Rome vs. Montreal

T left for Rome last night to attend the canonization of Mother Marie Eugenie, the founder of the Assumption. Seems like all of Assumption is heading to the Vatican for the ceremonies on Sunday.

T just rang from Frankfurt, where their plane stopped over. With her on the flight was my cousin, Chona, who will be attending the rites with her two sisters, Nena and Binky. Amazingly, their other sister, Teri, who was once an Assumption nun, is unfortunately unable to make it.

When one thinks about it, it's not everyday that someone is canonized, so all the hoopla is well deserved. Aside from the official logo, there is also an official icon. The Assumption website has a ton of information for the worldwide horde of Assumptionistas who will be in Rome this weekend.

Meanwhile, it looks like the kids are gonna be home alone, as I am leaving for Montreal tonight. The purpose of my trip is as far on the other end of the socio-religious continuum as can be imagined.

Next week, Montreal plays host to the 9th Global Interactive Gaming Summit and Expo. Gaming, of course, is just a euphemism for gambling. This is one industry that is constantly in search of words to disguise itself. The latest is that companies are becoming reluctant to call themselves "casinos." The new word is "leisure." So this junket conference will probably be called GILSE next year.

Meanwhile, it looks like T will be spending the weekend praying while I will be spending the weekend playing. Well, hopefully T will be saying penance on my behalf.