Fr John Caruana RIP

Fr John Caruana, recently speaking in Brazil

A beloved priest has joined His Creator after passing away in Brazil, where he has been ministering over the past 35 years. It is actually the second death of a Maltese missionary in Brazil within a week. He is Fr John Caruana, originally from Mosta, in Malta. He was my fellow assistant parish priest between 1977 and 1981 in my home parish of St. Julian’s. The Archdiocese of Maringá announced his death which occurred on the morning of Tuesday, June 28th. Currently, he was the vicar of the parish of Saint Silvestre in Maringá. Father João Caruana was born on June 3, 1941 and was ordained a priest in his homeland on March 11, 1967. 

Fr John is seen here on my right during a procession in 1977.

He always felt very strong about the missionary vocation, but he had to wait seventeen years to realize his dream. He was a sort of a social activist even when still in Malta as he was outspoken on various issues, while serving with me,starting a parish newpaper, helping start also a group of Ladies, which is still going strong. He arrived in Brazil in 1984 and served the Archdiocese of Maringá in the parishes of Santa Terezinha do Menino Jesus and Our Lady of Graces, in Sarandi, São Silvestre in Maringá and for two years was a missionary in the Diocese of Guajará-Mirim in Rondônia. In Brazil he was known for his defense of the poor, and worked effectively with the Basic Ecclesial Communities, social pastoralists and advocacy of agricultural reform. His funeral was held yesterday in Brazil. May he rest in peace.

He is seen here with the Għaqda Nisa Ġiljanizi he helped start in 1977.

St Peter and St Paul

The church honors today the two great apostles, who in spite of their background or weakness became leaders of the early church in Rome and in Eastern Europe. Who would have thought that a simple fisherman and an unpretentious tent-maker would one day become the pillars of the church! Peter and Paul’s life story can very well be described as the ‘rags-to-riches’ journey. And yet the spiritual and historical influence and impact they left on the history of Christianity is truly amazing. 

St Peter was one of the privileged three who were close to Jesus on various occasions, along with John and James. He was the first apostle to perform a miracle, and we admire the triple affirmation of faith to erase completely the triple denial during Christ’s passion. He was chosen to be the first Pope of the Church realizing that Jesus saw something special in him - not John who remained faithful till the end, who wrote a beautiful Gospel, but Peter - the rough and tough type, the weakling who became the rock.

St Paul on the other hand made his turnaround quickly and in a determined way. From being so helpless at his conversion, to becoming a strong powerful spokesperson for Christ, traveling hundreds of miles, on foot, by boat, probably on horseback, writing prolifically his letters to communities he had previously visited. Then he was sent to Rome to be tried as a Roman citizen, only to have his ship wrecked on my homeland Malta (Acts chapters 27-28).
Let us remember today the dominant image these two apostles represent in our church....Peter, the rock, the foundation, and Paul, the messenger par excellence of Jesus.

A working week

Monday – Wash Day: Lord, help me wash away all my selfishness and vanity, so I may serve you with perfect humility through the week ahead of me.

Tuesday – Ironing Day: Dear Lord, help me iron out all the wrinkles of prejudice I have collected through the years so that I may see the beauty in others.

Wednesday – Mending Day: O God, help me mend my ways so I will not set a bad example for others, especially our children, who are copy-cats of all that we adults do.

Thursday – Cleaning Day: Lord, help me to dust out all the many faults I have been hiding in the secret corners of my heart.

Friday – Shopping Day: O God, give me the grace to shop wisely so I may purchase eternal happiness for myself and others in need of love.

Saturday – Cooking Day: Help me Lord, to brew a big kettle of brotherly Love and serve it with clean, sweet bread of human kindness.

Sunday – The Lord’s Day: O God, I have prepared my house for you. Please come into my heart so I may spend the day and the rest of my life in your presence.

The Sacred Heart answered our prayers

On the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus last Friday, we saw God’s providence working. His heart will prevail in every US state as it has prevailed in the nation. And in this we will see a recognition not only of the image of God being born within every womb, but each beating heart will also be acknowledged and protected. The court’s decision is about the right to life for all humans, not just some of them. All the Supreme Court did last Friday, the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus was to restore the rights for all human beings. Jesus wants to use every last one of us to be part of the healing of America on this issue. There’s so much healing that has to happen in all of the sectors and the quarters of our society, healing of many women hurt by this decision, but an opportunity to let them understand the beauty that is growing inside of them. How many women would do anything to conceive and have a baby, and yet so many others so selfishly decided to destroy so many millions over the past 49 years. This will not happen anymore. The Sacred Heart has answered all the prayers we lifted up to heaven over these years. Yet we need many more prayers so that everyone appreciates and accepts the fact that life is precious, from the moment of conception until the moment God calls us home with Him.

Sermons we see

I’d rather see a sermon than hear one any day.

I’d rather one should walk with me than merely show the way.

The eye’s a better pupil and more willing than the ear;

Fine counsel is confusing, but example’s always clear.

And the best of all the preachers are the men who love their creeds.

For to see the good in action is what everybody needs.

I can soon learn how to do it if you’ll let me see it done.

I can watch your hands in actions but your tongue too fast may run.

And the lectures you deliver may be very wise and true;

But I’d rather get my lessons by observing what you do.

For I may misunderstand you and the high advice you give.

But there’s no misunderstanding how you act and how you live.

Abortion overturned in the USA

Praying in front of a Pro-Life monument erected in 2010 in Baker City Cathedral.

The US Supreme Court on Friday ended the right to abortion in a seismic ruling that shreds half a century of constitutional protections on one of the most divisive and bitterly fought issues in American political life. Catholics across political spectrum responded with joy, anger and trepidation to June 24 decision that overturned its earlier 1973 decision in Roe v. Wade that had guaranteed a constitutional right to abortion. Several U.S. Catholic bishops praised the high court's ruling by stating "this is a historic day in the life of our country, one that stirs our thoughts, emotions and prayers." This historic decision was the fruit of the prayers, sacrifices, and advocacy of countless ordinary Americans from every walk of life, Catholics and Christians in particular. It is a time for healing wounds and repairing social divisions; it is a time for reasoned reflection and civil dialogue, and for coming together to build a society and economy that supports marriages and families, and where every woman has the support and resources she needs to bring her child into this world in love.

Blessing the ultra-sound/sonogram machine in 2014 in Bend, OR.

I have personally witnessed and prayed and marched for the Pro-Life issue over the 35 years I spent serving in US parishes. I know up close and personal how devoted people were for the rights of the unborn, and this is certainly a response to their never-ending prayers, vigils and appeals. Back in 2014 I blessed a sonogram machine in my parish in Bend, Oregon. This was bought with money raised by the Knights of Columbus to encourage young women to reconsider a move to abort their unborn child. The Pregnancy Resource Center was set up to encourage pregnant women to monitor their unborn child, and when they saw the movement of the foetus, and hearing the baby’s heart-beat, so many women decided to continue with their pregnancy, instead of heading to an abortion clinic. Who knows how many babies were saved because of this machine which was bought with $26,000 by the K of C members.

This decision represents a victory of 50 years of struggle against abortion by the religious right but the anti-abortion camp is expected to continue to push for an outright nationwide ban. The Vatican's Pontifical Academy for Life also issued a statement praising the Court's decision, but notably also called for "developing political choices that promote conditions of existence in favor of life. This also means ensuring adequate sexual education, guaranteeing health care accessible to all and preparing legislative measures to protect the family and motherhood, overcoming existing inequalities. In my Cathedral parish in Baker City, I also erected a monument for children, born and unborn, and even though it was vandalized occasionally, the angels are still there protecting our innocent children as well as the millions of unborn babies (see photo above.)

Sacred Heart – His love for us

The feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus which we celebrate today gives us the opportunity to thank Him for the abundant Love He showers on us daily.

We thank Him today and every day:

For the constant attention He gives us, no matter our background, our financial status, our religious background.

For the kind concern He gives us whenever we are in trouble, lifting us from our depressing valleys, and placing us on higher peaks of hope and optimism.

For the way He communicates with us, without email or cell-phones or instant messages, but with a timely reminder of His ever-present thoughts of attention, timely help and frequent assistance.

For the times we may take Him for granted, although He is always watching over us, protecting us, preserving us.

For the care He gives to our children, our youth, our families, our beloved seniors.

For the worry He shares, like any parent would, for those who are suffering and in pain, going through the ravages of war, the survival of earthquakes or floods, the approach of deadly hurricanes.

For the Love He gives us whenever we turn to Him, and when in due time, He always answers our prayers.

(The stained-glass image is from St Francis de Sales Cathedral in Baker City, Oregon where I served for 8 years between 2005 and 2013. It was crafted in 1923 by the Povey Brothers of Portland, Oregon, and it cost around $500.)

The Class of 77 at 45

Here is a photo of me and my classmates after celebrating our anniversary Mass at the Annunciation parish in Balzan, followed by a pleasant reception for which our relatives were also invited. This was our 45th ordination anniversary, and even though with one classmate being absent, and two deceased, we enjoyed each other's company also during a 2 day retreat, which we do annually 2 days in advance of our actual anniversary, which this year happened to be on a Sunday, June 19. With a few of us committed with Masses in parishes and other duties, we could not meet on a Sunday, but when this happens every few years, we choose a close date. Besides, we also meet every month between October and May, even though not every one is in attendance.

Interesting facts

There are more than 60 different species of eagles but only two live in North America
Scientists say the universe is made up of protons, neutrons and electrons. They forgot to mention morons.
The adult version of "head, shoulders, knees and toes" is "wallet, glasses, keys and phone."
'Wi-fi went down for five minutes, so I had to talk to my family. They seem like nice people.'
If you see me talking to myself, just move along. I'm self-employed; we're having a staff meeting.
I won't be impressed with technology until I can download food.
My doctor asked if anyone in my family suffers from mental illness. I said, "No, we all seem to enjoy it."
Camping: where you spend a small fortune to live like a homeless person.
The world's best antidepressant has 4 legs, a wagging tail and comes with unconditional love.
Love is how excited your dog gets when you come home.
At Any Given Moment, There Are Approximately 2,000 Thunderstorms Happening on Earth.
A Million Earths Would Fit Inside the Sun.
There are 10 Different Ways to Pronounce the Letters "Ough."
The Record Lowest Temperature in the U.S. Was -80°F (-62.2°C).It happened in January 1971 in Prospect Creek, Alaska.
John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and James Monroe all passed away on Independence Day, July 4th.

St Aloysius Gonzaga

Aloysius Gonzaga before he entered the novitiate

One of the patrons of youth, St Aloysius Gonzaga was an Italian Jesuit saint of the 16th century. Quite a few Jesuit colleges are named after him, including Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington and St Aloysius College, in Malta. Aloysius is the Latin form of his given name, Luigi, in English known as Louis. The Gonzaga name is well known in Italy. Aloysius Gonzaga was born at Castiglione near Mantua, Italy, in 1568 to a celebrated family of wealth and prestige. As the first born son of his father, Ferrante, and his mother, Marta, he was in line to inherit his father's title of Marquis. He grew up amid the violence and brutality of the Renaissance Italy and witnessed the murder of two of his brothers. In 1576, Aloysius' parents sent him to attend the court of the Grand Duke of Tuscany, Francesco de Medici, in Florence. Later, accompanied by his parents, he traveled to Spain to join the court of Philip II in Madrid.

In Spain, Aloysius decided he wanted to join the newly founded religious order, the Society of Jesus. His father resisted his decision and there followed a struggle of wills that continued after his return to Castiglione in 1584. But Aloysius eventually prevailed. Renouncing his right to the title of Marquis and to the vast wealth he was destined to inherit, he entered the Society of Jesus in Rome on November 25, 1585. During his early studies in Rome, he would regularly go out into the streets of the city to care for victims of the plague. He himself contracted the disease as a result of his efforts for the suffering and died on June 21, 1591, at the age of twenty-three, six years short of his ordination as a Jesuit priest. 
He had received his First Communion from St. Charles Borromeo. His spiritual director was Robert Bellarmine who later was canonized and declared a doctor of the church. When Robert was dying, he asked to be buried next to the grave of Aloysius. Today, they rest next to each other in the church of St. Ignatius Loyola in Rome. Pope Benedict XIII canonized Aloysius in 1726, and three years later declared him to be the patron of youth in the Catholic Church, an honor later confirmed by Pope Pius XI in 1926.  Gonzaga University in Spokane is the only Jesuit university in the world named after St. Aloysius. In Malta we have St. Aloysius College, High School equivalent school which is very well respected and admired for its level of education and discipline.

“I will never die!”

A Scottish Bishop was hiking in the mountains, and since it was getting dark, he came across a small cottage and knocked on the door. He realized it was a poor family who seemed very distressed. He inquired of them what was troubling them. They told him that their elderly father was dying, but he did not want to prepare himself for his last journey. The bishop still wrapped in his overcoat, asked if he could talk to him. Still not knowing who he was, his relatives welcomed him and led him to their sick father. As the bishop greeted him, he encouraged him to be strong, but be prepared for death. The sick man objected vehemently “No, I will never die!” The bishop continued with his insistence, calming the patient and telling him that he is no exception and every human is born to die. “No, I am not going to die – don’t waste my time.” The bishop then asked him why does he think that he’s never going to die. The man replied by saying “I am Catholic, and since my First Holy Communion, I had prayed to the Blessed Mother that she would not let me die before I speak to a priest. So do you think that Mary will not grant me this request? Impossible!” The Sottish bishop then told him “My son, you should know that this who is speaking to you is even more than a priest – I am a bishop.” At that the bishop opened his coat and showed him the pectoral cross, heard his confession and stood up to leave. At that moment the patient said “Mary, my Mother, I thank you. I believe that I can now die in peace.” Within a few minutes, surrounded by his happy family, he was in heaven.

45 th Anniversary

A group photo of our class a few days before our Ordination in 1977.

Me and my classmates celebrate our 45th anniversary of the priesthood today.  It just happens, as it occasionally does, that it’s also the feast of Corpus Christi, as well as Father’s Day. We will be on retreat tomorrow and Tuesday, and concelebrate together on Tuesday evening, with the presence of our relatives and friends, the first time in three years that we are meeting as a group with our families, of course because of the Covid situation. At the moment I am coordinating our monthly meetings, even though we can never get everyone of us present, which at the moment amounts to 10 active ones, with 2 of our classmates having passed away over the last 4 years. This past year we visited various Museums and places of interest, for which I shared with you some of the paintings and artefacts we saw. 

A group photo from a few years ago in my chapel.

I conclude today simply by quoting a popular prayer by the Dominican French priest Lacordaire, a prayer I always like to share on this anniversary.

To live in the midst of the world, without desiring its pleasures.

To be a member of each family, yet belonging to none.

To share all sufferings, to heal all wounds.

To penetrate all secrets, without being curious.

To go from men to God and offer Him their prayers.

To return from God to men, to bring pardon, hope and peace.

To have a heart of gold for charity, and a heart of bronze for chastity

To teach, to listen, to forgive. To lead, to console, to bless always.

This is your life, o priest of Christ.                                                                 

Sermons we see

 

I’d rather see a sermon than hear one any day.

I’d rather one should walk with me than merely show the way.

The eye’s a better pupil and more willing than the ear;

Fine counsel is confusing, but example’s always clear.

And the best of all the preachers are the men who love their creeds.

For to see the good in action is what everybody needs.

I can soon learn how to do it if you’ll let me see it done.

I can watch your hands in actions but your tongue too fast may run.

And the lectures you deliver may be very wise and true;

But I’d rather get my lessons by observing what you do.

For I may misunderstand you and the high advice you give.

But there’s no misunderstanding how you act and how you live.

The face of Jesus

A story is told about a beloved friar from Sicily, named Epifanio, who loved to paint. His dream was that one day he would paint the face of Jesus, so that people can admire it even after he dies. Even though he searched for months to find a young man to pose for his portrait of Christ, he just could not find the right person. However, one night he dreamt that he saw an angel who told him: “If you want to paint the real face of Jesus, make sure you include in his image: the joy of a bride on her wedding day, the innocence of childhood, the strength of a farmer tilling his field, the illness of a sick patient, the secret tears of a  sorrowful father, the kind heart of an elderly mother, the uncertainty of an orphaned child and the forgiveness of a confessor.” So Epifanio stopped searching for a face, but instead started to paint Jesus’ face, and included all the characteristics that the angel mentioned to him. And his final image has a little bit of everything – joy and sorrow, mercy and suffering, strength and sickness, a mixture of life’s ups and downs. Let us pause and see in others, the face of Christ, and understand that He is closer to us than we know, crying with us when we feel sad, and smiling with us when we are joyful.

The Rosary Beads

Orchestra Director Dimitri Mitropoulos

Carnegie Hall was packed with people waiting to hear Beethoven’s 7th Symphony, from the orchestra led by Dimitri Mitropoulos. The maestro came on stage, went on the podium and picked up the baton, and the music started. However after just 20 seconds, he stopped the performance, and Mitropoulos disappeared off the stage, to the surprise of the orchestra members and the massive audience. He was gone for a few minutes when everyone started getting concerned. Did he feel sick? Is the performance going to resume? Are we losing the price of the tickets? Is this going to be a wasted evening for so many music aficionados ? After around 10 minutes, Dimitri Mitropoulos reappeared, went straight to the podium again, bowed towards the crowd, as if to say ‘I’m sorry!’ and started the 7th Symphony once again. At the end the concert, the audience exploded with a long applause. A few journalists went searching for the maestro and asked him what happened at the start of the concert. He simply answered by saying “I had forgotten my Rosary beads. Without them in my pocket, I always feel distant from God.” In his entire career, Mitropoulos never gave a concert without the Rosary beads in his pocket.

Being honest

A couple were married for 60 years. They shared everything, they spoke about everything and never had any secrets, except for a box that the wife kept locked up in a closet. She also told her husband the day of their wedding that he should never open it. Often during the 60 years he was tempted to open it, but never gave in to the temptation. As she was nearing 85, the wife had a terminal a illness, and one day the husband brought the box out and placed it on his wife’s lap. When he opened it he found 3 hand-made crochet dolls. There was also an envelope with 95,000 dollars. So he asked his wife about them. She told him that before their wedding, her grandmother told her that the secret of their marriage lies in never arguing. She told her also that every time she was getting angry at him, since she loved to knit, she should sit down and craft a crochet doll. Her husband was delighted that there were only three dolls, which made him realize that he only got her angry three times in 60 years! But what about the money? Where did they come from? She told him, ‘That’s the money I collected from the sale of the crochet dolls I used to make!’ It's good to avoid getting angry, but it's just as important being patient with each other, and of course, being always honest. 

Just one thing.....

Think about it......
Just one song can generate frenetic joy and happiness.
Just one flower can throw you in a river of dreams.
Just one tree can start an entire forest.
Just one bird can herald an enthusiastic and joyful spring.
Just one smile can start a sincere and everlasting relationship.
Just one squeeze of a hand can raise your morale sky high.
Just one ray of light can illuminate an entire room.
Just one laugh can heal and mend a broken heart.
Just one step can lead you to a long enriching voyage.
Just one word can start a prayer and talk of love and compassion.
Just one candle can eliminate the darkness.
Just one look can show that you really care.
Just one voice can be the catalyst for a movement of support.
Just one heart can show you what is really the truth.
Just one life can make a big difference.
Yes, you can really make a big difference, wherever you live.

St Anthony of Padua

                                            
St. Anthony of Padua was born August 15, 1195 near Lisbon, to a wealthy family and given the name Fernando. He was sent to the cathedral school in Lisbon, but in 1210, at the age of 15 he entered the Augustinian monastery of Sao Vicente in Lisbon, against the wishes of his family. But in their monastery near his native city he was distracted by visits from relatives and friends. After two years, Fernando asked to be transferred. He was sent to Holy Cross in Coimbra, a great center of learning and capital of Portugal at that time. He devoted the next eight years of his life to study and prayer, immersing himself in Sacred Scripture. When news of the Franciscan martyrs in Morocco reached him, he joined the Franciscan Order in 1221, when he was 26 years old. At his own request, he was sent as a missionary to Morocco with the mission of preaching among the Moors. He had to return to Europe because of ill health. After this, St Anthony was moved to Romagna (Italy) and spent 9 months as a chaplain to hermits. He was so modest that he thought nothing of spending his days carrying on the lowliest duties of the kitchen and convent. But the Lord had bigger plans for this holy man. At an ordination ceremony, the priest who was about to give the sermon fell ill suddenly and St Anthony was called upon to give the sermon in his place. Although he refused with humility at first, he eventually had to do so because of his vow of obedience to his superior. The rest as they say, is history! 

Basilica of St. Anthony at Padua, Italy

The last two years of his life he spent in Padua, preaching, hearing confessions and working to help the poor. St. Anthony died on June 13th, 1231 at Arcella, a suburb of Padua in the apartment reserved for the chaplain of the sisterhood of Poor Clares of Arcella.  He was only 36. Saint Anthony was canonized in 1232 by Pope Gregory IX and declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope Pius XII in 1946. He holds the record for the second fastest canonization in history: he was declared a saint 352 days after his death. In 1263, a basilica was built in his honor in Padua, Italy. Today he is one of the most famous saints and is often called upon by Catholics to help find lost possessions. Saint Anthony of Padua is usually sculpted or portrayed holding the child Jesus, or a lily or a book, or all three, in his arms.

Trinity

On this feast of the Holy Trinity, may I suggest a practical prayer that we can all do every night so that the Holy Trinity may become an important part of our lives. So, as an examination of conscience, every night before you get to bed, take 3 minutes or even one minute divided into 20 seconds. In the first minute, think of a positive event that happened to you during the day, maybe a good news you received, a good deed you accomplished, and thank God the Father for it. In the second minute, think of a negative thing that you experienced, maybe a conflict, an argument or quarrel with someone else, and ask God the Son, Jesus, to forgive you for it. Then during the last minute, think of something you have to do tomorrow, maybe an important decision you have to make, talking to another person on an important issue, and talk to God the Holy Spirit while asking or guidance and inspiration. A simple, yet effective way to feel connected with the Trinity. And let us never be embarrassed in blessing ourselves – it is the sign of the Christian, and probably the first sign and gesture children are taught at a very young age. Let us not refrain from blessing ourselves even in public, before a meal at a restaurant, before embarking on a trip or a journey. thereby giving a good example to our children. 

St Paul’s Cathedral

Last week on Friday, all eyes were on St Paul's Cathedral as the religious service was held to honor Queen Elizabeth’s 70th Platinum Anniversary as Queen. Even though we could not see the live broadcast inside the church, I share with you today three photos I took back in the 1980s, of this monumental structure. It is the Anglican Cathedral in London that is the seat of the Bishop of London. Its dedication to Paul the Apostle dates back to the original church on this site, founded in AD 604. The present structure, dating from the late 17th century, was designed in the English Baroque style by Sir Christopher Wren. Its construction, completed in Wren's lifetime, was part of a major rebuilding programme in the city after the Great Fire of London. The earlier Gothic Cathedral was a central focus for medieval and early modern London. 

Inside St. Paul's Cathedral

The Cathedral is one of the most famous and most recognisable sights of London. Its dome, framed by the spires of Wren's City churches, has dominated the skyline for over 300 years. At 365 feet (111 m) high, it was the tallest building in London from 1710 to 1963. The dome remains among the highest in the world. St Paul's is the second-largest church building in area in the United Kingdom after the Liverpool Cathedral. Services held at St Paul's have included the funerals of Admiral Lord Nelson, the Duke of Wellington, Winston Churchill, and Margaret Thatcher; Jubilee celebrations for Queen Victoria; peace services marking the end of the First and Second World Wars; the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer; and the thanksgiving services for the Silver, Golden, Diamond and Platinum Jubilees and the 80th and 90th birthdays of Queen Elizabeth. 

The main door of the Cathedral

The Pope on Wrinkles

In the June 8 speech he made at the public audience, Pope Francis, in criticizing the obsession of trying to stay forever young in appearance, he said people must not hide or try to get rid of their wrinkles. He wondered why the elderly seem unappreciated and seen as useless when they carry so much wisdom about life and can open the door to God's tenderness. He said further: “"Wrinkles are a sign of experience, a sign of life, a sign of maturity, a sign of having made a journey. Do not touch them to become young, that your face might look young. What matters is the entire personality; it's the heart that matters, and the heart remains with that youth of a good wine — the more it ages the better it is. Technology has stepped in to help so that, while people await the defeat of death, we can keep the body alive with medicine and cosmetics which slow down, hide, erase old age. So much makeup, so many surgical interventions to appear young! The Pope quoted the Italian actress Anna Magnani, who said, "Please don't retouch my wrinkles. It took me so long to earn them." Pope Francis continued “There is a mission proper to old age, which is to help show people the hope and love that come with being destined for eternity in God and journeying toward one's final destination. The kind of tenderness grandparents show their grandchildren opens the door toward understanding God's tenderness. The elderly are the messengers of the future, the elderly are the messengers of tenderness, the elderly are the messengers of the wisdom of lived experience. Let us move forward and watch the elderly."

Learning Christ

Teach me Lord to be sweet and gentle, in all the events of my life,
In disappointments,
In the thoughtlessness of others;
In the insincerity of those I trusted;
In the unfaithfulness of those on whom I relied.
Let me put myself aside,
To think of the happiness of others ,
To hide my little pains and heartaches,
So that I may be the only one to suffer from them.
 
Teach me to profit by the suffering that comes across my path.
Let me so use it that it may mellow me, not harden nor embitter me;
That it may make me patient, not irritable,
That it may make me broad in my forgiveness; not narrow, haughty and overbearing.
 
As I go my rounds from one distraction to another, let me often whisper a word of love to You. May my life be lived in the supernatural, full of power for good, and strong in its purpose of sanctity. 

10 years ago

Today I'm going back 10 years ago in 2012 when I was pastor at the Baker City Cathedral, in Oregon when I had to lead a funeral of a young man from town, Mabry Anders who was killed in Afghanistan during an ambush. His body was brought back into town with all military honors, being carried in a carriage through town and brought to church for the solemn funeral Mass. Many military personnel and state representatives were present, including the state senator of Oregon. In the sanctuary we had a beautiful and touching display, which you can see here in this photo. A photo of the young soldier was displayed, and besides the flowers for the occasion, the set-up included his gun, and his helmet, his boots and the American flag which was folded in the traditional triangular shape, to be presented later on to his parents. This is typical of all military funerals. The state senator also spoke towards the end of the Mass and complimented me for the touching homily I gave. At the cemetery, taps was played and gun/rifle salute was also given just before the burial, as happens at all funerals for veterans, but especially for the soldiers killed in action, as was this case.

Following Jesus

I am the Light and you do not see me.

I am the Way and you do not follow me.

I am the Truth and you do not believe me.

I am the Life and you do not search me.

I am the Master and you do not listen to me.

I am the Chief and you do not obey me.

I am Your God and you do pray to me.

I am your greatest Friend and you do not love me.

If you are not happy, do not blame me.

 (Attributed to St. Francis of Assisi)

Mary, Mother of the Church

Yesterday we commemorated the birthday of the church, and as Mary gave birth to Jesus Christ, she somehow gave birth to the church, which He represents. Pope Francis 4 years ago introduced another feast dedicated to the Blessed Mother – as Mother of the Church, celebrated today, the day after Pentecost. Remember that on that day, Mary was with the apostles, gathered together as a community, as a church, as the Body of Christ. Today we honor her again as our Mother – the Mother of all Christians, and Mother of all churches. This feast was actually introduced by Pope St. Paul VI in 1964, who had declared Mary as Mother of the Church, that is Mother of all Christians and of all priests. Then in 1975, the Year of Mercy, the church had also introduced a special Mass in honor of Mary as Mater Ecclesia, mother of the church. Above all, we must look at Mary as the one who gives us life, that spiritual oxygen which energizes us and nourishes us with her presence in our lives. May the Blessed Mother bless all of our families and may they be strengthened in their weakness through her continued motherly protection. The image shown with this post shows Mary protecting everyone under her mantle of guidance, peace and harmony.

O Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church to you we recommend ourselves and the entire Church. Guide and assist our Holy Father and our Bishops in their apostolic mission, and aid all who help them in their work. Enlighten the People of God along the paths of faith, hope and love! You were given to us as a mother by your Divine Son at the moment of his redeeming death. Remember us your children, support our prayers to God. Preserve our Faith, strengthen our Hope, increase our Charity. Immaculate Heart! Help us to conquer the menace of evil, which so easily takes root in the hearts of the people of today. From nuclear war, from incalculable self-destruction, and from every kind of war, deliver us. From sins against human life from its very beginning, deliver us. From every kind of injustice in the life of society, deliver us. From readiness to trample on the commandments of God, deliver us. From attempts to stifle the very truth of God, deliver us. From the loss of awareness of good and evil deliver us. From sins against the Holy Spirit, deliver us. We resolve to walk in your footsteps and to imitate your virtues. Obtain for us, O tender Mother, the grace of being faithful to this promise.

Pentecost

Stained glass from my first NY parish in New Hyde Park.

As we celebrate today the descent of the Holy Spirit on the apostles and the Blessed Mother, I am reminded of the role of the Spirit by a quote from Pope Francis. A few years ago he said that the ‘the Holy Spirit doesn’t sit still...in Maltese m’għandux kwiet f’ġismu!’ Like that 3-year old toddler who cannot sit still, but touches and moves everything within his reach, He is always moving things around, shaking us, irritating us, always pushing our buttons, and pushing the church along, and forward. But at the same time, He is consoling us, instigating us to move onwards cautiously. But to many of us, this tactic annoys us and troubles us. We prefer to keep things as they are. Even in our parishes and communities, we feel comfortable the way we are, and we don’t feel like changing our lifestyle. But this is exactly the challenge that the Spirit of Jesus is giving us today. He wants to move us from our comfort zone, from that corner where we feel at home to do something more. In our home, we all have that favorite chair or sofa, and on them we usually sit to watch some TV, to read, to rest, to put our feet up and relax. And it often happens that when you’re not in your place, you feel annoyed, irritated and flustered at times, especially if someone else takes your favorite place. It happens even in our churches when someone takes your favorite place or seat. That’s the role of the Holy Spirit, to move you and upset you from your comfort-zone, and challenges you to do better, to do more, to become holier. Let us welcome Him today in our homes and hearts and let Him guide us faithfully.

Success and Failure

At the age of 5 he was writing sonatas and concertos for the piano. At seven he was performing the most difficult works of Handel and Bach. At 12 he wrote his first opera. Yet he died in poverty and obscurity at age 35. His widow was ill and indifferent as to his burial. A few friends attended his funeral, but was buried in an unmarked grave. Yet Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s music lives on, is performed every day in Concert Halls, radio stations, and is considered one of the geniuses of the past millennium.

 A young English boy was called “carrot top” by other students and was given little chance of success by some teachers. He ranked third lowest in class, constantly failed Mathematics and Latin. He repeated his grade twice, and was said to have little understanding of his school work. He never gave up though, and became Prime Minister of England. His name was Winston Churchill.

She believed that her products would sell at home beauty shows. Her first show grossed $1.50. But Mary Kay Ash persevered and now has annual sales of over $200 million.

When Elvis Presley in 1953 tried out as a singer in the Grand Ole Opry, the main judge pulled him to the side and asked him, “What do you do for a living ?” And Elvis responded “I drive trucks, Sir” To which the judge responded, “Well, I suggest that you forget about singing and keep on trucking !” The world of music is truly glad Elvis didn’t give up on his singing career.

This boy was so slow to learn how to talk that his parents thought him abnormal, and his teachers called him “misfit.” His classmates avoided him and rarely invited him to play with them. He failed his first College entrance exam in Zurich, Switzerland. In time he became a world famous scientist. And TIME Magazine voted him the Man of the 20th century. He was Albert Einstein. 

Scenes from a celebration

The celebration continues for Queen Elizabeth and her Platinum anniversary, and I share with you just 2 photos that can easily describe yesterday's events. The first photos shows how boys will be boys, even in the midst of a stately and solemn commemoration. Little Prince Louis seems like he's had enough of the noise coming from the 70 different airplanes flying above him. Yet his sister Princess Charlotte seems to follow each plane as she looks upwards, while their brother Prince George displays a more serious tone to the event. The 70 planes were coordinated to symbolize the 70 years she has so far sat on her throne of England. 

The second photo shows the last display of the iconic Red Arrows as they approach Buckingham Palace, to the delight of the thousands who gathered in central London to celebrate. Curiously enough, if you enlarge this photo, can anyone spot one person who is NOT taking a photo with their iPhone or Smartphone? Today a special religious service is being held at St. Paul's Cathedral.