In a powerful and dramatic sermon, one of the best loved Catholic preachers in the world speaks to Catholics and other Christians, as well as all people of good will, regarding the moral obligation to form and vote your conscience. In a free country there is a moral imperative to vote in a way that will reflect right reason, authentic justice, and good morals. How we vote makes us accomplices and collaborators in the policies and administration of the politicians we freely elect. You can sin, quite possibly seriously, by voting for those who promote such intrinsically evil things as abortion, human cloning, and same-sex marriage. This message is a must for all persons of good will desiring to do what is right. http://www.fathercorapi.com/Wake-Up-America---0704DVD-P166C0.aspx
Posted 2008-10-24 6:35 AM (#2341 - in reply to #2235) By: Philomena
NEW! ELEVENTH HOUR ELECTION ALERT
Father Corapi released today a new half hour video that all Catholics (and Americans) should see. It expounds upon what Bishop Rene H. Gracida just said boldly in a recent radio spot. (He is the Bishop that ordained Fr. Corapi a Deacon).
"This is Bishop Rene H. Gracida, reminding all Catholics that they must vote in this election with an informed conscience. A Catholic cannot be said to have voted in this election with a good conscience if they have voted for a pro-abortion candidate. Barack Hussein Obama is a pro-abortion candidate."
Posted 2008-10-29 5:30 AM (#2473 - in reply to #2204) By: Philomena
the last few videos the direct youtube links were not listed.
I can not play them directly through aipNews.com,
Can someone please post the direct links in youtube or where
they reside
thanks
Posted 2008-10-29 6:34 AM (#2474 - in reply to #2473) By: forJustice
Posted 2008-10-29 6:44 AM (#2477 - in reply to #2474) By: Philomena
Just another Catholic clergyman (I'm a Catholic--in good standing) telling everyone to vote for John McCain. I won't even send it out to anyone. He misses the entire point.
OK--I sent Father Corapi an e-mail in which I seriously asked him to have a heart to heart talk with Dr. Keyes. I gave him both Tom Hoefling's and Carla Michele's contact info.
Father Corapi will never see my message.
You can reach him via two e-mail addresses through "Contact Us" on his website, if you want to engage in a useless excercise.
Posted 2008-10-29 8:50 PM (#2509 - in reply to #2477) By: lifepath
I don't interpret this at all that Fr. Corapi is endorsing McCain or any other candidate, other than to point out the worst one.
In Part 1, Fr. Corapi spends a great deal of time explaining strongly that life begins at conception.
In Part 2: From the moment of creation, human dignity adheres to that individual human being. A vote for a pro-choice candidate, a pro-abortion candidate, is a vote for evil. You'll be committing a grave sin, a mortal sin, if you knowingly and willingly put forth an agenda, a political party, a candidate that perpetuates the gross horror called abortion.
In Part 3: You vote for the candidate who is not pro-abortion. You must vote for the candidate that is strong [emphasis his] in the defense of innocent human life.
He is pointing out that there is no excuse to vote for anyone other than a pro-life candidate. Our job is to point out exactly who that is.
Edited by Philomena 2008-10-30 6:43 AM
Posted 2008-10-30 6:25 AM (#2515 - in reply to #2509) By: Philomena
Every four years we enjoy a very great privilege, one that carries with it an equally great responsibility: that of voting for the officials who will govern the country and affect the lives of tens of millions of people, for better or for worse. Good government and just laws are not optional if the human family is to survive, much less prosper.
The tired argument that is so often heard these days about the separation of Church and State is a patently specious one, to say the least. The First Amendment of the Bill of Rights of the U.S. Constitution states:
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances. The current erroneous interpretation of the separation of church and state is nothing less than an attack on the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States of America itself.
Every citizen has a right to express their views and to vote in accordance with those views. The legitimate separation of church and state concerns the constitutional prohibition of one state sponsored religion, as well as the Founding Fathers’ intent to keep the government out of the affairs of the various religions. The version of separation of church and state that is presently being foisted on an unsuspecting public is tantamount to a suppression of the fundamental constitutional rights of a class of citizens. Since when is Christian thought not permitted to influence a country that was founded on Christian principles? We share in the good and the evil of those we place in office. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that, although “sin is a personal act, we have a responsibility for the sins committed by others when we cooperate in them” (CCC #1868). We can be accomplices in the sins of others:
By participating directly and voluntarily in them; By ordering, advising, praising, or approving them; By not disclosing or not hindering them when we have an obligation to do so; (emphasis author’s) By protecting evil-doers” (CCC #1868). The Catechism is thus consistent with traditional Catholic teaching which held that there are nine ways we can be an accessory to another’s sin: 1. By counsel. i.e., “I think you should have an abortion; go ahead and have the abortion. It will help preserve your lifestyle.” 2. By command. i.e., Telling your child, your friend, or your co-worker, “Have an abortion, you may lose your job if you don’t.” 3. By consent. i.e., “If you and your partner feel it’s the best thing, go ahead and have a sexual relationship, get married. even if you’re both of the same sex, etc. It’s nobody’s business.” 4. By provocation. i.e., “Have the abortion! Aren’t you in charge of your own life? The Pope is old and sick and who cares what he says anyhow.” 5. By praise or flattery. i.e., “Oh, Senator, you are so courageous and kind in defending a woman’s ‘right’ to an abortion.” 6. By concealment. i.e., The pastor allows the senator, judge, president, etc. who has voted for, or otherwise promoted, abortion, euthanasia, human cloning, same-sex marriage, etc. to appear to be in good standing, when, in fact, they have caused grave public scandal by their actions. When the sin is public, the redress must be public. Although, I don’t disagree with the courageous bishops who would deny such persons Communion, I do believe that the “confrontation” should take place, without question, long before they arrive at the altar rail. 7. By participation. i.e., “I’ll drive you to the clinic. You need that abortion to be able to continue your lifestyle.” 8. By silence. i.e., You refuse to speak out against what is a clear violation of human rights, an incredible persecution and prejudice against a class of human beings (the unborn). You hide behind the Supreme Court’s unjust and inherently illicit decision on abortion, saying it’s the law of the land, when in fact it is the subversion and perversion of authentic law. The Nazi SS officers tried for war crimes used a similar defense, saying they were only following orders. They hung them, guilty as charged! 9. By defense of the evil. i.e., “It prevents child abuse by eliminating unwanted children; Women are more in charge of their lives, more liberated; it’s so much more sophisticated and educated a thing to do., “etc. etc. This year, more than ever, Catholics, and the entire human family, face a daunting challenge. We have to elect a president and other high ranking officials, and the choice could be a matter of life or death for the nation. For Catholics, it is a matter of a moral mandate: form your conscience so that you can vote your wellformed conscience. It is not morally permissible to merely vote for whomever you like based on superficial or even personal preferences. The candidates have to be evaluated in the sober and pure light of truth. Your conscience must be formed to the objective norm of that truth, which is Church teaching in faith and morals. Since a physician needs to be concerned with what’s sick, let’s get right to the point. It is not morally possible for any Catholic to support abortion, euthanasia, fetal stem cell research, human cloning, or same-sex marriage. There are no ways around this, no justifications whatever.
Posted 2008-10-30 7:10 AM (#2516 - in reply to #2515) By: Philomena
Catholic Church Doctrine on Human Life
From the Catechism of the Catholic Church
2268 The fifth commandment forbids direct and intentional killing as gravely sinful. The murderer and those who cooperate voluntarily in murder commit a sin that cries out to heaven for vengeance.
Infanticide, fratricide, parricide, and the murder of a spouse are especially grave crimes by reason of the natural bonds which they break. Concern for eugenics or public health cannot justify any murder, even if commanded by public authority.
2270 Human life must be respected and protected absolutely from the moment of conception. From the first moment of his existence, a human being must be recognized as having the rights of a person - among which is the inviolable right of every innocent being to life.
Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you.
My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately wrought in the depths of the earth.
2271 Since the first century the Church has affirmed the moral evil of every procured abortion. This teaching has not changed and remains unchangeable. Direct abortion, that is to say, abortion willed either as an end or a means, is gravely contrary to the moral law:
You shall not kill the embryo by abortion and shall not cause the newborn to perish.
God, the Lord of life, has entrusted to men the noble mission of safeguarding life, and men must carry it out in a manner worthy of themselves. Life must be protected with the utmost care from the moment of conception: abortion and infanticide are abominable crimes.
2272 Formal cooperation in an abortion constitutes a grave offense. The Church attaches the canonical penalty of excommunication to this crime against human life. "A person who procures a completed abortion incurs excommunication latae sententiae," "by the very commission of the offense," and subject to the conditions provided by Canon Law. The Church does not thereby intend to restrict the scope of mercy. Rather, she makes clear the gravity of the crime committed, the irreparable harm done to the innocent who is put to death, as well as to the parents and the whole of society.
2273 The inalienable right to life of every innocent human individual is a constitutive element of a civil society and its legislation:
"The inalienable rights of the person must be recognized and respected by civil society and the political authority. These human rights depend neither on single individuals nor on parents; nor do they represent a concession made by society and the state; they belong to human nature and are inherent in the person by virtue of the creative act from which the person took his origin. Among such fundamental rights one should mention in this regard every human being's right to life and physical integrity from the moment of conception until death."
"The moment a positive law deprives a category of human beings of the protection which civil legislation ought to accord them, the state is denying the equality of all before the law. When the state does not place its power at the service of the rights of each citizen, and in particular of the more vulnerable, the very foundations of a state based on law are undermined. . . . As a consequence of the respect and protection which must be ensured for the unborn child from the moment of conception, the law must provide appropriate penal sanctions for every deliberate violation of the child's rights."
2274 Since it must be treated from conception as a person, the embryo must be defended in its integrity, cared for, and healed, as far as possible, like any other human being.
Prenatal diagnosis is morally licit, "if it respects the life and integrity of the embryo and the human fetus and is directed toward its safe guarding or healing as an individual. . . . It is gravely opposed to the moral law when this is done with the thought of possibly inducing an abortion, depending upon the results: a diagnosis must not be the equivalent of a death sentence."
2275 "One must hold as licit procedures carried out on the human embryo which respect the life and integrity of the embryo and do not involve disproportionate risks for it, but are directed toward its healing the improvement of its condition of health, or its individual survival."
"It is immoral to produce human embryos intended for exploitation as disposable biological material."
"Certain attempts to influence chromosomic or genetic inheritance are not therapeutic but are aimed at producing human beings selected according to sex or other predetermined qualities. Such manipulations are contrary to the personal dignity of the human being and his integrity and identity" which are unique and unrepeatable.
2277 Whatever its motives and means, direct euthanasia consists in putting an end to the lives of handicapped, sick, or dying persons. It is morally unacceptable.
Thus an act or omission which, of itself or by intention, causes death in order to eliminate suffering constitutes a murder gravely contrary to the dignity of the human person and to the respect due to the living God, his Creator. The error of judgment into which one can fall in good faith does not change the nature of this murderous act, which must always be forbidden and excluded.
2280 Everyone is responsible for his life before God who has given it to him. It is God who remains the sovereign Master of life. We are obliged to accept life gratefully and preserve it for his honor and the salvation of our souls. We are stewards, not owners, of the life God has entrusted to us. It is not ours to dispose of.
2281 Suicide contradicts the natural inclination of the human being to preserve and perpetuate his life. It is gravely contrary to the just love of self. It likewise offends love of neighbor because it unjustly breaks the ties of solidarity with family, nation, and other human societies to which we continue to have obligations. Suicide is contrary to love for the living God. 2282 If suicide is committed with the intention of setting an example, especially to the young, it also takes on the gravity of scandal. Voluntary co-operation in suicide is contrary to the moral law.
Grave psychological disturbances, anguish, or grave fear of hardship, suffering, or torture can diminish the responsibility of the one committing suicide.
2319 Every human life, from the moment of conception until death, is sacred because the human person has been willed for its own sake in the image and likeness of the living and holy God.
2322 From its conception, the child has the right to life. Direct abortion, that is, abortion willed as an end or as a means, is a "criminal" practice (GS 27 § 3), gravely contrary to the moral law. The Church imposes the canonical penalty of excommunication for this crime against human life.
2323 Because it should be treated as a person from conception, the embryo must be defended in its integrity, cared for, and healed like every other human being.
2324 Intentional euthanasia, whatever its forms or motives, is murder. It is gravely contrary to the dignity of the human person and to the respect due to the living God, his Creator.
2325 Suicide is seriously contrary to justice, hope, and charity. It is forbidden by the fifth commandment.
2377 Techniques involving only the married couple (homologous artificial insemination and fertilization) are perhaps less reprehensible, yet remain morally unacceptable. They dissociate the sexual act from the procreative act. The act which brings the child into existence is no longer an act by which two persons give themselves to one another, but one that "entrusts the life and identity of the embryo into the power of doctors and biologists and establishes the domination of technology over the origin and destiny of the human person. Such a relationship of domination is in itself contrary to the dignity and equality that must be common to parents and children." "Under the moral aspect procreation is deprived of its proper perfection when it is not willed as the fruit of the conjugal act, that is to say, of the specific act of the spouses' union . . . . Only respect for the link between the meanings of the conjugal act and respect for the unity of the human being make possible procreation in conformity with the dignity of the person."
The American people have now made it abundantly clear who they want to lead them, and the policies and practices that this president-elect has represented for some time, they can now claim as their own. Actions have consequences, and I am sure God has duly noted what our priorities are in the US of A. Economic matters would seem to take precedence over moral matters; money more important than life itself to most people (I guess they don’t consider almost 50,000,000 innocent children murdered by abortion part of life).
Now we shall see what the fruit of such a tree will be. I predict that we won’t have to wait long. In recent months we have seen “corrections” in the stock market, housing market, and banking industries. Now we’ll see if God orchestrates a “correction” in a country and a world that has demonstrated quite clearly that it prefers convenience and wealth to life itself.
Regardless of whatever happens next, remember there is still a God in Heaven and He loves you. He is infinitely merciful—and He is infinitely just as well.
The blessed and joyous time of Christmas is here again. So, I’ll just take the opportunity to thank all of our viewing and listening family for allowing us into your homes. I don’t take that for granted. I am honestly grateful to you for allowing us to serve you in that way.
As I look out the windows of my home in Montana it sure is “beginning to look a lot like Christmas.” We have about a foot of snow and it’s been below zero for about ten days. Two of my dogs are under my desk with their heads resting on my feet--looking like those big fuzzy slippers that little kids sometimes wear.
Christmas is, of course, the best time to recall that Jesus, the Son of God, in fact was born in a poor stable or cave on a cold night—“for us men, and for our salvation.” Amidst the escalating uncertainty and chaos of the modern world we must sit still for a moment and remember what really matters.
In recent years major corporations have been vaporized in the twinkling of an eye. It’s a sign of the times, but recall that what really matters is that it was the twinkling of a star that led shepherds and wise men to the One who is the Light of the world.
In recent years the biggest accounting firm in the world ceased to be over night. They don’t account for anything today, but it honestly doesn’t matter. What really matters is that on a cold night two millennia ago the God who loves us was born in Bethlehem and laid in a manger by the Mother who loves Him.
In recent years the unthinkable has happened--major banks and financial institutions have ceased to be. That doesn’t matter either because the truly unthinkable happened on the first Christmas Eve long ago when the God who always was and will never cease to be came to show us the depth and breadth of His love.
In recent years I have been accused of being a “prophet of doom, and a pessimist.” I can understand this criticism, but it really isn’t true. I am a realist, and as a priest and Catholic/Christian of necessity must share in the prophetic dimension of Christ. The United States, and the entire world for the most part, is in many ways precipitating its own demise. That matters, and we must do all we can to “fight the good fight,” but what truly matters is the state of your soul and mine because in the end that will determine how we live forever, and compared to that nothing else really matters.
Things may go from bad to worse. It may well go from uncomfortable to dangerous to live your Catholic/Christian faith in a world unraveling rapidly due to one bad moral choice after the other. Remember that it will not be the first time if Christians are persecuted, even imprisoned and executed. “The blood of martyrs is the seed of Christians.” The Western world is too fat and lazy, in the secular order and even in the religious. Perhaps a jolly good persecution may be what it takes for people to decide to live their faith, rather than go along with what they know to be a sick society.
In any event, don’t let it get you down. Whatever happens, stay close to Jesus and Mary. Remember that our God is not against you. He is for you, and He will be with you through all of the ups and downs of life. He will be with you in sickness and in health; in good times and in bad; and when death comes knocking at your door He will be there to comfort you and lead you safely home. Having fought the good fight and run the race to the finish line, you will surely hear those beautiful words:
“WELL DONE MY GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT! NOW AT LAST ENTER INTO THE JOY OF YOUR MASTER’S HOUSE.”
A most blessed and merry Christmas and a holy, happy, and healthy New Year to each and all of you!
Fr. John Corapi
Posted 2008-12-29 6:39 AM (#4994 - in reply to #2867) By: Philomena
Death Wish video. One year ago - just before the 4th of July.
America was warned.
Posted 2009-06-17 10:23 AM (#16427 - in reply to #4994) By: Philomena
With all the advances in mans technology, his skills of enterprise, his oracles of wisdom church and state, in all men’s strife, all debate.
Reasons end found no escape
Not a single dent, not a visible sign or scratch be sent, was made in this election to mans content.
Not a single element of illumination, was added to the conscience of LIFE our declaration.
What covenant begins or ends, that Gods quick spirit he sends.
All but silenced bought the lie, what witness will we call to our demise?
That it was the church; it was this group or that who first offends, that cried the “Death Wish” to descend.
All worshiped and bowed to fear the state, what “will” caused reason to separate
All bailed and stimulus to arms the state, what “will” caused conscience to separate
All persons owe a debt to state, what “will” was taxed for bodies sake
Let heaven remind there is a state, oh God we cry don't hesitate.
All cried out ‘the commonwealth be saved’, without one proclamation the founding creed 'the one' he gave.
None labor to Gods 'good conscience', instead ill forgotten for states infallible omniscience
Alan Keyes his whole heart he gave, to keep U.S. from a sorrowful grave.
Listen carefully now, to the bellows that “curtain” as it bows. Woven from passions certain “trust”, the constitution the covenant and the pledge we must.
Should all escape its tremble falls, upon our posterity till kingdom calls.
Oh turn your eyes from that holy veil, in God we trust these broken sails.
When in the fullness of time, on Pontius Pilatus front Porch tearful reminds.
With what prayer does man exists; that without truth there is only lies, that without life there is only death and without light there is only darkness and without Gods love nothing persists.
In God we must, for all his children therein lays his grace mercy entrust.
The Curtain of life is torn, for We the people unborn.
Protect LIFE… for there the blessings of Liberty are born, unless you wish the Holy of Holies veil be torn.
* * * *
For her lacking and lust, america will drink from her own cup.
* * *
America remand our deaden will, err forgotten on glories hill.
