St Ignatius of Loyola

St. Ignatius was born in the family castle in Guipúzcoa, Spain, the youngest of 13 children, and was called Iñigo. When he was old enough, he became a page, and then a soldier of Spain to fight against the French. A cannon ball shattered his leg and subsequently, a series of bad operations ended his military career in 1521. While St. Ignatius recovering and convalescing, he wanted to read romance novels, but what were available at the hospital were religious books. And so he started reading the Bible and the lives of the saints, and decided to dedicate himself to becoming a soldier of the Catholic Faith. Soon after he experienced visions, but a year later suffered a trial of fears and scruples, driving him almost to despair. Out of this experience he wrote his famous "Spiritual Exercises". After traveling and studying in different schools, he finished in Paris, where he received his degree at the age of 43. Many first hated St. Ignatius because of his humble lifestyle. Despite this, he attracted several followers at the university, including St. Francis Xavier, and soon started his order called The Society of Jesus, or Jesuits. He was a gifted spiritual director, and was very active in fighting the Protestant Reformation and promoting the subsequent Counter-Reformation. St Ignatius died at the age of 65. He was canonized on March 12, 1622.  There are 38 members of the Society of Jesus who have been declared Saints. So many other Jesuits have become Cardinals, Bishops and great writers. And since March 2013, we even have the first Jesuit Pope, Jorge Bergoglio, our beloved Pope Francis. 

Courage to never give up

17-year-old Meryl from Lima, Peru has been attending a program that helps with compassion since she was 3 years old and is the first in her family to go to college. Now in her second year of studies at university, she’s also a volunteer at her Compassion-assisted child development Center and a private math tutor. “Before applying to the National University of San Marcos, I was very nervous and I thought I couldn’t do it, but one week before the admission exam I got a beautiful letter from my sponsor. She sent me this verse from Joshua 1:9 to be strong and brave, “don’t be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord my God will be with me wherever I go.” And I entered the university in the first try, and now I am studying biology!” said Meryl. It takes courage to battle the lies that this world tells us. And sometimes it takes our community to remind us that we have to be brave like Meryl did!

Remembering a true Rancher

In my years in rural Oregon, I became very familiar with farming, ranching, cows and horses and everything connected with country life. One person who introduced me to the field of equine terminology and life with horses is Jim Clark, who lived in Mount Vernon, Oregon, with his wife Colleen running Clark Quarterhorses, a ranch that I became acquainted with since 2005. I was given the honor to ride a horse, helped by Jim, who made sure to give me the mildest and gentlest horse in his ranch, named Sugar. He had close to 100 horses at one time, and one of them was named Julian. I admired the way Jim handled them as they followed him in every direction and the instructions he gave them. Sadly Jim passed away this week, and I wanted to honor him and show you some his horses. He even gave me a grey cowboy hat after I was told that the black hat I had bought is only worn by the bad guys. 

'The Magnificent Seven'

In one of my visits, a group of horses came over to us and lined themselves up as I took the photo seen here, which I called ‘The Magnificent Seven.’ May Jim rest in peace, as I pray for his wife Colleen and his daughters Karen and Deanna, both of whom helped in the running of the ranch, especially over the past few months when Jim’s health was getting weaker. Rest in peace Jim.

Jim leading me on Sugar back in 2005.

You can also see Colleen’s own Blog ‘The Turn-up Patch’ with some photos of Jim interacting with his horses. Follow it here: https://turn-uppatch.blogspot.com/ 

Mary Magdalen’s foot

A  relic of St. Mary Magdalene’s left foot had been lost to memory for centuries before it was rediscovered in the year 2000. For a little over a decade now, the bone fragments, which rest in a silver foot-shaped reliquary, have been displayed for veneration in the Basilica of St. John the Baptist of the Florentines, a church just across the river from the Vatican. A popular belief says most of the mortal remains of the woman who first saw the Resurrected Christ are in various places in France, transferred there from Byzantium as a gift to the king of France from the king of Jerusalem in the ninth century. Mary Magdalene’s body passed through Rome on the journey to France, the story goes, and bone fragments from her foot were given to the pope. The relics were placed for veneration in a chapel at the beginning of the Sant’Angelo Bridge. The foot of the “Apostle to the Apostles” was, therefore, a symbolic last relic for pilgrims to visit before arriving at the tomb of St. Peter. The silver reliquary holding the relics is believed to be a work of Benvenuto Cellini and dates to the 16th century. The relic was somehow rediscovered and placed in a small museum of sacred art opened at the parish of the Basilica of St. John the Baptist of the Florentines in 2001. Incidentally St. Philip Neri was its rector for more than a decade before founding his society of priests, the Oratorians. On May 24, 2012, St. Mary Magdalene’s relic was solemnly transferred from the basilica’s museum to a niche on the left side of the church nave. Though the museum connected to the Basilica of St. John the Baptist of the Florentines is temporarily closed, the church continues to welcome locals and visitors alike to pray, worship, admire its artworks, and to venerate the relic of St. Mary Magdalene’s foot.

The Hills are alive.....

We all remember the classic movie ‘The Sound of Music,’ telling the story of the Von Trapp family singers. One of the songs which is used in this musical is ‘The Hills are alive...with the sound of music,’ recalling the scene when Maria teaches the children to sing to the disappointment or discouragement of their father. But music became an important part in the children’s lives. A dear friend of mine from Oregon just sent me this photo taken by a friend of hers, as she comes across a group of nuns at the Glacier National Park in Montana with a spectacular background of mountains and lakes. The nuns were from Spokane, Washington who were on retreat. Here they are playfully skipping rocks while a few others talk, as they prepare for their skipping trek. If Maria and the 7 children were in this scene, they would probably sing ‘The Hills are alive....’ and maybe for once, their father would have joined them too.

Grandparents Day

Mary and John - July 24, 1948

As we celebrate today the feast of St Joachim and St Anne, the parents of Mary and the grandparents of Jesus, I want to honor my parents as grandparents of two dedicated doctors who are doing the miracles that is expected from qualified medical professionals. My parents would have been married 75 years on July 24, 1948. That day was special for them, with a Mass in Latin celebrated by our great-uncle Fr Paul Galea, and 4 other priests celebrating Mass simultaneously in the 4 side altars at the St Julian’s parish church, known as Ta’ Lapsi (Ascension.) 

The reception was held at their home at 16 St. Angelo Street, where the first 4 children were born, Josephine in 1949, Rosemarie in 1950, myself in 1952 and Paul in 1955. Marcel was born in our new house at Birkirkara Hill in 1964. My grandfather Paul, a baker with Cordina made a 4-tier cake which they cut and distributed to relatives and friends. We remember all grandparents today as more responsibility is being thrown on them by caring for their own grandchildren.

Aussies at World Youth Day

The Australians Life Teen group after Sunday Mass.

A group of Australian youth stopped by at Naxxar and asked me if we could celebrate Mass for them on three occasions between Saturday and Monday. They came to our chapel with their chaplain Fr Zaher, a Syrian priest and were very gracious and appreciative of our service to them. They will continue on their way to Portugal where the World Youth Day will take place between August 1 and 6, but on their way, they will also stop for a brief visit at Lourdes. In Portugal they will meet Pope Francis and many other prelates and priests from all around the world, besides of course thousands of young people who congregate every 3 years, as they did so far in Brazil, Australia, Poland, Argentina, the Philippines, United States, Spain, Germany, Canada and Panama, the last WYD before Covid disrupted all of our lives. In fact this WYD was supposed to be held last year, but was postponed to this year because of some Covid cases. We wish the Aussies a safe trip, and I asked them on their next visit to Malta to bring along a kangaroo, or at least a Joey.

Flashback from 1976

                     

I never showed these photos from my diaconate ordination which took place a year before my priesthood ordination. It was June 18, 1976 when the 14 of us classmates were ordained by the soon-to-retire Archbishop Michael Gonzi. He had been a bishop for over 52 years and led the Archdiocese of Malta for 33 years, (1943-1976) after leading the Gozo Diocese from 1924 to 1943, 19 years total, especially the harsh years of World War II. The ceremony took place as usual at the Co-Cathedral of St. John in Valletta, attended by our parents and families and other relatives. 

The photos show me with the Archbishop, then our class also with the Archbishop, and then with my family. During my diaconate year I spent a whole year practicing my preaching when I used to go every weekend at the Immaculate Conception parish in Hamrun. As you can see my hair was not fully gone, and it was during 1976 and 1977 that it made its eventual total cataclysmic and catastrophic disappearance. I console myself when I hear some say that God made a few perfect heads, and the rest he covered with hair !

It’s so hot that....

Temperatures are sizzling all over the globe, and especially here in the Mediterranean where temperatures are in the triple digits! So beat the heat with a little humor. Even if you can’t cool you off, it always feels good to laugh. Here are some of my favorite “It’s so hot…” jokes to celebrate the summer season. Enjoy!
It’s so hot, when the temperature drops below 95 I start to feel chilly.
It’s so hot the Statue of Liberty was asked to lower her arm.
It’s so hot, chickens are laying hard-boiled eggs.
It’s so hot, polar bears are wearing sunscreen.
It’s so hot, Siri asked to be dipped in a glass of ice water.
It’s so hot, bums are holding signs that read, “Will work for shade.”
It’s so hot, hot water comes out of both taps. (This one is actually true!)
It’s so hot, the frozen pizza I bought at the grocery store was ready to eat by the time I got home.
It’s so hot, McDonald’s is frying burgers on parked cars.
It’s so hot, ice pops are melting in the freezer.
It’s so hot, I tried taking a shower and got third-degree burns.
It’s so hot, my crayons are now watercolors.
It’s so hot, all the bread in the store is toast.
It’s so hot, I think mosquitoes took a day off.
It’s so hot, that you’re better off in the oven.

St Mary Magdalen

St. Mary Magdalene is mentioned as one of the women who ministered to Jesus. The same passage also refers briefly to an act of exorcism performed on her, on an occasion when seven demons were cast out. These women, who earlier "had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities", later accompanied Jesus on his last journey to, and were witnesses to the Crucifixion. She was also the privileged first person to see Jesus risen from the tomb, an honor that was not given to any of the 12 apostles, but only to Mary Magdalene, probably in a way of thanking her for staying with Jesus till the end at the foot of the cross. This is the last mention in the Gospels of Mary of Magdala, who now returned to Jerusalem. She is probably included in the group of women who joined the Apostles in the Upper Room in Jerusalem after Jesus' Ascension and may have also been with the Blessed Mother at Pentecost. Tradition as early as the third century identifies Mary Magdalene with Mary of Bethany and with the woman sinner who anointed Jesus' feet, even though she remains unnamed. The identification of Mary Magdalene with Mary of Bethany and "the woman who was a sinner" is reflected in an influential sermon Pope Gregory I gave in 591, when he said: "She whom Luke calls the sinful woman, whom John calls Mary of Bethany, we believe to be the Mary from whom seven devils were ejected according to Mark.” 

Re-appearing church

Due to an intense heat wave and drought that has spread in various parts of Mexico, a more than 400-year-old Catholic Church has completely emerged from the waters in the state of Chiapas. The church of the disappeared town of San Juan Quechula, dedicated to the apostle James the Greater and built by Dominican friars who evangelized the region headed by friar Bartolomé de las Casas in the 16th century, was flooded in 1966 with the construction of a hydroelectric dam, also known as the Malpaso Dam. In recent years, the upper part of the church had remained visible and tourists could approach it using boats. However, this year’s severe drought has allowed the centuries-old Catholic church to be visible in its entirety.   It is estimated that the church was built between 1564 and 1606, although it was abandoned in 1776 due to a series of plagues that affected the surrounding communities.

Generous Goalkeeper

Andre Onana is a famous goalkeeper from Cameroon, and is soon may be playing for Manchester United after a few years with Internazionale of Italy and several years with Ajax of Holland. He is 27 years old and is also known for his kindness and generosity on and off the field. He started a campaign known as Onana Foundation to help facilitate medical surgeries in his native country. He also helps many young children to attain their dreams. The Foundation which is 6 years old, has supported over 6,000 surgeries so far, and even though his name appears on the title, many other volunteers pitch in to help run the Foundation and do all the work needed.

Facts about the Human Body

 

Largest organ of the Body                         Skin
Largest internal organ                                Liver
Total number of muscles                           630+
Largest Bone                                              Femur
Smallest Bone                                            Stirrup
Hardest Bone                                             Teeth
      Largest muscle                                  Gluteus Maximus
Total number of Bones                                   206
Filter of the Body                                      Kidney
Pump of the Body                                      Heart
Total number of vertebrae                         33
Normal body temperature                        37 degrees C
Normal heart beat                                    72 per minute
Normal respiratory rate                            16-20 per minute
Normal blood pressure                             120/80 mmHg
Number of ribs                                         12 pairs
Number of bones in arm                           30
Number of bones in leg                            29
Number of bones in the foot                    26+26 = 52
Number of bones in the hand                  27+27 = 54
Strongest muscles                              Jaw, Tongue, Uterus
Percentage of water in body                    65-75%
Volume of Blood                                      5-6 liters
Most common blood type                        O+ and A+
Least common blood type                       AB –
Largest part of brain                                Cerebrum
Gestation period                                      267 days
Largest artery                                          Aorta
Largest vein                                  Inferior vena cava
Largest muscle                                       Sartorius
Joints in human body                             230

The Unfinished Letter

Edward  was a servant to the King, and his duty demanded that he sleep close to the king every night. One night the king could not sleep, and so he rang a bell so that Edward would bring him a book to read. But Edward did not hear the bell, as he had dozed off himself. After a few more rings, the king got up and went to see what happened to Edward. The young man was asleep with his head resting on his cradled arms resting on the table. Next to him was a cold cup of tea and an unfinished letter. The king picked up the letter and started reading ‘Dear Mother, today is the third night that I offered to stay up with the king as he sleeps. I am exhausted and cannot keep up any longer, but at least I am happy that I am sending you this extra money so that you can buy some things for yourself.’ This love between mother and son triggered the king to go into his room and pick up some more money and place them in Edward’s pocket of his jacket resting next to him. When he eventually woke up and found the money, he knew right away where they had come from. So next morning he knelt in front of the king and apologized to him for what happened the night before, and thanked him for the extra money. The king on his part, praised the love that Edward showed towards his mother and encouraged him to continue loving her with utmost respect.

Pledge of Loyalty to the Pope

4 years ago, Cardinal Tagle of the Philippines, introduced a pledge of love and respect towards Pope Francis.  It follows the Credo during the Mass, the Profession of Faith we say after the homily and before the Prayers of the Faithful.  “Loyalty pledges” are not customary in the liturgy; baptisms, weddings and ordinations do include promises, and there are oaths of fidelity to be made upon assuming certain ecclesial offices. Yet a generalized “pledge of loyalty to the Pope” is unusual. However this pledge was introduced and has been used in various dioceses. Here is the pledge as it is recited:

‘Our Love is pledged to Francis, the Vicar of Christ on earth, visible head of the Church, doctor and teacher of all the faithful, guardian of the apostolic tradition. To the Supreme Pontiff of the Church, courageous leader of the nations, the very personification of the spirit of Vatican II and upholder of the dignity of holy priesthood: To you, Pope Francis, we pledge our obedience! To the visible head of the Christian Church, indomitable teacher, leader and father of all the faithful, steadfast in truth in the midst of errors and misunderstanding, unyielding in courage in the midst of danger, and a most reliable beacon of spiritual light and consolation; To you, Pope Francis, we pledge our undying loyalty and filial veneration, now and forever.’

A gift from God

Ordination at Seattle Cathedral, June 2023

Recently, the Archbishop of Seattle, Paul D. Etienne ordained two priests in his Cathedral, and during his homily he told them: ‘I remember on my own Ordination to the priesthood, the consecrating Bishop told us: ‘Many young priests think that they are like a gift from God to the people they serve. But you will soon discover that the opposite is the truth – the people of God are the gift from God to his priests.’

200 years ago

St Paul outside the Walls after the fire of 1823

Exactly 200 years ago today, on July 15 1823, the church lost one of its treasures, the Basilica of St Paul outside the walls caught fire and was partially destroyed, especially the ceiling. The church was built over the place where St Paul was buried after being decapitated 3 miles away.  The basilica we see today is the third one built. The first, built by Constantine in 324 soon after he legalized Christianity, was tiny, basically the area from the altar to the apse today. Starting in 384, the three emperors who made Christianity the official religion of the empire (Theodosius, Valentinian II and Arcadius) united to build for the “Apostle of the Nations” something considerably larger — the basic floor plan of today’s edifice — which was by far the largest church in Rome until the new St. Peter’s was built between 1506 and 1626. The fire of 1823 was as traumatic to the Christian world as the fire that torched Notre Dame in Paris in April 2019. At that time, the roof of the basilica was leaking during downpours, and Pope Pius VII gave authorization for repairs to be done. On the evening of July 15, two workmen worked late into the night, extending copper gutters on the roof. After they left, embers that had not been fully extinguished in a pan they were using to heat and mold the copper, escaped to ignite a fire on the roof that would burn until the following morning. After the fire had burned itself out, it had destroyed the roof, which led to the collapse of the entire north (left) side of the basilica. 

The Basilica as it is today in a photo I took in 2012

The triumphal arch with its precious fifth-century mosaics, the altar area built over the apostle’s tomb, the transept and apse with its 13th-century mosaics were spared.  The next Pope, Leo XII knew that the Jubilee of 1825 was coming, and he hoped to do something to open up for pilgrims the area of the basilica that hadn’t been destroyed. He cleverly sought to use the jubilee to help the whole world contribute to the rebuilding of the basilica. Everyone responded with enormous generosity to the desire to rebuild. Catholics dioceses and individuals were, as expected, the most generous contributors, but they weren’t the only ones. Czar Nicholas I of Russia donated priceless malachite and lapus lazuli used for some altars. King Faoud I of Egypt, and his viceroy, Muhammad Ali Pasha, contributed alabaster columns and windows. The famous paintings of the reigning Popes lining up the entire church were done in mosaic and are still visible for everyone to admire. Thankfully we can still enjoy the 4 major Basilicas in their glory, but we have to remember the indomitable spirit of those who built them, as well as those who periodically restore them.

The interior of St Paul's today

The Moon in His Hands

The photographer Leonardo Sens took 3 years of patience and waiting until he finally got the right angle and timing on June 11th, to perfectly time and shoot this exceptional photo. Sens was 7 miles (11 kilometers) away from the statue of Christ the Redeemer when he took this shot. This massive statue is 30 meters or 98 feet high, in Icarai Beach in the municipality of Niteroi, in Rio de Janeiro, overlooking all of Rio. With so many millions of people with cell phones and cameras nowadays, we are having many more spectacular photos taken by amateurs when being in the right place at the right time.

Flashback from 1983-84

It seems that many of my former students at Holy Spirit School in New Hyde Park have discovered my blog and are sharing my posts through Facebook. I personally do not have Facebook, but this blog has been going since 2012 when I started it in Oregon. When I returned to Malta in 2016, I continued working on it daily, and never miss a post unless I am away (as I was last week in Lourdes). But here are two more nostalgic photos from 1983-84, exactly 40 years ago. The first one shows our Children’s Choir, directed by Mrs Anne Conte, who was a dedicated musician. As you can see, as is always the case, it’s not easy in any choir to get male singers, and so was the case in our choir, having only 5 boys, with 92 % being girls.

The second photo was an 8th Grade Class with their teacher Mrs LaRosa during the 1984-85 season. I can actually mention most of the names of these students who are now in their 50s, probably parents, and who knows, some even grandparents. I remember that some of them did very good in High School and eventually in College. Among the students pictured here, are two who got married, and had three beautiful daughters. I did their wedding probably in the early 1990s, and they are Kevin Mikowski (back row, 4th from left) and Kathleen McCartan (back row 4th from right.) Those days classes were large and I believe there was a second 8th Grade class, and with 32 students in one class, the other class most probably had another 30 at least. It’s unfortunate that the school had to close when enrollment became very low. Those hallways and classes bring many cherished memories to me and to all these students, who may see them as they share them in their Facebooks. Good luck, and if a few write comments, I will put more nostalgic photos – I have many which you will cherish and enjoy !

St Louis and Zelie Martin

The Martin family, including young babies who died young.

We honor today the parents of yet another saint, and so we can say that there are three saints from the same family, a rare feat, the only other exception is the Holy Family. Sts. Louis and Zelie Martin are the parents of St Therese of Lisieux. Louis was born in 1823 and wanted to become a monk, but he was poor in his studies of Latin, and became a watchmaker instead. Zelie was born in 1831 and she also wanted to become a nun, but with some breathing problems, she was refused entry into the convent. Instead she became a professional lace-maker, to such an extent that her husband left his job and helped her in the production of Alencon lace, which became very popular all over France. Their love for each other continued to blossom, and they got married on July 12, 1858, at the Basilica of Notre Dame in Alencon. It was the same time when the Blessed Mother was appearing to Bernadette Soubirous in Lourdes. They wanted to live a celibate life without any sexual relations between them. But when their spiritual director heard of this strange marital arrangement, he reprimanded them, and insisted that this is not the way married couple should live their lives together. Apparently they must have listened to him, because in 13 years they had 9 children. Only 5 of them lived into adulthood and they were all girls, and all of them became nuns.

The banner used for their canonization at the Vatican in 2015.

Marie Louise lived 80 years, Marie Pauline lived 90 years, Mare Leonie lived 78 years, Marie Celine lived 90 years, and Marie Francoise-Therese lived only 24 years, and became the popular saint Therese of Lisieux. Their parents, however, were not lucky enough to enjoy the company of their daughters. Their mother Zelie died of breast cancer in 1877, aged 45, and their father Louis died in 1894, aged 70.  They raised their daughters with deep spirituality and love. Louis had built a little chapel where he used to spend time in prayer. He loved nature and traveled to many holy places, like Rome, Lourdes, Costantinople. He even gave affectionate nicknames to his girls. One he called diamond, another one pearl, another one the brave, yet another Guardian Angel, and young Therese he called little queenie, reginetta. Louis and Zelie used to write beautiful letters to each other and were published in a book. Although the letters from Louis were only 16, the ones from Zelie were 216, and they show the deeply spiritual life they used to live together. They were canonized by Pope Francis in October 2015.

Saint Benedict

An Austrian stamp from 1993 honoring St Benedict

We honor today the father of Monasticism, Saint Benedict, and we pay for all the Benedictines around the world who follow the Rule of St Benedict, comprised of 73 short chapters. The Rule encourages a Christo-centric life and also gives recommendations about how to deal with our brothers (and sisters), as well as some administrative rules on how to run a monastery. St Benedict was a twin and along with his twin sister St Scholastica, they are both revered as saints.  The most famous Benedictine Abbey is in Monte Cassino near Rome, which was heavily bombed during World War II, but many other beautiful monasteries are around the world, especially in Germany, France, Italy, England and the USA.

The well-known medal of St Benedict is very descriptive and has acronyms in Latin on how to attack the devil and protect oneself from danger.  Formal approval for its use was given by Pope Benedict XIV in the 18th century. The medal is used by Catholics to ward off spiritual and physical dangers, especially those related to evil, poison, and temptation. On the front of the medal is Saint Benedict holding a cross in his right hand, the object of his devotion, and in the left his rule for monasteries. In the back is a poisoned cup, in reference to the legend of Benedict, which explains that hostile monks attempted to poison him: the cup containing poisoned wine shattered when the saint made the sign of the cross over it (and a raven carried away a poisoned loaf of bread). Above the cup are the words "Crux Sancti Patris Benedicti" (The Cross of our Holy Father Benedict). Surrounding the figure of Saint Benedict are the words “Eius In Obitu Nostro Praesentia Muniamur!” (May we be strengthened by his presence in the hour of our death), since he was always regarded by the Benedictines as the patron of a happy death.
On the back is a cross, containing the letters C S S M L - N D S M D, initials of the words "Crux Sacra Sit Mihi Lux! Non Draco Sit Mihi Dux!" (May the holy cross be my light! May the dragon never be my overlord!). The large C S P B stand for Crux Sancti Patris Benedicti (The Cross of [our] Holy Father Benedict). Surrounding the back of the medal are the letters V R S N S M V - S M Q L I V B, in reference to “Vade Retro Satana! Nunquam Suade Mihi Vana! Sunt Mala Quae Libas. Ipse Venena Bibas!" (Begone Satan! Never tempt me with your vanities! What you offer me is evil. Drink the poison yourself!) and finally, located at the top is the word PAX which means "peace."

The Sound of Music

It was 1984 when our parochial school at Holy Spirit Parish in New Hyde Park organized the production of the ‘Sound of Music.’ These were young children, all between Grade 3 to 8, anywhere between 7 year olds and 14 year olds, but the performance proved to be quite popular. I think we did it three times in our school auditorium and it was directed by Marilyn McClean, the music coordinator who also played the piano, and was accompanied on the drums. Then there was myself of the flute, only a beginner, but they were popular and easy pieces and the combination proved to be pleasant, loved by everyone who attended, mostly parents and relatives of the actors and actresses. 

The main roles were played by Anna Morris and Mark Cahill, with the children being Tara Ward, Brendan Thorpe, Erin Cunningham, James Fitzgerald, Noelle Ward, Mary Hull and Tara Fitzgerald. It was one of those events that remained indelibly treasured and close to my heart, and thanks to these photos, I hope some of these children, now in their late 40s and early 50s reminisce the happy times of Holy Spirit School, as the sound of music reverberated through the halls of our beloved school, which is no more.

The Van Gogh family

                                      

Something funny for today...........with no offense to the Van Gogh Family.

His obnoxious brother..................................................Please Gogh
His dizzy aunt.................................................................Verti Gogh
The brother who ate prunes.......................................Gotta Gogh
The brother who worked at a convenience store........Stopn Gogh
The grandfather from Yugoslavia.................................U Gogh
The brother who bleached his clothes white...............Hue Gogh
The cousin from Illinois.................................................Chica Gogh
His magician uncle........................................................Wherediddy Gogh
His Mexican cousin.......................................................Amee Gogh
The Mexican cousin's American half brother.........Grin Gogh
The nephew who drove a stage coach.....................Wellsfar Gogh
The constipated uncle...............................................Can’t Gogh
The ballroom dancing aunt........................................Tan Gogh
The bird lover uncle....................................................Flamin Gogh
His nephew psychoanalyst.........................................E Gogh
The fruit loving cousin...............................................Man Gogh
An aunt who taught positive thinking......................Wayto Gogh
The little bouncy nephew..........................................Poe Gogh
A sister who loved disco...........................................Go Gogh
His niece who travels the country in a van...........Winnie Bay Gogh
His border-crossing guard uncle...........................M. Barr Gogh

History in Stone

With the thousands of photos I have in my collection, it’s so easy for me to choose one particular photo and build a short story around it. I go back today to 1986 or 1987 when I used to stop in England and visit my aunt and a couple I married and their families. With my camera always around my neck walking through the heart of London, you come across many gothic churches that may be 600 to 800 years old. I don’t recollect when and where I took this photo but it was certainly the main door of a gothic church adorned with several prelates in their majestic robes, carrying croziers, mitres and all the regalia that is associated with them. These could very well be the likes of St. Thomas Becket, St Thomas More, Oliver Cromwell, St. John Fisher, Thomas Wolsey and others. The stonework and fine sculpture is exceptional, and obviously well kept and restored properly. Similar sculptures are seen in churches in Italy, Germany, France, Spain and England. Most of them are in the façade of the churches, around the doors, and often replicated inside.

Crazy English Language

(Click to enlarge and ponder....)

Why English is so hard to learn

Let’s take the word box, whose plural is boxes,

Yet the plural of ix is oxen, not oxes.

One fowl is a goose, and two are called geese.

Yet the plural of moose is never called meese.

You may find a lone mouse,or a house full of mice

But the plural of house is houses, not hice.

The plural of man is referred to as men,

Yet the plural of pan is pans not pen.

If I speak of a foot, and you show me two feet,

When I mention a book, would a pair be a beek?

If one is a tooth and a whole set are teeth,

Why shouldn’t two booths be considered a beeth?

If the singular’s this and the plural is these,

Should the plural of kiss be converted to keese?

We speak of a brother and also of brethren

But, though we say mother, we never say methren.

And the masculine pronouns are he, his and him

But imagine the feminine with she, shis and shim!