The End of the World As We Know It?

I really enjoy nuclear physics and at one time wanted to get into particle physics. In fact, before I became a theology major, I was on the path to nuclear physics. I even helped my professor do some nuclear experiments to study the structure of the Ce-142 and Nd-144. Admittedly, I didn't understand much about the "IBM model," but it sure sounds cool to say you helped with research in the Interacting Boson Model and the shell model of the N=84 isotones.

The actual experiment was kind of cool. Getting to play with one of those van de graaff generators. You know the one where you put you hand on the ball and it makes your hair stand on end:


Well, imagine having a van de graaff generater that was two stories tall! We used it to shoot protons into a block of something I can't remember. But the protons would collide with the substance and shoot neutrons of a specific energy at the sample (either Ce-142 or Nd-144). The neutron would hit the nucleus of the atom and transfer some of it's energy to the nucleus of the sample, making it go to a higher energy level. It would then decay, releasing a photon. We would measure this photon's energy and be able to use that data to see various energy levels. My job was to help babysit the experiement, then crunch numbers and do computer analysis to find the energy levels as accurately as possible. It was pretty cool how you could predict some things just by the data. Anyway, science has always interested me.

So why the title to this post?

I came across a documentary on the Large Hadron Collider at CERN in Geneva, Switzerland.

I love the "frightful" opening squence of the video. Will it destroy the world?

I guess there has been concern. In looking at the LHC web page, if you look at the public web pages of CERN and it's description of the LHC, tucked at the end of the pages is a page that deals with the "safety concerns."

Are LHC collisions safe?

Microscopic black holes will not eat you...
Massive black holes are created in the Universe by the collapse of massive stars, which contain enormous amounts of gravitational energy that pulls in surrounding matter. The gravitational pull of a black hole is related to the amount of matter or energy it contains – the less there is, the weaker the pull. Some physicists suggest that microscopic black holes could be produced in the collisions at the LHC. However, these would only be created with the energies of the colliding particles (equivalent to the energies of mosquitoes), so no microscopic black holes produced inside the LHC could generate a strong enough gravitational force to pull in surrounding matter.

If the LHC can produce microscopic black holes, cosmic rays of much higher energies would already have produced many more. Since the Earth is still here, there is no reason to believe that collisions inside the LHC are harmful.

They even point out other articles that deal with this from other experiments:

Review of Speculative "Disaster Scenarios" at RHIC (pdf file)

The video is a pretty good video about the purpose of the LHC at CERN and the physics behind it. It also gives a very good overview of the relationship between cosmology and particle physics; two seemingly opposite areas of physics: study of the whole universe and study of the basic building blocks that make it up.



There's also some interesting video of just one of the detectors on the LHC the Atlas detector (sort of a crash course in particle physics ... pun intended ... "crash" course ... super collider ... nevermind)

I can't embed these particular videos, but you can see the videos on youtube:

The ATLAS Experiment - Mapping the Secrets of the Universe 1

The ATLAS Experiment - Mapping the Secrets of the Universe 2

It looks like the November 2007 date has been pushed back, so I think the LHC won't go online until 2008. Still, interesting stuff.

RS

Of Blenders and Shredders

For some reason the Blendtech videos have been pretty popular on youtube. I admit that the blenders are pretty amazing in their power to blend things up. I keep wondering what the heck people are eating or drinking that they would need a blender that can liquify golf balls or cell phones! Impressive, yet I was disappoined when they didn't do the crobar. The only really cool one was the lightsticks IMHO:

(you homeschool friends don't try these things at home:
YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE!)



I was more impressed with the SSI corporation's machines. They can tear up engine blocks:



and even a VW bug:



Wouldn't that be a cool job. "Yeah, I test industrial shredders by coming up with things to tear up inside them.

Thanks to Fr. Erik Richsteig at the Orthometer for the Hippie link.

RS

Get ready for August 2nd.

Just as a reminder so you can prepare early by getting to confession this weekend:

August 2nd is the day of the "Portiuncula Indulgence." You can read more about it and the requirements for obtaining the plenary indulgence here:

August 2nd - "Portiuncula Indulgence"

RS

17th Sunday Per Annum Comparison of Prayers

So here's an update on the Comparison of Prayers. Only some tiny tweaks were made:

17th Sunday Per Annum (Ordinary Time)

Collect (Opening Prayer)

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Protéctor in te sperántium, Deus, sine quo nihil est válidum, nihil sanctum, multíplica super nos misericórdiam tuam, ut, te rectóre, te duce, sic bonis transeúntibus nunc utámur, ut iam possímus inhærére mansúris.
Per Dóminum nostrum Iesum Christum, Fílium tuum, qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti, Deus, per ómnia saécula sæculórum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. God our Father and protector, without you nothing is holy, nothing has value. Guide us to everlasting life by helping us to use wisely the blessings you have given to the world.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray. O God, Protector of those who hope in You, without Whom nothing is powerful, nothing is holy, increase Your mercy upon us, so that, with You as Ruler, with You as Leader, we may presently use the goods which pass away, so that we will indeed be able to cling to those which will last.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, Who lives and reigns with You, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

Prayer Over the Gifts

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Súscipe, quaésumus, Dómine, múnera, quæ tibi de tua largitáte deférimus, ut hæc sacrosáncta mystéria, grátiæ tuæ operánte virtúte, et præséntis vitæ nos conversatióne sanctíficent, et ad gáudia sempitérna perdúcant.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Lord, receive these offerings chosen from your many gifts. May these mysteries make us holy and lead us to eternal joy.
Grant this through Christ our Lord.

My Own Literal Translation
Receive, we beseech You, O Lord, these offerings, which we bring to You from Your abundance, so that these most sacred Mysteries, by the powerful working of Your grace, may both sanctify us by conversion of this present life, and may lead us to the everlasting joys.
Through Christ our Lord.

Post-Communion Prayer

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Súmpsimus, Dómine, divínum sacraméntum, passiónis Fílii tui memoriále perpétuum; tríbue, quaésumus, ut ad nostram salútem hoc munus profíciat, quod ineffábili nobis caritáte ipse donávit.
Qui vivit et regnat in saécula sæculórum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. Lord, we receive the sacrament which celebrates the memory of the death and resurrection of Christ your Son. May this gift bring us closer to our eternal salvation.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray. O Lord, we have taken part in this Divine Sacrament, the perpetual Memorial of the Passion of Your Son; grant, we beseech You, that this Gift, which He Himself has given to us in His ineffable love, may aid our salvation.
He Who lives and reigns forever and ever.

RS

Michael Moore and Lord of the Rings

Speaking of Michael Moore, how would he treat the Lord of the Rings?

Fellowship 9/11

(Thanks to ronny for originally pointing this out to me.)

RS

Is Ronald McDonald really trying to kill me?

No, he's just trying to steal from me by trying to nickel and dime me.


Had a goofy little experience at McDonalds today. I found it interesting given all the hoopla about McDonalds and health, especially around the time Morgan Spurlock's "Supersize Me" was released.

As a side note, the movie was actually pretty good. I sort of expected some bleeding heart liberal truth bending attack on the fast food industry like you'd get from Michael Moore. Yet, this did not go in the direction of a Michael Moore flick. The gimmick of the flick is the 30 days of nothing but McDonalds. But rather than it being a war on fast food companies, it really just calls people to realize that we have to take responsibility for ourselves and can't rely on corporate America to look out for our best intrests when they are trying to look out for their own (profit). It just shows corporate America for what it really is: business and making money. That in and of itself is not evil, it's just the nature of business. A company cannot survive if it does not make money. It's also a good little motivator to help you think about your diet.

Anyway, with all the media McFlurry (pun intended), one of the "results" was that supposedly McDonalds would not longer have a "supersize" option. Well, that's not really what happened. They just took away "supersize" and instead made all their combos have options of small, medium, or large. Or some weird "upgrade" thing for only a few cents more! So, really just getting the large or upgrade, you get the "supersize." This actually helps them, because they can post the price of the smaller combo so it looks cheaper, then you upgrade it and pay more anyway. Almost a hidden cost, yet you asked for it.

So I just ordered the combo, I didn't say "supersize," or "large" or anything like that. And it is supposedly McDonald's policy to not even offer to upgrade anymore. So when I pull around and see the lady is about to hand me the ginormous 55 gallon drum of diet coke that comes with the large combo (and the price was more than advertised even with tax), I have to ask her what size I was about to get. She told me large. Interesting. So, I told her I had only wanted the medium, she "downsized it" for me and gave me back the difference. Of course who would really expect McDonalds to suddenly care about all that stuff. Overall, they just want my money. (Had they been "smart" they would have given me the large combo anyway and just given me back the difference, that would have had a much more likely result in repeat business which would have been greater than the little difference they "saved" by downgrading my combo.)


Now, I realize that McDonalds is not healthy. Their main value is that they are convenient. That's really the only reason I ever go there. I rarely have a craving for McDonalds, and unless the french fries are done just right, I never think "I'm Lovin' It" while I'm eating it. [gasp!] (I must be growing up!)

Now to just get over my love of Starbucks hazelnut lattes.


RS

Latin Ambassador

Whew! Just got back from being an amassador for the Latin Mass ("Novus Ordo"). I helped chant some of the Mass and serve as well. The Mass went well, there was a nice turnout for a weekday Mass and quite a cross section of the parish, young and old alike. And all the people I talked with would like to have more Masses in Latin. So, I'd say it was a success.

Now, I must get to bed, I am exhausted after spending about 5 hours on the road today ... er ... yesterday ... um ... I don't know what day it is anymore. Good night.


RS

Thanks for the prayers.

Thank you for your prayers. The abbot I mentioned Monday is fine. Turns out it was a false alarm, so he is back on his feet and doing well.

But please keep the prior who is battling cancer at the other monastery in your prayers.

Thanks,
RS

Commemoration of Saint Christopher

"Saint Christopher" by Titian
Today is also the Commemoration of Saint Christopher. He is still a Saint contrary to what some people think. I wrote all about it last year:

Happy Name's Day To Me!

RS

Botafumeiro

Speaking of Saint James, how cool is this? As a sacristan, this thing just really gets my liturgical geekyness going! At Santiago de Compostela in Spain, at the basilica where Saint James' relics are, they have a huge thurible (botafumeiro) that they swing across the enitre sanctuary! It takes about ten men to hang on to the rope to swing it. "Shovels are used to fill the Botafumeiro."

"One tradition has it that the use of a swinging censer in the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral began in the 11th century. Arriving pilgrims were tired and unwashed. They were also crowded together. Dispersing incense smoke inside the church under these conditions was probably a reasonable approach to combat the body smells of the accumulated masses."






So what's it like in action? Check this out, they really get this thing swinging!



Wow! They are probably getting this ready as I am writing this.

EDIT - I can't get over this, I keep watching the video. That would be something to see live.

Here's a broader view of it:



EDIT 2 - Matt's post over at Absolutely No Spin reminded me I should have used the term "ginormous" to describe the thurible.

RS

Comparison of Prayers - Saint James (the Greater), Apostle

"Saint James the Apostle" by Reubens
Collect (Opening Prayer)

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Omnípotens sempitérne Deus, qui Apostolórum tuórum primítias beáti Iacóbi sánguine dedicásti, da, quaésumus, Ecclésiæ tuæ ipsíus confessióne firmári, et iúgiter patrocíniis confovéri.
Per Dóminum nostrum Iesum Christum, Fílium tuum, qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti, Deus, per ómnia saécula sæculórum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. Almighty Father, by the martyrdom of St. James you blessed the work of the early Church. May his profession of faith give us courage and his prayers bring us strength.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray. Almighty and Eternal God, You Who consecrated the first-fruits of Your Apostles by the blood of the blessed James, grant, we beseech You, to be strengthened by his confession of Your Church, and continually to be supported by his protection.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, You Son, Who lives and reigns with You, in the unity
of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever.

Prayer Over the Gifts

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Munda nos, Dómine, passiónis Fílii tui baptísmate salutári, ut in festo beáti Iacóbi, quem primum inter Apóstolos cálicis eius partícipem esse voluísti, beneplácitum tibi sacrifícium offerámus.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Lord, as we honor St. James, the first apostle to share the cup of suffering and death, wash away our sins by the saving passion of your Son, and make our sacrifice pleasing to you.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.

My Own Literal Translation
Through the Passion of Your Son cleanse us in the saving waters of Baptism, O Lord, so that on this feast of the blessed James, whom you wished to be the first of the Apostles to participate in Your Chalice, we may offer a pleasing sacrifice to You.
Through Christ our Lord.

Preface
Preface I of the Apostles - The Apostles, Pastors of the People of God

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Vere dignum et iustum est, æquum et salútare, nos tibi semper et ubíque grátias ágere: Dómine, sancte Pater, omnípotens ætérne Deus:
Qui gregem tuum, Pastor ætérne, non déseris, sed per beátos Apóstolos contínua protectióne custódis, ut iísdem rectóribus gubernétur, quos Fílii tui vicários eídem contulísti præésse pastóres.
Et ídeo cum Angelis et Archángelis, cum Thronis et Dominatiónibus, cumque omni milítia cæléstis exércitus, hymnum glóriæ tuæ cánimus, sine fine dicéntes:
Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus ...

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Father, all-powerful and ever-living God, we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks.
You are the eternal Shepherd who never leaves his flock untended. Through the apostles you watch over us and protect us always. You made them shepherds of the flock to share in the work of your Son, and from their place in heaven they guide us still.
And so, with all the choirs of angels in heaven we proclaim your glory and join in their unending hymn of praise:
Holy, holy, holy ...

My Own Literal Translation
It is truly right and just, proper and availing unto salvation, that we always and everywhere give thanks to You, O Lord, Holy Father, Almighty and Eternal God:
You, O eternal Shepherd, Who do not forsake Your flock, but keep it in Your continual protection through the blessed Apostles, so that it may be governed by those rulers, whom as the vicars of Your Son You have given to be pastors over it.
And so, with all the Angels and Archangels, with the Thrones and Dominions, with the whole army of heavenly hosts, we sing the hymn of Your glory, saying without end:
Holy, Holy, Holy ...

Post-Communion Prayer

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Beáti apóstoli Iacóbi, quaésumus, Dómine, intercessióne nos ádiuva, pro cuius festivitáte percépimus tua sancta lætántes.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. Father, we have received this holy eucharist with joy as we celebrate the feast of the apostle James. Hear his prayers and bring us your help.
We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray. Help us, we beseech You, O Lord, through the intercession of the blessed Apostle James, on whose feast we have joyfully received Your Holy Mysteries.
Through Christ our Lord.

RS

It's raining cats and dogs and ...

Sorry, been super busy today. But here's an internet classic: from 1970 (the news report, not it being an internet classic back then, LOL), here's the news report of the infamous "exploding whale"



There's also a more recent happening that's related in this msnbc.com news article from Taiwan. I'll just provide the link since the picture is a bit gross (it's not that bad, just a bit gross).

Thar she blows! Dead whale explodes.

I'll just stick to salmon, thank you.


RS

Signs of the Times

Kansas City Catholic has a new brilliant "dialogue" in a clever series. Go and check them out:

Signs: Street Talking

and an older one here:

Signs: Lenten Fare

RS

Prayer Request for two monks

Speaking of monks, I have a prayer request.

Please pray for an abbot I know who was taken to the hospital last night. As of this morning they were still trying to figure out what was wrong with him.

Also please pray for the prior of another monastery. He is battling cancer and is in the midst of recovering from a bone marrow transplant.

Finally, please also pray for the monks of both of these monasteries since these are the spiritual fathers of each community. For the monks it is the same thing as having the father of your family being seriously ill. And the devil loves to take advantage of situations where the father of a family is down.

I'll also tack on one more request. Please pray for a friend who's two year old son had a fever related seizure yesterday. His son seems to be fine and stable, but they are still waiting to see if it is bacteria or virus related. One is apparently more dangerous than the other, so pray that it is the less serious one.

RS

Saint John Cassian

Saint John Cassian
Although today is the Memorial of Saint Bridget, today is also the Commemoration of Saint John Cassian.

He is mentioned in the 2004 Roman Martyrology for today:

Massíliæ in Província Gálliæ, sancti Ioánnis Cassiáni, presbýteri, qui duo monastéria, álterum pro viris, álterum pro muliéribus, cóndidit et, longo rerum monasticárum usu perítus, de Cœnobíticus Institútis et Collatiónes Patrum scripsit ad ædificatiónem monachórum.
[Quick and rough translation](Marsalles in the Province of Gaul (France), Saint John Cassian, priest, who founded two monasteries, one for men, the other for women, learned in the longstanding practice of monastic things, he wrote the Monastic Institutes and the Conferences of the Fathers for the encouragement of monks.

Saint John Cassian travelled with his friend Germanus to the Holy Lands and to Egypt, visiting various monasteries and hermits and learning how to live monastic life. He then recorded much of what he learned in his writings and brought them back to Italy and France to help encourage the growth of monastic life in the West.

Saint John Cassian's writings and Saint Basil the Great's Monastic Rule are specifically mentioned by Saint Benedict in his Rule as recommended reading for monks.

Then, besides, the Conferences of the Fathers, their Institutes and their Lives, there is also the rule of our holy father Basil. For observant and obedient monks, all these are nothing less than tools for the cultivation of virtues; but as for us, they make us blush with shame at being so slothful, so unobservant, so negligent. Are you hastening toward your heavenly home?

Rule of Saint Benedict, Chapter 73

EDIT - Found his writings online over at newadvent.org:

The Institutes

The Conferences

RS

Weird Headline or Bad Plot?

Here's some Monday Levity for you.

I only managed 60% correct. Take the quiz at the following link:

Ripped from the Headlines or Plot from Scooby Doo?

RS

That question

That question I've posted in tons of comment boxes has an interesting article written about it.

Now in some bishops' and cardinals' cases, I still have to ask the question given the gavity of some of their actions, but if nothing else the article does give a good explaination of some ecclesiology.

Why Doesn't the Pope Do Something about "Bad" Bishops?

The author linked to the article via this post regarding the Cardinal Mahoney scandals:

Even Priests Have Fantasies

RS

Comparison of Religion - atheism

I am always amazed at how some atheists actually make atheism into a religion. How some of them end up criticizing those who are religious (especially Christians) because some people in religion act so "self-righteous" and "arrogant," and yet these atheists end up being just as self-righteous and pretentious as those they criticize.

I came across a weird video at an atheist site which is supposed to be a humorous yet serious look at the "methods" of cults. Given the site it was at, it was clearly posted to criticize not just cults, but religion as well. But I find the video content to be rather ironic. The video certainly nails the way a cult works; I think here specifically of $cientology.

(As a warning there are two scenes which could be considered "graphic" because it has implied murder)

Mind Control Made Easy


Now, having seen the video, think of things you've heard from atheists:

"Religious people are ignorant or stupid, but WE [atheists] know better."

"Your religious parents just don't understand, you should avoid them."

"Don't read that religious garbage, it will only confuse or trick you."

"It's not a miracle, although we can't explain it, there's obviously some scientific explanation for it."

"It's us against those religious nuts."

I've even seen a "Church of Freethought" a "church for non-believers." The complete irrationality of that one just floors me!

Overall, atheism might not be an organized religion, but you can see it's mindset being rather cult like and aggressive.

For instance, the next big controversy will probably be this Christmas. New Line Cinema (the ones who gave us "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy) will be releasing the first movie of the "His Dark Materials" trilogy called "The Golden Compass." They are written by Philip Pullman, who "is a Distinguished Supporter of the British Humanist Association and an Honorary Associate of the National Secular Society." You can read more about him and his works at the two links just listed.

The "His Dark Materials" trilogy as known in North America"
The "His Dark Materials" trilogy has been called an "antithesis to the Chronicles of Narnia," and it is pretty anti-Catholic/Christian. It will be controversial because of this, and the fact that the movie looks to be a rather beautifully filmed fantasy movie aimed mainly at young adults..

So, remember, I predict the next big "Da Vinci Code-esque" controversy will be this December.

Like I said, I often find that all the criticisms of religion which are made by atheists tend to be amazingly accurate of themselves as well. Guess we'll just all have to turn discordian. LOL.

RS

16th Sunday Per Annum Comparison of Prayers

No tweaks from the translation I did last year, but here's the prayers again:

Collect

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Propitiáre, Dómine, fámulis tuis, et clémenter grátiæ tuæ super eos dona multíplica, ut, spe, fide et caritáte fervéntes, semper in mandátis tuis vígili custódia persevérent
Per Dóminum nostrum Iesum Christum, Fílium tuum, qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti, Deus, per ómnia saécula sæculórum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. Lord be merciful to your people. Fill us with your gifts and make us always eager to serve you in faith, hope, and love.
Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

My own Literal Translation
Let us pray. Look favorably upon Your servants, O Lord, and lovingly multiply the gifts of Your grace upon them, so that, burning with hope, faith, and charity, they may always persevere with vigilance in the keeping of Your commandments.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, Who lives and reigns with You, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

Prayer Over the Gifts

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Deus, qui legálium differéntiam hostiárum uníus sacrifícii perfectióne, sanxísti, áccipe sacrifícium a devótis tibi fámulis, et pari benedictióne, sicut múnera Abel, sanctífica, ut, quod sínguli obtulérunt ad maiestátis tuæ honórem, cunctis profíciat ad salútem.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Lord, bring us closer to salvation through these gifts which we bring in your honor. Accept the perfect sacrifice you have given us, bless it as you blessed the gifts of Abel.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.

My own Literal Translation
O God, Who by the perfection of one Sacrifice consecrated the various offerings of the Law, accept this sacrifice from the servants devoted to You, and sanctify it with an equal blessing, as You did the gifts of Abel, so that, that which each have offered to the honor of Your majesty, may accomplish the salvation of all.
Through Christ our Lord.

Post-Communion Prayer

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Pópulo tuo, quaésumus, Dómine, adésto propítius, et, quem mystériis cæléstibus imbuísti, fac ad novitátem vitæ de vetustáte transíre.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Merciful Father, may these mysteries give us new purpose and bring us to a new life in you.
We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.

My own Literal Translation
Let us pray. Graciously assist Your people, we beseech You, O Lord, and, make those, whom You have imbued with these Heavenly Mysteries, to cross over from their old way to newness of life.
Through Christ our Lord.

RS

Vatican Radio Show about Latin

As a side note, Father Gary Coulter has a page that has a summary of Father Reginald Foster, OCD's programs on Vatican Radio about the Latin Language called "The Latin Lover" (Better to give you the link than to have you google the name of the show. LOL.)

Archive of "The Latin Lover" with Fr. Reginald Foster

Now, some of the things Father Reginal Foster says you have to take with a grain of salt. He is a stereotypical genius. He can speak Latin, but he has some quirks, one of which is to say things to shock people. He is a good man, and he is very dedicated to the preservation of Latin, but he'll rarely hold back an opinion.

Anyway, the radio shows are very interesting, if not for the Latin anecdotes, then for a bit of insight into Vatican politics and workings.

RS