"Vianney"

Last night I went to the one man show "Vianney" that has been performed all over the United States by Leonardo Defilippis. All that I can say is "wow". It was a truly edifying experience and one that I hope makes it all the way to the Holy Father himself in Rome.

It's a simple play and gives a good portrait of a humble man now known as the Cure of Ars. His close relationship with St. Philomena is a friendship that transcends the bounds of time and space. Truly this man is a saint and it's no wonder that he is to be forever known as the patron saint of all priests. Let us all pray for more vocations and let us recite with him the prayer that he said daily:

I love You, O my God,

and my only desire is to love You

until the last breath of my life. 

I love You, O my infinitely lovable God,

and I would rather die loving You,

than live without loving You.
I love You, Lord

and the only grace I ask is to love You eternally...

My God, if my tongue cannot say in every moment that I love You,

I want my heart to repeat it to You as often as I draw breath. 

On Schisms and "Diversity"

"Why does is matter that we are part of different churches? We're all on the same team."

"I don't agree with why I can't receive the Eucharist. I'm a Christian too you know."

"I really don't understand what all the fuss is. We can all love Jesus. We love him in our own ways. God won't judge us on that."

Wow. What passes as just "mere" diversity is in all reality, truly schism. People don't like or understand that word anymore. Especially in today's culture. Everything is about self expression and individualism. It's this mindset that pervades most people's minds today, Protestant and Catholic alike it seems.

A schism is (from the Greek word σχίσμα, skhísma -"to tear, to split") a split or division between people, usually belonging to an organization or movement. Schism implies that there is/was an original group to "break" with.

I believe people don't want to see schism for what it is and that in today's world it's okay to pass it off as "diversity." If we are to make any progress towards full, visible unity again, we need to know and be able to show others what it means to be in schism with the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic church. Find out what more about schisms here.

Prayer: The Remedy to Stress and Life

Lately, there have been a lot of distractions and a lot of little stresses in life. But, I believe that God sends people to let us know that he is still there and that yes, He is right here with us all. Not that I truly ever doubt that he is there. It's just nice to know that people have your back and that behind those prayers and those people, God is right there smiling and allowing life to be experienced through Him, with Him, and in Him.

And praying is key. Prayer gets us through the day and prayer can be small offerings throughout the day. And it's really humbling to know other are praying for me too. Just knowing that gives me a sense of peace that everything will be okay. I guess, I just really recommend praying and being open to what is being prayed.

It sure is good to be a Catholic Christian.