Pope Lauds Charity Work of Order of Malta

On the Feast of St. John the Baptist Pope Benedict met with the Grand Master of the Order of Malta, Fra Matthew Festing. Here are some of the highlights of the story. The full story can be read at the Zenit website.

In the 25-minute meeting, the Holy Father and the grand master discussed the Order's 10-year plan established during the strategy meeting held January in Venice. They also considered ecumenical dialogue promoted by the Order with the Russian Orthodox Church, medical and social care administered in theHoly Land, and assistance to immigrants offered in collaboration with the Italian Coast Guard. They discussed as well the humanitarian aid offered by the Order in Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Myanmar.

Benedict XVI lauded the work of the order and urged them to stay faithful to their charism of caring for the poor and sick, giving testimony of the faith.The Holy Father also greeted the members of the Order's governing body, the majority of whom were elected for another five years during the general chapter [held earlier this month in Rome.]

Pope Lauds Charity Work of Order of Malta

On the Feast of St. John the Baptist Pope Benedict met with the Grand Master of the Order of Malta, Fra Matthew Festing. Here are some of the highlights of the story. The full story can be read at the Zenit website.

In the 25-minute meeting, the Holy Father and the grand master discussed the Order's 10-year plan established during the strategy meeting held January in Venice. They also considered ecumenical dialogue promoted by the Order with the Russian Orthodox Church, medical and social care administered in theHoly Land, and assistance to immigrants offered in collaboration with the Italian Coast Guard. They discussed as well the humanitarian aid offered by the Order in Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Myanmar.

Benedict XVI lauded the work of the order and urged them to stay faithful to their charism of caring for the poor and sick, giving testimony of the faith.The Holy Father also greeted the members of the Order's governing body, the majority of whom were elected for another five years during the general chapter [held earlier this month in Rome.]

Angels In Iron

There is a novel about the Siege of Malta that I strongly recommend called, "Angels In Iron." It is a gripping and sometimes graphically descriptive account of one of the great military events in history. While there are plenty of historical writings covering the Siege this brings to life some of the characters and individual personalities involved. Whether or not they were all real Knights is secondary in so far as we can identify with a realistic presentation of actual people as they endured incredible adversity and the source of their strength to accomplish equally incredible heroic feats. Each chapter is written in the style of a daily journal.

I have listed the book on my Amazon favorites on the sidebar and if you are interested in purchasing the book I hope that you would purchase it through my link as any commisions I make through Amazon is donated to works of the Order of Malta.

Angels In Iron

There is a novel about the Siege of Malta that I strongly recommend called, "Angels In Iron." It is a gripping and sometimes graphically descriptive account of one of the great military events in history. While there are plenty of historical writings covering the Siege this brings to life some of the characters and individual personalities involved. Whether or not they were all real Knights is secondary in so far as we can identify with a realistic presentation of actual people as they endured incredible adversity and the source of their strength to accomplish equally incredible heroic feats. Each chapter is written in the style of a daily journal.

I have listed the book on my Amazon favorites on the sidebar and if you are interested in purchasing the book I hope that you would purchase it through my link as any commisions I make through Amazon is donated to works of the Order of Malta.

444th Anniversary of Fall of Fort St. Elmo

Today marks the 444th anniversary of the fall of Fort Saint Elmo during the Great Siege of Malta. I just finished an excellent novel, Angels in Iron, that describes the whole siege in a very descriptive and accurate manner. What these few knights, soldiers and civilians withstood for a horrifying month is nothing short of miraculous. Below is an excerpt of a talk given by Michael Davies in 2002 that was part of a conference given at the Dietrich von Hildebrand Institute 2002 Summer Symposia entitled “The 1st Through 8th Crusades; Military Orders; Catharist Crusade; and the Siege of Malta.” The full article can be read here, it describes some of what they went through during that month.

Mustapha finally acknowledged that St. Elmo could not be taken within that day and ordered the recall. St. Angelo's suddenly heard a burst of cheering from their brothers in St. Elmo. They had lost 200 men in the battle, in comparison to 2,000 Turks. But they knew the end was near, for there would be no more reinforcements.

St. Elmo's men readied themselves for a fight to the death. The two chaplains who had stayed with the defenders throughout the siege confessed the remaining knights and soldiers. Determined that the Mohammedans would not have the opportunity to mock or desecrate their holy relics, the knights and the chaplains hid the precious objects of the Faith beneath the stone floors of the chapel, and dragged the tapestries, pictures and wooden furniture outside and set them on fire. They then tolled the bell of the small chapel to announce to their brethren in the nearby forts that they were ready for the end.

In the gray pre-dawn light of the 23rd of June, Piali's ships closed in for the kill. The galleys, pointing their lean bows at the ruined fort, opened up their bow chasers in unison with the first charge made by the entire Turkish army. To the astonishment of Mustapha and his council, Fort St. Elmo held for over an hour. Less than 100 men remained after that first onslaught, yet the Ottoman army was forced to draw back and re-form. The knights who were too wounded to stand placed themselves in chairs in the breach with swords in their hands.

There was something about the next attack that told the garrisons looking on from Birgu and Senglea that all was over. The white-robed troops poured down the slopes, hesitated like a curling roller above the wall, and then burst across the fort, spreading like an ocean over St. Elmo. One by one the defenders perished, some quickly and mercifully, others dying of wounds among the bodies of their friends.

The Italian Knight Francisco Lanfreducci, acting on orders received before the battle began, crossed to the wall opposite Bighi Bay and lit the signal fire. As the smoke curled up and eddied in the clear blue sky, La Valette knew that the heroic garrison and the fort they had defended to the end were lost.

It was now that Mustapha Pasha impatiently strode to view his conquest. A standard-bearer carrying the banner of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent stepped through the breach into St. Elmo. Standing victorious on the ruins of St. Elmo's walls, with the flag of St. John in the dust at his feet, Mustapha gazed at the massive bulk of Fort St. Angelo on the horizon. “Allah!” he cried. “If so small a son has cost us so dear, what price shall we have to pay for so large a father?”

In an offensive act of cruelty, he ordered the bodies of the knights to be set apart from the common soldiers. Their heads were struck from their bodies and fixed on stakes overlooking Grand Harbor. The beheaded corpses were then stripped of their mail, nailed to crossbeams of wood in mockery of the crucifixion, and launched onto the waters of Grand Harbor that night.

It was the eve of the Feast of St. John, the patron saint of the Order. Despite the loss of St. Elmo, the Grand Master had given orders for the normal celebrations to take place. Bonfires were lit and church bells were rung throughout Birgu and Senglea. The next morning the headless bodies of the knights washed up at the base of Fort St. Angelo.

444th Anniversary of Fall of Fort St. Elmo

Today marks the 444th anniversary of the fall of Fort Saint Elmo during the Great Siege of Malta. I just finished an excellent novel, Angels in Iron, that describes the whole siege in a very descriptive and accurate manner. What these few knights, soldiers and civilians withstood for a horrifying month is nothing short of miraculous. Below is an excerpt of a talk given by Michael Davies in 2002 that was part of a conference given at the Dietrich von Hildebrand Institute 2002 Summer Symposia entitled “The 1st Through 8th Crusades; Military Orders; Catharist Crusade; and the Siege of Malta.” The full article can be read here, it describes some of what they went through during that month.

Mustapha finally acknowledged that St. Elmo could not be taken within that day and ordered the recall. St. Angelo's suddenly heard a burst of cheering from their brothers in St. Elmo. They had lost 200 men in the battle, in comparison to 2,000 Turks. But they knew the end was near, for there would be no more reinforcements.

St. Elmo's men readied themselves for a fight to the death. The two chaplains who had stayed with the defenders throughout the siege confessed the remaining knights and soldiers. Determined that the Mohammedans would not have the opportunity to mock or desecrate their holy relics, the knights and the chaplains hid the precious objects of the Faith beneath the stone floors of the chapel, and dragged the tapestries, pictures and wooden furniture outside and set them on fire. They then tolled the bell of the small chapel to announce to their brethren in the nearby forts that they were ready for the end.

In the gray pre-dawn light of the 23rd of June, Piali's ships closed in for the kill. The galleys, pointing their lean bows at the ruined fort, opened up their bow chasers in unison with the first charge made by the entire Turkish army. To the astonishment of Mustapha and his council, Fort St. Elmo held for over an hour. Less than 100 men remained after that first onslaught, yet the Ottoman army was forced to draw back and re-form. The knights who were too wounded to stand placed themselves in chairs in the breach with swords in their hands.

There was something about the next attack that told the garrisons looking on from Birgu and Senglea that all was over. The white-robed troops poured down the slopes, hesitated like a curling roller above the wall, and then burst across the fort, spreading like an ocean over St. Elmo. One by one the defenders perished, some quickly and mercifully, others dying of wounds among the bodies of their friends.

The Italian Knight Francisco Lanfreducci, acting on orders received before the battle began, crossed to the wall opposite Bighi Bay and lit the signal fire. As the smoke curled up and eddied in the clear blue sky, La Valette knew that the heroic garrison and the fort they had defended to the end were lost.

It was now that Mustapha Pasha impatiently strode to view his conquest. A standard-bearer carrying the banner of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent stepped through the breach into St. Elmo. Standing victorious on the ruins of St. Elmo's walls, with the flag of St. John in the dust at his feet, Mustapha gazed at the massive bulk of Fort St. Angelo on the horizon. “Allah!” he cried. “If so small a son has cost us so dear, what price shall we have to pay for so large a father?”

In an offensive act of cruelty, he ordered the bodies of the knights to be set apart from the common soldiers. Their heads were struck from their bodies and fixed on stakes overlooking Grand Harbor. The beheaded corpses were then stripped of their mail, nailed to crossbeams of wood in mockery of the crucifixion, and launched onto the waters of Grand Harbor that night.

It was the eve of the Feast of St. John, the patron saint of the Order. Despite the loss of St. Elmo, the Grand Master had given orders for the normal celebrations to take place. Bonfires were lit and church bells were rung throughout Birgu and Senglea. The next morning the headless bodies of the knights washed up at the base of Fort St. Angelo.

Fr. Tim Vakoc Military Chaplain R.I.P

Please pray for the repose of the soul of a devoted priest, who was seriously injured in Iraq after saying Mass and ministering to the spiritual needs of the soldiers, who died yesterday. There is more to the story here.

Also please remember to pray for all the military chaplains who place their lives in harms way and have frequently "lain down their life for a friend."

Five years after being gravely wounded by a roadside bomb in Iraq, the Rev. Tim Vakoc, a well-known and much-loved Roman Catholic priest from Minnesota, has died, his family said Sunday.

Vakoc died surrounded by family and friends, according to an entry on his CaringBridge website. "A man of peace, he chose to endure the horror of war in order to bring the peace of Christ to America's fighting men and women," Archbishop John Nienstedt wrote in a prepared statement. "He has been an inspiration to us all, and we will miss him."

Father Tim, as he was known, was the first military chaplain grievously wounded in the Iraq war. He was injured by a roadside bomb as he was returning from celebrating mass with troops on May 29, 2004, the day before the 12th anniversary of his ordination as a priest.

The blast cost him an eye and severely damaged his brain. He was hospitalized at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., and transferred to the Minneapolis Veterans Administration Medical Center in October 2004.

After numerous surgeries and life-threatening infections, he slowly started to recognize friends and family, and to communicate with a squeeze of the hand or a slight smile.

For more than two years, he was in what doctors called a "minimally responsive state." Then, in the fall of 2006, he spoke for the first time in 2 1/2 years, raising hopes of recovery.

Fr. Tim Vakoc Military Chaplain R.I.P

Please pray for the repose of the soul of a devoted priest, who was seriously injured in Iraq after saying Mass and ministering to the spiritual needs of the soldiers, who died yesterday. There is more to the story here.

Also please remember to pray for all the military chaplains who place their lives in harms way and have frequently "lain down their life for a friend."

Five years after being gravely wounded by a roadside bomb in Iraq, the Rev. Tim Vakoc, a well-known and much-loved Roman Catholic priest from Minnesota, has died, his family said Sunday.

Vakoc died surrounded by family and friends, according to an entry on his CaringBridge website. "A man of peace, he chose to endure the horror of war in order to bring the peace of Christ to America's fighting men and women," Archbishop John Nienstedt wrote in a prepared statement. "He has been an inspiration to us all, and we will miss him."

Father Tim, as he was known, was the first military chaplain grievously wounded in the Iraq war. He was injured by a roadside bomb as he was returning from celebrating mass with troops on May 29, 2004, the day before the 12th anniversary of his ordination as a priest.

The blast cost him an eye and severely damaged his brain. He was hospitalized at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., and transferred to the Minneapolis Veterans Administration Medical Center in October 2004.

After numerous surgeries and life-threatening infections, he slowly started to recognize friends and family, and to communicate with a squeeze of the hand or a slight smile.

For more than two years, he was in what doctors called a "minimally responsive state." Then, in the fall of 2006, he spoke for the first time in 2 1/2 years, raising hopes of recovery.

New Cardinal Patronus of the Order of Malta

Pope Benedict has nominated Archbishop Paolo Sardi to succeed Cardinal Laghi as the Cardinal Patronus of the Order of Malta.

Archbishop Sardi has been in the Office of the Secretariat of State since the time of Paul VI, he was the Vice-Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber who sealed the papal apartment when Pope John Paul II died. During his tenure in the office of State he was reportedly a speech writer for John Paul II. He also has the title of Apostolic Nuncio with Special Tasks. Archbishop Sardi will be 75 years old in September and will likely be made a Cardinal at the next consistory.

New Cardinal Patronus of the Order of Malta

Pope Benedict has nominated Archbishop Paolo Sardi to succeed Cardinal Laghi as the Cardinal Patronus of the Order of Malta.

Archbishop Sardi has been in the Office of the Secretariat of State since the time of Paul VI, he was the Vice-Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber who sealed the papal apartment when Pope John Paul II died. During his tenure in the office of State he was reportedly a speech writer for John Paul II. He also has the title of Apostolic Nuncio with Special Tasks. Archbishop Sardi will be 75 years old in September and will likely be made a Cardinal at the next consistory.

Abortion and the Catholic University Student

There was a recent article suggesting that women at Catholic colleges and universities were more likely to abort.

The study concludes that there are several possible explanations but it is more than coincidence that I saw this student from St. Catherine's parading her school sweatshirt at a table in the Planned Parenthood parking lot on Ford Parkway in St. Paul on Good Friday. She was passing out literature and buttons to the pro-death supporters counter-demonstration the pro-life walk talking place in front of the clinic.

The College of St. Catherine's is about 3 blocks north of Planned Parenthood's location. It shouldn't come as a surprise either that the same St. Kate's has a reputation for, shall we say, being "less than orthodox" when it comes to teachings of the Church.

A new study conducted by Amy Adamczyk, assistant professor of Criminal Justice at City University of New York, found that female students at private,religious schools and colleges are more likely to have an abortion than their public school counterparts. According to Life News,women at Catholic institutions had abortion rates similar to students at other religious institutions in the study.

“This dangerous anti-life trend at Catholic educational institutions confirms what Pope Benedict XVI has reiterated many times, that there is an underlying crisis of faith among young people that is not being adequately addressed even by Catholic educators,” said Patrick J. Reilly, President of The Cardinal Newman Society (CNS).
“We observe today a timidity in the face of the category of the good and an aimless pursuit of novelty parading as the realization of freedom,” Pope Benedict told Catholic educators gathered at The Catholic University of America in April 2008.

“…[P]articularly disturbing is the reduction of the precious and delicate area of education in sexuality to management of 'risk', bereft of any reference to the beauty of conjugal love,”

Adamczyk’s findings echo a CNS-sponsored study published in November 2008 and titled “Behaviors and Beliefs of Current and Recent Students at U.S. Catholic Colleges.” The CNS study found that most Catholic colleges have little positive impact on the faith and values of students. In particular, CNS reported that nearly 1in 5 students at Catholic colleges knew another student who had or paid for an abortion

The rest of the article can be read at the Cardinal Newman Society website.

Abortion and the Catholic University Student

There was a recent article suggesting that women at Catholic colleges and universities were more likely to abort.

The study concludes that there are several possible explanations but it is more than coincidence that I saw this student from St. Catherine's parading her school sweatshirt at a table in the Planned Parenthood parking lot on Ford Parkway in St. Paul on Good Friday. She was passing out literature and buttons to the pro-death supporters counter-demonstration the pro-life walk talking place in front of the clinic.

The College of St. Catherine's is about 3 blocks north of Planned Parenthood's location. It shouldn't come as a surprise either that the same St. Kate's has a reputation for, shall we say, being "less than orthodox" when it comes to teachings of the Church.

A new study conducted by Amy Adamczyk, assistant professor of Criminal Justice at City University of New York, found that female students at private,religious schools and colleges are more likely to have an abortion than their public school counterparts. According to Life News,women at Catholic institutions had abortion rates similar to students at other religious institutions in the study.

“This dangerous anti-life trend at Catholic educational institutions confirms what Pope Benedict XVI has reiterated many times, that there is an underlying crisis of faith among young people that is not being adequately addressed even by Catholic educators,” said Patrick J. Reilly, President of The Cardinal Newman Society (CNS).
“We observe today a timidity in the face of the category of the good and an aimless pursuit of novelty parading as the realization of freedom,” Pope Benedict told Catholic educators gathered at The Catholic University of America in April 2008.

“…[P]articularly disturbing is the reduction of the precious and delicate area of education in sexuality to management of 'risk', bereft of any reference to the beauty of conjugal love,”

Adamczyk’s findings echo a CNS-sponsored study published in November 2008 and titled “Behaviors and Beliefs of Current and Recent Students at U.S. Catholic Colleges.” The CNS study found that most Catholic colleges have little positive impact on the faith and values of students. In particular, CNS reported that nearly 1in 5 students at Catholic colleges knew another student who had or paid for an abortion

The rest of the article can be read at the Cardinal Newman Society website.

Wyoming Catholic College

I had the recenty opportunity to meet with Fr. Bob Cook the President of Wyoming Catholic College and what a sharp contrast in educational philosophy compared to Fr. Jenkins at Notre Dame. I wish a school like WCC was around back when I was in college, they should definitely be on your short list if you or someone you know is looking for a solid Catholic college/university.

In fact according to a guide put out by the Cardinal Newman Society, WCC is among the most Catholic and most affordable schools. They are going into their 3rd year in the Fall of 2009 and will be approaching 90 students total. The goal is eventually around 400. Current class size is limited to approx. 30 so it is pretty competitive.

This picture was part of the opening ceremonies for the second annual Ludi Mariales (Marian Games), on Saturday, May 2nd. The official start of the day was Holy Mass and the Crowning of Our Lady.

To learn more visit their website.

Wyoming Catholic College

I had the recenty opportunity to meet with Fr. Bob Cook the President of Wyoming Catholic College and what a sharp contrast in educational philosophy compared to Fr. Jenkins at Notre Dame. I wish a school like WCC was around back when I was in college, they should definitely be on your short list if you or someone you know is looking for a solid Catholic college/university.

In fact according to a guide put out by the Cardinal Newman Society, WCC is among the most Catholic and most affordable schools. They are going into their 3rd year in the Fall of 2009 and will be approaching 90 students total. The goal is eventually around 400. Current class size is limited to approx. 30 so it is pretty competitive.

This picture was part of the opening ceremonies for the second annual Ludi Mariales (Marian Games), on Saturday, May 2nd. The official start of the day was Holy Mass and the Crowning of Our Lady.

To learn more visit their website.

Month of June Dedicated to Sacred Heart

The month of June is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. In recognition of this it would be appropriate to promote the Spiritual Work of Mercy - Comforting the Afflicted.In the promises to St. Margaret Mary, Jesus promised those who were devoted to his Sacred Heart that "I will comfort them in their afflictions."Some ways that we can honor the Sacred Heart are:1. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass2. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament3. Act of Consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus4. Act of Reparation5. The Litany of the Sacred Heart of Jesus6. The Sacrament of Reconciliation

Month of June Dedicated to Sacred Heart

The month of June is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. In recognition of this it would be appropriate to promote the Spiritual Work of Mercy - Comforting the Afflicted.In the promises to St. Margaret Mary, Jesus promised those who were devoted to his Sacred Heart that "I will comfort them in their afflictions."Some ways that we can honor the Sacred Heart are:1. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass2. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament3. Act of Consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus4. Act of Reparation5. The Litany of the Sacred Heart of Jesus6. The Sacrament of Reconciliation