| Profil de TIMtim blair "activist blog...PhotosBlogListes |  Outils  Aide |
|
|
31 juillet tmz Chester Tate from 'Soap': 'Memba Him?! Posted Aug 1st 2009 1:01AM by TMZ Staff Robert Mandan played the wealthy Chester Tate in the '70s TV series "Soap." Guess what he looks like now! Filed under: TV, Beauty, 'Memba Them?!
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dustin Diamond needs to be saved by the bill, as in dollar, because he's been accused of owing the Department of Revenue some serious cash.
We've learned a doctor who was reprimanded for prescribing drugs to Janet Jackson using aliases has been asked to turn over his Michael Jackson-related medical files to the L.A. County Coroner's office.
UPDATE: TMZ has learned AEG has dropped off the $90,000 to the L.A. Police Foundation -- as promised.
The reports that Michael Jackson spent the last night in his bedroom are not true -- we've learned Jackson spent his last hours in Dr. Conrad Murray's bedroom ... in Dr. Murray's bed.
| From: |  Bainbridge Island Chamber of Commerce (mickey@molnaire.com) |
| Sent: | Fri 7/31/09 9:16 PM |
| To: | timjblair@msn.com |
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Summer Studio Tour
Movies in the Park
The Edge Improv
Sportsman Park
Wednesday Night Concerts in the Park
Bainbridge Island Wine Weekend
coming Events...
If you have any questions about any of the above events, or if you would like to submit your event for consideration in the next newsletter, please contact
Walter Cronkite Speaks!
| From: | Ray Taliaferro at KGO Newstalk 810 (kgoclub@kgoam810.com) |
| Sent: | Fri 7/31/09 12:38 PM |
| To: | Tim Blair (timjblair@msn.com) |
|
In honor of my colleague and friend Walter Cronkite I have included a link to my last interview with Walter for your listening pleasure. On the 100th anniversary of the Commonwealth Club, he talks about everything from colonizing the moon to the secret of keeping a marriage alive for 64 years. We have some great food and wine events coming up and a chance for you to win. How about a double date at New Zealand’s Wine by the Bay August 22, or a weekend out at SF Chefs. Food. Wine. at San Francisco's Union Square? If you’re more interested in music, we have a wide variety from Outside Lands at Golden Gate Park with Pearl Jam and Dave Matthews Band, to Star Wars: In Concert at HP Pavilion in San Jose. Text “skywalker” to 6-8-2-5-5 for Star Wars: In Concert tickets. Thanks for listening!
Ray Taliaferro
|
Hi Tim:
It's Open Line Friday!
| From: | The Rush Limbaugh Show (rushinahurry@rushlimbaugh.com) |
| Sent: | Fri 7/31/09 12:43 PM |
| To: | tim (timjblair@msn.com) |
 | ||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
On Today's Show... |
July 31, 2009 | |||||
| ||||||
|
| ||||||
All Points West, Kelly Clarkson, AC/DC and more
| From: | RollingStone.com (newsletters@rollingstoneonline.com) |
| Sent: | Fri 7/31/09 1:36 PM |
| To: | timjblair@msn.com |
 |
 |
Friday, July 31, 2009 | ||||
  | |||||
   |
|||||
| |||||
|
 
Album Reviews
Movie Reviews
|
Don't Miss Out - New Beach Bundles, PLUS 15% Off the Entire Donny Store
| From: | Donny Osmond (update@donny.com) |
| Sent: | Fri 7/31/09 2:40 PM |
| To: | timjblair@msn.com |
| ||||||||||||
Coast Guard stresses importance of boating safety during Seafair
| From: | internal@piersystem.com on behalf of CGD13 (de) (D13-PF-de-inbox@uscg.mil) |
| Sent: | Fri 7/31/09 2:43 PM |
| To: | Tim Blair (timjblair@msn.com) |
|
Office of Public Affairs | |
| News Release |
Date: July 31, 2009 |
Coast Guard stresses importance of boating safety during Seafair | |
|
SEATTLE — The Coast Guard is asking boaters to play it safe on the water during the 60th Annual Seattle Seafair. The following are some tips for staying safe on the water: 2. Cold Water Awareness: With the rising temperatures and the melting snow-pack the average water temperature in the rivers is hovering around 45 degrees. This water may feel refreshing on a hot day, but can be very dangerous when exposed to for long periods of time. 3. River Currents: Due to higher than normal temperatures, the melting snow-pack creates currents in many rivers which are moving swifter than normal. Since the elevation of the melting snow-pack is so high, debris such as large logs can be swept into the river system. These logs can be rather heavy and float just below the surface of the water. They can cause severe damage to small to medium size vessels and boaters should keep a keen lookout for this type of hazard. 4. STAY SOBER! : Operating a boat under the influence of intoxicants is illegal and dangerous. Operating a vessel under the influence does not only put the passengers on the vessel at risk, it puts everyone else on the river at risk also. Check with state boating regulations for specific guidelines. 5. Have a Marine Radio: Investing in a good marine radio is a very smart purchase. Cell phones should never be used as the primary form of communication on a vessel. The reception in some areas of the river may be poor or non-existent and precious time could be lost if an emergency does arise. A marine radio has many advantages such as a strong signal and channels reserved for distress calls. Distress calls are received by everyone monitoring a VHF radio in range, allowing for a quick response in cases of emergency. 6. Situational Awareness: The Coast Guard is reminding all boaters and waterway users to be aware of your surroundings at all times. It is important to know the limitations of your vessel. Most recreational vessels are not equipped to handle a strong current and can be overcome fairly easily. Parents should always keep a watchful eye on their children at all times. Many vessels are expected to be on the water during the coming days and weeks, being aware of all things around you is important for your safety. The Coast Guard is encouraging all boaters to use a common sense approach and a know-before-you-go attitude before and during recreational boating. Life jackets, radios, navigation equipment and weather forecasts are necessary preparations whenever you venture in the rivers. Have your vessel inspected by the Coast Guard Auxiliary, file a float plan, and ensure you and your passengers are familiar with all safety equipment. And most importantly wear your life jacket. To view a PSA on Keith Colburn, captain of The Wizard off The Discovery Channel's Deadliest Catch, speaking on the importance of not drinking while boating, click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DR3v4reuqK8&feature=channel_page To view a PSA on Keith Colburn, captain of The Wizard off The Discovery Channel's Deadliest Catch, speaking on the importance of wearing a life jacket, click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IA-BAqHWSac&feature=channel To view a PSA on Keith Colburn, captain of The Wizard off The Discovery Channel's Deadliest Catch, speaking on the importance of boating safety, click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omadPtPnpQU&feature=channel_page | |
|
### Care to comment on this or another Coast Guard story? Click here to talk to us or visit our blog | |
|
Saving Lives and Guarding the Coast Since 1790. | |
View this document online
U.S. Coast Guard - 13th District
13th District Public Information Site
KCGOP Weekly Update: July 31, 2009
| From: | Lori Sotelo (chairman@kcgop.org) |
| Sent: | Fri 7/31/09 3:09 PM |
| To: | timjblair@msn.com |
|
ESPN Radio: What 2 Listen 4 Monday
| From: | ESPN Radio (espnnewsletters@espn.go.com) |
| Sent: | Fri 7/31/09 3:09 PM |
| To: | TIMJBLAIR@MSN.COM |
 |
Friday | 07.31.09 |
| Mike & Mike | The Herd | Scott Van Pelt | Doug Gottlieb | Brian Kenny | AllNight | Listen Online |
|
|
| ||||||||
|
 Today's Podcasts
| ||||||||
|
| ||||||||
LIL HELP
THE HERD
PETER GAMMONS
MLB ON ESPN RADIO
SCOTT VAN PELT SHOW
PImail (Local Stories) for 7/31/2009
| From: | pimailer@seattlepi.com |
| Sent: | Fri 7/31/09 3:12 PM |
| To: | timjblair@msn.com |
PImail (TV & Radio) for 7/31/2009
| From: | pimailer@seattlepi.com |
| Sent: | Fri 7/31/09 3:12 PM |
| To: | timjblair@msn.com |
|
TV & Radio Jon & Kate Ditch "Iconic Couch," But Will They Add Dates? Matt Damon's 'The People Speak' another good cable show many will never find Carrie Ann Inaba Dishes on New Hosting Gig, Reveals Dancing Cast Wishes Seth Rogen Lashes Out at Katherine Heigl for Hypocritical, "Batsh-- Crazy" Comments Amy Poehler Returns to Saturday Night Live HBO: Meg Ryan, Christian Slater on Curb; True Blood, Entourage Renewed Top Moments: The Bachelorette Gets Engaged, a Banana Splits on Big Brother and More Tonight's TV Hot List: Friday, July 31, 2009
|
ZENIT
| From: | ZENIT (zenitenglish@zenit.org) |
| Sent: | Fri 7/31/09 3:32 PM |
| To: | dailyhtml@mail6.zenit.org |
ZENIT
The World Seen From Rome
Daily dispatch - July 31, 2009
ZENIT depends on you!
FUND-RAISING RESULTS
Adding seven of ZENIT's language editions (English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish and Arabic) our 2009 fund-raising campaign has raised $1,570,000!
Specifically, readers from the English-edition have contributed $365,000.
We would like to thank each and every one of our readers who sent their donations -- or their prayers.
The moral and financial support we received, for which we thank God, encourages us enormously in our work and gives us great confidence for ZENIT's future.
Many thanks from the entire ZENIT team!
VATICAN DOSSIER
Benedict XVI: "Happy to Be in Castel Gandolfo"
Pope to Send Clergy Congregation Prefect to Ars
Papal Intention for Refugees
WORLD FEATURES
Nigerian Bishops Issue Appeal to End Violence
Cardinal: Make Health Care Abortion-Neutral
Priest Slain in India
GOD'S MEN
Cardinal Foley: Teaching About Jesus 1st Priority
WORDS MADE FLESH
Health Food for the Soul
DOCUMENTS
Papal Homily at Vespers in Aosta
Papal Highlights From April to July
MESSAGE TO READERS
News Service to Resume Aug. 17
Words Made Flesh Available During Break
VATICAN DOSSIER
Benedict XVI: "Happy to Be in Castel Gandolfo"
Will Work From Summer Residence Until OctoberCASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy, JULY 31, 2009 (Zenit.org).- "I am happy to be in Castel Gandolfo, in this beautiful city, and I hope to be with you for a few weeks," Benedict XVI affirmed Wednesday afternoon as he arrived to his summer residence on the shores of Lake Albano.
Today, L'Osservatore Romano reported that the Pope was welcomed to Castel Gandolfo by his secretary of state, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone; the president and secretary-general of the Governor's Office for Vatican City State, Cardinal Giovanni Lajolo and Archbishop Carlo Viganò, respectively; and the vicar-general of the Diocese of Rome, Cardinal Agostino Vallini.
As well, the bishop of Albano, Marcello Semeraro, was on hand, as were Bishop Giorgio Corbellini, president of the Labor Office of the Apostolic See; the parish priest and mayor of Castel Gandolfo; and the directors of the pontifical residence and the Vatican Observatory.
The Holy Father greeted and thanked them in a discourse interrupted by applause. He assured them that he had spent "beautiful days" in the Aosta Valley, "despite my small accident" (referring to the fall that fractured his right wrist).
The Pontiff arrived to Castel Gandolfo from the Alps of northern Italy, where he spent a little more than two weeks for his annual summer vacation.
He expressed his best wishes for everyone, adding he hoped that in the measure possible, they would have a time of rest and vacation, Vatican Radio reported.
The Bishop of Rome also came to the window of the pontifical residence to bless the faithful and local residents who had gathered in the plaza.
Benedict XVI travelled to Castel Gandolfo by car from Rome's Ciampino airport. He had arrived there in a helicopter taken from Turin-Caselle, near Introd where he vacationed.
At Ciampino, he was welcomed by the "sostituto" of general affairs of the Secretariat of State, Archbishop Fernando Filloni; the secretary for relations with states, Archbishop Dominique Mamberti; the apostolic nuncio in Italy, Archbishop Giuseppe Bertello; and the bishop for the Italian armed forces, Archbishop Vincenzo Pelvi.
Back to work
On Saturday, the Pope will begin again his public audiences, receiving some 700 people from the FINA world swimming championship, being held in Rome.
The next day, he will pray the midday Angelus from the window overlooking the plaza.
On Aug. 5, he will recommence his Wednesday audience catecheses.
During his time at Castel Gandolfo, the Pope has two trips planned: a one-day pastoral visit to Viterbo-Bagnoregio, Italy, on Sept. 6, and a three day journey to the Czech Republic that will begin Sept. 26.
While visiting Viterbo, the Holy Father will stop to venerate the relics of St. Bonaventure, one of the primary influences in his theological studies.
The pontifical residence in Castel Gandolfo has been used by the popes since the 17th century and it is one of the properties of Vatican City State, as designated by the Lateran Pacts of 1929.
email this article | print this article | comment this article
Pope to Send Clergy Congregation Prefect to Ars
Event to Celebrate St. John Vianney During Year for PriestsARS, France, JULY 31, 2009 (Zenit.org).- Cardinal Claudio Hummes will represent Benedict XVI at celebrations in Ars on the feast of John Vianney, the saint the Holy Father has proposed as the model for this Year for Priests.
The prefect of the Congregation for Clergy will be the papal legate for the Aug. 4 Mass in the town where John Vianney practiced his ministry.
The celebration this year marks the 150th anniversary of John Vianney's death; the Year for Priests is marking that anniversary and a jubilee year in Ars has also celebrated the event.
The sanctuary will have two days of celebration. On Aug. 3, Father Jean-Philippe Nault, rector of the sanctuary, will give a conference titled: "The Cure d'Ars: Holy Patron of the World's Priests." Later that day, Bishop Guy Bagnard of Belley-Ars will give a talk on the Year for Priests. A Mass will then be celebrated to pray for priestly vocations, and a prayer vigil with confessions will follow.
Cardinal Hummes will celebrate Mass the next day. At the end of Mass, there will be adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and the closing event will be the unveiling of a new statue of St. John Vianney.
In the June 16 letter by which Benedict XVI proclaimed the Year for Priests, the Pope reflected on the life of the saint of Ars.
"Saint John Mary Vianney taught his parishioners primarily by the witness of his life," he wrote. "It was from his example that they learned to pray, halting frequently before the tabernacle for a visit to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament."
And, he added, it was the saint's "deep personal identification with the sacrifice of the cross [that] led him -- by a sole inward movement -- from the altar to the confessional."
--- --- ---
On the Net:
Benedict XVI's proclamation of the Year for Priests: www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/letters/2009/documents/hf_ben-xvi_let_20090616_anno-sacerdotale_en.html
email this article | print this article | comment this article
VATICAN CITY, JULY 31, 2009 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI will be praying in a particular way in August for displaced persons and refugees.
The Apostleship of Prayer announced this general intention chosen by the Pope: "That public opinion may be more aware of the problems of millions of displaced persons and refugees, and that concrete solutions may be found for their often tragic situation."
The Holy Father also chooses an apostolic intention for each month. In August he will pray: "That those Christians who are discriminated against and persecuted in many countries because of the name of Christ may have their human rights, equality and religious freedom recognized, in order to be able to live and profess their own faith freely."
email this article | print this article | comment this article
WORLD FEATURES
Nigerian Bishops Issue Appeal to End Violence
Affirm Need for Openness, Dialogue Among ReligionsABUJA, Nigeria, JULY 31, 2009 (Zenit.org).- The Nigerian bishops' conference is calling for a new beginning so as to save the country from "collapse" in the wake of recent violence.
This was affirmed in a statement distributed Thursday by the Nigerian Catholic Secretariat, signed by Father Louis Odudu, the deputy secretary general.
The statement responded to a wave of violence that claimed hundreds of lives and displaced thousands in the north of the country.
The confrontation began Sunday when a fundamentalist Islamic group called "Boko Haram" staged a raid on a police station in an effort to establish a Taliban-style regime based on a strict observance of Shariah law.
The leader of the sect, Mohammed Yusuf, was killed Thursday, ending the violence for now but leaving authorities uncertain about possible retaliation attacks.
The bishops' conference called for a "new beginning devoid of hatred and every form of religious fundamentalism."
This is imperative "for the economic and social recovery of our country," it added.
The statement called on religious groups to "support one another and contribute to the growth and development of our country anchored on mutual respect and interest for the future."
It acknowledged that "religious traditions also impel us to embrace modern values and appropriate those that contribute to better service to the Almighty and improved quality of life for human beings."
In this light, the Catholic bishops called on the Boko Haram leaders to "adopt a creative approach to their religious practice in order to give honor and glory to Almighty God."
The conference emphasized that "the underlying pillars of any religion include the principles of justice and progress; tolerance and the dignity of all human beings."
"These compel adherents of religious traditions to be sufficiently open and adopt disposition of respect of
cultures while at the same time enriching their own very traditions with contemporary values and cultural developments," it added.
The statement asserted that dialogue is a "very critical component" of religious practice.
It continued: "Modern education and modern civilizations do not preclude ardent religious devotion.
"In fact, it should be underlined that Islam, as a
religious practice, from places like Al-Azhar, carried the light of learning through so many centuries and paved the way for Europe's renaissance and enlightenment."
The statement affirmed the contributions of Muslim communities throughout history, acknowledging that "Islam has been active in demonstrating the real possibility of integral human development."
The conference denounced "any religious movement that would subvert the progress that has been made in education and technology in Nigeria and at the same time thwart law and order."
It also appealed to the government to "take urgent steps to control the current upsurge in religious militancy in the country."
"Government must take urgent actions to address the broken-down structural conditions in Nigeria which the Boko Haram sect has taken an advantage of to take the law into their hands with impunity," it added.
The statement asserted that at the root of this violence is the "growing poverty in the land."
It urged the government to "take urgent steps to address the problem of poverty and undertake concrete action plans toward wealth creation in Nigeria."
The bishops called on all of their countrymen to continue building a "culture of peace and tolerance" and to pray for "the social and economic recovery of our dear country."
email this article | print this article | comment this article
Cardinal: Make Health Care Abortion-Neutral
Requests That Reform Not Be Used for Anti-Life AgendaWASHINGTON, D.C., JULY 31, 2009 (Zenit.org).- The U.S. bishops' conference Committee on Pro-Life Activities Chairman is urging lawmakers to amend a health care reform proposal so that it respects life and conscience rights.
Cardinal Justin Rigali affirmed this in a July 29 letter addressed to members of the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee, who are currently debating "America's Affordable Health Choices Act" (H.R. 3200).
He underlined the principles already stressed by his colleague, Bishop William Murphy, chairman of the Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, in a July 17 letter to all congressmen.
The cardinal affirmed that the conference views health care "as a basic right belonging to all human beings, from conception to natural death" and therefore supports "universal health care reform."
This reform should respect human life and dignity, provide access for all -- especially immigrants and the poor -- preserve pluralism with respect for conscience rights and restrain costs, he stated.
However, Cardinal Rigali added, "much-needed reform must not become a vehicle for promoting an 'abortion rights' agenda or reversing longstanding current policies against federal abortion mandates and funding."
The prelate urged the representatives to make this legislation "abortion neutral" by "preserving longstanding federal policies that prevent government promotion of abortion and respect conscience rights."
He underlined several problems that must be addressed in the proposed act.
Under the act, the cardinal noted, abortion coverage in private health care packages could be mandated, and federal abortion funding would increase.
He added that this act would invalidate state laws that regulate abortions and endanger laws that protect conscience rights of health care workers.
True service
Cardinal Rigali affirmed that "President Obama recently stated that he accepts these current laws and will do nothing to weaken them."
He added, "Congress should make the same pledge, by ensuring that this legislation will maintain protection for conscience rights."
"By your actions on these issues," the cardinal told the lawmakers, "you have the ability to help reform our health care system in a way that will truly serve the poor and needy and uphold the dignity of all."
Thursday evening, an anti-abortion amendment to the act was passed, but was then rejected in a re-vote a couple of hours later.
This amendment would have specified that the health care act would not be able to require coverage of abortion except in special cases.
A new proposal, which later passed with a small majority vote from the committee, regulates federal funding for abortion.
It also stated that although health care plans are not required to pay for abortions, every region should have at least one plan that does.
The committee will break for a recess during the month of August, along with all congressmen, and will resume the discussion on this act in September.
--- --- ---
On the Net:
Cardinal Rigali's letter: www.usccb.org/prolife/CardRigali-AbortionNeutralReform-7-29-09.pdf
Bishop Murphy's letter: www.usccb.org/sdwp/national/2009-07-17-murphy-letter-congress.pdf
email this article | print this article | comment this article
Region Plagued Last Year by Anti-Christian Attacks
MANGALORE, India, JULY 31, 2009 (Zenit.org).- Father James Mukalel, 39, was found dead on the side of the road Thursday in a region that suffered a wave of anti-Christian attacks last year.
The Syro-Malabar Diocese of Belthangady in southern India is mourning the death of the priest. His bishop has discarded the possibility that the slaying was a robbery gone awry.
Bishop Lawrence Mukkuzhy told AsiaNews that "Father James was very much loved by the parishioners and people in this area. He was a good person, and did not have enemies; a zealous missionary, selflessly serving all people; he was inclusive in his mission, serving people of all faiths and creeds."
The priest was probably killed sometime late Wednesday. He was returning to his parish after celebrating a funeral and making pastoral visits to a few families and a convent in Thottathady.
The Global Council of Indian Christians requested an investigation into this crime and other anti-Christian attacks that have taken place in the state of Karnataka.
Ongoing Hindu-Christian tensions flared into a wave of violence almost a year ago after Hindu extremists in the state of Orissa blamed the slaying of a Hindu leader on Christians. Dozens of Christians, including a priest, were killed, and more than 54,000 fled their homes. Thousands of them are still living in displacement camps.
The violence spread to more than 392 towns, where some 5,000 houses, 149 churches, and 40 schools were destroyed or burned to the ground. In Karnataka, some 20 churches and chapels were destroyed.
In an address to India's new ambassador to the Holy See last May, Benedict XVI said that "as Chief Shepherd of the Catholic Church, I join religious and governmental leaders throughout the world who share a common desire that all members of the human family enjoy the freedom to practice religion and engage in civil life without fear of adverse repercussions on account of their beliefs."
He added: "I therefore cannot help but express my deep concern for Christians who have suffered from outbreaks of violence in some areas within your borders."
email this article | print this article | comment this article
GOD'S MEN
Cardinal Foley: Teaching About Jesus 1st Priority
American Prelate Shares Memories of PriesthoodROME, JULY 31, 2009 (Zenit.org).- For Cardinal John Foley, there is nothing more important in life than teaching people about Jesus, and helping them to grow closer to him.
During the Year for Priests, the grand master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem sat down with ZENIT to reflect on his life as a priest.
The cardinal, who is the former president of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, acknowledged the example of his parents and priests he knew as being instrumental in discovering his vocation, but also targeted two key events in his life.
"I entered the seminary twice," the prelate said, "once after high school and once after university."
He continued: "In my senior year of high school, at Christmas time, I went to our parish church and knelt in front of the crib.
"I said, 'Lord, you have given me everything I have -- my life, my family, my faith, a very good education -- and I want to give it all, everything, back to you."
Thus, at the end of that year the young man entered the Jesuit novitiate. After several months, he said to himself, "I think I would be happier as a diocesan priest."
John Foley left the Jesuits at this point, and finished his history degree at St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, while still thinking about entering the diocesan seminary at a later point.
One thing that was "critical" at this point, he said, was doing volunteer work and teaching catechism to mentally handicapped children.
He recalled: "I had six children in this school to whom I was teaching catechism, and the Sister Superior came in and said, 'Well, children, do you like Mr. Foley?'
"One boy answered, 'No! No! We love Mr. Foley!'
"I thought that was a marvelous distinction for a mentally handicapped boy to make.
"She said, 'Why do you love Mr. Foley?'
"He said, 'We love Mr. Foley because he teaches us about Jesus.' And I thought, 'there is nothing more important in life than teaching people about Jesus and bringing Jesus to them.'
"That solidified my vocation for the priesthood."
Cardinal Foley noted, "I think it was providential that I had to leave the seminary the first time and study at the university, where I got a very good education and a very good experience in apostolic work as well."
Along with his catechism work, he was active in the Sodality of Our Lady, the debate club, student government -- including a term as student body president -- and the choir.
He entered the diocesan seminary at the end of his senior year of college, and was ordained five years later.
Family support
The cardinal affirmed, "I never had an unhappy day as a priest; I have loved the priesthood."
He underlined the role of his family in supporting his priestly vocation, affirming that his parents "never said, 'You should be a priest,' and they never objected when I left the seminary or entered the seminary again."
"They were always supportive with whatever I decided to do," the prelate affirmed. "They were wonderful."
He also recalled the contribution of a religious sister who gave him a copy of the "Imitation of Christ" when he was in eighth grade.
The cardinal noted that he read this all through high school, and still has the book, which he still continues to read and meditate on.
After 47 years of priesthood, he reports that the main difficulties he struggles with pertain to the culture, which "seems to be becoming more and more secularized."
"It is more difficult to get a spiritual message through to people today," he added, "as they are not as open to it as perhaps they once were."
As well, Cardinal Foley added, physical difficulties multiply "as we get older."
Born in a suburb of Philadelphia in 1935, he will turn 74 in November.
Old age "makes you slow down and you cannot do as much as you want to be able to do," he acknowledged.
However, he added, St. Ignatius teaches us in his spiritual exercises that "we should give ourselves to God in sickness and in health, in poverty and in prosperity."
"So we should be indifferent in that sense and just use everything for the greater glory of God," the prelate said.
He explained that this is his episcopal motto: "ad majorem dei gloriam -- for the greater glory of God."
Memorable moments
Despite the natural difficulties that arise, the cardinal noted, there have been some great moments in his priesthood.
He recalled that his best moments are associated with the two Pontiffs under whom he was able to serve in Rome.
The prelate made particular note of the trips with Pope John Paul II in 1979 to Poland and the United States, as well as the visits with Benedict XVI to the Holy Land, and to the United States last year.
He added that another highlight of his priestly ministry is the 25 years of work he has been doing as a network television commentator for the Papal ceremonies on Christmas, Easter and Good Friday.
"It is a way of evangelizing," the cardinal explained, "in making known to people what is going on in the liturgy, so that they might be able to appreciate Catholic worship," and "others can be introduced to what we believe and how we worship as Catholics."
As well, he continued, it helps Catholics to "have a deeper appreciation of the Mass and Catholic devotion."
As a priest, Cardinal Foley said, "I have had particular moments of consolation, helping people to have their marriages validated or receiving people into the Church."
He recalled: "A classmate of mine from Colombia University asked several years ago to become a Catholic. He was Jewish -- a non-practicing Jew.
"As well, the people against whom I had debated when I was in the university, and with whom I had discussed theology, very often finally decided to become Catholics.
"These are great moments of personal consolation to be able to help to share my faith with others and hope that they will receive the gift of faith themselves."
[Reporting by Mercedes De La Torre; writing by Genevieve Pollock]
email this article | print this article | comment this article
WORDS MADE FLESH
Biblical Reflection for 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time B
Father Thomas Rosica, CSB
[Editor's note: This column appears today as ZENIT will not publish during the first two weeks of August, but wanted to make sure a reflection was available for Aug. 16. The column for Aug. 9 appeared Thursday.]
VATICAN CITY, JULY 31, 2009 (Zenit.org).- In chapter six of John's Gospel (vv. 41-51), Jesus speaks of himself as "the living bread that came down from heaven" and invites his hearers to eat of this bread" -- that is, to believe in him.
He promises that those who do so will have eternal life. Jesus compares himself to the manna that came down from heaven to sustain the people of Israel in the wilderness. It is a vivid image that certainly evokes important memories for the people of Israel.
Then in John 6:51, Jesus says, "The bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh." Then his hearers ask: "How can this man give us his flesh to eat?" Did they respond in this way to give Jesus a chance to explain himself? Surely, they may have imagined, Jesus meant to say something else. After all, to eat someone's flesh appears in the Bible as a metaphor for great hostility (Psalms 27:2; Zechariah 11:9). The drinking of blood was looked upon as an abomination forbidden by God's law (Genesis 9:4, Leviticus 3:17; Deuteronomy 12:23).
Yet Jesus responds to the question by further explaining his initial declaration with explicit terms: "Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood have eternal life, and I will raise them up on the last day, for my flesh is true food and my blood is true drink. Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, and I in them."
No observant Jew would consider eating human flesh. We may ask ourselves: "Why couldn't Jesus continue using such pleasant terms as "abiding," "dwelling," "living in me" terminology? Was he advocating pure cannibalism with such vivid imagery and language?
Flesh and blood
In today's Gospel, Jesus uses strong language to express the indissoluble union and inextricable participation of one life in another. Jesus uses sacrificial language. The Torah requires ritual sacrifice of animals, and specifies how they are to be prepared and how their flesh is to be used. Some flesh is to be burned on the altar and other flesh is to be eaten.
Jesus makes his sacrifice in behalf of the world -- not just Israel (see also John 3:16-17). The Hebrew expression "flesh and blood" means the whole person. To receive the whole Jesus entails receiving his flesh and blood. To encounter Jesus means, in part, to encounter the flesh and blood of him.
For those who receive Jesus, the whole Jesus, his life clings to their bones and courses through their veins. He can no more be taken from a believer's life than last Saturday's dinner can be extricated from one's body.
True reception of Jesus
In our cerebral approach to religion we often assume that what really matters is believing some important religious dogmas or truths. Receiving Jesus can be reduced to a matter of intellectual assent. There are times, however, when we can be particularly grateful that the presence of Christ is not something that can be recognized cerebrally, but can be received by other means as well.
The bread that Jesus used to feed the 5,000 on the mountaintop was something less than true bread, because it satisfied the people's hunger only momentarily. By way of contrast, Jesus' flesh and blood are true food because "whoever eats of this bread will live forever" (v. 51) -- and "have eternal life" (v. 54).
"I am the living bread that came down from heaven" (v. 51a). This "living bread" parallels the "living water" that Jesus offered the Samaritan woman (4:10). To eat of this bread, in this context, means the once-and-for-all action of accepting or believing in Christ.
Historical background
It is important to be aware of two things that were happening at the time of the writing of this Gospel that might have influenced the John to emphasize the eating of Jesus flesh and the drinking of his blood.
The first was the influence of Docetic and Gnostic heresies, both of which considered flesh to be evil and denied that Christ could have a physical body. The second was Jewish discrimination against Christian believers. Christians who observed the Lord's Supper were likely to be banned from synagogues.
The Eucharist fulfils the meaning hidden in the gift of manna. Jesus thus presents himself as the true and perfect fulfillment of what was symbolically foretold in the Old Covenant. Another of Moses' Acts has a prophetic value: To quench the thirst of the people in the desert, he makes water flow from the rock. On the "feast of Tabernacles," Jesus promises to quench humanity's spiritual thirst: "If anyone thirst, let him come to me and drink. He who believes in me, as Scripture says, 'Out of his heart shall flow livers of living water'" (John 7:37-38).
The ways we eat
Our eating style reflects and affects who and what we are. It identifies our approach to life. If we examine various societies and cultures, we see that each has its traditional foods and food rituals. "I am of Italian descent. I often eat spaghetti, lasagna, tortellini alla panna or pizza," or "I am a real American. I eat hamburgers, hot dogs, steak, coke, and French fries."
"I am Québecois. I feast on poutine and drink maple syrup." The French eat crepes, Belgians eat waffles, Chinese eat rice, Palestinians and Israelis eat falafel, the Swiss eat chocolate, and Eskimos eat whale blubber. In short, the "way we eat" reveals how we identify ourselves. It reflects and often determines our worldview, our values, and our entire approach to life.
Foods are much more than just a collection of nutrients; they are a wealth of influences and connotations. Rare foods and spices are treasured as special culinary delights. Some foods are worshiped in various cultures as having an unusual holiness or are avoided altogether. The type of food we choose can affect our moods. Hot, spicy, or stimulating foods may influence many of us toward hot-temperedness or nervousness. Cooling foods can relax us and give us peace of mind. Foods can help us celebrate and can comfort us when we mourn. They are a sign of love and are a means of uniting people on many occasions.
The "ways we eat" are an important part of our heritage. The soul is not nourished by physical bread, as the body is. The food we eat is actually a combination of both a physical and a spiritual entity. The body is nourished by the physical aspects, or nutrients, contained in the foods we eat; the soul is nourished by the spiritual power which enlivens the physical substance of all matter, including food.
Catholic rather than catabolic?
The actual phrase "you are what you eat" didn't emerge in the English language until the 1920s and 30s, when the nutritionist Victor Lindlahr, a strong believer in the idea that food controls health, developed the Catabolic Diet. In 1942, Lindlahr published "You Are What You Eat: How to Win and Keep Health With Diet." From that moment onward, the phrase entered the public consciousness.
For all who seek the presence of Christ, Jesus' teaching in John's Gospel is good news indeed: "We are what we eat." We become what receive in the Eucharist. This week, let us examine our spiritual diets and look at the things that truly give us life, and those things that are junk foods that don't lead us to eternal life.
[The readings for the 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time B are Proverbs 9:1-6; Ephesians 5:15-20; and John 6:51-58]
* * *
Basilian Father Thomas Rosica, chief executive officer of the Salt and Light Catholic Media Foundation and Television Network in Canada, is a consultor to the Pontifical Council for Social Communications. He can be reached at: rosica@saltandlighttv.org.
--- --- ---
On the Net:
Salt and Light: www.saltandlighttv.org
email this article | print this article | comment this article
DOCUMENTS
Papal Homily at Vespers in Aosta
"We Must Bring the Reality of God Back Into Our World"VATICAN CITY, JULY 31, 2009 (Zenit.org).- Here is the address Benedict XVI gave July 24 during vespers, which he celebrated with the faithful of Aosta, Italy, in the city's Cathedral.
* * *
Your Excellency,
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
First of all, I should like to say "Thank you" to you, Your Excellency, for your kind words of introduction to the great history of this Cathedral Church, thus making me feel that not only do we pray here, at this moment, but that we can pray through the centuries in this beautiful church.
And my thanks to all of you, who have come to pray with me, and in this way to manifest this network of prayer which binds us all at all times.
In this brief Homily I should like to say a few words about the prayer which concludes these Vespers as it seems to me that the excerpt from the Letter to the Romans which has just been read is interpreted and transformed here into prayer. The prayer is composed of two parts: an address a heading, so to speak and then the prayer, which consists of two requests.
Let us begin with the address, which is also, in its turn, composed of two parts: here the "you" to whom we speak is made more specific, so that we can knock with greater force on the heart of God.
In the Italian text, we read simply: "Merciful Father". The original Latin is a little fuller; it says, "Almighty and Merciful God". In my recent Encyclical, I have tried to show the prime importance of God both in one's private life and in the life of society, of the world, of history.
Certainly the relationship with God is a profoundly personal matter, and the individual is a being in relationship with others. If the fundamental relationship that with God is not living, is not lived, then no other relationship can find its right form. But this is also true for society, for humanity as such. Here, too, if God is missing, if God is discounted, if he is absent, then the compass is lacking which would show the way forward, the direction to follow in relationships as a whole.
God! We must bring the reality of God back into our world, make him known and present. But how can we know God? During the "ad limina" visits I always speak with the Bishops, in particular African Bishops, but also those from Asia and Latin America where traditional religions still exist, about these religions. They differ greatly from one another in many details, but they also share common elements. They all know that God exists, one God, that "god" is a singular noun, that the gods are not God, that God exists, God. But at the same time this God seems absent, far away, he does not seem to come into our daily lives, he hides, we do not know his Face. Therefore the religions deal for the most part with objects, with powers nearer to us, with spirits, ancestors and so on, since God himself is too far away, and so we have to make do with these closer powers. And the act of evangelization consists precisely in the fact that the distant God draws near, that he is no longer far away, but is close to us, that this "known and unknown" figure now makes himself truly known, shows his Face, reveals himself: the veil covering his Face disappears and he shows his true Face.
And so, since God himself is now near us, we can know him, he shows us his Face and enters our world. There is no longer any need to make do with those other powers, because he is the true power, the Omnipotent.
I do not know why the word "omnipotent" has been omitted from the Italian text, but it is true that we feel a little threatened by the word "omnipotence": it seems to limit our freedom, it seems to be too strong. But we must learn that the omnipotence of God is not an arbitrary power, because God is Good, he is Truth, and therefore he can do anything, but he cannot act against good, he cannot act against truth, love or freedom, because he himself is good, love, and true freedom. And therefore nothing he does can ever be in contrast with truth, love and freedom. The contrary is true. He, God, is the guardian of our freedom, of love and of truth. This eye which looks upon us is not an evil eye watching us; it is the presence of love which will never abandon us but rather gives us the certainty that Good is being, Good is living: it is the eye of love that gives us the air to live.
Almighty and Merciful God. A Roman prayer, connected with the text of the Book of Wisdom, says: "O God, show your omnipotence through pardon and mercy". The summit of God's power is mercy, pardon. In our modern-day worldly concept of power, we think of someone who owns large estates, who has some say in the world of economics, who has capital and can influence the world of the market. We think of someone who has military power, who can threaten. Stalin's question, "How many armed divisions does the Pope have?" still characterizes the common idea of power. Whoever has power and many worldly effects may be dangerous, as he could threaten and destroy. But Revelations tells us. "It is not so"; true power is the power of grace and of mercy. In his mercy, God demonstrates true power.
And so the second part of this address says: "You have redeemed the world with the Passion, with the suffering of Your Son". God has suffered, and through his Son he suffers with us. This is the summit of his power, that he can suffer with us. In this way he demonstrates the true divine power: he desired to suffer with us and for us. In our suffering we are never left alone. God, through his Son, suffered first, and he is close to us in our suffering.
However a difficult question remains, one I cannot answer at length at this moment: why was it necessary to suffer to save the world? It was necessary because there exists in the world an ocean of evil, of injustice, hatred, and violence, and the many victims of hatred and injustice have the right to see justice done. God cannot ignore the cries of the suffering who are oppressed by injustice. To forgive is not to ignore, but to transform. God must enter into this world in order to set against the ocean of injustice a larger ocean of goodness and of love. And this is the event of the Cross: from that moment, against the ocean of evil, there exists a river that is boundless, and so ever mightier than all the injustices of the world, a river of goodness, truth, and love. Thus God forgives, coming into the world and transforming it so that there may be a real strength, a river of goodness wider than all the evil that could ever exist.
So our address to God becomes an address to ourselves: God invites us to join with him, to leave behind the ocean of evil, of hatred, violence, and selfishness and to make ourselves known, to enter into the river of his love.
This is precisely the content of the first part of the prayer that follows: "Let Your Church offer herself to You as a living and holy sacrifice". This request, addressed to God, is made also to ourselves. It is a reference to two passages from the Letter to the Romans. We ourselves, with our whole being, must be adoration and sacrifice, and by transforming our world, give it back to God. The role of the priesthood is to consecrate the world so that it may become a living host, a liturgy: so that the liturgy may not be something alongside the reality of the world, but that the world itself shall become a living host, a liturgy. This is also the great vision of Teilhard de Chardin: in the end we shall achieve a true cosmic liturgy, where the cosmos becomes a living host. And let us pray the Lord to help us become priests in this sense, to aid in the transformation of the world, in adoration of God, beginning with ourselves. That our lives may speak of God, that our lives may be a true liturgy, an announcement of God, a door through which the distant God may become the present God, and a true giving of ourselves to God.
Then the second request. We pray: "Let Your people know always the fullness of Your love". The Latin text reads: "Satisfy us with Your love". The text refers to the Psalm we have sung, which says: "Open your hand and satisfy the hunger of every living creature". How much hunger there is on Earth, hunger for bread in many parts of the world: Your Excellency has also spoken of the suffering of the families here: hunger for justice, hunger for love. And with this prayer, we pray to God: "Open Your hand and satisfy fully the hunger of every living creature. Satisfy our hunger for the truth and for Your love".
So be it. Amen.
© Copyright 2009 -- Libreria Editrice Vaticana
email this article | print this article | comment this article
Papal Highlights From April to July
Vatican Press Office Publishes ReviewVATICAN CITY, JULY 31, 2009 (Zenit.org).- Here is a review of Benedict XVI's activities from April to July of this year, published today by the Vatican press office. A review of January to June appeared Thursday.
* * *
APRIL
1: Cardinal Umberto Betti O.F.M., former rector of the Pontifical Lateran University, dies at the age of 87.
2: Benedict XVI receives a second group of prelates from the Argentinean Episcopal Conference at the conclusion of their "ad limina" visit.
2: Benedict XVI presides at Mass in the Vatican Basilica to commemorate the fourth anniversary of the death of his predecessor John Paul II.
3: Benedict XVI receives the Letters of Credence of Victor Manuel Grimaldi Cespedes, the new ambassador of the Dominican Republic to the Holy See.
5: Twenty-fourth World Youth Day, celebrated this year at a diocesan level on the theme: "We have set our hope on the living God".
16: Holy Father celebrates his 82nd birthday in the Apostolic Palace of Castelgandolfo where he enjoys a brief period of rest following the ceremonies of Holy Week.
25: Holy Father receives in audience Amr Moussa, secretary general of the League of Arab States.
25: Holy Father receives in audience Ralph Everard Gonsalves, prime minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
26: Canonisation of the Italian Blesseds Arcangelo Tadini (1846-1912), Bernardo Tolomei (1272-1348), Gertrude Comensoli (1847-1903) and Caterina Volpicelli (1839-1894), and of the Portuguese Blessed Nuno de Santa Maria Alvares Pereira (1360-1431).
27: Benedict XVI receives in audience Alexander Lukashenko, president of Belarus.
27: Benedict XVI receives in audience His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, accompanied by the Duchess of Cornwall.
28: Holy Father visits the Italian region of Abruzzo to visit people affected by the 6 April earthquake.
30: Holy Father receives in audience Alvaro Uribe Velez, president of the Republic of Colombia.
30: Benedict XVI receives a third group of prelates from the Argentinean Episcopal Conference at the conclusion of their "ad limina" visit.
30: Pope attends a concert offered by Giorgio Napolitano, president of the Italian Republic, to mark the fourth anniversary of his pontificate.
MAY
7: Holy Father receives in audience Elias Antonio Saca Gonzalez, president of the Republic of El Salvador.
8-15: Holy Father's pilgrimage to the Holy Land.
18: Holy Father receives prelates from the Peruvian Episcopal Conference, who have recently completed their "ad limina" visit.
19: Benedict XVI receives in audience Lech Kaczynski, president of the Republic of Poland.
22: Benedict XVI receives in separate audiences first Georgi Parvanov, president of the Republic of Bulgaria, then Gjeorge Ivanov, president of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, for the commemoration of the Feast of Sts. Cyril and Methodius.
24: Solemnity of the Lord's Ascension: Pope makes a pastoral visit to Montecassino, Italy.
24: Publication on the official website of the Holy See of the "Compendium of the Letter of the Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI to the Church in China". The Holy Father's original Letter to the bishops, priests, consecrated persons and lay faithful of the Catholic Church in the People's Republic of China was dated 27 May 2007.
29: Holy Father receives the Letters of Credence of eight new ambassadors to the Holy See: Danzannorov Boldbaatar of Mongolia; Chitra Narayanan of India; Charles Borromee Todjinou of Benin, Robert Carey Moore-Jones of New Zealand; George Johannes of South Africa; Beyon Luc Adolphe Tiao of Burkina Faso; Neville Melvin Gertze of Namibia, and Rolf Trolle Andersen of Norway.
30: Benedict XVI receives in audience Vaclav Klaus, president of the Czech Republic.
JUNE
1: Benedict XVI receives in audience Viktor Yushchenko, president of Ukraine.
8: Holy Father receives prelates from the Episcopal Conference of Venezuela at the conclusion of their "ad limina" visit.
18: Benedict XVI receives in audience George Abela, president of Malta.
19: On today's Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Pope inaugurates the Year for Priests, called to mark the 150th anniversary of the death of St. John Mary Vianney.
19: Benedict XVI receives in audience His Beatitude Ignace Youssif III Younan, the new Catholic patriarch of Antioch of the Syrians.
21: Holy Father makes a pastoral visit to San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy.
27: Holy Father receives prelates from the Episcopal Conference of Vietnam at the end of their "ad limina" visit.
28: Holy Father presides at first Vespers in the basilica of St. Paul's Outside-the-Walls for the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul, Apostles, officially marking the closure of the Pauline Year.
JULY
4: Holy Father presides at Vespers in the Pauline Chapel of the Apostolic Place to mark its reopening following seven years of restoration work.
4: Benedict XVI sends a letter to Silvio Berlusconi, Italian prime minister, for the meeting of the heads of State and Government of the industrialised countries (G8), due to take place in the Italian city of L'Aquila from 8 to 10 July.
6: Holy Father receives the Letters of Credence of Carl-Henri Guiteau, the new envoy extraordinary and plenipotentiary of Haiti to the Holy See.
7: Press conference in the Holy See Press Office to present Benedict XVI's new Encyclical "Caritas in veritate".
7: Holy Father receives in audience Taro Aso, prime minister of Japan.
8: Publication of Apostolic Letter "Motu Proprio data" of Pope Benedict XVI, "Ecclesiae unitatem". The document concerns the structure of the Pontifical Commission "Ecclesia Dei" which deals with questions involving the Society of Saint Pius X and which now becomes dependent upon the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.
9: Holy Father receives in audience Kevin Rudd, prime minister of Australia.
9: Holy Father receives in audience Lee Myung-bak, president of the Republic of Korea.
10: Benedict XVI receives in audience Barack H. Obama, president of the United States of America.
10: Holy Father receives the Letters of Credence of Hector Federico Ling Altamirano, the new ambassador of Mexico to the Holy See.
11: Benedict XVI receives Stephen Harper, prime minister of Canada.
13-29: Holy Father spends a holiday at the residence of Les Combes in Introd, in the Italian alpine region of Valle d'Aosta.
17: Holy Father undergoes a minor operation at the Umberto Parini hospital of Aosta to set a broken wrist, following a fall at his holiday villa in Les Combes.
email this article | print this article | comment this article
Message To Readers
News Service to Resume Aug. 17
NEW YORK, JULY 31, 2009 (Zenit.org).- ZENIT will take a summer break during the first two weeks of August. It will resume its daily news service Aug. 17.
email this article | print this article | comment this article
Words Made Flesh Available During Break
NEW YORK, JULY 31, 2009 (Zenit.org).- The Gospel reflections written by Father Thomas Rosica for the Words Made Flesh column are available for the two weeks ZENIT is on break. The column will resume Aug. 19.For Aug. 9: "Elijah's Power Food, and Ours" (zenit.org/article-26597?l=english)
For Aug. 16: "Health Food for the Soul" (zenit.org/article-26609?l=english)
email this article | print this article | comment this article
A new section for King County Community Partners has been added to the H1N1 virus Web site at
| From: | Public Health - Seattle & King County (waphskc@govdelivery.com) |
| Sent: | Fri 7/31/09 3:44 PM |
| To: | timjblair@msn.com |
A new section for King County Community Partners has been added to the H1N1 virus Web site at www.kingcounty.gov/healthservices/health/preparedness/pandemicflu/swineflu/public -- this section will house a newsletter called the "Health and Medical Area Command Bulletin" with a new issue that will be added every two weeks.
# # #
|
|
