God Alone--A Gethsemani Experience

I've been making visits to the Trappists in Kentucky since 1980 and have witnessed a lot of changes, not the least was the renovation that took the old gatehouse with its Latin message of "Peace to all who enter here" and in the new version, more of a gate than gatehouse replaced it with the simple message "God Alone" at a time where outwardly "peace" seemed more the issue, what with them hosting the Dali Lama and others.

The most recent visit, God centered as always, (isn't it strange how some places strip away everything and force you to look at what it is you worship in life?)was also a surprise. There is a new welcome center--with several monks in attendance--one hearing confessions in front of an Abbey casket that you can buy for your own burial, another running the system that shows a video, professionally done starting with the crackling fire of the Easter vigil but making one think of the fires of Hell and how the MAN-Jesus Christ was snatched from the fire to become FIRE and to inflame the world with love.

I given my nature was avoiding both of these spectacles and tarrying in the bookstore --vainly looking to see if they carried my books (they did not, nor my wife's)and making a few purchases. Placing these in my car, I rushed back in to view the video which now was not running. I went over and tried to turn it on with little luck and then noticed one of the monks rushing toward me, motioning wildly (no doubt a holdover from the old days when they rarely spoke)-I assured him that I knew they closed in fifteen minutes and I'd only watch it for ten giving them plenty of time to close shop. He motioned for the other monk who came in to turn on the system.

I now recognized this monk. I knew him in a different time, when we were fellow students. Later he would be ordained a priest and would be mentioned to me by my mother for the fine job he had done in helping her cousin Barbara deal with the untimely death of her child. Was I imagining that this was him?

"What is your name father?" I asked.

He responded with his monastic first name.

"What is your last name?"

He hesitated, almost as if to say why do you want to know but then because he's a monk and not "in the world", he told me. It was him.

"I'm Mike Dubruiel."

"Michael, I thought that was your voice--I didn't recognize you."

"Its the fat," I confessed.

While the crackling fire began to burn on the screen--we quickly in ten minutes related all that had happened in the twenty years since we had last seen each other. Then he shut the video off and said "Its time for prayer" (actually it was thirty minutes before prayer started)and he was gone.

Walking toward the chapel after visiting Merton's grave I noticed the the inscription that I so love on the walls of this enclosure "God Alone"...it is where we are heading--how we get there is also ultimately His design.

Note: I have never been to the monastery during the Christmas season before, it was interesting to see how Trappist decorate the barren chapel--it looked nice in an Amish kind of way.

No Wonder Why John Paul Traveled So Much

From CNS STORY: No place like home: Papal apartment gets extreme makeover:

The renovation, the workman related, was long overdue. The architects said they were surprised at the poor state of the apartment.

For one thing, the electrical system was not up to code. Some rooms still used old 125-volt electrical outlets, which were phased out years ago in Italy in favor of 220 volts. The water pipes were encrusted with rust and lime, and the heating system was approximate at best.

Above the false ceiling, workers discovered big drums placed strategically to catch the leaks from the roof; some were nearly full of water.

The makeover included renovation of the medical studio, which is said to include emergency surgery and dentistry equipment. The papal bedroom, situated at the corner of the building, was completely redone, and most of the rooms were freshly wallpapered.

The new kitchen was reportedly outfitted by a German company, with state-of-the-art ovens, ranges and other appliances.

Those who frequented the papal apartment under Pope John Paul II have no doubt that the place needed an overhaul. Polish film director Krzysztof Zanussi, a friend of the late pope, once said he was astonished at the gloominess of the place, with its outmoded furnishings and lack of lighting.

Cleveland Bishop Requests Retirement

He is 73 years old.

From AP Wire 01/05/2006 Cleveland bishop contacts Vatican about retirement:

The city's Roman Catholic bishop, who will celebrate 25 years in that post on Friday, has asked the Vatican to consider appointing his replacement.

Bishop Anthony Pilla declined to reveal the reasons for his retirement request, saying a letter he had written to the Vatican was private.

The date of his retirement is at the discretion of the Vatican, said Pilla, who is awaiting a response from Pope Benedict XVI and his staff

The "Seventh Trumpet" Mass

From Diocese of Manchester ~ Office of Vocations ~ Live in Black and White:

The Seventh Trumpet Mass is an additional way you can actively and powerfully promote and encourage priestly vocations. Msgr. Anthony Frontiero and Fr. Jason Jalbert from the Office of Vocations are excited to offer you this initiative which will draw together Catholic men, women, and children from all parts of New Hampshire to pray for vocations to the priesthood. Just imagine the blessings that will come from 1,000 people worshipping and praying to the Lord for an increase in priestly vocations! All we are asking is that for one Sunday a month 1,000 Heralds commit to the Seventh Trumpet Mass at St. Joseph Cathedral in Manchester which will be followed by one half hour of silent Adoration. This monthly program will begin on Epiphany Sunday, January 8 , 2006, at 3pm and will end at 4:30pm. We are confident that the Seventh Trumpet Mass and the prayers of each individual Herald will as St Paul says, “accomplish far more than we ask or imagine, by the power at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever.” Amen.

#1 on the Amazon Top 100 Catholic Bestsellers

Happy New Year to me...

From Amazon's Top 100 Catholic Bestseller's List on January 1, 2006!

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Pope Calls for Peace

From Pope calls for defeat of terrorism, calls on U.N. - Europe - MSNBC.com:

“Terrorism, nihilism and fanatical fundamentalism -- faced with these threats, it becomes more than necessary to work together for peace,” the Pope said.

“There is the need for a leap of courage and faith in God and mankind to choose the path to peace.”

Happy and Blessed New Year!