It seems the Vatican has initiated a more formal countdown of sorts. It has launched a new Facebook page focusing on the upcoming beatification of Pope John Paul II (pictured in AP Photo): 

http://on.fb.me/eJMIYp.

Also clips of Pope John Paul II may be seen on the Vatican’s YouTube channel for beatification:  www.youtube.com/johnpaul2

The beatification ceremony is slated for May 1 and is expected to draw many, many of the faithful to Rome.

Carla Hinton

Religion Editor

Such is the case of the story of Ryan McAfee, 19, (pictured below) the young man who was killed in a car accident earlier this year.

Ryan’s story, chronicled in today’s Oklahoman, is one that blends life and death and faith and hope all in one.

Kellye Medley, a family friend of the McAfees, said organizers of tonight’s Matthew West concert expect between 2,500 and 3,000 people to show up for the event.  

Matthew West heard about Ryan McAfee after West’s song “The Motions” was played at the young man’s funeral. The McAfee family had learned that Ryan McAfee had posted the lyrics to the song on his last posting on his Facebook wall.

West was so interested in Ryan’s story that he’s kicking off his multi-city tour in Ryan’s hometown of McAlester tonight and Lance McAfee, 22, Ryan’s brother, will be going on tour with West to share his brother’s story with thousands of West’s fans.

“I get to encourage brothers and sisters, Christians and non-Christians alike,” Lance McAfee told me. “I get to tell them that we’re here to serve Christ and to serve others by giving our all today.”

The McAfee family said they were especially pleased that even in death, Ryan touched people and helped guide them to the Lord. His mother, Linda McAfee said about 15 young people gave their lives to Christ during an altar call at the youth’s funeral.

Ryan’s father, Danny McAfee said young people have come up to him to tell him that Ryan led them to the Lord.

“He inspired people,” Danny McAfee said.     

The Rev. Kevin Meridth is the family’s pastor at Second Baptist Church in McAlester.

He said he was not surprised that so much has happened as a result of the faith-filled life that Ryan McAfee led and his last Facebook posting.

He said the youth was a “young man of great character and integrity.”

Meridth said he preached the eulogy at McAfee’s funeral and was thrilled when young people responded to the altar call that was suggested by the family.

“From a pastor’s standpoint, he (Ryan) lived his life in such a way that his testimony preached his own funeral.”

Carla Hinton

Religion Editor 

The more I think about the so-called Facebook Lenten fast, the more I think that it is an idea whose time has come.

Here’s what I think about it.

At my house, my teens are often arguing about computer usage.

Who’s getting on the computer?

Who forgot to turn off the monitor? … the printer?…

Having more than one computer doesn’t help either.  

You see, one teen wants to get on the computer that his sibling is on for any number of reasons.

And so it goes.

Sometimes, I play referee by just shutting down all the computers.

So, I look at the idea of adults fasting from Facebook this Lenten season with a new perspective. Plus I just read a story about school students in England who are fasting from the social networking sites like Facebook and MySpace during Lent: Schoolchildren fast. 

I like this idea! I LOVE this idea!

Not that my kids are all that into the social networking sites. I’m just thinking that perhaps an Internet ”fast” could be in order. Limiting the amount of time spent on the Internet isn’t a bad idea anyway, particularly if there is no homework involved.

I’m going to broach the subject with the teens, see what happens.

I’ve already got another idea: How about a fast from video games?

That should go over well with my son … 

Look for more Lent-related blog postings here on the Religion and Values blog in the days ahead. 

Carla Hinton

Religion Editor   

Some Facebook enthusiasts (It seems wrong to call them “junkies” doesn’t it?) are abstaining from Facebook for the 40 days of Lent which begins today.

The urge to click must be quenched.

The need to share must be stifled … if only for 40 days.

In a recent story in The Wall Street Journal, one Facebook faithful mom admitted that her time on Facebook kept her from playing with children.

One wonders how they will make it that long at a time when the popularity of such social sites as Facebook and MySpace just keeps growing.

For those who need help, Steve Johnson at the Chicago Tribune recently posted his 10 suggestions for quitting Facebook this Lenten season. 

Click here to read Johnson’s tips: Quitting Facebook.

What are you giving up, by the way?

Facebook or are you on a more traditional  Lenten fast of meat, sweets or alcohol?

Let me know.

Carla Hinton

Religion Editor