Moving a house

A massive project took place yesterday outside our historic church with three bungalows that once were part of the St Francis old school. Presently they are owned by McMenimans, hotel, restaurant, spa and movie-theater, and they were moved to Sunriver, south of Bend. to be relocated there. In their place, a bigger hotel will be built. 

It was quite a project to move these three houses together, early in the morning, when the traffic was less heavy. These photos show the sequence of events as they left their home for the past 80 years. St Francis School was opened in 1936, and presumably these bungalows were built at the same time. They were used respectively as a Friary, an Art Room and another unknown building.

The group photo - 113 First Communicants

 

A group photo of all 113 First Comminicants

The Mass for the First Holy Communion for 113 children of our parish was held yesterday at St Francis of Assisi church on 27th Street. The children participated fully in the Mass, doing the readings in English and Spanish, leading the Prayers of the Faithful and setting up the altar at the Offertory. A packed church of parents, relatives and friends filled the church. 

Thanks to photographer, parishioner and parent Rob DuValle, I share with you just three photos from yesterday's Mass, as well as the customary group photo, packing in 113 children in a very limited space. My gratitude goes to Barbara Mendoza-Lehr and Julie Rice, coordinators of the Elementary Faith Formation, as well as all the teachers and helpers who assisted at the Mass, rehearsals and helped all year long. (click on each photo to enlarge)

113 First Communicants

113 children receiving First Holy Communion this morning

A big day for 113 children who will be receiving their First Holy Communion today. A big rehearsal was held yesterday as the children practiced their readings, processions, postures, etc. A group photo will be taken this morning before the start of the Mass, and yesterday we posed the large group of children as a group, which will be repeated this morning in the First Communion outfits. 

Julian Cassar - First Holy Communion 6-29-1958

This day reminds me of my own First Holy Communion, back on June 29, 1958 at St Julian's parish church, my hometown church, where I was already serving as an altar-boy. It is a custom in Malta that every child has an official professional photo taken on that happy day. Please remember and pray for these 113 children and their families on this very special day for them.

First Communion Banners

With the First Holy Communion being celebrated this weekend in my parish, a tradition that is becoming more popular is the idea of each child preparing a banner with symbols of the Eucharist, and their name on it. This year we have 114 children receiving Jesus for the first time in their lives, a celebration taking place tomorrow Saturday May 2, at 11 AM, and the banners that the children have created are displayed in vestibule of the church. 

All the banners hanging on a wall

They have captured the attention of parishioners, visitors, families and friends, and just about every one of them is different in style, technique used and creative display.  This year I decided to hang them along a long wall, so that everyone can see them and admire them, over a period of 4 weeks.

Remembering Bishop Connolly

Bishop Thomas Connolly (1922-2015)

Today we bid Goodbye or So Long to Bishop Thomas Connolly in a Funeral Mass held in our church of St Francis of Assisi parish, in Bend. Archbishop Alexander Sample will be presiding and Bishop William Skylstad will be preaching. Yesterday Bishop Cary led a Vigil Service in the same church. Another Mass will be held tomorrow at the Cathedral in Baker City followed by the burial at Mount Hope Cemetery.

Thomas Joseph Connolly was born on July 18, 1922, in Tonopah, Nevada.  He attended St. Joseph Minor Seminary in Mt. View, California and completed his studies for the priesthood at St. Patrick Seminary, Menlo Park.  After ordination on April 8, 1947, Fr. Connolly served briefly as an associate pastor and a high school teacher before his appointment in 1949 as secretary to Bishop Gorman.  Studies in Canon Law at the Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C., and at the Lateran University in Rome prepared him for a doctorate degree in 1952.  For the next 20 years he served as pastor at the Cathedral in Reno and of churches in Elko and Carson City.  Appointed to succeed Bishop Leipzig, he was ordained the fourth Bishop of the Diocese of Baker on June 20, 1971.
Bishop Connolly's greatest challenge would be the earth-shaking changes in the Church brought on by the Second Vatican Council.  The establishment of a Priests' Council, an annual Presbyteral Assembly, a Sisters' Council and a Diocesan Pastoral Council with lay participation revealed the Bishop's accord with the Council's new view of the Church.
From 1981 to 1993, church construction resumed, initiated by an extensive refurbishing of the Cathedral to bring it into accord with the liturgical directives of Vatican Council II.  Rededication ceremonies took place on April 28, 1981.  Seven new churches and halls were built within the Diocese.  Bishop Connolly left office in 1999, holding that the best mode of operation for the success of Christ's ministry is love.  He had succeeded in unifying the Diocese during a time of dire challenge and change.  It is estimated that he traveled more than a million miles by car, visiting parishes and missions.

A mural honoring Bishop Connolly at Baker City in 1996

During his tenure, he sought to solve problems through the introduction of innovative programs. Under his guidance, a major renovation of the Cathedral was accomplished, and the Chancery offices were moved to Bend on October 7, 1987.  Bishop Connolly served 29 years as the Bishop of Baker. He spent the last few years at a nursing home in Beaverton, and died last Friday, aged 93. May he rest in peace.

Horse Sense

In a quiet pasture is a fenced-in field, with two horses in it.  From a distance, each looks like every other horse.  But if one stops the car, or is walking by, one will notice something quite amazing. Looking into the eyes of one horse will disclose that he is blind.  His owner has chosen not to have him put down, but has made a good home for him.  This alone is amazing.
Listening, one will hear the sound of a bell.  Looking around for the source of the sound, one will see that it comes from another horse in the field.  Attached to her bridle is a small bell.  It lets her blind friend know where she is, so he can follow her.
As one stands and watches these two friends, one sees how she is always checking on him, and that he will listen for her bell and then slowly walk to where she is, trusting that she will not lead him astray.

Like the owners of these two horses, God does not throw us away just because we are not perfect or because we are ill, have been injured or we have problems or challenges.
He watches over us and even brings others into our lives to help us when we are in need.
Sometimes we are the blind horse being guided by God and those whom he places in our lives. Other times we are the guide horse, helping others see God.

The Spoon

A holy man was having a conversation with the Lord one day and  said, "Lord, I would like to know what Heaven and Hell are like." The Lord led the holy man to two doors. He opened one of the doors and the holy man looked in. In the middle of the room was a large round table. In the middle of the table was a large pot of stew which smelled delicious and made the holy man's mouth water.
The people sitting around the table were thin and sickly. They appeared to be famished. They were holding spoons with very long handles and each found it possible to reach into the pot of stew and take a spoonful, but because the handle was longer than their arms, they could not get the spoons back into their mouths. The holy man shuddered at the sight of their misery and suffering. The Lord said, "You have seen Hell."
They went to the next room and opened the door. It was exactly the same as the first one. There was the large round table with the  large pot of stew which made the holy man's mouth water. The people were equipped with the same long-handled spoons, but here the people were well nourished and plump, laughing and talking. The holy man said, "I don't understand."
“It is simple" said the Lord, "it requires but one skill. You see, they have learned to feed each other. While the greedy think only of themselves.”
Let’s learn from this story to always be helpful to others, collaborative and ready to reach out, instead of thinking only of ourselves.

Feeling special

1. There are people in this world love you so much they would die for you.
2. A smile from you can bring happiness to anyone, even if they don't like or know you.
3. Every night, SOMEONE thinks about you before they go to sleep.
4. You mean the world to someone.
5. If not for you, someone may not be living.
6. You are special and unique.
7. When you think you have no chance of getting what you want, you probably won't get it, but if you trust God to do what's best, and wait on His time, sooner or later, you will get it or something better.
8. When you make the biggest mistake ever, something good can still come from it.
9. When you think the world has turned its back on you, take a look: you most likely turned your back on the world.
10. Someone that you don't even know exists, loves you.
11. Always remember the compliments you received. Forget about the rude remarks.
12. Always tell someone how you feel about them; you will feel much better when they know and you'll both be happy.
13. If you have a great friend, take the time to let them know that they are great.

Prayer for Vocations

This 4th Sunday of Easter is traditionally known as the Good Shepherd Sunday as the readings present Jesus as our Good Shepherd. As a consequence, the church has included this day to be a day for prayers for Vocations to the Priesthood and Religious Life. 
So I share today this prayer for Vocations:

O God, Father of all Mercies, Provider of a bountiful Harvest,
send Your Graces upon those You have called to gather the fruits of Your labor;
preserve and strengthen them in their lifelong service of you.
Open the hearts of Your children that they may discern Your Holy Will; inspire in them a love and desire to surrender themselves to serving others in the name of Your son, Jesus Christ. Teach all Your faithful to follow their respective paths in life guided by Your Divine Word and Truth.
Through the intercession of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary, all the Angels, and Saints, humbly hear our prayers and grant Your Church's needs.
Loving and Generous God, it is You who call us by name and ask us to follow You.
Help us to grow in the Love and Service of our Church as we experience it today.
Give us the energy and courage of Your Spirit to shape its future.
Grant us faith-filled leaders who will embrace Christ's Mission of love and justice.

Bless the Church of the Baker Diocese by raising up dedicated and generous leaders
from our families and friends who will serve Your people as Sisters,
Priests, Brothers, Deacons and Lay Ministers. As we appreciate the selfless dedication of our many missionary priests and sisters serving in our Diocese, inspire us to know You better and open our hearts to hear Your call. We ask this prayer through Christ our Lord, AMEN.

Saint Mark

The feast of St Mark is celebrated today, one of the 4 evangelists. The second Gospel was written by St. Mark, who, in the New Testament, is sometimes called John Mark. Both he and his mother, Mary, were highly esteemed in the early Church, and his mother's house in Jerusalem served as a meeting place for Christians there. St. Mark was associated with St. Paul and St. Barnabas (who was Mark's cousin) on their missionary journey through the island of Cyprus. Later he accompanied St. Barnabas alone. We know also that he was in Rome with St. Peter and St. Paul. Tradition ascribes to him the founding of the Church in Alexandria.

The Basilica of Saint Mark in Venice, Italy

St. Mark wrote the second Gospel, probably in Rome sometime before the year 60 A.D.; he wrote it in Greek for the Gentile converts to Christianity. Tradition tells us that St. Mark was requested by the Romans to set down the teachings of St. Peter. This seems to be confirmed by the position which St. Peter has in this Gospel. In this way the second Gospel is a record of the life of Jesus as seen through the eyes of the Prince of the Apostles.  Mark the Evangelist is most often depicted writing or holding his gospel. In Christian tradition, Mark the Evangelist, the author of the second gospel is symbolized by a lion – a figure of courage and monarchy. Some Christian legends refer to Saint Mark as "Saint Mark The Lionhearted". These legends say that he was thrown to the Lions and the animals refused to attack or eat him. Instead the Lions slept at his feet, while he petted them. When the Romans saw this, they released him impressed by this sight. Venice, famous for the Piazza San Marco, claims Mark as its patron saint; the large basilica there is believed to contain his remains. He is the patron saint of notaries.

The Horse

A group of Clydesdale horses I encountered in Idaho a few years ago.

Ever since I came to Oregon, I fell in love with horses, especially through visiting families who own horses. I learned a lot about equine biology, breeding and everything related to the care of horses. A beautiful, elegant animal indeed, I also learned about different breeds and categories of horses....as well as the description of various stages in the life of horses.

A newborn horse named Julian, unfortunately becoming a gelding to my disappointment.

The following terminology is used to describe horses of various ages:

• Colt: a male horse under the age of four.
• Filly: a female horse under the age of four.
• Foal: a horse of either sex less than one year old. A nursing foal is sometimes called a suckling and a foal that has been weaned is called a weanling. Most domesticated foals are weaned at five to seven months of age, although foals can be weaned at four months with no adverse physical effects.
• Gelding: a castrated male horse of any age.
• Mare: a female horse four years old and older.
• Stallion: a non-castrated male horse four years old and older. The term "horse" is sometimes used colloquially to refer specifically to a stallion.
• Yearling: a horse of either sex that is between one and two years old.
  

  

  The Magnificent 7 - Clark quarter horses from Mount Vernon

  
  

  
  

Saint George

Saint George, was born in around 275 AD in Lydda, Syria Palestine, was a soldier in the Roman army and was later venerated as a Christian martyr. His father was Gerontius, a Greek Christian from Cappadocia, and an official in the Roman army; his mother Polychronia was a Christian from Lydda. Saint George became an officer in the Roman army in the Guard of the Emperor Diocletian, who ordered his death for failing to repudiate his Christian faith. St George died on April 23 in 303 AD. Pictures of St. George usually show him killing a dragon to rescue a beautiful lady. The dragon stands for wickedness. The lady stands for God's holy truth. St. George was a brave martyr who was victorious over the devil.

Novgorod polyptych of St George

He was a soldier in the army of the Roman Emperor Diocletian, and he was one of the Emperor's favorite soldiers. Now Diocletian was a pagan and a bitter enemy to the Christians. He put to death every Christian he could find. George was a brave Christian, a real soldier of Christ. Without fear, he went to the Emperor and sternly scolded him for being so cruel. Then he gave up his position in the Roman army. For this he was tortured in many terrible ways and finally beheaded. So boldly daring and so cheerful was St. George in declaring his Faith and in dying for it that Christians felt courage when they heard about it. Many songs and poems were written about this martyr. Soldiers, especially, have always been devoted to him.

We all have some "dragon" we have to conquer. It might be pride, or anger, or laziness, or greediness, or something else. Let us make sure we fight against these "dragons", with God's help. Then we can call ourselves real soldiers of Christ. In hagiography, Saint George is one of the most venerated saints in the Catholic Church, Anglican, Orthodox, and East Syrian. He is regarded as one of the most prominent military saints. Many patronages of Saint George exist around the world, including countries and cities as well as the Scout Movement, in addition to a wide range of professions, organizations, and disease sufferers. Most prominently, he is the patron saint of England.

Tulip Farm

My last post relating to my Retreat at Mount Angel concerns a tulip farm that is located in the town of Monitor, known as the Wooden Shoe tulip farm. These photos speak for themselves - and there is absolutely nothing I can add - just enjoy these colorful pictures.

Blue Birds

Stellar's Jay eying his next meal

Besides all the other birds I photographed at the Mount Angel Retreat House, the ones that attracted my attention the most were the blue jays, which were very active and very mobile, which made it very hard to photograph. They would stay in one place for a few seconds, and I had to be extra quick to focus and get a fairly good photo. But I was lucky that my patience rewarded me with some good shots, as you can see from these seen here. 

Another Stellar's Jay, checking the photographer

The one with the black head is known as the Stellar's Jay, while the others are known as the Gray-breasted Jay. Tomorrow we'll visit the nearby Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm in Monitor, in a very colorful post.

A Gray-breasted Jay in 4 different postures

Birds

Grosbeaks fight for the best perch around the feeder

With plenty of bird-feeders, a peaceful atmosphere, no hunters or bird-trappers around, and a pleasant weather all around, birds frolic and dance around at Mount Angel Retreat House, as is evident from these photos I took last week. 

House finch waiting for an empty feeder

Among the birds were plenty of sparrows, some golden-crowned sparrows, chipping sparrows, grosbeaks, finches, as well as hummingbirds, who relished on the nectar as they buzzed around with their wings fluttering at incredible speed. 

Hummingbird

Tomorrow I will share some great photos of  steller's blue jays and gray-breasted jays.

Three hummingbirds splurging on nectar

Four golden-crowned sparrows

Mount Angel Iconography

Icon of the Crucifixion at Mount Angel Abbey refectory

One of the most conspicuous aspect of Mount Angel Abbey is the number of Icons displayed in different places. Most of these were done by Brother Claude Lane OSB, one of the monks, who spends hours designing, crafting, praying over, and painting these beautiful Icons. His most recent one is found in the Refectory of the Abbey with a crucifix and the Emmaus disciples on both sides, recollecting the meal they shared with Jesus after His Resurrection. 

Other statues of Mary and Joseph are displayed in the Abbey church and in the Refectory.
The Retreat House where we stayed is a very quiet and peaceful place, and this attracts a lot of different birds, and to see some of my photos of our feathered friends, you have to wait till tomorrow.

An Icon of St Benedict in a private chapel at the Retreat House

Statue of St Joseph in the Refectory

More from Mount Angel Abbey

Inside the Abbey church

Mount Angel Abbey is a community of Benedictine monks near the city of Mount Angel, OREGON. It was established in 1882 from the Abbey of Engelberg in Switzerland. The abbey, located on the top of Mount Angel, a 485-foot high butte, has its own post office separate from the city of Mt. Angel's, Saint Benedict. The library at the abbey was designed by Finnish architect Alvar Aalto.

 Mount Angel Seminary, which was originally part of the now defunct Mount Angel College, serves numerous western diocese and currently has approximately 200 students. The make up of the seminary population is 40% Anglo-American and 60% minorities, primarily Hispanic, Vietnamese, and Filipino. Students and seminarians come from the western states of Oregon, Utah, Montana, Washington, Nevada, Idaho, Alaska, as well as Hawaii, Guam, Samoa, and other Pacific islands.The Seminary's main church has a tower that contains the largest free-swinging bells on the west coast.

The bell tower constructed in 2008

The seminary has undergraduate and graduate programs. The undergraduate program is devoted towards a bachelor's degree in philosophy. Students may choose a double degree by studying one of two additional fields—religious studies or literature. Many of the students from the undergraduate degree program continue on to study in Rome, San Francisco, Chicago, Washington, D.C and other universities in Europe.