S.R.D.

Yes, I've been too busy to post this week, and this is why. I was going to work, rushing to daily Mass (It's Lent, after all.), rush to exercise class, then going to French class, trying to meet two deadlines, pack and get ready for SRD, plan the next T.O.P.S. meeting. Whew! Now, SRD, is over. I met the two deadlines. And I can breathe easily.

What's SRD? State Recognition Days is a weekend of honoring the best losers in T.O.P.S. Six from my Chapter went. Here's the picture. It was a wonderful time. I'm inspired to get back to losing. I met the most wonderful lady sitting next to me at dinner. She has been a K.O.P.S. for twenty-three years! A K.O.P.S. is someone who has Kept Off Pounds. Twenty-three years!!!! That means she never went over three pounds of her goal weight, nor dropped down more than seven.

Do you think I'll ever be a K.O.P.S.?

World Youth Day Rio

The World Youth Day team in Rio de Janeiro have released a video to promote the official launch of the WYD2013 logo. Take a look at the video right here on Xt3 - and share it with your friends as we countdown to World Youth Day in July 2013.

A Child's Immagination

Love this!! I happen to be reading My Brother, the Pope by Georg Ratzinger, who says that he and his brother use to play Mass. I was surprised to read that stores in his town sold small priest vestments and Mass kits as toys.

We use to wear ponchos and use Necco wafers.

Religion's Role in Politics

...there are certain “Catholic” voter guides that put an exclusive emphasis on issues like abortion and traditional marriage, as if there are no other aspects to Catholic Social Teaching. They all but direct the reader to vote Republican. On the other side, there are factions within the Church who put such an emphasis on social justice, as to ignore life issues. They give the impression that they the Church is “the Democratic party at prayer.” The Gospel is bigger than any political camp. It challenges everyone. We should never let a party or politician be our messiah or magisterium.

Interested in reading more?

Then read the entire article by Father Francis Belanger, OP. on the Dominican Province of St. Joseph's site.

Street Preaching

Here's a video of a man who's giving back to the community. Who says people can't change? Not me. And George is proof.

God forgives the past. What's important is now.

Open Your Hearts

My Soul Breathed in God's Rhythm

This morning, my French tutor, Joan Weber, and I, read Pere Lataste Sermon for Lent. I was deeply moved. He writes so beautifully. And he wrote over a century ago!!

I can't get over it. All day, and it was a busy one, I thought about Father Lataste's words. And tonight, during Stations of the Cross, I think I got it:

la prier est la respiration de l'ame.

I was there--really there.