… by John Singer Sargent. Her hands are stunning. Read more

… a few links you might need for today. The Mourning Virgin, c. 18th Century. Wood carving with gilding, ivory and silver. Housed at the Met. Read more

… I have never understood the protestant aversion to the image of Christ on the crucifix. I know they like their Jesus triumphant and risen and all, but it will always baffle me why they wouldn’t find it a meditative visual reminder of Christ’s mercy as we Catholics do. I’m quite fond of this quote by Fr. Groeschel; “People can relate to a crucified Christ displayed in Catholic Churches, as each one of us has a cross to carry. None... Read more

… Please say a rosary for Fr. Frank Pavone and his organization this evening. And Fr. Pavone’s official statement in response. Read more

… they make it so hard for the rest us; running around perpetuating negative female stereotypes and scaring men into permanent bachelorhood. There are few woman I can not stand less than The Shrew, the angry woman who turns her husband into a verbal and emotional punching bag. I’ve seen women call their spouses, the same persons they promised to honor and respect, worthless sacks of excrement! Like reverse sexism, this belittling of men seems to be 100% acceptable. It’s... Read more

… just kidding. Have some shitty art instead. I see what the artist is trying to say here. Christ is the central figure. He is larger in scale and dominates the scene as if to say, I am bigger than your grief. The deep red hue of Santa Claus’s garments represents the color of martyrdom. It’s striking and bold. Clearly the artist struggled with father abandonment issues, and has placed themselves as Santa longing to be comforted. The pain of... Read more

… my favorite place on earth is in my hammock. It’s a good day when time and weather permit me hours of uninterrupted solitude lazily swinging away, book in hand and cold beer never farther than arms reach. Heaven. Pure heaven. This evening provided me with the rare opportunity to start my weekend off with a quiet moment in my precious hammock. The late summer air had the crisp chill of soon-to-be Autumn on it’s breezes. Cicadas and crickets provided... Read more

… Brandon Vogt is giving away a copy of Fr. Robert Barron’s brilliant, beautiful new book, Catholicism: A Journey to the Heart of the Faith. Follow this link for details. It was Vogt’s review that prompted me to purchase the book for myself. And Lisa Hendey is giving away jewelry! I love jewelry. Or anything shiny for that matter. Guys, you can enter this contest too and gift them to a special lady. I don’t consider that re-gifting. And even... Read more

… I hope this movie doesn’t popularize the Camino so much that it gets flooded, more so than usual, with new agey types skipping along Spain high on Hollywood ideologies. I’m purposefully waiting till October on the hope that the trail will be virtually deserted. Well, I suppose my small group will have to Catholic it up if that becomes the case. If I can talk Fr. Erik in going with us maybe he can celebrate mass on the Camino... Read more

… “As he goes, Tom acquires three unwanted companions, each of whom have their own hidden reasons. Estivez, who wrote the script, readily admits to being inspired by The Wizard of Oz but in truth one could compare The Way to any story that is based around a journey with a misfit group of comrades. This storytelling device is well known and for good reason. In watching the people rub against each other’s pet peeves and tread unwittingly on their... Read more