The Holy Father has returned to the Apostolic Palace

Following todays general audience, Pope Benedict XVI returned to his apartment in the Apostolic Palace. The Papal Apartment has been renovated following the death of Pope John Paul the Great.

Welcome home!

Saint of the Day - St. Wenceslaw

Today is the feast day of St. Wenceslaw, just as in Christmas Carol, "Good King Wenceslaus".

Saint of the Day - St. Vincent de Paul

Today is the feast day of St. Vincent De Paul.

Saint of the Day - Therese Couderc

Maria Vittoria was born on February 1, 1805. Her parents, Claude Michael and Anne Mery were farmers.
At the age of 20, she entered a newly founded religious order called the Sisters of St. Regis. She took the name Therese.
She died on September 26, 1885. On May 10, 1970 Theresa was canonized by Pope Paul VI.

Wedding Nightmare

Wedding season is starting to wind down. I still have two weddings left this year. For some reason, October has become a popular month for wedding. The days of the June brides are fading.

As I was thinking about all the weddings I have been part of, and all the rehearsals I have coordinated, I thought of the many so-called "Bridezillas" I have encountered. Is it inevitable that every bride will become crazy? While I don't think so, it sure seems that way.

Planning a wedding, expecially a large one, is a demanding and exhausting task. Many brides dream of the "perfect" wedding. Usually that is modeled after something they have seen on TV or in a movie. Unfortunately, those weddings aren't reality. To have a wedding like that requires an extreme amount of planning and cost. As time passes, they realize that the wedding of their dreams is impossible and the frustration starts to build.

I wish more brides (and grooms) would put as much time and effort into planning the marriage as they put in planning the wedding.

A Cardinal Reveals Some Conclave Secrets

An anonymous cardinal revealed the contents of his diary to the Italian newspaper, "Limes". Acknowledging he was violating his oath of secrecy, felt the results of the conclave votes should be part of the historic record.

I hope he is the only Cardinal who felt that way. I am very dissapointed in him. He should be setting a better example.

Unbelievable

I read this on the Vatican Radio website. If I had read it anywhere else, I would have thought it was one of those internet hoaxes.
The thought of people placing the life of an animal above that of a unborn human is horrifying. Human life in ANY stage of development is precious and sacred.
"Meanwhile, the scientist who created Dolly the sheep, Ian Wilmut, argued that human embryonic stem cells should be used, in order to save animals from being used in tests. The Scottish newspaper Herald reported Sept. 8 that Wilmut argued that this research would be "more ethical." "
I don't know what to say other than that I pray he comes to his senses.

You know the old joke about liturgists?

You are a Social Moderate (41% permissive) and an... Economic Liberal (31% permissive) You are best described as a: Totalitarian Link: The Politics Test on OkCupid

Silent Prayer in St. Peters...Yes!

Zenit and Vatican Radio are reporting that new Vatican regulations state that all large groups touring St. Peter's Basilica must now use headsets for their tours. The guide speaks into a microphone that transmits to the headsets.

I am delighted that St. Peter's is once again becoming an environment for prayer.

Archbishop Hughes talks about "the challenges of exile."

In his statement, Archbishop Hughes speaks about the challenges of being away from home and the desire to return home.

He asked all New Orleans Catholic to remain in contact with the home diocese through the internet.

Closing with a pledge of prayers for his dispersed flock and requesting prayers for himself, Archbishop Hughes said, "I believe that God calls us to move from being victims to victors in Christ Jesus."

The Last Days of Pope John Paul the Great

The Vatican is now reporting that the last words of Pope John Paul II (the great) were "Let me go to the house of the Father". What a beautiful final message. It is full of faith and trust in the Lord.

Pope John Paul lived a life of love, faith and suffering. He was a strong believer in the redemptive value of suffering. He is a shining example to the world that a person and be failing, suffering, and in the end unable to do much, but still have a trememdous impact on the world and those around him.

I am a grateful member of the JPII generation. His example has had a tremendous impact on my life and my ministry. For that, I will be forever grateful.
John Paul II, we love you.
Santo Subito!

Archbishop O'Malley is hospitalized

Archbishop Sean P. O'Malley has been admitted to Caritas St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Brighton, MA for an inner ear infection. Reports say that he was suffering from dizziness and severe pain.
Archbishop Sean has been a great friend and a wonderful source of guidance and inspiration for me.
I pray that he is feeling better and is back on the job very soon.

A good book to read

I just finished reading Pope Benedict's memoirs, entitled "Milestones". He wrote it several years ago. In his book, he chronicles his life from his birth until 1979.

I found it very interesting, especially the beginning chapters where he talks about life in Germany during World War 2. It gives a rare insight into the life of an average German family living under they tyranny of Hitler.

After reading it this book, I feel I understand him and his theology much better. I am not going to say that I now agree with everything he says, but I understand how he came to those conclusions.

I think I must make a brief mention of my opinions of our new Holy Father. While I do not agree with him on all matters, I do believe that he is a good and holy man. He is fervent in his faith and desire to better the Catholic Church. Doctrinally, he is flawless. However, we differ on implementation and liturgy

Welcome!

So this is my first post. I have no idea why I have decided to start this blog, or even if anyone will bother to read it.
I hope this will be a recording to my theological and liturgical thoughts as well as a commentary on other Catholicism related issues.

Spread the word and keep checking back!