Pope Francis

Pope Francis made an unscheduled stop on his journey through the Philippines. He visited the children who live in shelters. The children were so excited to see him. They were hoping to just catch a glimpse of him, so when he stopped they were overjoyed.  He was there for about ten minutes and spoke to the children about how much they were loved by God. The director of the shelter said, "This is very important to them. Here in Manila it is not unusual to see children sleep among the garbage. This is what the pope's visit and words mean to them, that they are not garbage."

Pope Francis has also been making comments about the attack on Charlie Hebdo. He said "He said if your friend said a swear word to your mother you would slap them." He also believed that there should be limits to freedom of speech when it comes to insulting religion.

He also has spoke about canonizing an American missionary, Junipero Serra. He brought Christianity to western America in the 1700s. When Pope Francis visits Philadelphia in 2015, he will officially canonize him saint.

Historic climb finally finished.

The long journey began on December 27th and was completed January 14th, 19 days later. Tommy Caldwell, 36, and Kevin Jorgeson, 30, were the first people to climb the daunting 3,000-foot vertical wall on El Capitan. This is considered the most difficult climb in the world and they also did it with only safety harnesses to catch them if they fall, but relied on muscle and dexterity to get them through this treacherous climb. The rocks are not smooth nor the isn't big spaces for hand to fit. Free-climbers do not use pulleys or carve out hand holds, they brace themselves with their legs and find a spot where they have a grip. The climb was painful hands throbbing skin ripping open. The beating took when losing their grip and slamming against the mountain. Rest days were necessary to allow injuries to heal. Superglue and tape to heal and speed up this process.

Other people had made it to the top, However, not one continuous free-climb. This should be an inspiration for all, not just rock climbers. They were knocked down so many times, but kept getting back up. They have dreamed big and followed their dreams. And you should too!

The Flu

Here at Niagara Catholic, the school has been hit hard with the flu. With such a small school, it spreads fast. Every other class period a kid is sitting on the bench waiting to go home. Teachers leaving early or never coming in. Coughing is heard constantly.
CDC confirms the flu has hit widespread in 43 states. There were 15 pediatric deaths. The flu vaccine this year was not as effective as hoped. However it still does defend from some strains. The thing about viral diseases it the mutate much faster and spread faster than bacterial diseases, so it is harder to stop. You may have a different strain than what the flu shot protects from. It mostly infects young people and the elderly.
Wash you hands. Use hand sanitizer. If not feeling well with flu like symptoms stay home if possible. Get vaccinated. Try to get 8-10 hours of sleep. Cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough. Mr. C recommends Airborne® to combat your worst flu symptoms.

Update: Because of the number of sick students and staff, Niagara Catholic took a sick day on Thursday 15th of January. 

Charlie Hebdo Magazine company attacked

Charlie Hebdo, a French satirical magazine company, was attacked by terrorists. The magazine is a horrible magazine that pokes fun of many religions, and shouldn't be in print. Many of the cartoonists were a part of a different magazine company in the 60's, but that was shut down after printing a mock death notice for General Charles de Gaulle, only to reappear months later under the name Charlie Hebdo. They criticized Muhammad and Muslims believe that they are blasphemes images. They were sued in 2007 by two French Muslim associations. The cases were dismissed because they did not "incite religious hatred." This is infuriating! They should have won the case the things they publish are horrible and disgusting.  In 2012, France was forced to close its embassies and schools in 20 countries after the magazine published cartoons of Muhammad. The magazine's editor is on an al Qaeda hit list.
This wasn't a random shooting. There was a clear motive. You publish cartoons that are blasphemous in the eyes of Muslims and expect no repercussions! Sadly, people were killed, and the gunmen are still on the run. The gunmen don' have done what they had done;  it wasn't the right approach. And when the gunmen get caught they will be punished. If the government would have shut the magazine down this wouldn't have happened. Just because you have the freedom of speech doesn't mean you should be publishing bologna about other religions.

Millionare's son kills over cut allowance

Thomas Gilbert Jr., 30, is accused of killing his 70 year old father on Sunday afternoon. His mother left the house to get food, then she had a "bad feeling" and returned home to find her husband on floor with a bullet in his hand and the gun nearby. The police believe it is a staged suicide. They believe Thomas shot his father and made it look like a suicide. The police believe that Thomas' motive was revenge; his father cut his allowance and wouldn't pay his rent.
Thomas Gilbert Jr. was a gradate of Princeton University with a degree in economics. However, he had no recent work activity. He had a reputation of partying. He was a spoiled brat. At the age of thirty, he doesn't have a job and his parents a paying his rent that is ridicules. Parents need to stop spoiling their children. You need to let them make mistakes and figure it out for themselves, not just open your wallet. If they want something, make them work for it.

The 7 Year Old Lone Survivor

On Friday the 2nd of January, two days into the new year, tragedy struck. Piper PA-34 aircraft crashed leaving 4 people dead and an injured 7 year old girl, Sailor, alone. The family was flying back Illinois after spending their vacation in Florida. Marty, Kimberly, and Piper Gutzler and Sierra Wilder, Sailor's cousin, were killed on impact. With bare feet and a broken wrist she walked three quarters of a mile to find help. It wasn't an easy journey. She climbed a hill and crossed a creek bed.
The little girl was released Saturday to relatives and a fund has been started in her name to help with physical and emotional healing. I can't even imagine how terrified she was and at the age of seven! It's truly a miracle.

Pakistan School Massacre: Malala's Response

Malala just 17, commented on the attack that has taken place in Pakistan. Malala, recipient of the noble peace prize and an inspiration to all, spoke against the terror that occurred.

Here’s what she said:

I am heartbroken by this senseless and cold-blooded act of terror in Peshawar that is unfolding before us.
Innocent children in their school have no place in horror such as this. I condemn these atrocious and cowardly acts and stand united with the government and armed forces of Pakistan whose efforts so far to address this horrific event are commendable.
I, along with millions of others around the world, mourn these children, my brothers and sisters - but we will never be defeated.

With the words of inspiration, hopefully, healing will begin soon for the families and friends of these victims.