Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Benedict XVI recorded an album in honour of the Virgin

Benedict XVI has recorded an album with prayers recited by him and accompanied by the choir of the Philharmonic Academy of Rome. The album, recorded in St. Peter's Basilica, is named 'Alma Mater'. It includes eight prayers dedicated to the Virgin. One of them is singing and the others are recited in Latin, French, German, Italian and Portuguese. It also includes eight pieces of classical music performed by the Royal Philharmonic in London. The disc, which can be heard from next November 30, is an initiative of the Multimedia San Pablo and has been produced by the U.S. label Geffen Records. The president of the label stated that the Pope has expressed satisfaction with the outcome. A portion of profits will be delivered to a foundation that promotes music education for poor children around the world. Benedict XVI follows the example of his predecessor, John Paul II, who in 1994 recorded the rosary. Furthermore, last year, the tenor Plácido Domingo sang some poems written by the Polish Pope. (information taken from RomeReports.com)

Monday, August 10, 2009

Radio Interview in Dallas Texas

Guadalupe Radio interviews Mario St. Francis who went from actor/model to pilgrim missionary... very interesting story. From one of Cosmo's 50 Most Eligible Bachelors, 15 accidents in life, and then a life change.
Guadalupe Radio is on a mission. In today's world, possibly the greatest battles are fought in the arena of personal faith. The "Guadalupe Resource Center" and "Guadalupe Radio Network" provide teaching that strengthens confidence and faith in God. The power of the Gospel through the media of radio is that it literally changes lives. It is a heart to heart ministry. Visitors to the Center and listeners to our Network of Catholic Radio Stations discover that God is alive and active and cares about every aspect of their life. “The lay faithful, precisely because they are members of the Church, have the vocation and mission of proclaiming the Gospel; they are prepared for this work by the sacraments of Christian initiation and by the gifts of the Holy Spirit.” -- Pope John Paul II

Teenagers and parents - Insane!

This is so funny and typical of so many of us. No I am not a teenager nor am I a parent, but... I once was a teen and my ministry puts me in the position of being a big brother.

Speaking in Dallas Texas to Malankara Catholics

This summer I had the honor to speak at the National Malankara Catholic conference in Dallas Texas. It was very cool! I had never encountered Malankara Catholics before.
They are part of the Antiochian Rite ( I am part of the Latin Roman Rite). They are an Eastern Catholic Church in the Catholic Communion, in union with the Pope of Rome, historically linked to the Syrian Church. It is one of several groups of Saint Thomas Christians tracing their origin to St. Thomas the Apostle who is claimed to have come to India in A.D. 52 For more information CLICK HERE to LEARN MORE
The 2009 National Conference
The Theme was Leviticus 25:10: “This 50th year is sacred-it is a time of freedom and of celebration when everyone will receive back their original property, and slaves will return home to their families” The Vision was a marriage of East and West, Ancient and Modern The Goals were 1. a call to conversion 2. a call to communion and 3. a call to Christ
10 Reasons Why People were Encouraged to Attend
Ο Get a spiritual workout and receive blessings that last forever Ο For adults - re-connect with your Malankara roots Ο For youth – enter a real-world Facebook and build bonds with peers from Texas to Toronto, Manhattan to Michigan Ο Enjoy one-on-one encounters with our Bishops Ο Interact with national civic leaders Ο Hear the testimonies of famous American Catholic communicators Ο Have fun with comedy, cultural shows and the Malankara Jeopardy adventure Ο Re-discover the richess of our ancient liturgy. Ο Bask in the legendary frontier hospitality of Texas, home of oilmen and ranchers, Rangers and rodeos Ο Take home a treasure-trove of memories that your family will never forget
It was truly wonderful and full of Indian tradition, skits, games, great talks and memories. Thanks to all for a great event!

Sunday, August 9, 2009

Largest cross in the Northern Hemisphere

While traveling cross country to Hollywood in 2005 (to start a life as a missionary pilgrim of media and evangelization), i came across this place in Texas. It's conveniently (purposely) located in Groom Texas. Check it out. So cool! They have the Largest cross in the Northern Hemisphere (or something like that)