My World of Religion, Politics, Entertainment and Social Issues

Dear Blog Visitors: I want to take this opportunity to welcome Archbishop Timothy Dolan to the New York Archdiocese as retiring Cardinal Egan’s replacement. In light of this appointment, it is reasonable to assume that Archbishop Dolan will be elevated to the position of cardinal very soon. When Archbishop Dolan replaced Archbishop Rembert Weakland several years ago as leader of the Milwaukee Archdiocese, I recall there was a lot of nervous apprehension, because Dolan had a reputation for strict adherence to orthodoxy. I, for one, was sorry to see Weakland leave, despite the controversy that consumed him (involved in a relationship). In brief, Weakland was one of the few members of the Roman Catholic hierarchy I was able to communicate openly with, and he and I exchanged a few e-mails on the issue of priestly celibacy and what it would take for the pontiff to change this outdated policy. In addition, Weakland and I shared a love of classical music, and I often praised his abilities...

Dear Blog Visitors: I am delighted that local filmmaker, Liz Lehmann, has found success with her latest movie, 'Fury.' Liz is an extremely talented person who has worked hard over many years to bring her gifts to the public via the large screen. I first met Liz Lehmann around 17 years ago, whereby we embarked upon two projects together. In the first collaboration, she coached me on the intricacies involved with making a documentary on the single life in Rochester. Shortly thereafter, Liz asked me to be an actor in a film she was both writing and directing - namely, 'The Apple Orchard.' (I played a traveling preacher in the movie, which was perhaps an inkling toward my later real-life role as a married priest.) This was a great experience for me and it gave me greater insights into this talented woman. I look forward to being in attendance at the local screening of 'Fury' at the Little Theater on February 19. Let us hope Hollywood is paying serious attention...

Dear Blog Visitors: Today's post is somewhat of a departure from my usual commentaries dealing with reform in the Roman Catholic Church. For a change of pace, I thought you might like to hear a few segments from my days on the radio. In brief, I was known as 'The Wizard of Pun' on Rochester radio station WAXC. In this role, I was part of the daily morning show hosted by Ferdinand Jay Smith. (I served as 'The Wizard of Pun' from 1975-1978.) What follows is the web address that will take you to page that contains a 15-minute compilation of tapes that I have referred to as 'The Best of the Wizard of Pun.' When you get to the web page, simply choose the 'streaming' option from the list of formats. http://www.archive.org/details/TheBestOfTheWizardOfPunWaxcRochester

Dear Blog Visitors: Considering the Vatican's ridiculous treatment of married priests, I couldn't resist putting a video together in which I am being interrogated by three inquisitors. The purpose of doing this video is to simply highlight that in many respects, Benedict XVI has shoved the church back into the medieval period. While he and I share a love of classical music, we certaintly disagree on solutions to the priesthood shortage. While I see an advantage to bringing married priests and women priests into the mix, Benedict prefers the status quo of mandatory celibacy. For your viewing pleasure, here is my spoof on Vatican interrogations: