Character and Reputation

John Wooden (with ball) with the 1975 UCLA Champions

John Robert Wooden (1910-2010) was nicknamed the ‘Wizard of Westwood’ as a basketball coach of the UCLA Bruins. With them he won 10 national championships in 12 years, 7 of them consecutively, a truly incredible feat since there are thousands of College basketball teams competing every year. His famous quote about character and reputation is worth reflecting on: “Be more aware of your character, rather than your reputation. Your character is what you really are. The reputation is what others think about you.”

St Peter and St Paul

Treasured statue of Sts. Peter and Paul at Nadur parish, Gozo, Malta.

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 on his way to Damascus, 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.

8,113,8559,660

As of June 5, 2024, this was the world’s population......8,113,8559,660. That's over 8 billions inhabiting this earth!  Undoubtedly by now, that number has increased by a few more millions. Now have you stopped to think about the fact that just like you there is no other person in this world. Even if you are twins, there must be a tiny difference between you. But we each have our own personality, characteristics and peculiarities. Then again we have our own fingerprints, color of eyes, hair, voice, facial expressions, our own DNA. We are unique, and rest assured that in the history of the world, there has never been another person close to you, and there will never be another human being like you. We are all God’s children. He created us, of course with the help of our parents. He loves us all with the same intensity. Wouldn’t it be great if we do the same to each other!

Come Holy Spirit

Pope St. John Paul II in 1980 told a group of charismatic leaders that since he was a child, he always prayed the prayer to the Holy Spirit, Veni Sancte Spiritus (Come Holy Sprit,) especially because he had problems with mathematics He kept praying this prayer for over 40 years, also encouraged by his own father. There is some real food for thought in these expressions, especially the last 4 verses. Chew on them and put them forever in your heart.

Come, Holy Spirit, and send out from heaven the ray of your light.
Come, Father of the poor, come, giver of gifts, come, light of hearts.
Greatest comforter, sweet guest of the soul, sweet consolation.
In labour, rest, in heat, temperateness, in tears, solace.
O most blessed light, fill the inmost heart of your faithful.
Without the nod of your head, there is nothing in man, nothing that is harmless.
Cleanse what is unclean, water what is parched, heal what is wounded.
Bend what is inflexible, warm what is chilled, correct what has gone astray.
Give to your faithful, who trust in you, the sevenfold gift.
Give virtue's reward, give salvation's end, give joy eternal.

How dare you doubt Him ?

Oh you who could not put one star in motion,

who could not build one mountain out of the earth,

or trace the pattern of a single snowflake,

or understand the miracle of birth.

Presumptuous mortal who cannot alter the universe in any way,

or fashion one small bud or release one raindrop,

or toss one cloud into a sunny day.

Oh you who could not paint the spectacle

that happens at every sunset and sunrise,

who could not comprehend the beautiful colors of flowers,

the birds in the sky and the fish in our oceans,

oh weakly man who cannot create a single miracle,

                       How dare you doubt the Only One Who can ?                         

Prudent Silence

'Take your sandals off your feet...this is Holy Ground'

Most of us live in a fast-paced world, in which noise reigns supreme. The ability to remain silent has become an underappreciated skill. For those striving to live a virtuous and somewhat slower life, learning when to hold one’s tongue is crucial. Silence is not simply the absence of sound; it is a conscious act of self-control that cultivates prudence, humility, and meekness. The book of Proverbs offers timeless wisdom on this subject: “When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is prudent. The tongue of the righteous is like fine silver, but the heart of the wicked is of little value” (Proverbs 10:19-20). These verses remind us that verbosity often leads to sin, while the discipline of measured speech reflects the value of righteousness.  How often have we seen situations escalate simply because someone spoke impulsively? A harsh word, a misplaced comment, or an untimely piece of “advice” can turn a minor disagreement into a significant fallout. By choosing silence, we give ourselves (and others) time to think, pray, and respond in a way that promotes peace rather than discord. Silence is also about humility and awareness of one’s limits. It is a recognition that not every situation requires our input, and that sometimes our silence can speak volumes. This does not mean abandoning the pursuit of justice or failing to defend our rights. Rather, it means knowing the right time to speak and the right time to remain silent. Speaking out of turn or without full understanding can often do more harm than good. True wisdom lies in knowing the difference. The cardinal virtue of prudence is closely related to the discipline of silence. Prudence guides us to make wise decisions about when to speak and when to remain silent. It teaches us to weigh our words carefully, and to understand their potential impact. In a world where words are often used recklessly, the prudent person stands out as rare example of thoughtful speech but, mostly, of reflective and effective silence. Embracing silence transforms our daily interactions. It can prevent arguments, heal strained relationships, and create a more peaceful environment. For example, in moments of anger or frustration, a bit of prudent silence allows emotions to subside and reason to prevail. This can prevent hurtful words that might later be regretted. Living virtuously demands remembering the power of silence. Being able to shut up when needed, will help us tame our impulses, practice humility, and cultivate prudence. Eventually, we realize that silence is not a sign of weakness, but quite the contrary: it reveals our inner strength. By learning to be silent at the right times, we can meet life’s challenges with grace and integrity.

Birth of John the Baptist

                           
There are three paintings that depict a young St John the Baptist which are favorites of mine for different reasons. They are all by the Spanish painter Esteban Bartolome’ Murillo and they show John the Baptist as a little boy, John always being accompanied by a little lamb, symbolizing his famous words “Behold the Lamb of God,” the phrase he used to welcome Jesus when he came to the Jordan River to be baptized by him. The other two paintings are of John by himself, again both of them with the lamb next to him. Today the Catholic Church celebrates his birth, and that is why we use the color white in our vestments. John is regarded as the last prophet of the Old Testament, while some refer to him as the first martyr of the New Testament, and we do have a commemoration of his martyrdom on August 29, but it’s his mysterious birth that is celebrated today, since Elizabeth his mother was advanced in age. John the Baptist as a prophet had a tough role to play - to point out the sins which were keeping the people from truly knowing, loving and serving God. He prepared the way of the Lord by calling people to lives of repentance. His role was to prepare the way of the Lord, setting the stage for Jesus’ arrival - doing all the rough work and then disappear, getting hardly any credit. But that was his role and never complained about it. In the Gospel of John the Evangelist (Jn 3:30,) we read that John the Baptist said about Jesus: “He must increase, while I must decrease.” This is very indicative of what will happen after Jesus’ baptism. Jesus became well known, while John disappeared in the background. Yet while the popularity of Jesus increased, John faded away, and we see him again being arrested and then being beheaded by Herod. Yet there is another interesting twist to the phrase “He must increase and I must decrease.” John’s birthday falls close to the summer solstice, one of the longest days of the year, and from now on, the days will start decreasing, leading to one of the shortest days of the year, which is Christmas, the birthday of Jesus, close to the winter’s solstice, and from then on, the days will start getting longer. “I must decrease, while He must increase.” It’s a notion worth adapting to in our daily lives - we must decrease our yearnings, our dreams, our wishes, while we should let Him increase in us, increasing our potential to love, increase our prayer life, our devotion to duty, our commitment to our faith. This is the message the church wants us to remember this weekend. We can obviously decrease the clutter from our lives and increase the goodness that is certainly already in your heart.

Something about Tessa

This story is told by a woman, Therese Guy who in 1960 was attending a Catholic school.......”I got in trouble a few times in school, but there was another girl in my class who received a few more punishments than me. Her name was Tessa, and she appeared to be poor, a little filthy at times, although she always wore her school uniform. One day she came to school with invitations for her birthday party. Right away, I was determined to attend and asked my father to come along to let me buy a small gift. I was looking for something small, like a jump-rope or a T-shirt, but my eyes fell on a beautiful porcelain china set, and my dad said it’s OK to buy it. I wrapped it and when the day arrived, my father dropped me off, and he told me he’ll pick me up in two hours, encouraging me to have fun. It was a very simple house, no carpeting as we were used to, and no furnishings, no Television but just a cross hanging on the wall. I was obviously the first one there, as I met her family, surrounded with an aroma of baking goodies, which were on a table covered with an embroidered table-cloth. I chatted with Tessa as we waited for any other classmates to arrive, but it became apparent that I was the only one who accepted her invitation. She took it well though and was happy with my presence, as were her parents and her younger siblings. Then we feasted on the pastries and cakes, as I gazed at the lonely gift in the middle of the table. Tears of joy sprung from Tessa’s eyes as she opened her gift and saw the china tea set. Her family gasped in surprise. ‘Thank you,’ she said ‘no one has ever given such a fine gift.’ All at once tears sprung from my eyes also, because never have I seen someone so beautifully clothed in gratitude. When we returned to school, our classmates still avoided her company, but we became soulmates for a long time.”

Successful Men and Women

He is a successful man . . . .

- who lives well, laughs often and loves much,

- who has the respect of intelligent men and the love of little children,

- who is careful and devoted to his duties, and accomplishes his tasks properly,

- who leaves the world better than he has found it, whether by an improved poppy,

                      a perfect poem or a rescued soul,

- who never lacks appreciation of earth’s beauty or fails to express it,

- who always looks for the best in others, and gives the best he has,

- whose life is an inspiration, and whose memory is a blessing to those he leaves behind.

She is a successful woman . . . .

- who has an appreciation of the world around her,

- who has energy to devote both to work and play,

- who has the capacity to give of herself, and to accept graciously the gift of others,

- who has people she trusts and is trusted by, people she cares about who care about her,

- who has a zest for life, and feeling of kinship with all living things,

- who has the enthusiasm to welcome each new day with warmth and joy and love.

St Aloysius Gonzaga

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, 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 1578, 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, 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. Even before his time as a Jesuit, Aloysius was known for his love of prayer and fasting. He received his First Communion from St. Charles Borromeo. His spiritual director was St. 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.

Celebrating

Yesterday, as is customary, me and my classmates concelebrated Mass together at the Immaculate Conception church in Hamrun to commemorate our 47 th anniversary. Three of our classmate were not present but the other 7 are seen here in a group photos we took for the occasion. This particular church is very close to my heart as during my diaconate year, between 1976 and 1977, I served at that church, practicing my homilies every weekend during Sunday Mass. Over the last few years, as you can see in this photo, some beautiful embellishment took place, creating a variation on the Via Crucis (The Way of the Cross,) this time called Via Lucis (The Way of the Light) represented in mosaic, 14 stations that took place after Jesus’ resurrection until Pentecost. (Click to enlarge photos)

The 14 Stations of the Via Lucis

47th Anniversary

Our Class of 1977 just before our ordination.

With my classmates today we celebrate our 47th anniversary of ordination. All of us are now in Malta, except for two who are in heaven, two still serving as pastors, others semi-retired, while others still working at various positions and offices in the church in Malta. We spent 7 glorious years together at the Major Seminary, while studying at the University of Malta. Seminary life was very special to me, and living in a community was very rewarding and enriching. At one time we were close to 90 seminarians at various stages of the priesthood. Nowadays the numbers have dwindled to around 8, and vocations for the priesthood and religious life has become a major issue for the church in Malta. We met yesterday for a day-and-a-half retreat on the occasion of our anniversary, and today we will con-celebrate together in a chosen church, with our families in attendance. 

The quote I used for my Ordination holy card was from the first letter of St Peter: "Tend the flock of God in your midst, overseeing not by constraint but willingly, as God would have it, not for shameful profit, but eagerly" (1 Peter 5:2.) I offer my Mass today for the Rectors, Vice-Rectors, Spiritual Director and professors and teachers who taught us over the 7 years we spent together, most of whom have since passed away. I offer my Mass for my parents, brothers and sisters, nephews and relatives and friends in the parishes I served over the past 47 years, St Julian’s, (Malta,) New Hyde Park, Rocky Point, Hicksville, Pleasant Valley (all in New York) and John Day, Baker City and Bend (all in Oregon,) as well as my new friends at Hilltop Gardens, Simblija Carehome, and at Naxxar parish. I thank God for the blessings he gave me along with a few talents to use in my ministry, as I promise to continue to use them to the best of my ability.

With my family and relatives on June 19, 1977

Strength and Courage

It takes strength to be certain  -  It takes courage to have doubts.

It takes strength to fit in  -  It takes courage to stand out.

It takes strength to share a friend's pain  -  It takes courage to feel your own pain.

It takes strength to hide your own pain  -  It takes courage to show it and deal with it.

It takes strength to stand guard  -  It takes courage to let down your guard.

It takes strength to conquer  -  It takes courage to surrender.

It takes strength to endure abuses  -  It takes courage to stop them.

It takes strength to stand alone  -  It takes courage to lean on a friend.

It takes strength to love  -  It takes courage to be loved.

It takes strength to survive  -  It takes courage to live.

ABCs of Commitment

I open my heart and my mind to be aware of the ABCs which will lift my spirits up day by day.
 
Almighty Creator of the Universe, who created all that we have and cherish.
Beloved Father, God of compassion.
Create in me a clean heart this day, to love you more.
Deliver me from the limitations of my ego.
Exalt your presence in my mind, and keep me always focused on You.
Forgive all that I have done against You, myself and others.
Grant me peace, and grant peace to all the world.
Hold me steadfastly within the boundaries of your truth.
Inspire my heart to know You better, my ears to hear You, and my eyes to recognize You.
Justify me in the presence of all enemies.
Knead my heart with works of kindness and acts of humility.
Let no harm befall me or my loved ones.
May all I do or say glorify You, and never let any word of mine ever hurt You.
Nourish me with Your Wisdom and Knowledge.
Open my eyes to know your vision of truth.
Purge my heart of all things that are offensive to your law.
Quiet my soul in the midst of confusion and temptation.
Renew my commitment to You.
Save me from my secret fears.
Teach me to trust You at all times.
Use all You have given me to serve You.
Victory for Your cause is my desire.
Walk with me so that my strength will never be diminished.
Xamine my heart continually.
Your Love and Grace are my good fortune.
Zealously, I commit my life to serving you faithfully and dutifully.
Until today, you may not have been aware of the power of knowing the alphabet. Just for today, practice in making each letter of the alphabet come alive in your life.

Why God created Fathers

When the good Lord was creating Fathers, he started with a tall frame. A female angel nearby said "What kind of a Father is that? If you're going to make children so close to the ground, why have you put the Father up so high? He won't be able to shoot marbles without kneeling, tuck a child into bed without bending, or even kiss a child without stooping." God smiled and said, "Yes, but if I make him child size, who would children have to look up to?" And when God made a Father's hands, they were large. The angel shook her head and said, "Large hands can't manage diaper pins, small buttons, rubber bands on pony tails, or even remove splinters caused from baseball bats." Again God smiled and said, "I know, but they're large enough to hold everything a small boy empties from his pockets, yet small enough to cup a child's face in them." Then God molded long slim legs and broad shoulders, "Do you realize you just made a Father without a lap?" the angel chuckled. God said, "A Mother needs a lap. A Father needs strong shoulders to pull a sled, to balance a boy on a bicycle, or to hold a sleepy head on the way home from the circus."

When God was in the middle of creating the biggest feet anyone had ever seen, the angel could not contain herself any longer. "That's not fair. Do you honestly think those feet are going to get out of bed early in the morning when the baby cries, or walk through a birthday party without crushing one or two of the guests?" God again smiled and said, "They will work. You will see. They will support a small child who wants to ride to Adventureland or Disneyworld or scare mice away from a summer cabin, or display shoes that will be a challenge to fill." God worked throughout the night, giving the Father few words, but a firm authoritative voice; eyes that see everything, but remain calm and tolerant. Finally, almost as an afterthought, He added tears. Then He turned to the angel and said, "Now are you satisfied he can love as much as a Mother can?" The angel said nothing more.

Happy Father's Day to all fathers, grandfathers, step-fathers, foster-fathers and also all priests, who are spiritual fathers.

The Pope on Artificial Intelligence

Pope Francis with all the world leaders at the G7 in Italy.

Pope Francis on June 14 issued a stark warning to world leaders that artificial intelligence has led to a "cognitive-industrial revolution" that could undermine human dignity, in an historic speech where he became the first pontiff to ever address the annual "G7" summit, held in the Puglia region in Southern Italy. He said: ‘Artificial intelligence (or "AI"), is both an exciting and fearsome tool where the benefits or harm it will bring will depend on its use. We need to ensure and safeguard a space for proper human control over the choices made by artificial intelligence programs. Human dignity itself depends on it, we are enthusiastic when we imagine the advances that can result from artificial intelligence, but at the same time, we are fearful when we acknowledge the dangers inherent in its use. Human freedom requires tremendous responsibility when navigating how to develop and use such technologies. When our ancestors sharpened flint stones to make knives, they used them both to cut hides for clothing and to kill each other. The same could be said of other more advanced technologies, such as the energy produced by the fusion of atoms, as occurs within the sun, which could be used to produce clean, renewable energy or to reduce our planet to a pile of ashes.’

Pope Francis and Italian PM Meloni arriving at the G7 summit.

The pope dedicated his 2024 World Day of Peace message to the theme of AI, where he called for a binding international treaty to regulate its development and warned that it could lead to a "technological dictatorship" if not properly regulated. The Pope cited a number of specific examples where he said AI programs revealed their limitations: judges using computer programs to determine prison sentences, chat bots that mimic human interactions and students who use such technologies to prepare papers. In each scenario, the Pope noted that AI offered some utility, but ultimately offered diminished or flawed outcomes. He finished his speech by saying: ’Indeed, we seem to be losing the value and profound meaning of one of the fundamental concepts of the West: that of the human person. It is up to everyone to make good use of Artificial Intelligence, but the onus is on politics to create the conditions for such good use to be possible and fruitful.’

The best apple

A young girl was holding two apples in her hands. Her mother comes in the kitchen and asks her to give her one of the apples, while she could have the other one. The girl however did something peculiar which made her mother very disappointed. She bit one of the apples, and then bit the other one too. Her mother thought this was a selfish gesture from her daughter who was always obedient and loving. She asked why did she do such a thing. The girl tasted both apples and enjoyed their flavor, and then declared ‘Mom, this is your apple – it is sweeter and crispier than the other one.’ And her mother ate the better apple while the girl ate the inferior one. Then her mother gave her a huge hug saying to her ‘you’re so special – I love!’ So let us not judge on outside appearances only. The true value of a person is what lies in their heart. The girl wanted to give her mother the very best! Let us also give one another the very best we can offer.

Saint Anthony

Always called St Anthony of Padova, still he was actually born on August 15, 1195 near Lisbon, Portugal 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. 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! 

St Anthony's Basilica in Padova, 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 aged 36 at Arcella, a suburb of Padova.  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. 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.

Whom do you see?

I have no idea who took this photo. Most probably a boyfriend of one of these 3 girls, sharing a cup of coffee. Nothing unusual about it. But if you close your eyes, and move back about another foot or two. Then open your eyes quickly, and what do you see? Who appears in this photo? I’m sure you’ll be surprised as I was. Just say a prayer and share it with your friends, knowing that truly inspirational moments come into our lives when we least expect them.

Valencia Monstrance

The largest Monstrance in the world is carried through the streets of Valencia every year. There are 159 sculptures adorning the monstrance used in the annual Corpus Christi procession in Valencia, Spain, including biblical scenes from the Old Testament up to the Good Shepherd and the risen Christ. The apostles and doctors of the Church adorn the host and Eucharistic miracles are depicted. Saints particularly devoted to the Eucharist are part of the multitude of adorers, as is Pope Pius X, known as the “Pope of the Eucharist” since he encouraged frequent reception of the sacrament and lowered the age for first Communion. Valencia’s procession was first celebrated in 1355, and by 1372, it was an annual event: the city’s “festa grossa” (great feast). It was only in 1264 that Pope Urban IV had made the Corpus Christi feast universal for the whole Church. When the former monstrance was destroyed in the civil war, the city felt its loss at each Corpus Christi procession. But the post-war years were tumultuous times marked by economic struggles. 

Nevertheless, a Jesuit priest of the city, Father Antonio de León, proposed to Archbishop Prudencio Melo (archbishop from 1922–1945) the project of constructing a new Monstrance. While the archbishop agreed, the priest wasn’t sure how it could happen, given the economic situation. But then he received what he took as a sign, something of a “widow’s mite” in the form of five silver coins donated by a laborer of the city. León put the project in motion and the citizens of Valencia responded with enthusiasm. Both the poor of the city and the well off donated what they could. The current solemn procession consists of a large group of vested priests processing down the streets of Valencia, followed by a group of sacristans creating a cloud of incense, Jesus arrives as red flower petals rain down on the monstrance, thrown by the faithful gathered on their balconies and those lining the streets.

ABBA honored

All four members of the Swedish pop quartet ABBA were reunited last Friday to receive one of Sweden's most prestigious knighthoods from King Carl XVI Gustaf. The Order of Vasa was awarded for the first time in over 50 years. Seen here, left to right, Bjorn Ulvaeus, Anni-Frid Lyngstad, Agnetha Faltskog and Benny Andersson became 'Commanders of the First Class' for their very outstanding efforts in Swedish and International music life. They burst onto the scene in 1974 when they won the Eurovision Song Contest with the song 'Waterloo.' After that, it was one classic hit after another. Congratulations to ABBA.

St. Julian’s Choir

St Julian's Choir in 1965 led by Fr Guido Calleja

Since a few days ago I showed you my choir Pueri Cantores from the early 1960s, it’s fair enough that today I show you two photos of the St. Julian’s choir that was pretty strong, popular and quite appealing for a few decades. It was started by Fr. Guido Calleja, parish priest until 1966, and continued under the direction of Fr. John Galea into the new millennium. They rehearsed regularly and performed many classic choral pieces in various places, among them St. John’s Cathedral, where the major works were performed, as well as the St Julian’s parish church itself, where they also embellished the liturgy during major service. 

St. Julian's Choir in 1979, led by Fr John  Galea

They even sang at my First Solemn Mass on August 14, 1977, when they used the Missa Secunda Pontificalis by Luigi Perosi. Among the affluent repertoire they performed, there were three major oratorios: Handel’s ‘Messiah,’ Mendelssohn’s ‘Paulus,’ and Chev. Rev. Carmelo Scerri’s ‘San Gregorio Magno.’ They also became famous and in demand for the popular Maltese oratorio ‘Pawlu ta’ Malta’ (St. Paul of Malta) with words by Oliver Friġġieri and music by Charles Camilleri. (Click on each photo to enlarge)

Immaculate Heart of Mary

                              

The day after the feast of Sacred Heart, we celebrate the feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. On this occasion I share with you one of my favorite hymns that is used in the Breviary which the priests recite daily. This is taken from the hymn of the Morning Prayer of the Common of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a poem whose text is attributed to Dominican sisters:

Mary the dawn, Christ the Perfect Day;
Mary the gate, Christ the Heavenly Way!

Mary the root, Christ the Mystic Vine;
Mary the grape, Christ the Sacred Wine!

Mary the wheat, Christ the Living Bread;
Mary the stem, Christ the Rose blood-red!

Mary the font, Christ the Cleansing Flood;
Mary the cup, Christ the Saving Blood!

Mary the temple, Christ the temple’s Lord;
Mary the shrine, Christ the God adored!

Mary the beacon, Christ the Haven’s Rest;
Mary the mirror, Christ the Vision Blest!

Mary the mother, Christ the mother’s Son;
By all things blest while endless ages run. Amen.

Sacred Heart

We are approaching an important milestone, as next year we’ll commemorate the 350th anniversary of the great apparition of Jesus to St Margaret Mary Alacoque. Pope Francis already mentioned that he is preparing a special document for this occasion, and special commemoration which starts this September and ends next year on the feast of His Sacred Heart in June. The "great apparition," which took place on June 16, 1675, during the octave of the Feast of Corpus Christi, is the source of the modern Feast of the Sacred Heart. In that vision, Christ asked St. Margaret Mary to request that the Feast of the Sacred Heart be celebrated on the Friday after the octave (or eighth day) of the Feast of Corpus Christi, in reparation for the ingratitude of men for the sacrifice that Christ had made for them. The Sacred Heart of Jesus represents not simply His physical heart but His love for all mankind.

Heart of Jesus, give us the strength to persevere in your footsteps.

Heart of Jesus, enlighten our path to stay faithful in our journey of faith.

Heart of Jesus, remind us always to love others as You loved us, always and unconditionally.

Heart of Jesus, teach us to be patient with those we don’t seem to tolerate that easily.

Heart of Jesus, help us to find time to pray, to listen to You and to act kindly towards others.

Heart of Jesus, encourage everyone to appreciate the gift of the Eucharist, and our meeting You daily at Mass.

Heart of Jesus, protect our children and our youth, and mold them into strong future leaders of our church.

Heart of Jesus, may we appreciate the simple things in life, and accept Your blessings on us and our families.

Heart of Jesus, inspire us to give that word of encouragement to those who have given up hope.

Heart of Jesus, take us to Mary Your Mother, and keep us close to her.

Heart of Jesus, shower us with your abundant love, and never let us take You for granted.

Heart of Jesus, help us to live one day at a time.

Heart of Jesus, send Your peace on our world.

Heart of Jesus, thank you for loving us so much, maybe when we didn’t even deserve it.