Tuesday, June 16, 2009

News & Miscellany Roundup

Great Nebraska Tractor Ride This Weekend! The Great Nebraska Tractor Ride will be held this weekend. The route will begin in Fremont on Friday, head to Ashland and return to Fremont on Saturday. The tractor ride was recently featured in both the Fremont Tribune (click here for story) and Ashland Gazette (click here for story). For full information on route, times, and locations visit the Great Nebraska Tractor Ride website.


Beemer, NE Public School Demolition
Work has begun on the demolition of the Beemer Public School, which was constructed in 1917. This truly was a beautiful, well-built structure. Fortunately the ornate decoration which surrounded the main entrance was salvaged for future use in a school monument. To read more, click here.


Catholic Nebraska Welcomes its First Married Priest
After 5 years with no priestly ordinations, the Diocese of Grand Island ordained 3 men to the priesthood on June 5, including Fr. Sidney Bruggeman, a former Protestant minister. Fr. Bruggeman, who is married with 4 children was granted a dispensation from the traditional practice of priestly celibacy. The full story is well worth a read and is available here.


The Life of Thomas Merton Thomas Merton was recently highlighted in a fascinating segment on PBS's Religion and Ethics. The program featured some incredibly rare footage of Merton taken just hours before he died. Viewers are also taken into Merton's hermitage where he lived for several years. Be sure to take the time to watch this program - you'll be glad you did!


St. Meinrad Offers Insight into Monastic Life
The Archabbey of St. Meinrad in St. Meinrad, IN recently produced an excellent video that offers a glimpse into monastery life - particularly as lived at St. Meinrad's. It offers a wonderful explanation of Benedictine life, and is particularly interesting for those who have not encountered monastic life.

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