Tonight I'm relaxing after another busy day at the office; fulfilling yet busy. I had to take a ride this afternoon to the Southshore and witnessed some of the flavor of the New Orleans Saints fever sweeping the whole region. We are continuing to soak in all the excitement of these amazing days where we are preparing to witness the Saints in the SuperBowl. Even our bank office is decorated with all things Saints! And the clients love it! I can never fully explain what this football team and this magical season have meant to the psyche of a people; of an entire community. Geaux Saints.
I recently had a pretty deep, and sincere, conversation about all the Catholic Churches that are canceling or rescheduling evening Mass on Sunday because of the phenomena of the Saints in the Super Bowl. The concern goes something like this; are we placing the Super Bowl ahead of God or does the Saints in the big game mean more than the holy sacrifice of the Mass? Good questions. Of course, the answer is we all indeed understand priorities and would never diminish praising God. Here is the deal. None of the parishes that are adjusting the schedule have a Sunday evening Mass only. Parishes are working with their neighbor parishes and insuring ample opportunity to celebrate Mass on Super Bowl weekend. Masses are being added on Saturday evening, Sunday morning and late afternoon masses are replacing Sunday night. Pastoral concerns call for the Mass to be available to the largest number of folks possible and do nothing to encourage skipping Mass all together. During the NFC championship two weeks ago, we had 40 people for Mass when 200 or more is the norm. And don't worry, the Archdiocese has blessed the plan as we Catholics even understand the miracle that is the New Orleans Saints in the Super Bowl.
Now, on an all-together different subject; more sad news coming from the island-nation of Haiti. Today, officials declared that the death toll has officially surpassed the 200,000 mark. The pain & agony is still real and raw. Aid continues to pour in yet reports still claim that much of the aid does not get to those most adversly affected. Please continue to pray for and donate to the people of Haiti.
Mardi Gras is also upon us in south Louisiana and Friday night begins a week and a half of non-stop parades and other Carnival activity. Over here on the Northshore we have a big night parade Friday in Mandeville, the quirky Push-mow parade in Abita Springs Saturday morning and another night parade in Covington on Saturday. Just remember, this is the prelude to Lent.
Saturday brings the election for a new mayor, city council and other offices in the City of New Orleans. Because of the excitement of the Saints and Mardi Gras too, it's been a big yawner. After enduring some sloppy leadership post Katrina my concern is that New Orleans will do little to change the political dynamic that continually prevents New Orleans from maximizing it's full potential. And if you can believe early polls, it looks like more of a political coronation of the son of a good ole boy political family dynasty; Louisiana's version of the Kennedy's.
In my profile, I explain that I love all things LSU. The fact that the Tigers have won two national football championships and one national baseball championship in the past 6-7 years helps. But what is the deal with LSU men's basketball. They stink. The roundball Tigers are losing like crazy and have yet to win a SEC game. C'mon LSU; is not your program capable of producing something we can be proud of?
Well, I said these are random thoughts. So let's just end with a sincere Who Dat and Geaux Saints!
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