Clemency for Illinois Governor George Ryan

On April 17, 2006, former Illinois Governor George Ryan was convicted on political corruption charges during his term as Illinois Secretary of State. After exhusting his judical appeals, he entered into federal prison on November 7, 2007.

This posting shall not be focused on a revisitation of the Ryan case. Rather, this post is challenge the judical system to acknowledge that George Ryan has accepted responsibility for his actions, paid his debt to society, poses no danger to the public and is ready to return to society.

The basic question for all to ponder, without prejudice, is the cause of justice and common good continues to be served with George Ryan remaining in custody until 2013.

There have been so many convincted of far more serious crimes and later granted parole after serve only a fraction of their time in custody.

How is the common good being served by retaining George Ryan in prison?

As a citizen of the State of Illinois, I believe that the common good is no longer being served with George Ryan in prison and it is time for him to be released. I have expressed this in several letters to President Obama and I realize that our country is back in national election mode, I suspect that the last thing the President wishes to deal with is the matter of George Ryan.

George Ryan has paid his debt to society. It is time for him to return home.

The 2011 Bishop's Dinner and Awards Ceremony

For additional information visit the Bishop's Dinner and Awards Ceremony 2011 page or call the Diocese at (773) 721-5383.

The Evangelical Catholic Diocese of the Northwest is “A Welcoming Community of Faith Rooted in the Catholic Tradition”

Surmounting Clinical Depression

It is estimated that one in 8 persons is dealing with some from of clinical depression. Clinical depression manifests itself in various forms within individuals, thus there is no common outward signs such as in chicken pox or measles. The most difficult aspect of clinical depression is that many individuals are not aware that they have it.

I do.

Like everyone else, I have that unique gene that triggers depression. One can go through life without having that gene turn on or it can turn on later in life for various reasons. Who knows - maybe my gene kicked in many years ago, but during the 70's who knew the difference between clinical depression and a contact high.

Five years ago, the gene that controls clinical depression was jump started after my heart surgery. I am told that the trauma the human body undergoes during this type of surgery typically alters the chemical balance of the patient and leave them prone to post surgical depression - and nobody knows how long this lasts for.

For those who do not understand the realities of clinical depression - just watch the television ads addressing clinical depression, for as these ads states, DEPRESSION HURTS both physically and mentally. And like millions of others, I found other excuses for many of the periods of my depression.

This past August, I realized that, despite the medication being prescribed, my depression was seriously impeding my daily functioning and I elected to take a leave of absence from my schedule. During this time I had the opportunity to work with a team of counselors and others dealing with depression and "burn-out" issues to regain my footing. This program I participated was no "club med." Many aspects of my 7+ week program made a Marine Corps boot-camp seem like a surfing party in Hawaii.

And now, I am prepared to resume my full schedule this week.

My return to my full schedule is not a statement of victory over clinical depression, but it a proclamation of my being better able to cope with it and to kick it in the ass when necessary.

I have to confess my personal culpability in what contributed to this recent siege.

I am a non-confrontation person. I too often permit myself to be a doormat to dysfunction personalities letting frustrations to build and build in the most unhealthy of ways. I accept the Gospel teaching of the turning of cheek and dusting off of one's sandals, but some days I am not wearing my Birkenstock and some days I forget to pack an extra set of cheeks in my briefcase.

Since the Gospels have taught us about Jesus getting pissed off and causing a bit of a raucous in the Temple, sometimes we have to, in all charity, tell some people to piss off. As the director of our program always said, "If Jesus can get pissed off, God will understand when you do."

Here's to the dawn of a new day.

Community Building and Community Service

Congratulations to the Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce for their successful open house this past weekend.

Was glad to be part of it.

A Page is Turned and a new Chapter Begins

Congratulations to all those who advocated the end of discrimation within the United States Armed Forces.

With the death of Don't Ask, Don't Tell, our national family has taken a positive step forward.

I pray that those who suffered discrimation may find some solace with the significance of this day and accept our apologies for our past actions.

The Psychological Cataract in my life: Clinical Depression

Dr. Paul Chemello, DO - Friend and Doctor

Sometimes the roles our doctors, nurses and medical techs can easily be taken for granted. They are individuals whom we have to encounter when we are either ill or have a loved one who is ill.

I simply wish to take this opportunity to extend a happy 50th birthday to someone who have been a healer and friend to me and my family.

I first met Dr. Paul Chemello just prior to my ordination as priest in 1997. During those years, Paul Chemello has not only been our family physican but he has also become a friend. His skills as a doctor provided my mother an additional year of quality of life before we lost her to cancer.

In 2007, it was Paul Chemello who knew me well enough and could read me well enough to make me sit still and undergo and electrocardiogram which discovered that I was in need of quintuple heart bypass surgery. Had it not been for his keen eye and ears, this blog would be written today.

And finally, Paul Chemello is a someone who suffers with grace my particular dry and wry form of humor - and is willing to one-up me from time to time.

So to my friend and doctor, Paul Chemello - I extend, in friendship and gratitude, a very best 50th birthday.

And may all his days be spared from Purple.