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!

Musings and Anniversaries

(Still have not fixed my network card at the home-office. The good news is that because I live in such a rural area, the warranty company is not making me take the computer into a local repair shop, instead they are giving me onsite service. The bad news is that after 4 days they haven't found any repairmen willing to come all the way to Bethune, SC. Good news - I am getting to know the local librarians.)

13 months ago I was laid off from my job 0f 9+ years as a patent agent. Last week (without fanfare) Requiem Press became a one year-old enterprise. Next week we will have lived in our country 'small holding' of two acres for 9 months. We are taking stock.

We have just sent a very important book to the printer - (as I mentioned somewhere below). We are negotiating for a new book by a well-known writer. Our chickens are starting to lay eggs again. Our daughter is returning from her 2nd year at Christendom College in a few weeks for her last summer with us. God has blessed us: Our daily bread arrives on time; Daily Mass with a holy priest; beauty on the landscape; the blessings go on and on.

Yet not all is rosy. Clouds may be on the horizon.

I work harder than I ever have in my life - yet get paid less than I ever have in my (working) life. But we have never had such a good life. It is so good I am afraid I will blink and it will be gone. Excuse my ramblings - but we are taking stock...

From the small holding in Bethune....

Oremus pro invicem!

A few things ....

It has been almost a week since my last post ... and the trend may continue. My network card or my modem or both have bit the dust, so I am checking Requiem Press email at the library. In our small town, the library is only open a couple hours each day - and different hours every day.

After reading some of the news at Bettnet.com I wish Requiem Press had some of Cardinal Ratzinger's books for sale. It appears Ignatius Press has almost sold out all their stock.

We did send a very important book to the printer today. I plan to blog about it some in the coming weeks. The subject of the book is very close to my heart. The book is due for release in late May. More on this later...

Jeff over at Hallowed Ground ponders getting a milk cow - how this would tie them down - and how this would make their life more monastic. These are thoughts Mrs. Curley and I have pondered also.

However, we are having trouble with simple chickens. We suddenly went from 6-7 eggs a day to 1-3 eggs a day. We can't figure out what is the problem. They look healthy, but they don't seem to be eating much.

We are also afraid the cold weather may ruin our first real vegetable garden. Last night it was in the high 30's - low 40's. This is unheard of in late April in SC.

From the small holding in Bethune...

Oremus pro invicem!

Interesting thoughts on Benedict XVI here over at Caelum et Terra.

I do think that many will be surprised by the beliefs and leadership provided by Benedict XVI. I don't think he can be put in many of the boxes those on both the right and left are putting him.

Unbelievable! Pope Benedict!

A tip to Suburban Priest for finding this:

Here's a portion:

Pope Benedict XVI made his first public appearance on the streets of Rome on Wednesday afternoon, April 20, as he visited his old apartment near Vatican City to transfer some belongings to his new home in the apostolic palace.

The newly elected Pope, clothed completely in the distinctive white vestments of the papacy, caught onlookers by surprise when he chose to travel on foot, walking the few hundred yards to the apartment in the Citta Leonina where he had lived for years. When the news spread that the Pontiff was walking through the city, hundreds of people quickly gathered, and he spent some time in front of the apartment building, greeting the people and blessing young children. Italian police and Vatican security officials did their best to control the crowd, preserving some breathing room for the Pontiff.

Unbelievable!

Just read this over at Fructus Ventris/. Our pastor mentioned the Benny Hinn story yesterday at Mass. It looks like John Paul the Great is continuing to work on Christian unity from Heaven!

In the comment box to the post below, Nicole writes "In celebration of today's international event, several college students (including myself) roamed creation-- paricularly Front Royal, VA-- exuberently proclaiming the good news: "Viva el Papa!" May he reign many years. God keep and bless you and yours! Te Deum laudamus . . ."

I understand that the Front Royal, VA is historically a Protestant stronghold, but because it now sports a Catholic college, HLI, Seton Homeschool, etc. Front Royal does have a very strong Catholic community.

In contrast, we are probably the only Catholic family in Bethune, SC and the surrounding areas. The nearest Catholic Churches (of which there are several, but some of which are missions) are all 25-30 miles away. Yesterday, in watching the broadcasts of the announcement of Pope Benedict XVI, there was no larger community to share the joy with.

However, we were able to watch and pray together as a family in these moments - which is memorable in itself. We did feel solidarity with the crowd in St. Peter's square and with the whole Church.

From the small holding in Bethune ...

Oremus pro invicem!

Pope Benedict XVI!!!!!

Deo Gratias!


Te Deum laudamus:te Dominum confitemur.
Te æternum Patremomnis terra veneratur.
Tibi omnes Angeli, tibi coeliet universæ Potestates,
tibi Cherubim et Seraphimincessabili voce proclamant:
Sanctus, sanctus, sanctus,Dominus Deus Sabaoth.
Pleni sunt coeli et terramajestatis gloriæ tuæ.
Te gloriosus Apostolorum chorus,
te Prophetarum laudabilis numerus,
te Martyrum candidatus laudat exercitus.
Te per orbem terrarumsancta confitetur Ecclesia,
Patrem immensæ majestatis;
venerandum tuum verum et unicum Filium;
Sanctum quoque Paraclitum Spiritum.
Tu Rex gloriæ, Christe.
Tu Patris sempiternus es Filius.
Tu, ad liberandumsuscepturus hominem,non horruisti Virginis uterum.
Tu, devicto mortis aculeo,aperuisti credentibusregna coelorum.
Tu ad dexteram Dei sedes,in gloria Patris.
Judex crederis esse venturus.
Te ergo quæsumus,tuis famulis subveni,quos pretioso sanguine redemisti.
Æterna fac cum Sanctis tuisin gloria numerari.
Salvum fac populum tuum,
Domine,et benedic hæreditati tuæ.
Et rege eos, et extolle illosusque in æternum.
Per singulos dies benedicimus te,
et laudamus nomen tuumin sæculum, et in sæculumsæculi.
Dignare, Domine, die istosine peccato nos custodire.
Miserere nostri, Domine,miserere nostri.
Fiat misericordia tua, Domine,super nos, quemadmodumsperavimus in te.
In te speravi:non confundar in æternum.

We praise Thee, O God:
acknowledge Thee to be the Lord.
All the earth doth worship Thee and the Father everlasting.
To Thee all Angels: to Thee the heavens and all the Powers therein.
To Thee the Cherubim and Seraphim: cry with unceasing voice:
Holy, Holy, Holy: Lord God of Hosts.
The heavens and the earth are full: of the majesty of Thy glory.
Thee the glorious choir: of the Apostles.
Thee the admirable company: of the Prophets.
Thee the white-robed army of Martyrs: praise.
Thee the Holy Church throughout all the world: doth acknowledge.
The Father of infinite Majesty.
Thine adorable, true: and only SonAlso the Holy Ghost: the Paraclete.
Thou art the King of Glory: O Christ.
Thou art the everlasting Son: of the Father.
Thou having taken upon Thee to deliver man: didst not abhor the Virgin's womb.
Thou having overcome the sting of death: didst open to believers the kingdom of heaven.
Thou sittest at the right hand of God: in the glory of the Father.
We believe that Thou shalt come: to be our Judge.
We beseech Thee, therefore, help Thy servants:
whom Thou has redeemed with Thy precious Blood.
Make them to be numbered with Thy Saints: in glory everlasting.
Lord, save Thy people: and bless Thine inheritance.
Govern them: and lift them up forever.
Day by day: we bless Thee.
And we praise Thy name forever: and world without end.
Vouchsafe, O Lord, this day: to keep us without sin.
Have mercy on us, O Lord: have mercy on us.
Let Thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us: as we have hoped in Thee.
O Lord, in Thee have I hoped: let me never be confounded.

God Bless Pope Benedict XVI.

From the small holding in Bethune ...

Oremus pro invicem!

Corn

My neighbors have cornfields on two sides of our property. They also grow turnips, collards, watermelon, etc. They haven't planted the cornfields yet this year, but there is still plenty of corn laying around which was missed in last year's harvest.

Yesterday our neighbor came by with some empty sacks and told us the boys could pick up all the old corn they could carry for our chickens.

All afternoon the boys labored, first getting the corn off the ground and then removing the kernals from the cob (the chickens wouldn't touch the corn on the cob). We didn't finish, but did a good afternoon's work. There are some tired boys downstairs.

Now for the Rosary, bed, sleep (a little more work for me) and fishing in the morning before Mass! This is the life.

From the small holding in Bethune...

Oremus pro invicem!

A New Schedule

Since we now have flexibility of schedule, we are thinking of turning our day upside down to fit our livestyle better. Presently we have a fairly conventional schedule, main meal at dinner, school in the morning and early afternoon, etc.

We are thinking of changing the main meal to lunch time and schooling after lunch. This allows the outside chores to be done in the cool of the day.

This type of schedule also allows that we should be able to eat together more leisurely than in the evening. In evening sometimes I have meeting, or the children have a class, etc. this always disrupts dinner.

Further the saying for a more healthy lifestyle goes, "Breakfast like a king; lunch like a prince; dinner like a pauper".

We shall see how it progesses.

Mrs. Curley, with some the help from the children, has put in potatoes, carrotts, cucumbers, zuccinni, beans, tomatoes, cantalop, onions, scallions, spinach, many sunflowers, and possibly some other varieties I am unaware of. Potatoes are already up. The plum tree has flowered already, and the peach trees, as well as our dogwood is in flower now. A few weeks ago the whole countryside smelled of manure. Now the whole countryside is lush green and in bloom. (The green won't last around here - the hot sun will scorch most of the countryside to brown in a few months.)

We have been blessed greatly by our Lord.

As the Cardinals go into conclave - we pray: VENI, Sancte Spiritus

From the small holding in Bethune....

Oremus pro invicem!

Really?

This month the cover of Crisis Magazine is "If Abortion Were Outlawed Tomorrow... Would We Be Ready". The story (not available online), "The Law of Unintended Consequences - A Cautionary Look at Overturning Roe v. Wade", is by Elizabeth Thecla Mauro.

Surprisingly, the author claims if Roe v. Wade were overturned, there would be a schism in the Catholic Church!!!! I find this scenario extremely hard to believe.

A Communist nation may not be able to transition to free-market and free democratic processes in an instant without a transitional phase - but I don't think outlawing abortion in this country would have such major economic represcussions - or spritual reprecussions in the Catholic Church as the author fears. I was so flabberghasted to read the article and the reasoning (or lack thereof) I can barely comment intelligently.

Sudden Death

We live on a country road - the house is set far back from the road. But there are a number of commercial farms on our route, and major grainery trucks travel the road at high speeds. Our mailbox is right next to the 55 MPH sign.

Today we lost a pup (he was about 9 months old). He ran out into the road (usually he's on leash outside of his pen - but not today) and was hit by one of these eighteen wheelers. One son was within several yards and witnessed it up close. The rest of the kids who were all in yard only saw the aftermath - but it was not pretty.

We gathered the children inside. While Mrs. Curley comforted them, I had the unenviable job of collecting poor Randy's remains. After boxing him and rinsing the road. I put the box in our wagon and the children came out for the burial. We dug hole deep enough so the coyotes won't come around and then gathered round the wagon. As we pulled the wagon towards the burial spot, we sang a few hymns. After lowering the box into the grave, I said something like the following:

"We thank the good Lord for all the blessings He has given us. But we realize and say with Job, 'The Lord giveth, and the Lord taketh away. Blessed be the Name of the Lord." And then we said Our Lord's Prayer and covered the grave.

Before and after we discussed again with the children how dogs do not have immortal souls (thus we are not praying for Randy's soul to be released from purgatory). We have affection for our pets, and will miss Randy, but we just need to thank God for the blessings He has given us. We need to take care of these gifts and enjoy them while we have them, but not so much mourn their loss. With the older children we reminded them (in calmer moments) that it is a lesson that life is fragile; we or those we love can be gone tomorrow. This should have a bearing on the way we live our life everyday. (And hopefully all got a reminder of the danger of our road.)

I usually go to the 9:00 AM Mass in the morning. Usually one or two of the boys accompany me. I have a feeling that all will be traveling with me tomorrow.

From the small holding in Bethune ...

Oremus pro invicem!

Are we better off than we were 26 years ago?

I have been in controversy over at Hallowed Ground. Jeff posted a portion of an article by Christopher Ferrara from The Remnant. The portion excerpted has some truth to it, but the final paragraph of the excerpt (and much of the tone of the overall article if read in entirety) I find to be untrue.

Here is the key to Mr. Feerara's belief regarding John Paul II's pontificate:

"Whoever wishes to love the Pope as he ought to be loved must be willing to say now, in charity and in truth, that John Paul II was a ruler whose words often said one thing while his actions said another, and that the contradictions which marked his reign have produced enormous confusion in the Church that must be undone by his successor."

I am not in this camp.

I don't believe John Paul was a bad pope. I believe he was a great pope. Unfortunately, great is measured over many, many years. I believe that both the 2nd Vatican Council and John Paul's pontificate are intimately linked and both are for the GOOD of the Church. Traditionalists correctly understand this - but some may not understand how Vatican II was needed and is still needed by the Church.

The 2nd Vatican Council's pastoral reforms (of which JPII as bishop has much to do with) have been hijacked and rejected over the years. Things are getting better in this regard - but slowly, too slowly. There is still time to implement Vatican II or finally reject it. Rejecting it will be rejecting the gift of the Holy Spirit to the Church. Similarly the we can reject the proposals of John Paul II - but at our own peril.

A student of history will realize that personal holiness has always been the key to reform of the Church - from even worse times than these. We can grouse and complain - but our time is better spent on our knees. This does not mean we close our eyes to sacrilege, lies, etc. But we must realize that God can fix problems we can't - and thus we need to bombard Heaven with our pleas.

Oremus pro invicem!

Communion on the Tongue & Government

The Return Curve has an interesting commentary on receiving Communion on the tongue today - here. It has been my recent experience that the seminaries have not been teaching young priests how to distribute Holy Communion on the tongue. When I receive from a young priest, it always seems to be an adventure. One young priest I know simply tries to toss the Blessed Sacrament into the communicant's mouth.

Another good post from The Return Curve just below the first on government, today and in the middle ages. It is of particular interest to me right now because I just finished editing our newest release which touches on this subject by Rev. Bede Jarrett ("Relation of Church and State in the Middle Ages" - see Requiem Press). In it, St. Augustine is quoted saying: "The desire to be master of your fellow man is intolerable pride, for men are by nature equal." and "Hence, good men are known rather as shepards of the flock than as kings of men". (City of God).

The conclusion of early Christian thought seems to be (according to Bede Jarrett) that "Had he (man) not sinned, he might still have needed government to develop is bene esse (well being); he needs it now however to secure even his esse (being)."

From the small holding in Bethune...

Oremus pro invicem!

A Wonderful Lady

This past weekend in Harrisburg, PA - I had the brief opportunity to meet Dr. Alice Von Hildebrand. She was speaking at the conference and was selling some books. I bought her book "The Privilege of Being a Woman" for my daughter and had it signed.

Coincidentally I picked up April issue of Crisis Magazine. The first letter to the editor is about an aritcle they ran on "Eight Habits of Highly Effective Bishops". (My bishop - Bishop Robert Baker, was cited twice in the article). In this first letter to the editor, Dr. Alice Von Hildebrand writes, "... would it not be desirable ... that a bishiop reintroduce asceticism in seminaries: fasting, abstinence, hair shirts, and discipline?"

I second the suggestion heartily.

Mrs. Curley asked me tonight, "Isn't there anyone big enough to stop the starvation and dehydration of Mae Magouirk ?" (courtesty of Fr. Rob Johansen).

Apparently not. While there are people that had the power to stop the starvation of Terri Schiavo and now Mae Magouirk - none of these people, presidents and governors, are big enough to do it.

This weekend

I was in Harrisburg, PA this weekend for a homeschool conference/curriculum fair - trying to sell some books. Gave away lots of catalogs and sold a few books. The highlights of the trip however were getting to visit with my daughter; (She is a sophomore at Christendom College and she accompanied me on my bookselling trip, as did my oldest son.) and staying overnight with my sister's family. The have 3 girls and boy. [My sister is the author of "Your Labor of Love" - Tan Books; her husband teaches Theology at a Catholic High School. Both are Christendom College graduates.]

It is heartening to see a chapel with some 20%+ of the student body attending a daily Mass (Friday) - especially considering there was a 2nd Mass that day AND that classes had been cancelled for the day because of Pope John Paul's funeral. Although the college has been told they are not allowed to use the Communion Rail in the chapel, almost all of the students kneel for Holy Communion. They are doing something right at this school.

Have been away from the 'office' for several days, so I may be scarce for a few days.

From the small holding in Bethune...

Oremus pro invicem!

News!

We have a few new books (for sale) up on the website. Please buy some, my family is hungry!

Two true stories today to lighten the mood:

1. Went to Mass on the Feast of the Annunication. Our priest had a book with him during the homily. (I don't know the name.) Here is how he started: "This book about saints and feasts has some very interesting information in it. Of course we are celebrating the Annunciation today, but usually it is on March 25th. This book says that besides the Annuciation taking place on March 25th, Christ died on March 25th; John the Baptist was beheaded on March 25th; and Adam and Eve were created on March 25th." He pauses, and then looks up: "Now how the hell do they know that?"

2. A few years ago during my Saturday morning errands, I used to always stop at a thrift shop to see if they had any records (you know, phonographs?). One son in particular used to always come with me. Well one year he was determined to buy a purple dress he had seen in this thrift shop for Mrs. Curley's birthday. (It was only $1.50). Well he got it. Turns out Mrs. Curley wore it once, but in reality it was a size or two too small. My son, occasionally asks if it "fits yet". Well this year for Mrs. Curley's birthday, this son made her a couple of scarves/bandannas for her to wear in the garden. He told her, "I was going to make you a purple one to match your purple dress; but I figured I would wait until you lost some weight and could fit into it again." I couldn't stay in the room.....................

From the small holding in Bethune ...

Oremus pro invicem!

This man is a saint in Heaven! John Paul II

Last moments of John Paul II described
Rome, Apr. 03 (CWNews.com) - The Vatican press office released the following official statement by papal spokesman Joaquin Navarro Valls regarding the sequence of events preceding and following Pope John Paul's death on Saturday:
"At 8 p.m. the celebration of Mass for Divine Mercy Sunday began in the Holy Father's room, presided by Archbishop Stanislaw Dziwisz with the participation of Cardinal Marian Jaworski, of Archbishop Stanislaw Rylko and of Msgr. Mieczyslaw Mokrzycki.
"During the course of the Mass, the Viaticum was administered to the Holy Father and, once again, the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick.
"The Holy Father's final hours were marked by the uninterrupted prayer of all those who were assisting him in his pious death, and by the choral participation in prayer of the thousands of faithful who, for many hours, had been gathered in St. Peter's Square.
"Present at the moment of the death of John Paul II were: his two personal secretaries Archbishop Stanislaw Dziwisz and Msgr. Mieczyslaw Mokrzycki, Cardinal Marian Jaworski, Archbishop Stanislaw Rylko, Fr. Tadeusz Styczen, the three nuns, Handmaidens of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, who assist in the Holy Father's apartment, guided by the Superior Sr. Tobiana Sobodka, and the Pope's personal physician Dr. Renato Buzzonetti, with the two doctors on call, Dr. Alessandro Barelli and Dr. Ciro D'Allo, and the two nurses on call.
"Immediately afterwards Cardinal Secretary of State Angelo Sodano arrived, as did the camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, Cardinal Eduardo Martinez Somalo, Archbishop Leonardo Sandri, substitute of the Secretariat of State, and Archbishop Paolo Sardi, vice-camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church.
"Thereafter, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, dean of the College of Cardinals, and Cardinal Jozef Tomko also arrived."
The first announcement of the Pope's death came from Navarro-Valls who, minutes after the Holy Father expired, sent an email to journalists informing them of the event. A formal announcement from Archbishop Sandri to the tens of thousands gathered in St. Peter's Square. "Our Holy Father, John Paul, has returned to the house of the Father," he said. "We all feel like orphans this evening."
As the end of his life approached, the Holy Father reportedly dictated a message for the Catholic faithful to his secretary: "I am happy and you should be happy too. Do not weep. Let us pray together with joy."
Father Jarek Cielecki, director of a Vatican TV station, gave more of the details of the Holy Father's last moments: "The Holy Father died looking towards the window as he prayed, and that shows that in some way he was conscious," Cielecki said. "A short while before dying, the Pope raised his right hand in a clear, although simply hinted at, gesture of blessing, as if he became aware of the crowd of faithful present in St Peter's Square, who in those moments were following the reciting of the Rosary," he added. "Just after the prayer ended, the Pope made a huge effort and pronounced the word 'Amen'. A moment later, he died."

Papa! Papa! Papa! - Rest in Peace

"This evening or this night, Christ opens the door to the pope," Angelo Comastri, the pope's vicar general for Vatican City, told a crowd at St. Peter's Square.

From Fox News earlier:

"Navarro-Valls said the pope followed the Way of the Cross prayer re-enacting Christ's final hours as he has done every Friday since he was a priest. He asked that the 14 stages be read to him — biblical texts which describe Christ's path to the cross, his crucifixion and when his body is taken down, wrapped in a linen shroud and buried in his tomb, the spokesman said. Thpope made the sign of the cross as the passages were read, he said." (Emphasis added)

We prayed at Mass yesterday and this morning for John Paul the Great - that is, Pope Saint John Paul the Great. Now, just as he has done these past years with his suffering, he will pray for us at the foot of the throne of God. He may not be formally canonized for some years, but just as in the early days of Christianity when holiness was celebrated by popular acclamation, so it will be with John Paul, (as is with Mother Teresa).

This is a day of great joy! While we mourn the loss of a great Pope, we thank God for his years and rejoice for another advocate in Heaven!

John Paul made many initiatives. He traveled the world to bring the Gospel in person. (Perhaps because he knew the bishops were not?). It will be years before his pontificate will be fully digested. He writings were prolific. He has written for those at every intellectual level. His writings touch on every subject which is important to mankind and salvation.

Woe to us who are not grateful and responsive to the words of this vicar of Christ.

INCLINA, Domine, aurem tuam ad preces nostras, quibus misericordiam tuam supplices deprecamur, ut animam famuli tui Joannes Paulus, quam de hoc saeculo migrare iussisti, in pacis ac lucis regione constituas et Sanctorum tuorum iubeas esse consortem. Per Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen.

INCLINE Thine ear, O Lord, unto our prayers, wherein we humbly pray Thee to show Thy mercy upon the soul of Thy servant John Paul, whom Thou hast commanded to pass out of this world, that Thou wouldst place him in the region of peace and light, and bid him be a partaker with Thy Saints. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

From the small holding in Bethune...

Oremus pro invicem!

From the latest bulletin from the Vatican:

The spokesman said that the Holy Father was mindful of the young people who had gathered beneath the windows of the papal apartments in St. Peter's Square throughout the night as well as all the youth he had met throughout the world during his pontificate. Navarro-Valls said, "In fact, he seemed to be referring to them when, in his words, and repeated several times, he seemed to have said the following sentence: 'I have looked for you. Now you have come to me. And I thank you.'

Saturday Morning

While our Holy Father still clings to life - I offer these thoughts of his from a document, Familiaris Consortio, which has had a great impact on our family and our family life:

“The family has vital and organic links with society, since it is its foundation and nourishes it continually through its role of service to life: it is from the family that citizens come to birth and it is within the family that they find the first school of the social virtues that are the animating principle of the existence and development of society itself. ….… Thus, far from being closed in on itself, the family is by nature and vocation open to other families and to society, and undertakes its social role.”

Sometimes, in this society we live in, we are tempted to shut all doors and live in our own world. John Paul counsels us to spread the Gospel as a family among families

Papa we love you!

Oremus pro invicem!

John Paul II in Boston, October 1979

Here is what I heard when John Paul came to Boston Common in 1979.

"Tonight, I want to repeat what I keep telling youth: you are the future of the world, and "the day of tomorrow belongs to you". I want to remind you of the encounters that Jesus himself had with the youth of his day. The Gospels preserve for us a striking account of a conversation Jesus had with a young man. We read there that the young man put to Christ one of the fundamental questions that youth everywhere ask: "What must I do. . .?" (Mk 10:17), and he received a precise and penetrating answer. "Then, Jesus looked at him with love and told him. . . Come and follow me" (Mk 10:21). But see what happens: the young man, who had shown such interest in the fundamental question "went away sad, for he had many possessions" (Mk 10:22). Yes, he went away, and - as can be deduced from the context - he refused to accept the call of Christ.

This deeply penetrating event, in its concise eloquence, expresses a great lesson in a few words: it touches upon substantial problems and basic questions that have in no way lost their relevance. Everywhere young people are asking important questions - questions on the meaning of life, on the right way to live, on the true scale of values: "What must I do. . .?" "What must I do to share in everlasting life?" This questioning bears witness to your thoughts, your consciences, your hearts and wills. This questioning tells the world that you, young people, carry within yourselves a special openness with regard to what is good and what is true. This openness is, in a sense, a "revelation" of the human spirit. And in this openness to truth, to goodness and to beauty, each one of you can find yourself; indeed, in this openness you can all experience in some measure what the young man in the Gospel experienced: "Jesus looked at him with love" (Mk 10:21).

To each one of you I say therefore: heed the call of Christ when you hear him saying to you: "Follow me!" Walk in my path! Stand by my side! Remain in my love! There is a choice to be made: a choice for Christ and his way of life, and his commandment of love.

The message of love that Christ brought is always important, always relevant. It is not difficult to see how today's world, despite its beauty and grandeur, despite the conquests of science and technology, despite the. refined and abundant material goods that it offers, is yearning for more truth, for more love, for more joy. And all of this is found in Christ and in his way of life.

Do I then make a mistake when I tell you, Catholic youth. that it is part of your task in the world and the Church to reveal the true meaning of life where hatred, neglect or selfishness threaten to take over the world? Faced with problems and disappointments, many people will try to escape from their responsibility: escape in selfishness, escape in sexual pleasure, escape in drugs, escape in violence, escape in indifference and cynical attitudes. But today, I propose to you the option of love, which is the opposite of escape. If you really accept that love from Christ, it will lead you to God. Perhaps in the priesthood or religious life; perhaps in some special service to your brothers and sisters: especially to the needy, the poor, the lonely, the abandoned, those whose rights have been trampled upon, or those whose basic needs have not been provided for. Whatever you make of your life, let it be something that reflects the love of Christ. The whole People of God will be all the richer because of the diversity of your commitments. In whatever you do, remember that Christ is calling you, in one way or another, to the service of love: the love of God and of your neighbor.

And now coming back to the story of the young man in the Gospels, we see that he heard the call - "Follow me" - but that he "went away sad. for he had many possessions ".

The sadness of the young man makes us reflect. We could be tempted to think that many possessions, many of the goods of this world, can bring happiness. We see instead in the case of the young man in the Gospel that his many possessions had become an obstacle to accepting the call of Jesus to follow him. He was not ready to say yes to Jesus, and no to self, to say yes to love and no to escape.

Real love is demanding. I would fail in my mission if I did not clearly tell you so. For it was Jesus - our Jesus himself - who said: "You are my friends if you do what I command you" (Jn 15:14). Love demands effort and a personal commitment to the will of God. It means discipline and sacrifice, but it also means joy and human fulfillment.

Dear young people: do not be afraid of honest effort and honest work; do not be afraid of the truth. With Christ's help, and through prayer, you can answer his call, resisting temptations and fads, and every form of mass manipulation. Open your hearts to the Christ of the Gospels - to his love and his truth and his joy. Do not go away sad!

And, as a last word to all of you who listen to me tonight, I would say this: the reason for my mission, for my journey, through the United States is to tell you, to tell everyone - young and old alike - to say to everyone in the name of Christ: "Come and follow me! "

Follow Christ! You who are married: share your love and your burdens with each other; respect the human dignity of your spouse; accept joyfully the life that God gives through you; make your marriage stable and secure for your children's sake.
Follow Christ! You who are single or who are preparing for marriage. Follow Christ! You who are young or old. Follow Christ! You who are sick or aging; who are suffering or in pain. You who feel the need for healing, the need for love, the need for a friend - follow Christ!

To all of you I extend - in the name of Christ - the call, the invitation, the plea: "Come and follow Me". This is why I have come to America, and why I have come to Boston tonight: to call you to Christ - to call all of you arid each of you to live in his love, today and forever. Amen! "

Papa!

From Fox News: "Vatican spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Valls tearily said that the pope had requested to remain in his apartment after being "informed of the gravity of his situation," and that the request was being honored."

Dear Lord, we pray and beseech Thee to grant the grace to Pope John Paul to prepare well for his meeting with You in these last hours. He has truly been Your servant; and in Your example at the Last Supper when You washed the feet of Your apostles, John Paul has served Your Church with his suffering, with his prayers, with everything he has. We thank Thee for giving this Holy Father to Your Church. Have mercy on us - for we are sinners!

Oremus pro invicem!