A Catholic Blog for Lovers |
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A celebration of beauty, truth, and goodness, and, of course, love...and perhaps a little nastiness 
My Buddy, ONION"I agree with about 99% of what you blog" Johannes Paulus II "This is my favorite blog and wish it were mandatory reading for all" Joseph Ratzinger "I even read your blog from heaven" Mother Teresa "I wish I were alive to publish every word you write in The Catholic Worker" Dorothy Day A Catholic Page for Lovers Praise of Glory *Great* Books Center Some Catholic Blogs: "St Blog's" MY BLOG HOMEPAGE email Gerard N.B. Many of the images posted will be removed after a few weeks; the text will remain as is. Archives 
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Saturday, October 18, 2003
Touchstone July-August 2003 issue Does anyone have a copy of this issue of Touchstone to send my way, for borrowing, or even for keeping (if you get rid of old magazines)? I let my subscription to Touchstone lapse, as I became disillusioned with one of the major editors and voices in its pages and online blog. But in this particular issue there are a few articles I'd love to read (in fact, I regretted my decision since I have really appreciated this journal over the years - but did what I felt I had to do). Thanks and just email me if this is a possibility. Mother Teresa: The Musical "Rome seems to be competing with its own history of ecclesiastical excess to ensure that the beatification of Mother Teresa proceeds with the maximum spiritual, spectacular — and commercial — effect." Today in Christian history October 18, 1405: Enea Silvio Piccolomini (a.k.a. Pope Pius II) is born at Corsignano, Italy. Though faulted for taking radical and sometimes contradictory positions on issues, he was one of the best popes of his age: he wrote an important study of geography and ethnography, a popular love story, and an autobiography. He died in 1464 while planning a battle against the Turks, who controlled Constantinople. October 18, 1685: French King Louis XIV issues the Edict of Fontainebleu, which revokes the Edict of Nantes and once again forbids Huguenots (French Protestants) from worshipping. Friday, October 17, 2003
New York Daily News: The agony of lives cut short A touching account of those killed in the Staten Island Ferry accident yesterday. I suspect a good portion of them are Catholic. BBC section on Islam and the West Fascinating materials! For the very first time in my life, I found out what words Muslims say five times daily in the ritual prayer. Saint Ignatius of Antioch Today's saint's voice still echoes from the second century Among several quotes, Ignatius is remembered for his address to the Roman Church. In his epistle to the Romans he says that the Roman Church "presides in love." This is one of many references in the early years to a certain primacy for the Church of Rome. Not enough to "prove" anything - but culmitatively they add up to an impressive testimony. I am sure our beloved Pope prays that he and his Roman flock would be worthy even today of this beautiful title: the Church that presides in love. Valaam Monastery Singers  Last evening my wonderful parish continued its concert series with a two part presentation by the Valaam Monastery Singers. The first session was dedicated to sacred music: Valaam chant and Russian compositions. I was struck by both the beauty and sobriety of the chants. These sacred songs were sung with a sense of prayerful reverence. Lovely. The second session was devoted to folk songs from northern Russia. The songs were mostly quicked pace and seemed suffused with a sense of humor. I could almost feel the winds of the northern tiaga! It was so good to be in my parish church, which is like a home to me, with talented and gifted artists who conveyed some of the treaures of Russia and of the Orthodox tradition - all the while feeling that we were at home in each other's home, so to speak. Warmth. I am glad I went and experienced this evening at St B's.  World Upside Down The legacy of Pope John Paul II by Philip Jenkins You need to register to access the articles in this online newspaper. Waugh the Catholic Ian Ker "Evelyn Waugh’s genius was nurtured by Tridentine Catholicism. He loved its rigidities while transcending them. This portrait marks the centenary of the novelist’s birth." A giant among popes "...As he enters his twenty-sixth year as Pope, revered or reviled, there is no mistaking his greatness. For 25 years the Catholic Church has been led by a colossus, whose personal experience encompasses the deepest horrors of the twentieth century, and who has proclaimed the Gospel as he understands it with the authority not only of his ancient office, but of rare intelligence, high courage and uncompromising integrity. No pope for centuries has had so direct – and, in Eastern Europe at any rate, so beneficial – an impact on human destinies, nor set so personal a mark on the Church he serves – and governs." - From Eamon Duffy in The London Tablet. 'Huge crisis' over gay bishop "Dr Rowan Williams said there was a "huge crisis looming" over the forthcoming consecration of Reverend Gene Robinson as Bishop of New Hampshire. "We shall immediately have some responses from around the world," if the ceremony goes ahead, he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme. "Some provinces will declare outright that they're not in communion... others would want to continue in an impaired state of relation," he said..." Anglicans Warn of a Split if Gay Man Is Consecrated "...The primates' statement reaffirmed the resolutions on homosexuality that the bishops agreed to at their Lambeth Convention in 1998: "We cannot advise the legitimizing or blessing of same-sex unions nor ordaining those involved in same gender unions." Such resolutions are nonbinding. Both conservative and liberal Anglican advocates who traveled to London to monitor the meeting said they saw the statement as a hopeful endorsement of their widely divergent positions..." Today in Christian history October 17, 108: According to tradition, Ignatius, bishop of Antioch, was martyred on this date. The Apostolic Father closest in thought to the New Testament writers, Ignatius wrote seven letters under armed guard on his way to Rome—some asking that the church not interfere with his "true sacrifice". October 17. 1483, Pope Sixtus IV launched the Spanish Inquisition, placing it under joint direction of the Church and state. Tomás de Torquemada, 63, was appointed Grand Inquisitor in charge of removing Jews and Muslims from Spain. October 17, 1979: October 17, 1979: Mother Teresa is awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Thursday, October 16, 2003
Jesus' Anniversary: amid the accolades, signs of dissent and decline I had just been thinking of doing something along these lines myself (reporting on a poll of Jesus' followers showing that while many respected him, 75% disagreed with his teachings on forgiveness of enemies, etc.). Mark does it better, far better, than I ever could. Don't miss it! Mahathir Urges Muslim Unity Opening address of the OIC (Organization of Islamic Countries) PUTRAJAYA, Malaysia, 17 October 2003 — Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad yesterday called on Muslims the world over to unite in the face of an attack orchestrated by Jews. He told a summit of Islamic leaders that “Jews rule the world by proxy” and the world’s 1.3 billion Muslims should use nonviolent means for a “final victory.” Mahathir criticized the Jewish domination of the world and the Muslim nation’s inability to adequately respond to it as he opened the meeting of Islamic leaders from 57 nations. “The Europeans killed 6 million Jews out of 12 million, but today the Jews rule the world by proxy,” Mahathir said. “They get others to fight and die for them.” “We are up against a people who think. They survived 2,000 years of pogroms not by hitting back but by thinking,” Mahathir said...." E-mail the pope Thanks to Bill Cork for posting this! The Vatican has provided an e-mail address for those who wish to send greetings to the Holy Father on his 25th anniversary: john_paul_ii@vatican.va. I just now sent my own email, which reads: Subject: Deo Gratias Tears of joy at your Jubilee. Words totally inadequate. You are my hero. Ad multos annos! The people's pope "...Cumulatively, more people have gathered to see this pope than any other person who has ever lived. Such is his commitment to spreading his message around the world that he continued his travels till very recently, even as the onset of Parkinson's disease clearly made every movement and syllable a great labour..." Poles celebrate Pope's 25th anniversary WARSAW, Poland, Oct. 16 (UPI) -- Poland is swept up in festivities and events commemorating Pope John Paul II's 25th anniversary as head of the Roman Catholic Church. The excitement was highest in the market town of Wadowice, where the pope was born Karol Wojtyla. Fireworks are planned and a huge television screen was erected for a transmission Thursday from the Vatican, the Times of London reported. Tens of thousands of pilgrims flocked into town and knelt in prayer for the 83-year-old pontiff's health. The pope's death would not only be a national tragedy, but would also represent a personal, intimate loss for Poles who feel linked, in almost a family way, to John Paul II. In the Western industrial city of Lodz, thousands of believers have written their best wishes to the pope in a letter that is 25 yards long. In Gdansk, church workers have been handing out the pope's favorite cake, a Wadowice specialty filled with vanilla pudding. At an airfield in Bialystok, a huge crowd has been reciting the rosary. Pope asks for strength to go on ..."He [God], while knowing my human fragility, encourages me to respond with faith... and He invites me to assume the responsibilities that He himself has entrusted to me..." TWENTY FIVE BLESSED YEARS! From strength to strength, from glory to glory   "Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools. They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion." - Psalm 84: 5-7 "But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord." - 2 Corinthians 3:18 Dearest Holy Father, Happy Jubilee! Dearest Holy Father, we thank God for you! Dearest Holy Father, we love you! Ad multos annos! DEO GRATIAS! Pastor boots gay couple from choir "The pastor of a Catholic church in the Bronx booted a gay couple from the choir after they went public with their wedding ceremony - leaving the two men heartbroken. Msgr. Edmund Whalen of St. Benedict's blocked newlyweds Michael Sabatino and Robert Voorheis from rehearsal Sunday when they returned from their nuptials in Canada..." JOHN PAUL II MARKS ANNIVERSARY WITH INSIGHTFUL LOOK AT FAITH By Maggie Gallagher "...With due respect this week, the press celebrates John Paul II's achievements: his brave stand against communism, his reparations toward "our elder brothers" the Jews, his warm, globe-trotting, accessible, celebrity style. The New York Times, with its typical impeccable timing, marked John Paul II's anniversary with a photograph of the empty pews of Europe. Of course, it is not just the pews of Europe that are empty; it is also the cradles. European civilization, having hitched its wagon to secularism, humanism, materialism and sexual liberation, is visibly dwindling away, even as it attempts to use international organizations to impose its culture of death on the rest of the world in the name of human rights: the right to kill your baby or your grandma, the right to sex of any kind without social criticism (aka "hate speech"), the right to repress religious thought and speech of others because hey, you find it intolerant and intolerance must be crushed, right? ..." Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque  "Behold this Heart which has loved men so much, and yet men do not want to love Me in return. Through you My divine Heart wishes to spread its love everywhere on earth." - from Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque's vision of Jesus Thank you! Last night, rather late, another roomer delivered to me a surprise gift: a bouquet of flowers - yellow roses with a hint of red, along with assorted flowers with shades of purple and yellow - simply beautiful. But... no card, no message. It brought to mind last year around this time when I received the anonymous cash gift to "take a vacation" which I did - and, boy, did that start the ball rolling when I discovered that I could do this and enjoy so greatly, despite my limitations. I also received anonymously the gorgeous roses (the card simply said "from Therese") on the feast of the Little Therese. I still don't know who sent the money! But once again, thanks, if you read this. And to the one who sent the recent flowers, thank you so much. (I hope you read this). I am taking them as a gift for the Pope's Jubilee, which is delighting my heart, and for my name's day as well. They are just beautiful and I have placed them on my desk next to the computer, in good view. They remind me of the goodness of God and the beauty of His Grace and Mercies, and of the goodness and beauty of those who share His love so generously with others. I am touched; I am grateful. I will pray for you. Saint Gerard Majella CSSR  Today is not only the Silver Jubilee of our beloved Pope, but the feast day of my patron saint, Gerard Majella. Only a few years ago, I discovered that my twin sister, Peggy, celebrates her name day today as well, since today is also the feast of Saint Margaret Mary. To all Gerards and Jerrys, Margarets and Peggys, a most blessed feast day. May Saint Gerard and Saint Margaret Mary, intercede for us with the Lord they loved and served so faithfully, and give us some share of their spirit of prayer, of sacrifice, of fidelity, and of abundant love. Pope delivers message to bishops Pope John Paul II has used the first event marking his silver jubilee to deliver a strong message to bishops. Anglican Leaders Work to Avoid a Split Over Gay U.S. Bishop "...However, even among the African primates, there is not unanimity. Archbishop Njongonkulu Ndugane of Cape Town, the primate of Southern Africa has said he supports the ordination of gays. And the former Archbishop of Central Africa, Walter Makhulu, preached at a church service on Wednesday organized by Inclusive Church, a group of Anglicans who favor rights for gays. Archbishop Makhulu likened discrimination against gays to discrimination against blacks under apartheid. He described his humiliation as a boy in South Africa when he and his father were photographed and fingerprinted in the apartheid government's program to register every citizen by race. "The notion of exclusivity is abhorrent, and it is a heresy in the same way as apartheid was described as a heresy," he said. He called the primates who are resisting acceptance of gays "tyrants," and said, "I have resisted tyranny all my life."..." For Pope, a Milestone on Road of Epic Events "..."For the Catholic Church, this papacy was a disaster despite some positive aspects," Hans Kung, a dissident theologian, wrote in the current edition of the Swiss weekly Sonntagszeitung. "Don't be fooled by the Masses at big papal events," Mr. Kung wrote. "During this papacy, millions have fled the church or quietly turned inward." Such nice thoughts from Hans Kung on the Silver Jubilee of the Pope.... and this is a good example perhaps of how dissent often leads to bitterness and coldness of spirit. Today in Christian history October 16, 1311: The Council of Vienne opens to decide if the Templars, a military order sworn to protect Christian pilgrims, are heretical and too wealthy. Pope Clement V decided to suppress the order. Its leader was burned and members' possessions taken by the church. That decision was adamantly derided by the poet Dante and by later historians. October 18, 1555: Anglican Bishops Hugh Latimer and Nicholas Ridley were burned at the stake in Oxford for their nonconformity to the Roman Catholic Church during the reign of Queen Mary I. Their deaths were included in "Foxe’s Book of Martrys" and fired anti-Catholic sentiment for centuries. October 16, 1701: Unhappy with growing liberalism at Harvard, Congregationalists found Collegiate School, later known as Yale. October 16, 1859: Militant messianic abolitionist John Brown leads a group of about 20 men in a raid on the federal armory at Harper's Ferry, Virginia (now West Virginia). Brown believed that only violent action would end slavery and that a massive slave uprising would bring God's judgment upon unrepentant American Southerners. Furthermore, he believed that God had anointed him as the cleansing agent for his country's sin. But when the slaves around Harper's Ferry failed to rally to Brown's cause, he was overpowered. He was arrested, tried, and hanged. October 16, 1978: The College of Cardinals chooses Polish Cardinal Karol Wojtyla to be the new pope. Taking the name John Paul II, he became the first non-Italian pope in 456 years. Wednesday, October 15, 2003
Muslims in Athens: In search of a place to pray I have read any number of complaints by Orthodox Christians about the poor treatment they receive in Turkey and the precarious position of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. But this article in The Christian Science Monitor points to Greece's own treatment of over 100,000 Muslims in its midst. There are some Christian churches operating in Turkey. But no official mosque in Greece yet. I may not grasp the whole picture, of course, but something doesn't seem right with this picture. Rome Shows Its Duality on Eve of Pope's Anniversary Yet more from the New York Times. It has, of course, its obligatory slap at Catholics and gives us "the real scoop" so to speak. But an OK piece, it seems to me. I must say the NYT is taking notice if nothing else. Interesting Stats on Christianity in NYT Percentage of Christian population in 1900 and 2000: Orthodox were 22.1% are 10.2% Catholic were 50.8% are 50.2% Protestants were 19.6% are 16.2% Anglicans were 5.8% are 3.8% Independents were 1.5% are 18.3% Others were 0.2% are 1.2% Here is the growth/decline rate in that same period: Orthodox -53.85% Catholic -1.18% Protestants -17.47% Anglicans -34.83% Independents +112.00% Others +600.00% For what it's worth.... NADA TE TURBE! Let nothing disturb you, Nothing affright you; All things are passing, God never changes! Patient endurance Attains to all things; Who God possesses In nothing is wanting; Alone God suffices. Nada te turbe, Nada te espante; Todo se pasa; Dios no se muda. La paciencia todo lo alcanza. Quien a Dios tiene Nada le falta. Solo Dios basta. These lines were found after St Teresa of Avila's death in her breviary in which P Gracián wrote "This breviary belonged to Mother Teresa of Jesus and she was using it for her prayers when God called her to heaven from Alba. And because this is true, I have signed it with my name: Fray Gerónimo Gracián de la Madre de Dios." Mercy, O my God! Mercy, O God, on Terri Schiavo, marked for death today. Mercy! I entrust Terri to the maternal care of Our Mother of Perpetual Help. O Mary, never was it known.... Anglican primates gather and discuss controversial issue Appended is an interesting map giving world wide Anglican statistics. Feast of La Madre  "From sour-faced saints, O Lord, deliver us." - Teresa of Avila, Doctor of the Universal Church Today in Christian history October 15, 1582: The Gregorian calendar was adopted in Italy, France, Spain, and Portugal. Britain would not accept it until 1751. On this day in 1790, Ann Teresa Mathews (aka Mother Bernardina) and Frances Dickinson founded a convent of Discalced Carmelites in Port Tobacco, Maryland. It was the first Catholic convent founded in the United States. October 15, 1880: Germany's Cologne Cathedral is completed, 633 years after construction began. October 15, 1900: Charles Fox Parham opens Bethel Bible Institute in Topeka, Kansas, where Agnes Ozman and other students would speak in tongues and begin the Pentecostal movement. October 15, 1932: A small party of supporters gathers in Liverpool, England, to send Gladys Aylward, a 28-year-old parlormaid, off on a dangerous missionary journey to China. Though she'd been turned down by the missions agency she applied to, she went on to become one of the most amazing single woman missionaries of modern history. Her dramatic rescue of a hundred orphans is told in the movie "The Inn of the Sixth Happiness", starring Ingrid Bergman. October 15, 1949: Billy Graham skyrockets to national prominence with an evangelistic crusade in Los Angeles. Tuesday, October 14, 2003
Salt Lake City - Grand Teton - Yellowstone  I've enjoyed some initial planning for another "biggie" - the planned visit in May of next year to Salt Lake City, Grand Teton, and Yellowstone. I haven't been feeling 100% since yesterday - nothing serious, I am pretty sure - but more than usual shortness of breath which seems to be getting better now already, thank God. (I sure would appreciate a prayer). This happens on and off and can be a bit "scary." Losing myself on the computer can be somewhat relaxing, even somewhat healing, as I don't feel my disabilities so much.
The internet is great! I was looking for lodging and was waiting for the "right" places with the right feel and right price. And found two wonderful lodges, one in Jackson WY, where we hope to spend two nights, on the way up to Yellowstone and on the way back from Yellowstone to Salt Lake City. The other is in Gardiner, MT, and seems just perfect. You can see for yourself and see if you think I have good taste or not: Jackson: Signal Mountain Lodge We are staying at one of the two room Lakeside Retreats, first floor, for $138 per night - that's the total for all 3 of us. What a view! 
Gardiner: Above the Rest Lodge in Gardiner MT (just above the north entrance to Park) - we are spending three nights at Shirley Bell's, which is handicap accesible and has 3 bedrooms, wrap around deck, 2 baths, for $150 per night - total for all 3 of us). Saw it and fell in love. At first I had looked for the cheapest such as Days Inns and Best Westerns. These were usually in towns without direct views of the area and would run about $90 per night for the 3 of us, with perhaps one queen bed and one pull out sofa, just one room. Then it dawned on me that this is a once in a lifetime visit and why not get lodging that is suitable for the "venue" and the uniqueness of the adventure. (And for 3 guys some roominess might come in handy especially at night!). I almost tremble writing about this trip: it still seems somewhat dreamy and unreal. But as I book our lodging, etc. the reality breaks through as well. If God spares me, I hope so much to pull this one off. And to my delight my traveling buddy, Father Michael, is joining me once again! There's a lot of joy in the planning and anticipation stage. And I wish to share some of it with you. Happy Jubilee (?), Pope John Paul II Andrew Sullivan speaks his opinion of our Jubilarian Pope "Am I still a Catholic? I don't think I can call myself such publicly any more. Privately, I think I always will be in some place in my heart. But I cannot enable the vicious cycle of failure and scapegoating that now animates what amounts to the leadership. And I do not believe, as David Brooks seems to, that the legacy of this pope can be fairly judged without taking into acccount the devastation to Catholicism that has occurred in the West under his watch. He has presided over a collapse in the Church's home-base in Europe, and, I believe, has precipitated the death-throes of the Church in America. No doubt many believe that this is the price for fidelity to the Church's medieval sexual ethics. I beg to differ." Andrew, I think, misses a few vital elements here. The decline of the Church in western Europe has been going on for quite some time; well before the pontificate of John Paul II. In fact, this Pope has been an influence of some revitalization of the Church in these quarters. Not only through the new ecclesial movements, which are so close to him, but through his pastoral vision for the youthful Church. I think it took "Europe" by surprise when a million gathered with the Pope in Paris, and two million in Rome! And I wonder if a more rigorous view of reality in America would indicate the Church is in her death-throes? Troubles, yes; some losses, yes. But some stunning successes as well, and some wondrous gains. Lots of life yet and indeed I believe the best is yet to come. And that is due, to some extent, to the vision and pastoral leadership of John Paul II. Today in Christian history October 14, 1066: William the Conqueror leads the Normans to victory over the English Saxons in the Battle of Hastings. William is also considered one of England's most important religious reformers; he spent his last days in intense Christian devotion. October 14, 1633: James II of England, whose conversion to Catholicism in 1670 created a constitutional crisis in Anglican Britain, is born. October 14, 1644: William Penn, the Quaker founder of Pennsylvania and one of the most engaging religious figures of his age, is born in London. October 14, 1656: Massachusetts enacts a law prohibiting "Quakerism" or harboring Quakers. October 14, 1735: John and Charles Wesley, cofounders (of sorts) of Methodism, set sail for ministry in America. Monday, October 13, 2003
A Growing Faith, Fueled by Pentecostalism More in the New York Times about Christian Faith today; this takes a look at Pentecostalism especially in Nigeria. Harvest Time (and the Pope's Jubilee)  Our pastor, Father Paschal, has a wonderful "touch" with altar decorations. I wish the photo could show all the flowers and arrangements in the entire sanctuary! Here is the decoration before the altar itself. Thanks once again to Pavel Chichikov for a fine photo! I love my parish! P.S. Our parish is celebrating The Silver Jubilee of Pope John Paul with several "events." On the 16th, we will have a concert of sacred music done by the Valaam Monastery Singers in honor of the Pope; on the 18th we will hold a Rosary Vigil from 7PM to 11PM - each hour given to one of the sets of mysteries of the Holy Rosary. On Sunday, the Jubilee itself, all the Masses will be celebrated in honor of the 25th Anniversary of the Pontificate of John Paul II. Is your parish doing anything special to honor this historic occasion? Pope's Jubilee  This Italian Post handout picture shows a reproduction of the 0.41 Euro post service postcard which will be issued Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2003, celebrating the 25-year pontificate of Pope John Paul. (AP) Brazil celebrates Our Lady  People pack the streets of Belem, in the northern state of Para, Brazil, as they help to carry a float holding the sacred image of 'Our Lady of Nazare', background top, during a procession in her honor Sunday, Oct. 12, 2003. Nearly 1.5 million people crowded the streets of the city to take part in the country's largest Catholic traditional celebration. (AP) Gay Catholics struggle to maintain faith in church Another article on Catholicism in The Boston Globe. Where Belief Is Strong, but Practice Weak In the past 25 years, the Christian faith has withered in Europe and boomed in the developing world. The New York Times writes about the (Catholic) Faith in Europe as the Pope's 25th Jubilee nears. A rather depressing piece; but even this writer sees some signs of hope. Not long ago an Orthodox bishop traveled through some of Europe and said that the Catholic Church seemed far more alive than reports in the media would have it. I hope he is right (but he started his pilgrimage in Poland where things are much better than in most of the rest of Europe). Today in Christian history October 13, 1670: Virginia bans slavery for Negroes who arrive in the American colonies as Christians. The colony repealed the law 12 years later. October 13, 1917: Three shepherd children near Fatima, Portugal, report visions of the Virgin Mary. Sunday, October 12, 2003
Ireland Still Shows Signs of a Strong Faith Though Mass Attendance Is Lower Among the Young ENNIS, Ireland, OCT. 12, 2003 (Zenit.org).- Parts of Irish society still strongly embrace Catholicism, though young people seem less inclined to practice the faith of their fathers, recent surveys indicate. A survey by the Killaloe Diocese in County Clare found that more than 60% of the faithful attend Mass regularly, thanks to older parishioners. Almost three-quarters (74%) of people over 40 of age said they go to church regularly, compared with just 42.3% of those under 40. Bishop Willie Walsh said overall he was encouraged by the survey results. "Attitudes to the Church and the priesthood are much more positive than anecdotal comment would lead one to expect," he said. "I believe we can take heart from most of the findings of this survey," he added. "We commissioned it to help us develop a vocations strategy and the results raise my hope that we can work to draw young people to the priesthood and the religious life." The process to develop a national strategy for vocations promotion was precisely the theme of a four-day workshop last week in Dundrum, County Tipperary. It attracted 20 Irish dioceses. Father Kevin Doran, national coordinator of vocations, said: "There is a perception out there that vocations directors are anxious to get people into seminaries at all costs. The opposite is the case. In these times of shortage, we have to be more careful than ever to make sure that mature decisions are made in the light of faith." The Killaloe survey seemed to indicate that perceptions about the priesthood are still positive. More than 90% of those surveyed thought that priests were doing a good job. The survey revealed that 16.5% at some point thought about pursuing the priesthood or religious life and as many as one in 10 of those under 40 years had considered it. Another poll, conducted recently for Ireland's state broadcasters RTE, found that about half of the Irish aged 18 or older attend weekly Mass, down 10 percentage points from a similar poll taken in 1998. The poll was taken by questioning 1,000 adults face to face. Among 18- to 24-year-olds, only one-quarter attend Mass weekly or more frequently. This figure rises to 27% for 25- to 34-year-olds. Despite the low attendance, some 49% of Irish aged 18 to 24 say the Church is important in their lives. Among the 25-34 group, the figure rises to 62%. The survey also found that 87% of Catholics would like their children to be brought up in the faith. "This will give no encouragement to those who want to diminish the Church's role in education," commented Ronan Mullen of the Irish Examiner. Bigger Than the Nobel By DAVID BROOKS "I can't imagine he cares, but Pope John Paul II, who has had a more profound influence on more people than any other living human being, is never going to win the Nobel Peace Prize. For years, prize watchers have felt that the Norwegian committee would have no choice but to give him the award, even if he does have unfashionable views on abortion. And this, oddsmakers predicted, was his year. His health is fragile, and his fervent opposition to the war in Iraq would have pleased the impeccably liberal committee. But I like to think the members of the committee understood the central truth, that they could not give the prize to John Paul. He is too big and complex for their award. The project he is engaged in — still engaged in — defies their categories...." Embracing tradition Denver Catholic group seeks holiness through poverty, prayer Here's the website of the Denver Beatitudes community. Here's the website for the Community of the Beatitudes. Today in Christian history October 12, 1518: German reformer Martin Luther undergoes an excruciating interview about his 95 Theses (posted one year earlier) with Cardinal Thomas Cajetan in Augsburg. It was so painful, Luther later recalled, that he could not even ride a horse because his bowels ran freely from morning to night. October 12, 1925: The Rev. William Montgomery Brown of the Episcopal Diocese of Arkansas was convicted of heresy and deposed. He had written a book called "Christianity and Communism." He was not excommunicated. |
