[ELS]

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.

[Romulus]

Have a wonderful trip. I'm sorry to say I'm going to miss Mass altogether this weekend, as I'll be backpacking on the Appalachian Trail in the NE corner of Tennessee. And Pentecost is one of my favorites, too -- so remember this poor sinner in the Southern highlands. Next week I'll attend, but it'll be at the Confirmation of my god daughter in Little Rock -- a stripped-down and sentimentalised NO affair, I fear. A whole lot of traveling recently. This month has been a blur.