The Shroud - More Evidence

This article which I saw first at Open Book (Amy Welborn) reminds me of my Jubilee visit to Turin and my pilgrimage to venerate the Shroud.

The Holy Shroud is purported to be the burial cloth of Christ. A life-size image of a victim of crucifixion in the manner prescribed in the Gospels is contained on the cloth. The origin of the Holy Shroud is controversial as some scientific evidence, most notably the Carbon-14 dating results of 1988, have ‘disproved’ the ancient origin of this cloth. Of course the news today linked about lays great doubt on those test results. Other scientific evidence supports a 1st century origin of this cloth; and theories and evidence which refute the Carbon-14 date of 1260-1390 AD suggest further tests should be performed - as does the news this morning. Investigations conducted on the Holy Shroud with state-of-the-art technology have failed to show definitively how the image on the cloth was formed. The image of the crucified man is not a painted image and resides only on the topmost layer of fibers in the cloth; while human, male, blood stains at the side, hands, feet, and head of the image penetrate the cloth. Remarkably, the photographic negatives of the image, are actually a positive image, which reveal a more detailed view of the crucified man and his torture.

Exposition of the Holy Shroud normally occurs only during Jubilee years. However there was also an Exposition in 1998 to commemorate the anniversary of the Holy Shroud’s arrival in Turin. Our Holy Father, John Paul II venerated the Holy Shroud during the 1998 Exposition.

Fortunately I was in Italy on business during the Jubilee year Exposition and made reservations to venerate the Holy Shroud for the morning of September 6th in San Giovanni de Baptiste Cathedral. I have been an avid follower of the scientific and historical studies concerning the Holy Shroud since graduate school and have read numerous books and scientific papers studying the historical and scientific origin of this cloth.

The pilgrimage began with a walk through palace gardens, which called the pilgrims to silence and prayer. A short video presentation in 5 languages ensued which detailed the major features of the Holy Shroud. The pilgrims then proceeded past a raised image of the Holy Shroud especially prepared for the blind. As we approached the Cathedral, numerous prints commemorating past Expositions were displayed. Finally we entered the Cathedral and were led to the Holy Shroud. I knelt 6-10 feet from the Holy Shroud and prayed for the wisdom to understand more fully the sacrifice and suffering of God for man.

We were allowed approximately 5 minutes per group of pilgrims at this proximity to the Holy Shroud. However as my group and the following several groups were very small, I managed to remain for some time after my allotted 5 minutes elapsed.

Exiting the Cathedral we were allowed to reenter the Church in the rear and venerate the Shroud at some distance for as long as we wanted. There I prayed for the soul of my Dad and all my departed loved ones.

At the end of the pilgrimage, two temporary chapels had been set up – one for Eucharistic Adoration and one for the Sacrament of Penance, available in any of 12 languages. I availed myself the opportunity for both.

I then proceeded to the Holy Shroud museum several blocks away, where I was able to see some of the original photographic plates and the camera from the first photograph of the Shroud – when the remarkable ‘negative’ discovery was made. Also, replicas of the scourging instruments used by Romans in the 1st Century and matched to the wounds on the Shroud were displayed. Many other items relating to the known and speculative history and the scientific studies concerning the Holy Shroud were exhibited.

I was drawn back to the Cathedral to pray in front of the Holy Shroud again. Making my way back to my hotel, I made visits at some 7 Jubilee Churches, including St. Therese, St. Lawrence, and The Church of the Holy Martyrs. These churches, though small, were more magnificent in décor than any Church I have found in America.

The true origin of the Holy Shroud may never be definitively proven or known. However, regardless of what science proves, the message of the Holy Shroud remains spiritual. I knelt in awe of this portrayal of the sacrificial love of the God-Man. What Love has been given us – what love do we return?

For further information I recommend:

“A Doctor at Calvary”, by Pierre Barbet
“The Blood and the Shroud”, by Ian Wilson
“The Mystery of the Shroud of Turin: New Scientific Evidence”, by John Iannone

http://www.shroud.com/
http://www.shroudofturin.com/
“The Silent Witness” (Video - Ignatius Press)

From the small holding in Bethune...

Oremus pro invicem!

Worth Repeating

The ongoing discussions both at El Camino Real and below regarding the Traditional Latin Mass vs. the Novus Ordo, prompted me to write in the comments here about what I see as one of the benefit of each of the rites. I think it is worth repeating now:

One of the benefits of the "quiet Mass", the traditional Latin Mass, is that it becomes very clear that the Priest is acting in persona Christi, the intercessor between man and God. He prays out loud to God as our intercessor - the prayers that are in our hearts.

One of the greatest benefits I see to the Novus Ordo, and in particular the Eucharistic Prayers being said in the vernacular, is that it becomes easier to pray those prayers in your heart - with understanding - while still keeping your face on the altar (as opposed to reading out of a missal).

Hopefully the correct implementation of the Novus Ordo will continue and become widespread; as we also hope that access to the traditional Latin Mass becomes widespread, so that both spiritualities can be satisfied to the fullest extent possbile.

Why I hate to read the news in the morning!

UPDATE: I think we could have predicted this back-peddling. As said below, the damage is done. Many Catholics in Spain are now scandalized and/or frustrated.

It looks like the USCCB is not the bishop's conference with unorthodox spokesman and staff. See this outrage reported this morning on Fox: here .

Contrast this with the pastoral letter that the bishop of Scranton wrote to his diocese on the occasion of the feast of the Immaculate Conception. In this letter (published in the January Catholic World Report) Bishop Martino speaks the unvarnished but joyful truth about chastity and makes parents accountable for the education, guidance, and protection of their children. He even criticizes the presence of sex education in some Catholic schools.

Then we have the case of last year where the bishop (now retired) of Worcester testifies (on behalf of the entire Massachusetts bishops' conference) to the Massachusetts legislature that some form of law recognizing and allowing homosexual union benefits (as long as it is not called marriage) is acceptable to the Church - letting all the Catholic members of the MA legislature off the hook. Of course the Bishops in Massachusetts back-peddled from these statements - but as in the case reported above - the damage is done. More Catholic faithful are confused, frustrated, angry, and tempted to join schismatic groups.

May God have mercy on us - and send us more holy bishops!

From the small holding in Bethune...

Oremus pro invicem!

Jozsef Cardinal Mindszenty and the Movies

Reading the article on Cardinal Mindszenty at Seattle Catholic here recalled to me my experience with the movie, "The Prisoner". It was advertised in the Ignatius Press catalog as being based on Cardinal Mindszenty's case. Having just read his autobiography, I ordered as a family Christmas present. Mrs. Curley and I watched with our then middle school (or possibly younger) daughter.

Shocked we were when the "Cardinal" in the movie was broken because the interrogator discovered that the "Cardinal" hated his mother for being a prostitute!!!! This was not the story I had read about Cardinal Mindszenty.

I called Ignatius Press the next day and complained on two counts: 1. the only similarity between Cardinal Mindszenty and the cardinal in the movie was that both were imprisoned in a country behind the iron curtain; and 2. that there should have been a warning regarding (adult) content in the advertisement or on the movie. The customer service rep at Ignatius Press apologized; (she said she was a fan of Cardinal Mindszenty and so she would make sure something was done to fix the catalog blurb).

For several years the blurb next to the movie "The Prisoner" remained the same - that is a movie based on the Cardinal Mindszenty story. I have been disappointed and have ordered any movies from other sources because of this.

I was surprised last week to find a new blurb next to "The Prisoner" in the latest Ignatius Press catalog. It no longer mentions Cardinal Mindszenty. I believe the new blurb was the result of a new edition of the movie - as the catalog picture is different - and not due to my complaint several years ago.

From the small holding in Bethune ...

Oremus pro invicem!

What is going on elsewhere

Jeff at El Camino Real has some thoughts about rural life and interdependence here. I view the interdependence perhaps with a different angle as I tried to explain in the 'comments'.

Then I see the Jeff's next entry: here. I take a stronger issue with the point of view expressed in this one - which was excerpted from an article at Seattle Catholic . The author says: "But the new rite, it would seem, does not give us enough Catholic doctrine to prevent Catholics from unwittingly becoming Protestant in their thinking." Now is this why Scott Hahn, Steve Wood, Jeff Cavins, Mark Shea, etc., etc. etc. converted to Catholicism under the new rite? In fact, if you read The Lamb's Supper by Scott Hahn, you get the idea that his road to Catholicism would never begun if he had attended a Mass in Latin. It was his hearing all the scripture contained in the Mass which started him thinking that maybe Catholicism did contain the Truth.

The abuses to the Liturgy in the Novus Ordo are not the fault of the Novus Ordo, but the fault of corrupt clergy. (Yes, the English translation could be better and will be within a year or so). In fact, no matter which rite you attend, you get out of the Mass what you put in. Where incompetent or corrupt clergy have purposely hijacked or put their own personal entertainment ahead of the Sacrifice - I grant, it can be difficult to impossible to worship. I have experienced some of the worst abuses in my life. There is no excuse and it is profaning the sacred when these abuses occur. But again - this is corrupt clergy, not a watered down rite.

There have always been different charisms in Catholicism - which are complimentary. Some people (assuming the Novus Ordo is being said properly: check out St. Joseph or Good Shepard in Columbia, SC; St. Catherine's in Lancaster, SC; St. Mary's in Greenville, SC ; and Stella Maris on Sullivan's Island, SC - just to name a few) will find the Novus Ordo Liturgy in the vernacular more spiritually uplifting than the traditional rite in Latin. Others will find that the traditional rite brings them closer to God.

"The closest thing to Heaven" is THE MASS in whatever rite - because of the Eucharist! Christ is offered as the Sacrifice in reparation for our sins! He is the Bridegroom. The Mass is a preview of the Wedding Feast in Heaven! - Novus Ordo or Traditional.

Not withstanding Michael Davies analogy (may his soul rest in peace), my children were fed milk not water this morning in at St. Catherine's in Lancaster, SC.

From the small holding in Bethune...

Oremus pro invicem!

Christendom College - St. John the Evangelist Library

Returning number one daughter to Christendom College this weekend. Had a chance to visit the new library there. I wish I had a library like this one near me. Every Catholic periodical worth mentioning was there. Browsing the stacks - I could spend weeks and weeks discovering and researching and reading these classics.

Maybe a book finding trip for Requiem Press is called for in the near future?

From the small holding in Bethune ...

Oremus pro invicem!

Wildlife

Until mid-November I saw deer on the way to morning Mass at least 3 times a week. Then a few weeks into the hunting season, they seemed to disappear. With hunting season over they are back. On Monday on the way to the beach (see below), we saw a small herd (5-6) in an open field. This morning we saw one doe in a field and a couple dead doe on the side of the road.

Monday morning my children saw two wild turkeys come out of our cedar trees and walk on the front lawn for a while (then the kids natural noise scared them off).

I saw what looked like a weasel in the woods behind the cornfields (behind our house) last week.

Finally, we have started to see rabbits in an around.

Stay tuned, Thursday we slaughter and eat our first home-grown chicken.

From the small holding in Bethune...

Oremus pro invicem!

The Beach

Yesterday the Curley's went to Myrtle Beach (actually Surfside Beach just south of Myrtle). My oldest daughter goes back to college at the end of the week, so we decided to do the beach trip we had wanted to do when she came home sick at fall break. So I rose early to get some work done and then brought a manuscript to review on the beach. Thus I worked, but played a lot also. (I should do this more often.)

It was a marvelous day. The fog came and went, and the temperature hovered between the high 60's and low 70's. The children gathered shells, built sand castles, played pirates (with their new wooden swords), chased seagulls, and got tired. The air was too cold to go in the water, but most of the kids managed to get wet to one extent or another anyway.

The beach was empty except for a few strollers. A warm winter day at the beach is marvelous. It is beautiful - (Mrs. Curley says that the beach reminds her of God more than almost any other place) - and you don't have to worry about being crowded and surrounded by immodest wear.

Except for gas, (the ocean is a little more than 100 miles from us), the day is also a very inexpensive. A day like yesterday reminds us why we like South Carolina (as opposed to New England) especially in January. (It also is a reminder on the advantages of educating your children at home.)

From the small holding in Bethune...

Oremus pro invicem!

An Interesting Cultural Shift

We live in the Bible Belt. Southern Baptists are predominant - especially in the rural areas where we live. On Sunday mornings you can still hear radio shows which denounce Catholics for allowing the races to worship together, being cannibals and idol worshipers, etc.

Thus it is with some surprise that I am starting to see in gas stations, convenience stores, and grocery stores throughout the countryside: votive candles with pictures of Our Lady, the Sacred Heart, and the saints on them; refrigerator magnets with Christ of the Divine Mercy and Our Lady, and like items.

The influx of the Hispanic population in the area (10 years ago they used to be just seasonal migrant workers) as a permanent population is starting to change the culture.

Of course there are also great efforts to "convert" the new Hispanic population to "Christianity". The Catholic Church is making great efforts to retain the faith of these Catholics - trying to have the Liturgy available in Spanish as widely as possible. (Of course some would argue that if the Liturgy was celebrated in Latin this would not be an issue.)

As Catholics have moved to the South in the last forty years as part of the general migration in this country to the sunbelt, we have been more or less accepted by Protestants in the South, but this acceptance has not gone so far as to find Catholic literature in the "Christian" bookstores, or Catholic artwork and statues in gift shops. So why the accomodation of the Hispanic population? I think it comes down to economics. The Hispanic population is very identifiable in South Carolina and thus also their catholicity. With this reconizable population migration in such a short time, the economic benefit of offering Catholic religious items has itself become recognizable and has outweighed other considerations.

In any case, the Catholics in South Carolina are the winners as we have a growing Catholic population.

From the small holding in Bethune ...

Oremus pro invicem!

Love Stories

My sister always sends us some classic (and not so classic – but entertaining) movies (videos) at Christmas. While swashbuckling adventure stories will always remain my favorites for fiction reading and movie entertainment, the occasional love story has its place. Unfortunately, tales of authentic love are few and far between historically, and even rarer in the present culture.

Popular culture tales of love (in books or movies) invariably depict the courtship phase of the relationship. The couple falls in love, are then separated by circumstances or misunderstanding, and are finally, joyfully (and tearfully) reunited to live happily ever after (hopefully married). This formula has not changed much in the history of books and motion pictures. The only substantial variation on this formula occurs when the couple is permanently separated at the end of the movie, but carry their ‘love’ for each other into eternity (i.e. Romeo and Juliet). These tales have fatal flaws in that they most often portray love in as merely or mostly a feeling.

The love between Romeo and Juliet, perhaps the most hailed ‘love story’ of all time, does not end in a sacrificial giving, but in a self-centered ‘sacrifice’ based on a desire for immediate gratification. Each decides that they can not go on with life without the other and so take their own lives. The benchmark of true love must be how the action or sacrifice benefits the beloved, not self. Thus these final actions by Romeo and Juliet have no benefit to the beloved, but only demonstrate an attempt to satisfy the feelings of the action-taker. Authentic love is not based on feelings, but on the will and is demonstrated by suffering and sacrifice (if necessary) for the sole benefit of the beloved or for the love commitment itself, without regard to self-gratification.

I believe a love story – if it is authentic – should be modeled after Christ’s love shown in the Gospels. We remember that Christ suffered and died for his bride – this then is the model of true love and thus married love. (If those of you who are single don’t believe suffering is the hallmark of authentic love – just wait until you are married, ha! ha!)

Therefore, I submit two of the great (fictional) love stories, concern married couples. These are classics, both of literature and film so I will discuss them without completely summarizing the plots. (For those who haven’t read these, or seen their respective movies, I hope this effort encourages you, rather than giving away the entire plot). Of course the two works I am speaking about are The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy and Random Harvest by James Hilton.

The Scarlet Pimpernel may seem an odd choice. It is better known as a swashbuckling drama played-out during the French Revolution. But this is also a drama played-out between husband and wife. They have a problem in their marriage with trust and communication. The husband doesn’t trust his wife because of he heard has heard that she once betrayed a family to the guillotine. Because of the evil he sees in the French Revolution and the secret part he is playing to rescue victims of the guillotine, he no longer shares his true identity and deepest passions with her. She is confused and bewildered why her husband has become so very distant and almost another person. Yet for brief moments in the tale he throws off his distance from her to tell her that he truly loves her. He remains with her, and she him. The faults of the two lead characters are very real. How often do we assume our spouse’s motives and intentions are contrary to our well-being and thus we become distant or play back at the same game? Yet this couple is determined to remain faithful to each other until problems can be resolved - even while their stubbornness and faults are weakening their marriage. Eventually their trust and communication problems are resolved – but this resolution is only possible by their continued commitment. Neither spouse in this drama is a perfect model for us, (who is but Christ?). But the perseverance in an difficult marriage is a model for married couples; today's culture encourages divorce as soon as one spouse 'feels unfulfilled'. Modern culture would have put a different twist on this story. Marriage is a covenant witnessed by God, and with God’s assistance, especially through the sacramental graces of matrimony, (there for the asking), our problems in marriage can also be resolved – but only through perseverance in love.

The second story, Random Harvest is perhaps more of a model of Christ’s love. The husband, becomes separated from his wife and through amnesia doesn’t even know he is married. Yet his wife seeks him out and serves him as a secretary for years - out of love for him. She has no hope he will ever recognize her. Yet she continues to serve. How much is this like Christ’s love for His Bride? He died for us – who do not know Him, who do not appreciate Him. We as spouses must serve each other with no concern for recognition or appreciation. This is love.

Dietrich Von Hildebrand says in his book Marriage – the mystery of faithful love (Sophia Institute Press) that all marriages have the purpose of attaining the highest possible communion or mutual love possible between the spouses. Some marriages in particular are truly made in Heaven and have the potential of being a true living example to the world of Christ’s spousal love. In the other extreme, (such as is the case in at least part of Random Harvest), one spouse must forego receiving the love of their spouse and must spend their life “primarily in sacrifice and renunciation, in care for the salvation of the other” – who is not participating in the love of the marriage. Thus the purpose of every spouse in every marriage, no matter the nature of their particular marriage, will not be realized until that spouse truly lives in a spirit of sacrifice - fully embracing his vocation.

So maybe the next time we sit down to read (or view) these stories, or other love stories, we can compare them with the True Model and be inspired to a greater commitment to love and joy in our own marriages.

From the small holding in Bethune ...

Oremus pro invicem!

Education

Mrs. Curley and I have educated our children at home for 7 years. I had a discussion last night with two gentlemen (who I consider best friends) about homeschooling and Catholic education in general. In that light – especially since I often can be more articulate on paper than verbally, I thought I would write some of my thoughts about these topics.

I am going to start by defining the goals of education – because this is key to understanding why home education is the option we continue to pursue. In this definition you will find lofty goals; one has to determine how the options available for your children meet these goals.

One would think that it would be fairly simple to come up with a definition of what a good education is. However there are different levels of success and failure in education. For instance, take the ‘simple’ skill of reading. Obviously if students can not read then the education has failed. But let us look now at various levels of success, which may also be failures depending on the age and capacity of the student:

1. if the students can read, but don’t;

2. if students can and do read, but only read trash (pick your definition);

3. if students are willing, and do read classics and comprehensive works, but can’t fully understand them (reading comprehension);

4. if students have reading comprehension skills for comprehensive works but can not logically communicate this comprehension;

5. if the students can logically communicate their comprehension, but can not analyze and discern the reading in the light of Truth.

Note that as we raise the criteria for a successful education more and more factors contribute to the success or failure of the education – some of these factors being out of the control of any individual educator and sometimes out of the control of any specific school system.

Now let’s look at History in the same way. Knowing the important figures, dates, and events in history are the basic skills. Understanding why historical events happened is a higher skill. Being able to analyze current events and relate them to historical events is a greater skill. Understanding that one can not simply measure all events in history by today’s cultural standards is still a further skill. And being able to look at and understand history in light of the Incarnation is the still greater skill.

We could analyze every academic discipline as we have reading and history to come to a conclusion about the ultimate goal of education – understanding of course the intellectual maturity and capacity of the child further defines the limits of reaching this goal. Thus education is surely learning basic academic skills, but it is much more. Education is also learning how to learn. Education is about learning how to think logically – not just what to think. Education is learning to recognize and discern the Truth.

With this in mind, we now look at three educational settings: public schools, private schools, and the home.

Certainly the current debate about education in our society has centered on the failure of the public schools systems to provide even the basic academic skills (as I have defined above). Thus many of the measures that have been put in place recently in the public school systems simply measure the basics and not the higher skills of education. However, in today’s secular culture, even when a public school supplies the basic academic skills and some of the higher order skills to its students, we note that the highest order of skills are necessarily missing because we have a government mandated “value-free” learning environment. Thus secular bias (even when it is not a “liberal bias”) is institutionalized in today’s public schools. There is no avoiding this fact. Therefore the education gained at the best of public schools must be heavily supplemented to obtain the highest skills of education. This must include both instruction in the Faith and correctional instruction to reverse the secular bias taught in many academic disciplines.

A private school – especially a Catholic school can provide, in part, what the public schools can not. A Catholic school has the freedom and the obligation to teach its students about the Christian world view; about history in view of salvation; about science in terms of Revelation (note that they are never in conflict). However, most Catholic schools are not fully equipped to do this, especially as most use the same texts (with the same secular bias) as the public schools. Further, the teachers at these schools often have been educated in this secular bias. Thus you have a situation where a Catholic school actually teaches anti-Catholicism in history class for instance – without even knowing it. A Catholic school has the opportunity to also provide Catholic culture. This would include frequent opportunities to receive the sacraments, enforcement of modest dress during the school day and at school functions (yes, even for the cheerleaders), etc. Here again, we see that even private school education can not stand in isolation. Both the parents and the school administration will help determine the catholicity and excellence of the school.

The Holy Father has written that education in the home, specifically from parents, “since it is connected with the transmission of human life…is original and primary with regard to the educational role of others” (my emphasis). This is true regardless of whether the student is in public or private school or educated primarily at home. Thus parents have a grave obligation in overseeing the education of their children, regardless of where they spend their ‘school days’. The actual instructional role of parents will vary depending on the culture of the educational setting. An excellent public school setting will necessarily mean more time in teaching our children and discussing with them the doctrines of the Faith and the Catholic worldview. A poor public school setting will require this, plus teaching and encouragement in the academic subjects. An excellent orthodox Catholic school may require less of an instructional role and more of a nurturing role, but a less than excellent orthodox Catholic school will require much the same effort as a poor public school – maybe even more effort because the parent must explain to the child why the ‘Catholic’ school is not so Catholic.

Because of the grave educational responsibility of parents, a home education can not want for excellence in teaching basic academic skills even if it can provide an advantage on creating a Catholic culture, as these basic skills are building blocks for more comprehensive insights and understanding.

When considering home education, parents must decide if they can successfully provide for (at home) the educational goals defined above, better than the other options (public or private) available overall. This is a comprehensive analysis taking into account finances, academics, culture, personality and skills of the student, etc.

Education is not like a bureau with a drawer for reading, a drawer for history, a drawer for math, a drawer for science, and a still separate drawer for religion. The academic subjects are integrated. God’s creation and His plan for man’s salvation touch on every subject: sometimes to create wonder and awe, sometimes to give guidelines, but always to teach us how to live and how to die. Education is about learning to discern Truth. The true goal of education is ultimately about preparing your child to work out their own salvation.

From the small holding in Bethune on this traditional feast of the Epiphany ...

Oremus pro invicem!

American Masculinity

As discussed here by Jeff and others at El Camino Real, there are aspects (here the discussion was of salesmanship) of the American Male Model which are somewhat unique to America, or at least to modern times. We forget that historically America is a Protestant culture. Catholicism had a rough acceptance here. (I read an essay once whose thesis was that the public school system got its jumpstart when Protestant-America wanted to make sure the new Catholic immigrants were indoctrinated into the Protestant values of the New World.)

The idea that prosperity on earth is a sign of God's favor is an Old Testament ideal and an American Protestant ideal - but not a Catholic one.

The logical conclusion to Capitalism is Utilitarianism - the only value man has is what he can produce. Man is a tool for the prosperity of others.

Thus we arrive at the idea that masculinity is determined by the ability to "close the sale".

Although it has taken some time, Catholics have been indoctrinated into Protestant America as planned. Some examples: Democratic 'Catholic' politicians do not see the incompatibility of their pro-abortion voting record and their Catholicism (to them the so-called separation of church and state is a religion in itself on equal footing with Catholicism). Republican 'Catholics' are more "Republican" than they are Catholics - [where is the outrage from them on Bush's nomination of Gonzalez as Attorney General? (Read more about this topic here.)]

I have heard from and read articles in national magazines by people who are generally considered orthodox Catholics, who dismiss out-of-hand Pope John Paul II's encyclicals which touch on economics, ("the pope is not infallible in economics so we don't have to pay attention - he just doesn't understand capitalism because he comes from Poland.")

We are so indoctrinated that we can not often even recognize these tendencies in ourselves. I have just (slowly) begun to understand this in myself during the last 5 years or so.

In the preface to "The Maccabees - Forgotten Heroes of Israel" (Requiem Press) I wrote: "In the American culture a flawed idea of manhood has evolved. The ideal male (in this culture) is a self-made man: a self-reliant and self-sufficient island. This idea of manhood - while not being professed by most men - is nevertheless ingrained in our culture and comes through in some of our attitudes, even if subtly. For instance, the American male views religion as good - it is necessary for the order of society. It is good training for children, even young men. But religion is primarily for the weak, it is a crutch. (It is part of raising children, but not part of real life.) In this culture, there is no relationship between man and God because man doesn't need God for his daily activities (he is self-sufficient). This culture goes back, in part, to our Founding Fathers. It is perpetuated to a certain extent in all brands of Christianity found in America - both in American Protestantism and in American Catholics. Thus this culture of the American male is a roadblock to our proper relationship with God."

There is much more than can be said, about the American brand of masculinity versus authentic masculinity. As Jeff implied, authentic masculinity can be defined as "Men who strive for the ... cardinal virtues of justice, wisdom, courage, and self-control".

From the small holding in Bethune ...

Oremus pro invicem!

Catching Up

Merry Christmas as we approach the feast of the Epiphany!

New Year's Eve we set the clocks ahead 2 hours to simuluate the New Year arriving without having to actually stay up. We sang, shot off some fireworks, did some dancing, gave thanks for the blessings (of which there were many) of 2004, and prayed for a joyous 2005.

January 1st was not a Holy Day of obligation in our Diocese because it fell on a Saturday. Maybe (although you would still get an argument from me) you could make the case for relieving the obligation if it fell on a workday; but January 1st is a paid holiday for many people, and falling on a Saturday, is a day off for many more. Therefore I cannot understand waiving the obligation for this feast. As it was, there was not a Church within 60 miles of us which had Mass on the 1st (except for the vigil Mass for January 2nd).

We received a very nice endorsement for Requiem Press' first release "Witnesses to the Holy Mass" from Dede Laugesen Director, Holy Baby! DVDs & President, The Rosary Project. She wrote, in part: “Witnesses is an extraordinary book about love and blood sacrifice for the Eucharist! Reading it will inspire a greater devotion to the Catholic faith, especially the Mass. Once I began reading, I couldn’t put it down. Once I finished, I couldn't wait to share it with others… Having read the book, I feel a greater desire to defend my faith even unto death. Thank you!" - (Requiem Press thanks you for the endorsement.)

On Sunday January 2nd we had a Christmas party at our 'small holding'. It was the first time many of our Columbia friends had ever seen the house (or since moving-day at least). The 20 or so children who came had a great time climbing trees, playing with dogs, cats, and chickens and generally running with plenty of room. While some may not have understood why we wanted to move from the city, perhaps seeing their children have such a time gives some understanding. Mrs. Curley and I have talked about moving to the country since before we were married.

Hopefully I will have some time later today to blog about this. It touches on my current interest in culture.

From the small holding in Bethune...

Oremus pro invicem!

Culture

For several weeks now I have been contemplating exactly what constitutes "Catholic culture". I think during different points in history, Catholic culture has meant different things - but there must be some common ground.

Europe, for several centuries had a Catholic culture almost by default, because all of Europe was essentially Catholic - at least in name.

A persecuted Church, such as in Rome in the early years of Christianity, or as in England during the 16th and 17th century had their own culture which was not dominant in society, but underground.

Immigrants to the Americas brought a European Catholic Culture that was adapted to their new circumstances as a discriminated-against minority in the Americas.

Each of these 'Catholic cultures' were somewhat different, but they had common ground, in fact the basis for the culture - The Eucharist, the Faith, the sacraments, the Church, etc.

But what about the periperals? What else constituted Catholic culture? And what should Catholic culture be today in our circumstances, (our circumstances are a secular soceity built on protestant ideals, which is under a tension to either return to the protestant roots or to continue the path towards secular paganism.)

In the next few blogs or weeks, whichever comes first, I would like to explore what a Catholic culture should look like in our present circumstances - that is what kind of culture will prepare our own souls for Heaven and be so attractive as to help transform the overall culture in America.

Stay tuned ... and feel free to add with your own ideas, From the small holding in Bethune...

Oremus pro invicem!

Advice from the locals

This morning after dropping the car off for some work, Mrs. Curley and I stopped into a small convenience store for something hot to drink, (we have no heat in the number 2 car). Mrs. Curley engaged in conversation with an older gentlemen on the subject of how to cook collard greens.

As we were leaving the store the gentlemen asked Mrs. Curley if I were "her man". After replying "Yes", the gentlemen said, "You betta feed him good now, it'll keep him from being late at night"

From the small holding in Bethune on this feast of St. Thomas Becket...

Oremus pro invicem!

Merry Christmas!

So much to write about - so little time. I have decided to take this week off from work (except filling any orders we receive). I have a little time to blog while my son does some chores - then we are going to try out the new BB-gun.

If you read my piece on CatholicExchange last week, (here) you know that our carolling this year was to be different. Well it was. As we have no neighbors in walking distance, we went into town and stood in the parking lot of the "Dollar General" - the only store open on Christmas Eve. We caroled there for about an hour. Mrs. Curley was able to persuade a few shoppers to stop and sing with us for a few songs. Again it was a great success - we received much joy from the experience.

Snow was predicted for our area on Christmas night. No one got snow - but we got lots of freezing rain. The route to Mass on the feast of the Holy Family was treacherous - but the sun had melted all the ice by the time Fr. John was finished with us.

This morning our big dog Challenger ran off (we keep him in a large goat pen when unsupervised normally because of his preference for chickens - as discussed here. Unfortunately one of the little dogs (Lady) ran away with him with her leash still attached. Into the woods they ran. I was away at the time. Usually Challenger comes back from his wanderings after about an hour. This morning there was no sign of him for several hours. When I got home I went into the woods with my son searching. We heard Challenger barking in the distance and then he came out of the bush. Just like in a "Lassie" movie, Challenger led us to Lady whose leash was caught in brambles. We carried her home shivering as the ice from the storm was melting all over above her.

Please pray for some friends who have suffered a loss this week.

On this feast of St. John the Evangelist and from the small holding in Bethune ...

Oremus pro invicem!

Wednesday of the 4th Week of Advent

I may blog some later today time permitting, but here are three short items:

1. I have an article on CatholicExchange.com, here

Earlier on in the week I mentioned that I would blog on another Curley family tradition this week. The CE article explains it. I quote from it briefly:

"Society has placed God behind closed doors. The opportunity to bring His message "to the streets" (albeit in such a minor way), gives a joyous start to our Christmas celebration. It is not often we can emulate the activities of angels: why not bring Christ to your neighbors this Christmas Eve with your family?"

This year on Christmas Eve we are making a surprise carolling visit with a few other families to 'someone special' (more on this later). Then we will come back to Bethune and sing carols as a family in the parking lot of the store in town.

2. My number three son, Matthew John (who received first Holy Communion two weeks ago) attended Mass with me alone this morning. (Usually my two older sons come and serve Mass - but Mrs. Curley was taking them into the city this morning.) Matthew was supposed to serve the Christmas morning Mass with his two older brothers as an observer only as he had never served at the altar before. However, this morning Fr. John (without my older sons) called Matthew to serve alone for the first time. He was perfect in his reverence and made no mistakes. I am very proud of my Matthew this morning.

3. Finally, it is not too late to order books from Requiem Press for Christmas.

From the small holding in Bethune...

Oremus pro invicem!

Monsignor Hamburger - May his soul rest in peace

From The State Newspaper:

"Donald Clarence Hamburger, a retired priest in the Diocese of Charleston, died on Saturday, December 18, in Columbia. He was 86.

"Monsignor Hamburger was born on June 28, 1918 in Celina, Ohio. He was a son of the late August Francis Hamburger and the late Estella Bernard Hamburger.

"Monsignor Hamburger attended St. Peter’s Parochial School and Wardlaw Junior High. He graduated from Columbia High School in 1935. Monsignor Hamburger attended seminary school at St. Gregory Seminary in Cincinnati, Ohio and Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Norwood, Ohio.

"Monsignor Hamburger was ordained to the priesthood on July 14, 1946 by Bishop Emmet M. Walsh at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Charleston. He celebrated his first Mass on July 21, 1946 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Columbia. He was named Monsignor on September 12, 1963."

The diocese of Charleston lost a good priest this weekend. Msgr. Hamburger was a joy to spend time with. He was always happy. He wrote and self-published a book entitled "The Lamb of God Theme from the Bible". From reading this book I learned much about the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and the various prefigurations of the Mass in Holy Scripture. Monsignor Hamburger suffered in his last years. Let us pray that his soul may soon be at rest in Christ's bosom.

**********************

My brother-in-law's father James Rouvalis passed away yesterday. May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen.

From the small holding in Bethune...

Oremus pro invicem!

Fourth Week of Advent

I have been meaning to blog all weekend about my experience Friday at the salvage yard trying to find replacement headlight and turn-signal assemblys for the victim of the deer attack (see here) . However I spent so much time at the salvage yard waiting, that this story will not see the light of day for a while. Suffice to say, most people don't go to the salvage yard (or at least this one) just to get auto parts. It resembled old home week - and I suspect this is how it always is. It does slow you down. You can either fume for 2 hours, or take it in and see how some people appreciate life.

But this is the 4th Week of Advent. It is the week of several Curley family traditions. I will write of two of them this morning. The third I will leave til Thursday.

First, early in the week we always make videos for the grandparents in Massachusetts with Christmas greetings. We wait for the 4th week in Advent because before this we don't have a Christmas tree. We will sing some Christmas Carols. Some years the kids do a Nativity play. This year much of the video will be taken up with a tour of the 'small holding' as most in the northern wings of the family have not seen it.

The second traditional activity for the Curley family is in example of the protomartyrs of Henry VIII's persecution. From the eyewitness account of Dom Maurice Chauncy (hopefully to be a Requiem Press publication in the near future):

Then he (Prior John Houghton) exhorted them (his brother Carthusians of the London House) to prepare their hearts by a general confession to God, and gave leave that every one should choose any confessor in the convent whom he liked, and he gave to all power of plenary absolution,— and having done this, on the following day he said : "Because in many things we offend all, and every one is debtor to his brother, and because without charity neither death nor life profit anything, let us be reconciled to one another …" When the first day had passed, our Father's most salutary counsel having been followed and the day of reconciliation being at hand, and our Father having made a long and most devout sermon on charity, patience, and firm adhesion to God in adversity, treating those first five verses of the Psalm: "0 God, Thou hast cast us off and destroyed us," (Ps. 59) concluded his sermon thus : "It is better for us to receive a short punishment here for sin, than to be kept for eternal torments." Then he said: "My dearest Fathers and Brothers, what you see me do, I beseech you to do likewise." Then rising, he went towards the senior of the house, sitting next to him, and kneeling before him, humbly begged pardon and forgiveness for all his excesses and sins at any time committed against him in thought, word, or deed. And in the same manner the other did to him, begging pardon for his. And so the Father, going first through his choir and then to the other, made the same request to each separately, down to the last Lay-brother, weeping bitterly over each. In like manner all followed him one after another, each from each begging pardon.

Typically during the latter days of Advent and Lent, the Curley family gathers; makes a family examination of conscience; begs God's forgiveness with an Act of Contrition; and then in the example of St. John Houghton, one by one we ask each other forgiveness for the wrongs we have done. We usually try to have gone to Confession in proximity of this reconciliation. In this way we try to prepare a clean space in our hearts for the coming of the King of Kings.

From the small holding in Bethune ...

Oremus pro invicem!

The Workshop

This year we are attempting to make many (but not all) of the Christmas presents for the children. Mrs. Curley is making cowboy vests, bandanas, and aprons. Number one daughter is making capes and masks. I am making rifles, guns, and swords out of wood. I will also be making a swingset.

Some years ago I used to make many things out of wood. Once the children started coming, I became more of a handy repair man than anything else. Last year, however, I made a very nice toy revolver out of wood. I used different types of wood for the handle, barrel, chamber, and body. I sanded it to a marble finish. My four-year old broke it within three days. Thus I have learned my lesson: simple design, one piece construction, no need to sand any further than eliminating major splinter hazards.

It is certainly wonderful to get back in the workshop. The smell of fresh cut wood and sawdust is unique and refreshing. The sense of accomplishment when working with your hands is also not as frequently experienced in the 'white collar' world.

I have never had heat in any of my workshops. However in the past they were always at least connected to the house - which had heat, either a garage or a basement. This shop is detached from the house and is an unfinished garage. Thus, it is generally colder working out there at night. I let the cats in to roam the garage while I am working just in case there is a snake, toad or mouse lurking about the shop.

I am somewhat of the old school in my tool selection. I never buy a power tool to do a job until I have done it with hand tools. I think this makes me a better craftsmen. (But I could be wrong). I do use power tools at times, but I would rather smooth a piece of wood or round a corner with a hand plane than with a power sander or a router.

My work is by no means that of a master craftsman, but my work is usually sturdy and functional.

I think we are saving a bit of money by making these presents ourselves, but more importantly, we are building love into the work with our efforts.

From the small holding in Bethune...

Oremus pro invicem!

"The world was groaning for salvation"

With the words above, Fr. John O'Holohan opened his homily this morning. He was speaking of the world during the time of Christ.

The world is still groaning for salvation - not realizing it has already been bought on a cross. This is why there is the continuing frenzy for more money, more toys, more material possessions, more outrageous "rights", and more sexual encounters.

Don't we (who know about the price paid) also forget sometimes that our salvation has been paid for as we search in vain for earthly goods and experiences to satisfy our soul. The material world seduces and is attractive, but never satisfies and always leaves us wanting. (Fr. John said this morning that Mother Teresa, with nothing, had freedom - while we are slaves to possessions.)

A relationship with Christ does not seem so attractive on the surface - but once experienced, is everything and always satisfies.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

South Carolina is unseasonably cold this morning. Overnight lows were around 21 (F). This occasionally occurs in January and early February. But mid-December is usually more mild. Requiem Press offices do not have heat. However our windows have Southern exposure, so I am hoping my fingers thaw out by noon time.

Shameless plug: If you don't have a Christmas gift for the readers on your list, Requiem Press can deliver before Christmas.

"Witnesses to the Holy Mass and other sermons" is not simply a fascinating account of the English martyrs. It is a book which can inspire one to step up their prayer life. It calls the 21st century Catholic to greater holiness.

"The Maccabees - Forgotten Heroes of Israel" may especially appeal to men - however all may benefit from reading this true story of sacrifice, faith, and devotion to God.

From the small holding in Bethune...

Oremus pro invicem!

Happenings

Saturday: The three oldest boys (11, 10, 8) and myself built a modest lean-to type shelter onto the side of the garage to house their bicycles and outside equipment (balls, bats, and the like). I promised to be just the foreman giving directions and would let them do 90% of the actual construction work. Well we didn't quite manage that, I probably put in 20-25%, but the goal was achieved. It took the entire afternoon, but at the end of the day, they had constructed a solid structure.

Sunday: My six-year old daughter and eight-year old son made their first Holy Communion at the 11:30 Liturgy at St. Catherine's. My 11-year old and 10-year old were serving. Fr. John administered the Holy Eucharist to the First Communicants while they were kneeling in the first pew. Ah, if only all of us were allowed the privilege of kneeling before our King while receiving!

Monday: reminiscent of the entry at El Camino Real, here, I received a phone call this afternoon from a telemarketer. As we signed off, she said "Happy Holidays". I replied, Merry Christmas". She replied, "I love it! They told us we had to say 'happy holidays', but Merry Christmas to you too!" [Although, even here, it is early (about 12 days) to be saying Merry Christmas anyway.]

From the small holding in Bethune ...

Oremus pro invicem!

More Scandal from my alma mater

I went to graduate school at John Carroll University in Cleveland, Ohio. From reading this at Bettnet.com, I can see not much has changed. This is not the first time this year I have read of and been embarassed by my former assoication with JCU. Back in February I read on Mark Shea's blog, here how JCU was the hosting a performance of The Vagina Monologues.

Around the time I attended JCU, Fr. Charles Curran, of (at the time) Catholic University, had just been censured by the Vatican for publically dissenting from Catholic moral teaching in his classroom and writings. The "Religious Studies Department" at JCU came out with a statement generally supporting Fr. Curran in the name of "academic freedom". To paraphrase, (if my memory serves me correctly), they wrote in their statement that 'while JCU didn't have anyone teaching that contraception, divorce, and abortion were morally acceptable, perhaps JCU should have someone teaching this - in the name of academic freedom.'

I was a graduate student in a small department at JCU. Very few people (less than 20) knew who I was. I wrote a letter to the editor of the JCU newspaper protesting such a ridculous statement: I believe that I tried to make the point that "academic freedom" is the freedom to teach the Truth, not lies. I tried to point out that it is nonsensical to hire someone who you know will teach lies - that is if you believe that Church teaching on moral issues is the Truth. I can't recall how eloquent or persuasive my writing was (I still have the clippings, but I am afraid to look) - but I am sure it could have used some editorial help.

Needless to say, I was attacked in the paper. One professor from the Religious Studies Department said that my views were akin to Hitler - (such an original attack). I received one letter (in the paper) of general support from a faculty member, and one from a fellow-graduate student who defended, not my view, but from a characterization of being Hitler-like. Otherwise most articles and letters were against me from both students and faculty.

JCU was not a Catholic university when I was there, and it looks like it is even worse now. Thank God for places like Magdalen College in New Hampshire, Thomas Aquinas in California, and Christendom College (where daughter attends) in Virginia.

From the small holding in Bethune...

Oremus pro invicem!

Good Fortune Strikes the Curley Clan

1. Verdict is in - the victim of Mrs. Curley, (the deer - details here), totaled our car according to the insurance company. The damage by the deer (or Mrs. Curley's driving into the deer, if you will) is not major. The front passenger headlight is gone along with the surrounding support. The front passenger quarter is bent and dented such that the passenger door opens with difficulty. The bumper cover is slightly torn. The only critical things which need fixing are the headlight and blinker. The car (before the deer incident) is a 10-year old 4-cylinder Plymouth Voyager minvan. The AC barely works. The heat does not work. The radio and clock do not work. I pulled a melted crayon from the tape deck several years ago. The driver's seat need to be propped up by a 2X4 to avoid falling backwards, and various stains and dents decorate the interior and exterior. However this is not our primary vehicle, runs well, and has only 125K miles on it. Mrs. Curley is praying for a new car (for free). I am thinking that the check I receive can go a long way to buying the next piece of publishing equipment for Requiem Press - while still having our secondary vehicle in good running order.

2. We had not yet received our first water bill from the town - I assumed they billed quarterly because we had seen them read the meter, but we had never got any bills. However, I finally decided to call because the quarter had ended some time ago. Somehow we did not get into their system I was told. Well, one week later I received the first bill - for $17! I immediately called to find out if more bills were coming. They told me since they had made a mistake by not entering me into their system, they were not going to make us pay the old bills - "Merry Christmas". (This is not what would have happened with the water company in the city.)

3. Finally more good fortune would strike the Curley clan if some of you readers out there (if there are any) buy some of our books. (The Curley children really want a Christmas tree!)

From the small holding in Bethune ...

Oremus pro invicem!

Not so random thoughts

We were all wondering when the roosters would start cock-a-doodle-do-ing. I was of the school of thought that they had to be taught - and thus would give them some examples every time I passed by the coop. They are at about 9 weeks old and they have started fledgling efforts. I don't know if my efforts helped get them started, but ........

We are in the process of deciding whether to get goats (milk) or pigs (meat). We are starting to lean towards the pigs as the reward vs. effort ratio seems to be better than would be with the goats. We are also looking at rabbits.

Some people wonder why we are raising chickens, growing some food, etc. Why do all this work for eggs and chicken when they can be had at the grocery store? Below is a partial answer in no particular order of importance.

1. It is true that we probably are not saving much (if any) money by raising our own chickens for eggs and meat. But the eggs and meat will be fresher than the store bought variety. It may be better for you, and it may taste better.

2. Much more importantly than (1), we (and especially the children) will have a greater appreciation of where our daily bread comes from, and the effort it takes to provide it. Today there is a great disconnect between going to work and putting food on the table. Even our modest effort reconnects some of these lines.

3. The whole family becomes part of our economic life. We each have a job which has a real impact on the food Mrs. Curley prepares for dinner. The children are no longer just partakers of the wealth provided by Papa (through God's grace), but now help in a real way with the providing.

4. Growing vegetables, raising animals, caring for both is an education for the family.

5. The economic system in this country has become quite utilitarian - men are just tools for the good of other men or for business. Even our small effort of independence gives us a small level of economic freedom, and lights the way for others to go beyond what we are capable of. (Don't get me wrong, I am not a "get off the grid self-sufficient survivalist") .

6. There is more SKY. You can see the beauty of God's creation more often and more clearly when you work more closely with it and around it.

7. As the children learn more about nature's designs, they will learn more about God's plan in nature and for man.

More to come...

From the small holding in Bethune...

Oremus pro invicem!

Deers and Cars

Update: Mrs. Curley returned to the scene of the collision this morning and it appears the buck may have been a doe - opinions vary on the subject. It also appears Mrs. Curley dragged the deer several hundred feet before it dislodged from the car (in pieces).

Mrs. Curley hit a buck last night on the way home from the Christmas play rehearsal which some of the clan is performing in. Everyone was allright - except the car. It hobbled home. The light of day will show how bad the damage is.

Of course the boys wanted Mrs. Curley to stop and salvage the antlers off the deer before driving home. She declined the opportunity.

We live in farm country, and all but the last 2 miles into Lancaster, SC (St. Catherine's) is very rural. September thru November this year I usually saw deer about 3 times a week on my morning journey. At night these roads (55 mph) are pitch black and a deer leaping out is a constant threat. (Now I know why my car insurance increased when we made the move.)

From the small holding in Bethune...

Oremus pro invicem!

Of Death

Yesterday was a tough one for some of my boys. They barely avoided going to bed under-nourished due to their behavior. So last evening when we sat down to say the rosary, Mrs. Curley and I exchanged silent understanding and decided to precede the rosary with some family conversation - which we knew would turn into hilarity.

The conversation ranged far and wide, but somehow we got onto the subject of my funeral arrangements. We debated whether I should buried in the backyard, which funeral home, whether I could be waked at home, etc. Number 2 (in age) son commented he wanted to put a lock on my coffin to make sure no one stole my body. I commented back that no one would steal my body unless it was incorrupt, and they were looking for relics. This brought up the whole debate about what to do with me if my body were incorrupt. One son was for leaving me in the den in the rocking chair.

Then the issue of the epitaph on the headstone was raised. This was a fun one indeed. Mrs. Curley wanted it to say, "Dogs - keep away!". Number one daughter, (who blogged in my place here), proposed "keep the grass cut so I can see!" I noted that Thomas More wrote his own epitaph and that with such suggestions as I was receiving, I should follow his example.

The laughter was flowing (at my expense usually) and all was arighted in the Curley clan. So we finally started the rosary. This is where things changed. It became obvious by the middle of the 2nd decade that some were meditating upon my demise instead of on the Luminous Mysteries. Number 1, 2, and 3 sons were sobbing; number 1 and 2 daughter and Mrs. Curley were stifling giggles at the boys expense. The youngest two were sleeping by now. [I commented later to Mrs. Curley that I now knew who was being left out of the will.]

I was touched that the boys would mourn for me even now. Although it did cause me to think that the mourning was so sorrowful because maybe they were unsure of my ultimate destination.

I told the boys they needed to meditate on their own death and not mine; that if we each did this more often, we would more likely be merrily reunited in Heaven to praise God together.

We attended the Liturgy together this morning for the first time since All Saints Day (due to sickness at the homestead).

From the small holding in Bethune ...

St. Francis Xavier - ora pro nobis

Oremus pro invicem!

Germs?

The whole issue of the Holy Eucharist and germs discussed here reminds me of an incident in the life of the English Carthusian monk, St. John Houghton - protomartyr of the Henry VIII's persecution of the Church. Here it is from the writings of Dom Maurice Chauncy (maybe an upcoming title for Requiem Press) , an eyewitness to the life and circumstances of St. John Hougton's life:

During the time he [John Houghton] was in this office [of Sacristan], this thing occurred which is worthy of all remembrance. A certain devout Father, attacked by a pestilential disease, was near his end; who, when he had received the Body of our Lord, was unable, through extreme weakness, to swallow It, and at once cast It forth. The Father Vicar, in the absence of the Father Prior, gathered up the Sacred Host, together with all that had been cast forth, and took It to the cell of this holy Father, John Houghton, then sacristan, to be burnt. A fire having been lighted, these Fathers contended together which of them should cast It in — neither of them presuming to do this, It was reserved for two days. On the third day the devoted sacristan separated, as far as he could, the venerable Sacra­ment of the Body of Christ from the uncleanness with which It was mixed, and placed It in a chalice, intending to consume It on his next celebration. But previously he called to him (remembered) a certain devout Lay-brother, to whom God had frequently revealed with certainty many things, as was known through-out the house (for whatever he asked of God, God immediately gave him an answer, so familiar was he and so pleasing and dear to God). To him, therefore, the Father Sacristan communicated his intention, requesting him in so difficult a matter to pray to God, to know His good pleasure, for he was afraid to burn It, and had some kind of horror in con­suming it. The Lay-brother, to fulfil the commands laid on him, earnestly besought the Divine clemency to deign to give him in this matter some indication, and behold at Matins, being in an ecstasy, he saw a great multitude, whom no man could number, clothed in white, each carrying a lighted wax taper, enter the sacristy, in measured step, and proceed to the place where the Body of Jesus lay, and there adoring with the utmost reverence, opened the chest, which was closed, and having made, here a brief delay, disappeared. But what in the meanwhile they did there, remained unknown to the Brother who saw these things. But the Brother having come to himself, asked the sacristan in the morning, whether in such a place he had deposited the aforesaid particles of the most holy Body of Christ, and on his answering yes, he at once understood what he had seen. The most devout Father Sacristan having heard this, putting aside all fear, both of death and nausea, prepared himself at once with all alacrity to celebrate Mass, during which he reverently and with affection received that which had been set aside; but no one knows but he who received It, how glorious that chalice was to him. Truly inebriating It was, so far as those who stood by were able to perceive. He feared not death who received the Author of Life, nor sickness who swallowed Him Who heals all diseases, nor had he nausea from what had been cast forth, because he tasted in spirit how sweet the Lord is."

From the small holding in Bethune .....

Oremus pro invicem!

A couple gems

"Some day a politician will arise who will be so devoted to truth that he will follow it, knowing that by doing so, he will go down to defeat. That day will be the restoration of politics as principles; it will also be the rebirth of a nation. "
- Fulton Sheen-

"I know an American university where practically every one of the professors brews his own beer; some of them experimenting in two or three different kinds. But what is especially delightful is this: that with this widespread revival of the old human habit of home-brewing, much of that old human atmosphere that went with it has really reappeared. The professor of the higher metaphysics will be proud of his strong ale; the professor of the lower mathematics (otherwise known as high finance) will allege something more subtle in his milder ale; the professor moral theology (whose ale I am sure is the strongest of all) will offer to drink all the other dons under the table without any ill effect on the health. Prohibition has to that extent actually worked the good, in spite of so malignantly and murderously willing the evil. And the good is this: the restoration of legitimate praise and pride for the creative crafts of the home."
-GK Chesterton

"God's Secret Agent"

I remember getting an 'Encounter Book' (Daughters of St. Paul) when I was 8-10 years old named "God's Secret Agent" about Miguel Pro, whose feast is today. I was amazed a few years later at seeing an actual photograph of Fr. Pro with hands outstretched with rosary and crucifix just before dying.

We watched "Fiddler on the Roof" for the first time (for the Curley's) the other night. What impressed me about the whole story was that this movie was about the father's ongoing conversation with God. Mrs. Curley and number one daughter think I should do my own rendition of "If I were a Rich Man" at the bonfire sing-along to be held Friday night. I am thinking about it. (Lots of words to memorize at my age though.)

The county library here has a number of old western videos (Roy Rogers, Hopalong Cassidy, John Wayne, etc. - although not many books). They had two of the old Zorro serials made during the forties. They also had "The Mark of Zorro" starring Douglas Fairbanks Sr. This is the silent version made in 1920. Douglas Fairbanks does his own stunt work. It is quite entertaining, and in fact the only Zorro movie I have seen which actually has some character development - even though silent.

From the small holding in Bethune ...

Oremus pro invicem!

Around the Piano

Today’s blog by Krystle Curley (Dad started a simple plumbing job yesterday, discovered years of rotting floor and will be fixing it until ............... )

I play piano. It is my favorite thing in the world, not for the delight it affords me, but for the joy that it brings to those who listen. Open a songbook, start plinking out the melody, someone starts singing . . . soon you have a chorus of voices pouring themselves out in the enjoyment of music. And it is from this “pouring out of self” from whence the joy comes.

Singing only works when it comes from the heart- it doesn’t matter if you sing like an angel or a toad as long as your song is honest and deep.

It is an expression of self - one’s beliefs, fatherland, and all else that he loves. Look at our Catholic hymn Faith of our Fathers: “Our fathers, chained in prisons dark, were still in heart and conscience free! And truly blessed would be our fate, if we like them should die for Thee!” Here is a song for all ages of Catholicism; it expresses yearning for martyrdom, love of the saints, and Adoration of God - all in two lines of music.

I am closest to those friends that I can sing with. At school after dinner we gather at the piano and sing whatever sheet music is around. We’ve done the Phantom of the Opera, “Meet me in St. Louis”, “Waltzing Matilda”, and just about everything. I’ve learned Hungarian folk songs (in Hungarian), the Sanctus in Greek, and some Russian song I don’t remember just to please Katherine.

Singing is the most important element of our community - it is a way to get to know what people really love without asking awkwardly, “So, what’s the most important thing in your life?” and “What kind of person are you?”

So there is a risk when you sing. People might get to know you!

Wish I had more time and a request

Not much time today for blogging. I had wanted to write more on music - namely to expound upon my comment on singing songs being an intimate endeavor. It will have to wait a day or so.....

Perhaps I can persuade my daughter, (who is still home from Christendom College with illness), and who is also quite a musician, to blog on this matter in my place. It will be interesting to see if we have an agreement or argument....

The Request ...

We are in the final stages of editing our next book. We hope it won't be our last, but that is always a possibility. It is an original work (not a reprint), and I believe it is an important book. This book needs to sell well - because it has a timely and important message to the bishops and the laity; (we also need it to sell well to keep Requiem Press viable). We are seeking some endorsements. We have already been disappointed in some quarters, but we are going forward. Please pray for success of our efforts.

From the small holding in Bethune ...

Oremus pro invicem!

Theology and Music

A comment at el camino real this morning prompts my thoughts this morning. Country music is discussed here.

Country music, (it seems to me), is a hybrid between popular music and folk music. As such, theologically, (to use the term loosely), country music is a higher form of music than popular music, but a lower form than folk music. What do I mean?

In its highest form, music praises God and is about God. [A diversion: modern hymns from the 'Gather' book are always more about "ME" than about God, and are thus deficient. Traditional hymns praise God and His works]. When we sing praise to God we join the Angelic choir. We preview what we will be doing in Heaven, (Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus). Even when we sing our song of praise 'by ourself', we are in reality not alone - we sing with the angels and the saints.

Folk music celebrates culture. It is not about "ME", but it is about "US", our community, our customs, our traditions. Often these songs tell stories. Even if the story is about an individual, it is in reality about a people. Even if the folk song is a 'love song'; a deeper listen will reveal it is not really about two people in love, but again, about a people and a culture. Thus folk music lends itself to be sung in community. Folk music celebrates culture, and sometimes mourns its loss.

Popular Music tends to be centered on personal relationships - usually love. As such, these songs are most often about "ME", (my lonesomeness, my heartbreak, my joy, my love, my ...). These songs are usually not sung in community, but sung by oneself or to one other person.

At all levels, it seems to me that the singing of songs is a very intimate endeavor. We open our heart and ourselves (almost) entirely to others when we sing with and for them. It is a loss for our society that we do not sing much together in community. When we celebrate together, how often is it that that celebrations have song as a fundamental component? Birthdays seem to be the last remnant of those celebrations in which the general community is willing to sing together without prodding or musical directors. [It has been said that Catholics (and men especially) don't sing in Church.] This is a loss of our vocation. If we don't spend our time on earth practicing and enjoying the things we will do in Heaven - perhaps Heaven is not a place where we will be happy?

In the country where interdependence takes on a greater importance; and because of the isolation and lack of endless (and sometimes mindless) entertainment which can be found in urban areas; folk music and community celebrations where music is part, have survived better than in the cities.

The thoughts above are dedicated to the Nyikos family - who have taught me much and enriched the Curley family's celebrations with music and song.

From the smalling in Bethune...

Elizabeth of Hungary, ora pro nobis!

Oremus pro invicem!

Random Thoughts

Saturday I was up on the roof twice; to measure and then install a chimney cap. Friday I was up there to clean it. My roof is not too high, but it is steeper than it looks from the ground. I am just really not a roof guy. I told Mrs. Curley where the life insurance policies were located before going up. And I can confirm that it is possible to navigate a roof and pray with great attention at the same time.

One thing we have found out here in the country is that you need to be able to do most things yourself. Even if cost was not an issue, this is true. The fact is that the only chimney sweep in the county is 40 miles away and only sweeps chimneys on weekends. The only electrician is 35 miles away and teaches full time. You start to get the point. You find yourself doing many things you would have been hiring people to do in a former life - thus my excursions to the roof. This is good though. We have to learn and work together as a family to get necessary things accomplished.

I had a good talk with the folks over at Catholic Men's Quarterly today. While I have not yet seen the magazine "in person", there are some good articles on their website. Check it out.

The chickens that survived "The Slaughter" [see my October archives (don't know how to do the link thing for this)], are getting big. From day to day you can actually see growth. It is amazing.

From the small holding in Bethune ....

Oremus pro invicem!

Traditional Feast of St. Stanilaus Kostka

This is a big feast in the Curley house. We are not Polish (Irish mostly), but Saint Stanilaus is Dad's name saint and middle name of one of my boys. It is also the fifth anniversery of my Dad's burial - may his soul rest in peace.

The Curley's will say Morning Prayer from the Office for the Dead this morning.

From the small holding in Bethune ....

Oremus pro invicem!

Of Hair Transplants and Patents

Before launching Requiem Press earlier this year, I was a Patent Agent. I worked for a company handling their intellectual property and patent work. I haven't practiced as a Patent Agent for some months.

I am bald. My father was bald and my brothers are all in one stage of baldness or another.

This morning I got a call from the US Patent Office. They had me listed (erroneously) as the Agent of Record on a case. Out of curiousity I asked what case it was - they replied that it was a patent on hair transplants from a company in Norway.

Mrs. Curley thought this was soooo funny.

My father, (may his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace), once told me that it isn't that bald jokes aren't funny - it is that if you are bald, you will have heard every bald joke and variation within about six months - therefore there is nothing left to laugh at.

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Kids are still sick (this has never happened before) so Mrs. Curley and I are still on dog and chicken duty. Not that we have anything else to do.

From the small holding in Bethune on the feast of Pope Saint Leo the Great...

Oremus pro invicem!

Latin Mass in Columbia, SC

Yesterday at 3:00PM at Good Shepard Catholic Church in Columbia, SC the Holy Mass according to the 1962 Missal was celebrated by Fr. George G. Gabet, FSSP, North American district Superior.

Deo gratias!

The 100 or so souls in the congregation (a good turnout for Columbia, SC) were told this is the first of a regular monthly Mass in Columbia.

Deo gratias!

I had the honor of dining with Father Gabet and a few friends last night. Before we went to the restaurant, Father Gabet insisted we visit a cemetery to pray for the poor souls in purgatory, in order that we main gain plenary indulgences for them as this was the 7th of November.

One thing that always impresses me about the Fraternity of Saint Peter priests is how in tune they are with the spiritual needs and concerns of the laity.

From the small holding in Bethune ...

Oremus pro invicem!

Has Fall Come to SC Finally?

We didn't turn the heat on last night and it was 60 degrees, in the house, when we awoke this morning. Most of the kids are still fighting some kind of bug (fever and cough) - so the dogs and chickens got fed, but not much love was administered.

We were going to the air show down the road today. It used to be held in Columbia but was moved to Camden, SC last year. The airfield is not big enough for jets to land so the planes on the ground are from WWI, WWII, and Korea. It is pretty impressive to see some of the WWII bombers take off. It is amazing how they get off the ground going so slowly. Every year the organization running the event, the celebrate freedom foundation, claims it is the largest patriotic event in the country. Two years ago they had the Doolittle Raiders 60 year reunion. This year they feature the Tuskegee Airmen 60 year reunion. Because the kids are sick - we won't be going this year, to their disappointment. However we still may see some planes as we are 16 miles north of the airfield. We will keep our eyes peeled. In the past this show has been a good time.

Being home today, I will finish building the pantry/hutch for Mrs. Curley; finish putting in our winter cabbage crop (if it is not too late already); and if I finish up early, will drive down to Bishopsville to get a 22 rifle to take care of the coyotes I mentioned a few days ago.

From the small holding in Bethune...

Eternal rest give to them O Lord! May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Oremus pro invicem!

Advance Copies are Here!

I have found it very exciting when that box comes with advance copies of the latest book. The anticipation and the sense of accomplishment are both heightened. Well, it came today - and they look good. I was worried a bit because we had a last minute problem at the printer with the cover.

My good friend Kris Merschat did the cover on "The Maccabees - Forgotten Heroes of Israel" He is a sculptor and painter, but mostly he is a Catholic. You can see his other work on his website here.

Of course you can see the work he did for me here.

Kris and I go for coffee once a week after Morning Prayer and Mass with a group of men at St. Joseph's. He is an occupational therapist by trade, but his vocation and heart is in art. Go here and see his Mother Teresa. He has captured her soul like I have not seen in other sculptures and statues of her.

From the small holding in Bethune ...

Oremus pro invicem!

Opinions on "Catholic Men's Quarterly"?

I was wondering if anyone had seen the new magazine "Catholic Men's Quarterly".

I have not seen it. I saw an article about it on catholicexchange this summer.

I am curious if it is worth a look.

Of St. Charles Borromeo and Spanking

I used to work for a company with corporate headquarters in Milan, Italy. Thus several times I was called to Italy on business. On my first trip I had some free time on my first afternoon in Milan. I took the bus to the Duomo (the Cathedral). It was the largest church I had ever seen (in fact I believe it is one of the largest in Europe). I believe it was either started or finished (or both) by St. Charles Borromeo. In any case, I entered the Cathedral, prayed looked around and found my way to a staircase on the far side of the front of the Church. The staircase led down to a kind of small museum. A man was collecting an entrance fee equivalent to about 40 cents US currency. He didn't speak English and I knew no Italian, so we just smiled at each other. In these small rooms were many chalices, vestments, monstronses, etc. At the far end there was a chapel whose entrance was blocked by a wall of glass. On the altar was a life-size statue of a man - a bishop lying in state. The face of the statue was silver, but the hand was flesh-tone. As I gazed at the statue, I commented inwardly that the sculptor was very skilled. The hand looked as real as my own.

And in fact the Sculptor is the most skilled - as you probably have discerned by now, the 'statue' was in fact the incorrupt body of St. Charles Borromeo.

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The subject of spanking came up in conversation this morning after Mass. The Curley's are firm believers in spanking - with certain ages and conditions.

But my purpose is not to discourse on this so much as the finer points of spanking: Hand or Rod?

In practical terms I find the hand is better. I know how hard I am striking if I use my hand - hard enough to hurt, as in sting - but not hard enough to hurt, as in damage.

Some people however say that a rod or belt or some other instrument is better to use because the child should be afraid of the rod and not the parent. Further, they say that the discipline instrument should be separate from the parent.

Personally, I want the hand that hugs to be the hand that spanks. If the child is truly afraid of the parent, then there may be something else amiss (or the spankings are too hard).

Not that there is a dogmatic theology to spanking, but I want my children to know that punishment is part of love. God punishes those he loves - in order for them to turn back to Him. Certainly God uses other "instruments" to do His work at times. However this nuance is lost on a simple child. Spanking (and punishing in general) is the worst and most difficult part of being a father (that I have experienced so far) - however - and I have told my children this right before the spanking is administered - it is also a sign and act of love.

From the small holding in Bethune ....

Oremus pro invicem!

Morality, Religion and the Law

I have heard it countless times from Republicans, Democrats, and others: "You can't legislate religion". What they really mean is that you can't legislate morality! If you point this out, you get a shrug, "What's the difference?"

I understand that religion is concerned with what you believe about God and how you worship Him.

Morality is the set of rules by which you live. Morality is based on Natural Law. We must legislate morality or society collapses. If we make laws which are an affront to Natural Law, those laws are unjust and bad for society.

Religion = Morality: Doesn't this go back to the beliefs of some of our country's founding fathers who were Deists? Isn't this idea rooted in American Protestantism? That is: "Religion is good because it brings order to society", not because it is good in and of itself as the worship of God.

Am I wrong about this? Why do I know so many "good Catholics" who equate religion and morality?

This deepset belief that morality equals religion and therefore is part of the so-called 'separation of church and state' (another discussion) results in this type of illogical reasoning:

"We can't legislate religion, it is un-American. But we will say (to get your vote) - and understand, now we are really sticking our necks out: Abortion is the killing of a fetus who is an innocent human being, depriving them of their inalienable rights; unless of course the father of the fetus is a rapist, then the fetus is not a human being at all and has no rights." Makes good sense huh? We can't legislate morality - it would be immoral.

Isn't this just another way of stating this gem from ethics class: "What is true for you may not be true for me"?; or Dick Cheney's recent comment on homosexual marriage: "As long as it does't hurt anyone it should be legal". (Note: not an exact quote).

I am confounded when I get into these discussions because there is no common ground to begin the discussion.

But today we should rejoice that the Mexico City policy remains intact with Mr. Kerry's defeat. We should rejoice that we have at least 2 new US Senators who believe that all abortions are wrong - no exceptions - and are pledged to fight this evil scourge.

Today let us pray for our country, and as always ....

Oremus pro invicem!

Requiem aeternam dona eis Domine, et lux perpetua luceat eis.

All Souls Day -

Today in the Curley family we will pray for the souls of Stanley Roland Curley - my dearly beloved father; Grandparents (and Great Grandparents): Anna & John Curley, Richard & Dorothy Shaw, Grandpa & Ocenia Long, William & Catherine Latter, Alice Hoyt, Nana Coswell, Elmer Mitchell; Aunts and Uncles: Chet & Grace Curley, Walter & Donna Curley, Bobby Curley, Peggy Curley, George Latter, James Long, John Curley, Mary Curley, Robert & Margaret Shaw, Lawrence & Virginia Merchant.

We will also pray especially today for others we think of, who may have passed long ago - but who may not have anyone praying for their souls. The names mentioned in past years have ranged from neighbors to such as Davy Crockett.

This is also a special feast for Requiem Press, as we take our name from the prayers for the dead - because our family commitment to praying for the Holy Souls, and we ask protection from those souls we help. In keeping with this commitment, our first published book(let) was Daily Prayers for the Church Suffering - a daily committment to praying for the holy souls in purgatory. Our next book (set to be released this week) is The Maccabees - Forgotten Heroes of Israel - 2 Machabees provides the primary scriptural support for praying for the dead: "It is therefore a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead, that they may be loosed from sins." 2 Mac. 12:46.

May the souls of your departed loved ones be brought into the Beatific Vision for eternity this day!

Requiem aeternam dona eis Domine, et lux perpetua luceat eis. Requiescant in pace. Amen. -- Eternal rest grant to them O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.

From the small holding in Bethune ...

Oremus pro invicem!

Cup Custard and All Saints Day

I normally don't spend much time in the kitchen (other than an occasional breakfast). It's not that I don't like to cook, (I can vaguely remember my bachelor days of hot dogs and beans every night), but when you have a Mrs. Curley who cooks like she does, there is no reason, normally. There have been a few times when Mrs. Curley has been on bed rest or other thankfully short occasions when I have donned the apron. Few of my younger children remember these times because the last was several years ago.

So yesterday, with Mrs. Curley feeling sick (along with a couple of the kids), and with baking to be done for the first All Saints Day party Mrs. Curley is running at our new parish, I had to step in the gap and do some baking. The youngest children looked at me with a mixture of confusion and amusement as I started whipping things together. (The best compliment I received was that I was neater than Mom.)

As a few of the kids were sick, I also made some cup custard. Cup custard is a wonderful but strange concoction. It was always a favorite of mine when I was a child - but you only got it when you were sick - making the eating always a mixed blessing. It is full of protein (eggs) but has a mild and subtle taste. The taste is so subtle in fact that you just can't seem to grab hold of it - making you want more. But it never quite satisfies.

The rest of the evening was spent putting together saints costumes for the kids. This year we have a St. Patrick, St. Bernadette, St. Rita, St. Padre Pio, St. John Birchman, and St. Gabriel Lalemant.

It was a quiet night - no tricker-treaters on country roads, but we did have a visit from a pack of coyotes, wolves, or wild dogs. We scared them off before knowing exactly what they were.

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"After this I saw a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and tribes, and peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne, and in sight of the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands: And they cried out with a loud voice, saying: Salvation to our God, who sitteth upon the throne, and to the Lamb. ..... And he said to me: These are they who are come out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and have made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore they are before the throne of God, and they serve him day and night ..." Rev. 7: 9-10, 14-15

A blessed feast of All Saints!

From the small holding in Bethune ...

Oremus pro invicem!