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April 30, 2005
A Wrestling Methodist Minister?
A profile page from a British pro wrestling site about a Methodist "minister" who fought in British and South African rings in the 60s and 70s.
Posted by Fr. Bryce Sibley at 10:33 PM | Comments (6) | TrackBack
Pope St. Pius V
I said Holy Mass in honor of the great Dominican Pope today asking him to intercede on the Church's behalf as we begin this period under a new Pope, that the liturgy might be restored to its proper place and dignity. Pope St. Pius V was the Pope who instituted the Tridentine Mass.
Posted by Fr. Bryce Sibley at 10:31 PM | Comments (19) | TrackBack
The Papst with a Pabst!
Posted by Fr. Bryce Sibley at 02:14 PM | Comments (25) | TrackBack
April 29, 2005
More Pope Benedict XVI Items
Posted by Fr. Bryce Sibley at 02:51 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
Interesting...
Has anyone read the rest of this article?
Posted by Fr. Bryce Sibley at 01:22 PM | Comments (60) | TrackBack
Benedict's Coat of Arms
Well, for one the tiara is gone. The story about the bear is POD. But why does he have an earringed Mahometan on his coat of arms?
Posted by Fr. Bryce Sibley at 07:59 AM | Comments (23) | TrackBack
April 28, 2005
St. Louis de Montfort
Today is the memorial of St. Louis de Montfort, my favorite saint. I preached on his beautiful Prayer for Missionaries today (a truly relevant prayer for our times), then after Mass I blessed everyone with his relic and finally we retired to the church hall for some champagne.
Posted by Fr. Bryce Sibley at 06:30 PM | Comments (7) | TrackBack
New Items in Pope Benedict Shop
Posted by Fr. Bryce Sibley at 11:17 AM | Comments (8) | TrackBack
April 27, 2005
Men Have Forgotten God
Posted by Fr. Bryce Sibley at 10:03 PM | Comments (8) | TrackBack
Readings in the Work of Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger
Although I have not set dates for our excursus in the thought of Ratzinger, I have chosen 11 readings from his works that we will look at. His body of work is so vast, I had a hard time choosing.
1. Faith: “Belief in the World of Today.” From Introduction to Christianity (Ignatius 2004)
2. Relativism: “Relativism: The Central Problem for Faith Today.” From an Address in Guadalajara, Mexico (May 1996)
3. Theology: “Questions about the Structure of Theology.” From Principles of Catholic Theology (Ignatius 1987)
4. Christology: “Taking Bearings in Christology.” From Behold the Pierced One (Ignatius 1986)
5. Ecclesiology: “A Company in Constant Renewal.” From Called to Communion (Ignatius 1996)
6. Mariology: “Thoughts on the Place of Marian Doctrine and Piety in Faith and Theology as a Whole.” From Communio (Spring 2003)
7. Morality: “The Church’s Teaching Authority-Faith-Morals.” From Principles of Christian Morality (Ignatius 1986)
8. Liturgy: “The Altar and the Direction of Liturgical Prayer.” From Spirit of the Liturgy (Ignatius 2000)
9. Eucharist: “The Wellspring of Life from the Side of the Lord, Opened in Loving Sacrifice.” From God is Near Us (Ignatius 2003)
10. Eschatology: “The Resurrection of the Dead and the Return of Christ.” From Dogmatic Theology: Eschatology, vol. 9 (CUA Press 1988)
Appendix. The Papacy: From God and the World (Ignatius 2002)
Posted by Fr. Bryce Sibley at 08:27 AM | Comments (12) | TrackBack
April 26, 2005
Is Lawrence Welk the Anti-Christ?
Since Popes and Anti-Popes have been so much in the news lately, I thought I would re-visit my old e-mail exchange with Cardinal Bateman, Anti-Pope Pius XIII's old anti-papal secretary. This story and the e-mails are absolutely true. Not a single thing was fabricated.
Posted by Fr. Bryce Sibley at 11:33 PM | Comments (18) | TrackBack
Interview with Pope Michael I
Please listen to Jayson Franklin's interview with Anti-Pope Michael I currently reigning from Kansas.
Posted by Fr. Bryce Sibley at 11:28 PM | Comments (8) | TrackBack
There'll Be No One to Stop Us This Time
We are changing the outcome of the CTA survey. Keep voting and let the folks at CTA know what you think!
Posted by Fr. Bryce Sibley at 11:24 PM | Comments (17) | TrackBack
Change of Habit
Sideburned late 60's Elvis croons with Mary Tyler Moore who plays a nun.
I need to see this movie. From the review it seems that it was a harbinger of all of the nuttiness that overran the Church in the 70s.
This film surely demonstrates that Elvis was the Anti-Christ.
Posted by Fr. Bryce Sibley at 11:17 PM | Comments (20) | TrackBack
Darth Sibley Strikes Back
Posted by Fr. Bryce Sibley at 11:09 PM | Comments (23) | TrackBack
Now With B16!!!
Goodness gracious, that Jeff Miller is a funny guy.
Posted by Fr. Bryce Sibley at 10:47 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
I Always Feel Like Somebody's Watching Me...
Posted by Fr. Bryce Sibley at 10:46 PM | Comments (14) | TrackBack
Traditional Catholic Vestment Patterns
A valuable resource for traditional vestment patterns.
Maybe they can put up patterns for cassocks and albs?
Posted by Fr. Bryce Sibley at 10:37 PM | Comments (6) | TrackBack
LSU Students for Life
LSU Students for Life praying at Baton Rouge abortion mill this AM
Over the past 24 hours I have been blessed to spend a fair amount of time with members of LSU's Students for Life group. I gave a talk to them last night on "The Language and Logic" of abortion and this morning we went to one of the abortion mills in Baton Rouge to pray (they go every Tuesday and Thuesday morning).
Two things struck me about the entire experience. First, being with a group of students like they are always fills me with hope for the future. Their vitality is contagious and I pray that they blossom on the campus. The next is the sad fact that during the entire time we were there only minorities went into the abortion mill. Further evidence of the genocide being perpetrated.
Posted by Fr. Bryce Sibley at 03:32 PM | Comments (5) | TrackBack
CTA Survey
Call to Action has a survey on what the new Pope should be like during his papacy and the questions are more biased than any Gallup poll.
Why doesn't every reader here fill out a poll and see how it skews the results!
Posted by Fr. Bryce Sibley at 01:33 PM | Comments (42) | TrackBack
Steroids Are Bad
Onthe news this morning, they were saying that girls are now starting to take steroids.
If you are a young girl thinking about using steroids (or anyone thinking about using steroids) please read Samuel Fussell's Muscle.
Posted by Fr. Bryce Sibley at 06:46 AM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
Ratzinger's Talk at 1998 Ecclesia Dei Conference
I was actually at this talk in Rome.
You know, it would be nice if someone could make a compendium of things he has said on the Liturgy that can be found on the web.
Posted by Fr. Bryce Sibley at 12:25 AM | Comments (27) | TrackBack
I Knew They Would Have Something Soon
Our anti-Catholic bigot friends over at IconBusters have some reflections on the death of the Holy Father. Here you can see how the new Anti-Christ is chosen. And here is John Paul II's last will and testament.
Posted by Fr. Bryce Sibley at 12:13 AM | Comments (15) | TrackBack
April 25, 2005
Mexican Priest Moonlights as Wrestler
Posted by Fr. Bryce Sibley at 01:12 PM | Comments (21) | TrackBack
Against a Dictatorship of Relativism
Posted by Fr. Bryce Sibley at 01:06 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
How U2 and Pope Benedict Intersect...
From a reader:
I was cruising back home... this weekend listening to U2 and thinking about a lot of things, including how joyful I was when I heard that Cardinal Ratzinger is now Pope Benedict XVI.
One thought I had was this: Everyone I know personally (including myself), and those who post on your blog were all filled with elation at the news. We weren't just happy; we were elated. I was pretty happy with W won the White House, but this was joy on a different, much greater scale. And, it appears to have been felt throughout the world by the faithful. I belief that this was a great gift of grace from the Holy Spirit, an acknowledgement that, indeed, the Paraclete is still with us to guide the Church in Truth.
Secondly, and the reason I am writing to you, as I was listening to U2's"War" CD I was struck by how one of the songs was so appropriate to our new Pope's values and mission. And I offer it as the anthem for Pope Benedict, one that could speak to the millions of youth and young adults who grew up on terriffic rock music.
Before I get to the song title - and the lyrics, which I will post below - I first want to tie it in directly to the Gospels and to the words of Cardinal Ratzinger just days before he was elected Pope.
Matthew 14:22-33: Meanwhile the boat, already a few miles offshore, was being tossed about by the waves, for the wind was against it....At once Jesus spoke to them, "Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid." Peter said to him in reply, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." He said, "Come." Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw how strong the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him, and said to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" After they got into the boat, the wind died down.
Text of Cardinal Ratzinger's homily at conclave's opening Mass: ...How many winds of doctrine we have known in recent decades, how many ideological currents, how many ways of thinking. ... The small boat of thought of many Christians has often been tossed about by these waves ....Having a clear faith, based on the creed of the church, is often labeled today as a fundamentalism. Whereas relativism, which is letting oneself be tossed and "swept along by every wind of teaching," looks like the only attitude (acceptable) to today's standards. We are moving toward a dictatorship of relativism which does not recognize anything as for certain and which has as its highest goal one's own ego and one's own desires.
Today, Pope Benedict is Peter; and the Church, our boat, is being battered by winds and waves. We will find shelter in the boat when Peter decides to take Christ's hand in Faith, crying out for salvation. This appears to be the mission of Pope Benedict, to hold the hand of Christ while protecting the Truth that shelters us from the swamping waves of our times.
So, what U2 song matches this? "The Drowning Man". Today, we are all the Drowning Man. We need someone to take Christ's hand for us to be pulled into the boat, out of the drowning waves. This song could be seen as Christ speaking to that man, Pope Benedict, who will take his hand on our behalf.
"The Drowning Man"
Take my hand.
You know I'll be there, if you can.
I'll cross the sky
for your love.
For I have promised for to be with you tonight
and for the time that will come.
Take my hand.
You know I'll be there, if you can.
I'll cross the sky
for your love.
And I understand these winds and tides.
This change of times
won't drag you away.
Hold on, hold on tightly.
Hold on and don't let go
of My love.
The storms will pass.
It won't be long now.
The storms will pass,
but My love lasts forever.
And take my hand.
You know I'll be there, if you can.
I'll cross the sky
for your love.
Give you what I hold dear.
Hold on, hold on tightly.
Hold on, hold on tightly.
Rise up, rise up with wings.
Like eagles you'll run, you'll run,
you'll run and not grow weary.
Take my hand, take my hand.
Hold on, hold on tightly.
This love lasts forever.
This love lasts forever.
Take my hand.
Posted by Fr. Bryce Sibley at 01:04 PM | Comments (15) | TrackBack
Part of being Catholic is being cool with that...
So if you think this or any other pope is just plain wrong on celibacy or homosexuality or anything else big, and this upsets you so much it interferes with your spiritual life, you’d be well advised to find yourself another church. Otherwise you’re like the orthodox Jew who, in light of recent developments, has taken it upon himself to decide that it’s all right for him to eat pork. You can be an orthodox Jew, and you can eat pork. You’re free to do either one. But folks, you just can’t do both. There are names for Catholics who don’t accept that they can’t do certain things and still receive the sacraments, and one of those names is Senator John Kerry.
Awesome article! A must read!
Posted by Fr. Bryce Sibley at 01:01 PM | Comments (19) | TrackBack
Per Your Requests...
Thank you Ms. Dowd!
Posted by Fr. Bryce Sibley at 12:02 PM | Comments (12) | TrackBack
April 24, 2005
Ja Ja - Pope Benedict T-Shirt For Sale
He is "The German Shepherd."
Posted by Fr. Bryce Sibley at 02:59 PM | Comments (10) | TrackBack
The Thought of Joseph Ratzinger
Beginning in a few weeks, I will start a series of classes on the thought of Joseph Ratzinger. I am not sure how I will do it as of yet - it will either be a guided reading of "Introduction to Christianity" or a guided reading of various articles and chapters of his work. I will post more information when it becomes available.
Posted by Fr. Bryce Sibley at 04:08 AM | Comments (20) | TrackBack
The Cornell American
While I was up at Cornell, I was introduced to this fine campus publication. From what I hear, it is perpetually the bane of the liberals on campus. I was able to read a couple of issues and thoroughly enjoyed them!
Posted by Fr. Bryce Sibley at 04:01 AM | Comments (5) | TrackBack
When War Must Be The Answer
A must read article by Fr. James Schall.
Posted by Fr. Bryce Sibley at 03:57 AM | Comments (11) | TrackBack
Fr. Neuhaus' Rome Diary
Posted by Fr. Bryce Sibley at 03:47 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Long Live the Pope
We've already sang it a number of times, and will continue to do so in the weeks to come. Please get your copy and sing it in your homes and parish! Very POD!
Posted by Fr. Bryce Sibley at 03:40 AM | Comments (9) | TrackBack
William Donahue Being Humorous
“And, of, course, from the Jewish Forward to People magazine, we have learned that the new pope previously governed a Catholic office once associated with the Inquisition. After listening to these people rant, the idea of bringing it back is awfully tempting.”
Posted by Fr. Bryce Sibley at 03:36 AM | Comments (9) | TrackBack
April 22, 2005
Matthew Fox is Upset with the New Pope
Posted by Fr. Bryce Sibley at 10:44 PM | Comments (49) | TrackBack
Reggie Wrote Benedict's Homily
It's all latin friends...
Posted by Fr. Bryce Sibley at 10:21 PM | Comments (13) | TrackBack
Idiot
Pelvic Authority?!?!
Posted by Fr. Bryce Sibley at 10:12 PM | Comments (13) | TrackBack
I Don'y Wanna Be Buried...
in a Pet Cemetery.
Posted by Fr. Bryce Sibley at 10:02 PM | Comments (9) | TrackBack
My Favorite Quote from Ratzinger
From "Feast of Faith":
We cannot reach Christ through historical reconstruction. It may be helpful, but it is not sufficient and, on its own, becomes mere necrophilia. We encounter him as a living Person only in the foretaste of his presence which is called "Church".
Posted by Fr. Bryce Sibley at 05:02 PM | Comments (11) | TrackBack
Guess The Movie
I give you three "clues" and you have to name the movie. This should be a hard one...
"A Big Bird"
"Chrysler"
"Human Sacrifice"
Posted by Fr. Bryce Sibley at 04:56 PM | Comments (10) | TrackBack
Benedict XVI - Hate Monger?
How many winds of doctrine we have known in recent decades, how many ideological currents, how many ways of thinking… The small boat of thought of many Christians has often been tossed about by these waves – thrown from one extreme to the other: from Marxism to liberalism, even to libertinism; from collectivism to radical individualism; from atheism to a vague religious mysticism; from agnosticism to syncretism, and so forth. Every day new sects are created and what Saint Paul says about human trickery comes true, with cunning which tries to draw those into error (cf Eph 4, 14).
(From his pre-conclave homily)...
Posted by Fr. Bryce Sibley at 08:49 AM | Comments (20) | TrackBack
A Great Quote From Ann Coulter
"They're terrible people, liberals. They beleive - this can really summarize it all - these are people who believe, you can deliver a baby entirely except for the head, puncture the skull, suck the brains out and pronounce that a constitutional right has just been exercised. That really says it all. You don't want such people to like you!
(Taken from the recent Time Magazine article.)
Posted by Fr. Bryce Sibley at 08:46 AM | Comments (15) | TrackBack
Two Fine Articles on Pope Benedict XVI
One from Anne Applebaum, George Weigel, and one from Michael Novak.
Posted by Fr. Bryce Sibley at 07:55 AM | Comments (7) | TrackBack
April 21, 2005
Me, Right After the Announcement of the New Pontiff
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Posted by Fr. Bryce Sibley at 02:20 PM | Comments (15) | TrackBack
A Tale of Two Pictures
Posted by Fr. Bryce Sibley at 08:45 AM | Comments (26) | TrackBack
The Word from Rome
From my lay consecrated friend in Rome:
I had completely convinced myself that there was no chance for Ratzinger. So you can imagine my cry of amazement when I saw our new Pope. I think I have never experienced sheer joy as I did yesterday evening in St. Peter’s Square.
I was attending a lecture on St. Mary Magdalene, which began at five o’clock. My plan was to dart out the door to make it to the Vatican by seven in order to see the black smoke. Suddenly I heard my friends running down the stairs, interrupting the lecture, announcing Habemus Papam!
I screamed and plowed through the audience (who were sitting like deadbeats in their seats) and I started sprinting. I knew it was a forty-five minute walk to St. Peters, so I had to find a taxi to make it in time. People on the streets still had no idea. So I was able to hail a taxi and jump in with my friends. Then we hit the traffic jam. The ten minutes of slow advancement was making me crazy. But I knew this was my only choice - I was still too far away to start running. I am a short distance runner. So I had to be patient. But that was a joke. I kept tapping the taxi driver on the shoulder saying, “Vai! Vai!”. Luckily, he didn’t find it too annoying. In my nervous excitement I kept clasping my hands together and repeating the Lord’s name. There was nothing vain about it.
Just before the traffic halted completely I pulled my friend Stefania out of the car screaming “Run!” Everyone on the street was heading for the Vatican. I started weaving through cars because the people on the side walk were too slow. Horns were blowing. People were laughing and crying as they ran. Something about it felt like Armageddon. I lost my friend during the sprint and I figured I’d never find her. But we spotted each other just after crossing the bridge, and grabbing hands we ran together until we made it into the square.
I don’t know how to explain the moment they announced his name. And hearing Benedictus XVI. And then the curtain opening and seeing him. And he was smiling. And his words to us were so humble and beautiful. I guess the Holy Spirit accepted my tears and squeals of delight as my “tante grazie”. Oh, the hope I felt for the Church at that moment! Not only was everything going to be “ok”, but I knew great things would happen in the Church with the leadership of this Pope. So we thanked the Cardinals for voting for this great man. Did you see that on TV? The crowed was shouting “Grazie” to the men in red.
Many of us stayed in the Square to celebrate. It was great being with people my age (in our 20’s) who were so fired up about the “Hammer of Heresy”. That was another great thing – the crowd was so young. We tried making new cheers for Benedict XVI. When it was dark, my group of friends sang the Salve Regina together. Immediately afterwards we spotted two men with black coats and hats trying to walk casually through the square. But bits of red were poking out. Most of the girls kissed their hands and thanked them. Their faces were beaming as they in turn patted the young people’s faces. Part of their joy I think was seeing the young people so happy and supportive. They were humble cardinals from Zagreb and Sarajevo. One of them granted our request for a blessing. So we knelt to receive it in Latin. Not long after, we went out for German beer, shouting “Viva il Papa!” along the way.
Posted by Fr. Bryce Sibley at 08:38 AM | Comments (18) | TrackBack
Benedict Keeps Sodano as Sec of State
Maybe some sort of deal was made in the conclave between the two over votes and this is the fulfillment of Benedicts part of the bargain?
Posted by Fr. Bryce Sibley at 07:49 AM | Comments (19) | TrackBack
April 20, 2005
My Name is John Daker...
Check out the whole web-site. This is all such a riot. It can't be real!
Posted by Fr. Bryce Sibley at 04:07 PM | Comments (12) | TrackBack
April 19, 2005
Ratzinger on Relativism
This is the favorite thing I have ever read by the now Pope Benedict XVI.
With what he has said about the threat of relatavism in the opening Mass of the conclave - it is certainly worth reading.
Posted by Fr. Bryce Sibley at 11:00 PM | Comments (8) | TrackBack
Anti-Benedict Comments
Please feel free to leave links to sites or quotes from other sites that bemoan the election of Ratzinger as the new Pope. It should provide a large amount of amusement.
Posted by Fr. Bryce Sibley at 02:59 PM | Comments (87) | TrackBack
My Homily from Last Weekend
Just wait until this weekend!!!
Posted by Fr. Bryce Sibley at 02:56 PM | Comments (6) | TrackBack
Schadenfreude
As you can imagine, I terribly happy at this moment. I haven't been this happy since my ordination. Indeed, Christ still provides shepherds for his Church.
I am at Cornell right now with a group of radically orthodox Catholic students. A few of us were watching Fox News when Ratzinger was named Pope. The two men I was with received something from me that very few men have ever gotten - a hug. We were hooping and hollering in the hall where we were watching the proceedings and then went to a chapel to celebrate a lovely mass in lingua latina where sang "Long Live the Pope" (and recited the Te Deum). It was one of the most moving Holy Masses I have celebrated.
Of course, I have plenty of comments on all of this, but I will leave you with two for now.
1. I think the name Benedict XVI is significant since Benedict XV was the Pope during world War I - the war that was the real decisive moment in the deterioration of Europe. I think Ratzinger is sending the message that the situation in Europe will be high on his list.
2. The Glory of the Olive - For followers of the prophecies of St. Malachi out there, the Olivetans are a Benedictine order. Ooooooh freaky.
Posted by Fr. Bryce Sibley at 02:41 PM | Comments (32) | TrackBack
April 18, 2005
Disgusting
This shows that the media will go to no limits to try and stop Ratzinger from being elected Pope.
Posted by Fr. Bryce Sibley at 02:14 PM | Comments (64) | TrackBack
Eucharistic Reflection no. 27
In his final book, Memory and Identity, John Paul II leaves us these weighty words on the nature of the Eucharist, “Christians, as they celebrate the Eucharist in ‘memory’ of their Master, continually discover their own identity.” As we remember the passion, death, and resurrection of Christ we come to better realize first the redemptive value of suffering in our lives; through grace we are better able to unites our sufferings to those of Christ. But we are also reminded of our destiny—that of the resurrection, the transformation of our lowly bodies, and as John Paul II says, “the divinization of man and the new creation in Christ.” We recall that we are meant for union with the Trinity and to share in God’s very divine nature! So in recalling the past we are gently lead to the future and our ultimate destination!
Posted by Fr. Bryce Sibley at 09:03 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Eucharistic Reflection no. 26
“Amen, amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit” (John 12:21). And unless the grain of wheat dies, the bread that will become the Body of Christ cannot come into existence. And it is this Eucharist, this “bread of life” that produces the fruit of grace in our souls leading us to eternal life. The Eucharist is the memorial of Christ’s sacrificial death and glorious resurrection and our participation in this mystery guides us toward the willingness to lay down our own lives for God.
Posted by Fr. Bryce Sibley at 08:53 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
April 16, 2005
My Summer Reading List
A reader asked for a Summer Reading List. Well, these are five of the books that I am hoping to read this summer:
The Final Revolution - George Weigel
Stalingrad: The Fateful Siege - Anthony Beevor
We, the Ordinary People of the Streets - Madeleine Delbrel
Truth and Tolerance - Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger (I'll be reading a lot more of him if he becomes Pope).
The Decline of Males - Lionel Tiger
Posted by Fr. Bryce Sibley at 09:39 PM | Comments (15) | TrackBack
Word from Rome - The Pope's Tomb
From My Lay Consecrated Friend in Rome
15 April
Early this morning I joined my spiritual director for Mass at one of the side altars at St. Peter’s Basilica. On our way from the sacristy we spotted the huge list of popes and their dates – and newly engraved was John Paul II.
During the homily, Father told me about his chat with the Missionary of Charity Sister who was specifically commissioned by Mother Teresa to spend her life praying for the Pope. It was Mother’s idea to have one Sister assigned to every diocesan priest in the world – to pray and to sacrifice for him. The Holy Father ok’d the mission on the condition he would not be excluded. This MC Sister said that the Pope asked for prayer after his death, so she was still busy praying for him.
After offering a mass for the Holy Father, we descended into the crypt to pray at his tomb (Does anyone else find it amusing that we pray for the man that we’re already praying to?). There was hardly a line since it was very early. His tomb looked especially simple after viewing all the elaborate ones up top. I imagined that at least they would have an easier time moving it upstairs. Shouldn’t the tomb of “John Paul the Great” be up top?
The final thing I want to tell you is my favorite. Now, I don’t know if you saw this on TV, but you can bring your rosaries and holy cards and the guards touch them to his tomb for you. One guard was sure to touch both sides of the holy card to the tomb! Now that’s POD!
Posted by Fr. Bryce Sibley at 05:24 PM | Comments (17) | TrackBack
April 15, 2005
The Cube and the Cathedral
Suprisingly, I have not seen much on George Weigel's new book The Cube and the Cathedral (published by Basic Books, to which I owe a big thanks for providing me with a complimentary copy for me to review). In fact, a number of folks that I know who keep up with American Catholic Intellectual life didn't even know that it had been published. It's a shame since it is a tremendously accessible little volume on the problems facing Europe - and if we are not careful that will become prevelant in American life in the future.
In The Cube and the Cathedral, Weigel expounds on his earlier essay entitled "Europe's Problem - and Ours" in which he warned that the destructive secularism of Europe would soon infect America if we did not take steps to prevent it. Weigel begins his book, by comparing L'Arche de Defense and Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris as embodiments of two varying European worldviews - one secular and one transcendental (guess which one stands for which).
From this starting point Weigel presents a number of very brief chapters dealing with the history of Europe, its current culture (this is the crux of his argument, that the root of Europe's problem is mainly a cultural one), and ruminations on its future, especially in regards to the spread of militant Islam. The book is filled with Weigel's usual acumen, a profound grasp of history and culture, and a subltle clarion call to Americans to be aware of what conspires across the Atlantic.
The two things I liked most about the book is the fact that Weigel takes a difficult and scholarly topic and makes it accessible and interesting to the average reader. What's more he does not propose many definitive statements, but instead raises questions. This is a fine way of encouraging discussion among readers of the book.
All in all, The Cube and the Cathedral should make a fine addition to your summer readign list.
Posted by Fr. Bryce Sibley at 05:41 PM | Comments (10) | TrackBack
I'm Going to See Seinfeld Tonight in Lafayette
Update: Here is my report. Seinfeld did a routine for about 1:15 minutes and yes there was some curising, but no F-bombs and nothing you would not hear on prime-time TV. He maybe said 15 curse words. And as for crude humor, he did about 3 minutes on the Cialis commercials - but only to show how ridiculous they were. Most of the time he spent making jokes on cookies, news channels, weather, etc. It would have been PG-13 at the most.
The thing was he was not all that funny (surely not worth the $60 bucks we paid for tickets). The best joke was from Mario Joyner who opened up for him. He did a super funny thing on why with all the advances in medical science are prostate exams still so primitive. Funny. Funny.
Oh, about the comments. You cann all look to Blaine on how to disagree with me on this weblog. He does a fine job - never getting condescendingly pious. Good job Blaine!
Posted by Fr. Bryce Sibley at 01:20 PM | Comments (43) | TrackBack
Thoughts on JPII and the New Evangelization
Sibley explains, “For many of the young priests, especially those who never knew another pope but John Paul II, the legacy of the pontiff who meant so much to them will certainly live on; not only in their love for the people of God but in their radical fidelity to the truth of Christ and his Church even in the face of a culture violently hostile to the message of the gospel.”
Posted by Fr. Bryce Sibley at 01:18 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
TX Folks Stand Up to PETA Nuts
Posted by Fr. Bryce Sibley at 08:21 AM | Comments (9) | TrackBack
April 14, 2005
Una Domanda
Does anyone know why red was/is being worn for the novendiales masses (and the Papal Funeral) at the Vatican instead of violet, black or white?
Posted by Fr. Bryce Sibley at 09:13 PM | Comments (19) | TrackBack
Great Conclave Information
Posted by Fr. Bryce Sibley at 09:08 PM | Comments (4) | TrackBack
April 13, 2005
The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work
Here is my final book review of the day - Dr. John Gottman's The Seven Principles or Making Your Marriage Work. I first read about Gottman's work in Macolm Gladwell's Blink, so I was happy to pick it up when a Catholic marriage counselor friend recommended it to me as a fine resource for marriage counseling. The book really cannot be read from cover to cover, since it is mostly a compilation of excercises for married couples - however, the principles Gottman elucidates appear solid and I have began using some of them in my own work with married couples.
Posted by Fr. Bryce Sibley at 10:47 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
The Broken Image
I also finished Leanne Payne's "The Broken Image." This is a must-read for anyone dealing pastorally with homsexuals. The book is packed with insights, so much so that I probably should read it again. If you are familiar with reparative therapy and healing prayer, then a lot of what she says will not be new to you. However her synthesis of the two is unique. I especially appreciated her understanding of the root causes of masturbation and lesbianism.
Posted by Fr. Bryce Sibley at 10:42 PM | Comments (22) | TrackBack
Memory and Identity
I finished reading Memory and Identity, the "sequel" (if you will) to John Paul II's Crossing the Threshold of Hope. Memory and Identity is focused much more in the politics of Europe (esp. Poland) than its predecessor. Therefore, for someone not versed in Polish history, it may not be as interesting. However the insights that John Paul II offers on Europe, and on evil, freedom, and democracy are seminal. It is not an easy read, but it does offer some fine reflections (especially when he discusses evil).
I am curious, how much the ideas present in this book will influence the thinking of some cardinals in the upcoming conclave, esp. in regards to the Euoropean question.
Posted by Fr. Bryce Sibley at 10:36 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
Manly Catholic Reading
Orthodox and virile!
Posted by Fr. Bryce Sibley at 10:28 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
"On BS"
No, not On Bryce Sibley.
I could not resist and I picked up a copy of the popular new tiny philosophy book "On BS." And I was surprised, it was an easy and insightful read. All in all, as he analyzes the phenomenon of BS, his writing style reeks of BS, yet he makes some fine points, especially at the end when he wonders why there is so much BS in our society. Guess what he blames it on? Relativism and the denial of authentic metaphysical knowledge.
One response to this loss of confidence has been a retreat from the discipline required by dedication to the ideal of correctness to a quite different sort of discipline, which is imposed by pursuit of an alternative ideal of sincerity. Rather than seeking primarily to arrive at accurate representations of a common world, the individual turns toward trying to provide honest representations of himself. Convinced that reality has no inherent nature, which he might hope to identify as the truth about things, he devotes himself to being true to his own nature.
Interesting.
Posted by Fr. Bryce Sibley at 10:23 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
Get Behind Me Satan
Yep, this is the title of the new White Stripes album due out on June 7th. It is obviously an allusion to Matthew 16:22 (and the St. Benedict Medal). Now we must keep in mind that Jack White is a Catholic and thought about entering the seminary. He describes this new CD as an exploration of "characters and the ideal of truth."
Posted by Fr. Bryce Sibley at 10:16 PM | Comments (4) | TrackBack
St. Linus Review
The new St. Linus Review is out. It is a small journal of Catholic prose and poetry. If you get a copy of it, you will get to read one of my poems which was published in it.
Posted by Fr. Bryce Sibley at 10:04 PM | Comments (4) | TrackBack
Join the Dark Side...
Image will be up later - it was too big...
Darth Sibley Says: “Come to Church each Sunday, tithe, and go to frequent
Confession!”
Posted by Fr. Bryce Sibley at 11:52 AM | Comments (36) | TrackBack
April 12, 2005
Now Driftwood Mary on eBay
Posted by Fr. Bryce Sibley at 11:14 PM | Comments (7) | TrackBack
Last Weekend's Homily
In WMA or RM format. Still working on streaming. Please be patient.
Posted by Fr. Bryce Sibley at 10:33 PM | Comments (5) | TrackBack
Woman Sees Jesus in Her Ultrasound
Posted by Fr. Bryce Sibley at 07:58 PM | Comments (16) | TrackBack
Cardinal George's Homily on the Pope's Death
In mp3 format.
Posted by Fr. Bryce Sibley at 12:28 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
The Best Picture Ever
Pope Mike on his porch being interviewed.
Posted by Fr. Bryce Sibley at 12:21 PM | Comments (31) | TrackBack
April 11, 2005
Not Good at All
Man selling consecrated host he saved from 1998 Papal Mass on eBay.
How can we stop things like this?
Posted by Fr. Bryce Sibley at 10:32 PM | Comments (51) | TrackBack
Is Apologetics Pointlesss?
I hesitated to post earlier on Peter's faith because I knew what it would end up as, but I did it anyhow. Now that lively discussion isn't good, but when it comes to apologetic dialogue with Protestantism, I am not sure it gets anywhere (as the comments for that post illustrate). Everyone ends up quoting their own passsages and often reason goes out of the window. For my part, I've never had an traditional apologetic discussion with one of our separated bretheren that ever led them to converting (although I have stopped a few in their tracks). Apologetics is best used for Catholics to bettter know, understand, and defend their faith - but is it an effective tool for conversion. I doubt it because with the way it always goes, the Catholic will end up getting frustrated, because or faith is not built on citing passages from scripture (our faith actually precedes scripture). So we end up fighting by their rules as it were, and there is little hope in that.
I am a beleiver that dialogue with Protestantism must be based on philosophy (as I have written before on this blog). So here we end up not discussing passages, but the "rules of discourse" themselves. Unfortunately, very few Protestants (esp. fundamentalists) know anything about philosophy and how it forms their approach to scripture, so there can be very little fruitful discussion.
For those interested in this venue however, you can start off by reading this essay on Nominalism's influence on Luther and this essay on Louis Bouyer's thought