Weekly News (Fourth Week of Feb 2011)

1. An Arab Springtime?

Egyptian Jesuit Analyzes Revolution Wave

ROME, FEB. 24, 2011 (Zenit.org).- The revolution under way in the Arab world began Dec. 17 when Mohammed Bouazizi, a 26-year-old Tunisian, set himself on fire to protest a policewoman seizing the scale he used to sell fruit because he didn't have a permit.

Part 1

Part 2

2. President Aquino Unveils Cardinal Sin Monument

MANILA, Feb. 25, 2011--On the 25th anniversary of EDSA People Power 1, President Benigno Aquino III and Vice President Jejomar Binay unveiled a bronze statue of the late Jaime Cardinal Sin. [Read More]

3. Pro-life Advocate Lauds Ayala Alabang Ordinance

MANILA, Feb. 25, 2011— Pro-Life Philippines President Eric Manalang called on barangay councils opposed to the reproductive health bill to take measures that respects human life. [Read More]

4. Mexico Considers Making 'Sexual Preference' a Human Right

CNA STAFF, Feb 25, 2011 / 02:02 pm (CNA).- The president of the Mexican association Familia Mundial, Juan Dabdoub, has denounced the country’s government for considering a constitutional amendment that would make “sexual preference” a human right. [Read More]

5. Catholics Defend Cathedral of Lima Against Gay Provocation With Prayer

Lima, Peru, Feb 22, 2011 / 06:51 pm (CNA).- On Saturday, Feb. 19, hundreds of Peruvian Catholics gathered at the entrance to the Cathedral of Lima to pray a Rosary for Peace in response to a “Kiss-in Against Homophobia” organized by a small group of homosexuals and lesbians just a few yards away from the church. [Read More]

6. Obama Betrays America By Refusing to Defend the Defense of Marriage Act [Read More]

7. Teens Tired of 'Hook-Up' Lifestyle

A pro-family analyst says the national trend shows a drop in teen pregnancies and the number of teenagers who admit to engaging in sexual intercourse. [Read More]

8. U.S. Hospital Rejects Baby Joseph, Family Not Giving Up Hope

Children’s Hospital of Michigan has told the parents of 13-month-old Joseph Maraachli it will not accept the transfer of the infant whose parents are fighting a hospital that wants to remove his breathing tube. [Read More]

9. Same-Sex ‘Marriage’ Bill Passes Maryland Senate, Opponents React

ANNAPOLIS, Maryland, February 24, 2011 (LifeSiteNews.com) – The Maryland Senate spent the day Wednesday debating the much-argued same-sex “marriage” bill before approving it in a 25-22 preliminary vote late in the day. The bill is scheduled for a final Senate vote sometime today, which is expected to mirror yesterday’s outcome. [Read More]

10. Why Rome Loves John Paul

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — With more than a million people expected to descend on Rome for Pope John Paul II’s beatification May 1, the event is being described as yet another pilgrim “invasion” of the Eternal City. [Read More]

Jason Evert in Manila

Note: There has been a change of venue for Jason Evert's talk in Manila. Instead of the Araneta Coliseum venue, chastity speaker Jason Evert will conduct a talk at SMX Convention Center entitled Real Love Revolution on February 27, Sunday, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Entrance fee is P50.

Please be guided accordingly. Thanks for visiting our blog. See you this Sunday!

A Spiritual Plan to Redirect One's Life (Part 2)

(Continuation...)


Elementary Plan

The following items are given by way of example as elements in a plan of life:

• Morning prayers, with at least fifteen minutes of meditation.
• Mass as often as possible during the week.
• Examination of conscience at least once a day.
• Ten minutes of spiritual reading everyday.
• Carefully chosen regular confessor.
• Some from of devotion to the Virgin Mary and to the saints.

For the sake of brevity I shall here comment only on regular prayer, regular examination of conscience, and service to God through neighbor.

Morning prayers should include some kind of general direction of all the day’s actions to God, and an exercise of preparing the day. As the shrewd businessman prepares his day, so also the person desirous of the love of God must make an effort to foresee the important events of the coming day. He will think seriously of the contingencies that may occur, of the places where he may be required to go, and the like. In this way, with the help of God, he will be able to face the difficulties and dangerous occasions which otherwise might surprise and overwhelm him. He will do more than anticipate difficulties by planning his strategy to overcome or circumvent them. For example, he will figure out some work of value to his neighbor or to himself who will take him away from situations or persons who have been an occasion of sin for him.

Experience has proven this exercise of preparation to be practical in guiding those beset with special problems, like those of drink and sex. Similar to the recovering alcoholic, the homosexual must take one day at a time, and make it a day of activity combined with trust in the grace of God. Concerning material for meditation the homosexual has many options. The classical Introduction to a Devout Life by Saint Francis de Sales will provide an abundance of material. On days filled with pressing matters one may substitute ejaculatory prayer for meditation, says St. Francis. The important point is that some time for meditation is necessary every day.

The examination of conscience is adapted to the homosexual propensity for introspection. It is directed, not to a sterile self-examination of maladjustment, but to an analysis of motivation in the practice of Christian virtue. This is a difficult exercise because of man’s tendency to self-deception. St. Augustine is on target when he writes:

“If by an abyss we understand a depth profound, is not man’s heart an abyss? Man may speak, may be seen by the operation of his members, may be heard speaking, but whose thought is penetrated? Whose heart is seen into?... Do you not believe there is in man a depth so deep as to be hidden to him in whom it is?”

Saint Francis de Sales sees the basic motive for examine as the desire to please Christ. This examine should be steeped in love, because one desires to be free of sin only to be more pleasing to the Savior. One is not concerned with a sterile arithmetic of faults committed, but with the inner motivation of the faults, and with the affection of the heart vis-à-vis the person’s determination to love God. “How stands my heart before God?”

The work of service to the Lord which the homosexual performs gives him a sense of achievement and of self-acceptance which he needs. It does not matter what the work is. Often it is parochial work supervised by one of the priest of the parish. This has the compound advantage of bringing the homosexual into a closer contact with the work of the Church, giving him a feeling of community with other workers in the parish, and a ready opportunity to receive spiritual guidance from priests. Frequently the friendship of priest becomes a source of strength to the homosexual in his loneliness.

Since friendship is so important for the homosexual, I shall probe it at some length.

I have already adverted to the difficulty which homosexuals have in forming friendships with persons of their own sex, and to their flight from intimacy. While it is not scientifically proven, it is my experience that this difficulty in forming deep friendships is more true of the man than of the woman, who tends more often to shun promiscuity in favor of a stable homosexual relationship. In any case it is incorrect to advise the homosexual that he must avoid all close friendships with persons of his own sex. He cannot live in an emotional vacuum, and lacking close friends, he will tend to promiscuity.

Of course, there is more danger when a homosexual from a more intimate relationship with persons of his own sex, but the fact of moral danger is not in itself a sign that the friendship is evil anymore than close friendships between men and women, not married to one another, and are evil. Necessity and vocation in life often throw people together for many hours per week and there may be moral danger.

Much depends upon the motivation of the homosexual in seeking to find some stable friends, whether they heterosexual or homosexual in tendency. If he is able to admit that there is a distinction between psychological intimacy and genital expression, and if he is willing to forego genital expression while seeking psychological and spiritual intimacy, he can form close relationships with persons of both sexes. This means, of course, guidance from a spiritual director in showing the homosexual Christian how to handle his emotions in his efforts to find friends.

In this regard the homosexual will find insight in the concept for free sublimation developed by Father William F. Lynch, S.J., in Images of Hope. Free sublimation is adaptive, releasing sexual energy from immature attachments, and allowing it to be used in various adult works, including an appropriate expression of sexuality in friendship. It excludes, of course, the genital expression of sexuality, which is proper to marriage, but it does not exclude ordinary signs of human friendship. In practice, many homosexuals as well as heterosexuals, confuse their need for intimacy with their desire for genital union. Man needs intimacy, because he is a relational being, growing by forming significant relationships with at least one other person, and probably with several. Like other humans. The homosexual needs real personal relationship with at least one other person, and probably with several. Like other humans, and homosexual needs real personal relationships to develop himself in all his human powers.

One may express this truth in a different way by saying that the homosexual cannot love himself until he has experienced love from others, and this experience should not have to be genital, even in marriage. Unfortunately, he has been told by our present amoral culture that he is not completely human unless he has engaged in some form of genital activity with members of his own, or the opposite sex. The world tells us that this is something he must do; and, given the homosexual’s strong impulses in this direction, he needs no further persuasions. With spiritual guidance, however, he can come to understand those various forms of healthy relationships which are possible. He can learn to be a loving person without the need of genital intercourse.

My pastoral experience has taught me that a chaste homosexual can help other homosexuals who have continued to relapse despite their resolution to avoid “gay” bars and baths and other occasions. The chaste homosexual makes impact upon the struggling homosexual, because he has already accomplished what the latter would like to do. The chaste homosexual is a ‘wounded healer” whose life speaks far more powerfully that moralists like me who say the homosexual can be chaste, and can be happy only when chaste. The chaste homosexual communicates to his struggling brothers that they also can live in the same way. This does not mean that the chaste homosexual does not have temptations related to his condition, but it does mean that he has learned to handle them, with God’s grace.

One final aspect of friendship needs to be addressed. It is the need which the homosexual, like any other human, has for a community of support. Each of us wants to belong to a community, the family, the parish church, a group of people all engaged in the same work. So also the homosexual needs the sense of belonging to some group, within which he can get support, and to which he gives support. Properly presented, the Church’s liturgy should help the homosexual perceive that he belongs to Christ, and that in belonging to Christ he also belongs to the whole Body of Christ, which is the Church.

Conclusion: Any attempt to be highly specific about a plan of life can generate misunderstanding. It may lead to the impression that if one performs a certain number of external exercises; he will be cured of whatever ails him. It is open to the just criticism that other exercises besides those mentioned may be more effective in perfecting the life of Christ within us. For these reasons I see the need to stress that the best way to change a man is not to propose a series of external to be done, however helpful these may be, but to appeal directly to the heart.

The purpose of all the points in the plan of life is to reach the affections of the homosexual so that he will love God more ardently. All the means which the homosexual chooses should become expressions of the same love. He begins by loving God; he progresses to a greater love by repeated acts of love. In no way is this to belittle the powers of reason, prudence, and faith, which become more full of insight the more love moves them.

Love of God must become the dominant force in the life of a homosexual, who otherwise may yearn for the kind of relationship found in the homosexual subculture. In place of this attraction something better – something infinitely better – must be found. In an ascetical plan of life, under the guidance of a spiritual director, with a community of support, the homosexual finds that better way.


(Father Harvey is a moral theologian and an experienced counselor on homosexual matters. In this pamphlet he proposes a plan which homosexually-oriented persons may follow to achieve a chaste, productive and happy life.)

John F. Harvey, O.S.F.S., S.T.D.
Copyright 1979 by the Daughters of St. Paul

A Spiritual Plan to Redirect One's Life (Part 1)

This is a spiritual plan of life outlined by the late Fr. John Harvey for those struggling with SSA. I hope you find this useful in your day-to-day life and in your spiritual journey to Christ.


Today we hear much about equal rights for homosexuals. It is asserted that if a person is attracted on by persons of his own sex, and is not attracted to persons of the opposite sex, he should be allowed to live with a person of his own sex. After all, it is “natural” for him. Furthermore, say some theologians, the homosexual living in the world cannot be expected to live a life of complete abstinence from sexual activity, because he does not have the gift of continence possessed by religious or priests. To insist that he live a life of chastity is to ask for a miracle of grace. So the argument goes.

This life of reasoning implies that chastity is morally impossible for the homosexual in the world. This comes as no surprise. Sexual pleasure is today widely regarded as a necessity. Almost no one speaks of self-control as a practical consideration for helping solve sexual problems among adolescents or adults. In some sex-education courses children are taught the use of pill, the IUD and the like. Abortion is recommended as a backstop when contraceptives fail. In short, chastity is not regarded as viable, for either homosexual or heterosexual.

It is against this adverse background that proposes the thesis that the confirmed homosexual, male or female, can live a life of chastity in the world. I use the term confirmed advisedly, because I am not speaking about persons who are homosexual in action for a relatively short span in their lives, and who later realize that they are heterosexual and seek marriage or a chaste life in the world. I confine my thesis to the person who from long experience, sometimes with professional advice as well, is convinced that his sexual orientation is toward members of his own sex. He may not have come to this insight until his mid-twenties, and when he does, he may be tempted to promiscuity or to seek a steady partner. Very often he senses the loneliness and incompleteness of both patterns of behavior, but he has been led to think that these are his only choices. The idea of living alone in the world may not even occur to him, or, if it does, it seems bleak as the Sahara desert. In this situation the homosexual needs strong spiritual direction, a plan of life and the friendship of other devout persons who have already managed to live a chaste life in the world. I shall take up the question of spiritual direction and a plan of life first and then consider the homosexual’s need for friendship.

In recommending strong spiritual direction I am not ignoring the fact that many homosexuals profit by some form of psychological counseling, which helps them to self-understanding. The spiritual director, however, has a different, but related goal. His first task is to explain the teaching of the Church on homosexual activity. This can be found in the Holy See’s Declaration on Sexual Ethics (January, 1976) and in Principles to Guide Confessors in Questions of Homosexuality (1974). These two statements explain the constant teaching of the Church on the morality of homosexual actions and give insights for spiritual direction of homosexuals.

It is necessary to begin with the teaching of the Church, because some theologians teach that the Scriptures do not really condemn genital union between two members of the same sex, provided they void promiscuity.

From one end of the Scriptures to the other, however, from Genesis 1:27, 2:18-24, to Ephesians 5:21-33, the model of genital sexual love is man and woman united in marriage with the hope of children. Nowhere in the Scriptures are homosexual actions ever approved, and wherever they are mentioned in the Old Testament (Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13) they are condemned. Likewise they are condemned in the New Testament , in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10; 1 Timothy1:9-10; and most explicitly for both male and female in Romans 1:26-27, which I quote: “For this cause God has given them up to shameful lusts; for their women have exchanged natural intercourse for what is against nature, and in the same way men too, having given up natural intercourse with women, have burned in their lusts toward one another, men with men practicing that well-known shamefulness and receiving in their own bodies the fitting punishment of their perversity.” (Kleist-Lilly translation).

To argue that the writers of Holy Scripture did not possess a contemporary knowledge of the homosexual condition is to avoid the basic moral issue which evaluates, not psychological phenomena, but the moral values or disvalues involved in homosexual activity.

Besides the Scriptural argument against homosexual actions, a secondary argument is the natural complementarity of man and woman. Such complementarity is lacking in a homosexual relationship. The homosexual is denied so many of the spiritual and emotional rewards available to the man and woman who enter into a harmonious long term relationship. He seems to have a built-in incapacity to complement and fulfill another homosexual. Lacking in the pleasure of family and children, he finds the aging process lonelier. As Andre Guidon said recently: “It is therefore easy to see how the homosexual relation fails as a totally human relationship. This authentic human sense of the other, as nourished by the enriching and complementary otherness of the other sex, conspicuously absent” (The Sexual Language, 339).

Here one sees the sterility of the homosexual relationship in which there is no family and no family history. This sterility is vividly portrayed in John Rechy’s novel, City of Night. The male protagonist flees from intimate friendship with other men or women.

More recently (1977) Ruth Tiffany Barn-house develops other serious psychological arguments against a homosexual lifestyle (Homosexuality: a Symbolic Confusion).

Finally, homosexual actions have no meaning in themselves. They can mean whatever the person wants them to mean: relief from tension; expression of friendship; form of domination; play or fun.

From such an analysis both the spiritual director and the homosexual must be convinced that the arguments against homosexual activity are certain.

Once the homosexual is convinced that he ought to be continent he needs some hope that he can attain a chaste life. He may be overwhelmed by a sense of powerlessness, burdened by an apparent inability to overcome his desires for homosexual activity. He may grant that it is possible for others, but not for him, particularly if he has tried for years to live a chaste life and has failed completely

He may be close to despair. He must come to realize that he is powerless over homosexual acts, and that he needs the help of God. He needs to belong to some group, from which he will get support. He needs a spiritual plan of life.

Few have given thought to the fact that the struggling homosexual can profit greatly form group support when the members of the group are as motivated to practice chastity as he is, and when he is given a spiritual plan of life.


Spiritual Plan of Life

The purpose of a plan of life is to give direction to one’s life within the context of Christian faith. A plan of life is not rule of thumb, not the easy steps to happiness, but a radical rethinking of an inadequate view of life. It is deep determination to redirect the will in the pursuit of God; it leads to the gradual formation of systematic practices which are designed to help the homosexual to fulfill these though-out objectives. Ascetical practices chosen to achieve the goal of supernatural rehabilitation are not all of the same value. Some contribute more than others; meditation is more important than examination of conscience. Whatever the practices of asceticism chosen – and I will suggest some – sense of unifying purpose must be kept alive.

Persons with purpose in life are happy because that gives wholeness to their life; their plan to achieve that goal is well worked out and diligently followed.

One part of this plan of life for homosexuals is the selection of some work of charity to neighbor – usually a specific contribution of service to the poor, or handicapped, or aged. Without this external service, the homosexual will probably remain in a dream world, and waste his vitality in bitter complaints about society’s lack of acceptance of homosexuals.

This plan of life is based upon the teachings of the Gospel. It is centered in the person of Christ. It uses all the means which the Church proposes to live like Christ, with principal stress upon the hearing of the Word of God and the reception of the sacraments. Since the goal of imitating Christ is beyond our human strength, the homosexual seeks these divinely-supplied means of grace. He knows that no one is able to remain in the friendship of Christ unless he has the help of God.

There are two necessary characteristics of such a plan of life:

1. It must be sufficiently structured to include certain spiritual exercises for everyday,
2. And it must be pliable enough to allow for the changing circumstances of daily life.

(...to be continued)

Weekly News (Third Week of Feb 2011)

1. Pope: Preach a Personal Relationship With Christ

Tells Filipino Prelates How to Keep God at the Center of Life

VATICAN CITY, FEB. 18, 2011 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI says evangelization will come through the understanding that a personal relationship with Christ is the key to complete fulfillment. [Read More]

2. CBCP Pulls Out of Senate RH Bill Consultation

MANILA, Feb. 18, 2011—The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) on Thursday formally “disengaged” itself from a consultation with a Senate committee crafting the reproductive health (RH) bill. [Read More]

3. Pope John Paul II Beatification Events to Last Three Days, All Events Free

Vatican City, Feb 18, 2011 / 04:29 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- The Vatican has released new details about the upcoming beatification of Pope John Paul II. [Read More]

4. School to Revisit Religious Discrimination Policy

The University of California-Davis has decided to revise its discrimination policy that targets Christians as oppressors. [Read More]

5. Marriage Mayhem in Maryland

Same-sex 'marriage' bill looks likely to become law — but Catholics have voiced opposition, from Baltimore's archbishop to parish priests. [Read More]

6. Chinese Homosexuals Crash Kissing Competition

BEIJING, February 17, 2011 (LifeSiteNews.com) - A group of homosexual activists in China drew attention on Valentine’s Day when they crashed a kissing competition with their own romantic displays of affection. [Read More]

7. Peruvians Overwhelmingly Reject Abortion, Gay ‘Marriage’ in New Poll

LIMA, February 17, 2011 (LifeSiteNews.com) - Despite the aspirations of major presidential candidates to legalize abortion and homosexual ‘marriage’ in Peru, the vast majority of Peruvians say they are opposed to both ideas, according to a new poll. [Read More]

8. House Defunds Planned Parenthood, Blocks Funds For ObamaCare

The House has voted to block money to implement President Barack Obama's health care law, a victory for Republicans trying to derail the program, and has approved a GOP proposal to block federal aid for Planned Parenthood. Lawmakers voted to deny the healthcare funding by a near party-line vote of 239-187. [Read More]

9. Facebook Page Created to Honor Justin Bieber’s Pro-Life Views

Teenage pop sensation Justin Bieber surprised the world this week by saying he opposes abortion and calling it the “killing” of a “baby.” His pro-life views are drawing accolades from pro-life groups. [Read More]

10. Will Christians Survive in the ‘New Egypt’?

Copts wonder what the post-Mubarak era will bring. Egypt’s original Christian community hopes for end of bombings, killings, while Evangelical Christians long for an end to official harassment. [Read More]

11. Over 50,000 March Against Reproductive Health Bill in Philippines

MANILLA, Philippines, February 18, 2011 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Over 50,000 pro-life Filipinos gathered in opposition to the so-called reproductive health (RH) bill last Sunday at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City. Despite claims by advocates of the bill that only the Catholic Church is opposed, thousands of Evangelicals, Baptists, and Muslims joined the Catholic majority to show their pro-life stance. [Read More]

Pro-Life Month 2011 Activities

I invite everyone to attend these pro-life activities. Please pass this forward to all your contacts. Let us stand up and defend the dignity of human life.


THEME: FILIPINOS UNITE FOR LIFE!

February 25: (Friday) Pro-Life Conference for the Laity

Venue: Insular Life Auditorium
Insular Life Drive Filinvest Corporate City,
1781 Alabang, Muntinlupa City
(Limited seats: Reservations via email or phone call)
Time: 8:00 am- 4:00 pm

Guest Speakers: Michael Voris
Saint Michael’s Media, USA

Topics:
1. CATHOLICS AND SEX
2. ONCE SAVED, ALWAYS SAVED
3. CULTURE OF DEATH
4. TOTAL WAR

Book Launching
PROLIFER’S A Novel
MICHAEL O'MALLEY
Author

MR. WILLY ARCILLA
Monte Maria Foundation
Topic: "To be Marian is to be Pro-life"


February 26:(Saturday) Pro-Life Symposia for the Youth & Church Leaders

Venue: Ynares Stadium, Shaw Boulevard, Pasig City
Registration Fee: P150.00 (exclusive of meals)
*there will be concessionaires available for lunch and snacks
Time: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Guest Speakers: Mr. Jason Evert
Catholic Answers & http://www.facebook.com/l/477121fGWFwIIDO0Hn3M5aPtdjQ/Chastity.com
Theology of the Body Institute, USA

TOPICS
1.Romance without Regret /Theology of the Body for Teens
2.Theology Questions and Answers

Mr. Michael Voris
http://www.facebook.com/l/47712cOFFA7tr0KHfQi9d0mXM-g/Realcatholictv.com
Saint Michael’s Media, USA

TOPICS
1. MTV Lied to You (with an explanation on the New Evangelization)
2. Dangers of New Age (and how to speak up against them)

Procession for LIFE
Eucharistic Celebration at Holy Family Parish Church,
Baryo Kapitolyo, Pasig City

February 27: (Sunday) Pro-life Phil. National Convention &
Election of Board of Trustees 2011-2013

Venue: Pope Pius XII Catholic Center,
1175 UN Avenue Ermita, Manila.
Time: 8:00 am – 12:00 noon
Registration Fee: 300.00

Guest Speaker: Michael Voris

"HOW TO CHANGE THE WORLD" - The world always seems opposed to Christ and His message - so how can we change the world for the better? Michael Voris addresses this seemingly-impossible task in this exciting episode, and shows you it is not as hard as you might think!

For more information & reservations, contact Pro-Life Philippines office at
7337027 or 7349425 or email us at life@prolife.org.ph

Interview with Tommy Corman: Executive Director of Love in Action International

Tommy Corman is no stranger to addiction. He had used drugs and alcohol to escape from reality. Through the process of his own healing Tommy has now found himself helping others who struggle. He has now been helping people for over fifteen years. He has been with Love In Action International, a residential Christian-based counseling ministry that helps those struggling with sexual behaviors, including pornography addiction and unwanted same-sex attraction.

Tommy has been sober himself since 1995 and has since gone back to school. He is now a licensed alcohol and drug abuse counselor in the state of Tennessee, He also has a masters in Biblical counseling from Trinity Theological Seminary so he knows the spiritual side of healing as well as the secular side.

To listen to the interview click here.

Thanks to JR of www.freedomfromaddiction.com.

The Pornographic Self

This is an anonymous sharing found on the book Homosexuality and the Catholic Church by Fr. John Harvey on pages 34-38. If you want to have a copy of this book for P250 please contact us.


Why is pornography so powerfully addictive? It can’t be because it shows me images of sexual activity… I don’t find images of sexual activity in insects, fish, reptiles, or even animals particularly addictive. It is the representation of human sexual activity that is compelling. The first reason for that overwhelming response is the obvious one. I identify. The image representation of sex initiates sexual response in me. I have programmed myself to react to sexual triggers. My own experience of sex has been visual, auditory, tactile, olfactory… The experience of sex, that total body pleasure sensation, is behaviorally associated with sights, sounds, smells, tastes, touches. Any one of these can become the trigger which recalls the entire sex pattern burned into my brain.

There has to be a reason why gynecologists do not have sexual responses when examining patients. They have programmed themselves to examine these organs independently of bodily sexual response… But not me, or the hundreds like me. My programming deliberately associated images of sexual organs with my own sexual desire. Now that programming functions automatically, an habitual neural linkage. I am powerless over it. I respond to pornography because I am pornographic.

The power of pornography is really in me, not in the medium… The disturbance that I feel when I encounter sexual representations, the power that I struggle to either deny or enjoy is on the inside. I have created it by conditioning myself to react to triggers. No matter how subtle, a trigger starts a nuclear sex reaction in me which projects sexual fulfillment into my psychic space. I want to participate, to have a sexual experience with the fantasy… any representation of available sexual targets is addictive because it nurtures and enhances my conditioning. It increases the mental inventory of my sexual imaging. The addictive appeal is resident in me, not in the image.

By focusing the question of power of pornography on what I bring to the image, I discover that there is another reason why pornography is addictive. Our English word pornography comes from a Greek background roughly meaning “selling representations of sex.” Written, visual, auditory, or tactile, the concept of the pornographic entails packaging sexual activity in such a way that it can be offered for consumption. Behind the etymology of the word is a second insight into the power of pornography. It requires deliberate representing or packaging of sexual activity so that a separation occurs between me and the actual human interrelationship of the sexual experience. For pornography to be successfully tantalizing, it must make me into a voyeur. Pornography with intimacy is a contradiction in terms. I believe that this is true because the pornographic is not about human interrelationship; it is about the myth of the control of intimacy.

The pornographic representation of sex is a fractured misrepresentation of the only human bodily function which requires interrelationship for completion. The divine character of our humanness can be expressed n the voluntary act of vulnerable self union through sexual encounter with another equally vulnerable human being because this interrelationship brings us close to true selflessness. The demonic distortion of that experience is the fracturing of sex into its mechanical operation and physical organs.

Pornography removes selflessness and human vulnerability from sex. It removes the mystical and mortal by replacing integration with single-self participation. Pornography isolates me from humanness. Real sexual union involves purposeful integration. This is why we distinguish love from sex, even though the two concepts may be fused within the same condition. Love expresses integration of selves previously separate. It is the purposeful surrender of self-boundaries in order to include and to yield. It establishes a new joint-self which is essentially an entity separate from wither of the two conjoined individuals.

But I cannot find stimulation in pornography unless I disconnect myself from surrender and integration. Pornography requires dis-integration. Pornography isolates me from the purposeful integration of sex by reinforcing my psychic and spiritual barriers to vulnerability and mortality. Pornography offers me the lie of self-protection. If I have sex with an imaginary person, I cannot be rejected, hurt, abused, debased, shamed, unless I want to be. I am in complete control of the mechanics of my response, and being in control of myself, I come to believe that I can be in complete control of the other. This is why pornography is preoccupied with the fantasy of the possible, denying the reality of the actual. No matter what the medium, pornography demands separation from interrelationship, denying our true communal nature and vulnerability… This prevents confrontation with my real ordinariness, my real inadequacies and my true dependency and finitude. In the process, pornography removes me from any hope of integrity.

All of this separation is also a result of self-programming. Pornography became a tool which I could use to block out the world of hurt and explore the fantasy of pleasure all by myself. Pornography is not communal. Even when we use it in communal environment (going to the “adult” theatre, watching a video with someone), its power us always a stimulation of my individual, isolated fantasy. I may act out that fantasy with someone else, but I am not acting in mutual vulnerability. I am simply substituting a live body for an imaginary one. I doubt that pornography would have any appeal at all if it were not essentially about isolation. It was taught to me in isolation. It was explained in isolation. And my response to it is practiced in isolation. It is powerfully addictive because it focuses my entire psychosomatic spiritual world of that moment on me! It does, practically and spiritually, what I did every time I used a pornographic image – it closes all my doors to the outside world.

This isolation is unbelievably dehumanizing. It is a medium of self-deluded power in a reality of inevitable powerlessness. Sheer humanity reminds us of our mortality. Simply being alive confronts us with our self-delusions of control. Any reasonable introspection causes us to face our inevitable return to the dust from which we came. Our very humanity is the real reason we fear being alive, for the fact of being alive places us in the context of death. And it is death that seems to hold the final card.

Pornography is about the denial of our finitude. It reduces the most intimate human act – an act which cannot be human without vulnerability – to voyeurism, fostering the delusion that life is within my control. In pornography, orgasm proves invulnerability. It convinces me that because I feel the same behavioral results as I would in vulnerable human interrelationship, I can be confirmed as human without the necessary requirement of mutual dependence.

Using pornography deludes me into believing that I am alive because I respond to a representation of the paramount communal act and yet remain invulnerable. The pornographic woman can never hurt me. She can never demand anything of me, spurn me, be ungrateful, inattentive. She can only be used, privately, possessively. The pornographic appeals because it claims to prove that my power of sex overcomes every other one of my failed human efforts to assert my self-identity. Pornography deliberately intends to drive away death through sex. It can only succeed by turning individuals into a demonic lie.

True sexual encounter is the affirmation of individual powerlessness and insignificance precisely because it is about our need to experience love, together, in harmony and vulnerability. Pornography cannot integrate. If it did, it would not be pornographic. Its appeal and power resides in the dis-union it produces, the dis-union of witnessing a fantasy of sexual vulnerability without being vulnerable. In the end, pornography is manipulative, not because its manufacture requires co-opting the sacred character of sexual intimacy in order to produce the representation of a fractured communal act, but because the representation manipulates me into participation in auto-eroticism. It manipulates me into accepting the lie that sexual activity is the equivalent of human integration. Finally, it manipulates me into believing that sexual activity is only about me – that sex in isolation can restore the imbalance of failure and fear in my soul. The truth is utterly destructive to this lie. Integration cannot occur without communal interaction and such requires self-surrender. If sexual union, in representation or participation, does not gather together the separateness of the individuals into a shared entity, then it is pornographic, no matter who is involved. This is why response to pornography is always a version of masturbation, even if it is only mental or a stimulis before intercourse with my spouse. Pornographic response is always only about me. It is sex with myself in an imagined copulation with a fantasy.

Pornography is about sex with alien beings, beings which were once integrated whole persons, but who are now some other form of non-life, morning breathing, copulating in a world confined to pre-programmed neural passageways. The reason why the cover of Cosmopolitan is pornographic is not because the model is lascivious. It is because the image is intended to invite anyone and everyone to desire sex with this representation. This is, perhaps, the most damning and the most damaging aspect of pornography. In the final analysis, pornography is not about reality.

Pornography is a perversion of true intimacy just as its representation of sex is a perversion of love. Control is contradictory to the very meaning of intimacy. Intimacy can never be manipulated or controlled. Intimacy is a gift, given only in free interrelationship. Pornography propagates the lie that as I manipulate the image representation of intimacy, I control that intimacy. Every perversion achieves power precisely because it attaches itself to some fractured part of the truth. Pornography is no different. Sex creates. Sex affirms. Pornography pretends creation, affirmation and validation but removes the essential ingredient of a freely given, vulnerable commitment. Pornography pretends to do something that is an oxymoron – it pretends to control intimacy.

In the end I must realize that pornography is addictive and powerful because it is idolatrous. It allows me to go on believing that I am the center of the universe. In fact, its proclivity to isolation not only reinforces my essential idolatry, it literally screams my independence from all community, including the community of God, from every fiber of my being. It uses the most all-encompassing neural physical, and emotional response to shout in God’s face that I do not need him… It seeks to possess (control, manipulate) the object of its desire, even if that object is not the highest possible form of the Beautiful.

Pornography… knows nothing of self-sacrifice based on unmerited, unmotivated giving to another. It knows nothing of denial or self that must result when the wholeness of another is intended. There can be no manipulation or aggrandizement or control of gain exercised when agape is the root of the action, because agape allows for no position for self-love. Pornography is finally about one simple question: God or me?

Weekly News (Second Week of Feb 2011)

1. Pope Urges Entire Church to Promote Vocations

VATICAN CITY, FEB. 10, 2011 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI is underlining the necessity for every member of the Church to promote religious vocations. [Read More]

2. Interfaith Group to Stage RH Bill Protest

MANILA, Feb. 9, 2011—Various faith-based organizations opposing the passage of the reproductive health (RH) bill are planning to conduct a rally in Manila on Sunday. [Read More]

3. 100,000 Expected to March For Life In Philippines This Weekend

MANILA, Philippines, Feb. 11, 2011 (LifeSiteNews.com) - On Sunday, February 13, an anticipated 100,000 pro-life activists will march through Manila in opposition to a so-called “Responsible Parenthood” bill that has been repackaged to appeal to the pro-life majority of Filipinos. [Read More]

4. 'Gender Identity' Triumphs in Kansas

A long, drawn-out debate over a homosexual discrimination ordinance in a Kansas college town has culminated with a victory for "gender identity." [Read More]

5. Use HRC Buyers Guide to See which Pro-Homosexual Companies to Avoid [Read More]

5. One Third of German-Speaking Theologians Call For Recognition of Same-Sex Partnerships

ROME, February 11, 2011 (LifeSiteNews.com) – One hundred and forty-four German-speaking Catholic theologians around Europe have called for changes in the Catholic Church, including female and non-celibate priests, acceptance of homosexuality and contraception. While the “progressive” wing of anti-Catholic dissidents have been calling for these changes for at least four decades, this time they say that it is all part of an effort to protect children from clerical sex abuse. [Read More]

6. Abortion Has No Mental-Health Impact?

Pro-lifers immediately pointed out the flaws in this Danish study. Even a ‘pro-choice atheist’ finds it questionable. [Read More]

7. Chicago Pro-Life Project Helps Women Halt Second Trimester Abortions

Chicago, Ill., Feb 11, 2011 / 08:45 am (CNA/EWTN News).- With the help of two pro-life groups in the area, a Catholic hospital in Illinois has become one of the first in the U.S. to assist women who've changed their minds and want to stop the process of a second trimester abortion, which can often take several days. [Read More]

8. Lady Gaga Was Born This Way, But Does She Know How?

Lady Gaga fans everywhere have marked their calendars for the release of the first single off the artist’s new album, Born This Way. The single, which bears the same name as the album, is a celebration of each person’s individual identity. However, we did not receive our unique personalities and characteristics at birth. [Read More]

9. Benedict 'Gets' Facebook

A Register editorial explores how the communications revolution has made our style of evangelization like that of the first Christians. [Read More]

10. Who Needs Marriage?

February 11, 2011 (Breakpoint.org) - That was the title of a recent Time magazine cover story about how the institution of marriage has changed in recent decades. [Read More]

Choosing Life, Rejecting the RH Bill

Note to Pro-Lifers: The Interfaith Prayer Rally against RH Bill changed its venue & date to February 13, Sunday, 4:00 PM onwards at the PICC Grounds, Roxas Blvd.The Coalition of Family and Life are composed of Christians, Muslims and Catholics will march and pray together against RH Bill.

Wear light blue armbands and bring banners and candles to the rally. Call the pro-life office at 7337027 or text 09192337783. Tune in to Radyo Veritas 846 for more details.

(A Pastoral Letter of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines)

Our Filipino Brothers and Sisters:

The State values the dignity of every human person and guarantees full respect for human rights (Art. II, Section 11). The State recognizes the sanctity of family life and shall protect and strengthen the family as a basic autonomous social institution. It shall equally protect the life of the mother and the life of the unborn from conception (Art. II, Section 12).

Background

We begin by citing the Philippine Constitution. We do so because we intend to write you on the basis of the fundamental ideals and aspirations of the Filipino people and not on the basis of specifically Catholic religious teachings.

We are at a crossroads as a nation. Before us are several versions of a proposed bill, the Reproductive Health bill or sanitized as a Responsible Parenthood bill. This proposed bill in all its versions calls us to make a moral choice: to choose life or to choose death.

At the outset we thank the government for affording us an opportunity to express our views in friendly dialogue. Sadly our dialogue has simply revealed how far apart our respective positions are. Therefore, instead of building false hopes, we wish at the present time to draw up clearly what we object to and what we stand for.

Moral Choices at the Crossroads — at EDSA I and Now

Twenty five years ago in 1986 we Catholic Bishops made a prophetic moral judgment on political leadership. With this prophetic declaration we believe that we somehow significantly helped open the door for EDSA I and a window of political integrity.

Today we come to a new national crossroads and we now have to make a similar moral choice. Our President rallied the country with the election cry, “Kung walang corrupt walang mahirap.” As religious leaders we believe that there is a greater form of corruption, namely, moral corruption which s really the root of all corruption. On the present issue, it would be morally corrupt to disregard the moral implications of the RH bill.

This is our unanimous collective moral judgment: We strongly reject the RH bill.

Commonly Shared Human and Cultural Values – Two Fundamental Principles

Far from being simply a Catholic issue, the RH bill is a major attack on authentic human values and on Filipino cultural values regarding human life that all of us have cherished since time immemorial.

Simply stated the RH Bill does not respect moral sense that is central to Filipino cultures. It is the product of the spirit of this world, a secularist, materialistic spirit that considers morality as a set of teachings from which one can choose, according to the spirit of the age. Some it accepts, others it does not accept. Unfortunately, we see the subtle spread of this post-modern spirit in our own Filipino society.

Our position stands firmly on two of the core principles commonly shared by all who believe in God:

(1) Human life is the most sacred physical gift with which God, the author of life, endows a human being. Placing artificial obstacles to prevent human life from being formed and being born most certainly contradicts this fundamental truth of human life. In the light of the widespread influence of the post-modern spirit in our world, we consider this position as nothing less than prophetic. As religious leaders we must proclaim this truth fearlessly in season and out of season.

(2) It is parents, cooperating with God, who bring children into the world. It is also they who have the primary inalienable right and responsibility to nurture them, care for them, and educate them that they might grow as mature persons according to the will of the Creator.

What We Specifically Object to in the RH Bill

Advocates contend that the RH bill promotes reproductive health. The RH Bill certainly does not. It does not protect the health of the sacred human life that is being formed or born. The very name “contraceptive” already reveals the anti-life nature of the means that the RH bill promotes. These artificial means are fatal to human life, either preventing it from fruition or actually destroying it. Moreover, scientists have known for a long time that contraceptives may cause cancer. Contraceptives are hazardous to a woman’s health.

Advocates also say that the RH bill will reduce abortion rates. But many scientific analysts themselves wonder why prevalent contraceptive use sometimes raises the abortion rate. In truth, contraceptives provide a false sense of security that takes away the inhibition to sexual activity. Scientists have noted numerous cases of contraceptive failure. Abortion is resorted to, an act that all religious traditions would judge as sinful. “Safe sex” to diminish abortion rate is false propaganda.

Advocates moreover say that the RH bill will prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS. This goes against the grain of many available scientific data. In some countries where condom use is prevalent, HIV/ AIDS continues to spread. Condoms provide a false security that strongly entices individuals towards increased sexual activity, increasing likewise the incidence of HIV/AIDS. “Safe sex” to prevent HIV /AIDS is false propaganda.

Advocates also assert that the RH Bill empowers women with ownership of their own bodies. This is in line with the post-modern spirit declaring that women have power over their own bodies without the dictation of any religion. How misguided this so-called “new truth” is! For, indeed, as created by God our bodies are given to us to keep and nourish. We are stewards of our own bodies and we must follow God’s will on this matter according to an informed and right conscience. Such a conscience must certainly be enlightened and guided by religious and moral teachings provided by various religious and cultural traditions regarding the fundamental dignity and worth of human life.

Advocates also say that the RH bill is necessary to stop overpopulation and to escape from poverty. Our own government statistical office has concluded that there is no overpopulation in the Philippines but only the over-concentration of population in a number of urban centers. Despite other findings to the contrary, we must also consider the findings of a significant group of renowned economic scholars, including economic Nobel laureates, who have found no direct correlation between population and poverty. In fact, many Filipino scholars have concluded that population is not the cause of our poverty. The causes of our poverty are: flawed philosophies of development, misguided economic policies, greed, corruption, social inequities, lack of access to education, poor economic and social services, poor infrastructures, etc. World organizations estimate that in our country more than P400 billion pesos are lost yearly to corruption. The conclusion is unavoidable: for our country to escape from poverty, we have to address the real causes of poverty and not population.

In the light of the above, we express our clear objections:

1. We object to the non-consideration of moral principles, the bedrock of law, in legislative discussions of bills that are intended for the good of individuals and for the common good.

2. We are against the anti-life, anti-natal and contraceptive mentality that is reflected in media and in some proposed legislative bills.

3. We object strongly to efforts at railroading the passage of the RH bill.

4. We denounce the over-all trajectory of the RH bill towards population control.

5. We denounce the use of public funds for contraceptives and sterilization.

6. We condemn compulsory sex education that would effectively let parents abdicate their primary role of educating their own children, especially in an area of life – sexuality – which is a sacred gift of God.

What We Stand For

On this matter of proposed RH bills, these are our firm convictions:

1. We are deeply concerned about the plight of the many poor, especially of suffering women, who are struggling for a better life and who must seek it outside of our country, or have recourse to a livelihood less than decent.

2. We are pro-life. We must defend human life from the moment of conception or fertilization up to its natural end.

3. We believe in the responsible and natural regulation of births through Natural Family Planning for which character building is necessary which involves sacrifice, discipline and respect for the dignity of the spouse.

4. We believe that we are only stewards of our own bodies. Responsibility over our own bodies must follow the will of God who speaks to us through conscience.

5. We hold that on the choices related to the RH bill, conscience must not only be informed but most of all rightly guided through the teachings of one’s faith.

6. We believe in the freedom of religion and the right of conscientious objection in matters that are contrary to one’s faith. The sanctions and penalties embodied in the proposed RH bill are one more reason for us to denounce it.

Our Calls

As religious leaders we have deeply and prayerfully reflected on this burning issue. We have unanimously made the moral judgment – to reject the RH agenda and to choose life.

1. We call for a fundamental transformation of our attitudes and behavior towards all human life especially the most defenseless, namely, human life being formed or being conceived. The cheapness with which many seem to consider human life is a great bane to our religious-oriented nation.

2. We call upon our legislators to consider the RH bill in the light of the God-given dignity and worth of human life and, therefore, to shelve it completely as contrary to our ideals and aspirations as a people. We thank our legislators who have filed bills to defend human life from the moment of conception and call upon all other legislators to join their ranks.

3. We thank the great multitude of lay people all over the country, and particularly the dedicated groups who made their presence felt in the halls of Congress, to defend and promote our position. We call upon other lay people and adherents of other religions to join the advocacy to defend and promote our commonly shared ideals and aspirations.

4. We call on our government to address effectively the real causes of poverty such as corruption, lack of social and economic services, lack of access to education and the benefits of development, social inequities.

5. We call for the establishment of more hospitals and clinics in the rural areas, the deployment of more health personnel to provide more access to health services, the building of more schools, the provision of more aid to the poor for education, and the building of more and better infrastructures necessary for development.

6. We echo the challenge we prophetically uttered 25 years ago at EDSA I and call upon all people of good will who share our conviction: “…let us pray together, reason together, decide together, act together, always to the end that the truth prevail” over the many threats to human life and to our shared human and cultural values.

We commend our efforts against the RH bill (or the Responsible Parenthood bill – its new name) to the blessing of our almighty and loving God, from whom all life comes and for whom it is destined.


For the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines.

+Nereo P. Odchimar, D.D.

Bishop of Tandag

President, CBCP

January 30, 2011

Courage Philippines Blog Turns Two

The Courage Philippines blog turns two today. It has been two years of inspiration in proclaiming the truths about SSA and I'm very thankful for that. Our blog has now reached a page rank level of 4 out of 10. Page rank is a tool used by Google to gauge a website's relevance and popularity. Not bad huh considering that I am not actively promoting this blog on the internet. People simply find us through the major search engines by typing some keywords on all sorts of topics, but of course you cannot sustain a constant flow of traffic without adding fresh and relevant contents on the blog.

Let's take a look at the stats. As of this posting, the blog has gathered a total of 13,128 visitors. The top five visitor countries are Philippines, US, Indonesia, Canada, & Great Britain with a total of 20,595 page views. What can I say but thank you. I am looking forward to double the stats in the coming year.

Looking beyond the stats I think the most important aspect of the blog is its mission to defend and proclaim the truth. The issue of homosexuality is one topic that is full of confusion and lies. People tend to accept and believe without reasonable thinking what the media feed their minds. Many people struggling with SSA (same-sex attraction) fully accept the idea that they were born gay even if there was no conclusive evidence of a gay gene. They make the struggle their core identity on which they base all their thinking patterns and behaviors instead of realizing that we are NOT our struggles and that our true identity as a person regardless of what our struggles are rests in the fact that we are the beloved children of God created in His very image and likeness.

But I'm not left without some consolation. A few people who have read this blog are now members of our Courage community and I thank God for using this blog as His instrument. This only means that I'm doing something right and it is my hope that through my small contribution in maintaining this blog and by God's grace many more persons with SSA will come to know the truth. In connection with this I am now formally accepting contributors to this blog and this is on a purely voluntary basis of course. You can send your entries to couragemanila@yahoo.com and I will personally acknowledge every article received through a reply e-mail. I also invite our casual blog readers to send in their stories and letters.

Looking forward to another fruitful year. To God always be the glory.

Jason Evert Chastity Conferences

Forwarded invitation.

ROMANCE WITHOUT REGRET:
THE MANILA SERIES

Men and women, boys and girls, experience the joys and travails of love and life. Everyone longs for the full satisfaction of the will to give itself entirely to the beloved. However, there are perennial and modern challenges to reckon with … lust, unfaithfulness, instant gratification, worldliness, excessive love of body, pleasure for pleasure sake, in short, selfishness. We are all called by our humanity to get out of our “self” and be completely open to the “other”. This is the only way we can guarantee our happiness despite the many difficulties and dilemmas that we have to confront each day.

Jason Evert, a young husband and father and foremost advocate of pure love in the United States, is coming to the Philippines to talk to minds and hearts of youth, parents, and professional educators. In four days, on 24 to 28 February 2011, he is expected to help shape lives towards their common destiny of real love, fidelity, and well-being. Hear him, LIVE!

LOVE AND LIFE REVOLUTION
Change Begins at the Big Dome

On February 27, 2011 (Sunday), Jason Evert will conduct a talk on chastity at the SMX Convention Center besides SM Mall of Asia entitled Love and Life Revolution. The said event will be from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and will be attended by students from various schools and colleges all over the metro. Everyone is welcome to attend and the entrance fee is P50. The schedule is as follows:

Holy Mass by Bishop Ongtioco

“Crusade for Life: Proclaiming the Gospel of Life”
Ed Sorreta, Pro-Life Philippines

“Romance without Regret”
Jason Evert

CATALYST OF UA&P

In this connection, we would like to invite the youth leaders in your diocese to this big event that will celebrate life and love. We hope you can join the more than 10,000 young people who will take part in this most worthwhile conference. This event is co-organized by CATALYST of UA&P and Couples for Christ (CFC-Global), in cooperation with the Diocesan Commission on Youth. To help defray the cost of organizing this event, parishes will be requested to shoulder the solidarity fee of P50 per participant. Each diocese may send 200 participants. Check payment may be made payable to “University of Asia and the Pacific” or simply, “UA&P”. You may also deposit your payment to the UA&P account (BPI 0201041473 Checking Account, Pasig, Ortigas) at any BPI branches. Tickets will be forwarded to the respective parishes once payment is received, or deposit slip faxed to 637-09-12 local 369 (please indicate Attn: Mann Rentoy).

We shall get in touch with you personally to discuss other details of the matter. You may contact us at tel. no. 637-09-12 local 277 or cellphone 0908-864-84-91.

Thank you very much!

Emmanuel M. Rentoy
Coordinator
Love & Life Revolution

-oOo-

Other speaking engagements of Jason Evert:

24 FEBRUARY (Thursday)
For College Students
8:30 a.m., U.P. Theater, Diliman, Quezon City
Co-organized by UA&P Student Executive Board
Tel. (02) 6370912 loc. 380

25 FEBRUARY (Friday)
Iloilo City

26 FEBRUARY (Saturday)
For Young Professionals
8:30 a.m., Ynares Sports Arena, Pasig City
Co-organized by Couples for Christ - Foundation for Family and Life
Tel. (0917) 8489839

More About Jason Evert

JASON EVERT (age 35) is a Catholic public speaker with Catholic Answers whose topics emphasize chastity. He began speaking in 1999, and as of 2003, Evert and his wife Crystalina, who also does chastity speeches with him, tour the USA each year to spread the news of the new sexual revolution to over 100,000 students annually. He is the founder of chastity.com, chastity.org, and castidad.com. He has a master's degree in Theology, and undergraduate degrees in Counseling and Theology, with a minor in Philosophy from the Franciscan University of Steubenville.

Weekly News (First Week of February 2011)

1. Pope Recommends "Extraordinary" Youth Catechism

Says He Still Considers the Adult Version a Miracle

ROME, FEB. 4, 2011 (Zenit.org).- "Dear friends, young people! Today I counsel you to read an extraordinary book." [Read More]

2. Anything But RH Bill, Says Bishop

MANILA, Feb. 1, 2011—Politicians can fool around with the Catholic Church on other issues but never on the sanctity of life, a retired archbishop warned. [Read More]

3. New iPhone App Aims to Help Catholics Go to Confession

South Bend, Ind., Feb 4, 2011 / 03:01 am (CNA).- Developers of a new “confession helper” iPhone application say they found inspiration in Pope Benedict XVI’s call for more youth involvement in social communication. [Read More]

4. Illinois Pro-Family Group to Fight Civil Unions Bill

Same-gender civil unions are now the law of the land in Illinois, but not all citizens agree with the legislature's action. [Read More]

5. Three More Videos Show Planned Parenthood Helping Sex Traffickers

Live Action released today three more videos from the undercover investigations it conducted earlier this month of Planned Parenthood abortion centers helping alleged sex traffickers obtain abortions for underage girls. [Read More]

6. Pastor Booted from Christian TV Station After Homosexuality Remarks

BURLINGTON, Ontario, February 2, 2011 (LifeSiteNews.com) - A major Christian television station in Canada has permanently canceled the show Word TV, hosted by prominent evangelical minister Charles McVety, after an industry watchdog announced in December their judgment that the show discriminated against homosexuals. [Read More]

7. Police: Ugandan Gay Activist Was Killed by Sex Partner

KAMPALA, Uganda, February 4, 2011 (LifeSiteNews.com) – After the brutal murder of Ugandan gay rights activist David Kato last week, media, homosexual activists, and human rights groups claimed it was the result of anti-homosexual sentiments in Uganda. [Read More]

8. Joel Osteen Tells It Like It Is - Finally

Up to now, "sin" has not been a regular part of Osteen's vocabulary. But his scripturally accurate remark on CNN recently has peeved some homosexual activists. [Read More]

9. Both Women and Men Need Healing After Abortion

You've heard about Project Rachel; have you heard of Project Joseph? Here's how the Church is helping heal the damage done by abortion. [Read More]

10. True Love Defined

Canadian bishops issue pastoral letter on chastity.

OTTAWA, Ontario (CNS) — Canada’s Catholic bishops invited young people to lead lives of chastity in a new pastoral letter. [Read More]

Filipinos, Unite For Life

Forwarded e-mail from Pro-Life Philippines


PRO-LIFE PHILIPPINES FOUNDATION primes up for February as the group in cooperation with the Episcopal Commission on Family and Life and Couples for Christ Foundation for Family and Life (CFC-FFL) celebrates PRO-LIFE MONTH 2011.

In staying committed to its advocacies, the group is again set to celebrate a series of activities all addressing the call of its theme, “FILIPINOS, UNITE FOR LIFE.” The organizers aim to shed more light on the pressing issues of today concerning the Filipino family and how its innate pro-life value system is continuously challenged by prodding death-dealing lifestyles.

An opening salvo for the month-long celebration will be hosted by the Shrine of Mary Queen of Peace, Our Lady of Edsa in Mandaluyong City on February 6, Sunday, 9:30 am. Following the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, a short opening ceremony will be held to formally usher in the pro-life mood for the whole month.

With the cooperation of the Blessed Margaret of Castello Movement spearheaded by Bro. Gonzalo Goquiolay, a Pro-life Mass for Healing with Rev. Fr. Vicente Cajilig, OP is scheduled on February 10, Thursday, 5:00 PM at the Sto. Domingo Church. This event is dedicated to holistically nurturing our spiritual health in cognizant of the arduous and challenging situations people face on a daily basis. Also, the event will act as a venue to promote the pro-life stance among more people most especially the young.

Honoring the intercessions of the Virgin Mary for the pro-life movement, a Marian Regatta Prayer Rally will sail on February 13, Sunday, 2:00 pm at the Subic Bay, Olongapo City, Zambales. Watch and be captivated by the fluvial parade and be one in prayer with steadfast pro-lifers in the region.

To show and make lay people understand the bigger picture of the pro-life advocacy’s relevance and importance, the Pro-Life Conference for the Laity will be held on February 25 at the Insular Life Auditorium in Alabang, Muntinlupa City. Seasoned international speaker Michael Voris of Catholic American group St. Michael’s Media will be giving his talks on vital topics that would strengthen the Catholic lay force’s conviction in backing the pro-life cause most importantly in today’s grueling scenarios.

On February 26, young people and church aficionados will be at the forefronts of the discussion as the Pro-Life Symposia for the Youth and Church Leaders will simultaneously transpire at the Ynares Stadium in Pasig City. Aside from Voris, Jason Evert of the Theology of the Body Institute, USA will also be lending his knowledge and wisdom in the value of chastity and teen sexuality.

Culminating the month-long celebration, the Pro-Life Philippines National Convention will take place on February 27 at the Pope Pius XII Catholic Center in Manila. All interested persons in availing the Foundation’s membership are cordially invited.

The said events will be attended by vanguard pro-lifers such as former Pro-Life President Eric B. Manalang, CFC-FFL’s Frank Padilla and Pro-Life Philippines Founder Sr. Mary Pilar Verzosa, RGS among others.

Further, the Foundation expects parish-based Family & Life Apostolate groups together with their parish organizations to hold Pro-life activities to celebrate the gift of life and promote pro-life family values.

Pro-Life Philippines Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit, non-stock non-government organization dedicated to promoting respect and care for human life from conception to natural death. Aside from Education and Training, its programs and services include Counseling, Advocacy, and Public Awareness.

Pro-life Month was declared by President Cory Aquino in 1987 when she issued Proclamation 214 – “February is Respect and Care for Life Month”.

For inquiries regarding the activities and the contests, kindly contact Malou Agsaluna at the Pro-Life Philippines Foundation Secretariat located at the San Lorenzo Ruiz Student Catholic Center, 2486 Legarda Street, Sampaloc, Manila with numbers 734-9425 or 733-7027.

This event is partnered by Insular Life, Nescafe Decaf, Summit Drinking Water, Ovaltine, Radio Veritas, St James the Great Parish Ayala Alabang, Mary, Queen of Peace EDSA Shrine, Couples For Christ-Foundation for Family and Life and the Episcopal Commission on Family and Life.

Pesonality

The Feast topic for the month of February is dubbed as 'Pesonality'. The four talks for this month are going to revolve around financial literacy, and I hope to attend each one of them. Here is the breakdown of the talks:

Talk 1: Make Your 100%

Talk 2: Magnify Your 10%

Talk 3: Multiply Your 20%

Talk 4: Manage Your 70%

The Feast is a weekly gathering of Catholic Christians headed by the Light of Jesus Community (Bo Sanchez). There is Eucharistic celebration, lively worship, and dynamic preaching of the Word of God. To find a Feast venue near you, visit www.lightfam.com. For more information call 725-9999.

Be blessed and be inspired!

Meanwhile, please watch this animated video presentation entitled The Parable of the Pipeline and find out if you're like Pablo or Bruno:

Homosexuality and the Catholic Church: Book Review

The Filipino edition of Homosexuality and the Catholic Church Clear Answers to Difficult Questions has finally arrived. The book is sold on Catholic bookstores (try St. Paul's) locally but is also available through Courage Philippines for only P200 (for Courage members) and P250 for outsiders. You can find our contact details on the sidebar of this blog for orders.

This book by the late Fr. John Harvey, OSFS, is a must-read for everyone struggling with SSA whether you are Catholic or not. In fact everyone including priests, religious, and the laity alike will benefit from the contents presented in a question and answer type format that is very easy to read and understand. All the major issues surrounding the nature of homosexuality are covered and presented in an objective and pastorally sensitive manner drawing from Fr. Harvey's extensive experience in ministering to people with SSA.


About the Author

Fr. John Harvey, OSFS was ordained to the priesthood in 1944. He holds a master's degree in experimental psychology and a doctorate in moral theology from the Catholic University of America, and served as a moral theologian at De Sales School of Theology for thirty eight years.

The author of The Homosexual Person, The Truth About Homosexuality: The Cry of the Faithful, and (with Gerard Bradley) Same-Sex Attraction: A Parents' Guide, Fr. Harvey has given counsel and guidance with same-sex attraction for more than fifty years.

Fr. Harvey passed away last December 27, 2010 at the age of 92. He was the founder and national director of Courage, which is a spiritual support group for homosexual men and women. He had been director of Courage since its foundation in 1980 at the request of the late archbishop of New York, Terrence Cardinal Cooke. Meanwhile, Courage has grown from a local New York group to more than a hundred chapters throughout the world.


Table of Contents

Acknowledgments

Foreword by Most Rev Raymond L. Burke, DDJCD, Archbishop of St. Louis

Preface

Introduction by Fr. Benedict Groeschel, CFR, Ph.D

Chapter 1 - Homosexuality: Some Basic Questions

Chapter 2 - Helping Those with SSA Live a Chaste Life

Chapter 3 - The Pastoral Challenges of Masturbation and Pornography

Chapter 4 - Same-Sex Unions and the Health of Society

Chapter 5 - Chastity

Chapter 6 - Human Friendships: Benefits and Boundaries

Chapter 7 - Freedom of the Will and Addiction

Chapter 8 - Norms for Admission to Seminaries and Holy Orders

Chapter 9 - Courage, Encourage, and the Twelve Steps

Chapter 10 - Spiritual Direction

Chapter 11 - Other Organizations

Chapter 12 - Dissenting Catholic Organizations

Chapter 13 - An Encourage Story

Selected Annotated Bibliography

Index

About the Author


Timely message from Paciano Aniceto, D.D. Chairman of Episcopal Commission on Family and Life, CBCP:

"Chastity is not about rules and prohibitions. It is a way of life lived in grace that restores and liberates us from the slavery of our passions. I pray that our brothers and sisters who experience same-sex attraction allow the Lord to "pitch His tent" in their precious lives and see the face of the compassionate, Good Shepherd who came that we may have life and have it in abundance." (Jn 10:10)


"I have come not to condemn you, but to help you. I am the only one who truly understands you, the only one who truly loves you...up to the point of death." - Jesus Christ