Author: Deacon Nick

Figurehead of HMS Surprise

Travel

Below Deck on the HMS Surprise

One of my favorite books is actually an entire series–the Aubrey/Maturin series by Patrick O’Brian. You may have seen the movie based on the books, Master and Commander, starring Russell Crowe. The series is about the exploits of Captain Jack Aubrey and his best friend Dr. Stephen Maturin. They sail on many ships in the series, but the ship that is dearest to them is the HMS Surprise. It was a real treat for me to discover that the HMS Surprise that was used in the movie is...

David Coleman, President of College Board

Travel

NCEA 2016 Reflections from Day One

Yesterday’s opening keynote was from David Coleman, president of the College Board, the organization responsible for the SAT and Advanced Placement tests. His talk was inspiring and filled with hope, and he was overflowing in his praise of Catholic schools. The first three-fourths of his presentation was spent thanking Catholic education for giving students five gifts that he believes the world needs desperately: Productive Solitude Reverent Reading of Shared Texts Restful Excellence Gratitude and Grace Dignity and Pricelessness Next followed some great educational sessions and a visit to...

Rick and Ilsa

Homily

The Greatest Love Story of All Time – Homily for Holy Thursday 2016

The world is full of great love stories. We see them in literature and film and in history: stories like Casablanca, Pride and Prejudice, and Titanic. Lovers like Romeo and Juliet, Jane Eyre and Mr. Rochester, even Matthew Crawley and Lady Mary. We all relate to a good love story. What makes them so powerful are the obstacles that the lovers try to overcome. Sometimes they’re successful and their story ends in joy; and sometimes they’re not and the story ends in tragedy. But they remain great stories...