Patents and Rabbits

Has been a busy week. Besides the lightening adventure discussed below, I took on a quick consulting job on a Patent case - which consumed most of my "extra" time, (but pays better than publishing).

We have decided to start raising rabbits for meat. We plan to acquire these within the week - but we will see how this goes. Numerous sources: (John Seymour's The Self-Sufficient Life ..., Mr. Franklin Jennings - the urban homestead advisor at Hallowed Ground, and others) extoll the efficiency of raising rabbits for meat (and manure - and also fur).

We first look in the The South Carolina Market Bulletin, where we may be able to find the rabbits we want. I may also go to the weekly small animal auction in Lugoff. This would be my preference, although you don't know any given week if what you are seeking will be there.

We would like to get two does and buck-either New Zealands or Californian. However, most of what we see adverstised here are cottontails. I called a gentlemen last night who advertised rabbits in the afore mentioned SC Bulletin. When asked what kind of rabbits he was selling, the reply was, "I dunno - I just got them at the tractor place".

We will have to build a cage this weekend, but that should be no big deal. I will report on our progress.

Oh yes - we hope to go fishing this afternoon - after all, it is Friday!

From Bethany, the small holding in Bethune...

Oremus pro invicem!

Is it ours?

I came across this post (hat tip to Jeff at Hallowed Ground for directing me to this blog).

Totally homegrown feasts are special. I have noted of late that at almost every meal one or more of the kids will ask where something came from. If we are eating chicken: "Is this one of ours?"; If we have zuccinni, tomatoes, potatoes, beans, or any vegetable that we grow, the questions is always asked, "Is it from our garden (or if corn, from the neighbor). The kids do see something special (because their own hands contributed) when we are eating from the bounty God has provided at Bethany.

Oremus pro invicem!

Last night we were returning from a rare trip into the city, (attending the senior piano recital of a dear friend of the family), and we were treated to a truly spectacular lightening show. Unfortunately when we arrived at Bethany, the show soon followed and was very violent (and terrifying for some) for almost half the night. Behold in the morning my modem and network card had been zapped. I do have one of the expensive surge suppressors/battery back-ups, and the computer and modem were plugged into it - however I didn't think that the phone line could and should be plugged into also.

Just another one of those things to keep my life interesting, my bank account small, and me running around like crazy. When were we going to find time to go fishing anyway?

From Bethany, the small holding in Bethune...

Oremus pro invicem!

Sunday Night

Amy Welborn notes how Pope Benedict XVI urges almost everyone to take a vacation:

"In the world in which we live, it is almost a necessity to be able to regain one's strength of body and spirit, especially for those who live in the city, where the conditions of life, often feverish, leave little room for silence, reflection and relaxed contact with nature. " (my emphasis)

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As I may have mentioned before, when we lived in the city, every Thursday night for two years Mrs. Curley and I would go listen and dance to the big-band music of the Helms-Boyd Orchestra (Don Boyd played trombone with Harry James in the early forties, and later with Les Brown) at the Adam's Mark Hotel. While we are no 'Fred and Ginger', we really enjoyed these nights out together. Mrs. Curley happened to mention to the children the other night how much she had enjoyed these times.

Well, after a week of secret practice, (which is hard to do with trumpets, clarinets, and baritones) the kids set up their band on the patio last night and invited Mrs. Curley and I to listen and dance. [Oldest daughter and son have played in a homeschool band - clarinet and trumpet respectively - a few years ago. The others have no formal training.] All the children had a part to play as we danced to "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy", "Pennies from Heaven", and about eight other big band swing tunes. My 10 year-old son was keeping beat with the baritone and even managed to play a solo on "When the Saints go Marching In". Our 8 year old son played '2nd clarinet'. Our 6 year-old daughter played some percussion devices and sang. Our two youngest, 5 and 3 played a xlophone and some 'clapping hands' when not running around.

The 5 year-old was heard to ask the 3 year-old if she wanted to dance. She replied "If you can catch me!" and took off running.

It was a wonderful evening amd a loving gift from our children.

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We hadn't eaten one of our own chickens in a while. So Saturday we slaughtered one of our remaining full-grown roosters and had him (with delicious corn from our neighbor) for supper last night. In the past we have cooked the chickens in beer or wine in the crock pot. This one we marinated in beer overnight, and cooked on one of those "beer butt chicken" contraptions - it is a rack which holds a beer can, you put the chicken over the beer can (1/2 full of beer), seal the 'neck area' and put the rack in the oven. You can add other things to the beer and season as desired. Even though I think 'we' overcooked it, the chicken was still tender and had a good flavor.

A point of note, it was nice to pluck the chicken in the warm weather. We were able to pluck him completely without resorting to a hot water submersion.

From Bethany, the small holding in Bethune...

Oremus pro invicem!

A little St. Francis...

I must admit that I never paid much attention to St. Francis of Assisi as an adult (of course as a Catholic youth I read simple popularizations of his life). I understood he was one of the great saints of the Church, but perhaps (and not to my credit) because St. Francis has been in recent years adopted by the New Age Pantheists, I never took the time to examine his life. Now with oldest daughter entering the Franciscans in August, I decided to pursue some knowledge of this long-neglected area in my formation.

Of course, being the man I am, I selected Chesterton's "St. Francis of Assisi". This is no conventional biography as an fan of Chesterton can imagine. In some sense Chesterton writes exactly according to my needs. He anticipates the mistaken interpretations of St. Francis' love of nature so common today and presents St. Francis in the light of the Gospel.

With that introduction, I read this passage this morning:

"Through all his plunging and restless days (specifically regarding his attempt to convert Saladin, but in general all his activities - JC) ran the refrain: I have not suffered enough; I am not yet worthy of even the shadow of the crown of thorns. He wandered about the valleys of the world looking for the hill which has the outline of a skull."

As I read these lines I realized exactly how far I am from St. Francis; that how often I would say of myself by comparison : 'I have already suffered much; I am worthy - as I am not like those other poor slobs, sinners. I wander through the world looking to obtain more comfort........'

I think Jeff at Hallowed Ground mentioned some time ago (yes, I am too lazy to find the link) that he had the discussion with one or more of his children about the strange question: how come as someone becomes holier-closer to God- they understand their own unworthiness, sinfulness more and more.

I don't know if I have mentioned this before on this blog, but I have written somewhere on how St. Catherine of Genoa in her treatise on Purgatory that when we die and are free of our materiealistic/earthly attachments, we then can see ourselves as we truly are - as God sees us. Thus we throw ourselves in to Purgatory (that is if we aren't going to Hell) in horror at our sins and in a pure desire to cleanse ourselves before meeting God.

The saints - and in this case St. Francis - have co-operated with God's grace such that they have freed themselves here on earth from these earthly attachments - and see themselves as God does. Thus they joyfully seek and embrace opportunities here on earth to purge themselves of all those sins that most of us are oblivious to - so wrapped up are we in seeking comfort.

From Bethany, the small holding in Bethune...

Oremus pro invicem!

I have had much to say - but little time to say it recently. But let me try to catch up a little.

I had gotten into the habit of walking/running our (first) dog, Challenger, of the chicken slaughter fame, between the cornfields and pine forests behind our property last fall/winter. But somehow, the habit had died. Both he and I got somwhat out of shape. In the past week I have started taking Challenger in the cool mornings - (this possible now that Mass is usually not in the morning for us while Fr. John is away). If I am not out there by 7:30 he calls for me.

Our little chickens which arrives a few weeks ago are not so little any more. They have a little house, but the time is quickly approaching when I need to get the new hen house built. We don't yet know the breakdown (male/female), but should know in a few weeks more.

We are still getting zuccini, and we have started to get cucumbers. We should start eating tomatoes soon (I think we have had one so far.) The cantaloupe plants look healthy, but not a fruit to be found. We had one or two green peppers - then no more, (which is no great loss in my mind, but I am in the minority here on that count). The green beans are about done. We have had few small carrots, but the bulk will be ready fairly soon. We also have lots of sunflowers scattered about. The herbs, especially the mint and basil have come along nicely. Mrs. Curley is looking to start planting the fall crop - which will be more carrotts, radishes, brocolli, and I'm sure a few other things. Mrs. Curley is regretting not having a bigger garden this year, but I am sure she will make up for it next year.

We have started a 'new' practice, which needs some fine-tuning, but which is also coming along. Each month we are picking one feast to have associated readings, skits, songs, etc. prepared. In June we had picked the feast of St. Thomas More and John Fisher. The boys sang an English pub song. My oldest daughter and I did a 'skit' where we acting the writing of a couple of the letters between Margaret Roper and her father Thomas More while he was in the Tower awaiting martyrdom. One daughter read a section of the life of Thomas More. Mrs. Curley and I acted out the meeting between Thomas More and his wife in the Tower. Overall it was a great success. Last evening we did the same for the feast of Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha. It wasn't quite so successful as we didn't spend as much time preparing.

Finally, the Requiem Press experiment is still on its feet - but if you get the chance, don't be afraid to buy some good Catholic books here to stabilize the tottering structure.

From Bethany, the small holding in Bethune...

Oremus pro invicem!

Since our paster at St. Catherine's is on vacation in his homeland of Ireland, we have had some trouble finding or getting to daily Mass. St. Catherine's has daily Mass M-F at 9:00AM. It is one of the few rural churches that has Mass every weekday - and at the same time everyday. I understand that some parishes shift the Mass time so that more people can get to Mass at least once during the week, however we have found that in general, the same people show up no matter what the time. So for us, having Mass at the same time everyday is convenient to keeping a schedule and making sure we get to Mass.

However, with Fr. John away, we have had an adventure or two in trying to get to Mass. Take last night for instance. Mass at St. Peter's in Cheraw was at 5:30 PM. Cheraw is about 35 miles from Bethany. We all piled into the car at 4:45 - I had to put some air in the tires on the way. The first gas station we passed had a truck parked in front of the air compressor, so I just drove on to the next station down the street. This air pump was available, so I put my 4 quarters in and tried to fill our flat. 2 problems: this hose did not have a pressure gage on it, so I didn't know how much to fill it (our gage was in the other car.). Secondly, the air hose had an abnormally large head, and I couldn't quite get it to engage our stem properly. The result: we lost more air than we put in-at least by appearances. And we lost the dollar.

At this point, I went back to the first gas station. I had to go in and make change for the air pump. When I came out, this other fellow was filling his trailor tires. He finished before the air time expired, so he gave me the hose, ('saving' me a dollar). This time I was able to finish filling the tire.

By this time getting to Mass on time was a lost cause. However, we realized we would still be in time to receive the Holy Eucharist, so maybe we should make a go at it. Before we could get on the main road however, we were caught at a railroad crossing - destroying all hopes of getting to Cheraw in time.

This was my fault. We should have left earlier, but I pushed things so closely so I could get more work done - eventually cutting everything too close. This shows the value of a regular schedule. Today, we will try to make the noon Mass in Cheraw. We will leave in plenty of time.

UPDATE: We didn't leave in plenty of time today, and then we got behind a truck doing 1/2 the speed limit (with no passing allowed) for a good part of the way. We arrived just in time to receive Holy Communion. Tomorrow we try again.....

From Bethany, the small holding in Bethune...

Oremus pro invicem!

I have been in Manassas, VA for the Catholic Family Expo the latter part of last week. I stayed at my sister's in McLean and was blogging from there. We arrived home late yesterday. It was a wonderful homecoming - especially as our neighbor had dropped off a load of his just-harvested sweet corn. Oh my - what a taste! We are wondering if we could ever buy vegetables at a grocery store again.

The Catholic Family Expo is the NACHE annual homeschooling conference. We went up to publicize Requiem Press and to sell a few books. I did meet someone there who actually reads this blog - and enjoyed conversations with her and others.

I also spent some time speaking with ARX publishing - who were also representing/distributing Catholic Men's Quarterly.

Speaking of Catholic Men's Quarterly, you might want to check out their Spring/Summer issue. It has some reflections on Benedict XVI, John Paul II, and interestingly enough and article by your friendly Bethune Catholic blogger concerning the Maccabees, Catholic warriors, and Catholic martyrs.

Our pastor, Fr. John O'Holohan SJ is on vacation in Ireland for the month. Unfortunately this means daily Mass must be found elsewhere. We will probably be heading up to St. Peter's in Cheraw as often as possible.

Finally, I hope to post a couple pictures from the "fare-thee-well" party (see this post) we held for my oldest daughter a couple weeks ago. While she is sticking around til the end of the summer - we wanted to do this before the real heat set. We made it by a couple days.

From "Bethany", the small holding in Bethune ...

Oremus pro invicem!

"He had told him so often that the heart is as divine a gift as the mind, and that to neglect it in the search for God is to seek ruin..." - Lord of the World by Msgr. Robert H. Benson

For years I too thought the intellect was the only way to find God. But our intellect cannot unravel the Trinity - thus our heart must play its part also.... It is not handy at the moment to quote, but the 14th century anonymous and mystical work, The Cloud of Unknowing has a few passages to this effect also.

From Bethany, the small holding in Bethune...

Oremus pro invicem!

I have eleven brothers and sisters. We are now spread all over the United States. My youngest sister (Agnes Penny, author of "Your Labor of Love" - TAN books) edits and sends out a monthly newsletter to keep us informed of family goings on. We each send in articles, news, opinions, etc. I think everyone in the family looks foward to receiving this every month.

The April issue of the "Curleytown Report", (as it is called), contained the following letter to the family from my oldest daughter:

Dear Curleytown,

May our Lady's month bring you ever closer to the Immaculate heart! I hope that you are all in good health and wonderful spirits. Spring in the Shenandoah valley is blooming in full colors and I am drawing to the end of my school year.

This is my both my second and last year at Christendom College. I believe that God is calling me to enter into the religious life. When fall comes, I plan to leave for the convent of the Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate, located in Fairhaven, MA. This order is actually a missionary order, whose motherhouse is in Rome. God willing, I shall spend my postulency and novitiate in Rome, and then the Holy Spirit will ship me off to one of the many missionary houses. The Sisters have spread to Brazil, Australia, Africa, and many places in between. They have a website if you care to visit it: www.marymediatrix.com. The website will give you a more complete idea of their charism and spirituality.

Though I have been trying to shake the idea of becoming a nun since I was six, I finally decided to give God my full attention and be open to His will. One of the priests here told me that, "Whatever God plans for you will be infinitely better than anything you could finagle." With that encouragement, I began to increase my time in prayer, attend Adoration, look into various religious orders, and meet with the chaplain. As soon as my heart was open, God drenched me with grace and I wanted nothing else but Him. I realized what He has done and is doing for me and I yearned to give what I have back to Him.

Am I certain that God is calling me? I'm more certain than not- and if I am mistaken, and God wills me to serve in another way, I will redirect my path. God bless you all!

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Please pray for my daughter's continued discernment and vocation. (You may have noted that I added the Franciscans Sisters of the Immaculate to my links some months back - now you know why.)

From Bethany, the small holding in Bethune...

Oremus pro invicem!

It has been several days since I've had time to post anything. I will try to check in a few times over the next few days - but no promises.....

I have been meaning to comment on the recent Supreme Court vacancy. Others, here, and here, and here and here and here have done so. The Republicans have a very mixed record (as we know - the same party who gave us Thomas and Scalia also gave us Souter, O'Connor, and Kennedy) on appointing Supreme Court Justices - yet this is the very issue that our Catholic friends who are active Republicans used to convince us to vote for Bush as opposed to a 3rd party candidate. I will pray with hope that Mr. Bush nominates someone who understands that our Constitution protects all our citizens and not just those who can hire lawyers for themselves - but I have no expectations either way. Mr. Bush's record is mixed on pro-life issues. I don't know if his pro-life instincts are truly out of conviction or out of political expedience. The Republicans have had an indefensible position on abortion for years (abortion is murder unless the father of the unborn is a criminal, then it is perfectly okay) - which makes me doubt either the philisophical intelligence or the sincerity of the adherents to the "pro-life" plank.

I would like to expound more, but must go for now.

From Bethany, the small holding in Bethune...

Oremus pro invicem!

Homespun Entertainment

When we lived in the city Mrs. Curley and I used go dancing to Big Band music once a week. Oldest daughter could go out and get an ice cream up the street with friends. While we didn't go to movies very often, they were readily available, as was Frankie's Fun Park, the bowling alley, etc. etc. And while we didn't have a satellite dish or cable TV, we still could get some 5-6 stations in - although even these we didn't watch much. We had a minor (single A) league baseball team (very affordable even for a family) in town also.

Now in the country, I have to fiddle with the TV for a long time just to get one station to give recognizable images. We have no dancing, bowling, baseball, ice cream shops, etc. So we are learning more and more to entertain ourselves.

Occasionally Mrs. Curley and I do roll back the rug and put a record on the turntable and do some dancing. At times I will select a long book and read it out loud to the family for 1/2 hour every night.

However, the most fun is when we do some impromtu skits or songs for each other. This homespun entertainment involves everyone, creates laughs, teamwork, and joy. One time we split up into three teams and had about an hour for each team to come up with a skit, which we then performed for each other. Today we just took turns singing songs alone, in groups, or all together. We did some of this when we lived in Columbia, but now we do much more of it - to the benefit of all of us. I think in many ways we owe much thanks to our oldest daughter and our dear friends the Nyikos family for showing us how much fun and uplifting this can be. Especially the music brings joy.

From Bethany, the small holding in Bethune...

Oremus pro invicem!

A couple photos of the van ...

Here's some photos of the van - mostly for the interest of the my family.

This shows part the rear impact - the second time hitting the truck.

The initial impact was the cab of the logging truck into the driver side front quarter. This sent the van into a spin. The van spun such that the rear of the van impacted the still moving logging truck - probably in log-carrying section. This impact propelled the van (airborne) into a telephone pole - which is the damage you see here.

Here is one of our new Rhode Island Reds on arrival day almost two weeks ago. You have to teach them to drink by dipping their beaks into the water.

From Bethany, the small holding in Bethune...

Oremus pro invicem!

Well it has been a very light blogging week. I have been trying to spend a little time this morning catching up.

Jeff at Hallowed Ground discusses questions about the compatibility of technolgy and city life with distributism and Catholicism. This is an important discussion. Hopefully when my head clears of all this week's confusion, I will have something intelligent to say.

My thanks to Destination Order for giving a plug to Requiem Press' latest release "The Chapel Veil - symbol of the spouse of Christ".

Much work to be done on this Saturday. Everyone is slowing getting better from Monday's ordeal. Maybe I will have a picture to post next week of the wreck. An eyewitness told us yesterday that the van (a 12-passenger Ford E-150 [or 350?]) was airborne as it went into the telephone pole. We have much to be thankful for this week!

Goings on...

Well everyone is recovering nicely from Monday's accident. Of course God always proposes good things to come out of every event, even those like this accident. In this case our friends are staying at least a few days past the plan - and so we are enjoying the company - even under these circumstances. (I know our daughter has wanted us to get to know her college roommate's family for some time - and here we are.) I want to thank everyone who has been praying for us.

Over at Fructus Ventris Alicia is discussing what Ephesians 5 means to her - here. Coincidentally, I have written an article about Ephesians 5 which I have been trying to get published (preferably by someone who will pay for it). If my latest effort is unsuccessful, I will publish it here on Bethune Catholic. Then you folks can tell me if it is the content or the style which failed in getting it published elsewhere.

Speaking of which, the Summer issue of Heart & Mind (a Catholic homeschooling magazine) sports an article of mine - on the cover no less. I won't post it here for quite a while, if ever - so if you are just dying to read it or more importantly want to have a great resource for your home education efforts - suscribe. It's only $20 a year.

After two weeks of no precipitation, we had a much needed rain most of yesterday (of course this did have to be the day after the kids had been cooped up in an emergency room for 6 hours). I am sure the local farmers are much more relieved this morning - especially as it looks like we may get some more rain today.

More to come...

From Bethany, the small holding in Bethune ...

Oremus pro invicem!

Praise be to God!

Today Mrs. Curley was in an pretty terrifying car accident with her friend and a couple of the kids. Fortunately it looks like everyone is going to be all right - just headaches, bruises, and sore muscles. It is unclear exactly what happened, but the van they were driving was hit at a fairly high speed by one of those logging trucks, fully loaded. They also hit a telephone pole and probably bounced into the truck at least one more time. After viewing the scene and the van they were in, it is a miracle that anyone walked away. As one friend put it, their guardian angels worked overtime today. We spent some six hours in the emergency room. As my oldest daughter and her college roommate were in Columbia for the day, I had to take my six and the two visiting boys with me - at least until daughter and roommate arrived. I am proud to say for myself and for our friends that these kids were well-behaved and just tremendous waiting there while I shuffled back and forth between bedsides and phonecalls.

The Curley family is very blessed tonight to be intact and at home with our friends - who are also safe and well.

With great thankfulness from Bethany, the small holding in Bethune...

Oremus pro invicem!

Somthing is wrong...scroll down

Further Update: Thanks to Fr. Dowd at Waiting in Joyful Hope you can see that the problem is fixed. As you can see in the comments below - you must add

div { clear: none !important; }

to the css portion of your template. Thanks very much.

I will try to bring back the links - with some additions later this week.

Update: The only way I could make this better was to delete most of the links. I will restore them (I need to add some anyway) when I figure this out. But is something I can't afford to spend time on.

This morning, I came to BethuneCatholic and somethings wrong. There is this huge space between Wednesday's heading and the post. It almost looks like there is nothing there at all. I have no idea what happened or how to fix it. My first effort is to post this and see if just by putting a new post up, the problem will be fixed.

Here is the pantry I built for Mrs. Curley - in installments. Most was built in October, the doors were built and installed about two weeks ago. It is bigger than it looks here. It is 7 feet tall and something like 32-35 inches deep. The lighting is bad, but hopefully you can get the idea of it.

Feast of Saint Thomas More

As busy as things have been, I couldn't let this day pass without comment. Thomas More is a favorite of mine. Many biographies have been written on Thomas More. I have read several. Most of these follow his life (and his spirituality) through his writings - (of which I highly recommend 'The Sadness of Christ" - available from Scepter Press). I could write much more of Thomas More this morning, but must get on working.

So I will leave you this quote from one of his last letters to his daughter Margaret Roper during his imprisonment:

"Mine own good daughter, our Lord be thanked, I am in good health, and in good quiet of mind; and of worldly things I no more desire than I have. I beseech Him make you all merry in the hope of Heaven. And such things as I somewhat longed to talk of them with you all, concerning the world to come, our Lord put them into your minds, as I trust He doth, and better too, by His Holy Spirit; who bless you and preserve you all. Written with a coal by your tender loving father, who in his poor prayers forgetteth none of you all, nor your babes, nor your nurses, nor your good husbands, nor your good husbands' shrewd wives, nor your father's shrewd wife neither, nor our friends. And thus fare ye heartily well, for lack of paper."

From Bethany, the small holding in Bethune...

(I will get to the comments left below - eventually.)

Saint Thomas More, Saint John Fisher - ora pro nobis!

Oremuse pro invicem!

Quick Notes...

Update: "The Chapel Veil-symbol of the spouse of Christ" is now available at our website.

Jeff at Hallowed Ground relates his experiences at a father-son camp put on by the FSSP; as well as allowing his guest columnist teach us about irrigation for the urban homesteader.

William Luse tells us why he is going to (semi?)retire from blogging here .

I am sure there is plenty more going on around the blogs, but I just haven't had much time these weeks.

An eventful weekend here at Bethany. We were getting ready for the arrival of our new chicks, Rhode Island Reds - from which we hope to perpetuate our own flock. (Our original flock were of all different breeds, so while we are keeping the hens as layers, we will eventually have eaten all the roosters.) Since the holes in normal chicken wire are just big enough for a day-old chick to get through, we put up some extra screening around the base of the run. (These are segregated from the original flock.) They have a small house for now, but we will have to build a new hen house for the 2nd flock within the next month or so.

While all this is going on, my oldest son is building a rustic fence across the front our property. He is simply using pine limbs as posts and rails - nailing them together. (I don't know how long the fence will last... but it does look good, and it sturdy for now.) In the course of the morning the handsaw slipped while cutting a rail and soon son and I were off to the emergency room. I was tempted to stitch it myself - maybe next time I will after observing the doctor's technique. Of course the rest of Saturday was shot. We spent 4.5 hours at the hospital - and another hour getting there and back.

This morning we picked up the chicks, and they are driving the dogs crazy, and getting alot of interest from the neighboring flock.

The rest of the week we are preparing for a 'send-off' party for my oldest daughter who will be going away for some time come August - (I may blog more on this later). (The send-off is early, but we are hoping that the weather is a little cooler in June than July or August, plus we get it out of the way and don't have to worry about it all summer.) So cleaning and painting and dusting are the order of the days until our first out-of-town visitors show up on Thursday.

Plus of course, Requiem Press does not stop. We have new release which should on the website later today or tomorrow. I have mentioned it before. It is a little booklet contianing two short essays concerning why two young ladies in college wear the chapel veil in the presence of our Lord. The support of this project will not only help yours truly and family, but will also assist (through royalties) three Catholic college students make their way as the essays and the cover were the work of Christendom College students.

From Bethany, the small holding in Bethune...

Oremus pro invicem!

Update: We drove down to Surfside Beach (just south of Myrtle Beach) today (Friday). Waves were good for body-surfing, and it actually wasn't too hot down there. The kids (and Mrs. Curley and I) should sleep well tonight. Have been eating a constant diet of zuccini (from our garden) and summer squash (from the neighbor's garden). I never thought there would be such a difference in taste with homegrown vegetables. I have never liked either of these squashes - but now I feel I could (almost) eat them all summer.

Well summer finally has come to South Carolina! High 90's and humid all week. We are building fences and forts this week, but always with a canteen at our sides.

My office with a window unit has been the coolest place in the house this week - this is until today when it stopped giving that cool air. I hope I don't have to replace it.

From Bethany, our small holding in Bethune...

Oremus pro invicem!

Another Round-Up

I noticed on the last installment on Catholic blogging at IgnatiusInsight (the question: What the problems with blogs?) that Jeff at Hallowed Ground says this:

"Blogging and blog reading can become an incredible waste of time. I think it is for most people, myself included. "

When you get really busy, you find out where you are 'wasting time'. This past week or so I have found that blogging and especially reading blogs has 'suffered'. Hopefully things are getting back to normal for a few days and I will be able to catch up a bit. (Speaking of Jeff - I note on his blog that he is out there doing something I wish I was doing this week - camping and fishing. We never did get up to the mountains this past spring. We have done some fishing. Hopefully more this week.)

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Here (scroll down to 'Home Funerals') is something I have talked about with Mrs. Curley. I really would like to have people taking turns praying for my soul all night long before my burial. We are so quick to shove death aside as an unpleasant, albeit necessary experience. Yet death is something we need to spend time on - in contemplation, in celebration, and yes in mourning. The death of a loved one is an ongoing opportunity to come closer to God. Where did I read so recently that death is not so much an end, but a transition into the continuation of our life? We can't have our heart in Heaven if we never think of death.

I also won't mind being buried somewhere in the backyard. (Mrs. Curley thinks I should be buried next to our deceased dog!). Seriously, it is easier to keep up a grave and remember to pray for a soul if it is not 5 miles (or more) down the road. I will need those prayers, so I want to be 'in the face' of my family as a constant reminder.

From 'Bethany', our small holding in Bethune...

Oremus pro invicem!

Round-Up

Destination Order recalls some insights from Maria VonTrapp on country life - especially the differing practices and views of it from Europe and America.

Jeff at Hallowed Ground, continues (to our benefit) to have guest columnist Franklin Jennings expound upon urban homesteading, and Jeff himself reflects on country life and neighbors. Jeff also mentions weeding. Funny my daughter commented the other day that she can understand some biblical passages better after weeding in the garden for a few hours.

Alicia has took and tagged me for the book challenge - but you can see my responses already below. In retrospect, I would now certainly add Familiaris Consortio by John Paul II as one of the 5 books which mean alot to me. I have read it several times and have consulted it many more times for guidance in dealing with family issues/problems which cross the modern culture.

Finally - I did get the 'punched-tin' doors finished on Mrs. Curley's pantry/hutch on Saturday. My daughter helped with the design on the tin as I finished up the door frames and hinges etc. It looks good - if I do say so myself. I will post a picture once I get around to developing them - don't hold your breath.

From 'Bethany' - the small holding in Bethune...

Oremus pro invicem!

It has been several days of no posting. Been busy at work - thank God.

I have never seen so much green this late in the year in South Carolina. Usually by mid-June everything is brown. It rained everyday but one in the past two weeks. (It almost seems like Ireland.) As a result the garden is thriving. We had our first meal with homegrown beans this week. They were little, but tasy and enough for all of us. The zuccini is coming in, as are the tomatoes. The sunflowers are thriving (although some we haven't even gotten in the ground yet) as are the grape vines we inherited. Flowers are everywhere. It is beautiful.

Unfortunately, I have been stuck in the office. Occasionally I look out the window to see Mrs. Curley and the kids rejoicing over some new discovery. Tomorrow will be different. I have some work to prepare for new chickens and I must finish the doors to the hutch I built Mrs. Curley several months ago. It will be very good to do some physical labor.

From Bethany - the small holding in Bethune ...

Oremus pro invicem!

Just a quick note (of self-promotion) my latest on CatholicExchange.com is here.

From 'Bethany'... Oremus pro invicem!

Are you a church?...

Today is my oldest son's 12th birthday. All nine of us got up early to drive the 35 miles to St. Catherine's for Mass. About one mile after the last Gas station for some 15-20 miles, the car just died. We pulled over. I did the usual checks with nothing obvious jumping out at me. So we all got out and started hoofing it back to that last filling station.

When we arrived at the filling station, I waited for the stragglers to catch up - so we could all enter together. I told cashier our predicament and she handed me the phone book. As I looked through the book for the number of our usual garage, she asked, "Are you a church?"

She exclaimed surprise upon hearing my reply: "No, we're just a family...."

Still awaiting the diagnosis and the damage from our small holding in Bethune,

Oremus pro invicem!

The Two Towers Explained....

From the Preface to Two Towers:

"For too many years now, I have listened to questions from distraught, almost hopeless, lay people. Why does the Catholic Church in this country seem so wishy-washy? Why have so many young people stopped going to Mass? Why is there such a lack of reverence in church? What happened to priestly vocations? Why are parishes closing? Why is there so much scandal? How did this falling apart come about? What is the cause of this crisis? Who is responsible for it? This book will attempt to address the substantive issue behind the questions above, and to offer a practical solution."

Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Today is a special feast in our home and in of course in the Church. Several years ago we enthroned the Sacred Heart of Jesus in our home - as Lord and King. Each year in June we renew this enthronement and re-dedicate our efforts to live in God's presence.

This year is no exception. After Mass together as a family and breakfast with the parish and Fr. John (every 1st Friday those who attend Mass gather in parish afterwards for a simple breakfast), we will go home and enthrone the Sacred Heart of Jesus in our home.

Our ceremony goes something like this:

1. Recitation of Penitential Psalm 51

2. Recitation of Holy Ghost Prayer for help in Examine

3. Examination of Conscience

4. Act of Contrition

5. Asking forgiveness of each other in the family for wrongs we have done. (see here for the origin of this)

6. We sing and process with an image of the Sacred Heart throughout the house and grounds.

7. We place the image of the Sacred Heart in the place of honor reserved for it.

8. We recite the 'enthronement/consecration' prayer.

9. Some short prayers of intercession.

10. Parental blessing of each child.

11. Te Deum (in the form of "Holy God we Praise Thy Name")

12. Sometimes we finish with a meal or dessert.

I believe that family ceremonies such as these help create the Catholic culture in our homes and more importantly in our hearts. I know there are mixed feelings in the family about some parts of this ceremony[(5) above]. But all will remember that despite our numerous failings throughout the year - as a family (most of us have prepared for today by going to Confession this week) we re-dedicate ourselves to the struggle and formally recognize that our goal is to reach Heaven and to be a help (and not a hindrance) to each other in our journey.

For one of us, this may very well be the last time participating in this family ceremony. Thus it takes on a new urgency and meaning for all.

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus - have mercy on me a poor sinner.

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus - I place all my trust in Thee.

From the small holding in Bethune...

Oremus pro invicem!

Happy Birthday Brother!!!! He is in his early 30's now - he was much better looking (and had more hair, although you can't tell) in this picture. Since my brother believes that thousands actually read my blog everyday, he will be quite embarrassed to see this appear.

I let my subscription to Catholic World Report lag and almost missed the May 2005 issue - which was an expanded issue dedicated to John Paul II and Benedict XVI. We received our copy yesterday. I have had several discussions; some here, some at Hallowed Ground about Vatican II - most recently in connection with Mr. Meehan's new book "Two Towers" (Requiem Press). I was heartened to see Fr. Fessio's comments on Pope Benedict XVI's first homily as Pope regarding Vatican II - as they concur with my own beliefs and those expressed in "Two Towers". Fr. Fessio says:

"When the Pope says that he plans to "enact" Vatican II, that word in Latin is exsecutionem: to execute, to implement. Listen carefully! He's saying, "I'm committed to pursuing the implementation of the Council." What does that imply? That it has no yet been implemented! At least, it has not been implemented fully. And notice , too, that he plans to implement the Council "in faithful continuity with the millennia-old-tradition of the Church." He is giving an interpretation of Vatican II right there. He is saying this is not a break from tradition. This is not some opening of doors to new doctrines. No this is a traditional council that must be interpreted in light of the whole 2,000 years of tradition which preceded it. ....." (emphasis in original)

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Note regarding 'Two Towers' .... This will appear on our website later today, but we have some unexpected delays and thus TT won't be ready to ship for a few more days. Pray everything works out smoothly.

From the small holding in Bethune...

Oremus pro invicem!

The Book Challenge

Jeff at Hallowed Ground has tagged me for this book challenge thing. Jeff's introduction to his answers (here) express my thoughts exactly - I wish I had written it. So here goes:

1. Total number of books I've owned: At the present we estimate about 2500 volumes. We (reluctantly) parted with several hundred (possibly 1,000 or so) when we moved to Bethune due to severe space limitations. I just acquired some 50 more books (college texts and readings) from my oldest daughter who won't need them anymore where she is going soon ...

2. Last book I bought: The last two books I bought were same, "The Privilege of Being a Woman", by Dr. Alice VonHildebrand - one for my daughter and one for Mrs. Curley, yet at different times. The last book I bought for myself was, "The English Martyrs - Papers from the Summer School of Catholic Studies held at Cambridge, 1928", edited by Dom Bede Camm. It was of course, 2nd hand.

3. The Last book I read: I tend to read several books at a time - although I try to limit it to 3. Right now I am reading: "Favorite Father Brown Stories", by Chesterton; "Confessions" by St. Augustine (again); and "The Idea of a University" by John Henry Newman. The last book I finished reading was "The Reform of the Renewal" by Fr. Benedict Groeshal.

4. 5 Books that mean a lot to me: The 2 books I read most often, the (D-R) Bible and the Liturgy of the Hours would fall here, but I will leave them aside. There are some books you read, have a great impact, - and you read them over and over again. Other books have a great impact, you never read them again, but refer to them from time to time. Other books have a great impact, but you never touch them again. So here we go:

a. "Great Expectations" - Dickens: I read this book first when I was about 12 and absolutely hated it. I only finished it because it is my policy to finish any book I start (if I get past the first chapter). Some weeks later, for no apparent reason I could figure, I was inspired to read it again. I absolutely loved it and have read it since some 5-6 more times. It seemed that every time I read it I learned something new. I probably haven't read it now in some 15 years. The most important lesson I learned from "Great Expectations" is to be grateful.

b. "Witness to Hope" by George Weigel. My understanding of John Paul II, his role in Vatican II, his style of leadership, his reasons for many things became much clearer by reading this book. This book (along with the soon to be released "Two Towers") has helped me understand the role of 2nd Vatican Council in the present and future of the Church.

c. History of Christendom Series by Warren Carroll (founder of Christendom Collge) - I find almost no reading more enjoyable than to read history as told by Warren Carroll. It inspires the spirit and helps one to greater understanding of the present times. While I have 'singled-out' this series, all of his books on history are fantastic.

d. "The King's Good Servant But God's First - The Life and Writings of St. Thomas More" by James Monti. I am not sure this is the best life of St. Thomas More, but it started me off, both to more More biography's (Roper's, EE Reynolds', Wegemer's, Belloc's sketch) and to his writings - most especially "The Sadness of Christ" and "A Dialogue of Comfort Against Tribulations". All mentioned are highly recommended.

e. "The Jeweler's Shop" by Karol Wojtyla and "Marriage - a Path to Sanctity" by Javier Abad and Eugenio Fenoy (Scepter) are the two best books on the vocation of marriage which I have read. The first, of course, is a play needing no introduction which was written as meditation on marriage. The second is a (probably) little known volume, but Mrs. Curley and I have gotten much spiritual gain from it. It is a practical and spiritual guide (except for one chapter dealling with how to treat your servants!!) which we usually give to engaged family members. Both are sources which help the married see that their call to married life is a vocation and is their God-given path to sanctity.

I am sorely tempted to continue with other 'book(s) that means alot to me. Note that I didn't number these, but used letters, with the thought that if I added an extra one, no one would really notice. But I will restrain myself.

5. Tag 5 people: As I have looked around St. Blogs, I am starting to see, as Tracy Fennell says over at Nosce Te Ipsum "Seems like everyone has done it ..." If I find a few over the course of the day I will update this and tag them.

Here's the cover of "Two Towers" discussed in the post of Tuesday.

Now that I know for sure how to do this - I will try to post some other gems - like the chicken picture below - occasionally.

Can you believe this?

Plucking a chicken - It really did have a little more meat on it than it appears here!

Actually I was just trying to learn how to post pictures again and this one showed up. Can you imagine trying to feed a family with 7 children off of this bird??????

From the very, very, small holding in Bethune...

Oremus pro invicem!

Haven't posted anything new since Tuesday (except in response to the good discussion generated by the post below). Probably won't post much more til Monday or maybe even later. We are in the throes of getting Two Towers released and publicized - but we do have other books in the works. In fact, my catalogs have promised that a new booklet title, "The Chapel Veil - symbol of the spouse of Christ" would have May 2005 release. It is still possible we can make it. There has been considerable pre-publication interest in this title. It is outside of Requiem Press' stated mission - but when I read the manuscript it was too good to slip by. So while we are extremely excited and have high hopes for TWO TOWERS - we are also diligently working on getting this other title out next week. So while I will be checking - I may not have time to do much posting.

Finally, just a reminder that tomorrow is the last day to take advantage of the pre-release discount price on TWO TOWERS.

From the small holding in Bethune ...

Oremus pro invicem!

The Cover of 2-Towers

The release of Requiem Press' first original title, "TWO TOWERS - the de-Christianization of America and a Plan for Renewal", is rapidly approaching.

I have been asked several times about the cover. The "TWO TOWERS" of both the title and the cover illustration refer to the 'tower' of Faith and the 'tower' of Morals.

Mr. Meehan, (the author), desribes the construction of each of the towers - which the artist, (Sherri Trial of Carlisle, PA), translated into the cover illustration. (Unfortunately you will have to go to the Requiem Press website to see the cover as I haven't figured out how to load it up here.)

The tower on the right represents Faith - or the deposit of Faith. As John Meehan describes in the Preface:

"Scripturally grounded in our "Father in the Faith" — Abraham of the Old Testament — the tower of Faith is cemented firmly in an ancient heritage and a long-standing tradition. Moses, the Law, and the prophets are its girders. The apostles, the Gospels, and papal succession are its framework. Church councils, ex cathedra declarations, and the lives of saintly men and women are its exterior covering. The Eucharistic Sacrifice, seven sacraments, and Liturgy of the Hours are its interior activity. Comprised of sacred scripture, apostolic tradition, and a living magisterium, this tower is called by the Roman Catholic Church the 'Deposit of Faith.'"

As you can see from the cover illustration, the tower on the right depicts symbols of: the Eucharistic Sacrifice, Abraham, ex cathedra declarations, the sacraments, and others therein - representing the construction of the Tower of Faith.

Similarily with the tower of Morals - John Meehan describes:

"The architectural plan of the tower of morals is found in the order of Creation. Due to the Original Sin of Adam and Eve, the construction of this tower required "hands-on" experience and supernatural intervention. Thus, the erection of the tower of morals proceeded ever so slowly during a near 3,000-year course of Western history. Cost overruns, as it were, came from a long record of unjust laws imposed by a variety of oppressive political regimes and a lack of cultural consensus regarding right ethical behavior. To complete construction of this tower, a common codification of Church and secular law was necessary if the tower of morals was to settle into a recognizable hall of legal justice. The Judeo-Christian system of organizing and directing public and private life by way of Divine Law and the natural law is the foundation supporting the edifice. The administration of just laws is its framework. Human statutes are its exterior covering. Equal protection under law is its interior activity."

The tower depicted on the left (of the cover) shows: Eve (and therefore Original Sin); the last six commandments which are the foundation of our justice system and the human law represented by the 'balance'. The stormy background represents the slow and 'stormy' process described by Mr. Meehan to construct this 'tower' of morals.

Even if I weren't the publisher (and dependent on the sales to eat supper next month), I would highly recommend this book. Let's put it this way. Back in the Fall of 2004, it was not my intent to publish original works for some time (years) as they do take more effort (and capital) than reprints generally do. But upon receiving and reading this manuscript last Fall, I became finally convinced that Vatican II was inspired by the Holy Spirit - and that the documents of Vatican II must be implemented (note that I am claiming that for a large part they have not been implemented as yet.) for the New Springtime to come - this includes the role of the laity and the renewal of the Liturgy discussed in the Vatican II documents.

I know some of my readers may disagree with my beliefs on Vatican II and will disagree with the conclusions of Two Towers. However, it should be given fair hearing. Perhaps 'traditionalists' will either understand better what caused the upheaval in the Church in the last 40 years or at least understand better the viewpoint of those who don't think Vatican II was the problem (and even believe it may be the solution.)

I have been on both sides of the this anguish. Sometimes Mrs. Curley and I feel we can find no compatriots in the Church - because our friends on one side are traditionalists who close their minds to anything that doesn't support the 1962 Missal; and on the other side we have those who say they embrace Vatican II - but in reality embrace a smoke screen of what has been sold as Vatican II but in reality is abusive experimentation, Modernist theories, lack of reverence, sliding morals, etc. But to our consolation, we do stand with our Holy Father Benedict XVI, recalling his words during his first homily as Pope:

"I too, as I start in the service that is proper to the Successor of Peter, wish to affirm with force my decided will to pursue the commitment to enact Vatican Council II, in the wake of my predecessors and in faithful continuity with the millennia-old tradition of the Church. Precisely this year is the 40th anniversary of the conclusion of this conciliar assembly (December 8, 1965). With the passing of time, the conciliar documents have not lost their timeliness; their teachings have shown themselves to be especially pertinent to the new exigencies of the Church and the present globalized society. " (italics added).

From the small holding in Bethune...

Oremus pro invicem!

Yesterday I saw the future of the Church in America

Yesterday afternoon we had a covered dish (pot luck supper for non-Southerners) and May crowning of the Blessed Virgin with both the 'American' and the 'Hispanic' parishioners at our parish. Not too many of the 'Americans' showed up. The 'Hispanic' parishioners are mostly young families - with children. We don't see too many young families with children in our rural parishes.

We had a great time. We ate; played wiffle ball for an hour, (somehow my team was crushed). Then we processed around the church property saying the rosary (alternating between English and Spanish decades - Oh surely Latin begged to be used here. Unfortunately few know the Ave and Pater Noster in the Latin). During the last decade we entered the Church. We each presented a flower to our Lady and young girl named Maria crowned her. We sang a few hymns (some English/some Spanish - again Latin would have brought us together.)

My daughter was trying to teach us some rudimentary phrases in Spanish on the way there yesterday. She (who has taken 2 years in college) says she exhausted her vocabulary in about 20 minutes.

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We lost a hen this weekend. She laid our biggest eggs, but her production had been down a little the past few weeks, (4-5 eggs a week instead of one a day). Friday (I am told) she didn't walk around much and didn't seem to want to eat. Saturday she was in bad shape. We isolated her - but she died quickly. Because of the swiftness of the death we are really unsure of the cause - usually chicken sickness and death is a little slower - from my reading.

My oldest son dug a hole to bury her. We are concerned about coyotes digging up dead animals so I told him to make the hole deep enough. He dug a deep hole, then jumped in to see how deep it was. Well, it was so deep he had to yell for help to get out.

Against all my advice, the kids had named this hen. Since all chickens will eventually end up in the pot - unless killed by predators or disease, I have warned them not to name even the hens. But somehow this one got a name. Thus some wanted a funeral. I compromised and allowed them to sing "Happy Trails to you" as I dumped her (insensitively, I am told) into the hole.

The rest of the flock looks well, but we will keep a sharp eye on them for the time being.

From the small holding in Bethune ...

Oremus pro invicem!

Guns, swords, and boys...

I mentioned in a post past that the Curley's were going to do a 'craft show/flea market' this past weekend at the Camden, SC Revolutionary War Park. Twice a year they have this "Farmers Market" as a fundraiser. The Park gets the concessions and charges a fee for each table.

We made a couple dozen wooden pistols (selling for $4/each) and one wooden rifle out of a 2x4. We also had a table of yard-sale junk to sell. Finally I had a few of Requiem Press' books just in case a stray Catholic wandered by.

Expectations were much greater than reality. The junk sold very well. The toy guns? Not a single gun sold.

It was an interesting day. One couple came by with their grandson who was about 5. They would have bought him anything he wanted. Amazingly they tried to push a wooden pistol on him, but he showed no interest. But this was by far the exception. Most parents saw what we were selling and immediately steered their sons to the booth across from us where they were selling jewelry and scarves. (This is unexpected in South Carolina).

I am aware that many of people discourage guns and swords as toys. (Of course they outlaw violence in their house, but have no such concern for pre-marital sex.)

I certainly understand the New Covenant law - 'turn the other cheek' - but this does not demand pacificism. It is virtuous to defend others - especially the weaker in society. How is a boy to learn to defend the weak if he is not allowed to practice. (Of course if you notice that your son always wants to play the villian, perhaps you should take a closer look at the situation.) The professions of police officer and soldier are honorable.

It is telling that so many object to their boys practicing this protection of the weak. Perhaps that is why as a society we do not protect our weakest members - the unborn and those like Terri Schaivo?

From the small holding in Bethune ...

Oremus pro invicem!

Quick notes ...

Just got back from picking up my eldest daughter from Christendom College where she has just finished her sophmore year. I took Matthew (8) with me. We camped out Sunday night about 15 miles from the college at Shenendoah River State Park. Virginia State parks are expensive. It cost $18 for the campsite - and then they charged $3 to park your car! Plus you have to make reservations - you can't just show up. It sort of takes some of the spontaneous fun and adventure out of travelling. South Carolina state parks are much cheaper, you can just show up, and the scenary and quiet is just as spectacular.

We broke camp at 6:30 AM to make the 7:00AM Mass at St. John the Baptist Church in Front Royal. We didn't know if we'd make it, so we didn't have time to dress quite as properly as we usually do - we slipped on our shoes and suit coat over our camping wear in the parking lot and just made it in.

The 7:00 AM Mass (They also have 9:00 AM daily) was well attended. Excepting for Traditional Latin Masses, I was surprised to see a good 30-50% of the women at Mass wearing chapel veils. We have been to St. John's before. It is a new (less than 10 years old), yet beautiful church. I believe the stain glass windows, the high altar, and other parts of the church were gathered from churches being closed in other parts of the country.

Picked up daughter at college, who had said she only had a "few things" to bring home. Those "few things" almost caused my son to have to ride on the roof on the way home. But we managed to pack it all in and made it home in good time.

We are glad to have our Krystle back with us this summer.

From the small holding in Bethune...

Oremus pro invicem!

Saint John Paul the Great - the process has begune: Read from this from Fox News.

I found out I am sort "related" to another of st. blogs parishioners - not by blood, but by pastor. It turns out that Fr. John O'Holohan, our pastor at St. Catherine's in Lancaster, SC (author of 2 books carried by Requiem Press) used to be Mr. Riddle's pastor over at Flos Carmeli.

Really? - revisited

Don't have much time today - have a meeting tonight, preparations this afternoon, and still have some wooden toy guns to finish sanding for the craft fair on Saturday, (see this post)

Received a comment on my comments here on last month's Crisis cover story ("If Abortion Were Outlawed Tomorrow... Would We Be Ready - The Law of Unintended Consequences - A Cautionary Look at Overturning Roe v. Wade", is by Elizabeth Thecla Mauro.) The anonymous commentor said:

"I read that article. I did not get that conclusion from it. It seemed to me she was exploring possible ramifications that could come from overturning Roe v Wade without first following through on President Bush's idea that hearts and minds must be changed."

I recall the President's 'hearts and minds' comments - but I took them to mean 'that when more hearts and minds were changed (through education for example) then the country would have the will to outlaw abortion - and that will does not presently exist.'

The Crisis article author however views the 'hearts and minds' comment as if the President believes we could outlaw abortion now, but the consequences of that move would be very disruptive to society (and in the author's view, particularly to Catholics) and thus it should be put off until more hearts and minds are changed. (Note the author doesn't believe the abolition of abortion should be post-poned - she is saying Bush believes it and warning us of the consequences if it done immediately.)

The former case is very likely true. While popular opinion is swaying to the pro-life position, still the majority of the populace doesn't care.

The latter case is incredulous to me. I don't see how outlawing abortion is going to tramatize the country especially Catholics. And re-reading the article, the author certainly seems to believe it will. She says a major schism in the Catholic Church in America is a likely consequence of outlawing abortion immediately. Yet I don't see how - and the author doesn't make the case.

I quote from the article below:

"Furthermore, we must anticipate what might come from overturning a law before hearts have been made ready. For the consequences aren't merely societal. Indeed, such a move could actually lead to a full-blown schism within our own Church.

"Does that sound improbable? Think again. Most of us already know Catholics who refer to themselves as "American Catholics", careful to distinguish themselves from that intolerant/sexist/racist Church in Rome. There are entire parishes tha simmer and pop with palapable restlessness, relfexively embracing the tenants of deconstruction over orthodoxy and calling for the acceptance of abortion, divorce, and women's ordination the way some saints have called upon the Holy Trinity. Anngered by the overturning of Roe (and Romes vigorous support of it), those parishes coul conceivably try to effect a formal separation."

Okay, why would these parishes break into schism and not just join together and secede from the union - because Rome's influence does not generally effect constitutional amendments in America. Thus, again, I don't see how all the anger is directed at Rome, if abortion is outlawed - not to this extent. I don't think the abortion lobby among Catholics in America is so strong.

Now it may be a different story if contraception were outlawed by a Catholic majority - either on the Supreme Courst or in Congress. Contraception is considered by many Christians (and unfortunately many Catholics) as the best thing since sliced bread. But even here, the anger would be taken out in the voting booth and demonstrations - not in schism from the Church who has no political power in the US - at least at the moment.

Just my thoughts - from the small holding in Bethune ...

Oremus pro invicem!

Vatican II, Persecution, Benedict XVI, and John Paul the Great

Has there ever been a widespread (worldwide) persecution of Christianity since the times of the Arian heresy? Oh yes, there have been regions of persecution: behind the iron curtain, Spain, parts of Europe during and after the Protestant Revolt, the French Revolution.... All of Christianity in Europe (which was practically the whole of Christendom) was threatened, but the threat turned back at the battle of Lepanto. So I don't think there has been a worldwide persecution since the early centuries of Christianity.

I am no doomsayer, but it seems to me that a worldwide persecution of Catholicism could be in the not too distant future (next 20-100 years or so). While John Paul the Great was alive, his personal popularity, success in defeating Communism, and charisma made frontal assaults on the Church impossible. Pope Benedict XVI is popular with me and many Catholics no doubt - but does his popularity (and will that of his successors) extend to the masses?

There is much tension in today's society between the forces of good and evil. For one example, while technology is helping to win hearts and minds to the pro-life cause (3-D ultrasounds), technology is also furthering the culture of death and Utilitarianism (worldwide) with euthanasia, embryonic research, etc - and very few are even remotely concerned about this. Contraception continues to be viewed by the great majority as an intrinsic good.

Speaking the Truth about human sexuality is becoming a hate crime in Canada, (and it is not too far-fetched to see the same in America). "Secularism" is the new religion - championed by France and spreading everywhere.

The last gasps of hedonism in the Roman Empire spawned a great persecution of the Church in the early days of Christianity - yet it is those tired bodies who have not found fulfillment in carnal and earthly pleasures that turned to the Church but only after seeing the joy of the Christian martyrs.

Will the present civilization, which has found no satisfaction with the sexual revolution of the 60's, but is continuing to push personal pleasure at all costs, also (as did Rome) try to appease their unsatisfied carnal desires with public orgies and bloodbaths?

Some may say that the good news (here in America at least) is that the polls during the last election cycle showed people want 'morality' and thus voted against John Kerry and against homosexual marriage proposals in 15 states. Yet I don't take too much heart in this, because I get the feeling that people want government to take care of morality - they figured with Bush in office they didn't have to worry about taking stands or action. Not the case folks. While I certainly prefer our current president over the major alternative - I don't kid myself - he does not share my priorities for the country - there is a lot of lip service and a little action, but it doesn't pervade his outlook, personnel, or policies. Further, despite setbacks for the homosexual agenda in 15 states on election day, since then the legislature in one state and the courts in a second state have legalized homosexual benefits/unions/marriages. So the march goes on with no huge public outcry.

I am not naturally a pessimist - after all, the blood of martyrs is the seedplot of the Church. Further, I am comforted that though I may be weak and devoid of personal courage, I will be too old or too dead to be bothered about by any upcoming persecution.

Another sign of the coming strife is the growth and enthusiasm of the "new springtime" among the laity. As places like Christendom College grow and have more influence; as our bishops, clergy, and laity become more outspoken and work in society for the Truth; as the Catholics unify behind our Holy Father and the Truth - the present civilization will have to take notice and take a stand. For many years now, the disunity within the Church has made Catholicism seem to be an idle threat to the present Utilitarianism and hedonism. (Those orthodox individuals who were outspoken, bishops or laity, could simply be labeled as 'cranks' and not the face of the "future Church"). Once the present civilization truly realizes that the teachings of Christ and carried on by Peter, through John Paul, and now Benedict are the past, present, and future of the Church- then they must convert or persecute.

Again, I don't hanker much to those preach doom and gloom, but these thoughts keep coming back to me. Tensions generally build to a crescendo, then .... History shows these types of cycles. And yet the action of a Catholic should be the same whether in peace or persecution: a daily regimen of prayer, psalm, mortification, work, and joy! - in other words a striving for holiness and union with God!

Finally - and this is what started my ruminations to begin with - what role does the 2nd Vatican Council play in preparing Catholics for the future. The emphasis on returning to study and practice of early Christianity found in the writings of Vatican Council II - was this in inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Who knows that we may soon go through a universal persecution much like that of the early Christians?

I realize that some may say I have it completely backwards - that VII was part of the internal persecution or just a silly mistake. Yet I would argue that one of the most influential council participants and authors, became our sovereign pontiff for 26 years. Whether you believe he was a good governor of the Church or not, most would not argue about his holiness and prayer life. Could such a holy man be such a tool for the devil? I think not. I think God allowed John Paul the Great to be Peter for 26 years as an endorsement of Vatican II. The election of Pope Benedict XVI seems to further ratify that endorsement.

Finally, with respect to Vatican II - I believe it has been in many instances grossly misrepresented and misapplied. However, the future is bright - especially with the continuity and forthrightness of our present Holy Father. Let us pray for Pope Benedict XVI!

From the small holding in Bethune ...

Oremus pro invicem!

Mrs. Curley is very happy today. The radishes are ready for pickin'. My sister, Teresa (now Sr. Marie Paul, DSP) used to grow radishes in our little garden. Only she and my Dad ever ate them. I don't know who is going to eat ours. I had suggested growing them for the rabbits - but we don't have any rabbits yet. So with dozens of radishes ready for the pickin', we either get us some rabbits right quick or we'll be eating them. Mrs. Curley says she has some recipes....

Two Towers

I do mention our business and give soft plugs often enough on this blog. But I generally don't use the blog as an ongoing advertisement. Occasionally I have been tempted to rotate bookcovers on the sidebar, etc, but that is not the purpose of Bethune Catholic.

However, I am going to make an exception over the next several weeks. I am going to blog at least a few times about a book we are releasing at the end of May. Its cover does not yet appear on our website, but will in a few days. (maybe today)

The book is entitled: "Two Towers - the de-Christianization of America and a Plan for Renewal". The subject matter is sometimes controversial, but smacks of the truth, and is close to my heart. Today I will not write about the book, but something about its author.

John Meehan is the retired (2000) President of Magdalen College - which he co-founded in the early 70's. Magdalen College is consistently mentioned with the handful of truly Catholic colleges in America today. Although I don't know the details, I am sure it was at great personal sacrifice and risk when he founded the college as he had a growing family.

I have connections to Magdalen College as my olderst sister gradutated in one of the first classes and a second sister graduated several years later. As a youth we would go to Parents' Day weekend festivities to see my sister. I really felt at home there. My Dad had discussions with Mr. Meehan. He liked and trusted him. Further there was an unabashed love for the true Catholic Faith at Magdalen, which you would hard-pressed to find in many places in those dark years.

I almost attended Magdalen College myself. It was in fact the only college I visited. I can still remember this visit so many years later. I was impressed and yearned for the Catholic culture being lived on campus. This culture is present in so few places today (Christendom College is another such place.). My decision to attend college elsewhere (The Citadel in SC) was born of my own ignorance and materialism. I could not at the time fathom going to college and majoring only in "liberal arts". I thought the purpose of college was to get a good (well-paying) job. I couldn't be convinced otherwise.

I don't regret the path I took, as God has blessed me in many ways - yet I am wistful in knowing how much I have had to struggle through Augustine, Aquinas, Plato, Aristotle etc. on my own these past years instead of having done it at 18 under the guidance of those Magdalen College tutors when my mind was more agile.

From the small holding in Bethune...

Oremus pro invicem!

Fishing ...

A couple weeks ago the boys and I got up early and went fishing in a nearby stream on our way to Mass. Thomas Becket, our youngest boy (5), caught his first fish - a 6 inch bream (sunfish for y'all from the Northeast). The rest of us came up empty. Thomas' fish is getting bigger and bigger as time goes on. First he wanted to have it for dinner for himself and his oldest sister when she returns from college next week. Then he wanted to feed the whole family with it. Now he is talking about feeding all our friends and family who are coming to a celebration we are planning for late June. His hopes are mighty high for that little fish.

Last evening I was home alone with Thomas Becket and our youngest, Bernadette (3) . We decided to give that stream another go. We fished for about an hour. I had gotten some serious nibbles repeatedly in one particular spot - but couldn't reel him in. Once I almost had him. Well, I am not much of fisherman in general. Usually when I do go, I spend so much time untangling the kids' lines or baiting hooks, etc. that I never get much fishing done anyway. But last night was different. For some reason, catching that fish became somewhat important to me. (Subconsciously I think it was symbolic to me of being a good provider - maybe becase we had a fish/rice/egg concoction for lunch?).

Anyhow, after about an hour it was about time to leave - the kids needed bed. That fish had eaten my worm - the rest of the bait was in the car, somewhere downstream. It was too far to leave the kids and too much of project to get all the way there and then return. So reluctantly, I decided wrap things up. I was helping Thomas reel in his line when Bernadette said, "Daddy, there's a worm!"

Sure enough, coming out of the ground was a nightcrawler. I scooped it up and instantly baited my hook. As I cast into that spot where that fish had tormented me all evening, I said to Bernadette, "See, God has provided us a worm and now He will provide for us a fish." (I wish my actual faith was a great as my words. My real attitude was more like, "But Lord we have fished all night and caught nothing ....") But sure enough, the fish bit and was hooked within a few seconds. We reeled him in and thanked God.

While this may seem a small thing - for the last few days this is how things have been going - God encouraging my weak faith.

From the small holding in Bethune ...

Oremus pro invicem!

Feast of the 40 Martyrs of England and Wales

This feast holds a special place in my heart - for it is several of these holy martyrs who originally led the Curley's down the road which we travel now. I have a large collection of writings on the 40 martyrs - mostly on the Carthusian martyrs. I have a book in French (which I can't read despite 4 years study of that language), and a book in Latin published in 1888 of an eyewitness account which was originally published in the 16th century (again which I couldn't read despite 3 years of Latin - but fortunately I finally secured a translation.) I have a copy of the official presentation of their cause for canonization presented to Rome from the Archdiocese of Westminster. (Of course it is unclear to me whether it is actually today or the 25th of October where we celebrate these martyrs. But certainly the proto-martyr of the English Revolt, Saint John Houghton would be remembered this day of martyrdom 470 years ago.)

These martyrs have fascinated me - mostly because the historical parallels between 16th century England and 20th (or 21st) century America are uncanny at times.

However, I would like to clear a point which comes up time and time again in the course of my business and which I have seen elsewhere. One of our titles, "Witnesses to the Holy Mass and other sermons" is about Thomas More, John Fisher and the 40 English Martyrs. (Thomas More and John Fisher were canonized in 1935 whereas the rest in 1970.) People buying this book often ask me if it is about defending the traditional Latin Mass vs the Novus Ordo. Of course this is not the case - Witnesses to the Holy Mass and other sermons" (originally titled "Tyburn and the English Martyrs") was based on sermons given 101 years ago this week to commerate their sacrifices.

More interestingly and worrisome is that I often come across this attitude: 'there is an irony in the fact that in the same year Pope Paul VI promolugated the new missal, these 40 Martyrs who had died for the traditional Latin Mass were canonized'.

- In fact some of the 40 Martyrs died for Papal Supremacy - not particularly for the Mass.

- The Carthusians have their own Liturgy and rite - which was not then (nor is now) the "traditional Latin Mass". So for some to claim they died for the right to have the Tridentine Mass is just plain wrong.

- Finally, I have read - but not yet confirmed - that until after the Council of Trent (which codified and made the Tridentine Mass the norm), the Tridentine Mass was not the rite most common in England. (I am not sure which rite was the common one, but I will have to research this some more.) So some of these martyrs who did particularly die for the Mass, may not have been dying for the Tridentine Mass in particular.

My point in all this is that some people like to claim saints for their own - in order to further their own agenda. But we must remember that these martyrs died for our Lord. They died for the Faith, not for a particular form of the Liturgy.

Carthusians:
John Houghton, May 4, 1535: proto-Martyr of the Protestant Revolt in England - ora pro nobis
Robert Lawrence -
Augustine Webster -
Brigittine:
Richard Reynolds -
Augustinian friar
John Stone -
Jesuits:
Alexander Briant -
Edmund Arrowsmith -
Edmund Campion -
David Lewis -
Henry Morse -
Henry Walpole -
Nicholas Owen -
Philip Evans -
Robert Southwell -
Thomas Garnet -
Benedictines:
Alban Roe -
Ambrose Barlow -
John Roberts -
Friar Obervant:
John Jones -
Franciscan
John Wall -
Secular Clergy:
Cuthbert Mayne -
Edmund Gennings -
Eustace White -
John Almond -
John Boste -
John Kemble -
John Lloyd -
John Pain -
John Plessington -
John Southworth -
Luke Kirby -
Polydore Plasden -
Ralph Sherwin -
Laymen:
John Rigby -
Philip Howard -
Richard Gwyn -
Swithun Wells -
Laywomen:
Anne Line, widow -
Margaret Clitherow -
Margaret Ward - ora pro nobis

From the small holding in Bethune...

Oremus pro invicem!

God Provides ....

One of the problems with having to do all e-mail checking and blogging at the local library is that you don't have the proper time to mull over and critique your posts before publishing. Finally last evening a computer technician came out to install the new network card which had been UPS'd last week. It was something I certainly could have myself, but if I had done the installation, the warranty would have been voided. As it turned out, I couldn't have done it myself because the part sent wasn't a network card. They had sent a internal modem. Fortunately for me the computer technician had a brand new network card in his bag of tricks and installed it. Now we are up and running again.

Since I don't get the newspaper much, we don't watch TV, and radio stations with actual news on them are few out here, I really have been cut off for the past week. I did make sure nothing cataclysmic had happened by scanning the headlines of the newspapers whenever I stopped for gas. But it will take me a few days to catch up with all of st. blogs and the news - especially as things are busy here.

I appreciate the concerns expressed below (Alicia and William Luse) and elsewhere (Hallowed Ground) on our well-being. My comment on "taking stock" maybe was not well thought out. It is true that after a year at a new enterprise you should sit down and see where you are going. And it is certainly true that Catholic publishing is not a "get rich quick" business. It takes a long time to get established. One Catholic publisher I had consulted before starting our endeavor told me that my enterprise was "an act of madness" - and he is probably correct. However, we are having fun! Certainly, all prayers are welcome. And certainly the next few months will be critical. I have promised to blog about the "important book" which we are releasing at the end of May. I will say quite a bit about it in the next few weeks - but later. The success of this book and two more which should appear before the end of summer will be crucial to Requiem Press remaining viable. I am not worried - God will provide one way or the other. So pray, yes - I will never refuse prayers; be concerned no. God has blessed us abundantly. The clouds I mentioned in the post below are real - in that hard work, sacrifice, prayer, faith, and patience will be needed over the next months - but these are all things to embrace as gifts.

I mentioned some time ago that we were reading the story of the Trapp Family Singers out loud every night. (We have missed a week or so and must get back on track). Once, early in their singing career in the States, the Von Trapps had four months between concert series and only $50 to their name. They had seen some craft fairs in the area and decided to join in with some Austrian crafts and gifts. They made enough $$ to survive the four months without further debt. In this same spirit, the Curley's have decided to try a little crafting of our own. I, with the help of the boys, am going to make some toy wooden pistols and rifles (don't tell Amy Welborn - see her comments on the subject of toy weapons and boys here) . Mrs. Curley is going to make some "Roy Rogers" bandanas. We have made these as presents for our own kids in the past. In a couple weeks there is a craft show at the Camden Revolutionary War Park some 20 miles from here. It should be interesting, fun, and hard work for the whole family - both in the making and in the selling. [If we have surplus at the end of the day, I will post some pictures and offer them to y'all at a discount. ]

Finally, before signing off, chicken production (eggs) is not quite back to normal, but about 80% there. We haven't eaten any chickens in a while. But I have feeling this will change this weekend. A couple friends will be coming over to our place for a May Crowning of our Blessed Mother. I think we will kill the "fatted chickens" for the occasion.

From the small holding in Bethune...

Oremus pro invicem!