Author: Sal

Over being Catholic. It’s raining here and I made some crack about the Catholic kid who asks his Catholic Dad why it’s raining. The Dad says, “It’s because God is crying!”
“Why is God crying, Dad?” the kid asks.
“I don’t know but it’s probably something you did.”
Laughter all around. Jeers about Catholics and guilt being the first emotion their teach their kids. Two people said they used to be Catholic. “I used to be Catholic but I’m recovering,” one of them said. She’s not practicing anything. The other former Catholic is an Evangelical. I said, “Well I’m Catholic and I’m happy about it!” Silence. Averted eyes. Smiles turn to Protestant poker faces. I was expecting someone to ask if I had been saved. Maybe tomorrow. I’ll keep you all posted at their conversion attempts.

– Columbia’s marching band drives Ted Kennedy from the stands.

Anyone out there know if the Church has a position on accupuncture? Anyone? Anyone?

Amy Welborn linked to this story about the San Francisco Opera’s production of the opera by Messiaen. I have heard a lot of his organ and piano music, as well as the “Quartet for the End of Time” which I believe he wrote during WWII as a prisoner of the Germans. His music is as profound as it is inaccessible. It is wonderful but hard on the ears of most people. He had, for lack of a better term, the charism of synthesia. People with synthesia not only hear music, it causes other sensations or responses in the listener like seeing colors in their mind, smells, even physical sensations.
When I learned this about Messiaen I realized I would never experience his music the same way he did. I was disappointed but I knew it’s the same for all music – we never totally share in the composer’s experience. I feel a bit cheated when listening to Messiaen though – I can only imagine what his music did to him. He was a devout Catholic and wrote many pieces expressing his faith.

I’m Sal Ravilla, a friend of John’s from St. Mark Parish in Vienna, VA. I sing in his choir. He’s graciously invited me to join him on Catholic Light. I look forward to sharing my thoughts, whether insightful or inane. He’s told me there are a number of others who will be joining as well. This is going to be fun!