How awesome is this Rome Reports video of a teenager “test driving” the Popemobile? Clearly, no words are necessary when it comes to Pope Francis. The test driver in question is Alberto di Tullio, a 17 year old who was admiring the popemobile during his June 19th visit to the General Audience. Per a Huffington Post write up on the moment: The boy’s father, Celestino di Tullio, told The Associated Press he choked up when Francis approached his son: “The pope... Read more
Once when Jesus was praying in solitude, and the disciples were with him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” Luke 9:18 The Sunday bulletin at my parish often contains a few brief reflection questions related to the Sunday Liturgy of the Word. If I have my act together and arrive at Mass early, I like to spend a few moments with these prayer prompts. My journaled responses help me after Mass to synthesize the words... Read more
I’ve been praying about an email I received early this week. The digital missive was a cry for help. Behind the simple question the writer asked were a series of complex issues, like layers on an onion. It sat in my inbox unanswered for a few days. “I’m busy,” I thought. “I’ll reply later…” Two days passed, then three. My perpetual goal of reaching “inbox zero” (never realistic, but always a desire) was being blocked by this note which refused... Read more
I love the ease with which Pope Francis preaches in this Rome Reports video from earlier today as he celebrates Mass with employees of Argentinian embassies and consulates in Italy: While the video doesn’t give the full context of the Pope’s homily, I would imagine that his remarks — preached in Spanish for the first time since he became our Holy Father — were inspired by today’s Gospel according to Matthew. He told those assembled that even nicknames, including those used... Read more
I realized this morning that I’ve had a lovely sort of “ecumenical” kind of week. Merriam Webster defines that word as “of, relating to, or representing the whole of a body of churches“. So often, I find myself engaged in Catholic micro-culture here in the blogosphere that I forget about how many folks are out there immersed in their own faith traditions just like me. On Sunday, I spent the better part of the day after Mass playing Mah Jongg... Read more
Today, as we celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, I invite you to take two minutes to watch this video of Cardinal Raymond L. Burke speaking with great affection regarding his family’s devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus: In the video, Cardinal Burke suggests enthroning an image of the Sacred Heart in our homes. Although I am a life-long Catholic, this devotion is not something my family has had in our home. Today, I spent... Read more
Perhaps it should come as no surprise that Pope Francis will be “staycationing” this summer: video link From the Vatican comes the official announcement: In a note released today, the Prefecture of the Pontifical Household announced that, during the summer period, all private and special audiences will be suspended. The Wednesday general audiences of 3,10, 17, and 31 July are likewise suspended and will resume again from 7 August. On Sunday, 14 July, the Holy Father will pray the Angelus... Read more
My radio segment today on The Son Rise Morning Show with Brian Patrick broached the topic of Google’s recent decision to ban a particular adult-oriented (read “pornography”) “Glassware” application on the new Google Glass device. If you’re looking at that sentence and have no idea what I’m saying, here are a few basics: Google Glass is a new “wearable” technology, a computer that you wear like eyeglasses. On it’s Google+ profile, Project Glass says, “We started Project Glass to build technology... Read more
The story of Liberty High School graduate Roy Costner IV is making the rounds, today hitting the Washington Times. Roy is the Valedictorian who let his beliefs guide his actions when he made the decision to rip up his pre-approved valedictory, to thank his parents for his Christian upbringing, and to recite the Lord’s Prayer in defiance of his school district’s ban on prayer at commencements. Witness the moment for yourself here: As the mom of a recent grad who has... Read more
Bob Halligan Jr. may be super weird sometimes, but he’s beyond awesome in my book. Who — you may be asking — is Bob Halligan Jr? He’s the front man of one my favorite bands, Ceili Rain. The lads in this band call themselves a combination of Celtic and Pop and Rock with a very strong spiritual message. If you’ve never been to a Ceili Rain concert or listened to one of their CDs, you’re missing out big time. I... Read more
Lisa Hendey
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