David Boreanaz of Bones and Buffy Fame In a New Movie

I have had many inquiries about Boreanaz David and the new movie that he appears in called The Mighty Macs. Yes, the movie does take place at a Catholic College and it does portray nuns in a positive way. But I would not call it a strictly Catholic movie. Many non-catholics would enjoy it purely as an underdog sports movie. There is also a little twist about one of the main characters that our Christian brethren will enjoy.
For a full review of the movie, go to: http://www.catholicadventure.com/2010/03/movie-review-of-might-macs-great-sports.html

Movie Review of The Might Macs – A Great Sports and Catholic Movie

I just attended the 15th Annual International Family Film Festival at the Raleigh Studios in Hollywood. Last night, the festival premiered The Mighty Macs, which is the real life story of an all girls, college basketball team set in 1971. The story is an inspiring telling of a basketball coach who takes her team from “the team without a prayer” to a mighty force on the court. The movie was shot on location at the Immaculata College campus in Pennsylvania. This beautiful backdrop is where the actual events took place. In fact, many of the people who are portrayed in the movie have cameo appearances. The story itself is well done, and its portrayal of the nuns is very realistic and respectful. I have become so use to the religious of a story either being a villain or a punch line; I was pleasantly shocked when all were portrayed as real people. No convenient punching bags here to satisfy the Hollywood elite. Bravo! The credit has to go to the Director/Writer/Producer Tim Chambers. With his Catholic school education, he has a very apparent knowledge and respect for the religion and culture. Because of this, the movie transcends the typical sports movie superficiality and allows you to visit a time and place where important changes were occurring in our culture.
The movie is nicely acted by Carla Cugino, David Boreanaz and Academy Award Winner Ellen Burstyn.

YouTube Catholic Church : The Vatican with the Catholic Kid

If you are looking for information on YouTube about the Vatican, here is a little video that my son and I made for YouTube.

Top 5 Interesting Fun Facts about Easter 2010

1. Easter takes place on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the spring equinox. From year to year this is a different date. Passover, which Jesus’ death and resurrection is strongly connected with, is determined in the same fashion.

2. Priest’s vestments are white and gold for Easter.

3. An Easter procession was a tradition in some Catholic cultures. After Easter morning Mass, the congregation would pray or sing hymns. This tradition has been secularized into what is now known as the Easter parade.

4. The Easter Lily was brought to the United States from Japan in 1882. Although not an ancient tradition, it quickly became an essential part of alter ornamentation during Easter mass.

5. Although many Catholics focus only on Easter Sunday, the Easter Season lasts for 50 days after Easter Sunday. The official end of Easter occurs on Pentecost, when we celebrate the Decent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles and Mary.

Catholic Kid: The Vatican

Here is a video that my son and I made about the Vatican.

Fast Facts about the Saints: Bl. André Bessette

Blessed André Bessette is not yet a Saint, but I have added him because he is one of my favorites that are on the way to Sainthood.

Memorial: November 6th
Born: 1845
Died: 1937, near Montreal

Best Known For:
Best known for thousands of miraculous healings by applying St. Joseph's oil. The oil was obtained from lamps that were set out in front of a statue of St. Joseph.

Interesting Facts:
-Although he was a very well known figure, with over a million people coming to see his body after his death, he was officially only a doorman for 40 years.
-With assistance from those who where supporters of Brother Andre, he was able to get a church built next to the Notre Dame College (Quebec) where he worked. The church is the largest outside Rome.

Get to know more about Bl. Andre:
There is a fantastic movie called Brother Andre. Most of the story takes place in a single chapel with flashbacks that usually consist of a single character talking in front of a sparsely decorated, dark setting. The story slowly unfolds and is great for a long Saturday afternoon. After seeing the movie you will come away with the feeling that you have met Brother Andre.
You can get the DVD from any good Catholic store or try to catch it on EWTN.

Fast Facts about the Saints: Bl. André Bessette

Blessed André Bessette is not yet a Saint, but I have added him because he is one of my favorites that are on the way to Sainthood.

Memorial: November 6th
Born: 1845
Died: 1937, near Montreal

Best Known For:
Best known for thousands of miraculous healings by applying St. Joseph's oil. The oil was obtained from lamps that were set out in front of a statue of St. Joseph.

Interesting Facts:
-Although he was a very well known figure, with over a million people coming to see his body after his death, he was officially only a doorman for 40 years.
-With assistance from those who where supporters of Brother Andre, he was able to get a church built next to the Notre Dame College (Quebec) where he worked. The church is the largest outside Rome.

Get to know more about Bl. Andre:
There is a fantastic movie called Brother Andre. Most of the story takes place in a single chapel with flashbacks that usually consist of a single character talking in front of a sparsely decorated, dark setting. The story slowly unfolds and is great for a long Saturday afternoon. After seeing the movie you will come away with the feeling that you have met Brother Andre.
You can get the DVD from any good Catholic store or try to catch it on EWTN.

Fast Facts about the Saints: Bl. André Bessette

Blessed André Bessette is not yet a Saint, but I have added him because he is one of my favorites that are on the way to Sainthood.

Memorial: November 6th
Born: 1845
Died: 1937, near Montreal

Best Known For:
Best known for thousands of miraculous healings by applying St. Joseph's oil. The oil was obtained from lamps that were set out in front of a statue of St. Joseph.

Interesting Facts:
-Although he was a very well known figure, with over a million people coming to see his body after his death, he was officially only a doorman for 40 years.
-With assistance from those who where supporters of Brother Andre, he was able to get a church built next to the Notre Dame College (Quebec) where he worked. The church is the largest outside Rome.

Get to know more about Bl. Andre:
There is a fantastic movie called Brother Andre. Most of the story takes place in a single chapel with flashbacks that usually consist of a single character talking in front of a sparsely decorated, dark setting. The story slowly unfolds and is great for a long Saturday afternoon. After seeing the movie you will come away with the feeling that you have met Brother Andre.
You can get the DVD from any good Catholic store or try to catch it on EWTN.

Catholic People Spotlight: Alfred E. Smith

Alfred E. Smith, who was better know as Al Smith to most, was a elected as Governor of New York city four times (between 1919 and 1928). Al ran for President under the Democratic ticket in 1928. He was also the first Irish Catholic to run for President in the US under a major party. In addition to his political life, Al was instrumental in the construction of the Empire State Building as president of Empire State, inc.
Mr. Smith is in the Spotlight because, although he has been dead for 64 years, he is still helping others through the Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner, a charity event organized by the Catholic Archdiocese of New York for the benefit of needy children. The dinner was held today and became a big news story because John McCain and Barack Obama were speakers. The event was a pleasant departure from the usual campaign tone. The talks were lighthearted and both candidates were actually very funny. An estimated $4 million was raised. It is nice to see differences put aside, even just for one night, to come together for such a good cause.

Catholic People Spotlight: Alfred E. Smith

Alfred E. Smith, who was better know as Al Smith to most, was a elected as Governor of New York city four times (between 1919 and 1928). Al ran for President under the Democratic ticket in 1928. He was also the first Irish Catholic to run for President in the US under a major party. In addition to his political life, Al was instrumental in the construction of the Empire State Building as president of Empire State, inc.
Mr. Smith is in the Spotlight because, although he has been dead for 64 years, he is still helping others through the Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner, a charity event organized by the Catholic Archdiocese of New York for the benefit of needy children. The dinner was held today and became a big news story because John McCain and Barack Obama were speakers. The event was a pleasant departure from the usual campaign tone. The talks were lighthearted and both candidates were actually very funny. An estimated $4 million was raised. It is nice to see differences put aside, even just for one night, to come together for such a good cause.

Catholic People Spotlight: Alfred E. Smith

Alfred E. Smith, who was better know as Al Smith to most, was a elected as Governor of New York city four times (between 1919 and 1928). Al ran for President under the Democratic ticket in 1928. He was also the first Irish Catholic to run for President in the US under a major party. In addition to his political life, Al was instrumental in the construction of the Empire State Building as president of Empire State, inc.
Mr. Smith is in the Spotlight because, although he has been dead for 64 years, he is still helping others through the Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner, a charity event organized by the Catholic Archdiocese of New York for the benefit of needy children. The dinner was held today and became a big news story because John McCain and Barack Obama were speakers. The event was a pleasant departure from the usual campaign tone. The talks were lighthearted and both candidates were actually very funny. An estimated $4 million was raised. It is nice to see differences put aside, even just for one night, to come together for such a good cause.

Founding of Opus Dei

This day in 1928, Opus Dei was founded by Saint Josemaria Escriva. Opus Dei (Latin for God's Work) is a worldwide organization of lay Catholics who's 87,ooo members embody the idea that everyone is called to holiness. The members sanctify ordinary life by offering their daily work to God. Opus Dei is relatively new. In 1982, the organization was made into a personal prelature. Saint Josemaria was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 2002. The Saint's writings are an inspiration to many outside Opus Dei, and are great tools for prayer and meditation. My personal favorites are The Way, Furrow, and The Forge. These are not only my picks, they are also the three most popular works by Saint Josemaria. You can buy them separately, but it is very common to find all three books in one edition.
The best way to find out more about Opus Dei and its founding Saint is to go to: http://opusdei.com/

Founding of Opus Dei

This day in 1928, Opus Dei was founded by Saint Josemaria Escriva. Opus Dei (Latin for God's Work) is a worldwide organization of lay Catholics who's 87,ooo members embody the idea that everyone is called to holiness. The members sanctify ordinary life by offering their daily work to God. Opus Dei is relatively new. In 1982, the organization was made into a personal prelature. Saint Josemaria was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 2002. The Saint's writings are an inspiration to many outside Opus Dei, and are great tools for prayer and meditation. My personal favorites are The Way, Furrow, and The Forge. These are not only my picks, they are also the three most popular works by Saint Josemaria. You can buy them separately, but it is very common to find all three books in one edition.
The best way to find out more about Opus Dei and its founding Saint is to go to: http://opusdei.com/

Founding of Opus Dei

This day in 1928, Opus Dei was founded by Saint Josemaria Escriva. Opus Dei (Latin for God's Work) is a worldwide organization of lay Catholics who's 87,ooo members embody the idea that everyone is called to holiness. The members sanctify ordinary life by offering their daily work to God. Opus Dei is relatively new. In 1982, the organization was made into a personal prelature. Saint Josemaria was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 2002. The Saint's writings are an inspiration to many outside Opus Dei, and are great tools for prayer and meditation. My personal favorites are The Way, Furrow, and The Forge. These are not only my picks, they are also the three most popular works by Saint Josemaria. You can buy them separately, but it is very common to find all three books in one edition.
The best way to find out more about Opus Dei and its founding Saint is to go to: http://opusdei.com/

Medjugorje…What?

For years, I would hear people refer to Medjugorje but nobody ever explained what it was. I had a vague idea that it was something like Fatima, but other than that it was very mysterious, and maybe a little taboo. Then a couple of years ago, “Medjugorje” was mentioned, in passing, on EWTN (the Catholic station) and that was it. I had to find out once and for all what the mystery was all about. I did a good deal of research for my own knowledge. The following is just the basic facts from what I learned.

So, what is Medjugorje?
In June 1981, six young people claimed to see, hear, and touch the Blessed Virgin Mary. This occurred in Medjugorje, Yugoslavia. There were up to ten “secret” messages that the six received about world events that have not been revealed to the public. Although the Iron Curtain was still in place, the apparitions prompted many pilgrims from Europe and America to make the journey to the Medjugorje. Since the initial visions, there have been almost daily apparitions. And every year the number of pilgrims have increased.

So, what is being experienced?
Besides the appearances of the Blessed Virgin, there have been reports of the sun spinning, rosaries turning gold color, and spiritual and physical healings.

So, what is the Catholic Church’s take on all of this?
In 1991, the Bishops’ Commission declared, “On the basis of the investigation so far it can not be affirmed that one is dealing with supernatural apparitions and revelation.” This means that they can neither verify nor refute that the happenings in Medjugorje are supernatural. The Holy See is very careful in declaring a mystical event to be true. And considering that the experiences in Medjugorje have not ceased, The Church probably won’t come to a final judgment any time soon. Currently, the Church has not found any additional information to change its original position stated in 1991.

So, what are Catholics to do?
Although there are many pilgrimages to Medjugorje, none of them are organized by the Catholic Church. If there were, this would sanction the apparitions as being true. Instead, good upstanding laypeople are setting up their own pilgrimages. They can invite priests or other religious along, and this is just fine with the Holy See. Remember, although the Church has not given its stamp of approval, this does not mean that the Church has declared that Medjugorje is a fake. It appears that what is happening at Medjugorje is strengthening Marian devotion, and that in itself is good. So, if you are a believer, go ahead and plan a trip. Just don’t be too surprised if every Catholic does not share your view on the supernatural aspects of Medjugorje.

For more information, here is the official website: http://medjugorje.hr.nt4.ims.hr/Default.aspx

Medjugorje…What?

For years, I would hear people refer to Medjugorje but nobody ever explained what it was. I had a vague idea that it was something like Fatima, but other than that it was very mysterious, and maybe a little taboo. Then a couple of years ago, “Medjugorje” was mentioned, in passing, on EWTN (the Catholic station) and that was it. I had to find out once and for all what the mystery was all about. I did a good deal of research for my own knowledge. The following is just the basic facts from what I learned.

So, what is Medjugorje?
In June 1981, six young people claimed to see, hear, and touch the Blessed Virgin Mary. This occurred in Medjugorje, Yugoslavia. There were up to ten “secret” messages that the six received about world events that have not been revealed to the public. Although the Iron Curtain was still in place, the apparitions prompted many pilgrims from Europe and America to make the journey to the Medjugorje. Since the initial visions, there have been almost daily apparitions. And every year the number of pilgrims have increased.

So, what is being experienced?
Besides the appearances of the Blessed Virgin, there have been reports of the sun spinning, rosaries turning gold color, and spiritual and physical healings.

So, what is the Catholic Church’s take on all of this?
In 1991, the Bishops’ Commission declared, “On the basis of the investigation so far it can not be affirmed that one is dealing with supernatural apparitions and revelation.” This means that they can neither verify nor refute that the happenings in Medjugorje are supernatural. The Holy See is very careful in declaring a mystical event to be true. And considering that the experiences in Medjugorje have not ceased, The Church probably won’t come to a final judgment any time soon. Currently, the Church has not found any additional information to change its original position stated in 1991.

So, what are Catholics to do?
Although there are many pilgrimages to Medjugorje, none of them are organized by the Catholic Church. If there were, this would sanction the apparitions as being true. Instead, good upstanding laypeople are setting up their own pilgrimages. They can invite priests or other religious along, and this is just fine with the Holy See. Remember, although the Church has not given its stamp of approval, this does not mean that the Church has declared that Medjugorje is a fake. It appears that what is happening at Medjugorje is strengthening Marian devotion, and that in itself is good. So, if you are a believer, go ahead and plan a trip. Just don’t be too surprised if every Catholic does not share your view on the supernatural aspects of Medjugorje.

For more information, here is the official website: http://medjugorje.hr.nt4.ims.hr/Default.aspx

Medjugorje…What?

For years, I would hear people refer to Medjugorje but nobody ever explained what it was. I had a vague idea that it was something like Fatima, but other than that it was very mysterious, and maybe a little taboo. Then a couple of years ago, “Medjugorje” was mentioned, in passing, on EWTN (the Catholic station) and that was it. I had to find out once and for all what the mystery was all about. I did a good deal of research for my own knowledge. The following is just the basic facts from what I learned.

So, what is Medjugorje?
In June 1981, six young people claimed to see, hear, and touch the Blessed Virgin Mary. This occurred in Medjugorje, Yugoslavia. There were up to ten “secret” messages that the six received about world events that have not been revealed to the public. Although the Iron Curtain was still in place, the apparitions prompted many pilgrims from Europe and America to make the journey to the Medjugorje. Since the initial visions, there have been almost daily apparitions. And every year the number of pilgrims have increased.

So, what is being experienced?
Besides the appearances of the Blessed Virgin, there have been reports of the sun spinning, rosaries turning gold color, and spiritual and physical healings.

So, what is the Catholic Church’s take on all of this?
In 1991, the Bishops’ Commission declared, “On the basis of the investigation so far it can not be affirmed that one is dealing with supernatural apparitions and revelation.” This means that they can neither verify nor refute that the happenings in Medjugorje are supernatural. The Holy See is very careful in declaring a mystical event to be true. And considering that the experiences in Medjugorje have not ceased, The Church probably won’t come to a final judgment any time soon. Currently, the Church has not found any additional information to change its original position stated in 1991.

So, what are Catholics to do?
Although there are many pilgrimages to Medjugorje, none of them are organized by the Catholic Church. If there were, this would sanction the apparitions as being true. Instead, good upstanding laypeople are setting up their own pilgrimages. They can invite priests or other religious along, and this is just fine with the Holy See. Remember, although the Church has not given its stamp of approval, this does not mean that the Church has declared that Medjugorje is a fake. It appears that what is happening at Medjugorje is strengthening Marian devotion, and that in itself is good. So, if you are a believer, go ahead and plan a trip. Just don’t be too surprised if every Catholic does not share your view on the supernatural aspects of Medjugorje.

For more information, here is the official website: http://medjugorje.hr.nt4.ims.hr/Default.aspx

Treasure Chest of Fun & Fact

A while back, I found a digital collection of Catholic comic books. They are scans of a series called The Treasure Chest of Fun & Fact. These are pretty old (from 1946 to 1972), but some younger children (and a few of us old timers) might get a kick out of looking through the illustrations. It brings some of the familiar stories to life better than print alone. There are many comics with an adventure theme. Titles include: The Adventures of Robin Hood, The Champ and the Pirates, and Baseball and How to Play it. It is easy to find a subject and flip through the online pages.

You can browse the titles at: http://www.aladin.wrlc.org/gsdl/cgi-bin/library?e=q-01000-00---off-0treasure--00-1--0-10-0---0---0prompt-10-KEY%2cTT%2cCR%2cSU--4--%2c%2c%2cadventure-----0-1l--11-en-600---20-home-%5badventure%5d%3aSU+--01-3-1-00-0-0-11-0-0utfZz-8-00&a=d&cl=CL1

There is also a good search engine that you can find from the link above.
Hope you enjoy.

Treasure Chest of Fun & Fact

A while back, I found a digital collection of Catholic comic books. They are scans of a series called The Treasure Chest of Fun & Fact. These are pretty old (from 1946 to 1972), but some younger children (and a few of us old timers) might get a kick out of looking through the illustrations. It brings some of the familiar stories to life better than print alone. There are many comics with an adventure theme. Titles include: The Adventures of Robin Hood, The Champ and the Pirates, and Baseball and How to Play it. It is easy to find a subject and flip through the online pages.

You can browse the titles at: http://www.aladin.wrlc.org/gsdl/cgi-bin/library?e=q-01000-00---off-0treasure--00-1--0-10-0---0---0prompt-10-KEY%2cTT%2cCR%2cSU--4--%2c%2c%2cadventure-----0-1l--11-en-600---20-home-%5badventure%5d%3aSU+--01-3-1-00-0-0-11-0-0utfZz-8-00&a=d&cl=CL1

There is also a good search engine that you can find from the link above.
Hope you enjoy.

Treasure Chest of Fun & Fact

A while back, I found a digital collection of Catholic comic books. They are scans of a series called The Treasure Chest of Fun & Fact. These are pretty old (from 1946 to 1972), but some younger children (and a few of us old timers) might get a kick out of looking through the illustrations. It brings some of the familiar stories to life better than print alone. There are many comics with an adventure theme. Titles include: The Adventures of Robin Hood, The Champ and the Pirates, and Baseball and How to Play it. It is easy to find a subject and flip through the online pages.

You can browse the titles at: http://www.aladin.wrlc.org/gsdl/cgi-bin/library?e=q-01000-00---off-0treasure--00-1--0-10-0---0---0prompt-10-KEY%2cTT%2cCR%2cSU--4--%2c%2c%2cadventure-----0-1l--11-en-600---20-home-%5badventure%5d%3aSU+--01-3-1-00-0-0-11-0-0utfZz-8-00&a=d&cl=CL1

There is also a good search engine that you can find from the link above.
Hope you enjoy.