Last night, a novena of rosaries was begun. Over the next eight days (nine including yesterday) the family will gather to pray for the repose of her soul.
In the meanwhile, the arrangements for public viewing, visitation and the other funeral rituals have now been completed:
Visitation for the late Mary Evelyn (Lee) Man-Son-Hing will take place at the Ward Funeral Home (Brampton) on Monday, November 2, 2009 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Saint Jerome's church, located at 8530 Chinguacousy Road, Brampton, Ontario beginning at 10:30 am. Following the completion of the Mass, Evelyn's body will be laid to rest at Assumption Cemetery (Mississauga) where her husband Vernon was interred more than a decade ago.
As of Sunday, November 1, the obituary will appear in the Toronto Star, and similar copy has also been published in the printed copy of the Brampton Guardian.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
Knocking at heaven's door
Last week, she suffered what was first thought to be pneumonia, but turned out to be a heart attack. Moved from the home where she's lived for the past five years to the neighbouring hospital, she then waited two days in Emergency while the doctors diagnosed the crisis and tended to her immediate need.
Thus began what turned out to be almost two weeks of vigil for her children and grandchildren, a vigil which came to an end today.
The mystery of life is that none of us knows the moment when our earthly existence will come to an end. One thing is true though: we only live this life once, so any kindnesses that we can do for another should be accomplished with fervent spirits and willing hearts. Evelyn lived this truth every day of her life.
Every day of life she found a reason to give thanks. Every day of life she surrounded herself with the people who were dear to her, and every day of life she gave a bit of herself to someone else in simple gestures of friendship and love. In her waning years, it was our turn to care for her.
Today, as news of her death spread among family and friends, the preparations for rituals which she knew only so well, and which she taught to us all, are now in the works. As is the custom when a family member dies, her children and grandchildren gathered tonight to recite the rosary. In fact, this is the first of a novena (nine days) of rosaries which we will pray for the repose of her soul.
In this simple but profound way, the family is united in prayer, and is reminded of the power of prayer and its ability to help the living and the dead. In this case, we pray for her soul, and trust that she too is now interceding for us.
Thus began what turned out to be almost two weeks of vigil for her children and grandchildren, a vigil which came to an end today.
The mystery of life is that none of us knows the moment when our earthly existence will come to an end. One thing is true though: we only live this life once, so any kindnesses that we can do for another should be accomplished with fervent spirits and willing hearts. Evelyn lived this truth every day of her life.
Every day of life she found a reason to give thanks. Every day of life she surrounded herself with the people who were dear to her, and every day of life she gave a bit of herself to someone else in simple gestures of friendship and love. In her waning years, it was our turn to care for her.
Today, as news of her death spread among family and friends, the preparations for rituals which she knew only so well, and which she taught to us all, are now in the works. As is the custom when a family member dies, her children and grandchildren gathered tonight to recite the rosary. In fact, this is the first of a novena (nine days) of rosaries which we will pray for the repose of her soul.
In this simple but profound way, the family is united in prayer, and is reminded of the power of prayer and its ability to help the living and the dead. In this case, we pray for her soul, and trust that she too is now interceding for us.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Hungry ghosts
At the invitation of friends from the Sudbury Focus Community Project, I attended a special seminar hosted by the Sudbury Alcohol and Drug Concerns Coalition today.
The guest of honour, Doctor Gabor Maté, MD presented a three-hour input session entitled In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts. Based on the findings reported in his book which bears the same title, Dr. Maté, mingled anecdotal information and scientific know-how rooted in his years of medical experience, both in private practice and most recently at a clinic in Vancouver's Downtown East Side to help the eager audience to question the causes for addiction, and then to come to a possible conclusion which has the potential to upset the professional thinking that has prevailed for many years.
Dr. Maté is well known in medical circles for his colums and advice and was introduced to a wider audience coutesy of a special program aired on CBC's The Fifth Estate, which focused on his clinic known as Insight, the first and only provincially funded, supervised injection site in North America. Adicts can bring their drug of choice and receive clean needles to inject themselves.
This approach to harm reduction has been frowned upon by some, seen as an abomination by others, even as it is perceived to be a haven by those who avail themselves of it's facilities.
In short, his approach is born out of a conviction that all children need to bond with adults and with other children in order to properly develop and hone the ability to socialize. When the ability to bond is compromised, the result is a wound that can affect the child in many ways, including the possibility of addictions of various kinds. Medical interventions of various sorts have had differing levels of success, but Dr. Maté believes that the key to success is found in the simple but profound reality that bonding with children (and with adults who are addicted) will help them to overcome their difficulties in a far more effective manner.
There is wisdom in these words, which have fallen on deaf ears for quite some time now, but which are increasingly listened to by medical professionals and others in various health care fields of late.
In addition to Hungry Ghosts, Dr. Maté has authored When the Body Says No, which studies the cost of hidden stress; Scattered Minds, a new look at the origins and healing of Attention Deficit Disorder; and Hold On to Your Kids, why parents need to matter more than peers.
The guest of honour, Doctor Gabor Maté, MD presented a three-hour input session entitled In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts. Based on the findings reported in his book which bears the same title, Dr. Maté, mingled anecdotal information and scientific know-how rooted in his years of medical experience, both in private practice and most recently at a clinic in Vancouver's Downtown East Side to help the eager audience to question the causes for addiction, and then to come to a possible conclusion which has the potential to upset the professional thinking that has prevailed for many years.
Dr. Maté is well known in medical circles for his colums and advice and was introduced to a wider audience coutesy of a special program aired on CBC's The Fifth Estate, which focused on his clinic known as Insight, the first and only provincially funded, supervised injection site in North America. Adicts can bring their drug of choice and receive clean needles to inject themselves.
This approach to harm reduction has been frowned upon by some, seen as an abomination by others, even as it is perceived to be a haven by those who avail themselves of it's facilities.
In short, his approach is born out of a conviction that all children need to bond with adults and with other children in order to properly develop and hone the ability to socialize. When the ability to bond is compromised, the result is a wound that can affect the child in many ways, including the possibility of addictions of various kinds. Medical interventions of various sorts have had differing levels of success, but Dr. Maté believes that the key to success is found in the simple but profound reality that bonding with children (and with adults who are addicted) will help them to overcome their difficulties in a far more effective manner.
There is wisdom in these words, which have fallen on deaf ears for quite some time now, but which are increasingly listened to by medical professionals and others in various health care fields of late.
In addition to Hungry Ghosts, Dr. Maté has authored When the Body Says No, which studies the cost of hidden stress; Scattered Minds, a new look at the origins and healing of Attention Deficit Disorder; and Hold On to Your Kids, why parents need to matter more than peers.
Hidden treasures
A visit at the hospital yesterday has provided further fodder for thought and reflection today. A little girl is currently lying in a hospital bed, fighting for her life. This is not the first time during her short life that she's had to face this fight, but it is the first time that I was able to visit with her.
Isabelle is not unlike so many other youngsters who face all kinds of physical and medical adversity. When her parents discovered that they were expecting, they were quick to give thanks to God, because until this time, they had been trying unsuccessfully to have children. This miracle baby was born extremely prematurely and as a result has lived with a compromised immunity system, underdeveloped lungs and a brain which ran out of time to grow in utero. The result has been a constant parade of visits to various hospitals for her and for her parents, but despite all the hardship, they would never have it any other way.
On good days, Isabelle smiles constantly. She's a content child who marvels at the smallest thing. All she has ever known or wanted is love and to be loved. She does this with facial expressions and gestures of affection, even though she has never uttered a word. When she's experiencing difficulty breathing, she continues to fight, in her own placid fashion, always happy to see familiar faces (and even unfamiliar ones which look on with love and compassion).
Children who live with various medical challenges or disabilities are often the source of great concern on the part of their parents, but those who choose to love them rather than judge them or to react in fear often discover that these children are some of the greatest treasures, gifts from heaven. They love unconditionally. They welcome affection with no guile. They give much more than they receive.
In short, they are gifts from God.
Isabelle is not unlike so many other youngsters who face all kinds of physical and medical adversity. When her parents discovered that they were expecting, they were quick to give thanks to God, because until this time, they had been trying unsuccessfully to have children. This miracle baby was born extremely prematurely and as a result has lived with a compromised immunity system, underdeveloped lungs and a brain which ran out of time to grow in utero. The result has been a constant parade of visits to various hospitals for her and for her parents, but despite all the hardship, they would never have it any other way.
On good days, Isabelle smiles constantly. She's a content child who marvels at the smallest thing. All she has ever known or wanted is love and to be loved. She does this with facial expressions and gestures of affection, even though she has never uttered a word. When she's experiencing difficulty breathing, she continues to fight, in her own placid fashion, always happy to see familiar faces (and even unfamiliar ones which look on with love and compassion).
Children who live with various medical challenges or disabilities are often the source of great concern on the part of their parents, but those who choose to love them rather than judge them or to react in fear often discover that these children are some of the greatest treasures, gifts from heaven. They love unconditionally. They welcome affection with no guile. They give much more than they receive.
In short, they are gifts from God.
Celebrating Hallowe'en
The place is all decked out, including the ghosts, gouls and goblins who await visitors outside the house. As one moves closer in, it's entirely possible that a greeting might be issued from the witch who watches over the place like a proprietor who is still waiting for the door of her own establishment to be opened, and of course there's the frightened little girl who is fondly referred to a Boo.
Inside, yet other creatures await, including an animated hand, a foot, the upper portion of a torso, still attached to a head but not much else ... and of course there's the collection of special 'spices' that grace the top of the kitchen stove. This is only the beginning for the adventurous and not-so-faint-of-heart.
A social evening in this locale includes nibbles like brains (actually made up of cleverly placed shrimp), guts (a mixture of sundried tomatoes and onions, sautéd and then mixed with heated brie cheese), and an assortment of sweets including goblins' eyes (meringue accented with Smarties), witches' fingers (shortbread with almonds), spiders (chocolate covered of course), spider webs (chocolate and peanut butter flavored for the truly adventurous), and the odd ghost, bat and other creature of the night (all versions of shortbread cookies).
Christmas might be right around the corner in some people's calendars, but Hallowe'en (that's All Hallow's Eve) celebrated in this way is fun for children of all ages.
Inside, yet other creatures await, including an animated hand, a foot, the upper portion of a torso, still attached to a head but not much else ... and of course there's the collection of special 'spices' that grace the top of the kitchen stove. This is only the beginning for the adventurous and not-so-faint-of-heart.
A social evening in this locale includes nibbles like brains (actually made up of cleverly placed shrimp), guts (a mixture of sundried tomatoes and onions, sautéd and then mixed with heated brie cheese), and an assortment of sweets including goblins' eyes (meringue accented with Smarties), witches' fingers (shortbread with almonds), spiders (chocolate covered of course), spider webs (chocolate and peanut butter flavored for the truly adventurous), and the odd ghost, bat and other creature of the night (all versions of shortbread cookies).
Christmas might be right around the corner in some people's calendars, but Hallowe'en (that's All Hallow's Eve) celebrated in this way is fun for children of all ages.
Saying lots with no words
In the midst of my travels during this sometimes hectic day, I managed to drop in for a very short visit with a young mother and her child.
Isabelle is a miracle child, born to parents who thought that they could not conceive, but who were granted the gift of this little life shortly after the death of one of their parents. For her part, Isabelle turned out to be extremely premature in her gestation, and as a result has had to live with a compromised lung capacity and many other complicating realities.
To watch her mother interact with her, an outsider knows immediately that there is a very special bond that has been created between these two, and I dare say the same is true of the relationship she shares with her father and her little brother (who as far as I am aware does not face these medical challenges).
Isabelle has visited so often at places like the Hospital for Sick Children, that the doctors there know her by name and recognize her each time she must darken their doors. They have a wonderful way of putting moms and dads at ease (as much as that is possible when a child is sick), and a way of understanding the dynamics of a family in crisis.
But today we were far away from Sick Kids. Instead we were in a pediatric hospital room, keeping watch over a very sick little girl who has suffered much, but who still maintains a smile and a cheery disposition (this is her normal). This is a little one who plays with her little brother, and allows him to tenderly reach out to her when she is in need, who waits for him to bid her good night every night so that she can sleep in relative peace.
This is a young girl who was born from much love, and who has spent her entire life loving, with few words if any, dealing daily with the struggles of existence, all the while asking for nothing more than to be a child, to have her moment in the sun, to enjoy a moment of play with her brother or with a friend, and to know that she is deeply loved.
Would that these significant lessons could be learned by some who have chosen to be blinded by other not-so-important realities. What lessons we can learn from children!
Isabelle is a miracle child, born to parents who thought that they could not conceive, but who were granted the gift of this little life shortly after the death of one of their parents. For her part, Isabelle turned out to be extremely premature in her gestation, and as a result has had to live with a compromised lung capacity and many other complicating realities.
To watch her mother interact with her, an outsider knows immediately that there is a very special bond that has been created between these two, and I dare say the same is true of the relationship she shares with her father and her little brother (who as far as I am aware does not face these medical challenges).
Isabelle has visited so often at places like the Hospital for Sick Children, that the doctors there know her by name and recognize her each time she must darken their doors. They have a wonderful way of putting moms and dads at ease (as much as that is possible when a child is sick), and a way of understanding the dynamics of a family in crisis.
But today we were far away from Sick Kids. Instead we were in a pediatric hospital room, keeping watch over a very sick little girl who has suffered much, but who still maintains a smile and a cheery disposition (this is her normal). This is a little one who plays with her little brother, and allows him to tenderly reach out to her when she is in need, who waits for him to bid her good night every night so that she can sleep in relative peace.
This is a young girl who was born from much love, and who has spent her entire life loving, with few words if any, dealing daily with the struggles of existence, all the while asking for nothing more than to be a child, to have her moment in the sun, to enjoy a moment of play with her brother or with a friend, and to know that she is deeply loved.
Would that these significant lessons could be learned by some who have chosen to be blinded by other not-so-important realities. What lessons we can learn from children!
The new norm
As of last Friday, H1N1 clinics are being held across the country in what has been touted as one of the largest imunization rollouts ever to be held in Canada.
This morning, as I was driving into the city and listening to the radio, all I could think was that living with H1N1 is and will be the new norm from now on. Somehow, since the imunization clinics opened their doors, there has been an exponential rise in the number of suspected cases, and hospital emergency wards are all but overflowing despite every effort to educate the public that these areas too would be understaffed, and that consequently the waiting times would be longer.
Many schools and places of business have developed strategies which include asking anyone who is not well or experiencing suspect symptoms to stay home, and to have them checked out by health professionals. Admittedly, all the publication has led to over-hype during these initial days of the imunization process, but the media is also doing what it can to staunch the panic, including a front-page article which appeared in the print version of this morning's Globe and Mail.
Health professionals believe that for those who are well imunized, the effects of this pandemic will be rather mild, but defining mild in terms of just a few lives lost can never be seen as 'mild' since every life lost is a precious gift that cannot be replaced. As the clinics continue in the coming weeks, there will almost surely be a 'calming' effect among the masses, but this first wave has seen more than it's fair share of reaction, fueled by the extensive media blitz that has been employed in the months leading up to the release of the vaccine.
Many who have had little or nothing to do with the health profession may very well become extremely well versed in the lingo, and those who avail themselves of the preventitive measures offered cannot expect that this will be a quick process. What it will be is an exercise in getting to know others, in practicing compassion, and in understanding that when it comes to the microscopic organisms that cause us to panic, H1N1 might very well be here to stay (even just for a while). If we're smart, we'll learn to co-exist, for this could very well be the new norm for all of us.
This morning, as I was driving into the city and listening to the radio, all I could think was that living with H1N1 is and will be the new norm from now on. Somehow, since the imunization clinics opened their doors, there has been an exponential rise in the number of suspected cases, and hospital emergency wards are all but overflowing despite every effort to educate the public that these areas too would be understaffed, and that consequently the waiting times would be longer.
Many schools and places of business have developed strategies which include asking anyone who is not well or experiencing suspect symptoms to stay home, and to have them checked out by health professionals. Admittedly, all the publication has led to over-hype during these initial days of the imunization process, but the media is also doing what it can to staunch the panic, including a front-page article which appeared in the print version of this morning's Globe and Mail.
Health professionals believe that for those who are well imunized, the effects of this pandemic will be rather mild, but defining mild in terms of just a few lives lost can never be seen as 'mild' since every life lost is a precious gift that cannot be replaced. As the clinics continue in the coming weeks, there will almost surely be a 'calming' effect among the masses, but this first wave has seen more than it's fair share of reaction, fueled by the extensive media blitz that has been employed in the months leading up to the release of the vaccine.
Many who have had little or nothing to do with the health profession may very well become extremely well versed in the lingo, and those who avail themselves of the preventitive measures offered cannot expect that this will be a quick process. What it will be is an exercise in getting to know others, in practicing compassion, and in understanding that when it comes to the microscopic organisms that cause us to panic, H1N1 might very well be here to stay (even just for a while). If we're smart, we'll learn to co-exist, for this could very well be the new norm for all of us.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Great news for diabetics
Those who live with the daily challenge of monitoring and regulating their blood sugar know only too well how difficult it can be to keep the numbers under control. For some, a culture of food and sedentary living has led to an increased incidence of Type II Diabetes, but for others, there are no apparent reasons why this condition strikes.
In recent weeks, I've heard more than once that a daily dosage of cinnamon is extremely effective in lowering blood sugar. Here's one report:
Want to keep your blood sugar down to lower your odds of developing diabetes? Or
if you are diabetic, would you like to lower blood glucose further without extra
drugs? Try eating more cinnamon or taking cinnamon capsules.That's the
advice of Richard Anderson, PhD researcher at the US Department of Agriculture.
'I know of no other natural ingredient that has the power cinnamon does in
controlling blood sugar,' he says in a radiointerview with Jean Carper. In fact,
Anderson said he takes cinnamon to control his own blood sugar and normally high
cholesterol with astonishing success. His cholesterol plunged 60 points after he
started getting about ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon twice a day, he says. Anderson has
reported similar results in a group of 60 people with type 2 diabetes in
Diabetes Care, a journal of the American Diabetes Association. In those getting
as little as 1 gram of cinnamon (1/4 tsp twice a day), blood sugar dropped
18 to 29%, triglycerides fell 23 to 30%, LDL bad cholesterol went down 7 to 27%
and total cholesterol 12 to 26%. That's comparable to what you can expect from
statin cholesterol-lowering drugs, he says. And cinnamon, unlike drugs, has no
side effects. What's also amazing, says Anderson, is that the benefits of
cinnamon lasted for 20 days after subjects stopped taking it. Whereas the
benefits of statin drugs vanish very quickly after you stop taking them, he
says. You can sprinkle cinnamon on cereals, put it in juices, use it in desserts
such as apple pie and make tea using a cinnamon stick.
Who knows whether it will work.
In recent weeks, I've heard more than once that a daily dosage of cinnamon is extremely effective in lowering blood sugar. Here's one report:
Want to keep your blood sugar down to lower your odds of developing diabetes? Or
if you are diabetic, would you like to lower blood glucose further without extra
drugs? Try eating more cinnamon or taking cinnamon capsules.That's the
advice of Richard Anderson, PhD researcher at the US Department of Agriculture.
'I know of no other natural ingredient that has the power cinnamon does in
controlling blood sugar,' he says in a radiointerview with Jean Carper. In fact,
Anderson said he takes cinnamon to control his own blood sugar and normally high
cholesterol with astonishing success. His cholesterol plunged 60 points after he
started getting about ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon twice a day, he says. Anderson has
reported similar results in a group of 60 people with type 2 diabetes in
Diabetes Care, a journal of the American Diabetes Association. In those getting
as little as 1 gram of cinnamon (1/4 tsp twice a day), blood sugar dropped
18 to 29%, triglycerides fell 23 to 30%, LDL bad cholesterol went down 7 to 27%
and total cholesterol 12 to 26%. That's comparable to what you can expect from
statin cholesterol-lowering drugs, he says. And cinnamon, unlike drugs, has no
side effects. What's also amazing, says Anderson, is that the benefits of
cinnamon lasted for 20 days after subjects stopped taking it. Whereas the
benefits of statin drugs vanish very quickly after you stop taking them, he
says. You can sprinkle cinnamon on cereals, put it in juices, use it in desserts
such as apple pie and make tea using a cinnamon stick.
Who knows whether it will work.
An evening with friends
Two weeks from now, I'll be on a plane, bound for a land half way around the world. In fact, there is a 10-hour difference in time zones, and it will take almost an entire day of travelling to arrive.
Tonight, some friends came to dinner. That's nothing new (I enjoy welcoming guests and sharing good food), but the menu tonight was. Actually, tonight was a cooperative effort.
First: As we stood around chatting at the beginning of the night, one of the guests worked his magic and transformed simple ingredients (prochutto, arrugula and pine nuts) into delectable appetizers.
Second: We took our places around the table to enjoy my very first attempt at a Hyderabadi Biryani, accompanied by vegetable fritters and a cucumber and yogurt salad.
And finally: No evening meal in this house would be complete without some kind of sweet, so in this case, one of the guests brought two butterscotch pies, which we served with the customary coffee and tea.
This international meal was a foretaste for some of us of the adventure which will begin in just fourteen days. For all of us, it was a moment to get re-acquainted with friends, to get caught up and to share some laughs and a relaxing couple of hours.
Most of the evidence of the evening carousing has now been put away, and we can't wait for the next occasion to share some time, a good meal and a laugh or two ... together.
Tonight, some friends came to dinner. That's nothing new (I enjoy welcoming guests and sharing good food), but the menu tonight was. Actually, tonight was a cooperative effort.
First: As we stood around chatting at the beginning of the night, one of the guests worked his magic and transformed simple ingredients (prochutto, arrugula and pine nuts) into delectable appetizers.
Second: We took our places around the table to enjoy my very first attempt at a Hyderabadi Biryani, accompanied by vegetable fritters and a cucumber and yogurt salad.
And finally: No evening meal in this house would be complete without some kind of sweet, so in this case, one of the guests brought two butterscotch pies, which we served with the customary coffee and tea.
This international meal was a foretaste for some of us of the adventure which will begin in just fourteen days. For all of us, it was a moment to get re-acquainted with friends, to get caught up and to share some laughs and a relaxing couple of hours.
Most of the evidence of the evening carousing has now been put away, and we can't wait for the next occasion to share some time, a good meal and a laugh or two ... together.
Rethinking fitness
Fitness seems to be all the rage these days, but making fitness fun is not always apparent. Children have an almost innate sense of building fun into their daily routines, but somehow this natural sense of ha ha seems to disappear when we grow up.
Enter a new thought about enticing adults to choose a healthier way. We often hear encouragements to 'take the stairs instead of the elevator' but breaking old habits and introducing new ones takes a bit of work, except in cases where curiosity and a hidden sense of fun are tempted to take over.
Leave it to the Swedes to find a way. They tunred a staircase, leading from street level into a subway, into a walk-on piano, and the results were surprisingly effective. Would that we could all come up with such ingenious and delightful ways to build fitness into our everyday lives.
Enter a new thought about enticing adults to choose a healthier way. We often hear encouragements to 'take the stairs instead of the elevator' but breaking old habits and introducing new ones takes a bit of work, except in cases where curiosity and a hidden sense of fun are tempted to take over.
Leave it to the Swedes to find a way. They tunred a staircase, leading from street level into a subway, into a walk-on piano, and the results were surprisingly effective. Would that we could all come up with such ingenious and delightful ways to build fitness into our everyday lives.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Fasting for priests
Many different observances of the Year for Priests are coming to light as this year continues to unfold.
One of the most recently arrived before these eyes is the approaching Day of Fasting for Priests. Apparently, lay people are being asked to fast on Saturday, October 24 and to pray for priests. Check out the video-cast of a show called This is the Day.
It's pretty amazing to think that on Saturday, people all over the world will be fasting and praying for us and for our intentions. In fact, it's really humbling to think that so many people have been taking a moment out of their day to express a word of thanks to priests for the gift we offer each day, for the lives we live, for our presence in their lives.
As someone once advised me, this is the time to remember these blessings, these moments of grace, and to catalogue them so that in times of trial and hardship, we may return to these significant moments when we heard words of appreciation, and know that the ministry we exercise is not given in vain, but rather truly appreciated as a gift from God, mediated by human hands, for the sake of the hearts of those who are loved.
One of the most recently arrived before these eyes is the approaching Day of Fasting for Priests. Apparently, lay people are being asked to fast on Saturday, October 24 and to pray for priests. Check out the video-cast of a show called This is the Day.
It's pretty amazing to think that on Saturday, people all over the world will be fasting and praying for us and for our intentions. In fact, it's really humbling to think that so many people have been taking a moment out of their day to express a word of thanks to priests for the gift we offer each day, for the lives we live, for our presence in their lives.
As someone once advised me, this is the time to remember these blessings, these moments of grace, and to catalogue them so that in times of trial and hardship, we may return to these significant moments when we heard words of appreciation, and know that the ministry we exercise is not given in vain, but rather truly appreciated as a gift from God, mediated by human hands, for the sake of the hearts of those who are loved.
Pictures tell their stories
This morning, I visited at the local school, a relatively small establishment (and this is a good thing). The size of the school means that staff, students and even visitors like me can get to know each other quite easily.
Today happened to be picture day so before the bell had rung to signal the beginning of classes, the photographers were in place, ready to record all the angelic faces for the sake of posterity. Unfortunately, I couldn't stay long enough to watch the lineups of students parade in and out of the gymnasium, where the photographic equipment was set up, but I did manage to meet a few of tomorrow's movie stars as they were primping and preparing for their big moment in front of the camera. It was amusing to say the least to watch as they coiffed themselves with great care, some with the coaching of their parents and some without.
While waiting their turn to visit with the photographer, I also had a few moments to spend with one of the classes who had apparently had a very interesting discussion about Jesus' first trip to Jerusalem. The questions that they posed of their teacher gave her pause, and she invited me to try adding a word of wisdom to the fray. In truth, it was good to get connected with these little ones. I'm not sure whether I unravelled some mysteries for them or created a few more canundra for them to consider. Time will be the best judge of that accuracy.
Speaking of pictures, there is word in yesterday's dispatches of a report coming from Cornwall, Ontario, the site of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops' Annual Assembly, currently in progress. Points of interest include the fact that the Apostolic Nuncio to Canada (who is actually packing his bags as we speak, was there to address the gathered assembly with some words of farewell. Having lived and exercised his ministry in this country for the past eight years, it is perhaps fitting that he take a moment to reflect on this snapshot prior to embarking on the next leg of his journey which will take him to the City of Lights, and one of the 'Church's first daughters'.
Some of the pictures taken today will undoubtedly find their way into albums which will be prized for years to come. Others may end up in frames, or even gathering dust, lost behind a forgotten book, but the truth is that these pictures will preserve the memories of times spent in the early years of formation, times that these children will remember for the rest of their lives.
Today happened to be picture day so before the bell had rung to signal the beginning of classes, the photographers were in place, ready to record all the angelic faces for the sake of posterity. Unfortunately, I couldn't stay long enough to watch the lineups of students parade in and out of the gymnasium, where the photographic equipment was set up, but I did manage to meet a few of tomorrow's movie stars as they were primping and preparing for their big moment in front of the camera. It was amusing to say the least to watch as they coiffed themselves with great care, some with the coaching of their parents and some without.
While waiting their turn to visit with the photographer, I also had a few moments to spend with one of the classes who had apparently had a very interesting discussion about Jesus' first trip to Jerusalem. The questions that they posed of their teacher gave her pause, and she invited me to try adding a word of wisdom to the fray. In truth, it was good to get connected with these little ones. I'm not sure whether I unravelled some mysteries for them or created a few more canundra for them to consider. Time will be the best judge of that accuracy.
Speaking of pictures, there is word in yesterday's dispatches of a report coming from Cornwall, Ontario, the site of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops' Annual Assembly, currently in progress. Points of interest include the fact that the Apostolic Nuncio to Canada (who is actually packing his bags as we speak, was there to address the gathered assembly with some words of farewell. Having lived and exercised his ministry in this country for the past eight years, it is perhaps fitting that he take a moment to reflect on this snapshot prior to embarking on the next leg of his journey which will take him to the City of Lights, and one of the 'Church's first daughters'.
Some of the pictures taken today will undoubtedly find their way into albums which will be prized for years to come. Others may end up in frames, or even gathering dust, lost behind a forgotten book, but the truth is that these pictures will preserve the memories of times spent in the early years of formation, times that these children will remember for the rest of their lives.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
On faith and food
Earlier this week, I posted an article referring to the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization, specifically the celebration of World Food Day which was observed a few days ago.
As a followup to this post, the question of access to food was raised, particularly the fact that some in our world are still food insecure through no fault of their own. It might seem difficult to understand the impact of food accessibility, especially in various parts of our world, but maybe the following links might help:
As a followup to this post, the question of access to food was raised, particularly the fact that some in our world are still food insecure through no fault of their own. It might seem difficult to understand the impact of food accessibility, especially in various parts of our world, but maybe the following links might help:
- First is an article entitled What does a week's worth of food look like around the world?
- Second is a video presentation entitled What foods the world eats, hungry planet, nutrition Natalie.
Thanks for the feedback. That's what it's all about.
Attitude is everything
Attitude toward life defines not only who a person is but the quality of life we have. This was made very apparent today when an email containing a series of photos arrived.
In the first photo, a little boy is standing in a living room with a broad smile on his face. He's at the far right (in the picture) of a line of prosthetic legs, each pair a bit longer than the other (from left to right) ending with him (and he's wearing the most recent addition to the set).
The second photo shows the same boy, sporting his most recent prostheses, standing on what appears to be a part of a golf driving range. He's holding a brightly-coloured plastic golf club and smirking with obvious signs of his joy at being outdoors.
Other pictures show him being pulled along behind a motor boat, hanging onto a personalized floatation device; sitting astride a customized tricycle (of course wearing the proper head gear); atop a pony, accompanied by three adults who are all gazing upon him with obvious pride and joy; running in track and field competitions; 'skating' on ice (complete with the hockey helmet, gloves and his very own personalized hockey stick); throwing a pitch from the pitchers mound; and standing astride the examination table as a prosthetist examines the fit for his newest pair.
All along, his face is beaming. Whether staged for cameras or not, what's certain is that these pictures portray a little boy who is very well aware of his physical limitations, but who insists on being a little boy, playing, living life to the full. Each of us has challenges in life, but every now and then it helps to remember that others too face their own difficulties, and when all is said and done, there is much to be grateful for.
In the first photo, a little boy is standing in a living room with a broad smile on his face. He's at the far right (in the picture) of a line of prosthetic legs, each pair a bit longer than the other (from left to right) ending with him (and he's wearing the most recent addition to the set).
The second photo shows the same boy, sporting his most recent prostheses, standing on what appears to be a part of a golf driving range. He's holding a brightly-coloured plastic golf club and smirking with obvious signs of his joy at being outdoors.
Other pictures show him being pulled along behind a motor boat, hanging onto a personalized floatation device; sitting astride a customized tricycle (of course wearing the proper head gear); atop a pony, accompanied by three adults who are all gazing upon him with obvious pride and joy; running in track and field competitions; 'skating' on ice (complete with the hockey helmet, gloves and his very own personalized hockey stick); throwing a pitch from the pitchers mound; and standing astride the examination table as a prosthetist examines the fit for his newest pair.
All along, his face is beaming. Whether staged for cameras or not, what's certain is that these pictures portray a little boy who is very well aware of his physical limitations, but who insists on being a little boy, playing, living life to the full. Each of us has challenges in life, but every now and then it helps to remember that others too face their own difficulties, and when all is said and done, there is much to be grateful for.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Separated or not
'Twas the sixteenth century when a disgruntled Henry VIII, King of England officially broke ties with the Church of Rome and established the Church of England, the mother Church of the Anglican communion.
In many respects, there are still great similarities between the Roman Catholic Church and the Anglican Communion to this day. In fact, dialogue between leaders of the two faith traditions have been going on in a formal way for so long that there are two official bodies established to facilitate the process (The Anglican Roman Catholic International Commission, otherwise know as ARCIC; and the International Anglican Roman Catholic Commission for Unity and Mission, or IARCCUM).
Sadly, since the official establishment of the Church of England, and their consequent break with the Roman Catholic Church, we (members of the respective faith tradition) have not been considered as being in full communion one with the other, however, many efforts through the years have been expended with the aim of bringing us back into union with each other.
More recently, there has been (shall we say) more than a little anxt among some of the members of the Anglican Communion about the direction their Church is taking, specifically with regard to decisions about ordination and the choice of it's leadership. There must be a fair amount of this going on, and a significant number of those affected have made their voices heard in various fora, including sending communications to Rome, and asking for some path to be cleared for them to 'come back' to the Roman Catholic faith.
This morning, in a press conference conducted in the Vatican, His Eminence, Joseph Cardinal Levada, Prefect for the Vatican Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith announced the creation of Personal Ordinariates for Anglicans entering the Catholic Church. Personal Ordinariates are canonical structures which will from now on provide an avenue for groups of Anglican clergy and faithful to enter into full communion with the Roman Catholic Church.
In the coming weeks, it is expected that His Holiness, Benedict XVI will publish an Apostolic Constitution on the subject, providing even more clarification about the procedures to be followed.
In addition to the announcement of the forthcoming Apostolic Constituion, a joint statement on the subject was published today by the Archbishop of Westminster and the Archbishop of Canterbury. In it, they acknowledged that
In many respects, there are still great similarities between the Roman Catholic Church and the Anglican Communion to this day. In fact, dialogue between leaders of the two faith traditions have been going on in a formal way for so long that there are two official bodies established to facilitate the process (The Anglican Roman Catholic International Commission, otherwise know as ARCIC; and the International Anglican Roman Catholic Commission for Unity and Mission, or IARCCUM).
Sadly, since the official establishment of the Church of England, and their consequent break with the Roman Catholic Church, we (members of the respective faith tradition) have not been considered as being in full communion one with the other, however, many efforts through the years have been expended with the aim of bringing us back into union with each other.
More recently, there has been (shall we say) more than a little anxt among some of the members of the Anglican Communion about the direction their Church is taking, specifically with regard to decisions about ordination and the choice of it's leadership. There must be a fair amount of this going on, and a significant number of those affected have made their voices heard in various fora, including sending communications to Rome, and asking for some path to be cleared for them to 'come back' to the Roman Catholic faith.
This morning, in a press conference conducted in the Vatican, His Eminence, Joseph Cardinal Levada, Prefect for the Vatican Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith announced the creation of Personal Ordinariates for Anglicans entering the Catholic Church. Personal Ordinariates are canonical structures which will from now on provide an avenue for groups of Anglican clergy and faithful to enter into full communion with the Roman Catholic Church.
In the coming weeks, it is expected that His Holiness, Benedict XVI will publish an Apostolic Constitution on the subject, providing even more clarification about the procedures to be followed.
In addition to the announcement of the forthcoming Apostolic Constituion, a joint statement on the subject was published today by the Archbishop of Westminster and the Archbishop of Canterbury. In it, they acknowledged that
The announcement of this Apostolic Constitution brings to an end a
period of uncertainty for such groups who have nurtured hopes of new ways of
embracing unity with the Catholic Church. It will now be up to those who have
made requests to the Holy See to respond to the Apostolic
Constitution.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Mission to learn
Today is World Mission Sunday, traditionally a time for those of us who live in the so-called first world to pay particular attention to our brothers and sisters who live in underprivileged areas of the globe.
With the delegates to the Second Synod of Bishops for Africa still at the Vatican, the Holy Father noted this special observance in his remarks prior to reciting the Angelus today (here's the English-language translation). Conscious of the fact that the Church in Africa is still in its realtive infancy, perhaps this occasion gives us pause to consider that instead of us trying to teach the Church in that part of the world about the blessings proclaimed by Christ, perhaps we would be wise to look to them for guidance.
Earlier this year, one of the families in the parish I serve travelled to Tanzania where they spent three weeks in a variety of activities, working with children and living with adults in a tiny village in that country. Today, as we observe World Mission Sunday, I invited them to share some of their reflections about their travels.
Our parish community, gathered in prayer, listened intently to their story and enjoyed the slides they provided. Some have already begun to express an interest in travelling to Tanzania, and others have begun to speak about how they can help the people of that country. The outcome of such a presentation can rarely be predicted. All we can do is trust that God will continue to work in His own way, inviting us to cooperate in whatever manner is necessary.
In the coming days, we hope to post some of the pictures (in Powerpoint format) so that those who could not be present for today's presentation will also be able to see them.
We wish to thank Peter and Brenda for accepting to share their reflections with us, for helping us to appreciate the gifts we have, and for heightening our appreciation for the living contitions that others deal with on a daily basis. This trip has changed their lives, and talking about it with friends and relatives on this side of the Atlantic might very well help to change our lives just a little bit too.
With the delegates to the Second Synod of Bishops for Africa still at the Vatican, the Holy Father noted this special observance in his remarks prior to reciting the Angelus today (here's the English-language translation). Conscious of the fact that the Church in Africa is still in its realtive infancy, perhaps this occasion gives us pause to consider that instead of us trying to teach the Church in that part of the world about the blessings proclaimed by Christ, perhaps we would be wise to look to them for guidance.
Earlier this year, one of the families in the parish I serve travelled to Tanzania where they spent three weeks in a variety of activities, working with children and living with adults in a tiny village in that country. Today, as we observe World Mission Sunday, I invited them to share some of their reflections about their travels.
Our parish community, gathered in prayer, listened intently to their story and enjoyed the slides they provided. Some have already begun to express an interest in travelling to Tanzania, and others have begun to speak about how they can help the people of that country. The outcome of such a presentation can rarely be predicted. All we can do is trust that God will continue to work in His own way, inviting us to cooperate in whatever manner is necessary.
In the coming days, we hope to post some of the pictures (in Powerpoint format) so that those who could not be present for today's presentation will also be able to see them.
We wish to thank Peter and Brenda for accepting to share their reflections with us, for helping us to appreciate the gifts we have, and for heightening our appreciation for the living contitions that others deal with on a daily basis. This trip has changed their lives, and talking about it with friends and relatives on this side of the Atlantic might very well help to change our lives just a little bit too.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Faith and food
October 16 is the date chosen for the annual observance of World Food Day. This year, as in former years, the Holy Father issued a special message addressed to the director-general of the United Nation's Food and Agricultural Organization.
In it, he pointed out the fact that 'Ensuring that people have access to food is protecting their right to life'.
World Food Day commemorates the foundation of the FAO, an entity which has existed for 54 years. This year's theme is 'Achieving Food Security in Times of Crisis'. The Holy Father's reflections are now added to the many other voices who speak for the rights of those who struggle with hunger every day, in an effort to ensure that all people receive enough food to survive, even despite some major and at times life-threatening obstacles.
In it, he pointed out the fact that 'Ensuring that people have access to food is protecting their right to life'.
World Food Day commemorates the foundation of the FAO, an entity which has existed for 54 years. This year's theme is 'Achieving Food Security in Times of Crisis'. The Holy Father's reflections are now added to the many other voices who speak for the rights of those who struggle with hunger every day, in an effort to ensure that all people receive enough food to survive, even despite some major and at times life-threatening obstacles.
Revisiting the celebration
Earlier this week, I wrote three entries here describing various aspects of the special celebrations held in honour of the Year for Priests.
As mentioned in one of those entries, Sean Cardinal O'Malley, OFM Cap was the invited guest presider and homilist at this special Mass. He also gave a one-hour reflection on priesthood during the banquet that followed.
As of yesterday, Cardinal O'Malley has updated his own blog, including his adventures throughout the past week. He does this on a weekly basis, and tries to recount all the visits and encounters he has throughout the seven-day period. This week, he also included a special mention for his first visit to Sudbury, a place where his ancestors had already trod, but where he had never visited (until a few days ago). Included with his reflection is a group of still photos and even a video recording of the smudging ceremony used in place of the Penitential Rite during the Mass.
Friday, October 16, 2009
On the lighter side
Language can be a very finicky thing. Even when one thinks he or she has heard what has been said, the truth can be surprising.
Someone who just happened to pop in today told me of a true story that happened not so long ago. It was Palm Sunday, and the community began to sing as the procession entered the church. All participants had received palm fronds upon their arrival in the church, and they were waving them above their heads as the opening hymn began.
As she did her part to wave the palm branch above her head, one of the young children was also listening intently to the words of the song. After all, she wanted to join in the festivities as best she could. Suddenly, she tugged on the hem of her mother's dress. Perplexed, she asked, 'Why are people singing about Bin Laden?'
Her mother was confused, so she whispered, 'What do you mean?' and then had to stifle her laughter as her daughter explained, 'Everyone is singing 'Osama, Osama, Osama in the highest'.
Art Linkletter said it best ... kids say the darndest things.
Someone who just happened to pop in today told me of a true story that happened not so long ago. It was Palm Sunday, and the community began to sing as the procession entered the church. All participants had received palm fronds upon their arrival in the church, and they were waving them above their heads as the opening hymn began.
As she did her part to wave the palm branch above her head, one of the young children was also listening intently to the words of the song. After all, she wanted to join in the festivities as best she could. Suddenly, she tugged on the hem of her mother's dress. Perplexed, she asked, 'Why are people singing about Bin Laden?'
Her mother was confused, so she whispered, 'What do you mean?' and then had to stifle her laughter as her daughter explained, 'Everyone is singing 'Osama, Osama, Osama in the highest'.
Art Linkletter said it best ... kids say the darndest things.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Healing the rift
Today is the liturgical memorial of Saint Teresa of Avila, who was known simply as Teresa of Jesus. This Carmelite nun, who lived in the sixteenth century, is perhaps best celebrated as a promoter of reconciliation, especially during a time of great turbulence.
Reconciliation is one of those things that people shy away from, but strangely enough, it is often the most sought after of truths.
In the United States of America, today is an annual day of remembrance for pregnancy and infant loss. This is one of the least recognized sources of tension in the lives of those who mourn, silently at times, the loss of unborn children by violent and other means. All those who devote their lives to helping these grieving souls to find peace should also be the focus of our thought and prayer on this day.
Speaking of healing rifts, the news has just recently hit the wires that discussions between the Society of Saint Pius X and the Pontifical Commission Ecclesia Dei are set to resume as of Monday, October 26 of this year. Whereever there is the promise of hope, discussion and advancement, even of issues which seem the most improbable, we find the face of truth, the face of God, calling and encouraging us to be brave, to take the necessary steps, and to move (albeit carefully) toward the promotion of peace.
Saint Teresa of Avila and Saint Gerard Majella, pray for us.
Reconciliation is one of those things that people shy away from, but strangely enough, it is often the most sought after of truths.
In the United States of America, today is an annual day of remembrance for pregnancy and infant loss. This is one of the least recognized sources of tension in the lives of those who mourn, silently at times, the loss of unborn children by violent and other means. All those who devote their lives to helping these grieving souls to find peace should also be the focus of our thought and prayer on this day.
Speaking of healing rifts, the news has just recently hit the wires that discussions between the Society of Saint Pius X and the Pontifical Commission Ecclesia Dei are set to resume as of Monday, October 26 of this year. Whereever there is the promise of hope, discussion and advancement, even of issues which seem the most improbable, we find the face of truth, the face of God, calling and encouraging us to be brave, to take the necessary steps, and to move (albeit carefully) toward the promotion of peace.
Saint Teresa of Avila and Saint Gerard Majella, pray for us.
Finding sanctuary
Every weekday at 12:05 noon, people gather in this church for the celebration of the Mass. The doors are actually open long before that time, and it's truly revealing to watch just for a little while to see how many people come and go, some for a few moments and others for prolonged lengths of time.
Each in his or her own way comes to whisper a prayer, to seek advise, to render thanks or just to find some peace in the middle of an otherwise busy day. Sitting in silence is far from the normal routine that many people experience, but this is precisely what makes the practice of daily prayer so enticing: an oasis in the midst of an otherwise hectic life that provides an opportunity to reorient, to take a breath, to be nourished in mind and in spirit, to receive a word of advise, to seek out some wisdom.
Others who have forgotten the secret of prayers, and the silence of churches find themselves dispensing fortunes all in the pursuit of understanding and peace. Why is it that we can rationalize the spending of so much precious resource while ignoring the simplest answer? Have we neglected the simple discipline of prayer to our own detriment?
Counsellors, psychologists and psychiatrists might feel threatened by these musings, but then the pharisees and elders of the Temple felt threatened as well by the simple truths once uttered by a holy man who came from Nazareth. Have we learned the most valuable lessons yet, or has our stubbornness forced us to return to school?
The doors to this school are open. A gentle voice invites, persistently ... until we finally respond in trust. The result: we find the answers we have been looking for, we discover the forgiveness we so preciously need and we uncover the secret to true joy, inner peace and the love that sustains us in times of celebration and trial. Oh, and yes, all of this is free.
Each in his or her own way comes to whisper a prayer, to seek advise, to render thanks or just to find some peace in the middle of an otherwise busy day. Sitting in silence is far from the normal routine that many people experience, but this is precisely what makes the practice of daily prayer so enticing: an oasis in the midst of an otherwise hectic life that provides an opportunity to reorient, to take a breath, to be nourished in mind and in spirit, to receive a word of advise, to seek out some wisdom.
Others who have forgotten the secret of prayers, and the silence of churches find themselves dispensing fortunes all in the pursuit of understanding and peace. Why is it that we can rationalize the spending of so much precious resource while ignoring the simplest answer? Have we neglected the simple discipline of prayer to our own detriment?
Counsellors, psychologists and psychiatrists might feel threatened by these musings, but then the pharisees and elders of the Temple felt threatened as well by the simple truths once uttered by a holy man who came from Nazareth. Have we learned the most valuable lessons yet, or has our stubbornness forced us to return to school?
The doors to this school are open. A gentle voice invites, persistently ... until we finally respond in trust. The result: we find the answers we have been looking for, we discover the forgiveness we so preciously need and we uncover the secret to true joy, inner peace and the love that sustains us in times of celebration and trial. Oh, and yes, all of this is free.
The banquet after the Banquet
It's not often that a group of lay people respond spontaneously to an invitation to celebrate priests. Especially in today's climate which places Catholic priests in rather precarious limelight, we may find ourselves more often than not in sad need of a reason to celebrate. Yet, scarcely had they heard of the plan to mark a special Year for Priests, and the Little Servants of Christ the King, a group of lay faithful in this diocese had already set to work organizing this evening of celebration.
It's a humbling experience to allow another to sing your praises. Often, the giver finds little or no reason to celebrate that which is given, but the receiver can easily point out the blessings that have been passed on. With ever-more humbled hearts then, we priests were celebrated tonight by those who have benefitted or who are still benefitting from the work we do.
The evening's festivities began with a litany of thanksgiving,
It's a humbling experience to allow another to sing your praises. Often, the giver finds little or no reason to celebrate that which is given, but the receiver can easily point out the blessings that have been passed on. With ever-more humbled hearts then, we priests were celebrated tonight by those who have benefitted or who are still benefitting from the work we do.
The evening's festivities began with a litany of thanksgiving,
- for the heralds who prepare children and their parents for baptism, the doorway to all other sacraments, and the beginning of a life of faith;
- for the ministers of mercy who mediate the Lord's forgiveness in the Sacrament of Reconciliation;
- for the confectors of communion, the divine food that sustains the faithful and strengthens us for the task of living as Christ's witnesses;
- for the watchmen who act as witnesses when words of love are exchanged and the Sacrament of Matrimony is celebrated;
- for the human angels who appear in hospitals, and so many other places to bring the Lord's healing presence in the Sacrmaent of Anointing to those who suffer or face imminent death.
All this we do, not for our own glory, but for love of the One who we serve, and with the hope that those who are served might experience not so much the popularity of being liked ourselves, but the reputation for being faithful to a call that was first heard in the quiet of prayer, and which is still issued each day from the heart of the Shepherd.
With words of great wisdom, the guest of honour invited priests and lay faithful alike who were present to grow ever deeper in our understanding of the mystery of priesthood, to cherish the gift that has been offered, and to live it to the best of our ability, knowing that in the end we are only workers, whose hands are used by Another to do the work of peacemaking, reconciliation and personifying love for a world that otherwise would be depraved of this precious gift.
A wonderful opportunity to break bread with parishioners, a chance for them to repay just a bit of the goodness, generosity and love which they have benefitted from, and a moment for friends old and new to meet or be reaquainted, this evening was truly a blessing for all those who took part, and for the many others who expressed a desire to be physically present, despite the limitations of the physical space that accommodated more than 500 souls.
Would that at times like this, earth could be more like heaven, and more angels could fit on the head of a pin, then others who were barred from this moment of grace could also have their moment to share in the festivities. Ah well, for some things there will only be full understanding when we reach or true homelands. Until then, we continue walking in humility along the road.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
An imperfect model of perfection
With the choir in place, and with people gathered from all corners of the diocese, the parade of some 70+ priests snaked its way into the church.
Once all had taken their places, the pleasantries were exchanged and human beings then began the formal act of prayer that we have come to call the Mass. It is fitting that in thanksgiving for the life and service of those who are the intermediaries of grace, we should all gather to praise the author of all grace.
Present among us was the Cardinal Archbishop of Boston, who himself is well known to the blogging world, one who knows only too well the human side of the priesthood, having dealt with the crisis of suspected abuse by clergy in that Archdiocese for the last 6 years.
As the presider at this special liturgy, it also fell to him to share words of wisdom and reflection inspired by the chosen gospel passage. With humour, and a sensitivity for which he has become well known, His Eminence chose to reflect on the gift of priesthood in terms of three moments in the life of Saint Peter, the first among equals, chosen by Christ himself to lead the fledgling Church.
Truth be known, Peter was not perhaps the sharpest knife in the drawer. He was not the best of fishermen, and yet he was given a place of honour which has endured to this day precisely because when the chips were down, he was the one who answered for all the rest who dared not break the silence. Whether or not he had the right words, he ventured an opinion, and dared to be vulnerable enough to stick his neck out when others wouldn't.
Peter tried to duck the responsibility too. From a distance, he chose to watch as Jesus was condemned, showing us that we cannot be disciples from a distance. If we want to follow the Master, we must be willing to jump right into the fray, to admit our human weakness but not to let it stop us from serving with joy and with great love.
Examples like Peter are comforting to those of us who now strive to walk in the footsteps of Jesus. He himself doesn't require us to be perfect in our execution of the office to which he calls us, but he does require us to be generous, to serve with humility, to allow ourselves to be caught up in the truth that we're not the superstars, we're only the servants who plant seeds and who water them. In the meanwhile, we strive to be more like Christ himself, not the executives and the esteemed of society, but the workers, the servants, the ones who are not afraid to get our hands dirty, to stand beside the sorrowing, to walk with the weak, to become familiar with the pain of rejection so that we ourselves can be ministers of mercy.
None of us can do this work perfectly, but all of us must strive to do this work with great love. We do what we can ... and leave the rest to God.
Once all had taken their places, the pleasantries were exchanged and human beings then began the formal act of prayer that we have come to call the Mass. It is fitting that in thanksgiving for the life and service of those who are the intermediaries of grace, we should all gather to praise the author of all grace.
Present among us was the Cardinal Archbishop of Boston, who himself is well known to the blogging world, one who knows only too well the human side of the priesthood, having dealt with the crisis of suspected abuse by clergy in that Archdiocese for the last 6 years.
As the presider at this special liturgy, it also fell to him to share words of wisdom and reflection inspired by the chosen gospel passage. With humour, and a sensitivity for which he has become well known, His Eminence chose to reflect on the gift of priesthood in terms of three moments in the life of Saint Peter, the first among equals, chosen by Christ himself to lead the fledgling Church.
Truth be known, Peter was not perhaps the sharpest knife in the drawer. He was not the best of fishermen, and yet he was given a place of honour which has endured to this day precisely because when the chips were down, he was the one who answered for all the rest who dared not break the silence. Whether or not he had the right words, he ventured an opinion, and dared to be vulnerable enough to stick his neck out when others wouldn't.
Peter tried to duck the responsibility too. From a distance, he chose to watch as Jesus was condemned, showing us that we cannot be disciples from a distance. If we want to follow the Master, we must be willing to jump right into the fray, to admit our human weakness but not to let it stop us from serving with joy and with great love.
Examples like Peter are comforting to those of us who now strive to walk in the footsteps of Jesus. He himself doesn't require us to be perfect in our execution of the office to which he calls us, but he does require us to be generous, to serve with humility, to allow ourselves to be caught up in the truth that we're not the superstars, we're only the servants who plant seeds and who water them. In the meanwhile, we strive to be more like Christ himself, not the executives and the esteemed of society, but the workers, the servants, the ones who are not afraid to get our hands dirty, to stand beside the sorrowing, to walk with the weak, to become familiar with the pain of rejection so that we ourselves can be ministers of mercy.
None of us can do this work perfectly, but all of us must strive to do this work with great love. We do what we can ... and leave the rest to God.
Celebrating priests
There are a whole bunch of priests who are expected to show up in just over an hour's time for a special celebration that's taking place in their honour.
Last June, when the Holy Father declared the beginning of a special Year for Priests, plans were quickly put in place by a local group of lay people for a special celebration to thank and honour the priests of this diocese. Invitations were sent, tables of attendees were organized, and a special invitation was sent to the one who will preside and share words of wisdom with the gathered assembly.
Following the completion of the Eucharistic celebration, there will be a special meal at which some 600+ guests are expected.
This is indeed a rare occurrence. The group who has made all this happen have in the past held special occasions to pay tribute to priests who are celebrating specific anniversaries of ordination. This year, they have invited all the priests who are currently exercising their presbyteral ministry to attend. Together with parishioners from many of the parishes throughout the diocese, we will give thanks for the gift of priests in our midst.
With gratitude to those who have worked so hard to make this happen, and with the assurance of our prayer, we count on the intercession of the holy Curé of Ars, and the Blessed Virgin, mother of all priests. May the good work begun ... come to it's completion in the spirit in which it is intended.
Last June, when the Holy Father declared the beginning of a special Year for Priests, plans were quickly put in place by a local group of lay people for a special celebration to thank and honour the priests of this diocese. Invitations were sent, tables of attendees were organized, and a special invitation was sent to the one who will preside and share words of wisdom with the gathered assembly.
Following the completion of the Eucharistic celebration, there will be a special meal at which some 600+ guests are expected.
This is indeed a rare occurrence. The group who has made all this happen have in the past held special occasions to pay tribute to priests who are celebrating specific anniversaries of ordination. This year, they have invited all the priests who are currently exercising their presbyteral ministry to attend. Together with parishioners from many of the parishes throughout the diocese, we will give thanks for the gift of priests in our midst.
With gratitude to those who have worked so hard to make this happen, and with the assurance of our prayer, we count on the intercession of the holy Curé of Ars, and the Blessed Virgin, mother of all priests. May the good work begun ... come to it's completion in the spirit in which it is intended.
The Pope and youth
In a celebration reminiscent of the World Youth Day gatherings, the Holy Father prayed the rosary with University students from Rome and from various African nations via satelite on Monday of this week.
While Pope Benedict began each of the glorious mysteries by reciting the Our Father, students from various countries continued the recitation of the Hail Mary and the Glory Be to the Father, each in their own native tongues. This time of prayer also involved the recitation of litanies, a procession of the cross and various testimonies on the themes of reconciliation, justice and peace (the very themes being considered by the delegates to the Second Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops, currently being held in Rome.
"Dear university students of Rome and Africa," the Pope encouraged, 'I ask you to be operators of intellectual charity, which is necessary to face up to the great challenges of contemporary history, in the Church and in society. At university you must be sincere and passionate seekers of truth, building academic communities of the highest intellectual standard, where it is possible to exercise and enjoy that open and vast rationality that paves the way to the meeting with God."
His Holiness also presented (symbolically) a copy of his recent encyclical Caritas in Veritate to the students, encouraging them to make it's teachings their own.
While Pope Benedict began each of the glorious mysteries by reciting the Our Father, students from various countries continued the recitation of the Hail Mary and the Glory Be to the Father, each in their own native tongues. This time of prayer also involved the recitation of litanies, a procession of the cross and various testimonies on the themes of reconciliation, justice and peace (the very themes being considered by the delegates to the Second Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops, currently being held in Rome.
"Dear university students of Rome and Africa," the Pope encouraged, 'I ask you to be operators of intellectual charity, which is necessary to face up to the great challenges of contemporary history, in the Church and in society. At university you must be sincere and passionate seekers of truth, building academic communities of the highest intellectual standard, where it is possible to exercise and enjoy that open and vast rationality that paves the way to the meeting with God."
His Holiness also presented (symbolically) a copy of his recent encyclical Caritas in Veritate to the students, encouraging them to make it's teachings their own.
Back to the grind
Folks, I've been away from the keyboard for a few days, but as always, the newsmakers continue to churn out the stuff.
On Sunday past, His Holiness held a meeting (a rare occasion, since he doesn't normally hold meetings on Sunday other than the public Mass and Angelus recitation), with the Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs. The topic of discussion: preparations for World Youth Day 2011.
Be sure that even though not much is said on the public stage about the festivities being organized, there's lots a-buzz albeit soto-voce about putting things in place so that the week-long celebration for the world's youth will run as smoothly as possible.
Among the most recently canonized Spanish Saints (who doubtless will be highlighted during the coming WYD celebration), there figure the names of Saint Francisco Coll and Saint Rafael Arnaiz.
On Sunday past, His Holiness held a meeting (a rare occasion, since he doesn't normally hold meetings on Sunday other than the public Mass and Angelus recitation), with the Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs. The topic of discussion: preparations for World Youth Day 2011.
Be sure that even though not much is said on the public stage about the festivities being organized, there's lots a-buzz albeit soto-voce about putting things in place so that the week-long celebration for the world's youth will run as smoothly as possible.
Among the most recently canonized Spanish Saints (who doubtless will be highlighted during the coming WYD celebration), there figure the names of Saint Francisco Coll and Saint Rafael Arnaiz.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Raised to the altar
He was born Joseph de Veuster (1840), the son of a Belgian farmer, but gained his own degree of fame not in his father's fields but in the vineyard of the Lord.
On October 7, 1860 he began preparation for priesthood with the Picpus Fathers, perhaps more commonly known as the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, and received the religious name Damien, but while he was still a seminarian, he volunteered for missionary work in Hawaii. History revealed that he spent the rest of his life in the Pacific Islands, and became most famous for his dedication to the lepers of Molokai.
He contracted leprocy himself in 1885 and died in 1889 while still on the island.
On October 7, 1860 he began preparation for priesthood with the Picpus Fathers, perhaps more commonly known as the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, and received the religious name Damien, but while he was still a seminarian, he volunteered for missionary work in Hawaii. History revealed that he spent the rest of his life in the Pacific Islands, and became most famous for his dedication to the lepers of Molokai.
He contracted leprocy himself in 1885 and died in 1889 while still on the island.
During the Mass celebrated this morning in Saint Peter's Square, His Holiness canonized Fr. Damien, raising him to the highest level of veneration. From this day forward, he is known as Saint Damien de Veuster or Saint Damien of Molokai.
Saint Damien, pray for us.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
The Phantom prepares to strike
If Father Neil Boyd were surfing the net today, or even listening to Father Dudleswell's console radio, he might very well have heard the news yesterday that a Canadian 30-something year-old has just been hand-picked by Andrew Lloyd Webber himself to play the staring role in the long-awaited sequel to the Phantom of the Opera.
The new show, entitled Love Never Dies, is set 10 years after the supposed happenings of it's predecessor. In the coming months, watch the wires for more news about this up-and-coming production. If it's anything like the first run, it's bound for a long and very prosperous time.
The new show, entitled Love Never Dies, is set 10 years after the supposed happenings of it's predecessor. In the coming months, watch the wires for more news about this up-and-coming production. If it's anything like the first run, it's bound for a long and very prosperous time.
Holy things ... and other things
Anyone remember Father Duddleswell? He was one of the characters on a British comedy show known as 'Bless Me Father'. Some of the episodes still air from time to time.
Bless Me Father was set in another era, a time when the Church was viewed very differently than it is today, a much simpler time when priests (and other people too) spent time sitting around tables, talking to one another, enjoying bevrages, and far away from the influence of television and computers.
If Father Duddleswell lived in today's world, I'm not sure that he would be the most proficient at computer and internet communication. He may have the television playing off in the background, but he would still be the man of wisdom (perhaps just a bit crusty) who would always know the things that are currently going on in the world and how to relate the wisdom of the ages to the situations of modern day.
He would somehow find out what he could about the Synod of Bishops for Africa, currently happening in Rome, he might have glanced at the working document and the study notes published even before the beginning of the deliberations. No doubt he would sum them both up in classic British style, complete with some quip about how much wordsmitthing had been involved and wondering about what the ultimate outcome of such mind bending would result in.
Most probably, he would ask his faithful curate, Father Neil Boyd, to keep up with the daily interventions being provided by various delegates, not because he truly was interested in how the Church is still relevant in such a far-off land, but secretly because he truly cared about how the message of peace, forgiveness and reconciliation would continue to be preached, and how the people's response, commonly referred to as faith would continue to influence even other cultures throughout the world.
For his part, perhaps Father Boyd would be more interested in running away to the local Silver City to enjoy the newly released Couples Retreat, a romantic comedy which tries very hard to make its audience laugh. Unfortuntately, Bless Me Father had much more success than Couples Retreat ever will, so perhaps Father Boyd would be better off waiting for the release of Sherlock Holmes (due out at Christmas time).
Bless Me Father was set in another era, a time when the Church was viewed very differently than it is today, a much simpler time when priests (and other people too) spent time sitting around tables, talking to one another, enjoying bevrages, and far away from the influence of television and computers.
If Father Duddleswell lived in today's world, I'm not sure that he would be the most proficient at computer and internet communication. He may have the television playing off in the background, but he would still be the man of wisdom (perhaps just a bit crusty) who would always know the things that are currently going on in the world and how to relate the wisdom of the ages to the situations of modern day.
He would somehow find out what he could about the Synod of Bishops for Africa, currently happening in Rome, he might have glanced at the working document and the study notes published even before the beginning of the deliberations. No doubt he would sum them both up in classic British style, complete with some quip about how much wordsmitthing had been involved and wondering about what the ultimate outcome of such mind bending would result in.
Most probably, he would ask his faithful curate, Father Neil Boyd, to keep up with the daily interventions being provided by various delegates, not because he truly was interested in how the Church is still relevant in such a far-off land, but secretly because he truly cared about how the message of peace, forgiveness and reconciliation would continue to be preached, and how the people's response, commonly referred to as faith would continue to influence even other cultures throughout the world.
For his part, perhaps Father Boyd would be more interested in running away to the local Silver City to enjoy the newly released Couples Retreat, a romantic comedy which tries very hard to make its audience laugh. Unfortuntately, Bless Me Father had much more success than Couples Retreat ever will, so perhaps Father Boyd would be better off waiting for the release of Sherlock Holmes (due out at Christmas time).
Friday, October 9, 2009
A matter of interpretation
Children's minds are like spunges. They absorb everything they see, hear and experience from language to behaviour patterns, reactions and proactive gestures. They also can be extremely inventive. Perhaps that's why children particularly enjoy magic. The sense of wonder and awe at the unexplainable keeps their curiosity peaked.
Perhaps it is this child-like sense of wonder that allows us to hear fables and fairy tales that recount the struggles of good and evil (and which always turn out to have happy endings) and the stories of miraculous happenings in the world today as well as the world of yore.
How does a child from Sudan understand the story of walking on water, considering he or she probably understands only too well how precious water is as a commodity essential for life? Compare this reality to another child from, say, the Maldives, where fishing is a way of life and where water is abundant. Then there is the Canadian child who has grown up with hockey, and the literal capability to walk on water (albeit in the form of ice).
Recognizing the power of the imagination, and capitalizing on it in order to communicate a message is truly an art. With dedication and careful planning, it can be mastered, and truths can be spoken in a way that can touch the heart and change lives.
Perhaps it is this child-like sense of wonder that allows us to hear fables and fairy tales that recount the struggles of good and evil (and which always turn out to have happy endings) and the stories of miraculous happenings in the world today as well as the world of yore.
How does a child from Sudan understand the story of walking on water, considering he or she probably understands only too well how precious water is as a commodity essential for life? Compare this reality to another child from, say, the Maldives, where fishing is a way of life and where water is abundant. Then there is the Canadian child who has grown up with hockey, and the literal capability to walk on water (albeit in the form of ice).
Recognizing the power of the imagination, and capitalizing on it in order to communicate a message is truly an art. With dedication and careful planning, it can be mastered, and truths can be spoken in a way that can touch the heart and change lives.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Getting to know you
They arrived pretty well on time today. A different crew this time, with one or two exceptions. Every time we meet, there's a new adventure, for them and for us.
Today's adventure began when they walked in and found out the menu that we were preparing. For three of them, it was their very first experience at the BSCK. Perhaps they had heard about this exciting new project and wanted to learn more. Perhaps they really wanted to learn a thing or two, or perhaps they just thought it would be an interesting way to spend the afternoon.
It wasn't long before the tasks at hand were divided: one would help to prepare the sausage penne dish, another would get busy peeling apples for the crumble, a third was given salad prep duty a fourth got to experiment with the adventure of bread making, and a fifth found herself responsible for preparing pumpkin muffins (in tribute to the approaching Thanksgiving weekend). Before long, it was evident that some of them had never seen the inside of a kitchen, but they soldiered on, patiently (or impatiently) performing one task after another.
Participants in today's gathering are all part of the programming offered by the Sudbury Action Centre for Youth. These are the young adults who have not had too much given to them in life. For many of them, life is a struggle, even today, and this is a unique opportunity for them to learn a new skill, to interact with one another and to show their peers that they can take pride in the fact that they're preparing the meal for all their friends to enjoy.
This is a huge step for these teenagers to take. Some of them see an opportunity here to truly make a difference, to come clean and to do something with their lives. Others aren't there yet, but as long as they're willing to try, we're willing to help in any way we can.
The idea for the BSCK was born two years ago, and ever since then, this outreach program has taken off in directions we never would have dreamed about at the beginning. It's truly turned out to be a blessing for the parish, for those who participate and most of all for those who volunteer their time and talents.
No sooner does one group encounter come to an end, we're already planning for and looking forward to the next. Who will come through the door next time? What adventure will unfold?
Today's adventure began when they walked in and found out the menu that we were preparing. For three of them, it was their very first experience at the BSCK. Perhaps they had heard about this exciting new project and wanted to learn more. Perhaps they really wanted to learn a thing or two, or perhaps they just thought it would be an interesting way to spend the afternoon.
It wasn't long before the tasks at hand were divided: one would help to prepare the sausage penne dish, another would get busy peeling apples for the crumble, a third was given salad prep duty a fourth got to experiment with the adventure of bread making, and a fifth found herself responsible for preparing pumpkin muffins (in tribute to the approaching Thanksgiving weekend). Before long, it was evident that some of them had never seen the inside of a kitchen, but they soldiered on, patiently (or impatiently) performing one task after another.
Participants in today's gathering are all part of the programming offered by the Sudbury Action Centre for Youth. These are the young adults who have not had too much given to them in life. For many of them, life is a struggle, even today, and this is a unique opportunity for them to learn a new skill, to interact with one another and to show their peers that they can take pride in the fact that they're preparing the meal for all their friends to enjoy.
This is a huge step for these teenagers to take. Some of them see an opportunity here to truly make a difference, to come clean and to do something with their lives. Others aren't there yet, but as long as they're willing to try, we're willing to help in any way we can.
The idea for the BSCK was born two years ago, and ever since then, this outreach program has taken off in directions we never would have dreamed about at the beginning. It's truly turned out to be a blessing for the parish, for those who participate and most of all for those who volunteer their time and talents.
No sooner does one group encounter come to an end, we're already planning for and looking forward to the next. Who will come through the door next time? What adventure will unfold?
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
The way it is
In a gesture somewhat reminiscent of the meeting of priests from various English-speaking countries which took place in Niagara Falls (Ontario) in early September (see posts in this blog from Monday, September 7 to Friday, September 11, 2009), the delegates to the Second Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops were invited today to present a variety of the problems that their local churches are currently experiencing.
After his intervention, the Bishop of Bukavu (Democratic Republic of Congo) told the assembly Tuesday that while they were gathering in Rome to discuss the situation of the Church in Africa, a parish in his diocese was burnt down, his priests were attacked, and two were abducted and held for ransom.
He explained that he would be leaving the Assembly in order to return home so that he could spend time with the grieving and comfort the sorrowing. Following his explanation, many of the gathered prelates expressed words of personal support and prayer.
Even in our modern day, there are martyrs being born. May they intercede for the people of their own homelands, and for those who struggle in other parts of the globe to spread the Word of God to ears that have been blocked to the Good News.
After his intervention, the Bishop of Bukavu (Democratic Republic of Congo) told the assembly Tuesday that while they were gathering in Rome to discuss the situation of the Church in Africa, a parish in his diocese was burnt down, his priests were attacked, and two were abducted and held for ransom.
He explained that he would be leaving the Assembly in order to return home so that he could spend time with the grieving and comfort the sorrowing. Following his explanation, many of the gathered prelates expressed words of personal support and prayer.
Even in our modern day, there are martyrs being born. May they intercede for the people of their own homelands, and for those who struggle in other parts of the globe to spread the Word of God to ears that have been blocked to the Good News.
A final word
On the eve of his departure from the Canadian expanse, and while preparing for the next leg of the journey, which will take him to the city of lights, the outgoing Apostolic Nuncio to Canada celebrated a special Mass today with members of the Theology departments of Regis College, Saint Basil's College and Saint Augustine's Seminary, all of which are part of the Toronto School of Theology.
Within the walls of the Cardinal Flahiff Basilian Centre, Archbishop Ventura celebrated once more with those who have been entrusted with the transmission of faith to students who prepare for ministry in the Church. Here then is the text of his reflection, offered earlier today:
Tri-College Mass of the Catholic Faculties of Theology in Toronto
Wednesday October 7, 2009 - Feast of the Most Holy Rosary
Scripture Readings
Zephaniah 3:11-20; Psalm 84; Luke 1:26-38
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
It is a great joy for me to be here with you today and celebrate this Tri-College Mass with students and professors of the theological communities of the University of St. Michael’s College, Regis College and St. Augustine’s Seminary. I am most grateful to Sr. Anne Anderson, C.S.J., the President of the University of St. Michael’s College, Fr. Mario D’Souza, Dean of the Faculty of Theology, and the Catholic Faculties of Theology for their most gracious invitation.
In this celebration, I pay special tribute to the Congregation of St. Basil, the Society of Jesus and the Archdiocese of Toronto for providing privileged places in Canada for the study of Catholic theology through the Faculty of Theology of St. Michael’s College, Regis College and St. Augustine’s Seminary.
It is particularly significant to be here in the chapel of the Cardinal Flahiff Basilian Centre at the heart of the Toronto School of Theology for today’s celebration. Only weeks after Pope John Paul II appointed me Apostolic Nuncio to Canada in September 2001, I came here and celebrated my first Mass in Toronto in this very chapel with Fr. Thomas Rosica and his national staff as we prepared for World Youth Day 2002. How many memorable celebrations we held in this sacred place during those unforgettable months thanks to the hospitality of the Basilian Fathers!
Now eight years later, on the eve of my departure from Canada to take up my new mission as Apostolic Nuncio to France, I come here to give thanks to God for each of you, for the important mission of theology and preparation for ecclesial ministry entrusted to each of you, and for the memories of my episcopal ministry in Canada as representative of the Holy Father to this great nation and Church.
It is most fitting that my visit to you takes place on the day when the universal Church commemorates the Most Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This feast was instituted by Pope St. Pius V in thanksgiving for the great naval victory over the Turks at the battle of Lepanto on this day in the year 1570, a favor due to the recitation of the Rosary.
This victory saved Europe from being overrun by the forces of Islam. A second victory gained that year on the Octave of the Assumption determined Pope Clement XI to command the Feast of the Rosary to be celebrated by the universal Church. The Feast is a great festival of thanksgiving for the countless benefits bestowed on Christianity and on our Church through the Rosary of our blessed Mother.
Daughter of Zion and the Annunciation
Let us reflect for a moment on the biblical readings you have chosen for this celebration today. They reveal much to us about theological preparation for ministry, the role of Mary in the life of the Church, and the authentic needs of the faithful to whom you will be sent to serve.
The rich text from the Prophet Zephaniah [3:11-20] speaks of the “daughter of Zion”, the personification of the city of Jerusalem. The Second Vatican Council gave Mary this new title and role in the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church Lumen Gentium #52. As you know from your studies in ecclesiology, Lumen Gentium states that all theology and Marian piety belong to the mystery of Christ and to the mystery of the Church. The Church’s appropriation of the title “Daughter of Zion” for Mary has a rich Scriptural foundation. Mary illustrates the prophecies of the Hebrew Scriptures which ascribed value to the eschatological role of woman as mother both of the Messiah and of the new people of God.
Mary’s role as Daughter of Zion, or for that matter any of her roles in the life of God’s people can never be understood independently of Christ and of the Spirit which he bestows upon all humanity in dying on the cross. Mary, “Daughter of Zion” is the archetype of the Church as Bride, Virgin and Mother. Hers is not only biological virginity but spiritual virginity that is fidelity to the Scriptures, openness toward others, virginity and purity in faith.
Today we must also consider the flesh-and-blood dimension of Mary, between the old and the new Covenant, for Mary of Nazareth accomplishes the passage from Israel’s faith to the Church’s faith in the magnificent scene of her Annunciation in today’s Gospel (Luke 1:26-38). The event of the Annunciation and Mary’s life illustrate and recapitulate the structure of the Covenant of the Word of God and the responsorial attitude of faith. They emphasize the personal and Trinitarian nature of faith, which consists in a gift of the person to God who gives himself through revealing himself.
The Church of the New Testament begins to exist where the Word made flesh is embraced, cherished and served with full availability and openness to the Holy Spirit. This life of communion with the Word in the Spirit begins with the Angel’s announcement and extends to Mary’s existence. This life includes all the stages of the growth and the mission of the Word made flesh, in particular the eschatological event of the Cross where Mary receives from Jesus himself the announcement of the fullness of her spiritual maternity: “Woman, here is your son” (Jn 19:26).
In his opening address to the Synod of Bishops on “The Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church” exactly one year ago, Quebec’s Cardinal Marc Ouellet said: “A woman, Mary, perfectly accomplishes the divine vocation of humanity by her ‘yes’ to the Word of Covenant and her mission. Through her divine motherhood and her spiritual motherhood, Mary appears as the permanent model and form for the Church, like the first Church.”
The Rosary, Theology and Ministry
Now let us come back to today’s feast. In modern times successive popes have urged the faithful to pray the Rosary. It is a form of contemplative prayer, mental and vocal prayer, which brings down God’s blessing on the Church. It is a biblically inspired prayer centered on meditation on the salvific mysteries of Christ in union with Mary, who was so closely associated with her Son in his redeeming activity.
The Rosary is Christocentric setting forth the entire life of Jesus Christ, the passion, death, resurrection and glory. Of course, the Rosary honors and contemplates Mary too, and rightly so, for the same reason that the Liturgical Year does likewise: “Because of the mission she received from God, her life is most closely linked with the mysteries of Jesus Christ, and there is no one who has followed in the footsteps of the Incarnate Word more closely and with more merit than she” (Mediator Dei).
Meditation on this cycle of Joyful, Sorrowful, Glorious and Luminous Mysteries makes the Rosary not only “a breviary or summary of the Gospel and of Christian life but also a compendium of the Liturgical Year. The Rosary stands revealed as a dynamic teacher and nurturer of Christian faith, morality, and spiritual perfection, fostering in various ways faith, hope, charity, and the other virtues, and mediating special graces, all to the end that we may become more and more like unto Christ.
My dear friends, the Word of God has power to touch the lives of ordinary people through solid piety, authentic devotion and attentiveness to the living Word that is not locked in a remote past, enchained by scientific methods, presented in linguistic strangleholds, or covered with archaeological inconsistencies. While the biblical stories we read and contemplate come from a past time, their message is current.
Though the stories may be historically inaccurate, their writers were not authoring historiographies but living, theological messages that kept communities of faith alive. Given that archaeology has been so helpful in locating places, unearthing artifacts, confirming details in the text, the science of archaeology deals with dead stones and at times lost civilizations. Never forget that the Word of God deals with the living communities of faith who have handed down the message to us, a message that keeps alive our community of faith. It is to these communities that you will be sent.
Never forget that many people whom you will serve do not have the luxury, privilege, money, time or perhaps desire to delve into serious Scripture or theological studies. Their only encounter with the Word of God might be through the liturgy or popular piety and devotion, especially the rosary. For this reason, it is incumbent on those who teach and preach the Word of God to show respect and act humbly when we speak of piety and devotion.
Dear Friends, I cannot stand before you today without expressing my deep sorrow and emotion at the tragic events of the last weeks involving one of the bishops in this country. As pastoral ministers and those preparing for ministry in the Church, we are invited to fix our gaze and firmly place our faith in Jesus Christ, the Eternal Shepherd, who alone is the model offered to us as our Way, our Truth and our Life.
The Church in Canada bears the wounds together with the victims of a tragic past, and has made and continues to make systematic efforts to prevent the repetition of such abuses and exploitation. The Church in Canada has made every effort to establish safe environments that protect children and young people. Yet we can never underestimate the destructive power of sinfulness and evil that tears apart the fabric of our community. God’s grace will overpower these forces.
As we stand in a place of brokenness and vulnerability right now, I invite you all to prayer, silence and hope. Let us never forget the moving plea of Pope John Paul II at the conclusion of World Youth Day 2002 at Downsview Park in this very city:
“If you love Jesus, love the Church! Do not be discouraged by the sins and failings of some of her members. The harm done by some priests and religious to the young and vulnerable fills us all with a deep sense of sadness and shame. But think of the vast majority of dedicated and generous priests and religious whose only wish is to serve and do good! …At difficult moments in the Church’s life, the pursuit of holiness becomes even more urgent.”
The rosary helps us to pursue this path of holiness. In a recent visit to the Roman Basilica of St. Mary Major, Pope Benedict XVI prayed the rosary with the faithful and spoke these words that I make my own to each of you today as you continue in the theological enterprise to prepare for ministry in the Church:
“May Mary help us to welcome within ourselves the grace emanating from these mysteries, so that through us we can “water” society, beginning with our daily relationships, and purifying them from so many negative forces, thus opening them to the newness of God. The Rosary, when it is prayed in an authentic way, not mechanical and superficial but profoundly, it brings, in fact, peace and reconciliation. It contains within itself the healing power of the Most Holy Name of Jesus, invoked with faith and love at the centre of each ‘Hail Mary’.”
I promise that when I pray the rosary each day, I will remember you and remember the Church in Canada with deep gratitude, affection and joy.
Within the walls of the Cardinal Flahiff Basilian Centre, Archbishop Ventura celebrated once more with those who have been entrusted with the transmission of faith to students who prepare for ministry in the Church. Here then is the text of his reflection, offered earlier today:
Tri-College Mass of the Catholic Faculties of Theology in Toronto
Wednesday October 7, 2009 - Feast of the Most Holy Rosary
Scripture Readings
Zephaniah 3:11-20; Psalm 84; Luke 1:26-38
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
It is a great joy for me to be here with you today and celebrate this Tri-College Mass with students and professors of the theological communities of the University of St. Michael’s College, Regis College and St. Augustine’s Seminary. I am most grateful to Sr. Anne Anderson, C.S.J., the President of the University of St. Michael’s College, Fr. Mario D’Souza, Dean of the Faculty of Theology, and the Catholic Faculties of Theology for their most gracious invitation.
In this celebration, I pay special tribute to the Congregation of St. Basil, the Society of Jesus and the Archdiocese of Toronto for providing privileged places in Canada for the study of Catholic theology through the Faculty of Theology of St. Michael’s College, Regis College and St. Augustine’s Seminary.
It is particularly significant to be here in the chapel of the Cardinal Flahiff Basilian Centre at the heart of the Toronto School of Theology for today’s celebration. Only weeks after Pope John Paul II appointed me Apostolic Nuncio to Canada in September 2001, I came here and celebrated my first Mass in Toronto in this very chapel with Fr. Thomas Rosica and his national staff as we prepared for World Youth Day 2002. How many memorable celebrations we held in this sacred place during those unforgettable months thanks to the hospitality of the Basilian Fathers!
Now eight years later, on the eve of my departure from Canada to take up my new mission as Apostolic Nuncio to France, I come here to give thanks to God for each of you, for the important mission of theology and preparation for ecclesial ministry entrusted to each of you, and for the memories of my episcopal ministry in Canada as representative of the Holy Father to this great nation and Church.
It is most fitting that my visit to you takes place on the day when the universal Church commemorates the Most Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This feast was instituted by Pope St. Pius V in thanksgiving for the great naval victory over the Turks at the battle of Lepanto on this day in the year 1570, a favor due to the recitation of the Rosary.
This victory saved Europe from being overrun by the forces of Islam. A second victory gained that year on the Octave of the Assumption determined Pope Clement XI to command the Feast of the Rosary to be celebrated by the universal Church. The Feast is a great festival of thanksgiving for the countless benefits bestowed on Christianity and on our Church through the Rosary of our blessed Mother.
Daughter of Zion and the Annunciation
Let us reflect for a moment on the biblical readings you have chosen for this celebration today. They reveal much to us about theological preparation for ministry, the role of Mary in the life of the Church, and the authentic needs of the faithful to whom you will be sent to serve.
The rich text from the Prophet Zephaniah [3:11-20] speaks of the “daughter of Zion”, the personification of the city of Jerusalem. The Second Vatican Council gave Mary this new title and role in the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church Lumen Gentium #52. As you know from your studies in ecclesiology, Lumen Gentium states that all theology and Marian piety belong to the mystery of Christ and to the mystery of the Church. The Church’s appropriation of the title “Daughter of Zion” for Mary has a rich Scriptural foundation. Mary illustrates the prophecies of the Hebrew Scriptures which ascribed value to the eschatological role of woman as mother both of the Messiah and of the new people of God.
Mary’s role as Daughter of Zion, or for that matter any of her roles in the life of God’s people can never be understood independently of Christ and of the Spirit which he bestows upon all humanity in dying on the cross. Mary, “Daughter of Zion” is the archetype of the Church as Bride, Virgin and Mother. Hers is not only biological virginity but spiritual virginity that is fidelity to the Scriptures, openness toward others, virginity and purity in faith.
Today we must also consider the flesh-and-blood dimension of Mary, between the old and the new Covenant, for Mary of Nazareth accomplishes the passage from Israel’s faith to the Church’s faith in the magnificent scene of her Annunciation in today’s Gospel (Luke 1:26-38). The event of the Annunciation and Mary’s life illustrate and recapitulate the structure of the Covenant of the Word of God and the responsorial attitude of faith. They emphasize the personal and Trinitarian nature of faith, which consists in a gift of the person to God who gives himself through revealing himself.
The Church of the New Testament begins to exist where the Word made flesh is embraced, cherished and served with full availability and openness to the Holy Spirit. This life of communion with the Word in the Spirit begins with the Angel’s announcement and extends to Mary’s existence. This life includes all the stages of the growth and the mission of the Word made flesh, in particular the eschatological event of the Cross where Mary receives from Jesus himself the announcement of the fullness of her spiritual maternity: “Woman, here is your son” (Jn 19:26).
In his opening address to the Synod of Bishops on “The Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church” exactly one year ago, Quebec’s Cardinal Marc Ouellet said: “A woman, Mary, perfectly accomplishes the divine vocation of humanity by her ‘yes’ to the Word of Covenant and her mission. Through her divine motherhood and her spiritual motherhood, Mary appears as the permanent model and form for the Church, like the first Church.”
The Rosary, Theology and Ministry
Now let us come back to today’s feast. In modern times successive popes have urged the faithful to pray the Rosary. It is a form of contemplative prayer, mental and vocal prayer, which brings down God’s blessing on the Church. It is a biblically inspired prayer centered on meditation on the salvific mysteries of Christ in union with Mary, who was so closely associated with her Son in his redeeming activity.
The Rosary is Christocentric setting forth the entire life of Jesus Christ, the passion, death, resurrection and glory. Of course, the Rosary honors and contemplates Mary too, and rightly so, for the same reason that the Liturgical Year does likewise: “Because of the mission she received from God, her life is most closely linked with the mysteries of Jesus Christ, and there is no one who has followed in the footsteps of the Incarnate Word more closely and with more merit than she” (Mediator Dei).
Meditation on this cycle of Joyful, Sorrowful, Glorious and Luminous Mysteries makes the Rosary not only “a breviary or summary of the Gospel and of Christian life but also a compendium of the Liturgical Year. The Rosary stands revealed as a dynamic teacher and nurturer of Christian faith, morality, and spiritual perfection, fostering in various ways faith, hope, charity, and the other virtues, and mediating special graces, all to the end that we may become more and more like unto Christ.
My dear friends, the Word of God has power to touch the lives of ordinary people through solid piety, authentic devotion and attentiveness to the living Word that is not locked in a remote past, enchained by scientific methods, presented in linguistic strangleholds, or covered with archaeological inconsistencies. While the biblical stories we read and contemplate come from a past time, their message is current.
Though the stories may be historically inaccurate, their writers were not authoring historiographies but living, theological messages that kept communities of faith alive. Given that archaeology has been so helpful in locating places, unearthing artifacts, confirming details in the text, the science of archaeology deals with dead stones and at times lost civilizations. Never forget that the Word of God deals with the living communities of faith who have handed down the message to us, a message that keeps alive our community of faith. It is to these communities that you will be sent.
Never forget that many people whom you will serve do not have the luxury, privilege, money, time or perhaps desire to delve into serious Scripture or theological studies. Their only encounter with the Word of God might be through the liturgy or popular piety and devotion, especially the rosary. For this reason, it is incumbent on those who teach and preach the Word of God to show respect and act humbly when we speak of piety and devotion.
Dear Friends, I cannot stand before you today without expressing my deep sorrow and emotion at the tragic events of the last weeks involving one of the bishops in this country. As pastoral ministers and those preparing for ministry in the Church, we are invited to fix our gaze and firmly place our faith in Jesus Christ, the Eternal Shepherd, who alone is the model offered to us as our Way, our Truth and our Life.
The Church in Canada bears the wounds together with the victims of a tragic past, and has made and continues to make systematic efforts to prevent the repetition of such abuses and exploitation. The Church in Canada has made every effort to establish safe environments that protect children and young people. Yet we can never underestimate the destructive power of sinfulness and evil that tears apart the fabric of our community. God’s grace will overpower these forces.
As we stand in a place of brokenness and vulnerability right now, I invite you all to prayer, silence and hope. Let us never forget the moving plea of Pope John Paul II at the conclusion of World Youth Day 2002 at Downsview Park in this very city:
“If you love Jesus, love the Church! Do not be discouraged by the sins and failings of some of her members. The harm done by some priests and religious to the young and vulnerable fills us all with a deep sense of sadness and shame. But think of the vast majority of dedicated and generous priests and religious whose only wish is to serve and do good! …At difficult moments in the Church’s life, the pursuit of holiness becomes even more urgent.”
The rosary helps us to pursue this path of holiness. In a recent visit to the Roman Basilica of St. Mary Major, Pope Benedict XVI prayed the rosary with the faithful and spoke these words that I make my own to each of you today as you continue in the theological enterprise to prepare for ministry in the Church:
“May Mary help us to welcome within ourselves the grace emanating from these mysteries, so that through us we can “water” society, beginning with our daily relationships, and purifying them from so many negative forces, thus opening them to the newness of God. The Rosary, when it is prayed in an authentic way, not mechanical and superficial but profoundly, it brings, in fact, peace and reconciliation. It contains within itself the healing power of the Most Holy Name of Jesus, invoked with faith and love at the centre of each ‘Hail Mary’.”
I promise that when I pray the rosary each day, I will remember you and remember the Church in Canada with deep gratitude, affection and joy.
At the school of the BVM
Today is the Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary. In light of the fact that this day celebrates one who shows us the way to the merciful heart of the Lord, it's perhaps worth a moment to consider how we take this invitation seriously, or perhaps turn away from this opportunity in favor of other interests.
More than once during his numerous meetings with young people, the late Holy Father, John Paul II challenged them to turn away from the alure of society to fall victim to the false answers that society and the world around us offers. Instead, he invited them to turn to the true answer to all our longings, and to discover that Jesus himself is the only answer we truly need.
Not only does Jesus have the answers, but he has also given us the Blessed Virgin, a mother who cares for us with the love that only a mother can share, and has the ability to draw us closer to the merciful heart of her Divine Son.
The World Youth Day encounters which were introduced in 1984 continue today to invite young people to explore the questions that they may otherwise not even ask of themselves, much less of anyone else. Through individual and group discussions, catechetical sessions and liturgical moments, participants in the World Youth Day encounters are invited to discover and celebrate the One who calls them personally to follow him.
Amazingly enough, the power of words spoken and music sung reaches not only the hearts of youth, but others as well, who are still young at heart.
Some snippets from the special music commissioned for the concluding Masses are still available:
More than once during his numerous meetings with young people, the late Holy Father, John Paul II challenged them to turn away from the alure of society to fall victim to the false answers that society and the world around us offers. Instead, he invited them to turn to the true answer to all our longings, and to discover that Jesus himself is the only answer we truly need.
Not only does Jesus have the answers, but he has also given us the Blessed Virgin, a mother who cares for us with the love that only a mother can share, and has the ability to draw us closer to the merciful heart of her Divine Son.
The World Youth Day encounters which were introduced in 1984 continue today to invite young people to explore the questions that they may otherwise not even ask of themselves, much less of anyone else. Through individual and group discussions, catechetical sessions and liturgical moments, participants in the World Youth Day encounters are invited to discover and celebrate the One who calls them personally to follow him.
Amazingly enough, the power of words spoken and music sung reaches not only the hearts of youth, but others as well, who are still young at heart.
Some snippets from the special music commissioned for the concluding Masses are still available:
- World Youth Day 2005 (Cologne, Germany)
- World Youth Day 2008 (Sydney, Australia)
Second time a charm
He arrived this morning for the meeting that was scheduled. None of the rest of them could make it, but that didn't stop the mixture of friends getting caught up after a number of weeks (or is it months) of not seeing one another, and considerations given to the next steps that need to be implemented.
Actually this was the second time around, because he arrived yesterday, bleary eyed and bushy tailed, ready for the conflab that he thought was supposed to take place. Unfortunately for him, he'd mis-judged the day, the result of too little sleep (given the fact that he had not too long been disembarked from a trans-oceanic flight) and the added reality that there is just too much going on in some people's lives. Relief was the look he radiated when he learned that he'd anticipated the encounter by a full 24 hours. At least he could return to the peacefulness of slumber (if the rest of his life would permit it) and return for take 2 today.
It's not often that we get a second chance, an opportunity to stop the world, and just get caught up, either with sleep, or with a bit of something that's been left on the back burner. On the odd occasion that life throws us this kind of opportunity, perhaps we would be better to see it as a gift rather than a misconstrued obligation. Then we can come back for a second round, refreshed and ready to tackle the task at hand with renewed vigour.
Actually this was the second time around, because he arrived yesterday, bleary eyed and bushy tailed, ready for the conflab that he thought was supposed to take place. Unfortunately for him, he'd mis-judged the day, the result of too little sleep (given the fact that he had not too long been disembarked from a trans-oceanic flight) and the added reality that there is just too much going on in some people's lives. Relief was the look he radiated when he learned that he'd anticipated the encounter by a full 24 hours. At least he could return to the peacefulness of slumber (if the rest of his life would permit it) and return for take 2 today.
It's not often that we get a second chance, an opportunity to stop the world, and just get caught up, either with sleep, or with a bit of something that's been left on the back burner. On the odd occasion that life throws us this kind of opportunity, perhaps we would be better to see it as a gift rather than a misconstrued obligation. Then we can come back for a second round, refreshed and ready to tackle the task at hand with renewed vigour.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
MA-SMS
Thanksgiving is not far away, so to mark the occasion, we welcomed some 400+ students this morning.
When I asked them what the big fuss about this coming weekend was all about, they answered, 'It's Thanksgiving'. Pushed a bit further, the answers became a bit more interesting, 'It's a holiday, we'll have lots of food, including turkey.'
This was my cue. Kids were quick to point out the abundance that they would enjoy this weekend, but this blessing had to be understood in the light of another reality. Some of the younger children had brought cans of food which would eventually be distributed to food banks and other agencies throughout the city, so I picked one up, read the label and then explained that many of us take food for granted. Many of us have no shortage of vegetables available to us (assuming that we even like them), but like and dislike is a luxury that some children don't have. Rather, they must take what they get because they don't know where their next meal is coming from.
Perhaps children might understand the lessons of giving thanks if we challenged them to give up some time spent on an XBox or Wii machine, or even in front of a computer or television, and instead chose to spend some time actually talking with friends and family this weekend. That would create a whole different kind of Thanksgiving experience.
The challenge I thew out to them: dare to look around a room (any room) this weekend. Think not about what you see, but about the people who made this room possible, the people who gave of themselves so that the things we have could be purchased, the people who fabricated the things we take for granted ... and others in our world who don't have these things either because they can't afford them, or because things have been taken away from them. Think also about those who are suffering because of typhoons, earthquakes, and other natural disasters.
I wonder if Thanksgiving will be different this year.
When I asked them what the big fuss about this coming weekend was all about, they answered, 'It's Thanksgiving'. Pushed a bit further, the answers became a bit more interesting, 'It's a holiday, we'll have lots of food, including turkey.'
This was my cue. Kids were quick to point out the abundance that they would enjoy this weekend, but this blessing had to be understood in the light of another reality. Some of the younger children had brought cans of food which would eventually be distributed to food banks and other agencies throughout the city, so I picked one up, read the label and then explained that many of us take food for granted. Many of us have no shortage of vegetables available to us (assuming that we even like them), but like and dislike is a luxury that some children don't have. Rather, they must take what they get because they don't know where their next meal is coming from.
Perhaps children might understand the lessons of giving thanks if we challenged them to give up some time spent on an XBox or Wii machine, or even in front of a computer or television, and instead chose to spend some time actually talking with friends and family this weekend. That would create a whole different kind of Thanksgiving experience.
The challenge I thew out to them: dare to look around a room (any room) this weekend. Think not about what you see, but about the people who made this room possible, the people who gave of themselves so that the things we have could be purchased, the people who fabricated the things we take for granted ... and others in our world who don't have these things either because they can't afford them, or because things have been taken away from them. Think also about those who are suffering because of typhoons, earthquakes, and other natural disasters.
I wonder if Thanksgiving will be different this year.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Brother Sun ... Sister Moon
Today we remember and celebrate one of the bright lights of the Church's history. At a time when there was great opulence and squandering in the ways of society, and also within the ranks of the Church, there came a man who was to challenge the status quo.
Francis of Assisi was born to a wealthy family, but turned his attention away from the lure of earthly riches, preferring to live the life of a mendicant, begging for his living, and following a very ascetical life. He was the first to refer to animals in nature as our brothers and sisters, since we are all created by the same God. A movie about his life tells of his life-altering experiences and their effects on others of his time.
The Church traditionally blesses animals on this day, so some of the children of this parish were invited to bring their pets, who were introduced to others of their friends during the liturgy today.
The Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi is an occasion for us to give thanks for all the blessings of the earth, and to ponder questions about how we care for the creation that has been entrusted to our care.
Francis of Assisi was born to a wealthy family, but turned his attention away from the lure of earthly riches, preferring to live the life of a mendicant, begging for his living, and following a very ascetical life. He was the first to refer to animals in nature as our brothers and sisters, since we are all created by the same God. A movie about his life tells of his life-altering experiences and their effects on others of his time.
The Church traditionally blesses animals on this day, so some of the children of this parish were invited to bring their pets, who were introduced to others of their friends during the liturgy today.
The Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi is an occasion for us to give thanks for all the blessings of the earth, and to ponder questions about how we care for the creation that has been entrusted to our care.
Africa in Rome
This morning, Saint Peter's Square was awash in colour and song. With the words of the Laudes Regiae resounding, the procession snaked toward the altar to begin a Solemn Mass during which the Holy Father opened of the Second Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops. This meeting is scheduled to take place for the next number of weeks, and will consider various themes relevant to the life of the Church on that continent.
The theme chosen for this encounter is The Church in Africa at the service of Reconciliation, Justice and Peace. 'You are the salt of the earth ... you are the light of the world'.
Almost 400 participants are gathered in the Eternal City for this Assembly (see the numbers up close), the second to consider themes specific to Africa. The first, held in 1994, has been studied and applied in various ways since. Even now though, there are some marked differences, among which is the style of the liturgy used in some of the African nations.
With it's customary speed, the Vatican Communications Office has already posted the text of the Holy Father's homily for this morning's Mass in which he tied the theme of matrimony, apparent in the liturgical texts chosen for today's liturgy, to the work which has already been accomplished in preparation for the Special Assembly of Bishops, and the hope and prayer that their work over these coming weeks will also bear much fruit.
The theme chosen for this encounter is The Church in Africa at the service of Reconciliation, Justice and Peace. 'You are the salt of the earth ... you are the light of the world'.
Almost 400 participants are gathered in the Eternal City for this Assembly (see the numbers up close), the second to consider themes specific to Africa. The first, held in 1994, has been studied and applied in various ways since. Even now though, there are some marked differences, among which is the style of the liturgy used in some of the African nations.
With it's customary speed, the Vatican Communications Office has already posted the text of the Holy Father's homily for this morning's Mass in which he tied the theme of matrimony, apparent in the liturgical texts chosen for today's liturgy, to the work which has already been accomplished in preparation for the Special Assembly of Bishops, and the hope and prayer that their work over these coming weeks will also bear much fruit.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Gratitude for ....
Some days go by, and to the untrained eye, there is little if anyting going on. At first glance, one might think that today was one such day, but look closely and there were all kinds of things happening. For all of this, there is a word of thanks, although reasons for gratitude can sometimes seem a bit illusive.
On the other side of the world, sisters and brothers are suffering the effects of an earthquake and a typhoon. On this side of the globe, there's a part of us that is thankful because we are not there, but there is also another part of our spirits that stand with those who are suffering and grieving tonight. At the same time, we are united in spirit with those who continue the search efforts and the rescue of those who were caught unaware when nature struck.
This was also a week for celebration and tears as the announcements were made regarding the site of the 2016 Summer Olympics. So after visiting London (2012), the world will set its sights on Rio de Janeiro (2016). Brazil boasts the most Catholics of any country in the world, and it will be interesting to see what influence this predominantly Catholic country will bring to the world of Olympic competition. While Rio rejoices over this decision, Chicago and Madrid are perhaps still in shock over this decision, but even in the face of disappointment, there is room for thanksgiving because the ability to put forth an Olympic bid is truly a team effort, one that calls for cooperation from hundreds if not thousands of people.
Closer to home, this was a day for weddings, vows, promises and celebration. It was a day for families to rejoice, and for reflections to be offered about how words can challenge us to make a difference in our world. As light gives way to darkness, it's time to give thanks for all this, and to look forward in hope to what tomorrow will bring.
On the other side of the world, sisters and brothers are suffering the effects of an earthquake and a typhoon. On this side of the globe, there's a part of us that is thankful because we are not there, but there is also another part of our spirits that stand with those who are suffering and grieving tonight. At the same time, we are united in spirit with those who continue the search efforts and the rescue of those who were caught unaware when nature struck.
This was also a week for celebration and tears as the announcements were made regarding the site of the 2016 Summer Olympics. So after visiting London (2012), the world will set its sights on Rio de Janeiro (2016). Brazil boasts the most Catholics of any country in the world, and it will be interesting to see what influence this predominantly Catholic country will bring to the world of Olympic competition. While Rio rejoices over this decision, Chicago and Madrid are perhaps still in shock over this decision, but even in the face of disappointment, there is room for thanksgiving because the ability to put forth an Olympic bid is truly a team effort, one that calls for cooperation from hundreds if not thousands of people.
Closer to home, this was a day for weddings, vows, promises and celebration. It was a day for families to rejoice, and for reflections to be offered about how words can challenge us to make a difference in our world. As light gives way to darkness, it's time to give thanks for all this, and to look forward in hope to what tomorrow will bring.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Standing guard
In light of today's earlier post, perhaps it is somewhat providential (since some believe that nothing happens by mere chance), that today happens to be the Memorial of the Guardian Angels.
Although the Church has never officially said anything about the existence of guardian angels, popular piety has believed and taught that each of us has one of these celestial bodies assigned to us, to light our way, to guard us from evil, to rule our hearts and to guide us to the Father.
As a curious aside, in the process of doing some research about guardian angels, I came across another reference to Guardian Angels, a non-profit, international, volunteer organization of unarmed citizen crime patrollers. This group exist in New York and in other large cities where crime is rampant, and try to make a difference by patrolling the streets in collaboration with the local police force in an attempt to identify potential crimes and to cut them off at the pass.
Perhaps that's how we should understand the function of our heavenly partners too: as ambassadors of protection and goodwill, intended to protect us from harm and to help us avoid occasions that might get us into trouble.
Now this is something worth giving thanks for.
Although the Church has never officially said anything about the existence of guardian angels, popular piety has believed and taught that each of us has one of these celestial bodies assigned to us, to light our way, to guard us from evil, to rule our hearts and to guide us to the Father.
As a curious aside, in the process of doing some research about guardian angels, I came across another reference to Guardian Angels, a non-profit, international, volunteer organization of unarmed citizen crime patrollers. This group exist in New York and in other large cities where crime is rampant, and try to make a difference by patrolling the streets in collaboration with the local police force in an attempt to identify potential crimes and to cut them off at the pass.
Perhaps that's how we should understand the function of our heavenly partners too: as ambassadors of protection and goodwill, intended to protect us from harm and to help us avoid occasions that might get us into trouble.
Now this is something worth giving thanks for.
At all times, praise the Lord
The second psalm for Lauds (Morning Prayer) on the Sunday, Week I of the Psalter is taken from the book of the Prophet Daniel, and reminds us that all works of the Lord should bless the Lord at all times.
Blessing and praising the Lord is easy when life goes well. Even the discipline of prayer, conversation with God, is almost effortless when it entails songs and canticles of praise, or when there is reason for celebration, but at darker moments in life (and there are always such moments), it's more of a challenge to find a reason to be thankful.
Last weekend, the Holy Father accepted the resignation of one of the Canadian bishops. This came as a surprise to many, who could only guess at the motives behind such an action. As the week has unfolded, more details have unfolded, and the picture that is being painted leaves some wondering, others shaking their heads, and still others brought to their knees.
It's true that at moments of greatest trial, we are often reminded of our own fragility, and of the necessity for prayer and guidance. Listening for the counsel we seek is not always an easy task, especially if our minds are clouded or reeling from the plethora of questions that the human heart poses, yet this is exactly what we must do. While the systems of justice and government must also take their course, the best, most appreciated gift that we can offer is our prayer.
When the clouds are thickest, when the fog prevents us from seeing clearly, when there seems to be nothing on the horizon but more storms, it is difficult to believe that prayer can be efficacious, but it is precisely in times of doubt that faith is tested and strengthened. The fruits of this newest challenge will only be known in time. In the meanwhile, let us come in faith before the Lord, remembering those who suffer most, supporting them with our silent entreaties and supplications, and trusting that this too is a moment for giving thanks ... a moment of great grace.
Blessing and praising the Lord is easy when life goes well. Even the discipline of prayer, conversation with God, is almost effortless when it entails songs and canticles of praise, or when there is reason for celebration, but at darker moments in life (and there are always such moments), it's more of a challenge to find a reason to be thankful.
Last weekend, the Holy Father accepted the resignation of one of the Canadian bishops. This came as a surprise to many, who could only guess at the motives behind such an action. As the week has unfolded, more details have unfolded, and the picture that is being painted leaves some wondering, others shaking their heads, and still others brought to their knees.
It's true that at moments of greatest trial, we are often reminded of our own fragility, and of the necessity for prayer and guidance. Listening for the counsel we seek is not always an easy task, especially if our minds are clouded or reeling from the plethora of questions that the human heart poses, yet this is exactly what we must do. While the systems of justice and government must also take their course, the best, most appreciated gift that we can offer is our prayer.
When the clouds are thickest, when the fog prevents us from seeing clearly, when there seems to be nothing on the horizon but more storms, it is difficult to believe that prayer can be efficacious, but it is precisely in times of doubt that faith is tested and strengthened. The fruits of this newest challenge will only be known in time. In the meanwhile, let us come in faith before the Lord, remembering those who suffer most, supporting them with our silent entreaties and supplications, and trusting that this too is a moment for giving thanks ... a moment of great grace.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
The little way
For years, the Holy Father (whoever he happens to be) has spent a part of the summer vacation period at the Papal summer residence at Castel Gandolfo. While other Romans retreat to the seaside during the period known locally as ferragosto, the Pope and his entourage retreat to this lakeside villa where he rests and continues a somewhat restricted schedule of meetings and research until the beginning of October.
Today, when the Church celebrates the Memorial of Saint Therese of Lisieux, the Holy Father thanked the people who make his summer stay possible.
"(St. Therese's) witness", he said, "shows that only the Word of God, accepted and understood in its concrete requirements, can become the source for renewed live. To our society, often permeated by a rationalist culture and widespread materialism, St. Theresa of Lisieux shows, as a response to the great questions of life, the 'little way' which looks to the essence of things. It is the humble path of love, capable of enveloping and giving meaning and value to all human affairs".
More than a century ago, this Carmelite nun, who accepted the task of living a cloistered life, also chose to give her life as a spiritual pilgrim. Her little way of humility continues to inspire hearts young and old to come to the heart of God, where we all find the forgiveness which is offered and the joy that allows the spirit to be at peace even in the midst of torment, fatigue and physical suffering. Following Therese's example, each of us can find our little way, speaking words of reconciliation to our world today, and living as witnesses to the divine love shown to us in its fullness by Christ himself.
Today, when the Church celebrates the Memorial of Saint Therese of Lisieux, the Holy Father thanked the people who make his summer stay possible.
"(St. Therese's) witness", he said, "shows that only the Word of God, accepted and understood in its concrete requirements, can become the source for renewed live. To our society, often permeated by a rationalist culture and widespread materialism, St. Theresa of Lisieux shows, as a response to the great questions of life, the 'little way' which looks to the essence of things. It is the humble path of love, capable of enveloping and giving meaning and value to all human affairs".
More than a century ago, this Carmelite nun, who accepted the task of living a cloistered life, also chose to give her life as a spiritual pilgrim. Her little way of humility continues to inspire hearts young and old to come to the heart of God, where we all find the forgiveness which is offered and the joy that allows the spirit to be at peace even in the midst of torment, fatigue and physical suffering. Following Therese's example, each of us can find our little way, speaking words of reconciliation to our world today, and living as witnesses to the divine love shown to us in its fullness by Christ himself.
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