Finding Courage

Bob's story is a familiar story about a God-fearing man who strives sincerely to be a good Christian but finds himself battling with homosexuality.  He keeps the struggle to himself but comes to a point where he realizes he needs help. 


Brothers/Fathers of Courage,

Peace to all of you.

I am 'Bob' (not his real name) of Sorsogon City here in Bicol. I am writing you an e-mail because I am also one of those men who is also bearing the cross of same-sex attraction on me. I am 23 years old and have been struggling for years to overcome the urgencies, weakness, guilt and sin of being a homosexual.

Being like this had been an emotional ride. For, admittedly, I found please in giving in to my weakness and temptations. And after some time, I would hate myself for having done these self-abusing acts. To add to my self-inflicted misery but a light of hope to my life, I am also part of a community. I am quite sure you are familiar with YFC (Youth for Christ) and now SFC (Singles for Christ). Even when I am an active member and even a leader of this group, I still lurk on homosexual practices. I thought doing Christ's works and serving others would "pay-off" these deeds. I have been leaving a "double life". And I have been wrong.

Despite of all of this, Christ manifested His power in me. That in my weakness, there is strength. Through these communities that I have joined, I have known my God better. I have learned to worship Him in times of my trials. Last year, through SFC Knights, (a recollection which defines manhood not of worldly meanings but of God's) and after deep thought and Christ's affirmations in my prayers, I have let go of my same-sex partner for over 4 years. It was painful of course, but it was more of a door towards freedom opened for me by God. I opt to be loved by the One who truly loves me.

Now, I want to remain in His love.

However, the battle is still continuing.  I may have let my partner go yet I am still into pornography.  I still feel attractions to the same sex; however, I don't want to engage in anything. That's probably why I felt porn as the closest thing to the 'deed'. Yes, I know this is wrong and this will not in anyway heal me. I am seeking a support group for I know I could not win this battle alone. I will need prayers, guidance and maybe counseling.

I was happy to learn that Courage org has also its satellite here in the Philippines. I would like to be a part of this group, if you may. I would like to know how for I have been seeking a group that specifically attends to the needs of brothers like me. The only concern is that, I am currently here in Bicol.

Please guide me through any process and pray for me as well. Thank you and God bless.

-oOo-

Bob has found courage in himself to admit that he has a problem and that he needs help. It also takes a lot of courage to let go of a relationship which he has done as well. This is the first step and a very important one. Bob has already contacted us and we are praying that through God's help a Courage chapter in Bicol will be established through the permission of their local bishop.

Fr. Robert Barron on Gay Marriage

Listen up! Fr. Barron comments on Gay Marriage and the Breakdown of Moral Argument. No bigotry, just pure common sense rational thinking.

Yes to You || Spoken Word - Fr. Pontifex

Check out this latest video from Fr. Claude Burns aka Fr. Pontifex, a rapping Roman Catholic priest slash American hip hop artist from the Diocese of Evansville, Indiana. Inspired by Blessed John Paul II’s call for a “New Evangelization,” he embraces the use of many different types of media to reach people with the message of Jesus Christ. In partnership with Spirit Juice Studios, here's the latest video presentation on homosexuality from his series Spoken Word.

The topic of homosexuality and the issues around same sex marriage are very charged in our culture right now. The goal of this video is to communicate what the Church teaches about this topic. However, as the title would suggest, the underlying sentiment throughout the whole presentation is that the Church is a refuge of love for all of humanity. Those that would say that the Church is "anti-gay" are either misinformed or deliberately distorting the truth to push their own agenda. 

For all those who watch this video please understand that the lasting message of "Yes To You" is to let you know that right where you are, with all of your questions, challenges and struggles that the Church indeed says yes to you. You are welcomed and you are loved. We are all in this together.

A Spirit Juice Studios Production

© 2012 Spirit Juice Films. All Rights Reserved

For more of Fr. Pontifex check out his official blog here. And for more of Spirit Juice Studio check out their official website here.

Weekly News (Fourth Week of March 2013)

1. Life Has Exchanged the Tomb for the Sky

Lectio Divina: Easter, Year C

The first day of the week is Sunday, the day in which we celebrate Christ's resurrection. He resurrects in the night, long before the sunshine illuminates this day of celebration. [Read More]

2. Easter's Message of Hope Helps Us Face Trials, Bishops Say

Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle said that turning to God is the most creative approach to problem solving ever imagined. [Read More]

3. Thousands Flood DC to Stand Up For Marriage

Washington D.C., Mar 27, 2013 / 06:04 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- Citing concerns for the well-being of children and respect for the democratic process, participants in the national March for Marriage in Washington, D.C., stressed the importance of marriage for society. [Read More]

4. Anderson Cooper Kisses 'Boy Scout' Madonna to Offend Traditional America [Read More]


5. In New Zealand and France, Support for Same-Sex Marriage Wanes as Legalization Looms

(CNSNews.com) – As the U.S. Supreme Court hears oral arguments in two same-sex marriage cases, the approaching passage of laws legalizing same-sex marriage in New Zealand and France appear to be prompting a public opinion shift against the change. [Read More]

6. Why Easter Sunday Matters to the Pro-Life Movement

Of all the holidays and events on our calendars, I believe none are more important than Easter Sunday. [Read More]

7. What Harm Would It Do To Legalize Gay "Marriage"?

At the outset, it is worth noting that this question is often framed in a rather misleading way: “What harm would a same-sex couple getting married do to your opposite-sex marriage?” The issue, however, is not how any one couple’s marriage would affect any other specific couple’s marriage—the issue is how changing the definition of marriage under the law would change the social institution of marriage. [Read More]

8. Must-See Video: A Marriage Expert's Masterful Handling of Piers Morgan


WASHINGTON, D.C., March 28, 2013 (Heritage Foundation) - How do you throw Piers Morgan off his game? Stick to the facts, remain civil and win the argument. Heritage’s Ryan Anderson did exactly that Tuesday night in a showdown with the liberal CNN host of “Piers Morgan Live” and guest Suze Orman. [Read More]

9. Callings and Crosses

Family Matters: Single Life

There are the normative ways to draw close to God. Then there are as many other ways as there are people. [Read More]

10. Delaying Marriage

One of the major social changes in recent times is the postponement of marriage. A recent report examined the implications of this development. [Read More]

Happy Easter!

St. Joseph, Patron of Departing Souls

Today, March 19, on the feast of St. Joseph, let us pray for the grace to be always at the service of Jesus and Mary like he did and also for the grace of a happy death.


God revealed to Joseph that because of his great concern for the dying throughout his life, assisting them and pleading for their salvation with prayers and tears, He was appointing him as their special mediator and patron, and furthermore, that He wished that he would continue to manifest his love for them until the end of time. From his place in Heaven, he would still be able to exercise this role as special intercessor for all those engaged in the struggle with death.

The saint gladly took this service upon himself and he was happy over being permitted to assist everyone in this grave and extreme necessity. He thanked God for having selected him, and from that hour dutifully assumed this responsibility of caring for the welfare of those who are in need at the time of death.

Saint Joseph enjoys in Heaven a glory which is indescribable and which surpasses that of any other saint. This glory cannot be comprehended by merely human understanding, and, hence, actually cannot be made known to the world. However, this glory is indeed recognized, understood, and appreciated by the blessed in Heaven throughout all eternity.

The saint continuously exercises his intermediary function before God on behalf of the dying. He also manifests a deep concern for the welfare of all souls redeemed by the Precious Blood of the Savior. He obtains graces for all, but he manifests a special solicitude for those who honor him. There is no grace that he asks of God, or of the most holy Virgin, which he is not able, subsequently, to obtain.

Saint Joseph supplicates for graces on behalf of all men, but particularly for the afflicted and oppressed, since he himself had to endure so much tribulation during his life on earth. The saint also appears to be especially deferential towards religious. I, therefore, urge all souls, in every state of life, to have a special devotion to this great saint. Marvelous effects will indeed be experienced by doing so.

(Source: Saint Joseph As Seen by Mystics and Historians pp. 362-363)

-oOo-

Prayer to Saint Joseph

Oh, St. Joseph,

whose protection is so great, so strong,

and so prompt before the throne of God,

I place in you all my interests and desires.

Oh, St. Joseph,

do assist me by your powerful intercession,

and obtain for me from your Divine Son

all spiritual blessings through Jesus Christ,

Our Lord. So that, having engaged here

before your heavenly power,

I may offer my thanksgiving and homage

to the most loving of Fathers.

Oh, St. Joseph,

I never weary contemplating you,

and the Child Jesus asleep in your arms;

I dare not approach while He reposes near

your heart. Press Him in my name and kiss

His fine head for me and ask Him to return

the Kiss when I draw my dying breath.

St. Joseph, Patron of departing souls -

Pray for us. Pray for me. Amen.

Weekly News (Third Week of March 2013)

1. Pope Gives First Impression of Simplicity, Sense of Humor

Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, director of the Vatican press office, today commented on the Pope's first public appearance Wednesday evening, when Francis greeted the crowd gathered in St. Peter's Square. [Read More]

2. Without Christ Crucified, Church a 'Pitiful' Organization, Pope Says

Vatican City, Mar 14, 2013 / 12:23 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- The day after he was elected, Pope Francis emphasized that every believer – including bishops, cardinals and Popes – must proclaim Jesus crucified to be true Christians. [Read More]

 3. Pope Francis Has 'High Hopes' for Filipinos

Manila, March 14, 2013 - The new pope of the Catholic Church is banking on the Filipinos in preserving and extending the ideals of Catholic faith in the world. [Read More]

4. Divorce Not The Answer to Failing Marriages, Lay People Told

MANILA, March 10, 2013 – With House Bill 1799 or the divorce bill looming in the horizon, a Catholic priest on Sunday urged the people to throw the measure on the back burner as it does not really solve the issue of failing marriages among couples. [Read More]

5. New York Times Greets New Pope With Abortion, Gay Marriage, and the 'Dirty War'

Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio of Buenos Aires is now Pope Francis, and Thursday's New York Times front-page "Man In the News" profile by Emily Schmall and Larry Rohter, "A Conservative With a Common Touch," opened respectfully. But after a dash of local color and historical context, the Times quickly mounted its old hobby horse: the Church's positions on liberal issues like abortion and gay marriage [Read More]

6.  Pope Francis: Defend the Unborn From Abortion Even if Persecuted

"Defend the unborn against abortion even if they persecute you, calumniate you, set traps for you, take you to court or kill you. No child should be deprived of the right to be born, the right to be fed, the right to go to school." [Read More]

7. New Pope Francis Called Homosexual 'Marriage' a 'Machination of the Father of Lies'

VATICAN CITY, March 13, 2013 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio, now Pope Francis, is known to LifeSiteNews readers as a valiant defender of life and family. In terms of homosexual ‘marriage’, Cardinal Bergoglio fought valiantly to have the law in Argentina continue to protect the traditional family. [Read More]

8. What Would the Greeks Have Thought of Gay 'Marriage'?

March 13, 2013 (Mercatornet.com) - It is ironic that the proponents of homosexuality so often point to ancient Greece as their paradigm because of its high state of culture and its partial acceptance of homosexuality or, more accurately, pederasty. [Read More]

9. A Pope From the Heartland of the Global Church

Washington - With the election of Argentinian Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio as the first Latin-American Vicar of Christ in the history of the Catholic Church, the College of Cardinals confirmed an inescapable truth: The pilgrim Church has traveled far beyond its base in the Eternal City. [Read More]

10. Champion of 'Feminine Genius' Celebrated on 90th Birthday

Alexandria, Va. — On her 90th birthday, noted philosopher and Catholic theologian Alice von Hildebrand has been lauded for both her teachings and example of “authentic womanhood.” [Read More]
 

Ang Pro-Life Party List

I don't normally endorse individuals or groups but this coming elections I wholeheartedly give my support to Ang Pro-Life Partylist for the sake of the unborn and to help fight the advancing culture of death in our nation.


FELLOW PROLIFERS,

Our nation has been ravaged by traditional politics and immoral RH law, which are some of the factors that prevent us from seeing economic and moral prosperity. 

 

Our country is faced with serious economic, political, social, and moral problems, and this is why it is time to heed the clamor of the people for a vote that will espouse Catholic and moral principles, first and foremost. 

 

For this reason, we ask for your support not only in voting, but actively participating in campaigning and promoting Ang Prolife Partylist. 

 

A vote for Ang Prolife is a vote for the future of our nation. 

 

We may not have the big machinery that traditional politicians have but if we help each other out, God will bless our efforts and will reward us with victory.

 

For more inquiries on how to help us in our campaign or how to donate to Ang Prolife Partylist, call us at 02-734-8425 or text us at 0917-5359702 email us at angprolifepartylist@gmail.com

Weekly News (Third Week of February 2013)

1. Pope's Resignation Directs Faithful to God

Pope Benedict XVI's greatest act – his resignation – shows the love which the pontiff has for the Church, and his detachment from personal power, says Fr. Robert Gahl, associate professor of Ethics at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross. [Read More]

2. Cardinal: Lent Is Time to Help Others

MANILA, Feb. 14, 2013— In his Lenten message, the head of Manila’s Roman Catholic Church called on the faithful to help other people, especially the needy. [Read More]

3. Archbishops Decry Military Gay Benefits Plan

Washington D.C., Feb 15, 2013 / 05:06 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- Two U.S. archbishops involved in defense of marriage efforts and the military spoke out against a new Pentagon policy giving gay couples many of the benefits of military spouses. [Read More]

4. Demanding Recognition of Same-Sex 'Marriage' Pushes Intolerance, Not Freedom

MANILA, Feb. 7, 2013—With steps being taken in some developed nations toward legitimizing unions or even “marriages” between persons of the same sex, some Filipinos may fall into equating such steps with the pursuit of progress and development. [Read More]

5. Father of Chinese Infant Crushed by Family Planning Vehicle Speaks Out

This report was originally published in Xian Dai Jin Bao (Zhejiang Province Branch of Xinhua News Agency) 现代金报.  What follows is a translation. [Read More]

6.  Iceland Considering Banning Porn Because of Negative Impact on Women, Children

REYKJAVIK, February 15, 2013, (LifeSiteNews.com) – The tiny state of Iceland, known for going its own way among European nations, is looking at possible ways to ban internet pornography. [Read More]

7. How to Create a Strategy for Lent's Meatless Fridays

It's Lent and for many this is a time to create an intentional game plan for meatless Fridays. [Read More]
 
8. Benedict Will Still Be There for Us

Like most Catholics, I woke on the morning of Feb. 11, 2013, to a different sort of alarm. [Read More]


9. Benedict's Renunciation and The Wolves Within The Church

Monday's was an earthquake announcement that had to have greater significance than the Pope merely being tired and worn out. So, really, why did Pope Benedict suddenly announce that he would abdicate the ministry of Successor of St. Peter in only 17 days? [Read More]


10. (Video) Interview with Fr. Lou Cameli - Catholic Teaching on Homosexuality

Fr. Lou Cameli renowned theologian in the Archdiocese of Chicago, has made it his personal mission to clarify this message and get it out. He's written a new book titled Catholic Teaching on Homosexuality: New Paths to Understanding (Ave Maria Press, paperback, 192 pages) which examines the Church's magisterial teachings and offers pastoral and psychological responses to it. [Read More]

Pro-Life Month 2013 Activities

PRO-LIFE MONTH 2013 ACTIVITIES

Feb. 3: Pro-Life Sunday

Opening of Pro-Life Month
       Venue: Mass at Minor Basilica of  the Black Nazarene, Quiapo, Manila
                    Mass Celebrant: Msgr. Clemente Ignacio
                    Time: 3:00 pm

Feb. 14, Thursday:

VALENTINES DAY Distribution of Candies w/ Pro-Life Messages Project

Feb. 17, Sunday: Pro-Life Convention

      Theme: “A Pro-Life Nation: The Future in our Hands”
      Keynote Speaker: Mr. Eric Manalang, President, Pro-Life Philippines
      Venue: Pope Pius XII, UN Ave. Taft, Manila
      Time: 8:00 am – 12:00 noon
      Registration Fee: P500.00

Feb. 21, Thursday: Mass for Healing
      
      Venue: Santo Domingo Church,  Quezon Ave., Quezon City
      Mass Celebrant: Fr. George Moreno,OP
      Healing Services: Fr. Allan Lopez, OP
      Time: 5:30pm – 7:00pm

Feb. 24, Sunday:
       Closing of Pro-Life Month
       Venue: Mass at Redemptorist Church, Baclaran,Pque.
       Time: 10:30 am

Please organize activities to promote our pro-life mission…defend and care for all human life, such as prayer rallies, forums, contests and signature campaigns. For more info and inquiry, call Pro-Life Philippines office at 7337027, telefax 7349425 or text us at 09192337783 or email us at life@prolife.org.ph  or view our website www.prolife.org.ph for updates. 

MICHAEL VORIS SERIES OF TALKS

Feb. 9- 10: Davao

Feb. 13- Siena College, Taytay Rizal (3-5pm)

                   Filipinos for Life (7:00 pm)

Feb. 14- University of Santo Tomas

Feb. 15: CFC- YFL (7pm- 9pm)

Feb. 11- 12: Cebu

Courage/Encourage Conference 2013

 

COURAGE/ENCOURAGE CONFERENCE 2013

A Spiritual Conference for Members and Friends of Courage and EnCourage

Thursday, July 25th - Sunday, July 28th

University of St. Mary of the Lake -- Mundelein, Illinois -- Archdiocese of Chicago

As a Courage Chaplain/Contact your presence at the annual conference is very important and appreciated.  We hope you will mark your calendar to join us at St. Mary of the Lake for four days of inspiring speakers, fellowship, prayer, and worship.  As we get closer to the conference, more information will be added to the web site.  We will let you know when this information is available.

In the meantime, you have access to our dynamic speakers and their presentations from the last two conferences via online video. Go to this page: http://www.couragerc.net/2012_Conference_Videos.html.

PLEASE JOIN US!

Courage International, Inc.

8 Leonard Street

Norwalk, CT 06850

Phone: (203) 803-1564

E-mail: NYCourage@aol.com

Web Site: http://www.couragerc.org