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.

Retreat at Mount Angel

Mount Angel Church with the recently constructed bell-tower

All the priests with Bishop Cary gathered at Mount Angel Abbey this past week for their annual Retreat, led by Auxiliary Bishop Michael Byrnes of Detroit, Michigan. Unfortunately there was no WiFi or Internet access, and so I could not post anything from there. 

The priests during one of our talks

However I will make up for it over the next few days, sharing some photos of the place and other interesting photos I took, especially of birds, tulips, and other interesting photos which you will certainly enjoy.

Abbey church in the evening

The One and Only

Jesus Christ is
- the noblest One to know.....
- the wisest One to follow.....
- the truest One to trust......
- the humblest One to serve.....
- the highest One to love!

This coming week, all the priests of the Diocese of Baker will be on Retreat at Mount Angel Abbey. I may not be able to post any material, reflections or photos. But I will do my best to give you a daily update or some food from thought, especially some stories that I can share with you as inspiration. It is unlikely that any post will be placed on the parish Facebook page. You are all in my prayers and thoughts.

Mount Angel Abbey, a Benedictine Monastery, Seminary and Retreat House

Divine Mercy Sunday

The Sunday after Easter will always be known as Divine Mercy Sunday, as people pray the novena handed down to us by St Faustina Kowalska, a Polish nun and visionary, who was pushed away by many church authorities in her time and after her death. But Pope St John Paul, a Polish himself, re-opened her case and authenticated her visions, and even canonized her in the year 2000, precisely on Divine Mercy Sunday. The faithful pray the novena by reciting 50 times "For the sake of His Sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world."

At a stadium celebration of the Feast of Divine Mercy in the Philippines, thousands in prayer, witnessed a very special grace, confirming the message of St Faustina: “Jesus, I trust in You”. The Glory of God’s Promise of his faithfulness to His people long ago in the Old Testament made clear again in His Rainbow on Divine Mercy Sunday, April 7, 2013. The Rainbow spanned the sky above the largest Divine Mercy Shrine in the world, the shrine towering at 75 feet; the Divine Mercy statue at 50-feet. The shrine is located at Divine Mercy Hills in El Salvador City of Misamis Oriental on the island of Mindanao.
The Philippines is on fire for Divine Mercy, and it all started with simple prayer cards printed by the Marians of the Immaculate Conception. U.S. servicemen brought these Divine Mercy prayer cards with them to the Pacific Theater during World War II. The message and devotion found a beachhead in the Philippines, and the rest is history!

Painted Hands

Some artists are really clever and inventive, as are those who used hands to create almost life-like images of animals. Enjoy these fascinating photos, and observe how the hands were contorted or twisted to create the respective animals.

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