Irish Meatloaf

A few days ago I took a meatloaf out f the freezer

Meatloaf shape

No I didn’t unwrap it nor did I label it. I don’t have that much stuff in the freezer so I thought i knew what it was. I thought it was meat loaf   It’s shaped like meatloaf. It was heavy like meatloaf   

So here I am a couple of days later, unwrapping the foil over the “meatloaf” and what do I see.

Well it looks like hot dogs tonight.

Strawberry Short Cake

For some reason, I woke up this morning with plenty of energy.  Since I had a pound of strawberries I looked through my recipes to look for something made with strawberries.  I found strawberry cake.

This is a picture of the end result.  Strawberries on top of a cake.  Duh!  I just made a strawberry shortcake.  All I have to do is add whipped cream.

Pluralism

We lived in a divided country.  We are a country of diversity.  Lately, that has become a problem. But it shouldn't be.  We are human beings made in the image of God.  We belong together.  Yes, we are different, but so is a hand and a foot.  But like a hand and foot, working together can get you places.  So it should be with people.

Pluralism recognizes all the groups of people.  AND that we should be able to get along.  I see this in working together, sports, religion, and music is a start.  Then politics.  But we have to be open to each other and accommodate
our differences and the inevitable conflicts that will come along.

I pray that we can do this.

Amid tensions in China, Vatican tells clergy to follow their conscience

Amid tensions in China, Vatican tells clergy to follow their conscience: VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The Vatican has told bishops and priests in China that they must follow their own consciences in deciding whether to register with the government.



The problem, the Vatican said, is that registration almost always requires the bishop or priest to accept "the principle of independence, autonomy and self-administration of the church in China," which could be read as a denial of one's bonds with the pope and the universal church.

The Power of One Confession

The Power of One Confession: Last month, our family gathered at the dinner table with an honored guest: our dear priest friend, Fr. Al, who is 94 years old. As usual, I hung on his every word. “Every morning, as soon as I wake up, I thank the Lord…” Fr. Al said, and then paused briefly. I waited for him for his to finish … I thank the Lord for the sacraments!

Pope, Council of Cardinals review feedback, proposals for new document

Pope, Council of Cardinals review feedback, proposals for new document: VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Francis and his international Council of Cardinals reviewed proposals and questions submitted to them about the draft of the apostolic constitution that would govern the Roman Curia. 

Should some politicians be excommunicated?

Should some politicians be excommunicated?: Q. The Church's Code of Canon Law (No. 1398) says that a person who procures an abortion incurs an excommunication. Do Catholic politicians who vote to provide abortions incur this same penalty?

Father Kenneth Doyle
Catholic News Service

This article in the Pilot describes why some bishops deny Communion to politicians.  I understand both sides but to me denying Communion is a publicity stunt.  The bishop and the politician need to talk privately and not broadcast the results of the discussion, certainly not the spiritual status of the politician.

A Church Killing to Defend Itself

The Seville Communion is a novel set in Spain. In fact, the city of Seville is a major character, along with a church, Our Lady of the Tears. The church kills. The story begins with a computer message sent to the pope. I am not sure His Holiness ever receives the messages because his computer is guarded by computer experts who monitor the pope's emails. As you can imagine, many crackpots send the pope messages, so computer experts glean through his messages. But a hacker, who is nicknamed Vespers, does succeed in getting a message through. The message briefly related the story of a "church killing to defend itself."

This is the story. This is the mystery. Our Lady of the Tears is a small seventeenth-century dilapidated church. The powers that be in Seville, bankers, real estate moguls, diocesan bishops, want to demolish the church to make room for more enterprising entities. But the church has historical and emotional meaning. It's a family church with a long established Sevillian lineage. The family consists of a matriarch countess, a beautiful seductress daughter--estranged from her banker husband. Aligned on their side is the old pastor of the church, along with an American nun who is an art preserver.

These are the battle lines between which two people have died suspiciously: the bishop's secretary, and a Sevillian building inspector. Enter our hero, Father Lorenzo Quart. Fr. Quart is sent by the Vatican's version of the secret service. Think of Quart as a troubleshooter. His job is to find out who Vesper is, the status of the church, and to assess the situation. 

This is the story. There are enough twists to surprise the reader. There's sex; Seville itself is seductive. There's violence, besides the initial killings. Father Quart does not turn the other cheek. There's mystery; you won't solve the crime until the author tells you "who done it."

There's even comic relief with three hired "down in their luck misfits." They're darling bunglers. They force the action to climax and bring answers to the forefront.

Readers who enjoy Spain, mysteries, and offbeat characterization will enjoy The Seville Communion. This is my first Arturo Perez-Reverte novel, but it certainly won't be my last.

The Eyes Do Not Have It

What do you look at when you first meet someone?

The eyes?  It's been said that the eyes are the soul.  But I don't think the eyes tell you anything unless they're crying.  If they're scrunched up is it because they're angry and giving you daggers or are they happy?

I look at the mouth.  Are the lips tight?  Tight lips show the person is uptight.  Smiling lips explain happiness.

Hands?  Clenched hands are ready to punch. 

Body language?  Folded arms could mean nothing more than it's a comfortable position.

Yes, the lips tell us the most.

Story of A Soul

Story of a Soul is the autobiography of St. Therese of Lisieux.  It was actually my Lenten reading.  I failed.  It is over my head, mystically.  I couldn't stay focused on it.  I really skimmed across it and read just what interested, which was very little.  Sorry.  I know it's a classic.

I tried.  It's been quoted so often that most parts were familiar to me.  I just couldn't identify with her.  She's too "holy moly," or I'm too worldly.  We just don't mesh.  Near the end, a certain bishop didn't want to promote her autobiography because he thought it teenage imaginings.  My opinion, too.  But after he read it, he changed his mind. 

Sorry, not me.

Cowboy Love

Me in my cowboy suit.  My hand is on my gun.  I couldn't wipe the smile off my face.

You want to know why you haven't heard from me?  It's because I've been living with cowboys.  I've been reading Larry McMurtry's book, Streets of Laredo and I couldn't pull myself away from it.  This book is the sequel to Lonesome Dove.  The same characters were in it.  Lorena is no longer a whore. Pea isn't a bumbling cowboy but a responsible husband and father.  Woodrow Call is an old man.  But, Mox Mox is still evil and crazy.



Every spare minute I had, I picked up the book.  It's the best book I've read since Lonesome Dove. 

I think I enjoyed it so much because it brought back my childhood.  I played cowboys and Indians all the time.  I watched cowboys on TV. I loved Maverick.  I used to kiss the TV screen when there were close-ups

of him and I don't mean close-ups of James Garner because I never cared for him in anything else.  It was only Maverick. 

Anyway, that's why I haven't been blogging.  I've been reading and loving it.  Lonesome Dove and Streets of Laredo, both are historical fiction at its best.

The Test

Msgr. Moran

Some people are complaining about the wording in the prayer, "Our Father." They don't like changes.  What's the problem, really?  It's not a change, it's a fix.  There was something wrong with the word "temptation," i.e., "...lead us not into temptation." 

God wouldn't lead us into temptation, would He?  I said, "No." But my "cloistered brother, ARod, reminded me that God lead Job into temptation.

This morning the Gospel was Matt. 6: 7-15, about how we should pray and the Lord's Prayer.  Msgr. Moran agreed with ARod's reasoning.  The problem with the English wording, was the word "temptation."  A better translation would have been "test." 

"...and lead us not to be tested."  We should all fear failing God's test.  The changes will be known in the coming months.  Most probably we will be saying, "Do not let us fall into temptation."

The Past two Days

Unbelievable!  The demands upon my time are unbelievable.  Really!  And it's not me thinking I have to do this or that, I really HAVE to; I can't say no.  I thought I'd be able to go to confession yesterday.  I waited an hour and my confessor didn't show.  It turns out that he couldn't say "no" to minister to someone.  Then I was with my "cloistered brothers,"  when about ten cops can running into the room.  Scared the @#$#^&** out of me.  Someone had knocked the phone off the hook and that's a signal or something.  Anyway, that was all it was.  Then I barely got home when an emergency executive meeting was called from my Lay Dominican Council.  I thought of ignoring it and saying I got it too late, but I can't lie.  That took up an hour when I ran out to the meeting place when my friends in Argonauta and I caravaned to go to our last meeting. Then  I crawled home to bed, only to wake up early to get to the library book sale.  I  had to pick up Joe because he was going to take over for me because I had to leave early to bring my friend to the Senior Center's Nonagenarian Party.   That was a few hours.  Afterward, I raced home to make lunch for a long lost friend who was coming to visit.  She stayed for an hour and I then took her to meet my nonagenarian friend.  After that, I went shopping for a present for hubby for Father's day on Sunday.  On my way home, I stopped by the town's Strawberry Festival to meet up with my grandchildren.  Finally, I arrived home.  That's not the end of my day. I had to write up the Minutes to last night's executive session.  Stuff like that has to be done as soon as possible or I'll forget.  Now to bed!  W
hew!

Why Are They Leaving? A Response to the USCCB | Mary Pezzulo

The USCCB General Assembly met a few days ago.  Bishop Barron gave a talk. You can find his presentation and the lively conversation that took place afterward, beginning around 1:10:30 on Video 2 of the live stream (Day 1 Morning Session Part 2).  He blames the lack of church attendance on poor catechesis.  But!  his talk does not compare to Mary Pezzulo's critique of his talk.  She excoriates Bishop Barron's thesis.  Here it is:

Why Are They Leaving? A Response to the USCCB | Mary Pezzulo



There is much truth in what both the bishop and Pezzulo say.  The bishop is correct.  Mary is mostly correct because not everyone in authority is like what Mary depicted.  But Pezzulo is correct in that no one listened and that is why her article had to be written and has to go viral.



Read the article.  Weep.  Admit to its truth.

Wisdom is a She

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity

Lectio:
PRV 8:22-31

Thus says the wisdom of God:
"The LORD possessed me, the beginning of his ways,
the forerunner of his prodigies of long ago;
from of old I was poured forth,
at the first, before the earth.
When there were no depths I was brought forth,
when there were no fountains or springs of water;          
before the mountains were settled into place,
before the hills, I was brought forth;
while as yet the earth and fields were not made,
nor the first clods of the world.

"When the Lord established the heavens I was there,
when he marked out the vault over the face of the deep;
when he made firm the skies above,
when he fixed fast the foundations of the earth;
when he set for the sea its limit,
so that the waters should not transgress his command;
then was I beside him as his craftsman,
and I was his delight day by day,
playing before him all the while,
playing on the surface of his earth;
and I found delight in the human race."

Studium:

This is a poem and Wisdom is personified as a woman. 
A woman that is desired, close to Yahweh.  She worked along side Him.  It looks like she is a reflection of Yahweh.  And the Torah has Wisdom present even before the creation.

Meditatio:

The poem seems to delight in creation, and that includes mankind.  "I found delight in the human race."  Our entire world is beautiful.

Oratio:

Lord, Your world is beautiful.  Help me keep it that way.  Man destroys all that he touches.  Show me how to care for Your creation.

Contemplatio:

God is good.  All that He creates is good.  Man is made in the image of God.  God actually breathed life into us.

Resolutio:

I'm taking care of my garden, tomorrow.

Equality

Aren't we all created in God's image? Aren't we all God's children?  Everyone should be treated with respect and good will. 

1935 CCC
   Every form of social or cultural discrimination in fundamental personal rights on the
   ground of sex, race, color, social conditions, language, or religion must be curbed and
   eradicated as incompatible with God's design.

Actually, when you think about it, the whole world to work properly needs people to work cooperatively, side-by-side, next to each other.  This has to be equal, not forced.  Anyway, this is the aim, the ideal that we all should be working towards.

Integral Human Development

The Pope has renamed the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace in the Vatican to a new Dicastry for Promoting Integral Human Development.  The new name also is a bigger umbrella including charitable works, health, migration, and the care of creation.

I think the new name is good.  Peace and social justice often had a bad connotation because people thought of it as a leftist, socialist idea.  Also, this new dicastery has to work within the parameters of the Gospel.  The dignity of the human person must be the aim in all circumstances.

The entire Order of Preachers should be working on this Integral Human Development project.  I know my Lay Dominican Chapter is trying to organize a couple of people to look into what we can do.

Pope Francis envisions integral human development working to ensure that the economic gap between the rich and poor lessens, and looking for practical models of social integration, and fighting individualism, oppression, and anything that eats away at our soul.  Our faith must be visible. 

Well, roll up your sleeves.

Ninth and Last Day of the Novena to the Holy Spirit

FOREWORD The novena in honor of the Holy Spirit is the oldest of all novenas since it was first made at the direction of Our Lord Himself when He sent His apostles back to Jerusalem to await the coming of the Holy Spirit on the first Pentecost. It is still the only novena officially prescribed by the Church. Addressed to the Third Person of the Blessed Trinity, it is a powerful plea for the light and strength and love so sorely needed by every Christian.

ACT OF CONSECRATION TO THE HOLY SPIRIT To be recited daily during the Novena.

On my knees

before the great multitude of heavenly witnesses, I offer myself, soul and body to You, Eternal Spirit of God. I adore the brightness of Your purity, the unerring keenness of Your justice, and the might of Your love. You are the Strength and Light of my soul. In You I live and move and am. I desire never to grieve You by unfaithfulness to grace and I pray with all my heart to be kept from the smallest sin against You. Mercifully guard my every thought and grant that I may always watch for Your light, and listen to Your voice, and follow Your gracious inspirations. I cling to You and give myself to You and ask You, by Your compassion to watch over me in my weakness. Holding the pierced Feet of Jesus and looking at His Five Wounds, and trusting in His Precious Blood and adoring His opened Side and stricken Heart, I implore You, Adorable Spirit, Helper of my infirmity, to keep me in Your grace that I may never sin against You. Give me grace O Holy Spirit, Spirit of the Father and the Son to say to You always and everywhere, "Speak Lord for Your servant heareth." Amen.

PRAYER FOR THE SEVEN GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT To be recited daily during the Novena 
O Lord Jesus Christ Who, before ascending into heaven did promise to send the Holy Spirit to finish Your work in the souls of Your Apostles and Disciples, deign to grant the same Holy Spirit to me that He may perfect in my soul, the work of Your grace and Your love. Grant me the Spirit of Wisdom that I may despise the perishable things of this world and aspire only after the things that are eternal, the Spirit of Understanding to enlighten my mind with the light of Your divine truth, the Spirit on Counsel that I may ever choose the surest way of pleasing God and gaining heaven, the Spirit of Fortitude that I may bear my cross with You and that I may overcome with courage all the obstacles that oppose my salvation, the Spirit of Knowledge that I may know God and know myself and grow perfect in the science of the Saints, the Spirit of Piety that I may find the service of God sweet and amiable, and the Spirit of Fear that I may be filled with a loving reverence towards God and may dread in any way to displease Him. Mark me, dear Lord with the sign of Your true disciples, and animate me in all things with Your Spirit. Amen.

The Novena begins on the day after the Solemnity of the Ascension, Friday of the 6th Week of Easter, even if the Solemnity of the Ascension is transferred to the 7th Sunday.

NINTH DAY (Saturday, Vigil of Pentecost) Thou, on those who evermore Thee confess and Thee Adore, in Thy sevenfold gift, Descend; Give Them Comfort when they die; Give them Life with Thee on high; Give them joys which never end. Amen The Fruits of the Holy Spirit The gifts of the Holy Spirit perfect the supernatural virtues by enabling us to practice them with greater docility to divine inspiration. As we grow in the knowledge and love of God under the direction of the Holy Spirit, our service becomes more sincere and generous, the practice of virtue more perfect. Such acts of virtue leave the heart filled with joy and consolation and are known as Fruits of the Holy Spirit. These Fruits in turn render the practice of virtue more attractive and become a powerful incentive for still greater efforts in the service of God, to serve Whom is to reign. Prayer Come, O Divine Spirit, fill my heart with Thy heavenly fruits, Thy charity, joy, peace, patience, benignity, goodness, faith, mildness, and temperance, that I may never weary in the service of God, but by continued faithful submission to Thy inspiration may merit to be united eternally with Thee in the love of the Father and the Son. Amen. - Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE. Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES. - Act of Consecration, Prayer for the Seven Gifts

Learning the Same Lesson More Than Once

This the hat that the server asked me to remove from the table.  Red faced, I did.  Who wants my cooties in their food?  I should have known better.  Yes, I should have known not to put my hat on the table; at my age, I should have known better, especially when this is not the first time it has happened.  No, it wasn't.  The first time was a long time ago but it was such a lesson that the embarrassing effects should have still been vibrating within my body sensibilities.

It happened in high school.  Well, maybe I should set the background, first.  I lived in a two-family house.  The floor plan was a three bedroom flat.  The one bathroom was small, containing a tub, basin, and toilet.  A long narrow pantry with a sink was beside the bathroom.  The other rooms were a kitchen and living room.  But I want to focus on the pantry.  Since the bathroom was used for baths and toilet duties in the family, the pantry sink was utilized to wash up, put make-up on, wash hair, set hair, shave, wash dishes, hand-wash clothes, etc.  The bathroom couldn't be used for those needs because they would have prevented those from using the toilet.

You need to keep the pantry's uses in mind, for what happened to me in high school.  My friend's family vacationed at Salisbury Beach.  I was lucky enough to be invited for a week.  One morning, after breakfast, we were getting ready to go swimming.  I thought I'd put my hair up in a ponytail.  So I put my hair elastic and hairbrush on the table, while I gathered my hair together.  My friend's mother told me, "Don't put your hairbrush on the table.  We don't want your hair in our food."

To this day, I am embarrassed that I didn't know this piece of common sense etiquette.  But on the other hand, how could I have known?  I washed and set my hair in a pantry filled with food.  My father shaved there.  I guess my family was just uncouth.  

And yet, here I am fifty years later making the same mistake.

Eight Day of the Novena to the Holy Spirit

FOREWORD The novena in honor of the Holy Spirit is the oldest of all novenas since it was first made at the direction of Our Lord Himself when He sent His apostles back to Jerusalem to await the coming of the Holy Spirit on the first Pentecost. It is still the only novena officially prescribed by the Church. Addressed to the Third Person of the Blessed Trinity, it is a powerful plea for the light and strength and love so sorely needed by every Christian.

ACT OF CONSECRATION TO THE HOLY SPIRIT To be recited daily during the Novena.












 On my knees

before the great multitude of heavenly witnesses, I offer myself, soul and body to You, Eternal Spirit of God. I adore the brightness of Your purity, the unerring keenness of Your justice, and the might of Your love. You are the Strength and Light of my soul. In You I live and move and am. I desire never to grieve You by unfaithfulness to grace and I pray with all my heart to be kept from the smallest sin against You. Mercifully guard my every thought and grant that I may always watch for Your light, and listen to Your voice, and follow Your gracious inspirations. I cling to You and give myself to You and ask You, by Your compassion to watch over me in my weakness. Holding the pierced Feet of Jesus and looking at His Five Wounds, and trusting in His Precious Blood and adoring His opened Side and stricken Heart, I implore You, Adorable Spirit, Helper of my infirmity, to keep me in Your grace that I may never sin against You. Give me grace O Holy Spirit, Spirit of the Father and the Son to say to You always and everywhere, "Speak Lord for Your servant heareth." Amen.

PRAYER FOR THE SEVEN GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT To be recited daily during the Novena O Lord Jesus Christ Who, before ascending into heaven did promise to send the Holy Spirit to finish Your work in the souls of Your Apostles and Disciples, deign to grant the same Holy Spirit to me that He may perfect in my soul, the work of Your grace and Your love. Grant me the Spirit of Wisdom that I may despise the perishable things of this world and aspire only after the things that are eternal, the Spirit of Understanding to enlighten my mind with the light of Your divine truth, the Spirit on Counsel that I may ever choose the surest way of pleasing God and gaining heaven, the Spirit of Fortitude that I may bear my cross with You and that I may overcome with courage all the obstacles that oppose my salvation, the Spirit of Knowledge that I may know God and know myself and grow perfect in the science of the Saints, the Spirit of Piety that I may find the service of God sweet and amiable, and the Spirit of Fear that I may be filled with a loving reverence towards God and may dread in any way to displease Him. Mark me, dear Lord with the sign of Your true disciples, and animate me in all things with Your Spirit. Amen.

The Novena begins on the day after the Solemnity of the Ascension, Friday of the 6th Week of Easter, even if the Solemnity of the Ascension is transferred to the 7th Sunday.

Eight Day

Bend the stubborn heart and will, melt the frozen warm the chill. Guide the steps that go astray! The Gift of Wisdom Embodying all the other gifts, as charity embraces all the other virtues, Wisdom is the most perfect of the gifts. Of wisdom it is written "all good things came to me with her, and innumerable riches through her hands." It is the gift of Wisdom that strengthens our faith, fortifies hope, perfects charity, and promotes the practice of virtue in the highest degree. Wisdom enlightens the mind to discern and relish things divine, in the appreciation of which earthly joys lose their savor, whilst the Cross of Christ yields a divine sweetness according to the words of the Saviour: "Take up thy cross and follow me, for my yoke is sweet and my burden light. Prayer Come, O Spirit of Wisdom, and reveal to my soul the mysteries of heavenly things, their exceeding greatness, power and beauty. Teach me to love them above and beyond all the passing joys and satisfactions of earth. Help me to attain them and possess them for ever. Amen. -

 Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE. Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES. - Act of Consecration, Prayer for the Seven Gifts

Seventh Day of the Novena to the Holy Spirit

FOREWORD The novena in honor of the Holy Spirit is the oldest of all novenas since it was first made at the direction of Our Lord Himself when He sent His apostles back to Jerusalem to await the coming of the Holy Spirit on the first Pentecost. It is still the only novena officially prescribed by the Church. Addressed to the Third Person of the Blessed Trinity, it is a powerful plea for the light and strength and love so sorely needed by every Christian.

ACT OF CONSECRATION TO THE HOLY SPIRIT To be recited daily during the Novena. On my knees

before the great multitude of heavenly witnesses, I offer myself, soul and body to You, Eternal Spirit of God. I adore the brightness of Your purity, the unerring keenness of Your justice, and the might of Your love. You are the Strength and Light of my soul. In You I live and move and am. I desire never to grieve You by unfaithfulness to grace and I pray with all my heart to be kept from the smallest sin against You. Mercifully guard my every thought and grant that I may always watch for Your light, and listen to Your voice, and follow Your gracious inspirations. I cling to You and give myself to You and ask You, by Your compassion to watch over me in my weakness. Holding the pierced Feet of Jesus and looking at His Five Wounds, and trusting in His Precious Blood and adoring His opened Side and stricken Heart, I implore You, Adorable Spirit, Helper of my infirmity, to keep me in Your grace that I may never sin against You. Give me grace O Holy Spirit, Spirit of the Father and the Son to say to You always and everywhere, "Speak Lord for Your servant heareth." Amen.

PRAYER FOR THE SEVEN GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT To be recited daily during the Novena O Lord Jesus Christ Who, before ascending into heaven did promise to send the Holy Spirit to finish Your work in the souls of Your Apostles and Disciples, deign to grant the same Holy Spirit to me that He may perfect in my soul, the work of Your grace and Your love. Grant me the Spirit of Wisdom that I may despise the perishable things of this world and aspire only after the things that are eternal, the Spirit of Understanding to enlighten my mind with the light of Your divine truth, the Spirit on Counsel that I may ever choose the surest way of pleasing God and gaining heaven, the Spirit of Fortitude that I may bear my cross with You and that I may overcome with courage all the obstacles that oppose my salvation, the Spirit of Knowledge that I may know God and know myself and grow perfect in the science of the Saints, the Spirit of Piety that I may find the service of God sweet and amiable, and the Spirit of Fear that I may be filled with a loving reverence towards God and may dread in any way to displease Him. Mark me, dear Lord with the sign of Your true disciples, and animate me in all things with Your Spirit. Amen.

The Novena begins on the day after the Solemnity of the Ascension, Friday of the 6th Week of Easter, even if the Solemnity of the Ascension is transferred to the 7th Sunday.

SEVENTH DAY (Thursday, 7th Week of Easter) Heal our wounds--our strength renews; On our dryness pour Thy dew, Wash the stains of guilt away. The Gift of Counsel The gift of Counsel endows the soul with supernatural prudence, enabling it to judge promptly and rightly what must done, especially in difficult circumstances. Counsel applies the principles furnished by Knowledge and Understanding to the innumerable concrete cases that confront us in the course of our daily duty as parents, teachers, public servants, and Christian citizens. Counsel is supernatural common sense, a priceless treasure in the quest of salvation. "Above all these things, pray to the Most High, that He may direct thy way in truth." Prayer Come, O Spirit of Counsel, help and guide me in all my ways, that I may always do Thy holy will. Incline my heart to that which is good; turn it away from all that is evil, and direct me by the straight path of Thy commandments to that goal of eternal life for which I long. - Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE. Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES. - Act of Consecration, Prayer for the Seven Gifts

Harry Potter, Again

A long time ago, my book club Argonauta read a book that was all the rage.  It was a children's book. I'm talking about 1997 and J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.  We enjoyed it very much.

That was a long time ago and I didn't remember much of it.  I did remember that this was the first book in the series and the characters and setting were introduced.  So when my granddaughter read the book and started talking about this character and that one, I didn't have a clue about what she was talking about.  So, I just re-read the book.

It is much better discussing it with a child, than with an adult group.  It was fun.  Her energy, delight, and interpretation were enjoyable.

I'm not going to write a review.  I just want to note that book discussions are better with grandchildren. 

Sixth Day of the Novena to the Holy Spirit

FOREWORD The novena in honor of the Holy Spirit is the oldest of all novenas since it was first made at the direction of Our Lord Himself when He sent His apostles back to Jerusalem to await the coming of the Holy Spirit on the first Pentecost. It is still the only novena officially prescribed by the Church. Addressed to the Third Person of the Blessed Trinity, it is a powerful plea for the light and strength and love so sorely needed by every Christian.

ACT OF CONSECRATION TO THE HOLY SPIRIT To be recited daily during the Novena. On my knees

before the great multitude of heavenly witnesses, I offer myself, soul and body to You, Eternal Spirit of God. I adore the brightness of Your purity, the unerring keenness of Your justice, and the might of Your love. You are the Strength and Light of my soul. In You I live and move and am. I desire never to grieve You by unfaithfulness to grace and I pray with all my heart to be kept from the smallest sin against You. Mercifully guard my every thought and grant that I may always watch for Your light, and listen to Your voice, and follow Your gracious inspirations. I cling to You and give myself to You and ask You, by Your compassion to watch over me in my weakness. Holding the pierced Feet of Jesus and looking at His Five Wounds, and trusting in His Precious Blood and adoring His opened Side and stricken Heart, I implore You, Adorable Spirit, Helper of my infirmity, to keep me in Your grace that I may never sin against You. Give me grace O Holy Spirit, Spirit of the Father and the Son to say to You always and everywhere, "Speak Lord for Your servant heareth." Amen.

PRAYER FOR THE SEVEN GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT To be recited daily during the Novena O Lord Jesus Christ Who, before ascending into heaven did promise to send the Holy Spirit to finish Your work in the souls of Your Apostles and Disciples, deign to grant the same Holy Spirit to me that He may perfect in my soul, the work of Your grace and Your love. Grant me the Spirit of Wisdom that I may despise the perishable things of this world and aspire only after the things that are eternal, the Spirit of Understanding to enlighten my mind with the light of Your divine truth, the Spirit on Counsel that I may ever choose the surest way of pleasing God and gaining heaven, the Spirit of Fortitude that I may bear my cross with You and that I may overcome with courage all the obstacles that oppose my salvation, the Spirit of Knowledge that I may know God and know myself and grow perfect in the science of the Saints, the Spirit of Piety that I may find the service of God sweet and amiable, and the Spirit of Fear that I may be filled with a loving reverence towards God and may dread in any way to displease Him. Mark me, dear Lord with the sign of Your true disciples, and animate me in all things with Your Spirit. Amen.

The Novena begins on the day after the Solemnity of the Ascension, Friday of the 6th Week of Easter, even if the Solemnity of the Ascension is transferred to the 7th Sunday.

SIXTH DAY (Wednesday, 7th Week of Easter) If Thou take Thy grace away, nothing pure in man will stay, All his good is turn'd to ill. The Gift of Understanding Understanding, as a gift of the Holy Spirit, helps us to grasp the meaning of the truths of our holy religion BY faith we know them, but by Understanding we learn to appreciate and relish them. It enables us to penetrate the inner meaning of revealed truths and through them to be quickened to newness of life. Our faith ceases to be sterile and inactive, but inspires a mode of life that bears eloquent testimony to the faith that is in us; we begin to "walk worthy of God in all things pleasing, and increasing in the knowledge of God." Prayer Come, O Spirit of Understanding, and enlighten our minds, that we may know and believe all the mysteries of salvation; and may merit at last to see the eternal light in Thy Light; and in the light of glory to have a clear vision of Thee and the Father and the Son. Amen. - Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE. Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES. - Act of Consecration, Prayer for the Seven Gifts

Fifth Day for the Novena to the Holy Spirit

FOREWORD The novena in honor of the Holy Spirit is the oldest of all novenas since it was first made at the direction of Our Lord Himself when He sent His apostles back to Jerusalem to await the coming of the Holy Spirit on the first Pentecost. It is still the only novena officially prescribed by the Church. Addressed to the Third Person of the Blessed Trinity, it is a powerful plea for the light and strength and love so sorely needed by every Christian.

ACT OF CONSECRATION TO THE HOLY SPIRIT To be recited daily during the Novena. On my knees

before the great multitude of heavenly witnesses, I offer myself, soul and body to You, Eternal Spirit of God. I adore the brightness of Your purity, the unerring keenness of Your justice, and the might of Your love. You are the Strength and Light of my soul. In You I live and move and am. I desire never to grieve You by unfaithfulness to grace and I pray with all my heart to be kept from the smallest sin against You. Mercifully guard my every thought and grant that I may always watch for Your light, and listen to Your voice, and follow Your gracious inspirations. I cling to You and give myself to You and ask You, by Your compassion to watch over me in my weakness. Holding the pierced Feet of Jesus and looking at His Five Wounds, and trusting in His Precious Blood and adoring His opened Side and stricken Heart, I implore You, Adorable Spirit, Helper of my infirmity, to keep me in Your grace that I may never sin against You. Give me grace O Holy Spirit, Spirit of the Father and the Son to say to You always and everywhere, "Speak Lord for Your servant heareth." Amen.

PRAYER FOR THE SEVEN GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT To be recited daily during the Novena O Lord Jesus Christ Who, before ascending into heaven did promise to send the Holy Spirit to finish Your work in the souls of Your Apostles and Disciples, deign to grant the same Holy Spirit to me that He may perfect in my soul, the work of Your grace and Your love. Grant me the Spirit of Wisdom that I may despise the perishable things of this world and aspire only after the things that are eternal, the Spirit of Understanding to enlighten my mind with the light of Your divine truth, the Spirit on Counsel that I may ever choose the surest way of pleasing God and gaining heaven, the Spirit of Fortitude that I may bear my cross with You and that I may overcome with courage all the obstacles that oppose my salvation, the Spirit of Knowledge that I may know God and know myself and grow perfect in the science of the Saints, the Spirit of Piety that I may find the service of God sweet and amiable, and the Spirit of Fear that I may be filled with a loving reverence towards God and may dread in any way to displease Him. Mark me, dear Lord with the sign of Your true disciples, and animate me in all things with Your Spirit. Amen.

 The Novena begins on the day after the Solemnity of the Ascension, Friday of the 6th Week of Easter, even if the Solemnity of the Ascension is transferred to the 7th Sunday.

FIFTH DAY (Tuesday, 7th Week of Easter) Light immortal! Light Divine! Visit Thou these hearts of Thine, And our inmost being fill! The Gift of Knowledge The gift of Knowledge enables the soul to evaluate created things at their true worth--in their relation to God. Knowledge unmasks the pretense of creatures, reveals their emptiness, and points out their only true purpose as instruments in the service of God. It shows us the loving care of God even in adversity, and directs us to glorify Him in every circumstance of life. Guided by its light, we put first things first, and prize the friendship of God beyond all else. "Knowledge is a fountain of life to him that possesseth it." Prayer Come, O Blessed Spirit of Knowledge, and grant that I may perceive the will of the Father; show me the nothingness of earthly things, that I may realize their vanity and use them only for Thy glory and my own salvation, looking ever beyond them to Thee, and Thy eternal rewards. Amen. - Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE. Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES. - Act of Consecration, Prayer for the Seven Gifts

Fourth Day of the Novena in honor of the Holy Spirit for Pentecost

FOREWORD The novena in honor of the Holy Spirit is the oldest of all novenas since it was first made at the direction of Our Lord Himself when He sent His apostles back to Jerusalem to await the coming of the Holy Spirit on the first Pentecost. It is still the only novena officially prescribed by the Church. Addressed to the Third Person of the Blessed Trinity, it is a powerful plea for the light and strength and love so sorely needed by every Christian.

ACT OF CONSECRATION TO THE HOLY SPIRIT To be recited daily during the Novena. On my knees

before the great multitude of heavenly witnesses, I offer myself, soul and body to You, Eternal Spirit of God. I adore the brightness of Your purity, the unerring keenness of Your justice, and the might of Your love. You are the Strength and Light of my soul. In You I live and move and am. I desire never to grieve You by unfaithfulness to grace and I pray with all my heart to be kept from the smallest sin against You. Mercifully guard my every thought and grant that I may always watch for Your light, and listen to Your voice, and follow Your gracious inspirations. I cling to You and give myself to You and ask You, by Your compassion to watch over me in my weakness. Holding the pierced Feet of Jesus and looking at His Five Wounds, and trusting in His Precious Blood and adoring His opened Side and stricken Heart, I implore You, Adorable Spirit, Helper of my infirmity, to keep me in Your grace that I may never sin against You. Give me grace O Holy Spirit, Spirit of the Father and the Son to say to You always and everywhere, "Speak Lord for Your servant heareth." Amen.

PRAYER FOR THE SEVEN GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT To be recited daily during the Novena O Lord Jesus Christ Who, before ascending into heaven did promise to send the Holy Spirit to finish Your work in the souls of Your Apostles and Disciples, deign to grant the same Holy Spirit to me that He may perfect in my soul, the work of Your grace and Your love. Grant me the Spirit of Wisdom that I may despise the perishable things of this world and aspire only after the things that are eternal, the Spirit of Understanding to enlighten my mind with the light of Your divine truth, the Spirit on Counsel that I may ever choose the surest way of pleasing God and gaining heaven, the Spirit of Fortitude that I may bear my cross with You and that I may overcome with courage all the obstacles that oppose my salvation, the Spirit of Knowledge that I may know God and know myself and grow perfect in the science of the Saints, the Spirit of Piety that I may find the service of God sweet and amiable, and the Spirit of Fear that I may be filled with a loving reverence towards God and may dread in any way to displease Him. Mark me, dear Lord with the sign of Your true disciples, and animate me in all things with Your Spirit. Amen.

 The Novena begins on the day after the Solemnity of the Ascension, Friday of the 6th Week of Easter, even if the Solemnity of the Ascension is transferred to the 7th Sunday.

FOURTH DAY (Monday, 7th Week of Easter) Thou in toil art comfort sweet, Pleasant coolness in the heat, solace in the midst of woe. The Gift of Fortitude By the gift of Fortitude the soul is strengthened against natural fear, and supported to the end in the performance of duty. Fortitude imparts to the will an impulse and energy which move it to under take without hesitancy the most arduous tasks, to face dangers, to trample under foot human respect, and to endure without complaint the slow martyrdom of even lifelong tribulation. "He that shall persevere unto the end, he shall be saved." Prayer Come, O Blessed Spirit of Fortitude, uphold my soul in time of trouble and adversity, sustain my efforts after holiness, strengthen my weakness, give me courage against all the assaults of my enemies, that I may never be overcome and separated from Thee, my God and greatest Good. Amen. - Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE. Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES. - Act of Consecration, Prayer for the Seven Gifts

Credo in Unum Deum.

It always impressed me that Saint Peter Verona starting writing the Apostles Creed in his blood as he lay dying.  He was the first martyr in the Order of Preachers.  The Manichean heresy was rampant in the thirteenth century and Peter was such a good opponent of the heresy that he was killed to rid of him.  Peter of Verona is also called Peter Martyr.  He is often pictured with an ax or a sword in his head because that's how he was killed.

But I prefer the one with the finger to his lips.  He could be saying "Ssshsss" to be quiet because he was accused of sexual impropriety and he said nothing to clear himself.  He was taking the penance and also protecting a lady who would have been publically gossipped about. 

But also when the Order of Preachers had a vow of silence, they would use the gesture of a finger to the lips to ask the prior for permission to speak.  The gesture meant, "I have something to say."  Indeed, Peter Martyr spoke eloquently.  Credo in Unum Deum.

Third Day for the Novena to the Holy Spirit

FOREWORD The novena in honor of the Holy Spirit is the oldest of all novenas since it was first made at the direction of Our Lord Himself when He sent His apostles back to Jerusalem to await the coming of the Holy Spirit on the first Pentecost. It is still the only novena officially prescribed by the Church. Addressed to the Third Person of the Blessed Trinity, it is a powerful plea for the light and strength and love so sorely needed by every Christian.

ACT OF CONSECRATION TO THE HOLY SPIRIT To be recited daily during the Novena On my knees I before the great multitude of heavenly witnesses, I offer myself, soul and body to You, Eternal Spirit of God. I adore the brightness of Your purity, the unerring keenness of Your justice, and the might of Your love. You are the Strength and Light of my soul. In You I live and move and am. I desire never to grieve You by unfaithfulness to grace and I pray with all my heart to be kept from the smallest sin against You. Mercifully guard my every thought and grant that I may always watch for Your light, and listen to Your voice, and follow Your gracious inspirations. I cling to You and give myself to You and ask You, by Your compassion to watch over me in my weakness. Holding the pierced Feet of Jesus and looking at His Five Wounds, and trusting in His Precious Blood and adoring His opened Side and stricken Heart, I implore You, Adorable Spirit, Helper of my infirmity, to keep me in Your grace that I may never sin against You. Give me grace O Holy Spirit, Spirit of the Father and the Son to say to You always and everywhere, "Speak Lord for Your servant heareth." Amen.

PRAYER FOR THE SEVEN GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT To be recited daily during the Novena O Lord Jesus Christ Who, before ascending into heaven did promise to send the Holy Spirit to finish Your work in the souls of Your Apostles and Disciples, deign to grant the same Holy Spirit to me that He may perfect in my soul, the work of Your grace and Your love. Grant me the Spirit of Wisdom that I may despise the perishable things of this world and aspire only after the things that are eternal, the Spirit of Understanding to enlighten my mind with the light of Your divine truth, the Spirit on Counsel that I may ever choose the surest way of pleasing God and gaining heaven, the Spirit of Fortitude that I may bear my cross with You and that I may overcome with courage all the obstacles that oppose my salvation, the Spirit of Knowledge that I may know God and know myself and grow perfect in the science of the Saints, the Spirit of Piety that I may find the service of God sweet and amiable, and the Spirit of Fear that I may be filled with a loving reverence towards God and may dread in any way to displease Him. Mark me, dear Lord with the sign of Your true disciples, and animate me in all things with Your Spirit. Amen.

 The Novena begins on the day after the Solemnity of the Ascension, Friday of the 6th Week of Easter, even if the Solemnity of the Ascension is transferred to the 7th Sunday.

THIRD DAY (7th Sunday of Easter or transferred Ascension) Thou, of all consolers best, Visiting the troubled breast, Dost refreshing peace bestow. The Gift of Piety The gift of Piety begets in our hearts a filial affection for God as our most loving Father. It inspires us to love and respect for His sake persons and things consecrated to Him, as well as those who are vested with His authority, His Blessed Mother and the Saints, the Church and its visible Head, our parents and superiors, our country and its rulers. He who is filled with the gift of Piety finds the practice of his religion, not a burdensome duty, but a delightful service. Where there is love, there is no labor. Prayer Come, O Blessed Spirit of Piety, possess my heart. Enkindle therein such a love for God, that I may find satisfaction only in His service, and for His sake lovingly submit to all legitimate authority. Amen. - Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE. Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES. - Act of Consecration, Prayer for the Seven Gifts

Where did the Singing of the Salve at a Deathbed Come From?

In 1264, Blessed Sadoc and 48 of his fellow friars were martyred while praying Compline and Singing the Salve Regina.  The custom of singing the Salve Regina at the deathbed of a Domincan stems from this incident.

2nd Day of the Novena to the Holy Spirit

ACT OF CONSECRATION TO THE HOLY SPIRIT To be recited daily during the Novena
On my knees I before the great multitude of heavenly witnesses I offer myself, soul and body to You, Eternal Spirit of God. I adore the brightness of Your purity, the unerring keenness of Your justice, and the might of Your love. You are the Strength and Light of my soul. In You I live and move and am. I desire never to grieve You by unfaithfulness to grace and I pray with all my heart to be kept from the smallest sin against You. Mercifully guard my every thought and grant that I may always watch for Your light, and listen to Your voice, and follow Your gracious inspirations. I cling to You and give myself to You and ask You, by Your compassion to watch over me in my weakness. Holding the pierced Feet of Jesus and looking at His Five Wounds, and trusting in His Precious Blood and adoring His opened Side and stricken Heart, I implore You, Adorable Spirit, Helper of my infirmity, to keep me in Your grace that I may never sin against You. Give me grace O Holy Spirit, Spirit of the Father and the Son to say to You always and everywhere, "Speak Lord for Your servant heareth." Amen.

PRAYER FOR THE SEVEN GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT To be recited daily during the Novena O Lord Jesus Christ Who, before ascending into heaven did promise to send the Holy Spirit to finish Your work in the souls of Your Apostles and Disciples, deign to grant the same Holy Spirit to me that He may perfect in my soul, the work of Your grace and Your love. Grant me the Spirit of Wisdom that I may despise the perishable things of this world and aspire only after the things that are eternal, the Spirit of Understanding to enlighten my mind with the light of Your divine truth, the Spirit on Counsel that I may ever choose the surest way of pleasing God and gaining heaven, the Spirit of Fortitude that I may bear my cross with You and that I may overcome with courage all the obstacles that oppose my salvation, the Spirit of Knowledge that I may know God and know myself and grow perfect in the science of the Saints, the Spirit of Piety that I may find the service of God sweet and amiable, and the Spirit of Fear that I may be filled with a loving reverence towards God and may dread in any way to displease Him. Mark me, dear Lord with the sign of Your true disciples, and animate me in all things with Your Spirit. Amen.

The Novena begins on the day after the Solemnity of the Ascension, Friday of the 6th Week of Easter, even if the Solemnity of the Ascension is transferred to the 7th Sunday.

SECOND DAY (Saturday of 6th Week of Easter) Come. Father of the poor. Come, treasures which endure; Come, Light of all that live! The Gift of Fear The gift of Fear fills us with a sovereign respect for God, and makes us dread nothing so much as to offend Him by sin. It is a fear that arises, not from the thought of hell, but from sentiments of reverence and filial submission to our heavenly Father. It is the fear that is the beginning of wisdom, detaching us from worldly pleasures that could in any way separate us from God. "They that fear the Lord will prepare their hearts, and in His sight will sanctify their souls." Prayer Come, O blessed Spirit of Holy Fear, penetrate my inmost heart, that I may set you, my Lord and God, before my face forever, help me to shun all things that can offend You, and make me worthy to appear before the pure eyes of Your Divine Majesty in heaven, where You live and reign in the unity of the ever Blessed Trinity, God, world without end. Amen.

 - Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE. Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES. - Act of Consecration, Prayer for the Seven Gifts

Definition of Thaumaturgist

A thaumaturgist is a performer of miracles.  An example would be St. Vincent Ferrer, O.P. 

The devotion to St Vincent was strengthened with the arrival of the Dominican friars in Malta in 1513, having their first church in Rabat, above the shrine of Our Lady of the Grotto. In fact, in this church one finds a painted effigy of the saint and another painting in the church’s choir showing St Vincent resurrecting the dead. Due to the large number of miracles performed during his lifetime, St Vincent is one of the limited number of saints on whom was bestowed the title of thaumaturgist, a performer of miracles.

This quote is taken from an explanation of why the Maltese call St. Vincent Ferrer a thaumaturgist.