I sat through many a game in the O'Connell Center when Norm Sloan was coaching Florida. Most may think that he was succeeded by Billy Donavan after his second coaching stint at Florida ended in controversy, but it was Don Devoe who took his place.
What I remember most was the bright orange pants that he wore and his wife singing the National Anthem.
From AP Wire | 12/09/2003 | Former N.C. State Coach Norm Sloan Dies:
Norm Sloan, who coached North Carolina State to the 1974 NCAA basketball title, died Tuesday at 77.
He died of pulmonary fibrosis of the lungs at Duke Hospital, daughter Leslie Nicholls said. Sloan was living in Raleigh at the time of his death.
Sloan first came to N.C. State to play for Everett Case, then took over the Wolfpack for the 1966-67 season, posting a record of 7-19 overall and 2-12 in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
Within a few years, the Wolfpack had won the 1970 ACC championship with a 42-39 double-overtime victory over South Carolina in the finals. The Gamecocks routed N.C. State 85-69 in the final regular-season game of the season before the Wolfpack went on its tournament run.
Star forward David Thompson joined the team for the 1973 season and led N.C. State to a 27-0 record. The Wolfpack was not allowed to compete for the NCAA championship, won by UCLA, because of an NCAA probation relating to the recruiting of Thompson.
Tuesday, December 9, 2003
Vatican Exhibit Moves to Cincinnati
Or as Joseph calls it Cincianna (I think he would prefer if it were in Indiana).
Sounds like the perfect way to break up a long trip to Tennessee later this month.
From The Enquirer (Not the National but the Cincinnati):
Moving a show as monumental as Saint Peter and the Vatican: The Legacy of the Popes could be considered a divine challenge.
When the show closed in Fort Lauderdale in late November, the second city on its four-city, 18-month tour, organizers had roughly four weeks to pack up and move the show to the next stop. Last week, the 350 artworks and historically significant objects arrived at Cincinnati Museum Center. On Monday, staff began unpacking sets and scenery.
"We have so much stuff, and we do it in a relatively short amount of time," says Jeffrey Wyatt, vice president of production for Clear Channel Exhibitions, producers of the show.
"There are the art, objects, environments and videos to move in under 28 days. That's very fast for this type of thing, but we want to maximize the amount of time we can be open to the public with only four cities."
Saint Peter and the Vatican: The Legacy of the Popes opens Dec. 20 at the Museum Center. One of the most ambitious exhibitions to be mounted in the Queen City, it covers more than 2,000 years of Western civilization. It is the largest exhibition of Vatican art to be shown in North America. It premiered in Houston in March and will move on to San Diego when its Cincinnati run ends April 18.
Sounds like the perfect way to break up a long trip to Tennessee later this month.
From The Enquirer (Not the National but the Cincinnati):
Moving a show as monumental as Saint Peter and the Vatican: The Legacy of the Popes could be considered a divine challenge.
When the show closed in Fort Lauderdale in late November, the second city on its four-city, 18-month tour, organizers had roughly four weeks to pack up and move the show to the next stop. Last week, the 350 artworks and historically significant objects arrived at Cincinnati Museum Center. On Monday, staff began unpacking sets and scenery.
"We have so much stuff, and we do it in a relatively short amount of time," says Jeffrey Wyatt, vice president of production for Clear Channel Exhibitions, producers of the show.
"There are the art, objects, environments and videos to move in under 28 days. That's very fast for this type of thing, but we want to maximize the amount of time we can be open to the public with only four cities."
Saint Peter and the Vatican: The Legacy of the Popes opens Dec. 20 at the Museum Center. One of the most ambitious exhibitions to be mounted in the Queen City, it covers more than 2,000 years of Western civilization. It is the largest exhibition of Vatican art to be shown in North America. It premiered in Houston in March and will move on to San Diego when its Cincinnati run ends April 18.
Monday, December 8, 2003
Gifts for Family or the Poor
A personally autographed book makes the perfect gift, not to mention that books that help someone come closer to Christ (the whole reason for the season) and the Mass (the name of the feast--Christ Mass). Amy's page has all the details:
Amy Welborn and Michael Dubruiel's Books
Amy Welborn and Michael Dubruiel's Books
New Apostolic Letter
As best I can tell, it recommends renewed appreciation for a variety of aspects of the liturgy including "hush" as the crappy translation tools available online translate the Italian word for silence. Also renews a stress on sacred music and fuller use of the Liturgy of the Hours by all Christians.
Sunday, December 7, 2003
Saint Nicholas Paid a Visit to a Local Catholic Bookstore Yesterday
And Joseph received a few more chocolate coins besides the ones he found in his shoe on Saturday morning.
Here is a thought, why don't Catholics and Orthodox Christians make an all out attempt to reclaim the person of Saint Nicholas transforming him back into a bishop and emphasizing bringing gifts to the poor. In fact wouldn't it be a great idea to make Christmas not a time of exchanging gifts with each other but of totally directing our gift giving to the poor. Think of the great good that could be done if we spent even a fraction of what we waste on useless gifts that often are expensive if we gave like amounts to help feed, clothe and house the truly poor.
Here is a thought, why don't Catholics and Orthodox Christians make an all out attempt to reclaim the person of Saint Nicholas transforming him back into a bishop and emphasizing bringing gifts to the poor. In fact wouldn't it be a great idea to make Christmas not a time of exchanging gifts with each other but of totally directing our gift giving to the poor. Think of the great good that could be done if we spent even a fraction of what we waste on useless gifts that often are expensive if we gave like amounts to help feed, clothe and house the truly poor.
Saturday, December 6, 2003
Feast of St. Nicholas
Shoes here were filled with coins this morning--gold ones filled with chocolate!
Check out Amy's post at open book on St. Nicholas.
Catholics everywhere should try to recapture this Saint's feast and slowly reel jolly St. Nick back to his sainted origin.
Check out Amy's post at open book on St. Nicholas.
Catholics everywhere should try to recapture this Saint's feast and slowly reel jolly St. Nick back to his sainted origin.
Friday, December 5, 2003
New Apostolic Letter on the Liturgy
It is only up in Italian so far. I can read the first line, a quote from the Book of Revelation, "The Spirit and the Bride say: Come!" which is a great way to begin a letter on the Liturgy. That's what its all about, inviting Our Lord to Come again!
It also isn't very long.
From the Vatican:
"1. 'Lo Spirito e la Sposa dicono: ‘Vieni!’. "
It also isn't very long.
From the Vatican:
"1. 'Lo Spirito e la Sposa dicono: ‘Vieni!’. "
Did Murdered Priest Pose a Threat to Killer?
Interesting tale about a priest who was murdered several years ago, who it turns out was the source for the Roman Catholic Faithful's Stephen Brady.
From "Priest Knew Too Much?" By Matt C. Abbott posted Dec 2, 2003, 12:20:
"Kunz was an advisor to the Illinois-based Roman Catholic Faithful (RCF), headed by lay Catholic activist Stephen Brady. RCF investigated the misdeeds of the now-former bishop of Springfield, Ill., Daniel Ryan. (For more information about RCF's work, visit www.rcf.org.)
The police are, understandably, very tight-lipped about the status of their investigation into the Kunz homicide. But they remain steadfastly determined to solve the case, despite what some individuals have surmised. The fact is we (read: concerned Catholics) don't know what they know. And they probably know a lot more than we might think they do. In fact, press reports have stated that the police have interviewed over 1,000 people during the course of their ongoing investigation.
So if and when the case is finally solved, we'll know for sure. We'll know the full story. But, until then, all we have is speculation. Educated speculation, that is. And, I would submit, a little educated speculation - coupled with a lot of prayer - can go a long way."
From "Priest Knew Too Much?" By Matt C. Abbott posted Dec 2, 2003, 12:20:
"Kunz was an advisor to the Illinois-based Roman Catholic Faithful (RCF), headed by lay Catholic activist Stephen Brady. RCF investigated the misdeeds of the now-former bishop of Springfield, Ill., Daniel Ryan. (For more information about RCF's work, visit www.rcf.org.)
The police are, understandably, very tight-lipped about the status of their investigation into the Kunz homicide. But they remain steadfastly determined to solve the case, despite what some individuals have surmised. The fact is we (read: concerned Catholics) don't know what they know. And they probably know a lot more than we might think they do. In fact, press reports have stated that the police have interviewed over 1,000 people during the course of their ongoing investigation.
So if and when the case is finally solved, we'll know for sure. We'll know the full story. But, until then, all we have is speculation. Educated speculation, that is. And, I would submit, a little educated speculation - coupled with a lot of prayer - can go a long way."
Thursday, December 4, 2003
Joke Related to an Impending Snowstorm Here
As a trucker stops for a red light, a blonde catches up. She jumps out of her car, runs up to his truck, and knocks on the door. The trucker lowers the window, and she says "Hi, my name is Heather and you are losing some of your load." The trucker ignores her and proceeds down the street.
When the truck stops for another red light, the girl catches up again. She jumps out of her car, runs up and knocks on the door. Again, the trucker lowers the window. As if they've never spoken, the blonde says brightly,"Hi my name is Heather, and you are losing some of your load!"
Shaking his head, the trucker ignores her again and continues down the street.
At the third red light, the same thing happens again. All out of breath, the blonde gets out of her car, runs up, knocks on the truck door. The trucker lowers the window. Again she says "Hi, my name is Heather, and you are losing some of your load!"
When the light turns green the trucker revs up and races to the next light.
When he stops this time, he hurriedly gets out of the truck, and runs back to the blonde. He knocks on her window, and as she lowers it, he says...
"Hi, my name is Robert, it's winter in New Hampshire, and I'm driving the damn SALT TRUCK!
Thanks to my mother for forwarding this to me from Florida.
When the truck stops for another red light, the girl catches up again. She jumps out of her car, runs up and knocks on the door. Again, the trucker lowers the window. As if they've never spoken, the blonde says brightly,"Hi my name is Heather, and you are losing some of your load!"
Shaking his head, the trucker ignores her again and continues down the street.
At the third red light, the same thing happens again. All out of breath, the blonde gets out of her car, runs up, knocks on the truck door. The trucker lowers the window. Again she says "Hi, my name is Heather, and you are losing some of your load!"
When the light turns green the trucker revs up and races to the next light.
When he stops this time, he hurriedly gets out of the truck, and runs back to the blonde. He knocks on her window, and as she lowers it, he says...
"Hi, my name is Robert, it's winter in New Hampshire, and I'm driving the damn SALT TRUCK!
Thanks to my mother for forwarding this to me from Florida.
New Apostolic Letter on the Liturgy
There is a new on that I'm having a hard time finding online. But from other sources here is a snipet:
Pope John Paul said a lack of respect for the norms sometimes has led to "serious abuses" which cast a shadow over the mystery being celebrated and which cause concern and tensions among Catholics.
"Such abuses have nothing to do with the authentic spirit of the (Second Vatican) Council and must be corrected by pastors with an attitude of prudent firmness," he said, without specifying any particular abuse.
The pope said it is "more necessary than ever to increase the liturgical life within our communities," by educating Catholics about the meaning of the Mass and its various moments and their role as participants.
My How-To Book of the Mass would provide any religious educator out there with a great way to educate their parish communities.
This one was written in 1988, and giving how well it was followed there probably isn't much hope for the new one either. From the Apostolic Letter Vicesimus Quintus Annus on the twenty-fifth anniversary (today is the fourtieth anniversary.
Here is the link and a snipet, from
Apostolic Letter Vicesimus Quintus Annus:
"It cannot be tolerated that certain priests should take upon themselves the right to compose Eucharistic Prayers or to substitute profane readings for texts from Sacred Scripture. Initiatives of this sort, far from being linked with the liturgical reform as such, or with the books which have issued from it, are in direct contradiction to it, disfigure it and deprive the Christian people of the genuine treasures of the Liturgy of the Church.
It is for the bishops to root out such abuses, because the regulation of the Liturgy depends on the bishop within the limits of the law (61) and because “the life in Christ of his faithful people in some sense is derived from and depends on him”. (62)"
Further update: The new Apostolic Letter was circulated in Italian among participants at a conference held in Rome today commemorating the fortieth Anniversary of Document on the Sacred Liturgy. My guess it will be out in English in the next week or so.
Pope John Paul said a lack of respect for the norms sometimes has led to "serious abuses" which cast a shadow over the mystery being celebrated and which cause concern and tensions among Catholics.
"Such abuses have nothing to do with the authentic spirit of the (Second Vatican) Council and must be corrected by pastors with an attitude of prudent firmness," he said, without specifying any particular abuse.
The pope said it is "more necessary than ever to increase the liturgical life within our communities," by educating Catholics about the meaning of the Mass and its various moments and their role as participants.
My How-To Book of the Mass would provide any religious educator out there with a great way to educate their parish communities.
This one was written in 1988, and giving how well it was followed there probably isn't much hope for the new one either. From the Apostolic Letter Vicesimus Quintus Annus on the twenty-fifth anniversary (today is the fourtieth anniversary.
Here is the link and a snipet, from
Apostolic Letter Vicesimus Quintus Annus:
"It cannot be tolerated that certain priests should take upon themselves the right to compose Eucharistic Prayers or to substitute profane readings for texts from Sacred Scripture. Initiatives of this sort, far from being linked with the liturgical reform as such, or with the books which have issued from it, are in direct contradiction to it, disfigure it and deprive the Christian people of the genuine treasures of the Liturgy of the Church.
It is for the bishops to root out such abuses, because the regulation of the Liturgy depends on the bishop within the limits of the law (61) and because “the life in Christ of his faithful people in some sense is derived from and depends on him”. (62)"
Further update: The new Apostolic Letter was circulated in Italian among participants at a conference held in Rome today commemorating the fortieth Anniversary of Document on the Sacred Liturgy. My guess it will be out in English in the next week or so.
Boston Archdiocese to Sell Bishop's Residence
Not surprising, and probably appropriate.
From Boston.com / News / Local / Mass. / Diocese to sell residence:
The Archdiocese of Boston will sell one of its most symbolic and coveted properties, the ornate cardinal's residence in Brighton, and 28 surrounding acres to help pay the $85 million settlement with 540 victims of clergy sexual abuse, a spokesman for Archbishop Sean P. O'Malley said last night.
From Boston.com / News / Local / Mass. / Diocese to sell residence:
The Archdiocese of Boston will sell one of its most symbolic and coveted properties, the ornate cardinal's residence in Brighton, and 28 surrounding acres to help pay the $85 million settlement with 540 victims of clergy sexual abuse, a spokesman for Archbishop Sean P. O'Malley said last night.
Wednesday, December 3, 2003
In Wheaton, Illinois Today
At the public library right now. No young people on the computers here, in fact plenty of empty spots...one man in his seventies next to me just staring that the timer (60 minute limit), I don't think he knows what to do. See Amy's post about my experiences at another library yesterday.
On my way to check out the Billy Graham museum at Wheaton.
Last night of the mission tonight...snow expected too, hopefully I'll be home before that hits.
On my way to check out the Billy Graham museum at Wheaton.
Last night of the mission tonight...snow expected too, hopefully I'll be home before that hits.
Tuesday, December 2, 2003
At St. Procopius Abbey Today...
Another Benedictine monastery from a different congregation. Latched on to a school tour and got taken through the whole complex. Very interesting! Here's a link.
There is "Tour" at the bottom of the page I've linked to above.
There is "Tour" at the bottom of the page I've linked to above.
Crowds Flock to See Newborn in Bethlehem
No, it ain't Jesus...
From Reuters:
A baby born in Bethlehem is drawing crowds by the thousands.
Palestinians in the West Bank town revered by Christians as Jesus's birthplace have been thronging to the adjacent Aida refugee camp for a glimpse of the 11-day-old infant many are calling a "miracle baby".
The boy has gained attention for being born with a large birthmark across his cheek that roughly forms in Arabic letters the name of his uncle, Ala, a Hamas militant killed by Israeli troops after he was alleged to have planned a suicide bombing.
The family, devout Muslims, called it a divine message of support for the Palestinians against Israel, though some local Christians preparing for subdued Christmas observances have quietly dismissed it as lacking any religious significance.
The Israeli army declined comment but one security source said: "It sounds very freaky". The family denied any hoax.
From Reuters:
A baby born in Bethlehem is drawing crowds by the thousands.
Palestinians in the West Bank town revered by Christians as Jesus's birthplace have been thronging to the adjacent Aida refugee camp for a glimpse of the 11-day-old infant many are calling a "miracle baby".
The boy has gained attention for being born with a large birthmark across his cheek that roughly forms in Arabic letters the name of his uncle, Ala, a Hamas militant killed by Israeli troops after he was alleged to have planned a suicide bombing.
The family, devout Muslims, called it a divine message of support for the Palestinians against Israel, though some local Christians preparing for subdued Christmas observances have quietly dismissed it as lacking any religious significance.
The Israeli army declined comment but one security source said: "It sounds very freaky". The family denied any hoax.
Monday, December 1, 2003
At Marmion Abbey Right Now
Just visiting, catching up with office email and working on my mission talks. Beautiful monastery, founded by monks at St. Meinrad (my alma mater).
Here is their website.
Here is their website.
Sunday, November 30, 2003
Pray for Success of Mission
I'm in Plano, Illinois today through Wednesday giving a mission. Please pray for the success of the mission.
Thanks!
Thanks!
Everyone Says Officials Were Horrible in FSU-Florida Game
I didn't see the game, but in the little Illinois town where I am the paper's two paragraph description includes a line "terrible officiating" that all went against Florida (and cost them at least 14 points). There was a near riot at the end of the game.
I look to Mike Biachi of the Orlando Sentinel for a little relief.
From The Orlando Sentinel:
"That's the worst [bleeping] officiating I've seen in my entire life," Florida offensive guard Shannon Snell said. "We're supposed to be cordial, but the way the game was called was b.s. They were definitely biased. I can see one or two bad calls, but it happened at least five times. They took the game away from us."
When told that the officials were pelted with debris when they left the field, Snell scoffed, "They deserved it."
Added UF offensive tackle Max Starks: "It's hard to win when it's 17 playing 11."
OK, so Starks' math is a little off. Actually, there are seven officials on a crew, which means the Gators were actually outnumbered 18 to 11. Or so it seemed.
The controversy started on the opening kickoff when it appeared FSU return man Antonio Cromartie fumbled, but the officials ruled Cromartie down. A short time later, on another kickoff, Cromartie again fumbled, but officials ruled Florida was offside. On one series later in the first half, there were three times when officials disallowed potential Florida State fumbles. Three times in one series.
In the second half, it appeared as if Florida running back Ciatrick Fason might have been down before he fumbled, but officials ruled Florida State recovered and returned it for a touchdown. Meanwhile, Florida State running back Leon Washington fumbled near Florida's goal line later in the game and UF linebacker Channing Crowder came out of the pile with it, but officials gave the ball to FSU.
"I had it right from the start," Crowder said. "I had the ball in my arms, but they gave it to FSU."
Obviously, Florida had Chris Rix in a fourth-and-14 late in the game and allowed the Seminoles to convert. And that had nothing to do with officiating. Obviously, P.K. Sam caught the game-winning 52-yard touchdown with 55 seconds left. And that had nothing to do with officiating. And, obviously, the officials didn't miss every one of those controversial calls.
But how often does every questionable call go against one team?
I'm not positive who the officials were Saturday, but I believe their names were Terry Bowden, Tommy Bowden, Timmy Bowden and Tony Bowden. And I can't swear to this, but I think I saw the field judge leaving the game Saturday riding a horse and carrying a flaming spear. And I'm still a little fuzzy on this, but I believe I saw the head linesman signal that it was Florida State ball by doing a tomahawk chop.
I'm kidding, of course, but there are certainly questions today regarding the allegiance of game officials. This is a problem that could easily be solved by just contracting officials from a neutral conference to call big games pitting teams from different leagues. Many times there are $15 million BCS bowl bids riding on the outcome of these games, so why not eliminate even the appearance of favoritism?
I look to Mike Biachi of the Orlando Sentinel for a little relief.
From The Orlando Sentinel:
"That's the worst [bleeping] officiating I've seen in my entire life," Florida offensive guard Shannon Snell said. "We're supposed to be cordial, but the way the game was called was b.s. They were definitely biased. I can see one or two bad calls, but it happened at least five times. They took the game away from us."
When told that the officials were pelted with debris when they left the field, Snell scoffed, "They deserved it."
Added UF offensive tackle Max Starks: "It's hard to win when it's 17 playing 11."
OK, so Starks' math is a little off. Actually, there are seven officials on a crew, which means the Gators were actually outnumbered 18 to 11. Or so it seemed.
The controversy started on the opening kickoff when it appeared FSU return man Antonio Cromartie fumbled, but the officials ruled Cromartie down. A short time later, on another kickoff, Cromartie again fumbled, but officials ruled Florida was offside. On one series later in the first half, there were three times when officials disallowed potential Florida State fumbles. Three times in one series.
In the second half, it appeared as if Florida running back Ciatrick Fason might have been down before he fumbled, but officials ruled Florida State recovered and returned it for a touchdown. Meanwhile, Florida State running back Leon Washington fumbled near Florida's goal line later in the game and UF linebacker Channing Crowder came out of the pile with it, but officials gave the ball to FSU.
"I had it right from the start," Crowder said. "I had the ball in my arms, but they gave it to FSU."
Obviously, Florida had Chris Rix in a fourth-and-14 late in the game and allowed the Seminoles to convert. And that had nothing to do with officiating. Obviously, P.K. Sam caught the game-winning 52-yard touchdown with 55 seconds left. And that had nothing to do with officiating. And, obviously, the officials didn't miss every one of those controversial calls.
But how often does every questionable call go against one team?
I'm not positive who the officials were Saturday, but I believe their names were Terry Bowden, Tommy Bowden, Timmy Bowden and Tony Bowden. And I can't swear to this, but I think I saw the field judge leaving the game Saturday riding a horse and carrying a flaming spear. And I'm still a little fuzzy on this, but I believe I saw the head linesman signal that it was Florida State ball by doing a tomahawk chop.
I'm kidding, of course, but there are certainly questions today regarding the allegiance of game officials. This is a problem that could easily be solved by just contracting officials from a neutral conference to call big games pitting teams from different leagues. Many times there are $15 million BCS bowl bids riding on the outcome of these games, so why not eliminate even the appearance of favoritism?
Saturday, November 29, 2003
Woman Knocked Unconscious By Wal-Mart Shoppers
And it being the day after Thanksgiving, we might presume "heavy" shoppers. When you hear this Sunday's Gospel reflect on the warning of Jesus, "do not let your hearts become drowsy"...Christmas has become the antithesis of Christmas.
local6.com - News - Woman Knocked Unconscious By Wal-Mart Shoppers
local6.com - News - Woman Knocked Unconscious By Wal-Mart Shoppers
Friday, November 28, 2003
Shootings in Columbus
Over ten confirmed so far, one death. The latest hit was yesterday.
From USATODAY.com - More reports of cars possibly shot near Ohio highway:
A law enforcement task force already was investigating the shootings on or near a stretch of Interstate 270, the highway that circles Columbus, and extra law enforcement were sent to patrol the area on Thursday.
The first shooting was reported in May and others had come in the past 6 1/2 weeks in the area just south of Columbus. On Tuesday, Gail Knisley, 62, was killed when a bullet ripped through the driver's door of the car she was riding in on I-270.
Authorities are investigating 10 shootings in all, including one confirmed Thursday, said Franklin County Sheriff's Chief Deputy Steve Martin. Three new reports of cars possibly being shot at were ruled out.
From USATODAY.com - More reports of cars possibly shot near Ohio highway:
A law enforcement task force already was investigating the shootings on or near a stretch of Interstate 270, the highway that circles Columbus, and extra law enforcement were sent to patrol the area on Thursday.
The first shooting was reported in May and others had come in the past 6 1/2 weeks in the area just south of Columbus. On Tuesday, Gail Knisley, 62, was killed when a bullet ripped through the driver's door of the car she was riding in on I-270.
Authorities are investigating 10 shootings in all, including one confirmed Thursday, said Franklin County Sheriff's Chief Deputy Steve Martin. Three new reports of cars possibly being shot at were ruled out.
Good Move by the President
The President's secret trip to Iraq was a good move, both for the morale of the troops but also for his presidency.
From USATODAY.com - President's visit pumps up troops:
"Troops preparing for a Thanksgiving dinner in a chow hall here had a different surprise Thursday: Their holiday dinner was served by President Bush, who moments earlier had secretly flown into Baghdad International Airport on a darkened Air Force One.
'I've never been so surprised,' said Pvt. Stephen Henderson, 19, of Inglewood, Calif., with the 1st Armored Division. 'I feel uplifted. I almost forgot I was even here.'
The soldiers gathered for Thanksgiving dinner were expecting speeches from Lt. Gen. Ricardo Sanchez, commander of U.S. forces in Iraq, and Paul Bremer, the top civil administrator in Iraq."
From USATODAY.com - President's visit pumps up troops:
"Troops preparing for a Thanksgiving dinner in a chow hall here had a different surprise Thursday: Their holiday dinner was served by President Bush, who moments earlier had secretly flown into Baghdad International Airport on a darkened Air Force One.
'I've never been so surprised,' said Pvt. Stephen Henderson, 19, of Inglewood, Calif., with the 1st Armored Division. 'I feel uplifted. I almost forgot I was even here.'
The soldiers gathered for Thanksgiving dinner were expecting speeches from Lt. Gen. Ricardo Sanchez, commander of U.S. forces in Iraq, and Paul Bremer, the top civil administrator in Iraq."
Thursday, November 27, 2003
Pope Receives "Courtesy" Visit from Dalai Lama
They only discussed religous topics. Since one of the claims of the Dalai Lama is that he is the "son of God", I wonder what they discuss? This is one of the marvels of the modern church...
News From the Vatican and About the Vatican
News From the Vatican and About the Vatican
Happy Thanksgiving!
Give thanks to God for all the blessings you've received, both those you can see as blessings and those that have yet to reveal themselves as blessings.
Wednesday, November 26, 2003
Virgin Mary tree causes media frenzy
Yes, there is a picture.
StarBeacon.com - Virgin Mary tree causes media frenzy
Pilgrims are stopping at a tree they say features the likeness of the Virgin Mary. The Lord may work in mysterious ways but a tree in Ridgeview Burial Park?
A gnarled ash tree, across from the cemetery office, caused a sensation Friday among believers who say the scar in the bark is a dead ringer for the Blessed Virgin.
“It sure does look like her from here,” said Sam Bucci, township trustee, as he stood about 20 feet east of the tree. “I’ve been here 100 times and never noticed it, but it does look like her.”
StarBeacon.com - Virgin Mary tree causes media frenzy
Pilgrims are stopping at a tree they say features the likeness of the Virgin Mary. The Lord may work in mysterious ways but a tree in Ridgeview Burial Park?
A gnarled ash tree, across from the cemetery office, caused a sensation Friday among believers who say the scar in the bark is a dead ringer for the Blessed Virgin.
“It sure does look like her from here,” said Sam Bucci, township trustee, as he stood about 20 feet east of the tree. “I’ve been here 100 times and never noticed it, but it does look like her.”
PROCESS OF BEATIFICATION OF JOHN PAUL I OPENED
From News From the Vatican and About the Vatican:
"On Sunday, November 23, the process of the beatification of Albino Luciani, John Paul I, was opened with a solemn liturgy in the cathedral of Belluno, Italy. John Paul I was pope for thirty-three days.
The ceremony was presided by Bishop Vincenzo Savio of Belluno-Feltre, Italy. Among those present were Cardinal Jose Saraiva Martins, prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, Bishop Alfredo Magarotto of Vittorio Veneto, a delegation from the patriarchate of Venice, as well as the deceased pope’s brother, Berto, and several nieces and nephews.
Albino Luciani was born in 1912 in Forno di Canale, Italy, now known as Canale d’Agordo. He was ordained a priest in 1935 and was appointed bishop of Vittorio Veneto by Blessed John XXIII in 1958. In 1969, Paul VI appointed him as the patriarch of Venice and in 1973 he was created a cardinal. After the death of Paul VI, he participated in the conclave in which he was elected as the successor of Peter on August 26, 1978. On September 28, only 33 days after his election, he died."
"On Sunday, November 23, the process of the beatification of Albino Luciani, John Paul I, was opened with a solemn liturgy in the cathedral of Belluno, Italy. John Paul I was pope for thirty-three days.
The ceremony was presided by Bishop Vincenzo Savio of Belluno-Feltre, Italy. Among those present were Cardinal Jose Saraiva Martins, prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, Bishop Alfredo Magarotto of Vittorio Veneto, a delegation from the patriarchate of Venice, as well as the deceased pope’s brother, Berto, and several nieces and nephews.
Albino Luciani was born in 1912 in Forno di Canale, Italy, now known as Canale d’Agordo. He was ordained a priest in 1935 and was appointed bishop of Vittorio Veneto by Blessed John XXIII in 1958. In 1969, Paul VI appointed him as the patriarch of Venice and in 1973 he was created a cardinal. After the death of Paul VI, he participated in the conclave in which he was elected as the successor of Peter on August 26, 1978. On September 28, only 33 days after his election, he died."
Tuesday, November 25, 2003
Amy Welborn and Michael Dubruiel's Books
Amy's new bookstore is launched!
Autographed books make a great gift! Check her books and mine out at:Amy Welborn and Michael Dubruiel's Books
Autographed books make a great gift! Check her books and mine out at:Amy Welborn and Michael Dubruiel's Books
New Bishop in Phoenix
I know Catholics in Wichita will hate to see him go. In a year of extensive traveling around the U.S., I was in Wichita for a few days back in January, very vibrant Church there!
From SunHerald.com - Your Biloxi Everything Guide:
"Pope John Paul II on Tuesday named Wichita, Kan., Bishop Thomas Olmsted as leader of the Roman Catholic diocese of Phoenix, filling the vacancy left by the resignation of Bishop Thomas J. O'Brien in June.
O'Brien resigned two days after being arrested on charges of leaving the scene of a June 14 accident that killed a pedestrian. His trial is expected to begin on Jan. 12.
The 56-year-old Olmsted has been serving in Wichita since Feb. 18, 1999, first as coadjutor and then as bishop of the diocese.
He studied at the North American College in Rome, the American seminary, and received a degree in church law from the Pontifical Gregorian University."
From SunHerald.com - Your Biloxi Everything Guide:
"Pope John Paul II on Tuesday named Wichita, Kan., Bishop Thomas Olmsted as leader of the Roman Catholic diocese of Phoenix, filling the vacancy left by the resignation of Bishop Thomas J. O'Brien in June.
O'Brien resigned two days after being arrested on charges of leaving the scene of a June 14 accident that killed a pedestrian. His trial is expected to begin on Jan. 12.
The 56-year-old Olmsted has been serving in Wichita since Feb. 18, 1999, first as coadjutor and then as bishop of the diocese.
He studied at the North American College in Rome, the American seminary, and received a degree in church law from the Pontifical Gregorian University."
Latest Odds on the Next Pope
Tettamanzi is the favorite, followed by Ortega y Alamino, Arinze, Battista Re and Biffi.
From Next Pope Odds | Next Pope Betting
From Next Pope Odds | Next Pope Betting
Monday, November 24, 2003
How To Hear a Great Homily Every Time You're at Mass
I wrote about this in The How-To Book of the Mass, giving a concrete way to do it. A friend who has put it into practice told me about a week ago that it had worked for him at every Mass that he had attended until last Sunday when the priest spent the entire time lambasting various bishops and political decisions made by Bush and the Congress. This Sunday he said the pastor apologized for the remarks fo the visiting priest (recently ordained) for as he said, "not preaching a homily but giving his opinion." Therein lies the problem when priests confuse their role, essentially writing opinion columns and delivering them orally rather than preaching the Gospel.
All of this is on my mind since I'm preaching a mission next week. Any time you have the opportunity to speak to people it is a blessed moment and one that you don't want to squander on your ego. I ask your prayers for this mission and as I make final changes to the talks that I'm giving, please pray for the Lord's guidance.
Speaking of homilies and trying to hear a great one, yesterday was the Feast of Christ the King and the homily I heard told me that I don't like having kings in my life (a blanket statement made by the homilist who once stated to me in private that the biggest problem in the Church today is people don't like the hierarchy, which may or may not be true, sometimes I think it is more a case of we want to like the hierarchy very much and want them to act like a hierarchy taking bold stands against the culture of death, against those who dilute the faith). I for one, think my problem is more a choice of who is "king" of my life, who is "lord" of my life? Is it pleasure? Is it myself or another person?
I think the answer is different for all of us. I have known people who never are themselves, but constantly seek to please whoever they deem to be the "king" or "lord" of the moment. We all can be tempted when faced with the choice between the man with the crown of thorns or our personal "king" to say with the crowd, "We have no king but....(fill in the blank)."
So, sometimes even when you think you've heard a real bad homily, if in the end it has caused you to reflect on the Gospel more--then God has worked his miracle through the homilist and in fact you've heard a great homily once again!
All of this is on my mind since I'm preaching a mission next week. Any time you have the opportunity to speak to people it is a blessed moment and one that you don't want to squander on your ego. I ask your prayers for this mission and as I make final changes to the talks that I'm giving, please pray for the Lord's guidance.
Speaking of homilies and trying to hear a great one, yesterday was the Feast of Christ the King and the homily I heard told me that I don't like having kings in my life (a blanket statement made by the homilist who once stated to me in private that the biggest problem in the Church today is people don't like the hierarchy, which may or may not be true, sometimes I think it is more a case of we want to like the hierarchy very much and want them to act like a hierarchy taking bold stands against the culture of death, against those who dilute the faith). I for one, think my problem is more a choice of who is "king" of my life, who is "lord" of my life? Is it pleasure? Is it myself or another person?
I think the answer is different for all of us. I have known people who never are themselves, but constantly seek to please whoever they deem to be the "king" or "lord" of the moment. We all can be tempted when faced with the choice between the man with the crown of thorns or our personal "king" to say with the crowd, "We have no king but....(fill in the blank)."
So, sometimes even when you think you've heard a real bad homily, if in the end it has caused you to reflect on the Gospel more--then God has worked his miracle through the homilist and in fact you've heard a great homily once again!
Sunday, November 23, 2003
Attackers Slit Throats of American Soldiers
One news agency reported this story this morning as "two American soldiers were killed in a traffic accident near Baghdad International Airport"--I'd say this was hardly an accident.
From My Way News:
Attackers slit the throats of two American soldiers who were waiting in traffic in this northern Iraqi city on Sunday, witnesses said. Another soldier was killed in a roadside bombing north of Baghdad.
From My Way News:
Attackers slit the throats of two American soldiers who were waiting in traffic in this northern Iraqi city on Sunday, witnesses said. Another soldier was killed in a roadside bombing north of Baghdad.
Friday, November 21, 2003
Congratulations to Auxiliary Bishop Elect Felipe Estevez
Named by Pope John Paul II today to be an Auxilary Bishop in Miami. I've known him since 1980 when I visited Saint Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach. He was the Rector at the time and took me outside as the sun was setting and said the memorable words, "Mike, this is Florida!"
A few years ago, I was visiting the Seminary and he recounted a fascinating nugget when I told him I was now living in Fort Wayne, IN--this Cuban born man had grown up in Fort Wayne! He also was ordained a priest for a Cuban diocese in abstentia in the Cathedral in Fort Wayne. Its a small world!
He'll make a great bishop!
A few years ago, I was visiting the Seminary and he recounted a fascinating nugget when I told him I was now living in Fort Wayne, IN--this Cuban born man had grown up in Fort Wayne! He also was ordained a priest for a Cuban diocese in abstentia in the Cathedral in Fort Wayne. Its a small world!
He'll make a great bishop!
Archdiocese Found Guilty of Failing to Report Abuse
Part of the Prosecuting Attorney's Statement...
From :
"Hold them accountable.
Make sure this doesn't happen again.
I cannot tell you how many times or how many people have said that to me over the last year. But they were not talking about a serial rapist, or a multiple murderer, or the vicious rioters who brought our city to its knees.
They were talking about one of the most respected and revered institutions in our county - the Archdiocese of Cincinnati.
And the depth of the public's anger and frustration with the leadership of the Catholic Church rivals that expressed to me about any case since I have been prosecutor.
I can tell you today that we have done exactly what the citizens of Hamilton County and this office felt was required. We have held them accountable, and we have taken steps to make sure what took place in the Catholic Church over the last several decades will not happen again. "
From :
"Hold them accountable.
Make sure this doesn't happen again.
I cannot tell you how many times or how many people have said that to me over the last year. But they were not talking about a serial rapist, or a multiple murderer, or the vicious rioters who brought our city to its knees.
They were talking about one of the most respected and revered institutions in our county - the Archdiocese of Cincinnati.
And the depth of the public's anger and frustration with the leadership of the Catholic Church rivals that expressed to me about any case since I have been prosecutor.
I can tell you today that we have done exactly what the citizens of Hamilton County and this office felt was required. We have held them accountable, and we have taken steps to make sure what took place in the Catholic Church over the last several decades will not happen again. "
Grave of Simeon?
Interesting find in Jerusalem.
From Gospel verse found on ancient shrine:
"The inscription says the monument is the tomb of “Simeon who was a very just man and a very devoted old (person) and waiting for the consolation of the people.” Simeon is a Greek version of Simon.
The passage is identical to the Gospel verse Luke 2:25, as it appears in a 4th-century version of the Bible, the Codex Sinaiticus, which was later revised extensively.
“This (the inscription) shows there were different versions of the Old and New Testament going around,” said Zias, who presented his find Thursday at the annual conference of the American Schools of Oriental Research in Atlanta.
The Zachariah and Simon inscriptions were chiseled into what is known today as Absalom’s Tomb, one of three large funerary monuments built in the Kidron Valley for the city’s rich."
From Gospel verse found on ancient shrine:
"The inscription says the monument is the tomb of “Simeon who was a very just man and a very devoted old (person) and waiting for the consolation of the people.” Simeon is a Greek version of Simon.
The passage is identical to the Gospel verse Luke 2:25, as it appears in a 4th-century version of the Bible, the Codex Sinaiticus, which was later revised extensively.
“This (the inscription) shows there were different versions of the Old and New Testament going around,” said Zias, who presented his find Thursday at the annual conference of the American Schools of Oriental Research in Atlanta.
The Zachariah and Simon inscriptions were chiseled into what is known today as Absalom’s Tomb, one of three large funerary monuments built in the Kidron Valley for the city’s rich."
Thursday, November 20, 2003
Pretending to be Catholic--In Order to Save Your Life
I'm working on talks for my upcoming mission and illustrations for the talks. One of the most remarkable people that I have come to befriend in the past few years is someone who for a period of her life pretended to be Catholic in order to save her life. She is a Polish Jew who growing up in Poland in the late 1930's literally survived the horrors of the Nazi occupation by pretending to be Catholic. She was given a fake Baptismal Certificate, a Christian name, and she attended Mass regularly (Communion was not a problem in the pre-conciliar church because hardly anyone received regularly). Much later in life she became close friends with a fellow Pole (besides me that is) who just happens to be the Pope. In a correspondence with her, one of his recurring messages to her, is that she "be herself" and I find this remarkable because of her early history where survival was only possible by not being herself but pretending to be someone else. Even though she is a Jew the Pope is very Christian in his correspondence to her, he recommends her to the Blessed Virgin Mary, wishes her well on Jewish feasts as well as those connected to Christ, he even sends her a piece of his Oplatek, Na szczescie, na zdrowie z Wigilia!.
She has written a book about Him and her own experiences entitled Building Bridges: Pope John Paul II and the Horizon of Life.
What strikes me about Lena's story is how many of us are pretending to be Catholic in our own day? And why?
I often wonder when I hear people talk about what they believe and what they do not believe and wonder why they remain Catholic if they really don't believe? The amazing thing I have learned from my experiences with Dr. Allen-Shore is that she believes more about the Catholic faith than many who say they are Catholic. She once pretended to be Catholic in order to save her life and perhaps in the end all of us our pretending to be Catholic so that we too might save our lives. But is "pretending" going to be enough in the end?
If we followed the Pope's advice to Lena to "be ourself" would we be something else? I know deep down that when the Pope tells Lena to be herself that he knows that she is a follower of Christ. That something in her early years catechized her to the truth of the Gospel and it has never left her. And I truly believe that if each of us was the person that God created us to be, namely ourself, we too would hear the truth of the Gospel and coming to Christ in the Eucharist would be something that would enable us to become even more truly who we are!
She has written a book about Him and her own experiences entitled Building Bridges: Pope John Paul II and the Horizon of Life.
What strikes me about Lena's story is how many of us are pretending to be Catholic in our own day? And why?
I often wonder when I hear people talk about what they believe and what they do not believe and wonder why they remain Catholic if they really don't believe? The amazing thing I have learned from my experiences with Dr. Allen-Shore is that she believes more about the Catholic faith than many who say they are Catholic. She once pretended to be Catholic in order to save her life and perhaps in the end all of us our pretending to be Catholic so that we too might save our lives. But is "pretending" going to be enough in the end?
If we followed the Pope's advice to Lena to "be ourself" would we be something else? I know deep down that when the Pope tells Lena to be herself that he knows that she is a follower of Christ. That something in her early years catechized her to the truth of the Gospel and it has never left her. And I truly believe that if each of us was the person that God created us to be, namely ourself, we too would hear the truth of the Gospel and coming to Christ in the Eucharist would be something that would enable us to become even more truly who we are!
In the Philipines if You're a Priest and You Father a Second Child--You're Out!
Why not with the first????
Same rule applies to those with a homosexual orientation but its unclear how they would know if it was the first act or second act?
From The Manila Times Internet Edition | TOP STORIES >:
Priests in the Philippines found to have fathered a child will not be automatically defrocked but those with two will be immediately asked to leave the Catholic Church.
Those found committing homosexual acts will be sent to a rehabilitation center run by the Church, but if they repeat the offense they will be expelled at once.
The offenses and their penalties are contained in an 18-page “Pastoral Guidelines on Sexual Abuses and Misconduct by the Clergy” released by the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines on Wednesday.
The CBCP was forced to issue the protocol after two prominent bishops earlier this year figured in sex scandals.
Bishop Crisostomo Yalung left the clergy after begetting two children by a parishioner in Antipolo City, while the Vatican removed Teodoro Bacani, bishop of Novaliches, on allegations that he sexually harassed his secretary.
For the first time last year the Catholic Church publicly apologized for sexual abuses committed by Filipino priests, but insisted that most of them remained faithful to their vows.
The Church admitted that some 200 priests have been investigated for sexual misconduct over the past 20 years. Some were dismissed; most resigned voluntarily.
Same rule applies to those with a homosexual orientation but its unclear how they would know if it was the first act or second act?
From The Manila Times Internet Edition | TOP STORIES >:
Priests in the Philippines found to have fathered a child will not be automatically defrocked but those with two will be immediately asked to leave the Catholic Church.
Those found committing homosexual acts will be sent to a rehabilitation center run by the Church, but if they repeat the offense they will be expelled at once.
The offenses and their penalties are contained in an 18-page “Pastoral Guidelines on Sexual Abuses and Misconduct by the Clergy” released by the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines on Wednesday.
The CBCP was forced to issue the protocol after two prominent bishops earlier this year figured in sex scandals.
Bishop Crisostomo Yalung left the clergy after begetting two children by a parishioner in Antipolo City, while the Vatican removed Teodoro Bacani, bishop of Novaliches, on allegations that he sexually harassed his secretary.
For the first time last year the Catholic Church publicly apologized for sexual abuses committed by Filipino priests, but insisted that most of them remained faithful to their vows.
The Church admitted that some 200 priests have been investigated for sexual misconduct over the past 20 years. Some were dismissed; most resigned voluntarily.
FSU Joke of the Day
In preparation for the Florida-Florida State game on Nov. 29th:
A state trooper pulls over an FSU grad on Interstate 10.
State trooper asks, "You got any I.D."
The FSU grad replies, "About what??"
A state trooper pulls over an FSU grad on Interstate 10.
State trooper asks, "You got any I.D."
The FSU grad replies, "About what??"
Wednesday, November 19, 2003
The Next Archbishop of Atlanta?
A friend who has an uncanny knack for being right when it comes to telling me weeks before who the most likely candidates are to fill vacant sees, claims Bishop Boland will be the next Archbishop of Atlanta...today he raises his voice against same-sex marriages.
From MDJonline.com - Marietta, Georgia:
"A Roman Catholic bishop who co-authored a statement opposing same-sex unions, approved by U.S. bishops last week, said Monday legal gay marriages would be 'another diminishing of society, just like abortion.'
But Bishop J. Kevin Boland of the Diocese of Savannah insisted the document, to be distributed to Catholic churches in pamphlet form, was not intended to condemn homosexuals.
'We respect their dignity as persons,' Boland said at a news conference. 'We know that, with some individuals, it's not their choice to be gay. But at the same time a gay person, just like a heterosexual person, may be obliged to chastity.'
At their annual meeting in Washington last week, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops adopted a four-page statement explaining why Catholics should oppose legal recognition of same-sex unions. As chairman of the bishops' Committee on Marriage and Family, Boland was one of the document's authors and sponsored it before the full conference."
From MDJonline.com - Marietta, Georgia:
"A Roman Catholic bishop who co-authored a statement opposing same-sex unions, approved by U.S. bishops last week, said Monday legal gay marriages would be 'another diminishing of society, just like abortion.'
But Bishop J. Kevin Boland of the Diocese of Savannah insisted the document, to be distributed to Catholic churches in pamphlet form, was not intended to condemn homosexuals.
'We respect their dignity as persons,' Boland said at a news conference. 'We know that, with some individuals, it's not their choice to be gay. But at the same time a gay person, just like a heterosexual person, may be obliged to chastity.'
At their annual meeting in Washington last week, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops adopted a four-page statement explaining why Catholics should oppose legal recognition of same-sex unions. As chairman of the bishops' Committee on Marriage and Family, Boland was one of the document's authors and sponsored it before the full conference."
The Bethlehem Code
The real secret code that largely goes unnoticed by many Bible believing Christians is the Bethlehem code. The subtle message that is written into the New Testament that points to where the Risen Christ may be found. I say it is secret because it clearly was written into the text of the New Testament but those who read the Scriptures only literally can totally miss it.
Consider for starters the Gospel of Luke, we all know the story at the beginning...the annunciations to Zechariah and Mary and Mary gives us the first hint of the "secret" when she proclaims "He has shown the might of his arm dispersed the arrogant of mind and heart. He has thrown down the rulers from their thrones but lifted up the lowly. The hungry he has filled with good things; the rich he has sent away empty,"(Luke 1:51-53) Zechariah in his prophetic utterance further gives us a clue, "by which the daybreak from on high will visit us to shine on those who sit in darkness and death's shadow, to guide our feet into the path of peace" (Luke 1:78,79).
Think of the themes hinted at in both of these canticles, the lowly understand a message that those in power totally miss, their hunger is filled, and those who sit in darkness are given light. Again for someone who sees these as clues that point us to a message that is about to be revealed to us, a secret message, we have only to look a few verses further for the first big revelation.
In Luke 2: 8 immediately following the birth of Jesus we read about shepherds keeping "night watch" over their flocks, literally a people "sitting in darkness" who have an experience of "the glory of the lord shone around them"...they are told by the angels who appear to them that this will be "a sign" to them.
Let's stop there what exactly is a sign? It is not an end in and of itself but rather points to a greater reality. What is the sign they will witness? They are told that they will fine an "infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger." A manger is a feeding box (as one poor translation of Scripture once actually translated it) for animals. We are told that it is a "sign", what they witness there points to something beyond their experience of the birth of Christ to something else.
When the angels leave, the shepherds look to one another and say, "Let us go, then, to Bethlehem to see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us." The key phrase here is "Bethlehem" which literally means "house of bread". "Let us go to the House of Bread to see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us."
All of this is how the Gospel of Luke begins... how does it end? The Risen Christ joins two disciples on the road to Emmaus. They do not recognize him. He opens the Scriptures to them. They invite Him to stay with them. He takes bread, says the blessing, breaks it, gives it to them, then physically vanishes from their site. Luke tells us quite blatantly, for the really dense reader, that they recognized Him in the "breaking of the bread". Where are we to find Jesus this day? In the bread that is broken in the Eucharist!
I'll be preaching a mission on the "Bethlehem Code" in suburban Chicago from Nov. 30- December 3rd. If you are in the area feel free to join us!
Consider for starters the Gospel of Luke, we all know the story at the beginning...the annunciations to Zechariah and Mary and Mary gives us the first hint of the "secret" when she proclaims "He has shown the might of his arm dispersed the arrogant of mind and heart. He has thrown down the rulers from their thrones but lifted up the lowly. The hungry he has filled with good things; the rich he has sent away empty,"(Luke 1:51-53) Zechariah in his prophetic utterance further gives us a clue, "by which the daybreak from on high will visit us to shine on those who sit in darkness and death's shadow, to guide our feet into the path of peace" (Luke 1:78,79).
Think of the themes hinted at in both of these canticles, the lowly understand a message that those in power totally miss, their hunger is filled, and those who sit in darkness are given light. Again for someone who sees these as clues that point us to a message that is about to be revealed to us, a secret message, we have only to look a few verses further for the first big revelation.
In Luke 2: 8 immediately following the birth of Jesus we read about shepherds keeping "night watch" over their flocks, literally a people "sitting in darkness" who have an experience of "the glory of the lord shone around them"...they are told by the angels who appear to them that this will be "a sign" to them.
Let's stop there what exactly is a sign? It is not an end in and of itself but rather points to a greater reality. What is the sign they will witness? They are told that they will fine an "infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger." A manger is a feeding box (as one poor translation of Scripture once actually translated it) for animals. We are told that it is a "sign", what they witness there points to something beyond their experience of the birth of Christ to something else.
When the angels leave, the shepherds look to one another and say, "Let us go, then, to Bethlehem to see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us." The key phrase here is "Bethlehem" which literally means "house of bread". "Let us go to the House of Bread to see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us."
All of this is how the Gospel of Luke begins... how does it end? The Risen Christ joins two disciples on the road to Emmaus. They do not recognize him. He opens the Scriptures to them. They invite Him to stay with them. He takes bread, says the blessing, breaks it, gives it to them, then physically vanishes from their site. Luke tells us quite blatantly, for the really dense reader, that they recognized Him in the "breaking of the bread". Where are we to find Jesus this day? In the bread that is broken in the Eucharist!
I'll be preaching a mission on the "Bethlehem Code" in suburban Chicago from Nov. 30- December 3rd. If you are in the area feel free to join us!
Russian Orthodox Sever Ties with Episcopalians
Interesting, strong statement.
From Vladivostok News :: Episcopal's gay bishop completely unorthodox:
"The Russian Orthodox Church said Monday that it has broken off ties with the Episcopalian movement in the U.S. calling the latter's consecration of an openly gay bishop, 'unchristian and blasphemous.'
The Moscow Patriarchate referred to a verse in the Bible stating that sex between two men is loathsome and neither fornicators nor sodomites will enter God's realm.
'The Church does not deny assistance to the unfortunate people who suffer from this ailment. God is love, and Christians must pray for all sinners and for their salvation. However, the Church cannot approve perversions of human nature created by the Lord himself,' the statement says. "
From Vladivostok News :: Episcopal's gay bishop completely unorthodox:
"The Russian Orthodox Church said Monday that it has broken off ties with the Episcopalian movement in the U.S. calling the latter's consecration of an openly gay bishop, 'unchristian and blasphemous.'
The Moscow Patriarchate referred to a verse in the Bible stating that sex between two men is loathsome and neither fornicators nor sodomites will enter God's realm.
'The Church does not deny assistance to the unfortunate people who suffer from this ailment. God is love, and Christians must pray for all sinners and for their salvation. However, the Church cannot approve perversions of human nature created by the Lord himself,' the statement says. "
Fate of the Late President Kennedy
I've been watching off and on The Kennedies on PBS this week. Today Spirit Daily has an interesting account traced back to a nun who claims that Kennedy went to confession and Mass on the morning of the day he was assasinated. Seems difficult to confirm but Michael Brown does an interesting job of trying to track down the truth. At the end of his piece he provides an interesting anecdote from St. Padre Pio.
Spirit Daily - Daily spiritual news from around the world:
"In Italy, the famous mystic Padre Pio, since canonized, was said to have broken down and wept at news of the assassination. When a fellow priest, Padre Aurelio, equally distressed, asked him to pray for the dead president's salvation, Padre Pio reportedly replied: 'It's not necessary. He's already in paradise.'"
Spirit Daily - Daily spiritual news from around the world:
"In Italy, the famous mystic Padre Pio, since canonized, was said to have broken down and wept at news of the assassination. When a fellow priest, Padre Aurelio, equally distressed, asked him to pray for the dead president's salvation, Padre Pio reportedly replied: 'It's not necessary. He's already in paradise.'"
Tuesday, November 18, 2003
Tammy Faye Update
Its the "old hymns" that kept her going...and keep her going evidently.
WorldNetDaily: Tammy Faye speaks at homosexual church:
"Pastor Robert L. Morgan told the paper he has been trying to get Messner to speak in his church for the past two years because, he says, she carries a powerful message: God loves all. Messner once hosted a daytime television show with a homosexual co-host and, the Times said, has appeared at 'gay pride' events throughout the country.
'I wanted to set as an example that not all straight people hate you,' Morgan is quoted as telling his congregation prior to introducing his guest speaker.
According to the Florida paper, Messner told the churchgoers how difficult it was when Jim Bakker's Praise the Lord television network was shut down so quickly in 1987.
'Everything was gone, everyone hated us,' she said through tears, the paper reports. 'I couldn't read my Bible. You know what sustained me? The old hymns.'
She then sang, 'Oh, what a friend we have in Jesus.'
As Messner spoke, she walked among the wooden pews of the small, white church. "
Touching on her theological beliefs, the paper quotes the former TV star as stating, "I think Jesus really loves crazy people. He really does. He made so many of us!"
WorldNetDaily: Tammy Faye speaks at homosexual church:
"Pastor Robert L. Morgan told the paper he has been trying to get Messner to speak in his church for the past two years because, he says, she carries a powerful message: God loves all. Messner once hosted a daytime television show with a homosexual co-host and, the Times said, has appeared at 'gay pride' events throughout the country.
'I wanted to set as an example that not all straight people hate you,' Morgan is quoted as telling his congregation prior to introducing his guest speaker.
According to the Florida paper, Messner told the churchgoers how difficult it was when Jim Bakker's Praise the Lord television network was shut down so quickly in 1987.
'Everything was gone, everyone hated us,' she said through tears, the paper reports. 'I couldn't read my Bible. You know what sustained me? The old hymns.'
She then sang, 'Oh, what a friend we have in Jesus.'
As Messner spoke, she walked among the wooden pews of the small, white church. "
Touching on her theological beliefs, the paper quotes the former TV star as stating, "I think Jesus really loves crazy people. He really does. He made so many of us!"
Joseph's Favorite Tune
He refers to it as the "chicken man" song. It is a Bruce Springsteen song performed by Hank Williams III and as to the identity of the "chicken man" well here you go...
From Philly/South Jersey Mob History:
"In the 1980s and 1990s, mob watching in the region became a spectator sport of sorts. The colorful nature of the mob wars was immortalized in Bruce Springsteen's song, Atlantic City, which chronicled the events surrounding the 1981 bombing death of Bruno's successor, Philip 'Chicken Man' Testa."
From Philly/South Jersey Mob History:
"In the 1980s and 1990s, mob watching in the region became a spectator sport of sorts. The colorful nature of the mob wars was immortalized in Bruce Springsteen's song, Atlantic City, which chronicled the events surrounding the 1981 bombing death of Bruno's successor, Philip 'Chicken Man' Testa."
Archbishop Milingo Disappears
From Troublesome archbishop runs a little further from grace - www.theage.com.au:
"Archbishop Emanuel Milingo has done it again: run off with a woman. Vatican sources say that the Zambian archbishop, who has been under 'monastery arrest' since returning from marriage to a Korean member of the Moonie sect, has absconded again.
He is reported to have fled from a religious community at Zagarolo, near Rome, to Lecco, north Italy, with a female painter, Alba Vitali. He has long known the painter - she did his portrait before the marriage. It is believed that she is convinced he needs a more congenial atmosphere than at Zagarolo, and also medical care."
"Archbishop Emanuel Milingo has done it again: run off with a woman. Vatican sources say that the Zambian archbishop, who has been under 'monastery arrest' since returning from marriage to a Korean member of the Moonie sect, has absconded again.
He is reported to have fled from a religious community at Zagarolo, near Rome, to Lecco, north Italy, with a female painter, Alba Vitali. He has long known the painter - she did his portrait before the marriage. It is believed that she is convinced he needs a more congenial atmosphere than at Zagarolo, and also medical care."
The Tower Proposes an Advent Fast
What is strange about this was that I was looking at an Orthodox calendar that I have hanging in my office and I noticed that the period we are now in is purple (symbolizing fast). I wondered what it might mean. Then I was viewing my blog and noticed a comment by Nathan, so I decided to check out his blog and lo and behold a direct answer to my unspoken question. Plus a great suggestion, in fact it is a suggestion that I would suggest you pass on to your diocesan bishop.
What we need right now is not "statements" but action. A declaration of a fast for Advent--for peace in the world and renewal within the Church is just what we need.
Fasting During Advent: Waiting in Joyful Hope
Nathan also has a response to Andrew Sullivan which is well worth a read. He shares Andrew's plight but has a different view of what being Catholic (and he just became a Catholic this past Easter) means. Scroll down to his November 10th entry.
I would add the following. Everyone is a sinner. In the our modern experience of the Church we often hear of the term of "cafeteria Catholicism" that might be better termed "cafeteria sinfulness". We all tend to pass by those parts of Catholicism that convict us of sin. But it is exactly in our weakness, our sinfulness where Christ can save us. We all need to fast not only from food, but from judgment of others, and from our sins...so that Christ may truly come into our lives.
What we need right now is not "statements" but action. A declaration of a fast for Advent--for peace in the world and renewal within the Church is just what we need.
Fasting During Advent: Waiting in Joyful Hope
Nathan also has a response to Andrew Sullivan which is well worth a read. He shares Andrew's plight but has a different view of what being Catholic (and he just became a Catholic this past Easter) means. Scroll down to his November 10th entry.
I would add the following. Everyone is a sinner. In the our modern experience of the Church we often hear of the term of "cafeteria Catholicism" that might be better termed "cafeteria sinfulness". We all tend to pass by those parts of Catholicism that convict us of sin. But it is exactly in our weakness, our sinfulness where Christ can save us. We all need to fast not only from food, but from judgment of others, and from our sins...so that Christ may truly come into our lives.
Mr. Sharon Tear Down This Wall!
Pope John Paul has asked Israel to rethink its building a wall between itself and the Palestinians. The creation of a "Berlin" type wall in this modern age seems unthinkable, but shows how conflict between peoples seems to never leave us.
From News 24:
"At the same time, I must note that unfortunately in those places, the dynamism of peace seems to have stopped. The construction of a wall between the Israeli and Palestinian people is seen by many as a new obstacle on the road toward peaceful cohabitation," he said. "In reality, the Holy Land doesn't need walls, but bridges."
Elie Wiesel takes issue with the Pope:
"From the spiritual leader of one of the largest and most important religions in the world, I expected something very different, namely a statement condemning terror and the killing of innocents, without mixing in political considerations and above all without comparing these things to a work of pure self-defence," Wiesel told the Corriere della Sera newspaper in an interview.
From News 24:
"At the same time, I must note that unfortunately in those places, the dynamism of peace seems to have stopped. The construction of a wall between the Israeli and Palestinian people is seen by many as a new obstacle on the road toward peaceful cohabitation," he said. "In reality, the Holy Land doesn't need walls, but bridges."
Elie Wiesel takes issue with the Pope:
"From the spiritual leader of one of the largest and most important religions in the world, I expected something very different, namely a statement condemning terror and the killing of innocents, without mixing in political considerations and above all without comparing these things to a work of pure self-defence," Wiesel told the Corriere della Sera newspaper in an interview.
Monday, November 17, 2003
Varia
Spirit Daily has an interesting prophecy by Pere Lamy...
I had read this years ago, but it does seem even more relevant today and I do think that we are on the verge of what the Pope has termed the period of "new evangelization"...all at a time when it seems that all is lost.
Drudge has a sneak at the latest outrage to come out of Disney...a movie that has a Santa swearing and doing just about everything else under the sun. I saw a preview yesterday and even the preview was pretty daring.
He also reports that Alaska has been hit with a 7.5 earthquake and now there is fear of a giant tusami hitting the west coast.
Amy has a link to the latest Report from Rome that includes some interesting takes on the Liturgical situation in the Church.
I had read this years ago, but it does seem even more relevant today and I do think that we are on the verge of what the Pope has termed the period of "new evangelization"...all at a time when it seems that all is lost.
Drudge has a sneak at the latest outrage to come out of Disney...a movie that has a Santa swearing and doing just about everything else under the sun. I saw a preview yesterday and even the preview was pretty daring.
He also reports that Alaska has been hit with a 7.5 earthquake and now there is fear of a giant tusami hitting the west coast.
Amy has a link to the latest Report from Rome that includes some interesting takes on the Liturgical situation in the Church.
Sunday, November 16, 2003
Happy Birthday to the Oldest Living Human Being
A few weeks ago she was the third oldest, but today she is the oldest! She lives in nearby Lima, OH. She moved there when she was 110 so that she could be close to family. She also has two sisters still living, both of whom are 99.
My grandmother lived into her hundreds (as well as her sisters).
Today is also my birthday, but I'm a long, long way from 100.
From The Vindicator:
"Charlotte Benkner, who will celebrate her 114th birthday Sunday, said Friday she doesn't understand what all the fuss is about.
'It's just another birthday,' the world's oldest person said after making her way through the crowded room with the help of a walker to a chair facing rows of reporters and schoolchildren.
'I'm overwhelmed that so many people came out for my birthday.' Smiling, she added, 'It would be so nice if it were sweet 16. I'd have a lovely time.'
Her favorite food:
"What's your favorite food?" a boy asked.
"My favorite time is dinner and I can eat chicken five days a week," Benkner responded.
The secret to a long life?
Reporters were more interested in learning the secret to Benkner's living so long.
"There is no secret," she said. "I just live each day the way the Lord gives it to me."
Something we can all apply to this and everyday!
My grandmother lived into her hundreds (as well as her sisters).
Today is also my birthday, but I'm a long, long way from 100.
From The Vindicator:
"Charlotte Benkner, who will celebrate her 114th birthday Sunday, said Friday she doesn't understand what all the fuss is about.
'It's just another birthday,' the world's oldest person said after making her way through the crowded room with the help of a walker to a chair facing rows of reporters and schoolchildren.
'I'm overwhelmed that so many people came out for my birthday.' Smiling, she added, 'It would be so nice if it were sweet 16. I'd have a lovely time.'
Her favorite food:
"What's your favorite food?" a boy asked.
"My favorite time is dinner and I can eat chicken five days a week," Benkner responded.
The secret to a long life?
Reporters were more interested in learning the secret to Benkner's living so long.
"There is no secret," she said. "I just live each day the way the Lord gives it to me."
Something we can all apply to this and everyday!
Saturday, November 15, 2003
Review from a Reader...of The How-To Book of the Mass
Amazon.com: Books: The How-To Book of the Mass: Everything You Need to Know but No One Ever Taught You:
"An Enlightened Cradle Catholic, November 14, 2003
Reviewer: Kimberly from Omaha, NE United States
As a 'cradle Catholic', I'm pleasantly surprised to find how much I learned from this book! At age 25, I obviously know the 'how' of mass, but this book also gives the 'why' - something I was (unfortunately) never taught in CCD growing up. It explains the rituals of the mass by telling of their uses in the early church and/or relevant passages in the bible. I know I will get at least twice as much out of attending mass from now on!
My mother always used to complain that my generation was not taught the 'parts of the mass' in CCD as hers was. I don't know if this is a result of changes made by Vatican II, or simply the archdiocese I grew up in. I hope CCD children today are again taught the parts of the mass; I personally purchased this book to learn more myself so I can teach my own children better. After reading it, I wish I could afford to pass out copies at my church to the other parishioners of my generation who are obviously also not getting as much from the mass as they could be!
I agree with another reviewer that it would have been nice if the text of the prayers explained were included in the book, even if just in the back. But don't let this keep you from purchasing it; if you are a cradle Catholic, you already KNOW the prayers. If you are new, they can be easily found in a missal at any Catholic church. "
And a note of explanation with regard to the last point. I would have liked to have included the actual prayers in the book too, for the most part I found ways to allude to them to the degree that I could without quoting them--although I did quote them if they were drawn from Scripture or other the early church. But as to the Mass parts they are copyrighted and you have to pay ICEL money to quote them in their entirity and because I know the translation of the prayers is changing (although it could be a few years before it happens) I didn't want to include them in this edition.
"An Enlightened Cradle Catholic, November 14, 2003
Reviewer: Kimberly from Omaha, NE United States
As a 'cradle Catholic', I'm pleasantly surprised to find how much I learned from this book! At age 25, I obviously know the 'how' of mass, but this book also gives the 'why' - something I was (unfortunately) never taught in CCD growing up. It explains the rituals of the mass by telling of their uses in the early church and/or relevant passages in the bible. I know I will get at least twice as much out of attending mass from now on!
My mother always used to complain that my generation was not taught the 'parts of the mass' in CCD as hers was. I don't know if this is a result of changes made by Vatican II, or simply the archdiocese I grew up in. I hope CCD children today are again taught the parts of the mass; I personally purchased this book to learn more myself so I can teach my own children better. After reading it, I wish I could afford to pass out copies at my church to the other parishioners of my generation who are obviously also not getting as much from the mass as they could be!
I agree with another reviewer that it would have been nice if the text of the prayers explained were included in the book, even if just in the back. But don't let this keep you from purchasing it; if you are a cradle Catholic, you already KNOW the prayers. If you are new, they can be easily found in a missal at any Catholic church. "
And a note of explanation with regard to the last point. I would have liked to have included the actual prayers in the book too, for the most part I found ways to allude to them to the degree that I could without quoting them--although I did quote them if they were drawn from Scripture or other the early church. But as to the Mass parts they are copyrighted and you have to pay ICEL money to quote them in their entirity and because I know the translation of the prayers is changing (although it could be a few years before it happens) I didn't want to include them in this edition.
Bishop's November Meeting
A few bishops (one liberal, one orthodox) and the usual lay groups. I'm left with wondering if the bishops in this country will ever recapture in the hearts of the faithful that they speak for Christ?
From Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly . NEWS FEATURE: U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops . November 14, 2003 | PBS
From Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly . NEWS FEATURE: U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops . November 14, 2003 | PBS
Friday, November 14, 2003
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