Yes, it’s that time of year again. I’ll say this again, as I get older, there’s less and less appeal for Halloween. No, I don’t dress up any more. I haven’t for sixty-plus years. I’ve mentioned this before, but for my colorful neighbor, this is the high point of her year. She has elaborate costumes and hangs all kinds of spider webs and lighting to entertain the visiting gremlins. It’s like a really creepy Christmas display in oranges. For Her Ladyship and myself, the excitement has long gone. I can’t always conceal my lack of enthusiasm. The smile and warmth at the front door are entirely fake. Really just want to say, “Take the candy and go away.” The pandemic, which was, of course, horrific, did have a tiny silver lining. It was, for me at least, a welcome respite from all of the Halloween activities.
Continue reading “Ghosts of Halloween”Month: October 2024
More Badly Needed Patron Saints
It’s been five years now since I first updated and sent to Rome a list of badly needed new patron saints, but as anyone connected to the Church knows, it doesn’t move swiftly. And yes, I get that recent batches of holy people, including several former Popes, were elevated, based on their spiritual purity and example, good and charitable works, selfless dedication, and inspirational lives. But, in truth, that only takes us so far in the 21stf century, with our rapidly expanding cultural and spiritual perspectives. But so far, the Holy See has been just a bit behind in designating “patron” saints – those that the faithful can channel as intermediaries and from whom we can request intercessions, so I’m stepping in to fill that vacuum. As I wrote before, some of the more prominent patron saints of the past may be sitting idle in Heaven, watching the world and shaking their heads at their increasing lack of relevance. For example, St. Damien of Molokai, a Belgian priest who worked among the suffering in Hawaii, is the patron saint of lepers. Leprosy has largely been irradicated as a global scourge, and while we won’t disregard Fr. Damien’s very important and selfless work at that time, not many today are likely to seek his intercession. So, as you peruse my blog from 2019, when I proposed a number of new patron saints, here are a few additional ones in urgent need of assignment.
Continue reading “More Badly Needed Patron Saints”Politics and Life Choices
I drove my daughter to the bus station this morning. She’s heading into Boston for several professional meetings and to attend a seminar. She is in the final year of completing her doctoral dissertation, and honestly, my heart was bursting with pride as I saw her go. There was a lively conversation on the way up about the progress – the final chapter is going to her advisor next month. Yes, indeed. Her mother and I could not be prouder of her. What a wonderful feeling as parents.
Continue reading “Politics and Life Choices”Here We Go Again – On Gun Violence
I tried hard to keep politics out of these writings, and least this time, it’s only tangential. I hope my readers aren’t offended, but here goes.
Continue reading “Here We Go Again – On Gun Violence”Elections, and the Transfer of Power
Yes, I know. Another serious bit. But I promise, this will be the last of a political nature – at least, until after the election.
Continue reading “Elections, and the Transfer of Power”Yes, I’m Still an Independent Voter
Well, that time is rolling around once again. I originally posted some of this in 2020, before the general election that either was legitimate or “stolen”. We have to ask ourselves if we’ve moved forward, backward, or just have been treading water. Democrats want to move on, to make changes, to adapt. Republicans want to step back, because what worked for years surely must still be of value. Fingers are pointing, blame is laid. Two presidential candidates – one a former prosecutor, the other convicted. An interesting choice. So, here we go again.
Continue reading “Yes, I’m Still an Independent Voter”
I'm Thinking...No! 