Instead of offering prayers at the Democratic convention, maybe Cardinal Dolan should perform an exorcism.
(tee-hee)

I hope the Cardinals prayer at the end of the Democratic Convention is the prayer of Exorcism.

Wow what extremely nasty comments!!!  :(

Quid pro quo. Does anybody still believe the Cardinal invited the President to speak at a charity dinner because the President is a sinner?  It was made clear that the Cardinal will not endorse any platform according to the archdiocese spokesman. That makes it clear to me that he will be ‘Civil’ and not condem any platform. The right to life movement should not look to Cardinal Dolan as a Leader. What a shame.

I hope that the Cardinal realizes what he is doing saying a prayer at the Demo convention and yes, maybe it had better be a prayer of exorcism.  From what I read, the Democratic platform will include not only abortion but same sex marriage.  If this actually does go into the platform, by saying a prayer or even being there at the Democratic convention he is condoning this evil.  And by being there he’s giving his explicit approval and scandal.  He’d make a better impression if he just “walked out” of this is approved.

Aug. 28th, Feast of St. Augustine.  My prayer is that the Cardinal will not try to be politically correct but will challenge the anti-life, anti-traditional marriage of the Democratic convention platform.  But I have a feeling the Dems. accepted the Cardinal’s request to offer the prayer at their convocation if he would agree to say nothing challenging…we’ll wait and see and pray all the while.

@DPierre and KCT:  I share your sentiments!  The DNC’s platform includes passionately advocating for two of the “Sins Crying to Heaven for Vengeance”:  Willful Murder and Sodomy!!!

How in God’s Holy Name can ANYONE who claims to be a Christian be a member of this Party of Perversion, Misery and Death????

I’m of mixed feeling about this.  While having the same person appear at both conventions gives the Catholic Church a sense of a-politicalness, I would rather that the Bishops of St. Petersburg and Charlotte were asked instead.  I understand that His Emminence is the de facto leader of US church, though even in this case, the Archbishop of Baltimore historically has more claim to that post.

hermiticallysealed.blogspot.com

And the Republican party holds nothing within it’s teaching that is in conflict with Catholic teaching?  I’m confused, is this the National Catholic Register or the National Catholic Republican Register?

My mind is on overload trying to figure Cardinal Dolan out.  I was disappointed with the Obama invitation to the Alfred E Smith Dinner.  Then, his offering the Benediction at the Republican National Convention seemed to move the pendulum back to center.  Now, he’s praying at the Democratic Convention?  My brain short circuited a few synapses trying to understand this, and its impact upon Catholic voters.  The Cardinal must have taken networking lessons from former NYC mayor Ed Koch.  He’s everywhere!  All I can say is that the Archbishop of New York is becoming more of a” lens lice” than his US Senator, Chuck Schumer. 

So, my resolution is to go on a Dolan fast.  I am finished after this comment.  I will not read about him, and I will not dedicate any of my brain processing on this.  If I see his name in a headline, I will avoid reading any other words, and do a quick bypass.  I’ll just have to wait to hear another bishop give a thoughtful and consistent message.

May I humbly remind the good Cardinal Dolan,
as he pontificates under the spotlights
of the political conventions:
there is room for really only ONE super-star in his religion. 
As the Cardinal addresses and blesses the Republicans and their billionaire buddies,
as he smiles upon those who would destroy Social Security and voucher Medicare to death,
as he joins with those who readily admit they they “don’t care about the very poor”......
it would be good, it would be very good ...for the dear Cardinal
to remember -and take to heart-  the words of his boss,
who once said “What you do for the least of these you do for me”.
Unless perhaps, just perhaps,
the Cardinal is working for someone else these days?
As our Founding Fathers so wisely realized:
Politics, secular power, and Religion do not mix.
They bring out the worst in each other.
And ultimately…..they would destroy each other.

I’m so happy to hear this. I think our country needs as much prayer as we can get. May his and our prayers guide our elected leaders in the way of peace and salvation. God save Cardinal Dolan!

Why is the Cardinal so adamant about being seen at the DNC? His presence at an event such as the DNC, which is supposed to be no more than a party for abortions and Islam extremists is despicable. Cardinal thinks that he is taking a bipartisan stance, he is doing nothing but throwing confusion into the lot. Now Catholics have no idea where he stands. Yes, he might be an outspoken critic of President Obama’s policies, but now our strong religious convictions are being opted out for banners proclaiming what the liberals already know and hate about our faith?! Congratulations Cardinal Dolan, you sold us out on a banner, much like the pieces of felt that fell over the faces of the statues of saints in our churches for the past forty years, you are covering up our true identity as a faith, and the true identity of those who will face the wrath of Obama’s policies first hand. First, the hate the liberals carry makes them willing to mandate that we violate our conscience or face prison for refusing or failing to pay penalties should be enough to stay far away from their illustrious evening. Second, being liked is not a part of being Catholic it is apart from it, the Cardinal is showing exactly why Catholicism in the U.S. has been weak for the past three to four decades, we cannot take a stance when it matters. This is a scandalous act on the behalf of Cardinal Dolan, he might as well give his blessing before an abortion.

Quid pro quo. Now that is an explanation from the Cardinal that I would have believed. He wanted to be invited to the Democratic Convention. As stated by the spokesman for the archdiocese of NY he will only offer prayers and will not ‘Endorse’ any platform.  Which also means he will not condemn any platform or promote the pro-life cause.  What a shame!

Cardinal Dolan - I don’t think this is a matter of “turning the other cheek”. The subject (Obama) has shown his true colours time and time again and is adamantly against Mother Church. I’m sure you have forgiven the man for spitting in your face with his lies so how about exhibiting some prudence for the sake of your people!

Why Cardinal Dolan and not the local bishop if he is only going to act as a pastor? Nonsense, it is a thinly disguised attempt to “be nice” to evil instead of meeting it head on.

Why are so many concerned?  First, let the Cardinal speak, listen to him and take his words to heart.

I think that the Cardinal is capable of realizing the same concerns stated here by others.  Wait and see what the contents of his prayers will be.

I suspect that portions of his prayers will contain bits of harsh medicine for each convention.  (it will be more bitter for the Democrats)

Finally, remember just a fem months ago, Mitt Romney spoke to the NAACP.  Did he tell them what they wanted to hear?  No, he told them the truth (small “t”).  I expect more from Cardinal Dolan than I do from Mitt Romney.  He will tell the both conventions, and especially the Democrats, the Truth with a capital “T”.

At least, I hope so.

I’m disappointed that the Cardinal wiill be going to thr Democrat convention to give a prayer.  The Democrat convention will be focusing on the war on women.  Cecile Richards, CEO of Planned Parenthood and Nancy Keenan, of NARAL a national pro choice organizaton will be speaking in addition to the psuedo nun Campbell. Most speakers will be women who promote a culture of death. I suggest the Cardinal leave a trail of blessed salt as he walks through the convention center.

Tread carefully these shark infested waters.

Some of these comments give evidence as to why many young people feel that religion, and especially that of “Christians,” is irrelevant.  Re-read the comments and see if they would have come out of the mouth of Our Lord and Savior.  I don’t see anything like them in the Gospels.

God bless Cardinal Dolan for being a man of Faith and a true spiritual leader.

“Re-read the comments and see if they would have come out of the mouth of Our Lord and Savior.  I don’t see anything like them in the Gospels.”

Matthew 16:23
“Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.”

Goody! I can hardly wait! We all know this convention stuff is a joke from start to finish! I’m surprised a Cardinal-Archbishop would have anything to do with it! Will he also be attending the two hour Jumah prayer at the DNC??????????????      Ha!

St. John the Baptist, pray for us and ask Jesus to send us bishops like you who was not afraid to tell the truth to kings.

I wish our church leaders could be more like St. John the Baptist.  St. John the Baptist, pray for our country.

Cardinal Dolan, must be like Jesus and go before the sinners just like you read in the gospel. I would like to send a message to all the liberal catholics, Please leave the church if you don’t like its teachings, you can go elsewhere if that is what you want.  You can’t be catholic and practice your own way, you must go with all the teachings of the church. I will pray for you for you are walking down the wrong path.  I am not perfect but I do listen to my church, when I fail or fall I get right back on track. GOD BLESS ALL Dolan is doing the right thing.

Cardinal Dolan take a page out of Mother Theresa’s playbook. Call the democrats on the carpet like she did at the National Prayer breakfast.

I pray that the good Cardinal will offer prayers aloud so that the men and women in the Democrat audience will hear that the Abortions that they have committed are sins that need to ask God forgiveness for, and for forgiveness and freedom from the guilt that can ruin their peace of mind and sanity.

I think Cardinal Dolan can let the Republicans know that he feels welcome there, because he is with the faithful pro-life, pro-liberty Catholics. And that he cannot say the same for the following conventtion where the other “so-called” Catholics are, that is the Democrat ones who profusely and heartily disagree with God.

In response to mary isbell:

I too believe that the liberal Catholics need to leave the Church. Their ideology is intrinsically evil and opposed to Catholic thought, teachings, and faith. However, we cannot begin to allow ourselves to condone the actions of cardinal Dolan, or at least throw them into the same realm as infallibility. He is a man, and yes as a priest who acts “In Persona Christi” I think that we should respect him, however that does not mean that he cannot be wrong on social issues. Just like you mary, the Church is not perfect either. it’s teachings on faith and morals are infallible and its doctrines are sound, but it is a Church made up of sinners. The Ark was not discounted because of the flood, so too the Catholic church is not discounted because of the wave of cultural change and our resistance to conform with what modern society tells us is the fad of our day. Going to the DNC is not a teaching of the Church, yes we should love our neighbors, but Christ also held rule and law along with love and respect. We must defend life at all costs and Cardinal Dolan’s attendance at the DNC is doing nothing but throwing confusion into the arena. Cardinal Dolan needs to be aware that his actions can and will influence the actions of countless numbers of Catholics in the United States, whether they are true followers of Her orthodox teachings or lassie faire Catholics, who for the most part aren’t true Catholics. However, whether they consider themselves faithful or fallen Catholics, those who hold liberal ideology above Church teaching will more than likely use this as an excuse to continue to support and defend their liberalism at all costs. We cannot discount the fact that the liberals own the media, and Cardinal Dolan’s appearance will be made to look as if the Catholic Church is in compliance with Obama and his HHS Mandate, pro-abortion, gay marriage and other social pet projects of the liberal mindset. This action by the Cardinal can only do harm to our cause and be used a s political pawn to gather a large vote from the vast and ignorant Catholic electorate for the Presidential elections in November.

Possibly the Cardinal is burning the candle from both ends….meaning, there is a chance that Obama may be elected and since the Church is in conflict with this Administration, he may want to keep his “foot in the door” so that we will still have a Catholic voice in Washington.  Didn’t the Pope do something like this during WWII? Maybe I am just up a tree somewhere. ;o)

Dolan is treating both parties as if their platforms were morally equivalent. How duplicitous is that? He may as well say a prayer for his own salvation.

“I think Cardinal Dolan can let the Republicans know that he feels welcome there, because he is with the faithful pro-life, pro-liberty Catholics. And that he cannot say the same for the following conventtion where the other “so-called” Catholics are, that is the Democrat ones who profusely and heartily disagree with God.”
@Christopher Michael:  Are really that naive to believe that Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan are pro-life???  Mitt Romney is pro-choice and has stated it on several occasions, plus he is Mormon and the Mormons believe that abortion is only evil when it is used as birth control but do believe that it is warranted in cases of rape, incest, the mother’s life is in danger or the baby has severe abnormalities…. HELLLO That is PRO-CHOICE!!

Just heard John McCain at the RNC convention advocating open war on Iran, clearly against Church teaching. Should he lecture them about that before heading over the the DNC convention to lecture them about what they believe that contradicts the Church?
-
I’m astounded by the capacity of the commenters here turn on their own, seems there’s more than enough hate to spare even on their highest officials. Dolan is no fool, and didn’t get to where he is without being good at politics. When religious groups begin endorsing political candidates, they risk their precious tax-exempt status, and the Church debases itself by taking political sides.

I’m still trying to wrap my head around why Cardinal Dolan would accept this invitation. The Catholic Church and Cardinal Dolan received a direct slap to the face by President Obama himself regarding the HHS Healthcare mandate. Cardinal Dolan and the Catholic Church will be made fools once he steps up to that podium to begin the invocation. The Democratic Party has changed and any Catholic who supports this party’s platform and needs to pull their head out of the sand and get informed. As it’s quite clear to many, the President has no alligance to this nation nor does he respect our Constitution.

Good for you, CeCi!  You have revealed the truth: there are NO PRO-LIFE candidates.  These two candidates have taken the expedient and political move to get votes by granting the same three exceptions for abortion.  Therefore, they are not PRO-LIFE!

There are many comments here that fly in the face of the teachings of Jesus Christ, written by “so-called Catholics.”  It makes be ashamed to read some of them.  Too much judgment being passed—on Cardinal Dolan, on Pius XII, on everyone.  Let’s encourage all Catholics to cease having abortions, and then we might have credibility to encourage others to do the right things.

I want to apologize for spelling errors in an earlier post.  Note to self, do not text first thing in the morning before being fully wake and certainly not before a full cup of coffee!  The nuns who taught me are likely rolling over in their graves….
I do agree that Cardinal Dolan is a smart man but the political climate of this administration is concerning.  This is our 1776 and if we do NOT speak up and speak out against those who wish to destroy the very Constitutional freedoms that have set us apart from other nations we are doomed to fail as a free nation.  A government mandate to force companies that are faith based to violate their religious beliefs is an abomination to our religious freedoms.  Cardinal Dolan is a representative of the Catholic Church and the Church is under attack.  I hope he takes this opportunity to make a strong statement.  The DNC won’t like it but they invited him knowing who he is, where he stands and if they don’t like it, oh well, they shouldn’t have invited him.  Personally I think they want to make a fool of him, but I hope he puts them in their place.  The Leftist agenda has woken a sleeping giant.  We are strong in our numbers and we will no longer be silent.  I encourage all Catholics and in particular, North Carolina Catholics to stand up, get involved, make phone calls, canvass neighborhoods with local candidates as a show of support, volunteer to be poll observers and to show up at the polls to vote against those who look to undermine our Constitutional freedoms.  May God Bless You and May God Bless this great nation!

Aug. 30th: The Cardinal will only offer a prayer…has anyone seen the talk Mother Teresa gave at the United Nations General Assembly?  This holy, humble woman, with whom I worked in Calcutta, spoke truth to power, she spoke that truth humbly but firmly. We celebrated yesterday the Feast of the martyrdom of St. John the Baptist who also spoke truth to power, but he spoke it in a more forceful, passionate way and he was beheaded for it.  Would St. John the Baptist have accepted an invitation to a dinner party given by Herod and then refrained from speaking the truth about Herod’s illicit marriage?  No, definitely not!!! So let us hope and pray that Cardinal Dolan will include in his public ‘prayer’, prayers for the unborn who are being exterminated in the wombs of their mothers; prayers for the mothers who are being exploited by abortionists assuring them that it is a good and healthy thing to order the deaths of their babies; prayers for Obama, Pelosi, Biden, Kerry, Kennedy Sebelius and others who continue to advocate and legislate for the termination of the unborn, as well as prayers for the poor and disenfranchised…this is a great opportunity and the same prayer can be offered at both conventions so as not to offend…but I fear that since Cardinal Dolan celebrates and praises equally the ‘Catholicity’ of both Joe Biden and Paul Ryan despite the fact that Paul Ryan is a faithful Cathlic while Biden is a rabid proponent of abortion and gay marriage here and abroad, he will not dare to rock the boat…perhaps he knows best but I fear the consequences, truly..so I am praying hard and hoping the Holy Spirit will step in and shake things up…in a good way.

Ill will Cardinal Dolan still go to the democratic convention now that reference to God has been taken out?