This weekend I'll be playing at the Chicago Feis (held at Gaelic Park) and then I'll move into the Jesuit Community located in Hyde Park, IL. As many of you know, on Monday I will begin an intensive 5-week course in "German for Reading" so that, when all is said and done, I'll be able to read Karl Rahner, SJ in his native tongue.
Since I don't have a public site-counter running on this site, I thought I might mention that we've had nearly 1,000 visitors each day since I posted my (now infamous?) letter. I'd just like to share a few brief thoughts:
First, thank you to all who have commented here. I am glad that my observations and sentiments are striking a chord with many of you. I tried to be as fair and as balanced as possible while still trying to say something. I'm glad, then, to know that what I said has resonated with the experience of many.
Second, I am aware of the (inconsequential) discussion that has taken place on The Irish Dancing Message Board (www.voy.com/60473/). Again, it is obvious that most of the readers/commentors are supportive of my observations. The few critical voices are entitled to have an opinion, although I find them to be both woefully misinformed and wholly uncharitable. I don't mind engaging in a point-for-point discussion, but I do resent the ad hominim attacks leveled by some. Then again, they can attack me because I sign my name, but they choose to post anonymously. I reckon that such a choice is just an indication of the depth and quality of their character which, from what I have read from some of them, is more of a problem for them than it is for me.
In totally non-Irish dancing related news:
DoubleDay Books has invited me to write reviews on some of there Catholic books. Stay tuned for a full review of John Allen's Opus Dei and Pope Benedict XVI's Jesus of Nazareth.
4 comments:
I've read the former, but not the latter and look forward to seeing what you've got to say!
Ryan: Thank you for such eloquent observations--indeed I much agree with you. Best of luck in your studies and your journey-it is an admirable vocation. My uncle(now passed)was also a Jesuit priest-and I have the utmost respect for those who have been called. Hope to see you playing again at a feis or the Oireachtas-but will understand if you are absent.
God Speed
Elizabeth
Father Ryan,
I look forward to reading your reviews for DoubleDay - will you post a link to them?
And as for the pontification by anon posters ... they lurk in the dark and only dart out to post their comments. I tend to regard the majority in the same vein as I do other things that lurk in the dark and scatter when the light exposes them ... now where did I put that can of Raid? Just kidding, usually they provide a laugh (like the comment you needed to get out more and that members of the priesthood had no basis in marriage counseling).
Rats! I was just in Chicago!
Grumble, grumble.
-J.
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