It has been almost one month since the passing of my maternal grandmother, Irene Leanore Witt. She was one of the most patient folks I have ever known. She and Grandpa raised my sister and me. She was like a mother to us. I thank God Almighty for the gift of Grandma. I'm still grieving her loss, but I have to remind myself that she is without any pain or suffering. She took her suffering in stride for many years of her life. It's refreshing that she was called Home during the month of October (dedicated to our Blessed Mother) and that 10 October is the feast of Our Lady of Aprecida (one of many titles attributed to the Blessed Virgin Mary; Mary shows us how we can keep true to Christ).

She was the reason I became Catholic. She always had her Rosary beads in hand while Father Ted came by to give her the Eucharist when she couldn't go to Mass.

She wanted several of her grandsons and her two remaining brothers to bear her casket. It was a very surreal experience for me to bear her casket. I still do not know what to say about this. She also wanted me to place the crucifix on her casket during Mass as well as help my younger cousin present the Bread and Wine to the priest during her funeral. It was very appropriate to sing "Be Not Afraid" as the gathering hymn. Even the Holy Father, John Paul II, reminded us to not be scared but to remain strong. A hymn based on Psalm 23 is very reassuring: "Shepard me, O God, beyond my wants, and beyond our fears, from death into Life." Our family will always keep Grandma in our hearts. We're not alone. She'll be with us forever in spirit. †

Due to their constant association with the American CRIMINAL Liberties Union, I have withdrawn my membership from the Electronic Frontiers Foundation. The ACLU has criminally persecuted anyone with a strong faith in God or other dieties. This group MUST BE PROSECUTED UNDER THE RACKETEER INFLUENCED AND CORRUPT ORGANIZATIONS ACT OF 1972! This group will stop at nothing infringing and endangering our rights to practice our religions without fear. We must not buckle under the bullying and injurious acts of the ACLU! They must be stopped at all costs!

Today, I commend the selection that the Conclave has made and I thank the Holy Spirit in His Guidance. I am ecstatic about Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger's assumption of the Chair of Saint Peter as His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI †.

I am confident that his staunch protection of Church teachings will guide the Holy Catholic Church and the rest of Christiandom toward a more perfect union with our Blessed Lord.

As the Holy Father may probably know, the liberal media in Europe and here in the United States are already attempting to smear his good name.

In particular, they are trying to make Benedict out to be some "panzer cardinal"(The Nazis forced all German boys to join the Hitler Youth or face torture or murder). I am appalled by this, but, however, this will only show the world that he will back down from nothing regarding Doctrines of the Church that Christ founded. No libel nor slander will influence our Pope. This foolish behavior by the media will go on with little if any effect on the world's Catholics.

Somehow, I felt attracted spiritually to his wisdom, in particular, during the US Presidential election. I agree wholeheartedly that politicians who condone the needless murder of millions of unborn children ought to be denied Holy Communion. Their actions and thoughts are right out detrimental and heretical.

I pray that Benedict XVI's reign will be quite productive and will give the world the Light of our Blessed Lord.

Yesterday at 9:37 pm Rome Time, His Holiness Pope John Paul II † was called home to share the eternal reward of Jesus Christ. I, along with others in the world, mourn the loss of a great and holy man. He was the Pope I grew up with; the only one I knew. He was a champion of peace, perseverence, forgiveness. He held steadfast to the Teachings of the Catholic Church. He loved everyone of every race, religion, and every country. He even loved those who persecuted and hurt others. He even forgave his own would-be assassin. I for one would have trouble forgiving those who try to hurt or kill me. He was truly the role model for every continent.

I applaud everything that the Holy Father has done for us. He kept us straight and prevented us from stumbling and helped us back up when we fall.

He is truly a great Saint. I find it very fitting that  his death was announced at 3:00 pm Eastern (Our Blessed Lord commended his Spirit on the Cross at 3 in the afternoon). Also, today (3 April 2005) is Divine Mercy Sunday. Saint Faustina (who in 1938 received instructions from Christ about His Divine Mercy) was beatified and canonized by John Paul II.

†Hail Mary, Full of Grace. The Lord is with thee. Blessed are thou amongst women, and blessed is the Fruit of your womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our Death. Amen.