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Burt's a cousin on my mother's side of the family. Sincere thanks for your prayers. He's very much at peace and is sharing that wealth. My mother and I were providentially fortunate to see him Monday, as he's very weak and has decided not to see anyone but his siblings. He ordered a halt to the chemo, and is doing his best to die a holy death.

Yes, Church-wide things are looking grim. In this fallen world, this is normal, I think. Was it not ever thus?

Here's the Jerome quote. Shall I tell you what Burt said about him over dinner last November? We were discussing Sta. Maria Maggiore's treasure trove of relics with a Bethlehem association. I mentioned that Jerome, who translated the Vulgate in Bethlehem, saw the manger there and may have arranged to have it sent to the great Marian basilica in Rome, to add to its relics. Burt's eyes lit up. "Oh, we've got him too!" You would have adored him.

We were discussing Sta. Maria Maggiore's treasure trove of relics with a Bethlehem association. I mentioned that Jerome, who translated the Vulgate in Bethlehem, saw the manger there and may have arranged to have it sent to the great Marian basilica in Rome, to add to its relics. Burt's eyes lit up. "Oh, we've got him too!"

Speaking of relics, I will be in Illinois this weekend for a family gathering. On Sunday I will be attending the Tridentine High Mass at St. John Cantius in Chicago. I found out on their Web site that they have many relics (not as many as SMM, I'm certain) including a first class relic of St. Padre Pio.