Look of the Irish, Why not?

I think when you get older you tend to look at things through a kind of lense that opens up to what you value and love.  Maybe you've learned a few things as well and you appreciate what they call diversity today. But diversity is a much overused word. I think I tend to see people as not so much "diverse" or different from me, but really more similar although they are different. Some will think I am just fooling myself and don't get it, and maybe they are right. But in the past week when puzzling on things, I have said "I am not that bright" so I am going to keep to the simple notion that I am delivering here. 

The photo above is my grandson Ciaran. 

I have one of those blended families, so I have three grandchildren and I love them all. Of course, when you are a step-grandfather, like I am for two of my grandchildren, you want to make sure you don't step on anyone's toes and take credit for things maybe you shouldn't.  One of my step grandchildren, Jacob Liam,  lived with us for a year and he visits for a few days at a time now.  His long stay left an emotional impression on me that I can't really explain (remember I said that I am not that bright so I don't have to). But let me get back to Ciaran. 

As you can see by the photo, there is something soulful and poetic about Ciaran. And like his name, he speaks Irish to me. And by that I mean that he exudes grace and a sacred message for me that I interpret with an Irish heart. And for me, a sacred message is an Irish message because that's how I was raised.  As a young boy, I looked over at my Irish dad in church and saw him praying his rosary and Ciaran reminds me of my dad and his faith. The image of my father praying says everything to me. 

Cairan  is beautiful and I would not want to change a thing on him. He is my daughter's son and she is a beautiful woman with a lot of Irish.  But I have to be honest, Ciaran takes after his dad. And I don't think his dad is Irish at all--though he is an artistic and soulful man. But I have come to appreciate diversity as I have said. And yet, Ciaran looks Irish, because I am Irish and I love him and I see everything with Irish eyes, because I have two of those. 

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My Irish Catholic book is called The Brown and White. 

Saint Augustine and His Mother Saint Monica

Sports and Faith II 

The following passage is from Sports and Faith: More Stories of the Devoted and the Devout by Patrick McCaskey, Copyright 2015, Sporting Chance Press.

Saint Monica is remembered as the mother of Saint Augustine.  Monica was an innocent and pious Catholic who was married to a Pagan named Patritius, who was likely a drinker as well as a carouser.  Monica had three children: sons Augustine and Navigius, and a daughter, Perpetua.  She wanted her children to be Baptized and brought up in the faith, but she was hindered by Patritius until he himself was converted.  Patritius died after his Baptism and left Monica a widow.

Monica spent many hours praying for her son Augustine’s conversion and salvation.   Saint Augustine would look back on his youth as a time of reckless immoral behavior. 

Augustine was promiscuous, lazy, and a reveler.  Augustine took up with a mistress with whom he had a son and lived for many years.   Saint Monica was a devout Christian and impressed those around her by her faith and prayer life.  Augustine’s mistress was not an acceptable wife and he hated to leave her, but he did.  He took his son Adeodatus (gift from God). Further consternation resulted from Augustine’s adoption of Manichaeism.  Manichaeism was a popular religion at the time that divided the world between good and evil principles with things material considered evil and things immaterial intrinsically good.  This dualistic theology was at best a heresy.  Monica was so disturbed by this turn in her son, that she originally barred the door to him. 

As Monica did all her life, she prayed and prayed and prayed.  She was assisted by  Saint Ambrose in converting Augustine.  Biographical information on Monica is sketchy at best, but it was suggested that she was at least temped by drink and managed to fight it off.  Her ability to avoid the destructive nature of vice as well as her incredible faith and untiring prayer life has made her a Patron Saint of Alcoholics.   Saint Monica example of the power of prayer has stood out for Christians over the centuries.

 Saint Augustine went on to give his wealth to the poor, his life to the priesthood, and his labors to the Catholic community of his time.  Bishop Augustine is considered one of the greatest Christian writers and a Doctor of the Church.

Alcoholism is a disease that is passed down over the generations.  Three generations of my family were alcoholics until my father put it on hold.  When he was fifteen, he had five beers while singing in a saloon one night.  His head was spinning.  He came home and said to his mother, “I’ll never drink again.”  I followed his example and have stayed away from it altogether.  I believe I am a better man for it. 

Saint Augustine’s Prayer to the Holy Spirit

Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may all be holy. Act in me, O Holy Spirit, that my work, too, may be holy. Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit, that I love but what is holy. Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit, to defend all that is holy. Guard me, then, O Holy Spirit, that I always may be holy.

—Saint Augustine