The Jesse Tree

Jesse was the father of the great King David of the Old Testament. He is often looked upon as the first person in the genealogy of Jesus. In Church art a design developed showing the relationship of Jesus with Jesse and other biblical personages. This design showed a branched tree growing from a reclining figure of Jesse. The various branches had pictures of other Old and New Testament figures who were ancestors of Jesus. This design was used mostly in stained glass windows in some of the great medieval cathedrals of Europe. The idea developed to create a Jesse Tree  project. This custom has been used for years to help Christians, especially children to prepare for Christmas. A tree is set up, even on a board made of felt, or painted. Then every day throughout the month of December, an object is added that relates to the people that preceded Jesus. The above photo shows some of the symbols which are simple to make as long as they discernible. Here are some suggestions that can be added to the tree, with the respective biblical reference:

Creation: Gen. 1:1-31; 2:1-4 Symbols: sun, moon, stars, animals, earth
Adam and Eve: Gen. 2:7-9, 18-24 Symbols: tree, man, woman
Fall of Man: Gen. 3:1-7 and 23-24 Symbols: tree, serpent, apple with bite
Noah: Gen. 6:5-8, 13-22; 7:17, 23, 24; 8:1, 6-22 Symbols: ark, animals, dove, rainbow
Abraham: Gen. 12:1-3 Symbols: torch, sword, mountain
Isaac: Gen. 22:1-14 Symbols: bundle of wood, altar, ram in bush
Jacob: Gen. 25:1-34; 28:10-15 Symbols: kettle, ladder
Joseph: Gen. 37:23-28; 45:3-15 Symbols: bucket, well, silver coins, tunic

A felt banner we created at St Stan's, Pleasant Valley NY.

Moses: Ex. 2:1-10 Symbols: baby in basket, river and rushes
Samuel: 1 Sam. 3:1-18 Symbols: lamp, temple
Jesse: 1 Sam. 16:1-13 Symbols: crimson robe, shepherd's staff
David: 1 Sam. 17:12-51 Symbols: slingshot, 6-pointed star
Solomon: 1 Kings 3:5-14, 16-28 Symbols: scales of justice, temple, two babies and sword
Joseph: Matt. 1:18-25 Symbols: hammer, saw, chisel, angle
Mary: Matt. 1:18-25; Luke 1:26-38 Symbols: lily, crown of stars, pierced heart
John the Baptist: Mark 1:1-8 Symbols: shell with water, river.

The Pope on the Climate

Pope Francis could not attend the Cop28 meeting held in Dubai because of a pulmonary infection. Instead the Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin read his speech in the United Arab Emirates. In his remarks, the Pope called the destruction of the environment an offense against God and a sin, one that greatly endangers all human beings, especially the most vulnerable in our midst and threatens to unleash a conflict between generations. Citing the war waging in Gaza between Israel and Hamas, roughly 1,300 miles from the summit, Francis bemoaned the many resources squandered on weaponry that destroys lives and devastates our common home. He repeated a proposal from his 2020 encyclical Fratelli Tutti that money spent on war be redirected to end hunger and for climate initiatives in poorer countries. Expressing hope that 2024 could mark a breakthrough, Francis ended his speech by recounting a story from his saint namesake from 800 years earlier. In 1224, Francis of Assisi, completely blind and in physical pain, composed his "Canticle of the Creatures" as a way to give praise to God for the creatures he could no longer see but knew that they were his brothers and sisters. He concluded by saying "I too, who bear the name Francis, with the heartfelt urgency of a prayer, want to leave you with this message: Let us leave behind our divisions and unite our forces! And with God's help, let us emerge from the dark night of wars and environmental devastation in order to turn our common future into the dawn of a new and radiant day." 

The Advent Wreath

Happy New Year to everyone. Today starts a new liturgical year with the first Sunday of Advent. A popular custom that has become part of our liturgy is the blessing of the Advent wreath in churches, as well as homes. The tradition comes from the Scandinavian countries, which experience very short days and long dark nights, and so they bring all their farming equipment inside their homes for the winter months. Some of the folks started to decorate the wheel of their carts with green bows and then attached candles to them. The idea developed to introduce a similar custom in churches, with the four candles to symbolize the 4 Sundays of Advent. Three purple candles and a rose-color candle are lit on the Sundays, respectively for the color of the vestment the priest uses. On the third Sunday a rose-color or pink vestment is used to symbolize joy. Some churches leave the Advent wreath throughout the Christmas season and add a white candle for Christmas. 

Each Sunday of Advent has a theme which is frequently highlighted by just one word.  First Sunday: WATCH, 2nd Sunday: PREPARE, 3rd Sunday: REJOICE, 4th Sunday: BEHOLD, Christmas: CELEBRATE. 

Mary at Spencer

I always cherish with great nostalgia the six months sabbatical I spent at St Joseph’s Abbey at Spencer, Massachusetts in 2002. The monastery was built by the monks themselves back in 1952, the year I was born – maybe that’s why I have a special affinity with that place. Among the various statues that one can see along the cloisters and corridors of the huge monastery, there were two images of Mary. The first one is a very serene image of Mary with the child Jesus on her knees, a wooden statue placed in a canopy also made of varnished wood. It was placed in a corridor where my room was situated and so I saw it several times a day. And so like all the monks I used to stop in front of it and say a Hail Mary.

 The other image is of ‘Mary clothed with the Sun,’ a banner made from sheep’s wool which hung in the infirmary chapel. The sheep were from the monastery itself, always led by a llama. I used to spend my early hours after Vigils in this chapel, usually between 4 and 5 AM, praying while looking at this peaceful banner, comforted by Mary.

Granite, Oregon

Among the many small hamlets one finds in my old neighborhoods of Oregon, was this cute place called Granite. I passed through it a few times, and took this photo of the main entrance to the town. It is a typical gate with country and western motifs, including mules, deer, elk, horses, bears, coyotes and trees. It had a population of 38 in 2010, but presently there are around 32 inhabitants. Back in 1870 there were 448 people living, most of them digging for gold. First established by miners after the discovery of gold along Granite Creek on July 4, 1862, the area was originally called Granite Creek Mines. During the following year, a settlement called Granite City was established about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) downstream of where Granite City is now. It was moved to its current location in 1867 and renamed Independence after the date—July 4, for Independence Day. However, when the community's post office was established in 1878, it could not use the name Independence because that name was already used by another Oregon city. Instead, the name Granite was chosen. The post office closed in 1957, but the city retained the name. Granite was a center for mining activity for more than 80 years. The creek takes its name from the granite rocks that are common to the area. As of 2002, Granite had two employers: The Outback—which sold food, fuel, and supplies—and The Lodge. I remember up to 12 years ago, that people used to flock there on a weekend for a huge Garage Sale, whereby people would bring all kinds of stuff (and junk) and try to sell them. But as they say, ‘one person’s junk is another person’s treasure.’ 

Saint Andrew

Main altar painting at San Andrea della Valle, Rome

Sibling rivalry is not often mentioned in the Gospels, but we know that John and his brother James were always trying to impress Jesus, while their mother spoke in their regard so that they get preferential treatment in heaven. Then there was Peter who had his brother Andrew close to him, both fishermen, but Jesus had the soft spot for Peter, while Andrew stayed in his shadow.  Andrew became a disciple of the great St John the Baptist, but when John pointed to Jesus and said, "Behold the Lamb of God!" Andrew understood that Jesus was greater. At once he left John to follow the Divine Master. He was actually the first apostle Jesus called at the Sea of Galilee.

At first the two brothers continued to carry on their fishing trade and family affairs, but later, the Lord called them to stay with Him all the time. He promised to make them fishers of men, and this time, they left their nets for good. It is believed that after Jesus ascended into Heaven, St Andrew went to Greece to preach the gospel, as well as along the Black Sea. He is said to have been put to death on a cross, to which he was tied, not nailed. He lived two days in that state of suffering, still preaching to the people who gathered around their beloved Apostle. Various countries have chosen St Andrew as their patron saint, among them Russia, Ukraine, Romania and Scotland. In fact Scotland has incorporated his X-shaped cross in their flag, repeated again in the Union Jack, the British flag. Relics of the Apostle Andrew are kept at the Basilica of St Andrew in Patras, Greece; the Duomo di Sant'Andrea, Amalfi, Italy; St Mary's Roman Catholic Cathedral, Edinburgh, Scotland; and the Church of St Andrew and St Albert, Warsaw, Poland. There are also numerous smaller reliquaries throughout the world.

Don’t wait for the hearse !

Dear Church member: Don’t wait until the hearse hauls you to Church. If you do –
 
You will go, regardless of the weather.
You will go, regardless of the condition of your body.
There will be beautiful flowers there, but you won’t enjoy them.
You will go, regardless of how your family feels.
The minister may say many good things about you, but they will do you no good.
There will be beautiful music, but you won’t hear it.
There will be heartfelt prayers, but they will not touch your heart.
There will be friends and relatives there, but you won’t worship with them.
You will go, no matter how many hypocrites are there.
You will receive no blessing from the service.
You won’t feel concerned about your clothes.
You will never have to decide about attending Church again.
 
Aren’t you glad to be alive and well and full of zest and able to go to Church on your own?

Priest delivers twins

Fr Jesus Mariscal - and nurses finishing the job!

A young priest recently helped a distressed homeless woman bring two young lives into the world. Father Jesús Mariscal is the parochial vicar at St. Paul Cathedral in Yakima, Washington. He stepped out of the rectory in September for what he thought would be a quick trip to buy doughnuts for a marriage preparation meeting with an engaged couple. As he walked past the statue of the Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, located on the cathedral grounds, he noticed a homeless woman in distress standing near it. She was screaming frantically, “I need help! I’m having a baby!” Father Mariscal couldn’t believe it at first. But he looked closely and saw blood at her feet. She cried out, “I’m having it now! I’m having it now!” He called 911 and helped the woman lie down. He put his phone on speaker and placed it on the ground so he could follow the 911 operator’s instructions. Within seconds the woman gave birth to a baby boy. Father Mariscal handed the crying boy to the woman. “I’m having another!” she shouted to the shocked priest. Father Mariscal helped deliver the second boy. He told the 911 operator the child was still in the amniotic sac, the protective membrane that surrounds a child in the womb. Father Mariscal saw the baby moving inside it. The 911 operator told him to break it open. This proved more difficult than expected. With precious time evaporating and no tools at his disposal, the priest was finally able to burst the sac with his hands, only to find the tiny infant wasn’t breathing. His umbilical cord was wrapped around his neck. The operator told Father Mariscal to lay the child on his side and gently tap him on the back. After a few terrifying moments, the baby started to cry, announcing his arrival into the world. The morning air was chilly, so he ran inside to get towels. Finally, the paramedics arrived. Father Mariscal texted the couple he was supposed to meet for marriage preparation. “I’m sorry I’m late for our appointment. I was just helping a lady deliver twins,” he wrote. Assuming it was a joke to excuse his tardiness, they responded: “LOL Father. You don’t have to lie.” The woman and twin boys were taken to the hospital. The babies were born prematurely, at 30 weeks. The priest has visited them in the hospital, and they are doing well. He does not know the exact nature of the mother’s situation in life. She left the hospital a few hours after being admitted, and as far as anyone knows she has not yet returned. “It’s a beautiful story on one side, but heart-breaking on the other,” said the priest, whose own beloved mother passed away earlier in the year.

The old and the new

Many people are calling it the uglification of Malta – that is when you see beautiful baroque churches and monuments built during the reign of the Knights of Malta, and are now being taken over by apartments and high-risers and mini-skyscrapers.  Nowadays you cannot take a photo of a scenic view without having towers cranes intruding and wires hanging all over the place. This particular photo shows the parish church of the Sacred Heart (Sacro Cuor) in Sliema, with an older church on Manoel Island that has just been restored, both of which are now overpowered by the Portomaso skyscraper, another shorter one closer to it, and  another being built known as the Mercury Tower that beats both of them in height. The old and the new live close to each other here in our small island, leaving many folks disappointed with the new and nostalgic with the older buildings, many of which are 400 years old and beyond. 

Marriage is suffering with love

Many years ago, a certain priest in a remote parish in the USA started a custom that every time there was a wedding celebrated in his parish, he would invite someone from the parish to speak about his or her experience of marriage. The person chosen had to speak with utmost sincerity and mention both the good side and the negative side of marriage. This way the couple being married will not be disappointed when things do not always go well in their relationship. So one day a man got to the pulpit and he started praising his wife for her kind heart, her generosity towards her husband and children, as well as relatives and neighbors. The congregation started looking around to discover this wonderful woman, but could not recognize anyone. It was only after the service that  they saw the man with two small children, well-behaved and smiling from ear to ear, and pushing a wheelchair with his wife smiling in it. Now everyone found out that the woman was sick and with no physical strength, and her husband for the past 5 years had to carry her everywhere they went. But in spite of the cross they had to carry they were happy. The man claimed: ‘If I were to be born 100 times, I would still marry her.’ Where there is sincere love, sacrifices will be overcome, and commitment will always prevail, in spite of the hardships.

The Blessing of rain

After 6 months with no discernible rain on Malta, we finally had three days of generous rainfall that will eventually turn the countryside into a greener scene, with the few fields and arable terrain rejoicing with the moisture that fell. The above photo shows however a typical scene that is becoming too common in our small island. The land is being eaten up by buildings, housing projects, apartments, and stores, new roads, etc. This is just one town that is going through this rural-to-urban transformation. It is so comforting to walk through some of the countryside still flourishing and seeing farmers growing their crops and tending to their trees and agricultural products. The temperatures are pretty mild compared to what I experienced in the USA. It never snows here, and the coldest temperatures can get to maybe 5 degrees Celsius (41 degrees Fahrenheit.) We may get some occasional hail, but water never freezes, except for the freezer in our refrigerators. I have to say though, I still miss the snow, even shovelling it!

Thank You Father

Continuing on the theme of gratitude, I share with you this poem written by Jacob Nathaniel Shepherd, a WWII veteran from Wilmington, North Carolina, who loves the Christian faith and shares his poems to give encouragement and hope.

The Good Lord’s blessings fall upon us every single day.

He never forgets, so why should we - it’s time for us to pray.

Okay, we’re busy and so is He, but He still lets us know,

That we can always count on Him because He loves us so!

 

We must never let it appear that Jesus died in vain.

There is so much we could lose, but there’s much more for us to gain.

Don’t get too busy to count your blessings and offer thanks for them.

Remembering all the while that they all do come from Him!

 

It doesn’t have to be Thanksgiving Day for us to give thanks, you know.

We receive these bounties every day and it’s proper for us to show

The grateful nature of our hearts and always say our prayers,

And never forget that all our needs come from that ‘Man Upstairs.’

 

We’re all born as sinners and we develop a lot of pride,

Which within itself can be a sin for which dear Jesus died.

But you can be proud of Jesus and let your love for Him show through.

Then He will open up new pathways for things you want to do!

 

Oh what a thrill to know that Jesus loves us all,

And if we find ourselves in trouble, He’s there to take our call.

You don’t need a telephone to talk to Him you know,

The air waves serve just fine you see, you just have to say ‘Hello.’

 

Jesus’ helpers there in Heaven are folks like you and me.

They lived a life down here on earth ‘til Jesus set them free.

Now they are part of the Almighty Chorus giving a helping hand,

As He prepares a place for all of us, there in the ‘Promised Land.’

Thanksgiving

With the biggest family celebration of the year upon us, may I suggest a few prayers you can say with your families, relatives, friends and loved ones, as you gather around the table for Thanksgiving this year.

Almighty God, as we pause from our hectic lives and gather from different parts of our nation to celebrate Your Goodness to us, may we thank You for so many blessings you gave to our family throughout this year. We thank You for our Health, our Happiness, and especially for our Faith, which kept us so close together in times of trial and disagreement. We thank You for reminding us never to take You or each other for granted. We thank You for the food we share today - and as we nourish ourselves, may we remember the hungry and the poor in the world and in our community. As we bow our heads in prayer, remind us dear Lord, to always appreciate the many blessings You give us day after day. Help us to be kind, respectful and caring in dealing with people at work, friends at recreation time, and neighbors where we live. May we learn to share with the least fortunate than us, and may we always be ready to give a helping hand, whenever the need arises in our community.

For bright lights and warm fire, we thank You, o Lord

For good food and the clothes we wear, we thank You, o Lord

For the love and care of mother and father, we thank You, o Lord

For friends who come to be our guests, we thank You, o Lord

For all things You have given us to enjoy, we thank You, o Lord

For true Happiness which comes when we share, we thank You, o Lord

For daily bread, for all things good,

For life and health, for this our food,

For each good gift your grace imparts,

We thank You, Lord, with humble hearts.

For each new morning with its light.

For rest and shelter of the night.

Give us also Your Peace, Lord, especially in troubled areas in our world.

How many of these Thanksgiving Parade balloons can you mention?

St Cecilia

St. Cecilia is one of the few martyrs whose name we know, along with St. Agnes, St. Agatha, St. Sebastian, St. George, and St. Lucy, among others. She was martyred by Emperor Marcus Aurelius between the years 176 and 180 AD. Cecilia was arrested and condemned to be suffocated in the baths. She was shut in for one night and one day, as fires were heaped up and stoked to a terrifying heat - but Cecilia did not even sweat. When the Emperor heard this, he sent an executioner to cut off her head in the baths. The executioner struck her three times but was unable to decapitate her, so he left her bleeding and she lived for three days. Crowds came to her and collected her blood while she preached to them or prayed. On the third day, she died and was buried by Pope Urban and his deacons. St. Cecilia is regarded as the patroness of music because she heard heavenly music in her heart when she was married and is represented in art with an organ or organ-pipes in her hand. Officials exhumed her body in 1599 and found her to be incorrupt, the first of all incorrupt saints. She was draped in a silk veil and wore a gold embroidered dress. Officials only looked through the veil in an act of holy reverence and made no further examinations. They also reported a "mysterious and delightful flower-like odor which proceeded from the coffin." That year, Cardinal Paolo Sfondrati built a church to honor her and ordered a marble statue in the catacombs to be crafted. A few musical compositions were written in her honor. Among them are the ‘Ode to St. Cecilia’ by Henry Purcell, a cantata by Georg Frederic Handel and ‘Hymn to St. Cecilia’ by Benjamin Britten. Paul Simon also wrote a song in her honor, entitled ‘Cecilia.’ You can also listen to this beautiful Mass by Charles Gounod written in 1855 in honor of St Cecilia.

St Cecilia Mass by Charles Gounod

In her honor I list here my 20 favorite pieces of music, what you might call my Desert Island Discs:

1. JS Bach - B Minor Mass, 
2. Hector Berlioz - Requiem Mass, 
3. Ludwig van Beethoven - 9 Symphonies, 
4. Gioacchino Rossini - Overtures, 
5. Antonio Vivaldi - Any Concerto for Flute, 
6. Miklos Rosza - Ben Hur soundtrack, 
7. Franz Joseph Haydn - The Creation, oratorio, 
8. WA Mozart - Symphonies 25-41, 
9. Philip Glass – Powaqaatsi - Anthem, 
10. Tomas Luis de Victoria - Responsories for Tenebrae, 
11. Mascagni – Cavalleria Rusticana, 
12. GF Handel – The Messiah, 
13. John Philip Sousa – Marches, 
14. Ludwig van Beethoven – ‘Emperor’ Concerto for piano, No. 5, 
15. JS Bach – Flute Sonatas, 
16. Franz Schubert – 9 Symphonies, 
17. PI Tchaikovsky – 1812 and Capriccio Italien, overtures, 
18. Antonio Vivaldi – Sacred Choral Music, 
19. Mike Oldfield – any of his classic albums starting with Tubular Bells I, II, III 
20. Angelo Pullicino, Anthony Aquilina, Vincenzo Ciappara and Emanuel Bugeja - Maltese Marching Bands

The Presentation of Mary

In gratitude for being granted a child after years of infertility, Mary's parents, Saints Joachim and St Anne had vowed to dedicate Mary to the service of God at the Temple. When they presented her at the Temple at the age of three, she stayed willingly, showing her dedication to God even at that young age, attending the temple regularly, similar to what children do attending their Religious Education classes. The Gospel or Protoevangelium of James is the source of many details of Mary's life that became universally accepted by the Church, including the names of her parents, the story of her birth, her age at her betrothal to Saint Joseph, and Saint Joseph's advanced age and his status as a widower with children by his first wife. When Mary left the Temple at the age of 12 after her betrothal to Joseph, she remained pure and chaste, and at the Annunciation God came to dwell in her. The Feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary first made its way to the West through monasteries in Southern Italy in the ninth century; by the 11th century, it had spread to other locales, but was by no means universally celebrated. Pope Sixtus IV first placed the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary on the universal calendar in 1472, but in the Tridentine reform of the calendar in 1568, Pope Pius V removed the feast. It was restored 17 years later by Pope Sixtus V, and remains in the Roman calendar today as a memorial. Today's Feast emphasizes our response to God's gifts. We remember the response of Mary's mother and father in their decision to present her in the temple for dedication to the Lord. All parents are called to imitate their response by presenting their children for Baptism. Today’s feast complements the feast of the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple which we celebrate on February 2.

The Big Rocks

One day, an expert in time management was speaking to a group of Business students and, to drive home a point, used an illustration those students will never forget. As he stood in front of the group of high‑powered over achievers he said, "Okay, time for a quiz" and he pulled out a one‑gallon, Mason jar and set it on the table in front of him. He also produced about a dozen fist‑sized rocks and carefully placed them, one at a time, into the jar. When the jar was filled to the top and no more rocks would fit inside, he asked, "Is this jar full? "Everyone in the class yelled, "Yes."

The time management expert replied, "Really?" He reached under the table and pulled out a bucket of gravel. He dumped some gravel in and shook the jar causing pieces of gravel to work themselves down into the spaces between the big rocks. He then asked the group once more, "Is the jar full?" By this time the class was on to him. "Probably not," one of them answered. "Good!" he replied. He reached under the table and brought out a bucket of sand. He started dumping the sand in the jar and it went into all of the spaces left between the rocks and the gravel. Once more he asked the question, "Is this jar full?"

"No!" the class shouted. Once again he said, "Good." Then he grabbed a pitcher of water and began to pour it in until the jar was filled to the brim. Then he looked at the class and asked, "What is the point of this illustration? The truth this illustration teaches us is: If you don't put the big rocks in first, you'll never get them in at all. What are the 'big rocks' in your life ‑‑ time with your loved ones, your faith, your education, your dreams, a worthy cause, teaching or mentoring others?

Remember to put these BIG ROCKS in first or you'll never get them in at all." So, tonight, or in the morning, when you are reflecting on this short story, ask yourself this question: What are the 'big rocks' in my life? Then, put those in your jar first. May I suggest some other big rocks you may want to include in your jar¼...a time for prayer, a good example, keeping a journal, telling others that you love them, apologise if you hurt someone, doing your duty faithfully, encourage children, show courtesy, listen more than you talk, forgive and forget, share a smile to those who are sad. Don’t forget that what you may see as small rocks, can be big rocks to someone else, and vice-versa !

10 babies

With the atrocity of abortion still a hot controversial topic everywhere, I thought of looking back at the millions of babies aborted over the years, and came up with a hypothetical scenario of what would have happened if just 10 of these babies were given the chance to be born. So here we go....

One baby aborted in 1955 would have been a scientist who would have found the major cure for cancer, and millions of people saved by now.

A baby aborted in 1946 would have been a Cardinal and would be electable to be our next Pope.

A baby aborted in 1994 would have broken the record for most home-runs in baseball in one season, 82, beating the present record of 73 by Barry Bonds.

A baby girl aborted in 2000 would have by now broken the record for the 100 meters in athletics, which presently is of 10.49 seconds set by Florence Griffith-Joyner in 1988. 

A baby aborted in 1956 would have become the Prime Minister of Israel and agreed on a peaceful solution in the present Israel-Palestine conflict.

A baby aborted in 1962 would have become one of the greatest performers in pop music, outshining all the other stars who have dominated the billboards for the last 40 years.

An American baby boy aborted in 1978 would have broken the record for most points in a single basketball game, 125, the old record being 100 set by Wilt Chamberlain in 1962.

An Indian boy aborted in 1965 would have discovered the cure for AIDS.

A girl aborted in 1987 would have become by now the most popular and sought-after artist in the modern era.

Twin babies aborted in 2000 would be by now two sensational football players, both playing for Manchester United, and leading the Premier League.

The most beautiful girl

                         
A young man was walking along his merry way when he noticed a young beautiful girl behind him. He stopped and could not hold his excitement at her sheer beauty. He paused she passed him cautiously, fearing he would harm her, but he simply stared at her and told her, ‘I have to admit, you are the most beautiful girl I ever met. May I ask you to go out on a date with me, because I really would like you to be my wife.’ She looked down, a little bashful, but honored for the complement. Then she told him, ‘well, if you look behind you, you will see my sister who is probably more pretty than I am.’ The young man turned around, but could see no one. Then the girl ended the conversation by saying to him ‘well, young man, if you really think I am so beautiful to be your wife, you would not have turned around to see my sister. So I know that you are not completely honest.’ And she walked away, leaving him disappointed, but much to think about.’

St Elizabeth of Hungary

St. Elizabeth of Hungary - Seville Hospital Church, Esteban 

St. Elizabeth was born in Bratislava, a Kingdom of Hungary in 1207, the daughter of Alexander II, King of Hungary. At the age of four she was sent for education to the court of the Landgrave of Thuringia, and within a few years she was betrothed to his son, Ludwig. As she grew in age, her piety also increased by leaps and bounds. In 1221, aged 14, she married Ludwig of Thuringia, the same year that he was crowned Ludwig IV, and the marriage appears to have been happy. In 1223, Franciscan monks arrived, and the teenage Elizabeth not only learned about the ideals of Francis of Assisi, but started to live these ideals. Ludwig was not upset by his wife's charitable efforts, believing that the distribution of his wealth to the poor would bring eternal reward; he is venerated in Thuringia as a saint, though not canonized by the church as his wife is. In spite of Elizabeth’s position at court she began to lead an austerely simple life, practiced penance, and devoted herself to works of charity.  Her husband was himself much inclined to religion and highly esteemed her virtue, encouraging her in her exemplary life. They had three children, Hermann, Sophia and Gertrude. Then tragedy struck - Ludwig was killed while fighting with the Crusaders. After his death, Elizabeth left the court, made arrangements for the care of her children, and in 1228, renounced the world, becoming a tertiary of St. Francis. Her family wanted her to re-marry, but she made a vow of celibacy and never married. She built the Franciscan hospital at Marburg, Germany and devoted herself to the care of the sick until her death at the young age of 24 in 1231. St. Elizabeth is frequently pictured distributing bread to the needy in her community, and thus is the patron saint of bakers, countesses, the homeless, nursing services, widows, and young brides. She was canonized in 1235, just 4 years after her death.

Salutation to the dawn

I got into the habit of saying this prayer every morning, and I share it with you, maybe you can use one minute of your time to pray it too.

Look to this day. For it is life.

In its brief course lie all the realities of your existence:

The bliss of growth,

The glory of action,

The splendor of achievement,

For yesterday is but a dream. And tomorrow is only a vision.

But today, well lived, makes yesterday a dream of happiness,

And every tomorrow a vision of hope.

Look well therefore to this day!

Make the best of it:

Be kind to others – smile often – complain very little.

Listen to some good music – read something nurturing.

Write something positive, send uplifting emails.

Remember that people do not see things the way you do.

So be patient with them, especially those older than you.

Remember that God is in control of your life. So let go, and let God.

A prayer a day keeps the devil away. So, Pray – it works!

Watch what you say

An avid fisherman would always spend Sunday morning fishing, after going to the early Mass in his parish church. It was his pastime spending time alone and enjoying his hobby. On morning, after he had caught a few fish, which he left in his bucket, he noticed an elegant lady, dressed in her best clothes, certainly not fit to be on a shoreline with rugged rocks and lapping waves on a sunny day. As she approached the quiet fisherman, she looked in his bucket and told him ‘aren’t you ashamed catching these tiny fish....why did you do such a cruel thing?’ At first he ignored her, but when she insisted that she wanted an answer, he asked her ‘you know why they were caught?’ ‘No, why?’ she replied. ‘Because they opened their mouth! If they didn’t open their mouth, they would still be in the sea. How I wish that their experience will teach all of us to do the same!’ At that, the woman grumbled something to herself, and left the fisherman enjoying some peace and tranquillity, with his mouth closed.

A hungry God

Young Jimmy used to go and play in a nearby field with his friends, using the swings, playing some football as well a hide-and-seek. When he got tired he sat on a bench and started to eat his lunch prepared by his mother. An elderly man walk by him and decided to sit next to Jimmy. Noticing he was hungry, Jimmy offered him a sandwich, which the man devoured. He seemd very hungry and hugged the boy as he smiled at him, while still looking at the rest of the lunch on the bench. ‘You can have another one if you want...I’m not very hungry.’ And the man took another sandwich and ate it right away, hugging the boy again, smiling at him from ear to ear.

When Jimmy went home later on he told his mother, ’I met God today and gave him some of my lunch. He smiled at me and hugged me and made me very happy.’ In another part of town, the elderly man met some his friends, and they all noticed him happier than usual. When they asked him why he seemed happier than usual, he told them ‘Because I met God today, and I didn’t know he was so young. I thought he would be older and with a beard,  but I know it was Him, because no one would have treated me with such kindness and generosity. He even gave me some of his lunch.’ And that evening both of them slept well and happy, knowing they each met their God, the boy recognized Him in the smile and hug he received, and the man recognized him from his patience and kindness in sharing his lunch.

St. Frances Xavier Cabrini

We honor today a heroine who is honored both in Italy and all over the USA for her help to immigrants over 100 years ago.  St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, was born in Lombardia, Italy in 1850, the youngest of thirteen children. Two months premature, she remained in delicate health throughout her 67 years. As a young girl, Francesca was taken care of by her older sister Rosa, because her mother was 52 when Maria Francesca was born. At 13, she was sent to Arluno to study under the Daughters of the Sacred Heart at the Normal School, and in 1868, at 18 she was certified as a teacher. Four years later she contracted smallpox. When she tried to enter into the Daughters of the Sacred Heart, Mother Superior refused admission, even though they saw potential in her, because of her frail health. She helped her parents until their death, and then worked on a farm with her siblings. One day a priest asked her to teach in a girls' school and she stayed for six years. At the request of her Bishop, she founded the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart to care for poor children in schools and hospitals. Although her lifelong dream was to be a missionary in China, Pope Leo XIII sent her to New York City on March 31, 1889 with six other nuns. There, she obtained the permission of Archbishop Michael Corrigan to found an orphanage, which is located in West Park, Ulster County, NY today known as Saint Cabrini Home, the first of 67 institutions she founded in New York, Chicago, Seattle, New Orleans, Denver, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and in countries throughout South America and Europe, especially Italy, England, France, Spain.  

Mother Cabrini welcoming Italian immigrants to New York.

When she arrived in New York City, the place was an urban jungle of chaos and poverty, teeming with Italian immigrants coming to terms with their new home which still felt foreign and alienating. These immigrants had come to the United States looking for opportunities to improve their lives, but a new life could only be gained in the cities of America through back-breaking work and struggle. The city was full of orphans who needed basic care and education. Mother Cabrini was resolved to assist these children. Along with her religious sisters, she gave herself over to the poor, eventually establishing schools, hospitals, and orphanages all over the world. When Mother Cabrini was declared a saint in 1946, Pope Pius XII commented that she had become world-famous not because she had wealth or prestige, but rather because of the way she lived her life. She took heavy responsibilities, often by engaging in unenviable and thankless tasks. Her joy was in personal interactions with individuals in need. She probably didn’t even know she was on the path to sainthood, but her influence was so much larger than she ever could have dreamed. St. John Paul II in one of his speeches commented that she drew her strength from prayer, especially from long periods before the tabernacle, and her deep devotion to the Sacred Heart.

Count your blessings

A story is told about a soldier who was finally coming home after having fought in Vietnam. He called his parents from San Francisco. “Mom and Dad, I’m coming home, but I have a favor to ask. I have a friend I’d like to bring home with me.” “Sure,” they replied, “we’d love to meet him.”

“There is something you should know,” the son continued, “he was hurt pretty badly in the fighting. He stepped on a land mine and lost an arm and a leg. He has nowhere else to go, and I want him to come live with us.”

“I’m sorry to hear that, son. Maybe we can help him find somewhere to live.”

“No, Mom and Dad, I want him to live with us.”

“Son, you don’t know what you’re asking. Someone with such a terrible handicap would be a terrible burden on us. We have our own lives to live, and we can’t let something like this interfere with our lives. I think you should come home and forget about this guy. He’ll find a way to live on his own.”

At that point, the son hung up the phone. The parents heard nothing more from him. A few days later, however, they received a phone call from the San Francisco police. Their son had died after falling from a building, they were told. The police believed it was a suicide. The grief-stricken parents flew to San Francisco and were taken to the city-morgue to identify the body of their son. They recognized him, but to their horror, they also discovered something they didn’t know – their son had only one arm and one leg.

The parents in this story are like many of us. We find it easy to love those who are good-looking and fun to be around, but we don’t like people who inconvenience us or make us feel uncomfortable. We would rather stay away from people who aren’t as healthy and beautiful or smart as we are. Thankfully, there’s someone who won’t treat us that way. Someone who loves us with an unconditional love that welcomes us into the forever family, regardless of how messed up we are. So, tonight, before you tuck yourself in for the night, say a little prayer that God will give you the strength you need to accept people as they are, and to help us all be more understanding of those who are different from us !!