The Story of the Pope: PIUS XII, by Robert L. Reynolds Review by Silva Redigonda

Though the title implies that the focus of this book is about Pius XII, the book's central focus is rather about the structure and life of the Vatican and Roman Catholic Church. Pope Pius XII is written in the text of the present Pope and very little appears to be known of him. The author describes daily life in the Vatican. The author also provides a list of presiding staff with a brief discussion of their origins. More importantly the structure of the Roman Catholic Church is presented in the form of a diagram which offers the reader an appreciation of its' Corporate structure. The Vatican is presented as self-sufficient in daily activities, and one recognizes whether Catholic or not, the enormous power of the Catholic Church. What is interesting in the format of this book is that the author divides topics with narratives of Pope PIUS XII. What is also presented is the power of the Pope. When the Pope speaks, the world hears. The author states that the Pope [Pius XII] "is immensely powerful." He supports this by indicating that the Pope is the spiritual ruler and guide for almost a fifth of the human race. Infallibility of a Pope is described. "Nor in his capacity as this man or that, but in virtue of his dignity and office…At the decisive moment, when he speaks ex cathedra, Pius and Leo fade into the background; it is the office, the role of the apostle, the Holy Ghost, which is there." The author indicates that during the eighteen years of Pope XII's reign three periods are significant [as part of the 19th century]. This is regards the many people wanting to see him, Catholic and non-religious alike. One is WWII, when the Pope received hundreds of thousands of servicemen and women of every allied nation. The second is in 1950, the Holy year and the third is the Marian Year of 1954-55, when pilgrims were in the millions. The author mentions that the Pope was taken aback when meeting service women, wearing army shirts and trousers. Though visibly shaken, the Pope recovered quickly. This is not surprising considering the photographs in the book that depict a sea of men who are priests and in different levels of power structure. There are scenes of men in lecture halls and men walking together in groups. Women, are scarce and certainly not among the Great. One nun is mentioned as having a position close to the Pope in the Vatican and that is Sister Pasqualina who was head of Pope Pius XII's household staff including six nuns who were cooks. It is interesting that women appear influential, as mothers of men who choose priesthood. Yet, women so alienated may remain a mystery to them. The author depicts Pope Pius Xll as a man who was alone [as most great men are]. Once Pope, Pius Xll ate breakfast alone though it was not required by law. One wonders if this was his own time to prepare and face the burdens of the day unswayed and alone with God. The author discloses that when Hitler's Wehrmacht went into Poland, those with the Pope at the time and seeing him receive this news, "saw him walk slowly into his private chapel…[where he] began to sob deeply." This book is highly recommended. Though the theme appears to be regarding the structure of the Catholic Church and Vatican, the reader focused on Pope XII. From the basis of this book the reader respects Pope XII as the leader of her Church in the 19th century and appreciates him as a man who may have been somewhat uncomfortable in the presence of women in other than traditional roles. The reader feels that Pope XII was a holy man who grieved for the world. Robert Reynolds has provided enough information about the Church that encourages any reader to want more of it. One will want to read more of Popes, more of the Vatican and how it operates and more of the structure of the Roman Catholic Church. It motivates one to compare the Church of the 19th century to that of the 21st century. This book initiates interest to venture deeper into the Roman Catholic Church, its’ structure, its' history, its' Popes, its' clergy and most important its' people.

Two conferences - Abortion, Racism and I am moving tid bits

I do believe that this November has been a handful. At one conference they were looking for volunteers and I stood firm at ignoring the imposing stares. No more volunteer positions more than two at a time. I do like getting paid for my work. So, for right now I am still the Health Benefits Officer assistant for the federal retirees (FSNA/SAGE). I encourage previous federal employees, military retirees, veterans, RCMP and Federal Judges to join the Association. You get a free lunch in Toronto which I love. I understand that you can now join any area you want. Since I am from Toronto, and I am happy with the board, here I shall remain. This Saturday I am moving my office to a residence on Northcliffe Blvd. It shall be a smooth transmission. Thursday will be the last day I see clients in my office building. Friday shall be my day of fun and Saturday is moving day. There will be two animals in the new office area, in case anyone is allergic to animals. There is a community centre nearby where I can rent space but the cost is $90.00 an hour to just rent the space from the city. Since I charge 100. an hour consisting of 50 minutes. The cost will be additional for the space. I have been to two conferences/seminars. One was an all day event about abortions. Two women who had abortions spoke of their experiences. As you who have been reading my blogs since the beginning (thank you), you know that I talk about riske topics. People have abortions and some suffer greatly years later. Others do not. This is not about pro or against. This is about human suffering after the fact. Human suffering is my concern. Saturday I also went to a long day conference where the speaker was an American Black man. I say that because that is how he identifies himself. I will not name him when I talk about him. However, he speaks at home and abroad and is a therapist and professor. He also believes that inter-relational relationships are not possible. I do not share in this belief and he provided no statistics to support his claim. If I believed that, I would not have had such wonderful relationships with so many people of all races and religions. It is his loss that he believes he can never be my friend. However, he also dictated that he is not angry but full of rage. I have no idea what that kind of rage feels like, but I am sure it is distracting. I felt like he had beaten me up by the end of the day for being white. I will speak more of both topics as well as the others I have attended. No more conferences until April where I will travel to God's country to hear a University of Toronto physician and professor speak of Neurology. Of course this I will all share with you. Just be patient with me because I am on a roll. My plan for the remainder of the week is to attend one focus group (volunteered myself in the summer), my clients and my move with one day of fun with the hope to complete reading my book on autism. Until then have you had an abortion you are still grieving about years later? Have you been exposed to racism of any kind? How has that experience changed you? What do you think?

Tid bits from depression talk and update

I have been attending conferences, fairs etc……and want to record what I think is important for you and me. So I am recording my notes and thus I provide them for you as well. As you know I have received, “The Internet Murders” which I wrote for fun. I began reading my own book. There is something exciting about reading a book you have written. I am also moving from my existing office to a new location about 10 minutes away (if you are walking). If I am repeating myself, that is ok, because if someone does not read it the first time, they may read it another time. I do want to write about the play I saw for educational reasons but not today. I write out my notes and for you who may not know, writing notes rather than typing them, helps to retain in memory. So my grey cells work better when I write which I will continue to do. I also type my notes afterwards as you all know and then cut and paste it here for you. I have been toying with what my next book should be. I have decided. It will disappoint a friend of mine but I will write about two old ladies solving crimes with humour another time - bucket list. What my next book will be is about psychotherapy and couple and family therapy. This will serve two purposes. First the College likes it and I gain points for writing. Second and not necessarily in this order, I will be able to offer this book for sale to anyone who wants to read it and gain knowledge on some self care and understanding themselves and others to improve relationships and understand them. If there is a publisher interested …….I am here. Finally, I often have clients ask to recommend a book and I only do if I have read it myself or seen a documentary regarding the author. I normally recommend that people check the qualifications of the author who is writing. Of course some people like to tell their story. I often recommend to clients who suffer to write a journal or their life story but to see their therapist if something is triggered. I have found that people who have suffered trauma have memories stirred which were forgotten and I recommend to stop writing and to bring those feelings to the therapy room to work on. Sometimes, forgotten joys are also remembered. This I have found offers comfort. Now for tidbits from a fair lecture I attended. Beating the Blues - Depression and Seasonal Depression in Later Life by Susan Well, MSW, RSW. 14% to 20% of elderly people living in the community experience depression symptoms and 40% in long term care. 3% to 5% experience SAD and 10% to 15% at clinical levels. This happens in the winter when our exposure to much needed sun diminishes. There are lamps for this and she mentioned that they can be bought at Costco. I actually saw it at Costco before this fair and almost blinded myself when turning it on. I have never used one myself so make sure you read the instructions and not play with it. I would do some research if I were you before buying a product, to ensure it will meet your needs. Well, though the lecture was about 90 minutes, the rest was refresher for me and though I asked for the slides, I never got it. Oh well. If you do find yourself getting depressed, let your doctor know. When I see clients who are sad, I try to help them determine why. Sometimes, it is obvious such as a death in the family, a sudden diagnosis of an illness, a break up etc….Sometimes, it requires more reflection. Sometimes people don’t even know they are suffering from depression. Are you? Are you lethargic? Are you isolating yourself etc…? There is help. What do you think?

See me at York University, Showcase (Tuesday, Nov 7, 17,and buy my latest book

It has been very very busy. October and NOvember are my busiest months mainly because the conferences begin. I have four to attend this month. I still manage to balance my life and I do love all I do. MY third book, "The Internet Murders" has arrived as well and I have already sold a few. I have to still set up a better selling platform for the internet (www.silvaredigonda.com). I want to also let you know that I am now serious about telephone counselling as well. I realize that some people live in remote areas and so know that you may contact me and payment is through paypal also on the same web page as my books. You may email me for any further information or to set up an appointment. I do need some basic information to be filled such as your name, address etc.....Receipts are issued and you may claim this on your health section of your annual tax returns(in Ontario) You need to check with Revenue Canada regarding where you live. I do not know how much you actually get back but your forms may assist you with that. So, have a wonderful week. Focus on what is good in your life. Maintain a balance in your life. If you have some time come and meet me and buy my latest signed book which is a fictional account of a serial killer, set in Toronto. I cannot believe I have not had time to read my own book. There is a first for everything. The book is $14.95 and I do believe is worth every penny. I had so much fun writing it. I will be at the Bear Pit, Central Square, for Showcase at 0900 to about 5pm, this Tuesday, Nov 7th, 2017. If I know you please bring coffee (black no sugar). Tim's is around the corner. Til then, have a nice one!