Judge Rejects Governor Bush's Plea
Due to a massive amount of email received by the Governor about this case, he wrote to the judge to reopen this case. The judge refused. The judge also refused to allow the feeding tube to be removed from Terri. This is a sad case with a lot of conflicting information.
One of the side stories here has to do with money, another is that the husband is living with another woman. Shouldn't he leave the care of his wife to the parents? But it seems that he is unwilling to do so because he would lose money. Therein lies the moral issue that I would think a judge could rule on.
From
Judge Denies Bush's Request To Rehash Terri Schiavo Case - from Tampa Bay Online:
"Michael Schiavo said his in- laws, Bob and Mary Schindler, orchestrated a campaign to send e-mail to the governor through a Web site that also raises money from right-to-life supporters. He accused the Schindlers of using his wife's Catholic faith to their own ends.
``Suddenly, they are on the religious kick. They never went to church a day in their lives,'' he said. ``I believe in God and so did Terri, but they are out to push it on people.''
Bob Schindler said his son- in-law is forgetting he and his wife sent Terri and her siblings to Catholic schools and that the Schiavo wedding was performed by a priest.
``It [Michael Schiavo's comment] is really upsetting to my wife because she is a better Catholic than I am,'' he said.
The Web site has drawn a good response, Schindler said. Any donations it generates are going to family attorney Pat Anderson, who had been working for free, he said.
In a third development Tuesday, Greer denied Michael Schiavo's request for an immediate hearing to set a date for removing his wife's feeding tube. That matter will be handled at a hearing previously scheduled for Sept. 11 to decide whether Michael Schiavo can ban a priest from visiting his wife, the judge said. "
Wednesday, August 27, 2003
General Instruction of the Roman Missal
Amy is now doing some fascinating detective work, discovering what various dioceses are doing to implement the changes mandated by the revision of the General Instruction. As I've said previously the changes mostly affect the presider and extraordinary ministers of the Eucharist. Other changes include the presence of a crucifix in the sanctuary. Those who have resurrected Christs, processional crosses with out a corpus, etc should all be making changes--I have witnessed changes being made already to the Archabbey of Saint Meinrad in Indiana earlier this summer (including the installation of kneelers in a place where many future priests were trained to accept "standing" as the accepted posture during the Eucharistic Prayer).
Notice that having the congregation pray in the "orans" position is nowhere in any of Amy's other diocesan directives that she has uncovered so far. It is true that the Bishop is the chief liturgist of his diocese but even that has limits.
Amy is now doing some fascinating detective work, discovering what various dioceses are doing to implement the changes mandated by the revision of the General Instruction. As I've said previously the changes mostly affect the presider and extraordinary ministers of the Eucharist. Other changes include the presence of a crucifix in the sanctuary. Those who have resurrected Christs, processional crosses with out a corpus, etc should all be making changes--I have witnessed changes being made already to the Archabbey of Saint Meinrad in Indiana earlier this summer (including the installation of kneelers in a place where many future priests were trained to accept "standing" as the accepted posture during the Eucharistic Prayer).
Notice that having the congregation pray in the "orans" position is nowhere in any of Amy's other diocesan directives that she has uncovered so far. It is true that the Bishop is the chief liturgist of his diocese but even that has limits.
Tuesday, August 26, 2003
I believe Lord, help my unbelief...
A new book illustrates how little most of us either understand what we are doing or what we are saying when we pray the Creed. Luke Timothy Johnson does a fine job of showing the Scriptural origins of "creeds", their development and then finally the meaning of the Creed that Christians say every Sunday when they worship.
Another book on the Creed that has come out this year is by one of my favorite authors, Dwight Longenecker. Dwight is a convert that grew up a Menonite, to later become an evangelical Christian and graduate of Bob Jones University, next he became an Anglican priest only later to become a Catholic and soon to become a Catholic priest (a married one at that). Giving his journey, he knows a thing or two about creeds and his book on the creed is an adventure and aptly named.
And because it fits into this general theme in a negative way. I can't forget my friend Father Richard Hogan who upon reflecting on the Church's history of heresy reflected on them in light of the Creed, in Dissent from the Creed:
A new book illustrates how little most of us either understand what we are doing or what we are saying when we pray the Creed. Luke Timothy Johnson does a fine job of showing the Scriptural origins of "creeds", their development and then finally the meaning of the Creed that Christians say every Sunday when they worship.
Another book on the Creed that has come out this year is by one of my favorite authors, Dwight Longenecker. Dwight is a convert that grew up a Menonite, to later become an evangelical Christian and graduate of Bob Jones University, next he became an Anglican priest only later to become a Catholic and soon to become a Catholic priest (a married one at that). Giving his journey, he knows a thing or two about creeds and his book on the creed is an adventure and aptly named.
And because it fits into this general theme in a negative way. I can't forget my friend Father Richard Hogan who upon reflecting on the Church's history of heresy reflected on them in light of the Creed, in Dissent from the Creed:
Interview with Al Kresta
From National Catholic Register:
When did you learn that your life was in danger?
The next day, in about the mid-afternoon a number of doctors came into the room to introduce themselves. There was a kidney doctor, and a cardiac doctor, a vascular doctor, and a general surgeon. They all looked pretty concerned and asked me how I was doing.
I told them that I was tired, but I thought it would pass. They pointed to two purplish-black marks on my leg and asked if I had seen them before. I told them I had not.
They explained to me that they thought I had necrotizing fasciitis (flesh-eating bacteria). I asked if there would be a way for them to test it any further?
They said that they could do a biopsy, but the condition was so far advanced that if they didn't take care of it in the next 20 minutes I would be dead in 1-3 hours.
They explained that they might have to take my leg to save my life. It was a clear choice to make. A nurse came over to initiate prayer with me. I thought this might be the end and I embraced my wife.
I had been visited by two priests earlier in the day, so I felt as prepared spiritually as I could be. They slapped the mask on over me and put me to sleep. I woke up about six to seven days later without my leg and with a lot of pain medication in me.
From National Catholic Register:
When did you learn that your life was in danger?
The next day, in about the mid-afternoon a number of doctors came into the room to introduce themselves. There was a kidney doctor, and a cardiac doctor, a vascular doctor, and a general surgeon. They all looked pretty concerned and asked me how I was doing.
I told them that I was tired, but I thought it would pass. They pointed to two purplish-black marks on my leg and asked if I had seen them before. I told them I had not.
They explained to me that they thought I had necrotizing fasciitis (flesh-eating bacteria). I asked if there would be a way for them to test it any further?
They said that they could do a biopsy, but the condition was so far advanced that if they didn't take care of it in the next 20 minutes I would be dead in 1-3 hours.
They explained that they might have to take my leg to save my life. It was a clear choice to make. A nurse came over to initiate prayer with me. I thought this might be the end and I embraced my wife.
I had been visited by two priests earlier in the day, so I felt as prepared spiritually as I could be. They slapped the mask on over me and put me to sleep. I woke up about six to seven days later without my leg and with a lot of pain medication in me.
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Read about it and sign their petition. They need a bunch and only have 50 so far...take the two minutes it takes and take a stand!
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Twenty Five Years Ago Today
The "smiling pope" was elected, a refreshing breath of life entered the church after the declining years of Paul VI. Yet it was a short breath that lasted for a mere month and to some extent was eclipsed by the election of Pope John Paul II. But many were touched by the short reign of John Paul I, enough in fact that a cause for his has been going strong. I've linked to it below along with a beautiful prayer taught to John Paul I by his mother:http://www.myhelppage2.homestead.com/glorification.html:
"'Lord, take me as I am, with my faults and with my sins, but make me become what You want me to be.'
If you are unfamiliar with John Paul I and would like to read more about him, may I recommend the fine title by Leo Knowles, Modern Heroes of the Church, that was just released this year:
The "smiling pope" was elected, a refreshing breath of life entered the church after the declining years of Paul VI. Yet it was a short breath that lasted for a mere month and to some extent was eclipsed by the election of Pope John Paul II. But many were touched by the short reign of John Paul I, enough in fact that a cause for his has been going strong. I've linked to it below along with a beautiful prayer taught to John Paul I by his mother:http://www.myhelppage2.homestead.com/glorification.html:
"'Lord, take me as I am, with my faults and with my sins, but make me become what You want me to be.'
If you are unfamiliar with John Paul I and would like to read more about him, may I recommend the fine title by Leo Knowles, Modern Heroes of the Church, that was just released this year:
Amy Continues with More GIRM Misuse
open book:
"Go back and read the notorious section 43 (in the Adoremus link). This priest is implying that standing through the communion rite is the norm, mandated in the GIRM. It's not. In fact, the implication of the last paragraph of the section that kneeling after the Agnus Dei is the norm, although a bishop may make another decision.
This seems like a minor point, but it's not really, because it's symbolic. If those bishops want to know what's going wrong in this Church at that September 8 meeting, if they have any time left after going over the rot of secrecy about clerical sexual abuse and episcopal responsibility, they might turn their eyes to how the GIRM is being implemented in their dioceses. It is the perfect example of what happens, and what has been happening for forty years in the US: Directives come from Rome, are adapted by the US, as is our right and responsibility, and then are simply ignored or deliberately misinterpreted by a whole layer of Church employees who have their own agendas, and then blindly accepted by the faithful because it's a priest or nun telling them that this is the way it should be so sure, it must be true, because you know a priest or nun wouldn't lie."
open book:
"Go back and read the notorious section 43 (in the Adoremus link). This priest is implying that standing through the communion rite is the norm, mandated in the GIRM. It's not. In fact, the implication of the last paragraph of the section that kneeling after the Agnus Dei is the norm, although a bishop may make another decision.
This seems like a minor point, but it's not really, because it's symbolic. If those bishops want to know what's going wrong in this Church at that September 8 meeting, if they have any time left after going over the rot of secrecy about clerical sexual abuse and episcopal responsibility, they might turn their eyes to how the GIRM is being implemented in their dioceses. It is the perfect example of what happens, and what has been happening for forty years in the US: Directives come from Rome, are adapted by the US, as is our right and responsibility, and then are simply ignored or deliberately misinterpreted by a whole layer of Church employees who have their own agendas, and then blindly accepted by the faithful because it's a priest or nun telling them that this is the way it should be so sure, it must be true, because you know a priest or nun wouldn't lie."
Monday, August 25, 2003
Cleveland "Embraces" Changes For the Sake of Change?
This is wrong...Catholics to change Communion ritual
The only change that is mandated in the new GIRM and it is an adaptation by the US bishops is bowing before receiving communion. None of these other changes has anything to do with the revised GIRM and I can't believe the reporter of this story or some other people in the Diocese of Cleveland haven't pointed this out to Father J. Glenn Murray!
This is horrible! It is another example of someone "mandating" there personal tastes and using the Vatican as the excuse. What is even more pathetic about it is that it makes the changes seem as though they are liberal, when in fact the changes all aim to reign in extraordinary eucharistic ministers etc.
Catholics in Cleveland should rise up and lodge a protest against the Office of Pastoral Liturgy and have Father Murray point out to all exactly where in the Revised GIRM it says to "embrace" during the sign of peace (it doesn't--tells the priest to stay up by the altar unless it's a wedding or funeral), "lift up your hands" during the Our Father (doesn't only the priest is required to do this, no one else) or to continue standing while everyone else is receiving (doesn't). Accretions, things added to the liturgy were one of the things that Vatican II tried to get strip from the liturgy, it amazes me how "liturgist" are constantly trying to add new ones in the name of "Vatican II."
For a more positive take on something going on in Cleveland, check out the book reviewed below:
This is wrong...Catholics to change Communion ritual
The only change that is mandated in the new GIRM and it is an adaptation by the US bishops is bowing before receiving communion. None of these other changes has anything to do with the revised GIRM and I can't believe the reporter of this story or some other people in the Diocese of Cleveland haven't pointed this out to Father J. Glenn Murray!
This is horrible! It is another example of someone "mandating" there personal tastes and using the Vatican as the excuse. What is even more pathetic about it is that it makes the changes seem as though they are liberal, when in fact the changes all aim to reign in extraordinary eucharistic ministers etc.
Catholics in Cleveland should rise up and lodge a protest against the Office of Pastoral Liturgy and have Father Murray point out to all exactly where in the Revised GIRM it says to "embrace" during the sign of peace (it doesn't--tells the priest to stay up by the altar unless it's a wedding or funeral), "lift up your hands" during the Our Father (doesn't only the priest is required to do this, no one else) or to continue standing while everyone else is receiving (doesn't). Accretions, things added to the liturgy were one of the things that Vatican II tried to get strip from the liturgy, it amazes me how "liturgist" are constantly trying to add new ones in the name of "Vatican II."
For a more positive take on something going on in Cleveland, check out the book reviewed below:
Sunday, August 24, 2003
Book Review-Highly Recommended
I sort of stumbled across this book while I was doing a search of Poor Clare Monasteries after our recent trip to Cleveland, OH a week ago. While we were in Cleveland we stopped in and visited the chapel of a Poor Clare monastery that I was sure was the same place that a Franciscan nun that I knew had once spent a year in. The nun had remarked how these nuns did not wear shoes, lived an incredibly austere life and the one incident I remember above all was that during the Christmas season they took turns being "Mary" holding the plaster Christ in their hands in the chapel manger scene.
Kristin Ohlson's book is not about the monastery we visited but another in Cleveland, one that we must have driven past at least three or four times during our stay but never even noticed. Something that Ohlson who lives in Cleveland says she had done herself before seeing an ad in the Plain Dealer for a Christmas service there several years ago.
This is one of the best books I have read in a long time, and this is no small praise giving the fact that part of my job is reading endless submissions of this genre. I think what makes this book so compelling is the personal faith quest of Kristin Ohlson. Here is a tale that reminded me favorably of a book that she quotes, Thomas Merton's Seven Story Mountain. Like that tale opened up the richness of Catholicism to a war time generation over fifty years ago, this book could end up having a similar impact on the present generation.
Ohlson's life in many ways mirrors the lives of so many and it why her tale is so compelling. What she encounters behind the grille at the Poor Clare's reminds one of Dorothy on her quest to Oz, yet unlike the Wizard those behind the grille do not pretend or claim to be the "great one", they are mere fellow pilgrims on a journey to a greater Kingdom. But what they do serve as living reminders that there is something greater, some ultimate meaning, something worth giving up everything that pretends to be of value in this life. It is a haunting presence one, felt and whose voice is heard but remains cloistered and out of sight.
The honesty of Ohlson's search is refreshing. In a time where Catholics call themselves Catholic and then pick and choose what they believe, here we find a woman on a genuine faith quest striving to believe. "I believe, Lord, help my unbelief."
I highly recommend this book, it'll make you think more about your own faith, and perhaps your lack of faith. It'll make you thirsty for God and perhaps you'll find yourself wanting to go to your church and pray. Do yourself a favor and read this book and then give it to someone else to read...
I sort of stumbled across this book while I was doing a search of Poor Clare Monasteries after our recent trip to Cleveland, OH a week ago. While we were in Cleveland we stopped in and visited the chapel of a Poor Clare monastery that I was sure was the same place that a Franciscan nun that I knew had once spent a year in. The nun had remarked how these nuns did not wear shoes, lived an incredibly austere life and the one incident I remember above all was that during the Christmas season they took turns being "Mary" holding the plaster Christ in their hands in the chapel manger scene.
Kristin Ohlson's book is not about the monastery we visited but another in Cleveland, one that we must have driven past at least three or four times during our stay but never even noticed. Something that Ohlson who lives in Cleveland says she had done herself before seeing an ad in the Plain Dealer for a Christmas service there several years ago.
This is one of the best books I have read in a long time, and this is no small praise giving the fact that part of my job is reading endless submissions of this genre. I think what makes this book so compelling is the personal faith quest of Kristin Ohlson. Here is a tale that reminded me favorably of a book that she quotes, Thomas Merton's Seven Story Mountain. Like that tale opened up the richness of Catholicism to a war time generation over fifty years ago, this book could end up having a similar impact on the present generation.
Ohlson's life in many ways mirrors the lives of so many and it why her tale is so compelling. What she encounters behind the grille at the Poor Clare's reminds one of Dorothy on her quest to Oz, yet unlike the Wizard those behind the grille do not pretend or claim to be the "great one", they are mere fellow pilgrims on a journey to a greater Kingdom. But what they do serve as living reminders that there is something greater, some ultimate meaning, something worth giving up everything that pretends to be of value in this life. It is a haunting presence one, felt and whose voice is heard but remains cloistered and out of sight.
The honesty of Ohlson's search is refreshing. In a time where Catholics call themselves Catholic and then pick and choose what they believe, here we find a woman on a genuine faith quest striving to believe. "I believe, Lord, help my unbelief."
I highly recommend this book, it'll make you think more about your own faith, and perhaps your lack of faith. It'll make you thirsty for God and perhaps you'll find yourself wanting to go to your church and pray. Do yourself a favor and read this book and then give it to someone else to read...
Book Review-Recommendation!
Michael Rose, the author of Goodbye, Good Men, has a new book out by Sophia Press. This book could easily have been entitled Hello, Good Men, it details the virtues and charisms of ten Catholic priests, nine of whom are alive and functioning in the church today. I was critical of Goodbye and will admit that in reading this latest work by Rose that colored my preconceptions about the book. But in reality there was very little to not like about this book. The priests presented in the book are alike only in that they are all ordained priests but their lives and ministries are as varied as the office of priesthood is.
The publisher advertises the book as a rememedy to all the bad news about priests. I think it succeeds on that level. Again, I don't think i picked the book up with a lot of objectivity but I found the accounts to be honest and to reflect a wide scope that I would presume gives evidence that in this case Rose is at his best. The priests are all orthodox but their interests make them hardly carbon copies of one another.
Most of the priests presented see their calling under the image of "battle." They are at war with the culture and sometimes the very church. In many cases they seem alone with God and the faithful few who support them.
The priests represented are diocesan and religious, ministering in places like Russia and Washington, D.C., in seminary work and parishes. A good cross section of the church in all her glory.
As I said at the begining, this book could easily have been called Hello, Good Men. It paints a positive picture of hope and fidelity that is out there. Hopefully this book will do even better than Goodbye and restore hope and some trust in the office of the priesthood.
Michael Rose, the author of Goodbye, Good Men, has a new book out by Sophia Press. This book could easily have been entitled Hello, Good Men, it details the virtues and charisms of ten Catholic priests, nine of whom are alive and functioning in the church today. I was critical of Goodbye and will admit that in reading this latest work by Rose that colored my preconceptions about the book. But in reality there was very little to not like about this book. The priests presented in the book are alike only in that they are all ordained priests but their lives and ministries are as varied as the office of priesthood is.
The publisher advertises the book as a rememedy to all the bad news about priests. I think it succeeds on that level. Again, I don't think i picked the book up with a lot of objectivity but I found the accounts to be honest and to reflect a wide scope that I would presume gives evidence that in this case Rose is at his best. The priests are all orthodox but their interests make them hardly carbon copies of one another.
Most of the priests presented see their calling under the image of "battle." They are at war with the culture and sometimes the very church. In many cases they seem alone with God and the faithful few who support them.
The priests represented are diocesan and religious, ministering in places like Russia and Washington, D.C., in seminary work and parishes. A good cross section of the church in all her glory.
As I said at the begining, this book could easily have been called Hello, Good Men. It paints a positive picture of hope and fidelity that is out there. Hopefully this book will do even better than Goodbye and restore hope and some trust in the office of the priesthood.
A Modern Noah
One of the more interesting sagas of the past year has been the building of a boat over at Nancy Nall's house as recorded in her journal/blog/website.
No doubt the neighbors thought it odd when day and night they heard Nancy's husband working loudly on the building of a boat. Perhaps at times they even ridiculed him, telling him he'd never get it done. But there had to come a time when they wondered if Alan was answering some divine intuition and was building the boat as a way to escape the coming divine retribution against Fort Wayne, so that he could take his wife, daugther, dog and himself somewhere safer, (like Ann Arbor, MI).
I thought about this when the water's of the St. Mary's river had risen to their highest levels in recorded history around here and water was lapping the edges of Old Mill Rd. a few blocks from both there house and ours last month. But alas, the waters have returned to normal and Alan has nearly finished a true work of art. They reached Ann Arbor without the boat but he was close to ready if they had need it.
Visit Nancy's web site for a view of the finished project, look to the archives for the progression of the project.
nancynall.com
One of the more interesting sagas of the past year has been the building of a boat over at Nancy Nall's house as recorded in her journal/blog/website.
No doubt the neighbors thought it odd when day and night they heard Nancy's husband working loudly on the building of a boat. Perhaps at times they even ridiculed him, telling him he'd never get it done. But there had to come a time when they wondered if Alan was answering some divine intuition and was building the boat as a way to escape the coming divine retribution against Fort Wayne, so that he could take his wife, daugther, dog and himself somewhere safer, (like Ann Arbor, MI).
I thought about this when the water's of the St. Mary's river had risen to their highest levels in recorded history around here and water was lapping the edges of Old Mill Rd. a few blocks from both there house and ours last month. But alas, the waters have returned to normal and Alan has nearly finished a true work of art. They reached Ann Arbor without the boat but he was close to ready if they had need it.
Visit Nancy's web site for a view of the finished project, look to the archives for the progression of the project.
nancynall.com
Saturday, August 23, 2003
Twenty-Fifth Anniversary of the Smiling Pope's Election
August 26th, 1978
From CNS STORY:
"Yet some Catholics still fondly remember Pope John Paul I and his endearingly simple style of being pope. A few elder cardinals are convinced that his brief papacy was part of a providential design that led to the first non-Italian pontiff in 455 years.
In the crypt below St. Peter's Basilica, the tomb of 'the smiling pope' still draws the most comments from passers-by.
On a recent morning, 56-year-old Lucia Casella went up to the marble sarcophagus decorated with angels and gave it a kiss.
'I remember him with great affection. I think he was very human -- smiling on the outside but perhaps worried on the inside about the duties of being pope,' she said."
August 26th, 1978
From CNS STORY:
"Yet some Catholics still fondly remember Pope John Paul I and his endearingly simple style of being pope. A few elder cardinals are convinced that his brief papacy was part of a providential design that led to the first non-Italian pontiff in 455 years.
In the crypt below St. Peter's Basilica, the tomb of 'the smiling pope' still draws the most comments from passers-by.
On a recent morning, 56-year-old Lucia Casella went up to the marble sarcophagus decorated with angels and gave it a kiss.
'I remember him with great affection. I think he was very human -- smiling on the outside but perhaps worried on the inside about the duties of being pope,' she said."
Friday, August 22, 2003
Queenship of Mary
Today is the feast of the Queenship of Mary and I can’t help but think back to a week ago when we were in Cleveland, Ohio standing in the streets of Little Italy awaiting the procession of the statue of Mary’s Assumption. While there was quite a mixture of religion, culture and even some superstition mixed in with the event, it nonetheless stood as a remarkable sign of faith.
What do we ultimately trust in? The procession of a statue of Mary points to trust in Jesus. The statue of Mary is like a great sign of hope being paraded through the streets announcing to all that life after death is a possibility and that Mary is the first to share in the Resurrection of Jesus.
You would think that after 9/11 such acts of religious belief would be on the rise. Personally I think I was more disposed to the procession, in light of the fact that we had been without power from the time we had first arrived in the Cleveland area until almost daybreak on the Feast of the Assumption. We had spent a vigil in a very apocalyptic setting, calling to mind the fragile human nature that we all share.
Today’s Office of Readings offers a reading from Isaiah 30:10-14 that struck me could be an indictment of our culture which seeks to replace God with a lot of little “idols”.
These are rebellious people, deceitful children,
children unwilling to listen to the LORD's instruction.
They say to the seers,
"See no more visions!"
and to the prophets,
"Give us no more visions of what is right!
Tell us pleasant things,
prophesy illusions.
Leave this way,
get off this path,
and stop confronting us
with the Holy One of Israel!"
It is the line that says, “Tell us pleasant things, prophesy illusions” that strikes me as so pertinent to our times. People want to be affirmed, they want to live in “fantasy land”. The rest of the Isaiah passage offers the frightening prognosis for such people:
"Because you have rejected this message,
relied on oppression
and depended on deceit,
this sin will become for you
like a high wall, cracked and bulging,
that collapses suddenly, in an instant.
It will break in pieces like pottery,
shattered so mercilessly
that among its pieces not a fragment will be found
for taking coals from a hearth
or scooping water out of a cistern."
I think back to the procession in Little Italy and the faith of the Cleveland Italian community drawing people from around the city for the “feast”, God must be pleased with them, what about us?
Today is the feast of the Queenship of Mary and I can’t help but think back to a week ago when we were in Cleveland, Ohio standing in the streets of Little Italy awaiting the procession of the statue of Mary’s Assumption. While there was quite a mixture of religion, culture and even some superstition mixed in with the event, it nonetheless stood as a remarkable sign of faith.
What do we ultimately trust in? The procession of a statue of Mary points to trust in Jesus. The statue of Mary is like a great sign of hope being paraded through the streets announcing to all that life after death is a possibility and that Mary is the first to share in the Resurrection of Jesus.
You would think that after 9/11 such acts of religious belief would be on the rise. Personally I think I was more disposed to the procession, in light of the fact that we had been without power from the time we had first arrived in the Cleveland area until almost daybreak on the Feast of the Assumption. We had spent a vigil in a very apocalyptic setting, calling to mind the fragile human nature that we all share.
Today’s Office of Readings offers a reading from Isaiah 30:10-14 that struck me could be an indictment of our culture which seeks to replace God with a lot of little “idols”.
These are rebellious people, deceitful children,
children unwilling to listen to the LORD's instruction.
They say to the seers,
"See no more visions!"
and to the prophets,
"Give us no more visions of what is right!
Tell us pleasant things,
prophesy illusions.
Leave this way,
get off this path,
and stop confronting us
with the Holy One of Israel!"
It is the line that says, “Tell us pleasant things, prophesy illusions” that strikes me as so pertinent to our times. People want to be affirmed, they want to live in “fantasy land”. The rest of the Isaiah passage offers the frightening prognosis for such people:
"Because you have rejected this message,
relied on oppression
and depended on deceit,
this sin will become for you
like a high wall, cracked and bulging,
that collapses suddenly, in an instant.
It will break in pieces like pottery,
shattered so mercilessly
that among its pieces not a fragment will be found
for taking coals from a hearth
or scooping water out of a cistern."
I think back to the procession in Little Italy and the faith of the Cleveland Italian community drawing people from around the city for the “feast”, God must be pleased with them, what about us?
Greg Popcak Responds to His Critics
Greg has come under attack from a group that is on the fringe of Catholicism, something they are accusing him of being. They have gone through all of his writing and come up with a few quotes that they find objectionable. He responds on Mark Shea's blog.
Catholic and Enjoying It!
Greg has come under attack from a group that is on the fringe of Catholicism, something they are accusing him of being. They have gone through all of his writing and come up with a few quotes that they find objectionable. He responds on Mark Shea's blog.
Catholic and Enjoying It!
Schindler's List
"The list is life." I have followed the Terri Schindler-Schiavo case from afar and it is difficult to know what the facts are because there seem to be so many contradictory reports.
The latest outrage being reported is that she is not being allowed to see a priest who has been bringing her the sacraments.
There is a web site dedicated to her cause and I invite you to go there and to read the various reports and to make your opinion known there...Terri's Fight! The Terri Schindler Schiavo Foundation
"The list is life." I have followed the Terri Schindler-Schiavo case from afar and it is difficult to know what the facts are because there seem to be so many contradictory reports.
The latest outrage being reported is that she is not being allowed to see a priest who has been bringing her the sacraments.
There is a web site dedicated to her cause and I invite you to go there and to read the various reports and to make your opinion known there...Terri's Fight! The Terri Schindler Schiavo Foundation
Thursday, August 21, 2003
Monsignor Phillip Murnion Dies
I heard Msgr. Murnion speak once. He was big into "empowerment"--one of the post Vatican II slogans that I always felt put us on the wrong road, away from the Gospel. Pray for his soul.
I would mention that if you go to the article you'll notice that he is referred to as "Mr." in the piece. I wonder if this is the latest anticlerical move of the Boston media?
From Boston.com / News / Education / Higher education / Philip Murnion, priest, sociologist:
"Philip Murnion, a Catholic priest and sociologist who founded and directed the National Pastoral Life Center, died Tuesday of cancer. He was 65."
I heard Msgr. Murnion speak once. He was big into "empowerment"--one of the post Vatican II slogans that I always felt put us on the wrong road, away from the Gospel. Pray for his soul.
I would mention that if you go to the article you'll notice that he is referred to as "Mr." in the piece. I wonder if this is the latest anticlerical move of the Boston media?
From Boston.com / News / Education / Higher education / Philip Murnion, priest, sociologist:
"Philip Murnion, a Catholic priest and sociologist who founded and directed the National Pastoral Life Center, died Tuesday of cancer. He was 65."
A Subtle Reminder:
There are Married Priests Already in the Catholic Church
This discussion always is tiresome for a number of reasons. I remember one person arguing against this vociferously and at the same time holding up the greatest priest she had ever met (who happened to be a married priest)--talk about disconnect! There are over 100 married Roman Catholic priest in the United States--so celibacy is already optional because Pope John Paul II has allowed for married priests in certian situations. So the "law" already has been overturned.
Married deacons (who have received holy orders) have been around since Vatican II. What is more they have been allowed to remarry with a special dispensation from Rome when a spouse has died and they have wished to marry again. This is broke with centuries of tradition of not allowing "ordained" men to marry.
Anyway here is a story about one such married priest in San Antonio.
From News 9 San Antonio | 24 Hour Local News | TOP STORIES | SA priest speaks against Catholic celibacy doctrine:
"'My family consists of my wife, and I have five children,' Our Lady of the Atonement Catholic Church Rev. Christopher Phillips said.
He's not your typical Catholic priest. Rev. Christopher Phillips is one of about a hundred married Catholic priests in the United States.
Twenty years ago he served as an Episcipalian priest. That was before the Pope made an exception, allowing him into the church.
Rev. Phillips and his wife said marriage has served them and their church well."
There are Married Priests Already in the Catholic Church
This discussion always is tiresome for a number of reasons. I remember one person arguing against this vociferously and at the same time holding up the greatest priest she had ever met (who happened to be a married priest)--talk about disconnect! There are over 100 married Roman Catholic priest in the United States--so celibacy is already optional because Pope John Paul II has allowed for married priests in certian situations. So the "law" already has been overturned.
Married deacons (who have received holy orders) have been around since Vatican II. What is more they have been allowed to remarry with a special dispensation from Rome when a spouse has died and they have wished to marry again. This is broke with centuries of tradition of not allowing "ordained" men to marry.
Anyway here is a story about one such married priest in San Antonio.
From News 9 San Antonio | 24 Hour Local News | TOP STORIES | SA priest speaks against Catholic celibacy doctrine:
"'My family consists of my wife, and I have five children,' Our Lady of the Atonement Catholic Church Rev. Christopher Phillips said.
He's not your typical Catholic priest. Rev. Christopher Phillips is one of about a hundred married Catholic priests in the United States.
Twenty years ago he served as an Episcipalian priest. That was before the Pope made an exception, allowing him into the church.
Rev. Phillips and his wife said marriage has served them and their church well."
Don't Worry--It isn't Terrorism?
From The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel Online JS Online: Trains stopped, e-mail jammed:
"Malignant computer viruses halted CSX Transportation trains and slammed corporate and government e-mail networks across the country Wednesday as security experts scrambled to respond to the second major cyber attack in as many weeks."
From The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel Online JS Online: Trains stopped, e-mail jammed:
"Malignant computer viruses halted CSX Transportation trains and slammed corporate and government e-mail networks across the country Wednesday as security experts scrambled to respond to the second major cyber attack in as many weeks."
Fr. John Bertolucci Fights Release of File
In two years of shocking revelations, this was probably the greatest. When one thinks of some of those who have fallen Father Bruce Ritter, Father Ken Roberts--Bertolucci's case still seems the most troublesome to me. The following story makes you wonder what is in his file that he doesn't want released?
Albany, N.Y. Timesunion.com:
A priest accused of molesting children is fighting the release of his personnel file during his 37 years with the Albany Diocese.
The file has become the latest skirmish in the legal battle between the Rev. John Bertolucci, once a nationally televised Catholic minister, and a man who claims Bertolucci molested him in the late 1970s.
The dispute over the file -- and how it is resolved by acting state Supreme Court Justice Christian Hummel -- may be a critical crossroad in a case that some say is as much about information and disclosure as money and justice.
A lawsuit alleges Bertolucci and other Albany church officials tried to intimidate the man from coming forward last year with allegations of sexual abuse, charges the Albany Diocese has vigorously denied.
In two years of shocking revelations, this was probably the greatest. When one thinks of some of those who have fallen Father Bruce Ritter, Father Ken Roberts--Bertolucci's case still seems the most troublesome to me. The following story makes you wonder what is in his file that he doesn't want released?
Albany, N.Y. Timesunion.com:
A priest accused of molesting children is fighting the release of his personnel file during his 37 years with the Albany Diocese.
The file has become the latest skirmish in the legal battle between the Rev. John Bertolucci, once a nationally televised Catholic minister, and a man who claims Bertolucci molested him in the late 1970s.
The dispute over the file -- and how it is resolved by acting state Supreme Court Justice Christian Hummel -- may be a critical crossroad in a case that some say is as much about information and disclosure as money and justice.
A lawsuit alleges Bertolucci and other Albany church officials tried to intimidate the man from coming forward last year with allegations of sexual abuse, charges the Albany Diocese has vigorously denied.
Email Virus War!
Do not open any attachments that you receive in email, unless you know who it is from and you are expecting it. Don't make the mistake of thinking you've won something, been approved for something and need to open attachment to find out. This virus is relentless
Subject Lines of Virus
Re: details
Re: approved
Re: my details
Re: Thankyou!
Re: That movie
Re: wicked screensaver
Re: your application
Your details
Thankyou
From iTnews:
"The Sobig email virus spread unabated for a second day across the Internet, as security experts discovered Wednesday that the malicious program also had the ability to update itself.
advertisement
The fourth variant of a worm first discovered in January appeared to be infecting PCs at the same rate as Tuesday, based on the number of people emailing the virus to anti-virus company Symantec, which has listed Sobig as a 'level-three' virus. Level five is the highest rating."
Do not open any attachments that you receive in email, unless you know who it is from and you are expecting it. Don't make the mistake of thinking you've won something, been approved for something and need to open attachment to find out. This virus is relentless
Subject Lines of Virus
Re: details
Re: approved
Re: my details
Re: Thankyou!
Re: That movie
Re: wicked screensaver
Re: your application
Your details
Thankyou
From iTnews:
"The Sobig email virus spread unabated for a second day across the Internet, as security experts discovered Wednesday that the malicious program also had the ability to update itself.
advertisement
The fourth variant of a worm first discovered in January appeared to be infecting PCs at the same rate as Tuesday, based on the number of people emailing the virus to anti-virus company Symantec, which has listed Sobig as a 'level-three' virus. Level five is the highest rating."
Wednesday, August 20, 2003
Stalking the Divine
One of our unplanned trips in Cleveland last week was a stop at a Poor Clare Monastery off of Rocky Ridge Rd. We made a short visit to pray before the Blessed Sacrament, mindful that on the unseen side of the altar a nun was praying around the clock. It is a comforting thought to think that these sisters pray for us, twenty-four hours a day.
In doing a little research, I discovered that there are two Poor Clare monasteries in Cleveland and that one has had a book written about it, "Stalking the Divine." For those interested in nuns who still look like nuns and still live a cloistered life in the twenty-first century this book may be for you:
One of our unplanned trips in Cleveland last week was a stop at a Poor Clare Monastery off of Rocky Ridge Rd. We made a short visit to pray before the Blessed Sacrament, mindful that on the unseen side of the altar a nun was praying around the clock. It is a comforting thought to think that these sisters pray for us, twenty-four hours a day.
In doing a little research, I discovered that there are two Poor Clare monasteries in Cleveland and that one has had a book written about it, "Stalking the Divine." For those interested in nuns who still look like nuns and still live a cloistered life in the twenty-first century this book may be for you:
Unusual Occurences During Blackout
From Spirit Daily - Daily spiritual news from around the world
Do you have any stories to tell? Send them to me and I'll post them.
From Spirit Daily - Daily spiritual news from around the world
Do you have any stories to tell? Send them to me and I'll post them.
The Sacred Heart of George Bush?
Bush's Jesus is hardly the Catholic one...seeGeorge Christ at the DRUDGE REPORT 2003®
Bush's Jesus is hardly the Catholic one...seeGeorge Christ at the DRUDGE REPORT 2003®
Tuesday, August 19, 2003
Father Benedict's Rosary Book
I just finished reading Father Benedict Groeschel's Chain of Hope, his new book on the rosary that is published by Ignatius Press. As always Father has a slightly different take that makes reading about the most common devotion interesting and unique. He shares his experience of praying the rosary while entering the subteranean world of the New York subway system that he describes as richly apocalyptic (something that struck me as prophetic in light of last Thursday's black out and how it affected those depending upon that mode of transportation). He shares the experience of Mother Teresa's praying the rosary in times of darkness--in a word he presents the prayer of the rosary as a "chain of hope."
Somewhat strangely, the Luminous Mysteries are included in an appendix, I understand from my sources that the publisher doesn't quite buy their addition to the traditional mysteries and wanted them treated as something "extra." The meditations and the focus on the mysteries of light as a source of renewal within the church is both insightful and right on. Also included in the appendix is the Apostolic Letter on the rosary written by the Holy Father.
This book is different then the one that Amy and I have put together, ours is more of a "prayer book", this is more of a book about the rosary and a "meditation" book. But I highly recommend it to both the long time rosary pray-er and the novice.
I just finished reading Father Benedict Groeschel's Chain of Hope, his new book on the rosary that is published by Ignatius Press. As always Father has a slightly different take that makes reading about the most common devotion interesting and unique. He shares his experience of praying the rosary while entering the subteranean world of the New York subway system that he describes as richly apocalyptic (something that struck me as prophetic in light of last Thursday's black out and how it affected those depending upon that mode of transportation). He shares the experience of Mother Teresa's praying the rosary in times of darkness--in a word he presents the prayer of the rosary as a "chain of hope."
Somewhat strangely, the Luminous Mysteries are included in an appendix, I understand from my sources that the publisher doesn't quite buy their addition to the traditional mysteries and wanted them treated as something "extra." The meditations and the focus on the mysteries of light as a source of renewal within the church is both insightful and right on. Also included in the appendix is the Apostolic Letter on the rosary written by the Holy Father.
This book is different then the one that Amy and I have put together, ours is more of a "prayer book", this is more of a book about the rosary and a "meditation" book. But I highly recommend it to both the long time rosary pray-er and the novice.
Most Popular Person in France?
A saintly priest!
Alan Moss: A brief essay on Abbé Pierre's personal memoir (Mémoire d'un croyant)
A saintly priest!
Alan Moss: A brief essay on Abbé Pierre's personal memoir (Mémoire d'un croyant)
Monday, August 18, 2003
A Book for Your Back to School Student
I first include an Amazon.com review:
A fond introduction by the editor (a former student of the Archabbot's) leads you into pithy latin expressions which are then translated and followed by a light (very light but still insightful) meditation, and Reilly writes with a humble yet amusing style.
This is an extremely useful for those of us who practice lectio divina and who might be having some difficulty with it, as sometime happens with a discipline...a gentle way to get back to it. I highly recommend it.
The fond introduction is written by moi, who indeed was a former student, albeit a terrified one at the feet of this Latin master:
I first include an Amazon.com review:
A fond introduction by the editor (a former student of the Archabbot's) leads you into pithy latin expressions which are then translated and followed by a light (very light but still insightful) meditation, and Reilly writes with a humble yet amusing style.
This is an extremely useful for those of us who practice lectio divina and who might be having some difficulty with it, as sometime happens with a discipline...a gentle way to get back to it. I highly recommend it.
The fond introduction is written by moi, who indeed was a former student, albeit a terrified one at the feet of this Latin master:
Private Revelations and the "Grid"
Here is a taste from Spirit Daily - Daily spiritual news from around the world:
"But this is serious business. After last week, with the great blackout, we have a glimpse of what can happen on a much wider, longer scale. At this point no one knows what triggered the outage, but they are pointing to relatively minor mishaps that may have pulled down the energy supply for parts of eight states and Canada. We were granted a glimpse of just how reliant we are on a system that can vanish in a flash. Many are now pointing to the source of the blackout as Ohio, where Storm himself lives and where, that the very same week, a statue of the Virgin Mary was reported to be mysteriously glowing.
As the eyes and heart of the statue allegedly lit -- even in the night -- the rest of the state and much of the North were in darkness."
Go to the link for the rest of the column.
Here is a taste from Spirit Daily - Daily spiritual news from around the world:
"But this is serious business. After last week, with the great blackout, we have a glimpse of what can happen on a much wider, longer scale. At this point no one knows what triggered the outage, but they are pointing to relatively minor mishaps that may have pulled down the energy supply for parts of eight states and Canada. We were granted a glimpse of just how reliant we are on a system that can vanish in a flash. Many are now pointing to the source of the blackout as Ohio, where Storm himself lives and where, that the very same week, a statue of the Virgin Mary was reported to be mysteriously glowing.
As the eyes and heart of the statue allegedly lit -- even in the night -- the rest of the state and much of the North were in darkness."
Go to the link for the rest of the column.
Cleveland in the Dark or A Light Shines in the Darkness
As Amy has detailed, we on a whim, decided to spend a few vacation days in Cleveland, Ohio before Katie had to start school today. It turned out to be quite an adventure.
On the way there, just west of Toledo we saw a van towing a U-haul that looked like it had been blown up. It was on fire, raging with dark black smoke billowing into the sky. I mused at the time that it might have been some terrorist who had his bomb go off before reaching his target. I don't know what it actually was, since the Cleveland Plain Dealer carried almost no news in their Friday's edition due to the blackout.
We stopped for lunch at one of the Ohio Turnpike rest areas. Amazingly hardly any brochures, etc of what to do while you are in Ohio. Does Ohio not promote tourism? I also noticed that there are hardly any billboards on the turnpike. The gas prices and food are reasonable on the Turnpike which is laudable though.
We arrived at Berea, a suburb of Cleveland around in the early afternoon and everyone went for a quick swim. Then it was off to the "The Feast" in Little Italy for some Italian for dinner. But on the way the traffic lights went out and the Little Italy trip turned out to be a quick tour of what wasn't going on because of the power outage and after we picked up a schedule we sought out St. Andrews Benedictine monastery, that turned out to be not that far away from where we were. Traffic was a challenge. No one was obeying the standard rules for driving when the traffic lights were out, and instead of stopping and taking turns, it was more like once one car went forward they were followed by a bunch as though an imaginary green light had come on, and they stopped only when someone bravely started inching out in another direction and was followed by a similar bunch of cars. Amazingly though I didn't see any accidents, perhaps these Ohioans have this down to a science?
The power was out in the monastery but candles were lit and we chanted vespers with the monks with a piano accompanying us. It was a pleasant interlude from the chaos on the roads outside. It also called to mind the real principle of life that all the noise, hustle and bustle of life can crowd out. It was the first "light" in the darkness of that day.
After Vespers and a brief look at the reliquary that contained some very big bones pieces of St. Boniface and others, it was back on to the streets. By this time it was time for dinner and there of course was nothing open, until thankfully we found one convenience store where the clerk was adding items up on a scratch pad (without sales tax--I might add). We bought some crackers and such and were thankful for the clerk who was the second "light" of the day.
Next it was off to the a Byzantine Catholic Church. There were a few cars and Amy worried that I had gotten the wrong time down for the vigil Mass of Our Lady's Dormition. But it turned out that I hadn't but only a few people were in attendance. Even though the prayers were a little unfamiliar to me, I enjoyed the simplicity and constant focus on God, (except for one humorous incident that Amy relates where the female cantor stopped the priest and loudly instructed another congregant on what page we were on). Begging God to have mercy on you, thanking God for all that he has done, and even receiving a blessing as you receive communion gave me a great sense of what the Eucharist is all about...food for the journey, God's presence going with you. A third "light" shining in the darkness.
When we got to the Residence Inn, everyone was outside. Hotels clearly aren't built with power outages in mind. One window in our room, opened but had no screen, so there was little air flow in a room suddenly bereft of air conditioning. The staff was a great help though, cooking extra food (albeit burning it) and providing a keg of beer that the guests had already drained by the time we arrived back (we could have used a miracle at Cana here). Darkness fell, and an alarm went off in our room. This turned out to be a good thing. The Russian maintenance man (almost everyone who worked spoke at the hotel spoke with a Russian accent), fixed the alarm and then turned on the fireplace providing some much needed light to the room (that none of us had thought of in our bemoaning our not having bought a flashlight at the convenience store). The staff at the hotel, then was the fourth "light" that shone in the darkness.
That night, I stood at the open window observing city lights off in the distance, while our skyline remained dark. I stood there receiving a gentle breeze and marveling at the night sky often hidden by the glow of the artificial lights below. Every now and then there was an unusual flash of light (almost like an explosion) that would go off. I couldn't figure out what that was, but it might have been some low class fireworks--since I did see a few of those go off too. Later a nearly full moon lit the sky, the fifth "light", a light of hope reflecting the Sun that soon would rise--like all of the other lights that reflected the Son of God in the darkness that fell on Cleveland last Thursday.
As Amy has detailed, we on a whim, decided to spend a few vacation days in Cleveland, Ohio before Katie had to start school today. It turned out to be quite an adventure.
On the way there, just west of Toledo we saw a van towing a U-haul that looked like it had been blown up. It was on fire, raging with dark black smoke billowing into the sky. I mused at the time that it might have been some terrorist who had his bomb go off before reaching his target. I don't know what it actually was, since the Cleveland Plain Dealer carried almost no news in their Friday's edition due to the blackout.
We stopped for lunch at one of the Ohio Turnpike rest areas. Amazingly hardly any brochures, etc of what to do while you are in Ohio. Does Ohio not promote tourism? I also noticed that there are hardly any billboards on the turnpike. The gas prices and food are reasonable on the Turnpike which is laudable though.
We arrived at Berea, a suburb of Cleveland around in the early afternoon and everyone went for a quick swim. Then it was off to the "The Feast" in Little Italy for some Italian for dinner. But on the way the traffic lights went out and the Little Italy trip turned out to be a quick tour of what wasn't going on because of the power outage and after we picked up a schedule we sought out St. Andrews Benedictine monastery, that turned out to be not that far away from where we were. Traffic was a challenge. No one was obeying the standard rules for driving when the traffic lights were out, and instead of stopping and taking turns, it was more like once one car went forward they were followed by a bunch as though an imaginary green light had come on, and they stopped only when someone bravely started inching out in another direction and was followed by a similar bunch of cars. Amazingly though I didn't see any accidents, perhaps these Ohioans have this down to a science?
The power was out in the monastery but candles were lit and we chanted vespers with the monks with a piano accompanying us. It was a pleasant interlude from the chaos on the roads outside. It also called to mind the real principle of life that all the noise, hustle and bustle of life can crowd out. It was the first "light" in the darkness of that day.
After Vespers and a brief look at the reliquary that contained some very big bones pieces of St. Boniface and others, it was back on to the streets. By this time it was time for dinner and there of course was nothing open, until thankfully we found one convenience store where the clerk was adding items up on a scratch pad (without sales tax--I might add). We bought some crackers and such and were thankful for the clerk who was the second "light" of the day.
Next it was off to the a Byzantine Catholic Church. There were a few cars and Amy worried that I had gotten the wrong time down for the vigil Mass of Our Lady's Dormition. But it turned out that I hadn't but only a few people were in attendance. Even though the prayers were a little unfamiliar to me, I enjoyed the simplicity and constant focus on God, (except for one humorous incident that Amy relates where the female cantor stopped the priest and loudly instructed another congregant on what page we were on). Begging God to have mercy on you, thanking God for all that he has done, and even receiving a blessing as you receive communion gave me a great sense of what the Eucharist is all about...food for the journey, God's presence going with you. A third "light" shining in the darkness.
When we got to the Residence Inn, everyone was outside. Hotels clearly aren't built with power outages in mind. One window in our room, opened but had no screen, so there was little air flow in a room suddenly bereft of air conditioning. The staff was a great help though, cooking extra food (albeit burning it) and providing a keg of beer that the guests had already drained by the time we arrived back (we could have used a miracle at Cana here). Darkness fell, and an alarm went off in our room. This turned out to be a good thing. The Russian maintenance man (almost everyone who worked spoke at the hotel spoke with a Russian accent), fixed the alarm and then turned on the fireplace providing some much needed light to the room (that none of us had thought of in our bemoaning our not having bought a flashlight at the convenience store). The staff at the hotel, then was the fourth "light" that shone in the darkness.
That night, I stood at the open window observing city lights off in the distance, while our skyline remained dark. I stood there receiving a gentle breeze and marveling at the night sky often hidden by the glow of the artificial lights below. Every now and then there was an unusual flash of light (almost like an explosion) that would go off. I couldn't figure out what that was, but it might have been some low class fireworks--since I did see a few of those go off too. Later a nearly full moon lit the sky, the fifth "light", a light of hope reflecting the Sun that soon would rise--like all of the other lights that reflected the Son of God in the darkness that fell on Cleveland last Thursday.
Was it an Act of Terrorism?
From this week's NewsweekWhat Went Wrong:
" In fact, federal investigators ruled terrorism out within the first 45 minutes—perhaps prematurely. True, there was no detectable physical intrusion; nor had terrorist hackers left the usual cyber footprints. But despite the initial reassuring signals to the public, during an emergency conference call with senior officials at 5:30 p.m., the CIA “put on the radar” the possibility that there might have been some terrorist tampering. Informants and interrogations of terror suspects have led the CIA to believe that Al Qaeda is seeking to target power grids to produce just the widespread chaos witnessed Thursday afternoon, a senior administration official told NEWSWEEK. Last year the FBI concluded that terrorists are eagerly surveying weaknesses in power grids through Internet connections in Saudi Arabia, Indonesia and Pakistan. Even if they had no role in this episode, many worry that the Blackout of 2003 provided them with a perfect case study."
From this week's NewsweekWhat Went Wrong:
" In fact, federal investigators ruled terrorism out within the first 45 minutes—perhaps prematurely. True, there was no detectable physical intrusion; nor had terrorist hackers left the usual cyber footprints. But despite the initial reassuring signals to the public, during an emergency conference call with senior officials at 5:30 p.m., the CIA “put on the radar” the possibility that there might have been some terrorist tampering. Informants and interrogations of terror suspects have led the CIA to believe that Al Qaeda is seeking to target power grids to produce just the widespread chaos witnessed Thursday afternoon, a senior administration official told NEWSWEEK. Last year the FBI concluded that terrorists are eagerly surveying weaknesses in power grids through Internet connections in Saudi Arabia, Indonesia and Pakistan. Even if they had no role in this episode, many worry that the Blackout of 2003 provided them with a perfect case study."
Sunday, August 17, 2003
Again
Back from Cleveland, where on Thursday afternoon we were driving along a road when suddenly I noticed that the traffic lights had died. It was 3 o'clock, in another hour the lights would dim around Lake Erie.
At the time we didn't know that. Turning on the radio we found out that the power outage was spreading. It wasn't terrorism though, we were also told. Of course they also said they didn't know what was causing it. Which begs the question of how do you not know that it isn't something if you don't know what it is?
Today, in case you missed it an air traffic control center lost power. Just for thirty seconds, half a minute. But a lot can happen in thirty seconds. Makes you wonder if someone is trying out a new computer set they just got to see how much havoc they can raise.
Here's the L.I. Traffic Control Center story, from Yahoo! News - L.I. Air Traffic Control Suffers Delay:
"NEW YORK - A 30-second power failure at an air traffic control center disrupted flights at major New York-area airports for about 30 minutes Sunday afternoon, authorities said.
The cause of the failure was under investigation but was not believed to be related to Thursday's blackout, Federal Aviation Administration (news - web sites) spokeswoman Arlene Salac said.
At 3:08 p.m., computers at the New York Terminal Approach Control Center on Long Island lost power when the power conditioning system broke down, Salac said.
Air traffic controllers who monitor flights in and out of the region's three major airports temporarily lost radar contact but not voice communication with aircraft, she said. "
Back from Cleveland, where on Thursday afternoon we were driving along a road when suddenly I noticed that the traffic lights had died. It was 3 o'clock, in another hour the lights would dim around Lake Erie.
At the time we didn't know that. Turning on the radio we found out that the power outage was spreading. It wasn't terrorism though, we were also told. Of course they also said they didn't know what was causing it. Which begs the question of how do you not know that it isn't something if you don't know what it is?
Today, in case you missed it an air traffic control center lost power. Just for thirty seconds, half a minute. But a lot can happen in thirty seconds. Makes you wonder if someone is trying out a new computer set they just got to see how much havoc they can raise.
Here's the L.I. Traffic Control Center story, from Yahoo! News - L.I. Air Traffic Control Suffers Delay:
"NEW YORK - A 30-second power failure at an air traffic control center disrupted flights at major New York-area airports for about 30 minutes Sunday afternoon, authorities said.
The cause of the failure was under investigation but was not believed to be related to Thursday's blackout, Federal Aviation Administration (news - web sites) spokeswoman Arlene Salac said.
At 3:08 p.m., computers at the New York Terminal Approach Control Center on Long Island lost power when the power conditioning system broke down, Salac said.
Air traffic controllers who monitor flights in and out of the region's three major airports temporarily lost radar contact but not voice communication with aircraft, she said. "
Thursday, August 14, 2003
Wednesday, August 13, 2003
Crowds Growing at Glowing Statue of Mary
See picture below from yesterday's post.
From The Vindicator:
"The crowds are getting bigger, arriving earlier and staying later, prompting the city to take pre-emptive action in the event of an emergency.
Curious onlookers and the faithful have been gathering outside St. Joseph the Provider Church to see for themselves what some say is a miracle since a group of women noticed the glowing eyes and heart of a statue of Mary, mother of Jesus, on the bell tower about two weeks ago.
Weekend crowds swelled, packing Masses on Saturday and Sunday. Some worshippers streamed into the church to pray until the wee hours of the morning, according to Rocky Yeropoli, who lives across the street.
Around-the-clock crowds
Crowds gathered outside around the clock, praying or peering through binoculars in front of the statue of Mary on the west side of the bell tower and the Sacred Heart of Jesus on the east side. "
See picture below from yesterday's post.
From The Vindicator:
"The crowds are getting bigger, arriving earlier and staying later, prompting the city to take pre-emptive action in the event of an emergency.
Curious onlookers and the faithful have been gathering outside St. Joseph the Provider Church to see for themselves what some say is a miracle since a group of women noticed the glowing eyes and heart of a statue of Mary, mother of Jesus, on the bell tower about two weeks ago.
Weekend crowds swelled, packing Masses on Saturday and Sunday. Some worshippers streamed into the church to pray until the wee hours of the morning, according to Rocky Yeropoli, who lives across the street.
Around-the-clock crowds
Crowds gathered outside around the clock, praying or peering through binoculars in front of the statue of Mary on the west side of the bell tower and the Sacred Heart of Jesus on the east side. "
Warren Zevon's Upcoming Album
A great review not only of the album that will be released later this month, but also of the life and times of Warren Zevon. Zevon is dying, (given three months to live by his doctor a year ago) and this could be his last album or it could be a "wake-up" call. Time will tell:
From theNew York Observer: Zevon’s The Wind Amazing Testament To Soul’s Honesty:
"I think of this passage every time I listen to Warren Zevon’s new album, The Wind (Artemis). One year ago, Mr. Zevon, who is best known for a song called 'Werewolves of London'—a horrible injustice to those familiar with the 13 solo albums he’s released since 1969—was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a rare form of inoperable lung cancer. His doctors gave him three months to live, and Mr. Zevon made a decision: to gather his musical friends and family and, under the watch of a VH1 documentary crew, record one last album."
Also, for the "real" Zevon fans, check out this fine collection of his work:
Thanks to Amy for pointing this article out to me!
A great review not only of the album that will be released later this month, but also of the life and times of Warren Zevon. Zevon is dying, (given three months to live by his doctor a year ago) and this could be his last album or it could be a "wake-up" call. Time will tell:
From theNew York Observer: Zevon’s The Wind Amazing Testament To Soul’s Honesty:
"I think of this passage every time I listen to Warren Zevon’s new album, The Wind (Artemis). One year ago, Mr. Zevon, who is best known for a song called 'Werewolves of London'—a horrible injustice to those familiar with the 13 solo albums he’s released since 1969—was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a rare form of inoperable lung cancer. His doctors gave him three months to live, and Mr. Zevon made a decision: to gather his musical friends and family and, under the watch of a VH1 documentary crew, record one last album."
Also, for the "real" Zevon fans, check out this fine collection of his work:
Thanks to Amy for pointing this article out to me!
Tuesday, August 12, 2003
Will Catholics be "Left Behind"?
Envoy's Carl Olson answers the question for you...
An exhaustive Catholic critique of premillennial dispensationalism, the "pretrib rapture," the Left Behind phenomenon, and Fundamentalist eschatology, written by a former Fundamentalist/dispensationalist. Examines the historical, biblical, and theological roots of the "left behind" theology and the belief in a rapture event separate from the Second Coming. Also contains chapters on the Book of Revelation, the millennial kingdom, and Catholic eschatology.
Envoy's Carl Olson answers the question for you...
An exhaustive Catholic critique of premillennial dispensationalism, the "pretrib rapture," the Left Behind phenomenon, and Fundamentalist eschatology, written by a former Fundamentalist/dispensationalist. Examines the historical, biblical, and theological roots of the "left behind" theology and the belief in a rapture event separate from the Second Coming. Also contains chapters on the Book of Revelation, the millennial kingdom, and Catholic eschatology.
Statue of Mary Glows in Youngstown
Can you say strange???
From The Vindicator:
"Crowds outside St. Joseph the Provider Church, 633 Porter Ave., have been growing larger every night since a group of women first noticed that the eyes and heart of a statue of the Virgin Mary appear to glow.
With many carrying still and video cameras and peering through binoculars, the crowd swelled to several hundred people of all ages as daylight waned Thursday, and the obvious glow of the statue's eyes and heart intensified.
Even with some notable light sources, the reason for the glow was unclear.
Light shined on the church and the crowd from inside the attached school building, where bingo was being played, and from security and streetlights outside. "
Can you say strange???
From The Vindicator:
"Crowds outside St. Joseph the Provider Church, 633 Porter Ave., have been growing larger every night since a group of women first noticed that the eyes and heart of a statue of the Virgin Mary appear to glow.
With many carrying still and video cameras and peering through binoculars, the crowd swelled to several hundred people of all ages as daylight waned Thursday, and the obvious glow of the statue's eyes and heart intensified.
Even with some notable light sources, the reason for the glow was unclear.
Light shined on the church and the crowd from inside the attached school building, where bingo was being played, and from security and streetlights outside. "
Monday, August 11, 2003
Today is the Feast of St. Clare of Assisi but Traditionally this was the Feast of St. Philomena
Absolutely one of the best little books that I've read in the past year will be released in a few weeks. It is entitled "I Ask St. Philomena" and is written by Rick Medina. It is the Catholic "Prayer of Jabez" Anyone who doesn't get this patron saint stuff has to read this book. Medina, a young professional, details how unexpectedly, even miraculously he came to claim St. Philomena as his patron. He also shows how you too can find your own patron!
Absolutely one of the best little books that I've read in the past year will be released in a few weeks. It is entitled "I Ask St. Philomena" and is written by Rick Medina. It is the Catholic "Prayer of Jabez" Anyone who doesn't get this patron saint stuff has to read this book. Medina, a young professional, details how unexpectedly, even miraculously he came to claim St. Philomena as his patron. He also shows how you too can find your own patron!
Nice Quote from Thomas a Kempis
Spirit Daily - Daily spiritual news from around the world:
"'Do not regard much who is with you or who is against you, but let this be your greatest study: that God may be with you in everything that you do. Have a good conscience, and He will defend you, and no evil will hinder or grieve the man God will help and defend. If you can be quiet and suffer for a while, you will, without doubt, see the help of God come in your need. He knows the time and place to deliver you, and therefore you must resign yourself wholly to Him. It is God's concern to help and to deliver from all confusion.' "
Spirit Daily - Daily spiritual news from around the world:
"'Do not regard much who is with you or who is against you, but let this be your greatest study: that God may be with you in everything that you do. Have a good conscience, and He will defend you, and no evil will hinder or grieve the man God will help and defend. If you can be quiet and suffer for a while, you will, without doubt, see the help of God come in your need. He knows the time and place to deliver you, and therefore you must resign yourself wholly to Him. It is God's concern to help and to deliver from all confusion.' "
Sunday, August 10, 2003
A New Place to Check Out
Turns out there is a Shrine to Our Lady of Czestowchowa in Merrillville, IN at a Salvatorian Seminary there. This past weekend the faithful made the trek on foot from Chicago to the Shrine. Read about it here:Northwest Indiana News: nwitimes.com - Features
Turns out there is a Shrine to Our Lady of Czestowchowa in Merrillville, IN at a Salvatorian Seminary there. This past weekend the faithful made the trek on foot from Chicago to the Shrine. Read about it here:Northwest Indiana News: nwitimes.com - Features
Passion Fan Site
You choose whether you surf in English or Latin!
PASSION: Mel Gibson Film PASSION of Jesus with Caviezel and Bellucci
You choose whether you surf in English or Latin!
PASSION: Mel Gibson Film PASSION of Jesus with Caviezel and Bellucci
Excellent Column by Mark Steyn
Among other things he hints at why the Great Stone Face, the Old Man of the Mountains fell from grace in the Granite State or why the rock solid faith of some Christians has become gelatin...
From the Chicago Sun Times:Episcopal Church endorses narcissism:
Because I'm an adopted New Hampshirite, people keep asking me what I think about the Gay Bishop. Once upon a time, the most famous symbol of Granite State manhood was the Old Man of the Mountain, the Great Stone Face, whose profile God and nature had etched onto the cliffs high above Franconia Notch in the White Mountains. But, after centuries of keeping a watchful eye on us, he came crashing down in an almighty rock slide a couple of months back. So now the most celebrated symbol of Granite State manhood is the Great Gay Face, the Reverend Gene Robinson. And, although I'm feeling a little gayed out these days, since folks insist on pressing me, let me say a couple of things about the Episcopal Church's and the worldwide Anglican Communion's first gay bishop.
Read the whole column...
Among other things he hints at why the Great Stone Face, the Old Man of the Mountains fell from grace in the Granite State or why the rock solid faith of some Christians has become gelatin...
From the Chicago Sun Times:Episcopal Church endorses narcissism:
Because I'm an adopted New Hampshirite, people keep asking me what I think about the Gay Bishop. Once upon a time, the most famous symbol of Granite State manhood was the Old Man of the Mountain, the Great Stone Face, whose profile God and nature had etched onto the cliffs high above Franconia Notch in the White Mountains. But, after centuries of keeping a watchful eye on us, he came crashing down in an almighty rock slide a couple of months back. So now the most celebrated symbol of Granite State manhood is the Great Gay Face, the Reverend Gene Robinson. And, although I'm feeling a little gayed out these days, since folks insist on pressing me, let me say a couple of things about the Episcopal Church's and the worldwide Anglican Communion's first gay bishop.
Read the whole column...
Cool
BBC NEWS | UK | Education | Cool is still cool
Interesting that "cool" is still popular here too, but I'd say none of the other words being used in the isles is (although "wicked" used to be very popular in New England, not sure if it still is or not though).
BBC NEWS | UK | Education | Cool is still cool
Interesting that "cool" is still popular here too, but I'd say none of the other words being used in the isles is (although "wicked" used to be very popular in New England, not sure if it still is or not though).
Great Book on Prayer!
I read this book some years ago upon the recommendation of Father Benedict Groeschel who said it was one of the best books on prayer out there. It is! Lately it has appeared in and out of print and I noticed recently that it is back in print in the original Image version. No matter what your prayer life is like, you'll benefit from the sage advice contained within "Sensing Your Hidden Presence:"
I read this book some years ago upon the recommendation of Father Benedict Groeschel who said it was one of the best books on prayer out there. It is! Lately it has appeared in and out of print and I noticed recently that it is back in print in the original Image version. No matter what your prayer life is like, you'll benefit from the sage advice contained within "Sensing Your Hidden Presence:"
Best Sports Site?
It is amazing how in one year viewing sports on the internet has changed. A year ago you could have listened to almost any sporting event on the internet for free. Not anymore. Now most sites offer a very limited amount of info for free, if at all. But for one site that still can give you a wealth of information in close to real time for such sports as baseball and even pre-season football, check outCBS.SportsLine.com.
It is amazing how in one year viewing sports on the internet has changed. A year ago you could have listened to almost any sporting event on the internet for free. Not anymore. Now most sites offer a very limited amount of info for free, if at all. But for one site that still can give you a wealth of information in close to real time for such sports as baseball and even pre-season football, check outCBS.SportsLine.com.
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