ActivityPub Plugin test FAIL

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First off: Thanks to my email subscribers for their patience in putting up with three pointless posts.

Long ago I heard that you can connect blogs to the ‘Fediverse,’ which is a decentralized microblogging (think X or Twitter) service. What’s that?

So what is the fediverse?

It’s an interconnected social platform ecosystem based on an open protocol called ActivityPub, which allows you to port your content, data, and follower graph between networks.

What?

Ugh, I know. Let me try again.

The fediverse is as if you took X, TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, and Facebook and made them all interoperable so you could post anything from anywhere, and all your followers would be guaranteed to see it. And if you wanted to leave one platform for another, you could bring all your content, all your followers, all your everything with you.

Source: The Verge

I thought it would be cool, but there is an issue with it: I tried to follow my blog from one of the Fediverse accounts I have, but found no way to ‘approve’ me. I looked around and lost my patience in trying to find a solution. So, I deleted the plugin. Perhaps someday I’ll try again.

Are you a creative Catholic? "The Catholicpunk Manifesto" is my new book exhorting Catholics to apply their faith to change the culture for the better!

Know someone, perhaps yourself, who might like Catholic devotionals for alcoholics? Please take a look at my books! "The Stations of the Cross for Alcoholics" and "The Recovery Rosary: Reflections for Alcoholics and Addicts" (Thank you!!)

ActivityPub Plugin test 2

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Followup to the first test. (Possibly the last, so email subscribers needn’t fret!)

Are you a creative Catholic? "The Catholicpunk Manifesto" is my new book exhorting Catholics to apply their faith to change the culture for the better!

Know someone, perhaps yourself, who might like Catholic devotionals for alcoholics? Please take a look at my books! "The Stations of the Cross for Alcoholics" and "The Recovery Rosary: Reflections for Alcoholics and Addicts" (Thank you!!)

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ActivityPub Plugin test

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Short post to test a blog plugin that connects to the Fediverse.

Are you a creative Catholic? "The Catholicpunk Manifesto" is my new book exhorting Catholics to apply their faith to change the culture for the better!

Know someone, perhaps yourself, who might like Catholic devotionals for alcoholics? Please take a look at my books! "The Stations of the Cross for Alcoholics" and "The Recovery Rosary: Reflections for Alcoholics and Addicts" (Thank you!!)

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Brief update on what I’ve been up to

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It’s been over a month since I last posted here; the reason for that is a good one. Actually, more than one.

1) I’ve been working on another “Sober Catholic Book” entitled “THe Sober Catholic Way.” It’s a distillation (or something) of many of the recurring things I’ve been blogging about since 2007.
2) Revising the Rosary and Stations of the Cross books. The language needed sprucing up as well as some corrections. More on that when I can.

I hope to get them all done and out within a few weeks.

Are you a creative Catholic? "The Catholicpunk Manifesto" is my new book exhorting Catholics to apply their faith to change the culture for the better!

Know someone, perhaps yourself, who might like Catholic devotionals for alcoholics? Please take a look at my books! "The Stations of the Cross for Alcoholics" and "The Recovery Rosary: Reflections for Alcoholics and Addicts" (Thank you!!)

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The Sign of the Cross Apostolate

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 I have been delving deeper into EWTN’s programming since I posted the other day about Mother Angelica is as helpful and inspiring today as she was decades ago. I have also begun exploring their programming on Lourdes (an obvious devotion for anyone who is an alcoholic and addict or is otherwise afflicted with physical and emotional maladies.) I found this series from a few short years ago: My Lourdes Faith Journey. It is like a companion to this book: Everyday Miracles Of Lourdes – Twenty Extraordinary Experiences Along The Way To The Grotto

Both are products of the work of Our Lady of Lourdes Hospitality North American Volunteers. Many of the chapters of the book serve as episodes of the “My Lourdes Faith Journey” program. One in particular stood out for me. At the end of Episode 5- Jamie Jensen, Mr Jensen (a quadriplegic who’s been to Lourdes well over a dozen times and serves on the Board of Advisors to the Hospitality NA Volunteers group) casually mentioned about a “Sign of the Cross Apostolate.” I couldn’t find any website, not even a page on the Volunteers Hospitality  site, but that might be because it’s very simple and probably spreads by word of mouth by those who participate in the Volunteers Hospitality pilgimages. 

Here’s some background: Our Lady of Lourdes North American Volunteers is an apostolate dedicated to arranging pilgrimages to Lourdes for North Americans who need to immerse themselves in the baths, visit the grotto, and obtain a physical, mental or spiritual healing. They are based in Syracuse, NY (not too far from my hometown of Oneida!) The book, “Everyday Miracles of Lourdes” details 21 stories of healing and conversion. The EWTN series “My Lourdes Faith Journey,” like I said above, is about many of those stories. Marlene Watkins, the host of the show and author of the book, interviews the pilgrims. It’s quite a wonderful, uplifting experience. 

Now, about the Sign of the Cross Apostolate. Mr. Jensen refers to it near the end of the episode he’s featured on. Since he is a quadriplegic, he cannot physically make the Sign of the Cross. People have to do it for him. He said in the book’s chapter on him as well as on the show, that if he could  move his arms only once, it would be to make the Sign of the Cross. 

The Sign of the Cross is an important part of the Lourdes devotion because St. Bernadette said that it is the path to Heaven when done with devotion and piety. The Sign of the Cross is also important when you consider the words:

“In the Name of the Father,

and of the Son,

and of the Holy Spirit. Amen””

Whenever you pray ‘In the name of,’ such as praying in the Name of Jesus (“In Jesus’ Name!”) and so forth, you are submitted to the authority contained in that name. In essence, when  making the Sign of the Cross, you are inviting the Will of God into your life and and are subjecting your prayers to His authority. You may get the things you prayed for or you may not. It’s all up to whether it’s a part of God’s Will for you. So, when you make the Sign of the Cross, you are inviting the Trinity. (I think you are also inviting the Blessed Mother in since being the Spouse of the Holy Spirit, she is an integral part of the Trinity. St. Maximilian Kolbe wrote extensively on her ‘Quasi-Trinitarian participation in a quasi-hypostatic union’ – or something like that – with the Trinity since she is the Daughter of God the Father, Mother of God the Son, and Spouse of the Holy Spirit.) 

Many people cannot make the Sign of the Cross because of their physical disability. Many people cannot do it in certain countries because it’ll mean imprisonment or death. This kind of shamed me (not a bad thing; the world can use a greater awareness of ‘shame’) since I am a rather casual Sign of the Cross maker. 

THAT is the Sign of the Cross Apostolate. Making the Sign of the Cross for those who cannot. That’s it. No special prayers or writings or devotions. Just make the Sign of the Cross for those who cannot. 

So, every time I make the Sign of the Cross, whether in private or in public (a courageous act!) I will do it with this in mind. Not only for my salvation, as per St. Bernadette’s conviction, but for all of those who cannot do it for whatever reason. 

You should too! Spread the word about this!

Are you a creative Catholic? "The Catholicpunk Manifesto" is my new book exhorting Catholics to apply their faith to change the culture for the better!

Know someone, perhaps yourself, who might like Catholic devotionals for alcoholics? Please take a look at my books! "The Stations of the Cross for Alcoholics" and "The Recovery Rosary: Reflections for Alcoholics and Addicts" (Thank you!!)

Knights of Columbus founder is another healing saint for alcoholics

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In an earlier post today, I mentioned that I was binging on Mother Angelica episodes on EWTN. I had to go to their YouTube Channel for something and while scrolling through their offerings, I found this gem:

It’s a story about how someone was miraculously healed from alcoholism through the intercession of the founder of the Knights of Columbus. The man’s aunt (if I recall correctly) had fervently prayed to Blessed Michael McGivney. It helps that the aunt and the beneficiary are relatives of McGivney (he’s a great uncle or somesuch connection) so it’s a family affair! 

It pays to have relations in high places. Anyway, you can add Bl. Michael McGivney to the list of possible intercessors for your (or a loved one’s) alcoholism.

Are you a creative Catholic? "The Catholicpunk Manifesto" is my new book exhorting Catholics to apply their faith to change the culture for the better!

Know someone, perhaps yourself, who might like Catholic devotionals for alcoholics? Please take a look at my books! "The Stations of the Cross for Alcoholics" and "The Recovery Rosary: Reflections for Alcoholics and Addicts" (Thank you!!)

Mother Angelica is as helpful and inspiring today as she was decades ago

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 I couldn’t this morning decide what to watch on TV during the time I set aside for that before ‘beginning my day.’ Old reruns of “Sliders?” How about “Farscape?” “Babylon 5?” Maybe pick up where I left off during an interrupted binging of the original “Quantum Leap?” No, no, no, and no. I was restless in my indecision. Then I felt a tiny inspiration to watch classic Mother Angelica episodes on EWTN. And so I did!

Am I ever glad! 

I am, as usual, ‘going through stuff’ and I am awaiting a decision on a job application I made yesterday. And so I binged on Mother Angelica videos on EWTN and later YouTube for about 3 hours. Several were on fear, anxiety, and inner peace. I split my time between “Mother Angelica Live Classics” and “From the Heart with Mother Angelica” an older show I don’t think I’ve seen before.

I feel I’m being prepped for failure (I won’t get the job) or success (I’ll get it and properly cope with new job anxieties.) 

Either way, whatever happens, I feel like I received a grace today to cope with stuff. If the prayer is answered in the way that I hope it will, (I get the job) then “Yay!” If it gets answered ‘the other way,’ (I don’t get the job) then I’ll assume that God has other plans for me. I hope he lets me know what they are soon!

I cannot recommend watching Mother Angelica enough. I watched her programming quite a lot way back when, and I have read all the books she’s written and the ones edited or written by her biographer (Raymond Arroyo.) If you’re down, afraid, consumed with fear and anxiety, or are depressed, if you’re confused about anything: please go to the links I posted a few paragraphs above and just scroll through the offerings. If you’re suicidal, she has kind and loving things to say to you. She is a lifeline. She will help you pull back from the abyss.

“Mother Angelica Live Classics” is also available as audio-only. EWTN also has an audio-only version of  her EWTN call-in show, “Mother Angelica Answering the Call.” It’s about:

“Father Joseph Mary Wolfe and Doug Keck mine decades of viewer phone calls answered by Mother Angelica. Mother dishes out teaching, advice, laughter and plenty of prayers as she takes calls from her “Family”. No subject is off limits and no problem too big for the wisdom and compassion of the one and only, Mother Angelica!

I  listen to clips of this program on my local Catholic radio station (which is available to you on iCatholicRadio (available for the desktop or an iOS or Android app.) I may start listening to entire episodes: I need more Mother!

Mother Angelica is a balm, a healing remedy for these strange times which have gotten much worse since her shows aired. I kept thinking to myself “Imagine what she’d be saying nowadays!” She was four years younger than my Mom, but she’s always come across as a wise (-cracking) and loving Grandma who really cares about her family (all several million of us.)

I wish those folks down in Alabama would get started on her cause for beatification and canonization. If there was ever a woman who led a life of heroic virtue and who had a major, positive impact on millions of people worldwide, it’s Mother Mary Angelica of the Annunciation.

Are you a creative Catholic? "The Catholicpunk Manifesto" is my new book exhorting Catholics to apply their faith to change the culture for the better!

Know someone, perhaps yourself, who might like Catholic devotionals for alcoholics? Please take a look at my books! "The Stations of the Cross for Alcoholics" and "The Recovery Rosary: Reflections for Alcoholics and Addicts" (Thank you!!)

Please turn your ad blockers off when reading Sober Catholic!

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Please turn your ad blockers off when reading Sober Catholic! I receive a small income from ads placed on the blog, and while it isn’t much, it helps with incidentals and so forth. EVERY SINGLE ad placed on Sober Catholic is from a Catholic source; be it a business, publisher, service or charity, etc. 

When I browse, I typically have ad blockers running, so I understand. However, when the site is an interest of mine AND they run relevant ads, I disable the ad blocker as I find they add value to the site. 

So, please help me out and disable your ad blocker when visiting me! Most ad blockers have per site settings, so the blocker will turn back on after you leave me. 

(You can also donate by PayPal-ing me!)

Are you a creative Catholic? "The Catholicpunk Manifesto" is my new book exhorting Catholics to apply their faith to change the culture for the better!

Know someone, perhaps yourself, who might like Catholic devotionals for alcoholics? Please take a look at my books! "The Stations of the Cross for Alcoholics" and "The Recovery Rosary: Reflections for Alcoholics and Addicts" (Thank you!!)

I’ve been writing for Catholic365!

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About two months ago I began oublishing articles on Catholic365. It’s a way to earn a little exta money. The emphasis is on the little, but I appreciate the exposure. I am actually hoping to be noticed by folks who don’t navigate to this blog; they can get a taste of my writing and perhaps offer lucrative writing gigs. That won’t mean I will abandon C365, I also have plans (years hence) to eventually  relocate the better SoberCatholic posts over there (most likely when I decide to ‘hang it up’ and quit blogging.) Or perhaps just use C365 for articles not suitable for this hypothetical lucrative writing gig. LOL 

Anyway if you want to read my stuff, here is my C365 page: Paul Sofranko on Catholic365.

I post at least once a week (except for when I got whacked by COVID.) What I will do from here on out, is post a weekly update here with links to my articles from the past week.

 

 

Are you a creative Catholic? "The Catholicpunk Manifesto" is my new book exhorting Catholics to apply their faith to change the culture for the better!

Know someone, perhaps yourself, who might like Catholic devotionals for alcoholics? Please take a look at my books! "The Stations of the Cross for Alcoholics" and "The Recovery Rosary: Reflections for Alcoholics and Addicts" (Thank you!!)

The Rhoda Wise Novena

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Anyone who is familiar with the life of Mother Angelica, the foundress of EWTN, has heard of Rhoda Wise. She was a stigmatist and victim soul and had visions of Jesus Christ and St. Therese of Lisieux. She experienced miraculous cures which inspired many as well as introducing Mother Angelica (before she became a nun) to the intercessory power of St. Therese. Mother Angelica experienced a miraculous cure as a result of a novena she prayed to St. Therese at the instigation of Rhoda Wise.

Here is Rhoda’s story: The Story of Rhoda Wise.

I was chatting with a Militia of the Immaculata friend on WhatsApp about EWTN and I went to look up the Rhoda Wise Shrine website. While there, I discovered a Novena for Rhoda Wise’s Beatification. I am sharing it here because it is very useful to and relevant to alcoholics and addicts. You’ll see when you look over the daily intentions. 

Novena for the Beatification of the Servant of God Rhoda Wise

Day 1 – Today let us pray for all who suffer from chronic and life-threatening illness, that they may be consoled by the healing presence of Our Lord. We also pray for their families, friends, and care-givers, that they, too, may be comforted and strengthened by His divine love as they help their loved ones carry the cross of illness.

Day 2 – Today let us pray for those suffering from addictions, and in a special way, their loved ones who also suffer from the pains of addiction. May they be healed by your divine love and mercy, just as you healed Rhoda’s husband, George, of alcoholism.

Day 3 – Today let us pray for conversions in our families, who are under great attack living in an extremely secularized culture.

Day 4 – Today let us pray for more holy men and women, especially for an increase of vocations to religious life.

Day 5 – Today let us pray for all those struggling with infertility and pregnancy loss. May their grieving hearts be consoled by our Lord, the Giver of Life, and one day be blessed to share in God’s life-giving plans for the conception and raising of beloved children.

Day 6 – Today we pray for greater respect for life, especially for an end to abortion and euthanasia. May all people acknowledge and revere the truth that life comes from God alone. That the dignity of each unique person, made in the image and likeness of our Lord, both in the womb and those aging, has the right to live and fulfill God’s will on earth.

Day 7 – Today we pray for our country that it continues to uphold religious freedoms.

Day 8 – Today we pray for our Christian brothers and sisters throughout the world who suffer persecution in the name of our Lord. May they be kept safe and remain courageous during these violent times.

Day 9 – Today we pray for the protection of our holy Mother Church.

Prayers to be said everyday (after the daily intentions, I think?)

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us. (3 times)

Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us.

Heavenly Father, the love of your Crucified Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, sustained the Servant of God, Rhoda Wise, in her many sufferings and made her by grace a strong woman of Faith. She led others to the Sacred Heart of your Son, Jesus. She devoutly promoted daily recitation of the Most Holy Rosary. Prayers were answered. Faith was strengthened. May her Beatification come quickly as we ask for her intercession in this need… (Pause and add your intentions). We ask this through the Heart of Jesus Christ, Your Son, Our Lord. Amen

Imprimatur: + George V. Murry, S.J.
Bishop of Youngstown – May 12, 2017

With ecclesiastical approval 2020

Source: Novena for the Beatification of the Servant of God Rhoda Wise

Are you a creative Catholic? "The Catholicpunk Manifesto" is my new book exhorting Catholics to apply their faith to change the culture for the better!

Know someone, perhaps yourself, who might like Catholic devotionals for alcoholics? Please take a look at my books! "The Stations of the Cross for Alcoholics" and "The Recovery Rosary: Reflections for Alcoholics and Addicts" (Thank you!!)