In The News: US Papal Visit

Pope Benedict XVI, the leader of the Catholic Church, will visit the United States this week. The pontiff is scheduled to arrive in Washington, D.C. tomorrow and to travel to New York City later in the week.

The New York Times and The Washington Post both have special coverage of papal visit, both of which include audio interviews with American Catholics. (Unfortunately, my computer at work has no speakers, so I can't listen to those just yet. From what I can tell, they seem to represent a variety of viewpoints, which should be interesting.) There are also plenty of articles addressing the divide between the Vatican and many American Catholics.

According to this article by Michelle Boorstein, one in ten American Catholics has left the faith, and many that remain disagree with the Vatican on a number of issues. She writes, "U.S. Catholics can't agree whether they're in crisis or renewal. All sides describe a community in dramatic demographic flux. Further, it is divided in key ways, including the importance of male clergy, immigration and the authority of not only Catholicism but also Christianity."

As a cradle Catholic and former Catholic school student, the issues and challenges of contemporary Catholicisim in the U.S. are a personal interest of mine. It's interesting to see some of the issues I grapple with in my own life highlighted in major newspapers. What seems clear, though, is that despite all the hoopla surrounding Pope Benedict's visit, it is highly unlikely that any of the conflicts in the American Catholic church will be resolved by it.

(BTW: Both websites require registration to read some articles, but it's free. Whether you read everyday or only occasionally, or if you just like doing the sudoku puzzles, it's worth the no money you'll spend on it!)

The Invention of Hugo Cabret

Happy National Library Week! Now go read a book. (Maybe this one.)

On Saturday I read this year's Caldecott Medal winner, The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brain Selznick. To the best of my knowledge, it is the first 500 page book to win the award. About half the pages are detailed pencil illustrations, the other half are text. The result is something between a picture book, a graphic novel, and a traditional novel. Whatever it is, it's wholly enjoyable.

The story stars Hugo, an orphan with a fascination for clocks who lives in a Paris train station. Hugo lives in secret behind the train station walls until he cross path with a crotchety toy booth owner and his book-loving goddaughter. Hugo uncovers a mystery that will, you know, change his life. (That's so cliché, but it's true, and I can't exactly tell you how without ruining the fun of actually reading the book.)

Selznick is a wonderful storyteller and artist, and I would recommend this book even to those who don't normally read children's literature. It's a great story and a completely unique reading experience. If you need further convincing, check out the snazzy website.