Folk Tunes

For a "YouTube clip for a peaceful weekend":

In this video, we hear a selection of folk tunes assembled by Béla Bartók that were presented during an installment of Noontime Concerts in November, 2017, at Old St. Mary's Cathedral in San Francisco.

Cue Laura Griffiths on oboe and Miles Graber at the piano:

Video by Kevin McGlynn.

Mayim's Music

A beautiful reflection from Mayim Bialik:

   

Shenandoah

I've shared the beautiful folk song "Shenandoah" in this space once before.

It's been a favorite of mine since I sang it with the community chorus in my hometown years and years ago.

Today, I came across a beautiful take on the tune by VOCES8.  Here it is for a "YouTube clip for a peaceful weekend."

Peace:

"History"

Others have already said this in recent days but it bears repeating:

For the sake of "history," we do not need statues of Confederate generals who fought for the right of some people to own and sell other people.

That's why we have books and films and audio recordings.

We don't have statues of Hitler in the United States of America.  We don't have statues of Emporer Hirohito in the United States.  We don't have statues of Kaiser Wilhem II in the United States.  We don't have statues of King George III in the United States.  All of these men once waged war again our country.  And none of them have been forgotten to history.

But, history does demand this: remembering that Robert E. Lee and every other Confederate general and soldier waged war against the United States for the right of some people to own and sell other people.

These men were defeated by the Union Army. They were enemies of the United States. They were fighting for an evil cause.

And anyone who defends or seeks to honor them today is on the wrong side of history.

P.S. If you call yourself "pro-life" or "pro-family," and you defend the men who fought for slavery, you're neither pro-life nor pro-family.

Broken

For Christian traditions that follow the liturgical calendar, today is the first day of Advent.

It's a special time of prayer and reflection that prepares us to celebrate Christmas.

It's a time when we think a lot about why Jesus came into the world. It's a time when we contemplate our belief that humanity's relationship with God became so broken that God had to come to earth physically and be with us for a time. (Think of your mom yelling, "Don't make me come down there!")

This concept of "broken relationship" has been on my mind a lot lately. It sure does seem like something is broken right now. There's something broken in our country. Something broken in families and among friends.

The presidential election demonstrated that so many of us are not on the same page when it comes to values and priorities.

The election demonstrated that some of the things that really bother me are not the same things that bother some of the people I love. And, as something of an OCD control freak, this bothers me!

I'm also troubled by the extent to which I didn't know this chasm existed. I'm troubled by how out of touch I was, not only with millions of other Americans, but out of touch with the true thinking of many of my own family members and friends.

On Wednesday, November 9, in my anger, I unfriended and blocked on Facebook anyone I saw cheering the election of Donald Trump. Family members, childhood friends, high school classmates, longtime political allies, people who attended our wedding. If you voted for Trump, I was done with you.

And, then came good Pope Francis and some of the priests with whom I work, reminding me that I need to forgive and listen sincerely — that I shouldn't oppose the great orange wall-builder by building walls of my own. Ugh.

All of which brings us to the video below from Sojourners. It's a bit on the dramatic side for my taste. But, it's good for thought in this season of discontent and on this first Sunday of Advent 2016:

How High The Moon

This year, Eric's dad and stepmom are both marking major birthdays as well as their 25th wedding anniversary in December.  Two weeks ago, to help celebrate their milestones, we spent a fun long weekend together in Nashville, along with his Eric's two sisters and their husbands.

That Saturday evening, we went to the Grand Ole Opry.  Among the many performers were the Quebe Sisters (described as "triple-threat fiddle champions").  I was very happy to hear their cover of the '40s jazz standard "How High The Moon."

I've loved "How High The Moon" since I first heard it during the opening credits of the 1988 film "Biloxi Blues" in a lovely slow (even mournful) take by Pat Suzuki.

For a "YouTube clip for a peaceful weekend," here below are both of those renditions.

Peace:

The Silent Wish You Make

Recently, I have been doing some research on the work of lyricists Alan and Marilyn Bergman.  (Marilyn Bergman is a fellow graduate of NYU's undergraduate liberal arts college.)

While going through the many songs for which the couple has created lyrics, I came across a gorgeous rendition of "What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life?" performed by Stacey Kent and Jim Tomlinson.

Here it is below as a "YouTube clip for a peaceful weekend."

Peace:



P.S. This song was written for the 1969 film "The Happy Ending." But, I'd say it fits perfectly with the current-day #LoveWins hashtag.

Respect It So Deeply

Two weeks before Eric and I married in June, 2013, I received an email from a friend who is a Catholic seminarian.  In the message, my friend urged me not to proceed with the wedding.  His concerns were strongly-worded but heart-felt.

My friend's message forced me to spend extra time articulating the "why" of our wedding and our marriage.  Amidst the execution of a million last-minute details of a Manhattan wedding, that email compelled me to articulate how our big day was not the repudiation of my faith but the fulfillment of it.

As a Catholic Christian, having identified the other human being with whom I intended to spend the rest of my life, I was compelled to create a special time and place where our family members and friends would come to pray with us and over us -- while being uplifted by sacred music and hearing from sacred scripture.  (Our Liturgy of the Word purposefully began with the chanting of the Taize setting of "Veni Sancte Spiritus.")

As a Catholic Christian, I was compelled to make a public statement of lifelong commitment to the man I loved.  (We did so using the prayers and vows of the Church's Rite of Marriage.)

I never expected to find sentiments akin to this in a ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court.  But, there they were last week in Justice Anthony Kennedy's majority opinion in Obergefell v. Hodges that has brought marriage equality to ever state in the nation:

The money quote:

" ... Their plea is that they do respect it, respect it so deeply that the seek to find its fulfillment for themselves. ... "

Amen, Justice Kennedy.  Amen.

Jay Livingston's Centennial

Jay Livingston at a McDonald anniversary

100 years ago today, on March 28, 1915, American songwriter Jay Livingston was born in McDonald, Pennsylvania (my hometown).

Earlier this week, the Observer-Reporter's Brad Hundt wrote about his youth in McDonald (when he was still known as Jacob Harold Levison).

Together with Ray Evans, Jay Livingston wrote the standards ''Mona Lisa'' and ''Que Será, Será,'' the 1948 Oscar-winning song ''Buttons and Bows,'' "Tammy" and many other songs.

The pair also wrote the theme music for the television shows ''Bonanza'' and ''Mr. Ed.''

In honor of this centennial, here is a "YouTube clip for a peaceful weekend" of Nat King Cole singing "Mona Lisa."

Peace:

Flashback: "Hear Them Ring"

Pittsburgh Poet

 

This week, The Wall Street Journal reported on Pittsburgh poet Billie Nardozzi (front page, below the fold).  I read it while riding the A train, loving the chance to learn about a quintessential Pittsburgher.

A bit of James R. Hagerty's story:

... His style is plain spoken, his inspirations diverse. He writes about anything from the comfort of a loyal dog to the pain caused by insensitive relatives. His verse tends to be low on angst. “I hate negativity,” says Mr. Nardozzi, who often writes his poems, longhand, on a lined legal notepad in his home office.

Some of his poems pay tribute to individuals. A recent one, for instance, is dedicated to Pittsburgh Mayor William Peduto:

He’s great for this city

And he’s what we have needed

And his ideas for change

Should always be heeded

Mayor Peduto said he has a framed copy of the poem, mailed to him by Mr. Nardozzi, on his office wall. Representatives of the Queen of England, the Prince of Wales and Conan O’Brien all sent thank-you notes for poems dedicated to them.

Given his penchant for the Beatles, he once penned an ode to the people of the United Kingdom. That poem, called “The British,” reads, in part:

I think you’re the coolest people

Living on this earth

And honestly and seriously speaking

I really think it is there from birth

And you write the most beautiful songs

That I have ever heard in my life

For they speak of passionate love

Between a gentleman and his wife

Many of his poems are published online by the Arkansas Free Press, which welcomes contributions but doesn’t pay for them. “Billie is our most prolific writer,” said Tracy Crain, editor of the Free Press. “He has a very tender heart, and he really has a need to share.” ...

For more, check out this Tumblr page dedicated to Billie's poems.

In Memoriam: Stefan Schack, 1972 - 2014

Back in my single days, I dated four people who had birthdays during this middle week of January.  I always wondered what it was that attracted these mid-winter babies to a summer person like me.

One of these old flames was Stefan Schack, whose birthday was today (January 16).  Sadly, this was a birthday that Stefan did not live to see.  He passed away on July 29, 2014.

Stefan had a beautiful, deep voice.  He was a man with devoted friends.  And, he had a keen photographer's eye.  (His Instagram account is a wonderful tribute to his love for architecture and the places he visited.)

Via Facebook, I still can read the messages that Stefan and I exchanged.  After Eric and I announced our engagement, he was so gracious, writing, "Hey stranger - heard you are getting married!  Just wanted to say congratulations - wish you the best ... "

I pray that you are resting in peace, Stefan.  The world is less for your early passing.

And, "Happy Birthday!" one last time.

Haul Out The Holly

It's that time of year.

For a "YouTube clip for a peaceful weekend," here is Angela Lansbury and friends singing "We Need a Little Christmas" as it was first heard in the 1966 musical "Mame."

Peace:



Hat-tip: Rev. Gerardo Ramirez, who made mention of this tune yesterday on Facebook.

Guadalupe's Day

Many months ago, I spied this Instagram photo (snapped by our friend James) showing a statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Thought I'd share it for today's feast day:

Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us.

Uncle Joe's Centennial

My great-great uncle, Joseph Berger, was born 100 years ago today on December 10, 1914, in McDonald, Pennsylvania.

Uncle Joe was the youngest sibling of my maternal great-grandmother, Mary Berger Vincenti (1911 - 1999).  He died in 2012 at the age of 97, making him the longest-lived member of my family.

At the time of Uncle Joe's 95th birthday in 2009, I penned a post on his life.  Among other details, it notes he was the son of immigrants from Belgium.

It was through Uncle Joe and Grandma Vincenti and their sister, Ann Berger Barrick, that my generation received a sliver of connection to that immigrant history (including a delicious recipe for thick Belgian galettes).

Here's to keeping their memory alive for many years to come.

Sweet, Sweet Spirit

On Friday night, Eric and I saw an excellent performance of the play "Sweet, Sweet Spirit" presented by Manhattan Theater Works at the 14th Street Y.  Written by Carol Carpenter, it's the story of a Texas family grappling with violence, faith, sexuality, money and more.

The play briefly incorporates the hymn of the same name.  As you might expect, the tune has been in my head ever since (notably memories of the bass part that I once sang in a choral performance).

So, for some Monday morning inspiration, here is a dynamic rendition of "Sweet, Sweet Spirit" by the a cappella quartet For You:



Hat-tip: Our friend, Ann Marie Yali, who is chair of Manhattan Theater Works' board.

Smooth as Silk

One hundred years ago today, the great singer and bandleader Billy Eckstine was born in Pittsburgh.

In a segment marking the centennial, National Public Radio called him "a crooner who crossed barriers."

"Billy Eckstine was smooth as silk. He was tall and handsome, sported a pencil-thin mustache and sang in a distinctive baritone," remarked NPR's Tom Vitale.

In honor of the day, here is Eckstine with Nat King Cole performing "Rosetta":

Hat-tip: 100 Years Ago Today at Twitter (curated by yours truly)

Lively

A sunny Easter Monday calls for joyful music.  Here, compliments of Voices of Music, is the lively Bulgarian folk tune "Bučimiš"("бучиниш"):

Hat-tip: 500 Years Ago Today (new Twitter account curated by yours truly)

A Good Story

I love this commercial from Thailand.  It contains a wonderful, life-affirming message:

"No one saves oneself. The community is essential." - Pope Francis

Hat-tip: Heather K.

Quis dabit oculis

For this week's "YouTube clip for a peaceful weekend," below is Costanzo Festa's beautiful and contemplative motet "Quis dabit oculis" (written in early 1514).  I think it lends itself well to the home stretch of Lent.

Pax:



Hat-tip: 500 Years Ago Today (a new Twitter account curated by yours truly)

Not Gonna Die

A Monday morning jump-start from Skillet:

Hat-tip: Anthony

It Goes Without Saying

I recently have begun to explore the music of Nico Muhly.  His Wikipedia profile describes him as a contemporary classical music composer and arranger.  Two loaded words there: "contemporary" and "classical."  I aspire to one day have the time and talent to properly unpack them.  But, before then, let's listen to one of Muhly's works in this space.

Below is the instrumental composition "It Goes Without Saying" for this week's "YouTube clip for a peaceful weekend."  It's a clarinet piece featuring "metallic noises" (including that of a kitchen whisk) and "warm, woody sounds."  It's a stretch to call this tune "peaceful" but it's a fun ride.

Pax:

A Million Miles Away

I love the pacing and peacefulness of "The Moon Song" from the movie "Her."  It speaks well of the quiet and tender moments of love that can be shared by two people.

Here it is below for this week's "YouTube clip for a peaceful weekend."

Peace:



Here are the tune's lyrics from the pens of Karen O and Spike Jonze:

"I'm lying on the moon
My dear, I'll be there soon
It's a quiet starry place
Time's we're swallowed up
In space we're here a million miles away

"There's things I wish I knew
There's no thing I'd keep from you
It's a dark and shiny place
But with you my dear
I'm safe and we're a million miles away

"We're lying on the moon
It's a perfect afternoon
Your shadow follows me all day
Making sure that I'm okay and
We're a million miles away"

Ever By Your Side

Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

From the great John Rutter, a rather Irish-sounding blessing for the day:

Flashback: St. Paddy's 2010

Emma Claire

Earlier today, my friends John and Allison Welch welcomed their third daughter into the world.  Emma Claire (pictured at right) weighed in at six pounds, 10 ounces.

She is a new sister for Molly and Nora.

Welcome to the party, little Emma!  I know the Holy Spirit will be your guide.

Emma is the second of four babies to be born to friends this year.  I have been remiss in noting the January 22 birth of Catherine Bridget Woods Dionisio ("Bridie"), the daughter of our church pals Nik and Katie.  In the late spring, my college buddy Alicia and her husband Mario are expecting their firstborn. My old friend Kelvin and his wife Courtney are expecting their second child this year, too.

Thanks heavens for this bumper crop!  Cue Maurice Chevalier:

Requiem for Two

On Monday afternoon, I attended the funeral Mass of Bill Penna.  Bill died February 12 at the age of 54 following a battle with cancer.  He was a member of a political organization in which I am active.  The Mass was beautifully celebrated at St. Catherine of Siena Church on New York City's Upper East Side by Fr. Jordon Kelly, O.P. (who I know from my old gig).

Bill's funeral began with a talented schola singing the Introit and Kyrie from the Requiem Mass composed by Maurice Duruflé.  Circa 1994 - 1995, I sang this powerful piece as a member of the NYU Choral Arts Society.  It's one you never forget.  I later asked Fr. Jordan if there is an ensemble of singers at every funeral at St. Catherine's.  "No," he replied, the schola and classical selections had been requested by Bill prior to his death.

On Tuesday morning, at St. Columbkille Church in the village of Imperial in Western Pennsylvania, a funeral Mass was celebrated for Helen Kramer.  Helen, who died February 13 at the age of 86, was the mother of my Aunt Kay and grandmother of my cousins Amy, Luke, Sara, Mary Ellen and Ben.  I was sorry I was not able to be present to help celebrate the long life of this wonderful woman who was so dedicated to her family and community.

In memory of Bill and Helen, below is the Duruflé Reqieum for this week's "YouTube clip for a peaceful weekend."  We pray that they are now in God's loving embrace.

Peace:

Obliteration of a Time-Stream

A good point from Ta-Nehisi Coates:

" ... I think of dying at 17, in my loudness, in my vanity, which is to say in my human youth, and I tremble. I was barely anything. I understood barely anything. When Michael Dunn killed Jordan Davis, he obliterated a time-stream, devastated an open range of changes. And somewhere on that American jury, someone thought this was justice, someone believed in the voodoo of shotguns and teleportation. Michael Dunn killed a boy, and too robbed a man of his chance to be. ... "

The photo above is from here.

Napolean of the Stump

Americans today observe "Washington's Birthday" or, colloquially, "Presidents Day."  It's a day to honor the men who have served as our nation's chief executive.

To my mind, a good tune to mark this holiday is one by the band They Might Be Giants about our efficient 11th president, James K. Polk.  Check it out:

Hat-tip: Waldie, who put this on a mixed-tape for me way back when.

804 Kilometers

For this week's St. Valentine's Day edition of the "YouTube clip for a peaceful weekend," I thought I would return to the smooth sound of that young Irish trio of Glenn Murphy, Ronan Scolard and Óisín O'Callaghan. Here they are with a beautifully slow take on The Proclaimers' tune "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)."

Peace:



To my husband on our first married St. Valentine's Day:

" ...  And if I grow old, well, I know I'm gonna be

I'm gonna be the man who's growing old with you ... "

Orchids?

Humorous and spot-on, this column by Frank Bruni is one of the best commentaries that I've read on Michael Sam's news.

A great line: 

" ... When did the locker room become such a delicate ecosystem? Is it inhabited by athletes or orchids? ... "

Animal Crackers

Shirley Temple, one of the greatest child stars in the history of American cinema, died yesterday at the age of 85.  Her precocious portrayals brought joy to moviegoers during the Great Depression and the World War II years.  Later in life, she became involved in politics and served as a U.S. diplomat.

I remember watching Shirley Temple's movies with my maternal grandmother when they were shown on weekend morning television in the 1980s.  (I have grandma to thank for my knowledge of old movies.)

One of Shirley Temple's most memorable movies was 1935's "Curly Top."  Here from that classic is her performance of  "Animal Crackers in My Soup":

" ... In every bowl of soup I see
lions and tigers watching me
I make 'em jump right through a hoop
those animal crackers in my soup ... "

Gloom-buster

These last words from Isaiah 58 in yesterday's first reading at Mass stood out for me:

" ... if you bestow your bread on the hungry
 and satisfy the afflicted;
then light shall rise for you in the darkness,
and the gloom shall become for you like midday."

Giving can be a gloom-buster.  Something to remember.

February

February is my least favorite month -- for reasons obvious to any inhabitant of the American northeast.

But, I love the voice of Dar Williams.  And she has a lovely tune named after this godforsaken month.  Here it is below for this week's "YouTube clip for a peaceful weekend."

Peace:

Hat-tip: Anthony

Lives Within My Heart

As someone who still has "newlywed glow" in ample supply, I hesitate to post a melancholy tune about lost love.  But, I'm eager to share another offering from the young Irish trio of Glenn Murphy, Oisin O'Callaghan and Ronan Scolard.  Their slow style is enchanting.

So, for this week's "YouTube clip for a peaceful weekend," here are Murphy, O'Callaghan and Scolard with Randy Newman's "When Somebody Loved Me" that was first heard in the movie "Toy Story 2."

Peace:

In Memoriam: Charlotte McCreanor, 1945 - 2013

Since early 2007, when I moved back to New York City, I have found it difficult to stay connected with all of the friends I made during my years working in Western Pennsylvania politics.  This is especially true for those who do not participate in social media.  In fact, in a few recent Christmas cards, I felt compelled to write, "I'm sorry for being so lousy at keeping in touch."

Charlotte McCreanor was an exception to this.  One of the great volunteers of my State House races, Charlotte vigorously promoted my candidacy to her neighbors in Cross Creek Township near the village of Avella.  Charlotte spoke on my behalf outside her polling place each Election Day, attended events, donated funds and volunteered at my campaign booths at the county fair and community festivals.  In one instance, Charlotte made it possible for me to join her for lunch at the local senior center (where I danced the polka with some of the ladies).

After I moved back to New York, Charlotte called me every few weeks to check on me and provide updates on happenings back home.  I would tell Charlotte about my job and travels.  She would tell me her volunteer work at Washington Hospital and about changes in the lives of our common friends.

Charlotte's most recent calls in the summer and autumn of 2013 brought the bad news that she had been diagnosed with cancer.  According to her obituary, Charlotte died November 21.  I only learned of her death in the past fortnight.

I will miss Charlotte.  She was a good woman and a true friend.

May she rest in peace.

You Must Wander

Some excellent advice from Ta-Nehisi Coates:

" ... Never trust anyone posing as a tour guide. Learning things is hard. Do the work.

"Never trust that part of you that wants a tour guide. All of us are tempted by the Cliff-Notes. Decline them. Sometimes you must wander through The Louvre. ...

"Never try to look cool and learn something at the same time. You must have an awkward phase. All of us would like to skip that awkward phase. That is not how it works. Here is how it works: Get your ass in the water. ... "

The whole post is worth a read.

God's Megaphone

"God whispers to us in our pleasures,
speaks in our conscience,
but shouts in our pains:
it is his megaphone to rouse a deaf world."
- C.S. Lewis

You're Broke

This has been one of the most challenging weeks in my 15 years of professional life.  It's been filled with deep sadness, rays of hope and growing community.  Crisis usually brings forth all of these things, I guess.

But, as the God Googler reminded us yesterday (quoting the Franciscan friar Richard Rohr):

"Life is hard.  Get over it."

This has been my first instance of great professional difficulty since the steady and I got married in June.  It's been such a help.  Whatever happens, I know someone else is sharing my life and we will get through any challenge together.  That knowledge brings great comfort.

Which brings me to the clip below.

For a "YouTube clip for a peaceful weekend," here are Glenn Murphy, Oisin O'Callaghan and Ronan Scolard with a beautifully slow take on The Rembrandt's "I'll Be There For You" (best known as the theme song of "Friends," of course).

Peace:

In Memoriam: Adella Vincenti, 1925 - 2013

Today is one of those now-rare days when I am literally “between the ‘Burgh and the city.”  I am typing this aboard Amtrak’s “Pennsylvanian.”  We left Downtown Pittsburgh at 7:30 a.m. and should arrive at New York’s Penn Station by 4:30 p.m.  It’s been a beautiful ride with the sun shining and many trees along the route showing their fall colors.

I was in Western Pennsylvania since Saturday for the funeral service and burial of my great-great aunt, Adella Vincenti, who passed away earlier last week at the age of 88 in her home in Burgettstown, PA.

Aunt Della, the window of my Uncle Remo, was a kind and good-hearted woman.  I will long remember her distinctive voice and belief in perseverance.  (When faced with challenging news, Aunt Della would often say with a sense of optimism, “Hey, what are you doing to do?”)

Before the steady and I got married in June, Aunt Della sent us a very nice card and wedding gift.  I’m ashamed that, due to our procrastination, she never saw a thank-you note from us.  It’s a lesson learned on my part.  I hope that, from a vantage point in heaven, Aunt Della knows how much I appreciated her gift and all of her acts of kindness.

May she rest in peace.

No Man

Food for thought:

" ... No man was ever remembered for what he kept. ... "

- attributed to Tim Noble in remarks by Daniel Lerner on Saturday, May 4, at the 11th annual Relay for Life at NYU

Blackbird Has Spoken

Earlier this week, the fiance and I were watching a rerun of "Pushing Daisies" (a series I missed when it aired a few years back).

At the end of this particular episode, the character played by Ellen Greene (famous as Audrey in "Little Shop of Horrors") sang the beautiful old hymn "Morning Has Broken."  It occurred to me her soft and sweet rendition would work perfectly as a long-overdue "YouTube clip for a peaceful weekend" in this space.

Peace:

2013

Happy New Year!

It's 2013.  How the hell did that happen?  The years go by in such a blur.

But, God-willing, 2013 should be memorable.  The steady and I are planning a wedding for June in Gotham.

The Los Angeles-based author and blogger Heather King writes beautifully about the passage of time, holidays and the liturgical feasts.  In a post last week, she provided this food for thought:

" ... Just as an alcoholic spends ten, twenty, thirty years trying to re-create the transcendent sense of well-being that comes with that first drunk, some of us spend our whole lives hoping Christmas will feel, just once, the way it did when we were kids. It never happens. That's okay ...

" ... Christmas never feels the same, and yet we're still sad when it's over -- or I am."

Presence

Merry Christmas!

I'm writing this Christmas afternoon from the downstairs family room of the steady's parents' home on the Lake of the Woods in northeastern Indiana (near the towns of Hudson and Ashley).  We are in the midst of a mid-day rest before more family arrives in a few hours for dinner and gift-opening.

Like last year, it's been an ecumenical Christmas.  Last night, we went to the 11 p.m. cantata at the First United Methodist Church in Auburn, IN.  And, this morning, we went to the 9 a.m. Mass at Saint Mary of the Angels, a tiny Catholic church a short drive "just down the road."

Perhaps many people will remember Christmas 2012 in association with the awful tragedy that occurred earlier this month in Newtown, Connecticut.  I pray that the people of Newtown, especially the loved ones of the adults and children who were killed, are someday able to again regain peace of heart and mind.

In prayer:

"May your Presence, Prince of Peace,
bless the world with peace
the poor with care and prosperity,
the despairing with hope and confidence,
the grieving with comfort and gladness,
the oppressed with freedom and deliverance,
the suffering with solace and relief."

The image above is "Adoration of the Shepherds" created in 1831-1832 by Johann Michael Wittmer (1802-1880). It is the property of the Bavarian State Picture Collections in Munich, Germany.

Theotokos

For many Catholics, Mary, the mother of Jesus, will be on the brain frequently during the next five days.

Today (December 8), Catholics observe the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. On this day, we recall that God was preparing Mary to be the mother of Jesus even from her own creation in the womb. It's a reminder to us that God is preparing us for great things, too.

On Wednesday (December 12), the Church celebrates the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe -- the appearance of Mary in 1531 in Mexico to Saint Juan Diego.  Long one of the great days of the year for the Church in Mexico, this feast is now widely observed in the United States as well.

In all of human history, few (if any) individuals have been more frequently depicted in paintings and sculpture than Mary.  And, after working in Catholic publishing for nearly six years, I've seen many of these renderings.  But, this photo of a sculpture of Mary and child did recently catch my eye: 

I love the statue's simplicity and the way it fits so easily into this modern chapel in southern California.

The statue is a fine representation of the Church's understanding that Mary's role is bring Jesus forward.  It aligns well with the Orthodox and Eastern title of Mary: Theotokos or "God-bearer." 

This photo is by Sister Rose Pacatte, FSP.

Flashback: "Bookends"