Happy Easter Rescue – Happy Outcome

April 12, 2009 by Be Holy

Breaking News of great joy on this Easter Day. Foxnews is reporting the rescue of Martine captain:

American sea Captain Richard Phillips was safely rescued Sunday from four Somali pirates, who had been holding him for days in a lifeboat off the coast of Africa, a U.S. intelligence official said.

Three of the pirates were killed and one was in custody after what appeared to be a swift firefight off the Somali coast, the official said.

Initial reports indicate Phillips jumped overboard for a second time and the military was able to take advantage of the situation.

Ed Morrisey writes:

Looks like we brought three of them to justice. The fourth will get more protection than he deserves, but at least we’ve freed the captain and delivered something of a message. We’re not going to let pirates run free, and if “elders” think we will, they found out differently today.

Update: Second time’s the charm. Phillips jumped overboard again, and this time, the Navy was ready to take out the pirates. Great work, Navy!

Glenn Reynolds writes:

PIRATE UPDATE: Official: US sea captain freed in swift firefight. About time. But though this may take the current story off the news, it doesn’t really solve the underlying problem.

UPDATE: Related: “Great news, and — yes, I’ll say it — tip o’ the hat to President Obama for signing off on the mission. Now I have two questions. What will we do with the prisoner? Do we believe that this action is sufficient to restore deterrence against piracy?” Indeed.

Divine Mercy Novena – Day 3

April 12, 2009 by Be Holy

Divine Mercy Novena

Day 3

“Today bring to Me all Devout and Faithful Souls, and immerse them in the ocean of My mercy. These souls brought me consolation on the Way of the Cross. They were a drop of consolation in the midst of an ocean of bitterness.” Most Merciful Jesus, from the treasury of Your mercy, You impart Your graces in great abundance to each and all. Receive us into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart and never let us escape from It. We beg this grace of You by that most wondrous love for the heavenly Father with which Your Heart burns so fiercely. Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon faithful souls, as upon the inheritance of Your Son. For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, grant them Your blessing and surround them with Your constant protection. Thus may they never fail in love or lose the treasure of the holy faith, but rather, with all the hosts of Angels and Saints, may they glorify Your boundless mercy for endless ages. Amen.

Divine Mercy Novena – Day 2

April 11, 2009 by Be Holy

Divine Mercy Novena

Day 2

“Today bring to Me the Souls of Priests and Religious, Priests and Religious,
and immerse them in My unfathomable mercy. It was they who gave me strength to endure My bitter Passion. Through them as through channels My mercy flows out upon mankind.”

Most Merciful Jesus, from whom comes all that is good, increase Your grace in men and women consecrated to Your service,* that they may perform worthy works of mercy; and that all who see them may glorify the Father of Mercy who is in heaven.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the company of chosen ones in Your vineyard — upon the souls of priests and religious; and endow them with the strength of Your blessing. For the love of the Heart of Your Son in which they are enfolded, impart to them Your power and light, that they may be able to guide others in the way of salvation and with one voice sing praise to Your boundless mercy for ages without end. Amen.

China, Abortion, Heirs, Kidnapping

April 11, 2009 by Be Holy

China’s policy of one child per family has left the nation that places a high societal value on sons in a lurch. Kidnapping is on the rise.

“The thieves often strike at dusk, when children are playing outside and their parents are distracted by exhaustion”…….

“…anecdotal evidence suggests the children do not travel far. Although some are sold to buyers in Singapore, Malaysia and Vietnam, most of the boys are purchased domestically by families desperate for a male heir, parents of abducted children and some law enforcement officials who have investigated the matter say.”