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No, he's just another troll. At least we can be thankful that he's not trying to sell us investment tips in Russian...

What does this have to do with the topic? Perhaps this was meant for another thread.

Book: Carmel in the United States, 1790-1990, published 1990 This book was published by the Association of Mary, Queen of Carmel, for the bicentennial of Carmel in America.

This morning’s Gospel reading is Luke 3:1–6: In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias was tetrarch of Abilene, during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the desert. John went throughout the whole region of the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah: A voice of one crying out in the desert: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths. Every valley shall be filled and every mountain and hill shall be made low. The winding roads shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth, and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.” “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths. Every valley shall be filled and every mountain and hill shall be made low. The winding roads shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth, and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.” The season of Advent reminds us of the anticipation of the coming of the Messiah, but it also reminds us to prepare ourselves, for His arrival.

Mt St Mary's Abbey, Wrentham, MA, USA https://msmabbey.org/news/welcome-caitlyn https://msmabbey.org/news/welcome-caitlyn November 2, 2024 Caitlyn entered as a postulant on All Saints' Day. She received a white hooded garment for choral prayer, which reminds her, and all of us, that we are not alone as we come together to sing God's praises seven times a day. As St Benedict says in chapter 19 of his Rule: "We believe that the divine presence is everywhere and that "the eyes of the Lord are looking on the good and the evil in every place" (Prov. 15:3). But we should believe this especially without any doubt when we are assisting at the Work of God. To that end let us be mindful always of the Prophet's words, "Serve the Lord in fear" (Ps. 2:11) and again "Sing praises wisely" (Ps. 46[47]:8) and "In the sight of the Angels I will sing praise to You" (Ps. 13[14]7:1). Let us therefore consider how we ought to conduct ourselves in sight of the Godhead and of His Angels, and let us take part in the psalmody in such a way that our mind may be in harmony with our voice." May all the saints and angels encourage Caitlyn on her way! St Mary's Abbey, Glencairn, Ireland www.glencairnabbey.org November 28, 2024 Welcome to our new postulant On November 25th we were delighted to welcome Marlena Kowalska from Poland. Marlena entered the novitiate as a postulant following participation in a Monastic Weekend Experience in 2023 and a period as an observer earlier this year. Marlena has considerable experience in the computer software industry and has been interested in Cistercian life for some time. We ask you to remember our young sisters and their formators in prayer.

Prophets call us out when we stray from God and when we have lost sight of truth. At best, they are a nuisance; at worst, they are meddling. Who needs these messengers of discomfort and sacrifice? What are they good for? Today there is one called John, son of Zechariah—John the Baptist, some call him. He’s no ordinary prophet. He is always running around, “Repent this! Prepare that!” And yet he persists. John quotes Isaiah to tell us he’s come to build a road home for us, a way out of the wilderness of sin and alienation from God. It’s a road we’ll follow Jesus down, a journey we’ll make, as today’s First Reading puts it, “rejoicing that [we’re] remembered by God.” We need prophets. Today we are people who look around and see destruction and desolation. There are people who have no voice, no rights, no hope . Prophets are truth-tellers to a world longing and praying and looking for glimpses of hope. Prophets are harbingers of hope and hope is found in the one whose coming we await. The message foretold by John breaks into our world and shatters the dark of despair with the light of love. As the late Rachel Held Evans reminds us, “Biblically speaking, a prophet isn’t a fortune-teller or soothsayer who predicts the future, but rather a truth-teller who sees things as they really are—past, present, and future—and who challenges their community to both accept that reality and imagine a better one.” We need the voice of one crying out in the wilderness because in the wilderness, the needs are raw and real, sweet words and hollow sentiment are not enough. We need prophets when we have grown so full of ourselves that we neglect to see the orphan, the refugee, the migrant, the widow, and the stranger. Prophets to call us back to God, back to a place where hope is found not only in church, but in the world around us. Like Jesus and John, we are tasked to be open to a hope-filled future to which God calls us. Now more than ever, our communities, our nation, and our world are in desperate need of the glimmer of hope found in Jesus Christ. Now more than ever, we need to not only hear the cries of the prophets, but also to take on the mantle of the prophets. We, as the church, the people of God, the followers of Jesus, are called to claim our prophetic birthright and be the voice of the voiceless, the hope of the hopeless, the love of the loveless. Often in the church, we can feel small and powerless, wondering how we will survive, being concerned about ourselves rather than those in need. But God’s prophetic grace often falls not on the powerful or the mighty, but on ordinary people who turn the world right-side-up. We are called to remember that we are not a group of people who believe all the same things; we are a group of people caught up in God’s plan of redemption and salvation with Jesus in the centre. The question facing us as Christians, who seek to follow where Jesus leads and to heed the call of John is “Are we willing to be prophets?” Are we willing to let God’s light shine through us so much so that we can show the world a new and better way? Because that is the Good News that we have to share; that is the prophetic vision that has the power to transform our world. There is still darkness and despair and shattered dreams. There are still sins to be forgiven and enemies to turn into friends. It may not look like it, it may not sound like it, it may not feel like it, but in Jesus Christ, love has already won. The light of love and the glimmer of hope has broken through the gloom. The crooked places have been made straight, the valleys and mountains made smooth, the rough places made plain. Look and you will see the salvation of our God breaking through in a thousand pinpricks of light. So, tune your ears to the voices crying from the wilderness, pay attention to those who speak of Good News and forgiveness and repentance and hope. Be the prophet who points to Jesus coming once more into our world. This is what the Advent readings are all about: We recall God’s saving deeds—in the history of Israel and in the coming of Jesus. Our remembrance is meant to stir our faith, to fill us with confidence that, as today’s Second Reading puts it, “ the One who began this good work in you will see that it is finished” until He comes again in glory.

Rare ‘Christmas Star’ to be visible for first time in 800 years on this year's winter solstice. Astronomers believe the Star of Bethlehem or "Christmas Star" could have been a real event explained by something as simple as Jupiter in opposition, which happens this year a few weeks before Christmas. The Star of Bethlehem is described as a "star" seen in the east by the three wise men on the night Jesus was born. According to the Royal Museums Greenwich, the leading theories about the "Christmas Star" include a planetary conjunction between planets, a comet or a supernova explosion.

Elon Musk has been getting Trumpier. A direct line to Trump may be next blackspfgh3bi6im374fgl54qliir6to37txpkkd6ucfiu7whfy2odid.onion Elon Musk has sought to accumulate political capital commensurate with his extravagant wealth. In the past year, Musk has publicly opined on global conflicts, met with numerous world leaders and US senators to discuss artificial intelligence and his space and satellite technologies. And he has courted senior Chinese officials on their home turf. Now he is reportedly exploring what could be his next political project: Becoming an adviser to Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee for president, according to a report from the Wall Street Journal. https://bs2w-in.com блэкспрут сайт Musk has discussed advising Trump should he win the 2024 election, the Journal reported, citing unnamed sources. Musk called Trump directly via cellphone to explore a role that could potentially give Musk significant influence over US policies. It’s not clear based on the Journal’s reporting which party initiated conversations about the potential role. The Trump campaign did not respond to CNN’s requests for comment; Musk also did not respond to the Wall Street Journal, but Brian Hughes, a Trump campaign spokesperson, told the outlet: “President Trump will be the only voice of what role an individual plays in his presidency.” Musk pushed back on the Journal report in a post on X Thursday, saying: “There have not been any discussions of a role for me in a potential Trump Presidency.” However, a potential role in a future Trump administration could expand upon the role that Musk played in the previous Trump administration, when he served on two business advisory councils before quitting them over Trump’s decision to pull out of the Paris climate agreement. The privilege of whispering in Trump’s ear, should he win reelection, could give the billionaire – who is increasingly steeped in the rhetoric and imagery of the conservative culture wars – even more power on the global stage. Reporting that Musk and Trump’s relationship has improved comes after Musk’s politics have become more aligned with Trump’s. Musk has made supporting right-wing causes — and extremism, in some situations — increasingly central to his identity. He has vocally opposed Covid-19 lockdowns and embraced anti-vaccine ideology. He has elevated conservative speech on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter that he purchased in 2022. And he has pushed racist conspiracy theories about immigration.

I agree, and that thought occurred to me, also, regarding Enoch and Elijah, after I wrote that. Clearly God's power is not limited! Although death itself is a result of Original Sin, God can certainly choose to exempt people as He wishes.

I believe the Church teaches that Enoch and Elijah were also assumed into Heaven, so I don’t think the immaculate conception itself was why she was given that gift. I do believe though her immaculate conception meant she didn’t have to die; however, I believe Blessed Mother loved Jesus so much she chose to die in imitation of Christ.

I would think not, as I've always thought this was a special consideration given to the Blessed Virgin Mary partly as a result of her Immaculate Conception. But if it's true that the above-mentioned saints believed it, I would certainly consider my opinion moot. In Father Calloway's Consecration to St. Joseph, he makes some pretty remarkable claims about him, and if those are true this could be, as well. Actually, it's been a while since I read it, and it's possible this is in there, too.

I recommend at least reading the index. https://oversight.house.gov/release/final-report-covid-select-concludes-2-year-investigation-issues-500-page-final-report-on-lessons-learned-and-the-path-forward/

I don’t know if I would call this a debate, but I wanted to know how many think St. Joseph was assumed body and soul into Heaven? I watched a YouTube video of this being talked about on Gabiafterhours channel. It’s mentioned that Jesus, at the finding in the Temple, may have been talking about how after His death He would be in His Father’s house. The idea was that Abraham’s Bosom (Limbo) would be Saint Joseph’s Bosom after the death of Joseph since he would be considered greater than Abraham. So Jesus was foreshadowing that after His death He would be visiting Saint Joseph and speaking to the souls in Limbo. The other piece given was that after Christ’s death and resurrection it’s said the dead came out of their tombs. The idea is Joseph at that time could have come out of his tomb and was then assumed when Jesus ascended into Heaven. Personally, I found it pretty interesting and thought about how neat it would have been for Mary to be met by both her son and Joseph during her assumption. What do you all think? From what I read, St. Francis de Sales, St. Bernadine of Siena, St. John XXIII, and St. Leonard of Port Maurice are a few who likewise believed Joseph was assumed body and soul in Heaven.

I think it’s a pretty sure prediction as the world has never sustained peace for long periods of time. World War Three will be happening soon; The ideological difference ensure it.

cont. After describing the perplexing signs [and] tribulations that will take the world by surprise at the end of the age, He emphasizes to the disciples, “Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise like a trap.” As such, we must prepare each day for trials, tribulations, and signs while remembering who we are as children of God and disciples of Christ. “Be vigilant at all times,” Jesus says, and pray for strength to remain on the right path.

12/01/24 This morning’s Gospel reading is Luke 21:25–28, 34–36: Jesus said to his disciples: “There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on earth nations will be in dismay, perplexed by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will die of fright in anticipation of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. But when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand. “Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise like a trap. For that day will assault everyone who lives on the face of the earth. Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man.”

We are living in a time of significant change. Whether it is the upcoming elections; international conflicts and wars, climate change, or shifts in the economy, there is a feeling of uncertainty in the air. It seems that things are out of control. Or, at least out of our control. Perhaps that is the point. We are not in control. The first Sunday of Advent reminds us that we are not in control. It also provides direction and reassurance amid the chaos and confusion. This first Sunday of the church’s calendar year invites us to suspend our notions of time. The season of Advent reminds us of deep time. We are invited to wait for God’s realm. The Gospel reinforces all of this when Jesus speaks with an apocalyptic voice. Jesus said, “ There will be signs in the sun and moon and stars; on earth nations in agony, bewildered by the clamour of the ocean and its waves; men dying of fear as they await what menaces the world, for the powers of heaven will be shaken” It is tempting to try to make literal connections with our current time. Equally enticing is the desire to use Jesus’ words to predict the future. This, however, is beyond the larger point of what God is communicating to us this Advent season. The theologian Frederick Buechner provides a framework for thinking about Luke’s words as we start Advent. He writes “I think we are waiting. That is what is at the heart of it.” We are waiting during this season for the birth of baby Jesus. As Christians, we slowdown from the busyness of an always-on culture and the distractions of ever-present mobile phones to prepare our hearts and minds for Jesus’ birth. We are also waiting for the healing of the world. We are waiting for just and civil relationships between people and among communities and nations. We are waiting for a new ethic of love, peace, and justice to envelop us. In the waiting, we are called to prepare ourselves and to be on guard. Our calling in the waiting is to move beyond busyness into preparation of a solidity in our interiority. Jesus tells us, “ Watch yourselves, or your hearts will be coarsened with debauchery and drunkenness and the cares of life, and that day will be sprung on you suddenly, like a trap.” It might seem strange to joyfully wait in anticipation of Jesus’ birth against the backdrop of the apocalyptic words in Luke. However, the apocalyptic view of events on Earth is often used in scripture to reflect things happening on a higher plane. More is happening than what first meets the eye. We are waiting for the birth of Jesus who is also the one on whom we have been waiting to bring peace and justice on earth. And yet, we cannot take our eyes off the warning of a stirring of chaos and disruption. So, we are invited to stay awake and be ready. Jesus tells us that we are to be on guard, “ Stay awake, praying at all times for the strength to survive all that is going to happen, and to stand with confidence before the Son of Man.’” It’s in times like this that it helps to look to a prophet. Prophets point beyond “what is” and can help us to be ready for “what is to come.” Jeremiah found hope during difficult times with challenges well beyond our own. Jeremiah says in our reading today: “ See, the days are coming – it is the Lord who speaks – when I am going to fulfil the promise I made to the House of Israel and the House of Judah: ‘In those days and at that time, I will make a virtuous Branch grow for David, who shall practise honesty and integrity in the land. In those days Judah shall be saved and Israel shall dwell in confidence. And this is the name the city will be called: The-Lord-our-integrity.’ We listen to Jeremiah and recognize that we, too, are waiting for a virtuous branch of David to spring up. Who is this one that is to come and bring forward justice and righteousness? We wait. We wait with the hopefulness of Jeremiah, “The Lord is our righteousness.” The advent we are waiting for is not an apocalypse, but the beginning of human beings again and again as they recommit themselves to bring the Realm of God here.” On this first Sunday of Advent, let us find the hope of Jeremiah and the continued promised newness his words give to us in this time. May we prepare ourselves and stay on guard.

The Carmel of Schenectady was the third foundation made by the Mexican Carmelites exiled from Queretaro during the Civil War. The Nuns settled first in Grand Rapids, Michigan; then in 1920, a foundation was made in Buffalo, New York. At the invitation of the Most Reverend Edmund F. Gibbons, Bishop of Albany, New York, eight nuns of the Buffalo Carmelite monastery of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and the Little Flower of Jesus, left for Schenectady, New York on Monday, August 13, 2023. These Nuns: Mother Mary Elias of the Blessed Sacrament, Sisters Mary Magdalen of the Holy Ghost, Mary of the Sacred Heart, Mary Teresita of the Infant Jesus (choir sisters); Sister Mary Terese of the Infant Jesus (choir novice); and Sisters Mary of the Angels of Jesus Crucified, Veronica of the Holy Frace, and St. Joseph of the Divine Child (out-sisters), arrived in Schenectady on the afternoon of the same day of 4 o'clock. On November 15, 1923, the canonical erection of the monastery took place and the bishop appointed Mother Mary Elias as Prioress. After a year, Mother Elias asked to be relieved of her office. Believing that this would be best for the community, Bishop Gibbons acceded to her request and asked the Sacred Congregation for Religious for permission to secure two nuns from Boston Carmel, one to replace Mother Elias as prioress, the other to serve as mistress of novices. The permission was given but the bishop was unable to obtain two nuns from Boston Carmel and so permission was sought and given from two nuns from the Carmel of New Orleans. The archbishop of that diocese and the Carmel graciously gave their consent to the transfer of Sisters Teresa Francis of the Holy Name of Jesus and Immaculata of the Holy Spirit, to the Schenectady Carmel. The two sisters arrived on March 27, 1925 and ere appointed by Bishop Gibbons as prioress and mistress of novices respectively. Mother M. Elias and Sister Mary of the Angels returned to the Carmel of Grand Rapids, their original community. Taken from a book on History of Carmelite Monasteries in the USA (the title, I forgot to copy) Mother Mary Elias and the nuns who came with her wore the Spanish Toque, upon the departure of the Mexican Mothers and Sisters, they change the toque and veils to French style since Carmel of New Orleans foundation can be trace to France or Belgium.

HINT: it wasn't because of a lack of campaign funding or that the candidate was female or lack of favorable media coverage… I may be wrong, but it could have been a lack of faith?

One priest who served at my parish and sister parish committed suicide. His body was discovered in the rectory. An autopsy will be conducted. A date for a funeral hasn't been announced yet. We attended the same high school and he graduated two years after me. We could've been friends. Please pray for the repose of his soul, his loved ones, and our parishes. Please also pray for the other priest who serves at both parishes. He already has trouble with English.

According to an email, the school did finally agree to accommodate her.

This is going to be my last regular post in this thread. I've tried to post one song a day (or let someone else post one), and I've been pretty consistent, although I've missed a couple of days. This is Day 366 - a full year, and a leap year, at that. I feel like I'm pretty well played out now - I think I'm getting repetitive. I may post occasionally in the future, but not daily. Others, of course, are more than welcome to post their own favorites. This being my last regular post, I'm going out with a bang. I've posted a number of songs by Sister Shirley Caesar, but this is her masterpiece, her crowning glory, and what I consider the best song in this year's repertoire. It's called "Hold My Mule," but some people call it "Shouting John." It features: one of the best Gospel singers this nation has ever seen; a large back-up choir in the 'mass choir' tradition; a good narrative that hearkens back to the agricultural roots of Gospel music; a preached recitative that seamlessly transitions to singing; excellent musicians; a (very short) mostly a cappella section; a couple of false endings (when it's over, it's not really over, because the Spirit inspires another chorus); something like an altar call; audience participation; and it addresses the long-standing tension in the Black church traditions between more formal worship and more expressive, Pentecostal-style worship. (Catholics aren't the only ones who have "liturgy wars.") It's got everything from Black Gospel music except the kitchen sink! Enjoy. (Lastly, there are a couple of live versions on YouTube, and they're also worth watching.)

I've posted one two other songs by the Roberta Martin Singers. This is "God Is Still on the Throne," which ties in to today's the first reading. It's a slow Gospel song, but it's got some feel of a military march because of the drumming.

L4.9 Je vous salut Marie, pleine de grâce, le Seigneur est avec vous, vous êtes bénie entres toutes les femmes et Jésus, le fruit de vos entrailles est béni. Sainte Marie, Mère de Dieu, priez pour nous pécheurs, maintenant et a l'heure de notre mort. Amen

I pray you are in error in that statement. Time will tell us.