Pope Urges Submission and Love Given to Christ

From Asia News Italy:

I like to illustrate this new step urged upon us by the Last Supper by drawing out the different nuances of the word "adoration" in Greek and in Latin. The Greek word is proskynesis. It refers to the gesture of submission, the recognition of God as our true measure, supplying the norm that we choose to follow. It means that freedom is not simply about enjoying life in total autonomy, but rather about living by the measure of truth and goodness, so that we ourselves can become true and good. This gesture is necessary even if initially our yearning for freedom makes us inclined to resist it. We can only fully accept it when we take the second step that the Last Supper proposes to us. The Latin word for adoration is ad-oratio – mouth to mouth contact, a kiss, an embrace, and hence ultimately love. Submission becomes union, because he to whom we submit is Love. In this way submission acquires a meaning, because it does not impose anything on us from the outside, but liberates us deep within.

Pope's Address to Muslim Representatives

Here is a translation of the address Benedict XVI gave today during his meeting at World Youth day with representatives of some Muslim communities.

Benedict to Meet With Muslim Leaders

From Guardian Unlimited | World Latest | Benedict to Meet With Muslim Leaders:

"When he meets with Muslim leaders, Benedict will be greeted at the meeting by Rydvan Cakir, president of the Turkish-Islamic Union of the Institute of Religion, a social and religious group. Some 2.6 million people of Turkish origin live in Germany.

Since becoming pope, Benedict has steered a cautious course on Islam, saying little besides condemning the terrorist bombings in London as the work of ``fanatics'' who don't represent true Muslim faith.

Our Mother of the Eucharitst

A site dedicated to promoting devotion to the "two pillars" of John Bosco's prophecy.

Visit to the Synagogue of Cologne

The Pope's Address can be found here

Of particular note:

"The Ten Commandments are not a burden, but a sign-post showing the path leading to a successful life. This is particularly the case for the young people whom I am meeting in these days and who are so dear to me. My wish is that they may be able to recognize in the Decalogue a lamp for their steps, a light for their path (cf. Ps 119:105). Adults have the responsibility of handing down to young people the torch of hope that God has given to Jews and to Christians, so that “never again” will the forces of evil come to power, and that future generations, with God’s help, may be able to build a more just and peaceful world, in which all people have equal rights and are equally at home."

The Two Pillars of the Prophecy

On the boat to the right of Pope Benedict was the WYD cross which was damaged during the boat trip:And a beautiful icon of Mary seen here being carried with the repaired cross into the Cologne Cathedral:

All leading to the final destination and the theme of this World Youth Day to the worship of Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament:



"O Come Let Us Adore Him!"

Prophecy of St. John Bosco

I was reading this account of the Pope's trip along the river today, even the repairing of the cross and it struck me how literally the Prophecy of St. John Bosco alluded to in this blog earlier is being fulfilled. An icon of Mary was right beside the cross next to the Pope on the boat and as soon as the boat landed the Pope made his way to the Blessed Sacrament at the conclusion of the trip. Remarkable!

As you may recall the original prophecy refers to two popes...the first most definitely was John Paul II and of course the pope who quickly is elected when he falls is the current pope. Watching Him stand at the hem of the boat was almost shocking to me as I remembered my earlier post that you can read by clicking on "this blog" above.

I have added an additional post about the "Two Pillars" of the prophecy on the main page.



From AsiaNews.it :

He told the crowd that "these days I encourage you to commit yourselves without reserve to serving Christ, whatever the cost."

The Pope's boat was escorted by five ships to represent the five continents and the universal mission of the "barque of St Peter".

The Cross of World Youth Day was on the Pope's boat. It was repaired after a gust of wind broke it.

Thanks to Michael Brown at Spirit Daily (one of my must see sites) for linking to me on this.

I too hope for the new springtime John Paul spoke about and the books I've written aim to help us ease into that time (they are in the right column of the main page here)

20th World Youth Day - Cologne Airport - Welcome Ceremony

Entire text available at 20th World Youth Day - Cologne Airport - Welcome Ceremony:

"During this World Youth Day we will reflect together on the theme: "We Have Come To Worship Him" (Mt 2:2). This is a precious opportunity for thinking more deeply about the meaning of life as a "pilgrimage," guided by a "star," in search of the Lord. Together we shall consider the Magi, who, coming from various distant lands, were among the first to recognize the promised Messiah in Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of the Virgin Mary, and to bow down in worship before him (cf. Mt 2:1-12). The ecclesial community and the city of Cologne have a special link with these emblematic figures. Like the Magi, all believers -- and young people in particular -- have been called to set out on the journey of life in search of truth, justice and love. The ultimate goal of the journey can only be found through an encounter with Christ, an encounter which cannot take place without faith."

On the Pope's Meeting with Muslims in Germany

"How the Muslim Brotherhood is Challenging the Pope":

China Bishops

New Bishops for Tomorrow’s China

Recommended Book

I've enjoyed this book overall. There are some parts that could have used better editing, for example pointing out to the author that Canton, OH is fairly well known by the majority of the male population of this country as the home of the Football Hall of Fame--he insulates that Canton is an obscure, unknown place to the overall population (it is the birthplace of Mother A). Much of the book is based on information obtained from Mother Angelica herself and she doesn't paint herself with a pretty brush and I think despite the fact that he works for her Raymond Arroyo has managed to present a very accurate picture of the real Mother Angelica--warts and all.
Fans of Mother Angelica will find this an interesting read, enemies of her will gain new insights into a very complex figure and likely future candidate for sainthood.

Shy Pope Arrives in Germany

Doesn't kiss the ground.

EWTN - World Youth Day 2005 Coverage

EWTN's Schedule for Coverage

A Future Saint Slain?

I believe that Brother Roger may become the first Protestant to be canonized a saint by the Catholic Church...killed while praying Vespers...

From Zenit News Agency - The World Seen From Rome:

"The founder of the French religious Taize Community, Brother Roger, was attacked and killed by a mentally disturbed man during vespers, his community said.

Roger, 90, was attacked, probably with a knife, during evening prayer today at Taize, near Cluny, in the eastern Burgundy region, a member of the community told Agence France-Presse.

"

From Benedict XVI:

Benedict XVI also noted that, in his letter, Brother Roger said he intended to come to Rome and that the Taizé community wanted to walk with the new Pope.

“In this moment of sadness we can only commend to the Lord’s goodness the soul of His faithful servant who has reached eternal happiness,” the Pope added.

Directory of All Things Catholic Online

Iglesia

The Terror Watch

Robert Spencer's Jihad Watch filled with interesting stories, including one about the arrest in California of two planning a September 11 attach in 2005.

Tim Drake's Onsite Coverage of WYD

Including some interesting stuff on Archbishop Dolan who he interviewed today for the National Catholic Register. Archbishop's latest book Called To Be Holyis a "must read"...Young and Catholic

Nun Upstages Hanks

Amy was on CNN last night doing her own protest of sorts:

VARGAS: Author Amy Welborn, who's book De-Coding Da Vinci: The Facts Behind the Fiction of The Da Vinci Code refutes "The Da Vinci Code, gave advice to the Sony Studios marketing team.

AMY WELBORN, AUTHOR, "DE-CODING DA VINCI": The major concern was, you know, what can they do not to make everybody really made and not inspire a boycott of this film or the studio or anything like that. And it's really a very delicate situation. They don't want to alienate the core audience.

From the Mail online Mail - news, sport, showbiz, health and more How a Catholic nun upstaged Tom Hanks:

"Sister Mary Michael, 61, knelt in prayer outside the building where scenes for
the blockbuster starring Tom Hanks are being shot.

She believes the book
by author Dan Brown contains heresy.

Asked if she thought the people
making the film would care about her protest, she said: "I don't suppose they
do, but that doesn't matter tuppence to me. It matters to me what God thinks,
not what the film crew think.

"When I face Almighty God, at my final
judgment, as we all will, I can say, I did try my best, I did try my best to
protest."

Sister Mary, a former Discalced Carmelite who now belongs to
Our Lady's Community of Peace and Mercy in Lincoln, said a storyline that Jesus
married Mary Magdalene and that she bore him a child was based on a gnostic
heresy that she first became aware of 50 years ago.

"It is an old error,
derived from the mystery faiths of the east. It is not a new story," she said. "

Amy on Paula Zahn Now Tonight

CNN Programs - Paula Zahn Now:

Based on this description, I believe tonight is the night that Amy will be on:

Monday's show

The "DaVinci Code" movie is already just as intriguing as the book. But why it is under a shroud of secrecy?

Fight Breaks Out At Catholic Shrine

I make frequent pilgrimages to this shrine in Carey, Ohio...hard to imagine anyone taking on the pilgrims there...ONN. Ohio News Now: Fight Breaks Out At Catholic Festival:

"The faithful chased the street preachers out of town says Rev. John Raphael,
pastor of The Shrine.

'They show up with video cameras, send threatening
faxes, and are there to cause problems,' Rev. Raphael tells WNWO. 'I instruct my
staff and those faithful who show up to ignore them.

'They go to other
places and do the same thing. I tell my staff to pray for them.' "

Update on What Happened...8/16/05

Feast of the Assumption of Mary

A Reflection on the Feast of the Assumption, Contemplating the Ritzos Icon:




And Pope Benedict's Reflection from his Angelus today:

On today’s feast of the Assumption, we contemplate the mystery of the passing of Mary from this world to Paradise: we may say we celebrate her “Easter”. Just as Christ rose from the dead with his glorified body and ascended into heaven, the Blessed Virgin, fully associated with him, was taken up into heavenly glory in her whole person. Even in this, the Mother followed her Son more closely and went before all of us. By the side of Jesus, the new Adam, who is “the first fruits” of the resurrected (cfr 1 Cor 15:20-23), the Madonna, the new Eve, appears as the “first fruits and image of the Church” (preface), “a sign of sure hope” for all Christians on earthly pilgrimage (cfr Lumen gentium, 68).

The feast of the Assumption, so dear to popular tradition, is for us believers a useful occasion to meditate about the true sense and value of human existence from the perspective of eternity. Dear brothers and sisters, heaven is our final home. From there Mary encourages us with her example to welcome the will of God and not to allow ourselves to be seduced by false calls of all that is ephemeral and transient, not to give in to temptations of egoism and evil which snuff out the joy of life in the heart.

Interview with Benedict XVI on WYD

Extensive interview with the Pope on his upcoming visit to WYD...



From >>> AsiaNews.it <<< The first interview with Benedict XVI: Youths, it's beautiful to be Christians!:



"Holy Father, can you tell me what you would like to transmit to the youth of the world? What is the main issue you would like to "bring about"?



Yes -- I would like to show them how beautiful it is to be Christian, because the widespread idea which continues to exist is that Christianity is composed of laws and bans which one has to keep and, hence, is something toilsome and burdensome -- that one is freer without such a burden. I want to make clear that it not a burden to be carried by a great love and realization, but it is like having wings. It is wonderful to be a Christian with this knowledge that it gives us a great breadth, a large community: As Christians we are never alone -- in the sense that God is always with us, but also in the sense that we are always standing together in a large community, a community for The Way, that we have a project for the future - and in this way a Being which is worth believing in. This is the joy of being a Christian and is the beauty of believing."

The Problem with Cathoilc Bible Study by Michael Dubruiel

Stated well and right on the mark bySumma Contra Mundum:

When I taught scripture in high school, the students had a one-sentence summary of what they learned of the bible: "We learn that nothing that the bible says really happened really happened." That's the impression they got from four years of historical criticism.

I myself taught high school and heard exactly the same thing when I tried to present the "Fallen State" of humanity according to Genesis to Juniors who had Scripture as Freshman. I do find some hope that the current Pontiff writes about the deficiencies of the historical critical method and its effect on preaching and catechesis.

Michael Dubruiel - 2005

A Former Student of Mine

First a comment on the picture. I'm not a big fan of "resurrection images" but I do like this one...very powerful. It brings to mind the Pantocrater images found in ancient churches.

Second, I'm glad to read that Fr. Tim is doing well.

Late calling is a busy one - OrlandoSentinel.com: Volusia County News:

For most of his life, a pendulum swung back and forth in Tim Daly's head.When he was in fifth grade, Daly decided he wanted to be a priest, but as the years went on, he wasn't sure he was ready.

Daly graduated from Towson University in 1977 and joined the Franciscan Order.

He spent a year and a half with the Franciscans in New Jersey and Boston, but then he decided to drop out. He didn't like how much autonomy he had to give up and felt as if the church was increasingly playing the role of his parents.

Monsignor Clark Affair--Philip DeFillipo

Who knew you could make $100,000.00 a year as a parish secretary? I wonder if she pulled a knife on Clark (see below) to get that kind of a deal.

The irony of the Post story is that Clark wrote a letter of recommendation so that Philip could get a gun permit to "protect" priests during the abuse scandal. Did Clark have a death wish?

From New York Post Online Edition: news: HUSBAND'S NO SAINT, EITHER:

"DeFilippo told police that when he confronted his wife of 20 years about the trysts, she threatened to stab him.

'I fear for my safety and that of my children. She has been threatening me and the kids,' DeFilippo told police, adding that Laura has a 'history of alcohol-related incidents.'

DeFilippo obtained an order of protection barring Laura from the family home pending a court hearing.

Laura's lawyers charge DeFilippo made the 'false and outrageous' accusations to 'coerce' her into turning over their Eastchester home worth an estimated $1 million or more — and custody of their two kids, 14 and 10.

Laura refused his demands, they say.

DeFilippo, a former Allstate insurance adjuster for 15 years, seems to have made less money than Laura, who earned close to $100,000 a year as Clark's administrative assistant. She was 'the more significant breadwinner,' said a source."

Hallmark Channel August 15th at 8/7C

Check out the trailer for the filmhere

"The film presents scenes and episodes that, in their severity, awaken in the viewers an instinctive 'turning away' in horror and stimulates them to consider the abyss of iniquity that can be hidden in the human soul. At the same time, calling to the fore such aberrations revives in every right-minded person the duty to do what he or she can so that such inhuman barbarism never happens again. I express living gratitude to those who wanted to offer me the opportunity to view this moving film."

- Pope Benedict XVI

Pope's Angelus Message for Today

From AsiaNews.it:

"On this XX Sunday of ordinary time, the liturgy presents us with a singular example of faith: a Canaanite woman asks Jesus to heal her daughter “cruelly tormented by a demon”. As the evangelist Matthew tells us, the Lord resists her insistent pleas and does not seem to give in, even when his own disciples intercede for her. At the end, however, faced with the perseverance and humility of this stranger, Jesus consents: “Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish” (cfr Mt 15: 21-28).

“Woman, great is your faith!” This humble woman is singled out by Jesus as an example of indomitable faith. Her insistence in calling for the intervention of Christ is an encouragement for us not to lose heart, not to despair even amid life’s greatest trials. The Lord does not close his eyes to the needs of his children and in times when he seems insensitive to their pleas, this is only to put them to the test and to strengthen their faith. This is the testimony of the saints, especially the witness of martyrs, who are linked in the closest way possible to the redeeming sacrifice of Christ. In recent days, we commemorated many: the popes Ponziano and Sixtus II, the priest Ippolito, the deacon Lawrence, killed with his companions in Rome at the dawn of Christianity. We also recalled a martyr of our times, St Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, Edith Stein, co-patron of Europe, who died in a concentration camp; and today the liturgy presents us with a martyr of charity, who sealed his witness to the love of Christ in a bunker of starvation in Auschwitz: St Maximilian Maria Kolbe, who sacrificed himself voluntary in the place of a father, a family man.

I invite every baptized Christian and especially youths taking part in World Youth Day to look to these shining examples of gospel heroism. I invoke on all their protection and especially that of St Teresa Benedicta of the Cross who spent the last years of her life right in the Carmel of Cologne. On each one let Mary’s maternal love reign, the queen of martyrs who we contemplate tomorrow in her glorious assumption into heaven."

White Wristbands Proclaim Solidarity with Pope for WYD

B16 We Come To Worship Him
JPII Be Not Afraid

The first is an allusion to Cologne being the final resting place of the Magi who followed the Star of Bethlehem to worship the new born King of the Jews...

You can purchase one for yourself at Youth For the World.

Praise the Lord, Football Season is Here!

Time for an excellent diversion from all the trials of life...

Official program of the XX WYD 2005

Official program of the XX WYD 2005

THANK YOU!!!

Thanks to everyone who participated in our 30 day appeal in which we asked the readers of this blog and Amy's Open Book to consider buying one copy of her excellent book Here. Now. A Catholic Guide to the Good Life.and of my How To Get The Most Out Of The Eucharist on a number of those days you were able to push both books to the top of Amazon's Catholic bestseller's list!

We appreciate all those who have ordered the books through their local bookstores, or from Our Sunday Visitor directly. The boost in sales has been noted by the publisher.

So far we can only track sales made through Amazon and based on those figures we will sending $269.85 to Food for the Poor. I am still hoping and praying that we can raise that number to $2,000 by the end of September when we will receive royalty payments and a quarterly statement from Amazon. So continue to order books, any books using a link from this or Amy's page and you will be contributing to this effort!

Thanks a billion for all that you have done and we ask for you continued support by recommending the books to your pastor, DRE, RCIA leader, friends (both Catholic and non-Catholic). THANK YOU!

Amy in the News

Sprinkling Holy Water on 'The Da Vinci Code' - New York Times

WANE-TV Coverage You Can Count On: Local Author May Help Shape Future Movie

Good Reading: Award Winning Books The-Tidings.com

HoustonChronicle.com - Da Vinci Code won't translate easily to big screen

'Da Vinci' film: What role for religion? - Arts & Leisure - International Herald Tribune

Remember You are a Sinner

The greatest crisis in the Church today is the loss of consciousness of our own sins. Reform will begin not when we see ourselves as different from the world but accept that we are part of the fallen nature of the world and need Christ to save us!



Then, we will fulfill the law of Christ not to judge...and the sins of others will not give us pause to rejoice but rather to mourn our own sinfulness.



From The Desert Fathers: Selected Sayings:



"At that time a meeting was held at Sketis about a brother who had sinned. The Fathers spoke, but Abba Pior kept silent. Later, he got up and went out. He took a sack and filled it with sand and carried it on his shoulder; then he put a little sand into a small bag that he carried in front of him. When the Fathers asked him what this meant he said, 'In this sack which contains much sand, are my sins which are many; I have put them behind me so that I might not be troubled about them and so that I might not weep. And behold, here are the little sins of my brother which are in front of me, and I spend my time judging them. This is not right. Rather, I ought to carry my sins in front of me and concern myself with them, begging God to forgive me.' The Fathers stood up and said, 'Verily, this is the way of salvation.'"

Behind the News--A Mystical Experience?

You've heard about Susan Torres who on life support gave birth to a child...what you haven't heard is this...Susan Torres' Husband and Parents Reveal Strange Happening on Night of Susan's Tragic Collapse:

The words that both Sonny and Jason believe they heard, before the
life-affirming story of Susan ever reached the ears of a journalist or a
newsman, are the following:

You and others will tell the world of a fight to save a precious life, not to change hardened hearts, but to give hope to those who believe, so that they know that there is more than what they see and hear. Let them come and see for themselves.

Sonny's voice shook as he read the paper on which he had written those
words. "I have a hard time reading the paper--At any other time I would have
thought I was a crazy person having a dream," he said. "But the way this has
taken off, I really question that now."

Thanks to Todd!

Native American Mascots

I regularly walk the grounds of a beautiful convent of the Our Lady of Victory Missionary Sisters on the grounds one will find statues of Our Lady and traditional Catholic images dotted throughout. The sisters are gracious and very helpful, but sadly they are an aging community.



I find their website interesting. An image of Mary in a medal and a "dream catcher" are featured. It made me think of the recent NCAA ruling banning Native American mascots from post-season games--one wonders why "only post season games"? Should we as Catholics be using the spirituality of other religions to promote our faith? Or is part of being a Catholic the assimilation of other faiths into the truth that Christ brings to all religions?

Upcoming Appearances

September 15th, 7-9 p.m.
Pauline Book Store, Charleston, SC
"How to Get the Most Out of the Eucharist"
Including a Question and Answer segment.

September 16th, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Pauline Book Store, Charleston, SC
Booksigning and Question and Answer

September 16th-17th
Fire At the Beach! , Myrtle Beach, S.C.
"Developing a Spirituality of the Eucharist"

September 24th
Faith Formation Conference, New Albany, IN
"How to Get the Most Out of the Eucharist"

November 12th
Spiritfest, Fort Wayne, IN
"How to Offer Your Sacrifice at Every Mass"

I Was at Nagasaki: A Veteran of the U.S. Marines Speaks Out

From I Was at Nagasaki: A Veteran of the U.S. Marines Speaks Out:



"Nagasaki was the center of Catholicism in Japan. It had a big cathedral, and if I'm not mistaken, it had the biggest Christian population of any city in the country. And yet there we were--Catholics killing Catholics, and Protestants killing Protestants.

After the war, one of the things I grappled with was the question of allegiance. Where, as a Christian, should your allegiance be? As soldiers, our allegiance was to the nation state, not to our brothers and sisters, nor to Jesus.



This worship of the nation state is one of the worst idolatries of our day. In fact, I think it's probably the worst. But people can't see it. Like George Zabelka, the chaplain of the A-bomb pilots, said, they are brainwashed."

From The "I Wish I Had Thought of This" Bin

Two new books, and there is another planned that present history and Islam with a thumb to the nose at political correctness:

One on Science is due out soon:

What Happens in Your Church Before Mass Begins?

Amy would blame me for either of us being able to answer this one...Let Mary Jane know what happens at your church at Sacred Miscellany: Preludes, Anyone?

Franciscan Friars of the Renewal Redesigned Website

Franciscan Friars of the Renewal

Final Day of the 30 Day Appeal--Be a Customer Evangelist!

Today is the final day of our 30 day appeal in which I'm asking the readers of this blog and Amy's Open Book to consider buying one copy of her excellent book Here. Now. A Catholic Guide to the Good Life.and of my How To Get The Most Out Of The Eucharist--two books that can help you or your Catholic friends find true joy by deepening their relationship with God as Catholics.

Our recent journey to Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and Washington was a great confirmation of the good that we Catholics can do if we decide to become a proactive force in the Church as opposed to a reactive drain. There are many good and holy people in the pews out there and there are good and holy bishops and priests out there as well! Support them with your prayers and with good materials such as the two books I'm recomending.

If you already own a copy of both books, thank you again and again! I'm sure you have found them to be both challenging and an excellent way to get more from your Faith. Please consider buying another copy of both to give as a gift to your Catholic friends, you might even consider organizing a study group built around both books. At the end of this appeal I'm asking you to be a customer evangelist...ask your local bookstore to carry our books, ask your parish bookstore to carry the books, invite us to come and speak to your groups.

At the end of the thirty-day period Amy and I will donate whatever royalties we earn from the sales of these books to Food for the Poor. We will keep you abreast of how much there is to donate daily!

Thank you and may God bless you!

Pope John Paul on Sacrifice and the Mass (Subject of "How to Get the Most Out of the Eucharist"):

It is true that the sacrifice of Calvary was enough to obtain all the graces of salvation for mankind: the Eucharistic sacrifice but gathers the fruits. But Christ willed that His oblation should become continually present to join the Christian community together. The Eucharist is at one and the same time Christ's sacrifice and the Church's sacrifice, because in it Christ unites the Church with His redemptive work and lets the Church share His oblation.

How important it is, then, for the faithful, as they take part in the Eucharist, to assume a personal attitude of offering. It is not sufficient that they listen to the word of God, not that they pray in common. It is necessary for them to make Christ's oblation their own, offering up their pains, their difficulties, their trial, and even more themselves, together with Him and in Him as to make this gift rise even to the Father, with the gift which Christ makes of Himself.

Update: To date $249.82 will be donated to Food for the Poor...THANKS!

Amy on the NBC Today Show This Morning

If you are on the West Coast you can catch it at 7:39...open book: No, I wasn't there!

For a Touch of the Pope's Hand

Pilgrims reach out to touch the Pope's hands at todays General Audience.

Charges with Video

Monsignor is 79! She is 46...her husband hired a private investigator.



New York Daily News - Home - Affair charge rocks cleric

Update

After car trouble sidelined everyone but Amy on Thursday night and a quick battery replacement at a service station after a Pep Boys in Cherry Hill, NJ said it would take two hours to replace one there we rushed to make it to the National Gallery of Art where Dr. Jem Sullivan was waiting to give us a very nice overview of the religious art on exhibit there.

On Philadelphia Catholic Radio This Morning!

Thanks to Patrick McCabe, Janet Napoli and Joe Schreiber for having Amy and I on this morning live from the Catholic Marketing Network. I've already received email in response to our appearance. Hope to be on again soon...Finding the Kingdom

Week Three of the Appeal

As Amy mentioned on her blog I'm a little under the weather, a reoccurence of something I had the last time we traveled about four weeks ago.

Thanks to all who have taken this appeal to heart! I received an email from Bill White of Summa Minutiae telling me that he had participated by visiting C & A Inspirations in Champaign, IL. Thanks to Bill and thanks to C & A for having the books in stock!

We are asking the readers of this blog and Amy's Open Book to consider buying one copy of her excellent book Here. Now. A Catholic Guide to the Good Life.and of my How To Get The Most Out Of The Eucharist--two books that have helped others find true joy by deepening their relationship with God as Catholics.

At the end of the thirty-day period Amy and I will donate whatever royalties we earn from the sales of these books to Food for the Poor.

Pope's Weekly Audience

Pope Benedict came back to the Vatican today to give his weekly audience, over 6,000 in attendance...including a delegation of Chinese priests. Interesting to see the aids trying to sort through the folders.

Priest will Apologize for Dropping of Atomic Bomb

Fr. Bob Cushing of the Savanah diocese will also meet with a victim. Causing quite a stir in Georgia...At Minister will visit Japan to meet bombing victim, deliver apology 07/23/05 - The Augusta Chronicle

Great News!

All 309 Survive Plane Crash in Toronto - Yahoo! News