The Magic Word

A Quote for the Day

 

"Here I would add one more thing: caring, protecting, demands goodness, it calls for a certain tenderness.  In the Gospels, Saint Joseph appears as a strong and courageous man, a working man, yet in his heart we see great tenderness, which is not the virtue of the weak but rather a sign of strength of spirit and a capacity for concern, for compassion, for genuine openness to others, for love.  We must not be afraid of goodness, of tenderness!" 

 

Franciscus Papa, at his inaugural mass today, the feast of Saint Joseph

 

A Quote for the Day

"Catholicism does not propose any specific economic or political systems, but it must always criticize whatever systems insult human dignity."

Michael Sean Winters, in "Pope with a Purpose," a brief, excellent reflection on Pope Franciscus

Franciscus Off to a Good Start

 

I haven't yet seen anyone tease out the theology in the new pope's words to the crowd at St. Peter's.  Francis referred to himself five times as "bishop" and to Benedict XVI as "bishop emeritus."  He never said "pope," "supreme pontiff," "universal shepherd," or "vicar of Christ."  As bishop of Rome he addressed the people of Rome, and his mention of the cardinal vicar's assistance in "the evangelization of this most beautiful city" underscored the local perspective.

 

His new mission won't be static and predetermined but a journey, and a shared one: "And now, we take up this journey: Bishop and People."  The "we" is not the papal "we"; it's we the People of God.

 

Francis then alluded to the wider (universal) aspect of the mission: "This journey of the Church of Rome which presides in charity over all the Churches."  He was echoing what may be the earliest attribution of a special charism to the Church of Rome: it "presides in love," according to St. Ignatius of Antioch, writing in the early second century.

 

Instead of authority or orthodoxy, Francis went on to evoke "fraternity," "love," "trust among us," and above all, "pray[ing] for one another."

In Memoriam: Van Cliburn

In 1958, at the height of the Cold War, the 23-year old Texan Van Cliburn won the first International Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow.  The Russians loved him, Nikita Khrushchev gave him a bear hug, and New Yorkers honored him with a ticker-tape parade.  His signature pieces:






http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/28/arts/music/van-cliburn-pianist-dies-at-78.html?hp 

How to Become a Pope

Father James Martin, S.J., wants your vote:

http://americamagazine.org/content/all-things/why-i-should-be-pope-or-habemus-me

Ash Wednesday

The conclusion of Pope Benedict XVI's final mass in Saint Peter's Basilica.

 

What's in a Name?

Quick Laugh

The Casa Real Library

One of the first things I looked for when I got here was the library.  I found two tall bookshelves and a couple of shopping bags on the floor.  Most of the books (you'll think I'm exaggerating) were what people in the publishing trade refer to as "bodice-rippers."  On the front cover is Mr. Totally Handsome Hunk, barechested; swooning in his arms is a Scarlett O'Hara wannabe.  The word "passion" is generously sprinkled over the front and back covers.

 

These books were in mint condition, which meant nobody was reading them.  Clearly, someone well-meaning but misguided had donated a few boxes of them.

 

There were other books worth reading, by popular authors, but a lot of stuff would interest no one.  And NONE of the books were in LARGE PRINT.  As for a copy of the Bible, not a one.

 

So I've created a library wish list for anyone who'd like to contribute.  And you're welcome to send along suitable books lying about your home, since not everyone here needs large print.