Because Cleanliness Is Next to Godliness

“Cleanliness is next to Godliness,” my mother would say, explaining why I needed to [choose one] (a) make my bed, (b) pick up my toys, (c) help with the dishes….

The old adage is often attributed to Benjamin Franklin, or to the Bible.  In actuality, though, the phrase apparently originated with Phineas ben Yair, a rabbi whose writings can be found in the Talmud.

This is a reminder that just as your home gets dirty and needs a dusting, so does the great St. Peter’s Basilica.  I guess it has to be done, but check out this guy, standing on the great altar!

A hat-tip to friend Monsignor Richard Soseman, who sent me this photo.  Monsignor “Mons” Soseman, a priest for the Diocese of Peoria, is currently an Official at the Congregation for the Clergy in Rome.  I think it was the ubiquitous Brandon Vogt who introduced me to Monsignor Soseman two years ago, when Brandon and I were in Rome attending the Vatican Blogfest.  Mons was kind enough to invite our group to join him as he celebrated Mass in the Extraordinary Form in one of the crypt chapels at St. Peter’s Basilica.  Quite a photographer, he frequently delights me with his beautiful photographs in the Eternal City.