Choir (Of Angels) Members

Today marks the feast of the Archangels St. Michael (Who is like God?), St. Gabriel (God is my strength), and St. Raphael (God has healed).

Fr. John Zuhlsdorf at What Does The Prayer Really Say gives a brief synopsis of the origins of today (and from where I found the photo--fedora doff to the good priest).

At the 'blog of Ignatius Press is a re-post (see, I am not the only one who does this) from an excerpt of a book by Dr. Peter Kreeft, a professor of philosophy at Boston College.

Speaking of priests, Fr. Philip Neri Powell, OP, who has his own 'blog (Domine, da nihi hanc aquam!) shares his homily.

Finally, there is my post from 2006 which links to a post from the Happy Catholic.

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Originally posted 9/29/2012.
Re-posted 9/29/2015.
Re-posted 9/29/2016.

Re-posted 9/29/2017.

Re-posted 9/29/2020.

Re-posted 9/29/2021.

Re-posted 9/29/2022.

Intercession, Again

Prayer to Saint Anthony of Padua:

Good Saint Anthony, in God's providence you have secured for His people many marvelous favors. You have been especially celebrated, good Saint Anthony, for your goodness to the poor and the hungry, for finding employment for those seeking it, for your special care of those who travel, and for keeping safe from harm all who must be away from home. You are widely known also, good Saint Anthony, for securing peace in the family, for your delicate mercy in finding lost things, for safe delivery of messages, and for your concern for women in childbirth. In honoring you, Saint Anthony, for the many graces our Lord grants through your favor, we trustfully and confidently ask your aid in our present need. Pray for us, good Saint Anthony, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

May it be a source of joy, O God, to your Church that we honor the memory of your Confessor and Doctor, Saint Anthony. May his spiritual help always make us strong, and by his assistance may we enjoy an eternal reward. This we ask through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord. Amen.

(This post will remain at the top until further notice.)

Of Legal Age

This 'blog is now an adult.

(The debate about whether or not the 'blogmaster is continues.)

I still can't believe it's been that long since the internet saw this.

(I still can't believe the internet still see this once in a while.)

Don't get me wrong; I still enjoy writing, no matter how poorly I turn phrases.

(Or if I was still playing my trumpet, how I phrase turns.)

I am not ready to give up on this. As I have said many times, I do not live to 'blog. I realize new posts are few and far between and rely too much on re-posts to stay active (much less relevant). But that tiny spark is still within me, just as it was nearly two decades ago. The goal is still the same--thoughtful, quality posts on topics which interest me and (hopefully and eventually) a readership which needs rebuilding. I had made a bit of a dent back then; I still believe I can make a comeback.

But first things first. Now, more than ever, I need stability in my life. (And, yes, there's a post about that in the not to distant future, when things work out for me.)

So continue to be patient with me. God is not finished with me, nor am I with this. It is a bit of the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.

Welcome to my infinitesimal corner of the universe!

It's still here.

A Different Memorial Weekend

 

 

And so it begins again and anew.

It started this past weekend. Many communities have adopted the Saturday nearest September 11 as a "day of service" where the citizenry unite in a show of strength and caring in various service projects.

I suspect there may have been a mention of this in a pulpit or two during worship services yesterday.

But the bulk of the remembrance will be today.

In cities large and towns small, the events of twenty-two years ago in New York, NY; Washington, DC; and Shanksville, PA will be solemnly and dutifully recalled in ways grandiose and humble. Go find one if your schedule allows

The worst terrorist attack perpetuated on the United States, a wound still somewhat fresh and somewhat healing but will always leave a scar, is slowly becoming a fixture on the civic calendar.

We as a nation remember the lives lost--2,996. Humans no longer give or receive love to others but, hopefully, is receiving the love of God.

We renew a pledge to bring to justice all those involved and stem the tide of this kind of warfare. Lofty goals met with some success since then, but an ideal (some may call it a pipe dream) for which to strive.

Most of all it is a time to remember the fragility of life. How we really don't know when the last grain of sand in the hourglass we call life will finally fall to the other bulb. How we really need to take the time to prioritize what is important in our lives and act accordingly. How we really need to acknowledge we are dependent on God.

We as a nation pause to remember this tragedy.

We as a nation need this reminder to do justice, love goodness, and walk humbly with God (cf. Micah 6:8).

That is the greatest tribute we can give.

Never Forget.

 

September 2023 Morning Offering Prayer Intention

 Here is the intention for this month when prayer the Morning Offering:

For people living on the margins. We pray for those persons living on the margins of society, in inhumane life conditions; may they not be overlooked by institutions and never considered of lesser importance.

(UPDATE:  9/9/2023) A reflection for this intention can be found here.