International Death Penalty Abolition Day – March 1

Support for the death penalty is on the decline in the USA and the number of death penalty convictions is also declining. However, in 2016 seven executions by State governments occurred and five more are scheduled in March. The Death Penalty Information Center provides much statistical information, but it does not reveal the sufferings of the families of murder victims, the tragedy of innocent persons held on death row (see Death of Innocents by Sister Helen Prejean), or the damage to the soul of a nation that continues to use the death penalty. 

Death row inmates may experience conversion. In February, Mary Gorske (Associate) heard from a prisoner in Texas who had received a stay of execution. He wrote:

“Yes, this was a blessing from God, He had mercy on my soul and spared my life and gave me a second chance to live! I give all honor and praise to Him! In my last days to live, I got on my knees and prayed to Him from a pure heart, soul and mind! I repented of my sins and He forgave me! I asked him to give me strength to face my death if that was my fate on Texas death row! I asked Him to bless me with peace of heart and peace of mind, and he did! I asked Him to strengthen my faith, and it got stronger…”

Let us continue to pray for those on death row, the victims of violent crime, and for an end to the use of the death penalty. For prayer and reflection Education for Justice offers the attached resource.

Analysis of President Obama’s 2016-2017 Budget Proposal

A budget is a moral document, the USCCB has often stated. The Conference of Major Superiors of Men provides a succinct two-page analysis of the President’s recently released budget proposal using the lens of Catholic Social Teaching. You can read it here. The NationalPriorities Project offers a pie-shaped depiction of the 2016 budget proposal and also of the discretionary spending proposal. Military spending stands at 54% (not including veteran’s benefits at 6%). In this election year there is bound to be much debate in Congress, so, stay tuned!

Five New Adelante Mujer Dcotors

Greetings from Fond du Lac, Wisconsin! 

With joy and excitement we introduce Adelante Mujer's FIVE NEW DOCTORS who took the Hippocratic Oath on January 27, 2016.  We apologize that some of the photos lack clarity  because they were taken in the evening in a church not brightly lit. 

Congratulations to Adelante Mujer donors and friends!  Without your support there would be no Adelante Mujer doctors at all.  Now there are 13 and counting.

Lenten Carbon Fast

Pope Francis’ 2016 Lenten message emphasizes the practice of the corporal and spiritual works of mercy during this Jubilee Year of Mercy. Though he does not reference care for creation we might well include compassionate care for our suffering Mother Earth. The Global Catholic Climate Movement invites us to join with people around the world in a Lenten Carbon Fast.  Each country has a particular day to fast and pray for care of our Sister Mother Earth. The days for the USA are February 10^th and March 25^th (all countries) and February 25^th.

The Doctor's and Her Sister's Letters

A long, long letter arrived after the graduation of Dr. Cindy.  In her letter titled “My Gratitude,”  Cindy thanked Adelante Mujer donors: “I am very grateful to God and the Adelante Mujer program that helped me.  Its support was great in giving me the funding to fulfill my dreams of becoming a doctor and finish my university studies.  I am a woman of low economic resources.  The program helped pay for university courses of preparation, books, uniforms, and all the other things I needed to study and be great.  Thanks to the help I received, I am a doctor capable of helping those in need.  Thank you, Adelante Mujer.”