Sunday, November 28, 2010

*BEST OF DTB #39* The Catholic Defender devotes the Divine Mercy

"SFC Hartley, we have 4 wounded arriving in about 10 minutes, two gun shot wounds and two shrapnel".

"OK, I'll call the Chaplain, and alert the Battalion. Make sure that all the teams are assembled and ready".

"Everyone take your positions, each team assemble as already dictated, we are expecting 4 wounded, one gun shot wound through the back, another through the right arm.

There are two Casualties with shrapnel wounds to the face, back and lower legs". "As the Gun Trucks pull in make sure that the litter teams bring in the most severe injuries first and place them from this trauma bed on down.

Make sure that all your pieces are ready: I need your suction on hand, need IV ready to go, need plenty of supplies. Make sure the trauma chests are open and ready".

"Come on people, just as we rehearsed! SPC Jones, I need you to keep monitoring the radio".
"SFC Hartley, they are coming in"!

"Lets get them in now, bring the facial wound here, I need a line in and make sure you get an airway inserted.

CPT Wilson, here is your first Casualty. Place the Chest wound here in the second bed"

"Get started with him, I will be right back".

"What are the last two"?

"SFC Hartley, they are delayed"!

"Ok, take them into the last two beds and begin treating their wounds, Doc will be right there".

"SFC Hartley, this one has a high Blood Pressure of 180/120"

"Keep getting me the vitals every 5 minutes, yell it out. Where is the PA"?

"SFC Hartley, he is on the way, he should be here in just a few minutes"!

"I'm helping on the second bed, I'll maintain spinal traction and keep the airway open".

"Sir our second Casualty has a gun shot wound to the back, his vital signs are becoming rapid".

The above scenario is sometimes a daily routine in a war zone. Sometimes it can happen multiple times a day with many more casualties. Sometimes the result is we lose some of them. That is always a difficult situation.

Sometimes the only thing I can do for someone is pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet! There may not be anything we can do as the wounds were just too catastrophic.

In this scenario, there are so many things happening at once, I have been involved with CPR trying to keep someone alive until the Doc calls it. I would silently pray:

Eternal Father,
I offer you the Body and Blood,
Soul and Divinity,
of Your Dearly Beloved Son,
Our Lord, Jesus Christ,
in atonement for our sins
and those of the whole world


I would be looking around ensuring that all can be done, making sure that the Casualties are packaged and ready for air transport Medevac if the sky is green. If the sky is red that presents problems getting a ground convoy. Continuing in my mind I would pray:

For the sake of His sorrowful Passion,
have mercy on us and on the whole world.


I remember the promise Our Good Lord made to St. Faustina consoling her that for the dying, if someone prays the Divine Mercy Chaplet the soul would find peace.

This hits home for me literally as my Mother would be told she had two days to live. She developed a massive blood clot that lodged in her right lower leg causing it to turn blue.

Without circulation, her leg did not make it. When I arrived at the hospital, the Doctors did not believe she would survive the knife. They gave her two days to live.

My Brother and I took Mom home to die as she didn't want to die in the hospital, but at home with her family around her.

As soon as we got her in her bed, I elevated her leg giving some comfort, I placed a rosary above the site where it was dead, and bathed the area with holy water and prayer.

Mom's medication such as Morphine helped at times, but what helped her most was praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet with me.


She felt at peace with herself and she was able to rest. This went on for about 10 days when I had to get an extension on my leave as Mom was living longer that what the Doctors projected.

I was sitting next to her bed when Mom asked me,
"Do you believe that the Lord will receive me when I pass".

I told Mom, "Mom, you know He will receive you! You can trust in His word and stand on what He says".

That's when I began to sing to her a song we sing at Mass, "Be Not Afraid"!

Gigi, my wife, was standing on the other side of the bed when she saw Mom's rosary on her desk so she gave it to Mom to hold.

As we were singing the song together, Mom was holding her rosary. It was at this point I noticed the rosary change from silver to gold in her hands. What a sign this was for us and I will write here that the Lord gave my Mom another 18 Months.
 
Mom was finally taken by the Lord on 1 August 2006. I will never forget how the Divine Mercy Chaplet made such an impact for my Mom.

That would lead to the earlier scenario. In the absence of a Priest, without the Anointing of the Sick (Last Rites), the Divine Mercy Chaplet is an important devotion.

I have meet parents of Soldiers who have died that were consoled by me when learning of our dedication of the Divine Mercy Chaplet praying for their Sons.



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Friday, November 26, 2010

The Catholic Defender Meets Alabama Law

Traveling the Country and much of the world you get the chance to see and experience many things.

This story is true but the names and places have been changed to protect the local community.

The story began when Matt, one of my wife's Son's, was beginning his deployment to Afghanistan.

Our Daughter-In-Law, Szilvia, remained in a small town in Alabama.

She is an American speaking Hungarian who was determined to keep their two young children and an older mentally handicapped son busy so they wouldn't worry about their father.

It must be noted that two major characters of this story are two dogs: Gypsy (a white Pyrenees), and Riley (a black lab). This is the setting of the story as we begin this lesson of Alabama Law.

Across the street were the "Anderson's" (fictional name) who had a dog that was known for biting anyone and everyone. One day, the Anderson's dog was roaming free when it attacked a young neighborhood boy.

Szilvia was in the front yard and went to the aid of the boy, getting bit herself. The Grandmother of the boy decided to take the Anderson's to court and Szilvia became the main witness for the case.

This is where the action begins, as the Anderson's began to harass Szilvia on an almost daily basis. They called the local Sheriffs Department with frivolous complaints. Because the dog incident was a problem for the Anderson's, they began to call in complaints about Szilvia's dogs.

Both of these dogs are gentle and love attention and would be more apt to lick you to death before showing signs of an angry dog.

One night, "SOMEONE" cut the cable of Rileys chain hoping the dog would get out of the fence. The Anderson's put up a perpetual camera and watched Szilvia's every action (it is still recording at present!) but Riley did not get out of the fence and Szilvia replaced the chain. The camera is a real worry because you read of so much sexual exploitation these days.

On one occasion while Szilvia was at our youngest Grandson's soccer game, the Anderson's called the Sheriffs Department with a complaint. Apparently the man who cut Szilvia's grass turned around in the Anderson's driveway.

The Anderson's continued to place frivolous complaints and the Sheriffs Department continued to respond causing much fear and concern on our daughter-in-law's part because the children were being exposed to a negative view of the "law".

I made a number of trips from Texas to help try and calm the situation. On my first trip there my 10 year old Grandson's first words to me was " What if the Sheriff's Deputy comes"? I couldn't help but think, "What in the world is going on"?

I went to the Sheriff's Office and spoke with 5 Deputies who assured me that they were really on Szilvia's side. That all those calls would actually help her for court.

Every time that they responded there were no issues that had to be addressed. Still, the matter was not getting any better. On one occasion, Mr. Anderson drove up in front of Szilvia's house stopping and motioning for the boys to come to his car window. They were playing in the front yard. He called them several vulgar names (an 8 and a 10 year old!!!).

When the Sheriffs Deputy initially arrived, he was courteous towards Szilvia until after he spoke with the Anderson's. He came back threatening Szilvia, telling her she needed to be a "good Mother".

I felt that Matt needed to keep his mind on what he was doing in Afghanistan, he definitely didn't need to be worrying about what was happening at home.

On another occasion, while Szilvia was gone to another one of our Grandson's soccer game, the Anderson's called the Sheriffs Department making the complaint that someone had pulled into their drive way. Where Szilvia lives, the street dead ends and that is why sometimes people will pull in a driveway to turn around. The School Bus turns around using Szilvia's driveway.

Szilvia came home to find the Deputies coming to talk to them again. On another occasion, the Anderson's made a complaint against Silvia claiming that they were riding bikes up and down the street banging on mailboxes with baseball bats.

The Older Son they were accusing of doing this can not even ride a bicycle nor do they have a bat. When the police arrived, none of the mail boxed were shown to have any damages.

Time after time the Sheriffs continued to give the Anderson's this ability to harass our family. It's quite difficult to try and handle this from 1,000 miles away, but that is what I tried to do.

I called the Sheriffs Department at least 5 or 6 times. Each time I tried to be respectful but this was to be very difficult.

I couldn't help but compare them with the crooked police from the movie "Deliverance".

I could hear the banjo and the guitar clear as day. I'm afraid this imagery did not please the Sheriff at all.

But I was not happy with the events taking place there.

It was clear that the Anderson's were doing this out of revenge and the Sheriffs Department were willing agents of the Anderson's.

To this point there had been approximately 15 to 20 complaints made by the Anderson's and responded to by the Sheriffs Office against our Hungarian Daughter-In-Law whose husband was in Afghanistan.

One day, Gigi reported the news that the Anderson's were able to get an arrest warrant to have Szilvia placed in jail due to her dogs being out. I called the Sheriff and gave him everything I could think of, this was so unbelievable.

I called the Governors Office, I called the State Senators Office as well as the office in Washington. I called Birmingham's FOX News and the local news papers. I was wanting to get Sean Hannity and Bill O'Reily involved because this was just totally not right.

Szilvia went in to the Sheriffs Office with her two Children not understanding why or what was happening. The Sheriff's deputies at first were very rude as they frisked her.

It was about that time I received a call from the Governors Office responding to my calls. I walked out of a meeting at Fort Hood to explain what was happening. What followed is very interesting .....

The Governors office responded and called the Sheriffs Office. From that point the Deputies totally changed their tune with Szilvia. They became very nice calling her "special".

They placed Szilvia in a jail cell for only a moment to the surprise of the prostitutes, the pimps, and the druggies. She was then given a court date of 10 August 2009.

I was able to go there in time to get the date changed to 14 September when I knew I could be there. At that point the Court appointed a lawyer for Szilvia.

I spoke to "Mr. Smith" for about an hour as he informed me that he would meet with Szilvia later in the week.

Then, in the latter part of August, Matt came home on R&R from Afghanistan.

At this time they lodged another frivolous complaint and, because Matt was home, they sent out 4 deputies. Instead of thanking Matt for his service and encouraging him to have a good time while being home on leave, they threatened him telling him they can put him in jail.

Can you believe this? The lawyer, "Mr. Smith" met with Szilvia a couple of times, then he met with Matt and Sylvia along with Gigi (my wife) about one week before the court date.

I arrived there about two days before the 14th of September. Matt had to report back to Afghanistan about 2 days prior to the court date.

On the morning of the 14th, we arrived at the court house by 08:45.

The lawyer had not shown up yet so I called his office to find out what was going on.

The secretary had no knowledge of anything. She couldn't say where he was so we continued to wait thinking the lawyer had things in control.

Another 30 minutes and I am getting really upset. I ended up calling the lawyers office another 5 to 6 times.

It turns out that he had taken his wife to the beach!!!?? If I ever wanted to break someone's neck it was then. The Court appointed another lawyer, giving him about 15 minutes to look at the case.

He told us the Anderson's wanted Szilvia to pay a few hundred dollars for court costs and reparation. Szilvia began to feel pressure not having her lawyer.

I was there with her and began telling the lawyer the story. We were not going to give in here. I strengthened Szilvia's resolve and the lawyer informed the Prosecution that we would see them in court.

To our surprise, the Anderson's were ready to go. All the chips and marbles were on the table and going to fall right then.

As it turns out, all those complaints and all those police reports were for naught. None of them were used against Szilvia.

It all was based on a photograph that the Anderson's presented for the court as their prime evidence-- a skinny black lab! Riley happens to be a very FAT black lab. Alas, they had the wrong dog!

Mr. Anderson told the Court that Szilvia's dogs were vicious and chased him on one occasion. (Editors Note), I recently spoke with the lawyer who handled the case for us, he has been very much a help and support for my family there in Alabama. The case has been moved to 15 Feb and this lawyer vows to be there!!! He truly did an outstanding job especially for the time of preparation he had been given. Our 15 minute lawyer was able to show several discrepancies in Mr. Anderson's testimony that caused the Judge to turn a jaundiced eye on him.

The Judge basically told both parties that if there were no more issues the case would be thrown out 2 Feb 2011. The Anderson's do not want this, they still want revenge. Mr. Anderson had to pay $1,000 to stay out of jail when his dog bit the neighbor child and they wanted Szilvia to do the same.

Since the day of the trial, Szilvia has had someone steal her license plate off her car (at night), her mail box was damaged (at night), someone tried to let the dog outside the fence (at night) and she has been stopped by the local "mounties" for driving a "reported" stolen vehicle...(this accusation was shut down in a hurry with the presentation of her registration. HELLO!! Wonder who reported that..........

As we await for 2 February 2011, what should the Catholic Defender do?

I ask for all of you to pray for the Anderson's. They seem to be unhappy people who need Jesus in their lives.

Please pray for all our Soldiers deployed in harms way. It means a great deal for Soldiers to hear words of support. Also for Military families who struggle trying to keep the home fires burning.

Szilvia had done a great job keeping the boys involved in soccer and martial arts training.

Please pray for our police officers and firemen and those who hold public service.

Please pray for America, we need the Lord's presence in our lives.

2 Chronicles 7:14 states, "if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and forgive their sin and heal their land".

Justice is truly justice when the ways of the Lord are followed enforcing it.



Giving thanks doesn't show how wonderful we are.

Thanksgiving is a very joyous holiday that we spend with family. For my family, like many others, it is the traditional kickoff of the Christmas season.

Thanksgiving should, however, be more than a day. It should be a way of life. It is unfortunate that it has become an occasion for people, who are important in their own minds, to make grand speeches.

In giving thanks, we should be acknowledging that we are utterly helpless and that anything we are or have is only due to His Divine providence.

Something to think about.









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Thursday, November 25, 2010

The Catholic Defender: Interesting events of my trip

Last week my Father suffered a heart attack, I felt there was no choice but to go see him in Southern Missouri near Springfield.

It's a small cattle town called Humansville. It is the only town with this name anywhere in the known world.

I was told by the Doctor that if he had been 30 minutes later he would not have made it.

It is very important to respond quickly under these kinds of situations.

Minutes do make a difference. He is doing well at this time.

Spending some time with him, I learned about an Uncle of mine, one of his Brothers, was wounded in World War II when a Japanese Soldier ran upon him with bayonet.

My Uncle killed the enemy attacker but his momentum carried him right to my Uncle.

He was hit on the right hip with the bayonet. I really enjoyed listening to my Dad as he spoke of his time in the Army. He served as one of the Commanders driver.

It seems that some of us always get all the luck? I'm proud of my Dad's service as well as my Uncle. I have Two Brothers who served as Marines, one of them was in Viet Nam, while the other was in Lebanon.

He survived the blast that hit the Marine Barracks in Beirut, Oct 23, 1983. The attack just one day before my second Son, Joshua would be born on 24 October 1983.

I was really glad to spend some quality time with my Brother (Randy) the past few days. We watched some old Westerns with Clint Walker and the first season of 24.

My Soldiers got me hooked on 24 during the first two weeks in Kuwait February 2009.

During that deployment, I went through 1-7 seasons of 24. I was only too happy to get my Brother hooked!

Last Saturday, while walking through Humansville I stopped into a shop where I heard some people talking so I went in to see what it was about.

It turned out to be a small group of families who classified themselves as "Jews for Jesus".

They were strict on Saturday as the Sabbath. I told them if they really understood the Catholic Faith, they would have to have a good understanding of the Old Testament.

They were very respectful to me and invited me to participate with their fellowship. I stayed until I went to Catholic Mass.

My Mother died 1 August 2006, anytime I come visit the area, I always pay her a visit.

I prayed the Rosary as my custom, when I got to the last prayer in the 5th decade, two formations of Canadian Geese flew overhead and I couldn't help but think Mom and the Saints were appreciative watching over us (Hebrews 12:1).

From Humansville, I drove to Fort Campbell Kentucky where I had the chance of visiting two of my Sons going to Austin Peay University.

I also got the chance to see two of my Grand Children there. I still have one Son in Afghanistan from there. I stopped by St. Michael's Catholic Church in Oak Grove Kentucky getting the chance to see Father David who blessed my new rosary made in Jerusalem!

Before I left Fort Campbell, I was able to see the Catholic Coordinator, Rita Payne, who has been there for many years.

We worked together when I was stationed there. I had the chance to meet the Catholic Priest from Nigeria serving there.

It was just a few moments when Father Pamula walked into the Soldiers Chapel walking into the office.
I served with him in Iraq during my 2007 deployment.

I also served Mass with him in October 2009 when I came back from leave.

He has a strong devotion to the Divine Mercy Chaplet. He was raised just miles from St. Faustina in Poland.

Currently, My wife and I are visiting our Grand Children in Alabama as Matt redeployed and is home.

We are so proud of him being awarded the Bronze Star for his efforts. My wife and I want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving to John Benko and his family, my sidekick on the Blog, to all our readers and participants, and to all Americans who love freedom and liberty. God bless America!




Sunday, November 21, 2010

Merry Christmas

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.5

Q and A on confession.

A friend named Amy posted a question on my facebook. I'd like to provide the answer here.

John, important do you suggest is the sacrament of reconciliation before holy communion and how often would you recommend someone to go to confession?


Amy,
Read what the Apostle Paul says to the church in Corinth (1 Corinthians 10:15-21). Communion is an actual participation in the Body and Blood of our Lord. He asked a very probing question- Can we partake in the cup of Our Lord even as we partake in the cup of demons? No. This statement is deeper than simply abstaining from visible idols.

Mortal sin is, in itself, Idolatry. Would you dare to mock God? Receiving Communion while in a state of mortal sin is a sacrilege because you are
receiving the person of Christ even as you live in willful disobedience of him. The consequences of this are dire (1 Corinthians 11:27-29).

Contrary to what many say, the Bible is very clear about the difference between mortal and venial sin (1 John 5:16-17)

Having said that, you also have to be careful of scrupulosity. The God who will not abide your willful disobedience is also a merciful and loving God who knows that you are going to struggle with the things humans struggle with.

Do not think of God as a mean old man who can't wait to punish you for every transgression. Think of God as someone who loves you so much that He suffered and died for you.

When you think of your Heavenly Father, much like your earthly father, you know when you are genuinely doing your best to please Him and when you know that you owe Him an apology.

In the sacrament of reconciliation, we are not only restored to God, we also receive graces to help us get stronger.

My answer to you is that you go to confession when you feel you need to. If you are in mortal sin or seriously struggling with certain sins. There is no formula stating you should go x number of times except that you should go at least once a year or anytime you are in mortal sin.

If you feel troubled by a lesser- non mortal- sin, say a sincere Act of Contrition during Mass, before you receive.




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Monday, November 15, 2010

The Catholic Defender Visits the Brownsville Revival

It was about 1997, I was stationed with the 194th Military Police Company.

That would be an interesting assignment to work with those who write out tickets on Post.

Before I got there, the Medics assigned to them were being utilized as orderly room clerks.

That was a challenge to turn this program around.

I was able to get cycles at the Troop Medical Clinic for them to work plus I was able to get 100% compliance on all the Battalions shots and MEPRO's requirements.

I developed an internal sick call that helped 40% of the Soldiers to get back to their units quicker due to the Self Care I was able to establish. I enjoyed the opportunity as I always try to improve on any organization upon being assigned.

At this time I was conducting a prayer group at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Clarksville Tennessee. I really enjoyed that opportunity as well.

I would also have people ask me to video Marriages on Fort Campbell and that was always allot of fun. One night after participating in a friends Marriage, I was at the banquet following the celebration where there was great food, music and activities for everyone.

A Lady from our Parish, one of my friends also was present enjoying the events of the evening. She was visiting with some people when suddenly she fell unconscious to the floor.

I quickly began to make an assessment on her and found her totally unconscious. I immediately called for somebody to call 911 and tried to treat her for shock.

After a few minutes the Ambulance arrived quickly and we took her to Blanchfield Hospital on Fort Campbell. She was taken to the Emergency Room and diagnosed to have suffered a brain embolism.

I was informed by the staff that she was brain dead, they had her on life support and prepared her for flight to Nashville at Vanderbilt Hospital. I knew the Doctor very well as I had worked with him for years.

She was being kept alive on life support for weeks. People prayed for her and visited her during that time.


Our Priest went there and gave her the Anointing of the Sick. Miraculously, this is when she began to respond and today, she is fully recovered. What a living testament of the miracles God does!

Not long after this some friends invited me to take a group of teenagers to Florida for a revival taking place there.

I was told it was not Catholic but they wanted my thoughts on it from what I would see there.

From my research it was based from the Assemblies of God tradition, something I had an understanding from as my Mother was raised from this belief system. I had two Uncles that were Ministers of this faith so I still had family there.

I agreed to go as an adult chaperon. There were about three adults and eight to ten teenagers to include two of mine who wanted to go. Since they were with Dad, I allowed it.

I drove most of the way going from Fort Campbell Kentucky to Brownsville Florida. I made sure that I brought plenty of good Christian Rock music. It was kind of funny that the Teenagers would from time to time ask me to turn it down. That's usually the other way around.

We finally arrived there and we first arranged for rooms and we went quickly out to wait in line as people waited for the doors to open. Standing out there, people brought chairs and shade as they waited. I did like the music they played from a CD we listened to along the way.

For the most part, people were having a good time and there was high expectation that reminded me of my trip to Medjugorie. I wanted to make comparisons but the events were not the same. People were there for much the same reason but the expressions were widely different. I met some very nice people there and it gave me the chance to explain the Catholic Faith at times.

It wasn't always something I accepted as there were anti-Catholics present. I remember a young person coming forward stated they were Catholic. People mixed in this crowd responded with outright disgust towards the Catholic Church. They applauded when the person renounced their Catholic Faith.

That was not a cherished moment for me. I wish I could have spoken with them prior but there was no way of knowing. As Catholics, this is a familiar happening. This is why Catholics should know what they believe. I certainly explained it to my boys who were there.

The final evening that we were there was by far the most interesting. It all began much as the other nights, but this night they did something that was a bit different. They asked people to come up for a blessing.

People would go up and suddenly fall down as though asleep. They call this "slain in the spirit". I was invited to go into the line for a "blessing". I certainly have no problem receiving a prayer or giving a prayer so I went. I don't know if the expectation was for me to go down or not but I didn't.

I was respectful, but if something like that was to happen, it would have to be the Lord because I'm not putting on an act for anyone. That was my view on it.

As I watched, one lady actually fell hitting her head on a pew and had to be carried out for help. I watched this for awhile when I decided to go back to the entrance of the church to find that people were all over the place laying down in the lobby.

One of the group leaders I was with laterally was laying on her back laughing uncontrollably. Someone tried to step over her also fell laughing. It was if they were being held down. I watched that for a few minutes when I decided to move around to see if I could find some CD's or something.


To my surprise people converged upon me from both directions, my left and my right. I backed up against the wall when this guy came out touching people and they were all going down.

People were laying all over the place in a trail behind him as he came towards me. As he was touching people with both hands people falling all around, I actually reached out and touched him when he looked at me and noticed I was still standing.

He reached out and hit my Ziphoid Process causing me to kind of react knocking me against the wall. But I did not go down!!!

I could not believe what I was seeing. Not to this extent. I knew Charismatics believed in such things. As a Catholic I wondered if this could be grouped as a "Sacramental", not a usual one granted, but that would be what it is.

It looked like a war zone in that place. I walked through the "slain" back to the lobby where my co-partner was still laying on the floor laughing. She was also talking very high pitched kind of like a munchkin or something.

All of our group finally was outside in the parking lot waiting for me as I waited for this phenomenon to end. Funny thing she did not really recover. We literally had to carry her out of there.

By this time I was laughing so hard I couldn't hardly move once I got her outside. For me, the whole situation was just unbelievable. We finally got her in the van in the passenger seat as she continued to talk in this munchkin voice. She did that the rest of the night. I couldn't help but laugh at all this. Do you think this ended the event?


It was getting close to 11:00-12:00 midnight when we decided to get something to eat and there was a McDonald's everyone wanted to go to.

They were just closing when I came to the door. The workers agreed to serve us so they opened the doors for us.

That was very nice of them to do that. As I walked in, one of the Ladies working there looked at me and began to sporadically jerk around looking at me.

I looked back at her watching her not believing what I am seeing. This lady asked to grab my hand when she began to uncontrollably go into convulsions. This went on for awhile as everyone began to carry on like they did at the church.

Finally, the Lady tried to get control of herself and made it to the cash register but everytime she looked at me she kept going into this uncontrolled convulsions. It took her almost 30 minutes to take my order.

Other people happening to come in wanting to eat something got in line with us only to find themselves in this situation. Here we were at McDonald's and people were laying all over the place.

There was no way these workers (all in McDonalds uniforms) could have known what we had done before we got there. I suppose Charismatics could define what all this was, but I simply placed it under the Sacramental grace, at least that was my hope.

The following morning, my two Sons and I went to Mass not far from where all this happened. My co-partner was suppose to go to Mass with us but she was still weak from all that happened the night before.

I couldn't help but think that if she reacted this way from prayer last night, how would she act when Jesus was truly present in the Eucharist? That whole night was wild.

We laughed the whole trip back to Fort Campbell. I never laughed as hard or long as that trip back. Once we got back, for those who were curious of what my thoughts were on the happenings at the Brownsville Revival, there wasn't much theology I could offer about it.

Catholics, you better know your faith to go into this kind of place. The people were very nice, they wanted to help people in ministry and they give what they have. Is God behind what was happening there? Maybe, for those who were not Catholic? That is possible. Did it help me in any way. I confess I had a good time with the group I was with, the music was excellent. There are positives but ultimately, nothing should take anyone from the Catholic Faith.

I have not found anything biblically that supports such things, I don't see this in the early Church. I do have concerns about this especially if they took this over Mass. That would be a definite issue with me.

I say the same thing about Christian Concerts, I told the Drummer of a Christian Rock Group called "White Cross" that their concerts are a positive thing for Christians, but if it leads people away from the Catholic Faith, that would not be good. It should encourage and strengthen peoples faith.

If there was no faith and they found Christ at such events, experiences are good to learn, but hopefully, God can work through those experiences to make us closer to himself.

The Lady who was my co-partner would soon begin taking instruction for the Catholic Faith. God is so Good as His truth reigns!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSJnDhgWXnY&feature=related

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Sunday, November 14, 2010

The Catholic Defender Travels to Medjugorie

It was in the early Spring of 1988, I was Stationed at Schweinfurt Germany assigned to a Forward Support Unit on Conn Concern (Barracks).

Our Unit had completed training and I was given the opportunity to take some leave. Our Catholic Chaplain, Father Ryan, with a small group of Soldiers and some Dependants planned a trip to Medjugorie.

I was given the opportunity to make the pilgrimage and so the 22 hour bus ride began on 23 March 1988.

We all had to have special passports being some of us were United States Military going into a Communist Third World Country, the former Yugoslavia.

Despite the trip, everyone was high with expectation.

I had my M-5 video Camera taking pictures along the way. The mountains and the rivers were very colorful.

Sometimes the roads were so narrow that you could almost look straight down from the bus window deep into the gorge.

That was a bit scary. Finally, we made it to our destination. Getting off the bus was great as we looked around the area.

Medjugorie is a small village located up in the mountains about 40 miles past Mostar.

From afar, you could see "Cross Mountain" where the people of the village erected a large cross in 1933 to commemorate the Passion of the Lord.

You can see this far off as you drive towards Medjugorie.



The Church of St. James stood very prominent.

The place was alive with small children playing with old soccer balls, there were local farmers with goats that seemed everywhere.

We were quickly assigned with local families to stay during this pilgrimage. It seemed that the whole region was totally converted.

It was for me like a place of fable, something that you might find only in the movies.

I remember that up to this time, as a pilgrim, I was reporting on my documentary I was making that the reports of Mary's appearing here to six children were "possible".

During that first day, 24 March, I was up at one of the sites that Mary was reported to have appeared to the Children, "Cross Mountain" or "Apparition Hill".


I was conversing with some friends of mine when I was called to intervene with a developing situation.

A woman (a 5th grade school teacher from Indiana) was extremely excited praising God.

Another visitor from Texas (my home State), began to challenge The woman's excitement with scepticism.

My Friend who called me over to intervene in this situation was one of my Soldiers. He was raised a Baptist and planning to become a Preacher. At least until he finished looking at the Catholic Faith. He was curious how I would handle this situation.

I went to the lady and asked her what had happened. She showed me her rosary describing how it turned from silver to gold while it was in her pocket up on this mountain.

I asked to see it noticing that it was in fact gold in color. Not only was the chain gold but also the corpse on the crucifix was gold which I had never seen a two tone crucifix like this before.

The cross itself remained silver. She continued to tell me that this particular rosary she has had for 20 years. I then turned my attention to the Stranger from Texas.

He was with a group wearing an image of Our Lady of Guadalupe on his jacket. Noticing this, I explained the miracle of the Tilma and Our Lady's appearances there in Mexico. After about ten minutes, his eyes got real big and he was ready to go to the other sites in the area.

I was then able to interview and video the Woman's testimony and her Rosary. The following morning, I was at Mass with some of our group and it was jam packed.

The people singing was very inspiring, people from all over were carrying signs, rosaries, religious items, most importantly, themselves offering themselves enthusiatically in the Mass. Looking around about three rows behind me I noticed the very sceptic I had spoken with on "Cross Mountain".

At the greeting of peace, I reached out to greet him with the sign of peace and I could see the love in his eyes, the total change in his face.

He pulled me towards him in a manner that told me he was no longer a sceptic. All of this was having a positive impact on all our group.

My Soldier was witnessing all these things with me. That would become very important as you shall see. After Mass, I was conversing around together with about 15 members of our group.

Everyone was discussing the events that they were seeing and participating with. I shared what I experienced the night before and the Lady from Indiana's story.

About that point, a commotion was stirring coming towards us. Two men, brothers on pilgrimage there from parts unknown, had identical rosaries before they went to Mass, during the Mass one of them turned gold at the Mass.

All of our group were listening to them speak intently as I videoed the occasion.


There was a definite change in the appearance of the rosaries. That brought on alot of awe and wonder from us. As this was happening, I became interested about our group to see if anyone had witnessed anything like this from among us.

Everyone pulled out their rosaries and the Lord was giving us a sign as we were gathered there. I had my trusty M-5 video camera and I literally was able to capture on video a rosary transform from silver to gold right there on the camera.

A miracle right before us! There were two people holding the rosary as we were all inspecting it, watching it. They were literally trembling as I videoed the scene.

We all walked down the street as did the two men before us, praising the name of the Lord and the work we were witnessing he was doing.

Later that day, I was among a throng of people who were awaiting for one of the visionaries, Vicka Ivankovic-Mijatoric, who would come out to field questions from the many pilgrims.

I had my trusty M-5 Panasonic video camera on hand and was able to get her responses.

Soon after I met a Father who brought his son from the United States who had major burns on his body. The boy was terribly scared and the prayer was to find peace. That was answered there.

Later that day I had the chance to speak with a Buddhist that was curious about what was happening here at Medjugorie. After two hours of discussion, he became convinced of the Lord's Resurrection.

The Mass was continuous throughout the day in several languages for people coming there. The English Mass was like 08:00 in the morning. At 17:00 the Church was for the locals who prayed every night as a whole community. Everyone was welcome, but it was always packed. People would be gathered all around the Church outside to participate.

Confession was continuous, there were long lines of people going to Confession. That was powerful and it had a great impact on our Priest, Father Ryan. This pilgrimage was having a great impact on all of us.

One night, I was with some people from England as we went up cross Mountain doing the Stations of the Cross. It took 45 minutes to get up that hill. On a dark night sitting from the top of Cross Mountain what a site looking down on the villages. You could spell the word "love" from up there.

On the morning that we had to leave to go back to Germany, I was outside in the throng of people listening from out in the court yard when an older man speaking broken English to me, pointed to the sky. He exclaimed he could see Jesus. I looked up where he was pointing not seeing anything. I motioned to a friend to take a picture. From this picture, you could see the face of Christ. When I was in Korea, one of the Korean photographers converted to the Catholic Faith. He placed this picture on a board for me. I have had that picture on my wall in all my offices since!

Since June 24, 1981 the feast of St. John the Baptist, more than 30,000,000 people have gone to Medjugorie. Despite the fact of the Government's opposition. Even in 1988 when we were there the Government had plain clothed Military there to harass the masses. I noticed the military helicopters flying over head.

Today, I know Catholics who are strongly supportive of Medjugorie and I know others who are not convinced. All you have to do is Google the subject and you can see all the pros and cons. Is it possible God can still work the miracles and things we have witnessed there and the whole thing be a fraud?

For me, I will defer ultimately for Rome's final verdict. The Bishop of Mostar does not openly support it, yet the Vatican seems to believe it (unofficially). Time will tell, but I must say that not only I was touched by this pilgrimage, so was my Soldier. As soon as we were back in Germany, he was Baptised and Confirmed into the Catholic Faith by Father Ryan! That was a trip that seemed so much like fable, what an experience this was for all of us.
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Saturday, November 13, 2010

*BEST OF DTB #38* The Catholic Defender Explains Purgatory


It was June of 1985, I had already passed Basic Training and AIT. I was now at my first duty station at Fort Stewart Georgia.
I was assigned as a Medic with the Ambulance Section and given responsibility for a track M113A2 vehicle.
This was great experience for me as I learned a lot as we trained for our missions. I became involved with the local Catholic Church (St. Stephens) in Hinesville Georgia.
I was teaching the 5th grade CCD and still conducting Seminars on Rock music for the area to include a Catholic School in Savannah.
Those were great opportunities as we spoke to many students and families to include the presentation at the Fort Stewart Recreation Center. There were several single Soldiers present and they were very respectful. Father Norton was the Catholic Chaplain at the time and he supported our efforts.
Father Norton would become very special to me as I would serve as a "Lay Eucharistic Minister". During field operations and "in the absence of a Catholic Priest", I was responsible for the Eucharist, I could distribute Holy Communion. We often went to train at Fort Irvin California to conduct desert training for a 30 day rotation.

I would have the Blessed Sacrament with me for Catholic Communion Services in the field.
I could imagine how David felt as he danced before the Ark of the Old Covenant.
I had Jesus Christ in person with me. I will always treasure this gift. I met several Soldiers in my unit that became very special to me.
One was from Philadelphia who would discuss the Catholic Faith with me.
He was raised a Calvinist, but was not practicing it. Originally, he became interested in the work I was doing on the Rock Seminars. He would help me prepare for them. He had some good questions he asked me concerning Purgatory.
He didn't understand why Catholics prayed for the dead. I began with the Old Testament showing that their were three places that were understood in the afterlife. Heaven, Sheol (the Netherworld) and Gehenna (hell).
It is understood that if a person goes to hell, there was no getting out of it. That is eternal punishment. I shared Maccabees 12:38-46 showing that praying for the dead was part of the Jewish belief system.
Some of Judas Maccabeus's men who were killed in battle were found with Pagan amulets that offended God. This was forbidden yet some of them took the risk of disobedience. "Turning to supplication, they prayed that the sinful deed might be fully blotted out. The noble Judas warned the soldiers to keep themselves free from sin, for they had seen with their own eyes what happened because of the sin of those who had fallen. He then took up a collection among all his soldiers, amounting to two thousand silver drachmas, which he sent to Jerusalem to provide for an expiatory sacrifice. In doing this he acted in a very excellent and noble way, inasmuch as he had the resurrection of the dead in view; for if he were not expecting the fallen to rise again, it would have been useless and foolish to pray for them in death. But if he did this with a view to the splendid reward that awaits those who had gone to rest in godliness, it was a holy and pius thought. Thus he made atonement for the dead that they might be freed from this sin".

This perfectly fell into the message I was giving with the Rock Seminars as there are a lot of images that Rock fans wear that are Pagan amulets such as Pentagrams, Hexagrams, and many others.

I explained how this understanding and belief carried over into the New Testament. 1 Peter 3:18-21 states, "For Christ also suffered for sins once, the righteous for the sake of the unrighteous, that he might lead you to God. Put to death in the flesh, he was brought to life in the spirit. In it he also went to preach to the spirits in prison, who had once been disobedient while God patiently waited in the days of Noah during the building of the Ark, in which a few persons, eight in all, were saved through water. This prefigured baptism, which saves you now".


From the time when Adam and Eve were kicked out of the Garden of Eden, mankind had not been allowed back to that relationship with God.

Those who were not damned were placed in "prison" awaiting for the promised Messiah. I shared Luke 16:19-31 explaining Jesus showing two places of the dead.
One was hell where the rich man went and the poor man (Lazarus) was in this "prison" or the "bosom of Abraham".
There is a great chasm that prevents anyone from crossing from either side to the other. Jesus says something very important, warning, "Then Abraham said, 'If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded if someone should rise from the dead".
Jesus was speaking of himself. When you read Matthew 27:51-54, your reading about the death of Jesus (Matthew 27:45-50) but follow what happens,
"And behold, the veil of the sanctuary was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth quaked, rocks were split, tombs were opened, and the bodies of many saints who had fallen asleep were raised. And coming forth from their tombs after his resurrection, they entered the holy city and appeared to many. The centurion and the men with him who were keeping watch over Jesus feared greatly when they saw the earthquake and all that was happening, and they said, 'Truly, this was the Son of God"! I was beginning to make sense for my friend as he continued to ask questions about this. He felt it was clear that in the Old Testament there was this place of waiting before Christ came.
Was this place of waiting done away with in the New Testament?
According to the teaching of the Catholic Church, no this place was not done away with. Jesus warns, "Therefore, I say to you, every sin and blaphemy will be forgiven people, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. And whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come" (Matthew 12:31-32).
Knowing and understanding this, St. Paul writes, "May the Lord grant mercy to the family of Onesiphorus because he often gave me new heart and was not ashamed of my chains. But when he came to Rome, he promptly searched for me and found me. May the Lord grant him to find mercy from the Lord on that day. And you know very well the services he rendered in Ephesus" (2 Timothy 1:16-18).
August 1985, our unit was deploying to Fort Irwin California for a 30 day training event. My friend stayed back at Fort Stewart couple of days before he came out there. One night I was asleep near my vehicle when he found me and nudged me waking me up.
He wanted to share with me the good news that he was received into the Catholic Faith. Father Norton had been working with him and that was why he remained a couple of more day in the rear. What a blessing!



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5HjNoTcj9w





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Thursday, November 11, 2010

Happy Veteren's Day

Veteran's day is celebrated today after Peace was achieved at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. This is a historical fact. It is also a handy metaphor for life.

Sometimes many of us do not make peace with God or our loved ones until the final hour. Even a peace made then is a peace eternal.

Remember that this day commemorates those who laid down their lives for you and those who would have if required. That these noble and courageous people cherish your freedoms that much, you should honor them by making peace with God today and your family.

Happy Veteran's day.






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Wednesday, November 10, 2010

The Catholic Defender Remembers Basic Training

February 7, 1985 I was on the bus from Harrison Arkansas to the Little Rock MEPS to begin my Military career.

I memorized the "Code of Conduct" along the way. I wanted to start my new career with the right motivation.

I remember staying at the hotel waiting for the plane taking us to Ft. Jackson South Carolina for Basic Training (Boot Camp).

The only thing I recall from this short stay in Little Rock was that some of the other applicants had hookers come to their rooms. I was not one of them as I would not have condoned that kind of activity.

I had been practicing my faith solidly for a good while, thankfully, by this time. From the very beginning of my Military career, I felt it was important to be faithful to God. This would be important to note because this was my position throughout my military career.

I would have many schools and field problems where infidelity was rampant. I tried to be a Soldier for Christ first and a good example for those who were away from home for the first time.

Basic training started out just like you see in the movies and the classic stories. We were "herded" on the 'cattle trucks" and we were quickly placed into platoons.


I'll never forget the drill instructors bringing it on from the outset. Just getting off the trucks was an interesting experience.

I quickly got the nickname "Padre" because of my strong faith. I encouraged everyone to go to church on Sunday, especially if they were Catholic.

It worked good for most of them, but still others would drift off as some were tempted by females assigned to nearby barracks.

Late at night they would find places to get together.

I tried to discourage that but for some, the temptation was just to strong.

James 1:12-15 states, "Blessed is the man who perseveres in temptation, for when he has been proved he will receive the crown of life that he promised to those who love him. No one experiencing temptation should say, 'I am being tempted by God'; for God is not subject to temptation to evil, and he himself tempts no one. Rather, each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire conceives and brings forth sin, and when sin reaches maturity it gives birth to death".


I come from a strong patriotic background, I have always believed in what the Red, White, and Blue of our flag represents.

The red stands for the blood shed in defense of our freedoms.

The white stands for the purity of our actions.

The Blue stands for the truth by which we stand.

This is why I stand up against those who would burn the flag.

For those who would alter and dishonor the truth from our foundations. This is why Secular Humanism is a danger to freedom. They want to take Christ out of public life making our nation a Secular State.

One of my Brothers joined the Marine Corps because of the problem with the "Hostages of Iran". He felt like he should do something about what was on the news for so long. He had an influence over me.

On one occasion, we were shown a video of how the Russian Soldiers trained. This was while the "Cold War" was still in effect, at the end of the video, the Drill Sergeant invited us to ask questions from what we saw. After a number of troops asked their questions, I raised my hand to make a statement.

The Drill Sergeant gave me permission to speak. I then stood up and said, "Drill Sergeant, we have been watching how our counterparts train. One major reason why I prefer this uniform that I'm wearing now is because it protects our right to worship God in freedom and preserves our liberty to do so. On the other hand, these Russian Soldiers do not mind taking clubs and beating old men, women, and children because they were hiding in a barn to worship God. These people have to worship God in secret".

At that point an immediate round of applause and cheering followed my words which surprised the Drill Sergeant. He was taken off guard with what I said and the response it got. This went on for another 20-30 seconds until the Drill Sergeant regained his composure.

When he gave that look everyone went back to their sitting at attention leaving me standing their alone. The Drill Sergeant looked at me for a moment and said, "That's all Private" and I sat back down.


Everyday was a new challenge as we passed every part of Basic Training. The road marches, The obsticle course, the field exercises, the mind games were all challenges that we had to meet.

At the end of the day, often times my Platoon would ask me to say a prayer. I felt that was an honor because they respected me and felt it was important.

On one occasion one of the Drill Sergeants had us in a formation at ease as we watched a demonstration on marching.

The Drill Sergeant was frustrated from what he was seeing. He screamed out, "Who do you think I am, Jesus Christ"? I responded, "Drill Sergeant", I'm not Jesus Christ, but I am a representative of his". That got me a few pushups!

As I reflect back to the time I was in Basic Training, I am so thankful that my faith was solid. My Faith has served me like a compass for over 26 years.

During my time in the Army I have had the chance to witness to thousands of people from all over the world.

God has blessed me far beyond any expectation I can have. The good news is that He is still doing so!


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Monday, November 8, 2010

The Catholic Defender: Tale of the $1,500 Caper

This past week my bank account was robber of $1,500 dollars as three checks were falsely cashed by a thief at a local bank.

As soon as I found out about it I called the police who responded to the call taking down information.

basically informed me what the possible means are to get the villains and get my money back.

He didn't offer much hope in getting my money back. If they should catch them, the chance of them having our money would be slim to none.

The following day I went to file a warrant out for the arrest of the criminal who went by several alias names.
The Police Officer that originally responded to our call came back to give me what he thought was new information. Information that could save the day!

At this time we ended up talking about the Catholic Faith. I have several objects outside and inside our home that indicates our Christian heritage.

Come to find out the Police Officer was Catholic, but had not been to Mass for about 10 years.



This gave me an opening!

The following day, I went back to the Police Station to meet a detective who was working our case. We spoke for awhile when the opportunity to speak about the Catholic Church came up.

Come to find out the detective was Catholic, but had not been to Mass for several years. That opened the door for another good discussion about the Catholic Faith. We talked for about twenty-minutes on that subject.

That is two police officers in two days that I've had the chance to witness to. As I was leaving the Police Station, a lady who had been sitting in the lobby over heard our discussion.

It turns out she is very interested in the Catholic Faith so I invited her to check out our RCIA class this coming Wednesday. I spoke with the lady for about 20 minutes out side the Police Station.


I don't know if I will get all my money back before the villain of this story is caught, but the doors opened for three different individuals are a result of the $1,500.00 caper.

We are to be a sign and witness to whom we meet as the opportunity dictates. Sometimes it jumps right into your lap!

Perhaps even the villain in this caper might find the Catholic Faith through this episode!

It is an opportunity to forgive, plus it is also an opportunity for the villain to serve out his penace!

For all you thieves out there, here is a good verse for you: "The thief must no longer steal, but rather labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with one in need" (Ephesians 4:28)

Now that is good advice!





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Sunday, November 7, 2010

The Catholic Defender: The Call of the Altar Server

Today at our Parish, we conducted an Investiture Ceremony during the Mass commissioning ten "Observer" Servers as Apprentice Servers.

There was a ceremonial dressing with the Surplice, conferring of the appropriate cross for the apprentice level of service.

As we conducted this ceremony, I couldn't help remembering that I was once an Altar Boy beginning in the early to middle 1960's.

I can remember our responses at the time was Latin, we used the Paten for Communion, and there was the Communion rail. The following picture would be more what my group picture would have looked like.

All of my Children served as Altar Servers and that is very special to me. To be able to serve Christ and His Church at Mass is a great opportunity to grow in the Covenant. To serve Christ in a recognized capacity.

In recent times there have been a growing desire for female Altar Servers.

The following question is answered by Father Edward McNamara, professor of liturgy at the Regina Apostolorum Pontifical Athenaeum.

Q: What is the Church's position on the use of female altar servers? May all of the servers be female, or must at least one be male? Do you feel that the use of female altar servers detracts from the building of vocations among young males? — M.C.S.N., Catonsville, Maryland

A: Female altar servers are permitted in all but two U.S. dioceses. They are also common in most English-speaking countries, and in Western Europe. The situation is patchier in the rest of the world, going from total absence to the occasional diocese that allows them.

From the point of view of liturgical law, an official interpretation of Canon 230, Paragraph 2, of the Code of Canon law on the possibility of delegating certain liturgical offices led to a 1994 letter from the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments clarifying that girls may serve at the altar. But bishops are not bound to permit them to do so, nor could the episcopal conference limit the bishop's faculty to decide for himself.

A further clarifying letter published in 2001 said priests are not compelled to have girls serve at the altar, even when their bishops grant permission.

The 1994 letter states: "It will always be very appropriate to follow the noble tradition of having boys serve at the altar. As is well known, this has led to a reassuring development of priestly vocations. Thus the obligation to support such groups of altar boys will always continue."

The letter also recommends to bishops to consider "among other things the sensibilities of the faithful, the reasons which would motivate such permission and the different liturgical settings and congregations which gather for the Holy Mass."

Therefore the Holy See's recommendation is to retain as far as possible the custom of having only boys as servers. But it leaves to the bishop the choice of permitting women and girls for a good reason and to the pastor of each parish the decision as to whether to act on the bishop's permission.

From Immaculate Mary's Hermitage Report:

In earlier times, only ordained acolytes, that is, clerics in the fourth minor order conferred upon candidates to the priesthood, were permitted to serve at Mass. The vestments now worn by servers (the cassock and the surplice) are actually clerical vestments that those specially-selected lay men and boys assisting at the altar are permitted by custom to wear.

The Archconfraternity of Saint Stephen is the only recognized world-wide altar servers’ guild in the Church. Its Altar Server Manual is noteworthy for its insistence on high standards on serving correctly. The Confraternity was first established at Westminister Cathedral in London, England, in 1905.


This picture is more what is seen today in most Diocese in English speaking Countries. The position of Altar Server is a great way to develop the value of volunteer service to the Church.

I don't know of any study conducted about Altar Servers who grow up and remain practicing Catholics. I have met a hand full of people who had once served as an Altar Boy but today is not a practicing Catholic.

For those who have abandoned the faith, hopefully their foundation at this level will help make them subject to return. The Bible teaches that if you train a child in the way of righteousness, they would not depart from it.

I know that I value greatly the opportunity I've had to serve at Mass. When I was stationed in Saudi Arabia (1990), Korea (1998), and Iraq (2006-2010), I had the chance to serve Mass as an adult Soldier.

Today, when you see the epic of Harry Potter whose story is surrounded in witchcraft, an Altar Boy has a chance that is far greater than fictional magic, we have the greatest gift God has ever given all mankind.




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