Faith

Why Is This Elvis-Kissing Actress Turned Cloistered Nun Trying to Raise Millions?

BETHLEHEM, Conn. (AP) — In the little town of Bethlehem, a cloistered nun whose luminous blue eyes entranced Elvis Presley in his first on-screen movie kiss is praying for a Christmas miracle.

Dolores Hart, who walked away from Hollywood stardom in 1963 to become a nun in rural Bethlehem, Conn., now finds herself back in the spotlight. But this time it’s all about serving the King of Kings, not smooching the King of Rock and Roll.

Nun Dolores Hart Kissed Elvis Now Shes Trying to Raise Millions

Mother Dolores Hart is interviewed inside the Abbey of Regina Laudis monastery in Bethlehem, Conn., Thursday, Dec. 22, 2011. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)

The former brass factory that houses Mother Dolores and about 40 other nuns cloistered at the Abbey of Regina Laudis needs millions of dollars in renovations to meet fire and safety codes, add an elevator and make handicap accessibility upgrades.

Like 73-year-old Mother Dolores, the order’s nuns have taken a vow of stability with the intent to live, work and die at the complex. The order was established in 1947 in Bethlehem, a small burg in Connecticut’s rolling western hills.

Now, the historically self-supporting nuns have launched a fundraiser for the $4 million renovation project dubbed “New Horizons.” They don’t have much money, but they have Mother Dolores: a starlet-turned-supplicant whose unique story might lure the attention and donations of generations of movie fans, particularly those who adore all things Elvis.

“This work may not be in my lifetime that it’s finished, but we’re sure trying,” Mother Dolores said of the upgrades, which are budgeted to run about $2 million for the fire code and accessibility compliance work and another $2 million for improvements to the housing and other facilities.

Nun Dolores Hart Kissed Elvis Now Shes Trying to Raise Millions

Elvis and Dolores Hart (Image Source: GetReligion.org)

They hope to break ground in January.

They’re not in imminent danger of needing to move out, but many of the older nuns can no longer navigate the narrow steps to the main building’s third floor and must live in another building. And without adequate fire escapes, the monastery has caught the eye of local inspectors, though they‘ve worked closely with the nuns on the improvement plans and haven’t ordered them to close the building.

For Mother Dolores, the monastery has been home since she was a 23-year-old actress in 1963 and walked away from Hollywood for a life of contemplation and prayer as a postulant.

The abbey’s chapel, workshops, livestock pastures and other features are part of her soul now, and its wood-paneled monastery is the only home she’s known for 50 years. Its theater holds a special place in her heart, harkening to the former career that landed her on talk shows, in magazines and twice as Elvis Presley’s co-star.

Dolores Hart was a vivacious, quick-witted blonde starlet when she charmed Hollywood in the 1950s and early 1960s. She shared a kiss with Presley in the 1957 Paramount film, “Loving You” – a modest liplock over which Mother Dolores still fields frequent questions about whether the King was a good kisser.

Nun Dolores Hart Kissed Elvis Now Shes Trying to Raise Millions

A screen shot from Hart's IMDB profile

“I don’t know why they ask me. It’s right there on the screen to see; it’s right there for the looking,” she said Thursday.

Hart acted in 10 movies alongside stars including Montgomery Clift, Myrna Loy, Connie Francis and Anthony Quinn.

She said she was engaged to be married before joining God’s service and leaving the acting world behind. She broke off her engagement, though her fiance remained a close friend and was a frequent visitor and supporter of the abbey until his recent death.

The nuns also received support and help over the years from Mother Dolores’ longtime friend and fellow actress Patricia Neal, who was buried at the abbey after her death in August 2010.

Mother Dolores is still a voting member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, receiving copies of movies to watch in her small room – or cell, as they’re known in the order – to help select yearly Oscar winners.

Nun Dolores Hart Kissed Elvis Now Shes Trying to Raise Millions

Her own movies, including the highly popular “Where the Boys Are,” were made before stars routinely could negotiate to collect later royalties, she said, so that’s not a potential source of income for the upgrades to the abbey.

The abbey is financially independent from the Archdiocese of Hartford and supports itself through the sale of everything from artisan cheeses and hand-crafted pottery to recordings of its choir. Mother Dolores even recently signed autographs at a New Jersey convention, a rare foray out of cloistered life as a favor for a friend, and one that helped boost the fundraising efforts.

Sister Angele Arbib, a coordinator of the New Horizons renovation and fundraising efforts, said the order is applying for grants and the nuns are trying to spread the word among the abbey’s supporters, but are not disclosing publicly how much they’ve raised so far.

Unlike some orders, the Abbey of Regina Laudis has retained a steady number of nuns and new postulants, including two starting in the next few weeks – but that can’t continue if the housing and other facilities keep eroding with age.

“We have focused on building our community, which has been wonderful, but now it’s time that we really have to address our space,” said Sister Angele, 63, who left a thriving career of managing opera singers when she was 50 to join the order.

“None of this, not one single thing we’re doing, is an extravagance,” she said of the upgrades. “It’s to make it possible for us to grow, for the elderly among us to live with as much independence as possible and to allow us to live together in surroundings that let us continue our service.”

Sister Angele said the nuns are not in any imminent danger of needing to move out, though she acknowledges they’d be in dire straits if they had not anticipated the problems early enough to prepare the upgrade plans and launch the fundraising efforts.

As word has spread of their needs, supporters of the nuns and those who’ve visited the abbey, prayed in its chapel and picked up items in its gift shop have tried to help in ways of their own.

Liz Carpenter, a Watertown resident who owns the Children’s Dance Workshop, said its children have raised $600 to help through a raffle. She’s been a grateful supporter since the nuns helped her through a cancer battle about 10 years ago and now volunteers to clean the church once a week.

“I wanted to teach the kids that it’s important to give back,” she said of their fundraiser, “especially for a place that does as many wonderful things as this one does.”

Comments (78)

1 2
  • pennswoods
    Posted on December 25, 2011 at 1:29pm

    NOCALIFORNIA. My guess most Catholic bashers are from the East and West side of Manhattan, in all of our once great Universities like Harvard and Yale, and in every liberal enclave in cities and towns across the USA, as well as large numbers in Hollywood and San Francisco. I forgot abortion clinics, gay rights parades, and all feminist organizations. I am Catholic and have traveled in the South and served in the military with Southeners and like them very much. The only fault they may have is that they seldom associate with Catholics where they live because there are so few in most areas of the southern USA. They are probably less bigoted toward Catholicism than your average Manhattan Upper East and Wests Side left wing neo Marxist intellectuals. Have a joyous Christ’s Mass

    Report Post »  
    • navy76
      Posted on December 27, 2011 at 9:20am

      My wife, Colleen, and I visited the Abbey on December 26th after Colleen read this article on the net. It is a very simple place and the Sisters there seemed to be very happy. We are Catholic and feel that it is a very good thing to have the nuns pray for this world. We saw a camera crew interviewing Mother outside while she was taking a walk in the cold air. She looked very healthy. Anyone who supports their cause would be doing a fine thing. Our prayers go out to this Community. I was taught by the goodSisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary for 12 years while attending Catholic Schools in the Philadelphia Archdioce. I was a buster, but shortly realized that the kind Sisters actually loved us and that is why they cared about our minds as well as our souls. May God Bless them and their work. Al Gambone, New Milford, CT

      Report Post »  
  • pennswoods
    Posted on December 25, 2011 at 1:18pm

    Cosette. What happens after all the great art the Church inspired (which it paid for as well as it’s keeping countless artists, architects, sculptors, masons and other artisans busy for most of the last 2,000 years) is ripped out of churches, cathedrals, and the Vatican and sold at auction? All these treasures will spread to museums and private owners all over the world. How long would that money feed the poor of the earth? A month or two at the most. I am glad all this art and architecture exists in their orginal homes, churches, so that it can give people now, and for centuries to come, spiritual inspiration and an idealized look at the beauty of God’s creation, the Bible, as well as events in of the life of Jesus and his saints.

    Report Post »  
  • retopd
    Posted on December 25, 2011 at 11:47am

    I believe that Bill Maher fans are making some of these anti-Catholic posts or should I call them “rants”.
    God love you. This is from a person who grew up as a Catholic and left the church for many years and when I gathered my senses, I returned to worship God in the Catholic Church. I spend many hours there in a volunteer capacity. I am a very contented Catholic.

    Report Post »  
  • Patricia1952
    Posted on December 25, 2011 at 10:53am

    I don’t understand.

    This is a good story, one of choice, and faith, and heart, and determination. Immediately, the intent of the story is stolen and turned into one of religion bashing. For heaven’s sake why? So you don’t believe in what the Catholics do, or as they do, why would you want to use this uplifting story to preach? People diminish themselves when they do that. There are other forums and ways to push your point about faith, belief, and how you see people should answer the call to God.

    If you think, God calls us to love him, and love each other. Religion is the “how to”, but if you do those two things in good conscience, then you are on the right path.

    That aside, may the love and peace of God, and his son Jesus Christ be with us all in this coming year. Whether you are Christian or not, we are part of the family of Man, and His love is there.

    Report Post »  
  • Anna Fallaxis
    Posted on December 25, 2011 at 10:51am

    I have 2 cousins at Regina Laudis, it’s an extraordinary place that does nothing but good works for the world. The nuns are mostly educated professionals who came as mature women and are all highly gifted. As far as the wealth of the Vatican, please be advised that they get NO money from the Catholic Church, they are completely self-sufficient. It’s a 500 acre farm, managed completely by the 40 women who live there, some quite elderly. They live completely off the land. They raise livestock, crops, honey bees, even spin their own wool from their own sheep. You can buy this wool at their gift shop, as well as honey, herb teas, cheese and more. The movie “Come To The Stable” with Loretta Young was made about the remarkable founding of Regina Laudis after WWII with the help of General Patton who rescued the founders from the Nazis who were about to slaughter their monastery in France. Go to their website to learn more, and if you are ever fortunate to be in Bethlehem CT, you will be allowed in the public areas and the chapel, the rest is monastic enclosure. You can support them by buying their music online, it’s Gregorian Chant.

    Report Post » Anna Fallaxis  
  • KingCanon
    Posted on December 25, 2011 at 8:26am

    Catholics are good people, yet not in a scripturally fulfilling conscious way, key word fulfilling. What does that mean? Catholics do not follow the scriptures but are trained through very limited lip service to the scriptures. I spend everyday around several whom have NEVER heard of salvation or prophecy as the Holy Bible clearly states. Yet, these good folks have attended services for decades without missing a half dozen Masses.

    As I see it, Catholics have always been hidden from the meat of the Word, always. Worse, their practice of faith in numerous ways cuts against the grain of precisely what the Holy Bible directly states as ritual, or proper worship.

    I sincerely hope God blesses Catholicism for its ministry to the poor. The “core poor” are to Catholicism what “core family” is to Mormonism. Both appear as good and wholesome at the surface, both appear heralded in their respective core principles, however, both have printed their own set of guidelines to enslave the minds of those that dwell within their confines.

    Every Catholic is loved by God just as I am loved by God. Every Mormon is loved by God just as I am loved by God. I choose to take the scripture for what it says with respect to early translation. There is too much noise in the world today to believe otherwise. I just can’t wrap my heart around modern day persons guiding the Hand of God. Further, I can’t wrap my heart around faiths that cut against the grain of scripture.

    Any thoughts?
    Mer

    Report Post » KingCanon  
    • Grasshopper42
      Posted on December 25, 2011 at 10:14am

      Well put, KINGCANON. Catholicism is a cult. It takes away and/or adds to the Word of God. Being raised a Roman Catholic, I speak from experience. I have found Roman Catholics to be like concrete, thoroughly mixed up and permanently set!

      Report Post » Grasshopper42  
    • nocalifornia
      Posted on December 25, 2011 at 10:26am

      And just think grasshopper if there wasn’t a Catholic church bring the word of our savior out of the dark ages all you evangelicals would be worshiping the sun god today instead of the Son of God.

      Report Post » nocalifornia  
    • Anna Fallaxis
      Posted on December 25, 2011 at 11:03am

      You’re right about the Catholic Church being light on Bible study, and it is by its nature ritualistic. I was raised in it but found Bible study on my own. The ornate splendor is meant to honor God, the statues and pictures just help us visualize our faith. Sure a lot of bad and troubled people are attracted to the clergy, and the church is certainly the “Last Refuge of Scoundrels”. However, it is an enormous, ancient entity that has brought the Golden Rule to violent, primitive cultures around the world and been a civilizing force, as have other Christian organizations. Let’s not throw the baby out with the bath water. Just take from it what is good and inspiring. These are not the nasty nuns who pulled our ears and whacked us in grade school. These are outstanding women whose virtues we would all do well to observe and emulate. I would ask everyone to keep an open mind, your beliefs are purely your own choice, and to welcome goodness into your life when you see it. Glenn, if you read this, you’d love these people, you should arrange a visit some day.

      Report Post » Anna Fallaxis  
    • KingCanon
      Posted on December 25, 2011 at 11:05am

      Quote: “I have found Roman Catholics to be like concrete, thoroughly mixed up and permanently set!”
      Well said GRASSHOPPER42 and you are speaking from experience.

      A good point NOCALIFORNIA. That was the channel God chose, however, the early Catholic Church spent far more time concealing the Word than spreading the gospel. God works in mysterious ways.
      It wouldn‘t surprise me if today’s Catholic leaders still feel as if they were used beyond there unmistakable and pronounced control of scripture in the early A.D. centuries.

      Report Post » KingCanon  
    • ashestoashes
      Posted on December 25, 2011 at 11:49am

      NO CALIFORNIA..Really? When the Vatican was responsible for giving the Muslims a saviour by means of the Pope’s good friend who would later become Mohamads wife for the purpose of raising a mighty army..Islam for killing Jews and Christians and taking Jerusalem for the Vatican City? And who raised up an army of his own to fight back Islam who wanted all of Europe? and in doing so murdered millions of Christians and burned millions of Bibles to keep the truth from Muslims and Jews? The same Vatican who has been engaged in recent weeks in trying to merge all religions of the world? The same Vatican who has as recently as a couple of weeks ago is trying to once again.to gain control of Jerusalem and saying that there would be no peace in the Middle East unless this happens? http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/150757

      Report Post »  
    • by faith
      Posted on December 29, 2011 at 11:45am

      Not one of you have even the first clue as to what being a Catholic is.

      “There are not even 100 people in this country who hate the Catholic Church, but there are millions who hate what they think the Catholic Church to be.”

      Google it, you might learn something

      Report Post » by faith  
    • SavedByTheLamb
      Posted on December 29, 2011 at 10:32pm

      King,

      I appreciate your post, as it has a more charitable tone than most on this blog. Respectfully, I think your observations are based on anecdotal experience of lukewarm Catholics Perhaps it is based on negative views that are often presented in the media, popular culture, and sadly our fellow Christians. Let me suggest that the truth may not be found through these avenues.

      Let me just say in short that Christ did not leave us with a copy of the New Testament. He left us with the Church, which continues to be The Mystical Body of Christ on earth. The bible as we know it was first codified by The Church in the 4th Century. The Church has been with us from the beginning. The work of the Holy Spirit has continued to work through the Church.

      While it is true that many Catholics are not biblical scholars. However, our sacraments, doctrine, and liturgy are steeped in scripture. The Mass is almost entirely scriptural, as is the daily prayer of the Church, the Liturgy of the Hours. See http://www.divineoffice.org. We are encouraged by the Church to read scripture, pray without ceasing, and partake of the sacraments. What “cuts against the grain of scripture” isn’t left up to the individual to personally interpret.

      I would suggest that the charity of the Church is much more than you suggest. See Matthew 25: 31-46. So how does one live the beatitudes without serving his fellow man?

      God Bless You – Let us all pray for one another.

      Report Post »  
  • LIBS-ARE-DINGLEHEADS
    Posted on December 25, 2011 at 6:32am

    This woman is a Saint on Earth. Period.

    Report Post » LIBS-ARE-DINGLEHEADS  
    • BOMUSTGO
      Posted on December 25, 2011 at 7:27pm

      In the Bible, all spirit filled believers are called Saints.I became one back in 1982 when I obeyed Acts 2:38. Experience Pentecost.

      Report Post » BOMUSTGO  
    • ThoreauHD
      Posted on December 26, 2011 at 6:38pm

      It must be very confusing saying the apostles creed when every protestant is now a saint.

      Report Post » ThoreauHD  
  • bestartist
    Posted on December 25, 2011 at 4:10am

    Wow, I’m Jewish and must say, I’m surprised to hear so much Catholic bashing on Christmas Eve….
    I’m going to send Mother Dolores a few dollars…….it certainly seems that Mother Dolores and her Sisters are pure hearted and deserve to stay in their convent, regardless of the sins that the Catholic hierarchy and the Vatican may have committed.
    We are all paying 4.5 million dollars for Obama’s flagrant sin of conspicuous consumption in Hawaii for 17 days over “Christmas”…this money is being stolen from me, given a choice I would never give a dime to that unworthy and desultory endeavor, to such an undeserving person and already well fattened family.
    I would rather willingly give my money to the Sisters, an act of willing charity given in love.
    Merry Christmas

    Report Post » bestartist  
    • TRUTHandFREEDOM
      Posted on December 25, 2011 at 10:11am

      I often read Blaze comments on religious topics and wonder; How Christian is Catholic bashing?

      It may just be a few people, but I’ve seen it here too often.

      Report Post »  
    • ashestoashes
      Posted on December 25, 2011 at 1:58pm

      @ TRUTHANDFREEOM Here is something to help you understand..I am not saying that the ones belonging to the Catholic Church are bad people..Some of my favorite people were raised and are entrenched in the faith…so I haven’t the heart to tell them any different..I love them and pray for their salvation..We have a former Catholic missionary at our church…a Spirit filled church..and she fears for the salvation of her Catholic family Here is something to help you understand the role of the Catholic Church in Revelations.
      .http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebyhPVvmGL0

      Report Post »  
    • SavedByTheLamb
      Posted on December 29, 2011 at 10:41pm

      BestArtist, thanks for your concern. Happy Hanukkah to you!

      Catholic-bashing is a favorite past-time on this blog, as is the activity of a few devout Catholics to correct statements made in error. As one of my friends pointed out earlier in this thread in a quote from Fulton Sheen

      “There are not over a 100 people in the U.S. that hate the Catholic Church, there are millions however, who hate what they wrongly believe to be the Catholic Church, which is, of course, quite a different thing.”

      We’re working on it.

      I highly recommend the new series by Fr. Robert Barron, called “Catholicism” which recently aired in some markets on PBS and on EWTN.

      http://www.catholicismseries.com

      AMDG

      Report Post »  
  • Mojoron
    Posted on December 25, 2011 at 3:59am

    It is amazing how a story such as this causes most people to not hear the story but to make judgements on the Church instead. Give credit were credit is due. Mother Dolores is doing God’s work, let her do it. What she does is a vocation just like acting is a vocation. Giving ones whole life to God is the most unselfish vocation there is. I doubt that any one who has written a negative word about this story has any idea what a difficult vocation being a religious is. It take a lot of self-sacrifice and love of God to remain a virgin while trying to fulfill God’s wishes. Self-sacrefice is something we all need to perfect.

    The other thing is that the Church is indeed “rich” but it is in artwork and buildings, objects that would have to be sold in order to it to be worth any thing. As far as cash is concerned, the church has about as much as most countries do: not much.

    Report Post » Mojoron  
  • woemcat
    Posted on December 25, 2011 at 1:57am

    because she sold out. so sad to see someone throwing their life away.

    Report Post » woemcat  
  • BOMUSTGO
    Posted on December 25, 2011 at 1:53am

    As an ex-catholic, I see so many contradictions when it comes to the scriptures.
    1 Tim 4:1-3 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
    Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
    Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.

    Report Post » BOMUSTGO  
    • by faith
      Posted on December 29, 2011 at 11:50am

      BO
      sounds like what happen with the Protestor-revolution

      Report Post » by faith  
  • txwheels
    Posted on December 24, 2011 at 3:01pm

    @PAPERPUSHERMJ

    I don’t need a church or Priest as a middle man to worship and pray to the Lord God!

    Report Post »  
    • joanct
      Posted on December 24, 2011 at 5:06pm

      Philip and the Ethiopian – Acts 9: 29-31 The Spirit said to Philip, “Go and join up with that chariot.” Philip ran up and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and said, “Do you understand what you are reading?” He replied, “How can I, unless someone instructs me?” So he invited Philip to get in and sit with him.

      Report Post »  
    • paperpushermj
      Posted on December 24, 2011 at 6:03pm

      No of Course not but it does help if you belong to a Community to give you the feedback not to Worship Yourself.

      Report Post » paperpushermj  
  • txwheels
    Posted on December 24, 2011 at 1:35pm

    @COSETTE

    I too was raised Catholic. I left the church when I graduated high school and went into the military. My reasons for leaving? First there was the young priest I caught after boxing practice one day making a sexual advance on a young kid in the 5th grade. Second; Catching our Priest at the local lovers lane with one of the local attorney’s wife. Last but not least as you said, every time we turned around the Nuns or the Priests were asking for money to take care of some project or other. Funny the Priests were driving around in Lincolns and Cadillacs back then in the ‘60’s
    I have no charity toward the Catholic church what so ever and haven‘t walked through the doors of one since ’66.

    Report Post »  
    • paperpushermj
      Posted on December 24, 2011 at 2:28pm

      So you left something for nothing

      Report Post » paperpushermj  
    • joanct
      Posted on December 24, 2011 at 5:39pm

      You sound like my dad. I always tell him, “Don‘t judge a religion by those who don’t live it.”

      My priest has served the Church for over 50 years. He is Godly, brilliant, and courageous. He drove a Mercedes for about 15 years. It was a gift from a parishioner, and it was ancient when he got rid of it. The only reason he is still not driving it is because another parishioner was kind enough to give Father his old car when he bought a new one.

      When I think of the Church, I think of Christ’s promise that the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. I think of the courage and the beauty of Her saints and martyrs – Blessed Miguel Pro who was shot by the revolutionary Mexican government in 1927, Saint Maximilian Kolbe who gave up his life in 1941 to save that of another man in a Nazi concentration camp, Blessed Father Jerzy Popieluszko who was associated with the Polish Solidarity union and who was murdered by three agents of the Polish communist internal intelligence agency in 1984.

      Keep your eye on the prize and don’t let the dark side win.

      Report Post »  
    • pennswoods
      Posted on December 25, 2011 at 12:58pm

      How about those left wing “stars” of Christian morality and self promotion Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton who wear $5,000 silk suits made in Italy, are carted around on their extortion and race baiting “missions” in Mercedes Benz’s, and fly in private jets staying in the most exspensive hotels? Both have extorted tens of millons of $$$ from corporations. Too bad a few of these same corporations couldn’t find some sympathy for these and other closieterd nuns who lead lives of work, prayer, fasting and give them a few $$ to help them survive. It makes me feel good to know that these nuns pray around the clock in their chapels for the human race and for people suffering. The nearly 2,000 year old Catholic Church is run by imperfect men (stained with original sin like all of us) serving a perfect God who’s message of perfection is given to us by His Son Jesus which we can read in the Gospels. The Church has accomplished enormous good over the centuries one of which is the fact it is the backbone of Western Civilization.

      Report Post »  
    • Free2speakRN
      Posted on December 25, 2011 at 3:17pm

      joanct,

      You are so right. The Teaching of the Catholic Church, followed correctly gives us Mother Theresa of Calcutta, Maximillion Koebe, John of the Cross, Theresa of Avila, and so many, many more. To follow the Teaching enables one to enjoy the ‘fences that keep us free in Christ’. eg) We cannot condemn a person to hell. We are not allowed to say, “That one is sure to be in hell.” Ah…the freedom from judging a person. Their actions may be judged, but not them. And so we are judged by our own mouths. People will rip us apart over and over, again and again. I’m just happy they believe in Jesus as our Savior. If they Really believe, with time most can be talked with. Some condemn us straight to hell as if they were the Almighty, themselves. So be it. I choose to walk with Jesus and His ‘Showcase Saints’, knowing self-sacraficial love is true, drawing strength through Jesus and those who immitate Him. Paul: “Imitate me as I imitate Jesus.” And so, love them anyway. Even love your enemies. Love the Faith to believe it, believe it to understand it. And breath His Holy Spirit.

      To all the Catholic bashers, at least today, Christmas Day, let your Faith lead you to His Love. And let’s at least enjoy our common love of Jesus and each other. Personally I wish peace to everybody in the world, and sincere good will. It’s good to be Christian. Glory Be and Merry Christmas.

      Report Post »  
  • txwheels
    Posted on December 24, 2011 at 12:14pm

    I just don’t feel the way the rest of you do on this. The Catholic church has more money than they know what to do with. The church needs to step up and take care of this period!

    Report Post »  
    • cosette
      Posted on December 24, 2011 at 1:22pm

      I was raised Catholic and remember, as a school girl, the nuns asking the class to offer up our“ milk money” to the missions. Fast forward. My husband and I honeymooned in Italy. I guarantee you, the Vatican is a treasure trove of priceless art . One Renaissance masterpiece could support a small country for months if not years. The Pope lives like royalty in the largest single residence in the world! The fraud perpetrated on the faithful over centuries is beyond sinful. The whole of Catholic hierarchy should be ashamed!

      Report Post »  
    • mils
      Posted on December 24, 2011 at 4:02pm

      The pope lives in a virtual palace, wears only the finest custom made clothing…yet this abbey , plus many others, is falling apart.

      The priorities are in paying million$$ to those that priest have molested, not in caring for these women, and letting the priest rot in jail.

      I hope she gets what ever it is that she needs. Her heart is in this religion…mine is not, and I am not blinded by the glitz of the popedom…

      Report Post »  
    • VRW Conspirator
      Posted on December 25, 2011 at 11:46am

      Amazing that everyone thinks the Roman Catholic Church and the Vatican are akin to the looney Rothchild/Bilderburg conspiracy theories.
      Do you pay attention to the news outside your little bubble of a life? Do you hear about the NUMEROUS Catholic arch-diaoseses that have filed for bankruptcy over the last decade here in the USA? Some from VERY large cities with above average income citizens.
      Do you pay attention to the facts? The fastest growing section of the Catholic Church is in Africa and Southeast Asia. WHY? Because the Church spends tens if not hundreds of millions on missionary work, building orphanages, schools, monasteries in these parts of the world. One of the contenders for the last papal appointment was the ArchBishop of Ethiopia because of his works of charity.
      Do you know WHY the Vatican has all of that art? The Italian people BROUGHT it there because even Moussolini and Hitler would not cross the Vatican gates to steal it. Art from all over Europe was taken to the Vatican to escape the Nazi’s and Brown shirts. Much was given back, much couldn’t be because it was from behind the new Iron Curtain.
      Even your Evangelical mentors go to the Vatican to research the ancient texts. John Wesley himself HONORED the Catholics for their works, belief, and duty to the Body of Christ.
      And before you complain about priests from the 50‘s and 60’s, look at your MEGACHURCH pastors and their million dollar lifestyles.

      Report Post » VRW Conspirator  
  • cyclops
    Posted on December 24, 2011 at 11:35am

    An anonymous donor ought to be watching out there somewhere by now……..

    Report Post » cyclops  
  • BurntHills
    Posted on December 24, 2011 at 11:33am

    and she’s still beautiful.

    Report Post » BurntHills  
    • cyclops
      Posted on December 24, 2011 at 11:42am

      Wow……looking at that kissing photo?……………. what a knock out and I wish it was me and not Elvis who was getting the kiss……..LOL!!!! What a beautiful woman…..

      Report Post » cyclops  
    • 1776freedomofspeech
      Posted on December 24, 2011 at 11:53am

      She was and is.

      Report Post » 1776freedomofspeech  
    • Jayms
      Posted on December 24, 2011 at 12:00pm

      Yeah, she really is.

      Report Post »  
  • saranda
    Posted on December 24, 2011 at 11:14am

    I have four aunts who are Catholic nuns. I am making a donation in their honor.

    Report Post »  
  • Free2speakRN
    Posted on December 24, 2011 at 11:13am

    I saw Mother Dolores on EWTN about a year or two ago. She had a fine story. It wasn’t a hard thing at all for her to decide whether to break from Hollywood, and a most certain ‘star’ career in it. Also breaking an engagement. It was a compelling calling she had, and did. The World or God? With a serene calm, it didn’t sound like she ever looked back. Truly extraordinary. A gift of faith to the world. Thank you to Mother Dolores. An example of mind and heart to the faithful.

    Report Post »  
  • Jenny Lind
    Posted on December 24, 2011 at 10:30am

    God bless thir good works , may they receive some Christmas miracles.

    Report Post »  
  • JustMel71
    Posted on December 24, 2011 at 10:29am

    Mother Dolores who kissed Elvis…

    http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2011/12/23/MNGH1MGDE5.DTL

    At the bottom of the story in the link posted above has where donations can be made: Tax-deductible donations to New Horizons may be sent to the Abbey of Regina Laudis, 73 Flanders Road, Bethlehem, CT, 06751.

    I hope to send a few dollars myself.

    Report Post » JustMel71  
    • 1776freedomofspeech
      Posted on December 24, 2011 at 11:55am

      Come on Blazers!

      Send a couple of bucks. It is a good cause. Address is posted.

      Report Post » 1776freedomofspeech  
    • 1776freedomofspeech
      Posted on December 24, 2011 at 12:19pm

      Ok Blazers, I just wrote a 100 dollar check.It is in an envelope that is addressed, stamped and going out in the mail on Monday.

      It is Jesus’ birthday tomorrow, support our Lord and these good nuns and their good works.

      Report Post » 1776freedomofspeech  
  • jedi.kep
    Posted on December 24, 2011 at 9:50am

    Good story Blaze. Hopefully, it will help them this Christmas season.

    Report Post » jedi.kep  
  • behonest
    Posted on December 24, 2011 at 9:16am

    I was thrilled to read this story. This was a time when two of my friends joined the convent. How we forget.

    Report Post » behonest  
  • HemiOwner
    Posted on December 24, 2011 at 8:19am

    Elvis and Montgomery Clifft! Two of the best.

    Report Post » HemiOwner  
  • lukerw
    Posted on December 24, 2011 at 8:07am

    Hey, Hollywood… give her the money!

    Report Post » lukerw  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on December 24, 2011 at 8:51am

      Is the Catholic church broke? In the U.S. the Catholic Church collects revenues totaling around $7.5 billion annually.

      Report Post » Gonzo  
    • lukerw
      Posted on December 24, 2011 at 9:02am

      @GONZO
      Obama & his Hollywood supporters… are all about Redistribution of Wealth and Government Entitlements should replace Charity! Why lay this on those who do not believe in Collective Salvation?

      Report Post » lukerw  
    • nocalifornia
      Posted on December 25, 2011 at 10:35am

      I would bet the vast majority of you Catholic bashers are from the south, like gonzo the lsu fan. Funny how the KKK was a southern organization who hated Catholics almost as much as they hated blacks, and it seems they really haven’t changed much in since the civil war.

      Report Post » nocalifornia  
    • VRW Conspirator
      Posted on December 25, 2011 at 12:01pm

      Gonzo…
      the US Catholic Church might collect 7.5 billion a year in donations from its membership…but do you read the yearly parish expense reports that they GIVE freely to their parisherners? NO FOIA request needed.
      MOST…and I would say most is about 80-90% of US Catholic parishes either break even or run a deficit EVERY YEAR! Some have supplemental income from an endowment or school that is attached to the parish.
      They are forbidden by the Vatican and by the USA Federal Tax code from turning a profit. All those nice pieces of literature, art, or real estate that the USA Catholic Church and Roman Catholic Church and Vatican have were all DONATIONS!!
      Rabid evangelicals and Catholic haters (btw – God will judge your spite filled soul) are just as bad, if not worse, then all the Catholics that don’t follow the faith correctly, and yes that especially means those guilty of sexual abuse INSIDE the Catholic Church. (btw, the percentage of sexual abuse in the Catholic Church is about EQUAL to the percentage of sexual abuse in ALL religions, even yours).
      If you are judging the Catholic Church by what it did in the Dark Ages and Middle Ages…then maybe you should do some more research. Look into how the Irish Catholic Monastery network is REVERED for SAVING Western Civilization during this time with their hording of art and literature.

      If you have a Bible or great work of Greek literature to read, THANK an IRISH CATHOLIC PRIEST!

      Report Post » VRW Conspirator  
    • by faith
      Posted on December 29, 2011 at 12:03pm

      NOCal

      please don’t let Gonzo color your impression of the Louisiana
      He lost a bet and had to use the LSU logo.. He is a Georgia fan
      South Louisiana is predominantly Catholic
      We are the only state that has parishes instead of counties

      Report Post » by faith  
  • sta
    Posted on December 24, 2011 at 8:05am

    Thank you so much Blaze. It’s rare to see a good Catholic story here. Please help if you can.

    Report Post »  
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