I stopped at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tennessee last week on my way to Birmingham, Alabama. Although I passed by Nashville on a number of occasions in the past on my way to Florida, I never left the interstate to actually go into the city. I decided it was time to venture off the interstate and see a little bit of the city. The first stop was at the Grand Ole Opry House.
It was early in the morning and I was grateful for the peace and quiet. Although it would be fun to attend a show and enjoy the ambiance created by a musical celebrity, I will admit that I found the tranquility of the morning to be a pleasant experience. There were no crowds of bustling people, no vendors, and no celebrities. It was only my mom and I, and a groundskeeper off in the distance. The cool, crisp morning made it perfect for some quiet reflection.
The large guitars at the entrance of the main sidewalk are eye-catching to say the least. As I admired these over-sized musical instruments I couldn’t help but wonder about the number of people who have come to Nashville through the years in search of fame and fortune. As the song says, “It’s a long, hard ride.” How many dreams have been realized in the process? How many dreams have been crushed?
Although a career in music was never in the cards for me, I have long held on to a question posed by a teacher many years ago. She simply asked, “Do you have music in your life?” She was trying to impress upon a room full of teenagers the necessity of living life with joy and gusto. She said, “Even if you are singing the blues, it takes life and energy to feel the passion.” Her words come back to me from time to time when I feel myself getting a little sluggish in my day-to-day routine.
The Ave Maria Grotto in Cullman, Alabama is a very interesting display of handiwork. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Sites. The grotto sits on a four acre landscaped park and contains more than 125 miniature replicas of biblical structures and world famous buildings. It is located at Alabama’s only Benedictine Abbey with a church and monastery.
Thank you Brother Joseph Zoettl for creating this beautiful work of art. Pictures really don’t capture the scene, but here is a sample of what I had the opportunity to see.
This picture was taken along the banks of the Mississippi River in Clarksville, Missouri on Thursday, October 23. Although the trees outside my office here in Cheyenne have lost all of their leaves already, going southward brought a second chance to see some more fall colors.
It has been a wonderful fall season. Although we received a dusting of snow here in Cheyenne on September 11, the weather since then has just been fabulous.
While watching the news on TV can be depressing with reports of attacks in Canada, a hatchet attack here in the U.S., and another shooting in a school, I appreciated the opportunity to disconnect for a while and enjoy the beauty of God’s creation. In the midst of the trials and tribulations of life there is also much good. What would happen in our world if we each made a commitment to live our lives in a state of perpetual gratitude? I think it would make a phenomenal difference. Are you grateful for all of God’s gifts? Take time today to thank God for some of those gifts. Be specific. Name the gift and give God thanks specifically for that gift. I invite you to share your list in the comment section.
I drove by this church last week in Clarksville, Missouri and was saddened by the deteriorating condition of the structure. I can only imagine the number of lives that were touched through the years inside this building, but it would appear that the days of vibrancy for this congregation have passed. I don’t know the history of the church since its founding in 1886, but I was simply struck by image it placed in my mind in regard to my personal faith journey. Am I living my faith with joy, or am I tired, worn out, and broken down in need of significant repair and healing?
Today’s Gospel (Matthew 22: 34–40) encourages us to live out our faith journey with zeal. “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” That was only the first half. The second part says, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Living out these two great commandments requires a fervent prayer life, diligent study, and active discipleship and service to others. Simply going to church on Sunday is not enough. A sincere faith in God compels us to live out these commandments each and every day of the week. If we think we are finished for the week after attending church on Sunday, we are sadly mistaken. That is just the beginning.
If we become complacent and content with simply going through the motions of church attendance and nothing more, we are living a falsehood. It is a window dressing so to speak. It takes more than attendance at church to be a Christian–it takes commitment. If you are feeling tired and worn out from the journey, ask God to give you strength. Our future looks bright when we walk in faith, hope, and love.
I apologize for the absence of posts in the last week. This time I really was on vacation, and it truly was nice to get away for a few days. In addition to getting some “down time,” I also have new pictures for quite a few upcoming blog posts. As you can see by the picture on the left I made it to Irondale, Alabama. This trip was on my mom’s bucket list and it finally came true.
My mom has watched EWTN programming for years and especially appreciates watching the Mass on TV when she is unable to get out and go during inclement weather. She has frequently mentioned that she would like to see where the taping and production all takes place. I tried to take her last year for her 90th birthday, but an ice storm struck the southern states and impeded our travel. This time we had beautiful weather. We made it into the chapel on Sunday evening just in time to pray the Liturgy of the Hours with a few other folks. It was an intimate gathering that closed with benediction.
We had the opportunity to enjoy many sites along the way and I will be sharing these experiences with you in the days ahead. My favorite stop was the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament at Our Lady of the Angels Monastery in Hanceville, Alabama. There are signs asking that no pictures be taken in the interior of the church and I obeyed those signs, but I would certainly recommend making a visit to the shrine if you are ever in the neighborhood.
“The city of Houston has issued subpoenas demanding a group of pastors turn over any sermons dealing with homosexuality, gender identity or Annise Parker, the city’s first openly lesbian mayor. And those ministers who fail to comply could be held in contempt of court.” That is the opening paragraph from an article written by Todd Starnes on October 14, 2014 and published on Fox News.
I have been discussing this article with a few folks today and the responses have been interesting. However, one response made me stop in my tracks. The individual with whom I was corresponding said it fairly succinctly. “On the other hand, even at my age and having gone to Mass my whole life, I cannot remember when I heard a homily in a Catholic Church telling people that the ‘sexual’ sins were sinful. I guess it is usually taken for granted that having sex outside of marriage and certainly homosexual sex was serious sin. But it is also much less awkward for the priest and the congregation. Once in a while the abortion word is mentioned but not often, only when those hateful anniversaries roll around. So, sadly, I don’t think there is much chance that any Catholic priest will be found ‘guilty’ of this hate-speech crime. It would mean that they actually were fulfilling their vocation as shepherds of their flock. Very few are guilty of that.”
Although I am a deacon and not a priest, this comment made me reflect upon my own role in teaching and preaching the faith in its fullness. Have the “culture wars” scared me off from being faithful? Do I have the ability to address the difficult and sensitive issues in a way that does not water down the truth but also extends the grace and mercy of our God? I will admit that this is getting to be a difficult balance to achieve as society continues to grow in its acceptance of aberrant behaviors.
Those in Church leadership have moral obligations and responsibilities to teach the faith in its fullness. Yes, this means talking about sin and even the consequences of sin. Dare we mention the word “hell” in our homily? Explaining these realities will not win an individual pastor or clergy person any popularity contest in today’s society, but I think each one of us would benefit from truly asking ourselves a simple question. Do I seek popularity or do I seek holiness for myself and my parishioners?
Today we celebrate the Memorial of St. Jerome. The famous quote attributed to St. Jerome is one that sticks firmly in my mind. “Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ.” That may seem a bit harsh, but if we give it some serious reflection it makes a lot of sense.
We have the opportunity to have easy access to the Sacred Scriptures in the current age. Many of us own multiple copies of the Bible and have electronic versions on our computers as well. Are we using any of them? Is the Bible collecting dust as a centerpiece on a coffee table, or is it simply lost on a bookshelf somewhere?
My encouragement to you today is to create a habit of reading the Bible. Study it. Pray with it. God readily speaks to us in the depths of our heart when we read, pray and reflect upon the Sacred Scriptures. How well do you know the Scriptures? How well do you know Christ?
Saturday evening was a true delight in Cody, Wyoming. Although the 400 mile drive between my house and Cody seemed a bit lengthy, being in attendance at the Respect Life Banquet sponsored by Catholics United For Life was worth the trek. I had the opportunity to meet and visit with Fr. Denis Wilde, O.S.A., Ph.D. from Priests for Life during dinner. I then had the privilege of being the opening speaker for the evening prior to the keynote address given from Fr. Denis.
I saw a number of familiar faces in the crowd of over 100 people in attendance. It was especially wonderful to see several tables full of young people. Knowing that many of these individuals make the trek from Cody to Cheyenne each January for the Pro-Life March to our state capitol touched my heart immensely. They make a genuine sacrifice of time, talent, and treasure to be a faithful witness to the dignity and sanctity of human life.
I shared with the people in attendance the good work that is being done across the diocese in regard to cultivating a culture of life. Teaming up with the Knights of Columbus we have purchased ultra-sound machines for pregnancy care centers in Cody, Jackson, Sheridan, Gillette, Rock Springs, and soon a new and better machine will be purchased in Casper. The pregnancy care center in Cody is currently doing about 120 to 150 ultra-sounds per year. Beginning on October 17 their outreach with the ultra-sound machine will extend once a week to the community of Powell as well.
Although there is not a 40 Days for Life campaign in Wyoming, we have people participating in Billings, Montana, Salt Lake City, Utah, and Fort Collins, Colorado. Our presence is making a difference.
Life Chain takes place this Sunday. We have had a 50% increase in the number of communities in Wyoming taking part in Life Chain in the last two years. We added Kemmerer last year. This year we added Rock Springs and Evanston. Go to the website www.lifechain.net to find the location nearest you. Get involved!
I was asked to open the evening with the prayer that I used last January at the banquet in Cheyenne when Abby Johnson was the keynote speaker. I kept most of it the same but tweaked it just a little bit for this specific gathering. I have included the text below.
Fr. Denis provided a very informative and inspirational presentation. This was topped at the end when he sat down at the piano and showed a magnificent talent. All I can say is WOW! I was given two of his CDs as a gift and I am looking forward to enjoying the music he makes. God has blessed Fr. Denis in multiple ways. Thank you Fr. Denis for sharing those gifts and talents with us.
Creator Of Life–Thank You
“Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you” That is an assurance of God’s love solid and true We are the beloved and precious in His sight How did our society get to this current plight
Children are viewed as a burden to be discarded Planned Parenthood is abundantly rewarded The liberal media calls it “women’s health care” The reality is a truth too heart-wrenching to bear
“Pro-choice” sounds liberating, sensible, and kind The deception it promotes is the tie that will bind “Pro-abortion” is not appealing to the one who hears Accurate terminology could instill worry and fears
Language matters, and progressives know the drill Don’t let anyone know that abortion really does kill “A woman’s right to choose” is now firmly entrenched Pro-lifers are seen as the radicals who should be benched
The landscape seems to always be somewhat weird and strange Pro-choicers now want the current language to shift and change Planned Parenthood consent forms call abortion a “difficult decision” Yikes! That is currently being looked upon with disdain and derision
Abortion is a difficult decision–exactly what does that imply Could it be an ethical debate on a moral issue deserving a reply The “hard choice” indicates a debate on whether or not a fetus should live Endowing the clump of cells with the status of being–what does that give
They claim “pro-choice” no longer resonates with voters as it once did Backing away from the posture of a “difficult decision” is the new bid They now emphasize–don’t give any inclination that it really is a child Because if you do it, provides fodder for the anti-choicers really go wild
Let’s face it– “Follow the money” has been an accurate trail in the past Cut off tax dollars and watch Planned Parenthood move fast Litigation or legislation–it’s all about abortion on demand Roe versus Wade and Doe versus Bolton–the law of the land
There have been over 41 years of tragedy since that fateful time Millions have died–and a civilized society doesn’t see a crime Is it apathy and complacency–or is it something much deeper What has caused us to fail in being our brother and sister’s keeper
To the many women (and men) who are experiencing pain It is not necessary to be isolated and suffering alone in vain All of the wounds and painful memories you can freely bring There is healing and forgiveness from Jesus Christ our King
All of us gathered here in this room tonight Are challenged to keep fighting the good fight May each of us work with faithfulness and love And be open to the abundance of grace from above
And so we pray: Heavenly Father, it is with a contrite heart that we humbly seek you May the love of Jesus strengthen and guide us in what we say and do Let your Holy Spirit empower us to be faithful witnesses to the sanctity of life May we never waver in proclaiming the Truth regardless of the difficulty or strife
Oh God, we lift up to you all those who need our prayers now Your abundant grace and compassionate mercy please endow For the woman considering an abortion–please give her hope Give her the strength and courage she needs to effectively cope
For the family and friends surrounding their loved one in need Give them gentleness and patience to not break a bruised reed Bring conversion of heart to any father not wanting his child Let his temperament grow in peace and not be unjustly riled
Guide all of us to grow in appreciation for life–and to not be cynics We pray especially for all those who are employed at abortion clinics The directors, doctors, nurses, support staff, and the volunteers too We plead for their repentance and conversion; we lift them up to you
For each baby who did not have the opportunity to see the light of day We simply trust in your love and mercy and know you will guide the way For the women who still grieve and mourn after years and years Grant them healing and comfort through their sorrowful tears
Thank you father, for all those involved with Catholics United for Life— they are a treasure indeed Dedication, faithfulness, and compassion–they are truly sowing the seed A bountiful harvest is being reaped due to the tender, loving care of the soil Abortion clinics closing, workers leaving, babies living–it is definitely worth the toil
For all who keep faithfully shining the light We simply pray in thanksgiving tonight Let each of us witness to the Truth all across the land Oh God, firmly hold us in the palm of Your loving hand
Our prayer this night is offered with a contrite heart From your ways O Lord, may we never part Yesterday, today and forever–always the same We make our humble prayer in Jesus’ name.
Amen!
Fr. Denis Wilde, O.S.A., Ph.D. demonstrates his musical talent.
Lancaster, Pennsylvania was the U.S. capital city for one day on September 27, 1777. The British captured Philadelphia during the American Revolution, forcing the Continental Congress to flee. It set up in Lancaster, but only for one day. The Congress moved on to York, Pennsylvania on September 28.
On September 27, 1937, the Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School was established and today is the oldest continuously-run Santa school in the world. (I had no idea such a thing existed.)
On another note, September 27, is World Tourism Day. Learn more at their website. http://wtd.unwto.org/ World Tourism Day is celebrated every year on September 27. It is a global observance to highlight tourism’s social, cultural, political and economic value.
We certainly enjoy some luxuries in modern times to be able to travel all around the world. Obviously, travel costs money and tourism dollars impact many communities in dramatic ways both here and abroad. The social, cultural, and political ramifications of tourism would probably be more difficult to accurately measure than the economic impact. I would like to throw another category into the mix that was not directly included on the World Tourism Day website. What has been the impact of tourism from a moral standpoint? What kinds of immoral behaviors have been introduced into other societies from the more “enlightened” and “progressive” cultures?
Finally, let’s end on an upbeat note. There are some famous and not-so-famous people having birthdays today. Let your heart skip a beat ladies. Shaun Cassidy was born on this date in 1958. Are you a little older? If so, do you know Marvin Lee Aday? He was born on this date in 1947. If you don’t recognize his name, do you remember music by MEATLOAF?
All right, that is enough of a trip down memory lane. I’m starting to show my age. Anyway, I’ll let you speculate about the non-famous people having birthdays today.
The annual September Institute for 2014 is in the books. Nearly 190 people gathered in Cheyenne from all the parishes across the state of Wyoming to learn specifically about youth ministry. Obviously, the challenges are many in today’s society, but there is also reason for great hope. The love of God continues to beckon each and every one of us–young and old–and it is my hope and prayer that we each respond to that call with zeal and fervor.
It is easy to focus our attention on everything that is wrong in our world. As people of faith we aren’t simply “optimists” in the secular manner of speaking. We are optimistic because we believe firmly in the virtue of “hope.” Hope that is firmly rooted in Jesus Christ does not disappoint. That is a consoling thought.
This morning I began my day at by arriving at St. Mary’s School for their annual foundation fundraising breakfast 6:30 A.M. It was a pleasure to see members of the faculty, the clergy, Bishop Etienne, and about 70 parishioners come together for this event (as well as many of the students who graciously waited on tables). It was also nice to see the mayor of Cheyenne and a couple of other elected officials join us for this early morning gathering. I couldn’t stay for the whole event because I had to be at the Little America Hotel by 7:30 A.M. to be sure everything was ready for our closing day at the Institute. My blood wasn’t flowing too smoothly at 6:30 A.M. so I forgot to take pictures at St. Mary’s School. (However, I did get some photos of the Institute during the previous two days.)
I am hoping to get a little rest tomorrow prior to leaving for Cody on Saturday for the Respect Life Banquet. I am looking forward to being with the Catholics United for Life and joining Rev. Denis Wilde, O.S.A., Ph.D. from Priests for Life to share an inspiring message of hope for all the faithful people engaged in pro-life work.
Dr. Leonard DeLorenzo (Notre Dame) Rev. Bob Frederick (Wyoming Catholic College)
