On the road again

All good things must someday come to an end. So it is that before I could believe it, the few days break that have been enjoyed since Christmas came to an end today, and I found myself seated once again behind the steering wheel, companion at my side and pointed in the direction of our northern destination (but not so far north really).

I remember many years ago reading a poem (although I have no idea today who the author was, or where to find the text) that spoke of cars travelling. In the language of poetry, automobiles were personified and described as though they were indeed human, complete with metal bodies, glass eyes which illuminated when needed, and even mouths which breathed the onrushing air, and spewed smoke when their 'bodies' were overheated.

This image came back to me today as we travelled. The traffic was light, but evidence of the most recent snowfall was still all round us, including some lanes which were still impassible, waiting for the plows to pass by, cleaning them and coating them with salt. Thankfully, all was uneventful, except for a brief stop to refill the windshield washer reservoir (can't take the chance of running short of that stuff on messy days like this).

Back at home now, the torrent of responsibilities and to-dos will soon be upon us, so buckle up and get ready to get on the road again.

A visit to the estate

Lunch behind us, our hunger pangs tended to, the next stop on the route took us to the Niagara wine region and the Hillebrand Wine Estates.

My first visit to this particular winery happened some months ago when I was in the region for a conference, and I liked what I saw so much that I thought I should pay a return visit. Actually on my first visit, we had enjoyed a delectable lunch in the restaurant (complete with tastings of the appropriate wine accompaniments), and then joined an organized tour of the vineland before visiting the boutique and being introduced to even more fruits of the labour performed in this place. It was during this visit that I was introduced to some of the gagets that have also been recently invented so that connaiseurs and ameteurs alike can get the most out of their wine tasting adventures, and thus I had to return in search of some ingenius gifts which I can now share with others.

Gifts in hand (and a little lighter of pocket) we returned home, ready to experiment with our new acquisitions, whenever the time is right. Oh, and no we did not add any bottles of the liquid gold to our purchases this time round ... that will have to wait until the next time.

Lunch with the bunch

Only just returned from the morning festivities in metopolitan Erin (Ontario), we found just enough time to thaw out and then get on the road again.

This time, the destination was the local dim sum restaurant where we met with some friends for a Christmas-New Year's celebration lunch. The crowd around this table was originally estimated to be about 10, but with some who found out only at the last minute that they had other obligations, we were then fewer than planned. Luckily, we had also invited a few last-minute guests, so the table was full (except for one spot, and that's not always a bad idea because you never know who might show up at the last second).

As more and more of the small dishes were presented, and the pots of tea were emptied, stories and conversations were told and retold. These indeed are special times shared with friends: times for friendships to be strengthened, and for stories of the adventures and misadventures of our lives to be told.

When all are sufficiently suffoncified, we set out on the route toward new adventures, promising to meet again so that the storytelling can continue.

What can I carry?

As if there were not enough confusion going on at Canadian airports these days, there are now increased (again) security announced just today:

Mounties are now helping to ease commuter chaos at Canada's major airports, as airline officials enact tough new restrictions for flights headed to the United States. Transport Minister John Baird called the RCMP Sunday night, and asked that officers be stationed at Canada's largest airports to help speed up security checkpoints.

The new restrictions came after the attempted Christmas Day bombing of a U.S. airline.
U.S.-bound passengers are no longer able to bring carry-on bags into the cabin of the aircraft, according to Transport Canada. The only items passengers may carry are:

• medication or medical devices
• small purses
• cameras
• coats
• items for care of infants
• laptop computers
• crutches
• canes
• walkers
• containers carrying life-sustaining items
• a special-needs item
• musical instruments, and
• diplomatic or consular bags

"Additional searches of passengers and their exempted items will continue. Delays can be expected so passengers are advised to arrive at the airport three hours in advance of their scheduled flight," Transport Canada said in a statement. "These measures are expected to be in place at least for several days."

Besides the usual pre-boarding security checks that have been in place since 2001-- such as restrictions on liquids and gels in carry-on bags -- the new checks include additional physical pat-downs of passengers.

The long line-ups that marked Sunday appeared to be shorter at most flight centres in Canada on Monday, and most flights to the U.S. are departing on time. That's in contrast to Sunday, when dozens of flights to the U.S. were cancelled or delayed. At Pearson International Airport alone -- Canada's busiest airport -- more than 160 flights were cancelled. Those that did go were typically delayed by one to five hours.

On Monday, Pearson officials said operations were running more smoothly, after Air Canada consolidated some flights and operated larger aircraft on certain routes.

Meet the flame

The sun was still hidden below the horizon when we rolled out of bed this morning. Now some may wonder why we were up so early, given that today is a statutory holiday and all else seems to be on the quiet side. Answer: we had a rendez-vous in the town of Erin, Ontario.

Today is day 60 of the Olympic Torch Relay, and early this morning (she had to report at 7:00 pm), our very own Priscilla Lopes-Schliep, 2008 Olympic Silver medalist (100m Hurdles) was one of the torch bearers for a staggering distance of 300m along the route which took the flame to the Erin Community Arena. Of course, that meant that her local fan club, including family members from all points of the GTA needed to be present.

It's not every day that one of your family members get to carry the Olympic torch, and this fame will not be repeated for at least another 4 years, and who knows when it will happen again in Canada, much less whether any of those nearest and dearest to us will be involved in the passing of the flame. Other than immediate family members young and (ehem) not so young, the crowd seemed to involve a good number of the locals as well as a host of imports, all of whom were there for the few moments of fame. We all got our pictures taken (for posterity's sake) and then the moment was over.

Given the fact that the temperature read a balmy -3 degrees celsius, but that the wind chill made it feel more like -10, we didn't have to be convinced to find shelter within the arena where there were various hot beverages waiting, or within our own vehicles, each of which made its way home.

It's amazing what the human body will endure so that the human spirit can soar, even just for a few seconds of fame with a flame.

To fly or not to fly

The weeks immediately leading up to Christmas, and the week following are usually a very busy time around airports in this and many other countries. Since rail travel in this country is definitely declined in its population density in recent decades (thanks to the affordability of other means of transportation), automobile and air transport are the current means of choice.

Knowing that an increased number of passengers would be frequenting airports at this time of year, perhaps it should come as no surprise that someone tried to wreak havoc on Christmas Day. As a result, security has been tightened in the last two days to levels unprecedented until now, and the result is delay after delay, and increasing levels of frustration for travelers who must wait up to four hours now while clearing all the security checkpoints before being allowed to board their flights.

Reaction like this is not unknown, although I wonder whether it does anything short of reassuring the public that something is indeed being done. True, the world we live in has changed drastically since the World Trade Centre was leveled in 2001, and what was considered situation normal then is definitely far from normal today. However, the chances that similar incidents will be repeated (except by copy cats) is relatively minimal. Instead, they who are responsible are probably already hard at work devising the next surprise for the rest of us.

In the meanwhile, if we continue to react only (and I'm not suggesting for a moment that we shouldn't proceed with measures aimed at caring for those we serve), then this world will continue to become more and more restricted until we may very well not be able to recognize where we live or what we have become.

Knowing that the perpetrators of this and other similar incidents are aiming for the most bang for the buck, we have every right and obligation to be careful, so we understand the measures that are being imposed, and we are willing to put up with the resulting delays (for a while) but this should not stop us from traveling. To do so would be to play into their hands, and the result would be that we would become prisoners in our own society ... in our own home.

Catching up

Gifts have been exchanged. Meals have been shared. Everyone, friends and family members alike have had a chance to meet the baby. It's amazing how calming a baby can be to the rest of us. It seems as though all of life stops when there is a newborn in the room ... and yes, we even have a few pictures to prove that all of this has taken place.

By comparison to all the visiting, today is a quiet day. This too will be a chance to visit, but at a much more intimate level, in a quiet manner, and time to relax and be rejuvenated. These quiet moments are also precious, for they allow us to catch our breath and to appreciate the value of family and friends.

Take time today to give thanks - to someone, for something - and to enjoy some time for peace.

Traditions old and new

Childhood memories come back, especially at Christmas.

As a very young child, I remember Christmas morning involving meeting at the church for Mass and then continuing with a visit to my grandparents' house where we would share a 'traditional' Christmas morning breakfast (which was really more like brunch). In our family, this is the only time of the year when garlic pork is served (although there are some who would love to prepare this recipe at other times of the year. This meal is served with anise seed bread, a rosted ham and schnaps of gin.

Once the meal is complete, the exchange of gifts takes place, and then we switch homes, and end up with other family members for supper. In this way, we get to see all the cousins, aunts and uncles ... all in one day.

In more recent years, since it's not always possible for us to be present for the rituals proper to Christmas day, another layer to the routine has been added, that being a meeting for a meal on Boxing Day. This usually involves a variety of dishes, reflecting the various traditions that have been blended into the current day family. Extended family and friends are always welcome at the table, bringing their stories and experiences with them as well.

This year, we have the joyous addition of a new baby who adds her special warmth, love and joy to the already existing atmosphere where memories blend with new traditons in the making.

Calm returns ... but not before the storm

Even before the liturgies were celebrated last night, there was news that something strange had happened at the Vatican during the 'midnight' Mass (actually celebrated this year at 10:00 pm local time). As it turns out, a Vatican spokesman says a woman jumped the barriers in St. Peter's Basilica and knocked down Pope Benedict XVI as he walked down the main aisle to begin Christmas Eve Mass.

The Rev. Ciro Benedettini said the pope quickly got up and was unhurt. Benedict, 82, calmly resumed his walk to the basilica's main altar and began the Mass late Thursday.

Benedettini said the woman who pushed the pope appeared to be mentally unstable and had been arrested by Vatican police. He said she also knocked down Cardinal Roger Etchegaray, who was taken to hospital for a check up.

The British Broadcasting Corporation tells the story in pictures.

***

By now, most of the going and coming of Christmas day has ended. This was a day for families and friends to visit with one another, to exchange greetings and gifts, to share meals together, to participate in traditions of various kinds, and for strangers to meet once again.

For some of us, this was a day to be spent on the road (literally). Luckily, the traffic was relatively light due to the fact that most people have completed their traveling by this point, and are reunited with loved ones in various parts of our globe. As we arrived in this metropol, and deposited the travel companion at the place where he would spend the night, an unexpected pleasure was also afforded in the form of a contemporary from the days of formation, who happens to be the pastor at said parish. After a lapse of more than 15 years, we finally had a scant few moments to get caught up. It seems that we are in different worlds now, but there are still bonds that keep us together.

In addition, there were some other friends present, who share cohabitations and who happened to be visiting today. These new faces are now inserted in the list of those I've had the privilege of meeting, and look forward to spending more time with in the future.

Christmas traditions are important, so even though I don't get the opportunity of late to be present for the family morning rituals on Christmas day, I try my best to be here for the evening editions, and this year was no exception, although I think for some of those who were there, it was a surprise that I was able to join them. Nonetheless, stories were shared, we all got caught up and we had a wonderful meal together. Tomorrow, according to the established traditon, the family visits will continue, this time at our homestead, so I'm sure there will be preparations to be made, and lots of stories exchanged. Stay tuned for the updates.

Last night in song

Enter a place where human voices combine to pay homage to a child king and what do you find? Last night, there were dimmed lights: perfect for setting a prayerful mood; and choral singing: reminiscent of the carolling that has taken place in places such as these since many of us were little children; and just the very faintest odour of something sweet, not the perfume from the floral arrangements but rather the scent of incense (which by the way was among the first gifts given to the child who is celebrated in these days).

As the midnight hour drew near, more and more people found their way through the door, and the dulcid tones of familiar and not-so-familiar tunes wafted in the air.

Perhaps this might give an added sense of how things were.

From Bethlehem to Nazareth

It's Christmas morning, and out on the ice, not a creature is stirring (except a few priests and church mice).

The first two Masses of Christmas are now complete. As expected the first celebration involved more than a packed house, complete with the cast of children, their parents, grandparents and other family members ... as well as other up-and-coming actors who have not yet reached the stage (in both senses of the word) of actually playing an active role in the recounting of the story. There were newcomers, and old timers, those who understood the liturgy and those who 'just wanted one of those bread things' before scrambling for the door.

And then there was the later celebration, which this year brought some 400+ persons to this place of prayer. This crowd came from all parts of the city. Many were unknown to me, but nonetheless, they were and are all welcome, for we are all pilgrims on the way.

Speaking of pilgrims, the reflection for this year's celebration focuses on the journey that was undertaken by two Nazarenes that first Christmas, and draws some parallels for us today. Have a read if you'd like to know more, or listen in to the way it was ... just last night.

Children tell their story

What happens when you invite a group of children to tell a story about a child? Answer: they do it and do it very well, because it takes the innocence of a child to explain the secret to the story of God's child who once came among us.

The words of tonight's gospel were repeated, a story that we adults have heard countless times. Editorial inconsistencies aside, the words themselves come alive in a very real way when they are enacted before our very eyes. When children are asked to do this, they have a way of adding their own slant to things, and that's just fine because it allows us (the more experienced children) to remember a time when we too would play, when we too would wait for this night with wrapped attention, when Christmas Eve was a time filled with surprises and a certain magic that filled us with anticipation and excitement.

Adults too can dream this dream, if we allow ourselves to become children once again, even just for a short while. Better yet, if we dare to truly live this story, not as one written so many years ago to recount an historic happening, but as an alegorical retelling of our existence today (and the world into which Christ was born was not so very different from the one we find ourselves in today), then we might be surprised at the insights we might glean, and the compassion that the gospel invites.

Of course, living this compassion in concrete ways is what life is all about, but putting it into action is where the rubber hits the road, and that's not always easy for us to do because it means that we must first admit that we are not perfect, and second that we need to rely on one another, but most importantly on the One who once came as a helpless child in order to teach us the way to true peace.

Calm before the storm

There is an almost erie silence in the halls at the moment of writing. Earlier today there was a fair bit of hussle and bussle as the last-minute preparations were put in place, the pots of poinsettia were arranged and placed just so, and the wreaths were hung.

Now the luncheon dishes are done, the floors have been mopped and the only ones left around the place are those who don't have to venture out into the traffic. In just over an hour's time, this serenity will be shattered as scores of children and their families descend upon this place.

Once again this year, a number of the children have been invited (and well prepared) to tell the story of that first Christmas. It's always exciting for parents and grandparents to see their little ones take an active role in bringing this story to life ... and it's always refreshing for those of us who are privileged to be bystanders to the spectacle to see the unique way that each child accepts his or her responsibility to tell it to the best of his or her ability.

Singers have been rehearsed, actors know their moves, musicians have their instruments all tuned up ... at least for now all seems to be ready.

Now, on with the show.

Love soup

A few weeks ago, I received a phone call from the spiritual care coordinator at the Maison Vale Inco Hospice. Her question: would I be willing to facilitate a Christmas service for the residents? I should know better than to question such invitations, for they are always much more of a blessing for the giver than for the recipient.

As the day drew nearer, I also invited two others to join me, so that we could make this day a celebration for the residents. It's difficult to comprehend the realities these people and their families are facing ... at least until we see them, and begin to familiarize ourselves with their situations.

The Hospice is a place where people go to die. This can be a very scary place, and the questions and issues they deal with are very serious ones. Often, this is the place where truths are told, where there is no more room for disception and where it's SO important that people be welcomed with love and compassion.

All but one of the residents was present for today's service, and they all sang with gusto as familiar words and tunes were repeated. This was truly a celebration of Christmas ... albeit a day early (but who'se counting?).

After the prayer service, residents returned to their rooms, and my companions and I were treated to a tour of the facility. From the time you cross the threshhold, it's evident that hospitality and compassion live here. There are intimate corners for conversations and visiting, and there are large spaces for gatherings of all kinds. This is truly a home, complete with a kitchen which never runs short of cookies and food, and places for residents as well as their families to be comfortable, to chat and even to scream if they need to. There is constant nursing supervision and doctors are on call 24-7. Even the soup is referred to as 'love soup'.

It's amazing how the space is so easy to be in. Attention to details such as the colour of paint on the walls, and the presence of candles to memorialize those who have recently completed their earthly journey, and quilts for family members to take home when they leave the building for the last time, and a porch that overlooks Lake Beth-el, and even the makings of an outdoor path for hiking and clearing the mind ... all this is present, but most of all there are people present, from the time you enter the door, who care, who love and who will go the extra mile to make sure that you feel right at home.

What a blessing for those who enter. This indeed is a place where God dwells, and where miracles happen.

Shepherd for Saskatoon

This morning, the Holy Father appointed Msgr. Donald Bolen, a priest of the Archdiocese of Regina, and until most recently, Vicar General of that Archdiocese, as Bishop of Saskatoon (SK).

The Archdiocese of Saskatoon has been vacant (without a bishop) since His Excellency, Albert LeGatt was transferred to the Archdiocese of Saint Boniface (MB) on September 21 of this year.

With this appointment, there is only one vacant diocese in Canada, although to be sure, Yarmouth is under the pastoral care of the Archbishop of Halifax, so there are only a number of requests for Auxiliary Bishops yet to be tended to.

Lest we forget

Perhaps in an effort at reconciliation, one of my Ukrainian friends has 'politely reminded' me about one of the Polish martyrs who figured in the list of published decrees from the Congregation for the Causes of Saints which appeared yesterday. So, with due reverence we must inform you about the martyrdom of the Servant of God Jerzy Popieluszko, diocesan priest; born Sept. 14, 1947, in Okopy Suchowola, Poland, and killed for hatred of the faith Oct. 20, 1984, near Wloclawek, Polond.

His beatification liturgy will take place in the near future, and if there is one more miracle attributed to his intercession, he will be rocketed to the level of Saint.

In the hill country

Preparing for Christmas takes all kinds of twists and turns, inlcuding space for prayer and meditation. Who better to teach us about the divine gift of Love but the one who was chosen to bring Him into the world?

In case you haven't heard, text copies of the reflection about Mary and Elizabeth (main characters in today's gospel) and what they can teach us are available for your own edification. The podcast version is also available for those who prefer to hear the dulcid tones eminate from their computer speaker system.

Enjoy ... and happy 4th Advent.

On the road to sainthood

This morning in Rome, the Holy Father approved 21 decrees posited by the Congregation for Causes of Saints. This is probably the most decrees published by this Congregation in a very long time.

Among those most well-known in these parts are:

• a miracle attributed to the intercession of Blessed André Bessette (born Alfred), religious of the Congregation of the Holy Cross (known affectionately as Frère or Brother André); born in Saint-Grégoire d'Iberville, Canada, Aug. 9, 1845, and died in Montreal, Canada, Jan. 6, 1937;
• a miracle attributed to the intercession of Blessed Mary MacKillop (born Mary Helen), founder of the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Sacred Heart; born Jan. 15, 1842 in Fitzroy, Australia, and died Aug. 8, 1909, in Sydney, Australia;
• the heroic virtues of Servant of God Pius XII (Eugenio Pacelli), supreme pontiff; born in Rome on March 2, 1876, and died in Castel Gandolfo on Oct. 9, 1958;
• the heroic virtues of Servant of God John Paul II (Karol Wojtyla), supreme pontiff; born May 18, 1920, in Wadowice, Poland, and died in April 2, 2005, in Rome; and
• the heroic virtues of Servant of God Mary Ward, founder of the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Loretto Sisters), born in Mulwith, England, Jan. 23, 1585, and died in Hewarth, England, Jan. 30, 1645;

The process followed for the declaration of sainthood is quite involved, and requires a total of two miracles to be attributed to the intercession of the person in question. One miracle is required for a Servant of God to be raised to the level of Blessed, and a second miracle is required for the Blesseds to be declared Saints.

Expect to see these elevations take place sometime in the future. Mary McKillop would be the first Australian-born saint and therefore well and truly celebrated by Aussie Catholics.

The process of investigation for Causes of Saints was outlined most recently by His Holiness John Paul II in the Apostolic Constitution Divinus Perfectionis Magister (Jan 25, 1983) and further clarified by a series of norms adopted on Feb 7 of that same year. Procedures for the rite of beatification were published in a communiqué dated September 25, 2005 and the most recent instruction (entitled Sanctorum Mater) describing the procedure for conducting diocesan or eparchial Inquiries into the causes of Saints, guidelines to assist local churches in the process of compiling the data necessary for the introduction of a Cause for sainthood, were published on May 17, 2007.

Carols for Mary

The scriptural references proper to the fourth Sunday of Advent focus our attention on Mary, the Mother of Jesus. As we prepare for this week's celebrations of Christmas, it is fitting that we should focus on the love of a mother who has become mother to us all. Her tender love, shown from the time of her YES continues even today.

In the continuing tradition of musical richness proper to this season, perhaps a hymn portraying Mary's reflections is appropriate. Hope you enjoy it. May its gentle melody bring peace to your souls as we prepare for the celebration of Christ's birthday.

While we're on the subject

In light of yesterday's last post, no collection of celebratory hymns would be complete without a nod to the Italian musical traditions so well entrenched especially for this time of year.

More later.

On the lighter side

After all the mind boggling writing today, it's fitting perhaps that a bit of a different slant be added to the mix, if for no other reason than to remind us that we're in need of it.

Preparing for Christmas takes many forms, including the practice of caroling ... something that seems to have disappeared from these parts except perhaps in hospitals and homes for the aged, so sit right back, grab your favorite samosa and come with me on a whirlwind tour of Christmas music from various parts of the world:

In Germany, many will gather to celebrate Stille nacht, the occasion which is perhaps best described in the well-known hymn O Holy Night. The Christmas scene would not be complete without homage being paid to the Shepherds Abiding in the Field or to the Three Kings who came to visit. Among the most well-known of First Nation's contributions is the Huron Carol and in the Punjab region of India, Christmas might look like this.

Happy listening!

Eucharistic adventures

For the second day in a row, I celebrated Mass with high school students today, and for the second day in a row, I must admit that I have more questions than answers.

There was great care and attention given to detail in the planning and execution of this most recent celebration, but there are a number of questions left in the mind and heart of one who perhpas knows too much about the way things are.

For many years now, Catholics in French-language Canada have relied on resources such as Signe d'aujourd'hui and Vie liturgique to provide ideas and suggestions for the liturgical action that takes place when the faithful gather. The problem with becoming too dependant on such resources is that we can become laissez-faire about the work involved in planning liturgy, relying on pre-structured celebrations. Although these may be beautiful in their own right, they leave much to the discretion of individual taste, and can actually contravene the established norms (more on this below).

On Holy Thursday of 2003, the Holy Father, John Paul II published an Encyclical Letter entitled Ecclesia de Eucharistia (translated the Church of the Eucharist) in which he spoke of the central role of the Eucharist in the life of God's people. In this encyclical, His Holiness reflected on various aspects of the life that is drawn from the Eucharist and the strength that sustains all those who receive it. He also made reference to the fact that He had at that time asked the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of Sacraments and the Congregation for Doctrine of the Faith to establish norms for the celebration of the Eucharist.

One year later, these Congregations published the Instruction Redemptoris Sacramentum which outlined 'certain matters to be observed or to be avoided regarding the Most Holy Eucharist'. These matters include such details as who can validly preside at the celebration of the Eucharist, the approved materials (officially referred to as the matter) to be employed for the preparation of the bread and wine which is transformed into the body and blood of the Lord, the proper reception of the Eucharist by priests and the faithful, care of the sacred vessels, vestiture for the celebration of Mass ... and many other such details. This instruction now forms the basis for the proper celebration of the Eucharist and should be followed whenever the faithful gather for this celebration.

Admittedly, there is always room for cultural adaptations, and this Instruction has indeed posed a number of questions in the interest of limiting the creativity that can be employed when planning a Eucharistic celebration, but the fact remains that there is still much work to be done in the realm of education for all those who have the important task of catechising our children and students, not to mention the adults who are part of the Church, who themselves may benefit from a deeper understanding and appreciation of the beauty contained in the gestures and words proper to the celebration of our common prayer.

Moving and shaking

Those in the know are only too well aware of how occupied the days of December can be, especially as we prepare for the celebrations of Christmas. First there is the shopping, and of course the preparation of gifts to be shared, and then there are greetings customarily shared with friends and family in various ways throughout these days, and not least of all, the religious observances of the Nativity of the Lord.

Busy-ness seems to be the order of the day, and not only in our homes and lives, but the lives of others.

In Rome, there has recently been a plethora of house cleaning going on. In recent days the Vatican Information Service has published details about some changes being made to the Code of Canon Law, the 'rules' that govern certain practices within the Church. In particular, these changes affect cases of Marriage between Catholics and non-Catholics (can. 1086, 1117 and 1124).

In addition, certain changes have been instituted to the understandings of the effects of Ordination, especially in canons 1008, 1009, 1086, 1117, 1124 and 1127.

One possible understanding of these changes is to favour enhanced understandings between the Roman Church and the Eastern Churches who have until now enjoyed certain 'differences' in our theologies especially when it comes to understanding the relationships, rights and duties proper to bishops, priests and deacons. As to the changes which affect the directives proper to marriage, these are probably meant to align some longstanding difficulties of interpretation which have no doubt caused some end of frustration for those charged with the particular responsibility for interpreting cases of marriage nulity and declarations of freedom.

One thing is certain, the Church has its human side as well as its divine dimension. Although both may have as their intention the ultimate goal of unity with God and with one another, at least the more imperfect of the two seems to be particularly adept at finding fisures in the armour, and ways to complicate situations which were initially intended to be the fulfillment of a divine dream.

A concise examination of this case has already been posted on Tuesday of this week. Have a look.

***

As if this were not enough, there is news today that Archbishop Emmanuel Malingo, who is well known in Vatican circles as a (ehem) independent thinker, has once again landed himself in hot water. As of this morning, not only has the Church imposed an excommunication (actually entered into effect since 2006) but a more grave punishment in the form of a laicization for him. This is particularly surprising since laicizations are not normally imposed on those who have already been advanced to the order of Bishop.

This case too has clarifications which may make it more understood by those of us who do not yet have advanced qualifications in the world of Canon Law.

Some seed fell ...

There are some days which seem to run one into another without ceasing. On days like this, there never seems to be enough time to accomplish the things that need to be attended to, much less finding the time to reflect and appreciate what is taking place before our very eyes.

Then, there are days when certain activities lend themselves profoundly to the realization that there is indeed something happening in our very midst and we do well to pay attention to the signs that speak (or try to speak) to us.

Many of the days in the immediate past fit nicely into the former category, but today there was at least one moment which had to be put into the latter.

I received a phone call yesterday from a (shall we say) paniced high school chaplain who had only just discovered that the priest who was scheduled to celebrate Mass this morning with the almost 900 students at one of the local high schools, had indeed come down with something horrid and would be unable to be present. His panic was audible as he asked, 'would it be at all possible for you to help?' I try my best to be available to schools whenever possible, so of course I acquiessed and made plans to be present at the beginning of today to preside at the Mass.

The scene upon my arrival at the school was typical: students arriving and disembarking from their various buses, proceeding to their lockers and then to home room. Everyone seemed to know where they were headed ... except for me and my companion. It was only a few moments though before one of the staff members noticed the two lost souls and came to our rescue. Accompanying us to the door of the chapel (for fear perhaps that we would continue to wander aimlessly if left untended), she then left us there to await the iminent arrival of the chaplain, who she assured us would have all the answers. So said, so done.

The welcomes were very cordial; I even met a number of students and staff who I know. I'm not sure whether they were more surprised than I to find me presiding this morning, but be that as it may, here we were.

It's been a while since I presided at a liturgy in a high school, and particularly in this high school. As the liturgy continued, and I remarked to myself the absence of familiarity on the part of the students with the accusomed responses which are only too well known by others who know this ritual, I couldn't help wondering whether something has been lost since the departure of the Basilian Fathers who spent so many years teaching in these parts.

From outward appearances, one would agree that these students were very polite. What is usually a place of sport and raucus vocalizing was transformed for an hour or so into a place of worship, but I still wonder whether those gathered were truly interested in what was unfolding in their midst. All around me, there were signs of small conversations going on between neighbours and friends.

Given the fact that the deacon had himself reflected upon the authority of the Baptist's voice as he spoke to crowds on the bank of the Jordan river, and contrasted it with the inquietude in his words as he spoke to his disciples from prison, I couldn't help wondering whether these students, so unfamiliar perhaps with the reality of what is taking place in their very midst, truly appreciated the gift that was being offered to them. I thought for a moment about stopping the proceedings to wake them up as it were with an explanation about the gift of self-giving that is offered to us in the body and blood of Jesus himself, poured out in love for us all, but of course I didn't follow through.

Still, the musing continues. I wonder whether the seed planted in this soil, the hearts of youngsters who seldom have the opportunity to celebrate sacraments, or to deepen their faith, has the nourishment necessary for full and abundant growth. Even if the food is offered to them, do they accept it, or do they leave it by the roadside, get choked by the thorns of daily life and its accompanying worries, or do they just get lost in the rocks that are scattered hither and thither?

In the end, ours is not to question, but to believe that somehow, God will continue to do His work. We are only cooperators with Him, and He alone is the master builder.

Another day of firsts

Saturdays usually follow a slightly different kind of pattern. There aren't the same comings and goings but that just leaves room for other kinds of activities.

With less than two weeks to go before Christmas, it's time to break out the fruit that's been marinating for the last month or so in the back room. There's enough to make at least three if not four batches, so today was the day for the first kick at the can. Luckily I had some helping hands to assist with the preparation. This particular recipe is a family tradition, passed down from who knows how many generations. Christmas in our house would not be the same without it, so it's worth the effort and the many steps involved. The baking took the better part of the morning, and while we were waiting for the cooking to take place, we also took advantage of the time to whip up a batch or geneties, Italian cookies flavored with Anice liquour. They were a hit at the party tonight.

Speaking of parties, tonight was the chosen occasion for one of the Christmas family celebrations with friends. A leisurely evening filled with family life, food, fun and laughter. Visits of this sort are really good for those of us who are one step removed from the normal grind of today's family life. Not only does it keep us connected with some of the realities that families must face, it also provides valuable insight into the rubber hits the road life issues that others are facing, in many cases the same issues that we must be aware of if we are going to be valuable ministers and helpful counsellors to those who seek our assistance.

A bit of Christmas cheer and good hearted fun don't hurt either.

Visiting the folks

Today was another day for being an ambassador, and for introducing our newly-arrived companion to parts of the city.

First, we paid a visit to the elementary school, and he met the principal who welcomed us with open arms, even though we arrived in the middle of the day, and there was no shortage of activity to be found. There is only one more week left of school (after today) and as a result, the kids are restless to say the least. Next week will bring a constant flow of activity including a concert and of course the penny tables which have been set up as potential fundraisers for the school.

Later tonight, we returned to the same neighbourhood, this time to visit with some parishioners. Sitting around their table gave us a chance to visit with them and to share our stories all in a relaxed environment. As we walked out the door at the end of the visit, we couldn't help wondering when we'd be back.

Joy in the air

As we look forward to the third Sunday of Lent, traditionally known as Gaudete Sunday (the Sunday of exceding joy), why not prepare in a musical fashion?

Who better to set the tone than Trevor Pinnock, one of the most foremost musicologists. In this case, the piece being discussed is the first vocal score for the famous Messiah by Georg Fredrik Handel. Of course no celebration of joy would be complete without reference to other passages in this great musical work such as the tenor opener in the narrative of the operetta and of course the choral opener which sets the stage for the first part of the work, all the texts of which celebrate the Advent period of waiting for the celebration of Christmas.

Forgiveness understood

In the early hours of this evening, children gathered with their parents in one of the neighbouring churches to celebrate the Sacrament of God's forgiveness for the very first time. As these newcomers to the sacrament of mercy approached, there was nervousness, fear and perhaps other emotion bubbling beneath the surface, but what was taking place was much more than they could possibly comprehend.

The miracle of divine forgiveness takes us mortals entire lifetimes to comprehend, and even when we think we've got it figured out, there is always a deeper level at which we must appreciate the value of the gift shared with us.

On this particular occasion, the children's parents were also invited to avail themselves of the opportunity to celebrate God's forgiveness. This, I found out, came from a request first voiced by one of the parents a few years ago, and continued annually since that time. What a wonderful example for children to see their parents also practicing what they preach.

Reconciliation is often the most difficult of sacraments for us to approach because at its core, it forces us to face the fact that none of us is perfect. The very act of admitting our weakness and recognizing that we must ask for forgiveness puts us in a very vulnerable position. Perhaps this is part of the reason why, in a culture where weakness and vulnerability are frowned upon, we find it most difficult to admit that this is so. However, to do otherwise would be to deny our humanity, and the truth that only God is in charge: in effect playing God ourselves ... but wasn't that what got us in trouble in the first place?

When the students come marching in

One of my responsibilities as pastor of this parish is to forge links with the young people who frequent the schools in this area. Students from one of the neighbouring high schools came down to the church today to attend the parish Mass.

It's important that we allow the students to see other parishioners in action, as they attend the Mass together, and it's equally important that we allow the parishioners to interact with the students. Sometimes this means that there are a few who are (just a little bit) put out by the disruptions to their regular routines but it takes an entire community to raise a child, and children themselves are more than willing to share their enthusiasm with us, something that we are sometimes afraid of even though we might want to be the most welcoming.

Today, these students brought their talents as well as their enthusiasm. As the first group arrived in the church and moved immediately into the choir loft, it didn't take long for them to begin 'practicing' the songs they would lead during the Mass, even if this would interrupt the recitation of the rosary (something that others do almost by rote every day in this place). Then again, the newcomers didn't have a clue about the 'normal routines' or they might have joined in as well.

Those who thought that they might be in for a quiet noon hour encounter must have been surprised (to say the least) to find themselves engulfed in the midst of more than 500 bodies, including the students and staff from the school. Each student who entered the church received a programme, including an outline of the liturgy and relevant responses which they were encouraged to recite at the appropriate times. I'm not sure that the adults in the crowd also received these aides, but it's entirely possible that some may have accepted them out of curiosity at the very least.

Eucharistic celebrations with youth are always wonderful opportunities both to do some catechising (which can be accomplished with words if necessary), and to encourage active participation. At times, this means that there can be a few surprises, but then again, that's what happens when things are live, and when there is life to be celebrated.

Hopefully, this community has provided a gift to the students who came to pray with us. I know as well that they have shared the gift of their faith, with all its quirks and unexpected turns and twists, with those who come often to find solace, sanctuary and silence here. For all this, we are thankful.

Winter arrives

We awoke this morning to a curtain of white.

The first storm of the winter season was predicted for days, and is so widespread that it is affecting parts far and near. Many parts of daily life appear to be paralyzed. There is news even in the early morning hours that the school buses have been hauled off the roads, and that will doubtless lead to severely reduced numbers of little ones in the corridors of schools today.

The snow is scheduled to continue for the better part of the day, so travel will also be curtailed, but that won't stop life as we know it. Some who we know, and many who we don't, are travelling today and will doubtless face any number of delays. If they're smart, they will only travel if necessary, and even then, will take extra precautions to make sure that they arrive safely.

Thankfully our new houseguest travelled yesterday and not today. This means that he can begin the process of settling in while not having to worry about the dangers imposed by all the fluffy stuff flying about.

Companions on the journey

Last week, I was asked to accompany a seminarian who is contemplating service within our diocese. The decision to accept this responsibility had to take place in a relatively short time, somewhat in the same manner as I might imagine the decision had to be made by Mary when the angel announced the divine plan to her and asked her to consider playing a part in its fulfillment.

Today was the day. He arrived this afternoon, full of questions, but understandably reticent to speak them yet. It's only been a few hours and already he's met most of the other inhabitants here. From what I've seen things are going well so far. The next six months or so will tell their tale, one day at a time.

I'm sure that this newest adventure will also bring with it a string of blessings and challenges for all involved. Like Mary and Joseph, we greet this news with great joy, but we also look forward to all that is to come with just a bit of anxiety and a corresponding amount of hopefullness. One thing is certain, each one here has a part to play in the building of this community, so we welcome the newcomer and wish him well.

Order out of chaos

The readings proper to today's liturgy paint some stark realities, and a juxtaposition that is worth at least a moment's reflection.

On the one hand, the first chapters of the book of Genesis, specifically parts of the third chapter, tell the story of Adam and Eve and the conversations they have with God once they're 'found out'. Isn't it interesting that human beings will cling so unflaggingly to maintaining their own innocence, even if they are the furthest thing from innocent. In the case of the biblical couple, they responded to God's questioning by passing the buck, first from one to the other, and then to the serpent.

As the questioning continues, it appears that they dig themselves further and further into a hole, one that we are still trying to find our way out of at times. Thankfully though, God sent his son to set things right again, and for this we are eternally thankful (pun intended).

Today's feast is also (and perhaps more importantly) about the role of Mary in our salvation history. In fact, the Church teaches that her role was so pivotal that God intervened at the moment of her own conception to save her from the effects of original sin, the effects of Adam's folly, and to preserve her from this pain so that she might be kept pure and spotless in preparation for the day when she would fulfill her destiny as the vessel through which the Redeemer himself would be brought into the world.

It was Fulton Sheen who mused that only God has ever had the privilege of choosing his own mother, and of bestowing such a precious gift upon her from the very beginning of her life. Today, as we hear the gospel account of Mary's visitation with Elizabeth, and the mutual greetings they exchanged, we rejoice in thanksgiving for the gift of life that was shared so freely with Mary, and we seek her intercession on our behalf so that we might always strive to grow in our appreciation for the infinite love God has for us all.

Time for fraternity

This time the invitation was received from a diffeent source, and gladly accepted.

Tonight, priests in this part of the world sat together to pray on the eve of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. This was a significant moment, as we were invited to remember various elements of our Mother, the one who brings us all to the heart of her Son with such efficiency that we cannot resist the invitation.

Having taken the time to touch the divine (or at least to be conscious of it), we were then invited to sit at a different table ... one where stories were told. where food was shared, and where fraternity was built, not with bricks and mortar but with words, laughter and the confluence of ideas shared.

In an era where many are asking questions about priests and our relevance, it is even more important than ever before that such moments as these are made available, and capitalized upon as occasions for reinforcing the bonds of friendship and indeed the sacred ties that unite us all as servants of the sacred.

Advent in the air

What happens when you begin a day with two groups of people, all of whom come to pray, to celebrate, to find words of wisdom and to receive simple but profound gifts offered to all those who ask ... and then are surrounded with children (and their adult companions) who are preparing for the upcoming celebration of Christmas?

How is this enhanced by a visit with a grieving family who are preparing to ritualize their farewell to a father, a husband and a cousin who has lived 90 years on this earth, 66 of them married to his loving wife?

Then add a stop at a pre-Christmas celebration with some unsung heroes who continue quietly to reach out to the most needy in our society, and to do their best to promote friendship among those who in so many ways are at risk of being cast aside by the powers that be who make the rules for our society.

All of this and more is part of a day's work when we're living the season known as Advent ... preparing for the winter festival of Christmas.

... and then

Ok, so at least I've created a bit of a stir, or perhaps only a ripple, but at least the last post generated some response.

The rest of the story involves a dinner engagement with a friend who I haven't seen for a long time ... which went well until it was interrupted by a phone call beconing me to the hospital. I'm on call on Saturday evenings, and there was a couple who have recently arrived from out of town and who were requesting my presence.

By the time I arrived, the patient in question had been admitted to the OR, and his wife was waiting for his return while sitting in the corridor. I proceeded to sit with her, to chat with her, to listen attentively as she recounted the details of their travel to Sudbury, and the ensuing series of appointments and tests, all of which led up to the present moment.

More than an hour elapsed while she spoke and I listened, offering words of assurance and encouragement as best I could. Finally the attending physician appeared to deliver the verdict: her husband would soon be transferred to recovery and she could thus move to that area to await his arrival.

I escorted her to the relevant space, and made sure that the nursing staff were aware of her change of locale, then left her in their capable hands.

As I walked out of the hospital, another nurse who was near the door remarked, 'Back again, eh?' ... and my reply, 'All in a day's work'.

One of those days

Has this ever happened to you?

The day actually began long before the sun was up. I was tossing and turning, remembering a whole lot of things that needed to be tended to, and most of these are time sensitive. If they don't get looked at or solved today, they will only leak into tomorrow, and that might be too late (in some cases).

With a mixture of emotions that waffled between wanting to take advantage of a few more moments for rest and slumber, and the ever-pressing urgency to get to the tasks at hand, I wrenched myself from the comfort of slumber and plunged into the day.

First there were phone calls to be made to the families of the two individuals for whom we will celebrate funerals in the coming days. I'd heard about them yesterday, but hadn't had a moment to touch base until today. Then there was the ever-present task of sorting out some thoughts for a reflection to be shared with the community that will be gathered here in a matter of moments for the first of the weekend liturgies.

No sooner did I have this task completed than I raced out to open the doors of the church (we have to let the people in if they're going to be able to pray here), and there in the sacristy I found the secretary hard at work sorting out the envelopes for next year's collections. We've had them on hand for a few weeks now, but finally it's time to put them out so that those who need them can find them. I thought it best that I should stick around and lend a hand. After all, she's not usually here on Saturdays, so I wanted to make this process as painless as possible, but it still took some time to sort out the boxes of envelopes, to arrange them in alpha order and to set them out so that they can be easily identified.

That was an hour or so ago, and since that time there have also been a number of other phone calls to be made, and of course people who have wanted to be shriven of their iniquities. Now it's off to the divine synaxys ... Check in later to find out more about this roller coaster day.

New beginnings

Today was another new beginning.

I stepped foot into Collège Notre-Dame this afternoon to meet with one of the teachers. Our goal was first to meet with some of the staff, and to tour the school, just so I'd have an idea of where things are. Second, our visit was meant to prepare (just a bit) for the students' Lenten-Christmas liturgy.

What an honour ... to be invited to preside at a liturgy with students from a French-language high school ... especially because I'm currently serving in an English-only environment. The staff members made comments about their recognition of energy and enthusiasm on my part. I am inerested to see how this encounter will pan out, but I'm also somewhat aprehensive about how things will roll out. These students are vertually unknown to me, and I am also to them, but this first exercise in breaking the ice is probably a good start.

Two weeks yet remain before our encounter, and the planning is well underway. From what I hear, those involved in the planning process are excited about the possibilities. We'll just have to wait to see what happens when the rubber hits the road.

Human and divine

Human beings gather in the presence of the holy, coming to seek forgiveness for the weakness we know only too well. Here we listen in the silence for words of wisdom, for inspiration to help us live the lives we have been entrusted with, and to live them to the full. Here we speak prayers, verbal offerings and entreaties enunciated on behalf of others and for our own good. Here we receive gifts freely given ... gifts which are far too precious to ever be squandered, but gifts which are too often ignored by too many. Here the feeble words of human voices join to praise the Author of all, to entrust cares of various kinds to His loving embrace and to speak our own vibrating (or silent) amen.

Here the tender love of the One who has created us, welcomes us and celebrates because we have come home. Here simple gifts prepared by human hands are transformed by divine hands, into the food of eternal life, and returned to us as nourishment for our souls.

Here wounded hearts are restored to wholeness, the unforgiven discover words of comfort and peace, the searching find answers and the lost and forgotten find a welcome that surpasses every desire.

When the human and divine meet, there is great love, there is great celebration, there is great love. Any response on our part seems feeble, but any response is welcome, not as a requisite, but as a response spoken and accepted as a gesture of comprehension between two worlds.

The day of rings

Today is the liturgical feastday of Saint Francis Xavier. While the church celebrates this day, and remembers the Jesuit missionary who spent so much of his life evangelizing in India and in Japan, there is another tradition which is continuing today (a little closer to home).

In particular, Saint Francis Xavier University, located in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, traditionally holds its convocation ceremonies on this day. The festivities begin with a special Mass celebrated in thanksgiving for years well spent, for lessons well learned, and for wisdom discovered. During the day, degrees are conferred and the famous St.FX rings are distributed (yes, to every one of the graduates). In the following days, diplomas are awarded to those who have completed studies in the various Diploma programs and other achievements are duly recognized.

Across Canada, there are a number of St.FX chapters which have been established, and each of them is also invited today to celebrate a Mass and to mark the occasion in a suitable fashion. In some places, there is a special supper, in others there is a wine and cheese, in all of them, there is a time for catching up with goings on at St.FX and for renewing aquaintences with former X-men and women who are currently in the area.

This is a wonderful way to maintain school spirit, and to continue the tradition first begun by the Saint himself - never fearing to go to places not yet discovered, in order to preach the good news of Christ risen, and to continue doing the work of reconciling and proclaiming the truth of life to the full given, promised and proclaimed for us all.

White morning

It fell so silently that no one knew about it until the early morning hours (except perhaps for those who were suffering from insomnia last night).

This morning, we awoke to a white blanket of snow. The temperature had fallen below freezing, and the ground around us had been painted white in the darkness of night. This winter reality, which has been absent until now, and which has caused more than just a bit of conversation and speculation, has provided many with extra opportunities for enjoying autumn much past the time that we would normally do so, but it seems to finally have come to an end.

Reports from the weather experts say that this winter is going to be particularly cold, so it's great that we've had an extended period of time to enjoy some warmer weather until now. Finally we seem to be catching up with the way things should be, and perhaps it will be a white Christmas after all.

A fitting farewell

The people of God gathered today to bid farewell to a brother, an uncle, a pastor, a friend, a respected part of the community for so many years.

He came to us from another part of the province, bringing with him the gifts and talents that were his. In his latter years (he was 57 years old when he accepted his last assignment and moved to the western end of the diocese) he was still able, and more than willing to accept the challenge of shepherding in a place that could not always have been easy.

His natural affinity for welcoming confreres, and for reaching out to friends and strangers alike allowed many of us to know his heart in a way that endeared us to him, and which ultimately drew us to his side in this final moment of his earthly existence.

Throughout his life, he never ignored an opportunity to serve, particularly among the sick, the infirmed and those who called for help. He had an undying sense of responsibility for service to the church and to the people entrusted to his care. He also had a compassionate heart which prompted him to speak out and even to fight on occasion for the rights of the people he was so close to. His sense of community never waned, and his love for things outside the realm of the sacred (like the hockey games that took place not far from his home) and the power that such occasions have to unite voices and hearts, were also important both to him and to others who respected him and looked to him for leadership.

During our terrestrial existence, human beings have the uncanny knack of competing with one another for attention, and this sometimes leads us to look uncharitably at others, especially if they are closest to us. Only at the moment of separation do we sometimes seem to recognize the gift we once had, but for those we particularly love, these gifts are all pervading and should be spoken on this side of the curtain so that they can be properly acknowledged both by the giver and by the intended receiver.

True, we believe that a soul, once released from the bonds of mortality is free to enjoy eternal life, and to interact with the moral world in ways that are not always understood by those who are still on the way. To this extent, he now knows of our affection, made manifest in the crowds who gathered for his final farewell, and demonstrated with great dignity and love today. We must believe also that he is now interceding for us with the father in a way that he was never able to intercede before.

Oh, and the party that he has now joined is the source of everlasting joy and fulfillment.

May he rest in peace.

Welcoming newcomers

This past weekend, Ayla was introduced to the parish and to some of the people who frequent that particular place of prayer. As her parents and grandparents brought her into that place, I wonder what was going through their heads.

For some, perhaps there were concerns about how she would be welcomed. For others, perhaps there was a bit of excitement at the prospect that this was the beginning of what will be (hopefully) a long and fruitful part of her life for years to come. She herself had no knowledge of this first encounter, and it will be quite some time I'm sure before she does recall any association with this building, with the people within or with the significance of moments that may very well spring from this significant moment.

How she relates to the parish community, and to any other community of friends, relatives or acquaintances, has much to do with the seeds that are planted now. Like a garden that is planted after the winter snows have departed, faith only grows if it is tended to, fed and watered at regular intervals. Where the sources of these nutrients will come from is already agreed upon: her parents are already her first teachers in the ways of the world; they will also be her first teachers in the ways of the faith. There will also be many others to help ... her aunts and uncles, her grandparents ... and others.

The responsibility of parenting is multi-faceted, and the learning curve for new parents is often very steep. They need hands to help with the physical nurturing of their child, and they need voices to speak words of advice to help them guide their newborn in the ways of wisdom. They also need voices to speak words of wisdom, and the example and prayer of others to guide them in the way of faith. Without these, any life in faith would quickly perish and die of thirst, lost to the winds of current influence, but with them, there is at least the possibiity if not the promise that faith will take root, in the heart of the child who is still too young to know anything different, and possibly even in the hearts of parents who question the value or importance of putting forth the effort required, first to experience for themselves the value of community and faith, and then to share these precious gifts with the little one who has been entrusted to their care.

Living disciples

Today is Saint Andrew's day. In the early hours of the day, I spent some time with the Office of Readings, and the recitation of Morning Prayer. The scriptures particular to this day are appropriately reassuring and challenging at the same time.

The first Office of the day today includes a citation from 1 Cor 1:18-2:5 which always causes me to wonder ... but then again that's not a bad thing. This wisdom of the cross that far surpasses the wisdom of the world leaves us mortals wondering at times. Those of us who have discovered a glimpse of this truth know somehow that we're on the right path, but every now and then, the apparent wisdom of the world crowds in and the result is that I for one end up sympathizing with the first hearers of Paul's communication to the Church at Corinth.

Wisdom in the 'ordinary' sense of the word can apply to those who operate in the confines of this world. That's true, but it leaves one sadly inept if we try to apply the same principles of logic to the case of God and the divine ways that appear so different.

The second part of today's reflection, an excerpt taken from one of Saint John Chrysostom's sermons, tries to shed some light on the proper understanding of this scripture passage.

After Andrew had stayed with Jesus and had learned much from him, he did not keep this treasure to himself, but hastened to share it with his brother. Notice what Andrew said to him: We have found the Messiah, that is to say, the Christ. Notice how his words reveal what he has learned in so short a time. They show the power of the master who has convinced them of this truth. They reveal the zeal and concern of men preoccupied with this question from the very beginning. Andrew’s words reveal a soul waiting with the utmost longing for the coming of the Messiah, looking forward to his appearing from heaven, rejoicing when he does appear, and hastening to announce so great an event to others. To support one another in the things of the spirit is the true sign of good will between brothers, of loving kinship and sincere affection.

Notice, too, how, even from the beginning, Peter is docile and receptive in spirit. He hastens to Jesus without delay. He brought him to Jesus, says the evangelist. But Peter must not be condemned for his readiness to accept Andrew’s word without much weighing of it. It is probable that his brother had given him, and many others, a careful account of the event; the evangelists, in the interest of brevity, regularly summarise a lengthy narrative. Saint John does not say that Peter believed immediately, but that he brought him to Jesus. Andrew was to hand him over to Jesus, to learn everything for himself. There was also another disciple resent, and he hastened with them for the same purpose.

When John the Baptist said: This is the Lamb, and he baptizes in the Spirit, he left the deeper understanding of these things to be received from Christ. All the more so would Andrew act in the same way, since he did not think himself able to give a complete explanation. He brought his brother to the very source of light, and Peter was so joyful and eager that he would not delay even for a moment.

The treasure that had been discovered when the disciples found Jesus, and discovered that the truth he spoke resonated within their hearts, burned to be proclaimed to brothers and friends alike. In the same way, the truth that we discover about Jesus, and about his call for all of us to follow in his footsteps should excite the same response on our part.

These reflections are particularly helpful especially if the human heart has grown cautious and lukewarm or dare we say complacent. If as a result of this day's prayer and action, we experience a renewed excitement about the invitation to discipleship, or are renewed in our resolve to follow in His footsteps, then perhaps the Spirit is indeed hard at work, and we would do well to listen.

Baby time

By the end of the day today, I was gathered with members of the family for a meal and for some cherished together time. This was the first time that many of them got to meet Ayla, so it was no surprise that she was willingly passed from hand to hand, adored by aunts, uncles and cousins alike. Since there are other little ones expected on this side of the family, little Ayla, who hit the two-week milestone just a few days ago, was doing her part to stir up the excitement and adoration levels among the adults who had not held a baby for ... too many years to count.

This little angel does not make a sound (yet) unless she's hungry, so it isn't difficult to decipher her intentions. Either she's asleep or she's awake. If she's awake, she's either content or not. If she's not content, she's hungry, and that's easy to tend to.

Needless to say, cousins also took turns feeding her tonight ... a bit at a time, making sure to intersperse the feedings with the suitable burping procedures. Once she's fed, changed and content, she simply wants to be cuddled, and there's lots of that to go around.

Oh, I'm planning to stick around for a day or two, so there will be ample time for uncle to get his fix of baby time ... but there can never be too much of that.

Prepare

The Church begins the Season of Advent today. This is a four-week period of immediate preparation for the celebration of Christmas.

The first week of Advent gives us a chance to remember the promise of God, that even when life gets unpredictable, and signs and portents relate causes for worry and concern, the promise of our God stands. This is indeed a comforting image for those who would otherwise cower beneath the pressures of life.

This weekend's homily might also help to set the tone.

There is a text version available for those who would rather read, and there is also a podcast version for those who would like to hear it the way it was spoken at last night's anticipitory Mass, the first of the Advent season.

Let's be people of hope this Advent, calling others to imitate our joy and to celebrate the birth of the One who changed everything.

A heart full of love

I was still in high school, or perhaps in the beginning years of my undergraduate studies when Father Bernard Burns arrived in Sault Ste. Marie, having been named pastor of Precious Blood Cathedral in that city.

For the past quarter of a century, he has remained there, until just the past few weeks. On November 1, he celebrated his final Mass at Precious Blood, but until then, he remained faithful to the call to serve those who knocked at his door. He responded to phone calls at all times of the day and night, and quickly hastened to bedsides or to whatever other situations should present themselves.

Many times, the topic of retirement was mentioned (after all he was well past the 'regular' age of retirement among us), but he would never pay it much heed. He preferred to continue forging ahead, and truly couldn't fathom the possibility of being retired.

On Thursday evening of this week, while at a retirement function hosted in his honour, he collapsed and had to be taken to hospital, where he later died of what is believed to be either an embolysm or an anurysm. Many have already begun to speak their tributes for his faithfulness.

Funeral arrangements have been finalized as of late last night. The Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at Precious Blood Cathedral on Wednesday, December 2, beginning at 11:00 am.

Remembering Peter

The church is quiet now, but then again, that's the way he preferred it I think.

He has set foot in this place for the last time, his quiet voice is silent now. Where once he would be quick to jump at any opportunity to be of service to others, he can now rest from his labours. Untold numbers of others can each recount their stories of encounters lived, moments when he seemed to materialize just when there was some unfinished business and no one to finish it.

For some, he was nameless, just the person who served a meal to others who would not otherwise eat that day. For others, he was a trusted friend, one who could be trusted to always be there with a word of encouragement or a simple greeting.

For those who frequent the walls of this place, he was a fixture, always present and willing to undertake the most menial of tasks, never seeking his own agrandisement but always looking out for someone else who needed to find their way.

Once, he too knew what it was like to be a stranger in a foreign land. He'd arrived here from his native Holland, not understanding the language, not knowing too much about what he needed to do or what was expected of him. Yet, he never shirked his responsibility, to find his way in life, to gratefully accept employment and to devote himself entirely if quietly to making his mark on society.

The church is quiet now, his apartment is vacant now, his car will soon be sold, his family, still far away, now grieves his loos, his friends give thanks and pray, grateful for all he has accomplished, and hope that we can emulate even a bit of his goodness, inviting others to discover the depth of love that is our inheritance in faith.

Memorial in Mumbai

There was a memorial today in Mumbai (India). It was one year ago today that the horrific bombings took place, taking the lives of some, and injuring others ... in short, instilling terror in the hearts of many.

News reports today tell the story of a country that is trying very hard to convince visitors and locals alike that things are up and running, in short, better than they ever have been. Visitors to hotels across the country must now pass inspections, including passing through metal detectors on the way in and out of the doors of the establishments. Any bags and packages which are being brought in must be subjected to a search and possibly a wand detector test. Baggage that arrives must also be scanned to ensure that it is 'safe'.

All this is being done in order to convince tourists and locals alike that all is well, that safety is a priority and that things are back to normal, but 'situation normal' must be defined in a country where there are more than 1 billion people, only 30% of whom are literate, and where there are more than 35 births per minute! Is it even possible for the authorities to guarantee that all things are well, that terrorism is under control and that life is back to normal?

More moves afoot

A bit closer to home ... we received the most recent list of clergy appointments today via the normal channels. With paper in hand, having been belched from the fax machine, and still hot off the presses, the information is also freshly added to the Diocesan website.

Included in this round of appointments:

• the pastor of Saint Jerome's parish, located in Sault Ste. Marie, is moving down the street to take up residence and responsibility for the operation of the Cathedral of the Precious Blood, his predecessor having retired from active ministry last month at age 81;
• the pastor of Saint Gregory's parish, also located in Sault Ste. Marie, will move to the other side of the city to assume pastoral responsibility for Saint Jerome's; and
• the pastor of Our Lady of Sorrows (Sturgeon Falls) and Holy Spirit (Garden Village) will move back home to Sault Ste. Marie to take his post as pastor of Saint Gregory's parish.

All these most-recently published moves are scheduled to take effect after the New Year, effectively giving those affected some time to say their goodbyes, and to celebrate Christmas with the parishioners they have grown to know (and love) in the past number of years.

Word on the street in Sault Ste. Marie is already very positive.

News about clergy

Hi gang. Been catching up on some zzzz's over these past few days, but slowly getting back to the land of the living. In the meanwhile, I've come across a recently-released letter written by the Secretary of the Congregation for Clergy and addressed to priests the world over. The subject of the letter is living the promise of obedience that all priests take on the day of our ordination. Here, for your perusal is the text which was translated and printed on ZENIT today:

"Do you promise filial respect and obedience to me and my successors?"(Pontificale Romanum. De Ordinatione Episcopi, presbyterorum et diaconorum, Edition typica (Typis Polyglotis Vaticanis 1990))
From the Vatican, Nov. 18, 2009

Dear Brothers in the Priesthood,
Even if they are not bound by a Solemn Vow of obedience, ordinands profess a "promise" of "filial respect and obedience" to their own Ordinary and his Successors. If the theological standing of a Vow and a promise is different, the total and definitive moral obligation is identical, and likewise identical is the offering of one's will to the will of Another: to the Divine will, mediated through the Church.

In a time such as ours, marked as it is by relativism and democraticism, by various forms of autonomous individualism and libertinism, such a promise of obedience appears ever more incomprehensible to the prevailing mindset. It is not rare for it to be conceived as a diminution of dignity and human freedom, as perseverance in obsolete forms, typical of a society incapable of authentic emancipation.

We who live authentic obedience know well that this is not the case. Obedience in the Church is never contrary to the dignity and respect of the person, nor must it ever be understood as an abandonment of responsibility or as a surrender. The Rite utilizes a fundamental adjective for the right understanding of such a promise; it defines obedience only after mentioning "respect", and this with the adjective "filial".

Now the term "son", in every language, is a relative name, which implies, specifically, the relationship of a father and a son. It is in this context that the obedience we have promised must be understood. It is a context in which the father is called to truly be a father, and the son to recognize his own sonship and the beauty of the fatherhood that has been given to him. As happens in the law of nature, no one chooses his own father, nor does one choose one’s own sons. Therefore, we are all called, fathers and sons, to have a supernatural regard for one another, one of great reciprocal clemency and respect, that is to say the capacity to look at the other keeping always in mind the good Teacher who has brought him into being, and who always, ultimately, moulds him. Respect is, by definition, simply this: to look at someone while keeping Another in mind!

It is only in the context of "filial respect" that an authentic obedience is possible, one which is not only formal, a mere execution of orders, but one which is ardent, complete, attentive, which can really bring forth the fruits of conversion and of "new life" in him who lives it.

The promise is to the Ordinary at the time of ordination and to his "Successors", since the Church always draws back from an excessive personalism: She has at heart the person, but not the subjectivism that detracts from the power and the beauty, both historical and theological, which characterize the Institution of obedience. The Spirit resides also in the institution, since it is of divine origin. The institution is charismatic, of its very nature, and thus to be freely bound by it in time (the Successors) means to "remain in the truth", to persevere in Him, present and operative in his living body, the Church, in the beauty of the continuity of time, of ages, which joins us enduringly to Christ and to his Apostles.

Let us ask of the Handmaid of the Lord, the obedient one par excellence, of her who, even in weariness, sang her "Behold, do with me according to your Word", the grace of a filial obedience, entire, joyful, and ready; an obedience which frees us from being the protagonists of our own selves and which can show the world that it is truly possible to give all to Christ and to be men fully real and authentic.

Mauro Piacenza
Titular Archbishop of Vittoriana
Secretary

During the Year for Priests, the Congregation for Clergy is busy pumping out all kinds of material meant for the deepening of priests' identity and appreciation of the gift which as been entrusted to our care ... for the good of the priests themselves, and for the people of God who we are called to serve.

Planning for the future

Hours before the news about the new shepherd for the Diocese of Antigonish was made public across the pond, information was released to the press about plans that are being put into place in this diocese for the future.

To be sure, there has been much discussion over the past number of years about the most efficient use for our resources, and the need for us to continue being attentive to the needs of those who look to us for guidance and comfort, especially at some of the most difficult moments of life.

The press release, issued yesterday has already found its way into some of the local media (as is to be expected), and other information, including a letter which the Bishop has addressed to the people of the diocese which is to be inserted into parish bulletins this weekend and a backgrounder document which is intended to provide some details about why this reorganization of diocesan resources is being undertaken.

Word on the street this morning is that there is already much ado about this news. Discussions will take place in the coming days, weeks and months around kitchen tables, in parish halls and in various other locations. Many will find this to be a less than pleasant experience, but hopefully those of us who are in a postion to soothe the passage will do our very best to be attentive to the needs of those who most need to be cared for though the realities that lie ahead.

Stay tuned for more on this subject as it unfolds. In the meanwhile, prayers please for all those who must face the possibility of waving goodbye to a present reality in order to pave the way for the necessities of the future.

News for Antigonish

On September 26 of this year, His Excellency Raymond Lahey, then Bishop of Antigonish, submitted his resignation from the pastoral governance of that diocese.

Days after his resignation was accepted, news hit the press which has left not only the bishop without a diocese, but the priests and people of Antignish questioning and wondering. The healing there is not over yet, but as of today, the Holy Father has named a new bishop to head that diocese, in the person of none other than Brian Dunn, a native of Saint John's, NF who first served as a priest of the Diocese of Saint George's (NF) and who has most recently served as Auxiliary Bishop of Sault Ste. Marie.

Given the fact that he was only ordained a bishop just over a year ago, this appointment represents a great vote of confidence in his ability. What lies ahead for him will not be easy, but with the support and prayer of all of us, and with his many and varied talents and gifts at hand, he will doubtless give all he can to restore confidence and to lead the people of Antigonish to grow in their faith and love of God and one another.

Ad moltos annos!

Ayla

One of the most striking scenes experienced during the past ten days occurred on the banks of a man-made lake not far from the city of Jaipur. We were stopped for a photo op overlooking the Lake Palace (no we didn't check in).

Like most other stops along the roadways in India, it didn't take long for someone to show up, trying to peddle something. In this case, we were greeted by a little boy who couldn't have been more than about 7 years old. In his native tongue, he explained to our tour guide that he wanted to wave the scrap of cloth he was holding while showing us some magic tricks. At such a tender age, he had already begun the fine art of begging, of finding ingenious ways of earning money. Was he put up to this by his parents who saw him as a way to earn money? Had he been orphaned or abandoned and needed to earn money in order to eat that day?

Our guide explained that in far too many cases, children who could and should be in school (the cost of education up to the age of 14 is covered by government in India) are instead exploited by their parents, who count on their vulnerability to touch the heart strings of the tourists. Eventually, once these children get a taste for money and see how much they can actually 'earn' from begging and selling trinkets, they themselves become trapped and education is more and more neglected ... to their own peril.

Half way round the world, another miracle was unfolding.

Last Friday, November 13, at 3:19 pm local time in Toronto a little girl was born. Ever since the first news broke that she was on her way, the excitement has been building and finally the day had arrived. Thankfully, everyone (mother, baby and other adoring family members) are just fine.

Ayla Veeda is a beautiful child, who has already brought exceding joy to her parents, grandparents, uncles and aunts. Together we thank God for her safe delivery and will continue to shower her with all the love we can ... and more. Infants and children are innocent and precious. As I first heard the news of her birth, and later as I got a few moments to spend with her, to hold her, to cherish her, the furthest thing from my mind was the image of a child on the banks of a far-off lake, forced to perform magic tricks for money.

Perhaps we are powerless to intervene in the cases of children so far away who fall prey to the vices of their parents and others who neglect the opportunity to educate their children, for whatever reason, but those of us who have the opportunity to influence the lives of children should truly count ourselves among the most highly favored for we are entrusted with the gift of life, which should always be guarded and protected, celebrated and loved, fed and enriched.

Are we there yet?

It seems like a virtual eternity since last I sat at a keyboard. When I last penned an entry for this log, it was early morning on Tuesday in Jaipur, and now I find myself in the pre-dawn hours of Thursday morning, and I'm back in Canada ... but I must back up in order to truly reflect even a bit of the experience of these past days.

Namaskar.

With this one-word greeting which can equally be pronounced Namaste or Namasta depending on which region of India you are in, one welcomes or bids farewell to friends and strangers alike. So it was that we bid farewell to the staff of yet another temporary abode, the last in a string of places where we laid our heads, sometimes for only one night, and sometimes for more than a week. Taking time to greet even the cooks in the dining rooms, the staff at the reception desks and even the regally dressed individual who first greeted us at the door of the hotel (such finesse is de rigueur in the hotel industry I think) one of our number made sure not to forget even the least of those who helped to make our stay so unforgettable.

To this individual's biological clock, the next hours were to be part of one very long day, even though the time span covered the equivalent of probably more than two days.

First the return trip to Delhi (a six-hour ride through the relative verdure of the pasturelands and farmlands of rural Northern India and eventually back into the constant cacaphony of life in that nation's capital as we made our way to the airport. Arriving at Indira Ghandi International (or ICI as was written on all the highway directional signs), we then struck camp in the designated waiting lounge, located outside of the airport complex proper, since we were not permitted to enter until three hours in advance of our flight. Considering that some of us were there a full 11 hours ahead of time, this was going to be quite the wait, but wait we must.

It's amazing what one encounters when thrust into a situation where there is nothing but time. Some manage to get some work done, others dream and reflect on the experience that has been lived, and still others choose to just watch as the ebb and flow of life that is people in the same boat come and go for minutes or hours. Conversations continue and time passes until finally the little group that arrived in that place after a four-day sojourn in the Golden Triangle must finally part company.

Others too graced our company during the hours of waiting, including a young gentleman (he said his name was David), who has obviously travelled much more than we in these parts. According to him, there are some 45-50 births in India every minute, and 40-45 traffic accidents as well. Thankfully, we did not experience any of these (at least not involving us) during our stay. David also told us that there are major problems because of the disparity between the rich and the poor, tha that there are major challenges because vast amounts of India's population die from dysentery and cholora. This has truly been an eye-opening experience.

We breathed a sigh of relief as we finally entered the airport proper, and began the long journey home. There was still lots of adventure to unfold: two international flights, each of 8 hours in length as well as a domestic flight which would bring us to our final destination, and the corresponding waiting periods in Delhi, Frankfurt and Toronto, but we were on our way.

Now that the travel is complete, we are finally back home. Our bodies will take a few days to catch up, and our minds will take even more time to process all that we have experienced. Our souls too will eventually process all that has been, and give thanks for all that is. While the pace of life will press in on us before very long (if indeed it hasn't already) this odessy has definitely left its impressions. Making time to identify them, to appreciate them, and to allow them to take root in us is the task that now lies ahead.