Matt Talbot Statue arrives in Philly!

After an 8-month wait our 4' statue of Venerable Matt Talbot arrived in Philadelphia yesterday.

Timothy P. Schmalz is the sculptor. The original statue is a 10' one that currently resides at the Pro Cathedral in Dublin. A few weeks ago we received our order of miniatures (11 inch, 2.5 lbs.) that we are currently selling - contact me if you are interested in obtaining one! I will post an updated picture once we finalize the placement of the statue with votive candles, etc.

The Narrow Gate

     Currently reading "The Fulfillment of All Desire" by Ralph Martin (see my "Library Thing" in the left column) and finding it very enlightening, especially the references to St. Catherine and the visions the Father gave her of heaven and hell.

     According to Martin - and proven in many of his quotes of the saints writings - many of the saints often refer to Matthew 7:13-14:

            "Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road broad

            that leads to destruction, and those who enter through it are many. How

            narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life. And those

           who find it are few."

     I don't know about you - but that goes against what I hear most people say these days about our loving God who could not possibly send one of his own to hell. Truth is, God does not send us to hell - we choose it!

     More to come.......

Second Philly Calix Day of Recolletion

     We had a Calix Day of Recollection yesterday (Saturday 3/31) in Grays Gerry that was just outstanding. Radio host Kathleen McCarthy gave two talks, one of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and another on Healing. The talk were great and touched many hearts (and souls!). But the Eucharistic healing service that followed the talk was nothing short of miraculous.
     With the lights turned off , Kathleen prayed out loud, Grays Ferry Calix Unit spiritual director Fr. McKay processed through the attendees with the monstrance containing the Blessed Sacrament. Two of us processed with Fr. McKay with candles. We could hear people sobbing as we stood in front of them. Afterwards I am told that the messages that Kathleen provided to a number of individuals were exactly what they needed to hear at this particular time.
     After lunch the Jesuit spiritual directors of the Media Calix unit, Fr. Tom and Brother Jack, gave a talk and fielded questions about the relationship between the 12-step recovery programs and the spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius. For many it was the first time they had heard about this. Fr. Jim Harbaugh's book, The Twelve Steps and the "A 12-Step Approach to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius" was recommended as a good way to incorporate the exercises into a person's recovery program.
     We wrapped up with benediction, the Divine Mercy chaplet and confession.
     Thanks to all those who help put this day on!