Archives for: September 2009
40 Days for Life
09/25/09 19:01 , Categories: life with god 
From September 23rd until November 1, a nationwide program of prayer, protest, and fasting is going on at 212 locations across the country, all for the sake of ending abortion in our country. Here in Saint Louis, us seminarians participated in the program by covering half of the day at Planned Parenthood, the fortress-like "clinic" pictured above.
Since coming to Saint Louis, I have stood outside abortion clinics on quite a few occasions. I've seen the women go in pregnant, pushed through the door by scared boyfriends, and coming out without their child, obviously ashamed and feeling guilty. And I've learned about the trauma and grief women suffer after an abortion ... suffering and guilt that can torment the woman for decades. I have deep compassion for those who are considering abortions. They are in very difficult and unfortunate situations. We need to help those women, but this is not the way.
If you are near one of these sites, consider getting involved. If you're not near one of these sites, please pray for an end to abortion in our country anyway. For more information, visit 40daysforlife.com. There are sites in Fargo, Minneapolis, and of course here in St Louis.
-Jason
Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows
09/14/09 18:59 , Categories: life with god The semester is well under way here at Kenrick, and I've been busy with all that entails. But I thought I should take a moment to share this beautiful hymn with you. It is called the "Stabat Mater doloroso," which means "The Sorrowful Mother Stood" in Latin. The hymn was written in the 13th century and is chanted or sung often during tomorrow's memorial on the Church calendar: The Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows. On this day, we think of Mary at the foot of the cross. After you listen to it, click here to learn more about the hymn.
When I first heard this hymn chanted a few years ago, in English, it nearly brought me to tears. I invite you to play the video above, full screen on the Youtube site if you can, and prayerfully read the lyrics in English at the bottom of the screen as the Latin is sung.
Mary, Our Lady of Sorrows ... pray for us!
-Jason
