Inspiring sculpture by Timothy Schmalz (website, facebook) to be installed at Shrine of Padre Pio in San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy.
Timothy describes his experience: ”The whole time I was working on the sculpture a strange experience happened, I could not stop thinking of all the vile sins I created in my life. It was like a movie on repeat. After I was done with this, my thoughts broadened to worst sins that where created in my country, murders horrific that I heard of in the news. I could not believe what I was thinking and I could not prevent my thoughts from going to these dark places. After days of this, I thought, how horrible, I am creating a sculpture of a saint and this is what is going on inside of me? Then I understood that I was creating a sculpture of a saint who was known for confessions, In fact St. Pio has become the Patron Saint of Confessions. What was happening to me was a long confession throughout the creation of the sculpture. The Gloom I experience was then replaced with peace when after each horrific image that past through my mind was prayed with, and asked for forgiveness; my deeds and those of others. A fascinating journey creating this work.” (+)
The full moon of Passover shines bright above the city. The same full moon that shone down in Jesus almost 2000 years ago during his agony in Gethsemane…
Info on healing after #abortion in a men’s bathroom, and real people have taken all those info slips. How can they say it’s a normal medical procedure???
The only thing in my life over the next 8 days of silent retreat (Ignatian Spiritual Exercises). Say a prayer for the 30 or so of us priests doing them! #catholic (at Legionaries of Christ Novitiate)
Happy feast day of Mother Teresa! I’m actually giving a talk today to the Missionaries of Charity in Newark. This is mural art on the street outside. #catholic #reallyholypeople