Indianapolis is about to get a new auxiliary bishop, and the local paper has a lengthy profile, in which he talks about ways to build up the church — beginning with better preaching: With unpacked boxes piled high in his own office, Bishop-elect Christopher J. Coyne received a pair of visitors last week in the office across the hall — the one that belongs to Archbishop Daniel M. Buechlein. Because of an assortment of health problems, the 72-year-old Buechlein has... Read more
The acclaimed film about the Trappist monks murdered in Algeria had a “monastic advisor” on set to give the movie the ring of authenticity. Details, from CNS: “Of Gods and Men,” the Cannes Film Festival grand prize-winning feature now debuting across the country, had a “monastic adviser” on the set to help faithfully depict the lives of the French monks whose story is at the heart of the movie. Henry Quinson, who lived for six years at a Cistercian monastery... Read more
It happened last month in St. Louis, and is still sparking debate: Rodrigo Avila, 16, was punished for wearing rosary beads to school, his family said. He returned to school Feb. 25. His mother said Sunday that his use of the rosary beads was religious. Law enforcement officials nationwide have linked wearing rosary beads to gang activity. Superintendent Dennis Craft declined to comment Monday on the situation or on any disciplinary actions, citing confidentiality laws regarding students. A Collinsville High... Read more
Can you believe it’s March? Neither can I. But Emily Dickinson feels otherwise. Dear March, come in! How glad I am! I looked for you before. Put down your hat— You must have walked— How out of breath you are! Dear March, how are you? And the rest? Did you leave Nature well? Oh, March, come right upstairs with me, I have so much to tell! I got your letter, and the bird’s; The maples never knew That you were... Read more
From now on, I think I may watch this every morning to kick-start my day. I love it. 🙂 Read more
The wondrously gifted Heather King writes about why she avoids both the Catholic Left, and Catholic Right, and offers this insight (among many): I, for one, am way too busy to get overly exercised about whether to, say, bring back the Latin Mass, though I’m sure I would welcome such a move; or lobbying against (or for) abortion in the health care bill; or calling for reform in the hierarchy. As it is, I look at these people who are... Read more
A few people have wondered about the new job I alluded to in this post. Well briefly: earlier this month I decided to step away from the world of broadcasting, and NET in Brooklyn, to return to my roots in print. I accepted an offer to become the new Executive Editor of ONE, the acclaimed bi-monthly magazine published by the Catholic Near East Welfare Association (CNEWA). I started work there today, February 28. ONE — under the inspired editorship of... Read more
Los Angeles gets its new Archbishop — and Jose Gomez officially uses the chair (with his coat of arms on it) for the first time. Check out Rocco for all the details. Read more
…here’s my pick for picture of the year. There is more truth, pain, joy, poetry and poignancy in this five minute clip than in any other I can imagine. And I love that the final moment of the trilogy ends the way the first movie began, with a shot of an impossibly beautiful sky, and the promise of dreams that stretch to infinity (and, yes, beyond.) Here it is again, the conclusion of “Toy Story 3.” Tissues required. Read more
A possible contender for the White House in 2012, the former Speaker of the House is talking more about his faith on the stump, according to the New York Times: Newt Gingrich needs no introduction to most Republican audiences. It is the reintroduction that is the challenge. If Mr. Gingrich moves forward with a presidential bid, as his advisers and friends say he is poised to do as soon as this week, he will start with a reputation as one... Read more
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