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I haven’t commented on the octuplet story because I learned in 5th grade that if you don’t have anything nice to say, you shouldn’t say anything at all.

But check out this article about 22-year-old WNBA star Candace Parker, a married woman who just so happened to make the stupid “mistake” of having a baby with her husband:

Parker probably figured the news would be non-controversial, given that the fresh-faced Los Angeles Sparks forward and Olympic gold medalist is happily married to Sacramento Kings forward Shelden Williams. Both earn more than enough to support a family: Parker alone reaps millions on and off the court as one of the most celebrated women athletes in the world.

But Parker’s pregnancy was not greeted with the same approval and tolerance that many of today’s child-bearing sexagenarians and single mothers by choice enjoy when they form their families. Instead, Parker was blasted by fans and pundits for becoming a mother at age 22. Critics bemoaned her selfishness in putting maternal ambitions ahead of her team’s 2009 season prospects. Others lamented her foolishness for starting a family when she should be living a strings-free existence oriented around her glamorous career.

Not long ago, a 22-year-old woman was considered plenty old enough to marry and bear children. But in today’s era of prolonged adolescence and commitment phobia, high-achieving women like Parker often face ridicule and scorn for defying the feminist conventional wisdom that marriage and motherhood are second-rate pursuits best delayed until middle age. Young mothers frequently are accused of forfeiting a hard-won feminist privilege: the right to spend their 20s single-mindedly pursuing sexual license, success and self-fulfillment without the hassles of a husband and children. (Source)

I wish nothing but blessings on Parker and her new family….just wish the public would do the same.

The Benedictines of Mary, Queen of the Apostles, is a new order founded in 2003 of young sisters located in Kansas City. They are trying to raise money for a permanent priory and have recorded a CD of beautiful hymns in their first album, “Echos of Ephesus.” The album can be purchased for $20 at their website.

On the topic of Christmas music, the Daughters of St. Paul always have lovely albums. I also just recently downloaded some gregorian chant from the priests of Miles Christi, in case you were wondering where you can get good, traditional sacred music. 
Pax Christi, Rebecca.

A different sort of wedding, but a wedding nevertheless.

Some sisters of the Franciscan Sisters of the Renewal have made their first profession of vows. Click the image to watch.

And my oh my are they lucky.