Just wanted to say hi to everybody for a moment.

[IrishAyes]

4. Wise words to live by.

God looks on our hearts and knows our circumstances better than anyone else could.

If anyone had ever told me I'd find such a xenophobic RC congregation anywhere in my life, I'd have laughed at them. Until I moved here anyway. Funny thing is, among the ones who eventually made it impossible for me to remain, they consider me a heretic and therefore not really Catholic at all. But their rejection only steeled my resolve to practice my faith as best I can, when and where I can. Who knows, maybe it was my ultimate test. At the very least, I feel reaffirmed in what I AM, and confidence that it doesn't depend on anyone else's permission.

If they hated my saying good things about Jesuits and Dorothy Day, I seriously doubt they appreciate Pope Francis much either. When the one who considers herself the lay head hen dies, I'll show up again if I'm still able to walk that far. At least for holy days of obligation. The current priest is a sweet guy from Thailand, I think; he might be willing to at least observe old forms of confession for my sake. And not accuse me of lying to him. You know how such a charge hurts even when it's patently false.