Call To Holiness

The Prayer at Valley Forge – painting of George Washington by Arnold Friberg

Today the United States of America will see a peaceful transfer of power to a new administration.  It has been a very divisive election season, and I hope and pray that our nation can find healing and move ahead with the great ideals of our founding fathers.  Please join me in the prayer below that is a Prayer for Our Nation by Archbishop Carroll who was the first U.S. bishop.  Plenty of news to share from this past week, and may you have a blessed week ahead!

Pax Et Bonum,

John

Top Catholic Tweets for January 20th:

• Papal Tweet: “Peace is an ‘active virtue’, one that calls for the engagement and cooperation of each individual and society as a whole.” (Pope Francis, January 17th)
• An Inauguration Exhortation (Monsignor Charles Pope – Archdiocese of Washington) ow.ly/9De4308b28X
• CMSM and LCWR Joint Letter to Trump (Fr. Dan Horan, O.F.M. – Dating God) ow.ly/oWpB308bDgr
• Novena for Peace & Justice (Order of Friars Minor and the Church of St. Francis of Assisi, NY, NY) pray4justice.org
• Franciscans in Dialogue with Buddhism (US Franciscans) ow.ly/JfNo307YvPY
• My Catholic Kitchen – recipes for the soul mycatholickitchen.com
• Wanted: Part-time hermit to live in Austrian cave (The Local) ow.ly/i7GW307YALU
• JRS on World Day of Migrants and Refugees: children deserve a future (Vatican Radio) ow.ly/pfrT30801uW
• Pope points to Mother Cabrini as prime model in caring for migrants (CNA) ow.ly/Zt2f3082KLA
• Pope Francis meets with Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas (Vatican Radio) ow.ly/DtBO30801FB
• US bishop disappointed over new policy toward Cuban migrants CNA) ow.ly/pXrH308168E
• Tech Tip: Facebook Live, Announces New Tools (Social Media Today) ow.ly/f7Bm30817pW
• Pope Appoints Cardinal O’Malley, OFM Cap. as Member of Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (America Magazine) ow.ly/VnbP30817F6
• After 146 years, Ringling Brothers folds its tent (Deacon Greg Kandra -Aleteia.org) ow.ly/QLu9308181p
• Siblings arrested in cyberattack that compromised Vatican computers (Crux/CNA) ow.ly/gtxg30833Cr
• Wow: You have to see what this Poor Clare nun has been up to… (Aleteia.org) ow.ly/wlYK3083wAd
• “Exorcist” Author William Blatty Has Died, But His Georgetown Reform Campaign Continues (ncregister.com) ow.ly/zGsJ3083xOp
• Bishop Barron on Why Martin Luther King Jr. Still Matters (Word On Fire) ow.ly/h9iC3083UPa
• Morgan Freeman Continues the Conversation with “The Story of God” Season Two (Lisa Hendey – CatholicMom.com) ow.ly/P4Kg30840MS
• Dutch fashion Byborre updates traditional Dominican friar’s habit for a new generation (de zeen) ow.ly/x1qm3086aoR
• The bread of the Salesians: communion bread … (Christian Media Center) ow.ly/qEPe3086vh6
• Iowa Franciscan ministry celebrates decade of helping women transition from prison (OSV/CNS) ow.ly/gC1V3086vQg
• EWTN to launch new weekly pro-life show (CNA) ow.ly/g4rV3086w8X
• Dominicans celebrate 800 years with reflection, prayer (CNA) ow.ly/t9XY3086wP9
• 2017 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity focusing on overcoming division (CNS) ow.ly/5QjS3087cgi
• This Catholic Photographer Creates Astounding Modern Art of the Saints (EpicPew) ow.ly/wHz43087hwX
• Monsignor Bouchet’s Telescope (The Catholic Astronomer) ow.ly/IavA3087hTQ
• Polish parliament recognizes coronation of Mary as nation’s queen (CNA) ow.ly/Z23l3087lep
• St. Michael and Our Lady of Fatima: Why 2017 is Such a Critical Moment (Monsignor Charles Pope NCRegister) ow.ly/Gohj3087o3u
• Beautiful: the miraculous recovery of a little girl named Joy + Franciscan priest (Aleteia) ow.ly/lqvi3087D5X
• Eucharistic prayer in the 21st century (National Catholic Reporter) ow.ly/BJA63087Iib
• On eve of Trump inauguration, Catholic communities will pray for immigrants (CNS) ow.ly/7lJE3088Bd7
• ‘Prosperity gospel’ preachers at the inauguration (National Catholic Reporter) ow.ly/wHUX308aPmH
• Catholic bishops urge Congress not to repeal Obamacare without a replacement (America Magazine) ow.ly/iq7M3087UNg
• Women’s March raises more questions than answers (Helen Alvaré – Crux) ow.ly/kXLG3087ICf
• The Amazing Young Nuns that Blew Oprah Away (ChurchPOP) ow.ly/UNZT3087KkY
• Mark Shriver, a Catholic in a funk, seeks out Francis (National Catholic Reporter) ow.ly/g0yk3087Vs2
• Persecution against Christians increases (Rome Reports) ow.ly/90ch3089tVK
• Artist performs pushups on altar, posts video, gets fined. (CNA) ow.ly/LavT308b3m2
• Welcome to the YOLOCAUST: Selfies and Extermination Camps (Elizabeth Scalia – Aleteia) ow.ly/ya1h308b1FO
• In Holy Land visit, bishops see problems related to Israeli settlements (CNS) ow.ly/RK5z308aNO0
• Nebraska nun barred from wearing habit in classroom (Aleteia/AP) ow.ly/Yckw3089u8E
• The ecology of burial: Choices reflect beliefs about life after death (CNS) ow.ly/ekHP308b0YA
• 5 Social Media Lessons from Fulton Sheen (Word On Fire) ow.ly/3xbx3089Frs
• Acts of Kindness: Boy approaches car to ask for change – but when he looks inside, he bursts into tears (Newsner) ow.ly/diPe308a6WD
• Liam Neeson sees God as love, not a stern master (Sr. Rose Pacatte -National Catholic Reporter) ow.ly/zkLr308aHD2

Healing a Polarized Nation (Catholic News Service)

Prayer for Our Government
by Archbishop John Carroll (1791) – first U.S. bishop

We pray, O almighty and eternal God, who through Jesus Christ has revealed thy glory to all nations, to preserve the works of your mercy, that your Church, being spread through the whole world, may continue with unchanging faith in the confession of your name.

We pray Thee, who alone are good and holy, to endow with heavenly knowledge, sincere zeal and sanctity of life, our chief bishop, the pope, the vicar of Our Lord Jesus Christ, in the government of his Church; our own bishop, all other bishops, prelates and pastors of the Church; and especially those who are appointed to exercise among us the functions of the holy ministry, and conduct your people into the ways of salvation.

We pray O God of might, wisdom and justice, through whom authority is rightly administered, laws are enacted, and judgment decreed, assist with your Holy Spirit of counsel and fortitude the president of these United States, that his administration may be conducted in righteousness and be eminently useful to your people over whom he presides; by encouraging due respect for virtue and religion; by a faithful execution of the laws in justice and mercy; and by restraining vice and immorality.

Let the light of your divine wisdom direct the deliberations of Congress, and shine forth in all the proceedings and laws framed for our rule and government, so that they may tend to the preservation of peace, the promotion of national happiness, the increase of industry, sobriety and useful knowledge; and may perpetuate to us the blessing of equal liberty.

We pray for his excellency, the governor of this state, for the members of the assembly, for all judges, magistrates, and other officers who are appointed to guard our political welfare, that they may be enabled, by your powerful protection, to discharge the duties of their respective stations with honesty and ability.

We recommend likewise, to your unbounded mercy, all our brethren and fellow citizens throughout the United States, that they may be blessed in the knowledge and sanctified in the observance of your most holy law; that they may be preserved in union, and in that peace which the world cannot give; and after enjoying the blessings of this life, be admitted to those which are eternal.

Finally, we pray to you, O Lord of mercy, to remember the souls of your servants departed, who are gone before us with the sign of faith and repose in the sleep of peace; the souls of our parents, relatives and friends; of those who, when living, were members of this congregation, and particularly of such as are lately deceased; of all benefactors who, by their donations or legacies to this Church, witnessed their zeal for the decency of divine worship and proved their claim to our grateful and charitable remembrance. To these, O Lord, and to all that rest in Christ, grant, we beseech you, a place of refreshment, light and everlasting peace, through the same Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior.

Amen.

Top Catholic Tweets are compiled weekly by John Clem, O.F.S. who is the Director and Media Minister at Catholic Web Services (http://catholicws.com/).  John is a professed member of the Secular Franciscan Order, and loves to share his talents in faith, technology, and journalism in service to the church.  John’s blog is entitled Call To Holiness (http://calltoholiness.us/). Follow John on Twitter at @Catholicwebs, on Facebook and at Google+ .  

Painting – Omran, Angels Are Here! by artist Judith Mehr www.judithmehr.com

This week migrants and refugees are in our prayers for National Immigration Week January 8-14.  May we all find peace, joy, and comfort among humankind – and be angels to others.  Plenty of news stories from this past week in Top Catholic Tweets.

Pax Et Bonum,

John

Prayer for Migrants and Refugees

Lord Jesus, when you multiplied the loaves and fishes, you provided more than food for the body, you offered us the gift of yourself, the gift which satisfies every hunger and quenches every thirst! Your disciples were filled with fear and doubt, but you poured out your love and compassion on the migrant crowd, welcoming them as brothers and sisters.

Lord Jesus, today you call us to welcome the members of God’s family who come to our land to escape oppression, poverty, persecution, violence, and war. Like your disciples, we too are filled with fear and doubt and even suspicion. We build barriers in our hearts and in our minds.

Lord Jesus, help us by your grace,

• To banish fear from our hearts, that we may embrace each of your children as our own brother and sister;
• To welcome migrants and refugees with joy and generosity, while responding to their many needs;
• To realize that you call all people to your holy mountain to learn the ways of peace and justice;
• To share of our abundance as you spread a banquet before us;
• To give witness to your love for all people, as we celebrate the many gifts they bring.

We praise you and give you thanks for the family you have called together from so many people. We see in this human family a reflection of the divine unity of the one Most Holy Trinity in whom we make our prayer: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.

(USCCB)

Migration Is an Act of Hope

Top Catholic Tweets for January 13th:

• Papal Tweet: “There can be no true peace if everyone claims always and exclusively his or her own rights, without caring for the good of others.” (Pope Francis, January 8th)
• US bishops: Immigration is a chance for hospitality, unity (CNA) ow.ly/opwg307TCUd
• New Vatican refugee office plans first media campaign (Vatican Radio) ow.ly/yfC9307Tzcp
• Pope Francis offers message of hope to migrants living in the United States (America Magazine) ow.ly/MQeM307XwRP
• Franciscan University of Steubenville Remembers Father Michael Scanlan, T.O.R. ow.ly/KWQa307MiQi
• Custodians of the Holy Land: the Franciscans to open new museum in Jerusalem (The Art Newspaper) ow.ly/Pz2h307MqUv
• Vatican doctrine czar sees no need for ‘fraternal correction’ of Pope (Crux) ow.ly/z2fZ307OPys
• Is It Time to Restore the Full Psalter to the Liturgy of the Hours? (Monsignor Charles Pope – ADW) ow.ly/OOSj307OPE4
• Pope Pius IX’s railway vehicles open to the public in Rome (Rome Reports) ow.ly/DJ0B307OQDk
• The Pope Video — Christians serving humanity — January 2017 ow.ly/LtSe307PKZX
• Therese of Lisieux’s parents inspired this drug rehab project (CNA) ow.ly/wOn0307RCho
• St. Francis and the Foolishness of God (Fr. Dan Horan, O.F.M. – Dating God) ow.ly/FhBh307RDSV
• One of the largest collections of Ethiopian religious texts is now in DC (CNA) ow.ly/uSnC307TC24
• Pro-life groups set to travel long distances for annual March for Life on Jan. 27th (CNS) ow.ly/MZNz307TCO0
• March for Life Around the World (Knights of Columbus) ow.ly/C6fE307VXqA
• Franciscan Commitment for Resistance of Muslim registry (Franciscan Action Network) ow.ly/SGqg307TFnB
• International Week Of Prayer For Christian Unity Jan. 18-25 (USCCB) ow.ly/RV1T307TYgq
• Cardinal Dolan contemplates selling NY chancery in biting letter to priests (National Catholic Reporter) ow.ly/jLJk307UaoJ
• Saint Francis and His Artisans of Peace (Franciscan Media) ow.ly/PJpI307UoHd
• Nun organizes national pre-inauguration event to foster peace (CNS) ow.ly/Kwqr307XnWi
• Donald Trump Says He Will Nominate a Supreme Court Justice Within 2 Weeks of Inauguration (TIME) ow.ly/tNXh307Ut9o
• Getting ready for Trump: Catholic leaders condemn the ‘imperialism’ of free markets (America Magazine) ow.ly/aK55307URCL
• On the Dylann Roof sentence: ‘All human life is sacred, even for…the most heinous of crimes’ (Aleteia) ow.ly/2fmF307URUI
• Project will digitize Catholic records of Boston Archdiocese (Crux/AP) ow.ly/m6Bu307V3M6
• Pope ordered Card. Burke to clean out Freemasons from the Knights of Malta (EWTN) ow.ly/iUmn307VRY8
• What’s behind Pope Francis’ meeting with the Palestinian president (CNA) ow.ly/7r1Z307VSw1
• Race against time for Congress to block DC’s assisted suicide law (CNA) ow.ly/WRA6307Xncd
• Tech Talk: Listen to Our Writers – great podcasters (Barb Szyszkiewicz, OFS – CatholicMom.com) ow.ly/9P9c307Xnk9
• ‘Boots for the Pope’ – Retired US prison chaplain (Vatican Radio) ow.ly/2jxr307VSe5
• Singing friar Alessandro to be featured in PBS special (US Franciscans) ow.ly/6LR5307V3hT
• McDonald’s Vatican branch to offer meals to the homeless (Vatican Radio) ow.ly/HXNm307VSA3
• Catholic-Muslim dialogue opens to support Islamic American communities (CNS) ow.ly/GXhR307Xmrn

Pope Francis’ Prayer Video for January (Apostleship of Prayer)

Top Catholic Tweets are compiled weekly by John Clem, O.F.S. who is the Director and Media Minister at Catholic Web Services (http://catholicws.com/).  John is a professed member of the Secular Franciscan Order, and loves to share his talents in faith, technology, and journalism in service to the church.  John’s blog is entitled Call To Holiness (http://calltoholiness.us/). Follow John on Twitter at @Catholicwebs, on Facebook and at Google+ .  

Happy Feast of the Epiphany!

Lots of news to share as we near the end of Christmastide.  May you have a blessed 2017!

Pax Et Bonum,

John

Top Catholic Tweets for January 6th:

• Papal Tweet: “Like the Magi, may we also journey and be attentive, untiring and courageous on the path to find the invisible God who was born among us.” (Pope Francis, January 6, 2017)
• Feast of the Holy Family (Crossroads Initiative) ow.ly/MLRf307yMoP
• Pope Francis: homily for Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God (Vatican Radio) ow.ly/URll307AQEM
• ‘This is sacred land’ Nuns fight their own order to save historical plantation from being sold (The Washington Post) ow.ly/r0Dj307AWK1
• Respecting fundamental right to migrate in Senegal (Caritas) ow.ly/1bmK307yBAm
• This Franciscan fought fires, landed on an aircraft carrier and built a skyscraper (The Arlington Catholic Herald) ow.ly/qAw3307yQ1A
• Vatican Radio Ends 85 Years of Independent Operations (Kathy Schiffer – ncregister.com) ow.ly/h9uU307AZ0E
• The Powerful Meaning of Rome’s Beautiful “Bridge of Angels” Most People Miss (ChurchPOP) ow.ly/ejV1307BfPF
• New Resource Offered for Human Trafficking Month (Franciscan Action Network) ow.ly/PIkG307BRqU
• January is Poverty Awareness Month – challenge from US Bishops – print the calendar! ow.ly/jVnY307BTMq
• 2016 Catholic App Roundup (John Clem, O.F.S. – Call To Holiness) ow.ly/THwS307ATbB
• Pax Christi welcomes Pope Francis’ message on non-violence (Vatican Radio) ow.ly/uQGy307DKSB
• The meaning of Fatima: 100 years later (OSV) ow.ly/xPKx307FdY5
• Incarnation and the First Letter of John (Monsignor Charles Pope – ADW) ow.ly/YZ9s307GOaE
• God is Born Again and Again (Sister Ilea Delio, O.S.F. – Omega Center) http://ow.ly/g0GD307H3Rn
• Diocese opens sainthood cause for Ohio woman renowned for healing gifts (CatholicHerald) ow.ly/Jyde307Ew6O
• Hilarion Capucci: Arms-smuggling archbishop dies aged 94 (BBC News) ow.ly/C9W8307CMIr
• Federal judge blocks HHS transgender regulation (CNS) ow.ly/rQ5u307FewG
• Analysis: Congress is overwhelmingly Christian, with nearly a third of its members Catholic (Aleteia) ow.ly/uRCt307FSXX
• Pope shakes up monthly prayers, adds new ‘urgent’ intention (CNA) ow.ly/cjT4307FRgX
• Brother, Come Pet Jolene (Word On Fire) ow.ly/SBTV307GFVX
• ‘Creating a Culture of Encounter’ theme for National Migration Week Jan. 8-14 (CNS) ow.ly/ofGj307GV9R
• Between flesh and bread: The autopsy of a Eucharistic miracle (Aleteia.org)  ow.ly/nPqC307IzH1
• Chicago murder rate gets priestly protest (CNS) ow.ly/Bxly307JQRF
• What Father Mulcahy of M*A*S*H* Taught Us about the Priesthood (epicPew) ow.ly/MiyA307Exks
• 9 Warm drinks for cold winter months to warm your soul (Aleteia) ow.ly/yqlf307ARbU
• Recipes for January ~ Month Dedicated to the Most Holy Name of Jesus (Catholic Cuisine) ow.ly/98s6307yN72
• Homeless World Cup has raised a million people out of poverty through soccer (Rome Reports) ow.ly/s2Vi307JOmF
• WATCH: This miniature wood carving is like holding prayer in your hands (Aleteia.org)  ow.ly/3hkd307J5cL
• If Saints Had Snapchat (EpicPew) ow.ly/3wnH307GEyc

Happy New Year 2017

• Pope Francis’ Message for World Day of Peace 2017: Nonviolence: a Style of Politics for Peace (Vatican) ow.ly/zJtA307AQcU
• Why 2017 Will Be a Very Important Year (Monsignor Charles Pope – ADW) ow.ly/nCR2307Ax6s
• Pope Francis’ New Year’s Resolution List (The Redemptorists) ow.ly/enOh307AUHN
• Chalking the Door: Blessing Your Home for Epiphany (Deacon Greg Kandra – Aleteia.org) ow.ly/zxRP307C6qe
• The Pope’s homily on the feast of the Epiphany (Vatican Radio) ow.ly/r13n307Kg9r
• Photos: Christians around the world celebrate Epiphany, Eastern Orthodox Christmas Eve and Three Kings Day (IBT) ow.ly/9NsZ307KS2f
• The Catholic Foodie’s Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe ow.ly/SVRV307FSNn
• New resources for the March for Life in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 27th ow.ly/jBGK307KgYC

Top Catholic Tweets are compiled weekly by John Clem, O.F.S. who is the Director and Media Minister at Catholic Web Services (http://catholicws.com/).  John is a professed member of the Secular Franciscan Order, and loves to share his talents in faith, technology, and journalism in service to the church.  John’s blog is entitled Call To Holiness (http://calltoholiness.us/). Follow John on Twitter at @Catholicwebs, on Facebook and at Google+ . 

“It is a night of joy, because from this day forth, and for all times, the infinite and eternal God is God with us.” Pope Francis on Instagram, December 25, 2016

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all the readers of this blog.  It has been a news-filled year with much to pray for in this troubled world, and hopeful for a better 2017.

Lots of news to share from this past week, with special sections on Christmas and the Year in Review.

Pax Et Bonum,

John

Top Catholic Tweets for December 30th:

• Papal Tweet: “Christmas has above all a taste of hope because, for all the darkness in our lives, God’s light shines forth.” (Pope Francis, December 27th)
• Saint Pope John XXIII’s urgent message for our time: ‘Peace on Earth’ (Aleteia.org) ow.ly/EBTz307p1Ym
• ‘There are many ways to say I love you…” (Aleteia.org)  ow.ly/8rf4307qCjR
• Scholars fret about fate of ‘holy grail’ German abbey books (San Antonio Express-News) ow.ly/TRLm307sbmz
• Rare manuscripts valued at more than $1 million given to Catholic University of America (Aleteia.org) ow.ly/zdYc307st01
• The Virtue of Humility from Francis of Assisi (Fr. Dan Horan, O.F.M. – Dating God) ow.ly/Gp7p307vpTD
• Beatification Cause Opens for French Mystic of the Eucharist in England (ncregister.com) ow.ly/oFXD307tw1z
• NBC series ‘This Is Us’ proves to be refreshingly pro-life, pro-family (TheCatholicSpirit.com/CNS) ow.ly/EIfy307ucI1
• American Psychiatric Assn. stands against assisted suicide for non-terminally ill (Aleteia.org) ow.ly/ysrO307urKZ
• Prince Charles likens anti-Christian attacks to ‘dark days of 1930s’ (Crux) ow.ly/jNsT307pIbL
• NEW Free online crowdsource fundraising for faith, family, and friends! | WonderWe ow.ly/mgmz307wPSM
• Do you know the meanings of the creatures in the Tetramorph? (Aleteia.org) ow.ly/IF0y307tuse
• Catholic Bishops Support Legislation to Sustain DACA Program for Undocumented Young People (Ignatian Solidarity Net) ow.ly/DhrL307vq7r
• Pope: Complaining to God can be prayer (CNS) ow.ly/WTBJ307w3jV
• Top-down turned around: Child protection goes global from the ground up (CNS) ow.ly/6hS7307y8mb
• Bishop Barron on “The Way of a Pilgrim” (Word On Fire) ow.ly/VNrU307xh1b
• Sharing Positive Stories to Encourage Dads| encouragingdads.com
• August Musger: The Priest and Physicist Who Invented Slow Motion (Mental Floss) ow.ly/csUu307vFUm
• Church Architecture: Before & After — 13 Beautiful Sanctuary Renovations Worth Celebrating (The Christian Review) ow.ly/MgcF307vGia
• Hollywood discovers God! Again! Seriously, this New York Times piece is worth reading (GetReligion) ow.ly/paCR307vFLA
• Secrets of the Spiritual Realm: 12 Angelic Facts Every Christian Must Know (ChurchPOP) ow.ly/vpGH307ti2b
• Saint Name Generator- pick your patron saint for 2017 (Jennifer Fulwiler) ow.ly/UgwU307xReN
• NEW Website designed by Catholic Web Services for the Senegalese Catholic Association of America scaaweb.org
• Recipes for January ~ Month Dedicated to the Most Holy Name of Jesus (Catholic Cuisine) ow.ly/98s6307yN72
• The Christian message within Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (Aleteia.org)  ow.ly/d1Tv307sasg
• RIP Debbie Reynolds, ‘The Singing Nun’ (Aleteia.org) ow.ly/GIKD307wR4A
• National Catholic Reporter’s person of the year for 2016 – Marie Dennis, O.F.S. ow.ly/3J0L307tM6G

“Blessed are the peacemakers” — Congrats to Marie Dennis, O.F.S., who was chosen as “2016 Person of the Year” by National Catholic Reporter. Sister Marie is the Co-President of Pax Christi International, and she has made great efforts for world peace, including organizing a conference for peace at the Vatican in 2016. (photo CNS)

Christmas 2016

• Pope Francis: Christmas message “Urbi et Orbi”: full text (Vatican Radio) ow.ly/mZkR307r7jv
• Fr. James Martin on the Mystery of Christmas (America Media) ow.ly/QLz9307qALe
• Christmas greetings from the children of Aleppo (Terra Santa News) ow.ly/W9j0307w3xm
• Vulnerable Ukrainians receive Pope’s aid in time for Christmas (Vatican Radio) ow.ly/HZgz307p80x
• Check out this virtual living nativity scene – NEW 99 cent App (Rome Reports) ow.ly/gPOv307qryY
• ▶︎ Silent Night – music link by Edwin Fawcett ow.ly/kOfN307ubCA
• Bishop Barron on St. John’s Great Christmas Sermon (Word On Fire) ow.ly/F2Cd307tttG
• Christmas Celebrates Nonviolence (John Dear – Pace e Bene) ow.ly/BQL2307v76N
• The way of life of the Christian population in Bethlehem (Terra Santa News) ow.ly/A4x6307w3DY
• Spherical video: Take a look at the Christmas tree in St. Peter’s Square (New Advent) ow.ly/4j4a307vFYi
• 6 Tips on Keeping Christmas Contemplative (ncregister.com) ow.ly/Wtqg307vGpH
• In Christmas messages, patriarchs call for peace amid Christian persecution (CNS) ow.ly/GJTG307tZQg
• Pope Francis’ Christmas prayers (CNS) ow.ly/nbgz307sl6p

Edwin Fawcett – Silent Night

Year in Review – 2016

• Ten memorable Catholic moments from 2016 (CatholicHerald.co.uk) ow.ly/7S56307tqVK
• Our favorite stories of 2016 (Aleteia.org)  ow.ly/yQbY307tdFe
• Beyond expectations: Pope sees God of surprises at work in 2016 (CNS) ow.ly/E1YJ307vFp7
• Mercy shaped the life of the church in 2016 (National Catholic Reporter) ow.ly/EUfE307xhX6
• Learning from Carrie Fisher and the rest of the secular saints we lost in 2016. (America Magazine) ow.ly/TK0Z307xLPg
• Pope Francis’ 2016 (CNS) ow.ly/QAFB307xgzZ – video below

Top Catholic Tweets are compiled weekly by John Clem, O.F.S. who is the Director and Media Minister at Catholic Web Services (http://catholicws.com/).  John is a professed member of the Secular Franciscan Order, and loves to share his talents in faith, technology, and journalism in service to the church.  John’s blog is entitled Call To Holiness (http://calltoholiness.us/). Follow John on Twitter at @Catholicwebs, on Facebook and at Google+ .  

Saint Francis and Creche

Lots of news to share from this past week, including the recent discovery of a lost Christmas poem by J.R.R. Tolkien.  Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas!

Pax Et Bonum,

John

Top Catholic Tweets for December 23, 2016

• Papal Tweet: “Our joy comes from the confidence we have that the Lord is close to us with his tenderness, mercy, forgiveness and love.” (Pope Francis, December 18, 2016)
• Humanitarian work of Catholic Relief Services (CNS) ow.ly/NycP307hq3y
• USCCB forms working group to monitor needs of migrants, refugees (CNS) National Migration Week Jan. 8-14 ow.ly/NLkd307cPpD
• Introduction: The ‘O Antiphons’ (Fr. Dan Horan, O.F.M. – Dating God) ow.ly/SSYK307dvV3
• Holy Family, Refugee Family: Digital Advent Retreat (CRS) ow.ly/A1on307hAom
• Pope Francis to visit Fatima May 12th & 13th to mark 100th Anniversary (CNS) ow.ly/MRgm307hAxF
• Be an artisan for peace for 50th Anniversary of World Day of Peace (Pax Christi) – LINK
• Pope names first woman to head Vatican Museums (CNS) ow.ly/rS8V307iFsL
• For the ex-slave who blessed Denver, a path to sainthood opens (Crux/CNA) ow.ly/cdQN307juQ4
• Pope Francis pleads for end to ‘homicidal madness’ of terrorism (CNA) ow.ly/pJaw307iFOf
• Man donates $100K lottery winnings to Boston shrine (Crux) ow.ly/Rt7Z307lWWG
• Pope Francis lays out 12 guiding principles for reform of the Roman Curia (CNA) ow.ly/EjmC307n8gd
• The Birth of Mercy (Archdiocese of St Louis) ow.ly/mz2l307okB8

Christmas 2016

• Christmas Blessing 2016 (Fr. Larry Dunham, O.F.M. – Holy Land Franciscans) ow.ly/eD9a307ojUw
• The Real Story of St. Francis and the Nativity Scene (Dr. Lori Pieper, O.F.S. – Tau Cross Books and Media) ow.ly/osB0307oWry
• Polish Christmas Wafer: A Flavorless Tradition That’s Oh So Sweet (NPR) ow.ly/33dS307hHfM
• Bethlehem’s declining Christian population casts shadow over Christmas (National Catholic Reporter) ow.ly/BY1U307juKb
• On the Trail of Italy’s Manger Hoppers (The New York Times) ow.ly/NhQ8307kWoS
• Christmas: Not just for Christians in Lebanon (CNS) ow.ly/F6DX307ojOh
• Beautiful: See Christmas as never before, as told by children with Down Syndrome (Aleteia.org/Speak Life) ow.ly/5pV9307eTrt (video below)

Lost Poem of J.R.R. Tolkien entitled “Noel”

More about discovery of this lost work:  Tolkien’s Lost “Noel” (Footnotes) ow.ly/eLZG307c1Ms

NOEL by J.R.R. Tolkien

Grim was the world and grey last night:
The moon and stars were fled,
The hall was dark without song or light,
The fires were fallen dead.
The wind in the trees was like to the sea,
And over the mountains’ teeth
It whistled bitter-cold and free,
As a sword leapt from its sheath.

The lord of snows upreared his head;
His mantle long and pale
Upon the bitter blast was spread
And hung o’er hill and dale.
The world was blind, the boughs were bent,
All ways and paths were wild:
Then the veil of cloud apart was rent,
And here was born a Child.

The ancient dome of heaven sheer
Was pricked with distant light;
A star came shining white and clear
Alone above the night.
In the dale of dark in that hour of birth
One voice on a sudden sang:
Then all the bells in Heaven and Earth
Together at midnight rang.

Mary sang in this world below:
They heard her song arise
O’er mist and over mountain snow
To the walls of Paradise,
And the tongue of many bells was stirred
in Heaven’s towers to ring
When the voice of mortal maid was heard,
That was mother of Heaven’s King.

Glad is the world and fair this night
With stars about its head,
And the hall is filled with laughter and light,
And fires are burning red.
The bells of Paradise now ring
With bells of Christendom,
And Gloria, Gloria we will sing
That God on earth is come.

Top Catholic Tweets are compiled weekly by John Clem, O.F.S. who is the Director and Media Minister at Catholic Web Services (http://catholicws.com/).  John is a professed member of the Secular Franciscan Order, and loves to share his talents in faith, technology, and journalism in service to the church.  John’s blog is entitled Call To Holiness (http://calltoholiness.us/). Follow John on Twitter at @Catholicwebs, on Facebook and at Google+ . 

“Let us prepare our hearts to welcome God who leaves behind his greatness to be close to each one of us.” (Pope Francis, December 14th on Instagram)

Saturday will be Pope Francis’ 80th birthday and a special e-mail address has been set-up in seven languages — see the article below from Vatican Radio.  I would also encourage you to read Pope Francis’ Message for the World Day of Peace, as we need peace more than ever.  Plenty of news to share from this past week, and wishing you a blessed last week of Advent.

Pax Et Bonum,

John

Top Catholic Tweets for December 16th:

• Papal Tweet: “May Advent be a time of hope. We go to encounter the Lord who comes to encounter us.” (Pope Francis, December 10th)
• Franciscan Friars of the Renewal granted pontifical recognition (CNA) ow.ly/Hy30306ZYPC
• Faithful called to embrace refugees (Archbishop Joseph Kurtz – CNS) ow.ly/aT8Q306ZZ0z
• Many states still execute inmates with severe mental illnesses (CNA) ow.ly/7wC7306ZZxZ
• Cambodia: The bishop that changed the lives of wheelchair-bound refugees (Rome Reports) ow.ly/sxOW30700aS
• Prayers for Egypt: 25 Christians killed in attack during Sunday Mass in Cairo (Vatican Radio) ow.ly/jZgV30712P1
• Pope Francis expresses condolences to Coptic Patriarch following Egypt attack (Vatican Radio) ow.ly/WlAY3072EeX
• Islamic leaders, and even a militant group, condemn bombing of Coptic church in Cairo (Aleteia.org) ow.ly/hod03075sTG
• The TOP 25 Catholic artists of 2016 – cecilia playlist (Aleteia.org) ow.ly/Lkle3071aFH
• Our Lady of Guadalupe – procession in Washington, D.C. (CNS) ow.ly/43iw3071nFb
• What’s to be seen by looking into Our Lady of Guadalupe’s eyes? (Aleteia.org) ow.ly/KlOP3072ylV
• Our Lady of Guadalupe asked to touch Trump’s ‘hardened heart’ (CNA) ow.ly/2wGS3078OxF
• Wish Pope Francis happy birthday by email for his 80th birthday on December 17th (Vatican Radio) ow.ly/rgUN30756Jl
• END of VidAngel: Disney, Fox Win Bid to Shut Sanitized Streaming Service (Bloomberg) ow.ly/ENDF3076hyh
• Pope Francis on Necessity of Nonviolence + FULL Text of Message for World Day of Peace (Fr. Dan Horan, O.F.M. – Dating God) ow.ly/bAIb3077mUp
• Saints in :60 | Teresa of Calcutta and Therese of Lisieux (Fr. James Martin, S.J. – America Media) ow.ly/LbeI30783V6
• Organizers announce ‘The Power of One’ as theme for 2017 March for Life (Franciscan Media/CNS) ow.ly/Dkd13078BTe
• Massachusetts churches claim victory in religious freedom lawsuit (CNA) ow.ly/9rsW3079CuA
• Pope writes to Syrian president, pleading for peace and aid corridors (CNS) ow.ly/WFRF3075akF
• A Humorous Call to Confession (Monsignor Charles Pope – ADW) ow.ly/xCXW307b692

“To Holy Mary we entrust the suffering and joy of the peoples throughout the American Continent, who love her as mother and recognize her as “Patroness” under the beloved title of Our Lady of Guadalupe.” (Pope Francis, December 12th on Instagram)

Advent & Christmas

• Vatican prepares for Christmas – unveiled its Nativity scene (CNS) ow.ly/8e1o306ZZ8x
• Bambenelli Sunday: Pope Francis blesses “Bambinelli” during Angelus (News.va) ow.ly/8FQa30712Ue
• Vatican Nativity scene includes cross from Basilica of St. Benedict in Norcia (Aleteia.org) ow.ly/EiSJ3071xSx
• Crèche Clash – new law in France to forbid religious use of crèche (Mark Movsesian | First Things) ow.ly/1jjs30759xg
• What Ever Became of Advent Fasting and Penance? (Monsignor Charles Pope – ADW) ow.ly/Nfdx3077kYZ
• The 5 Advent Virtues of St. Joseph (Fr. Ed Broom, O.M.V. – The Catholic Gentleman) ow.ly/lXQR3079PVR
• Las Posadas: Singing for shelter in a border town (USCatholic.org) ow.ly/JeFU307baa2
• Saint Francis and the Incarnation (John Quigley, O.F.M. – Franciscan Media) ow.ly/nDwJ307aXbY
• Open your heart to that small splendor born in Bethlehem, pope says (CNS) ow.ly/eC2a3077HUR
• The Savior’s birthday around the globe (CNS) ow.ly/NtXU3077s4i  – link for following video

Prayers for Aleppo and all the people of Syria!

Sad photos showing before and after the current warfare in Aleppo (David Wolfe)

The Saints are Coming!

(graphic by Matthew P. Schneider, L.P.)

Top Catholic Tweets are compiled weekly by John Clem, O.F.S. who is the Director and Media Minister at Catholic Web Services (http://catholicws.com/).  John is a professed member of the Secular Franciscan Order, and loves to share his talents in faith, technology, and journalism in service to the church.  John’s blog is entitled Call To Holiness (http://calltoholiness.us/). Follow John on Twitter at @Catholicwebs, on Facebook and at Google+ .  

–Pope Francis talks about “hope” at his General Audience on December 7, 2016

Plenty of news to share from this past week, including a special section on Advent & Christmas.  May you have a blessed week ahead!

Pax Et Bonum,

John

Top Catholic Tweets for December 9th:

• Papal Tweet: “Let us learn from the Blessed Mother how to have a humble heart capable of receiving God’s gifts.”  (Pope Francis, December 8, 2016)
• Italian prisoners honor Pope Francis with flash mob dance (NCR) ow.ly/MoRf306Kkzv
• “This is a kiss from the pope…”: Francis’ letter to a dying girl (Aleteia) ow.ly/GcW1306Kl9d
• The church has a stance on war, but needs a stance on guns (NCR) ow.ly/WPBg306L86J
• Pope recognizes martyrdom of Oklahoma priest killed in Guatemala – Fr. Rother – 1st US-born martyr (CNS) ow.ly/cAar306Lnry
• Terrorist threats may suspend Masses in Philippines capital (CNA) ow.ly/LEY7306LPqL
• Establishment of Special Commission for Dialogue with Islam (US Franciscans) ow.ly/WysE306M6xZ
• Euthanasia of alcoholic father sends ‘dangerous’ message (CNA) ow.ly/JpPg306LPt6
• Arlington’s retiring shepherd prioritized the periphery (Crux) ow.ly/SuAx306Mnbe
• “Computer geek” takes one more step toward sainthood (Aleteia.org) ow.ly/VRMq306Mqr8
• Standing Rock activists see Pope Francis as spiritual ally (Crux/RNS) ow.ly/9xMH306MGEx
• Patriarch Bartholomew says ‘Amoris Laetitia’ is about God’s mercy (The Catholic Register/CNS) ow.ly/Htzy306MGHh
• Pope to global economic leaders: Remember the dignity of the human person (CNA) ow.ly/iqJu306MGLu
• Pope’s Address to Fortune-Time Global Forum (ZENIT) ow.ly/aoxc306Qv8o
• Comics relief: Inspired by ‘Peanuts,’ pastor finds a new way to minister (Aleteia.org) ow.ly/1m2X306MIna
• Vatican launches new, open, dynamic sexual education program (Rome Reports) ow.ly/zbds306MJ3n
• A List of 244 Catholic Priest-Scientists (From Acosta to Zupi) – National Catholic Register ow.ly/sFmC306NvlY
• Vatican weighs in on power, limits of artificial intelligence (CNA) ow.ly/Uw4Y306N7pD
• Franciscan nun killed in the Democratic Republic of Congo (Vatican Radio) ow.ly/fW42306Nx0e
• The Cuban Christmas Miracle: How the Pope Got Castro to Change His Mind (ChurchPOP) ow.ly/7TN5306OXuy
• Scientists Who Opened Christ’s Tomb Detect Mysterious Readings That Support Shroud Theory (uCatholic) ow.ly/4CFw306Pffd
• Why France’s ‘Zombie Catholics’ are so powerful (CNA) ow.ly/7Tby306Ri13
• Vatican’s anti-abuse commission launches new website (CNA) ow.ly/WkCT306RtnI
• Vatican: Nuclear deterrence “must be replaced” by new global ethic (Vatican Radio) ow.ly/JXRF306RjXp
• Charlie Rose meets Pope Francis (Aleteia.org) ow.ly/glqx306RzD0
• This Forgotten Fatima Note Reveals Sr. Lúcia’s ‘Holy Ambition’ for the Rosary (ncregister.com) ow.ly/s8pi306S57h
• Sacred music and … jazz? One composer’s response to Vatican II (CNA) ow.ly/5cAV306TWAa
• Our Lady of Guadalupe’s message remains alive across five centuries (CNS top) ow.ly/W88V306TX8n
• Pax Christi honors: Franciscans – Sr. Marie Lucey & Fr. Jacek Orzechowski + speaker/author Frida Berrigan (NCR) ow.ly/9b1S306TYWM
• How the Catholic Church could help the crisis in the DRC (CNA) ow.ly/5a7N306U2k6
• “Arrival” and the Unique Manner of God’s Speech (Bishop Robert Barron – Catholic World Report) ow.ly/K5DI306UabE
• Pope Benedict’s last great lesson: The reality of mercy (David Mills – Aleteia.org) ow.ly/B6Ks306UanW
• Vatican updates guidelines for educating priests (CNS) ow.ly/czva306UM2D
• Oakland Catholic community offers prayers, support for fire victims (The Catholic Register/CNS) ow.ly/px5d306Vj8n
• What the Immaculate Conception is Really All About (Fr. Dan Horan, O.F.M. – Dating God) ow.ly/YcQt306W0jm
• Healing election wounds (CNS) ow.ly/wQsz306Vjwt
• Vatican approves first-ever women’s association (Vatican Radio) ow.ly/GZkb306W5vc
• Religious freedom, first among our liberties, is under threat (Archbishop Charles Chaput, O.F.M. Cap.) ow.ly/HECW306WZIG

Advent and Christmas

• Papal Tweet: “Advent is a time to prepare our hearts to receive Christ, our Saviour and hope.” (Pope Francis, December 3, 2016)
• Celebration of the beginning of Advent in Bethlehem (Christian Media Center) ow.ly/oo9b306Q1GL
• Catholic Tunes Agency: Songs for Advent (CNA) ow.ly/iP3R306MrvK
• Thor, St. Boniface, and the Origin of the Christmas Tree (ChurchPOP) ow.ly/ma5b306KmsW
• The Worst Nativity Sets. Ever. Stop it. My eyes are bleeding. (Matthew Archbold – NCRegister) ow.ly/ijJH306KowH
• Discovering the Truth About Santa Claus (St. Nicholas Center) ow.ly/AAsm306MIsE
• Why G.K. Chesterton Believed in Santa Claus (Brandon Vogt) ow.ly/1OVr306U1pu
• Cybershopping: 9 Handmade Christmas gifts from monks and nuns (Aleteia.org) ow.ly/TzdP306U8hJ
• St. Thérèse of Lisieux and the Christmas Blues (Catholic World Report) ow.ly/1BH1306XWZo
• Pope Francis’ 2016 Christmas Card (ncregister.com)  ow.ly/yGew306WDUP

Pope Francis’ Christmas Card for 2016:  Giotto’s 14th century fresco of the Nativity in Assisi

Bishop Barron on Having a “Personal Relationship” with Jesus (Word On Fire)

Please consider a donation to Catholic Web Services.  Your donations are tax-deductible in helping to bring the Catholic Faith to many on the internet.  For Advent and Christmas, you can get $10 off a St. Anthony Treehouse Chapel (use code “tony10”) — makes a great gift!

Support Catholic Web Services (a 501c3 non-profit) – ministry helping to rebuild the digital church, and producer of Top Catholic Tweets

• Get a St. Anthony’s Treehouse Chapel – great gift – now with a $10 coupon – use code “tony10” – supports Catholic Web Services
• Stories of Saint Anthony of Padua and his treehouse
• holytreehouse.com – bless your home with St. Anthony’s Treehouse Chapel

Top Catholic Tweets are compiled weekly by John Clem, O.F.S. who is the Director and Media Minister at Catholic Web Services (http://catholicws.com/).  John is a professed member of the Secular Franciscan Order, and loves to share his talents in faith, technology, and journalism in service to the church.  John’s blog is entitled Call To Holiness (http://calltoholiness.us/). Follow John on Twitter at @Catholicwebs, on Facebook and at Google+ . 

Pope Francis meets scientists including Stephen Hawking at The Vatican — Papal Instagram: “There are also many encouraging signs of a humanity that wants to respond, to choose the common good, and regenerate itself with responsibility and solidarity.”

Plenty of news to share from this past week with a special section on Advent as we prepare for the coming of our king.  May you have a blessed week ahead!

Pax Et Bonum,

John

Top Catholic Tweets for December 2nd:

• Papal Tweet: “Advent is a time when we journey towards Jesus and his Kingdom of justice and peace.” (Pope Francis, November 26, 2016)
• Fidel Castro, communist leader who met three Popes, dies at 90 (CNA) ow.ly/ikmG306xBow
• Religious Liberty: How ‘Sikh Captain America’ Is Responding To President-Elect Trump (The Huffington Post) ow.ly/90jR306xC5U
• Franciscan Friars produce a movie about Fatima in Indiana (Aleteia.org)  ow.ly/j7KH306y4Cf
• Florence Henderson’s Catholic roots (Aleteia.org)  ow.ly/49Vd306y4NL
• The ‘Cheese Nun’ Shares How She Sees God In Cheese (GodVine/CBS) ow.ly/hSkq306y6A5
• Movie Trailer for “Silence”, a film passion of 27 years for Director Martin Scorcese (CatholicLink) ow.ly/gT9s306ygjK
• Catholic and Muslim communities surge in secular Norway (Crux) ow.ly/7RxZ306yEkE
• From a wheelchair: What it feels like when the pope looks into your eyes and hugs you (Rome Reports) ow.ly/Q64c306yESP
• Hunger Report 2017: Fragile Environments, Resilient Communities (Bread for the World Institute) ow.ly/oBRj306AdIB
• National Gun Violence Prevention Sabbath Weekend | December 14-18, 2016 (Faiths United) ow.ly/E8oe306Afq8
• Pope’s possible deal with China would ‘betray Christ’, says Hong Kong cardinal (The Guardian) ow.ly/QhDI306Bvzs
• Help save a sacred site of St. Katharine Drexel for #GivingTuesday (Belmead on the James) ow.ly/ArxR306CYzl
• A Prayer for the Internet from the 1946 Roman Ritual? Sure, and It’s Wonderful! (Monsignor Charles Pope – ADW) ow.ly/Nzk1306D19m
• Trying to find confession times? There’s an app for that (CNA) ow.ly/gNrj306D1O0
• Pope asks scientists to find solutions, declare rules to save planet (CNS) ow.ly/I81m306DaXH
• Humanitarian needs going unmet in Iraq, Catholic leaders tell Congress (CNA) ow.ly/vw8g306Fmt1
• U.S. nuns do Lord’s work in Ireland (CNS) ow.ly/4bCh306DAYT
• Pope: Message to Ecumenical Patriarch for feast of St Andrew (Vatican Radio) ow.ly/Sszp306FmNz
• The pope’s message for World Day of Prayer for Vocations 2017 (Deacon Greg Kandra – Aleteia) ow.ly/ApTp306FrUW
• “We support the frail and failing members of the Body of Christ” – Poor Clares in Virginia (Catholic World Report) ow.ly/AumO306Fppx
• Advancing the freedom to serve (Archbishop William Lori – CNS) ow.ly/QO3P306HUhU
• Pakistani peace advocates win international Pax Christi award (Crux) ow.ly/mF1W306FFnF
• Catholic college presidents pledge support for students with DACA status (CNS) ow.ly/AfCN306HU6b
• New Scans Reveal The Architectural Ingenuity Of England’s Persecuted Catholics (William Newton-Blog of the Courtier) ow.ly/7Nd2306I67L
• Franciscan Commitment for Resistance of Muslim registry (Franciscan Action Network) ow.ly/Uq26306HTBj
• Tennessee bishop asks for prayers, relief help for victims of wildfires (CNS/OSV) ow.ly/3YBG306J4tK
• This lone Sacred Heart of Jesus statue survived the Tennessee wildfires (CNA) ow.ly/Cn6f306JtCM
• Remembrance and prayer for Pearl Harbor – 75th Anniv. on Dec. 7th (CNS) ow.ly/IsMg306J4RB
• Feast Of Our Lady Of Guadalupe To Be A Day Of Prayer And Solidarity With Families Of Immigrants (USCCB) ow.ly/ujh2306Jup8

Advent 2016

• Pope Francis’ Angelus: Advent calls us to enlarge our horizons (Vatican Radio) ow.ly/4UzW306yBKN
• Run to Jesus! An Advent Reflection (Monsignor Charles Pope – Archdiocese of Washington) ow.ly/haCu306y5wD
• Advent explained in 60 Seconds. With LEGO! (Fr. Roderick Vonhogen – Trideo) ow.ly/G77E306x7Kc
• Simplify your Advent & Christmas (Center for a New American Dream) ow.ly/JFYg306A8vk
• Advent with Saint Teresa: The Gift of Trust (franciscan media) ow.ly/VK6d306BRQU
• A New Christmas Album (Dominicana) ow.ly/DlUd306yNIj
• NEW children’s book for Christmas from Lisa Hendey – The Strangers at the Manger ow.ly/8SFf306KeYG

Benedictines Of Mary, Queen Of Apostles sing Advent At Ephesus with a fire in the background. Link for the sisters music

Pope Francis’ monthly video prayer intention # 12 – Child soldiers – December 2016 (Apostleship of Prayer) ow.ly/Zitk306IgSm

Please consider a donation to Catholic Web Services.  Your donations are tax-deductible in helping to bring the Catholic Faith to many on the internet.  For Advent and Christmas, you can get $10 off a St. Anthony Treehouse Chapel (use code “tony10”) — makes a great gift!

Support Catholic Web Services (a 501c3 non-profit) – ministry helping to rebuild the digital church, and producer of Top Catholic Tweets

• Get a St. Anthony’s Treehouse Chapel – great gift – now with a $10 coupon – use code “tony10” – supports Catholic Web Services
• Stories of Saint Anthony of Padua and his treehouse
• holytreehouse.com – bless your home with St. Anthony’s Treehouse Chapel

Top Catholic Tweets are compiled weekly by John Clem, O.F.S. who is the Director and Media Minister at Catholic Web Services (http://catholicws.com/).  John is a professed member of the Secular Franciscan Order, and loves to share his talents in faith, technology, and journalism in service to the church.  John’s blog is entitled Call To Holiness (http://calltoholiness.us/). Follow John on Twitter at @Catholicwebs, on Facebook and at Google+ .