Grapes of Reflection 2024

Given how often I reflect on my blog about what's happening in my life, I feel like I'm in my element now that it's New Year's Eve and the time has once again arrived to conclude one calendar year and enter a new year.

Many, including news outlets, are reflecting on the year that is ending.

In accordance with a Spanish custom, I reflect on 2024 in the spirit of the 12 grapes consumed at the changing of the year, in the style of something that in past years, my Grandma led my family in doing.

I delight in reflecting on 2024 as I recall many travel opportunities, times when I connected with family and friends, times when I connected with significant moments in my personal past, beholding the wonders of the heavens and the earth, seeing the sights of the USA (like on Labor Day weekend), and beholding God's manifestations in His Church.  It all happened in a year with an extra day to behold God's wonders.

Throughout the year, I was touched by moments that truly lifted my spirits.  One was when I discovered Emma Kok's performance of "Dancing on the Stars".  Despite having a rare stomach condition that makes her unable to eat and relying on tubes for her nourishment, she sings so wonderfully, especially this song.  There's great power in how she sings, "It's good to be alive."  (I highly recommend spending 8 minutes watching the video that I've linked when you have a chance.)

Indeed, this year has provided many reasons why it's good to be alive.

1. I reconnected with my mission/service trip St. Augustine Mission when I traveled again to Winnebago. I was there for the Feast of St. Mother Katharine Drexel on March 3, and Nebraska's birthday on March 1. I also went to Omaha to connect with Cardinal Cupich's past and Father Dave.

2. For the first time in my life, I went on a mini-vacation for my birthday, doing it California-style as I celebrated Pat Nixon's birthday on the same day at the Nixon Presidential Museum.  I also had a great time with my college friends Tyler and Roy.

3. My wait to fulfill my eager desire to experience the totality of a Solar Eclipse finally was fulfilled on April 8 when I stood in the shadow cast by the moon in Greenup, IL, on what was quite an exciting day for people all over North America.

4. I had the wonderful opportunity to return to middle school when I was a presenter at Career Day at Julian Middle School.

5. Once again, I experienced so much great sightseeing and family time on our annual Washington, D.C., area trip in June.

6. I had so many ways to be present with family, like visiting with my parents in Tennnessee, seeing my Grandpa Martin's hometown of Ottumwa, celebrating the sacraments for my uncle's sponsee, celebrating my cousin Cindy Marie's 25-year birthday, and returning to Washington, D.C., in December to see A Candlelight Christmas, the annual December concert of The Washington Chorus.  (Please keep tuned to my blog in the coming weeks when I write a post about that trip.)

7. I made a significant advance in my participation in Knights of Columbus when I obtained my 4th Degree at an exemplification ceremony in June, right after my return from Washington, D.C., and right before our Independence Day holiday.

8. I had a fantastic time of sightseeing during Open House Chicago 2024 weekend and appreciating what's in Chicago.

9. At some point in the first part of 2024, I realized St. Teresa's in Valparaiso would mark its 50th anniversary this year.  And with great joy, I was back in Valparaiso to attend its 50th Anniversary Mass in August under a tent celebrated by Bishop McClory with a picnic lunch afterwards.

10. It was so special to celebrate Holy Name Cathedral's 175th Anniversary at a special Mass celebrated by Cardinal Cupich on Christ the King Sunday, November 24. This anniversary was also in close proximity to his 10th Anniversary of installation as Archbishop of Chicago. Earlier in the year, he turned 75.

11.  It was an extraordinary blessing to participate in the 10th National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis in mid-July. Those days were filled with so many graces, as we were together as Church encountering our God. Before the Congress, four pilgrimage routes crossed the country, and I attended two different Masses held along the Marian route.  And we were sent forth on mission, which gave me inspiration to speak about my experience at a Village Board meeting just days later.

12. While I was at the NEC, I thought of so much I could share about the experience, especially once September came and I started another year of Religious Education, in the spirit of living out my mission.  There have been so many other great Kairos moments in connecting with my students and leading them to encounters with God.  Some highlights included Confirmation Mass with Cardinal Cupich, showing the documentary God is Alive, packing meals at Feed My Starving Children at a table with all current Julian students, teaching about Theology of the Body, and sharing videos to illustrate the power of the Eucharist.

As I take stock of this whole year, I return to the National Eucharistic Congress, when we had adoration each day.  Adoration often ends with a song that seems so appropriate as we conclude a year of chronos time and marvel the Kairos moments in which God has made Himself known: "Holy God, we praise Thy Name..."

Farewell 2024! Blessed be God!

Above and below, I'm at the Basilica of the Naitonal Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, in photos taken by fellow visitors.  Below, I'm standing next to a mural in the Chapel for La Señora de Guadalupe.  We are processing from one year to another with the opportunity to encounter God.

2024 News and Events in Review

As I start reflecting on what happened in 2024, I recall a photo my brother shared from a trip he and his wife took to Europe in the summer.  In Belgium, there was a large sign that thanked people for voting.  My brother remarked that more people voted in elections during 2024 than in any previous year.

Notably, on June 2, Mexico elected its first female president, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, who was inaugurated on October 1.

While the USA was celebrating the national Declaration of Independence Holiday, Britain held elections that prompted a shift in power to a new political party.

The US elections had many twists and turns.  Donald Trump handily, well, trumped several Republican primary candidates to be the nominee, after not having participated in any of the debates.  Nikki Haley hung on for weeks after most of the other Republican candidates suspended their campaigns.  By the time of the primary in Illinois, there really wasn't much for me to choose on my ballot.

Joe Biden gave his State of the Union Speech on March 7 with a fiery tone after he secured the Democratic nomination. In an unusual move, a debate was held between Donald Trump and Joe Biden in late June. President Biden didn't make a great showing, and despite vocal support for his continued candidacy, the process was already underway to end his campaign and replace him.  In mid-July, Donald Trump survived an assassination attempt, right before the RNC in Milwaukee.  (After a Congressional hearing, the director of the Secret Service resigned.)  Mr. Trump picked J.D. Vance, the US Senator for Ohio, as his running mate.  Right after the RNC, Joe Biden announced he was suspending his campaign.  He was quickly replaced as the Democratic presidential nominee by Vice President Kamala Harris, who picked Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate right before the DNC in mid-August in Chicago.

Remarks by Kamala Harris and Joe Biden about Donald Trump led to Mr. Trump's appearance as a worker at a Pennsylvania McDonald's restaurant and then he showed up at a campaign rally in a garbage truck.  Those remarks may have been signs of a shift that voters weren't buying the Democratic campaign rhetoric, and Donald Trump clinched a significant electoral victory in November.

Among the Supreme Court cases this year was a case in March regarding the abortion pill.  Later in the year, the court heard arguments regarding a Tennessee law on transgender care.

Another once-every-four-year event was the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.  The opening ceremony was set along the Seine River and stirred enormous controversy when the Last Supper was mocked by a drag queen display.

Among those who departed from us this year were two notable people in the community of Oak Park: Harriette Gillem Robinet, a scientist and children's author, and Oak Park Police Detective Allan Reddins.  Close to the end of this year was the passing of President Jimmy Carter, who became the first former US president to reach the age of 100, which was back on October 1.

Two other presidential-related milestones were 100 years since the birth of George H.W. Bush and 150 years since the birth of Herbert Hoover.

It was also the 80th anniversary of D-Day, and fittingly, in close proximity was the 20th anniversary of the opening of the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Among the big name retirements this year were ABC 7 Chicago traffic reporter Roz Varon, Wheel of Fortune host Pat Sajak, and WGN Chief Meteorologist Tom Skilling.

A big cold blast hit much of the USA in January.  Major trpical storms included Francine and Helene that brought enormous flooding.  

Higher up above the earth's surface, millions marveled at a total solar eclipse when the moon cast a shadow over North America from Mexico's Pacific Coast to the Canadian maritime provinces.

One of the biggest events of the year was the 10th National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis from July 17-21.  It marked the resumption of the congress events that hadn't been held on a national scale in the USA in nearly 80 years.  Four pilgrimage routes traveled through different parts of the country, starting on Pentecost Sunday, and converged on Indianapolis in mid-July.  Tens of thousands of people participated in prayer and presentations by the biggest Catholic speakers including Father Mike Schmitz, Chris Stefanick, and Bishop Barron, both in the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium.  The concluding Mass was held in Lucas Oil Stadium celebrated by Cardinal Tagle.  In the immediate wake, commentators remarked at the scale of the event and marveled at the possibilities of its impact to come.

Dear 1036: Evergreen Memories

Dearly Beloved 1036 Clarence,

We always had a special decorative piece displayed on our front door.

During Advent time leading to the Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord on Christmas Day, we had an evergreen wreath, as is quite typical at this time of year.  It complimented the evergreen garland on the stairs.

The wreath evokes the evergreen trees:  While other trees drop their leaves by the arrival of winter, the evergreen trees remain green, symbolizing eternal life.

Just like the wreath, I continue to circle back to those wonderful blessed memories I have of you, which shall never fade into the background, but ever remain deep in my heart.

We are indeed ever connected in a way that transcends time, for what I experienced in you is in the fibers of my being, and has brought me alive as the person God has made me to be, that I may, in this life, attain the Abundant Life that leads to Heaven.

All my relations.

I'm not just lucky to have been with you for so many years, I am truly blessed.

With much love, joy, and gladness,

God's blessings,

Paul

21 for Illinois at 206: County Seats

Happy Birthday Illinois!

It's time to party like it's 1818 all over again.

There's much to celebrate about Illinois.  I thought about this back in April when I traveled to the southeast part of Illinois to watch the total solar eclipse in Greenup.  On my way there, I briefly stopped in Toledo, the seat of Cumberland County.

It got me thinking about the county seats of Illinois's 102 counties.

To celebrate today, here's a snapshot of what's in county seats in Illinois for another 21 for Illinois list for the 21st state.

1. Cheney Mansion in Jerseyville was once a stagecoach stop called the Little Red House.

2. The Golconda Marina offers access at a scenic spot along the Ohio River.

3. In Princeton is the Lovejoy Homestead, where abolitionist Elijah Lovejoy once lived.

4. In Clinton, the C.H. Moore Homestead was once the home of a leading Clinton citizen and now a museum and site of the Apple 'n Pork Festival.

5. The Bellefontaine House in Waterloo was the second American settlement in the Old Northwest Territory and the first in Illinois.

6. Marshall was near the eastern end of Illinois's portion of the Historic National Road and was named for US Supreme Court Chief Justice John Marshall.

7. Taylorville has the Christian County Historicla Society, with a collection of buildings on its campus including a courthouse where Abraham Lincoln participated in cases and a Bee Castle.

8. The Shastid House in Pittsfield was built by John Greene Shastid after he relocated from New Salem, where he was Abraham Lincoln's neighbor.  Whenever Mr. Lincoln would visit Pittsfield, he would stay at the Shastid House.

9. Mount Vernon has teh Jefferson County Historical Village, a collection of pioneer log cabins and other structures.

10. The Kibbe Museum in Carthage has impressive collections of historical artifacts.

11. Belvidere's Summerfield Farm and Zoo has a collection of exotic animals.

12. Sycamore is the location of the Blue Moon Bikes Vintage Stingray Museum.

13. Oregon, IL, has a Paddle Wheel Riverboat that docks along the Rock River.

14. Monmouth's Stoneware Museum has a large collection of pottery.

15. Macomb has the Living Lincoln Topiary Monument, a mixed media piece of art with stone, steel, and the beard formed by flowers and greenery.

16. The Monticello Railway Museum in Monticello offers the opportunity for excursion rides on vintage passenger trains.

17. The Illinois Riverdock Restaurant in Hardin has great views of the Illinois River.

18. Paxton has a Carnegie Library building.

19. Shelbyville has Lake Shelbyville.

20. The James Millikin Homestead in Decatur was built in 1876, the year of the USA's centennial.

21. The Putnam County Courthouse in Hennepin is the oldest courthouse in Illinois still serving its original purpose.

New Understanding of Sacraments

This evening 20 years ago, I attended the first of a series of monthly Confirmation preparation meetings.

It was the first opportunity we had to assemble in our small groups and meet our mentors.  My group had Mrs. Shinners and Mrs. Bakker as our mentors.

As would be different from the others, we met inside Ascension Church to focus more on our topic, the sacraments.

We were handed a quiz to see what we know about sacraments, and I had rather limited knowledge.  This meeting helped set that straight.  By the time I left, I had a very clear understanding of the 7 sacraments of the church.

It was fitting that the first meeting would have this topic.  As I reflect back 20 years later, I have come, through learning, to even greater understanding of the sacraments. They are encounters with God by which He infuses us with His grace.  Drawing us to Himself, we are brought alive to live with purpose, as I would come to experience myself when I was confirmed.

Dear 1036: The Vessel and the Centerpiece

Dearly Beloved 1036 Clarence,

I rejoice in celebrating this day when our family moved to Oak Park 32 years ago and settled in you.  It's time to party like it's 1992 all over again!  I give thanks for our family's many years in you, and also for my place in this community of Oak Park for 32 years.

As happens periodically, November 28 is on Thanksgiving Day, with a focus on coming together as family around a meal.

Often I have remarked that you have been a home where I have truly made a life.

Making a life has truly been real when I sat down for a meal.

Today is the kind of double holiday that evokes memories of great meals.

One particularly memorable Thanksgiving Day was in 2008.  My cousin from the Denver area, Brian, and two of his Navy comrades, all three of whom had just finished boot camp, joined us for our meal.  Carol Finnegan, a dear friend from church, was also there.  There was a palpable sense of goodness with our family being together and other friends with us, too.

Among the great food we had for dinner day after day, pork tenderloin was an especially tasty meal, particularly when it came fresh off the grill.  So much good food came off that grill.

Another significant piece of cookware was the crock pot.  One year, for New Year's Day, Mom made meatballs in the crockpot.  We invited both Grandmas to dinner, and both ended up staying home.  As a spur-of-the-moment action, we invited our good friends, the Reiters, who lived a block away. They came with two or three of their tenants who came from other countries.  It was a wonderful meal.

One year on Nativity/Christmas Day, Mom and Dad made a roast in the crockpot which included Coca-Cola.

Mom encountered lots of nice recipes.  One of my favorites was taco pie.  She was also really good at making enchiladas, particularly the white chicken enchiladas.

When Naomi and Eric married, they contributed fine side dishes to holiday meals, like homemade falafel and a wild rice/sweet potato dish.

All of this food gave way to wonderful smells wafting out of the kitchen.  I have memories of so many pleasant smells, a signal that we would sit down and enjoy each other's company with great food.

For many Thanksgiving meals, we had a black pan that came in very handy for cooking the turkey.

The pan was a vessel for the turkey, which was a centerpiece for an august meal.  It's just like you, beloved 1036 Clarence, are a vessel for a huge swath of my life and our family experience. Furthermore, you remain a centerpiece, a special place that will not fade into the background, but remain deep in my heart, deeply beloved.

Through these memories, we remain connected.

All my relations.

You are a place that deserves to be continuously remembered and celebrated.

I declare once again that we're not just lucky for our years with you, but we are blessed.

Joyful, joyful we adore the Lord!

God's blessings,

Paul

Mom took this photo of the cooking pan on the dining room table, both fixtures for years at 1036 Clarence

Thanksgiving Thoughts 2024

Thanksgiving Day is a holiday that combines so many significant elements and evokes what matters most in life.

Life is a gift and is full of goodness, and we see that in so many ways.

Like Presidents Washington and Lincoln wrote in their 1789 and 1863 Thanksgiving Day proclamations, respectively, we can look all around to see robust industry and an abundance of goods, especially from our fields.

Even with the troubles we face, we can still find ways to be grateful.  Case in point, President Lincoln established this day as an annual national holiday during a terrible war that emphasized the intense divides in our country, which we experience in different ways in our own day.

Yet we can still be grateful for what is good about this country and what is working, like the ways that people, even in government, are finding points of agreement and working to serve others.  Furthermore, our country was founded on principles of freedom and liberty which led to a structure that allows us to participate by casting our votes and then engaging in other ways beyond the election.  Our founding principles are truly a gift that make it possible for us to flourish.

It's great that in a month with elections in the first week, we have this holiday toward the end of the month to remind us of what's at our core.

Another important, national-scale event took place earlier this year, the National Eucharistic Congress (NEC) in mid-July. In light of the NEC and the four Eucharistic pilgrimages that led to it, which brought thousands together, I'm reminded of how Thanksgiving is so much a part of Catholic practice because the Eucharist, the heart of the Mass, is from the Greek word for Thanksgiving.

Seeing thousands of people come together for the National Eucharistic Congress was so uplifting as we came acknowledging the presence of God among us, and the goodness He imparts to us.

In light of the Eucharist, we see that life is a wondrous gift from God, Who is the source of all goodness. His character manifests timeless realities of Love, Truth, Beauty, and Goodness.  He has created us with great value, and fills us so that we can be a gift to one another.

We can summon  goodness and share it with those around us, since our human experience is enriched when we join together in communal experiences.  Thanksgiving Day is a great example of how a meal is great, and it's even better when shared with others.

Indeed, it's a gift that God gave us life, has filled us with His presence and goodness, put us in communal structures, and gives us the opportunity to achieve our fullest potential by being gift to one another.

I spoke with my students in RE class recently about Pope St. John Paul II's Theology of the Body, which answers the question, "What does it mean to be human?"

Life is a gift, and as we are aware of all goodness around us, we live out Who God created us to be, living for His praise because of the many ways we are aware of His goodness.  Indeed, our worth in God's eyes gives us a deep purpose for life.

One great example of someone who lived with purpose was Michelle Duppong.  In both her ministry as a FOCUS missionary and then working for the Diocese of Bismarck, she put faith into action by shining God's radiance toward others and leading them to encounters with Him.  Her faith helped her keep up her morale even in the midst of cancer treatments.  Now, her cause for canonization is underway, and she continues to be a beacon of hope.  Her parents were at the NEC, promoting her cause for canonization, and I met them.

Yes, we have been created as a gift, and we have the great purpose of being a gift of blessing to others.  Thanksgiving Day is special for me as a holiday that reminds me of what's great about the United States, and its spiritual overtones lifts me up to rejoice in God, the source of all goodness.  We realize that we're not just lucky, we're blessed.

On this day that marks 32 years since my family moved to Oak Park, which remains my hometown, I give thanks for my place in this community, in this country, and in the Church, by which we praise our God and live our mission.

God bless the USA!

And here's an inspirational performance of "America, the Beautiful" by Claire and Dave Crosby, to bring it all together on this special day.

Appreciating Chicago Once Again at Open House Chicago 2024

I got to open up Chicago a little bit more once again for the annual Open House Chicago weekend 2024.

Saturday, October 19, was my volunteer day.  I rode the Green Line to Central Avenue, and then walked about 5-10 minutes to St. Martin's Episcopal Church, in what was turning out to be a great weather weekend.  Juding by two windows near the church's entrance, I figured this church was named for St. Martin of Tours.

I kept company with some members of the church seated near the typical entrance of the church in an area joining the sanctuary and additional offices/rooms.

When another church member showed up and suggested opening the main doors, I offered to sit there and watch for visitors.  By this point, the pleasantly mild temperatures were already present, and it was nice to sit the doorway and feel the air.

A woman came with her son, and at one point, they went up to a podium with a microphone and someone from the church encourage him to sing.  I eventually got in on the act and sang some songs I know.

I moved back to the other entry hallway around 4 PM when some of the church members left.

From the front steps looking side St. Martin's

The sanctuary

One of the church members photographed me posing near the altar.

Exterior of St. Martin's

At 5 PM, the visitation period ended, and about 5 minutes later, I was on my way back to the Green Line and then back to Oak Park.  On the platform, I got a great view of the Austin Town Hall, and the Notre Dame Church.  As the train headed west, I got a great view of St. Martin's through some trees.

The next day, Sunday I departed homebase between 11:30-12:00.  As I walked to the Harlem Station, I felt it was definitely another great weather day. I got the eastbound Green Line train departure around 12 noon.

I detrained at Morgan and found some cafe seating to eat my lunch before heading to the CTA Control Center.  When I learned it was suddenly unavailable for tours, I decided to visit the 345 N. Morgan Office building nearby.  This building has lots of great amenities for its workers, including an outdoor terrace.

View toward the Loop from a conference room

Seating

View looking west from the outdoor area

Above and below are views of the outdoor seating.

While I missed out on the CTA Control Center, I did get a great view of a CTA car on top of a nearby building.

By 1:00 PM, I was on the Green Line again.  I rode it to 43rd Street, further south than I've ever gone before on it.  When I disembarked, I walked right next door to the station to visit The Forum.  It was once a performing arts venue in Bronzeville.  Now efforts are underway to restore it.  While there, I was also glad to learn that the neighborhood is now part of the Bronzeville-Black Metropolis National Heritage Area under the auspices of the National Park Service.

The stage

Looking out a window toward the east along 43rd Street

Interior view of the Forum

Above and below are pieces of artwork on the walls of The Forum.

Plaque on the exterior wall of The Forum

The Forum as viewed from the platform of the Green Line 43rd Street Station

Next, I rode the Green line to Cermak-McCormick Place and walked from there to the Wheeler Mansion.  On the way to Bronzeville, I saw an OHC volunteer who was headed to this mansion.  I decided, on a whim, to check it out.

Front of the Wheeler Mansion

Inside one of the bedrooms

A model of the USS Constitution

ABove and below are photos of other bedrooms

A parlor space near the front entrance

The kitchen in the lower level

The two mansion dogs, Chloe (right) and Windy (left) with their handler

Decorative window over the staircase

The backyard space

Patio out the back door

Outdoor seating on the north side of the mansion

Then it was back to the Green Line for a short ride to the Loop.

I intended to visit teh Cliff Dwellers' Club, not realizing it was open only on Saturday.  Yet it was right by Orchestra Hall, so I visited there instead.

I got to go up on stage and pose at the conductor's stand.

View of the stage

View from the stage toward the seating

People could go up on stage and pose at the conductor's stand, and I certainly took advantage of the opportunity to strike a pose for conducting my own symphony:

I believe someone on the CSO staff took my photo, as she was doing for others.

Then I went to the Thomas Room on the ninth floor, which had outstanding views of Grant Park and the Lakefront.

View looking southeast toward Grant Park, with the hourly jet plume shooting up from Buckingham Fountain

View looking northeast toward the Art Institute and Millenium Park

View looking straight east toward Lake Michigan

View of the terrace outside the Thomas Room

Inside the Thomas Club

View looking out from the Thomas Club

View inside the Thomas Club

To cap off my time of sightseeing, I got some more great skyline views at 333 S. Wabash.  There was an empty floor space with great views toward Buckingham Fountain, Grant Park, and Lake Michigan, to the southwest, and to the Sears Tower to the west.

View looking southwest

View of the inside of the floor open for viewing

View to the east-southeast toward Buckingham Fountain

View to the south, including the elevated CTA tracks

View to the west, including the Sears Tower and 333 S. Wacker

View looking up at the exterior of 333 S. Wabash from the ground level outside

A fellow visitor photographed me with Grant Park in the background.

A fellow visitor photographed me with the Sears Tower in the background.

Following my visit there, it was just a short walk to the Green Line and then back to Oak Park.

Once again, OHC was a great weekend in which I connected more deeply with Chicago.  I got to see a great mixture of places, even when my plans worked out differently than I thought ahead of time. There were also some pleasant surprises along the way in visiting places I hadn't planned for ahead of time. All in all, I enjoyed everything that I saw, and it gave me a profound sense of satisfaction and pride to be part of Chicago.