Comments on: Leading a retreat in the Rocky Mountains

By: Niccolo Florencio

Niccolo Florencio — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 01:35:15 +0000

Your Eminence,

Pax et bonum!

I am a young man from the Philippines and I would like to know if it would be possible for the talks (meditations) from the seminarians’ Spiritual Exercises to be made available for the consumption of our own priests, religious, seminarians as well as other young men in discernment.

Thank you.

By: Martha Bewick

Martha Bewick — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 18:00:51 +0000

Dear Cardinal Sean, This is a postscript to my earlier comment. When you return to Boston this week, I hope you will be able to attend or to listen to the Boston Symphony’s performance of “Dream of Gerontius”. Edward Elgar, the composer, was Catholic, and, of course, the poet was John Cardinal Newman. It is a powerful, mystical and transcendent piece about the death of an old man, who appeals to the angels and saints, and who is carried into the presence of God, and then to rest in purgatory. A number of members of the chorus are cantors, and we hope that parishioners in the Archdiocese will come or tune in on Thursday, Friday or Saturday. With best wishes, Martha Bewick, St. Paul’s Parish, Hingham

By: Lisa

Lisa — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 23:01:46 +0000

Always a beautiful visit to your blog, Cardinal Sean! Please pray for our recently (and suddenly) deceased Sister Francetta Donnelly, SCC. I wrote about her on my blog and know that the Sisters and her family would appreciate your prayers, too.
Fr. Matt’s post speaks of such an energy permeating throughout the Church of Boston, a sure sign that the Church is God’s Church and is alive and well, moving forward in fulfilling its mission to love and serve. “May God bring to fruition the good work He has begun in you!”

By: Martha Bewick

Martha Bewick — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 17:21:33 +0000

Dear Cardinal Sean, When you celebrate Mass at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception this week, you will be surrounded by the work of artists and architects from Boston. One, in particular, Mary Reardon, my aunt, designed and created the beloved Lady of Guadelupe chapel, and the transept ceilings “Last Judgement,” and “Creation.” “Creation” includes an unborn child as central to the wonder of creation, and also includes what was known of the edges of science of the early 1970s — a DNA double helix. My aunt always believed that faith and science were compatible, and sought advice from scientists and marine biologists when she researched her subjects for the ceiling. Even though Pope Benedict will not visit Boston, when Pope Benedict visits the Basilica, he too will be surrounded by the wonderful work and dedication of Boston architects, and artists and the fruit of the leadership and support of the Archdiocese of Boston. So when the Pope comes to visit the Basilica, I believe we can truly say he is being welcomed by Boston. Have a wonderful and productive visit during the March for Life celebrations. Best wishes. Martha Bewick