I must say that teaching has given me a better understanding of some points in moral theology. I learned this stuff, but because seminary is now over four years in the past, some things were starting to fade.
I have definitely learned more about the encyclical Humanae Vitae, and how the reaction to it by a number of theologians led to an entirely new type of moral theology, which basically was a way to get around the teaching of Humanae Vitae.
LifeSiteNews is keeping a continuously growing record of the actions of President Obama that involve pro-abortion people and politics. It’s rather extensive. If you didn’t know he is not a friend of the unborn, this will help you to see it more clearly:
Abortion Record.
Family Films are Killing R-Rated Movies
Money rules the movie industry, and thus you and I, by our support or lack thereof, can make a difference in what we support. Of course, we are called to detachment from material goods in general, so we should be especially choosy – choosing only that which will help us in our journey to God.
Choose wisely.
I’ve only met one person who is now declared Blessed by the Church in my lifetime – she is Blessed Teresa of Calcutta. This is definitely a day to celebrate. I celebrated an Extraordinary Form Mass of Our Lady on Saturday.
I’m teaching a class at Franciscan University of Steubenville as an adjunct professor. Here’s one of the resources I’m using: a chart of the Summa Theologica of St. Thomas Aquinas.
Chart of the Summa Theologia
It called fathercalloway.com
For a number of years, the Oblate Sisters of the Most Holy Eucharist have been helpful to the Marians in various ways, and we have been their chaplains in the US. They are particularly dedicated to praying for the Church and for priests. The Oblates are in both Stockbridge, MA, on Eden Hill (they have a convent on the grounds) and Washington, DC. They are a wonderful contemplative community, and I urge young women contemplating such a vocation to take a look at this community. I have information on them in some old entries of my blog:
Information in English
Information in Spanish
I put out a few pictures from my June trip to Medjugorje here.
Enjoy this brief clip from an incredible musical:
The scene is from the wedding feast at Cana. The performance is produced by Comunita Cenacolo. Dare I say this is “rehab at its finest.”
I’ve dealt somewhat with lots of old books we have at one of our houses, and there certainly are some gems. One of my favorites is Servant of God Fulton J. Sheen’s Preface to Religion, which deals with basic themes from a Thomistic standpoint. This is a great way to learn some basic Thomistic theological principles, although Archbishop Sheen doesn’t exactly say that this is what he is teaching.
The last part on faith, hope, and charity is a very clear but simple explanation of the theological virtues.
Meanwhile, I’ve been watching an old public domain TV show thanks to some free downloads of it. The show is called “Men Into Space.” It’s a late 1950’s presentation of space travel of the near future, and it was somewhat accurate on what would happen just 10 years later. It’s a curious example of science fiction that tries to look into the near future.
I’m currently dealing with a lot of books — the accumulation of almost 100 years. It’s a lot to deal with.
While the air is quite clear here in Steubenville, it is actually a sign of economic woe for the area.
About 1900 employees connected with the steel industry in the area are laid off. Operations here have been halted, and it is uncertain when they will resume.
Article on the Situation
When the air is clear here, the poverty increases.
The Marians are most well known in Poland for administering the Shrine of Our Lady of Lichen. Somebody made a little video about the shrine here:
The Bach organ music is a bit over the top, I know.
The story of St. Bernadette and Lourdes has been the subject of film since at least 1898, when Louis Lumière made a short documentary on the city. I count at least 5 major movie versions, 3 TV movie versions, and a cartoon version.
There is also a radio drama based on Song of Bernadette you can listen to online: Hollywood Star Theater: Song of Bernadette.
now i don’t know where the days go, they turn into weeks
they turn into years
summers turn into Christmas and they all disappear
and children turn from their childlike trust
as their laughter is turned into tears
still they listen for the voices that we all used to hear
they walk on
…
from the joy of a birth to the coming of age
from the freedom of the schoolyard
to the man at his work
from the safety of a mother’s arms
to the ends of the earth
we walk on
Tonio K. – We Walk On (portions)
These are simple yet profound thoughts. Tonio K. has a way of doing this sort of thing. Life has a way of passing by. Indeed, there’s a lot happening, but it’s all in the end within the context of our relationship with God, or lack thereof. Everything is contextual, but when you deal with the Infinite, the contextuality ends. (I think I made a new word there.)