This must be biggest joke Hollywood has played on the Catholic Church, next to the DUH-Vinci Code.

I’ve not read either of Mr Brown’s books myself, but based on what I’ve heard and read about them, it does appear to me that they’re both packed with historical and theological errors, and outright lies. Although many will say “that’s just fiction” (which it is, of course), but still there will be people whose faith and impression of the Catholic Church will be negatively affected by the books, and even more so the movies. We must arm ourselves with the necessary knowledge to differentiate between fact and fiction, build up our own faith with the truth, and be prepared with the answers for various questions (and at times, attacks and accusations) that our friends and family may have for us.

Well known apologist, Mark Shea, has written an electronic booklet in corporation with Ascension Press, on the craziness of  Angels and Demons. This 23-page booklet contains answers to over 30 typical questions that may arise after reading the book or watching the movie, and is available for free download here. Read it for yourself, share it with your friends, and spread the word.

Catholic Answers has also written an answer guide to Angels and Demons. Find out more here! There’s also a clip of the This Rock article written by Carl E. Olson in the Catholic Answers Forums, which can be found here.

Al Kresta has written on the Angels and Demons phenomena on Ignatius Insight, as well as on his blog. I particularly what he said after watching Angels and Demons. –> “The movie won’t turn you into either.” Well said!

Last but not least, there’s also this brilliant article by Steven Greydanus on DecentFilms.com, highlighting the errors and mistakes that are in abundance in Dan Brown’s works. I’m also looking forward to reading Steven’s review of the movie.

I hope you find these resources helpful in educating yourselves and those around you about the horrific lies in Angels and Demons, in contrast to the truths which the Catholic Church stands for.

Here are a couple of Stations of the Cross recordings I’ve come across while listening to some of my favorite podcasts:

• Catholic Music Express
  Jim O’Meara does a moving rendition of the Stations of the Cross as composed by St Alphonsus Ligouri, complete with beautiful contemporary Catholic music.
• iPadre
  A presentation of the Stations of the Cross, based on Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich by Father Jay Finelli.
• The Catholics Next Door
  Greg and Jennifer Willits does an audio version of the Stations of the Cross based on those celebrated by Pope John Paul II on Good Friday 1991.
• Divine Mercy Podcast
  Greg Keuter also has a recording of the Stations of the Cross on his site.
• What Does The Prayer Really Say?
  The great Father Z has a couple of these
  • 1st Passion Sunday
  • Palm Sunday – Passion of St. Matthew (sung)
  • Stations of the Cross – St. Alphonsus Liguori
  • Passion of St. John (Good Friday – 1962 Missale Romanum)
  • Stations of the Cross – Joseph Ratzinger (Good Friday – 2005)
• Pray-As-You-Go
  A series of 10 scripture-based meditations in the tradition of the Stations of the Cross.

Hope you’ll find the resources above inspiring and helpful in your Lenten meditation.

Fr. Z’s 20 Tips For Making A Good Confession o{]:¬)

We should…

1) …examine our consciences regularly and thoroughly;
2) …wait our turn in line patiently;
3) …come at the time confessions are scheduled, not a few minutes before they are to end;
4) …speak distinctly but never so loudly that we might be overheard;
5) …state our sins clearly and briefly without rambling;
6) …confess all mortal sins in number and kind;
7) …listen carefully to the advice the priest gives;
8) …confess our own sins and not someone else’s;
9) …carefully listen to and remember the penance and be sure to understand it;
10) …use a regular formula for confession so that it is familiar and comfortable;
11) …never be afraid to say something “embarrassing”… just say it;
12) …never worry that the priest thinks we are jerks…. he is usually impressed by our courage;
13) …never fear that the priest will not keep our confession secret… he is bound by the Seal;
14) …never confess “tendencies” or “struggles”… just sins;
15) …never leave the confessional before the priest has finished giving absolution;
16) …memorize an Act of Contrition;
17) …answer the priest’s questions briefly if he asks for a clarification;
18) …ask questions if we can’t understand what he means when he tells us something;
19) …keep in mind that sometimes priests can have bad days just like we do;
20) …remember that priests must go to confession too … they know what we are going through.

More of Father Z’s wisdom at What Does The Prayer Really Say?

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