Interesting Image

A tip of the hat to The New Liturgical Movement for this rather startling image, probably taken in Germany or France during the Second World War. 

This image reminds me of two stories about three holy men. 

In 2001 at the Eucharistic Congress in Saint Louis, Jan Pieter Cardinal Schotte (+2005) told a story about his youth in West Flanders, Belgium.  He was not meant to be the keynote speaker that Friday evening, but due to flight delays Fr. Benedict Groeschel was unable to address the gathered faithful.

Cardinal Schotte said that the Nazis had invaded his small town and had evacuated the area around the parish church as it was situated atop a hill, which is a strategic advantage in battle.  The pastor and vicar were away for the day visiting the sick and wounded, and it was left to the elderly sacristan to remove the Blessed Sacrament from the tabernacle before the church would be demolished to make way for the invading regiments.

The young Cardinal Schotte, no older than seven or eight, was in sight of the sacristan who called him over and handed him the ciborium filled with the Sacred Hosts.  He was told to run to the convent on the other side of town and make sure that the good sisters took great care of the Most Holy Sacrament.  The boy did just as he was told, aware of the task before him.  When he reached the gates of the cloister and rang the bell for the sister, he heard the explosion from his parish church signalling its destruction.


This clearly had an impact on this young man as he moved through the ranks of the hierarchy, and this memory must never have left him as he spoke about the reverence that is due the Body of our Lord.  I can tell you, that being only a young teenager myself, at the time of the address, it was quite a meaningful story that left very few eyes dry.

The following evening, I was fortunate enough to assist him at the altar as he celebrated the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass in the Edward Jones Dome, which was followed by a procession and benediction on the riverfront near the Arch.  He was acting in his capacity of the papal delegate to this centenary celebration.  May God grant him refreshment, light and peace.

The other story, I saw on EWTN's premiere of a film about Pope Paul VI (+1978), who as a young priest was working in the Holy See's Secretariat of State.  According to the film, when Eugenio Cardinal Pacelli became the Cardinal-Secretary of State, he questioned all of his staff as to what they would do should Rome and the Vatican be invaded by its enemies.  Many priests said that they would raise an army against the invaders, while others suggested they would help the pope to flee.  One priest, then-Fr. Giovanni Battista Montini, answered that he would celebrate Mass, just as he does every morning.  This response must have been the correct one, as Pacelli and Montini continued collaborating until the former's death in 1958.

This image, along with these two stories, reminds us as Catholics that our Church has faced many trials, tribulations and persecutions in its two millenia of existence.  Whether, the times be good or bad, She continues to offer fitting praise and worship to God, our Creator.  Never forget that the first work of the Church on earth is Holy Mass!      

Thought of the Week: Grudges

Firstly, I hope that everyone had a great Labor Day Weekend.  In Saint Louis, fall weather is in full spring and I am in my cold-blooded element because this weather is certainly fat-friendly!  In a few weeks time, my cardigans and sweater vests will be taken out of moth balls and I will be truly happy.

I thought for this week I would use Sunday's Gospel as a good jumping board for my reflection.  The gospel can be found here:  http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/090411.cfm.

I cannot tell you how many sleepless nights I have had regarding my thoughts, words and actions with regards to this person or that event.  In my dealings with family, friends and others, I typically appear to be friendly and nonchalant.  I will give you an insight to my mind, and perhaps my soul:  what appears is not my nature; I am a very anxious person!  I often lie awake wondering, Did I offend this person?, Was I too obnoxious?, Could I have dealt with this situation better?, and the big one:  Am I at fault? 

As human beings, we do not want to admit fault or wrong-doing of any kind.  Yet, we make mistakes and we sin.  However, we can be forgiven by our friend, community and God.  The hardest part, though, is admitting that we failed to ourselves and putting our tail between our legs either in a gesture of seeking forgiveness or in the act of forgiving.  This requires a certain humility.

This past Sunday's gospel pushes us to look to ourselves and see where we have failed, whether it was brought to our attention or not.  For my part, several events and persons have caused me great anguish and pain over the years and it can be hard to see my place in how these events unraveled because of my closeness to them.  I have learned that forgiving yourself is a process.  A good Catholic, who regularly partakes of the Sacrament of Penance, can hear the words of absolution from the priest in persona Christi, know that God has forgiven them and still have a hell of a time forgiving himself.

Two years ago, I was greatly troubled by a course of events that occurred with regards to a friend I held quite dear.  I will not go into details, but to say it wounded me deeply and I have been anxious about it for all this time.  After an almost two-year struggle, much prayer and many sleepless nights, I can now say that I am at peace with my own fault in the matter.  Both us felt hurt and betrayed by the other.  This week, I reached out to my friend in a reconciliatory gesture apologizing for my anger, frustration and grudge-bearing.  It feels as though a great burden has been lifted!

I do not write this to toot my own horn or to show how I am the bigger person.  Rather, I write this because of the goodness that has and can come from it.  Making these gestures of reconciliation to our family, friends and neighbors that have hurt us or that we have hurt can be quite cathartic.  It certainly is a process that may take days or years.  But, as Christians, we are not a people meant to hold grudges; we are called to seek justice, mercy and peace.  Our Lord tells us to forgive our enemies and frenemies before giving Him our offering at His holy altar.  I may be paraphrasing here, but the message is the same.

So, what can you do to be more forgiving?  It seems as though you must begin by forgiving yourself, praying for those that have hurt you and those you have hurt, and by reaching out in love.  I am in no way suggesting that you enable those who may take advantage of you or that you reach out to those who could put you in physical harm's way.  But, can you let go of the grudge?  We may like bear grudges, but they are a parasite to our souls feeding on all that is good.  So, let it loose and forgive.  You will be happier, healthier and holier in the long run; plus, you will be one step closer to heaven!                

Review of El Paisano Mexican Restaurant

This will be the first of many restaurant reviews, hopefully!  I like to eat and my physique is a testament to that.  So, I thought I would put my love of food to good use.  Now, you may disagree with me on some of these critiques, but I still would love to hear what you think of the place if you have been there.  So to begin, here is what I thought of El Paisano's Mexican Restaurant in South City.

The restaurant was a small, but nicely decorated establishment on Watson Road, near Fyler.  I was with a good friend of mine and he suggested Mexican, but had never tried this place.  We were seated in a booth away from other customers, but between the entryway and kitchen.  The hustling of the waiters did not make for a laid back or relaxing atmosphere.  In fact, the restaurant was a bit too loud for my taste.

We both ordered a lime margarita on the rocks, which was of good size, little liquor and too expensive.  Chips and salsa were brought out and they were typical.  I ordered one of their specials, Enchilada Suizas with re-fried beans and rice, and my friend ordered a beef chimichanga with the same sides.  The entrees were good.  In fact, my salsa verde was quite spicy, which was a pleasant surprise.  We had ordered queso, but it took a while for it to make it to the table.

While we were eating, a horrible noise began in the back of the restaurant near the bar.  At first, I thought one of the waiters had dropped something, but it continued for nearly fifteen minutes.  I believe now that it was the world's most annoying tambourine, but it sounded like someone shaking a bucket of flatware.  This was followed by a solo guitarist who traveled from table to table singing various Hispanic songs.  I will not lie, I found it entertaining and he seemed talented.  However, he should have stuck with what he knew.  My margarita almost came out of my nose when he started playing "You Are My Sunshine."

For dessert, I ordered the sopapilla.  It was not what I was expecting, as it was topped with ice cream, whipped cream and sprinkles.  Somethings are best left alone.  I would have preferred my sopapillas tossed in cinnamon and sugar with honey and chocolate sauce on the side for dipping.  I am not suggesting that this dessert was horrible, but it could have been better presented.

Realizing that our table may have been the next victim for the troubadour, we paid our bill and high-tailed it out of the restaurant.  Our bill for two margaritas, two entrees, queso and the sopapilla was around forty-three dollars, not including tip.  I thought this rather expensive for a Mexican joint; after all, most of the food is similar in all Hispanic restaurants.  In conclusion, this restaurant was overpriced for the atmosphere, food and especially the drinks.  There are similar Mexican restaurants across the city with better food and more reasonable prices.  I do not think I will be visiting El Paisano's again.

If you are interested in visiting this restaurant it has two locations; one in South City and another in Creve Coeur.  Should you visit it, or if you already have, I would be interested in hearing your thoughts.  Just leave a comment!  

Splinters from the Windmills of my Mind

This blog has been a reoccurring thought that I have been hesitant about beginning.  I have prayed long and hard about it for a some time and have finally capitulated to its enticing pull.  Overall, I hope that my blog is useful to those interested in my meanderings on theology, liturgy, art, music, food, politics and genealogy.  These have been the things that have dominated my life for quite some time.  I feel rather blessed to have these interests and hobbies and even more blessed to have friends and family who share them.  Through the intercession of the Blessed Mother and all the angels and saints, may this blog be a source of inspiration and humour to those most in need of it!

In the meantime, here is my source of inspiration for the blog's title:

I do love Mama and her family; hopefully, TVLand will re-air this show for its many fans!