Wisdom from the world of sport

Vince Lombardi - Green Bay Packers coach

Winners never quit, and quitters never win.                   - Vince Lombardi, Football Coach

I have always struggled to achieve excellence. One thing that cycling has taught me is that if you can achieve something without a struggle it’s not going to be satisfying.                     
         - Greg LeMond, Cyclist

Build up your weaknesses until they become your strong points.         
       - Knute Rockne, Football Coach

My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person, he believed in me.
        - Jim Valvano, Basketball Coach

If I were to say, “God, why me?” about the bad things, then I should have said, “God, why me?” about the good things that happened in my life.                     
      - Arthur Ashe, Tennis Player

A total commitment is paramount to reaching the ultimate in performance.                                       - Tom Flores, Football Coach

Ability is what you’re capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.                -Lou Holtz, Football Coach

You have to set goals that are almost out of reach. If you set a goal that is attainable without much work or thought, you are stuck with something below your true talent and potential.
       - Steve Garvey, Baseball Player

I want to be remembered as a ballplayer who gave all he had to give.       
         - Roberto Clemente, Baseball Player

One chance is all you need.            - Jesse Owens, Olympian

Success is not forever, and failure isn’t fatal.                   - Don Shula, Football Coach

You find that you have peace of mind and can enjoy yourself, get more sleep, and rest when you know that it was one hundred percent effort you gave – win or lose.                                           - Gordie Howe, Hockey Player

Los Tres Amigos

Llamas in Richland, Oregon

Here are a few photos which match three animals together. All of them are of the same species, so you would expect that they are well behaved, especially if there are males and females matched up. Those that are dead and stuffed on a wall of course are the best behaved of all, as they hang up on a wall watching everyone pass by them, admiring them and wonder how old they are. Most importantly, these animals are friendly with each other, henceforth Los Tres Amigos, the Three Friends. 

Mounted deer heads

Clark quarter horses in Mt Vernon, Oregon

Quail in Richland, Oregon, 2 males and a female

 

Prayer for Life

On this anniversary when abortion was legalized in the USA, we pray for the preciousness of the gift of life in all its forms, from conception until natural death. We pray for every baby being born today, born yesterday and who will be born tomorrow. They thank their mothers for giving them a full term of pregnancy, that they be born healthy, and ready for their new adventure in life. Who knows how many of them will be successful as doctors, teachers, priests, lawyers, politicians, actors and actresses, inventors, sports people, and in so many other areas. We pray for the gift of life and nature, for all our pets and animals, those that fly and those that swim or roam around the earth.  We pray for those women who are pregnant now, and for those who are trying to conceive. And we pray for all those babies who were never given a chance to be born. May this unspeakable crime be eliminated once and for all from this planet, and may we always appreciate every human being born, in the true image of God, the Father. Amen.

St Agnes

One of the early and young martyrs of the church is the beloved Saint Agnes. According to tradition, Saint Agnes was a member of the Roman nobility born around 291 AD and raised in a Christian family. She suffered martyrdom at the age of twelve or thirteen during the reign of the Roman Emperor Diocletian, on 21 January 304.
The Prefect Sempronius wished Agnes to marry his son, and on Agnes' refusal he condemned her to death. As Roman law did not permit the execution of virgins, Sempronius had a naked Agnes dragged through the streets to a brothel. Various versions of the legend give different methods of escape from this predicament. In one, as she prayed, her hair grew and covered her body. It was also said that all of the men who attempted to rape her were immediately struck blind.  When eventually she was led out to die she was tied to a stake, but the bundle of wood would not burn, or the flames parted away from her, whereupon the officer in charge of the troops drew his sword and beheaded her.
It is also said that the blood of Agnes poured to the stadium floor where other Christians soaked up the blood with cloths. A few days after Agnes' death, her foster-sister, Saint Emerentiana was found praying by her tomb; she claimed to be the daughter of Agnes' wet nurse, and was stoned to death after refusing to leave the place and reprimanding the pagans for killing her foster sister. Emerentiana was also later canonized. Agnes' name may have derived from the Latin 'agnus', meaning lamb, and she is always represented with a lamb near her. Then there is another beautiful tradition......

On this day, the feast of St Agnes, the Pope traditionally blesses two lambs raised by Trappist monks near Rome. The lambs are sheared and the wool is given to the cloistered Benedictine nuns at Rome’s Basilica of St. Cecilia. The nuns use the wool to make palliums, which are bands that the heads of archdioceses wear around their shoulders during liturgical functions. Every year on the June 29 feast of Sts. Peter and Paul, the Pope places the bands around the necks of archbishops who have taken office in the past year. Today, after blessing the animals, the pope also asked God to “bless the pastors who will receive the palliums made from the wool of these lambs.”

Saint Sebastian

Nothing is known about St. Sebastian's youth other than the fact he may have come from southern France and he was educated in Milan. He joined the Roman Army in 283 AD, ostensibly to be of service to other Christians who were being persecuted by the Romans. St. Sebastian distinguished himself and for his excellent service, he was promoted to serve in the Praetorian Guard to protect Emperor Diocletian.

While serving as a Praetorian Guard, deacons Marcus and Marcellian, twin brothers, were imprisoned for refusing to make public sacrifices to the Roman gods. During their imprisonment, their parents visited them to implore them to renounce Christianity. However, St. Sebastian convinced both parents to convert to Christianity. St. Sebastian also converted several other prominent individuals, including the local prefect. This led to his discovery and he was reported as a Christian to Emperor Diocletian in 286. The Emperor, who was already infamous for ordering the deaths of hundreds of Christians, scolded Sebastian and ordered him to be killed by having him tied to a stake on a training field and used as target practice.

Archers riddled his body with arrows, his body was described as, "full of arrows as an urchin." Believed to be dead, the archers left his body for retrieval and burial. He was recovered by Irene of Rome, whose Christian husband was a servant to Diocletian and also martyred. Irene discovered that Sebastian was still living and she hid him and nursed him back to health. Once well, Sebastian went in search of Diocletian to surprise him. He managed to catch Diocletian by a stairwell and proceeded to criticize him loudly and publicly for his persecution of the Christians. Diocletian, surprised that Sebastian was still alive, was immediately taken aback, but recovered his composure. This time, he would not permit Sebastian to escape with his life. He ordered his former guard to be beaten to death with clubs, then thrown into the sewers. His body was recovered by a Christian woman, named Lucina, and she secretly buried him in the catacombs beneath Rome.

"Martyrdom of St Sebastian" by Girolamo Genga

Nearly 80 years after his death, around 367, his remains were moved to a basilica in Rome, built by Pope Damasus I. His body, or at least some relics from his body were reportedly removed and shared with a community of monks in France. His cranium was sent to a German monastery where it was placed in a special silver case in 934. The relic remains in its case today in a special reliquary in Ebersberg.

St. Sebastian was commonly invoked as a protector against the plague. According to historical records, he defended the city of Rome against the plague in 680. In artwork, St. Sebastian is depicted with arrows shot into his body, often tied to a post or a tree. His second execution is virtually never depicted. St. Sebastian is the patron saint of soldiers, athletes, and those who desire a saintly death.

A Child’s Ten Commandments to Parents

1.  My hands are small; please don’t expect perfection whenever I make a bed, draw a picture, or throw a ball. My legs are short; please slow down so that I can keep up with you.

2.  My eyes have not seen the world as yours have; please let me explore safely; don’t restrict me unnecessarily.

3.  Housework will always be there. I’m only little for such a short time - please take time to explain things to me about this wonderful world, and do so willingly.

4.  My feelings are tender; please be sensitive to my needs; don’t nag me all day long. (You wouldn’t  want to be nagged for your inquisitiveness.) Treat me as you would like to be treated.

5.  I am a special gift from God; please treasure me as God intended you to do, holding me accountable for my actions, giving me guidelines to live by, and disciplining me in a loving manner.

6.  I need your encouragement, but not your praise, to grow. Please go easy on the criticism; remember, you can criticize the things I do without criticizing me.

7.  Please, give me the freedom to make decisions concerning myself. Permit me to fail, so that I can learn from my mistakes. Then someday I’ll be prepared to make the kind of decisions life requires of me.

8.  Please don’t do things over for me. Somehow that makes me feel that my efforts didn’t quite measure up to your expectations. I know it’s hard, but please don’t try to compare me with my brother or my sister.

9.  Please don’t be afraid to leave for a weekend together. Kids need vacations from parents, just as parents need vacations from kids. Besides, it’s a great way to show us kids that your marriage is very special.

10.  Please take me to Church for Mass on Sunday regularly, setting a good example for me to follow. I enjoy being in Church, learning about God and Jesus, as we all meet the rest of our parish family.

Children have never been known to obey their parents, but they never fail to imitate them...

Introducing Natalia Tsarkova

"The Last Supper" by Natalia Tsarkova (2002)

Recently I came across a painting reproduced in the "Magnificat" magazine and I was stunned by its originality. It was "The Last Supper" by Natalia Tsarkova. Born in Moscow, Russia, an Orthodox  Christian, Natalia studied art in her native country before moving to Italy, specializing in sacred art. She became known in the Vatican circles and painted 4 portraits of Pope St John Paul, and his successors. In 2002 she painted a unique painting of the Last Supper and in 2009, she even painted the formal portrait of the then-President of Malta George Abela. She also painted many other portraits of famous people. I share with you today some of her works. 

Natalia in front of two of her Popes paintings

If you want to see her at work, watch this YouTube video - even though it’s in Italian, you can at least see her at work and meeting various Popes. Just copy and paste this link: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUW-0koOx_0

Pope St John Paul II

A recent painting of Pope Francis

Now you know why....

Paolo Veronese - Wedding at Cana (click to enlarge)

This Sunday in our liturgical readings we read the story of the first miracle of Jesus, changing the water into wine at the wedding at Cana in Galilee. This was an embarrassing situation for the bride and the groom that they ran out of wine, even though Jesus came to the rescue and saved the day for the unlucky-turned-lucky couple. Well, if you look at just one of the paintings of the wedding at Cana, you can see why they ran out of wine. Moreover the disciples of Jesus were present too, and sure enough, having Peter, James, John, Thomas, Philip and the rest of the crew must have been a big source of concern for Jesus, and no wonder he had to do something to save the day. Understand that it wasn't just the 12 apostles, but the disciples were also present, which could have been as many as 72! Now you know why they ran out of wine! Those disciples were probably heavy drinkers and they drained the supply of wine that was reserved for that happy day. An interesting quote comes from Richard Crashaw who wrote about this miracle: "The conscious water saw its God, and it blushed." Beautiful phrase that says it all.

The painting hanging in the Louvres - just to see how massive it is.

How God speaks to us

A man whispered, "God, speak to me"  And a meadowlark sang. But, the man did not hear.

So the man yelled "God, speak to me" And, the thunder rolled across the sky.  
But, the man did not listen.

The man looked around and said, "God let me see you." And a star shined brightly.
But the man did not notice.

And, the man shouted, "God show me a miracle" And, a life was born.
But, the man did not know.

So, the man cried out in despair, "Touch me God, and let me know you are here."
Whereupon, God reached down and touched the man.
But, the man brushed the butterfly away and walked on.
Don't miss out on a blessing because it isn't packaged the way that you expect.                           

Harvard and Stanford

A lady in a faded gingham dress and her husband, dressed in a homespun threadbare suit, stepped off the train in Boston and walked timidly without an appointment into the Harvard University President's outer office.  The secretary could tell in a moment that such backwoods, country hicks had no business at Harvard, and probably didn't even deserve to be in Cambridge.
'We'd like to see the president,' the man said softly.
'He'll be busy all day,' the secretary snapped.
'We'll wait,' the lady replied.
For hours the secretary ignored them, hoping that the couple would finally become discouraged and go away.
They didn't, and the secretary grew frustrated and finally decided to disturb the president, even though it was a chore she always regretted.
'Maybe if you see them for a few minutes, they'll leave,' she said to him!
He sighed in exasperation and nodded. Someone of his importance obviously didn't have the time to spend with them, and he detested gingham dresses and homespun suits cluttering up his outer office.  The president, stern faced and with dignity, strutted toward the couple.
The lady told him, 'We had a son who attended Harvard for one year.  He loved Harvard.  He was happy here.  But about a year ago, he was accidentally killed.  My husband and I would like to erect a memorial to him, somewhere on campus.' The president wasn't touched.  He was shocked.
'Madam,' he said, gruffly, 'we can't put up a statue for every person who attended Harvard and died.  If we did, this place would look like a cemetery.'
'Oh, no,' the lady explained quickly.  'We don't want to erect a statue.  We thought we would like to give a building to Harvard.'

The president rolled his eyes. He glanced at the gingham dress and homespun suit, then exclaimed, 'A building!  Do you have any earthly idea how much a building costs?  We have over seven and a half million dollars in the physical buildings here at Harvard.'
For a moment the lady was silent.  The president was pleased.  Maybe he could get rid of them now.  The lady turned to her husband and said quietly, 'Is that all it cost to start a university?  Why don't we just start our own? ' Her husband nodded. The president's face wilted in confusion and bewilderment.
Mr. and Mrs. Leland Stanford got up and walked away, traveling to Palo Alto, California where they established the university that bears their name, Stanford University, a memorial to a son that Harvard no longer cared about.
You can easily judge the character of others by how they treat those who they think can do nothing for them.

Say it even more often

Continuing from yesterday, here are some other expressions we should say and hear more often. 
"I didn't call collect."
"That was a great dinner, Mom.”                                                                     
"I'm glad I'm in this family."
"I'm glad I married you."                                                                                                 
"Let's celebrate!"
"You're welcome."                                                                              
"Thank You... I'm sorry....I love you !”
"Let's say grace together before we eat."                                       
"Can I help you clean up the kitchen ?"
"It's OK.  You can go ahead of me."                                                   
"I'll try to get back as soon as I can."
"Shouldn't we be more grateful to God.”                                             
"Let me revise my homework again."
"Let's shut the TV off, and pray the Rosary."                                                 
"I appreciate your kindness."
"I'll try to get back as soon as I can."                                                
"Thank you for calling me last night."
"Can I type that letter for you?"                                                
"Let me shovel some of the snow for you."
"Can I get you anything from the store."                                               
"Do you have any letters to mail ?"
"Go ahead, watch whatever program you wish."                         
“Do you want to watch any other game?"
"If you're drinking, then I'll drive tonight."                                  
"If you want, you can use our swimming pool."
"Let me help you clean up the basement."                                                  
"I'm very happy that I met you."
"That was a beautiful card you sent me."                                                    
"Thank you for understanding !" 
"It's Sunday.  Let's go to Church together."                                   
"Thanks for visiting me in the hospital."
"I'll change the diaper !"                                                                                     
"I'll feed the baby today."

Say it more often

These are some expressions we should say more often in our daily conversations. Whether at home, in a car, at school or at work, while relaxing or even at Church, this world would be a much better place if we were to use these expressions more frequently. We just have to remind ourselves and others....to say it more often!
"Thanks for working so hard for us, Dad.”                                
"Go ahead and eat it.  You look fine to me."
"Well, Mom, I talked to God about it."                                     
"Let's just stay home and enjoy each other."
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean what I said."                                     
"You're the best friend anyone could have."
"I'm not going out because I have to study."                       
"I'm not going; those guys are too wild for me."
"I'll do it, Mom.  You sit down."                                                                                
"I wrote to Grandma."
"Where did you learn to do that so well?"                                               
"I'll buy it out of my own money."
"This parish is great."                                                              
"I like your sermons.  They make me think."
"What a spectacular sunset ! Thank You God."                                                  
"I'll hold the door for you."
"Do you want some change for the phone."                                        
"You can have my seat if you want to."
"Let's see the movie of your choice tonight."                                  
"Wait, maybe she got stuck in traffic."
"Give them another chance."                                                                      
"Thank you for praying for me”
"Sure, I'll volunteer.”                                                                                                 
"I put gas in the car."
"Let's visit your mother."                                                             more tomorrow......

San Damiano Cross

The crucifix that spoke to St Francis in Assisi is truly a work of art, and is very descriptive. Here is an overview of the details that are easy to follow.
Jesus Christ is represented upright in full stature while the surrounding figures are smaller. The bright white of his body contrasts with the dark red and black around it and accentuates the prominence of Jesus. This representation contrasts with the regal Christ portrayed on the cross in earlier centuries and the suffering, dying, crucified Christ depicted generally throughout the Church since the beginning of the 14th century. Above the head of Christ is the inscription in Latin: Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.

The next largest figures are five witnesses of the crucifixion. On the left side are the Virgin Mary and St. John the Evangelist. On the right side are Mary Magdalene, Mary, Mother of  James, and the centurion who in Matthew's Gospel account asks Christ to heal his servant, who is also depicted on the cross on the shoulder of the centurion (Matthew 8:5-13). Both Mary and Mary Magdalene have their hands placed on their cheeks to reflect extreme grief and anguish. The first four witnesses are saints and are therefore represented with halos. Their names are written beneath their pictures. Two smaller figures are located in the corners with the witnesses. On the lower left is Longinus the traditional name of the Roman soldier who pierced the side of Jesus with a lance. He is represented here as holding the lance and looking up at Jesus. The blood running down the right arm of Jesus begins at the elbow and drips straight down and will land on the upturned face of Longinus. In the lower right is Stephaton, the traditional name for the soldier who offered Jesus the sponge soaked in vinegar wine.

Peering over the left shoulder of the centurion is a small face. A close look reveals the tops of the heads of three others beside him. This represents the centurion's son who was healed by Jesus and the rest of his family to show that "he and his whole household believed" (John 4:45-54). Six angels are represented as marveling over the event of the crucifixion. They are positioned at both ends of the crossbar. Their hand gestures indicate they are discussing this wondrous event of the death and calling us to marvel with them.

At the foot of the cross there is a damaged picture of six figures, two of whom are represented with halos. In accordance with the traditions of the day, these six are the patrons of Umbria: St. Damian, St. Michael, St. Rufino, St. John the Baptist, St. Peter and St. Paul. On the top of the cross, one sees Jesus now fully clothed in his regal garments and carrying the cross as a triumphant scepter. He is climbing out of the tomb and into the heavenly courts. Ten angels are crowded around, five of whom have their hands extended in a welcoming gesture to Jesus, who himself has his hand raised in the form of a greeting. At the very top of the cross is the Hand of God with two fingers extended. This is to be understood as the blessing of God the Father on the sacrifice of his Son.

On the right side of the picture next to the left calf of Jesus, there is a small figure of a fowl. Some art historians have interpreted it to be a rooster, representing the sign of Jesus' denial by Peter, mentioned in all four Gospel accounts. Other commentators see it as a peacock, a frequent symbol of immortality in Early Christian art. Along the lower right side of the shaft, there is a small animal, possibly a cat.

ABCs of Commitment

I open my heart and my mind to be aware of the ABCs which will daily lift my spirits up.

Almighty Creator of the Universe, who created all that we have and cherish.
Beloved Father, God of compassion.
Create in me a clean heart this day, to love you more.
Deliver me from the limitations of my ego.
Exalt your presence in my mind, and keep me always focused on You.
Forgive all that I have done against You, myself and others.
Grant me peace, and grant peace to all the world.
Hold me steadfastly within the boundaries of your truth.
Inspire my heart to know You better, my ears to hear You, and my eyes to recognize You.
Justify me in the presence of all enemies.
Knead my heart with works of kindness and acts of humility.
Let no harm befall me or my loved ones.
May all I do or say glorify You, and never let any word of mine ever hurt You.
Nourish me with Your Wisdom and Knowledge.
Open my eyes to know your vision of truth.
Purge my heart of all things that are offensive to your law.
Quiet my soul in the midst of confusion and temptation.
Renew my commitment to You.
Save me from my secret fears.
Teach me to trust You at all times.
Use all You have given me to serve You.
Victory for Your cause is my desire.
Walk with me so that my strength will never be diminished.
Xamine my heart continually.
Your Love and Grace are my good fortune.
Zealously, I commit my life to serving you faithfully and dutifully.

Until today, you may not have been aware of the power of knowing the alphabet. Just for today, practice in making each letter of the alphabet come alive in your life.

Jesus' Baptism and our Baptism

'Baptism of Jesus' by Juan Fernando de Navarrete

As we celebrate Jesus’ Baptism today, may we look back at our own baptism and see how faithful we have been to the commitment our parents made for us. I ask 3 simple questions today for your consideration:
1. How proud are you of the decision your parents took when they introduced you to the Catholic faith by baptizing you?
2. Do you know the names of your godparents, the name of the priest who baptized you, the church in which you were baptized?
3. If you were chosen as a godparent for a child, do you keep in contact with that child, who may now be a teenager, an adult, a parent, and do you make sure they attend church regularly? Remember that this was one of the promises you made when you stood as a godparent on the baptism day.

Intriguing and Unusual

The evolution of New York

Occasionally I come across some of the most unusual photos, historic, unusual, intriguing and outright unbelievable. I share them with you today to enjoy. Please click to enlarge each photo, which were taken before the digital age.

Michelangelo's Grocery List

A Volkswagen Golf, completely dismantled

Countries which did not have Internet until 2013

 

8 gifts that do not cost a cent

Yet they can be the hardest to give.

1) THE GIFT OF LISTENING...
No interrupting, no daydreaming, no planning your response.  Just listening.

2) THE GIFT OF AFFECTION...
Be generous with appropriate hugs, kisses, pats on the back and handholds.
Let these small actions demonstrate the love you have for family and friends.

3) THE GIFT OF LAUGHTER...
Clip cartoons. Share articles and funny stories. Your gift will say, "I love to laugh with you."

4) THE GIFT OF A WRITTEN NOTE...
It can be a simple "Thanks for the help" note or a full sonnet. A brief, handwritten note (or e-mail) may be remembered for a lifetime, and may even change a life.

5) THE GIFT OF A COMPLIMENT...
A simple and sincere, "You look great in red," "You did a super job" or "That was a wonderful meal" can make someone's day.

6) THE GIFT OF A FAVOR...
Every day, go out of your way to do something kind.

7) THE GIFT OF SOLITUDE...
There are times when we want nothing better than to be left alone. Be sensitive to those times and give the gift of solitude to others. There is a difference between loneliness and solitude. Loneliness is the pain of the being alone, while solitude is the glory of being alone. Treasure solitude!

8) THE GIFT OF A CHEERFUL DISPOSITION...
The easiest way to feel good is to extend a kind word to someone, really it's not that hard to say, Hello or Thank You.

Frank Borman's message

Back in 1968, on Christmas Eve, the Apollo 8 circled the moon 10 times. The 3 astronauts aboard the space capsule were Lovett, Anders and Frank Borman. On that Christmas Eve, from 370,000 miles up high in the sky, Frank Borman sent this beautiful inspirational message    that was broadcast direct on the radio:
O God, give us good vision, to be able to see your love in the world in spite of man’s failings.
Give us the necessary faith, to have trust in goodness, in spite of our ignorance and weakness.
Give us enough wisdom, so that we can continue to pray correctly and wholeheartedly.
Show us what each and every one of us can do, so that we can finally witness that day when universal peace reigns all over the world.
After this, the three astronauts read the section of the book of Genesis which tells of the creation of the world. As we can see, the four graces and blessings that Frank Borman prayed for show us how special and meaningful this prayer was. He prayed for a good vision. He was so amazed when he saw the moon up close. Still, in spite of this fascinating discovery, man would be a failure if he didn’t discover God himself, who is Love.
He also prayed for faith. Just at the moment when man could have used this moment to show how great and powerful he can be, Borman prayed for the most needed things in life: faith and trust in goodness.
Frank Borman also prayed for wisdom. At that historic moment, when man could have showed himself proud of his accomplishments, he prayed and made an act of humility. Because he who is wise, feels he has to pray even more.
Finally he prayed for peace, and that everyone intensifies his or her efforts to create peace in the world. If man was able to overcome big distances and reach the moon, why is it so hard for man to reach out for a good honest handshake and live in peace together?
To all the sceptic, agnostics, pessimists and unbelievers, Frank Borman reminds them of God’s love. God does exist, God loves us. God has trust in mankind, so much that He sent his only Son to save us.

St Andre Bessette

 St Andre Bessette (9 August 1845 – 6 January 1937)

When Alfred Bessette came to the Holy Cross Brothers in 1870, he carried with him a note from his pastor saying, "I am sending you a saint." The Brothers found that difficult to believe. Chronic stomach pains had made it impossible for Alfred to hold a job very long and since he was a boy he had wandered from shop to shop, farm to farm, in his native Canada and in the United States, staying only until his employers found out how little work he could do. The Holy Cross Brothers were teachers and, at 25, Alfred still did not know how to read and write. It seemed as if Alfred approached the religious order out of desperation, not vocation.The Holy Cross Brothers took him into the novitiate but soon found out what others had learned -- as hard as Alfred, now Brother Andre, wanted to work, he simply wasn't strong enough. They asked him to leave the order, but Andre, out of desperation again, appealed to a visiting bishop who promised him that Andre would stay and take his vows. After his vows, Brother Andre was sent to Notre Dame College in Montreal (a school for boys age seven to twelve) as a porter. There his responsibilities were to answer the door, to welcome guests, find the people they were visiting, wake up those in the school, and deliver mail. Brother Andre joked later, "At the end of my novitiate, my superiors showed me the door, and I stayed there for forty years."
In 1904, he surprised the Archbishop of Montreal if he could, by requesting permission to, build a chapel to Saint Joseph on the mountain near the college. The Archbishop refused to go into debt and would only give permission for Brother Andre to build what he had money for. What money did Brother Andre have? Nickels he had collected as donations for Saint Joseph from haircuts he gave the boys. Nickels and dimes from a small dish he had kept in a picnic shelter on top of the mountain near a statue of St. Joseph with a sign "Donations for St. Joseph." He had collected this change for years but he still had only a few hundred dollars. Who would start a chapel now with so little funding?

Andre took his few hundred dollars and built what he could ... a small wood shelter only fifteen feet by eighteen feet. He kept collecting money and went back three years later to request more building. The Archbishop granted him permission to keep building as long as he didn't go into debt. He started by adding a roof so that all the people who were coming to hear Mass at the shrine wouldn't have to stand out in the rain and the wind. Then came walls, heating, a paved road up the mountain, a shelter for pilgrims, and finally a place where Brother Andre and others could live and take care of the shrine -- and the pilgrims who came - full-time. Through kindness, caring, and devotion, Brother Andre helped many souls experience healing and renewal on the mountaintop. There were even cases of physical healing. But for everything, Brother Andre thanked St. Joseph.

Saint Joseph's Oratory basilica at Montreal's Mount Royal.

Despite financial troubles, Brother Andre never lost faith or devotion. He had started to build a basilica on the mountain but the Depression had interfered. At ninety-years old he told his co-workers to place a statue of St. Joseph in the unfinished, unroofed basilica. He was so ill he had to be carried up the mountain to see the statue in its new home. Brother Andre died soon after on January 6, and didn't live to see the work on the basilica completed.
On December 19, 2009, Pope Benedict XVI promulgated a decree recognizing a second miracle at Blessed André's intercession and on October 17, 2010, Pope Benedict XVI formally declared sainthood for Blessed Andre.

Healed and Whole

One day I dug a little hole and put my hurt inside.
I thought that I could just forget I’d put it there to hide.

But that little hurt began to grow – I covered it every day.
I couldn’t leave it and go on – it seemed the price I had to pay.

My joy was gone, my heart was sad, pain was all I knew.
My wounded soul enveloped me – loving seemed too hard to do.

One day, while standing by my hole, I cried to God above,
And said, “If you are really there – they say You’re a God of Love!”

And just like that – he was right there, and just put His arms around me,
He wiped my tears, His hurting child – there was no safer place to be.

I told him all about my hurt, I opened up my heart.
He listened to each and every word, to every sordid part.

I dug down deep and got my hurt, I brushed the dirt away –
And placed it in the Master’s hand and healing came that day.

He took the blackness of my soul, and set my spirit FREE !
Something beautiful began to grow where the hurt used to be.

And when I look at what has grown out of my tears and pain,
I remember every day to give my hurts to Him, and never bury them again.

And today I celebrate my 4th anniversary of this blog, and as a gift, I ask you to enjoy this colorful Kaleidoscope...click on this link and feast your eyes........ 
http://inoyan.narod.ru/kaleidoskop.swf

St Elizabeth Ann Seton

St Elizabeth Ann Seton (1774-1821)

Elizabeth Ann Bayley Seton was the first native born American to be canonized by the Catholic Church. Born on August 28, 1774, two years before the American Revolution, Elizabeth grew up in the upper class of New York society. She was a prolific reader, and read everything from the Bible to contemporary novels. In spite of her high society background, Elizabeth's early life was quiet, simple, and often lonely. As she grew a little older, the Bible was to become her continual instruction, support and comfort - and she would continue to love the Scriptures for the rest of her life.
In 1794, Elizabeth married the wealthy young William Seton, with whom she was deeply in love. The first years of their marriage were happy and prosperous. This time of Elizabeth's life was to be a brief moment of earthly happiness before the many deaths and partings she was to suffer. Within four years, William's father died, leaving the young couple in charge of William's seven half brothers and sisters, as well as the family's importing business.
Events moved quickly from there with devastating effect. Both William's business and health failed. He was finally forced to file a petition of bankruptcy and, in a final attempt to save William's health, the Setons sailed for Italy, where William had business friends. Unfortunately, William died of tuberculosis while in Italy. Elizabeth's one consolation was that he had recently awakened to the things of God. The Fellicchi family took her and her children under their wings, and Elizabeth's deep concern for the spiritual welfare of her family and friends eventually led her into the Catholic Church.

National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Emmitsburg, Maryland

In Italy, Elizabeth captivated everyone by her kindness, patience, good sense, wit, and courtesy. Soon she would join the Catholic Church in 1805 in a church in New York City, where she had returned with her family. At the suggestion of the president of St. Mary's College in Baltimore, Maryland, Elizabeth started a school in that city. The school had originally been secular but once news of her entrance to Catholicism spread, several girls were removed from her school. It was then Seton, and two other young women who helped her in her work, began plans for a Sisterhood. They established the first free Catholic school in America. When the young community adopted their rule, they made provisions for Elizabeth to continue raising her children. On March 25, 1809, Elizabeth Seton pronounced her vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, binding for one year. From that time she was called Mother Seton. Although Mother Seton became afflicted with tuberculosis, she continued to guide her children. The Rule of the Sisterhood was formally ratified in 1812. It was based upon the Rule St. Vincent de Paul had written for his Daughters of Charity in France. By 1818, in addition to their first school, the sisters had established two orphanages and another school. Today, six groups of sisters can trace their origins to Mother Seton's initial foundation. For the last three years of her life, Elizabeth felt that God was getting ready to call her, and this gave her great joy. Mother Seton died on January 4, 1821 at the age of 46, only sixteen years after becoming a Catholic. She was beatified by Pope St John XXIII on March 17, 1963 and was canonized on September 14, 1975 by Blessed Pope Paul VI.

Epiphany

"The Three Kings" a painting by Emvin Cremona, Malta

Today the three Kings or Magi arrive in Bethlehem and present Jesus with their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. There are two traditions held on this day, both of which come to us from the Eastern tradition. The first is when families write the names of the Three Kings on doorways of their homes as the head of the house goes around the house saying prayers and chanting various hymns. Chalk blessed by the priest on Epiphany is given to the faithful to mark their entrance door with the current year and with the inscription C+M+B, the initials of Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar, the traditional names of the Magi. The entire phrase would read 20 + C + M + B + 16. In addition to remembering the Magi, the inscription could also be translated for the Latin phrase Christus Mansionem Benedicat, which means “Christ, bless this house.”

The second tradition is repeated in Greece and Greek communities around the world every January 6 or the feast of the Epiphany when dozens of teenage boys or young men jump into the murky, chilly and sometimes frozen water and dive for a wooden cross tossed in by a priest. The one lucky enough to surface with it earns instant celebrity status, a ride through the streets on the shoulders of his peers and – the Greek-American boys believe – the favor of God in the coming year.

My childhood church

Even though many people think that Christmas is over, the Christmas season goes until next Sunday when the church celebrates the feast of the Baptism of Jesus. And so to continue on a Christmas theme, I take you with me today to my childhood church, where I grew up, where my parents were married, where I was baptized, and where I served as an altar boy for countless years, and where I still celebrate most of my Masses when I visit my family. The church dedicated to St Julian and the feast of the Ascension is taken care of by a group of young enthusiasts who recently have been giving a historical face-lift to the inside of the church. 

The photos show the decorations at the main altar, with baby Jesus placed on the main altar in a girandola, which is used to also house the Blessed Sacrament. Among the decorations one can see what is called gulbiena, in English called vetch, which is planted in pots 4 weeks before Christmas and is grown in the dark, so that it will grow white, then placed on altars to decorate and embellish the sanctuary. 

 

Prayer to Our Lady of Central Oregon

As we honor Mary today, the Feast of Mary, Mother of Jesus, I share with you this prayer I created, addressed to Our Lady of Central Oregon:

Most Blessed Mother, we pray through your intercession to God Almighty. Keep the people of our beloved town and county healthy, safe, respectful of each other and welcoming to the many visitors.

We ask your protection on our children, and along with their parents, remind them to honor you by their presence at church and at religion classes. We pray for our youth, and keep them away from any danger that tempts them. In this high-tech world we live in, encourage them to communicate with their parents and friends, not simply by texting and by phone-calls, but by the simple act of talking face-to-face, by playing games and create community spirit and appreciation for the human spirit.

We pray for those who are struggling at this time, single mothers with 2 to 4 children to feed, young people searching for jobs, for young girls carrying an unplanned child, heart-broken grandparents who have to care for their grandchildren day and night, and all those who are discouraged and disappointed with their own lives. Give them hope and trust in You, that their lives may turn around and find meaning in their life, and hope to go on.

We ask for protection on those who work outdoors in cold weather, ranchers and farmers, forest service people, loggers and other construction workers. Guide our public service officers and those who serve us faithfully in our county and town here in Central Oregon.

Blessed Mother, who raised Jesus with St Joseph with so much love and affection, inspire all parents and families to instill in their children a sense of God. May they collaborate with their pastors and religious leaders to be true example to others. Give courage to those who are suffering from cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and other illnesses. Be a source of strength for them and their caregivers. Above all, be our role model of love, fidelity, compassion, tolerance and forgiveness. Amen.