Blog

Here's a quick video review of the book "The Spirituality of Fasting."

This is going to be an awesome documentary. Pope John Paul II called Blessed James Alberione the first apostle of the New Evangelization.

The Pauline Family is the family to which Char and I belong... in the Holy Family Institute. Watch the video and let me know what you think! Comment below.

If you listened to episode 62 (Who Be Rouxbe?), then you heard about our Lenten plans here at the Catholic Foodie. We are going to go through a series of reflections using two movies: Babette's Feast and Shawshank Redemption.

I love Fr. Leo and his Grace Before Meals. His work is very similar to what I am trying to do here at the Catholic Foodie. Food, family, faith, and fun. It's all here at catholicfoodie.com. Like me, Fr. Leo is also trying to get families back to the kitchen and to the kitchen table.

Last night we were privileged to attend the Bacchus parade in New Orleans. We staked out a spot (or actually, Big D staked out a spot) on St. Charles Avenue, right in front of Cannon's Restaurant. We were on the neutral ground, and Big D had set up a couple of 10ft. ladders. Perfect for catching beads. The parade started to roll at 5:15, so the night descended upon us before the float started to pass by. And the crowd! Unbelievable! I can't begin to describe to you the number of people lining St. Charles Avenue. Wow! You might get a sense of it though by watching the video below.

Here is some video I shot at the Saints victory parade in New Orleans on Tuesday, February 9, 2010. We are proud of our New Orleans Saints!

It is reported that there were 800,000 to 1 million people at that parade. It was truly amazing.

WHO DAT!

In 1968 Archbishop Philip M. Hannan, then Archbishop of New Orleans, penned a prayer for the New Orleans Saints. It was originally delivered at the first Saints and Sinners banquet.

This is cool. 

WHO DAT!

GEAUX SAINTS!

Well, I don't really love MacGourmet. At least not in the same way that I love my family... my faith... and, occasionally, an exceptional pizza from one of those deliciously run-down mom & pop establishments. But, I do have to say that MacGourmet ROCKS!

I read a book a number of years ago that really stuck me by it's simplicity and depth. The Privilege to Be Catholic by Fr. Oscar Lukefahr, C.M.

I just got back from lunch duty. And you're not going to believe what I saw. Take a good look at this picture.

Look again.

What do you see?

Can you recognize all the items on that plate?

I'd love to tell you what I see... but I'm afraid it wouldn't be very nice. I can tell you what I don't see. I don't see real food.

I honestly can't believe that schools feed this stuff to our children. I also can't believe that our children eat it.

I read a lot of blogs. Or at least I try to. Sometimes I get behind. And sometimes I have the chance to catch up, like today.

I came across a blog post this morning, and I just have to share it with you!

So... the party after the baptism had a Lebanese motif. The Christmas celebration with Char's family was Italian-themed. And Christmas eve with my parents was down-home New Orleans.

In lieu of the work-intensive and elaborate cooking that I usually enjoy, Char and I decided on something simple, yet delicious. Muffulettas.

So, what is a muffuletta?

It's an Italian sandwich first created in the deli at Central Grocery on Decatur Street.

It's unusual for us, but this year we had three Christmases... at least we celebrated Christmas three times with family. Sort of.

Actually, the first Christmas celebration was a baptism. My brother-in-law (Norman) and his wife (Elizabeth) had their fourth child baptized the Sunday before Christmas. So, Char and I packed up the van, loaded the kids in, and drove to Baton Rouge for the Mass and reception.

OK. It was not much. I admit that. But, still, it was snow. In South Louisiana. For the second time in a 12 month period.

Wow!

My kids have seen snow three times in their life. My oldest child is now ten years old. Char and I have seen snow, in South Louisiana, maybe five times. And we're... well, I won't say how old we are. But I'll give you a hint: my age is the last two-digit number that begins with a 3. (Shhhh. Let's keep that between you and me.)

Here is a brief photo story of the snow last Friday night.

Enjoy!