Solanus Casey: The Healing Prophet

On March 16th, 2010, CatholicTV will broadcast a wonderful documentary, Solanus Casey: The Healing Prophet , on the life and work of Solanus Casey in our Catholic Saints & Lay People programming block at 11:30am.

Fr. Solanus Casey was a Capuchin Franciscan ordained in 1904. He served for 20 years in Harlem, and Yonkers in New York. In 1924 he was assigned to St. Bonaventure Monastery in Detroit where he worked for another 20 years.

He served as a porter in the monsastery where he lived, a humble life of welcoming those at the door. This service of hospitality at the monastery door as porter he met thousands of people from every age and walk of life and earned recognition as "The Doorkeeper." He was always ready to listen to anyone at any time, day or night.

During his final illness, he remarked, "I'm offering my suffering that all might be one. If only I could see the conversion of the whole world." His last conscious act was sitting up in bed and saying, "I give my soul to Jesus Christ." He died at the age of 86 on July 31, 1957 at the same day and hour of his First Holy Mass 53 years earlier.

Father Casey's cause for canonization is supported by the Fr Solanus Guild. To learn more, visit their website at http://www.solanuscasey.org/

The purpose of the Fr. Solanus Guild is to keep alive the inspiring memory of Fr. Solanus; knowledge of his exemplary life to others; archive information about his life and work;provide prayer, support, and office services to the Vice Postulator for the Cause of Solanus Casey.

Bishop Senior Celebrates at Miraculous Medal Shrine – Monday, March 15th

The Feast of St. Louise de Marillac, is being celebrated at the Miraculous Medal Shrine on March 15th all day and in a very special 12:05pm Mass being celebrated by His Excellency, Bishop Timothy C. Senior.
St. Louise de Marillac is famous for her Charity and work with St. Vincent de Paul and the poor. She is well known for being the co-foundress of the Daughters of Charity, who are now 23,000 in number and serving in 150 countries around the world, working to better the lives of the poor daily.
The Miraculous Medal Shrine will be collecting canned goods, food and donations for the poor that the Daughters of Charity and Priests and Brothers of St. Vincent de Paul work with here in Philadelphia. These donations can be brought to the Shrine during the 3 Day Novenas leading up to the Monday Feast Day in March 15th.
“We are humbled to remember such an important woman and her work here at the Shrine on her Feast day and all throughout the year. It is an honor to have Bishop Senior here to mark this celebration in such a special way,” says Rev. Carl L. Pieber, C.M., Executive Director of the Miraculous Medal Shrine.
Every Monday sees thousands come to the 9 Novena Services celebrated at the Miraculous Medal Shrine to pray the Novena prayers to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal and this one will be no exception. To join them go to http://www.cammonline.org/

Contact information for the Shrine:
Miraculous Medal Shrine, 500 E. Chelten Ave., Phila, PA 19144 – 215-848-1010.

Significant Financial Response of Catholics to Haitian Earthquake Victims Will Be Discussed During CatholicTV Talk Show

National Palace of Haiti After the Earthquake in January

On March 12, the response of Catholics to the earthquake victims in Haiti will be discussed on the CatholicTV Talk show “This is the Day”. Tiziana Dearing, President of Catholic Charities in Boston will discuss recent developments and responses of Catholics and of Catholic Charities. Tiziana is the first woman to serve in this role in Boston, she has held the post since September 2007.

On Wednesday, February 24^th, The Archdiocese of Boston announced that collections gathered for Haitian earthquake victims had already reached $1.767 million and were estimated to reach $2 million.

This is the Day airs at 10:30AM ET at CatholicTV.com and on CatholicTV.

Father Larry Snyder, President of Catholic Charities USA will also be interviewed on This is the Day. He will discuss the efforts and mission of Catholic Charities, and will also talk about the history of Catholic Charities, which dates back to 1727 when the French Ursuline Sisters opened an orphanage in New Orleans.

CatholicTV regularly airs programming related to charitable work and Catholic social teaching. This programming includes a show called “Where God Weeps” which shows the plights and struggles of suffering Catholics who are victims of political, financial, and social suffering. The series follows the work of an organization called Aid to the Church in Need. Aid to the Church in Need works with the impoverished in 145 countries around the globe. Where God Weeps airs each week on CatholicTV at the following times: Monday 3:30AM, 8:30 PM; Wednesday noon; and Saturday 6:00 AM

More information on Catholic Charities USA can be found at http://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/

The Nation’s First Men’s Conference From Worcester, MA Will Be Discussed on CatholicTV

Fr. Mitch Pacwa

On March 5^th, the Worcester, Massachusetts Men’s Conference which started as the nation’s first single-diocese Catholic men’s conference, will be discussed on the CatholicTV talk show “This is the Day”. The 2010 Worcester Men’s Conference will include talks by Fr. Mitch Pacwa, Matthew Kelly, Jesse Romero and others.

Msgr. Tom Sullivan, Chancellor of the Worcester Diocese and Angelo Guadagno, Coordinator of the Worcester Men’s Conference will discuss the upcoming conference on This is the Day.

This is the Day airs at 10:30AM ET at CatholicTV.com and on CatholicTV.

More information on the Worcester Men’s Conference is available at http://www.firstmensconf.org

Pro-Life Show Included in New Television Schedule at CatholicTV

CatholicTV will introduce a new schedule in March which will include several new programs such as “Facing Life Head-On”, a pro-life program which airs weekly in over 100 million homes. Show host Brad Mattes is pictured to the left.

Facing Life Head-On has won 2 industry awards including a Telly Award and an Accolade Award. The newest season includes coverage of a peaceful protest outside of the 2^nd largest abortion facility in the world (Houston, TX), and the story of Pat Williams, Senior Vice President of the Orlando Magic, who has 19 children including 14 adopted children.

CatholicTV’s new schedule will also include the show “The Joy of Music” featuring internationally-known organist, Diane Bish. In each episode of The Joy of Music, Miss Bish performs on historic organs in magnificent cathedrals around the world.

Miss Bish's television program The Joy of Music is broadcast to over 300 million people around the world each week. The show combines exhilarating organ and ensemble performances with an informative, inspirational narrative combined with exciting world travel.

CatholicTV’s new schedule also includes the new program “School of Faith”. The new show revolves around different dimensions of faith including vision, purpose, community, and surrender.

School of Faith is hosted by Frank DeVito. Frank currently works in education and studied philosophy and social science at Saint John's Seminary College. He attended Gregorian University in Rome, Italy where he studied theology.

In each episode of School of Faith, DeVito shows how believers can allow God to transform their hearts and minds using vision, purpose, community, and surrender.

Starting in March, The Joy of Music will air each week at the following times (Eastern): Monday at noon, Tuesday at 1AM, and Sunday at 7:30PM.

School of Faith will air each week at the following times: Tuesday 3:30AM., 8PM., Wednesday 3:30PM, Friday 12:30PM & 11PM, and Sunday 10PM

Facing Life Head-On will air each week at the following times: Tuesday 6PM, Thursday 5:30AM & 5:30PM Friday 1:30PM

How To Get Children and Adults to Go to Confession? Author Will Discuss Confession During Live CatholicTV Interview

On March 2^nd, Catholic convert and author Elizabeth Ficocelli will discuss the Joy of Reconciliation during her live interview on the CatholicTV talk show “This is the Day”. Part of her regular presentation on reconciliation includes tips on promoting enthusiasm for confession amongst children and adults.

“This is the Day” will air at 10:30AM ET at CatholicTV.com and on CatholicTV.

In her normal 45-minute presentation on confession, Elizabeth discusses the numerous obstacles and misperceptions that prevent most Catholics from participating in and reaping the benefits from the sacrament of reconciliation, a most important encounter with Jesus Christ.

Her presentation looks at the gift of reconciliation, both in terms of God’s forgiveness as well as the many graces associated with confession that help Catholics to grow in holiness. Elizabeth shares her own miraculous experience with confession that set her heart on fire for the sacrament and includes tips to help parents foster a similar enthusiasm in themselves and their children. Elizabeth is the author of several award winning books, including A Child’s Guide to the Seven Sacraments. To learn more, please visit her website, www.elizabethficocelli.com

Also on “This is the Day” will be Tim Maurer, Author of a Christian children’s book called “Sheep & Goat Go To The Ice Cream Parlor”. Tim will be accompanied by Brenda Falusi, who is on several committees at St. Matthew’s Parish in Tolland, CT. Brenda is also a Vacation Bible School Director.

Tim is also the founder and president of the Global Institute for Transformation (GIFT). GIFT is a cross-denominational ministry which aims to help Christians live, and love, more like Jesus -- and transform the world. Additional information about the organization may be found at http://institutefortransformation.com/

Episodes of “This is the Day” are available on the site’s archives starting the same night of the broadcast day. All videos at the website are viewable in full-screen. Paste this URL into your browser in order to access the “This is the Day” video archives. http://www.CatholicTV.com/shows/default.aspx?seriesID=72

Catholic Priests Will Make Oscar Predictions During Special Episode of Their Movie Review Show on CatholicTV

Fr. Chip (left), and Fr. Bill Kelly

During the week beginning March 1^st, two Catholic priests, Fr. Bill Kelly and Fr. “Chip” Hines, co-hosts of the CatholicTV movie review show “Spotlight”, will share their opinions of Oscar winners and will offer commentary in preparation for the upcoming 82nd Annual Academy Awards on March 7th, 2010.

Fr. Bill and Fr. Chip will predict winners for best picture, director, actor, actress, supporting actor, and supporting actress during this episode of Spotlight. The idea of the Spotlight show originated when a fellow priest overheard Fr. Chip and Fr. Bill arguing about whether Amy Ryan deserved a nomination for Best Supporting Actress in 2008. The priest who overheard them said, “you two should have your own show”.

Spotlight premiered on CatholicTV as part of the 2009 fall season. The show has gained national attention and the two priests were invited to make a monthly appearance on Wendy Wiese’s ON CALL Relevant Radio show.

This special Oscars episode of Spotlight will air at CatholicTV.com and on CatholicTV during the week of March 1^st at the following times (Eastern): Mon 6 p.m., Thurs 8 p.m., Friday, 6 a.m. Sat 12 noon and 10 p.m.

This full episode will also be viewable anytime in the CatholicTV.com archives starting the evening of March 1^st. Archived episodes of Spotlight are available at http://www.CatholicTV.com/shows/default.aspx?seriesID=11

CatholicTV Will Air Boston Women’s Conference With Patti Mansfield, Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle and More

Leah Darrow

CatholicTV will air the 2010 Boston Women’s conference which takes place on February 27^th. The Conference will include talks by author Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle (a friend of Mother Teresa’s), Leah Darrow (featured on the reality show “America’s Next Top Model” before her conversion), Patti Mansfield (Charismatic Renewal pioneer) and Sister Olga Yaqob who has been called “The Mother Teresa of Baghdad”.

The conference will air on CatholicTV at 3PM on February 27^th and again at noon on February 28^th (Eastern Time). Coverage will include the talks and Mass with Cardinal Séan O’Malley, Archbishop of Boston.

The Boston Women’s Conference will be viewable at CatholicTV.com and on CatholicTV cable outlets.

More information on the speakers:

PATTI MANSFIELD

Patti Gallagher Mansfield was a participant in the February 1967 "Duquesne Weekend" which marked the beginning of the Charismatic Renewal in the Catholic Church. From the earliest days of the Renewal, she has served as a leader through teaching, writing, and pastoral ministry. Patti’s testimony has been widely published and she has been a speaker at conferences and retreats for laity and priests in the United States and around the world. She is a frequent guest on Ralph Martin’s television program: The Choices We Face.

DONNA-MARIE COOPER O’BOYLE

Donna-Marie’s decade-long friendship with Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta led to a long correspondence and meetings around the world. Following in the footsteps of Blessed Teresa, Donna-Marie became a lay Missionary of Charity and founded a branch of the lay Missionaries of Charity. Today, Donna-Marie is passionate about encouraging others to follow in the footsteps of her blessed friend by caring for the poorest of the poor.

LEAH DARROW

Not too long after college, Leah made her TV debut on Season 3 of the hit reality TV Show, America’s Next Top Model. Having modeled briefly before, Leah became swept away by the fashion industry and soon came to realize its dark depths and the suggestive nature of where her new career was trying to take her. Leah’s “prodigal daughter” experience happened in the abyss of New York City, in the midst of the madness, the craziness, and the lonely; she found her way back to Christ.

SISTER OLGA OF THE EUCHARIST

Sr. Olga Yaqob was born and raised in Iraq. When she was 13 years old, a war between her native Iraq and Iran began. The horrific conditions of that war that she witnessed shaped her decision to become a nun. With her great love and devotion to Jesus, Sr. Olga joined the order of The Missionaries of the Virgin Mary.

Sometime after becoming a nun in 1995, Sr. Olga received permission from the Assyrian Catholic Church to start her own order in Baghdad, where she was already leading a service-oriented religious outreach called Love Thy Neighbor. She is known as the "The Mother Teresa of Baghdad". Coming to the United States in 2001, she studied at Boston University and finished her Masters degree in Ministry and Spirituality at Boston College. She currently works full-time in campus ministry at Boston University and is a widely desired speaker and retreat leader.

Registration and ticket information regarding the Boston Catholic Women’s Conference may be found at www.CatholicBoston.com

Painting as a Form of ‘Visual Prayer’? Artist Will Explain During CatholicTV Interview

On February 26^th, Christian artist Paul Crimi will be interviewed on the live CatholicTV talk show “This is the Day”. Paul is a painter, printmaker, and sculptor who considers his artworks forms of “visual prayer”.

This is the Day will air at 10:30AM ET at CatholicTV.com and on CatholicTV.

According to Paul’s website (http://www.paulcrimifinearts.com), Paul’s “inspiration comes from his travels throughout the United States and abroad as well as his personal ongoing study of modern masters from Matisse to Picasso to Hockney, and most significantly, from his devotion to his Catholic faith.”

“Paul Crimi produces illuminating religious tributes that are widely collected by people of all faiths and have been published in religious periodicals nationwide.”

"My work, since 1996, gives witness to an inner reflection of a true spiritual conversion, outwardly manifested is a positive expression of the power in the revelation of Jesus Christ . When I'm creating a piece, whether it's a drawing, a painting, or a print, it's a way for me to contemplate my blessings. I characterize each and every one of my works as a visual prayer.

"As a Christian and an artist, I agree with the words of William Blake, "The worship of God is honoring his gifts in other men, each according to his genius." All artists have come close to this kind of worship in their acknowledgement of the gifts of the masters. But it is only when one goes beyond himself as I have, in becoming part of the mystical body of Jesus Christ, that one really begins to see the real essence of truth.

Paul also says on his website that "Reading the Bible, which for me has become a living dialogue with Christ who is the Word, has opened up new visions beyond conceptual projections. My life, as a result, has changed in a positive way; I now can see beauty in reality and am able to invent new expressions for my artwork.

"I openly share my religious experience with others in my work. Visual prayer, for me, grows naturally and is projected spontaneously from within, taking an original form. I want viewers to rejoice with me in the witnessing of the power and grace of God, which is in all of us.”

Catholic Author Lisa Hendey To Discuss New Book ‘The Handbook for Catholic Moms’ During Live CatholicTV Interview

On February 23rd, Lisa Hendey will be interviewed on the CatholicTV talk show “This is the Day”. Lisa will discuss her new book, “The Handbook for Catholic Moms” which was just published in February 2010. Her live interview will take place at 10:30AM ET.

Lisa is a Catholic mother, author, and founder of CatholicMom.com. In her new book, Lisa draws from the deep tradition of the Catholic faith, and coaches Catholic moms on how to care for themselves―heart, mind, body, and soul―so that they can better love and care for their families, their neighbors, and their Church.

In her book, Lisa creates an environment where Catholic moms can reflect peacefully upon often-competitive topics like parenting style, types of schooling, and working outside the home. By sharing her own story, Hendey inspires readers to better balance their own needs with the demands of family life and faith commitment.

Episodes of “This is the Day” are available on the site’s archives starting the same night of the broadcast day. All videos at the website are viewable in full-screen. Paste this URL into your browser in order to access the “This is the Day” video archives. http://www.CatholicTV.com/shows/default.aspx?seriesID=72