Benedict XVI made praying for missionaries
a particular focus for the month of May. By way of Katolik
Shinja (one of my favorite blogs), I
found this novena to the Holy Spirit, which is traditionally started
on the
Feast of the Ascension (today), and leads up to Pentecost.
I plan on saying this novena
with a particular intention for all missionaries and for a greater
infusion of missionary
spirit within the Church. Anyone care to join me?
In a comment on another blog, Mike Russell of Eternal Perspectives said something that I found very interesting.
"I notice that Catholic Blogs are now included on the Blogdom of God aggregator; it's why I'm using it less and less. Not that I don't think they have thoughtful or good posts: I'm just looking for evangelical stuff when I go there. If I want Catholic, I'll go to a Catholic aggregator."
I think that since the Blogdom of God was founded as "loose affiliation of self-declared 'God bloggers'", it should accept all Christians, regardless of denomination. I have noticed, though, that the bulk of participating blogs in BoG are run by Evangelicals. Thus, I have a question for members of BoG and God-bloggers at large.
Should the Blogdom of God be restricted to Evangelical blogs? Protestant blogs? Christian blogs? Monotheistic blogs? What limitations, if any, should be placed on membership? Why or why not? Should the name of the aggregator reflect proposed membership requirements?
As stated in an earlier post, I owe some people an apology. Before I make good on my promise, I must apologize for taking so long. I probably could have whipped up something quick, but I thought it better to put time and consideration into my words. It would have been a shame if in my haste I inadvertently offended again.
I think the easiest way for me to do this is to step through comments that I worded poorly and say what I should have said.
Inside the Vatican magazine has an excellent interview with Russian Orthodox Bishop Hilarion of Austria. He proposes a joint European council between the Catholic and Orthodox Churches on addressing societal issues. He proposes
"This alliance may enable European Catholics and Orthodox to fight together against secularism, liberalism and relativism prevailing in modern Europe, may help them to speak with one voice in addressing secular society, may provide for them an ample space where they will discuss modern issues and come to common positions."
I think that in many ways this should precede any further theological talks. I think that in many ways such talks just inflame things, whereas this would help us see each other as equals and brothers in arms. Then perhaps we can talk about issues without defensiveness. The Churches need to know how to "play together nicely", not just from on high in the hierarchy, but at the level of individual Christians within society.
Perhaps this may be extended to America?
(Tip of the hat to Pontifications for this article)
“Being a Catholic means that you agree to the concept of papal succession. It also entails that you believe the Holy Spirit had a hand in the selection. My question for you is this: Did the Holy Spirit make the wrong choice in picking Ratzinger?”
” OK, I just got finished watching a report on TV about a newspaper columnist in Los Angeles taking a cheap shot at the Catholic Church in an editorial that really had nothing to do with religion. Many on the left are, frankly, Romo-phobic. That’s the only explanation. Anti-Catholicism /Catholic-bashing is perhaps the one form of bigotry still openly permitted in the American public square.”