If anyone is interested in hearing the music to Tu Es Petrus, simply click on the hyperlinks below.
My favourites are marked with stars. Enjoy! (The two best are Tak bowiem Bog and Psalm z Krakowem.)
Prologue
Tu Es Petrus
Part 1: Pater Noster
Ludzie to Adam i Ewa (people are Adam and Eve)*
Zdumienie (Wonder)*
Tak bowiem Bog (For so did God…)*
Strumien (Stream)
Part 2
Litania z czterema porami roku (Four Seasons Litany)
Part 3: Ecce Homo
Ten ktory zdradzil (The one who betrayed)
Ten ktory sie zaparł (The one who repudiated)
Ten ktory nie uwierzyl (The one who disbelieved)
Ten ktory nie poznal (The one who did not recognize)
Part 4: Litany for those who bring death
Litania za niosacych smierc
Part 5: No one but God can give them such love
Milosc to wiernosc wyborowi (Love is fidelity to choice)*
Jedenaste (The Eleventh)
Niech mowia, ze to nie jest milosc (Let them say it isn’t love)*
Bedziesz milowal (You shall love)
Part 6: Litany to Everyone on Earth
Litania do kazdziutkiego na ziemi
Epilogue: Tu Es Petrus
Encores:
Psalm dla Ciebie (Psalm for you)*
Psalm z Krakowem (Psalm from Krakow) *
Psalm Braci Aniolow (Psalm of Brother Angels)
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
My review of TU ES PETRUS
You can see this review of the Polish Oratorio Tu Es Petrus fairly soon on www.saltandlighttv.org/blog/.
Oratorio Tribute to John Paul the Great a Resounding Success
Many of our regular viewers have seen playing on our station a short advertisement for an Oratorio called Tu Es Petrus. Salt and Light Television was a Media Partner with Catholic Youth Studio for the sensational event which took place last Sunday, October 14th.
Three of us from Salt + Light had the privilege of seeing Tu Es Petrus live at the Roy Thomson Hall in Toronto. The oratorio, written in Polish, was intended as a birthday present for the Pope’s 87th birthday, “but instead it became an epitaph” says composer and conductor Piotr Rubik. Rubik is a Michael Buble-caliber star in his native Poland but is relatively unknown outside of Europe. Indeed, I had never heard of him before last week. Yet the appeal of his music is clear to anyone who bothers to set aside the language difference and simply experience the music. My own experience was dependant on this, as I speak not a word of Polish. The challenge to the music was to evoke the moods and emotions it intended without the aid of linguistic comprehension.
In the end, the only way to describe the oratorio is as an experience of beauty and art. It features well over one hundred artists, including six main vocalists, a Polish choir of 32, a 65-member orchestra, and a choir of 25 Toronto voices. At the center of it all is Rubik, bouncing around like a little child, his distinctive shoulder-length bleached hair tying to keep up with the movements of his conductor’s baton…
Yet for all its grandiosity, the music rises above its creators and by the fifth piece we’ve all but forgotten about Rubik. It becomes more than a work of art and becomes a vehicle for transcendence, for transporting the listener through salvation history, and bringing us all a little closer to God… in a sense, it becomes sacramental, in the same sense that John Paul the Great called the Sistine Chapel “sacramental” – in presenting us with the Divine.
The oratorio begins with a prologue, titled simply Tu Es Petrus, which bears the full weight of Petrine authority on its strong Polish shoulders. It tells the story of John Paul II, his humble beginnings as a “pilgrim from Wadowice” and quotes Horace, saying “Non omnis moriar” (Not all of me will die.) Its booming opening is quickly replaced with a frantic yet solemn refrain, balanced with a lighter melody sung by the six main vocalists. The theme will be revisited in many of the subsequent pieces – in a way the whole of the oratorio is summed up in this prologue: a frenetic beginning, a hopeful strain in the midst of darkness, ultimate triumph, ending with a bang – one of Rubik’s signatures.
The oratorio is divided into three main parts, each separated by a “Litany” and an intermediary piece. All of the pieces are narrated by bible passages and texts from the writings of John Paul II.
The first part, called “Pater Noster,” speaks of Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, the fall from grace and the promise of redemption. It is separated into four songs. Ludzie to Adam i Ewa (People are Adam and Eve) is the explosive story of creation. Zdumienie (Wonder) takes its lyrics from the poetry of John Paul II and has as its refrain the simple words “Ma sens,” “It has meaning.” The slow, thoughtful piece asks about the mystery of life and its conclusion is “ma sens”, it has a reason, a meaning. Tak bowiem Bog (For so did God…) and Strumien (Stream) evoke the awesome presence of God and leave us uplifted and hopeful. You really have to listen to these two with your eyes closed.
The second part is called “Ecce Homo” and is the weakest of the three. It presents four very different songs about four different apostles – Judas, Peter, Thomas and the disciples on the road to Emmaus. For the most part, these pieces are lyric-driven (a problem for anyone who does not understand Polish.) Yet the emotions are there: the song of Judas is angry and frantic; the song for Peter somber; Thomas a mix of emotions, driven by a pounding theme reminiscent of the Prologue; and the song of Emmaus evokes the mystery of this strange man who knows nothing of the events of the past days.
The third part is called “No one but God can give them such love” and is a series of love songs, drawing on texts from Corinthians in explaining how love is eternal. Milosc to wiernosc wyborowi (Love is fidelity to choice) is a breathtaking love song that would do very well were it released as a single. It received the longest applause. Jedenaste (The Eleventh) is ponderous and driven by its words. Niech mowia, ze to nie jest milosc (Let them say this isn’t love) is probably the best-known of the pieces in the oratorio. (Regular Salt and Light viewers can periodically see the entirety of this piece aired as filler in between programs.) It asks whether love can really last, with the resolute lovers saying “let them say this isn’t love.” Bedziesz milowal (You shall love) is the oddest of this set – it’s a bubbly, light, fun piece that doesn’t seem to fit within the oratorio at all.
The end piece is called Litania do kazdziutkiego na ziemi, (Litany for everyone on earth) which blends themes from several of the songs into a melody all its own. It has a similar energy to Ludzie to Adam and is a fitting end to the oratorio. Finally comes the epilogue: a reprisal of Tu Es Petrus.
Then came the ovation, the thanks, and the encore. Then a second ovation, and the main vocalists and Rubik walked off stage, only to return five minutes later for a second encore, and then a third and fourth. In all there were five standing ovations, four encores, a rose thrown into the crowd. When Rubik came out afterward to sign posters and CDs, he was mobbed by a crowd of screaming middle-aged Polish women.
* * *
“Someone told me when I was seven that my greatest success would be writing music for the Church. And it came true,” says Rubik with a smile. Tu Es Petrus is only one part of his “Holy Cross Triptych” that includes Swietokrzyska Golgotha (Holy Cross of Golgotha) and Psałterz Wrześniowy (September Psalms). The entire set amounts to a four-hour extravaganza that has been touring around Poland and parts of Europe since its completion in late 2005. Much has been made of the individual songs from Psalterz, as many have been made into music videos and aired on public radio and television. An Irish poet was commissioned to translate the monumental work into English, but he has deemed the task nearly impossible.
Whether we will ever be able to hear it in anything other than its native language remains to be seen – though individual songs of Psalterz have already been translated (and music videos made of them, too) – but then again is it better to listen to St Matthew’s Passion in stilted English or in its florid German? “Music is a universal language,” comments Rubik. “It just has to give a good energy, good feelings to people - to give them hope and give them joy. To have a spiritual approach to music is always good for your art.” Given the perennial nature of religious music, I’d say that Rubik is quite on track. Says Joanna Switakowski, one of the twenty-five local singers who joined the Warsaw choir for the performance, “the spiritual level [of the oratorio] is incredible…it’s hard to sing the lyrics and not be swept away by it.” Of Rubik she comments, “He’s very demanding…[and] he’s very good at what he does.” “I have to thank God for my gift, and so I give it back to Him (through this music)” says Rubik, who also composes film scores and pop music. “Religious music moves me higher.”
In the end, one has to reflect on the fact that religious art, or at least art produced from a religious mindset, consistently appeals to humanity’s inner need for God. Our hearts are restless, said Augustine, until they rest in Him, and art brings us just a little bit closer. Or, in the words of John Paul, echoed in Petrus: “Ma sens, ma sens, ma sens.” It has meaning, and one to which we all relate.
Oratorio Tribute to John Paul the Great a Resounding Success
Many of our regular viewers have seen playing on our station a short advertisement for an Oratorio called Tu Es Petrus. Salt and Light Television was a Media Partner with Catholic Youth Studio for the sensational event which took place last Sunday, October 14th.
Three of us from Salt + Light had the privilege of seeing Tu Es Petrus live at the Roy Thomson Hall in Toronto. The oratorio, written in Polish, was intended as a birthday present for the Pope’s 87th birthday, “but instead it became an epitaph” says composer and conductor Piotr Rubik. Rubik is a Michael Buble-caliber star in his native Poland but is relatively unknown outside of Europe. Indeed, I had never heard of him before last week. Yet the appeal of his music is clear to anyone who bothers to set aside the language difference and simply experience the music. My own experience was dependant on this, as I speak not a word of Polish. The challenge to the music was to evoke the moods and emotions it intended without the aid of linguistic comprehension.
In the end, the only way to describe the oratorio is as an experience of beauty and art. It features well over one hundred artists, including six main vocalists, a Polish choir of 32, a 65-member orchestra, and a choir of 25 Toronto voices. At the center of it all is Rubik, bouncing around like a little child, his distinctive shoulder-length bleached hair tying to keep up with the movements of his conductor’s baton…Yet for all its grandiosity, the music rises above its creators and by the fifth piece we’ve all but forgotten about Rubik. It becomes more than a work of art and becomes a vehicle for transcendence, for transporting the listener through salvation history, and bringing us all a little closer to God… in a sense, it becomes sacramental, in the same sense that John Paul the Great called the Sistine Chapel “sacramental” – in presenting us with the Divine.
The oratorio begins with a prologue, titled simply Tu Es Petrus, which bears the full weight of Petrine authority on its strong Polish shoulders. It tells the story of John Paul II, his humble beginnings as a “pilgrim from Wadowice” and quotes Horace, saying “Non omnis moriar” (Not all of me will die.) Its booming opening is quickly replaced with a frantic yet solemn refrain, balanced with a lighter melody sung by the six main vocalists. The theme will be revisited in many of the subsequent pieces – in a way the whole of the oratorio is summed up in this prologue: a frenetic beginning, a hopeful strain in the midst of darkness, ultimate triumph, ending with a bang – one of Rubik’s signatures.
The oratorio is divided into three main parts, each separated by a “Litany” and an intermediary piece. All of the pieces are narrated by bible passages and texts from the writings of John Paul II.
The first part, called “Pater Noster,” speaks of Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, the fall from grace and the promise of redemption. It is separated into four songs. Ludzie to Adam i Ewa (People are Adam and Eve) is the explosive story of creation. Zdumienie (Wonder) takes its lyrics from the poetry of John Paul II and has as its refrain the simple words “Ma sens,” “It has meaning.” The slow, thoughtful piece asks about the mystery of life and its conclusion is “ma sens”, it has a reason, a meaning. Tak bowiem Bog (For so did God…) and Strumien (Stream) evoke the awesome presence of God and leave us uplifted and hopeful. You really have to listen to these two with your eyes closed.
The second part is called “Ecce Homo” and is the weakest of the three. It presents four very different songs about four different apostles – Judas, Peter, Thomas and the disciples on the road to Emmaus. For the most part, these pieces are lyric-driven (a problem for anyone who does not understand Polish.) Yet the emotions are there: the song of Judas is angry and frantic; the song for Peter somber; Thomas a mix of emotions, driven by a pounding theme reminiscent of the Prologue; and the song of Emmaus evokes the mystery of this strange man who knows nothing of the events of the past days.
The third part is called “No one but God can give them such love” and is a series of love songs, drawing on texts from Corinthians in explaining how love is eternal. Milosc to wiernosc wyborowi (Love is fidelity to choice) is a breathtaking love song that would do very well were it released as a single. It received the longest applause. Jedenaste (The Eleventh) is ponderous and driven by its words. Niech mowia, ze to nie jest milosc (Let them say this isn’t love) is probably the best-known of the pieces in the oratorio. (Regular Salt and Light viewers can periodically see the entirety of this piece aired as filler in between programs.) It asks whether love can really last, with the resolute lovers saying “let them say this isn’t love.” Bedziesz milowal (You shall love) is the oddest of this set – it’s a bubbly, light, fun piece that doesn’t seem to fit within the oratorio at all.
The end piece is called Litania do kazdziutkiego na ziemi, (Litany for everyone on earth) which blends themes from several of the songs into a melody all its own. It has a similar energy to Ludzie to Adam and is a fitting end to the oratorio. Finally comes the epilogue: a reprisal of Tu Es Petrus.
Then came the ovation, the thanks, and the encore. Then a second ovation, and the main vocalists and Rubik walked off stage, only to return five minutes later for a second encore, and then a third and fourth. In all there were five standing ovations, four encores, a rose thrown into the crowd. When Rubik came out afterward to sign posters and CDs, he was mobbed by a crowd of screaming middle-aged Polish women.
* * *
“Someone told me when I was seven that my greatest success would be writing music for the Church. And it came true,” says Rubik with a smile. Tu Es Petrus is only one part of his “Holy Cross Triptych” that includes Swietokrzyska Golgotha (Holy Cross of Golgotha) and Psałterz Wrześniowy (September Psalms). The entire set amounts to a four-hour extravaganza that has been touring around Poland and parts of Europe since its completion in late 2005. Much has been made of the individual songs from Psalterz, as many have been made into music videos and aired on public radio and television. An Irish poet was commissioned to translate the monumental work into English, but he has deemed the task nearly impossible.Whether we will ever be able to hear it in anything other than its native language remains to be seen – though individual songs of Psalterz have already been translated (and music videos made of them, too) – but then again is it better to listen to St Matthew’s Passion in stilted English or in its florid German? “Music is a universal language,” comments Rubik. “It just has to give a good energy, good feelings to people - to give them hope and give them joy. To have a spiritual approach to music is always good for your art.” Given the perennial nature of religious music, I’d say that Rubik is quite on track. Says Joanna Switakowski, one of the twenty-five local singers who joined the Warsaw choir for the performance, “the spiritual level [of the oratorio] is incredible…it’s hard to sing the lyrics and not be swept away by it.” Of Rubik she comments, “He’s very demanding…[and] he’s very good at what he does.” “I have to thank God for my gift, and so I give it back to Him (through this music)” says Rubik, who also composes film scores and pop music. “Religious music moves me higher.”
In the end, one has to reflect on the fact that religious art, or at least art produced from a religious mindset, consistently appeals to humanity’s inner need for God. Our hearts are restless, said Augustine, until they rest in Him, and art brings us just a little bit closer. Or, in the words of John Paul, echoed in Petrus: “Ma sens, ma sens, ma sens.” It has meaning, and one to which we all relate.
Sunday, August 19, 2007
The Wedding
I completely forgot to give you a re-cap of the wedding! Here goes:
I arrived on the Thursday evening to find my ride had not shown up. So I waited three hours in the tiny Charlottetown airport until finally Peter's brother John could drive the hour-twenty-minute drive to pick me up. Needless to say I was late for the pre-wedding bash which was excellent none the less.
The next day, Friday, I was able to finally take in my lodging, which was a little cottage-by-the-red-sanded-sea.
We helped to set up the decorations in the reception hall and then we participated in a holy hour with Peter and Angie. Around five we had dinner - fried fish a la Roskelley - in the cottage. ( I forgot to mention who else I was staying with - fellow ex-seminarians Pablo, John and Mike, along with Fr. Nicholas, aka Tumba, with whom I was in school for three years.) The evening ended with another party hosted at our place. Four people showed up, a good number considering we weren't expecting any at all. (Word travels fast around the Island - Mike and John were mini-celebrities for the week, due to their good-natured slightly-enebriated-extrovert personalities.) I counted about 26 empty beer bottles the next morning during clean-up. A good time.
The time of the wedding came quickly, and Peter and Angie looked the perfect couple. It was very well attended - about half the island showed up. Vancouver was well represented, as were Peter's Japanese relatives. After the wedding there were photos back at Angie's parents' house. Everything was perfect except the weather - it had been raining since early morning, and didn't let up until the next day.
Then the long-expected wedding reception. Such functions always bring out the best of the Maritimes. There was a live band (Outstanding live band - playing everything from ACDC to Spirit of the West ( they played Home For a Rest twice, the second time being the opportunity for the bride and groom to slip away. Everyone formed a circle around them, and when someone else took center stage they took off.) Other than that, the speeches were funny, especially John (above) as one of the MCs. Copious amounts of Joe's punch (basically orange slices in moonshine) were consumed and a good time was had by all.
Peter and Angie are now off to Rome (actually, since this post is a month late, I think they're already back) for their honeymoon, and will then settle in Halifax, which is already home to both.
Good luck and God Bless with your life together.
I arrived on the Thursday evening to find my ride had not shown up. So I waited three hours in the tiny Charlottetown airport until finally Peter's brother John could drive the hour-twenty-minute drive to pick me up. Needless to say I was late for the pre-wedding bash which was excellent none the less.
The next day, Friday, I was able to finally take in my lodging, which was a little cottage-by-the-red-sanded-sea.
We helped to set up the decorations in the reception hall and then we participated in a holy hour with Peter and Angie. Around five we had dinner - fried fish a la Roskelley - in the cottage. ( I forgot to mention who else I was staying with - fellow ex-seminarians Pablo, John and Mike, along with Fr. Nicholas, aka Tumba, with whom I was in school for three years.) The evening ended with another party hosted at our place. Four people showed up, a good number considering we weren't expecting any at all. (Word travels fast around the Island - Mike and John were mini-celebrities for the week, due to their good-natured slightly-enebriated-extrovert personalities.) I counted about 26 empty beer bottles the next morning during clean-up. A good time.
The time of the wedding came quickly, and Peter and Angie looked the perfect couple. It was very well attended - about half the island showed up. Vancouver was well represented, as were Peter's Japanese relatives. After the wedding there were photos back at Angie's parents' house. Everything was perfect except the weather - it had been raining since early morning, and didn't let up until the next day.
Then the long-expected wedding reception. Such functions always bring out the best of the Maritimes. There was a live band (Outstanding live band - playing everything from ACDC to Spirit of the West ( they played Home For a Rest twice, the second time being the opportunity for the bride and groom to slip away. Everyone formed a circle around them, and when someone else took center stage they took off.) Other than that, the speeches were funny, especially John (above) as one of the MCs. Copious amounts of Joe's punch (basically orange slices in moonshine) were consumed and a good time was had by all.
Peter and Angie are now off to Rome (actually, since this post is a month late, I think they're already back) for their honeymoon, and will then settle in Halifax, which is already home to both.
Good luck and God Bless with your life together.
Bernini's Corpus & a new Dominican
The other day I had the opportunity to see Bernini's Corpus which is on display at the Art Gallery of Ontario.
The Corpus is a bronze-cast life-size crucified Jesus, minus the cross. I went with my friend and soon-to-be-Dominican Jason who is a art-history expert, having taught it in high school for three years now. The exhibit is on until October 7th.
What I was told to look for in this piece is the focus on humanity and the hope for resurrection. Whereas German and Spanish artists would focus on the suffering of Jesus, Italian renaissance artists such as Bernini focused on his humanity.
Also on display were busts that Bernini made of two of his Papal commissioners. It was all part of an exhibit of Medieval and Renaissance treasures.
***Later***
Anyway, Jason is now Brother Jason of the Order of Preachers, having joined yesterday. He told me that it was a long journey to this decision, having first considered the Fraternity of St. Peter. I think I'm using too many ablative absolutes, but that's just my grammar style. (Thank you Fr Alban!)
The Corpus is a bronze-cast life-size crucified Jesus, minus the cross. I went with my friend and soon-to-be-Dominican Jason who is a art-history expert, having taught it in high school for three years now. The exhibit is on until October 7th.
What I was told to look for in this piece is the focus on humanity and the hope for resurrection. Whereas German and Spanish artists would focus on the suffering of Jesus, Italian renaissance artists such as Bernini focused on his humanity.
Also on display were busts that Bernini made of two of his Papal commissioners. It was all part of an exhibit of Medieval and Renaissance treasures.
***Later***
Anyway, Jason is now Brother Jason of the Order of Preachers, having joined yesterday. He told me that it was a long journey to this decision, having first considered the Fraternity of St. Peter. I think I'm using too many ablative absolutes, but that's just my grammar style. (Thank you Fr Alban!)
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Off to PEI
Hey everyone. I'm off to PEI (that's Prince Edward Island for all you non-Canadians) for the wedding of my friend and former-fellow-Media-Committee member Peter.
We were in seminary together from 2004-2006.
I was supposed to put together a surprise video presentation featuring embarassing baby pictures and such things, but I didn't give myself enough time. So instead I'm going to surprise him and his lovely bride Angie by posting embarassing baby pictures of them on the web. Thanks to both their parents and her brother-in-law Brad.
We were in seminary together from 2004-2006.
I was supposed to put together a surprise video presentation featuring embarassing baby pictures and such things, but I didn't give myself enough time. So instead I'm going to surprise him and his lovely bride Angie by posting embarassing baby pictures of them on the web. Thanks to both their parents and her brother-in-law Brad.
Congratulations Peter and Angie. We'll be praying for you on July 21st.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Back from the grave
So, after a long hiatus I finally have something to report.
The past two months have marked a major shift in my life. I graduated from seminary with a degree in philosophy (and a pretty good final report card), took a month off from work to spend at home, and then pulled up my roots and moved to
I moved on June 6th with a full-time job opportunity at a small Catholic television station in a field I love – camerawork. I’m currently assisting Wally, our senior camera operator.
The job is for a year, during which I’m hoping to decide what route I will take with my life. The rapidly closing door that is the priesthood is on one side; on the other is a career in film/television. Added to this mix is what I’m doing right now: the opportunity to evangelize via various media.
Happy St. Benedict’s day, everyone.
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
8 faithful visitors
My site counter tells me that there've been 8 faithful visitors to my site over the long past 8 months since last summer, and I want to personally thank you for your dedication in checking back every week. Not that what I have to say is of much importance... or very funny... or informative... anyway. Thanks again. Blogging will increase.
an ode
Here is a poem I wrote in honor of Bl Pier Giorgio Frassati for english class.
His atheistic father founds a rag
announcing socialistic revolution;
his overbearing mother plays the nag
against Frassati's Christian resolution.
Though others said "you poor will always have,"
absolved of all responsibility
to fellow man, not so for him who gave
as best he could of his ability.
He laughed and joked and merry made with friends.
"Verso l'alto" called blessed Pier Frassati,
with hands both op'ning wide, he lends,
and makes some time when'er his poor sought he.
Yet father, mother, sister little knew,
Of faith, of works, of holy life lived true.
I know, the rhyme scheme doesn't quite work, and there's some extra syllables here and there, but overall I think it turned out quite well.
His atheistic father founds a rag
announcing socialistic revolution;
his overbearing mother plays the nag
against Frassati's Christian resolution.
Though others said "you poor will always have,"
absolved of all responsibility
to fellow man, not so for him who gave
as best he could of his ability.
He laughed and joked and merry made with friends.
"Verso l'alto" called blessed Pier Frassati,
with hands both op'ning wide, he lends,
and makes some time when'er his poor sought he.
Yet father, mother, sister little knew,
Of faith, of works, of holy life lived true.
I know, the rhyme scheme doesn't quite work, and there's some extra syllables here and there, but overall I think it turned out quite well.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
It's been a long time...
...since I last posted! Sorry about that. Well, the big news is I'm graduating in three weeks, spending a month at home, and then am moving to the big T.O. for at least a year. Fr. Tom of S+L fame came to give a talk in Vancouver and gave me a job while he was here. So I'll have a lot more time to document my life in TO once I get there around June 5th. So don't go away - look in on me every so often.
Happy Easter and God Bless.
Dave
Happy Easter and God Bless.
Dave
Friday, October 27, 2006
2 months into school
Eh all. I've had my first midterm exam, my first big paper due, and all I can say is WHERE DOES THE TIME GO?!?
Oh, and by the way: the seminary has a new website - at least, a new face.
www.sck.ca
So last weekend eight of us climbed a mountain. Or, to be more exact, five of us climbed a mountain, and three others gave up on the way. Golden Ears is a 1500 meter peak around Maple Ridge. It's a two hour hike to the campsite, and a four hour hike to the summit. But, like so many hikes, this one had so many twists and turns that we had to go over about three other mountains to get to the highest one. Anyway, a good time was had by all, except for the blisters.
Oh, and one other thing: please pray for the repose of the soul of Colin Leach, an SCK graduate of '04.
Oh, and by the way: the seminary has a new website - at least, a new face.
www.sck.ca
So last weekend eight of us climbed a mountain. Or, to be more exact, five of us climbed a mountain, and three others gave up on the way. Golden Ears is a 1500 meter peak around Maple Ridge. It's a two hour hike to the campsite, and a four hour hike to the summit. But, like so many hikes, this one had so many twists and turns that we had to go over about three other mountains to get to the highest one. Anyway, a good time was had by all, except for the blisters.
Oh, and one other thing: please pray for the repose of the soul of Colin Leach, an SCK graduate of '04.
Saturday, September 30, 2006
On a lighter note
I watched what must have been the oddest film ever made the other day. It's a Russian art-house movie called "Russian Ark." The story is not really a story at all; rather it's a conversation between a 18th-century French Marquis and the director of the movie, one Alexandre Sukurov, about Russian culture and history.
That's the barebones of the film. The novel thing is that it takes you through 300 yeas of history surrounding the Hermitage Museum, the castle in St. Petersbourg that was home to Catherine the Great, the Tsars, etc. So you see all of these various time periods depicted as the two characters - the Marquis and the camera, narrated by the director, wander throughout this gigantic castle/museum.
Now, if that were'nt odd enough, the entire film has no editing whatsoever. In other words, the entire movie is one long, intricate, sleep-inducing (at parts!) single take. So that means that there were 2000 actors sitting around in this castle waiting for the camera to get to them so they could do their part... and if anyone flubbed anything, the entire film would be ruined. And yet they pulled it off.
So, if you're into the artsy-type of movies, this one'll blow your mind.
That's the barebones of the film. The novel thing is that it takes you through 300 yeas of history surrounding the Hermitage Museum, the castle in St. Petersbourg that was home to Catherine the Great, the Tsars, etc. So you see all of these various time periods depicted as the two characters - the Marquis and the camera, narrated by the director, wander throughout this gigantic castle/museum.
Now, if that were'nt odd enough, the entire film has no editing whatsoever. In other words, the entire movie is one long, intricate, sleep-inducing (at parts!) single take. So that means that there were 2000 actors sitting around in this castle waiting for the camera to get to them so they could do their part... and if anyone flubbed anything, the entire film would be ruined. And yet they pulled it off.
So, if you're into the artsy-type of movies, this one'll blow your mind.
Summit with 500 youth
Eh all. Last saturday I went to a Eucharistic Adoration event called "The Summit." I think I've mentioned it before. This month it was at St. Mary's in Vancouver, and let me tell you it was awesome. They combined the teenager and college-level events together, and the result was 500 kids, many of whom were in tears (at times, that included me). At these events, young people bring up a vigil candle and place it on the altar beside the Blessed Sacrament while praise and worship music is sung.
I had the opportunity to film the event for S+L TV; they're interested in the footage for a special they're doing on eucharistic adoration. Those from Vancouver might remember last March when the monstrance blessed by JP2 was here; they came out and filmed that for the same story.
And then just yesterday I got to interview one of our local priests on the history of the devotion, for the same project.
So my work for S+L is only slightly hindered by not actually being in Toronto!
Anyway. Tomorrow is the life chain. I would encourage everybody to go out to witness to the tragedy of abortion.
I had the opportunity to film the event for S+L TV; they're interested in the footage for a special they're doing on eucharistic adoration. Those from Vancouver might remember last March when the monstrance blessed by JP2 was here; they came out and filmed that for the same story.
And then just yesterday I got to interview one of our local priests on the history of the devotion, for the same project.
So my work for S+L is only slightly hindered by not actually being in Toronto!
Anyway. Tomorrow is the life chain. I would encourage everybody to go out to witness to the tragedy of abortion.
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
updating sporadically throughout the year
Eh to all three of my devoted readers. I will be updating every so often - some more, some less - and I will try to keep you up to date on such things as school, S+L stuff, some interesting tidbits from the classes I'm taking, and stuff in general.
Here's something to whet your appetite:
"To adore the Lord in the Eucharist is to participate in the life of the Saints in heaven."
Which Saint/Blessed whose biography I'm currently reading said this?
I'll give you a hint: it's a modern incorruptible.
Here's something to whet your appetite:
"To adore the Lord in the Eucharist is to participate in the life of the Saints in heaven."
Which Saint/Blessed whose biography I'm currently reading said this?
I'll give you a hint: it's a modern incorruptible.
Thursday, September 07, 2006
I'm on tonight at 7:00 ET and 8:00 PT
Eh everybody. If you get S+L, watch at 7:00 ET and 8:00 PT and you'll see me doing the evening news. And by doing it, I mean I'm actually on camera.
Don't snicker.
Don't snicker.
A quick tour around the studio
Richmond street. This building is owned by the Gagliano family, who own St. Joseph Communications, Salt and Light Media Foundation, and several magazines including Toronto Life and Brides Today. They are all in the same building:
Salt and Light TV has the first floor:
The reception area is run by Flan, whose appartment we helped move mid-august (see the post "What a way to spend a Saturday"):
First room you run into is our studio. It currently has two permanent sets, with a third to be completed shortly. Please excuse the mess, that's my fault:
Exit the studio, and on your right is our workspace:
This one's mine:
Walk around to the back of the station and you'll find this charming picture of our boss with... the Boss.
Behind you is the chapel. The top of the altar is from the base of the one used at the final Mass at Downsview for WYD02. The chair at the top right is the one the Pope used:
On your right is the dining room. The table is from Strawberry Island, and JP2 ate lunch off of it during his time there. This is the busyest place in the office at any given time:
Well, that's your quick tour around the office. I'm leaving tomorrow (the b-day of Our Lady, and also my own birthday) for Vancouver to start my fourth year of Philosophy studies at the seminary.
And this is me pretending to look like I know what I'm doing:
Anyhow, ciao for now.
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
One week until school...
It's that time of the year again. (Sigh) One week until I head home, and then a day more until I head back to the Seminary.
I must say it's been a great summer. The atmosphere at Salt and Light TV is fantastic. The people are friendly, smart, professional, Catholic, and most of them are under 30. (T-Ros is often asked why he's taking a chance on young people. He says that they called him crazy to entrust so much to them for World Youth Day, but the youth didn't let him down... many of them are even continuing to work with him at S+L. Besides, the youth are the future, you know -- get them while they're young.)
Oh, and by the way, I'll be makin my debut appearance on S+L... actually, you won't see me, but you'll hear me announcing the upcoming schedule for Catholic Focus, airing this weekend.
Aside from that, my major contribution this summer has been filming our 5-minute news show, Zoom, that airs every evening at 7:00. And helping our cameramen George and Wally set up/ take down sets and lighting.
I'll try to post pictures of the station in the upcoming days.
I must say it's been a great summer. The atmosphere at Salt and Light TV is fantastic. The people are friendly, smart, professional, Catholic, and most of them are under 30. (T-Ros is often asked why he's taking a chance on young people. He says that they called him crazy to entrust so much to them for World Youth Day, but the youth didn't let him down... many of them are even continuing to work with him at S+L. Besides, the youth are the future, you know -- get them while they're young.)
Oh, and by the way, I'll be makin my debut appearance on S+L... actually, you won't see me, but you'll hear me announcing the upcoming schedule for Catholic Focus, airing this weekend.
Aside from that, my major contribution this summer has been filming our 5-minute news show, Zoom, that airs every evening at 7:00. And helping our cameramen George and Wally set up/ take down sets and lighting.
I'll try to post pictures of the station in the upcoming days.
Saturday, August 26, 2006
Steubenville trip
This weekend has been pretty cool. After a 15-hour bus ride, I got in to Steubenville at about 10:00. Joseph and Nicole have a beautiful 4-bedroom house they are renting for only 600 dollars a month (and it includes a pool. You can find a house for 40 thousand US):
The opening Mass for the university students was at 11:30; the bishop of Steubenville diocese was main celebrant and homilist. Mass was held in the athletic building because of the size of the congregation, which, fittingly, looks like a church, albeit a modern one:
Afterward we had lunch and toured the grounds:
where I found a replica of the Church of San Damiano (which is because the university is run by Franciscans):
then we went to the university bookstore where I bought Scott Hahn's latest book (he's a professor here.) Then we went home for dinner, after which we joined the weekly rosary walk organized by the Catholic families (and there are a lot of them) in the area. Joining us were Kimberly Hahn and hers and Scott's six kids (Scott was preparing his classes, which start on Tuesday) and three postulants of the Marian Fathers who live in the area.
Saturday we again went for Mass at the university (it was something of a charismatic Mass) and walked around the grounds. Then we went home and Joseph and Nicole invited the neighbourhood kids to play in the pool!
There's a great atmosphere at the university. Right of from the bat, the second and third-year students help the freshmen with settling in, and the parents, most of who come to see their children off, stay for the first few days of orientation and are given royal treatment. We met a family who were seeing their oldest son off. The father was Catholic and the mother was a converted Jew, and the son was entering a pre-theology program for those discerning the priesthood. The joy that the entire family showed was just inspirational.
Anyway. I'm leaving tomorrow for TO. Ciao for now.
A change in format
Eh, all. You can now post comments without having to log in to Blogger.com. Sorry about that. To leave a comment, scroll to the bottom of the post that you want to comment on, and click on "Comments." Then scroll to the bottom again and click "Post a Comment."
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Off to Steubenville
I'm travelling to Steubenville to visit two friends of mine, Joseph and Nicole, who moved there very recently so that Joseph could teach as an assistant professor in the biology department of Franciscan U. So I'll be off blogging for at least a day (not that I've been very faithful, mea culpa) because it's a 14-hour ride from TO to a city in West Virginia where I'll be picked up.
This past week saw the return of the university students, with an opening Mass tomorrow that I hope to be there in time for. Hopefully I'll be able to put up pictures.
This past week saw the return of the university students, with an opening Mass tomorrow that I hope to be there in time for. Hopefully I'll be able to put up pictures.
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