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Monday Night at the Movies
The Bells of St. Mary's
The
Bells of St. Mary’s (1945)
tells the story of Father O’Malley and Sister Benedict working
together—sometimes clashing, sometimes harmonizing—to save a struggling
Catholic school. The film offers Catholic lessons on faith, perseverance,
charity, and the power of community love.
🎬 Movie Summary
Setting: An
inner-city Catholic parish school, St. Mary’s, run by nuns under Sister Mary
Benedict.
Main
Characters:
Father Charles “Chuck” O’Malley (Bing Crosby), a
progressive priest.
Sister Mary Benedict (Ingrid Bergman), a devoted and
traditional nun.
Conflict: The
school building is deteriorating and faces condemnation. Sister Benedict hopes
a wealthy businessman, Horace Bogardus, will donate his new building next door
to the parish. Father O’Malley is more pragmatic, considering closure.
Subplots:
Mary Gallagher, a struggling mother, enrolls her
daughter Patsy, who battles academic failure and shame.
Sister Benedict falls ill with tuberculosis and must
be transferred, though she is not told the full truth to preserve her spirit.
Bogardus, initially selfish, is moved to acts of
charity and ultimately donates his building to the school.
Resolution: Despite
hardships, the school is saved, Patsy finds hope, and Sister Benedict departs
with faith intact.
✝️ Catholic Lessons
Drawing
from Catholic spirituality and biblical principles, the film conveys several
enduring lessons:
Faith
and Providence:
Sister Benedict’s unwavering trust in God reflects Matthew 17:20—faith as small
as a mustard seed can move mountains. Her belief that God will provide teaches
reliance on divine providence.
Perseverance
in Mission:
The sisters’ determination to keep the school alive embodies Catholic teaching
on vocation—remaining steadfast in service despite obstacles.
Charity
and Conversion:
Bogardus’ transformation from selfishness to generosity illustrates the
Catholic call to conversion and the healing power of good works (cf. James
2:17).
Community
and Love:
The collaboration between Father O’Malley and Sister Benedict, despite
differences, shows how love and respect build unity. This echoes 1 Peter 4:8:
“Above all, love each other deeply”.
Education
as Formation:
The insistence on academic integrity (Patsy failing honestly rather than being
passed) highlights Catholic values of truth, discipline, and moral character in
education.
Suffering
and Redemptive Hope:
Sister Benedict’s illness and quiet acceptance reflect Catholic teaching on
redemptive suffering—bearing trials with faith and offering them to God.
🌟 Why It Endures
The
Bells of St. Mary’s remains
beloved because it blends warm humor, human struggle, and spiritual depth.
It portrays Catholic life not as rigid rules but as a living faith—where
perseverance, charity, and love transform both individuals and communities.
Copilot-In The
Bells of St. Mary’s, Father O’Malley and Sister Benedict embody the
Catholic conviction that faith, charity, and perseverance can redeem even the
hardest situations. The school is saved not by force, but by
conversion—Bogardus, the businessman, is moved to generosity, and a struggling
child finds hope through honest discipline. The film’s lesson is clear: God’s
providence works through human cooperation, and redemption is possible when
hearts are softened.
Yet,
as Bill O’Reilly points out in his Sunday reflection, Catholic preaching today
often emphasizes encouragement over warning. The Gospel itself reminds us that
many may choose paths that lead to damnation, though modern homilies rarely
dwell on Gehenna. O’Reilly contrasts this gentleness with the Puritan
fire-and-brimstone tradition, noting that while threats of hell once dominated
sermons, today’s Church leans toward mercy and invitation.
Still, the tension remains: if evil goes unpunished, if miscreants never repent—as O’Reilly highlights in his book Confronting Evil—then justice itself seems hollow. Catholic teaching insists that mercy and judgment are inseparable. The warmth of The Bells of St. Mary’s shows the Church at its most pastoral, but O’Reilly’s meditation reminds us that without the reality of final judgment, the story of salvation loses its moral weight.
Bill O'Reilly-At Mass on Sunday, the Gospel posited that a significant amount of people will go to hell, so they might want to wise up before it’s too late. Interestingly, a Gallup survey says about 60 percent of Americans believe in damnation, Evangelicals leading the league.
The priest sermonized about the prospect of Gehenna, but gently. These days, the Catholic Church rarely pounds home theological negativity, preferring to encourage good behavior from the pulpit.
It’s tough enough to get folks in the pews. Telling them a fire pit may await doesn’t make it easier.
The hell thing, of course, has been around since human beings harnessed fire to cook food and keep warm. Back at the first Thanksgiving time, the Puritan sermonizers spent hours threatening their flock with eternal suffering if their knee socks were too low. Plymouth was a tough place.
In the modern world, miscreants are running wild seemingly without restraint. None of the 15 horrendous human beings profiled in my book “Confronting Evil” repented. Not one.
To me, it just doesn’t stack up that a person can consistently harm others with no final judgment or consequence. I hope that is not the case.
Because if it is, we are all living in a meaningless world without true justice. And that would be a hell of a thing.
See
you this evening for the No Spin News.
DECEMBER 8
Worldwide
Candle Lighting Day
Judith, Chapter
4, Verse 1-2
1 When the Israelites who lived in Judea heard of all that Holofernes, the
ranking general of Nebuchadnezzar king of the Assyrians, had done to the
nations, and how he had looted all their shrines and utterly destroyed them, 2
they were in very great FEAR of
him, and greatly alarmed for Jerusalem and the temple of the Lord, their God.
Join the resistance! No not
the fake news one but the resistance to all that is evil. Godly resistance is
much different than the guttural takes no prisoners of modern time’s resistance
with our pink devil horned hats.
Holy Resistance[1]
·
The Israelites’ reaction to invasion differs from
their neighbors in two respects: The nature of their fear and their response.
·
Their fear is not only for themselves but primarily
for Jerusalem and the temple of the Lord.
·
Most secularists surrender to evil with joy; but the
holy prepare to defend its most precious possession: faith and trust in He who
is.
·
We must prepare to defend the mountain passes by
defending our faith.
·
However, the most important preparation for siege is
spiritual through prayer and fasting.
·
Note Mary the Mother of Christ via Fatima
apparitions tell us that we like the Israelites must continue in prayer, making reparation and consecration to God.
·
The key is cry unto the Lord.
The Book of
Judith symbolic of the Virgin Mary[2]
Judith was a holy widow. She wore haircloth and fasted almost every
day. She spent most of her time in a chamber of her home, praying. The land of
Israel was in distress, being under siege by Holofernes. It is when Israel is
in it's greatest need that she comes forth from the chamber to save them by her
intercession. This is symbolic of the Blessed Virgin Mary and her victory over
Satan in the very last days to come. What is most interesting and noteworthy is
the talk she gave to the leaders of the people. Her words apply to us in the
latter days of this great apostasy from the Catholic faith. We should pay heed
and learn from her as they are words Our Lady would no doubt address to each of
us: Have patience, be humble, pray to God for mercy, it was our fathers that
drew down this chastisement upon us: Our part is to suffer these tribulations
as penance for our sins. It is for our sanctification.
Judith was symbolic of the Virgin Mary
And they came to her, and she said to them:
What is this word, by which Ozias hath consented to give up the city to
the Assyrians, if within five days there come no aid to us?
And who are you that tempt the Lord?
This is not a word that may draw down mercy, but rather that may stir up
wrath, and enkindle indignation. You have set a time for the mercy of the Lord,
and you have appointed him a day, according to your pleasure. But
forasmuch as the Lord is patient, let us be penitent for this same
thing, and with many tears let us beg his pardon: For God will not threaten
like man, nor be inflamed to anger like the son of man. And therefore, let us
humble our souls before him, and continuing in an humble spirit, in his
service: Let us ask the Lord with tears, that according to his will so he would
shew his mercy to us: that as our heart is troubled by their pride, so
also we may glorify in our humility. For we have not followed the sins of
our fathers, who forsook their God, and worshiped strange gods. For which crime
they were given up to their enemies, to the sword, and to pillage, and to
confusion: but we know no other God but him. Let us humbly wait for his
consolation, and the Lord our God will require our blood of the afflictions of
our enemies, and he will humble all the nations that shall rise up against us
and bring them to disgrace. And now, brethren, as you are the ancients among
the people of God, and their very soul resteth upon you: comfort their hearts by
your speech, that they may be mindful how our fathers were tempted that they
might be proved, whether they worshiped their God truly. They must
remember how our father Abraham was tempted, and being proved by many
tribulations, was made the friend of God. So Isaac, so Jacob, so Moses,
and all that have pleased God, passed through many tribulations, remaining
faithful. But they that did not receive the trials with the fear of
the Lord, but uttered their impatience and the reproach of their murmuring
against the Lord, Were destroyed by the destroyer, and perished by serpents. As
for us therefore let us not revenge ourselves for these things which we
suffer. But esteeming these very punishments to be less than our sins
deserve, let us believe that these scourges of the Lord, with which like
servants we are chastised, have happened for our amendment, and not for our
destruction. And Ozias and the ancients said to her: All things which thou hast
spoken are true, and there is nothing to be reprehended in thy words. Now
therefore pray for us, for thou art a holy woman, and one fearing
God. JUDITH 8, 10-34
33 days to
Christmas-Start the 33 days to Eucharistic Glory[3]
Want to start a small
group? Download our 33 Days to Eucharistic Glory Study Guide
Day 17
On this 17th day, to have a mind filled
with victory through humble obedience to your will.
Copilot:
To
cultivate a mind filled with victory through humble obedience to God's will,
consider these spiritual practices and reflections:
Daily Spiritual Practices
- Prayer for Guidance: Start your day with
a prayer asking God for the wisdom to understand His will and the humility
to follow it. Prayers like the Prayer of Surrender or St. Ignatius' Prayer
for Generosity can be particularly powerful.
- Meditation on Scriptures: Reflect on
passages that emphasize victory through obedience and humility. For
example, Philippians 2:5-11 describes Christ's humility and obedience,
leading to ultimate victory.
Strengthening Obedience and Humility
- Sacraments: Regular participation in the
sacraments, especially the Eucharist, provides grace and strength to
follow God's will.
- Spiritual Reflection: Spend time
reflecting on areas in your life where you can grow in humility and
obedience. Consider keeping a journal to document your thoughts and
progress.
Reflecting on Victory through Obedience
- Acts of Service: Engage in acts of
service and kindness, seeing them as opportunities to practice humility
and obey God's call to love others.
- Gratitude Practices: Cultivate a mindset
of gratitude by acknowledging the victories and blessings in your life,
both big and small, that come from following God's will.
Example Prayer for Humble Obedience
Here’s a
prayer to help you seek victory through humble obedience:
Heavenly Father, Grant me the grace
to humbly obey Your will in all things. Fill my mind with the wisdom to
understand Your guidance, And the strength to follow it with a humble heart.
May Your will be done in my life, Leading me to victory through faith and trust
in You. Amen.
Catechism of the Catholic Church
PART TWO: THE CELEBRATION OF THE CHRISTIAN MYSTERY
SECTION
TWO-THE SEVEN SACRAMENTS OF THE CHURCH
CHAPTER ONE-THE
SACRAMENTS OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION
IN BRIEF
Day 179
1315 "Now when the apostles at
Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them
Peter and John, who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the
Holy Spirit; for it had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been
baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid their hands on them and
they received the Holy Spirit" (Acts 8:14-17).
1316 Confirmation perfects Baptismal
grace; it is the sacrament which gives the Holy Spirit in order to root us more
deeply in the divine filiation, incorporate us more firmly into Christ,
strengthen our bond with the Church, associate us more closely with her
mission, and help us bear witness to the Christian faith in words accompanied
by deeds.
1317 Confirmation, like Baptism,
imprints a spiritual mark or indelible character on the Christian's soul; for
this reason one can receive this sacrament only once in one's life.
1318 In the East this sacrament is
administered immediately after Baptism and is followed by participation in the
Eucharist; this tradition highlights the unity of the three sacraments of
Christian initiation. In the Latin Church this sacrament is administered when
the age of reason has been reached, and its celebration is ordinarily reserved
to the bishop, thus signifying that this sacrament strengthens the ecclesial
bond.
1319 A candidate for Confirmation who
has attained the age of reason must profess the faith, be in the state of
grace, have the intention of receiving the sacrament, and be prepared to assume
the role of disciple and witness to Christ, both within the ecclesial community
and in temporal affairs.
1320 The essential rite of Confirmation
is anointing the forehead of the baptized with sacred chrism (in the East other
sense-organs as well), together with the laying on of the minister's hand and
the words: "Accipe signaculum doni Spiritus Sancti" (Be sealed with
the Gift of the Holy Spirit.) in the Roman Rite, or "The seal of the gift
that is the Holy Spirit" in the Byzantine rite.
1321 When Confirmation is celebrated
separately from Baptism, its connection with Baptism is expressed, among other
ways, by the renewal of baptismal promises. the celebration of Confirmation
during the Eucharist helps underline the unity of the sacraments of Christian
initiation.
Worldwide Candle lighting Day[4]
For hundreds of years, lighting a candle has been a
way to show respect for those that have died. This beautiful gesture shows that
although someone may be gone from this world, their memory will endure, and the
light of their flame will continue to inspire and guide others. Worldwide
Candle Lighting Day is a celebration of solidarity and memory. It’s a day on
which people around the world gather to light candles for children who have
died and to show that they will always be loved and never forgotten. The candles
are lit at the same time in every time zone, meaning that a consistent warm
glow passes around the planet for a full 24-hour day.
The History of Worldwide Candle Lighting Day
Worldwide Candle Lighting Day was a gift to the
bereavement community from The Compassionate Friend. The Compassionate Friend’s
Worldwide Candle Lighting Day started in the United States in 1997 as a small
internet observance in honor of children who lived tragically short lives for
any number of reasons, from sickness, to accidents, to war, but has since
spread throughout the world. Nowadays, hundreds of formal candle lighting
events are held in many different countries and thousands of informal candle
lightings are conducted in homes as families gather in quiet remembrance of
children who have died, but will never be forgotten. many organizations join in
to observe this holiday, some f which are local bereavement groups, churches,
funeral homes, hospitals, hospices, children’s gardens, schools, cemeteries,
and community centers, and remembrance services have ranged in size from just a
few people to nearly a thousand over the years since the creation of this
special day. All of this just goes to show how necessary it was to set this day
aside for this purpose.
How to Celebrate World Candle Lighting Day
As mentioned before, this day is celebrated with a
quiet elegance: at 7 p.m. local time, people light candles for one hour to
remember their loved ones. It is a moving occasion that bypasses geographical
and cultural divides. As everyone lights their candles at seven pm local time,
far-flung parts of the world get illuminated in turn, so that eventually the
light has moved all around the globe. If you have experienced the loss of a
child in your lifetime, this is a good moment to honor his or her memory by taking
part in the candle lighting. You could also invite some close family members to
spend this time with you and light their own candles for the late child.
This doesn’t only have to be a sad occasion,
however. Children’s lives are mostly filled with fun and laughter, so
reminiscing about all of the things the child you are honoring managed to enjoy
before he or she passed may should serve to lighten the atmosphere up a little
bit. Of course, nothing will ever make up for the loss of a child, but there is
some solace to be taken in the fact that the child’s life was a good one,
however short. No matter whether you’ll be lighting a candle at home or joining
a gathering Worldwide Candle Lighting Day it is a way to show love and
community.
Jesse Tree[5]
Jesse Tree Scriptures (The Symbols Are Only Suggestions)
December
1 Creation: Gen. 1:1-31; 2:1-4 Symbols: sun, moon, stars,
animals, earth
December
2 Adam and Eve: Gen. 2:7-9, 18-24 Symbols: tree, man, woman
December
3 Fall of Man: Gen. 3:1-7 and 23-24 Symbols: tree, serpent, apple
with bite
December
4 Noah: Gen. 6:5-8, 13-22; 7:17, 23, 24; 8:1, 6-22 Symbols: ark,
animals, dove, rainbow
December
5 Abraham: Gen. 12:1-3 Symbols: torch, sword, mountain
December
6 Isaac: Gen. 22:1-14 Symbols: bundle of wood, altar, ram in bush
December
7 Jacob: Gen. 25:1-34; 28:10-15 Symbols: kettle, ladder
December 8 Joseph: Gen. 37:23-28; 45:3-15 Symbols:
bucket, well, silver coins, tunic
Claire’s Corner
·
Light
a candle for a loved one
o National Donair Day calls for a hearty meal that satisfies your cravings.
You can try making your own at home or support a local eatery that serves this
tasty treat.
o Plant a tree, start a compost bin, or simply take a walk in nature and
soak in the greenery around you.
o National Lard Day might seem a bit unconventional, but you can still join
in on the fun by trying out a recipe that incorporates this ingredient. Whether
it’s frying up some crispy treats or adding a dollop to your baking, embrace
the day’s theme in your culinary adventures.
§ Lard or Tallow?
o Up next is National Health Savings Account Day. Take a moment to review
your health finances and see if there are ways to save or optimize your
healthcare spending. It may not sound glamorous, but a little financial
check-up can go a long way in the long run.
o Lastly, embrace the beauty of Immaculate Conception by taking a moment to
appreciate the wonders of life and the world around you. Reflect on the day’s
journey through time, delicious treats, gratitude for hard work, environmental
consciousness, culinary experiments, financial health, and soothing sounds.
It’s been a day filled with odd and unexpected celebrations, but isn’t that
what makes life interesting?
Daily Devotions
·
Today's Fast: Unite in the work of the Porters of St. Joseph by joining them
in fasting: Today's Fast: Protection
of Traditional Marriages.
·
Today is Lost and found day
pray for the lost that they may be found.
·
Religion
in the home: Preschool for December
·
Offering to
the sacred heart of Jesus
·
Make
reparations to the Holy Face
·
Rosary
[1]The Collegeville Bible Commentary,
1986.
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