Comments for Busted Halo

Comment on M.E. and Me by Anni of Finland

Anni of Finland — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:54:15 +0000

I also felt the pain of M.E and the failing marriage of my parents during my early teens. Luckily, despite the effort, it ended up in divorce.

My dad found his current spouse in M.E. so it wasn’t a total waste of time after all, at least someone got laid!

Comment on What Works: The Gratitude List by MBW

MBW — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:05:27 +0000

Several of us accepted a FaceBook challenge to post one thing a day for which we are grateful from Nov 1 until Thnaksgiving. I’m enjoying the challenge but emjoying more reading what others post. Shouldn’t we do this daily and not just at Thanksgiving?

Comment on M.E. and Me by Eileen Marr

Eileen Marr — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:20:08 +0000

Stumbled on to your site and account of your parents encounter. I read it because my daughters experienced a lot of this stuff when growing up. To read it from your point of view has helped me to understand that they were right all along. My unrealistic expectations of them to join in all the lovey attitudes mustve confused them because they had already experienced love within our family. So what was mum going away to all these retreats. It was the Beginning Experience I went to after my marriage broke up for the second time.I tried to join in all the activities, entertaining others life experinces, wheeping and whailing to Bridge Over Troubled Water. Oh yes I did it all. Till the last evening, when viewing how more than cudly some of the priests and team were! my experience fell appart and I thought what have I got myself involved in now. Catholic Woodstock! What a perfect description I can’t stop laughing. Thanks so much for bringing us back to reality. God Bless

Comment on Coming down from High Holidays by Annie Reuter

Annie Reuter — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:57:32 +0000

Great post Monica! I especially love these lines: “Religion is not something which should force our words, but should force us to find our own words. I believe that praying on one’s own terms is a way to bring us closer to ourselves, and ultimately to G-d.”

I’ve always had a hard time grasping the “rules” of religion. I think we all can go about prayer and our path to religion in different ways…it’s not all set in stone. Can’t wait to read your future columns :-)

Comment on What is the church teaching regarding body piercing and tattoos? by Adeodatus

Adeodatus — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:40:35 +0000

I’m rather surprised that you didn’t mention religious tattoos at all. On my wrists, below the bottom of my palms, I have two tattoos: both religious and both gifts from my Mom. On the left is the Sacred Heart being held by hands (a variation of the claddagh) and on my right is the mantra known as the “Sacred Heart” mantra. My tat on my left was blessed by a Catholic priest and is used by me regularly in prayer, as one would use an icon.
My tats remind me that I’m “marked as a slave of Christ” and help me to remember my path. That’s why I got them. It had nothing to do with being cool, or flirting. And I’m sure other people get religious tats for the same reasons. Just thought this should be mentioned.

Blessings in the King of kings!

Comment on What Works: The Gratitude List by Mary Ann Farley

Mary Ann Farley — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:46:49 +0000

Surely, no one can argue with these thoughts. We all understand the power of positive thinking, the power of affirmations, the law of attraction, etc.

But I fear sometimes that forcing gratitude when we’re not feeling it can have the dangerous effect of making people feel guilty, which only adds to their pain. Plus, sometimes in a person’s life, the glass is truly nearly, if not entirely, empty, and it can be healthier to just accept the fact that life can often be grossly unfair.

I suppose for the negative person, this column is great advice. But for the positive person who’s lost profoundly, a gratitude list feels like a cruel exercise. Really really bad things happen to good people all the time, and trust me, a gratitude list only heightens the pain of what has gone terribly awry.

Well written essay, of course, and all good points, but I wish life could be this easy.

Comment on Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters by Kurt Crandell

Kurt Crandell — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:34:23 +0000

I just had to read your blog. The title was the way I entered the Catholic church 2 1/2 years ago. At least that’s the way my priest put it. I’m a 47 year old man that didn’t think the catholic church was, Real….too many saints and statues and prayers from a book..just not realy real. Until I understood it from someones elses point of view. I’ve been a Christian since I was 10. Not always the best Christian but I just never fit into any baptist ,methodist or what ever chuch I was attending. No one was more surprizes than me to fine that the Catholic Church was what I was looking for. Great job the the honesty, from one “Kicking and screamer” to another Keep up the good fight. Kurt

Comment on Coming down from High Holidays by Bill

Bill — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 23:19:43 +0000

I have always found the form of prayer found in synagogues to be stultifying to the spirit and one’s relationship to God. It leaves little room for the individual differences and spontaneity. Rather I find God when I meditate, when I engage in acts of tzedakah (giving to make right the world), and sometimes just when I spontaneously start talking with God. Like Jacob of the Bible, I see being Jewish as an eternal act of God-wrestling. We each have to find or create our own ways to wrestle with God and with our purpose on this earth. But, it’s also nice to have company on this ever-evolving journey – those with whom we can wrestle together – if only for a brief time. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and stimulating mine.

Comment on Coming down from High Holidays by Monica

Monica — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:05:43 +0000

Wow – thanks Martha for that comment. It’s amazing to hear someone so opened about finding G-d, and makes me feel more comfortable in exploring who I am outside of “who I am.” I hope you continue reading Rendezvous with G-d.

Comment on What Works: The Gratitude List by Nancy Hall

Nancy Hall — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:52:13 +0000

Thanks Phil, this is lovely.

Comment on Coming down from High Holidays by Martha

Martha — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:24:08 +0000

Great post! I think religion is a personal truth. I don’t believe that one needs religion to find God but I do think that religion helps to nurture that relationship. I also dont think that God can only be found in someone’s specific religion and that by looking in other places, like Bhuddism, we are less of who we are in that religion. I wish more people were open to different ideas about God. I love what you said, and I agree that we all are on a specific journey with our own door….

Comment on What is happening in Medjugorje? by cathyf

cathyf — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:04:42 +0000

What leaves me most convinced that the events at Medjugorje are not true apparitions of Mary is the content of the “revelations.” Medjugorje is right there in Bosnia, right next to a vicious war, with horrific atrocities going on at the same time as the “revelations.” And apparently the Blessed Mother didn’t have anything to say about these atrocities.

In fact, the Blessed Mother of Medjugorje doesn’t have anything to say beyond a collection of sweet, vague, dippy teenager pieties. Since I refuse to believe that the real mother of Jesus is a dopey airhead, I must conclude that she’s not appearing at Medjugorje and not saying those dopey airhead things.

Comment on Corny and Profound by Waldhof

Waldhof — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 02:32:15 +0000

I had a lot of the same feelings about Sound of Music when I was little, which was late 60’s and into the 70’s. After visiting Europe and Salzburg in particular, I began enjoying it simply because I liked seeing places I’d been.

My wife loved the movie, too. So, when she went to Europe with me one year, we went to Salzburg and (not without my objection) took the “Sound of Music” bus tour. To make a long story short, the tour pretty much spoiled the movie for her, and the tour itself was every bit the rip-off I anticipated.

Still, we still periodically kick the tape in and watch with the kids (who love it). In spite of its almost surreal historical absurdities and distortions of the real von Trapps, the movie has proven educational. Not only was viewing the movie an opportunity to teach the kids about Germany and Austria, but they now have an awareness of the nature of National Socialism and extremism.

Comment on Busted Borders: Walter (Argentina)-Video 4 by Marco Ambrosio

Marco Ambrosio — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:48:36 +0000

Walter,

Sos un fenómeno con la pelota! I am very familiar with your story. My mother married a US citizen when they were getting ready to deport her back to Argentina. At times people don’t realize the difficulty in navigating the legal system when you are undocumented. It is a catch 22. You fear speaking out against lawyers who swindle you.

I share your view on the ACL. My grandparents, mother and I have always lived together. When I blew my knee playing soccer with friends in college my grandfather nearly came to tears.

I wish you the best brother. Stay positive and kept reaching out. I hope your story reaches a good lawyer or congressman in florida. I look forward to learning more about you.

Marco
globalsocialjustice.net

Comment on Captain Lou Albano, “Nice Italian Boy” by Catherine

Catherine — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:31:11 +0000

Thank you very much, everyone.

Comment on Viewing America Through Michael Jackson by Mirlande Jeanlouis

Mirlande Jeanlouis — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 20:29:49 +0000

Hi Carolyn,

I haven’t seen the movie yet. I’m almost scared of the finality of it. = (

And you have some lucky 7th graders. = )

Mirlande

Comment on Dante’s Trivia Inferno by chuck

chuck — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 14:10:09 +0000

What do these questions have to do with being saintly? I do not worship budda or place any gods before the Lord Yahway and his only son Jesus, who is the way, the truth and the light. Your, so called, quiz is bogus and has no bearing on where I’ll spend eternity, but it says a lot about you. Very disappointing…

Comment on Corny and Profound by Max Lindenman

Max Lindenman — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 07:27:49 +0000

There’s no shame in loving Catholic schmalz cinema. Song of Music has never really been my cup of tea (or my glass of schnapps), but I rarely let a month go by without re-watching Song of Bernadette, or Boys’ Town, or the genre’s own crown jewel, Angels with Dirty Faces. Two hours with Cagney and the Dead End Kids will have me addressing my own parish priests as “Faddah” for at least a week.

Comment on #219 Why are some priests skipping the sign of Peace at Mass? by Mike

Mike — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 19:06:14 +0000

I’m greatly distressed by those who hold up EF as in some way superior to the OF. There is noting distracting about the Pax if it’s understood correctly.

Comment on Defining the Hook-Up Culture by Christine

Christine — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 18:20:01 +0000

Thanks, Catholic, for your great comments–and you are absolutely right! Alcohol is a HUGE part of the hook-up culture. Great point.

Comment on Corny and Profound by Karen

Karen — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 18:08:28 +0000

Hi Ginny,

I absolutely loved your article! It brings back so many wonderful memories for me as well. I really identified with your article and appreciate the opportunity to have read it. I fondly remember all the productions that you and Amy put on and have special memories of the productions that I was able to participate in while at your house!

Thank you very much for taking me down memory lane and allowing me to be a part of a special memory for you. I will have to invest in the movie/soundtrack for my own kids as I know my daugther would absolutely love it. Thank you for making my morning happier after reading your article and pondering what my children’s lives will be like with the Sound of Music in their lives!

Miss you much and thank you!

Will you please add me to your email list as my mom often sends your articles to me? :-)

Comment on #219 Why are some priests skipping the sign of Peace at Mass? by Aaron

Aaron — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 22:50:52 +0000

I’m reminded why I love the Traditional Latin Mass. No distracting hand shaking right before Holy Communion, and no priests making up their own rules.

Comment on Do you have to be a certain race in order to convert to Catholicism? by Steve

Steve — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 19:15:52 +0000

There have been three African popes.

* Pope Victor I (189 to 199)
* Pope Miltiades (310/311 to 314)
* Pope Gelasius I (492 to 496)

Comment on Corny and Profound by Shea

Shea — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:43:52 +0000

I’ve always loved the Sound of Music as well. It was the first movie I ever saw in the movie theater! And at night! How exciting! ;-)

My sister actually *did* scratch my Mom & Dad’s SOM record. It was time to flip it over, but the phone rang. My sister did the honors. I can still hear it in my head: “High on a hill was a lonely goat … High on a hill was a lonely goat … High on a hill was a lonely goat … High on a hill was a lonely goat … ”

Probably one of the most poignant SOM moments I had was when I had my 3 year old niece in the car with me, and I had the soundtrack on. She wanted me to tell her the story. I almost cried when she asked, “What’s war?” I wish I could have kept her in that innocent bliss forever.

Comment on Corny and Profound by Rosemary Azzaro

Rosemary Azzaro — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:37:46 +0000

Dating myself here, but have to share that SOM was the First Broadway show for me, Nancy Dussault was in the lead (around 1962ish) and her nephew ended up being the boy sitting next to me with whom I shared my candy at intermission. I was shocked to get to meet “Maria” after the show. The original Broadway cast album was also another first: the first album in my vinyl collection– when I got my first record player.

I still love this movie, all the music and the story.

Reading Marissa’s post, I am reminded that “Climb Every Mountain” is one of my mother’s all-time favorites.

Thanks for this nice memory today! And a great idea for corny Christmas gifts.

Comment on Corny and Profound by Lauren Connelly

Lauren Connelly — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:20:41 +0000

Hi Ginny,
I, too, remember watching TSM every year on television. We didnt have a VCR, so we waited for the network broadcast during the holudays. Imagine my shock upon learning that my soon-to-be husband was completely unaware of the films’ existence! I learned of it in the following way: one year on a lengthy drive to Vermont, I decided to pass the time by singing songs. This was a solo a cappella performance, as my husband doesn’t really sing. It is a testament to his patience (or his profound ability to tune me out,) that he allowed my to gradually work my way through literally every song I know, including several songs from The Sound of Music.

A day or two after our arrival at the ski lodge in Vermont, it began to rain. Relentlessly. It rained away all the snow we were supposed to be skiing on. New Englanders will ski in weather considered completely impossible for folks out West, but we still require snow. So we stayed in the lodge with books and movies and cocoa. The Sound of Music was on. Mitch asked me, with shock, how I had known all those songs. He’d never seen the film.

Now, Mitch’s family is comprised of fairly-recently-arrived European Jews, so it’s possible a movie with Nazis in it just wasn’t a matter of light entertainment for them, although surely they’d've enjoyed seeing them outsmarted. But more likely it just wasn’t part of the cultural landscape in Mitch’s house. But it is now!

Comment on Corny and Profound by Mike Hayes

Mike Hayes — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 06:14:56 +0000

I love the movie too for some strange reason. But when you think you’re taking it too seriously go see “Sing Along Sound of Music” which combines the movie with a Rocky Horror Picture Show-like participation flair.

Comment on Corny and Profound by Marissa L

Marissa L — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 05:21:44 +0000

I, too, love The Sound of Music. A friend, who loves musicals, told me I should watch something less “cloying,” and while I agree it is cloying, it’s still near and dear to me. The score is gorgeous, and the scenery is beautiful.

One of my cousins used the wedding march from the movie as the processional for her wedding, so perhaps there’s some aspect of the princess idea with Maria, and waiting for the right man to make everything okay.

When it comes down to it, though, I prefer not to inspect it too closely. It’s a nice story with a good score and it’s set in a beautiful city.

Comment on For I Was Ill and You Cared For Me by Steve

Steve — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 17:44:00 +0000

Roger’s comments are those of the fearful. Did you even read the article, Rog? Some folks, like Roger, only like what is familiar to them. That is fine but some of us like to think outside the box. And outside the talking points.

First off, where did this “80% of Americans are happy with their health insurance” statistic come from? As of right now, 12 Nov 2009, nearly 55% of American support a public option. And that’s the key word, Rog, “Option.” You mention medicare, medicate [sic], social security as the basis for “socialism does not work” but forget to mention the police and fire depts, public schools, post office, and the MILITARY. All are socialist in nature and all are imperative to daily our daily lives.

You say that this reform will “destroy our republic” but fail to indicate how this will happen. This reform is NOT socialism. If anything, it is the free market at its best. Today, you cannot look outside your state for a different health care company; That’s a monopoly and that’s unAmerican. Today, Roger, you could get a call and lose that health care coverage you say is so perfect.

Just because you are refuse to listen to facts, doesn’t change the fact that they are facts. You say “Look at countries that have tried this socialist utopia” and that is a talking point pointing to nowhere. This reform gives us all CHOICE and will bring ALL of our costs down and make it ILLEGAL for insurance companies to drop you for no reason.

Folks, this isn’t about left or right, this is about no longer being picked up by our ankles and shaken for every penny by health care companies.

I hate to say it Roger but, you either are a GOP leader, a health insurance conglomerate CEO or a Right-winger with nothing but Michele Bachmann, Sarah Palin and John Boehner in your ear. Wake up, they work for the health care industry not for you.

Comment on Halftime by gus

gus — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:02:47 +0000

Tom, Sounds like you’d be a good recruiter for the priesthood in generalIn the hussle and bussel of your ministry don’t forget to stop and smell the flowers (spiritual reading and quiet times with the Lord)