Msgr. William Koenig Named Bishop of Wilmington Delaware-Congrats!!

 I needed some good news this morning and I got it when I looked at my phone and saw the special announcement from the Diocese of Rockville Center. I'm so happy for Msgr. William Koenig who was named by Pope Francis, the 10th Bishop of Wilmington Delaware. 

I knew Bishop-elect Koenig's mother from volunteer work I did at the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception in Huntington. She was also a volunteer there before she passed away some years ago. I attended her funeral Mass, with other volunteers from the Seminary and the way Msgr. Koenig spoke about his mother and family at that Mass was very touching. I also often watch the weekday Masses celebrated at St. Agnes Cathedral via the Catholic Faith Network, and while Msgr. Koenig was the Rector, for many years, I would be a part of that virtual community. (I like to stay up late, I have always been a "night owl," so watching the Mass at midnight when it is re-broadcast is common for me.)

He's a very good choice for a Bishop. As was stated by Bishop Barres and Msgr. Vlaun during the announcement video, Msgr. Koenig has special qualities for a priest and now Bishop-elect. He has a kind, gentle, compassionate presense, and a humble spirit. I would add he has a good sense of humor too, usually starting his homilies with a joke!

I've met him a few times in person, and always that gentle priestly spirit comes across. 

So Congratulations Bishop-elect Msgr. Koenig, you deserve the appointment and the Catholics of Wilmington are greatly blessed and in for a pleasant surprise!

Nancy

"Planet Earth Is Not That Special"....Really?

 There are some scientists, among them astronomers who've I've heard being interviewed on podcasts who assert that planet Earth, our beautiful, diverse planet, is not that special. They claim (and these are very smart people) that in our enormous Universe, even our own galaxy, there might be thousands of planets like Earth that can support life (some form of it).  I understand that our sun is one of two billions stars in the Milky Way galaxy alone, not to mention the billions of others in the Universe. But we do have the perfect conditions here, as is quite obvious. We, of course, have liquid water, perfect amount of the right gas in our atmosphere to support life (primarily nitrogen and oxygen). The atmosphere protects us from harmful radiation and burns up most of the meteoroids. The temperature is hospitable for life. Earth is sometimes referred to as the Goldilocks planet, meaning its position in the Solar System and movement makes it not too hot and not too cold, just right!

And yet, you have these esteemed scientists saying, "It's not that special." Well, that just drives me crazy, when I hear that. I think it is pretty special, I think the beauty, diversity and complexity of life on Earth is amazing, extremely unique. I can look at a wildflower and be amazed at its uniqueness and beauty. 

Is there life on another hospitable planet, somewhere else in the Universe? Perhaps.....it is possible. Statistically scientists believe it has to be, even if its some form of microscopic life. Some people even believe that extraterrestrial life will be discovered in the coming years, as technology keeps advancing.

But even so, I would still believe that Earth is a magnificent, special creation and one that was perfected to the last atom, by a good, super intelligent and generous God. Intelligent design is everywhere, if you look with the eyes of faith. 

Nancy

"Evil Sneakers" Sell Out Immediately

 You can't make this stuff up! How do people even think of these ideas?.....Crazy world we live in. "Satan shoes," or sneakers advertised as modified Nike Air Max 97's with a single drop of human blood placed in them, (in the soles) as well as a pentagram pendant and a Bible reference about the devil's fall from Heaven (Luke 10:18) sold out immediately at $1,118. Some people just had to have them, at any cost.  But it seems the company selling them has run into trouble, not surprisingly. 

Nike has brought a trademark infringement lawsuit against the company MSCHF. It seems Nike doesn't want anything to do with "evil sneakers," with a drop of human blood in them. You really can't blame them. A judge has now ruled that the company must stop selling the sneakers, which of course makes them more valuable. And now more people want them, are thinking about them.  Have to have them I suppose. 

The release of the evil shoes coincides with a new music video......so they are promoting a music video and using the evil one to do it. All during Holy Week, a company using the most sacred week of the year for Christians, to promote a product that glorifies evil. 

 Holy Week is about Jesus' willingness to save humanity from stupidity and failure and sin by His sacrificial death on a Cross. Jesus's sacrificial gift to us brings grace, forgiveness and a bridge to the Father and establishes his Kingdom on Earth and a path to salvation through the Church....But we as Christians, as believers keep having to deal with the 7 deadly sins which keeps evil "in our face,"...It goes on and on.

Thank God for Easter Sunday. Thank God for the resurrection and hope and springtime. Where would we be without hope and Christ's resurrection? Have a Happy Easter!! 

Nancy