Praying for Osama

I meant to post this blog entry a long time ago, but it became one of the many posts to hide itself away in my Drafts folder. I came across it yesterday and, given the recent horrific events in Connecticut, I thought it was an appropriate time to finally post it.

An unusual prayer request

Back in May of 2011, there was a great stir after a parishioner of a parish in Florida requested a Mass to be said for the soul of Osama Bin Laden.

Osama Bin Laden

This request caused all kinds of uproar among other parishioners:

“I think it’s totally wrong, he doesn’t belong in the Catholic religion. For what he did to Americans, he doesn’t belong anywhere…”

“It’s unconscionable, it’s sacrilegious…”

While I can understand the gut reaction of those who objected to this proposed Mass intention, how compatible are these statements with the Catholic faith?

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Another opportunity to become famous!

You may remember a while back, at the beginning of last year, that I did a post to advertise the recording of Matt Fradd’s new DVD “Be a man”

Well, it’s filming time again! Our favourite Australian will be delivering a talk over in Santee at the end of February entitled “How to Win an Argument Without Losing a Soul”. The tickets are free, but you need to register. This morning there were only 46 seats left, so you’d better do it soooooon…..

Wise Words on Wednesday: Dysfunctional Families

Dysfunctional Family

Sure, there are problems in the Church, but what family doesn’t have problems? Noah had problems, Moses had problems, David had problems, and so did Saul. But this is why we need as much of Christ as we can get. There simply is no greater source of grace in the world than the Eucharist. Humble yourself before the King of Kings and allow Him to satisfy your soul. He died to feed you. – Jeff Cavins, “I’m not being fed!”

Les Miserables. Go see it now.

It has come to my attention that not yet everyone has gone to see the newly released movie Les Miserables

I find this unacceptable. If this is you, please turn off your computer and go to the cinema straight away. Seriously, what are you waiting for? Power down and go watch it now.  Don’t worry, we’ll wait for you until you come back…

[Three hours later]

I know, I know, you’re welcome…  Wasn’t that wonderful?! Aren’t you glad you watched it? You cried your eyes out too, didn’t you? 😉 Now that you’ve seen the movie, I’ll feel free to continue with spoilers

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Beef Bourguignon

It’s no time for modesty…the beef stew I made last weekend was the most delicious stew ever!

Stew

Here’s the recipe:

1. Cut 3lbs of beef chuck into 1-inch cubs
2. Mix together 3 tablespoons of flour with some salt and pepper. Cover the beef in the mixture and sear beef in a skillet.
3. Peel and slice 3 large carrots (or more)
4. Slice 1 large onion
5. Cut 6 strips of bacon into 1 or 2 inch pieces (I wouldn’t bother with bacon in future)
6. Mince 2 cloves of garlic
7. Stem three sprigs of fresh thyme
8. Slice 1lb of fresh mushrooms
9. Cut 2 large potatoes into 1-inch pieces
10. Add all the vegetables and meat to the slow cooker.
11. Add a 10 oz  can of beef broth
12. Add a cup of red wine
13. Add a tablespoon of tomato paste
14. Add a bay leaf.
15. Cook on LOW for 8-10 hours or HIGH for 6 hours.

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