Tuesday Tech Talk: Mobile EWTN Streaming

EWTN audio and video programming are now available for live streaming on iPhone and other mobile devices.

EWTN on iPhone Instructions

FAQ of Faith: Indulgences

I have been working on my last final for my Catholic Theological Tradition course. One of the topics I am writing on is Martin Luther. As I was writing, I remembered that I had started a post on indulgences over a year ago. So here's an updated version of the post.

According to the Catholic Encyclopedia, "an indulgence is the extra-sacramental remission of the temporal punishment due, in God's justice, to sin that has been forgiven, which remission is granted by the Church in the exercise of the power of the keys, through the application of the superabundant merits of Christ and of the saints, and for some just and reasonable motive."

Rather than attempt to paraphrase more qualified minds on the subject, I will simply list the links below. The first is a very good summary by the USCCB that can be used for a handout at a formation session.

Resources:
Handout from Meeting

Primer on Indulgences

Myths about Indulgences

Recommended Book:

Handbook of Indulgences

Saint Talk - St. John Bosco

St. John Bosco, also known as Don Bosco, was born August 16, 1815. Shortly thereafter his mother dedicated him to Our Lady. His father died when he was 2 years old and John began working to help the family at a very young age. As a young man he was very athletic. He performed a one-boy circus act for the boys in his village. When he concluded his feats of magic and agility, he would recount the homily he had heard at that day's mass. Eventually, he entered studies to become a priest. He spent the bulk of his priestly life serving troubled youth. He possessed extraordinary trust in God providing for his ministry. He established a home, with vocational training, for boys. Eventually he would also form an order known as the Salesians.

St. John Bosco is known as the patron for students and young people. He was also known for his prophetic dreams and his gift for reading souls during confession.

Resources for additional reading:

EWTN

Saints SQPN

Catholic Online

Books to read:

St. John Bosco, F. A. Forbes

Forty Dreams of St. John Bosco

Catholic Toolbox: The Epiphany

The Epiphany is more than just a feast to recollect the story of the magi - Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar. It in fact, represents the manifestation of Messiah to all the nations. The Church actually acknowledges three "epiphanies" in the Gospel: the Adoration by the Magi, Christ's baptism in the Jordan and the miracle at the Wedding feast at Cana. The gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh represent Christ as King, God and Redeemer respectively.

Here are some resources for additional study:

The Catechism of the Catholic Church #528

EWTN

Catholic Answers

Catholic Encyclopedia

FAQ of Faith - Sacramentals

First, sacramental objects (Rosaries, medals, scapulars, etc.) only obtain their special nature through the Blessing of a priest (and sometimes deacon). In and of themselves, the sacramental objects possess no power. The significance of these items is drawn from the blessing, prayer and how they are utilized to draw the person closer to God. Sacrementals should be used as daily reminders to live a life of virtue - answering the call to universal holiness, even in our own ordinary lives.

To wear rosary beads as talismans or carry medals as "good luck" charms diminishes the objects to superstitious rubbish. The sacramentals should draw us deeper into prayer and a life more reflective of Christ and His saints.

OTHER RESOURCES:

The Catechism of the Catholic Church # 1667

EWTN

Catholic Encyclopedia

The How To Book of Sacramentals

Saint Talk - St. Nicholas

St. Nicholas was the Bishop of Myra and is known as the patron of children.  He was known for his special kindness toward the poor and needy.  Learn the true story of the man who is known by many as Santa Claus.

Saints SQPN

EWTN

Catholic Answer to Healthcare Bill

Go to the below links to read what Bishop Vann and the rest of the US bishops have to say about the current healthcare reform bill.

Bishop Kevin Vann's Statement

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops