“While recognizing the autonomy of the reality of politics, Christians who are invited to take up political activity should try to make their choices consistent with the gospel and, in the framework of a legitimate plurality, to give both personal and collective witness to the seriousness of their faith by effective and disinterested service of men.” – Pope Paul VI (in his Apostolic Letter, Octogesima Adveniens, 46)
03 October 2013
02 October 2013
Robert Schumann: “Symphony No. 1 in B flat major”
It’s time for some classical music. This is a presentation of Robert Schumann’s “Symphony No. 1 in B flat major”, Op. 38 (“Spring”) as played by the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande (literally “Orchestra of French-speaking Switzerland”):
Holliston, MA, Is America in Bloom Award Winner
America in Bloom recently announced the winners for its 2013 national awards program. The program is designed to honors effort for livability in communities of all types. Participants are evaluated on their efforts in horticulture, heritage, and environment across residential, commercial, and municipal sectors. Community involvement is also considered.
Based on successful models in Europe and Canada, America in Bloom is now in its twelfth year. It is believed to be the only program of its kind that sends a team of two specially trained judges who spend time in participating locations providing on-site coaching and mentoring, followed by a written evaluation which is sent after the awards program in September.
The Town of Holliston, MA, has been awarded the first place award for the 12,001-18,000 population category. In addition, the Town also received a special award for the Best Volunteer Recognition Program.
Background information:
Thank You, Lord
Thank you, Lord, for assigning each of us a guardian angel and for the many ways in which these angels take care of us.
Pope Francis on Christians Bearing Difficulties with a Positive Attitude
In a homily on the readings for Friday, 27 September, Pope Francis “reflected on the nature of what it means to be a Christian, saying that an authentic follower of Christ is able to endure difficulties with a positive attitude.”
To access a Catholic News Agency report on this homily, please visit:
Reflection Starter from George Eliot
“Wear a smile and have friends; wear a scowl and have wrinkles.” – George Eliot
01 October 2013
National Arts and Humanities Month
The month of October is being observed as National Arts and Humanities Month, an observance designed to be a celebration of culture in America.
According to the nonprofit Americans for the Arts, National Arts and Humanities Month is a time to encourage all Americans to explore new facets of the arts and humanities in their lives and to begin a lifelong habit of active participation in the arts and humanities.
For additional information about this observance, please visit:
Americans for the Arts: National Arts and Humanities Month
Facebook: National Arts and Humanities Month
Presidential proclamation:
Presidential Proclamation – National Arts and Humanities Month, 2013
Background information:
Holy Father’s Prayer Intentions for October
The Holy Father’s prayer intentions for October are:
General intention: “That those feeling so crushed by life that they wish to end it may sense the nearness of God’s love.”
Mission intention: “That the celebration of World Mission Day may help all Christians realize that we are not only receivers but proclaimers of God’s word.”
Michael Card: “El Shaddai”
As we continue to live this week, I offer this version of Michael Card singing “El Shaddai”:
Cardinal O’Malley Calls for Compassion, Hope, Action in 2013 Respect Life Month Statement
In a statement marking Respect Life Month, October 2013, Cardinal Seán O’Malley of Boston exhorted Catholics to “engage others and share the truth about human life.” Cardinal O’Malley, chairman of the Committee on Pro-Life Activities of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), addressed various threats to human life and the need to entrust pro-life efforts to prayer.
Cardinal O’Malley stressed the link between a lack of faith and threats to those who are most vulnerable: “We live in a society of unbelief, where the unborn, the sick, and the elderly are often unwanted and endangered by acts of violence or neglect.” He noted especially the loss of “over fifty-five million unborn children’s lives” from 40 years of legalized abortion after Roe v. Wade, and the spread of legalized physician-assisted suicide in three states “allowing doctors to . . . end patients’ lives rather than provide much-needed comfort in times of pain and distress.” In the face of these challenges, Cardinal O’Malley stressed hope in the love of God.
“By opening our hearts to his love and mercy, we let Christ dwell in us and we see more deeply the intricate and unique beauty of each person,” he said. “Though we are capable of sins against human life such as abortion, assisted suicide and euthanasia, we are not beyond Christ’s mercy.”
“We must personally engage others and share the truth about human life,” he further said. “All members of the Church can bring healing to the world by upholding the beauty of human life and God’s unfailing mercy” especially to “those who have been involved in abortion.”
Inspired by Pope Francis’ call to all people of good will, the Respect Life Program’s theme for 2013-14 is: “Open your hearts to life!” Cardinal O’Malley explained the spiritual theme. “We must respond to Pope Francis’ call with great urgency. Opening our hearts to life in Christ empowers us for loving, merciful action toward others,” he said, “Only a tender, compassionate love that seeks to serve those most in need, whatever the personal cost, is strong enough to overcome a culture of death and to build a civilization of love.”
Begun in 1972, the Respect Life Program stresses the value and dignity of human life. It is observed in the 195 Catholic dioceses in the United States.
To access Cardinal O’Malley’s full statement in English and Spanish (as well as other Respect Life Program resources), please visit:
Reflection Starter from Pope Francis
“True charity requires courage: let us overcome the fear of getting our hands dirty so as to help those in need.” – Pope Francis
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