The Narthex
His Master's Voice
The faithful companion listens for God's whispers
By Richard DellOrfano | February 26th 2019 4:43 PMMother had a collection of vinyl records that I would listen to on a cold wintry day. Some of her vinyl had the interesting RCA Victor trademark label of a Jack Russell Terrier listening to an Edison bell-cylinder wind-up gramophone. The caption underneath read “His Master’s Voice,” with the cute…
READ FULL BLOG POSTConduct for Learning
Three cheers for Catholic students who are taught good manners
By Richard DellOrfano | February 4th 2019 3:28 PMIt’s been over 50 years since I taught physics and math ― not the most popular subjects, compared to hands-on training in auto mechanics at a vocational trade school in Beacon Hill. My young students were a rambunctious lot, shooting spit balls and flying paper planes when I entered to…
READ FULL BLOG POSTA-Marching We Will Go!
The pro-life struggle includes moments of celebration
By James Hanink | January 28th 2019 5:51 PMThis time I kept my sign. Heck, I could have been the model for it. On one side there’s a silhouette of a “senior” wearing what looks like my cap. His cane is like one we keep handy at home. On the other side, there’s a Gospel truth: Toda Vida…
READ FULL BLOG POSTTalking to Young(er) People
Inter-generational discussions inspire some observations
By James Hanink | January 21st 2019 9:15 PMA few preliminaries. I myself, personally, am not that old. Now my friend, and NOR stalwart, Jim Schall, SJ, is really old. He's 91 and counting. Pero como anciano sereno, no viejo nervioso. Still, a week ago on my birthday my little sister sent me a “chipper” card that read: “May your…
READ FULL BLOG POSTThe Twelve Tribes
Lay Catholics rarely experience close-knit community in parishes
By Richard DellOrfano | January 10th 2019 6:07 PMMy brother and his wife, a cousin and I ate at the Yellow Deli in Vista, California, on Monday evening, just before their departure back to New Hampshire. We had spent the day touring the restored Mission San Luis Rey and the nearby Prince of Peace Abbey. After eating, we…
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