St Benedict's Medal

The medal of St Benedict, front and back.

Today being the feast of Saint Benedict, I thought of sharing with you the symbolism of the medal that had widespread use after its formal approval by Pope Benedict XIV in the 18th century. The medal is used by Catholics to ward off spiritual and physical dangers, especially those related to evil, poison, and temptation. On the front of the medal is Saint Benedict holding a cross in his right hand, the object of his devotion, and in the left his rule for monasteries. In the back is a poisoned cup, in reference to the legend of Benedict, which explains that hostile monks attempted to poison him: the cup containing poisoned wine shattered when the saint made the sign of the cross over it (and a raven carried away a poisoned loaf of bread). Above the cup are the words "Crux Sancti Patris Benedicti" (The Cross of our Holy Father Benedict). Surrounding the figure of Saint Benedict are the words “Eius In Obitu Nostro Praesentia Muniamur!” (May we be strengthened by his presence in the hour of our death), since he was always regarded by the Benedictines as the patron of a happy death.
On the back is a cross, containing the letters C S S M L - N D S M D, initials of the words "Crux Sacra Sit Mihi Lux! Non Draco Sit Mihi Dux!" (May the holy cross be my light! May the dragon never be my overlord!). The large C S P B stand for Crux Sancti Patris Benedicti (The Cross of [our] Holy Father Benedict). Surrounding the back of the medal are the letters V R S N S M V - S M Q L I V B, in reference to “Vade Retro Satana! Nunquam Suade Mihi Vana! Sunt Mala Quae Libas. Ipse Venena Bibas!" (Begone Satan! Never tempt me with your vanities! What you offer me is evil. Drink the poison yourself!) and finally, located at the top is the word PAX which means "peace."

The Italian Voice

Sister Cristina Scuccia

I am not familiar with shows on TV that matches competitors for the best performance like “America’s Got Talent,” “The Voice” and others. But the Italian TV recently hosted “The Italian Voice” seeking to find new talent of voices to follow the success of Luciano Pavarotti, Andrea Bocelli, Cecilia Bartoli and other pop performers like Gianni Morandi, Claudio Villa, Orietta Berti and others. Among the competitors was a nun, Sister Cristina Scuccia, who eliminated one performer after another to eventually end up the winner.
"What Sister Cristina has done can be considered going out to the peripheries, because she has gone to a different stage to bear witness to her choice of life, and in this sense I think she has hit the target," Father Alejandro Diaz, a Colombian, said in a recent interview with CNA. Like Sister Cristina, he explained, "we have to come out ourselves to speak of God to others, not in the abstract, but about what God has done in our lives." At the beginning of June, the 25 year-old religious won The Voice Italy and gained world-wide acclaim for her charisma and ability to bring share the Word of God with the public.

Sister Cristina performing live on RAI TV

"I have a dream, which is to hold hands and pray together the Our Father," she told the studio audience when she won. "I want Jesus to enter into here." Sister Cristina sings but she also talks about God and invites people to pray. She wants to transmit a gift, and it was not only the gift of her singing ability but also the gift of her vocation, because she is a young religious who went on this stage without fear and said, 'I am a religious, I believe in God.'” Sister Cristina should not be made into an idol but should be seen as a means of reaching God, because the Holy Spirit will always be the great evangelizer, and he doesn't have only one method or stage for bring people close to Christ. There are many ways to evangelize and Sister Cristina has shown us one of them.
Music can be a channel for speaking of God and conveying an explicit message based on the Gospel. In her first statements to the media after her win, Sister Cristina Scuccia said she would now "return to my priorities, which are Jesus and prayer." Since then, she has made only two public appearances, one on June 14 on the TV2000 program "Good News Festival," and another on June 27 on the Rai2 program "Donne ad alta quota."

Sympathizing with Brazil

The great Brazil team that beat Italy 4-1 in the final of World Cup 1970

Everyone is talking about it! The trashing that Brazil received from Germany yesterday in the World Cup semi-final. It was to say the least embarrassing, humiliating and outright unbelievable.....losing 7-1 in front of your own crowd, in your own country. This is the kind of result usually attained by a Division 3 team when they’re playing a Division One team. With all due respect, even Malta would get such a result when playing against the big teams like Germany, Italy, England and Brazil themselves. But today I want to sympathize with Brazil, and quote the beginning of an article I wrote about “Getting the whole picture” in last Sunday’s Bulletin. My purpose of the article is to encourage the people to see all the good things that are happening in our parish and not to be discouraged if occasionally something goes wrong. This selected quote could not be more perfect for this situation...
“With the World Cup being played right now in Brazil, a spectacle which, like the Olympic Games, is held every four years, the whole world is focused on following the games being played in various stadiums all over Brazil. Surprises obviously were not uncommon, as three of the major countries, which between them won six Word Cup Championships in total, were all eliminated in the early stages. Italy won the cup four times, England once, and Spain once, precisely four years ago in 2010, but none of them made it through the second round, being eliminated and, in their fans’ estimation, humiliated.

Front page of one of Brazil's newspapers today

So another nation will win this year’s edition, possibly Brazil—the host nation—or Argentina, Germany, Holland, or an y other nation that surprisingly impressed in the early stages. But the eliminated nations should look at the whole picture, and cherish the successes they’ve had in the past— something that many other nations never experienced. Granted that there is a lot of soul-searching going on right now, as well as blaming their coaches, their millionaire star players who flunked this time, but the world will not end with this World Cup edition. Others will follow, and another surprising team may shine when nobody expected them to, as did Costa Rica, Colombia, and Belgium in the early stages—all of which are underrated teams but rose to the occasion this year in Brazil.” 

The Brazil team that beat Sweden 5-2 in World Cup 1958

Brazil won the World Cup 5 times, in 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 and 2002, and they have absolutely nothing to be ashamed of. Granted the expectations were high, but as I wrote in my article, let’s get the whole picture here. Brazil did not win this year, but I hope they remember the glory days, as well as their illustrious stars like Pele, Rivelino, Ronaldo, Carlos Alberto, Falcao and so many others. Yes they were trounced in one single game, but their illustrious history is nothing to be ashamed of, especially when so many other nations never even made it to any semi-final in past World Cups.

Yet another front page from Brazil's newspapers

Up close in Malta

The Maltese cross made out of filigree

I've shown you various images of Malta from my recent visit there, but when you get up close and personal with close-ups of various items, you will see the craftiness of the Maltese people in creating objects from what is available to them. This could be clay, limestone or simple designs with filigree, as these photos show. Church paraphernalia is very popular in the Maltese Islands and clay figurines of the many characters one finds around a church are very common, similar to the statuettes or figurines or pasturi we see in Maltese nativity scenes.

Statues, candlesticks and monsignori all made from clay

A decorative Maltese Cross carved out of limestone

Optical Illusions

Who's waving the flag?

Something fun today. It's all about optical illusion, how our eyes see things, and things seem to be moving, while they are actually stationery. This first one above is a photo I took during the Pet Parade in Bend. As this cowgirl Makenna was riding a horse, another cowboy behind her was waving the American flag, and I caught the image as if the cowgirl was waving the flag.

A scene from the World Cup, or playing with the sun?

Look to the side of this picture, and the circles start to turn...

The Malta skyline

One of the most impressive sights you will always remember from Malta is the predominantly religious skyline dotted with churches, steeples and domes of various churches spread around the island. 

 

These are some of the best photos I took during my recent visit, and thanks to my Nikon camera, a splendid zoom lens helped me get closer to some of the domes that were as much as 15 miles away. And if there isn’t a church or a dome on the skyline, you can very easily get a statue or a monument that features a statue.

Bend Pet Parade

Two nice horses taking part in the parade, ridden by two cowgirls

Yesterday was a very special day for all animal-lovers, and the furry animals had their day in the streets of my parish in Bend, as a big parade took place in downtown Bend. These photos are just a few of those I took while mingling with local folks. It felt like the blessing of animals I do on the feast of St Francis of Assisi as thousands of dogs, horses, cats, turkeys, ducks, snakes, lizards, parrots, goats and others that I may have missed took to the streets of Bend in a most colorful and crowded parade. 

Yet I was surprised how no marching bands, no veterans, nothing whatsoever that reflects the freedom that we cherish was visible. The only hint was a solitary flag-bearer in the very beginning of the parade. Nonetheless during my morning Mass I prayed for the gift of freedom we have in our country and remembered the members of our military who are in harm’s way, far away from the peace and tranquility we experience in our midst.

Is it a lion? or is it a dog with a mane?

A tiny dog flying away with balloons

Independence Day

 

Independence Day Prayer

Lord, we stand today as our forefathers have stood before You in times gone by, celebrating our history and reveling in all the great things that our country has achieved.
On this day we rejoice in the favor You have graciously given us.
We thank You for the blessings of liberty, for this generation and for the generations to come.
We thank You for our independence, peace and for all those who have bravely given their lives in the defense of freedom and justice.
We thank You that Your provident hand has given us so much.

Yet as a nation and people we have not always chosen the right way.
We ask You to forgive us for these times.
On this day we commit ourselves to wholeheartedly honoring and serving You.
With everything that we are, we lay our lives before You.
Make us a generous people, a holy nation, a grateful country.
A people set aside to love You forever,
For the sake of the land of the brave and free, and the peoples and nations of this world.

The Declaration of Independence signed in 1776

Today, we do not presume Your grace for our country. Our land is in need of You, Our people are in need of You, Our industry and business is in need of You.
May we look only to You this Independence Day, dependent on You.

Please come now by Your glorious Holy Spirit,
Breathe new life into the sinews of this nation. May justice flow like rivers,
And righteousness like a never failing stream, until the whole of our country is covered with Your glory, as the waters cover the sea.

We ask all this in the wonderful name of Jesus, Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit. One God, now and for all eternity. Amen.

Saint Thomas

Caravaggio - "The incredulity of St. Thomas"

One of the 12 apostles chosen by Jesus, we honor Saint Thomas today, also known as Didymus, the Twin, who is very much revered in India, especially in southern India, in the Kerala district. He is known to have ministered in India before his martyrdom. According to tradition, the Apostle reached Muziris, India in 52 AD and baptized several people who are today known as St Thomas Christians or Nasranis. After his death, the reputed relics of Saint Thomas the Apostle were enshrined as far as Mesopotamia in the 3rd century, and later moved to various places. In 1258, some of the relics were brought to Abruzzo in Ortona, Italy, where they have been held in the Church of Saint Thomas the Apostle. But Thomas, as faithful as he was to his Master, will always be remembered for his incredulity when Jesus was risen from the dead, and would not believe until he saw with his eyes, and touched with his hands the wounds of Jesus. Then he uttered a very popular phrase “My Lord and my God.” This is a common expression phrase many people use during the elevation of the Body of Christ and the Blood of Christ during Mass. One of the most famous paintings of St Thomas is the one by Caravaggio, precisely at the moment when he places his finger in the side of Jesus after the Resurrection.

12 things to remember

 The value of time.
The success of perseverance.
The pleasure of working.
The dignity of simplicity.
The worth of character.
The power of example.
The influence of life.

The obligation of duty.
The virtue of patience.
The improvement of talent.
The wisdom of economy.
The joy of originating.

Malta fireworks

Fireworks set up in front of St Philips's church, Zebbug

In view of the fireworks display that will be shown this coming Friday, Independence Day here in the USA, I share with you today something that takes place behind the scenes in Malta just before a display of land fireworks, called "Catherine Wheels." This took place in the town of Zebbug in Malta on June 6, as preparations were being made for this incredible display, that is complicated, massive and absolutely spectacular. 

A computerized set-up and last-minute adjustments of the fireworks.

Some of the displays were set up with a computerized coordination that is complicated and technically difficult to coordinate. The only problem is that they let them off late at night, and I was not present during the actual display, but to get an idea what they may have looked like, I have another photo I took a few years ago from the feast of St Julian's, a similar display of "Catherine Wheels" which was done on a much smaller scale.

"Catherine Wheels" display from St Julian's feast in 2006

Hill of Crosses

Hill of Crosses at Siauliai, Northern Lithuania

This is a site of pilgrimage about 8 miles north of the city of Šiauliai, in northern Lithuania.   The Hill of Crosses has about 100 000 crosses, with the first crosses being erected here by the next-of-kin of the rebels that fell in the 1831 rebellion. The Hill of Crosses is a historical architectural monument, it is a unique composition of folk art. It attracts many pilgrims with its peace, spirituality, authenticity and sacred nature. Even more crosses appeared after the rebellion in 1863. At that time the traditions of visiting and erecting crosses on the hill of crosses were being formed. This place was visited by Pope John Paul II on September 9, 1993. 

In 2000 a Franciscan hermitage was opened nearby. Over the centuries, not only crosses, but giant crucifixes, carvings of Lithuanian patriots, statues of the Virgin Mary and thousands of tiny effigies and rosaries have been brought here by Catholic pilgrims. The exact number of crosses is unknown, but estimates put it at about 55,000 in 1990 and 100,000 in 2006.

A woman placing a cross among the 100,000 other crosses

Saint Peter and St Paul

St Peter at Floriana church, Malta

The two pillars of the church are honored today on their liturgical feast day. Even though they became known as the most popular apostles, their beginning was not as pleasant. Peter was the rough and tough type fisherman who had to be fine-tuned and polished by Jesus and eventually became the first Pope. However there were some conflicting moments in his life, especially during Jesus’ passion when Peter three times denied even knowing Jesus. Some friend eh! However Jesus forgave him, after the triple affirmation of faith, and changing his name from Simon to Peter, the Rock, on which the church was to be built. It must have worked, because from the 12 apostles, we are now up to 1.2 billion Catholics.

St Paul in Floriana church, Malta

St Paul on the other hand was even more aggressive as he used to persecute Christians, only to be converted on his way to Damascus when Jesus appeared to him, and his complete turnaround started. He eventually traveled all over Eastern Europe, through Greece, modern day Turkey and even venturing on the sea being shipwrecked on my homeland of Malta where he baptized all the inhabitants. He also wrote letters to the many communities he visited, beautiful theological reflections which we read every Sunday in our 2nd reading at Mass. Both Peter and Paul were martyred, Peter being crucified upside down, and Paul being beheaded in Rome.

The Heart of Mary

Painting of Mary in the parish church of Tarxien

Following the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, today we celebrate the feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Similar to yesterday's feast, it was St John Eudes who promoted this devotion first in 1648 in the town of Autun, France, and later on in all the French dioceses. In 1799, Pope Pius VI granted the Bishop of Palermo the permission to celebrate the feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in his diocese. When the revelation of the 'Miraculous Medal" to St Catherine Laboure took place in 1830, the impetus for this devotion was even more obvious. 

"Mary" in St Augustine church Valletta

In the back of this famous medal, two hearts are seen under a cross with the letter M superimposed. The heart of Jesus is surrounded by a crown of thorns, and that of Mary pierced by a sword. The image of Mary in sacred art is one of the most popular, and in this post I include some photos of Marian paintings I discovered recently during my trip in Malta.

Madonna and child with a pomegranate

Mary's love for us all is just as powerful and consistent as that of her Son, Jesus. When we feel sad or depressed, let us go to Mary and enjoy her loving embrace given with compassion, devotion and respect.

Heart full of Love

"Light of Christ" by Anton Inglott

The feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus gained much popularity after the visions that St Margaret Mary Alacoque had from Jesus around the year 1675. The church initially had doubts about the authenticity of the visions, but approved them almost 100 years later. The feast was first celebrated in France only but was extended to the universal church in 1856 by Pope Pius IX. The Sacred Heart is often depicted in Christian art as a flaming heart shining with divine light, pierced by a lance, surrounded by a crown of thorns, surmounted by a cross, and bleeding.
The image represented here above shows a different perspective as envisioned by Maltese artist Anton Inglott. It shows Jesus’ heart aglow with love for all his people, including all of us. If we can only comprehend the sacrifices He made for us, and in spite of our weaknesses and shortcomings, He loves us unconditionally, even when we tend to take Him for granted.
May our love for Him be just as powerful and intimate. May we appreciate His endless support and care towards our well-being, represented also in the way the church, priests, sisters and other people show their affection towards everything that is Roman Catholic.

The Perched Pigeon

During one of my recent outings and photographic walks in Malta, I came across a pigeon perched on a wall, overlooking one of the inlets, possibly admiring the setting sun. In the background were two prominent churches, the domed Carmelite church and the steeple of the Anglican church, both in Valletta. 

I zoomed into both buildings while keeping the pigeon in the foreground. She cooperated with me as she did not fly away, and apparently was cooperating with me and enjoying her 15 minutes of fame, as she turned around, showing off all her features. Enjoy these photos as much as I enjoyed snapping them.

St John's Cathedral

Since yesterday was the feast of St John the Baptist, it is fitting that today I share with you some photos I took recently inside the massive, beautiful and recently-restored Cathedral dedicated to St John the Baptist, in the capital city of Malta, Valletta. Thousands of tourists visit this Cathedral every day, and feeling like one of them, I made sure to capture its beauty in these photos. 

It was built by the Knights of Malta around the years 1570 and 1590 by the architect Girolamo Cassar (as far as I know no relation, but you never know.) The ceiling is covered with numerous frescoes by Mattia Preti, who lived in Malta for many years, and painted many other sacred paintings in other churches and now exposed in Museums and churches. Please do click on each photo to get a bigger image.

'The Baptism of Jesus' by Mattia Preti

A marble statue behind the main altar