Ectopic pregnancies usually end in only one way: death for the baby and sometimes the mother. This one didn't. Thank God. May the Lord bless little Durga and may she have the most wonderful life. 
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Monday, May 26, 2008
Memorial Day
It's not about barbeques or shopping, although those thinks are good in themselves. Remember, your fat, soft life was paid for with an American soldier's blood, sweat and tears. And even if you're poor or live on welfare (consider the choices you've made in the past and take an honest look at the person in the mirror) your life is finer than that of 80% of the rest of the world. How'd you like to be an average African woman for a day? How'd you like to live like a Mexican peasant for one hour? Would you care to experience the simple "joys" of a Saudi woman's life for one night? Would you like to live like a Lithuanian for a year? They have the highest suicide rate in the world. Even the Japanese, who live in material comfort have the second highest rate of suicide in the industrialized world.
May all our departed veterans, through the mercy of God rest in peace. May you find a place in the mansions of the Lord.
Corpus Christi
On Sunday after Mass at our own parish, we visited two parishes, St. Michael's and St. John the Beloved. St. Michaels is a weird looking church. When we got there we hesitated because there was a fence and a sign saying "Private Road" and "No trepassing". Rocky said, "Do they not want us to come in?" We drove on anyway. Maybe they've had some trouble with the neighbors in the past.
The church looks like a small 1970s airport. There's nothing to make you think, Catholic Church at all. However, the people are pleasant and once we stepped inside we fell in love. Somebody put a lot of love into decorating that church. They have altar rails and the Blessed Sacrament is right in the middle on the altar. They also have a charming Adoration chapel that was filled with people of all races and ages. On Wednesdays an Opus Dei priest hears confessions from 1 to 4 PM. We said a rosary and were on our way.
I was longing to see St. John the Beloved because that's where Man in a Black Hat goes. The pastor there, has taken ill so please say a prayer for him. St. John's is quite handsome. They have a low traditonal Mass on Friday evenings and a relic of St. Jose Maria Escriva. We did the Stations of the Cross and went off to have lunch at Applebees.
The church looks like a small 1970s airport. There's nothing to make you think, Catholic Church at all. However, the people are pleasant and once we stepped inside we fell in love. Somebody put a lot of love into decorating that church. They have altar rails and the Blessed Sacrament is right in the middle on the altar. They also have a charming Adoration chapel that was filled with people of all races and ages. On Wednesdays an Opus Dei priest hears confessions from 1 to 4 PM. We said a rosary and were on our way.
I was longing to see St. John the Beloved because that's where Man in a Black Hat goes. The pastor there, has taken ill so please say a prayer for him. St. John's is quite handsome. They have a low traditonal Mass on Friday evenings and a relic of St. Jose Maria Escriva. We did the Stations of the Cross and went off to have lunch at Applebees.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
that old familiar feeling
Last week a speaker was at my parish. He did not speak in the church but in the parish hall. His talk was on an admirable subject. Rocky and I did not attend because we had something else to do that night but I decided to Google the speaker to see if I could find any other parishes where he'd be lecturing. I found out that he belongs to a think tank that has a number of speakers who .... well, disturbed me a bit. They seem to dislike popular culture, blacks, anybody who doesn't want to return to a 19th century agrarian lifestyle and appear to avocate that the US turn in on itself and forget about the world (I actually have had that fantasy too. I guess we all have at some time or another but these guys are serious.)
My Catholic early warning system started to hum. My Normal American-faced-with-a-crank warning system was humming too.
I haven't found a single instance where this speaker appeared to agree with their line of thinking and I've found nothing but praise for him from people I respect but it worries me that he's hanging around with those other guys.
If he comes back to my parish I will try to attend his lecture and afterwards I hope I'll have enough courage to ask him a few questions about his colleagues.
Friday, May 23, 2008
The Holy Father may be thinking about limited those mega co-celebrations of Mass
So says an article that's discussed on the venerable New Liturgical Movements blog..
IF this is true I will raise my glass of sparkling water and sing "I like it! I love it! I want some more of it!"
IF this is true I will raise my glass of sparkling water and sing "I like it! I love it! I want some more of it!"
quick! Go out and buy this book!
I've read a few books on the Holy Father and this is the best. Brennan Pursell can really write, he's charming and he never puts words in the Holy Father's mouth or pretends to know more than he does. He simply traces the Holy Father's life and shows how his beloved Bavaria made him who he is. Buy it!
Friday, May 16, 2008
i'm going to be sick
I've been annoyed with Rod Dreher in the past. But the man was driven to where he is now because of the "handling" of the homosexual priest scandal. Reading this story I can sympathize---though not approve---of his despair. Who in the hell thought it would be a good idea to let Fr. Mallinson or any priest who ever was involved in (WARNING DON'T CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING LINK IF YOU ARE SENSITIVE) St. Sebastian's Angels in any form or fashion, be a pastor at a regular parish? I thought Bishop Farrell was supposed to be one of the new smart bishops who was cleaning things up.
Sir Winston was a bit of prophet, wasn't he?
“How dreadful are the curses which Mohammed-anism lays on its votaries! Besides the fanatical frenzy, which is as dangerous in a man as hydrophobia in a dog, there is this fearful fatalistic apathy.The effects are apparent in many countries. Improvident habits, slovenly systems of agriculture, sluggish methods of commerce, and insecurity of property exist wherever the followers of the Prophet rule or live.
A degraded sensualism deprives this life of its grace and refinement; the next of its dignity and sanctity. The fact that in Mohammedan law every woman must belong to some man as his absolute property, either as a child, a wife, or a concubine, must delay the final extinction of slavery until the faith of Islam has ceased to be a great power among men.Individual Moslems may show splendid qualities, but the infence of the religion paralyzes the social development of those who follow it.
No stronger retrograde force exists in the world. Far from being moribund, Mohammedanism is a militant and proselytizing faith.It has already spread throughout Central Africa, raising fearless warriors at every step; and were it not that Christianity is sheltered in the strong arms of science, the science against which it had vainly struggled, the civilization of modern Europe might fall, as fell the civilization of ancient Rome.”
Sir Winston Churchill (The River War, first edition, Vol. II, pages 248-50, London: Longmans, Green & Co., 1899).
Hat Tip to Gem of the Ocean for reminding of this quote from England's last lion.
A degraded sensualism deprives this life of its grace and refinement; the next of its dignity and sanctity. The fact that in Mohammedan law every woman must belong to some man as his absolute property, either as a child, a wife, or a concubine, must delay the final extinction of slavery until the faith of Islam has ceased to be a great power among men.Individual Moslems may show splendid qualities, but the infence of the religion paralyzes the social development of those who follow it.
No stronger retrograde force exists in the world. Far from being moribund, Mohammedanism is a militant and proselytizing faith.It has already spread throughout Central Africa, raising fearless warriors at every step; and were it not that Christianity is sheltered in the strong arms of science, the science against which it had vainly struggled, the civilization of modern Europe might fall, as fell the civilization of ancient Rome.”
Sir Winston Churchill (The River War, first edition, Vol. II, pages 248-50, London: Longmans, Green & Co., 1899).
Hat Tip to Gem of the Ocean for reminding of this quote from England's last lion.
a beautiful woman
When she was young woman Irena Sendler saved the lives of over 2000 Jewish kids from Hitler. In 2007, she was nominated for Nobel Peace Prize and lost to Al Gore. In a world that worships Carrie Bradshaw and Playboy Bunnies and throws honors on a big boring bag of wind (Gore) this woman was an example of real beauty and courage.
Rest in Peace Irena.
You embraced the cross, now wear the crown Christ has prepared for you.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Thank you, Mama
Mass was an endurance test today. I have a horrible cold and an ear ache and it feels like someone has stuck a lit cigarette down to my ear drum. It hurt so long and hard that I felt dizzy and thought for a minute that I was going to pass out during the Gloria. I didn't, thank God. Rocky noticed and hustled me home to bed.
Father Theoden wished all the mothers a happy Mother's Day and I thought of Mama. She's is that highly prized but very rare Southern specialty: A Great Lady.
I can barely express how devoted she was when I was recovering from surgery last year. Rocky never left my side except to go to work and my mother was there for both of us. She cooked for us both, helped me bathe, helped me get dressed, and was there in a flash when I called for her. I couldn't move much in the first few days home so I had to call her a lot. That couldn't have been much fun. She held my hand, she listened to me, she made small talk with the priest who came to give me the sacraments. She was a gentle rock of solace for Rocky.
She, who had never seen the inside of a police station in her life and who, like many black people her age is uncomfortable around cops; went to the local police station with my husband to get a parking pass for her neighborhood so he could stay at her place with me without worrying about our car being ticketed. When Rocky couldn't make it she went to the hospital with me for my post-op appointments. She was vigilant about my comfort. She never let me be cold, and seemed to know long before I would admit it that it was time for a pain pill. She was the best nurse I could have ever had and when I said "thank you, Mama", she just shrugged her shoulders and said, "I'm your mother, Baby. What else would I do?"
John Mary Thomas, pray for your Grandma. May she one day see your precious face in Heaven.
Father Theoden wished all the mothers a happy Mother's Day and I thought of Mama. She's is that highly prized but very rare Southern specialty: A Great Lady.
I can barely express how devoted she was when I was recovering from surgery last year. Rocky never left my side except to go to work and my mother was there for both of us. She cooked for us both, helped me bathe, helped me get dressed, and was there in a flash when I called for her. I couldn't move much in the first few days home so I had to call her a lot. That couldn't have been much fun. She held my hand, she listened to me, she made small talk with the priest who came to give me the sacraments. She was a gentle rock of solace for Rocky.
She, who had never seen the inside of a police station in her life and who, like many black people her age is uncomfortable around cops; went to the local police station with my husband to get a parking pass for her neighborhood so he could stay at her place with me without worrying about our car being ticketed. When Rocky couldn't make it she went to the hospital with me for my post-op appointments. She was vigilant about my comfort. She never let me be cold, and seemed to know long before I would admit it that it was time for a pain pill. She was the best nurse I could have ever had and when I said "thank you, Mama", she just shrugged her shoulders and said, "I'm your mother, Baby. What else would I do?"
John Mary Thomas, pray for your Grandma. May she one day see your precious face in Heaven.
Monday, May 05, 2008
Sunday, May 04, 2008
For Mr. M. --- a discernment story
Once there was a preacher. I won't say his name because unless you are black and grew up in the 70s or 80s it would mean nothing to you. He was a Protestant and his sermons were so magnificent that people began taping them and selling them. He was beloved, respected and held in awe.
He was known for his kindliness towards the young, boys mostly. He took in boys who needed help or who were interested in singing and needed a wise father figure to guide them along. The people loved him for this "giving back." And then one day, one of those boys told someone that the Rev. was molesting him. He was ignored and probably called a filthy liar. The years went on and in the fullness of his years the reverend died. Suddenly there were rumors that he'd actually been a secret homosexual. Most of his followers and fans reacted angrily to this but the rumors kept on. One of the boys, by then a young man gave an interview where he plainly stated what had been going on in the Rev's house. To this day there are people who deny that the Rev. did anything wrong and will get into a fight with you for bringing the whole story up. Others are saddened and can't figure out how this scandal happend.
Looking back on it. A couple things come to mind. Too many women trusted the Rev. blindly with their sons. Too many people looked the other way when little things seemed odd. Discernment means when you get that feeling that something isn't quite right you pay attention to that feeling.
If a priest or nun doesn't seem "right" to you; DON'T send your child to him or her for hours of alone time together. If a lay person in a position of church authority or in self appointed authority-- the lay apologetics industry--- says or introduces something to the parish that makes you sit up and go "hey, I aint no theologian but I don't think that's in the catechism or hey, St. Therese and my Grandpa Nino wouldn't recognize that teaching, " DON'T hang around them anymore. DON'T send your child to them for CCD or confirmation class, get up and walk out of their bible study class, DON'T attend their lectures and DON'T bring their books into your house.
Discernment is another word for common sense. Even when other Catholics at your parish or the blogs mock or curse you for it, use that common sense.
He was known for his kindliness towards the young, boys mostly. He took in boys who needed help or who were interested in singing and needed a wise father figure to guide them along. The people loved him for this "giving back." And then one day, one of those boys told someone that the Rev. was molesting him. He was ignored and probably called a filthy liar. The years went on and in the fullness of his years the reverend died. Suddenly there were rumors that he'd actually been a secret homosexual. Most of his followers and fans reacted angrily to this but the rumors kept on. One of the boys, by then a young man gave an interview where he plainly stated what had been going on in the Rev's house. To this day there are people who deny that the Rev. did anything wrong and will get into a fight with you for bringing the whole story up. Others are saddened and can't figure out how this scandal happend.
Looking back on it. A couple things come to mind. Too many women trusted the Rev. blindly with their sons. Too many people looked the other way when little things seemed odd. Discernment means when you get that feeling that something isn't quite right you pay attention to that feeling.
If a priest or nun doesn't seem "right" to you; DON'T send your child to him or her for hours of alone time together. If a lay person in a position of church authority or in self appointed authority-- the lay apologetics industry--- says or introduces something to the parish that makes you sit up and go "hey, I aint no theologian but I don't think that's in the catechism or hey, St. Therese and my Grandpa Nino wouldn't recognize that teaching, " DON'T hang around them anymore. DON'T send your child to them for CCD or confirmation class, get up and walk out of their bible study class, DON'T attend their lectures and DON'T bring their books into your house.
Discernment is another word for common sense. Even when other Catholics at your parish or the blogs mock or curse you for it, use that common sense.
This will help
I was reading Colleen Hammond's blog and she heartily reccomended this book. I ordered a copy and I have to say it's great. Yes, it is published by Angeleus Press. I don't have a problem with that and I'll add that their missal booklet is the best I've come across. It's much better than the beautiful one published by Roman Catholic Books and it even beats my old one by Eclesia Dei.
Friday, May 02, 2008
Tridentine Mass at St. Rita's
Last night on the traditional feast of the Assension we went to St. Rita's for a high solemn Mass. It was awesome and I mean that. We had a priest, a deacon and a subdeacon. We have five beautifully trained altar boys and Dominican monks. The guest homilist was an old Dominican and he really made us all sit up straight and listen. Everyone's biretta was crisp and shiny, the vestments were dazzling and the chant was sublime. When Fr. Aragon (his nickname) began the concecration it came to me in a flash that this was reminesent of the Jewish temple days when the high priest went alone to the Holy of Holies to offer insense. At the end of Mass the priests and brothers all departed in silence.
The pews were filled with young people and I saw quite a few couples with babies and young kids. Oh beautiful divine litury of the Church, ever ancient ever new. How I I do love the TLM.
The pews were filled with young people and I saw quite a few couples with babies and young kids. Oh beautiful divine litury of the Church, ever ancient ever new. How I I do love the TLM.
FDLS and their Catholic defenders
I am shocked at how many Catholic bloggers are defending the FDLS freaks. I have read hysterical rants claiming that if the government can take the FDLS kids away from their parents it will come for Catholic kids next or the FDLS kids are now going to be exposed to the evil modern world and that's child abuse in itself.
People! I'm from the rugged individualist school of thought myself, and I tend to view the government with a jaudiced eye but there is a fine line between cynicism and paranoia.
If you think it's okay for a 13 year old to be raped everynight by a 50 year old man because Marie Antoinette was 14 when she got married (the marriage was not consumated until she was grown) or becuase arranged marriages have worked out fine for society for centuries then I have no words for you. I can not see you. I can not hear you. You are beyond the frigging pale.
So far 41 kids have been found to have bone fractures and old healed broken bones. My husband and his brother played football from roughly the ages of 10 to 21. Southern, smashmouth, run with the big dogs football. In all those years they only have one fracture or break between them. FDLS kids are not allowed to play sports so how'd they get those fractures? Isn't beating a kid or working him so hard that he breaks child abuse? Are you for child abuse in the name of family privacy? And do you consider plural marriage finacned by welfare fraud a genuine marriage or in anyway pleasing to Christ? If you do I can not see you. I can not hear you. You simply don't exist in the realm of civilized discourse or thought.
People! I'm from the rugged individualist school of thought myself, and I tend to view the government with a jaudiced eye but there is a fine line between cynicism and paranoia.
If you think it's okay for a 13 year old to be raped everynight by a 50 year old man because Marie Antoinette was 14 when she got married (the marriage was not consumated until she was grown) or becuase arranged marriages have worked out fine for society for centuries then I have no words for you. I can not see you. I can not hear you. You are beyond the frigging pale.
So far 41 kids have been found to have bone fractures and old healed broken bones. My husband and his brother played football from roughly the ages of 10 to 21. Southern, smashmouth, run with the big dogs football. In all those years they only have one fracture or break between them. FDLS kids are not allowed to play sports so how'd they get those fractures? Isn't beating a kid or working him so hard that he breaks child abuse? Are you for child abuse in the name of family privacy? And do you consider plural marriage finacned by welfare fraud a genuine marriage or in anyway pleasing to Christ? If you do I can not see you. I can not hear you. You simply don't exist in the realm of civilized discourse or thought.