HAPPY LEAP DAY 2012............

This is the unique day in time that happens only once every four years, February 29th, "Leap Day", as it is called; that allows those born today to celebrate only a quarter of their birthdays, or commemorate the date on which they were born a day early three out of every four years.  Like the Olympic Games or American Presidential Nominating Conventions, Leap Day is a quadrennial occurrence , adding an extra day to the year and giving us an extra twenty fours today to experience life.  This Leap Day I am following the same daily routine here at Mercy General Rehab.   But how about you ?  Are you doing anything different, extra, out of the ordinary, to experience and shape this day that takes place only once in four years duration ?  And if you are celebrating a February 29th Birthday, does having the date on the calendar cause you to make your personal solemnity a more pronounced commemoration of the day you were born and the candles on your cake of life ?   May this Leap Day bring you Happiness and Blessings whether it is your birthday, or just an extra day on the calendar in this Year of the Lord 2012............Fr.  Troy

ROMNEY THE PROJECTED WINNER IN THE MICHIGAN PRIMARY............

Santorum's speech coming third, is supposedly on the heels of his private telephone call concession to Romney, and the just released projection on the part of the media that Romney is the winner of the Michigan Primary, now leading by a margin of 30,000 votes.  Romney's Michigan victory is due in large part to carrying the large  metropolises of Troy and Detroit, in Oakland and Wayne Counties.  Tonorrow Romney is expected to win the Wyoming Caucuses, which going into Super Tuesday joined with tonight's double victories, gives him 7 wins to date; to Santorum's 4 victories to date............

SANTORUM'S SPEECH ON THIS NIGHT............

Rick Santorum is speaking in a victorious tomne to his supporters in Grand Rapids, Michigan; claiming a month ago they didn't know him, tonight they do !  Thanking his wife and children, he then singled out his 93 year old mother watching on television, a strong, working mom, of whom he said had one of her first jobs in Saginaw, Michigan.  He compared his strong mother, to his choice of a strong wife, who is the family's rocj and then transitions to his college age daughter.  Given the political flap he has faced with women over the Contraception / Abortion, this concentrated focus is likely sound political strategy to neutralize the fallout.............

39% OF THE MICHIGAN VOTE COUNTED AND STILL TOO CLOSE TO CALL............

Romney continues to hold on to a three percent lead over Santorum with 39% of the votes in the Michigan Primary counted, still 41% - 38%............>>>with 41% of the Michigan votes counted the margin remains the same, but CNN is now giving 3 Delegates each to Romney and Santorum of the 30 Delegates total to be won.  Romney gained all 29 Delegates in the Winner Take All Arizona Primary.<<<

28% COUNTED IN MICHIGAN - ROMNEY NOW LEADING............

With 28% of the Michigan Primary votes counted itt Romney has a three [ercent lead over Santorum, 41%-38%; with Paul at 11%; and Gingrich at 7%;.  Romney is the projected winner by CNN, MSNBC, FOX News, in the Arizona Primary, by a double digit margin over Santorum.  Early Arizona results have it Romney 44%; Santorum 27%; Gingrich 16%; Paul 12%;.  Romney has won Mormons and Catholics in Arizona, but lost Christian Evangelicals to Santorum.  Also in Michigan of those who said Religion is Very Important to Them Santorum is winning 62% of the vote; to Romney with 20% of the vote.  Those Who Said Religion is Not Very Important to Them Romney is winning 49% of the vote; to Santorum getting 23% of their votes............

THE MICHIGAN PRIMARY VOTES ROLL IN............

Ron Paul, running third with 12% of the vote thus far in the early results from the Republican Michigan Presidential Primary is speaking to his supporters in  Virginia, where only he and Romney are on the primary ballot next Tuesday; Paul is giving a very passionate address about his Constitutional views on American politics and government to a young oriented, animated audience......With 12% of the votes in Michigan counted Santorum has a 41-38%; lead over Romney; now shrinking to 40-39%;............

SANTORUM LEADS IN MICHIGAN PRIMARY WITH 2% OF THE VOTE COUNTED............

With only 2% of the voite counted in the Michigan Primary, Rick Santorum is leading Mitt Romney by 42% to 37% of the popular vote; with Ron Paul at 12%; and Newt Gingrich 7%;............

FIRST RESULTS COMING IN FROM THE MICHIGAN PRIMARY......GINGRICH SPEAKS FIRST............

Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, running fourth out of four in the Michigan Primary tonight is speaking first in a professor's lecture / analytical kind of speech to his supporters.  With 1% of the Michigan Primary vote counted the early results are Rick Santorum with 41% ;  Mitt Romney 36% ; Ron Paul 12% ; Newt Gingrich 7%; ............tdp

VISITORS THIS TUESDAY............

A few minutes after the prosthesisist and therapist left me  this morning, I received my first visit of the day from Msgr. Bob Walton, from Sacred Heart Church across the street from Mercy General.  We had an enjoyable twenty minute exchange, before he went to see Fr, Tom Doriot, a retired priest who is also here at the CCC.  Roger Geach arrived at that stage, bearing the gift of a philly cheese steak sandwich, a diet citrus flavored iced tea, and sugar free candies.  All welcome snacks offsetting the relatively small meal portions.  Presentation parishioners Carl DiCapo and John Smith, who were also here to visit Fr. Doriot, were here next; all four of today's visitors bolstering my confidence to build on this morning's prosthetic / physical therapy session, and proceed to push forward in progressing home and the to the stability of returning to my priestly, parochial, duties.  Roger confirmed what Fr. Oliver notified me of last week, that the phone system here is malfunctioning, making it impossible to call into my room.   Thank goodness for the internet and the ability to e-mail, blog, Facebook, and Twitter, with those of you I cannot presently see or speak to.  At this hour I am standing by for the start of the coverage of today's Michigan and Arizona Primaries............Fr.  Troy

MAKING PHYSICAL THERAPY PROGRESS WITH MY PROSTHESES............

Clint from Anchor Prosthetics and Allison the Mercy General Rehab physical therapist, were just here to adjust and address my ability to use the new temporary prosthetic sleeve.  After wearing the liner sixteen hours plus daily for the past four days, Clint had no difficulty putting the prostheses on me while I was still laying in bed.  Thereafter, I successfully stood with pain or pressure on my leg, or stump; fully in the prosthetic.  Allison then had me take two walks with the walker around the room for several minutes each, and now that I am back in bed, I am laying down with the prostheses on, as Clint thinks the longer I wear it the better and more naturally it will fit and work............Fr.  Troy

FANNING AND PANNING THE 84TH ANNUAL ACADEMY AWARDS............

The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, held its 84th Annual Oscars Awards presentation Sunday night, to a television audience of 39.3 million viewers in the United States, an increase in viewership of one million four hundred thousand more viewers than last year, yet not with controversy and criticism the day after.  After the mediocre hosting duties of younger actors, James Franco and Jane Hathaway in 2011, and the snafu that saw Eddie Murphy named and then withdrawn as this year's Oscar Host, eight time veteran Billy Crystal was tapped.  It has been since 2004 when Crystal last hosted the Oscars, yet he was expected to deliver as phenomenally as he did twenty years ago.  Billy Crystal was himself yet for many the bloom was off the rose and his predictable and expected fare of comedy fell short, if not disappointed many, as evidenced today by a cross section of critics, bloggers, and social networkers.  Crystal's character impersonation of Sammy Davis Jr,. which he portrayed on "Saturday Night Live", in the 1990's , in a nominated movie parody last night with current singing sensation Justin Bieber, was criticized today as a "black face" routine !   Hosting the Academy Awards for the ninth time, the standard Billy Crystal faced was all but impossible to attain.  He is the second mostv recurring host of the Oscars, with only iconic Bob Hope's eighteen times as host, greater in number.  Even the great, Johnny Carson only hosted the Oscars five times.  Truly memorable moments of this year's ceremonies were the Best Supporting Actress and Best Supporting Actor awards going to Octavia Spencer, for "The Help"; and Christopher Plummer, for "Beginners".  Spencer's sincerely emotional acceptance speech, and Plummer's quip that the Oscar is only two years older than himself, as he becomes the oldest actor ever to win a competitive Academy Award; along with Meryl Streep's upset of favorite Viola Davis, as Best Actress, and as expected, the retro silent film, "The Artist", winning Best Actor, Best Picture, Best Director; still made for the shortest telecast of Holywood's biggest night of  self congratulations and recognition in many years.  The Oscars are history for another year - and despite the panning, the fans of this annual big screen luminaries night of nights, will continue to find an audience ready to see and celebrate the accomplishment of films, filmmakers, and the glamour and glitz that sings, "Hooray For Hollywood" !............Fr.  Troy

THE DESERT OF LENT WE TRAVERSE WITH JESUS............

The 40 Days of Lent we enter into as we arrive at this 1st Sunday of this sacred season of Repentance and Reconciliation as Catholic-Christians, is like the desert in which Jesus sojourned at the outset of his Mission as the Christ and before embracing the Public Ministry by which He called and formed His Apostles and Disciples.  For us who are followers of the Lord and Savior from our sins and selfishness this period of purification and renewal permit us to transform our sacrifice, contrition, and pain, into a restoration and reconciliation with God and refreshment in the Grace and Fidelity to Christ centered Values that allow us to witness to our Discipleship in Jesus.  As we enter the desert of Lent and steep ourselves in the self denial and selflessness of greater Prayer, Fasting, and Charitable Works, may whatever separates us from the Divine and others dissipate as we refocus our willingness to be joined to to our eseential reality to be joined to the realization of the Redemption, the Paschal Mystery of Jesus Christ's Passion, Death, and Resurrection in Easter 2012, and in the Eternity of God in the Kingdom of UnEnding Life............Happy Lent !!!!!!!!!!!!  Fr.  Troy

REMEMBERING MY FATHER TROY DOIL POWERS AND REVEREND FATHER MARTIN JOSEPH CAMPION............

Today, Saturday February 25, 2012, is the Birthday anniversaries of my late father, Troy Doil Powers, who would have turned 90 years old today and who died six years ago on March 5th; and Reverend Father Martin Joseph Campion, also deceased nearly five years, who as a priest in the Diocese of Ossory in Kilkenny, Ireland was born on February 25, 1938.  My dad celebrated his sixtee.  nth birthday on the day Martin Campion was born; and Fr. Campion, who recruited me to attend St. Kieran's Seminary and served as both the Seminary Rector and then President of St. Kieran's College, before becoming Parish Priest of Danesfort, until his death.  Coincidentally, my father Troy Doil, passed away on St. Kieran's Day, March 5, 2006.  As I remember and commemorate them both today I join my prayers, gratitude, and love, with those who knew them and apprecxiated their presence in our lives and the contributions to our lives they made.  May God Grant Them Eternal Life And Peace............Troy David

WITH UNENDING THANKS AND APPRECIATION TO DR. JAMES MCMONAGLE...........

After more than eleven years with Dr. James McMonagle, M.D., as my primary care physician and for the past decade my diabetes specialist doctor, I am in search of others to succeed him, as he has retired.  I am profoundly grateful and forever appreciative to Dr. McMonagle, for the wise, caring, and dedicated, doctor he has been to me, as he has been to his hundreds of diabetic patients.  I also will always remember the faithful presence and participation he and his family made at Holy Family Parish, during my years there as Pastor.  For the constancy and excellence of his medical care I am grateful and will find it difficult to replace him, as he has been platinum plus in providing for the treatment and improvement of my health through all the past decade has wrought.  He is retiring now to care for his elderly mother.  May he, she, and their family, continue to experience the fulfillment of God's Choicest Blessings............Fr.  Troy

THE LATEST AND PERHAPS LAST REPUBLICAN PRESIDENTIAL NOMINATION DEBATE............

Last night's CNN Republican Presidential Nomination Debate, the twenty first in less than a year, and the last one scheduled, show again that the rise of a conservative altenative candidate choice to Mitt Romney is a daunting challenge, despite the skepticism regarding Romney.  Former  Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum who in recent weeks has surged ahead of Romney in national polls and to a lead in Romney's birth state of Michigan, as well as closing in on him in Arizona, where the next two primaries are being held next Tuesday, went into last night's CNN Mesa, Arizona Republican Presidential Debate considered the current frontrunner, as well as key social conservative alternative to Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney.  However, Romney, Gingrich, and Paul, did their utmost to put and keep Santorum on the defensive, unabling his ability to breakthrough as the most effective debater last night.  Whether Santorum's debate performance or Romney's moneyball in advertising can or will thwart the alternative to Romney surge Santorum has successfully mounted in recent weeks will be determined by next Tuesday's results in Arizona and Michigan, and will shape the direction of the race for the nomination going forward to Super Tuesday March 6th.  With no further debates scheduled, political advertisements will come into the ascendancy in determining the path ahead to Tampa and the eventual Republican standardbearer.............Fr.  Troy

ASH WEDNESDAY AND OUR SPRINGTIME OF THE CHURCH REPENTANCE............

On this Ash Wednesday, an annual day of atonement for sin for Catholic-Christians worldwide, which opens the Season of Lent - a forty day period of Prayer, Fasting, and Charitable-Giving, Believers are attending liturgies to receive the outward sign of ashes imposed on their foreheads.  The marking of our foreheads with ashes made from palms  from Passion Sunday during Holy Week last year, are a stark reminder of our ongoing need for repentance, reconciliation, and renewal, with God and others.  What the Rite of  Christian Initiation, the Catechumenate of the Church in Lent, refers to as, the Call to Continuing Conversion.  From the 4th Century of Catholic-Christianity forward, the Church has observed a penitential season of personal and communal contrition and change called Lent, an old English word for Spring - thus the Springtime of the Church.  Increasingly Ash Wednesday has become along with Good Friday, Christmas Day, and Easter Sunday, the most widely attended days at church for Catholic-Christians.  Parishioners at OLOL, as in church communities everywhere will gather at today's Masses to begin Lent 2012, by accepting their share of ashes, as they partake in the prayerful worship of God and interpersonal ministry to, and for, each other, in the Liturgy of the Word and Eucharist,  With me here at Mercy General Rehab, and Fr. Pius on vacation in Nigeria, a supply priest will be presiding at the morning and evening Ash Wednesday Masses.  I will be receiving ashes here after the celebration of Mass in the Mercy General Hospital, which Reverend Father John Healy, will preside over and which I will view on my rehab room television............Fe.  Troy

MARDI GRAS' MARVELOUS TREATS............

My Mardi Gras morning started in the 4:50 a.m., when an attendant appeared at my bedside saying she needed to weigh me.  The bed weighing mechanism was not working however, so a simple, left me fall back asleep procedure became a wake me up completely ordeal, causing me to turn fully to the left and the right, and being placed on a sling for weighing.  Why it had to be done at that hour, when I had to be awakened, mystifies me.  So wide awake one to two hours ahead of the usual first call for labs or vitals, I found myself in a forty five minute nap as of 10:45 a.m., prior to doing my physical therapy today.  The lunch portion was relatively small, but thanks to Irene and Ted Dahlberg, who visited me just after lunch the sugar free brownies and chocolate chip cookies they brought me from the Spohn's Bakery in Galt, a superb Mardi Gras treat helped get me through the afternoon.  Even having gained seven pounds since January 24th, I am still a dozen pounds under my optimal weight, and my appetite continues to increase. Clint accompanied by his new co-worker Matt, were here promptly at 4 p.m., to cast me for another temporary prosthetic sleeve, and to adjust my ability to wear the current one so that my physical therapy can excelerate standing and walking.  Please God, coming days and weeks will bring sufficient progress for the stability to return to my emerging mobility in and out of the wheelchair and sitting up for substantial periods of time............Fr.  Troy

PRESIDENTS DAY 2012 ALSO DENOTES ANOTHER SIGNIFICANT AMERICAN ANNIVERSARY............

On this President's Day, honoring the forty three occupants of our nation's highest office - the Presidency of the United States of America; from George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, to Ronald and Barack Obama, including the separately termed, double numbered, Chief Executive - Grover Cleveland; today February 20, 2012, also marks another golden jubilee in American history.  Last week we were reminded of the fiftieth anniversary of the broadcast on all three American television networks at that time, of the White House led by First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy.  Today we commemorate the February 20, 1962 accomplishment of astronaut John Glenn, as the first American to orbit the earth, as he did that day three times on a rocketship named, Friendship Seven.  John Glenn became a genuine American hero that day and over the next three and a half decades a four term United States Senator from Ohio, and 1984 Democratic Presidential contender.  In his final months in the U.S. Senate in 1998, John Glenn made history again  when he went became the oldest person to travel into space, aboard the Space Shuttle.  Now 90 years old, John Glenn recalls his fete and its subsequent results with fondness and pride.  As Americans and citizens of the World, may we too take time to remember, commemorate,m and to ponder, the greatness God and History summons us to achieve in the contributions we commit ourselves to continue making to the betterment of all, at a time we need everyday heroes even more than ever............Fr.  Troy

PT, & PICC LINE PROGRESS.............

My physical therapy sessions continue to progress with effectiveness and endurance.  My movements with the transfer board are increasingly pleasing the therapists and happening smoothly.  My ability to roll the wheelchair around the second floor and up and down the sloped hallway without prohibitive pain is normalizing, and my endurance and stamina increasing.  More good news three days after the antibiotic was ended - today the Doctor decided to have my picc line taken out, after eight consecutive months of piccs and ports, which pleases me immensely.  Forward to further Progress............Fr.  Troy

7TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME......SEEKING WHAT WE TRULY NEED............

Our Sunday prayer, worship, and ministry, today brackets the conclusion of this first part of Ordinary Time in Liturgical Year 2012, as we arrive at Mardi Gras, the doorway to the Season of Lent, starting in three days on Ash Wednesday.  The Sunday Scriptures convey the sense of Forgiveness and Healing we need in our relationships to be the human beings we were created to be, and to fulfill our roles and responsibilities as People of God and Disciples of Jesus Christ.  The  healing and restoration we need as persons on the continuously unfolding journey of life and faith, can only come to fruition with forgiveness, acceptance, and commitment, to the way and truth of God's Plan for us.  We are not in total control of anything on earth, not even our own lives, as any of us who are ill, infirm, diseased, disabled, or otherwise physically or developmentally challenged, or limited by circumstances we do not choose, can attest.  This is the very real presence of the Cross in our lives, and a hunbling awareness that we need more than personal desire or self sufficiency to succeed, sustain, and survive, the shortcomings and limitations that may beset us.  The Forgiveness and Healing of our Loving, Compassionate, God and the Caring Support of Others are essential components to finding the wholeness and renewal of opportunity we seek and need.  In these Mardi Gras days before we envelop the redirection Lent as the Springtime of the Church can bring us, may you discern the power of Healing and Forgiveness in your lives............Fr.  Troy

VATICAN EYES ON NEW YORK............

The latest Ordinary Public Consistory of the Roman Catholic Church, convened by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI, was held today in Vatican City, and created 22 new Princes of the Church, by elevating them to the College of Cardinals.  Among them were two American Archbishops, Timothy Cardinal Dolan of New York; and Edwin Cardinal O'Brien of Baltimore.  Cardinal Dolan as Archbishop of New York and the current President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops plays a pivotal role in national affairs, as recently evidenced in the church-state, government mandate versus religious freedom debate over employer provided insurance coverage for Contraception for their employees including in Catholic hospitals and other pertinent institutions.  Cardinal O'Brien, the former Archbishop of Baltimore, is now the Grand Master of the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre fraternal order, in Rome.  During the formal ceremonies at today's Consistory, Pope Benedict spent more time with Cardinal Dolan during the investiture, than with any of the other twenty one newly appointed Eminences.  Already talked about as, "papabili", a possible future Pope, as unlikely as that is; Vatican watchers and prognosticators, are likely to increase their speculation that the now Cardinal Dolan could be a papal contender in the next Conclave to elect a Pope.  The elevation of their Eminences Dolan and O'Brien, to the College of Cardinals, increases American representation to 12 Cardinals, behind Italy, with a total of 27 Cardinals.  In remarks meeting the media and greeting well wishers following the Consistory, Cardinal Dolan said the Red Hat which a new Cardinal traditionally receives, does not belong to him, but deserves to be hing over St. Patrick's Cathedral, the Empire State Building and Yankee Stadium............Fr.  Troy

AN OVERCAST SATURDAY OF THE ORDINARY............

As the ordinary daily morning drill of vitals, blood sugar monitoring, medications, and breakfast, gets underway interspersed with prayer; the funeral for pop music diva, Whitney Houston fills the television screen.  A Home Going Ceremony, as it is known in the Baptist Church tradition - is a worship service of 1,500 family members and friends of prayer, music, and remembrance.  Filling and passing the time until my therapy sessions, and keeping my very active mind focused beyond the tedium of another day away from where I want to be, doing what I truly meant to do as a priest and pastor, rounding out these days

and nights with activity, so as not to feel cut off from my core reality is vital to moving this forward and get myself back on track.  Fr. Pius, Frances Hood, Patty Pennington, at OLOL and the prayers, calls, visits, and snacks, from my circle of friends and parishioners, are helping me maintain the momentum to work beyond this period of pause.  Getting started on planning and preparing for the Sunday May 6th celebration of my Silver Jubilee 25th Anniversary as a Priest of Jesus Christ, is a project I will be asking my personal friends and past and present parishioners to help me organize in coming days.  Grateful for the help, support, care, and concern, so many of you have, are, and will continue to, provide me in fidelity to faith, friendship, fraternity, and fellowship, I Am Appreciarively In Christ Jesus............Fr.  Troy   

MORNING ANTIBIOTIC, MORE THERAPY, MARVELOUS VISITORS,............

I received only a morning antibiotic treatment yesterday, so those treatments are done for now, which is a hopeful sign the infection is arrested and successfully at bay, please God.  I continue to work on the physical and occupational therapy of transferring and extending the period of time I am sitting up in  the wheelchair.  Two wonderful visits yesterday came from Carl and Rose DiCapo, from Presentation Parish, and Deacon candidate Paul  Friedrich, both which helped round out the day.  I am pondering how soon to call together my circle of friends to organize the celebration of the Silver Jubilee as a Priest the first week of May, ten weeks from now.  Contact me if you would like to assist.  Stabilizing my health and progressing sufficiently so as to my priestly, parish ministry, remains Goal number One............Fr.  Troy

TODAY MAY BE THE DAY THE ANTIBIOTICS ARE DONE............

The Doctor was in at dinner time last night and said my current antibiotic treatments are scheduled to most likely end today.  I am feeling much stronger with only minimal pain and progressing on the therapeutic front, and there is no sign of infection, thus the time should be right.  My transfers from bed to wheelchair, wheelchair to bed, with the transfer board and yesterday to and from the commode, are going very well.  Clint from Anchor Prosthetics also returned yesterday afternoon having padded the inside of my prostheses, so that I fit into it comfortably and can stand and walk with it - painlessly.  Wednesday also included visits from another patient here presently, who is a St, Phiolmene's parishioner, along with Joe Gibson, Fr. Pius, an afternoon visit from Fr. Eduino, and an evening visit from Msgr. Kavanagh.  Pushing forward............Fr.  Troy

LOVE DEEPER THAN VALENTINE'S DAY............

With Valentine's Day behind us for another year, hopefully the Love and affection it denotes does not fade out with the passing of the day, but was reaffirmed in yesterday's remembrances, to be lived out daily.  Fed Ex reported yesterday gift deliveries for Valentine's Day were up 11% over last year.  The average American Valentine's Day purchaser yesterday spent $126.00, to express their love to their personal valentine.  All this is well and good for those able to afford such gifts from flowers, candies, jewelry, or romantic dinners, and is a boon to the economy; but they do not replace the authenticity of affection and boundless love rooted within the married, dating, and significant others, who celebrated yesterday and who are devoted to carrying their commitment of love forward unconditionally, all year round.  So as you move forward from the fond memories of your Valentine's Day, may the spirit of Love and devotion it represents for you and your valentine illuminate everyday............Fr.  Troy

3 CANOSSIANS, 1 RED CARNATION, A LAP AROUND MERCY GENERAL, ANCHOR AWAY, AND TED DAHLBERG............

Canossian Sisters Jenny, Eliza, and Felicity, paid me a visit this morning, which was thoughtful and very enjoyable.  Being Valentine's Day, it was interesting that the lunch tray had a red color themed paper placemat and a fresh red carnation on it.  My physical therapy session was another successful set of bed to wheelchair transfers, taking the wheelchair around the Continuing Care Center and then down the hall and the elevator, through the back of the hospital, outside, and across back over into the Rehab building.  Then Ted Dahlberg came by, bearing sugar free chocolate candies and a bag of pistachios, welcome snacks !!!!!!   I am feeling stronger daily and excited about increasing progress in my mobility.  Clint from Anchor Prostheses was here today to discuss adjusting my temporary prosthetic socket.  He took it with him and will return tomorrow with it padded so I can restart using it.............Fr.  Troy

PT PROGRESS............

I proceeded today to use the transfer board to move from the bed to the wheelchair, and from the wheelchair to the bed.  Both transfers in one, safe, secure, movements onto and across the board.  The physical therapist and I then went out into the hallway and made a full lap of the floor.  Eager to continue expediting my forward progress to move on productively.............Fr.  Troy

WHO DO WE TREAT AS CURRENT DAY LEPERS ?............

Leprosy was was one of the great maladies of disease and segregation in the Sacred Scriptures, feared by those inflicted with it as well as others who might come into contact with them.  Lepers were outcast and kept isolated, out of concern they would taint other persons with the disease.  Leper colonies separating them out and away from the general population was normal practice.  Jesus' Healing ministry making ten lepers whole again was a concrete example of the mutual inherent dignity of lepers, like that all of all human beings.  And that only one of the ten lepers, returned with gratitude for having been restored to health freed from leprosy, did not diminish all lepers human dignity and value.  St. Damian of Molokai in Hawaii, is an outstanding example of Catholic-Christian belief and practice in not casting off or segregating lepers, but treating them with respect that affirms their humanity, not just isloates them as persons.  Who in the world today are treated as lepers, due to disease, illness, social, economic, or spiritual, inequality ?  How are  we as Disciples of Jesus Christ and Believers in the Eternal God of Creation contributing to the eradication of segregation, isolation, separation, and inequality, between peoples, especially those marginalized in our so[ciety.  Like St. Damian of Molokai, how are we instruments of healing on earth and building up God's Kingdom ?  Take time this week to ponder and proactively decide how you can break the presence of the leprosy of sin and selfishness you encounter in the circle of life............In The Healing Grace Of Jesus The Lord,   Fr.  Troy

OLOL FEAST DAY, MSGR. KAVANAGH'S BIRTHDAY, MERCY GENERAL HOSPITAL's ANNIVERSARY............

February 11th is the liturgical Feast Day, of Our Lady of Lourdes, commemorating the apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary, yo a young woman Bernadette in Lourdes, France in 1857, declaring herself to be the Immaculate Conception.  Over the more than a century and half since, the site of the Blessed Mother's appearance to St. Bernadette, has become one of the most traveled to Marian shrines of pilgrimage in the world.  The ill, infirm, diseased, disabled, and those beset with adverse health journey to Lourdes to bath in what they believe are healing waters.  It is the Parish Feast Day in Del Paso Heights / Rio Linda / Elverta / Robla / Sacramento / and I assure the parishioners of my prayers and spiritual presence with them today as they celebrate our patronal feast.  Following the 5 p.m. Mass, they will hold a Rosary Procession on the church grounds and a Potluck in the Parish Hall, to celebrate the Feast Day.  Also today, Msgr. Ed Kavanagh  is celebrating his 87th Birthday, doing what he has done for the past sixty four years, carrying out his priestly ministries in South Sacramento, at St. Rose's / St. Patrick's, on Franklin Boulevard.  Happy Biurthday to him !!!!!!!!!!!!  And as I am here today at Mercy General Hospital Rehab Continuing Care Center, today is also the Anniversary of the day Mercy General Hospital opened at 40th and J Streets in East Sacramento / Midtown, on February 11, 1925.  Happy Feast Day; Happy Birthday; Happy Anniversary; to OLOL Parish - Msgr. Kavanagh - and Mercy General Hospital - for the significant responsibilities they carry out and the continuing roles they continue to play in my life and ministry, as a Priest of Jesus Christ............Fr.  Troy  

AN ACCOMODATION REGARDING CONTRACEPTIVE COVERAGE IN RELIGIOUS FACILITIES ANNOUNCED BY THE WHITE HOUSE............,

After a two week firestorm over the Obama Administration's decision to require Catholic and other religious based hospitals and health care services, to provide and or pay for contraception under the new National Health Care coverage; much of the opposition to the proposed requirement led by the U.S. Catholic Bishops, led by Archbishop Timothy Dolan of New York, citing infringement on religious liberty and violation of conscience; the White House announced an accommodation today, attempting to deflect, if not ameliorate the conflict.  Church related health care facilities will not have to pay for contraceptive coverage of their employees, but coverage will still be available to all women employees, through the insurance companies.  Today's decision is a compromise that will not please everyone, but does lift a mandate that would otherwise fly in the face of official Catholic Teaching.  The controversy has also spread into the political arena with opposition on the part of Republican presidential candidates and congressional leaders, as well as a number of Democrats, including the Vice President.  The right to religious liberty and the freedom of religion are enshrined in the the Constitution of the United States.   Where governance, religion, and politics, intersect as in this situation, a balance must be achieved that allows the human conscience of Catholics and other Believers to not be violated by a mandate imposed upon them that is contrary to the moral values they profess or practice.  May the outcome of this current debate increase and strengthen the acknowledgement and affirmation of religious liberty and freedom in faith, to follow our well formed conscience in fulfillment  of both our citizenship as Americans, and disciples of Jesus the Christ............Fr.  Troy

EDGING FORWARD ON THE THERAPY FRONT............

After yesterday's new stretching exercises for my right hip, leg, and stump, I awoke this morning with some pain on both my right and left hips and legs.  Tylenol was sufficient  to alleviate it.  The pt session today found me able to sit up at bedside with less pain in my hip or back, and with an assist from the therapist. to pivot over into a regular chair and sit comfortably for a few minutes.  The stretching, rolling in, rolling out, leg exercises continue, and I am hoping to resume my transferring from bed to wheelchair in just a few days............Fr.  Troy

PHYSICAL THERAPY ADDRESSING PAIN IN RIGHT HIP, LEG, STUMP............

My physical therapy sessions yesterday and today, have been focused on loosening a nerve in my right hip, and leg, that has tightened and narrowed and is causing me pain in sitting up.  The exercises are concentrated on tightening my right knee, elevating my leg, and rolling my knee in and out, before releasing and dropping it.  I am also standing on my left leg with walker and therapist assistance to lift, but because my stump has  shrunken, must await arrival of my shrinker socks from the rectory to painlessly secure my stump into the prostheses......As I was finishing my dinner, a visitor arrived from my Lambda Chi Alpha past.  Brother Steve Fishman, who is one of my two little brothers, appeared and spent an enjoyable three quarters of an hour with me, in a well rounded conversation of the past, present, and future.  Steve's marriage was the first wedding I officiated at as a transitional Deacon in 1986.  His visit and the memories and fraternal experiences and friendships we shared, made for an enjoyable sharing and reconnection......I am continuing to lift up in prayer, Mark Peterson and his family, as his grandmother 91.5 years old, slips away.  God be good to her, and strengthen her family at this time............Fr.  Troy

SANTORUM SCORES A STUNNING SWEEP OF MISSOURI, MINNESOTA, AND COLORADO............

Upsetting the current conventional wisdom and Republican Establishment desire that Mitt Romney is the one most likely to be the 2012 Presidential Nominee, the Missouri Primary, and the Minnesota and Colorado Caucuses tonight, he lost - in a clean sweep by Rick Santorum.  Santorum vying for the past few months to be seen as the conservative alternative to Mitt Romney, and tonight can credibly claim that position.  In Missouri and Minnesota, Santorum defeated Roimney in double digits; and in Colorado, he seems to have won a three or four percentage vote victory.  With eight states in the nominating process completed, Santorum has won 4 - Iowa; Missouri; Minnesota; Colorado;  Romney with0 3 - New Hampshire; Florida; Nevada;  Gingrich having 1 - South Carolina; and Paul - 0.  Saturday brings the Maine Caucuses, and in the last days of February, the Arizona Primary and the Michigan Caucuses............Fr.  Troy

COURT OF APPEALS PANEL OVERTURNS CALIFORNIA SAME SEX MARRIAGE BAN............

A three judge panel of the 9th District Court of Appeals in the western United States, announced their decision this morning declaring Proposition 8, passed by California, banning marriage same sex marriage, unconstitutional.  That means the issue of homosexual couples legal right to marry in California, and perhaps the United States, is likely to be appealed up to the United States Supreme Court. It is unclear whether a stay will be placed on the immediate resumption of same sex marriages in California, but the battle is all but certain to continue between proponents of maintaining traditional marriage only, between one man, and one woman, as the natural order of Creation; and those advocating for the marriage equality between same sex couples, as their constitutional and civil rights............Fr.  Troy

LONG REIGNING ROYAL GENES............

On February 6, 1952, a twenty five year old princess, afloat on the way to Australia, stepped onto the forefront of the world stage, when her father, the King of England, succumbed to cancer in London.  On that day sixty years ago, she became Queen Elizabeth II  of Great Britain and the realm of the British Commonwealth.  Over these six decades she has reigned over the British people and now soon to be 86 years old, is closing in on being the longest enduring monarch in British history.  Her great grandmother, Queen Victoria, having reigned for over sixty three years, if Elizabeth II has anywhere near the longevity of her own late mother,  who lived to be 101 years old, until her death a decade ago; the current Queen may achieve an almost unassailable length of royal service.  During her sixty years on the British throne to date, 10 British Prime Ministers and 12 American Presidents have served in Great Britain and the United States.  Remaining true to the vow of her youth to faithfully serve, she continues to carry out her duties and in a very changed world, provides constancy and pageantry to her beloved British people............Fr.  Troy

5TH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME AND PRESSING THE PATIENCE OF JOB............

Anyone who has suffered  a serious illness, disease, limitation, or disability, is able to understand the patience and perseverance required to contend and cope with the physical, developmental, or intellectual, challenges that must be confronted, dealt with, and overcome, in addressing the ability to live a quality life, with confidence and optimism.  In the Hebrew Scriptures, the central example of that necessary perseverance and patience is the infamously beset Job, from whom we hear in today's  First Reading at Sunday Mass and Christian Worship.  Despite a relentlessly continuous string of afflictions and setbacks thrust upon him and his people, Job withstood falling into despair.  Today's passage indicates Job's humanness caused frustration to overflow as he questioned, if not argued the merits of of the maladies, a natural response of anyone so immensely tested.  I am surely not alone in being able to identify with the magnitude of the challenges and frustrations Job endured and spoke to, in today's Sunday Scrptures.  Even good people find themselves confronted with bad things in the world.  The affects of illness, disease, suffering, pain,  immobility, disability, do not need to vanquish our ability to proceed with a quality of life that is grounded in positive attitudes and productive actions.  Job did not give up on himself or God, and neither should those bearing inordinately crosses.  Any person, community, institution, or employer, who marginalize or deflate the spirit, or discourage the opportunity for the fullest possible inclusion and empowerment of every human person, regardless of their state in life, need to remain keenly aware at any given moment, the patience and perseverance of Job may become a part of your human experience............Fr.  Troy

LAS VEGAS CAUCUS COUNTS STILL INCOMPLETE; ROMNEY WINS NEVADA CAUCUSES BY MORE THAN TWO TO ONE............

With approximately 25, 000 Nevada Caucuses votes counted from Saturday's Nevada Republican Presidebtial Caucuses, and results from Clark County that includes Las Vegas, not yet finalized - 70%  of the total vote; Mitt Romney is winning with 48% of the votes.  Newt Gingrich is receiving 23%; Ron Paul 19%; and Rick Santorum 11%; of the votes cast at the Nevada Caucuses.  Republican voter turnout in Nevada was down, just as it was in Florida lastTuesday, over what it was 2008.    Evening caucus meetings in Las Vegas were scheduled during the day with the rest of the Silver State, and in the evening as well, in the gambling mecca of the United States, as  Saturday Caucuses meant Orthodox Jews and Seventh Day Adventists, could only participate after the end of their Sabbath............Fr.  Troy

ROMNEY ROMPS IN NEVADA CAUCUSES............

Mitt Romney is leading by a more than two and a half to one margin over both Newt Gingrich and Ron Paul, with Rick Santorum running a very distant fourth in the Nevada Caucuses today.  With most Caucus meetings over and vote results coming in, Romney at this point has 52%;  Paul 20%;  Gingrich 19%;  Santorum  9%;  with 3% of the votes counted.  CNN is reporting Romney is winning 91% of the Mormon vote;  53% of the Catholic vote;  and 42% of the Protestant vote............Fr.  Troy

THIS MORNING'S PT EFFORT ANOTHER STEP FORWARD............

Working with the physical therapist at standing on my left foot and leg without my prostheses this morning, I was able to do so for four times, versus the three times yesterday and Wednesday.  A small step in progressing, but a move forward.  The pain in my right back/hip/leg/stump, is also not causing me any problem today after pt, an improvement on yesterday.  Once the prostheses arrives I should make even greater improvement getting back to standing and walking as I was, and am resolved to do............Fr.  Troy

A SHOUT OUT TO SOME OF MY FEBRUARY BIRTHDAY FRIENDS...........

This week has included the birthdays of five of my friends, who along with their families are a special part of my life.  On Thursday February 2nd, Ted Dahlberg celebrated his birthday, along with Noe Perez, and Timmy and Danny Gau.  Today, Dylan Welch, is celebrating his birthday.  Ted, his wife Irene, their late son Brad, and family I have known and enjoyed friendship with since my youth at St. Rose's Church in South Sacramento.  Noe Perez, I have known for five years, since my assignment to St. Philomene's Parish, in Arden Arcade.  Timmy and Danny Gau, the twin sons  of Terry McNamara Gau, and Dave Gau, are now college freshmen, and attending Chico State University.  And today, Dylan Welch, son of my departed friend / fraternity brother, and widow,, Brian and Kim Welch, a freshman at Texas A & M University, rounds out this five-some of birthday celebrants.  I wish Ted, Noe, Timmy, Danny, and Dylan, the happiest of personal solemnities as they open another year of life experiences, with gratitude that knowing them permits me to share their friendship............Fr.  Troy

OT STARTS WITH GETTING UP OUT OF BED INTO A REGULAR CHAIR............

I am sitting in the chair in my room as a part of the start of my occupational therapy. I pivoted with the walker using my left foot to turn myself into the chair. It required a moderate assist from the therapist......I pivoted back onto the bed after a few minutes, with the assistance of the nurse. The focus on the ot will be transfers from bed to wheelchair, and shower chair / bench............Fr. Troy

FIRST PT HERE......AS I AWAIT ARRIVAL OF MY PROSTHESES............

The physical therapist arrived just after 11 a.m., foolowing a visitor by Diane Jones, from St. Philomene's and a personal guitar melody of songs by a volunteer, certified guitar therapist, who visits the patients. For pt I briefly stretched, sat up at bedside, and stood with rhe walker, three times. Fr. Pius will be bringing my prostheses, so that I can start standing more stability as I do my pt. Pain when after doing these pt efforts is present, but lessening......Fr. Troy

GREAT START TO DAY ONE BACK @ MERCY GENERAL REHAB CCC............

My first evening, overnight, and morning, at Mercy General Hospital Rehab Continuing Care Center, has gone well. I had a restful, methodical, night; slept soundly, and have very little pain. The nursing staff is all being very cordially attentive, and remember me from before......It is February 3rd, St, Blaise Day, the patron saint of illnesses and diseases of the throat, and it is the day in the Catholic Tradition when many parishes conduct the Blessing of Throats............Fr. Troy

MERCY GENERAL REHAB, HERE I AM AGAIN............

My transporters arrived to transfer me from Mercy San Juan, to Mercy General Rehab, at 4 p.m., and had me here at just before 5 o'clock, where the R.N., to get me situated in my room, assessed, and settled in. Not bad timing, as dinner will arrive momentarily. I look forward to organizing and starting the next phase of physical therapy I need to excelerate, in order to progress with walking with my prostheses. More Soon......In the Praise and Glory of God and Appreciation for Dedicated Healthcare Givers, Fr. Troy

A BED BECOMES AVAILABLE @MGHR AFTER PEACHES FROM THE GEACHES............

The Case Manager was just in again, informing Mercy General Rehab has a bed available for me as of this afternoon. She is finalizing arrangements and the transportation to take me there at about 3:30 p.m. Hallejuah !! The news comes foolowing a visit by Roger and Karin Geach, who came to feed me interpersonally, spiritually, and physically. They brought me a burger and a chicken salad, as well as some sugar free chocolate snacks. So I am excited about being discharged and transferred, so as to build on the healing process and get my physical therapy back to full throttle. More soon from East Sacramento............Fr. Troy

T MINUS 3 MONTHS TO SILVER JUBILEE............

Three months from today, my diocesan classmates and colleagues, Reverend Father Eduino Silveira, Reverend Father Paul Schloeder, will celebrate the 25th Anniversary of our Ordination, and mark the Silver Jubilee of being Priests of Jesus Christ. I look forward to commemorating this quarter of a century of priestly ministry in the Diocese of Sacramento, with the parishioners, friends, family, who are among the People of God, it has been my joy and privilege to serve and lead, these past two and a half decades. In addition to continuing my priestly, pastoral, ministry well into the future after stabilizing my health, my foremost goals at present - I also have my Silver Jubilee celebration in purview as an incentive, to be well, strong, and stabilized by May. In coming weeks, I will invite a circle of my friends to assist me in organizing a Silver Jubilee celebration in thanksgiving and gratitude to God for my vocation; and in affirmation and gratitude for the wonderful people who have been the focus of my ministry, many of whom have helped me so much to fulfill my duties and meet the health challenges the past decade has dealt me. With Hope Filled Anticipation for Progress. Productivity, and the Physicality to Meet and Mark the Coming Months with Stability and Strebgth, Fr. Troy

MAROONED FIVE............

Discharge and transfer today from Mercy San Juan, to Mercy General Rehab, is still predicated on bed availability. I have seen the doctor this morning, but not the case manager, and as it moves toward
Noon, the likelihood begins to lessen, that it will be today. If it is not, then I am marooned here for five days now, with non certainty when the transfer will actually occur. On Ground Hog Day, it is like that movie of the same title, being stuck in time, day after day, repeating the same scenario, unable to break out of a frozen holding pattern. My far from perfect patience, is being stretched as no matter how responsive my condition is to getting back on track physically and therapeutically, here I lay unable to do anything about it but pray and wait, while vital time ticks away............Fr. Troy

PRESENTATION OF THE LORD : ENLIGHTENING OUR PATH TO SALVATION............

Though God made Man, sharing Human Nature yet Co-Eternal God, the Presentation of the Lord Jesus in the Temple by His parents Mary and Joseph, illuminates the path of possibility to Redemption and Salvation, that can lead every believer on Earth by the Light of Christ to the Kingdom of God. It is a sign that in Christ Jesus the Lord can be discovered the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets, that underscored His Divine, Messianic, mission to reconcile and reunite Humankind everlastingly with the Supreme and Immemorial God of All Creation. Catholic-Christian congregations bless church liturgical candles today used throughout the year in what is traditionally called, "Candlemas Day". The very candles used at altars and in the sacred mysteries and sacramental, prayerful, celebrations of Living Faith. As you bear Witness to your Faith in Jesus Christ as the essential, effervescent, eternal, Light of the Holy One who was Presented to God, being God; and to whom we, seeking to become more like God, have the need and opportunity to Present ourselves as enlightened Disciples............Fr. Troy

SIX HOURS LATER AND STILL WAITING FOR MY PORT / PICC PROCEDURE............

A half dozen hours after being told my port removal picc line reinsertion would be done today, with a bed supposedly available for my delayed transfer to Mercy General Rehab, here I lay trying to pass the time waiting, while having to try to ignore my fierce hunger. I have had these procedures done before in both Mercy and Sutter hospitals, so I am confused as to why I could not have the port / picc issue dealt with at MGH, once at the Rehab Continuing Care Center. The nurse Renee says they are coming down to get me, so'll let's see how soon and whether it is completed in time for dunner. Having not had lunch, I wonder if they will give me a larger portion of dinner ?............Fr. Troy

FASTING FOR PORT REMOVAL............

Waiting to have my right shoulder infusion port removed today, requires that i fast from all food and drink, water included until it is done. Lunch is due my appetite is raging, and here I lay having to stay hungry. The physical therapist and I worked on pivoting from the bed into an ordinary chair, which was strenuous, but successful. Especially considering it was not from bed into a wheelchair, and I am working without my temporary prostheses. The back pain resulting from today's brief session is much improved over yesterday, and I have not had to call for any pain reliever. For the second night in a row I went without any Norco, and took my last dose 22 hours ago after my pt. A friendly, fraternal phone call from Fr. Steve Avella, made my morning and broke down some of the tedium of being in what for the last several days has become a way station to arriving where I need to be at Mercy General Rehab. A fully active mind, and a inactively affected body, are far from the ideal for any person with spirit, energy, focus, and determination. I am hoping and praying extra hard, that this port removal be done without much more delay, food and drink be available, and transfer completed, in what increasing feels like a protracted, manana moment !!!!!!!!!!!!............Fr. Troy

IS TODAY THE DAY ?............

My doctor was just in to say that the latest blood cultures drawn yesterday, are negative for any further sign of infection. There is no word yet, but with an expected four discharges at Mercy General Rehab today, I may well be going this afternoon. However, the doctors also are telling me my port should be removed now, and a picc line reinserted; so that may delay my transfer yet another day ! I am oh so eager to go, so I'll let you know as soon as it comes to pass. After prayers and breakfasting, blogging, and Facebook-ing, I am watching Dan Elliott and colleagues on News 10 @ 9, to take some of the edge off the boredom and tediousness of being stationary. Like it has over the past years of facing my physical health challenges, it continues limitations to give me a greater grasp of the scope of feelings the sick and the shut-in, the hospitalized and the homebound ,experience coping with limitations to mobility and opportunity to simply live their daily lives............Fr. Troy