BIG C CATHOLICS

The Most Reverend Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. the Archbishop of Philadelphia presented this Brigham Young University forum address on March 22, 2016. He discusses the difficulties faced by believers in America today and the assaults on religious freedom perpetrated by the government and secular forces. Below is a partial transcript of Archbishop Chaput's remarks. They are well worth your time. Starting at 4:32: I want to begin by giving you some background on the Catholic experience in this country. I’ll do that through the lens of a particular Catholic bishop – me. I don’t claim to speak for all or even most Americans who describe themselves as Catholic. But my comments do reflect the views of many Catholics who rank their Catholic faith as the most precious thing in their lives — and actually live that way. So let’s start with a simple fact: Catholics have never entirely “fit” in America. We’ve tried, but the results are mixed. In fact some years ago Stanley Hauerwas

For many of us, practicing our Catholic faith is a relatively safe thing to do. We may suffer some types of persecution in the form of harsh words or the ridicule of others, but seldom are we called upon to expressly give up our lives rather than renounce our faith in Christ and His teachings. That is perhaps why the example of martyrs reminds us of what faith can cost, and helps us avoid being complacent or taking for granted our own freedom to worship God as we see fit. Martyrdom is not something that ended with the reign of the Roman Emperor Constantine in the 4th century; it is a fact even in modern times. One such story of a martyr’s courage comes to us from the country of Uganda, where 22 men and young boys suffered violent deaths rather than submit to a ruler whose demands were contrary to what they devoutly believed to be the will of God. In the late 19th century, a group of priests from the Society of Missionaries of Africa—also known as the White Fathers because of the

A new report released this week by the First Liberty Institute listed more than 1200 government-initiated attacks on religion in 2016. “ Undeniable: The Survey of Hostility to Religion in America ,” presents incontrovertible proof that secular society in general, including government at all levels is increasingly hostile to religion. The report divides this hostility into four areas – the public arena, the schoolhouse, churches and ministries and the military. From the report's preface, First Liberty president Kelly Shackelford writes: Hostility to religion in America is rising like floodwaters, as proven by the increased numbers of cases and attacks documented in this report. This flood is engulfing ordinary citizens who simply try to live normal lives according to their faith and conscience. It is eroding the bedrock on which stand vital American institutions such as government, education, the military, business, houses of worship, and charity. It has the potential to wash

June 2nd, is the optional memorial of 4th century martyrs Saints Marcellinus and Peter. They converted numerous souls to Christ, even while imprisoned during the brutal persecution of Christians ordered by Roman Emperor Diocletian. According to tradition, the incarcerated Peter freed the daughter of the pagan prison-keeper (Artemius) from a demon through prayer. This led to the baptism of Artemius’ entire household by the priest Marcellinus. Even in death, Sts. Marcellinus and Peter won souls for God after the discovery of their tomb and the conversion of their executioner. The following is an account of their final days and martyrdom. _________________________________________ The Holy Martyrdoms of Sts. Marcellinus and Peter Peter, an exorcist, was cast into prison at Rome, under the emperor Diocletian, by the judge Serenus, for confessing the Christian faith. He there set free Paulina, the daughter of Artemius, the keeper of the prison, from an evil spirit which tormente

Icon of the 21 Coptic Christian Martyrs of Egypt officially recognized as Saints by the Coptic Church. Later in his life, Saint Stephen of Mar Saba is believed to have suffered at the hands of the Umayyad and Abbasid Islamic dynasties, to whom many of his fellow monks lost their lives. His poem "Art thou weary, art thou languid?", demonstrates his courageous fortitude, singular devotion and trust in God. Art thou weary, art thou languid, Art thou sore distressed? “Come to Me,” saith One, “and coming, Be at rest.” Hath He marks to lead me to Him, If He be my Guide? In His feet and hands are wound prints And His side. Hath He diadem, as monarch, That His brow adorns? Yes, a crown in very surety, But of thorns. If I find Him, if I follow, What His guerdon here? Many a sorrow, many a labor, Many a tear. If I still hold closely to Him, What hath He at last? Sorrow vanquished, labour ended, Jordan passed. If I ask Him to receive me, Will He say me

The martyrdom of St. Perpetua, St. Felicity and their companions . Now dawned the day of their victory, and they went forth from the prison into the amphitheatre as it were into heaven, cheerful and bright of countenance; if they trembled at all, it was for joy, not for fear. Perpetua followed behind, glorious of presence, as a true spouse of Christ and darling of God; at whose piercing look all cast down their eyes. Felicity likewise, rejoicing that she had borne a child in safety, that she might fight with the beasts, came now from blood to blood, from the midwife to the gladiator, to wash after her travail in a second baptism. And when they had been brought to the gate and were being compelled to put on, the men the dress of the priests of Saturn, the women the dress of the priestesses of Ceres, the noble Perpetua remained of like firmness to the end, and would not. For she said: For this cause came we willingly unto this, that our liberty might not be obscured. For this cause

The Passion of St. Perpetua, St. Felicitas, and their Companions , one of the oldest Christian texts, records the early 3rd century Roman persecutions of Christians. It contains the prison diary and trial accounts of a young noble woman and Christian catechumen Perpetua from Carthage in North Africa, (present day Tunisia). Giving up her still nursing baby, she insisted on being put to death in the arena during games honoring the Emperor. Many tried to dissuade her, but she got her wish. Witnessing heroically, she faced the wild beasts. After many torments a gladiator was sent in to finish her off, but he couldn’t bring himself to do it. Perpetua grabbed his hand and pointed his sword at her throat. Perpetua’s example inspired other Christians to give witness to their Faith in equal measure. A pregnant slave girl named Felicity went to prison with Perpetua. Some accounts hold they were friends prior to their imprisonment. Felicity gave birth just before they were sent to the arena.

Prayer for the Protection of Holy Mother Church Grant unto thy Church, we beseech Thee, O merciful God, that She, being gathered together by the Holy Ghost, may be in no wise troubled by attack from her foes. O God, who by sin art offended and by penance pacified, mercifully regard the prayers of Thy people making supplication unto Thee, and turn away the scourges of Thine anger which we deserve for our sins. Almighty and Everlasting God, in whose Hand are the power and the government of every realm: look down upon and help the Christian people that the heathen nations who trust in the fierceness of their own might may be crushed by the power of thine Arm. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen. Prayer in Gratitude for the Witness of the Holy Martyrs O most valiant and blessed martyrs! O truly called and elected unto the glory of Our Lord Jesus Christ! Which glory he that magnif

Detail of monument to the 26 Jesuit Martyrs at the Nagasaki Museum. Feb. 6th, is the memorial of Saint Paul Miki and companions, the 26 Martyrs of Nagasaki comprised of native Japanese Catholics and foreign missionaries who were martyred for their faith in 1597. The most well-known of the martyrs are Saints Paul Miki, John of Goto, and James Kisai. Bro. Miki was studying for the priesthood, Kisai was a lay brother and John was a postulant. The faith and joy they exhibited in imitating Christ to the last impressed their persecutors greatly. Catholicism reached Japan in the 16th century, when the Jesuit missionary Saint Francis Xavier first preached the Good News there. As a result of continued Jesuit catechesis, by 1590, some 200,000 Japanese had entered the Church. So long as the Emperor permitted it, the Jesuits ministered discreetly, with much success. In 1587, the Japanese imperial government, leery of Jesuit influence and the growing number of Christians among their citize

Although Saint Paul shares a martyr’s feast day with Saint Peter on June 29, the Church has recognized the most momentous occurrence in this apostle’s life by also celebrating a separate feast for the conversion of St. Paul on January 25th. What makes the story of Paul’s conversion so compelling is both its swiftness and the profound change it wrought in his life. Born to a devout Jewish family in Tarsus, Saul, as he was then known, saw in this new Christian faith a direct challenge to the Judaism to which he had devoted his entire life. So incensed was he against this new religion that, for a time, Saul became one of its most violent and unforgiving persecutors, "entering house after house and dragging out men and women, he handed them over for imprisonment." (Acts 8:3). Acts also records that he was present at the stoning of the first Christian martyr, Saint Stephen. Then, acting on formal orders from the high priest in Jerusalem, Saul set out for Damascus to round u

Saints Fabian and Sebastian , Giovanni di Paolo di Grazia, c. 1475. January 20th, the Church celebrates the optional memorials of Pope Saint Fabian and Saint Sebastian. Both victims of Roman persecution, they were martyred on the same date, 37 years apart. They have been venerated together since their names were coupled in the first martyrologies (as in the Litany of Saints today). Pope Saint Fabian  (c. 200 – 250 AD) The opening Mass of a papal conclave is intended not only to mark the beginning of a great and most solemn process, but to prepare the hearts and minds of the participants to act in accordance with the promptings of the Holy Spirit. At the conclave of 236 AD, a dove landed on the head of a layperson Fabian, who had traveled to Rome to see who would be selected. Fabian was unanimously chosen pope because everyone present saw the actions of the dove as a sign from God. St. Fabian served 14 years as the Vicar of Christ, the majority of which were peaceful. Admire

Fr. Charles Irvin Diocese of Lansing ( Click here for Sunday’s readings ) When Jesus heard that John the Baptist had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left His hometown of Nazareth and went to live in Capernaum, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, that the prophecy of Isaiah might be fulfilled: Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles, the people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death light has arisen. From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” In our times, what forms of darkness do we live in? The theme of light and darkness runs through the entirety of the Bible starting with the Book of Genesis all the way to the crucifixion and death of Jesus on His Cross. What is God’s word calling us to see in His light, not only in the history of our salvation that is presented to us in the bible but i

Typically, Hollywood, in its portrayal of Christianity, has little to offer beyond mockery and derision. Rarely do mainstream films treat religious questions with seriousness and respect. Contemporary Hollywood, outside of independent films such as  The Passion of the Christ , Risen and God’s Not Dead, is anti-Christian. Silence , an explicitly Christian film directed by Martin Scorsese breaks that trend. The film tells the story of two 17th century Portuguese Jesuit priests who travel to Japan to find what happened to their missing mentor — Cristóvão Ferreira, (played by Liam Neeson) who allegedly committed apostasy after being tortured by the Japanese government. This transpires at a time when Christianity was outlawed and their (Christian missionaries) presence was forbidden in Japan. In her review of the movie for The Atlantic , Emma Green writes : This is what makes Scorsese’s film so radical, and so unlike many other movies about religion: It’s actually art. The high-qu

We have posted several times on the persecution of Christians by ISIS in the Middle East and elsewhere. Our brothers and sisters in faith face intimidation, torture and death simply for being disciples of Christ. Last January, the Vatican condemned ISIS for razing Iraq's oldest Christian monastery . In March, four religious sisters of the Missionaries of Charity, along with 12 other people were murdered in Yemen after ISIS terrorists attacked a home for the sick and elderly. In July, French priest, Father Jacques Hamel was martyred while saying Mass . Other ISIS atrocities against Christians include: assassinations of Church leaders, mass murders and deportations, kidnapping for ransom, sexual enslavement and systematic rape of girls and women, forcible conversions to Islam, as well as, the destruction of Christian churches, monasteries, cemeteries, and artifacts. The violent genocide against Christians by militant Islamic extremists is met by some (particularly in the West)

Pope Sylvester I and Emperor Constantine December 31st, is the optional memorial of Saint Sylvester I (??? - 335), the 4th century pontiff, who guided the Church during a period of violent persecution and challenges to doctrine at the hands of various heretics. According to legend, he baptized Emperor Constantine. Born in Rome, the son of devout parents Rufinus and Justa, he was instructed in Christian piety by his virtuous mother. Later, under the guidance of Carinus, a priest of great ability, Sylvester learned the truths and practice of religion in studying Sacred Scripture. Entering the Roman clergy, he was ordained a priest by Pope Marcellinus on the eve of widespread Christian persecution under Diocletian. Sylvester's papacy saw trial and triumph. The feast day of St. Sylvester is one of the oldest in the Church’s calendar, so great was his witness in the minds of the laity. His exemplary piety and concern for others, particularly the poor, endeared him to the faithful

December 29th, is the optional memorial of Saint Thomas Becket (1119-1170), the 12th century English statesman, Archbishop of Canterbury and martyr. A close associate of King Henry II, in the year 1155, he was appointed Chancellor of England. Seven years later, Becket was named Archbishop of Canterbury, and his relationship with the monarchy deteriorated. Eventually, his refusal to submit to Henry’s jurisdiction resulted in Becket's six-year exile in France. Not long after his return to England, Thomas was murdered by four assassins inside Canterbury Cathedral, making him a martyr. Miracles occurred soon after his martyrdom, and Canterbury became a popular pilgrimage destination in Europe. He is venerated by both the Catholic Church and the Anglican Communion as a saint and martyr. Thomas Becket was born in London to Norman parents Gilbert and Matilda Beket. The Icelandic Saga provides this description of him as a young man: “To look upon he was slim of growth and pale of hue,

December 27th, is the feast of Saint John the Apostle, Evangelist and "beloved disciple". He wrote the Gospel bearing his name, three Epistles and the Book of Revelation. A fisherman by trade, he was born in Galilee, the son of Zebedee and Salome, and younger brother of Saint James the Great. Together with his brother and Saint Peter, he was singled out to witness the raising of Jairus’ daughter, the Transfiguration and Christ’s prayer in Gethsemane. Standing at the foot of the cross, Jesus entrusts His Mother to John’s care. John is the only Apostle (besides Judas) spared from martyrdom, despite several attempts on his life. James and John, whom Christ called the "sons of thunder" were mending nets with their father when the Savior asked them to follow Him. This epithet applies in a particular way to John, who courageously proclaimed the most sublime mysteries of Christ’s divinity. He was the youngest of all the Apostles, probably about 25, at the time of his c

The Jews knew that Stephen was exceedingly well-informed in the laws of Moses; but as he preached, with great freedom, the Gospel of Christ, they ventured to dispute with him, to convict him of error by their subtle questions and assertions. At that period, there existed Various schools at Jerusalem, in which the Jews were instructed in the laws. Several disciples from each of these schools came to dispute with him; but, notwithstanding their cunning and malice, they were unable to contend with the wisdom with which he spoke. Seeing that he daily converted many to Christ, they became more and more embittered against him, and endeavored to do away with him. They suborned some wicked men to disseminate among the people that Stephen had blasphemed against Moses and God, and that they themselves had heard it. This stirred up not only the people, but also the Elders and Scribes. Full of rage, they laid hands on him and brought him to the Council, which had assembled on his account, and w

December 26th, is the Feast of Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr and archdeacon. He led the group of seven deacons who the Apostles appointed to help them minister to the poor and the marginalized in the early Church (having been ordained by Saint Peter himself). Stephen labored in imitation of Christ even unto the last measure of his life. The Church celebrates his heroic witness in making a comparison between the disciple and his Master. His name is included in the Roman Canon and has long been invoked by Christians facing persecution. In addition to proclaiming the word at Liturgies, he distributed food and charitable aid to the widowed. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Stephen preached Christianity; spreading the Good News throughout Jerusalem and debating Jewish teachers of the Law, which caused enmity. When, at the age of 30, the Jews accused him of blasphemy, Stephen put his trust in the Lord. Before the Sanhedrin and the High Priest, he answered the charge. Stephen’s

From L-R: Sr. Anselm, Sr. Reginette, Sr. Judith, Sr. Marguerite. A petition on change.org to Zeid bin Ra'ad, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and the President of India asks them to facilitate the release of Fr. Uzhunnalil, the Indian priest held by ISIS since March. The petition page states: "It has been 6 months since Father Tom Uzhunnalil's kidnapping in Yamen. Indian foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj (quoted by Asia News May 18) said 'Father Tom Uzhunnalil is alive and 'safe', and 'last efforts' are being made to 'ensure his release'. But he is still missing and we have no information about him. Father Tom was seized on the 4th of March after a militant group stormed into a home for the sick and elderly, run by the Blessed Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of the Charity in Aden, ... Four sisters of the religious congregation (pictured) and 12 lay people, were killed in the attack on the facility. (More on the attack her