NunEssential

Here is another beautiful Easter message from our SOLT Sisters General Superior, Sr. Anne Marie Walsh. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Of Billboards, Prophecy and Resurrection. Driving into Corpus Christi on Interstate 37 one now notices a rather curious sign.  It reads:  “Don’t believe in God?  You are not alone.” It’s obviously a very public posting with a specific intent.   But there is room to wonder whether it actually conveys more than was intended.  As a believer, reading between the lines, I read it another way.    I read:  “Don’t believe in God?  The truth is you’re not alone.  He is with us!” It reminds me of two stories, one from Scripture and one from the life of a  canonized Saint.  The passage from Scripture has to do with Caiaphas, the high priest involved in the orchestration of Jesus’ execution.  He unwittingly prophesied the real significance of Jesus’ death.  As ...

We all know that yesterday, Pope Francis and Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI met with each other. The touching meeting of two Popes is historical in so many ways. It hasnt happened in 600 years and probably wont happen again in our lifetime. It's amazing to be alive in these days. Here is the video of the meeting. Notice how Pope Emeritus Benedict tries to give Pope Francis the seat of the honor in the chapel but that Pope Francis declines and insists they kneel together at the same place and pray. Pope Francis also gifts Benedict with an icon of Our Lady of Humility, a mark both men bear to the world.

I love this! Cardinal Dolan talks about the conclave and the new Holy Father, as well as sharing that Pope Francis took the bus back to the hotel after being elected! Gotta love that....(makes me wonder, did the Swiss Guards have to run along the side the bus?)  Read the summation of the interview here

The vision and name of Pope Francis I By choosing a new name, every new Pope signals, in a simple but profound way, the vision they see for their leadership. It reveals their own personal reading of the “sign of the times.” At the end of Vatican II, when made Pope Cardinal Giovanni Montini chose the name Paul VI, signaling that he saw his role as a time for evangelization and announcing the good news of Vatican II. Pope John Paul II chose his name to show his papacy would be the implementation of Vatican II, whose name stemmed from the two Popes who oversaw the council, Pope John XXIII and Paul VI. Now Cardinal Bergoglio has chosen the name Francis, after St. Francis of Assisi. This name speaks volumes about our new Pope’s vision of the sign of the times and the direction he wants to take the Church. By choosing Francis, whose own call began with an answer to the voice of God, saying, “Francis, go rebuild my Church.” Our new Pope has taken the n...

The whole world watched today as the former Cardinal of Buenos Aires stepped out onto the balcony and greeted the world as Pope Francis. This man bowed his head and implored the prayers of the faithful as well as leading the people in the Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be. The first Jesuit Pope, the first Pope from the Americas. Wonder what God is up to.....:) As a random aside, today is the 13th day of the 3rd month in the year of 2013. 3,3,3. May God pour out his blessings upon this man and upon the whole world. Let us pray earnestly for him as he takes the helm of the bark of St. Peter. Statement on the election of Pope Francis I Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops March 13, 2013 The election of Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, who has taken the name Francis I, marks a great milestone in our church. As successor to Peter, our first pope, Pope Francis I stands as the figure of unity for all Catholics whereve...

Please keep one of our dear SOLT priests in your prayers, Fr. Morty O Shea. He is very sick with cancer at this time and is undergoing surgery in England. His friends are updating his blog which can be read here: http://frmorty.wordpress.com/ May God bless and heal him.

Getting tired of fasting? You might find this humorous video an aide to your resolution (and so true!!) :)

The Seminarians from Mobile, AL put together this humorous (check out the "commercial break" five minutes in! I laughed out loud) and inspiring video about the call to the priesthood. May God bless these young men and all those who are seeking and saying yes to the God's call in their lives.

The following video was sent to me by Fr. Jason Worthley and it's a touching tribute to His Holiness Benedict XVI from priests around the world. Enjoy!