We Are More Than Our Sexual Attractions

This short video contains a very important truth about what the Catholic Church teaches regarding homosexuality. I am fully aware that in our present culture this topic is a very divisive issue. Nevertheless, people struggling with same-sex attraction should never allow themselves to be 'defined' by their struggles. We are definitely MORE than our attractions, MUCH MORE!  Real freedom begins when we come to realize our true identity in God.

S.A.F.E. Seminar

 

 SUBTLE ATTACKS against the FAMILY EXPLAINED

www.safe.ph

YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED!!!

to a two-day SAFE seminar on

* Demography and the Overpopulation Hoax

* New Age Movement, a Christless Spirituality

* Values (Mis)education in Schools

* Pornography and Violence in Mass Media

* Truth and Meaning of Human Sexuality

* Gospel of Life

* Family in God's Plan

SAFE is open to all sectors of society: family and life workers, education, youth, catechists, media, lawyers, businesses, health care, government, priests and religious, etc.

Every 3rd weekends (Sat 8 a.m. - Sun 5 p.m.) at St. Michael Retreat House, Antipolo

Tel. (02)  661-6312 or 661-6314-16*

Cel #:  0917-896-7202

Website:  www.safe.ph

Bagong Pagasa's Steps Up Retreat in Gensan

 

Forwarded invitation.

Dear Brother,

It has been a wonderful experience journeying with you towards healing being our ministry partner. Indeed, it is difficult to keep our commitment to leave the gay lifestyle behind because we still live in a very gay-affirming society. Remaining faithful to your commitment to your healing journey becomes more challenging without a regular support group.

In this regard, we are inviting you to join BP’s STEPS UP RETREAT in General Santos City on May 24-26, 2013. You will learn about Ex-Gay SURVIVAL TOOLS that will help you OUTWIT, OUTPLAY, and OUTLAST the temptations of the enemy! On top of this, you will get to interact with support group members from BP Manila and BP Cebu, and brothers from other BP network locations. Consider this your “once-in-a-year” support group meeting!

If interested, please contact us at (02)886.4441 / 0927.578.8373, or via e-mail at info@bagongpagasa.org. It is advisable to confirm early so that you may avail of cheap airfare (promo rates). Once we receive your confirmation, we shall send you an application form, and other details about the retreat.

Come and gain a rich sense of the redeeming hope and freedom that is available through our Lord Jesus Christ in this life-changing retreat!

Should you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us.

Hoping you could come,



John Zulueta

Executive Director

Finding Courage

Bob's story is a familiar story about a God-fearing man who strives sincerely to be a good Christian but finds himself battling with homosexuality.  He keeps the struggle to himself but comes to a point where he realizes he needs help. 


Brothers/Fathers of Courage,

Peace to all of you.

I am 'Bob' (not his real name) of Sorsogon City here in Bicol. I am writing you an e-mail because I am also one of those men who is also bearing the cross of same-sex attraction on me. I am 23 years old and have been struggling for years to overcome the urgencies, weakness, guilt and sin of being a homosexual.

Being like this had been an emotional ride. For, admittedly, I found please in giving in to my weakness and temptations. And after some time, I would hate myself for having done these self-abusing acts. To add to my self-inflicted misery but a light of hope to my life, I am also part of a community. I am quite sure you are familiar with YFC (Youth for Christ) and now SFC (Singles for Christ). Even when I am an active member and even a leader of this group, I still lurk on homosexual practices. I thought doing Christ's works and serving others would "pay-off" these deeds. I have been leaving a "double life". And I have been wrong.

Despite of all of this, Christ manifested His power in me. That in my weakness, there is strength. Through these communities that I have joined, I have known my God better. I have learned to worship Him in times of my trials. Last year, through SFC Knights, (a recollection which defines manhood not of worldly meanings but of God's) and after deep thought and Christ's affirmations in my prayers, I have let go of my same-sex partner for over 4 years. It was painful of course, but it was more of a door towards freedom opened for me by God. I opt to be loved by the One who truly loves me.

Now, I want to remain in His love.

However, the battle is still continuing.  I may have let my partner go yet I am still into pornography.  I still feel attractions to the same sex; however, I don't want to engage in anything. That's probably why I felt porn as the closest thing to the 'deed'. Yes, I know this is wrong and this will not in anyway heal me. I am seeking a support group for I know I could not win this battle alone. I will need prayers, guidance and maybe counseling.

I was happy to learn that Courage org has also its satellite here in the Philippines. I would like to be a part of this group, if you may. I would like to know how for I have been seeking a group that specifically attends to the needs of brothers like me. The only concern is that, I am currently here in Bicol.

Please guide me through any process and pray for me as well. Thank you and God bless.

-oOo-

Bob has found courage in himself to admit that he has a problem and that he needs help. It also takes a lot of courage to let go of a relationship which he has done as well. This is the first step and a very important one. Bob has already contacted us and we are praying that through God's help a Courage chapter in Bicol will be established through the permission of their local bishop.

Fr. Robert Barron on Gay Marriage

Listen up! Fr. Barron comments on Gay Marriage and the Breakdown of Moral Argument. No bigotry, just pure common sense rational thinking.

Yes to You || Spoken Word - Fr. Pontifex

Check out this latest video from Fr. Claude Burns aka Fr. Pontifex, a rapping Roman Catholic priest slash American hip hop artist from the Diocese of Evansville, Indiana. Inspired by Blessed John Paul II’s call for a “New Evangelization,” he embraces the use of many different types of media to reach people with the message of Jesus Christ. In partnership with Spirit Juice Studios, here's the latest video presentation on homosexuality from his series Spoken Word.

The topic of homosexuality and the issues around same sex marriage are very charged in our culture right now. The goal of this video is to communicate what the Church teaches about this topic. However, as the title would suggest, the underlying sentiment throughout the whole presentation is that the Church is a refuge of love for all of humanity. Those that would say that the Church is "anti-gay" are either misinformed or deliberately distorting the truth to push their own agenda. 

For all those who watch this video please understand that the lasting message of "Yes To You" is to let you know that right where you are, with all of your questions, challenges and struggles that the Church indeed says yes to you. You are welcomed and you are loved. We are all in this together.

A Spirit Juice Studios Production

© 2012 Spirit Juice Films. All Rights Reserved

For more of Fr. Pontifex check out his official blog here. And for more of Spirit Juice Studio check out their official website here.

Weekly News (Fourth Week of March 2013)

1. Life Has Exchanged the Tomb for the Sky

Lectio Divina: Easter, Year C

The first day of the week is Sunday, the day in which we celebrate Christ's resurrection. He resurrects in the night, long before the sunshine illuminates this day of celebration. [Read More]

2. Easter's Message of Hope Helps Us Face Trials, Bishops Say

Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle said that turning to God is the most creative approach to problem solving ever imagined. [Read More]

3. Thousands Flood DC to Stand Up For Marriage

Washington D.C., Mar 27, 2013 / 06:04 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- Citing concerns for the well-being of children and respect for the democratic process, participants in the national March for Marriage in Washington, D.C., stressed the importance of marriage for society. [Read More]

4. Anderson Cooper Kisses 'Boy Scout' Madonna to Offend Traditional America [Read More]


5. In New Zealand and France, Support for Same-Sex Marriage Wanes as Legalization Looms

(CNSNews.com) – As the U.S. Supreme Court hears oral arguments in two same-sex marriage cases, the approaching passage of laws legalizing same-sex marriage in New Zealand and France appear to be prompting a public opinion shift against the change. [Read More]

6. Why Easter Sunday Matters to the Pro-Life Movement

Of all the holidays and events on our calendars, I believe none are more important than Easter Sunday. [Read More]

7. What Harm Would It Do To Legalize Gay "Marriage"?

At the outset, it is worth noting that this question is often framed in a rather misleading way: “What harm would a same-sex couple getting married do to your opposite-sex marriage?” The issue, however, is not how any one couple’s marriage would affect any other specific couple’s marriage—the issue is how changing the definition of marriage under the law would change the social institution of marriage. [Read More]

8. Must-See Video: A Marriage Expert's Masterful Handling of Piers Morgan


WASHINGTON, D.C., March 28, 2013 (Heritage Foundation) - How do you throw Piers Morgan off his game? Stick to the facts, remain civil and win the argument. Heritage’s Ryan Anderson did exactly that Tuesday night in a showdown with the liberal CNN host of “Piers Morgan Live” and guest Suze Orman. [Read More]

9. Callings and Crosses

Family Matters: Single Life

There are the normative ways to draw close to God. Then there are as many other ways as there are people. [Read More]

10. Delaying Marriage

One of the major social changes in recent times is the postponement of marriage. A recent report examined the implications of this development. [Read More]

Happy Easter!

St. Joseph, Patron of Departing Souls

Today, March 19, on the feast of St. Joseph, let us pray for the grace to be always at the service of Jesus and Mary like he did and also for the grace of a happy death.


God revealed to Joseph that because of his great concern for the dying throughout his life, assisting them and pleading for their salvation with prayers and tears, He was appointing him as their special mediator and patron, and furthermore, that He wished that he would continue to manifest his love for them until the end of time. From his place in Heaven, he would still be able to exercise this role as special intercessor for all those engaged in the struggle with death.

The saint gladly took this service upon himself and he was happy over being permitted to assist everyone in this grave and extreme necessity. He thanked God for having selected him, and from that hour dutifully assumed this responsibility of caring for the welfare of those who are in need at the time of death.

Saint Joseph enjoys in Heaven a glory which is indescribable and which surpasses that of any other saint. This glory cannot be comprehended by merely human understanding, and, hence, actually cannot be made known to the world. However, this glory is indeed recognized, understood, and appreciated by the blessed in Heaven throughout all eternity.

The saint continuously exercises his intermediary function before God on behalf of the dying. He also manifests a deep concern for the welfare of all souls redeemed by the Precious Blood of the Savior. He obtains graces for all, but he manifests a special solicitude for those who honor him. There is no grace that he asks of God, or of the most holy Virgin, which he is not able, subsequently, to obtain.

Saint Joseph supplicates for graces on behalf of all men, but particularly for the afflicted and oppressed, since he himself had to endure so much tribulation during his life on earth. The saint also appears to be especially deferential towards religious. I, therefore, urge all souls, in every state of life, to have a special devotion to this great saint. Marvelous effects will indeed be experienced by doing so.

(Source: Saint Joseph As Seen by Mystics and Historians pp. 362-363)

-oOo-

Prayer to Saint Joseph

Oh, St. Joseph,

whose protection is so great, so strong,

and so prompt before the throne of God,

I place in you all my interests and desires.

Oh, St. Joseph,

do assist me by your powerful intercession,

and obtain for me from your Divine Son

all spiritual blessings through Jesus Christ,

Our Lord. So that, having engaged here

before your heavenly power,

I may offer my thanksgiving and homage

to the most loving of Fathers.

Oh, St. Joseph,

I never weary contemplating you,

and the Child Jesus asleep in your arms;

I dare not approach while He reposes near

your heart. Press Him in my name and kiss

His fine head for me and ask Him to return

the Kiss when I draw my dying breath.

St. Joseph, Patron of departing souls -

Pray for us. Pray for me. Amen.

Weekly News (Third Week of March 2013)

1. Pope Gives First Impression of Simplicity, Sense of Humor

Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, director of the Vatican press office, today commented on the Pope's first public appearance Wednesday evening, when Francis greeted the crowd gathered in St. Peter's Square. [Read More]

2. Without Christ Crucified, Church a 'Pitiful' Organization, Pope Says

Vatican City, Mar 14, 2013 / 12:23 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- The day after he was elected, Pope Francis emphasized that every believer – including bishops, cardinals and Popes – must proclaim Jesus crucified to be true Christians. [Read More]

 3. Pope Francis Has 'High Hopes' for Filipinos

Manila, March 14, 2013 - The new pope of the Catholic Church is banking on the Filipinos in preserving and extending the ideals of Catholic faith in the world. [Read More]

4. Divorce Not The Answer to Failing Marriages, Lay People Told

MANILA, March 10, 2013 – With House Bill 1799 or the divorce bill looming in the horizon, a Catholic priest on Sunday urged the people to throw the measure on the back burner as it does not really solve the issue of failing marriages among couples. [Read More]

5. New York Times Greets New Pope With Abortion, Gay Marriage, and the 'Dirty War'

Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio of Buenos Aires is now Pope Francis, and Thursday's New York Times front-page "Man In the News" profile by Emily Schmall and Larry Rohter, "A Conservative With a Common Touch," opened respectfully. But after a dash of local color and historical context, the Times quickly mounted its old hobby horse: the Church's positions on liberal issues like abortion and gay marriage [Read More]

6.  Pope Francis: Defend the Unborn From Abortion Even if Persecuted

"Defend the unborn against abortion even if they persecute you, calumniate you, set traps for you, take you to court or kill you. No child should be deprived of the right to be born, the right to be fed, the right to go to school." [Read More]

7. New Pope Francis Called Homosexual 'Marriage' a 'Machination of the Father of Lies'

VATICAN CITY, March 13, 2013 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio, now Pope Francis, is known to LifeSiteNews readers as a valiant defender of life and family. In terms of homosexual ‘marriage’, Cardinal Bergoglio fought valiantly to have the law in Argentina continue to protect the traditional family. [Read More]

8. What Would the Greeks Have Thought of Gay 'Marriage'?

March 13, 2013 (Mercatornet.com) - It is ironic that the proponents of homosexuality so often point to ancient Greece as their paradigm because of its high state of culture and its partial acceptance of homosexuality or, more accurately, pederasty. [Read More]

9. A Pope From the Heartland of the Global Church

Washington - With the election of Argentinian Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio as the first Latin-American Vicar of Christ in the history of the Catholic Church, the College of Cardinals confirmed an inescapable truth: The pilgrim Church has traveled far beyond its base in the Eternal City. [Read More]

10. Champion of 'Feminine Genius' Celebrated on 90th Birthday

Alexandria, Va. — On her 90th birthday, noted philosopher and Catholic theologian Alice von Hildebrand has been lauded for both her teachings and example of “authentic womanhood.” [Read More]
 

Ang Pro-Life Party List

I don't normally endorse individuals or groups but this coming elections I wholeheartedly give my support to Ang Pro-Life Partylist for the sake of the unborn and to help fight the advancing culture of death in our nation.


FELLOW PROLIFERS,

Our nation has been ravaged by traditional politics and immoral RH law, which are some of the factors that prevent us from seeing economic and moral prosperity. 

 

Our country is faced with serious economic, political, social, and moral problems, and this is why it is time to heed the clamor of the people for a vote that will espouse Catholic and moral principles, first and foremost. 

 

For this reason, we ask for your support not only in voting, but actively participating in campaigning and promoting Ang Prolife Partylist. 

 

A vote for Ang Prolife is a vote for the future of our nation. 

 

We may not have the big machinery that traditional politicians have but if we help each other out, God will bless our efforts and will reward us with victory.

 

For more inquiries on how to help us in our campaign or how to donate to Ang Prolife Partylist, call us at 02-734-8425 or text us at 0917-5359702 email us at angprolifepartylist@gmail.com