BROOKLYN BORN BELIEVER

Knicks Jeremy Lin-"Taiwanese Tebow"

2012-02-14T20:15:00.006-05:00

My son is a huge Knicks fan. He's been one for as long as I can remember. His room, when he was growing up, was covered with Knicks memorabilia. Like most basketball fans, especially Knicks fans, the unexpected, almost miraculous rise of New York Knicks guard Jeremy Lin is giving fans hope and excitement. Jeremy Lin, a Harvard graduate came from obscurity to stir the imaginations and interest of basketball fans everywhere. Some journalists have called him, because of his faith and his willingness to witness to it-"Taiwanese Tebow."

He gives modern meaning to the biblical quote, "With God all things are possible." The first video clip I watched of Jeremy Lin playing basketball, I saw him point upwards after he scored and I knew at that moment he was giving glory to God. I didn't have to read that he was a Christian or that he had deep faith, in that moment I saw it for myself.

In a recent interview he was quoted as saying, "I'm just thankful to God for everything...like the Bible says, 'God works in all things for the good of those who love him.'"

His pastor from Redeemer Bible Fellowship in Mountain View, California said of him and his parents, "They are 'conservative in nature' and 'evangelical in faith.'" I also read that Jeremy Lin wanted to be a pastor.

As reported by Daniel Burke in a Religion News Service story, "According to Tom Krattenmaker author of the book, Onward Christian Athletes, many see similarities between Tebow and Lin." Both athletes speak about how God gave them inner strength and courage through the difficult times. Both men praise God in interviews. And of course, Tim Tebow started "tebowing" and Jeremy Lin I saw point upwards, both gestures intentionally giving the glory and gratitude to God.

Thank God for athletes, like Tim Tebow and Jeremy Lin who use their many gifts and talents for good and don't forget to give honor and praise to God for their abundant blessings.

NJA

UPDATE

After the amazing game he played on Valentine's Day, he said this to a post game interviewer:

I just want to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!! (Jeremy Lin)

To that I say-Amen!

Obama's Mistake-Forgetting To Keep A Promise

2012-02-10T22:56:00.004-05:00

There is a general mistrust of elected officials and its worse than at any other time in history. Over and over again, politics get in the way of common sense decisions. President Obama could have saved himself a lot of stress and second guessing his recent decision on health care, if only he had kept his promise to Archbishop Dolan. He should have also taken the advice of his Vice President- Joe Biden, who advised him (along with others) that the controversial HHS mandate requiring contraceptive coverage in health insurance programs would alienate a lot of people and be seen as "government intrusion on religious institutions and religious liberty."

I watched Archbishop Dolan on "CBS This Morning" stating that President Obama assured him in November in the Oval Office, that the "administration would not do anything to impede the Catholic Church." Archbishop Dolan looked concerned on television as he said that now "he would take anything that the President said with a grain of salt," and that he was "skeptical of the President."

President Obama is now seeking a compromise, he wants to quell the uproar and accusations that "the federal government has drifted dangerously beyond its constitutional boundaries."

Many other religious leaders have joined the Catholic Church in its opposition to the mandate. Rick Warren, the influential Protestant pastor and author said that he would rather go to jail than to "cave in to a government mandate that violates what God commands us to do." Many Jewish leaders as well have given support to the U.S. bishops opposition to the mandate.

No one is perfect, everyone makes mistakes but President Obama should have seen this coming. He also should not have broken a promise to an Archbishop. That's never a good idea, especially an influential, well liked Archbishop who is becoming a Cardinal very soon. The Archbishop also seems to get along well with the media and is very comfortable on television. He is clearly someone you should keep a promise to, once you make it.

I would think President Obama has learned a lesson-when you say something mean it and always keep a promise.

NJA

The Power of Belief

2012-02-07T00:08:00.005-05:00

People who believe in God are healthier and more optimistic and hopeful than people who don't. Prayer has many benefits-psychological, spiritual, physical and of course most importantly it helps people grow closer to God. (Feeling near to God is a good thing as St. Teresa of Avila often said.)

Belief has always been a right fit for me. Connecting to God has never been a problem for me, for that gift I am most grateful.

I love studies which confirm what I believe and which I feel intuitively to be true. I also like to put faith and belief to the test, it's just the kind of person I am. And so I loved the article I read at Huffington Post titled, "Why People Who Pray Are Healthier Than Those Who Don't," by Richard Schiffman. He wrote,

If you want to achieve maximum health, here are a few things that you should do: exercise regularly, eat nutritious and minimally processed foods, drop those extra pounds--and pray. That's right, regular prayer and meditation has been shown in numerous scientific studies to be an important factor in living longer and staying healthy.

It also mentioned that over 85 percent of people with a major illness pray.

If you want a reality check, sit in the waiting room of Sloan-Kettering Cancer Hospital or any other cancer hospital for that matter. I did that recently and will be doing more of it, as my cousin needs chemotherapy. Family members take turns going with her. When it's my turn to go with her, I look around the waiting room and look intently at those waiting for treatment. Besides their treatment, which hopefully will be successful and restore them to health, they need the comfort of prayer, the love of family and friends and they need God. What else is there when you have a serious disease? Good doctors, treatment, love, care and concern of family and friends and prayer and God. Life then becomes very simple. All the material things people desire, strive for and accumulate become meaningless.

I look at the faces of those at Sloan Kettering and I realize all the ridiculous things I worry about are useless and a waste of time. These are people with serious problems. I want to go up to them and tell them I'm sorry for their predicament and that I'll pray for them. But I don't but I do pray for them, only they don't know it, which doesn't matter.

When life gives you serious challenges, regardless of what they are, people of faith turn to God and prayer. It makes it easier, the burden lighter.

I will never understand unbelief or why people choose not to believe in God. There are so many obvious and beneficial reasons to believe in God.

NJA

Obama's Mandate-Pushing the Church Too Far?

2012-02-01T18:20:00.005-05:00

It's all so confusing. Who do you believe? Is the latest health care mandate a threat to religious liberty? White House secretary, Jay Carney told reporters at a January 31st briefing that the administration's new health care mandate which requires healthcare plans (including religious non-profits) to cover sterilization, contraceptive services and abortion-inducing drugs, "strikes the appropriate balance between respecting religious beliefs and increasing access to important preventative services." About 70% of American bishops, so far, have disagreed with the White House "spin." Many are outraged including Cardinal-designate-Archbishop Dolan, who I am sure is praying about this issue, as he spends time in the Holy Land on retreat. He was quoted as saying (before he left for Israel) that, "Never before has the federal government forced individuals and organizations to go into the marketplace and buy a product that violates their conscience." According to the Catholic League website, Catholics as well as non-Catholics are upset about this mandate and even some agnostics and atheists are opposed to it as well.

Senator Marco Rubio introduced legislation to repeal the Obama administration's controversial mandate.

It makes me wonder. Was this a mistake? Especially in an election year. I recall that in a recent interview with Diane Sawyer, President Obama said that he makes "a mistake, every hour, every day." He said he will "second guess myself constantly." Understandably, we are all learning new things everyday, no one is perfect and it does show humility to admit failure and poor judgment. Timing is also important in life and this seems like poor timing.

One journalist called it arrogance. Arrogance, pride (a deadly sin) and too much ego, sometimes interfers with decision-making. Power can also create problems in decision-making and distort level-headed thinking. That's why presidents and other people in powerful positions needs good advisors.

Time will tell, if this was a mistake to push the Church and it's leaders too far in an election year.

NJA

Jessica Ahlquist-Poor Judgment-Along With Her Parents

2012-01-28T20:56:00.006-05:00

Jessica Ahlquist, a former Roman Catholic turned radical atheist is causing quite a stir in Rhode Island. As many people have read or heard by now, Jessica has been asking the high school officials at Cranston HS, where she is a student, to remove an eight foot prayer banner since 2010. She became the spokesperson for the plea when a complaint was filed by the American Civil Liberties Union.

As reported by the New York Times on January 11th federal judge Lagueux ruled that "it was unconstitional for the banner to hang at the public school." The community is fighting to leave it up. It's been covered for now. Many people consider the banner to be part of the school's history. A student wrote the prayer in 1963 and it has been hanging in the school since then.

It's a sad story. I have to ask myself why Jessica got involved in this controversial problem. She must have felt strongly about it but I wonder if her ego got in the way. Why was the prayer, that gave comfort to so many and was part of the school's history, so upsetting to her? Where were her parents? I'm surprised they were comfortable with her bringing so much negative attention to herself and getting involved in such controversy. There are so many important projects and positions worth fighting for. But to fight to have a much loved prayer removed and to be remembered for that is baffling to me. I read that Jessica is receiving threats for her actions. Of course that is not right, but why would she relinquish her peace of mind to make a point. She's not in an enviable position.

I might have a solution for school officials. Perhaps this would work. I'm sure someone has thought of it already. Why not have the banner reprinted? Leave out the first line. Students can say that to themselves if they wish. Leave the rest of the prayer as is. Maybe then it won't offend those who don't believe in God.

Thank God there are people in the world who do believe, who do give honor, praise and glory to God. For those who believe in mystery and the spiritual, religious dimension of existence, life holds hope and fulfillment. Maybe someday Jessica will realize that.

NJA

Our Heavenly Father,

Grant us each day the desire to do our best,

To grow mentally and morally as well as physically,

To be kind and helpful to our classmates and teachers,

To be honest with ourselves as well as with others,

Help us to be good sports and smile when we lose as well as when we win,

Teach us the value of true friendship,

Help us always to conduct ourselves so as to bring credit to Cranston High School West. Amen.

Gingrich-Redemption and Our Fascination With It

2012-01-24T11:00:00.005-05:00

Newt Gingrich, the former House Speaker who is seeking the Republican presidential nomination has surprised many by winning the South Carolina primary race and surging ahead, despite difficult odds. (These are just observations I've had, I'm not endorsing any candidate and haven't made up my mind who I would vote for in the presidential election.) I do find the process of electing a president fascinating.

I have heard more than one political commentator say, "The American people are very forgiving." Or- "People can relate to someone who has turned their life around." It seems people can relate to a person who has fallen and admitted it, someone who by the grace and mercy of God has turned their life around and started anew in Christ, with Christ's help. It's a compelling story of the perseverance of the human spirit and what's possible when any human being embraces God's mercy and love. We are all beggars before God. We are all in need of God's encouragement, love and support. Every day when I read the psalms in prayer, I hear over and over again human beings crying out for God from the depths of their being. People in every age and time like the idea that people are given second chances, that God saves and that God's saving grace can be seen and witnessed in the lives of people, from all walks of life. God's grace is available to all who are receptive and open to it.

It seems to me that Newt Gingrich repented and then picked himself up, brushed himself off, accepted and embraced God's mercy and love and started anew in Christ, with Christ at his side. People like that kind of story, it gives hope to everyone. (Mr. Gingrich, who converted to Catholicism in 2009, also had a spiritual director who helped him-Msgr. Walter Rossi, the rector of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, so that was an added advantage. I'm sure the conversations and catechism discussions between them were most interesting.)

So I would imagine that's one reason that Gingrich's campaign turned around. People of all faiths want to believe in the power of God's grace and mercy and see it operative in the world. People are fascinated with redemption and the idea that with God's help all things are possible, second chances are real, just as God's mercy and compassion are real. Just as God is real.

NJA

"God is my rock and my salvation, I shall not be disturbed at all."

"Only in God is my soul at rest, from God comes my salvation."

Hell-Did They Stumble Upon It?

2012-01-19T09:07:00.005-05:00

Mercury is the planet closest to the Sun in our Solar System. It's also the smallest planet. Since it's closest to the Sun temperatures can reach as high as a scorching 840 degrees Fahrenheit. There are great fluctuations in temperature on and near the planet Mercury but obviously it can get very hot. That got me thinking some "out there," thoughts which I thought would be "fun" to explore.

NASA has a valid explanation (of course) for an unusual occurrence which happened recently. A camera on NASA's Stereo spacecraft caught an image of a wave of electronically charged material shooting out from the Sun and hitting Mercury. The solar flare appears to hit another object. "In one footage, one sees a huge spurt of plasma and other solar ejecta washing over Mercury, the material seems to flare up as it hits another object."

So I wondered if have they stumbled upon Hell? If Hell exists it seems perfectly plausible that it would be "parked" outside of the planet Mercury, but it would be "cloaked or invisible" of course.

UFO enthusiasts have come up with a stranger explanation which I found quite amusing. Obviously they have watched a lot of episodes of "Star Trek," since they're sure that the "mass" is a huge cloaked UFO mothership. Now that's really "out there."

NASA provided this explanation-"The mysterious object is actually Mercury itself. We're seeing in the footage the equivalent of Mercury's wake, where the planet was on the previous day, as it travels through the Solar System."

What does the Church teach about Hell? According to the Catechism, "The teaching of the Church affirms the existence of hell and its eternity. Immediately after death the souls of those who die in a state of mortal sin descend into hell, where they suffer the punishments of hell, "eternal fire." The chief punishment of hell is eternal separation from God, in whom alone man can possess the life and happiness for which he was created and for which he longs" (CCC 1035).

When I die I want to be in the eternal presence and light of God. That's one of the reasons I'm going to say Morning Prayer right now and live each moment with Jesus near.

NJA

Tebow's A Winner-No Matter What!

2012-01-15T15:33:00.004-05:00

I hope Tim Tebow isn't too upset about yesterday's devastating loss to the Patriots. Tebow is still a winner, each and everyday, for his willingness to share his deep faith and be a witness to belief in God. I disagree with a statement in an article in the NY Times by Judy Battista who wrote, "The cheer that has engulfed Tebow's confounding season gave way to mocking as the Patriots destroyed the Broncos, 45-10. " Who is mocking Tim Tebow? Fans of the opposing team perhaps. Tebow can hold his head up high. He has millions of admirers, he's a positive role models for kids who play sports, he's inspired songwriters to rewrite lyrics to songs in admiration of him, and of course "tebowing" is a new word in the English language. Having the courage to give honor and glory to God and praying on one knee (in front of millions) in gratitude for blessings received is noble, in any time, in my opinion.

No one likes to lose, but the positive example that Tebow has set for children is priceless. Children are in desperate need of positive role models in sports and every profession. He's a winner and will continue to be so. He's showing children and adults that it's OK to put God first, to have your priorities straight, to give witness to belief and the benefits of belief in God and to show gratitude for blessings received.

NJA

Why does anyone tell a story? It does indeed have something to do with faith, faith that the universe has meaning, that our little human lives are not irrelevant, that what we choose or say or do matters, matters cosmically.

Madeline L'Engle

Tim Tebow and the "Mile High Halo"

2012-01-11T21:55:00.005-05:00

It seems there is a national obsession with the Denver Bronco's quarterback (and friend of God) Tim Tebow. (He is NOT a national nightmare! How could anyone even say that?) There are a lot of amazing things about Tim Tebow. He gives honor and glory to God openly on the football field, without apology. He's proud to be a believer and to show gratitude to God. He's a hero and a role model to many. He invented "tebowing" which officially became a word in the English language due to it's worldwide usage (Global Language Monitor). Check out www. tebowing.com, to see images of people tebowing all over the world (getting down on one knee and praying, regardless of what's going on around you).

Tebow was rendered a superhero by Marvel Comics. His character was known as Super Tim. It is well known that he spent three summers prior to enrolling at the University of Florida in the Philippines doing missionary work. (Wikipedia)

And then there was Sunday's amazing finish to the Steelers/Bronco's game with Tebow throwing 316 yards to win the game in overtime.

There is a lot to admire about Tebow and there is no question he is a loyal and faithful friend of God but are strange occurrences starting to happen at Mile High Stadium or are people beginning to take this too far?

According to an online article at Huffington Post that is most popular right now titled, "Mile High Halo Forms Over Tim Tebow and Mile High Stadium," people claim (there are photos to back it up) that a smoke-like halo/ring appeared over the stadium after the Bronco's scored their first field goal. Is there an explanation, I wonder? It's interesting nonetheless.

I hope God will continue to bless Tim Tebow (and good role models like him) because he's doing a lot to promote faith in God and gratitude to God for blessings received. He's giving glory to the One who loves and gives mercy and gifts freely.

NJA

New Year's Resolutions and Staying Healthy

2012-01-07T08:29:00.002-05:00

I read an article at HuffPost Healthy Living, titled "Keep Walking To Stay Mentally Sharp," by Gary Small, M.D., and I thought this idea is a good resolution to stick with. I try to walk everyday (or go on the treadmill) but sometimes I get distracted. I know walking is the least expensive and easiest way to stay in good health (amazingly it also prevents strokes). The latest studies now confirm that walking regularly helps your brain stay young, healthy and alert as you age.

From the article, "In a study of 18,000 older women, Harvard researchers found that 90 minutes a week of brisk walking or approximately 15 minutes a day, was all one needed to delay cognitive decline and reduce possible risk of future Alzheimer's Disease. University of Pittsburgh scientists found that the more older people walked the better their cognitive abilities and the larger their brains." (I'd like a large brain, how about you?)

One of the diseases I fear as I age is Alzheimer's Disease. It's such a devastating disease. Walking everyday sounds like such a simple way to prevent it.

From all that I've read (and I read a lot) to age well and to keep your mind, body and soul healthy these suggestions are mentioned over and over again by different experts, scientists and spiritual teachers:

Reading-books, articles and blogs of course

Staying social-belonging to groups

All forms of exercise-especially walking

Practicing Christian meditation- practicing mindfulness

Eating fruits and vegetables-especially berries, apples and green leafy vegetables

Finding time for silence and solitude

Being part of a faith community and attending religious services or Mass

Believing in God and praying often

Developing good friendships

Trusting in God in good times and bad-staying faithful no matter what life "throws" at you

Smiling often and staying optimistic

Believing in God's abundant favor

Walking in the sunshine each day (or as often as possible).

I also say morning and evening prayer which I find soothing for my soul.

God bless and good luck. I hope you keep some of your resolutions if you make them.

"With God all things are possible"

NJA

Fr. Claudio-The Healing Priest

2012-01-02T16:07:00.005-05:00

Last Thursday evening I attended a healing Mass, with my cousins at The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Ozone Park, Queens. My cousin, who lives in Brooklyn, asked me to meet her there. She recently received an alarming medical report. What does a Christian do (or any believer for that matter) when they receive a bad medical report? They seek expert medical help (in New York we are fortunate to have excellent doctors) and they also rely on family and faith. Non-believers don't get it but there is nothing more comforting or soothing in times of stress and crisis than the ability to turn to God and the comfort of prayer. Having the gift of faith enables one to draw upon it in a moment's notice. Such a blessing and grace!

Anyhow, I was going to meet my cousin at the Church but when I arrived the Church was locked. The priest was locked out too, though I didn't know he was the priest at the time. When my cousin arrived she recognized him since she had been at a previous healing Mass. Other people arrived and as we all waited on the steps for the Church to be opened, in the cold, I realized that having an obstacle so early in the experience was a good sign. Only a spiritual person would understand that paradox!

As we entered the beautifully decorated Church during the Christmas Octave, on that evening, the comfort of being in that sacred space, surrounded by objects that I find very pleasing, immediately relaxed me and gave me reason to hope. My two cousins that I was with, found peace in that experience too.

Fr. Claudio Antecini, the celebrant, is the newly installed pastor of Visitation Parish in Red Hook, Brooklyn. However, he celebrates a healing Mass at Nativity of the BVM once a month.

During the Mass, he tells his story. He's from Italy originally. God called him as a teenager to give his life to Him. He tells about how he cried upon realizing his call to be a priest and serve God. Fr. Claudio is down-to-earth, unassuming, and gifted. He greeted a family during the Mass that had come from New Jersey to have him pray over their child. He knows how to connect with the people in the pews.

After Mass, he prayed over the people who came forward for prayers. Some people were "slain in the spirit." I felt alittle unsteady after he prayed over me, but I walked back to the pew only to realize my cousin was lying on the floor of the Church, peacefully overwhelmed by the Spirit. It was a night of blessing.

Fr. Claudio explained during the Mass how he was able to raise enough money in one year to take the parish of Visitation out of debt. One year to do that. I can see why. He's a likeable priest and I'm sure people are willing to help his ministry. He asked us to write down prayer petitions which he took with him.

Fr. Claudio has a winning formula. He relies on the Holy Spirit, he gives himself to God completely, he's down-to-earth and he connects with people and gives them hope. After celebrating Mass, he prays individually with each person present, making that personal connection, which is affirming. Perhaps some people experience a healing, in one way or another. Yet everyone leaves the Church feeling better, more hopeful, more confident in a loving, merciful God who wants us to be healed, whole and happy.

Jesus was a healer, a compassionate healer. In my opinion, priests should spend more time cultivating the healer within them and sharing that with God's people. It would definitely help our Church.

NJA

Peter Kreeft's Talk at the Seminary

2011-12-26T22:05:00.004-05:00

On December 11th I attended a lecture by Peter Kreeft, the prolific author and professor from Boston College at the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception in Huntington, Long Island. The auditorium at the Seminary was packed with laypeople, seminarians, priests, the rector- Msgr. Peter Vaccari and Bishop Murphy was there as well. There were also some young college students from Hofstra University and I wondered how they heard about it. It was good to have them there. As you can imagine, the talk was very interesting. The topic was moral relativism, the belief that moral standards can change with the times and there are no "moral absolutes." Pete Sheehan, a columnist for the Long Island Catholic attended and he noted in an article he wrote on the talk, that Mr. Kreeft made this intriguing comment, "no society in all of human history has ever survived while clinging to moral relativism." Mr. Kreeft also said that at no time in history have so many teachers been moral relativists. He said, "It has become dominant in academic and media circles during the 20th and 21st centuries.

The quote that really stood out in my mind which frightened me a bit (I later asked a question relating to it) was a quote by C.S. Lewis, "Moral relativism will damn our souls and destroy us." At the end of the talk, during the question and answer period, I repeated the quote and asked the following question of Mr. Kreeft, "What do you think the future of humankind is?" He asked me if I wanted his "prophecy." "Yes," I replied. I did want his prophecy. I respected his intelligence and knowledge and I also regard C.S. Lewis as a genius so is there hope for humankind, I wondered.

Sometimes I ask questions that I know the answer to. Deep down inside I knew what the answer would be but it was good to hear it to reinforce my own belief. His answer was brilliant. I can't remember it word for word but it went something like this. There is hope for humankind because of Jesus, because we've been saved by the blood of Christ. The Lamb of God shed his blood for us. He quoted from the Book of Revelation and how the little, meek Lamb did battle with the "evil one" (in the form of a powerful dragon) and was victorious. Christ is victorious across time and space, then and now.

So there is no need to worry. There are problems because of moral relativism and it will create and is already creating problems for humankind and we would be damned and lose our souls if it were not for the Savior of the world. Jesus-"God saves" and that's what Jesus does for humankind. God's mercy and love, needed now more than ever and given as a gift.

A Blessed and Happy New Year! May the light of Christ shine in your life each day!

NJA

A Blessed Christmas

2011-12-20T21:12:00.004-05:00

As I begin the preparation for Christmas Eve and all that goes into making that a special evening for my family, I want to take this opportunity to wish you a very Blessed Christmas. So blessed are we for believing in the Savior, for giving thanks through our Christian faith for the greatest gift humankind has ever been given-Jesus. Jesus is always calling us forth, into the future, to a future filled with hope. Jesus proclaimed, "Behold, I make all things new.......I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end....." (Revelation 21). To be a Christian is to live in hope and to wait for Christ to bring all things to fulfillment in God, according to God's plan of salvation, in God's time. Faith, hope, love, trust and a willingness to be receptive and open to God's will are crucial on the spiritual journey. Like Mary, we wait with trust, with hope and with sincerity of heart.

As a lay Carmelite, I would like to share some poems from Jessica Powers (1905-1988), a Discalced Carmelite nun who was a member of the Carmel of the Mother of God in Pewaukee, Wisconsin. The following poems are from the book, The Selected Poetry of Jessica Powers (ICS Publications), edited by R. Siegfried and R. Morneau. These poems are very appropriate to dwell on, during the final days of Advent, as we approach the sacred feast of Christmas.

Merry Christmas!!

NJA

Advent

I live my Advent in the womb of Mary. And on one night when a great star swings free from its high mooring and walks down the sky to be the dot above the Christus i, I shall be born of her by blessed grace.

I wait in Mary-darkness, faith's walled place, with hope's expectance of nativity.

I knew for long she carried me and fed me, guarded and loved me, though I could not see. But only now, with inward jubilee, I come upon earth's most amazing knowledge: someone is hidden in this dark with me. (1948)

In A Cloud Of Angels

I walk in a cloud of angels, God has a throne in the secret of my soul.

I move, encircled by light, blinded by the glowing faces, lost and bewildered in the motion of wings, stricken by music too sublime to bear.

Splendor is everywhere. God is always enthroned on the cherubim, circled by seraphim. Holy, Holy, Holy, wave upon wave of endless adoration.

I walk in a cloud of angels that worship Him.

What a great thing to strive for....that one day we too will walk in a cloud of angels that worship Him..........

Here We Go Again-More Doomsday Prophecies- 2012

2011-12-15T20:27:00.004-05:00

Since May 21st, 2011 passed without the end of the world occurring or any unusual catastrophes (Thank God!) the doomsday believers are gearing up for 2012. This will be bigger and more hyped than Harold Campings failed end of the world predictions.

Why? Well, it has to do with the Mayans. Their calendar suggests that some monumental event will take place in December 2012. At first I read that their calendar ended in December 2012, which led to a lot of speculation and doomsday scenarios. But that's not the case. Apparently their calendar predicts some kind of "symbolic turning point." Now I know this is a Catholic blog and this all sounds very "new age" but, a lot of people will be talking about this, writing articles and blogs about it and the cable networks have already shown TV shows about this.

Anyhow, the latest article I read from History.com titled "Mayans Never Predicted December 2012 Apocalypse, Researchers Say," is more encouraging, "One of history's most famous and foreboding doomsday predictions might never have been made, according to a German researcher. His new interpretation of a 1,300 year old tablet affirms that the ancient Maya regarded December 12, 2012 as a moment of great importance but not as some believe, because they foresaw an apocalypse on that date."

Some believe the ancient writings predict the beginning of a new era or a significant change for humankind but according to the researchers, those who believe in the end of the world prediction have misunderstood the "poorly preserved hieroglyphs."

Since a lot of people are making a lot of money from these predictions, get ready for a year of hype.

John Kehne, a web developer who runs the site-December212012.com says that the site receives 5 million page views a month from the curious and concerned, from around the world.

I'm wondering if Advent 2012 will be a time of great spiritual awakening.........Maybe humankind will turn to God fully and trust in God deeply and purely and turn away from sin and war. Maybe the whole world will repent during Advent 2012. That would be monumental!

Perhaps Jesus will come in glory. I'd like to witness that.

Or maybe nothing unusual will happen in December 2012, which is the most likely scenario.

I trust all will be well and all "manner of thing will be well." I'm not worried, I trust in God.

NJA

Keeping Fixed On Jesus

2011-12-10T07:40:00.004-05:00

This is the holy season of Advent and there is so much activity, background noise and distractions that's it's easy to get caught up in it and lose focus. The focus should always be on Jesus, the Savior and Redeemer and his teachings. Recently, I wrote a blog entry about how saddened I was by the latest atheist billboard campaign which I felt disrespected Jesus by placing his image alongside the Roman god Neptune, Satan and Santa Claus but I didn't like the entry, after reflecting about it and so I removed it. That's the good thing about being the writer, editor and creator of a blog, you can basically be in control, which is what I like. Of course that comes with responsibility.

The latest atheist campaign titled, "37 Million Americans Know A Myth When They See One- What Do You See?" is meant to upset. And it did upset me. I often think of how I pray, asking Jesus to be my Rock, my protector and my shield against evil. But Jesus in my opinion is not being shielded from radical non-believers who are seeking to denigrate and dishonor him. Jesus the second person of the Blessed Trinity is Incarnate God for two billion Christians in the world. I don't think it's right that atheists are placing his sacred image on a billboard with images of the Roman God Neptune, Satan and Santa Claus. Jesus is a historical figure, revered by billions, believed to be fully human and fully divine by Christians throughout the world. The course of human history was changed with the birth of Jesus. The billboard campaign is a "low blow." It's not just, fair or respectful.

But I've decided instead of getting upset, I'm going to pray that the hearts and minds of atheists are touched by God and they realize their point can be made in a less controversial way.

They ask, "What do I see?" I see people who have no respect for the beliefs of others, who lack good taste, who are spending a lot of money to cause discord and controversy, during a holy time for billions. Couldn't the money be better spent on the poor? Why don't atheists use their beliefs for doing good in the world instead of causing more discord and problems?

Once again I think of the Scripture verse, "Don't worry about anything but pray about everything." So I'm going to keep my eyes fixed on Jesus, and try not to be disturb by those causing confusion and discord. I will imagine in my prayer that I am "shielding" Jesus from those who wish to dishonor and disrespect Him and I will give him the honor, love and reverence He so deserves, through my prayer and works. "Be joyful and sing unto the Lord." Joy is the true mark of a Christian as we live in hope and so I've got to get back to being hopeful and joyful, as I wait to celebrate the great feast of Christmas. What a blessing to be able to celebrate such a magnificent feast and holiday!

NJA

Exam Cheating Scandal on the Gold Coast of Long Island

2011-12-02T21:17:00.007-05:00

An article I read this morning in the New York Times, titled, "Exam Cheating On Long Island Hardly A Secret," by Anderson & Applebome, is one of many articles I've read about the problem of cheating that was exposed at Great Neck North High School in Great Neck. The town of Great Neck was made famous by F. Scott Fitzgerald and his famous novel, "The Great Gatsby." The novel was set in the 1920's on the wealthy North Shore of Long Island. Today Great Neck and neighboring North Shore towns, (often referred to as the Gold Coast), are still very affluent.

Apparently some young, misguided young people thought that money can buy just about everything, even high test grades. Young men from influential and prominent Great Neck families have been accused of cheating by taking tests for others, using fake ID and charging large amounts of money to do so.

Students who were obsessed with getting high scores on SAT and ACT tests were willing to pay thousands of dollars to very intelligent test takers who could guarantee a high score, making access to a good college possible. Competition to get into a prestigious school is fierce and getting worse every year. (It puts incredible stress on students as well as their parents.)

In the end it comes back to greed. The deadly sin, that seems to take root in every age and culture. The desire for prestige and future wealth clouds common sense, decency and good ethics.

According to the article, "In Great Neck, a place where the high-achieving schools are the center of public life and where high-priced tutors and admission consultants are routine advantages for the wealthy, educators and parents are mortified that the community's reputation could be muddled by the SAT scandal. "

Only a small percentage of students cheated, but it apparently was well known in the community that it was taking place.

Kathleen Rice, the Nassau County district attorney said that, "We have to put accountability into the system and there is none right now....If we can't teach 16-,17- and 18 year-olds that cheating is wrong, shame on us."

So true. Young people have to be taught that money cannot buy everything, some things come with hard work and study. And sometimes we can't have it all or be the best or get into the most elite college. Simple truths that eluded some bright students, who had much.

NJA

Mr. President: How Could You?

2011-11-26T13:40:00.004-05:00

I'm not a political person and I rarely comment on politics but I'll make an exception. I must say I am very disappointed in President Obama for neglecting to thank God in his Thanksgiving address to the nation this year. Apparently in past years, he has mentioned God but not this year. I'm puzzled by that, as are others.

Why? I can't imagine why. President Obama is a believer in God. He has mentioned his belief in God many times and I've heard him say after addresses to the nation, "God bless America." So why leave out God on an important holiday when the majority of Americans are giving thanks for blessings. And of all times in history. I can't think of a time when it would be more important to give thanks and also to ask for God's continued blessings on our country. The majority of Americans believe in God and profess their faith, in one way or another. Only a very small percentage are non-believers.

"To those who are given much, much is expected." The founding fathers of our country were men of faith, deep faith. George Washington, the first president was often seen on his knees praying especially before an important battle. As the general of the Armies, he was not afraid to let it be known that he relied on strength, courage and help from God.

Since Thanksgiving became a recognized holiday in this country people have given thanks for bountiful harvests, for family, for our abundant natural resources, the beauty of nature that exists in our country, for innovation and creativity and for religious freedoms, as well as the other freedoms we enjoy. God is always part of that equation for believers. So what happened, Mr. President? How is it that at this crucial time in history, with economic uncertainty and other ills that we face, that you didn't mention God.

NJA

George Washington made the following proclamation on Oct. 3rd, 1789-

Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for his benefits and humbly implore his protection and favor and whereas both Houses of Congress, have by their joint Committee requested me to recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanks and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God.......I do recommend Thursday the 26th day of November to be devoted by the people of these states to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be..................."

Fr. Barron's "Catholicism" Series A Hit

2011-11-19T18:32:00.005-05:00

The Church can relax a little. Fr. Robert Barron's "Catholicism" series which is currently being shown on EWTN is doing a lot for the "New Evangelization." Those who are interested in promoting the "New Evangelization" in the Church should pay attention to Fr. Barron's formula for success. The series is written and hosted by him. Fr. Barron is a gift to the Church, a popular speaker, an academic, a priest of the Archdiocese of Chicago and someone who is able to project on television a likable personality. He easily speaks about important Catholic doctrine and spirituality with ease, and without sounding condescending. He seems like a regular person and it's relaxing to watch him travel around the world, visiting religious sites and explaining religious truths.

The first time I ever heard Fr. Barron's name mentioned was a few years ago, at a meeting in the Diocese of Brooklyn. Bishop Frank Caggiano mentioned that he had just finished reading a book by Fr. Barron, "The Strangest Way-Walking the Christian Path," and Bishop Frank said, "It's the best book I've read in a long time." So I decided at that moment, out of curiosity that I would read the book. I also knew I would be hearing more about Fr. Barron in the future.

I recently purchased the DVD- "Untold Blessings-Three Paths to Holiness," from Fr. Barron's website: http://www.wordonfire.org. I enjoyed that.

The last couple of nights I've watched segments of the popular series, "Catholicism," and I was impressed (as you can tell) and I know it will do a lot towards promoting evangelization in our Church, if the series is utilized by parishes for high school and adult education.

I love that he included a part of the segment, shown last evening, on the saints, about St. Therese of Lisieux. All of the women saints that he spoke about were incredible human beings, that put flesh and blood on discipleship in an extraordinary way.

I hope atheists watch the series (wishful thinking) as it would give them a good idea of why billions of people in the world believe in God instead of nothing. God interacts and has established life-giving and enriching relationships with human beings throughout history and even in our modern world and Fr. Barron's natural way of explaining the importance of belief and Christian spirituality is a reason to hope.

NJA

Hate Surfaces In Brooklyn

2011-11-15T11:00:00.004-05:00

I read a statement recently is Brooklyn's diocesan newspaper, The Tablet, which struck me and seemed so true. It was from an article titled, "Assisi is Site of Peace Pilgrimage," by Cindy Wooden. The article was about Pope Benedict's recent trip to Assisi with 300 religious leaders, for a pilgrimage of peace. (Just as an aside, Assisi, Italy is my favorite place on the planet!) The meeting marked the 25th anniversary of the first Assisi interfaith gathering for peace and non-violence which took place in 1986.

During the recent pilgrimage, the Pope condemned violence as Pope John Paul II did in 1986. Yet unfortunately at this time in history, human beings still act violently. Such a waste! Anyhow, the line from the article that struck me and made me think a lot was the following spoken by a Hindu representative from India, he said, "The leaders needed to ask themselves why interreligious dialogue has not had a greater impact on the world situation in the last 25 years. Are we missing the inward part of the journey?"

I wonder, are religious leaders from all the major world religions doing enough to promote religious tolerance and understanding. It should be a priority and money should flow into the cause. It's so important for the future of humankind.

In any event, when I picked up the newspaper on Saturday (the New York Daily News), it was chilling to see the word HATE in large block letters covering the front page. Beneath the word was a photograph of three torched cars, an unusual sight in Brooklyn, caused by such blatant anti-Semitism. Nearby was property that has been defaced. Probably it was caused by beer drinking, intolerant young people. That's what the police think and that makes sense. Sensible, law-abiding individuals do not act that way in New York City. NYC is a tolerant place which is why so many young people opt to live here. People from everywhere in the world live here peaceably ( for the most part).

There was a march on Sunday in the same neighborhood, on Ocean Parkway, where the violence took place, a march for peace, a march against intolerance and hatred.

When will humankind catch on? How many thousands of years have to pass before peace reigns on this Earth? When will the message of the prophets and the teachings of Jesus take root, so that we can use resources to help the marginalized and poor of the world, instead of using violence and hatred to cause havoc and waste resources?

NJA

People of different faiths must work together to build on something they all share: 'a hope for the creation of human harmony, justice, prosperity and an improved standard of human life.' (Hasyim Muzadi, general secretary of International Conference of Islamic Scholars)

An Uncertain World-Asteroid Speeds By and Other Concerns

2011-11-09T19:22:00.002-05:00

Whoever thinks you don't need prayer, religious rituals or belief in God living in the modern world, hasn't been paying attention to the news. As always there has been good news and bad news. The good news is that Asteroid 2005 YU55 that came close to crashing into the Earth stayed far enough away to spare us. (Thank God for that!) This is what I read, "An asteroid the size of an aircraft carrier missed the earth by only 200,000 miles as if flew by Tuesday night-the closest an asteroid has been to Earth in 200 hundred years."

Now for the bad news. The global economy is filled with uncertainty and entering a "dangerous phase." Italy is on the verge of economic turmoil (or perhaps is in it already). Since Vatican City is located in Italy it should be of some concern for the Vatican. I don't want to be the bearer of bad news, but economic instability can cause civil disobedience or worse. I follow business news as I find it interesting and this online article at CNN Money is cause for concern, "Europe is heading for recession. China is battling its own economic demons. And with the U.S. also facing problems at home (9% unemployment anyone?) it's hardly in a position to help. Without a white knight to step in and save the day, will we all go down together? 'The global economy has entered a dangerous and uncertain phase,' cautioned Monetary Fund Managing Director Christine Lagarde this morning in Beijing." More words of concern from her, "If we do not act and act together we could enter a downward spiral of uncertainty, financial instability and a collapse in global demand."

We have to act together. That's so true. Everyone, in my opinion. Rich, middle class, billionaires, millionaires, politicians, business leaders, CEO's, corporations and religious leaders. Everyone has to work together to bring stability to the economic world situation.

The world needs prayer now more than ever but it also needs leaders who can provide innovative and creative solutions that work, common sense approaches and compassionate leadership.

NJA

Fr. Barron's Excellent Video on All Saints

2011-11-03T09:54:00.003-04:00

The saints have greatly inspired me on my spiritual journey. I have a great devotion and love for many of the Carmelite saints such as St. Therese of Lisieux and St. Teresa of Avila. These were extraordinary women, in any time, and their love of God and willingness to do God's will, at all costs inspires me to persevere on the spiritual journey, through good times and bad.

These are trying times we are living through, though each age has had its challenges, the modern world is moving at such a fast pace, it's difficult to keep up, stay close to God and discern God's will at each moment. Without prayer, it would be totally impossible. With God all is possible.

St. Therese, the Little Flower, as she called herself loved Jesus in a mystical way. It was if he was standing next to her and she could sense it. On her profession day she sent out invitations to her wedding, she was "marrying" her Divine Spouse. St. Therese (as Fr. Barron notes about all the saints) is a friend to all who pray for her intercession or study her works. Many devotees have commented that they felt Therese was a friend to them, in some mystical way. Therese's little way of spiritual childhood recognizes that we are all in need of God's mercy and help, everyday of our lives. We all use poor judgment at times, we all could do better. To strive to be like Christ in the world, to be Christ to others is the goal of the spiritual life and yet it is so difficult. The saints provide us with a way to do it, to discern God's will through prayer. Recently, I had to make a difficult decision, in my heart I knew what God's will was, it was very clear to me. So clear I couldn't dismiss it. It went against what I wanted to do, it went against what made sense in the natural realm, but for some reason, God wanted me to do it God's way. I still don't know why, but I'm sure someday it might become clear, or perhaps it won't, this side of heaven. From that experience I learned that going against our wants and doing God's will, in all things, is not easy at all. The human will can be strong but I know God has my best interests in mind, I know that God loves me unconditionally and so I intend to do God's will, to say my prayers and to keep St. Teresa of Avila's words close to me, "So many problems come from imagining Jesus as far away, when he is really near." And of course, these words should never be far from the lips of a Christian, "Jesus, I trust in you."

May the Saints bless our efforts and bring us to holiness.

NJA

http://www.wordonfire.org/WOF-TV/Commentaries-New/Fr-Barron-comments-on-All-Saints-Day.aspx

Gambling in Queens, NY

2011-10-29T16:54:00.004-04:00

Another distraction for the faithful. There are so many distractions in the modern world that entice people of good will away from God and prayer. So now right here in New York City, off the Belt Parkway in Queens, in the heart of the Diocese of Brooklyn, at Aqueduct Racetrack a "Racino" has opened. In October 1995 Pope John Paul II, during a historic visit to the United States celebrated Mass on a beautiful, sunny day at Aqueduct Raceway. I was there, along with my son. There were thousands of priests and Religious as well as 75,000 laypeople. It was a remarkable, holy event. That was then, this is now.

Hundreds of people waited on line, opening day to enter the Racino. It presently has 4,525 video slot machines and 475 electronic games and thousands more to come. Now gamblers and people just looking for some excitement will not have to go all the way to Atlantic City, Conneticut or Las Vegas, it's all very close now.

The Church is neutral on gambling. I understand that. I know many people who enjoy gambling and it adds excitement to their life. But according to anti-gambling forces, "the racino will addict millions of people to the detriment of their families...." I wonder how it will affect Church donations, in that area, if at all. Only time will tell.

Aqueduct is the first racino in New York City and probably not the last. There are a lot of tax revenues to be made from legalized gambling and many politicians are in favor of gambling for a variety of reasons.

I went to the website on Gotquestions.org and it had this to say about gambling......

"The Bible does not specifically condemn gambling, betting or the lottery. Scripture does warn us to stay away from the love of money, attempts to get rich quick. But gambling in moderation is not necessarily evil....." Let's hope people use moderation and don't get addicted and lose control. We can only hope and pray for the best outcome, because gambling in NYC is here to stay.

NJA

The Desecration of Another Church

2011-10-18T21:11:00.005-04:00

When I saw the photograph (check out the Deacon's Bench) of protesters in Rome walking past a shattered statue of the Blessed Mother, it shook me up. There was something very cold and callous about people walking past a desecrated statue of Mary without feeling or remorse. They hardly saw her, which is quite unnerving, to see their disregard. It happened near the Lateran Basilica in Rome on a day in which worldwide protests were planned against greed, poor economic conditions, high joblessness and a loss of hope. Most protests around the world were peaceful and lawful, but in Rome the protests turned violent and destructive. The evil one was present there, causing the usual havoc, discord and violence. The devil's stamp was on it, whenever you have the desecration of holy statues, consecrated religious articles and a crucifix, it's quite obvious that the evil one took part (my opinion, of course). The Vatican condemned the violence and hopefully there will be better security in the future, if any protests are planned. Sacred, religious sites must be well protected.

It's getting a little scary. As I put up Halloween decorations this evening, I thought about what's really frightening in our world. It's not goblins and ghosts but the thousands of discontented, frustrated and feed up people who want change and a better life and a better future for their children. Something is out of whack, hopelessness is a dangerous thing. People have a right to protest and a right to seek a better life, but no one has a right to use violence or to desecrate sacred statues or a crucifix. Let's hope that never happens again.

NJA

Christopher Hitchens-Famous Unbeliever

2011-10-12T20:39:00.005-04:00

I read an article about Christopher Hitchens in the New York Times titled, "A Voice, Still Vibrant Reflects on Mortality," by Charles McGrath. Mr. Hitchens is the "famous" atheist and writer, who recently received an award-"The Freethinker of the Year Award." Though flattered by the award, his response was interesting, "I think being an atheist is something you are, not something you do, I'm not sure we need to be honored. We don't need positive reinforcement. On the other hand we do need to stick up for ourselves especially in a place like Texas, where they have laws, I think, that if you don't believe in Jesus Christ you can't run for sheriff."

Christopher Hitchens has been discussed and blogged about frequently not only because he's a famous atheist but also because he is the author of a controversial book (the title I can't even write) and also he is suffering from esophageal cancer. Having lost a mother to cancer, I know what a dreadful disease it is, so I feel sad for his condition.

I have a few thoughts for Mr. Hitchens, though I doubt he'll ever read them. Just as he can't understand belief in God and the mystery of God's existence, I will never understand atheists. I haven't read Mr. Hitchens book, I'm too busy reading books on spirituality, belief, and Scripture. What puzzles me and disturbs me is the following: I think (it's just my opinion of course) that if Mr. Hitchens had faith and could pray to God, it would make his journey at this time of his life easier and more comforting. That's one of the benefits of belief but atheists choose to reject God and God's invitation. As I have experienced it, faith is a big help when a crisis develops, illness strikes, or life's challenges hit. Prayer helps people deal with the big problems in life, God's presence is comforting in situations such as the one Mr. Hitchens is going through and yet he chooses to hold fast to his unbelief, even when it's hurting him on some level. But, of course, atheists don't see it that way. But the studies support what I'm writing and what I have experienced firsthand: prayer heals and helps, God's presence is nurturing and soothing and building a relationship with God through prayer and rituals is calming for human beings and helps our salvation as well. I have received inner strength and courage for the journey of life, which is filled with disappointments and challenges because of prayer, because of the support I've received from a faith community, at different times in my life. God is real and miraculously willing to be in relationship with those who accept his invitation to love.

I believe that God is reaching out to Mr. Hitchens, (though I don't know why I think that). I believe that God who is merciful and persistant wants to comfort him during these difficult days, God wants to give him the support he needs and the certainty of belief in eternal life. He will face his Creator someday, as we all will and then he will know, what he doesn't know now.

There are some mysteries that we just have to accept as mysteries. We can't fit God or the thought of God or God's ways into our minds, God is much more that that. God is a Supreme Being, hidden, mysterious and more complex than the human mind can handle or figure out. That's why God is God and we are creatures. We don't know everything and that's how it should be. God chooses to remain hidden, that's the way it should be and the older I get, I realize just how much of a genius God is and how hiddeness is most appropriate for a Supreme Being.

NJA

Just as I am, without one plea,

But that thy blood was shed for me.

And that thou bidd'st me come to thee

O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, thou wilt receive, Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve,

Because thy promise I believe

O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

(Charlotte Elliott-19th century)

The Protesters of New York City

2011-10-08T10:51:00.003-04:00

As most everyone has heard by now, several hundred protesters have been gathered at Zuccotti Park in lower Manhattan, in the financial district for a few weeks. They say they are there for the long haul. Their movement is called, "Occupy Wall Street," though the police will not let them too close to Wall Street for obvious reasons. Several hundred have been arrested for civil disobedience and trying to obstruct traffic. On TV it sometimes looks like its getting out of control. What's going on here?

I'm not a political person but I will comment about this because it has to do with social justice. These protesters are reading the same articles and listening to the same commentary that I am. Some of it is infuriating. Recently I read the following and I can see how it would upset people who've lost jobs or homes to foreclosure. The article stated something like this.....CEO's of major corporations lay off hundreds of people and then those CEO's are given a large raise within the next year. The very rich, CEO's included are buying summer homes in expensive areas for millions of dollars, while middle class people are falling out of the middle class at a rapid rate.

Don't get me wrong, I like capitalism, I think it helped make our country great, but something is obviously wrong here. People need good jobs with a fair wage to support their families and give them dignity and purpose in life. Students need to be able to pay off their student loans without resorting to prostitution (which I was shocked to read at Huffington Post is actually happening in our country and it's not only a few cases). The title of the article, "Seeking Arrangement Using 'Sugar Daddies" To Pay Off Loan Debt," by Amanda Fairbanks sent me into a tailspin.

It comes back to greed, which is one of the seven deadly sins. Yes, that is one of the sins that the protesters are protesting against-corporate greed.

So the protests will continue and perhaps grow until corporations become more compassionate, a good jobs plan is passed and jobs stop being outsourced and more products are made in the USA and purchased by Americans. Common sense approaches that work to give people back their dignity and an opportunity for a better life.

NJA

"Celebrate Our Seminarians"

2011-10-03T09:13:00.005-04:00

Last evening I attended a great event at the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception in Huntington, Long Island titled, "Celebrate Our Seminarians." It began with a Holy Hour which included Eucharistic Exposition, Benediction and Evening Prayer. Bishop Murphy, the bishop of Rockville Centre presided and it was sacred and reverent. Bishop Murphy spoke during his homily about the need for prayer. He said, "We can choose anxiety/worry or we can choose prayer...." I liked the way he put it and I'll remember that. It's something I believe very strongly in-the power of prayer and the need for it in the modern world we live in, which sadly is filled with so much uncertainty. (The Scripture from yesterday's Mass comes to mind from St. Paul, "Don't worry about anything, but pray about everything." (I often share that quote with children and adults when I speak and I have it placed into my "Magnificat.") But anyhow, another thing that Bishop Murphy did was during the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament he spoke directly to God, looking at the monstrance, as if no one else was present. I can't remember the exact words he used, but those words were filled with praise and love and it moved me. I told him so afterwards. He replied, "You can do that too." And that's true, of course, but it takes a certain amount of confidence to do it in public prayer.

After the holy hour, the cocktail hour began in the Cloister area outside the Seminary overlooking the beautiful grounds. The dinner in a big tent on the grounds, came next.

The seminarians who are a talented bunch of guys from both the Dioceses of Brooklyn and Rockville Centre provided the entertainment which was very good. There was a great spirit of fun, as well as some serious moments when a seminarian shared his vocation story. God kept calling him until he answered God's call. God never gave up. It was uplifting. I thought afterwards, if only more responded yes to God.....if only more were truly listening and attentive to God...........

A great time was had by all. I was glad that S. Alice Michael, my friend and guest for the evening enjoyed herself. She works so hard for the Diocese of Brooklyn, in an administrative position that she deserved a nice evening of relaxation. Msgr. Peter Vaccari, the rector of the Seminary worked hard to ensure it was a great evening, as did Beverly Malone, the Director of Development. It was a success!

It was an evening of Catholicism at its best-prayer, reverence, praise and worship to God, fellowship, friendship, good food, a wonderful spirit, and support of a good cause.

NJA

In Honor of the Feast Day on October 1st of St. Therese (couldn't leave her out!)

My little way is the way of spiritual childhood, the way of trust and absolute self-surrender.

Always do everything in order to please Jesus.

Love Jesus who is Love itself.

A God who became so small could only be mercy and love.

St. Therese, the Little Flower- Saint and Doctor Extraordinaire

New York-A Walkable City-Filled with Art

2011-09-26T19:36:00.004-04:00

Walking is good for the mind, body and soul. Many great writers were avid walkers, including spiritual writers. Walking clears the mind and inspires too. It's a great form of exercise and a good way to relax and reduce stress. It has many benefits which is why I was happy to read that New York City was listed as number one in a list of most walkable cities for 2011. According to an online article from Street.com titled, "Ten Most Walkable Cities for 2011," by Jason Notte, "Manhattan's 16 miles long and two miles wide and has been walkable since the days when the only other transportation option involved an animal. Densely packed areas such as Brooklyn's Fort Green, Park Slope and Carroll Gardens and Bay Ridge, Queens' Sunnyside and Astoria/Long Island City and the South Bronx, University Heights and Fordham neighborhoods in the Bronx are giving Manhattan a run for the money thanks to tightly packed areas that are only increasing in density..."

I recently took a walking tour of Central Park which was incredibly interesting. The tour group coincidentally walked "right into" the Parks Commissioner of NY, who was on his way to his office in Central Park. The tour guide knew him personally and waved hello and he was very pleasant and welcomed us to Central Park. A true New York experience....

Yesterday I walked around the magnificent Metropolitan Museum of Art on Fifth Ave. Walking outdoors or indoors in NYC can be an amazing cultural experience. The MET has so many masterpieces that it is overwhelming to view them one after another. It's hard to take it all in and though I've been there many times, I'm always inspired by the creativity and beauty of the art exhibited there.

Pope Benedict has spoken many times about his wish to "renew the Church's friendship with the world of art." He has said, "Beauty....can become a path toward the transcendent, toward ultimate Mystery, toward God." This past summer at Castel Gandolfo he told pilgrims, "Dear friends, I invite you to be open to beauty and to allow it to move you to prayer and praise of the Lord." He explained how the "path of beauty can be an open door on the infinite and is something experienced by all people, not merely those who regard themselves as cultured."

The beauty of art and the beauty of nature has always moved me toward the transcendent.

NJA

The world is a mirror of infinite beauty...It is a temple of majesty..It is a region of light and peace. It is the place of angels and the gate of heaven. Thomas Traherne

Bishop Libasci Will Be A Blessing!

2011-09-20T09:14:00.004-04:00

As reported in the Catholic press, Rockville Centre diocesan auxiliary bishop, Bishop Peter Libasci has been appointed by Pope Benedict to lead the Diocese of Manchester, New Hampshire. He will be the bishop of the entire state of New Hampshire. That New England state is lucky to have Bishop Libasci. Long Island is losing a very good and kind auxiliary bishop. Bishop Murphy, the bishop of Rockville Centre was quoted as saying, "While I will greatly miss his wise counsel and tireless apostolic spirit, I rejoice that the Holy Father has chosen one of the priests of this diocese to lead the Diocese of Manchester."

I've met Bishop Libasci a few times and each time, I was very impressed with him. The first time I met Bishop Libasci, I was looking for something in the library at the Immaculate Conception Center in Douglaston, Queens. I didn't recognize the bishop though I had probably seen his photograph in the Long Island Catholic. But anyway, I remember it was late in the afternoon of Ash Wednesday because I had a large ash cross on my forehead, it was a rather dramatic cross as it covered my entire forehead. Before I was introduced to him by the librarian, he gave me a warm and kind smile. That tells me a lot about a person. After being introduced, he asked me what parish I belonged to and we then discussed my pastor who wasn't feeling well at the time. He knew that already and said he was glad I reminded him as he was going to call him. He just has a nice way about him.

About a year later, I would have the opportunity to attend a Communion Breakfast at the Immaculate Conception Seminary in Huntington, Long Island and Bishop Libasci was the speaker for that event and he celebrated Mass as well. I was struck by him during the entrance procession at Mass. I could tell he was praying as he entered the chapel. That was evident to me. He's a holy priest and bishop and that's obvious. (Praise God! That's what the Church needs more than anything.) Later on in his talk on the Eucharist, which was excellent he spoke about how he was praying as he entered the chapel (I knew it!) and how humbled he was to be a bishop. He also mentioned how seriously he took that responsibility and how important it was to him to live up to the expectations of the people who counted on him and how he prayed to be a blessing to others and to the Church.

I know Bishop Libasci will be a blessing to the state of New Hampshire and the Diocese of Manchester. I know he will provide the healing and graces that are needed there, at this time in history. Many blessings Bishop, go with Christ!

NJA

I desire so much to meet all of you and to see Christ so alive and so present in you. I desire to share in this work that is ours: to be true to and thus carry on the mission of Our Lord Jesus Christ. (Bishop Libasci to the people of his new Diocese)

The Crumbling American Dream?

2011-09-14T20:18:00.004-04:00

When my grandparents came to America in the 1920's from Italy, they came with hope, to the land of good fortune, where dreams came true. America was a storied land of freedom and opportunity. At the Ellis Island website I was able to see how much money my grandparents came to America with. It was humbling to see. Like other immigrants they came to America with hope, faith in God and a belief in a better life ahead, with a little bit of money in their pockets-$10.00 to be exact. (They also had to have a sponsor in America.) When I thought about my grandparents traveling such a long distance, across an ocean, in difficult circumstances, with so little money (naturally $10.00 was worth much more at that time), I can't even imagine the sacrifices they made in leaving their country and loved ones. Through hard work, faith in God, prayer, family ties and sacrifice they were able to lift themselves up, over time, into the middle class in America, as other immigrants have done as well.

But now many families in America are facing hard times. Many are slipping out of the middle class. Without good paying jobs and real opportunity, the American dream is starting to fade and vanish for too many. A new study by the Census Bureau stated that, "Nearly one in six Americans was living in poverty last year, a development that is ensnaring growing numbers of children in poverty and offering vivid proof of the devastating impacts of the recession.....The Report portrays a nation where many people are slipping backward in the wake of a downturn that left 14 million people out of work and pushed unemployment to levels not seen in decades."

So sadly this is where our country is in 2011. More and more children are slipping into poverty, some go hungry and others experience anxiety from losing their homes and seeing their parents under great stress.

The Church has always supported workers and a just wage. Our country must put people back to work, to give them back their dignity and their opportunity for a better life. Not just for themselves but for the children in America, who deserve better.

NJA

September 8th-A Carmelite Would Know......

2011-09-06T21:54:00.004-04:00

I think a Carmelite would know that if I wrote I was born on Mary's nativity, that even though that is a great grace, that gift or grace would come with "strings attached." Oh yes, a great gift comes with strings and sometimes those "strings" are trials. Carmelites would know that from their studies, others might know that from experience. I found that out long before I became a Lay Carmelite.

I'm pleased to be born on a feast day of Mary-September 8th. It would be many years after I was born, when I would realize the significance of the day of my birth. I probably heard it or read about it in catechism class. My parents were very good Christians (and parents), kind and generous people, but not the type to know the date of Mary's nativity or the feast day it was celebrated on. So I would stumble upon that fact on my own, and I thought it was interesting, but little did I know as a child, that a gift is more than it seems ( more complicated), in the spiritual realm and in spiritual terms.

I have a great devotion to Mary. I should hope so. I recently gave a talk about her, and said, "We're really like Mary in many ways. Catholics tend to exalt Mary and that's natural and fitting, as she is the Mother of God, but you too have answered God's call and said "yes" to God's invitation. You have responded to God and so you are more like Mary than you think or imagine. (Basically that is what I said and you can understand the point I was trying to make.)

On another note, my heart and prayers go out to all those who lost loved ones on September 11th, 2001. What a sad anniversary we mark this Sunday. I think especially of the 3,051 children who lost a parent on that day. I watched a TV special on those children last evening and it made me realize just what those children have gone through these past 10 years. May God be with them. For all the heroes and the good, hard working people who lost their lives that horrific day, there are no words, just hope in eternal life.

Surviving Hurricane Irene

2011-09-01T21:13:00.004-04:00

Four days without electricity from Hurricane Irene. Our power just came on tonight. The other day we met workers in our neighborhood who came all the way from Michigan to try and help restore power. They couldn't make any promises. They told us they left home to help us in NY but with so many fallen trees and damaged power lines, it was going to take time. And it did. Many people in the Northeast are still without power, I hope they soon feel the excitement of having the power switch on.

I know people deal with much greater problems and I tried to keep it in perspective. I'm accustomed to having electricity and the comforts it provides. (I know I'm spoiled, as many of us are.) I tried to tell myself it was like camping....at home. I have fond memories of going camping. I liked going camping, when I was younger, much younger.......Electricity is a wondrous invention and so quiet and efficient. It's an amazing convenience when you think about it.

Trees fell all over my neighborhood, on houses, cars, roads and lawns. But thank God the huge tree in front of my house stayed put. Naturally, before the storm hit I walked around my house praying for protection and a "God-shield", that was a given.

My sons called the morning after the storm from Manhattan to check in and tell me they were fine. Thank God! My son said he didn't know what to expect, because of all the warnings (even from the President), the evacuations of Battery Park City and other NY neighborhoods and then there were all my updates and concerns for their safety. (I'm a typical Italian mother.) But he said they slept through the storm. When one of my sons woke up, the morning after the storm, he didn't know what to expect, but when he looked out the window, he saw a young man walk by in a t-shirt and flip flops. He knew it wasn't too bad in Manhattan.

And so having to throw out food is not the worst of it. At least my basement didn't flood, where all my beloved religion books and newspapers are. So I have a lot to be grateful for.

I'm sorry for the farmers in Upstate NY and all the other people in Vermont, New Jersey and New York who have lost so much. It's a difficult time for many, especially those who've lost loved ones, from this natural disaster. That is the saddest part of this story and the most tragic. I'm so sorry for their loss.

It's been said over and over again but it's true. When faced with loss of any kind, prayer, meditation, and Bible reading are comforting and really help. My copy of Magnificat was so helpful to me during the days without electricity. Walking and praying and exercising kept me focused and calm. Prayer heals, there is no question about that.

NJA

Earthquakes, Hurricanes and Other Uncertainties

2011-08-25T09:58:00.002-04:00

I called my cousin, who lives in Virginia with her family, the day the earthquake struck to see how they were doing. I didn't feel a thing in New York but of course many New Yorkers did and were shaken from the experience. My cousin said that when the earthquake struck her area, it felt and sounded like a truck was going into her house. She screamed for her two teenage children to jump into the bathtub and that's what they all did. It was an unnerving experience for them and understandably so. The ground was literally shaking beneath them and what could be more unsettling than that.

Now in the most recent news reports, there is another rare event happening on the East Coast. A powerful and damaging hurricane named Irene is menacing the East Coast of the United States and worrying everyone in its path. Since I tend to worry and my house is surrounded by huge trees, being at home is really not that safe but what choice do I have. I can only wait and pray for the best as many others are doing. Everyday is a gift to be enjoyed and savored, if only I could remember that all the time.

When it says in the Bible to be spiritually ready at all times, since no one knows the day or hour of the end of the world or the end of our own fragile life, it's good to be spiritually prepared for anything, at all times. We so often forget that when things are going well.

Life can "throw" anything at us, at any time. We're seeing that unfold this week. The obvious ways to be prepared spiritually by saying our prayers, being attentive to one's relationship with God, being a good Christian and following Jesus' advice for living rightly and justly with others are good ways to sail through any "storm" in life.

My cousins from Virginia are good, caring people, who are active in their Church. My cousin's husband is a convert to Catholicism and he joined the Knights of Columbus as soon as he converted. They try to live rightly and justly and they were ready for anything. Thank God nothing happened to them, but in my opinion, spiritually they were ready.

Another thing I value very highly besides prayer and living according to Jesus' words is common sense. Using common sense can provide safety in this uncertain world we live in. I've written this before and I'll write it again because I think it's important and I think it's only common sense. I hope and pray that someday, in the near future, the Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant which is so close to NYC and it's suburbs will be closed and other energy sources will be found to supply our needs. Why? The answer is just plain, old common sense. The unusual earthquake that struck Virginia measured 5.8 in intensity. Indian Point can only withstand a 6.1 earthquake and one or more of its reactors was built on fault line. (Hello, who builds a nuclear power plant close to NYC on a fault line??) And though this was a rare seismic event, a geologist on CNN the other evening said, "We could see another earthquake, a large one on the East Coast of the United States, in the future. I can't rule it out." (I'm paraphrasing but he said something like that.)

Using prayer and common sense would tell me, tell anyone who is thinking straight that Indian Point has to close at sometime in the future. Find alternative energy sources and put those people who presently work at Indian Pt. to work on other sources, but let's be realistic about the future and the safety of over 12 million people.

NJA

World Youth Day-2011-Hope From The Young

2011-08-21T13:42:00.005-04:00

I looked in the secular press this morning and yesterday morning and in the two New York newspapers I read there was not an article, not even a small one in international news about World Youth Day. In today's Sunday NY Times, not a word (unless it was so small I missed it!) That's puzzling to me. A million or more young people from 193 countries from around the world gather in Madrid, Spain for an event and not a word. Incredible! On the front page of the Sunday NY Times there's a photograph of the turmoil in Libya, (a depressing photograph),which is, of course, important news, but not a word about one million young people gathering in peace to demonstrate faith, peace and hope. It's absurd that one million young people gathering in Spain is not news, (to some editors) no one should know about it, unless you read a Catholic newspaper, visit a Catholic website or blog or watch Catholic television??

On a more joyful note, I've been watching EWTN's coverage of World Youth Day and of Pope Benedict in Spain meeting and praying with the young pilgrims and I have been uplifted by their faith and joy. Smiling, faith-filled, joyful young people waving flags, jumping for joy and having a good time expressing their faith was cause for hope. I was particularly moved when I participated (from home) in the solemn praying of the Stations of the Cross on Friday evening. It was very moving. When the marginalized young people, with disabilities, picked up the cross and carried it so reverently I was moved to tears. (I noticed a young man with Down's Syndrome carrying the Cross so proudly, it was touching.)

It seems to me the Church gets this so right, WYD is planned with precision and it's amazing to watch it unfold thousands of miles away. What a great, inspiring Catholic event this is. This is something the Church can be proud of.

John Allen in an article called these faith-filled young people-Evangelical Catholics. I don't doubt that the future Church rests on their shoulders and others like them. Most have traveled from all parts of the globe, they are withstanding heat, discomfort and even a rainstorm on Saturday night. And still they wave their flags, they pray, and smile while giving a positive witness to us all.

From what I've observed so far on TV and from the blog posts I've read, these young people have given me hope, not only me but I'm sure all the bishops, priests, nuns and laypeople who are there as well. And of course the Pope himself. These young people are filled with the light of Christ, I'm grateful for their enthusiasm and faith. God Bless them all!

Seeing you gathered here in such great numbers, from all parts of the world, fills my heart with joy. I think of the special love with which Jesus is looking upon you. Yes, the Lord loves you and calls you His friends. He goes out to meet you and He wants to accompany you on your journey, to open the door to a life of fulfillment and to give you a share in His own closeness to the Father"..........Pope Benedict-Closing Mass-WYD-2011

**Update-Finally, on Monday, Aug. 22nd an article appeared in the New York Times about World Youth Day!

A Baptism and a Flood

2011-08-16T17:13:00.007-04:00

I attended my cousin's baptism on Sunday afternoon at St. Anthony's Church in Oceanside, Long Island. It wasn't easy for my family to get there. Major roads were closed because of the record rainfall in NYC and Long Island and we had to maneuver through closed and flooded roads. I was just alittle stressed thinking we would miss the baptism rite. We finally arrived only a few minutes late and the Deacon who was presiding waved us in, as he caught sight of us at the side door, nearest the altar. Even though he had started, he was most welcoming, "Come in, it's all good" I remember him saying to us. A nice way to be welcomed into Church after navigating through a rainstorm. We made our way into the pew near the rest of our family. I later found out the Deacon's name, Mike Monahan. He was enthusiastic, well spoken and he did a great job speaking to the parents and godparents who were present. He helped them understand the responsibility entrusted to them in raising a good Christian. He was assisted by his wife at the baptism. I thought that was wonderful, that she was able to help him in his ministry and be present as well. I thanked him at the end of the baptism, telling the Deacon he had done a good job. There is so much to be said for enthusiasm, an upbeat attitude, combined with knowledge of the faith, good preaching and a well planned ritual. That's the formula needed to fill up our churches, in my opinion.

Many guests did not show up for the dinner party following the baptism. Unfortunately, some were home cleaning up flooded basements in the city and Long Island. Others couldn't make it from New Jersey because of the flooding. What a day! Yet there was grace in the midst of chaos.

Record rainfall amounts might be the new norm (though I hope not). Ironically, on Sunday, the day of the flooding an article appeared in NY Newsday that morning titled, "Global Warming Turns Up the Heat on Long Island" by Jennifer Smith. It turned out to be a timely article. The article told how global warming is affecting Long Island already. According to scientists, "Be in no doubt, the world is warming" (Peter Thorne, scientist). And in what may be related, "Heavy downpours, the kind that flood streets, soak basements and sweep pollutants into bays-increased 67 percent in the Northeast from 1958-2007, a federal report found." One report I read months ago stated that some areas of the world would experience droughts due to global warming and other areas would experience record rainfall. That's what seems to be happening already. It's unnerving.

We should all be trying to conserve energy and do our best to prevent any further damage to the environment. Let's hope future generations take this threat seriously. I pray that they do!

NJA

It All Falls Down

2011-08-11T09:01:00.003-04:00

As you probably know, there has been recent rioting and civil unrest in England that has ravaged parts of London and other major cities. My son has a good friend who lives in London, so I asked my son if he had spoken to him to see how he's doing. His friend Mike, just got back from China, where he was spending some much needed time with his family. Now back in London he's dealing with the depressing and unsettling events happening in England. Though he is not directly affected, he's unnerved as are other Londoners. But he's fine and he appreciated that we were concerned about him. Mike is a fine young man, who was kind enough to pick me and my husband up from the airport a few years ago, when we visited London. My son who was working in London at the time, for a few months, did not have a car and Mike volunteered to pick us up at the airport. We arrived in London very early in the morning. I was quite impressed by that show of kindness. Mike is a hard-working young man, respectful, kind and totally unlike the unruly and destructive youths who are setting fires, breaking the law and looting in England. (There are some reports that some of them are laughing while they are being destructive, which is scary to me.) It is a truly appalling situation, and like other situations around the world, such as the financial crisis and the horrific famine in Somalia, things just seem to be spinning out of control, at times. The 2012 end of the world believers must be thinking, "We were right, it's coming!"

It just makes you wonder.......Europeans in large numbers have turned away from religion, from belief in God, from religious traditions and rituals and some believe there is a moral decline in society. Is there a connection? I wonder......The reality is in 2011 you have thousands of young men and women turning to violence in Britain, to bring attention to their plight. Their frustrations with high unemployment, lack of opportunities, wealth disparity in their faces, and their inability to find meaning work are understandable, their way of dealing with it, is horribly wrong, unlawful and sinful.

Prime Minister, David Cameron put it this way and I would agree:

The sight of those young people running down streets, smashing windows, taking property, looting, laughing as they go, the problem of that is a complete lack of responsibility, a lack of proper upbringing, a lack of proper ethics, a lack of proper morals. (August 2011)

One of the benefits of belief in God and adhering to religious beliefs and doctrines is following a proper moral code, such as the Ten Commandments. When religion or the foundational beliefs and moral code of religions (all the major world religions have them) are removed from society, in my opinion, you are playing "with fire."

NJA

Helping the Downtrodden in New York City

2011-08-05T07:22:00.003-04:00

With so much uncertainty in the news and with the prospect of a global economic downturn looming (or God forbid worse!), it was good to read some uplifting and positive news. I applaud a new initiative in New York City to help disadvantaged, "undereducated, incarcerated and unemployed" young black and Latino men in NYC. As explained in a NY Times article I read yesterday titled, "City Campaign Seeks To Lift Young Black and Latino Men," by Michael Barbaro and Fernanda Santos, "Starting this fall, the administration said it would place job-recruitment centers in public housing complexes where many young black and Latino men live, retrain probation officers......establish new fatherhood classes and assess schools on the academic progress of male black and Latino students." What's so interesting about this new program is that Mayor Bloomberg who is a billionaire and also the mayor of NYC, is using some of his personal wealth to cover part of the cost of the program. The mayor can well afford it, but it is still very generous of him and he deserves praise for doing it. (He seems to be spending a lot of money lately, he also just purchased a magnificent estate in Southhampton, Long Island).

Mr. Bloomberg is a very wealthy man. It seems to me that the billionaires of the world are going to have to step up and share their wealth with others, following the good example of Bill Gates and Warren Buffet. They are philanthropists who use large parts of their fortunes for the good of humankind. Through their generosity and goodness, they encourage others to do so, which I think is very noble.

Unfortunately, many of the world economies are in trouble and it's a fact that individual billionaires throughout the world hold vast amounts of wealth. I hope and pray they will follow the good examples of rich philanthropists and give to good causes to help lift the downtrodden and those who are suffering from famine as well.

They will receive many blessings for their generosity. It's true the more you give, the more blessings that come back to you. I've seen that happen over and over again.

NJA

Needing A Dose of Optimism

2011-08-01T06:29:00.002-04:00

Optimistic people are happier people. They look to the future with hope. Optimism and hope are necessary for Christians and people of all faiths, because we live in a fallen world, where it seems evil has a strong foothold. After reading the headline stories at CatholicCulture.org, for Catholic world news, over the weekend, it was easy to fall into despair. One headline story after another about failures in the Church, at all levels. It is really disheartening for those of us who love the Church and know the treasure and gift that the Church can be. But something is out of whack. Some of the accusations I read in one story, are something out of a bad, crude, scandalous novel, they are almost unbelievable.

There are those of us whose lives have been enriched by the Church and the teachings of Jesus, who know it is a force for good in the world. But it's time (in my humble opinion) for Church leaders to meet to discuss the challenges the Church is facing in the modern world. We live in a fast-paced, quickly changing world, due to modern technology. These are challenges the Church has never faced before. The internet has changed the world forever. Making an effort to use modern technology for good and to promote Church teachings and the teachings of Jesus is important but it's more important for the Church to realistically look at the problems it's facing and act wisely, constructively and realistically while invoking God's Holy Spirit for guidance. Prayer is needed, but action is needed too. Headlines such as "Germans Leaving the Church in Record Numbers," or the problems happening in Ireland or Australia should be a wake-up call.

Getting back to optimism, I read this from an online article titled, "The Importance of Optimism," by Dan Floros, "Optimism allows us to move on, despite our setbacks, despite our bruises. There are no failures if we learn and decide to bounce back from such obstacles. Failures are only failures if we decide to remain defeated. The word 'optimism' gives us some clues here. 'Opt' equates to choice. Each one of us has a choice, to see things pessimistically (glass half empty) or optimistically (half full)."

I'm trying to be optimistic. I know the Church has a divine head-Jesus Christ, the wisdom and power of God. I have total faith in the power of God and the Holy Spirit. But human beings who have positions of authority in the Church need to do something substantial because something is out of whack, when so many articles about Cahtolic world news deal with disturbing revelations and reports which harm the Church and disappoint the faithful.

NJA

Veni Sanctus Spiritus

Archbishop Charles Chaput and September 8th

2011-07-22T20:53:00.004-04:00

I read with interest that Archbishop Charles Chaput will be installed as the ninth archbishop of Philadelphia at the Cathedral Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul, on September 8th, a feast day of Mary, her nativity. It's a date very close to my heart since I was born on that day too, either by coincidence or divine design. Someday I'll find that out. Archbishop Chaput is a Capuchin Franciscan with an American Indian heritage. That's a rather interesting mix. He is a member of the Potawatomi Prairie Band tribe and as he explained at a news conference, he has two Indian names. One name from the Potawatomi meaning "he who makes the leaves rustle like the wind." Apparently, his late mother called him, at times, "Windy," because of that meaning. The other name from the Lakota tribe meaning, "good eagle." Coming to the East Coast, and most especially to Philadelphia, to be the Archbishop of Philadelphia at this time in history, he will need the strength and courage of an Indian warrior and the majesty, accuracy and strength of an eagle. He will have to learn quickly that the East Coast is a very fast paced, "sharp-edged," part of the country. It's a place like no other, since you have three major cities here- NYC, Boston and Philadelphia (not too far from each other) and then of course Washington, DC. It's a pretty intense atmosphere. I'm sure he's up for the task as long as he understands how the East Coast operates.

The Archbishop's American Indian name probably came from the fact that it was windy when he was born. (I know a little about Indian culture as I have always been fascinated by the American Indian's love and respect for nature.) Perhaps the wind was the movement of the Holy Spirit, since he was destined to become an archbishop and an influential one at that.

In my living room I have a collector's plate of Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha holding a lamb. It's a beautiful piece, hand signed by the artist who made the image. I'm sure Kateri will pray for the Archbishop's success in Philadelphia and for healing for that city and I'm sure the Archbishop is praying for Kateri as well.

It seems to me, the Holy Spirit was at work, in a powerful way, in the choosing of the archbishop for his new role in Philly. I read that his name was not on the original list given to Pope Benedict for consideration. Pope Benedict, I assume encouraged by the Spirit, decided that Archbishop Chaput was the leader needed for Philadelphia at this time. I like the idea that the Pope was urged by the Spirit to make another choice, other than the ones presented to him, that's a good sign for the future Church.

God's blessings on Philadelphia and their incoming Archbishop. It's such a great city, so much American history, I've always enjoyed my visits there. While there, I loved seeing the Liberty Bell in person, it's such a great symbol of the greatness of our country.

NJA

Cafe Basilica- St. Patrick's Old Cathedral in Manhattan

2011-07-18T09:43:00.008-04:00

I was in the city yesterday with my family and we went to Mass at The Basilica of St. Patrick's Old Cathedral on Mulberry Street. I had never been there before. I placed a visit there on my "bucket list" after reading that the Church had been designated a basilica. Old St. Patrick's was the first Cathedral Church in the city and the cornerstone was laid in 1809. It was called at that time, "one of the greatest ornaments of our city." I was impressed with what I saw and heard. They have realistic Mass times there for the many young adults who live in the area. We attended the 12:45 PM Mass and there is a last chance Mass at 7:00 PM. They were having a barbeque after the 7:00 PM Mass with a guest speaker ($5.00 donation- a bargain!). The speaker would be talking about Social Networking and how you can use the internet to bring more "prayer into your daily lives and keep you informed...." In the bulletin, the pastor wrote that the 7:00 PM Mass "has become known in the neighborhood as the 'young peoples' Mass..." Though the historic Church was not air conditoned, they did have fans going and the Mass was thoughtfully done, good music and a well thought out and prepared homily by the Pastor Msgr. Donald Sakano. The homily contained a good message, to the point, something you could remember and take with you......(On exiting the Church I told Msgr. Sakano it was good, he deserved that!)

They have Evening Prayer (Vespers) on the first Sundays at 6:30 PM. (I have read that evening prayer is a great tool for evangelization.....)

Also, the bulletin was filled with good ideas and good ways to attract the young adult population that lives in the area. They have a "Cafe Basilica." From their bulletin, "Our courtyard at 32 Prince St. is dedicated to hospitality with a reminder that God is alive and well and living across the street in the Basilica. On Sunday afternoons we will feature the music of professional musicians from 2:00-4:00 PM." What an amazing idea.........So if you are ever in the city on a Sunday afternoon, stop by the Old St. Patrick's and check out Cafe Basilica.

After Mass, my sons noticed a famous comedian with his family, who were leaving Church. I didn't know him but my sons recognized him, as they are accustomed to running into famous people in Manhattan.

Afterwards, we walked over to Little Italy for an Italian lunch. A good way to spend a Sunday afternoon. I was uplifted by all the good ideas and actions coming out of that historic Church in a great location in Manhattan. Good evangelization at work in the city of New York!

NJA

Good Deed Rewarded

2011-07-14T20:25:00.004-04:00

So happy that Christian Lopez the young man who caught Derek Jeter's 3,000th hit and returned the ball to Jeter, saying he wanted to do the right thing, will be rewarded for his good deed. Besides getting a lot of good publicity which he deserves, he'll be getting help with his student loans too. Like many other recent college graduates, Christian has a lot of debt. A few days ago it was reported that he might have to pay taxes on the sports memorabilia he was given by the Yankees for his generosity in giving up the valuable ball. Some newspapers were stating, "No good deed goes unpunished." But as it turns out Christian still wasn't having regrets. He said that parents were coming up to him saying, "My son looks up to you for what you did." That's priceless and that's what Christian thought too. Now it's being reported that good deeds are noticed and rewarded. I read this about Christian, "The recent college graduate with outstanding student loans will get some financial help too. Memorabilia dealer Brandon Steiner and sporting goods CEO Mitch Modell said they will make sure Lopez gets at least $50,000 toward his outstanding student loans of $150,000. " That's wonderful! And in another amazing twist to this story, Topps, the manufacturer of sports' cards said it will be making a trading card of Christian Lopez to be included in sets, later this year. For a young man, who collected baseball cards since he was a young boy, this must be like a dream......A good and wholesome story for people of all ages. Christian is a great role model for kids, his selfless act of kindness and generosity made news around the world. It's an uplifting summer story at a time when there is so much negative news.

NJA

Good vs. Evil-Goodness at Yankee Stadium

2011-07-10T17:23:00.007-04:00

My sons and my husband think I watch too much CNN and read too much news. I do like current events, it's one of my hobbies. I love to read and I also like keeping up with what's going on in my community, NYC and the world. My reading served me well this morning as I parked my car in the parking lot of Church. I like to arrive early and as I was walking into Church, a woman ran up to me, out of breath and she began telling a story, which sounded familiar to me. I had read about this woman a few weeks ago, in a community newspaper. "Did I live around here? She needed help. Did I know where a certain place was?" Well, I had read about her and here she was, in the parking lot of my Church, on a Sunday morning, trying to scam me. What was amazing was that her story was exactly what I had read she told others. She stuck to the script perfectly, so I was ready for her, prepared to give her a good stare down. In the past, other people trying to be helpful have given this same woman money, so that she can take a cab to a hospital, for an emergency that she claims has arisen suddenly in her life. In reality it doesn't exist. According to the article I read, the cops are looking for her. I guess the story works, which is why she keeps using it. So sad. I looked at her sadly but sternly and said, "I'm going into Church." I can't imagine what motivates people to lie and try to steal on Church property or any property for that matter.

In Church as I was listening to the gospel being proclaimed, I thought about this woman, who perhaps had heard that gospel at some point in her life. I thought of the words, "The seed sown on the path is the one who hears the word of the kingdom without understanding it and the evil one comes and steals away what was sown in his heart." The good news of Jesus Christ, the gospel filled with truth and wisdom did not take root in her lost soul, it seems like the evil one stole it away. Far from the path of righteousness and truth she entered a parking lot on a Sunday morning to try to deceive, lie and steal, instead of choosing the path of virtue and truth.

In contrast, I thought about the noble Christian Lopez (23 years of age) who caught Derek Jeter's homerun ball which scored Jeter's historic 3,000th hit in Yankee Stadium. Lopez could have sold the ball for thousands of dollars and paid off his student loans but instead he gave the ball to Jeter. He did receive some sports memorabilia and seats to future Yankee games, but in no way is that equal to what that ball was worth. But he said, "It was the right thing to do." What a great role model for kids, choosing to do the right thing, the noble thing and not letting the money get in the way of that decision. A great New York story, that will be told over and over again. (Just a thought, it would be nice if the Yankees consider paying off Lopez's student loans, as a reward for doing the right thing.......)

NJA

The seed that falls on good ground will yield a fruitful harvest

Happy 4th of July-2011

2011-07-03T20:55:00.005-04:00

Firstly, I want to thank all the men and women who serve in the military, at great sacrifice and help in this age and all the ages past, to preserve freedom and liberty, for all who live in the great country of America. Surely our country (as many believe) has been greatly blessed by God. Through the deep faith that is evident and exists in our country, we have mostly responded, yes, to God's blessings and invitation.

Thanks to the book, "Our Country's Founders-A Book of Advice For Young People," Edited with commentary by William Bennett for these important words to ponder on this 4th of July 2011:

The signers of the Declaration of Independence were men of courage. By affixing their names to that document, they risked death by hanging. And they knew it. But some of the signers bravely (or perhaps nervously) laughed in the face of danger: While writing his bold and now famous signature, John Hancock, the first to sign, reportedly said, 'There! His majesty can now read my name without glasses. And he can double the reward on my head!' To encourage the other signers, Hancock would later tell them that they must all hang together. To which Benjamin Franklin quipped: 'We must all hang together, or we most assuredly will hang seperately.' In this letter, Benjamin Rush, a fellow signer of the Declaration, remembers another humorous exchange that took place at the signing. But he also recalls the 'pensive and awful silence' that filled the room as these patriots of '76 prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

Dear Old Friend,

The 4th of July has been celebrated in Philadelphia in the manner I expected. The military men, and particularly one of them, ran away with all the glory of the day. Scarcely a word was said of the solicitude and labors and fears and sorrows and sleepless nights of the men who projected, proposed, defended and subscribed the Declaration of Independence. Do you recollect your memorable speech upon the day on which the vote was taken? Do you recollect the pensive and awful silence which pervaded the house when we were called up, one after another, to the table of the President of Congress to subscribe what was believed, by many, at that time to be our own death warrants? The silence and the gloom of the morning were interrupted, I well recollect, only for a moment by Colonel Harrison of Virginia, who said to Mr. Gerry at the table: 'I shall have a great advantage over you, Mr. Gerry, when we are all hung for what we are now doing. From the size and weight of my body I shall die in a few minutes, but from the lightness of your body you will dance in the air an hour or two before you are dead....'" (Benjamin Rush to John Adams-July 20th, 1811)

NJA

Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord. (Ps. 33: 12)

Rewarding Occupations- Such as the Priesthood

2011-06-28T18:46:00.005-04:00

In an interesting article that I read titled, "10 Careers That Can Make You Happier," by Chris Iliades, it states that clergymen rate their occupation as the most rewarding in America. The National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago, conducts a poll titled The General Social Survey and it's considered comprehensive. Its most recent findings show that spiritual caregivers such as priests and ministers report being very satisfied with their work, as a matter of fact, 87% report being very satisfied, which is 7% points higher than anyone else in the survey. That's good news.......Careers that involve caring, helping or protecting others rated high for satisfaction levels. Other rewarding jobs and careers that help people to feel happier included: teachers, doctors, psychologists, firefighters, business owners, those who work outdoors (surrounded by nature), maintenance workers and engineers and architects. Also, anyone in creative fields such as writers and artists report a high level of satisfaction with their work. (It didn't mention bloggers.........)

Developing one's creativity regardless of what occupation you are in, always improves self-esteem and helps you to feel uplifted and happier. The benefits of developing your creativity, whether through journaling, writing or dabbling in art has been well documented. So if you are not in a satisfying job, spend time being creative and it will help your overall satisfaction levels and help you to feel more fulfilled (from what I've read on the subject). Listening to classical music also helps to enhance your creativity. Also, helping others through volunteering is another way to have a more satisfying life and do good at the same time.

NJA

Pride and Greed-The Deadliest Sins of All?

2011-06-23T13:21:00.002-04:00

Human beings just don't get it. Pride as well as greed are very grave sins-known as two of the Seven Deadly Sins (also referred to as Capital Sins or vices). In case you've forgotten what the Seven Deadly Sins are: Pride, Envy, Gluttony, Lust, Anger, Greed and Sloth (avoiding work).

When I read (with dismay) that "Sea levels are rising at the fastest rate in 2,100 years" or that "Shocking reports tell of alarming rate of mass extinctions in the oceans"...you have to wonder what kind of news or scientific reports it will take to wake up the human race before pride (we can do anything we want, without consequences), or greed winds up destroying all of creation on this planet, including us. I certainly hope not.......These kinds of news stories (very trending right now on the internet), I find quite disturbing.

Some people don't believe these reports and they choose to ignore them or downplay them. But soon, according to scientists you won't be able to ignore them any longer, as the effects of global warming (starting to show up already), will be in our faces, so to speak. Unless the global community starts to act and act decisively and constructively, I fear the future will hold more bad news for our children and grandchildren.

Where are the geniuses, the innovators, the creative, out-of-the-box thinkers and scientists? Who is listening to them? Who is listening to God and the promptings of the Holy Spirit? There are certainly enough warnings and promptings being communicated to us.

In the Bible the word listen appears 1,000 times in the Hebrew Scriptures and 425 times in the New Testament. When I give talks to adults or children I always mention that. Do you think God wants us to listen? (It's pretty clear in the Bible that God does, for our own good.) Do you think God wants us to be good stewards of the Earth and care for this beautiful and awesome creation and use the resources wisely, for the good of all? I'd say, Yes! Is humankind listening? We can have a good business environment, create jobs, which this country desperately needs, while making good decisions to safeguard the environment. It's time for everyone to work together on this, because not to do so, is going to cost everyone in the future, money as well as security and well being.

The Pope seems to be listening. The Vatican has contracted "Mercedes for the first ever hybrid popemobile. That's some good news.

NJA

Catholic High School Goes Green!

2011-06-14T19:36:00.006-04:00

I read an uplifting article in New York Newsday titled, Kellenberg To Expand Its Solar System (6/14/11) by Nicholas Spangler which tells how Kellenberg Catholic High School in Uniondale, Long Island, NY will be expanding a program that they've had in place for two years. Beginning in September, "there will be many more of those tubes: 3,450 to be precise, facing south at a 45 degree angle to catch the sun's rays. In colder months, the tubes will help heat the school's water and warm its classrooms; in summer, they will help cool them down.....An official from the NYS Energy Research and Development Authority, Dale Zatlin, said she believed it would be the first 'solar thermal' system in the state that both heats and cools.

What great news! Kellenberg is a well respected school, with a fantastic reputation. I know a teacher who works there and the students are truly remarkable. I've been to events there on the weekends, when students are willingly giving time to serve and help out. It's that kind of school. And now this terrific news that they're trying to go green, by harnessing the sun's energy while saving money too.

The project is being led by Brother Gary Eck, a Kellenberg math teacher, who was quoted as saying, "Renewable energy has benefits beyond dollars and cents. We are participating in God's creative activity. Using energy well is part of that."

I hope this creative and innovative idea catches on in other schools around the country. It's greatly needed. It's a practical way to use a renewable energy source while following the Church's mandate to be good stewards of the earth and its resources.

NJA

The Perils of Sexting

2011-06-07T00:20:00.002-04:00

I recently gave a Confirmation retreat (with the help of a DRE) and one of the things I asked permission to speak about was sexting. Now this is a different world we live in, because years ago there wasn't even such a word, no less an action such as sexting. But given that there was a front page article in the New York Times a couple of months ago about the perils and problems associated with sexting, I thought it was important to bring up the subject. Young people don't realize that sexting can be a crime, depending on the age of those involved, it can fall under child pornography laws. I framed the talk emphasizing how important it is to stay on the right path in life, to avoid temptation and sin. I mentioned how the gifts of the Holy Spirit, the graces received in the sacraments and the anointing at Confirmation (and of course prayer), helps to strengthen us to make the right decisions in life.

I spoke about the NY Times article. I even brought it with me to show them that when the Times devotes a front page and two other full pages to a news subject, it's usuallly important, very important. Perhaps you saw the article, it's certainly worth reading. They were very interested in the story. They wanted to know the age of the young girl who made a big mistake and used poor judgment by sending a revealing photograph of herself to her boyfriend. Well, it didn't end there because he sent it to someone else (after they broke up), and that girl sent it to many of her friends. Before long, the photograph was everywhere in her town and elsewhere. It's a sad story of a reputation being ruined in minutes......They weren't surprised by the story. They've heard similiar stories. They shared with me that they knew children (preteens and teens) who are sexting, who have been in trouble for it. It's going on in schools and in homes and it's a big problem, though many young people think it's no big deal. But it is a very big deal and the students were very receptive to my message. I told them something they already knew, the mere pressing of a send button on a phone or a computer can destroy someone's reputation (even their own) in minutes. There are serious consequences to sexting, it's no joke.

Those Confirmandi understood what I was saying to them and they appreciated my blunt talk. It was straight-forward and clear--listen to Jesus' words, stay on the right path in life, avoid evil and sin and self-defeating, destructive behavior. God wants us to have fullness of life and that's why the Bible is filled with wise sayings, wisdom, and commandments to follow. Ultimately, it's all for our own good. Lying never works, lying is sinful and they know that.

Straight talk for kids living and growing up in New York City. They knew what I was saying was the truth. They got it and I was grateful for that. I prayed for them on the day of their Confirmation that the Holy Spirit would descend upon them in a powerful, transformative way and give them courage and strength for the journey of life and the challenges they'll face as a Christian.

NJA

New Yorkers-Busy, Culturally Stimulated and Reaching Out to God

2011-05-31T20:33:00.006-04:00

Some good news coming out of New York. For those of us who live here we know that New York is a culturally rich and religiously rich and stimulating place to live. If you are bored in New York, it's no one's fault but your own. There's a lot to do, throughout New York State and of course in the city as well. I recently went on a day trip to The Cloisters, located in Fort Tyron Park in NYC. It is a branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. God bless John D. Rockefeller Jr. for his generosity and vision in promoting and establishing this museum through his charitable work. He donated his collection of medieval art to the museum that he endowed as well. I had been there many years ago, but during this visit I was awestruck by the beauty of the medieval cloisters, that have been reconstructed in the museum, as well as the art from medieval Europe. After visiting The Cloisters, which provided enough cultural stimulation for a week for me, there was more. The day trip included a guided tour of Central Park, another gem in the city.

So I wasn't surprised when I read an article recently that New York suicide rates are the lowest in the country. There are states that rank higher in levels of well being or happiness but when it comes to suicide, apparently we're the lowest. There's a lot of diversity, stimulation and things to do here, which I'm not sure has anything to do with the statistics, but I know if someone is depressed, there's certainly a lot to take their mind off their problems here.

Also, there are a lot of houses of worship here, with Masses, prayer services and religious services throughout the day. All the major world religions are well represented in New York and it's a well known fact that belief, prayer and belonging to a faith community helps people feel better and lessens anxiety and feelings of hopelessness. (According to studies I've read, people who believe in God and pray also live longer.) Believing in God and praying helps people to feel better and also gives people a sense of purpose and hope, even in the midst of problems and despair. So perhaps that has something to do with it as well. Also, of course, prayer connects us to God and opens us to grace and blessings. Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, we're created for fullness of life and joy, it's so sad when people fall into despair and don't realize that.

NJA

Jesus said, I have come that you might have life and have it to the full.

Rapture Busted!

2011-05-24T20:41:00.002-04:00

I know exactly why the Rapture and devastating earthquakes predicted by Harold Camping and believed by so many of his followers did not happen. Those billboards and that expensive end of the world campaign and all those diligent volunteers (some of whom quit their jobs), caused so many thousands of people to pray (extra hard) that May 21st would be a non-event, which thank God it was. There was no unusual earthquake activity on the planet for that day. Many thousands I suspect (including myself) prayed that worldwide destruction wouldn't happen. The prayers were some added insurance. Of course I knew and wrote that it wasn't going to happen as Harold Camping had predicted. The calculations didn't make any sense to me, if they did I might have been alittle nervous. So I prayed as I often do for God's mercy, love and faithfulness for all people of good will and deep faith. Where would we be without God's mercy, forgiveness, love and creative, divine input? Where would we be without the Holy Spirit? Nowhere. Sensible believers of all faiths, who prayed for calm and peace that day and fervently lifted their prayers to God, outweighed the negativity, negative talk and false thinking and predictions.

In reality, I knew there wouldn't be a Rapture, because, first of all Catholics don't believe in the Rapture and second of all, God is a merciful God, a God who is always trying to help us at all times. God wants our salvation, peace, and wholeness. God desires justice and peace for the world and has given us the means to achieve it. I hope and pray the doomsday predictions never come true and that Judgment Day is a figurative scenario (not meant to be taken literally), in the Book of Revelation. Many well respected theologians believe what is written in the Book of Revelation about the end times is figurative.

Let's keep praying for that. God is love. It says that over and over again in the Bible and in different ways it demonstrates that truth.

I believe if there is ever an end time scenario, (God forbid!), we will most likely cause it ourselves through ignorance and greed. It will not come as a Judgment Day from God.

God is love. It's simple to understand, it needs no interpretation or calculation. God loves each of us more than we can imagine and certainly more than we can fit into our brains.

NJA

Parade of Fools-Believing in the May 21st Date

2011-05-19T08:28:00.006-04:00

I was in Westbury, Long Island on Sunday afternoon and a parade of vans, cars and buses passed me on Old Country Road covered with signs and posters warning of the end of the world on May 21st, which happens to be this Saturday. I have to say they were getting attention. I've already written a blog entry titled, May 21st-The End of the World? Not! which explains why I think this whole thing is ridiculous, as do most others. These false warnings and the amount of media coverage they've received is absurd. I don't blame the media for covering the story. Yet, I'm concerned that this misleading, frightening information about the world coming to an end beginning with a catastrophic earthquake, is being placed on billboards, where it upsets and confuses people and disturbs children. All the money that is being wasted on this end time campaign could have been used for better purposes. Perhaps Harold Camping will one day acknowledge that before God. I imagine he'll be on his knees when he does so.

At a Communion Party I attended on Saturday, someone asked me what I thought about this latest apocalyptic scare. "I'm not worried," was my response. Firstly I said, "When the Pope tells me that things don't look good and we're in for some rough times and perhaps living through the end times, then I'll start to worry. Until then, I'm not concerned." Someone at the table, (who happens to be Jewish and related to me through marriage) replied, "I agree with that!" Of course it says in the Bible, that no one knows the day or hour of the end of this world as we know it or Jesus' return in glory. As one professor pointed out, "If Jesus didn't know the date of his return, when he was questioned about it, why would Harold Camping have that information? Does Harold Camping know more than Jesus?" Of course not! What I find fascinating is how many people believe in this absurd warning and feel they have to join this "movement", and invest large sums of money in it. Camping has done this before and incorrectly chosen an apocalyptic date on which nothing happened.

There is a website I found titled, "Refute Camping," which you can check out. I don't understand why he was able to put up billboards of this type. I think it's wrong that he was "allowed" to pay to put up this type of inflammatory, frightening, misleading information which makes people nervous. That doesn't make sense to me. Why should he be allowed to mislead the public, because of his erroneous thinking and calculations?

The Church should realize that next year in the year 2012 these end time scenarios and warnings will be everywhere. The Church should address this and help people deal with all these end time scares, as children are talking about this stuff and it's unnerving some of them. Some people are taking the 2012 date more seriously. People are investing hundreds of thousands of dollars in the building of underground shelters and making millions selling "equipment" and life saving gear for the end time.

NJA

Bishop Paprocki Takes a Stand Against the Evil One

2011-05-10T21:10:00.006-04:00

What a great idea! Go get him! I applaud the idea and action of Bishop Thomas Paprocki of the Diocese of Springfield, Illinois who is restoring the recitation of the prayer of St. Michael the Archangel, at every Mass. Beginning immediately, the prayer will be recited after the dismissal and before the recessional or closing song in his Diocese. The Bishop was quoted as saying, "While Christ's death and resurrection have restored the gifts of heavenly treasures for us, we also have to recognize that the devil, Satan, is real and he will do everything in his power to deflect us from our goal, which is eternal life on high with Christ in his kingdom." Not only does he try to deflect us from our goal, but he causes havoc in our world. There is much evil in the world and the influences of evil show up everywhere, unfortunately. I agree with Bishop Paprocki and I think reciting the powerful prayer of St. Michael at every Mass will help defeat the evil presence and evil influences in the world. It will be a help to parishioners as well.

On the beautiful St. Michael prayer card that a friend recently gave to me it says, "We should make it a sacred duty to join fervently in this important prayer, repeating if often each day."

Both Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict have suggested that Catholics recite the prayer of St. Michael daily and especially after Mass. Up until 1965, it was recited at Mass. I say bring it back. It can only help people of faith.

In my opinion, anyone who doesn't believe in evil or evil influences has a veil over their eyes and mind. Everytime I watch the news or read a newspaper, there's evidence of evil in the world. It's very plain to me.

NJA

Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel

Saint Michael the Archangel defend us in battle. Be our safeguard against the wiles and wickedness of the devil. Restrain him, O God, we humbly pray and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly Host, by the power of God, cast into hell, Satan and all the evil spirits, who prowl about the world seeking the ruin and destruction of souls. Amen.

John Paul II Beatification Party

2011-05-03T19:50:00.004-04:00

I was invited to a Pope John Paul II beatification party on Saturday in Queens. Members of my family were a bit amused when I mentioned on Easter Sunday that I would attend the party. A party to celebrate the beatification of a pope? They had never heard of such a thing! Well, it was a first for me too. It turned out to be a fun day. It was good to socialize, converse and at the same time watch EWTN's coverage of the evening prayer service vigil which was taking place at the Circus Maximus in Rome. The front of the house in Queens Village, where the party took place, had a huge papal banner hanging on it. Apparently, the neighbors had some questions about it. I thought there might be some trivia questions about the late pope, so I studied alittle, but no one asked any questions.

There was a interesting mix of people: religious and laypeople. The hosts were most gracious and are well known in the Diocese of Brooklyn. Since I didn't ask their permission to mention their names I won't, but they are the best of the best, a wonderful couple, who live their faith and are fans of JP II.

There were huge crowds in Rome for the beatification of Pope John Paul II. Approximately 1.5 million people filled St. Peter's Square and the surrounding streets in Vatican City for the Mass. In his homily, Pope Benedict said, "Six years ago we gathered in this Square to celebrate the funeral of Pope John Paul II. Our grief at his loss was deep, but even greater was our sense of an immense grace which embraced Rome and the whole world: a grace which was in some way the fruit of my beloved predecessor's entire life and especially of his witness in suffering. Suffering and grace, grace and witness, holiness bearing fruit even in death......"

"Holiness bearing fruit even in death........" an interesting statement. In the lives of many saints, their grace and gifts continue to be a blessing to humankind even after their death. That was very evident in the life of St. Therese of Lisieux.

It seems the entire weekend was filled with grace. Sunday, as most know was Divine Mercy Sunday as well. I went to a beautiful service in my parish. And then later that night I waited with everyone else to listen to the important and unexpected presidential message. I watched and listened and hoped. I like everyone else was amazed at what I heard. I read this morning that Vice President Joe Biden was either praying the rosary or holding a rosary, while events unfolded in Pakistan in real time, that would change the world. I pray the world is a better place. Perhaps this will be the beginning of the end of terrorism and a time of peace and common sense will prevail......Hope springs eternal.

NJA

The Royal Wedding-The Power of Love & Hope

2011-04-29T19:53:00.003-04:00

I woke up at 5:30 this morning to watch the Royal Wedding. What a wonderful feast day William and Catherine chose to wed on-the feast of St. Catherine of Siena-mystic and saint extraordinaire. That will bring extra blessings to their already very blessed lives. To see such a beautiful couple, so in love, married in a majestic church wedding in Westminster Abbey lifted my mood and gave me hope.

I needed to experience hope this morning after watching the devastating news the night before. I know I shouldn't watch tragic news late at night, because then I can't sleep. I was overwhelmed with sadness for the tragedy that struck so suddenly and changed the lives of so many in the southern part of the United States. I couldn't sleep thinking about the tragic loss of life, from the random, killer tornados. Such destruction, senseless chaos and loss is difficult to comprehend. One minute, these people affected by the destruction, had a normal life and within minutes everything they've worked for was gone, in the cruelest of fate. For some, their lives were taken from them. Images like that, can keep me up for hours at night, when I think of the real people living through that "hellish nightmare", a "nightmare" the survivors won't soon wake up from. I tossed and turned and prayed for them.

I had set my alarm for 5:30 and I was determined to watch the Royal Wedding in real time, as it was happening. So with a few hours sleep, I turned on the TV to watch a true celebration of love, a union in Christ and with Christ and I once again regained hope. In the words of Scripture that were read, in the wise reflection by the minister, in the meaningful hymns (which were sung to perfection), in the loving glances Prince William and Princess Catherine gave to each other, in the celebration playing out throughout England, there was hope and I needed to see those happy, joyous, faith-filled images early this morning. (I thought of the memory of Princess Diana and imagined her smiling down from Heaven, proud of her sons........). I needed to see and hear the depth and beauty that religion can bring to any tradition, ceremony or event, regardless of how much pomp and pageantry is present. If God is part of the celebration it has depth, meaning and grace, beyond what human beings can plan for or hope for. Jesus taught how much power there is in genuine love and in hope. Whenever Christ is present, hope thrives.

I was reminded and it was reinforced for me, that the power of love, hope and compassion will help to rebuild lives in the southern United States. Many of the people from the stricken areas of Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia and other states, were people of deep faith and belief. Their faith will serve them well, as they rebuild their lives and damaged structures. They will hold their faith tight, because in their belief and hope, they will gain the strength they need to go on......and good people everywhere will help them.

NJA

In your nature, eternal Godhead, I shall come to know my nature. And what is my nature, boundless love? It is fire because you are nothing but a fire of love.........

O eternal Trinity, my sweet love! You light, give us light, you wisdom, give us wisdom, you supreme strength, strengthen us. Today eternal God, let our cloud be dissipated, so that we may perfectly know and follow your truth, in truth, with a free and simple heart. St. Catherine of Siena

My Lord, what do you want me to do? I will do it! St. Catherine

Inspired!

2011-04-24T20:54:00.004-04:00

A Happy and Blessed Easter to All! Alleluia!

On Good Friday, Catholics venerate the Cross. The greatest symbol of Christianity is held in front of churches throughout the world and believers walk forward and kiss the cross. Millions of people, from all walks of life, from children to the elderly, do this on Good Friday. I find it very inspiring. Good people, filled with hope, filled with belief in God and thanksgiving to Jesus for his supreme sacrifice and unconditional love for us, simply come forward and kiss the cross. In essence, they're saying, through this gesture, "Yes, we get it, we believe in Jesus, in his ultimate sacrifice." "We believe in the victory and the power of the cross." We respond with our humanness, as best we can, to that great act of selflessness and sacrifice, with a simple gesture of love and affection. It affects me.

I'm also inspired when I watch people receive Holy Communion. I always sit up front at Mass (so unusual for a Catholic!), and after receiving Communion and spending time in prayer, there is still time for me to watch the look on people's faces as they come forward to receive Communion. They lift their hands and hearts and there is such hope and expectation in their faces. They have hope that all the Church teaches will help them on their life journey. Yes, Eucharist does nurture, bless, sustain, give us spiritual nourishment and unite us to Christ. Easter joy, Easter hope, Easter resurrection.

Easter Sunday was a day filled with attending a beautiful Mass, followed by a family gathering, good food, laughter and new life. My cousin brought her month old baby, a little miracle to hold and to love. I hid Easter eggs in my backyard for my 3-year-old cousin to search for. Easter blessings in a new life unfolding, in the smiles of children and the togetherness of family.

Now it's time for me to try to finish getting my kitchen back in order before I pass out from exhaustion.

A Blessed Easter Season to all!

NJA

Evil Acts of Desecration

2011-04-20T10:42:00.004-04:00

I was very sad to read at CatholicCulture.org that a church in California was set on fire, in a cowardly act of arson and destruction of the sacred. Apparently, it "is the latest in a rash of attacks on Catholic churches in California over the past two years." According to the California Catholic Daily, "Bishop Gabino Zavala (an auxiliary bishop of the archdiocese), who lives two blocks away, was awakened by a neighbor pounding on his door just after midnight Saturday morning...He ran to this front lawn and saw flames shooting 150 feet in the air. He rushed to the Church, finding himself alongside priests and parishioners helplessly watching flames destroy the church and the rectory." The pastor of the church said, "I was unfortunately here to witness the horror of watching our church go up in flames."

Who would desecrate and destroy that which is holy, sacred and consecrated to God? Obviously, this is the work of depraved human beings, influenced and acting on behalf on the evil one (in my opinion).

As if that news wasn't bad enough, in Spain another act of desecration. St. Teresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross, St. Ignatius of Loyola and other Spanish saints must be weeping in Heaven. According to CNS, in the Spanish city of Ciempozuelos, "several intruders broke into a Spanish church, destroying the tabernacle and crown on a statue of the Virgin Mary. The sacristy was ransacked as well." A destroyed and desecrated tabernacle? Desecration of the Blessed Mother? These are blatantly evil acts committed during the holy season of Lent. Seems like the devil is getting bolder, more brazen and unusually active. Maybe his day of reckoning is coming soon. That would be good news for humankind. I can imagine a world rid of evil and all its ugly, destructive, horrific influences. I can picture a world filled with all goodness, compassion and virtues well lived, where the Great Commandment is lived to the fullest. When, Lord, when?

NJA

The Passion/ The Ongoing Crisis in Japan

2011-04-14T08:08:00.006-04:00

This Sunday is Palm Sunday and the Passion of Our Lord Jesus from St. Matthew's gospel will be proclaimed throughout the world, at Mass. Honestly, it's difficult for me to listen to. I can never bring myself to join in and cry out with the crowd, "Crucify him, Crucify him." I just listen. It's hard enough for me to listen to the Passion of Christ.....I can't verbally bring myself to say those words.

Millions of people in Japan are living through their own "passion" experience and a stripping away of all the security they've ever known. How you can go through the horrific events they've been through without faith and without God, is a total mystery to me.

Strong aftershocks continue. The nuclear crisis is not over and day after day there are confusing news reports about alarming radiation levels and further contamination. According to articles I've read, many Japanese people are turning to spirituality and prayer to help them find comfort in dealing with the multiple disasters they have to deal with. Prayer always changes things, in one way or another, for the better. Apparently, more and more Japanese people are stopping in to pray at shrines and even Catholic churches. However, I was surprised to read that 86% of Japanese people don't "believe in anything." How will they ever get through this without faith and hope?

Japanese officials claim that the scary nuclear crisis at the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant is improving while just a few days ago they raised the alert level from 5 to 7, putting the disaster on the same level as the Chernobyl nuclear disaster in 1986. A level 7 could mean "widespread health and environmental effects" in parts of Japan. Auxiliary Bishop Michael Goro Matsuura, of Osaka, is trying to raise awareness to fight the building of new nuclear plants in Japan and around the world. He was quoted as saying, "We call on the solidarity of all Christians to support this campaign."

Personally, I don't think the international community is doing enough. Is the International Atomic Energy Agency doing enough to monitor the situation? These are the questions I have and I imagine the Japanese people are thinking the same things, while living with anxiety.

The Passion, the suffering of Christ, the poor people of Japan living through their own "crucifixion" and too many of them not able (or don't understand how) to unite their sufferings to the sufferings of Christ and get some comfort from that. It's a lot to digest. I better go out into the sunshine today and go for a walk and get ready for the reading of the Passion on Sunday. I like to pray and walk, it's a good way for me to multi-task and clear my mind.

NJA

Sad News From The Church in Germany

2011-04-07T22:28:00.005-04:00

I read disturbing news about the future of the Catholic Church in Germany, which must be deeply upsetting to Pope Benedict. Can it be an accurate statistic that in 2010, there was a 40% rise in the number of German Catholics formally leaving the Church? Those figures were recently published by Die Zeit's religious supplement. That's high and the German hierarchy should be very concerned. What's happening there? I gather it's a combination of problems: secularization (a problem throughout Europe), the sex abuse scandal and the loss of trust has taken a terrible toll, modern technology and the lure of materialism....the list goes on. Money might be a factor too. According to an article I read, "Germans normally pay a Church tithe as part of their income tax but they may opt out if they relinquish their membership." Perhaps they don't want to tithe anymore for financial reasons.

What is the Church going to do about this latest dismal report? Sadly, these statistics will be widely reported when Pope Benedict visits Germany in September. I'm sure these findings are greatly disturbing to the Pope, especially since it concerns his native country. Where are the German evangelizers? Where are the young, innovative, creative German Catholics who can speak up for Christ and Christianity?

All I can say is, "Veni, Sanctus, Spiritus! Come quickly and help the German Church.

NJA

May 21st-The End of the World? Not!

2011-03-31T11:46:00.004-04:00

All of the talk, discussion and articles about the end times coupled with the recent catastrophic events in Japan is unnerving. Certainly, the photographs and images of the extensive damage in parts of Japan and the horrific suffering and deaths of so many innocent people is apocalyptic, in some sense. The nuclear crisis in Japan is still not contained and who knows how much contamination there really is and how the population will be affected. Sadly, many Japanese people (and children) are living a nightmare, living in shelters, living with fear. My heart (and my prayers) goes out to them.

But is the world coming to an end? I doubt it. Most theologians would agree these are not the end times we are living through. It is a trying, anxiety-filled historical time for many, however, that's obvious to anyone who watches the news or reads newspapers.

Strangely, there is a group of "biblical devotees" who claim they've figured out that the world will come to an end in 2011 (not 2012 as many others claim). They are even going so far as paying for a billboard campaign warning people of the coming Judgment Day, which they believe will begin on May 21st with a huge earthquake.

According to an article I read titled, "Save the Date! Billboard Campaign Reminds Angelenos the End of Everything Is Coming," "Yesterday, KPCC's Patt Morrison spoke with Harold Camping from Family Radio, who explained that his group's research offered 'proofs and signs from the Bible' that 'judgment will be finalized' for the believers and non-believers in Jesus and that process will take five months, culminating in the ultimate end of everything on October 21st. 'We've come to the end of everything,' says Camping. That's a very scary prediction...you wonder what children think when they see billboards or hear discussions about that strange prediction.

In my opinion, I don't think it's right to put more fear and anxiety in people than they are already dealing with. It's hard enough for some people to get through the day, feed their families and worry about the economy and then you have predictions like this......

The Bible says that God is a merciful God and God says, "Fear not I am with you, Always...."

"I hold you in the palm of my hand..."

May is a month devoted to Mary in the Catholic tradition. The Church honors Mary with many Marian devotions during May. It's a holy month, with thousands of First Holy Communions, Confirmations, May Crownings and the recitations of Rosaries throughout the world. I doubt highly that there could be a judgment day in May. All the money spend on billboards announcing warnings of doomsday, which can frighten children and some adults, could have been better spent on the poor, the homeless and the environment.

Humankind needs to worry about human pride, pride is one of the deadly sins and it's doing real damage in our world.

NJA

Church Going Green

2011-03-25T23:18:00.005-04:00

I read about a great idea coming from a church in Smithtown, Long Island. Perhaps other churches will follow this good example. It's a great way to save money, while helping the environment. According to a recent NY Newsday article, an Episcopal church, St. Thomas of Canterbury is going green. Workers will soon be installing 48 solar panels. Bob Reimertz, who serves on the church's vestry was quoted as saying, "The investment will mean saving $2,500 in annual electricity bills because we're using free power from the sun." The project will be completed in a month.

The article stated that, "The church received a $28,000 loan for the project through the Episcopal Diocese of Long Island from a national church building fund." They will also receive a rebate from the Long Island Power Authority. Apparently there are at least seven other churches or faith based institutions on Long Island that use solar power. Protecting the environment and utilizing renewable sources of energy should be a priority for churches. It's the right thing to do and it saves money as well.

Also, New York City and Long Island are particularly vulnerable to sea level changes that can be brought about by global warming. At geology.com a map shows the damage that could happen to coastal areas if climate change and global warming continue. A sea level rise of only a few meters would "inundate thousands of acres of highly developed land on Manhattan, Long Island and the New Jersey Coastline." I would add Brooklyn and Queens too.

All of the major world religions have places of worship (not to mention valuable real estate) in these areas. They should come together and brainstorm on how to do their part to prevent global warming and find ways to use renewable energy sources. Just my opinion....now it's time to rest.

NJA

Wake Up World

2011-03-19T19:40:00.004-04:00

I was listening to a video clip on the Democracy Now website which featured an interview with Ralph Nadar. He made the following comments which pertain to the nuclear crisis in Japan and what Americans should learn from it. "What we're seeing here is 110 or so operating plants in the United States, many of them aging, many of them infected with corrosion, faulty pipes, leaky pipes and combustible materials...Why are we playing Russian roulette with the American people for nuclear plants whose principal objective is simply to boil water and produce steam?...This is institutional insanity and I urge the people in this country to wake up before they experience what is now going on in Japan." Ralph Nadar is a consumer advocate and a longtime critic of nuclear energy, so his remarks are not surprising. But many people are concerned with the crisis unfolding in Japan and many people (especially parents) are questioning the building of nuclear plants near earthquake fault lines and fault zones. That doesn't make sense. Also, Indian Point nuclear power plant in New York is only 38 miles north of NYC and 20 million people live within a 50 mile radius of the nuclear plant. I'm grateful that Gov. Cuomo on Wednesday declared that Indian Point should be closed, after a federal report noted that it is the most vulnerable to earthquakes in the nation. Apparently, reactor #3 is built on a fault line (a fracture in the earth).

I understand the need and challenge in supplying and meeting energy needs. It is a difficult problem. I agree with those who would like to see money and ingenuity spent on renewable sources of clean energy such as solar, wind, hydropower and geothermal heat.

We have to care for God's creation and be good stewards of the Earth. We have to use common sense and expand our thinking about renewable energy sources. The ongoing crisis in Japan is a wake up call. Parents are concerned for the future of their children. No one wants nuclear power plants that can't be turned off in an emergency or shut down. And then there is the problem of nuclear waste. There is much we can learn from the nuclear crisis in Japan.

The Earth is a precious gift from God and it should be treated with respect and great care.

NJA

The World Needs Prayers

2011-03-15T22:28:00.004-04:00

I'm just too sad about what's happening in Japan to write. I've lost my creativity for the time being. My heart goes out to the Japanese people, who are dealing remarkably well with a horrific situation. I watch the images of the 9.0 earthquake and the tsunami that hit Japan and I can't believe my eyes. It looks like footage from a doomsday movie. Recently, the history channel showed a "documentary" titled "2012." It's filled with so-called ancient prophecies about the end times and doomsday scenarios. I watched it out of curiosity and also to see what children are viewing on TV. I've been told by parents that many children and preteens talk about the documentary and the end times in school, at the lunch table. One parent told me her son told her, "The world is going to end in 2012." He didn't say, "It might end." Kids are talking about this. And then there are the real and very frightening images they see on TV. Between the tragic and scary events happening in Japan (the nuclear crisis is very serious) as well as the uncertainty and violence in the Middle East and I can't believe the mess the world is in. It's just depressing seeing and thinking about what people have to deal with and the pain and anguish they have to go through.

My prayers are with the Japanese people and also with those in the Middle East who are struggling for a better life. I hope and pray things don't get worse. We are living through uncertain times. Prayer is needed more than ever.

NJA

Bible Verses on Billboards

2011-03-06T16:47:00.003-05:00

I'm back from sunny Florida. What a beautiful state! I love flowers, especially pink ones and there were so many beautiful pink flowers to gaze at and appreciate. (As far as I'm concerned (theologians agree), the beauty and uniqueness of flowers is proof of God's existence-all of nature to be more exact). I enjoyed Florida, but I still have a love for New York and all things New York. I'm a native New Yorker, through and through.

While in Florida, my husband and I happened to notice a billboard that I liked. It was simple. In large print which covered the entire billboard (with a colored background), it said, John 3:16. That was it-simple and to the point. My husband asked me what that Bible verse was. That was an easy question, which I was happy to answer.

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but have eternal life.

There is so much depth, hope, unconditional love and perfection in that one verse, which is why Christians hold up signs at sporting events printed with that verse. It says it all. It always comes back to Jesus and God's immense love for each of us.

One of the most popular blog entries that I've written is titled, "Hopeful Messages on Billboards." Scripture on billboards? I think that's a great idea too.

This is what I wrote in a previous blog, "I love the idea of posting optimistic, hopeful messages on billboards. I've wondered why the Church doesn't advertise more on billboards. I think it would be great to have optimistic, hopeful, religious messages on billboards to encourage faith, belief in God and state the benefits of a prayer life, especially during trials or hard times. Belief in God gives people hope......Optimism is good for the soul."

NJA

Obese World-Too Much Feasting

2011-02-21T10:46:00.005-05:00

It's not just an American problem, it's a worldwide problem as well. Obesity rates throughout the world are growing and have doubled over the last thirty years. According to an article in The Lancet, after doing extensive research (in 199 countries), researchers found that because of rising obesity rates, heart disease will be a growing problem in the future.

I've written about obesity problems before because of my own desire to lose weight and keep my blood pressure in check, but also because there is such a strong and obvious connection between being overweight and having medical problems, especially as you age. And who wants to have medical problems? That's something to try to avoid. I prefer trying to prevent illness through proper diet, excercise, Christian meditation and prayer.

It's hard to be disciplined when it comes to eating, I know that firsthand but like being disciplined in other areas of your life, there are many benefits (spiritual, physical and emotional) from being able to control impulses and eat and drink in moderation.

Fasting has always been part of the Catholic tradition, especially during Lent. Jesus fasted in the desert. Many other religions also practice fasting. In the Acts of the Apostles, Jesus' followers fasted and prayed before making important decisions. Many people believe (and it is supported by Scripture) that fasting and prayer together is a powerful way to grow spiritually and deepen one's prayer life. Fasting helps us to focus on God and our relationship with God, while strengthening our ability to be disciplined.

It's sounds good, it is good but not that easy to incorporate into daily living. It takes patience to be a disciplined person, to do all the things that we know are good for us and will keep us healthy and balanced as we grow older. I always encourage people to take "baby steps" and in time, if you keep adding positive, healthy habits, it does make a difference in your life and in your health. It's worth striving for, in my opinion.

By the way, over two hundred years ago, Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790), the great American statesman, wrote the famous phrase, "An apple a day, keeps the doctor away." It was true then and true now. Apples are very healthy and amazingly I recently read that eating an apple everyday helps prevent strokes. Apples are also filled with antioxidants. Ben Franklin knew what he was talking about and he didn't have modern research methods, just a lot of common sense.

I'm taking a couple of weeks off from blogging. Be back soon.

NJA

While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.' Then, completing their fasting and prayer, they laid hands on them and sent them off.

(Acts: 13:2-3)

Deacon Frank Bice-An Inspiration

2011-02-16T10:03:00.005-05:00

There was a great article in Monday's NY Newsday titled, "High-tech Tidings of Hope," about a special deacon, Frank Bice whose inspirational videos now appear on YouTube. I've met Deacon Bice and I've heard him speak and I was greatly moved by his story. It brought tears to my eyes. He inspires me and I've told him that. Sometimes (I speak for myself but I know others share this), I get caught up in nonsense and worry (though I'm not suppose to because of my deep faith), but then I see Deacon Bice (and others like him who share a disability) and he always seems upbeat and hopeful. His story is: "Frank Bice was a senior in college and captain of the football team when a bungled tackle fractured his spine and left him a quadriplegic." When I first heard him tell the story, I was saddened, yet amazed. Throughout his ordeal people reached out to him to help and he's mentioned people who were there for him, who made all the difference. He took a negative, debilitating experience and turned it around for good. You can only do that with love, support, prayer and belief in God. He also has a lot of continuing encouragement from friends and he has a wonderful, supportive wife. The importance of caring relationships in life can never be underestimated. That is a great blessing in life. But still, he is in a wheelchair and that must be very difficult to deal with on a daily basis. Yet he has courage and he has a deep faith in God, in the midst of difficult daily circumstances. That is inspirational.

His wife Liz, encouraged him to start "Daily Hope" a 2 minute taped message of daily inspiration and hope which can be viewed at YouTube. His messages are becoming increasingly popular. He bases them on the daily Scriptures and many times they are related to stories about sports.

Deacon Bice believes in miracles and the positive power of hope and faith. He was quoted as saying, "Miracles today are right in front of our faces, but we don't see them." That is so true. And I would add, "Hope is not an option for a Christian, it is essential to our faith." Hope brings possibility and God's favor.

NJA

Egypt-An Evil Regime Falls on February 11th

2011-02-11T23:09:00.005-05:00

The date is significant. There were 18 days of protest in Egypt. Many of the Egyptians who were protesting for change in their country were young, marginalized, poor in spirit, but they had great heart and courage and little else. They protested against injustice. Justice won the day. On the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, on February 11, 2011, an evil regime fell in Egypt and history was made. The crowds chanted, "Fear has been defeated," and "Egypt is free." Hope, courage and belief were rewarded. During prayers in Egypt, the prayers of the protesters were answered dramatically. Hosni Mubarak finally faced reality and resigned. A regime filled with lies, false rumors, threats, torture, killing and evil ways fell on the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. The feast is celebrated on February 11, because that is the day St. Bernadette's visions began. An amazing coincidence or an answer to prayer or both. This feast that celebrates the visions of the Blessed Mother that young, poor, weak and uneducated Bernadette saw at Lourdes, France. Eighteen visions in all. At first, people didn't believe in Bernadette but as time went by, they started to believe in her and her miraculous story of faith. The weak and marginalized using prayer, filled with hope and through peaceful resistance can do great things. "With God all things are possible." The Egyptians fought for freedom, such a priceless gift and well worth fighting for. I pray for their new democracy that it unfolds with peace, wisdom and for the good of the people.

(Interestingly, Mary is highly regarded in Islam.)

NJA

This is the power of human dignity. (President Obama- 2/11/2011)

Egypt In Crisis

2011-01-31T16:06:00.005-05:00

As I watched the crisis in Egypt unfold on television, I kept hearing that one of the things that triggered this "revolution" is rising food prices. Apparently 40% of Egyptians live in poverty. That's enough to cause a revolution. Egyptians who were being interviewed by journalists stated that they wanted a better life for themselves, but most especially for their children. Who can blame them? What's happening in many countries in the modern world is going to have repercussions, the middle-class is struggling and the world is becoming a two class society-the rich and the poor. People want jobs and they want hopeful futures for their families. It's one reason, a big reason, the Egyptians are protesting, they want change, they want a hopeful future. They are tired of empty promises, they want the truth and they want real, constructive change.

I was reading the Sunday Scriptures this morning, in preparation for a discussion that I will lead this evening with a small group. The great Hebrew prophet Isaiah says it with conviction, "Share your bread with the hungry, shelter the oppressed and the homeless; clothe the naked, do not turn your back on your own........if you bestow your bread on the hungry and satisfy the afflicted then light shall rise for you in the darkness...."(Is. 58).

Very timely reading, considering what's going on in the world right now. The Church has always been on the side of the oppressed. Catholic social teaching upholds a preferential option for the poor. The means that all Christians (all believers should agree) should work to alleviate poverty and oppression. The needs and the concerns of the poor should have a high priority, so that there will be justice in the world. We should all be working and striving to bring forth God's reign and justice is a great part of that work. It's a great challenge and the gospel challenges us over and over again, to get it right and to be a light in the world for others.

To be a light we have to do our part. I'm looking forward to discussing the Scriptures this evening. I like to engage in conversation with like-minded people who are interested in what the Bible teaches. I hope it doesn't snow until after I arrive home. I feel like I've moved to Alaska. What a winter in the Northeast!

NJA

The Book of Revelation Revisited

2011-01-25T13:46:00.005-05:00

Unfortunately, we live in violent times. It can be argued that every age had times of violence but this first month of the year, the news was particularly violent. I recently read that "Eleven police officers were shot in five states in a 24-hour period, two of them fatally." According to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, "For the month, the toll on police officers came to 14 fatalities." Steven Groeninger, a spokesman for the group said, "That's not normal."

The horrific massacre in Tucson, Arizona happened on January 8th. Six innocent people died tragically and twenty were injured.

What I am going to write are some of my thoughts, just ideas, but I thought readers of my blog might find these thoughts interesting.

When at the beginning of January thousands of birds died mysteriously and fell to the ground, in different places in the world and there were fish die-offs as well, I wrote a blog titled, "Are These Warnings?" which stated my concern about ecological degradation that is becoming more and more problematic in our world. In any event, after looking at the images of the dead birds, I was struck by something. One of the types of birds that had a massive die-off was the red- winged blackbird. When I looked at the pictures of the videos of the dead birds, what struck me was the color red on the wings of the birds. That's what caught my eye, it could have just been a coincidence but that drew my attention for some reason. I then looked through a New Collegeville Bible Commentary by Catherine Cory that I have on the Book of Revelation and on page 53 I found the following line, "In Revelation, red is the color of violence and bloodshed." I read that after I saw the images of the birds and I remember thinking, "What does this mean?" In Revelation, the "evil one" is imaged as a red dragon.

I watched an intersting video clip by Fr. James Martin on the America website. I thought it was good. In it he talks about the massive bird deaths and all the talk about Apocalypse. It's worth watching at YouTube. It's titled, "Apocalypse When?" One of the things that he said was that we shouldn't try to look into the Book of Revelation and try to interpret it literally......oh well, too late for that!

Let's pray that the rest of the year will be less violent and more peaceful. Please God!

NJA

"Pushing the Envelope" Too Far

2011-01-20T21:37:00.003-05:00

In today's New York Times there's an article on the front page titled, "A Racy Show With Teenagers Steps Back From a Boundary" by Brian Stelter. It tells about the provocative new MTV show "Skins," which features "the sexual and drug-fueled exploits of misfit teenagers." Executives have had some serious meetings of late about the show. It seems they are concerned that producers may be "pushing the envelope" too far and be violating federal child pornography statues. The youngest cast member on "Skins" is 15 years old. Apparently, executives of MTV want some episodes toned down. They don't mind "pushing the envelope" or angering parent groups or even defending their show, but they do mind going to jail.

"The planned changes indicate that MTV, which has been pushing the envelope for decades, may be concerned that it pushed too far this time.....Before it even had its premiere, the Parents Television Council, a TV watchdog group, labeled "Skins" the 'most dangerous program that has ever been foisted on your children.' The group objected to the gratuitous scenes of drug and alcohol use, violence and sexual acts."

It's so sad what young people have to deal with today and what their minds are being filled with. Mental health professionals are seeing the number of young people in college, who need counseling, double over years past. Sometimes it seems like the world is just spinning out of control and young people sense that. The images of real violence in society and scenes from television shows such as this one that is being described, are harmful for young minds, in my opinion.

According to a law professor at New York University, Amy Adler, "There are times when I look at mainstream culture and think it is skirting up against the edge of child pornography law." It seems she's right and the implications of that will affect society for years to come.

NJA

The New Year, Blogging And Reducing Stress

2011-01-15T23:29:00.006-05:00

My New Year started out with sad news. When you get disappointing news, the first day of the year, as I did, it makes you wonder what kind of year it will be. I was annoyed that I had to get this news half way into the first day of the new year, over brunch, no less. Oh well....people are dealing with greater problems and sadly, tragedies and so I always try to keep things in perspective. Problems are a part of life and my faith always helps me deal with everything.

At the end of December, I made a short video of myself teaching prayer that I thought about putting up on my blog. I figured it would be a good way to introduce myself to the people who read my blog. I thought it was pretty good, especially when at the end, when I tried to stop the recording, (and didn't know how), I started calling for my sons to come into the room to stop it. That was the best part. It was the first time I tried to make a video of myself and the whole experience was rather funny. I was advised by family members not to place it on my blog. They didn't think it would be a good idea. Perhaps I'll revisit that idea in the future.

How do you keep sane in this sometimes chaotic, anxiety-filled, uncertain modern world we live in, when sad or tragic news is sometimes a phone call or e-mail away? Hopefully, you will get mostly good news in your life and you've found ways to reduce stress and anxiety. Stress is detrimental to good health. Life can by trying, at times. But as I've written over and over again, prayer, faith, a relationship with God and striving for peace in this world is so very important in order to stay spiritually, physically and mentally fit. Exercise is the number one stress reducer and a sure way to increase longevity, according to medical experts. Prayer and meditation (Christian meditation for Christians), is another way to reduce anxiety, lower blood pressure and according to an article I read this morning, it helps reduce the chances of heart attacks and strokes. It's free, no pills to take or pay for and all you have to do is find a quiet place and some time to reflect and unwind. I always begin with a mindful Sign of the Cross. I close my eyes and repeat the name of Jesus, silently or softly (it's called the Holy Name of Jesus prayer). You breathe deeply and evenly in the name of Jesus (through your nose) and breathe out one of the titles of Jesus (Savior, Redeemer, etc.). You keep doing that until you've calmed your mind, relaxed and entered a peaceful, meditative state. It's such a beneficial prayer, the name of Jesus is powerful, as you know and so it can help on many levels. I always end with an "Our Father."

According to Dr. Paul Moulinie, Director of the Center for Complementary Care at Huntington Hospital on Long Island, N.Y., "We must look for ways to experience the peace and tranquility that is inherent in all of us, and not become victims of the noise and stress all around....Not only does meditation promise to improve health and quality of life, it carries the hope of knocking cardiovascular disease off as the number one cause of death among Americans" (Healthy Living Digest-Anton Community Newspapers-1/11).

Good advice for the New Year.

NJA

Markings of the "Evil One"

2011-01-10T21:51:00.005-05:00

After reading an article in the NY Daily News today, I wondered how much influence the "evil one" had on the horrific actions of the alleged killer in the mass murder in Arizona. This disturbing story is upsetting on so many levels. Judge John Roll who was killed had just left Mass, when he went to the event sponsored by Rep. Gabrielle Giffords. The young girl, Christina, (who was the granddaughter of Dallas Green) had received her First Holy Communion recently. Dorwin Stoddard, who was killed protecting his wife from the gunfire was a devoted Christian and a longtime minister of the tiny Mountain Avenue of Christ Church. All so good, all targets.

Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, who is Jewish is loved by her faith community. Her first name is the same as the archangel Gabriel. There are references to the angel Gabriel in both the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament.

In the article, "Frightening Shrine in Madman's Yard," the presence of the occult in the life of the killer is mentioned. "A sinister shrine reveals a chilling occult dimension in the mind of the deranged gunman accused of shooting a member of Congress and 19 others. Hidden within a camouflage tent behind his home sits an alarming altar with a skull sitting atop a pot filled with shriveled oranges. A row of ceremonial candles and a bag of potting soil lay nearby...." There was a photograph in the newspaper and it was chilling as well. It was noted that, "The discovery of the 'shrine' raises the possibility that he may have been driven by other forces." The "forces" are clearly evil and I would imagine, (though I'm no expert) that the "evil one" must "prey" and influence those who have lost their grip on reality- the psychotic and deranged.

I wonder where his parents were and why they didn't take action to help him? According to reports, after his professor complained about his rantings in class, college officials made it clear to them that he needed help. He was expelled from college. A neighbor was quoted as saying, "It was obvious to everyone that he wasn't a normal guy." How did they allow a 'shrine' to the occult to exist in their backyard?

I spoke to Catholic parents yesterday in Queens, as I've done for the past few years and one of the things that I told them was "always know what your children are doing, be aware of who their friends are, be very observant." I also told them to pray with and for their children, as well as other advice on keeping their children away from evil and on the path of goodness and love. "You get one chance to get it right."

I observed a moment of silence today with the rest of the nation who did so. I prayed for the recovery of Rep. Giffords, for her family and for all those who lost loved ones. Those so brutally killed are in a better place, one of peace, but the loss that the living feel is painful and confusing. Sadly, their lives will never be the same.

This world needs prayer and healing more than ever. It's a difficult world to raise children in. The gift of faith and belief in eternal life, in the midst of crisis, is worth more than anything else.

NJA

Are These Warnings?

2011-01-05T20:04:00.004-05:00

I tend to worry but I'm starting to think that perhaps we are getting warnings that things are not as they should be. If they are warnings, will we heed the warnings? A good question.

I don't think we are living in the end times, but there are a lot of people who do. The weird events that took place in the first hours and days of the New Year sparked a lot of new hype and discussion about the apocalypse. First thousands of blackbirds died in Arkansas and literally fell out of the sky and then there was a die-off of birds in Louisiana. There might be perfectly valid explanations and natural causes for these die-offs, but who knows. Then it was reported that over 80,000 drum fish in the Arkansas River died-off. Mass deaths of wildlife do sometimes happen because of natural causes but it's still unnerving.

Another thing that is concerning wildlife experts is the decline in the bumblebee population, which has been happening for years. In the past decades the bumblebee population has declined by 96%. According to an AOL article, "The population of bumblebees in the United States is in a free fall..........." This is similiar to a problem in Europe.

I hope future generations find solutions to these problems and have a greater respect and care for the Earth and all God's creatures. Future generations will have a lot to do to correct and restore what has been destroyed and neglected. Young people are smart and they'll have modern technology and advances in the natural sciences to help them, so I hope they'll meet the challenges ahead with ingenuity, great intelligence and care, because it will be greatly needed. They will also need to pray for God's guidance and help because they will need God's wisdom as well.

NJA

The New Year and Slushy New York

2011-01-01T19:31:00.003-05:00

A Blessed and Happy New Year to all! I love the beginning of a new year, it's a great opportunity for all of us to make needed changes in our lives, to reassess our priorities, to start dieting again (for those of us who watch our weight) and make all those promises and resolutions to ourselves for self-improvement. At least that's what I do at the start of every new year. I know everything I should be doing to be healthier, more productive, more creative and calmer. Every year I get a little better at doing what I need to do to improve my health and I'm always trying to exercise more. Little changes here and there make a difference. I'm very self-reflective which is important. It's only because of prayer and the positive power of prayer that I am able to reflect, grow and make a little progress...it's an ongoing challenge. I like being a Catholic blogger (though it takes a lot of effort to keep this going). Writing is the creative endeavor that I love to do, so this blog gives me the opportunity to share my deep faith, some ideas and be creative at the same time. I pray it does some good, somewhere.

I enjoyed reading the recent article in the New York Times titled, "And Then, in a Grimy Squish, Came the Slush," by Michael Wilson. I loved the line, "Slush, The great equalizer." That's so true, though I had never thought about it before. "No one gets a slush day from work. Pretty people get just as wet as the rest. The newest iPad on the block does not help its user against slush. The expensive shoe sinks with the same squishy splash as the humble loafer, the grimace of its owner all the more dazzling with its whitened teeth. An ode, then, to slush, with its ugly little name." I love good writing!......Yes, I was in the city today, having brunch and I can tell you I dealt with slushy, muddy street corners and intersections that were a challenge to navigate.

The blizzard that arrived with full force on the day after Christmas, as most people know, caused quite a disruption in New York City and the surrounding areas. The night of the storm I couldn't sleep. I can't remember any blizzard I ever experienced, in my lifetime, that was accompanied by such high winds. It had hurricane force winds. I like to watch storms, they fascinate me, but watching the large trees bending back and forth and listening to the howling winds was unnerving. My cousins called from Marine Park, Brooklyn after the storm to complain that Brooklyn was a mess and there were no snow plows for days on side streets, all the stuff that was reported in the news, that made people irate. Over 400 buses were stuck in the snow and over 100 ambulances in the city, it was a nightmarish scenario. Let's hope this never happens again. I guess the investigations that will take place will help to prevent future failures of this sort, because it seems a lot went wrong.

A few months ago I wrote a blog about severe weather being the new norm, ("Freak Storms the New Norm?"). That wasn't my opinion, it was the prediction of some scientists who believe that because of global warming, we will experience more ferocious and unpredictable weather on planet Earth. Hope it's not the case, but it seems like there might be some truth to it. At least that's how I felt as I watched and experienced firsthand the storm's wrath bearing down. Of course, there are many scientists who don't believe global warming is happening at all. I wonder how many signs they will have to see, before they change their minds. Perhaps they never will. I wonder what they think about the catastrophe unfolding in parts of Australia with epic "biblical flooding" threatening cities and the Australian people. Or what happened in Russia this past summer when record heat caused drought and massive wildfires, with loss of life and homes?

I wanted to start off the new year with an upbeat, positive blog but that did not happen. Oh well, I hope and pray that "all will be well," and it will be a great new year for all. We need prayer and God more than ever. That's my humble opinion.

NJA

In many ways, it is a disaster of biblical proportions. (Andrew Fraser-Queensland, Australian Treasurer)

How Blessed We Are!

2010-12-20T12:22:00.004-05:00

How blessed we are to celebrate the great feast of Christmas. How blessed we are to know Jesus and to have the advantages, blessings and graces of being in relationship with God. How blessed we are to know God's word and give it a priority in our lives.

There is no doubt this is a hectic time of year and I (along with millions of others) will be busy preparing for Christmas festivities and Christmas Eve dinner. But there is such meaning, joy and depth to this season of wonder and giving. It's wonderful to spend it with family and friends, to know that we are celebrating the greatest of all mysteries, the Incarnation-God with us. God becoming a human being to show us the primacy love should have in our lives is the greatest of gifts. God is love and to be aware of that and to try to live one's life always in mindfulness of that is a great gift.

Through life's ups and downs, through difficulties and stress, if we stay grounded in Christ, things will always work out better. To trust and to love God is the way to get through life, as far as I'm concerned. I read part of an article this morning, which I'll go back to, about how stressed out and emotionally disturbed so many college students are. It's so sad that young people have so much pressure on them and they are coming of age in a difficult economic situation and time of history. We all need Jesus and prayer to help us get through challenging and confusing times in our life and in the world. Only with trust and love will anything ever make sense and will people get their priorities straight. Parents have such a difficult job raising children and teens today and young people have so much being "thrown" at them, with advances in technology and a changing world economic situation. They need prayer, as we all do, to help stay focused and to remain hopeful. One college student was quoted as saying, "Life is hopeless." Faith and belief gives people hope, that is one of the best things about it.

Let's hope and pray, everyone comes to the realization that prayer, solitude, rest, renewal, religious beliefs and rituals, and living in peace and hope will make a positive difference in our lives.

Let's hope and pray the New Year brings more positivity, more hope, more kindess in our world and PEACE. Please God, give us PEACE!

Peace to you and A Blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year to All!

My blogging with continue, with God's grace in 2011!! See you then and thanks for reading my blog. I appreciate it!

NJ Azzaro

Fill us with your love that all our days we may sing with joy! (Psalm 90:14)

The Millenial Challenge

2010-12-14T21:20:00.004-05:00

I read a brief article at Huffington Post titled, "What Matters to Millenials: Pew Study." The Millenial generation-young adults between 18 and 29 years of age are a unique group of young people who experienced (and are continuing to experience) a dramatically changing world. Technology created an entirely different world from the one I grew up in. I am very familiar with millenials as I have two sons in that age category. The article stated that millenials are getting married later than earlier generations. These observations and others were gathered from the Pew Research Center survey which was done in January and surveyed 2,020 young adults. They were asked a variety of questions about what's important to them. It was widely reported in the news. Some of the interesting findings were: millenials who can't find jobs are living with their parents (only because they have to). The present economic situation has created difficulties for many young people. Single millenials who do have jobs are living in trendy neighborhods (I'm referring to NYC), such as Williamsburg, Brooklyn, Park Slope, Red Hook, the lower East Side, The East Village, Gramacy Park and other "hip" neighborhoods.

One of the sadder findings of that survey, which was reported in the news, is that millenials are not that religious. According to the survey, "Young adults attend religious services less often than older Americans. And compared with their elders today, fewer young people say that religion is very important in their lives."

As I've written about before, there exists a large group of unchurched and non-practicing young adult Catholics. How do you reach them is the challenge for the Church. Creative thinking and creative evangelization would help. From what I've observed millenials like to go for brunch on Sunday mornings and afternoons. It's difficult getting into a restaurant on Sunday mornings and afternoons in trendy neighborhoods.

One finding that I thought was positive was though they get married later and wait to have children, when asked what was important to them, they replied that being a good parent was very important to them. I guess the hope is that when they become parents they will realize how important it is to raise their children with faith and belief. So perhaps they will embrace religion and religious services as they get older. Let's hope so.

NJA

Compassionate Farmers and Other Inspiring News

2010-12-09T20:31:00.004-05:00

I spent the day with my cousins in Long Beach, LI. I have a newly adopted two-year-old cousin from China and she is just adorable. Being able to spend the day having lunch, bonding and playing with her was a real joy. The simple pleasures of life..... getting to know and love a lucky little girl who was brought from an orphange from half way around the world to a loving, caring family on Long Island. There are so many generous Americans, who do so much good for others and that's good news.

In other good news, compassionate and generous farmers from across New York State recently attended a meeting on Long Island and they came bearing gifts. They gave food donations to Island Harvest, Long Island's largest hunger relief organization. Including this most recent donation, farmers across the state have donated more than 4.7 million pounds of food to organizations and over 1.5 million pounds on Long Island alone. "Food is collected through the 'Harvest For All' program." According to John Evers, the Director of the Food Bank Association of New York, "Due to the generosity of NY farmers from every part of our State, millions of people have been rescued from hunger this year. Farm donations of fresh produce has not only helped us feed the hungry but also added to the overall health and well-being of our local communities" (from Mineola.patch.com). I hope they receive many blessings for their generosity and good example!

In other interesting news, I read at the Deacon's Bench (he's always moving......) an inspiring story coming out of Billings, Montana about an Episcopal priest who converted to Catholicism today and is becoming a Catholic priest. What's unusual for the people of Billings is that Fr. Bart Stevens is bringing his wife and five children along with him and that's a first for the Diocese of Great Falls-Billings. According to the Billings Gazette, "he joins a small fraternity of married Roman Catholic priests. Since 1980 slightly more than 100 former Episcopalian priests in the U.S. have been ordained in the Catholic Church." The reason Fr. Bart gives for his conversion is very inspiring, he said that, "He found fullness of faith in the Catholic Church that he had been seeking all his life." Many blessings on his ministry and his family!

NJA

I just love the Catholic Church and my hope, my earnest desire as a Catholic priest is to help Catholics rediscover the richness, the beauty of their Church and their tradition. (Rev. Bart Stevens)

Lacking Compassion in the Modern World

2010-12-03T19:49:00.004-05:00

The U.S. Labor Department announced on Dec. 3rd that the economy added just 39,000 jobs in November, much lower than expected. A jobless recovery might be the new normal and it's not good news for the unemployed. What's even more disturbing and sad are the difficulties the long term unemployed are going through. With all the problems they are dealing with, an article at Huffington Post, titled, "Employers Won't Hire The Jobless Because of the 'Desperate Vibe'", by Laura Bassett states that employers have such a large pool of applicants to choose from, for job openings, that one headhunter suggested that the unemployed are at a disadvantage when applying for a job because they seem desperate. He said, "When you lose your job, you will interview from a position of weakness." Well, perhaps they are desperate and how sad is that. Most people that commented on the article were as disturbed as I was, when I read it.

The headhunter was quoted as saying, "When you show desperation in your face and your tone during an interview, management is going to pick up on that vibe. They're gonna feel it and see it and notice something's off......they're awkward and the other person's gonna be turned off. It's always better for a person to interview while they're employed." He was only interested in interviewing people who already had jobs, "the jobless need not apply."

It seems the data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics supports what he's stating. The sad reality is that the "longer a person has been out of a job, the more unlikely it is that he will get a job."

Employers can "discriminate" freely against the unemployed. The unemployed are the most downtrodden, insecure and "desperate" people in our society right now. They are people who could be on the verge of losing their homes, their medical coverage, who might not have money to buy food or Christmas presents for their families.

I pray someone will have compassion, a Christ-like compassion for these long term unemployed people. They obviously need help. Many American families are hurting.

The Church needs to lend it's voice to this problem and through it's social justice activities and programs try to help, in whatever ways it can. The Church needs to be more vocal in this area, in my opinion.

This Advent, the unemployed need to feel that someone cares, that the Church cares and is willing to take action on their behalf. I hope and pray positive, supportive action will come and soon.

NJA

Waiting With Hope

2010-11-29T20:31:00.003-05:00

We believe, we hope, we wait, we trust in the goodness of God. It's the beautiful season of Advent once again, a season filled with busyness, but also filled with the certainty of God's love and the fulfillment of promises. Those of us who believe, who are blessed to believe in Jesus, can rejoice that we can celebrate the great feast of Christmas in a few weeks.

I was so impressed with a blog entry that I read at Deacon Greg's blog about an evangelization program at Most Precious Blood Parish in Brooklyn. I know the parish well as my cousins grew up in that neighborhood and were parishioners there. The present pastor, Fr. Maduri has the right idea and is leading a Spirit-filled, creative response to the decline he sees in Church attendence, which is a result of changing demographics. Unfortunately, it's a problem in many neighborhoods in Brooklyn, Queens and other parts of the city and on Long Island too. If it's not addressed in a creative, Spirit-filled, out-of-the-box thinking way, the demographic changes have the potential to adversely effect the future Church in NYC and it's surrounding areas.

I applaud Fr. Maduri's efforts to seize the moment and do something creative and innovative that actually works, to show the unchurched, the youth, fallen away Catholics and nonbelievers in his midst that the Catholic faith has something to offer that is worth seeking and will enrich their lives.

There are so many trendy and "cool" neighborhoods in Brooklyn, Queens and Manhattan. I often walk around the lower East side of Manhattan as I have relatives who live there. It has become a very trendy neighborhood of late. I like to eat in the restaurants there. They are always filled with young, vibrant, creative looking young people. It's not unusual to be sitting in a restaurant and see a film crew walk in for lunch (which happened to us last weekend). They are always filming movies and music videos in the area. There is so much going on in New York City and there is a great need and an opportunity for evangelization. But it has to be done correctly as Fr. Maduri has figured out. Young, smart, trend-setting Catholics (as well as young people of other faiths) are living in Williamsburg, Greenpoint, Astoria, Jackson Heights, Park Slope, Red Hook, Carroll Gardens to name just a few neighborhoods and with the right evangelization plan and some creative, innovative ideas, these young people can be reached. Creative evangelization and out-of-the-box thinking is the key to the future success of urban parishes.

Catholicism has something of value and much spiritual wisdom to offer young people, people of all ages. It just has to be "packaged" in the right way.

A Blessed Advent to All.

NJA

Time For Family, Food and Thankfulness

2010-11-24T16:21:00.005-05:00

A Blessed and Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Those of us who are Americans are blessed to live in a great country- America, "the land of the free and the home of the brave." I will be busy preparing for Thanksgiving, making rice balls and a lot of other good food. My cousins will help, so it's a shared undertaking. We will miss my Aunt Connie, the family matriarch, at tomorrow's celebration. It won't be the same without her. But her granddaughter is having another baby and so soon we'll have another child in the family. The circle of life continues.

I'm thankful for all the blessings in my life. For the opportunities I've been given, for the good things that are yet to come. Perhaps one day all God's children will have enough to eat and the kind of opportunities that all children should have. I think of poor children a lot, more importantly I pray for them and try to do my part to help, in small ways through giving. I sponsor a child from Chile, through Children's International and so at least I know (for certain) I've made a real difference in the life of one poor child. It's an amazing feeling to be appreciated and loved by someone you've never met but whose life you have impacted. That's one of the blessings of sponsorship.

With hope for a better tomorrow for all..... may your Thanksgiving holiday be filled with all good things and an appreciation of blessings received.

NJA

Wired For Constant Distraction

2010-11-21T19:22:00.004-05:00

It makes you wonder what the implications are for the Church of the future. A generation of children and young adults are growing up wired for distraction, according to a New York Times article titled, Growing Up Digital, Wired for Distraction by Matt Richtel. Young brains are especially vulnerable to becoming accustomed to and distracted by constant stimuli and multiple distractions. According to the article, "Students have always faced distractions and time-wasters. But computers and cellphones and the constant stream of stimuli they offer, pose a profound new challenge to focusing and learning." Young minds are not able to sustain attention, because children and teens are constantly switching tasks from video games to checking Facebook, watching music videos, using the internet and texting on their phones. "Their brains are rewarded not for staying on task but for jumping to the next thing," said Michael Rich, an associate professor at Harvard Medical School. The fear is that, "We're raising a generation of kids in front of screens whose brains are going to be wired differently."

It sounds bizarre to me (like the unfolding of a science-fiction scenario). There are obvious benefits to computers and cellphones, and I understand the value of using technology but it seems to me these trends among young people are worrisome for the future.

How can children be taught to appreciate the value of silence, prayer and rituals, if they need constant stimuli? Even more troublesome is what if their brains are wired to seek constant, changing stimuli and they are not able to stay focused. It seems even while students are doing homework at home, they are multi-tasking at the same time, going back and forth between their assignments and texting, computers and Facebook. Many students are having trouble completing reading assignments, because there are so many distractions, they can't even finish reading a book.

One of the photographs highlighted in the article, showed a young teen texting. Apparently she sends 27,000 texts a month. She talks to several people at the same time. I would imagine that's an extreme case, and I find it hard to believe. Does she ever look up from her phone? I wonder what her parents have to say about that. Do her parents pay her phone bill and are they aware of how much she texts? ( I guess now they are, after her photograph appeared in the Times.)

The world is changing rapidly because of technology. I'm glad that I had the opportunity to experience the world before computers changed the world. Obviously it will never be the same. I hope and pray the Church meets the challenges of the future and uses technology wisely and creatively.

NJA

Fighting Evil and the Evil One

2010-11-13T21:57:00.004-05:00

As reported in the news, apparently there is a shortage of priests who can perform exorcisms and there are people who think they are in need of an exorcist. That's pretty scary, that there are people who actually think they are possessed by evil. Poor things, they must be tormented. They need our prayers for sure. In any event, a two day training recently took place in Baltimore to train priests in the rite of exorcism, to enable them to cast out demons. The whole topic unnerves me to tell you the truth, but a part of me is fascinated by it, like many others. Exorcists use the powerful name of Jesus, or blessed sacramentals such as a crucifix or holy pictures and prayers to cast out evil. Interestingly I read that an ancient Jewish sect, The Essenes (scholars believe they wrote the Dead Sea Scrolls), performed exorcisms.

The two day training for priests, outlined the "scriptural basis of evil, instructed clergy on evaluating whether a person is truly possessed and reviewed the prayers and rituals that comprise an exorcism."

According to Cardinal DiNardo, archbishop of Galveston-Houston Texas, in a phone interview, with the media said, "Learning the liturgical rite is not difficult. The problem is the discernment that the exorcist needs before he would ever attempt the rite." A priest would have to discern whether mental illness was the real cause, of someone who believed they were possessed by an evil spirit or demon. That must be difficult to discern, because if a person was possessed, I would imagine that would cause mental illness, that would be enough to cause serious mental disturbance.

Evil is very prevalent in the modern world. The effects of evil are everywhere. Current events are filled with examples of how evil intentions, thoughts and actions bring chaos and destruction in our world.

I've read accounts in the lives of saints, of how they were tormented by the "evil one," and it's clear that evil tries to undermine the good works of hard-working, sincere people. I'm very aware that evil exists which is why I pray everyday, go to Mass and try to live a good life. (I also cover myself and my family with the sacred Blood of Jesus whenever I feel threatened as I know that is a powerful statement of faith.)

Since evil is active in the world, believers should be on their guard, stay close to Christ and use the Holy Name of Jesus often in prayer. As St. Paul said, we have to "put on the armor of God" and stay vigilant.

NJA

Women Give More To Charity

2010-11-08T20:37:00.005-05:00

According to an interesting study I recently read, it seems women are more generous than men. (I hope that finding doesn't upset anyone.) According to the article, titled, "Study: Women Give More To Charity Than Men," by Donna Gordon Blankinship, "Women across nearly every income level gave significantly more to charity than men, nearly twice as much in some cases, according to a study by the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University. Nonprofits have long suspected that women were the driving forces behind many of the gifts they receive, but they haven't had much proof. But the results of this study are so decisive and consistent, they can stop wondering, said Debra Mesch, Director of the University's Women's Philanthropy Institute."

Women gave more often than men, in larger amounts of money and to many different charities. As women earn more, they are giving more.

It's common knowledge that women have always been very generous to the Catholic Church and to Catholic causes. But that can be said of both genders.

Maybe after this study is publicized, men will want to "challenge" women and start giving more themselves. That would be a good "contest," to see who can give more to charities, men or women, in future studies on giving. That "contest" would help charities raise money, in these difficult times.

I recently gave a talk to non-Catholic Christians for the first time. As a Catholic, I was honored to be asked by a group of Methodist women to give a talk on prayer. We also prayed together, as I wouldn't think of giving a talk on prayer without modeling prayer. In any event, the evening went very well and the socializing after the talk was great. These women could bake! The homemade apple pies and lemon bars were delicious. So it was a wonderful evening for all of us. And by the way, instead of taking a stipend for the talk, I asked the leadership to send a donation in my name, to one of the charities I support. It all ties in.......

NJA

The Mid-Term Election Surprises-Who Feels The Pain of Americans?

2010-11-03T22:20:00.004-04:00

I'm not a political person, so I rarely write about political issues, but the midterm election results have captured my attention, like so many others. My husband and I discuss all the time: how worrisome the economy is, how unfortunate it is that so many people are losing their jobs and homes and how concerned people are for the future of their children. It seems to many people that a lot of people "in power", don't understand the depth of the crisis or how it's affecting the lives of Americans, because they've never been homeless, poor or lost a job. Whatever the case, most Americans feel "Washington" doesn't get their pain or insecurity and that's evident in the election results. People without jobs, who have been laid off, want to work, they need to work to pay their bills and for a feeling of self-esteem and self-worth. They want to contribute to the betterment of themselves, their families and society. People feel the American dream is slipping away for themselves and for their children and they're nervous, as they should be. My grandparents, who were immigrants, were able to realize the American dream, by moving to America from Italy in the early 1900's, establishing themselves here by getting jobs, buying homes and lifting future generations in their family, into the middle-class. That's getting more difficult for people to do.

It's no secret that suicides are up among the long term unemployed, people are still losing their homes to foreclosures and children are bearing the brunt as well. A New York Times article titled, "More Resigned Than Angry, Voters Seek a Fix for the Economy," by Kim Severson, quoted Ms. Suarez who said, "There are six kids in my house, I want them to have a future." People want to know their children will have jobs when they graduate from college (with huge debt in some cases). That's part of the American dream......getting a job after college.

The article stated, "Even at the student union at Ohio State University, young voters were more preoccupied with the economy than with war or social issues. 'I've got to find a job and the way it's going I don't know, that I'm going to', said John Breedlove, 22, a business student......"

There is real pain and anxiety in America, even for lucky people who have jobs but still fear becoming unemployed. Until lawmakers find a solution and really sympathize with what the lower and middle classes are struggling through during this economic crisis, the people will continue to show their dissatisfaction through voting for change.

Anytime I pray communally with people at a prayer group, someone is always praying for a family member or friend who has lost a job or who is looking for a job. God hears the cry of the poor and the downtrodden and God answers prayer, but government and business policies that encourage job creation have to help, so that prayers can be answered and people can begin feeling secure again, with feelings of self-worth through employment. People need work, purpose and a reason to hope. God needs people with sensible, practical solutions to be God's hands in the world and help the modern, struggling poor.

NJA

Some Scary Thoughts on Halloween

2010-10-31T14:56:00.006-04:00

Today is Halloween. It's a beautiful day in the Northeast, so I thought I'd write a blog about some things I find frightening, in between opening my front door to adorable children dressed in costumes and wide smiles.

Human beings can be kind, wonderful, intelligent, generous and very good at times and at other times they can be mired in pride and arrogance which gets in the way of clear thinking. Pride is a deadly sin and arrogance isn't too far behind. What I'm referring to is a rather disturbing article I read at the Washington Post website titled, "Global Extinction Crisis Looms, New Study Says," by Juliet Eilperin. These types of articles "scare" me and my concern is not for myself but for my children and future generations of children. According to the article, "A growing number of creatures could disappear from the earth, with one-fifth of all vertebrates and as many as a third of all sharks and rays now facing the threat of extinction, according to a new survey assessing nearly 26,000 species across the globe." What are the causes? There are many causes such as destroying habitats where animals live, pollution, "invasive competitors," lack of concern and care. Selfishness, arrogance and greed would be some problems also associated with the loss of species. In my opinion, we're all guility to some extent, I don't think anyone has a perfect record on protecting the earth or the earth's creatures, to some degree we all have a part in this problem. Of course, there are some people who work very hard protecting the earth and the earth's creatures, and I think they should be applauded for their efforts.

Thank God for conservation efforts. According to an article in the Journal- Science, without conservation efforts now taking place, these losses would be twenty percent higher.

We always have to have hope. I try to be a hopeful Christian and think everything will turn out OK. I hope and pray future generations will take the problem of environmental degradation and global extinction of species seriously and they'll take action to improve conservation efforts. We can't really believe that we can continue the present course of action and not have a day of reckoning. We depend on the earth, it is our home too and we have to ensure that future generations are left with a flourishing natural environment.

May the Saints of God pray for us and ask God to give us the will and enlightenment to do the right thing! All you Holy Men and Women of God pray for us!

NJA

The Seminary of the Immaculate Conception- 80th Anniversary

2010-10-27T11:26:00.006-04:00

On Sunday, October 24th, I attended the 80th Anniversary Celebration of the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception in Huntington, NY. The evening included a Holy Hour of Prayer, followed by a Cocktail Hour and a Dinner. It was a wonderful evening of prayer and socialization. The idea of having Eucharistic Exposition and Benediction came from the inspiring rector, Msgr. Peter Vaccari, and it was a beautiful, holy, reverent way to begin the evening. Bishop William Murphy of the Diocese of Rockville Center presided at the Holy Hour and Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio, the Bishop of Brooklyn preached. The evening honored the Seminarians, who not only helped throughout the evening but they provided the entertainment as well. They were just great, using their diverse gifts, from their different ethnic backgrounds, to entertain with their music. (It was obvious that they had a good time as well!)

I was accompanied to the event with my son and his girlfriend as well as a friend. I was so happy that we all had such a wonderful time. We sat at a great table, with other Friends of the Seminary. The Friends of the Seminary are a wonderful, generous group of people that help the Seminary through fundraising, volunteerism and support. The evening raised money for the Seminarians to help them with their studies and also to help the Seminary itself, which is an historic building which was opened on September 28th, 1930.

The Journal which was distributed that evening with journal ads from generous supporters had an article about the history and I quote, "Situated on West Neck Road in Huntington, Long Island, about forty miles from New York City, the Seminary stands on more than 200 acres of hilly land overlooking Cold Spring Harbor, Lloyd Harbor and Oyster Bay. The building is constructed in Spanish Romanesque style with a Byzantine tower. The unique beauty and tranquility of the Seminary building and grounds offer an ideal setting for retreats, days of recollection, workshops, and conferences......." It's a special place, I especially love the magnificent chapel, which has a holiness and sacredness that's evident to me.

I was happy to be a part of the 80th Anniversary celebration and to have my son and his wonderful girlfriend there with me, as well as all the other friends who were there. I even "won" one of the Silent Auction prizes so I had a gift basket to take home with me, filled with goodies. What's better than prayer and praising God, family, friends, dinner, entertainment, good conversation, doing good and receiving a prize too. What a great night!

NJA

It's Just A Matter of Time

2010-10-22T22:47:00.002-04:00

In my humble opinion, it's just a matter of time before Archbishop Timothy Dolan is named a Cardinal. He's well liked in New York and for the most part, he receives good press. Anytime I meet someone in leadership from the Archdiocese of New York (which happened last weekend on Staten Island), they always have kind words and praise for the new Archbishop. Though I've never met him, the articles I've read about him, have given me a favorable impression of him. The explanation given in the New York Times article on October 21st as to why he wasn't named a Cardinal this time around (there will be a consistory in Rome on November 20th to install 24 new Cardinals, including two Americans) seemed accurate and plausible. According to the Times "To give New York a second cardinal and two votes in such a conclave, might be seen as giving it undue influence, scholars said." I agree, to give New York two votes in a conclave would be over the top, even by NY standards. Especially since New York is the center of the Universe (just kidding) and one of the greatest, most interesting, vibrant cities in the world (not kidding).

According to Christopher Bellito, a Church historian, who was quoted in the article, "It's simple math; it's not a snub. It would be highly unusual to have two cardinals from the same diocese." The article goes on to say that, "Archbishop Dolan appointed in April 2009, will probably not be named a cardinal until Cardinal Egan turns 80 and surrenders his place among the 120 cardinals who serve as papal electors."

It will definitely happen, sometime in the future, as nearly all Archbishops of New York have been named Cardinals, since the late 19th century.

In the meantime, being an Archbishop of New York is a great honor and achievement. And being well liked and keeping a positive attitude and a smile, in the midst of so much pressure, says a lot about the Archbishop. So it seems to me (and a lot of others too), he's on the right track. The "red hat" will come when the time is right and with God's favor.

NJA

Don't Give Up Praying

2010-10-18T21:40:00.005-04:00

On Sunday in his homily, Pope Benedict said some important things about prayer. I'm always interested in reading about what others have to say about prayer. I give workshops and retreats on prayer, it's one of my favorite topics. Prayer has always come natural to me. What a blessing! I love all forms of prayer and I'm never at a loss for words in prayer. I hope I don't sound like I'm boasting, it is what it is.

I read at zenit.org that the Pope made the following reflections about prayer during a homily at Mass in St. Peter's on Sunday, October 17th. He canonized six new saints at the Mass including the first male Canadian born saint-Andre Bessette and the first Australian saint, Mary of the Cross MacKillop. He began his homily with stressing "the necesssity to pray always, without tiring."

He said, "Sometimes we grow tired of prayer, we have the impression that prayer is not very useful for life, that it is not very effective. We are tempted to dedicate ourselves to activity, to employ every human method to accomplish our goals, and we do not approach God. But Jesus says that we must pray always and he does this through a specific parable."

The parable which we heard yesterday at Mass about the persistent widow is reason to hope. As the Pope said, "We must not give up hope, but always insist in prayer."

He went on to say that we must believe in the goodness of God and of course, faith is essential to prayer.

I certainly believe in the goodness of God and I also believe that God answers prayers in God's time and not our own. As it says in Scripture, "My ways are not your ways and my thoughts are not your thoughts......" We have to pray and leave the rest to God. In God's time, all prayers are answered, in one way or another. Hope is a wonderful thing.

Prayer is so much a part of who I am, I can't imagine life without it. Depending on the mercy, love and goodness of God, in all situations, is such a gift and a grace. Those of us who believe in God and can pray have an enormous advantage in life, in my opinion. I've written that a lot because I believe that's the truth. It's certainly true for me and my faith life.

NJA

Pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. (St. Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians- 5:17)

The Power of Belief and Hope Shining in Chile

2010-10-13T19:53:00.004-04:00

As other Catholic bloggers, as well as journalists and millions of TV and computer viewers worldwide have observed and commented upon, it is inspiring and awesome to view the Chilean miners emerging from two months of confinement underground, to pray, to hug loved ones, to see the sunshine. We take a lot for granted each day, but every moment of life is precious.

I think of Jesus' words, "I have come that you might have life and have it to the full."

The father of one of the miners said, "I'm so overcome with emotion now, as if I've been touched by God." His son, Forencio Avalos, 31 years old, was the first miner to exit the rescue capsule, named the Phoenix, that brought him to the surface. That capsule brought him to freedom, to love, to the realization that with belief comes the fulfillment of hope, determination and courage that is beyond human understanding.

As was printed in the New York Times, on the front page today, "The perserverance of the miners, trapped so far underground in a lightless, dank space, has transfixed the globe with a universal story of human struggle and the enormously complex operation to rescue them." But faith, deep belief in God and prayer were very much a part of the story too. Because in that lightless entombment were also Bibles, rosaries and endless prayers to God, filled with hope and possibility.

The President of the proud country of Chile, Sebastian Pinera said before the successful rescue began, "We hope that with the help of God this epic will end in a happy way." With the help of God. I wonder how many prayers, how many Masses, prayer services and rosaries, were said for those trapped men. It's another example of people of faith, relying on their faith, in a time of crisis. That's one of the best things about faith, as far as I'm concerned, when you need it, it's there for you. That's why having faith and a relationship with God is so crucial in life, you never know when you will have to depend upon it. When you have it, when it's been nurtured in your life, it gives you courage and inner strength in difficult and trying times. It's a great gift. Faith is an anchor, providing courage and an openess to God's help, that's necessary and important, as we've witnessed this time and at so many other times as well.

We are seeing that being played out in Chile in countless ways, in emotional excitement and in gratitude to God. I've studied faith and the positive benefits of belief in God but watching the rescued miners, filled with faith, emerging from their crisis, waving small Bibles, dropping to their knees in thanksgiving to God, raising their hands in prayer, is what deep faith is all about. It's very visible and real, for the world to see, that the power of belief and hope is shining in Chile and it's a good thing.

NJA

FYI-As mentioned above--dank space- damp, moist, humid

Prayer and Exercise Work Together

2010-10-09T10:20:00.002-04:00

I read the details about a promising new study linking the positive benefits of uniting prayer and exercise. According to the AOL article by Katie Drummond titled, Jogging with Jesus: Exercise Gets a Boost from the Man Upstairs, adding Scripture reading and prayer to workout programs encouraged women (who took part in the study) to walk an extra three miles a week. The study done at UCLA involved African-American women over the age of 60. Interestingly, more than 95 percent of African-Americans pray on a daily basis, so the researchers were trying to take advantage of existing community strengths (such as their strong belief in God and prayer) to promote health benefits.

What a great idea and it's working, which doesn't surprise me. For the study participants were divided into two groups. The more successful group, who had more positive outcomes, "engaged in Scripture readings and faith-based discussions" after the workout sessions. The other group spent time listening to talks on topics which were unrelated to faith. "Monthly meetings persisted for another six months. In a follow-up four months later, those who'd participated in the faith-based interventions were walking an extra 9,883 steps a week, compared with an increase of 2,426 steps among control group members. The first group also saw a larger decrease in resting blood pressure."

Researchers think there are probably other benefits as well such as improving mood and better digestion. Adding a spiritual, religious element to exercise programs for believers, could prove to be a successful formula for weight loss and improving overall health. It's certainly worth a try.

So even though I read Scripture everyday and pray, I'm going to try to combine them, at certain parts of the day, in the hope of seeing positive results in my ongoing struggle to lower my blood pressure and improve my health. I'll put this research to the test...myself and see how it works.

There are already Christian Churches who combine exercise and prayer/Scripture reading programs for their parishioners. These programs could be expanded to help people deepen their prayer life and understanding of Scripture while helping them to improve their health. Seems like a good combination to me.

NJA

The St. Francis Pledge

2010-10-04T09:49:00.002-04:00

When I visited Assisi, Italy with my son, who was a teenager at the time, I thought it was one of the most beautiful, serene places on earth. At the time, we went on a diocesan pilgrimage led by Bishop Thomas Daily. My son was the youngest pilgrim on the journey. Many other pilgrims were surprised that a teenager would agree to go, because of his age, but my son wanted to see Italy. It was his first trip there and he's been there many times since. He studied in Rome as part of his course work when he attended Scranton University. He happened to be in Rome when Pope John Paul II died and that proved to be an amazing experience for him. He was one of the people on line for hours, waiting to pay his respects when the Pope died. He told me on the phone that he was representing the family. That made me proud!

The trip to Assisi, which was one stop on the pilgrimage, was wonderful and I fell in love with Assisi and told myself I would return one day, to spend more time there.

St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of ecology and animals lived, prayed and studied in Assisi Italy and it's easy to understand his love of nature and beauty, after seeing Assisi. St. Francis knew centuries ago what many people today are discovering and that is that we should honor and respect all God's creations and preserve them. Today on October 4th we celebrate his feast day.

I was happy to read at CatholicCulture.org that Cardinal Roger Mahony of Los Angeles in a letter to parishes dated Oct. 4th, will announce the formation of an Archdiocesan Creation Sustainability Ministry. He wrote, "We exhort our faith communities and all our brothers and sisters to take the St. Francis Pledge, an initiative that urges Catholics nationwide to pray for, learn about, assess, act and advocate for populations affected by climate change, especially those that are most vulnerable....The St. Francis pledge is a promise and a commitment by Catholic individuals, families, parishes, organizations and institutions to live our faith by protecting God's creation and advocating on behalf of people in poverty who face the harshest impacts from global climate change..."

What a great idea! I applaud Cardinal Mahony for this initiative. It makes perfect sense to me. In my humble opinion, the Dioceses' of Rockville Center, Long Island and the Brooklyn Diocese should consider a similiar initiative. They both have a border on the Atlantic Ocean and so climate change should be an important topic to be addressed and prayed about.

Protecting the environment is part of Catholic social teaching and Pope Benedict has spoken about caring and protecting the environment many times in homilies and talks he's given.

NJA

Obese Nation

2010-09-28T21:19:00.002-04:00

According to an online article I read at the AtlanticWire titled U.S. Still Tops in Increasingly Obese Developed World, by Max Fisher, "The U.S. now has the highest adult obesity rate in the developed world, 34 %, according to a study by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development." As health care costs skyrocket, this is becoming more and more of a concern.

With all the data and research showing how bad being overweight is for your overall health, Americans still can't seem to resist unhealthy, high calorie foods and treats. I understand the problem, believe me. Being of Italian descent and loving food myself, especially foods such as pasta, bread and bagels (everyone knows NY has the best bagels), I can sympathize with overeaters.

We all know what we have to do to lose weight and improve health, but eating mindfully is not so easy. But if you try to watch what you eat and exercise as well, you can see results and feel good about making progress. Walking is a great form of exercise, so you don't have to do workouts to benefit, even alittle exercise is better than nothing.

The studies I've read about the perils of being overweight are scary. Besides causing high blood pressure and increasing your chances of gettting a stroke or heart attack, being overweight can increase incidences of diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer's Disease, and increase your chances of an early death. It makes good sense to watch your calorie intake everyday and make good choices when it comes to food.

According to Dr. Steven Garner, MD, who writes a column for Brooklyn's diocesan newspaper, The Tablet, exercise is crucial to maintaining a good weight as we age. He recommends, "Exercise into old age-regular exercise is one of the best predictors of a long life..."

As I've mentioned before, in other blog entries, as Catholic Christians we believe that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and we should nurture, care for and honor our bodies. And that means trying to resist too much food intake. It takes discipline to pass up fattening treats which taste good and satisfy but practicing discipline (including fasting), when it comes to eating, can carry over into other aspects of your life and improve your health. Discipline is good for the mind, body and soul. All the major world religions have been preaching that for thousands of years. There is obviously something to it.

NJA

The Beautiful Seminary

2010-09-22T20:06:00.002-04:00

The beautiful Seminary of the Immaculate Conception in Lloyd Harbor, Long Island, New York will be celebrating the 80th Anniversary of its opening on Sunday, October 24th, beginning at 4:00 PM. It's going to be a wonderful evening of prayer and celebration. I am very much looking forward to the event. When eighty years ago, Bishop Molloy (3rd Bishop of Brooklyn), dedicated the new Seminary, it was a dream come true for him and a great accomplishment. The Seminary has magnificent grounds and is located on 235 pristine acres on the North Shore of Long Island. From parts of the Seminary grounds you can see the Long Island Sound. Years ago I was on retreat at the Seminary so I've walked the grounds and prayed in the main chapel (many times), which I find to be a very special and holy place. The building itself is an architectural gem, built in the Spanish Romanesque style. I've done fundraising and volunteer work at the Seminary for years, in the hope of preserving the building, the grounds and also to help the wonderful seminarians who live and study there. They are such good guys! By the way, they are also a talented group of men.

The history of the Seminary is great. On September 28th, 1930, over 25,000 people attended the dedication ceremony. They came by boat (1,000 arrived on the Rensselaer which docked nearby), there were 5,000 cars parked on the Seminary property and according to The Tablet (Brooklyn's diocesan newspaper) over a 1,000 people came by a special Long Island Railroad train, with buses bringing them to the Seminary.

Everyone involved with the 80th Anniversary celebration is hoping that at least 250 people will attend the event on October 24th. The evening will include a Holy Hour, Dinner and entertainment (and of course a silent auction and raffles). Both Bishop DiMarzio of the Brooklyn Diocese and Bishop Murphy of the Diocese of Rockville Centre will attend.

If you'd like to attend, call the Seminary and ask for Beverly Malone, the Director of Development and she will give you all the registration information or e-mail her at bmalone@icseminary.edu. I'm sure you will enjoy the evening.

By the way, another reason I love the Seminary is that Mary is the patroness of the Seminary and I have a great love and devotion to Mary. Everything ties together in the spiritual realm. It's truly amazing for people of faith, who have so much spiritual abundance and an awareness of God's grace, it's such an advantage and so helpful on the journey of life.

"I thank you Mary, my maternal and heavenly Mother, for the many blessings you've given me and the prayer lifted to Jesus and answered for me. Amen.

Like St. Therese I say too, "I Love You Mary."

NJA

Freak Storms the New Norm?

2010-09-18T17:27:00.003-04:00

I hope it's not the case that freak storms, such as we experienced on Thursday evening in NYC and the suburbs will happen more frequently in the future. But that's what some scientists have been predicting, from articles I've read in the last few months.

Earlier in the day, before the storm hit on Thursday, I was speaking with a friend, outdoors, after a luncheon we attended had finished. I noticed the dark clouds moving in and an ominous wind picking up. I was glad I lived nearby.

I was eating dinner when the storm began and the wind started to blow fiercely. I'm always concerned about storms, because there are large trees surrounding my house. Fortunately, my neighborhood was spared, for the most part.

But as we know, parts of Staten Island, Brooklyn, (Park Slope) and Queens experienced what turned out to be twin tornados and a macroburst (Middle Village, Queens). Sadly, over 1,500 trees were lost because of the storm, power outages, buildings damaged, massive traffic jams, loss of train service on Long Island, and worst of all, the death of a woman, killed by a falling tree. Her distraught husband was quoted as saying, "She was the most beautiful thing that ever happened in my life." How tragic, in an instant his wife was killed. Life is so fragile. It could have been anyone of us that evening. Some people are calling it a miracle that there was only one death, amid so much destruction.

Tornados in New York City and the suburbs are rare, though there was one recorded in the Bronx in July. "The most recent ones from Thursday evening were the ninth and tenth tornados to hit New York since 1950."

I don't want to be the bearer of bad news, but according to predictions I read, freak weather patterns and violent storms might increase in the future. The really scary part is that the future might be upon us. What is the cause? Global warming, the increase of the Earth's temperature. Some people don't believe in the disastrous effects global warming is having on our planet, but I do believe (with millions of others) that it's taking place and will worsen, if we don't do anything to stop it. The repercussions of destroying our atmosphere through pollution and poor care of the Earth, is already starting to affect our lives. God's beautiful creation, should be well cared for and protected and we need to teach our children that as well.

The people of Russia, who experienced a terrible drought and wildfires this summer now consider global warming a serious threat. The people of Pakistan who experienced apocalyptic flooding are wondering if global warming is the cause of their epic disaster.

We all can do something to lessen global warming. Even small changes can make a difference.

A change as simple as changing to energy saving lightbulbs can make an enormous difference, if everyone does it. I hope everyone begins to take global warming seriously before it's too late. According to scientists, there is a point of no return.

NJA

Living Without God's Wisdom-Human Junkyards

2010-09-15T13:55:00.002-04:00

If you live without God, if you live without faith, prayer and God's word, in my opinion, your life can become meaningless, stressful, unbearable at times and without hope. Obviously, others feel this way as well. Some young people are resorting to doing insane things to their bodies and I can't imagine what would cause someone to do the following. I read about a new "trend" among some teenagers (what could they possibly be thinking or feeling?) where they use themselves as "human junkyards." What this means is that some teenagers are embedding objects into their skin. It seems these kids have found a new way to be self-destructive. An online article at ParentDish described this alarming trend. "According to Business Week, a 16-year-old recently showed up in an emergency room with 20 odds and ends including paper clips, pencil lead and even a pair of eyeglasses--inside her body...She reportedly put them there in an excruciatingly painful process called self-embedding."

According to researchers and doctors, these teens don't want to kill themselves they just want to hurt themselves. These acts are similar to other forms of self-mutilation such as cutting and burning and these troubled teens are ashamed of their behavior and try to hide it.

It was difficult for me to read the article and write about it. It is so sad. Many of these teens have pyschological disorders, and they tell researchers that it's easier to deal with "physical pain than emotional pain." Strangely, they are trying to relieve internal pain.

I can't imagine what type of internal, emotional turmoil these young people are experiencing that they would hurt themselves. They need our prayers and anyone who works with teens, needs to find ways to reach out to troubled youth in our society, with solutions that help them deal with stress, rejection and alienation. Some solutions might be teaching them the importance of Christian meditation, prayer, rituals, exercise routines, counseling etc.

By the way, these were not isolated cases. Researchers wrote that between 13-23% of teenagers hurt themselves. That is a high statistic.

As Catholic Christians we believe that we are made in the image and likeness of God and that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. If teenagers were taught that, if it was reinforced at home and if they internalized that message and believed it, they would never hurt themselves on purpose. Prayer is so important for children, teens and adults and quality family time as well. Giving children a spiritual life and a relationship with God from an early age is crucial to good and healthy human development, in my opinion.

Without God, without God's inspired word and wisdom, life can become unbearable for so many. Without God, hope fades and despair overcomes logic and good sense.

Please pray for teenagers in our country that they will find hope in trusting in God and they will seek out professional help when they need it.

NJA

"Be still and know that I am God"

A Fringe Pastor Gains Worldwide Attention

2010-09-11T00:01:00.006-04:00

Reading the New York Times on Friday morning, with my breakfast, I was surprised to see a couple of items in the paper. For one, there was a front page article about Protestant Pastor Terry Jones from Gainesville, Florida, who gained worldwide media attention for his inflammatory idea to burn copies of the Koran on Sept. 11th. I was concerned as to what the repercussions would be, if that ever happened. I wasn't the only one. General Petraeus warned that if Koran's were set on fire, American troops could be endangered.

Pastor Jones managed to be interviewed on CNN the other night and he has consented to 150 other interviews. His congregation is small but his present audience is very large. The article in the Times blamed the summer news lull and the 24-hour news cycle (the internet) for the amount of media attention given to this story. Kathleen Carroll, the executive editor of The Associated Press, said this, "Before there were riots and heads of states talking about him, it could have been a couple of paragraphs in a story about September 11th commemorations....It's beyond that now." I'll say it is.

As stated in the New York Times article, Chris Cuomo, an ABC News anchor wrote this on Twitter, "I am in the media, but think media gave life to this Florida burning......and that was reckless."

Getting back to my morning reading of the Times, I was surprised to see a full page advertisement, in the middle of the paper (I can't imagine what that cost!), titled, "Burning the Qur'an does not illuminate the Bible." The American Bible Society sponsored the ad but the names listed of those who supported the message were impressive. Among them Catholic Archbishops: Archbishop Charles Chaput, Archbishop Thomas Wenski, Archbishop Timothy Dolan, Archbishop Wilton Gregory (U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops), and Greek Orthodox Archbishop Demetrios and many other Protestant leaders, and others as well.

When I studied at Fordham, I had a religion professor, Dr. Gloria Durka who had a favorite expression that I loved, "You can't make this stuff up." I think it applies here....this story took on a life of its own.

I ask: When will we all learn to live in peace and respect each other and our common beliefs that are good and holy? Maybe future generations will learn to live in peace and goodness. I hope so. Having said that, I'll go to sleep.

NJA

The Controversial Stephen Hawking

2010-09-05T18:36:00.002-04:00

Billions of people in the world believe in God, in a Supreme Being, who is Creator and Sustainer. Billions of people believe in God's inspired Word, the Bible. Or other holy books and wisdom writings. Billions of people rely on prayer to offer them inner strength and courage in dealing with day to day anxiety and stress and also the crisis of life. They have a real sense and conviction as I do, that prayer helps, in one way or another. At times, throughout salvation history people witness and experience miracles that cannot be rationally explained by science. There is no question, that religious beliefs help people to be better human beings (the majority of time). Religion helps them to be more compassionate, giving and hopeful. Believers come from all backgrounds and educational levels, from intellectuals, (even scientists) to children (I taught religion to children for many years and from personal experience I can say they are open to mystery and the belief in God). It makes perfect sense to them. And yes, even in the scientific community there are believers.

As far as I'm concerned (and there are billions who would agree) there is proof for the existence of God. It can be found in the order, diversity and beauty found on our planet and in the Universe. That is proof enough for me. But my deep faith also reinforces that knowledge. I use my intellect and rational thought, as well as my deep faith, to try and understand the big questions in life. Some of the things I've read support my belief in God.

Interestingly, our Solar System is located in one of the "quieter," and less chaotic places in the Milky Way galaxy. Thank God for that! The magnificent colors on our planet and the diversity and order is proof of a Divine Creator/Artist who created with intent, purpose and exactness. I took a walk today, in the glorious sunshine and was admiring the beautiful colors of the flowers in my neighborhood and I thought to myself what if every bush, flower and tree were the same color-grey-how would our world look then? There is so much beauty in the colors present on Earth. The mathematical equations are perfect. What are the chances of that? The carbon levels needed to support life and sustain life on this planet were exact at the moment of creation. That is not a coincidence. There is a unique plan and design that points to an Intelligent, Supreme Being/Creator.

I'm responding to the latest claim by scientist Stephen Hawking who has created a controversy by stating in his new book, "The Grand Design," and in interviews, his belief, "that God had no role in the creation of the Universe." He furthers states that, "because of the existence of gravity, the Universe can and will create itself from nothing." In his book, he attempts to answer the "ultimate questions of life." But he does so without deep faith and so he misses the truth. I'm not a scientist so I really don't understand why he discounts a Creator because of the existence of gravity. But the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Rowan Williams, the Archbishop of Westminster-Vincent Nichols, Rabbi Jonathan Sacks and Ibrahim Mogra as well as other religious leaders and intellectuals in England are "fighting" back with words of wisdom, as they should.

Perhaps Stephen Hawking is bitter about his fate. Whatever his reason, there are enough believers in the world to "defend" belief in God, using classical proofs of the existence of God as well as the fact that billions of people believe. Billions of us can't be wrong. And we will continue to believe, regardless of what anyone says, because God is real and Ultimate Reality.

NJA

Physics on its own will not settle the question of why there is something rather than nothing. (Archbishop of Canterbury- 9/10)

My Aunt's Eulogy

2010-08-30T21:20:00.003-04:00

Today I gave a eulogy at my Aunt Connie's funeral Mass at Good Shepherd Church in Brooklyn, at the request of my cousins. I thought I would share it as it would be an extra tribute to the great Italian woman that she was in life.

St. John of the Cross wrote, "In the evening of life, you will be judged on how well you have loved." Aunt Connie who now smiles at us from Heaven, knew how to love. Those of us who were fortunate to love her and be loved, know how well she lived and loved. She loved life. She loved excitement and adventure. She would tell us all, with a little sadness in her voice the same thing. She would tell me and all my cousins, "I can't live forever." But we wanted her to.

She spent her whole life loving, caring for others, giving of herself, sharing life and laughter, goodness and generosity and cooking the best Italian food we ever ate. As a child I remember all the people who came to our two family house on East. 52nd Street, to be part of our beautiful family. They came to visit, to share stories, to eat Aunt Connie's delicious Italian food, to laugh and play cards. She offered her family and friends warmth and hospitality.

Jesus' great command was, "Love one another as I have loved you." She fulfilled that very well.

She looks at us from Heaven, in peace, surrounded by loved ones, in the light of God. She knows she fulfilled her purpose in life and brought joy and laughter to others. She's probably laughing with my brother Arthur now.

She was the loving, caring matriarch of a big, beautiful Italian family. Each one of us has a part of her in us. We were blessed to have her as a part of our lives. She enriched us all. She lives on in each of us in the good lives we live and share with others.

NJA

Love, Life and Prayer

2010-08-22T22:37:00.002-04:00

My beloved aunt, who my entire family loves dearly (and who is like a mother to me), has been ill. She is the matriarch of our large Italian family and she is greatly loved by many people. She is older but she has a strong will to live, that is what love will do. In the last few weeks, all of us, her immediate family as well as her extended family have been visiting her, praying for her and trying to make sense of doctor's reports and her heart condition.

We have also had to rely on the goodness of a priest, (who I've yet to meet), who visits her as well as the other patients in the hospital. He has been to see her a few times, to pray with her and for her. What peace of mind that gives to us, to know that this wonderful priest, comes to Beth Israel Hospital in Brooklyn where she is, from a nearby parish to anoint her and pray for her.

Yesterday her condition seemed dire and so I suggested to my cousin, to ask the nurse to call for a priest. And so this very good priest, once again came to anoint her and pray for her. Before I could drive from my house to the hospital, he had already been there to visit with her and pray. He told family members to call him if we needed him, he was so willing to help. I can't tell you the peace that gave to my entire family and most especially me.

It is so comforting to know that love, prayer and the goodness of others can help in difficult situations. When it comes down to it, what really matters in life? I think it's the love of family and friends, how much we are loved and cared for, our faith, prayers, Eucharist, anointing when we need it, the sacraments, belonging to a loving family and belonging to a faith community. In the end, that's what's real, that's what's important. The "stuff" that we spend our entire lives collecting, doesn't matter in the end, it's just stuff that will eventually belong to someone else or will be thrown away. What matters in the end is love, family, God and also how much we have touched the lives of others. The question is: have we been a blessing to others?

Anyone who doesn't think they need a religion, or a faith community or belief in God, or prayers, is making life more difficult for themselves, in my opinion. They're taking the hope out of life. I knew the importance of belief and prayer before this situation. But once again, I'm living it, in the here and now. The benefits of belief are what I'm immersed in and belief is a very good thing, especially when there is a crisis in life, uncertainty or illness.

Also, the prayers and generosity of this priest, who is so available to help us and especially my aunt, has made a difficult and trying situation so much easier and comforting. That is why faith is so important for human beings. It's there when you need it, it strengthens you and gives you courage and the ability to persevere. Faith helps you deal with the difficulties and trials in life.

NJA

Rosary Bead Fashion Trend

2010-08-17T21:24:00.005-04:00

An online article I read at stylelist.com titled, "Rosary Bead Fashion Trend-Australian Catholics Outraged," by Erin Donnelly states that some Church leaders in Australia are upset because Australian teenagers are wearing rosary beads as a fashion accessory. One fashion boutique in Sydney offers the "cross-adorned prayer beads" in three styles. Madge Fahy, the Catholic Women's League Australian President complained that, "They don't have the right to abuse our religious objects. Rosary Beads are used solely for prayer. Don't wear them unless you're prepared to use them for what they're made for. They're not a fashion item."

On the other hand, a spokeswoman for the Archdiocese of Sydney told a local newspaper that perhaps the wearing of rosary beads could start a spiritual awakening in local youth. She said, "The trend 'trivialized' the faith but could actually spur a 'spiritual awakening' in the wearer." I agree with that. Perhaps the Archdiocese should suggest that Catholic teens who wear rosary beads, say at least one "Hail Mary" each day (as a start) to show respect for the Blessed Mother and to acknowledge the sacramental they're wearing is meant for prayer. Of course, rosary beads should be used for prayer and not just for a fashion accessory. Also, the Archdiocese could ask the teens to bring their rosary beads to Mass and have a ritual blessing of the Rosary beads. Teenagers would like that very much, I would imagine. That would be a good way to evangelize the youth and it could be a teachable moment. Some catechesis on the Rosary, during a homily at Mass would be helpful as well.

A young girl, a resident of Sydney told the newspaper that she bought the rosary "because I liked the color and the length of the necklace and crosses are such a beautiful and peaceful symbol." (Crosses are showing up everywhere in fashion. I recently saw a photograph online of a famous movie star, wearing a black clutch bag with a huge gold crucifix on it. It was a designer bag and probably very expensive.)

The Rosary is a powerful prayer, as many saints have said. I try to say a Rosary everyday and the "fruit" of saying the Rosary is very evident to me.

The Church in Sydney and elsewhere should try to use this "latest religious fashion trend" as a way to reach out to young people and draw them in. Young people are searching for meaning and purpose and Christianity holds many of the answers they are looking for. But it has to have appeal in the modern world, that's the reality of it.

NJA

To Pray Or Not To Pray?

2010-08-13T11:32:00.005-04:00

I'm going to weigh in on the blogger commentaries and media interest concerning Christopher Hitchens. Mr. Hitchens is an outspoken atheist and author, who is dying of esophageal cancer. His prognosis is not good and that's according to information he gave during an interview with a national correspondent for The Atlantic, Jeffrey Goldberg. In the video I watched, Mr. Hitchens says, "I'm dying." He is "battling cancer," and I know too well the devastation that disease causes having lost my mother and my young brother to cancer. I am sorry for Mr. Hitchens, for his pain and suffering. Everytime I hear of someone dying of cancer, I think to myself, "How come we don't have a cure yet?" Billions of dollars in research and no brilliant scientist has found the cure yet?........That's frustrating. But that's another story for another day.

Mr. Goldberg questioned Mr. Hitchens on mortality, having cancer and his religious beliefs. Mr. Goldberg asked this interesting question, "Do you find it insulting for people to pray for you?" His answer was that he doesn't find it insulting, as long as people truly wish him well and are praying for his recovery and not for him to be saved. Very interesting.

Mr. Hitchens looked concerned on the video clip and stressed out. And who wouldn't be in his situation. But it puzzles me, why he wouldn't opt for hoping, for belief in God, why he wouldn't open himself to the possibility of God's love and mercy? Belief in God gives hope to human beings especially in horrific situations such as the one Mr. Hitchens finds himself in. Prayer also helps in this situation. Prayer can bring about a change of heart, or a change in attitude. Sometimes miraculous things happen when people pray. There is always some positive change with prayer, and if you pay close attention to how prayer effects people and situations, you can become aware of that fact.

Mr. Hitchens believes that religion is man-made. Certain rules and laws are man-made, that is true. But religion is based on the fact that God does exist and God's existence has been revelaed to us over and over again, especially through God's word. Believers are responding to God's love and self-revelation and that's why we believe. We are just opening ourselves to the mystery of God and responding through prayer, worship and belief. We should also be responding with deep love, as the saints suggest.

I wish Mr. Hitchens would read the Bible, the Hebrew Scriptures, especially the Psalms and the New Testament, for I think it would make him feel better and give him hope. It doesn't cost anything and there is much to gain. He doesn't have to believe in God,(though I wish he would, for his own sake), but at least reading the inspired word of God would help him to feel better. Just a suggestion......check out the video clip--

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/08/10/christopher-hitchens-im-d_n_676681.html

NJA

This Is The Truth!

2010-08-09T21:35:00.004-04:00

Today is the feast day of St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein) and I couldn't let this feast day go by without writing something. I have always been fascinated with Edith's life story and who wouldn't be. She searched her whole life for truth, she became a great philosopher and teacher, so finding truth and the meaning of life, were especially important to her. She had the intelligence to grasp philosophical ideas and concepts that most of us would find challenging. Her searching brought her to Catholicism, to the "arms of Jesus" and to the Carmelite Order. She would eventually become a Carmelite nun and suffer a martyr's death in a gas chamber in Auschwitz, with her sister Rosa, in 1942. Edith Stein was highly intellectual and her intelligence and ability to reason, brought her to Christ, the greatest of truths.

Edith Stein was born in Breslau in 1891, the youngest of 11, as her family were celebrating Yom Kippur, the Feast of Atonement. She had a Jewish upbringing, yet she would lose her faith as a teenager. She was an excellent student throughout her life. As an adult, she would study with the greatest German philosophers of her time, no small accomplishment for a women.

At the University of Gottingen, she became the teaching assistant and pupil of Edmund Husserl, a well-known and respected philosopher. She met another philosopher while there, named Max Scheler, who introduced her to Catholicism. According to the Vatican website, "During this period she went to Frankfurt Cathedral and saw a woman with a shopping basket going in to kneel for a brief prayer. She wrote, ' This was something totally new to me. In the synagogues and Protestant Churches I had visited, people simply went to the services. Here, however, I saw someone coming straight from the busy marketplace into this empty church, as if she was going to have an intimate conversation. It was something I never forgot.' "

One evening she stayed at a friends' house and she picked up a copy of St. Teresa of Avila's autobiography, that was in their library. She couldn't put it down and read it throughout the night. In the morning, she declared to her friends, "This is the truth." Finding that truth would lead her to conversion. Edith Stein had found Jesus, ultimate truth. Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life." Once finding Jesus, there was no turning back for Edith, she devoted her life to serving Him. It is an inspiring story.

When I get to Heaven, Edith Stein is one of the many saints, I'd like to have a conversation with. (I hope that's one of the perks of being in Heaven!) What a great woman saint! In my opinion, she should be the 4th women to receive the title Doctor of the Church. (There are only 3 women so far, to be given the title, Doctor of the Church). She wrote over 17 volumes. She was a genius and out of all the philosophies, ways of life, and ideals she could have embraced, she chose Jesus. It is what it is and it's remarkable.

NJA

My longing for truth was a single prayer. (E.S.)

One cannot desire freedom from the Cross, when one is especially chosen for the Cross. (Edith Stein)

The Giving Pledge Project

2010-08-05T18:56:00.003-04:00

What great news! I've prayed for this to happen for many years (that the rich would share their enormous wealth with the less fortunate). So when I read the following article on Daily Finance I was overjoyed! The article titled, "Hearts of Gold: Forty Billionaires Pledge to Give Bulk of Wealth to Charity" by Carrie Coolidge describes how Warren Buffet, CEO of Berkshire Hathaway and his friends and co-founders of this project, Bill and Melinda Gates, started a charitable project called, "The Giving Pledge." This amazing, long-term charitable project targets billionaires to pledge to donate the bulk of their wealth to philanthropic causes. Already 40 of America's wealthiest families and individuals have signed on and agreed to "give a majority of their money to charitable organizations, either during their lifetime or after their death." New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg has already signed on to the project.

A few months ago I saw a TV special which highlighted the friendship and vision of both Warren Buffet and Bill Gates. They spoke about their friendship and how they wanted to use their money and resources to help the less fortunate and bring positive change to the world. I was so impressed with their vision and their desire to use their money for good causes, such as to eliminate starvation and find the cure for diseases.

Apparently, they brainstormed and came up with this idea to convince wealthy people (who have more money than they could ever possibly spend in a lifetime) to give away at least half of their wealth. It's a brilliant idea. It can make a real difference for the future of humankind. Perhaps diseases will be cured, hunger will lessen or be eliminated in third world countries, perhaps the people of Haiti (and other poor countries) will one day live in real houses (instead of tents) and have an opportunity for a better life. There is no telling how much good and positive change can occur from this noble project.

It gives me hope for a better tomorrow for humankind. To view the list of names of those who have contributed to this cause, go to: http://givingpledge.org/

Hopefully their good example and witness will encourage others to do the same.

NJA