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Church Clips by Dolores Madlener

Dolores Madlenera column of benevolent gossip

  • Our golden oldie —

    The children’s hymn, “Little White Guest” is seeing a revival. Maybe its renewed popularity is one of the effects of today’s eucharistic adoration. When Clips offered to send the hymn’s words and music to readers, there were many touching responses. From a young teacher with her first First Holy Communion class: she was sure, based on the verse we printed, that the children would love it. She received her copy in time. … We heard from a number of teachers in the arch who wanted to add it to their programs. … And from grandmothers who wanted to share the song they remembered, with grandkids making their First Communion. … We heard from a reader in Avon, Ill., not far from Peoria. … A reader in Woodstock recalled singing the hymn in 1936 at her first Holy Communion at St. Rita Parish in Chicago. She remembered there was a surprise snowfall at their outdoor May crowning that year. ... And this morning a call from a husband in Kansas City, Mo., whose wife has been searching for the hymn for decades.

  • That special day —

    Kids' book on learning right choices.

    “Shine – Choices to Make God Smile,” is a First Communion book a secondgrader can read easily and that teaches positive choices. One page poses a question like: “Mom wants to give away my old toys. Should I share them with those who don’t have any?” The facing page holds a Yes or No answer: “Yes! God wants me to be good to others even if I don’t know them. When I am good to others, God smiles and I shine!” The nine cleverly illustrated “dilemmas” teach kids the fruits of the Holy Spirit, like love, joy, peace, patience. It can also be read to younger children. “Shine,” by Genny Monchamp, illustrated by Karol Kaminski, is $10.95 from Pauline Books & Media, at (312) 346-4228. They also carry “The Eucharist for Little Children,” a DVD on the real presence and adoration, $14.99.

  • Ever wonder? —

    The aspergillum is the brush or wand a priest dips in holy water to sprinkle the congregation during the Easter season. The aspersorium is the little bucket or vessel it rests in.

  • Rallies returning —

    Those peaceful public gatherings for religious freedom and against the government’s HHS mandate will return June 8 across the country. More than 64,000 pro-life advocates joined more than 140 rallies in the nation during March (see Catholic New World April 9-21, p. 14). The aim is to continue a public outcry until the government’s intrusion into the practice of religion and freedom of conscience is rescinded, say pro-life leaders.

  • ‘POW Korea’ —

    Patrick V. Quinn's experiences as a POW.

    Patrick V. Quinn and his wife Ann are long time parishioners at St. Louis de Montfort (Oak Lawn). Quinn is a Knight of Columbus and was a prisoner of war from 1951- 1953. Born in County Down, Ireland, he came here, registered for the draft, and not yet a citizen, found himself in the U.S. Infantry. In Quinn’s recently self-published book, “POW Korea: A Memoir,” this retired union carpenter tells the story of what happened after reaching Inchon in December 1950 with temperatures at 30 degrees below zero.

    A couple months later, captured with his squad, his first thought was his mother’s favorite prayer, “Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place my trust in thee.” They were marched north, suffering from “the four D’s: diarrhea, dermatitis, dementia and death.” They buried comrades. Of the 700 POWs at their camp, about 130 came home. Despite communist brainwashing, He made up his mind to survive. (He also had a hidden prayerbook and his rosary.) Along the way he made a list of fellow soldiers and their home addresses. He memorized it. When he finally came back, Quinn contacted as many families as possible.

    Sadly, returning POWS weren’t hailed as heroes. This memoir is no-frills honest — a compelling legacy. Thank Pat Quinn for writing it by reading it: $12 plus shipping from amazon.com, or order from Bookies, at (773) 239-1110.

  • People and places —

    The Little Sisters of the Poor celebrated National Volunteer Week (April 15-21), at their St. Mary’s Home, 2325 N. Lakewood. They are inviting college students, retirees, individuals and groups to share time and talent with the elderly poor in their care. Call (773) 935-9600 or email volchicago@littlesistersofthepoor.org. Just recently St. Albert the Great School (Burbank) collected 28 bags of toiletries and paper goods to assist the elderly at St. Mary’s. . . . JC Corcoran did a top-notch job filling in for Dean Richards onWGN radio Sunday morning April 29. A veteran Midwest radio host, a big name in St. Louis, JC gave many high fives to his Catholic alma maters, St. Camillus Grade School (S. Lockwood) and neighboring St. Laurence High School.