Monday, March 17, 2008

St. Patrick's Day (or is it?)

Irish bishops move St. Patrick's Day 2008 over conflict with Holy Week

Dublin, Jul 19, 2007 / 10:42 am (CNA).- Religions celebrations for St. Patrick's Day will come two days early in Ireland next year to avoid a conflict with Holy Week.

St. Patrick's Day is usually celebrated March 17, but Ireland's bishops have shifted the feast day, in honor of the national saint, to Saturday, March 15, reported The Associated Press.

Church authorities reportedly spent weeks debating where to move the feast day because March 17, 2008, falls on the second day of Holy Week next year.

The liturgical norms would require the feast day to be moved to the earliest available date after Easter, which would be April 1. But church officials said the Vatican approved the March 15 date in order to minimize conflict with the scheduled civic events.

While religious celebrations honoring St. Patrick are affected, religious and secular authorities stressed this would not change secular festivities. The St. Patrick's Festival Committee in Dublin confirmed that next year's parade would be March 17 as usual. In addition, Monday, March 17, will remain an official day off of work in Ireland.

This marks the first time the date has been changed since 1940. The next conflict with Holy Week is not expected until 2160.

Monday, March 03, 2008

Heeeeere's Johnny!

Jack Nicholson rocks! Even though I truly love this endorsement video, but I’m still supporting Barack Obama. If you haven’t seen it already, take a gander… it’s great!

Late Nite Political Laughs

Who would have thought that Letterman, Leno, & SNL would be leading in some of the best interviews and appearances with presidential candidates? The times have definitely changed. It appears that issues and policy aren’t nearly as important to Americans as personality and humor. Honestly, I don’t know if that’s good or bad. At least Americans are engaged (though in an odd manner) in the politics of the country.