Obama courts the Alaskan vote

This one made me laugh - and we need all the laughs we can get at the moment!

Saturno tip to Overheard in the Sacristy for the picture.

What is it?

Is it a giraffe? Is it a mouse? Is it a parrot? Oh no, it's a wasp - swat it and get rid of it.

(Baby at 20 weeks)

Annual Al Smith Memorial Dinner

I don't have a vote, and have only lived here for nine years, so I don't really understand the inner machinations of Church and State here in the Land of the Free. Call me naive, but is it not a little strange to greet unctuously and warmly the most anti-life candidate the US has ever produced at a Catholic dinner hosted by the Cardinal Archbishop of New York? That, of course, would never have happened in Germany in the 1930's. I suppose I am just not sophisticated enough to understand.

Recession forces Queen to work at Fast-Food restaurant

Shocking news from England! Apparently, due to the rigours of the recession, Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth the Second has been forced to take a job in a local fast-food restaurant, only yards from Buckingham Palace. Please help the family by sending any donations you can spare to BucksFizz.com.

(Saturno tip to the sainted Pastor of Park Avenue for sending me the picture)

Feast of St. Edward the Confessor

Today is the Feast of St. Edward the Confessor, who really should be England's Patron Saint. In this time of crisis, both financial and moral, I could not help being struck, reading the homily of Ronnie Knox for the Second Reading of Matins, that St. Edward could teach our current crop of politicians about real statesmanship. Knox writes, speaking of the great and the good buried in Westminster Abbey, where the king and confessor lies, that "true satisfaction came to them and true success crowned them only so far as their ambitions were for a cause, not for a party; for others, not for themselves. Man's happiness lies in devoting himself; his success in the offering he can make." Many months ago, I remember saying to someone that John McCain should pledge that he will only serve one term, and then focus completely, not on being re-elected, which seems to be the function of the first term of the President, but healing the great ills which currently beset this great Nation. Interestingly enough, Ed Rollins, a senior Republican figure, has today come out with the same thought! I also think that McCain should consider something along the lines of a 'National Government,' made up of members of all parties and none, because this crisis is way beyond the stale politics of bipartisanship. Perhaps we should all invoke the Collect of St. Edward, given for today's Feast, for the coming days.

"Lord, you raised Saint Edward, king and confessor, to excel in good government and faithful service. May these ideals survive and flourish among us through his prayers."

Mission Postponed

Sadly, Father Alkire has had to postpone his mission, due to the death of his assistant priest. I am hoping we can arrange for him to come in Advent, so we don't lose the opportunity for a mission before the New Year. Pray for the repose of the soul of his assistant, and that Fr. Tim will be able to come here soon - thanks!

I'm not Dead

Just been very busy - and had a little bit of blogging 'ennui'. Still waiting for my bookcases, which I ordered in August, to arrive - first they said October - now it's November - so tonight I opened all my boxes and piled up my books against the wall - at least I can now find something if I need it. We have a parish mission starting on Sunday - Father Tim Alkire, from Lafayette, Indiana, will be flying in on Friday. Father Alkire has had tremendous success in producing vocations in his parish - so far five priests and ten religious vocations! The theme of his mission will be "Authentic Renewal: The two pillars of the Eucharist and Our Lady." Pastor of two parishes, and on the diocesan tribunal, Father Tim is also doing a doctorate - in Krakow - in Polish - in his spare time(!) - and I think I'm busy!