Benedict Resigns, a New Pope, and the Inside Story.

It was November 30, 1406, and all the Cardinals were gathered to elect a new pope. Angelo Corrario was among them. There was tension in the air. Before anyone had even voted, let alone been elected, he had sworn to resign from office. In fact every cardinal had sworn to resign from office should he be elected.

This was the Western Schism and not only was Corrario elected as Gregory XII, but there were two other “popes” or claimants to the papacy at the time – Benedict XIII and Alexander V. Elections at that time were difficult with many political and economic pressures. At times substitute elections were organized to elect the “true pope”, leaving the Church oft in confusion and uncertainty.

As it turned out, Gregory didn’t resign for almost another ten years, during the Council of Constance in 1415. And he died two years later before seeing the end of the schism with the election of Martin V.

That was 1415, and no other Pope has resigned until 2013, 600 years later! What happened? Why is Benedict stepping down?

How can I be happy, humble, and trusting? What John, the priesthood, and our vocation have in common.

I stood nervously at the bottom of the steps, going over all the possibilities in my mind. Maybe I would get one of those great men that brought Christ to thousands like St. Patrick or St. Francis Xavier. Or it could be one of the saints that had a really specific virtue like St. John of the Cross and his prayer or Blessed John Paul II and his devotion to Mary.

What am I talking about?

How to Tebow? 3 simple steps and why it's not over!

Three simple steps:

1. Knee to the ground.
2. Elbow to the knee.
3. Forehead to the hand.

Tebow and the Broncos are out of the playoffs, and it's down to the Giants or the Patriots. On February 5th in Indianapolis, Tom Brady or Eli Manning and their team will take one of the most coveted sports' trophies world.

But Tebowing hasn't died out. In fact, even more seem to follow his example.