Short Takes – England Restores the Death Penalty

Posted on by charliej373

By Charlie Johnston

Little Alfie Evans has died. He died because the British National Health System and European Courts decided he must, regardless of his parents’ wishes and the willingness of Italy to give him actual treatment instead of killing him. Last year, it was little Charlie Gard. I love my faithful English friends, but England has become a vicious, barbaric land. They have reinstituted the death penalty – but only for helpless children, handicapped people, sick elderly folks, and innocent adolescent girls – where they protect Islamic grooming gangs that rape and kill them. Yes, the Brits still protect murderous criminals. It is only the innocent that they condemn to death. And they call it “civilized.” They have become barbaric heathens, a society unfit for actual civilized people to sojourn in. Heaven knows, you might get sick and have to go to the hospital – and in British hospitals, you might as well abandon all hope if you get seriously sick. Thankfully, some segments of British society are fighting back, in spite of police threats to arrest anyone who criticizes the brutal regime. This is what happens when you abandon the concept of the dignity of human life; toss the principles of free speech, self-defense, and the consent of the governed to the curb. Yes, Brits can still vote – but only to choose which leftist tyrants will rule them. I long admired Great Britain. It disgusts me now.

*******

As societies become more dysfunctional, officials and police cease to vigorously go after criminals – for that would be dangerous. Instead, the spend their time intensely and brutally bullying normal law-abiding citizens…because it makes them feel powerful and useful and because the law-abiding are easy to push around. Nowhere has this penchant been more stark than in Great Britain, where police departments rigorously monitor social media postings and threaten those who dare criticize the government or challenge the system. Protecting adolescent girls from Islamic pedophiliac grooming gangs? Not so much. They are too busy watching Facebook, prosecuting elderly homeowners who dare to fight back against armed intruders, imprisoning old men who give the bird to traffic cameras, and protecting murderous doctors and hospital staff from public criticism. England’s descent into “Mad Max” territory has been astonishingly quick and terrifying. God bless England and return her to the faith!

*******

I had a friend who, for work, spent a couple of years in England. She loved it – until she got sick. For almost a month, she progressively got worse. She was constantly seeing doctors, but they could not figure out what was wrong. She told me how horrified she was to routinely find horrifically unsanitary conditions – even rats – in waiting rooms. It was the first time she really thought that nationalized health care was not all it was cracked up to be. The conditions she saw would have been absolutely intolerable in the states. Finally, since she was just getting worse and worse, she came home to the states, perhaps, she thought, to die. She went to a doctor here, he examined her, gave her a prescription, and within a few days she was fully back to health. Socialized medicine: everyone gets insurance, no one except elites get much care. It made me think that those pundits who said that England was not worried that Alfie would suffer in being transferred to a different facility, but were worried he MIGHT be cured and make it more obvious what a brutal, hideous failure English health care is – were right on target. England was not protecting Alfie’s best interests; they were covering their own corrupt, incompetent butts.

*******

The whole Russian collusion narrative is crashing down with a great din. Leftists are screaming in agony (I particularly enjoy former CIA Director John Brennan’s ominous threats. Brennan, as you probably know, is an admitted liar under oath – and clear co-conspirator in the attempted coup. He never thought he would be held to account – and still thinks threats and bluster can protect him from being hoist on the petard he helped mount for Trump). It is so obvious and compelling now to even low-information and left-leaning voters, that the hysteria from the left is in terminal stages. Every time a Kanye West or Shania Twain expresses even mild affection for Trump, the leftist mob shrieks “Off with their heads.” But at each juncture, the left becomes more obviously hysterical to those who pay little attention – and it becomes more culturally acceptable to acknowledge Trump’s accomplishments. Now leftists must truly decide whether they will stand down, live to fight again another day – perhaps with a healthy dose of self-examination – or whether they will spark a civil war in their furious determination to destroy self-government.

*******

Most orthodox Catholics are familiar with Pope Emeritus Benedict’s prediction in the 60s that we were going to have a much smaller, but more vibrant Church – that would give true fidelity in witness to the person of Christ. Few are familiar with the larger text of then Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger’s commentary. Benedict did not just give a great insight, he was a true prophet of these times.

*******

In the midst of all the turmoil and strife around the world in these times, I mentioned in my piece on Syria that President Trump was quietly building a solid Middle East coalition around Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Bin Salman is young, a serious reformer, tolerant of Israel, and completely in charge in Saudi Arabia. I am glad that I am not the only one who has noticed – or figured out the global policy implications of this burgeoning alliance. Historian and pundit, Michael Barone, recently wrote a column that concisely explains what is happening.

*******

On May 25, our brothers in Ireland will vote on whether to keep abortion illegal. Sadly Ireland, once one of the noblest defenders of the faith in the world, has become unreliable. Part of this is because of some horrific scandals in the Church there in the last 40 years – and part is because many Irish have become possessed of the demonic spirit of the age. Pray for our Irish friends that they will not tear away part of their souls in demonic frenzy – and for the babies who will be butchered if they do. God bless Ireland and preserve her in the faith.

227 thoughts on “Short Takes – England Restores the Death Penalty”

  1. Praying for Ireland and praying for all people as we press on through worldwide searing conflicts fraught with degeneration, disaster and war. May each of us b.u.r.n., be renewed, with the fire of the Holy Spirit. For twenty-five years, now, I have been, daily, offering the prayer given by the Lady of All Nations. More than ever, her words rise as a heart cry, ringing with confidence and hope in the intercession of Our Lady who has been ordained to crush the head of the serpent. Only eternity will be long enough to thank our Mother and our God Who gave her to us. Blessed Be God forever! Ave Maria eternally!

    Liked by 23 people

  2. I am horrified and deeply saddened by the callousness of what happened to little Alfie. I too, pondered the probability that what they feared, was Alfie’s cure.
    These Short Takes have helped me to focus my prayers on the needs presented. Keep ‘em comin’.

    Liked by 16 people

  4. Can’t edit first comment so I’ll add that I have it on 3rd hand information that Alfie was baptized. His martyrdom at the hands of a psychopathic tyranny will almost certainly guarantee him the Beatific Vision .
    Alfie, pray for us.

    Liked by 13 people

  5. Having British ancestry in my family (to put it mildly), which I think influenced my growing up years even in a subconscious way, (drinking tea every day instead of coffee in our house, watching Doctor Who and hearing the theme from Masterpiece Theatre so often that I learned to play it by ear on the piano, picking British literature courses over American literature at the university, reading 1984 and Brave New World over and over, CS Lewis, GK Chesterton, JRR Tolkien …) I would like to comment but at the moment fear I would say unpleasant things that I would later regret. Better to pray, pray, pray!

    As for a smaller, more vibrant Church … Hallelujah, I’ve found a local one like that! Apparently, my trouble in finding a parish that accepts a single woman with the simple decency, basic respect, and common courtesy due to a human being as a child of God, is that I’ve spent the lion’s share of my time in the largest parishes of the diocese … (following the logic that with more people, I’d have more chances to perhaps meet like minds and kindred spirits to become friends with). Well, now I’ve found a smaller, poorer parish … and that’s where the friendliness and warmth is! 🙂

    Haven’t officially switched parishes, as it seems wise at this point to take time to discern which parish should be my official home parish based on where God wants me to be.

    As for Saudi Arabia, here’s a link to the sword dance with President Trump. If you haven’t already seen this, it’s way cool! 🙂

    And as for Ireland, have a lot of Irish in my family background, too, have been known to dress as a leprechaun for St. Patrick’s Day … and am currently drinking Barry’s Gold Blend tea. Definitely praying for the unborn in Ireland!

    Liked by 15 people

    1. Phoenix, I agree with you: It has also been my experience that smaller parishes, particularly ones in rural areas or small towns, have had the friendliest, most welcoming people at them.

      Praying for England, Ireland, the US, and the whole world.

      Liked by 10 people

      1. Very true, Mick … I’ve found a very friendly small-town parish in both the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee and the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. Love traveling to both of those places!

        Liked by 5 people

    2. Phoenix, you forgot to mention Monty Python’s Flying Circus, Benny Hill (esp the end credits), Faulty Towers (que?), Mr Bean, Ab Fab, Alistair Cooke, Life on Earth, and Top Gear! I’ve also developed quite a taste for tea, Earl Grey, hot.

      Liked by 5 people

      1. Well no, Patrick Daniel, I didn’t forget to mention what’s on your list, it just looks like we didn’t have the same influences, or at least not to the same extent. TV watching was strictly monitored by my mother, so while I have SOME familiarity with Monty Python, it certainly wasn’t an early or very deep influence … but then, she also strictly monitored American TV programs, for example, Happy Days was not allowed because, if I remember right, “the Fonz encouraged a disrespectful attitude towards authority” according to my mother.

        As for Earl Grey hot … it’s not to my taste (nor is Picard * insert mischievous Q grin here*), I much prefer Yorkshire Gold.

        Though now I do remember forgetting a certain English author off my list … how could I forget … how embarrassing … Shakespeare. When I was in high school, we would go around the dinner table each night and be prompted to bring up one “interesting thing” to talk about. Almost every night, I would hopefully ask, “Shakespeare? Philosophy?” only to have my literary/deep discussion proposal topic shot down every time. The rest of the family wanted to talk about more “normal” things, like work or school (the irony being that I was studying Shakespeare in my English class but somehow was not welcome to talk about anything in depth). I did enjoy when my dad brought up politics, … I believe he would have loved Trump!

        Liked by 6 people

        1. Phoenix, all through my high-school and college years, there were only 2 English courses that I didn’t loathe. They were both courses in Shakespeare, and I actually rather enjoyed them. 🙂

          Liked by 6 people

        2. EWTN has a program called “The Quest for Shakespeare.” Have you seen it? They discuss the evidence supporting his secret Catholicism.

          http://www.ewtn.com/SERIES/SHOWS/QUESTFORSHAKESPEARE/QUESTFORSHAKESPEARE.HTM

          I must mention I’m also a big fan of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

          My mom wouldn’t let me watch certain American shows, too, like the highly educational program “Wonder Woman.” As an adolescent, I’d have to be surreptitious to catch certain things on the tube, like risqué pop music videos being broadcast from Canada (I lived near the border in Buffalo). Boy, since the now-innocuous happy days of the ‘80s, we’ve sure gone a lot further down into the muck. Well, I don’t own a tv, haven’t since the 90s…one way to try to guard my eyes and mind.

          Anyway, Yorkshire Gold, eh? Sounds brilliant.

          Liked by 4 people

          1. Hi Patrick Daniel,

            Thanks for the link. Shakespeare being a secret Catholic wouldn’t surprise me. I’d have to double-check the results of my dad’s genealogical investigations which he wrote down in his later years, but there’s a chance I might have something to offer “The Quest for Shakespeare.” While I’m not related to or descended from Shakespeare, Shakespeare was well aware of my family and wrote about them in his plays (he wrote about at least one of my ancestors anyways, I’d have to look it up again to be sure of the details), and my family were Catholics in England (which became problematic as you can imagine).

            As for Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, dad was a far bigger fan of Sherlock Holmes than I was. (The detective outfit and pipe were of course very cool.)

            Like you, I lived near the Canadian border in the Buffalo area. And as for Wonder Woman, I can understand why your mother may have wanted to spare you from it. As for me, I was more interested in that show due to the whole superhero-with-secret-identity aspect, and the Lasso of Truth.

            And back to British influences and another one I can’t believe I left off the list, but most likely did because he was not encouraged in our family when I was young for obvious reasons … Well, recently on another website, someone called me “007” … based on what I would pick up from a pile of objects to defend myself against a hypothetical zombie invasion. A camera …

            I hope someday you’ll get a chance to try a cup of Yorkshire Gold. 🙂

            Liked by 3 people

  6. Great piece. I love your words of honesty. So much pray is needed. We need the intercession Of God almighty man is so blind.

    Liked by 6 people

  7. It is springtime and the warm sunshine, blue skies, and green grasses fill my heart and soul with gladness, but events around the world fill my soul with angst. Such a dichotomy of emotions! I see God’s loving plan in nature and satan’s work in man’s errant thinking and actions. God, rescue the world and bring us back to You! Keep writing, Charlie. You give us hope for the rescue.

    Liked by 7 people

  8. From someone close up: “it was worse. They were planning all along to kill Alfie and then make me look like the jerk who messed up everything for him. They are attacking my wonderful colleagues as well. Massive persecution against pro-life Christians.”

    Liked by 5 people

  9. Thank you, Charlie, for expressing so eloquently the horror and anger that I have felt watching the Alfie Evans situation progress. You can imagine how deeply these stories reverberate within my heart. As many did, I cried out for justice to any and all, knowing all the while how the odds were stacked against a good outcome. How ironic that so many in England are rejoicing at the birth of the new royal baby while allowing poor Alfie to die a needless death. Also ironic is the fact that Kate Middleton appeared for the first time holding the new baby in a dress identical to one wore by Mia Farrow in “Rosemary’s Baby.” Fashion coincidence or subtle statement?

    Liked by 11 people

    1. Longtime readers will remember that the Cronins went through something similar in Texas. Thanks be to God, good people here along with such fine folks as Bishop Rene Gracida and Texas Right to Life and some other groups were able to forestall the denial of basic care a Texas hospital tried on the Cronin’s son, Joey. I am sure this has had to be brutally hard for you, George and Susan.

      Liked by 11 people

      1. When our Storm group had our monthly lunch last week, we were discussing the Alfie Evans horror; and one of the members stated that a similar situation was bound to happen sooner or later in the US. Another member answered that it already had with Joey Cronin. May both dear boys intercede for us all, and may all crimes against innocent human life cease.

        Liked by 8 people

        2. You are so right, Mick. People need to realize that these situations are not isolated to the ones that receive news coverage, like our Joseph or little Alfie. There are daily atrocities occurring all over this country, all over the world, to families that do not realize that they have a choice. Recently, I read the LifeSiteNews piece, https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/alfie-evans-was-given-4-drugs-just-before-he-died-report. It described the night that Alfie died, how his father was led away by hospital officials for a mysterious middle-of-the-night meeting. He went, hoping to hear that his son would be allowed to leave the country, or at least return home. He was kept busy with a nonsensical meeting, and when he returned to his son’s room, he found the nurse giving his son four infections. Two hours later, Alfie was dead. this article revived a horrific memory for me. You see, in the days following our son, Joseph’s initial lapse into his coma, he began to fight his way back. He could follow the direction of his physical therapist, could open his eyes, could squeeze my hand upon request. The doctors began to see pupillary response to light. Joseph was in a bed that turned slowly to the right and left, designed to prevent bedsores. One night, the bed began to turn, and it startled Joseph. He had always been prone to panic attacks, and I knew he was having one then. He began to try and right himself on the bed, but in his state, it looked like shaking. His blood pressure jumped because he was scared. This alerted the staff. A doctor came in, immediately saying it was seizure activity without even an exam. I told him it was just Joseph being scared, and begged for a chance to calm him. He ordered the nurse to bring in injections of Ativan, Fentanyl, and others that I cannot remember. I screamed and begged and fought, but they gave them all to him. Joseph never responded to anyone ever again. These are not random tradegies. They are murder. The saddest are the ones where they convince the families to agree to the murder to be “humane.” These are the ones we don’t hear about, because the families just go along quietly. I am going to say something that I have not yet ever said publically. I have been blessed by having had communications from Joseph since his passing. I have not ever said as much because I know that it sounds like a grieving mother “hearing” her dead son. However, he once said something that applies here so well, and I do not wish to plagiarize him without giving him credit. He said “Everything really is black and white, mom. The only grey area is the fog created by the devil so that good people get so lost on the black side, that they can’t find their way out. Good is never evil and evil is never good, and euthanasia is evil.”

          Liked by 2 people

          2. Susan, thank you so much for sharing your story with me–with all of us. And thank you also for sharing Joseph’s message (I don’t think you sound odd at all, talking about hearing from your little boy on the other side; I mean, God has often allowed the saints to communicate with those on earth). Joseph’s story touched so many people around the country, and he continues to touch us here at TNRS-ASOH. I will never forget him, and I will never forget your family. You are in my prayers; may God bless you all.

            Liked by 2 people

      2. Well, Charlie, when I hear of the Charlie Gards, and the Alfie Evans, I am reminded of a post you wrote only a few weeks before our son, Joseph, fell into his coma. You said that soon we would begin to see an increase in the deaths of the innocents, the children as Our Lord calls home those He would spare from the worst of the storm. That perspective is a great comfort when faced with these horrific cases.

        Liked by 4 people

    2. Dear Cronins, I have never forgotten about Joey or you. Continue to keep you in my prayers. I have seen the headlines and pictures of the royals and their baby news throughout this very, very sad situation with Baby Alfie. It is disgusting. There have been other cases in the USA that aren’t as publicized and I wonder how many more of these terrible cases have been happening here. God bless you.

      Liked by 4 people

      1. Dear AudieMarie: Thank you so much for your thoughts on our Joseph. I cannot express how much the TNRS community meant to us during that horrific time, and continues to mean to us today. I thank everyone who called and wrote and fought for Joe. You saved him from their clutches. Even though he eventually died, it was not at their hands. I cannot express how much that means to us. God bless you all.

        Liked by 6 people

    3. Dear Cronin Family, Please know that you are still in my prayers every single day. I have not forgotten about your son and all that you went through. I followed closely when Charlie posted updates and keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. Sending love and peace to you and your family.

      Liked by 4 people

      1. Bless you, Alicia, and all the TNRS community. You were all my strength during that nightmare, and definitely my sign of hope. I have been blessed with evidence that our son, Joseph, is with Our Lord. What more could a parent want, after all?

        Liked by 6 people

  10. Now for a tidbit of good news to hearten those of us that at times feel beat down by the seemingly ever degenerating condition of our society….. A state sponsored bill in the Louisiana legislature is advancing toward approval with very strong support of state senators that would allow teachers and other school employees to pray with students. Legislation already allows for students to pray when it is initiated by students.

    Every now and then you can wet your finger and hold it up and get a sense that there is a little change in the air. We need to share these “tidbits” as they hearten the faithful. God will not leave us bereft.

    Liked by 14 people

  11. Amen Charlie!
    Praying St.Joseph Novena for Ireland!
    Sent all the 14 letters to Catholic senators who voted NO to S 2311 Pain Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. Have Hope! Holy Spirit is moving and inspiring action! Praise God!

    Liked by 11 people

  12. My Mom died Thursday night after receiving the Apostolic anointing of the sick. Many of her 7 children and spouses, 17 grandchildren and spouses and some of her 27 great grandchildren were around her saying the Divine Mercy Chaplet when she left this earth. I’m so grateful that she was allowed to be here until Our Lord called her home, and not when the state decided she should go. It’s so devastating that little Alfie didn’t have the privilege of receiving the care that he was entitled to, that the state deemed that he was not worthy. Vicious and barbaric indeed!

    Liked by 16 people

    1. Condolences, Kim, on the passing of your dear mother. What a holy death, surrounded by the love of family with the Apostolic Pardon and Sacrament of Anointing. Praying for the repose of her soul and for you, Kim, as well as all who love your mom. May she intercede for us with all the people of Heaven.

      Liked by 11 people

    3. Kim, I’m sorry for your loss. Losing your mom is difficult, no matter what. Such a wonderful blessing, to be surrounded by your family and receive the prayers of the church. Prayers for your mom and your family.

      Liked by 7 people

    5. Kim, thinking of you. Keeping you, your family and loved ones in my prayers. May God welcome your Mom into His Kingdom. God bless you all.

      Liked by 3 people

    6. Kim, I’m sorry for the loss of your Mom. 🌷 How beautiful that all the family was there and praying the Divine Mercy, what a great comfort! 💕✝🔥

      Liked by 5 people

    8. Kim, my heartfelt condolences to you and your entire family. What a blessing that so many of her beloved with her. I have prayed for the repose of her soul and for all who love her in their bereavement. ❤

      Liked by 2 people

    1. Amen, ascotinfrance! I’ve been communicating with people on the committee of the Rosary on the Coast, and they shared the programme with me which I plan to pray in solidarity. If any in our community would like to join, you can access the programme here.

      Great news, posted two hours ago: “400+ Locations! Even now with 2.5 hours until the Rosary we are being inundated with locations from groups, families, parishes and individuals! This an historic day as we pray as one for Faith, Life and Peace in the British Isles!”

      Liked by 11 people

  14. The song Alfie in memory of the wee one who has gone to heaven. I am sure his mum and dad must have stared into his eyes and asked “What’s it all about Alfie?”

    Alfie
    Burt Bacharach
    What’s it all about, Alfie
    Is it just for the moment we live
    What’s it all about when you sort it out, Alfie
    Are we meant to take more than we give
    Or are we meant to be kind
    And if only fools are kind, Alfie
    Then I guess it’s wise to be cruel
    And if life belongs only to the strong, Alfie
    What will you lend on an old golden rule
    As sure as I believe there’s a heaven above, Alfie
    I know there’s something much more
    Something even non-believers can believe in
    I believe in love, Alfie
    Without true love we just exist, Alfie
    Until you find the love you’ve missed you’re nothing, Alfie
    When you walk let your heart lead the way
    And you’ll find love any day, Alfie, Alfie
    Songwriters: Burt Bacharach / Hal David

    Liked by 6 people

    1. Alfie, made in 1966, deals with abortion in a frank and truthful way. Alfie fathers a child during one of his trysts. An illegal abortion follows. What is remarkable is that the film shows Alfie filled with disgust and self-loathing over what’s he’s done. The arts and entertainment industry would never allow the following dialog today:

      “I thought to me self, you know what, Alfie? Do you know what you’ve done? You’ve murdered him”.

      Alfie was remade in 2004 without the abortion scene. Why bum people out?

      Liked by 5 people

    2. Oh my Lord. I have forgotten the words to the song. I barely remember the movie. Beautiful words and so fitting for this little angel. Maybe Alfie is like the “child who will lead them”. Thank you Joe for sharing that thought for little Alfie.

      Liked by 3 people

  15. I was in Dublin for rally for Life, Save the 8th amendment which provides constitutional
    protection for pre born citizens. I can tell you the rally was massive and there is a groundswell
    against the ferocious voices of the govt and media attempts to promote, legalise and normalise the choice to kill unplanned or unwanted human beings ( aided and abetted by EU,UK,UN, Amnesty Intl etc.)… for that is what it amounts to. We need the prayers of every single person out there of any God fearing religion and welcome also the support of non believers who have an ounce of humanity, to save the lives of defenceless innocents and to win this battle. I believe a No vote( in favour of not changing the constitution) can send out a signal to the world that satan is surely losing his power base and evil grip., and his days are numbered! But it won’t happen without all of us together storming the gates of heaven for yet another momentous miracle on this earth and this one will be a marker
    in the history of the modern world. Pray hard form now to May 25th. and then pray in thanksgiving!

    Liked by 13 people

    5. Amen! I am asking parishioners and my son’s school: Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary to pray the rosary and novenas for Ireland to choose Life and protect and save the 8th Amendment. Praise God who hears our prayers and answers them!

      Liked by 7 people

      1. Reading Father Chad Ripperger’s book, Deliverance Prayers for the Laity, in which he encourages
        devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows, for “she will reveal to us the nature of the demon we
        are dealing with, whether that is in our own lives or in the lives of those
        to whom we have obligations. This provides us a specific target to combat.”
        On her website, Immaculee Ilibagiza, (who spent 3 months hiding in a bathroom during the
        Rwandan genocide), notes readers’ testimonies of positive turnarounds re S.S. rosary.
        There are free apps or youtube videos for those who, like myself are newly informed.
        (Goes without saying, all posted intentions are inc. in my prayers.)

        Charlie, I appreciate the short takes, easier on the brain for those of us who border on adult ADD. I fwd
        the essays to family who gives me the cliffsnotes version. 🙂 If your march materializes, and needs some extras on the motley crew side to balance the populated and sophisticated learned lot, count me in!

        Liked by 3 people

  16. ps: donations also desperately needed for last minute publicity
    across Ireland to Save the 8th. …… no matter how little… this referendum
    could be won or lost on a wafer thin margin given the power of govt control
    of the news and media assistance pro life is at a major disadvantage… every single vote is crucial won over by a poster or contact you may have paid for …
    http://www.thelifeinstitute.net https://donate.familyandlife.org/

    Liked by 6 people

    2. Done! Thank you for your work in this area…I always said the day that Holy Ireland allows abortion is the day that Satan has won the battle…or thinks he does.

      Liked by 3 people

  18. Here’s a recent news story about England:

    https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/6167725/oldest-new-parents-baby-social-services/

    Well, don’t you dare criticize socialized medicine here in the United States, particularly at a university where the free exchange of ideas is not welcome. A few semesters ago, I was taking some stupid ethics or economics course online, engaging in lengthy discussions about various topics among classmates. We examined the healthcare systems of the U.S, U.K., Japan, Canada, and some other country. Every post we made was visible for all students to read.

    Well, I was gently slamming socialized medicine and stated something like the ultimate goal of Obamacare was to bring about a single payer system. I cited the NHS in England as a fine working example of the fallacy of such a system. The teacher engaged me (online), cautioning me about making generalizations and using broad terms. He then asked me to define socialism. I was a bit surprise, but happily walked through what I know about Marx and Engel, and about the unconstitutional nature of such a form of government, thinking I was educating my more left-leaning classmates. I described the pitfalls of a government-run “anything”, like the VA, from first-hand experience. The conversation was cordial….

    ….later, while looking for my posts, I learned that our conversation had been extracted from the public discussion. My words were nowhere to be found. He silenced me, not permitting my classmates (many of whom agreed with me) from hearing my voice.

    Outrageous. (I’m still miffed)

    That perfectly illustrates a liberal for you.

    OK, back to studying about womens’ health…I’m really, really, really ready to graduate from this “university.” (By 2019)

    Liked by 5 people

    1. I wish I could say “unbelievable” Patrick. Sadly and angrily, your personal experience has been and is repeated in, I’d wager, thousands of ways. I’m going to repost a link I placed under Charlie’s previous piece because your link and personal story as well as our discussion fit the theme of Fr. Longenecker’s piece: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/standingonmyhead/2018/04/what-alfie-evans-unlocked.html

      Joining in prayer for you as you wrap up this segment of your studies, Patrick.

      Liked by 9 people

    2. Same type of liberal bias was running rampant through the university I attended, Patrick, only difference being that the differences of opinion and the battles surrounding them weren’t played out online.

      Liked by 4 people

    3. The universities are strange places these days. They desperately try to keep using the same “educated language” so that they can maintain the facade of intellectualism to lord over us peasants, but when challenged at a deeper level they have to censor and misdirect. These institutions don’t want to accept that the foundation they are resting on is sand. To a person who strives to see with the eyes of faith AND reason both and have grounding on the great thinkers like Aquinas, they just seem like children trying to use big words.

      Liked by 5 people

      2. Love it, Lake…”children trying to use big words.” The thing that drives me nuts is how utterly ignorant these people are – and how completely divorced from facts, evidence and logic. They really have to be the dumbest “elite” class in history.

        Liked by 5 people

  19. The youngest of the current generation throughout the world are born into a time at the opening stages of the great apostasy believing to be morally constricticting all that is currently in place, believing to be unenlightened all that is of traditional root, believing to be cynical all that is holy, just, & true, believing to be unjust & of little value all that is & has come before. The spirit of communism comes anew to the world with great ferocity as this chosen vessel of dominion belongs to the Antichrist whereby his unholy ones Marx & Engel are listed among his many saints, the philosophers & Bahá’u’lláh with many others as his prophets, the Georgia Guidestones considered his commandments, human technological achievement his sword, environmentalism his way, & transhumanism his lie of choice. As the vestiges of Catholicism become purified of all that is unholy & all that is cumbersome (through its own passion & death) this generation continues to strengthen its embrace of the eternal darkness believing it to be light awaiting for the vile one who comes in his own name as a promised saviour of humanity. If any should believe the coming of the age of the Holy Spirit & the final collapse of the demonic kingdom will come without a great outpouring of blood on a massive global scale then we do not understand what is occurring before our very own eyes is much like an exorcism in which the demon manifests itself before the exorcist. In short Satan & his cohorts along with the his antichrist in this present day are going to fight violently before being chained up for the next 10 or 11 centuries as this is the greater of his two remaining moves before the days of Gog & Magog, Gog being the place & Magog being the Lord of the World.

    Liked by 7 people

    1. I saw this today, it’s not new and you may have seen it, but it sure lifted my heart and gave me so much hope for our kids! God bless them! Pray, Pray, Pray!

      Liked by 9 people

      1. Wow, Snowy… just wow. Thank you for sharing that incredible video, and may God bless all of those kids (and the principal, I presume) for taking a stand for Him.

        Liked by 6 people

      3. Gosh, Snowy, you’ve got me crying, in gratitude for these kids and their school! I hope the video is shared milions of times, but not sure I know how to do that. God bless you!

        Liked by 3 people

        1. Wasn’t that just wonderful? It made my heart sing to see it!
          Annie, if you click the settings button (but I think you have to be on YouTube to do this- not sure?) click embedded and then copy- then paste it wherever you want it. 🙂

          Like

  20. Thanks to all here, lifting up all these intentions. Thank you Charlie, for staying in touch here. I’ve been unable to visit in awhile but this is definitely ‘home.’ Yes, time to pray in solidarity with the Rosary on the Coast, now. Amen.

    Liked by 8 people

  21. Well, there are the worldly problems,,there are the town problems, there are the family problems, other problems. . It’s the problems on the homefront, here and now for me. And for a lot of other’s I’d assume. If you have your own homefront problems, ask this homespun blog to pray for you. As I am asking all of you! Please. Somehow, if the family is falling apart through deceit and all that follows, then the worldly problems seem miniscule, ( don’t know if I spelled it right). My own world is falling apart and even though I have huge cares about the big world, they are nothing in comparison to my own world right here, right now. Mother Mary, please step in for me………..

    Liked by 14 people

    2. Joining in prayer for you, Mary. The Surrender Novena brings strength and comfort. Sometimes I just repeat the aspiration: O Jesus, I surrender myself to you; take care of everything.

      Liked by 6 people

        1. I do the same thing, Beckita…I surrender myself all day and night. Mary, I will keep you in my prayers as I, also, have desperate problems within my family. Dear Jesus take care of everything.

          Liked by 5 people

    6. Praying a Divine Mercy chaplet for you and your family Mary! I agree, the power of the prayers here are incredible- I’ve experienced this through many a crisis! May Our Lord bless, comfort and keep you close to His Heart! 🙏💗🌹

      Liked by 5 people

    10. MaryT,am praying for you and your family. I am sorry you are going through such pain and difficulties. A priest recently told me to pray the Serenity Prayer, not just the beginning, but the whole thing. That prayer and the Surrender Novena that Beckita suggested help me so much when I have lost hope. God bless you with peace, love, courage and hope.

      Liked by 5 people

  22. Apparently Alfie had to die before he turned 2years old – and that is is less than 2 weeks now.
    Take a peek at this:

    https://www.gov.uk/vaccine-damage-payment/how-to-claim

    “…..something fishy….”

    https://mundabor.wordpress.com/

    javcus | April 25, 2018 at 7:16 pm
    The Nuova Bussola Quotidiana is in possession of a video that intercepts the conversation between four unidentified members of the Alder Hey Hospital staff. A resounding video from which we understand that the hospital where Alfie Evans is hospitalized is covering something really fishy.
    http://www.lanuovabq.it/it/esclusivo-il-video-che-inchioda-lah-stanno-coprendo-qualcosa-di-grosso

    http://www.lanuovabq.it/it/esclusivo-il-video-che-inchioda-lah-stanno-coprendo-qualcosa-di-grosso

    https://onepeterfive.com/video-from-alder-hey-hospital-theyre-covering-something-up-big/

    Liked by 2 people

  25. Speaking of England, has anyone heard from our friend, Janet? We keep in touch through email now and then, but haven’t heard anything recently. Can I suggest a prayer for all our friends in the UK and throughout the world? Praying for all here too, of course. God bless us all and give us courage and strength to do His Will.

    Liked by 7 people

    1. Amen, Audie, to praying for everyone. As the phoenix mentioned, I keep all our friends, near and far, in daily prayer. I do know Janet has taken extended breaks, from time to time, from ASOH.

      Liked by 5 people

    2. I miss Janet too, Audie- just love her! I keep track of her by her likes here 🙂 but can’t respond to that! I’ll send her an email and tell her we miss her! 🤗

      Liked by 6 people

    2. John, I just love this! It’s never too late and that gives me hope! Thank you for sharing that with all of us. Yay!!

      Liked by 4 people

  27. I received a phone call very early this morning-mission accomplished!
    Teacher gone (fired) as of this weekend.
    The kids are safer now, thank God!
    Many, many people stepped up and came forward allowing this to happen!
    Thank you, thank you to all who prayed for this. 💕

    Liked by 9 people

    1. Thank you so much. Truly grateful as only God can enter in and bring good out of this. A very urgent need. I keep you all in my rosaries. Stay calm Mary.

      Liked by 4 people

  29. Here’s a sign of hope and, hopefully, an impetus for participating in the upcoming Rosary Coast to Coast in the USA on October 7th.

    A pictorial tribute of gratitude to the ordinary people of the United Kingdom who participated in their Rosary on the Coast:

    Lytham

    Musselburgh

    Portishead

    Portsmouth

    Oh this child in Portsmouth!

    Portsmouth

    Rhos-on-Sea

    South Shields

    Strawberry Fields

    Weston-super-Mare

    Finally, a fantastic photo from Fr Ross Chrichton as a heart appears on the water at Eriskay following Rosary on the Coast

    Liked by 12 people

  30. So many thought provoking comments, not to mention the beautiful, awe inspiring photos.  What a statement those people  made.  If nothing else, I think we can all agree that the “Rescue” is well underway. 

    While it may be a battle royal before it’s over, thankfully, we know who wins.  Faith can move mountains and  prayer can avert wars.  

    Praise God!  His truth is marching on. 

    Liked by 10 people

  31. Dear Friends,
    Just a quick note to say thank you for your prayers!
    God is Amazing!
    Because you (Mick and Beckita, and maybe others too) mentioned info about Encounter School of Healing a couple of months ago were able to attend in Akron. Fr. Matthias and Patrick Reis are ….wow!

    My older son said it was the most amazing healing service he has ever been to. I experienced a major healing from years of childhood abuse and unforgiveness.
    Then 3 weeks later, a friend invited us to an Unbound Conference (Neal Lozano) at St. Vincent Basilica in Latrobe, PA. We were UNBOUND! Hallelujah!
    The Heart of the Father is amazing!

    http://www.heartofthefather.com/

    My sleep is returning! After almost a year of sleeping only a few hours each week, I am sleeping! During those long nights without sleep I listened to Father Joseph Iannuzzi talk about Living in the Divine Will. would you believe that I had Luisa Picarretta’s volumes just arrive on my door step yesterday?

    And my younger son whom you all prayed for about 3 years ago when he was in deep despair..(you esp., Charlie!) is graduating from UC Boulder and will be working for Christ in the City, Denver, living in community with other young people.

    https://christinthecity.co/

    Did I say AMAZING?!

    To celebrate, here are some musical selections for your enjoyment:

    And finally to celebrate the 70th anniversary of Israel’s birth as a nation a couple of days ago

    Love to you all,
    Arwen Evenstar

    Liked by 9 people

    1. All Glory to God, Dear Arwen Evenstar, for what He is doing in you and your family!

      Thank you for this power-packed collection of info and videos. I’m aware of all of these Apostolic works which you share – studying right now with Encounter Ministries and, via one of my spiritual mothers a number of years ago, was mentored in the concepts found in Unbound – and I see all of this as sure and certain evidence that the Light of Christ breaks through every bit of the current darkness. We will go through some doggone tough stuff, but we are not alone… *never* will be, even when it seems we are.

      Hat tip to our own Aussie Anne who first wrote of the documentary, Fearless, on site. I see God bringing healing in so many ways in these days and I continue to maintain that embedded in the rebuilding of the culture will be of the rebuilding of each repentant person who returns to the Lord. Many the needs and many the works will emerge as God is, even now, lavishing grace upon us – for ourselves, our families and all those around each of us – if we but ask.

      Liked by 7 people

      1. Dearest Beckita, I have also been led this past year or so to the same books and ministries that Father mentions in the video…tell me more, what do you mean by “studying right now with Encounter Ministries”?

        Liked by 2 people

        1. Hopenjoy, when I experience being called to something, I just immerse myself in all the writings, talks and online opportunities so I may explore and ponder what God is doing in a particular work of His. With the notes I’ve taken, I review the material, share with the good Padre here and, via discussions, seek greater theological understanding – all the while bringing these experiences into daily meditation time with the Lord. Since I don’t live near the actual area where the ongoing School of Ministry is presented, I’ve written and called to encourage the folks at Encounter Ministries (EM) to consider developing online study opportunities. Well, just last week, EM opened a new opportunity which will be a benefit both to their growth and to those who wish to discover and understand more. It’s a partnering deal where one may contribute, monthly, to EM and the contributor then has access to audio talks and videos. Through this process, Fr. W has developed great interest so that we’re headed to the two day conference, Encounter School of Healing, in Lincoln, NE at the end of this month. Don’t know if you’ve found your way to Shalom TV, Hopenjoy, where they have uploaded the presentations from the EM annual conference held in Ann Arbor in January. If not, here’s a link. Of course, the driving force of these efforts by EM is Abba’s desire to reclaim His people. SO grateful! Again and again, I see evidence of one of His plenitude of promises in Scripture which has been such solace as life as we have known it is crumbling around us: Where sin abounds, grace abounds all the more. Amen!

          Liked by 3 people

          1. Thank you for such a wonderful reply, links and information! I’ve been on Encounter Ministries mailing list and follow their Facebook page, and have watched most of the videos from this winter’s conference, wonderful! I’ve been praying and pondering about the Nebraska conference, I’m an Oregon driver/not a flyer, so was wondering about bringing it up as a road trip with my (not yet a believer) husband. The thought that came to me was “Ask him”, even though my current work schedule is a little booked at that time and his is somewhat uncertain. So today I brought it up, and he really liked the idea of a road trip to see that part of the country, as long as he could go look at horses and mules (he uses them for packing into the mountains for camping and hunting)! So Lord willing, I will be registering and we’ll drive 22 hours from Oregon to Lincoln NE! Would love love love to connect with you, as my husband wouldn’t be attending Friday-Saturday with me.

            Liked by 2 people

            1. It would be a wonderful opportunity to meet you at the conference, Hopenjoy! I think it will be easy to connect. Just look for a soon-to-be-90 Chinese priest and you’ll find the mother superior sitting right by his side, tending to whatever needs to happen. Please feel free to write me at tnrs.answers@gmail.com Hopenjoy. Lincoln, Nebraska or bust!

              Liked by 1 person

      2. Arwen & Beckita, Fearless, Unbound, and the healing mass are all amazing! We were blessed in our little country church to have had Fr. Mathias be our priest for a couple of years prior to our awesome Fr. Eric now! Fr. Mathias is from a neighboring town and we were fortunate to have him for that little time…. you can just see the Holy Spirit working through him! He comes back every once in a while to do a healing mass, and just did so before Easter. AMAZING on how packed the church was with people from all around – of all faiths! I would have never attended one before TNRS and ASOH…. my doubt was too great for that. Thank you my TNRS brothers and sisters! Now, having attended one with him, I’m not going to miss another! Alleluia Arwen! God is great!

        Liked by 3 people

    2. That is wonderful, Arwen! So happy for you and your son. I’m going to watch the video on the Gift of Living in the Divine Will tomorrow. Thank you! God bless you!

      Liked by 5 people

    5. Arwen, oh how beautifully God is working in your life!!! All of this is! 🌹🕊✝ What a wonderful Father we have!
      I wish my audio worked- but it has completely vanished off of my computer! Would love to hear the 🎶🎵!

      Liked by 2 people

    8. Thank you VERY much for these videos. I had never before seen this particular video regarding Living in the Divine Will. It is EXCELLENT. WOW….Our God is SO amazing!!!

      Liked by 1 person

  33. Charlie, I am a little confused by this growing so-called split between republicans and Catholic Bishops in the US. Is this even real?
    Most of it seems to be concerning the immigrants, but I searched and found Pope Francis’ actual words concerning the treatment of immigrants and what he is calling for and they do not at all clash with what President Trump is trying to do – at least that I can see! All I can see is that the it is the liberals trying to create a rift and there is no disconnect that I can find.
    Most of the news focused on this seems to be coming from the liberal MSM. And again today, because of Paul Ryan firing Chaplain Conroy, CNN is posing the question, asking whether Republicans are losing Catholics? What!?
    Why did Paul Ryan do this? Ugh. He drives me batty!
    While searching, I ran across many posts- but finally a really good post from Mark Mallet that sums it all up…wow. So many lies and twisting of words out there! Here is what Pope Francis has actually said… and Mark gives credit/ links to where he read the official statements from him.
    https://www.markmallett.com/blog/2018/04/24/pope-francis-on/
    This is all confusing to me, and it’s as if the liberals are intentionally pitting the Church against the Republicans. How do you, or any of you here, see what is going on?

    Liked by 4 people

    1. Snowy, I appreciated this piece from Mark too. I think we’re living in the midst of a concocted reporting mix of truth, misunderstanding, misinformation and disinformation swirling all around us. In my view, CNN is most guilty of peddling disinformation peppered with outright lies. The only time I watch this news channel is when Tucker Carlson uses their footage to obliterate their lies.

      Liked by 6 people

      1. Oh! agreed! I have never allowed CNN or MSNBC, etc, to even be on my channel line up. The lies are atrocious! I hear what I hear on TV from Tucker and Hannity, and read online from a few decent sites. This is all so crazy- it’s like like living in a blender set perpetually on high speed! 😵

        Liked by 2 people

        1. It IS crazy-making, Snowy. SO grateful we have this place of sanity and solace as we both pray for one another and sort through what we are living. Blender set on perputual high speed is a most apt description. 😉

          Liked by 5 people

        2. “Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. ”
          (John 8:43)
          “Whoever belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God.” (John 8:47).
          Belonging to satan means imitating him in every way.
          “Blind Guides” Jesus called them. If we hold fast to our faith, we will know what is true and what is the lie as God’s Spirit dwelling in us will lead us to all truth.
          The devil has put upon these people a reality based on lies with the notion that lies are a useful tool to confound their enemies and hook their constituents (those who have the devil for their father too).
          This is a time of “drawing out”into the open who we really are. When the hard decisions needs to be made, we will truly know how much we are on the side of truth.
          Conviction is a two-edged sword; one- a punishment, the other-a virtue. The Word of God goes out and does not return void.
          What will it return in relation to you…?

          Liked by 6 people

    2. Snowy, I implore self-professed, “truthers” who will research facts on their chosen *pet-projects* yet will run with click-bait anti-pope/Catholic stories based solely on the headlines alone. Some have recanted/deleted their material. The Catholic church is being demonized on many fronts and has been for decades. These things must come.
      On one occasion, I added a link to Charlie’s post: https://asignofhope442992340.wordpress.com/2018/01/14/the-foundation-of-authority-mileposts-on-the-road-to-rome/
      and this dismayed Catholic sent me a personal note to thank me for the article which gave her much comfort and understanding. She along with several others I connect with on social media have bookmarked A Sign Of Hope website for future reading. I invite them to share in discussions here for clarity and consolation too. ❤

      Liked by 6 people

      1. Jen, you are the Blue-Jay! Woo-hoo (besides, you were already named!). She is my one of my favorites here- as I was reading what you typed and typing to you, she was outside doing hawk calls and Bald Eagle screams..(looking at me like- HELLO idiot!) she is absolutely hilarious-the cutest bird EVER! and has a buddy- a woodpecker…they pal around together..so funny.
        Okay I have to stop being a blabbermouth- again! 😍😅😂🐦<-pretend the red is blue! Dumb emoji has no bluebird!

        Liked by 4 people

        1. I love that Snowy! I am honored. Thank you. ❤
          We had a Bald Eagle nest in a tree across the street over the late winter in a neighbor couples yard. They are Audubon Society members. A sight to behold, especially for a former big city girl.

          Liked by 2 people

  34. Beckita, we have beautiful new light cream colored squirrel here- she is stunning! Her coat looks like sparkely vanilla buttercream frosting. I named her Beckita 🙂
    Once you have black squirrels you get all the rest of the colors because the black gene carries all colors! I learned this breeding birds and cats! Such fun!

    And CrewDog, we have an old battle scarred veteran Black Bear 🐻 who loves to scare my dogs. I think (if you don’t object) I’ll dub him CD! 😍😋

    Liked by 6 people

    1. Sweet, Snowy. You are such a friend of critters… and I’m sure they know it! Love your description of the resident black bear and I hope CD agrees with the affectionately chosen moniker for the bear.

      Liked by 3 people

      1. Yes! We Love that bear!
        I also have a very large, very bold Red Fox…so bold he comes into the yard and steals the dog’s bones right from under their noses! Charlie?…Haha! I think so!
        We have an Otter, he comes in the winter and does a hop-hop-hop- sliiiiide. Hop-hop-hop- sliide through the snow, leaving a very interesting trail! He’s incredibly silly and fun loving, oblivious to danger. Hmm 🤔
        A Goshawk- we call her the Stealth Bomber as she regularly bombs in here after the Red-winged Blackbirds and sends them scattering… who can she be? I have so many interesting animals here and it takes time to match them up!

        Liked by 6 people

  35. Once I read Charlie’s posts, I try to come back and catch up on the comments. Just did so again, and I can’t even describe the beautiful feeling I have. So many lovely stories, urgent prayer requests, and wonderful people here; lots of love and faith! Reading about the Rosaries on the Coast across the sea, etc. gives us hope that we are not alone in the battle!

    Liked by 9 people

  36. This article lends a whole new dimension to the role of our Blessed Mother.  I don’t know about the rest of you but I’ve never heard anyone speak of this before. 

    The Hidden Throne of Israel & The Blessed Mother – All Roads Lead to Rome

    THE HIDDEN THRONE OF ISRAEL & THE BLESSED MOTHER
    SCOTT SMITHJULY 24, 2017

    King Solomon had a problem. He had “700 wives, princesses, and 300 concubines” (1 Kings 11:3).  When the king has 1000 — one thousand — women in his life, who rules as the queen? Also, if Jesus is the New King of Israel, who is the New Queen? The Kingdom of Heaven was the restoration and fulfillment of the Kingdom of Israel, so who is the Queen of Heaven? 

    The answer lies in the following passage from 1 Kings 2. In this passage, Adonijah is asking Bathsheba, the mother of King Solomon, to intercede on his behalf before the king. 

    THE QUEEN-MOTHER

    But first, some back story: Adonijah and Solomon were both sons of King David. After their elder step-brothers, Amnon and Absalom had died, Adonijah considered himself the heir-apparent to the throne. Adonijah was the oldest living son of David,1 and therefore had a better claim to succeed King David to the throne. Nevertheless, Solomon fought Adonijah for the throne. Civil War had erupted and Solomon emerged victorious. 

    First, 1 Kings 2:13-18 RSV-CE: 
    Then Adonijah the son of Haggith came to Bathsheba the mother of Solomon. And she said, “Do you come peaceably?” He said, “Peaceably.” Then he said, “I have something to say to you.” She said, “Say on.” He said, “You know that the kingdom was mine, and that all Israel fully expected me to reign; however the kingdom has turned about and become my brother’s, for it was his from the Lord. And now I have one request to make of you; do not refuse me.” She said to him, “Say on.” And he said, “Pray ask King Solomon—he will not refuse you—to give me Abishag the Shunammite as my wife.” Bathsheba said, “Very well; I will speak for you to the king.”

    Notice some of the important parts of this passage. Adonijah “prays” to Bathsheba, the mother of the King, that she would ask the King to grant Adonijah’s “request.” This may not be the definition of “pray” we’re accustomed to hearing. Adonijah is not “praying” to Bathsheba as if she were God. To “pray” simply means to “ask” or to make a request. Also, notice that Adonijah knows that the king “will not refuse” his mother. How does he know this?

    In the very next verses, Bathsheba goes to her son, King Solomon, with Adonijah’s request (1 Kings 2:19-21):

    So Bathsheba went to King Solomon, to speak to him on behalf of Adonijah. And (1) the king rose to meet her, and bowed down to her; then he sat on his throne, and (2) had a seat brought for the king’s mother; and she sat on his right. Then she said, “I have one small request to make of you; do not refuse me.” And the king said to her, (3) “Make your request, my mother; for I will not refuse you.” She said, “Let Ab′ishag the Shu′nammite be given to Adonijah your brother as his wife.” [numbers added]
    What an important passage! Several things happened in this second passage that forever affected the structure of the Kingdom of Israel. (1) We see the king “rising to meet” his mother and then “bowing down to her.” The king’s subjects bow to him. The king bows to no one – except his mother. Before we get to (2), I’ll first address (3). The king, himself, reiterates that he “will not refuse” his mother. This is a royal tradition that King Solomon is making a permanent fixture of the kingdom. He is literally about to “enshrine” it. 

    (2) This is extremely important. The king “had a seat brought for the king’s mother” and from then on “she sat on his right”. The king placed a seat for his mother beside the throne. King Solomon didn’t just have a servant bring a seat for his mother, so she could sit in his court before him. The king set the seat beside his own throne. The mother’s chair became a throne in its own right, a royal office subordinate to the king’s throne. 

    This royal office of the Queen-Mother, called the Gebirah or the “Great Lady”, became a fixture of the Kingdom of Israel. It lasted for as long as the Kingdom of Israel lasted. We see in 2 Kings 24, when Judah is at last conquered by the Babylonians and the Southern Kingdom falls to King Nebuchadnezzar, that the Queen-Mother, Nehushta, is still given precedence over the wives of King Jehoiakim (see 2 Kings 24:15). Jeremiah 13:18 also narrates the fall of Israel to the Babylonians in terms of the Queen-Mother losing her crown: 

    Say to the king and the queen mother: 

    “Take a lowly seat, 
    for your beautiful crown 
    has come down from your head.”  

    The tragedy of this verse is finally undone at Revelation 12, where we see that the Queen’s crown has been restored and fulfilled, but more on that in a bit.

    THE QUEEN OF HEAVEN
    So, what has this to do with the Blessed Mother, i.e. the Virgin Mary? It might be obvious to you by now, maybe not, that the Queen of the Kingdom of Israel was a prefigurement or foreshadowing of the Queen of the Kingdom of Heaven. 

    How did the kings of Israel, with their many, many wives, resolve the issue of who would reign as queen of their kingdom? Every man only ever has one mother.  The king’s mother ruled as queen. This is the tradition of the “Queen-Mother”. 

    This is why we call the Virgin Mary the “Queen of Heaven”! This is why we “pray” that Mary will intercede for us before the King, because that’s her royal office. 

    THE WEDDING AT CANA

    But there’s more … lots more! Check out Part Two, “What’s Really Happening at the Wedding at Cana,” which shows how the scene between Queen Bathsheba and King Solomon is repeated and fulfilled at the Wedding at Cana!

    Please share and comment below..

    P.S.: If you needed more proof that Mary is Queen of Heaven, just read Revelation 12:1: “And a great portent appeared in heaven, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars.” This woman is then described as the mother of the Messiah, i.e. the Virgin Mary. Right there, in black and white, Mary is described as wearing a crown in Heaven. Why would Mary be wearing a crown? What is a woman called that wears a crown? A QUEEN, i.e. the Queen of Heaven!

    Liked by 3 people

  37. Dear family here at a ‘ sign of hope’
    I am sorry I don’t comment or have anything to add except to hit the ‘ like’ button most of the time.
    The reason being I am going through such a trial that I fear I am going to have a nervous break down.
    I have been through a separation from my atheist husband who has tried to break me mentally, to be able to divorce me but retain his daughters.
    One daughter has stood staunchly by me but the other the healthy one has caved and resumed contact with him.
    Within four weeks he told me with much venom that he was divorcing me.
    I suffered depression and ptsd as a result of being married to him, resulting in M.E. and fibromyalgia type illness. My daughter is suffering the same also.
    We have become very isolated from a saga of ill health that has been ongoing for years.
    I had to cling tightly to my faith to retain the will to live.
    He did not treat me well a lot of the time and emotionally detached some years ago .
    I feel there was a large element of spiritual warfare.
    He is realising his dream now to start life anew withought me leaving me to deal with mine and my daughters illness on our own.
    My daughter is becoming more and more depressed it all looks so hopeless.
    I feel utterly abandoned by God.
    I have been suffering for years and now this.
    I was really hoping for the rescue last year and now I despair of it ever coming.
    I have prayed faithfully for his conversion for years all to no avail.
    I am not sleeping at all well and I am becoming more and more sleep deprived.
    And very shortly he is going to force me to respond to divorce proceedings.
    He has brought me literally to my knees.
    Please can you remember me and my daughter in your prayers and pray that I may not succumb to total despair.
    I have tried to be strong for so long, it feels as
    though this is the final straw.
    I am sorry to be so long winded, but I am desperate for your prayers thank you, I keep you all in mine.
    God bless you all ❤️

    Liked by 7 people

    1. SO sorry, morningglory, that it’s been so darned hard. Jesus was accompanied by LOVE on His Way as His Mother, St. John and the holy women were ever by His side, as Simon of Cyrene lent his shoulder and as Veronica refreshed Him with her veil. So, my prayer for you will include the intention that you are able to find assistance as you make your way through this Via Dolorosa. These things are, usually, too tough to handle on one’s own. I pray you find good people who have expertise in such matters and can facilitate your own healing while respecting the role of your faith in the process. I pray you have even one friend, near or far, with whom you can be open, transparent, that the friend may validate your feelings while offering friendly, honest counsel and feedback. In isolation, the dark side has a wicked, nasty heyday with our thoughts and emotions. God intimately knows your situation and it is precisely in our afflictions where He is at work. I hope you are able to seek the Sacrament of Healing from your parish priest, morningglory. Love and ongoing prayers…

      “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)

      Liked by 8 people

      1. Thank you dear Beckita for you kind and wise words. Yes I do have a very strong in the faith friend who has been a invaluable support .
        I will seek counsel from a priest, just been delaying because I have been praying and praying for a different outcome, but it looks like it is not to be.
        Isolation is the worse thing as you say, so I need to be more open and seek all the support I can get. On the bright side my daughter and I still have the faith even if we are sometimes sorely tempted to believe our prayers are not getting through, but I know they are really.
        The surrender prayer is pretty constantly on my mind and lips.
        Praying for your intentions too Beckita and Fr. Wang . God bless💗

        Liked by 5 people

      1. Oh thank you jlynnbird, that is lovely of you to offer and a comfort to know there is someone who has experienced it and understands the hurt of it all.
        It is a trial indeed. I just need a whole boat load of grace to get me through the next battle . Thank you for the encouragement 💕

        Liked by 3 people

      1. Thank you Bill Bad42. So very, very grateful. I am so glad I reached out and asked for prayers.
        I feel greatly blessed by everyone kindness and I am comforted to know I have some excellent prayer support. 🙏💛

        Liked by 4 people

    4. MorningGlory, Sent your petition to Poor Clare’s website that accepts prayer requests. Asking St. Rita, who had marriage difficulties, to intercede for your situation. May the Holy Spirit heal your family both physically and spiritually. Do Not Give Up. At times when I’ve been homebound due to health issues and can’t pray anymore, it’s sometimes comforting to just listen to a praise song:

      Liked by 9 people

    5. Oh my gosh, Morningglory, You are fighting on so many fronts, you must be so exhausted! May God give You strength and courage to hang in there! I will pray a PMT, Rosary and Divine Mercy chaplet for you (especially) and for your family. 💕🌷🕯
      May the Lord bless you and keep you.
      May the Lord make His Face to shine upon you,
      and be gracious to you.
      May the Lord lift up His Countenance upon you,
      and give you peace.
      Amen!

      Liked by 5 people

      1. Thank you snowy that is so very kind of you. I am deeply appreciative of your prayers and your kindness! May God bless you abundantly too. 💕

        I have kept all this bottled up but as you say it is a “big battle” I have been fighting for so long and I am exhausted!
        And there is still more to come.
        I pray every day with a very prayerful friend, undersatstement he is profoundly spiritual and who is also victim soul.
        I know God put him on my path to help me through this .
        He has been an absolute rock to me. I would not have come through this without him.
        Thank you again and to all of you who have iffeeed prayers . I would like to respond to you all individually but it is Kate and I can hardly keep my eyes open!
        Thank you dear family , you are all in my prayers daily too 🙏❤️🙏

        Liked by 4 people

    7. Dear Morningglory, may the dearest Blessed Mother wrap her mantle around you and the Archangel Raphael fill you and your family with his healing balm. Most of us cannot imagine your pain, but Mama Mary can, and will assist you. Just the other day I called on Mary, Undoer of Knots, a devotion some of us have only recently learned about. Granted it was minor compared to your need, but the answer came the very next day. Ask Gabriel for strength. We have so many helpers in Heaven!

      Liked by 6 people

      1. Thank you Annie thank you for your kind words and prayers. I am so moved by everyone’s kindness.
        Yes I’m familiar with Our Lady undoer of knots. I always petition her at the end of every rosary decade as well as many other titles of Our Lady 💕
        My daughter is in the midst of doing the novena at the moment.
        I am in a state of shock and cannot comprehend the massive turn around my life is about to make.
        I feel overwhelmed.
        I have prayed so much and for so long.
        I say the surrender novena and I’m consecrated to Our Lady . I am trying so hard to trust Jesus in this. But it seems a trial beyond my strength. I feel sick with worry.
        Please keep me in your prayers.
        I know Jesus wants me to trust, and I am trying.
        If it all goes ahead then it must be Gods will because I have prayed for years.
        I am a devotee of the D. M . chaplet and prayed it countless times for my husband.
        One friend from church was similarly abused by her atheistic husband and is still being subjected to hostility, but she has younger children.
        Thank you again for the prayers 🙏💕

        Liked by 1 person

      1. Dear Andy thank you.
        It is certainly a time of great suffering . Feeling crushed under the Weight of the cross . Just read the article and i could identity with every word of it.
        This cross is too heavy for me, too painful.
        I can literally barely make it through the day. I have been practising abandonment to the Divine Will for years and but this just feels like over load. Like it will actually be the end of me.
        It literally is in Gods hands to pull me through this and Our Ladys.
        It’s been going on for years and I am spent.
        I had a brief vision/ dream 2 or 3 years back that I was hanging off a cliff. Jesus was lying on His stomach holding me with one well muscled arm. His head was thrown back and He was laughing. As if to say “what are you scared of I’ve got you!”
        When I get really frightened I pull that scene out of my memory and pray that it really was God sent.
        If this is what being put through the ‘refiners fire’ is like, there is going to be nothing left but ashes soon 😐
        Thank you for the prayers. Worth their weight in gold. I will remember you in mine 🙏💛

        Liked by 4 people

    9. Praying along with the others for your needs, Morning Glory. Like some others, I don’t have much to say in these circumstances that will make it easier (been there, done that, etc…), but thought you might enjoy a small thing nonetheless. It’s a recent work I finished, oddly enough entitled “Morning Glory”):

      The place depicted is one I often visit for solace, although I have to admit that on at least a couple of occasions I sent up a Job-like rant of frustration and let God have it. It sometimes gets so tiresome praying our hearts out and watching evil have it’s way with our loved ones. What… do we lack Faith?! Of course not.

      Seems difficult because our vision is so limited. Like the frame of the little scene above. Still, it’s the sort of thing that shuts me up and gets me contemplating some of the details that I can take in…

      Liked by 5 people

      4. Thank you MP. I love that picture : ) what a coincidence you called it “Morning Glory”💛
        I have always enjoyed your tales from your Treks, and appreciated your great insights and the pictures you post of the wildlife, especially the wild horses, I love horses 🐴
        Been listening and enjoying your tales on Pelianito’s blog ( which for the moment ) sadly is not in action, for years. How the time flies.
        I was previously ‘ joni’ on
        that site for a long time.
        I always wonder where and how everyone is doing that used to respond so regularly on the blog. I hope they are doing better than me 🙏
        I remember when Janet relayed the message where Jesus asked if we were willing to climb ‘Calvary’ for Him as many souls were in need of rescue.
        Jesus said it would be personal to each of us.
        I said “Yes” and the last few years I would definitely describe as He said. But somehow I have pulled through. But I feel bloodied and battle weary and I fear it is far from over.
        I have to turn to Jesus and Mary frequently in course of the day .
        I don’t know how they are going to get me through this. I have turned to St Joseph in a big way too.
        I feel too little for this fight. Like David with Goliath . I need my ‘ God moment’ Pretty desperately. 🙏
        Thank you again, I am very touched by your response. I really do need the prayer. God bless you MP

        Liked by 2 people

        1. Of course I remember you from Peli’s original blog, Joni, and the time sure does fly (and the times do change). Funny, but I wanted to name that piece something else, until “Morning Glory” imposingly popped into my head and stuck. That mare is Red’s little sister. I cross paths with her from time to time, and remember finding her in that very spot early one morning. She was just resting out in the middle of the river, eyes closed… maybe just enjoying the warmth of the rising morning sun on her back, gathering strength for the day ahead.

          The wild horses in the desert here have a tough life, but God really knew what he was doing when he put them together. Much later the Spanish missionaries and explorers left them here to fend for themselves… but the lines exist to this very day. Hm. Ask them who they are and they might do little more than nicker and look at you with those eyes, but clearly they are strength, and courage, and endurance! God made it so!

          I’m sure you were thoughtfully all in with your “yes,” but some days I’d like to go back and tell a certain fella with his impetuous “yesses” to take it easy and think it all through. Heck, I didn’t bargain on this either because it seems beyond me at this point.

          Yet here we are.

          Somewhere around here I’ve got some video footage of a small band of mustangs thundering down a wash. I really need to dig it up and share. Gosh, it looked and felt like they were charging into battle, and it left me awestruck and speechless. One mustang on point came to a sharp halt at river’s edge, reared up on hind legs and let loose with a whinny that ripped the air like a trumpet blast.

          Oh, God’s wonders never cease. And His limitless strength never wanes. Who can stop Him? Certainly not our worst fears.

          Praying for all with challenging and even impossible family situations.

          God Bless,
          MP

          Liked by 4 people

          1. I like that image of the horse gathering strength for the day with the sun on her back MP.
            The sun is finally out here in the uk and I will hopefully head out to the Peak District
            to soak in Gods beautiful creation. So blessed to have all that beauty on my doorstep.
            Interesting story
            about the horses lineages. How they survive out there, proves they are very adept at surviving and are from strong and noble stock.
            Gods providence taking care of His creation playing a large part too. ❤️
            Oh how I can identify with your thoughts on your impulsiveness ‘in signing up’
            I have often too wish I had given it more thought, carried away with my ❤️ of Him, and the desire to experi “All the joys of heaven!” Which he promised.
            Which I still do but without this bit 😐
            Too late to change my mind I guess.
            I have often wondered at the numbers that used to respond to Pelianito blog and
            ‘Dissapeared’ from commenting. Whether the crosses they were carrying were so heavy that they stopped contributing.
            I remember a few names still from that time, and pray that they are all ok 🙏
            I will be praying for all these great souls in ‘Mary’s’ army, here on this site that
            Ours Lady wraps us in Her mantle and makes a way for us, never letting go of our hands . 🙏
            Our Lady Queen of Peace pray for us and be ever present to all here and our families. Please gives us Your strength in our hearts dear Holy Mother of God 💗🙏

            Liked by 2 people

    10. Hang in there dear Morning glory and don’t give up. I will be praying for you every day for things to ease up and for God to give you the strength you need to endure all these problems. May our Lord bring peace into your lives and show you that the sun will shine again for you both. Take it one day at a time and remember all the prayers being said for you by your family here at a Sign of Hope! God Bless You!

      Liked by 4 people

      1. Thank you so much Dianebelvs, the kindness of you words moved me to tears. At the moment I just feel faint with fear as if I am in a very bad dream. The odds against me surviving this seem overwhelming.
        Please, please pray. Thank you again and God bless you and yours 🙏💕

        Like

    11. Morning Glory, So sorry to hear of your hardships! Joining my prayers with those of everyone here. Commending you to St. Joseph, Terror of Demons. May he make a door for you! JMJ

      Liked by 5 people

      1. Thank you lin, I really appreciate your prayers. I make frequent trips to St Joseph’s chapel at my local Cathedral, especially in the ‘First Wednesday’
        I have asked him to be a spiritual father to my family. ❤️

        Liked by 2 people

    12. So sorry…will be praying. I have a daughter who has been going through a similar situation. She is ill and disabled and her husband no longer wants to be married to her.A very long story but I will pray a PMT now and keep you always in prayer.God bless you and your family.

      Liked by 4 people

      1. So sorry Noreen, its a very heartbreaking situation your daughter is in and for all those who love and care for her.
        Thank you for you your prayers, so very grateful and touched that you can think of me in the midst of your own troubles.
        I will include your daughter in my rosary and other devotions .
        What a wonderful family of loving and prayerful souls we are fortunate enough to belong to here. ❤️🙏

        Liked by 3 people

        1. Interesting thought these atheistic husbands have about not wanting a wife “in sickness” after they made a troth to ” have and to hold from this day forward, in sickness and in health…” Seems a man who has made a manly pledge should be manly enough to keep it in “good times and in bad” if he truly considers himself a man.
          What is more manly than a man protecting his own when they are at their most vulnerable? How manly are you when life is easy and there are no enemies to conquer?(especially the enemy of selfish immaturity). It is a sign of a coward to do such things and they deserve a cowards reward. The bad thing about being an atheist is since there is no “afterlife” they presume this is the only life they get so it needs to be self satisfying or it is waisted…. and the older they get, the more desperate they become.
          It is very probable that a woman suffering for such a man has to bear a tremendous cross to save his soul. If the mother or wife of such a man desires his salvation, a great price must be paid…and accepted. St Monica’s suffering is well known in this regard.

          Liked by 5 people

          1. Dear Frank you have hit the nail right on the head.
            I have come to this reasoning myself as has my daughter.
            He is fit for his age and wants to persue his love of
            rock climbing even though he is in his late 50’s . This is the only life he thinks he is going to get and he isn’t going to let his conscience stop at getting what he wants.
            He put up with the situation whilst the children were growing up because it enabled him to travel extensively in his work. And he enjoyed the lifestyle of visiting places he never probably would have done.
            He does not want to be around to help anyone carry a cross.
            The marriage only lasted as long as it did because I was prepared to suffer with very little acknowledgement of my condition. Which is a very lonely existence.
            I also took good care of my ( not in an excessive way) appearance, and kept as cheerful as possible and was a good mother to my girls. In other words I was carrying my cross not dragging it.
            I realised what God was asking of me, scary though it was and still is, especially now.
            The Holy Spirit has given me consolations that I look back on and give me the strength to go on but the going is getting steep.
            I know my suffering is redemptive and I have often thought and prayed to St
            Monica and St Rita.
            I know God is with me.
            I was very scared when it was obvious he was not going to be there for me in the way he should. He also didn’t let on to my family the extent to which I was suffering, I believe so that when he finally left it wouldn’t look so bad on him.
            By a bizarre twist of turns my daughter also has health issues, and he did the same to her. It spoiled his plan to make a clean break. She understands my situation first hand and has asked him to treat me ‘right’
            but to no avail.
            He has now gone completely cold on me and obviously wants me to suffer.
            He didn’t like the fact that I began to rely more heavily on my faith either.
            Strangely some time ago he told me he had a dream he was standing in a sheep pen and that they were being separated into different pens . There was a big burly shepherd with a rifle over his shoulder sorting the sheep.
            I wondered whether it was a warning to him 😐

            Liked by 3 people

    13. Dear MorningGlory2, I will pray for you at Adoration tomorrow. I’m sorry I’m late in replying. I am sure there are many here who pray silently for all. Know you are being heard by us and our most Gracious Lord and Mother Mary. Praying for all here also, who I might miss from time to time. God bless you.

      Liked by 3 people

    14. Morningglory, I am very sorry for your troubles. I will pray for your and your intentions when I pray my Chaplet and Rosary later today.

      Liked by 2 people

  38. Luvmercy5775, Marriage Feast of Cana has always been a favorite because it gives great insight into the relationship of Mother and Son. It also reveals that Mary knew her Son even though she did not completely understand His mission. Maybe it’s because I’m a mother of sons but I can’t tell you how many times I knew what they were thinking and what they were going to say before they even uttered a word. We have been taught forever that the Son will not refuse His Mother. Thanks I enjoyed your comment.

    Liked by 4 people

  39. I’m hoping/praying that the “Something Big” that will happen is that Citizens of Faith & Good Will finally Take-a-Stand and say Loud-n-Clear .. ENOUGH!!!
    Satanic Forces, whatever their label, are at work and frantic for some reason. I think, as unbelievable as it seems, that Trump might be the Key to this Take-Back of the USA … and elsewhere!?
    Articles found in my e-box today:

    MILINET: Two Articles for Christians
    ====================
    Imagine a World with No Religion–Tom Trinko
    https://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2018/05/imagine_a_world_with_no_religion.html

    Lawmakers Say Army May Have Violated Law by Targeting Baptist Chaplain
    https://www.toddstarnes.com/values/…e-violated-law-by-targeting-baptist-chaplain/

    GOD SAVE ALL HERE!!

    Liked by 5 people

  40. In the light of the recent Iowa bill that bans abortion once a heartbeat has been detected I fished out an article by my old friend John Smeaton. I suppose the latest bill might be better described as a developmental bill because it is not defined by a specific gestational time but the same principle seem to apply that it a law that permits abortion. The new law seems like a tempting offer but I feel we should continue to pray that we are not led into temptation. What does the forum think.

    “Mon Jul 30, 2012 – 4:40 pm EST
    To the gestational approach and back – a top pro-life leader’s journey

    Angela O’Brien

    Abortion, Gestational, John Smeaton

    Updated Aug. 23, 2012 at 9:45 EST to correct the name of Lord David Alton.

    LONDON, July 26, 2012 (LifeSiteNews.com) – One of the world’s leading pro-life advocates has issued a warning about what is commonly known as the “gestational” approach to pro-life legislation at a time when Canadian pro-lifers are debating ways to tackle Canada’s legal vacuum on abortion.

    John Smeaton is the director of the longest-standing pro-life group in the world — the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC). A pro-life activist since 1978, Smeaton is regarded as one of the most influential voices in the pro-life movement. The Oxford graduate is also a vice-president of International Right to Life Federation, representing pro-life groups in 170 nations around the world.

    Image
    Late-term abortion bans, also known as “upper limit” or gestational laws, have been supported by many pro-life activists in the hope that such laws will reduce the total number of abortions: but Smeaton has a different story to tell.

    In the 1980s, SPUC backed an upper limit bill. Smeaton told LifeSiteNews that he now believes they had been “wrong” to support the law – that backing the late-term abortion ban was not only morally problematic, but ended up damaging the pro-life cause politically.

    SPUC had initially opposed the idea of a late-term abortion ban, but a Member of Parliament, Lord David Alton, pushed to introduce a gestational bill during the ‘80s, and after a lot of pressure, SPUC got behind the bill, and it was passed in 1990.

    Advertisement
    “It was quite wrong, but we did so, and then exactly what we predicted would happen happened,” Smeaton stated. He described how, after the upper limit of 24 weeks was instated, the number of late abortions actually increased, because the majority of politicians had voted to introduce new and broad exceptions to the abortion law.

    Smeaton said he is certain that in the current political climate politicians will always vote for exceptions to any abortion limit because of the “overwhelming view” that disabled babies have no right to life.

    “It doesn’t work,” he says, about gestational legislation. “It hasn’t worked in Britain: we now have abortion up to birth not only for disabled babies but for other reasons too, and the number of late abortions has increased enormously.”

    Smeaton said he has had to “face up” to the fact that he was the deputy chief executive of SPUC at the time. “I played my role in it and argued for it, and I was completely wrong,” he declared. But not just because of what it led to, he says, “but because you cannot vote for intrinsically unjust legislation, and you cannot campaign for it.”

    Smeaton argues that “contrary to an opinion widely held by members of the pro-life movement,” legislation that aims to prevent some abortions but authorizes others, is intrinsically unjust because it still endorses the murder of the unborn.

    As a Catholic Smeaton looks to the teachings of his Church for guidance on the issue. He says that Catholic teaching is spelled out in in Pope John Paul II’s encyclical Evangelium Vitae (73), where the pope wrote:

    In the case of an intrinsically unjust law, such as a law permitting abortion or euthanasia, it is therefore never licit to obey it, or to “take part in a propaganda campaign in favour of such a law, or vote for it”.98

    Liked by 5 people

  41. JoeCro, I agree and we should keep praying and never compromise- Satan is one who wants that because he’s got his hoof in the door that way! He’s a LIAR! We will never end this war on babies if we continue to compromise in these so-called little ways.
    I agree with your friend, John Smeaton- it doesn’t work, it never will, it is unjust and leads to murder!
    At the very moment of conception the soul is infused by God and so this is a complete human being made in the Image of God, and just as importantly- God says He knew us before we were conceived in the womb!

    Liked by 5 people

    1. Well, All About Life, in the face of the hospital’s perspective remains the reality that any government agency which usurps the right of parents to make personal decisions for their child’s care is out.of.order. And that is at the core of this rot regarding Alfie.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Do you not think that it is the welfare of the child that is of paramount importance and that it should be considered by medical staff as well as the parents? Medical staff are trained to make objective decisions based on the needs of their patient; parents whilst sadly those that suffer terribly in these situations don’t have and can’t have the same objectivity.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Surely the assessment of the medical staff is important. Collaboration between staff and parents is the goal. At the same time, the Holy Father had made arrangements that the child, Alfie, could enter the children’s hospital in Rome, Bambino Gesù. The parents were denied their right to proceed with their decision to accept the Pope’s offer. This type of governmental control is common fare in totalitarian states.

          Liked by 1 person

    2. I read it and I don’t care. Period. The hospital refused to allow him to be moved at no cost to them to a facility that would give him care. This is about who decides. You think an “objective’ third party should have unreviewable power in such cases. That has been the argument of EVERY totalitarian government ever. Catholicism does NOT require extraordinary treatment against all odds – but it DOES require that they be given basic sustenance, such as nutrition and hydration. And it insists the final decisions on such matters lies with the patient or their guardian. A hospital can refuse to treat them further – but that hospital does NOT have the right to hold them hostage, refusing to allow them to be moved to another facility that WILL give them basic care. This is basic morality and decency.

      As for the best interests of the child, even though the hospital decided that it was in Alfie’s best interest that they kill him and not allow any other hospital to get their hands on him, the only best interests they were looking out for was their own. Had they released the little hostage and he died anyway (as he probably would have) it would have been no skin off their nose. But had he actually improved, that would have been a disaster both for the hospital and the corrupt fraud the whole British health system has become.

      To argue that a third party or government agency should have unreviewable power over the life and death of innocents, regardless of what a patient or their guardian desires is not up for debate on this site. Period.

      Liked by 4 people

      1. I think it’s a shame that you don’t want to debate but that’s your right and I respect you for it even though I don’t agree with you. Thanks for taking the time to respond.

        Like

        1. This site is dedicated to promoting faith, family and freedom. That people are endowed with certain unalienable rights that cannot be suborned by any other agency, government or otherwise is a foundational principle here – and that the most fundamental of these is life. I know that many other governments believe otherwise – and have done so with disastrous and oppressive results, whatever their initial good intentions. The issue is not about outcomes (though the outcome of the philosophy you defend – that government and experts should decide what people can do and whether they can live – has resulted in several hundred million executions of innocents just over the last century), but about people’s fundamental right to make the decisions concerning their own lives. What we can debate here is how best to secure those rights and that autonomy.

          Having responded once more, I will give you the last word (though please don’t abuse it).

          Liked by 4 people

          1. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to respond. I agree with you that the rights of the individual should take precedence over all. I don’t agree with collectivism but believe that an individual should take responsibility for their lives and their actions. That said, a dying child can not assert those rights so normally it would fall to the family to do so. In this case the child was suffering and, in my opinion (as individuals we can have no other) to move him would have been to prolong his suffering needlessly. For very personal reasons that I am not willing to share here I believe that an end to suffering in the name of compassion is not wrong. Thanks again for letting me put my point of view across and I won’t comment here again but wish you all the best x

            Like

            1. May the Lord richly bless you, too – and thank you for responding in such an honorable way while not doing violence to your own beliefs. Though we disagree profoundly here, you are clearly a person of honor and dignity. I believe we could be good friends (though the discussions would surely be lively!) Thanks.

              Liked by 4 people

              1. What a lovely thing to say, I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your comment. I don’t think you need to agree to be friends – after all life would be so boring if we all thought the same way; the fact that we are all different is what makes people so fascinating. Thanks again Charlie and have a wonderful day :O)

                Liked by 2 people

Comments are closed.

Published by charliej373

Charlie Johnston is a former newspaper editor, radio talk show host and political consultant. From Feb. 11, 2011 to Aug. 21, 2012, he walked 3,200 miles across the country, sleeping in the woods, meeting people and praying as he went. He writes on cultural, global and political issues from an orthodox Catholic perspective. He emphasizes that we find God most surely through the ordinary, doing the little things we should with faith and fidelity. His constant refrain is that, to live real joy, we must acknowledge God, take the next right step, and be a sign of hope to those around us. He lives in the Archdiocese of Denver in the United States.