The focus during the Olympics is always on the medal winners, and that’s understandable. It is, after all, a competition. But when I watch the games, I’m also interested in the character of the athletes and how much heart they put into their performances. Consider Noelle Pikus-Pace, who is competing in the women’s skeleton competition (a sledding event). Her dreams of Olympic glory were dashed in Torino in 2006 when a four man bobsled team didn’t brake at the finish... Read more
The following is the text of the Christopher News Note “Serving the Poor.” If you’d like a pdf or hard copy, see the end of this post: Whether they are showcasing food, drink or fashion, many advertisements today send a similar message: More! Drink more beer, eat more chips, or wear better clothes and you will be happier. Too often, we are told that our goals in life should be aimed at accumulating wealth, power or popularity. Pope Francis, however,... Read more
If you’re a fan of classic movies, you likely know Academy Award-winning actor James Cagney from his roles in films like “Yankee Doodle Dandy,” “Angels with Dirty Faces,” “Mister Roberts,” and many, many more. What you may not know is that Cagney starred in a half-hour Christopher film during the 1950’s called “A Link in the Chain.” He plays a retiring teacher reflecting on his life and career, a career in which he tried to inspire his students to become... Read more
Derrick Coleman, the NFL’s first deaf player, has received a lot of attention lately because he’ll be playing in the Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks. As great as a victory in that game would be for him, he likely relishes moments like those in the video below even more. During an interview on “Good Morning America” about why they see Coleman as an inspiration, nine-year-old hearing-impaired twins, Riley and Erin Kovalick, received a surprise visit from their idol. The... Read more
I just read that former “Christopher Closeup” guest Mandisa won her first ever Grammy Award last night for her album “Overcomer” in the category Best Contemporary Christian Music Album. In addition, the title track’s songwriters won for Best Contemporary Christian Music Song. Having interviewed Mandisa twice and met her once at a “Good Morning America” performance, I was taken by the joyful witness she gives to her faith and the genuineness of her appreciation for her life’s blessings. When she... Read more
I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised at the animosity – not just criticism, but animosity – directed at “Gimme Shelter” by secular movie critics, but I am disappointed. If you missed my earlier piece about the film, “Gimme Shelter” tells the story of Agnes “Apple” Bailey (Vanessa Hudgens), a 16-year-old homeless, pregnant teen trying to escape the grip of her abusive, drug-addicted mother. She eventually finds help and healing in a shelter run by Kathy DiFiore (Ann Dowd). The movie... Read more
In a previous blog post, I looked at the Catholic backgrounds of 2014 “American Idol” judges Keith Urban, Jennifer Lopez and Harry Connick Jr. On the Jan. 22 episode, Connick, who in a more serious moment called out a contestant for making a lewd comment to Lopez, also had a little fun with his Catholicism by appearing in a tongue-in-cheek segment about going to confession Idol style. Read more
The following column was written by The Christophers’ Jerry Costello: Father Joseph Walijewski was a veteran of South American mission work, arriving there from Wisconsin in 1956 to start a parish in Bolivia. After a few years he returned home for a short time, but came back to Peru in 1971 and then founded the orphanage that will always be his legacy. He died in 2006, and after a packed funeral Mass was buried on a hill that rises behind... Read more
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo offended many people during an interview last week in which he suggested that being “right-to-life” makes you a member of an extremist group. While a spokesman for the governor says his quote was taken out of context, it’s business as usual for pro-lifers, who are often stereotyped as hateful, oppressive, or violent. No doubt, the term “right-to-life” will be wielded as a weapon many more times by those who want to ensure it has a... Read more
It’s well-known that the United States Supreme Court includes a number of Catholic judges. But television’s Supreme Court of New Music Talent – a.k.a. the “American Idol” judging panel – can boast the same statistic. This year’s panel is a first in more ways than one. Not only have Keith Urban, Jennifer Lopez and Harry Connick Jr. never worked together before, but they’re also the first panel that is predominantly Catholic – or at least has had Catholic influences in... Read more
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