I got some messages of distress last night in response to Sister Simone Campbell speaking at the Democratic Convention. They were the same kinds of e-mails and other messages I received when Notre Dame invited Barack Obama to speak. The same kinds I get when a Catholic drives intrinsically evil policy, or otherwise gives it cover. They are messages of pain, anger, heartache. It all makes me all the more grateful that Cardinal Dolan is praying tonight, as he did... Read more
Just a few words and links. Read more
My dear friend Karen Goodwin writes a beautiful reflection on her recent pilgrimage to Lourdes. She titles it “Eucharisteo,” the deepest gratitude. She writes: In the prior six months, I’d suffered a breast cancer recurrence, received two subsequent diagnoses of different types of colon cancer, and later the threat of a cervical malignancy. In my professional experience as a producer, “Stage 3” designates a rehearsal space for a play or a sound stage for a TV show or movie. But... Read more
came from Mitt Romney Thursday night in his nomination acceptance speech when he said: “I love the way he lights up around his kids and how he’s not embarrassed to show the world how much he loves his mom.” That says a lot about a man and his goals in public service. When you combine it with a meaty advocacy of freedom, a truth in speaking about the challenges we face, and a willingness to seriously discern moral obligation in... Read more
Last night in Tampa, Timothy Cardinal Dolan lead the Tampa Bay Times Forum in prayer: With firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, let us pray: Almighty God, father of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Jesus, we beg your continued blessings on this sanctuary of freedom, and on all of those who proudly call America home. We ask your benediction upon those yet to be born, and on those who are about to see you at the end of this... Read more
So Timothy Cardinal Dolan said yesterday on his Sirius radio show. That’s the sorta thing you would hear from a pastor. And he reminded listeners that that is his primary role yesterday. (See more about his pastoral role in the public square here.) Speaking about praying at the conventions, he said: Part of prayer is conversion of hearts. When you pray you are asking the Holy Spirit to purify us and bring out what is most noble. Part of my prayer, for... Read more
My alma mater, the Catholic University of America, makes two appearances in today’s New York Times Weddings/Celebrations section today. Neither couple was married in a Catholic Church, but it’s also not clear that they are Catholic, just some Catholic schooling. And Catholic schools do serve all. Prayers for their lives and their openness to the fullness of God’s love for them. Read more
A cultural upside: Apparently we are among “the most puritanical nations” as we have been resisting “the notion of adultery most rigorously.” Catherine Hakim, writing in the Telegraph based on a new book she’s written, is perplexed by the sour and rigid English view of affairs. Marital love and passion only rarely provide an equally rich source of the exalted feelings, transports of delight and misery associated with love and romance. Affairs are about excitement, being alive, seduction, flirtation, love,... Read more
We live in a culture that talks a lot about women, but only wants to hear some of their stories, Jennifer Fulwiler writes: A fundamental belief in secular society is that the female reproductive system is something to be feared and controlled. Thus, only women whose stories validate that “truth” have their stories heard. Look at any list of recommended books and movies that fall under the category of Women’s Issues, or spend some time perusing feminist blogs and magazines. You’ll... Read more
For me, prayer is a surge of the heart; it is a simple look turned toward heaven, it is a cry of recognition and of love, embracing both trial and joy. — St. Thérèse of Lisieux More on prayer here. Read more
Kathryn Lopez
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