Today, we commemorate the 50th anniversary of the inauguration of President John Fitzgerald Kennedy, the first Catholic president of the United States. As Americans, let us call to mind the words of one of the most beloved presidents in our nation’s history. Let us answer the call to service, the call to cooperation, the call to peace, and the call to defend the freedom of all.

Source: C-SPAN

For those heading to our nation’s capital for this year’s March for Life, a sneak peek:

Source: Students for Life

Today, the United States of America commemorates the birthday of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who continually stood up for those who had experienced prejudice throughout their lives. Let us remember the words of Martin Luther King’s I Have a Dream speech:

And, for those who wish to read the speech, below is the full text:

I am happy to join with you today in what will go down in history as the greatest demonstration for freedom in the history of our nation.

Five score years ago, a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand today, signed the Emancipation Proclamation. This momentous decree came as a great beacon light of hope to millions of Negro slaves who had been seared in the flames of withering injustice. It came as a joyous daybreak to end the long night of their captivity.

But one hundred years later, the Negro still is not free. One hundred years later, the life of the Negro is still sadly crippled by the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination. One hundred years later, the Negro lives on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean of material prosperity. One hundred years later, the Negro is still languishing in the corners of American society and finds himself an exile in his own land. So we have come here today to dramatize a shameful condition.

Just when we thought we had heard the last of Father Alberto Cutié (a.k.a. “Father Oprah”), he makes his presence known once more in a rather desperate attempt to gain more than the typical 15 minutes of shame…I mean fame. Not surprisingly, he is coming out in defense of his own actions, but, then again, I guess that’s human nature and I shouldn’t be so critical. However, when, in your attempt to justify your actions, you attack someone or something else, that’s where I, and many others, take issue.

Before we get into what “Padre Alberto” is saying now, let’s review; shall we?

Father Alberto Cutié was ordained a Roman Catholic Priest in 1995 for the Archdiocese of Miami. During his years of priestly service in the Catholic Church, Padre Alberto quickly became somewhat of a “rock star” as the host of several nationally and internationally syndicated television and radio programs. (Don’t worry, I’m not praising the accomplishments of the man here; it’s a simple fact.) His international reputation, in my humble opinion, definitely had a role in his demise as a Catholic priest.

You might recall: towards the beginning of summer 2009, pictures of Father Alberto were uncovered by a popular Mexican celebrity gossip magazine that caught him in a rather compromising position with a woman on the public beaches of Miami. Remember, as a Catholic priest, Cutié promised to carry out his ministry while living in a state of celibacy, which means not getting married and remaining chaste.

As the new year has finally arrived, I again want to take this opportunity to thank all of you for allowing me to share my journey of faith. It has been an exciting year filled with many unforgettable experiences for this young Catholic. I thank you for helping me out through all of the changes and for your prayers as I transitioned to a bit of a new life.

Happy New Year to you and yours. May the peace and love of Christ dwell within your hearts as we journey through 2011. Along the way, if the occasions of joy and happiness turn into fear and sadness remember to stay close to Him. Please be assured of my constant prayers for you. If you would, please remember to say a prayer or two for me. Thanks again! May God bless you and your families.