A weekly column of benevolent gossip

—Camera—action! — The Christophers invite college students to enter their 14th annual video contest. Graduate and undergraduate students must interpret the theme “One Person Can Make A Difference,” using film or video, five minutes or less in length. Past winners have used drama, comedy, documentary, news format, music video and animation. Each entry must have an official entry form. Call (212) 759-4050 or visit www.christophers.org/contests.html. Dead line for entries is June 15.

Point of order — Dominican Father Robert Goedert wants to weigh in on a quote that appeared in Clips March 11. It was taken from a press release of the local Knights of Columbus Right to Life Committee. While it is salutary that the Feast of the Annunciation, March 25, will be reserved as the Knights’ No. 1 pro-life feastday, Father Goedert says it is not correct to refer to Mary as “single” or “unmarried.” He says in the Jewish parlance of her day, our contemporary English translation of “betrothed” or “engaged” actually meant Mary and Joseph had said their vows and were legally married, but not yet living together.

More Mary-news — For the many callers to The Catholic New World who miss the recitation of the rosary on Catholic Family Radio, Pauline Books & Media have a cassette with Cardinal Bernard Law leading the rosary; another called “The Seven Day Scriptural Rosary” and the rosary recited in English by Pope John Paul II (his only authorized recording). They cost between $15 and $20, plus shipping, from (312) 346-5415. . . . The Scriptural Rosary — the way the rosary was once prayed in Western Christendom in the late Middle Ages—is making a reappearance. People recite a different little thought or meditation on each bead. This medieval rosary has been described by some as “the highest form of non-liturgical prayer ever developed in Christianity.” . . . Rosaries for Life, the idea of young Patrick Benedict of Blessed Sacrament Parish in Memphis, is taking on momentum. He told Clips by phone this week that his million-rosary-recitation of the Joyful Mysteries set for 8 a.m. May 12, will soon have a website at www.rosariesforlife.org. He is also encouraged to receive pledges from junior high students. Interested participants can write him at P. O. Box 41831, Memphis, TN 38174. Include a 34-cent stamp and receive a form to list those who will be part of this prayer-strategy to end abortion (and return it to him).

Continuation on a theme — Four young women postulants have taken the first step in formation with the Little Sisters of the Poor in the sisters’ home in Palatine. The congregation will celebrate 125 years of service to the elderly poor of Chicago at 1:30 p.m. Mass April 18 with Cardinal George, followed by a reception and tour of St. Mary’s Home, 2325 N. Lakewood. In their early memoirs the sisters describe their arrival in Chicago in 1876 and settling in at Halsted and Polk streets. They recall a man’s generosity in giving them a wagon and of another who gave them “a young and very gentle horse” so they could begin begging. The sisters also never forgot the St. Vincent de Paul Society that provided them with coal for their first winter here.

People and places — Marie Morman has out-lived nine popes and 18 presidents. She may even recall a Cubs pennant and a Republican mayor. At 100 she claims title as “the oldest lector in the arch.” Want to argue with her? Born March 25, 1901 in St. Augustine Parish (S. Laflin), she now reads for Mass almost daily (and exceptionally well) at Franciscan Village in Lemont. And you better believe she’s going to celebrate her birthday. . . . Marian Catholic Marching Band, not resting on its laurels after the Presidential Inaugural Parade, will do a “command performance” at 7 p.m. March 29 at Governors State University (University Park), to kickoff its $200,000 instrument endowment fund. Call Peg at (708) 756-9427 for tickets. . . . And the Knights of Columbus-Tonti Council #1567 will take part in an Annunciation Mass and candlelight procession with the Blessed Sacrament, to celebrate life at 7 p.m. March 26 at St. Ferdinand Church, 5900 W. Barry, led by Bishop Jerome Listecki. . . . Duncan Guild and his wife, Mary Ann, were recipients of the St. Emeric Parish Award last month. Residents for 41 years in Country Club Hills, being active in nearly every facet of parish life, they were honored for their “commitment and faithfulness.”

Send your benevolent gossip to Church Clips, 721 N. LaSalle St., Chicago, IL 60610 or via e-mail to: dmadlener@catholicnewworld.com

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