NunEssential

Tonight was the Rite of Installation and Vespers with new Archbishop of Seattle, J. Peter Sartain. It was a very powerful and symbolic Rite, which began with the Archbishop knocking on the door outside the Cathedral, as a symbol of his desire to be accepted as Shepherd of the people. After entering and being welcomed by retiring Archbishop Alex Brunett, Archbishop Sartain venerated the processional cross of the Cathedral and received a blessing with Holy Water from Archbishop Brunett. The two archbishops sprinkled the entire congregation with Holy Water and Archbishop Sartain greeted representatives from various communities and organizations within the Seattle Archdiocese. Within the recitation of Vespers (evening prayer) Archbishop Sartain gave an amazing and moving homily. This man brings with him a powerful presence. Not a presence of domination and self-importance but a presence of holiness, kindness, truth and love. He bear a weight within, the weight of the Cross. As I s...

Tonight is a full moon :) and I posted some time ago a work by Claude Debussy entitled "Clare de Lune" but tonight i post another of Debussy's works "Arabesque #1" Its such a beautiful piece, one of his earlier works, written while he was still in his 20s. It's amazing how talented people usually suffer with some deep struggle. Wikipedia states that "Debussy was often depressed and unable to compose, but he was inspired by Franz Liszt , whose command of the keyboard he found admirable." Beauty often resurrects from darkness. I hope you enjoy this piece. A blessed solemnity of Christ the King to all of you. May Jesus truly be the King of our hearts and the Divine Lover of our souls.

For those of you who have read that astounding news "headlines" that the Holy Father has "changed the Church's stance on the use of condoms" PLEASE read this great commentary by Catholic Apologist Jimmy Aiken. He explains what the Holy Father said and DID NOT say and the context in which the comments took place (and were taken out of place!) Be informed and spread the word!

Perhaps this the perennial question we face during many phases of our life- the question of "What should I do?" What is life about anyway? Should we live our lives to please others? Should we be who others want us to be? Should we listen to our friends? the media? Or shall we follow our destiny and become the people we were born to be by allowing God to reveal Himself and our destiny to us? Who knows best? our little finite selves or the infinite, beautiful creator of the universe? Tomorrow in the Gospel at daily Mass, we see Jesus weeping over Jerusalem. As He looks out over Jerusalem, knowing it will be the place of His death and the ultimate betrayal by some of His closest friends, He weeps. Jesus knows that peace is not found in self-righteousness and power, He knows that peace is found in surrender to God and the turning away from sin. But even as He looks over the city, He does not curse the city, He longs to heal it. He sees us in the same way. Jesus longs to...

Happy Autumn Wednesday to you! Here's a happy little song by Christian artist Chris August, called The Campfire Song. It's a peaceful little song about the love between a man and a woman. Enjoy! Lyrics: When it's cold outside count on me to keep you warm And when we arrive there I'll be to hold the door When we talk at night I promise I'm all ears I will turn into your prince if you kiss me here You love music and the smell of summer rain Well, I have this old guitar and a pocket full of change So, I might be what you're looking for What you're looking for When your day goes blue I'll find a way to make it bright When you need a laugh I'll bring a smile right to you, to you When we're all alone I'll be the sweetest man You will fall into my arms or at least that's my plan You love sweaters and the feel of linen sheets Well, I'm not begging you, no I'm not that hard to please So, I might be what you're ...

Check out the text of this talk about men and commitment, aptly titled "What is it with men and commitment, anyway?"  The prevailing thought of many is that men never want to commit and that living together before marriage is a good way to see if "two people are compatible". Both of these thoughts are seriously flawed and Scott Stanley, PhD, explains why.

Check out this link to a page from the Family Life Center website. This organization is dedicated to strengthening marriage and family life and this page lists resources to help or give information on a variety of topics. With links about topics on various issues from alcoholism to end of life decisions, from, homeschooling to help for hurting marriages, check this out. it's great stuff. sometimes we struggle or wonder about certain things but don't know where to turn for solid info or help, this is a great resource.

WHAT!?! There are only 5 or 6 exorcists in the entire United States! eeek! Bring back the exorcists. Heaven knows we need em'

I came across a song by Alanis Morissette that I hadn't heard in many years. The song is called, "You Learn, (Jagged Little Pill)" and it was very popular in the 90's. But as with many things in our lives, we revisit themes on deeper levels as we grow older. Here are some of the lyrics- I recommend biting off more then you can chew to anyone I certainly do I recommend sticking your foot in your mouth at any time Feel free   Throw it down (the caution blocks you from the wind) Hold it up (to the rays) You wait and see when the smoke clears You live, you learn You love, you learn You cry, you learn You lose, you learn You bleed, you learn You scream, you learn There is a very famous saying that goes, " live and learn " and isnt' that the truth? Perhaps for those of us perfectionists out there, we would rather just "know everything" without having to make mistakes and live through things, but that's not reality. Here'...

Check out this great article about our Archbishop-elect Peter J. Sartain, set to be installed here in the Archdiocese of Seattle on December 1st. Brings much hope to us here in the Northwest. Rock on! :)

Surfing legend Andy Irons passed away on November 2nd in Dallas, TX. He was 32 years old. Read the story of his amazing life and untimely death here. Andy was much beloved and respected in his home of Hawaii and across the world. A man who was very human in spite of being wildly popular. When I read the article posted above, I was filled with a sense of sorrow and an immense sense of awe for the sacredness and gift of life. Why things happen the way they do may not be known in this life. All we do know is that God makes sense of our confusion and accompanies us in our deepest sorrows and mysteries. My prayers go out to his family, especially his wife, due to give birth to their first child next month. May he rest in peace and may perpetual light shine upon him. God bless you, Andy.