Up at the crack of dawn as usual, thanks to Tiny and Baby, who let us know with gallops across our chest, nose bites and hard-paw tactics that it was time to feed the kitties, even as Papa Ratzi was delivering a message of hope and love to a small flock of Turkish Catholics at Mary's House, "a small stone building among the woods above Ephesus. Tradition has it that this is where the Mother of Jesus spent her last years on earth." TV screen shot of the Holy Mass from the House of Mary via EWTN above.
Mid morning, Father Jonathan Morris, covering the Pope's visit to Turkey, tells the Fox News anchor that Papa Ratzi is saying that in order for us to be a civilized society, we have to reject violence in the name of religion, and we have to be tolerant of other religions:
If the Vatican had hired a high-profile Manhattan pr executive, it couldn't have done better. Now that the media's paying attention [thanks to Regensburg] his message of brotherhood and a bridge to peace is being heard.
A crazy-hour mad dash yesterday up the front stairs, across the hall and bedroom and then down the back stairs, ends with Baby pausing, wild eyed, atop the downstairs shower stall.
According to on-the-scene Fox News correspondent Jennifer Griffin, the Turkish headlines are gushing with admiration for Papa Ratzi's message of respect and outreach to the people of Turkey and the followers of Islam. "Turkish leaders appear to have been won over when the Prime Minister reported that the Pope is no longer opposed to Turkey's being admitted to the European Union," she reports. Didn't we just say?
His mission accomplished, Baby heads back down to floor level via the backside of the shower.
Why can't we all just get along, indeed. What if we get through this papal visit without a single deadly Muslim tantrum? Is this the miracle we have prayed for?
You have it. Tolerance. Can the human animal extend it? It is mighty hard if you don't believe all cultures are equal and you feel that the one you object to is destroying civilization. I wish I knew the answer.
Posted by: goomp | November 29, 2006 at 06:01 PM
wonderful Leader...
i am very appreciative of this fine Man...
Posted by: hnav | November 29, 2006 at 07:33 PM
The Pope is an inspiration to me as his predecessor frequently was not. There's just something about him that resonates.
The pics of your babies are, as always, delightful. My Tim is playful like that but Sam tends to be more "dignified" as befits his great age of 5-1/2 years! But get him in the right mood and look out! Last night he decided that Tim had gotten way too used to monopolizing my attention and Sam proceeded to put on a show of running and playing and actually jumping on my lap that was a delight.
Cats rule - at least yours and mine do!
Posted by: Gayle Miller | November 30, 2006 at 11:21 AM