The Deacon's Bench
A stunning, haunting image by the great James Tissot… Read more
A stunning, haunting image by the great James Tissot… Read more
The Vatican has posted online the Way of the Cross at the Colosseum, composed by Sr. Maria Rita Piccione, to be led tonight by Pope Benedict. TWELFTH STATION Jesus dies on the cross Jesus experiences his death as a gift of love V/. We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you. R/. Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world. From the Gospel according to John 19:28-30 Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said to fulfil... Read more
A little Good Friday meditation for you, from the movie of “Godspell” … Read more
Jesus, moved tonight to a temporary altar erected in the middle of our church. (Click to enlarge the pictures). This was accomplished with a beautiful candlelight processional around the darkened church, complete with Pange Lingua Gloriosi… Sing, my tongue, the Savior’s Glory, Of His flesh the myst’ry sing: Of the Blood, all price exceeding, Shed by our immortal King, Destined for the world’s redemption, From a noble womb to spring. Read more
Totally off topic, but awfully interesting …and, I think, even inspiring. I stumbled on this intriguing account of a meeting between Walt Disney and a focus group of amusement park owners who, in the early 1950s, were given the first look at plans for Disneyland. What did they think of it? Not much: Walt’s proposal to build his own attractions was met with skepticism. The naysayers said, “Custom rides will never work. They will cost too much to buy... Read more
For a Holy Thursday meditation, a blast from the past … A few nights ago, The History Channel showed a documentary in which scientists attempted to create what may be the most realistic 3-D image of the face of Christ. They spent many months on the project, using sophisticated computer technology to craft the image from the Shroud of Turin. The result is the face of a young man with long hair, and a beard, and scars, and blood stains... Read more
For a Holy Thursday meditation, a blast from the past … A few nights ago, The History Channel showed a documentary in which scientists attempted to create what may be the most realistic 3-D image of the face of Christ. They spent many months on the project, using sophisticated computer technology to craft the image from the Shroud of Turin. The result is the face of a young man with long hair, and a beard, and scars, and blood stains... Read more
This hymn is sung every Holy Thursday at my parish during the mandatum, the washing of the feet. It remains one of my favorites. I haven’t been able to find a recording of it — until now. Here’s “Jesus Took a Towel,” by the late great Trappist composer Chrysogonus Waddell (who lived at the Abbey of Gethsemani, Thomas Merton’s monastery, in Kentucky.) You can find the verses here, which conclude: Oh, the path is rugged, and the going is rough,... Read more
A young woman approached me before mass on Palm Sunday to ask that question. I replied, “Of course not. That’s fine.” She smiled sheepishly and said, “I know some priests don’t like it.” I reassured it that it was okay, and she later came to my communion station, knelt, and received on the tongue. It’s common practice at papal masses — Benedict has indicated he prefers to give communion that way — but in this country, it’s still somewhat... Read more
I’m sure there must be a good explanation for this — but I haven’t yet found one. Details: The Archdiocese of Barcelona has announced that it has no plans to excommunicate Rev. Manuel Pousa i Engroñat, having found that the Catholic priest had not had any “primary complicity” in an abortion performed on a young woman. This was despite the Spanish priest’s autobiography in which he recounts that he had actually paid for the procedure. Known as ‘Pare Manel’ (Father... Read more
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In