Like Father, Like Son

Found this at the Deacon's Bench, too good not to share:

Headline: "New 'Predictive Liturgy Techniques' Help Vocations Directors!"

*Somebody's* preparing for the zombie apocalypse!

"Russian military debuts 'flying' church, parachuting-priest unit"

Papa Francesco

Photo borrowed from Whispers

From Papa Francesco's press conference on Saturday, his thoughts on choosing the name "Francis:"

"Some people wanted to know why the Bishop of Rome wished to be called Francis. Some thought of Francis Xavier, Francis De Sales, and also Francis of Assisi. I will tell you the story. During the election, I was seated next to the Archbishop Emeritus of São Paolo and Prefect Emeritus of the Congregation for the Clergy, Cardinal Claudio Hummes [OFM]: a good friend, a good friend! When things were looking dangerous, he encouraged me. And when the votes reached two thirds, there was the usual applause, because the Pope had been elected. And he gave me a hug and a kiss, and said: "Don't forget the poor!" And those words came to me: the poor, the poor. Then, right away, thinking of the poor, I thought of Francis of Assisi. Then I thought of all the wars, as the votes were still being counted, till the end. Francis is also the man of peace. That is how the name came into my heart: Francis of Assisi. For me, he is the man of poverty, the man of peace, the man who loves and protects creation; these days we do not have a very good relationship with creation, do we? He is the man who gives us this spirit of peace, the poor man … How I would like a Church which is poor and for the poor! Afterwards, people were joking with me. "But you should call yourself Hadrian, because Hadrian VI was the reformer, we need a reform…" And someone else said to me: "No, no: your name should be Clement". "But why?" "Clement XV: thus you pay back Clement XIV who suppressed the Society of Jesus!" These were jokes. I love all of you very much, I thank you for everything you have done. I pray that your work will always be serene and fruitful, and that you will come to know ever better the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the rich reality of the Church’s life. I commend you to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Star of Evangelization, and with cordial good wishes for you and your families, each of your families. I cordially impart to all of you my blessing. Thank you."

Conclave begins Tuesday 3/12!!

2005 photo, BBC

The conclave of the College of Cardinals to elect the next successor of St. Peter will begin on Tuesday!

The Cardinals enter by rote
preparing their duty to vote.
"Extr'omnes" the call,
and locked is the hall.
Who next, pray, must captain His boat?

So do pray for them, and for the one who will be chosen.

Three and a Half Timeouts Tuesday (Vol 6)

Vol 6 - The Fairy Tale Edition

I.

Once upon a time, there was a man named Smiter the Archdeacon.  He was a happy archdeacon, who was very good at his work, and very pious.

II.

One day, the wicked count tried to steal a very valuable estate from the good bishop.  The bishop, being a holy bishop, sent Smiter the Archdeacon with a sternly worded letter and sixteen of his best knights to ask the wicked count to give the land back and stop being so wicked.  The count refused, and attacked the noble archdeacon and his knights, and slew many, and captured them and confined them tightly, and tore up the bishop's well-written letter and burned it. 

III.

But, after being put under the interdict, along with all his family and retainers and vassals, eventually he repented and begged the bishop to accept his land and his archdeacon back, and to give the count a suitable penance.  And Smiter the Archdeacon had many other wonderful adventures carrying out the bishop's will, and doing his best to keep peace and faith flourishing all throughout the land.

III-et-dimidium:

...until the next adventure!

3 and 1/2 Time-Outs Tuesday - vol 5

9/11 - The Memorare Edition

I.  

We're not getting out of this without our mother's help.  "Remember, O most gracious virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession, was left unaided.  Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto you, O virgin of virgins, my mother.  To thee I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful.  O mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy, hear and answer me. Amen."

(h/t http://catholic-rosary-beads.ofara.com)

II. 

And of course, we remember this:

(AP photo, Telegraph.co.uk - and I disagree with Swami's argument at this link, which is a form of the "ends justify the means" argument, which is false because evil cannot be done so that good may result.)

III. 

And tomorrow is the memorial of the Holy Name of Mary: "Blessed be the name of Mary, virgin and mother!"

III.-et-demidium: 

If it's knocking down skyscrapers you're after, Gammera the Invincible is better.  To paraphrase one scene, "Nuke the turtle!  And get me a sandwich!"  That's a cultural imperialism I can sink my teeth into.

(h/t IMBD)

Three and a half time-outs, vol 4

Mid July: the random pining for places of my youth eye-candy edition

I. I was here twice, more than a score of years ago:

(http://www.discoverfrance.net)

II. I was here once, about the same time:

(http://www.wiener-staatsoper.at/)

III.  Before that I lived here (you can't actually see my house in this photo):

(http://www.legendtours.ca/)

III-a-half: Where does the time go???