Social networking, better known as Facebook, Twitter, and MySpace, occupies the time of many of us throughout the day. The largest companies in the world utilize various social networks to reach consumers where they live, mainly on the Internet via PDAs, computers, and cell phones. So it seems natural that the Catholic Church would utilize these websites as well and they have. I was reading an interesting story about the Church in France. They have created a Facebook page that is being used to recruit men to the priestly vocation. The campaign is being pitched using the slogan "Why Not Me?" I think this is very smart. It is where the young people have gathered to communicate, like it or not and it allows someone who is discerning their vocation to do it asynchronously. I will be anxious to see how successful this campaign becomes and urge all of you to pray along with me that many men will respond to God's call to become priests. I also noticed another interesting story about France that involves reconciliation. The story is called "Praying People into the Confessional." It describes how St. John Vianney was able to attract thousands of sinners to Ars so that he would hear their confession. St. John Vianney in his early life was judged by some in the hierarchy to be rather limited in potential. As it turned out, he become one of God's most fervent warriors and continues to be honored with the naming of parishes and schools all around the world. Today is the feast day for St. Catherine of Siena. Did you know that she was the youngest of twenty-five children? Did you know that she joined the Dominican Third Order at the age of eighteen? Did you know that she was able to mediate a conflict between the papacy and the city of Florence? Her life is truly remarkable and she is one of my favorite saints.
Pope Saint John Paul II , a towering figure of the 20th century, was a staunch critic of socialist ideologies. He recognized the inherent flaws in systems that sought to control economies and societies through centralized planning and state ownership. The pontiff's teachings offered a prophetic warning against the dangers of such regimes, which often led to oppression, poverty, and the erosion of individual freedoms. Recently, a conference organized by the Catholic Association of Propagandists in Spain brought together prominent figures who echoed the concerns raised by the late Pope. Bishop José Ignacio Munilla of Orihuela-Alicante boldly declared socialism an "enemy of the cross," highlighting its incompatibility with Christian values. He emphasized the need for a spiritual renewal, urging individuals to embrace the cross as a path to true happiness and fulfillment. French philosopher Fabrice Hadjadj also addressed the challenges posed by modern society, warning ag...
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