Ordinary Old Catholic Me

Two very different spiritual thinkers and writers. One, Newman, a declared Saint of the Church. The other a well known modern monk. Both provided and provide to this day, guidance to those in search of God and His Purpose for us. It will be good to spend time with them, and to cherish each of their prayers. 

In our modern, pseudo-enlightened age, even among those who claim to be believing Catholics, the idea, the REALITY, that in the Daily Mass, God becomes present in the Form of Bread and Wine, is given short shrift. But God will not be dismissed and He continues to be with Us and invite us all in this truly miraculous manner. It is a big subject, way bigger than anything this small program could encompass, but hopefully your interest is piqued and you will explore the Awesome Gift that is God in the Eucharist via the many erudite thinkers, from the Church Fathers to the Magisterium. 

Los Angeles born Michael Conley has been a writer and publicist for many years and has teamed up with actress Candice Azzara in various projects, including their uplifting humourous book, "God Please Give Me Patience. . . .and Hurry!" They share a mutual love for the entertainment industry but also a profound Catholic Faith. Michael talks about his life-long Catholicism and how it has infused his life and work. 

Candice Azzara has been an actress of the stage, screen and television for many years. She has written a book, "God, Please Give Me Patience. . . .and Hurry!" with her creative partner, Michael Conley. She is working on a series of which she is the producer, writer and actress.  She is also a practicing Catholic which brings her to Ordinary Old Catholic Me for what I hope you will agree is a delightful first interview for this podcast. 

When history becomes too pressing we often find ourselves asking "What is the Meaning of Life?" History is always pressing in reality. So I guess we are always asking the question. Today, I talk about a book, "Man's Search for Meaning" by the late Dr. Victor Frankl, who asked that question while he was a prisoner in a concentration camp during WWII. He found meaning even there. Surely we can now. 

Thinking about Facebook in which I too much participate made me think of the Tower of Babel. And so follows this musing. 

Catholic laity are demanding of Catholic clerical leaders that they do something about the burgeoning attacks first on statues and then on the faithful themselves. What is the proper response? Ultimately, despite our protestations, we have to look to Jesus and Grace without which we can do nothing. We have to keep our eye on the God-Man who walked the road to Calvary and do what He did, remain faithful to the Word of the Father.

We are called to proclaim (Kerygma) the Good News of Christ's life, death and resurrection. But it doesn't come easy. Then what does when we follow the Royal Road of the Cross? 

In every age people think they see signs of the end times. Well, this age is no different and these last months, whew! Sure seems like the signs are there. I will tell you how I am coping, or not, and how I think about it. How about you?

It's been a tough few months, but our Churches are open again, and not a minute to soon for us!