8 gifts that do not cost a cent

Yet they can be the hardest to give.

1) THE GIFT OF LISTENING...
No interrupting, no daydreaming, no planning your response.  Just listening.

2) THE GIFT OF AFFECTION...
Be generous with appropriate hugs, kisses, pats on the back and handholds.
Let these small actions demonstrate the love you have for family and friends.

3) THE GIFT OF LAUGHTER...
Clip cartoons. Share articles and funny stories. Your gift will say, "I love to laugh with you."

4) THE GIFT OF A WRITTEN NOTE...
It can be a simple "Thanks for the help" note or a full sonnet. A brief, handwritten note (or e-mail) may be remembered for a lifetime, and may even change a life.

5) THE GIFT OF A COMPLIMENT...
A simple and sincere, "You look great in red," "You did a super job" or "That was a wonderful meal" can make someone's day.

6) THE GIFT OF A FAVOR...
Every day, go out of your way to do something kind.

7) THE GIFT OF SOLITUDE...
There are times when we want nothing better than to be left alone. Be sensitive to those times and give the gift of solitude to others. There is a difference between loneliness and solitude. Loneliness is the pain of the being alone, while solitude is the glory of being alone. Treasure solitude!

8) THE GIFT OF A CHEERFUL DISPOSITION...
The easiest way to feel good is to extend a kind word to someone, really it's not that hard to say, Hello or Thank You.

Frank Borman's message

Back in 1968, on Christmas Eve, the Apollo 8 circled the moon 10 times. The 3 astronauts aboard the space capsule were Lovett, Anders and Frank Borman. On that Christmas Eve, from 370,000 miles up high in the sky, Frank Borman sent this beautiful inspirational message    that was broadcast direct on the radio:
O God, give us good vision, to be able to see your love in the world in spite of man’s failings.
Give us the necessary faith, to have trust in goodness, in spite of our ignorance and weakness.
Give us enough wisdom, so that we can continue to pray correctly and wholeheartedly.
Show us what each and every one of us can do, so that we can finally witness that day when universal peace reigns all over the world.
After this, the three astronauts read the section of the book of Genesis which tells of the creation of the world. As we can see, the four graces and blessings that Frank Borman prayed for show us how special and meaningful this prayer was. He prayed for a good vision. He was so amazed when he saw the moon up close. Still, in spite of this fascinating discovery, man would be a failure if he didn’t discover God himself, who is Love.
He also prayed for faith. Just at the moment when man could have used this moment to show how great and powerful he can be, Borman prayed for the most needed things in life: faith and trust in goodness.
Frank Borman also prayed for wisdom. At that historic moment, when man could have showed himself proud of his accomplishments, he prayed and made an act of humility. Because he who is wise, feels he has to pray even more.
Finally he prayed for peace, and that everyone intensifies his or her efforts to create peace in the world. If man was able to overcome big distances and reach the moon, why is it so hard for man to reach out for a good honest handshake and live in peace together?
To all the sceptic, agnostics, pessimists and unbelievers, Frank Borman reminds them of God’s love. God does exist, God loves us. God has trust in mankind, so much that He sent his only Son to save us.

St Andre Bessette

 St Andre Bessette (9 August 1845 – 6 January 1937)

When Alfred Bessette came to the Holy Cross Brothers in 1870, he carried with him a note from his pastor saying, "I am sending you a saint." The Brothers found that difficult to believe. Chronic stomach pains had made it impossible for Alfred to hold a job very long and since he was a boy he had wandered from shop to shop, farm to farm, in his native Canada and in the United States, staying only until his employers found out how little work he could do. The Holy Cross Brothers were teachers and, at 25, Alfred still did not know how to read and write. It seemed as if Alfred approached the religious order out of desperation, not vocation.The Holy Cross Brothers took him into the novitiate but soon found out what others had learned -- as hard as Alfred, now Brother Andre, wanted to work, he simply wasn't strong enough. They asked him to leave the order, but Andre, out of desperation again, appealed to a visiting bishop who promised him that Andre would stay and take his vows. After his vows, Brother Andre was sent to Notre Dame College in Montreal (a school for boys age seven to twelve) as a porter. There his responsibilities were to answer the door, to welcome guests, find the people they were visiting, wake up those in the school, and deliver mail. Brother Andre joked later, "At the end of my novitiate, my superiors showed me the door, and I stayed there for forty years."
In 1904, he surprised the Archbishop of Montreal if he could, by requesting permission to, build a chapel to Saint Joseph on the mountain near the college. The Archbishop refused to go into debt and would only give permission for Brother Andre to build what he had money for. What money did Brother Andre have? Nickels he had collected as donations for Saint Joseph from haircuts he gave the boys. Nickels and dimes from a small dish he had kept in a picnic shelter on top of the mountain near a statue of St. Joseph with a sign "Donations for St. Joseph." He had collected this change for years but he still had only a few hundred dollars. Who would start a chapel now with so little funding?

Andre took his few hundred dollars and built what he could ... a small wood shelter only fifteen feet by eighteen feet. He kept collecting money and went back three years later to request more building. The Archbishop granted him permission to keep building as long as he didn't go into debt. He started by adding a roof so that all the people who were coming to hear Mass at the shrine wouldn't have to stand out in the rain and the wind. Then came walls, heating, a paved road up the mountain, a shelter for pilgrims, and finally a place where Brother Andre and others could live and take care of the shrine -- and the pilgrims who came - full-time. Through kindness, caring, and devotion, Brother Andre helped many souls experience healing and renewal on the mountaintop. There were even cases of physical healing. But for everything, Brother Andre thanked St. Joseph.

Saint Joseph's Oratory basilica at Montreal's Mount Royal.

Despite financial troubles, Brother Andre never lost faith or devotion. He had started to build a basilica on the mountain but the Depression had interfered. At ninety-years old he told his co-workers to place a statue of St. Joseph in the unfinished, unroofed basilica. He was so ill he had to be carried up the mountain to see the statue in its new home. Brother Andre died soon after on January 6, and didn't live to see the work on the basilica completed.
On December 19, 2009, Pope Benedict XVI promulgated a decree recognizing a second miracle at Blessed André's intercession and on October 17, 2010, Pope Benedict XVI formally declared sainthood for Blessed Andre.

Healed and Whole

One day I dug a little hole and put my hurt inside.
I thought that I could just forget I’d put it there to hide.

But that little hurt began to grow – I covered it every day.
I couldn’t leave it and go on – it seemed the price I had to pay.

My joy was gone, my heart was sad, pain was all I knew.
My wounded soul enveloped me – loving seemed too hard to do.

One day, while standing by my hole, I cried to God above,
And said, “If you are really there – they say You’re a God of Love!”

And just like that – he was right there, and just put His arms around me,
He wiped my tears, His hurting child – there was no safer place to be.

I told him all about my hurt, I opened up my heart.
He listened to each and every word, to every sordid part.

I dug down deep and got my hurt, I brushed the dirt away –
And placed it in the Master’s hand and healing came that day.

He took the blackness of my soul, and set my spirit FREE !
Something beautiful began to grow where the hurt used to be.

And when I look at what has grown out of my tears and pain,
I remember every day to give my hurts to Him, and never bury them again.

And today I celebrate my 4th anniversary of this blog, and as a gift, I ask you to enjoy this colorful Kaleidoscope...click on this link and feast your eyes........ 
http://inoyan.narod.ru/kaleidoskop.swf

St Elizabeth Ann Seton

St Elizabeth Ann Seton (1774-1821)

Elizabeth Ann Bayley Seton was the first native born American to be canonized by the Catholic Church. Born on August 28, 1774, two years before the American Revolution, Elizabeth grew up in the upper class of New York society. She was a prolific reader, and read everything from the Bible to contemporary novels. In spite of her high society background, Elizabeth's early life was quiet, simple, and often lonely. As she grew a little older, the Bible was to become her continual instruction, support and comfort - and she would continue to love the Scriptures for the rest of her life.
In 1794, Elizabeth married the wealthy young William Seton, with whom she was deeply in love. The first years of their marriage were happy and prosperous. This time of Elizabeth's life was to be a brief moment of earthly happiness before the many deaths and partings she was to suffer. Within four years, William's father died, leaving the young couple in charge of William's seven half brothers and sisters, as well as the family's importing business.
Events moved quickly from there with devastating effect. Both William's business and health failed. He was finally forced to file a petition of bankruptcy and, in a final attempt to save William's health, the Setons sailed for Italy, where William had business friends. Unfortunately, William died of tuberculosis while in Italy. Elizabeth's one consolation was that he had recently awakened to the things of God. The Fellicchi family took her and her children under their wings, and Elizabeth's deep concern for the spiritual welfare of her family and friends eventually led her into the Catholic Church.

National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Emmitsburg, Maryland

In Italy, Elizabeth captivated everyone by her kindness, patience, good sense, wit, and courtesy. Soon she would join the Catholic Church in 1805 in a church in New York City, where she had returned with her family. At the suggestion of the president of St. Mary's College in Baltimore, Maryland, Elizabeth started a school in that city. The school had originally been secular but once news of her entrance to Catholicism spread, several girls were removed from her school. It was then Seton, and two other young women who helped her in her work, began plans for a Sisterhood. They established the first free Catholic school in America. When the young community adopted their rule, they made provisions for Elizabeth to continue raising her children. On March 25, 1809, Elizabeth Seton pronounced her vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, binding for one year. From that time she was called Mother Seton. Although Mother Seton became afflicted with tuberculosis, she continued to guide her children. The Rule of the Sisterhood was formally ratified in 1812. It was based upon the Rule St. Vincent de Paul had written for his Daughters of Charity in France. By 1818, in addition to their first school, the sisters had established two orphanages and another school. Today, six groups of sisters can trace their origins to Mother Seton's initial foundation. For the last three years of her life, Elizabeth felt that God was getting ready to call her, and this gave her great joy. Mother Seton died on January 4, 1821 at the age of 46, only sixteen years after becoming a Catholic. She was beatified by Pope St John XXIII on March 17, 1963 and was canonized on September 14, 1975 by Blessed Pope Paul VI.

Epiphany

"The Three Kings" a painting by Emvin Cremona, Malta

Today the three Kings or Magi arrive in Bethlehem and present Jesus with their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. There are two traditions held on this day, both of which come to us from the Eastern tradition. The first is when families write the names of the Three Kings on doorways of their homes as the head of the house goes around the house saying prayers and chanting various hymns. Chalk blessed by the priest on Epiphany is given to the faithful to mark their entrance door with the current year and with the inscription C+M+B, the initials of Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar, the traditional names of the Magi. The entire phrase would read 20 + C + M + B + 16. In addition to remembering the Magi, the inscription could also be translated for the Latin phrase Christus Mansionem Benedicat, which means “Christ, bless this house.”

The second tradition is repeated in Greece and Greek communities around the world every January 6 or the feast of the Epiphany when dozens of teenage boys or young men jump into the murky, chilly and sometimes frozen water and dive for a wooden cross tossed in by a priest. The one lucky enough to surface with it earns instant celebrity status, a ride through the streets on the shoulders of his peers and – the Greek-American boys believe – the favor of God in the coming year.

My childhood church

Even though many people think that Christmas is over, the Christmas season goes until next Sunday when the church celebrates the feast of the Baptism of Jesus. And so to continue on a Christmas theme, I take you with me today to my childhood church, where I grew up, where my parents were married, where I was baptized, and where I served as an altar boy for countless years, and where I still celebrate most of my Masses when I visit my family. The church dedicated to St Julian and the feast of the Ascension is taken care of by a group of young enthusiasts who recently have been giving a historical face-lift to the inside of the church. 

The photos show the decorations at the main altar, with baby Jesus placed on the main altar in a girandola, which is used to also house the Blessed Sacrament. Among the decorations one can see what is called gulbiena, in English called vetch, which is planted in pots 4 weeks before Christmas and is grown in the dark, so that it will grow white, then placed on altars to decorate and embellish the sanctuary. 

 

Prayer to Our Lady of Central Oregon

As we honor Mary today, the Feast of Mary, Mother of Jesus, I share with you this prayer I created, addressed to Our Lady of Central Oregon:

Most Blessed Mother, we pray through your intercession to God Almighty. Keep the people of our beloved town and county healthy, safe, respectful of each other and welcoming to the many visitors.

We ask your protection on our children, and along with their parents, remind them to honor you by their presence at church and at religion classes. We pray for our youth, and keep them away from any danger that tempts them. In this high-tech world we live in, encourage them to communicate with their parents and friends, not simply by texting and by phone-calls, but by the simple act of talking face-to-face, by playing games and create community spirit and appreciation for the human spirit.

We pray for those who are struggling at this time, single mothers with 2 to 4 children to feed, young people searching for jobs, for young girls carrying an unplanned child, heart-broken grandparents who have to care for their grandchildren day and night, and all those who are discouraged and disappointed with their own lives. Give them hope and trust in You, that their lives may turn around and find meaning in their life, and hope to go on.

We ask for protection on those who work outdoors in cold weather, ranchers and farmers, forest service people, loggers and other construction workers. Guide our public service officers and those who serve us faithfully in our county and town here in Central Oregon.

Blessed Mother, who raised Jesus with St Joseph with so much love and affection, inspire all parents and families to instill in their children a sense of God. May they collaborate with their pastors and religious leaders to be true example to others. Give courage to those who are suffering from cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and other illnesses. Be a source of strength for them and their caregivers. Above all, be our role model of love, fidelity, compassion, tolerance and forgiveness. Amen.

Best photos of 2015

As we end this year, I share with you some of my best photos from 2015. They mostly refer to nature, but others are from living in Bend and being at the right place at the right time, especially when rainbows appear.
Wishing all visitors of this blog a very Happy, Healthy and Peace-filled New Year.

 

More Christmas Lights

Sharing more Christmas Lights from around Bend and Central Oregon.

 

Christmas Lights in Bend

Many residents here in Central Oregon are keen on decorating their houses during the Christmas season. Here are a few photos of various houses lit up in Bend. 

Prayer for Families

This is a prayer I shared in my homily yesterday, and many parishioners asked me for a copy - here it is for everyone to reflect on and digest. May all families live by the standards this prayer evokes:

O God, in the beginning You brought together man and woman in holy marriage that they might share Your work of creation and bring enriching life to one another. We commend to Your constant care the homes where Your people dwell. Knit together in growing affection those who have been made one flesh so that their love may never fail. Turn the hearts of parents to their children, and the hearts of children to their parents. Take away the roots of bitterness, vanity and self-seeking that brings dissension where family peace should reign. Inspire them rather, with loyalty, faith and sacrifice, that in all the changes and circumstances of life they may stand strongly together in mutual service and love. Help all parents, whether single or married, to use wisdom, understanding, and consideration for the entire family unit when making decisions that will affect all those in their households.  Open their minds and hearts so that discipline in just, effective, and kind, yet firm, teaching the children in their families that there are consequences to their actions.

The Holy Family

"The Holy Family" by the Le Nain Brothers

Today the church celebrates the feast of the Holy Family. Many of the pictures shown of the Holy Family of Nazareth depict them as the perfect couple with Jesus well behaved and obedient, usually playing with a bird, holding a pomegranate, or with John the Baptist. They still had their share of problems and issues to deal with, all through their lives. To start they had to escape into Egypt for 2 years because Herod was trying to kill baby Jesus. Once they settled in Nazareth, Mary and Joseph raised their son in a very simple environment. As a baby, Jesus had to be diaper-changed, he had to be nursed, toilet-trained eventually, learn how to walk, how to talk, and many other things that babies do as they grow and mature.  I chose these three paintings today because of their human aspect, because the Holy Family was like every family, and they enjoyed relaxing together, as these photos show.

A typical domestic scene at the home of Nazareth.

This way we can very easily connect with the Holy Family of Nazareth, because they were very much like every family raising toddlers. They had their hands full, and we don’t even know what tricks Jesus played on his parents. Because whether you’re in Bend, Oregon, Beverly Hills California, Buckingham Palace in London, or Nazareth in the Holy Land, boys will be boys!

Another domestic scene by Esteban Murillo

Christmas Parish Photos

Here are some photos from around my present parish in Bend, Central Oregon, decorations that highlight the Christian meaning of Christmas. Obviously my pride and joy this year is the Fontanini Nativity in front of our altar in the new church. Some of the photos show those who decorated the respective altars at the new and historic church, respectively the Wesseler family and Judy Kennedy and her friends. This is the 1400th post on this blog, which I started on January 5, 2012. My deepest gratitude to all those who work behind the scenes to make Christmas the special festivity that it really is.

The outdoor Nativity erected by the Walshes

Judy Kennedy, main decorator of the historic church

The Wesselers, decorators of the new church

Christmas Blessings

It's a boy, and his name is Jesus. I extend my sincere greetings and wishes for a most Blessed Christmas from my present parish here in Bend, Central Oregon. The new Fontanini Nativity is the center of attraction in our new Church, and people have been admiring it and realizing that Jesus is the center of this feast. It is his birthday that we celebrate. He is the reason for this season, and yes, Christmas begins with Christ! A most Blessed Christmas to family, friends, parishioners and all visitors of this blog.

Meeting Santa Claus

I know that many visitors to this blog will be surprised to see Santa here instead of Jesus. Of course Jesus will feature tomorrow and over the next two weeks, as he has since the beginning of Advent. But since I met a very real Santa Claus yesterday, I thought of sharing him with you today, on his busiest day of the year. In Malta and England, we call him Father Christmas, but either way, he is the representation of Saint Nicholas, whose liturgical feast is celebrated on December 6th. But as he makes the rounds around the globe today, making children happy, may they realize also the love and affection they receive from those who love them the most, their parents and loved ones.

Hobby Lobby in Malta garden

Moreover I share with you today some of the decorations from my sister-in-law’s American Christmas Tree. She set the motif for her tree as truly American, since she bought a lot of decorations from Hobby Lobby here in Bend, earlier this year. And to them too, a very Blessed Christmas. Il-Milied it-Tajjeb!

My sister Josephine decorating the American Christmas Tree

A Maltese baby Jesus among American berries

Mince pies with an American motif

The story of Megan and Scott

Yesterday evening as I was getting back to the Rectory during yet another snowstorm, I noticed two people huddled together under an awning behind the kitchen. I asked them if they were OK, and nodded yes. They said they were sheltering from the snow. After a while I went outside and asked them if they wanted some tea, and of course they were delighted. With the tea I gave them some cookies and some pretzels. While talking to them I discovered that they were homeless, but have families in town. Scott was from Utah and Megan was a local girl, from Bend. They of course reminded me of Mary and Joseph who were homeless before they arrived in Bethlehem. They asked me about the church and where I am from and why I was so kind to them. Scott asked me for a Rosary beads, which I gave to him, beaming with joy. Since I had an extra one, I gave one to Megan too and she too was ecstatic, as if I had given them a lump of gold. 

Megan and Scott with tea mugs in their hands and Rosaries around their neck

Then I told them that they may end up in my Christmas homily, and also on my blog, at which they asked me if I want to take their picture, which of course I did, as they cracked a smile in the midst of their sadness. I invited them to the Christmas Mass, but they admitted they may not make it since they will be with their families, but they will make every effort to come back on Sunday.
I saw Mary and Joseph yesterday, and at the end of a painful day, I witnessed a miracle of hope. Mary and Joseph received Jesus as their gift, which they shared with the world, while Megan and Scott received some tea, some cookies, a Rosary beads each, and a photo for my blog, and in the midst of their sadness, gave me hope and joy.