From St. Anthony's Walnut Tree

More Info on Archdiocese of Boston Reorganization

2012-01-26T16:44:00.001-05:00

Today one of Boston's public radio stations, WBUR-FM, has reported on the preliminary lists, showing how the Archdiocese of Boston intends to organize parishes into clusters, so as to best use diminishing resources, both in personnel and in finances. There are links below.

http://www.wbur.org/2012/01/25/boston-catholic-reorganization

http://www.wbur.org/2012/01/26/parish-groupings-2

The Story Behind The Boston Globe Breaking The Clergy Abuse Scandal

2012-01-23T23:47:00.000-05:00

The WBUR.FM program, Radio Boston, had an interview with two of the reporters who had worked on the Boston Globe Spotlight Team, and broke the clergy sexual abuse scandal in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston. That series of reports, with evidence to back them up, would finally break down the walls of secrecy and cover-ups.

A Sad and Tragic Anniversay

2012-01-08T23:59:00.000-05:00

Ten years ago this month, the scandal concerning the sexualabuse of children by Boston Catholic clergy was revealed by the BostonGlobe. The revelations contained in thenewspaper’s reporting sent shockwaves throughout the Boston Catholiccommunity. The shockwaves have continuedto be felt in the national Church, indeed throughout the entire CatholicChurch. Like many Catholics, I was very angry;I felt betrayed by the very men I had believed were suppose to look after theirfaith communities, to be caring shepherds. Instead, I saw bishops more concerned with covering up the scandal, toprotect the image of the Church. Anybodyin public life could have told them that what really upsets people is not thecrime, but the cover-up of the crime. The scandal was a pressure cooker, waiting to explode; and because itwas ignored by the bishops, it did.

Despite my anger, I have never considered leaving theChurch, or cutting back my involvement in the life of my parish. Maybe it was because of my years of formationwith other seminarians, who I came to love and respect. Maybe, it was because of my knowledge ofChurch history, and experience within the institution; I have known the Churchto be both very holy, and unfortunately, very human. But, mostly, it has been my own encounterwith Christ, and where those encounters have been, that have kept me in theChurch.

The effects of the scandal are still with us. I cannot tell you how many CORI (Criminal OffenderRecord Information) release forms I have had to sign because I am both a parishvolunteer and a Candidate for the Permanent Diaconate. The measures taken to pay compensation to thevictims are still controversial. There isstill a tug of war between those who want of the names of all accused priestsreleased, and those who believe a person is considered innocent until provenguilty. The guidelines to handle sexabuse cases, written by the USbishops, have not been followed by all bishops (Incidents in the Philadelphia and Kansas City dioceses come to mind). This wound is going to be with us for a verylong time.

One bishop who is working to heal that wound has beenCardinal Sean O’Malley, OFM CAP, Archbishop of Boston. He was recently interviewed by John Allen,Jr., a reporter for the National Catholic Reporter. The link is here.

Conflicts over The Place Christ was Born!

2011-12-30T00:26:00.001-05:00

One of the scandals of Christianity has been the conflicts between various Christian denominations over control of the holy sites in the Middle East. Catholicssquabble with Greek Orthodox, and Greek Orthodox will fight with the ArmenianOrthodox; each trying to preserve their piece of a holy site. This state ofaffairs has existed over the centuries. Now Huffington Post has a story about a fight between Greek and ArmenianOrthodox in the ancient Church of the Nativity. The church is supposed to enclose the site where tradition holds JesusChrist was born.

So in a place that celebrates the birth of the Prince ofPeace, Christian clergy are fighting with each other like street gangs overturf. I can never understand why thereis this lack of cooperation, lack of charity, and possessiveness. Whatever happened to “They will know we are Christiansby our love?”

A Christmas Greeting

2011-12-25T21:57:00.000-05:00

Here’s Hoping That EveryoneHad A Very Merry And Holy Christmas!

A Lovely SFO Lady Passes Away

2011-12-21T23:27:00.000-05:00

While surfing the Web, I came across the announcement that Emanuela De Nunzio, SFO, had passed away on November 10, 2011. She had been an Italian member of the Secular Franciscan Order since 1949. After Vatican II, the SFO underwent a renewal, one of the results being that all the worldwide fraternities were united under one Minister General. Ms. De Nunzio was elected as Minister General in 1990, and again in 1996.

Among her achievements was to get the Secular Franciscan Order recognized as an equal, and valuable part of the Franciscan Movement, and became the first Secular Franciscan to join the Conference of the Franciscan Family, with the other Ministers General. She also promulgated the revised SFO Constitutions in 2001.

A true servant of God, and daughter of Saint Francis, she will be missed.

Princes of the Church on Twitter

2011-12-05T23:24:00.001-05:00

Slowly but the surely, the Web is making inroads among the Princesof the Church. A posting from the VaticanInsider has a story about Cardinals using Twitter. It listed some of the top users, those withthe largest number of followers. Amongthem is Boston’sown Archbishop, Cardinal Sean O’Malley, OFM Cap. The reporter estimated that Cardinal Sean hasabout 1,993 Twitter followers, placing him in third place among those Cardinalswho are active on Twitter. Read more.

Changes Coming In The Archdiocese of Boston

2011-12-01T00:13:00.000-05:00

Some of the local Boston MA media outlets have a report of the Archdiocese of Boston announcing a new reorganization plan for the Catholic parishes; among them WBZ, Channel 4.

According to the reports, the local parishes will be organized into collaborative groups, sharing resources and staff, under one pastor. Redundant staff members could be laid off, and theoretically the group could decide to close a church to conserve resources.

Members of the Council of Parishes, an organization dedicated to preventing the closing of parishes, has already denounced the plan. They claim that the implementation of this reorganization could lead to the closing of hundreds of parishes. Some are accusing Cardinal Sean O’Malley of defying the Vatican, which recently prevented a local diocese from closing church buildings.

First, the exact details of the plan have not been released. Priests of the Archdiocese are to be briefed next week, and then the laity. Second, we cannot continue the same path we have been, hoping to keep all parishes opened, all parishes independent. The Catholic Church in Boston does not have the finances or the clergy to do that. This challenging situation requires thinking outside the box, new solutions. The experience of Catholic community must never remain static, but evolves in response to changing times. As long as the local communities, whatever their makeup, their shape, are united with their bishop, the Catholic Church lives.

I hope I can keep myself open to these changes, that the Holy Spirit will help me see the Father’s will in what is about to happen. And that I always remember that, no matter where we are, what community I eventually belong to, we are all united in the Body of Christ.

Thanksgiving Day - A Franciscan Reflection

2011-11-24T08:37:00.001-05:00

Among the stories about St. Francis of Assisi is the one where Francis and his companion, Brother Masseo, had gone through an Italian town, preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Evening was coming, so they went around the town, begging alms for their evening meal. Francis, thin and gaunt, was not too successful; while Masseo, a handsome lad, was able to gather a few whole loafs of bread. They met outside of town, and found a flat stone next to a running brook of clear water.

After they had placed their food on the stone, Francis looked at the scene, sighed and said to Masseo that they had so much to be thankful for; they were not worthy of such great gifts. Masseo thought that Francis had been in the sun too long. Here they were, sitting in an open field; no table or place settings; and only with just enough bread to keep hunger at bay. Francis replied that they should be thankful, for everything they had, the bread, the stone that was their table, the brook that would provide their drink; this all came not from their efforts, but from God, their Father.

The Father, in great ways and small, continues to show His love for us. He helps us through the bad times, helps us see the beauty, the good at all times in our lives. So let us be thankful.

Is the Current Meeting of US Bishops Missing the Point?

2011-11-15T00:01:00.001-05:00

There have been many news stories about how disaffected most Americans have been with their government, be it local, state, or federal. Especially on the federal level, many citizens believe that the politicians are more interested in beating each other up, rather than assisting people, who are suffering from unemployment. They see American politicians as being indifferent to their plight.

The National Catholic Reporter’s website provides a link to a commentary on the Baltimore Sun’s website; Baltimore is the city which is hosting a meeting of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops. The commentator, Francis X. Doyle, who was formerly with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, makes the observation that while Americans are going through the stresses of massive unemployment, home foreclosures, and national uncertainty, the bishops are not addressing any of these issues at their national meeting.

Now, I would make the observation that while the issues being discussed by the bishops are important, the people need their pastors, their shepherds to speak words of comfort, of hope to them. The last thing they need is to have their immediate concerns ignored by the very men charged with caring for them.

Catholic laity’s opinion of the US bishops is slowly beginning to improve. The bishops risk losing that growing goodwill if they fail to address what is worrying most of American Catholic families, right now.

Veterans Day. Another Patron Saint For Veterans

2011-11-11T14:58:00.002-05:00

(For Veterans Day, here is a revised posting from 2009.)

There is a tradition in the Catholic Church to designate a saint as a patron for certain occupations, groups, or movements. St. Francis of Assisi has been designated as the patron saint of Italy, Catholic Action, animals, and the environment. A patron saint is considered a special intercessor before God for an either group of people with a specific profession, illness and who work for special causes. I would like to make the suggestion that St. Francis be considered the patron saint of veterans who suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Now I say this because Francis was not always the little holy friar, constantly in prayer, communing with the birds and the animals. In his younger days, he was an active, wealthy, young buck; the leader of the Assisi party scene, who longed to be a part of the nobility. Now for a commoner to move into those circles, he had to be knighted. To be knighted, he had to perform some great military service for a local lord. In medieval Italy, it was not hard to find some little war, somewhere. As it turned out, Francis' home town of Assisi was going to war with their neighbors, the city of Perugia. So Francis had his father spring for armor and weapons, and he joined the other Assisian men of arms as they marched on Perugia. The two armies met at a bridge and a battle ensued. Now in those days, soldiers fought each other with spears, swords, axes and daggers. It was close, in your face, combat. One survived by chopping off an opponents' limbs or gutting him. Blood and gore would have been everywhere. Long story short, the Perugians whipped the men of Assisi butts. Those who survived were either scattered or captured. The captured commoners were sent to hard labor for Perugia, the nobles were cast into dungeons, to await their families ransoming them. Because Francis was so well decked out, he was considered to be a noble and was incarcerated with the others.

Now the dungeons were dark, damp, with little water or food. It is reported that Francis tried to keep his companions' spirits up by singing songs made famous by French troubadours. But eventually, even he was worn down by the long captivity. Finally, his family was able to pay his ransom, and he was released. Francis was bedridden for a long time with illness when he got back to Assisi. When he recovered, he was able to go out once again amongst the hills and valleys of Umbrian countryside. But nature's beauty no longer touched him. Parties no longer brought joy to his heart. Feeling empty, he began turning to God for help. He would spend more time in prayer, seeking out caves for solitude. As he opened himself more to the Father's presence, he began to experience God's love for him, and the peace that comes with it. It was the beginning of his conversion.

In his book, "My Life with the Saints," Father James Martin, SJ, writes: "My novice director told me that he thought of the saints as older brothers and sisters to whom one could look for advice and counsel." I would like to think that veterans can see in Francis, somebody they can identify with, and someone they can turn to for help and encouragement.

Cardinal Sean Has Some Juice!

2011-11-06T23:42:00.000-05:00

We Catholics in America, and Boston in particular, have our own opinions about Cardinal Sean O’Malley, OFM CAP., Archbishop of Boston. Personally, I think he has done a fine job of beginning the healing process for the Archdiocese. It is interesting to see how others see him, especially the European press. Cardinal O’Malley is in Rome, along with other American bishops for their ad limina visits with Pope Benedict XVI. The website Vatican Insider, sponsored by the Italian newspaper LaStampa, described him as “the champion of the fight against sexual abuse.”
It is perhaps a sign of how much regard the Vatican has for Cardinal O’Malley that Vatican Insider reported that he was the first American bishop to be received by the Pope, and that the meeting was held three days ahead of schedule.

Feast of All Saints - 2011

2011-11-01T06:30:00.000-04:00

“Observe, all my brothers, the good shepherd, who in order to save his sheep has undergone the passion of the cross. The sheep of the Lord have followed him in tribulation and in persecution, disgrace and hunger, in weakness and in temptation and in similar things. So the great disgrace for us servants of God is that by retelling the activities of the holy ones we ourselves want to receive the glory and honor.” (Admonition VI, Francis of Assisi)

This day, the Church recognizes and celebrates all those unknown Saints who may have walked amongst us. All of us are called to a life of holiness, all of us struggle to achieve that goal. There are many individuals in the history of the Church who have achieved that goal, unrecognized by our Christian community; but are known by God. By their intercession, may we receive the grace to also finish the race, to reach the goal.

What Sad Fact 60% Of American Catholics Believe!

2011-10-30T18:19:00.001-04:00

“An official asked him (Jesus) this question, ‘Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?’ Jesus answered him, ‘Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments, ‘You shall not commit adultery; you shall not kill; you shall not bear false witness; honor your father and mother.’ ‘And he replied, ‘All of these I have observed from my youth.’ When Jesus heard this he said to him, ‘There is still one thing left for you; sell all that you have and distribute it to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.’ But when he heard this he became quite sad, for he was very rich.” (Luke 18: 18-23)

“What good is it; my brothers, if someone say he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister has nothing to wear and has no food for the day, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, keep warm, and eat well,’ but you do not give them the necessities of the body, what good is it? So also faith of itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” (James 2: 14-17)“Francis sympathized lovingly and compassionately with those stricken with any physical affliction and he immediately referred to Christ the poverty or deprivation he saw in anyone. He was kind and gentle by nature and the love of Christ merely intensified this. His soul melted at the sight of the poor or infirm and where he could not offer material assistance he lavished his affection.” (Bonaventure, Major Life of St. Francis of Assisi, Chap. 8, Para. 5)

Sometimes, something has to be reported on television before it really grabs you. This happened to me today. I have glanced at the stories being reported by the National Catholic Reporter, from the survey they helped sponsored concerning Catholics in America. What I missed was a fact reported by the television program Religion and Ethics Newsweekly; that 60% of American Catholics believe that you do not have to donate anything to help the poor, nor work for the poor, and still can consider yourself a “good” Catholic!

Now I really went ballistic over this. If one looked at the tradition of the Church; if one examines the lives of a majority of Catholic saints, I believe, one sees a constant theme of how important service to the poor is in the life of the Church. And I do not mean just the charitable institutions of the Church, I mean the entire community of believers. If one believes in Jesus Christ, one follows the teachings Jesus Christ, to love God with all our heart and soul; and to love our neighbors. And that does not just mean our middle class neighbors, it means all of them, poor, disabled, and foreigner.

We are called to share the love of Christ we experience through the Eucharist with everyone we come in contact, by any means at our disposal. By our words and actions, we are to show to the world the power of the Gospel we preach. If we cannot live the faith we believe in, each of us individually, then that faith is truly dead. And the world will cast us aside.

Spiritual Food

2011-10-25T04:36:00.000-04:00

“As bread is food for the body and holiness is food for the soul, so spiritual prayer is food for the interior mind.” (Evagrios of Pontus)

Words From St. Francis of Assisi

2011-10-11T06:42:00.000-04:00

“We should wish for nothing else and have no other desire; we should find no pleasure or delight in anything except in our Creator, Redeemer, and Saviour; he alone is true God, who is perfect good, all good, every good, the true supreme good, and he alone is good, loving and gentle, kind and understanding; he alone is holy, just, true and right; he alone is kind, innocent, pure, and from him, through him, and in him is all pardon, all grace, an all glory for the penitent, the just, and the blessed who rejoice in heaven.”

(St. Francis of Assisi, The Non-Approved Rule of 1221)

My October Column for My Secular Franciscan Fraternity Newsletter

2011-10-09T15:19:00.001-04:00

Earlier this week, we celebrated the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi. What came to my mind was a story in the Little Flowers of St. Francis, in which Brother Masseo asks Francis, "Why does the world come after you?" Francis responded that people came after him because they saw how the power of God's love could work such miracles through such a poor, ignorant, sinful man like himself. It was the example of his life, this witness to God's grace working in a very human person that drew people to Francis.

What draws people to St. Francis today? For some, it might be the stories about Francis, others may have read the Francis comic book, and others may have seen a movie about him. Most, however, have been drawn to Francis because of the example given by the lives of Friars, Poor Clares, Third Order Regular Brothers and Sisters, and, hopefully, those Secular Franciscans they have come in contact with. This is the responsibility that all of us who call ourselves Franciscan share, to keep the spirit of Francis alive and fresh in our world today. We do this by reading and reflecting on his words, on his life, then seeing how we can apply his example to our own struggle to live the Gospel life.

We have a spiritual legacy to be proud of and to celebrate. If that legacy is to last through the 21^st Century and beyond, we cannot be complacent. We need to allow Francis to continue challenge us to go farther, strive higher, and go deeper in our life with God.

Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi - 2011

2011-10-04T16:36:00.001-04:00

St. Francis of Assisi came as a light of hope to a world in darkness. It was a world where kings and nobles were at constant warfare with each other, often sweeping up innocent peasants into the fires of wars. It was a world where the Church was afflicted by scandal, where clerics were more interested in declaring complex doctrines then preaching to the needs of their flock. It was a world where lay people suffered from a spiritual hunger, longing to hear the Good News proclaimed and to see it lived.

Into this world came Francis, the little poor man of Assisi, walking on bare feet, with a song on his lips, a caring look in his eyes and a holy fire in his heart. He had encountered the living Christ through prayer, word and sacrament. Responding to that encounter, Francis strove to change his life, to live the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Where there was greed and desire for power, he lived a life of evangelical poverty, simplicity and humility. Where there was strife and division, Francis was a peacemaker. Where there were poor and abandoned people, he brought love and acceptance. Where there was loss of faith, Francis inspired people to believe again in the love, power and glory of God.

In a modern world that in some ways is no different from the world of Francis’s time, we are all called to be lights of Christ. In small ways and great, inspired by Francis, each one of us is to bring love, joy and peace to a world that is in strife, wallowing in hate and burdened with fear. Each of us is part of the legacy of the Poverello.

Question of Girl Altar Servers

2011-10-02T22:53:00.000-04:00

America magazine’s editors have commented on the situation in the Diocese of Phoenix, AZ, concerning the change of policy by the diocesan cathedral. Girls will no longer be able to be altar servers. That role will be reserved solely for boys. One of the reasons given by the rector of the cathedral was that having only altar boys encouraged vocations for the priesthood. Now, the cynic in me believes that there is another underlining reason for this policy change. And that is the feeling that still exists among some of the clergy that women are unworthy to be in the sanctuary during the celebration of the Eucharist.

Now when I heard about this policy, I got ill. Yes, I know canonically, bishops and pastors have the power to designate who can be altar servers, but to deny girls that honor is unwise, and reinforces the world view that women are second class members of the Church. And keep in mind that a majority of those who are active in the social, educational and charitable life of the Church are women. And that the majority of persons attending Mass are women.

In Scripture, we are told by St. Paul that in Christ there is neither male nor female. The Council Fathers of Vatican II have told us that all the baptized share in the priesthood of Christ, and all are called to actively participate in the Eucharist. Yes, each has their own unique role in that worship, but I do not see any valid theological reason to restrict the role of altar server to only males. And despite what some bishops and pastors may say, this is a matter of justice within the Church.

Feast of the Archangels Michael, Gabriel, Raphael

2011-09-29T09:56:00.001-04:00

O glorious prince St. Michael,
chief and commander of the heavenly hosts,

guardian of souls, vanquisher of rebel spirits,

servant in the house of the Divine King

and our admirable conductor, you who shine with excellence

and superhuman virtue deliver us from all evil,
who turn to you with confidence

and enable us by your gracious protection

to serve God more and more faithfully every day.

To Serve At The Altar of The Lord

2011-09-26T06:52:00.000-04:00

On Saturday, September 24th, 2011, my fellow classmates and I were installed as Acolytes. It is a step in our formation for the Permanent Diaconate. The ceremony took place during the celebration of the Eucharist at the Bethany Chapel, in the Archdiocese of Boston’s Pastoral Center. The celebrant was Auxiliary Bishop Hennessy. Our families and friends were present; I had the opportunity to present the Cup to my mother, so that she could receive the Blood of Christ. Overall, it was a very moving, and grace full day.

The following is a description of the office of Acolyte:

Unless they have already done so, candidates for ordination as deacons or priests are to receive the ministries of reader and acolyte and are to exercise them for a suitable time, in order to be better disposed for the future service of the word and altar.
The acolyte is appointed in order to aid the deacon and to minister to the priest. It is his duty therefore to attend to the service of the altar and to assist the deacon and priest in the liturgical celebrations, especially the celebration of Mass; he is to distribute communion as a special minister.

In the same extraordinary circumstances an acolyte may be entrusted with publicly exposing the Blessed Sacrament for adoration by the faithful and afterward replacing, but not with blessing the people. He may also, to the extent needed, take care of instructing other faithful who on a temporary basis are appointed to assist the priest of deacon in liturgical celebrations by carrying the missal, cross, candles, etc., or by performing other such duties. He will perform these functions more worthily if he participates in the Holy Eucharist with increasingly fervent devotion, receives nourishment from it, and deepens his knowledge of it.

As one set aside in a special way for the service of the altar, the acolyte should learn all matters concerning public divine worship and strive to grasp their inner spiritual meaning; in that way he will be able each day to offer himself entirely to God, be an example to all by his gravity and reverence in church, and have a sincere love for the mystical body of Christ, the people of God, especially for the weak and the sick.

Changes In The Reception of Holy Communion In The Dioces of Phoenix

2011-09-24T00:33:00.000-04:00

A story that has been causing some ripples in the Catholic blogosphere, has been the report that the Diocese of Phoenix, AZ, has severely restricted the times reception of Holy Communion under both species, bread and wine, is allowed. It can only be offered during special occasions, and not as part of regular Sunday liturgies. I think Pray Tell broke the story first, which was then picked up by The Deacon’s Bench. Both sites have been inundated with comments, so much so that Deacon Kandra has to close the posting to new comments.

For me, this is a very sad turn of events. For me, receiving Holy Communion through just the Host, or both the Host and the Cup, have both been very meaningful, spiritual experiences for me. I have to be honest though, and say that I prefer to be able to receive both the Body and the Blood of my Lord Jesus. It just makes my experience of Eucharist that much more powerful.

One of the reasons given by the Diocese of Phoenix for the change was that wanted to protect the Eucharist from “profanation.” Now my parish has offered the opportunity to receive the Eucharist under both species for about twenty years; and never have I seen any disrespect for the Sacrament. Now have there been accidents, I am sure there have been, ministers of communion are human, recipients are human. That should not the reason to deny the faithful the regular opportunity to receive both the Body and Blood of Christ. Parishes need to insure that extraordinary ministers of communion are properly trained.

One can speculate how much support Bishop Olmsted of Phoenix has from the laity for this change; or whether he cares. It will be interesting to see if there is any blowback from the Catholics of Phoenix, or will they quietly submit.

Prayer For The Upcoming General Chapter Of The Secular Franciscan Order

2011-09-22T10:35:00.002-04:00

Prayer for the Worldwide General Chapter of Secular Franciscan Order, October 22-29, 2011, in Brazil

Our Father,

who has called us to follow your Son in the footsteps of St. Francis, grant that, like Francis, we may be converted completely to You and be conformed to your Son and our Lord Jesus Christ, the Gospel of your love. Identified with and converted to Christ, pour into us your Holy Spirit to bear witness to the world how much you loved it to the point of giving of yourself totally in him. Grant us to believe deep inside that, by your grace alone, we are your true children in Jesus, your Son, and, like him, call upon you and experience you as Abba, Father. Assist our brothers and sisters to be guided by your Spirit to encourage the Secular Franciscan Order and Franciscan Youth to be fearless, as Francis did, in proclaiming your Gospel with the witness of life and word. Help us through the General Chapter to question ourselves with courage to come out of mediocrity, fatigue, and a often empty and repetitive ritual and become, instead, like Francis, effective instruments of your unconditional love. May Mary, the Mother whom you gave us at the height of your love, be always near us to guide us toward Jesus, with You, Father, who, in union with the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen!

Local Boy Makes Good

2011-09-21T12:31:00.002-04:00

Rocco Palmo, who writes the Whispers In The Loggia blog, has reported that Archbishop Daniel Buechlein, OSB, has resigned as head of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, due to health reasons. Auxiliary Bishop Christopher Coyne has been appointed as the Apostolic Administrator for the Archdiocese, while a successor archbishop is being selected.

Bishop Coyne is originally from the Boston Archdiocese, being ordained a priest almost twenty five years ago. He served the Archdiocese in various capacities, which included teaching at the St. John’s Seminary, head of the Archdiocesan Office of Worship, and Communications Director. He became the Archdiocesan spokesperson during the height of the clergy abuse scandal, and the contentious reorganization of the Archdiocese, which lead to the closing of many Greater Boston parishes. I remember watching Bishop Coyne being interviewed by Emily Rooney, on the local public television program, “Greater Boston,” skillfully giving the Church’s opinion on the crisis. Before leaving for Indianapolis, he was pastor of St. Margaret Mary parish in Westwood, MA.

Best of luck, Bishop Coyne!

Ordination to the Permanent Diaconate - Archdiocese of Boston, September 17, 2011

2011-09-17T23:50:00.000-04:00

Today was a joyous occasion for the Archdiocese of Boston; thirteen men were ordained as Permanent Deacons. I knew all thirteen men and their wives, and I rejoice that they, after many years of hard work, and prayer, have reached this day.

A 2011 Reflection On The Tenth Anniversary of 9/11.

2011-09-11T23:28:00.000-04:00

“Wrath and anger are hateful things, yet the sinner hugs them tight. The vengeful will suffer the Lord’s vengeance, for he remembers their sins in detail. Forgive your neighbor’s injustice, then when you pray, your own sins will be forgiven.” (Sirach 27: 30-28:2)

“Peter approached Jesus and asked him, ‘Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive? As many as seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times?’” (Matthew 18: 21-22)

Some may say it is ironic, others would say it is the Spirit of God speaking to us; that the above readings were part of the Liturgy of the Word for the Eucharist celebrated today; September 11th.

It has been 10 years since the terrorist attacks on this country, ten years since we saw the World Trade Center in New York, ablaze and then collapsing into a large heap of rubble. Ten years since we saw the Pentagon on fire, with wounded victims walking across its lawn. Ten years since we saw a smouldering hole in a Pennsylvania field, where an airplane whose passengers had struck back against the terrorists, had crashed. And ten years since we saw crowds in the Palestinian territories and other Arab countries dancing in the streets over the attacks.

There was much grief over the deaths of the victims, sadness for the victim’s families, and anger at the terrorists and those who support them. This desire for vengeance; the desire, the need, to strike back has involved us in two wars which are still being fought. It has created an atmosphere of fear and suspicion of anyone who is of different culture or different faith. We live in a country where Arabic-American citizens are looked upon with suspicion, where hate crimes against Muslims are on the rise.
Against this background, we have the above readings ringing in our ears, prodding us, challenging us to let go of our hatreds, to learn to forgive. And this is not easy, but to follow Jesus is never easy. God calls us to forgive, not for the good of those who harmed us, but for our own salvation. The longer we let hatred fester within us, the easier it will be for us to lose the power to love as Christ has commanded us to love.
So let us accept the challenge, let us begin to cultivate forgiveness in our hearts, so that love will ultimately blossom across the world.

Words From St. Francis of Assisi

2011-09-03T09:22:00.000-04:00

“The Lord says: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who persecute and blame you (Mt. 5:44). That person truly loves his enemy who is not upset at any injury which is done to himself, but out of love of God is disturbed at the sin of the other’s soul. And let him show his love for the other by his deeds.” (Admonition IX)

Taken from Francis and Clare, The Complete Works, Paulist Press

Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial

2011-08-28T11:58:00.000-04:00

A dedication of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial was suppose to have taken place this weekend. Unfortunately, Mother Nature, in the form of Hurricane Irene, had other plans, the the dedication has been postponed. the TV program, Religion & Ethics Newsweekly, has a nice report about it.

I was only 15 years old when he died, assassinated in Memphis TN. It was only during my seminary years that I began to appreciate what he accomplished for civil rights, not just for Black Americans, but for all minorities. He showed what power non-violent protest and action could have. He showed what could be accomplished when you treated opponents, even violent opponents, as fellow human beings. In many ways he reminds me of another famous preacher, of St. Francis of Assisi, who would walk amidst the warring factions of an Italian city, preaching peace; and who call a Muslim sultan a brother.

We live now in times when protests about injustices in society either turn violent, or are met with state sponsored violence. We are becoming a society where civil discourse about issues is no longer seen as "in," and name calling and yelling is becoming part of politics. Never has there been such a need for the spirit of Doctor King, the spirit of Francis.

I have an image in my mind, of two individuals, one a black man dressed in a dark suit, the other a small white man in a tattered brown robe, walking on a road to Washington, DC, ready to preach to power, ready to preach peace.

Archdiocese of Boston Release Lists of Accused Priests

2011-08-27T00:15:00.004-04:00

Yesterday, August 25th, the Archdiocese of Boston issued a list which contained the names of those among the Archdiocesan clergy who had either been found guilty of abusing children, or have had credible accusations of abusing children. The list has been posted on the Archdiocesan website, with a cover letter from Cardinal Sean O’Malley, OFM CAP, Archbishop of Boston. In that letter, Cardinal Sean describes the process used in creating the list, who was included on the list, who was not included on the list and the reasons why they were not.

The Boston news media, including Boston.com, reported on the issuance of the list and the reactions of various parties who have been involved in the effort to bring the clergy abuse scandal to light, and to prevent any such abuse from happening again. The reactions of some Massachusetts politicians, local advocates for sex abuse victims, and church reformers were not positive.

The truth of the matter is that no matter what Cardinal Sean did, he would not have been able to satisfy everyone. One faction would say he did not go far enough, that there are additional names that should have been released. The other faction would say that Cardinal Sean went too far, that he sacrificed the reputations of priests to satisfy a vengeance hungry mob. I have read what I feel is two good analysis’s of Cardinal Sean’s actions, one by Michael Sean Winters, the other by John Allen, Jr., both columnists and bloggers for the National Catholic Reporter.

I belong to the Archdiocese of Boston, and like many local Catholics, I was upset and angry when the scandal first broke so many years ago. I angry over the fact that there were priests who abusing children, I became angrier when I learned that these acts were being covered up by the bishops. It has been because of the cover up that advocates of the abused want all the names of accused priests made public. I have been uncomfortable with this demand. I am one of those people who believe in the legal ideal that a person is presumed innocent until proven guilty. I understand the need many feel to bring to light all those who may have abused children, but is the price worth it if at least one innocent priest’s reputation is destroyed forever.

Beginning with the Dallas Charter, I do believe that there have been good faith efforts by many American bishops to prevent future child abuse by clergy, and to bring to light those who have abused in the past, Cardinal Sean being one of them.

This Post Is A Test

2011-08-27T00:12:00.001-04:00

Hi!

I am trying out some new technology for blogging for the first time. This is only a test.

Franciscans Taking Cover in Tripoli

2011-08-24T06:34:00.003-04:00

Franciscans have had a presence in the Arab world since the early days of the Order’s founding. It began with the first missionary journey to Morocco that lead to the first Franciscan martyrs; then St. Francis of Assisi’s own journey to Egypt and his meeting with the Sultan, and to the friars receiving responsibility for the holy sites in the Middle East. So it should not come as a surprise that there is a story of Franciscans taking cover in Tripoli, Libya, from the street fighting taking place there. This is the link to the Catholic News Service story.

Catholic Deacons Arrested

2011-08-17T06:22:00.003-04:00

There are reports from the local news services of the arrests of two deacons of the Diocese of Providence; one for three counts of child abuse, the other for indecent exposure.

I am both sad, confused and angry about this. Sad that the clergy abuse problem continues, and sad that it now includes deacons. Confused on how men who are supposedly formed to serve the poor and powerless, could do such things to children. Angry that the church still cannot seem weed out the "bad apples," through proper evaluation.

St. Stephen and St. Lawrence, pray for us.

St. Clare of Assisi

2011-08-12T06:27:00.003-04:00

“Place your mind before the mirror of eternity! Place your soul in the brilliance of glory! Place your heart in the figure of divine substance! And transform your whole being into the image of the Godhead Itself through contemplation.”

St. Clare of Assisi

The Vatican, Closed Parishes, And Diocesan Reorganization

2011-07-27T00:14:00.004-04:00

I have recently been exploring a Catholic news website called Vatican Insider. It is sponsored by the Italian publication, La Stampa. I came across a post reporting on a Vatican document being prepared, which will provide guidelines to American bishops on how to reorganize their dioceses. It specifically addresses the closing or merging of parishes, and the sale of Catholic hospitals.

The reason for the creation of this document is the number of dioceses that have been closing parishes, and the controversy it causes in the Catholic community, and the economic impact it has on the American dioceses. It is being reported that one possible recommendation is that while a parish may be closed, the church itself could be maintained by a responsible lay family or group, with a priest coming in to celebrate Sunday Mass.

This could be a partial solution for the situation that exists here in the Archdiocese of Boston. There have been churches of closed parishes that have been occupied for years by former parishioners, who refuse to let go of their church. But a parish is more than a church, it is a community of clergy and laity, active in charitable works, a place where persons, child or adult, is formed in the faith. And most importantly, it is a community that comes together and encounters Christ in the Eucharist. We are seeing now, and will see in the future, that some parishes will no longer have the resources, either in people or finances. All bishops and parish communities will have to face that fact, and address it.

Hopefully, the guidelines that will come out from Rome, will provide a common structure and procedure that could lessen the pain, the sense of loss, that people feel when a parish is closed.

Sale of Closed Parishes in the Archdiocese of Boston

2011-07-19T06:47:00.001-04:00

There has been a lot of local television and radio air time dedicated to Archdiocese of Boston announcement that six closed parish churches are to be sold, after all sacred items have been removed. Some of these closed churches have been occupied by the former parishioners since their initial closing. And all the former members of the closed parishes are promising to fight the proposed sales, and are appealing to the Vatican. They are taking encouragement from the fact that the Vatican had, in at least one case, overturned a bishop’s decision to sell a closed church.

My heart goes out to these people; my own parish was threatened with closure. It was averted only because we made a strong case for keeping it open. But I also realize that times are changing, just recently a report was issued, showing that soon there will not be enough priests to service all the existing parishes. That there will be fewer, bigger parishes, or, as the Archdiocese is exploring, a cluster of churches under one pastor and staff.

There is no question that the past closure of parishes in the Archdiocese was poorly planned and executed. Any future “reconfiguration,” must be based on a clear set of criteria, the process must be open and transparent, with public input from the laity.

The sad truth is that some parishes will have to be merged or merged for the health of the Catholic community of greater Boston. And there is nothing in the short term that can be done to avert that reality.

Help From Thomas Merton

2011-07-12T06:36:00.002-04:00

Life seems to have been tossing on one mishap after another; increasing the stress level day after day. Then I came across this quote from Thomas Merton:

We do not see the way that lies ahead for us. It seems dark, but God is the Master of all destinies and His will is love. Let us then put aside everything else and trust ourselves completely to Him, giving ourselves to His love, asking Him to enlighten and guide us in the way of positive action, if any such action is feasible. For the rest, we must have great patience and sustained fidelity to His will and to our ideals.

Letter to Evora Areca de Sardonia, Witness to Freedom (Taken from The Intimate Merton)

Kip Tiernan, Friend of the Poor, May She Rest In Peace

2011-07-06T23:18:00.003-04:00

Last Saturday, the poor of Massachusetts, especially poor women, lost a great advocate. Kip Tiernan passed away on July 2, 2011, at age 85.

Inspired by the life of Dorothy Day, she walked away from a promising advertising career, to become a voice for the poor in Boston. In 1974, she helped found Rosie’s Place, which began as a day shelter for homeless women, a place where they felt safe and wanted. It has since grown into a multi-service organization, still dedicated to serving poor women.

I heard Ms. Tiernan speak about Rosie’s Place several times. I also saw her at gatherings of Catholic women who were advocating for a greater voice in Church affairs. She always had on a battered hat; she always wore a rumbled jacket. And she always wore a cross. As Christ gave His all for us; Ms. Tiernan gave her all for the poor. She will be missed.

Holy Father's First Tweet

2011-06-29T06:40:00.003-04:00

Many Catholic bloggers have made a big deal of Pope Benedict’s first tweet. Here is Rocco Palmo’s writing about it on his blog, “Whispers In The Loggia.” The occasion was the opening of a new Vatican news website.

Discovering An Anniversary

2011-06-28T23:50:00.002-04:00

With everything that has been happening in my life this past year, it appears that I have missed a very important anniversary in the Franciscan World. April 16th, 2011 marked the beginning of a year long celebration of the 800th Anniversary of the founding of Order of Saint Clare, commonly known as the Poor Clares. On Palm Sunday, 1212, Clare of Assisi, daughter of a noble family, decided to leave all of her riches and privileges, and join Francis of Assisi in living the Gospel of Jesus Christ. She would be soon joined by her sister Agnes and other women; Francis gave them the chapel San Damiano as their monastery.

Saint Clare and her community became the contemplative branch of the Franciscan family, and preserved the ideal of Franciscan poverty. The community continues to this day.

Is the Gospel Message on the Web "Sticky" Or "Bouncy?"

2011-06-27T23:27:00.004-04:00

I daily check out America magazine’s website; I find it very interesting and informative. Today, I came across an article by Father James Martin, SJ, based on an address he gave at the Diocese of Brooklyn celebration of the 2010 World Communications Day. He examines the status of the Catholic Church’s use of digital communications, where is the Church in the world of the Internet.

There are hundreds of websites out there, established by various Church organizations, and individual Catholics. Some of them are very good; the Vatican, the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, and the Archdiocese of Boston, which includes Cardinal Sean O’Malley’s own blog. There are many well constructed blogs created by individuals, many of whom are listed on my blog roll.

The biggest fear that many Catholic leaders have is that the Church is not reaching young digital savvy persons. The Web, if used well, can be a means of reaching out to the young, but it must be done in such a way that it addresses the spiritual needs and concerns of these persons. Finally, what is written on the Web, it must to be lived in the real world.

So will what the Church preaches electronically be “sticky” or “bouncy.”

Time To Think Outside The Box?

2011-06-07T23:52:00.005-04:00

While checking out America magazine’s blog site “In All Things,” I came across a posting on an Associated Press story, reporting on discussions concerning the consolidation of parishes in the Archdiocese of Boston. The Council of Parishes, a local group that opposes the closing of parishes, had obtained a copy of a memo that outlines a possible approach, and they forwarded it to the AP.

The reporting states that there have been suggestions that several parishes in a local area be clustered under one pastor, supported by a combined staff, one financial council and pastoral council. It in turn would look at needs, and ministries versus assets, and recommend to the Archdiocese on the closing or preserving of any the cluster’s facilities. The word has already been out on the ecclesial street, that this might be an approach the Archdiocese might take to address the reduction in active clergy, and the drop in active church membership and donations. It is already being tried in Dorchester, MA, where a former classmate of mine, Father Jack Ahern, is the pastor of three combined parishes.

The idea of creating church clusters is not written in stone, but is still being thought through. Nobody wants a repeat of the last reconfiguration, which was a confused, ill-thought process. Whatever savings it might have had for the Archdiocese, it was not worth the pain, the suspicions, and the strains on the relationships between the laity and the Archbishop. Whatever decisions is made, is must be carefully explained, with clear standards for preserving a parish, and the process must be transparent.

The thing is that the Archdiocese must do something concerning the Catholic communities it is responsible for. The problem is not just financial; it is the number of priests that are available to fully staff all of the parishes. Where there is no Eucharist, there is an ecclesial community in danger of dying. To answer this danger may require thinking outside of the box. A local Catholic community can take many forms, as long as it celebrates a common Eucharist, it remains united with its bishop, and through it’s bishop, is united with the world wide Church.

Looking For Thomas Merton, Find Francis of Assisi As Well

2011-06-02T23:50:00.004-04:00

It sometimes happens that while you are looking for one thing, you may come across something else that is just as interesting. Today, while checking out America magazine’s website, I came across a video by Father James Martin, SJ, in which he was giving a short introduction into the life of Thomas Merton. After viewing the video, I saw the site gave a link to another video, also by Father Martin, about St. Francis of Assisi. It is a very nice introduction into the life of the world’s most popular saint.

A Reflection on the John Jay Study of Clergy Abuse

2011-05-20T00:13:00.004-04:00

There has been a lot of buzz about the report by the John Jay College of Criminal Justice. It contains the results of their five year study on the causes of the Roman Catholic clergy abuse scandal. The Jesuit magazine, “America,” has a report on the study as well as an analysis written by Kathleen McChesney. She was the first executive director of the Office of the Child and Youth Protection of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

The findings of the study are not going to go down well with either conservatives or liberals in the Church. Leaders of clergy abuse survivor’s support groups are already denouncing the report as a whitewash, covering for the bishops.

I am not going to go over all the points that the study has covered, I encourage any readers to click on the links provided above. What I want to share is some of my seminary experiences that provide at some anecdotal support for the conclusions in the study.

I entered the seminary as a college student during the early 70’s. The minor seminary, for high school students, had been closed a few years earlier. As I recall, the only psychological testing we received was a fill in the dot’s test. It was nothing compared to the intense psychological testing I had to take a few years later, when I was admitted into the Franciscan Friars formation program; or when I entered the Permanent Diaconate formation program. Had the testing been more rigorous back then, it might have shown how socially immature I was at the time, and I might have received better assistance dealing with it. By luck or by the guidance of the Spirit caused me to realize I needed to seek a different path. But how many men were allowed to go on through to ordination, who were not ready to deal with the stresses of clerical life.

The seminary tried to provide some formation help on understanding how to live as a celibate priest; but it was not sustained, and did not occur frequently enough. Again, how many young priests entered a world undergoing the “sexual revolution,” ill prepared to deal with it.

Despite these obstacles, the study estimates that 4 to 6 percent of the clergy during the period examined, would become sexual abusers. Unfortunately, because of the way the bishops mishandled these cases of abuse, these abusers were allowed the opportunity to offend again and again. The bishops have a long way to go before they can win back the full trust of the laity, if that is ever going to be possible.

These Stories Make Me Nervous

2011-05-16T23:36:00.003-04:00

There have been two stories in the Catholic news services that are making me very nervous. One is a Catholic News Service story that the National Catholic Reporter posted on their website. It was a report of the Vatican issuing instructions to local bishops, telling them to make access to celebrations of the Tridentine Mass easier. The other CNS story, posted on the blog “Pray Tell,” reports the comments made by a Vatican official. He stated that it is the Pope’s intention not to have two forms of the Mass existing side by side, but to merge elements of both into one liturgy

Now I grew up during the time when Vatican II was still in session. The Mass my family and I attended was the Tridentine Liturgy, and I mean attended, not participated in. We observed the liturgy being celebrated. When I became an altar boy, I memorized the liturgical Latin, but the words had no meaning for me. The Eucharistic liturgy that came out of the Vatican II renewal was meant for all the people of God. We, the laity, can actively participate in the celebration, worshiping in a language we can understand, being able to witness, to see the miracle that is the consecration; the Body and Blood of Our Jesus Christ, present on the altar.The current liturgy is not perfect, that is because of the human element. But this liturgy has become a very important part of my faith life. Now I understand why there are those who still find the Tridentine liturgy attractive, but for me, it does not represent my understanding of what it means to be Church, to be the People of God in today’s world.

So instead of trying to turn the clock back, we need to listen to the faithful, what are they looking for in the Eucharistic liturgy, and how can we improve it so that it will answer the spiritual needs of all the Church.

St. Damien of Molokai

2011-05-10T06:36:00.001-04:00

“This is how God inspired me, Brother Francis, to embark upon a life of penance. When I was in sin, the sight of lepers nauseated me beyond measure; but then God himself led me into their company, and I had pity on them. When I had once become acquainted with them, what had previously nauseated me became a source of spiritual and physical consolation for me. After that I did not wait long before leaving the world.” (The Testament of Saint Francis of Assisi)

Today is the feast day of Saint Damien of Molokai (January 3, 1840 to April 15, 1889). A Belgium missionary priest, he volunteered to go out to the Hawaiian leper colony to serve the people who were under quarantine. Living conditions were poor, the lepers had lost hope, Father Damien did all he could to provide for both their physical and spiritual needs. Like St. Francis, he found them to be “a source of spiritual and physical consolation.” Eventually, he, himself, came down with the disease, and would eventually die from it.

St. Damien is an example of one who practiced “kenosis,” that self-emptying of one self for the sake of others, for the goal of living the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the fullest.

He has been one of my favorite holy persons. I have read one of the biographies of him, “Holy Man,” and have seen both a one man play on public television, and a movie based on his life. His life of service and sacrifice is both frightening and inspiring. Frightening is so much as what living the Gospel can demand of us; inspiring in so much as it shows what one person can do, with the help of God’s grace.

One final note, he would eventually receive help with his mission, among them would be a group of Franciscan sisters.

Reflection For Evening Prayer - Feast of Saints Philip and James

2011-05-03T23:26:00.002-04:00

This feast, which celebrates the memory of the two Apostles, Philip and James; who answered the call of Christ, comes close on the heels of the celebration of the beatification of Pope John Paul II. Many of us watched the liturgy being held in Rome, with thousands of people celebrating this wonderful event,

But as I have been looking at the photos of events in Rome, at all the pomp and ceremony, the Franciscan in me recalls something St. Francis of Assisi wrote for his followers;

“Let all of us, brothers, look to the Good Shepherd Who suffered the passion of the cross to save His sheep. The sheep of the Lord followed Him in tribulation and persecution, in insult and hunger, in infirmity and temptation, and in everything else, and they have received everlasting life from the Lord because of these things. Therefore, it is a great shame for us, servants of God, that while the saints actually did such things, we wish to receive glary and honor by merely recounting their deeds.” (VI Admonition)

The Church holds up individuals like Philip, like James, and like John Paul II; as examples of what it means to help build up the Body of Christ, what it means to take on the roles of service that the Holy Spirit is calling each one of us to fulfill.

So yes, let us celebrate the lives of the saints, but may they also inspire us to greater efforts to build up the Church, the Body of Christ; to lead lives of love, of hope, of service, that will bring the light of our Risen Lord to the world.

Enough Already With The Royal Wedding - One Franciscan's Perspective

2011-04-29T06:49:00.004-04:00

First, let me admit that I regularly watch the BBC America channel, and that I watch and listen to the BBS World News. I will also admit that I watched the BBC documentary series, “Monarchy,” about the daily life of Queen Elizabeth II. Okay, I will admit that I watched that series several times.

That being said, I am tired of all the hype, the hoopla that has surrounded today’s wedding of Prince Harry and Kate Middleton. Yes, it is a prime social news story that deserves coverage by the major news organizations. But when local news stations dig into their pockets to send local reporters to cover it; there is a question of where the priority lies. And they have filed so many stories leading up to today, that they are really stretching what is relevant to report on.

This reminds me of a story that the Franciscan friar and biographer of St. Francis of Assisi, Thomas of Celano, told:

“He (Francis) taught them not only to mortify vices and repress carnal movements, but also to restrain the exterior senses themselves, for through them death enters the soul. When at that time the Emperor Otto was passing through the place with much clamor and pomp to receive the crown of his earthly empire, the most holy father, who was living with his brothers in that hovel close to the road on which the emperor would pass, did not even go out to watch; and he did not let any one else to do so except one who continuously called out to the Emperor that his glory would last but a short time,..”

Yes, this is a time for the people of Great Britain to celebrate, to have a moment of joy after so much bad news. And yes, the rest of the world can watch, and enjoy the spectacle as it plays out on our televisions and computer monitors. But there are people out there that should not be forgotten, the tornado victims in the South, the earthquake victims of Japan; the Arab protestors, seeking freedom. They and others deserve our attention more!

Empty Pews And How To Fill Them Again

2011-04-25T22:44:00.003-04:00

The April 15th issue of the National Catholic Reporter has an article by Father Thomas Reese, SJ, former editor of America magazine. In it he analyzes the data from a Pew Research study concerning why Catholics leave the Church, and why some of them join a Protestant congregation.

Despite what conventional wisdom might be, on either side of the spectrum, the data shows that most Catholics leave because they are not getting the spiritual nourishment they crave. And it is not because they feel the Church has strayed from traditional liturgy. A liturgy, whether traditional or modern, that is not done well, will fail to touch the hearts of the congregation. A homily, which does not explain the Scriptures, leaves the listeners feeling empty.

Among the recommendations Father Reese comes up with from the data, is that there needs to be more emphasis on the Bible. Biblical education programs need to be developed for Catholics. And Catholics need to learn that daily reading and reflecting on the Bible is just as important as memorizing the catechism; maybe even more so.

My feeling is that this is just the starting point; liturgies need to be better planned and celebrated. This requires not just the clergy, but also the laity, those with musical skills, to encourage hymn singing. It requires training lectors to not just read the Scriptures, but to proclaim them. People need to be inspired to, encouraged to, gather together for communal prayer; and to share their prayer experiences. Some of the old devotions should be looked at again, renewed for modern needs.

To encourage people to remain in the Church, will require imagination from all of us, bishops, priests, deacons, and laity. Above all, we will need the aid of the Holy Spirit to guide us and inspire us.

A Good Friday Reflection; From the Writings of Saints Francis and Clare

2011-04-22T14:07:00.008-04:00

“Let all of us, brothers, look to the Good Shepherd Who suffered the passion of the cross to save His sheep. The sheep of the Lord followed Him in tribulation and persecution, in insult and hunger, in infirmity and temptation, and in everything else, and they have received everlasting life from the Lord because of these things. Therefore, it is a great shame for us, servants of God, that while the saints [actually] did such things, we wish to receive glory and honor by [merely] recounting their deeds.” (St. Francis of Assisi, Sixth Admonition)

“Look upon Him Who became contemptible for you, and follow Him, making yourself contemptible in the world for Him. Your Spouse, though more beautiful than the children of men (Ps 44:3), became for your salvation the lowest of men, despised, struck, scourged untold times throughout His whole body, and then died amid the sufferings amid the sufferings of the Cross. O most noble Queen, gaze upon Him, contemplate Him, as you desire to imitate Him.

If you suffer with Him, you shall reign with Him,
if you weep with Him, you shall rejoice with Him;
if you die with Him on the cross of tribulation,
you shall possess heavenly mansions in the splendor of the saints
and, in the Book of Life, your name shall be called glorious among men.”
(St. Clare of Assisi, Second Letter to Blessed Agnes of Prague)

(Image from the e-newsletter of Holy Name Province, OFM)

A Loss In The Family

2011-04-18T07:34:00.009-04:00

I am sorry that I have not been posting anything lately, but we suffered a loss in our family last week. My father, William (Bill) Jones, passed away on Tuesday, April 5th. He was 85 years old. A child of the Depression era; he entered the Navy right out of high school and served during the final years of WWII, in the Pacific. He served on the hospital ship, USS Benevolence, as an x-ray technician. While he may not have been in combat, he witnessed the costs of combat, as he cared for the wounded from those final, bloody, Pacific campaigns. He graduated from Boston College after the war. He worked at General Electric. He married my mother, Margaret, and with her, raised six children; three boys, three girls (they believed in equality). He was a very loving father. A convert to Catholicism while he was a teenager, he would teach religious education in our home parish for 30 years. He sang in the parish choir, was a senior altar server, and a regular lector at Sunday Mass. He was a Vatican II man, welcomed the reforms that came out of it. He always wished that the Church would push the envelope a little farther. His and my mother's example of living the faith were definitely an influence on me and my faith life. He died at home, after a long battle with cancer, with my mother and siblings with him. I think I am still processing the loss, because right now, despite all that is happening in the Church and the world at large, nothing is stirring these fingers to begin typing. Hopefully, this block will lift, and there will be more frequent posts. But for now, I ask your prayers for my father's soul, and for my family. Thank you.

"Why Stay Catholic?"

2011-04-03T22:48:00.004-04:00

On the website of America magazine, the Jesuit periodical, was an interview with Michael Leach, past president of the Crossroad/Continuum Publishing Group and currently with the Catholic Book Publishers Association. He was talking about his new book, “Why Stay Catholic.” In it he outlines the reasons he has remained in the Catholic Church. “Why stay Catholic?” has been a question that has been asked of me a couple of times; most recently during the height of the clergy abuse scandal in the Archdiocese of Boston. My first reaction was that I am Catholic in my bones, my heart, and my soul. Culturally, and spiritually, I am Catholic. What helps me to stay is my understanding of the history of the Church, realizing that in the history of the institution known as the Roman Catholic Church, it has not always been lead by saints. There were times when sections of the Church have not always been faithful to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. That there have been Popes, bishops, and clergy who abused their offices because of greed or lust. At the same time, I believe that the Holy Spirit is still with the Church, and that the whole Church will fulfill its mission to live and proclaim the Gospel. I believe that Christ is present to His people in the Eucharist, and that through the celebration of the Eucharist; we as a Church are healed and strengthened for the challenges ahead.

The Stations of the Cross

2011-03-27T01:08:00.004-04:00

Friday evening I was surfing various websites, when I came across a blog posting by Kate Moos, who is the executive producer of the public radio program “Krista Tippett on Being.” She was sharing what she experienced when, on assignment in Jerusalem, she saw one of the stations of the Via Dolorosa, also known as the Way of Sorrows. The sight of the second station, Jesus Falls for the First Time, made her very sad as she dwelt on the suffering of Jesus Christ.

When the Franciscans received custody of various sacred sites in the Holy Land, they promoted the ancient practice of following of the Via Dolorosa, leading groups of pilgrims down the streets of Jerusalem, meditating of the journey of Jesus to Calvary. The friars wanted other Catholics to experience the Via Dolorosa, even if they could not make the pilgrimage to Jerusalem. So they created the Stations of the Cross, either around or within a parish church.

I remember the Stations of the Cross as a child, back then it was practiced very solemnly, with priest and altar boys in cassock and surplice, carrying a cross and two candles. They move very slowly to each station, prayers would be said, and a Latin hymn would be sung.

Now days, the Stations are still being practiced during the season of Lent, only now it may be laypersons leading the congregation in prayer. But it still stirs the heart, still makes one sad, as one contemplates what Jesus suffered as walked through the streets of Jerusalem for the last time.

Of Memorials And Skateboarders

2011-03-02T00:09:00.002-05:00

“Moreover they should respect all creatures, animate and inanimate, which ‘bear the imprint of the Most High,’ and they should strive to move from the temptation of exploiting creation to the Franciscan concept of universal kinship.” (Article 18, Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order)

One has ambivalent feelings about skateboarders. One admires they courage and skill as they do fantastic maneuvers with their skateboards. On the other hand, they do their tricks anywhere there are stone benches, brick stairs, etc., becoming a bit of a nuisance. Stone gets marked up, bricks crack and crumble, but the skaters do not seem to care.

Now in Tuesday, March, 1 issue of the Boston Metro newspaper, there was a story of skateboarders using the 9/11 Memorial for New England victims, located in the Boston Public Gardens, for their maneuvers and tricks, defacing the Memorial. The sad part is that these teenagers show no remorse, even when the meaning of the Memorial was explained to them. It was just place for them to skate, and it was their right to skate there.

Property needs to be respected; it must neither be exploited nor abused. And this is especially true when it comes to memorials, as they help survivors remember those whom they have lost. This is especially true of this Memorial.

The Paradox Of The Sheen Family Clan

2011-02-26T23:55:00.004-05:00

I have noticed two contradictory blog posts concerning the family of Martin Sheen. The blogosphere was humming with the news of Charlie Sheen's rant against the producer of his comedy show and CBS; which was followed by news of his firing by CBS and the suspension of production of said show. OF course, these reports included stories of his out of control behavior. Now, turn 180 degrees and you will find a blog posting in America magazine's website, which reports on a movie written and directed by Emilio Estevez, and staring his and Charlie's father, Martin Sheen. The movie is called The Way, and tells the story of a grieving father's journey on the Camino de Santiago. It is one of the most famous pilgrimage routes in Europe.

It is sad that Charlie Sheen's troubled life is receiving so much public attention, and this uplifting movie by his father and brother is not.

Different Images Of The Church

2011-02-22T23:03:00.006-05:00

Images have always been a part of human culture, from the cave paintings of primitive humans, to ancient mosaics, Renaissance paintings, to Warhol’s Campbell Soup Can paintings. Images can hold various meanings for a society, or have one meaning that unites a society.

There are images that symbolize how different factions see the Catholic Church. I discovered two of them surfing the blogosphere. One is a picture I saw on the Deacon’s Bench, of Cardinal Raymond Burke, ordaining a deacon, attired in Pre-Vatican II vestments. For me it is an image of a regal, clerical Church far removed from the lives of ordinary people. The other image I saw was from Whispers in the Loggia, is of Cardinal Sean O’Malley, OFM CAP, Archbishop of Boston. He was participating in a Liturgy of Repentance in Ireland, with the Archbishop of Dublin. Part of the ceremony was both prelates washing the feet of some of the survivors of clergy abuse. For me, this shows the Church as both Penitent and Servant. It is this image I will remember and cherish; it is this Church I want to belong to.

When Does A News Story Appear Below the Fold?

2011-02-20T00:06:00.002-05:00

How long does a news story have “legs”? When does a story get so old, that the national and international news organizations will no longer pay attention to any new developments? Could this be happening to the story of the Catholic Church clergy sexual abuse story?

On February 14th, the Catholic News Service carried the story of a Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; grand jury indicting 4 individuals, 3 priests and a 1 layperson of sexually assaulting children; and a former archdiocesan official of endangering children by ignoring the abuse. Probably because of the events in the Middle East, the national media seems to be ignoring this story. Or could we be seeing another example of the famous American trait of a short attention span. If a situation was not resolved in few weeks, Americans are said to turn their attention to something else.

This story is still very much alive for the victims of abuse and their supporters; very much alive for those Catholics who love the Church and are in pain of what has been happening to it. Each new story seems to rip off the scab and expose the wounds again, not just in this country, but across the sea into Europe. Many Catholics cannot bear it any longer and have left, others struggle to reform the Church and calling on it to be more accountably for the actions of its clergy.

The American bishops established a zero tolerance policy concerning priests who were credibly found to have abused children; dioceses have established preventive programs Many American Catholics find that these actions are not enough, that certain bishops need to be forced to resign; and that the names of all priests accused of abuse be made public. But there are now some Catholics who have voiced concerns over whether the zero tolerance policy goes too far; that we may have forgotten the American ideal that a person is innocent until he or she is found guilty in a court of law. John Allen of National Catholic Reporter has written about these new voices in the clergy sexual abuse story.

This is story that will sadly be with us for a long time, whether reported in the national press or just in the Catholic press. It will darken our hearts and challenge our faith. But there are some stories of hope and healing, as reported by the Concord Pastor and the Deacon’s Bench. In the Archdiocese of Dublin, the Archbishop of Dublin, and my own Archbishop, Sean Cardinal O’Malley, OFM CAP, will be leading a Liturgy of Lament and Repentance. They will both be washing the feet of victims of abuse. Would that all bishops do the same for all victims who members of their flocks!

National Catholic Reporter on Permanent Deacons UPDATED

2011-02-10T06:10:00.004-05:00

In their February 4, 2011 issue, National Catholic Reporter included a special section reporting on Permanent Deacons in the Catholic Church. The cover of the special section has an open letter by Deacon William Ditewig to newly ordained deacons. Deacon Ditewig, who was formerly the executive director of the Secretariat for the Diaconate at the NCCB, and is currently a professor of theology, reminded the newly ordained that deacons are called to be servants for the Church and the world. Paraphrasing St. Paul, he wrote “Over all this, again echoing St. Paul, put on Christ. Do not grasp the diaconate as something to be exploited, but empty yourself, taking the form of a slave, in total service to others.”

The rest of the section had stories of individual deacons, including Deacon Greg Kandra, of “The Deacon’s Bench Fame.” It has also had some stories about deacons in other countries. It is good to be reminded that the diaconate is being reborn in the rest of the world, not just the US.

There was also an essay concerning the history of deaconesses in the Church.

The section also had some statistics including 21 dioceses in the US with the greatest number of permanent deacons. The Archdiocese of Boston is 12th on the list, with 245 deacons.

Overall it was a very interesting report.

UPDATE: Deacon Greg Kandra referenced this NCR section on his blog, The Deacon's Bench.

New Controversy About New English Missal?

2011-02-06T23:57:00.004-05:00

The Jesuit publication, America magazine, published on their website an open letter to United States bishops, written by Father Anthony Ruff, OSB. Father Ruff, a liturgist, was informing the bishops that he could no longer in good conscience speak in support of the new English translation of the Roman Missal, due for implementation in Advent of 2011. He is concerned about the way the approval of the translation was handled by the Vatican.

Now the translation that the American bishops approved and sent to Rome for confirmation already had its critics; but the confirmed translation that came back from the Vatican, with additional changes, caused further uproar, even among some of the supporters of the original translation.

From my seat in the ecclesial bleachers, this appears to be further proof that there are factions in the Vatican that do not trust the local bishops of the world; and really do not trust the theologians, the liturgists, and translators of the world. They seem to have a real need to keep a tight rein on the local churches, for fear that that whole universal Church will collapse. The problem is that if you hold the reins too tight, then you stifle the energy, the fire, the spirit the local churches can bring to society.

I Have A Healthy Computer Again!! (But)

2011-01-12T21:51:00.003-05:00

Well, I have a healthy computer again (at least until the next virus infects it)!

But, I am going in for shoulder surgery tomorrow, so I may not be able to much typing for awhile.

Connection Problems

2010-12-21T16:26:00.003-05:00

I am having some problems with my desktop and internet connections, so future postings may be a little spotty.

Update - Stuff Happens

2010-12-17T06:18:00.002-05:00

This is what can happen when you have too much zeal for the House of the Lord!

Living in Anticipation - My December Column for Fraternity Newsletter

2010-12-11T22:57:00.004-05:00

"Secular Franciscans, therefore, should seek to encounter the living and active person of Christ in their brothers and sisters, in Sacred Scripture, in the Church, and in liturgical activity. The faith of Saint Francis, who often said ‘I see nothing bodily of the Most High son of God in this world except his most holy body and blood,’ should be the inspiration and pattern of their eucharistic life." (Art.5, SFO Rule)

Advent should be a time of anticipation, of preparation, of remembrance. We remember the event of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son God coming into our world as a human child. We prepare ourselves in expectation of His coming again at the end of time. But Advent is also a time to prepare for and to anticipate an encounter with Christ here and now.

Saint Francis believed that through the people he met in the streets of Assisi, through the poor and downtrodden, he encountered Christ. In listening and meditating on the Scriptures, he encountered Christ. And especially in receiving the Eucharist, he encountered Christ. We see in his writings and in stories of his life, Francis lived as one who always anticipated that in the next moment he would meet Jesus Christ. We can feel, through his words, the excited anticipation he felt.

With all that is happening with us during the mad rush to prepare for Christmas, and with all the everyday pressures and troubles we experience, it can be hard to be fully open to the same sense of anticipation that Francis had. Yet, we should all strive to keep our hearts open in joyful expectation, because we can never know when we will encounter Jesus.

Stuff Happens

2010-12-11T22:46:00.004-05:00

I am currently in the Permanent Diaconate formation program for the Archdiocese of Boston. Our classes are being held at a North Shore Catholic college. Our sessions begin with our praying of Evening prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours. Each of us, on a rotating schedule, is responsible for leading the prayer.

Now I am currently without a personal car, because it got totaled in an accident (not my fault). I use my wife’s car to get to the college from home, but I use public transit to get from my job in Boston to our apartment building. I usually do not get to the college in time for evening prayer. The night I was to lead evening prayer, I made sure I took an earlier train and bus, and I was on the road earlier than usually. But the traffic was heavy that night, and I got to the college with only minutes to spare. I rushed up the stairs to the chapel, while also muting my mobile phone. At the top of the stairs, I tripped on the last step; fell onto the slate floor, landing on my right shoulder.

I dislocated my shoulder, damaged it so much that it will continually dislocate until I have surgery. My right arm is in a sling, I am trying to type this with my left hand. The thought occurs to me, was my hastiness born of a desire to worship God, or of pride of being a leader of prayer that night? And is this a test of humility? Something to ponder.

Remembering Four Brave Women

2010-12-02T23:27:00.004-05:00

Today, December 2nd was the 30th Anniversary of the murders of Sisters Maura Clarke, Ita Ford, Dorothy Kazel, and lay woman Jean Donovan, in El Salvador. Both America magazine, and the National Catholic Reporter websites have columns remembering it.

When I heard of this tragedy, I was with the Franciscan Friars in New York City. Maybe it was because I was a regular contributor to the Maryknoll Society, two of the sisters were members, and this event really touched me.

These American women served the poor in a foreign land, striving to be faithful to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. For this, they were considered a threat to the established order, and were kidnapped, assaulted, and killed.

They offered themselves totally in the service of others, with courage, patience and perseverance, despite the threats, and dangers. They should be an example to us all.

A Sad Sign Of The Times

2010-11-23T23:53:00.003-05:00

Yesterday, I tried to give blood at a Red Cross Blood Drive being sponsored by St. Anthony Shrine, Boston, MA. The line of would be donors was too many, and soon my lunch hour was over and I had to leave without giving blood. (Note to self, next time, make an appointment to donate!)

As I was leaving the Shrine through its rear entrance, I noticed a very, very, long line of people. They were waiting to get into the Shrine's Franciscan Food Center. The Center, besides it usual food stuffs, was giving away turkeys, and other Thanksgiving day fixings.

Now, because of logistical requirements the people had to line up in the rear of the Shrine, out of sight of the office people walking down Arch St. But out of sight, should not not mean out of mind. Where ever there is a donation site, please give something for those who need so much help, especially now.

The Suffering of Middle Eastern Catholics - My November Fraternity Newsletter Column

2010-11-14T22:45:00.004-05:00

“They (Secular Franciscans) have been made living members of the Church by being buried and raised with Christ in baptism; they have been united more intimately with the Church by profession. Therefore, they should go forth as witnesses and instruments of her mission among all people, proclaiming Christ by their life and words.” (Art. 6a, SFO Rule)

Recently, an Extraordinary Synod of Bishops concerning the Middle East was held at the Vatican; attended mostly by Eastern Catholic patriarchs and bishops. Sadly, it was not long after the Synod concluded that an Eastern Catholic church in Baghdad was attacked by terrorists; killing a number of laity and clergy.

In the past, there was a significant number of Catholic Christians in the Middle East, mostly Eastern rite Catholics. Many Western Catholics may not have been aware of their existence. Their first view of them may have been at the funeral of Pope John Paul II, when a group of Eastern patriarchs, offered prayers for the deceased pontiff. Since the Israeli – Arab conflict began; the community of Christians in the Holy Land has significantly decreased. Palestinian Christians face suspicion from both the Israeli and Moslem communities. This pressure has caused many Christian families to leave the Middle East for what they hope will be safer lands. In other countries in the Middle East, native Christians face discrimination, at worst, violent attacks, especially in Iraq.

As we are approaching the season of Advent, and the celebration of Christmas, a significant day of celebration in the Holy Land, let us remember our Eastern rite brothers and sisters. Let us keep them in our prayers, for their safety and well-being.

The Queen and The Pope

2010-11-10T23:51:00.002-05:00

Compared to Pope Benedict’s visit to Great Britain; there seems to have been very little coverage of his trip to Spain. So it was not until I read the November 9th posting on the Pray Tell blog; that I learned that Queen Sofia of Spain received Communion in her hand from the Holy Father. Now it is well known that the Pope does not approve of reception in the hand, and people receiving Communion from him, must be kneeling and receive on the tongue. There is a picture of the Queen making a profound bow, with her cupped hands held out and the Pope placing the host in them. In the background is a group of clergy with various degrees of consternation on their faces.

Now, there has been no speculation on why she did it. Was she making a statement? Was it force of habit? I am sure nobody will ever know for sure. Part of me thinks one should follow papal protocol. The other part is shouting “You go girl!”

A Parish Divided in Wisconsin

2010-11-08T23:52:00.004-05:00

“Canon 212: #2) The Christian faithful are free to make known to the pastors of the Church their needs, especially spiritual ones and their desires. #3) According to the knowledge, competence, and prestige which they possess, they have the right and even at times the duty to manifest to the sacred pastors their opinion known to the rest of the Christian faithful, without prejudice to the integrity of faith and morals, with reverence toward their pastors, and attentive to common advantage and the dignity of persons.”

Going through Deacon Greg Kendra’s blog, “The Deacon’s Bench,” I came across his post concerning a parish in Platteville, WI. The name of it is St. Mary’s Church, and is part of the Diocese of Madison WI. It’s Bishop, Robert Morlino, chose to staff the parish with priests who were members of the Society of Jesus Christ the Priest. These priests have been characterized as being very orthodox, very conservative. There has been criticism of their homilies of been strong on orthodox teaching, but lacking in compassion. They also restricted the role of altar servers to boys only, no girls allowed. Whatever other actions they may have taken, it drove close to half of the registered parishioners to sign a petition requesting that Bishop Morlino remove the priests. He responded by voicing his complete support of the priests, and making some very disparaging remarks about the petition signers, claiming that they were members of the radical left, disobedient and disrespectful. After this response, the parishioners used the last effective leverage they had, they began withholding weekly contributions to the parish, and it appears to be biting. Now, not all the parishioners are of one mind on this, some do support the priests. It appears that the parish is becoming polarized.

Now, I will be the first one to admit that the Church is not a democracy. However, the tone of Vatican II concerning the lay faithful is that they are active participants in ministry of the Church. That our leaders should consult with the faithful on matters that can affect the life of the community. And that we have a right to let our Bishops and Pastors know our spiritual needs. If they fail respond to us, do not at least enter into a dialogue to find some resolution; then we have the right to take any legitimate action to get them to respond, including the power of the purse.

Whatever the motives of Bishop Morlino were in assigning these conservative priests, what he now has is a divided parish. And that is a very sorry state of affairs.

Memorial For St. Charles Borromeo - My Evening Prayer Reflection

2010-11-04T06:19:00.003-04:00

"God’s flock is in your midst; give it a shepherd’s care”

Today we remember St. Charles Borromeo. He was born in 1538. As a young man, he was made a Cardinal and later on Archbishop of Milan. He achieved these positions of honor the old fashioned way, his uncle was the Pope, Pius IV. Still, he was very talented man; he had some influence in the closing days of the Council of Trent; he was a reformer in his Archdiocese. He visited his parishes; he established colleges and seminaries to train his clergy. When plague struck Milan, he visited the sick, set up hospitals and hospices saw to it that the poor were cared for. In every way he was a true shepherd for his people. Worn out by his work, he died in 1584.

“God’s flock is in your midst; give it a shepherd’s care”

Fast forward a few centuries, a young priest who was the secretary of the bishop of Bergamo, a diocese linked to Milan, came across the letters of Charles Borromeo. He undertook the task of organizing, studying, and publishing those letters. This was a project that he would be involved in for many, many years, even when he was called into the papal diplomatic service. Inspired by Charles Borromeo, this now bishop and diplomat, wherever he was posted, he was a pastor to the Catholic community there, large or small. He was a shepherd first and a diplomat second. He finally finished the last volume of Borromeo letters in 1957; in 1958 he was elected Pope, and chose the name John.

“God’s flock is in your midst; give it a shepherd’s care”

We, who hope to be future deacons, are called to assist the Archbishop in shepherding this Christian community, helping to care for it. Remember what St. Peter said, God’s flock is in our midst, the people we are to care for, to help pasture, are all around us, in our families, our workplaces, on the streets. At any moment, in any place, we may the opportunity to provide a shepherd’s care.

Feast of All Souls

2010-11-02T23:37:00.005-04:00

God, our creator and redeemer, by your power Christ conquered death and returned to you in glory. May all your people, especially those we remember today,who have gone before us in faith share his victory and enjoy the vision of your glory for ever, where Christ lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever.– Amen.

From the Liturgy of the Hours

New Cardinals Named, The Southern Hemisphere Still Ignored

2010-10-21T23:18:00.003-04:00

On October 20th, Pope Benedict XVI created 24 new Cardinals. John Allen of National Catholic Reporter has reported on the appointments and has provided some anaylsis. Some observations, he made was the apparent "re-Italianization" of the College of Cardinals, and continued lack of representation of the Church in the Southern Hemisphere. To me, it is another indication that the Pope's concern about the declining Church in Europe, is causing him to not be attentive to the countries of the "Global South," where the majority of Catholics now reside. The Vatican ignores these people at the Church's peril.

Change in Papal Coat of Arms, Change In Papal Attitude? UPDATE

2010-10-14T00:25:00.006-04:00

Some blogs, including Jerry Filteau on the National Catholic Reporter website, have been commenting on the new papal coat of arms for Pope Benedict XVI that appeared on a banner underneath his window. It definitely has more flourishes, and the bishops’ miter has been replaced by a papal tiara.

When Pope Benedict XVI’s original coat of arms was revealed, I felt that maybe there was something new happening. I have not always been totally fond of Benedict XVI, but this little item gave me some hope. Now, I am not sure what to think. This could be nothing more but a simple change to something more traditional: or it could symbolize a change in attitude about leadership, from servant leadership to power leadership.

In a Patristic course I am attending, we are reading Henry Chadwick’s book: “The Early Church.” There is chapter in it where he describes what changes occurred in the lifestyles of bishop, during and after the time of Constantine. These early bishops began to receive imperial honors and positions. They adopted attire that matched their new social rank. Some bishops were known for their entertaining of members of the upper classes. The hierarchy became more attached to the imperial rulers, and when the Roman Empire fell, they attached themselves to the lords and kings that rose up. The pomp of the Roman Catholic Church matched the civil rulers’ pomp of the times.

Some, but not all, bishops seem to forget what Jesus preached, as recorded in the Gospel of Mark: “Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all.” (Mark 10: 43-44)

Pope Paul VI seemed to realize that, when he seriously began to reduce that amount of pomp and circumstance that was the papal court. And he dispensed with the papal tiara, using only the bishop’s miter. I pray that Benedict XVI will remember that example.

UPDATE

Reports have it that there was enough noise in the Catholic blogosphere that the Vatican press liaison spoke to reporters about the changed coat of arms. The story is that the new banner was a gift to the Holy Father, and they decided to use it, not realizing the uproar it could cause. The Vatican has stated that there has been no change in the Pope's official coat of arms. There is some commentary on the National Catholic Reporter website.

Feast of Blessed John XXIII - October 11, 2010

2010-10-11T23:53:00.004-04:00

I am one of those who sometimes loses track of the liturgical calendar. So I was surprised when I looked at my St. Anthony Guild's calendar hanging in my cubicle and saw that October 11th was the feast day of Blessed John XXIII.

I was a child during his pontificate, though I do not remember much of the events that surrounded his death. When I was in high school, I read a biography of him published by the Daughters of Saint Paul, I remember a book of his most humorous sayings and encounters. Blessed John XXIII did much to change the image of the Papacy. From the stiff images of his predecessors, and the strick formalities of the papal office; the world saw this roly poly little man, with a big smile. We saw a father, who did not always follow protocol if the situation required it.

When lists of the most influential persons of the 20th Century came out, Pope John Paul II's name always appears on the lists. Probably because his was among the longest pontificates in history. But for me, Pope John XXIII, who served for a relatively short time, belongs on those lists. His was the foresight, the skills, to bring about the Second Vatican Council, that put the Church on the road of renewal. Happy Feast Day!

Feast of St. Francis of Assisi - My October Fraternity Newsletter Column

2010-10-09T23:56:00.003-04:00

The rule and life of the Secular Franciscans is this: to observe the gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ by following the example of Saint Francis of Assisi.” (Art. 4a, SFO Rule)

This month we celebrated again the life and work of Saint Francis of Assisi, who has attracted thousands of people from all corners of the earth, from all faiths. What is it about him that makes so many people come after him? He was not a well-educated man; at the very least he had what we would call an elementary school education. He was not an imposing figure, Thomas of Celano, in his description, gives the impression that Francis was a slight, delicate looking man. What is it about him that has attracted so many people?

Part of the attraction has been Francis’s love for God’s creation and the way he related to all God’s creatures. The picture of Francis walking amongst the birds, taming the wolf of Gubbio, has struck a cord with many people. But beyond this image, there is the image of Francis as one who had an intimate relationship with God, who was committed totally to living the Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ. This relationship, this commitment transformed him, he became a man of compassion, a man of love, a man of peace. To see this transformation come about in an ordinary man like us gives all of us hope that we too can experience God’s love as he did, and be transformed as he was.

We should all try to take the time to read the early biographies of Francis’s life, but more importantly, we should try to read and reflect on his own writings. Through his writings, he can inspire us; he can show us how to open our own hearts and minds to the Spirit of God. As he said to his brother friars, he also now says to us: “I have done what was mine to do; may Christ teach you what you are to do.”

Sister Joan Chittister OSB on St. Francis of Assisi

2010-09-28T23:19:00.002-04:00

I do not always agree with everything that Sister Joan has written, but I like this little essay

she wrote for the the National Catholic Reporter website; on St. Francis

9/11 - Religious Tolerance: My September Fraternity Newsletter Column

2010-09-11T21:37:00.002-04:00

“Secular Franciscans are called to make their own contribution, inspired by the person and message of Saint Francis of Assisi, towards a civilization in which the dignity of the human person, shared responsibility, and love may be living realities.

They should deepen the true foundations of universal kinship and create a spirit of welcome and an atmosphere of fraternity everywhere. They should firmly commit themselves to oppose every form of exploitation, discrimination, and exclusion and against every attitude of indifference in relation to others.” (Article 18: 1-3; General Constitutions of the Secular Franciscan Order)

We are gathering as a fraternity on September 11, 2010. 9/11, not since December 7th, 1941, has a date had such an impact on the psyche of our nation. It has been 9 years since that tragic day, and we are now beginning to see more signs of what the media has been calling “Islamophobia.” The desire of some American Muslims to build an Islamic cultural center near what has been called “Ground Zero,” has touched a raw nerve, which has set ablaze a wave of anti-Islamic anger and attacks. Not only in New York City, but in other communities, people have been protesting even the legitimate building of Islamic centers or mosques.

We Catholics should remember that is not that long ago that anti-Catholic sentiment swept the nation. Catholics were restricted on where to build churches. Any Catholic was thought to owe their allegiance to a foreign leader (the Pope); and therefore not a true American. Even during the colonial days of Massachusetts, a Catholic, Baptist, a Quaker could be whipped, even hung for their beliefs. It was to defend religious minorities from the intolerance of the religious majority, expressed through the State, for which the First Amendment was made to the Constitution.

In Francis’s day, for a Christian knight to kill a Muslim was considered an honor, and vice versa. When Francis approached the Sultan’s camp, unarmed, with love in his heart, his goal was to end the killing by converting the Muslim army. He failed, but he earned the respect of the Sultan by his courteous approach. It is this example that we need to emulate, whenever we encounter our Muslim brothers and sisters. It is time that we stop this hate that is gripping our country. It is time for us to be true instruments of peace.

"What Happened at Vatican II" - A Review and Reflection

2010-09-01T00:10:00.001-04:00

I recently finished an excellent book by Fr. John W. O’Malley, “What Happened at Vatican II.” It is a very readable account of the Second Vatican Council, which ran from1962 to 1965.

He begins by the outlining the condition of the Catholic Church in the decades leading up to Vatican II, the view of the Church, the hierarchy, the place of the laity within the Church at that time, the involvement of the Church in the world of the 19th and early 20th century.

He then describes the opening of the Council, and covers the main events of the four sessions; the documents, the debates, the behind the scenes, and the results. He writes a narrative that anyone can understand and appreciate.

Reading this book has given me a new appreciation of the accomplishments of Vatican II, what the Council Fathers were striving for, what the spirit of the Council was, and how endangered that spirit is.

For me, the main themes of the Council of importance are first of all that we are all called to holiness. That all the baptized have a share in the prophetic, priestly, and kingly ministries of Jesus Christ.

This means that the laity are no longer observers of the liturgy, but are called to be active participants in it. The laity, as did the clergy, received the command from Christ to proclaim the Good News, by word and life. The means that the laity has a voice concerning the life of the Church, letting their pastors know their needs, sharing their opinions on issues of importance for the Church.

I still sense distrust among some of the bishops about the laity; that the laity must be kept separated from the sanctuary; that the sacred acts must be hidden from their eyes; that they are unworthy to receive the Body of Christ in their hands. There are bishops who have forgotten that they are called to be servant leaders, not lords. That they must listen to the laity, as they share their experiences, and struggles of living the Gospel.

Many wonderful things came out of Vatican II. Their implementation has been a long, slow process, with mistakes being made, and sometimes a desire to turn back the clock. I can only hope and pray that the power of the Holy Spirit will overcome our human weakness, enflame our hearts once again, and keep the spirit of Vatican II alive.

Another Priest Scandal - Father Was A Terrorist

2010-08-24T23:45:00.003-04:00

The past year had been designated by Pope Benedict XVI as the “Year of the Priest,” an opportunity to celebrate the service provided by the thousands of dedicated men to the global Church. Unfortunately, it has been the year that the clergy sexual abuse scandal was revealed to be happening in Ireland, and Europe. Now the British press, including the BBC, has been reporting that one of the suspected IRA planners of the 1972 Claudy bombing, one of the worst acts of terror during Northern Ireland’s Troubles; was a Catholic priest. Not only that, but a government investigation also revealed that the British officials of that time, with Catholic Church officials hushed the matter up, and transferred the priest, Father James Chesney, to the Republic of Ireland. He would die there in 1980.

Now there have been cases throughout history, where priests have been more warriors than shepherds of their churches, but that a priest could be involved in act of terror is mind boggling. And the story of Father Chesney is another scandal that the priesthood and the Church could have done without.

Boston Archdiocese Blocks A Blog

2010-08-23T23:35:00.002-04:00

The local Boston media, including the Boston Globe, has been reporting about how the Archdiocese of Boston has been blocking computer access to a blog called The Boston Catholic Insider. No Archdiocesan employee can view the blog using an Archdiocesan computer. The blog has been attacking Archbishop Sean Cardinal O’Malley, OFM CAP for being a poor administrator; and other officials of cronyism, padding their salaries, and shady business deals. They seem to really pile the vitriol on Rev. J. Bryan Hehir, the Archdiocese Secretary of Social Services.

I will admit that I only did a cursory look at the site, but what I did see did not impress me; a lot of verbiage, a clanging cymbal, signifying nothing. The fact that no authors are willing to put their names to these accusations further lowers my respect for this blog.

Now whether it was a good idea for the Archdiocese to block this blog, I am not sure. However, as an employer, the Archdiocese does have the right to set conditions on how employees use Archdiocesan computers to access the Internet.

The New Missal is Coming Soon!

2010-08-21T22:37:00.002-04:00

So the announcement is out, the new English translation of the Roman Missal will be implemented during the season of Advent in 2011. As I have written previously, I have had concerns about this translation and the process by which it came about. I will express one more, in that the work of translation was carried out with little or no consultation with the lay faithful. Since we are the majority of participants in the liturgy, some means of consultation should have been established. The translators, the officials who approved the translation, should have been open to feedback from the laity, open to hearing our reactions and concerns about these changes in the translation.

Now it is coming, and now it is important for the bishops, liturgists, and priests not to screw up this implementation; as happened when the vernacular was first introduced. It is not enough to school the laity on how to pray the new translation; we need to know why the changes were made, why the changes make liturgical and theological sense. And a means must be provided for some of us to be able vent our frustrations, our anger over the translation; and know we are being listened to, and our opinions respected.

Strap on your seatbelts, ladies and gentlemen, this could be a bumpy ride!

Update on Theft of Relic of the True Cross

2010-08-17T22:51:00.003-04:00

Earlier I had commented on the theft of a relic of the Cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified. Yesterday, the New England news outlets, including the Boston Globe, were reporting on the relic’s recovery in Vermont. The Archdiocese of Boston issued the following public statement:

Archdiocese statement on return of the Relic of the True Cross

"Our prayers have been answered as the Relic of the True Cross has been recovered. We are grateful for the great work of the Boston Police Department in their search for the relic. Their professional and diligent work made this effort successful. We also extend our appreciation to the Vermont State Police who assisted in the recovery effort. God has blessed us with His love and capacity to forgive. We prayerfully carry on His call for forgiveness for those responsible."

At a time when many works of art, like the paintings from the Isabella Gardner museum, remain missing; it is wonderful that the relic was recovered in such a short amount of time. This story of its theft and recovery will probably go under the category of “Truth is Stranger than Fiction.”

My August 2010 Column for Secular Franciscan Fraternity Newsletter

2010-08-15T20:19:00.003-04:00

“Trusting in the Father, Christ chose for himself and his mother a poor and humble life, even though he valued created things attentively and lovingly. Let the Secular Franciscans seek a proper spirit of detachment from temporal goods by simplifying their own material needs. Let them be mindful that according to the gospel they are stewards of the goods received for the benefit of God’s children.

Thus, in the spirit of the Beatitudes, and as pilgrims and strangers on their way to the Father, they should strive to purify their hearts from every tendency and yearning for possession and power.” (Art. 11, SFO Rule)

On August 11, we celebrated the memory of Saint Clare of Assisi, co-founder with Saint Francis of the Second Order, then known as the Poor Ladies of San Damiano, and today known as the Poor Clares. We sometimes think of her and her sisters as the contemplative branch of the Franciscan family, but I would like to share a reflection on another aspect of Clare’s life and spirituality.

When the Poor Ladies were established at San Damiano, Clare requested a special privilege from the Pope and the Bishop of Assisi, the privilege of poverty. Her monastery would depend only on the income from the work of their hands, or from alms given to them. At a time when the established monasteries had huge incomes from the rents on lands gifted to them, and the dowries of the women who entered the monasteries, this was unheard of. The Popes of Clare’s time continually refused this request, believing that the Poor Ladies needed income and sustenance that only lands and endowments could provide. Now Clare was not an ascetic masochist, nor did she see poverty as an end. She saw evangelical poverty as a means to an end. As she and her sisters gazed on the San Damiano cross, they saw Christ, though He was the Son of God, willing to empty Himself for all humanity. And Clare realized that to follow Christ meant emptying oneself of all possessions, of the need to possess and control, and be dependent on the love of God. Thus, she held out against the Pope, until finally he relented and gave Clare and her sisters the privilege of poverty. She received the written permission shortly before her death.

We are also called to empty ourselves so that we can be open and receptive to the love of God. We, too, are called to empty ourselves and share the gifts of that love with everyone. Let us ask for the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, let us be inspired by the lives of Francis and Clare. Let us have the courage to open our arms and share all that we have for the sake of the kingdom of God.

They Are Still Not Getting It!

2010-08-14T00:11:00.004-04:00

When American media and commentators reference persons, or organizations being “within the Beltway,” they are referring to politicians and government bureaucrats who have an inward, insular focus on events and situations in the country; that is totally out of touch with the rest of the country.

The same can definitely be said of the Vatican. Whether it is the fiasco of issuing a statement that seem to equate the clergy sexual abuse scandal with the ordination of women, or this decision on the Irish bishop’s resignations. Now John Allen Jr. of the National Catholic Reporter has offered some insights on what the Pope’s and the Vatican Curia’s thinking may have been. But no matter what valid reasons there may have been, perception is everything. And the perception is that this Pope is willing to give bishops a pass, no matter how culpable they may have been in the cover-up.

It is ironic, that when Pope Benedict XVI was Cardinal Ratzinger, he was more than ready to either remove or reduce the authority of Archbishop Raymond Hunthausen, formerly of Seattle, WA, for his liberal views.

The Vatican needs to recognize that there is a lot of anger and disaffection among Catholics in America and Europe. And they need to do a better job in addressing, and soon.

And So the Path Changes Again!

2010-08-09T23:04:00.002-04:00

This past year I have wondering where the Holy Spirit has been leading me. There have been moments of hope, only to have reality come crashing in; and know I am not sure where I am heading. There is also a bit of anger at God, wishing He had not urge me down a certain path; only to have it change so suddenly, so disappointly.

More than ever, I need this prayer written originally by Thomas Merton:

O Lord God, I have no idea where I am going, I do not see the road ahead of me, I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, And that fact that I think I am following Your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please You does in fact please You. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire to please You. And I know that if I do this You will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it. Therefore I will trust You always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for You are ever with me, and You will never leave me to face my perils alone.

"Stewards Of The Goods Received For The Benefit of God's Children"

2010-07-29T23:34:00.003-04:00

“Trusting in the Father, Christ chose for himself and his mother a poor and humble life, even though he valued created things attentively and lovingly. Let the Secular Franciscans seek a proper spirit of detachment from temporal goods by simplifying their own material needs. Let them be mindful that according to the gospel they are stewards of the goods received for the benefit of God’s children.” (Art. 11. a, Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order)

Let me begin by making a confession, I am not the most friendliest person in the morning. I prefer a quiet car ride, just listening to National Public Radio; and a quiet subway ride into the city. So needless to say, when my car was recently totaled in an accident (not my fault) and I was forced to walk to a local bus stop to begin a longer commute, I was not a happy camper. One recent morning, I am waiting for the bus, when a young fellow came up on a bike, asking about what bus I was waiting for, and when it was arriving. He needed to get to Lynn, and there was something wrong with his bike. I answered his questions, in an annoyed voice, unfortunately. He joined me on the bench, waiting for the bus.

The bus came, and I got on, and the young fellow put his bike on the rack that most MBTA buses have. He came on the bus and discovered he only had a $20.00 bill, and T buses do not make change. So he was asking all us on the bus if we could break a $20 bill. I could not, but I had enough change and small bills to cover his fare. So I gave it him. Again, I must confess, I was not the most joyful giver.

Why did I do it? Maybe in the back of my mind, I hearing the above article of the SFO Rule: “…they are stewards of the goods received for the benefit of God’s children.” I think we all have a tendency to think of grand gestures and actions to fulfill the Rule of life we profess. But sometimes it is the smallest gesture that can sometimes be the greatest challenge.

The Our Father and Francis of Assisi

2010-07-25T22:56:00.003-04:00

This Sunday"s Gospel reading was about how Jesus taught his disciples how to pray, and gave us the "Our Father." Francis of Assisi paraphrased the "Our Father":

"OUR FATHER MOST HOLY, our creator and redeemer,our Savior and Consoler.
WHO ARE IN HEAVEN, in the angels and saints enlightening them that they may know you, for you, Lord, are love, dwelling in them and filling them with your divinity, that bliss may be theirs, for you, Lord, are the highest Good, the eternal Good, from whom all goodness flows,without whom nothing is good.
YOUR NAME BE HELD HOLY: may our knowledge of you shine ever more clearly within us,that we may perceive the breadth of your blessings, the extent of your promises, the height of your majesty, the depth of your judgements.
YOUR KINGDOM COME: rule us now, through grace,and bring us at last to your kingdom of light where we shall see you as you are,and our love for you will be made perfect,our union blissful, our joy unending, in you.
YOUR WILL BE DONE ON EARTH AS IN HEAVEN: may we love you with all our heart,ever thinking of you;with all our soul,ever longing for you;with all our mind,directing all our aims to you and seeking nothing but your glory;with all our strength,spending all our energies and all our senses of soul and body to serve only your love and nothing else.
May we love our neighbors as ourselves;drawing them all to your love in so far as we can,sharing their good fortune as if it were our own,helping them to bear their trials and doing them no wrong.
GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD: your beloved Son our Lord Jesus Christ,that we may remember,understand and revere the love he showed for us,and all he said and did and suffered for our sake.
FORGIVE US OUR SINS: through your mercy beyond words,through the power of the passion of your beloved Son,through the merits and intercession of the Virgin Mary and of all your chosen ones.
AS WE FORGIVE THOSE WHO SIN AGAINST US: and that we ourselves cannot fully forgive,make us fully forgive;make us love our enemies,truly, for your sake;teach us how to pray sincerely to you on their behalf;and not to render harm for harm to anyone, but rather try to do good to all, in you!
AND LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION: whether veiled or visible,sudden or searing and prolonged.
BUT DELIVER US FROM EVIL: past, present and to come. Amen "

Feast of St. Bonaventure - July 15th, 2010

2010-07-15T22:41:00.003-04:00

“In the beginning I call upon the First Beginning, from whom all illuminations descend as from the Father of Lights from whom comes every good and every perfect gift.

I call upon the Eternal Father through his Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, that through the intercession of the most holy Virgin Mary, the mother of the same God and Lord Jesus Christ, and through the intercession of blessed Francis, our leader and father, he may enlighten the eyes of our soul to guide our feet on the way of that peace which surpasses all understanding.

This is the peace proclaimed and given to us by our Lord Jesus Christ and preached again and again by our Father Francis.

At the beginning and end of every sermon he announced peace; in every greeting he wished for peace; in every contemplation he sighed for ecstatic peace like a citizen of that Jerusalem of which that Man of Peace says, who was peaceable with those who hated peace: Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.” (Prologue, The Soul’s Journey into God, St. Bonaventure)

The More Things Change, The More They Stay The Same

2010-07-15T00:02:00.005-04:00

The Boston press has reported on the theft of a very valuable relic from the Cathedral of the Holy Cross; a piece of wood believed to be from the cross on which Our Lord Jesus Christ suffered and died. It is a great tragedy for the Archdiocese, and the Holy Cross community.

The story had me thinking about the role of relics during the time of Saint Francis of Assisi. Relics were valuable to the people of the time because they were a means of coming in contact with the Divine. Some relics were famous for their ability to heal. Relic could have an economic value for a city or town as well, especially if was the burial site of a popular saint. The community could count on large numbers of pilgrims coming to their city, spending their money, enriching their coffers.

When Francis of Assisi laid dying, the nobles and common people established a guard around him so that the people of Perugia could not raid Assisi and steal his body. When his Basilica was built, the remains of Francis were secretly buried in the church, again to thwart possible thieves. They did such a good job in hiding the body of Francis, that they lost the location for hundreds of years. Now his tomb is visible for all to see in the Basilica named after him.

"Who Is My Neighbor?"

2010-07-14T23:25:00.003-04:00

“There was a scholar of the law who stood up to test him and said, ‘Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?’ Jesus said to him, ‘What is written in the law? How do you read it?’ He said in reply, “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.’ He replied to him, ‘You have answered correctly; do this and you will live.’” (Luke 10: 25-28)

“Secular Franciscans should devote themselves especially to careful reading of the gospel, going from gospel to life and life to the gospel.” (Article 4c, Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order)

Last Friday, on my drive home from work, my car was rear ended by an SUV. After getting over the shock, I got out of my car and faced the driver of the SUV, who turned out to be a teenager, from Maine yet! My car had a crumbled trunk; the SUV only lost its license plate holder. After we had exchanged information, and we were about to drive off, the SUV driver held out his hand to shake mine. In my mind, my first reaction was to step back and yell “Are you sh@#*&g me?” But something stopped me, maybe the Holy Spirit, and I gave him a half hearted handshake.

The scholar in Luke’s gospel asked Jesus “And who is my neighbor?” Our neighbor is not necessarily someone who happens to live next to us, nor is somebody we are friendly with. Our neighbor can that person who makes us feel uncomfortable when he or she sits next to us on the subway. And our neighbor can a scared kid, who just rear ended our car. In whatever the situation, we need to show respect, courtesy, and care.

"We Hold These Truths.." My July Secular Franicscan Fraternity Newsletter Column

2010-07-11T21:30:00.002-04:00

“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.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed” (Declaration of Independence – United States of America)

“Secular Franciscans, together with all people of good will, are called to build a more fraternal and evangelical world so that the kingdom of God may be brought about more effectively. Mindful that anyone who follows Christ, the perfect man, becomes more of a man himself, let them exercise their responsibilities competently in the Christian spirit of service.

Let them individually and collectively be in the forefront in promoting justice by the testimony of their human lives and their courageous initiatives. Especially in the field of public life, they should make definite choices in harmony with their faith.” (Articles 14-15, Secular Franciscan Rule 1978)

Last weekend we celebrated the birth of this nation, that occurred on July 4, 1776. That was the date that the Declaration of Independence was approved. Since then, the above words have been a rallying cry for millions of oppressed people, who seek to secure for themselves those rights that have been given by our Creator God. Since that date, in this nation, there has also been a continually debate on what those “Rights” mean, and how they are to be secured, and for whom. The process has at times been messy. Unfortunately, it has at times been bloody.

It is a process, though, that we as Secular Franciscans are called to engage in. I know that many are disgusted with the way our political system has developed. Public discourse has devolved into name calling, slander, and real hatred. We need to show our local communities, our states, our nation, that it is possible to have a civil debate; it is possible to build a “fraternal” society. We are called not to separate from public life, but to enter into it, so that the poor, the outcast, the forgotten have a voice that will remind all people why this nation was established, to secure those “unalienable rights” that belong to us all.

"How Long Must I Carry Sorrow In My Soul?"

2010-07-08T00:01:00.003-04:00

Psalm 13

How long, LORD? Will you utterly forget me? How long will you hide your face from me?

How long must I carry sorrow in my soul, grief in my heart day after day? How long will my enemy triumph over me?

Look upon me, answer me, LORD, my God! Give light to my eyes lest I sleep in death,

Lest my enemy say, "I have prevailed," lest my foes rejoice at my downfall.

I trust in your faithfulness. Grant my heart joy in your help, That I may sing of the LORD, "How good our God has been to me!"

It has been said that the Psalms express all the emotions one can experience in his or her relationship with God. Two members of my family have experienced serious illness recently; they are battling cancer. One is recovering from treatment, the other is just beginning hers. To witness their suffering, I am both railing against God, while at the same time begging for His assistance. One moment I am in awe of His power and love; and then I am in despair about His seeming powerlessness. In the end, we need to trust in His faithfulness; and sometimes cry out “I do believe, help my unbelief!” (Mark 9: 24)

The "New Liturgical Movement"

2010-07-05T00:09:00.003-04:00

I came across an article today that is on the National Catholic Reporter website. It was written by John Allen Jr., and deals with Pope Benedict XVI call for a “new liturgical movement,” within the Church. Basically, the Pope appears to trace many problems within the Church to the changes in the liturgy that took place shortly after the Second Vatican Council. He, among others, believes that the Council’s teachings on the liturgy were misinterpreted and changes were taken that has robbed the liturgy of its sense of mystery, transcendence, and a loss of respect for the Eucharist.

It is known that he does not approve of receiving communion in the hand; it would be interesting to know his opinion of receiving communion under both species. And if one views his celebration of the Eucharist at St. Peter’s Basilica, one sees a large cross on the altar, with huge candlesticks, which obscures the congregation’s view of the consecration of the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ. It almost seems as if the Vatican liturgists believe that only the Pope, bishops, and priests may view this wondrous miracle.

Yet, when the Pope celebrates the Eucharist away from the Vatican, one sees different liturgical set up on the altar, one which everyone I think will recognize from their own parishes. I saw this morning the Pope celebrate Mass in Sulmona, Italy, with the altar unobscured. And even though those receiving communion from the Pope, received on the tongue, there were others who received in the hand from other priests.

As with many things that are happening in the Church, the Pope and the bishops need to listen to us, the laity, on how we are experiencing the Eucharist, and what brings meaning to us.

New Auxiliary Bishops for Archdiocese of Boston - And Thoughts of "What If?"

2010-07-01T06:51:00.007-04:00

Yesterday, the Boston Archdiocese issued a press release, announcing the Pope's appointment of two new auxiliary bishops for the Archdiocese. They are Bishop-Elect Arthur L. Kennedy, and Bishop-Elect Peter J. Uglietto. Both men have been recently responsible for the formation of new priests, Kennedy is rector of the archdiocesan St. John's Seminary, Uglietto is rector of the national Blessed John XXIII Seminary.

I am acquainted with Bishop-Elect Uglietto, we were both at St. John's Seminary, he was in a class ahead of me. That makes two Boston auxiliary bishops I have known from my seminary days, the other being Bishop Robert Hennessey. It makes one think "what if?" What if I had decided to stay at the seminary, how would my life had turned out? But thinking "what if?" is like looking over a fence at a neighbor's lawn; the grass always looks greener on the other side. Best to remain focused on the here and now.

Sometimes I Really Need This Prayer

2010-06-23T00:02:00.001-04:00

MY LORD GOD, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think that I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road though I may know nothing about it. Therefore will I trust you always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone.

- Thomas Merton, "Thoughts in Solitude"

Preserve the Spirit of Prayer and Devotion

2010-06-19T16:28:00.005-04:00

“The friars to whom God has given the grace of working should work in a spirit of faith and devotion and avoid idleness, which is the enemy of the soul, without however extinguishing the spirit of prayer and devotion, to which every temporal consideration must be subordinate.” (Chap. 5, 1223 Rule of the Order Friars Minor)

“To Brother Anthony, my bishop, Brother Francis sends greetings. It is agreeable to me that you should teach the friars sacred theology, so long as they do not extinguish the spirit of prayer and devotedness over this study, as is contained in the Rule. Farewell. (St. Francis of Assisi Letter to St. Anthony of Padua)

“As Jesus was the true worshipper of the Father, so let prayer and contemplation be the soul of all they are and do.” (Art. 8a, 1978 Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order)

At the last meeting of my Secular Franciscan fraternity, I closed the opening prayer service with reading the letter of St. Francis to St. Anthony. It seemed appropriate since the following day was June 13th, the Feast of St. Anthony of Padua. Since then, the phrase: “do not extinguish the spirit of prayer and devotedness,” has continued to come up in my mind. Then, of course, I found the reference in the OFM Rule of 1223: “without extinguishing the spirit of prayer and devotion.” In the bright light of those words from Francis, I have to say that I have fallen short of the mark. In today’s American society, there are so many distractions; television, radio, podcasts, mp3 files, and the Web. Add to that the demands of work and family; we could say there is just not enough time for “prayer and contemplation.”

But I, and I am sure others, will find that we are fooling ourselves. We need to be honest with ourselves about what activities we could give up to make time for prayer. Because prayer is so important, it helps us open ourselves to the Presence of God, become aware of Him, of His love for us. Prayer gives us the opportunity to respond to that love, with thanksgiving and praise. Prayer can enrich us, inspire us, and strengthen us for the day. As Francis had learned and taught, a life dedicated to conversion to the Gospel life, but without the practice of prayer, will fail.

So here I begin again and may the Holy Spirit be with me. And may she give me a quick kick in the rear if I need it.

Boston Archdiocesan Newspaper Enters Stormy Waters

2010-06-15T23:37:00.005-04:00

The June 4th edition of the Archdiocese of Boston's newspaper, The Pilot, contained a column concerning children of same sex couples being admitted to Catholic parochial schools. The columnist was definitely against the admittance of such children, concerned for the safety of the other children from "pornographic" material coming from the same sex parents, among other things.

By June 10th, the local newspapers, like the Boston Globe, television and radio stations were carrying the story and the reactions and protests of the gay community. The editor of the Pilot apologized, claiming that they try to allow a wide spectrum of opinions concerning Catholic issues. As a long time reader of the Pilot, I have to say that I have never seen any kind of balance in their opinions pages. I rarely see any left of center opinions published. To see such language, to such a presentation, in the official newspaper of the Archdiocese pains me.

To be a Christian is to be compassionate, especially to those persons we do not agree with. Arguments should be reasoned, intelligent, and compassionate, qualities sadly lacking in that column.

June 13, 2010 - Feast of Saint Anthony of Padua

2010-06-13T22:58:00.002-04:00

St. Anthony's Brief

Behold the Cross of the Lord!

Be gone you enemy powers!

The lion of the tribe of Juda,

the root of David has conquered, Alleluia!

Saint Celebrity - My June Column for Fraternity Newsletter

2010-06-12T20:11:00.002-04:00

“Look at the Good Shepherd, my brothers. To save his sheep he endured the agony of the cross. They followed him in trials and persecutions, in ignominy, hunger, and theist, in humiliations and temptations, and so on. And for this God, rewarded them with eternal life. We ought to be ashamed of ourselves; the saints endured all that, but we who are servants of God try to win honor and glory by recounting and making known what they have done.” (Admonition VI, St. Francis of Assisi)

It could be said that our society is addicted to celebrities; we are fascinated with actors and actresses who are stars, with “beautiful” people who constantly get their pictures in magazines, or have their own reality TV programs. Still for all the gossip and press we read about them, we really do not know that much about them.

I sometimes think we Catholics are too enamored with “spiritual celebrity.” We are so fascinated with the miracles saints performed; the wondrous events of their lives, which we can sometimes fail to see what they can teach us about living the Gospel. This is true with St. Anthony of Padua. We can focus so much on Anthony as the miracle worker; we ignore other aspects of his life. He was a man who trusted the Father’s plan for him, even though it took him down unknown paths. He was a man of deep prayer, who contemplated God’s creation. He was a theologian and a preacher, who knew how to speak to the common man and woman about the love of God.

St. Anthony has a lot to teach us about loving God and others, if we but get beyond the spiritual hype, and listen to what he has to say.

A Franciscan Spiritual Father Passes On.

2010-06-09T21:58:00.006-04:00

The Friars of Holy Name Province announced the passing of Father Matthew Gaskin, OFM, on June 5th, 2010. He was 88 years old. Since 1982, he had been involved with the Secular Franciscan Order as a Spiritual Assisitant on the local, provincial, and national level. He was a great promoter of the SFO way of life.

A Franciscan Response to the Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill

2010-06-08T23:20:00.003-04:00

The Franciscan Action Network has a page on their website with suggestions on how to respond to the Gulf oil spill.