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From Catholic News Service:

"The success of Dan Brown's novel, "The Da Vinci Code," is the result of a marketing strategy playing on anti-Catholic sentiment, said Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone of Genoa, Italy.

The cardinal told Vatican Radio he was particularly concerned about the fact that the book, first published in Italian in 2004, now is available in paperback and is popular among high school students.

"There is an idea circulating in the schools that one must read this book to understand the dynamics of history and all the manipulations carried out by the church in the course of history," Cardinal Bertone told Vatican Radio March 15.

"This is truly sad and terrible," he said, explaining why he had scheduled a public discussion about the book in Genoa.

Cardinal Bertone said the most ridiculous premise in the novel is the Catholic Church's alleged "obliteration of the feminine aspect from the Gospel narratives and in the life of the church."

I'll let you decide. The Facts: Seen in the Seminary's hallways (outside the St. Charles Borremeo Oratory), St. Patrick (in a decidedly green vestment) was seen waving the German banner—with a small smile on his face, nonetheless!

I thought I'd share a Spanish grade today. After completing an online quiz (WebCT) in Spanish, I noticed a small quirk in the grade I received. I didn't know that computers were able to perform new, never-before-possible calculations on numbers, but they apparently can!

14.214.2% - I used to think only the Library could use 'numbers' such as this, but I was wrong... Unless the libraries are taking over our classrooms!

"...it is also possible to nourish one's spirit through radio, television and Internet."

Pope John Paul II, upon returning from the hospital, had Archbishop Leonardo Sandri read this text on behalf of him in St. Peter's Square, followed by a blessing in the Pope's name (Source):

"Dear Brothers and Sisters!

1. In these days of hospitalization here at the Gemelli, I notice in a particular way the presence and attention of so many agents of the mass media. Today I wish to address a word of gratitude to them, because I know that they carry out -- not without sacrifice -- their appreciated service, thanks to which the faithful, in all parts of the world, can feel me closer and support me with affection and prayer.

I'm back from my Spring Break, and I thought I'd offer a few thoughts.

Tonight I noticed some click-throughs on the PROLIFE Wristband website from 'ThankEvann's Homeschool Goodies.' Not only did I think it appropriate to give a reciprocal link to this wonderful resource for homeschooling families, but I also thought it important to let people know a little about homeschooling.

Many people say that homeschooling is a bad thing for children: they say 'children find it more difficult later in life to become socially accepted with the rest of their peer group' and that 'kids just don't become prepared for the real world'. While there may be a small percentage of cases where a homeschooled child becomes a recluse, this rarely happens, for a variety of reasons.