Another Chinese bishop dies in custody - Asia News

CHINA Catholic’s doubts on the death of Msgr. Han Dingxian, underground bishop of Yongnian - Asia News

So perhaps Bishop Dingxian was tortured occasionally during his 35 years of imprisonment, like many of his brother bishops and priests. Perhaps the Chinese government still carries our systematic oppression of Christians in general and Catholics in particular. We mustn't do or say anything that might jeopardize our trade relations or massive trade deficit with China.

Absolution online?

Re: http://www.absolution-online.com

Dear "Altarboy",

I want to assume You've got great intentions in producing the absolution-online site, but I want to invite You to consider pulling its plug.

It's great to encourage Christians to confess their sins, and it's really great to encourage Catholics to seek sacramental absolution. But Your site does not make clear that valid sacramental confession and absolution cannot be had through a website:

"Individual, integral confession and absolution remain the only ordinary way for the faithful to reconcile themselves with God and the Church, unless physical or moral impossibility excuses from this kind of confession."
(Catechism of the Catholic Church, n. 1484)

Since You fail to make this clear, Your site risks deceiving some Catholics who don't know better into abandoning sacramental absolution for an invalid and empty substitute. Your posted disclaimer really doesn't adequately clarify this serious matter.

If You're Catholic, or even a non-Catholic of good will, I ask You as a Christian brother to respect the teachings of the Catholic Church regarding how it administers the sacraments entrusted to it by Christ. You can do this by shutting down the absolution-online site, or at least by providing a much clearer disclaimer.

Or better yet, why not redesign the content to more accurately promote the authentic truth about Catholic teaching on this topic? The sacrament of confession is so very beautiful, and deserves our best efforts to promote the real thing. Thanks for Your consideration!

Family novena prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel

You are invited to pray this family novena at any time, but especially during the nine days from February 7-15, 2007.

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Glorious Saint Michael, guardian and defender of the Church of Jesus Christ, come to the assistance of His followers, against whom the powers of hell are unchained. Guard with special care our Holy Father, the Pope, and our bishops, priests, all our religious and lay people, and especially the children.

Saint Michael, watch over us during life, defend us against the assaults of the demon, and assist us especially at the hour of death. Help us achieve the happiness of beholding God face to face for all eternity. Amen.

Saint Michael, intercede for me with God in all my necessities, especially (mention special petition).

suggested petition:
…that all of us within our entire family will:

grow in love for Jesus Christ, His Church, and each other;

be protected from all spiritual harm;

and, that all those held captive by false prophets and false teachings soon will discover their true freedom in Jesus, Who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

Obtain for me a favorable outcome in the matter I recommend to you. Mighty prince of the heavenly host, and victor over rebellious spirits, remember me for I am weak and sinful and so prone to pride and ambition. Be for me, I pray, my powerful aid in temptation and difficulty, and above all do not forsake me in my last struggle with the powers of evil. Amen.

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Novena prayer (not including suggested petition) obtained from: http://www.catholic-forum.com/Saints/pray0434.htm

If You're interested in further prayers to St. Michael, take a look here:
http://www.saint-mike.org/Library/Chaplets/StMichael.html
http://www.ewtn.com/devotionals/prayers/michael.htm