Mr. Michael Grady's Blog

Burke's final St. Louis Mass is Sunday Archbishop Raymond L. Burke i (Teresa Prince/P-D) By Tim Townsend ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH 08/17/2008
Archbishop Raymond Burke will begin his final week in St. Louis by celebrating a farewell Mass at the St. Louis Cathedral Basilica Sunday afternoon.

Burke is leaving St. Louis to become head of the Vatican's highest judicial court.

Pope Benedict XVI named Burke, 60, to lead the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura in June. He is the first American to hold the position, and is expected to be named a cardinal in the next consistory, within a year to 18 months.

Bishop Robert Hermann, 74, is serving as the archdiocesan administrator until Benedict names Burke's successor. That announcement could come in the next six months.

The archdiocese has printed 2,000 programs for Sunday's farewell Mass at 2:30 p.m. The cathedral, on Lindell at Newstead, seats between 1,200 and 1,300.

ttownsend@post-dispatch.com | 314-340-8221

I was riding the bus home one evening while sitting next to a woman who is apparently from Indonesia and was a Muslim. We carried on a brief conversation before she silently prayed (it was nearing sundown). While she was praying, I was reflecting on how, in Nature, there is diversity. For example, there is more than one type of plant living and thriving in a forest (or even in a backyard). There are trees, shrubs, grasses, vines and other plants that grow together without "fighting" for their space. There are also creatures that live in forests and backyards that co-habitate well without "fighting" for their space (only animals that DO kill, do it because of protection of life or for food). No animal in the forest kills for the "sport" of it.

This brings me to the "highest" form of life on this Earth; Mankind. Why can't people learn to live with other people, who are not like themselves without killing each other off? Why is segregation such an "important" way of living that whole communities build walls and fences around them and place gates with guards at their entrances? Why is it that people judge other people by the color of their skin, ASSUMING that their livestyle is all the same and no one is any different from it?? Why is it that an accent in once's speaking voice places them into the category of "the enemy?" Why is it that people who worship God in a different manner with a different language are all ASSUMED to be "enemies" because of the act of terrorism by a small group who "claim" to have that same faith??

Time is running out! The world is getting smaller and more crowded. There are NO "our own corner of the World" on this globe we call "Earth." We must learn to get along with ALL people or we shall all certainly kill ourselves off!!

In the light of the ongoing scandal between Archbishop Burke and St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish as well as other public events, I have a question for the audience:

Question: Has the Roman Catholic Church lost its ways from the Core Teachings of Jesus Christ??

There is tension in the air once again. A Catholic has express his viewpoint about a "hot-button" topic and the archbishop has once again spoken.

There is some confusion from this interchange. What the coach said was not to be confused with the Official Roman Catholic Doctrine on Human Life. Archbishop Raymond Leo Burke has within his rights to remind the coach of the Offical Roman Catholic Teaching and Doctrine. The Chuch's Teachings and Doctrines are steadfast and unchanging. It is NOT subject to changes. We Americans are accustomed to Democracy and the "Majority Rules" as opposed to a "Heirarchial Rule" that is the Roman Catholic Church. We follow the bishop, who follows the pope, who is the Successor to Peter,  who was the First Pope, appointed by Jesus Christ. We have to look at the "Big Picture" of the situation. We live in a Democratic/Republic, pluralistic, relativist society where "hard and fast rules" are relaxed in the name of "being politically correct."

If one is not satisfied with the Teachings and Doctrines of the Roman Catholic Church, they are free to leave the Church. They do not have the right to challenge the Official Teachings and Doctrines of the Church because it does not fit their livestyle or "relativist" beliefs!

 

By Tim Townsend ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH 01/10/2008
After consultation with St. Louis Archbishop Raymond Burke, the Aquinas Institute of Theology has canceled its annual Aquinas Lecture for 2008.

The Rev. Peter Phan, a Georgetown University professor and former president of the Theological Society of America, was scheduled to give the prestigious lecture in about three weeks.

Phan's 2004 book, "Being Religious Interreligiously: Asian Perspectives on Interfaith Dialogue," is being investigated by the Roman Catholic bishops in the U.S. and by the Vatican. A document issued in early December by U.S. bishops publicly called into question the orthodoxy of Phan's book.

For the Vatican, Phan's book represents the doctrinal sin of "relativism," the idea that belief in Christ is not the only road to salvation — a special concern of Pope Benedict XVI.

Responding to questions from the Post-Dispatch, Burke said in a statement last month that after reading the document from the U.S. bishops' Committee on Doctrine, Phan's book "presents central tenets of the Catholic faith in a manner which is confusing and misleading," and concluded that "Father Phan is not a reliable teacher of the Catholic faith."

In his statement, Burke said he was concerned Phan had not responded to the U.S. bishops' request for clarifications about his book, and that he planned on speaking with Aquinas leaders about Phan's scheduled lecture. Burke was on a retreat Wednesday and unavailable for comment.

The Rev. Richard Peddicord, the Dominican seminary's new president, said Wednesday that he spoke to Burke twice about Phan and decided to cancel the lecture.

"Our judgment here was that the potential was too great that the Aquinas Lecture would be given over to that whole controversy," Peddicord said. "Given the concerns about his work, the publicity and bishops' statement, the purpose of the lecture would not have been served."
http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/reli
gion/story/A819107A957EBF61862573CC000F4705?OpenDocumen
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A recent investigation of televangelists and "mega-church" ministers by Congress has brought up several questions to my mind:

Why do they collect so much money? And, why do they live so lavishly compared to how Jesus Christ lived on this earth?? Why is it seemingly necessary for "ministers" of Jesus Christ to have expensive clothes, jewelry, homes, offices/churches, cars and airplanes when Jesus walked on this earth as an intinerant preacher/teacher/healer?? And finally, if Jesus Christ came to any of them tonight and ordered them to "sell all they have" and follow him more closely, would they do it???

Here is a great website I recently found. BTW, the members of my Church (St. Alphonsus "Rock" Catholic Church) celebrates Kwanzaa every year! And so do I!

LA Times Pick
EVERYTHING ABOUT KWANZAA...

DEFINITION OF KWANZAA Kwanzaa is a unique African American celebration with focus on the traditional African values of family, community responsibility, commerce, and self-improvement. Kwanzaa is neither political nor religious and despite some misconceptions, is not a substitute for Christmas. It is simply a time of reaffirming African-American people, their ancestors and culture. Kwanzaa, which means "first fruits of the harvest" in the African language Kiswahili, has gained tremendous acceptance. Since its founding in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, Kwanzaa has come to be observed by more than18 million people worldwide, as reported by the New York Times. When establishing Kwanzaa in 1966, Dr. Karenga included an additional "a" to the end of the spelling to reflect the difference between the African American celebration (kwanzaa) and the Motherland spelling (kwanza).

Kwanzaa is based on the Nguzo Saba (seven guiding principles), one for each day of the observance, and is celebrated from December 26th to January 1st.

• Umoja (oo-MO-jah) Unity stresses the importance of togetherness for the family and the community, which is reflected in the African saying, "I am We," or "I am because We are."
• Kujichagulia (koo-gee-cha-goo-LEE-yah) Self-Determination requires that we define our common interests and make decisions that are in the best interest of our family and community.
• Ujima (oo-GEE-mah) Collective Work and Responsibility reminds us of our obligation to the past, present and future, and that we have a role to play in the community, society, and world.
• Ujamaa (oo-JAH-mah) Cooperative economics emphasizes our collective economic strength and encourages us to meet common needs through mutual support.
• Nia (NEE-yah) Purpose encourages us to look within ourselves and to set personal goals that are beneficial to the community.
• Kuumba (koo-OOM-bah) Creativity makes use of our creative energies to build and maintain a strong and vibrant community.
• Imani (ee-MAH-nee) Faith focuses on honoring the best of our traditions, draws upon the best in ourselves, and helps us strive for a higher level of life for humankind, by affirming our self-worth and confidence in our ability to succeed and triumph in righteous struggle.

CELEBRATING KWANZAA As it is always better to get an early start, I suggest that you begin the first week in December by making a check list for the following items: A Kinara (candle holder); Mkeka (placemat preferably made of straw); Mazao (crops, i.e., fruits and vegetables); Vibunzi/Muhindi (ears of corn to reflect the number of children in the household); Kikombe cha umoja (communal unity cup); Mishumaa saba (seven candles, one black, three red, and three green); and Zawadi (gifts that are enriching).

It is important that the Kinara not be confused with the menorah.*   The Kinara holds seven candles to reflect the seven principles which are the foundation of Kwanzaa. If you don't have a Kinara and don't know where to get one, it is suggested that you use "kuumba" (creativity) and make one. A 2x4 or a piece of driftwood will do just fine, and screw-in candle holders can be purchased in most hardware stores. The Mkeka (place mat) shouldn't present a problem. While straw is suggested because it is traditional, cloth makes an adequate substitute. If cloth is used, one with an African print is preferred. The other symbols are easy to come by and warrant no further discussion other than to caution against placing the Mazao (crops)in a cornucopia which is Western. A plain straw basket or a bowl will do just fine. One last note, even households without any children should place an ear of corn on the place mat to symbolize the African concept of social parenthood. All seven symbols are creatively placed on top of the place mat, i.e., the symbols should be attractively arranged as they form the Kwanzaa centerpiece.

DECORATING THE HOME The Kinara along with the other symbols of Kwanzaa should dominate the room, which should be given an African motif. This is easily achieved and shouldn't result in too much expense. The colors of Kwanzaa are black, red and green. This should be kept in mind when decorating the home. Black, red and green streamers, balloons, cloth, flowers, and African prints can be hung tastefully around the room. Original art and sculpture may be displayed as well.

GIFTS Kuumba (creativity) is greatly encouraged. Not only is Kuumba one of the seven principles, it also brings a sense of personal satisfaction and puts one squarely into the spirit of Kwanzaa.  Therefore, those symbols that can be made, should be made.   The giving of gifts during Kwanzaa should be affordable and of an educational or artistic nature.  Gifts are usually exchanged between parents and children and traditionally given on January 1st, the last day of Kwanzaa.  However, gift giving during Kwanzaa may occur at any time.

THE KWANZAA FEAST OR KARAMU   The Kwanzaa Karumu is traditionally held on December 31st (participants celebrating New Year's Eve, should plan their Karamu early in the evening).  It is a very special event as it is the one Kwanzaa event that brings us closer to our African roots.  The Karamu is a communal and cooperative effort.  Ceremonies and cultural expressions are highly encouraged.  It is important to decorate the place where the Karamu will be held, (e.g., home, community center, church) in an African motif that utilizes black, red, and green color scheme.  A large Kwanzaa setting should dominate the room where the karamu will take place.  A large Mkeka should be placed in the center of the floor where the food should be placed creatively and made accessible to all for self-service.  Prior to and during the feast, an informative and entertaining program should be presented.  Traditionally, the program involved welcoming, remembering, reassessment, recommitment and rejoicing, concluded by a farewell statement and a call for greater unity.

     Below is a suggested format for the Karamu program, from a model by Dr. Karenga.

       Kukaribisha (Welcoming)
           Introductory Remarks and Recognition of Distinguished Guests and All Elders.
        Cultural Expression (Songs, Music, Group Dancing, Poetry, Performances, Unity Circles)

     Kuumba (Remembering)
        Reflections of a Man, Woman and Child.
        Cultural Expression

  Kuchunguza Tena Na Kutoa Ahadi Tena (Reassessment and Recommitment)
        Introduction of Distinguished Guest Lecturer and Short Talk.

  Kushangilla (Rejoicing)

     Tamshi la Tambiko (Libation Statement) It is tradition to pour libation in remembrance  of the ancestors on all special occasions.
 Kwanzaa, is such an occasion, as it provides
us an opportunity to reflect on our African past and American present. Water is suggested as it 
holds the essence of life and should be placed 
in a communal cup and poured in the direction
of the four winds; north, south, east, and west.
It should then be passed among  family members
and guests who may either sip from 
the cup or make a sipping gesture.  LIBATION STATEMENT

For The Motherland cradle of civilization.
For the ancestors and their indomitable spirit
For the elders from whom we can learn much.
For our youth who represent the promise for  tomorrow.
For our people the original people.
For our struggle and in remembrance of those who have struggled on our behalf.
For Umoja the principle of unity which should guide  us in all that we do.
For the creator who provides all things great and small.

. Kikombe Cha Umoja (Unity Cup)
     Kutoa Majina (Calling Names of Family Ancestors and Black Heroes)
     Ngoma (Drums)
     Karamu (Feast)

Tamshi la Tutaonana (The Farewell Statement)

*The "menorah" is a Jewish symbol that holds seven candles. The "Hanukkia" used for the Hanukkah celebration holds nine candles.

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Prepare for Kwanzaa Early!!

Visit our NIA Community Board for Kwanzaa Books and More Information

FastCounter by bCentral

 
 
 

What Is Kwanzaa|Kuumba Korners|Umoja Resources|T.I.K.E. Mart|Nia Community Board
Kwanzaa Fest Memories|Ujima Source Directory|Kuumba Directory|Who We Are

 

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Please see question below and be honest with your response! 

Question:
Is the Purpose of the Holiday Season:

Choices:

1. Consumption of Products and Services.
2. Remember the meanings and practices that brought forth the Holidays in the first place.
3. I don't know!
4. I don't care!
5. Why ask such a foolish question!

have to be grateful for???

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

pray, connect with the Universe, center yourself or get in touch with your Spiritual Side??

I have a belief that we are all created in the Image of our Creator (who is God, for me).

I love all people because of that belief. I do not concern myself of their color, nationality, ethincity or cultural variation because I believe that God has no color, nationality, ethnicity or cultural variation. I do not believe God is Christian, Jew or Muslim. God is above all and in all people.

I have grave difficulty in understanding how certain people who claim to be Christian can and do hate people who are not like themselves! I have grave difficulty in understanding how certain televangelists preach hatred and live like kings/queens when the Master of the Christian religion (Jesus Christ) lived as an intinerant preacher, healing the sick, bringing sight to the blind, making the lame leap, raising the dead and preaching the unconditional Love of God and love of neighbor. How can they live in such luxury when there is so much poverty among the Children of God?!?

Mother Teresa of Calcutta was once asked why she worked with the poorest of the poor in a very poor country. She said she sees the Face of Jesus Christ in the face of each person who lie dying in the streets of Calcutta.

I try to treat people that I meet as the reflection of God's Presence. I try to recognize the Presence of God in all people I come in contact with on a day in day out basis.

Peace!

QUERO VERITAMQUE PACEM ET IUSTUM EGO!

I, MYSELF, SEEK TRUTH AND PEACE AND JUSTICE!