St Ignatius of Loyola

A very close image of St Ignatius of Loyola by Francisco Zurbaran

The Jesuits had quite an important role in my education and spiritual formation. My spiritual director in the Seminary was a Jesuit as were many of my priest friends. My two nephews were educated in a school run by the Jesuits, and which has actually produced quite a few well-known people in Malta. Jesuits have provided many good priests, many of whom have dedicated their lives to work in the missions. We thank St Ignatius of Loyola, their founder, whose feast we celebrate today.

St. Ignatius was born in the family castle in Guipúzcoa, Spain, the youngest of 13 children, and was called Iñigo. When he was old enough, he became a page, and then a soldier of Spain to fight against the French. A cannon ball shattered his leg and subsequently, a series of bad operations ended his military career in 1521. While St. Ignatius recovered, he started reading the Bible and the lives of the saints and decided to dedicate himself to becoming a soldier of the Catholic Faith. 

Soon after he experienced visions, but a year later suffered a trial of fears and scruples, driving him almost to despair. Out of this experience, he wrote his famous "Spiritual Exercises". After traveling and studying in different schools, he finished in Paris, where he received his degree at the age of 43. Many first hated St. Ignatius because of his humble lifestyle. Despite this, he attracted several followers at the university, including St. Francis Xavier, and soon started his order called The Society of Jesus, or Jesuits. He was a gifted spiritual director, and has been described by Pope Benedict XVI  as “being above all a man of God and a man of profound prayer who gave the first place of his life to God.” He was very active in fighting the Protestant Reformation and promoting the subsequent Counter-Reformation. St Ignatius died at the age of 65. He was canonized on March 12, 1622.  There are 38 members of the Society of Jesus who have been declared Saints. So many other Jesuits have become Cardinals, Bishops, and great writers. And in 2013, the first Jesuit Pope was elected, Jorge Bergoglio, who became Pope Francis.

Finding God

Look back and thank God.

Look forward and trust God.

Look around and serve God.

Look within and find God.

I asked God, ‘How do I get the best out of life,

and handle my present with confidence?

God said,’Face your past without regrets.

And prepare for the future without fear.’

That little boy

Sunday’s readings speak about God’s generosity. We read the story of the multiplication of the 5 loaves and 2 fishes after Jesus felt sorry for the people who came to listen to him preach. A beautiful modern painting of this miracle is the one found at Resurrection chapel at Hilltop Gardens in Naxxar, a work of art done by John Grima. It is one of six panels that embellish this chapel where I say Mass daily. However, I feel sad that the artist did not include the little boy, who actually provided the 5 loaves and 2  fishes for the miracle to take place. Granted that Jesus was the one who performed the miracle, but a little credit should have been given to the boy.  I always wonder what went through that boy’s mind when they took his lunch from his protective hands. I wonder what he might have told his mother that evening.....’Hey mom, guess what....I fed 5000 people today with the loaves and fishes that you gave me this morning!’ To which his mother would have answered: ‘Stop lying, and go to your room and say sorry to Jesus.’ Poor lad – children should be listened to, appreciated and admired, because they may have something special to share with us. So often we give them little attention, but remember what Jesus said about them when the apostles were trying to get rid of them....’Let the children come to me.’ Let us be grateful for God’s generosity, and let us be generous ourselves to others.

Blood Moon

The lunar eclipse last night was as spectacular as it was creepy. Astronomers said that this was the longest lasing lunar eclipse of this century. It lasted over one hour and 40 minutes, and yes it did turn red, maybe not as red as blood, but it had an orange hue, especially when it started, as you can see from these 4 photos I took and share with you.

Sharpen your axe

A young man was looking for work and went to a lumber yard wondering if anyone would hire him. The manager spoke to him and told him he could go to the woods and start chopping down trees, agreeing to pay him a decent salary, including health insurance. The man cut down 18 trees on his first day, and the manager complimented him and told him to continue on a daily basis. On the second day he was able to cut down 15 trees, and on the third day 12. And every day he continued to cut less and less, wondering if he was getting too tired. So he went to the manager and apologized to him, and told him that even though he was doing his best, he is cutting fewer trees, and didn't really know why this was happening as he had started so enthusiastically. The manager asked him when is the last time he sharpened this axe. The man was surprised ‘sharpen my axe? I have no time to sharpen my axe because I rush to work rightaway to cut as many trees as possible.’

Such is our life. We’re always rushing from one project to another, and are always busy with things to do, read the newspaper, watch TV, listening to the radio, entertain friends, take part in sports, and trying to fit into our schedule anything that interests us. We’re so busy that we don’t have time to sharpen our spiritual axe. We have time for everything but not to attend church, to pray, to do something philanthropic to help others. God seems to be in the last place on our priority list, because there are many other  projects and plans that we consider as more important. We really need God to help us sharpen our axe, so that we can chop down more spiritual trees.

St Joachim and St Anne

St Joachim and St Anne with Mary in the Abu Dhabi Cathedral

Saint Joachim and Saint Anne are the parents of Mary, the Mother of Jesus Christ and were privileged to be the grandparents of Jesus Christ. What we know about Mary's parents come from the Gospel of James. It is not part of the Bible, but the document, which was written around 170 AD gives insight into the life of Mary and her parents. Joachim was a prominent and respected man and is described as a rich and pious man of the house of David who regularly gave to the poor. However, as his wife was barren, the high priest rejected Joachim and his sacrifice, as his wife's childlessness was interpreted as a sign of divine displeasure. Joachim consequently withdrew to the desert where he fasted and did penance for forty days. Angels then appeared to both Joachim and Anne to promise them a child. Joachim later returned to Jerusalem and embraced Anne at the city gate, a traditional meeting that is frequently painted and reproduced in art. In an answer to his prayers, he and Anne, his wife, were given the daughter Mary, who was conceived without sin, a virtue we remember also on December 8, her Immaculate Conception. Their prayers were answered greater than they could have ever imagined!
There is a great Shrine known as Ste. Anne de Beaupre in Canada which is a site of constant miracles. Cripples have entered the Shrine on crutches and left by walking through the door as they were completely healed. Another Shrine is in Britanny, France. There is also a church of St. Anne in Jerusalem, and it’s believed to have been built on the location where Saints Joachim and Anne lived. The feast of St Joachim and Anne was introduced to the liturgical celebration in 1584, for celebration on March 20, the day after the feast day of Saint Joseph. Early in the 20th century, Pope Pius X transferred it to August 16, the day after the Assumption, so that Joachim may be remembered in the celebration of Mary's triumph. It was later moved again to July 26. St Anne is the patron saint of barren women, grandparents; homemakers; housewives; pregnant women; women in labor; Brittany, France and Quebec, Canada; archdiocese of Detroit, Michigan; diocese of Norwich, Connecticut; New Mexico. St Joachim is also the patron of grandfathers and fathers.

Santiago de Compostela

Today is the liturgical feast of St James, the brother of St John. His legacy is treasured especially in Spain, particularly in Compostela, where every year hundreds of people make a traditional walk through the northern part of Spain, hiking with friends, sleeping in motels and special resting places, dividing their pilgrimage over a few weeks or months. The Cathedral itself was started in 1075 and finished in 1211 and was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1985. The Cathedral is the reputed burial-place of St James the apostle, (known in Spanish as Santiago) and it is the destination of the Way of St James, the historical pilgrimage route since the Early Middle Ages. The building is a Romanesque structure with later Gothic and Baroque additions. According to legend, the apostle Saint James the Greater brought Christianity to the Celts in the Iberian Peninsula. In 44 AD he was beheaded in Jerusalem. His remains were later brought back to Galicia, Spain.

70 years ago

Newly married John and Mary Cassar, July 24, 1948

It was July 24, 1948, exactly 70 years ago today that my parents were married at St Julian’s parish church. I remember my mother reminiscing about that day, telling us that her uncle Fr Paul Galea celebrated Mass at the main altar, while 4 other priests celebrated a private Mass on the 4 side altars. Mass was said in Latin, and of course, concelebration was not allowed back then, and so 4 other priests whom my parents knew, celebrated a private Mass while the main Mass was going on, and the wedding vows were exchanged. The reception was held in the garden of the house where my parents lived, which was just a few houses away from the church. My grandfather, my mother’s father was an excellent baker and he prepared a 4–tier wedding cake, which must have been quite a masterpiece. Observe also in the cake photo, two smaller cakes which were made for the best men/witnesses.

The Wedding Cake

They did not speak much of their honeymoon, although most probably they spent it at home, preparing to start a family. In fact, my sister Josephine was born on April 23, 1949, and my second sister Rosemarie on April 12, 1950. I showed up 2 years later, while younger brothers Paul and Marcel came in 1955 and 1964 respectively. My mother was 19 when she was married, and my father 23. My father John died on January 4, 2002, and my mother Mary died on April 25, 2010.

The official wedding day photo

They were great providers and sacrificed their lives for us. My father had installed a telephone in our house, the first in our neighborhood, and so many neighbors used to come and call in for doctors late at night. He also bought for us a Telefunken black-and-white television in 1958, even though we could only watch Rin-Tin-Tin, Leave it to Beaven and Mr. Ed talk in Italian. My mother dressed us immaculately, my two sisters always alike and me and my brother Paul with similar outfits, which made many people think she had two sets of twins. 

After the 50th anniversary Mass - July 24, 1998

They were living their second parenthood when Julian and Peter, their only 2 grandchildren were born.  They would be so proud to know that their two grandsons are now both medical doctors. Most importantly they gave us a solid foundation for our faith, and a great sense of loyalty and integrity, especially by their dedicated example, which we all tend to appreciate more now, that they are gone. Thank you, Lord, for giving us such great loving, faith-filled and caring parents.

St Bridget of Sweden

Born on June 14, 1303 of a very devout family, Bridget’s mother died when she was only 10. She was raised with her siblings by her father and other aunts. As was customary during the Middle Ages, Birgitta was married when she was 13 years old to a young man, Ulf Gudmarsson with whom she had eight children, four daughters, and four sons, all of them survived infancy, and that was very rare at that time.

The King of Sweden, Magnus Eriksson married a foreigner, and asked Birgitta to come and be Lady-in Waiting and to teach his new bride and young queen the language and customs of her new country. After her years of service at Court, Birgitta and Ulf made the long pilgrimage to Santiago di Compostela in Spain. On the return journey Ulf became ill but survived until early in the year 1344, when he was very ill again, and so Birgitta took him to the monks at Alvastra where he died and was buried. Birgitta remained in a little house near the abbey and she spent long hours in prayer by Ulf’s grave. She arranged her affairs among her children and various charities and prayed for guidance. 

When she was 41 years old, in the abbey at Alvastra she felt God calling her to start a religious order, mainly for women. He said that the other orders had fallen into decay and this new order would be a vineyard whose wine would revivify the Church. She needed a monastery, chaplains and priests, besides 60 nuns to start the order. King Magnus donated a little palace and much land to the new monastery in Vadstena, but as soon she had begun altering the palace and organizing the work, Christ appeared to her and asked her to go to Rome. Birgitta left Sweden at the end of 1349 never to return, spending the Holy Year 1350 there. Although she had longed to become a nun, she never even saw the monastery in Vadstena. It was not until 1370 that Pope Urban V confirmed the rule of her order, but meanwhile Birgitta had made herself universally beloved in Rome by her kindness and good works. Save for occasional pilgrimages, including one to Jerusalem, she remained in Rome until her death on July 23, 1373. She was originally buried at San Lorenzo in Panisperna before being moved to Sweden. She was canonized by 1391. Birgitta was the first women ever to found a religious order, known as the Brigittines. The order spread swiftly throughout Europe with monasteries from Scandinavia throughout Europe, in particular Spain, Italy, Mexico and the USA. None of these foundations have brothers (except the U.S.A. which has one male convent.)

St Mary Magdalen

St Mary Magdalen, meeting the Risen Christ

St. Mary Magdalene, whose liturgical feast is celebrated on July 22, is mentioned as one of the women who ministered to Jesus. The same passage also refers briefly to an act of exorcism performed on her, on an occasion when seven demons were cast out. These women, who earlier "had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities", later accompanied Jesus on his last journey to, and were witnesses to the Crucifixion. She was also the privileged first person to see Jesus risen from the tomb, an honor that was not given to any of the 12 apostles, but only to Mary Magdalene, probably in a way of thanking her for staying with Jesus till the end at the foot of the cross. This is the last mention in the Gospels of Mary of Magdala, who now returned to Jerusalem. She is probably included in the group of women who joined the Apostles in the Upper Room in Jerusalem after Jesus' Ascension and may have also been with the Blessed Mother at Pentecost.

Tradition as early as the third century identifies Mary Magdalene with Mary of Bethany and with the woman sinner who anointed Jesus' feet, even though she remains unnamed. The identification of Mary Magdalene with Mary of Bethany and "the woman who was a sinner" is reflected in an influential sermon Pope Gregory I gave in 591, which said: "She whom Luke calls the sinful woman, whom John calls Mary of Bethany, we believe to be the Mary from whom seven devils were ejected according to Mark.”
Mary had been looked upon as a great sinner, but Christ knew the circumstances that had shaped her life. It was He who had lifted her from despair and ruin. Seven times she had heard His rebuke of the demons that controlled her heart and mind. It was Mary who sat at His feet and learned of Him. It was Mary who poured upon His head the precious anointing oil and bathed His feet with her tears. Mary stood beside the cross and was first at the tomb after His resurrection. It was Mary who first proclaimed a risen Savior. According to Eastern traditions, she retired to Ephesus and there she died. Her relics were transferred to Constantinople in 886 and are there preserved.  Most importantly we honor today a woman who remained faithful to Jesus until the very end of her life.

Youth to parents

A group of young people spoke to their parents in a group gathering. The parents were teachers, church leaders, social workers, doctors, lawyers, other professionals.

The young people told them: We need you to LISTEN to us. We need you to understand our plans, our dreams, our problems, our fears, so that you can guide us properly. We need you to TEACH us. We need to look at you and learn from your attitude, your beliefs, your values, your successes as well as your own failures. We need you to CONTROL us. If we are hurting ourselves, damaging our reputation and not helping our cause, we need you to provide us with professional and pastoral help. We need you to CHALLENGE us. Please remind us that we were created with a mission, and that with our work, our prayer life and our willpower, we can accomplish everything we dream of. Love us, Respect us and never give up on us.

Maria Tabone RIP

A great lady has passed into eternal life. Maria Tabone, the wife of Dr. Censu Tabone, past President of Malta,  died yesterday at the age of 98. Her husband died on March 14, 2012, also aged 98 – they were parents of 8 children, grandparents of 19 and great-grandparents of 38. Censu was also Malta’s most beloved politician, past President of the nation and above all a deeply devout and spiritual man. Behind every great man, there is always a strong woman who stays in the background, but whose influence can never be understated. The above photo shows him with his wife of 70 years, Maria and my mother on my 25th anniversary, June 19, 2002. A well-known ophthalmologist, he served in the military during World War II and entered politics at the age of 50. And Maria was the woman who stood by his side through thick and thin, in times of hardship and also on joyous occasions. They showed their greatness by their humility, never seeking attention.

Censu and Maria complimented each other all through their life. Censu the politician, Maria the simple housewife. Censu the Nation’s President, Maria the perfect domestic engineer.   Censu the ophthalmologist, Maria with the sharp foresight to manage her huge household. Censu the courteous gentleman, Maria the ever gracious and hospitable lady. Censu, always unassuming, Maria resilient and the symbol of perseverance. Censu the respected father, Maria the loving and doting mother. Censu the hobbyist clock-repairer, Maria the chef, the cake decorator. Censu the dispenser of  spiritual values, Maria, the devout and reverent role-model. Censu the humble statesman who mingled with the likes of Bush and Gorbachev and St John Paul II, Maria the kind neighbor who mingled with Cetta and Mari, with Dolor and Sunta, with Karmni and Felicia. Rest in Peace with your beloved Censu, dear Maria. Your work is finished here on earth, but your presence will surely embellish the halls of heaven.

Keep your mouth shut

All the fish in the bottom of the sea were arguing. They were upset because many of them were being caught. So they called a meeting to discuss this important issue. They all agreed that they were being tricked by the fishermen’s hooks. Some of them said they were surprised because the hook was hidden in the bait. Others said they were just curious and were tricked. Yet others claimed that they actually never bothered to think of the consequences if they ate the food attached to the hook. Finally, an old experienced fish spoke up and brought the argument to a conclusion by saying: ‘Brothers and sisters, all that you are saying makes a lot of sense, but I believe that none of the fish would have been caught if they just kept their mouth shut!’

Who knows how many times we were disappointed by opening our mouth and said the wrong phrase. We would have been better off if we said nothing. Maybe we can really learn something worthwhile from an old experienced fish.

Effective make-up

To remove wrinkles from your face: try the famous cream SWEETNESS AND KINDNESS. It releases tension, revitalizes your face, and wrinkles disappear, making you look beautiful.

For your lips: Use that marvelous lip-stick SILENCE. It has tremendous power, especially on those lips that utter disgusting words and hurtful comments.

For delicate hands: Use the new cream called GENEROSITY. Make sure you have a large portion of it to use it sparingly and frequently. The more you give, the more you will have left to give.

For facial complexion: Try the ever-present 6 to 8 FRESH AIR which you will encounter as you head to church every morning between 6 and 8 AM – it will empower your soul and your face will lighten up.

For gorgeous eyes: A product that helps eyes become clearer is called EYESIGHT PURITY. Recommended to be used all the time and with everyone. It is essential to see the beauty in others’ eyes while retaining your own beauty in your own eyes.

An extraordinary cleaning agent: CONFESSION. Eliminates all stain and keeps you young looking always.

The best diet: Take a daily portion of that food that strengthens you without bloating you, makes you grow without aging you,  fills you without ever stuffing you. The product is called COMMUNION.

Important note: This make-up is good for everybody, young and old, girls and boys, skinny and chubby people, poor and wealthy.

Cost of this treatment: This is not a cheap treatment. Actually, it doesn’t cost any money, but if you follow it, you will have to make many sacrifices.

Guarantee: Using this make-up, you are guaranteed true beauty. It never expires but grows and grows and grows, making you the envy of all of your friends.

Unexpected Signs

As you walk around and drive about, you don't know what unexpected signs you may come across. These two give a subtle message which is worth pondering and reflecting on. The first one shows a reflection of a one-way sign that shadows as a cross on the wall. The second one is a message on the back of a truck, and who knows how many people read it as they drove behind this truck...'Jesus - it's better to know Him before you meet Him!'

France World Cup Champions

The French team receiving their trophy in a torrential rainstorm. 

We congratulate France who won their second World Cup yesterday when they beat Croatia 4-2. They won their first World Cup in 1998 and were finalists on two other occasions, but yesterday they showed they are presently the best team in the world. With so many other illustrious teams eliminated in earlier stages, the likes of  Italy, Holland, Germany, Argentina, Brazil and England, France was the only team who survived the month-long ordeal and were crowned triumphantly. Both Croatia and Belgium surprised everyone by ending in 2nd and 3rd place overall, but my best memory of this World Cup goes to the Panama team. 

The Panama players praying at the end of their England match.

In the first round of the tournament, they were losing heavily to England, eventually losing their match 6-1. But when towards the end of the game they scored their solitary goal through Baloy, the whole stadium erupted in frantic and exuberant joy. For them, that was the equivalent of winning the World Cup, and scoring a goal in the dying minutes of the games gave them the biggest thrill and joy they could have ever asked for. After the game ended, the players all knelt down hugging each other in a circle and thanked God for their presence there and for scoring a goal against mighty England.

It starts with only ONE

If every note would say: What is my worth in an entire symphony? If this is true we would not have any of Beethoven’s or Mozart’s symphonies.

If every word would say: What is my worth in a library full of books with millions of words? If this is true, we would not have any of Shakespeare’s plays or Dickens’ novels.

If every stone would say: What is my worth in such a huge building? If this is true, we would not have any of the Pyramids, St Peter’s Basilica or the Big Ben.

If every drop of water would say: What is my worth in the midst of these huge oceans? If this is true we would not have the Mediterranean Sea, the Atlantic Ocean or the many lakes and rivers.

Everything ever created is what makes this world the majestic place that it is. Nothing is useless or out of place. In due time, you will realize that everything you do and everything you say will have an effect on your life and the life of those around you. Never underestimate your worth, your words, and your willingness to improve the world we live in.

Heaven

A couple who were married for 60 years died suddenly and tragically in a car accident. They had lived comfortably all their lives, but had clashed over the last 10 years as the wife always wanted to eat healthy food with plenty of vegetables and lots of fruit. When they arrived at heaven, they were greeted by St. Peter who took them to their apartment, complete with a jacuzzi, and a spectacular view from their bedroom window. The man asked St. Peter: ‘So how much will this apartment cost us?’ ‘Nothing at all – it’s free – this is heaven!’ came St. Peter’s quick answer. Just behind their apartment was a golf course, which they could use whenever they wanted. The man asked right away ‘This is great – so how much do we pay for a round of 18 holes?’ ‘Nothing at all – it’s free – don’t forget, this heaven.’ They proceded to the restaurant where they met hundreds of people indulging in all kinds of food, rows and rows of delicious cuisine from around the world. ‘OK, now how much do we pay to eat here?’ asked the man, for which St. Peter exclaimed ‘don’t you understand – this is heaven, and everything is free here!’ At this point the man turned to his wife and screamed at her....’You see, with all the health food mania of yours, and the low-cholesterol diet you put me through, I could have been here 10 years ago!’

St Henry

St Henry II of Germany (972-1024)

St. Henry was born in 972 to Duke Henry of Bavaria and Princess Gisela of Burgundy. During his youth, Henry received both an education and spiritual guidance from a bishop who was himself canonized, St. Wolfgang of Regensberg. Henry was an intelligent and devout student, and for a period of time, he was considered for the priesthood. St. Wolfgang's lessons in piety and charity left a lasting mark on Henry's soul. But it was ultimately in the political realm, not the Church, that he would seek to exercise these virtues. He took on his father's position as Duke of Bavaria in 995, one year after St. Wolfgang's death. The Church supported his accession to the throne as King of Germany in 1002.
As a king, Henry encouraged the German bishops to reform the practices of the Church in accordance with canon law. During the same period, he is said to have brought a peaceful end to a revolt in his territory, which ended with the king mercifully pardoning the rebels.
In 1014, the German king journeyed to Rome where Pope Benedict VIII formally crowned him as head of the Holy Roman Empire. The emperor demonstrated his loyalty to the Pope by confirming Benedict VIII's authority over the city of Rome. Henry made his journey from Rome back to Germany into a pilgrimage of sorts, stopping at various monasteries along the way. Henry became a great patron of churches and monasteries, donating so much of his wealth to them that his relatives complained that he was behaving irresponsibly. But Henry was far from irresponsible, as his leadership of the Western Empire in both war and peace demonstrated. The emperor was also a great patron of the poor, making enormous contributions for their relief. The emperor's extraordinary generosity was made possible in part by his lack of an heir. He was married to a woman who was later canonized in her own right, St. Cunigunde of Luxembourg, but the two had no children. Some accounts say that the couple took vows of virginity and never consummated their marriage, though this explanation of their childlessness is not universally accepted.
For the last several years of his life, Henry had to deal with serious illness and an additional ailment that crippled his left leg, along with his imperial responsibilities. He found support in prayer during these trials, and seriously considered resigning his imperial leadership in order to become a monk.
After several years of illness, St. Henry II died in July of 1024. The public mourned sincerely for the monarch who had managed to lead his earthly kingdom so responsibly without losing sight of the Kingdom of God. Pope Eugene III canonized him in 1146.

What if ?

What if, GOD couldn't take the time to bless us today because we couldn't take the time to thank Him yesterday?

What if, GOD decided to stop leading us tomorrow because we didn't follow Him today?
What if, we never saw another flower bloom because we grumbled when GOD sent the rain?
What if, GOD didn't walk with us today because we failed to recognize it as His day?
What if, GOD took away the Bible tomorrow because we would not read it today?
What if, GOD took away His message because we failed to listen to the messenger?
What if, GOD didn't send His only begotten Son because He wanted us to be prepared to pay the price for sin?
What if, the door of the church was closed because we did not open the door of our heart?
What if, GOD stopped loving and caring for us because we failed to love and care for others?
What if, GOD would not hear us today because we would not listen to Him?
What if, GOD answered our prayers the way we answer His call to service?
What if, GOD met our needs the way we give Him our lives?

The Good Works of St Benedict

Saint Benedict (480-547 AD)

As we celebrate today the feast of St Benedict, I want you to reflect on a chapter from his Rule which is very prayerful, very scriptural and worth keeping to pray along with. It is called the ‘Instruments of Good Works.’ To save space on my blog, I will post the list as a continuous paragraph.

In the first place, to love the Lord God with the whole heart, the whole soul, and the whole strength. Then one’s neighbor as if oneself. Then, not to kill. Not to commit adultery. Not to steal. Not to covet. Not to utter false witness. To honor all men. To do as one would be done by. To deny oneself that one may follow Christ. To chastise the body. Not to embrace delights. To love fasting. To relieve the poor. To clothe the naked. To visit the sick. To bury the dead. To help in tribulation. To console the sorrowing. To become a stranger to worldly deeds. To prefer nothing to the love of Christ. Not to carry anger into effect. Not to prolong the duration of one’s wrath. Not to retain guile in one’s heart. Not to make a false peace. Not to abandon charity. Not to swear, lest perchance one forswear. To utter only truth from heart and mouth. Not to return evil for evil. Not to do injury, but to suffer it patiently. To love enemies. Not to curse in return those who curse one, but rather to bless them. To bear persecution for righteousness.
Not to be proud. Not to be given to much wine. Not to be gluttonous. Not given to much sleep. Not to be sluggish. Not to be given to grumbling. Not to be a detractor. To put one’s hope in God. When one sees any good in oneself to attribute it to God, not to self. But to recognize that evil always comes from self and to refer it to self. To have a wholesome fear of the day of judgment. With fear to shrink from hell. To long for eternal life with all spiritual desire. To have the expectation of death daily before one’s eyes. Hour by hour to keep guard over one’s every act. To know for certain that God sees one everywhere. Forthwith to dash down upon the Rock, even Christ, any evil thoughts approaching the heart: and to lay them open before one’s superior. To keep one’s mouth from evil or depraved speech. Not to love to speak much. Not to speak useless or mirth-provoking words. Not to love much or excessive laughter. To listen with goodwill to holy reading. To be frequently occupied in prayer. With tears and groaning daily to confess in prayer to God one’s past sins and concerning those same sins to amend for the future.
Not to fulfill the desires of the flesh: to hate one’s own will. To yield obedience in all things to the abbot’s precepts, even if he himself act contrary to their spirit, the which be far from him: being mindful of that precept of the Lord: “What they say, do ye; but what they do, do ye not.” Not to wish to be called holy before one is, but to be so first, whereby one would be so called the more truly. By deeds daily to fulfil the precepts of God. To love chastity. Not to hate anyone. Not to harbour jealousy. Not to love contention. To avoid elation. To venerate seniors. To love juniors. In the love of Christ to pray for one’s enemies. In case of discord with anyone to make peace before the setting of the sun. And never to despair of the mercy of God.

Courage, Safety, and Heroism

The past two weeks have been dominated by the search-and-rescue efforts by a large number of heroes, divers, paramedics and Navy seal members to bring the 12 Thai soccer boys and their coach to safety. Today we give tribute to the number of rescue workers who sacrificed their lives and their time and families to bring these boys to safety after a technically difficult rescue effort. It is unfortunate that our news is constantly dominated by evil stories of mass shootings, terrorism, hijackings and other tragedies. So it is imperative that we emphasize and applaud the heroism and selfless generosity of these rescue workers who have gathered in Thailand from around the globe to hopefully save these boys. As they now rest comfortably in a hospital, being quarantined for a few extra days, and recovering from their ordeal, we pray today in thanksgiving for the collective effort the world has shown towards this incredible story. 

I am sure movie script-writers are already planning for a blockbuster movie on this heroic rescue effort, but due credit should be given today to the innumerable number of heroes who helped in saving these soccer boys, in time before the monsoon rains arrive. And we thank God for keeping the rains to a minimum of 20 mm, as the average at this time is usually over 100 mm. Let us pray, and thank God for such a happy, positive outcome to this story. Let us also not forget the Thai Navy sea diver who lost his life last week in the process of helping the children out of the cave.

Rome

Rome, the Eternal City (click to enlarge)

A simple photo today which I took a few years ago of the Eternal City, Rome. Crossing over to the USA, I had to change planes at various European airports. Occasionally I used Fiumicino Airport outside Rome, and just before descending into that busy airport, we crossed over the heart of Rome, and I was lucky enough to snap this photo, with the Vatican right in the center of this photo.

Why God created mothers

In the beginning, when the world was empty, all the children were in heaven. All of them were happy, playing together and enjoying all the blessings that life offered them. One day God called all the children around him and told them: ‘As you can see, the world I just created is empty. So I was thinking of sending you into the world to fill it with joy, innocence and happiness.’ Some of the children answered right away: ‘ Yes, we will go, but we have to take with us the music and singing we so much enjoy here in heaven.’ And God created birds, who sang beautiful, chirping melodious songs. Another group of children told God: ‘We too will go into the world, but we have to take with us the beautiful colors that are here in heaven, because we won’t survive without the beauty of these colors that embellish our heaven.’ And God created flowers, all kinds of floral displays with unimaginable colors.’ Yet another group of children told God: ‘We too will go into the world, but we have to also enjoy the depth and blueness of the sky, because we want to enjoy freedom and independence.’ And God created the seas and the oceans. Then a solitary boy, a  little timid and shy raised his hand and wanted to ask God a question: ‘ Dear God, if you want me to go into the world, I will never disobey you, but I need someone with me who can stay close to me, love me, take my hand and walk with me wherever I want to go.’ And God liked the idea very much. And he created mothers.

A Summer Prayer

Balzan church celebrating the feast of the Annunciation this weekend

Heavenly Father, you know that I don’t like summer – the hot climate, sticky conditions, sweating all the time, long unending days, too many people crowding around, unnecessary noise, buzzing and biting mosquitoes and other annoyances. But this year I decided to look at the good side of summer. First and foremost the abundance of juicy fruit, like peaches, strawberries, watermelon, and grapes. Eating fresh salads with crisp lettuce, cucumber, meaty tomatoes and olives and capers. Hearing the ripples of waves near the seashore, seeing people wearing flip-flops and sandals, walking barefoot on the soft sand, taking a stroll on a rare cool evening by the sea. Hanging out in an air-conditioned room, dozing off to some nice relaxing music, attending an open-air concert, eating a delicious ice-cream. Visiting friends you haven’t seen in a while, talking to friends who don’t seem to be in a rush, taking a siesta in the afternoon, less traffic on the roads. And last but not least, the celebrations held in each parish with richly decorated churches, festive decorative banners, statues, fireworks and marching bands.

St Maria Goretti

An old photo of St Maria Goretti

A young girl with little schooling became one of the most popular saints in Italy by the middle of the 20th century. Born in 1890, Maria Goretti was one day by her house and a neighbor attempted to rape her, and even though she resisted him, she was killed by 14 stab wounds. She died 24 hours after being stabbed, also giving her enough time to receive Holy Communion. Her killer Alessandro Serenelli was jailed, sentenced to 30 years in prison, and was unrepentant for a while. Eventually, he changed his life, even becoming a Franciscan Capuchin lay brother after being released 27 years later. One of the first things he did after his release was visiting Maria’s mother and apologize to her. Maria was beatified in 1947, and on that occasion, her mother and siblings appeared with Pope Pius XII at the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica. Alessandro was even present at Maria Goretti’s canonization on June 24, 1950. Over half a million people had gathered in the Vatican piazza for her canonization. St Maria Goretti is the patron of youth, chastity, and purity.

Alessandro praying in front of an image of St Maria Goretti

A few years before he died, Alessandro wrote this note in his will: “I’m nearly 80 years old. I’m about to depart. Looking back at my past, I can see that in my early youth, I chose a bad path which led me to ruin myself. My behavior was influenced by print, mass-media and bad examples which are followed by the majority of young people without even thinking. And I did the same. I was not worried.
There were a lot of generous and devoted people who surrounded me, but I paid no attention to them because a violent force blinded me and pushed me toward a wrong way of life. When I was 20 years-old, I committed a crime of passion. Now, that memory represents something horrible for me. Maria Goretti, now a Saint, was my good Angel, sent to me through Providence to guide and save me. I still have impressed upon my heart her words of rebuke and of pardon. She prayed for me, she interceded for her murderer. Thirty years of prison followed. If I had been of age, I would have spent all my life in prison. I accepted to be condemned because it was my own fault.
Little Maria was really my light, my protectress; with her help, I behaved well during the 27 years of prison and tried to live honestly when I was again accepted by the members of society. The Brothers of St. Francis, Capuchins from Marche, welcomed me with angelic charity into their monastery as a brother, not as a servant. I’ve been living with their community for 24 years, and now I am serenely waiting to witness the vision of God, to hug my loved ones again, and to be next to my Guardian Angel and her dear mother, Assunta.

Alessandro visiting Assunta, Maria's mother after release from prison

I hope this letter that I wrote can teach others the happy lesson of avoiding evil and of always following the right path, like little children. I feel that religion with its precepts is not something we can live without, but rather it is the real comfort, the real strength in life and the only safe way in every circumstance, even the most painful ones of life.”
                                                                                  –Alessandro Serenelli, May 5, 1961