My nephew, Vinny, was performing at the Key Club in West Hollywood last night, and it's been quite a while since I've done the night clubbing scene. Looking around at the age group present, needless to say I felt a bit old (ahhh, the memories, though). Vinny was playing bass for Peter DiStefano (formerly of the 90s rock band "Porno For Pyros"). Pete was on guitar and vocals, and Carl DiStefano was on drums. A power-trio for sure! They got bumped up to start their set early (I was glad I got there in time), and then the club cut their set short (they were the last opening act for some local wannabee rock band having a CD release party). The headline act was boring; sounding like every other wannabee rock band out there right now. But Vinny was rockin' the stage during Pete's entire short set.
Way to go, Vinny!!!
P.S. You know you're gettin' old when one beer and a couple hours of ear-splittin' rock-n-roll gives you a hangover the following morning (ugh!)
Saturday, September 30, 2006
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
What we've known about DDT for many, many years...
What we've known about DDT for many, many years, and it's about time its proper and regular use be employed. How many hundreds of thousands of lives have been needlessly lost due to it's prohibition in eradicating malaria?
Thursday, September 14, 2006
A Morning with Dale Ahlquist (and G.K. Chesterton)...
Last Friday morning, I had the wonderful opportunity to hear Dale Ahlquist speak at the monthly meeting of the Catholic Professionals & Business Club of Ventura County. Dale is an author of two books on the voluminous writer G.K. Chesterton (“The Apostle of Common Sense” and “Common Sense 101”). He is also the host of the successful, informative and highly entertaining TV program, “G.K. Chesterton: The Apostle of Common Sense” which is broadcast on EWTN. [You can purchase copies of the series here.]
On a note of serendipity, a week before I even knew that Dale was coming to the area, I had officially become a member of the American Chesterton Society. So I was glad to have this unexpected opportunity to meet him face-to-face and to hear him recite some Chestertonian words of wisdom.
It was early (very early) on a foggy Friday morning at a banquet center near a Ventura golf course. Dale entered through a side door with his satchel briefcase slung over his shoulder, and I was able to shake his hand and tell him that I thoroughly enjoy watching his program.
Approximately 30+ people were in attendance - with a 6:30 mass to begin the event, then a buffet breakfast followed. Several people from my parish were in attendance, including Lee and Dick (both from my Wednesday morning bible study group), and Dick’s wife Judi. I was one of the last to go through the line for food, and I turned to walk toward the table where Dick & Judi were sitting. I place my plate on the table, pull out a chair, sit down, look up… and right across from me is Mr. Ahlquist himself. (!) I was just waiting for someone to tap me on the shoulder to tell me that the table was reserved for others. But that didn't happen, and we were able to banter about with some nice table conversation.
Dale mentioned his own strange case of serendipity on how he came about meeting John “Chuck” Chalberg (the actor who portrays Chesterton in the TV series). Dale told us that he had heard of this teacher in the Minnesota area who was known for coming into his classroom on occasion dressed as a particular historical figure and acting out certain dialogue or commentary (including G.K.C.). But Dale had never met the man.
When Dale was in Alabama for a taping of his appearance on the program “The Journey Home” (to speak about his conversion to the Catholic faith, as well as his fascination with G.K. Chesterton), he was approached by several people at EWTN who wanted to do a program on Chesterton. Dale said, “Sure. I’ll see if I can find someone who’d want to do it.” But they wanted him to do the program. He thought that maybe they wanted just one 1-hour program, not realizing that they wanted a whole series on G.K.C. Yet, they wanted something different for this new series. They didn’t want another “talking head” like all of their other series. They wanted something unique and entertaining.
They asked Dale if he knew about this Chalberg guy who was known for portraying Chesterton. He said he knew of him, but that was all. Upon his return to Minnesota, Dale went about finding him. It turns out that they lived just a few blocks away from each other. And the two have been good friends, doing the TV series ever since.
After breakfast, I hear a voice behind my left shoulder. I turn my head to see a wooden podium right in my face, with the head of the organization giving the chapter minutes (the podium was not there when I initially sat down at the table). Again, I started to feel reeeeeally small right at that point, wondering if I should have been at this table. But, again, no one said anything. (whew!). Then, after a few brief minutes, Dale was introduced to give his 30-minute talk. And, of course, Dale was in fine form.
He talked about how Chesterton was known as a deep thinker, but who was also humble and witty - wanting to be able to “explain the faith to a cab driver.” He respected his opponents as individuals; never getting personal in his criticisms. In a debate, G.K.C. would start with agreeing to a point given by his opposition… and then would proceed to poke holes in their philosophy.
Dale said that Chesterton believed that it was important to talk about the controversial issues of religion and politics because “religion is about the relationship between us and God, and politics is about the relationship between each other.” He went on to say that “Christianity is true. And if it is true, then everything is connected to it,” and education is [supposed to be] “truth in transmission.”
Relativism (as Pope B16 had also stated in his Papal Enclave homily in the spring of 2005) deals with “excepts instead of the rules,” and that the current state of news and media is “all about exceptions, not the norms.” (You read about the one person murdered rather than the millions who were not murdered, you hear about the one who scandaled rather than the many who did not engage in scandal, etc.)
G.K.C. also defended the foundation of family and marriage (which he considered a “dual to the death” where man and woman are "completely incompatible," and they "spend their entire married lives working out their incompatibilities").
Dale said that upon reading Chesterton (who wrote during the early portion of the 20th century) it unveiled the stunning fact that “he was very prophetic, yet also very life affirming and full of grace.”
Mr. Ahlquist took questions after his 30-minute talk, and the first was about whether there was a canonization process in the works for Chesterton. Dale said that he always felt (even when he was a Baptist before his own conversion to the Catholic Church) that it would be good to have a 300-lb cigar-smoking journalist as a saint. Upon his investigation, he found that after a brief period of interest at one point, there wasn’t anything officially in the works. He then contacted the Bishop of Northhampton in the UK (who would be in charge of any formalization of the process), and his recent successor, and the ball is finally rolling to get the cause moving forward. Although Dale certainly advocates the cause, he has absolutely no interest in being the Advocate for the cause (knowing the tremendous amount of work required).
I had the chance to shake Dale’s hand once more before leaving, buying a copy of his latest book “Common Sense 101: Lessons From G.K. Chesterton” (which he graciously signed for me) as I headed out the door. I intend to start reading this book (and G.K.’s “Orthodoxy”) this coming weekend. And I highly recommend reading Chesterton as well as the books by Dale Ahlquist. Better yet, join the ACS!
I then spent the rest of the day down in Malibu at the newly-reopened Getty Villa (the original Getty museum off the coast). It had been closed for nearly a decade for renovations and expansion. The newer and much larger Getty Museum is off the 101 between L.A. and the Valley, but the Villa now houses mainly the Greek, Roman, and Etruscan antiquities. The statues, sculptures, pottery, jewelry, mosaics, etc. are amazing, and the architecture (with the garden and the inner and outer peristyles) are gorgeous.
UPDATE:
I forgot to mention that The Anchoress has some great GKC quotes in her post here. You can also get a whole slew of Chesterton quotes from the ACS web site here. And you can even attempt to stump the GKC Quotemesiter here.
On a note of serendipity, a week before I even knew that Dale was coming to the area, I had officially become a member of the American Chesterton Society. So I was glad to have this unexpected opportunity to meet him face-to-face and to hear him recite some Chestertonian words of wisdom.
It was early (very early) on a foggy Friday morning at a banquet center near a Ventura golf course. Dale entered through a side door with his satchel briefcase slung over his shoulder, and I was able to shake his hand and tell him that I thoroughly enjoy watching his program.
Approximately 30+ people were in attendance - with a 6:30 mass to begin the event, then a buffet breakfast followed. Several people from my parish were in attendance, including Lee and Dick (both from my Wednesday morning bible study group), and Dick’s wife Judi. I was one of the last to go through the line for food, and I turned to walk toward the table where Dick & Judi were sitting. I place my plate on the table, pull out a chair, sit down, look up… and right across from me is Mr. Ahlquist himself. (!) I was just waiting for someone to tap me on the shoulder to tell me that the table was reserved for others. But that didn't happen, and we were able to banter about with some nice table conversation.
Dale mentioned his own strange case of serendipity on how he came about meeting John “Chuck” Chalberg (the actor who portrays Chesterton in the TV series). Dale told us that he had heard of this teacher in the Minnesota area who was known for coming into his classroom on occasion dressed as a particular historical figure and acting out certain dialogue or commentary (including G.K.C.). But Dale had never met the man.
When Dale was in Alabama for a taping of his appearance on the program “The Journey Home” (to speak about his conversion to the Catholic faith, as well as his fascination with G.K. Chesterton), he was approached by several people at EWTN who wanted to do a program on Chesterton. Dale said, “Sure. I’ll see if I can find someone who’d want to do it.” But they wanted him to do the program. He thought that maybe they wanted just one 1-hour program, not realizing that they wanted a whole series on G.K.C. Yet, they wanted something different for this new series. They didn’t want another “talking head” like all of their other series. They wanted something unique and entertaining.
They asked Dale if he knew about this Chalberg guy who was known for portraying Chesterton. He said he knew of him, but that was all. Upon his return to Minnesota, Dale went about finding him. It turns out that they lived just a few blocks away from each other. And the two have been good friends, doing the TV series ever since.
After breakfast, I hear a voice behind my left shoulder. I turn my head to see a wooden podium right in my face, with the head of the organization giving the chapter minutes (the podium was not there when I initially sat down at the table). Again, I started to feel reeeeeally small right at that point, wondering if I should have been at this table. But, again, no one said anything. (whew!). Then, after a few brief minutes, Dale was introduced to give his 30-minute talk. And, of course, Dale was in fine form.
He talked about how Chesterton was known as a deep thinker, but who was also humble and witty - wanting to be able to “explain the faith to a cab driver.” He respected his opponents as individuals; never getting personal in his criticisms. In a debate, G.K.C. would start with agreeing to a point given by his opposition… and then would proceed to poke holes in their philosophy.
Dale said that Chesterton believed that it was important to talk about the controversial issues of religion and politics because “religion is about the relationship between us and God, and politics is about the relationship between each other.” He went on to say that “Christianity is true. And if it is true, then everything is connected to it,” and education is [supposed to be] “truth in transmission.”
Relativism (as Pope B16 had also stated in his Papal Enclave homily in the spring of 2005) deals with “excepts instead of the rules,” and that the current state of news and media is “all about exceptions, not the norms.” (You read about the one person murdered rather than the millions who were not murdered, you hear about the one who scandaled rather than the many who did not engage in scandal, etc.)
G.K.C. also defended the foundation of family and marriage (which he considered a “dual to the death” where man and woman are "completely incompatible," and they "spend their entire married lives working out their incompatibilities").
Dale said that upon reading Chesterton (who wrote during the early portion of the 20th century) it unveiled the stunning fact that “he was very prophetic, yet also very life affirming and full of grace.”
Mr. Ahlquist took questions after his 30-minute talk, and the first was about whether there was a canonization process in the works for Chesterton. Dale said that he always felt (even when he was a Baptist before his own conversion to the Catholic Church) that it would be good to have a 300-lb cigar-smoking journalist as a saint. Upon his investigation, he found that after a brief period of interest at one point, there wasn’t anything officially in the works. He then contacted the Bishop of Northhampton in the UK (who would be in charge of any formalization of the process), and his recent successor, and the ball is finally rolling to get the cause moving forward. Although Dale certainly advocates the cause, he has absolutely no interest in being the Advocate for the cause (knowing the tremendous amount of work required).
I had the chance to shake Dale’s hand once more before leaving, buying a copy of his latest book “Common Sense 101: Lessons From G.K. Chesterton” (which he graciously signed for me) as I headed out the door. I intend to start reading this book (and G.K.’s “Orthodoxy”) this coming weekend. And I highly recommend reading Chesterton as well as the books by Dale Ahlquist. Better yet, join the ACS!
I then spent the rest of the day down in Malibu at the newly-reopened Getty Villa (the original Getty museum off the coast). It had been closed for nearly a decade for renovations and expansion. The newer and much larger Getty Museum is off the 101 between L.A. and the Valley, but the Villa now houses mainly the Greek, Roman, and Etruscan antiquities. The statues, sculptures, pottery, jewelry, mosaics, etc. are amazing, and the architecture (with the garden and the inner and outer peristyles) are gorgeous.
UPDATE:
I forgot to mention that The Anchoress has some great GKC quotes in her post here. You can also get a whole slew of Chesterton quotes from the ACS web site here. And you can even attempt to stump the GKC Quotemesiter here.
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Science & Religion (and an unrelated Medjugorje investigation link)...
Great post on Science and the Catholic Church here at First Things.
Investigations moving forward at the Vatican on Medjugorje here. (Personally... at this stage... I think Fatima, yes.... Lourdes, yes... Guadalupe, yes... Medjugorje?... not so much.)
Investigations moving forward at the Vatican on Medjugorje here. (Personally... at this stage... I think Fatima, yes.... Lourdes, yes... Guadalupe, yes... Medjugorje?... not so much.)
Why I am not caught up in the Rudy G. for '08 fervor...
John Hawkins of RWN posted a lengthy post pointing to the policy weaknesses of Rudy Giuliani (whom way too many people think should be the next prez in 2008). Human Events felt it was so good that they wanted to publish it in their publications. John expanded his post, and it can be read over at Human Events here.
Rudy did some great things in NYC as mayor (mainly cleaning up the crime-ridden and filthy city that he inherited, and his handling of the 9/11 attacks in Lower Manhattan). But there are crucial national policy points on which I vehemently disagree. Hawkins spells them out perfectly. Rudy'd make a great Secretary of State, Defense, or Homeland Security. But not President (in my humble opinion). I don't think he'd get out of the primaries, anyway.
He also tackled McCain, here.
Rudy did some great things in NYC as mayor (mainly cleaning up the crime-ridden and filthy city that he inherited, and his handling of the 9/11 attacks in Lower Manhattan). But there are crucial national policy points on which I vehemently disagree. Hawkins spells them out perfectly. Rudy'd make a great Secretary of State, Defense, or Homeland Security. But not President (in my humble opinion). I don't think he'd get out of the primaries, anyway.
He also tackled McCain, here.
Katrina (something you did not know)...
This is a must-read expose' on the proper understanding of the main reason for the New Orleans devastation due to last year's Hurrican Katrina.
Latest GWOT news and links...
Lots of Democrats were having a cow over this past weekend regarding the ABC mini-series, "The Path to 9/11". ABC caved to some (but not all) of the pressure, and made some edits before broadcasting. But that's okay, because you can view the edited clips here. (heh!)
Peggy Noonan wrote an incredibly emotional and reflective column commemorating the 5th anniversary of 9/11.
RWN posts the before and after comments of certain Democrats regarding their stances on Iraq.
Good (but developing) information regarding recently captured terrorists in Afghanistan here.
Hugh's great post on the San Francisco attack here.
Clarification of the evidence on the links between Iraq & Al Qaida.
OBL and Al Qaida's latest series of threats.
And concerns about someone potentially already inside the U.S.
Intriguing information from the Vatican regarding the Israel-Hezbollah/Hamas situation here.
In addition is a verrrrry interesting talk given by Pope Benedict XVI regarding the violent aspects of Islam today.
Peggy Noonan wrote an incredibly emotional and reflective column commemorating the 5th anniversary of 9/11.
RWN posts the before and after comments of certain Democrats regarding their stances on Iraq.
Good (but developing) information regarding recently captured terrorists in Afghanistan here.
Hugh's great post on the San Francisco attack here.
Clarification of the evidence on the links between Iraq & Al Qaida.
OBL and Al Qaida's latest series of threats.
And concerns about someone potentially already inside the U.S.
Intriguing information from the Vatican regarding the Israel-Hezbollah/Hamas situation here.
In addition is a verrrrry interesting talk given by Pope Benedict XVI regarding the violent aspects of Islam today.
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
I haven't gone anywhere...
... I've just been really busy lately. Stay tuned, as I'll be posting quite a bit within the next week or so. Topics will include reviews of the following films:
"The Lost City"
"Mother Theresa"
"The 3 Burials of Melquiades Estrada" (you do NOT want to miss THAT review)
"The Inside Man"
and maybe "Unfinished Life".
Also, I'll be posting on:
The Ventura County Fair from last month,
The tri-annual Ventura Art Walk from last month,
My up-coming visit to the Getty Villa (the original Getty Museum in Malibu, which went thru many years of renovations and has finally reopened),
This coming Friday's breakfast event with guest speaker Dale Ahlquist giving a talk on his favorite topic (G.K. Chesterton),
And additional links and news related to the GWOT, the Catholic faith, and other social and political issues.
Perhaps also a humorous retelling of an incident with a flight attendant while preparing to fly out of Alabama last May.
So... stay tuned!
"The Lost City"
"Mother Theresa"
"The 3 Burials of Melquiades Estrada" (you do NOT want to miss THAT review)
"The Inside Man"
and maybe "Unfinished Life".
Also, I'll be posting on:
The Ventura County Fair from last month,
The tri-annual Ventura Art Walk from last month,
My up-coming visit to the Getty Villa (the original Getty Museum in Malibu, which went thru many years of renovations and has finally reopened),
This coming Friday's breakfast event with guest speaker Dale Ahlquist giving a talk on his favorite topic (G.K. Chesterton),
And additional links and news related to the GWOT, the Catholic faith, and other social and political issues.
Perhaps also a humorous retelling of an incident with a flight attendant while preparing to fly out of Alabama last May.
So... stay tuned!
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Disturbing bits of news within the U.S. over the past 12 months...
UPDATED:
August 29, 2006 - Hit & Run in San Francisco today. More update info here.
August 26, 2006 - Continental Airlines flight from Argentina diverted due to dynamite found.
August 23, 2006 - Flammable liquid found placed on United Airlines flight.
Potential vunerabilities with the trucking industry.
July 29, 2006 - Seattle shooting/killing at a Jewish Center.
March 7, 2006 - UNC attack with a Jeep Cherokee on University of North Carolina campus.
October 1, 2005 - Student with bomb jacket commits suicide at Oklahoma Univerity campus after failing to gain entrance into a packed football stadium.
Also, remember the July 4, 2002 incident at LAX?
August 29, 2006 - Hit & Run in San Francisco today. More update info here.
August 26, 2006 - Continental Airlines flight from Argentina diverted due to dynamite found.
August 23, 2006 - Flammable liquid found placed on United Airlines flight.
Potential vunerabilities with the trucking industry.
July 29, 2006 - Seattle shooting/killing at a Jewish Center.
March 7, 2006 - UNC attack with a Jeep Cherokee on University of North Carolina campus.
October 1, 2005 - Student with bomb jacket commits suicide at Oklahoma Univerity campus after failing to gain entrance into a packed football stadium.
Also, remember the July 4, 2002 incident at LAX?
Monday, August 21, 2006
These crucial next 48 hours...
Key an eye on the Middle East over these next 48 hours. Especially in relation to Iran. Prayers should be standard operating procedure.
Monday, August 14, 2006
The Terrorism Timeline...
With a major hap-tip to The Anchoress and Gerald at Closed Cafeteria (both of whom beat me to the punch in compiling and posting aspects of this list), I now ask you plainly...
What is the common denominator with regard to the following list of events (and this is by no means a complete list)?
Sep 19, 2006 --- Military coup in Thailand by a Muslim General.
Sep 12, 2006 --- Failed U.S. embassy attack in Damascus, Syria.
Aug 10, 2006 --- UK to USA flights (arrests made - foiled plot to involve 10 airplanes over Atlantic Ocean)
Jul/Aug '06 --- Hamas & Hezbullah (kidnapping and bombing of Israel)
Jul 31, 2006 --- Koblenz & Dortmund, Germany (two unexploded suitcase bombs on trains found)
Jul 11, 2006 --- Mumbai (Bombay), India (train bombings)
Jun 3, 2006 --- Toronto, Canada (17 arrested - foiled plot to use 3 tons of explosives in Toronto)
Mar 7, 2006 --- Varanasi, India bombing
Oct 1, 2005 --- Bali bombing (two locales)
Jul 7, 2005 --- London bombing (trains/underground)
Thru-out '05 --- repeated suicide bombings throughout Israel
Thru-out '05 --- Paris riots
Sep 9, 2004 --- Bali bombing (Australian embassy)
Sep 4, 2004 --- Beslan school hostage (Chechen)
Mar 11, 2004 --- Madrid bombing (trains)
Aug 5, 2003 --- Jakarta bombing (Marriott Hotel)
Oct 26, 2002 --- Moscow theater (Chechen)
Oct 12, 2002 --- Bali bombing (Kuta)
Thru-out '02 --- Daniel Pearl and others kidnapped and beheaded
Dec 13, 2001 --- New Delhi, India (Parliament bombing)
Oct 29, 2001 --- New Delhi, India (bombing)
Sep/Oct, ‘01 --- Anthrax letters in the U.S. Postal delivery (5 dead, 21 illnesses)
Sep 11, 2001 --- WTC/Pentagon/Western PA
Oct 12, 2000 --- USS Cole attack
Dec 31, 1999 --- The failed attempt at major terror attacks on the Millennium (thanks to a Washington
1999 --- Second planned attempt to assassinate Pope John Paul II in Manila (the Pope cancelled trip due to illness)
Aug 7, 1998 --- Nairobi (bombing of US Embassies – Kenya and Tanzania)
Jun 25, 1996 --- Saudi Arabia (Kobar Towers bombing)
Jan 1995 --- Planned assassination attempt of Pope John Paul II in Manila (Ramzi Yousef injured himself before the attempt)
In 1995 --- attempted airline bombing plot over Pacific Ocean
In 1994 --- Buenos Aires Jewish Center bombing
Oct 3, 1993 --- Mogadishu, Somalia (Black Hawk Down)
Feb 26, 1993 --- NYC (the first WTC bombing)
Dec 21, 1988 --- PanAm 103 (Lockerbie, Scotland)
In 1985 --- TWA flight 847 hijacking (Athens, Greece)
Oct 7, 1985 --- Achille Lauro (cruise ship killing)
Oct 23, 1983 --- Beirut (US Marines barracks bombed)
1991 --- Assassination attempt of Pope John Paul II by Turkish Muslim, (hired by Soviets)
1979-80 --- Iranian hostage crisis (444 days)
Sep 5, 1972 --- Munich (Olympics - Israeli hostages killed)
Need help figuring it out??? Read the following link at First Things to get a clue. Meanwhile, what's happening here in the USA? Check these stories here and here.
Not listed here are the multiple opportunities we had to capture or kill OBL throughout the 90s (two offers from Saudi Arabia, one offer from Sudan in '96, two opportunities with the help of General Massoud in Afghanistan).
What is the common denominator with regard to the following list of events (and this is by no means a complete list)?
Sep 19, 2006 --- Military coup in Thailand by a Muslim General.
Sep 12, 2006 --- Failed U.S. embassy attack in Damascus, Syria.
Aug 10, 2006 --- UK to USA flights (arrests made - foiled plot to involve 10 airplanes over Atlantic Ocean)
Jul/Aug '06 --- Hamas & Hezbullah (kidnapping and bombing of Israel)
Jul 31, 2006 --- Koblenz & Dortmund, Germany (two unexploded suitcase bombs on trains found)
Jul 11, 2006 --- Mumbai (Bombay), India (train bombings)
Jun 3, 2006 --- Toronto, Canada (17 arrested - foiled plot to use 3 tons of explosives in Toronto)
Mar 7, 2006 --- Varanasi, India bombing
Oct 1, 2005 --- Bali bombing (two locales)
Jul 7, 2005 --- London bombing (trains/underground)
Thru-out '05 --- repeated suicide bombings throughout Israel
Thru-out '05 --- Paris riots
Sep 9, 2004 --- Bali bombing (Australian embassy)
Sep 4, 2004 --- Beslan school hostage (Chechen)
Mar 11, 2004 --- Madrid bombing (trains)
Aug 5, 2003 --- Jakarta bombing (Marriott Hotel)
Oct 26, 2002 --- Moscow theater (Chechen)
Oct 12, 2002 --- Bali bombing (Kuta)
Thru-out '02 --- Daniel Pearl and others kidnapped and beheaded
Dec 13, 2001 --- New Delhi, India (Parliament bombing)
Oct 29, 2001 --- New Delhi, India (bombing)
Sep/Oct, ‘01 --- Anthrax letters in the U.S. Postal delivery (5 dead, 21 illnesses)
Sep 11, 2001 --- WTC/Pentagon/Western PA
Oct 12, 2000 --- USS Cole attack
Dec 31, 1999 --- The failed attempt at major terror attacks on the Millennium (thanks to a Washington
1999 --- Second planned attempt to assassinate Pope John Paul II in Manila (the Pope cancelled trip due to illness)
Aug 7, 1998 --- Nairobi (bombing of US Embassies – Kenya and Tanzania)
Jun 25, 1996 --- Saudi Arabia (Kobar Towers bombing)
Jan 1995 --- Planned assassination attempt of Pope John Paul II in Manila (Ramzi Yousef injured himself before the attempt)
In 1995 --- attempted airline bombing plot over Pacific Ocean
In 1994 --- Buenos Aires Jewish Center bombing
Oct 3, 1993 --- Mogadishu, Somalia (Black Hawk Down)
Feb 26, 1993 --- NYC (the first WTC bombing)
Dec 21, 1988 --- PanAm 103 (Lockerbie, Scotland)
In 1985 --- TWA flight 847 hijacking (Athens, Greece)
Oct 7, 1985 --- Achille Lauro (cruise ship killing)
Oct 23, 1983 --- Beirut (US Marines barracks bombed)
1991 --- Assassination attempt of Pope John Paul II by Turkish Muslim, (hired by Soviets)
1979-80 --- Iranian hostage crisis (444 days)
Sep 5, 1972 --- Munich (Olympics - Israeli hostages killed)
Need help figuring it out??? Read the following link at First Things to get a clue. Meanwhile, what's happening here in the USA? Check these stories here and here.
Not listed here are the multiple opportunities we had to capture or kill OBL throughout the 90s (two offers from Saudi Arabia, one offer from Sudan in '96, two opportunities with the help of General Massoud in Afghanistan).
Saturday, August 12, 2006
And now for something completely different... let's take a shower... a meteor shower!
Yes! That's right. Tonight is the peak period for the annual Perseid Meteor Shower. After sunset, look up into the Northeast and catch a glimpse of a few falling stars. Those of you in or near cities might have a more difficult time due to the light pollution. And the full moon will also diminish the viewing ability somewhat. But, if you can find a nice isolated area (with a clear sky, of course), you may be able to see one or two per minute. Your chances of catching a glimpse of this annual wonder will improve later in the night and into the early morning hours. So take a look! Make a wish! And say a prayer!
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
Some new links as a follow-up to yesterday's post...
Obvious concerns about the missing "students" here and here.(Montana???.... uh-huh)
More concerns about Iran and August 22nd here (it helps that that date is also the Queenship of Mary on the Catholic Liturgical Calendar).
And good news out of Iraq here regarding the security transfer process (hattip to the Anchoress).
More concerns about Iran and August 22nd here (it helps that that date is also the Queenship of Mary on the Catholic Liturgical Calendar).
And good news out of Iraq here regarding the security transfer process (hattip to the Anchoress).
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Some links of note regarding the #1 issue for the last five years...
Regarding the proper understanding of the Just War Doctrine: here
Regarding WMDs in Iraq: here, here, here and here.
A more accurate report on Pope Bendict's position regarding the Israeli-Hezbollah conflict: here.
Regarding Hezbollah using Christian villages in Lebanon: here and here.
Regarding the Mainstream Media and doctored photos of the Middle East conflict: just follow the on-going stories at PowerLine and Little Green Footballs.
And some great commentary by Dennis Prager here, here and here.
Regarding WMDs in Iraq: here, here, here and here.
A more accurate report on Pope Bendict's position regarding the Israeli-Hezbollah conflict: here.
Regarding Hezbollah using Christian villages in Lebanon: here and here.
Regarding the Mainstream Media and doctored photos of the Middle East conflict: just follow the on-going stories at PowerLine and Little Green Footballs.
And some great commentary by Dennis Prager here, here and here.
Friday, July 21, 2006
EC:WC FCA – They Came Back
The EC:WC FCA is the East Coast:West Coast Film Critics Association - an exclusive organization consisting of myself on the west coast and one of my older brothers on the east coast. We occasionally commiserate via phone or email regarding the latest film we’ve seen either in the theaters or on DVD. Our recommendation scale is anywhere from 1 to 5 wine bottles. We take our movies as seriously as we take our vino (both of which need to be palatable yet refined, either entertaining whimsy or sparking contemplation, and always requiring a lack of pretension).
This quietly haunting foreign film posits a sobering if improbable premise – what if, all across the world, our recently deceased loved ones suddenly returned. The film opens in a present-day nondescript French town. Thousands of people are slowing streaming down streets, wandering as though they have just woken from a deep coma or a serious concussion. In fact, over 70 million people worldwide are reappearing, all having been deceased within the last 10 years. No one knows how or why this is occurring, not even those who’ve been “resurrected.”
The film centers on how this disturbing event affects both individual families and society in general. The pace is methodical and introspective, forcing us to ask previously unthought-of questions: How would you react if your recently deceased spouse, child, lover came back? What if you are still grieving the loss? What if time had passed and you had moved on with your life? Shock, joy, sadness, anger, resentment, confusion, fear – all of these emotions come to the surface along with the loved ones.
And how do a city, a business, and society as a whole deal with and adjust to the crisis? How to arrange temporary housing, medical testing and psychological evaluation of the returnees? What about counseling for the “surviving” family members? What to do about the previously held jobs and the pensions of the returnees?
As time passes we begin to learn that those who’ve returned are not quite the same as they’d been before they passed, and may never be so. They remain detached and restless, acting and reacting in a slow and measured pace. Then, after a brief period of adjustment, they all just begin to leave nearly as mysteriously as they had returned.
This is a deeply interior film that develops a disturbing aura of horror where too many Stephen King flicks repeatedly fail. No traditional zombies, werewolves, or rabid dogs. No slashing and splattering of blood and guts. It’s also a film where deeper social and societal issues are brought to the fore. Although the film fails to broach the obvious topic of faith and belief systems in the context of the event, it is a well-presented glimpse into the “twilight zone.” It’s a film that would make Rod Serling proud.
I would NOT recommend this film for someone who has recently lost a loved one, or who is still going through the intensely personal grieving process. But for everyone else I would highly recommend it, giving it 4-½ wine bottles out of 5.
Ethereal and even-paced, it’s a thought-provoking film about mourning and attachments. It’s finely acted, and the accompanying documentary on the making of the movie is definitely worth viewing immediately after the feature. The comment made by the director at the end of the documentary poses one more question: What if they never actually did return? What if we just couldn’t let go?
Sunday, July 16, 2006
EC:WC FCA – The Matador
The EC:WC FCA is the East Coast:West Coast Film Critics Association - an exclusive organization consisting of myself on the west coast and one of my older brothers on the east coast. We occasionally commiserate via phone or email regarding the latest film we’ve seen either in the theaters or on DVD. Our recommendation scale is anywhere from 1 to 5 wine bottles. We take our movies as seriously as we take our vino (both of which need to be palatable yet refined, either entertaining whimsy or sparking contemplation, and always requiring a lack of pretension).
Today’s review – of the newly released DVD “The Matador” – is from moi (the West Coast Critic). It’s a strange comedy/thriller that follows the unlikely friendship between two diverse individuals: Danny Wright, and affably average family man, and Julian Noble, an ageing loner assassin.
Julian is played hilariously by Pierce Brosnan who gets the chance to tweak his own nose with a couple subtle jabs at his previous incarnation as James Bond. Mr. Noble is a hired killer who’s beginning to lose his nerve after one too many jobs. Meanwhile, Danny (performed by Greg Kinnear) is in Mexico City on a business trip with his partner to try a close a deal that could make or break his career (and possibly his marriage).
After a successful pitch session a tipsy Danny tries to strike up a conversation with equally tipsy Julian at the hotel bar, and thus is born the beginning of the oddest of “odd couple” friendships. Watching these two characters interact with mutual fascination and indignation is a joy as we observe each struggle through their current crises, and then offer each other support and advice.
Aside from this being a comedy and thriller, this movie is also a fascinating morality tale. It’s not perfectly executed (pardon the pun), but we do witness two men on opposite ends of the moral extremes meeting at crucial moments in their lives. Note: pay close attention to Julian’s tattoos and to his two rings.
This is an R-rated film, due less to violence (with quick cutaways and edits, you never see any of the killings) but due more so to some occasional salty language and a couple brief sex scenes. There’s clever dialogue throughout, and the story is very well constructed by writer/director Richard Shepherd.
I ended up renting this DVD twice, and I still found it fascinatingly funny, with brilliant performances by the two leads (Hope Davis is also wonderful as Danny’s inquisitive wife). The Matador also brings to the fore the consequences of serious choices and actions. Again, the ending doesn’t make it a perfect morality play, but I found it enjoyable enough to give it 4 wine bottles out of 5 (maybe they should be margaritas instead?).
8/7/06 UPDATE: The East Coast critic writes:
I rented the “Matador” over the weekend, but quite frankly, I really didn’t like it that much. It was funny at times, but the vulgar dialogue and lack of sufficient (genuine) moral retrospect by both leads, made it to sour for my taste buds (2 wine bottles out of five).
Saturday, July 01, 2006
Two important stories in the news on the Pro-Life issue...
From LifeNews.com comes an eye-opening information about the so-called "philanthropic" donation of Warren Buffett's vast fortunes to the Bill Gates Foundation. It doesn't bode well for Pro-Life causes. Read the details here.
Meanwhile, Ted Harvey (the assistant Minority Leader of the Colorado House of Representatives) and a brave young woman by the name of Gianna Jessen did something very bold, poignant, and inspirational on the last day of the House's assembly in early May. Read the details here.
Truth hurts... and it can also heal.
Meanwhile, Ted Harvey (the assistant Minority Leader of the Colorado House of Representatives) and a brave young woman by the name of Gianna Jessen did something very bold, poignant, and inspirational on the last day of the House's assembly in early May. Read the details here.
Truth hurts... and it can also heal.
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Trying a different layout...
... hope you like. Not sure yet if I'll keep it, though.
Is it easy on the eyes? It might need some tweaking with the fonts.
P.S. Go into the June 2006 archives to access the complete 8-part series titled "A Personal Spiritual Journey."
Is it easy on the eyes? It might need some tweaking with the fonts.
P.S. Go into the June 2006 archives to access the complete 8-part series titled "A Personal Spiritual Journey."
Saturday, June 24, 2006
A Personal Spiritual Journey (Part 8 of 8)
===============================
As I moved through this entire journey – from California, to Philadelphia, to Alabama and back; visiting family and friends, then visiting EWTN and the Shrine – I found myself going through a gradual shift, centered away from self and centered more towards God. It’s not as though I wasn’t already aware of this need, or that I wasn’t already on this path. I was. I guess it just became a little less mentally cluttered and a bit more focused.
There are vocations to the religious life, and there are vocations toward marriage. One day, through God’s providence, I’ll have a family of my own. For I know that the Lord keeps his promises. In the meantime, I remain single. And I begin to realize more fully that that is a vocation, too. I just need to continue to rely on God to lead me in the right direction, as is true for all of us. To help us discern the best use of whatever skills and talents He has given us in order for us to grow in our faith and bring glory and honor to Him.
We must work towards having a discerning mind, an open heart, a sanctified body, and a centered soul. I say a discerning mind meaning one that is set in wisdom, as opposed to a so-called "open mind" which can too easily believe or accept any random whim or fad that happens to sound good at the moment. Having an open heart which allows us to be vulnerable and compassionate, not one that quickly closes to hurt or resentment or indifference. A respect for the body as the temple of the Lord, not one that is treated as an end unto itself. And a soul focused away from self, and centered towards Christ.
That’s a tall order. As for me (being my own worst critic), aside from the Lord Himself, I know better than anyone exactly where I need to continue to make changes, adjustments, and improvements in myself and my outlook on life. And if I'm not aware, I'm sure someone else will be more than obliged to let me know.
St. Francis de Sales wrote in one of his sermons, “We must be very faithful, but without anxiety or eagerness; we must use the means that are given to us according to our vocation, and then remain in peace concerning all the rest.” ~ Lenten Sermons of St. Francis de Sales (pg 120)
It was time to leave Hanceville, and head back to Birmingham. The following morning would begin a return to my home in California. I slowly walked back to my car with the seed of inner peace having been planted. I drove away, passing under the modest archway, down the rural road, past the long winding rows of white fences, and eventually turned south onto the remote county road.
The clouds shifted and began to block the sunny haze. And once again the skies opened to release a wild torrent of rain.
“The voice of the Lord is over the waters; the God of glory thunders… The voice of the Lord strikes with flashes of lightning… The Lord sits enthroned over the flood; the Lord is enthroned as King forever.” ~ Psalm 29:3,7,20
I drive past a myriad of trees to the left and to the right, countless trees. And I’m reminded of the early morning sparrows crying out for sustenance, and I heard the owl questioning his purpose, and I heard the woodpecker oblivious to the nails of sin he was hammering into his Savior. I saw the Cross, and Jesus hanging there in his mercy. And I saw the countless crosses that each of humanity bears on its shoulders as we strive to unite ourselves to Christ. And I saw the rain transformed, as tears from Heaven cleansing our souls and washing away our pains.
“Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.” ~ Hebrews 10:22
With yet another rapid shift of the clouds, ever moving eastward, the rain ceased, and the hazy sun reappeared. And I drove passed the deep gorges in the landscape before me. And I’m reminded of the depth of God’s love. On my left I pass a massive wall of rock stretching out from the tree line, solid yet multi-layered granite in a horizontal slate-like formation. And I recall Christ as our “Rock” and our foundation. And the many layers of his grace and mercy
“Banish anxiety from your heart and cast off the troubles of your body.” ~ Ecclesiastes 9:12
Continuing down the road I noticed that water is pouring forth from the rock - gushing not just over the rock but also from within, between the many layers.
“Whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” ~ John 4:14
“For the Lamb… will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” ~ Revelation 7:17
As I come closer to the Interstate, I reach a clearing in the road. And under the blazing sun I behold the freshly baptized trees shimmering in varied hues of jasper and jade and emerald across the corrugated horizon.
So, what does this whole journey say to me, and also to you? Three things:
1) Regarding the past - forgiveness of self and of others. Seek first the Lord's forgiveness for the mistakes you've made, and as He has forgiven you, so should you forgive others.
2) Regarding the future - release the anxiety about the future, and the eagerness to control it. You can make plans, but don't try to control something that's not yet here and uncontrollable, for you may be blindsided or surprised by unforseen events. So, trust in the Lord.
3) Regarding the present - patience and humility. As Bro. Leo said, "be in the moment." And, as St. Peter (the man whom Our Lord and Savior named as the “Rock” on which to build His Church) gently instructs in his letter to “God’s elect, strangers in the world”:
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” ~ 1 Peter 5:6-7
So... pray, persevere, be thankful... and turn down the volume of your life so that you're better able to listen to God... so that He is better able to release the seed of inner peace that he's already planted inside of you. Sure, we'll continue to stumble and fall during our journeys. But at least we'll be falling forward.
===============================
Source Materials:
Biblical Quotes: the Revised Standard Version – 2nd Catholic Edition and the New International Version
“The Sermons of St. Francis de Sales (for Lent given in 1622)” ~ (TAN Books)
“The Confessions of St. Augustine” ~ (Doubleday Image Books)
Pilgrimage Talk ~ given by Brother Leo, MFVA, at The Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament (May 17, 2006)
“Come And See: A Pilgrim’s Picture Book of The Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament” ~ Our Lady of the Angels Monastery (self-published)
“Mother Angelica: The Remarkable Story of a Nun, Her Nerve and a Network of Miracles” ~ by Raymond Arroyo (Doubleday)
Web Link Sources:
http://www.ewtn.com/
http://www.ewtn25.com/
http://www.ewtn.com/catalogue/index.asp
http://www.olamshrine.com/olam/welcome.htm
http://www.nunsgiftshop.com/
http://www.mfva.info/
Suggested Reading List (by author):
The Writings of St. Francis of Assisi (patron of the Franciscan order – MFVA - at EWTN)
The Writings of St. Clare of Assisi (patroness of the Poor Clare order – PCPA - at Our Lady of the Angels Monastery)
G.K. Chesterton (Orthodoxy, The Everlasting Man, What’s Wrong With The World, and his biographies on St. Francis of Assisi and St. Thomas Aquinas)
Scott Hahn (Rome Sweet Home, The Lamb’s Supper, Lord Have Mercy, Swear To God, Hail Holy Queen)
Rod Bennett (The Four Witnesses: The Early Church in Her Own Words)
Patrick Madrid (Surprised By Truth, Pope Fiction)
Rabbi David Dalin (The Myth of Hitler’s Pope)
Norma McCorvey (Won By Love)
Psalm 139
=================================
EWTN is available on these channels:
• DishTV - channel 261
• DirectTV - channel 422
• Sirius Satellite Radio – channel 160
(check your local cable and AM/FM radio listings for local stations)
See the Chapel on EWTN with each broadcast of the Daily Mass.
See the Shrine on EWTN's Sunday broadcasts of “Benediction & Devotion” (3pm pacific)
=================================
As I moved through this entire journey – from California, to Philadelphia, to Alabama and back; visiting family and friends, then visiting EWTN and the Shrine – I found myself going through a gradual shift, centered away from self and centered more towards God. It’s not as though I wasn’t already aware of this need, or that I wasn’t already on this path. I was. I guess it just became a little less mentally cluttered and a bit more focused.
There are vocations to the religious life, and there are vocations toward marriage. One day, through God’s providence, I’ll have a family of my own. For I know that the Lord keeps his promises. In the meantime, I remain single. And I begin to realize more fully that that is a vocation, too. I just need to continue to rely on God to lead me in the right direction, as is true for all of us. To help us discern the best use of whatever skills and talents He has given us in order for us to grow in our faith and bring glory and honor to Him.
We must work towards having a discerning mind, an open heart, a sanctified body, and a centered soul. I say a discerning mind meaning one that is set in wisdom, as opposed to a so-called "open mind" which can too easily believe or accept any random whim or fad that happens to sound good at the moment. Having an open heart which allows us to be vulnerable and compassionate, not one that quickly closes to hurt or resentment or indifference. A respect for the body as the temple of the Lord, not one that is treated as an end unto itself. And a soul focused away from self, and centered towards Christ.
That’s a tall order. As for me (being my own worst critic), aside from the Lord Himself, I know better than anyone exactly where I need to continue to make changes, adjustments, and improvements in myself and my outlook on life. And if I'm not aware, I'm sure someone else will be more than obliged to let me know.
St. Francis de Sales wrote in one of his sermons, “We must be very faithful, but without anxiety or eagerness; we must use the means that are given to us according to our vocation, and then remain in peace concerning all the rest.” ~ Lenten Sermons of St. Francis de Sales (pg 120)
It was time to leave Hanceville, and head back to Birmingham. The following morning would begin a return to my home in California. I slowly walked back to my car with the seed of inner peace having been planted. I drove away, passing under the modest archway, down the rural road, past the long winding rows of white fences, and eventually turned south onto the remote county road.
The clouds shifted and began to block the sunny haze. And once again the skies opened to release a wild torrent of rain.
“The voice of the Lord is over the waters; the God of glory thunders… The voice of the Lord strikes with flashes of lightning… The Lord sits enthroned over the flood; the Lord is enthroned as King forever.” ~ Psalm 29:3,7,20
I drive past a myriad of trees to the left and to the right, countless trees. And I’m reminded of the early morning sparrows crying out for sustenance, and I heard the owl questioning his purpose, and I heard the woodpecker oblivious to the nails of sin he was hammering into his Savior. I saw the Cross, and Jesus hanging there in his mercy. And I saw the countless crosses that each of humanity bears on its shoulders as we strive to unite ourselves to Christ. And I saw the rain transformed, as tears from Heaven cleansing our souls and washing away our pains.
“Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.” ~ Hebrews 10:22
With yet another rapid shift of the clouds, ever moving eastward, the rain ceased, and the hazy sun reappeared. And I drove passed the deep gorges in the landscape before me. And I’m reminded of the depth of God’s love. On my left I pass a massive wall of rock stretching out from the tree line, solid yet multi-layered granite in a horizontal slate-like formation. And I recall Christ as our “Rock” and our foundation. And the many layers of his grace and mercy
“Banish anxiety from your heart and cast off the troubles of your body.” ~ Ecclesiastes 9:12
Continuing down the road I noticed that water is pouring forth from the rock - gushing not just over the rock but also from within, between the many layers.
“Whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” ~ John 4:14
“For the Lamb… will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” ~ Revelation 7:17
As I come closer to the Interstate, I reach a clearing in the road. And under the blazing sun I behold the freshly baptized trees shimmering in varied hues of jasper and jade and emerald across the corrugated horizon.
So, what does this whole journey say to me, and also to you? Three things:
1) Regarding the past - forgiveness of self and of others. Seek first the Lord's forgiveness for the mistakes you've made, and as He has forgiven you, so should you forgive others.
2) Regarding the future - release the anxiety about the future, and the eagerness to control it. You can make plans, but don't try to control something that's not yet here and uncontrollable, for you may be blindsided or surprised by unforseen events. So, trust in the Lord.
3) Regarding the present - patience and humility. As Bro. Leo said, "be in the moment." And, as St. Peter (the man whom Our Lord and Savior named as the “Rock” on which to build His Church) gently instructs in his letter to “God’s elect, strangers in the world”:
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” ~ 1 Peter 5:6-7
So... pray, persevere, be thankful... and turn down the volume of your life so that you're better able to listen to God... so that He is better able to release the seed of inner peace that he's already planted inside of you. Sure, we'll continue to stumble and fall during our journeys. But at least we'll be falling forward.
===============================
Source Materials:
Biblical Quotes: the Revised Standard Version – 2nd Catholic Edition and the New International Version
“The Sermons of St. Francis de Sales (for Lent given in 1622)” ~ (TAN Books)
“The Confessions of St. Augustine” ~ (Doubleday Image Books)
Pilgrimage Talk ~ given by Brother Leo, MFVA, at The Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament (May 17, 2006)
“Come And See: A Pilgrim’s Picture Book of The Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament” ~ Our Lady of the Angels Monastery (self-published)
“Mother Angelica: The Remarkable Story of a Nun, Her Nerve and a Network of Miracles” ~ by Raymond Arroyo (Doubleday)
Web Link Sources:
http://www.ewtn.com/
http://www.ewtn25.com/
http://www.ewtn.com/catalogue/index.asp
http://www.olamshrine.com/olam/welcome.htm
http://www.nunsgiftshop.com/
http://www.mfva.info/
Suggested Reading List (by author):
The Writings of St. Francis of Assisi (patron of the Franciscan order – MFVA - at EWTN)
The Writings of St. Clare of Assisi (patroness of the Poor Clare order – PCPA - at Our Lady of the Angels Monastery)
G.K. Chesterton (Orthodoxy, The Everlasting Man, What’s Wrong With The World, and his biographies on St. Francis of Assisi and St. Thomas Aquinas)
Scott Hahn (Rome Sweet Home, The Lamb’s Supper, Lord Have Mercy, Swear To God, Hail Holy Queen)
Rod Bennett (The Four Witnesses: The Early Church in Her Own Words)
Patrick Madrid (Surprised By Truth, Pope Fiction)
Rabbi David Dalin (The Myth of Hitler’s Pope)
Norma McCorvey (Won By Love)
Psalm 139
=================================
EWTN is available on these channels:
• DishTV - channel 261
• DirectTV - channel 422
• Sirius Satellite Radio – channel 160
(check your local cable and AM/FM radio listings for local stations)
See the Chapel on EWTN with each broadcast of the Daily Mass.
See the Shrine on EWTN's Sunday broadcasts of “Benediction & Devotion” (3pm pacific)
=================================
A Personal Spiritual Journey (Part 7 of 8)...
=================================
Upon entering through the side door, you are stunned by the awesomeness, the power, the spaciousness, the beauty, the silence, and the peace.
“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him.” ~ Psalm 37:7
White marble, precious gold adornments, rare woods, intricately designed stained glass windows, vaulted ceiling. Tall white columns – wide, firm and secure. The floors and wainscot portions of the walls laid with various shades of marble and red jasper (jasper being the first foundation of the New Jerusalem, the City of God in Revelations 21).
Sanctus-Sanctus-Sanctus written in the three steps to the Altar. And on the face of the altar is a detailed mosaic image of a Pelican feeding its young by piercing its own breast and offering its own blood. A symbol of Christ that dates back to the beginnings of Christianity. And I’m reminded of that early morning one week prior, when the sparrows were crying out for nourishment and comfort in the pre-dawn hours. And I’m reminded of my own late night cries for comfort – as a small child for its parent, and even today for my Eternal Parent, my Eternal Father.
The backdrop of the main altar is the ornately-speared Reredos (55’ high at it's highest point - made of rare cedar and shimmering in 24-karat gold-leaf).
The golden Tabernacle in the reredos behind the altar.
And the unmistakable and undeniably impressive Monstrance (nearly 8 foot tall gold and bejeweled). At its center - the body, blood, soul and divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ exposed for perpetual adoration.
“Times must be set and hours must be assigned to provide for our health of soul.” ~ St. Augustine, Confessions: Book 6, Chapter 11.
The resident order of nuns, the Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration, are sectioned off sight unseen behind the reredos (approx. ¼ of the church). Most of them only appearing in public in a section behind a grill to the south of the altar during mass. Otherwise, most of the time they remain cloistered, maintaining adoration of the blessed sacrament, saying the rosary or novenas, singing hymns and chants, going through the liturgy of the hours, doing their daily functions and chores throughout the monastery.
There are 8 Large Stained Glass Windows (four along the north wall, four along the south wall) depicting eight scenes during the life of Christ, again with his Mother present:
- The Annunciation
- The Visitation
- The Adoration of the Magi
- The Hidden Life (depicting Jesus as a young boy with Joseph the Carpenter & Mary, His Mother)
- The Resurrection
- The Ascension
- The Descent of the Hold Spirit
- The Assumption and Coronation of Mary (Revelation 12)
Above these larger stained glass windows, in the second level, are 14 smaller Stained Glass Windows (seven along the north wall and seven along the south wall) representing:
- Each of the Nine Choirs of Angels (as enumerated in the Bible)
- The three archangels mentioned in the Bible by name: Michael, Gabriel & Rafael
- The Angel of the Apocalypse (mentioned in the Book of Revelation)
- And a Guardian Angel (representing the legion of these angels who’re charged
with watching over, guiding, comforting & protecting each one of us, individually)
And the angels in these windows were designed so that each one (depending on where it was placed along the walls) is facing towards the Real Presence of Christ in the Monstrance and Tabernacle.
Above the west wall in the back of the church is what is called the West Rose Window (depicting God the Father) and above the east wall behind the altar is the East Rose Window (depicting the Holy Spirit in the image of a dove).
Behind the reredos, the Poor Clare nuns begin reciting The Chaplet of St. Michael the Archangel, and their angelic voices rise above and float ethereally in this shrine to our Lord and our God.
After trying to absorb and comprehend all of this breathtaking beauty, I am silenced like Zachariah. No. More accurately, I’m silenced like Job, who after reciting his litany of complaints (valid as they might be) and receiving weak excuses and poor advice from his friends (as well intentioned as they were), is suddenly questioned by the Almighty Lord, saying - “Where were you when I laid the foundations of the universe?”
“For He Himself is our peace.” ~ Ephesians 2:14
Upon leaving the church, I (as several others also do) I take the time to write down a note for special intentions and deposit it in the prayer box on the way out the door, ensuring that the nuns and friars here at this blessed place will offer their own fervent prayers. And all one can do is meditate on the experience as you quietly stroll the grounds amongst the deafening silence.
Now, this whole monastery was inspired by a trip Mother Angelica made to South America in preparations for starting a Spanish language television network for Latin America. While on a pilgrimage in Bogotá, Colombia, she went to the Sanctuary of the Divine Infant Jesus (founded nearly a century earlier by a Father John Rizzo – the same name as her own father). She was praying while staring at the beautiful statue of the Child Jesus there, when suddenly she saw the Child Jesus turn towards her and say, “Build me a Temple and I will help those who help you.” As soon as she returned to America, she began making plans to find a location and build this Shrine and monastery.
And what is even more amazing about this entire sacred, inspired and inspiring place named The Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament and Our Lady of the Angels Monastery is this important fact – (quoting Mother Angelica in her introduction to “Come and See: A Pilgrim’s Picture Book of The Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament”):
=================================
Upon entering through the side door, you are stunned by the awesomeness, the power, the spaciousness, the beauty, the silence, and the peace.
“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him.” ~ Psalm 37:7
White marble, precious gold adornments, rare woods, intricately designed stained glass windows, vaulted ceiling. Tall white columns – wide, firm and secure. The floors and wainscot portions of the walls laid with various shades of marble and red jasper (jasper being the first foundation of the New Jerusalem, the City of God in Revelations 21).
Sanctus-Sanctus-Sanctus written in the three steps to the Altar. And on the face of the altar is a detailed mosaic image of a Pelican feeding its young by piercing its own breast and offering its own blood. A symbol of Christ that dates back to the beginnings of Christianity. And I’m reminded of that early morning one week prior, when the sparrows were crying out for nourishment and comfort in the pre-dawn hours. And I’m reminded of my own late night cries for comfort – as a small child for its parent, and even today for my Eternal Parent, my Eternal Father.
The backdrop of the main altar is the ornately-speared Reredos (55’ high at it's highest point - made of rare cedar and shimmering in 24-karat gold-leaf).
The golden Tabernacle in the reredos behind the altar.
And the unmistakable and undeniably impressive Monstrance (nearly 8 foot tall gold and bejeweled). At its center - the body, blood, soul and divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ exposed for perpetual adoration.
“Times must be set and hours must be assigned to provide for our health of soul.” ~ St. Augustine, Confessions: Book 6, Chapter 11.
The resident order of nuns, the Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration, are sectioned off sight unseen behind the reredos (approx. ¼ of the church). Most of them only appearing in public in a section behind a grill to the south of the altar during mass. Otherwise, most of the time they remain cloistered, maintaining adoration of the blessed sacrament, saying the rosary or novenas, singing hymns and chants, going through the liturgy of the hours, doing their daily functions and chores throughout the monastery.
There are 8 Large Stained Glass Windows (four along the north wall, four along the south wall) depicting eight scenes during the life of Christ, again with his Mother present:
- The Annunciation
- The Visitation
- The Adoration of the Magi
- The Hidden Life (depicting Jesus as a young boy with Joseph the Carpenter & Mary, His Mother)
- The Resurrection
- The Ascension
- The Descent of the Hold Spirit
- The Assumption and Coronation of Mary (Revelation 12)
Above these larger stained glass windows, in the second level, are 14 smaller Stained Glass Windows (seven along the north wall and seven along the south wall) representing:
- Each of the Nine Choirs of Angels (as enumerated in the Bible)
- The three archangels mentioned in the Bible by name: Michael, Gabriel & Rafael
- The Angel of the Apocalypse (mentioned in the Book of Revelation)
- And a Guardian Angel (representing the legion of these angels who’re charged
with watching over, guiding, comforting & protecting each one of us, individually)
And the angels in these windows were designed so that each one (depending on where it was placed along the walls) is facing towards the Real Presence of Christ in the Monstrance and Tabernacle.
Above the west wall in the back of the church is what is called the West Rose Window (depicting God the Father) and above the east wall behind the altar is the East Rose Window (depicting the Holy Spirit in the image of a dove).
Behind the reredos, the Poor Clare nuns begin reciting The Chaplet of St. Michael the Archangel, and their angelic voices rise above and float ethereally in this shrine to our Lord and our God.
After trying to absorb and comprehend all of this breathtaking beauty, I am silenced like Zachariah. No. More accurately, I’m silenced like Job, who after reciting his litany of complaints (valid as they might be) and receiving weak excuses and poor advice from his friends (as well intentioned as they were), is suddenly questioned by the Almighty Lord, saying - “Where were you when I laid the foundations of the universe?”
“For He Himself is our peace.” ~ Ephesians 2:14
Upon leaving the church, I (as several others also do) I take the time to write down a note for special intentions and deposit it in the prayer box on the way out the door, ensuring that the nuns and friars here at this blessed place will offer their own fervent prayers. And all one can do is meditate on the experience as you quietly stroll the grounds amongst the deafening silence.
Now, this whole monastery was inspired by a trip Mother Angelica made to South America in preparations for starting a Spanish language television network for Latin America. While on a pilgrimage in Bogotá, Colombia, she went to the Sanctuary of the Divine Infant Jesus (founded nearly a century earlier by a Father John Rizzo – the same name as her own father). She was praying while staring at the beautiful statue of the Child Jesus there, when suddenly she saw the Child Jesus turn towards her and say, “Build me a Temple and I will help those who help you.” As soon as she returned to America, she began making plans to find a location and build this Shrine and monastery.
And what is even more amazing about this entire sacred, inspired and inspiring place named The Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament and Our Lady of the Angels Monastery is this important fact – (quoting Mother Angelica in her introduction to “Come and See: A Pilgrim’s Picture Book of The Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament”):
“We had no money to build, but we never tried to raise funds, and EWTN had no participation in paying for any part of the Temple. This was totally a project of Our Lady of the Angels Monastery… The entire edifice – Church, Piazza, Monastery, Enclosure Walls, roads – everything was paid for by [just] five families who wanted their donations to remain anonymous.” ~ Mother Angelica
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