France or Bust!

2004 Pilgrimage to Lourdes and the Shrines of France

Mark Shea and I are leading the 2004 St. Blog's Pilgrimage to France this September!


Come and deepen your faith by visiting some of France's great Shrines, such as:

Lourdes

The Shrine of the Little Flower at Lisieux

The Shrine of the Miraculaous Medal

Also tour some of the great churces of France, such as:

Notre Dame de Paris

Chartres

The Basilica of Sacre Coeur


We'll also be taking a day trip to Normandy to visit the D-Day Invasion beaches, Memorials, and cemetaries. As this year marks the 60th anniversary of that "great crusade", this will be especially appropriate.

From September 21-29, 2004.

Not only do you get to visit all these great Shrines, and pray in all these historic and beautiful churches, but you get to do it with fun guys like me and Mark Shea! On the pilgrimage, I'll be giving a talk about my experiences of the Saints, titled "The Communion of the Saints: A Living Reality". Since this pilgrimage is focused so much on Marian Shrines, I'll pay special attention to how Mary is very much a real and present person in our lives today. I know Mark is planning on giving his presentation "An Evangelical Discovers Mary" on the pilgrimage, and he may work up a new one as well, exclusively for the pilgrimage.

Please come, and deepen your Faith by visiting the Shrines where Our Lady appeared, and where so many great Saints have a lingering presence yet. Reservations need to be made by July 15 - which is sooner than you think! For more information on the Pilgrimage, go here. You can also e-mail me or our Tour Director, Mark Windsor, at yawper1 [at] comcast.net.

Cardinal Law Gets "Promoted"

Or so some would think, based on this article which proclaims that Cardinal Law has been made "head" of Saint Mary Major Basilica in Rome.

Now that article is an object lesson in lazy/bad journalism. Upon reading it, you might be led to think that Cardinal Law is "running" or "in charge of adminsitration" of the basilica.

Well, he's not. He's been given the honorary title of "archpriest". It's an obsolete honorific going back to the Middle Ages, when cathedrals had "chapters" that made major decisions and wielded considerable power. They don't and they haven't anymore.

All the title "archpriest" gives him is the right (if he so chooses) to sit all dressed up in choro at major events.

Based on the term "position", and the comment of Mitchell Garabedian that the "position" is "comfortable", you might think this job is a well-paid sinecure.

In fact, some people came to that conclusion, for in the comments boxes on Amy Welborn's and Mark Shea's blogs, people got upset that Law was being given a "sinecure".

Now, the word "sinecure" comes from the Latin sine cura, meaning "without care". The term denotes a position from which one derives an income, but having no real responsibilities.

In fact, based on some of the comments, it seemed to me that some people imagine that this appointment will allow Law to "hang out" in Rome, where he will be wined and dined and live in a luxurious palazzo, while being waited on by nubian chamberlains in a modern-day recreation of the Borgia Papal Court.

That would make an entertaining scene in a movie, but it's not reality.

Cardinal Law isn't being given "a cushy job at the Vatican". It's not even a job, much less at the Vatican. For being an archpriest of the basilica, Cdl. Law will receive precisely no (that's $0.00) remuneration. It's not a real job. He will receive no stipend, salary, or honorarium of any kind (no archpriest of a Roman basilica does, as an archpriest per se) from the basilica.

But, as cardinal archpriest of the Roman basilica, he will be expected to give substantially to the Basilica, and raise money for its maintenance and support. So this move will likely cost the cardinal.

So whatever this appointment is, it's not a sinecure. It gives him no income, and certianly no power. As a lowly parochial vicar of my parish, I have more power than Cardinal Law does as Archpriest of St. Mary Major.

Furthermore, as an archpriest of the basilica he has no regular duties or responsibilities. He will not be given a place to live there, nor is it customary for the cardinal archpriests of Roman basilicas to reside in Rome, unless they also have full-time Vatican appointments - which Law has not been given. It is unlikely that Law will live in Rome as a result of this appointment, as he'd be on his own to support himself there. And Rome is an expensive place to live (I know, as I've lived there). So wipe away any images of Law lolling about in Rome in some luxurious palazzo enjoying his "sinecure".

He won't be hanging around in the basilica. Given that cardinal archpriests of Roman basilicas aren't provided with lodging, receive no remuneration, and that Law would have no means of support in Rome, that's extremely unlikely. If he were to "hang around" in Rome in the manner some envision, he'd almost certainly make a pest of himself and quietly be told to go find something to do. Because the bishop(s) who really run Santa Maria Maggiore won't stand for some nosy American interloper to be underfoot for very long.

As I've written in those comment boxes, I do think this was a dumb move on Rome's part. If anyone in Rome had bothered to consult with me (not that they should) or any other moderately culture-savvy American, we might have said:

Your Excellencies, please do not give Cardinal Law an honorary appointment of any kind, not even the most trivial. Do not make him even the "Prefect of Papal Stamp-Licking". Because such a move will be misunderstood by many Americans, even Catholics. The headlines will read "Cardinal Who Shuffled Abusers Given Top Vatican Post", or "Law Given Cushy Roman Job" even "Protector of Pedophile Priests Promoted". Regardless of what you may intend, regardless of what subtle statement you are making in Romanitas, you will be perceived as giving Cardinal Law, and everything he did, the Papal Seal of Approval. Cardinal Law is, whether deservedly or not, perhaps only slightly less reviled than the priest-abusers themselves. He has become a symbol, a talisman of evil. American Catholics are still largely incapable of seeing how they are complicit in creating the environment of moral laissez-faire which gave rise to the Shanley's and the Cardinals who protected them, so they have not yet moved from blame to self-examination. Cardinal Law and his episcopal brethren are largely responsible for that as well. This is the reality which you must face and take into account for at least the next decade. Cardinal Law and those like him must pay a price for their failure to exercise their office, and it must be clear to all that they are paying a price. Giving Cardinal Law any kind of appointment sends the opposite message.

I'd like to think that someone would say that to the Holy Father and the Curia. But in spite of the apprearance of this move, I think it's an example of Vatican un-savvyness, and little else. Cardinal Law has been "put on the shelf" in a pretty typically Roman way.

Living the Communion of Saints

We say in the Apostles Creed "I believe in the Communion of the Saints...". What does that mean? Well, it means that, in and through Christ, we have a real relationship with "those who have gone before us marked with the sign of Faith," and are now with God in Heaven. It means that our relationship to them is every bit as "real" as it is to your fellow parishioners who share a pew with you every Sunday.

The Saints are not dead and gone, they are alive! They are alive to God in Heaven. And if they're alive to God, that means they're alive to us. And because they are with God in Heaven, they are in perfect communion with Him, whereas our communion with Him is still imperfect. Our sins and shortcomings place obstacles in the way of our relationship with God. But the Saints in Heaven know no such obstacles. So the Saints are able to pray in perfect accord with the will of God. That makes them perfect intercessors. I don't know about you, but I need all the intercession I can get, and having perfectly praying intercessors sounds like a good deal to me.

Furthermore, because each Saint uniquely and differently lived out the Lord's call to holiness and discipleship, they are each able to offer us a unique, different, but nonetheless equally valid and powerful witness and example of how we can live out our faith. If Saint Francis doesn't inspire you, maybe St. Ignatius Loyola will. If St. Catherine of Siena doesn't get you fired up, maybe St. Therese of Lisieux will.

Is the Communion of Saints a reality in our lives? Or is it an abstraction, something we assent to intellectually without really experiencing?

For me, I'll admit, it was more an abstraction than anything else, until I went to Rome and studied there in 1997. It was there that I really started to "get" the Communion of Saints in a big way. My first such experience was on my first visit to the Catacombs of St. Callixtus (San Callisto in Italian). While wandering through the galleries, I tried reading the many inscriptions that adorn the loculi (the "niches" in which the bodies were placed), putting my grad school training in Latin and epigraphy to use. I encountered a loculus that had an almost intact inscription on it: Tertia ****[illegible] *hristi XV an vix, and a little palm branch - the sign of martyrdom! The inscription means "Tertia, [illegible] of Christ, 15 years old". I was riveted to the spot (which annoyed our tour guide to some extent). Here was the tomb of an unknown, unheralded girl who died a martyr! All of a sudden, it was as if I could feel the presence of her, and all of the other believers who lie there, awaiting the resurrection. And it was a good feeling. I could almost sense their presence and intercession for me, and for the whole Church. All of a sudden, my prayers to various saints took on a new significance and immediacy for me, which is still with me today.

I had a couple of even more powerful experiences of the Saints while in Rome, and have had a couple at other shrines. And those will be the subject of a presentation I'm working on.

It's because of this experience, and my conviction about the Saints, that I'm so fired up about the Pilgrimage to France that I'll be leading in September with Mark Shea. Mark and I both have pretty strong convictions about our friends in heaven, and I want you, hopefully, to come to share some similar experiences to those I've been blessed with.

On the Pilgrimage, I'll be giving a talk about my experiences of the Saints, titled "The Communion of the Saints: A Living Reality", in which I'll go into greater depth about my experiences of the Saints in Rome and elsewhere. Since this pilgrimage is focused so much on Marian Shrines, I'll pay special attention to how Mary is very much a real and present person in our lives today. I know Mark is planning on giving his presentation "An Evangelical Discovers Mary" on the pilgrimage, and I'm trying to talk him into working up a new one as well, exclusively for the pilgrimage.

Please come and enjoy France with Mark and myself, and deepen your Faith by visiting the Shrines where Our Lady appeared, and where so many great Saints have a lingering presence yet.

The Pilgrimage is from September 21-29, 2004. Reservations need to be made by July 15 (so hurry and sign up!). For more information on the Pilgrimage, go here or here. You can also e-mail our Tour Director, Mark Windsor, at yawper1 [at] comcast.net.

The Visit of HRE Marcus I to St. Joseph

A Photo Memoir

Last week, my humble parish of St. Joseph, in St. Joseph, Michigan, was graced by a visit from His Plenipotentiary Excellence, The Holy Roman Emperor Marcus Sheavius I. We were particularly blessed in that he deigned to spend two days with us, and give two talks to the faithful. He edified us with his thoughts on the Eucharist on one night, and his thoughts on the Blessed Virgin on the second. In between his talks, we enjoyed the local scenery, some fine meals, and quaffing various heady potations.




This is His Excellence in front of the Royal Bulk Freighter, "Alpena", which brought him to our fair burg, on the
lovely Southeastern shore of Lake Michigan.




This is His Excellence whilst giving his talk on the Blessed Mother,
"An Evangelical Discovers Mary".




While he was with us, I had the privilege of offering a
private Mass for His Excellence.




In touring these dominions, His Excellence was shown the wide vistas from the bluffs overlooking Lake Michigan.




Here His Excellence surveys the beach adjacent to our famous pier and lighthouse, which has from time to time
graced our nation's postage stamps.




We also made a trip to Notre Dame University, and had lunch with the bright and fun folks from The Shrine of the Holy Whapping. Here we are in front of "Touchdown Jesus" on campus.




Here are His Excellence and I, at the Grotto of Notre Dame.




Upon our return to St. Joseph, His Excellence inspected (and lounged against) the Eleven-inch Dahlgren guns which overlook the bluff, waiting in readiness to repel any miscreants or Canadians who might dare attack our shores.

His Excellence was a boon companion throughout his visit, and spread much cheer and mirth wherever he went. He also confuted many heresies and errors in his talks, both comforting those who love True Doctrine, and confounding those who would try to tickle our ears with false teaching. He is a blessing to all whom he touches with his presence.

Update On Terri Schiavo


The Real Significance of Terri's Law

By now most of you know that last week, Judge Douglas Baird issued a decision ruling "Terri's Law" unconstitutional. Terri's Law is the legislation which gave the governor of Florida, Jeb Bush, the authority to intervene on her behalf and restore her feeding tube. Judge Baird's decision is a setback, but not an unexpected one.

Given the dedication which Judge Baird and his colleague on the Pinellas County bench, George Greer, have shown in making their courtrooms a congenial forum for Michael Schiavo and his attorney, George Felos, it is surprising to no one that Baird ruled the way he did. It is even less surprising, given that Judge Baird revealed that he had already concluded that Terri's Law was unconstitutional before briefs were filed or arguments heard in the case. Normally such clear evidence of judicial prejudice would cause a judge to recuse himself, or be removed from the case. But oddly enough in this case, though Governor Bush sought Baird's removal, it didn't happen. Apparently Pinellas County judges are considered so godlike in their intuitive powers that they don't have to consider things like arguments or evidence when they prejudge cases before they're even heard.

So Judge Baird ruled Terri's Law unconstitutional. I've read Judge Baird's ruling, and while I'm not a lawyer (nor do I play one on TV), it seems to me that Judge Baird's arguments are these (any lawyers out there feel free to jump in and clarify!):

(a) Judge Baird argues that "Terri's Law" is an unwarranted usurpation of the powers of the Legislative Branch, because it grants the governor the power to intervene without any standards or guidelines as to how that intervention should be carried out. Now, this seems to me a fairly weak objection. After all, if the Legislature decides to grant a power to the Governor, and that power is the Legislature's to grant, then who's to complain about it? Legislatures do this all the time. Given that the power to intervene only applies in a very narrowly defined and rarely occurring situation, I don't see how this give the governor the unbridled power that, oh, say, judges routinely exercise.

(b) Judge Baird argues that "Terri's Law" is an invasion of Terri's privacy. As the right to privacy is construed, it includes the right to make decisions about end-of-life issues such as what "extraordinary measures" one will and will not allow. These decisions, generally speaking may not be overruled or obviated by the State. And so, since Judge Greer ruled that Michael's story about Terri not wanting to be kept alive was "clear and convincing", protecting Michael's "right" to end Terri's life is considered a defense of Terri's rights. While this reasoning is perhaps the most perverse in its outcome, it is also, perhaps, legally the strongest. Since the Griswold Supreme Court decision, and it's monster stepchild, Roe v. Wade, a large and increasingly unassailable body of case law has grown up around the "right to privacy", with all its emanations and penumbras.

Of course, this line of reasoning hinges upon Judge Greer's ruling of fact that Terri did tell Michael (and his brother and sister-in-law) that she wouldn't want to go on living if she required anything approaching extraordinary care. As I have discussed before (here and here), this is perhaps Judge Greer's most tendentious and biased ruling. It was based on little more than Michael's assertion, was contradicted by substantial and credible evidence, and was only allowed through Judge Greer's own procedural sleight of hand, in disregarding the usual rules for presenting and deposing witnesses. That Florida is one of the few states where such half-assed legal bootstrapping as Felos' is admissible may, in the end, cost Terri her life. But our judicial system does not like to revisit rulings of fact, no matter how egregiously misbegotten such rulings may be.

And that brings us to argument (c). Here Baird argues that Terri's Law is an unwarranted intrusion into the power of the judiciary. The courts, Baird says, have ruled on Terri. They have ruled that she is in a Persistent Vegetative State. They have ruled that Terri wants to die. They have ruled that Michael may in fact starve her to death. So no one, not even the legislature, certainly not the governor, may gainsay our robed masters. The courts, in effect, are omniscient, omnipotent, and inerrant.

What this ruling is really all about is apparent further on, where Judge Baird once again rules that Governor Bush may not introduce new testimony or new evidence in this case. Above all, Baird does not want his and Judge Greer's dubious deliberations subjected to impartial scrutiny. They do not want the evidence that Greer ignored in previous hearings, and advances in the understanding and treatment of brain-injured patients, to come out into the light of day. They do not want another court to consider facts such as the 43% error rate in diagnosing PVS patients. Because if they were, it might become apparent that they are wrong, and have been culpably wrong all along.

This case is, at the legal level, about more (and less) than Terri Schiavo. It is about judges protecting their power to decide who may live and who may die. They will do almost anything to protect that power.

And if the price of protecting their god-like power is Terri Schiavo's life, that's a price they're willing to pay.


What's Next?

I spoke with the Schindlers the other night, and, as I mentioned above, they were not surprised by Judge Baird's ruling. They and their legal team were expecting it. Governor Bush's attorneys immediately appealed Baird's ruling. What remains to be seen is whether or not George Felos attempts to short-circuit the appeals process and get Judge Greer or Baird to lift the stay brought about by Bush's appeal and issue another order to remove Terri's feeding tube. This is not considered likely, but it is possible. Right now, we're waiting to see what will happen with Gov. Bush's appeal. Bush is hampered by the fact that the appeals are going back up before the very courts that, time and again, have shown themselves to be very protective of Greer and Baird. The governor has tried to get the cases moved to Tallahassee, under a state law granting the governor the right to have cases involving him moved to courts in the state capitol. But those attempts, though a matter of statute, have failed as well.


Schindlers Prevented From Visiting Terri for 44 Days

What is most upsetting to Bob, Mary, and Terri's family is that Michael has successfully prevented them from visitng Terri for six weeks. After the bizarre allegations in March that needle marks had been found on Terri, the Schindlers have been kept from her. Of course, Michael's denial of visitation also happened at about the time that reports of neglect and poor care of Terri came to light.

The Schindlers are being treated as though they were the ones who were responsible for the purported needle marks. Of course there is no evidence to support that supposition, and no one has come right out and claimed that, perhaps because if such a claim were openly made, it would be dismissed as the absurdity it is. In fact, the existence of the purported needle marks is itself dubious. Investigators from the Florida office of civil rights have investigated the claim and examined Terri, and found no evidence of any needle marks. And the Pinellas County Sheriff has also supposedly investigated the allegation, but has so far not made any statement or issued a report, much less named a suspect or brought charges.

But the Schindlers, and Msgr. Malanowski as well, have been prevented from visiting Terri. To add insult to injury, Michael's other lawyer, Deborah Bushnell, has stipulated that the Schindlers may be permitted to visit Terri only if they pay for "additional security" on their visits.

The Schindlers have filed a motion before Judge Greer demanding to be allowed to visit Terri. Judge Greer has declined to hear that motion on an expedited basis. So how long it will be before they are allowed to see Terri again is anybody's guess.

I'm Catholic & Enjoying It!

Mark Shea is here, honoring our parish with his faith, wisdom, and trenchant wit. Last night he spoke to a group of over 100 people in our parish church, on "Discovering the Real Presence". He described his experience of finding the fullness of the Faith, and the fullness of Christ's presence, in the Holy Catholic Church. Along the way he handily disposed of common objections to Catholic belief in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist, and generally edified the faithful while confounding error.

Today I'll be showing Mark around a little, and we'll be making a trip to Notre Dame. Then, tonight, Mark will be speaking at our neighboring parish, St. Bernard's in Benton Harbor, Michigan. His topic will be "An Evangelical Discovers The Blessed Virgin Mary". That talk will also begin at 7:30 PM.

Mark Shea Is Coming to St. Joseph!

He's coming here to give a couple of talks at St. Joseph Parish (my parish) in St. Joseph, Michigan, and SS. John and Bernard Parish, in Benton Harbor, which is across the river from here.

Mark will be here on Monday and Tuesday, May 3-4.

Monday, May 3, 2004

"This is My Body: An Evangelical Discovers the Real Presence."

St. Joseph's Parish, 211 Church St., St. Joseph, Michigan.
7:30 PM

Tuesday, May 4, 2004

"Behold Your Mother: An Evangelical Discovers the Blessed Virgin Mary."

St. Bernard's Parish, Delaware at Ogden Streets, Benton Harbor, Michigan.
7:30 PM

Any questions, phone: (269) 983-1575

Come hear and meet Mark!

And As If that Weren't Enough Wonderfulness...

Mark and I are leading a pilgrimage to France! Do all kinds of cool Catholic stuff in France with us!

September 21 to September 29, 2004.

Pilgrimage includes trips to Lourdes, Paris, Chartres, and Lisieux. Lots of cool things like Mass (celebrated by yours truly) at the Cathedral of Notre Dame.

Our tour director is Mark Windsor. To make arrangements, e-mail him at yawper1 [at] comcast.net. For more information, go here or here.

Also, Mark Windsor tells me that the deadline for signing up and putting down your money is July 15, 2004 (unless we sell out first). That's going to come sooner than you think, so if you're a procrastinator (like me), get going! Another thing to keep in mind, he tells me, is that the Olympics this summer are going to drive up the costs of airfare throughout Europe, even into the fall. So better to make your arrangements sooner rather than later.

Come one, come all!

Mark Shea Is Coming Here!

To St. Joseph and Benton Harbor, Michigan, that is.

Mark, otherwise known as His Serene Munificence, the Holy Roman Emperor, is deigning to bless our fair burg with his Grace, Wisdom, and Wit.

In other words, he's coming here to give a couple of talks to St. Joseph Parish in St. Joseph, and SS. John and Bernard Parish, in Benton Harbor.

Mark will be here on Monday and Tuesday, May 3-4.

Monday, May 3

"An Evangelical Discovers the Eucharist"
St. Joseph Catholic Church; St. Joseph, Michigan
7:30 PM

Tuesday, May 4

"An Evangelical Discovers Mary"
St. Bernard Catholic Church; Benton Harbor, Michigan
7:30 PM

Come one and all!

Once In a Lifetime Opportunity!

Go on a pilgrimage to France with Mark Shea and I! Not only do you get to see all this cool Catholic stuff in France, you get to do it with us!

September 21 to September 29, 2004.

Pilgrimage includes trips to Lourdes, Paris, Chartres, and Lisieux.

Our gracious and competent tour director is Mark Windsor. To make arrangements, e-mail him at yawper1 [at] comcast.net. For more information, go here or here.

Hope to see you!

A Belated Happy Easter to You!

I hope you and yours are enjoying every good spiritual fruit of Our Lord's resurrection. Remember, this whole week is Easter!

Regina Coeli, laetare, Alleluia!
Quia quem meruisti portare, Alleluia!
Resurrexit sicut diixt, Alleluia!
Ora pro nobis Deum, Alleluia!
Christos Anesti! Alleluia!

Good Friday




Sano di Pietro, The Crucifixion, c. 1450


O Sacred Head, surrounded by crown of piercing thorn;
O Bleeding Head so wounded, reviled and put to scorn!
The pow'r of death comes o'er Thee, the glow of life decays,
Yet angel hosts adore Thee, and tremble as they gaze!

I was the celebrant today for my parish's Good Friday service, and it always affects me very deeply. I usually cannot get through all the verses of the Passion Chorale above without choking up, and sometimes weeping. I am struck by my priestly identity as Alter Christus, and by my profound unworthiness for that distinction and privilege. Nonetheless, I am grateful for it, and for my Savior's infinite mercy towards me.

At my parish, we have a large wooden cross that the celebrant carries into the church for the Veneration of the Cross. It stands about 6 feet high and 3 feet across, and weighs about 100 pounds. So I really felt it as I carried it in, and cried out "This is the wood of the cross, on which hung the savior of the world!" And as I carried it, I thought and prayed, "O Lord, how unworthy I am to carry Your cross. How unworthy I am." Never have I felt more deeply how much Jesus has given me. I weep for my sins, and for the immensity of Christ's saving gift of Himself.

We all show our faith and devotion in different ways. But today, even the strongest, most self-disciplined man should have no shame or self-consciousness in weeping at the foot of the cross. Weep for Christ, and for His mercy on us, who merit it not.

For today, God Himself died for you.


What language shall I borrow to thank Thee, dearest friend,
For this Thy dying sorrow, Thy pity without end?
O make me Thine forever; and should I fainting be,
Lord, let me never, never outlive my love to Thee.

Update On Terri Schiavo

And, unfortunately, the news isn't good.

Yesterday, Judge George Greer handed down a ruling denying a motion filed by Bob and Mary Schindler, Terri's parents. The motion requested that Michael Schiavo, Terri's husband and guardian, be held in Contempt of Court for failing to comply with a 1996 order issued by another judge. That order required Michael to keep Bob and Mary apprised of Terri's medical condition.

I'll have more to say about the ruling itself later, but first I'll put this in context. The fact is that Michael has consistently withheld information about Terri's condition from the Schindlers since he vowed in 1993 that Bob and Mary would "never see [their] daughter again." When Terri nearly died of a urinary tract infection in 1993, due to Michael's refusal of treatment (which would have consisted of a $10.00 course of antibiotics) the Schindlers only found out about it after the fact from sympathetic medical workers who told them in spite of Michael's gag order, as he himself admitted in a guardianship hearing:

Attorney: When you made the decision that you were not going to treat Terri’s infection and you were, in effect, going to allow her to die, did you think that you had any obligation to tell her parents?

Michael: To answer that question, I probably would have let them know sooner or later.

Attorney: You never did let them know, though, did you?

Michael: No.

This behavior of Michael's continued, which led the Schindlers to seek and, successfully obtain, a court order from Judge Thomas E. Penick, requiring Michael Schiavo to provide the Schindlers with copies of Terri's annual medical reports, as well as apprising them of any "significant change" in Terri's condition. Unfortunately, Michael persists in stonewalling the Schindlers' requests for medical information and records, and maintains instructions to Terri's caregivers to do the same.

In a conversation with Bob Schindler Monday night, he told me that up until last year, they had never really pursued the enforcement of that order because he and Mary were focused on simply keeping her alive, which fight in the courts and in the organs of public opinion has occupied almost all of their energy for the last 6 years. But recent problems with Terri's health and the deterioration of her level of care had brought this problem to the fore.

Several weeks ago Terri began to have bouts of vomiting. Bob and Mary, understandably concerned, asked personnel from Woodside Hospice for an explanation. They were refused, hospice personnel stating "we can't tell you anything."


Terri's Care Deteriorates

This situation comes on top of a general decline in the quality of care that Terri has been receiving. Many people think that Terri is in a nursing home. She is not. Until recently, she was at Woodside Hospice, in Pinellas Pines, Florida. Hospices, by definition, are dedicated to caring for terminally ill patients in the final stages of life. Hospices offer only basic care to keep the dying person comfortable. They don't offer the same level of care as a nursing home.

The Schindlers have always objected to Terri being kept at the hospice, because Terri is not terminally ill. Furthermore, the Hospice Patients Alliance has also forcefully condemned the placing of disabled people in hospice facilities, saying that such a policy "endangers all disabled citizens of the United States and directly violates their Constitutional rights".

In addition to the inappropriateness of putting Terri in the hospice, the Schindlers have also been unhappy with the lower standard of care Terri has received there. "Before, when Terri was at the nursing home," Bob Schindler said, "the care there was great. They took very good care of her." But nursing homes are a lot more expensive than a hospice, and a look at the summary of expenses from Terri's trust fund (which is solely controlled by Michael), shows that the vast majority of that fund has gone to pay for Michael's lawyers, particularly George Felos. Michael's high expenditures on legal fees explain the apparent need for economies elsewhere. George Felos formerly was on the board of directors of the organization that runs Woodside, Hospice of the Sun Coast, a regional organization that manages Woodside and a number of other hospices in the Tampa - St. Petersburg area. Felos retains close ties to that organization, which doubtless gives him a high degree of control over Terri and her care.

Terri was moved some time ago from the Woodside Hospice to another facility, which, although in a different location, is nonetheless also run by Hospice of the Sun Coast. The move was explained to the Schindlers as motivated by the desire to give Terri a private room. Whatever the reason for the move, it wasn't to provide better care for Terri, as there are now signs that the minimal level of care given by Hospice has declined to outright neglect.

Bob told me Monday night that Terri has not been kept clean at the new facility. He and Mary have noticed on a number of occasions that her hair was greasy and obviously unwashed for days at a time. One employee of the facility, when asked by Mary why Terri had not been bathed, said that the hospice would not supply the toiletries necessary, and asked Mary for money to get shampoo, etc. for Terri. Mary gave the employee $20.00, but the money was returned the following day by a manager, who informed Mary they couldn't accept it. However, Terri is still not being kept clean.

They have frequently visited her and found that she had not been dressed. Terri is frequently not taken out of bed for lengthy periods, and she is not being turned regularly, as is necessary with bedridden patients. This lack of turning has led Terri to develop a decubitus ulcer on her buttock. Decubitus ulcers, commonly known as bedsores, are almost entirely preventable with the most basic of nursing care. Every nursing student learns how to prevent them early in training. Their presence is commonly taken as a sign of neglect.

In addition to the lack of hygiene and the development of the ulcer, Terri has also recently lost a tooth. Bob and Mary have long complained that Terri has not received a dental examination in years, and that she frequently has not had her teeth brushed for lengthy periods. Last year they brought to the attention of the hospice staff that one of Terri's teeth appeared seriously decayed, and had turned black. When several weeks passed and no action was taken, they pressed the hospice staff, who told the Schindlers that they had given Michael recommendations of dentists and oral surgeons, but that apparently he had done nothing. Well, several weeks ago the Schindlers noticed that this tooth was now missing, but that a decayed stump still remained.

The unexplained vomiting, the issue with Terri's tooth, etc., finally got to be more than the Schindlers could bear, and they filed a motion asking that Michael be held in contempt of court for failing to comply with Judge Penick's 1996 order requiring that he keep the Schindlers informed of Terri's condition.


The Unjust Judges Strike Again

Judge Penick's order is rather brief, and seems quite clear. It orders Michael to instruct facilities caring for Terri that they may discuss Terri's condition with Bob and Mary Schindler. It further orders Michael to notify the Schindlers of any "significant change" in Terri's condition.

Judge Greer, who has consistently ruled in favor of Michael Schiavo all along, sometimes despite the evidence and any semblance of logic, did not hand down his ruling last Friday, on the date he had initially set. But he gave a clear indication of how he was going to rule, by making a Clintonian remark about the need to revisit the phrase "significant change" and interpret what it meant. Apparently Judge Greer, when rulings made by other judges are inconvenient, sees his role as helping George Felos to "interpret" them into meaninglessness.

So Judge Greer's decision to deny the Schindlers' motion did not surprise them. "He's been protecting Michael all along," Bob Schindler said, "he almost has to keep doing it now." What is at stake, ultimately, is Michael's guardianship. "If Michael were found to be in contempt," Bob said, "he'd be finished as Terri's guardian." Such a ruling would be new grounds to challenge Michael's guardianship, and any judge would practically have to remove Michael. And once Michael was removed for cause, that would give Governor Bush additional grounds for taking new testimony, re-opening Judge Greer's "findings of fact", upon which his whole history of tendentious decisions is based. For these reasons, one could have reasonably predicted that Judge Greer would do almost anything to avoid finding Michael in contempt. The only good news is that Judge Greer issued his decision "without prejudice", which means that the Schindlers can re-introduce the issue at a later date.

Governor Bush also is seeking to have the venue of the Terri's Law case changed to the Florida circuit court in Tallahassee, the capital of Florida. Florida statute provides that, in any case involving the governor in litigation, the governor can change the venue of that case to that of the county of the Capital. Such a change, since it is statutory, is granted almost as a matter of course. However, Judges Greer and Baird are opposing that change of venue. What their legal rationale may be, I don't know. But it's clear that they don't want to lose their control over this case. A fresh judicial nose might sniff out the odor, no, the outright stink emanating from Greer and Baird's chambers regarding Terri's case.

Speaking of doing almost anything, you'll recall that last month, a Florida appeals court issued a ruling overturning Pinellas County Judge Baird's decision barring the Schindlers from joining the litigation regarding the constitutionality of Terri's Law, and rejecting Governor Bush's petition to take new witness testimony. The appellate court ruled that Baird's decision was erroneous. But that hasn't stopped Baird from re-issuing those same orders, in spite of the Appeals court's rulings. This will necessitate another legal challenge by Gov. Bush and the Schindlers.

Finally, Judge Greer is up for re-election this November. Unfortunately, at this time he's running unopposed. Is there anyone in Pinellas County willing to stand up and oppose Judge Greer?

That's something to pray for...

An Oversight Corrected

I just realized that I forgot to add a permalink over on the right to my Crisis Magazine article, Killing Terri Schiavo.

If you haven't read it, please do so!

Charmingly Irascible, I would say...



Saint Jerome is praying for you! To learn more
about this irascible saint go to the Patron
Saint Index at http://www.catholic-forum.com


Which Saint Would You Be?
brought to you by Quizilla

Today Is the Solemnity of The Annunciation



The Annunciation
Fra Angelico, c. 1430
Prado Altarpiece

At this day's Mass, we are to genuflect during the Creed, at the words "he was born of the Virgin Mary, and became man." Bending our knee, we pay homage to the Son, who condescended to become one of us for our salvation.

Alma Redemptoris Mater, quae pervia caeli
Xporta manes, et stella maris, sucurre cadenti,
surgere qui curat populo: tu quae genuisti,
natura mirante, tuum sanctum Genitorem,
Virgo prius ac posterius, Gabrielis ab ore
sumens illud Ave, peccatorum miserere.
You can hear a sample of the ancient Gregorian Chant of this antiphon here ( ".au" file). Or you can listen to a sample of John Dunstable's (c. 1370-1453) polyphonic setting here (RealAudio file).

The Truth About "Goddess" Theology

Words of wisdom today from Kathy the Carmelite at Gospel Minefield. "Goddess Worship" and all the other Mists of Avalon and DaVinci Code nonsense are just "the whole Eve deception all over again", or:

The only hope women have of ever being treated like humans and not objects is in the Kingdom of God...

Women, who will you serve? Will you serve God, or will you serve Man? Because, in reality, those are the only options.

Mark Shea and Me Lead The First St. Blog's Pilgrimage

Mark Shea and I will be leading a Pilgrimage this September to Lourdes and the Shrines of France!

Mark Windsor at Vociferous Yawpings will be our gracious pilgrimage director.

Here is a summary itinerary:

2004 Pilgrimage to Lourdes and the Shrines of France

Hosts:

Fr. Rob Johansen (Thrown Back), Mark Shea (Catholic And Enjoying It)

Trip Coordinator: Mark Windsor (Vociferous Yawpings)


Departs September 21, 2004 and returns to on September 29, 2004. This is a 9 day, 7 night trip to France with scheduled visits at Lourdes, Paris, Chartres, and Lisieux. Each day we will celebrate mass at some of the most significant shrines and cathedrals in Europe.

The trip includes:

* Mass celebrated daily
* Breakfast daily
* Dinners as noted below (no lunches are included)
* Hotel accommodations, tax and VAT
* Small group; minimum 20 passengers, maximum 30
* Baggage transfer (1 bag per person)
* Services of a professional and fully licensed tour manager
* Motorcoach service throughout
* Paris Metro tickets
* All prearranged entry fees (there are some optional tours that travelers may choose to take at additional cost)
* Roundtrip 2nd class TGV rail service between Paris and Lourdes


Tour Costs

* For 20-29 passengers the fare is $2215 per person, based on double occupancy
* For 30 passengers, the fare drops to $1978 per person, based on double occupancy
* Deposit for the land portion of the trip is $200 per person due at the time of booking. This deposit is fully refundable up to 90 days before departure; 50% refundable 89-45 days before departure; nonrefundable within 45 days of departure.

Airline Tickets

* Roundtrip airfare available on American Airlines at additional cost. Air costs vary based on departure city. Space is EXTREMELY limited, so book early!
* Deposit for the air portion of the trip is $100 per person due at the time of booking. This deposit is fully refundable 120 days before departure. Deposit is nonrefundable within 120 days of departure.


Itinerary:

Day 1 - Sept 21 - Tuesday
Depart US

Day 2 - Sept 22 - Wednesday - Paris & Lourdes

Arrive Paris DeGaulle airport
TGV rail service from Paris to Lourdes

Day 3 - Sept 23 - Thursday - Lourdes

Mass at the grotto in Lourdes
Half day guided tour of Lourdes
Visit to the sanctuaries of Lourdes

Day 4 - Sept 24 - Friday - Lourdes & Paris

Half day orientation tour of Paris
Visit to Chapelle de la Medaille Miraculeuse (St. Catherine)

Day 5 - Sept 25 - Saturday - Paris & Chartres

Morning mass at Sacre Coeur or Shrine of the Miraculous Medal
Visit to Chartres Cathedral
N.B. This is also my birthday!

Day 6 - Sept 26 - Sunday - Chartres & Lisieux

Morning Gregorian Mass at Chartres Cathedral, Visit to the Chapelle du Sainte Therese

Transfer to Caen by motorcoach

Visit Normandy D-Day landing beaches and American Cemetery

Day 7 - Sept 27 - Monday - Lisieux & Paris

Day 8 - Sept 28 - Tuesday - Paris

Visit Notre Dame Cathedral - guided tour if no mass scheduled
Farewell dinner at hotel

Day 9 Return air to the US Wednesday Sept 29


For more details go to Mark Windsor's announcement, or e-mail him at yawper1 [at] comcast.net

This is looking like a great trip. I hope you can come!

I Never Thought of Myself As Being "Cool"




Magister Mundi sum!

"I am the Master of the Universe!"
You are full of yourself, but you're so cool you
probably deserve to be. Rock on.


Which Weird Latin Phrase Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla

I've never posted my results for one of these things before, but since this one is Latin, I had to make an exception.

Blugging Some Great Blogs

Some of you may recall that a while back, I coined the neologism "Blug". To "blug" is to give a blog a plug.

The fact that absolutely no one else seems to have picked up on this new term will not, in the slightest way, dissuade me from using it.

At any rate, here are some great blogs:

I have blugged The Great Commandment before. The author, Fr. David Hudgins, is my friend and classmate from Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit. His most recent post is on repentance and the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and is spot on. Also, his recent post "From Chaos back to Civilization" is a must-read if you want to get to the heart of the culture wars.

Another great blog by priests is Catholic Ragemonkey. Don't let the odd name throw you off. These guys are great, and once you get to know them, the name makes sense. This blog is the product of the fevered intellects of Frs. Shane Tharp and Stephen Hamilton. Fr. Hamilton is a sometime commentor here and on other blogs, and always has thoughtful things to say. Fr. Tharp was my classmate for the two-and-a half years I was at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia. Because Fr. Tharp was there longer, the damage on him is more pronounced. He may very well have an even lower threshold for suffering fools than I do. Fr. Tharp and Fr. Hamilton make a good team.

Oswald Sobrino's Catholic Analysis is just that: thoughtful examinations of all manner of things - events in the news, social problems, and culture - from a Catholic perspective. His principal concern seems always to be "what does it mean to look at 'X' through the eyes of the Faith."

Pansy and Peony (those are their hobbit names) are the Two Sleepy Mommies. Their blog is a great place for thoughts on family life, being a Catholic woman, and living one's faith in the world. They're also pretty funny. They're two reasonably-well-adjusted Catholic women who take their faith seriously. They're now on my list of blogs I check every day.