I wrote an inaccurate post a few minutes ago in which I said that the Papal Conclave was due to begin Monday. I was wrong. A kind reader corrected me, but I’m afraid I lost their comment when I deleted the inaccurate post. If he or she will contact me, I will gladly give them credit for the save. What I should have said, and what, according to CNN news is accurate, is that the First Congregation of Cardinals is... Read more
… and New Advent has a “Papal Buzzmeter” on their site, which is designed to educate, amuse and keep us informed of what’s happening with the upcoming Papal Conclave and the election of a new pope. Check it out here. Read more
Cardinal Wuerl describes a Papal Conclave as a time of prayer and silence; like a “very, very strong, very heavy retreat.” He says that the cardinals will be focused on the aggressive secularism that is tearing at the faith all around the world, as well as other challenges. He asks for prayers from all of us, which I personally have already begun. Our next pope will be tasked with leading us through times of great challenge. I am excited to... Read more
“May you live in interesting times.” That saying is reputed by some sources to be an ancient Chinese curse. Other sources claim it is an ancient Hebrew curse. It appears no one knows for sure exactly where it came from. On the other hand, no one seems to deny the underlying truth of it; that historic, or “interesting” times are often tumultuous and unpleasant for the people who must live through them. Just as no one wants to have a really... Read more
Pope Benedict met with the cardinals of the Church who are assembled in Rome for his last day this morning. He told them that “among you is the future pope, whom I promise my unconditional reverence and obedience.” According to a rather snarky New York Times article below, the Holy Father made this statement to allay “concern among Vatican watchers” that he would do otherwise. I don’t know for sure, but my guess is that the “Vatican watchers” who expressed... Read more
According to news reports, Pope Benedict will slip out of the Vatican quietly when he leaves for his retirement. There will be no public ceremony, only a few private good-byes and a short helicopter ride to his temporary residence. An Indian Express article describing the pope’s departure plans says in part: Pope Benedict XVI slips quietly from the world stage on Thursday after a private last goodbye to his cardinals and a short flight to a country palace to enter... Read more
I began my day by reading the Holy Father’s beautiful words that he gave to us during his last public audience. I was moved, touched and inspired all at once. He spoke eloquently of what the Christian life truly is; a life of service, peace and joy in the face of life’s transitions. Then, I turned to checking out the other headlines of the day by clicking on one of the major media web sites. I don’t want to give... Read more
I just had to share this. It is beautiful and true. Enjoy. Read more
What are we going to call Pope Benedict XVI after his resignation takes effect February 28? That question appears to be a dome scratcher for a lot of folks in the Vatican. They, like us, appear to be grappling with the ever-changing reality of history in the making. Thus, the we’ll-call-him-this … no-not-that-we’ll-call-him-this nature of the story of how we should address the man who was our pope. At first, the story was that he would go back to being... Read more
Despite claims to the contrary by the chattering class, practicing Catholics like their pope and want the Church to stay the course on its moral teachings. I’m glad to hear this. I was beginning to wonder if I attended mass in churches that were somehow “different” from other Catholic parishes. The foment for gay marriage, contraception, abortion on demand is nowhere to be found where I worship. I’ve attended mass in Catholic Churches all over this country and I have... Read more
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