I receive AmericanCatholic.org "Saint of the Day" emails in my inbox every morning. They're awesome resources for inspiration on my daily walk with God. This morning's Saint specifically spoke to me because he's such an appropriate Saint for a layperson, especially during Lent.
St. Casimir was a Polish royal and filled many political positions during his short life. Even as a young man, he showed signs of being a very pious individual, sleeping on the ground and spending most of his nights in prayer. As a teenager he swore himself to celibacy, which I deeply respect. And even when he was being pressured to marry the Emperor's daughter, he declined and remained celibate. He died at only 23, leading a life of denial (especially romantically/sexually).
I'm always inspired when I read about a Saint who wasn't a priest, monk or nun. Of course those inspire me as well, but there's something about a layman who, with all the distractions in life, chooses to follow God in all that he does. Inspiring.
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
St. Patrick's Day This Year
This year Saint Patrick's Day falls during Holy Week, so it's been moved by the Church to the 15th (Saturday). I never, ever thought that this would cause such a stir for the general population! It's seriously blowing my mind. Let's take a look at this...1. Who's Holiday? Saint Patrick's Day is a Catholic Feast Day - therefore, the Church has the authority and right to move it. I can't believe so many non-Catholics are actually upset over the move? It's not like someone is moving Christmas! The Catholic Church is moving a Catholic holiday... can someone please explain this to me? Regardless if the holiday has become wide-spread, it's still a Catholic holiday, so why complain?
2. Beneficial Move. If nothing else, the Church has done the general public a favor by moving a beloved holiday from a Monday to a Saturday! Now people can celebrate it as much as they want for as long as they want and not wake up at 6 AM to go to work the next day. Why complain about that? If only all the fun holidays were moved to a weekend, ha ha!
Okay, I'm done. God Bless!
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Discerning Sainthood Store Closed
Hi Everyone,
Jennifer and I would like to thank you all for your support of Discerning Sainthood over the past year and change through buying Catholic merchandise at the DS Online Store. Unfortunately, the store is no longer paying for itself and Discerning Sainthood's hosting and domain name expenses are now coming out of pocket. Because of this, the store is now closed.
While you can no longer help support our blogging vocation by buying from our store, you can still give donations through paypal (send donations to discerningsainthood@gmail.com).
Thank you,
Bryan & Jennifer
Jennifer and I would like to thank you all for your support of Discerning Sainthood over the past year and change through buying Catholic merchandise at the DS Online Store. Unfortunately, the store is no longer paying for itself and Discerning Sainthood's hosting and domain name expenses are now coming out of pocket. Because of this, the store is now closed.
While you can no longer help support our blogging vocation by buying from our store, you can still give donations through paypal (send donations to discerningsainthood@gmail.com).
Thank you,
Bryan & Jennifer
Catholic Facts: Popes!
Did You Know...
I thought this was interesting, though I was already aware that a Pope elected from anywhere other than Italy is a rare thing. Both of the last two Popes were non-Italians, including the single Pole elected (JP2).
This isn't exactly accurate, but fun none of the less. Pope Pius IX was only Pope for 31 years and change. Also, Pope Steven II is widely disputed, to the point that I can't seem to dig up any consistent information on him. Large sites like wikipedia don't list him as a pope for only one day, and Catholic Encyclopedia has the following information... (of which I'm considering the truth because of the credit of the source.
Well, hope you enjoyed some fun pope facts! I find that learning about the history of the Church gives us a glimpse into the ancient beauty that is Christ's Church on Earth. If you have any more cool facts, please post them as comments!
Of the 265 popes (263 to be exact because Pope Benedict IX, during the dreadful medieval fights between popes and anti-popes, was elected three times) 205 were Italians, (of whom 106 were Romans), and 57 foreigners; comprised of 19 Frenchmen, 14 Greeks, 8 Syrians, 6 Germans, 3 Africans, 2 Spaniards, 1 Austrian, 1 Palestinian, 1 Englishman, 1 Dutchman, and 1 Pole. (source: popechart.com)
I thought this was interesting, though I was already aware that a Pope elected from anywhere other than Italy is a rare thing. Both of the last two Popes were non-Italians, including the single Pole elected (JP2).
The longest was Pius IX (1846/1878 AD) 32 years
The shortest was Stephen II (752 AD) one day (source: popechart.com)
This isn't exactly accurate, but fun none of the less. Pope Pius IX was only Pope for 31 years and change. Also, Pope Steven II is widely disputed, to the point that I can't seem to dig up any consistent information on him. Large sites like wikipedia don't list him as a pope for only one day, and Catholic Encyclopedia has the following information... (of which I'm considering the truth because of the credit of the source.
On the death of Zachary, a certain priest Stephen was unanimously elected to succeed him (about 23 March, 752); but on the third day after his election, whilst transacting some domestic affairs, he was struck with apoplexy, and expired on the next day. As he died before his consecration, earlier writers do not appear to have included him in the list of the popes; but, in accordance with the long standing practice of the Roman Church, he is now generally counted among them. This divergent practice has introduced confusion into the way of counting the Popes Stephen.
Well, hope you enjoyed some fun pope facts! I find that learning about the history of the Church gives us a glimpse into the ancient beauty that is Christ's Church on Earth. If you have any more cool facts, please post them as comments!
Monday, February 11, 2008
The Big Decision: Voting Tomorrow
Tomorrow is the day when Virginians (and citizens of several other states) get to vote for who they want to run for President. I've been fairly torn on this issue as of late, but I think it's starting to make sense to me now. For weeks now I have been liking John McCain more and more because my brain (and the media) tells me that he will end up being the GOP candidate and that he's capable of winning over either one of the democrat candidates. At the same time, is he the candidate for me? I'm not so sure about that. I've looked at his website where he vaguely seems to outline his "pro-life" stance. He seems honest and passionate enough about it, but from what I've heard elsewhere, he also showed support for embryonic stem cell research... something that's definitely not "pro-life."
Then I look at Huckabee. This guy, who I've liked since the beginning, I thought for the longest time wouldn't stand a chance. Now all of a sudden he's number two in a race that seems to be getting closer and closer. Does he have a chance? He might. It turns out there are over 1100 delegates still in play for the GOP vote. A candidate needs 1191 delegates to win the nomination. If he doesn't have 1191, there is a debate on floor during the Republican National Convention to decide the party winner. Either way, his stances are strong, conservative, Christian and Pro-Life. And his fight reminds me of another epic story told again and again, that of Christ's.
I'm not saying Mike Huckabee is a holy man, that I don't know. I'm not in anyway comparing his compassion or motivation with Christ's, though it seems that he has compassion for Christ and motivation through Him, which is a great thing. I am, however, comparing the age-old story of the "underdog," the "down and out," the "no chance, go home" heroes in history, one of which was Our Lord, Jesus. People didn't want Christ to say he was the Son of God, that scared people... they called him crazy and left him. He was certainly counted out, even by Pilot, before his Glory was claimed after death. Like Christ, Mike Huckabee has been counted out. He was counted out by everyone who thought he was "too Christian" to run for President (including myself, who while liking him thought he didn't stand a chance). Turns out that the country isn't so anti-Christian values after all, is it?
Huckabee has been scoffed at, he's been laughed at and discounted. And now, while media favorites like Edwards and Romney are sitting this one out, Huckabee is up there with conviction and unwavering insistence that he his not only good for the Nation, but that his personal faith is his life and cannot be separated. Pat that man on the back, because he's been going through public crucifixion only to prove so many wrong already... what else will he do? He might do nothing. He might lose the candidacy and go home to Arkansas. He might also show the American faithful that they aren't alone... he might become Vice President, he might run again in a few years, hey... why not, we're dreaming here right? He might become President!
The idea of voting for Mike Huckabee for me is like making a good, moral decision. And while we (as voters) shouldn't be voting based on values necessarily, we SHOULD be voting based on social issue stances. This is where Mike Huckabee shines for Christians everywhere. The idea of voting for someone who has no chance is a harsh one, but Huckabee actually does have a chance and even if he didn't, this year I'm going to stand with my views on social issues like marriage and life and vote for who I believe will do the most to change this country for the better, not vote for who I think will win and who I can "live with."
For those of you voting tomorrow, clear your minds tonight and prayerfully decide who you will vote for.
Then I look at Huckabee. This guy, who I've liked since the beginning, I thought for the longest time wouldn't stand a chance. Now all of a sudden he's number two in a race that seems to be getting closer and closer. Does he have a chance? He might. It turns out there are over 1100 delegates still in play for the GOP vote. A candidate needs 1191 delegates to win the nomination. If he doesn't have 1191, there is a debate on floor during the Republican National Convention to decide the party winner. Either way, his stances are strong, conservative, Christian and Pro-Life. And his fight reminds me of another epic story told again and again, that of Christ's.
I'm not saying Mike Huckabee is a holy man, that I don't know. I'm not in anyway comparing his compassion or motivation with Christ's, though it seems that he has compassion for Christ and motivation through Him, which is a great thing. I am, however, comparing the age-old story of the "underdog," the "down and out," the "no chance, go home" heroes in history, one of which was Our Lord, Jesus. People didn't want Christ to say he was the Son of God, that scared people... they called him crazy and left him. He was certainly counted out, even by Pilot, before his Glory was claimed after death. Like Christ, Mike Huckabee has been counted out. He was counted out by everyone who thought he was "too Christian" to run for President (including myself, who while liking him thought he didn't stand a chance). Turns out that the country isn't so anti-Christian values after all, is it?
Huckabee has been scoffed at, he's been laughed at and discounted. And now, while media favorites like Edwards and Romney are sitting this one out, Huckabee is up there with conviction and unwavering insistence that he his not only good for the Nation, but that his personal faith is his life and cannot be separated. Pat that man on the back, because he's been going through public crucifixion only to prove so many wrong already... what else will he do? He might do nothing. He might lose the candidacy and go home to Arkansas. He might also show the American faithful that they aren't alone... he might become Vice President, he might run again in a few years, hey... why not, we're dreaming here right? He might become President!
The idea of voting for Mike Huckabee for me is like making a good, moral decision. And while we (as voters) shouldn't be voting based on values necessarily, we SHOULD be voting based on social issue stances. This is where Mike Huckabee shines for Christians everywhere. The idea of voting for someone who has no chance is a harsh one, but Huckabee actually does have a chance and even if he didn't, this year I'm going to stand with my views on social issues like marriage and life and vote for who I believe will do the most to change this country for the better, not vote for who I think will win and who I can "live with."
For those of you voting tomorrow, clear your minds tonight and prayerfully decide who you will vote for.
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Lent: A View
Lent, it's a wonderful liturgical season. It's a time for repentance, observance and reflection... all things that bring us closer to God. So why then am I cringing this year? My observance of how others lived Lent last year has for whatever reason made me all but loathe it this year.
Last year I witnessed several people, and by several I don't mean two or three... I mean more like ten people living Lent as gloomy, "solemn" souls witheringly crawling their way through the season. I can't help but think that such people haven't read their Bible lately...
In these words from Christ Himself, he speaks directly to fasting (a Lenten observance), but I'd venture to say these words also speak directly to spiritual living. When we fast or when we seek reflection and repentance, Christ doesn't want us to frown for the sake of others knowing we are seeking such things. It's hypocritical of us to do so. We are supposed to smile, knowing that the Father, who gives us the ultimate reward knows of our sacrifice and our observance.
Am I suggesting that you shouldn't be solemn during Lent? No. Solemnity has it's place in all liturgical seasons, especially during Lent. The place and time is in Mass and during private reflection times (setting up a prayer corner in your house, going to a secluded park for meditation, etc.). Walking around appearing gloomy all the time is not appropriate solemnity.
Last year I witnessed a similar scenario to the following several times...
"Oh hello Jane Doe, how are you?"
"Uh... yeah, doing okay, considering it's Lent and all."
In great Socratic method, I need to respond to that with a question... "What is there to consider?" Seriously... what is there to consider about Lent that wouldn't allow you to be doing "fine" or "great" as opposed to "yeah, doing okay, considering it's Lent and all."
Lent is a beautiful season, a season of fasting for 40 days before Easter. It's a preparatory season, similar to advent, but fundamentally different because of the scriptural ambit (range) in which it takes place. During Lent we meditate on the 40 days Christ was in the desert, and therefore on the trials and tribulations we undergo as sinners. Is it a time of internal reflection and hopefully self-awareness? Absolutely, but that is an inner-struggle.
We must make sure to not wear long faces like the hypocrites do, as Christ instructs us no to. During Lent this year, I plan on concentrating largely on reflection, dedicating myself to writing for this blog more often than normal in an effort to better understand my thoughts and prayers. As for smiling and being happy? Yes, I'm going to do that as much as possible, because God made this wonderful world for us and I'm going to take him up on his offer and smile when I think of Him and his awesomeness.
Last year I witnessed several people, and by several I don't mean two or three... I mean more like ten people living Lent as gloomy, "solemn" souls witheringly crawling their way through the season. I can't help but think that such people haven't read their Bible lately...
When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites. They neglect their appearance, so that they may appear to others to be fasting. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you may not appear to be fasting, except to your Father who is hidden. And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you. (Matthew Chapter 6)
In these words from Christ Himself, he speaks directly to fasting (a Lenten observance), but I'd venture to say these words also speak directly to spiritual living. When we fast or when we seek reflection and repentance, Christ doesn't want us to frown for the sake of others knowing we are seeking such things. It's hypocritical of us to do so. We are supposed to smile, knowing that the Father, who gives us the ultimate reward knows of our sacrifice and our observance.
Am I suggesting that you shouldn't be solemn during Lent? No. Solemnity has it's place in all liturgical seasons, especially during Lent. The place and time is in Mass and during private reflection times (setting up a prayer corner in your house, going to a secluded park for meditation, etc.). Walking around appearing gloomy all the time is not appropriate solemnity.
Last year I witnessed a similar scenario to the following several times...
"Oh hello Jane Doe, how are you?"
"Uh... yeah, doing okay, considering it's Lent and all."
In great Socratic method, I need to respond to that with a question... "What is there to consider?" Seriously... what is there to consider about Lent that wouldn't allow you to be doing "fine" or "great" as opposed to "yeah, doing okay, considering it's Lent and all."
Lent is a beautiful season, a season of fasting for 40 days before Easter. It's a preparatory season, similar to advent, but fundamentally different because of the scriptural ambit (range) in which it takes place. During Lent we meditate on the 40 days Christ was in the desert, and therefore on the trials and tribulations we undergo as sinners. Is it a time of internal reflection and hopefully self-awareness? Absolutely, but that is an inner-struggle.
We must make sure to not wear long faces like the hypocrites do, as Christ instructs us no to. During Lent this year, I plan on concentrating largely on reflection, dedicating myself to writing for this blog more often than normal in an effort to better understand my thoughts and prayers. As for smiling and being happy? Yes, I'm going to do that as much as possible, because God made this wonderful world for us and I'm going to take him up on his offer and smile when I think of Him and his awesomeness.
Monday, January 21, 2008
March for Life: Part I
As many of you baby loving, rosary praying, Eucharist receiving brothers and sisters in Christ may know, tomorrow is the 2008 March for Life in Washington, D.C. It takes place on the 22 of January to memorialize the anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court ruling of Roe v. Wade.
I, like many of you, have other worldly obligations that prevent me from marching with the good, strong people who are able to make a stand against the culture of death and celebrate life through participating in this powerful display of strength from the culture of love and of life. However, we can all help by praying both for those who are present in our nation's capitol for the March for Life, and for the movement they support.
LORD Jesus Christ,
We ask that you bless your servants present at the March for Life, and the pro-life movement for which they march. May your healing, life-giving love be spread through the efforts of these servants, and all those who advocate for life from conception to natural death.
AMEN.
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