I was in NYC today visiting my friend Henry. Visiting friends is a good and serious thing to do because it builds a companionship for the journey of life, particularly the spiritual life. Seeing Henry is always a good thing for me. Pray for Henry as he heads to Italy for a retreat with members of the Fraternity of Saint Joseph.
Having the opportunity to go to the sacrament of Confession at Saint Agnes Church (E. 43rd Street, near to Grand Central) was a good thing. I make it to the sacrament about once a month but generally not more than every 5 weeks. It takes real courage and humility to face one's humanity and take the medicine for the healing of the soul. And my mentioning this fact here ought to be interpreted as an encouragement to seek the face of God. I am a sinner as all people and so I the weight of personal sin can weigh the soul down but the inclination of the heart to face one's humanity is by virtue of the power of the Holy Spirit beckoning to come closer to the Lord. Examen your conscience and go to Confession! An active sacramental life is necessary for salvation: give to God a worthy Confession (give God everything), receive Communion worthily and prayer is more effective (as in the prayers of the saints). God is never outdone in generosity. Working on our personal life of holiness through Confession and Holy Communion sustains our daily life.
I stopped into the brand new Pauline Books & Media in Manhattan at 64 West 38th Street (near to 6th Ave.). Until recently the bookstore was uptown.
THE reason I am mentioning this fact is that I think Catholics need to give patronage to good bookstores and Catholic bookstores in particular. Amazon is a good service and I have to admit that I use Amazon more than visiting a real bookstore: who can pass up a discounted price and free shipping? But this is a matter of being in solidarity with small business owners and I think Pauline Books & Media is one. Consider how you spend your money!
The Daughter of Saint Paul have a superb bookstore with a chapel for private prayer. It is worth a visit!
New books added to my bookshelf:
-31 Questions and Answers on Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
-Order for the Solemn Exposition of the Holy Eucharist
-Your Guide to Spe Salvi
-Where Is That in the Bible?
-Elizabeth of the Trinity: The Complete Works vol.1
-Francis & His Brothers
-The Reform of Renewal
-The Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel: Catechesis and Ritual
Henry and I also visited the national headquarters of the Fraternity of Communion & Liberation. Seeing the new offices was fun. Seeing friends was good, too. A got a copy of the new Traces.
So is your friend going to Italy to meet the Pope? If so, tell him to tell the Pope that some guy on your blog says "hi."
And, I'll ask him to remember you at the holy places. Intercession is what we do...