Benedict's Messages in America
Here is a fantastic list of the public speeches and homilies that Pope Benedict gave on his 6 day visit to the United States.
Archive for April, 2008
Papal Robes: An Expression of Catholic Identity?
As the Benedict XVI processed into the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington on Wednesday evening for evening prayer, he wore an ermine trimmed half-cape. Why does he want to dress like this, I wondered? Isn’t this the Pope that reminds us that liturgy should de-focus the person, and draw us into the worship of a God we cannot see? Yet, here he was definitely drawing my attention to his attire, and thus the man.
Benedict XVI: Getting A Better Glimpse
Benedict XVI is half way through his 2008 U.S. visit, and he has managed to capture the hearts of minds of the American people in his own unique way, says the American Ambassador to the Vatican. One CNN reporter commented that everything gets pushed aside (referring to the news), and focuses on this one man in a white cassock wherever he visits. He found this mysterious, but thought it was the way things should be. Each one of us is looking for a better glimpse of who this man is, and what he represents. A sexual abuse victim said today: “We are at the beginning of a new start, and there is real hope this time.” Let us keep praying for this 81 year old man and Pope who is obviously trying his best to reach out and inspire our modern world with the message of Jesus.
Bishop Paul Andre Inspires Online Audience
HMWN (online radio) hosts a weekly broadcast entitled ‘Bread for the Journey’ to help Catholics prepare for the upcoming International Eucharistic Congress. In her April 3rd broadcast, online host Sharon DiCecco, included 22 minutes from Bishop Paul André’s November 2007 Cornwall Conference on the Eucharistic Congress. The segment was entitled, ‘Walking with Jesus’. (Press ‘Ctrl key’ while hovering mouse over picture and left click to go to website) The program is archived, so you can hear it when ever you want. Of course, you can also listen live to this broadcast and many others.
Imagination, Scripture, and Prayer
Prayer can take many methods and forms. One way of praying is called “Imaginative Contemplation”, or “Ignatian Contemplation”. Using this method of prayer you allow your imagination which you use in daydreaming and creative projects to take you on a spiritual journey.
If you haven’t tried it, I suggest you select a gospel story and read it over silently a few times, then sit back in a comfortable position, close your eyes and just remember what you have read. Place yourself in the story as a spectator, seeing and hearing the people, the situation, the time of day, and all the little details that make the story come alive in your mind. At first you might have trouble remembering details, and you will need to refer back to the scripture. After a little practice you will find the scriptures come alive, and begin experiencing the bible in a way that you never thought possible.
For more information on this form of prayer you should visit the website of Fr. Rob Marsh S.J. and his post on Imaginative Contemplation.
