Association Of Catholic Bloggers

Veterans Day and ideas about patriotism overlap, so I'll start with an admission. On the whole, I like being an American. That's partly because I think that "America" includes much more than this country's national government.... ...I also am profoundly glad that so many folks over the last two and a half centuries have decided that serving in this country's armed forces was a good idea. The rest of us owe you our thanks, if nothing else.... More at A Catholic Citizen in America . (A somewhat freewheeling look at how I see being patriotic, with quotes and excerpts; and why I think caring about everyone makes sense.)

Someone's written a book about Pope Leo XIV: "León XIV: ciudadano del mundo, misionero del siglo XXI"; or "Leo XIV: Citizen of the World, Missionary of the 21st Century". The book, in Spanish, was released today, September 18, 2025. I gather it'll be available in English next year. A whiff of this biography, and a recent interview, popped up in my news feed, along with the usual sound and fury. Since I prefer reading specifically "Catholic" news through outlets that aren't marinated in my native culture, I did a little digging and came up with this.... More at A Catholic Citizen in America . (A quick look at a recent interview related to a new book: Leo XIV: Citizen of the World, Missionary of the 21st Century. Plus how I see news and dramatics.)

This week's post is a follow-up on two posts: last week's, when I talked about flash floods in central Texas; and another where I talked about a biopsy and storms. Briefly, the sore on my leg looked awful, but was "benign". The situation in central Texas is still very bad news: the number of known dead is upwards of 100 now. Someone in emergency services tried getting a warning out. But then — it looks like something went badly wrong. Living in the Upper Midwest: Last Month's Storms Biopsy and Good News How It Was Done, Reading the Results Central Texas Flash Floods: Waiting for a Supervisor's Approval? So What? Loving Neighbors, Making Sense ... More at A Catholic Citizen in America . (Following up on two previous posts: discussing a biopsy, Upper Midwest storms, and flash floods in central Texas. Plus why I am reacting the way I am.)

Although there's the occasional glint of good news in my news feed — like " Firefighters Free Sauk Centre Man from Submerged Tanker " (KNSI (June 17, 2025)) — most of what I see is no reason for celebration. That said, attacks on politicians in Minnesota — bad as they were — could have ended with many more dead bodies and hurting families. Even so, there's precious little to celebrate. This week I'll be looking at what happened, what's being said about it, and both how I feel and what I think of the situation. Murders, Motives, and Responses A "Deeply Religious" Assassin What Two Bishops and an Executive Director Said Gladness, Regret, Life, and Beliefs Taking My Faith Seriously Each Human Life Matters .... More at A Catholic Citizen in America . (A week after lethal attacks on Minnesota lawmakers, I look at responses and viewpoints, and how what I believe affects my reaction to the deaths and arrest. )

I've lived in Minnesota for most of my life. My home state doesn't often make international news, and I'm not happy about why it' making headlines today... More at A Catholic Citizen in America . (One couple is dead, another may survive. The killer was impersonating a police officer. There is little I can do. But I can pray, so I will.)

Monday's presidential inauguration may edge the Los Angeles wildfires off the top of my news feed. Momentarily, at least. About that, and results of the election: I'm not political. I haven't and won't frantically declare one candidate or party as America's Only Hope, or hysterically denounce another as That Which Will Destroy Our Fair Nation. Maybe that's why I'm not giddy over the election results. Or plunged into the depths of despair. I do, however, give a rip about what happens in my country and in my world. I have precious little control over national and world events, but there's something I can do: pray.... More at A Catholic Citizen in America . (A short prayer for healing, help, and guidance. Why I think it makes sense, and why I am not either giddy or despondent.)

A little over a week from now, November 5, I plan on going to Sauk Centre's polling place. Then I'll vote. I'm not looking forward to that. But I'll vote anyway. That's because I'm an American. Voting is part of being a responsible citizen. Since I'm also a Catholic, voting responsibly involves comparing how we should behave to what the candidates have been saying and — perhaps more to the point — doing. If one of the candidates struck me as an obviously-good choice, then I would cast my vote for that one: and maybe say that you should, too. But I'm stuck with the reality we're experiencing. So instead, I'll — Share links to resources that discuss the 'should behave' aspects of public life Mention why I think voting makes sense Look forward to not seeing election angst in my news feed This week's post is shorter than most: Citizenship Without Hate and Fear: Resources Hot Button Issues and Loving My Country Anyway Obli...

A man asked Jesus "Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" in last Sunday's Gospel reading. That's what Fr. Greg talked about — our Lord's answer is simple, by the way, and can be boiled down to 'be prudent'. There's an election looming in our country, so Fr. Greg also talked about acting as if love matters, and making prudent choices. Then he shared a prayer that I've had in my daily routine for a while. But (more than) enough about me. Here's what Fr. Greg said: Eternal Life Definitions and Choosing Wisely Love, Choices, and Wisdom Prudence Judges, the Constitution, and Freedom A Wedding Cake Artificial Contraception Second Amendment and the Right to Defend Myself Abortion Choice: and Responsibility Bodies and Rights Roe v. Wade, the Constitution, and a Eureka Moment Let Love Choose Wisely Video: Gospel Reading and Homily at St. Paul's, Sauk Centre, MN; October 13, 2024 More at A Catholic Citizen in ...

Another election is looming, so I'm reviewing how being a Catholic affects how I vote. I'll mention what the USCCB (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops) calls the "Seven Themes of Catholic Social Teaching", share some links, and talk about something Pope Francis said. Along with, as usual, whatever else comes to mind. Citizenship and the Common Good Love and Good Ideas Being a Catholic Citizen Political Venom: It's Not New Malevolent Memes of Yesteryear Principles, Priorities — and Prohibition, a Personal View Remembering Prohibition: High Ideals and Speakeasies Pope Francis and Our Choices Doing His Job — and Doing Mine There ARE Bright Sides The End of Civilization as We Know It — As Usual More at A Catholic Citizen in America . (Being Catholic and voting. Catholic social teaching: 7 themes. Love and neighbors. The common good. Political cartoons, Prohibition. What Pope Francis said.)

Last week, I said I'd have "...tales of cursed gems, glow-in-the-dark diamonds, diamonds from outer space..." ready this week: "barring the unexpected". Then the unexpected happened. But I do have most of the Koh-i-Noor's story ready for you. I pieced together much that diamond's story this week: from the "mythical" king of a place that's not there any more, to present-day England: Koh-i-Noor: Diamond of Destiny, Slayer of Sultans and Shahs "The Diamond Does Not Satisfy" Doom of Afrasiab Emperors, Sultans, Shahs: and the Koh-i-Noor Gets Its Name The Body Count Grows In the Shadow of the Koh-i-Noor "...More Things in Heaven and Earth...." Superstition, Seances, and "Supernatural" More at A Catholic Citizen in America . (The story of the Koh-i-Noor: an allegedly-cursed diamond owned by Afrasiab of Turan, assorted sultans and emperors, and finally Queen Victoria of England.)

America has changed since my youth. I've seen fire and brimstone give way to tofu and soy sauce, rotary dial phones replaced by smartphones. Some things, however, haven't changed. Like the value we place on freedom. How my country's self-described best and brightest see freedom, particularly freedom of speech: that's what I'll talk about this week. "We Will Come After You" — He Really Said That RIOTERS RUN RAMPANT AS CHAOS STALKS THE LAND!!! "Complete Nonsense" and a Warning Scary Situations, Fear, and 'Those People' Four Freedoms: a Catholic Viewpoint Freedom of Worship, From Want, and From Fear Free Speech and Being Responsible The Powers That Be and Malcontents, Viewpoints and Fear "Outside Agitators", "We Will Come After You": Same Attitude, Different Eras "With Great Power...." More at A Catholic Citizen in America . (The London police chief warned that illegal online speech ...

I could ignore the current presidential fracas: claiming that I'm too 'spiritual' for worldly matters, or can't abide the pervasive political posturing and pandering. But that's not an option. Neither, for me, is getting "political" in the sense of declaring that, if elected, candidate A will doom us all; while candidate B is America's only hope. Those attitudes aren't new, and that's another topic. 1 This week I'll be talking about why I don't fit into current political pigeonholes: or, rather, why I fit into several. Acting As If What I Believe Matters Political Pigeonholes and the Big Picture Sex, Death, and Immigrants Hawk? Dove? Long-Term Goals Fear and Politics Love, Hope, and Making Sense More at A Catholic Citizen in America . (Catholic teachings do not conform to American political labels. Not when I consider the big picture. I look at beliefs, fears, and long-term goals.)

Here's how I learned that someone tried to kill Donald Trump. Our number-two daughter and granddaughter were visiting over the weekend. We were talking about something entirely different when our number-two daughter looked at her smartphone— one of those things that connects whoever's holding it to humanity's social media and information services. She said something like 'oh! someone shot Trump', and we went on with our conversation. That was late Saturday. By Sunday evening, our son-in-law had finished business in southern Minnesota, spent a few hours with us, and set off with number-two-daughter and our granddaughter to their home in North Dakota. Don't get me wrong: I care about what happens in my country, and think that taking potshots at presidential candidates — or presidents — is a very bad idea. But I'm not obsessively focused on politics or politicos. Remembering a Hero Family, Country, and Priorities More at A Catholic Citizen in America ...

This isn't the America I grew up in. But human nature hasn't changed, and freedom of expression still makes some of us uneasy. I'll be talking about that; and sharing a little family history that relates to the America of my youth. A Son of Librarians Information, Attitudes, Access, and Me Free Speech, Social Media, and Perceptions Prepublication Censorship, a Near Miss Politics, Panic, and Principles Social Media: New Forum, Old Principles, and Being an American More at A Catholic Citizen in America . (Freedom of expression, being able to share opinions and information, matters: even when it makes some of us uneasy.)

A helicopter carrying two pilots, a flight technician, and at least five other folks crashed yesterday. They’re all dead. One of them was Iran’s president: which made the aviation accident international news. News “ Iran’s president and foreign minister die in helicopter crash at moment of high tensions in Mideast ” Jon Gambrell, AP (May 20, 2024) “ Iran declares five days of mourning for president ” Michael Sheils McNamee, BBC News (May 20, 2024) Wikipedia 2024 Varzaqan helicopter crash Ebrahim Raisi I am not happy that at least eight people died in that helicopter. I am particularly troubled, because at least one of those deaths may make life difficult for a great many other folks. All of which may take a little explaining.... But not all that much: more at A Catholic Citizen in America . (Ebrahim Raisi was President of Iran. Now he is dead. So are at least seven other folks. I respond to that, very briefly.)

UPDATE/FIX — The links in this post now take you to "Kamoʻoalewa: Breakaway Asteroid and Quasi-Moon" on A Catholic Citizen in America. I goofed when posting this preview - - - sorry about that: and have a good day/evening/weekend/afternoon.... :) The asteroid 469219 Kamoʻoalewa isn't exactly Earth's second moon. But it's been circling our world for centuries: and near Earth's orbit for much longer. Now scientists say they've traced the asteroid back to Giordano Bruno crater on the Moon. I'll be taking a look at what I could find of their research, Earth's moons, and asteroids whose orbits keep them near Earth. Then I'll talk about one of the more colorful personalities of the Renaissance. Asteroid Kamoʻoalewa, Giordano Bruno Crater: Origins & Orbits Dust, Asteroids, Astrodynamics, Temporary Moons, and Lagrange points When Circling Isn't Orbiting: Quasi-Satellites In This Week's News: 469219 Kamoʻoalewa and a Lunar Crater ...

Text characters, the ones used online at any rate, include symbols that aren't letters of the alphabet, punctuation, or numbers. So far, so obvious. I was replying to comments this afternoon, and figured I'd use the emoji/dingbat/whatever "okay" hand sign. It seemed like a good idea at the time. But I also figured that, since folks who don't live in my part of the world read this, I'd better do a little research.... More at A Catholic Citizen in America . (An unexpectedly naughty gesture &mdash or &mdash why I used a snowflake symbol.)

I'll be talking about a cartoon, a bishop, and brittle bigwigs. But first, an explanation or three may be in order. Politics, Pigeonholes, and Me Conservative? Liberal? Republican? Democrat? No: Catholic Out of Step: a Half-Century-Plus and Counting Protecting Americans From Unsanctioned Ideas Caricature and Sensitivity "...War Rages as Outcry Grows...." Self-Appointed Guardians of Freedom and Decency: Then and Now American and Catholic He Said WHAT? Resources: Political Life From a Catholic Perspective Irks, Ilks, Ethics, and Being Catholic Cancel Culture: New Phrase, Old Habit (Only) Free to Agree With Me is Not Freedom "Leaves of Grass", Underground Comix, and "Banned in Boston" More at A Catholic Citizen in America . How I see a cartoon, a bishop, and brittle bigwigs. Also politics, pigeonholes and me; caricature and unsanctioned ideas; and McCarthyism as cancel culture.

105 years ago, a bunch of VIPs signed off on stopping the debacle we call World War I. The November 11, 1918, armistice was a very big deal at the time; and still is. Although for different reasons. Here in the United states, we called November 11 Armistice Day until 1954. Then it was re-named Veterans Day. It's related to Remembrance/Poppy Day and Volkstrauertag. 1 Veterans Day was and is a time to remember and honor all who have served in my country's armed forces. That strikes me as a good idea.... More at A Catholic Citizen in America . (This is a day when we honor those who have served in the armed forces. I look at current events, why armed force can be necessary, and a Pogo comic strip.)

All is not right with the world. But all is not wrong, either. Take Sunday night's air disaster that didn't happen, for example. Alaska Air 2059 Underground (Literally) Schools in Ukraine Hey, Everybody! See What We're Doing! — Improv by Hamas Meanwhile, Back in the States Civilian Homes, a Little Extra Shielding — Tomayto, Tomahto. Loving Neighbors: Not Easy, But I Must Bogeymen, Assumptions, and Attitudes: Past and Present Politics, Religion, and Not Missing 'the Good Old Days' "The Protocols of the Elders of Zion" — Article 32 and "Protocols" — "Several Experts" and the Reptilians Spears, Pruning Hooks, and Making Sense in the Meantime Double Effect: It's Complicated "This is Not Us" "Yeh Hum Naheen" Academic Freedom and Responsibility A Civilization of Love: Something to Work Towards A "...Competent and Sufficiently Powerful Authority...." Poetry, Future Generations,...