Tom Faranda's Folly

And one of the house mothers had to do a delivery! Chris Bell, who speaks for a few seconds, is a friend of ours.  

It turns out – not a surprise I suppose – that we really should stay much further away from each other if running, biking, or even walking outside briskly.  The study is from Europe. Links to the research is in the article. I suppose if you are wearing a mask or bandanna over your mouth … Read more

This was the cover picture for April’s Magnificat. The cover was an excerpt from the painting – the first picture below – and then the full picture with the commentary from Magnificat. I loved it.  

Two and half minutes.

This fresco is by the great Fra Angelico, painted around 1441 and is titled Saint Dominic Adoring the Crucifixion. Yes Fra Angelico knew that St. Dominic – born in 1170 – was not at the crucifixion. But you get the message. The fresco is at the Convent of San Marco in Florence which is now … Read more

Gone at 85 years old. I confess that Brigid and I sometimes watch The Virginian when it’s up on one of the cable channels. The show had a nine year, 249 episode run. It really only takes the show name from the book. The novel is very different, with Trampas (The Virginian’s pal in the … Read more

This case has gone on for years and the charges were very sketchy with little or no backup. The High Court vote was 7-0 to dismiss. Pell has been a close confidante of Pope Francis. Of course the Cardinal has to be wondering “where do I go to get my reputation back?” George Pell freed … Read more

This is a podcast put online from the Jesuit “America Magazine”. Just hit the link. It’s not really fair or responsible to draw comparisons between the Black Plague and our current coronavirus pandemic. Our situation pales in comparison to 50 million deaths, or roughly 50 percent of Europe’s population alone, in the mid-14th century. But … Read more

Wonders never cease. I’ve been following what Cuomo’s been saying and paying no attention to de Blasio, who others tell me is not doing very well with the situation (UPDATE: The head of  the Army Corp of Engineers was very complimentary about de Blasio). March 13th – two days after the NBA cancelled their season … Read more

This was live at 1PM yesterday. Brigid watched the entire thing and said it was very moving. I only saw the first five minutes on the video yesterday evening, as he walks to the center of St. Peter's Square. I intend on seeing it in it's entirety. And here is the full text of his … Read more