Our Lady of Mount Carmel

Our Lady of Mount Carmel with Bishop Saints, 1764. Gaspar Miguel de Berrío, Bolivia

According to a pious tradition, the Blessed Virgin appeared to St Simon Stock at Cambridge, England on Sunday June 16, 1251. In answer to his appeal for help for his oppressed order, she appeared to him with a scapular in her hand and said to him:”Take, beloved son, this scapular of your order as a special sign of grace for all Carmelites; whoever dies with this scapular, will not suffer everlasting fire. It is a sign of salvation, a safeguard in danger, a pledge of peace.”
The Carmelites are a religious order founded on Mount Carmel in the 13th century, named thus in reference to the mountain range found in the Holy Land. The founder was a certain Berthold, who was either a pilgrim or a crusader. The order was founded at the site that it claimed had once been the location of Elijah’s cave, 1700 feet above sea level.
By 2001, there were 2,100 religious monks in 25 provinces in the Carmelite order, besides 700 enclosed nuns in 70 monasteries. In addition, the Third Order of Lay Carmelites count 28,000 members throughout the world. Besides St Simon Stock, there are other Carmelite saints such as St Therese of the Child Jesus, St John of the Cross, St Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, St Theresa of Avila and even Sister Lucia of Fatima.

What Life isn’t.....what Life is

Life isn’t about keeping score. It’s not about how many friends you have. Or how accepted you are. It’s not about if you have plans this weekend or if you’re alone. It isn’t about who you’re dating, who you used to date, or how many people you’ve dated, or if you haven’t been with anyone at all. It isn’t about whom you’ve kissed. It isn’t about sex. It isn’t about who your family is or how much money they have. Or what kind of car you drive. Or which school or College you attended. Life isn’t about how beautiful or ugly you are. Or what clothes you wear, what shoes you have on, or what kind of music you listen to. It’s not about if your hair is blonde, red, black or brunette. Or if your skin is too light or too brown. It’s not about what grades you get, how smart you are, or even how smart everybody thinks you are, or how smart standardized test say you are. It’s not about what clubs you’re in, or how good you are at “your” sport.

But, Life is about who you love and who you hurt. It’s about who you make happy or unhappy purposefully. It’s about keeping or betraying trust. It’s about friendship, used as a sanctity or as a weapon. It’s about what you say and mean, maybe hurtful, maybe heartening. It’s about starting rumors and contributing to petty gossip. It’s about what judgments you pass and why. It’s about whom you have ignored with full control and intention. It’s about jealousy, fear, ignorance and revenge. It’s about carrying inner hate and love, letting it grow, and spreading it. But most of all, it’s about using your life to touch or poison other people’s hearts in such a way that could have never occurred alone. Only you choose the way those hearts are affected, and those choices are what life’s all about.

Saint Kateri Tekakwitha

St Kateri Tekakwitha (1656-1680)

Today we commemorate Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, the Lily of the Mohawks. She was the daughter of a Mohawk warrior and a Catholic Algonquin woman, born in 1656, in the Mohawk fortress of Ossernenon near present-day Auriesville, New York. I was privileged to visit her birthplace, which is also the place honoring a National Shrine of the French Jesuits who brought the faith to the East coast, the North American martyrs. After losing her family to a smallpox epidemic (but surviving it herself), she dragged her disease-ravaged body over a long and arduous trail to arrive at the St. Francis Xavier mission near Montreal. There, she took a vow of perpetual virginity and set about teaching prayers to children and helping the infirmed.

Possibly the closest depiction of St Kateri

As the adopted daughter of the chief, she was courted by many of the warriors looking for her hand in marriage. However, during this time she began taking interest in Christianity, which was taught to her by her mother. Kateri's clan then settled on the north side of the Mohawk River. While living here, at the age of 20 years old, Tekakwitha was converted and baptized on Easter Sunday, April 18, 1676.
Understand that one facet of “medicine” held by these indigenous peoples roughly can be viewed as something unusual, extraordinary, out-of-place. Kateri, the Mohawk girl who set out to help others despite her scarred face and diminished eyesight, probably attracted quite a bit of attention at the mission. Those who were healthy probably recoiled a bit from her, perhaps in fear that she may still have the disease. Those with prejudices against the Native American people may have mistreated her, may have wondered what of value she might have to offer the mission and those who settled there. Yet, she was most likely a godsend to those people. After all of the smoke cleared, after generations of soldiers and hunters came and went, it was Kateri Tekakwitha who was constantly remembered as the one who gave prayers to the children and relief to the sick and aged.

A collage of images of St Kateri

She died on April 17, 1680 at the age of 24. It is said that on her deathbed, her last words were spoken in her native tongue, translating to “Jesus, I love you.” According to eyewitness accounts, Kateri's scars vanished at the time of her death revealing a woman of immense beauty. It has been claimed that at her funeral many of the ill who attended were healed on that day. She was declared Venerable by Pope Pius XII on January 3, 1943. She was later beatified on June 22, 1980 by Pope John Paul II. She was canonized in October 2012, along with Blessed Marianne Cope, who became the third and fourth American-born saints.

The speeding ticket

Jack took a long look at his speedometer before slowing down: 73 in a 55 zone. Fourth time in as many months. How could a guy get caught so often?  When his car had slowed to 10 miles an hour, Jack pulled over, but only partially.  Let the cop worry about the potential traffic hazard. Maybe some other car will tweak his backside with a mirror.  The cop was stepping out of his car, the big pad in hand.
Bob? Bob from Church? Jack sunk farther into his trench coat. This was worse than the coming ticket.  A Christian cop catching a guy from his own church.  A guy who happened to be a little eager to get home after a long day at the office.  A guy he was about to play golf with tomorrow.  Jumping out of the car, he approached a man he saw every Sunday, a man he'd never seen in uniform.
"Hi, Bob. Fancy meeting you like this."
"Hello, Jack."  No smile.
"Guess you caught me red-handed in a rush to see my wife and kids."
"Yeah, I guess."  Bob seemed uncertain. Good.
"I've seen some long days at the office lately.  I'm afraid I bent the rules a bit-just this once."  Jack toed at a pebble on the pavement."Diane said something about roast beef and potatoes tonight. Know what I mean?"
"I know what you mean. I also know that you have a reputation in our precinct."
Ouch. This was not going in the right direction.  Time to change tactics.
"What'd you clock me at?"
"Seventy. Would you sit back in your car please?"
"Now wait a minute here, Bob. I checked as soon as I saw you. I was barely nudging 65."  The lie seemed to come easier with every ticket.
"Please, Jack, in the car."
Flustered, Jack hunched himself through the still-open door. Slamming it shut, he stared at the dash board.  He was in no rush to open the window.

The minutes ticked by. Bob scribbled away on the pad.  Why hadn't he asked for a driver's license?  Whatever the reason, it would be a month of Sundays before Jack ever sat near this cop again.  A tap on the door jerked his head to the left. There was Bob, a folded paper in hand. Jack rolled down the window a mere  two inches, just enough room for Bob to pass him the slip. "Thanks." Jack could not quite keep the sneer out of his voice.
Bob returned to his police car without a word. Jack watched his retreat in the mirror.
Jack unfolded the sheet of paper. How much was this one going to cost?
Wait a minute. What was this?  Some kind of joke?  Certainly not a ticket.Jack began to read:  "Dear Jack, Once upon a time I had a daughter. She was six when killed by a car. You guessed it - a speeding driver.  A fine and three months in jail, and the man was free. Free to hug his daughters.  All three of them. I only had one, and  I'm going to have to wait until Heaven before I can ever hug her again. A thousand times I've tried to forgive that man. A thousand times I thought I had.  Maybe I did, but I need to do it again.
Even now.  Pray for me. And be careful, Jack, my son is all I have left."   "Bob" 
Jack turned around in time to see Bob's car pull away and head down the road.  Jack watched until it disappeared.  A full 15 minutes later, he too, pulled away and drove slowly home, praying for forgiveness and hugging a surprised wife and kids when he arrived.

Life is precious. Handle with care.

The Strength of a Man

The strength of a man isn't seen in the width of his shoulders.. It's seen in the width of his arms that circle you.
The strength of a man isn't in the deep tone of his voice.  It is in the gentle words he whispers.
The strength of a man isn't how many buddies he has.  It's how good a buddy he is with his children.
The strength of a man isn't in how respected he is at work.  It's in how respected he is at home.
The strength of a man isn't in how hard he hits.  It's in how tender he touches.
The strength of a man isn't in the hair on his chest.  It's in his Heart...that lies within his chest.
The strength of a man isn't how many women he's loved.  It's in his loyalty to one woman.
The strength of a man isn't in the weight he can lift.  It is in the burdens he can carry.

The Rule of Saint Benedict

St Benedict handing the Rule to his monks

The feast of Saint Benedict, the founder of Monasticism is a very special day in the life of the church, as all Benedictines celebrate the life of their founder today. St Benedict devised his famous Rule, which is read by all his members, at times almost memorized. I am always fascinated by Chapter 4 of the Rule, which lists 61 tools for good works, all based on Scripture. Here they are, listed in order, which makes for a good meditation:
In the first place, to love the Lord God with the whole heart, the whole soul, the whole strength. Then, one's neighbor as oneself. Then not to murder. Not to commit adultery. Not to steal. Not to covet. Not to bear false witness. To honor all. And not to do to another what one would not have done to oneself. To deny oneself in order to follow Christ. To chastise the body. Not to become attached to pleasures. To love fasting. To relieve the poor. To clothe the naked. To visit the sick.
To bury the dead. To help in trouble. To console the sorrowing. To become a stranger to the world's ways. To prefer nothing to the love of Christ. Not to give way to anger. Not to nurse a grudge. Not to entertain deceit in one's heart. Not to give a false peace. Not to forsake charity.
Not to swear, for fear of perjuring oneself. To utter truth from heart and mouth. Not to return evil for evil. To do no wrong to anyone, and to bear patiently wrongs done to oneself. To love one's enemies. Not to curse those who curse us, but rather to bless them. To bear persecution for justice's sake. Not to be proud. Not addicted to wine. Not a great eater. Not drowsy. Not lazy. Not a grumbler. Not a detractor. To put one's hope in God. To attribute to God, and not to self, whatever good one sees in oneself.  But to recognize always that the evil is one's own doing, and to impute it to oneself. 

8th century manuscript of the Rule of St Benedict

To fear the Day of Judgment. To be in dread of hell. To desire eternal life with all the passion of the spirit. To keep death daily before one's eyes. To keep constant guard over the actions of one's life. To know for certain that God sees one everywhere. When evil thoughts come into one's heart, to dash them against Christ immediately. And to manifest them to one's spiritual guardian. To guard one's tongue against evil and depraved speech. Not to love much talking. Not to speak useless words or words that move to laughter. Not to love much or boisterous laughter. To listen willingly to holy reading.To devote oneself frequently to prayer.
Daily in one's prayers, with tears and sighs, to confess one's past sins to God, and to amend them for the future. Not to fulfill the desires of the flesh; to hate one's own will. To obey in all things the commands of the Abbot or Abbess even though they (which God forbid) should act otherwise, mindful of the Lord's precept, "Do what they say, but not what they do." Not to wish to be called holy before one is holy; but first to be holy, that one may be truly so called.

A Father's Heart

Heart of a Father by Anton Inglott (Malta)

We entrust to our Father in heaven all those who are hurting, oppressed or tormented for some reason or another…… because we know that Jesus’ heart has room for everyone.

In the heart that will never beat again….Father receive the broken pieces and put them back together again. Keep this heart with you always.

For the mother’s womb that was so drastically invaded by the powers of darkness, be the love that will forgive and heal her inner life.

For the parent who could have nurtured life, but instead mourns for years to come of what was lost, heal her and her troubled conscience.

For the family that could have been, fill in that empty space that was going to be occupied by a loving soul; give them your heart, Father.

For the child who is left out, bullied or feels discarded, fill the emptiness with Your love.

For the teenager who has turned to drugs, sex or a gang to find what the family seem to lack, Father, recall this lost heart back to yours.

For the person who has been kicked around in life by the world of commerce or shunned by the harsh message of the culture of death, rescue each one into your loving embrace.

For those who have never felt needed and are labeled as an outcast, grant them an assurance that they are one of your special loved ones.

For the cripple, the lame and the blind who seem unproductive in society, grant them your heavenly Fatherly love beyond, for they will carry your loving image to others in need.

For those who are caught in the most hopeless of all situations, grant them an overflowing love from Your heart.

For the many immigrants and refugees who are oppressed by their own governments, and look for a new beginning, somewhere, somehow – welcome them into Your heart, loving Father.

For those caught on death row and the imprisoned, grant them a second chance of life from the Father’s heart.

For those who gathered years and years of wisdom and experience, may they share it with the generations to come.

And for our own parishioners who cannot make ends meet, who struggle with the high cost of living, food, gasoline and other basics, open Your abundant loving heart to them, and give them hope, meaning and a sense of peace in their own hearts. AMEN.

Filigree

Maltese crosses made in filigree (click to enlarge)

Among the many crafts that Malta still produces is the art or craft of filigree. Last year I was able to see for myself some of this intricate work, and the photos shown here depict some of the items for sale. Filigree is a delicate kind of jewelery metalwork, usually of gold and silver, made with tiny beads or twisted threads, or both in combination, soldered together or to the surface of an object of the same metal and arranged in artistic motifs. It often suggests lace and remains popular in Indian and other Asian metalwork. It was popular as well in Italian and French metalwork from 1660 to the late 19th century. 

More filigree work from Malta

Though filigree has become a special branch of jewelery in modern times, it was historically part of the ordinary work of the jeweler. Indeed, all the jewelry of the Etruscans and Greeks was made by soldering together and much of the medieval jewel work all over Europe down to the 15th century, on reliquaries, crosses, croziers, and other ecclesiastical goldsmiths' work, is set off with bosses and borders of filigree. Filigree work in silver was practiced by the Moors of Spain during the Middle Ages with great skill, and was introduced by them and established all over the Iberian Peninsula, hence it was carried to the Spanish colonies in America. The Portuguese filigree work of the 17th and 18th centuries is of extraordinary complexity, and silver filigree jewelry of delicate and artistic design is still made in considerable quantities throughout the country.

Maltese boats made from filigree

The manufacture spread over the Balearic Islands, and among the populations that border the Mediterranean. It is still made all over Italy, and in Portugal, Malta, Macedonia, Albania, the Ionian Islands and many other parts of Greece. That of the Greeks is sometimes on a large scale, with several thicknesses of wires alternating with larger and smaller bosses and beads, sometimes set with turquoises, and mounted on convex plates, making rich ornamental headpieces, belts, and breast ornaments. Silver filigree broaches and buttons are also made in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.

Ducks

Living in Oregon, there are two animals that are very much beloved, and hated at the same time. The nicknames of the two College Football teams are the Ducks for the University of Oregon and the Beavers for the Oregon State University. There is a rivalry that culminates in the Civil War Football game, held usually in November, when the two teams play against each other. Obviously the two most prominent colors here are green for the ducks and orange for the beavers. It’s not easy to see beavers around here, but fairly easy to spot ducks shimmering on the surface of lakes and rivers, one which is in the nearby Deschutes river. 

These are three photos I took this week with a ducks in the background and a plant called fireweed in the foreground. Some tourists or visitors who were looking at the flower asked me what kind it was, and I went searching for the Audubon Society Guide to Wildflowers. Plenty of Canadian Geese also are very popular, leaving quite a mess with their droppings in nearby Drake Park.

 

Together till death

Jeanette and Alexander Toczko, a few years ago.

Jeanette Toczko, 96, and her 95-year-old husband, Alexander Toczko, from San Diego, California, died just hours apart as they held hands in bed. The pair spent their lives in love after becoming boyfriend and girlfriend when they were only eight years old. They were married for 75 years. But several weeks ago, Mr Toczko suffered a broken hip in a fall and was left bed-bound. A local hospice delivered a special bed to his home, which staff pushed up next to his beloved wife's bed. As Mr Toczko's condition quickly declined, Mrs Toczko's own health took a turn for the worse. The couple had always said they wished to die 'in their own bed, holding hands, in each other's arms'. And in scenes reminiscent of the 2004 film ‘The Notebook,’ they passed away while clutching hands earlier this month: Mr Toczko on June 17, as he lay beside his wife; and Mrs Toczko, the next day.

Alexander and Jeanette just before they left the world

The couple's daughter, Aimee Toczko-Cushman, described the moment she told her mother she had lost her husband, who kept a photo of Mrs Toczko at her Holy Communion in his wallet. 'I told my mother he was gone - she hugged him and she said, "See this is what you wanted. You died in my arms and I love you. I love you, wait for me, I'll be there soon".' Mrs Toczko-Cushman, and the couple's other children, Donna Tang, Richard Toczko, Lynne Edwards and Andra Toczko, then left the room, to allow their mother to say a private goodbye. And less than 24 hours later, Mrs Toczko herself passed away. Mr and Mrs Toczko were buried at Miramar National Cemetery in San Diego.

St Maria Goretti

St Maria Goretti (1890-1902)

A young girl with little schooling became one of the most popular saints in Italy by the middle of the 20th century. Born in 1890, Maria Goretti was one day by her house and a neighbor attempted to rape her, and even though she resisted him, she was killed by 14 stab wounds. She died 24 hours after being stabbed, also giving her enough time receive Holy Communion. Her killer Alessandro Serenelli was jailed, sentenced to 30 years in prison, and was unrepentant for a while. Eventually he changed his life, even becoming a Franciscan Capuchin lay brother after being released 27 years later. 

Alessandro Serenelli towards the end of his life

One of the first things he did after his release was visit Maria’s mother and apologize to her. Maria was beatified in 1947, and on that occasion, her mother and siblings appeared with Pope Pius XII at the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica. Alessandro was even present at Maria Goretti’s canonization on June 24, 1950. Over half a million people had gathered in the Vatican piazza for her canonization. St Maria Goretti is the patron of youth, chastity and purity.

Bend Pet Parade

The craziest of parades took place yesterday, July 4th, to celebrate Independence Day. It took place in my present hometown of Bend, Oregon and hundreds of dogs, horses, ponies, children in wagons, on bikes and a flying dog paraded through the streets of downtown Bend on a hot summer day. These photos tell the whole story....

Independence Day

Granted that this is a holiday, not a holy day, but I always like to connect a spiritual meaning to every American holiday, because there is so much to be thankful for, both for blessings received and also for the freedom we cherish. This is the kind of freedom that so many other countries still do not have. Just over the past few decades, we recall countries like Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Egypt, Libya, Syria, Iraq and Iran, Afghanistan, Israel and the entire Middle East, many African countries, as well as Communist countries that have never experienced any form of freedom of speech and religion, whose citizens have suffered so much.
The Declaration of Independence has great significance to the American people because it is what led to our independence from England and King George III. The Declaration of Independence justified our right to revolt against a government that no longer guaranteed us our natural rights and stated certain ideals that were important for us to have, such as liberty and equality.
One of the most important sentences is “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” The Declaration also plays a significant role in our world today and in recent history. It is because of the words in that document that women are now treated the same as men and that all races are treated equally. Without the words of our founding fathers some of the civil rights that have been passed might never have come to light.
So let us pray today for those who are still suppressed and cannot enjoy any semblance of freedom. Let us pray  in gratitude that we can speak freely, worship according to our personal beliefs (at least until now,) travel according to our needs or wishes, write whatever is on our mind and in our heart, and celebrate joyously every holiday that our country cherishes.

I can tell you that my home country of Malta also got its Independence from England in 1964, and it was a peaceful transition, and we still have great respect towards the British, because they helped Malta so much, built many places and helped us tremendously during World War II. So, as we remember our freedom and Independence, let us also remember our dependence on each other – we are brothers in sisters in Christ, we share the earth, and even though we do not agree on everything, we can always be cordial, respectful, appreciative and collaborative of each other. As Roman Catholics, we also somehow gained independence form our Christian denominations, which actually broke away from us, but we do have a friendly ecumenical rapport with them, as recent Popes have bridged the gap and got them closer to us, as they were before.
And last but not least, let us remember the members of our Armed Forces who protect our freedom and keep our country safe. May they always remain safe themselves, and we pray for an end to all hostilities, especially in those countries where their rulers act more like tyrants. May freedom be celebrated by all men and women of goodwill, not just today, but everyday of our lives.

Feast of St Thomas

Caravaggio - The Doubting Thomas

One of the 12 apostles, Thomas will unfortunately always be remembered for his doubting fit, right after the Resurrection of Jesus. He would not believe unless he saw with his eyes and touched with his hands the wounds of Jesus. This story is the origin of the term 'Doubting Thomas.' After seeing Jesus alive (the Bible never states whether Thomas actually touched Christ's wounds), Thomas professed his faith in Jesus, exclaiming "My Lord and my God!"; and on this account, to his credit, he is also called Thomas the Believer. Thomas is more specifically identified as "Thomas, also called the Twin" (Didymus.)

Just as Saints Peter and Paul are said to have brought Christianity to Greece and Rome, Saint Mark brought it to Egypt, Saint John to Syria and Asia Minor, Thomas is often said to have taken it eastwards as far as India. He is popularly known as the patron saint of India. Ancient writers used the designation "India" for all countries south and east of the Roman Empire's frontiers, which could mean China, the Far East, and beyond, just about half of the world!

The expression of faith which St Thomas uttered, “My Lord and my God,” has become a very popular expression that people use during the elevation of the Body and Blood of Christ. Some people say it softly, others audibly enough. It is not part of the liturgical rubrics, but it is a powerful expression of faith in the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. I can only imagine how terrible St Thomas must have felt after realizing that it was really Jesus he was seeing again when He reappeared to the apostles gathered in the upper room. The Roman Catholic and Anglican calendars honor him on July 3, the day on which his relics are believed to have been translated to Mylapore, a place along the coast of Chennai in India to the city of Edessa and Mesopotamia. This took place in 232 AD and the transfer of his relics were organized by an Indian king.

The Van Gogh Family Tree

Self-portrait of Vincent Van Gogh

This summer is a scorcher here in Bend, Central Oregon. We had temperatures in the upper 90s and lower100s since summer started. So to cool off the sweat and stickiness that has dominated our climate for one full week so far, here is something to put a smile on your face, with all due respect to any survivors of the Van Gogh family.

The Van Gogh Family Tree
His obnoxious brother....................................................Please Gogh
His dizzy aunt..................................................................Verti Gogh
The brother who ate prunes.........................................Gotta Gogh
The brother who worked at a convenience store.........Stopn Gogh
The grandfather from Yugoslavia.................................U Gogh
The brother who bleached his clothes white..............Hue Gogh
The cousin from Illinois................................................Chica Gogh
His magician uncle.........................................................Wherediddy Gogh
His Mexican cousin.......................................................Amee Gogh
The Mexican cousin's American half brother............Grin Gogh
The nephew who drove a stage coach.......................Wellsfar Gogh
The constipated uncle...................................................Can’t Gogh 

Another self-portrait of Van Gogh

The ballroom dancing aunt...................................Tan Gogh
The bird lover uncle............................................Flamin Gogh
His nephew psychoanalyst....................................E Gogh
The fruit loving cousin..........................................Man Gogh
An aunt who taught positive thinking....................Wayto Gogh
The little bouncy nephew....................................Poe Gogh
A sister who loved disco........................................Go Gogh
His niece who travels the country in a van...........Winnie Bay Gogh
His border-crossing guard uncle..........................M. Barr Gogh

Blessed Junipero Serra

Blessed Junipero Serra (1713-1784)

This is the last time we will call Junipero as Blessed, since in a few weeks he will be canonized by Pope Francis. America owes its Catholic faith from two people who are practically unknown, sometimes unrecognized and frequently ignored by many American Catholics. The first one brought the faith to the east coast, a French Jesuit priest, St Isaac Jogues who settled in upstate New York, along with a few other Jesuits, who unfortunately were all tomahawked and killed by the Iroquois Indians. On the west coast, the Catholic faith was brought by Blessed Junipero Serra, a Franciscan monk, born on 24 November 1713 at Petra, Spanish Majorca as Miguel Jose Serra. He entered the Franciscan University at Palma at age 15, and joined the Order at age 17, taking the name Junipero after the friend of Saint Francis. Ordained in 1737, and taught philosophy and theology at the Lullian University.In 1749, Serra was sent to the missionary territories of the west of North America. A mosquito bite he received early in his trip to the New World left one leg swollen; this and his asthma made walking a painful process for the rest of his life. In 1768 he took over missions in the Mexican provinces of Lower and Upper California, missions the Jesuits were forced to abandon by order of King Charles III. 

Missions started by Serra (enlarge)

A tireless worker, Serra was largely responsible for the foundation and spread of the Church on the West Coast of the United States.He founded twenty-one missions, converted thousands of Native Americans, and trained many of them in European methods of agriculture, cattle husbandry, and crafts. He was a very dedicated religious and missionary, penitent and austere in all areas of his life.
Blessed Junipero Serra is the namesake of the Serra Club, an international Catholic organization dedicated to the promotion of vocations, and the support of seminarians and religious novices. Many of his letters and other writings have survived, and the diary of his travels to the west was published in the early 20th century.
He died on 28 August 1784 of tuberculosis at Mission San Carlos, California, USA of natural causes and he was  buried at Carmel, Monterey, California. He was proclaimed a Venerable on 9 May 1985 by Pope John Paul II, and beatified by the same Pope on 25 September 1988. Pope Francis expects to canonize him in September 2015 during his first visit to the United States. We owe it to him that so many of the California cities have Christian connotations - Los Angeles, San Juan Capistrano, Santa Anita, San Francisco, even Corpus Christi, Santa Fe, Sacramento etc.

The early Christian martyrs

Martyrs being crucified and waiting to be eaten by lions

The day after the feast of Saints Peter and Paul, the Church commemorates the many unknown, possibly in thousands of Christian martyrs who shed their blood for their faith under ruthless Emperors. What is known as the Persecution era, so many martyrs died defending their faith, either through crucifixion, being burned, being eaten by lions or other excruciating methods of torture.
Many of them were arrested just by being seen carrying a cross in their hands. Most of them congregated underground in catacombs, for fear of being arrested and killed. Some of the known martyrs have been canonized by the church, St Agnes, St Agatha, St Cecilia, St Ignatius of Antioch, most of the early Popes, and so many others. It was only thanks to King Constantine who ended the Persecutions in 313 AD, that Christians could once again profess their faith freely and build basilicas and churches to worship in.

But it seems that history is repeating itself, as so many innocent civilians are today being martyred, also for worshiping in churches, for being Christian or simply for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. We pray also today for those who are suffering for lack of religious liberty and those still being persecuted for their faith.

Saint Peter and Saint Paul

Statue of St Peter outside the Vatican

The church honors today the two great apostles, who in spite of their background or weakness, became leaders of the early church in Rome and in Eastern Europe. Who would have thought that a simple fisherman and an unpretentious tent-maker would one day become the pillars of the church! Peter and Paul’s life story can very well be described as the ‘rags-to-riches’ journey. And yet the spiritual and historical influence and impact they left on the history of Christianity is truly amazing.
St Peter was one of the privileged three who were close to Jesus on various occasion, along with John and James. He was the first apostle to perform a miracle, and we admire the triple affirmation of faith to erase completely the triple denial during Christ’s passion. He was chosen to be the first Pope of the Church realizing that Jesus saw something special in him - not John who remained faithful till the end, who wrote a beautiful Gospel, but Peter - the rough and tough type, the weakling who became the rock.

Statue of St Paul in San Paolo fuori le mura

St Paul on the other hand made his turnaround quickly and in a determined way. From being so helpless at his conversion, to becoming a strong powerful spokesperson for Christ, traveling hundreds of miles, on foot, by boat, probably on horseback, writing prolifically his letters to communities he had previously visited. Then he was sent to Rome to be tried as a Roman citizen, only to have his ship wrecked on my homeland Malta (Acts chapters 27-28).

Let us remember today the dominant image these two apostles represent in our church....Peter, the rock, the foundation, and Paul, the messenger par excellence of Jesus.

If a dog were your teacher

If a dog were your teacher these are some of the lessons you might learn......
When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
When it's in your best interest, practice obedience. Run romp and play daily.
Let others know when they've invaded your territory. Take naps and stretch before rising.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you. Avoid biting, when a simple growl will do.
On warm days stop to lie on your back on the grass.
On hot days drink lots of water and lay under a shady tree.
When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
No matter how often you're scolded don't buy into the guilt thing and pout. Run right back and make friends.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk. Eat with gusto and enthusiasm.

Stop when you have had enough. Be loyal. Never pretend to be something you're not.
If what you want what lies buried, dig until you find it. When someone is having a bad day, be silent.......sit close by....and nuzzle them gently.

To be like Jesus

To wait for You, patiently.                                                                                                    
To speak to You, eloquently.                                                                                                   
To think of You, thoughtfully.                                                                                              
To smile at You, happily.                                                                                                    
To work for You, arduously.                                                                                           
To imitate Your example, devotedly.                                                                                               
To follow You, faithfully.                                                                                                  
To dream of You, meditatingly.                                                                                            
To write about You, constructively.                                                                    
To be nourished with Your Body and Blood, spiritually.                                                                                          
To yearn for You, eagerly.                                                                                                   
To preach about You, energetically.                                                                                             
To forgive like You, mercifully.                                                                                       
To love like You, unconditionally.                                                                                  
To rejoice with You, enthusiastically.                                                                                     
To listen to You, attentively.                                                                                                
To read about You, diligently. 

                                                                                                                      
To trust in You, hopefully.                                                                                              
To feel for others like You, compassionately.                                                                   
To pray like You, devotionally.                                                                     
To defend You, courageously.                                                                                            
To give like You, generously.                                                                                             
To show concern towards others like You, passionately. 

                                                                                     
To console like You, comfortingly.                                                                                            
To repent like You, sincerely.                                                                                                 
To act like You, courageously.                                                                                        
To persevere like You, whole-heartedly.                                                                           
To be like You, peacefully and prayerfully.

Vacation Bible School group photo

This a group photo of the children who participated in the Totus Tuus Vacation Bible School held in our parish between Sunday and today. We thank the four members of the Totus Tuus (Totally Yours) team, Michael, Thomas, Anna and Dominique who spent a whole week  teaching, inspiring and motivating our children. They also led the evening session with the Middle-School and High School students. (please click on each photo to enlarge)

The Totus Tuus team L to R: Thomas, Dominique, Michael and Anna

 

Middle School and High School groups

Magic Medicine

Sometimes you come across some information that inspires you to share it with others. Here is one of them, which can help many people who face this annoying condition. The herpes simplex is a blister or cold sore that usually occurs in the region around the lips. To avoid the constant use of antiviral drugs, here is a simple homemade recipe that can solve the herpes.
Herpes simplex is relatively harmless but annoying viral infection that often returns to the same place in the form of blister on the lip. Due to the fact that those who suffer from it are quite annoyed, we bring you a simple remedy, which you must have in the kitchen. Believe it or not, all you need is a single clove of garlic.

Chop a clove of garlic finely and place over the blister. Let it sit for ten minutes, then remove and rinse with warm water. Repeat five times, and within 12 hours the herpes will disappear as if by magic. If speaking about larger herpes you should repeat the same process the next day. Garlic enhances the body’s ability to defend. It is rich in many minerals such as calcium, sulfur, phosphorus and iron. It contains essential oils such as allicin and vitamins, that’s why many refer to it as antibiotics from nature. In addition, garlic is an excellent fighter against high blood pressure, is used for the breakdown of fats in the blood, prevents the development of cancer, treats atherosclerosis, diabetes, heart disease, rheumatism, headaches, relieves stress, fatigue, bronchitis, chronic cough, asthma, ejects toxins from the body, helps detoxify the intestines, improves circulation and prevents thrombosis.

Birth of John the Baptist

Esteban Murillo - Jesus and John the Baptist

There are three paintings that depict a young St John the Baptist which are favorites of mine for different reasons. They are all by the Spanish painter Esteban Bartolome’ Murillo and they show John the Baptist as a little boy, John always being accompanied by a little lamb, symbolizing his famous words “Behold the Lamb of God,” the phrase he used to welcome Jesus when he came to the Jordan River to be baptized by him. The other two paintings are of John by himself, one of them with a pondering look, while the other shows him in a remorseful or apologetic mood, again both of them with the lamb next to him. Today the Catholic Church celebrates his birth, and that is why we use the color white in our vestments. John is regarded as the last prophet of the Old Testament, while some refer to him as the first martyr of the New Testament, and we do have a commemoration of his martyrdom on August 29, but it’s his mysterious birth that is celebrated today, since Elizabeth his mother was advanced in age.

Esteban Murillo - John the Baptist as a child

When a baby is born here in the USA, the announcement is made in the papers, Godparents chosen, the baptism is held and a party usually follows. In John’s time, his birth was announced in a very unusual way. Similar to what the Native Indians did when sending a message, his father Zechariah made a bon-fire and lit it in the evening, so that his relatives and friends would know that Elizabeth gave birth to her baby. This is actually a tradition that is still held in many countries, among them Malta. Many towns and villages collect wood, sticks and logs for a few weeks and pile them up, and on the evening of June 23, they light this bon-fire, in commemoration of the birth of John. Some towns and villages compete as to who can make the biggest bon-fire. With the fire restrictions here in the USA, this custom will never be given the go ahead, but it is a meaningful tradition nonetheless.

Murillo - John the Baptist as a young boy

John the Baptist as a prophet had a tough role to play - to point out the sins which were keeping the people from truly knowing, loving and serving God. He prepared the way of the Lord by calling people to lives of repentance. In the Gospel of John the Evangelist (Jn 3:30,) we read that John the Baptist said about Jesus: “He must increase, while I must decrease.” This is very indicative of what will happen after Jesus’ baptism. Jesus became well known, while John disappeared in the background. Yet while the popularity of Jesus increased, John faded away, and we see him again being arrested and then being beheaded by Herod. Yet there is another interesting twist to the phrase “He must increase and I must decrease.” John’s birthday falls close to the summer solstice, one of the longest days of the year, and from now on, the days will start decreasing, leading to one of the shortest days of the year, which is Christmas, the birthday of Jesus, close to the winter’s solstice, and from then on, the days will start getting longer. “I must decrease, while He must increase.”

It’s a notion worth adapting to in our daily lives - we must decrease our yearnings, our dreams, our wishes, while we should let Him increase in us, increasing our potential to love, increase our prayer life, our devotion to duty, our commitment to our faith. This is the message the church wants us to remember this weekend. We can obviously decrease the clutter from our lives and increase the goodness that is certainly already in your heart.