THE SHUTTING OF A DOOR...THE CLOSING OF THE PONTIFICATE OF +BENEDICT XVI.............

The markings of this very last day and fina hours of the Pspacy of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI, the 265th Successor of St. Peter, and Supreme Pontiff as the Bishop of Rome, has come to an end as of fifteen minutes ago, not by his death - but for the first time in 598 years, by his own resignation / retirement / abdication.  Now Pope Emeritus and having arrived, appeared to the people in the town square from the balcony of the papal summer residence in Castel Gandolfoon Lake Albano, an estate of approximately 128 acres, and disappearing into the palace just over two hours ago, 15 minutes ago the end of his 7 year, 10 month, and 9 day, reign officially ended and now the formal ceremony of slamming the Palace Door shut and the closing of the Gates, and Withdrawal of the Swiss Guard, signifies the conclusion.  Bells ring, Shouts of 'Viva Il Papa", and a gentle, yet firm closing of the entry doors by members of the pope's protectors and the changing of the guard from the Swiss Guards, to the Vatican Police takes place; as the Holy See is now vacant - "Sede Vacante", and the Interregnum now begins.  Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI is the first Bishop of Rome to voluntarily retire from the Papacy since Pope Celestine V, in 1294 A.D., seven hundred and nineteen years ago.  Simultaneous to the Closing of the Doors at Castel Gandolfo, fifteen minutes ago, the doors of the Papal Apartments in Vatican City were Sealed denoting the Chair of Peter is Vacant, to be broken and opened only upon the Election of the 266th Successor of St. Peter, as the next Pope of the Roman Catholic Church in the World of the 21st Centiry and 3rd Millennium of Catholic-Christianity.............tdp

THE ARRIVAL HOUR OF THE FIRST POPE EMERITUS IN NEARLY 600 YEARS.............

His Holiness Benedict XVI in his stunning and unexpected anouncement two and a half weeks ago that he would abdicate the primatial ministry of being the active and serving 265th Successor of St. Peter, set the hour of 8 p.m. Italian Time, February 28th, which is 2 p.m. Eastern, and 11 am. Pacific Time, as the hour his historic resignation would take place.  That time is here and having been at Castel Gandolfo, the residence fifteen miles south of the Vatican on Lake Albano, which has been the summer retreat of Popes for 400 years, for some two and half hours he is now the retired Holy Father, the Pope Emeritus, and the Chair of St. Peter is, "sede vacante",  empty / vacated.  The Vatican Secretary of State Tarcisio Cardinal Bertone, an Italian; is the, "Camerlengo", the Administrator / Overseer, of the management of the day to day operations, and temporal affairs of Vatican City State and the Church, until a new Pope is elected.  To Be Continued.............tdp

POPE BENEDICT XVI MAKES HIS FAREWELL DEPARTURE FROM ST. PETER'S SQUARE BY HELICOPTER.............

Momentarily His Holiness will depart by helicopter from St. Peter's Square and the Vatican for the last time as the active and current 265th Successor of St. Peter, Pope Benedict XVI; to temporarily spend the first two months following his resignation which takes effect three and a half hours from now, at the papal summer residence of Popes for the past 400 years, Castel Gandolfo.  The Swiss Guards, protectors of the Pope are standing in readiness along with a small contingent of Vatican City employees and residents in the San Damaso Courtyard outside the Pope's Apartment. +Benedict XVI will shortly leave the Apostolic Palace named for Pope Sixtus V, and be driven from the courtyard to the helipad.  Laity, Religious, Priests, and Bishops, are among those assembled outsude the Papal Apartment.  Pope Benedict is coming out of his residence being greeted by a number of prelates and now using a cane, as he was earlier this morning steps out onto the courtyard and is greeted with sustained applause by his Vatican staff members.  He pauses to greet the priests and bishops who are greeting him and kissing the Ring of the Fisherman, which evert Pope wears.  His Fisherman's Ring will be destroyedc later today upon the onset of +Benedict XVI's resignation.  The Pope is in his car after saying goodbye to the Vatican Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone, who will be the, "Camerlengo", the interim Administrator / Overseer of the Church until the election of the new Pope.  The Pope's car has arrived at the helipad and he is exiting the car, greeted by the Dean of the College of Cardinals Angelo Cardinal Sodano, Pope Benedict has stepped onto the helicopter accompanied by others, and the door is shut.  He will fly over Vatican City for the last time as the Supreme Pontiff, and cameras are positioned so he will be seen flying in the helicopter for the 15 minute flight.  Bells are pealing resoundingly in Vatican City as the papal helicopter prepares to take off.  The helicopter is taking off.  As the Pope awaited ascent he tweeted in Latin, "Thank you for your Love and Support.  May you always experience the joy of putting Christ at the centre of your lives".  There is no view of Pope Benedict flying in the helicopter as of yet, although the helicopter remains in full view as it hovers over the City of Rome.  The Vatican bells intensify and are a precedent setting array, a full peal of all the bells, which until now was only ever done with the election of a new Pope.  More Soon on the news developments of this historic day in the Papacy and the Catholic Church.............tdp

UPDATE NEWS COMMUNICATIONS 2013 : THE RESIGNATION OF POPE BENEDICT XVI.............

Cardinal Roger Mahony, the Archbishop Emeritus of Los Angeles, California; one of the eleven American Cardinals with a vote in the upcoming Conclave to elect a new Pope, was present with his brother prelates at the meeting three hours ago with Pope Benedict XVI, who officially retires in six hours from this blog post.  Cardinal Mahony tweeted following his brief farewell greeting with the outgoing Holy Father, sharing the words he spoke to +Benedict, : "When I greeted the Pope I asked him for his prayers for all the people in the greater Los Angeles area.  He grasped my hand and said, "Yes".  +Mahony further said in a second follow-up tweet, "Farewell meeting with the Pope Benedict XVI this morning; the final day of his active Pontificate.  Lord Jesus, bless and protect him".  Mahony is being criticized by vociferous opponents of his handling of sexual abuse of minors  and their victimizing priests, during his years as the Archbishop of Los Angeles, and it has been said by some that he not participate in the coming Conclave.  However, he has been blogging about his actions in recent weeks and is expected to go forward as an elector.  Along with strenuous criticism of Mahony, also being mentioned in the same way by abuse survivors and others, have been American prelates, Francis Cardinal George, the Archbishop of Chicago, Illinois; and a Conclave elector - and Justin Cardinal Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; also an elector in the approaching Conclave.  Should one, or all three of these Cardinals withdraw from the Conclave, as Keith Cardinal O'Brien, former Archbishop of Str. Andrews Edinburgh, in Scotland did on Monday, now repoorted at as at the behest of the Vatican; a severely diminished number of eligible electors might well remain, as the worldwide occurrence of serious mishandling by bishops and their staffs was endemic up until the crisis became public and has unfolded over the past decade plus, seven of those eleven years, during this outgoing Pontificate.  Undeniably, one of the leading needs the new Pope will have to effectively address and cleanse//reform/renew the Church from is the scandal of the sexual abuse crisis.  To that end one of the Cardinal Archbishops participating in the Conclave to be, is an American, Capuchin Franciscan +Sean Cardinal O'Malley, the Archbishop of Boston, Massachusetts; who has been stellar in responding to, and cleaning up the sexual abuse scandal in Boston, the Archdiocese during the service of Bernard Cardinal Law, that triggered the fall-out from the abuse scandal, nationally and globally.............tdp     

BENEDICT XVI STARTS HIS LAST MEETING WITH THE COLLEGE OF CARDINALS............

With less than nine hours before his resignation as the Supreme Pontiff takes effect, Pope Benedict XVI has entered the Sala Clementina Hall in the Vatican and is beginning to briefly speak to the assembled Cardinals, thought to be almost the entire College, and will greet each of the Eminences individually at his chair, as they personally bid him farewell.  It will be a short ceremony and +Benedict will then continue behind the scenes in the Vatican to carry out the final duties of his 7 years, 10 months, and 9 days, as the 265th Pope of the Roman Rite of the Catholic-Christian Church.  I will continue to update my blogging of the last day of Pope Benedict XVI's active exercise of the Petrine Ministry, and his becoming Emeritus Pope at 8 p.m. Italian; 2 p.m. Eastern; and 11 a.m. Pacific Time today Thursday February 28, 2013.............Fr.  Troy / Update News Communications  

BENEDICT XVI IN HIS LAST 12 HOURS OF HIS PONTIFICATE....

It is 11 p.m. Pacific Time February 27th, in California USA, and 8 a.m. in Vatican City State Europe, February 28th, and Pope Benedict XVI, is in the final twelve hours he will be the governing 265th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church.  In a final week caused by a historic personal decision to resign as the Successor of St. Peter, the first Supreme Pontiff of Catholic-Christianity to retire rather than die as Pope, Benedict XVI has carried out his last papal duties and ceremonies, amid news reports in the media of scandal and conjecture about gay priests, male prostitutes, and blackmail, in the Vatican; and the unexpected resignation and withdrawal from the next Conclave of the Cardinal Archbishop of St, Andrews Edinburgh in Scotland, because of inappropriate activity with some of his priests.  Joined with fallout from the sexual abuse of minors scandal during his eight years as Pope, and last year's papal butler / Vatileaks trial, has colored the coverage and experience of his last days in the Holy See.  The inclusion of these stories led the Vatican Press Office last Saturday to issue a statement declaring,  "unverified, unverifiable, or completely false news stories", are being used in the media to shape the outcome of the approaching Conclave and its election of a new Pope.  Such controversial and salacious coverage also threatens to overshadow much of the productive substance of Benedict XVI's Pontificate; the teachings and writings as Holy Father he has given among them three encyclical letters.  At his Farewell Wednesday Audience twenty one hours ago Benedict made reference to all this and what he has experienced since becoming Pope on April 19, 2005; proclaimed in a succinct phrase, indicating there have been many, "days of sunshine"...and yet, "times when the waters were rough"..."and the Lord seemed to sleep".  After a very full, active day of meetings with Vatican colleagues, other dignataries and being present at the massively attended Audience in St. Peter's Square on his final complete day before resigning, Thursday has intentionally been planned as a quieter and less eventful day.  One last meeting with members of the College of Cardinals, most of whom have assembled in Rome since +Bendedict announced he will step down, as of 8 p.m. Vatican Time February 28th, is on his official schedule before departing by helicopter nine hours from now, for the short flight to Castel Gandolfo, Italy; the summer residence of the Pope, where he will reside for the next two months, as he transitions into his desired retirement in seclusion for prayer, study, and writing.  The well planned ceremony of farewell from the Vatican, surrounded by senior staff members and a detail of the traditional papal protectors, the Swiss Guards, will be replicated three hours later, at 8 p.m. Italian Time, 11 a.m. Pacific Time Thursday, when after an ultimate appearance on the balcony of Castel Gandolfo, he will disappear into the holiday papal residence and the Swiss Guards in attendance at the gates ceremonially withdraw, and set in motion the predominate waiting for the election of the 266th Successor of St. Peter, that will open just days from now.  God Bless Joseph Ratzinger, - Pope Benedict XVI, as he transitions into history twelve hours from now.  More To Come on this Momentous Day for the Church in the World.............tdp/unc

POPE BENEDICT XVI DELIVERS HIS FINAL WEDNESDAY AUDIENCE TALK AS THE HOLY FATHER THE DAY BEFORE HIS HISTORIC RESIGNATION.............

It is just past 2 a.m. Pacific Time, 11 a.m., in Rome / Vatican City, and His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI is speaking to a very large throng of pilgrims, Italian citizens, Bishops, Cardinals, Priests, Religious, Deacons, and Lay Catholic-Christians Live in St. Peter's Square.  He is delivering a message of gratitude and thankfulness for his priestly, pastoral, and papal, Ministry to God's People.   Specifically citing the Cardinals and persons he has worked with in the Vatican during the past eight years as the 265th Pope of the Catholic Church His Farewell Address is short, seventeen minutes in length and is responded to by the mass of persons before him enthusiastically, with roaring cheers, applause, and shouts of "Viva Il Papa".  He is now proceeding to highlight the message in multiple languages.  Benedict appeared a half hour early in the Square in the Pope and took a longer than usual ride around the grounds before assuming his chair and beginning to speak.  Attendees began showing up for the Pope's speech in the wee hours of the morning Italian.  It is being reported  50,000 persons bought tickets to the event and that Vatican Press are stating that as many as 250,000 people may be in attendance this morning.  This begins my 'Update the Resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, blogging over the next several days, which I will do as I have other events for more than a year now.  Join me today, tomorrow, Friday and through the weekend, as I share with you here at "Insights Into Life And Faith By Father Troy David Powers", information, analysis, commentary, on the conclusion of Pope Benedict XVI's eight years of Petrine Ministry, the first Successor of St. Peter since 1415 A.D., to retire from the Holy See.  Thank You for reading and following my blog in these momentous and history making days for the Catholic Church and the present and future of our contemporary and current experiences of Catholic Christianity in the 3rd Millennium of Discipleship in Jesus Our Lord and Savior.............Father Troy David Powers

TONIGHT'S R.C.I.A. CLASS FOCUSES ON THE NINTH AND TENTH COMMANDMENTS............

Tonight I will be leading a the R.C.I.A. Elect in a session on the 9th Commandment, "You Shall Not Covet Your Neighbor's Wife (Husband); and the 10th Commandment, "You Shall Not Covet Your Neighbor's Goods.  We will concentrate on Practicing Purity of Heart in as we keep from coveting the spouses of others as a pivotal part of living morally just lives in respect for interpersonal sexual relationships in marriage; and exercise the value of Embracing the Spirit of Poverty in observing the intent of not lusting for or absconding with the possessions of others.  In these last days of Pope Benedict's XVI's reign, we will also discuss his 2010 Address to the British Parliament and other Statesmen and Diplomats in Westminster Hall, in London.  The combined topics being a focus on the sanctity of interpersonal sexual relationships and the right to personal possessions, that are are not violated by others and the roles and responsibilities of persons of civic duty and of faith in public arena.............Fr.  Troy

WITH THE CONCLAVE TO ELECT A NEW POPE DAYS AWAY CARDINAL MAHONY UNDER FIRE AS AN ELECTOR.............

With three days left in the Papacy he is voluntarily resigning this Thursday night, Pp[e Benedict XVI today changed the rules governing the Conclave of the College of Cardinals that will elect his Successor to the Chair of Peter as the next Supreme Pontiff.  The rule change permits the Conclave to begin sooner than the fifteen to twenty days after the Holy See is vacated.  Thus, the 117 Cardinals under the age of 80 years old who are eligible electors anytime after March 1st, the day following +Benedict's abdication of the Papacy.  March 10th, two weeks before Palm Sunday, is being mentioned as a probable starting date for the secret, cloistered, electoral meeting in the Sistine Chapel. The majority required to attain election is two thirds of the attending Cardinals in the Conclave.  Renewed controversy over the handling of the Sexual Abuse tragedy by the leadership of the Church has re-emerged in recent weeks, much of it concentrated on retired Los Angeles California Archbishop Roger Cardinal Mahony and his handling of cases during his twenty six years leading what is the largest American diocese in Catholic population.  Mahony, who retains a vote in the pending Conclave underwent a deposition on Saturday and is being vociferously protested as an elector.  Names of other American Cardinals who either still in active ministry, or retired, maintain a role and vote in the upcoming Conclave and their participation are also surfacing negatively,for their handling of sexual abuse cases, including the present Chicago Archbishop Francis Cardinal George, and retired Philadelphia Archbishop Justin Cardinal Rigali, which were any eligible Cardinal sidelined from participation has the potential to impact the direction and outcome of the result of the March Conclave.  Participation in the Conclave unexpectedly changed today when Great Britian's senior Cardinal Archbishop Keith O'Brien, of Edinburgh and St. Andrew in Scotland announced his resignation and declared he will not attend the gathering of the College of College for the election of the new Pope, following disclosure of alleged "inappropriate" activity, with priests under his charge thirty years ago.  More on the approaching Papal Conclave and the matters surrounding it such as these circumstances and concerted prayer for the power of the Holy Spirit to reform, and redirect, the Catholic Church in the Election of the next Successor of St. Peter in the servant-leadership of the People of God.............Fr.  Troy     

POPE BENEDICT XVI'S PENULTIMATE PUBLIC MINISTRY APPEARANCE.............

Entering into just over the final one hundred hours of his service in the Petrine Ministry as the Pope of the Roman Catholic Church, the Holy Father Benedict XVI conducted his last Sunday Angelus Prayer and Blessing at 12 noon from the window of the Papal Apartment in Vatican City.  100,000 persons are estimated to have been assembled in St. Peter's Square to see and hear Pope Benedict on his closing Sunday  as the 265th Successor of St. Peter, before his chosen resignation of the Holy See this coming Thursday night February 28th.  A rousing, thunderous applause spilled over central public square of Catholic-Christianity as Benedict appeared, prayed, blessed, and spoke, to the throngs of people in attendance.  The Pope said in remarks he delivered from his balcony that God is calling him to, "even more prayer and meditation"..."But that doesn't mean abandoning the church"..."On the contrary, if God asks me, this is because I can continue to serve it with the same dedication and the same love which I have tried to do so until now, but in a way more suitable to my age and to my strength".  Addressing his decision to resign announced on February 11th in order to go into a private life of prayer and contemplation for the Church and the World,  , Pope Benedict said, "Prayer is not isolating itself from the world and its contradictions".  Saying he had heard God's Call in and to prayer in a special way, "which gives breath to our spiritual life"..."at this moment of my life".  Later Sunday, the Holy Father transmitted one of his closing tweets social networking in English by writing, "In this momentous days, I ask you to pray for me and for the church, trusting as always in divine providence".  + Benedict will make hi very last public appearance as the current Pope on Wednesday, at his last General Audience, being held outdoors in St. Peter's Square to which a comparable number of people most certainly, in the tens of thousands are expected to be in attendance.  On Thursday after meetings with Cardinals one more time, he will helicopter to Castel Gandolfo, to reside for two months, until renovations on the monastic convent within Vatican City are completed, and as Bishop Emeritus of Rome, he takes up permanent residency therein.............Fr.  Troy   

NEW PEW POLL OF AMERICAN CATHOLICS ON POPE BENEDICT XVI AND THE CHURCH.............

In two polls conducted by the Pew Research Center nationwide within the week following the Pope's announcement he is resigning from the See of St. Peter on February 28th, of 2,507 American Catholics responded to questions regarding Benedict XVI as Pope and the Direction of the Church going forth.  Overall his favorability among American Catholics stands at 54% in his final weeks as Pope, down from a high of 83% following his April 2008 visit to the United States.  Whereas five years ago nearly half of American Catholics felt Pope Benedict was doing a Good to Excellent Job addressing the Sexual Abuse Scandal, now only one third think he has done so.  The Pope's resignation bringing about a Conclave to elect a new Pope next month, the polling also finds American Catholics are almost evenly split as to whether the next Pope should lead the Church forward in a traditionalist way, the response of 51%; versus leading the Church in a progressive direction, 46% giving that answer.  Weekly Massgoers are more likely to adhere to a traditional direction going forward, while College Graduates lean much more toward seeking progressive change in the Catholic Church.  The Church Teachings and Practices progressive American Catholics cited as wanting to see changed are less concerned with Divorce and Abortion, and focused on their support for allowing Married and Women Priests, Contraception, and Same Sex Marriage.  The majority of American Catholics also think it is time for a Pope from outside of Europe, particularly a Successor of St. Peter, from Latin / South America, Africa, or Asia.............Fr.  Troy  

COMMITTAL SERVICE IN MODESTO THIS MORNING.............

Sharon Friedrich, wife of  Presentation Parish Permanent Deacon candidate Paul Friedrich, lost her father Tom Womack to cancer following a brief period of hospice care last week in Modesto, California; in Stanislaus County.  His Funeral was held this morning at 11 a.m. in Modesto, in a Graveside Committal Service at the Lakewood Cemetery.  It was a moving service of Prayers, Air Force Honor Guard Flag, Gun Salute, and Taps, a Scripture Reading, Eulogy, and Poem written for Mr. Womack by his other son-in-law, a farewell Love Letter he wrote himself recently to his beloved wife of 54 years, Bonnie, read superbly by his grandson Nicholas, and the placing of single White Roses on his casket by the family members present.  A luncheon buffet followed in the home of his daughter Cheryl's Modesto home.  I returned to East Sacramento at the top of the hour, grateful to be able to minister to the Friedrich-Womack Family in their time of bereavement.  Eternal Rest Grant to Thomas Womack O Lord and May Perpetual Light Shine Upn Him.  Alleluia !  Amen !!!.............Fr.  Troy   

AMPUTEE RUNNER OSCAR PISTORIUS FACING POTENTIAL LIFE IMPRISONMENT IN NOTORIUS SOUTH AFRICAN PRISON.............

The South African Olympian and Paralympic double amputee competitor known as the," Blade Runner", Oscar Pistorius, accused of shooting and killing his girlfriend Reeva Steebkamp, a 30 year old fashion model on Valentine's Day, faces life imprisonment if found guilty and immediately faces incarceration in a notoriusly brutal prison, if he is not granted bail until his trial for murder begins.  In what has been a four day bail hearing today the defense and prosecution continued contending with each other before the Chief Mafistrate over the advisablity and granting of bail for the accused athletic hero.  A decision on the matter of granting bail to Pistorius with its serious ramifications for him netween the present and the start of his trial is expected to be arrived at on Friday.  If he is not granted bail, the 26 year old athlete will be placed in Pretoria Central Prison, well known for its reputation as a fearsome jail, going back to South Africa's Apartheid era, with years of allegations surrounding it as rampant with violence, including rape; cramped quarters, and an inner sanctum where previously apartheid prisoners were detained.  Concern is also being raised as to what if any provision will be made for Pistorius' physical disability of double amputation and whether he will be permitted to wear his prostheses, or will be made to use a wheelchair instead.  The Pretoria Central Prison and all prisons in South Africa are overcrowded and full of unrest.  Pistorius will be incarcerated in a communal dormitory measuring 30 feet by 100 feet, accomdating 17 prisoner bunk beds.  Very recently six inmates brought a lawsuit against the prison for, "inhumane living conditions".  The highly respeccted criminologist Laurie Pieters, in an interview with the British newspaper, "The Daily Telegraph"; said, "Prison in South Africa is notoriously a very dangerous place"..."Everybody knows who he is".  She went on to describe how rival gangs could contest for his money, by threatening him and / or protecting him.  At today's session of the bail hearing, Pistorius' chief defense attorney strongly argued the case for bail to keep him out of having to face the realities of the Central Prison before going on trial, as the accused openly sobbed again, as the charges of murfering his giorlfriend were read out loud.  He did his best to build the momentum for bail, by attacking the charges brought by investigating detective Hilton Botha, who was today reported on by South Africa's Eyewitness News as himself being a party to an alleged shooting two years ago and is accused of seven counts of attempted murder.  Pistorius' defense attorney Roux summarizing his appeal for bail, argued using holes in Botha's investigative report, proclaiming that there is, "nothing to support that Pistorius be further incarcerated".  The head prosecuting attorney Nei, argued that the accused story is, "untested", having been submitted only by an affavdavit not personal court testimony, through, " cross-exanination".  A woman thought to be the ex-wife of Oscar Pistorius' surgeon, earlier in the day requested the suspending of the case instead seeking a mental evaluation of the athlete be undertaken.  To Be Continued as developments warrant.............Fr.  Troy

MITT ROMNEY TO RE-EMERGE IN PUBLIC POLITICAL SPEECH NEXT MONTH.............

Mitt Romney the 2012 Republican Presidential Nominee, who unsuccessfully challenged President Obama's re-election, will return to the public spotlight of the political stage next month, as one of the announced speakers at C-PAC, the Conservative Political Action Committee annual conference near Washington, D.C.  Romney spoke at C-PAC in 2008, where and when he withdrew from the race for the President, he was seeking in the GOP Primaries against Senator John McCain.  As the presumptive Republican nominee for Presudent last year, Romney declared in his speech to C-PAC, that he had been, "a severely conservative Governor", of Massachusetts.  The 2013 C-PAC Conference is also scheduled to feature  Representative Paul Ryan of Wisconsin, Romney's 2012 Vice Presidential running mate; Senator Marco Rubio of Florida; former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, the 2008 GOP Vice Presidential nominee; former Florida Governor Jeb Bush; former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich; and National Rifle Association CEO Wayne LaPierre or President David Keene, if not both of them.  Ryan, Rubio, Bush, and Palin, are all prospective candidates for the 2016 Republican nomination contest for the White House.  How Romney, Gingrich and LaPierre's speeches to C-PAC in mid March, three years in advance of the next Presidential primaries and caucuses, will impact or influence the speeches by Ryan, Rubio, Bush, Palin, and other potential GOP contenders will provide initial insight into how the Republican prospects for recapturing the Presidency will take shape over the next three years and just how effective a titular head of the Republican Party former Governor Romney remains.............Fr.  Troy

AVOIDING THE NEXT FISCAL CLIFF - THE SEQUESTER COMING IN JUST TEN DAYS.............

With the threat of Sequestration, the automatic across the board cutting of Federal spending that will severely cut Education, Social programs, and the Defense Budget, is now only ten days and minimal if any effort is being made to address avoiding it from occurring before it takes effect on March 1.  $85 billion in cuts will occur ten days from now, as the law passed by the 112th Congress and signed by President Obama requires, as a result of failing to reach a Grand Bargain, unless Congress and the White House strike a deal on  spending and revenues to address the Federal Deficit, and avert the Sequestration.  President Obama returned from a Presidents Day holiday weekend golfing in Florida, and issued a challenge to the Congress at a news conference this morning; while the Congress is on a week long recess, with the clock ticking.  A bi-partisan group pof Senators are reported to be ready to offer an acceptable compromise proposal to address and avert the Sequester.  However, it is also being reported that the House Republican Leadership are being threatened with removal from their positions by Tea Party members of the Republican Conference in the House, should they support any compromise deal that includes revenus / tax increases, in addition to spending cuts.  Thus it is increasingly likely the Sequester may arrive and be take effect, unless an agreement to prevent it can be hashed out between the Congress next week.  As I have said before and will continue to proclaim - and have confidence a high preponderance of Americans agree with, "Do the Jobs you were elected Members of Congress and Mr. President.  Sequestration need not happen, if you do what the your Constituents and Fellow Citizens elected yo do.  Show the Leadership and Responsible Action required of you by virtue of your election to serve the well being and common good of the American People by addressing the Fiscal challenges facing our Government and National Economy.............Fr.  Troy  

PRESIDENTS DAY : COMMEMORATING 2 AND CELEBRATING THE OTHER 42 WHO HAVE SERVED THE USA.............

Since 1971, in the United States the third Monday of February that is observed as a Federal Holiday merging the commemoration of the birthdays of our 1st President George Washington and the 16th President Abraham Lincoln.  Instead of renaming the national observance the Washington-Lincoln Birthday Holiday, it was designated Presidents Day, a federal holiday recognizing and celebrating all who have served as the Chief Executive of the USA.  Thus today, we remember and honor the 2 great Presidents seminal to the founding of the American nation and to the saving of the Union in winning the Revolutionary War and Civil War; and to date the other 42 Presidents have been elected or succeeded to the White House, during the nearly 224 year History of the American Presidency.  The average length of term as President of the United States has been 5 years, I month, and 1 day.  The shortest term being 1 month, March 4 - April 4, 1841; by the 9th President William Henry Harrison; and the longest serving, the 32nd President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, 12 years, 1 month, 8 days.  From our founding President Washington to our current President Obama, to mark this day and give thanks for the service and leadership of the United States of America, our 44 Presidents, 1789 - 2013 have provided.  God Bless America.  Happy Presidents Day.............Fr.  Troy

THE FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT : DAY OF THE RITE OF ELECTION.............

This 1st Sunday of Lent, we journey into the Desert with Jesus, to face our temptations, struggles, sufferings, and necessary sacrifices, by focusing on those the Lord endured during His forty days sojourning in the Wilderness.  We are liturgically, scripturally, and spiritually, presented with the example and inspiration of Christ as the path to follow, as this penitential season of renouncing sin and rendering our hearts and minds by answering the Call to Continuing Conversion.  Today is also the occasion each year when Catholic parishes and Faith communities send their Catechumens and Candidates for Christian Initiation, to the Rite of Election, to be received by the Diocesan Bishop, as they become the Elect for Initiation and the celebration of their Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, and Profession of Faith, at the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday, six weeks from now.  I am eager to be present for tonight's Rite of Election in the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, in downtown Sacramento, to witness the Call to Purification and Enlightenment of the Elect, particularly this year the Elect from Sacred Heart Parish in East Sacramento, who I am helping to prepare in R.C.I.A. faith formation; and the Elect of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, my immediate past pastorate, many of them I welcomed into the R.C.I.A. process and began the adult faith formation ministry of preparation for Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist with, seventeen months ago.  To them and all the Elect as of today I say Praise the Lord and God Bless You, as you make immediate preparation for your Easter Initiation into full membership in the Catholic Church as Christian Disciples on March 30th, forty one days from now.............Fr.  Troy

POPE BENEDICT' HEADS INTO HIS FINAL DOZEN DAYS AS THE SUCCESSOR OF ST. PETER.............

Pope Benedict XVI concludes the shocking week of his announcement that he is resigning as Holy Father on the last day of February, and retiring into a renovated Vatican convent, "hidden from the world", for the rest of his life; and enters the last twelve days of his nearly 8 year Papacy. He will deliver his second to last Sunday Angelus Prayer and Blessing from his Window out onto St, Peter's Square, and then by going on his annually scheduled Lenten Spiritual Retreat, which begins tomorrow, the 1st Sunday of Lent.  Next Saturday February 23rd, he returns from his Lenten Retreat, and will deliver his last Angelus Blessing the next day, and then on Thursday February 28th, at 5 p.m. Roman Time, will fly by helicopter from Vatican City, to Castel Gandolfo, the summer residence of the Pope, where he is scheduled to remain for two months while the cloistered convent he will reside in permanently in retirement has renovations completed.  The German journalist Peter Seewald, who authored the book in 2010, in which Benedict XVI first broached the possibility of resignation, has punlished an article in the German magazine, "Focus", is saying that on a visit with the Pope two and a hald months ago, he asked the Holy Father, "What more could be expected from his Papacy ?".  Seeward quotes Pope Beneduct as responding, "From me ?  Not much from me.  I;m an old man and the strength is ebbing.  I think what I've done is enough".  Journalist and 2010 Papal Co-Author Seewald proceeds in the current magazine article to express his concern for Pope Benedict's health and well being.  "his hearing had deteriorated".  "He couldn't see with his left eye".  "His body had become so thin that the tailors had difficulty keeping up with newly fitted clothes"..."I'd never seen him so exhausted-looking, so worn down"...Pope Benedict's Ash Wednesday Mass appearance in St. Peter's Basilica underscores his slowness in movement and the physical assistance he needs when presiding over liturgical ceremonies.  And most Roman liturgies are multi hour celebrations.  All in all, it solidifies the proper decision Pope Benedict XVI has made for himself and for the greater good of the Cgurch.............Fr.  Troy

LOOKING TOWARD THE MID MARCH PAPAL CONCLAVE FOCUS FALLS ON FOUR CONTENDERS.............

Following Pope Benedict's announcement on Monday that he will resign the Papacy on February 28th, the first speculation about a likely successor as the next Holy Father, centered on five Cardinals; three Italians, one Canadian, and one Argentinian.  The front runner considered the current Archbishop of Milan, Italy; Angelo Cardinal Scola, 70.  Now the revised focus as being presented by the "Clerical Whispers" blog is that four contenders are emerging as the most likely choices.  Cardinal Scola is not on the second list of four, but still a highly likely contender.  They are Odilo Cardinal Scherer, age 63, the Archbishop of Sao Paulo. Brazil, in South America; Peter Cardinal Turkson, 64 years old, a former Archbishop from Ghana in Africa; currently leading the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, at the Vatican; Leonardo Cardinal Sandri, age 69, former Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Argentina, in South America; now heading up the Vatican's Pontifical Council of Oriental Churches, who is on the earlier lidt of five; and the youngest of the four possible contenders at 62 years old, the Archbishop of New York, USA; Timothy Cardinal Dolan, who is also presently the President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.  Whether the College of Cardinals is willing to elect an American Pope; or choose to return after 35 years to electing an Italian Pope; or decide on choosing a Pope from the largest region of Catholics, the Continent of South America; or the fastest Catholic growing, Continent of Africa, will be part of the anticipation of next month's Election of the next Successor to the Petrine Ministry.  Catholic belief that the 120 member College of Cardinals who are the electors of the new Pope, choose the new Supreme Pontiff by a two thirds vote or greater, through the Inspiration of the Holy Spirit, we will learn if one of these four contenders, or others already mentioned on Monday, becomes the new Pope, in the next four to six weeks, after the Papal Conclave opens on March 15th.............Fr.  Troy

THE SHOCKING DEVELOPMENTS SURROUNDING OSCAR PISTORIUS.............

Six months ago South African runner Oscar Pistorius, a double legged amputee below the knee astounded the world with his performances in the London Olympics, and went on to win 2 Gold and 1 Silver medals in the Paralympic Games.  Today, he is charged with the murder of his 30 year  fashion model girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, was found dead in Pistoruis' Pretoria, South Africa home, the victim of multiple gunshot wounds.  Initial reports he made have shot her because of mistaken identity, thinking she was an intruder, gave way to the reality of previous domestic violence incidents at his home.  Yet another sports athlete to despoil himself and betray the acclaim his accomplishments gained him.  It is a sad, life taking tragedy and crime given the death of Ms. Steenkamp, and the destruction of the life of a man who against the extreme odds, made historical attainments.  Oscar Pistorius will now go from famous to infamous, and may well lose his life, for violently taking a life.  Let Justice be done.............tdp

POPE BENEDICT XVI CELEBRATES HIS FAREWELL MASS IN ST. PETER'S BASILICA.............

Pope Benedict XVI, who announced his resignation on Monday, as Holy Father and Supreme Pontiff of the 1.2 billion member Roman Catholic Church effective February 28th, the first Pope to do so in nearly 600 years; presided at Ash Wednesday Mass yesterday in St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, before overwhelmingly large numbers of persons in attendance for what is being called his Farewell Mass as the active Successor of St. Peter.  In his Ash Wednesday homily opening the Season of Lent, the purple vested Pontiff preached the need to end, "religious hypocrisy", and "rivalry", in the Catholic Church, urging the Faithful to be sincere in Living their Faith.  Pope Benedict condemned what he referred to as, "religious hypocrisy", calling for an end to divisions that disrupt unity, saying, "the face of the Church is sometimes marred by sins against unity in the Church and divisions in the clergy".  That declaration is interpreted as the departing Holy Father's concern over the pedophilia and Vatileaks scandals besetting the Church.  He went on to warn against, "individualism and rivalry", occurring in the Church.  As for his stunning decision to resign the Papacy, Benedict said he did so, "for the good of the Church".  He asked the the congregation to, "pray for me, pray for the future Pope, pray for the Church".  Upon resigning, Benedict XVI, will be officially titled the Bishop Emeritus of Rome, and will live privately in a renovated convent within the Vatican.  At his weekly Wednesday Audience yesterday Pope Benedict XVI said he will live out the remainder of his earthly life, "dedicated to prayer", and "hidden from the world'.  Also yesterday, Vatican offices announced the Conclave to Elect the next Pope will convene between March 15-19, a five day window that is the Friday before Holy Week to Tuesday of Holy Week.  Yet the expectation continues it should lead to the selection of a new Pope by the College of Cardinals by Easter Sunday.  As a priest I am proud to hear and see Pope Benedict speak of internal animosities and wrongful intentions on the part of Church members, including the ordained leadership; that have no place in the People of God who are the Body of Christ in the World.  As someone whose priestly ministry is caught in such crossfire, I deeply appreciate that the Supreme Pontiff even as he prepares to step down understands the need to eradicate such occurrences.  As one of the banners displayed in St. Peter's at the Vatican read yesterday, I join my voice : "Thank You Your Holiness"............Fr.  Troy

REMEMBERING JIM KAVANAGH.............

The Call to Eternal Holiness came very early this morning in County Kilkenny, Ireland to James 'Jim' Kavanagh, younger brother of Reverend Monsignor Edward J. Kavanagh, who died after a brief illness.  Jim Kavanagh was a kind and people serving person, true to his name and his family, as a Kavanagh of Urlingford.  Husband to Aine, for the past fifty two years, he worked in the family bus and newspaper business, J.J. Kavanagh and Sons, and was ever faithful throughout his working life dating back to his youth, in keeping the buses on the road and the newspapers delivered to Urlingford for distribution.  On my very first visit to Ireland in 1981, as I was on a J.J. Kavanagh and Sons bus that required immediate attention,stalled in Freshford, which is half way between Kilkenny City and Urlingford; who arrived quickly on the scene but Jim Kavanagh.  I had not met him yet, but he knew who I was.  As he stepped on the bus and spotted me sitting there he said to the bus driver, " I see you have Father Eddie's Yank with you".  Then he turned toward me and said, "Welcome to Ireland.  You're out there in the parish with Father Eddie in Sacramento".  And that was the spirited verve Jim Kavanagh possessed, greeting and interacting with others.  Jim was like so many Irish people I have met and know - friendly, engaging others, as though they never met a stranger, welcoming, and kind.  These words describe the man of family, faith, work, and community, Jim Kavanagh was, and will be remembered as being.  My prayers and sympathies go across the miles to Urlingford for him, and Aine, and the entire Kavanagh Family.  Father Eddie is traveling home to preside and concelebrate Jim's Funeral Mass this Saturday morning in Assumption Church Urlingford, with the Parish Priest, my beloved St. Kieran's Seminary classmate, Reverend Father Oliver Maher.  Eternal Rest and Perpetual Peace to Jim's soul and all the Faithful Departed.  May they dwell in God's Kingdom Forever.  Alleluia ! Amen !!.............tdp

ASH WEDNESDAY - OPENING LENT IN THE YEAR OF FAITH.............

The Catholic-Christian Season of Lent, the Springtime of the Church which since the 4th Century A.D., has been a pronounced period of 40 Days of penitential preparation for Easter, begins today Ash Wednesday.  In Communities of Believers around the globe persons will gather and receive the imposition of ashes on their foreheads as an outward sign of the interior conversion we commit ourselves to undergoing during the next six weeks.  The journey of Lenten repentance we make focused on Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving, is our answer to the Call to Continuing Conversion God and the Church invites us to embrace.  For some Lent is traditionally about giving something up; for others it has emerged since Vatican II, as an opportunity to do something more in charity and justice for others.  In this 'Year Of Faith', may each of us dedicate ourselves to observing Lent by making and taking the time to Pray more everyday reading the Sacred Scriptures and Spiritual writings.  Fasting not only from food and drink, snacks and sweets, but from other personal pleasures.  Giving Alms, donating what you can to charitable works, be it a local soup kitchen, / food pantry, or volunteering to help someone or an outreach organization providing for a particular need.  Lent is a renewed opportunity to rediscover and more effectively carry out our Discipleship in Jesus Christ.  What will you do during the next 40 Days to prepare to be Easter People of Living Faith, renewed, refreshed, reformed, in the Truth of striving to, "Tirm away from sin and be Faithful to the Gospel", not only today, Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday; but everyday, in every way we can and will.............Fr.  Troy  

'STATE OF THE UNION' NIGHT 2013 IN AMERICA.............

On this February 12th, the two hundred and fourth anniversary of the birth of the 16th President of the United States, POTUS 44, President Barack Obama will deliver his fifth 'State of the Union Address', the first and perhaps most pivotal SOTU Address of his second term.  As Constitutionally mandated requirement that the President occasionally deliver a report to the Congress on the affairs of the nation, Presidents George Washington and John Adams appeared in person before the Congress to give the Address, Presidents from Thomas Jefferson through William Howard Taft did not.  President Woodrow Wilson did in 1913, and it happened now and again from that time until President Franklin Roosevelt solidified the annual appearance of the President to deliver his report and requests to the Congress and the Nation in 1934.  President Calvin Coolidge was the first President to give the Address over the radio in 1923.  President Harry Truman was the first one to give what officially became known by the designation, 'State of the Union Address', on television in 1947.  In 1965, President Lyndon Johnson moved the time of the State of the Union Address away from being an afternoon speech, to an event delivered in the evening / prime time hours of television and radio coverage.  In recent decades, Presidents Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, William J. Clinton, and George W. Bush, decided not to give SOTU Addresses, in 1981; 1989; 1993; and 2001; after entering the White House.  And so tonight, at 9 p.m. Eastern, 8 p.m. Central, 7 p.m. Mountain, and 6 p.m. Pacific Standard Time, President Obama will speak before a Joint Session of the Houses of Congress, from the dais of the House, with what is expected to be a report on the Economy, Jobs, Immigration Reform, Gun Violence, among other topics; and his requested proposals for how to respond to these matters.  Two alternative responses will follow the President's speech, with Florida Senator Marco Rubio, delivering the official Republican Party response; and Kentucky Senator Rand Paul, giving a Tea Party response.............Fr.  Troy

FIVE LEADING POSSIBILITIES FOR POPE TO SUCCEED BENEDICT XVI.............

With the surprise announcement by the Holy Father Pope Bernedict XVI, that he will resign as of February 28th, after nearly eight years as the Successor of St. Peter and Bishop of Rome, the names of potential papabile, those thought to be likely choices as the next Pope, are surfacing.  Five Cardinals are being prominently mentioned as frontrunners for election by the Papal Conclave next month.  One, a theological scholar steeped in the Catholic-Christian Muslim Dialogue; a second said to be savvy with the media and politics; another known as a cosmopolitan activist; as well as one who is a Biblical scholar and is considered to be a master communicator; and a fifth Cardinal with extensive experience as a Church diplomat and bureaucrat.  Three of these five Cardinals are Italians, one is Canadian and the other is Argentinian.  Chief among them is thought to be +Angelo Cardinal Scola, the Archbishop of Milan, who is being described in some American media reports this morning as Pope Benedict's preference.  The former Bishop of Venice, age 70, is described by Church historian Matthew Bunson in today's online edition of, "USA Today", as topping the list of papabile as, "an Italian with the intellectual chops to do the job", sharing the current Pope's desire for, "recapturing Catholic excitement in Europe".  Bunson goes on to say that +Scola is, "well positioned to deal with secularism and materialism in the West"; in addition to be a first class Christian-Muslim Dialogue scholar.  Whether one of these five Cardinals can attain the two thirds vote of the College of Cardinals to be elected Pope, or it will be shifted to another choice will be determined by the Conclave to be held next month.............tdp

STUNNING NEWS - POPE BENEDICT XVI RESIGNING.............

His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI delivered stunning news from the Vatican this morning announcing he will resign as the Supreme Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, effective February 28th.  Benedict XVI, age 85, in the eighth year of his Pontificate, cited a lack of strength to continue carrying out his duties as the reason for his resignation.  A Conclave of the College of Cardinals, the electors of a new Pope is expected to be convened in early to mid March, with the likelihood the next successor to St. Peter as will be in place as Pope by Holy Week and Easter, which begins March 24th.  More news, analysis, and insights, as developments unfold.............Fr.  Troy  

RUSSIAN ORTHODOX PATRIARCH PROCLAIMS PROGRESS WITH CATHOLICS; DISTANCES FROM PROTESTANTS.............

The Russian Orthodox Church Patriarch Kiril, speaking at the reconvening of the Council of Bishops in Moscow last Saturday underscored what he referred to as, "positive trends", in the dialogue with Catholics; and "distances", in relations with Protestant Christians.  Regarding the Russian Orthodox-Roman Catholic dialogue, the Patriarch spoke of the success of the ecumenical efforts of the Joint International Commission for Theological Dialogue between the Russian Orthodox and Roman Catholic denominations.  He cited, "a common position on a number of topical issues including family, church, and state relations, the moral and spiritual reasons for the economic crisis".  Patriarch Kiril also criticized trends in many of the Protestant Christian churches in the West, which he said, "Continue on the path of liberalization, especially in ecclesiology and moral teaching".  The, "blessing of homosexual unions and ordination of people who have openly admitted non-traditional sexual orientation", which he called - "the norm for several Protestant communities in the West"; going on to say that achieving a common doctrinal understanding with these communities, "has lost its meaning".  Other members of the Russian Orthodox Council of Bishops are calling for, "more transparency", in the discussion of the documents in the dialogue and are raising concerns about the Primacy in the universal Church, orthodox doctrine, canonical tradition, and conciliarity, in reaching an ecumenical agreement with Roman Catholics.............Fr.  Troy

TIME's REPUBLICAN SAVIOR MARCO RUBIO LIKELY TO BE CHALLENGED BY A DOZEN OR MORE OTHER GOP SEEKERS.............

On Thursday Time Magazine unveiled its latest cover as Senator Marco Rubio of Florida, with the title : "The Republican Savior"; indicating the young, charismatic, Cuban American, Tea Party, Republican freshman, may well be the GOP's answer to winning back the White House in 2016.  Senator Rubio disclaimed the designation, "The Republican Savior" tweeting, "There is only one savior and it is not me. #Jesus".  Time's indication that Rubio may be the person to lead the Republicans out of the presidential electoral wilderness with Hispanic / Latino voters in the next quest for the White House - however, he will not go unchallenged either for the 2016 Republican nomination to win the Presidency.  Senator Rubio is one of a prospective potential field of a bakers dozen of seekers for the nomination including former running mate standardbearers, previous candidates, current Senators, and Governors.  Former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin; Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee; Wisconsin U.S. Representative Paul Ryan; former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum; South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham; Kentucky Senator Rand Paul; New Hampshire Senator Kelly Ayotte; Texas Senator Ted Cruz; New Jersey Governor Chris Christie; Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker; South Carolina Governor Nikku Haley; and New Mexico Governor Susanna Martinez; are among likely candidates who have an interest in running and may well seek to win the Republican Nomination for the White House.  Whether Rubio's leadership role in attempting to bring about Immigration Reform and his Republican Response to President Obama's State of the Union Address this Tuesday night, can vault and keep him ahead of a crowded field for the next three years only the turns of politics, governance, and vorer preference will determine.  For now, he's being presented a huge leg up in the line-up of GOP prospects for the future.............Fr.  Troy

AN ERA OF EVANGELICAL CATHOLICS ?.............

George Weigel, a theologian and bestselling author, has written a new book, "Evangelical Catholicism : Deep Reform in the 21st Century",  in which he declares that practicing Catholicism can no longer be a, "weekend hobby", but instead - "requires bold Christian witness".  Weigel, a leading biographer of Pope John Paul II, has authored eighteen books.  Weigel writes that that the period of Counter Reformation Catholicism that has influenced Catholics fifty years of age and younger is ending, and a new age of Evangelical Catholicism is emerging that will be Gospel focused in the Third Millennium and will drop the curtain on the institutionally focused Catholicism that has been and building on the the reforms of the last century, and accepting Pope John Paul's invitation, "to put out into the deep", to extend and forge friendships with Jesus Christ to the post modern world.  The reason for this Evangelical Catholicism is argued to be two-fold :  1.)  "An evolution impelled by the Church's need to make Herself a more transparent Witness to the Lord";  2.)  An essential response to an increasingly Hostile environment".  George Weigel writes, "To live an integral Catholic life today is to be a sign of contradiction.  The Catholicism that has a future can't be a weekend recreational activity, a lifestyle choice.  The Catholicism of the future must be a life changing, life forming embrace of Jesus Christ, his Truth, his authority; a radical commitment that shapes all of life".   The author goes on to write that this emerging Evangelical Catholicism is, " full time, full throttle, Catholicism"; and is not "sectarian or remnant" Catholicism; rather than a Catholicism on the "offense" in "enclaves" and "bunkers" of "21st century catacombs", is on the "defense" in going into the daily world and interacting with it and to it, in presentiing the person and teachings of Jesus Christ.  Weigel states this Evangelical Catholicism will be, "culture forming"; and, "countercultural".   The Second Vatican Council, whose Golden Jubilee in this "Year Of Faith", we are commemorating by declaration of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI, is hopefully seen by George Weigel, presently working as a Senior Fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center think tank in Washington, D.C.; as having an instrumental part in bringing about the reforms and renewal of the Catholic Church in the past century he refers to in this book.  As the most current Ecumenical Council, Vatican II's 16 Documents promulgated by the Bishops of the World during its four sessions between October 11, 1962 and December 8, 1965, are the grounding for the teachings and governance of the Catholic Church in the contemporary post conciliar, and 3rd Millennium World in which we live and interact as Catholic-Christian Disciples.............Fr.  Troy

BRENNAN CIA CONFIRMATION HEARING / PANETTA BENGHAZI TESTIMONY TODAY.............

John Brennan, President Obama's nominee as the next Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, C.I.A.; is scheduled to appear before the U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee today for his Confirmation Hearing.  Brennan, a twenty five year veteran official of the C.I.A., has served as the Deputy National Security Adviser to President Obama during his first term and is his chief Counter Terrorism expert.  Brennan is expected to be aggressively questioned by the members of the Intelligence Committee, especially about the Administration's Drone Policy regarding the killing of Americans suspected of ties to Al Qaeda terrorism, without carrying out due process procedures and their constitutional rights.  Oregon's Democratic Senator Ron Wyden, and Maine's Republican Senator Susan Collins, are two of the Intelligence Committee members stating they have serious questions for John Brennan on the Drone policy, among other topocs of concern as to his suitability  to lead the C.I.A. in the Obama Administration's second term.  Also today, outgoing Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta will appear before Congress to testify on his role and knowledge of the Benghazi tragedy.  Panetta is retiring back to California and his testimony today his last official act as Defense Secretart as the confirmation of  his nominated successor, Senator Chuck Hagel, is still pending...........Fr.  Troy

OBAMA ADMINISTRATION's HHS MANDATE RELIGIOUS FREEDOM COMPROMISE COMPLETED.............

After a contentious year of debate with and push back from American Religious Leaders and their congregations, over the Health and Human Services Department Mandate that Contraception Insurance coverage be provided for all women employees, the Obama Administration has announced a compromise that addresses the primary concern of Religious Freedom in responding to the Mandate, yet meeting the requirement and intention of the Law.  The compromise proposal is considered a step back on the part of the policy enunciated by the HHS Mandate last year, which was vigorously opposed by the U.S. Catholic Bishops and the leadership of American Evangelical Christians.  The Obama Compromise concedes the requirement that non profit Religious organizations must directly provide Contraceptive coverage.  Instead, a third party entity will be required to provide the insurance coverage at no cost to the women employees.  The new proposal by the United States Department of Health is presented as a compromise that provides for the the safeguarding of women's health, while protecting the religious freedom and sensitivities of those who oppose artificial contraception coverage.  Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius, herself a Catholic; stated today, "All new insurance plans will be required to cover additional services and tests for women, with no out of pocket costs".  That will mean current Catholic-Christian emplyee insurance plans will not be mandated to include Contraceptive coverage, but that new third party insurance plans will.  The immediate response to the HHS Mandate Compromise on the part of the Catholic Bishops and the most conservative Evangelical Leaders, who most fiercely fought the Mandate during the past year is, Cautious, but as of now not being Criticized.  The U.S, Supreme Court's upholding of the Affordable Care Act National Health Care Law last summer, now means a reasonable and acceptable Compromise over the Mandate must be reached.  The discussion, dialogue, and debate, is likely to continue as the Law is enacted and Religious organizations represent and preserve the freedom to espouse their teachings.............Fr.  Troy    

VATICAN II's 'INSPIRED AWAKENING' - PAUL VI, WOMEN RELIGIOUS, VOCATIONS, ECUMENISM, LEBEBVRE MOVEMENT.............

Not only was part two of, "The Faithful Revolution", video series at our second session of the adult faith formation class at Sacred Heart Church in East Sacramento,  I am helping facilitate along with Rita Spillane, a very good one; so too was our discussion of the 'Inspired Awakening' it was, as last night's focus was titled.  We had a very engaging discussion after both segments one and two of the video, as the group asked and we answered questions about the transition from the death of Pope John XXIII, to the resumption and continuity of the Council by Pope Paul VI.  Following up on the video's presentation on the emerging role of Women in the Church and Vocations of Women Religious in particular, an extensive conversation ensued.  Then we concluded with brief consideration of the Mass and Liturgy as reformed at Vatican II, and the ministry of French Archbishop Marcel Lebebvre, who rejected the Council's teachings,  was excommunicated in 1988, but whose followers persist in believing and practicing the outdated liturgy, and oppose ecumenism with other Christian denominations.  A wonderful evening of study, sharing, and sensibly applying the history and purpose of the Second Vatican Council to the Church in the World today, it was.  Here's another invitation for you to join us if you can next Monday February 11th, at 7 p.m., in the Sacred Heart Parish School Cafeteria.............Fr.  Troy 

INEFFECTUAL FIRST HALF, RE-SURGE AFTER OUTAGE, LACK OF LATE CALL, MAKE 49ers CLOSE BUT NOT.............

The San Francisco 49-ers National Football Conference champions lost Super Bowl 47 yesterday, to the Baltimore Ravens, by the margin of a field goal, going down 34-31; and losing their first Super Bowl after 5 victories dating back to 1982.  Quaterback Colin Kaepernick and his San Francisco teammmates were highly ineffectual in the first half of the game, able to score only 2 fields and 6 points, against a strident Baltimore team led by their Quarterback Joe Flacco, who scored 3 touchdowns, and 21 points, to be in a fifteen point deficit at halftime for the 49-ers.  Then the Ravens started the second half by returning a San Francisco's kick-off punt a Super Bowl record setting, 108 yards for a fourth touchdown, and a 28-6 lead.  A 34 minute power outage in the New Orleans Superdome minutes later, stalled playing; and when it resumed Kaepernick and the Niners were ready to respond with their own twenty three points of additional scoring, to a single additional field goal for the Ravens, to be behind 31-29.  Their attempt at a two point conversion after scoring their third second half touchdown failed, leaving San Francisco trailing by two points.  The Ravens subsequently scored another field goal to stretch their lead to 34-29.  The 49ers with just minutes left in the game, tried from 1st and Goal to score another touchdown, and came up short on a fourth down attempt due to an obvious holding call that on their receiver that the referees did not make.  However, moments later with the game clock ticking down the seconds remaining, the Niners scored a safety against the Ravens to be trailing with just four seconds left on the clock, 34-31.  Receiving the Raven's punt, time expired on the 48-ers,, and Joe Flacco and the Baltimore Ravens, led by Head Coach John Harbaugh; defeated Colin Kaepernick and the San Francisco 49-ers, led by Harbaugh brother Jim, by the final score of 34-31.  Tough Luck Niners.  More success next year and in your next Super Bowl, returning the Vince Lombardi Trophy that will be residing in Baltimore, this year; back to the City by the Bay in Northern California, San Francisco.............Fr.  Troy   

SOUP-ER SUNDAY - CHRISTIAN YOUTH REACH OUT IN THEIR CHURCHES TO HELP THE HUNGRY.............

My fellow Sac State alumni brother, Mike Dremel posted a message on his Facebook page, that I in turn posted on my FB page, concerning SOUP-er SUNDAY today.  That's correct, Soup-er Sunday, a Christian ministry many American congregations participate in on the Sunday of the Super Bowl each year.  Today his congregation, The Christian Church of Pacific Grove is providing an array of soups the members have cooked and serving them to the congregants and other guests for a donation of a few cans of easy open food cans, or free will monetary contributions.  The proceeds they collect are donated to the church Food Pantry, to replenish it and provide nutritional foods to persons and families who come to them seeking help.  Brother Michael himself is cooking his two special soups, Gnocchi, and Chicken Spinach, for today's occasion.  His sharing of this event brings back fond memories for me as Pastor of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Oroville.  Our parish Youth Ministry group teamed with the youth ministry groups from the members of the Cooperating Christian Churches of Oroville, (CCCO) took up $1 donations at the doors of the churches on Super Bowl Sundays, and putting all the donations received into one joint collection, then met on Super Bowl Sunday night to decide which local or wider feeding ministry to donate the proceeds from their free will offering to that year.  Done either way it is a wonderful way to remember and help feed the hungry, on this day annually, when most Americans intentionally overeat as they watch the pre to post coverage of the Super Bowl Game.  If your church congregation today does not provide an outlet to facilitate your Soup-er Bowl  donations, consider donating a few cans of food, or contributing the few dollars you might spend on one more Super Bowl snack to reach out and feed the truly hungry yourselves.  As you enjoy the feasting of Super Bowl 47, remember to fold in those so much less fortunate who could use a small meal, as you eat and drink voluminiously today.  Dare my loyal Northern California / Province of San Francisco person-priest, dare say, "GO NINERS !!!!!!!!!!!!!...............................................Fr. Troy

THE PRESENTATION OF THE LORD IN GOD'S TEMPLE.............

In observance of the Mosaic Law, of which Mary and Joseph were loyal adherents, on the fortieth day after the birth of a Jewish man-child , a mother was to bring her son to the Temple before her Purification, to present him to God.  The mother was required to bring a lamb for holocaust, and a turtledove or pigeon, as a sin offering.  If circumstances did not allow the mother to bring a lamb, she could substitute it with two turtledoves / pigeons.  This is exactly what Mary as the Christ Child's mother, and Joseph her husband and his foster father were doing, prescribing with the Law as written of in Leviticus 12:2-8; in the Hebrew Scriptures.  That is why today On this 40th day following Christmas Day, we celebrate in Catholic-Christianity the liturgical feast of the Presentation of the Lord.   Since the 11th Century of Christianity the commemoration of this day includes the Blessing of Candles used in Church prayer, worship, and ministry, throughout the year ahead.  Those blessed candles represent and signify the Light of Jesus The Christ, the Light of the World.  As Mary the Mother of God fulfilled the precept of the Mosaic Law by the Presentation of the Lord in the Temple, dedicating her first born son in the Temple in accordance with the Book of Numbers 18:15; and encountered Simeon the Just, in the presence of Anna the Prophetess, as written of in Luke 2:22; which is the first and formal introduction of Jesus into God's House, and the Church of Jerusalem; so too, may we the People of God who are the Disciples of Jesus and members of the Body of Christ, the Universal Church in the World, Present the Lord to others by our Faith, Fidelity to Gospel Values, and Sharing of His Holy, Redeeming, Light - that is the fulfilling Light of the World and our Salvation.............Fr.  Troy   

SEASON TWO OF THE NEW "DALLAS" SERIES BEGINS WITH LARRY HAGMAN'S FINAL 5 EPISODES PLUS ONE..........

When actor Larry Hagman died on November 23, 2012; having appeared as JR Ewing in the filming of the second season of the new 'Dallas' television series on TNT, it was just two day after the 32nd anniversary of the night the, "Who Shot JR ?", episode of the original 'Dallas' series on CBS Television, 1978-1991; that made 'Dallas', JR Ewing, and Larry Hagman, worldwide phenomenon.  Turner Network Television on cable, TNT; premiered the second season of the new 'Dallas', on Monday night.  After a brief on camera acknowledgement by Hagman's co-stars, Patrick Duffy, Linda Gray, and the ensemble cast, of his death, they dedicated the next five episodes, his final work to him.  And if the first episode of this season two is indicative, the powerful portrayals of intrigue involving the Ewing clan and their rivals, that made the original series riveting to fans and viewers; is being solidified anew as the new series, developed by Cynthia Cidre, delivers on the initial work of the 'Dallas' creator, David Jacobs, thirty five years ago.  Current leading co-star Jesse Metcalfe, who plays Christopher Ewing, said in an interview on CNN last weekend, that due to the "Magic of Television", although Larry Hagman appeared in five episodes of season two before his death, he will be fully present in this season's sixth episode, J.R.'S Funeral episode, which may well be both a retrospective as well as a reunion 'Dallas' episode.  I am back in the saddle, resuming my fan and viewership, as I have been from night one of the miniseries in April 1978.  As I described it when made to defend why as seminarians we should be watching it, - as a modern day morality play of everything we will face in advising and counseling people as how not to be and why.  Besides, it's quite entertaining......Fr. Troy