By Darryl Tippens The Cathedral of Notre-Dame officially reopened on December 8, after a five-year reconstruction marathon involving hundreds of architects, carpenters, stonemasons, engineers, and countless others. The massive project was funded by 340,000 donors from around the world. The restored “masterpiece of faith and Christian architecture,” as Pope Francis described it, would have seemed impossible in April 2019 when
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By Nancy Patrick A few weeks ago I wrote an article about the stages of life and how I do not enjoy my current stage, the one near the end of the journey. Not only did I express my dismay and disappointment with my physical limitations, but also I had just begun my excursion into grief following the presidential election.
Read moreTHE IDLE AMERICANCommentary by Dr. Don Newbury The song has been a staple in Christian hymnals for more than a century, underscoring deeply held beliefs. “The Way of the Cross Leads Home”–written in 1906–might be in the running for Christians’ national anthem if it ever came to a vote. Until here lately, the “way” to Branson, Missouri, has not been quite so
Read moreKACU. Abilene’s National Public Radio station, will present a live radio play at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13, at the Paramount Theater. The play, “A Texas Christmas Carol,” is an adaptation by the late Barry Smoot, who for many years was the artistic director at the Paramount. Click here for tickets. “Based on Charles Dickens’ 1843 novella, ‘A Texas Christmas Carol’ moves
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By Jim Nichols It spreads like a bad infection. “This will be the best Christmas ever! If you thought that gift was a surprise, wait until you open the rest of these!” Or “Whatever decorating we did last year, this year will be even greater and brighter.” It is difficult to avoid getting caught in some type of race during
Read moreBy Danny Minton What was your favorite Christmas gift growing up? Over the years, I have received numerous gifts at Christmas, most of which I have forgotten. However, there are a couple I remember receiving that would fall under the title of favorites. One was a Daisey BB Gun complete with ammunition and scope. The other was a fancy Gilbert
Read moreTHE IDLE AMERICAN THE IDLE AMERICANCommentary by Dr. Don Newbury They are a lovable couple–Dr. Chris Liebrum and his wife, Cindy–known for quickly triggered smiles, positive attitudes, deep faith and commitment to close-knit families. Married for 52 years, they have reached highest peaks and navigated life’s storms–shortening them when possible–confident of a safe arrival on the other side. They’re the kind of
Read moreBishop Michael Sis of the Diocese of San Angelo, will preside over a Mass at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Fort Stockton at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 12, which is the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The Mass will be preceded by Matachines, a prayer in the form of dance, at 6 p.m. The following excerpt from Franciscan
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By Glenn Dromgoole More than ever beforeI’m praying for peaceThis Christmas season. Peace in our fragile worldWhere any day we couldAnnihilate ourselves. Peace in our divided nationWhere we have barely survivedA contentious election. Peace in our prayersFor a President many of usDid not support but many did. And, yes, he needs our prayersAnd, yes, he needs my prayersFor our country,
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Spirit Of Abilene 