Father Pat's Page

St. Michael the Archangel Church downtown now a Minor Basilica

2012-02-16T19:44:00.002-06:00

Above: Michael McVoy and DeeDee Green represent the Knights and Ladies of St. Peter Claver at the Mass. Both are members of St. Joseph's.

A Happy St. Valentine's Day ... or what !

2012-02-15T07:55:00.000-06:00

My Sweet Lord !

2012-02-05T19:55:00.003-06:00

Eric Clapton, George Harrison's son, Paul McCartney, Ringo Star, Phil Collins and Billy Preston

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Today is the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord in the Temple:

2012-02-02T20:23:00.000-06:00

Now is the time:

2012-02-01T15:09:00.002-06:00

“Now is the time for all good Catholics to come to the aid of providers—the schools, hospitals, charities, and soup kitchens who serve communities in need without asking affiliations. And, in coming together, perhaps now is the time to ponder their long-held presumptions, each about the other, and broaden our own outreach as well.

If nothing else, in declaring war against our consciences, the present administration has given American Catholics a great gift of clarification; a fractious family we may be, but—as the saying goes—we are church. And we have the right to be who we are.”

This is a letter relaeased this week by our (acting) Archbishop:

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January 26, 2012

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

I write to you concerning an alarming and serious matter that negatively impacts the Church in the United States directly, and that strikes at the fundamental right to religious liberty for all citizens of any faith. The federal government, which claims to be “of, by, and for the people,” has just dealt a heavy blow to almost a quarter of those people-the Catholic population-and to the millions more who are served by the Catholic faithful.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced last week that almost all employers, including Catholic employers, will be forced to offer their employees’ health coverage that includes sterilization, abortion-inducing drugs, and contraception. Almost all health insurers will be forced to include those “services” in the health policies they write. And almost all individuals will be forced to buy that coverage as a part of their policies.

In so ruling, the Administration has cast aside the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, denying to Catholics our Nation’s first and most fundamental freedom, that of religious liberty. And as a result, unless the rule is overturned, we Catholics will be compelled either to violate our consciences, or to drop health coverage for our employees (and suffer the penalties for doing so). The Administration’s sole concession was to give our institutions one year to comply.

We cannot-we will not-comply with this unjust law. People of faith cannot be made second class citizens. We are already joined by our brothers and sisters of all faiths and many others of good will in this important effort to regain our religious freedom. Our parents and grandparents did not come to these shores to help build America’s cities and towns, its infrastructure and institutions, its enterprise and culture, only to have their posterity stripped of their God given rights. In generations past, the Church has always been able to count on the faithful to stand up and protect her sacred rights and duties. I hope and trust she can count on this generation of Catholics to do the same. Our children and grandchildren deserve nothing less.

And therefore, I would ask of you two things. First, as a community of faith we must commit ourselves to prayer and fasting that wisdom and justice may prevail, and religious liberty may be restored. Without God, we can do nothing; with God, nothing is impossible. Second, I would also recommend visiting www.usccb.org/conscience, to learn more about this severe assault on religious liberty, and how to contact Congress in support of legislation that would reverse the Administration’s decision.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Most Reverend Thomas Wenski
Archbishop of Miami
Apostolic Administrator of Pensacola-Tallahassee

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Actor: Mark Wahlberg

2012-01-17T07:40:00.003-06:00

A good man? I think probably so ....

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ps...and he apologizes when he should.

A Special Place for Catholics

2012-01-17T07:30:00.001-06:00

Try this:

www.EncouragePriests.org

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm...

2012-01-16T10:53:00.001-06:00

We were doing it LONG before it was called
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Tebowing

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So, what about Tim and his expressions of Faith?

2012-01-16T10:29:00.002-06:00

This is an interview with a priest working for Zenit, a Catholic news agency in Rome:

Legionary of Christ Father Kevin Lixey works in the Roman Curia helping the Church make a contribution to the world of sport, with the aim of promoting a sports culture suitable to the integral development of the individual.

ZENIT spoke with Father Lixey about the Denver Broncos quarterback, Tim Tebow, after Tebow led his team to an overtime win in last Sunday’s playoff game.

Those familiar with the NFL — and even those who are not — might have heard of Tebow for more than his unique style as a quarterback. His outward expressions of his Christian faith are being talked about by all sorts of commentators, in the world of American football and beyond. Though certainly not the only athlete to publicly express his faith on the field, Tebow is drawing more attention than usual. We asked Father Lixey what he thinks about that.

ZENIT: Do you see Tim Tebow’s public expression of faith as a positive or negative phenomenon? Certainly it is drawing a lot of attention to Christ, in one form or another …

Father Lixey: The hype over Tim Tebow is certainly an interesting phenomenon in an ever more secularized world. I consider it something very positive. Even at the college level, while quarterback for the Florida Gators during the 2009 Bowl Championship Series title contest, Tebow wrote “John 3:16″ on his eye black. The Palm Beach Post reported that 92 million people Googled the verse following the game … impressive!

But, it is not the mere public expression of faith — as Tebow drops a knee to give thanks after a touchdown, or prays with other players who include teammates and opponents after the game — that is attracting people; it is his entire person.

I had the chance to speak with the offensive coordinator who coached Tim at the Florida Gators. He said he was a very unique player who was spiritually on another stratosphere with respect to the rest of the team. Yet, Tim was respected by his teammates because he was genuine. And this is the point I would like to touch on. As one reporter noted (Chuck Klosterman, Dec. 6, 2011): “This, I think, is what makes Tebow so maddening to those who hate him: He refuses to say anything that would validate the suspicion that he’s fake (or naïve or self-righteous or dumb).”

While Tebow certainly sticks out for these external manifestations of his faith, not to mention his unorthodox playing style as an NFL quarterback, his personal background is also not typical for an NFL quarterback. It is a real “Cinderella” story — although those who have to tackle Tim would not consider him a Cinderella.

ZENIT: OK, but does prayer really have a place in football? Surely God doesn’t care about who wins the Super Bowl — or does he?

Father Lixey: Judging from his public statements, Tebow is one of the few and most prominent religious athletes to recognize that God does not care about the score of football games. Tebow considers his missionary and philanthropic work much more important than football, but at the same time, possible, because of it. We all too often equate prayer with only asking good things from God, where prayer is only used “to obtain something” i.e., victory, health, or a miracle. The Catechism reminds us that prayer is also “the raising of one’s mind and heart to God” and that we “we must remember God more often that we draw breath.”

Certainly there are moments and places more conducive to prayer, but there is no reason that all religious manifestations be entirely banned from the public square. These external manifestations of one’s beliefs are impressive precisely because they are public. Just as Christians once fell to their knees at the sound of the Angelus bell to remember the Incarnation, or just as the cab driver makes the point of getting out of his car to bow down toward Mecca in prayer, I see no reason why a professional football player cannot offer a prayer of thanksgiving or point to heaven instead of doing a lewd victory dance in the end zone.

ZENIT: As Catholics, what can we learn from this situation — from Tebow himself, perhaps, and from the reactions he’s causing?

Father Lixey: Blessed John Paul II once reminded a group of top professional soccer players: “The eyes of sports fans throughout the world are fixed on you. Be conscious of your responsibility! It is not only the champion in the stadium but also the whole person who should become a model for millions of young people, who need ‘leaders,’ not ‘idols.’ They need men who can convey to them the zest for challenge, a sense of discipline, the courage to be honest and the joy of unselfishness.”

I believe Tim Tebow is trying to live up to these words of John Paul II and his example and his example can prompt other athletes to be “leaders” and not idols, being a model on and off the field, especially of the corporal works of mercy. As Tim shares in his own words: “When I was a student at the University of Florida, I found great joy in taking time to encourage children suffering from cancer in hospitals or visiting a prison or juvenile detention center, or doing mission work with my family at Uncle Dick’s Orphanage in the Philippines. … Football is so popular (that) it enables an athlete like me to establish a platform for doing good deeds … to take this experience to an even greater level of outreach and influence. … After my professional career, I plan on giving my life full time to this outreach.”

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God bless us all with the courage to live out our faith ... even in the presence of other people who may not agree with us.

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Tim Tibow may not have won the game this weekend, but his favorite quote (often seen on his face) did:

2012-01-16T10:22:00.001-06:00

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Lest I forget that 12th day ...

2012-01-16T10:14:00.003-06:00

On the Twelfth Day of Christmas my true love gace to me: Twelve Drummers Drumming:

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The twelve drummers drumming refer to the 12 points of Doctine in the Apostles Creed.

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2012-01-04T07:07:00.001-06:00

On the Eleventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me Eleven Pipers Pipeing:

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The Eleven Pipers Pipeing represent

The Eleven remaing faithful Apostles.

2012-01-03T12:54:00.002-06:00

On the Tenth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, Ten Lords-a-Leaping:

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The Ten Lords-a-Leaping are the Ten Commandmants.

2012-01-03T12:53:00.000-06:00

Our new sign is up:

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2012-01-02T05:58:00.001-06:00

On the ninth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me:
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Nine Ladies dancing.

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The nine ladies dancing represent the 9 fruits of the Holy Spirit.

2012-01-01T05:31:00.002-06:00

On the eighth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me:
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Eight maids-a-milking.
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The eight maids-a-milking are the eight Beatitudes.

2011-12-31T19:22:00.004-06:00

On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me:
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Seven Swans a swimming.
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The seven swans a swimming represent the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit.

2011-12-30T05:36:00.003-06:00

On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me:
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Six geese-a-laying.
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The six geese a-laying stand for the six days of creation.

2011-12-29T20:58:00.004-06:00

On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me:

Five Golden Rings.

The five gold rings recall the Hebrew Torah (Law), or the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Old Testament.

The Twelve Days of Christmas:

2011-12-28T17:40:00.009-06:00

The Meaning Behind The Song
The twelve days of Christmas are the twelve days between Christmas Day, Dec. 25th, the birth of Jesus, and the Epiphany, Jan. 6th, the day Christians celebrate the arrival of the Magi (Wise Men) and the revelation of Christ as the light of the world.
The Christmas song, "The Twelve Days of Christmas" may sound silly and contrived to many of us. But it actually had its origins in religious symbolism - and with a serious purpose.
It dates from a time of religious persecution. The song, "The Twelve Days of Christmas," was written as a kind of secret catechism that could sing in public without fear of arrest - a learning or memory aid to Christians in fact.
The song can be taken at two levels of interpretation - the surface meaning, or the hidden meaning known only to the Christians involved. Each element is a code word for a religious truth.

. Note: this interpretation may well have no basis in TRUTH but it's an interesting way to view the song we know so well.

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On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me:

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A Patridge in a Pear Tree:

The Partridge in a Pear Tree is Jesus.

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On the second day of Christmas, my true love gave to me:

Two Turtle doves:

The Two Turtle Doves are the two Testaments:
The Old Testament
and
The New Testament

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On the third day of Christmas, my true love gave to me:

Three French Hens.

The three French hens stand for: faith, hope and charity.

On the fourth day of Christmas (TODAY), my true love gave to me:

Four Calling Birds

The Four Calling Birds are the Four Gospels.

Surgery today:

2011-12-28T17:37:00.003-06:00

My great-nephew

Brandon Alexander Osian Moore

awaiting his surgery today.
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All went well.

Thank you, God.

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Christmas Morning

2011-12-26T06:35:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T09:31:00.000-06:00

Some of our Youth Decorate the Parish Hall for Christmas:

2011-12-23T15:45:00.001-06:00

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Thanks to you all.

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Nine Overtake New York City in December, 2011:

2011-12-23T15:32:00.001-06:00

The Hotel Edison where we rested:

2011-12-23T15:26:00.000-06:00

The Plaza Hotel:

Dylan's Candy Store, NYC:

2011-12-23T15:18:00.001-06:00

Chuck and Patti inside Carmine's Restaurant on 44th:

Hallway inside the Plaza Hotel:

2011-12-23T15:13:00.003-06:00

Chandeleir inside the Plaze Hotel:

2011-12-23T14:48:00.002-06:00

Inside the lounge of The Plaza Hotel:

One of the many Christmas trees inside the Plaza:

2011-12-23T14:40:00.001-06:00

Easting Breakfast, again, at the Hotel Edison:

2011-12-23T14:36:00.000-06:00

Some street dcecorations along - The Avenue of the Americas:

2011-12-21T17:20:00.005-06:00

Interior of St. Patrick's Cathedral, Sanctuary:

Advent Wreath inside the Cathedral:

St. Patrick statue: (is he the best or what!)

Father Pat, his twin sister, Patti and her husband, Chuck:

2011-12-21T17:14:00.001-06:00

Inside Radio City Music Hall where we are about to enter and be entertained at the 2:00pm Show by the Rockettes. These pictures are of the chandelier in the lobby:

2011-12-21T17:09:00.001-06:00

Stage:

Rockettes:

Santas:

Rockettes:

2011-12-21T16:47:00.002-06:00

Group pictures in Rockefeller Plaza with magnificent Christmas Tree:
Jerry, Carolyn, Mike, Evelyn, Patti, Chuck, Frank, Pat:

Jerry, Father Pat, Mike, Evelyn, Patti, Chuck, Frank, Pat:

Jerry, Carolyn, Chuck, Patti, Pat, Frank Evelyn, Mike:

Jerry, Chuck, Patti, Father Pat, Frank, Pat, Evelyn, Mike:

2011-12-21T16:04:00.002-06:00

Patti in front of window display: wreath of shoes

Desserts at Stardust restaurant where your servers are the entertainment:

btw: this was mine!

2011-12-21T15:59:00.002-06:00

Street sculpture:

Azalea Restaurant - next to the theater where we saw Wicked - Spaghetti Dinner:

As you can see, it snowed while we were in New York:

2011-12-21T15:51:00.002-06:00

Mike, Evelyn, Frank, Pat, Chuck, Patti, Carolyn, Jerry:

Mike, Evelyn, Frank, Pat, Chuck, Patti, Jerry, Carolyn:

Mike, Evelyn, Frank, Pat, Chuck, Patti, Jerry, Father Pat:

Street deco:

2011-12-21T15:45:00.002-06:00

Times Square:

The group is in this photo: who knows where:

Looking out the elevator on way up to the top of the Marriott:

Christmas tree in the lobby of the restaurant:

2011-12-21T15:33:00.002-06:00

The View, Restaurant on top the of Marriott, Times Square:

View of NYC night: from inside the rotating View restaurant:

Jerry, Carolyn, Frank, Pat, Patti, Chuck, Evelyn, Mike:

Another night view:

2011-12-21T15:27:00.002-06:00

Chuck and Patti, on the subway:

Frank is thrilled! can't you tell.

Jerry, Carolyn, Mike, Evelyn, Pat, Frank, Chuck, Patti: let's dodge this rain and get to Macy's-

2011-12-21T15:21:00.001-06:00

Off the Subway, passing into Greeley Square Park across the street from Macy's:

Let's get outta this rain:

Macy's Dept. Store

Window at Macy's:

2011-12-21T15:12:00.001-06:00

Inside Macey's, New York City:

Wooden Escalator steps inside Macey's:

Some decorations:

2011-12-21T15:04:00.002-06:00

Mike, Evelyn, Pat, Frank, Patti, Chuck, Carolyn, Jerry (look out New York!)
-- in the lobby of the Edison Hotel

Father Pat and his twin sister, Patti:

Eataly Caffe: a diner we missed:

What's left of the old World Trade Center:

2011-12-21T14:59:00.002-06:00

Carolyn feeding the pigeons:

Pat, Carolyn, Patti and Chuck:

Wake up Jerry:

Patti and Chuck:

2011-12-21T14:53:00.002-06:00

New World Trade Center rises:

Brooklyn Bridge:

Brooklyn Bridge:

Outside the Restaurant, Harbor Lights, Pier 17, where we stopped for lunch:

2011-12-21T14:43:00.000-06:00

After all that walking this is all I get for lunch? Grrrrrrr

2011-12-21T14:27:00.002-06:00

In front of Creche inside St. Patrick's Cathedral:
Jerry, Carolyn, Chuck, Patti, Pat, Frank

Evelyn, Jerry, Chuck, Patti, Pat, Frank, Father Pat

In front of Rockefeller Center leaving Mass of the Immaculate Conception at St. Patrick's:

Breakfast, again, at the Edison Hotel

Gettin Ready for Christmas:

2011-12-16T06:31:00.001-06:00

Great-niece, Adrianne

Great nephew, Brandon:

Family baking Christmas cookies (wish I were there):

December 14: the Feast of St. John of the Cross

2011-12-14T08:18:00.002-06:00

Faith-ful Words:

"God sustains every soul and dwells in it substantially, even though it be that of the greatest sinner in the world."
St. John of the Cross

Faith-ful Words:

2011-12-13T06:01:00.002-06:00

"The nearness of God transforms reality, the dark valley loses its danger - it is emptied of every threat."
Benedict XVI

Today: The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe

2011-12-12T05:37:00.003-06:00

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Celebrating Mass in the Basilica in Mexico at her Shrine was simply miraculous, how was I able to experience this moment?! To be there, with Juan Diego's tilma behind me, her image imprinted there for these hundreds of years - truly amazing.

Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us.

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The Third Sunday of Advent

2011-12-11T07:29:00.002-06:00

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Faith-ful Words:

"I see in my neighbor the Person of Jesus Christ."
St. Gerard Majella

Sunday, December 4, 2011: Second Sunday of Advent

2011-12-03T21:24:00.003-06:00

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Faith-ful Words:

"Nature chose for a tool ... the tender snow flowers noiselessly falling through unnumbered centuries."
John Muir

Faith-ful Words:

2011-12-03T07:16:00.003-06:00

"Our Lord does not come down from heaven every day to lie in a golden ciborium. He comes to find another heaven which is infinitely dearer to Him - the heaven of our souls."
St. Therese of Lisieux

Faith-ful Words:

2011-12-02T06:25:00.001-06:00

"Ordinary riches can be stolen, real riches cannot. In your soul are infinitely precious things that cannot be taken from you."
Oscar Wilde

Faith-ful Words:

2011-11-30T08:11:00.001-06:00

"Love is an endless act of forgiveness, a tender look which becomes a habit."
Peter Ustinov

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Today is the Feast Day of St. Andrew the Apostle

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Faith-ful Words:

2011-11-29T07:32:00.002-06:00

"The law of harvest is to reap more than you sow. Sow an act and you reap a habit. Sow a habit and you reap a character. Sow a character and you reap a destiny."
James Allan

Faith-ful Words:

2011-11-28T06:54:00.001-06:00

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The Divine Spirit does not reside in any except the joyful heart."

Faith and Humility

2011-11-28T06:53:00.001-06:00

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It was only yesterday that the Church began using the new translations for the prayers at Mass. Today’s Gospel features the Roman centurion’s prayer we say before Communion and now it’s closer to what Matthew records:“Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed.”

Such faith. This soldier, whose people didn’t follow Jesus, believed so deeply that he didn’t feel worthy for Jesus to enter his house, whispering in his humility that Jesus need only to “say the word.” I am not worthy. And what a difference Jesus can make when He “says the word” for me!

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Happy Advent:

2011-11-27T16:23:00.000-06:00

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Faith-ful Words:

2011-11-27T05:23:00.001-06:00

"They who sow courtesy reap friendship, and they who plant kindness gather love."
St. Basil the Great

'Meow'outrage at the Algonquin

2011-11-26T06:26:00.004-06:00

The Hotel where I stayed in NYC this past summer:

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The city Department of Health & Mental Hygiene has sunk its claws into another beloved New York institution — The Algonquin hotel’s lobby cat.
Matilda III — the latest in an illustrious line of free-roaming Algonquin felines — has been banished from the lobby lounge, leaving guests fruitlessly searching for her under chairs and sofas.
Prodded by Nanny Bloomberg, the DOH has been socking restaurants with steep fines for minor violations — and slapping dreaded “C” ratings on places where no one was known to get sick.
Some places are taking no chances, eliminating popular features before the DOH can strike them down. The party-pooping agency recently nudged Sardi’s to eliminate cheese snacks at its bar.

Now, thanks to a DOH “reminder,” poor Matilda is on a leash behind The Algonquin’s check-in desk, or out of sight on a higher floor.
The city’s favorite feline, a blue-eyed ragdoll, took up residence last winter. She’s the 10th Algonquin cat since Rusty, a k a Hamlet I, moved into the hotel, legendary home of the “Round Table” literary salon, in 1932.
The pampered pussies are as much a part of The Algonquin’s cozy confines as the oak paneling and upholstered chairs and sofas. Hotel staff have delighted in pointing out Matilda’s hiding places to guests.
Like her predecessors, she had the run of the house, but the lobby, home to the Round Table restaurant and lounge, was called her “natural habitat.”
Hotel staff tried blaming Matilda’s going missing on guests who were abusing her — a claim that gave paws, since it was not a problem for 80 years.
Algonquin General Manager Gary Budge first said the lockup was for Matilda’s own good.
“People seem more aggressive toward her, and she’s responding in a way that’s not helpful,” he claimed. But then he acknowledged, “The [Health] department in the past months suggested to us that pets in food-service facilities are no longer commingled.
“The lobby is an area where we serve food and beverage. We always want to be respectful of the Department of Health.”

A DOH spokeswoman said, “According to the New York City Health Code, live animals are not allowed in food-service establishments unless a patron needs a service dog.”
She said Algonquin managers told an inspector they had an “electronic fence to contain the cat,” and the inspector “reminded them that the cat is not allowed in food-service or preparation areas.”

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Faith-ful Words:

2011-11-26T06:19:00.001-06:00

"Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement."
Helen Keller

Flash Back: Thanksgiving Day at St. Joseph's

2011-11-25T07:10:00.000-06:00

2011-11-25T07:06:00.000-06:00

2011-11-25T07:04:00.000-06:00

2011-11-25T07:00:00.001-06:00

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A "Special Thank" you to everyone who helped us in any and every way. God bless you.

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Let us Shop!

2011-11-25T06:18:00.003-06:00

Advent doesn’t start until Sunday but for consumers today is the unofficial beginning of the Christmas season. Stores — both brick-and-mortar and on-line — are ready for an onslaught. Hoping for one. And, in some cases, praying for one. This is the day, this is the weekend, that makes a huge difference in retailers’ bottom lines.

It’s easy to grumble about the commercialization of Christmas (or “the holiday season”) but there’s still something wonderful about considering what to get a loved one and then finding it in stock. On sale. (The best things in life are free; second best are those with a hefty discount.) Shopping for a loved one, or with a loved one, can be a wonderful part of preparing for Christmas, even when that shopping begins at . . . yawn! . . . five a.m.!

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Faith-ful Words:

2011-11-25T04:53:00.001-06:00

"Sometimes the most urgent thing you can possibly do is take a complete rest."
Ashleigh Brilliant

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T06:03:00.004-06:00

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Lord, we thank You
for the goodness of our people
and for the spirit of justice
that fills this nation.
We thank You for the beauty and fullness of the
land and the challenge of the cities.
We thank You for our work and our rest,
for one another, and for our homes.
We thank You, Lord:
accept our thanksgiving on this day.

We pray and give thanks through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

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Faith-ful Words:

2011-11-24T06:01:00.002-06:00

"You don't choose your family. They are God's gift to you, as you are to them."
Desmond Tutu

Faith-ful Words:

2011-11-23T06:34:00.003-06:00

If I survive, I will spend my whole life at the oven door seeing that no one is denied bread and, so as to give a lesson of charity, especially those who did not bring flour."
Jose Marti

Wednesday, November 23 ...The Cold, Blunt Truth

2011-11-23T06:32:00.001-06:00

Few thoughts on topday's Scripture:
Today’s Gospel offers further proof that Jesus never tried to trick anyone into following Him. Never sugar-coated His message. Never did some fast talking so the poor listener wouldn’t notice the contract’s fine print. “They will seize you and persecute you, they will hand you over to synagogues and to prisons, and they will have you led before kings and governors in my name.” This is what can happen if you follow. This is what does happen, to one degree or another, if you follow.

“You will even be handed over by parents, brothers, sisters, relatives, and friends.” In our own time, that part may strike a little closer to home. You’re not going to be “handed over” when the extended family gathers tomorrow for Thanksgiving but you may have to take some heat because of your beliefs.

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Faith-ful words:

2011-11-22T20:34:00.001-06:00

"A painter paints pictures on a canvas. But musicians paint their pictures on silence."
Leopold Stokowski

Today is the Feast of the Presentation of the Virgin Mary in the Temple

2011-11-21T05:08:00.001-06:00

I am always free to choose:

One of Our Lord’s greatest gifts to us is free will. Rather than make us puppets, He chose to give us freedom to make our own decisions. Everyone — even the destitute, the sick and the imprisoned — have choices they make daily.

In today’s first reading, Daniel and three friends were offered food and wine from King Nebuchadnezzar’s royal table. After 10 days, they and others were to be tested. Daniel, however, chose to refuse the royal food, asking instead that he and his friends be fed a vegetarian diet. When they were tested 10 days later, they were superior both physically and mentally to those who had dined royally. If I make choices like Daniel, if I do God’s will for me, my life will better glorify Him. What peace and joy would follow!

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Crowd awaits Pope Benedict's arrival in Benin, Africa

2011-11-19T10:58:00.002-06:00

Crowd, holding their oil lamps, waitng outside of Notre Dame Cathedral:

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Here he comes!

Occupy Pensacola taking a break?

2011-11-19T08:23:00.004-06:00

This morning, my Occuy Pensacola neighbors have moved elsewhere. Only four people on site.

Their message to our Mayor:

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Visiting New York City

2011-11-19T07:51:00.002-06:00

This week my niece, Casey Stout, is visitng New York City. She lived there a few years ago and has returned to visit a friend. Casey now lives in Jackson Hole, WY

St. Patrick's Cathedral:

Casey waiting for Jimmy Fallon?

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Even the (Pensacola) sea creatures give God glory!

2011-11-18T10:45:00.001-06:00

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May the seas and all that is in them, praise the Lord!

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What could this be ?

2011-11-18T10:32:00.002-06:00

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Actually, it's the "sign" that was at our property exit (onto Spring Street). However somone decided to destroy it.
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The sign used to read: Have a Blessed Day - - -

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Somone needs our prayers.

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November 18: Feast day of St. Rose Philippine Duchesne

2011-11-18T05:34:00.001-06:00

A Life Serving God

Today’s saint, the founding nun of the Society of the Sacred Heart and an American missionary, proves middle age is no excuse. Born in France in 1769, St. Rose Philippine Duchesne lived through the Reign of Terror during the French Revolution and, even when all convents were closed, quietly served God by serving others. She saved the lives of priests by hiding them, cared for the sick, and ran a school for poor and orphaned children. At age 49, with only her faith and four sisters, she sailed to America to begin missionary work there.

She’d longed to serve the Native Americans, so finally at age 71, she fulfilled that wish by working with tribes in the Midwest and Rocky Mountains. There she was known as “Woman-Who-Prays-Always.” She died in 1852.

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Today is the Feast day of St. Elizabeth of Hungary

2011-11-17T19:31:00.002-06:00

Brief and Eternal Radiance

Elizabeth of Hungary, who walked this earth for only 24 years, devoted her brief life to acts of charity, which flowed from her fierce love of God. A princess, she was sent from home in 1211 at the age of four to live with her future husband. When she was six her mother was murdered. Three years later, her intended husband died. At 14, she was married to his brother and by the age of 20 she was a mother of three and a widow.

Through all of the tumult and loss, Elizabeth maintained piety and purpose. She felt called to serve the poor and sick, often tending to their needs. In 1226 she built a hospital and regularly visited the patients. Elizabeth's short life radiated love.
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Today's Saint: St. Albert the Great

2011-11-15T21:00:00.002-06:00

It is by the path of love, which is charity, that God draws near to man, and man to God. But where charity is not found, God cannot dwell. If, then, we possess charity, we possess God, for "God is Charity."
– St. Albert the Great

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St. Albert the Great (1206-1280)
Albert was a Dominican philosopher, theologian, and scientist. He taught at Cologne and Paris, where he had Thomas Aquinas among his pupils, and compiled an encyclopedia of the learning of his day. His study of the natural sciences was far ahead of his time.

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The Feast of All Saints

2011-11-01T06:19:00.003-05:00

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I, John, saw another angel come up from the East,
holding the seal of the living God.
He cried out in a loud voice to the four angels
who were given power to damage the land and the sea,
“Do not damage the land or the sea or the trees
until we put the seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God.”
I heard the number of those who had been marked with the seal,
one hundred and forty-four thousand marked
from every tribe of the children of Israel.
After this I had a vision of a great multitude,
which no one could count,
from every nation, race, people, and tongue.
They stood before the throne and before the Lamb,
wearing white robes and holding palm branches in their hands.
They cried out in a loud voice:
“Salvation comes from our God, who is seated on the throne,
and from the Lamb.”
All the angels stood around the throne
and around the elders and the four living creatures.
They prostrated themselves before the throne,
worshiped God, and exclaimed:
“Amen. Blessing and glory, wisdom and thanksgiving,
honor, power, and might
be to our God forever and ever. Amen.”
Then one of the elders spoke up and said to me,
“Who are these wearing white robes, and where did they come from?”
I said to him, “My lord, you are the one who knows.”
He said to me,
“These are the ones who have survived the time of great distress;
they have washed their robes
and made them white in the Blood of the Lamb.”

the Book of Revelation
Chapter 7
verses 2-4 and 9-14

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Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T17:01:00.000-05:00

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love that halloween candy.. yr round!

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The Neighborhood Returns

2011-10-25T06:34:00.002-05:00

It was like neighborhood reunion Sunday this past weekend at St. Joseph's. Seems like each year the girls get together for a week to celebrate their friendships and this year they stopped by St. Joseph's.

Sue Garman, the one in the red hat (top photo), has been recovering from a critical life threatening illness and the desire was to have every come to the old homestead (pcola) to be togethter for a while.

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Thanks be to God for bringing us together.

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Sunrise over the Gulf of Mexico:

2011-10-21T09:19:00.003-05:00

is there a more famous site at Pcola Bch?

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Priests' Retreat: 2011

2011-10-21T09:14:00.002-05:00

Church of the Assumption on Pensacola Beach:

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This Mission Church of St. Ann in Gulf Breeze is where our conferences were held and our meals were eaten in the church hall.

Archbishop Thomas Wenski, the Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee, celebrated Mass with us on Wednesday afternoon and joined us for dinner.

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Prayer is easier than you think:

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Benedictine Sisters visit St. Joseph:

2011-10-17T07:30:00.002-05:00

First, there is (l-r)Sr. Barbara, Sr. Maureen and Sr. Ellen, ah hum,
then: (not in this order): Sr. Bertha, Sr. Eleanor, Sr. Mary Ruth, and Sr. Regina:

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Sacrament Prep: outdoor style -

2011-10-17T07:26:00.001-05:00

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Listening to First Communion Candidate recite his prayers:

Listening to Confirmation candidate recite his prayers:

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2011-10-05T07:08:00.000-05:00

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2011-10-04T16:33:00.002-05:00

A Nebraska elementary school has ruled that a 6th-grade girl will not be allowed to wear a Rosary around her neck, because the beads are identified as a gang symbol.

Father Joseph Taphorn, the chancellor of the Omaha archdiocese, commented: “I don’t think Christians should have to forfeit what is the symbol for the love of Christ because a few people want to misuse that symbol.”

and it continues!

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Sunday: October 2, 2011

2011-10-02T05:25:00.003-05:00

The Lord planted a Vineyard.

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How is your portion of the Vineyard today?

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In our second Scripture reading for today, St. Paul writes: "Have no anxiety at all". That's a tall order don't you think? But faith, especially the faith expressed in prayer really can move us beyond all anxiety to the supreme peace God offers.
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Think about the sources of anxiety in your life and how faith can help you get through them.
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What has been or should be the way you turn back?

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To be spiritually weeded means to have renounced the love of material things and attachment to possessions ... freed from the profitless burden of earthly aspirations, that persoon can breathe again.
St. Basil the Great
330-379

Eat at Chili's Today: Monday Sept. 26

2011-09-26T06:57:00.003-05:00

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All the profits made through the

Chili's franchise

today will be donated to St. Jude's Children Hospital.
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A delicious way to help children.

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Today is the feast of Saint Matthew

2011-09-21T07:09:00.001-05:00

St. Matthew, one of the twelve Apostles

is the author of the first Gospel. This has been the constant tradition of the Church and is confirmed by the Gospel itself. He was the son of Alpheus and was called to be an Apostle while sitting in the tax collectors place at Capernaum. Before his conversion he was a publican, i.e., a tax collector by profession. He is to be identified with the "Levi" of Mark and Luke.

His apostolic activity was at first restricted to the communities of Palestine. Nothing definite is known about his later life. There is a tradition that points to Ethiopia as his field of labor; other traditions mention of Parthia and Persia. It is uncertain whether he died a natural death or received the crown of martyrdom.

St. Matthew's Gospel was written to fill a sorely-felt want for his fellow countrymen, both believers and unbelievers. For the former, it served as a token of his regard and as an encouragement in the trial to come, especially the danger of falling back to Judaism; for the latter, it was designed to convince them that the Messiah had come in the person of Jesus, our Lord, in Whom all the promises of the Messianic Kingdom embracing all people had been fulfilled in a spiritual rather than in a carnal way: "My Kingdom is not of this world." His Gospel, then, answered the question put by the disciples of St. John the Baptist, "Are You He Who is to come, or shall we look for another?"

Writing for his countrymen of Palestine, St. Matthew composed his Gospel in his native Aramaic, the "Hebrew tongue" mentioned in the Gospel and the Acts of the Apostles. Soon afterward, about the time of the persecution of Herod Agrippa I in 42 AD, he took his departure for other lands. Another tradition places the composition of his Gospel either between the time of this departure and the Council of Jerusalem, i.e., between 42 AD and 50 AD or even later. Definitely, however, the Gospel, depicting the Holy City with its altar and temple as still existing, and without any reference to the fulfillment of our Lord's prophecy, shows that it was written before the destruction of the city by the Romans in 70 AD, and this internal evidence confirms the early traditions.

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We Remember: God Bless America

2011-09-11T08:25:00.001-05:00

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The first recorded death at the Trade Center:

Catholic Priest: Father Mychal Judge:

2011-09-11T08:22:00.000-05:00

Pictures taken in July, 2011, of the rebuilding:

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2011-09-11T08:19:00.000-05:00

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Let's return to work.