Friday, April 17, 2009

Susan Boyle... what a delightful surprise


Sitting at work yesterday, I received a call from my sister. "Get on to You Tube right now" she said. And so being the obedient one, I logged in. "Type in 'Susan Boyle' into the search window" she further instructed... "And then select the 7+ minute clip."

And so I did. And so I've done a dozen plus times since. I've also watched her this morning on "The Today Show" and have joined her fan page on Facebook.

This is an awesome story in the making. And I'm certain that it is far from over. Susan Boyle is a 47 year old woman from Scotland. She has never been married... never even been kissed. Her one dream is to become a professional singer. Most would say that she is not a beauty. I beg to differ. Her beauty shines from her eyes, from her heart, and when she begins to sing, her beauty blows you away.

What I loved most about this, is that the judges and the audience were clearly cynical when she walked onto stage. They laughed and rolled their eyes... they were quite unkind. Susan didn't let it get to her. She was charming and funny... she has spirit. And she has an amazing voice, which blew everyone away. Watching the judges' reactions as well as the reactions of the audience was exhilarating. And after her performance, the judges owned up to the fact that they had been wrong, they had been mean and unkind, and they were truly apologetic... and thrilled, and humbled. I just love it when "the little guy" kicks ass. Here is a link to the you tube click that made my day!

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Georgetown University hid religious symbols upon White House request....


President Obama spoke at Georgetown University on Tuesday... the word Jesus was covered up due to a request by the White House. I find this very alarming. This just confirms how wrong it is for the President to have been asked to speak at Notre Dame University's commencement.

Given his stance on abortion, I do think this is a Scandal. He claims to be a Christian. If that is so, then why the request to cover up Jesus' name?

This is Easter Time. It is a time to rejoice, for HE is risen!!! It is not a time, to cover him up. I will continue to pray for understanding, comfort and tolerance. I only wish the President would be tolerant of those of us who do believe!

The other question on my mind is why Catholic Universities are inviting him to speak, when there is little evidence that he has any respect for Catholic beliefs. I would hope that Fr. Jenkins, President of Notre Dame will too at this incident at Georgetown, and rethink his decision. I do realize that there is merit in inviting a dialog... and we can all pray that such a dialog would help the President to see the light. The request that Jesus' name be covered up is alarming. I just hope that anyone other Catholic institutions take note of this... and don't follow in Georgetown or Notre Dame's footsteps.




Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Easter Greetings!!

Rejoice, for HE has risen! Happy Easter everyone. I hope that everyone reading this had a wonderful and blessed Easter.

Our Holy week was busy, and many things happened that I didn't expect. I had been asked to carry in the Sacred Chrism for the "Mass of the Lord's Supper" which was on Thursday. The Sacred Chrism is a mixture of olive oil and balsam. It has been blessed by the Archbishop and is used in the sacrament of confirmation.

I was so honored to be asked, and I managed to do so without mishap. And I wasn't even nervous! I was so thrilled that it never occurred to me to be so. I think the most wonderful thing about the experience is that I was confirmed just one year ago... and I well remember the wonder smell of the oil, and the wonderful feeling of being received into membership by the Catholic church. Powerful stuff to be sure!

On Good Friday, Russell & I attended the "Celebration of the Lord's Passion" at the Alumni Hall Chapel on UD's campus. I found the "adoration of the cross" to be powerful and incredibly moving.
And of course, Easter Vigil at UD was spectacular and beautiful. It was cold outside, even for April, but the fire was wonderful, and the processon by candlelight in to the darkened chapel was amazing. I felt such joy as I watched those who were being baptized and confirmed. It was interesting to watch as an observer this time and I recall commenting to Russell that there were some things that I didn't remember from last year. What a beautiful Mass. And when all the lights came on and we sang out, rejoicing in Christ's rising.... it was... AWESOME!

Easter Sunday was spent with our families.. and it was my birthday as well. Having my birthday on Easter was a special thing. And even more touching was how our families went out of their way to include my birthday in the day's celebrations. It was truly a glorious day.

And Lent is over... and chocolate is back in my life.. no more fish on Fridays. But you know what? I didn't really mind. It was quite easy to give all that up, considering all that Jesus gave up for us. Despite the sacfricies, Lent was a wonderful journey. I attended a wonderful Taize style Lenten Reconciliatoin Service hosted by Campus Ministry. Then there was the fabulous retreat sponsored by St. Helen's and Immaculate Conception here in Dayton.

And now, it is time for joyful celebration, for He is risen! Rejoice!