The Catholic Communication Campaign has launched a great new website, "Jesus Decoded", to counter the fallacies in the DaVinci Code. A few of the topics covered include: Opus Dei, Mary Magdalene, celibacy,and Ecumenical Councils.
There will also be a TV special which will air on certain NBC stations. Check the "Jesus Decoded" website for the day and time for your local station. It might not be a bad idea to call your local station and encourage them to air it.
The "Jesus Decoded" TV special will be available by mid-April on DVD from USCCB Publishing for $19.95. A companion booklet, "The Authentic Jesus," sells for $2.50, and a box of 100 parish bulletin inserts on the same theme sells for $12. Prices do not include shipping and handling. Orders may be placed by phone at: (800) 235-8722. They may also be available at your local Catholic bookstore.
Visit the Website Here
Thursday, March 09, 2006
Manufacturer's Notice
It has come to our attention that the pastor you received was shipped with a slight defect: he is not psychic. This defect necessitates certain special procedures to ensure optimum performance of your unit.
1. It is necessary to inform him of any members who are hospitalized.
2. It is necessary to inform him of any members who should be added to the "shut-in" list.
3. If someone you know is sick or otherwise in need of the pastor's prayers, or if you know of someone who should be included in the prayers on Sunday morning, the pastor must be told, or he won't know.
4. If you are in need of a pastoral visit or some other service from the pastor, you will get best results if you ask him.
We regret any inconvenience this may cause. If these special procedures create an undue burden, please feel free to send the unit back, and one with full psychic abilities will be shipped as soon as one becomes available.
1. It is necessary to inform him of any members who are hospitalized.
2. It is necessary to inform him of any members who should be added to the "shut-in" list.
3. If someone you know is sick or otherwise in need of the pastor's prayers, or if you know of someone who should be included in the prayers on Sunday morning, the pastor must be told, or he won't know.
4. If you are in need of a pastoral visit or some other service from the pastor, you will get best results if you ask him.
We regret any inconvenience this may cause. If these special procedures create an undue burden, please feel free to send the unit back, and one with full psychic abilities will be shipped as soon as one becomes available.
Money and Success
A few years ago I was training a class of altar servers and one of the children told me that he was thinking about becoming a priest. His mother instantly reprimanded him and said,
"You aren't going to be a priest. You are going to be successful".
I told the boy that I was very happy that he was considering a religious vocation, but he was very young. Then I instructed him to always keep his mind open to a religious vocation but to not commit to anything now nor to feel bad if he changed his mind later on. Then I addressed the mother.
There have been few things that have taken me aback quite like that comment. I wonder how many people measure success by the size of a persons paycheck. I measure success by the effect a person has on the world and the lives of those around them. I like to think I am successful, although I know I am not using my gifts to their fullest. I think most of the priests I know would consider themselves successful.
I am horrified to know there are church-going Catholics who don't consider their priests successful or even think their vocations are valuable endeavors. I guess they would rather have the local doctor, lawyer or engineer perform their funerals.
"You aren't going to be a priest. You are going to be successful".
I told the boy that I was very happy that he was considering a religious vocation, but he was very young. Then I instructed him to always keep his mind open to a religious vocation but to not commit to anything now nor to feel bad if he changed his mind later on. Then I addressed the mother.
There have been few things that have taken me aback quite like that comment. I wonder how many people measure success by the size of a persons paycheck. I measure success by the effect a person has on the world and the lives of those around them. I like to think I am successful, although I know I am not using my gifts to their fullest. I think most of the priests I know would consider themselves successful.
I am horrified to know there are church-going Catholics who don't consider their priests successful or even think their vocations are valuable endeavors. I guess they would rather have the local doctor, lawyer or engineer perform their funerals.
Money and Pleasure
We live in an age where money and pleasure have taken the place of God.
When I was a teenager, one of my cousins was questioning my lifestyle choices. She thought it was totally insane that I was planning to make ministry my career choice. She complained that I would never become wealthy on a lay-ministers salary. She made her opinions of me very clear through her words and actions. She also ridiculed me for not having a string of boyfriends and spending my nights clubbing. (At the time I didn't have one because I hadn't found anyone I thought was worth the time.) She said I was too particular and because of that I would never get married.
Here we are 10 years later. I am happily married and have been so for almost 6 wonderful years. She is single and still doesn't have a husband, fiance or even a serious relationship. She has just returned to living at home after her third co-habitating relationship has broken up. I have a job that I love. I work approximately 15 hours a week and I earn just enough to pay the bills. She works nearly 12 hours a day and has a ton of money in the bank. Unfortunately, she has no time to enjoy her accumulated wealth nor anyone to enjoy it with. She has also openly admitted to me that she hates her job.
I am not saying that everyone who makes the choices I have will end up happy, nor am I saying that everyone who makes the choices my cousin made will end up alone and unhappy. I am not even saying that most people who make those choices will end up that way. I just thought it was interesting that things turned out the way they did.
When I was a teenager, one of my cousins was questioning my lifestyle choices. She thought it was totally insane that I was planning to make ministry my career choice. She complained that I would never become wealthy on a lay-ministers salary. She made her opinions of me very clear through her words and actions. She also ridiculed me for not having a string of boyfriends and spending my nights clubbing. (At the time I didn't have one because I hadn't found anyone I thought was worth the time.) She said I was too particular and because of that I would never get married.
Here we are 10 years later. I am happily married and have been so for almost 6 wonderful years. She is single and still doesn't have a husband, fiance or even a serious relationship. She has just returned to living at home after her third co-habitating relationship has broken up. I have a job that I love. I work approximately 15 hours a week and I earn just enough to pay the bills. She works nearly 12 hours a day and has a ton of money in the bank. Unfortunately, she has no time to enjoy her accumulated wealth nor anyone to enjoy it with. She has also openly admitted to me that she hates her job.
I am not saying that everyone who makes the choices I have will end up happy, nor am I saying that everyone who makes the choices my cousin made will end up alone and unhappy. I am not even saying that most people who make those choices will end up that way. I just thought it was interesting that things turned out the way they did.
Diocese of Fall River Granted Lenten Dispensation
Bishop George W. Coleman has dispensed Catholics in the Fall River Diocese from the Lenten obligation to abstain from meat on Friday, March 17, the Feast of St. Patrick.
Members of the Church who make use of this dispensation are urged to make some other form of self-denial in accordance with the spirit of the Lenten season.
Bishop Skylstad
A woman has filed a claim that she was sexually abused more than 40 years ago by Bishop William Skylstad, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic bishops and leader of the Spokane Diocese.
Skylstad issued a statement Wednesday categorically denying the accusation, saying he has not violated the vow of celibacy he took 47 years ago.
The claim was filed against the Roman Catholic Diocese of Spokane on Dec. 27 by a woman who said she was under the age of 18 when Skylstad sexually abused her at St. Patrick's Parish and at Gonzaga University from December 1961 to December 1964.
Skylstad, 70, was a student at Gonzaga University from 1962-1966 and taught mathematics to students at Mater Cleri Seminary at Colbert, north of Spokane.
The diocese is one of three in the nation that filed for bankruptcy protection to deal with claims of sexual abuse by clergy. Skylstad last month offered to settle with 75 victims for $45.7 million.
The woman's claim was filed as a result of the bankruptcy "proof of claims" process, the diocese said.
Photo from the Website of the Diocese of Spokane
http://www.dioceseofspokane.org
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
500 Years of the Swiss Guard
VATICAN CITY, MAR 8, 2006 (VIS) - "The Pontifical Swiss Guard, 500 years of history, art and life" is the title of an exhibition due to be inaugurated on March 29 in the Charlemagne Wing at the left colonnade of St. Peter's Square. It will commemorate the five centuries of life of the world's oldest active military force.
The exhibition will present, together for the first time, a series of documents and objects from other museums and institutions reconstructing the history of the corps founded by Julius II. In 1505, that pontiff sent a Bull to the Swiss Confederation communicating the fact that he had entrusted the prelate of the papal court Peter von Hertenstein to recruit 200 Swiss soldiers and lead them to Rome to guard the person of the Pope and the pontifical palaces. The Bull itself forms part of the exhibition, as do the flags that the Holy Father gave to Switzerland in gratitude for the arrival of the soldiers. They, after crossing the Alps, reached Rome on January 22, 1506 and marched to St. Peter's Square where they were solemnly blessed by the Pope.
Other objects of great historical and artistic value include the helmet and breastplate of Emperor Charles V, a sword with the motto of Julius II, and a large number of miniatures representing the most important moments in the life of the Swiss Guard during their service to the Successors of Peter. These depictions include the "Feast on the Capitol for the 'Possesso' of Alexander VII" by Piranesi, "Bernini's machine for the Forty Hours in the Vatican," and "Pius IX in the 'sedia gestatoria'."
One of the most dramatic incidents in the history of the Swiss Guard and of the city of Rome is the famous "Sack of Rome," organized by the troops of Emperor Charles V to "punish" the people of the city and Pope Clement VII. The Pope saved himself by taking refuge in Castel Sant'Angelo, but 147 Swiss Guards perished while defending him. The exhibition recalls this episode with the work "The defense of the Swiss during the Sack of Rome," painted by Giuseppe Rivaroli in 1927. The painting is interesting for its historical "errors," such as the fact that the Swiss Guards are represented wearing their modern uniforms, designed in 1915, and not those in use in 1527.
The numismatic section of the exhibition includes two extraordinary commemorative medals by Benvenuto Cellini: one produced to commemorate the Peace of Cambrai, and the golden medal of Clement VII with "Ecce Homo."
The exhibition also includes a series of portraits, including that of Clement VII by Sebastiano del Piombo, property of the Kunsthistorisches Museum of Vienna, Austria. Also in this section is the triptych kept by the Pope in his private apartments and stolen during the Sack. The work, which is currently kept in the cathedral of Cagliari, Italy, is being returned to Rome for the first time in five centuries.
From the Swiss Guard's own armory and archives, and here displayed for the first time, are portraits of all the commanders of the Guard over the last 500 years, uniforms, and arms and equipment for the parade ground and the field, both ancient and modern. Of particular interest and beauty are the two-handed swords from 1584, used to accompany the pontiff on his "sedia gestatoria" and last adopted during the pontificate of Paul VI.
The exhibition, promoted by Command of the Pontifical Swiss Guard, is being held under the patronage of Bishop Mauro Piacenza, president of the Pontifical Commission for the Cultural Patrimony of the Church, and of various Swiss cultural institutions. It will be open from March 29 to July 30, 2006.
.../SWISS GUARD EXHIBITION/... VIS 060308 (630)
The exhibition will present, together for the first time, a series of documents and objects from other museums and institutions reconstructing the history of the corps founded by Julius II. In 1505, that pontiff sent a Bull to the Swiss Confederation communicating the fact that he had entrusted the prelate of the papal court Peter von Hertenstein to recruit 200 Swiss soldiers and lead them to Rome to guard the person of the Pope and the pontifical palaces. The Bull itself forms part of the exhibition, as do the flags that the Holy Father gave to Switzerland in gratitude for the arrival of the soldiers. They, after crossing the Alps, reached Rome on January 22, 1506 and marched to St. Peter's Square where they were solemnly blessed by the Pope.
Other objects of great historical and artistic value include the helmet and breastplate of Emperor Charles V, a sword with the motto of Julius II, and a large number of miniatures representing the most important moments in the life of the Swiss Guard during their service to the Successors of Peter. These depictions include the "Feast on the Capitol for the 'Possesso' of Alexander VII" by Piranesi, "Bernini's machine for the Forty Hours in the Vatican," and "Pius IX in the 'sedia gestatoria'."
One of the most dramatic incidents in the history of the Swiss Guard and of the city of Rome is the famous "Sack of Rome," organized by the troops of Emperor Charles V to "punish" the people of the city and Pope Clement VII. The Pope saved himself by taking refuge in Castel Sant'Angelo, but 147 Swiss Guards perished while defending him. The exhibition recalls this episode with the work "The defense of the Swiss during the Sack of Rome," painted by Giuseppe Rivaroli in 1927. The painting is interesting for its historical "errors," such as the fact that the Swiss Guards are represented wearing their modern uniforms, designed in 1915, and not those in use in 1527.
The numismatic section of the exhibition includes two extraordinary commemorative medals by Benvenuto Cellini: one produced to commemorate the Peace of Cambrai, and the golden medal of Clement VII with "Ecce Homo."
The exhibition also includes a series of portraits, including that of Clement VII by Sebastiano del Piombo, property of the Kunsthistorisches Museum of Vienna, Austria. Also in this section is the triptych kept by the Pope in his private apartments and stolen during the Sack. The work, which is currently kept in the cathedral of Cagliari, Italy, is being returned to Rome for the first time in five centuries.
From the Swiss Guard's own armory and archives, and here displayed for the first time, are portraits of all the commanders of the Guard over the last 500 years, uniforms, and arms and equipment for the parade ground and the field, both ancient and modern. Of particular interest and beauty are the two-handed swords from 1584, used to accompany the pontiff on his "sedia gestatoria" and last adopted during the pontificate of Paul VI.
The exhibition, promoted by Command of the Pontifical Swiss Guard, is being held under the patronage of Bishop Mauro Piacenza, president of the Pontifical Commission for the Cultural Patrimony of the Church, and of various Swiss cultural institutions. It will be open from March 29 to July 30, 2006.
.../SWISS GUARD EXHIBITION/... VIS 060308 (630)
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
Online Paper Priest Dolls
I found out about this on Rocco's blog, Whispers from the Loggia and thought it was too cute and funny to not post here.
It is an interactive game where young children and get a priest dressed in Liturgical vestments. What a creative way to teach the names of the vestments and the significance of the colors.
It is an interactive game where young children and get a priest dressed in Liturgical vestments. What a creative way to teach the names of the vestments and the significance of the colors.
In Memoriam
VATICAN CITY, MAR 7, 2006 (VIS) - The following prelates died in recent weeks:
- Bishop Manuel Tavares de Araujo, emeritus of Caico, Brazil, on February 17, at the age of 93.
- Bishop Ivan Choma, procurator in Rome to the major archbishop of Lviv of the Ukrainians, on February 3, at the age of 82.
- Bishop Florencio Coronado Romani C.SS.R., emeritus of Huancavelica, Peru, on February 25, at the age of 97.
- Bishop Alexander Soetandio Djajasiswaja of Bandung, Indonesia, on January 19, at the age of 74.
- Bishop Roger Froment, emeritus of Tulle, France, on February 10, at the age of 77.
- Archbishop Paul Casimir Marcinkus, former pro-president of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State, on February 21, at the age of 84.
- Bishop Michael Francis McAuliffe, emeritus of Jefferson City, U.S.A., on January 9, at the age of 85.
- Bishop Carlos Schmitt O.F.M., emeritus of Dourados, Brazil, on January 16, at the age of 86.
- Bishop Marko Sopi, apostolic administrator of Prizren, Srbija i Crna Gora, on January 11, at the age of 67.
- Archbishop David de Sousa O.F.M., emeritus of Evora, Portugal, on February 5, at the age of 94.
- Bishop Desmond A. Williams, former auxiliary of Dublin, Ireland, on February 24, at the age of 75.
May their souls and the souls of all the faithfully departed rest in the peace and love of Christ.
- Bishop Manuel Tavares de Araujo, emeritus of Caico, Brazil, on February 17, at the age of 93.
- Bishop Ivan Choma, procurator in Rome to the major archbishop of Lviv of the Ukrainians, on February 3, at the age of 82.
- Bishop Florencio Coronado Romani C.SS.R., emeritus of Huancavelica, Peru, on February 25, at the age of 97.
- Bishop Alexander Soetandio Djajasiswaja of Bandung, Indonesia, on January 19, at the age of 74.
- Bishop Roger Froment, emeritus of Tulle, France, on February 10, at the age of 77.
- Archbishop Paul Casimir Marcinkus, former pro-president of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State, on February 21, at the age of 84.
- Bishop Michael Francis McAuliffe, emeritus of Jefferson City, U.S.A., on January 9, at the age of 85.
- Bishop Carlos Schmitt O.F.M., emeritus of Dourados, Brazil, on January 16, at the age of 86.
- Bishop Marko Sopi, apostolic administrator of Prizren, Srbija i Crna Gora, on January 11, at the age of 67.
- Archbishop David de Sousa O.F.M., emeritus of Evora, Portugal, on February 5, at the age of 94.
- Bishop Desmond A. Williams, former auxiliary of Dublin, Ireland, on February 24, at the age of 75.
May their souls and the souls of all the faithfully departed rest in the peace and love of Christ.
Monday, March 06, 2006
Up Close and Personal?
The Boston Globe has written an article about the personal side of Archbishop Sean O'Malley. There are many nice parts to this article, especially the part where they spoke with people who know and interact with him on a regular basis.
Since they didn't interview me, I will present my opinion here.
I worked with Archbishop O'Malley on a regular basis for many years. He is one of the most genuine people I have ever met. He has an amazing memory and even when surrounded by hundreds of people he can focus totally on the person he is speaking to. He is gentle and warm and his dry Irish wit is ever present. He is one of very few people I trust implicitly.
I am honored and humbled to call him friend.
Boston Globe Photo Slideshow
Since they didn't interview me, I will present my opinion here.
I worked with Archbishop O'Malley on a regular basis for many years. He is one of the most genuine people I have ever met. He has an amazing memory and even when surrounded by hundreds of people he can focus totally on the person he is speaking to. He is gentle and warm and his dry Irish wit is ever present. He is one of very few people I trust implicitly.
I am honored and humbled to call him friend.
Boston Globe Photo Slideshow
Sunday, March 05, 2006
What exactly happens at a consistory
On February 24th Pope Benedict XVI delivered his announcement of intent to elevate 14 bishops and 1 priest to the College of Cardinals. Since only bishops maybe cardinals, the priest who is being elevated will be ordained a bishop sometime before the consistory.
These 15 found out about the elevations a few days before the announcement was made.
On March 23rd, there will be a private consistory where all members of the College of Cardinals will meet with the Holy Father. It is not believed that the cardinal-designates will be in attendance.
The consistory will take place on March 24th in the Paul VI Audience Hall. Previous consistories have been held outdoors, but due to the cold weather and the small number of new cardinals, it will be held indoors.
The consistory will take place during a Liturgy of the Word service. During the ceremony, each bishop will promise fidelity to the death to the Holy Father. Then, each will approach the Holy Father and receive a red biretta. Each cardinal will also be appointed titular bishop to a Roman church. This is an ancient custom reflecting on the original role of the College of Cardinals.
Following the ceremony, there will be various receptions held throughout the Vatican. Traditionally, these receptions are held on the first floor of the apostolic palace, although they have also been held in the Audience Hall and the Vatican Museum.
On March 25th, there the Holy Father and the new cardinals will celebrate Mass in St. Peter's Basilica. During this Mass, they will receive their cardinals rings from the Holy Father.
These 15 found out about the elevations a few days before the announcement was made.
On March 23rd, there will be a private consistory where all members of the College of Cardinals will meet with the Holy Father. It is not believed that the cardinal-designates will be in attendance.
The consistory will take place on March 24th in the Paul VI Audience Hall. Previous consistories have been held outdoors, but due to the cold weather and the small number of new cardinals, it will be held indoors.
The consistory will take place during a Liturgy of the Word service. During the ceremony, each bishop will promise fidelity to the death to the Holy Father. Then, each will approach the Holy Father and receive a red biretta. Each cardinal will also be appointed titular bishop to a Roman church. This is an ancient custom reflecting on the original role of the College of Cardinals.
Following the ceremony, there will be various receptions held throughout the Vatican. Traditionally, these receptions are held on the first floor of the apostolic palace, although they have also been held in the Audience Hall and the Vatican Museum.
On March 25th, there the Holy Father and the new cardinals will celebrate Mass in St. Peter's Basilica. During this Mass, they will receive their cardinals rings from the Holy Father.
Lenten Message from the Holy Father
May they (Lent) be days of reflection and intense prayer, in which we let ourselves be guided by the Word of God, which the liturgy proposes to us abundantly. May Lent be, moreover, a time of fasting, penance and vigilance over ourselves, aware that the struggle against sin never ends, as temptation is a daily reality and frailty and illusion are everyone's experience. Finally, may Lent be, through almsgiving, a time to do good to others; may it be an occasion to share the gifts received with our brothers, to pay attention to the needs of the poorest and the abandoned.
May Mary, Mother of the Redeemer, who is teacher of listening and faithful adherence to God, accompany us on this journey of penance. Purified and renewed in mind and spirit, may the Virgin Mary help us to celebrate the great mystery of Christ's Pasch.
Pope Benedict XVI at his Ash Wednesday audience.
May Mary, Mother of the Redeemer, who is teacher of listening and faithful adherence to God, accompany us on this journey of penance. Purified and renewed in mind and spirit, may the Virgin Mary help us to celebrate the great mystery of Christ's Pasch.
Pope Benedict XVI at his Ash Wednesday audience.
Going in to the desert
The Gospel today tells us that prior to beginning His public ministry, Jesus spent 40 days in the desert. Those 40 days were spent fasting and in intense prayer. The middle-eastern desert was and still is a dangerous place filled with wild animals, scorpions, snakes and vicious sand storms
What are we called to do during the 40 days of Lent? What does the Lord ask of us? The prophet Micah tells us that the Lord asks simply this, "To do right, love goodness, and to walk humbly with God."
We know what doing right is and most of us love goodness, but many people do not understand how to walk humbly with God. To walk humbly with God is to acknowledge that we are empty without Him.
There is an old story about a painter who was painting the outside of a church. He was the low bid and once he started the job he thought of ways to cut corners. After a few hours he decided to water down the paint a little. The next day he noticed that he couldn't notice any difference between the full paint and the watered down paint so he added more water. As the days went on, he added more and more water to the paint. When he fnally finished the job, he was quite proud of the work he had done and he had quite a bit of money left over. Suddenly, a rain storm came in and as the rain fell is washed all the paint off the church. When the storm passed the painter heard God speaking from the cloud saying, "Repaint, Repaint and thin no more!"
I think we thin on a daily basis. We thin when we don't use our gifts to their fullness. We thin when we are proud of doing things without God's help. We thin when we do nothing but the bare minimum.
May our almsgiving be from our need, our fasting from our meals, our sacrifice from our desires. Let your Lenten sacrifices not come from your excess, but from your core.
What are we called to do during the 40 days of Lent? What does the Lord ask of us? The prophet Micah tells us that the Lord asks simply this, "To do right, love goodness, and to walk humbly with God."
We know what doing right is and most of us love goodness, but many people do not understand how to walk humbly with God. To walk humbly with God is to acknowledge that we are empty without Him.
There is an old story about a painter who was painting the outside of a church. He was the low bid and once he started the job he thought of ways to cut corners. After a few hours he decided to water down the paint a little. The next day he noticed that he couldn't notice any difference between the full paint and the watered down paint so he added more water. As the days went on, he added more and more water to the paint. When he fnally finished the job, he was quite proud of the work he had done and he had quite a bit of money left over. Suddenly, a rain storm came in and as the rain fell is washed all the paint off the church. When the storm passed the painter heard God speaking from the cloud saying, "Repaint, Repaint and thin no more!"
I think we thin on a daily basis. We thin when we don't use our gifts to their fullness. We thin when we are proud of doing things without God's help. We thin when we do nothing but the bare minimum.
May our almsgiving be from our need, our fasting from our meals, our sacrifice from our desires. Let your Lenten sacrifices not come from your excess, but from your core.
Holy Father's Prayer Intentions for March
The Holy Father's general prayer intention for March is: "That young people who are searching for the sense of life may be understood, respected and accompanied with patience and love."
His mission intention is: "That, throughout the Church, there may grow that shared missionary awareness which favors the collaboration and exchange of those who work in the missions."
Saturday, March 04, 2006
St. Paddy's Day Exemption
Cardinal-Designate O'Malley has granted a dispensation to everyone in the Archdiocese of Boston so they can eat corned beef on St. Patrick's Day. Many other bishops have done the same, although my bishop has not gone on the record one way or another on the issue.
Getting back on the horse
Every Lent I hear the same thing regarding Lenten sacrifices and even following the Lenten regulation.
"I gave up coffee (or whatever) and then I forgot and had a cup so I have given up on my Lenten sacrifice."
What kind of Catholics does that make us if we give up so easily. Is that our opinion of sin as well? We slipped up, so we won't try anymore. Lenten sacrifices aren't about being perfect. It's about making an effort. If you slip up, get back on the horse.
This year, I have resolved to make more time for meditative prayer. So far, it hasn't been going so well, but I am still working at it. Hopefully, by the end of Lent, I will have a good pattern.
Lenten sacrifices aren't like New Year's resolution. Remember, our sacrifices are our gift to God. Don't rescind the gift because it's too hard.
Christ could have easily decided that suffering and dying on the cross was too hard, but he didn't.
"I gave up coffee (or whatever) and then I forgot and had a cup so I have given up on my Lenten sacrifice."
What kind of Catholics does that make us if we give up so easily. Is that our opinion of sin as well? We slipped up, so we won't try anymore. Lenten sacrifices aren't about being perfect. It's about making an effort. If you slip up, get back on the horse.
This year, I have resolved to make more time for meditative prayer. So far, it hasn't been going so well, but I am still working at it. Hopefully, by the end of Lent, I will have a good pattern.
Lenten sacrifices aren't like New Year's resolution. Remember, our sacrifices are our gift to God. Don't rescind the gift because it's too hard.
Christ could have easily decided that suffering and dying on the cross was too hard, but he didn't.
Going purple for Lent
I decided to make the background purple, in keeping with the liturgical season. I am sorry I started it because it is becoming more of a hassle than I think it's worth.
After lent, I will change it back and I am not planning on ever changing it again.
I guess I will use this as one of my Lenten crosses.
:::UPDATE:::
I decided to go to plain white representing the simplicity and sacrifice of the Lenten Season.
After lent, I will change it back and I am not planning on ever changing it again.
I guess I will use this as one of my Lenten crosses.
:::UPDATE:::
I decided to go to plain white representing the simplicity and sacrifice of the Lenten Season.
Cardinal Dziwisz
I was reading some old posts on Amy Welborn's blog and there were a few responses that bothered me. She had written about Archbishop Stanislaw Dziwisz being appointed to head the Archdiocese of Krakow. There were several vile replies to her post. It seems there are those who don't believe he has the experience or qualifications. I hope those sentiments are fading now that he is joining the College of Cardinals.
Cardinal-Designate Dziwisz has a wealth of knowledge gleaned from one of the best teachers possible, Pope John Paul II. I imagine that what he lacks in parish experience, he gained in worldwide pastoral experience. There have been few popes as pastoral as John Paul II. Being one of the only people with true 24 hour access to him and obviously serving as a trusted advisor and a true friend. I think Cardinal--Designate Dziwisz is well qualified to serve as Archbishop of Krakow and in the College of Cardinals.
Cardinal-Designate Dziwisz didn't plan on this path when he was ordained to the priesthood, but God and a bishop named Karol Wojtyla has other plans for him. He served Bishop Wojtyla during dangerous times in Poland and followed him faithfully when he was elected Pope. I am sure it was heartbreaking to leave his home and country.
He caught John Paul when he was shot and cradled him in his arms as the popemobile rushed to the waiting ambulance. He traveled around the world with him and was a listening ear to ideas and problems. He was a trusted advisor to John Paul. He administered the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick and Viaticum during John Paul's last days and sat by his bedside, holding his hand as he died. The images of him sitting unwavering during John Paul's wake present us with the true closeness between them. He looked like a son. Exhausted by caring for someone so ill, happy to see him at rest and heartbroken at the loss of a dear friend. The image of his brushing away his tears is one that will remain with me always.
Cardinal-Designate Dziwisz is well qualified and deserves his red hat. Congratulations! Sto-lat!
Friday, February 24, 2006
Vatican Radio on the New Cardinals
Here are two links to the Vatican Radio reports on the new cardinals.
Reaction of the new cardinals to the announcement:
http://www.vaticanradio-us.org/105live/audio/02_23_hear4.ram
Commentary on the announcement:
http://www.vaticanradio-us.org/105live/audio/02_23_hear3.ram
Reaction of the new cardinals to the announcement:
http://www.vaticanradio-us.org/105live/audio/02_23_hear4.ram
Commentary on the announcement:
http://www.vaticanradio-us.org/105live/audio/02_23_hear3.ram
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Benedict XVI names 15 new cardinals
VATICAN CITY, FEB 22, 2006 (VIS) - After the general audience today, Feast of the Chair of St. Peter, Benedict XVI announced the names of 15 prelates who will be created cardinals in a concistory due to be held on March 24.
Following the March 24 concistory, the first of his pontificate, the College of Cardinals will number 193 members of whom 120, under the age of 80, will be electors.
In announcing the names, the Holy Father affirmed that today's feast is "a particularly appropriate day" to announce the concistory because cardinals "have the duty to help and support Peter's Successor in carrying out the apostolic task entrusted to him in the service of the Church."
"The cardinals," Benedict XVI went on, "constitute a sort of Senate around the Pope upon which he relies in carrying out the duties associated with his ministry as 'permanent and visible source and foundation of unity of faith and communion'."
The Holy Father also made it clear that with the new appointments he wished "to make up the number of 120 cardinal electors, as established by Pope Paul VI."
Given below is a list of the new cardinal electors:
- Archbishop William Joseph Levada, prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.
- Archbishop Franc Rode C.M., prefect of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life.
- Archbishop Agostino Vallini, prefect of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura.
- Archbishop Jorge Liberato Urosa Savino of Caracas, Venezuela.
- Archbishop Gaudencio B. Rosales of Manila, Philippines.
- Archbishop Jean-Pierre Ricard of Bordeaux, France.
- Archbishop Antonio Canizares Llovera of Toledo, Spain.
- Archbishop Nicholas Cheong Jin-suk of Seoul, Korea.
- Archbishop Sean Patrick O'Malley O.F.M. Cap., of Boston, U.S.A.
- Archbishop Stanislaw Dziwisz of Krakow, Poland.
- Archbishop Carlo Caffarra of Bologna, Italy.
- Bishop Joseph Zen Ze-kiun S.D.B. of Hong Kong, China
The Pope then announced that he had also decided to elevate to the dignity of cardinal "three prelates over the age of 80, in consideration of the service they have rendered to the Church with exemplary faithfulness and admirable dedication." They are:
- Archbishop Andrea Cordero Lanza di Montezemolo, archpriest of the Basilica of St. Paul's Outside-the-Walls.
- Archbishop Peter Poreku Dery, emeritus of Tamale, Ghana.
- Fr. Albert Vanhoye S.J., formerly rector of the Pontifical Biblical Institute and secretary of the Pontifical Biblical Commission.
The new cardinals, said the Pope, "well reflect the universality of the Church. In fact, they come from various parts of the world and undertake different duties in the service of the People of God. I invite you to raise a special prayer to the Lord for them, that He may concede them the grace necessary to carry out their mission with generosity."
In closing, the Holy Father expressed his intention to preside at a concelebration with the new Cardinals on the day following the concistory, March 25 and Solemnity of the Annunciation. "For that occasion I will invite all members of the College of Cardinals, with whom I also intend to hold a meeting of reflection and prayer on March 23," the day prior to the concistory.
Following the March 24 concistory, the first of his pontificate, the College of Cardinals will number 193 members of whom 120, under the age of 80, will be electors.
In announcing the names, the Holy Father affirmed that today's feast is "a particularly appropriate day" to announce the concistory because cardinals "have the duty to help and support Peter's Successor in carrying out the apostolic task entrusted to him in the service of the Church."
"The cardinals," Benedict XVI went on, "constitute a sort of Senate around the Pope upon which he relies in carrying out the duties associated with his ministry as 'permanent and visible source and foundation of unity of faith and communion'."
The Holy Father also made it clear that with the new appointments he wished "to make up the number of 120 cardinal electors, as established by Pope Paul VI."
Given below is a list of the new cardinal electors:
- Archbishop William Joseph Levada, prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.
- Archbishop Franc Rode C.M., prefect of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life.
- Archbishop Agostino Vallini, prefect of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura.
- Archbishop Jorge Liberato Urosa Savino of Caracas, Venezuela.
- Archbishop Gaudencio B. Rosales of Manila, Philippines.
- Archbishop Jean-Pierre Ricard of Bordeaux, France.
- Archbishop Antonio Canizares Llovera of Toledo, Spain.
- Archbishop Nicholas Cheong Jin-suk of Seoul, Korea.
- Archbishop Sean Patrick O'Malley O.F.M. Cap., of Boston, U.S.A.
- Archbishop Stanislaw Dziwisz of Krakow, Poland.
- Archbishop Carlo Caffarra of Bologna, Italy.
- Bishop Joseph Zen Ze-kiun S.D.B. of Hong Kong, China
The Pope then announced that he had also decided to elevate to the dignity of cardinal "three prelates over the age of 80, in consideration of the service they have rendered to the Church with exemplary faithfulness and admirable dedication." They are:
- Archbishop Andrea Cordero Lanza di Montezemolo, archpriest of the Basilica of St. Paul's Outside-the-Walls.
- Archbishop Peter Poreku Dery, emeritus of Tamale, Ghana.
- Fr. Albert Vanhoye S.J., formerly rector of the Pontifical Biblical Institute and secretary of the Pontifical Biblical Commission.
The new cardinals, said the Pope, "well reflect the universality of the Church. In fact, they come from various parts of the world and undertake different duties in the service of the People of God. I invite you to raise a special prayer to the Lord for them, that He may concede them the grace necessary to carry out their mission with generosity."
In closing, the Holy Father expressed his intention to preside at a concelebration with the new Cardinals on the day following the concistory, March 25 and Solemnity of the Annunciation. "For that occasion I will invite all members of the College of Cardinals, with whom I also intend to hold a meeting of reflection and prayer on March 23," the day prior to the concistory.
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