All Saints Day--November 1

"[An] angel came and stood at the altar [in heaven] with a golden censer; and he was given much incense to mingle with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar before the throne; and the smoke of the incense rose with the prayers of the saints from the hand of the angel before God" (Rev. 8:3-4).

"The twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and with golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints"
(Rev. 5:8).

All Saints Day--November 1

"[An] angel came and stood at the altar [in heaven] with a golden censer; and he was given much incense to mingle with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar before the throne; and the smoke of the incense rose with the prayers of the saints from the hand of the angel before God" (Rev. 8:3-4).

"The twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and with golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints"
(Rev. 5:8).

I'll have to remember this line!

I do desire we may be better strangers.
~As You Like It III.ii.98

I'll have to remember this line!

I do desire we may be better strangers.
~As You Like It III.ii.98

I still love VWs!

I saw this YouTube video on A Voice Crying out from the Thickness, and I dedicate it to my husband, who has and always will love his VWs!



Ok, lets make it a feast for VWs today!



Maybe we should start driving our '70 VW more often!


That last one reminds me of those old Timex watch commercials. "Takes a licking and keeps on ticking!"

I still love VWs!

I saw this YouTube video on A Voice Crying out from the Thickness, and I dedicate it to my husband, who has and always will love his VWs!



Ok, lets make it a feast for VWs today!



Maybe we should start driving our '70 VW more often!


That last one reminds me of those old Timex watch commercials. "Takes a licking and keeps on ticking!"

All Saints' Day in Chile

Zenit reports that a movement in Chile, begun by Jose Miguel Carafi, to return The Eve of All Saints (Halloween) to its original meaning is gaining ground.

Children are asked to dress up in positive costumes that do not glorify death. Houses that agree to participate leave a white mark of some kind on their doors, alerting the children and guardians to visit. The children are expected to "give a grace" in exchange for sweets. The "grace" can be a prayer, a flower, a drawing, or a joke. When they call on each house they say, "Sweets for graces."

All Saints' Day in Chile

Zenit reports that a movement in Chile, begun by Jose Miguel Carafi, to return The Eve of All Saints (Halloween) to its original meaning is gaining ground.

Children are asked to dress up in positive costumes that do not glorify death. Houses that agree to participate leave a white mark of some kind on their doors, alerting the children and guardians to visit. The children are expected to "give a grace" in exchange for sweets. The "grace" can be a prayer, a flower, a drawing, or a joke. When they call on each house they say, "Sweets for graces."

Black Dog Syndrome

According to the Black Pearl Dog website, black dogs are euthanized at a much higher rate in most shelters because the general public prefers lighter colored dogs. I admit to being surprised when I read this, because dh and I seem to prefer black dogs, for some reason.

Ours has been a real blessing to us.

Many people, apparently, fear black dogs and have groundless superstitions concerning them (and black cats as well).

Please, the next time you are thinking of getting a dog, go to a shelter and consider getting a black one.

Black Dog Syndrome

According to the Black Pearl Dog website, black dogs are euthanized at a much higher rate in most shelters because the general public prefers lighter colored dogs. I admit to being surprised when I read this, because dh and I seem to prefer black dogs, for some reason.

Ours has been a real blessing to us.

Many people, apparently, fear black dogs and have groundless superstitions concerning them (and black cats as well).

Please, the next time you are thinking of getting a dog, go to a shelter and consider getting a black one.

Catholic Hollywood responds to Michael J. Fox

Catholic Hollywood responds to Michael J. Fox

Catholic gifts for a good cause

Thanks to Father Stephanos for the link to the Sisters of Carmel website. They sell a variety of Catholic gifts including rosaries, medals, holy water fonts, and rings as well as CDs, calendars and cards.

The sisters are a cloistered, contemplative order of Discalced Carmelites. They live lives of poverty, prayer and penance for the needs of the world. Their meals are meatless, and on Fridays, vegan.

The picture shows a traditional clothing ceremony of a newly professed sister.

Catholic gifts for a good cause

Thanks to Father Stephanos for the link to the Sisters of Carmel website. They sell a variety of Catholic gifts including rosaries, medals, holy water fonts, and rings as well as CDs, calendars and cards.

The sisters are a cloistered, contemplative order of Discalced Carmelites. They live lives of poverty, prayer and penance for the needs of the world. Their meals are meatless, and on Fridays, vegan.

The picture shows a traditional clothing ceremony of a newly professed sister.

Prepare to vote

Voting time is just around the corner here in the U.S. Go to Project Vote Smart to find out where your candidates stand on the issues.

Educate yourself. Then vote.

Prepare to vote

Voting time is just around the corner here in the U.S. Go to Project Vote Smart to find out where your candidates stand on the issues.

Educate yourself. Then vote.

sweet and fragrant
in the cold morning air
jasmine tea

Daylight Savings Time Ends This Weekend

For those of you to whom it applies, at least in a good bit of the U.S., this weekend we turn our clocks backward one hour. It will be getting darker earlier now, so get out your chocolate, candles and prozac, along with your rosaries, and get ready to fight the winter blues!

Saint Dymphna, Pray for us!

Daylight Savings Time Ends This Weekend

For those of you to whom it applies, at least in a good bit of the U.S., this weekend we turn our clocks backward one hour. It will be getting darker earlier now, so get out your chocolate, candles and prozac, along with your rosaries, and get ready to fight the winter blues!

Saint Dymphna, Pray for us!

Man learns of Christ through ancient Hindu text

Fascinating article in Indian Catholic. Aravindaksha Menon was a high-caste Indian Hindu who had stopped practicing his religion after becoming a Communist activist. When his life became troubled, he turned to Hinduism, making offerings to various Hindu gods in local temples, and then to astrology, to no avail. Things became so difficult, he began to plan a murder-suicide.

A Hindu Brahmin, a former chief justice of India, then told Menon that he had made 2 mistakes: one was turning to the wrong gods and the second was becoming an atheist when his prayers failed. He suggested that Menon study the Hindu Veda, which he did.

He became intrigued by verses which spoke of a "son of God" who would come and teach people about good and evil, and sacrifice himself for peoples' salvation. When he questioned the Brahmin about this, Menon was told the verses spoke of Jesus Christ and that further study in the Christian Bible was needed.

Although he was unsure how, Menon began to pray and was given peace. he now says that Christ has "saved my family, not financially but with all his blessings."

Man learns of Christ through ancient Hindu text

Fascinating article in Indian Catholic. Aravindaksha Menon was a high-caste Indian Hindu who had stopped practicing his religion after becoming a Communist activist. When his life became troubled, he turned to Hinduism, making offerings to various Hindu gods in local temples, and then to astrology, to no avail. Things became so difficult, he began to plan a murder-suicide.

A Hindu Brahmin, a former chief justice of India, then told Menon that he had made 2 mistakes: one was turning to the wrong gods and the second was becoming an atheist when his prayers failed. He suggested that Menon study the Hindu Veda, which he did.

He became intrigued by verses which spoke of a "son of God" who would come and teach people about good and evil, and sacrifice himself for peoples' salvation. When he questioned the Brahmin about this, Menon was told the verses spoke of Jesus Christ and that further study in the Christian Bible was needed.

Although he was unsure how, Menon began to pray and was given peace. he now says that Christ has "saved my family, not financially but with all his blessings."

Novena for the Holy Father

Moneybags over at A Catholic Life is reminding us to pray the rosary for the Holy Father each day as a novena for his safety as he travels to Turkey next month.

Novena for the Holy Father

Moneybags over at A Catholic Life is reminding us to pray the rosary for the Holy Father each day as a novena for his safety as he travels to Turkey next month.

What happens when we are suffering?

SpiritDaily paints an interesting picture of suffering in an article I just read. When we are wounded, two things happen--2 "people" immediately come around. The first is Jesus. Jesus stands "at the door of our wounds" ready to heal them and fill them with His Love.

Unfortunately, when we hurt, Satan also rushes to the place of our suffering, tempting us to give in to bitter hurt. Satan pours in his poison, and tempts us to despair.

Resist the devil, and he will flee from you, Saint James advises in James 4:7.

How can we resist the devil's temptation to despair during times of trouble? Jesus gave us the answer.

And when He was come into the
house, His disciples secretly asked
Him:Why couldn't we cast him out?

And Jesus said to them:
This kind can go out by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.
~Mark 9:27-28

Stay close to God through prayer, the sacraments and sacramentals and the devil will flee.

What happens when we are suffering?

SpiritDaily paints an interesting picture of suffering in an article I just read. When we are wounded, two things happen--2 "people" immediately come around. The first is Jesus. Jesus stands "at the door of our wounds" ready to heal them and fill them with His Love.

Unfortunately, when we hurt, Satan also rushes to the place of our suffering, tempting us to give in to bitter hurt. Satan pours in his poison, and tempts us to despair.

Resist the devil, and he will flee from you, Saint James advises in James 4:7.

How can we resist the devil's temptation to despair during times of trouble? Jesus gave us the answer.

And when He was come into the
house, His disciples secretly asked
Him:Why couldn't we cast him out?

And Jesus said to them:
This kind can go out by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.
~Mark 9:27-28

Stay close to God through prayer, the sacraments and sacramentals and the devil will flee.

Screaming yellow leaves
appear suddenly among
the abundant brown

Fussy toddlers scream.
Hoards of teen girls run by--
Friday at Walmart

Protestant sees Jesus in the Eucharist

Andy Petty was only in the Catholic Eucharist Adoration chapel at the request of his fiance. He had been a member of the Worldwide Church of God, which, for 30 of the 40 years he had been attending, taught that the Catholic Church and the P0pe were the antichrist. They also taught that Jesus had short hair, not long hair and a beard.

So, when he looked up at the host (which he still thought of as a "cracker") in the monstrance that day and saw a man with a beard, he literally looked around to see where it was being projected from. He couldn't find any evidence of projection equipment and his fiance said she didn't see "the man with the beard" in the host.

Miraculously, his pastor told him it was a gift from God and encouraged him to convert to Catholicism, which he did. He now attends Eucharist Adoration once a week with his wife.

Eucharist Adoration is open to anyone, of any faith. Jesus is there waiting for you in the Blessed Sacrament.

For the location of a Eucharist Adoration chapel near you, see the list at The Real Presence Association.

Click here for a list of Eucharist miracles throughout the ages.

Protestant sees Jesus in the Eucharist

Andy Petty was only in the Catholic Eucharist Adoration chapel at the request of his fiance. He had been a member of the Worldwide Church of God, which, for 30 of the 40 years he had been attending, taught that the Catholic Church and the P0pe were the antichrist. They also taught that Jesus had short hair, not long hair and a beard.

So, when he looked up at the host (which he still thought of as a "cracker") in the monstrance that day and saw a man with a beard, he literally looked around to see where it was being projected from. He couldn't find any evidence of projection equipment and his fiance said she didn't see "the man with the beard" in the host.

Miraculously, his pastor told him it was a gift from God and encouraged him to convert to Catholicism, which he did. He now attends Eucharist Adoration once a week with his wife.

Eucharist Adoration is open to anyone, of any faith. Jesus is there waiting for you in the Blessed Sacrament.

For the location of a Eucharist Adoration chapel near you, see the list at The Real Presence Association.

Click here for a list of Eucharist miracles throughout the ages.

Forgive me, Lord
for my mind sometimes sprouts wings
and flies away.

Dove campaign for real beauty

Click here to see how an ordinary woman is made to look model-perfect for an ad.

Very enlightening.

Very disturbing.

Dove just may be on to something here.

Dove campaign for real beauty

Click here to see how an ordinary woman is made to look model-perfect for an ad.

Very enlightening.

Very disturbing.

Dove just may be on to something here.

Happy Feast Day

Today is the feast of St. John de Brébeuf. He was a Jesuit and in the group of the first missionaries to go to Canada.

My first grade teacher was Sr. John Brébeuf. She followed us into second grade to help prepare us for First Holy Communion. I remember her as one of the last to actually teach us the truths of Catholic teaching, before the onslaught of "we don't believe in that anymore" of the late 1960's and beyond.

I thank God that she was there to teach me to read and to prepare my soul to receive its Savior.

Happy Feast Day

Today is the feast of St. John de Brébeuf. He was a Jesuit and in the group of the first missionaries to go to Canada.

My first grade teacher was Sr. John Brébeuf. She followed us into second grade to help prepare us for First Holy Communion. I remember her as one of the last to actually teach us the truths of Catholic teaching, before the onslaught of "we don't believe in that anymore" of the late 1960's and beyond.

I thank God that she was there to teach me to read and to prepare my soul to receive its Savior.

Pocket Chapel

I found this link via the Catholic Review. Pocket Chapel is free downloadable software that allows you to make your own altar.

Just choose a central image under "holy", flowers, candles and "objects" to place around your altar. You can even choose the altar itself.

You can even upload MP3 files if you choose, or save the image to a usb port to use on another computer.

Pocket Chapel

I found this link via the Catholic Review. Pocket Chapel is free downloadable software that allows you to make your own altar.

Just choose a central image under "holy", flowers, candles and "objects" to place around your altar. You can even choose the altar itself.

You can even upload MP3 files if you choose, or save the image to a usb port to use on another computer.

pounding raindrops
seeping paralyzing cold
into my heart

Wisdom from Will

Present fears
are less
than horrible imaginings.

MacBeth I.iii. 149-150

Wisdom from Will

Present fears
are less
than horrible imaginings.

MacBeth I.iii. 149-150

St.Margaret Mary

"Behold the heart that has so loved men ... "
~Jesus to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque

Today is the feast of Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque. She was born on July 22, 1647 in France of virtuous parents and had an intense love of the Blessed Sacrament. She fell ill and became paralyzed after practicing mortifications, but when she consecrated herself to religious life she was instantly cured.

After her family became impoverished due to the injustice of a relative, Margaret found consolation and comfort in the Blessed Sacrament. She entered the Visitation convent in 1671 where she was made to undergo many trials to prove her vocation.

Jesus appeared to her and asked her to establish the First Friday of every month as a day of receiving Holy Communion and making a Holy Hour as a way to share in the suffering He endured on the last Friday of His life. He also asked that the Feast of the Sacred Heart be established.

Happy Feast Day to all those who are named after this saint, and all those with a devotion to the Sacred Heart.

St.Margaret Mary

"Behold the heart that has so loved men ... "
~Jesus to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque

Today is the feast of Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque. She was born on July 22, 1647 in France of virtuous parents and had an intense love of the Blessed Sacrament. She fell ill and became paralyzed after practicing mortifications, but when she consecrated herself to religious life she was instantly cured.

After her family became impoverished due to the injustice of a relative, Margaret found consolation and comfort in the Blessed Sacrament. She entered the Visitation convent in 1671 where she was made to undergo many trials to prove her vocation.

Jesus appeared to her and asked her to establish the First Friday of every month as a day of receiving Holy Communion and making a Holy Hour as a way to share in the suffering He endured on the last Friday of His life. He also asked that the Feast of the Sacred Heart be established.

Happy Feast Day to all those who are named after this saint, and all those with a devotion to the Sacred Heart.

John Paul II - The Friend Of All Humanity

An historic first will occur the week when the Vatican releases the first cartoon video about the life of a pope. John Paul II - The Friend Of All Humanity is an hour long video covering the life of Pope John Paul II. Dubbed in several languages, it was made by a firm in Barcelona and directed by Jose Luis Lopez-Guardia.

Hat tip to MK for the link.

John Paul II - The Friend Of All Humanity

An historic first will occur the week when the Vatican releases the first cartoon video about the life of a pope. John Paul II - The Friend Of All Humanity is an hour long video covering the life of Pope John Paul II. Dubbed in several languages, it was made by a firm in Barcelona and directed by Jose Luis Lopez-Guardia.

Hat tip to MK for the link.

Prayers requested

Please pray for my family as we come closer to moving my mom into an assisted living community. There are many hurdles we have to overcome before (and after too) this happens. We have to take it one issue at a time and trust that God will provide solutions. He has so far and He is faithful!

Prayers requested

Please pray for my family as we come closer to moving my mom into an assisted living community. There are many hurdles we have to overcome before (and after too) this happens. We have to take it one issue at a time and trust that God will provide solutions. He has so far and He is faithful!

Today's Word for the Day

Don't be afraid to take a big step

if one is indicated.

You can't cross a chasm

in two small jumps.

~ David Lloyd George

Today's Word for the Day

Don't be afraid to take a big step

if one is indicated.

You can't cross a chasm

in two small jumps.

~ David Lloyd George

Moving forward,
we step out in fear--
together.

Another YouTube code that doesn't work

Ok, this is the second time this has happened. Is it a coincidence that since Google bought YouTube, I can't get an embedded code to work? Or maybe its Blogger.

At any rate, click here to see a video of a rapping Franciscan. Or you can go to the Catholic Londoner to see it on his site.

Another YouTube code that doesn't work

Ok, this is the second time this has happened. Is it a coincidence that since Google bought YouTube, I can't get an embedded code to work? Or maybe its Blogger.

At any rate, click here to see a video of a rapping Franciscan. Or you can go to the Catholic Londoner to see it on his site.

Fight Sin

DS found this film called The Conflict Within on YouTube. Great premise. The embedded code didn't work, so just click on "film" for the link.

Fight Sin

DS found this film called The Conflict Within on YouTube. Great premise. The embedded code didn't work, so just click on "film" for the link.

That was fun!

Today I got to do something I haven't done in quite a while, and may not ever do again. I helped DS with his homework. He is a freshman in college this year and had an English essay to write. It was so satisfying to be able to give him pointers and help him clean up the essay.

My ability to help with math homework ended years and years ago!

That was fun!

Today I got to do something I haven't done in quite a while, and may not ever do again. I helped DS with his homework. He is a freshman in college this year and had an English essay to write. It was so satisfying to be able to give him pointers and help him clean up the essay.

My ability to help with math homework ended years and years ago!

people are mirrors
held up by God for us
to see ourselves.

Can it be true!?!

Catholic World News is reporting that Pope Benedict XVI is preparing for publication a new papal document which would give all priests permission to say the Mass of St. Pius V (which is in Latin).

This move would be, in essence, a universal indult to say the Mass in Latin. The prior indult of 1988 required the permission of the local Bishop.

Can it be true!?!

Catholic World News is reporting that Pope Benedict XVI is preparing for publication a new papal document which would give all priests permission to say the Mass of St. Pius V (which is in Latin).

This move would be, in essence, a universal indult to say the Mass in Latin. The prior indult of 1988 required the permission of the local Bishop.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving
to all those in Canada!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving
to all those in Canada!

Accident kills one priest, injures a 2nd, & Baltimore Cardinal Keeler

Please pray for the repose of the soul of Father Bernard Quinn, a retired priest from the U.S. diocese of Harrisburg, PA who died in a car crash in Terni, a city about 60 miles outside of Rome.

Another priest, Monsignor Thomas Smith, 75, a pastor of St. Joseph parish in Lancaster, PA, was driving and broke several rib. Cardinal William Keeler of Baltimore, MD was a passenger and broke an ankle. Both are in a local hospital near the scene of the accident.

Hat tip to MK for the link.

Accident kills one priest, injures a 2nd, & Baltimore Cardinal Keeler

Please pray for the repose of the soul of Father Bernard Quinn, a retired priest from the U.S. diocese of Harrisburg, PA who died in a car crash in Terni, a city about 60 miles outside of Rome.

Another priest, Monsignor Thomas Smith, 75, a pastor of St. Joseph parish in Lancaster, PA, was driving and broke several rib. Cardinal William Keeler of Baltimore, MD was a passenger and broke an ankle. Both are in a local hospital near the scene of the accident.

Hat tip to MK for the link.

God has spoken to His people.

I'm late in commenting on the tragedy in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. I think this is truly a sign from God, a signal grace*, if you will.

There are people who are quick to see a conspiracy behind every tragedy. There are those who are quick to call for and seek revenge. There are those for whom tragedies (and sometimes occurances much more mild than that) are instant triggers for their own anger--at God, at particular groups of people, at other individuals.

Many of us fall to questioning the meaning behind difficult, painful or unpleasant occurances; sometimes to the point of questioning the existance or mercy of God Himself. God is not limited to merely telling us how we should act as Christians. God is now showing us how to act.

The modern world has been left open-mouthed and dumbfounded over the reaction of the Amish community in Pennsylvania after the deaths of 5 girls there at the hands of a local gunman.

The blog Chesterton and Friends puts it this way, "None are asking for revenge, a governmental investigation, or metal detectors be put up in their schools. They are asking for prayers for the murder’s family and for all who are suffering."

In fact, about half the mourners at the funeral of the gunman were members of the local Amish community. Soon after the shooting, the family of the victims piled in their buggies and paid a visit to the shooters family to express their condolences and forgiveness. While many groups are raising money for the families of the victims, the Amish are raising funds for the gunman's family.

God is now showing us how to act. We, as a country, and as individuals, no longer have any excuse. God has graced us with His Love through these Christians who have indeed turned the other cheek.

*The Rosary Foundation says this about Signal Grace: "Signal Graces are signs sent by God to help us make the right decisions in life. Moses got a burning bush, but signal graces usually come about as subtle hints granted to us by God as a way to point us in the right direction. There really is no such thing as a coincidence; everything happens for a reason."

God has spoken to His people.

I'm late in commenting on the tragedy in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. I think this is truly a sign from God, a signal grace*, if you will.

There are people who are quick to see a conspiracy behind every tragedy. There are those who are quick to call for and seek revenge. There are those for whom tragedies (and sometimes occurances much more mild than that) are instant triggers for their own anger--at God, at particular groups of people, at other individuals.

Many of us fall to questioning the meaning behind difficult, painful or unpleasant occurances; sometimes to the point of questioning the existance or mercy of God Himself. God is not limited to merely telling us how we should act as Christians. God is now showing us how to act.

The modern world has been left open-mouthed and dumbfounded over the reaction of the Amish community in Pennsylvania after the deaths of 5 girls there at the hands of a local gunman.

The blog Chesterton and Friends puts it this way, "None are asking for revenge, a governmental investigation, or metal detectors be put up in their schools. They are asking for prayers for the murder’s family and for all who are suffering."

In fact, about half the mourners at the funeral of the gunman were members of the local Amish community. Soon after the shooting, the family of the victims piled in their buggies and paid a visit to the shooters family to express their condolences and forgiveness. While many groups are raising money for the families of the victims, the Amish are raising funds for the gunman's family.

God is now showing us how to act. We, as a country, and as individuals, no longer have any excuse. God has graced us with His Love through these Christians who have indeed turned the other cheek.

*The Rosary Foundation says this about Signal Grace: "Signal Graces are signs sent by God to help us make the right decisions in life. Moses got a burning bush, but signal graces usually come about as subtle hints granted to us by God as a way to point us in the right direction. There really is no such thing as a coincidence; everything happens for a reason."

Don't Worry, Be Happy? Unrealistic

Rabbi Marc Gellman writes a very enlightening article for Newsweek about happiness. He very rightly points out that villains and sinners are often quite happy, and superheros and saints are many times realistically uneasy. This goes against the current modern assumptions that happiness equals pleasure. Anyone can experience pleasure, sometimes in some very evil ways. That is not happiness.

Happiness, Rabbi Gellman asserts, comes from doing GOOD. There is a difference. The major world religions of Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and Sikhism, according to Gellman, all teach that doing good equals feeling good.

But there is a catch. Doing good over and over again is hard, but it is what equals happiness. Gellman says the obesity problem in society is not caused by caloric intake. It is caused because "we eat what gives us pleasure. It is more pleasurable to sit on your tush and play videogames than it is to run around and sweat."

So, the nebulous modern goal of "happiness/pleasure" is actually a goal of hedonistic sin. Real happiness, lasting happiness comes from doing the hard work of doing good.

In Catholicism, we call this doing works of mercy.

The Works of Mercy

The Corporal Works of Mercy
To feed the hungry
To give drink to the thirsty.
To clothe the naked.
To visit and ransom the captives.
To shelter the homeless.
To visit the sick.
To bury the dead.

The Spiritual Works of Mercy
To admonish sinners.
To instruct the ignorant.
To counsel the doubtful.
To comfort the sorrowful.
To bear wrongs patiently.
To forgive all injuries.
To pray for the living and the dead.

Hat tip to MK for the article.

Don't Worry, Be Happy? Unrealistic

Rabbi Marc Gellman writes a very enlightening article for Newsweek about happiness. He very rightly points out that villains and sinners are often quite happy, and superheros and saints are many times realistically uneasy. This goes against the current modern assumptions that happiness equals pleasure. Anyone can experience pleasure, sometimes in some very evil ways. That is not happiness.

Happiness, Rabbi Gellman asserts, comes from doing GOOD. There is a difference. The major world religions of Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and Sikhism, according to Gellman, all teach that doing good equals feeling good.

But there is a catch. Doing good over and over again is hard, but it is what equals happiness. Gellman says the obesity problem in society is not caused by caloric intake. It is caused because "we eat what gives us pleasure. It is more pleasurable to sit on your tush and play videogames than it is to run around and sweat."

So, the nebulous modern goal of "happiness/pleasure" is actually a goal of hedonistic sin. Real happiness, lasting happiness comes from doing the hard work of doing good.

In Catholicism, we call this doing works of mercy.

The Works of Mercy

The Corporal Works of Mercy
To feed the hungry
To give drink to the thirsty.
To clothe the naked.
To visit and ransom the captives.
To shelter the homeless.
To visit the sick.
To bury the dead.

The Spiritual Works of Mercy
To admonish sinners.
To instruct the ignorant.
To counsel the doubtful.
To comfort the sorrowful.
To bear wrongs patiently.
To forgive all injuries.
To pray for the living and the dead.

Hat tip to MK for the article.

Let there be chant on earth

Matthew over at Shrine of the Holy Whapping has the right idea!

Let there be chant on earth,
and let it begin with me.
Let there be chanted Mass,
the Mass that was meant to be.
With God as our Father,
singers all are we,
Let me chant with my brothers,
at every liturgy.

Let chant begin with me,*
let this be the moment now.
With every Mass I sing,
let this be my solemn vow,

To pray each moment and sing each moment
in pure monophony...
Let there be chant on Earth,
and let it begin with me!

*This verse care of Quantitative Metathesis, a poster at the Shrine.

Let there be chant on earth

Matthew over at Shrine of the Holy Whapping has the right idea!

Let there be chant on earth,
and let it begin with me.
Let there be chanted Mass,
the Mass that was meant to be.
With God as our Father,
singers all are we,
Let me chant with my brothers,
at every liturgy.

Let chant begin with me,*
let this be the moment now.
With every Mass I sing,
let this be my solemn vow,

To pray each moment and sing each moment
in pure monophony...
Let there be chant on Earth,
and let it begin with me!

*This verse care of Quantitative Metathesis, a poster at the Shrine.

Tomorrow is the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary. Originally, this feast was celebrated under the name Our Lady of Victory. (See my other post about the history of this feast.)

The Rosary is a very powerful yet simple prayer. The Creed, the Gloria, the Our Father and the Hail Mary are all you really need to pray it. You don't even need a rosary, per se. (That's why God gave us 10 fingers!)

The Rosary was originally called The Poor Man's Psalter. The clergy prayed the psalms (psalter) as part of their daily prayer life. When the laity wanted to deepen their prayer life, they looked to the monastery for guidance. Not being able to afford (or in many cases, even read) a book of the Psalms, (remember, in those days books were copied by hand) the Rosary, which originally consited of 150 prayers, took the place of the daily reading of the Psalter that the monks engaged in.

The Rosary can be prayed any time, anywhere, broken up by daily work, offered for our intentions, and prayed throughout a busy day. It is still a perfect prayer for busy people looking to come closer to God.

Years ago, I was made aware of a tradition that had fallen out of use by the time I was growing up. That is the Catholic practice of carrying a rosary with you at all times. Although not necessary for praying the Rosary, a physical rosary is a wonderful reminder to pray. The cord rosaries made by the Rosary Army are nearly indestructable and they will send you one for FREE. You can even learn how to make them yourself.

If you haven't said the Rosary in a while, or you never learned how, I challenge you to try. The Rosary, whose prayers come mainly from the Bible, is a powerful weapon against evil and an easy way to include the Biblical stories of Christ in your daily prayer life, through the 20 mysteries from the Annunciation of the Birth of Christ, through His life, death and resurection.

I saw a bumper sticker a couple of years ago that I have not been able to find a picture of that says it all:

Angry? Need a Weapon? Pray the Rosary!

Tomorrow is the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary. Originally, this feast was celebrated under the name Our Lady of Victory. (See my other post about the history of this feast.)

The Rosary is a very powerful yet simple prayer. The Creed, the Gloria, the Our Father and the Hail Mary are all you really need to pray it. You don't even need a rosary, per se. (That's why God gave us 10 fingers!)

The Rosary was originally called The Poor Man's Psalter. The clergy prayed the psalms (psalter) as part of their daily prayer life. When the laity wanted to deepen their prayer life, they looked to the monastery for guidance. Not being able to afford (or in many cases, even read) a book of the Psalms, (remember, in those days books were copied by hand) the Rosary, which originally consited of 150 prayers, took the place of the daily reading of the Psalter that the monks engaged in.

The Rosary can be prayed any time, anywhere, broken up by daily work, offered for our intentions, and prayed throughout a busy day. It is still a perfect prayer for busy people looking to come closer to God.

Years ago, I was made aware of a tradition that had fallen out of use by the time I was growing up. That is the Catholic practice of carrying a rosary with you at all times. Although not necessary for praying the Rosary, a physical rosary is a wonderful reminder to pray. The cord rosaries made by the Rosary Army are nearly indestructable and they will send you one for FREE. You can even learn how to make them yourself.

If you haven't said the Rosary in a while, or you never learned how, I challenge you to try. The Rosary, whose prayers come mainly from the Bible, is a powerful weapon against evil and an easy way to include the Biblical stories of Christ in your daily prayer life, through the 20 mysteries from the Annunciation of the Birth of Christ, through His life, death and resurection.

I saw a bumper sticker a couple of years ago that I have not been able to find a picture of that says it all:

Angry? Need a Weapon? Pray the Rosary!

Yeah, aimless. That's me.

You Belong in Paris

You enjoy all that life has to offer, and you can appreciate the fine tastes and sites of Paris. You're the perfect person to wander the streets of Paris aimlessly, enjoying architecture and a crepe.

What European City Do You Belong In?

Yeah, aimless. That's me.

You Belong in Paris

You enjoy all that life has to offer, and you can appreciate the fine tastes and sites of Paris. You're the perfect person to wander the streets of Paris aimlessly, enjoying architecture and a crepe.

What European City Do You Belong In?

In the deafening silence
God Speaks.

I advance uncertainly,
yet balanced and centered.
I do not fall.

Peace

Today is the Feast of

St. Francis of Assisi.

I think the

Prayer of St. Francis

is especially appropriate

in these troubled times.

Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master,
grant that I may not
so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to
understand;
to be loved as to love;
for it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are
born to eternal life.

Saint Francis had some important firsts. He experienced the first recorded incident of the stigmata--or the wounds of Christ manifested in his own body.

He also made the first nativity scene or creche. He used live people and animals to depict the birth of Christ on Christmas Eve. Today nativity scenes are common around the world.

St. Francis was a reformer in his time who stayed with the Church, however troubling and corrupt parts of it may have been. He can be an inspiration to all of us on so many levels today.

Peace

Today is the Feast of

St. Francis of Assisi.

I think the

Prayer of St. Francis

is especially appropriate

in these troubled times.

Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master,
grant that I may not
so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to
understand;
to be loved as to love;
for it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are
born to eternal life.

Saint Francis had some important firsts. He experienced the first recorded incident of the stigmata--or the wounds of Christ manifested in his own body.

He also made the first nativity scene or creche. He used live people and animals to depict the birth of Christ on Christmas Eve. Today nativity scenes are common around the world.

St. Francis was a reformer in his time who stayed with the Church, however troubling and corrupt parts of it may have been. He can be an inspiration to all of us on so many levels today.

angels heal
in the hidden
mists of sleep

You know you're old when...

I was flipping through the TV stations today and saw about 5 seconds of Sesame Street. They were doing the letter L. They showed the letter L on a CELL PHONE.

When my own son used to watch Sesame Street, it never had anything on there about cell phones or computers.

So, now, not only am *I* "old" but so is my 18 year old son!?!

You know you're old when...

I was flipping through the TV stations today and saw about 5 seconds of Sesame Street. They were doing the letter L. They showed the letter L on a CELL PHONE.

When my own son used to watch Sesame Street, it never had anything on there about cell phones or computers.

So, now, not only am *I* "old" but so is my 18 year old son!?!

Very Important Novena

I realize this is a couple of days late, but I thought it was certainly worth spreading anyway. The Blog of the American Chesterston Society has wisely pointed out that Friday was the Feast of St. Michael the Archangel and that nine days later, (that's the exact length of a Novena, folks!) is the Feast of Our Lady of Victory, commemorating the Victory of the Battle of Lepanto.

History of OLV
The Battle of Lepanto was fought between the Muslim Turks and Catholic naval forces mainly from Spain, Venice, and Genoa. Pope Saint Pius V called for all of Europe to pray the Rosary for victory in this battle, since the Christian forces were at a disadvantage and not favored to win. This victory was won on October 7, 1571 and the feast is still celebrated today under the name, Our Lady of the Rosary.

Novena for Peace
The idea of this current novena is to pray for peace and pray for Muslims every day during this 9 day period. Since the Rosary was a pivotal prayer in the victory of Lepanto, that is the suggested prayer for this Novena. (It is suggested that we pray the Sorrowful Mysteries each day). Of course, going to Mass every day would be efficacious too, as would praying in other ways. I think we could add 2 Rosaries sometime between now and October 7 to make up for the days we have missed.

The world needs peace, now, more than ever. Let's do it!!!

Very Important Novena

I realize this is a couple of days late, but I thought it was certainly worth spreading anyway. The Blog of the American Chesterston Society has wisely pointed out that Friday was the Feast of St. Michael the Archangel and that nine days later, (that's the exact length of a Novena, folks!) is the Feast of Our Lady of Victory, commemorating the Victory of the Battle of Lepanto.

History of OLV
The Battle of Lepanto was fought between the Muslim Turks and Catholic naval forces mainly from Spain, Venice, and Genoa. Pope Saint Pius V called for all of Europe to pray the Rosary for victory in this battle, since the Christian forces were at a disadvantage and not favored to win. This victory was won on October 7, 1571 and the feast is still celebrated today under the name, Our Lady of the Rosary.

Novena for Peace
The idea of this current novena is to pray for peace and pray for Muslims every day during this 9 day period. Since the Rosary was a pivotal prayer in the victory of Lepanto, that is the suggested prayer for this Novena. (It is suggested that we pray the Sorrowful Mysteries each day). Of course, going to Mass every day would be efficacious too, as would praying in other ways. I think we could add 2 Rosaries sometime between now and October 7 to make up for the days we have missed.

The world needs peace, now, more than ever. Let's do it!!!

St. Therese of Lisieux

October is full of beautiful feast days. It begins with The Little Flower. St. Therese of Lisieux has much to give the modern Catholic. The first is the gift of spiritual maturity in an age of abundance.

Being the youngest of a large family, Therese was loved and pampered, so much so, that at 14, she was still expecting her shoe to be filled with toys on Christmas Eve.

Having done this for a full 10 years following the death of his wife, Therese's father, Louis Martin was growing tired of the custom and thought Therese should have grown out of it by then. He said as much to Therese's older sister Celine and Therese was heartbroken when she overheard the comment.

Normally, a hurt like this would have sent her into hysterics. This year though, God gave her the grace to fight back her tears, and graciously open the presents waiting for her. Her father's cheerfulness returned and Therese was changed forever.

Therese considered this a "miracle" "conversion" of Sacramental and Eucharistic grace given to her by God--for she had just returned with her family from Midnight Mass that Christmas Eve.

In ten years, Therese had gone from a social, precocious and outgoing child to worrisome and clingy after loosing her mother. Through this Christmas conversion, God had finally completely healed the grief that had driven her true self underground at such a tender age. God had liberated her from her powerlessness and fear.

The change was so complete, that later Therese said, "I no longer recognized myself" and that "in an instant" God had "armed me for war." She was ready to live completely for God.

Almost immediately, Therese's spiritual growth was so exponential, that she asked for and finally received permission to enter a Carmelite convent at the age of 15.

The second thing we can learn from St. Therese has to do with her patronage of the Missions. Therese's dream was to be a missionary and go overseas to teach others about God. She was unable to physically do that because of her ill health. In spite of that she continued to pray and sacrifice for the missionaries. After her death, she was made Patron of the Missions and a Doctor of the Church.

In this life, things often seem to be going badly for us. We may suffer for years either because of our own human failings, or for seemingly no reason at all. Sometimes, we may get our true dreams only after a long period of suffering has passed, or even, after death.

Her famous words tell it all:

"My mission - to make God loved
- will begin after my death.
I will spend my heaven
doing good on earth.
I will let fall a shower of roses."

St. Therese of Lisieux

October is full of beautiful feast days. It begins with The Little Flower. St. Therese of Lisieux has much to give the modern Catholic. The first is the gift of spiritual maturity in an age of abundance.

Being the youngest of a large family, Therese was loved and pampered, so much so, that at 14, she was still expecting her shoe to be filled with toys on Christmas Eve.

Having done this for a full 10 years following the death of his wife, Therese's father, Louis Martin was growing tired of the custom and thought Therese should have grown out of it by then. He said as much to Therese's older sister Celine and Therese was heartbroken when she overheard the comment.

Normally, a hurt like this would have sent her into hysterics. This year though, God gave her the grace to fight back her tears, and graciously open the presents waiting for her. Her father's cheerfulness returned and Therese was changed forever.

Therese considered this a "miracle" "conversion" of Sacramental and Eucharistic grace given to her by God--for she had just returned with her family from Midnight Mass that Christmas Eve.

In ten years, Therese had gone from a social, precocious and outgoing child to worrisome and clingy after loosing her mother. Through this Christmas conversion, God had finally completely healed the grief that had driven her true self underground at such a tender age. God had liberated her from her powerlessness and fear.

The change was so complete, that later Therese said, "I no longer recognized myself" and that "in an instant" God had "armed me for war." She was ready to live completely for God.

Almost immediately, Therese's spiritual growth was so exponential, that she asked for and finally received permission to enter a Carmelite convent at the age of 15.

The second thing we can learn from St. Therese has to do with her patronage of the Missions. Therese's dream was to be a missionary and go overseas to teach others about God. She was unable to physically do that because of her ill health. In spite of that she continued to pray and sacrifice for the missionaries. After her death, she was made Patron of the Missions and a Doctor of the Church.

In this life, things often seem to be going badly for us. We may suffer for years either because of our own human failings, or for seemingly no reason at all. Sometimes, we may get our true dreams only after a long period of suffering has passed, or even, after death.

Her famous words tell it all:

"My mission - to make God loved
- will begin after my death.
I will spend my heaven
doing good on earth.
I will let fall a shower of roses."