»My review of Abraham's Curse for The Catholic Review Online

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Reaching Africa and the World at Assumption College for Sisters

Last Saturday, May 18, I went to the graduation of 14 Religious Sisters from various congregations at Assumption College for Sisters in Mendham, NJ. It was a beautiful ceremony with Bishop Donato offering a few words and closing with Benediction. But more importantly is the spirit and life witness of these women from Africa and Vietnam who grace ACS with their lives and faith in Jesus. At ACS they receive a two year degree before moving on to other colleges to complete their education in education and health care. Then, its back to their home countries to bring their knowledge to the people who so desperately need their care, service and love.
I've been fortunate to have been an Adjunct Professor at ACS and will be teaching their this Fall a course in the letters of St. Paul. What strikes me most is the stories that these women share about the situations and people they minister too in their homeland. Persecution in Vietnam and poverty, AIDS and hardship in Africa. Separated from family these women bring back hope to their communities and offer year of service to the people and that in the end is what it is all about...love.
ACS is run by the Sisters of Christian Charity who have opened their doors and hearts to these Sisters and are in fact touching the and impacting the world.
Visit their website http://www.acs350.org/ for more info and ways to support. All the funding for the Sisters education, about $8000 a year per Sister, is from fund raising.

Pope Benedict XVI at Youth Rally April 19th

Pope Benedict XVI at the Youth Rally on April 19, 2008. What a great opportunity for myself and 10 UC students to spend the day at Dunwoodie Seminary and get to see and hear the Holy Father speak to the Seminarians and Youth. I'm still letting the experience sink in to tell the truth. While it was a long day-7:15am-11pm-it was an historic day and there is nothing like being in the presence of the Vicar of Christ, the sucessor of St. Peter.

The Look of Love

While the look between my wife and her children is without a doubt the most beautiful look of love....this picture is a close second. After the profession of 5 women as Missionaries of Charity some on=f the older MC Sisters were passing around and holding our newest addition who was about 1 month old. This picture was sent to me right before Christmas by the mother of one of the Sisters making her profession and it truely was one of the best gifts received this year. I'd rather see a sermon than hear one and this picture says it all.

One of my favorite Drives...Plainfield to the Bronx with Sister Nirmala MC

I received a call on Saturday, November 17th, to drive Sr. Nirmala MC, the successor to Mother Teresa, from Plainfield to the Bronx. I felt it was an opportunity of a lifetime and a highlight of my ministry experiences...to be a chaufeur for this Missionary of Charity. My wife and 2 small children drove over to Plainfield, we took 2 cars so they could go home after meeting Sr. Nirmala, and were invited to join in the evening prayers with the sisters. Many who have seen Sr. Nirmala know that she is no more than 4' 10" at most and quiet unassuming. After prayers ended we stayed in the chapel to be with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament while the sisters in formation had the chance to say their goodbyes to the head of the MC's and to receive a little present from her. Not only was I driving Sr. Nirmala to their house in the Bronx but I also was driving Sr. Assumpta MC -Head of the Contemplative Branch, Sr. Mary Ann-in charge of the Contemplative house in the Bronx and also Sr. Jeylenya-Head of the Contemplative house in San Diego. I've had the chance to know these sisters through my teaching at their house of formation in Plainfield and it was PURE JOY to be able to be with them. As we started out drive Sister Nirmala suggessted that we pray the Rosary so off we went. Then the sisters were asking about myself and family and teaching and they asked me to tell a Biblical Story from my first book. YIKES, talk about being put on the spot and of all people to be telling a Scripture story too. Well, Sr. Mary Ann suggested the 4 friends of the paralytic so I'm pretty obediant and told it like I was there. I then asked Sr. Nirmala about her first meeting with Mother Teresa and it was beautiful-there we were on the NJ Turnpike about to enter the GW Bridge and she is recalling her first meeting with Mother Teresa. Well, we arrived safe and it was nice reconnecting with some of the sisters who I knew from Plainfield and after a brief stop at the chapel I was on my way.

Old timey Diners-a slice of Heaven...with Coffee

One of my favorite things to do is to visit old diners. A bit odd I confess, but there is just

something about walking up to the stainless steel facade and sitting at the counter and ordering a ham and cheese omelet and looking down the counter. I'm not sure what it is but I enjoy it. New Jersey has well over 500 diners to choose from. http://www.njdiners.com/cgi-bin/listing.cgi?ALL This morning I drove up to Warren county to visit the CROSSROADS Diner in Bridgeview, NJ while my wife and children are in Texas. I was not disappointed. Imagine the joy as I saw that the Fountain Cola was RC Cola-ahh-the simple pleasures. About half way through my omelet an old guy took out his harmonica and played, 'On Top of Ol Smokey', much to my delight. Then is was on to the Royal Diner in Washington Township for a look around and a coffee to go. So, it was a good morning overall and the occasional 'Old Timey' Diner trip helps me move forward.

Family Conference-Theology of the Body

I've been invited to a number of parishes lately to communicate the 'Theology of the Body' message to both parents and their teens. Whether it's in Bridegwater, Flemington or most recently at Immaculate Conception Parish in Annandale, NJ, I find it VERY refreshing to see these parishes taking the initiative and offering something for both parents and teens as they sit together. Offering these conferences communicates that the Theology of the Body information is important and that parents and their teens both hear the same message. It allows opportunities for dialogue and for them to receive the same teaching. If not from the parents in a faith filled environment, their Church, what message about human sexuality gets communicated to young people today? I strongly recommend Dave Hajduk's book, Gods' Plan for You, which I feature below if you scroll down. The Sisters of Jesus Our Hope have really laid a great foundation and I'd be more than happy to pass on their contact information.

Allan being interviewed on Fr. Lou Scurti's show-"The Word: Alive and Well"

Thanks to Fr. Lou Scurti from the Diocese of Paterson NJ for inviting me on 2 shows of; "The WORD: Alive and Well" Fr. Scurti has a nice demanor and the whole experience was very professional. Thanks also to Rusty Myers who works at FOX yet comes in to coordinate the video and sond production on these half hour productions. Check out their site here -http://www.princeofpeacechapel.com/service.html -

My in studio interview with "The Catholic Guy" on SIRIUS Radio

On Wednesday, September 5th, I was invited on "The Catholic Guy" SIRIUS radio program. It was pretty cool going into NYC up to the SIRIUS studios in Rockefeller Center. It was because of my good friend Fr. Chern's recommendation and Amber Dolle's behind the scene work that I was able to go in. However, because of a contest, I had to do push ups for air time!! No problem however as I SMOTE the competetion with 43 push ups in 60 seconds. If you get a chance, listen to Lino's show on channel 159 and check out his website below. http://www.linorulli.com/

4 Books about the home-review for Catholic News Service

Here is a link to the review I did for the Catholic News Service concerning the 4 books pictured here. Of course they pale in comparisson to Jesus in the House but hey, others can try to write about the home as well! Just kidding! If I had to choose just one I'd choose the first one listed, Make Room For God. For my complete review just click the link below.

http://www.catholic.org/ae/books/review.php?id=24851