Love at its very best

A son took his old father to a restaurant for an evening dinner.  Father being very old and weak, while eating, dropped food on his shirt and trousers.  Other diners watched him in disgust while his son was calm.

After he finished eating, his son who was not at all embarrassed, quietly took him to the wash room, wiped the food particles, removed the stains, combed his hair and fitted his spectacles firmly.  When they came out, the entire restaurant was watching them in dead silence, not able to grasp how someone could embarrass themselves publicly like that.  The son settled the bill and started walking out with his father.

At that time, an old man amongst the diners called out to the son and asked him, “Don’t you think you have left something behind?”

The son replied, “No sir, I haven’t.”

The old man retorted, “Yes, you have!  You left a lesson for every son and hope for every father”.

The restaurant went silent.

Moral: To care for those who once cared for us is one of the highest honors.   We all know, how our parents cared for us for every little thing.  Love them, respect them, and care for them.

8 Ordinations

A happy day for vocations in Malta as on the feast of St Peter and Paul, yesterday 8 young men were ordained to the priesthood and religious life. 6 of them are Diocesan priests, while one is a Salesian, and the other is a Conventual Franciscan Friar. The elderly population among Maltese priests is growing, but still many of them are active in parishes, and there is always need for more, even though vocations in Malta have been fairly steady over the years.  When I came here 2 and a half months ago, I did not expect to get so busy so soon. Yesterday I celebrated 3 Masses, and on average three times a week, I do two Masses a day, helping neighboring parishes and priests friends, whenever they call on me. To these 8 new shepherds, I join my fellow priests in saying: Ad Multos Annos. That is a customary greeting for a priest, also on his anniversary, meaning literally ‘To many years.’

St Peter and Paul

 

St Peter by Arnolfo di Cambio

A very special festivity today as we honor the two pillars of the church, Saint Peter and Saint Paul. I share with you two photos I took a few years ago during my visit to Rome. The bronze statue of St Peter was sculpted by Arnolfo di Cambio and St Peter’s foot is worn out with the millions of people touching it reverently over the centuries. The other statue is that of St Paul in the portico of the basilica of St Paul outside the walls. There is also a beautiful cloister adjacent to the same basilica. Peter and Paul met only briefly, but it was enough to solidify a relationship that will forever bind them together. They both died a martyr’s death, St Peter being crucified upside down, and St Paul being beheaded in Rome.

St Paul outside the walls

This feast is a public holiday in Malta, and only a few years ago it was dropped from a holy day of obligation. Actually I did not know about this and I had already scheduled holy days Masses at my chapel, and I am sure people will honor this day with their presence. It is customary that people party in the outdoors with a display of farm animals, fresh vegetables and fruit, and a competition similar to what is a County Fair in many towns in the United States. Lots of rabbit is eaten this night, and I am sure lots of wine will be drunk, as traditional folk music is a must into the late evening hours.

A crowded, congested St Julian’s

St Julian's Bay on a moonrise evening

My hometown of St Julian’s has changed tremendously from the years when I was growing up, or even from the time when I left Malta in 1981. These three photos show its beauty, its quaintness and also its ever growing skyline. One can find a nice promenade where people stroll by in the evening hours, and where others exercise in the early hours of the morning. 

The skyline is now dominated with tower cranes working on construction, apartments and what we may call mini-skyscrapers. The number of restaurants and hotels have exploded also, and one has to book in advance to get a table on any given night. Well, as I stroll by and enjoy an occasional walk, I hear all kinds of languages spoken, as people from every country visit as tourists. I hear some Maltese being spoken too, but this has become the minimum too as the whole place is saturated with foreigners and visitors.

St Julian's Bay, looking from the other direction

The wooden bowl

A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and four-year old grandson. The old man’s hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his step faltered. The family ate together at the table.  But the elderly grandfather’s shaky hands and failing sight made eating difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor. When he grasped the glass, milk spilled on the tablecloth.

The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess. “We must do something about father,” said the son. “I’ve had enough of his spilled milk, noisy eating, and food on the floor.”  So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner. There, Grandfather ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner. Since Grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl!  When the family glanced in Grandfather’s direction, sometime he had a tear in his eye as he sat alone. Still, the only words the couple had for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled food.

The four-year-old watched it all in silence.

One evening before supper, the father noticed his son playing with wood scraps on the floor. He asked the child sweetly, “What are you making?”  Just as sweetly, the boy responded, “Oh, I am making a little bowl for you and Mama to eat your food in when I grow up.” The four-year-old smiled and went back to work .

The words so struck the parents so that they were speechless. Then tears started to stream down their cheeks. Though no word was spoken, both knew what must be done.

That evening the husband took Grandfather’s hand and gently led him back to the family table. For the remainder of his days he ate every meal with the family. And for some reason, neither husband nor wife seemed to care any longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled, or the tablecloth soiled.

The Moral of the story: You reap what you sow. Regardless of your relationship with your parents, you’ll miss them when they’re gone from your life. Always Respect, Care for and Love them.

13 Amens

There are 13 times when we say AMEN during Mass, and each time it has a special message.

-      At the Sign of the Cross – a welcome for me as we start Mass.

-      At the end of the Penitential Rite, affirming my sinfulness and also God’s forgiveness for any of my failures.

-      At the end of the Glory to God, leading me into a festive mood for the rest of the celebration.

-       At the end of the Opening Prayer, also called Collect, uniting us together as the people of God in prayer.

-       At the end of the Creed, the Amen is a great affirmation in all that I believe, and I say it loud and clear with the rest of the congregation.

-      At the end of the Prayers of the faithful, this Amen concludes the liturgy of the Word while sensitizing me to all the needs of the parish, my family, the rest of the world and church world-wide.

-      At the end of the Offertory Prayer we are offering to God, not only the Bread and Wine, but also our successes and failures, our Joys and our Sorrows, and he will take care of them for us.

-      The next Amen is frequently called the Great Amen, as it comes at the end of the Eucharistic Prayer, and is usually sung, leading us into the recitation of the Our Father.

-  At the end of the prayer inviting us to share a sign of peace with each other.

-       This is the only Amen that is said privately, but is probably the most meaningful, as we say it at Communion time when the priest says ‘The Body of Christ’ and ‘The Blood of Christ.’ This Amen means loud and clear ‘I believe’ that this is really Jesus I'm about to receive.

-     The Final post-Communion Prayer also ends with another Amen as we conclude the Mass before our sending-off by the priest.

-      This last Amen during the Mass comes at the end of the final blessing, and which is followed by an important message from the priest “Go in peace to love and serve the Lord."        
   -  The thirteenth Amen? The last Amen comes at night before going to sleep, as you thank the Lord for all the blessings you received during the day, with the hopes and expectations that tomorrow will be another faith-filled day, and experience 13 ways to say Lord, I Love You.

Twins – from nearly being aborted to priests

Paolo and Felipe Lizama on their day of Ordination

An extraordinary story of Paolo and Felipe Lizama comes to us from Chile. Their mother Rosa was told during their pregnancy that she should abort her baby. because of severe deformity that doctors saw during an ultra-sound. They told her that her baby had two heads, three arms and conjoined legs. She responded by saying  “I take from God whatever he sends to me.” Obviously at that time, she did not know she was carrying twins.

On September 10, 1984 Felipe was born first, and then the doctors wanted to clean the womb from any other fragments left, but Rosa insisted that she felt like another baby was coming out. Sure enough, 17 minutes after Felipe, Paolo was born, as healthy as his brother. Paolo said that he would have been born severely deformed, if the doctors followed through with they had planned to do in the first place. Incidentally Paolo and Felipe learned about this incredible story from their mother while they were in their sixth year in the Seminary, just before they were ordained priests together. 

What an incredible story of tragedy-turned-triumphant! What a story of hope for pro-life! The twins were ordained priests on April 28, 2012, and celebrated their first Mass at Our Lady of Mercies in Lagunillas. Presently, Fr. Felipe serves at the parish of Saint Martin of Tours in Quillota, and Fr. Paulo serves at the parish of the Assumption of Mary in Achupallas.

The Cross in my pocket

I carry a cross in my pocket - A simple reminder to me

Of the fact that I am a Christian - No matter where I may be.

This little cross is not magic - Nor is it a good luck charm.

It isn’t meant to protect me - From every physical harm.

It’s not for identification - For all the world to see.

It’s simply an understanding - Between my Savior and me.

When I put my hand in my pocket - To bring out a coin or a key

The cross is there to remind me - Of the price He paid for me.

To remind me too, to be thankful - For my blessings day by day

And to strive to serve Him better - In all that I do and say.

It’s also a daily reminder - Of the peace and comfort I share

With all who know my Master - And give themselves to his care.

So, I carry a cross in my pocket - Reminding no one but me

That Jesus Christ is Lord of my Life - If only I’ll let Him be.

Anniversary Mass

Class of 1977 after their 39th anniversary Mass

Yesterday, with my classmates I concelebrated Mass to commemorate our 39^th anniversary to the priesthood. The actual date was June 19^th, but since it was a Sunday we met together for a Retreat between Tuesday and Wednesday and then in the evening we gathered at Dar il-Providenza at Siggiewi to celebrate this annual ritual, which I have participated in only on a few occasions, since I was in the USA. In fact my last time with my classmates was in 2002 for our 25^th anniversary, when our then-Archbishop Joseph Mercieca was the main celebrant, since he was also the Bishop who ordained us in 1977. Incidentally he passed away only a few months ago. It was good to see all my classmates as well as some of their families, and these photos show all of us at the concelebrated Mass. Dar il-Providenza means House of Providence, a special center for the physically-challenged. 

During my homily, I encouraged my classmates to stay focused on our work at hand, especially in the ever-changing challenges we face, and collaborate together with perseverance, determination, courage and hope for the future. A special mention was made to our parents and siblings who have passed away, as well as the Archbishops who ordained us deacons and priests, both of whom served Malta for a cumulative 65 years. Moreover between all of us, we have served the church since 1977 for a cumulative 507 years so far. Ad Multos Annos.

Lord, give me your Heart

Lord, give me your Heart

To love with Your heart,

To forgive with Your heart,

To show compassion with Your heart,

To understand the feelings of others,

To understand the will of the Father,

To fulfill the will of the Father, as You did.

To see the good around me.

To appreciate providence and kindness in others.

To be sensitive to the needs of those around me.

To accept the situations that happen.

To be pure and gentle in my actions.

To learn to obey with joy.

To be ready to share my gifts and talents.

To become simple and humble like You.

To carry my cross without complaining.

To be generous with others.

To avoid my own personal gain and promotion.

To be kind to the destitute and the poor.

To encourage those who have lost hope.

To be able to rejoice and give joy to others.

Thank you Jesus that you can use our hearts to touch the hearts of others. Amen.

Four Kings

Each king that you see on a set of playing cards did actually exist, and has a historical background. The King of Spades is King David, found in the Bible. The King of Clubs was Alexander the Great, of Macedonia. The King of Hearts was  Charlemagne, the Emperor Charles the Great, and the King of Diamonds was Julius Caesar the great Roman Emperor.

A note about comments and e-mails: A few people write comments at the end of a particular blog. They are always welcome, and I look forward to them. However, your e-mail does not appear, and so if someone asks a question, I cannot answer you, unless I know your e-mail. So what I would suggest is that, besides your comment, drop me an e-mail also at this address dungiljan@gmail.com   I always welcome e-mails and respond to them instantly.

39th anniversary

My Ordination Holy Card from June 19, 1977

I celebrate today with my classmates 39 years of priesthood, as I recollect the years of ministry I offered to the people in Malta, New York and Oregon. I have learnt from every assignment, I received much more than I gave to others, and I look back with gratitude and serenity all the lives I touched, those I tried to help and those who have benefitted from my life, which I offered as a service to the Lord and to my people. I recommit my dedication and availability to those who may need my help. I am grateful that through the miracle of e-mail, I can be reached within a few seconds, and through this blog, I keep in touch with those who have followed my blog since early 2012, as they check for some daily inspiration and food for thought. 

Along with my classmates, I will spend some time in prayer on June 21 and 22, and together we will be celebrating Mass on Wednesday June 22 at Dar il-Providenza chapel. This is probably one of the few occasions where we will all be together. 

WHY ?

Why do we have wide open streets and closed minds?

Why do we spend more and have fun less?

Why do we have more experts, and yet many more problems?

Why do we drive so fast, and always arrive late at meetings?

Why do we stay up late, and wake up tired?

Why do we watch so much TV, and read less, especially our Bible?

Why has living become so important, but life is not worth much anymore?

Why is it we went to the moon, and yet we cannot cross the street to help a neighbor?

Why do we create bigger things, but not better?

Why did we spoil not only the air, but also our souls?

Why is it that we were able to destroy the atom, but not our prejudices?

Why is it we learned how to run, but never learned how to wait?

Why did we build big stronger computers, but we communicate less and less.

Why do we have bigger and more beautiful homes, but broken families?

Curious facts on animals

- Butterflies smell and taste things though their legs.

- A cow can give an average of 200,000 glasses of milk in her lifetime.

- A giraffe has as many bones in her neck as we do in our entire bodies.

- A cockroach can live as much as 9 days after the head had been cut off.

- Houseflies don’t allow their short lifespans (14 days) to hinder their musical abilities. They always hum in the key of F.

- Ostriches can run faster than horses, and the male ostriches can roar like lions.

- Kangaroos use their tails for balance, so if you lift a kangaroo’s tail off the ground, it can’t hop.

- On average, there are 50,000 spiders per acre in green areas. Bet you’ll think twice before going outside now.

- Tigers not only have stripes on their fur, they also have them on their skin. No two tigers ever have the same stripes.

- Hummingbirds are the only birds that can fly backwards and their wings can beat at up to 80 times per second.

- A cat has 32 muscles in each ear. All the better for them to eavesdrop on your conversations and plot your demise.

- Elephants can smell water up to 3 miles away. They are also one of the three mammals that undergo menopause – the other two being humpback whales and human females.

- Koala bears almost exclusively eat only eucalyptus leaves and nothing else.

- Beware an ant uprising! There are one million ants for every human in the world. These resilient creatures also never sleep and do not have lungs.

- You might want to thank a squirrel the next time you enjoy the shade of a tree. Millions of trees are accidentally planted by squirrels that bury nuts and then forget where they hid them.

- Humpback whales create the loudest sound of any mammal. And you thought the loudest sound came from that two-year-old you sat next to on your trans-continental flight, didn’t you?

Mona Lisa

It took Leonardo da Vinci 15 years to finish the famous Mona Lisa, which is treasured at the Louvre in Paris. The model for Mona Lisa was Lisa Gherardini, the wife of Francesco Del Giocondo, who had commissioned the painting to celebrate their new house, and the birth of their second son, Andrea. That is why it is also known as Lisa del Giocondo, or simply La Gioconda (the Happy one.) Leonardo started to work on his masterpiece in 1504, and worked on it on and off, finishing it in 1519. Francois I, the King of France bought it, and it passed from one King to another. It even spent some time in Napoleon’s bedroom.  On 21 August 1911, the painting was stolen from the Louvre by an Italian Vincenzo Peruggia, and was found 2 years later. He even tried to sell it to the Uffizi gallery in Florence. In 1956 acid was thrown at the painting and a rock was also thrown at it. Thereafter a bullet-proof glass protected it ever since, and subsequent attacks with red paint and a teacup bought from the Louvre did not cause any damage. In 1963 it was exhibited in the USA, in the National Gallery of Art. At that time, it was valued at $100 million, but in 2015, its value rose to $782 million, the most valued painting in the world.

The Parable of the Pencil

A man who makes pencils, took one by itself and spoke to him. “Before sending you into the world, I want you to remember 5 things. Remember them all and never forget them, and you will realize after a while that you can be the best pencil you can ever be.

First: You can do great things, only if you let yourself be handled by someone else.

Second: From time to time, they will sharpen you, and this will cause you some pain, but you need this, to become a better pencil.

Third: You will be able to correct any mistakes you make.

Fourth: Remember that the most important thing you own is what’s inside of you.

Fifth: Whenever you are used, make sure you leave your mark. Whatever the case of circumstances you end up in, remember to do what you are supposed to do: to write.

The pencil nodded agreement and went into the drawer to sleep, knowing that he has a purpose in life.

Now remember these things as you apply them to yourself. First, you can do great things in life, only if you allow God into your life. Let others use your talents, and do not remain locked up in a drawer or box. Secondly, you need from time to time to sharpen yourself, as you will encounter problems in your life, but this will eventually make you a better person. Thirdly, you will be able to correct any mistakes you make. Fourthly, remember that the most important thing in your life is what’s inside of you. And lastly, leave your mark, wherever you go, wherever you are. Remember that you are special and only you can make out of life what you were created to accomplish. And it always helps if you add a little color to your life. 

The Joy and Sadness of Orlando

Orlando, Florida has always been known as the world capital of joy, happiness and entertainment, especially around the area of Disneyworld. Millions of families, children and parents travel there every year to see the hundreds of attractions, use the roller-coasters, and meet the likes of Mickey Mouse, Pluto, Donald Duck and their friends. However over this past weekend, a horrific tragedy caught the attention of every human being as 49 citizens were gunned down, while another 54 were seriously injured, besides turning the spirit and morale of the people upside down. Let us pray and remember the victims, and for this reason I offer this prayer for those who lost their lives, and those still recovering from their injuries.

Heavenly Father, we pray today for a city that needs healing, a city that has entertained millions of visitors, but now needs comfort and solace. We pray for the victims who died innocently and so tragically. We pray for the injured that they will fully recover from their wounds. We pray for the spirit of Orlando, that the people there can rise up and be proud of their community spirit as they pray for healing. We ask your blessing Lord, on all the police officers and security people who work tirelessly to protect the citizens of the world. Keep us safe Lord, especially in our control of guns and armaments, and let us all speak with the language of love, not violence; let us preach peace and not hatred; let us shed light and not darkness; let us instill hope not despair. Eternal rest grant unto those who died, Lord, and let your perpetual Light shine always upon them. Amen.

St Anthony of Padua

St Anthony of Padua (1195-1231)

Born in Lisbon on August 15, 1195, St. Anthony first joined the Augustinians in 1210 but when he saw the Franciscans at work, and 5 of them killed in Morocco, he  left to join the Franciscans 10 years later. He was still a student when a confusion arose during an Ordination about who was supposed to preach. St Anthony volunteered to preach and delivered a beautiful sermon, which eventually speeded up his own ordination to the priesthood. He later went to Italy and worked mostly in Padova. On one occasion, when people did not come to listen to his sermons, he went to the shore and the fish came to the surface to listen to his eloquence. He took part in the order’s general chapter in Assisi in 1221 and personally met St. Francis, and became one of his closest confidantes and helpers. . He died at the convent of Arcella in Padua, Italy, on June 13, 1231. Believed to be the second fastest canonization in history, he was declared a saint just one year after his death, in May 1232. In 1946, Pope Pius XII proclaimed him a Doctor of the Church.

Keep me clean Lord Jesus.

Lord, keep my eyes clean, so that I can look at You without any fear.

Lord, keep my ears clean, so that I can listen to Your voice.

Lord, keep my mind clean, so that I can think of You constantly.

Lord, keep my tongue clean, so that I can praise You.

Lord, keep my hands clean, so that they can be effective in bringing peace.

Lord, keep my feet clean, so that I can walk always in Your footsteps.

Lord, keep my heart clean, so that I can love You and others wholeheartedly.

Lord, keep my soul clean, so that You can always reign in it.

Lord, keep my soul clean, so that when I receive You, I can stay in union with You in an intimate relationship.

Lord, keep my body clean, so that it will always be a temple of the Holy Spirit.

Being Senior Citizens

As Senior Citizens, those over 60, we still enjoy:

The   melody  of music, The   pride  of appearance,   The   courtesy  of driving,   The   romance  of love, The   commitment  of marriage,   The   responsibility  of parenthood,   The   togetherness  of the family,   The   learning  of education,   The   service of patriotism,   The   Golden Rule  which we practice daily, The   civility  of behavior, The   refinement  of language, The   dedication  of our employment, The   prudence  of spending,  The   closeness of friendship.  We also appreciate the values of  patience and tolerance from personal relationships, and interactions with others on a face to face basis! (not through cell-phones and texting.) And, we DO understand the meaning of patriotism, and remember those who have fought and died for our country.  Yes, it’s great to be a senior citizen, and be respected by everyone! Spread the laughter, Share the cheer, Let's be happy, While we're still here.

Waving at others

Back in 2003, when I arrived in Oregon, a parishioner of mine took me on the first ride to the Cathedral, 80 miles away from my first parish in John Day. As we were driving, I noticed that he was waving at every car that passed by in the other direction. After some 20 cars went by, I could not hold myself from asking him “How come you know all these people who are passing by.” His response was “I don’t know any of them, but it’s courtesy here to wave at oncoming cars, especially when there isn’t much traffic, and usually these are ranchers, farmers, local people....we always wave at each other.” So I got into the habit myself, waving at people when I’m driving, especially going to my mission churches.

A few months later some friends from New York came to visit me, and they noticed me also waving at everybody. So to explain what I was doing, I thought of a fictitious character, whom I named Bubba. So when they first asked me about my waving, I told them  “Oh that was Bubba, one of my friends in the parish.” Then I thought of continuing the joke, until they caught on to my joke....as each car went by, it was on-going commentary ”That was Bubba’s father.....that was Bubba’s Accountant....that must have been Bubba’s plumber.....and that was Bubba’s pedicurist....and that one was Bubba’s twin sister.....and that guy on the motorcycle was Bubba’s brother–in-law....and that was Bubba’s psychiatrist....and that driver going slow was Bubba's father-in-law.....and that speedy guy was Bubba's mechanic......” And on and on it went.

Don’t be discouraged

A Walt Disney poster, published after his death

If you at first you fail in something you are trying to do, don’t give up. A newspaper editor fired Walt Disney because he had no ideas whatsoever. Walt did not give up and built up the billion dollar empire that is Disneyworld, producing some of the most memorable animated movies ever created. The famous author G. K. Chesterton spent 8 years learning how to read, and he became one of the greatest Catholic writers. Henry Ford forgot to put the reverse gear in the first car he invented, and eventually started the Ford Car Company empire. Michelangelo made over 2000 designs for his Last Judgment masterpiece in the Sistine Chapel, and it took him 8 years to complete. It is one of the most admired masterpieces ever created, and is seen by thousands of people daily. Enrico Caruso was convinced that he had absolutely no voice and his employer suggested he tries engineering instead. Good thing he did not, as he became one of the greatest opera stars with a fantastic voice.

Ground Squirrels for sale

Yesterday I spoke about the wild animals in Malta. Well, a few years ago, on one of my visits to Malta, I came across an incredible scene, which would fascinate and anger many Eastern Oregonians especially. At a pet store, I came across some caged sage rats or ground squirrels, the ones farmers and ranchers  in Eastern Oregon shoot as they are terrible pests. Well, I have news for you. I found these in a pet shop and were on sale for $180 Euros each (approximately $160). 

So instead of shooting them, bring them over to Malta and make some good easy money. As I looked at them in the cage, people were admiring them “Oh how cute, how adorable...!” I could not resist saying to them “You have no idea what kind of pests they are, as they cause so much damage in the fields. Farmers shoot them all the time...”  “Oh how cruel!” came a chorus of responses. I walked away after taking these photos, shaking my head in disbelief. 

The Wild side of Malta

An interesting article appeared in a local newspaper showing how many wild animals are in Malta, all of whom, I hope are behind cages. I have no idea how these animals came to be in Malta, but some of them recently attacked some people as they are kept in a small zoo, which was eventually closed temporarily. Well this list shows how many of each there are in Malta, 134 of them registered 'legally.' Would you believe there are lions, tigers and even deer, besides plenty of monkeys, a few crocodiles, leopards, jaguars, pumas and some exotic cats. 

A spiritual sunset

Two days ago, I was doing my usual evening walk and came across a stunning sunset. But the timing of it was even more special because I was nearing a chapel with a statue of Mary in front of it. The chapel is actually an underground church, dedicated to the Annunciation of Mary, with a flight of steps that goes down to the main body of the church. In my childhood years we use to make a hike to get to it, especially after a rainy day to pick up snails to be cooked as escargot. In the same area my father used to pick small segments of thyme plants to decorate our nativity display at Christmas. For us it seemed so far away that its name was very unfair to it. 

It is called Mensija, which translated in Maltese means ‘forgotten.’ The Capuchins from an adjacent parish celebrate daily Mass in it. The walk nowadays seems a stroll, maybe three-quarters of a mile at the most, because a round trip takes a mile and a half. The sun was playing behind the clouds emitting different rays and beams of light, which I captured in a series of photos. Unfortunately I did not have my camera with me, but my I used my IPod, which I used for these photos, not as sharp as they would have been with my camera, but beautiful nonetheless. Enjoy them.

Photos from a procession

Last Friday, the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, most parishes in Malta organized a procession with the Blessed Sacrament. I participated in my parish’s procession at St. Julian’s, which included Scouts, First Communion children, members of the Blessed Sacrament Confraternity (seen dressed in a red cape), priests and lay people. The occasion also coinciding with the 125 th anniversary of the parish’s foundation. The two local Band Clubs participated also by playing Eucharistic hymns. A special Benediction was held in front of a Statue of the Sacred Heart, erected on July 4, 1948, and another Solemn Benediction inside the parish church at the end of the procession. These are just 4 of the photos of the occasion.