The Tenth Amendment Movement.

Maybe we the citizens of the United States really can take back our country...

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I picked up this story from Western Confucian, concerning the oft forgotten Tenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Joshua writes:

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The Tenth Amendment simply states, "The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States, respectively, or to the people." It has long been ignored outright. The Principle of Subsidiarity, "[o]ne of the key principles of Catholic social thought," is upheld by it, in that it "holds that nothing should be done by a larger and more complex organization which can be done as well by a smaller and simpler organization." - Western Confucian

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Resolutions to restore the balance of power between the states and the federal government have already been introduced in at least 14 state legislatures. Most of them are almost identical to the resolution already passed in the Oklahoma House. After a series of “whereas” clauses, nearly all of them contain a key section stating:

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NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AND THE SENATE OF THE __________ LEGISLATURE: THAT the State of __________ hereby claims sovereignty under the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States over all powers not otherwise enumerated and granted to the federal government by the Constitution of the United States. - New American

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START SPREADING THE NEWS!

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Yes we can - maybe... Although if those who call for a Constitutional Convention to insert an amendment requiring a Balanced Budget - who knows what else they may want to amend? It could also be an opportune time to amend the natural born citizen requirement for the office of President of the United States.

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I know! Now's not the time to be pretending.

What I did for love - I mean Lent.

Arbeit macht frei!

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Actually, this Lent, I still haven't figured out what to give up, but as I told Thom, I have until Holy Saturday to figure that one out.

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I was going to start going to morning Mass every day, but I decided I'll wait until next week to begin that.

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Cathy of Alexandria posted some things she misses in local churches during Lent, and as usual, she got me thinking. I just can't remember what about.

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Image source.

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BTW, the Vatican was not pleased with Bishop Williamson's apology. Zey cun ve so stwicht!

St. Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows

February 27 is the feast day of St. Gabriel Possenti (1838-1862). When I was in 2nd grade, I developed a fondness for him after seeing images like this one above, as well as those of him in ecstasy before Our Lady of Sorrows. After his canonization Gabriel was declared the patron saint of youth, and so the older I got, the more my devotion intensified. I admired him not only for his devotion to the Sorrowful Mother, but because of the way he looked. Perhaps that sounds strange, but he has always been shown in poses of great ardor, a handsome young man - and his countenance moved my heart to devotion to the Passion of Christ.

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Born in Assisi, he was named after the town's patron, Francesco. In his teens, he became the center of attention amongst friends on account of his vivacious spirit - very much like his namesake, St. Francis. Frequenting parties, admired for his sense of fashion and dancing ability, he was extremely popular. Yet in the midst of much temptation, he preserved a sense of devotion and remained singularly chaste. After completion of his studies, young Francesco revealed his intention to enter the Passionists, surprising his family, while leaving his friends dumbfounded.

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Twice before his final decision to enter religious life, the young saint, who also suffered from poor health, promised Our Lady he would devote the rest of his life to God if she obtained his cure. Regaining his health, he twice forgot his promise. While attending a procession one day, he looked upon a banner bearing an image of Our Lady, the Madonna's eyes looked at him and he heard these words; "Keep your promise."

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The saint wasted no time and entered the novitiate of the Congregation of the Passion, taking the name Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows. His life as a cleric was as ordinary as that of St. Therese of Lisieux, and like her, he died of consumption at the age of 24. He is a saint of the "little way".

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St. Gabriel is also very popular in this country with Catholic gun enthusiasts, since he happens to be the patron saint of hand-gunners. This is due to the fact he once drove a group of mercenaries from the town his monastery was located, Isola, Italy. St. Gabriel came to the defense of a young woman who was going to be sexually assaulted. Grabbing the soldier's gun, he held him at bay, shooting a lizard with one shot, the saint demonstrated his skilled marksmanship before the mockery of the insurgents. Stunned, the soldier let the girl go, while the other mercenaries were quickly persuaded to end the looting and extinguish the fires they had set. Afterwards, St. Gabriel drove them out of town, employing the guns he had confiscated from the soldiers. The townsfolk hailed him as a hero.

Homophobia

Things blondes think about.

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When I was little, my mother worked nights as a waitress to pay for our Catholic education. She worked with a woman who kind of looked like a man - well she actually did look like a man. The woman, now deceased, was named Ruby. She once needed some work done at her house and my dad offered to do it for her. Ruby was afraid of men, so my mom had to be there with her while my dad was doing the work. Later I understood that Ruby preferred the company of women.

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So anyway. Homo means man and phobic means fear of - hence fear of homos - or men - becomes homophobic. So does that mean women and/or lesbians who are repulsed by sexual relations with men, are homophobic? And is that a bad thing or a good thing?

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Photo: Ruby and Phyllis - Ruby is behind the bar - Phyllis was her roommate and went on to star in "WKRP" - or so I was told.

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Oh yes. She always told my mom, "Betty, I love children - outside." So I could never go into her house. Isn't that queer?

Bishop Williamson Apologizes

LONDON, FEB. 26, 2009 (Zenit.org).- Bishop Richard Williamson, formerly excommunicated member of the Society of St. Pius X, apologized today for statements in which he denied the extent of the Holocaust.

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In a statement published on his return to London on Wednesday after being expelled by the government of Argentina, the prelate explained that "the Holy Father and my superior, Bishop Bernard Fellay, have requested that I reconsider the remarks I made on Swedish television four months ago, because their consequences have been so heavy."

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Bishop Williamson continued, "Observing these consequences I can truthfully say that I regret having made such remarks, and that if I had known beforehand the full harm and hurt to which they would give rise, especially to the Church, but also to survivors and relatives of victims of injustice under the Third Reich, I would not have made them."

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The prelate said that on Swedish television he only gave the "opinion [...] of a non-historian," a perspective "formed 20 years ago on the basis of evidence then available, and rarely expressed in public since."

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However, he recognized, "the events of recent weeks and the advice of senior members of the Society of St. Pius X have persuaded me of my responsibility for much distress caused."

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He added, "To all souls that took honest scandal from what I said, before God I apologize." - Source

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Very good. Did you know some traditionalists objected to the fact John Paul II apologized for historical sins committed by Catholics in the name of the Church? I wonder what such hardliners will say about the Bishop's apology?

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Photo: Williamson returning to London. Source

Da Blog

"I used to be Snow White, but I drifted." - Mae West

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Since my former blog was deleted, I have received a few emails from readers telling me they miss my Abbey-Roads 2 because it was more spiritual. (Despite the fact a couple of really good Catholics dropped it from their blogrolls. Ah, "If a good man reproves me it is kindness.") I actually preferred writing my spiritual reflections and aspirations on that blog, pretty much restricting many of my trivial interests to this Abbey. However, in retrospect, I think it is better AR2 is gone.

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On AR2 I often wrote about the stuff that made up my prayer; interior reflections from lectio, impressions from adoration, insights gained from spiritual reading, and so on. In and of itself, I doubt there is anything wrong with doing that, especially since my intentions were sincere and as I hoped, good; certainly I wasn't doing it for show or to seek approval. Although it was extremely risky considering the indiscretion sometimes shown by a few readers as they offered vain praises and flattery in their commentary.

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Traditionally, Catholics keep their prayer and their ascetic life private, as the Gospel cautions, "Do not let your left hand know what your right is doing... go to your room and pray in secret... wash your face when you are fasting..." and so on. In fact, saints such as Therese of Lisieux only wrote about the graces she received, or the mortification she performed out of obedience, which accounts for her Story of a Soul; and even then, the initial manuscript had been edited by her superiors before publication.

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Of course I never made stuff up on AR2, what I wrote was authentic and always mine... the result of my experience, in the moment or otherwise. Just as what I post here reflects "I, me, mine" in the moment, be it the product of personal experience, observation, or impression. However, I now realize that despite the fact some readers could have been edified, or found some resonance in what I wrote, they were mistaken to believe I am - what? Spiritual, virtuous, holy, good? Don't be silly. Piety and devotion does not guarantee holiness or virtue, and holiness does not consist in pious thoughts or words. So yeah - I'm glad AR2 is gone.

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I made a lot of mistakes there, rashly judging others for instance - and damn! I still do that here. Although it has always been more obvious at this Abbey, and I try really hard to avoid that.

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I guess I haven't made much of a point with this post, so suffice it to say, I'm very pleased that people like Sanctus Gel, Old Christine, Proud Mary, Markie Mark, Michael Sydney, Dilbert, Monsignor Ganswein, Helen Reddy, Clay Aiken, Tilda Swinton, Bishop Gumbleton, Dr. Moon, Rene Taylor and Rip, Sarah Palin, Mother Delores, Pat Robertson, Tina Fey, Father in the Dell, Rachel Tenschun, Rusty Warren, Liza, Jon Hamm, Nancy Pelosi, Pat, Jim J. Bullock, Brad and Angie, Homer and Marge, and countless others are no longer edified. That is how it should be.

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I try to do my best, but please, in your charity, keep me in your prayers.

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Maciel: A master at "systematic deception and duplicity".

A Bishop speaks.

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Retired Archbishop Harry Flynn banned the Legion of Christ from the Archdiocese of St. Paul - Minneapolis several years ago. Some people who considered Flynn a bit too liberal and permissive of dissident groups pretty much blew the story off as another example of persecuting more orthodox Catholics. I'm quite certain the recent revelations concerning the double life led by the Legion's founder, Fr. Maciel, as well as allegations of irregularities associated with the governance and discipline of the order, certainly vindicate Archbishop Flynn's decision today.

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The Legion of Christ stifles the free will of its members.

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Yesterday I noted that Archbishop Edwin O'Brien pretty much echoed Flynn's statements concerning the Legion, albeit daring to go even further:

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Archbishop O’Brien said he has grave concerns that the Legion fosters a “cult of personality” focused on Father Maciel. “While it’s difficult to get a hold of official documents,” Archbishop O’Brien said, “it’s clear that from the first moment a person joins the Legion, efforts seem to be made to program each one and to gain full control of his behavior, of all information he receives, of his thinking and emotions.”

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“It seems to me and many others that this was a man (Maciel) with an entrepreneurial genius who, by systematic deception and duplicity, used our faith to manipulate others for his own selfish ends,” Archbishop O’Brien told The Catholic Review in a telephone interview following his Feb. 20 Rome meeting with Father Alvaro Corcuera, director general of the Legion.

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“Father Maciel deserves our prayers, as every Christian who dies does, that he’ll be forgiven and we leave the final judgment to God as to what his life and death amounted to,” Archbishop O’Brien said. - Source

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I've now changed my mind about the group - not that my opinion matters. I think the Legion should probably be suppressed and reorganized into a new congregation. The Legion attracted a lot of wealthy donors - perhaps by design - so that could be problematic.

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One other note: The archbishop refers to a "cult of personality" surrounding nuestro padre. He makes an interesting observation. We see that today with Obama. We also saw it with John Paul II to some extent. Incidentally, JPII had a very high regard for Maciel. Cardinal Ratzinger did not. It seems to me, as Pope, Benedict XVI is in no danger of being at the center of a cult of personality whatsoever. That is a good thing.

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Photo: Retired Archbishop Harry Flynn.

Darn it - I didn't get any.

ASHES
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On another blog, a priest speculated on why so many people like to attend church on Ash Wednesday and Palm Sunday. He wrote it was probably because they can approach the communion rail and get something. (I think he was referring to those people who cannot receive Holy Communion.)
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I wonder if really good Catholics would like to see ashes withheld from such people as well? Although I suppose there was no time to draw up a petition to prevent it.
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I am sure it is impossible for a man to know the state of another person's soul, with or without ashes on the forehead. Imitating the Devil, we can probably make certain assumptions - but only God knows for sure.

Fine Art

"Apple in a bag" Abbey Ryan

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This woman's work is amazing. Check out her blog A Painting a Day. I found her work on Etsy.

Did you watch President Obama's Congessional Address

The pep fest.

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Did you listen to all of those wonderful promises last night?

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He sure speaks well, doesn't he. No, that's not a question.

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I do have to ask this however, how will he accomplish all of this? For instance, how will he end cancer? "Our recovery plan... will launch a new effort to conquer a disease that has touched the life of nearly every American by seeking a cure for cancer in our time." - Source

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Yeah. But some people seem to be waking up today and smelling something not quite right. For instance, Sen. Robert Byrd sees something else going on:

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"Sen. Robert Byrd (D-W.Va.), the longest-serving Democratic senator, is criticizing President Obama’s appointment of White House “czars” to oversee federal policy, saying these executive positions amount to a power grab by the executive branch.

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In a letter to Obama on Wednesday, Byrd complained about Obama’s decision to create White House offices on health reform, urban affairs policy, and energy and climate change. Byrd said such positions “can threaten the Constitutional system of checks and balances. At the worst, White House staff have taken direction and control of programmatic areas that are the statutory responsibility of Senate-confirmed officials.” - Source

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One item that will be on the curriculum of state run schools after Obama's education reform is in place will be all of the speeches made by fearless leader - just watch - last night's address will probably be compared to the Gettysburg Address. Maybe not. But the following is a pull-quote that is sure to be repeated over and over and over again by educators and lobbyists, for the rest of his term and beyond:

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"Dropping out of high school is no longer an option. It's not just quitting on yourself, it's quitting on your country." - Source

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He's gooooood. Kinda JFK-ish.

Wish I had said that.

Oh! I did!

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Our Word is a terribly respectable blog, usually found on highly esteemed blogrolls, written by genuinely ardent Catholics (unlike some people, they would never use that term themselves). In fact Our Word was once a strictly Catholic blog, but I suppose one could say the blog owners branched out, becoming even more catholic; in effect, offering a decidedly Catholic point of view and commentary upon contemporary culture, politics and the arts.

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The real life authors post well composed articles dealing with opera, popular culture, literary works, cinema, Broadway, news headlines, as well as Catholic interests, and sports stuff that I don't get. Omigosh! They write political commentary too. Their posts are frequently without pictures, so I haven't a clue as to what they are about unless I recognize names such as Ethel Merman or Fred Astair or Helena Rubenstein - I wonder what happened to her? Maybe that will be my next post if they ask me back. But be forewarned, some of their posts can be dense - I know because I count all the words - their word(s) - and quite honestly, there are usually more than I can handle. Except for when they do a post titled "Wish I'd said that" - it's usually a pithy quote from someone well known - really easy to read, and I sometimes get it too.

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Anyway. Judith's husband Mitchell asked me to contribute something to their wonderfully enjoyable, yet hi-brow blog, and I did. (They're slumming again!) Please check it out, it is all about Red Carpet Kulture - well sort of - the blog format contains lots of red. (I know, makes no sense.) Sorry - no photos, you will just have to read it.

Ash Wednesday

I do not usually get ashes. Women in chapel veils always scolded me for brushing them off afterwards, so I stopped getting them.
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Oops - there go the blogrolls.

Confession is good for the soul.

If you are looking for a place to go to confession, Ray of Stella has a comprehensive list of confession schedules from nearly all of the churches in the Twin Cities metro area.

Show us your face...

And we shall be saved.
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Shrove Tuesday is the feast of the Holy Face of Jesus. We look at Him whose look of love moved Peter to repentance after he denied Christ.
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Visit the Holy Face website for complete information on the devotion.
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And be sure and visit Vultus Christi, Fr. Mark happens to be something of an apostle of the Holy Face, an extraordinary priest who uses his blog selflessly and well, offering good instruction to assist souls in the practice of prayer, as well as true devotion to the liturgy and the Blessed Sacrament.

"No we can't!"

Archbishop Chaput on the "adulation surrounding Obama".

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Chaput is another guy who definitely knows what is going on in our country, and he is here to remind American Catholics of what to do about it. First and foremost, the archbishop is a realist, acknowledging:

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"[The] Church in the United States has done a poor job of forming the faith and conscience of Catholics for more than 40 years. And now we’re harvesting the results -- in the public square, in our families and in the confusion of our personal lives. I could name many good people and programs that seem to disprove what I just said. But I could name many more that do prove it, and some of them work in Washington. American Catholics need to realize that many in the current generation haven’t just been "assimilated" into the American culture, but have in fact been "absorbed and bleached and digested by it," Archbishop Chaput asserted" - CNA

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"Servility and adulation"

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"I like clarity, and there’s a reason why," began the archbishop. "I think modern life, including life in the Church, suffers from a phony unwillingness to offend that poses as prudence and good manners, but too often turns out to be cowardice. Human beings owe each other respect and appropriate courtesy. But we also owe each other the truth -- which means candor."

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According to the archbishop, the political situation for Catholics is difficult to discern because a "spirit of adulation bordering on servility already exists among some of the same Democratic-friendly Catholic writers, scholars, editors and activists who once accused pro-lifers of being too cozy with Republicans. It turns out that Caesar is an equal opportunity employer."

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In a reference to the messianic treatment the Barack Obama received from some Americans during the presidential primaries, Archbishop Chaput delivered his second point: "in democracies, we elect public servants, not messiahs.

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"For Christians," he explained, "hope is a virtue, not an emotional crutch or a political slogan. Virtus, the Latin root of virtue, means strength or courage. Real hope is unsentimental. It has nothing to do with the cheesy optimism of election campaigns. Hope assumes and demands a spine in believers. And that’s why – at least for a Christian -- hope sustains us when the real answer to the problems or hard choices in life is ‘no, we can’t,’ instead of ‘yes, we can.’" - CNA

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The truth is out there.

Without naming names.

I haven't been well so I've spent a lot of time online - in between lie-downs. This means I've gone places I normally do not go - to the more, I suppose one might say, elite blogs, Catholic or otherwise.

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I noted one writer posted a request for readers to donate on his Paypal button - in order to keep food on the table for the family - otherwise he will have to go back to writing for publishers - or something to that effect. Maybe I was delirious, maybe I misread the post - but that sounds pretty lame big guy. Wouldn't you rather return to writing for periodicals with a book or two thrown in?

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Although advertising must pay because a few of the blogs I visited are starting to look like a cheap department store. Ads all over the place. Nothing wrong with that... I guess.

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One or two bloggers of the very, very well educated type, posted reviews of last night's Oscars. Obviously only uneducated imbeciles watch such nonsense, since in their opinion the entire Hollywood bunch are all uneducated half-wits anyway. One writer used the comments of an actor regarding the Oscars to describe both as a "gaseous idiotic piece of self-important self-parody the Oscars always are". (Reading it context isn't any better.)

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Snobs in every quarter I guess - what else to expect from the world? Actors are snobs, writers are snobs, film makers are snobs, their critics are snobs, and the Catholic elite are too. Oddly enough, many of the same writers/bloggers jockey for their own nominations and awards. Everyone has an ego to stoke and a living to make, right?

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Maybe it's just me - as I said, I've been ill and online too long. But what is Father In Exile's excuse?

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I know - none of my business.

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Snob.

Anticipating Lent.

I have non-practicing Catholic friends who still "give things up" for Lent, and kind of make a big deal about it too. They are sweet. Even though they have no time for the Church, they will give up candy or smokes for Lent - or simply diet. That's cool - their intentions are good.

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Still, I've always thought the focus on giving up stuff for Lent should begin with giving up sin first; then one's self-denial may actually turn out to be efficacious.

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Contemporary devotion seems to have shifted away from self-denial as penance, only to emphasise charitable works and alms-giving, as an alternative or a practice in addition to fasting. This is all very good of course, and presents a more positive spin upon traditional self-denial - it just doesn't sound as negative.

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Nevertheless, prayer and alms-giving alone require a certain amount of self-denial. ("Prayer and self-indulgence are incompatible" said Teresa of Avila.) For instance, taking more time for prayer may mean reworking one's schedule, or using a portion of one's leisure time for prayer and spiritual reading. Likewise, alms-giving or works of charity imply denying something for oneself, be it time, money, or social life. Naturally, all of our "extras" are in addition to the observance the Church mandates for the faithful during Lent, therefore giving up candy just might be a huge voluntary penance for someone to "offer up".

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Giving up or limiting an attachment to habits such as smoking, excessive Internet use, sweets, favorite foods, alcohol and other pleasures one indulges in, is in fact mortification which can help to free one for the practice of a more devout life. Such practices may be necessary for a person's ongoing conversion and sanctification, while preparing the generous soul to practice prayer more authentically, leading to a more fruitful life of charity. This, it seems to me, is pretty much the point of Lent... Conversion.

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But giving up candy while living in sin makes no sense. So I'm going to try and give up sin. Please keep me in your prayers.

Funny thing...

While searching for photos from Abbey-Roads - trying to find out if my art or anything would show up - I stumbled across this.

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(No, it is not me. It is... go here.)

Christian terrorists.

Who are they?
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Homosexual thought police, activists, former celebrities such as Rosie O'Donnel, and the Log Cabin Republicans suggest - insist - Christians who oppose gay marriage and declare homosexual acts immoral are in fact, terrorists. Twisting language is nothing new in the upside down world of homosexual activism, but calling Christians terrorists seems to me to confirm the rather neurotic emotionality and unconscious self-pity that some researchers believe underlies a probable gender-inferiority complex many gay people suffer from. (I know gay people are offended by that theory - however, I find it to be reasonable.)
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The details.
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"The attack comes from Jamie Ensley, president of the Georgia "Log Cabin Republicans," who also compared the Illinois-based Americans for Truth to Germany's Nazi party. Ensley wrote:
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"Most Americans and people of medical science believe that people do not choose their sexual orientation. Groups like Americans for Truth simply want to divide Americans, and truthfully their group would be more welcome as a mainstream Nazi Germany organization, than an organization which provides any value at all in 21st Century America," Ensley's message said.
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"I hope you will continue to support the Log Cabin Republicans, and not listen to the radical christian extremist domestic terrorist groups such as Americans for Truth," he wrote.
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The Illinois Family Institute noted the argument and suggested Ensley ruminate on several facts. It said:
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-There is no research proving that homosexuality is biologically determined: none.
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-There is no research proving that homosexuality is ontologically equivalent to race or biological sex: none.
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-It is no more anti-American to believe that homosexual behavior is immoral than it is to believe that polyamorous or incestuous behavior is immoral.
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-There is a body of thought emerging from the homosexual community called "queer theory" that holds that homosexuality is neither inherent nor immutable.
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-The view that homosexual conduct is moral is an unproven, ethical belief – not a fact.
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-The belief that homosexual conduct is immoral does not constitute incitement to violence or hatred. It no more constitutes hatred toward homosexuals than does the belief that polyamory or selfish behavior is immoral constitutes hatred of polyamorists or selfish people.
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-The belief that volitional homosexual behavior is immoral is not an extreme position.
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-Throughout history, it has been the dominant cultural view and remains so both in this country and many other countries throughout the world.
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-The Institute also insisted it is not bigotry to believe that homosexual behavior is immoral.
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-"The Merriam Webster Dictionary," the group said, "defines a bigot as a person who is 'obstinately or intolerantly devoted to his or her own opinions and prejudices; especially: one who regards or treats the members of a group (as a racial or ethnic group) with hatred and intolerance.'
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-Clearly, there is a distinction between bigotry and moral views. Bigotry cannot simply refer to holding opinions or being in possession of moral precepts, for if it did, everyone but sociopaths would have to be considered bigots because everyone but sociopaths holds certain behaviors as moral and others as immoral." - Source

Keyes: Stop Obama or U.S. will cease to exist

Keyes nails it with this one! Yet no one listens.

I'd like to thank the Academy.

Faerie dust.

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I always enjoy watching the Academy Awards. Although I'm not fond of the hype and the posers on the red carpet answering really, really dumb questions.

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I appreciate the real actors who are nominated, especially admiring the professionalism and style of the British actors, who always seem more interested in the craft rather than the idolatry of stardom.

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An exception here would be Meryl Streep, one of the greatest actresses in cinema, as well as one of the most 'normal' and down to earth. I would love to see her win, but I think if justice be well served, Kate Winslet ought to get Best Actress. Although Hollywood is bitchy, and they could just give it to someone else, especially since Winslet once said, "Do a holocaust film and you are sure to get an Oscar." Hollywood big shots may not appreciate that. I read where Anne Hathaway could upset the competition because of her break-through performance in... What was the film? No way - they are just playing with her - kind of like the cast in "For Your Consideration". (If only Hathaway had half of the talent of Parker Posey. Dream on.)

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Who ought to get Best Actor? Mickey Rourke of course. He was beyond great. Sean Penn in the "Milk" faerie tale annoyed me - he always does anyway - why is he even nominated? The movie was the worst twisting of history I had ever seen. The film should be shot. Frank Langella in "Frost Nixon? What a joke - a bad impersonation of a creepy president.

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Best film? I think it should go to "The Reader" - but "Slumdog" will probably get it.

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Best Supporting Actor? Josh Brolin really should get it - despite the fact the role lied about Dan White's motives and sexuality. (St. Thomas Aquinas said acting is lying anyway, so does it matter? Oliver Stone got away with it in JFK.) Of course - Heath Ledger will most likely win. Why waste the award? You can't take it with you, and human awards don't count in the after-life.

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Question: "Is everyone gay?"

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Answer: "Just to gay people."

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Best Supporting Actress? I would hope Viola Davis in "Doubt" - excellent acting. Baffling Sr. Aloysius' idea of what a mother should be. Nuns, formerly married or not, just don't get what it is like sometimes... right or wrong.

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That's all.

Socialist compassion and human rights.

Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, speaks...

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On her way to China, Madame Secretary of State affirmed the United States commitment to human rights, BUT...

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"Our pressing on those issues can't interfere on the global economic crisis, the global climate change crisis and the security crisis," Clinton told reporters in Seoul just before leaving for Beijing. - Source

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"...workin' for the man every night and day... rollin', rollin', Hillary keeps on rollin'!"

Down the rabbit hole...

The Internet is evil.

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I'm right back where I was with it. It is an addiction... It is the dragon's tail, sweeping the stars from heaven... the good and the bad alike. It is the road to perdition...

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(Laughs insanely!)

Pelosi and the Church.

Ready for her close-up, but no photo-op with the Pope.

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I don't want to link to anyone or any specific article regarding the controversy over Speaker Pelosi's claim to ardent faith and the Catholic reaction to her obstinate public sin in endorsing abortion and embryonic stem cell research. It has been done to death, a day or so ago Damien Thompson referred to her as "the ghastly Nancy Pelosi". Such drama.

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Bloggers claim the pope "lectured" Mrs. Pelosi, which comes off sounding a bit more dramatic and negative than what the Vatican press release said. Catholic headlines imply the Pope had been disciplining, scolding, or shaking a finger at her in the manner JPII did with that Nicaraguan priest years ago. I rather think Pope Benedict may have been more gracious in offering his rebuke. It seems to me he guides and instructs, intelligently and respectfully, like a loving father; I'm sure his words were full of charity, although frank and to the point. The Vatican press release clarified the essence of the meeting, informing us that the Holy Father indeed reminded the Speaker of the House of Catholic teaching and the responsibilities for those in government or positions of power and influence - especially Catholics - to support life from conception to natural death. I'm quite certain Pelosi expected to hear that. Ignore it, she probably did, since she has yet to comment upon that portion of her conversation with the Pope.

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Nevertheless, the controversy over the reception of the Eucharist must be addressed, and finally settled, by her bishop and/or the bishops of the United States, who can then instruct their priests. It is my understanding, as things stand now, any priest or deacon can, may, maybe should, deny communion to any notorious public sinner to prevent scandal. Although one problem I see with lay extraordinary ministers of the sacrament is that they have no competence to arbitrarily deny communion on their own. (Yes, that's right - I do not like the use of lay people to distribute communion at Mass - taking it to the sick is another matter entirely. But I digress.)

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I also read today, in an interview Archbishop Chaput has stated Mrs. Pelosi should not present herself to receive Holy Communion because of her advocacy of abortion, embryonic stem cell research, and so on. One hopes the Archbishop will work together with the other U.S. bishops to make a definitive statement and require pastors to enforce the decision.

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That said, I also read somewhere that Pelosi met with her local ordinary, Archbishop Niderauer of San Francisco and that she left the encounter "agreeing to disagree", as Obama might say, with Church teaching. Well then... if true...

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I may be wrong, but I have to wonder if the bishops are a little too permissive and perhaps a bit too concerned about public opinion when it comes to political figures and unpopular issues? They sometimes come across as rather weak-willed, and seem to rely too heavily upon a secular notion of diplomacy, scared to death they might scare away unfaithful Catholics if they assert Catholic teaching. I'm not suggesting priests and bishops start screaming hell and brimstone threats to the miscreants, but they need to say something definitive. Right now it appears there is an exaggerated concern for human respect (political correctness) on the part of more than a few churchmen, which only retards action, as well as undermines the credibility and authority of Catholic teaching. We have arrived at a point where laicism has become dogma in the American mentality, to such an extent even self-proclaimed "ardent" Catholics in government feel free to legislate immorality in defiance of Church teaching and natural law.

Another cartoon try...

Maybe I'll try cartoons?

Maybe not.

Black History Month For Racial Cowards.

"Though this nation has proudly thought of itself as an ethnic melting pot, in things racial we have always been and continue to be, in too many ways, essentially a nation of cowards," - Eric Holder, nation's first black attorney general. - Source
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Locally, Rainbow, a supermarket chain owned by Roundy's, ran a print ad promoting black history month offering specials on collard greens and chicken, and other foods traditionally associated with African American culture. A small outcry ensued. Many white people and a black minister or two were offended, claiming the ad was racist.
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Supposedly it promoted racial stereotypes. This is bad because the African Americans at one time were an oppressed minority. Unlike Asians and Hispanics, African Americans were enslaved, terrorized by segregation and vigilante rule that included lynchings, tar and feathering, and so on. I get that. But black folk I know love greens and fried chicken and all sorts of good Southern style food. (Me too!) Just ask Oprah or Patti Labelle, or Betty Lou - a cook I happened to have worked with at one time.
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Jews eat Kosher. Mexicans eat tacos. They say the Irish eat corned beef and cabbage, but an Irish nun told me that is not true. Polish people eat pirogi. Italians eat pasta. Slap my butt and call me Galdys, grocery stores even have ethnic food sections for all sorts of people - colored or not.
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Holder claims "we, as average Americans, simply do not talk enough with each other about race." Really? So how can we talk about it if we are continually censored?
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I'm so tired of their double standards - we should be more worried about honesty in politics, business, finance, and society - as well as not exterminating unwanted children. These matters are the real injustice afflicting the country.
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We have a black administration now - let's move on to more important business. Quit playing the race card - and do not talk race for 4 more years.
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Photo: Cast of the hugely popular 1950's sit-com, "Amos and Andy" - now considered racially offensive. It was funny.

How to dance at a rave

This is a public service video. I posted it for Cathy of Alexandria and Little Freak.

The visit.

Mrs. Rabitowitz.

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I was outside, sweeping a light snow and some of the bird droppings into the hedge, when I heard, "Good afternoon Mr. Nelson." Without turning about I said smiling, "Ah! It must be Madame Rabitowitz! And to what do I owe this pleasure?"

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Turning around completely, I noticed a rather sad look upon the rabbit's face, and asked, "What is it my dear? Why do you look so melancholy?"

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"You saw the murder last week, did you not?" Mrs. Rabitowitz asked, as she began to pick up a few raisins I had put out for her.

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"Oh my. You saw it too." I answered. "Yes, I tried to clear away the evidence right away, very much afraid you or the children would come across it. I noticed one of the Finches happened across a piece of the entrails and spit it out. I'm so sorry that happened. I never realized hawks would be out before dawn."

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I awoke one morning to see a hawk finishing the remains of a Junco, all that was left was a great deal of down and a few feathers, a claw, and entrails, which I swept away. I was so upset: At first inspection, the down appeared to me to be fur, and I feared for Mrs. Rabitowitz.

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"Oh, yes, yes. We witnessed that." Mrs. Rabitowitz assured me. "You people are much more upset by this kind of thing than we are - the animals and birds, I mean."

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"How so?" I inquired.

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"Oh sweetie, all of this is quite natural you know, disturbing though it is. We are meant to be food for one another. Of course we try to preserve our lives, yet our purpose is to please men and to support life - although it may result in such a grizzly annihilation for some of us... Not a species of course." Laughing she added, "Men are the only ones who do that type of thing. Sad really..."

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"Well, if you don't mind me asking, why is it you seem so sad?" I asked.

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We then sat down on the steps, looking into St. Joseph's Wood, as evening grew dark. Mrs. B responded quietly, "Papa is ill."

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"You mean Mr. Rabitowitz?" I asked with surprise, since I assumed she had been a widow already.

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"Yes dear. He is rather reclusive and no one ever sees him about, except late at night, when he goes for a walk and sneaks a cigarette or two."

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I laughed out loud and exclaimed, "Omigosh! I've run into him - he smokes! Yes indeed - we've met! In fact, he knows Cyril."

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Giggling, Mrs. B said, "Yes - he likes you quite a lot - he likes Cyril too, but says he is a bit hi-brow for him. Papa thinks you are quite funny. He told me he likes it very much when you touch him."

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"Oh! Mrs. B! I assure you, I like it very much when he lets me touch him." Turning more serious I asked, "What is it, what is wrong? Have you been to the doctor?"

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"Oh Mr. Nelson, we can't visit doctors. No, no, no, no, no. You see, they put animals to sleep, after endless tests of course. Oh no, we take care of ourselves alright, we do."

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"So please tell me then, what ails him, what are his symptoms? Is there anything I can do?" I asked with growing concern.

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"Papa has problems with his prostate, in fact, it seems his lymph glands are infected as a result, and of course he has those skin problems from the sun." Mrs. Rabitowitz stated this so matter of fact, it at first seemed she was totally unconcerned, which told me they have been living with this for quite a long time.

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"Oh dear! I'm so sorry to hear that. How is he doing now?" I pleaded.

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"Quite well surprisingly. He sleeps rather late, and stays inside a great deal, but he remains rather chipper." Mrs. R looked away, hiding a little tear from me.

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I gently touched the back of her ear and whispered, "I'm so very sorry. I will pray."

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Jumping down from the stair, gathering her raisins and nuts, Mrs. Rabitowitz turned and replied, "Thanks so much. I knew I could count on you." And she hopped away.

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I sat there, reflecting on the brevity of life. Just then, I craved a cigarette.

The Pope

The Holy Father: Attacked from all sides.

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Fr. Z posted a request for prayer and sacrifice to be offered for the intentions of the Holy Father, in view of the very public dissent he suffers from priests, bishops, cardinals, and of course, dissenting Catholic groups as well as secular groups and media. It truly is unprecedented what is happening worldwide. It may seem as if the general dissent simply coasted into place, but that is not the case. It has been fermenting for a very long time, and it required only a few determined statements concerning Catholic teaching, faith and morals, as well as liturgical direction, for the venom to explode.

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Just look at the headlines in Catholic media. Austrian bishops and clergy are in open revolt , priests of the diocese of Linz have forced the resignation of a newly appointed bishop for their diocese, the Cardinal in the UK refused to allow Archbishop Burke to celebrate Mass in Westminster in June - the list goes on. Indeed, the Holy Father is being attacked from all sides.

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What's going on.

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Such things were foretold in the prophecy of St. John Bosco, and later in the Fatima revelations - "The Holy Father will have much to suffer." Even more specifically, in the approved apparition at Akita, Our Lady left the following warning - which appears to be reaching fulfillment in these days:

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"As I told you, if men do not repent and better themselves, the Father will inflict a terrible punishment on all humanity. It will be punishment greater than the deluge, such as one will never have seen before. Fire will fall from the sky and will wipe out a great part of humanity, the good as well as the bad, sparing neither priests nor faithful. The survivors will find themselves so desolate that they will envy the dead. The only arms that will remain for you will be the Rosary and Sign left by My Son. Each day recite the prayers of the Rosary. With the Rosary, pray for the pope, the bishops, and the priests."

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"The work of the devil will infiltrate even the Church in such a way that one will see cardinals opposing cardinals, bishops against other bishops. The priests who venerate Me will be scorned and opposed by their conferees…churches and altars sacked, the Church will be full of those who accept compromise and the demon will press many priests and consecrated souls to leave the service of the Lord. The demon will be especially implacable against souls consecrated to God. The thought of the loss of so many souls is the cause of My sadness. If sins increase in number and gravity, there will be no longer pardon for them." - Source

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Art: Vision of Don Bosco. Recently the Holy Father asked for prayers for the "Barque of Peter". It seemed to me this was an (inadvertent) allusion to the prophecy of Don Bosco. The gates of hell will not prevail against the Church.

Ryan Seacrest found on a piece of toast...

YES!
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I saw this very same image on a piece of toast and had to draw it - I was so hungry, I ate it... with psychedelic peanut butter of course - you know - that stuff from Georgia.

I didn't paint today...

I did research instead.

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I can't live with my art you know. I have so much now, I don't know where to hide it. The process, the making of art is all that interests me - the product is always a let down for me.

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Anyway - I'm planning something religious now - I want to paint the Fatima kids and the apparition of the Angel of the Eucharist. It will be serious.

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Researching images of the Madonna, I paged through a book of essays called, "Divine Mirrors: The Virgin Mary In The Visual Arts". I'm not looking for a Madonna to copy, since I will paint the Virgin as she is represented in the Fatima images - I also will paint the panel in a more naturalistic manner rather than anything Italo-Byzantine. I'm left rather cold by most images of Our Lady, save those that happen to be Spanish Colonial, and a bit naive, I don't know why.

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I came across some Coptic and Ethiopian images - I like those very much. They can be rather garish or primitive for some tastes. Although their exotic style led me to consider the eidolonic images people claim to perceive in stains on their sinks, under freeway bridges, and so on. A rather famous eidolon was the image within the glass of an office building in Clearwater, Florida during the '90's. Most readers know I'm skeptical of such things, but I wonder if I should dismiss them so casually - for someone may have been moved to devotion by such phenomena. After all, people buy ugly religious art all of the time, and as mentioned, some of the Ethiopian images are difficult for Europeans and Americans to find edifying or devotional.

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Anyway, I came across the following in the lead essay of the book Divine Mirrors, written by Robert Orsi: He writes; our Lady's presence at places of pilgrimage "is not exhausted at them; rather she is repetitively present, generously and lovingly so, as her devout see it. The Blessed Mother does not have strong feelings about what constitutes appropriate or inappropriate venues for her visits, either: In the mid-1990's, for example, she began appearing on the glassy side of an office building in Florida." - Robert Orsi, Harvard Divinity School.

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Of course the Florida 'apparition' is not approved - and keep in mind Catholics are not required to accept or follow any apparition, recognized or unrecognized - yet what Orsi says is quite compelling. Anyone may encounter the grace of God in any circumstance, through various signs, images, sounds, or impressions of the sacred presence. Perhaps even in tattoos upon Latino gang members. Therefore, I'm going to try and be more respectful of such phenomenon in the future - even if I don't believe it, or when it doesn't fit my cultural experience or taste.

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(BTW - I saved a miraculous image of Ryan Seacrest I found on a dirty cat food plate. I'll post it another time. I also want to mention an entertaining blog I found today while looking for images, Robot Nine. Very fun.)

Who am I?

"I belong to a literary ground, comprised – including retired profs of literature, history and philosophy – mainly of very educated priest friends and a pair of physicians."

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(Oh my.)

What the...

Are Catholic people going nuts?

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Check this out: A nation-wide petition to prohibit Nancy and Joe from receiving Holy Communion.

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Who's causing a bigger scandal now? These matters are up to the bishops. And the Pope already knows about it. The Church is not a damn democracy.

Maciel

Father Marcial Maciel Degollado

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I was away while the news broke on this man. Returning, I noted the priests I read are very understanding of Fr. Maciel's weaknesses and chose not to cast any stones. That is as it should be. Pope Benedict sent him off in silence to do penance and Fr. Maciel did so humbly. As Catholics, we all sin; we confess, receive absolution and a penance - and we try to sin no more.

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Anyway. A year or two ago I wrote about the rumors and the cloak and dagger atmosphere surrounding the Legion of Christ and Regnum Christi. I actually knew men and women associated with the organizations - so I wasn't just speculating about these things. Anyway - my writings are lost, but there is plenty of docu-drama coverage elsewhere online if anyone is interested.

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Secrets and denial.

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There is really so much to say about all that has been revealed. For starters, I think we can now understand a little better the closeted secrecy of the Legion, their strict discipline, radical commitment to the founder, and silence concerning the religious life they led, as well as the process of government. On some level this seems typical of a dysfunctional family, wherein someone, very often the dad, had been leading a double life.

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Codependent behaviours.

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Therefore it seems likely that it was important for the founder and perhaps unwittingly, the superiors of the Legion to keep outsiders at bay in order to protect the secret. Controlled effort to appear normal, while projecting a sense of moral and doctrinal superiority - even elitism, while maintaining a traditional religious decorum, horarium, and dress, worked to project a certain mystique of perfection and stability. Many were convinced, especially new recruits, that the rumors about the founder had to be false: Indeed, Fr. Maciel was very much admired by John Paul II.

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Not a few people, among them priests and religious, believe the Legion should distance itself from its founder. One priest wrote, "For P.R. purposes, the L.C. needs to distance itself from its founder, that is, quickly and irrevocably disconnect its spirituality from the man who founded it." - Source. With all due respect to Fr. Philip, I must disagree. Making such a disconnect would only perpetuate the culture of lies and cover up that became the foundation of the order's discipline. It would be very unhealthy to do that, albeit typical of flawed Catholic practice.

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Their first purification ought to be to remedy the effects of the hero worship they once had for Fr. Marciel. How many times do we all find ourselves woefully disappointed in those people we admire and maybe even idolize? We make our heroes into idols, own them as role models and examples - failing to understand that only Christ and His Mother and the saints are such. Men are men. Michael Phelps smokes weed. Governor Blagojevitch sells senate seats. Bill Clinton liked cigars. Some priests get married or sleep with men. Ted Haggard used male prostitutes but stayed married. (Hoochimama - Just imagine the dysfunction that family has to work through.)

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"Take no man for your example, the devil will show you his faults." - John of the Cross

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Thus, even the strongest men may fall - "The just man is scarcely saved." As John Paul I said, "God loves humility so much, sometimes he permits a man to fall even into grave sin, in order that, after repenting, he becomes even more humble." That works in the order of nature and grace. (My quote is from memory.)

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Fr. Maciel humbly went into exile to do penance, and he died, hopefully in the state of grace. But I'm convinced it would be wrong for his sons to disown their father. We live in times of flagrant sin, therefore we need to know and understand and accept that some men have battled apocalyptic-sized demons and have often fallen... some even lost. Yet others were able to rise, clinging to their faith and the teachings of the Holy Catholic Church, and they continued on, struggling and suffering to the end. Hiding Fr. Maciel would only be another denial of the truth - and perhaps a denial of the mercy of God.

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What to do about the victims is another story.

Finished the emails.

Wow! I was gone a long time.

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Michael Dubriel died. Susan let me know by email - I just read it. I'm so shocked and so very sorry for Amy and the boys. I find it so difficult to comprehend. No, I did not know them.

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Did I read them? Yes.

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Know them? No.

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Oh I referenced them a couple of times - without knowing them. Then I began reading them, got to like them - and respect them. I feel so badly. Prayers for them.

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You see however... This proves my point. These blogs we do are nothing. We are nothing... at least we are NOT our blogs. We are NOT! These blogs are NOT important.

THE WRESTLER film clip #2-

Baby got back.

My laptop is home again!

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It has been a long time - but we are back together again. Oh! Toto - I learned so much while you were gone. I just forgot to take notes and now I can't think of anything to blog about.

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I definitely finished the painting - I'm calling it "Domestic Scene; 1959: The Sin of Ham" - maybe I mentioned that already. It took me 9 days to paint, working 6 hours a day - a total of 54 hours - the length of days a rosary novena takes. The painting is only 12"x12". Fr. Mark mentioned in a comment he expects the panel would be a Norman Rockwell type of image, I'm sure he was joking. Although that is actually very funny since I thought of Norman Rockwell's work throughout the process. My panel is not nearly as well painted as Mr. Rockwell's art. (Later, I may reopen "Up Your Street" and show the panels on that blog.)

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Shortly after finishing the painting, I opened to Ecclesiates 6, 10-12: "A man cannot find out what is good for him to do. Whatever is, was long ago given its name, and the nature of man is known, and that he cannot contend in judgement with one who is stronger than he. For though there are many sayings that multiply vanity,what profit is there for a man? For who knows what is good for a man in life, the limited days of his vain life (which God has made like a shadow)? Because, who is there to tell a man what will come after him under the sun?"

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My paintings are meant to be for after my death.

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Moving on.

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I have 230 emails to check. Do you know how difficult that will be? LOL! (I'm sure Fr. Z probably gets about 230 emails an hour.)

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Art: Norman Rockwell "Breaking Home Ties" - Source

I'm not at Kinko's

I'm at some friend's, and they are allowing me to use their PC - it's an Apple - very brand new, state of the art. I will be cat sitting while my friends are in NYC and Washington - so I may be using their PC at times. Mine is supposed to be ready for pick up tomorrow. I think this is payback time for me for all the times I procrastinated over work I was expected to do for other people in the past.
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Anyway, I just breezed through comments but I haven't checked my email - so please do not be offended that I haven't responded to any of you - time is short. Belinda - glad you were not mad about the joke. Mary - I was hoping someone took issue with the octuplet's mom comment - I love reactions to what I write. Thanks.
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I finished the painting today - well there are a few details to add. I'm not totally happy with it - it is rather disturbing but I think it an interesting interpretation on the sin of Ham nonetheless. For Lent I'll do something religious. I can't wait for Lent - I have so much penance to do.
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My friends have a web cam - I should do a show - disguised as Joaquin Phoenix of course. But I can't do it now.
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It will be nearly 3 weeks since I've had Internet. I'm quite certain I'm not the only one who is either addicted or very attached to the net - surfing, reading, writing, corresponding. Now there is Twitter - in addition to Myspace and Facebook and who knows what else. I'm not judging anyone - but I suspect many people spend way too much time artificially connected to others online. We think it's real and we think we are contributing something to the conversation - but we aren't so much. If a person posts a lot - they are online a lot. Hours slip by, we check - even wait for comments - we want the feedback. (You know who you are.) Something is not right with that. Something is off in one's life, in one's vocation... (You know who you are.)
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Anyway - if the just man is saved only with difficulty - then what about the rest of us? Oh yeah - and did you know that if you are not in the state of grace, then you are in mortal sin? Think about it.
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Hopefully I'll be back online tomorrow or Tuesday.
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Hugs and kisses!

I'm at Kinky's

I know! I am supposed to have my lap top back this week. ROFLMAO!
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So much to write about and so little time.
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Oh! Oh! That woman who had 8 kids... at first I thought it was one of my Kansas readers before she was revealed to be a Jenine Garafalo/Angelina Jolie clone. I watched the interview last night - the woman has mental problems - she is so not in touch with reality.
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I'm not writing too much tonight, I haven't checked emails or comments - so I'm posting this stuff blind - I may have been cut from more blogrolls, so I better be careful.
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So anyway. I'm working on my new painting already. It is called, "The Sin of Ham" - Angela inspired it. Joe and Mary may like to know it is worse than the "Seminary Visitation" painting. I know! I will not be able to post it - Kat would drop me in a minute if I do - full frontal. It is a very dark painting - and it proves I need Internet back.
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Omigosh! Pray for me!
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Dear children, I have much to tell you, thanks for clicking on Abbey-Roads and looking for me to come back. And thanks for responding to my call. ;)

I'm at Kinkos

I know. The techs told me the laptop would be ready last Wednesday. It is Friday of the second week. I called a couple of times to see where they are at and they said they would call me when it is ready - so I'm too intimidated to call again. I don't know what to do.
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I finished a painting however. It is called, "The Watchers" - acrylic on canvas. It is very weird - well not that weird - I actually like it. It is a variation on the background Fra Angelico used in his Cosmas and Damien panels. Okay - it is weird.
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I got right to my blog to post this update. That said, I'm so curious about Father. I noticed on PBS last evening the Vatican is demanding that Bishop Williamson retract his no holocaust statements. Naturally I have no idea what others are saying about that - except John Allen - who is PBS's direct line to the Vatican. I think they should call Fr. Z. In fact I think I will suggest to Raymond Arroyo that Fr. Z step into the consultant space left by Fr. Neuhaus. They were both Lutherans you know, and they are both...
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Anyway, Michael R. informs me the Pope said something about the Internet and he (Michael) thought maybe that is why I haven't been blogging. I wonder what the Pope said? Do you think the Holy Father made a statement about it because of Father's blog?
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As for myself, I'm scared I may have forgotten how to blog. Like I said - people without computers only get the news "they" want you to get - and I can't believe how lame all of that so called news actually is. The big story seems to be the Michael Phelps smoking dope thing. Big deal.
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People say he is a role model. Come on! Parents, do NOT tell your kids human beings are role models. Sure kids can admire a person's athletic abilities and work to achieve their very best, inspired by the athlete's accomplishments - but these people can't be role models. Only saints are worthy role models. Human beings are always going to fall short of the expectations we put upon them - if anything, it is how they rise above their failures that one may be inspired by. Michael Phelps didn't lie about it, he didn't make excuses, and he said he is going to mend his ways. That is inspiring.
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Okay - I'm going to check out Fr. Z and then sign off. Pray for me.