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Beloved Margaret Haughery of New Orleans

08/22/2011

I’ve taken an interest in Margaret Huaghery. She was a humble woman of extremely humble origins who, through hard work and prayer built a small empire and dedicated her time and wealth to helping the poor and the orphaned.

Margaret’s Birthplace has been preserved.

There’s a Margaret Huaghery site.

And there’s even a Catholic Encyclopedia Article on Margaret Haughery.

In New Orleans there’s a Restore the Monument organization.

There’s even a musical!

Well, there are lots of others it seems.

But the one I find most interesting is on Facebook, from the “Beloved Margaret Haughery of New Orleans” page.

Here it is, for future reference:

(reprinted from the Facebook page, Beloved Margaret Haughery of New Orleans.)(Well, it’s evidently also on the page over at Vieux Carre Productions, for the musical.)

Margaret Haughery (1813 – 1882) was a philanthropist known as the “Mother of Orphans.”

She opened up four orphanages in the New Orleans area in the 19th century. Many years later in the 20th and 21st centuries several of the asylums Margaret originally founded as places of shelter for orphans and widows evolved into homes for the elderly.

Margaret Gaffney Haughery (pronounced as HAW-a-ree) was a beloved historical figure in New Orleans, Louisiana, in the 1880s. Widely known as “Our Margaret,” “The Bread Woman of New Orleans” and “Mother of Orphans,” Margaret devoted her life’s work to the care and feeding of the poor and hungry, and to fund and build orphanages throughout the city. The poor called her “Saint Margaret.”

An Irish immigrant widow of many titles, Margaret was also commonly referred to as the “Angel of the Delta,” “Mother Margaret,” “Margaret of New Orleans,” the “Celebrated Margaret” and “Margaret of Tully.” A Catholic, she worked closely with New Orleans Sisters of Charity, associated with the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New Orleans (the second-oldest diocese in the present-day United States).

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The Queenship of Mary

08/22/2011

in Weblog

Here are some thoughts and articles on the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a Memorial feast celebrated in the Church, yearly this day.

“Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High,* and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” Luke 1: 31-33

“The queen stood on thy right hand, in gilded clothing; surrounded with variety. Hearken, O daughter, and see, and incline thy ear: and forget thy people and thy father’s house. And the king shall greatly desire thy beauty; for he is the Lord thy God, and him they shall adore. … They shall remember thy name throughout all generations. Therefore shall people praise thee for ever; yea, for ever and ever.” Psalm 44

Pope Pius XII’s Encyclical Ad Caeli Reginam is of course a must read:

And now, that We may bring the Year of Mary to a happy and beneficial conclusion, and in response to petitions which have come to Us from all over the world, We have decided to institute the liturgical feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen. This will afford a climax, as it were, to the manifold demonstrations of Our devotion to Mary, which the Christian people have supported with such enthusiasm.

Pius XII writes: “From early times Christians have believed, and not without reason, that she of whom was born the Son of the Most High received privileges of grace above all other beings created by God. He “will reign in the house of Jacob forever,”[5] “the Prince of Peace,”[6] the “King of Kings and Lord of Lords.”[7] And when Christians reflected upon the intimate connection that obtains between a mother and a son, they readily acknowledged the supreme royal dignity of the Mother of God.”

…
“The same thing is found in the writings of St. Jerome where he makes the following statement amidst various interpretations of Mary’s name: “We should realize that Mary means Lady in the Syrian Language.”[15] After him St. Chrysologus says the same thing more explicitly in these words: “The Hebrew word ‘Mary’ means ‘Domina.’ The Angel therefore addresses her as ‘Lady’ to preclude all servile fear in the Lord’s Mother, who was born and was called ‘Lady’ by the authority and command of her own Son.”

“Furthermore, the sacred liturgy, which acts as a faithful reflection of traditional doctrine believed by the Christian people through the course of all the ages both in the East and in the West, has sung the praises of the heavenly Queen and continues to sing them.”

“All, according to their state, should strive to bring alive the wondrous virtues of our heavenly Queen and most loving Mother through constant effort of mind and manner. Thus will it come about that all Christians, in honoring and imitating their sublime Queen and Mother, will realize they are truly brothers, and with all envy and avarice thrust aside, will promote love among classes, respect the rights of the weak, cherish peace. No one should think himself a son of Mary, worthy of being received under her powerful protection, unless, like her, he is just, gentle and pure, and shows a sincere desire for true brotherhood, not harming or injuring but rather helping and comforting others.”

From Father William G. Most, over at EWTN.

The Fathers of the Church soon picked up these implications. A text probably coming from Origen (died c. 254: cf. Marian Studies 4, 1953, 87) gives her the title domina, the feminine form of Latin dominus, Lord. That same title also appears in many other early writers, e.g. , St. Ephrem, St. Jerome, St. Peter Chrysologus (cf. Marian Studies 4. 87-91). The word “Queen” appears abut the sixth century, and is common thereafter (Marian Studies, 4, 91-94).

The titles “king” and “queen” are often used loosely, for those beings that excel in some way. Thus we call the lion the king of beasts, the rose the queen of flowers. Surely Our Lady deserves the title richly for such reasons.

And from that same article:

Of the four titles Pius XII gave for her Queenship, we notice that two are closely parallel to those of Jesus:

(1) He is king by nature, as God; she is Queen by “divine relationship” that is, by being the Mother of God. In fact her relation to her Son is greater than that of ordinary Mothers of Kings. For she is the Mother of Him who is King by very nature, from all eternity, and the relationship is exclusive, for He had no human father. Still further, the ordinary queen-mother gives birth to a child who later will become king. The son of Mary is, as we said, eternally king, by His very nature.

(2) He is king by right of conquest. She too is Queen by right of conquest. We already saw that this title for Him means that He redeemed us from the captivity of satan. She shared in the struggle and victory. Since the Pope expressed her dependence on Him in a threefold way–something we would have known anyway–then it is clear that he did not have in mind any other restriction which he did not express. So, maintaining this subordination, “by right of conquest” means the same for her as it does for Him.

(3) She is Queen by grace. She is full of grace, the highest in the category of grace besides her Son.

(4) She is Queen by singular choice of the Father. A mere human can become King or Queen by choice of the people. How much greater a title is the choice of the Father Himself!

…
In the Old Testament, under some Davidic kings, the gebirah, the “Great Lady”, usually the Mother of the King, held great power as advocate with the king. Cf. 1 Kings 2:20, where Solomon said to his Mother Bathsheba, seated on a throne at his right: “Make your request, Mother, for I will not refuse you.” Here is a sort of type of Our Lady.

Mary, Queen of Heaven, pray for us who have recourse to thee.

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Old Beginnings

08/19/2011

in Weblog

Recently I was thinking about way back in the day when I started my blog. Here is my very first entry from August of 2002. I wrote under the name ‘David Greenleaf’: David since I was a musician and was thinking about King David; and Greenleaf since I love gardening. The blog template lost something when I translated it to this site, mainly the titles of the posts. Eh… I’ve actually thought about this post often, but thats a long story for another time. We’ll get to that in the not too distant future. Peace…

[8/25/2002 5:08:18 PM | David Greenleaf]
Not very far away from where I write this, lies an old dog sitting under a very large, very old tree. I wonder at her loneliness, and if, in it, she finds joy. I hope that she does. Sitting looking out of my own window, high up in the treetops, I often think about her, that I left her behind to come here. There is a lot left behind in our lives.

But why a confessions page? Maybe because I think often of the seeming purity of other men’s lives in formation; and that many older seminarians can understand St. Augustine’s need to publish his own life’s shortcomings. I have not done anything so horrible. But I can admit that several phases of my life have been less than preistworthy.

Maybe I just need to learn about living a life in public. Can I take that? Maybe not. I don’t want that, after all. I’d rather spend my time under the old tree with my dog, thinking about God. But we are not called to that in life, are we? Maybe I can document some of my struggles, some of my fears, and gain a greater clarity in my discernment in the years ahead.

I would not think to be a preist, but only a better man. If I am not a good man, a good person who seeks spiritual integration, and to know God, then I am nothing. If I am a good man, fulfilling my baptismal call, then I will be a good preist. At least capable. Then and only then.

So, for now. Here we are.
posted by David Greenleaf at Sunday, August 25, 2002

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Adventures in the Dictionary

08/18/2011

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Over the course of playing Scrabble on my phone, against the computer or others, I’ve been amazed at some of the words that show up. Especially against the computer with the parameters set to ‘difficult’.

So, I like to look them up when I have a moment, and am a huge fan of both dictionary.com and merriam-webster.com

God gave us intellects, and learning new words is a great habit to get into. Here is a sample of some of these words:

louie

I always thought proper names were verboten for Scrabble. (And, they are.) But many proper names have come to have non-proper meanings, and hence are fair play in Scrabble. The definition for louie is initially given as:

noun-looie.

So… it’s off to look up loo·ie

noun Slang .
a lieutenant of the armed forces.

“He was a louie and darned proud of it.”
screaks – Sure we’ve all heard it, but what does it actually mean?

screak? ?[skreek]
verb (used without object)
1.to screech.
2.to creak.

In other words, it means exactly what we thought it meant. Moving along…
rhyta

rhy·ton? ?[rahy-ton]
noun, plural -ta ?[-tuh]
an ancient Greek drinking horn, made of pottery or metal, having a base in the form of the head of a woman or animal.

“Agamemnon and Priscilla drank from the various rhyta which were always kept at table.”
awee

chiefly Scot
: a little while

“We’ll be back in awee!”
borating

no definition. :-[

However, there's a definition of borate, which is a compound, and borated: mixed or impregnated with borax or boric acid . So, borating would obviously mean to be mixing or impregnating with borax or boric acid.

"The science lab was abuzz with students borating their samples."
bize

obs. form of bice.

bice means -
1. Also called: bice blue a medium blue colour; azurite
2. Also called: bice green a yellowish-green colour; malachite

"Her eyes were a beautiful bize, and he was in love."
toluyl

— n
( modifier ) of, consisting of, or containing any of three isomeric groups CH 3 C 6 H 4 CO-, derived from a toluic acid by removal of the hydroxyl group: toluyl group or radical

[C19: from tolu ( ene ) + -yl ]

“They were thoroughly confused by the toluyls, yet were amazed they had successfully removed the hydroxyl groups from the equation. The world was now safe.”
And my personal favorite: prunuses

[plural of] :any of a genus (Prunus) of drupaceous trees or shrubs of the rose family that have showy clusters of usually white or pink flowers first appearing in the spring often before the leaves and including many grown for ornament or for their fruit (as the plum, cherry, or apricot)

“Hey honey, can you pick up those prunuses from the nursery?”
Then there are words like seigneur, which are just great if they work out with your letters. Foreign words are often acceptable now as they’ve moved into common usage in English, and as dictionaries have moved online. Not that I’ve ever heard seigneur used as an English word as is, say, mucho.

There you have it. And looking up new words can be done while you’re watching World Youth Day highlights.

But now, it’s off to look up words for my Homily this weekend. That’s always an interesting affair.

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Martello Castle

08/16/2011

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The heat’s on, french fry, and as usual at this point in the summer, it’s managed to wear me down a bit.

Here are some recent linx:

I enjoy Fr. Jim’s blog, very inspiring; I’m perpetually behind, in keeping up with him, in posting my Homilies.
Fr. Michael Berry, is on assignment at World Youth Day.
I first noticed Christopher’s Apologies awhile back via Twitter, and now he’s a regular draw for me.
The other day I discovered Martello Castle, also known as Tower Dupre. It’s a crumbled fortress, and a part of the fading coastline which fascinates me. That led me to this now defunct blog.
Nola.com is having a Blighted Homes Photo Contest. I don’t think it gets more maudlin than that.
And, because all I think about is food, I stumbled across this piece on how horrible bleached/white flour is for us.

There are many more blogs I check out, and am going to make it a point to redo my pertinent links in the not too distant future. It’s just that, you know, life goes on fairly nicely without doing so, and I’m tending to some spiritual house cleaning. And… the heat’s got me down, I tell you. Down I say!

It’s time to wrap this up and go make an examen.

Lord, now you let your servant go in peace;
your word has been fulfilled:

my own eyes have seen the salvation
which you have prepared in the sight of every people:

a light to reveal you to the nations
and the glory of your people Israel.

May God bless you this night, and always.

Amen.

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The Middle of the End of the Road

08/15/2011

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I don’t know why I’m so intent on writing up this little road trip I took, but I am. The land has changed so much in the last few years, and actually seeing it surprised me.

(Here’s a great site on Visiting St. Bernard Parish, which is a part of the drive I took. However, I followed the course of the river, and wasn’t visiting St. Bernard per se. And here is a nola.com series on Louisiana coastal erosion.)

Because today is the Feast of the Assumption of Mary, and one of the first days of school, we’re actually on the busy side of things.

But let’s just get through this exercise, and then we can get on with all of the other very important things about which I blog.

Because you see, this actually does have a point. But we’re getting bogged down in … well. Chalmette.

I’m sorry Chalmette, it’s nothing personal. It’s just, you were a throughway in my ultimate quest to reach the end of the road. My pictures of you are bland, unimaginative and lifeless and don’t do you justice. I know. And, if you watch the video referenced from the US Parks website which discusses the amount of water and damage the Chalmette Battlefield suffered in Katrina, the announcer keeps pronouncing Chalmette (which sounds pretty much how it looks,) as… ‘Shallmay’.

Shallmay, just to the south of New Orleans.

Shall we go to Shallmay?

May we stay in Shallmay?

Let us be off to Shall-May ….

So far we’ve driven through the Marigny, Bywater and the Lower 9th Ward. And Arabi, too.

Chalmette Battlefield, Cemetery (by Debora Rubi) from Our National Parks on Vimeo.

Here is the video where the poor parks spokesperson keeps referring to Chalmette as Shallmay. I feel sorry for her.

The Beauregard House is a main attraction at the battlefield, and generations of New Orleans schoolchildren and scouts visit it and learn about it regularly. It’s a part of the Jean Lafitte National Park system.

I especially admire the cool lyres which form the lightening rods.

You’ve probably been able to parse out that the battlefield is not a highlight of most visits to the New Orleans area, on most days. It does have it’s moments. But the blazing hot, steamy, torpid afternoon I visited was not one of them.

The Beauregard House has its moments…

The three feet of water during Katrina have been cleaned up nicely.

When I was a child, you would visit here and there would be women in ante-bellum dresses greeting you at the doorways and telling you all about the place. I thought they were a little strange when I was a kid, and didn’t really want to talk with the ladies.

At some point in your life, you have to go to Rocky and Carlo’s. You just have to. And bring a healthy appetite. Just go. Do it! You just have to; it’s fun.

“De La Ronde Ruins. The remains of what was once the finest mansion in the Chalmette vicinity. The British used it as a hospital in 1814—15.”

From the Visit St. Bernard site, which explains the Battle of New Orleans and the pivotal role this location played in it.

And then it’s off to continue down the river, under this memorable spread of oaks, as you leave behind the wondrous land of Shall-May, and continue on to road’s end.

To be continued…

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The St. James Society in South America

08/14/2011

in Daily Walk,Weblog

I found a great article on Cardinal Sean’s Blog discussing the work of the St. James Society in South America.

Cardinal Sean also wrote a very informative and moving piece on the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of the Society of St. James.

In the summer of 2000 I spent two and a half months in Chimbote, Peru with Fr. Jack Davis who was then a member of the Society. My life changed, I realized how ignorant I had been about learning a new culture, and about how the Church works amidst the poor.

A few years later, my great friend Fr. Jimmy Jeanfreau joined the Society and served for 5 years, during which I visited him three times. Again I was very humbled by the work both of the Society and of my friend.

I’ve always maintained a somewhat quiet desire to be a member for 5 years, and recently had a conversation with our Bishop about the matter. To my great surprise, he said that he would support me in it, if that is what I would like to do. There’s a ways to go in the discernment of that; but we’ll see what the Lord will do.

From Cardinal Sean’s Blog was back in 2007:

The St. James Society, as it is commonly called, was formed 49 years ago by Cardinal Richard Cushing in response to the call of Pope John XXIII for priests and religious from North America to aid faithful of South America.

The archbishop of Boston is the titular head of the society, which will celebrate its 50th anniversary next year.

In those years, over 300 priests have served in the Andean countries of Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador through the Society. There are approximately 40 priests currently serving. Those who participate learn Spanish and incorporate themselves into the St. James Society with the commitment to serve for at least five years in Latin America. From the beginning, Cardinal Cushing envisioned this as an association of diocesan priests not only from Boston but from other parts of the English-speaking world. Today there are Americans, Irish, English, Scottish, an Australian and two Philippinos in the group.

Boston is, I believe, the single diocese with the most priests presently serving the Society in Latin America. However, by nationality, I think there are more Irish than Americans there at this point. It is interesting to note that many of the Irish there are actually priests of the Archdiocese of Boston, though they never served here. Cardinal Cushing ordained them for the archdiocese so that they could serve in the St. James Society.

We hope that in the future, more priests from the archdiocese will be able to participate in this mission. We are very glad that diocesan priests from other dioceses are joining because that makes it possible for the wonderful work of the St. James Society to continue.

The countries in which these priests serve have far too few priests to serve their large Catholic populations so the presence of these additional priests has made a significant impact. They have been particularly involved in some of the most difficult and the poorest areas of these nations. In fact, they have made a special effort to target their ministry to those areas.

Yet, the benefit of their work has not only been seen in Latin America. Many of the Boston priests who have served the Society in Latin America have returned to work with the Spanish-speaking Catholic community here in the archdiocese. That’s the case with our recently ordained Bishop Robert Hennessey as well as many other priests.

…
The parishes in which these priests minister are huge by American standards. Many have a central church and then many chapels. One priests I met there, who is not part of the society but is from Westminster, England, told me that his parish consists of 150 chapels which he visits by mule. The rural parishes are like that: very large areas with many small communities of people who have no means of transportation.
…

It’s definitely worth reading the entire blog entry.

And, one cannot help but note that Cardinal Sean’s Blog is a photoblog. Perhaps I’m on the right track after all.

Back into the day, first — off to pray…

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End of the Road – Part 2

08/13/2011

in Daily Walk,Weblog

Well, it’s back to our dramatic, exciting and revealing tale of life along the mighty Mississippi.

In case you had forgotten all about it, or are just tuning in, we’re travelling along the river, to the south of New Orleans.

When last we met, we had just passed up Jack Dempsey’s on Poland Avenue. Right across the street from Jack’s place, is ‘The Joint‘.

Never heard of it.

But it certainly looks like a fun time. Kind of.

It’s never a good idea to take pictures while you drive.

But, since there was no one behind me for miles I stopped and took a picture of the old bridge across the Industrial Canal. It helps to get the feel of the rickety nature of it all.

And this brings us to an important point. The main reason you never drive along River Road outside of New Orleans and downriver from it, is that there is no River Road to the South of New Orleans. So to see the River front you have to do some driving in and out of various neighborhoods.

It’s an interesting trip. But it’s not for everyone.

The grand view from across the Industrial Canal. Ahhh, magnifico!

Maybe not. But looking to river’s bend and the city, one wonders why those two ships on the right are sitting there. Lord only knows. They’ve become a permanent fixture. (I think I do know, but am not 100% sure.)

The Holy Cross School was located here until Katrina flooded it out. They have an unbelievably beautiful new campus in the city proper, in an area which was also flooded out. One wonders what will become of this old place.

Here are some of the new houses being built from the designs fostered by actor Brad Pitt.

A view from this part of the levee back towards the old school, also captures one of the homes which is built to look like a river boat.

Driving along, the road ends once again and you have to go up to the highway to make a few detours. Here is a part of Jackson Barracks, used by the La. National Gaurd.

One of the last places on the along this stretch of intermingled neighborhoods and industries is the Domino Sugar refinery. Where would we be without that?

Part plantation, part factory, it looks like someplace we should have visited on a field trip as children yet, for some reason, I don’t believe we did.

Well.

That wraps up Part II of this exciting tour. I know you’ll be holding your breath waiting in anxious anticipation for Part 3. But that will have to debut sometime in the coming week.

Until then enjoy life, pray greatly, and give thanks to God for His abundant goodness and mercy.

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Tuscaloosa

08/11/2011

in Weblog

Driving home today I took a detour through Tuscaloosa, Alabama so that I could see the tornado damage we’ve heard so much about on the news.

Lord, help us. Lord help Tuscaloosa.

There’s such complete devastation which goes on for miles — a house is safe and sound on one block, and the next block is leveled.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

I had a helpless feeling driving through; as if I should do something yet knew there was little I could do personally. But I can continue to pray for them; that’s always a help.

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The End of the Road – Part I

08/09/2011

in photography,Weblog

Last week on my ‘day off’, which is opposed to my ‘alleged day off’, which is what it’s called when we’re really busy, I took a drive downriver. Speaking of which, a lot of people get resentful when Priest’s talk about their day off, and say thing like “I wish *I* had a day off!” And then they take the weekend off, or go on vacations with their family. Perhaps if everyone lived at work they would understand this bizarre phenomenon a bit more clearly. And speaking of which… well, let’s not even talk about Priest’s vacations.

I started this scenic tour around the French Quarter since I’ve driven the River Road from Baton Rouge to New Orleans, and along the river in New Orleans so many times I could do it in my sleep. (I wouldn’t really do it in my sleep of course.) My plan was to drive along River Road to the south of New Orleans, until it ends.

I didn’t feel like parking in the Quarter, so I snapped a shot of the Treme Mansion just outside the Quarter. People used to call it that, now it’s the African American Museum.

So you drive out from the Quarter along the river, and pass some interesting sights. The post-Katrina renaissance has brought our a lot of local color. Of course it very well may have been like this before Katrina, and I would never have known about it since I haven’t driven this road since college days.

A big lesson I learned: get out of the car to take the photos. I know most photographers prefer to take photos in the morning or evening light since it’s more interesting. But a day off’s a day off and I can’t be worried about that since who knows when I may pass this way again!

Speaking of color, this shocking pink store is just – shockingly colorful.

You have to turn onto Poland Avenue to navigate this drive successfully (or at all for that matter.) Ane right there is Jack Dempsey’s. I’ve been meaning to dine there for about 30 years now. I pray that one day soon I will actually get around to actually having this fine culinary experience (there I go thinking about food again…)

Alright, well this has brought us up to the Industrial Canal, which has been made famous by such hurricanes as Betsy and Katrina. Right across the canal we encounter the remnants of Holy Cross High School, but we’ll have to get to that a bit later.

I have things to do and places to go! More on this exciting adventure a but later…

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An Overdue Tribute – Winston Arthur Grant

08/08/2011

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Winston Grant

Awhile ago in between assignments, I signed on for a 9/11 internet tribute to all of the victims who died on that terrible day. The idea is to learn more about some of the victims, and to ensure that they are remembered.

Then, I had a series of small assignments and tasks, and it all got away from me. I forgot to write my tribute.

Today I realized that oversight and am rectifying it by writing my tribute to Winston Arthur Grant.

Winston, I never knew you but I watched the horrific events of that day unfold; that was the day you died. I will offer a Mass for you and for your family. And I pray you are resting in peace and that your family has found some consolation.

The 2996 Project lays out the beta:

On September 11, 2001 almost 3,000 of the world’s citizens were brutally, and publicly, murdered. We all cried, and we all swore that we’d never forget. But a few years later I realized that I knew nothing about those people who were doing nothing more than living their lives. In 2006 I asked other bloggers if they thought it would be a good idea to take the time to learn about the victims and try to keep their individual memories alive. The response I got was overwhelming. And Project 2,996 is the result.

Wherever you fall on the political spectrum, whatever you may think of what has happened in the years since 9/11, I don’t think it’s too much to ask to learn about just one victim. Here is a list of tributes that have been posted over the past years.

Note: At the end is a list of victims whose tributes have gone offline. If you’d like to participate write a tribute to one of those names, and help make sure no one is forgotten.

And here are some links to tributes to Winston Arthur Grant:

Where He Glistened Like an Angel, is a blog tribute to Winston by another who was assigned to write about him. Unfortunately I’m unable to retrieve it while behind the firewall at my workplace this afternoon.
From CNN’s 9/11 Tribute Site:
- Winston was a true gentleman who loved and admired his family. He was an incredible person who taught me the importance of the little things in life while I was chasing after deadlines, money, power and prestige. He will be missed and I can only hope to be half the man he was.
  
  Paul M. Dreskin, co-worker
- Therefore, being always of good courage, and knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord, for we walk by faith, and not by sight, we are of good courage, I say, and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord. (2 Cor 5:6-8)But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus. (1 Thess 4:13-14)
  
  Steven Goldman, close friend
- I just want to express my deepest respects to the family of a true friend and co-worker. An intelligent and remarkable man that left a mark on my life. Hard work and friendship described his life. I miss my friend and coworker. He is missed at tech services at Blue Cross/Blue Shield.
  
  Fredd Guerrero, co-worker
- I didn’t personally know Mr. Grant, but his daughter is a dear friend of mine. Joya is a person of deep faith in God, is tremendously devoted to her family, warm and loving. Her parents raised her wonderfully. She is a living tribute to her father’s love. May God rest his soul and keep his family safe and blessed.
  
  Lorilynn Varnado, friend
- In the short time that I knew Winston and supervised him, I can tell you he was a supreme gentleman and a great person to have on any staff. His loss continues to effect us to this day, and the memories of him will be with us forever.
  
  Kenneth Milberg,
  supervisor
From 9/11 Brothas and Sistas…

Winston Arthur Grant rose at 4 a.m. each day to care for his wife, Joyce, a victim of Lou Gehrig’s disease who uses a wheelchair. An immigrant from Trinidad, Mr. Grant seized upon computer technology as a career path in the 1960′s, and rose to the position of chief technical services specialist at Empire Blue Cross in the World Trade Center. “He was the one who people would call in the middle of the night to get the computer problem straightened out,” Mrs. Grant said.

Mr. Grant met Joyce at a 1965 dance at the Renaissance Ballroom in Harlem; the couple married a year later, ultimately raising three sons and a daughter. Mrs. Grant, who learned of her illness in the late 1980′s, recalled the morning of Sept. 11, when her husband, 59, was joined by their daughter, Joya, on a 6:56 a.m. commuter train from their home in West Hempstead, N.Y.

The train was delayed by 20 minutes. “Joya called to say I shouldn’t worry, since he was probably too late to be inside the World Trade Center,” she said. “Then I turned on the TV, saw the black necklace around the building, and started to pray.”

Winston
Another, from Liberty Unites, which I cannot retrieve behind my firewall as well.

Dear IT department, God bless you. And I completely understand.

As mentioned, at the beginning of the project all of the names were passed out and assigned. However, some sites have been closed or have otherwise moved on. So there are plenty of names left to write about and to learn about.

If you have a moment, why not take a look and learn about one of these souls who died in 9/11, as we approach the 10th Anniversary.

It’s well worth the simple effort, and could easily be a simple, spiritual act of mercy.

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Breakfast at Bayou Gulch

08/07/2011

in Catholic Kitchen,Weblog

I mentioned before, that there’s a Priest in the diocese who says all I think about is food. I don’t know why that gets under my skin, but I think it has to do with the fact that I’ve had all of two brief conversations with him in the last ten years.

So that would mean, obviously, that’s one of the things the presbyterate talk about when they think of me.

Oh well. God bless them.

I tend towards the simple for 99% of my meals, and think a lot more often about the people who are going hungry in the world; and those who struggle with grocery bills. In fact, I often live on toast and jam.

Lately I’ve been baking lots of whole grain, vegetable pizzas since they’re fairly quick, high in fiber and nutrients, and low in saturated animal fats. They’re also inexpensive.

But I confess, when I find something I love, I can be passionate about it.

Take these coconut rolls. But don’t take mine! I love them, and I don’t care who knows it! If anyone should ever want to pick some up for me, please feel free.

Look at the innocent looking, cinammon-roll type, er… roll. You can see hints of coconut where the cinnamon usually is.

You can find them over at Dong Phuong Bakery

It’s in the New Orleans East neighborhood out towards the Rigolets.

They have lots of great stuff, and claim to have the best french bread in New Orleans. Which brings up a good point: The Vietnamese were colonized by France and picked up some awesome pastry skills. And one certainly has to admire their industry.

I’ve taken to going out of my way every now and again to drop by. A woman in front of me was buying up almost everything in sight, and I almost fainted until I saw more coconut rolls nearby.

Here they are innocently packaged in their home, filled with delectableness and coconut milk.

I tried recreating them once, but am still researching the process. It’s definitely a cinnamon roll dough. But it’s not a thick coconut mixture inside (although that was delicious). I think it’s just a simple mixture of coconut and coconut milk, and then a slightly sweetened coconut milk glaze.

It’s a lot easier just to drop by the bakery.

As if all I think about is food… It’s just that these are so… so… wonderful. It’s all I can do not to think about them.

Kinda sorta.

They certainly made the morning perfect and bright, right after a beautiful Mass.

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Meanwhile, Back at the Black Lagoon

08/06/2011

in Weblog

On this Feast of the Transfiguration I’m blessed with several vacation days before school starts and we get back into the swing of things in a major way.

So I stopped by this fishing camp and once again took a picture of this tree which was felled by Katrina’s wrath and surge, and now sits forlornly splashed across the river, waiting to one day crumble into pulpy oblivion for all eternity.

I love this Silver Efex filter. You just know that the scene looked exactly like this 100 years ago — with or without a tree splashed into the river…

… and, that the sheer creepiness of the place remained unrivaled, even way back then.

Still, there is a certain majesty to the night.

And of course, that’s one of the points of the Transfiguration. “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

Lord Jesus Christ, conform me to Your will; You are my light this day and always.

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Antiques

08/05/2011

in Weblog

I found these antiques photos buried amidst piles of long forgotten family trivia the other day.

Well, not really. I downloaded Silver Efex, which is either an award winning photo tool or a heavily touted photo tool, and/or both. It converts to black and white with some presets and also some pretty simple control interfaces.

These are actually some of the photos I took the other day and have threatened to write about ever since.

You do have to start with a decent photo. This snapshot still looks like a plain old snapshot, just a black and white one.

And you can’t count on having believable antique photos of your antique 2004 Crown Victoria, even though it’s the last year that wonderful model was made.

I’m not interested in seeing the world as it is.
I’m not interested in what the camera can record.
I’m just interested in what I see.
Once you visualize the image that you have in your head and convey it to the world, then it becomes art.

Joel Tjintjelaar
photographer

Sigh. Yes Joel, we know. We know.

And I have a long, long way to go.

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From Mission to Mission

07/31/2011

in Weblog

This weekend at Masses our Deacons preached. I always love when they preach because they do a wonderful job of it.

We were also treated to an informative talk by Julie Lupien, the Executive Director of From Mission to Mission.

One of the main outreaches of From Mission to Mission is their work with Missionaries returning from active duty and dealing with ensuing culture shock, and issues of cultural transition.

Living at a slower, more simple pace, and/or living with violence and upheaval and trauma, living a much simpler way of life in general leaves it’s mark in the soul of missionaries the world over. When they return they often face a difficult time of things because of our fast paced culture, and our high tech society.

I look forward to learning more about them myself. Prayers for a blessed day, for all.

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First Communion, Friday Nights, Tea

07/29/2011

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?”It is requisite for the relaxation of the mind that we make use, from time to time, of playful deeds and jokes.”

That has nothing to do with First Communion, but it’s a great quote from St. Thomas Aquinas…

Going through some boxes of files today, I came across my First Communion picture. Wasn’t I a handsome kid? Lord knows what happened along the way. I snapped a shot of it on my cell phone with Instagram, which I love. I’ll have to scan it soon for my much anticipated and long awaited Biography section.

I actually remember posing for this photo. The photography studio was over on Airline Highway near Causeway, and I had to get dressed up out of the blue and kneel down and pray with my pre-Vatican II (it had just ended) prayer book and my First Communion Rosary. I still have those also.

When I think about my First Communion, it must have been in the extraordinary form, or the Latin Mass. Back then it was just the Mass of course and we didn’t worry about reforms or reforms of reforms, or whether or not we would understand it or whether the music would be good. And no one worried if us kids got bored, we just had to go.

And we all liked it.

It shouldn’t surprise anyone that I loved Mass. To be honest after the drastic changes that took place around 1970 or so I found the Mass confusing, loud and somewhat banal.

It’s not that I was a snob, I was only a kid. But some other people from my old school have mentioned the same thing and we all ended up as music majors, so the music was probably influential for us.

Speaking of changes in the liturgical life of the Church, I consider the new translation coming in Advent an extremely simple switch in comparison. Almost like a hiccup after having gotten over a case of influenza.

On a separate note, there’s this:

Hilarious!

I’ve learned not to talk a lot about politics on my blog… for better or for worse. Issues but not politics. Lord knows what will come of that but it’s fine with me for the time being.

Go and have a looksee at the whole post.

A Happy Feast of Martha it was today. Cheers, and Prayers that all may find a Blessed Weekend ahead.

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My $.02 — On Thomas Jefferson and Illinois

07/27/2011

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Speaking of the French Revolution, not that anyone was, but … we’re about to.

We all know about the Illinois / Catholic Charities Debacle which came to pass recently, and which violates the right of the Catholic Church to operate within its core of belief while it’s placing orphans into homes.

If the Church’s agencies do not permit placing orphans into homes of homosexual couples, then, the Church cannot operate said agency.

It’s a sad development in the life of a great nation.

Also, and I realize I am just one of a chorus pointing out the obvious, this flies in the face of promises made to the Church ages ago. And, it violates the precedent started by then President Thomas Jefferson.

To whit, the The Jefferson Letter to the Ursulines.

Jefferson was responding of course to the letter of Sr. Marie Therese Farjon of St. Xavier, a copy of which can be seen here.

One has to admire her writing, which reads:

Dear Sir,

The Ursuline Religious of New Orleans, encouraged by the honorable mention which you so kindly made of their order, take the liberty of having recourse to you in regard to some business which is of great concern to their Institute.

Although no express mention has been made of it, they think that the Treaty of Cession and still more the spirit of justice which characterizes the United States of America, will certainly guarantee to those seeking your help the continued enjoyment of their present property. But, keeping in mind that this same property is a sacred trust which has been confided to them, they believe that they would certainly fail in one of their principal obligations were they to neglect to see to it that this right to their property be put officially in writing, confirming their rights to this property not only for themselves but also for those of their Sisters who will succeed them; and, for this reason, to beg you, dear Sir, to present our petition to the Congress in the manner and form which you will judge the most suitable.

This request of the Ursulines of New Orleans is not dictated by personal interest nor ambitious aims. Separated from the world and its pomps and vanities, and, in a word, from all that is called its advantages, they have scarcely any ambition for earthly goods; but, bound by a solemn vow to use their time in the formation of youth, they cannot help but be anxious to know if they will be able with certainty to count on the continued enjoyment of their revenues which will enable them to fulfill their obligations. It is, then, less their own interests which they plead than it is that of the public good. In reality, it is the cause of the orphan and the abandoned child, of unfortunates brought up in the midst of horrors of vice and infamy who come to be reared by us in the ways of Religion and virtue, and be given a formation which will enable them one day to become happy and useful citizens. Finally, it is in the interest of this country which can but reap for itself honor and glory in encouraging and protecting an establishment as useful, and, we might even say, as necessary as ours. Dear Sir, we who seek your help dare to belive that these considerations will make an impression on you. Even more, we dare to count in advance on your protection.

We end by begging Heaven most fervently for your personal prosperity and for the happiness of the country whose great interests have been confided to you.

With the most profound respect, “Monsieur le President”, we have the honor of being

Your very humble and very obedient servants
The Ursulines of New Orleans
Sr. Marie Therese Farjon of St. Xavier
Superior
March 21, 1804

Indulging my penchant for blockquoting huge swaths of text once again, voici the reply of Jefferson:

“To the Souer Therese de Ste. Xavier Farjon Superior, and the Nuns of the order of St. Ursula at New Orleans.

I have recieved, holy sisters, the letter you have written me wherein you express anxiety for the property vested in your institution by the former governments of Louisiana. The principles of the constitution and the government of the United States are a sure gaurantee to you that it will be preserved to you sacred and inviolate, and that your institution will be permitted to govern itself according to your own voluntary rules, without interference from the civil authority. Whatever diversity of shade may appear in the religious opinions of our fellow citizens, the charitable objects of your instituion cannot be indifferent to any; and it’s furtherance of the wholesome purposes of society, by training up it’s [sic] younger members in the way they should go, cannot fail to ensure it the patronage of the government it is under. Be assured it will meet all the protection which my office can give it.

I salute you, holy sisters, with friendship and respect.

Th. Jefferson

Note that the good Sister asks about the continued ownership of their property so that they can continue the necessary work they do, which includes working with orphans.

And the good President ensures her that they will continue to enjoy their property and, that it may continue to be committed to governing itself according to its own voluntary rules. And it ensures them of the right to continue their work regardless of what religious differences may arise amongst others. Atheists, agnostics and protestants existed then. And the good Sisters certainly remembered the atheistic disembowelment of the Church in France which followed the French Revolution scarcely more than a decade prior to her writing.

While the letter of Thomas Jefferson to the Danbury Baptists is used by atheists and secularists to continually bash over the heads of Christians a separation of Church and State, the letter to the Ursulines ensures that the separation of Church and State is not to the detriment of religious life. Particularly not to a Catholic institute engaged in taking care of orphans.

The case of Illinois vs the Catholic Charities orphanage agencies in Illinois is a sad development for Catholic liberty if allowed to stand. And a it’s a rueful day for the USA.

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A Monastic Experience

07/25/2011

in Weblog

This is a sweet documentary on the Redemptorist Monks of Papa Stronsey, Scotland ~~~ the Transalpine Redemptorists. And it’s only about 17 minutes long:

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Dore’s White Rose

07/23/2011

in Weblog

Gustave Doré achieved some commercial success in his lifetime with his artworks and illustrations.

Here is an engraving from Dante’s Paradise. What an amazing and beautiful image of the heavenly host, the light shining in the darkness, paradise.

It’s especially fitting with the Gospel tomorrow, on the Kingdom of Heaven being as a pearl of great price. How fitting that we should tend to Heaven as our number one concern.

Sometimes there’s only time for one picture, one thought; length of days, and prayer, beckon.

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Q & A with Fr. K

07/20/2011

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Today I did something that I rarely, if ever, do.

I opened up my Google Documents Folder.

To my complete surprise I have a document stashed away, which I had evidently put aside when Google Documents first came out and I briefly considered using it.

It ws during the Dark Age, after Katrina, and I had forgotten all about it.

Except, er… it asks about the Message for 44th World Communications Day, which was last May.

Oops. Oh my… that was during a different Dark Age, the one after St. Catherine’s. I’ll have to get these time lines and Dark Ages straightened out.

Here at last are my answers to whoever asked me these questions. And I do apologize for not recalling who you are. I promise it won’t happen again.

Questions:

Why did you decide to share your faith in internet? How much time do you spend working on it and how many people you think read your blog?

I decided to share my Faith on the internet back in 2002. I had read a weblog on blogger and thought it would be fun to have one and to be a part of St. Blog’s Parish. So I joined Blogger, pre-Google, and even have a Blogger-Pro sweatshirt somewhere. I hope it’s collectible one day.

Why? I enjoy the internet and consider it an amazing place to learn, to meet people, to share ideas, to experience and to express creativity. When we share our Faith we are sharing ourselves; even if it is just by example.

I don’t spend a lot of time working on my blog, and that’s painfully obvious. However, last year I went through the whole consideration of whether or not to blog, whether or not to have a website at all.

That’s a long story.

Point being, I’ve been giving it a lot more consideration and have been praying about what I should do with it.

How many people read my blog? Some of my friends who are internet savvy keep up with it, and my traffic logs tell me that hundreds of unique visitors spend time here each month. It’s not quite a thousand, but who can blame anyone for being gun shy when it comes to my blog? One never knows if it is going to have new content or even exist from one day to the next. So, I decided to just go with it and blog.

With God as my witness, I will never accidentally erase comments or delete my blog again!

That was a long question.
Do the priests use internet for evangelization enough nowadays? Is it priest’s duty to do this, or more the duty of laymen?

Priests do use the internet for evangelization to a great degree. Let’s face it, it comes down to whether or not one wishes to spend time writing. Some Priests have no desire to write, yet they do have great websites for their Parishes, and/or put Homilies and Bulletin letters up. Blogging can take up a lot of time, whereas having a well maintained website with a few thoughtful articles is being done by many Priests.

Priests and the laity both have the obligation to use the internet for evangelization. By the simple fact that there are much more of the laity than there are numbers of Priests, it stands to reason there should be some excellent work done by the laity in the realms of blogging, web development, etc.
Why is it important to have priests who could spread the Gospel through internet? What a priest should be that he would be able to do this effectively?

Well, initially I thought it would be a good place to share Homilies, and for my family and some friends to keep in touch with me. As time has gone by, we’ve all seen the contributions which blogging Priests are able to make to society.

It’s a good witness to people, who may come across a Priests website or blog and be able to learn more about the lifestyle, the writings, the thoughts, of a Priest. Internet research and interaction is a trend that not going to diminish; it is only going to grow exponentially. So, we should make sure that Priests, the Church, the Gospel of Jesus Christ all have a presence in cyberspace. If we’re not there, who do you think will be rapidly and gladly filling up the void?
Is it really possible to reach young person through internet and to help him become faithful?

Yes. It is.

Of course, it depends on the young person, and on every other factor that might be involved. But sure, it’s possible.

I started researching vocations by looking on the internet back in 1996. The only person who answered my e-mails was the Vocations Director in Los Angeles. He must have been an INFP; tech savvy and a writer to boot. But he answered all of my questions and encouraged me in the right directions all via e-mail. It was wonderful. I hope to find out who he was one day so I can thank him.

Maybe you had any experiences?

Many young people have mentioned that they read my blog. I do pray for them.
Priests are usually very busy people. To spread the gospel through internet takes a lot of time and knowledge. How a priest can harmonize the need to serve for people in the real life and in the internet?

Well again, it boils down to what a Priest wants to do with a blog or a website, and how much time have to put into the project. Canonically speaking, the internet and cyberspace have obviously never been addressed. So a Priest’s obligations are obviously best spent addressing the concerns of his particular assignment. A blog an either fit into that schema, or be a hobby that one pursues when one can. For me it’s always had to be more of a hobby, until recently. In fact, just the other day I … well, never mind.

As for knowledge, Priests spend years studying Theology and Philosophy, and writing lenghty research papers. Hopefully there’s no shortage of theological know-how, or the ability to look it up in proper sources.

As for web-publishing, it’s a snap these days, with imagery, video, et cetera, et al to boot.
What do you think about “MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS POPE BENEDICT XVI FOR THE 44th WORLD COMMUNICATIONS DAY”? What were your thoughts or expressions reading this document?

It’s a beautiful address. It also addresses some of the issues which you are asking in this interview. It does not get into the nitty gritty aspects of exactly how Priests should find the time to be present Pastorally on the internet, but it is a compelling and sober proclamation of the Priestly call to live in Truth and to utilize all means to spread the Gospel.

So, whoever asked me these questions… Thank you for your patience. Now, who are you again?

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Psalm 69

07/15/2011

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I love Psalm 69, which we read through in the Office of Readings this morning. At times it’s been the official Psalm of my Priesthood.

Save me, God, for the waters have reached my neck.
I have sunk into the mire of the deep, where there is no foothold. I have gone down to the watery depths; the flood overwhelms me.

I am weary with crying out; my throat is parched. My eyes have failed, looking for my God. More numerous than the hairs of my head are those who hate me without cause. Too many for my strength are my treacherous enemies. Must I now restore what I did not steal?

You know, one day I posted a picture called ‘Agnus Dei’. It’s (obviously) a picture of the Lamb of God, taken from a book of Dover Artwork. It’s currently on my site theme, though I’ll probably change it out soon.

After I posted it, a friend wrote and said I need to find forgiveness for one of my former Pastors. She knew I had put that picture up to get back at him.

But I had put the picture up because I liked it. It echoed the artwork on the Parish’s website only because I had chosen most of the artwork for the site, and had written at the time most of the copy. Obviously there was going to be some similarity.

Frankly, some injustices have occured. And at some point in time I need to tell my story. It’s as simple as that, and it’s just a part of being alive and well.

Not to do so would be dysfunctional. And I know, because I’ve studied the Rules of Dysfunction! Which include silence about such things as injustice, and rigidity in the unwritten rules of non-expression.

God, you know my folly; my faults are not hidden from you.

Let those who wait for you, LORD of hosts, not be shamed through me. Let those who seek you, God of Israel, not be disgraced through me For your sake I bear insult, shame covers my face. I have become an outcast to my kin, a stranger to my mother’s children.

Because zeal for your house consumes me, I am scorned by those who scorn you.

I have wept and fasted, but this led only to scorn. I clothed myself in sackcloth; I became a byword for them.

They who sit at the gate gossip about me; drunkards make me the butt of their songs. But I pray to you, LORD, for the time of your favor. God, in your great kindness answer me with your constant help.

Rescue me from the mire; do not let me sink. Rescue me from my enemies and from the watery depths. Do not let the floodwaters overwhelm me, nor the deep swallow me, nor the mouth of the pit close over me.

That being said, I am far from perfect, filled with foibles and defects and, as Psalm 51 relates, ‘my sin is ever before me’ in the eyes of God.

So, when I say I need to relate my experiences in the Priesthood, I’m not trying to shunt blame for any wrongs I may have done. And I’m not trying to ‘get back at’ my former Pastors. To do so would be to get mired down in low level thought processes and to shut down the refreshing sunlight of the spirit working in my life.

Also, I would never break any confidences, or relate in any way shape or form material which may be scandalous to the Faithful (not that there is any of course.)

But, those things which happened in the public eye, things which were said and done which did cause scandal to the Faithful, and to myself, I have no quandaries writing about. Everyone knows such things anyway.

Answer me, LORD, in your generous love; in your great mercy turn to me. Do not hide your face from your servant; in my distress hasten to answer me. Come and ransom my life; because of my enemies redeem me.

You know my reproach, my shame, my disgrace; before you stand all my foes.

Insult has broken my heart, and I am weak; I looked for compassion, but there was none, for comforters, but found none. Instead they put gall in my food; for my thirst they gave me vinegar.

Conformed to the Cross of Jesus Christ; now that’s a challenge for us all.

We have to learn lessons from life’s trials. Because when we allow God to teach us in our hearts, we are able to grow in wisdom and to be of service to Him in our work with others. I pray to reap the rewards of lessons learned, and to grow stronger in Christ as a result.

Can you believe this next part is a valid prayer on the part of King David?

Make their own table a snare for them, a trap for their friends.

Make their eyes so dim they cannot see; keep their backs ever feeble.

Pour out your wrath upon them; let the fury of your anger overtake them.

Make their camp desolate, with none to dwell in their tents.

For they pursued the one you struck, added to the pain of the one you wounded. Add that to their crimes; let them not attain to your reward. Strike them from the book of the living; do not count them among the just!

Whew! Gracious, Lord Jesus Christ! Have Mercy! Mon Dieu!

But I am afflicted and in pain; let your saving help protect me, God, That I may praise God’s name in song and glorify it with thanksgiving.

My song will please the LORD more than oxen, more than bullocks with horns and hooves: “See, you lowly ones, and be glad; you who seek God, take heart!

Humility.

Everything always comes down to humility, doesn’t it? To love God with all our heart, all our might, all our mind and all our soul, is to acknowledge that His greatness far surpasses our own.

Humility is a keystone, capstone, cornerstone of the spiritual life.
For the LORD hears the poor, does not spurn those in bondage.

“Let the heavens and the earth sing praise, the seas and whatever moves in them!”

God will rescue Zion, rebuild the cities of Judah. God’s servants shall dwell in the land and possess it; it shall be the heritage of their descendants; those who love God’s name shall dwell there.

Perhaps I will be able to write down my experiences, so that others may find hope in God’s providence. Perhaps God will lead me in a different direction entirely in writing. As long as I pray to discern His will and try to do that, it’ll be for some benefit.

Aside form that, it’s not terribly interesting, and we’ve already established that blogging is not my forte. It’s a relief to realize that my dull, lifeless website is AOK for my rambling rambles, thoughts in prayer, and deeply boring chronicles. A little something for everyone!

What I have learned is to always trust in the Lord, and to remain faithful to Him. All ought flow from closeness with Jesus Christ, or all is for nought.

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A New Teaching

07/13/2011

in Weblog

This from the Naked Pastor.

The Anchoress was writing about just the same thing today. More or less. She writes: “Perhaps if all of us turned off the TV, shut down the internet, silenced the iPods and spent 15-30 minutes a day taking instruction in his presence or beneath his Cross, our humility would be such that we could never cry out “heretic” without first proclaiming it for ourselves.”

Salient thoughts. And discourse today has gotten so strident. Ouch.

Now, I had really meant to post something about the Burning Bush today, since it was in the daily Mass readings and it was a great source of prayer this morning. I’m just remarkably tired. Or just tired of things as they are.

I am opting out of political discourse I do believe. The world has gone crazy in so many areas. Of course my site is currently called ‘Life and Times‘ of a 21st Century Priest, not just ‘Life’. Maybe I should call it ‘Photoblog of a 21st Century Priest’s Life.’

That’s a real winner. Catchy.

I was going to call it Confessions of a Catholic Priest, but… I didn’t. It’s a long tragic tale, filled with drama and intrigue. It’s the type of thing I never write about here on my dull, lifeless weblog.

I am going to be devoting myself to prayer and discernment of the work of the Holy Spirit in my life, and in the world. The future is so bright in many ways.

I have some walking to do before I get to Night Prayer. And then, blessed sleep. The hour, it grows late for such things…

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Prayer for Protection During the Night

07/12/2011

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The 1960 Daily Missal has some beautiful prayers in it. I started praying from this book back in 2009, and immediately fell in love with them.

At the exact same time I started praying these prayers daily, my Pastor at the time, who genuinely loathed me, immediately demanded I be removed from his Parish.

God bless him. I’ve forgiven him and moved on, and I see no reason why I should not be open about that entire incident, and many others that occurred while I was in that Parish. It’s called healing.

And I still pray these prayers.

There’s something about the older prayers and translations which I love. They’re thought provoking, they stimulate the intellect, they speak to what we learn in Sacred Scripture and know to be true. And, they help to form our understanding of the Faith.

Anyway.

This is a beautiful prayer to say at nighttime. The translation is taken from ‘The Daily Missal and Liturgical Manual‘, available from the good folks over at The Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter. I highly recommend it.

O angel of God, to whose holy care I am committed by the divine Mercy, enlighten, defend and protect me this night from all sin and danger. Amen.

Visit, we beseech Thee, O Lord, this habitation, and drive from it all the snares of the enemy. Let Thy holy Angels dwell herein to preserve us in peace; and may Thy blessing be upon us forever, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

God the Father, bless us; Jesus Christ, defend and keep us; the virtue of the Holy Ghost enlighten and sanctify us this night and forever; and may the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen.

Bless, O Lord, the repose I am going to take in order to renew my strength, that I may be better able to serve Thee. O all ye Saints and Angels! but chiefly thou, O Mother of God! intercede for me this night and during the rest of my life, but particularly at the hour of my death.

May the divine assistance remain always with us. Amen.

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A Couple of Catholic Sites

07/09/2011

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I stumbled upon Vox Nova the other day. It’s a google away from the personal website of David Cruz-Uribe, who I first noticed chronicling anti-Catholicism on the web.

Also, found Catholic Tide the other day. Good Catholic news aggregate site, easy on the eyes, solid info and an encouraging section on praying the Liturgy of the Hours.

Speaking of books (we were, weren’t we?), The Church and the Land is on my Wish List.

It’s an essay touching on the modern trend of life in noisome, disconnected cities versus a life lived on the land. Written by Fr. Vincent McNabb,(albeit a hundred years ago,) the preface can be found here.

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Spillway Redux

06/27/2011

in photography,Weblog

That was then…

Spillway before opening

This is now…

With a few wet moments in between.

It started out kinda slow…

And the river got higher,

And higher and higher,

until it was a regular flood.

I don’t know why I was so fascinated with it. But I definitely was.

To make a long story short, it’s prime crawfish territory now.

Etouffe anyone?

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Corpus Christi

06/26/2011

in photography,Weblog

The Archbishop of New Orleans, Archbishop Aymond, said the Mass today on the Feast of Corpus Christi, before leading a Eucharistic Procession through the neighborhood to the Church of the Most Holy Name of Jesus.

It took place at the Shrine of Our lady of Prompt Succor, on State Street. It was very well attended, despite my photos into the side chapel. (I was playing the organ, and obviously could not be photographing everything in site.)

Here’s one of the beautiful chalices which were used for the special occasion of Corpus Christi.

And Fr. Nile was one of the emcees. Hey Fr. Nile! He’s leaving for studies in Rome on Thursday for further studies in Liturgy. Ciao! Arrividerci!

The Chapel (actually it’s an Oratorio…) (well, actually it’s the National Shrine of Our Lady of Prompt Succor…),has a very large Reliquary. I used to find it creepy and bizarre, now I just.. accept it.

One of the Prayers led by the Archbishop.

I love the side altars in this Shrine / Oratorio.

The other side of the Chapel/Shrine/Oratorio is a beautiful view… (the Chapel has an extension which goes off at a 90 degree angle, very unusual.)

Hence inspiring Trish here to meditation on the glorious mysteries of the Body and Blood of Christ. (I am sure that’s what she was meditating upon after planning and performing music all weekend long for various Masses, Weddings and Corpus Christi celebrations.)

It’s a beautiful place, and it was a beautiful Mass.

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Kinsey and Subsequent Dramatic Developments

06/25/2011

in Weblog

I love the site over at Goodfight.

Pastor Schimmel also links to The Kinsey Syndrome, which offers scathing exposes on Kinsey’s work, and subsequent efforts to brand it for what it is.

Which leads to Dr. Judith Reisman’s Site. She priases Humanae Vitae and JPII’s work in the Theology of the Body.

And, she links to a fascinating, recently published paper; Reliance of the U.S. Catholic Church on the Discredited Field of “Human Sexuality” and on Sexology Advisors Whose “Scientific” and Moral Foundation Deviates Radically From That of the Church

It explains a lot.

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J.R. and Rosalie

06/22/2011

in Weblog

For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants. ~ Isaiah 44:3

A long time ago in a town far, far away, lived a man named J.R. West.

He was a handsome young doctor from Mississippi who blew into town like nobody’s business with his beautiful young bride, Rosalie White West.

They lived a long and happy life together.

Kind of. One day, J.R. started a gun fight with someone, and ended up heading out of the local church feet first.

They say no one complained.

Here lies James Riley West.

But from everlasting to everlasting the LORD’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children ~ Psalm 103:17

It’s in the same town; Wheatley, Arkansas.

And a close-up of that headstone. Remarkable, isn’t it?

That’s a picture of J.R. and Rosalie’s store taken back in 1898.

I had never seen any of this before, and the entire family has been wanting to learn more about these two for some time. Thankfully Cousin Phil, who’s actually my father’s cousin, drove over to Wheatley and snapped these photos. Then, Great Aunt Alice (that’s Ah-Leese, not A[as in Apple] – Liss,) sent them out to everyone via e-mail.

Then I tried to clean them up with Photoshop, but we all know about Photoshop and me. (It’s a learning curve thing.)

Anyway, they had opened a store, which still stands next to City Hall. And inside of City Hall, there were these old photographs of J.R and Rosalie.

It’s very convenient when you’re looking up you’re ancestors and find they are well documented like this; very unlike the man who’s son married their daughter, who appeared from North Carolina and was born God only knows where. Mississippi was lousy at keeping track of these things in the late 1800′s and early 1900′s.

I have forgiven Mississippi’s record keeping, yet, still it’s a bit frustrating trying to learn more about the Allen family tree. We only know that everyone says the Allen’s are from Scotland, which always causes me to give thanks that we’re not from Ireland, which is a long story.

And there’s a painting of it as well.

Why, here it is just the other day!

Only now it’s an antique store.

Rosalie aged gracefully before passing (work with me here please…) She developed a formidable presence.

She was known as Big Mother, and lived in an enormous house with a wrap around porch, which everyone used to talk about with awe. In fact, everyone used to talk about her with awe. They still do.

Her grandson (my grandfather), great grandson (my father), and great great grandson (my brother), all bore the West surname as a middle name.

She’s buried in Wheatley as well, with one of her sons. Lot’s of stories to learn about, no doubt.

Well, that wraps up today’s history lesson on some of my great, great, great grandparents. I hope you’ve enjoyed it! And if you haven’t well, God bless you. They were truly remarkable people.

For as the days of a tree, so will be the days of my people; my chosen ones will long enjoy the works of their hands. They will not toil in vain or bear children doomed to misfortune; for they will be a people blessed by the LORD, they and their descendants with them. Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear. ~ Isaiah 65:22-24

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Lest I Forget

06/20/2011

in General,Weblog

Which I have apparently done, is that Pope Benedict XVI asked Priests back in January ‘ought Ten to Get Online and Spread the Gospel.

Sigh. I almost completely forgot about posting on my blog; I’m not very good at it.

In fact, I asked around to a variety of people whether I should keep the site or not, and the overwhelming response was “Yes! Absolutely! Please, please, PLEASE do! We couldn’t live without your blog!” (Not.) But, the general response was to keep it and post more often.

And spread the Gospel.

With that in mind, here is today’s Gospel:

Jesus said to his disciples:
“Stop judging, that you may not be judged.
For as you judge, so will you be judged,
and the measure with which you measure will be measured out to you.
Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s eye,
but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own eye?
How can you say to your brother,
‘Let me remove that splinter from your eye,’
while the wooden beam is in your eye?
You hypocrite, remove the wooden beam from your eye first;
then you will see clearly
to remove the splinter from your brother’s eye.”

And here are some recent observations on blogging and myself:

It can take up a lot of time, and one needs to get out and get more exercise if one is doing it.
I am not, and never have been, drawn to blog about the things that most other Catholic bloggers blog about, i.e. the latest Catholic news stories, or insightful posts about Papal documents, Vatican translations, or the Extraordinary Form vs. the Novus Ordo. I prefer to write about things that happen in my life in a stream of consciousness sort of way. Some like it, some don’t; take it or leave it.
Maybe I should rethink that.
But I just did, and I’m still not drawn to it, as others do it far better than I ever would or could.
I’ve had major periods of self-consciousness as a blogger because I had never anticipated the amount of scorn it would draw from fellow Priests.
I’m more or less over that. Sometimes people just don’t get along; cliques exist, and it’s not that big a deal; Priest’s are human, and that includes me with all of my own faults and insecurities. I’m not very important in the big scheme of things of God’s plan, or the Church’s plan. But I pray to do His will daily, and I try to do it, and that’s enough for me each day. It helps to keep life simple.
I don’t really read a lot of other Catholic blogs.
I do read a lot of news and information sources on what’s going on in the Church. So I assume anyone who finds my blog and reads it is on the internet and reads the same sources, and is already in the know. Plus, they are probably reading the bloggers who do such a great job of dissecting those things anyway.
Having a website allows me to share things with friends fairly easily, such as photos I can put up in temporary directories. Also, I can occasionally post photos from my life in my weblog, and work with improving my photography (which does need a lot of work, I freely admit. But if I never practice it, I’ll never improve.)
And, I think that about wraps that up. Thanks for joining me!

To live, to adventure, to understand the will of God…

Our soul waits for the LORD,
who is our help and our shield.
May your kindness, O LORD, be upon us
who have put our hope in you.

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Another Talk from the Good Archbishop…

06/12/2011

in Thought for the Day,Weblog

One more talk from Archbishop Sheen, this one on Fatima.

Here is Part Two.

And Part Three.

I’ve been quietly deciding to spread the First Saturday devotions, and the message of Fatima, which helps so many become closer to Jesus Christ.

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← Previous Entries

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Weblog

Beloved Margaret Haughery of New Orleans

The Queenship of Mary

Old Beginnings

Adventures in the Dictionary

Martello Castle

The Middle of the End of the Road

The St. James Society in South America

End of the Road – Part 2

Tuscaloosa

The End of the Road – Part I

An Overdue Tribute – Winston Arthur Grant

Breakfast at Bayou Gulch

Meanwhile, Back at the Black Lagoon

Antiques

From Mission to Mission

First Communion, Friday Nights, Tea

My $.02 — On Thomas Jefferson and Illinois

A Monastic Experience

Dore’s White Rose

Q & A with Fr. K

Psalm 69

A New Teaching

Prayer for Protection During the Night

A Couple of Catholic Sites

Spillway Redux

Corpus Christi

Kinsey and Subsequent Dramatic Developments

J.R. and Rosalie

Lest I Forget

Another Talk from the Good Archbishop…

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