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!

Alfred Hitchcock's North By NorthWest is great! Books arrived.

It is busy again as I try to pause and determine which conferences to attend or not and what Associations to continue or not. What I always recommend to people is to have a balance in life and so I am taking my own medicine to a new level. I have subscribed with MIrvish to see six plays at the theatre. I love the theatre, but haven't actually been committed for one reason or another. But when you pay in advance you become more so. I normally wait til something arrives that I am really interested in and this time North by Northwest and Come Fly .....peaked my interest. I could not for the life of me figure out how they could turn such a movie into a play and it did not disappoint - cimema of course. The actors and cinema was so intertwined and connected. I loved it all. The leading actor I have seen before on "Murdock Murder Mysteries" set in Toronto in the good old days before I was born or you for that matter. Love it! If I write again about a play I saw you will know I have fallen in love with it. Next my books, "The Internet Murders" has arrived. I love the cover. My publisher and editor, "Cranberry Tree Press" never fails to impress me. Now, I have to determine how I can connect it to Canada Post so I can sell it on the world wide web. I have found that my second ebook "For Love of Country MIlitary Policewoman" has been selling without my permission or me getting any funds. It is unfortunate that people take your work and sell it making an income for themselves. I have always been in the service of others so this is all new to me. Again I let you know, so you can be aware, if you write a book yourself and try to sell it. I am determined because writing is my passion (one of them). Have a great weekend. I am seeing another play next week. If it is great I will write about it here but if not I will find the time to continue writing my psych notes about fear. In the meantime, have a nice weekend, have fun and try to maintain a balance in your life. Be kind to yourself. What do you think?

Canadian Veterans in need

Hi, I am on a roll today. I have cut and pasted this for you. I have a special interest in supporting and helping veterans. It is heart wrenching for me that veterans are found homeless on the streets of Toronto. That has got to stop. Transitions should be carefully considered. So, note below which I found in FSNA. I hope it can help some of you. Many organizations provide financial assistance to veterans and their families. The following are some funds that can help veterans and their families who may need financial support for different reasons. The Royal Canadian Legion Poppy Trust Fund is available to veterans —including serving and former Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and RCMP members — and their dependants. Grants are available for food, fuel, clothing, prescription medication, medical appliances or equipment, essential home repairs and emergency shelter or other similar types of assistance. You can apply for financial assistance from the Royal Canadian Legion by contacting the service officer at your local Legion branch or provincial command or through Dominion Command. The Dominion Command of The Royal Canadian Legion also acts as a coordinator for several United Kingdom Benevolent Funds through the Royal Commonwealth Ex-Services League. These funds are generally reserved for veterans and their dependants who suffer misfortune, encounter an emergency or are seriously disadvantaged. Veterans or dependents who have ongoing difficulty making ends meet may also be considered for an annuity. For more information, call toll-free at 1-877-534-4666 to speak to a Legion service officer. The Royal Canadian Naval Benevolent Fund is available to veterans who served in the Navy and their spouses. For information, call toll-free at 1-888-557-8777 or 613-996-5087. The Canadian Forces Personnel Assistance Fund provides financial assistance to serving and former CAF members and their families through the following programs: Minor Disbursement Program provides grants up to $200 to relieve temporary distress and to promote the well-being of serving and former CAF Regular Force members and their dependents. Grants are available on a one-time, lifetime basis. The CFPAF Financial Distress Program offers grants up to $5,000 and loans up to $25,000 to serving and former CAF Regular Force and Reserve Force members. For more information, call toll-free at 1-888-753-9828. The Support Our Troops Program, administered by the Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services also provides financial assistance through a number of programs: The Military Families Fund provides financial assistance to serving and former CAF Regular Force and Reserve Force members and their families who find themselves in unforeseen situations. They may have immediate financial needs resulting from conditions of military service. The Soldier On Fund was established to support ill and injured military personnel with a permanent or chronic disability. It is available to both serving and former CAF members and their families to help them attain an active and healthy lifestyle. It helps personnel increase their independence, develop new skills, achieve goals and open the door to other life opportunities. The Hospital Comforts Fund ensures that serving CAF members who are hospitalized for longer than 48 hours have access to telephone, television, Internet services and reading material for the duration of their stay in hospital. For more information on any of the funds in the Support Our Troops Program, send an email to Fund.Military@cfmws.com or call toll-free at 1-877-445-6444. Lastly, funds are available from the RCMP Benefit Trust Fund to provide financial relief and promote the well-being of former RCMP members and their immediate family members. For more information, contact the RCMP Veterans Association national office by telephone at 613-993-8633. You can also contact the Association’s Veterans Officer toll-free at 1-855-304-4700 or at 613-745-2559.

For Ontario women who have been sexually assaulted - Help resources

I have cut and pasted a portion of an email I received from the Ministry of the Status of women for Ontario. Since I work from Toronto which is in Ontario, I focus on a specific area to refer clients, who may need additional help. I hope this may help some of you or someone you know. The Ministry of the Status of Women is committed to advancing gender equality across Ontario.  The ministry collaborates with partners across the province on key initiatives to end violence against women and improve women's economic independence and security.  The ministry supports programs and services for women in Ontario, but does not provide direct services. With respect to your inquiry, you may wish to contact the Assaulted Women's Helpline to seek referral information about local services for women in your community.  The helpline offers a 24-hour telephone and TTY crisis line to all women who have experienced abuse, and also provides referral information to service providers and others.  For more information about the helpline's services, please visit:  http://www.awhl.org/contact-us.  To access the helpline: GTA 416.863.0511 or GTA TTY 416.364.8762 TOLL-FREE 1.866.863.0511 or TOLL-FREE TTY 1.866.863.7868 You may also wish to contact your local Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Treatment Centre to seek referral information related to assessments for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.  A list of these centres is provided at:  http://satcontario.com/en/home.php. Your local sexual assault centre is also a source of referral information about services for women in your community.  A list of these centres is available at:  http://www.sexualassaultsupport.ca/support. Lastly, the ministry's on-line resource, Getting Help, provides information for women experiencing violence, and is available at: http://www.women.gov.on.ca/owd/english/ending-violence/help.shtml