Yikes!
(Thanks JS for the photo!)
Give it a whirl...
Jeffrey at Roving Medievalist has a very good post, suggesting bloggers occasionally write about their home parish - highlighting customs, people, etc. Indeed, it is a good way to share with others some positive things in the Church, taking place right where we live. I think it's a great idea.
Above, liturgical dance as it is done at my parish, this happens to be the line for Communion - active participation is not a problem here! (Just on Sundays though.)
It's not that unusual...
Photo: Cardinal Ivan Diaz lighting lamp/incense, before Hindu deity, Ganesha - an elephant headed god. (More photos at Tradition in Action. I was unable to find a more recent photo I came across, showing another Bishop performing a similar function in honor of a pagan deity, not that it matters. Although at one time, martyrs gave their lives rather than make sacrifices to idols.)On Pentecost, St Joan of Arc had Tibetan monks chanting during Mass - it was a mystical experience for some.
"The resonances of this chant stirs me on the level of insight. It envisions the deep stirring of oneness and, dare I say, the divine groanings. So please enter into the chants with a new listening." - Fr. DeBruycker, St. Joan's pastor.
An event such as this is not so unusual however. Several years ago, St. Paul Seminary had chanting Tibetan monks in the sanctuary of the chapel (one sat lotus position on the altar) for a prayer service. Lately, Bishops have been photographed lighting incense to Asian deities, etc. Traditionalists lamented the International Assisi inter-religious conferences where pagans worshipped alongside Catholics - performing pagan rituals in Catholic sanctuaries. And one ought not to forget the Beatification Mass of Mother Teresa of Calcutta, with Hindu-esque dancers during the Offertory.
This stuff hardly seems news-worthy any longer.
"By means of shrewd lies, unremittingly repeated, it is possible to make people believe that heaven is hell — and hell heaven. The greater the lie, the more readily it will be believed." - Some fellow with the last name of Hitler.
(Thank you Ray for the lead on this story.)
Drivel
"Idiotic utterance; silly nonsense; twaddle. A useful way of passing time, a productive way of releasing tension and defusing flames, as well as an opportunity to explicate one's vast knowledge of utterly useless matters." - Web definition
The other day I noticed a commentator using this term in describing blogs. He thought most blogs were drivel. It occasioned some introspection.
(Painting: "Man Imitating Cloud" - Norwegian painter, Odd Nerdrum)
Memorial Day 2007
"It is scarcely possible that the eyes of contemporaries should discover in the public felicity the latent causes of decay and corruption. This long peace, and the uniform government of the Romans, introduced a slow and secret poison into the vitals of the empire. The minds of men were gradually reduced to the same level, the fire of genius was extinguished, and even the military spirit evaporated." - The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire
Head coverings for women...
Photo, President and Mrs. Kennedy leavng Mass in Newport, RI.
The cover up
Obviously this dressing up for Church thing has really grabbed my attention. (And here I'm the one who used to make fun of women who wear chapel veils - so I'm just as bad as everyone else.)
Anyway, quite by accident, while looking for funny nun pictures, I came across this interesting piece regarding the history of women's head coverings. (It is neither scholarly nor exhaustive, yet remains interesting nonetheless.) Have a read, ladies:
A short history
"But then I read the writings of the early Christians. And then I understood why Mennonite and Amish women wear prayer veils or head coverings. I realized that it was in obedience to 1 Corinthians 11:5, which says, “Every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head, for that is one and the same as if her head were shaved.” The early Christian women veiled their heads not only in church, but also anytime they were in public.
From my later study of church history, I discovered that Christian women continued to maintain this practice through the all centuries up to the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. During the nineteenth century, many Christians in the United States and western Europe began arguing that long hair constituted the only covering women needed. Others said that women only needed to wear a covering when in church. The middle class and wealthy women switched from veils and caps to ornate bonnets—if they wore a covering at all. Bonnets became more a matter of fashion than of modesty or obedience to 1 Corinthians 11.
By the turn of the twentieth century, the ornate bonnets of the nineteenth century had given way to ladies’ hats. Until the mid-century, women in Europe and America typically wore a hat or scarf in public, but they were simply following tradition and fashion—without realizing that there was originally a spiritual reason behind the practice. Similarly, until about 1960, western women wore hats when in church. But the meaning behind the hat was lost.
Today, Christian women in eastern churches still cover their heads in church. Some of them cover their heads all of the time. In the west, some Plymouth Brethren women still wear the prayer veil in church, as do many black women. But usually these sisters do not wear a head covering at other times." -Source: "Headcoverings Through the Centuries"
Now isn't that just special? (Yes, I know, the scriptural passage is why Caholic women covered their heads in Church. But once again, did you know that Jackie Kennedy is the one who popularized the mantilla in the U.S.? Until then, most women wore hats or scarves - or that doilie thingie.)
And another thing
Strangely enough, Fr. Edward MacNamarra recently (5/22/07) responded to a question concerning the scriptural injunction for women's heads to be covered, he had this to say:
"During St. Paul's time it was considered modest for a woman to cover her head, and he was underscoring this point for their presence in the liturgical assembly.
This custom was considered normative and was enshrined in Canon 1262.2 of the 1917 Code of Canon Law alongside the recommendation that men and women be separated in Church and that men go bareheaded. This canon was dropped from the new Code of Canon Law promulgated in 1983, but the practice had already begun to fall into disuse from about the beginning of the 1970s.
Even though no longer legally binding, the custom is still widely practiced in some countries, especially in Asia. It has been generally abandoned in most Western countries even though women, unlike men, may still wear hats and veils to Mass if they choose. Sociological factors might also have been involved. The greater emphasis on the equality of man and woman tended to downplay elements that stressed their differences.
Likewise, for the first time in centuries, not donning a hat outdoors, especially for men, ceased being considered as bad manners, whereas up to a few years beforehand it was deemed unseemly to go around hatless. This general dropping of head covering by both sexes may also have influenced the disappearance of the religious custom." - Zenit - May 22, 2007
Finally, one more, "Did you know?" Yeah, so did you know that Hassidic Jewish women must always have their head covered as well? But they wear wigs - which is technically a head covering. :)
Maria Elena Vidal, at "Tea At Trianon" has a beautiful post on this subject, concerning the mystical significance of head coverings for women.
The Cathedral of Los Angeles
Above the bronze doors of the new Cathedral stands this figure of Our Lady. Both were designed by the Mexican born, Los Angeles sculptor, Robert Graham, who coincidentally is married to actress Anjelica Huston. I believe the architectual design of this Cathedral would be considered "Post-Modern" as opposed to the International Style I reference on my post at Abbey Road2.
Bad habits
Some nuns I have known were incredibly happy that the old habits were modernized, especially since the coifs went from starched linen to a type of plastic material, probably Bakelite or something, to keep the cone head, or umbrella look the habit evolved to. Pius XII ordered the modification of the habit to accommodate modern life - like nuns driving cars.Nursing sisters really appreciated the freedom of the pared down habits, their sleeves and headgear no longer got in the way. No wonder some of the old nuns were cranky. Interestingly enough, cloistered nuns usually had soft coifs and veils, which were not uncomfortable or constraining, neither were they weird.
I knew it!
Rosie quit The View!
I really did know Rosie was going to do something passive aggressive after Elizabeth stood up to her. I told a friend, after the stuff hit the fan between her and Elizabeth, that she wouldn't be on the air the next day - she'd call in sick or something. Sure enough, she did take off, for her "wife's" birthday - as Barbara said, covering for her. I'd say sweet little Elizabeth can hold her own, huh? She won the cat fight. (Little sweeties have a tough side, they just don't bully people.)
Yes, I will admit it - Rosie is a bully. We all went to school with her type; loud mouthed, tom-boy. Kind of homely and fat. They liked to pick on the femme girls who were smarter and prettier than themselves. With dykes, that attitude doesn't go away - they channel it by becoming bull-dykes. Rosey femmes up for TV, but she's a beer joint lesbian, to be sure.
I kind of feel sorry for her. She demonstrates, by her aggressive and argumentative behavior how utterly unhappy she is. She transfers all this onto whatever issue happens to piss her off at the moment. Getting "married" and having kids didn't help much - oh, maybe for awhile, but she's on some good anti-depressants - and I think she drinks. Success doesn't make any difference for her, although she uses her money for various charities, even that doesn't make her happy. She's an angry woman.
Was it her mom dying when she was young? Was she abused in some way? Or was it she just didn't fit in with her peer group? Who knows, but that anger simply indicates some very deep wound. And yes, as one blogger put it she is jealous of Elizabeth, the pretty girl, all pregnant, in a wonderful normal marriage, invited to the White House, and lunch with the Queen. I believe Rosie always wanted something like that. I'm pretty sure, deep down, most gays do as well, to some degree - that being a normal, love-filled life.
For some gays, accepting them as they are will probably never really make them happy, even if they get everything they want. I believe they know this deep down. There is always that wound in their soul, that hole, in spite of which, even if they got all they think they want and need, will never be filled; there is a sorrow that will never be assuaged. No matter how normal they try to be, homosexuality will never be normative. This fact alone is what should move us to compassion - not pity - but rather a deeper understanding of that interior suffering.
Anyway - good for Elizabeth. I've now changed my opinion about her, I believe she may have spoken for many normal American women that day, and a tyrant backed down. (Maybe Elizabeth should be negotiating with some of our Nation's enemies.)
I still like Rosie though - it's fun to see someone stir the pot like she does. (She's still the nicest dyke I've ever met.) Just watch however - she will be going into rehab next.
Cathy the "Star Wars" lady, may like this upcoming event...
Photo: Actual alien abductees. Note; Cathy is in the center, with Adoro to the right - this was taken when Adoro was a cop. Ray is the one with the shaved head.
Attendees to this groundbreaking event will enjoy:
Classic "flying saucer" sci-fi films and new UFO movies.
Lectures and panel discussions by renowned scientists, investigators, witnesses, authors and abductees.
Live music inspired by UFO's and sci-fi.
Theater, standup and readings.
A gallery of UFO art by abductees and enthusiasts.
Lectures and panel discussions by renowned scientists, investigators, witnesses, authors and abductees.
Live music inspired by UFO's and sci-fi.
Theater, standup and readings.
A gallery of UFO art by abductees and enthusiasts.
Earlier this year, Crescat was taking donations to send herself to Rome. (I wonder how that went.) Maybe I should start taking donations to send Cathy to NYC for the event? It happens next month so there isn't much time. (Cash donations only please - I will see that she gets them.)
Bob Dylan's birthday...
Today is Bob Dylan's birthday. Not that I'm one of those die hard fans who keeps track of that stuff. It was on the local News. He is from Minnesota, the Iron Range. He's so famous, the State likes to claim him as their own - and the News, which is celebrity driven anyway, will feature an item like this. Time was however, when people sneered at the mention of his name, and mocked his music.I liked Dylan. As an artist wannabe, he appealed to my sense of non-conformity. I was enthralled with his lyrics and translated them into the paintings I produced in art class. He left home in High School and went to New York - I left home mid senior year. I stayed in St. Paul and finished school, while supporting myself in a job. (It was such a Holden Caufield thing to do at the time, but of course, Dylan was kind of a hero to me then as well.)
Dylan's lyrics spoke against the so-called establishment and status quo of the time, so it's interesting the same types he railed against then, happen to be the same types who now embrace him for his fame. Oh certainly, today's establishment happens to be grown up baby-boomers. But it's the same game being played. As they approach their golden years, the rebel is simply a nostalgic memory. Money and fame trumps everything, so he's a respectable guy now. Just like Prince, a later musical antagonist.
"The Ballad of a Thin Man" was sort of the anthem for my life then - until the Beatles came along with "Abbey-Roads" - don't ask me why - I expect it was the combination of the lyrics and music. For his birthday - here are the beginning lyrics for the "Thin Man":
.
You walk into the room
With your pencil in your hand
You see somebody naked
And you say, "Who is that man?"
You try so hard
But you don't understand
Just what you'll say
When you get home
.
Because something is happening here
But you don't know what it is
Do you, Mister Jones?
.
You raise up your head
And you ask, "Is this where it is?"
And somebody points to you and says"It's his"
And you say, "What's mine?"
And somebody else says, "Where what is?"
And you say, "Oh my God
Am I here all alone?"
.
Because something is happening here
But you don't know what it is
Do you, Mister Jones?
.
That's all.
I never promised you a rose garden...
The Rose Garden Press Conference.
Since it was raining this morning, I was hoping to watch "The View" with the anticipation of another cat fight on the program, instead it was pre-empted for the President's press conference. He did well, as he usually does.
One thing he said was, "The Iraqi people are safer now than when Saddam was in power." That seems rather optimistic. He insisted that we are there at the invitation of the Iraqi government and that we would leave if they asked us to. He stressed the point that they are a sovereign nation, and we must respect their rights. Wasn't Iraq a sovereign nation under Saddam as well?
Cat Fight!!!!!
Crap! I love a good cat fight! I missed "The View" this morning. (Not that I watch it.) I guess Elizabeth and Rosie went nuts on each other. (Go here for the video.)
Proper attire for Mass...
Dress up - not down for Mass.
Remember, it's summertime - one should be properly dressed for Mass. Cathy at Recovering Dissident Catholic has a terrific post on the subject. (Seriously.) It's a follow-up to her internationally acclaimed post on what some people wear to Mass on Pentecost - I can't even say what that is. (Her previous post, "Gang Colors At Holy Mass" garnered a spot on Fr. Z's blog!)
[Photo: John Paul II after receiving the Offertory gifts from a semi-naked woman in Papua, New Guinea, 1984.]
Dance, dance, dance...
Just an old photo I came across...
Many bloggers have expressed disdain for liturgical dance, I have been one of them, but if it was okay for John Paul II, it's okay. This is a photo from World Youth Day 2000.
“The new Ordo was promulgated in order to replace the old one”. - Paul VI
New in a series...
Funny Pope stories...
Did you know that in the 1970's there were spurious apparitions which claimed Paul VI was replaced by an imposter? There are still people who believe this stuff. They claim these pictures prove it...
Supposedly the noses are the real give away. Perhaps these people do not take into consideration that noses have a tendency to change as we age...although did you notice the ears?
Boston legal...
I heard a couple of my former co-workers were in Boston this week for a seminar. (Notice the mom - bottom - never drops her beer.)
I'll drink to that...
Bar Exam
A defence lawyer questioning a witness in a drunk-driving case asked, "Officer, you say you are absolutely sure the defendant was intoxicated?"
"Yes, sir," was the answer.
"And how long have you been with the police?"
"Six months," replied the officer.
"After only six months on the force," continued the defence attorney, "you are able to say with certainty that the defendant was intoxicated?"
"Well, before I joined the force," replied the rookie, "I was a bartender for 16 years."
I love this story...
Vicious Gossips.
Four women fired from their jobs for gossip. If that rule was in operation at my former workplace, there would be no employees, or bosses. That place thrives on gossip.
Everyone there tells everything they know - and if they don't know for sure, they repeat it anyway.
Yet Another Meme...
Adoro tagged me for this meme:
1. What do you hope to accomplish with your blog?
Catharsis. Just write what comes to mind - 'stream of consciousness stuff'. At the beginning I wanted to post things about prayer and the saints that most people don't know, and then Don Marco came along and did it so much better. Nevertheless, I still add my two cents worth - I want a sinner's view of it all, a layman with many faults - that sort of witness. And it is cathartic. I can say what I like, and get feedback - without having been interrupted as one is in live conversation. I've learned a lot from my blogs.
2. Are you a spiritual person?
Decidedly. I always have been. I pray.
3. If you were stranded on a deserted island, what three things would you want to have with you?
A beautiful statue of the Blessed Virgin, a Bible, and the Internet.
4. What’s your favorite childhood memory?
I don't really have one. As a teenager, it would have involved having been a part of my Italian friend's family life - just Sunday mornings in their busy kitchens.
5. Are these your first (tagging) memes?
That would be a no.
Then there is this part:
8 random facts people don't know about me. (This is not a "tell all".)
1. I'm a really good detective. I learned it from my mom who was kind of nuts.
2. Along with that, I have really good intuitive skills. I can read people very well - it's like radar. (I don't do demos.)
3. I am an excellent cook - but I rarely make the effort any longer. (I'm a natural, a cuisine artiste, an original cook, with sensibilities for spices and flavors beyond comprehension, as well as technique - beyond cook books and recipe files. I'm not modest about my gifts...never have been. Oh - no demos on this one either.)
4. I dislike religious people - church people - people who wear their piety on their sleeves or try to shove it down people's throats, you know, the dogmatic, doctrinaire types - the ones who tell people they are going to hell if they don't do this or that. Oh, along with this, nosey, gossipy priests - but I guess they knew that.
5. I've forgiven my parents and other abusers - I just remain apart from family because I can cope with life better that way.
6. Along with that - I actually have friends and do engage in social activities - everyone thinks I'm such a recluse.
7. I don't 'hate' my former employer or their family - I was just hugely disappointed in them. I realize they have their problems too - it is just too bad it affects so many other people. They are not bad people - much to the contrary - perhaps they simply do good things badly - like most of us do. They have tough skins however, as do I.
8. I told off two different Bishops, in two different situations - details will not follow. (I'm not proud of it...confessed it, apologized, apology accepted, etc..) Yet it ties in with something everyone knows about me, I have problems with authority - especially when they are wrong...see, I am so not humble - which everyone knows as well.
Yeah, I'm not tagging anyone. Memes are kinda high school/college, don't ya think?
1. What do you hope to accomplish with your blog?
Catharsis. Just write what comes to mind - 'stream of consciousness stuff'. At the beginning I wanted to post things about prayer and the saints that most people don't know, and then Don Marco came along and did it so much better. Nevertheless, I still add my two cents worth - I want a sinner's view of it all, a layman with many faults - that sort of witness. And it is cathartic. I can say what I like, and get feedback - without having been interrupted as one is in live conversation. I've learned a lot from my blogs.
2. Are you a spiritual person?
Decidedly. I always have been. I pray.
3. If you were stranded on a deserted island, what three things would you want to have with you?
A beautiful statue of the Blessed Virgin, a Bible, and the Internet.
4. What’s your favorite childhood memory?
I don't really have one. As a teenager, it would have involved having been a part of my Italian friend's family life - just Sunday mornings in their busy kitchens.
5. Are these your first (tagging) memes?
That would be a no.
Then there is this part:
8 random facts people don't know about me. (This is not a "tell all".)
1. I'm a really good detective. I learned it from my mom who was kind of nuts.
2. Along with that, I have really good intuitive skills. I can read people very well - it's like radar. (I don't do demos.)
3. I am an excellent cook - but I rarely make the effort any longer. (I'm a natural, a cuisine artiste, an original cook, with sensibilities for spices and flavors beyond comprehension, as well as technique - beyond cook books and recipe files. I'm not modest about my gifts...never have been. Oh - no demos on this one either.)
4. I dislike religious people - church people - people who wear their piety on their sleeves or try to shove it down people's throats, you know, the dogmatic, doctrinaire types - the ones who tell people they are going to hell if they don't do this or that. Oh, along with this, nosey, gossipy priests - but I guess they knew that.
5. I've forgiven my parents and other abusers - I just remain apart from family because I can cope with life better that way.
6. Along with that - I actually have friends and do engage in social activities - everyone thinks I'm such a recluse.
7. I don't 'hate' my former employer or their family - I was just hugely disappointed in them. I realize they have their problems too - it is just too bad it affects so many other people. They are not bad people - much to the contrary - perhaps they simply do good things badly - like most of us do. They have tough skins however, as do I.
8. I told off two different Bishops, in two different situations - details will not follow. (I'm not proud of it...confessed it, apologized, apology accepted, etc..) Yet it ties in with something everyone knows about me, I have problems with authority - especially when they are wrong...see, I am so not humble - which everyone knows as well.
Yeah, I'm not tagging anyone. Memes are kinda high school/college, don't ya think?
NOTE: I've re-considered - I tag Jeffrey Smith of Roving Medievalist!
One more guess...
This time I didn't talk to Georg. (Monsignor Ganswein, the Pope's Secretary, for those of you who don't know him.) But I'm guessing that Penetcost would be a good day to release the Motu Proprio.The Medical Establishment And Their Scams
I've decided that the Medical Industry is in collusion with the Insurance Industry to bilk millions of dollars out of the pockets of the American people. (Like this is breaking news or something!)
After leaving the work force, I was offered a COBRA plan that would extend my medical insurance coverage. My out of pocket cost was just under $800 a month, along with higher co-pays for office visits and care. despite all of my health problems, I opted to self-insure - in other words, to pay as I go. (I wish pain pills were over the counter!)
I visited my Doctor for advice on how to cut my health care costs. Amazingly, he gave me 5 over the counter medications that I could substitute for the equivalent prescription meds I was already taking. (Incidently, one medication was almost $300 a month.) He said I needed 2 other prescription medications, although I talked him into weening me off of one. (He told me since I was no longer working in such a negative environment, and my stress level would be reduced, I'd be okay with diet and exercise.) Then he told me that when I visit him, he would keep the visits short when possible, and refrain from ordering all the usual tests he had done in the past.
I thought, 'well that was sure nice of him to do!' Yet I began to wonder, how much of the stuff he had me go through, MRI's, CT's, butt probes, etc. were actually necessary? Why did I have to pay extra for medications that could be otherwise obtained over the counter in the first place? And why can I ween off a med that another Doctor said I would need for the rest of my life?
It makes me wonder.
Chapel veils...
It's a Catholic thing - Cathy has a good post about being an "In Your Face Catholic" - otherwise understood as , don't be ashamed of your faith or devotion.(Note: The above photo is not Cathy - altho people often mistake her for this person.)
Househusbands...
I don't know how stay-at-home dads do it - nor guys who work in a lesser capacity than their wives, or who work for their wives - and find themselves the working mom as it were. Not that anything is wrong with that. (These are just not my thoughts, a lot of guys wonder about this phenomenon.)Why I would want to meet Bill Clinton
That was a question in response to the meme I recently completed.
I think Bill (may I call him Bill?) is an interesting man. He is highly educated, and intelligent, but seems to me to be pretty down to earth. He is funny - I loved it when he was with a drunk Yeltsin, laughing so hard at what he was saying, tears were rolling down his cheeks. I like a guy who can crack up laughing.
I am not happy about his pro-choice politics however, but I know many people who believe just as he does. I'm sure I'd appeal to him to reconsider his position. I think meeting him would help me discern if he was so evil as to really believe murdering children was a woman's right.
That aside, I would ask him about his childhood, his mom, and compare notes with him about my own. I'd try to find out if his bouts with sexual addiction were due to abuse, or the example of his mother. I'd like to ask him if his dishonesty was something learned from his parents or is it just part of the easy corruption of Southern-Bible-banger politics?
Then I'd probe him on what it means to him to be famous along with his incredible concern for his legacy - is it because he grew up poor? Does he have an inner experience of feeling less than adequate, and needs to exalt himself? Is his ambition, and craving for power, money and influence due to deep seated feelings of being white trash? I'd also ask him, because he likes Barbara Streisand so much, if he has a gay streak in him. On that topic, I'd ask why he married Hilary? (I don't want to meet her.)
I suppose to get him to talk, we'd have to smoke something, but we wouldn't inhale. We all have our faults, but for the most part, he seems like a nice guy.
I think Bill (may I call him Bill?) is an interesting man. He is highly educated, and intelligent, but seems to me to be pretty down to earth. He is funny - I loved it when he was with a drunk Yeltsin, laughing so hard at what he was saying, tears were rolling down his cheeks. I like a guy who can crack up laughing.
I am not happy about his pro-choice politics however, but I know many people who believe just as he does. I'm sure I'd appeal to him to reconsider his position. I think meeting him would help me discern if he was so evil as to really believe murdering children was a woman's right.
That aside, I would ask him about his childhood, his mom, and compare notes with him about my own. I'd try to find out if his bouts with sexual addiction were due to abuse, or the example of his mother. I'd like to ask him if his dishonesty was something learned from his parents or is it just part of the easy corruption of Southern-Bible-banger politics?
Then I'd probe him on what it means to him to be famous along with his incredible concern for his legacy - is it because he grew up poor? Does he have an inner experience of feeling less than adequate, and needs to exalt himself? Is his ambition, and craving for power, money and influence due to deep seated feelings of being white trash? I'd also ask him, because he likes Barbara Streisand so much, if he has a gay streak in him. On that topic, I'd ask why he married Hilary? (I don't want to meet her.)
I suppose to get him to talk, we'd have to smoke something, but we wouldn't inhale. We all have our faults, but for the most part, he seems like a nice guy.
All about ME!
["It always has been!" he said breathlessly, as he proceeded to answer these probing questions, bored with the public's relentless curiosity about his personal life.]It's a meme - I was tagged by Marlon Brando at Stella and Cathy at Recovering Alcoholic - oops! I meant Recovering Dissident Catholic. Here goes:
All About MEme
1. Male or Female: Very handsome male trapped in a fat, old, ugly body.
2. Married or Single (or religious): Single...with many personalities.
3. Dream vacation: My back yard and Demerol.
4. Birthplace: St. Paul, Minnesota - sadly - the East Side, I'm no longer allowed back there however.
5. Area I live in currently: South Minneapolis - a stone's throw from the creek.
6. Someone you wish you could meet: Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, Heather Locklear, Eric Sheske, Bill Clinton, and Sting.
7. Biggest "pet-peeve": Gossip and back-biting bitches. (Male and female.)
8. Favorite Religious devotion: Eucharistic adoration, the Rosary and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy.
9. Favorite Saint (besides the Blessed Mother): Too many to name, plus I've done that in another meme.
10. Favorite sport that you play: Synchronized swimming. ROFLMAO!
11. Favorite food: Ribeye steak off the grill.
12. Tridentine or Novus Ordo: Both, if they are according to the rubrics and offered devoutly.
13. Would you (or are you) home school or public school: I would never subject children to me as a parent. I was educated in both Catholic and public schools - my home schooling taught me never to get married or beget children.
14. How many kids do you have: 2 cats and myself...3 I guess.
15. Ever been in an auto accident: Yes. Every one of them a rear-ender, I guess I have a cute one.
16. Ever seen a Pope in person: Yes, JPII and Paul VI...they both had the same crosier.
17. Languages that you know fluently: English and Jive.
18. Last movie you saw in theaters: This is soooooooo embarrasing..."The Devil Wears Prada".
19. Favorite Blog: Mine...then everyone in my blogroll - that is why they are there.
20. Your thoughts on Barney, the Easter bunny, and Santa Claus:
All About MEme
1. Male or Female: Very handsome male trapped in a fat, old, ugly body.
2. Married or Single (or religious): Single...with many personalities.
3. Dream vacation: My back yard and Demerol.
4. Birthplace: St. Paul, Minnesota - sadly - the East Side, I'm no longer allowed back there however.
5. Area I live in currently: South Minneapolis - a stone's throw from the creek.
6. Someone you wish you could meet: Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, Heather Locklear, Eric Sheske, Bill Clinton, and Sting.
7. Biggest "pet-peeve": Gossip and back-biting bitches. (Male and female.)
8. Favorite Religious devotion: Eucharistic adoration, the Rosary and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy.
9. Favorite Saint (besides the Blessed Mother): Too many to name, plus I've done that in another meme.
10. Favorite sport that you play: Synchronized swimming. ROFLMAO!
11. Favorite food: Ribeye steak off the grill.
12. Tridentine or Novus Ordo: Both, if they are according to the rubrics and offered devoutly.
13. Would you (or are you) home school or public school: I would never subject children to me as a parent. I was educated in both Catholic and public schools - my home schooling taught me never to get married or beget children.
14. How many kids do you have: 2 cats and myself...3 I guess.
15. Ever been in an auto accident: Yes. Every one of them a rear-ender, I guess I have a cute one.
16. Ever seen a Pope in person: Yes, JPII and Paul VI...they both had the same crosier.
17. Languages that you know fluently: English and Jive.
18. Last movie you saw in theaters: This is soooooooo embarrasing..."The Devil Wears Prada".
19. Favorite Blog: Mine...then everyone in my blogroll - that is why they are there.
20. Your thoughts on Barney, the Easter bunny, and Santa Claus:
- Barney is gay...I think he is really Paul Ruben, who needed work after PeeWee got caught with his wee-wee - no matter - he's insipid.
- Easter Bunny: He's cute and fuzzy.
- Santa Claus: He is St. Nicholas. Geesh! What's the big deal?
90th Anniversay of Fatima
Our Lady of Fatima
I grew up with Fatima. In the late 1950's, emphasis upon the message of Fatima was rather intense in Catholic schools. The famed Third Secret was supposed to be revealed in 1960, or so everyone thought, although it was intended for the Holy Father to open at that time, not necessarily reveal. The Third Secret was believed to be filled with dire prophecies, which many believed would have to do with the end of the world.
Although I was curious about the Third Secret, I was much more fascinated with the secrets Our Lady revealed that were known. The revelation of hell, where poor sinners go - evidently in great numbers. Her Immaculate Heart, seeking reparation and assuring us of her maternal care, especially if we practice the devotion to the holy Rosary and the Five First Saturdays.
All the details of the apparitions captured my imagination and inflamed my heart with devotion. Our Lady's prophecy of the II World War had come to pass, as well as that of Communist Russia spreading her errors if the Virgin's requests were not heeded. To this day, no other apparition of the Blessed Virgin inspires me more.
The Third Secret
The Vatican announced the contents of the secret in the presence of John Paul II when in Fatima for the beatification of Jacinta and Francisco. I was stunned. I never expected it to be revealed. This past week the Vatican confirmed that the entire secret had indeed been revealed, in response to sometimes convincing arguments to the contrary. These contrary voices are many and varied, from Mother Angelica to Fr. Nicholas Gruner to a few trads and sedes. One of the most outrageous books ever written about the matter is "The Devil's Final Battle" which more or less insists upon a Vatican II conspiracy to hide the true secret. Mother Angelica was convinced that there had to be a text to accompany the secret, which was only revealed as a vision. Yawn.
"Despite claims there are still secrets connected to the apparition of Our Lady of Fatima, Pope Benedict XVI and his secretary of state said the entire message has been published and has been interpreted accurately." - Full story at CNS
One would think that is enough said, but I doubt it will satisfy anyone. People like John Venari and Nicholas Gruner will continue to pound for the full disclosure and the Consecration of Russia, through their troubling "Fatima Crusader" magazine.
People wonder why the Fatima message is often times dismissed as passe, irrelevant, or apocalyptic. It has always attracted nut jobs, the events of 1917 were spectacular and unusual, and the unfolding prophecy was as well. In the McCarthy era, many of his supporters were Fatima people, bent upon combating communism. In the 1960's and 1970's, some Fatima devotees were pretty much on the fringe of post-Vatican II reforms, sometimes identified by wearing something blue for Our Lady, while the ladies were definitely draped in mantillas, scapulars and rosaries. And they always seemed a bit tense...
Anyway, the Secret is out.
We know what we need to know. Is there a text explaining the Secret? In my opinion yes, it is everything Our Lady told the children preceding the vision of the "Bishop dressed in white, walking with halting step, etc...", later written down by Sr. Lucia,
And confirmed as accurate before she died.
The "peace plan", the way of devotion Our Lady revealed in the apparitions in 1917 is the only matter we must concern ourselves with...not the sensationalism, or controversies created by some to create doubt and division amongst believers. Listen to the Pope.
The message of Fatima is indeed relevant today...one thing I believe, the vision of the Third Secret may not simply be in the past, it could still come to fulfillment. Basically, Our Lady's message was the same as the Gospels - "Repent and believe in the Gospel." Her presence showed us that the easiest way in which to do this most successfully is through the prayers of the rosary, fidelity to the Church and the duties of our state in life, guided by devotion to her Immaculate Heart.
Getting serious...
Photo: The Holy Father with his secretary, Monsignor Georg Ganswein - how Catholic can I get?Abbey update:
I'm having trouble with access to my St.Blogs site, so I will be posting more serious stuff here, rather than all silly stuff. I have to get a tech in again to determine why I always have this problem. So, this site will be the understudy for the starring role at Abbey2, which means I better Catholic-it-up then.
Having said that, if you link to me at Abbey2 would you be so kind as to link to Abbey1 again? Thank you for your charity.
Extreme thoughts...
Did you ever just want to beat the crap out of someone? For no reason?
(I'm trying to quit smoking.)
Photo credit: Mel Brooks, "High Anxiety."
Countdown to Mother's Day continues...
Moms who think their kids are ugly and evil. (They can be so judgemental.)
Photo credit: Mia Farrow in "Rosemary's Baby."
Something from the poetry man...
I HAVE LIVED THIS WAY FOR YEARS AND DO NOT WISH TO CHANGE
I hope you'll forgive the black paint
on my windows,
the smell of cat litter
in the kitchen.
Guests complain sometimes
that my collection of Minoan cadavers spoils
their appetite, or that having the shower
in the living room creates too much moisture,
but I think you'll grow used to it
if we get to be friends.
Yes, it is kind of inconvenient
having the bed strapped to the ceiling,
but I've grown so accustomed to the view
of my Max Ernst carpet that I hardly think
I could sleep with gravity anymore.
Why thank you, it was a gift from my lover's husband
after our honeymoon in Cincinnati.
I do think
it goes well with the orange bedroom set, the burgundy curtain.
See, you're feeling quite at home already.
Don't be shy.
Help yourself to the jellyfish,
the goose down,
the chocolate-covered cotton balls.
"I HAVE LIVED THIS WAY FOR YEARS AND DO NOT WISH TO CHANGE" by Michael Blumenthal, from Sympathetic Magic. © Water Mark Press.
I hope you'll forgive the black paint
on my windows,
the smell of cat litter
in the kitchen.
Guests complain sometimes
that my collection of Minoan cadavers spoils
their appetite, or that having the shower
in the living room creates too much moisture,
but I think you'll grow used to it
if we get to be friends.
Yes, it is kind of inconvenient
having the bed strapped to the ceiling,
but I've grown so accustomed to the view
of my Max Ernst carpet that I hardly think
I could sleep with gravity anymore.
Why thank you, it was a gift from my lover's husband
after our honeymoon in Cincinnati.
I do think
it goes well with the orange bedroom set, the burgundy curtain.
See, you're feeling quite at home already.
Don't be shy.
Help yourself to the jellyfish,
the goose down,
the chocolate-covered cotton balls.
"I HAVE LIVED THIS WAY FOR YEARS AND DO NOT WISH TO CHANGE" by Michael Blumenthal, from Sympathetic Magic. © Water Mark Press.
Bill Clinton as prophet...
The headline on Drudge read, "Bill Clinton predicts coming disasters!" I thought he was talking about Hilary and the 2008 elections. Turns out he was referring to worldwide famine, and an obesity epidemic? Read the rest here: "Bill Clinton warns of looming disasters."
An attorney thing...
Policeman testifies in court....................
If you ever testify in court, you might wish you could have been as sharp as this policeman. He was being cross-examined by a defence attorney during a felony trial. The lawyer was trying to undermine the policeman's credibility...
Q: "Officer -- did you see my client fleeing the scene?"
A: "No sir. But I subsequently observed a person matching the description of the offender, running several blocks away."
Q: "Officer -- who provided this description?"
A: "The officer who responded to the scene."
Q: "A fellow officer provided the description of this so-called offender. Do you trust your fellow officers?"
A: "Yes, sir. With my life."
Q: "With your life? Let me ask you this then officer. Do you have a room where you change your clothes in preparation for your daily duties?"
A: "Yes sir, we do!"
Q: "And do you have a locker in the room?"
A: "Yes sir, I do."
Q: "And do you have a lock on your locker?"
A: "Yes sir."
Q: "Now why is it, officer, if you trust your fellow officers with your life, you find it necessary to lock your locker in a room you share with these same officers?"
A: "You see, sir -- we share the building with the court complex, and sometimes lawyers have been known to walk through that room." The courtroom erupted in laughter, and a prompt recess was called. The officer on the stand has been nominated for this year's "Best Comeback" line -- and we think he'll win.
If you ever testify in court, you might wish you could have been as sharp as this policeman. He was being cross-examined by a defence attorney during a felony trial. The lawyer was trying to undermine the policeman's credibility...
Q: "Officer -- did you see my client fleeing the scene?"
A: "No sir. But I subsequently observed a person matching the description of the offender, running several blocks away."
Q: "Officer -- who provided this description?"
A: "The officer who responded to the scene."
Q: "A fellow officer provided the description of this so-called offender. Do you trust your fellow officers?"
A: "Yes, sir. With my life."
Q: "With your life? Let me ask you this then officer. Do you have a room where you change your clothes in preparation for your daily duties?"
A: "Yes sir, we do!"
Q: "And do you have a locker in the room?"
A: "Yes sir, I do."
Q: "And do you have a lock on your locker?"
A: "Yes sir."
Q: "Now why is it, officer, if you trust your fellow officers with your life, you find it necessary to lock your locker in a room you share with these same officers?"
A: "You see, sir -- we share the building with the court complex, and sometimes lawyers have been known to walk through that room." The courtroom erupted in laughter, and a prompt recess was called. The officer on the stand has been nominated for this year's "Best Comeback" line -- and we think he'll win.
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