We Inerrupt This Top 20 List for Breaking News From Rome...

My brother Tony was chosen to do the first reading at tomorrow morning's Mass held in St. Peter's Basilica at 10 am Rome time, 5 am Eastern Time.



Click here for a nice write up from Fox59

Typically the Vatican will call the Pontifical North American College to ask for help with various liturgical functions throughout the year.  The Pontifical North American College is located about a 4 minute walk from St. Peter's Basilica, and is packed to the gills with English speaking seminarians, English fast becoming one of the main languages of the Universal Church.

Tony was called into Msgr. James Chechio's office (the Rector of the seminary) yesterday morning and told, with a jolly laugh, "Hollowell, the Vatican called, and they are looking for someone to do the first reading.  I picked you.  The whole world will be watching...don't screw up"

The Indianapolis Star did a nice article this morning for the story.  Click here to view the story

Click here to view the program for tomorrow AM's Mass

Tony will read, in the presence of all the Cardinals, from Isaiah 61:

"The spirit of the Lord has been given to me,

for the Lord has anointed me.

He has sent me to bring good news to the poor,

to bind up hearts that are broken;

to proclaim liberty to captives,

freedom to those in prison;

to proclaim a year of favour from the Lord,

a day of vengeance for our God;

to comfort all those who mourn and to give them

for ashes a garland;

for mourning robe the oil of gladness,

for despondency, praise.

But you, you will be named ‘priests of the Lord’,

they will call you ‘ministers of our God’.

I reward them faithfully

and make an everlasting covenant with them.

Their race will be famous throughout the nations,

their descendants throughout the peoples.

all who see them will admit

that they are a race whom the

Lord has blessed."

For those interested in watching the event, it can be seen live on EWTN at 4:30 am (replayed at 7 pm), you can also watch on your computer by clicking here

Please pray for Tony.  He's excited to be part of such a historic moment for the Church!