Now how to get a ticket for the beatification Mass, that's the bigger question. I'm sure Msgr. Krische and Fr. Beseau from St. Lawrence Center KU would also like to go to the beatification of the patron saint of campus ministry and Catholic higher education, Cardinal Newman. As most of you know, campus ministries around the country were almost universally called Newman centers 30 years ago. Most of them now have patron saints to name the ministry, but Cardinal Newman is still a powerful ally of all those working in higher education. Pope Benedict has made it a policy not to personally preside over beatification ceremonies, instead preferring to wait to preside only at the canonization of new saints, but he is making an exception here. He is personally going to England, where surprisingly, the relics of St. Therese of Lisieux earlier this year made a big impression. Here's praying that the papa visit reignites the faith of all in England. His visit will come on the heels of his provision for allowing Anglicans to become Catholic while still retaining their Anglican rites. It will be a spicy visit, I'm sure, with lots of irresponsible commentary from all sides, but the net effect will be great. May the Holy Spirit prepare the hearts and minds of many for this visit from the vicar of Christ. He will not be received as warmly, I suppose, as he was in the United States a few years ago. I'm excited to follow this visit, whether or not I am able to go personally (quite doubtful!).
Catholic bishops are also hitting the airwaves and encouraging priests and the faitful to be properly informed about the health care debate and impending vote. The Catholic bishops can not sign off on the plan as it currently reads. I personally do not think there are the votes to pass the Senate version of the health care plan in the House, but I have to admit I've tired of following the debate. Let us keep praying in earnest for our legislators, to improve the situation as much as possible, without compromising on the protection of the most innocent and vulnerable in our society, the unborn, nor violating the conscience rights of those who work in health care. Let us pray for a reasonable and fruitful way forward in this debate.
Today is a perfect day in Mundelein Illinois. The sun is shining brightly and the temperature is already in the 50s before noon. I'm grateful for a beautiful day, and have started to think about the possibility of a round of golf sometime this spring. Mundelein seminary is being invaded by guests from Kansas City this week. By the time I leave this afternoon, Msgr. Mullen will have touched down for his annual visit and evaluations. A group from Miege high school might be coming by tonight to see the seminary as well after I am gone. Frs. Larry Albertson and Ron Livojevich just left today on the train after a brief visit. It is good to be with everyone and to strengthen the KCK family!
It's been fun to read a little bit about how KU got worked over in this year's NCAA bracket. The reason I love Bill Self so much is that he doesn't get worried about what he can't control. He says that to get to where you're going, you need to beat good teams, and what is more, you don't have to play everyone in your bracket, just the teams that win. Most of these teams that are very good and pose a real threat to KU will play each other first. KU just needs to stay focused on themselves and not worry too much about the future. Here's hoping we make the Sweet 16 for a real tough matchup against Michigan State or Maryland. I may get down to OKC on Saturday to watch the Jayhawks in the second round. We'll see. There is supposed to be snow again that comes on Saturday.
Here's hoping for a safe and boring flight home from Milwaukee tonight.
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