Posts

“George, perhaps you can just play gently.”

This last minute advice from the conductor before my debut performance as a member of the fifth grade class band is a humbling segue into my present task of informing the good readers of WestView News about the newly installed 40 rank pipe organ gracing the choir loft of the Church of Saint Joseph’s.

In case your West Village ecclesial acumen is lacking, “St. Joe’s” is the Roman Catholic parish with the Greek revival columns on the corner of 6th Avenue and Washington Place. Its Protestant architectural form belies its popish allegiance for good reason. Constructed in an era when anti-Catholic sentiments took the form of torching the local parish it was a safer bet to try and “blend in.”

Its present day mission is to be a beacon of truth on this maddeningly mercurial island of Manhattan. St. Joseph’s is certainly what keeps me wired into the Gospel via the skillful, earthy, and often entertaining preaching of the Dominican friars who hold court there. And I’m not the only one. When NYU’s in session the 6:00 p.m. Sunday mass is packed with 650 people, mostly students and young professionals. While the other masses attract a different crowd the quality of music plays a significant role in drawing all of the attendees back again next week.

Throughout the year there are orchestral performances open to the public, including the Washington Square Music Festival. Blessed with an easily accessible location and perfect acoustics it’s not surprising that musicians flock to it.

The latest musical edition–this pipe organ of “untold sum” is the bequest of long time parishioner Clare Sabatino. Built by the LeTourneau Organ Company in St. Hyacinth, Canada it is Ms. Sabatino’s way of honoring her father who played the harp for the New York Philharmonic. Since my musically-challenged word is hardly convincing my only advice is to come have a listen at the next concert or stop in on Sunday at 11:30 a.m. when Bach, Mozart, and Byrd jockey for the honor of providing liturgical accompaniment. Latest concerts and events are listed at www.washingtonsquarecatholic.org. All are welcome.

 

 

Read more

There’s no arguing with an hour glass–even as beat up and weathered as the one in my parent’s New England home.  When the final specks of sand fall, it’s over.

With only a few grains left in 2014 there’s still time for a reflection on the passing year.

Today’s New York Times’ Year in Pictures is a fitting start.

And just to name a few 2014 foreign affairs highlights: Ukraine’s bold move standing up to Russia; ISIS’ reign of terror in Iraq and Syria; Taliban resurgence in post-NATO Afghanistan; the dual coronations by the media of Jeb and Hillary as heirs to the Republican and Democratic presidential nominations, respectively; European scapegoating of Netanyahu’s Israel; Ebola; Obama’s Cuban detente; ongoing genocide in Sudan/Darfur; the changing of the guard at the United Nations Security Council; and North Korean censorship going global.

In New York City the news of the moment is the New York Police Department’s unequivocal rejection of Mayor DeBlasio following the point blank execution of two officers in Bed-Stuy.  The Mayor’s solidarity with anti-NYPD protesters following the juried rulings in the Michael Brown and Eric Garner cases appears to have the entire police force disillusioned with his leadership.

And now for a handful of predictions: Another Pope Francis/Barack Obama photo-op during the pontiff’s visit state-side; ISIS loses big in Iraq (the clock’s ticking for Iraqi forces taking back Mosul); a full-court press by the Taliban to retake Afghanistan will leave them in control of a number of provinces, but the U.S. won’t let them raise their jihadi flag over the capital-city; the stock market is going to take a tumble and oil prices won’t stay low in 2015; the archdiocese of New York will not close St. Catherine of Siena (adjacent to Sloan Kettering) or St. Thomas More parish in Carnegie Hill; genocide in the Sudan (especially the Nuba Mountains) will garner a great deal of long overdue media attention; sanctions won’t deter Russia from meddling in Ukraine and other neighboring countries; Netanyahu wins the March elections; and Hillary and Jeb won’t be the presidential nominees.  The big question of 2015 is whether Assad can hold on to power in Syria.

Farewell 2014.  Didn’t see Ebola coming that’s for sure.  Let’s pray for a more peaceful and healthy 2015.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Read more