From the Vatican

Vatican Approves Blessing for Child in the Womb

WASHINGTON, D.C., MARCH 29, 2012 (Zenit.org).- The Vatican has approved the publication of the Rite for the Blessing of a Child in the Womb, which will be printed in English and Spanish, according to a press release from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.


It will be published as a combine d booklet and should be available for parishes by Mothers' Day.


The approval came from the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments in Rome.


I'm impressed with the beauty of this blessing for human life in the womb, said Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, chairman of the Committee on Pro-Life Activities of the USCCB.


I can think of no better day to announce this news than on the feast of the Annunciation, when we remember Mary's 'yes' to God and the incarnation of that child in her the womb that saved the world.


The blessing was prepared to support parents awaiting the birth of a child, to encourage parish prayers for and recognition of the precious gift of the child in the womb, and to foster respect for human life within society. It can be offered within the context of the Mass as well as outside of Mass.

40 Days for LIfe in Bedford Square

And, a bishop, Bishop Alan Hopes, plus the pro-lifers, out-numbered the protesters two-to-one. Praise God for Life on this day, the beginning of Holy Week. This was on Day 39

Photo sent by Carole Smith of God's Precious Infants, Great Britain and the 40 Day for Life Team.
Robert Colquhoun, thanks and--Kudos.

Palm Sunday

What was the Blessed Virgin Mary doing when Christ was being hailed as a King?

April Night Sky

The April sky is a wonderful arena of various constellations which are well-known favorites. As Orion settles into the west, Betelgeuse is still one of the brightest objects. The constellatoins of Gemini, as mentioned below, Auriga, with the very bright star, Capella, Cepheus, Draco, Bootees and Hercules are obvious. Also, one of my favorites, Lyra hold the bright star Vega and M57 a Planetary Nebula. Tonight, look towards the North, Northwest, and Northeast for these, except Orion, which is in the far west, with Gemini right above Betelgeuse. Your point of reference is always the Big Dipper, also known as Ursa Major, or the Plough.

If you are looking south, Leo is obvious, with the bright star Regulus. Also to the West, you can see Cancer,  and Canis Major, with Procyon, a bright star. Virgo, with Spica is also up, and if you find Virgo, you will find Coma Bernices, between Bootes and Virgo. All these I have seen for two or three nights in France in the country. Orion is just setting.

The April sky will also, later in the month, witness the great meteor shower, the Lyrid, which one can see clearly around April 22nd. I saw one shooting star two days ago, and three in January, so I an waiting for this wonderful shower. The diagram shows where to look.