Can We Have a Happy New Year? - The Imaginative ConservativeHIGGASON: Happy New Year! It’s a ubiquitous wish and a proper one. We extend this wish to all our friends and even to strangers. The greeting is positive and optimistic, suggesting that whatever the past year has been, the year that is just starting offers new beginnings and new opportunities.
The question I pose here is whether that wishful greeting can be fulfilled: Can we have a happy new year? If this were a rhetorical question, one might infer that I think things are so bad that we can’t really expect improvement and might as well give up or look for superficial distractions from our miserable lives of quiet desperation.[1] But the question is not rhetorical; it is straightforward. If we hope to answer this question honestly, we can improve our attempt to do so by reflecting on the meaning of happiness and asking ourselves what the beginning of a new year has to do with it.
Sunday, December 31, 2017
8 surprising places that will be warmer than New Hampshire over the next week
8 Surprising Places That will be Warmer than New Hampshire over the Next Week: Mother Nature is giving New Hampshire more than just the cold shoulder to end 2017, she’s giving us the back of her hand.
Thanks to a blast of arctic air, we’re bracing for temperatures about 20 degrees colder than normal averages over the next week. In Concord temperatures are expected to dip as low as -11.
Of course this doesn’t even factor in the wind chill, which we all know provides an extra slap in the face when we walk out the door each morning.
But how does New Hampshire stack up against some of the coldest places on Earth? Should we really be complaining? The answer is yes.
Thanks to a blast of arctic air, we’re bracing for temperatures about 20 degrees colder than normal averages over the next week. In Concord temperatures are expected to dip as low as -11.
Of course this doesn’t even factor in the wind chill, which we all know provides an extra slap in the face when we walk out the door each morning.
But how does New Hampshire stack up against some of the coldest places on Earth? Should we really be complaining? The answer is yes.
Once again in Royal David's City: Journalists are still confused about Christmas who, what, when, where...
Once again in Royal David's City: Journalists still confused about Christmas who, what, when, where ... — GetReligionMATTINGLY: It sounds like a simple question, but it isn't.
So journalists: When is Christmas in the ancient city of Bethlehem?
Obviously, for many people, Christmas is on Dec. 25th. That's when you'll see television coverage of people singing carols, in English for the most part, in Bethlehem Square. Often, reports will include a glimpse of the Midnight Mass in the modern Franciscan sanctuary known as the Church of St. Catherine.
Next door to this Catholic church is the ancient Church of the Nativity, an Eastern Orthodox sanctuary built with its altar directly above the grotto in which church traditions says Jesus of Nazareth was born.
So, journalists: When is Christmas celebrated at this very symbolic altar?
So journalists: When is Christmas in the ancient city of Bethlehem?
Obviously, for many people, Christmas is on Dec. 25th. That's when you'll see television coverage of people singing carols, in English for the most part, in Bethlehem Square. Often, reports will include a glimpse of the Midnight Mass in the modern Franciscan sanctuary known as the Church of St. Catherine.
Next door to this Catholic church is the ancient Church of the Nativity, an Eastern Orthodox sanctuary built with its altar directly above the grotto in which church traditions says Jesus of Nazareth was born.
So, journalists: When is Christmas celebrated at this very symbolic altar?
Pray, don’t worry, be happy
Pray, Don't Worry, Be Happy - The Imaginative ConservativeKOZINSKI: In the Gospel, Jesus tells us not to worry, for God is in control, knows what we need, wants to give us what we need, and can do so infallibly. But He also tells us to seek first to do God’s will, for then, and only then, we will be given all that we really need, and more if that is beneficial to our souls. It would seem, then, that not worrying is not enough, for He chides us as “men of so little faith” and enjoins us to seek God’s kingdom and righteousness first and foremost. In other words, Jesus is telling us to pray, not worry, and seek God, who, as St. Thomas Aquinas tell us, is not only perfectly happy Himself, but is Happiness itself.
Pope circulates Nagasaki image under heading, ‘The Fruit of War’
Pope circulates Nagasaki image under heading, 'The fruit of war': Although most times of the year Pope Francis comes off as an upbeat, smiling figure, holiday seasons sometimes seem to bring the Old Testament prophet out of him - denouncing injustice, lamenting suffering, and openly anguishing along with the broken hearts of a fallen world.
It shouldn’t be any surprise, therefore, that Francis, for this holiday period, asked that a small card be printed and distributed, which on its reverse side carries the inscription, “The fruit of war,” running above the pope’s signature.
It shouldn’t be any surprise, therefore, that Francis, for this holiday period, asked that a small card be printed and distributed, which on its reverse side carries the inscription, “The fruit of war,” running above the pope’s signature.
Top 5 under-appreciated Vatican stories of 2017
Top Five Under-Appreciated Vatican Stories of 2017ALLEN: For New Years’ past, I offered an annual list of the most under-covered Vatican stories of the previous twelve months because, in the late St. John Paul II and Benedict XVI years, the media wasn’t really paying regular attention to the papacy, and plenty of important stuff would slip through the cracks.
In the Pope Francis era, all that has changed. Whatever challenges his papacy may have had in 2017, fading out of the global media spotlight certainly wasn’t among them.
In the Pope Francis era, all that has changed. Whatever challenges his papacy may have had in 2017, fading out of the global media spotlight certainly wasn’t among them.
Why don’t paramedics run to emergency patients?
Why Don't Paramedics Run to Emergency Patients? | Mental Floss: Running makes it harder to keep our cool and operate at peak effectiveness. We need to be the calmest person in the room. Everyone takes their cues from us. We need to think clearly and act deliberately, decisively, expeditiously, [and] smoothly. It’s hard to do that if your own heart is beating out of your chest, you’re breathing heavily, and visibly excited. It takes mental discipline to restrain our own excitement and concern to work professionally and unemotionally in scary situations and adding significant physical exertion to an already stressful situation is not helpful.
2017 Year in Review: Our favorite stories from Aleteia
2017 Year in Review: Our favorite storiesSCALIA: Each year, before turning the calendar page to the near year, our Aleteia team likes to take a look back at some of our “personal favorites” — stories that might not have been “big news” but that touched us, informed us, or made us smile even as we were putting them together.
Sometimes the stories we liked best were overshadowed by breaking news and didn’t get the eyes-on-page that they really deserved, and so this Year in Review gives us a chance to serve them up to you one more time.
Here, in no particular order, are some of our favorite pieces — some were newsy, some were personal reflections on society, while others were the “small stories” that spoke constructively to our hearts.
Sometimes the stories we liked best were overshadowed by breaking news and didn’t get the eyes-on-page that they really deserved, and so this Year in Review gives us a chance to serve them up to you one more time.
Here, in no particular order, are some of our favorite pieces — some were newsy, some were personal reflections on society, while others were the “small stories” that spoke constructively to our hearts.
Take 1: Is the song ‘The 12 Days of Christmas’ a secret Catholic catechism?
Are the ‘12 Days of Christmas’ a Secret Catholic Code?MANN: Every year after Christmas, someone makes a post on Facebook that shows up in my news feed proclaiming that “The Twelve Days of Christmas” song is a 16th century underground Catholic catechism used in England. It is my sad duty to correct this error, based upon both the documentation we possess for the song and even the code it is supposed to represent.
While it’s true that Catholics had to practice their faith secretly for centuries in England, they did not need hidden codes in Christmas songs to learn their faith. Through the missionary priests, the books they already had, and the books and pamphlets printed and distributed secretly, catechesis continued during the recusant and penal eras.
While it’s true that Catholics had to practice their faith secretly for centuries in England, they did not need hidden codes in Christmas songs to learn their faith. Through the missionary priests, the books they already had, and the books and pamphlets printed and distributed secretly, catechesis continued during the recusant and penal eras.
Take 2: Is the song ‘The 12 Days of Christmas’ a secret Catholic catechism?
‘The 12 Days of Christmas’: Underground Catechism?GREYDANUS: In the 1990s the story of the song’s religious origins spread far and wide on the Internet. In 1999, the Orthodox religion journalist Terry Mattingly tracked the story back to Fr. Stockert, who told him that he encountered this information in old letters from Irish priests. Since then, Fr. Stockert says, his notes were lost in a flooding accident in a church basement. Responding to skeptical takes from Snopes and others, Fr. Stockert admitted the story probably includes “elements of legend,” but added that “if it is a legend, it’s a legend that dates back to the days of Queen Elizabeth.” In 2011 Mattingly revisited the topic, pronouncing it an open question.
Pope prays to ‘convert hearts’ of terrorists who struck Egypt's Christians
Pope prays to 'convert hearts' of terrorists who struck Egypt's ChristiansALLEN: In his next-to-last public appearance of 2017, Pope Francis expressed “closeness” to Coptic Christians in Egypt reeling from a pair of attacks on Friday, one on a church in a Cairo suburb and the other on a Christian-owned business that left 11 dead, praying that God may “convert the hearts” of those who carry out such violence.
“I express my closeness to the Coptic Orthodox brothers of Egypt, struck two days ago by two attacks on a church and a business on the outskirts of Cairo,” Francis said on Sunday.
“May the Lord welcome the souls of the dead, sustain the injured, their families and the entire community, and convert the hearts of the violent,” he said.
“I express my closeness to the Coptic Orthodox brothers of Egypt, struck two days ago by two attacks on a church and a business on the outskirts of Cairo,” Francis said on Sunday.
“May the Lord welcome the souls of the dead, sustain the injured, their families and the entire community, and convert the hearts of the violent,” he said.
What makes a holy family holy?
What is a Holy Family? A Homily for the Feast of the Holy Family - Community in Mission : Community in MissionPOPE: Here in the Christmas Octave, the Church bids us to celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family. On the old calendar, it falls later (the Sunday after Epiphany), which makes a little more sense as the Gospels appointed for the feast often take place far forward in time from His birth. The Gospel this year is only forty days into the future (as compared to other years, when the gospel takes place twelve years into the future), but it is still well past the Feast of the Epiphany, which we have yet to celebrate.
Pope’s Sunday Angelus: ‘Today we celebrate the Holy Family of Nazareth’
Angelus Address: On the Feast of the Holy Family – ZENIT – English: Here is a ZENIT translation of the address Pope Francis gave today before and after praying the midday Angelus with those gathered in St. Peter’s Square.
Saturday, December 30, 2017
Honoring Cardinal Müller, Benedict XVI says bishops never really retire
Honoring Cardinal Muller, retired pope says bishops never really retire. Published 12/28/2017. World.: Marking the 70th birthday of German Cardinal Gerhard Muller, retired Pope Benedict XVI said that even though the cardinal is no longer prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, he will continue to have a public role of serving the church.
The retired pope wrote the introduction to a book of essays honoring Cardinal Muller on his 70th birthday Dec. 31 and in anticipation of the 40th anniversary of his priestly ordination in February.
Released in early December by the German publisher Herder, the book is titled, "The Triune God: Christian Faith in the Secular Age."
The retired pope wrote the introduction to a book of essays honoring Cardinal Muller on his 70th birthday Dec. 31 and in anticipation of the 40th anniversary of his priestly ordination in February.
Released in early December by the German publisher Herder, the book is titled, "The Triune God: Christian Faith in the Secular Age."
How the ‘Star Wars’ franchise lost its way
How the “Star Wars” Franchise Lost Its Way | Word On FireBARRON: I fell sound asleep for about ten minutes during the most recent installment in the Star Wars franchise, The Last Jedi. This was not only because the narrative had wandered down a very tedious alleyway, but because Star Wars in general has lost its way. What began as a thrilling exploration of the philosophia perennis has devolved into a vehicle for the latest trendy ideology—and that is really a shame.
Friday, December 29, 2017
Gunman kills 11 in attacks on Coptic church, Christian-owned shop in Egypt
Gunman kills 11 in attacks on Coptic church, Christian-owned shop in Egypt: A gunman killed at least 11 people on Friday in attacks on a Coptic Orthodox church and a Christian-owned shop near Cairo before he was wounded and arrested, the Egyptian interior ministry and church officials said.
How the Irish monks of the ‘Star Wars island’ saved England
How the Irish monks of the ‘Star Wars island’ saved England | CatholicHerald.co.uk: This Christmas millions of cinema-goers will watch The Last Jedi, the much-hyped eighth instalment in the Star Wars series. The trailer for the film, itself a cinematic event, opens with dramatic footage from a daunting cliff-top on the edge of the world, illustrating just how far from civilisation the Jedi knight Luke Skywalker has strayed.
Star Wars is set in a fantasy world of gigantic proportions, largely created by special effects, but this location is real. Indeed, it played an important role in a real-life civilisational battle between darkness and light in which a religious brotherhood endured great hardship to win.
Star Wars is set in a fantasy world of gigantic proportions, largely created by special effects, but this location is real. Indeed, it played an important role in a real-life civilisational battle between darkness and light in which a religious brotherhood endured great hardship to win.
Why do we suppose our sins smell like roses in the nostrils of the Almighty?
Splinters and Beams
- The Catholic ThingESOLEN: The ravine of Hollywood has heaved up its gorge, and the sewers draining into the Potomac have backed up. One star of mass entertainment and mass politics after another has been exposed as lewd and aggressive with the hands, and worse. People have resigned in disgrace, including the obnoxious film producer and hater of the Church, Harvey Weinstein.
An acquaintance of mine, no lover of Weinstein or any of the other nimble pigs, says we are dwelling in the middle of a Hawthorne tale. I agree. We’re not witnessing repentance and a return to sanity in sexual mores. We’re not awakening to the beauty of the sexes and the sweetness of purity. We are witnessing yet another efflorescence of the evil of a culture that raises envy to a virtue, because we are so barren of real achievements.
An acquaintance of mine, no lover of Weinstein or any of the other nimble pigs, says we are dwelling in the middle of a Hawthorne tale. I agree. We’re not witnessing repentance and a return to sanity in sexual mores. We’re not awakening to the beauty of the sexes and the sweetness of purity. We are witnessing yet another efflorescence of the evil of a culture that raises envy to a virtue, because we are so barren of real achievements.
If you don’t get out of the city much, here’s what you’re missing
New Advent: If you don’t get out of the city much, here’s what you’re missing: “He made the Bear and Orion, the Pleiades and the constellations of the south; He does things great and unsearchable, things marvelous and innumerable.” (Job 9:9-10)
How pirates of the Caribbean hijacked America’s metric system
How Pirates Of The Caribbean Hijacked America's Metric System : The Two-Way : NPR: If the United States were more like the rest of the world, a McDonald's Quarter Pounder might be known as the McDonald's 113-Grammer, John Henry's 9-pound hammer would be 4.08 kilograms, and any 800-pound gorillas in the room would likely weigh 362 kilos.
One reason this country never adopted the metric system might be pirates. Here's what happened:
In 1793, the brand new United States of America needed a standard measuring system because the states were using a hodgepodge of systems.
One reason this country never adopted the metric system might be pirates. Here's what happened:
In 1793, the brand new United States of America needed a standard measuring system because the states were using a hodgepodge of systems.
Global outcry saves Latin news show broadcast from Finland
Global outcry saves Latin news show broadcast from Finland: For nearly three decades, Finland’s YLE radio has broadcast a weekly news program in Latin to a small group of committed listeners around the globe.
By broadcasting radio news in Latin, “Finland has done something that had earlier been experimented with only in the Vatican in the 1930s,” wrote Latin professors Christian Laes from the University of Antwerp and Dirk Sacre from the Catholic University of Leuven in Belgium in an op-ed article published recently in Finland’s leading daily, Helsingin Sanomat
By broadcasting radio news in Latin, “Finland has done something that had earlier been experimented with only in the Vatican in the 1930s,” wrote Latin professors Christian Laes from the University of Antwerp and Dirk Sacre from the Catholic University of Leuven in Belgium in an op-ed article published recently in Finland’s leading daily, Helsingin Sanomat
Pope Francis is only partly right on the Lord’s Prayer
Pope Francis is Only Partly Right on the Lord’s Prayer - Crisis MagazineYACECZKO: Pope Francis was right that the traditional English translation of the Lord’s Prayer is deficient, but his suggested change, and even his identification of which part needs to be changed, is simply wrong, and requires some comment, partly because it is a question so easily answered, partly because others have answered it easily. There is, however, a very important part that is today a poor translation due to the transformation of English over the last 400 years.
What if Jerusalem were in Wisconsin? (Get a map and try this in your area too)...
What if Jerusalem were in Western Wisconsin? | Parishable ItemsFELTES: One thing I brought back with me from my first trip to Israel was a better grasp of its geography. A visit to the Holy Land yields a previously unknown sense a scale, offering new insights to the Gospel. In lieu of flying everyone abroad, perhaps I can bring its holy places closer to home. Let’s allow Bloomer, Wisconsin to represent the location of ancient Jerusalem and examine where other sites in the region would be situated relative to it.
The town of Bethlehem is about five and a half miles (in a straight line, as the crow flies) south-southwest (SSW) from Jerusalem. So, allowing Bloomer to be Jerusalem, Jesus was born not far from St. John the Baptist’s Catholic Church in Cooks Valley, Wisconsin. If the Holy Family, retracing the steps of their Hebrew ancestors during their flight into Egypt, passed by the Great Pyramids of Giza (273 miles WSW from Jerusalem) they fled almost as far as Sioux Falls, South Dakota. After King Herod the Great’s death, Joseph and Mary brought Jesus to their hometown of Nazareth, 64 miles north of Jerusalem. Each year, Jesus’ parents would pilgrimage from Nazareth to Jerusalem, as from Hayward, Wisconsin to Bloomer and back, for the Jewish festival of Passover.
The town of Bethlehem is about five and a half miles (in a straight line, as the crow flies) south-southwest (SSW) from Jerusalem. So, allowing Bloomer to be Jerusalem, Jesus was born not far from St. John the Baptist’s Catholic Church in Cooks Valley, Wisconsin. If the Holy Family, retracing the steps of their Hebrew ancestors during their flight into Egypt, passed by the Great Pyramids of Giza (273 miles WSW from Jerusalem) they fled almost as far as Sioux Falls, South Dakota. After King Herod the Great’s death, Joseph and Mary brought Jesus to their hometown of Nazareth, 64 miles north of Jerusalem. Each year, Jesus’ parents would pilgrimage from Nazareth to Jerusalem, as from Hayward, Wisconsin to Bloomer and back, for the Jewish festival of Passover.
Go outside and look at the stars tonight. They have a way of leading wise men to God...
Wise Men Look at the StarsCRAIG: My favorite thing about John Senior, one of the most successful and influential teachers in the last century, is that his success and influence was not in talking about teaching or writing about teaching. If the growing talk about his legacy seems to grow, his post-mortem fame is coming from the fact of his teaching. He’s no John Dewey, famous for making his educational theories famous, but in being an educator, a true teacher. Having had bishops and pastors that were his students, and being taught by his more distant disciples, I can literally see and feel his greatness. He was real.
Here’s a New Year’s resolution idea: Keep your Sundays internet-free in 2018
My New Year's Resolution: Keep Sundays Internet-Free - The Imaginative ConservativeHORVAT: Last year, I made a New Year’s resolution that I would make my Sundays Internet-free. It was not easy but, with one small exception, I was able to make a complete break with the worldwide web on Sundays. As we enter 2018, I will be renewing the resolution.
I made the resolution because I was frustrated by how the Internet can waste countless hours. There is so much more to life than emails, websites, and social media. I was sickened by the allure of pop-up notifications that never deliver the boost they promise.
Something had to be done.
I made the resolution because I was frustrated by how the Internet can waste countless hours. There is so much more to life than emails, websites, and social media. I was sickened by the allure of pop-up notifications that never deliver the boost they promise.
Something had to be done.
From the crib to the cross, Christmas does point in opposite directions
Sadness at ChristmasMILLS: My mother, standing in our kitchen talking to her two oldest grandchildren, said, “You’re a lot alike. Are you related?” This was about ten Christmases ago. They looked at each other, and laughed a dismayed laugh. Our eldest said, “We’re your grandchildren, grandma.” She nodded. She accepted it as she accepted every fact at that point in her decline.
It was the Christmas she’d gone from being forgetful to having forgotten. She had to be watched — kept away from the stove, continually comforted when she panicked, accompanied at all times, as we discovered when she walked out of a store after agreeing to stay in the card section. She had been a great writer of cards and we thought browsing would keep her happy for a while as we all went each to our favorite section. She said she’d stay there. Less than five minutes later she left. Our son found her half an hour later wandering around a cold parking garage, having decided she had to meet us at the car.
It was the Christmas she’d gone from being forgetful to having forgotten. She had to be watched — kept away from the stove, continually comforted when she panicked, accompanied at all times, as we discovered when she walked out of a store after agreeing to stay in the card section. She had been a great writer of cards and we thought browsing would keep her happy for a while as we all went each to our favorite section. She said she’d stay there. Less than five minutes later she left. Our son found her half an hour later wandering around a cold parking garage, having decided she had to meet us at the car.
Catholic Encyclopedia: St. Thomas Becket (feast day, Dec. 29)
CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: St. Thomas Becket: Martyr, Archbishop of Canterbury, born at London, 21 December, 1118 (?); died at Canterbury, 29 December, 1170. St. Thomas was born of parents who, coming from Normandy, had settled in England some years previously. No reliance can be placed upon the legend that his mother was a Saracen. In after life his humble birth was made the subject of spiteful comment, though his parents were not peasants, but people of some mark, and from his earliest years their son had been well taught and had associated with gentlefolk. He learned to read at Merton Abbey and then studied in Paris. On leaving school he employed himself in secretarial work, first with Sir Richer de l'Aigle and then with his kinsman, Osbert Huitdeniers, who was "Justiciar" of London. Somewhere about the year 1141, under circumstances that are variously related, he entered the service of Theobald, Archbishop of Canterbury, and in that household he won his master's favour and eventually became the most trusted of all his clerks. A description embodied in the Icelandic Saga and derived probably from Robert of Cricklade gives a vivid portrait of him at this period.
Who were the Magi?
Who Were the Magi? - Community in Mission : Community in MissionPOPE: The Gospel of Matthew says, After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem (Mat 2:1). Matthew uses the Greek term μάγοι, (magoi) and notes simply that they came from the east.
Exactly what “Magi” are is debated. The Greeks of antiquity (ca. 450 B.C.) used the term to refer to a priestly class of men among the Medes and later the Persians, but in later centuries it was used in a wider sense; it came to be applied to men skilled in hidden knowledge and magic. By 200 B.C., its meaning would include men skilled in astronomy and those given to visons and the interpretation of dreams. This expanded definition continued into New Testament times.
Exactly what “Magi” are is debated. The Greeks of antiquity (ca. 450 B.C.) used the term to refer to a priestly class of men among the Medes and later the Persians, but in later centuries it was used in a wider sense; it came to be applied to men skilled in hidden knowledge and magic. By 200 B.C., its meaning would include men skilled in astronomy and those given to visons and the interpretation of dreams. This expanded definition continued into New Testament times.
Pope urges theologians to be ‘faithful, anchored’ to Vatican II
Pope urges theologians to be 'faithful, anchored' to Vatican IIALLEN: Affirming the critically important role of a “free and responsible” form of Catholic theology in the life of the church, Pope Francis called on theologians to “remain faithful and anchored” to the vision of Vatican II, as well as “immersed” in the instincts and concerns of ordinary people who’ve never taken “academic courses in theology.”
The Second Vatican Council (1962-65), Francis said, called the Church “to announce the Gospel in a new way, more consonant with a profoundly different culture and world,” and he added, “The Church must always refer itself to that event.”
The Second Vatican Council (1962-65), Francis said, called the Church “to announce the Gospel in a new way, more consonant with a profoundly different culture and world,” and he added, “The Church must always refer itself to that event.”
Thursday, December 28, 2017
FSSP brings tradition, and a spiritual boost, to northern England
FSSP Brings Tradition, and a Spiritual Boost, to Northern EnglandTURLEY: In 2012, the Catholic Diocese of Liverpool in the north of England had a dilemma.
The shrine church of St. Mary’s was to be handed back to the diocese by the Benedictine Order, which had served the local people devotedly since the church first opened in 1877. Now the church would have to be sold – used as a store of some sort, a bar, or something worse.
This was no ordinary church, however. Its architect was a Pugin, E.W., son of the famous Augustus. The name Pugin is synonymous with the 19th-century Gothic Revival architecture, and, in particular, with the many Catholic churches that were built after the Catholic Emancipation Act was passed in 1829. The fact that the church was a striking example of this architectural movement and also a poignant reminder of the earlier struggles of Catholic forebears in Lancashire made the possible future of the building all the more painful to imagine.
The shrine church of St. Mary’s was to be handed back to the diocese by the Benedictine Order, which had served the local people devotedly since the church first opened in 1877. Now the church would have to be sold – used as a store of some sort, a bar, or something worse.
This was no ordinary church, however. Its architect was a Pugin, E.W., son of the famous Augustus. The name Pugin is synonymous with the 19th-century Gothic Revival architecture, and, in particular, with the many Catholic churches that were built after the Catholic Emancipation Act was passed in 1829. The fact that the church was a striking example of this architectural movement and also a poignant reminder of the earlier struggles of Catholic forebears in Lancashire made the possible future of the building all the more painful to imagine.
‘Behold, the Virgin shall conceive’
Mark Shea: 'Behold, the Virgin Shall Conceive'SHEA: Last time, in this space, we chronicled the confusion of my friend, who discovered that the prophet Isaiah did not write “Behold, the virgin shall conceive” in Isaiah 7:14, but “Behold, the almah shall conceive”. Almah, as we saw last time, means “young woman” (an idea that certainly can encompass a virgin, but which need not be limited to that). We saw that it was Jews a couple centuries before Jesus who translated the Hebrew almah into the Greek parthenos (virgin) and thereby provided Matthew with the passage he quotes in his gospel (Matthew 1:23). We also saw that this passage from Isaiah is not the source of the tradition that Jesus was born of a virgin, but rather that this Tradition can have only one possible source: the Blessed Virgin herself.
The brilliant simplicity of a 400-year-old mousetrap
The Brilliant Simplicity of a 400-Year-Old Mousetrap: If you’ve got a mouse problem, you’ve probably considered all kinds of traps to solve it. Everyone wants to design a better mousetrap, but we all might be a few centuries late.
Youtuber Shawn Woods describes a mousetrap design from a 427-year-old book that’s as simple as they come: it only has two pieces, and you can find both in your kitchen
Youtuber Shawn Woods describes a mousetrap design from a 427-year-old book that’s as simple as they come: it only has two pieces, and you can find both in your kitchen
Read all about the Holy Innocents in the Catholic Encyclopedia
CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: Holy Innocents: The Greek Liturgy asserts that Herod killed 14,000 boys (ton hagion id chiliadon Nepion), the Syrians speak of 64,000, many medieval authors of 144,000, according to Apocalypse 14:3. Modern writers reduce the number considerably, since Bethlehem was a rather small town. Knabenbauer brings it down to fifteen or twenty (Evang. S. Matt., I, 104), Bisping to ten or twelve (Evang. S. Matt.), Kellner to about six (Christus and seine Apostel, Freiburg, 1908); cf. "Anzeiger kath. Geistlichk. Deutschl.", 15 Febr., 1909, p. 32. This cruel deed of Herod is not mentioned by the Jewish historian Flavius Josephus, although he relates quite a number of atrocities committed by the king during the last years of his reign. The number of these children was so small that this crime appeared insignificant amongst the other misdeeds of Herod. Macrobius (Saturn., IV, xiv, de Augusto et jocis ejus) relates that when Augustus heard that amongst the boys of two years and under Herod's own son also had been massacred, he said: "It is better to be Herod's hog [ous], than his son [houios]," alluding to the Jewish law of not eating, and consequently not killing, swine. The Middle Ages gave faith to this story; Abelard inserted it in his hymn for the feast of Holy Innocents:
How many Holy Innocents were killed by King Herod?
How many Holy Innocents were killed by King Herod? --AleteiaKOSLOSKI: The biblical episode is usually labeled a “massacre,” to emphasize the ruthless spilling of innocent blood. It was a terrible act, though it pales in comparison to the modern day killing of innocent children throughout the world.
According to the Catholic Encyclopedia, “The Greek Liturgy asserts that Herod killed 14,000 boys (ton hagion id chiliadon Nepion), the Syrians speak of 64,000, [and] many medieval authors of 144,000.” However, this number of children is greater than the entire population of Bethlehem at the time of Jesus’ birth.
According to the Catholic Encyclopedia, “The Greek Liturgy asserts that Herod killed 14,000 boys (ton hagion id chiliadon Nepion), the Syrians speak of 64,000, [and] many medieval authors of 144,000.” However, this number of children is greater than the entire population of Bethlehem at the time of Jesus’ birth.
8, 12 and 40: This is how we count the days of Christmas
Counting Christmas: Celebrating the Twelfth Night - Crisis MagazineSTAUDT: Eight octave days, culminating in a New Year.
Twelve days before Epiphany.
Forty days until the Presentation.
This is how we count the days of Christmas. The octave and forty days are biblical, prescribed by the Mosaic Law for Circumcision and the dedication in the Temple of a male who opens his mother’s womb. Through these days, we mark the life of Christ and the mysteries of our salvation. But there is also a mystical element leading to the Epiphany with the miraculous manifestation of Christ’s identity—the breaking forth of a new, divine reality into the world.
Twelve days before Epiphany.
Forty days until the Presentation.
This is how we count the days of Christmas. The octave and forty days are biblical, prescribed by the Mosaic Law for Circumcision and the dedication in the Temple of a male who opens his mother’s womb. Through these days, we mark the life of Christ and the mysteries of our salvation. But there is also a mystical element leading to the Epiphany with the miraculous manifestation of Christ’s identity—the breaking forth of a new, divine reality into the world.
The best-kept secret you’ll find in the confessional
The Secrets of the Confessional | Francesca Aran Murphy | First Things: It was a bad sign when several jolly-looking priests got into a car and pulled out of the car park on the Saturday before Christmas. But I ignored the signs and went into the church to wait for 8:15 confessions. Inside, the atmosphere began hopefully and then trailed away into resignation, as folks slowly acknowledged that the priests would have been there for the Office and then for Mass if they were ever going to show up for confessions. The clergy were having an away-day and all bets were off. I went to one of Chicago’s finest Irish markets and purchased Irish sausages and bacon, loaves of fruit bread, scones, a Christmas cake, ox-tails for soup, and of course several deep drums of loose tea. It was not the consolation of the confessional, but it made the return journey to South Bend feel less fruitless.
Was the star that guided the Magi a natural or supernatural occurrence?
Was the Star that Guided the Magi a Natural or Supernatural Occurrence? - Community in Mission : Community in MissionPOPE: As we continue our survey of teachings on the birth of our Lord from St. Thomas Aquinas, today we consider the mysterious star that led the Magi to Christ. In recent decades there has been a strong tendency to seek a natural explanation for this phenomenon. Some speculate that it was in fact a comet or the appearance of several planets close together in the night sky. While not necessarily incorrect, these explanations are largely set aside by St. Thomas and most of the Church Fathers on whom he relies (especially St. John Chrysostom). They observe that while the manifestation is called a star, it has qualities that stars do not possess.
At least 23 missionaries killed in 2017, says Vatican
At least 23 missionaries killed in 2017, says Vatican | CatholicHerald.co.uk: At least 23 people working for the Church were killed in 2017, a Vatican agency has said.
The majority of Church workers violently killed this year were victims of attempted robberies, Fides said, with Nigeria and Mexico topping the list countries where the most brutal murders were carried out.
The agency said 23 people working for the Church worldwide – 13 priests, one Brother, one Sister and eight lay people – died violent deaths in 2017. That number was down from 28 people killed in 2016.
The majority of Church workers violently killed this year were victims of attempted robberies, Fides said, with Nigeria and Mexico topping the list countries where the most brutal murders were carried out.
The agency said 23 people working for the Church worldwide – 13 priests, one Brother, one Sister and eight lay people – died violent deaths in 2017. That number was down from 28 people killed in 2016.
Wednesday, December 27, 2017
How California’s Thomas Aquinas College survived the harrowing “Thomas” wildfire
Thomas Aquinas College Survives Harrowing ‘Thomas’ FireBEALE: Thomas Aquinas College narrowly escaped the worst of the Southern California fire that took its name, but still suffered extensive damage on a campus where trees are still smoldering and the ash is nearly knee-deep in some places, forcing an early end to the fall semester.
College President Michael McLean, who stayed on campus as the fire enveloped the surrounding land, called it a “once-in-a-lifetime experience” that he would “not want to repeat.”
The Thomas Fire — which, as of this writing, was still raging and had become the largest in California history — began sometime in the early evening of Dec. 4, about half a mile south of Thomas Aquinas College’s campus in Santa Paula, about 66 miles northwest of Los Angeles.
College President Michael McLean, who stayed on campus as the fire enveloped the surrounding land, called it a “once-in-a-lifetime experience” that he would “not want to repeat.”
The Thomas Fire — which, as of this writing, was still raging and had become the largest in California history — began sometime in the early evening of Dec. 4, about half a mile south of Thomas Aquinas College’s campus in Santa Paula, about 66 miles northwest of Los Angeles.
User’s Guide to Sunday, December 31 — the Feast of the Holy Family
Imagine There’s No FamilyHOOPES: In the popular song Imagine, John Lennon invites us to picture life without countries, religion or possessions. I don’t like the lyrics to the song, as I’ve pointed out before.
But I know one thing no one can imagine being without: the family. Everyone had a family at some point, and those who have no family long for a family of their own.
The readings for this Holy Family Sunday invite us to imagine life without a family — and offer hope to those who have no family.
The Gospel tells the story of Baby Jesus being brought to the Temple to be presented to the Lord. His family does all that is asked of them in the Law.
But I know one thing no one can imagine being without: the family. Everyone had a family at some point, and those who have no family long for a family of their own.
The readings for this Holy Family Sunday invite us to imagine life without a family — and offer hope to those who have no family.
The Gospel tells the story of Baby Jesus being brought to the Temple to be presented to the Lord. His family does all that is asked of them in the Law.
How Erie, Pennsylvania, got more than 4 feet of snow in just 30 hours
How Erie's record-shattering snowstorm happened - The Washington Post: There’s a “snow emergency” declaration in effect, but somehow that doesn’t quite convey the enormity of Erie’s Christmas Day storm.
It began at 8 p.m. on Christmas Eve and continued nearly nonstop through the next day. As of Tuesday morning, it was still snowing in the city of around 100,000 in far northwest Pennsylvania. In the 30 hours, Erie had 53 inches of snow on the ground, which shattered records across the entire state of Pennsylvania.
It began at 8 p.m. on Christmas Eve and continued nearly nonstop through the next day. As of Tuesday morning, it was still snowing in the city of around 100,000 in far northwest Pennsylvania. In the 30 hours, Erie had 53 inches of snow on the ground, which shattered records across the entire state of Pennsylvania.
Google reveals its most-searched TV show of 2017 — and parents should be concerned
Google Reveals Most-Searched TV Show of 2017 — And Parents are Concerned | The Stream: In its annual “Year in Search” report, Google revealed that 13 Reasons Why was 2017’s most-searched TV show. Parents and educators have reason to be concerned. Many have been raising an alarm about the Netflix teen drama since it premiered in March.
“Media has significant impact on the public,” says mental health specialist Dynasty Jefferson. Working at a center in Arlington, Virginia, she specialized in suicide prevention when earning her psychology degree.
“The show was targeted toward a very sensitive audience where suicide rates are extremely high,” she says. “Did they take that into consideration when writing the scripts?”
“Media has significant impact on the public,” says mental health specialist Dynasty Jefferson. Working at a center in Arlington, Virginia, she specialized in suicide prevention when earning her psychology degree.
“The show was targeted toward a very sensitive audience where suicide rates are extremely high,” she says. “Did they take that into consideration when writing the scripts?”
Where are the most Catholic places in the United States? You might be surprised...
Where are the most Catholic places in the U.S.?--AleteiaCALDWELL: Where are the most Catholic places in the United States? You might have guessed Boston, New York, or maybe Philadelphia or Chicago – places that because of past waves of immigration still retain a Catholic flavor. A new study by Georgetown University researchers found out where actual Catholics live and worship, and the most intensely Catholic places are not where you’d think.
Some questions about the birth of Christ you may not have thought to ask
Some Questions About the Birth of Christ You May Not Have Thought to Ask - Community in Mission : Community in MissionPOPE: During Christmas week we do well to ponder certain questions about the Incarnation and birth of our Lord. The questions are taken from St. Thomas Aquinas’s Summa Theologica. St. Thomas’s answers are presented in italics, while my inferior commentary appears in plain, red text.
Whether Christ was born at a fitting time?
Whether Christ was born at a fitting time?
When the Christ Child awakens as you pray, His gaze imparts a blessing
Beginning to Pray: Christ Child AwakeningLILLES: Just as when He awoke in swaddling clothes in a manger, Christ can awaken in our hearts in prayer. In that mysterious moment His eyes communicate the same invincible joy that they did when they gazed into the eyes of His virgin mother. We know in that single instant what she knew — that He has given Himself to us and for us, and that we are the object of His delight. If we allow ourselves to be captivated by His gaze of love, we will soon find that we cannot but give ourselves to Him in return.
Pope’s final Wednesday Audience of 2017: “There is no Christmas without Jesus”
GENERAL AUDIENCE : On Christmas, Lord Jesus’ Birth (FULL TEXT) – ZENIT – English: This morning’s General Audience was held at 9:25 in Paul VI Hall, where the Holy Father Francis met with groups of pilgrims and faithful from Italy and from all over the world.
In his address in Italian, the Pope focused his meditation on the meaning of the Lord Jesus’ Birth, which Zenit has translated in its entirety below.
After summarizing his catechesis in several languages, the Holy Father expressed special greetings to groups of faithful present.
The General Audience ended with the singing of the Pater Noster and the Apostolic Blessing.
In his address in Italian, the Pope focused his meditation on the meaning of the Lord Jesus’ Birth, which Zenit has translated in its entirety below.
After summarizing his catechesis in several languages, the Holy Father expressed special greetings to groups of faithful present.
The General Audience ended with the singing of the Pater Noster and the Apostolic Blessing.
Tuesday, December 26, 2017
Shouting ‘God is woman,’ topless protester tries to steal baby Jesus in St. Peter’s Square
WATCH: Topless protester tries to steal the baby Jesus in Vatican City | Buzz.ie: A topless activist from the protest group Femen was caught after trying to steal the baby Jesus from the nativity scene at Vatican City.
Jesus Christ is the center of History
Jesus Christ, the Center of History | Parishable ItemsFELTES: If you had walked through the streets Bethlehem or Rome asking people on the first Christmas Eve, “What year is this,” the answers you’d hear might vary. The Sun numbers our days, the Moon tracks our months, and the seasons indicate the passage of years, but answering what year it is requires people to make reference to some shared historical event.
If you had bumped into one of the ancient world’s many sports fans on the first Christmas Eve, they might have told you that it was 3rd year of the 194th Olympiad. Once every four years, famous athletic competitions were held in Olympia, Greece. Freeborn Greek men would compete in footraces, chariot races, wrestling matches, javelin tosses, discus throws, and other events; for the honor of the Greek god Zeus, for the pride of their home city-states, and for their own personal glory. The winners received crowns or wreaths made of green olive leaves that would fade. All that remains of some of those ancient sports superstars today are their names in texts read less often today than last month’s newspapers
If you had bumped into one of the ancient world’s many sports fans on the first Christmas Eve, they might have told you that it was 3rd year of the 194th Olympiad. Once every four years, famous athletic competitions were held in Olympia, Greece. Freeborn Greek men would compete in footraces, chariot races, wrestling matches, javelin tosses, discus throws, and other events; for the honor of the Greek god Zeus, for the pride of their home city-states, and for their own personal glory. The winners received crowns or wreaths made of green olive leaves that would fade. All that remains of some of those ancient sports superstars today are their names in texts read less often today than last month’s newspapers
5 papal quotes on Christmas
5 Papal Quotes on Christmas | TOM PERNAPERNA: Now that we have officially entered the Christmas season, let me say – Merry Christmas to you and your family. I hope that the Incarnation of Our Lord Jesus Christ as an infant will bless your life and the lives of your family and friends this Christmas season.
As I always do with my writing on this website/blog, I try to find good solid Catholic theology to give to my readers. In recent days, I came upon this book in my library that was gifted to me some time ago. The book is a collection of quotes from different Popes on Christmas. It’s titled, Christmas with the Holy Fathers. I hope that you enjoy these quotes and can meditate upon them during this Christmas season
As I always do with my writing on this website/blog, I try to find good solid Catholic theology to give to my readers. In recent days, I came upon this book in my library that was gifted to me some time ago. The book is a collection of quotes from different Popes on Christmas. It’s titled, Christmas with the Holy Fathers. I hope that you enjoy these quotes and can meditate upon them during this Christmas season
Why is Christmas considered a nighttime event?
Why Is Christmas Considered a Nighttime Event? - Community in Mission : Community in MissionPOPE: O Holy night! Yes, a silent night! And it came upon a midnight clear! Christmas, it would seem, is a festival of the middle of the night. Jesus is born when it is dark, dark midnight. We are sure of it. And why shouldn’t we be?
Even though we are not told the exact hour of His birth, we are sure it must have been at night. Scripture does say that the Shepherds who heard the glad tidings were keeping watch over their flock “by night” (cf Luke 2:9). Further, the Magi sought Him by the light of a star, and stars are seen at night, deep midnight. None of this is evidence that Jesus was born at 12:00 midnight but it sets our clocks for night, deep midnight.
Even though we are not told the exact hour of His birth, we are sure it must have been at night. Scripture does say that the Shepherds who heard the glad tidings were keeping watch over their flock “by night” (cf Luke 2:9). Further, the Magi sought Him by the light of a star, and stars are seen at night, deep midnight. None of this is evidence that Jesus was born at 12:00 midnight but it sets our clocks for night, deep midnight.
Pope’s special Angelus address: ‘St. Stephen remained anchored to the message of Jesus until His death’
ANGELUS ADDRESS: On the Feast of St. Stephen (Full Text) – ZENIT – English: Here is a ZENIT working translation of Pope Francis’ address before and after the recitation of the Angelus prayer to the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square Tuesday afternoon, Dec. 26, 2017, on the Feast of St. Stephen...
Monday, December 25, 2017
5 quotes from the Church Fathers on the beauty of Christmas
Church Fathers Quotes on Christmas --AleteiaKOSLOSKI: Christmas is truly a beautiful time of the year and not simply because of the decorations, tree or resplendent lights. It is a time of profound beauty because of the spiritual mysteries it celebrates. Unfortunately we often lose sight of these spiritual truths and miss the whole meaning of Christmas.
One way to recover this sense of spiritual awe is to read the works of saints, specifically the Church Fathers, and their reflections on Christmas. It helps reorient the soul and provides ample material for meditation on the beautiful event that occurred over 2,000 years ago in a humble cave in Bethlehem.
Here are five selections from the Church Fathers and their sermons on Christmas that will lift up your soul today and every day during the Christmas season.
One way to recover this sense of spiritual awe is to read the works of saints, specifically the Church Fathers, and their reflections on Christmas. It helps reorient the soul and provides ample material for meditation on the beautiful event that occurred over 2,000 years ago in a humble cave in Bethlehem.
Here are five selections from the Church Fathers and their sermons on Christmas that will lift up your soul today and every day during the Christmas season.
A knock at midnight: A homily for Christmas Mass
A Knock at Midnight – A Homily for Christmas Mass - Community in Mission : Community in MissionPOPE: In this reflection, perhaps we can consider just a single line in the Gospel, one that both challenges our love and acts as a sign of God’s humble and abiding love for us: For there was no room for them in the inn. The scene: There is a knock at midnight. Joseph, speaking on behalf of both Mary and Jesus (who is in her womb still), seeks entrance to the homes and lodgings of those in Bethlehem. Although the Jewish people in those days placed a high obligation upon the duty of hospitality to the stranger and passerby, the answer repeatedly given is, “No room here.” Mary’s obviously advanced pregnancy and the imminence of delivery seem to make little difference.
On heels of UN vote, Pope urges peace in Jerusalem and two-state solution
On heels of UN vote, Pope urges peace in Jerusalem and two-state solutionALLEN: Popes understand they’ve got an awfully big stage on Christmas Day, so in their traditional noontime Urbi et Orbi blessing, addressed to “the city and to the world,” they usually go all-out, touching on every major global situation of concern to them right now.
It’s thus always worth having one’s ears open, because the Christmas address often contains hints of where a given pope is considering investing his political and diplomatic capital in the year to come.
It’s thus always worth having one’s ears open, because the Christmas address often contains hints of where a given pope is considering investing his political and diplomatic capital in the year to come.
Homily for the 2017 Christmas Vigil
Full Text of Pope Francis’ 2017 Christmas Vigil HomilyCOATOFARMS: Mary “gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn” (Lk 2:7). In these plain and clear words, Luke brings us to the heart of that holy night: Mary gave birth; she gave us Jesus, the Light of the world. A simple story that plunges us into the event that changes our history forever. Everything, that night, became a source of hope.
Let us go back a few verses. By decree of the Emperor, Mary and Joseph found themselves forced to set out. They had to leave their people, their home and their land, and to undertake a journey in order to be registered in the census. This was no comfortable or easy journey for a young couple about to have a child: they had to leave their land. At heart, they were full of hope and expectation because of the child about to be born; yet their steps were weighed down by the uncertainties and dangers that attend those who have to leave their home behind.
Let us go back a few verses. By decree of the Emperor, Mary and Joseph found themselves forced to set out. They had to leave their people, their home and their land, and to undertake a journey in order to be registered in the census. This was no comfortable or easy journey for a young couple about to have a child: they had to leave their land. At heart, they were full of hope and expectation because of the child about to be born; yet their steps were weighed down by the uncertainties and dangers that attend those who have to leave their home behind.
Christmas is the story of two caves
Christmas is the Story of Two CavesRUTLER: Saint Paul was converted by the risen Christ, who appeared as a blinding light. Later, he would meet Peter and James who had seen the actual risen body, which had changed from the way it appeared during Christ’s three years with them. The body of the resurrected Christ had four characteristics. First, it could no longer feel pain. This “impassibility” was a triumph over the horrors of the Passion. Second, by “subtlety” the body was no longer subject to the laws of physics. During his earthly life, Christ had to knock on doors to enter, but in the Resurrection, he could appear in a room though the doors were locked. Third, the “agility” of Christ’s body had a strength that freed him from the constraints of motion and enabled him to bi-locate. Fourth, the “clarity” of the risen body radiated a brilliance that emanated from the divine intelligence: “light from light.” This was glimpsed in the Transfiguration, and was what blinded Paul on the Damascus road.
Pope’s Christmas 2017 Urbi et Orbi Message: “We see Jesus in the children...”
Pope Francis’ Christmas 2017 Urbi et Orbi Message: Pope calls on all to see Jesus in children caught up in conflicts and hardship around the world: “May we commit ourselves, with the help of his grace, to making our world more human and more worthy for the children of today and of the future.”
Sunday, December 24, 2017
Pope prays for kidnapped priests and nuns, storm victims in Philippines
Pope prays for kidnapped priests and nuns, storm victims in PhilippinesALLEN: Pope Francis on Christmas Eve used his noontime Angelus address to pray for peace for the world, to urge the release of kidnapped priests, religious and laity, and also to express condolences for a storm in the southern Philippines that’s left more than 200 people dead, hundreds more missing, and tens of thousands driven from their homes.
The problem isn't that churches are too religious. The problem is that they're not religious enough...
Christmas Without the Angels - The Imaginative ConservativeLONGENECKER: I can remember my dismay when studying theology at Oxford to come across the modernist interpretation of the seventh chapter of Isaiah’s prophecy. Church goers will remember the King James version of verse fourteen: “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”
The professor said in his usual languid way, “Of course the word alma which is translated ‘virgin’ can just as easily, and more probably be translated ‘young woman.’ There is no real reason to put upon this text a supernatural meaning.” This learned essay disputes the point, but there is another problem of which the question of interpretation of one Old Testament term highlights. The reason it was suggested that alma means “young woman” not “virgin” was not out of any concern for precise and proper translation of ancient texts, but out of a preconceived notion that the supernatural is impossible, and St. Matthew’s idea of a virgin birth was not only quaint and outdated, but mistaken.
The professor said in his usual languid way, “Of course the word alma which is translated ‘virgin’ can just as easily, and more probably be translated ‘young woman.’ There is no real reason to put upon this text a supernatural meaning.” This learned essay disputes the point, but there is another problem of which the question of interpretation of one Old Testament term highlights. The reason it was suggested that alma means “young woman” not “virgin” was not out of any concern for precise and proper translation of ancient texts, but out of a preconceived notion that the supernatural is impossible, and St. Matthew’s idea of a virgin birth was not only quaint and outdated, but mistaken.
A little story about self-hatred, fatherly love and Cardinal Burke
♱ on Twitter: "In light of Fr. @JamesMartinSJ's tweet about "unjust discrimination", a mini story, featuring Cardinal Burke:": “I offer this story of my friend, X, as a testimony-- a testimony that one cannot truly love unless one abides in Truth, and if one truly abides in Truth, one truly loves. It's as simple as that. Firing someone living in manifest grave sin is actually medicinal. It's not hateful.”
’Tis the season to knock down Jesus
Tis the Season to Knock Down Jesus | The StreamFacebookTwitterFacebook MessengerAddthisFacebookTwitterFacebook MessengerAddthisFacebookTwitterFacebook MessengerAddthisMILLS: Tis the season to knock down Jesus. If things run according to pattern, one of the major websites or magazines will run a big Christmas story about the birth of Jesus. I haven’t seen one yet, but there’s still time. And there’s always next year. The subject’s a “perennial,” as we say in the business.
Don’t worry. The story won’t deny the Virgin Birth. That would tick off Christians. It won’t affirm it either. That would tick off anti-Christians. The editors want both groups to read the story. Clicks mean income. They’ll publish a fairly balanced story, a on-the-one-hand-on-the-other kind of story.
Don’t worry. The story won’t deny the Virgin Birth. That would tick off Christians. It won’t affirm it either. That would tick off anti-Christians. The editors want both groups to read the story. Clicks mean income. They’ll publish a fairly balanced story, a on-the-one-hand-on-the-other kind of story.
Pope on 4th Sunday of Advent: “Mary was humble before God, but God’s plan depended on her answer”
Angelus Address: On the Gospel of the Annunciation – ZENIT – English: Here is a ZENIT translation of the address Pope Francis gave today before and after praying the midday Angelus with those gathered in St. Peter’s Square.
Saturday, December 23, 2017
See what the end shall be: A homily for the 4th Sunday of Advent
See What the End Shall Be – A Homily for the 4th Sunday of Advent - Community in Mission : Community in MissionPOPE: In the Gospel for this Fourth Sunday of Advent, we step back nine months to March 25th, the feast of the Annunciation, an all-but-hidden event that changed the world. God, whose focal presence departed the Temple just prior to the Babylonian invasion (cf Ez 10:18) and the loss of the Ark of the Covenant, now returns to the ark of Mary’s womb. The glorious presence of God returns now to His people, in an obscure town of fewer than three hundred, a town so small that no road led to it.
How to rediscover Christmas joy in an age that hates new life
How to rediscover Christmas joy in an age that hates new life | News | LifeSiteBAKLINSKI: The spirit of the age tells Christians that we have no right to celebrate the birth of a baby. This spirit insidiously whispers that another number has now been added to what it says is an already over-populated world. This spirit murmurs that another consumer will now add his part in depleting the earth’s resources that it says is already far too stretched. It mutters that another carbon footprint will now add more pollution to an environment that it says is already far too devastated.
We always had Christmas lights, thanks to the love of my dad
We Always Had Christmas LightsCLARK: Some time back, I read a news report about a man who complained that his neighbor had the gall to continue to display his outdoor Christmas lights several days after December 25th. Though the neighbor was probably planning on taking down his lights very soon anyway, the man nevertheless called the police to complain about his neighbor.
The story, however, does have a happy ending. The police told the man that his neighbor was not violating any laws; turns out, it’s America, so there is no law against displaying Christmas lights on your own property. But when the neighbor found out about the phone call, the neighbor informed the man that he would not take down his Christmas lights. Ever.
The story, however, does have a happy ending. The police told the man that his neighbor was not violating any laws; turns out, it’s America, so there is no law against displaying Christmas lights on your own property. But when the neighbor found out about the phone call, the neighbor informed the man that he would not take down his Christmas lights. Ever.
Looking at the top stories of 2017, sometimes it seems like religion haunts everything
Looking at the top stories of 2017: Sometimes it seems like religion haunts everything — GetReligionMATTINGLY: It was in 1981, while I was doing my graduate project at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, that I had a long conversation with the late George Cornell of the Associated Press about the state of mainstream religion-news reporting. Cornell used to say that he was, basically, the AP religion reporter responsible for all of Planet Earth.
That was, I think, the first time I heard him work his way through a list of the wire service's Top 10 stories of a given year, noting that most of them contained some essential news "hook," or set of facts, linked to religion.
That was, I think, the first time I heard him work his way through a list of the wire service's Top 10 stories of a given year, noting that most of them contained some essential news "hook," or set of facts, linked to religion.
Here is how the Christmas season will look to the people of North Korea
A North Korean Christmas | catholicsaintsguyONEEL: Please take a moment to read this (thank you): At Christmas and year’s end, we consider our many blessings. After faith, life, family, and health, the greatest of all is the freedom we enjoy. So as you go to church, light a candle, say your prayers, eat your Christmas or Hanukkah feast, as you raise your toasts, and as you make your New Year’s resolutions, please think of and — most importantly — pray for the people of North Korea (aka, DPRK), for here is how the Christmas season will look to them.
Kim Phuc Phan Thi, the “Napalm Girl” from the famous photo, describes her conversion to Christianity
The Salvation of ‘Napalm Girl’ - WSJ: You may not recognize me now, but you almost certainly know who I am. My name is Kim Phuc, though you likely know me by another name. It is one I never asked for, a name I have spent a lifetime trying to escape: “Napalm Girl.”
You have probably seen my picture a thousand times. Yes, that picture. The image that made the world gasp. Some called it a turning point in the Vietnam War—a Pulitzer Prize-winning photograph of me in 1972, age 9, running along a puddled roadway in front of an expressionless soldier. I was photographed with arms outstretched, naked and shrieking in pain and fear, with the dark contour of a napalm cloud billowing in the distance.
You have probably seen my picture a thousand times. Yes, that picture. The image that made the world gasp. Some called it a turning point in the Vietnam War—a Pulitzer Prize-winning photograph of me in 1972, age 9, running along a puddled roadway in front of an expressionless soldier. I was photographed with arms outstretched, naked and shrieking in pain and fear, with the dark contour of a napalm cloud billowing in the distance.
Friday, December 22, 2017
Pope confirms Msgr. Guido Marini as his Master of Ceremonies for 5 more years
The Pope confirms Guido Marini as his Master of Ceremonies - La StampaTORNIELLI: The Pope did not change his Master of ceremonies and, already three months ago, he reconfirmed for another 5 years, Monsignor Guido Marini, from Genoa, at the head of the office of the papal liturgical celebrations since 2007. In recent weeks, even though Marini had been already re-confirmed, rumours on a possible change had spread inside the Vatican palaces. Actually, the relationship between the Pope and his master of ceremonies remains solid and Francis quite appreciates the fidelity of Monsignor Marini, who is tasked with overseeing every papal liturgical celebration: both those that take place in the Vatican and Rome, and those "out" of the Country.
Why the Vatican thought Cardinal Law's funeral Mass was the right thing to do
Why the Vatican thought Law's funeral Mass was the right thing to doALLEN: As Cardinal Bernard Law received the customary funeral Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica on Thursday for a deceased cardinal, the question in many quarters in the United States was very simple: “Why?”
“Don’t these guys get it?” some Americans wondered, finding the idea of the pope himself saying prayers at the funeral to be an untoward sign of respect for a man who had become the public face of the child sexual abuse scandals in the Church.
To say the least, it doesn’t help that the celebrant of the Mass, Italian Cardinal Angelo Sodano, who was acting in his capacity as the Dean of the College of Cardinals, also has a checkered history when it comes to the Church’s abuse scandals. Among other things, Sodano was a principal patron of the late Mexican Father Marcial Maciel Degollado, founder of the Legion of Christ, whose own pattern of sexual abuse and misconduct was eventually acknowledged by his own order after a Vatican finding of guilt.
“Don’t these guys get it?” some Americans wondered, finding the idea of the pope himself saying prayers at the funeral to be an untoward sign of respect for a man who had become the public face of the child sexual abuse scandals in the Church.
To say the least, it doesn’t help that the celebrant of the Mass, Italian Cardinal Angelo Sodano, who was acting in his capacity as the Dean of the College of Cardinals, also has a checkered history when it comes to the Church’s abuse scandals. Among other things, Sodano was a principal patron of the late Mexican Father Marcial Maciel Degollado, founder of the Legion of Christ, whose own pattern of sexual abuse and misconduct was eventually acknowledged by his own order after a Vatican finding of guilt.
The fascinating history behind why Jewish families eat Chinese food on Christmas
The Fascinating History Behind Why Jewish Families Eat Chinese Food on Christmas | Mental Floss: For Jewish New Yorkers, scoring a seat at one of veteran restaurateur Ed Schoenfeld’s three Chinese eateries on Christmas Day could be compared to a holiday miracle. “I think on that day we do more business than many restaurants do in three months,” Schoenfeld tells Mental Floss. “We serve all day long, we stay open all day long.”
Disney, Hilton and Hyatt have a little-known sideline: They’re renting their ballrooms as cadaver labs (warning: disturbing content)
Cadavers in the ballroom: Doctors practice their craft at U.S. hotels: Just outside the operating theater, the organizers of a medical conference wore Minnie Mouse ears.
Inside, as doctors practiced on three cadavers, blood from one of the human specimens seeped through a layer of wrapping.
“They leak,” a lab technician said of the bodies.
The sessions, held last month and attended by a Reuters reporter, weren’t at a hospital or medical school. They were part of a so-called cadaver lab – and the setting was a Florida resort. It was one of scores of such events over the past six years that have been held at a hotel or its convention center.
In this case, doctors practiced nerve root blocks and other procedures on cadavers in one of the Grand Harbor ballroom’s salons at Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts convention center. Online, Disney refers to its ballrooms as “regal and resplendent.” They’re often used for wedding receptions.
Inside, as doctors practiced on three cadavers, blood from one of the human specimens seeped through a layer of wrapping.
“They leak,” a lab technician said of the bodies.
The sessions, held last month and attended by a Reuters reporter, weren’t at a hospital or medical school. They were part of a so-called cadaver lab – and the setting was a Florida resort. It was one of scores of such events over the past six years that have been held at a hotel or its convention center.
In this case, doctors practiced nerve root blocks and other procedures on cadavers in one of the Grand Harbor ballroom’s salons at Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts convention center. Online, Disney refers to its ballrooms as “regal and resplendent.” They’re often used for wedding receptions.
The opposite of a historian is a lumberjack. What’s your opposite job?
What Is Your Opposite Job? - The New York Times: What if you could start over and take the career path most different from the one you’re on? Let us help you.
The Labor Department keeps detailed and at times delightfully odd records on the skills and tasks required for each job. Some of them are physical: trunk strength, speed of limb movement, the ability to stay upright. Others are more knowledge-based: economics and accounting, physics, programming. Together, they capture the essence of what makes a job distinctive.
The Labor Department keeps detailed and at times delightfully odd records on the skills and tasks required for each job. Some of them are physical: trunk strength, speed of limb movement, the ability to stay upright. Others are more knowledge-based: economics and accounting, physics, programming. Together, they capture the essence of what makes a job distinctive.
Plenary indulgences granted for participants in Jan. 19, 2018, March for Life
Washington’s archbishop and Arlington’s bishop announce participants in upcoming March for Life events can obtain plenary indulgence - Catholic Standard: Cardinal Donald Wuerl, archbishop of Washington, and Bishop Michael Burbidge of Arlington, Virginia, have issued a joint letter announcing that a plenary indulgence can be obtained by the faithful who “take part in the sacred celebrations, along with the great assembly of people, throughout the whole course of the annual event that is called ‘March for Life.’ “
The letter is dated Dec. 20 and addressed to Cardinal Wuerl’s and Bishop Burbidge’s “brother bishops” across the nation.
“We bring this to your attention in the hope that you will share this information with those entrusted to your pastoral care, and who may be traveling to Washington, D.C. to participate in March for Life activities this January,” the churchmen wrote in their letter.
The letter is dated Dec. 20 and addressed to Cardinal Wuerl’s and Bishop Burbidge’s “brother bishops” across the nation.
“We bring this to your attention in the hope that you will share this information with those entrusted to your pastoral care, and who may be traveling to Washington, D.C. to participate in March for Life activities this January,” the churchmen wrote in their letter.
Make your house fair as you are able
Make Your House Fair as You are Able! | Classical Catholic EducationLANGLEY: What is Christmas about? What is Advent about except to prepare for and celebrate the arrival of Wisdom Himself, in the form of a little baby, into the warm hospitable stables of our own hearts. We have been doing our best to prepare for His arrival by making our house fair, so to speak. We have been engaging in penances and spiritual practices and prayers and songs, all of which are ultimately directed at welcoming Wisdom.
Pope Paul VI set for canonization after miracle approved, says Italian news source
Pope Paul VI set for sainthood, miracle identified - La Stampa: In a special issue entitled “It will be the year of Paul VI Saint”, the weekly magazine of the diocese of Brescia, La voce del popolo, writes that on 13 December, theologians of the Vatican Congregation for the Causes of Saints recognized a miracle attributed to the intercession of Pope Montini, after a first free go-ahead had been given by the medical consultation of the Vatican Congregation itself. At this point it is necessary that the cardinals of the Congregation and, finally, the Pope express themselves on the same miracle.
What an Italian bishop saw at his first exorcism
What an Italian bishop saw at his first exorcism :: Catholic News Agency (CNA): Archbishop Erio Castellucci has a response to those who think the devil is not real: “they’re mistaken.”
“All you have to do is witness an exorcism to understand that evil is a specific entity, as well as a reality,” he told the Italian daily Il Resto del Carlino.
The Archbishop of Modena-Nonantola had seen possessed persons throughout his life, but he had never witnessed an exorcism. Then one of the two priest exorcists in his archdiocese called him. The priest had a “difficult case.”
“All you have to do is witness an exorcism to understand that evil is a specific entity, as well as a reality,” he told the Italian daily Il Resto del Carlino.
The Archbishop of Modena-Nonantola had seen possessed persons throughout his life, but he had never witnessed an exorcism. Then one of the two priest exorcists in his archdiocese called him. The priest had a “difficult case.”
“My quest to stump the Catholic Church turned into a desire to become a part of it”
"My quest to stump the Catholic Church turned into a desire to become a part of it." - Nathan Wigfield - The Coming Home Network: Nathan Wigfield was active in his Christian faith growing up, and while he had a few family members who were Catholic, he always saw it as a ritualistic religion with no real life in it. However, his mother, who had been raised Catholic, used to take him as a child to Good Friday services at the local parish. That early experience of reverence and awe in the liturgy stuck with him, and caused him to have an ongoing curiosity about the Catholic Church.
The big embarrassing problem that Child in the manger left us
Church problems, Flannery O' Connor - AleteiaMILLS: That baby in the manger, he changed everything, yes. Hinge of human history, all that, of course. But when for us men and our salvation the Son of God became incarnate of the Virgin Mary, he gave mankind a new problem. He gave us us.
The Body of Christ in an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes or held in His Mother’s arms, that makes us feel warm. The Body of Christ on the Cross, that makes us feel grateful. The Body of Christ as we see it in each other and the Church, not always so warm nor so grateful. Sometimes the opposite, sometimes the opposite accompanied with curses.
The Body of Christ in an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes or held in His Mother’s arms, that makes us feel warm. The Body of Christ on the Cross, that makes us feel grateful. The Body of Christ as we see it in each other and the Church, not always so warm nor so grateful. Sometimes the opposite, sometimes the opposite accompanied with curses.
“Death with dignity” has a noble appeal, which complicates our pro-life work
The Human Life Review The Noble Appeal of “Death with Dignity” - The Human Life ReviewMILLS: We had been close friends for twelve years, and I was blessed to be with him as the doctor helped him die. Growing stiffer and frailer over the last year or so, he had still enjoyed life, including a short walk we’d taken just a few days before, with him happily chasing down a ball I’d thrown out of reach.
He suddenly got worse. The ER doctor guessed he had pancreatic cancer and probably other serious problems as well. Intensive medical treatment would hurt a lot and might do no good at all. At most he’d have a couple more years to live, and he’d live those in pain. He gained no benefit from living longer. I held his head as the doctor gave him the drugs that stopped his heart.
He suddenly got worse. The ER doctor guessed he had pancreatic cancer and probably other serious problems as well. Intensive medical treatment would hurt a lot and might do no good at all. At most he’d have a couple more years to live, and he’d live those in pain. He gained no benefit from living longer. I held his head as the doctor gave him the drugs that stopped his heart.
Examining the Christian imagery of Star Wars
Examining the Christian Imagery of Star WarsPAPANDREA: With the Star Wars epic adventure, George Lucas has taken the world on a journey that (so far) has lasted four decades. It began in 1977 with a film that was ahead of its time and yet nostalgic. It was the height of the Cold War, which by definition is something so ambiguous that the ambiguity of it all only heightens the fear. We worried about so many indefinable things, including nuclear holocaust and World War III, but Lucas gave us “A New Hope” by telling us a story about Nazis in space.
In the midst of the Cold War, Star Wars reminded the Western world of the last time that it was easy to tell good from evil. For many people, it also solidified their suspicion that communism (in whatever form it may take) was no less a threat to freedom than fascism.
In the midst of the Cold War, Star Wars reminded the Western world of the last time that it was easy to tell good from evil. For many people, it also solidified their suspicion that communism (in whatever form it may take) was no less a threat to freedom than fascism.
Man who jumped from Chicago’s Aqua Hotel was Ohio priest under investigation
Man who jumped from Aqua Hotel downtown was priest under investigation - Chicago Tribune: A man who killed himself by jumping off a downtown Chicago hotel on Wednesday was a Catholic priest under investigation in Ohio in connection with “questionable” communications with a minor and misuse of church funds, according to authorities.
A man identified by authorities as James Csaszar was a priest who was pastor of Church of the Resurrection in the Columbus suburb of New Albany, according to a statement from the Catholic Diocese of Columbus. Csaszar, 44, died after suffering multiple injuries after jumping from 221 N. Columbus Drive — the Aqua Hotel — and his death was a suicide, the Cook County medical examiner’s office determined Thursday following an autopsy.
A man identified by authorities as James Csaszar was a priest who was pastor of Church of the Resurrection in the Columbus suburb of New Albany, according to a statement from the Catholic Diocese of Columbus. Csaszar, 44, died after suffering multiple injuries after jumping from 221 N. Columbus Drive — the Aqua Hotel — and his death was a suicide, the Cook County medical examiner’s office determined Thursday following an autopsy.
Thursday, December 21, 2017
Are you a maker or a manager?
Are You a Maker or a Manager?FITZ: As a young stay-at-home mom, overwhelmed by my inability to keep up with kids and chores and managing the home, something embarrassing happened to me: I had to go away on a trip. We hired a lovely, sweet-spirited college student to stay with the kids during the day while my husband was at work. Every evening he’d come home and the kids would be cleaned up, the house was tidy, the children had had a wonderful day, dinner was just out of the oven, and the babysitter was as cheerful and composed as ever.
Jim Caviezel goes back to the Bible in ‘Paul, Apostle of Christ’
Interview: Jim Caviezel Goes Back to the Bible in ‘Paul, Apostle of Christ’GREYDANUS: Actors who play iconic roles sometimes regret it afterward, not least because their careers often suffer later. Jim Caviezel has said Mel Gibson warned him that playing Jesus in The Passion of the Christ would hurt his career — but he has no regrets about playing the most iconic role of all time.
Caviezel never again played a central role in a Hollywood film like Frequency, The Count of Monte Cristo or High Crimes, though he did find mainstream success on the small screen as the lead in the critical and popular hit series Person of Interest, which ran five seasons.
Caviezel never again played a central role in a Hollywood film like Frequency, The Count of Monte Cristo or High Crimes, though he did find mainstream success on the small screen as the lead in the critical and popular hit series Person of Interest, which ran five seasons.
Cardinal Rodríguez Maradiaga accused of financial mismanagement, says Italian newspaper
Italian Newspaper: Cardinal Maradiaga Accused of Financial Mismanagement: An Italian media outlet has reported allegations of financial mismanagement on the part of Honduran Cardinal Oscar Maradiaga, although no formal allegations or charges have been raised against the cardinal to date.
On Thursday, L’Espresso reported that Argentine Bishop Jorge Pedro Casaretto — sent by Pope Francis as an apostolic envoy to Honduras last May — returned with a report suggesting that Cardinal Maradiaga may have been involved in mismanaging Church funds, and may also have accepted hundreds of thousands of dollars from the Catholic University of Tegucigalpa.
On Thursday, L’Espresso reported that Argentine Bishop Jorge Pedro Casaretto — sent by Pope Francis as an apostolic envoy to Honduras last May — returned with a report suggesting that Cardinal Maradiaga may have been involved in mismanaging Church funds, and may also have accepted hundreds of thousands of dollars from the Catholic University of Tegucigalpa.
The real reason why there was “no room at the inn”
Why was there "no room at the inn"? AleteiaKOSLOSKI: The Christmas story is very familiar to many of us, but growing up certain images can cloud our view of what actually happened over 2,000 years ago. In particular, there is a common narrative that depicts Joseph pounding on doors trying to find a place where Mary can give birth to Jesus.
The owner of the local Motel 6 slams the door in Joseph’s face, saying that there is “no vacancy.” Then Joseph finally finds a stable where animals are kept and brings Mary to the humble place just in time before Jesus is born.
While it is an engaging story, it doesn’t match-up with the biblical account and the original Greek text.
The owner of the local Motel 6 slams the door in Joseph’s face, saying that there is “no vacancy.” Then Joseph finally finds a stable where animals are kept and brings Mary to the humble place just in time before Jesus is born.
While it is an engaging story, it doesn’t match-up with the biblical account and the original Greek text.
Christmas is a mystery worthy of all the wonder in our beings
The Wisdom in Wonder: Children at Christmas Time - Crisis MagazineANDERSON: At Christmas time so many magnificent events occur, leading up to and highlighting the Cause of our celebrations. Buildings of every kind find themselves bedecked in light and nature’s green; families plant a veritable representative of the forest in their homes, and then proceed to drape it in every brilliance and finery imaginable. And then, in the darkest days of winter, Churchgoers of every denomination gather in their places of worship to offer homage to a tiny God. Nonetheless, years of experiencing the labors and sorrows of the world, as well as the repetition of Christmas traditions can dull the soul’s perception of these joys. Sometimes it takes the hilarious glee of children to remind the rest of us that reality truly is a marvel beyond telling. In God or Nothing, Robert Cardinal Sarah comments: “It is important for baptized Catholics to keep the beautiful, holy joy of little children.” Indeed, the wonder of children at Christmas offers a wise glimpse into the very real wonder of the Truth to which we have grown accustomed.
The crèche and the gap
The Creche and the Gap | George Weigel | First ThingsWEIGEL: For the past decade or so, I’ve been assembling a mid-sized Judean village of Fontanini crèche figures, including artisans, herders (with sheep), farmers (with chickens and an ahistorical turkey), vintners, blacksmiths, musicians, weavers, and a fisherman or two (one awake, another sleeping). Like the colossal Neapolitan crèche at the basilica of Sts. Cosmas and Damian in Rome, it’s a reminder that the Lord Jesus was born in the midst of humanity and its messy history: the history that the Child has come to set back on its truest course, which is toward God. The messiness of history is a caution against letting sentimentality take over Christmas; so are some challenging truths about Mary, Joseph, and their place in what theologians call the “economy of salvation.”
The early Church grappled with the ‘temptation’ translation issue in the Lord's Prayer
Early Church Grappled With ‘Temptation’ Translation Issue in Lord’s PrayerPENTIN: Pope Francis made headlines around the world earlier this month when he drew attention to the sixth petition of the Our Father — “lead us not into temptation” — saying it is “not a good translation” in Italian — and English — and implying it should be changed.
But the issue is an ancient one, and the early Church Fathers had the same problems, according to biblical scholar Father Francesco Giosu Voltaggio, a specialist in ancient Hebrew, Greek and Aramaic.
Pope Benedict XVI once noted that the phraseology can be “shocking,” but explained how the petition means asking God not to allow oneself to be led into temptation, as well as calling on the Lord not to mete out more suffering than one can endure.
But the issue is an ancient one, and the early Church Fathers had the same problems, according to biblical scholar Father Francesco Giosu Voltaggio, a specialist in ancient Hebrew, Greek and Aramaic.
Pope Benedict XVI once noted that the phraseology can be “shocking,” but explained how the petition means asking God not to allow oneself to be led into temptation, as well as calling on the Lord not to mete out more suffering than one can endure.
Senior Vatican figure says at Law's funeral, ‘Even cardinals make mistakes’
Senior Vatican figure says at Law's funeral, 'Even cardinals make mistakes'ALLEN: Before an unusually small congregation of mourners, albeit one that featured U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See Callista Gingrich and her husband, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, a funeral Mass for Cardinal Bernard Law was celebrated behind the main altar in St. Peter’s Basilica on Thursday afternoon.
Pope Francis took part in the ritual, not celebrating the Mass but offering final prayers at the end, reading the prescribed prayers for the final commendation of the deceased to God and the final valediction.
The Vatican’s foreign minister, British Archbishop Richard Paul Gallagher, was also on hand for the funeral Mass.
Pope Francis took part in the ritual, not celebrating the Mass but offering final prayers at the end, reading the prescribed prayers for the final commendation of the deceased to God and the final valediction.
The Vatican’s foreign minister, British Archbishop Richard Paul Gallagher, was also on hand for the funeral Mass.
As Boston's “Law Era” ends, “we're living with the consequences”
Whispers in the Loggia: As Boston's "Law Era" Ends, "We're Living With the Consequences"PALMO: Having spent a good bit of time with Boston folks through the years, one thread has been constant: whether it's been clerics or laity, regardless of their "political" stripe, the notion of the day we've now seen, and what it would be like, has kept a psychic hold over them all.
In that light, as one op put it, only today can it be said that "The Bernard Law Era in Boston is over." In the annals of American Catholicism's gravest scandal in its three-plus centuries of existence, that kind of personification has been unique – even if, to lesser degrees outside, the Fifth Archbishop was still the unparalleled global lightning rod of what had been a widespread, horrific evil that, for far too long, and to the church's enduring disgrace, was a feature, not a bug of the clerical system.
In that light, as one op put it, only today can it be said that "The Bernard Law Era in Boston is over." In the annals of American Catholicism's gravest scandal in its three-plus centuries of existence, that kind of personification has been unique – even if, to lesser degrees outside, the Fifth Archbishop was still the unparalleled global lightning rod of what had been a widespread, horrific evil that, for far too long, and to the church's enduring disgrace, was a feature, not a bug of the clerical system.
Taiwan’s Catholic Church and the quest for national identity
Taiwan’s Catholic Church: Quest for National IdentityGAETAN: In 1949, former Chinese President Chiang Kai-shek, having lost a civil war to Mao Zedong, retreated to the island of Taiwan, given to him four years earlier by the Allies that defeated its Japanese occupiers. One million people and 800,000 troops came, too. Among them in the exodus were many from the Catholic Church, under fire from the Communist Party.
When it arrived, the Church ushered in instant growth: Between 1950 and 1960, the Catholic population expanded from 5,000 to 200,000. The priesthood exploded from 40 to 500, according to a 1960 Time magazine article featuring Archbishop Paul Yu-pin of Nanking, China.
About half of the religious were, like Archbishop Yu-pin, native Chinese who hoped to return to their homeland. The other half was composed of men and women religious from around the world, most praying for a short stay, too.
When it arrived, the Church ushered in instant growth: Between 1950 and 1960, the Catholic population expanded from 5,000 to 200,000. The priesthood exploded from 40 to 500, according to a 1960 Time magazine article featuring Archbishop Paul Yu-pin of Nanking, China.
About half of the religious were, like Archbishop Yu-pin, native Chinese who hoped to return to their homeland. The other half was composed of men and women religious from around the world, most praying for a short stay, too.
Thursday is the Feast of St. Peter Canisius
CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: St. Peter Canisius: Born at Nimwegen in the Netherlands, 8 May, 1521; died in Fribourg, 21 November, 1597. His father was the wealthy burgomaster, Jacob Canisius; his mother, Aegidia van Houweningen, died shortly after Peter's birth.
In 1536 Peter was sent to Cologne, where he studied arts, civil law, and theology at the university; he spent a part of 1539 at the University of Louvain, and in 1540 received the degree of Master of Arts at Cologne.
Nicolaus van Esche was his spiritual adviser, and he was on terms of friendship with such staunch Catholics as Georg of Skodborg (the expelled Archbishop of Lund), Johann Gropper (canon of the cathedral), Eberhard Billick (the Carmelite monk), Justus Lanspergius, and other Carthusian monks. Although his father desired him to marry a wealthy young woman, on 25 February, 1540 he pledged himself to celibacy.
In 1536 Peter was sent to Cologne, where he studied arts, civil law, and theology at the university; he spent a part of 1539 at the University of Louvain, and in 1540 received the degree of Master of Arts at Cologne.
Nicolaus van Esche was his spiritual adviser, and he was on terms of friendship with such staunch Catholics as Georg of Skodborg (the expelled Archbishop of Lund), Johann Gropper (canon of the cathedral), Eberhard Billick (the Carmelite monk), Justus Lanspergius, and other Carthusian monks. Although his father desired him to marry a wealthy young woman, on 25 February, 1540 he pledged himself to celibacy.
Pope to Curia: ‘Betrayers of trust’ are frustrating Vatican reform
Pope to Curia: 'Betrayers of trust' are frustrating Vatican reformALLEN: From the beginning, Pope Francis has been a maverick leader, running against “the system” and making it clear he’s got no special loyalty to the Roman Curia, meaning the ecclesiastical bureaucracy in the Vatican. As a result, his annual Christmas speech to the curia has become an anxiety-inducing event for many, wondering what new ways the boss might find this time to excoriate and cajole them.
This year, however, Francis didn’t seem to have the curia tout court in his sights, so much as elements within it that he seems to believe are creating obstacles to his desired reforms.
This year, however, Francis didn’t seem to have the curia tout court in his sights, so much as elements within it that he seems to believe are creating obstacles to his desired reforms.
Wednesday, December 20, 2017
The ox, the ass, and the first manger scene
The Ox, the Ass, & the First Manger Scene | Parishable ItemsFELTES: In the year 1223 A.D., about two weeks before Christmas and three years before his death, St. Francis of Assisi shared an innovative idea with a beloved friend: “I want to do something that will recall the memory of that child who was born in Bethlehem, to see with bodily eyes the inconveniences of his infancy, how he lay in the manger, and how the ox and ass stood by.” With Pope Honorius III’s approval and his generous friend’s help, everything was ready for Christmas Eve.
Photo: See why Romans are mocking the city’s Christmas tree as “The Mangy One”
Rome's Christmas tree 'Mangy' needled for heavy shedding: Rome's official Christmas tree is shedding needles so quickly it has become a jolly joke for city residents.
The 21-meter- (70-foot-) high tree, which was lit up on Dec. 8, started dropping needles at a fast clip as soon as it was hoisted into the middle of bustling Rome's main square, Piazza Venezia.
Romans have dubbed the tree "The Mangy One." They're also needling Rome's mayor about the forlorn-looking specimen, which cost 48,000 euros ($57,000) to transport from South Tyrol, an Italian Alpine region.
The 21-meter- (70-foot-) high tree, which was lit up on Dec. 8, started dropping needles at a fast clip as soon as it was hoisted into the middle of bustling Rome's main square, Piazza Venezia.
Romans have dubbed the tree "The Mangy One." They're also needling Rome's mayor about the forlorn-looking specimen, which cost 48,000 euros ($57,000) to transport from South Tyrol, an Italian Alpine region.
Tuesday, December 19, 2017
The Bridegroom is near
The Bridegroom is Near - Community in Mission : Community in MissionPOPE: Christ came at Christmas as an infant and thus we don’t usually think of wedding imagery. Because the first coming has already been fulfilled, however, we can focus more on His second coming, of which the first is a sacramental reminder.
Thus, during Advent, our longing and excitement are also directed to His glorious second coming. In the parable of the wise and foolish virgins, this is the excited cry
Thus, during Advent, our longing and excitement are also directed to His glorious second coming. In the parable of the wise and foolish virgins, this is the excited cry
A curious history of Christmas in Great Britain
A Curious History of Christmas in Great BritainTURLEY: Today in Britain, Christmas is the pre-eminent holiday.
There is no other Christian or secular feast that attracts so much attention — or for that matter, so much hype. If proof were needed, the first Christmas items for sale started to surface in London stores back in September.
This wasn’t always the case. Christmas Day became an official holiday in Scotland, for example, only in 1958. For a period of time, Christmas was officially banned throughout the British Isles. The history of the celebration of Christmas tells us much about the state of the British soul.
The earliest known evidence of Christmas as a liturgical celebration occurs in the Pontificate of Julius I (337-352). He decreed that Dec. 25 was to be observed as the feast of the Nativity of the Lord.
There is no other Christian or secular feast that attracts so much attention — or for that matter, so much hype. If proof were needed, the first Christmas items for sale started to surface in London stores back in September.
This wasn’t always the case. Christmas Day became an official holiday in Scotland, for example, only in 1958. For a period of time, Christmas was officially banned throughout the British Isles. The history of the celebration of Christmas tells us much about the state of the British soul.
The earliest known evidence of Christmas as a liturgical celebration occurs in the Pontificate of Julius I (337-352). He decreed that Dec. 25 was to be observed as the feast of the Nativity of the Lord.
Reformation reconsidered: Of good fences, closed Communion and reunification
Reformation Reconsidered: Of Good Fences, Closed Communion and ReunificationBECKER: As a convert from evangelical Protestantism, I look on this year’s commemorations of Luther’s revolt with mixed emotions. No doubt, the Reformation’s schismatic ethos and the ensuing splintering of ecclesial unity was an epic disaster. But, for me, the legacy of Scriptural literacy and affinity from my evangelical past that carries forward into my Catholic present has been a spiritual boon. What’s more, it’s the very thing at the heart of all ecumenical contacts between Catholics and Protestants: Along with creedal affirmations and baptism, we together venerate the Bible as a prime point of contact with our Savior. “Ignorance of Scripture,” St. Jerome wrote, “is ignorance of Christ” (CCC 133) – a Catholic axiom that every one of our Protestant brothers and sisters can wholeheartedly endorse. We might have irreconcilable differences when it comes to Mary, Purgatory and papal authority, but our common love of God’s Word ought to bring us together.
Italy faces ‘dark future’ after passing new end-of-life law
Italy Faces ‘Dark Future’ After Passing New End-of-Life LawPENTIN: Some Italian bishops have strongly criticized a new law passed last week in Italy allowing adults to decide in living wills to refuse end-of-life medical treatment, including artificial nutrition and hydration, calling it “unacceptable,” “reprehensible” and state-sanctioned euthanasia in all but name. Lawmakers passed the legislation, called “biological testament” or “DAT” (advance provisions of treatment) last Thursday (180 in favor, 71 against) despite strong resistance from Catholic legislators who had presented more than 3,000 amendments in an attempt to block its passage.
The Church teaches that artificial hydration and nutrition are “ordinary means” of treatment that can be removed to allow a person to die from a terminal disease rather than prolong unnecessary suffering, but should never be withdrawn with the intent to kill, or to prevent nature from taking its proper course.
The Church teaches that artificial hydration and nutrition are “ordinary means” of treatment that can be removed to allow a person to die from a terminal disease rather than prolong unnecessary suffering, but should never be withdrawn with the intent to kill, or to prevent nature from taking its proper course.
A young agnostic becomes a Catholic priest
A young agnostic becomes a priest - The Arlington Catholic Herald: If good things come to those who wait, then great things are in store for Deacon Michael Baggot, a seminarian with the Legionaries of Christ. After 10 years in formation and studies that took him from Germany to Mexico to Rome, he is just days from his goal. The Christendom graduate will be ordained a priest Dec. 16 at the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls in Rome by Cardinal Giuseppe Bertello, president of the pontifical commission for the Vatican.
Twelve days in Xinjiang: How China’s surveillance state overwhelms daily life
Twelve Days in Xinjiang: How China’s Surveillance State Overwhelms Daily Life - WSJ: This city on China’s Central Asia frontier may be one of the most closely surveilled places on earth.
Security checkpoints with identification scanners guard the train station and roads in and out of town. Facial scanners track comings and goings at hotels, shopping malls and banks. Police use hand-held devices to search smartphones for encrypted chat apps, politically charged videos and other suspect content. To fill up with gas, drivers must first swipe their ID cards and stare into a camera.
Security checkpoints with identification scanners guard the train station and roads in and out of town. Facial scanners track comings and goings at hotels, shopping malls and banks. Police use hand-held devices to search smartphones for encrypted chat apps, politically charged videos and other suspect content. To fill up with gas, drivers must first swipe their ID cards and stare into a camera.
Bernard Cardinal Law, former Archbishop of Boston, dies at age 86
Cardinal Bernard Law, formerly of Boston, dies at age 86 :: Catholic News Agency (CNA): Cardinal Bernard Law has died after a brief hospitalization due to congenital heart failure, according to sources close to the cardinal and a report from the Boston Globe. He was 86 years old.
Law was appointed Archbishop of Boston in 1984, and resigned from the position on Dec. 13, 2002, after reports revealed that he did not disclose multiple allegations of clerical sexual abuse to the police or to the public, or intervene to remove priests accused of sexual abuse from priestly ministry.
Law was appointed Archbishop of Boston in 1984, and resigned from the position on Dec. 13, 2002, after reports revealed that he did not disclose multiple allegations of clerical sexual abuse to the police or to the public, or intervene to remove priests accused of sexual abuse from priestly ministry.
Maranatha mission: Come, Lord Jesus
Maranatha Mission: Come, Lord JesusWEIGEL: Happy (real) new year: the beginning of a new year of grace, which began Dec. 3 with the First Sunday of Advent.
“The holidays” so overwhelm our senses each December that it’s hard to remember that Advent, the season of preparation for Christmas, has a “thy-Kingdom-come” dimension as well as a Nativity dimension.
For the first two weeks of Advent, the Church ardently and insistently prays the ancient Aramaic Maranatha: “Come, Lord Jesus!” And that petition is prayed, not in a spirit of disgust or resignation — “C’mon, Lord, let’s get this over with” — but in the sure confidence that the Lord’s return in glory means the fulfillment of history: both the history of humanity and our personal histories.
For in the Second Coming, history will be finally revealed as His-story, God’s story, in which we have been privileged to participate by grace.
“The holidays” so overwhelm our senses each December that it’s hard to remember that Advent, the season of preparation for Christmas, has a “thy-Kingdom-come” dimension as well as a Nativity dimension.
For the first two weeks of Advent, the Church ardently and insistently prays the ancient Aramaic Maranatha: “Come, Lord Jesus!” And that petition is prayed, not in a spirit of disgust or resignation — “C’mon, Lord, let’s get this over with” — but in the sure confidence that the Lord’s return in glory means the fulfillment of history: both the history of humanity and our personal histories.
For in the Second Coming, history will be finally revealed as His-story, God’s story, in which we have been privileged to participate by grace.
I hate it when people say “the Lord will provide” — and it takes me aback when he does
I hate it when people say "The Lord will provide"MILLS: She said brightly, with a happy laugh, “The Lord will provide.” I hate when people say that. Because when they say it, He usually doesn’t. What they mean is, “I can’t be bothered, so God.”
I wanted to give some books to the Sacred Heart of Jesus bookshop in the Pittsburgh neighborhood of Bloomfield, where parking can’t easily be found. It’s a small independent Catholic used bookseller, run by two nuns, that depends on donations. I called to make sure I could park in the alley behind the store, because I had 35 to 40 bags of books to give them. They were the fruit of years of book-buying, a seminary faculty book allowance, and being on a lot of publishers’ review copy lists.
I wanted to give some books to the Sacred Heart of Jesus bookshop in the Pittsburgh neighborhood of Bloomfield, where parking can’t easily be found. It’s a small independent Catholic used bookseller, run by two nuns, that depends on donations. I called to make sure I could park in the alley behind the store, because I had 35 to 40 bags of books to give them. They were the fruit of years of book-buying, a seminary faculty book allowance, and being on a lot of publishers’ review copy lists.
Medjugorje pilgrimages still not approved, says Diocese of Mostar-Duvno
Local diocese: Medjugorje pilgrimages still not approved : News Headlines | Catholic Culture: The diocese in Bosnia-Herzegovina where Medjugorje is located has taken issue with a recent announcement by a Vatican-appointed visitor who said that pilgrimages to Medjugorje are now authorized.
Archbishop Henryk Hoser said last week that it is “no longer a problem” for church groups to schedule pilgrimages to Medjugorje. But the local diocese—which has always expressed deep skepticism about the alleged Marian apparitions there—has published an analysis noting that Archbishop Hoser’s term as a Vatican envoy has expired, and the Polish prelate does not have authority to rule on the matter.
Archbishop Henryk Hoser said last week that it is “no longer a problem” for church groups to schedule pilgrimages to Medjugorje. But the local diocese—which has always expressed deep skepticism about the alleged Marian apparitions there—has published an analysis noting that Archbishop Hoser’s term as a Vatican envoy has expired, and the Polish prelate does not have authority to rule on the matter.
Satan sneers at and mocks everything we hold sacred
On the Mockery of Satan - Community in Mission : Community in MissionPOPE: One of the common themes in demonology is the way Satan engages in the mockery of holy things. Most widely known are the Satanic “black masses.” Satanic mockery is also widely on display on Halloween, when the eve of all hallows (all saints) becomes a parade of the ghoulish, ugly, violent, unchaste, or just plain evil. Recently costume makers have mocked women religious by promoting costumes depicting pregnant nuns or religious habits altered to promote unchaste thoughts and depict religious life as lewd. No other religious group is subjected to this sort of mockery. Anti-Catholicism is almost the last forms of “acceptable” bigotry.
Vatican roundup: Pope and Islam, the Queen, a Polish legend and Padre Pio
Vatican roundup: Pope and Islam, the Queen, a Polish legend and Padre PioALLEN: Journalists covering other institutions around the world often struggle to find enough news to justify being in the newspaper, or getting TV airtime. At the Vatican, reporters often have the opposite problem - there’s so much news all the time, it’s almost impossible to keep up with everything.
Tuesday was one of those days on the Vatican beat, so rather than trying to report it all comprehensively, what follows are simply the highlights of a busy news day.
Tuesday was one of those days on the Vatican beat, so rather than trying to report it all comprehensively, what follows are simply the highlights of a busy news day.
U.S. “Rosary priest” Fr. Patrick Peyton, Cardinal Wyszynski among canonization causes moving forward
Polish cardinal, "Rosary Priest" among sainthood causes moving forward :: Catholic News Agency (CNA): Pope Francis on Tuesday recognized the heroic virtue of Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski, the former Metropolitan Archbishop of Warsaw, as well as Patrick Peyton, an Irish priest known for his promotion of the Rosary.
The Pope recognized the heroic virtue Dec. 19 of six other people on the path to canonization, as well as the martyrdom of Teodoro Illera Del Olmo, priest of the Congregation of St. Peter in Chains, and 15 companions, who were killed ‘in hatred of the faith’ during the religious persecution in Spain in 1936 and 1937.
Miracles attributed to the intercession of diocesan priest Giovanni Battista Fouque (1851-1926) and Jesuit priest Tiburzio Arnaiz Nunoz, founder of the Misioneras de las Doctrinas Rurales (1903-1977), were also approved, paving the way for their beatification.
The Pope recognized the heroic virtue Dec. 19 of six other people on the path to canonization, as well as the martyrdom of Teodoro Illera Del Olmo, priest of the Congregation of St. Peter in Chains, and 15 companions, who were killed ‘in hatred of the faith’ during the religious persecution in Spain in 1936 and 1937.
Miracles attributed to the intercession of diocesan priest Giovanni Battista Fouque (1851-1926) and Jesuit priest Tiburzio Arnaiz Nunoz, founder of the Misioneras de las Doctrinas Rurales (1903-1977), were also approved, paving the way for their beatification.
Why the Vatican is using milk to paint its buildings
Why the Vatican is using milk to paint its buildings - CNN Style: The Belvedere Palace, which dates back to 1484 and houses precious art of the Vatican Museums, is currently being re-painted with milk.
It's an ancient recipe that has proven more lasting than any modern synthetic paints: "We're not nostalgic for the past," said the Vatican's chief architect, Vitale Zanchettin.
Related:
Two Raphael paintings unearthed at the Vatican after 500 years
"The point is that we think these solutions age better. They are tried and tested."
It's an ancient recipe that has proven more lasting than any modern synthetic paints: "We're not nostalgic for the past," said the Vatican's chief architect, Vitale Zanchettin.
Related:
Two Raphael paintings unearthed at the Vatican after 500 years
"The point is that we think these solutions age better. They are tried and tested."
Monday, December 18, 2017
An important and little-known fact about the Temple of Jerusalem
An Important and Little-Known Fact About the Temple of JerusalemAKIN: Many people have the idea that, in biblical times, the Jerusalem temple was exclusively for Jewish use.
This is a natural assumption, given the hostilities that led to the Jewish War of the A.D. 60s, as well as the attitude of some Jewish Christians who thought salvation was impossible for Gentiles.
But the historical evidence shows otherwise.
This is a subject I’ve written about before, but here are some interesting examples that further illustrate the actual situation
This is a natural assumption, given the hostilities that led to the Jewish War of the A.D. 60s, as well as the attitude of some Jewish Christians who thought salvation was impossible for Gentiles.
But the historical evidence shows otherwise.
This is a subject I’ve written about before, but here are some interesting examples that further illustrate the actual situation
A culture in need of that manger scene
Christmas, Planned Parenthood & Culture in Need of a Manger | National ReviewLOPEZ: Upon news of a Christmas variety show benefiting Planned Parenthood, my National Review colleague Kevin Williamson tweeted: “You’re getting the story all wrong... It was the grave that was empty, not the manger.” The reference, of course, is to Christmas and Easter, two days crucial to Christian beliefs about salvation. Year after year, the Internet tends to notice Christmas or holiday cards from or benefiting the country’s largest abortion provider, sometimes mentioning peace and in at least one case being explicit about the Christian story: “For Unto Us a Child is Born,” one option provides.
In sentimentalist theology, there is no God but Santa
No God but Santa | Ulrich L. Lehner | First ThingsLEHNER: A few days ago, one of my undergraduate students asked me, “Why do so many people believe that God is like an old man in the clouds?”
I responded, “Because there is no God but Santa”—and after a pause, added: “. . . in sentimentalist theology.”
We have only to look at the usual Christmas movies and TV shows to find the proof for this view. The “Santa God” gives us a warm, fuzzy feeling—like a cozy blanket on a cold winter day—and brings us what we want. This God is the ultimate vending machine: As long as you are “nice” here and there, you get a present and perhaps even a place in heaven.
I responded, “Because there is no God but Santa”—and after a pause, added: “. . . in sentimentalist theology.”
We have only to look at the usual Christmas movies and TV shows to find the proof for this view. The “Santa God” gives us a warm, fuzzy feeling—like a cozy blanket on a cold winter day—and brings us what we want. This God is the ultimate vending machine: As long as you are “nice” here and there, you get a present and perhaps even a place in heaven.
What you need to know about Middle East Christians and the Jerusalem question
Jerusalem & Trump Decision: Middle Eastern Christians Are Not Pro-Israel | National ReviewFRANKOVICH: Christian leaders in the Middle East oppose U.S. recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. The underlying issue is that Christians in the region side with the Palestinian cause against the Jewish state, on the whole. Exceptions exist, and one could argue that pro-Israeli Christians ought to be the majority in the churches of the Middle East, but that would be another blog post, or a book.
Some American Christians, particularly Evangelicals, seem unaware that any tension exists between the Israeli flag on their wall and the Arabic letter nun — N, for Nazarene, a symbol of solidarity with persecuted Christians in Arab countries — that they wear on their lapel. Many who do see the tension look away, because they don’t know how to resolve the apparent conflict.
Some American Christians, particularly Evangelicals, seem unaware that any tension exists between the Israeli flag on their wall and the Arabic letter nun — N, for Nazarene, a symbol of solidarity with persecuted Christians in Arab countries — that they wear on their lapel. Many who do see the tension look away, because they don’t know how to resolve the apparent conflict.
South Bend native dedicates herself as consecrated virgin
South Bend native dedicates herself as consecrated virgin - Today's Catholic: On Nov. 18, Jennifer Sergio publicly embraced a vocation to consecrated virginity, lived in the world. Bishop Timothy L. Doherty presided over the ceremony at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Lafayette, assisted by Sergio’s uncle, Bishop William A. Wack, CSC, of the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee, Florida.
The occasion came two days before the funeral of Sergio’s grandfather, Dr. James Wack, a longtime parishioner at Christ the King Parish in South Bend. Her mother, Terri Sergio, is the oldest of Jim and Alice Wack’s 10 children.
The occasion came two days before the funeral of Sergio’s grandfather, Dr. James Wack, a longtime parishioner at Christ the King Parish in South Bend. Her mother, Terri Sergio, is the oldest of Jim and Alice Wack’s 10 children.
Land Registry data reveals secret network of Cold War-era of tunnels under London
How Land Registry data reveals London’s secret tunnels – Who owns England?: The existence of a secret network of Cold War-era tunnels beneath central London can be confirmed by recently-released Land Registry data, Who Owns England can reveal.
There’s growing public interest in opening up previously hidden parts of subterranean London – from the unearthing of buried rivers, to the success of underground tourist ventures like the Cabinet War Rooms and the Mail Rail. But the authorities have remained reluctant to publicly confirm the existence of some of London’s most secretive tunnel systems – until now.
Last month, the Land Registry released free of charge its Corporate & Commercial dataset, which lists the 3.5 million land and property titles owned by all UK companies and corporate bodies. Some careful sifting of this vast dataset has uncovered various tunnels and underground chambers beneath London owned by the Post Office, BT, and the Ministry of Defence.
There’s growing public interest in opening up previously hidden parts of subterranean London – from the unearthing of buried rivers, to the success of underground tourist ventures like the Cabinet War Rooms and the Mail Rail. But the authorities have remained reluctant to publicly confirm the existence of some of London’s most secretive tunnel systems – until now.
Last month, the Land Registry released free of charge its Corporate & Commercial dataset, which lists the 3.5 million land and property titles owned by all UK companies and corporate bodies. Some careful sifting of this vast dataset has uncovered various tunnels and underground chambers beneath London owned by the Post Office, BT, and the Ministry of Defence.
This is the best Advent hymn ever. I wonder if you’ve heard of it...
Best Advent Hymn! I Wonder If You’ve Ever Heard of It - Community in Mission : Community in MissionPOPE: For my money, the best Advent hymn ever is Veni Redemptor Gentium (Come Redeemer of the Nations), written by St. Ambrose in the 4th century. It is more widely known by the title “Come Thou Redeemer of the Earth.” Sadly, it is not often sung in Catholic parishes today. Most Catholics I’ve asked have never even heard of it.
One of the beautiful things about the ancient Latin hymns is how richly theological they are. Not content to merely describe an event, they give sweeping theological vision and delve into its more hidden mysteries.
One of the beautiful things about the ancient Latin hymns is how richly theological they are. Not content to merely describe an event, they give sweeping theological vision and delve into its more hidden mysteries.
‘A quiet departure’: Cardinal Law is said to be on his deathbed
Whispers in the Loggia: “A Quiet Departure” – In Cardinal Law’s Last Days, Boston (and Rome) BracesPALMO: Even with the Pope’s 81st birthday – and the usual attempts at controversies – dominating center stage in this run-up to Christmas, per usual, the story you're not hearing about is the most significant of them all.
Fifteen years to the week since his resignation as archbishop of Boston amid the fallout of a scandal that would spread across the global church, Cardinal Bernard Law is facing his final illness in a Roman hospital, according to several Whispers ops informed of the situation.
Said to be undergoing “a slow, steady decline,” several of his devoted aides at his bedside, church officials on both sides of the Atlantic are in active preparation for the death of the 86 year-old prelate – a day long dreaded given the ongoing fury the cardinal evokes as the perceived emblematic figure of a cover-up for abusive priests, a tragedy whose local reporting in 2002 sparked the greatest crisis American Catholicism has ever known.
Fifteen years to the week since his resignation as archbishop of Boston amid the fallout of a scandal that would spread across the global church, Cardinal Bernard Law is facing his final illness in a Roman hospital, according to several Whispers ops informed of the situation.
Said to be undergoing “a slow, steady decline,” several of his devoted aides at his bedside, church officials on both sides of the Atlantic are in active preparation for the death of the 86 year-old prelate – a day long dreaded given the ongoing fury the cardinal evokes as the perceived emblematic figure of a cover-up for abusive priests, a tragedy whose local reporting in 2002 sparked the greatest crisis American Catholicism has ever known.
Sr. Lucia of Fatima explains why devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary is so important
Sister Lucia Explains Devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary Is a ‘Must’PRONECHEN: Now that Fatima has celebrated 100 years, the message is more urgent than ever. As culture and peace continue to deteriorate, still Our Lady of Fatima has the answer to reverse the downward spiral. Beginning with these two “musts.”
The daily Rosary. Devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Servant of God Sister Lucia tells us why in her Memoirs and explains more in her book, “Calls” From the Message of Fatima.
Concerning devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, two major blue-letter (for the Blessed Mother) dates after the 1917 apparitions are Dec. 10, 1925 and Dec. 17, 1927.
The daily Rosary. Devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Servant of God Sister Lucia tells us why in her Memoirs and explains more in her book, “Calls” From the Message of Fatima.
Concerning devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, two major blue-letter (for the Blessed Mother) dates after the 1917 apparitions are Dec. 10, 1925 and Dec. 17, 1927.
Sunday, December 17, 2017
Pope’s Gaudete Sunday Angelus: ‘Constant joy, persevering prayer, constant thanksgiving’
Angelus Address: On Gaudete Sunday – ZENIT – English: Here is a ZENIT translation of the address Pope Francis gave today before and after praying the midday Angelus with those gathered in St. Peter’s Square.
Saturday, December 16, 2017
Our old, misused friend, “Ecclesia supplet”
ASK FATHER: Our old, misused friend, “Ecclesia supplet” | Fr. Z's BlogZUHLSDORF: Ah, our old, frequently misused friend, Ecclesia supplet. Hauled out on a regular basis to cover up the faults and foibles of the all-too-human elements in the Church. Once again, used improperly. It’s probably better to get used to using the full phrase – ecclesia supplet facultatem. The Church supplies the faculty. The Church supplies jurisdiction. In certain situations when a minister of the Church acts improperly, the Church can supply the faculty that the minister was supposed to have.
The Church does not supply grace where grace is lacking.
The Church does not supply faith where faith is lacking.
The Church does not supply salvation where salvation is lacking.
The Church, despite having a divine foundation and divine guidance, is not God.
The Church does not supply grace where grace is lacking.
The Church does not supply faith where faith is lacking.
The Church does not supply salvation where salvation is lacking.
The Church, despite having a divine foundation and divine guidance, is not God.
Sweet, beautiful, soul-saving joy: A homily for the Third Sunday of Advent
Sweet, Beautiful, Soul-Saving Joy – A Homily for the Third Sunday of Advent - Community in Mission : Community in MissionPOPE: This Sunday is traditionally called Gaudete Sunday, based on the Introit for the day: Gaudete in Domino semper, iterum dico, Gaudete (Phil 4:4) (Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say, Rejoice). Today, this theme is developed most fully in the 2nd reading, which is from 1 Thessalonians. It also begins with the salutation and imperative, “Rejoice always.”
Let’s take a closer look at that reading and what is meant by the admonition to “rejoice.”
Let’s take a closer look at that reading and what is meant by the admonition to “rejoice.”
Watch: Benedictine College put out a great Christmas video this year
WATCH: Benedictine College Shares Evocative Nativity Story | The Gregorian Institute at Benedictine College: For its Christmas video (watch it above, or here), Benedictine College created an evocative presentation of the Christmas story starring familiar faces on campus.
Joseph is played by Father Simon Baker OSB, the college’s chaplain, and Mary is played by Sister Joan Kolbe Kjerstad MS, a sophomore pursuing a nursing degree.
The college chose consecrated people to play the roles of Joseph and Mary to highlight the special commitment of the Blessed Virgin Mary and “her most chaste spouse.”
Joseph is played by Father Simon Baker OSB, the college’s chaplain, and Mary is played by Sister Joan Kolbe Kjerstad MS, a sophomore pursuing a nursing degree.
The college chose consecrated people to play the roles of Joseph and Mary to highlight the special commitment of the Blessed Virgin Mary and “her most chaste spouse.”
When your acts of mercy are rejected by the recipient, they can become even more spiritually powerful
BIG C CATHOLICS: Sacrificial Ministry is Incomplete Without the CrossHARLOW: This article concerns working with the poor, the homeless, the mentally ill and addicts. If your experience of this kind of ministry is limited to the occasional conference talk on social justice in an air-conditioned building, bolstered by small group discussions followed by a tasty lunch, you won’t appreciate it.
If you have hands-on experience with the above-mentioned population, who rejected your good intentions at “helping them,” then you will understand the Gospels in their complexity and entirety.
For most Christians, the seminal Gospel passage often quoted regarding social justice and ministry to the poor is Matthew 25:35-40: “‘I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.’ Then the righteous will answer him and say, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? When did we see you ill or in prison and visit you?’ And the king will say to them in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.’”
If you have hands-on experience with the above-mentioned population, who rejected your good intentions at “helping them,” then you will understand the Gospels in their complexity and entirety.
For most Christians, the seminal Gospel passage often quoted regarding social justice and ministry to the poor is Matthew 25:35-40: “‘I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.’ Then the righteous will answer him and say, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? When did we see you ill or in prison and visit you?’ And the king will say to them in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.’”
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