Catalyst June Issue 2011
The worldwide reaction to the beatification of John Paul II, from all quarters, was overwhelmingly enthusiastic. But one would never have known this if one’s bible were the New York Times. Two days before the beatification, it reported that it “has become intensely polarizing.” With good reason, it offered no survey data: polls showed 90 percent... [Read more...]
“THERE BE DRAGONS” IS A HITCATALYST JUNE ISSUE 2011
Prior to its release in May, Tom Arkin of the Catholic League previewed the film “There Be Dragons” and found it inspiring. Here is his review: Academy-Award-nominated director Roland Joffe’s film, “There Be Dragons,” is a fictional account based on the life of the canonized saint Father Josemaria Escrivá, founder of Opus Dei. Roberto is... [Read more...]
“VITO BONAFACCI” SENDS THE RIGHT MESSAGECatalyst June Issue 2011
CAVU Pictures recently released its faith-based independent film “Vito Bonafacci.” The film is about a successful and wealthy Italian American Catholic businessman who has a crisis of faith. Driven by a deeply personal calling to create a film that glorifies God, first-time filmmaker John Martoccia helms this daring independent production. Actor... [Read more...]
NBC ALLOWS LENO TO BASH PRIESTSCatalyst June Issue 2011
On a recent episode of “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” there was the occasion for yet another assault on priests. In a skit about the Royal Wedding, Dame Edna played a British correspondent. She was shown taking secret footage of the event while Leno pretended to be speaking with her live. Dame Edna approached a vendor selling a cheese called “Stinking... [Read more...]
CATHOLIC RIGHTS QUESTIONEDCatalyst June Issue 2011
Recently, the New York Daily News conducted a poll on its website asking readers whether St. Anthony’s High School on Long Island had the right to bar a female student from bringing her ex-girlfriend to the prom. Readers were asked the following: “Should the Catholic school have the right to bar same-sex couples at the prom?” The Daily News’... [Read more...]
TIMES SQUARE NUNSCatalyst June Issue 2011
We recently commented on the way two Broadway plays depicting nuns, “Sister Act” and “High,” were characterized in their reviews. “Sister Act” opened on Broadway at the end of April, much to the delight of the New York Times. The script, however, we said was shallow. We were being nice. The Times, in characteristic form, was not. Charles... [Read more...]
EASTER BRINGS OUT THE CRAZIESCATALYST June Issue 2011
Every year around Eastertime, there are always some crazies who surface; this year was no different. Consider the Easter gifts Christians were graced with: • Ricky Gervais felt the need to offer a very public “Holiday Message,” notifying the world that though he is not a Christian, he is a very Christ-like person. It is revealing that this British... [Read more...]
KUSHNER UNWORTHY OF HONORARY DEGREECATALYST June Issue 2011
Recently we commented on the decision by trustees of the City University of New York (CUNY) not to award playwright Tony Kushner with an honorary degree. As a general rule, objections to anyone being considered for an honorary degree take on weight only when there are serious reasons for doing so. An honorary degree is a statement from an academic institution... [Read more...]
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL INDICTS HOLY SEECATALYST June Issue 2011
Amnesty International recently released its annual report indicting the Holy See saying it “did not sufficiently comply with its international obligations relating to the protection of children.” The report did not list a single instance of a human rights violation that took place anywhere in the world in 2010 under the auspices of the Holy See,... [Read more...]
CATHOLICS FOR CHOICE LIESCATALYST June Issue 2011
The anti-Catholic group, Catholics for Choice recently held a workshop at Planned Parenthood of Collier County in Florida. We took note and said that this event just proved that Catholics for Choice lies. Catholics for Choice has twice been condemned by the bishops’ conference as a fraud—there is nothing Catholic about it. Indeed, it has never raised... [Read more...]