“Christian holiness does not mean being sinless, but rather it means struggling not to give in and always getting up after every fall. Holiness does not stem so much from the effort of man’s will, as from the effort to never restrict the action of grace in one’s own soul, and to be, moreover, grace’s humble ‘partner.'”Pope John Paul II
Hong Kong Conflict – Democracy vs. China
As many of you have noticed, Hong Kong is all over the news lately. Although, in passing, I had a general idea of what was going on, I asked my current events and history savvy son to give me a concise explanation. I’m sharing it with you. We can’t go to Hong Kong and help but we can pray for another scene of turmoil in a country overseas.
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When Hong Kong was handed over to China in 1997, part of the agreement was that in 15 years (2017) Beijing would allow Hong Kong to have free elections with no interference and that the government of Hong Kong would be fully independent except for military affairs and foreign policy. However, Beijing has not kept to this promise of “1 Country, 2 Systems” at all. They have eroded all the systems of law and anti-corruption measures enacted by the British and people of Hong Kong as well as gutting Hong Kong’s financial status in favor of Shanghai. Hong Kong has gone into a steep decline since 1997- and this is almost entirely due to Beijing’s interference, completely in violation of their agreement signed with the British in 1997. Of course, the British has no ability or will to enforce this agreement and the Hong Kongers are equally helpless.
This current situation is because Beijing has completely reneged on the promise of free elections in 2017- saying that all citizens of Hong Kong can vote but only for candidates vetted by Beijing. This is of course nothing less than a sham election and so the populace of Hong Kong has exploded in rage and frustration.
Right now, they are paralyzing the city in hopes of forcing Beijing to make concessions. Meanwhile, the rumor is that Beijing has told the city authorities that if the situation is not under control soon, they will order the People’s Liberation Army to move into the city and restore order.
Conquering Cat!
Super Simple Soup
Sometimes, I want some soup to go along with a meal but need something fast and simple. I like this recipe because you can go as written or dress it up with croutons, some steamed diced vegetables, rice, diced chicken . . . Well, it leaves room for the cook’s imagination!
Cream of Chicken Soup
1/2 cup finely diced celery
3 cup chicken broth (Homemade is great but a good canned variety works well, too)
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons softened butter
Salt and pepper to taste
Dash of Poultry seasoning
1/2 cup cream
Simmer the celery in the chicken broth until tender. Run it through either a blender or use an immersion blender to puree and smooth it out. Mix together the butter and flour in another dish. Add a bit of the hot soup and stir to blend. Add this mixture back to the pot of soup and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until hot but not boiling. Add the cream and seasonings and bring back to a simmer and serve. Serves 4-6 depending on size of bowls or cups you are using.
Definition of Conscience
Definition of Conscience
The awareness of a moral or ethical aspect to one’s conduct together with the urge to prefer right over wrong: Let your conscience be your guide.This definition is in line with my idea of a conscience. It is our free will at work to be a part of society without inflicting our beliefs on said society. It is the blessing of acting and believing within the realm of morality in how we interact and give example. Our conscience is what makes us a person which is why formation of a conscience is an important aspect of growing up.
We are also blessed to live in a country where we can live by the precepts of our conscience as long as we act and live responsibly. Yes, there are variations in our beliefs because we all have different conscience makeups but the one challenge we face is allowing each to make their own decisions based on the formation of their conscience.
Knowing and believing this, I was shocked to have the former Speaker of the House demean the Catholic conscience because the majority of us go by the Commandment Thou Shalt Not Kill and we believe/know that abortion does stop a beating heart.
The former Speaker of the House wants everyone’s tax dollars to fund abortion regardless of their conscience. According to her, “They (meaning practicing Catholics) would let women die on the floor.” The former Speaker of the House should check back on records as she would probably discover there have been more abortion related deaths since the legalization of abortion. Besides, if something goes against out Faith and our conscience, as a Democratic society, shouldn’t we have a choice as to where our tax dollars are spent?
“I’m a devout Catholic and I honor my faith and love it . . . but they have this conscience thing [about abortion],” added Pelosi. The Catholic Church’s stand on abortion is very different from the former Speaker of the House’s agenda on abortion. She has either never really studied her Faith or chooses a cafeteria-style way of honoring her faith. Can’t blame her 100% as she is still given Communion at her parish. No, the archbishop cannot judge the state of her soul but he can judge her outward actions. I can only believe he never reads the news or is a coward when it comes to his own stand on the Church.
Consecrating Our Last Two Hours to Our Blessed Mother – a Favorite Prayer
CONSECRATING THE LAST 2 HOURS OF YOUR LIFE to the Most Holy Virgin
by the late Rev. Fr. Ildefonso M. Izaguirre, O. P.
FSSP News! Attention Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside and Environs!
As many of you might already be aware, Archbishop Gomez of the Diocese of Los Angeles has given permission for the FSSP to open a parish in that area. Father James Fryar FSSP has been assigned the task of setting up a parish, finding a church, etc. I just heard that Father Fryar has found a suitable church. The Diocese of Los Angeles will give him a loan after he comes up with an initial two million dollars. If you want to be a part of this, find out where to donate, etc. you can contact Tish Gallagher at tish5@surewest.net 
Please pass on this information to any other people seriously interested in the growth of the Traditional Latin Mass in California.
Please pass on this information to any other people seriously interested in the growth of the Traditional Latin Mass in California.Liberalism . . .
Liberalism in religion is the doctrine that there is no positive truth in religion, but that one creed is a good as another, and this is the teaching which is gaining substance and force daily. It is inconsistent with any recognition of any religion, as true. It teaches that all are to be tolerated, for all are matters of opinion.
Cardinal Newman: Billietto Speech on being raised to the Cardinalate. (19th century)
Cranberry Muffins
This is my favorite time of year because fresh cranberries are available. What I like about them is you can freeze them and they work just fine straight from the freezer for most any dish. I watch for the sales so I can stretch this treat to the next season they are available. Some people like blueberry muffins. Me, I like the tart tang of cranberries in mine. I think my family is in agreement as I hardly get to eat one before the rest disappear!
Cranberry Muffins
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 large egg
3/4 cup milk
1/3 cup melted butter
1 cup fresh cranberries
1 tablespoon freshly grated orange zest
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. You can either grease the muffin tins or line them with cupcake papers.
Combine all the ingredients except for the cranberries, orange zest, and vanilla. When just moistened and mixed, fold in the remaining items and divide into the 12-place muffin tin. Bake for approximately 15-20 minutes. Cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before removing to a rack to finish cooling. Serve warm, cold, or even the next day . . . if they last that long.
Ideas . . .
No cranberries on hand, you can peel and dice up fresh apple instead.
Fresh blueberries will nicely substitute.
Adding 1/4 cup chopped nuts is good.
Crazy Quilts, Catholics & Cookies 