Tom Faranda

Including the parents of St. Thérèse of Lisieux

Wish he were in NY. How to Read the Vatican Family Gathering Vatican City A friend of mine, happily married for many years, likes to tell a story. Over a 30th-anniversary dinner, and after a little too much wine, he said, “I love you, sweetheart. I’ve never been unfaithful, and I never will be.” He … Read more

As I posted in the past, he was the Faranda Family Guru. In fact I've posted quite a few times about him. Simply type "groeschel" in the search box above and they'll come up. Here's wikipedia on the end of his life. His order posted a nice tribute this morning. Remembering Father Benedict One Year … Read more

Here’s the photo. Probably at the Washington DC Vatican Embassy? He said “Stay strong. I’ve seen his Blog. We’ll pray for each other.”

Lovely short video off the Wall Street Journal channel. That’s Joe Torre with the short eulogy.  

And he’s had them before. In a statement made to friends gathered Monday, Benedict said, “I wish to confirm that in September of 2015, I will throw the most epic, off-the-chain party the Vatican has seen since the 15th century.”  

A little recap of two nice hikes. The first one on the 22nd was in Fahnestock Park – about five miles over fairly easy terrain. Beavers were here! Jeanne Marie and I Here’s the South Beacon Mountain tower, several miles north of us. And a view southwest Three level woodpecker residence? I dunno. Suddenly, in … Read more

Ahhh, my all-time favorite athlete is gone. Yogi Berra was 90. From the NY Yankee statement, quoting his family: “While we mourn the loss of our father, grandfather and great-grandfather, we know he is at peace with Mom,” his family said in a statement released by the museum. “We celebrate his remarkable life, and are … Read more

From the Telegraph (UK). Well, I never saw him. If you hit the link, pictures before and after he went hiding. Fugitive accountant 'hid on Appalachian Trail for six years'. James Hammes, 53, is accused of embezzling $8.7 million (£5.6m) before abandoning his family and spending six years fulfilling his passion for hiking         To hikers … Read more

Great job by people putting this together – the youth group (“God Squad”) and catechetical group, among others. I should have thought to bring my camera – these are off my phone. Celebrant is the pastor, Fr. Brian Brennan – And a good crowd – couldn’t get everyone in with just one picture.