Father Mallette Picked Up the Check - “give without expecting anything back.”

Father Dan Mallette greets Mike Joyce :“Great souls by instinct to each other turn, Demand alliance, and in friendship burn.”
―Joseph Addison

The world lost another great priest.  A few years ago we lost Francis Cardinal George*.  This Sunday, at Little Company of Mary Hospital, Father Dan Mallette went home to Christ.

There is a very nice story in the Chicago Sun Times giving people a hint of what the man was like in life, but that is like hearing about child birth.

Fr. Dan Mallette had fore-arms like Popeye and the deeply chiseled face of a tough guy that could do tribute to mankind on Easter Island.

At Mass, the Body and Blood of Christ was offered as the very real Presence of the redemptive Crucifixion and not some three-ring circus of self-congratulatory rhetoric. The Eucharist was about Christ in the lives of people and not about Dan Mallette.

Christ gave all and that made sense to Father Mallette.  He recognized no enemies.

Every moment with Father Mallette was sermon.

Imagine being at Franconello's, where you had just treated your family to big Italian feast.  You reach for your wallet and realize it is five blocks away on your dresser.  You are embarassed. anxious and worried that a great night will be spoiled by your mistake.

Marcia arrives; not with your bill, but with a message.

" Father Mallette, paid your bill!  He wanted you all to love one another, Oh, and I got a huge tip, already."

* Take the story of tensions between Cardinal George and Father Dan with a huge chunk of salt - the the press feared and hated Cardinal George for the very same reasons it praises Father Mallette.

Race Between Chuy Garcia and Rahm Emanuel - Nothing to Do with Bill DeBlasio, or Bessie Warren

The Chicago Tribune, like WTTW, The Sun Times and the less lights on news and opinion,  wants, O so very badly, for you to believe that Chicago's mayoral election as anything to do with Bill De Blasio and Elizabeth 'Senator Squaw' Warren.

It don't.

This is an election that finds a traditional south side Catholic Democrat ( pre 1972 Vintage) siding with Ald. Ricardo Munoz, some of the membership of SEIU to get Jesus Chuy Garcia a seat behind the big desk on the 5th floor of City Hall.  Who'da thunk?

Chuy is a good guy and I don't care if he leans left from time to time.  That makes him a liberal Democrat.

Rahm represents the absolute worst of what has become of the  Democratic Party - an Orwellian swamp where only approved mandarins are allowed a place on a luxury tour boat.  Rahm is one of the chosen and protected - Progressives.  They are the class warriors who want the middle class gone, while mouthing fairness and equality platitudes.

I admire liberals.  I detest Progressives.

Here is what the IN THE TANK for RAHM media offers -

 . . . Cook County Commissioner Jesus "Chuy" Garcia is framing the head-to-head showdown as part of an ideological fight for the soul of the Democratic Party.That narrative seeks to portray the candidacy of Garcia as another chapter in the same uprising of liberal progressives who take inspiration from the victories of Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren and New York Mayor Bill de Blasio. A similar dynamic is playing out as former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton preps an establishment Democratic presidential run and some in the party's left wing hope for an alternative.

Really?  Hardly, Sisters.  Chuy Garcia will define his own narrative.   Here is what he actually said,  "I'm optimistic that (Tuesday's) win will bring additional resources and talent to the campaign,"  . . .. I'm pretty sure that will happen, but I also hope that the Chicago debate about cities and the urban agenda will also resonate nationally, so that when both parties convene next year at their conventions, they can address specifically the plight of cities."

Nothing about Bessie Warren or Goofball Bill.

Neighborhood values, as opposed to small size, micro-smart out sourced red lights and bike lanes for transient hipsters.  The Big money backs Progressive Rahm

The smart neighbors back Chuy Garcia.

February 24, 2015 - Chicago Redeemed

 These two Mayors sold off Chicago, because we sold out.

These two Chicagoan's (Chuy Garcia and Pickle Joyce)could help us redeem what we have lost. 

re·demp·tion
rəˈdem(p)SH(ə)n/
noun
1.
the action of saving or being saved from sin, error, or evil.
"God's plans for the redemption of his world"
synonyms: saving, freeing from sin, absolution
"God's redemption of his people"
a thing that saves someone from error or evil.
"his marginalization from the Hollywood jungle proved to be his redemption"
2.
the action of regaining or gaining possession of something in exchange for payment, or clearing a debt.

I believe in redemption.  I'm a Catholic;  I gotta beleive in it.  As a person, I know that I owe a debt to those who gave me a comfortable life and to those who will follow after, when I shed this mortal husk. a place worth my time on the terra.

We cashed in Chicago, years ago.  When Harold Washington became mayor, too many whities got the willies, but soon learned that the Mayor was a pretty decent leader.  Harold reached over the Jesse Jacksons, the Michael Pflegers and the Judge Pinchams to ask the Polish, Mexican, Croatian, Lithuanian and Irish ethnics to give him a chance.  Harold was no race baiter.

Too many of us whities sought comfort with States Attorney Richie Daley, still a Bridgeport Boy and an easy laugher.

Harold Washington's death happened shortly after whitey agreed with the Mayor's leadership and direction.

We cashed in Chicago with Richie Daley. I know I did.  His laugh became forced and he -Richard M. Daley, not Richard J. Daley.

My bad.  I refused to believe what I  witnessed:  the direction Richie Daley was allowing himself to travel on the University of Chicago automated beltway to power via Progressive Policy.  As I watched from the sidelines of citizenship, Daley chucked away people like Ald. Pat Huels, Terry Teele and Oscar DeAngelo at the mere suggestion of impropriety in the Sun Times and Tribune. Then he chucked his entire neighborhood of Bridgeport, all while closing scores of neighborhood taverns in Canaryville , Bridgeport and Back of the Yard. When I asked one one gent whose bar supply business on 47th & Canal went belly up as result why Daley would close those historic joints owned by neighbors and friends, I was told, " No crowd of beer drinlers; no talk; no talk, no complaints."    That was in 1998.

We went along for twenty years. We, the Richie Daley accolytes of the 1980.'s cashed in Chicago. Mea culpa.

CHICAGO — No city in America beats Chicago when it comes to selling public assets - garages, bridges, even parking meters - and contracting with private companies to supply traditional public services.Over the past five years, the Windy City under Mayor Richard M. Daley has sold or leased out public institutions such as the Chicago Skyway ($1.83 billion), underground garages beneath Grant and Millennium Parks ($563 million), and, more recently, city parking meters ($1.15 billion).

We cashed in the Skyway, Meigs Field,  tavern licenses, street parking, wide throughfares like State Street, for $5 Tolls, A Band Venue, Yuppie Zinc Bars, or stay at home with your quart of Old Milwaukee, $28 a half hour warehouse, and concrete planters full of growth obstructing the view of everyone but Double Decker Tour buses. Oh, we a go a huge ass Silver Bean.

Rahm went even further - we Daley Acolytes created Rahm - The CTA was given to Ventra, Red Light Camera Robbery, Charter and Faux St. Ignatius Preps like Gwendolyn Brooks Academy proliferation and the closing of Catholic and neighborhood public schools.  Yep, Rahm hates Catholic schools more than he hates CPS.  His first act as Mayor was to tax Catholic schools for water.

Now we can make things better. Now we can act to redeem Chicago -A City of Neighborhoods and Neighbors

We have a chance to talk to one another again and to get back something of our selves.

Pat Elwood's Fox 32 Coverage of Francis Cardinal George's Blessing of Leo Buses

Here's the lede

Chicago News and Weather | FOX 32 News

Here's the Heart

Chicago News and Weather | FOX 32 News

Here's Our Newest Video Star

back row - Mike Joyce, Kimberly Hickey, front row, Amir Holmes, Francis Cardinal George ( undefeated) and James Davis
Chicago News and Weather | FOX 32 News

Please NOTE - Mike " Pickle" Joyce, Esq. ( 10-1 Pro Boxing career) is the Leo Head Boxing Coach and bears no resemblance to Miss Kimberly Hickey* our Math Teacher and Leo Assitant Boxing Coach.

* Miss Hickey is not a relative of the this post-hole digger and has no relative in Local # 399 IUOE.

Get Your St. Baldrick's On and Get Your Hair Off at the Same Time!

  
This happy gent went from Buster Browne curls to Buster Douglas Badazz at last year's St. Baldrick's Fight for the Cure!

Be there and be Bald!

Catch some world class boxing from the Celtic, McGarry's and Leo Boxing Clubs! Meet Tommy Z!

Buy me Lunch!

By Phone: (888) 899‑2253Download Donation Form

EVENT DATE

Mar 9, 2013

START TIME

3:00 pm

LOCATION

Fight For A Cure 2013

115 Bourbon Street
3359 W 115th Street
Merrionette Park, IL US

VOLUNTEER EVENT ORGANIZERS

Mike J Joyce

Email Me

Mr. John M O'Sullivan

708-259-7443Email Me

 

CPS May Very Well Strike; Leo High School Treats Kids Right!

Here is the Map of Success - 2011 Leo Grads are going to school all over America!

When asked by (WLS AM Bill)Cameron whether the conditions were ripe for a strike this year, she (Teachers Union President Karen Lewis)said: “I think it’s very high. Because people are very upset and people feel disrespected.”

Chicagoist 8/15/2011 ( parentheses my own)

Earlier in the piece we find this, "she (Lewis) did not predict that teachers will ultimately go on strike, only that the probability is high that members will call for a strike vote." What's the deal? Will teachers be going on strike any time soon?"

Leo High School opens this week, but we have on-going registration. Leo High School is a Catholic college preparatory high school, often called a "pay school" by families more familiar with public education. There is tuition. Tuition is a covenant between the school and the family of the student. Picking up a financial obligation the family is assured that their student will have an opportunity to succeed in academics, participate in a glorious athletic program, be treated with attention to the student's needs. To help families meet their end of the covenant, there are thousands of Leo Alumni and the Big Shoulders Fund - a Catholic foundation dedicated solely to helping inner city families get a great Catholic education.

Leo High School had a great year last year.

1. 100% college placement

2. Leo graduates received hundreds of thousands of dollars in college scholarships

3. Leo families were helped by Leo Alumni, private and corporate foundations and generous individuals to the tune of $ 840,000

4. Leo tested and registered the largest incoming class of freshmen in twelve years, including white and Hispanic students

5. Leo 2011 graduate Eder Cruz was named a Gates Millenium Scholar

6. Leo's Track team won its sixth IHSA State Championship - Leo is the only non-public high school to win the IHSA Track Title in its 115 year history and Leo Captured Titles in both Class A and Class AA

The probability is high that Chicago Teachers Union will vote for a strike. Leo High School and all other Catholic schools will open this month an get down to the business of helping students.

Enroll, now. If you think that tuition is costly, imagine what a morale challenged public school faculty might cost your child. Leo High School has not been disrupted by violence in the school. The police officers of Gresham Sixth District only have come to the school to correct problems outside of the school that might impact on the safety of our Leo Men. The business of Leo High School is all about the student.

In fact, all summer long students have popped in to visit and ask for summer reading ideas from President Dan McGrath, chat with Principal Phil Mesina and learn some great study skills from Leo's Vice president and Gunny Mr. Frank Wilson, USMC, lift weights, shoot hoops, box in the Leo facility run by Mike Joyce, snitch candy from the Ms. Adams and Ms. Hemp in the office and pay Mrs. Townsend parcels of tuition, while Mom and Dad were at work.

Mike Holmes, Leo Director of Admissions and Leo Alumnus Mike Anderson have brought in many families seeking help for their sons who having a difficult time at other schools, or are concerned about meeting the costs of tuition.

Here is a transcript of a message left on my voice mail -" This is Pat Nolan, Class of '51. It was great seeing you guys at the Leo Golf outing. I'm sending my 21st Century (Spring Mailing) with my gift. I was little late in getting it in the mail. I hope all is well at Leo."

Pat Nolan and hundreds of other Leo Men have the kids who were here all summer, even though school was out, on their minds and in their hearts.

The teachers have been back since last week. The Maintenance( Ron Reynolds, James Crawford and Derrick De Berry) men have the place looking great. These gentlemen are solid gentlemen and great role models who do as much teaching throughout the day than many people calling themselves educators that I have encountered. They teach pride by example and respect for every task.

No Strike - Leo Treats Families Right. Take a look at the Leo High School Website

Call Mr. Mike Holmes here at Leo ( 773) 224-9600 and arrange a sit-down with any or all of us. Pop in for a visit even when school starts. Our students are our best reflection of the Leo Brand.

Leo High School
7901 S.Sangamon Street
Chicago, IL 60620

Open for business every year since 1926 - business is good!

Facta Non Verba! Deeds not Words!

Who Is My Neighbor? Not Necessarily the Folks at the Block Party

The great Trevor Jensen, obituary editor of the Chicago Tribune wrote a sweet piece about the death of Herman Mills, a Leo Boxing Coach, last October.

Herman Mills, a quick-footed 138-pounder who fought on the undercard of a Joe Louis exhibition bout during boxing's golden era, worked with young fighters in Chicago gyms for more than 50 years.

Mr. Mills, 85, died of colon cancer Friday, Oct. 9, in Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, said Mike Joyce, who runs the boxing program at Leo High School.

Mr. Mills had been a volunteer coach at Leo for 12 years, and since his wife died four years ago had been living with Joyce. The former resident of the city's Bronzeville neighborhood had been spry until only recently, working with the boxers at Leo during the day and playing bingo in various Catholic churches at night.

Click my post title for the story. What goes unsaid in the story is the fact that Mike Joyce, an attorney and former pro boxer, had taken in Herman Mills, paid his bills, bought his clothes, his food, and made certain the the old gentleman was safe and happy and needed.

Mr. Mills had fallen on very hard times and much younger Irish American single man gave him a home.

That fact has always humbled me and jarred me today when I listened to Today's Gospel at Sacred Heart Church. Father Gallagher read:

Luke 10: 25 - 37
. . . ."And who is my neighbor?"
Jesus replied, "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him, and departed, leaving him half dead.
Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him he passed by on the other side.
So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.
But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was; and when he saw him, he had compassion,
and went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; then he set him on his own beast and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, `Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.'
Which of these three, do you think, proved neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?"
He said, "The one who showed mercy on him." And Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise."
. . .

He explained that our neighbors just might not be the folks we enjoy at our block parties.

I pray that someday I might be a much better person than I seem to continue to be - I'll do the easy ones twice; let's see how I do when my neighbor needs me.

Muhammad Ali - A Freeman of Ennis!

Freedom of the City is a medieval military honor bestowed upon the heroic. In Ireland, it is an honorary distinction outside of the City of Dublin where the Freeman may sell his goods without license, graze his sheep in the parks and keep armour for the return of the Vikings or the Brits.

In the town of Ennis, County Clare, in the most beautiful of Ireland's four provinces -Munster -Muhammad Ali was named a Freeman of Ennis today.

Mike Joyce, Leo Boxing Coach and St. Cajetan neighbor is with Muhammad Ali along with Emerald Plumbing CEO and Boxing Impresario Terry Cox of County Mayo.

Meallan muilte Dé go mall ach meallan siad go mion.

McCourt's Confession forgot St. Vincent De Paul Society

Tavis: If you were a preacher, what do you think your message might be? What would you be coming back to time and time again?

McCourt: Freedom. Well, you can't do that because a religion by its very nature binds you in. It has its parameters or perimeters so you have to follow a certain doctrine. So I'd call myself an atheist in a way - a spiritual, religious atheist, which is a contradiction in terms.

Tavis: Yeah, I hear you.

November 2007

http://www.pbs.org/kcet/tavissmiley/archive/200711/20071128_mccourt.html

Writer Frank McCourt, author of Angela's Ashes died yesterday. I was told of McCourt's worsening condition by the man who directed and produced Frank and Malachy McCourt's career making play A Couple of Blackguards
here in Chicago.

Writer, film maker, actor and wit, Mike Houlihan directed the McCourts during the early 1980's in that play. It really put both men on the map here in Chicago and on Broadway.

Mike Houlihan's long-running and hilarious Chicago tour-de-force Going East on Ashland was the nub of his Thursday night show at Jack Desmond's Pub, in Chicago Ridge last Thursday. After his show, Jazz singer Terry Sullivan, boxing promoter lawyer Mike Joyce and I chatted with Houli. Terry raises money for inner city kids who want an education in a value based environment -Midtown Education Center. Mike Joyce, a lawyer, teaches and coaches boxing to inner city kids here at Leo High School and through Illinois Crime Commission. They are Catholics doing good.
Frank McCourt said goodbye to his Catholic Faith, but used it for his work. Mike Houlihan recounted the news that Mr. McCourt was near death.

"Frank McCourt's in pretty bad shape. I talked to Chris Hart ( son of Moss Hart and Kitty Carlyle who directed Going East on Ashland) and he said that Frank is about done," said the gifted Chicagoan. Mike talked about his time with the McCourt Brothers and the success of Frank McCourt. " McCourt said he was an atheist. I never could get my head around that. For all the ugliness in McCourt's book, remember that it was the St. Vincent DePaul Society that kept Angela and her kids from starvation, while the old man boozed it up," Houlihan offered.

Catholics and Faith in God are not so bad, unless your memory is selective.

The St. Vincent De Paul Society is not a Government agency. It is a charitable act of grace funded by Catholics and friends to help the poor in their most difficult times here on earth. Jewish, Lutheran and Dutch Reformed have similar charter groups making direct help to families. They too are the real Faith-vased initiatives and not adjuncts of big government.

Frank McCourt's passing is sad. He was a talented man. He is now meeting the Trinity that bitterness and sadness allowed McCourt to deny.

While we're here. Let's help Angela and her kids. St. Vincent DePaul Society here in Chicago gets things done. Click my post title for the link to that great work.

Prayer of the Vincentian Family

Lord Jesus, you who willed to become poor,
give us eyes and a heart directed toward the poor;
help us recognize you in them --
in their thirst, their hunger, their loneliness, and their misfortune.

Enkindle within our Vincentian Family
unity, simplicity, humility,
and the fire of love
that burned in St. Vincent de Paul

Strengthen us, so that faithful to the practice of these virtues,
we may contemplate you and serve you in the person of the poor,
and may one day be united with you and them in your Kingdom.

Amen.

Italian American Hall of Fame Boxing to Benefit St. Jude's Hospital

Don't Miss this opportunity to be a huge part of 'The Sweet Science!' Help St. St. Jude's Hospital for Children! Get a great Wednesday Night's sporting glow and meet with the giants of Boxing - Boom-Boom Mancini and fight promoter Burt Sugar.

Leo High School Boxing Club with fight under the banner of Celtic Boxing Club directed by Leo Boxing Coach Mike Joyce. Get ready to watch the talent Rumble!