I know Father John, taught him in the seminary. This happened last Fall, CruxNews is picking up a New Oxford Review piece on the incident. Just as an update, Father John is now working as a chaplain at Ave Maria University in Naples, FL.
From CruxNews.com:
"The Palm Beach Post (Oct. 11) reports that Fr. John J. Pasquini was relieved of his duties after only three months at St. Juliana Church in West Palm Beach, Florida, and was sent packing to a hospital chaplaincy. Chaplaincies at hospitals are 'dumping grounds for clerics,' notes The Post (if you don't believe that, just recall for a moment what happened to Fr. Cornelius Buckley, S.J., and Fr. Joseph Fessio, S.J.).
So, what did Fr. Pasquini do that was so terrible? Well, The Post begins its story this way: 'An outspoken Catholic priest who publicly condemned homosexuality and criticized Episcopalians for electing a gay bishop is being removed from his church and transferred to a job as a hospital chaplain.'
Would the Diocese of Palm Beach admit to that? According to the story, the Vicar General of the Diocese, Fr. Charles Notabartolo, claims that the reason for the removal was because Fr. Pasquini's 'homilies were poor' and 'he didn't show enough devotion to Mass.' On the other hand, Fr. Pasquini (who graduated top in his class at seminary, has two master's degrees, and has written 12 books) says that no one complained to him about his homilies or his devotion to Mass."
What did I teach him at the seminary? Homiletics! He is a very good preacher, in fact much better than the priest criticizing him.
Thursday, January 15, 2004
Update on Father Groeschel
The last time I met with Father and had a lengthy conversation, he told me that Father Glenn was a beautiful writer. Indeed he is! Father the superior of the community called the "community servant" gives evidence of how he handles that position in his latest update.
Continue to pray, in the imagery of the Old Testament, to lift up the hands of Moses who has grown weak...
From The Franciscan Friars:
"Fr. Benedict appears to be 'the same' as yesterday - at least externally; sedated, in a sleep-like state and lightly assisted by a respirator. However, being 'the same' is actually good -- he hasn't lost any ground. The body is healing itself and this takes time - God willing, these are the first steps along a long road to recovery.
Tonight, between six and eight o'clock (EST) a well-know and highly esteemed trauma surgeon will be operating on his broken right arm. The mere fact that they have opted for surgery indicates a certain amount of 'strength in the system.' Doctors don't like taking chances if they don't have to. So, in short, we should see this as a positive sign. I imagine, based on the results of this somewhat 'minor' surgery, they will attempt to work on his right broken leg. The nurses told me everything has to be done in small doses -- sort of 'spoon feeding' an infant. The next spoonful depends on how well the baby consumes the first. Once again, these are the slow, preliminary steps Father has to take weeks, perhaps months before his feet touch the floor.
While there appears to be some semblance of stability in his condition, I believe the real concern is his heart. The heart may be considered the 'weak link' a chain which could not be called strong. He is elderly and has had some health problems in the past, now add the unexpected trauma of being hit by a car…. So, you see how much he needs our prayers. He's walking a very fine line, a 'tightrope,' a strong young man could walk away if he fell. So, our job is to extend our hands to the heavens and support him step-by-step. "
Continue to pray, in the imagery of the Old Testament, to lift up the hands of Moses who has grown weak...
From The Franciscan Friars:
"Fr. Benedict appears to be 'the same' as yesterday - at least externally; sedated, in a sleep-like state and lightly assisted by a respirator. However, being 'the same' is actually good -- he hasn't lost any ground. The body is healing itself and this takes time - God willing, these are the first steps along a long road to recovery.
Tonight, between six and eight o'clock (EST) a well-know and highly esteemed trauma surgeon will be operating on his broken right arm. The mere fact that they have opted for surgery indicates a certain amount of 'strength in the system.' Doctors don't like taking chances if they don't have to. So, in short, we should see this as a positive sign. I imagine, based on the results of this somewhat 'minor' surgery, they will attempt to work on his right broken leg. The nurses told me everything has to be done in small doses -- sort of 'spoon feeding' an infant. The next spoonful depends on how well the baby consumes the first. Once again, these are the slow, preliminary steps Father has to take weeks, perhaps months before his feet touch the floor.
While there appears to be some semblance of stability in his condition, I believe the real concern is his heart. The heart may be considered the 'weak link' a chain which could not be called strong. He is elderly and has had some health problems in the past, now add the unexpected trauma of being hit by a car…. So, you see how much he needs our prayers. He's walking a very fine line, a 'tightrope,' a strong young man could walk away if he fell. So, our job is to extend our hands to the heavens and support him step-by-step. "
Shopping for Faith or Votes?
Great post about faith and politics over at Times Against Humanity Is Howard Dean a baptized Catholic?
Even if he's left, he's still in. Remember the Catholic faith is like the Hotel California...you can check out anytime you'd like, but you can never leave.
Even if he's left, he's still in. Remember the Catholic faith is like the Hotel California...you can check out anytime you'd like, but you can never leave.
Wednesday, January 14, 2004
Update on Father Groeschel from His Superior
From Father Glenn Sudano, C.F.R.:
To clarify some of the details about the accident, I will tell you as much as I know at this time. Fr. Benedict had just completed a preaching engagement and was at the airport with his traveling companions, Fr. John Lynch and David Burns. Evidently, they were at an airport car rental. Fr. Benedict knew his two companions hadn't eaten, and knowing the long lines meant a long wait, he went to outside to find a place to buy a hamburger or something. This is where the facts are fuzzy. At some time and for some reason, he was struck by an oncoming vehicle. Perhaps it was dark, who knows, but this is all I know at this point.
Fr. Benedict was struck on his right side. The impact broke his right arm and leg in two places. He also received some injury to the head. Thank God, the ambulance arrived soon after and was brought to a nearby hospital which, thank God, has an expert trauma unit. This is where he is today and will slowly recover through your prayers.
I had the opportunity to speak to his attending physician who represents a small team of trauma specialists. At this time all his vital signs are "good." His arm and leg still needs to be operated on, but it's still too soon. They have to be very careful not to upset whatever "balance" he has at this point. The bleeding on the brain is not serious and his blood pressure Okay - at least right now. Last night they had to open him to see if there was any damage to his inside organs. Thank God, no problems there. There appeared to be an increase in acid accumulating in his system, yet it appears to be naturally lowering.
To clarify some of the details about the accident, I will tell you as much as I know at this time. Fr. Benedict had just completed a preaching engagement and was at the airport with his traveling companions, Fr. John Lynch and David Burns. Evidently, they were at an airport car rental. Fr. Benedict knew his two companions hadn't eaten, and knowing the long lines meant a long wait, he went to outside to find a place to buy a hamburger or something. This is where the facts are fuzzy. At some time and for some reason, he was struck by an oncoming vehicle. Perhaps it was dark, who knows, but this is all I know at this point.
Fr. Benedict was struck on his right side. The impact broke his right arm and leg in two places. He also received some injury to the head. Thank God, the ambulance arrived soon after and was brought to a nearby hospital which, thank God, has an expert trauma unit. This is where he is today and will slowly recover through your prayers.
I had the opportunity to speak to his attending physician who represents a small team of trauma specialists. At this time all his vital signs are "good." His arm and leg still needs to be operated on, but it's still too soon. They have to be very careful not to upset whatever "balance" he has at this point. The bleeding on the brain is not serious and his blood pressure Okay - at least right now. Last night they had to open him to see if there was any damage to his inside organs. Thank God, no problems there. There appeared to be an increase in acid accumulating in his system, yet it appears to be naturally lowering.
Tuesday, January 13, 2004
The Strange Faith of Wesley Clark
This man is very confused...
From Crosswalk.com - weblogs:
Clark said that he would never appoint a pro-life judge to the federal bench, citing the judicial precedent of the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision as his rationale. From that start, Clark then proceeded to launch a radical vision that goes beyond anything ever articulated by a major presidential candidate to date. "Life begins with the mother's decision," Clark argued.
"At present, Clark remains a Roman Catholic--but attends a Presbyterian church. He told beliefnet.com, 'I'm spiritual. I'm religious. I'm a strong Christian and I'm a Catholic but I go to a Presbyterian Church. Occasionally I go to the Catholic church too. I take communion. I haven't transferred my membership or anything. My wife and I consider ourselves--she considers herself a Catholic.'"
From Crosswalk.com - weblogs:
Clark said that he would never appoint a pro-life judge to the federal bench, citing the judicial precedent of the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision as his rationale. From that start, Clark then proceeded to launch a radical vision that goes beyond anything ever articulated by a major presidential candidate to date. "Life begins with the mother's decision," Clark argued.
"At present, Clark remains a Roman Catholic--but attends a Presbyterian church. He told beliefnet.com, 'I'm spiritual. I'm religious. I'm a strong Christian and I'm a Catholic but I go to a Presbyterian Church. Occasionally I go to the Catholic church too. I take communion. I haven't transferred my membership or anything. My wife and I consider ourselves--she considers herself a Catholic.'"
Update on Father Groeschel
Keep praying, the news is better.
Father squeezed the hand of one of the priests at his bedside today. A procedure was done last night to try to relieve some of the bleeding in his head.
I learned the above from Father's secretary who phoned me this afternoon.
Most of the media has finally picked up the story (its amazing how slow they are). They pretty much are all running the same story that originally appeared in the Orlando Sentinel (I had wrote the new director there yesterday and told them what had happened in their backyard--got a response from them later in the day, saying they would look into it). What is interesting to me is that the story they told mentions one of the books that I worked with Father Groeschel on, namely "The Cross at Ground Zero." If you haven't read it yet (it has sold a ton of copies) it is well worth the read and besides dealing with the horrible events of 9/11 it deals with suffering in general and "where is God?" in the midst of it all.
Father squeezed the hand of one of the priests at his bedside today. A procedure was done last night to try to relieve some of the bleeding in his head.
I learned the above from Father's secretary who phoned me this afternoon.
Most of the media has finally picked up the story (its amazing how slow they are). They pretty much are all running the same story that originally appeared in the Orlando Sentinel (I had wrote the new director there yesterday and told them what had happened in their backyard--got a response from them later in the day, saying they would look into it). What is interesting to me is that the story they told mentions one of the books that I worked with Father Groeschel on, namely "The Cross at Ground Zero." If you haven't read it yet (it has sold a ton of copies) it is well worth the read and besides dealing with the horrible events of 9/11 it deals with suffering in general and "where is God?" in the midst of it all.
Second Driver may Have Caused Groeschel Accident
From Spirit Daily - Daily spiritual news from around the world:
"Police tell Spirit Daily the incident occurred at 9:43 p.m. as Father Groeschel was leaving a Chili's Restaurant with a carry-out bag. The accident was at the corner of Semoran Boulevard and Hazeltine National Drive about a mile north of the airport.
The priest was 'barely conscious' when police arrived, according to Detective Norris Butler, who said there is an investigation involving a second car that may have caused the accident. He said the car that actually hit Groeschel did not appear at fault. 'I can't give out more details because it is an ongoing investigation,' he said, leaving open the possibility that charges may be brought against the second driver."
"Police tell Spirit Daily the incident occurred at 9:43 p.m. as Father Groeschel was leaving a Chili's Restaurant with a carry-out bag. The accident was at the corner of Semoran Boulevard and Hazeltine National Drive about a mile north of the airport.
The priest was 'barely conscious' when police arrived, according to Detective Norris Butler, who said there is an investigation involving a second car that may have caused the accident. He said the car that actually hit Groeschel did not appear at fault. 'I can't give out more details because it is an ongoing investigation,' he said, leaving open the possibility that charges may be brought against the second driver."
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