Uncategorized15 Jun 2006 11:37 am
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Welcome to Catholic Bridge Guestbook
Please post comments here. Sorry if previous comments were deleted. We changed servers to enable PodCasting.
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June 15th, 2006 at 11:37 am
Welcome to our new guestbook. Just write your message below.
June 15th, 2006 at 6:56 pm
What a GREAT site! It lifts up my spirits every time I read it!
June 19th, 2006 at 7:09 pm
I think this is an awesome resource for those of us who weren’t raised in the catholic faith, and have lots of questions. Your frank and upfront answers are great…and I look forward to visiting your site regularly. Thank you, especially, for your instruction on the rosary prayer, what Martin Luther says about the rosary, and what the rosary represents. I have always held reverence to the holy rosary, even though I’m not catholic. Your answers are what have been in my heart for a long time. Your invitation to pray to Jesus about Mary is significant…something many wouldn’t even think about. God bless you for your work in the Kingdom…
Sheri Hill
June 20th, 2006 at 12:31 pm
David—Has this site been accepted by the church—for authenticity; theologically appropriate, etc.
June 25th, 2006 at 10:33 am
Hi Don
This site does not have an Imprimatur… Having said that I can point you to reviews from prominent magisterial Catholics here http://www.davidmacd.com/catholic/review_catholic_site.htm
Including a private (non-official) endorsement from the vice Chancellor of our diocese
\”… it is an impressive piece of work. This, too, is an important tool in spreading the Faith. Your language and writing style is appropriate to your target audience.\” Deacon Eugene Margeson, Vice Chancellor, ArchDiocese of Ottawa (Not an \”official\” Diocese endorsement)
I strictly adhere to the teachings of the Church to the best of my ability. I have an open invitation to all Catholics to point out any errors that I may have. I will promply correct them if I find any item which is conflict with the Magisterium. I have been corrected on 2 or 3 subtle points of theology in 4 years and I promply corrected them.
Blessings
David MacDonald
http://www.CatholicBridge.com
July 4th, 2006 at 2:50 pm
Such a wonderful site you have ! So informative and uplifting . Your music
is so wonderful to listen to and it’s
also inspiring too .
As a young poetand dance student I realized that I must contimue on with my goals and follow through . I saw you perform at
Merciful Redeemer Parish in Mississauga
and you truly spoke encourging words .
God Bless you always
Antoinette
September 22nd, 2006 at 2:22 am
David,
This is an exceptionally well organized and clearly articulated web-site of catholic doctrine. I am blessed to have found this sight. I was not raised as a catholic but have always had a strong draw to learn the truth about catholic doctrine. Your web-site and my current life circumstances are allowing me to do this.
thanks
November 16th, 2006 at 2:08 pm
Having shared in only a fraction of what you have experienced, you have shown this to me to be an awesome vehicle for the Holy Spirit. When’s the movie of your life story coming out? I have always thought that Mel Gibson should do a story of the “prodigal son” — and your story fits right in — wish I was a producer! I just have to say: God has made you an instrument of peace! May God bless you and keep you safe, healthy and happy.
January 2nd, 2007 at 10:31 pm
This site is wonderful! I am a 40 year old married mother of 2, cradle Catholic and was goolging for my PSR class this weekend and your site came up. I love it!! You are truly an inspiration and font of information. Thank you!
January 18th, 2007 at 4:30 pm
Excellent site! Very inspiring and thought-provoking. I really appreciate the personal explanations of even the toughest issues. God Bless!
January 30th, 2007 at 8:05 am
May Our Lord bless you with both His Hands….keep it up!!!
January 31st, 2007 at 2:04 am
Hello There… I want to share something about your article about the homosexuality… and God
February 19th, 2007 at 5:06 pm
I have many questions reguarding infallibility, and praying to Mary. I cannot find an e-mail address on this site. I believe Mary was an important part of God’s plan.But, not to be prayed to.That’s like going through the middleman. Why not just go the source. If there is a part of the bible that states we need to pray to Mary, Id like to know. If not, I’d like to know why. As always, may god bless you. I hope you can tell me what I’m missing.
February 25th, 2007 at 1:04 pm
Hi Todd
These are good questions. I respond to the the infallibility question here.
http://www.davidmacd.com/catholic/pope.htm
Praying to Mary is here
Do Catholics Pray to Mary
Blessings
David MacDonald
http://www.CatholicBridge.com
March 9th, 2007 at 2:51 am
I want to say that it has been an unexpected and pleasant surprise to stumble onto this site. I was born into a catholic family that had (and still does to an extent) practice its faith, myself included. I considered myself atheist/agnostic for a period of about 6 years because in my youth I could not comprehend much of the fighting occurring in the name of religion. Ironically it was a woman I met once who claimed that because I was raised a Catholic I was never a Christian to begin with. I was an atheist at the time but still I wanted to look up something in the bible that would make her look like a fool. It’s probably the first time I’d crack open the book in a long time and read it, granted for selfish reasons. It was the first time I’d rediscovered the sermon on the mount and began my Journey towards God. a year or two later I returned to a priest at my old church confessed everything I could to him and returned to my roots stronger than ever. I enjoy finding sites like yours because it reminds me of that encounter with that girl. I think about her from time to time, and this site reminds me of the things we can do both catholic and protestant to bridge gaps and encourage the peace and wisdom that are found in Christ’s teachings. Thank you very much for the site and the extensive work. may God Bless you!
-FF
March 13th, 2007 at 11:23 pm
Very infomative, brought up as a catholic,so it has been along time since Iwent to aCATHOLIC CHURCH,GOOD memories. thank you. Penny Terrell
March 22nd, 2007 at 1:10 pm
The idea that our Christian belief should be divided ( Catholics, Baptist…ect) is not what Christ wanted. We must be united by the blood of Christ, and under the belief that through the blood of Jesus, we all have been saved. Evangelicals say the Catholic church is pagan, Mary is gaia, or whatever foolishness has been said is not only desrespectful, it is morally wrong,but who under God can judge. I tell you your condenming will fall on your own heads tenfold. Now, Martin Luthor took books out of the bible, who could do such a thing and with what authority?
March 22nd, 2007 at 1:14 pm
And for the record I am a roman catholic, and I dont pray to Mary, I ask Mary to pray for me. Peter was the first pope, and i dont think he was evangelical, was he. Jesus’ own words were that Peter or Caiphas ( Rock) would be the rock he built his church on. It is clear that you need more research, but look to the bible, rely not on men because all men are foolish, unity as Christians is the answer,regardless of your dinomination.
March 29th, 2007 at 8:24 pm
Hi David,
I was raised a Catholic in Maryland, a state that was predominantly Catholic at the time. I now live in North Carolina in the “Bible Belt.” Prior to living in the South, I had no idea that people had such disdain and misguided information about the Catholic faith. One of my close friends is an Evangelical Christian, and thanks to her strong faith she has brought me closer to Christ and my Catholic roots. (Us born into Catholicism can take it for granted
Lately my friend and I have been getting into friendly debates about the Church versus Evangelical beliefs. Due to these debates, I stumbled onto your site, and I love it! It helps me answer her questions that I had no idea people even thought. It’s been great to do research on the history of the Church, and make me realize that Catholicism is Christian church for me. For a while I was not sure whether it mattered, but after prayer and research I am positive that the Catholic Church is the Church Christ intended.
Thanks for helping me “bridge the gap” of misinformation between me and my friend.
Kristine
May 10th, 2007 at 2:46 pm
Hiya, I have so many questions about your wonderful site but I cant seem to find an E-mail adress for you.
if you could drop me an E-Mail some time it would be much appreciated.
Look forward to hearing more of your views and comments in the future. (Adress please!!!)
Lewis.
God Bless.
May 28th, 2007 at 5:02 pm
“MU DOGHA TEI” e’ la nuova musica e SEBA CHARMELLE e’ la nuova realta’ musicale da seguire.Portavoce di ritmo e cristianita’ dal Gabon in Italia.Non approfondire significherebbe non meritarsi artisti di questa levatura.Io di Charmelle mi sono innamorato in tutti i sensi.I LOVE YOU CHARMELLE.alex
May 30th, 2007 at 9:31 am
Peace be with you,you have a good webpage, please continue the good work. I need your help,I need the name of a guide to How to write a parish history(local catholic parish.).Thanking you for any help you can give me in this matter, I remai sincerely yours in Christ Geprge A. Aitken.
June 2nd, 2007 at 8:17 pm
I love Joan of Arc too. When I found out my professor didn’t like her and believed all that garbage about her as portrayed in the “Messenger”, I lost all respect for him.
June 9th, 2007 at 7:18 pm
I am so thankful for this site. I have been raised Protestant, but always had secret leanings toward and many questions about the Catholic church. I am beginning to understand that some of my thinking about them was predjudicial and wrong. I have had many questions answered and my mind has been opened to learning more. Thank you for being the bridge that I needed to correct my views of Catholicism.
June 16th, 2007 at 2:13 am
I have just spent my entire night at work(yep,at work.Night shift) reading your entire site.Thank you so much.What a great site for a new beleiver of the Catholic faith.Thanks and God Bless.
shine,tim
June 17th, 2007 at 4:39 pm
I get many new thoghts and new arguments for the catolic faith, I converted in 2001 from protestantism. You have lay down a lot of your self in this site, on storie a like was that how you fund you music agian. Thanks and God Bless You.
Robert
June 24th, 2007 at 1:22 am
all’insegna della stravaganza musicale ma con tanto mestiere alle spalle si e’ tenuta stasera la performance dal vivo alla libreria Bibli di Roma di Alessandro Maugeri coadiuvato dalla bella Charmelle,chanteuse gabonese che ha tralaltro cantato e recitato brani in lingua del suo paese ma anche in italiano.con loro c’era pure un giovane e promettente percussionista del Togo.emozioni multietniche e attimi intimisti.val la pena di seguire i passi del duo.
P.M.
June 27th, 2007 at 10:08 am
I am not Catholic, but have many friends who are. Throughout my life I’ve been trying to understand the religion with regards to the basic teachings of the Bible and here’s my questions. With regards to celibacy, I believe it is a direct slap in the face to God. God gave us these bodies so that we could reproduce and also enjoy the process, and to deliberately deny ourselves that is a slap in the face of the Lord’s gift to us. Forcing your body to do something it was not meant to do causes problems (psychological and physical). It’s repression. Also, with regards to your comments on statues, people aren’t worshiping the “art” of the statue, they’re worshiping the Saint it represents which is therefore idol worship. Praying through singing (as in music) is not even a close comparison to praying to a statue. I love art and statues and especially the intricacies and the beauty of Catholic churches, but I see worship and praying to such saints or anyone other than our Lord as idolotry which I believe is considered blasphemy? Does anyone agree with my point of view?
June 27th, 2007 at 11:28 am
Hi Ann
This message board is not for apologetics debates. I’ve been celebate for 20 years and it hasn’t done me a bit of harm. In fact I’m healthier, happier, more productive, more creative, almost never get sick, and my prayer life rocks. If GOd made us to manditorily have sex, then he wouldn’t have recommended celebacy in the Bible.
Matthew 19:10-12
1 Cor 7:6-9
1 Cor 7:24-35
1 Cor 7:38-40
A dictionary definition of “pray” is to request. “I pray thee” In french they say it all the time… I think asking a Saint for prayer is just as good or better as asking you for prayer…
July 1st, 2007 at 9:51 am
I’m so glad I came upon this website. I was baptized catholic, but was not practicing until recently and there are a lot of questions I have about my religion. Within the first few paragraphs of reading I already had answers. I will definitely keep coming back. Thank you so much.
August 13th, 2007 at 1:52 pm
Hi. I was just reading up on the issue of pre-marital sex. I have recently become a christian and am finding it all a bit of a minefield. I agree that sex before marriage makes things more complicated and should remain within the confines of a loving and stable relationship but I thought that before I became a christian. From what I can see your views are simply opinion and not fully based on scripture. It upsets me that you have resorted to scare mongering tactics to persuade people of your views. Do you have no other statistics than the high school girls with warts? How many times was that one statistic quoted??!
You mention that more marriages break down when the couples have had pre-marital sex or have lived together, where is the data to back that up? Are you making sweeping assumptions? Thats the impression I got from your site. You may well be correct but it would be helpful if you could quote where your getting this information from. I know that if I quoted that in a debate the person I was debating with would ask me straight away where I got that from. It’d be good to know I’m quoting solid good quality resources.
I’d love for you to email me in response to this.
August 26th, 2007 at 5:43 pm
I found your site during a search for some research on the myth of the selling of indulgences….and before I knew it I wasn’t only reading what your article on indulgences, but a lot of other incredibly interesting material also. I’ve really enjoyed my visit. I’d never heard of you before, but I’m sure I won’t forget your testimony, or your beautiful music.
God Bless you endeavours to walk in the light of the Lord. I too am a living testament of God’s love and perseverence. I can’t tell you how many doors I slammed on God before I finally let Him in to my life. But the past is only a part of the journey, the best is yet to come.
August 26th, 2007 at 11:20 pm
Hey David!!
Rock the Mounnt was awesome!!
Thank you so much for your testamony and music!!
And you have really nice and so important website!! Thank you!
Where are the nice photos on your website, you told?
Be blessed,
Denis
August 27th, 2007 at 10:10 pm
David, I just read your whole testimony and am moved to tears! God bless you in your endeavors, and for being “a light” on the Internet, especially regarding the truth about Mary. I am a cradle Catholic, and like you, a sensitive artist. I’ve been reading a lot of hurtful things on the web lately that had me doubting my faith. I don’t think it’s an “accident” that I came across your website. This cradle Catholic will keep you in her prayers and I hope you say one for me too.
Lisa
September 18th, 2007 at 8:06 am
Hi David! I have really enjoyed reading your site. I was raised Catholic, but strayed from my faith many, many years ago. I have started to go to bible classes lately, but I feel uncomfortable in doing this. The reason being they are not Catholic, hence I hear a lot of hurtful and untruth preached about the Catholic church. I have made the decision to go back to the Catholic church where I feel I belong. I’m feeling so very confused God Bless
October 12th, 2007 at 11:58 am
Hi David! Although I am an Evangelical Charismatic Christian who loves the Lord, I really enjoy visiting your website. I learnt a lot about the Catholic Faith, so it inspires me to think about starting my journey back to the Catholic Church - that is, to go home to the Church! Praise God for your wonderful testimony!! I need some courage to tell my wife, who is totally against Catholicism, so your prayer is much needed. Thanks and God bless you.
October 22nd, 2007 at 5:43 pm
nice posts
October 29th, 2007 at 5:37 am
Hi David
As a missionary I enjoyed reading your website, i do not agree with the Catholic dogma but I can say that I can hear that you have a relationship with Christ. My experience with catholics are far from your testimony and I believe God placed you there to reach to those Catholics without a living faith. Be blessed and may your search for unity and more of God lead you to greater understanding of the Bible.
November 21st, 2007 at 2:58 pm
Hey there David,
Thanks to you and your music my kids are now singing the Apostles Creed daily! You made quite am impression here in Moncton… I hadn’t looked at your website before meeting you, but my husband is now devouring it. You speak with love on all of our differences between the faiths, and I know you are guided by the Holy Spirit. I pray any people of the protestant faith can hear these truths and not listen to the lies of the enemy on what they think the Catholic Church is all about. May God bless you David, our prayers our with you!
Cathy Jensen
November 25th, 2007 at 12:11 am
In paragraph 1036, the 1992 “Catechism of the Catholic Church” infallibly defines the doctrine that the eternally lost are many; and the eternally saved are few - even among Catholics. It does so by quoting Matthew 7:13-14. In Matthew 7:13-14 Christ is clearly saying that few Catholics are saved, since he is clearly speaking to those who hear and know him. The doctrine that few Catholics are saved, only involves those who have reached the age of reason, and can choose between good and evil. All who die as baptized infants are saved. A catechism is a summary of doctrine. The “Catechism of the Catholic Church” is a universal catechism, imposed on the Universal Church, by Pope John Paul 11. A Pope cannot impose errant doctrine on the Universal Church. Therefore, the doctrine that few Catholics are saved, is infallible. The Saints always taught that few Catholics are saved, therefore, people made greater efforts to save their souls. As a result, many souls were saved. The Saints always pointed out that Matthew 7:13-14 teaches that few Cathoics are saved. I believe that it is time for us to follow the example of the Saints, and to defend the doctrine that the lost are many and the saved are few - even among Catholics.
November 28th, 2007 at 7:14 pm
I recently finished watching “Monty Python and the Holy Grail”.
Could anyone tell me what the ball on the chain is? The thing that smoke comes out of and you swing it?
December 1st, 2007 at 3:00 pm
i need your publication date for my school history day bibliography.
Thx,
Delaney
p.s. i need it in the next week or sometime before the 14 of December. Thans
December 2nd, 2007 at 8:09 pm
This is a web site. There is no publication date really… I continually update and tweak articles online. But for the sake of the project say any date between 2003 and today.
December 17th, 2007 at 11:17 am
David, thank you for helping be a bridge between Catholics and Protestants. I have heard God is especially of late bringing us together. In this move of God there is a revival of interest in the Spiritual Masters. For the Catholics it is a revisitng. For many Protestants it is a first time discovery. The result will be phenomenal.
December 25th, 2007 at 9:55 pm
I stumbled onto your website while looking for information on the Mass. Enjoyed reading your testimony and am looking forward to reading more of your site. I am a evangelical protestant minister trying to understand more about our similarities while praying for unity in the holy catholic church. Just think what power we would experience with the Holy Spirit operating in a unified church! Keep up the good work.
January 6th, 2008 at 5:26 pm
Wow! What an absolutely wonderful web page! It,its now my start page! As the only member of my family to convert to Catholicism, I need encouragement from time to to time, CatholicBridge. com is a first rate place to get it… Thank you!
January 6th, 2008 at 5:27 pm
Wow! What an absolutely wonderful web page! It,its now my start page! As the only member of my family to convert to Catholicism, I need encouragement from time to to time, CatholicBridge. com is a first rate place to get it… Thank you!
January 9th, 2008 at 12:32 pm
David, I congratulate you and think tnat you’re blessed by God because the Holy Spirit guides your life and inspires you to do so wonderful work.
Thanks so much. I read your web site every day since I found it, the problem I have is when I read the Bible words, sometimes I don’t understand because English is my second language, so I have to read those words in my Spanish Bible.
How I would like that young people read your testimony because in my country there are a lot of people that are going to the evangelicals.
God bless you!
January 12th, 2008 at 4:14 pm
Great site! Encouraging!
January 15th, 2008 at 8:28 pm
Hey Dave! I just stumbled upon your website today doing some research for an argumentative essay I’m writing regarding the appropriateness of the use of more modern styles of music in the mass. I just read your “Letter to a Tradionalist, Is Modern Music OK With God?” and found it to be a big help. It was not only informative but also inspiring (especially the testimonial parts). The essay I am writing is for the freshman writing course I’m taking at Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Academy in Barry’s Bay. Yeah that’s right, I’m a student at OLSWA! And it’s so good. You should come visit us some time maybe. We’ve started a pro-life club at the Academy this year too, and have been thinking of who we could get to come speak for us, perhaps you’d be interested in coming to share your testimony at the Academy one of these days? It’d be great to have ya.
Well, God Bless you my friend, thanks for being God’s instrument! Let’s pray for each other.
January 23rd, 2008 at 10:27 pm
What a powerful witness to true Christianity! Thanks so much for your rare, down-to-earth approach to difficult topics. Very inspiring to me as a young Catholic Christian!!
February 20th, 2008 at 5:25 pm
I see that you have a heart for the Lord. Christian are Christ Followers. God Bless you all.
March 2nd, 2008 at 1:36 am
Hey Dav…thanks for coming to the youth weekend last week at Bishop Morrocco high skool, you gave an awsome testimony, the music was awsome and uplifting…May the Holy Spirit continue to work within you to reach out to other people that the def may hear and the blind may see…. May mother mary always be with you and keep you under her mantle of love, and may Jesus pour down upon you his many blessings and graces..God Bless you…PEACE……….Josie
March 2nd, 2008 at 1:37 am
Hey Dav…thanks for coming to the youth weekend last week at Bishop Morrocco high skool, you gave an awsome testimony, the music was awsome and uplifting…May the Holy Spirit continue to work within you to reach out to other people that the def may hear and the blind may see…. May mother mary always be with you and keep you under her mantle of love, and may Jesus pour down upon you his many blessings and graces..God Bless you…PEACE……….Josie
March 3rd, 2008 at 3:13 pm
I have a question and cannot find the answer anywhere. I hope you can help me. What is the significance of a statue being cast with it’s hands over it’s eyes? In a church in Louisianna, EVERY statue in the church, including the very large one of the Blessed Mother out front, had their hands over their eyes. I have asked my family members, one of whom is a Jesuit priest, and even he has no idea. The Church is in Jeanerette LA and we saw this interesting phenomenon a couple of years ago while in Lafayette doing hurricane clean-up. I would love to understand. Thank you for taking the time at least to read my inquiry.
March 13th, 2008 at 9:40 am
I am so very grateful for your site as I return to my Catholic upbringing as a child. As I restore my spiritual self, and ask for forgiveness, I find your site answers many of the questions I have-as well of those posed to me by non-Catholic Christians. Thank you so much, and may God Bless you!
April 12th, 2008 at 9:48 am
This is truly an awesome reference tool,not only for cradle Catholics such as I, but for anyone else who is contemplating on becoming a Catholic. Now my question to you David is this: Do you think that Jesus, (who in the eyes of every Christian is the Grand Redeemer), would have forgiven Hitler for all of his heinous crimes, if he had asked Jesus in his last dying breath? I asked a nun this question in my RCIA class, and she said unequivocally “yes”. Thank you so much for all the work you’ve done to keep us informed. May God bless you!
April 13th, 2008 at 4:26 pm
I agree with the nun, but if Hitler repented he would have had a seriously painful experience in Purgatory. However, the Church from its foundations has never declared anyone in hell, we leave that for God to decide.
Blessings
David MacDonald
April 15th, 2008 at 8:34 pm
WOW, what a great site. I was brought up catholic and I have been trying to explain our religion to my children. This is on my Favorites. I also downloaded the rosary so I can listen to it/say it on my trips. Thanks
April 25th, 2008 at 10:04 am
You have a wonderful Catholic web site! Keep up your good work for the Lord and our Church! I wish you all God’s blessings!
April 25th, 2008 at 10:04 am
You have a wonderful Catholic web site! Keep up your good work for the Lord and our Church! I wish you all God’s blessings!
April 26th, 2008 at 4:57 am
thank you and god bless
after getting through the site i feel i can shut the mouth of those who speak against the church.
THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS
April 26th, 2008 at 4:58 am
thank you and god bless
after getting through the site i feel i can shut the mouth of those who speak against the church.
THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS
May 5th, 2008 at 10:43 pm
David,
Thank you for an excellent website with an abundance of useful information, especially for my protestant friends and family who sometimes (usually) do not understand what Catholics believe. It’s very frustrating that protestant “preachers” constantly spew inaccurate information from the pulpits.
Your photos of Europe and the Canadian Rockies are beautiful as well.
Blessings,
Sandra
May 22nd, 2008 at 11:03 am
You have a great website and I’m glad to meet your webpage.
May 27th, 2008 at 1:59 pm
David I have to thank you for your site, I live in Montreal, I have been trying to get closer to God in a more spiritual maner, I just have to say that when hearing the first part of your testimony I felt the Holy Wind of the Holy Ghost invade my body and started crying, then you mention it on another part of your testimony that was AWESOME. Although I have been almost all of my life a Catholic what’s pushing me closer is that I have a Baptist girlfriend and due to obvious problems I have been making more of an insight to our beliefs. We might end up together or not it will be God’s will, but your site will help me explain many things that I felt powerless on how to phrase.
May God bless you all and the Virgin Mary accompany you.
June 3rd, 2008 at 1:02 am
After reading through your site for well over an hour, I forget how I even came across it. I have had many questions about the Catholic church for a while now, and it is nice to read answers that make sense. Not living in a heavily Catholic area, I’ve heard many negative and confusing things about Catholicism. Like you wrote, I’ve heard people say the Catholic church is not even Christian. While I still may not understand or agree with all of it, I respect it and find truth in all that I read here tonight. So, thank you for helping me understand. Honestly when it comes to the big picture my baptist/pentacostal/non-denominational influenced perspective is not far from your own (but I also do reading and searching on my own like here). I want to see all Christians (Catholic and Protestant) to join hands. We can do more together than we could ever dream of doing apart. Thanks, and I’m sure I’ll be back to read more…
July 27th, 2008 at 8:59 pm
David,
I believe I was handed a card by you when my pilgrim group from Louisiana (usa) was in the Sydney airport about to catch a flight to New Zealand. Thanks for being a fellow pilgrim and for your witness to Jesus through this website. Keep up the good work.
God Bless!
August 23rd, 2008 at 9:06 am
Hi David
Thank you for such an informative website. I came across it by accident (or Providence,or Grace??). It has rekindled my faith. I have been a nominal Catholic for several years now, just going to Church out of obligation.
When are you coming to Australia? I live in a remote part of Western Queensland. We have no priest, hence Mass is maybe once every three months if we are lucky.
May God keep you safe and well.
Marina
August 28th, 2008 at 5:20 am
I wish to thank you from the very bottom of my heart, for making an effort to shorten the bridge between Catholics and Protestants.
I’m a recently confirmed (April 2008) Catholic teenager, and a question my catechist raised to the class 3 weeks before he sent us off was,’6 years from now where do you see yourself as a Catholic?’ and I said I wanted to defend the faith.
I’ve had my share of painfully frustrating and offending instances where my Protestant friends raise open insults to harmless curious questions and I am left speechless, not knowing what to say how to react. So many questions they ask, with so much things they already have on their mind ready to rebut me with. And I have to say my shallow knowledge of the faith and passive stand I take on religious matters don’t help me out. I am awfully proud to be a Catholic, but I realise I shy away about my faith when questions get deeper. I think it’s because i get terribly annoyed when Protestants evangelise day in day out in the wrong company, rattle on and on about their church, its activities and everything so I simply refuse to be like them. see, where I grow up in is a multi-religious society, so I believe in respecting all other religions but I find it extremely difficult with the Protestants, ironically. I feel so powerless.
Even from my mother’s time when she was studying in a Catholic all-girls’ school, the influence of Protestant Christianity grew so strong that they started preaching and evangelising in a catholic school, even. She and her friends approached the nuns and priests in the school for help and they said to pray.
It’s upsetting to see things like that happening (im sorry if i’ve abused this opportunity to sign on the guestbook, i just get so angry >=@) and so I want to thank you, because after reading your answers, the answers that I’ve been lacking all this while, I feel like maybe I can do this. maybe I can finally stand up and defend my faith when the time calls for it.
God Bless!
August 28th, 2008 at 5:28 am
I wish to apologise if I have offended anyone, anyone at all, in my earlier post.
I really hope that someday, Protestant and Catholic beliefs, differences and all, can walk side by side
Thank you for your effort!
September 5th, 2008 at 2:07 pm
I really love your site, god bless you for all your work. I thought my readers would also love your site so I put a link on my home page to your site.
Your Servant
John Hale
636-464-5916
1534 Lakewood landing Apt 105
Imperial MO 63052
johnhenrykane@claccp.org
http://www.claccp.org (Celebrating Life As a Catholic Christian Process)
September 12th, 2008 at 1:19 am
Your website is beautiful and has answered so many of my questions. I shall be a regular visitor. Thank you so much for your wonderful work. God bless you.
October 14th, 2008 at 12:00 am
Amazing!! One of the greatest, informative websites on understanding the Catholic faith. Thank-you David for this wonderful gift.
October 14th, 2008 at 12:00 am
Amazing!! One of the greatest, informative websites on understanding the Catholic faith. Thank-you David for this wonderful gift.
October 15th, 2008 at 9:44 am
Hi! Great website! I think someone should tell all these women who want to be priests that there is in the Catholic church 2 vocations that are CLOSED TO MEN:
1. The vocation of consecrated virgin(sorry guys, women only)
2.Carrying and giving birth to a baby
Since there are two vocations closed to women: priesthood and diaconate, I think that makes women and men even in the church!!!
The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world.
Yet we don’t see Catholic men clamoring to become consecrated virgins or wanting to be pregnant. This shows just how stupid it is for a woman to want to be a priest or deacon.
Emily, consecrated laywoman, NC
November 9th, 2008 at 1:17 am
i found your web page googling “Mary.” thanks so much for sharing your experience with her, and for your well-thought out and clear entries about her. I very much appreciate it.
I grew up with a difficult relationship with my mother—and that still effects my relationships with a lot of women. Since I’ve been a Christian, I too have experienced healing, ‘miracles’ to use your word, —and I have felt for a long time like God wants to heal this mother wound in me. For the last two + years, I’ve been looking into the idea of “church as mother,” “God as Mother.” My evangelical seminary library didn’t have very much about it. And then just yesterday, I wandered into a Carmelite chapel to pray, and someone approached me and asked me if I wanted a supplice (sp)? She told me that the Carmelites wear this, and that they pray what Mother Teresa prays—”Mary, come be mother to me.”
Something about that resonated in me, but i was very hesitant, so I prayed to God to see if it was okay. And then I tried it, and something in my heart resonated again—-but i am too scared in that mode, since i have no understanding behind it, very little framework.
So I EXTREMELY appreciate your testimony about your experience with Mary, and your Evangelical-tailored answers. If you know anything about this Carmelite prayer–I would very much appreciate your thoughts as well.
Thank you. Thank you.
December 2nd, 2008 at 4:06 pm
Thank you David for your online dedication. Your site is wonderful in that it appeals to Catholics, Christians, and all those who love and respect humanity, (and those that should, to say the least.) It contains a plethora of information, messages and answers. To share one of my beliefs, we are in the hands of the Lord. I am ever so grateful in the way in which the Catholic church celebrates humanity. It’s very beautiful and brings deep meaning to our existence. Thank you for letting me write my thought with you all. With love, Paul, Natallia and Vivian.
December 10th, 2008 at 1:10 am
Thank you so much for all this awesome information!! I am an Evangelical and of course I have heard so much “bad” about Catholicism. Just recently I have met someone who is a “real” Catholic - he really believes and loves the Lord; so I decided to really do some studying about the Church. And of course I had a lot of misconceptions about this “sect”. Your site has been such a blessing and now I understand more of how you believe. We are not so different after all! God is so good! Keep up the great work.
December 28th, 2008 at 10:39 pm
I am so impressed with the information on this site! I was raised Catholic. I currently attend a Methodist Church. I firmly beleive that All Christian religions have valid things to offer but lose their message when arguing with one another. This site reconciles many of the differences and has really helped me in my personal faith walk. THANK YOU for the great work.
God Bless
January 22nd, 2009 at 2:24 pm
What a wonderful website! It has answered more questions about Catholic tradition than I intended to ask. I am constantly amazed at the lack of Protestant interest in the early church. And then when they see the origins of Christianity are Catholic one of two things happen 1) A Protestant either recoils in horror never to learn anything more about the magnificient lives of the first Christians 2) One humbly realizes the Church that Christ built through Peter and Paul is the Catholic Church. Thank you David for your hard work. Anytime I read the words of Justin Martyr, Ignatuis of Antioch, Irenaeus of Lyons, and other Church Fathers I am overjoyed that no one can say Christ failed in his mission to establish his Church on earth. Catholic Bridge is at the top of MY Favorites.
January 22nd, 2009 at 2:25 pm
What a wonderful website! It has answered more questions about Catholic tradition than I intended to ask. I am constantly amazed at the lack of Protestant interest in the early church. And then when they see the origins of Christianity are Catholic one of two things happen 1) A Protestant either recoils in horror never to learn anything more about the magnificient lives of the first Christians 2) One humbly realizes the Church that Christ built through Peter and Paul is the Catholic Church. Thank you David for your hard work. Anytime I read the words of Justin Martyr, Ignatuis of Antioch, Irenaeus of Lyons, and other Church Fathers I am overjoyed that no one can say Christ failed in his mission to establish his Church on earth. Catholic Bridge is at the top of MY Favorites.
January 23rd, 2009 at 7:00 pm
Thank you so much for this website! I have a lot of Protestant friends that have a lot of questions. I recently ran into the site and have been using it to answer many of their questions. I love the variety of topics. Besides answering questions, this site has also strengthened my own faith. Thanks David!
P.S. Your personal story is inspirational!
January 25th, 2009 at 8:41 pm
Thank God I found a website like yours where ordinary people like me really need help. I had a miserable year last year, medically, and in the process lost a great job. I had taken my eyes from God while I worked there and He brought me down. Now I have a miserable job, one I will probably lose this week, and in the process I searched the web and found your site. I have saved it and study it. I am giving my life back to Christ and this is difficult because we fall back to old ways when life is tough. I need to go forward and accept whatever happens. I pray God and Christ will be with me through this journey, because it is a lonely trip, man. Thank you and God Bless with your many studies I have seen so far.
February 27th, 2009 at 9:21 pm
Thank you so much for putting this site together.
At school, one of my best friends is a very faithful pentecostal christian, and at times she accidentally pressures me into doubting my Catholic faith. As much as I love God, I haven’t memorized the entire bible the way she has. With your easy explanations, I find a basis to rebuttal against her, and express the truth that has always been in my heart in an evidential and honest way.
Thank you for putting into words the awesomeness I cannot explain.
February 28th, 2009 at 1:04 pm
Blessings to you and yours!
March 3rd, 2009 at 9:25 pm
Hey David,
I am not a Catholic but a protestant but I just want to encourage you because I think your website is beautiful and relevant. I am so amazed how God lifted you out of those difficult situations and brought you to a loving, living relationship with him. Although we may disagree theologically we are all God’s children and I am pleased that I found your website.
Just keep focus on him and remember all the glory is his.
Psalm 119:1 ‘Not for us lord, not for us but for your glory because of your love and faithfulness’
God Bless and keep serving him.
March 5th, 2009 at 4:50 pm
I just wanted to say that you are so very blessed. May God continue to bless you and guide you through. I’ve been visiting your website for years and have shared it with others because it is so informative and I admire you for being so strong in your faith. All glory and praise to God for using you!
March 13th, 2009 at 10:34 am
Have only read one article so far. Beautiful, “fair spoken and persuasive”. So rare to find, encouraging and hopeful !
Thank you
Joe McMaster
March 19th, 2009 at 2:52 pm
Why is it important for the Hungarian nation…
Why is it important for the Hungarian nation to have a Hungarian based Pauline order? Pauline fathers in the Americas missionary work end service in the new world
http://jozsef-kutasi.de/blogger/palospassioen.pdf Istvan Bakk said.
István Bakk: Why is it important for the Hungarian nation to have a Hungarian based Pauline order?
… The monastery was built in Szentkereszt (Holy Cross) and Eusebius became the first Father Rector. Eusebius, under Thomas Aquinas’ support requested permission to adopt the Rule of St. Augustine from Urban IV, which was not received and documented until 13th December 1308…
http://lsogor.com/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?topic_id=129&forum=11
http://www.tvthrong.ca/canadian-idol/dwight-deons-top-4-performances
István Bakk: Why is it important for the Hungarian nation to have a
Hungarian based Pauline order?
The founder of the Hungarian Pauline Fathers, Özseb, whose name is probably derived from the first Pannonian martyr, Eusebius gained martyrdom under the rule of Valerianus (235-259).
Özséb/Eusebius requested permission from Cardinal Vancsay to form the Pauline Order due to his disappointment of the Andrew II and Béla IV’s leadership after the destruction caused by the Tatars.
A vision of his work confirmed everything for him and the order’s main centre was established and built in 1250. The monastery was built in Szentkereszt (Holy Cross) and Eusebius became the first Father Rector.
Eusebius, under Thomas Aquinas’ support requested permission to adopt the Rule of St. Augustine from Urban IV, which was not received and documented until 13th December 1308.
The Pauline Fathers are the only Hungarian order of monks founded in Hungary itself.
After the death of Eusebius the Hungarian Paulines spread rapidly, and the generosity of King Matthias, who was the most famous Renaissance ruler of the time and possessor of the Holy Crown, supported the order.
The order also obtained Fehéregyház, where Árpad the Magyar Chief, who settled Hungary is buried, thus enabling the order to guard Árpad’s tomb.
At this particular monastery, Mátyás Bakk became the first provost, who also has relatives living in Szekélyland to the present day. In that time there were up to 69 monasteries, although later the number reached 170 in the Hungarian region.
On 15th January 1467 the day when the king defeated Ali Begh St. Paul the Hermit was made a Hungarian patron saint by the king. The name giver to the order, St. Paul the Hermit became defender and protector of the king both internally and the whole region.
Not only were scholars invited to the country by the king, but also church leaders, which explains how Rodrigo Borgia Archbishop of Eger and Abbot of Pétervárád became prelate of Hungary. Incidentally, he also became Pope Alexander VI, and during his time Queen Isabella of Spain, relative of the House of Árpád Kings requested the Paulines to travel to the New World with Columbus.
On October 12th 1492, Columbus landed in America, and according to Alexander IV, we can clearly see that the Hungarian Pauline Order were the first spreaders of the faith, and were also the first bridge builders between Europe and America.
Pauline monasteries could also be found in many European countries such as Austria, Croatia, Portugal, Spain, Poland and many others besides.
The Pauline Fathers from all their monasteries had to meet at a convention, which took place near Buda at a place called Szentlőrinc (now Buda Szentlőrinc). The provost, the superior of and two delegates all the monasteries in each diocese arrived at the meeting every fourth, or rather every eighth year at the main monastery in Hungary.
The Ottoman invasion of Hungary was fatal for the Pauline order later on, as the powerful independent base of the order was lost.
The meeting of the order was moved to the monastery at Máriavölgy due to the destruction of the main Szentlorinc monastery by the Ottomans.
The country split into three and in the eastern region a new king was chosen, John I, who had previously been the voivod (leader) of the same place.
In the western region the younger brother of Charles V was crowned, and became King Ferdinand.
King John, who was struggling with many difficulties, requested the help of provost Brother György, who was made voivod of Transylvania, and who at that time was also cardinal and bishop of Várád, as well as being treasurer and the most well known politician. He negotiated with Bishop Wese, who was the representative of Charles V and Wese tried to convince him to hand over the eastern region.
Brother György, (Bishop of Nagyvárad, Voivod of Transylvania, Cardinal and Archbishop of Esztergom) in virtue of his responsible position was unable to bring about a decision which would have been against the nation’s interests. Neither corruption or bribery, nor treason could change his mind.
György’s ambition to reunite the country did not come true, due to the historical situation of the region. Only Transylvania’s independence could guarantee the avoidance of the Ottoman invasion.
After the unsuccessful negotiation, Charles V and King Ferdinand, members of the Habsburg family murdered Brother György Alvincen Martinuzzi on the night of December 16th, 1551.
The news of the murdered Archbishop of Esztergom shocked Europe.
Along with the murder came the looting of Transylvania’s treasures.
With the invasion of the Ottomans, the Paulines moved to Poland. And due to the increasing strength of the Polish Paulines a split from the Hungarian order took place in 1784. The Polish king Stanislaw August Poniatowski had caused the break away process by his claims. That is why the diocese of the order separated from Hungary, as well as the Father Rector in 1784. The beginning of Pope Pius VI’s breviary “Apostolicae Sedis auctoritas” stated that the Polish diocese of the order is separated from the main Hungarian one.
Franz Joseph II dissolved all religious orders, including the Paulines in 1786.
Although, the dissolution act of 1786 was withdrawn in 1790 it did not include the Paulines.
The order tried to re-establish itself in 1864, 1902, 1918 and in 1934.
Then in 1989 through Fr. Vince Árva of Pilisszántó the order was re-established, and the beatification process of Blessed Eusebius was pushed forward. Not only this, but he also hopes that the Polish order’s rule of the ancient order will cease and a new Hungarian leadership and centre will be established.
On February 8th, 2008 Fr. Vince Árva sent a letter to Pope Benedict XVI giving an account the work involved in the beatification process of Blessed Eusebius, and the other necessary documentation required in the process.
Istvan Bakk
http://www.palospassio.hu
March 19th, 2009 at 3:12 pm
On February 8th, 2008 Fr. Vince Árva sent a letter to Pope Benedict XVI giving an account the work involved in the beatification process of Blessed Eusebius, and the other necessary documentation required in the process.
To letter to Pope Benedict XVI.
http://kutasi.blogspot.com/2008/07/1071-szentsge-xvi-benedek-ppa-eure.html
March 27th, 2009 at 3:30 pm
I wish to express to you my deep and abiding gratitude for this initiative. For me, it is grace. All what i have read in this ssite has been of great help to me, especially in the defense of my faith. Thank You so much!
March 27th, 2009 at 3:36 pm
Hi, please as you did for pre-marital sex, kindly say something about the scourge of Pornograhy which is ravaging our society today. Thanks!
April 10th, 2009 at 4:26 pm
WHAT ABOUT WICLIF AND JEROME WHY WERE THEY BURNED TO DEATH?
April 10th, 2009 at 4:26 pm
WHAT ABOUT WICLIF AND JEROME WHY WERE THEY BURNED TO DEATH?
April 10th, 2009 at 4:31 pm
Why is it important for the Hungarian nation…
Why is it important for the Hungarian nation to have a Hungarian based Pauline order? Pauline fathers in the Americas missionary work end service in the new world
http://jozsef-kutasi.de/blogger/palospassioen.pdf Istvan Bakk said.
István Bakk: Why is it important for the Hungarian nation to have a Hungarian based Pauline order? … The monastery was built in Szentkereszt (Holy Cross) and Eusebius became the first Father Rector. Eusebius, under Thomas Aquinas’ support requested permission to adopt the Rule of St. Augustine from Urban IV, which was not received and documented until 13th December 1308…
http://www.tvthrong.ca/canadian-idol/dwight-deons-top-4-performances
István Bakk: Why is it important for the Hungarian nation to have a
Hungarian based Pauline order?
The founder of the Hungarian Pauline Fathers, Özseb, whose name is probably derived from the first Pannonian martyr, Eusebius gained martyrdom under the rule of Valerianus (235-259).
Özséb/Eusebius requested permission from Cardinal Vancsay to form the Pauline Order due to his disappointment of the Andrew II and Béla IV’s leadership after the destruction caused by the Tatars.
A vision of his work confirmed everything for him and the order’s main centre was established and built in 1250. The monastery was built in Szentkereszt (Holy Cross) and Eusebius became the first Father Rector.
Eusebius, under Thomas Aquinas’ support requested permission to adopt the Rule of St. Augustine from Urban IV, which was not received and documented until 13th December 1308.
The Pauline Fathers are the only Hungarian order of monks founded in Hungary itself.
After the death of Eusebius the Hungarian Paulines spread rapidly, and the generosity of King Matthias, who was the most famous Renaissance ruler of the time and possessor of the Holy Crown, supported the order.
The order also obtained Fehéregyház, where Árpad the Magyar Chief, who settled Hungary is buried, thus enabling the order to guard Árpad’s tomb.
At this particular monastery, Mátyás Bakk became the first provost, who also has relatives living in Szekélyland to the present day. In that time there were up to 69 monasteries, although later the number reached 170 in the Hungarian region.
On 15th January 1467 the day when the king defeated Ali Begh St. Paul the Hermit was made a Hungarian patron saint by the king. The name giver to the order, St. Paul the Hermit became defender and protector of the king both internally and the whole region.
Not only were scholars invited to the country by the king, but also church leaders, which explains how Rodrigo Borgia Archbishop of Eger and Abbot of Pétervárád became prelate of Hungary. Incidentally, he also became Pope Alexander VI, and during his time Queen Isabella of Spain, relative of the House of Árpád Kings requested the Paulines to travel to the New World with Columbus.
On October 12th 1492, Columbus landed in America, and according to Alexander IV, we can clearly see that the Hungarian Pauline Order were the first spreaders of the faith, and were also the first bridge builders between Europe and America.
Pauline monasteries could also be found in many European countries such as Austria, Croatia, Portugal, Spain, Poland and many others besides.
The Pauline Fathers from all their monasteries had to meet at a convention, which took place near Buda at a place called Szentlőrinc (now Buda Szentlőrinc). The provost, the superior of and two delegates all the monasteries in each diocese arrived at the meeting every fourth, or rather every eighth year at the main monastery in Hungary.
The Ottoman invasion of Hungary was fatal for the Pauline order later on, as the powerful independent base of the order was lost.
The meeting of the order was moved to the monastery at Máriavölgy due to the destruction of the main Szentlorinc monastery by the Ottomans.
The country split into three and in the eastern region a new king was chosen, John I, who had previously been the voivod (leader) of the same place.
In the western region the younger brother of Charles V was crowned, and became King Ferdinand.
King John, who was struggling with many difficulties, requested the help of provost Brother György, who was made voivod of Transylvania, and who at that time was also cardinal and bishop of Várád, as well as being treasurer and the most well known politician. He negotiated with Bishop Wese, who was the representative of Charles V and Wese tried to convince him to hand over the eastern region.
Brother György, (Bishop of Nagyvárad, Voivod of Transylvania, Cardinal and Archbishop of Esztergom) in virtue of his responsible position was unable to bring about a decision which would have been against the nation’s interests. Neither corruption or bribery, nor treason could change his mind.
György’s ambition to reunite the country did not come true, due to the historical situation of the region. Only Transylvania’s independence could guarantee the avoidance of the Ottoman invasion.
After the unsuccessful negotiation, Charles V and King Ferdinand, members of the Habsburg family murdered Brother György Alvincen Martinuzzi on the night of December 16th, 1551.
The news of the murdered Archbishop of Esztergom shocked Europe.
Along with the murder came the looting of Transylvania’s treasures.
With the invasion of the Ottomans, the Paulines moved to Poland. And due to the increasing strength of the Polish Paulines a split from the Hungarian order took place in 1784. The Polish king Stanislaw August Poniatowski had caused the break away process by his claims. That is why the diocese of the order separated from Hungary, as well as the Father Rector in 1784. The beginning of Pope Pius VI’s breviary “Apostolicae Sedis auctoritas” stated that the Polish diocese of the order is separated from the main Hungarian one.
Franz Joseph II dissolved all religious orders, including the Paulines in 1786.
Although, the dissolution act of 1786 was withdrawn in 1790 it did not include the Paulines.
The order tried to re-establish itself in 1864, 1902, 1918 and in 1934.
Then in 1989 through Fr. Vince Árva of Pilisszántó the order was re-established, and the beatification process of Blessed Eusebius was pushed forward. Not only this, but he also hopes that the Polish order’s rule of the ancient order will cease and a new Hungarian leadership and centre will be established.
On February 8th, 2008 Fr. Vince Árva sent a letter to Pope Benedict XVI giving an account the work involved in the beatification process of Blessed Eusebius, and the other necessary documentation required in the process.
To letter to Pope Benedict XVI:
http://kutasi.blogspot.com/2008/07/1071-szentsge-xvi-benedek-ppa-eure.html
Istvan Bakk
http://www.palospassio.hu
April 10th, 2009 at 5:12 pm
SORRY I MENT TO SAY HUSS AND JEROME , WICLIF BONES WERE BURNED AFTER HIS TOMB WAS RAIDED BY THE R.C. CHURCH .WHERES THE LOVE OF CHRIST THERE?
April 29th, 2009 at 11:26 pm
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April 26th, 2010 at 3:23 pm
Création site internet bretagne…
Merci pour cet article intéressant. Bien à vous…….