Today I discovered a place very similar to my native New Jersey, sans the Atlantic Ocean and the goombahs. Let me explain.
I must state from the outset that I have driven through the Buckeye State many times before. I’ve even transited through the state’s capital – Columbus – two or three times; but never stayed here. Last evening, under the haze of supposed Canadian smoke we arrived to our hotel and settled in. And then we all slept.
Today the kids and I (along with my mother-in-law) decided to sightsee while my wife tended to some business. That Canadian smoke? Yep, it’s back and it’s really obnoxious. And I still really don’t believe that it’s from a wildfire but call me crazy. We were going to visit the Columbus Zoo – made famous and made large by one Jack Hanna – but the kids didn’t want to walk and mother-in-law has seen her share of animals and of course, you know, air quality and all. Honestly, if you can’t breath in a little smoke how on earth are we expected to survive the chastisement? Seriously.
So instead we called upon Daddy’s love of history and architecture and we visited the Ohio Statehouse. The Legislature was absent today so we had the building all to ourselves and it did not disappoint. When the guide wakes us into a room displaying a tribute to the suffragettes, I was both glad and disappointed that I wasn’t wearing my “Repeal 19” tee shirt.
Ohio!
But it wasn’t until later in the evening that I really came to appreciate this place for the Jersey-esque vibe it gave me.
Today for the feast of Ss. Peter and Paul, we attended Mass at the Institute’s parish in Columbus – the Oratory of St. Leo the Great. The beautiful parish, tucked in a neighborhood south of downtown, reminded me of the old time parishes back home. So did the neighborhood. Old homes, well maintained, and even the odd brick-lined street gave me a feel for my childhood.
The church itself was magnificent! I will be there on Friday for the noon Mass and will grab more pictures then. In the meantime, take a look at who was hovering over my shoulder when I took my seat…
You knew she’d have to make her presence known!
Also, I have written about this before, but the priest and the servers were so edifying. The young priest, clean shaven, standing erect, chanting in a manly tenor tone interacting with the boys – a mix of young lads and a few young men just figuring out how to gingerly walk through a sanctuary without tripping over feet suddenly too big for their bodies – were the most reverent of men. Right angled turns, incense swung ever so perfectly. I see that and I want to be more manly. This is how you offer a sacrifice.
So if you read this and happen to live in Columbus, look for me at Mass as we close out the month of the Sacred Heart. Your parish is beautiful and I can’t wait to come back.
I have never been more inspired than I have as of late that Truth will win.
Bishop Strickland continues to fight on. And talk about a fighter! The man knew that Jorge’s goons were coming to visit him and he still led the protest rally against the filth in LA! I don’t think I’ve mentioned this before but I have a tangential connection with the good bishop. When he served as chaplain to Bishop Gorman High School in Tyler, TX and my brother taught theology there, then-Fr. Strickland baptized at least one of my brother’s children. That doesn’t really mean much except that my brother has always held him in high regard. And know this. Even if he is “sacked” by the cabal as he very likely will be, he will fight even harder. Just check out his social media presence. I don’t think Twitter is the place for any prelate to hang out but Bishop Strickland is using it for good. My prayers, and I hope yours, are with him.
And it’s not just Bishop Strickland either. I heard that Cardinal Mueller used the ancient rites to ordain six priests recently. Good for him. It’s a start.
Of course the world is still a cesspit. Why just this morning I checked out of my hotel in Pittsburgh (that’s where the sandwich was from by the way) just as a convention called Anthrocon was kicking off at the convention center next door. Anthrocon, you ask? Furries. We’re talking grown men and women who dress as stadium mascots to have sex with and otherwise sodomize each other out in the open. In a major American city. When the literal fur started flying, I grabbed the kids and bolted.
And then I read a piece by St. Louis Catholic today. It was heartfelt. He talked about the fact that things are bad and getting worse and how this is leaving him with little to write these days. He mentioned that he still reads Barnhardt and NonVeniPacem daily. Well, my friend, I read you daily so please get your groove back on. We need the likes of you on this battlefield.
On a final note, I went to Mass today at a parish in Pittsburgh run by the Institute of Christ the King. See the pictures below. I am sure this place has been “Novied” to the nines before the ICK got their hands on it. It’s a metaphor, though. Out of the destruction is coming good things, if only in small doses. Just look at that carpet! All will be restored in Christ.
Ss. Peter and Paul, pray for us!
Most Precious Blood of Jesus Catholic Church, Pittsburgh, PA
Folks, I got off all that social media nonsense a while ago. Sorry but I'm not on Twitbook, Facepalm, YouHu, WingWang or any of the others. Maybe an event will happen to make me change my mind like Peter and Paul coming down with flaming swords and commanding it be so. Until then, read the blog and if you feel a comment is in order or you feel like sharing a tip or suggestion for a topic, email me at harvey@harveymillican.com.
Harvey Millican's Blog: Musings of a Trad Dad 