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Over a month ago I made a short 9-second video on why Catholics have crucifixes. It literally took me all of two minutes to make it. For the video, I wrote, "Why do Catholics have crucifixes instead of bare crosses? Because we need to be reminded of what nailed Our Lord to the cross." It has been one of the most controversial videos I have ever made with thousands of views, shares, and hundreds of comments. Loads of comments were the typical nonsense, straw-man arguments. "Stop worshipping statues." "Jesus isn't on the cross anymore. He hasn't been on the cross for 2000 years." The most snarky of comments was this: "So, basically Catholics aren't as impacted as the rest of the world and for some reason they need to be reminded constantly because they have poor memory." Poor St. Paul, I guess he wasn't as impacted as modern day Christians seeing as he wrote that "we preach Christ crucified." First, we don't worship statues. Just because we have a depiction of someone doesn't mean we worship the representation. We don't think the statues are literally that person. Second, no Catholic believes that Jesus is still on the cross. Not a single one. We are an Easter people, as St. John Paul II proclaimed. But, you cannot talk about Easter without understanding the impact of Good Friday. To the snarky man, I wrote back, "Well, seeing as we humans continue to sin, even though we, as Christians, know what Our Lord did, yeah, I'd say we all have poor memories and need to be reminded. Unless, of course, you somehow are the one person here on earth that doesn't sin anymore because you have been so impacted. If so, congratulations." St. Paul says in our second reading today from Romans, "But God proves His love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us." It is gazing upon a crucifix that I see the totality of Jesus' love for me. The cross is where He atoned for the sins that I could never atone for, it is where He saved me. I have a few empty crosses in my house, but they don't impact me the way a crucifix does. Yes, my Lord is risen, indeed, but I will always need to remember why He had to rise in the first place. Have a blessed Sunday, Catholic Pilgrims.
Day Nine of US landmarks and Catholic connections in our lead up to America's 250th Birthday. Today's Location: US NAVAL ACADEMY I've realized that I'm a mid-sized town gal and Annapolis definitely appealed to me. Annapolis is home to the Naval Academy, which I got to visit in 2022. We have two Catholic connections. 1. This gate that you see here is named after Commodore John Barry who was a devout Irish Catholic. He died long before the Academy came around, but he was personally chosen by George Washington to be the very first commissioned officer and first flag officer of the permanent U.S. Navy. 2. If you visit the Naval Academy Chapel there is a basement where you will find a Blessed Sacrament room. It is in honor of Servant of God Father Capodonna, the "Grunt" padre that was killed in Vietnam on September 4, 1967. Every September there is a Mass said in his honor in the chapel. Even though my hubby is an Airman, I am the granddaughter of a WWII Navy vet. While my grandfather did not attend here, it was still special for me to visit. I highly recommend Annapolis, Catholic Pilgrims, and if you are able to be cleared onto the Academy, I would encourage you visit. The grounds are beautiful. Live the Faith boldly and travel well!
Day Seven of US landmarks and Catholic connections in our lead up to America's 250th Birthday. Our feature for today: NIAGRA FALLS Anybody wanna hop back and forth between borders? The Falls are nearly almost divided in half between Canada and the US. Now, I've never been, so this isn't my photo, but I'm guessing this was taken from the Canadian side. Maybe? But what, Amy, is the Catholic connection, you ask? Well, these Falls were first documented in the 17th century by a Belgium monk named Father Louis Hennepin. He was a Franciscan missionary and his documentation really was his claim to fame. He explored lots of other territory in what would become the United States, but he often embellished his stories and this got him into some trouble. However, he did make an "engraving of the Falls of Niagara. It is out of proportion, but its general features give an accurate idea of the appearance of the Falls at his time." I do hope to go to the Falls someday and apparently in the surrounding area, both in Canada and Buffalo, NY, there are some excellent Catholic Churches to visit. Live the Faith boldly and travel well, Catholic Pilgrims!
Day Five of US landmarks and Catholic connections in our lead up to America's 250th Birthday. Today's landmark: CENTRAL PARK Why does my picture from 2005 look ancient? In 2005 my family visited NY after attending a graduation for my husband's cousin in Connecticut. This is me with my oldest (now 24 years old) at the famous Bethesda Terrace with the Angel of the Waters Fountain. The Pool of Bethesda, if you'll recall from the Bible, was a famous healing site in Jerusalem. The Jews believed that an angel stirred up the water and when it was stirred up, whoever got in first would be healed. So, we have a Biblical connection here. Another one is that Pope John Paul II said Mass on the Great Lawn on October 7th, 1995 for a crowd of over 125,000. Also, one of our most visited Catholic Churches sits just south of Central Park and that is, you guessed it, St. Patrick's Cathedral. Archbishop John Hughes (1797–1864), was one of the most famous Catholics in NY history. He was around when Central Park was being created. He was the first archbishop of NY, when it became elevated to an archdiocese. So, there's your Monday morning Catholic history lesson! Live the Faith boldly and travel well, Catholic Pilgrims.
Most days when my son and I go to daily Mass, we are the first ones there. After genuflecting to Jesus in the tabernacle, my son immediately does his little "chores." He lights the candles, checks that all the holy water fonts are filled, and waters any plants around the altar in the main church that need it. I noticed the other day after coming into the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, that I let out a sigh and immediately close my eyes during the few moments of silence before others come in. The sigh isn't one of irritation or boredom. In thinking about it, it's one of relief. Being in the presence of Jesus is such a relief. It feels so good to just be there in the presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. Anything that I was carrying, I can let it go and find some peace from all the noise of the world. Then, after receiving Jesus in the Eucharist--His Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity--I'm even more revived as I'm filled with Sanctifying Grace. Who are we that Our Lord comes to us in the Holy Eucharist, Catholic Pilgrims? We can't even fathom how blessed we are that we are nourished on the Body and Blood of Our Lord, Jesus Christ. It gives us Life, just as Jesus said It would. May you have a blessed Feast of Corpus Christi. *Picture is from Our Lady of Peace in Santa Clara, CA
Day Four of US landmarks and Catholic connections in our lead up to America's 250th Birthday. HOTEL DEL CORONADO on Coronado Island In the movie, "Some Like it Hot" staring Marilyn Monroe, this hotel is the main location for the story. What's interesting is that in the movie, it's depicted as being in Florida, not California. My sister and I loved the movie and knew we needed to see it in person. We got our chance in 2012. We got all dressed up fancy and both our families went there for dinner. The inside is like stepping back in time with thick, rich wood everywhere, yellow lighting, and furniture that looks like it came from a fancy antique store. This hotel was built in the 1880s and there was no Catholic Church on the island. Father Antonio Ubach used to row across San Diego Bay from Old Town to come say Mass for the staff and visitors. They didn't have a permanent structure, so they did have Mass in the Hotel Del at times. The other location was in a building near the ferry landing. But, they needed a church building. So, the hotel Catholic housekeepers and staff were active in helping to raise funds for a church to be built. That's how the island got Sacred Heart Church. Different church buildings have come and gone, as more room was needed. It ain't cheap to stay at the Hotel Del, but it is worth a visit. You can grab lunch or dinner there or just go inside to see this lovely building. Coronado Island is one of my favorite places in California and this hotel is a great piece of history. Live the Faith boldly and travel well, Catholic Pilgrims!
Day Two of US landmarks and Catholic connections in our lead up to America's 250th Birthday. Gateway Arch, St. Louis, Missouri The Arch was built between February 12, 1963, and October 28, 1965. Amazingly, there were no fatalities during the building of this incredible structure. You can ride all the way to the top, which is not for those who get weak in the knees over heights. (Looking at my sister) There is an amazing museum under the Arch, which actually gives loads of Catholic history. St. Louis was founded in 1764 by French Catholics and named after St. Louis IX, King of France. Very near the Arch is the Old Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis which is one of the oldest buildings in the downtown area and has survived fires. It really is a lovely church. If you are visiting the Arch, you can easily visit the Old Cathedral, as well. Have a blessed day, Catholic Pilgrims.
In a little more than 30 days, America will celebrate its 250th birthday. In a spirit of patriotism, I am going to take the next 30 days and show one US landmark per day until July 4th. My goal: To find some Catholic connection to those landmarks. It's not always going to be easy, but I will do my best. I have lived all over this country from sea to shining sea--literally. Our military life has taken us up, down, across, and back across numerous times. I've lived east coast, west coast, deep south, midwest, and lots of desert. Lots of desert. I've lived in big cities, mid-sized cities, smallish cities, and no city. Because I've lived here, there, and everywhere, I truly do know how great our country is and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. So, first up is Independence Hall where the document to declare our independence was signed. In 2015, my family went on a guided tour through Independence Hall. We went into the Assembly Room where the Declaration of Independence was signed. As everyone moved out of that room, I stayed back and stood in there all by myself. I said a word of thanks to the men who took a great risk to sign that document. I swear something about them still lingers in that room. The Catholic Connection? This one is easy. Charles Carroll of Carrolton was the only Catholic to sign the document. He is noted for being the longest-lived and last surviving signer. He died in 1832 at the age of 95. This series will only be positive, so if you feel the temptation to spout off some unpatriotic nonsense, Uncle Sam will see you to the door and promptly delete your comment. He and I are tired of it. 😎 Patriotism is a virtue, Catholic Pilgrims, and I hope this series reminds you that it's okay to love your country. Have a blessed day.
When we were stationed in Turkey, my husband was commander of an air base squadron. The installation was literally on two floors of a hotel and, yes, we even had a commissary and a BX. We were a tight-knit group, as we were confined to a small space and saw each other frequently. I started to notice that when I would go into the club or, any place really, the younger troops would mind their P's and Q's. At first, I thought it was because my presence was like having mom around, but I later realized that when they saw me, they saw an extension of my husband. I knew it wasn't because they saw me as mom, as other older women did not affect the same kind of reaction. This always made me smile, not because I enjoyed the attention, but because it signaled the reality of the oneness of marriage. To see me, is to see my husband and vice versa. The other day, our oldest daughter was speaking to her dad and she said, "I don't know if what you are saying is coming from Momma's thoughts or yours." My husband said, "Well, that's hard to say, because your mom and I are pretty in sync about most things." Though it isn't perfect, I believe marriage is one of the strongest analogies for the Holy Trinity. Again, not perfect, but we can come to understand the Trinity just a bit by looking at a loving marriage. When my husband and I were married, we became one. Two distinct persons, yet still one. Most people will tell you that if you see me, they can't help but also think of Dustin. The same goes for him. The product of our love is our children. Our love created other distinct people and we are all united in the oneness of our family which is held by our marriage. God the Father is Lover, God the Son is the Beloved, and God the Holy Spirit is the Love that unites them. Because God is Love, Love is a person, the Holy Spirit. Three distinct Persons in One. It's a deep mystery and one that we can't fully grasp or comprehend. We will never be able to use human words to fully articulate the mystery of the Holy Trinity. That's because, well, we aren't God. But, these mysteries sure are wonderful things to ponder and be in awe of, Catholic Pilgrims.
Today, let's head to an island off the coast of South Carolina for our small-town church showcase. This is Stella Maris Catholic Church located on Sullivan's Island, SC. I have cruised past this island twice when I was in Charleston a few Spring Breaks ago: One day on a sailing ship and the next day on a ferry taking me over to Fort Sumter. Sullivan's Island is named after Captain Florence O'Sullivan. He was an Irishman who was granted land on the island to help with the building up of the South Carolina colony. He was a military officer, a surveyor, a colonial official, and he helped establish Charleston. Sullivan's Island was used to protect Charleston from enemy attacks. This parish was founded in 1843 by Bishop Ignatius Reynolds. During the Civil War, this island saw a lot of military action and that affected church life, as you can imagine. The original church was just a small wooden building that no longer exists; this church you see here came about in the late 1800s and has undergone lots of renovations. The inside of the church seems to harken back to its wooden-structure days, as it was built with pine and painted a warm color. We don't know for sure if Captain O'Sullivan was Catholic or not. There are no surviving documents to give clarity. Most historians say that he was "likely Catholic" given his Irish roots, but if he was, he most likely had to keep it quiet. But, there is no definitive way of knowing. I loved my time in Charleston and if you are ever in the area, Catholic Pilgrims, maybe take a trip over to Sullivan's Island to check out Stella Maris Parish. Have a blessed Wednesday!
I made a video the other day for my other social media accounts of this chapel which is found on the 6th floor of Mercy hospital in Springfield, Missouri. While dog watching for my dad last summer, my son and I went on an expedition in town looking for pretty Catholic Churches and found ourselves in a hospital. I was stunned at the beauty of this chapel and was so happy to know that such a lovely, joyful, peaceful place could be found in a hospital where things can sometimes feel lonely, sorrowful, and anxiety-riddled. The body is not the only thing that needs healing. A man commented on the video and said, "No elaborate chapel in a hospital. Seems to me to be a waste of funds that could help provide better health care." Judas? Are you here? Get your hands off that bottle of nard. Nothing drives me more crazy than when people try to strip away the true, the good, and the beautiful. For some reason, the beautiful is always the first to be axed, all in the name of saving money for some "noble" cause. Leaving aside the absurdity that the amount of money spent on this chapel could somehow provide funds for health care into perpetuity, it boggles my mind when people see something beautiful and conclude that humans don't need it. I hate being in hospitals where white walls disorient like snow blackouts and time and fresh air feel like fever dreams. Imagine shuffling around bare, sterile halls only to stumble upon this beautiful space where you can come and take a break from the worry and the monotony of hospital living. Then imagine stumbling into a bare chapel; just another white space void of any richness and meaning where you are supposed to pray. Yet, it feels no different than the hospital cafeteria. But, hey, at least they saved funds for two hours worth of health care. God creates beautiful things; man is meant to imitate Him. Beauty isn't a negotiable transcendental. We need it. It is not noble to call for the removal of beauty; it is noble to call for more of it to enhance the human experience and help us get in touch with the Divine. Live the Faith boldly and travel well, Catholic Pilgrims.
In my 20's in college, I was an outspoken student. In my philosophy class, I was not liked by my professor as I constantly challenged what he was trying to teach. To be clear, nothing of what he taught had anything to do with philosophy, but more his political agenda. Open debate was not encouraged by him at all, in fact, I was punished for it. I think it's fairly safe to say that I wasn't the teacher's pet in Women's Studies either. However, at this time, I was not going to church, not reading my Bible, and not living in anyway according to Christian values. Consequently, while there was a lot of truth in what I said when I debated, I lacked wisdom and charity. The reason for this, is that I relied on my own power and never once asked the Holy Spirit for help. When I first started my social media accounts, I was a new convert to Catholicism and I still had a lot to learn. I, also, needed to break the habit of relying on my own power to engage with dissenters. It took a long time for me to invite the Holy Spirit into my writings. See, many will tell you that we are just supposed to be nice, not cause waves, or argue in anyway. I say nonsense. Christianity is an evangelizing faith--we are called to bring the Good News of Christ. Our faith life is not meant to be lived hiding behind closed doors, fearful to engage. Christ specifically told us, "I have come to set the world on fire, and I wish it were already burning! I have a terrible baptism of suffering ahead of me, and I am under a heavy burden until it is accomplished. Do you think I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I have come to divide people against each other!" Does this mean that Jesus wants us to be attack dogs that rudely proclaim the Good News? No. But, just the nature of bringing the truth to people will cause division. There's no way around it. In our evangelizing efforts, we must ask the Holy Spirit to come to our aid to help us be clear, concise, charitable, and calm. I have learned over the years that without the Holy Spirit, I fall back into my old ways from college. But with the Advocate's help, I do a much better job. Have a blessed Pentecost Sunday, Catholic Pilgrims.
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