a soul which is alert and obedient to My Perfect Will!

      Do then all that is possible for each of you through prayer, penance, and full use of all I have given to you in My One True Church, and be not afraid. I, Who Am, come again. Prepare and do not lose one moment to love Me and make Me known to all. In this way you shall not be led astray, but shall be in the Refuge of My Sacred Heart!

      I love and bless each of you and say yet again: Pray much! The Hour of Visitation is at hand.

Message Six-Hundred-eight, April 9, 1995

(Imparted to the Hidden Flower by the Sacred Heart of Jesus)

      Beloved Hidden Flower of My Mother's Immaculate Heart. I love and bless you!

      I desire for all of My children to closely examine their conscience as each enters into the sublime mysteries of Holy Week.

      On this day My True Church, the Holy Roman Catholic Church commemorates that day in which I entered Jerusalem to fulfill My Mission as Messiah. Behold, the people hailed Me as King and cried out, "Hosanna to the Son of David," and before Me they placed palms upon the path I, your God, walked. Then through the Grace of the Holy Spirit, seek to realize if you, as the people of My own time did, removed their humble offering but a few days later and instead of palm fronds being waved, I was hailed as a criminal with fists raised, and palm branches became the torture of the scourge!

      Will you also turn your humble, contrite hearts into an angry fist filled with pride from a hardened heart, and instead of loving obedience, scourge Me and crucify Me with your pride and disobedience?

      Behold, I solemnly tell you that each of you must seek to know your heart in Truth, and in truth seek My Merciful Love and Forgiveness in the Sacrament of Penance. This is what you must do to remain faithful till the end, My faithful remnant.

      Know I am with you. I love you. I seek to pour out My Divine Mercy. Therefore, be humble, contrite, obedient children, for, behold, I Come!

    Dear children! Also today I rejoice with you and I call you all to prayer with the heart. I call all of you, little children, to give thanks to God here with me for the graces which He gives to you through me. I desire for you to comprehend that I want to realize here, not only a place of prayer but also a meeting of hearts. I desire for my, Jesus' and your heart to become one heart of love and peace. That is why, little children, pray and rejoice over everything that God does here, despite that satan provokes quarrels and unrest. I am with you and I lead you all on the way of love. Thank you for having responded to my call.

For more on Medjugorje, click on MEDJUGORJE AND MORE

Click here to go to SECTION TWO or click here to return to the graphics front page of this issue.

July 29, 1999 volume 10, no. 141   DAILY CATHOLIC