It takes a traveler mere minutes in Rome to understand why she is called the “Eternal City.” Speeding from the airport, the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica suddenly looms from beyond the Vatican walls and time seems to turn in on itself. Insta-communications and all the glories of the present age become as passing fanciesu2014the grass that withers and fades . Continue Reading »
King Kinich Kan Bahlum II reigned in Baalak from 685 AD to 702 AD. Like his father, the great Kinich Janaab Pakal, he was responsible for many of the most glorious architectural and artistic achievements of Mayan civilizations classical period; it was he who oversaw the completion of the great pyramidal Temple of Inscriptions in Palenque, on one of whose walls he left a legend predicting that his dynasty would last until 21 October 4772… . Continue Reading »
The debate surrounding the New York Mosque, complicated by sensitivity and proximity to a place many Americans consider hallowed ground, echoes over three centuries of prejudice against Catholics. American Muslims should not have to wait so long for acceptance… . Continue Reading »
Labor Day is upon us, the long weekend that puts an exclamation point on summers end. Im planning, if thats the right word, to do nothing in particular. Rest, however, is never simple and often ambiguous. We sometimes speak of those who have died as finally at rest, or as resting in peace. Its not a negative image, but then again its not positive either… Continue Reading »
I never find the time to be alone with God during the week, so Ive dedicated this Sunday afternoon to prayer. I should check my e-mail so I wont be distracted. It wont take long. Thirty-two new messages, including one from the boss? I better reply right now. They might be important. Some invitations from Facebook. Those are easy to clear out so let me accept them and Im … hmm… Continue Reading »
Thirty years ago, on Aug. 31, 1980, an electrician named Lech Walesa signed the Gdansk Accords, ending a two-week-old strike at that Hanseatic city’s Lenin Shipyards. Walesa signed with a giant souvenir pen featuring a portrait of Pope John Paul II… . Continue Reading »