Argument of the Month Club hosting Christopher A. Ferrara Esq. January 12, 2010

The art of pious dissent?
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With Thomas E. Woods, Jr., Remnant contributor, Christopher A. Ferrara co-authored a book called "The Great Facade: Vatican II and the Regime of Novelty in the Roman Catholic Church."  The book makes for an intriguing, if not disturbing read, for anyone interested in the crises that emerged in the Church following Vatican II.  Very well written, well researched, and well documented, the book casts suspicion upon the Magisterium as well as the concilior Popes as regards changes to the liturgy initiated by Vatican II and the Mass of Paul VI. 

The last time I checked, Pope Benedict XVI has not only been supportive of Vatican Council II, he has stood in solidarity with his predecessors who promulgated it - specifically the Novus Ordo Mass of Paul VI.   
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The AOTM announcement  of Ferrara's guest appearance reads:
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Author and pro-life attorney Christopher A. Ferrara (who worked on the Theresa Schiavo case) will argue that current condition of the Church arises from a failed experiment in liberalism that has never risen to the level of binding Catholic doctrine. Hence the title of his widely acclaimed study of changes in the Church after Vatican II: The Great Facade.
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Mr. Ferrara will address what the book calls “a regime of novelty in the Roman Catholic Church” since Vatican II and what he contends are its disastrous effects on virtually every aspect of the Church’s health and well-being. In one of his most controversial statements Mr. Ferrara declares that ”The Council’s much-vaunted ‘opening to the world’ was, in truth, a suppression of the Church’s immune system, resulting almost immediately in the many-faceted disease that now afflicts her.” He contends that the Church is quite capable of putting Vatican II and the changes that followed behind her, because neither the Council nor the Popes since the Council have imposed on the faithful any real change in what a Catholic must believe or do in order to be Catholic. He considers “getting over the Council” a matter of urgent priority for the Church.


To their credit the AOTM format allows for debate:
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More than a monologue, the presentation will involve Mr. Ferrara stating his case and then letting the moderator and the audience “have at him” (with Catholic decorum and good humor, of course!) in the manner of an appellate argument before judges. As Mr. Ferrara told us: “I love a hot bench.” This will indeed be a spirited evening in the tradition of the Argument of the Month.  

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It should be an interesting evening, a conspiracy theorist's dream perhaps.
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Links to Christopher Ferrara and some of his writings:
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Fatima Priest, the story of Fr. Gruner, a priest suspended by The Congregation for Clergy in 2001.
Excerpt:  "In short, Father Gruner and the apostolate were an annoyingly persistent reminder of the teaching of all the Popes before 1960 on the Social Kingship of Christ and the Queenship of Mary. But that teaching had been replaced by the "Spirit of Vatican II", by Ostpolitik and world ecumenism, by "dialogue", "human rights" and the "civilization of love." The new vocabulary could not be at home with the old. All the antiquated pre-conciliar talk of kings and queens, and every knee bending before the Lord, and Russia converting, and the triumph of the Immaculate Heart--all of it was hopelessly out of place in the new arrangements Vatican emissaries had forged with the powers of the world, and most especially the United Nations. It was necessary, then, that Father Gruner and the apostolate be silenced, but not in a way which would call any attention to the underlying questions." - FATIMA PRIEST  
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The Art of Pious Calumny, a rebuke to the former EWTN priest Fr. Francis Mary regarding a warning he made concerning Fr. Gruner.  Within Mr. Ferrara's article he makes a rather startling statement regarding Cardinal Ratzinger:

"As for the alleged opinion of Cardinal Ratzinger that the Consecration (of Russia) has been accomplished, we may ask: What authority does Cardinal Ratzinger have to bind the whole Church to believe that a consecration of Russia need not mention Russia? This is not a matter of Catholic doctrine but of fact. Our Lady requested the consecration of Russia, but the Pope consecrated the world rather than Russia in order to avoid offending the Russian Orthodox. Therefore, Russia has not been consecrated — any more than a new church has been consecrated (set aside and dedicated) for worship in a ceremony consecrating the whole diocese." - The Art of Pious Calumny
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At the time Cardinal Ratzinger was head of the CDF, and then of course he was elected Pope.
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The Secret Still Hidden, Ferrara's book which casts doubts upon the Holy See's affirmation that the secret of Fatima has been revealed in it's entirety.  Promotional video here.  A description of the book reads:
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  "This book is the first full-length examination of the grounds for rejecting Cardinal Bertone's version of the facts in the Third Secret controversy. The Cardinal's own statements, including his book and radio and television broadcasts in 2007, are shown to demonstrate beyond any doubt that a text of the Secret has been suppressed, evidently under an unjustifiable mental reservation that the text is not "authentic." - Source
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Noisy Gong Rhetoric - an excellent review of The Great Facade:
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"More disturbing than the myriad mischaracterizations and distortions is the authors’ lack of charity displayed on seemingly every page. With the exception of paying lip service to someone’s probable holiness, they have not a kind word for those with whom they disagree. Indeed, it is the snide tones in which they paint their arguments that makes this book particularly difficult to read. "That theological ‘surprises’ are alien to the perennial Catholic magisterium poses no difficulty for the neo-Catholic mentality" (p. 71), they write at one point, and at another, "We will nevertheless undertake a further demonstration of what is obvious to everyone but neo-Catholics" (p. 165). This sort of insult is common.
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The book also accuses those it ridicules of doing nothing in the face of the crisis. But how do they know? When prominent American Catholics meet with Roman prelates, how do the authors know nothing is said or done? How do they know whether many of us write our bishops, withhold donations, and even attend different parishes because of liturgical problems?" - Source
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I never fail to be surprised by the lack of charity and the lack of meekness and humility amongst traditionalists, who even within their own circles tend to separate into factions, always straining the gnat, as it were.

Twelfth Night! (Redux)

Today is the last day of Christmas.  I so love 12th night! Even if I don't do anything about it any longer.  When I used to entertain I had a little party on this night as well as on St. Nicholas Day. 
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Twelfth Night is the eve of the Feast of the Epiphany.  The word epiphany is from the Greek, usage of which dates back to pagan mythology, referring to the point where a god traveling among men makes himself manifest.  The manifestation in this case being of the God-Man, the only true God; the Infant Jesus, Christ our God, to the Three Wise Men - who represent the Gentiles.
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As everyone ought to know, the Twelve Days of Christmas refers to the period between Christmas and Epiphany; prior to modern times it was customary for gifts to
be exchanged on Epiphany rather than Christmas itself, in commemoration of the gifts presented by the the Three Kings; magi, astrologers, whatever is the current translation of the NAB. In Italy and other Latin countries, it is yet celebrated with gifts.
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Romantic Lords, 12th Night would be the loveliest night of the years to present your fair maiden with a lovely betrothal ring. Other fine gifts would be an expensive perfume or cologne, or something as simple as a scented candle, or a fine wine - even the most delicious chocolat. All keeping in the tradition of Epiphany romance...thus, surprise your lover with a treasured gift tonight! (It is the night for romance and fun! Much more so than New Years!  Think of Shakespeare's masked ball scene in Romeo and Juliet, or the enchantment of Midsummer's Night Dream, more so than his Twelfth Night I think.)

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I re-post this now that ye may perform last minute preparations for tonight!  (Go to the liquor store.)
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A happy Christmas to all! And remember, Christmas is not a day, but a way of life! "Let us love one another!" 
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And remember, girl's conceived on this night are often named Tiffany - for Epiphany.  ;)
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Link:
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Elena has a note on this celebration as well as a link to customs associated with it.  Go here.
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Some very important thoughts...

Words of St. Therese to her sister Celine:
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"Sometimes it happens that despite their best efforts, some souls remain imperfect because it would be to their spiritual detriment to believe they are virtuous or to have others agree that they are." - My Sister, St. Therese
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And:
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"Let us never seek what appears to be great in the eyes of creatures...  The only thing that is not envied is the last place; it is only there in that last place where one finds no vanity or spiritual affliction.  However, 'the way of man is not for him to decide', and at times, we catch ourselves desiring things that glitter.  Then let us humbly acknowledge ourselves among the imperfect and esteem ourselves little souls whom the good God sustains at each moment.  As soon as he sees us convinced of our nothingness, he extends his hand to us." - Celine, Sister and Witness to St. Therese of the Child Jesus.
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And:
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"You must never believe when you do not practice virtue that it is due to some natural cause such as illness, time, or grief.  You must draw a great lesson in humility from it and take your place among the little souls, since you are able to practice virtue only in such a feeble manner.  What is necessary for you now is not to practice heroic virtues but to acquire humility.  For that, your victories must of necessity always be mixed with failures, so that you cannot take any pleasure in thinking of them." - Celine, Sister and Witness to St. Therese of the Child Jesus.
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Art:  One of the better 'icons' I have ever seen of St. Therese, by Guillem Ramos-Poquí.  Go here for details as well as composition and execution photos - very informative for students interested in iconography.

12 Drummers... I'm glad that's over - the carol I mean.

What happened to the other 10?

Obama's interesting choices... Amanda Simpson, New Senior Technical Advisor to the Commerce Department.

The news:
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Amanda Simpson's appointment to the Commerce Department by President Barack Obama marks possibly the first time a transgendered woman has been appointed by a president. Simpson, who underwent the gender reassignment process in the late 1990s while working for Raytheon, was appointed Senior Technical Advisor to the Commerce Department. - Source
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Some background:
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In 2002, Simpson, at the invitation of then-Raytheon Director of Global Diversity Linda Rusk, gave an educational slide presentation to the Raytheon HR Diversity Council (HRDC). At that time, Raytheon had just implemented domestic partner benefits for same-sex couples. In addition, the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest GLBT organization, had recently instituted the Corporate Equality Index (CEI), a tool to measure how equitably corporations are treating their gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender employees. Raytheon scored 86 percent on the first CEI, only missing a 100-percent score by not having a policy protecting employees from discrimination based on gender identity and expression. However, in 2002 there were only 11 Fortune 500 companies with a 100-percent CEI score. - Source
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In a statement, Simpson, a member of the National Center for Transgender Equality's board of directors, said that "as one of the first transgender presidential appointees to the federal government, I hope that I will soon be one of hundreds, and that this appointment opens future opportunities for many others." - Source
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That's a promised Obama change, huh?
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Photo:  Amanda Simpson

The Blessed Angela of Foligno

Penitent.
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Today is generally considered the feast day of Blessed Angela of Foligno, a penitent from a town nearby Assisi.  She and St. Margaret of Cortona are two of my fovorite women mystics, along with Catherine of Genoa - who remained unaffiliated with any order.  These women appeal to me because of their penitence and prayer and because they were seculars.  It is extremely important that lay people have before them models of perfection who were not religious, as John Paul II emphasized by promoting the beatification and canonization of so many laity from every walk of life.
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The Blessed Angela was married and had a family and by her own admission lived a rather vain and frivolous life.  At one point she committed a sin so shameful to her that she avoided confessing it.  We do not know what the sin was, but I have speculated it could have been the sin of abortion - just a hunch however.  Others like to portray her as a gossip - but that is neither here nor there in my opinion.  Eventually she appealed in prayer to St. Francis who won for her the grace of conversion and to do penance, which she writes about in her Book of Divine Consolations.  She begins; "As I walked by the way of penitence, I did take eighteen spiritual steps before I came to know the imperfections of my life."  Thus the saint describes the process of her conversion.
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Her conversion did not happen overnight of course, it was indeed a process.  There was no "born again" mentality existent in those days.  People today imagine they are propelled into the state of perfection simply by a return to the Church or the sacraments, yet one's conversion is ordinarily a long, at times arduous process.  Angela speaks of a penance as "long and as hard as life itself".  One overcomes a fault or sin, only to discover another more spiritual sin, hence the need for ongoing purgation and purification, willingly or unwillingly undergone - in this life or in the next.  Angela did it in this life.  If you can, try to read her writings - not so much of what people write about her - go to the source.
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If nothing else, it is important to remember one thing, conversion and penance is really a life-long process.  Consider that Teresa of Avila lived for 20 years as a nun before she finally committed herself to a serious life of prayer.  Today we tend to credit ourselves with what we know about the Church and the spiritual life, or pride ourselves upon our works or our commitment to social justice, or the promotion of the liturgy, or theology, or even mystical novelties - when in fact we neglect to reform our lives and actually believe in the Gospel.  It takes time to do the will of God - which is first and foremost our sanctification.
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I also like the following from Bl. Angela:
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'By 1298, Angela had become a "mother" to a group of Franciscans trying to reform the order that Francis had founded 90 years earlier; she was on the reformers' side, but always tried to keep them from going to extremes. Here she supports those who questioned whether their goal of absolute poverty should allow them to possess even books:'

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"When you come across flatterers, men or women, who tell you: "Brother, your words have converted me to penance," do not pay any attention to them but rather turn to the Creator and thank him for this blessing. There are many preachers of falsehoods whose preaching is full of greed, and out of greed they preach for honors, money, and fame."


 
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11 Pipers Piping

So anyway, if I walked into a room and people were smoking dope in pipes and I got high just by breathing - would it still be a sin?  And if they were watching a movie - say the "Sound of Music" - and I stayed to watch it too, and kept breathing it in, would that be bad?

What's in a name?

Kat has a post on names...
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Which called to mind this, did you know the name Tiffany is a derivative of the name of today's feast day, Epiphany?  Yes it is true.
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We make fun of modern names, but many are rather ancient.  There are quite a few strange saints names one might take advantage of as well.  Take Senator for instance - he was a saint, and what a cool name it would be for a kid.  Metro is another early saint - I could see calling a kid Metro.  Hartman is also a saint's name - really, there are many cool names of saints.  I would consider calling a son Martial, after St. Martial of Limoges - yep - you could spell it Marshall if you wanted. 
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Last names work well too - especially of the British martyrs.  Take Ashley for instance - after Blessed Ralph Ashely - works for boys or girls.
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Names can come from almost anywhere - even the place a saint is from - Saint So and So of York - thus one might name their child York.  If they were Asian and their last name was Nu, last name first would be; Nu, York.  Cool, huh?  Now I have an Aunt Mary-Jane, in Spanish she might be called, Marijuana.  Personally, I prefer girl's names like Apple - or Kat - love that name!
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Photo:  Can't remember - but I think the woman's name is Tiffany.

Epiphany Sunday Mass - redux

I'm not commenting on the Mass.
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Nope.  The calendar has been tampered with. ;) 
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But anyway.  At my parish Father likes to catechise before the canon - he kind of makes up his own prayer focusing the attention of the assembly upon the offertory prayer - what it means etc.  Like, "So, we gather our offerings, our prayers, our desires and join them to the offering of the bread and wine that will become the soul and divinity...  Blessed are you Lord, etc."  Something like that.  I find it distracting, especially when he messes it up.  You see, lately he neglects to include "body and blood" - he used to say it all of the time - but now it's gone.  So I wonder - does he think "body and blood" is too gross so he just says, "soul and divinity"?  As catholics we should know the Eucharist really and truly is the body, blood, soul, and divinity of Christ - not just the "soul and divinity".  Anyway - I felt Father was not just creating a distraction - it was bad catechetics.
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Sometimes I just don't get it.  For instance, last week a very good priest in the U.K. was worried about Orthodox theology regarding the composition of an icon in a Roman Catholic church, and today my parish priest can't seem to get his Eucharistic theology together. 
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Why should I let it bother me?  I don't know - probably because I blog.  And last evening I was cranky I suppose, a bit frustrated you might say, when I wrote about it, I apologise.  I wrote the following:
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"Priests - please don't add to the liturgy - say the black - do the red - just as Fr. Z says.  I know - but he is right about that." I suggested priests should do as they are trained to do - just like the rest of us are supposed to do what we are told.  That was inappropriate and inconsiderate, and definitely disrespectful.  I'm so sorry.  Thankfully Adoro came along and corrected me, explaining that the GIRM most certainly allows for the celebrant to catechise and/or explain things during the celebration of Mass.  I searched and found the text she was referring to:
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31. It is also up to the priest, in the exercise of his office of presiding over the gathered assembly, to offer certain explanations that are foreseen in the rite itself. Where it is indicated in the rubrics, the celebrant is permitted to adapt them somewhat in order that they respond to the understanding of those participating. However, he should always take care to keep to the sense of the text given in the Missal and to express them succinctly. The presiding priest is also to direct the word of God and to impart the final blessing. In addition, he may give the faithful a very brief introduction to the Mass of the day (after the initial Greeting and before the Act of Penitence), to the Liturgy of the Word (before the readings), and to the Eucharistic Prayer (before the Preface), though never during the Eucharistic Prayer itself; he may also make concluding comments to the entire sacred action before the dismissal. - GIRM

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I stand corrected.  Unfortunately, I had included a couple of other complaints in the post; in defense of Saturday vigil Masses and Communion in the hand - things approved by the USCCB - proving I was in a mood and lacked meekness and humility.  Again, I apologize.  Seriously, I am just thankful to be able to attend Mass, make my confession, receive Communion, and so on - I'm grateful for our priests and will redouble my prayers for all.
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Misinterpretations, errors, misunderstandings, misinformed...
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That said - the post became an occasion for me to reflect upon blogs and blogging - Catholic ones in particular - mine as well as others.  In the past I have often warned against depending upon blogs for Catholic doctrine and teaching.  We must be careful, just as much as one is careful about authors, books, speakers, teachers, and some priests.  In various diocese the local ordinary has the right to allow or disallow speakers or teachers to come into their diocese and conduct seminars or speaking engagements in Catholic parishes or institutions for Catholics.  Nevertheless, they have no such control over public forums such as the blogosphere.  Nor do we who propose to speak as Catholics about Catholic subjects.
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If I was wrong about my priest's right to catechise at certain points within the Mass, what else might I be wrong about?  If I misinterpreted Fr. Z's famous saying, "Say the black, do the red" as meaning a priest ought not to include a teaching moment within the celebration of Liturgy, how much more can what we say as Catholics be misconstrued by non-Catholics or new Catholics?
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I recall how a few years ago one blogger wrote, "Gossip is a mortal sin".  (Wow!  I freaked!)  But you see, that is not true.  There are different forms and degrees of gossip, and there is pretty strict criteria for committing a mortal sin.  Three things are necessary for a sin to be mortal: a) Serious, or grave matter; b) full knowledge or conviction the act is seriously wrong before commission of the act; c) Full consent of the will.  All three conditions must exist simultaneously for a sin to be mortal.
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Recently one blogger wrote extensively, albeit mistakenly, concerning her understanding of an area of mystical theology, defending her position as being in accord with what she had been taught in her theology classes by her professor who happened to be a priest.  As we know from my post just 2 or 3 days ago, errors can be taught - and often are - even in the most prestigious Catholic Universities.  (I'm referring to the De Cock endorsement of homosexual love in his thesis at Louvain in Belgium.)
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So what do we do?  I'm just saying, be careful who you read, what you read, check facts - especially if you intend to write about Catholic teaching, faith and morals, and so on.  There is only one Magisterium and it isn't the blogosphere.
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I will continue to be very careful and not such a know-it-all in the future, and I hope you readers will be discerning too.  Please correct me any time - "If a good man reproves me, it is kindness!" - Psalm 141

Cardinal Schönborn's 'private' visit to Medjugorje...

Just got really public... and it appears that may have been his intended goal.
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"These days, we have all come to Medjugorje to be especially close to the mother of the Lord. To be more exact, we have to say that we have come here because we know that the mother of the Lord wants to be close to us.
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“You also didn’t see the Gospa. But there are people here who told about it. And we trust that the Mother of God really is close to us. Belief comes from hearing.  We are supposed to report what we have seen and heard. The world needs a new evangelization and that is only possible through people for whom it is impossible to keep silent about what they have seen and heard.

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"And a last word: The shepherd returned, praised God, praised him for what they heard and saw. We, too, will return home. In order that we can become witnesses of the gospel, we have to praise God first. The shepherds praised God for what they have seen and heard. I hope that we can all drive home, travel home after these days here and praise God for what we have seen and heard. Then people will also believe us when we tell, then our word will be credible." - Homily
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The Cardinal was considered amongst the papabili in the last conclave.
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No comment.
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UPDATE:
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Bishop Peric's response:
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"As the diocesan bishop (with this statement) I want to inform the faithful that the visit of Cardinal Christoph Schonborn does not imply any recognition of the authenticity of the “apparitions” related to Medjugorje. I regret that the Cardinal, with his visit, appearance, and statements, brings something new to the present suffering of the local Church which does not contribute to peace and unity so necessary.


+Ratko Peric, Bishop"

Thanks to Diane at Te Deum Laudamus

10 Lords-a-leapin'

Get out!  I don't know who made this song up but it is a bunch of crap... especially trying to make it full of religious symbolism.  It's so gay.

Squirrel-cam...

The Christmas truce is almost over.
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Liturgically Christmas season is over after Epiphany, or is it after the Baptism of the Lord?  Yeah, I think that  is it - because Ordinary Time commences right after.  (I wish they hadn't tampered with the calendar.)  Anyway, I've observed a sort of Christmas truce this holiday season and I've been pretty decent with my blog posts, don't you think?  (I took down a Michelle Bachmann slam-bam post.  She's a local politician - "very pretty, very nice" as Mrs. Dubcek would say.) 
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Blogging is boring during the holidays anyway - people are busy.  They get all involved with family things and alcohol and drug relapses, returning unwanted gifts,  and stuff like that.  Just this morning I noted how another blogger had nothing to blog about so she wrote about ten pages of stuff.  A post about nothing.  This blogging thing is a trap however - we can start thinking we are important, really important - and we tell everything about ourselves, and sometimes even post our blogposts year in review - because we are so important.  (I'm lumping myself in with this critique you know.) 
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My uncle, a recovered alcoholic for like 40 years likes to tell people, especially when signing his Christmas letters, "You are important!"  Very nice, very pretty - but I'm not sure one should take that literally, or at least not to the extent one's vanity would have one do. 
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That said, I believe I mentioned a few months ago that I got some video equipment - I was threatening to do some online talk shows - because I think I'm so darn funny - it worked for Angela.  But now I decided against it.  Today I watched one blogger's series of videos, mostly just to see if that is what he really looks like - it was him.  I'm guessing he got it for Xmas.  I dunno - he appears normal - but that is about it - he rants.  (Unlike Father, I'm not naming names here.  I don't think Father did a Christmas truce.)  Anyway - so now I'm convinced I maybe should sell my equipment and forget the video route all together.  I was laughing at the other blogger's video - but I'm afraid viewers would not laugh at mine, even though my productions would be intended to be funny.
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Of course I could always do squirrel-cam - like Father - he feeds birds, as do I, but the squirrels eat most of it.  So I think I'll forget about that one too.  I don't want to go online begging for donations to feed wild life and travel and stuff.
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Nevertheless, I can still dream about it.  If only I had the Merv Griffin set from Seinfeld - I could maybe even invite people over to be on the show.  Or not.
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Photo:  9 ladies dancing - upstairs - sweatin' to the oldies.

Nine Ladies Dancing - Ninth Day of Christmas

Bet you thought the song was over, huh? (I've always hated the Twelve Days of Christmas too.)

Father De Cock

On homosexual love...
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Fr. De Cock (I know!) just received his doctorate at Catholic University of Louvain with a work "Touched to Love. An Attempt at a Theological Anthropology of the Body and Homosexuality."
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Sounds to me like it could be another twist(ed) attempt in the ongoing interpretation of Theology of the Body.
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New Catholic at Rorate Caeli has the story. 

Credo

Peter Martyr.
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Peter (of Verona) is my middle name - hyphenated to my baptismal name James (Santiago) at confirmation (7th grade).  I chose Peter because he wrote Credo in his own blood as he was dying.  I couldn't imagine anything more heroic, manly, or true. 
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I believe what the Roman Catholic Church teaches and approves.

Art:  Saint Peter of Verona. One of the first Dominicans.  He was martyred by having an axe thrust into his head. Whilst dying, he used his own blood to write "Credo in Unum Deum" on the ground - "I believe in One God".  His feast day is April 29th.

Credo in unum Deum

Credo in Unum Deum

Eight Maids-a-milkin'

Yeah, not so much...
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Now days we have soy milk.

Happy New Year!

Cardinal Schönborn in Medjugorje

It is supposed to be a private visit - but it sure makes me wonder.  I would love to believe the apparitions are true - I would love to believe.  I watched a video of Jakov in his annual apparition - I would so love to believe. 
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Alas, I must live in solitude and silence and darkness.  God have mercy upon me a sinner.
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I await the decision of the Church.
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Link:
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Cardinal Schönborn speaks in Medjugorje

Some thoughts on the last day of the year 2009.

Moonstruck.
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I came across a letter from a monk friend of mine - it was written 20 years ago.  I have letters - important letters - all over the house; in books, in folios, in drawers, in journals, in sketchbooks, in boxes - all over the place.  Fr. Tom's letter was interesting, deeply moving really.  I lost contact with him after a letter to the editor at NCR I had written several years ago had been published.  The letter was about a monk who had died young.  Without going into detail - the letter was misunderstood by the monks and I defended myself wretchedly and contemptuously - albeit apologizing shortly after.  I've always been something of a hot-head.  Eventually - mostly out of embarrassment - I just stopped writing or visiting.  (Things I say and write are often misunderstood, as my long time readers can attest.)

The interesting aspect of Father's letter was that in 1989 I evidently was still discerning - that is, considering religious life - 13 years after I had left monastic life, having lived in a Carmelite novitiate, a Trappist novitiate, a Carthusian lay-brother's cell for a month, and visiting numerous abbeys and convents in Italy, France, and Spain.  I had even been professed in Assisi as a Third Order Franciscan, yet in 1989 I was invited to join the Secular Discalced Carmelites - while still wondering if I should be a Carthusian.
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Obviously I wanted to belong somewhere, to be someone or something.  Titles and letters of association behind a name, a habit - such things can become a type of status-symbol for people like me.  (I'm just talking about me here.)  I was looking outside of myself however, looking outside of my reality... learning much in the process of course.  But I wasted a lot of time in what most people today refer to as discernment - I spent years doing that - which is why I can at times adopt a rather imperious tone regarding others who seem to constantly spin their wheels anguishing over vocation.  I mean no harm, I would simply like to somehow relieve their anguish so they could get on with their lives.  Yet each life is a journey, each person's sanctification is a process - oftentimes very painful at that.
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Anyway, Fr. Tom patiently wrote to me with kind advice and suggestions - appearing to be speculating with me.  (In fact - good spiritual direction is often that - not dictating behavior.)  Fr. Tom always seemed to know I was meant to be doing exactly what I was doing - except my worrying about a vocation was distracting me from the present moment - the reality that I was already in the will of God - just as I am in this moment.  A line from his letter impressed me deeply, and affirmed what I've come to understand about my state in life;  "... You will find, as did Catherine of Genoa, that associations do not help you, and it is better for you to be alone.  Only experience will tell you what is best for you."
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There is another amazing paragraph in his letter as well.  I had mentioned to him one of my confessions - what a priest told me.  The priest was an ancient Jesuit - he had to be about 90 years old.  Fr. Andrew had been a missionary in China before the revolution.  He had been in Japan too.  He was a classic Jesuit - very holy.  I went to confession to him regularly at St. Olaf's.
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I was struggling with a particular sin - and so I was confessing pretty much the same thing over and over - at the time I was going to confession 3 or 4 times a week.  One particular confession Fr. Andrew stopped speaking abruptly, looked up as if lost in thought, then he looked at me and said, "Yes.  Yes, I think you will make it."  I asked him what he meant, and he said, "You are going to overcome this."
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Evidently I wrote to Fr. Tom about it and he responded; "Your meeting Fr. Andrew at St. Olaf's was certainly a signal grace.  Like him, I too sense that sooner or later your problems will disappear, or at least not be as intense.  I have known others who struggle for years and then one day the grace is there if they want to accept it.  As Julian of Norwich said, 'All will be well.'"
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That actually happened, suddenly at adoration just over 10 years ago.
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I write this - I don't know why - maybe someone can be encouraged?  Maybe just to praise and thank the Mercy of God.  I'm not sure.
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Keep praying and seeking the will of God - even if you fail every hour - keep trying.  In the end, "All will be well."
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Photo:  "The full moon setting over the west ridge this morning after Lauds." - Our Lady of Spring Bank Abbey, Br. Stephen, O. Cist.   Thanksgiving, prayers and heartfelt best wishes for Stephen - he recently made first profession.
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If you really want to be edified - visit New Liturgical Movement - particularly Shawn Tribe's post on Monasticism.

Zibn Schvans

Oy!  Looks like they kilt one!

Please pray for our soldiers in Afghanistan.

Eight Americans were killed today, as were 5 Canadians...  Please pray for the soldiers and for the families of these men and women; one can only imagine the sacrifice and suffering these people endure.
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Photo credit:  People chant anti-American slogans and burn an effigy of U.S. President Barack Obama in Jalalabad, south Afghanistan, Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2009., during a protest against the recent killings of 10 civilians allegedly by the coalition forces in Kunar province, eight of them boys aged between 12 and 14. A NATO official said initial reports from troops involved in the fighting on Sunday indicated that the victims were insurgents. (AP Photo/Rahmat Gul)

Six Geese A-Laying? C'mon!

Christmastide or not - I need to get back to my day of recollection (penance) - so I'll be off line today - maybe.
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But I will mention this...  I discovered Nancy Pelosi is a theologian after all!  The woman appears to know traditional Catholic Church teaching rather well. 
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Mrs. Pelosi admitted, "I have some concerns about the Church's position respecting a woman's right to choose.  I am a practicing Catholic, although they're probably not too happy about that. But it is my faith."  The Speaker affirmed, yet lamenting, "I practically mourn this difference of opinion [pro-choice vs. pro-life] because I feel what I was raised to believe is consistent with what I profess, and that is that we are all endowed with a free will and a responsibility to answer for our actions," she continues. "And that women should have that opportunity to exercise their free will." - Story
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Sadly, Mrs. Pelosi neglects to acknowledge the consequences of such choices.
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He walked in peace through the midst of them. - Luke 4:30

The perfect joy of Pope Benedict.
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"Christ walked in peace through the midst of them" after the townsfolk dragged him to the edge of town with the intention of throwing him over the hill.  The assault upon the Holy Father Christmas Eve, and his remarkable composure afterwards, reminds me of this gospel passage.  The obvious peace and recollection the Holy Father exhibited seems to reveal the depth of his spirituality and his profound humility - in fact, maybe even a heroic charity.  Which indicates a preparedness for martyrdom.
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I like to imagine the incident was the source of perfect joy for the Holy Father this Christmas.  
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"'Above all the graces and gifts of the Holy Spirit which Christ gives to His friends is that of conquering oneself and willingly enduring sufferings, insults, humiliations, and hardships for the love of Christ. For we cannot glory in all those other marvelous gifts of God, as they are not ours but God's, as the Apostle says: 'What have you that you have not received?' But we can glory in the cross of tribulations and afflictions, because that is ours, and so the Apostle says: 'I will not glory save in the Cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ.'" - Little Flowers of St. Francis

Fifth day of Christmas.

I can't think of anything controversial - 5 golden rings?  Cash value please.  Oh - well maybe I got something - I drank a fifth of Tequila last night.  (I'm so kidding...  or am I?)
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Photo:  Woman on the beach in Malta...  Hey did Kat post Malta Monday?  I didn't think so - well here she is.  Oh I know!  If she ever moves there I hope she brings a private confessor.

Back by popular demand: Learn disco - the easy way.

Cath and I will be giving lessons New Year's Eve day at Landmark Center in downtown St. Paul from 9 AM to 3 PM. Box lunch available. BYOB.

Antiquities at Loome's

One of the proprietors of Loome Theological Booksellers in Stillwater sent me these photos of two icons they acquired in an estate/library sale. He hoped I could tell him something about them, thinking at first they could even be Latin American. Most people are familiar with Greek and Russian iconography, and therefore regional styles sometimes confuse even the experts. I recognized immediately these were Balkan in origin, at first believing they were Bulgarian. I've since determined they are Serbian and or possibly Wallachian. I believe they are 18th century, possibly early 19th century. The wood panels measure approximately 7" x 10". I would expect they are tempera and gold leaf. If you are interested in purchasing, contact Loome's for more information: http://www.loomebooks.com/   They also have a blog: Ex Libris Theologicis - You still have time to purchase your gifts for Epiphany/Twelfth Night!  (The icon of Christ Enthroned is a gem BTW!)
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Merry Christmas!

Christmastide - the new penitential season.

And other thoughts of course...
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Post-Christmas diets.  If you work in an office or are amongst people anywhere after Christmas Day, you will most certainly hear people complaining of how much they ate, drank, and all the weight they gained.  See - that's just so odd, foolish virgin talk - they pigged out all through Advent and are doing their penance during the most wonderful time of the year.
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Holy day and Sunday obligations.  Remember a few days - weeks ago - I know, it's all a blurr, but I wrote on how some pastors and religious writers cannot bear to suggest attending Mass on Sundays and Holy days is actually an obligation.  They prefer to believe that people will attend because they want to, out of devotion and religious fervor.  That's so sweet!  Anyway - many protestant sects, as well as the Obamas, are not obligated to attend church on Christmas, and they don't.  Just sayin' Johann - that argument is shot to hell isn't it.
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Christmas songs recorded by popular singers.  They shouldn't ever be played.  I was in several stores last week and the very worst Christmas songs I ever heard were played over the sound system.  One by Willie Nelson that sounded like some old drunk singing in a bar.  The other, "Ave Maria" sung by Stevie Wonder.  Horrible.  It was just horrible.  Now you know why unbelievers want Christmas eliminated from the public square.
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Kids in Santa hats.  Did you know moms put baby girls in baby wigs now?  I didn't - but I saw a lot of baby girls in Santa hats at Mass on Christmas.  So anyway.  I went to the Children's Mass Christmas Eve.  It was wild - but I wanted to go early because we were having a big snow storm and I did not want to go out later or go out the next day.  I saw the Griswolds there - really, about 100 families of them.  I also noticed many 2 parent professional families with multi-national children - obviously adopted.  I could tell the women were professional because they wore suits, and the children were obviously from other countries because they  looked entirely different from the parents.  (Nothing wrong with that.)  The parish I attend is rather affluent - I mention that because it is very expensive to adopt.  Believe me, I think it is wonderful to adopt; children from the U.S. or elsewhere - I also know it's hard to get babies, unless you adopt from other countries.  I know a little about the process from friends who adopted, I also know there are many reasons people adopt, and so on.  So what's my point?  I'm not sure.

"Lunch under the bridge"...

That post title made me think of homeless people living under a bridge.
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It's estimated that 3,000 homeless people, including kids, are sleeping in church basements, shelters and under bridges, mostly in and around downtown Minneapolis. - StarTribune
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A group that assists the homeless and tries to provide a place for them to go for help is trying to raise funds for Chinese food sleeping bags and tents to help the homeless weather the winter in the downtown areas - because there is no room in the shelters.  Story here.
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So.  "How was Christmas?"  I know! - I took that question from the other blog too.  You and I know  Christmas is not yet over - right?  My goodness - it is only the Fourth Day of Christmas after all... you know, four gospels calling...

Holy Innocents

Pieter Brueghel the Elder c.1530 - 1569.

The Murder of the Holy Innocents.
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In 1566, Brueghel painted the scene in contemporary terms.  In the 1930's numerous images emerged from the Nazi death camps which could be titled thus.  How would an artist paint this scene today?

Nativity

Jeffrey has assembled quite a collection of beautiful Nativities for our meditation.  Visit him here.  The example shown above by Johann Koerbecke is charming in that it shows the angels nearly as little as the Bambino.  Angels can be quite tiny you know... perhaps as small as a twinkle...

Start spreading the news...

The new Bishop Sheen?  The new Loretta Young?
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Start spreading the news, I’m leaving today




I want to be a part of it - New York, New York


These vagabond shoes, are longing to stray


Right through the very heart of it - New York,


New York






I wanna wake up in a city, that doesn’t sleep


And find I’m king of the hill - top of the heap






These little town blues, are melting away


I’ll make a brand new start of it - in old New


York


If I can make it there, I’ll make it anywhere


It’s up to you - New York, New York






New york, New York


I want to wake up in a city, that never sleeps


And find I’m a number one top of the list, king


of the hill


A number one






These little town blues, are melting away


I’m gonna make a brand new start of it - in old


New York


And if I can make it there, I’m gonna make it


anywhere






It up to you - New York New York






New York...
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I know...  I know!
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Something is going on!
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Three French hens or Chinese duck for supper... I'm not really sure... he is very theatrical you know.

My apologies to all of you who send family-photo (or just plain photos of yourself) style Christmas cards...

I think they are wonderful and very personal, and your kids are definitely not ugly or Stepfordishly personality-less.  I especially love this photo-card (shown) from my physician, as well as the one I got from Millicent and her daughter - who thinks she is a poodle.  I'm grateful just to get any kind of Merry Christmas greeting at all - from anyone.

Organs and church music and church people and stuff.

While I was helping to set up the creche at the Cathedral (I had nothing to do with design, layout, grapevine, etc. - I just did painted backgrounds and painted ceilings.) - anyway - while helping install, the organist was practicing.  It was so loud I couldn't think - well, that isn't true.  But I told the person I was working with, "I hate organ music."  And a short conversation ensued about me disliking church music and organ music and loud noises that scare cats too.
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Seriously, I like organs in church, and I like some hymns and carols, but I generally prefer silence.  I actually like to sing - but I don't always do so.  I like to pray quietly.  I don't like rousing renditions of Halle - Halle - Halleluia and clapping, neither am I a big fan of Handel's Messiah and the Alleluia chorus.  (I know!)  Yes - I like classical music and chant.  I also like some hip-hop too, but I prefer to pray in silence.  I prefer Masses without choirs and fanfares - Imagine if there was no Sistine choir.  I suppose I should mention that I happen to love medieval music as well as the music exampled in Nine Lessons and Carols as sung by Kings College Choir at Cambridge...
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I like Gospel music too.  Just not at church.
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Photo:  What?

"I'm so glad it's over - aren't you!"

A woman I know once said that to me the day after Christmas.  She also boasted she had taken the tree down Christmas night and had the ornaments all packed away before she went to bed - explaining garbage day was the next day and she wanted the tree picked up rather than sitting out on the curb for a week.  How neat and tidy.
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Christmas in the United States.
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Photo: Jayne Mansfield showing off her ornaments.

Feast of Stephen

St Stephen - Carlo Crivelli
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(Proposed patron of stoners.)

Going through the Christmas cards Christmas night, after everyone leaves...

Making a list and checking it twice.
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People really do that you know.  If they sent you a card and you didn't reciprocate - you are so off their Christmas card list for next year.  I actually sent cards to the people I missed last year - the people who dropped me this year because I never sent a card last year.  I kind of did it just to confuse them.  ;)
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FYI - that is so not what Christmas is all about, is it... you know - tit for tat stuff.

St. Joseph had to work on Christmas...

And other stuff like that...
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Only in our Nativity sets does the Holy Family remain frozen in prayer and adoration - but their first Christmas was probably a busy one.  With the help of the shepherds perhaps, St. Joseph began constructing a more suitable shelter for Our Lady and the Infant Jesus.  In one cycle of paintings, I believe by Fra Angelico, the stable is transformed with straw siding by the time the kings got there.  I'm sure Our Lady was pretty busy as well - and the sheperds seemed to like them, so they must have helped out a great deal.
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I don't have all of the dates and history of how Christmas has been celebrated throughout the world, but I doubt it was ever as emotion driven as it is today.  In fact our customs for Christmas developed in 19th century Germany and England.  Christmas extravagance and emphasis upon lavish gifts and decorations is a 20th century thing.  The wars spiked the emotional dimension, and alcoholism intensified they crazy bipolar-ism many people experience today.  (Hence last evening's posts with my sincere best wishes for a happy Christmas to the drunks and the sad and lonely, etc. - I was serious.)
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Although when you get older - like me - it is amazing how all of those trappings - though pretty, quaint, nice, warm and fuzzy, and all of that - one is no longer obliged by them.  If you do not allow yourself to be sucked into all the expectations society, family, friends and marketing place upon you to have a Merry Christmas - as we understand it today - one is free to penetrate the mystery of the Incarnation in ordinary life.  One experiences a wonderful freedom of spirit marked by peace and joy, snuggled together in the closeness of Christ.
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"The Lord provides everyone with tailor-made signals." - Benedict XVI
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Sometimes loneliness, sadness, pain, depressions and addictions of all kinds - can be the place wherein such signals are perceived.  As the premier Shepherd stated last night:
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"In our daily life, it is not like that. For most people, the things of God are not given priority, they do not impose themselves on us directly and so the great majority of us tend to postpone them.
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The shepherds teach us this priority. From them we should learn not to be crushed by all the pressing matters in our daily lives. From them we should learn the inner freedom to put other tasks in second place however important they may be so as to make our way towards God, to allow him into our lives and into our time. Time given to God and, in his name, to our neighbour is never time lost. It is the time when we are most truly alive, when we live our humanity to the full.

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We live our lives by philosophies, amid worldly affairs and occupations that totally absorb us and are a great distance from the manger. In all kinds of ways, God has to prod us and reach out to us again and again, so that we can manage to escape from the muddle of our thoughts and activities and discover the way that leads to him. But a path exists for all of us. The Lord provides everyone with tailor-made signals. He calls each one of us, so that we too can say: "Come on, 'let us go over' to Bethlehem to the God who has come to meet us. Yes indeed, God has set out towards us. Left to ourselves we could not reach him. The path is too much for our strength. But God has come down. He comes towards us. He has travelled the longer part of the journey. Now he invites us: come and see how much I love you. Come and see that I am here." - 2009 Christmas Eve Homily, Pope Benedict XVI.
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Art: Adoration of the Shepherds - Murillo

What I Say to the Bambino Jesu

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to all the drunks and homeless, and those people whose friends are gone - leaving them all alone.

Pray for the Holy Father

As most of you probably know by now, the Holy Father was attacked entering the Basilica for Christmas Eve Mass.  He is reported to be unhurt and got up by himself after a woman jumped the barrier and pushed the Pope down.  Fr. Z has the news report here.

Merry Christmas

To all the sad and lonely.

Merry Christmas

To all the little people...
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Heaven always seems to reveal itself to the littlest and most humble first... often in the lowliest of places.  The angel revealed the birth of Christ to illiterate, rag-clad shepherds.  These coarse fellows found the babe wrapped in swaddling, laying in a manger in a ramshackled shanty warmed only by the breath of an ox and an ass.  The poor were the first to hear...  Blessed are the poor.

Christmas celebrations.

Mash Potatoes.
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Oh!  To have Christmas in Hawaii! 

How the creatures served the Lady St. Mary and the Baby Jesus on Christmas Eve...

The extraordinary account of animal behaviour that first Christmas.
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Although it is not recorded in the Bible, the story of how the lesser beasts behaved at the birth of the Infant Jesus has been handed down through generation upon generation in the animal kingdom, and the stories have varied little no matter what country one finds oneself in. Humans only know the story from their pets, the cats and dogs many people consider members of their family. Of course animal behaviourists like to claim that the animals' stories had been adapted from watching their masters set up a creche in their homes, and that they overheard the tale while the family piously read the Christmas story to children.
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Perhaps - but I tend to doubt it, for why would, say a wolf in the forest know the exact same story? Or a country field mouse collect fir needles to festoon his nest with every Christmas Eve, and bring out the pine nuts he had stored up, only to be enjoyed for the twelve days of Christmas? In fact, it is the mice and rabbits who seem to have the most accurate stories of all. Of course the cats never forget a detail, therefore they deserve a great deal of credit as well. The dogs know the story, and tell it to their pups, but otherwise they don't talk about it much, they prefer to lay by the hearth and simply ponder the story quietly.
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Oh I know, I know. People think it is the other way around, that dogs are boisterous and talkative, especially little dogs, that they would yap and yap about the story repeatedly throughout the Christmas season. They will argue that cats are more recollected and contemplative - but that theory doesn't hold up in this case. You see the cats acted in a most peculiar manner that first Christmas, and they are quite proud of it, since they feel their reputation for being ferocious and devious creatures had been redeemed that night. I will tell the cat's version of the story here.
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How the cats took part in the birth of Jesus.
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On that first Christmas eve, when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of the holy Virgin Mary - and before anyone else knew about it, even the shepherds, the stray cats of Bethlehem gathered around the stable. They were hiding in the hay and behind the sleepy ox, one kitty slept on the back of donkey because it was warm, a couple of others cuddled up against St. Joseph who seemed to be asleep - although most mystics insist he was really in ecstasy.
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The holy Virgin was kneeling upon a fleece laid over a bit of fresh straw, off in a pleasant corner of the stable, protected from view by the large sleeping ox and a low wall made of willow. The Blessed Virgin was in ecstasy as well, when suddenly a great light shone, and upon the fleece was a lovely newborn Infant, glistening as if bathed in star dust. No sooner had He appeared than the Blessed Mother swiftly wrapped Him in swaddling clothes and laid Him in the manger nearby. As if from nowhere, the tiniest angels appeared, about the size of bees, encircling the newborn in the manger, while strains of heavenly music could be heard, along with the gentle singing of heavenly choirs.
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Joseph awakened by the humming of the tiny angels, made his way very slowly into the enclosure, his head bowed, tears streaming down a face made radiant by the light emanating from the Holy Child and his Blessed Mother. He knelt next to his wife, adoring the Holy Infant. The ox noticed and rose partially, although just enough to kneel, facing the Holy Family. The donkey did likewise. The cats, naturally shy and accustomed to being shooed away, kept their distance until they noticed all the other little animals; mice, chipmunks, rabbits, gathering in awe at the foot of the manger, completely unconcerned about any sort of threat the cats posed.
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Now, as you know, stray cats are always hungry and always looking for prey - which is why many people who dislike cats, tolerated them in the first place, since they kept their homes free of pests. Amazingly, albeit unnoticed by all, the cats simply watched all the critters assembling, it seemed to them it was a living banquet being laid out before their eyes. However, grandpa cat whispered that this was not the moment or place for feasting. He proceeded to explain to the other cats that they had all just witnessed a miracle:  Indeed, God Himself, our Creator, had come down that very night to live amongst men; first of all choosing to be with the animals, the least of the creatures of earth. Grandpa nodded to all the little animals who had assembled, particularly the mice, and reminded the other cats of the scriptures which referred to the Christ when it foretold, "In that day the kitty cat will lie down with the mouse." (Grandpa cat knew the scriptures because he sneaked into Temple every Sabbath. He quickly related how the Virgin would be found with Child, that her Child is the Redeemer and Saviour, who brings peace to all the world, renewing nature itself, and so on.)
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With renewed confidence all the cats crept out of their hiding places, their attention rapt upon the Divine Child. The kitties were neither distracted by the mice and other animals, nor were they a bit perturbed when the shepherd's dogs arrived... the atmosphere being so permeated with peace and joy that silent night. A few of the older cats cuddled near the Madonna and the feet of St. Joseph to warm them. As it was a very cold night that first Christmas, Our Lady picked up a very fat mommy cat and another beautiful Siamese cat, placing them gently near the Child Jesus, to help warm Him and console Him by their purring.
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The End

A rare view...

Into Cathy of Alexandria's bathroom - decorated for Christmas.
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Photo:  Scan of Cath's Christmas card... thanks for the card hon!

What I want for Christmas...

"O Lord, make me an instrument of Thy Peace!


Where there is hatred, let me sow love.

Where there is injury, pardon.

Where there is discord, harmony.

Where there is doubt, faith.

Where there is despair, hope.

Where there is darkness, light.

Where there is sorrow, joy.



Oh Divine Master, grant that I may not

so much seek to be consoled as to console;

to be understood as to understand;

to be loved as to love;

for it is in giving that we receive;

it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;

and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life."
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-Prayer of St. Francis
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Art:  Fresco - St. Francis at Greccio

British people are so eccentric...

I know!  Americans can be rather weird too.
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That said, an Anglican priest in the UK is encouraging the poor to shop lift.  'So what' you say?  The poor  may get what they need/want by shoplifting, but they will still have to make restitution!  There's no getting around it - you have to make restitution for what you steal - so why bother?  Silly priest... who better to know about such things though, eh?  Oh I'm just kidding... or am I Fr. __?
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"Poor people who are desperate for cash have been advised to go forth and shoplift from major stores - by an Anglican priest.   The Rev Tim Jones said in his Sunday sermon that stealing from successful shops was preferable to burglary, robbery or prostitution."   - Priest outrages police by telling congregation: 'My advice to poor is to shoplift'
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Evidently Anglicans do not have to study moral theology before being ordained.  The bright side of this story is that if he was a fat Franciscan, he could maybe be the new Friar Tuck.

The Nativity Backgrounds

I finished the panels last Friday - there are two sets to choose from - we'll see tomorrow how they fit and if they are suitable for framing by the stable windows. Visit Up Your Street to see the collection, here and here. (The photography is bad - flash back and all - but you get the idea.)

Have you noticed Fr. Z is getting kind of "Poll-ish"?

I know!  Every other day it seems he has another poll at his blog.
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Smart move however.  By encouraging as many readers as possible to participate in a poll - jamming, as it were - it seems to me any chance of accuracy is cancelled out.  As it stands, many popular media polls are imbalanced to begin with, subject to vague parameters, too many variables, etc..  Indeed, it is not unheard of for poll results to be weighted to account for the unresponsive stats.  Nevertheless, I suppose this type of Internet poll can be useful - but I tend to think they are about as accurate as the daily horoscope.
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[I'm sure my margin of error on this is way off the charts.]

Christmas Carol...

Yeah - that's what they used to call this girl in the office I worked in... every Christmas she'd show up to the party wearing leopard... -  Oops!  That isn't meant for this blog.

All I was gonna say is that I have not listened to one Christmas carole yet this season.  Yayeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! 

"Q's Jook Joint" though.

Behave at your office parties this week!
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m'kay.