The “hidden life” of Jesus’ childhood is also entrusted to Joseph. He is eyewitness to the birth of Jesus. He greets the shepherds who come to adore the Infant Jesus. And he marvels at the coming of the Magi. Joseph, in his religious role as father, brings Jesus to the temple for the rite of circumcision, and names him. The name of Jesus denotes his mission: “God saves.” But before Jesus can one day save, Joseph must first save Jesus... Read more
As near as I can tell, Deacon Greg Kandra has been the first to pick up this news off of Fr. John Corapi’s site: On Ash Wednesday I learned that a former employee sent a three-page letter to several bishops accusing me of everything from drug addiction to multiple sexual exploits with her and several other adult women. There seems to no longer be the need for a complaint to be deemed “credible” in order for Church authorities to pull... Read more
A very thoughtful and surprisingly moving piece by Anthony Esolen, at Inside Catholic: Why, I wonder, do boys these days get no love? What have they done to deserve their treatment at our hands? Recently, a boy competing for his high school in the Iowa state wrestling tournament chose to forfeit his initial match rather than wrestle against a girl. He spoke about his decision with an admirable reserve and good sense, saying that wrestling could be a violent sport,... Read more
In order to arrive at having pleasure in everything, Desire to have pleasure in nothing. In order to arrive at possessing everything, Desire to possess nothing. In order to arrive at being everything, Desire to be nothing. In order to arrive at knowing everything, Desire to know nothing. In order to arrive at that point where you take no pleasure, you must go by a way that gives no pleasure. In order to arrive at that point where you know... Read more
Rule of St. Benedict, Chapter 39 – for March 18 … Let a good pound weight of bread suffice for the day, whether there be only one meal or both dinner and supper. If they are to have supper, the cellarer shall reserve a third of that pound to be given them at supper. But if it happens that the work was heavier, it shall lie within the Abbot’s discretion and power, should it be expedient, to add something to... Read more
In 2002 the family made a trip to Ireland – a long coastal ramble that ended in Dublin and a bit above. On a hot thirsty day we stumbled into a pub and found the coldest, most delicious Guinness’ ever. Enjoyed them while singing this! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=siQtzrI5w88 If you haven’t made your soda bread yet, here’s the recipe! UPDATE: I’ll be posting them as I find them, so check back! Pat McNamara has thoughts on Patrick and Immigration and a poem... Read more
1) We sing like angels 2) We smile with our eyes 3) We make kick-ass Irish Soda Bread. (See Testimony) I got this recipe, btw, from my Italian mother in law! Maria Lucia’s Irish Soda Bread 4 c sifted flour 1 1/2 tsps baking soda 1 tsp salt 3/4 c sugar 1 c raisins (or cranberries for a nice change) 2 tblspns melted butter 2 eggs, beaten 2 cups buttermilk Mix dry ingredients. Mix butter, eggs and buttermilk. Stir into... Read more
Having just linked to a piece at Inside Catholic in the post below, I find myself linking yet again. In the wake of all these images, and the mind-numbing loss, suffering and dignity on display in Japan, IC editor Brian Saint-Paul just dropped me a note that they are reprinting a piece I wrote after the Christmas tsunami of 2004, which is still very relevant, and which I find difficult excerpt: When I was a little girl, our family knew... Read more
Sister Briege McKenna likes to tell the story of King Badouin of Belgium, who remarked that sitting before the Blessed Sacrament was like sitting in the sun; nothing is required of you but to come out of the shade, and you only feel the strength of its effects, later. This is Truth: The Cardinal Newman Society is promoting Eucharistic Adoration to high school and college students — people who can very much benefit from some quiet, focused one-on-one time with... Read more
Every once in a while, I’ll get a sneering or giggling, always condescending email from someone who has stumbled upon this old piece about artificial birth control, oral sex, and other things and feels the need to sound off on the unreasonable stupidity of Catholicism. Well, I can certainly be stupid and unreasonable — I often am, about many things — and I am the first one to admit that others know a great deal more than I do. But... Read more
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