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 painful 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.

Memo from God

I am God. Today I will be handling all of your problems. Please remember that I do not need your help.

If life happens to deliver a situation to you that you cannot handle, do not attempt to resolve it.  Kindly put it in the SFGTD (something for God to do) box.

It will be addressed in My time, not yours. Once the matter is placed into the box, do not hold on to it.

If you find yourself stuck in traffic; Don't despair. There are people in this world for whom driving is an unheard of privilege.

Should you have a bad day at work; Think of the man who has been out of work for years.

Should you despair over a relationship gone bad; Think of the person who has never known what it's like to love and be loved in return.

Should you grieve the passing of another weekend; Think of the woman in dire straits, working twelve hours a day, seven days a week to feed her children.

Should your car break down, leaving you miles away from assistance; Think of the paraplegic who would love the opportunity to take that walk.

Should you notice a new gray hair in the mirror; Think of the cancer patient in chemo who wishes she had hair to examine.

Should you find yourself at a loss and pondering what is life all about, asking what is my purpose? Be thankful.  There are those who didn't live long enough to get the opportunity.

Should you find yourself the victim of other people's bitterness, ignorance, smallness or insecurities; Remember, things could be worse.  You could be them!

Two more by Emvin Cremona

Sacred Heart of Mary by Emvin Cremona

I share with you today two more altar paintings by Emvin Cremona, Malta's most popular and prolific sacred art painter in churches. The above painting is at the main altar of the parish church of Burmarrad, dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Mary. 
 

Detail of the same painting in the Burmarrad church

The church was built in 1964 and became a parish in 1971. It was originally built by the Franciscan Conventual friars to serve the needs of the people living in the newly-developed area, close to St Paul's Bay. The painting represents the Blessed Mother surrounded by St Luke, St Francis of Assisi and another unidentified Franciscan saint, quite possibly St Maximilian Kolbe.

St Paul and St Publius by Emvin Cremona

The second painting in a side-altar in the same church shows the apostle St Paul and the first bishop of Malta, St Publius, who is mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles as the first governor of the island of Malta when St Paul was shipwrecked there in 60 AD (Acts, Chapter 27-28.) Make sure to click on each photo to see the exquisite quality of the photos, which I took during my last visit to Malta, in April 2012.

Detail of the same painting

Saint Vincent de Paul

St Vincent de Paul (1581- 1660)

St. Vincent was born of poor parents in the village of Pouy in Gascony, France, in 1581. He attended school under the Franciscan Fathers and he impressed so many people that a gentleman chose him as guardian to his children, and he was thus able to continue his studies without being a burden to his parents. In 1596, he went to the University of Toulouse for theological studies, and there he was ordained priest in 1600.
In 1605, on a voyage by sea from Marseilles to Narbonne, he fell into the hands of African pirates and was carried as a slave to Tunis. His captivity lasted about two years, until Divine Providence enabled him to escape. After a brief visit to Rome he returned to France, where he became chaplain to the family of Emmanuel de Gondy, a Count and General of the galleys of France. It was the Countess de Gondy who persuaded her husband to support a group of able and zealous missionaries under the leadership of St Vincent, who would work among poor tenant farmers.

St Vincent with St Louise de Marillac

In 1617, De Paul founded the "Ladies of Charity” from a group of women within his parish. He organized these wealthy women of Paris to collect funds for missionary projects, found hospitals, and gather relief funds for the victims of war. In this he had the help of St. Louise De Marillac, and they eventually became known as the Daughters of Charity. After working for some time in Paris among imprisoned galley-slaves, St Vincent returned to be the leader of what is now known as the Vincentians. These priests, with vows of poverty, chastity, obedience and stability, were to devote themselves entirely to the people in smaller towns and villages. At the same time, he began to preach missions.
It would be impossible to enumerate all the works of St Vincent, but charity was his predominant virtue. It extended to all classes of persons, from forsaken childhood to old age. In the midst of the most distracting occupations his soul was always intimately united with God. Though honored by the great ones of the world, he remained deeply rooted in humility. The Apostle of Charity, the immortal Vincent de Paul, died at Paris, September 27, 1660 at the age of eighty. He was canonized in 1737 and he is the patron of charitable societies.
The Society of St Vincent de Paul, a charitable organization dedicated to the service of the poor, was established by French university students in 1833, led by the Blessed Fredric Ozanam. The Society is today present in 132 countries. De Paul University in Chicago takes its name from Vincent de Paul and St. John's University in Queens, New York was founded in 1870 by the Vincentians, as was Niagara University in 1856.

Paintings by Emvin Cremona

Side altar at St Anthony's church, Birkirkara, Malta

 

Same painting in detail

Over the next few days I will be sharing with you some paintings of Malta's most prolific and popular sacred artist. Emvin Cremona was born in 1919 and died in 1986. He studied in Rome along with a few other fellow artists, Anton Inglott, Esprit Barthet and George Preca, among others. Back in Malta he quickly started to get commissions to paint in churches all over the island. Various churches claim the honor of having his paintings adorning their ceiling, domes and other panels, including those at Msida, Hamrun, Ghaxaq, Floriana, as well as smaller works in Burmarrad, St Anthony's in Birkirkara, Senglea as well as Balzan. He also designed many stamps from 1960 until he died. The paintings featured today are from the St Anthony's church in Birkirkara, specifically two side altars with panels representing Jesus and Mary in the center, surrounded by various saints, among them St Francis, St Anthony, St Joseph, St Paul and St Theresa. You can easily say that he is my favorite artists and I've been photographing most of his works over the past few years, which I will continue to share with you from time to time.

Another side altar painting by Emvin Cremona

Same painting in detail

Pope Francis' interview (part 2)

Fr Antonio Spadaro SJ with Pope Francis

Here are 5 more points from Pope Francis' interview given to Fr Antonio Spadaro SJ:
A balance between preaching the Gospel and morality - "We cannot insist only on issues related to abortion, gay marriage and the use of contraceptive methods. This is not possible. I have not spoken much about these things, and I was reprimanded for that. But when we speak about these issues, we have to talk about them in a context. The teaching of the church, for that matter, is clear and I am a son of the church, but it is not necessary to talk about these issues all the time. We have to find a new balance; otherwise even the moral edifice of the church is likely to fall like a house of cards, losing the freshness and fragrance of the Gospel. The proposal of the Gospel must be more simple, profound, radiant. It is from this proposition that the moral consequences then flow... A beautiful homily, a genuine sermon must begin with the first proclamation, with the proclamation of salvation."

Those in religious life - "Religious men and women are prophets. The vows cannot end up being caricatures; otherwise, for example, community life becomes hell, and chastity becomes a way of life for unfruitful bachelors. The vow of chastity must be a vow of fruitfulness. In the church, the religious are called to be prophets in particular by demonstrating how Jesus lived on this earth, and to proclaim how the kingdom of God will be in its perfection. A religious must never give up prophecy. Being prophets may sometimes imply making waves. I do not know how to put it.... Prophecy makes noise, uproar. But in reality, the charism of religious people is like yeast: prophecy announces the spirit of the Gospel."

Women in the Church - "A woman has a different make-up than a man. The church cannot be herself without the woman and her role. The woman is essential for the church. Mary, a woman, is more important than the bishops. I say this because we must not confuse the function with the dignity. We must therefore investigate further the role of women in the church. The feminine genius is needed wherever we make important decisions."

God in every person - " God is in every person’s life. God is in everyone’s life. Even if the life of a person has been a disaster, even if it is destroyed by vices, drugs or anything else - God is in this person’s life. You can, you must try to seek God in every human life. Although the life of a person is a land full of thorns and weeds, there is always a space in which the good seed can grow. You have to trust God."

The Pope on his prayer life - "I pray the breviary every morning. I like to pray with the psalms. Then, later, I celebrate Mass. I pray the Rosary. What I really prefer is adoration in the evening, even when I get distracted and think of other things, or even fall asleep praying. In the evening then, between seven and eight o’clock, I stay in front of the Blessed Sacrament for an hour in adoration. But I pray mentally even when I am waiting at the dentist or at other times of the day."

Pope Francis' interview (part 1)

Here are 10 important points that came out of Pope Francis’ interview printed in various Jesuit magazines and journals last week. The interview was conducted in August by Fr Antonio Spadaro, SJ. Here are the first 5 points, with the other 5 appearing in tomorrow’s post.

His living quarters - "I chose to live [in Santa Marta], in Room 201, because when I took possession of the papal apartment, inside myself I distinctly heard a ‘no.’ The papal apartment in the Apostolic Palace is not luxurious. It is old, tastefully decorated and large, but not luxurious. It is big and spacious, but the entrance is really tight. People can come only in dribs and drabs, and I cannot live without people. I need to live my life with others.”

On Pope Benedict’s resignation - "Pope Benedict has done an act of holiness, greatness, humility. He is a man of God."

Healing without being legalistic - "I see clearly that the thing the church needs most today is the ability to heal wounds and to warm the hearts of the faithful; it needs nearness, proximity. I see the church as a field hospital after battle. The church sometimes has locked itself up in small things, in small-minded rules."

Fr Antonio Spadaro SJ during the interview with Pope Francis

Merciful, not rigorous - "And the ministers of the church must be ministers of mercy above all. The confessor, for example, is always in danger of being either too much of a rigorist or too lax. Neither is merciful, because neither of them really takes responsibility for the person. The rigorist washes his hands so that he leaves it to the commandment. The loose minister washes his hands by simply saying, ‘This is not a sin’ or something like that. In pastoral ministry we must accompany people, and we must heal their wounds."

On respecting homosexuals - "A person once asked me, in a provocative manner, if I approved of homosexuality. I replied with another question: ‘Tell me: when God looks at a gay person, does he endorse the existence of this person with love, or reject and condemn this person?’ We must always consider the person. Here we enter into the mystery of the human being. In life, God accompanies persons, and we must accompany them, starting from their situation. It is necessary to accompany them with mercy. When that happens, the Holy Spirit inspires the priest to say the right thing."

Saint Pio of Pietralcina

In Assisi, by the frescoes of St Clare and St Francis

This is one of my favorite prayers by St Pio of Pietralcina, (1887-1968) whose liturgical feast we celebrate today:
My dear Jesus, release from my mind and heart 
- any troubles from the past, 
- any worries about the present, 
- any anxieties about the future. 
So that I can desire always, and in everything, just one thing 
– TO GO AGAINST MYSELF IN FAVOR OF YOUR LOVE. 
I entrust my reckless and troubled past to Your bountiful Mercy, o Lord. I also entrust to Your infinite Love my confused and undecided present. And I entrust to Your holy Providence my mysterious future. Amen.

A rare photo of St Pio of Pietralcina hearing confessions

Prayer at Ground Zero

The improvised cross at Ground Zero on 9-11-01

This touching prayer was offered at Ground Zero in New York City by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI on April 20, 2008. I share it with you today so that we will not forget the pain and suffering that so many people experienced 12 years ago, and when the nation was united  like never before:
O God of love, compassion, and healing,  look on us, people of many different faiths and traditions, who gather today at this site, the scene of incredible violence and pain. We ask you in your goodness to give eternal light and peace to all who died here—the heroic first-responders: our fire fighters, police officers, emergency service workers, and Port Authority personnel, along with all the innocent men and women who were victims of this tragedy simply because their work or service brought them here on September 11, 2001.

We ask you, in your compassion to bring healing to those who, because of their presence here that day, suffer from injuries and illness.  Heal, too, the pain of still-grieving families and all who lost loved ones in this tragedy. Give them strength to continue their lives with courage and hope. We are mindful as well of those who suffered death, injury, and loss on the same day at the Pentagon and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Our hearts are one with theirs as our prayer embraces their pain and suffering. God of peace, bring your peace to our violent world: peace in the hearts of all men and women and peace among the nations of the earth. Turn to your way of love those whose hearts and minds are consumed with hatred. God of understanding, overwhelmed by the magnitude of this tragedy, we seek your light and guidance as we confront such terrible events. Grant that those whose lives were spared may live so that the lives lost here may not have been lost in vain. Comfort and console us, strengthen us in hope, and give us the wisdom and courage  to work tirelessly for a world where true peace and love reign among nations and in the hearts of all.

St Matthew and Pope Francis

Caravaggio - "The Calling of St Matthew"

The stunning interview that Pope Francis gave to La Civilta Cattolica has been the talk of the town, or of the world this week. I will share a few lines from it later on, but today I refer to the reference Pope Francis made to St Matthew, whose feast we celebrate today. In the course of the interview, the Pope says: “I do not know Rome well. I know a few things. These include the Basilica of St. Mary Major; I always used to go there. I know St. Mary Major, St. Peter’s...but when I had to come to Rome, I always stayed in Via della Scrofa. From there I often visited the Church of St. Louis of France, and I went there to contemplate the painting of ‘The Calling of St. Matthew,’ by Caravaggio.

Detail from Caravaggio's "The Calling of St Matthew"

"That finger of Jesus, pointing at Matthew. That’s me. I feel like him. Like Matthew. It is the gesture of Matthew that strikes me: he holds on to his money as if to say, ‘No, not me! No, this money is mine.’ Here, this is me, a sinner on whom the Lord has turned his gaze. And this is what I said when they asked me if I would accept my election as pontiff.” Then the Pope whispers in Latin: “I am a sinner, but I trust in the infinite mercy and patience of our Lord Jesus Christ, and I accept in a spirit of penance.”

The Korean Martyrs

Some of the Korean martyrs over the past 300 years, canonized in 1984

We honor today the men and women who were slain because they refused to deny Christ in the nation of Korea. The faith was brought to Korea in a unique fashion. The intellectuals of that land, eager to learn about the world, discovered some Christian books procured through Korea’s embassy to the Chinese capital. One Korean, Ni-seung-houn, went to Beijing in 1784 to study Catholicism and was baptized Peter Ri. Returning to Korea, he converted many others. In 1791, when these Christians were suddenly viewed as foreign traitors, two of Peter Ri’s converts, named Paul and Jacques, were martyred. 

The faith endured, however, and when Father James Tsiou, a Chinese, entered Korea three years later, he was greeted by four thousand Catholics. Father Tsiou worked in Korea until 1801 when he was slain by authorities. Three decades later the Prefecture Apostolic of Korea was established by Pope Leo XII, after he received a letter smuggled out of Korea by faithful Catholics. In 1836, Monsignor Lawrence Imbert managed to enter Korea. Others arrived, and they worked until 1839, when a full persecution started, bringing about the martyrdom of the European priests. Young Korean seminarians were sent to Macau for ordination. 

The first native priest, Andrew Kim Taegon, returned to Korea in 1845 and was martyred the following year. Severe persecution followed, and Catholics fled to the mountains, still spreading the faith. In 1864, a new persecution claimed the lives of two bishops, six French missionaries, another Korean priest, and eight thousand Korean Catholics. The Korean martyrs of 1839, 1846, and 1867 were canonized in Korea in 1984 by Pope John Paul II. During that ceremony, the Pope said: “The Korean Church is unique because it was founded entirely by lay people. This fledgling Church, so young and yet so strong in faith, withstood wave after wave of fierce persecution. Thus, in less than a century, it could boast of 10,000 martyrs. The death of these martyrs became the leaven of the Church and led to today's splendid flowering of the Church in Korea.”

Saint Januarius

Martyrdom of St Januarius

St. Januarius was born in Italy and was bishop of Benevento during the Emperor Diocletian’s persecutions, who was one of the most ruthless Emperors. Bishop Januarius went to visit two deacons and two laymen in prison. He was then also imprisoned along with them. They were thrown to the wild beasts, but when the animals did not attack them, they were beheaded. What is believed to be Januarius' blood is kept in the Cathedral of Naples, as a relic. It liquifies and bubbles miraculously when exposed in the Cathedral. St Januarius died in 305 A.D.
A dark mass that half fills a hermetically sealed four-inch glass container, is preserved in a double reliquary and liquifies 3 times during a year. Tradition connects it with a certain Eusebia, who had allegedly collected the blood after the martyrdom. The ceremony accompanying the liquefaction is performed by holding the reliquary close to the altar on which is located what is believed to be the martyr's head. While the people pray, often tumultuously, the Bishop turns the reliquary up and down in the full sight of the onlookers until the liquefaction takes place. This has been going on for the past 600 years. Various experiments have been applied, but the phenomenon eludes natural explanation. Similar miraculous claims were made for the blood of John the Baptist, Stephen, Nicholas of Tolentino and Aloysius Gonzaga — nearly all in the neighborhood of Naples

Cardinal of Naples showing liquified blood of St Januarius

Many residents of Naples believe that if the saint’s blood does not turn to liquid form, it is a sign that some tragedy will befall the city. The miracle did not occur in 1980, and an earthquake south of Naples caused over 2,500 deaths. In the most distant past, the absence of the regular miracle was associated with military losses, volcanic eruptions, and outbreaks of the plague. The important thing to realize and believe is that there is something even more special that turns into blood – the consecrated wine during Mass that becomes the Blood of Christ, just as the bread turns into the real Body of Christ.

Religious Education

Religious Ed children and teachers (click to enlarge)

As happens in many parishes, during September the Religious Education of children starts in many parishes around the world. I remember attending classes myself every day, besides the regular one hour morning religion class in school, since all schools are Catholic. Thanks to our Religious Ed coordinator and many volunteer teachers, we run this program here at the Cathedral parish, with classes starting today. The first day is usually introductory - teachers getting to know their students, and students getting to know their teachers and other students, even though most of them are in the same class in their own public school. Next week I will celebrate Mass for all the children, their teachers and their parents, as well as other parishioners whom I invite to join us to support our program. I always emphasize the fact that the foundation of their faith is set at home, and we can only build on what parents do at home. We pray today for a successful journey for our children as they learn more about their faith. The above photo shows our children with their teachers, gathered in the Cathedral after I led the Stations of the Cross during Lent a year ago.

St Robert Bellarmine

St Robert Bellarmine (1542-1621)

 Born at Montepulciano, Italy, October 4, 1542, St. Robert Bellarmine was the third of ten children. His mother, Cinzia Cervini, a niece of Pope Marcellus II, was dedicated to almsgiving, prayer, meditation, fasting, and mortification of the body.

Robert entered the newly formed Society of Jesus in 1560 and after his ordination went on to teach at Louvain (1570-1576) where he became famous for his Latin sermons. In 1576, he was appointed to the chair of controversial theology at the Roman College, becoming Rector in 1592; he went on to become Provincial of Naples in 1594 and Cardinal in 1598. This outstanding scholar and devoted servant of God defended the Apostolic See against the anti-clericals in Venice and against the political tenets of James I of England. He composed an exhaustive apologetic work against the prevailing heretics of his day. In the field of church-state relations, he was also very effective in a time of major upheaval all over Europe. Remember that these were the days of the Protestant Reformation, with various leaders starting their own religion, King Henry VIII and the Anglican/Episcopalian religion, Luther with Lutheranism, Calvin and Zwingli in central Europe, and others. And like other well-know priest saints of this era, Robert was able to defend the church with the likes of St Vincent de Paul, St Ignatius of Loyola, St Francis Xavier, St Julian Peter Eymard, St Francis De Sales, St John Baptist Vianney, St Charles Borromeo and many others.

Robert Bellarmine was the spiritual father of St. Aloysius Gonzaga, a Jesuit novice, and also helped St. Francis de Sales obtain formal approval of the Visitation Order, the female order founded by St Jane Frances de Chantal. He has left us a host of important writings, including works of devotion and instruction, as well as controversy. He died in 1621 and was canonized by Pope Pius XI in 1930; the following year he was declared a Doctor of the Church. His remains, in a cardinal's red robes, are displayed behind glass under a side altar in the Church of Saint Ignatius, the chapel of the Roman College, next to the body of his student, St. Aloysius Gonzaga, as he himself had wished.

My childhood years

Team mascot/ball-boy in 1957

Back in the 1950s, I was introduced to soccer, or what we call in Malta, football. Even though everyone played football, it was only in the 1960s that I played some real football, and especially in my Seminary years in the early 1970s. But as a child I was chosen as a ball-boy for the local St Julian’s Catholic Action soccer team. I was actually called the ‘mascot’ and my job was simply to carry the ball, pose for a team photo, and then sit down and watch the game. 

St Julian's Catholic Action team in 1957

I was very honored and proud to be chosen as the team’s mascot, especially since half of the team were relatives, among them two uncles and two cousins. The team was pretty successful and many of the players became regular players on other well-known teams. There was a sense of camaraderie among all the players and other members of the Catholic Action club that met for regular meetings, religious talks, hikes, special Masses and the annual celebration in honor of Saint Anthony, our patron saint. This was even enhanced by the presence of our spiritual director and chaplain, Fr Anton Xiberras, who dedicated his life to these young people.

Baker City sunrise

Sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words. 

Then again, sometimes, it is priceless, 

as is this picture I took yesterday of 

a Baker City sunrise.

The Exaltation of the Cross

Icon of the Finding of the cross by St Helen

Early in the fourth century St. Helena, mother of the Roman Emperor Constantine, went to Jerusalem in search of the holy places of Christ's life. She razed the second-century Temple of Aphrodite, which tradition held was built over the Savior's tomb, and her son built the Basilica of the Holy Sepulcher over the tomb. During the excavation, workers found three crosses. Legend has it that the one on which Jesus died was identified when its touch healed a dying woman.
The cross immediately became an object of veneration. At a Good Friday celebration in Jerusalem toward the end of the fourth century, according to an eyewitness, the wood was taken out of its silver container and placed on a table together with the inscription Pilate ordered placed above Jesus' head: Then "all the people pass through one by one; all of them bow down, touching the cross and the inscription, first with their foreheads, then with their eyes; and, after kissing the cross, they move on."
To this day the Eastern Churches, Catholic and Orthodox alike, celebrate the Exaltation of the Holy Cross on the September anniversary of the basilica's dedication. The feast entered the Western calendar in the seventh century after Emperor Heraclius recovered the cross from the Persians, who had carried it off in 614, 15 years earlier. According to the story, the emperor intended to carry the cross back into Jerusalem himself, but was unable to move forward until he took off his imperial garb and became a barefoot pilgrim.

The cross is today the universal image of Christian belief. Countless generations of artists have turned it into a thing of beauty to be carried in procession or worn as jewelry. To the eyes of the first Christians, it had no beauty. It stood outside too many city walls, decorated only with decaying corpses, as a threat to anyone who defied Rome's authority—including Christians who refused sacrifice to Roman gods. We adore o Christ and we praise You, because by Your Holy Cross, You have redeemed the world.

Saint John Chrysostom

St John Chrysostom (349-407 AD)

Saint John Chrysostom was born in Antioch about the year 349. After an extensive education he embraced a life of asceticism. He was ordained a priest and distinguished himself by his preaching which achieved great spiritual results among his hearers.  He was elected Bishop of Constantinople in 397 and proved himself a capable pastor, committed to reforming the life of the clergy and the faithful. Twice he was forced into exile by the hatred of the imperial court and the envy of his enemies. After he had completed his difficult labors, he died in Pontus on September 14, 407. His preaching and writing explained Catholic doctrine and presented the ideal Christian life. For this reason he was called Chrysostom, meaning Golden Mouth.
From one of his homilies: “The waters have risen and severe storms are upon us, but we do not fear drowning, for we stand firmly upon a rock. Let the sea rage, it cannot break the rock. Let the waves rise, they cannot sink the boat of Jesus. What are we to fear? Death? Life to me means Christ, and death is gain. Are we to fear exile? The earth and its fullness belong to the Lord. Are we to fear the confiscation of our goods? We brought nothing into the world, and we shall surely take nothing from it. I have only contempt for the world’s threats, I find its blessings laughable. I have no fear of poverty, nor desire for wealth. I am not afraid of death nor do I long to live, except for your good. I concentrate therefore on the present situation and I urge you, my friends, to have confidence.” (From the Office of Readings)

Holy Name of Mary

It’s hard to imagine that the Blessed Mother has many more feasts than Jesus himself in the Liturgical calendar. In one week between September 8 and 15, there are three celebrations honoring Mary. September 8 is the Nativity of Mary, September 15 is the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, and today we celebrate the feast of the Holy Name of Mary, a feast only recently introduced, even though this was made officially a universal feast by Blessed Pope Innocent XI to commemorate victory over the Turks at the Battle of Vienna in 1683.
The feast was only a local one at its inception in 1513, when it was instituted in Cuenca, Spain. It was initially celebrated on September 15th and later on the 17th. Pope Gregory XV extended the celebration to the Archdiocese of Toledo in 1622. In 1666 the Discalced Carmelites received the faculty to recite the Office of the Name of Mary four times a year. In 1671 the feast was extended to the whole of Spain. After the victory of the Christians, lead by King John III Sobieski of Poland, over the Turks in the Battle of Vienna in 1683, the feast was extended to the whole Church by Pope Innocent XI, and assigned to the Sunday after the Nativity of Mary. Before the battle King John had placed his troops under the protection of the BVM. 

In Latin "Sacred Holy Name of Mary"

Even in the past 60 years, there has been some controversy over the date of this festivity. In 1954, it was re-instated at September 12, but was removed temporarily as many thought it was duplication of the Nativity of Mary, but in 2001, the feast of the Holy Name of Mary was once again set to be celebrated today.
Mary is Mariam or in the Holy Land. The Hebrew variant of the name is Miriam. The name may have originated in the Egyptian Meri-Amun, "beloved of the God". It was incorporated in the Exodus narrative as Miriam, the name of Moses' sister. It became common in ancient Israel, hence its appearance in the gospel narrative as the name of Jesus' mother and several other women. The name is very common among Arabs, Iranians and other Muslim cultures.
However, Mary is called by an innumerable number of names that denote a connection with something special, Our Lady of Lourdes, Fatima, Queen of Peace, Angels, Perpetual Help, Our lady of Snows, even Our Lady of Baker City.

The Twin Towers

An image I designed after 9-11-01

We saw them disappear 12 years in a ruthless terrorist attack. But the Twin Towers live on in my memory, as I see the Two Spiritual Towers take their place. The image of Jesus and Mary have replaced the two landmark skyscrapers that disappeared for the iconic New York skyline forever. The metal and beams and glass are gone, but the spirit of what they represented will live on in the spirit of the people, as well as the 3,000 who lost their lives that day 12 years ago.  Let us pray and remember.

“When damaged, those buildings eventually plummeted to the ground, imploding in a moment's time. Yet underneath the debris is a foundation that was not destroyed. We have a choice, whether to implode and disintegrate emotionally and spiritually as a people and a nation, or to become stronger through all of this struggle to rebuild on a solid foundation. And I believe that we're in the process of starting to rebuild on that foundation. That foundation is our trust in God. And in that faith we have the strength to endure something as difficult and horrendous as what we have experienced this week.”- Rev Billy Graham

Mount Hood

Last week I was able to visit Mount Hood, the highest mountain in the state of Oregon. As you can see, it still had snow, in early September - it is practically snow-capped all year round. I was lucky enough that there were no clouds when I arrived close to it, but cumulus clouds soon rolled in and it was a cloudy day from then on. 

Mount Hood as seen from Trillium Lake

One of the best places to see Mount Hood is at Trillium Lake, with a beautiful reflection of this landmark, which along with Crater Lake and the John Day Fossil Beds (which I highlighted a few days ago) are probably the three most conspicuous landmarks of Oregon.

Thanks to all those visiting my blog - this is the 600th post, and we just passed the 60,000 clicks/visitors. Please check past posts as there is always something inspirational you may have missed. Simply click on the dates and months listed in blue on the right hand side.

Vatican Vigil on Syria

St Peter's square during the Vigil for Syria held on Saturday

Tens of thousands of people filled St. Peter's Square for a four-hour Syria peace vigil late Saturday, answering Pope Francis' call for a cry for peace that was echoed by Christians and non-Christians alike in Syria and in vigils around the world. The Vatican estimated about 100,000 took part, making it one of the largest rallies in the West against proposed U.S.-led military action against the Syrian regime following the Aug. 21 chemical weapons attack near Damascus.

A section of the crowd during the Vigil for Syria

Pope Francis spent most of the vigil in silent prayer, but during a brief speech he issued a heartfelt plea for peace, denouncing those who are "captivated by the idols of dominion and power" and destroy God's creation through war. "This evening, I ask the Lord that we Christians, and our brothers and sisters of other religions and every man and woman of good will, cry out forcefully: Violence and war are never the way to peace!" he said. "May the noise of weapons cease!" he said. "War always marks the failure of peace, it is always a defeat for humanity."

In Damascus, a few dozen Syrian Christians attended a service in the al-Zaytoun Church, joining Francis' invitation for a global participation in the day of fasting and prayer and to oppose outside military intervention in the conflict. Greek Catholic Patriarch Gregorios III presided at a similar service, saying most countries supported a political solution to the crisis in Syria and few wanted military action. "This is the start of the victory," he told the Damascus faithful. "No to war. Yes for peace." Francis announced the day of fasting and prayer Sept. 1, alarmed at the acceleration of U.S. threats to strike Syria after the chemical weapons attack. Since then, the Vatican has ramped up its peace message, summoning ambassadors for a briefing by the Holy See foreign minister. Francis appealed directly to world powers at the Group of 20 meeting in Russia, urging them this week to abandon the "futile pursuit" of a military solution in Syria and work instead for a negotiated settlement.

My childhood priests

Dun Karm Calleja at his 60 th anniversary Mass, 2 weeks ago

We all remember our childhood days and reminisce about stories that made our younger years so vibrant and alive. My own childhood focused around the parish church, and I remember serving Masses for many of the priests, who unfortunately are leaving us one after the other. Among them is Fr Carmelo Calleja, known by everyone as Dun Karm, also a Canon of the parish church of Birkirkara. But he spent his entire 60 years serving in St. Julian’s parish. Incidentally only two weeks ago he celebrated his 60th anniversary as a priest with a Mass during the run-up of the festa dedicated to St Julian’s. He was in fact in fairly good shape, but apparently his health deteriorated suddenly and died early this week.

Dum Karm as a Canon of the Birkirkara parish

Dun Karm wore many hats, as a teacher, both in public schools as well as catechism classes. He led a children’s choir for a while, was the chaplain of women’s groups of the Catholic Action, as well as the Spinola Band Club. He was very faithful till the end saying daily Mass in the parish and helping anyone who needed an ear to listen to them. And so most of my childhood priests are gone, including Dun Anton Xiberras, Dun Fortunato Axiaq, Dun Philip Demarco, Dun Frangisk Zammit, Dun Edwin Sammut and now Dun Karm Calleja. From my childhood years in the early 60s, still Dun Guido Calleja and Dun Gwann Galea still survive, both of whom were pastors of the parish, respectively from 1956 till 1966 and from 1966 till 1981.

The above photo was taken in 1967 at an engagement party of my uncle Marcel and his fiancee Julie Saliba. Left to right are Dun Karm Calleja, Dun Fortunato Axiaq, Marcel and Julie, Dun Gwann Galea and Dun Anton Xiberras. May Dun Karm and all the other priests rest in peace.

Prehistoric archaeology

Hill known as Sheep Rock in the John Day prehistoric area

I share with you today a few photos I took this week of some prehistoric stonework from the John Day and Kimberly area in central Oregon. The area is incredibly rich with such  terrain and archaeological remains, and is monitored by the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, a US National Monument in Wheeler and Grant counties  in east-central Oregon. 

A section in the same area known as Cathedral Rock

Located within the John Day River basin, the park is known for its well-preserved layers of fossils and mammals that lived in the region between the late Eocene, about 44 million years ago, and the late Miocene, about 7 million years ago. The monument consists of three geographically separate units: Sheep Rock, Painted Hills, and Clarno.The entire area is characterized by hills, deep ravines, and eroded fossil-bearing rock formations, some of which you can see in these photos. Click on each photo to enlarge and admire better.

A closer look at Cathedral Rock

The very old and the very new combined in this 'timely' photo

A Prayer for Catechists

As many parishes start their Religious Education classes at this time of the year, I share with you a prayer for all catechists who will be entrusted with the care and education of our children in parishes around the country.

Lord, we thank You for calling us to be catechists. We believe you are for each of us the Way, the Truth and the Life. Help us to show our students the Way to happiness, the Way to peace and loving Respect. Help us to lead our students to be satisfied only with living sincere lives, to be honest in all their deeds, and to know that Your Truth is what matters to us.
Help us to inspire our students to live generous, other-centered lives. Lord God, we trust in Your generous love to us. With patience, peace and Your presence, help us to break open the bread of Your Word to our children. With wisdom, warmth and a willing spirit, help us to lead our children on the path of faith. With truth, tenderness and tolerance, help us to guide gently the children entrusted to our care. And with commitment, care and compassion, help us to inspire our children in following in Your footsteps ever so faithfully. Remind us always to be prepared for our classes, realizing that we have in our precious hands, the leaders of the 21st century, the parents of our future, the civil and religious leaders who will influence our world and our Church in the years to come. We ask this through Christ our Lord. AMEN

How language changes

LIFE BEFORE THE COMPUTER

An application was for employment
A program was a TV show
A cursor used profanity
A keyboard was a piano!
Memory was something that you lost with age
A CD was a bank account
And if you had a 3 1/2 inch floppy, you hoped nobody found out!
Compress was something you did to garbage, not something you did to a file
And if you unzipped anything in public, you'd be in jail for awhile!
Log on was adding wood to a fire
Hard drive was a long trip on the road
A mouse pad was where a mouse lived
And a backup happened to your commode!
Cut - you did with a pocket knife
Paste you did with glue
A web was a spider's home
And a virus was the flu!
I guess I'll stick to my pad and paper, and the memory in my head
I hear nobody's been killed in a computer crash, but when it happens they wish they were dead!

A new look English

Having chosen English as the preferred language in the EEC, the European Parliament has commissioned a feasibility study in ways of improving efficiency in communications between Government departments.

European officials have often pointed out that English spelling is unnecessarily difficult--for example, cough, plough, rough, through and thorough. What is clearly needed is a phased programme of changes to iron out these anomalies. The programme would, of course, be administered by a committee staff at top level by participating nations.

In the first year, for example, the committee would suggest using "s" instead of the soft "c." Sertainly, sivil servants in all sities would reseive this news with joy. Then the hard, "c" could be replaced by "k" sinse both letters are pronounced alike. Not only would this klear up konfusion in the minds of klerical workers, but typewriters kould be made with one less letter.

There would be growing enthusiasm in the sekond year, it kould be announsed that the troublesome "ph" would henceforth be written "f." This would make words like "fotograf" twenty per sent shorter in print.

In the third year, publik akseptance of the new spelling kan be expekted to reash the stage where more komplikated shanges are possible. Governments would enkourage the removal of double letters which have always been a deterent to akurate speling.

We would al agre that the horible mes of silent "e"s in the languag is disgrasful. Therefor we kould drop thes and kontinu to read and writ as though no thing had hapend. By this tim it would be four years sins the skem began and peopl would be reseptiv to steps sutsh as replasing "th" by "z."

Perhaps zen ze funktion of "u" kould be taken on by "v", vitsh is, after al, half a "w." Shortly after zis, ze unesesary "o" kuld be droped from words kontaining "ou." Similar arguments vud of kors be aplid to ozer kombinations of leters.

Kontinuing zis proses yer after yer, ve vud eventull hav a reli sensibl riten styl, after twenti yers zer vud be no mor trubls, difikultis and evrivun vud fin it ezi tu understand ech ozer. Ze drems of ze Guvermnt vud finali hav kum tru.

Humility prayer of a person getting older

Lord, you know better than myself that I am growing older and will soon be old. Keep me from becoming too talkative, and especially from the unfortunate habit of thinking that I must say something on every subject and at every opportunity.
Release me from the idea that I must straighten out other peoples' affairs. With my immense treasure of experience and wisdom, it seems a pity not to let everybody partake of it. But you know, Lord, that in the end I will need a few friends. Keep me from the recital of endless details; give me wings to get to the point.
Grant me the patience to listen to the complaints of others; help me to endure them with charity. But seal my lips on my own aches and pains - they increase with the increasing years and my inclination to recount them is also increasing.

I will not ask you for improved memory, but only for a little more humility and less self-assurance when my own memory doesn't agree with that of others. Teach me the glorious lesson that occasionally I may be wrong.
Keep me reasonably gentle. I do not have the ambition to become a saint - it is so hard to live with some of them - but a harsh old person is one of the devil's masterpieces.
Make me sympathetic without being sentimental, helpful but not bossy. Let me discover merits where I had not expected them, and talents in people whom I had not thought to possess any. And, Lord, give me the grace to tell them so.