Saturday, July 30, 2005
Because everyone else is doing it, and therefore it is cool:
My nightstand.
On my nightstand, I have the following items:
1. My alarm clock, set for 6:33am. The reason for that is that I set it for 6:30, accidentally hit "off" instead of "snooze" one day, and so changed the setting for 6:33 so that I could have a second chance at the snooze button, instead of actually getting my lazy butt out of bed. :) I normally hit that snooze about 3 times each morning. I think it's Trinitarian on some level. Start the day off right, I always say. ;)
2. My statue of St. Cecilia I got in Rome. I love that statue.
3. A new statue of St. Dominic (right next to St. Cecilia, of course).
4. My "Good Night to the Blessed Mother" prayer, that way I remember each night.
5. A St. Dominic prayer card (that came with the new statue).
6. My holy water bottle. I always throw holy water on my bed before climbing in every night, whilst praying a Hail Mary. Learned that one in Nashville.
There are no books on the nightstand, although they cover the floor surrounding it. Currently I have 2 Bibles (NAB and GNT), my Christian Prayer, Maurice & Therese, The World's First Love, Mere Christianity, St. Thomas Aquinas: The Dumb Ox, and a lot of vocational literature I received at Vocation Camp...I don't know what life would be without books surrounding me while I sleep.
And on a more superficial note: today at IKEA I got some really awesome things for really awesome prices! I got Roman blinds for $5.99, a linen floor lamp (one of those tube-y sort of deals) for $14.99 (it was half price), bamboo blinds for $6.99, a little coatrack for $1.99 and other odds-and-ends type deals. It was wonderful. I can't believe school starts so soon - I am getting terribly excited! YAY LORAS!
Well, it's time for bed - this is my only day to sleep in...might as well make the most of it! We'll give Sunday its proper due as the "day of rest". Hoorah.
Caritas et veritas.
My nightstand.
On my nightstand, I have the following items:
1. My alarm clock, set for 6:33am. The reason for that is that I set it for 6:30, accidentally hit "off" instead of "snooze" one day, and so changed the setting for 6:33 so that I could have a second chance at the snooze button, instead of actually getting my lazy butt out of bed. :) I normally hit that snooze about 3 times each morning. I think it's Trinitarian on some level. Start the day off right, I always say. ;)
2. My statue of St. Cecilia I got in Rome. I love that statue.
3. A new statue of St. Dominic (right next to St. Cecilia, of course).
4. My "Good Night to the Blessed Mother" prayer, that way I remember each night.
5. A St. Dominic prayer card (that came with the new statue).
6. My holy water bottle. I always throw holy water on my bed before climbing in every night, whilst praying a Hail Mary. Learned that one in Nashville.
There are no books on the nightstand, although they cover the floor surrounding it. Currently I have 2 Bibles (NAB and GNT), my Christian Prayer, Maurice & Therese, The World's First Love, Mere Christianity, St. Thomas Aquinas: The Dumb Ox, and a lot of vocational literature I received at Vocation Camp...I don't know what life would be without books surrounding me while I sleep.
And on a more superficial note: today at IKEA I got some really awesome things for really awesome prices! I got Roman blinds for $5.99, a linen floor lamp (one of those tube-y sort of deals) for $14.99 (it was half price), bamboo blinds for $6.99, a little coatrack for $1.99 and other odds-and-ends type deals. It was wonderful. I can't believe school starts so soon - I am getting terribly excited! YAY LORAS!
Well, it's time for bed - this is my only day to sleep in...might as well make the most of it! We'll give Sunday its proper due as the "day of rest". Hoorah.
Caritas et veritas.
Friday, July 29, 2005
I'm a Ravenclaw!
"Here in wise old Ravenclaw
if you've a ready mind,
Those of wit and learning
will always find their kind."
Hoorah! I always pictured myself as a Gryffindor, because I find a little bit of myself in Harry, Hermione and Ron, but upon reading this description of Ravenclaw, I must agree with the Sorting Hat. :)
More pictures of Vocation Camp arrived via CD a few days back - when I get a chance, they will be posted. :) Yay!
And tomorrow: IKEA! I have decided upon looking for some things found in a book entitled "Your First Apartment" or something...it's a neat book, and I liked a few things in particular. Namely, the word curtain (where you transfer words, of any type, from poetry to fortune-cookie predictions) to a curtain for the window...it's really very chic. Then there were these nesting tables that I thought were uber-cute. And I saw some other ideas, involving decoupage and paint. I'm excited to see how this all turns out! (and a bit nervous, I may add)...
Now to figure out how to sleep comfortably with these gaping sores in my heels (swing dancing rocked my socks off...er, rather, whilst swing dancing, my shoes rocked the skin on my feet off...) Hey, what was I to do? They were cute shoes, and they matched. Helloo, that's really what's important. ;) I knew my feet were being torn apart, but I didn't care because I love dancing so much! I was just so happy to dance! And the proceeds go to the Rescue Mission and the Pregnancy Care Center, so, after all, it was a noble cause indeed. I just hope my feet heal in time for next Thursday's swing dancing fun!
Caritas et veritas.
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
So tonight's Theology on Tap was quality. Of course. I mean, it was about the Eucharist. And he cited "Ecclesia de Eucharistia" and "Mane Nobiscum Domine" (the latter being my personal favorite of the two, solely based upon the style and imagery). I love those documents. It was just a great talk - very hopeful, this new face of the Church that is starting to show. It began with the JP2 generation getting out there, fearless, ready to make a difference, and is continuing strong with BXVI. I love both of them, and am really excited for the Church. I think that if we just could get some good liturgists, strong liturgical music, and orthodox priests, we'd be all set. :) And it's coming - by the grace of God, it's coming. Hoorah.
I bought my books for this next semester. I think last semester the total was something ridiculous in the $300 range. Thanks to my wonderful roommate, Megan, I have found how to look up my textbooks, and have ordered them through Half.com. If I had ordered them through the campus bookstore, they would be $141.80 (still considerably less than last semester). However, I have just purchased them for (drum roll please....) $57.47!! WOOT! I am so excited about the fact that $60 bought a semester's worth of books!!!! That's like, a college student's wildest dream come true. Yessss.
Well, off to bed. I must remember that in order to be able to actually get out of bed early, I need to go to bed early. Something about a required amount of sleep each night, blah blah blah. ;)
Caritas et veritas!!
P.S. I painted on my wall last night. It says "Veritas" with a Dominican shield, and then has the words "Laudare, Benedicere, Praedicare" and underneath it "Contemplata aliis tradere". I wonder how long it'll take before the parents start wondering... :)
I bought my books for this next semester. I think last semester the total was something ridiculous in the $300 range. Thanks to my wonderful roommate, Megan, I have found how to look up my textbooks, and have ordered them through Half.com. If I had ordered them through the campus bookstore, they would be $141.80 (still considerably less than last semester). However, I have just purchased them for (drum roll please....) $57.47!! WOOT! I am so excited about the fact that $60 bought a semester's worth of books!!!! That's like, a college student's wildest dream come true. Yessss.
Well, off to bed. I must remember that in order to be able to actually get out of bed early, I need to go to bed early. Something about a required amount of sleep each night, blah blah blah. ;)
Caritas et veritas!!
P.S. I painted on my wall last night. It says "Veritas" with a Dominican shield, and then has the words "Laudare, Benedicere, Praedicare" and underneath it "Contemplata aliis tradere". I wonder how long it'll take before the parents start wondering... :)
The whole group! :)
The five of us. :) I love this picture.
Picture #1 of Vocation Camp. I LOVE those sisters...they're ROCKSTARS! :)
Monday, July 25, 2005
You scored as Institutional Model. Your model of the church is institutional. Jesus established all church hierarchy, which depends upon the Holy Spirit to guide all the members to the Father's will. The hierarchy is responsible for teaching, sanctifying, and governing. Lay persons are responsible for obeying and adhering to the official teaching of the hierarchy. This model can become rigid or narrow if not complemented by other appropriate models.
What is your model of the church? [Dulles] created with QuizFarm.com |
Couldn't have been more right. Wow - this quiz is goood. I guess I could have fit into most of the categories, but, in fact, I am all about that whole obedience to the Magisterium thing. Obedience, baby!
I'll post more tomorrow - not much time tonight.
Caritas et veritas, y'all.
Thursday, July 21, 2005
So I finished Harry Potter. And I cried. I know, I know...shut up. I can't help it! The character who dies in this one is a lot closer to my heart than a lot of the other characters, mainly because he reminds me of Brother Jack so much. :)
And as for a clarification on Pope Benedict XVI's statement on Harry Potter, I invoke the usage of the Diocesan newspaper (which is always trustworthy; God bless my diocese).
"a former Vatican official said Harry Potter books must be read as children's literature, not theology...On a moral level, he said, the books 'pit good against evil, and good always wins'. In J.K. Rowling's books, he said, 'Harry is the only one not afraid to name Voldemort - whom the others all refer to as 'He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named.' Because he names evil, he is not afraid of it,' but can confront it."
Once again, the stuff that I knew all along, but it does help to have it come out of Rome.
I will give reflections on Harry Potter at a later date - I really need to get to bed tonight - too many late nights pulling the "one-more-chapter" bit trying to finish Harry Potter quickly...
But before I go, I must say this. I HATE GOVERNOR BLAGOJEVICH. I know I only get 3 Hate Tokens per day, but he's totally worth it. It's like, how much more of a snake could you possibly be, you conniving, thieving, money-blowing, baby-killing crook! I want to move anywhere but Illinois, just so my taxpayer dollars don't have to support one cursed man who thinks it is a great idea to sneak behind the General Assembly's back to OK this idea born in the depths of hell to use poor, defenseless, innocent lives to EXPERIMENT for cures. Especially when the information point directly opposite, and state that adult stem cells are proving more advantageous. All you want is another reason to take lives, you hypocritical jerk, touting your "let's save lives" banner which is so keenly strung upon the spears you drive into the hearts of the innocent. ARGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!
For the aforementioned information, click here:
http://www.stemcellresearch.org/facts/treatments.htm
::regaining composure, taking deep breaths....::
And Margaret, if you ever read this, send me the pictures from Vocation Camp!! :)
God bless!
Caritas et veritas.
I heart Logic.
And as for a clarification on Pope Benedict XVI's statement on Harry Potter, I invoke the usage of the Diocesan newspaper (which is always trustworthy; God bless my diocese).
"a former Vatican official said Harry Potter books must be read as children's literature, not theology...On a moral level, he said, the books 'pit good against evil, and good always wins'. In J.K. Rowling's books, he said, 'Harry is the only one not afraid to name Voldemort - whom the others all refer to as 'He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named.' Because he names evil, he is not afraid of it,' but can confront it."
Once again, the stuff that I knew all along, but it does help to have it come out of Rome.
I will give reflections on Harry Potter at a later date - I really need to get to bed tonight - too many late nights pulling the "one-more-chapter" bit trying to finish Harry Potter quickly...
But before I go, I must say this. I HATE GOVERNOR BLAGOJEVICH. I know I only get 3 Hate Tokens per day, but he's totally worth it. It's like, how much more of a snake could you possibly be, you conniving, thieving, money-blowing, baby-killing crook! I want to move anywhere but Illinois, just so my taxpayer dollars don't have to support one cursed man who thinks it is a great idea to sneak behind the General Assembly's back to OK this idea born in the depths of hell to use poor, defenseless, innocent lives to EXPERIMENT for cures. Especially when the information point directly opposite, and state that adult stem cells are proving more advantageous. All you want is another reason to take lives, you hypocritical jerk, touting your "let's save lives" banner which is so keenly strung upon the spears you drive into the hearts of the innocent. ARGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!
For the aforementioned information, click here:
http://www.stemcellresearch.org/facts/treatments.htm
::regaining composure, taking deep breaths....::
And Margaret, if you ever read this, send me the pictures from Vocation Camp!! :)
God bless!
Caritas et veritas.
I heart Logic.
Sunday, July 17, 2005
From the mouth of someone much smarter than I:
"Harry Potter, Catholic Boy"
by John O'Callaghan
Scholastic Books, the American publisher of the Harry Potter novels, changed the title of the first book from its British title, "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" to "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" - American readers apparently cannot be expected to buy a book with "philosopher" in the title. But this change misled many to think that the novels were fundamentally about sorcery, witches, and witchcraft. They're not. They are about philosophy, literally "the love of wisdom", the desire to understand better the highest causes of things, and they are about faith seeking understanding, "fides quaerens intellectum" in the lovely Latin phrase. These two themes are intertwined and have an ancient heritage in Western culture, from Plato and Aristotle through Augustine and Aquinas to J.K. Rowling, who gives narrative expression to them in a lively morality tale, pitting unfettered power and evil against the power of goodness and love, a culture of life versus a culture of death in search of the philosopher's treasure: wisdom.
Consider the rich religious symbols used throughout the novels. We have the characters of Lucius Malfoy - that is, Lucifer, surnamed "bad faith". We have his son, Draco, whose name is Latin for "snake".We have Slytherin House, again the snake. By contrast we have Gryffindor House, "griffin d'or" being French for "golden griffin" - a medieval symbol for Christ. We have, in the third novel, "The Prisoner of Azkaban", Lupin the wolf, symbol of poverty and of St. Francis (the association with St. Francis is apt when we think of Professor Lupin's ill health and the rags he wears for clothes), and Sirius Black the dog, who represents "watchfulness and fidelity," often used in religious art as a symbol of St. Dominic and associated with the Dominicans (who are known as the Blackfriars because of the black capes they wear over their white religious habits). And the villain of the third book is Peter Pettigrew, the rat, symbol of destruction and evil.
Most striking of images in the books is the deer or stag, who represents stag, religious aspiration, solitude, and purity of life. Unbeknownst to Harry, it is his faither in the form of a stag who appears when he utters the "Expecto patronum" spell in the third book. Recall that Harry is passing out, about to be overcome by the kiss of a Dementor (themselves unsubtle tributes to J.R.R. Tolkien's Ringwraiths). In Latin, "patronus" means "defender" or "advocate" and it etymologically linked with the Latin for "father". "Expecto" means "I await", a waiting that may be tinged with hope, as in the Nicene Creed's "Expecto resurrectionem". So the spell "Expecto patronum" means "I await a defender, an advocate". It turns out that the answer to Harry's prayer is the father whom he hopes for. The son is saved by his prayer and then sees himself standing next to the stage on the bank across the lake. Later the wise Dumbledore explains, "Your father is alive in you, Harry, and shows himself most plainly when you have need of him..."
Perhaps the most dramatic and striking symbol in "The Philosopher's Stone", however, is the unicorn slaughtered by Voldemort. The unicorn in medieval art was a symbol of purity; legend had it that only a virgin could capture a unicorn. The unicorn would run to the virgin, lay its head in her lap, and fall asleep. For obvious reasons it was alsao personified as a symbol of the Virgin Mary and Jesus. When Hagrid and the children tell Ronan the centaur that a unicorn has been injured in the forest, Ronan responds by saying, "Always the innocent are the first victims...So it has been been for ages past, so it is now." Seen in a religious light and with the association with Mary and Jesus, these words remind the reader of the slaughter of the Holy Innocents at the hands of Herod.
Voldemort's name means "one who wills death". But he does not will death for himself; he wants the eternal life that he believes the Philosopher's Stone will grant him. No, he wills the death of others as the means to this eternal life. That is why he slaughtered the unicorn and tried to slaughter Harry. In the climactic scene he explains to Harry that ideas of good and evil are youthful and "ridiculous". He says, "There is no good and evil, there is only power, and those too weak to seek it". For the attentive reader, this is a direct reference to Nietzsche, who argued that this will to power is at the heart of philosophy and is the secret desire of the modern quest for absolute autonomy. And yet the authentic love of his mother protects Harry and conquers this quest for unfettered power. Good, which is associated with love, triumphs over evil.
Finally, the mythic symbol of Dumbledore is the phoenix, another medieval symbol of Christ because of its ability to rise from the ashes on the third day after it has ben consumed in a holocaust. It is the phoenix that comes to Harry in the Chamber of Secrets when he recalls Dumbledore's promise to remain at Hogwarts as long as someone there thinks of him. The phoenix gives Harry the gift of the sword of Godric Gryffindor, with which he will slay the Basilisk. The name Godric is a pre-Norman Conquest English name that means "the power of God". So we have in the scene the association of two symbols of Christ, the phoenix and the griffin. And the gift the phoenix gives Harry is the power of God, the power of Christ, to slay the Basilisk, a symbol of Satan.
In short: Hogwarts is not a school of sorcery and the occult mastery of nature. It is a school of virtue, a community of inquiry in pursuit of wisdom, an academy of philosophy.
WOW!!!
How amazing is that? I mean, I always knew that Harry wasn't evil, and after reading the books I picked up on most of the things that are discussed in this article - however, it is great to see it reaffirmed and stated a little more eloquently (and authoritatively) than I am able. Hoorah.
The book is coming along wonderfully. I am just shy of page 200, and proud of it. I am not into the whole "read it in a day" thing. Mostly because I have a terrible memory and if I read it that quickly I will not remember the details, as I will not take them in from reading so quickly. Secondly, if I anticipated this book for as long as I did (which I did), then I want to savor it a little. I want to re-read passages and revel in the mystery and wonder of it all. I do not want to be the first completed with it without realizing what I've read. How sad that would be. And on a more practical note: I cannot read nearly that fast, nor am I able to read for hours on end without getting sleepy. Not because it's boring, but because my eyes get tired!! And so I have to alternate reading with other activities in order to keep my mind about me whilst reading. And so, I am taking my time, yet reading it quickly, as I do not want to find out the ending from some yo-yo who feels the need to share it with me against my wishes.
On another note, our second (my first) Theology on Tap is Tuesday night and I am very excited. The theme is the "Culture of Life" and a rock star priest is the one who will be speaking. He's wonderful, and the topic is tremendous, so it will undoubtedly be a wonderful session. And for all those wondering: there are three locations for Theology on Tap in my diocese, and this is a non-alcoholic one. Yes, I know I'm 20. Fear not, there is no alcohol on the premises. :) I will surely post about it after the event - God knows it'll be tremendous.
And on a completely different note: last night the local theatre group put on "Jesus Christ Superstar". I unsuspectingly bought 2 tickets, one for me, one for Elizabeth. We went out to see the show, aware that things might be somewhat fishy, but believing that it wouldn't be too "out there". However, IT WAS. After the first song, I was a little weirded out. Then it got worse, and worse, to the point when Mary Magdalene was cradling Jesus in her arm, caressing Him lovingly...and they walked off stage together HOLDING HANDS. I, in a loud whisper (I maintain it was a whisper, despite what the folks around me might attest to), started saying "HERETICS! HERETICS!" and Elizabeth tried to calm me. So then I put my head in my hands and started feeling really hot (like at the graduation speech this past spring...). Elizabeth was upset by it too, and looked at me and said "I don't know how much more I can take" and we decided to leave. I went over to my parents, who were sitting in our season ticket seats, and told them "I want to scream, I want to cry, and I just *yelled* heretic...I have to leave", and I left. So, yeah, that was my experience. The theology was deplorable. I understand that it's not supposed to be presented as a bona fide Bible study, necessarily, but still. I mean, I enjoy "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" for a reason. It's mostly factual, with a bit of fun and tomfoolery thrown in there. I can appreciate that. This was just "beyond the beyond" (to quote Sister Joseph Andrew). So Elizabeth and I came back and turned on EWTN and talked about Truth. :)
So that's what I have to say for now - I will get to posting more about Vocation Camp on Tuesday (at least, that's the plan as of now)...
Caritas et veritas.
I heart origami churches.
"Harry Potter, Catholic Boy"
by John O'Callaghan
Scholastic Books, the American publisher of the Harry Potter novels, changed the title of the first book from its British title, "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" to "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" - American readers apparently cannot be expected to buy a book with "philosopher" in the title. But this change misled many to think that the novels were fundamentally about sorcery, witches, and witchcraft. They're not. They are about philosophy, literally "the love of wisdom", the desire to understand better the highest causes of things, and they are about faith seeking understanding, "fides quaerens intellectum" in the lovely Latin phrase. These two themes are intertwined and have an ancient heritage in Western culture, from Plato and Aristotle through Augustine and Aquinas to J.K. Rowling, who gives narrative expression to them in a lively morality tale, pitting unfettered power and evil against the power of goodness and love, a culture of life versus a culture of death in search of the philosopher's treasure: wisdom.
Consider the rich religious symbols used throughout the novels. We have the characters of Lucius Malfoy - that is, Lucifer, surnamed "bad faith". We have his son, Draco, whose name is Latin for "snake".We have Slytherin House, again the snake. By contrast we have Gryffindor House, "griffin d'or" being French for "golden griffin" - a medieval symbol for Christ. We have, in the third novel, "The Prisoner of Azkaban", Lupin the wolf, symbol of poverty and of St. Francis (the association with St. Francis is apt when we think of Professor Lupin's ill health and the rags he wears for clothes), and Sirius Black the dog, who represents "watchfulness and fidelity," often used in religious art as a symbol of St. Dominic and associated with the Dominicans (who are known as the Blackfriars because of the black capes they wear over their white religious habits). And the villain of the third book is Peter Pettigrew, the rat, symbol of destruction and evil.
Most striking of images in the books is the deer or stag, who represents stag, religious aspiration, solitude, and purity of life. Unbeknownst to Harry, it is his faither in the form of a stag who appears when he utters the "Expecto patronum" spell in the third book. Recall that Harry is passing out, about to be overcome by the kiss of a Dementor (themselves unsubtle tributes to J.R.R. Tolkien's Ringwraiths). In Latin, "patronus" means "defender" or "advocate" and it etymologically linked with the Latin for "father". "Expecto" means "I await", a waiting that may be tinged with hope, as in the Nicene Creed's "Expecto resurrectionem". So the spell "Expecto patronum" means "I await a defender, an advocate". It turns out that the answer to Harry's prayer is the father whom he hopes for. The son is saved by his prayer and then sees himself standing next to the stage on the bank across the lake. Later the wise Dumbledore explains, "Your father is alive in you, Harry, and shows himself most plainly when you have need of him..."
Perhaps the most dramatic and striking symbol in "The Philosopher's Stone", however, is the unicorn slaughtered by Voldemort. The unicorn in medieval art was a symbol of purity; legend had it that only a virgin could capture a unicorn. The unicorn would run to the virgin, lay its head in her lap, and fall asleep. For obvious reasons it was alsao personified as a symbol of the Virgin Mary and Jesus. When Hagrid and the children tell Ronan the centaur that a unicorn has been injured in the forest, Ronan responds by saying, "Always the innocent are the first victims...So it has been been for ages past, so it is now." Seen in a religious light and with the association with Mary and Jesus, these words remind the reader of the slaughter of the Holy Innocents at the hands of Herod.
Voldemort's name means "one who wills death". But he does not will death for himself; he wants the eternal life that he believes the Philosopher's Stone will grant him. No, he wills the death of others as the means to this eternal life. That is why he slaughtered the unicorn and tried to slaughter Harry. In the climactic scene he explains to Harry that ideas of good and evil are youthful and "ridiculous". He says, "There is no good and evil, there is only power, and those too weak to seek it". For the attentive reader, this is a direct reference to Nietzsche, who argued that this will to power is at the heart of philosophy and is the secret desire of the modern quest for absolute autonomy. And yet the authentic love of his mother protects Harry and conquers this quest for unfettered power. Good, which is associated with love, triumphs over evil.
Finally, the mythic symbol of Dumbledore is the phoenix, another medieval symbol of Christ because of its ability to rise from the ashes on the third day after it has ben consumed in a holocaust. It is the phoenix that comes to Harry in the Chamber of Secrets when he recalls Dumbledore's promise to remain at Hogwarts as long as someone there thinks of him. The phoenix gives Harry the gift of the sword of Godric Gryffindor, with which he will slay the Basilisk. The name Godric is a pre-Norman Conquest English name that means "the power of God". So we have in the scene the association of two symbols of Christ, the phoenix and the griffin. And the gift the phoenix gives Harry is the power of God, the power of Christ, to slay the Basilisk, a symbol of Satan.
In short: Hogwarts is not a school of sorcery and the occult mastery of nature. It is a school of virtue, a community of inquiry in pursuit of wisdom, an academy of philosophy.
WOW!!!
How amazing is that? I mean, I always knew that Harry wasn't evil, and after reading the books I picked up on most of the things that are discussed in this article - however, it is great to see it reaffirmed and stated a little more eloquently (and authoritatively) than I am able. Hoorah.
The book is coming along wonderfully. I am just shy of page 200, and proud of it. I am not into the whole "read it in a day" thing. Mostly because I have a terrible memory and if I read it that quickly I will not remember the details, as I will not take them in from reading so quickly. Secondly, if I anticipated this book for as long as I did (which I did), then I want to savor it a little. I want to re-read passages and revel in the mystery and wonder of it all. I do not want to be the first completed with it without realizing what I've read. How sad that would be. And on a more practical note: I cannot read nearly that fast, nor am I able to read for hours on end without getting sleepy. Not because it's boring, but because my eyes get tired!! And so I have to alternate reading with other activities in order to keep my mind about me whilst reading. And so, I am taking my time, yet reading it quickly, as I do not want to find out the ending from some yo-yo who feels the need to share it with me against my wishes.
On another note, our second (my first) Theology on Tap is Tuesday night and I am very excited. The theme is the "Culture of Life" and a rock star priest is the one who will be speaking. He's wonderful, and the topic is tremendous, so it will undoubtedly be a wonderful session. And for all those wondering: there are three locations for Theology on Tap in my diocese, and this is a non-alcoholic one. Yes, I know I'm 20. Fear not, there is no alcohol on the premises. :) I will surely post about it after the event - God knows it'll be tremendous.
And on a completely different note: last night the local theatre group put on "Jesus Christ Superstar". I unsuspectingly bought 2 tickets, one for me, one for Elizabeth. We went out to see the show, aware that things might be somewhat fishy, but believing that it wouldn't be too "out there". However, IT WAS. After the first song, I was a little weirded out. Then it got worse, and worse, to the point when Mary Magdalene was cradling Jesus in her arm, caressing Him lovingly...and they walked off stage together HOLDING HANDS. I, in a loud whisper (I maintain it was a whisper, despite what the folks around me might attest to), started saying "HERETICS! HERETICS!" and Elizabeth tried to calm me. So then I put my head in my hands and started feeling really hot (like at the graduation speech this past spring...). Elizabeth was upset by it too, and looked at me and said "I don't know how much more I can take" and we decided to leave. I went over to my parents, who were sitting in our season ticket seats, and told them "I want to scream, I want to cry, and I just *yelled* heretic...I have to leave", and I left. So, yeah, that was my experience. The theology was deplorable. I understand that it's not supposed to be presented as a bona fide Bible study, necessarily, but still. I mean, I enjoy "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" for a reason. It's mostly factual, with a bit of fun and tomfoolery thrown in there. I can appreciate that. This was just "beyond the beyond" (to quote Sister Joseph Andrew). So Elizabeth and I came back and turned on EWTN and talked about Truth. :)
So that's what I have to say for now - I will get to posting more about Vocation Camp on Tuesday (at least, that's the plan as of now)...
Caritas et veritas.
I heart origami churches.
Thursday, July 14, 2005
So, about Vocation Camp.
It was the most amazing experience. I'm still savoring it. I had the opportunity to meet some amazing orders of sisters, including one order I had never heard of (but boy are they terrific!). My favorites, were of course, from Nashville. As said by a friend "they are just so naturally beautiful, because they are exactly who God is calling them to be. There's something about them that just radiates...". Exactly. They're tremendous. They are fun, they are silly, they joke around, they play sports with the best of them - and they are terribly orthodox, holy, good, and constantly in pursuit of the Truth. I LOVE it. It's beyond words for me - no word, phrase, epic novel-length statement could ever describe the effect they have on people when they are around - they call you to be YOU. Genuinely you. The you God calls you to be. The you you neglect to be because you get caught up in worldly concerns, fascinations and desires. And the you that you desire to be deep down. I am so genuinely me with them, and I feel at home. I love it. I will post the picture of us on here once I get my hands on it (I'm not the one with the digital camera...). Anyway, the camp was tremendous. The sisters explained the beauty of the habit, of their vows, of being the Brides of Christ, of understanding Church teaching and of knowing the Truth, and of being attentive to the will of God in everyday life. They inspired each girl at that camp to desire God's will, to seek God's plan for their lives, and to know, love and serve Him more and more each day. I am confident in this, and I rejoice in this confidence. They were absolutely radiant, and I am still soaking in everything they were to me. I will probably continue to share random insights throughout the next week or so. :) Ah, it was beautiful.
And now on to Harry Potter.
I cannot find a credible source stating the Pope's comments about the Harry Potter books (I am still in search of them...)
However, I did find a statement by a Vatican official:
"It's just a setting for an adventure between good and evil to take place. And she has an amazing talent of writing books that you don't want to put down, that's all there is going on there."
Agreed.
You know, I Googled Pope Benedict XVI and Harry Potter and came up with everything from "the Pope is a fun-hater" to "the Pope is right, Harry is evil" to "the Pope never said that and Harry isn't evil"...so I don't trust anything I'm reading, and I'm going with my own conscience. And here's what it tells me.
Harry Potter is great. The books are good books for children to read WHEN and ONLY WHEN someone of competent intelligence and knowledge of Catholicism can explain it to them in light of the Truth. In the books, Harry is good. He is the standard protagonist fighting for good to prevail over evil. But instead of being humdrum, he is exciting, with silly spells (like the one that made Ron spit slugs) and daring adventures (like when he's saving innocent lives). In my opinion, he represents something that can teach children a lesson about standing up in the face of opposition and holding onto what is good and right and true. And if you want to get philosophical, the elements of friendship according to the Nicomachean Ethics are plain, from the relationship between Harry, Hermione and Ron to the relationship between Draco, Crabbe and Goyle. You can examine the reality of friendship between the good characters and the bad characters and see which more closely exhibits that of a Christian relationship. The 'good' characters strenghten each other, encourage each other, risk their lives for what they believe is the ultimate good. It is truly beautiful. And the example of virtue within the book is very evident in the characters also. Harry shows what virtue is, with the right amount of temperance in most things. The other characters exhibit either too much greed, anger, revenge, or a whole lot of other vices which can lead to the destruction of the person. The character of Harry teaches children to look at what is balanced - to be courageous, honest, and self-sacrificing, willing to do whatever it is to honor the good in the world. And all of this is done using the medium of the imagination. What beauty, teaching children to think for themselves, to envision what they are READING, instead of the ridiculous cartoons they watch on the television. Children read, children imagine, children learn, and with the proper instruction, children see the Christian themes in the book and learn to be virtuous and good as Harry strives to be. To me, Harry is a hero - we just need to look at him for what he really is, and not get caught up on the fact that he's a wizard...because in my opinion, the wizard is just a vehicle for getting into the imaginations of children. Children are not about to pick up a book entitled, "Little Johnny, the Good Boy Who Did Everything He Was Supposed To Do" to learn about virtue; however, through Harry Potter, they get essentially the same message.
And yes, I will be at the midnight release party tomorrow night. Woooooohooooo! :)
And now I must retire for the evening.
Caritas et veritas.
I heart Beauty.
It was the most amazing experience. I'm still savoring it. I had the opportunity to meet some amazing orders of sisters, including one order I had never heard of (but boy are they terrific!). My favorites, were of course, from Nashville. As said by a friend "they are just so naturally beautiful, because they are exactly who God is calling them to be. There's something about them that just radiates...". Exactly. They're tremendous. They are fun, they are silly, they joke around, they play sports with the best of them - and they are terribly orthodox, holy, good, and constantly in pursuit of the Truth. I LOVE it. It's beyond words for me - no word, phrase, epic novel-length statement could ever describe the effect they have on people when they are around - they call you to be YOU. Genuinely you. The you God calls you to be. The you you neglect to be because you get caught up in worldly concerns, fascinations and desires. And the you that you desire to be deep down. I am so genuinely me with them, and I feel at home. I love it. I will post the picture of us on here once I get my hands on it (I'm not the one with the digital camera...). Anyway, the camp was tremendous. The sisters explained the beauty of the habit, of their vows, of being the Brides of Christ, of understanding Church teaching and of knowing the Truth, and of being attentive to the will of God in everyday life. They inspired each girl at that camp to desire God's will, to seek God's plan for their lives, and to know, love and serve Him more and more each day. I am confident in this, and I rejoice in this confidence. They were absolutely radiant, and I am still soaking in everything they were to me. I will probably continue to share random insights throughout the next week or so. :) Ah, it was beautiful.
And now on to Harry Potter.
I cannot find a credible source stating the Pope's comments about the Harry Potter books (I am still in search of them...)
However, I did find a statement by a Vatican official:
"It's just a setting for an adventure between good and evil to take place. And she has an amazing talent of writing books that you don't want to put down, that's all there is going on there."
Agreed.
You know, I Googled Pope Benedict XVI and Harry Potter and came up with everything from "the Pope is a fun-hater" to "the Pope is right, Harry is evil" to "the Pope never said that and Harry isn't evil"...so I don't trust anything I'm reading, and I'm going with my own conscience. And here's what it tells me.
Harry Potter is great. The books are good books for children to read WHEN and ONLY WHEN someone of competent intelligence and knowledge of Catholicism can explain it to them in light of the Truth. In the books, Harry is good. He is the standard protagonist fighting for good to prevail over evil. But instead of being humdrum, he is exciting, with silly spells (like the one that made Ron spit slugs) and daring adventures (like when he's saving innocent lives). In my opinion, he represents something that can teach children a lesson about standing up in the face of opposition and holding onto what is good and right and true. And if you want to get philosophical, the elements of friendship according to the Nicomachean Ethics are plain, from the relationship between Harry, Hermione and Ron to the relationship between Draco, Crabbe and Goyle. You can examine the reality of friendship between the good characters and the bad characters and see which more closely exhibits that of a Christian relationship. The 'good' characters strenghten each other, encourage each other, risk their lives for what they believe is the ultimate good. It is truly beautiful. And the example of virtue within the book is very evident in the characters also. Harry shows what virtue is, with the right amount of temperance in most things. The other characters exhibit either too much greed, anger, revenge, or a whole lot of other vices which can lead to the destruction of the person. The character of Harry teaches children to look at what is balanced - to be courageous, honest, and self-sacrificing, willing to do whatever it is to honor the good in the world. And all of this is done using the medium of the imagination. What beauty, teaching children to think for themselves, to envision what they are READING, instead of the ridiculous cartoons they watch on the television. Children read, children imagine, children learn, and with the proper instruction, children see the Christian themes in the book and learn to be virtuous and good as Harry strives to be. To me, Harry is a hero - we just need to look at him for what he really is, and not get caught up on the fact that he's a wizard...because in my opinion, the wizard is just a vehicle for getting into the imaginations of children. Children are not about to pick up a book entitled, "Little Johnny, the Good Boy Who Did Everything He Was Supposed To Do" to learn about virtue; however, through Harry Potter, they get essentially the same message.
And yes, I will be at the midnight release party tomorrow night. Woooooohooooo! :)
And now I must retire for the evening.
Caritas et veritas.
I heart Beauty.
Wednesday, July 13, 2005
Vocation camp was AMAZING. I will post on it later - probably tomorrow night - as I have a lack of time right now to attempt to come close to explaining how absolutely wonderful it was. But I guarantee I will!!!
And I must comment on the Harry Potter hubbub as of late -
Pope Benedict XVI said that Harry Potter is not for children - and people are jumping all over this one. I, of course, have my take on this one.
More later.
Pax et veritas.
I heart Ice Age.
And I must comment on the Harry Potter hubbub as of late -
Pope Benedict XVI said that Harry Potter is not for children - and people are jumping all over this one. I, of course, have my take on this one.
More later.
Pax et veritas.
I heart Ice Age.
Thursday, July 07, 2005
So I was driving to Madison this afternoon to visit my grreat friend Annie for her birthday, and in front of me, there was a big horse trailer. So, I read a little closer, and it said "Guinness World Records: Tallest Living Horse", so I was instantly curious. I guess with the horse at 2,500 lbs the trailer was going a little slow, so I decided to pass it. As I came up alongside it, it read "Goliath, World's Tallest Living Horse". I was so excited, I called my roommate. And now, the picture. I kid you not - I saw this horse's trailer on I-90 today!!
http://www.countryworldnews.com/Editorial/ETX/2003/et0731goliath.htm
Can you believe it?! :)
So last night I ordered four books online for $24.44. The real retail price should have been $56.80. God bless half.com. Anyway, I only set out to buy "The New Faithful" and "St. Thomas Aquinas: The Dumb Ox by G.K. Chesterton" (I love him), but ended up picking up "Mere Christianity" and "The World's First Love" on account of the tremendous prices. So, after I entered my credit card number and sent it in, I realized I had just ordered 4 books...4 books!...and got really excited. I walked around the house saying "My Dominican heart is smiling". Good thing everyone was in bed. ;) I'm uber-excited. They should be in within the next week. Woot!!
So this weekend is vocation camp, and I cannot wait. I am going to pick up three of the sisters at the airport on Saturday, and then the camp starts on Sunday. We're going to have the Nashville and Ann Arbor Dominicans, plus the IHMs from Wichita, the IHMs from Nigeria, and the Panhandle Franciscans. It should be TREMENDOUS. I cannot wait!!
Well, that's all I've got for now - it's been a crazy week and I can't even begin to think of all the randomness that has taken place - it's also very difficult for me to find time to update this, so be patient with me!
Pax et veritas!
I heart Goliath.
http://www.countryworldnews.com/Editorial/ETX/2003/et0731goliath.htm
Can you believe it?! :)
So last night I ordered four books online for $24.44. The real retail price should have been $56.80. God bless half.com. Anyway, I only set out to buy "The New Faithful" and "St. Thomas Aquinas: The Dumb Ox by G.K. Chesterton" (I love him), but ended up picking up "Mere Christianity" and "The World's First Love" on account of the tremendous prices. So, after I entered my credit card number and sent it in, I realized I had just ordered 4 books...4 books!...and got really excited. I walked around the house saying "My Dominican heart is smiling". Good thing everyone was in bed. ;) I'm uber-excited. They should be in within the next week. Woot!!
So this weekend is vocation camp, and I cannot wait. I am going to pick up three of the sisters at the airport on Saturday, and then the camp starts on Sunday. We're going to have the Nashville and Ann Arbor Dominicans, plus the IHMs from Wichita, the IHMs from Nigeria, and the Panhandle Franciscans. It should be TREMENDOUS. I cannot wait!!
Well, that's all I've got for now - it's been a crazy week and I can't even begin to think of all the randomness that has taken place - it's also very difficult for me to find time to update this, so be patient with me!
Pax et veritas!
I heart Goliath.
Friday, July 01, 2005
Damn it feels good to be a gangsta...
Just as a public service announcement:
The fact that the new Compendium on the Catechism of the Catholic Church was released in Rome this past week DOES NOT mean that it is on our shelves, much less, in America. Are you crazy?!
So I had this really rich conversation with this man on Wednesday over the phone. It made that vein in my forehead pulsate rapidly. It went a little something like this.
Me: dialing telephone number whilst at work
Man on phone: Top o' the morning!
Me: Um, hello...is Robert there?
Man on phone: This is.
Me: Hello there. This is Angela with the V******* and I was calling about your order. I have it written that you ordered the Compendium, and I was wondering which Compendium you wanted.
Robert: The new one that the Pope released yesterday. Do you have any of those?
Me: Um, no. They're not in English yet. Or in America.
Robert: Oh. Well, do you know what the cost is? I mean, what kind of price tag are we looking at?
Me: Um, I don't know, sir. It's not even published yet.
Robert: Oh....hm....
Me: Well, we can put your name down, and when we get some into the store we can give you a call...
Robert: Ok, that's fine. Say, you know what I read?
Me: What's that?
Robert: The pope, he said that he is requesting...it's not a mandate, but a request...that everyone learn their basic prayers, you know, the Sign of the Cross, Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be, in Latin. Don't you think that that's going backwards a bit? I mean, isn't it against Vatican II?
Me: I don't think so, sir. (side note: I'm getting really frustrated at this point with this guy's stupidity)
Robert: Ah, well, I do.
Me: Well, I was in Rome not too long ago, and I wished I knew more Latin. You know, they do a lot in Latin there, and if we knew just a little Latin, it would be easy for us to all communicate, especially in Rome.
Robert: Yeah, well, when I was in school, all our textbooks were in Latin.
Me (getting sarcastic): Well then I guess you would be just fine, now wouldn't you?
Robert: Eh, yeah. I just don't understand BLAH BLAH BLAH
Me: (crossing my eyes and tuning him out, whilst randomly saying "Uh huh" and "Oh really?"
Robert: Well, anyway, I have to go. Say, thanks for that information about the book.
Me: You're welcome, sir. You have a nice day.
Ok, seriously, if I hear one more comment about how the Church is going backward and that Vatican II is being defied, and blah blah blah I will have an aneurysm. Seriously. People.
Do. Some. Research.
Read. A. Book.
A real book! Not one that is put out by some dissident whacked out yo yo who just wants to piss and moan about the fact that the Church is oppressing them because they can't live by the "if it feels good, do it" methodology that was borne of the 60's love children movement. Clearly that got us nowhere other than in trouble on varying levels of severity.
I guess I'm just a little t-o'd at morons.
So on a rather exciting note:
I was at Barnes & Nobles the other night, and whilst perusing the "Women's Interest" section (I like to laugh at the fashion...and maybe glean one or two good ideas), I saw the magazine Ms. which I will skim every so often, just to see the propaganda that the "other side" is fed on a regular basis. And so I pick it up, and on the cover it says something to the effect of "Birth Control In Crisis" and then something else about "Women's Right to Choose May Be Lost" or something. The smile on my face grew bigger and bigger as I read the articles about how these people are "concerned" about women and how "oppressed" they will be when (WHEN!!) Roe v. Wade is overturned, etc. And they even went to far as to have a political cartoon about women dying from deaths such as "Died during childbirth with 9th child". I read it and was duly sickened, but at the same time, very excited about the fact that they are getting nervous!! To me, that's really saying something. We must be getting somewhere if they're starting to get really defensive and start touting their lies in a bigger and more extreme way. When Roe v. Wade IS overturned, it will be yet another victory for the Culture of Life. Oh yeah, and for general logic and civility. I mean, putting religion aside (which one should never do, however, it happens), all this garbage goes directly against common sense, logic, and a good moral ethic. So seriously...this is very exciting. God be with us! Our Lady of Guadalupe, patronness of the unborn, pray for us!
So that's my rant for now - I guess I have said quite enough for the time being.
Pax et veritas.
I heart logic.
The fact that the new Compendium on the Catechism of the Catholic Church was released in Rome this past week DOES NOT mean that it is on our shelves, much less, in America. Are you crazy?!
So I had this really rich conversation with this man on Wednesday over the phone. It made that vein in my forehead pulsate rapidly. It went a little something like this.
Me: dialing telephone number whilst at work
Man on phone: Top o' the morning!
Me: Um, hello...is Robert there?
Man on phone: This is.
Me: Hello there. This is Angela with the V******* and I was calling about your order. I have it written that you ordered the Compendium, and I was wondering which Compendium you wanted.
Robert: The new one that the Pope released yesterday. Do you have any of those?
Me: Um, no. They're not in English yet. Or in America.
Robert: Oh. Well, do you know what the cost is? I mean, what kind of price tag are we looking at?
Me: Um, I don't know, sir. It's not even published yet.
Robert: Oh....hm....
Me: Well, we can put your name down, and when we get some into the store we can give you a call...
Robert: Ok, that's fine. Say, you know what I read?
Me: What's that?
Robert: The pope, he said that he is requesting...it's not a mandate, but a request...that everyone learn their basic prayers, you know, the Sign of the Cross, Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be, in Latin. Don't you think that that's going backwards a bit? I mean, isn't it against Vatican II?
Me: I don't think so, sir. (side note: I'm getting really frustrated at this point with this guy's stupidity)
Robert: Ah, well, I do.
Me: Well, I was in Rome not too long ago, and I wished I knew more Latin. You know, they do a lot in Latin there, and if we knew just a little Latin, it would be easy for us to all communicate, especially in Rome.
Robert: Yeah, well, when I was in school, all our textbooks were in Latin.
Me (getting sarcastic): Well then I guess you would be just fine, now wouldn't you?
Robert: Eh, yeah. I just don't understand BLAH BLAH BLAH
Me: (crossing my eyes and tuning him out, whilst randomly saying "Uh huh" and "Oh really?"
Robert: Well, anyway, I have to go. Say, thanks for that information about the book.
Me: You're welcome, sir. You have a nice day.
Ok, seriously, if I hear one more comment about how the Church is going backward and that Vatican II is being defied, and blah blah blah I will have an aneurysm. Seriously. People.
Do. Some. Research.
Read. A. Book.
A real book! Not one that is put out by some dissident whacked out yo yo who just wants to piss and moan about the fact that the Church is oppressing them because they can't live by the "if it feels good, do it" methodology that was borne of the 60's love children movement. Clearly that got us nowhere other than in trouble on varying levels of severity.
I guess I'm just a little t-o'd at morons.
So on a rather exciting note:
I was at Barnes & Nobles the other night, and whilst perusing the "Women's Interest" section (I like to laugh at the fashion...and maybe glean one or two good ideas), I saw the magazine Ms. which I will skim every so often, just to see the propaganda that the "other side" is fed on a regular basis. And so I pick it up, and on the cover it says something to the effect of "Birth Control In Crisis" and then something else about "Women's Right to Choose May Be Lost" or something. The smile on my face grew bigger and bigger as I read the articles about how these people are "concerned" about women and how "oppressed" they will be when (WHEN!!) Roe v. Wade is overturned, etc. And they even went to far as to have a political cartoon about women dying from deaths such as "Died during childbirth with 9th child". I read it and was duly sickened, but at the same time, very excited about the fact that they are getting nervous!! To me, that's really saying something. We must be getting somewhere if they're starting to get really defensive and start touting their lies in a bigger and more extreme way. When Roe v. Wade IS overturned, it will be yet another victory for the Culture of Life. Oh yeah, and for general logic and civility. I mean, putting religion aside (which one should never do, however, it happens), all this garbage goes directly against common sense, logic, and a good moral ethic. So seriously...this is very exciting. God be with us! Our Lady of Guadalupe, patronness of the unborn, pray for us!
So that's my rant for now - I guess I have said quite enough for the time being.
Pax et veritas.
I heart logic.
