Table of Contents
Volume 39, Number 2
March - April 2008

Off the Cuff (Part 1)
Dr. Robert L. Sumner

Your editor, like every tourist in Egypt, had to see the Great Pyramids when he was in the Middle East. Considered one of the “wonders of the world,” they contain the remains of that country’s earliest and most noted monarchs. At Arlington Cemetery in Washington, D.C., another tourist hot spot I visited, are the graves of many of our country’s greatest military leaders and heroes, including the illustrious “Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.”

view full article

Incidents and Illustrations
Dr. Robert L. Sumner

JOKE OF THE YEAR, 2008: Pope Benedict XVI announced “plenary indulgences” for all Roman Catholics who will visit Lourdes in southwest France from now until December 8, saying it will lessen their time spent in Purgatory. This is in honor of the 150^th anniversary of the occasion when the Blessed Virgin was alleged to have appeared to the peasant girl.

While the pope has conveniently opened air service direct to Lourdes from Rome, he has assured those unable to go that they would be granted indulgences if they pray at any place of worship dedicated to the Madonna of Lourdes from February 2 to 11 (oops; too late for you). Pope Benedict plans to take advantage of his own offer, visiting Lourdes in September.

view full article