“Freedom of Worship” from The Four Freedoms by Norman Rockwell Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petit...

In my never-ending quest to restore a useful awareness over recent, rather bland, instruction, I repost a bit of this: A few years ago a deacon pal and I were discussing ashes. He was helping to distribute them for the first time in his parish and was trying to decide if he would use the old smudge-...

And if that annoys anyone, that’s too bad. Seems increasingly like all the “Fascist Bush” caterwauling was the usual fake, dishonest theater meant as a means to an end - the end being to destroy the hated “election stealer” and his legacy, and not much more. But you kno...

Been a long time since you’ve been to confession? Well…Lent is coming So are hard times. If you’re feeling fretful, you may want to try incorporating some prayer and spiritual discipline into your life. And if you’re Catholic, and you want to get back into church, and begin t...

He sat down opposite the treasury and observed how the crowd put money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. A poor widow also came and put in two small coins worth a few cents. Calling his disciples to himself, he said to them, “Amen, I say to you, this poor widow put in more...

Okay, I think I’m done. No one can say I was not exceedingly fair to President Obama over the - and even this morning about the Exec Salary Caps for bailout beneficiaries. I don’t like the precedent, but I understood the politics. But now, I think I’ve seen enough. Either this man,...

Inauguration is fantasy time! Over at Inside Catholic, Zoe Romanowsky has asked a great question: As a fun Monday exercise, let’s pretend for a moment you were becoming First Lady tomorrow (or First Gentleman because you know that’s going to happen one of these days.) What would you choo...

Noonan - October 2005 A few weeks ago I was reading Christopher Lawford’s lovely, candid and affectionate remembrance of growing up in a particular time and place with a particular family, the Kennedys, circa roughly 1950-2000. It’s called “Symptoms of Withdrawal.” At the end...

Personally a difficult day over here for some family members who are crucible-stepping. If you could keep J and P in your prayers, I would really appreciate it. Meanwhile, there’s plenty to read! Big Doings: for the launch of Big Hollywood. I like the Steyn quote highlighted by Ed Driscoll he&...

“Thrummmmmm….” “It’s been a hard day’s night and I been workin’ like a dog…” You can hear the chord, of course. But can you play it? Exactly? Many have tried, all have failed, it seems, until now: The opening chord to “A Hard Day’s Night&...