a column of benevolent gossip

• One of 70+ images of Mary “in three minutes.”

  Focus on the ‘Faces of Mary’ —

  It was Mother Teresa who said, “Do something beautiful for God.” Well, the Guccione Family has done something beautiful to honor the Blessed Mother. They want their three-minute video, “Faces of Mary,” (created by John Guccione and Mike Whittern) “to go to the ends of the earth to further devotion to Mary Immaculate.” (It is already being viewed in Russia, Saudi Arabia and Australia.) You’ll find www.FacesOfMary.net a breathtaking slide show of more than 70 images of the Blessed Mother. Each Mary gently “morphs” into the next. It’s a reflection of Christendom’s patrimony of sacred art, from the sixth century to 1900. Background chant of the “Magnificat” is sung by the seminary choir of the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest (S. Woodlawn) and its Sister Adorers of the Royal Heart of Jesus. Joyce Guccione says she prays the video will also draw people to the shrine’s website, at www.institute-christking.org (and generate funds for the shrine’s ongoing restoration).

• Parish potpourri —

  A relic of St. John Bosco will visit St. John Bosco Church (N. McVicker) Oct. 2-4. Founder of the Salesians, he’s also patron saint of young people, so there will be a youth rally and other programs. . . . Gwen Moncada of St. Priscilla Parish (W. Addison) has published her cookbook, “Gwen’s Family Recipes.” The 178 treats span three family generations of Greeks, Italians and Mexicans. But Gwen and husband Jim have cuisine favorites from many ethnic tables. She sold all but 82 of the handy threering binders at her parish recently. The project is in thanksgiving after getting over a bad case of shingles. At $15 a copy, she donates $10 back to her parish. You can find out more info and order at (773) 685-7128. She’ll add a postage fee. . . . Members of Our Lady of the Brook Parish (Northbrook) are planning a winter vacation to Egypt, the Land of the Pharaohs Jan. 5-14. . . . Michael Patrick Thornton, with youthful roots in St. Constance Parish (W. Strong) and St. Patrick High School, plays Dr. Gabriel Fife on ABC’s “Private Practice,” a spin-off of “Grey’s Anatomy.” Thornton is also artistic director/ensemble actor at The Gift Theatre in Jefferson Park. Its world premiere of “Suicide, Incorporated,” with rave reviews, is sold out. Visit www.thegifttheatre.org for what’s next.

• Mothers/heroes —

  Heroic Media is a faith-based non-profit that raises awareness of positive alternatives to abortion.
  Film critic, Michael Medved coming to Rolling Meadows
  It uses TV, billboards, radio and the Internet to reach women, ages 18-34, and connect those in crisis with lifeaffirming pregnancy centers. Their business model is: “Place God first. Be a blessing to people. Trust God to meet our needs. Strive for excellence.” Their 30-second commercials make a proven impact. On Sept. 14, 7 p.m., Heroic Media presents radio host/ movie critic/author Michael Medved and radio host Ryan Dobson. It’s at the Meadows Club in Rolling Meadows. Tickets are $50, $35/students with I.D., by calling (847) 991- 3370. (Free parking) See their stuff at www.heroicmedia.org as well as their site for parents, and their kids ages 12-16, www.teenbreaks.com. It has info about parent-kid relationships, adoption, abortion, cutting and other serious topics. Last year 159,000 folks hit their website.

• Saintly celebration —

  The pope goes to England Sept. 19 to beatify Cardinal John Henry Newman. His cause has been promoted by many, including our own Father James W. Lyons and Father Vince Giese with the Venerable John Henry Newman Association. For a free brochure on this saintly giant, send a SASE to Catholic New World, c/o Church Clips, 3525 S. Lake Park, Chicago, IL 60653.

• Over here/over there —

  Our Lady, Mother of the Church, near O’Hare, has dedicated a new memorial. “Christ Embraces the Soldier” displays a replica of a Timothy Schmalz sculpture. There’s also a book, listing names of vets and those now serving. An eternal flame and a display of flags will be added. Add names in person or by mail to the church, at 8701 W. Lawrence, Chicago, IL 60656; by phone to (773) 625-3369, or by e-mail to olmother@archchicago.org. Replicas of the sculpture, along with enrollment in the prayer society are available for a donation of $50.

Send your benevolent gossip to Church Clips, Catholic New World, P.O. Box 1979, Chicago, IL 60690-1979; or e-mail to dmadlener@catholicnewworld.com.