Side Trip & 'Carnival'

Earlier last week, when I had some time off after finishing my draft thesis, I joined up with Frs Julian, Michael and three other nuns and when for a day trip to Lanciano where the site of the Eucharistic Miracle is situated.

The trip was pleasant and the company fun as we travelled by bus that was about an hour and a half ride there. When we arrived at our destination, the day was a little cloudy and it did drizzle a little but eventually the weather cleared. We had the opportunity to visit the church where the Lanciano miracle was housed and together with the other tourists there, took some pictures and prayed by the shrine. It was a relaxing outing and a good time well spent!

Meanwhile, on an informative note, here's a little 'carnival' which I participated in, so check out the items! :-) It may eventually replace my own CatholiCircus later... :-)

Have a good week ahead!

(pic - Fr Julian with Sis Salve and Sis Frances and the residents of Lanciano)

CatholiCircus #6

After a long hiatus, I thought I'd better bring back this little entry on the various blogs or news items of Catholic flavour which show the 'divine' goings on in and around your nearest neighbourhood within the Internet...

First off, let's see what miracles happened over at the WYDSYD08 which Catholic Writer had shared in his latest entry. Next, do you have a 'habit' of coming late for Mass and leaving early after that? aquietmoment has some thoughts on this...

Ever been on a pilgrimage to visit St Anne's? No, not the one in Punggol but the other one over at Malaysia. In Bukit Mertajam, to be precise! Catharsis has some fascinating scenes to share and with interesting pictures too! Meanwhile, if you like watching films, you would know how they can play a role in provoking a reaction or point you to an insight. The Dominicans here highlighted a particular movie that can do both...

Which would you prefer? Good luck or bad luck? Is there such a thing as 'luck'? Well, one can go on and on about all this from all sides of argument (philosophically, theologically, etc.) but here's a little post that looks at it from a view that could be a blessing in disguise!

Continuing, Curt Jester looks at the American media, and you begin to wonder if hypocrisy plays out as an art form or are they just sadly clueless about what it means to be right or wrong about moral issues. Lastly, here's something for all Catholic moms!

(if you know of any other interesting blog or sites of Catholic flavour to share, just drop in a note in the comments section)

CatholiCircus #5

And since I have some time now, best I get on with another round of interesting Catholic blogs in and around the blogosphere. They are a mixed bottle....

Wonder how you can use your brains?... Well, look no more than at catharsis, a Singaporean-Catholic student who is studying archeology in Penang!

We have arrived at the beginning of the celebrations of the Year of St Paul. You may want to ask yourself some important questions concerning this as in sensibility.

Here's a good way to begin reflecting on a daily basis as to what you are doing with your daily life - from a Jesuit perspective. This one offers the keys to our faith and how to turn it on...

If you are wondering what Mass really is and whether you need to be more attentive to what it has to offer your faith, flagging or not, perhaps this little piece from catholicwriter may help direct you on the way.

Much have already been said about the possibility of cloning and pushing the envelope further with making hybrids - i.e. cloning humans with animals. Even Singapore seems to want to get in to the act! A reflection here by dominicansingapore will help put things in perspective. That it may come down to the boldness of Singaporean scientists or the passivity of Singaporean people is a very scary scenario...

Finally, here's a little sarcastic look at what being NOT a Catholic is all about. Careful that you do not fall into any of that category! ;-)

Have a pleasant Sunday and week ahead!

CatholiCircus #4

Welcome back to another roundup of fascinating blogs of Catholic interest or thereabouts. I am in the mood to put this down and thought that I do so now before I forget or place this in the back burner that may just slip into the mysterious black hole of forgetfulness and never to return.

So, here are some entries gleaned over the blogosphere that may perk your week's reading besides what you are currently digesting...

The existence of 'atheists' is taken up by Catholic Analysis (CA) as he dissects the real meaning of the term. During my theological studies in the seminary, oh so long ago, I had to deal with this particular subject matter in passing (we were studying more the question of faith) and it triggered a similar thought then that CA crystallises here rather well.

This priestly dilemma is a common phenomenon that usually strikes one who struggles with what it means to be in the world and yet not of the world. I, for one, can identify with it.

OK, this one is not strictly Catholic, but it's content, especially this particular set, may as well speak for the grandeur of God as we, the faithful, see it. It's the kind of content that I would really like to be able to capture now and then! ;-)

Finally, after having the privilege to celebrate many weddings and solemnising them in my previous parish, I have seen many wedding booklets that were prepared in such ways to reflect the couple's intention for a fruitful life together. This can be seen from the Scripture passages and readings they choose for the occasion to be use for the ceremony. This particular passage may have been done often enough but according to Catholic Sensibility "... your casual Christians don’t hear enough of it".

CatholiCircus #3

The last round I summed up some blogs of interest around Catholic issues, I had that during the Holy Week. This time round, during the Ordinary season, there are more reads that may perk your interest and at the same time, introduce you to some new fellas on the Catholic blogosphere.

First off, here is an insightful piece on the question of discernment and what it has to do with being 'charismatic'. If you are still wondering what it is all about, well let Catholic Analysis assist you...

I am no canonist, I'll leave it to the experts. But In the Light of the Law has made dealing with Canon Law rather a fascinating blog read where he shows the intricate workings of Church law regarding many of the current life and moral issues we encounter daily but take much for granted. There are many cases that can offer much pondering there, even if you are not directly involved in the proceedings.

I just finished my semester seminar on the topic of the Rosary. It was quite a trying topic to do as there weren't enough solid materials and references around in English to assist me and my other course mates to work. Most of the needed references were either in Italian or French. Nonetheless we managed and now all is over. *phew*. We learned some lessons along the way and grew much wiser with our understanding of the prayer beads which many Catholics come to love as the Rosary. But this report by Curt Jester on a website that deals with 'rosary' points to an utterly dumbo advert ! Check out the picture provided... *shake head*

Here's a little (shameless) plug for the Singapore Major Seminary and the seminarians that reside there as they discern their call to the priesthood. Situated all the way at Punggol, is it no wonder they named their blog Life In Kampung Punggol? They are doing what they can to contribute to the concern of promoting more vocations (together with the help of the local Serra Club) and it sure is a daunting task considering the latest statistics on the Singaporean priesthood.

Something about the 'smoke of Satan' is an interesting interview presented here at The Extraordinary Form. I sense also this unease with why our liturgy can't be followed as it should but be usurp by so called creative licenses. Perhaps two words reveal much of the problems - 'vainglory' and 'pride'...

Lastly, a little words of wisdom from my friend, over at kuntiak. So, heaven or hell? Inspired by our recent trip to Albaredo, where this was done around Lake Como.

CatholiCircus #2

Welcome to another round of CatholiCircus. Being Holy Week, I thought it would be appropriate to highlight a few thoughts running round the blogosphere which offer food for reflection while we wait in silence for Easter to break through the seemingly gloom of death and suffering. So...

It's Friday of Holy Week and also known as Good Friday. One in which God was put to death. However, we all know it is the end that matters. In the end, it was really one that death dies. Speaking of which, the meditation for this year's Via Crucis at the Colosseum done by Cardinal Zen reflects on the ongoing suffering which the Church and her members continue to face through the 'Colosseums' of different kinds.

An interesting question posed about the Jesus of Good Friday - did he know what he was getting himself into? A purely secular ad proposed that if Jesus had the privilege of using modern technology, perhaps his death would be prevented! You will just have to form your own opinions on this...

Elsewhere, another interesting situation arises whereby, even among Catholics, this may seem out of the ordinary or going too literal with Catholic mentality (Singapore style). However, I see her point and it is hard to see how we can get out of this situation and carry our faith beyond mere words and utterances.

Attending the Chrism Mass yesterday, which was done in Latin was quite fascinating, especially when you hear so much about this kind of celebration and wonder what the fuss is all about. It helped that they gave out the Mass booklet for all to follow - in Latin and Italian. A kind soul here provided a starter's guide to the Latin prayers, which will go along way to begin appreciating the language which many say is dead...

I taught three priest friends from this Collegio here how to do up a blog for they were enthralled by the possibilities of the power of this medium to speak to their respective people back home. So after some hands-on and walkthrough, came the birth of kuntiak, hehbre and dakun. So, drop by their blogs and say hello! They welcome your say... ;-)

Lastly, another tongue-in-cheek from CurtJester who sneakily managed to retort without incurring a formal fatwa!

So, till the next circus, have a good Holy Week! :-)

CatholiCircus #1

It has been rather quiet here on the Leap Day where a day was added to this year to make right the counting of the calendar.

It's so quiet that I was a little bored with what the day had to offer. There were no classes today, as with all my Fridays, and so I decided to make do with homework during the morning. I also had the opportunity to help out in this evening's Way of the Cross service in the chapel by being the cross bearer as we made our way through all the 14 stations. At the end of it all, my hands were already weary from carrying that heavy cross! (as if my own crosses weren't enough...).

Being the Leap Day, I thought I shall do something different to end the day and at the same time educate a little on what other faith-minded bloggers may have to say. I call this the CatholiCircus and here's the inaugural session...

Ever wondered what you would do if there was an exhibition that shows or parade dead human bodies? Would you attend such exhibitions? Weigh in your body of thoughts with Catholic Sensibility. If you are wondering whether you have been validly baptised or not, perhaps a little piece of circumstanced episode here may help to shed some light courtesy of Catholic Analysis. A little love can go a long way to make a world a better place, but this love must be one that Catholic Writings is qualifying. Meanwhile we are midway through Lent and we may want to check out what else is there to this graced season and Wellsprings has an offering. Elsewhere, the name of Jesus and his very dignity has been atrociously mauled. Allow the Curt Jester to explain why 'getting tight with Jesus' isn't the way to go!

Have a good weekend!