February 1, 2020 Profiles in Catholicism

A Message from the Editor

Human life is a divine gift. We abuse that gift by war, murder, and abortion.

We also remember our relatives, friends, and others murdered in the Holocaust.

Special Prayer

A Prayer for Unborn Children and Their Mothers

Dear God:

Today there are many people who deny the existence and value of your children in the wombs of their mothers. As has happened to so many groups of humans before, this denial makes it possible to provide legal and cultural sanctions to the brutal ending of these innocent lives and denies us all the opportunity to witness their beauty. We pray today for the wisdom to discover how to open the hearts and minds of every American to unborn children at risk of being aborted. We also pray for the parents of all unborn children, that they may have the grace and strength to care for the glorious gift of life you have given them.

by Denise Mackura Profiles in Catholicism

A Prayer for the Three Children Murdered in Dublin

Three young children in Dublin found dead on the floor. A chilling note, “Don’t go upstairs.” A woman, a mother, found wandering the streets, rushed to a hospital in a disoriented state. Lord Jesus, there is so much we do not understand about human misery and anguish and reaching the end of your rope. We can do so little but mourn and grieve. Yet, Jesus, you pronounced a blessing on those who mourn. To mourn is to enter into the pain of the world. Our tears become as drops of rain upon the blinding dust that covers our hardened hearts. We become more like you, Jesus, when you grieved over Jerusalem, unable to save it from itself. Lord Jesus, we live in a world so callused by death and cruelty, a world so mad that love itself gets twisted and tarnished and turned inside out. That is why we look to you for light in the darkness and for a love that will, in the end, conquer all. Amen.

by Father Joseph Chamblain, O.S.M. Profiles in Catholicism

Prayer for a Martyr

Oh Lord, we kneel before you today

to pray for a martyr.

Rev. Lawan Andimi was abducted

held as a captive

and beheaded

by the infamous Boko Haram in Nigeria.

He was not the first Christian martyr there.

On the day after Christmas, a young bride and her bridal party were also beheaded.

Oh Lord, we pray that this persecution of Christians

may soon stop.

We pray that the local authorities will find a way

to end this persecution of Christians,

and that, indeed, Boko Haram will find its way back

to the One God of Jews, Christians, and Muslims,

Repent and strive to sin no more.

by Dr. Eugene Fisher Profiles in Catholicism

A Prayer for the Eight Who Died As Fire Hits Czech Disabled Home.

O Lord, how can this news be Good News?

In his Psalms King David prayed:

“We thank you, God, we give thanks:

We call upon your name,

We declare your wonderful deeds.”

Yet this headline fills our news. How? Why?

Your answer:

“I will choose the time:

I will judge fairly.

The earth and all its inhabitants will quake

But I have firmly set its pillars.”

King David reminds us:

“For judgment comes not from east or west,

Not from the desert or from the mountains,”

But from God who decides.”

“But from God who decides.”

“But from God who decides.”

“A cup is in the Lord’s hands.”

I believe Lord, help my unbelief.

From Psalm 75

by Father David O. Brown, O.S.M. Profiles in Catholicism

A Prayer for the Four Seminarians Who Were Kidnapped in Nigeria

Good and gracious God, We thank you for your careful watch of the four seminarians, aged between 18 and 23, who were abducted when armed kidnappers forced their way into the Good Shepherd Major Seminary in Kaduna. The four, all first-year students of philosophy at the Seminary, were forced into vehicles as the intruders then made their escape from the police and the armed forces. You know, God, that our seminarians are very important to us all over the world. They study and know that their work is to pray with us the Mass and give us the opportunity to receive the Body and Blood of Christ. Please continue to care for them. We are grateful, too, God for the release of the captured seminarian and the willingness of the kidnappers to negotiate suggests that the kidnapping was not carried out by Boko Haram, as was initially feared. While kidnappings in Nigeria are frequently done for monetary gain, Islamist groups in Nigeria, ideologically rather than financially motivated, often kill Christian hostages who refuse to convert to Islam. Thank you, Almighty God, for realizing the importance of all seminarians to your people on their journey to you. Bless them and carefully guide them on the path of holiness.

We ask you this through Christ our Lord, Amen

by Eileen Quinn Knight, Ph.D. Profiles in Catholicism

A Prayer for Fr. José Manuel Rondón

Dear Lord

We pray that you embrace the murdered Fr. José Manuel Rondón

Molina into your infinite loving care. We also pray that you inspire all in Venezuela to end this violence. Amen

by Gordon Nary Profiles in Catholicism

A Quote to Remember

Never tire of firmly speaking out in defense of life from its conception and do not be deterred from the commitment to defend the dignity of every human person with courageous determination. Christ is with you: be not afraid!

by Saint Pope John Paul II

Interviews

General Articles/Commentaries

by Jesus Caritas Est Catholic News World

by Franciscan Action Network

by Dave Hrbacek The Pilot

by Tom Robert National Catholic Reporter

by Alice Speri The Intercept

  Link to White Supremacy

by Christopher White Crux

by James J. Fox National Catholic Reporter

by La Croix International staff (with Catholic News Service)

  Link to African Challenges

by Courtney Mares Catholic News Agency/Angelus

by Crux Staff

by Charles C. Camosy Crux

by Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society

by Carol Zimmerman The Tablet

  Link to General United States Immigration Challenges

by Cardinal Blase Cupich Chicago Catholic

by Massimo Faggioli Commonweal

by Rebecca Hamilton Patheos

  Link to Separation of Children from their Parents

by Sarah Salvadore National Catholic Reporter

by Junno Arocho Esteves Catholic News Service/Angelus

  Link to Elder Outreach/Services

by Massimo Faggioli National Catholic Reporter

by The New York Times/Bioethics.com

Link to Euthanasia

by Lucie Sarr La Croiz International

Link to Sports and Spirituality

by Inés San Martín Crux

by John Leland The New York Times

  Link to End of Life

by Anne Windholz U.S.Catholic

  Link to Forgiveness

by Charlotte Higgins The Guardian

by Mark Pattison Catholic News Service/Angelus

by Sigal Samuel Vox

by Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service/Crux

Link to Women's Challenges and Outreach

by Joshua J. McElwee National Catholic Reporter

by Joshua J. McElwee Earthbeat

Link to Environment and Climate Challenges

by Heidi Schlumpf National Catholic Reporter

Link to United States Politics

by Shane Phillips Patheos

by Tim Swift Catholic News Service/America

Link to Fear, Hate, Prejudice, and Discrimination against Others

by Kevin Berger Nautilus

by Joshua J. McElwee National Catholic Reporter

by Joe Torres UCANews.com

by UCANews Reporter UCANews.com

by Zita Ballinger Fletcher America

by Stephanie Sarkis Forbes

by JD Flynn Catholic News Agency/The Catholic World Report

by Richard Gaillardetz National Catholic Reporter

by Mark Pattison Catholic News Service/Crux

  Link to Human Trafficking

by Becky Bohrer Associated Press/Crux

by Noel Baker Irish Examiner

by Jesus Caritas Est - Catholic News World

by Catholic News Agency/National Catholic Register

by NPR/Bioethics.com

by John Zaw UCAnews.com

Link to Children Outreach/Protection

by Catholic News Service/Crux

by Edwin Benson Return to Order

Link to Exorcism and Satanism

by Jesus Caritas Est Catholic News World

Link to Human Rights

by Mark Engler The Nation

by Ben Dreyfuss Mother Jones

  Link to Racial Challenges

by Kevin Clarke America

by Vanessa Gera Associated Press/America

by Seth Hettena Rolling Stone

Link to Clerical Sexual Violence Against Minors

Link to End of Life

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Book Reviews/Commentaries

by Ward Biemans SJ

Reviewed by Dr Pravin Thevathasan Catholic Medical Quarterly

Reviewed by Michelle Martin Chicago Catholic

by C .S. Lewis

Reviewed by Eileen Quinn Knight, Ph.D. Profiles in Catholicism

by Thomas Casey, S.J.

Reviewed by Eileen Quinn Knight, Ph.D. Profiles in Catholicism

by Sonja Livingston

Reviewed by James M. Chesbro America

by Jennifer Berry Hawes

Reviewed by Diana L. Hayes National Catholic Reporter

by Elizabeth Strou

Reviewed by Mary Gibbons America

by George Curtis

Reviewed by Bernadette Meaden Independent Catholic News

by Pierre Hegy

  Reviewed by Peter C. Phan National Catholic Reporter

by Eugene McCarraher

Reviewed by David Bentley Hart Commonweal

by Brian McLaren

Film Reviews/Commentaries

Reviewed by Mark Pattison Catholic News Service

Television Reviews/Commentaries

by Elise Harris Crux

Feasting with the Saints

Prayers

I Am Becoming a Catholic

He called me...At first it was a tiny call and I said:

"Well I am listening" He called again and again I said:

"I am listening"

Sometimes His voice is strong and clear,

other times I can hardly hear Him,

Sometimes He calls me when I am looking at a beautiful sunset,

Sometimes He calls me when I am helping to serve the homeless,

sometimes He calls me when I am out to dinner with friends.

I am still listening

He wants me to follow Him now and always.

He wants me to follow Him in joy and solitude.

He wants me to follow Him when others are in need.

He wants me to follow Him when I have chosen to hurt Him

and then say I am sorry.

He is after me night and day.

He is after me at the dawn of a new day.

He is after me when daylight disappears.

His never ending loving call is for ME!

I want to belong to Him and His Church.

I want His presence to become stronger in my everyday life.

I want Him to love me now and forever.

I say YES and again YES.

He hugs me with a strong embrace.

He and I are together with the rest of His followers.Now and forever.
 by Holy Name RC(A Committee Profiles in Catholicism
 

A Prayer to End Gun Violence

Lord Jesus, as you approached the city of Jerusalem,
 Before your passion,
 As your people waved palms in your honor,
 You saw the city and wept over it because you
 Loved it.

You knew of the violence and chaos you would suffer
 In that beloved city
 still you loved it and wept over it.
 Lord Jesus, look upon our cities, weep over them,
 Love them and protect them.
 Weep over us and strengthen us as we suffer
 Violence and chaos.
 Weep over us and love us.
 Lord Jesus, weep over us and love us. (See Lk 19)
 by Father David O. Brown, O.S.M.. Profiles in Catholicism

A Prayer for Migrant Children

Good Lord, who said “Whoever receives one of these little ones, receives me,” bless the little ones who are caught in the struggle of migration, separation, and abuse. Give all those adults who are responsible for them and for their welfare the wisdom and courage to do the children justice and to protect them. Make our hearts more,loving and willing to do the right thing by them. May we see in all people young and old your image and so reverence their great dignity. We make our prayer through you who came among us as a child and who was forced to flee the threat of violence Amen
 by Father Louis Cameli Profiles in Catholicism

Videos

Fr. Paul Scalia on Catholic Approach to Abortion

Special Interview from Asia :Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle

How to be a Missionary in the Modern Age with Fr. Will Conquer