A True Inspiration

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.

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!

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

Catholic Facts: Popes!

Did You Know...

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!

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.

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...

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.

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.

Help Support Discerning Sainthood!

Hi readers,

I love to write this blog alongside my beautiful fiancee, Jenny, and we will continue to write it for as long as people are reading it. In the past we've expanded the blog into a small Catholic-theme shop on cafepress.com, in efforts of bringing Catholic culture to the mainstream world in the form of t-shirts, bumper stickers, etc. And in bringing Catholic culture, one brings opportunities to discuss the Gospel.

I'm afraid now though, that the discerning sainthood store is no longer paying for itself. I'm posting this entry in an effort to give those of you who might have never visited the store a chance to go there and find something for yourself or a friend. I'm also posting this entry in hopes that sales may boost a little bit and we can keep the shop open.

Thanks for your continued support. Here's the store link...

Discerning Sainthood Store

One Prayer a Day

I hadn't really publicized that I was doing this, but after finding that some people really found it nice and even inspiring, I've decided to bring it to your attention. As a new year's resolution I decided to start a new blog where I write a prayer every day for all of 2008. So far it's good, really good. It really brings perspective to what I'm thinking about and who knows, maybe at the end of '08 I'll decide to continue it for '09.

I titled the blog "One Prayer a Day," an appropriate title I do think. I chose to host it on StBlogs in an effort to support a Catholic blogging community. You can read it and subscribe to it here...

http://oneprayer.stblogs.com

Comments and emails are appreciated. God bless you.

Pictures from a Pakistan Christmas

The following are some images Nadeem sent me from Christmas activities in Pakistan. You might remember Nadeem from an exclusive interview I did with him a little while back. To remind you, Nadeem is a persecuted Catholic and the first pakistani Oblate (OSB). He teaches Sunday school to children in his Christian community compound. Click on the images to enlarge them.




Please pray for Nadeem and his community in Pakistan. If you're interested in donating anything to his cause, please email me at discerningsainthood@gmail.com and I can see that it's sent to him. Thank you.

Advent

What is it, exactly, that we do during this season of Advent? We spend this time in joyful anticipation of the coming of our Lord, Jesus Christ. We extend our spiritual arms to reach towards Christmas, when we celebrate the day that God dwelt among us in the flesh. As Christians, we welcome His arrival and adore Him. But during this season, let us also not forget Christ's words when he said, "Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me (Mt 25:40)." Just as we love and welcome the arrival of our Messiah, we must also love and welcome the least of His brothers. Advent is a time to renew our love for Christ and our love for one another as well. During this time of joy, please do not forget the least of our brothers. Here are some ideas for charitable contributions:
-Volunteer your time to help those in need.
-Experience the joy of donating monetary support to a charity.
-Spend some extra time with an elderly or sick family member.
-Mind your manners and the feelings of others when experiencing frustration from Christmas shopping.

Allow me to leave you a prayer for an increase in charity during this Advent season:
Lord Jesus Christ, our Heavenly King,
As we enter into this season of Advent,
let us experience an increase in charity and goodwill.
Fill our hearts with a desire to treat others
in a manner befitting the name Christian.
May we treat one another with the same love
with which you treat us.
And may we find ourselves renewed for
the Christmas season during which we celebrate the day
the Word became flesh,
and you dwelt among us.
AMEN.

Sean Taylor dies

I know you're probably wondering why I'm writing about this on Discerning Sainthood, after all, Sean Taylor wasn't Catholic (that I know of). The fact is, I'm a big Redskins fan and this is definitely a day of mourning for all Redskins fans. He was one awesome football player, a joy to watch and only 24 years old. From ESPN...

"His father called and said he was with Christ and he cried and thanked me," said Sharpstein, Taylor's former lawyer. "It's a tremendously sad and unnecessary event. He was a wonderful, humble, talented young man, and had a huge life in front of him. Obviously God had other plans."

God bless his family and friends, the Skins organizations and all the players. Sean, you were a pleasure to watch and you'll be greatly, greatly missed. Please take time today to pray for his soul and his family.

Thank you.

This Little Light of Mine

". . . the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it."
John 1:5

Not only rich in meaning and beautiful in verse, but profound and dramatic in its implications for us as Christians, John 1:5 testifies to the gift of light found in Christ alone. He is salvation and He is the light of the world. We are called to be part of Christ's body, and to shine in this world as Christ does, to burst through the darkness of sin into which we were born.
Christians, let your light shine in this world!

A prayer:
Christ our Lord,
through you we received the gift of light at baptism,
and as you are the Light in the darkness, let us also be.
Through you and in you may we shine brightly,
And, following the way of Your servant, John the Baptist,
may we testify to the Light unceasingly.
AMEN.

Movie Review: Bella

Last night, Jenny and I were fortunate enough to see "Bella" for free with a sold out crowd. If you haven't heard about "Bella" it's an independant film directed by Alejandro Monteverde and starring Eduardo Verastegui. It's won several awards at film festivals all over the US and beyond and is quickly becoming a conservative Christian's favorite film of 2007. The movie is boasted to have a Catholic flavor and pro-life message.

After seeing the movie I can honestly say it's incredible. At the same time, is it a rallying cry for pro-lifers? No. The movie, while having a latino-Catholic flair, does not in any way, shape or form push any type of morality and religion on its audience. Is the story a pro-life stand? Only if every movie ever made where a single mother decides to have her baby is a pro-life stand.

Don't read my wrong here. The movie is fantastic. I was smiling ear to ear through every part where tears weren't building up in my eyes. I love this film and I love that it really does show the beauty of love for a child, the inner struggle of people, and the outcomes of the choices (and mistakes) that we make. All I'm saying is that nothing is shoved down your throat (which is a great thing!).

While this movie is no standard to march behind, it is an instant classic. The script is clean, funny and heart-warming. The acting is top notch and the music is superb. In other words, we (pro-life Christians) don't need this film to be a staunch pro-life banner. Sometimes we just need a good story to remind us why life is so precious.

I've heard of movie critics who have blasted this film for its "moral pushing," and I must say... "what film did you see?" Honestly, I was kind of hoping for a little moral pushing, but there was none to be had. I guess it goes to show that people with agendas (in this case, the critics), will say whatever it takes to bring something so beautiful down.

Go see this movie.

Happy All Saints Day!

A history lesson thanks to AmericanCatholic.org...

" The earliest certain observance of a feast in honor of all the saints is an early fourth-century commemoration of "all the martyrs." In the early seventh century, after successive waves of invaders plundered the catacombs, Pope Boniface IV gathered up some 28 wagonloads of bones and reinterred them beneath the Pantheon, a Roman temple dedicated to all the gods. The pope rededicated the shrine as a Christian church. According to Venerable Bede, the pope intended "that the memory of all the saints might in the future be honored in the place which had formerly been dedicated to the worship not of gods but of demons" (On the Calculation of Time).

But the rededication of the Pantheon, like the earlier commemoration of all the martyrs, occurred in May. Many Eastern Churches still honor all the saints in the spring, either during the Easter season or immediately after Pentecost.

How the Western Church came to celebrate this feast in November is a puzzle to historians. The Anglo-Saxon theologian Alcuin observed the feast on November 1 in 800, as did his friend Arno, Bishop of Salzburg. Rome finally adopted that date in the ninth century."

Bash Those Catholics

Recently I read an article on Catholic.org about Britney Spears' new album art. Apparently included in her new album are pictures of her mocking the sacrament of confession. She appears in fishnets posing in provocative ways next to a hunky priest. I can't help but agree with Deacon Keith Fournier (the author of the article and deacon at my parish church) when he says...

"...that the only acceptable discrimination in America these days is bigotry toward the Catholic Church."

It's horribly true it seems... like there's some sort of "Okay Seal" on media training sheets that instructs journalists to make sure they're sensitive to every interest group on the planet except for those Catholics.

I'm honestly at a loss for what to say anymore. It's getting harder and harder to write this blog when the world seems to be getting darker and darker. I guess we all have to finish the race and keep the faith. From Deacon...

"In the meantime, we can pray for Britney. We must also continue to stand up against the continued exploitation of the images of our Church by those who have no shame."

A Halloween All Saints Article for ALL Christians

A friend of mine writes for Crosswalk.com, which you might recognize as the largest Christian website on the internet. In general, it doesn't really cater to Catholics, but surprisingly enough plenty of Catholics visit the site and comment on articles, etc.

An article just posted on the site is an attempt to reclaim Halloween for the Christian feast day it really is, and the best part is that Sarah (the author) has helped bring this "reclaiming" to not only Catholics, but Protestants.

Check it out! http://www.crosswalk.com/parenting/11556966/

Authentic Men in the Church - a message

I was privileged to hear a speaker last night during a "Men's Night Out" at our parish. The speaker, Mark Houck, was kind enough to come down from Pennsylvania to speak to us about authentic masculinity and the role of the man in the Church. Mark is the co-founder of "The King's Men," an apostolate focusing on molding men into real men, Christian men. They believe we as men belong in battle, a battle for life, for our families, as leaders and as wise counselors. The King's Men is currently in a battle against the pornography industry in PA. To hear him speak on what it is to really be a man is inspiring... a lot like a rally before a big battle in an epic movie.

I invite you all to check out http://www.thekingsmen.us for more information and to listen to their podcasts.

An Interview with Nadeem: The Mission of a Persecuted Catholic in Pakistan

The following is an email interview between myself and a man I met months ago online named Nadeem. Nadeem is from Pakistan and lives in a Christian community persecuted by its Muslim neighbors. Nadeem told me that he has recently become the first pakistani oblate of Saint Benedict thanks to online correspondance with Saint Vincent Archabbey in Pennsylvania. That Archabbey is the first Bendictine Monestary in the United States. He brings joy to my heart because he so brightly shines the light of Christ in the face of so much strife.

While Nadeem asked me to correct his english for him, I've decided not to in order to capture the essence of what he says in his responses to my questions. Also, I am not using Nadeem's last name, nor am I showing any pictures of him in order to protect his identity. He has also requested that he only names "Pakistan" as his home in order to keep the Christians where he lives safe.

Bryan: First of all Nadeem, God Bless you and thank you for answering these questions.

Nadeem: Yes, This is great opportunity for me that you give me a chance to share my life with whole the world by yours sources. So thanks yours very much to give me this stage.

Bryan: Where do you live?

Nadeem: Pakistan

Bryan: From what I understand, you were fired from your job because of your faith, is that right?

Nadeem: Yes, Because I am religious person I am leading one Catholic Youth Group. And my boss was not happy with me that I ask him some time holidays for my religious activities. Because my Boss was Muslim and he was against Christianity. I was only the one Christian who was worked at that office. Actually here in Pakistan its so hard to get good job. I was data operator in one office. I am skill full in computer I had some courses in computer but now a days I am working as a building painter.

Bryan: Is that sort of persecution normal where you live?

Nadeem: It depends on Christian person religious activities and how much he or she famous in the Christian community, and some time I am looking here that poor Christian people get attack by Muslims. Here you can see some persecution on the Christian people.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christianity_in_Pakistan

Bryan: And your family converted from Islam, right?

Nadeem: Yes, My grand pa was converted from Islam.

Bryan: What do you do in your community to bring the light of Christ to others?

Nadeem: Yes, this is very good and important question. First at all mostly people are illiterate in my area. So being an Oblate Novice of St. Benedict. I have some religious and materialistic (secular) actives. At the evening time I in some houses around me and say prayer for them and preach them Good News of Jesus of Christ. And tell them believe in Jesus and don’t feel depressed and lose yours heart because we are blessed people these trail and suffering are ordinary we are owner of the Heaven. I also want to do something for my areas people in spirituality and in physically.

I would like to take part in volunteer works and leading a youth. In which I teach the poor children materialistic (secular) and religious education. I have been organizing different festivals on different occasion and events. I have been organizing these festivals to improve confidence of children and preach them; I have been paying attention to teach children religious education particularly. I have been worked on primary health, education (formal and informal) global peace, drugs and also community problems (conflict resolution/mediation) I have had prepared few kids on different places to perform and teach Rosary the people in their own places.

I am also a member of the parish .I work with my parish priest voluntarily. Especially I have been teaching catechism to prepared children for FIRST HOLY COMMUNION every year. I have been other activities in the parish, especially on events. I also help when prayer services held in mine area. I have a deep feeling for my religion and I would like to serve my energies only to teach and help my religious thought. I feel comfort after doing these because of I know God want to me I do this.

I felt delighted when I read about your organization that you would like also like to take help of such who like to work volunteer am pleased and offer my self for this service.

Bryan: Do you believe the children you help will grow up and remain Catholic?

Nadeem: Yes, I am very much sure, because I make them so religious. I am seeing my childhood on there faces. When I was the kid I get good teacher too those taught me about Catholic faith.

Bryan: What kind of prayers do you need from the world?

Nadeem: We need prayers for Peace, unity, love, freedom, and humanity.

Rest assured, Nadeem, our prayers are with you. Please feel free to post a comment here to offer kind works to Nadeem. I'll make sure he gets them. And for his community in Pakistan, let us pray a divine mercy chaplet this week. God Bless them.

If you have any questions you'd like to ask Nadeem, please email me and I'll make sure they go into the follow-up interview I hope to do in the near future with him.

When in Rome, do as Saint Ambrose does?

I found out something today that's really quite cool. It turns out the quote "When in Rome, do as the Romans do" is attributed to Saint Ambrose! Yes, a Father of the Church from the fourth century! This blew my mind because it's yet another testament to the everyday quotes that stem from the Bible and Saints.

In a letter to Saint Augustine, Saint Ambrose wrote...

Si fueris Romae, Romano vivito more; si fueris alibi, vivito sicut ibi

Translated into English, that means "When you are in Rome live in the Roman style; when you are elsewhere live as they live elsewhere." This was in reference to another quote by Ambrose... "When I go to Rome, I fast on Saturday, but in Milan I do not. Do you also follow the custom of whatever church you attend, if you do not want to give or receive scandal." While the general meaning of it has changed, the quote is the same.

It was quoted as a proverb in the "Commonplace Book" in 1530 and then again in the nineteenth century in America in "Voyages of Radisson." It's so amazing how such a well known quote can originate from the scribblings of one holy man to another.