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The leader of a prominent Christian megachurch was sentenced to 16 years and eight months in prison Wednesday after pleading guilty to multiple counts of child sexual assault late last week. During the hearing, the defendant — and many others — were sharply upbraided by the judge. “I never cease to be amazed at what people do in the name of religion,” Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Ronald S. Coen angrily mused. “And how people’s lives are ruined in the guise of serving a supreme being.” After years of proclaiming his innocence and pledging to fight the charges against him,...

It’s Time to Shine or It’ll Be Over Soon - A Meditation on Being Called the Light of the World Msgr. Charles Pope • June 8, 2016 • In the Gospel yesterday (Tuesday of the 10th week) the Lord describes what a Christian is and what He expects of us. He uses two different metaphors: salt and light. Yesterday’s post considered the metaphor of salt.Today let’s consider the metaphor of light. The Lord says,You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it...

Pope Benedict has criticized religious instruction in Germany in his book "Light of the World": "The Bishops must reconsider here how Catechesis can be given a new heart and a new face. Rome (kath.net) Pope Benedict has directed severe criticism against religious instruction in Germany in his new book, "Light of the World". Peter Seewald asked the question how it is possible that with the responsibility falling at the end of the day to the Diocese that the children might know Buddhism, but on the other hand know almost nothing of the fundamentals of Catholicism: "That is a question which...

You are my children of light , you are my children of light , you are my children of light , and in this season of lights , let MY Light shine through you , for MY SEASON NEVER ENDS ! Truly this is a season of lights , but we are to be lights for Christ Jesus in an open season and heaven for him ! Isaiah 60 The Gentiles Bless Zion 1 Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the LORD is risen upon you. 2 For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth,...

INDEPENDENCE DAY GREETINGS !!! from Canadian FReepers to our American FRiends Then Opposition LeaderNow Prime Minister Stephen Harperaddresses "Friends of America" Rally,in Toronto, April 4, 2003.(one of many held across Canada) Canadian Patriot Gordon Sinclair salutes"THE AMERICANS" ~ original 1973 version

POPE-ARRIVE (UPDATED) Jul-23-2002 (1,130 words) With photos. xxxiPope arrives in Toronto, praises intelligence, hearts of young people By John ThavisCatholic News Service TORONTO (CNS) -- Arriving in Toronto for World Youth Day celebrations, Pope John Paul II said the mega-gathering would help young people find spiritual direction in a world full of social and ethical tensions. At a brief welcoming ceremony July 23 at Toronto's Lester B. Pearson International Airport, the pope praised the "gifts of intelligence and heart" that make young people the future of humanity. But he warned that they also were affected by widespread conflict and injustice...