Oklahomans like to call us Papists. I don’t really have a problem with it. After all, what are they supposed to call us – Druids? But it’s clear they mean to use “Papists” as a derogatory slight against us. Hence, I say we do to their slur exactly what we did to “Fighting Irish” 80-some years ago: We embrace it. Let’s make the Sooners cringe in the face of our Catholicism. And how better to do that than to call on the super-powers of our super-hero Catholics, the Saints. I mean all the ...
Irish Blogger Gathering: The Sooner vs. The Better
I always like a good party, soiree, or get-together. So I was very excited when I was invited to this Gathering. Then I learned it was a test – not a figurative trick or trial, but literally a test in which I had to answer questions. I guess this is how it’s done these days. Lure students with the promise of something fun (like a week off school) and then hit them with the something truly sinister (like midterm exams). Fortunately, the subject of the test was a particular favorite of ...
Good Fridays w/Padre: Article of Faith
Tomorrow we play another famously faith-based, religiously-affiliated university. As a courtesy to those approaching this game, who might be unfamiliar with Catholicism, I will now provide a brief recitation of its most important aspects in a user-friendly question-and-answer catechism format. For students, reading this counts as part of your Theology requirement. For alumni and fans, this will provide a plenary indulgence (although contributions are still accepted). ...
Good Fridays w/Padre: Soul Searching
Where’s the passion? No, not The Passion. That comes as the end of every Gospel. I mean where’s the zeal, where’s the drive, where’s the ardor and the ecstasy, the fervor and the fury? Where’s Stanford’s soul? It’s nonexistent, as far as I can tell. Stanford is a blackened husk of a place, a hollow shell, a shadow, a shade, a cavern in which not even a still, small voice is heard. Stanford is inanimate. Just look at their mascot. ...
Good Fridays w/Padre: Sins
Sure, when Miami enters the discussion, sin is one of the first things that leaps unbidden into the mind. But as the famous shirts of a bygone era in this rivalry proclaim, we are Catholics. And that means we love being reminded that we are sinners. We do guilt really well. So let me sound a cautionary note for our lads at this critical juncture in the season; and since I’m a generous minister of Grace and wish everyone to come to Salvation, I will also counsel the Hurricanes – in terms that ...
Good Fridays w/Padre: Mysteries
A bye-week is a good time for contemplating and meditation. Here are some imponderables to ponder in peace. ...
Good Fridays w/Padre: Sports&Letters
When I started this Indiana adventure, my boss, Fr. Basil Moreau, required that I send regular written reports back to France. I suppose he wanted to keep tabs on his personnel, because it wasn’t like he was spending one thin franc on the whole project. Anyway, I dutifully dispatched informative missives across the Atlantic on a regular basis. These days, the current administration seems to enjoy peddling excerpts of my letters like a jilted mistress. Since we’re in a big anniversary year, I ...
Good Fridays w/Padre: Clash of Civilizations
A lot of chins are wagging and ink is being spilled making comparisons between our lads and the Michigan State thugs squad in advance of tomorrow night’s game. Both teams have two wins and no losses. Both are working with quarterbacks who were brand-spanking-new at the start of this season. And both are among the top 20 teams in the country (with Michigan State being number 10, if you believe those witchdoctors, which I do not). Taking the long view, as I am wont to do, there really is no ...
Good Fridays w/Padre: Intercessions
We have played one game on the Auld Sod. Now we come home to the Hallowed Ground. Notre Dame Stadium is a sacred place. This is the place where the Irish faithful gather. And so in my priestly capacity, I offer these prayers for those faithful, in the joyful hope that we might begin a season unblemished by defeats, inspired by confidence, exalted by victory. Besides, lately our Stadium has been as quiet as a church, so we might as well treat it like one. ...
Good Fridays w/Padre: RealIrish
We’re on the cusp of a new season! Yet, because we’re playing the first game in another land, I fear some of our fans don’t appreciate the moment because they don’t quite understand what’s being said. I am going to do my best to take a little time now and fill folks in on some basic Irish slang I’ve learned. This will be of service to our fans who have come across the ocean for the game, our fans who will be staying at home for the event, and perhaps even our fine young men and women who are ...