PathToHoliness

The mid-Missouri Cooperators of Opus Dei got together yesterday for our monthly Circle meeting. It’s a time to listen to some spiritual reading, a meditation on our faith, conduct an examination of conscience and have time for fellowship.

The presenter for us was Nate Tyson, who is a super-numerary of Opus Dei. To learn what that means and a little more about Opus Dei I interviewed Nate after our meeting. Nate talks about the structure of what we call “The Work,” how people get involved to support the apostalate and how he learned about it personally.

You can listen to my interview with Nate here: Nate Tyson Interview (9 min MP3)

It looks like Cardinal Sean O’Malley is joining the blogging ranks. At least he’s going to blog his trip to Rome and depending on how that goes he might make it an on-going project. Let him know what you think! Here’s what the site says:

Cardinal Seán returns to Rome, as a newly elevated Cardinal, to celebrate the noted Padre Pio Mass, attend to Archdiocesan business and to formally accept Boston’s Titular Church, Santa Maria della Vittoria…

“I want to share with you, Catholics of Boston, my experiences as I return to Rome as a Cardinal and more importantly, I want to share with you a sense of what it is that Boston’s Archbishop does on business in Rome representing the people of the Archdiocese.”
– Cardinal Seán

I talked with Justin at the Wespine Study Center in St. Louis today and found out that they’ve got a website now!

You can find Wespine online. That rhymes.

Wespine Study Center sponsors educational programs emphasizing character development, leadership and service for men of all ages. Its activities reach primarily to the metropolitan St. Louis area but also extend to nearby cities including St. Charles, Columbia, Jefferson City, Kansas City, Omaha (NE), Springfield (IL), and Memphis and Nashville (TN).

There’s certainly a lot of erroneous information floating around the media over a statement that Pope Benedict made recently. I think the main confusion is not only over what he said that has irritated the militant Islamic folks who I don’t think speak for their people but more over what he said in terms of an apology. The Pope didn’t apologize for what he said and there’s no need for him too. The media and these hate mongerers have taken things very out of context for their own personal reasons/gain.

Here’s what the Pope did say prior to the Angelus in Rome on Sunday:

“At this time, I wish also to add that I am deeply sorry for the reactions in some countries to a few passages of my address at the University of Regensburg, which were considered offensive to the sensibility of Muslims. These in fact were a quotation from a medieval text, which do not in any way express my personal thought.

“Yesterday, the Cardinal Secretary of State published a statement in this regard in which he explained the true meaning of my words. I hope that this serves to appease hearts and to clarify the true meaning of my address, which in its totality was and is an invitation to frank and sincere dialogue, with great mutual respect.”

I don’t think he can be any more clear.

When I was in Chicago recently I attended Mass at St. Joan of Arc church in Lisle.

It looks like a brand new church and although I kind of like a more traditional backdrop to the altar they had this stained glass window.

The picture doesn’t do it justice. It is beautiful and something that makes spending time meditating near the Blessed Sacrament more enjoyable.

I think this is a very cool picture. It’s my family all showing their Miraculous Medal rings.

My wife, 3 daughters and myself all have the same rings to show our devotion to Mary, the Mother of God.

I’m proud of all of them for being open and public in their faith.

I got to my Knights of Columbus council meeting too late to get inside since they had already started our First Degree exemplification so it gave me a chance to spend a few quiet moments in our Mary grotto.

This is behind the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Jefferson City, MO and down the hill. It was late afternoon and absolutely beautiful out. I can’t think of a more peaceful way to spend some quiet time than with our Lady!