A thought on Mary of Magdala

http://www.zenit.org/english/visualizza.phtml?sid=92999

"The Pope highlighted the figure of Mary Magdalene today... saying that she 'plays a principal role in the Gospel.'"

Just a thought for those out there who, like silly lemings, run after Dan Brown's version of the Gospel. Dan Brown asserts that the Church, under the big-bad St. Peter, tried to stamp out and smear the place of Mary in the Gospels. I think it needs to be noted for all those who treat a work of fiction like some historical essay, that Mary Magdalene, according to the Gospels, was the one chosen by Christ to proclaim His Resurrection to all the world. Those big-bad apostles did a real good job ruining her reputation, huh?

So, what's with the name?

Well, the other day I was talking to a budy of mine who checked out this blog the other day and came back to me saying how he had honest-to-gosh thought that my name was Angelo Faquino. I excused the mistake, but realized how odd my screen name may seem to some. My screen name is supposed to be pronounced Angel of Aquino, although I have to admit, the mistake has a nice ring to it.

I chose this name after this prayer book that my mother gave to me for confirmation. It was a hand-me-down from my grandfather, whom I never knew. I was flattered, because my confirmation saint was Thomas Aquinas, who would be the "Angel of Aquino" in question, and I thought it was cool to have this connection with a family member I never got the chance to meet. We both shared a devotion to this really incredible saint. I wish I could go into detail why Thomas Aquinas is so awesome, but I just simply don't have the time. So, to make up for it, I'm going to put a link to a really good site on the guy. If you wanna check out some good biographies on the man, G.K. Chesterton has the best that I know of. I was really impressed with it myself. But what I will say about the man is that I was so impressed with his humble intelligence. Thomas Aquinas is one of the greatest philosophers the world has ever known, and his contributions to the Faith can't be overvalued. Basically, he had a lot to do with the wedding of Faith with Reason. In other words, having Faith didn't make one a dummy, or stupid, or foolish. Becuase, according to Thomas (and JP II, for that matter) Faith makes sense.

Anyway, I guess you could say I wanted to dedicate this blog to him. He's up there in heaven right now lookin' out for me like a little brother. And I see him as my role model, because I, too, have the gift of a great intelligence. I want to use it, just like he did, to the glory of God. But sometimes that seems like an undertaking too great for my strength. Thank God God is omnipotent! So, that would be the origin of my screen name and the title of my blog. I hope that clears some things up!

Enter The Angel

So this is blogging? You hear all about, and I've only just now stumbled alongside the bandwagon. A good friend of mine, Deacon Joe Wiz (that's not really his last name, but I can't spell it for the life of me), from the diocese of Wilmington, Delaware recomended it to me as a great way to communicate. So, here I am. Communicating...

To whom? I mean, is anybody out there? Who reads these things? Is anyone really gonna care about what some random shmuck writes in here about his personal life? I mean who am I? I'm just so...average!

No, I don't have issues with self-worth. I'm just honestly curious, that's all. I mean the idea of a blog is a really interesting one, but if all it does is satisfy your urge to process your thoughts, than why post it for all the world to see? There are so many people out there, so many bloggs and websites clogging up cyberspace. Is it really possible for all of them to be seen?

Well, anyway, despite it all, I thought it was well worth a try. If you've stumbled upon these Aquinas Files and actually find yourself even semi-interested in me, I'd love to strike up some kind of correspondence with you. Be brave! Be bold! Talk to this crazy Catholic and see what amazing things he has to say. Don't worry, I don't bite. I mean, I never was much for Man chops... just kidding, really! Anyway, it's always good to meet new people and expand your horizons. And besides, who knows how we'll impact one another? That's the most exciting thing of all...

Well, I'll guess I'll c ya around crazy world. Untill next time, ciao!