Steve Ray’s Blog

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1005200852&ref=name

But nothing will show up THERE that doesn’t first show up HERE!

But you are welcome to become my “FRIEND’ on Facebook.

I know many wonderful nuns and religious orders (e.g., Sisters of Mary-Mother of the Eucharist and Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity); BUT there are others that scare the “you know what” out of me.

The Pope has set up a commission to investigate women religious in the USA and I think it’s about time.

Dissident nuns/sisters/orders can do more damage to the Church and the faithful in a short amount of time than just about anyone, especially when they are in charge of teaching and education within a parish or diocese. Gratefully they are rapidly dwindling in numbers.

Othodox orders that are faithful to the Church are growing rapidly with young women joining in great numbers, but the tired old hippy generation of dissident, feminist, New Age, religious sisters are disappearing along with their shag carpet, eight-track tapes and tie-died T-shirts.

There is a great new article in Catholic World Report this month and I LOVE the cover (click on image for larger picture). I can usually spot these women a mile away and I am glad they are finally making the news! God bless Pope Benedict!

Apostolic visitation of US nuns is making waves
http://www.catholicculture.org/news/features/index.cfm?recnum=60336
A front-page New York Times story on the Vatican’s concern about women’s religious orders in the US offers a strong indication that the apostolic visitation announced earlier this year is being taken seriously– both by the Holy See and by American nuns.

http://www.catholiceducation.org/

Obama celebrates Stonewall anniversary, denounces ‘worn arguments’ of gay rights opponents
http://www.catholicculture.org/news/headlines/index.cfm?storyid=3379
Celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall riots that marked the birth of the gay rights movement, President Barack Obama hosted an LGBT (Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender) Pride Month Reception at the White House and told his guests– including Episcopal Church Bishop Eugene Robinson– that “there are still fellow citizens, perhaps neighbors or even family members and loved ones, who still hold fast to worn arguments and old attitudes; who fail to see your families like their families; and who would deny you the rights that most Americans take for granted. And I know this is painful and I know it can be heartbreaking.”

I will be joining Marcus Grodi on his EWTN Radio Show “Deep in Scripture” from 9:00-10:00 PM Eastern time Wednesday (today). You can listen — even watch the show on-line here now or at a later time!

We will be dissecting John 3:3-5; 14-16 and 36. They have to do with salvation, being born again, believing and obeying the gospel. I will argue with my former days as a Baptist, and explain why these biblical passages mean so much to me.

You can listen on-line at http://www.ewtn.com.

For additional resources, see my blog posts:
Are you Born Again?
What Does it Mean to Believe on the Lord Jesus?”
Pastor Bob Preaches the Word!
An Open Letter to Pastor Charles Stanley

Check out my book St. John’s Gospel: A Bible Study Guide & Commentary

Joe Reynolds is my videographer for the Footprints of God series now showing on EWTN. Recently he started Kolbe Productions, a non-profit to produce excellent and exciting Catholic video and TV projects. We are currently working on several projects together including Defenders of the Faith and a new pilgrimage DVD series.

The Catholic Sun interviewed Joe and I — and here is the interview!

Today I ran 10 miles in 92 minutes and weighed in at 152 pounds — down from 183 pounds on January 1.

Janet is doing this with me and rode her recumbent exercycle 21 miles today and weighed in at 114 pounds — down from 130 pounds on January 1. (We watched Evelyn while working out. A great movie!)

I have never felt better, though today I am a bit tired :-)  When people notice my weight loss they ask, “Did you get sick?” I say, “Yup, sick of being overweight, tired and out of shape!” Blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose and other factors are now all low and the doctor said I am in great shape — without using drugs.

My blog posts on our efforts: here and here. You can do it too!

Tests support belief that St. Paul’s tomb has been discovered, Pope reveals
http://www.catholicculture.org/news/headlines/index.cfm?storyid=3371
As he presided at ceremonies closing the Pauline Year, Pope Benedict XVI made the dramatic announcement that new scientific tests have strengthened the traditional belief that human remains buried beneath the altar of the Roman basilica of St. Paul-outside-the-Walls are those of St. Paul himself.

My Video Showing the end of St. Paul’s Life and the Place of his Bones which I Made Last October in Rome. Enjoy!

From the Pope’s words June 28, 2009: “Vatican City (AsiaNews) – With “great emotion” Benedict XVI announced that a recent scientific probe confirmed what Catholic tradition has always held, namely that the body of the Apostle Paul is located under the papal altar in the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls. The announcement was made today in the basilica itself during the homily of the First Vespers of the Feast Day of Saints Peter and Paul, which brings the Pauline Year to a close, a year that was held to celebrate 2,000 years since the birth of the Apostle of Tarsus.

The Pontiff said that recently the tomb was “subject to a scientific investigation. A small hole was drilled in the sarcophagus, unopened for centuries, and a probe was introduced. It found traces of a valuable purple fabric, in linen and gold layer-laminated, and a blue fabric with linen threads. Red incense grains and substances containing proteins and limestone were also discovered. Small fragments of bone were found and radiocarbon dated by experts who did not know their place of origin. Results indicate that they belong to someone who lived between the 1st and 2nd century A.D. This seems to confirm the unanimous and undisputed tradition according to which these are the mortal remains of the Apostle Paul. All this fills our soul with deep emotion.”

From friend and canon lawyer Ed Peters: L’OR and the Loss of Reason

“For most of my life L’Osservatore Romano has been a sleepy Roman rag that arrived weeks after its publication date, printed in cheap ink that soiled the fingers of those who felt the need to read page after page of boilerplate remarks on the latest ambassador from anywhere… But lately, L’OR has decided to become relevant. God help us.

“Having just emerged, battered moderately chastened after its embarrassingly naive and harmful editorial in praise of Pres. Obama, L’OR treats the world to a high-schoolish tribute to the highly talented and utterly pathetic entertainer Michael Jackson.

“Has L’OR completely lost its reason? Read more here: http://www.canonlaw.info/2009/06/lor-and-loss-of-reason.html

First, On Tuesday at 7:00-7:30 AM Eastern, I will be on Relevant Radio with Sean Herriott to discuss the Feast Day of the Roman Martyrs. These heroic saints died at the sadistic hand of Emperor Nero. We owe these predecessors and champions our greatest debt of honor and gratitude.

Roman author Taticus (c. 55 -117 AD) tells how Emperor Nero blamed the Christians in Rome for the fire that burned the city in 64 AD. Nero persecuted, tortured and murdered them. He even covered them with tar and burned them as lanterns for his garden. His vicious cruelty to Christians even caused sympathy among the most hardered enemies of the Christians.

To read the earliest writings about these heroic martyrs in Tacitus and St. Clement, click here.

Read my “rattle your cage” article, “Are You Prepared to Witness for Christ?“

To see our documentary on these first Christians, see “Apostolic Fathers: Handing on the Faith.”

***************************

Second, on Monday the Pope announced the results of tests on the bones under the altar in the Church of St. Paul outside the Walls in Rome. I have been there over thirty times with pilgrimages, filming documentaries, and exploring! On Tuesday from 3:00-3:30 PM Eastern I will join Al Kresta on Ave Maria Radio (and Guadalupe, Sirius Satellite, EWTN, internet, etc.) to discuss the church and the bones — confirmed by scientific dating to be from the first century — the bones of St. Paul! We will discuss the history and location of St. Paul’s bones. I will have pictures and videos to show it all on my blog at the time of the show!

For more on these sites, the tomb and the life of St. Paul, watch our DVD Paul, Contending for the Faith!

****************************

Third, on Wednesday evening from 9:00-10:00 PM Eastern I will be the guest on Marcus Grodi’s Deep in Scripture to discuss a passage of Scripture that compelled me to follow Christ. I still have to decide which passage to pick as I am floundering between John 3 and Romans 1.

You can join both shows on the internet or on Catholic Radio.

I have always loved watching birds and discovering every sort of animal and creature. Ove the last few years I’ve kept a list of all the birds and other critters I’ve seen. Many of them I encounter on my runs in the morning. Here is the list for those who might be interested.

Why do Catholics call their priest “Father” when Jesus said, “Call no man your father.” If you haven’t heard this question yet, some day you certainly will.

We must understand what Jesus was saying and why he was saying it in order to understand his words.

I was asked this question again and here is my reply.

The Insordescence of Archbishop Milingo Demands Response
Insordescence. It’s not a likable word. It’s not a likable thing. But Abp. Milingo is insordescent. And he needs to be dealt with.
Read how, here: http://www.canonlaw.info/2009/06/insordescence-of-abp-milingo-demands.html

Milingo schism grows with ordination of another bishop
http://www.catholicculture.org/news/headlines/index.cfm?storyid=3327
Archbishop Emmanuel Milingo, who incurred automatic excommunication in 2006 when he ordained four men bishops without Vatican approval, ordained Father Daniel Kasomo as a bishop of his “Married Priests Now” movement in a June 24 ceremony in Kenya. Bishop Martin Kivuva of Machakos suspended Father Kasomo after he admitted he had fathered children.

YouTube removes video exposing Planned Parenthood
http://www.catholicculture.org/news/headlines/index.cfm?storyid=3341
YouTube has removed a video that exposes unethical and possibly illegal counseling at a Planned Parenthood clinic, saying that posting of the video was in “violation of the YouTube Community Guidelines.” The video was submitted by Live Action, the student group that has used undercover investigations to document misconduct at several Planned Parenthood facilities. Lila Rose, the president of Live Action, said that the video should be made available on YouTube again. She explained: “YouTube’s own ‘Community Guideline Tips’ advise that intense or disturbing imaging should be ‘balanced with additional context and information,’ which is exactly what Live Action has done.”

… in their lawsuit against the IRS and the limitation of religious freedom.

http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=101775

Tonight I will be speaking on “A Virtual Tour of the Life of St. Paul” in Ann Arbor Michigan at Christ the King parish near Dominos Farms. To learn more visit their website at http://www.rc.net/lansing/ctk/ or call them at 734-665-5040. We begin at 7:00 PM.

I am doing this as a favor for Fr. Ed Fride who fifteen years ago received our whole family into full communion with the Catholic Church. Thanks Fr. Ed!

Relevant Radio 970 AM in Austin Texas invited me down to give a talk on St. Paul and with a fund-raiser for Relevant Radio. It was called “A Night with Steve Ray” and they filled the hall with standing room only. Here is a short YouTube video about the evening. Not real exciting — no camels, snakes or falling in the mud, but expecially for those who were there it will be fun to watch. It also gives an idea of how to organize a group to sponsor a cause and make it a fundraising success.

From News Release: Last Thursday Relevant Radio 970 presented author Steve Ray to a packed house at St Louis Parish of over 500 people. The event was a huge success with solid planning, preparation, execution and follow through. Congratulations to Ted Wrenn and the Austin team. Attached is the post event promo as well as the link to the site to watch some FlipVideo of the event including the special meet and greet buffet.

SSPX will proceed with ordinations despite Vatican warning
http://www.catholicculture.org/news/headlines/index.cfm?storyid=3289
The head of the traditionalist Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) has indicated that the group will go forward with priestly ordinations despite a warning from the Vatican that the ceremonies would be “illegitimate.” Bishop Bernard Fellay told <i>Die Presse</i> that only the German bishops saw the ordinations as “a provocation.” In spite of the cautionary statement from the Holy See, he claimed: “In Rome, there is sympathy for these ordinations.”

Three points on the recent SSPX ordinations
Ed Peters writes: I thought lifting the SSPX excommunications was meant to bring them closer to Catholic unity; instead, it seems to confirm their drifting more distant.
Read why here: http://www.canonlaw.info/2009/06/three-points-on-recent-sspx-ordinations.html

Progress in Catholic-Muslim relations stalled on religious freedom, says Vatican official
http://www.catholicculture.org/news/headlines/index.cfm?storyid=3290
The president of the Pontifical Council for Inter-Religious Dialogue has reported significant progress in dialogue between the Church and the Islamic world, but sees major roadblocks remaining. Speaking at a conference in Venice, Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran cited two major impediments. First, he said: “Even the most open-minded Muslim leaders are unable to get their fellow Muslims to accept that people have a right to change religion in accordance with their conscience.” Second, the political leadership of Saudi Arabia in particular refuses to budge on allowing freedom of worship for other faiths– leaving 2 million Catholic residents without legal access to the sacraments.

Copts (Christians) attacked by Muslims in violent conflict in Egyptian village
http://www.catholicculture.org/news/headlines/index.cfm?storyid=3298
At least 18 people required hospital treatment for injuries suffered in violent confrontations between Muslims and Coptic Christians in an Egyptian village, the French newspaper La Croix reports. The bloodshed occurred on June 21 when militant Muslims attacked a Coptic congregation at worship in the home of a priest in a remote village of southern Egypt– a region where such confrontations have taken place repeatedly in the past few years.

In three days a new movie will be released (June 26) entitled The Stoning of Soraya M starring Jim Caveziel (Jesus in the Passion of the Christ) and produced by Steve McEveety (producer of Braveheart, Bella, Passion of the Christ).

This looks like it will be a good movie and one Christians should support enthusiastically. It is an expose of Islam and the freedom of religion.

For an interview with the producer, click here.
For Faith & Family Review, click here.
For a trailer on the movie, click here.
Interview with Jim Caveziel here.

From 3:00-5:00 PM I (Steve Ray) will be hosting Al Kresta’s show live from the studios of Ave Maria Radio in Ann Arbor Michigan (see topics below). You can listen over the internet and learn more at Ave Maria Radio, but I will also be covered on live video cam from the studio (see directly below). If you can’t see the window below, click here for the video.

Watch live video from Kresta In The Afternoon’s channel on Justin.tv

1) 3:00-3:30 Steve will interview his friend and secretary to the Patriarch of Jerusalem, Fr. Vincent Nagle. We will discuss Christians living in Israel, the current political situation, safety for pilgrims visiting Israel, why he became a priest, what he does and much more. For more on pilmages with Steve, visit www.SteveGoes.com.

2) 3:30-4:00: Catholic Bible Study with Tami Palladino, convert to the Catholic Church and a teacher who uses the Catholic Scripture Study International program. CSS now has over 12,000 members in 40 countries — and growing. Steve writes studies for these classes.

3) 4:00-5:00: Dr. Robert Fastiggi, associate professor of Systemic Theology at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit. He holds a Masters Theology and a Ph.D. in Historical Theology from Fordham University. He is a good friend of mine and a great communicator. We will talk about Mary as the Mother of God and the contentious Council of Ephesus in 431 where she was declared the “theotokos” (picture of Council taken by Steve in Israel). For a picture of the ruins of the Council Church in Ephesus with Steve’s film crew, click here.

4) 5:00-5:40 Interview with Msgr. Stephen Rossetti to discuss the opening of the “Year of the Priest.” He is the author of Behold Your Mother, The Joy of Priesthood, and Born of the Eucharist (to release this September). Priest of the Diocese of Syracuse, New York, and a licensed psychologist. After graduating from the Air Force Academy in 1973, he spent six years as an intelligence officer. He is currently President and CEO of Saint Luke Institute, a treatment center for clergy and religious in Silver Spring, Maryland.

5) 5:40-6:00: Pre-recorded interview between Al Kresta and Fr. Bill Spencer. Fr. Bill is parish administrator for Our Lady of Lake Huron Parish in Harbor Beach, MI, ordained December 14, 2007 at 75 years old. He is the oldest man to be ordained for the Diocese of Saginaw and the first in the diocese to have been married before following the call to Holy Orders. He was married to Margaret Mary “Peg” Spencer for nearly 45 years until her death to cancer in July 2004.

Obama did not speak in defense of those protesting Iranian tyranny until public opinion forced him to do so — finally!

Under Pressure, Obama Calls on Iran to End Violence, ‘Unjust’ Actions
In a statement that appeared to answer his critics who wanted him to speak out more forcefully, President Obama called on Iran to stop the violence and unjust actions against its people.

How disappointing to have a spineless president who abandons those fighting for basic freedoms in Iran and doesn’t know what he should say until forced to by public opinion and until his tereprompter is set up.

This week I have been speaking in Austin Texas and College Station Texas (A & M University with an incredible number of priestly vocations!)  I came to support Catholic Radio — Ten Wrenn with Catholic Radio in Austin and Dennis Macha as he is well on his way to putting up an FM Catholic Radio station in College Station.

I spoke today at a Baptist church — well, let me explain. No Baptist church has ever invited me to speak, but like me, THIS Baptist church is a conver–not the congregation, but the building. It was built and used as a Baptist Church with the baptism dunking tank, the communion cup holders in the pews and all.

But this Baptist church building decided to convert and is today a Catholic Church! It has beautiful statues, a gorgeous crucifix, holy water fonts, a large marble altar and a tabernacle right in the center up front (see picture)! I felt right at home in more ways than one!

I started my conversion story this morning by saying that I was not the only one that converted — even this former Baptist church converted to the Catholic faith! I felt right at home!!

If your father is still alive, make sure you tell your dad how much you really love him. If he is no longer on this earth, pray for his soul.

Sirach 3 (removed from the Protestant Bible, but still in the Catholic Bible)

Children, pay heed to a father’s right; do so that you may live.
For the LORD sets a father in honor over his children; a mother’s authority he confirms over her sons.
He who honors his father atones for sins; he stores up riches who reveres his mother.
He who honors his father is gladdened by children, and when he prays he is heard.
He who reveres his father will live a long life; he obeys the LORD who brings comfort to his mother.He who fears the LORD honors his father, and serves his parents as rulers.
In word and deed honor your father that his blessing may come upon you;
For a father’s blessing gives a family firm roots, but a mother’s curse uproots the growing plant.
Glory not in your father’s shame, for his shame is no glory to you!
His father’s honor is a man’s glory; disgrace for her children, a mother’s shame.
My son, take care of your father when he is old; grieve him not as long as he lives.
Even if his mind fail, be considerate with him; revile him not in the fullness of your strength.
For kindness to a father will not be forgotten, it will serve as a sin offering — it will take lasting root.
In time of tribulation it will be recalled to your advantage, like warmth upon frost it will melt away your sins.
A blasphemer is he who despises his father; accursed of his Creator, he who angers his mother.

I am speaking in Texas 6 or 7 times this year! I am now on my way to Austin and College Station.

We need to get a few more people registered for our October Holy Land Pilgrimage. Anyone who can get twenty people to sign up can go for free Know any priests who would like to join us? Let me know.

Here is our new 11-minute video about our pilgrimages, explaining how safe they are, where we go, what kind of food we eat, and much more.

Now easily accessible on YouTube.

This idea of ‘once gay, always gay’ is a political position, not a scientific position” - http://zenit.org/article-26183?l=english

Repentant abortionist Bernard Nathanon comments on murdered abortionist George Tiller here.