We speak...God answers

You say, "It's impossible".     God says: "All thing are possible". (Luke 18:27)

You say, "I'm too tired."      God says: "I will give you rest". (Matt 11:28-20)

You say, "Nobody really loves me".      God says: "I love you". (John 3:16-John 13:34)

You say, "I can't go on."      God says: "My grace is sufficient." (II Cor.12:9 - Psalms 91:15)

You say, "I can't figure things out."       God says: "I will direct your steps." (Proverbs 3:5-6)

You say, "I can't do it."      God says: "You can do all things." (Phil 4:13)

You say, "It's not worth it."      God says: "It will be worth it." (Romans 8:28)

You say, "I can't forgive myself."      God says: "I forgive you." (I John 1:9-Romans 8:1)

You say, "I can't manage."      God says: "I will supply all your needs." (Phil. 4:19)

You say, "I'm afraid."      God says: "I have not given you a spirit of fear." (II Tim1:7)

You say, "I'm always worried".     God says: "Cast all your cares on ME."  (I Peter 5:7)

You say, "I don't have enough faith."      God says: "I've given everyone a measure of faith." (Romans 12:3)

You say, "I'm not smart enough."      God says: "I give you wisdom." (I Cor. 1:30)

You say, "I feel all alone."      God says: "I will never leave you or forsake you." (Heb.13:5)

Resurrection procession

Another final flashback from Malta, and one final reference to Easter- a festive procession is held on Easter celebrating the Risen Lord. Much different from the solemn and somber procession of Good Friday, this is a joyous event with people mingling in a happy mood, with band marches playing festive music. 

The statue of the Risen Christ is carried through the streets of many villages, and the carriers usually run the last 100 yards with the statue, creating a nervous atmosphere among the onlookers, because as was the case on a few occasion, the carriers stumble and fall, with the statue coming close to crashing down. This particular procession featured in these photos is from 2010 in Valletta, the capital city.

Food Glorious Food

Food Blessing at St Francis parish church

The fasting and abstinence are over. The 40 days of Lent and the 7 days of Holy Week have inspired many people to fast and abstain from food, as a form of penance and sacrifice. But now that Easter is here, it is a tradition that people feast on food, eating a variety of delicacies, cakes, chocolate eggs, and nice delicious meals. 

The Easter Food Blessing took place in our parish on Easter Saturday at noon, but few families showed up, which motivates me next year to push a little harder for a more generous participation.  Parishioners brought in baskets with Easter Eggs, bread, vegetables, pastries and even salt and pepper.

A Maltese figolla

Malta's favorite food is what is called a figolla, a pastry in the shape of a heart, a basket, a bunny, a duck or whatever inspires the imagination. These are made with two pieces of dough and in between, an almond filling like marzipan is placed, making the entire creation a little chubbier. Then the top is covered with icing, decorations and let to dry before being offered to be eaten.

Easter Vigil photos

The procession during the recitation of the Litany of Saints

The celebration of the Easter Vigil at St Francis of Assisi church in Bend was highlighted by the baptism of two adults and a baby, as well as the Confirmation of 10 new members. The photos attached here describe the sequence of events that took place in the presence of a generous crowd, besides relatives and friends.

Easter decorations and celebrations

Easter in my parish in Bend proved to be very successful, as usual with hundreds of people attending the weekend Easter Masses. Visitors and parishioners were happy and inspired to see the beautiful decorations in our churches, done respectively by Lupita and Rick Wesseler in the new church, and Judy Kennedy in the historic church. 

The tabernacle and Paschal Candle at the new church

The Easter Vigil celebrations was the climactic moment of our church liturgical calendar, and the crowds attending the Easter Sunday Mass was overwhelming, with the hope they continue to come regularly. (photos from the Vigil Mass will appear tomorrow)

Flowers and angels adorn the historic church sanctuary

He is Risen

He is truly Risen!Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
He brings a Prayerful Life to someone searching for meaning and direction.
He brings Peace to those who are always worried and uptight.
He brings Victory out of defeat.
He brings Joy to those who cannot seem to smile anymore.
He brings a Beautiful Baby to her who was premeditating an abortion.
He brings Light to those who are living in darkness.
He brings Enlightenment and Understanding to those couples whose marriage has been more of a struggle than a Joy.
He brings Hope out of despair.
He brings New Life to those worried about dying.
He brings Peace to this world ravaged by war and fighting and oppression.
He brings Love and Reconciliation to those harboring thoughts of revenge and hate.
He brings Optimism in a world tormented by pessimism.

A Blessed Easter to all visitors of this blog.
Photos of the Easter Vigil in my parish and church decorations will appear in tomorrow's post.

Reviewing Holy Thursday

Sharing with you today a few more photos from the Holy Thursday celebration at St Francis of Assisi parish in Bend, with the foot-washing ceremony and the emphasis on the Eucharist and Service. Many people don't know that the foot-washing was once a sacrament, one of service to others, but was dropped from the original 8. In gratitude to Lupita and Rick Wesseler who dedicate our sanctuary in the new church and to Judy Kennedy who decorates our historic church....more to come on Easter decorations.

Good Friday

All you who are crying, come to Him, because He is crying, too.
All you who are suffering, come to Him, because He can heal you.
All you who are afraid, come to Him, because He always has a smile waiting for you.
All you who are hungry, come to Him, because He’ll feed you the Living Bread.
All you who are in darkness, come to Him, because He will guide you with His Light.
All you who are lost, search for His guiding hand, and you will never get lost from now on.
All you who feel persecuted, come to Him because He had His share of persecution, too.
All you who feel you’re always struggling, come to Him, and He’ll give true meaning to your life.
All you who are lonely, come close to Him, because He, too, was very lonely on the Cross.
All you who feel you are being punished unfairly, just look at Him! He died for you—unfairly.
All you who’ve lost your sense of direction in life, come to Him. He is the Way, the Truth and the Life!
All you who are dying, come to Him, and you will live forever. 

Holy Thursday

Tapestry of the Last Supper at the Vatican Museum

The feast of the Eucharist and the Priesthood is commemorated today at the celebration of Holy Thursday. This is artistically represented by another beautiful and ornate tapestry this time of the Last Supper, in a photograph I took at the Vatican Museums. On Holy Thursday or Maundy Thursday, Jesus instituted the Eucharist during the meal He hosted with his 12 apostles. It is strange that on the occasion of giving them his most precious gift, He also revealed that two of his apostles were not faithful to the end. Peter denied Him, while Judas betrayed Him. Peter at least had the opportunity to redeem himself, but Judas hug himself in desperation.

One of the Altars of Repose in Rabat, Malta

At the end of the evening Holy Thursday Mass which includes the foot-washing ceremony, a procession is held with the BlessedSacrament, which is then reposed in a decorated altar, separate from the main altar. A tradition that started with St Philip Neri in Rome is the visit of the 7 churches on the evening of Holy Thursday. Churches in Malta are very frequent so people could walk from one to the other or at least drive a short distance. However in some countries like Oregon, one has to drive a thousand miles to get to 7 Catholic churches, since we are so spread out. Yet the Maltese churches decorate the Altar of Repose with a beautiful display of flowers, candles, angels and other Eucharistic symbols, a seen in these photos I took 5 years ago.

Altar of Repose in my childhood church at St Julian's, Malta

Stations around Town

Before the last Station at the Historic Church

The first annual Stations around Town was held on Tuesday March 31st around Bend with a nice crowd of over 80 parishioners attending. 14 places were chosen as we visited them and prayed the customary Stations of the Cross while also praying for the people who work or attend the chosen landmarks. The first 7 places were spread out and so we car-pooled to each location while the last 7 were close together and we walked in procession. 

The 7th Stations at the Red Cross/Blood Donor Center

The 14 places chosen were these: 1. Inside the new St. Francis church on 27th Str, 2. The Trinity Lutheran church, 3. On Route 97, close to Hobby Lobby, 4. By the Pregnancy Resource Center, 5. St Vincent de Paul Society, 6. Mount Bachelor Memory Care, 7. Red Cross/Blood Bank Center, 8. The Episcopalian church, 9. The Public Library, 10. Tower Theater, 11. City Hall, 12. McMenimans, our former St Francis School, 13, By the Rectory, and 14. Inside the historic St. Francis church. All those who attended observed a very reverent atmosphere all around, and even sacrificed the cold weather, but bundled up accordingly and tried to stay warm, especially as we walked the last 7 stations. More photos will be posted later on the parish blog, including the prayers used. (click on each photo to enlarge) 

The 9th Station by the Public Library

The 3rd Station on Route 97

In procession with some helpers carrying the cross

The 6th Station by the Mt Bachelor Memory Care Center

Holy Week

Holy Week is just days ahead, Lord.
In some ways, it will be an ordinary week:
I'll still have to go to work, to school, to the store.
I'll still need to care for my family and friends.
I'll still have to do laundry and take out the trash.
I'll still have to deal with life's everyday problems:
    my responsibilities won't diminish or take a break...

And I'll do all this in a world that largely ignores  the names we give this week's special days:
                        Palm Sunday, 
                            Holy Thursday
                               Good Friday
                                  Holy Saturday
                                     Easter Sunday
So I ask you to help me, Lord, to make and keep this week holy...

I hope and pray this week will be peaceful - in spite of all I have to do...
I hope and pray these days will be prayerful: that I'll make some time to spend with you alone and time to go to church on these holy days...
I hope and pray that in my mind and heart these days will be different from any others,
in how I see and experience the world around me, in how I plan and spend my time...

Help me know and live these days as set apart, some solemn and some joyful:
      a time to grow in faith, and hope and love,
      a time to grow in my relationship with you...

Let this week not be like all the others, Lord - but let this week and all its days
be truly holy. Amen.

More from Palm Sunday

Palm Sunday procession at the 10 AM Mass

The first three Masses at St Francis of Assisi parish in Bend started outside with the blessing of the palms, followed by a procession towards the church.The procession was led by our donkey Pimmy who got her 45 minutes of fame as she devoutly followed the proceedings and led the congregation to the church for Mass with the readings of the passion of Christ. I thank Diana Levey who lent us Pimmy, as well as the Bomke girls, Makenna and Kelsea who led the donkey at all three celebrations. This is a tradition that has taken roots here in Bend, as will hopefully be a memory people will cherish for a lifetime, especially through these photos.

 

The ceremony at the 12:30 PM Spanish Mass

 

Palm Sunday celebrations - part 1

Saturday evening started the Palm Sunday celebrations in our parish with a procession following the blessing of palms. Two donkeys, Poncho and Daisy led our procession, helped by the Rossi family, while the donkeys were lent to us by the Jansen family. 

The congregation met in the back of the school, and after the palm blessing and the reading of the Gospel, the procession proceeded towards the church. Another donkey will participate in Sunday's Masses, and more photos will appear in tomorrow's blog.  This is the start of the Holy Week celebrations which culminate with Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter.

Elk at Whitney Valley

Driving back from Baker City, I came across a large herd of elk in the Whitney Valley, more or less midway between John Day and Baker City. There were actually two herds, less than a mile from each other. Obviously, when they notice someone stopping the car, they trot away from you, but I was able to take a few photos of these two herds, the first one with 40 heads, the second with more than 60 heads, including one male, whom you can see leading his girlfriends for a Friday night hangout at their local favorite place.

Photos from the Chrism Mass

A group photo on the steps of the Cathedral

The Chrism Mass was held on Thursday March 26 at the Baker City Cathedral, and these are a few early photos from this annual celebration. Bishop Liam Cary is surrounded by his priests as he prepares to consecrate the oils to be used for Baptism, Confirmations, Ordinations and Anointing of the Sick. I mentioned earlier that I did not see one single deer on Wednesday - it was much different today as I encountered two herds of elk between Baker City and Prairie City - make sure to check tomorrow for their amazing photos....
(please click on each photo to enlarge)